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Louisiana Economic Development and the U.S. Small Business Administration recognized business owners and supporters who exemplify Louisiana’s entrepreneurial resilience and diversity at the 2024 Louisiana Small Business Awards ceremony Thursday, May 2, at the Louisiana Capitol Park Museum in Baton Rouge.

“Louisiana’s small business community continues to be a shining light driving our state’s economy forward,” LED Secretary Susan B. Bourgeois said. “That is why here at LED we are equally committed to growing existing Louisiana businesses of all sizes as we are to attracting new investments. Congratulations to this year’s honorees for their significant achievements in – and contributions to – our great state.”

Louisiana’s two major military installations – Barksdale Air Force Base in Bossier Parish and Fort Johnson in Vernon Parish – not only are vital defense facilities for the state and nation but also are major revenue producers for the state.

At a Tuesday hearing of the Senate Select Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs, Barksdale Commander Colonel Michael “Fetch” Maginness and Ft. Johnson Garrison Commander Colonel Clifton “CJ” Lopez, said their facilities bring a total of more than $3 billion in federal funding to the state in the form of salaries and funding for projects often constructed by local contractors.

Col. Maginness said Barksdale is undergoing major developments to improve aging runways, update on-base facilities, and to prepare for 400 new airmen to man a new division to operate the Long Range Stand Off Missile that will be based at Barksdale.

Northwestern State University awarded 796 diplomas to 779 graduates during spring commencement exercises that took place in three ceremonies May 8-9 in Prather Coliseum.

NSU awarded a posthumous degree to the family of Alicia Rene Davis, who completed academic credits to earn a Bachelor of Science in psychology.

Local graduates listed by hometown are as follows.

Belmont – Ian Gentry, Andie Gilcreast, Bachelor of Science; Florien – Jacob Oxley, Master of Arts in Teaching;

Special Olympics 2024 was presented by the Sabine Parish School Board Special Education Department on April 12, 2024 at the Zwolle Festival Grounds. Family members, friends, area students, teachers, school administrators and community leaders were in attendance to support and cheer on the athletes. Special Olympics provides an opportunity for those with disabilities to compete in a softball throw, long jump, and track event. Olympians also competed in a talent show and art contest.

The event began with the Gray Ghosts and Noble Sons riding through on their motorcycles. The Gray Ghosts and Noble Sons are yearly supporters of the Special Olympics and are favorites of the athletes. Special Education Supervisor Jamie Kelly welcomed everyone to the day’s events, then accepted donations from several area clubs and groups. These donations make it possible for the Sabine Parish Special Olympics to operate every year and provide students with disabilities with an amazing day.

The Sabine Parish Tourist Commission held their quarterly Power Hour event on Tuesday, April 30 at The Dover House in Florien, La. Power Hour was initiated by the Tourist Commission to bring Sabine Parish business owners, officials, tourism partners, and concerned citizens together to learn about a new tourism and hospitality related topic and its economic benefits to our area.

Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell said Governor Jeff Landry would be “remembered forever” in Louisiana if he eliminated the State Income Tax and replaced it with a tax on foreign oil.

“He has the microphone right now,” Campbell said of Landry. “He has the power. He should put this in his call for the Constitutional Convention.”

Campbell issued his challenge to the governor during Jim Engster’s “Talk Louisiana” program on public radio today in Baton Rouge. Engster said Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser recently endorsed Campbell’s Foreign Oil Tax, which will require amending the State Constitution.

A two-thirds vote in both houses of the Legislature would be required to allow the people to vote on the proposal.

“The oil companies are not leaving,” Campbell said. “We have the refineries, 75,000 miles of pipeline and the Mississippi River.

Battle of Pleasant Hill re-enactment offers thrills to commemorate 160th anniversary of engagement

Northwestern state University’s Gallaspy College of Education and Human Development hosted a spring Honors Convocation April 17 to recognize the academic accomplishments of students and faculty in the School of Education, Department of Health and Human Performance, Department of Military Science, Department of Psychology and Department of Social Work.

School of Education honor recipients were as follows.

Many – Macy Dowden, Marie Shaw Dunn Award in Early Childhood Education; Ethan Penfield, Outstanding Master’s Degree Candidate Department of Health and Human Performance honor recipients are as follows.

Hornbeck -- Peighton Rhodes, Anna Cloutier Harrington Scholarship Recipient Many -- Shania Collier, Outstanding Health and Exercise Science Undergraduate Student Zwolle -- Madasyn Ebarb, Chris Roper Memorial Scholarship Recipient

A historical marker unveiling to honor Willie Lee Torres, John B. Torres, Hosie Louis Torres, and Ernest R. Torres for their World War II service in the U.S. military will be held on May 27 at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church Cemetery and Hall.

The event is sponsored by the Zwolle-Ebarb VFW, Disabled American Veterans, St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Natives of Zwolle, and the Ebarb Historical and Genealogical Society.

St. Joseph’s is located at 307 Hammond St., Zwolle.

Republicans on a House committee refused Wednesday to pass proposed constitutional amendments, preferring to wait for a constitutional convention sought by Gov. Jeff Landry.

Nine constitutional amendments were on the House and Governmental Affairs Committee’s agenda, but only two passed. The other seven were deferred due to member concerns over how they would be implemented if the Legislature authorized a limited constitutional convention in late May and early June.

House Bills 48 and 49 were the only two constitutional amendments that advanced. Rep. Tony Bacala, R-Prairieville, sponsored both, and they stemmed from the chaotic way that major budget decisions were made in the last half hour of last year’s legislative session.

HB 48 would require that House-Senate conference committee reports for bills appropriating money be posted 48 hours before they are voted on. It passed through the committee 9-6.