Women-Owned Businesses Flourish
Women-owned businesses are gaining economic impact and clout. A National Women’s Business Council analysis of U.S. Census data from the 2012 Survey of Business Owners shows significant growth...
View ArticleFueling our kids and the future: School Lunch
In the past three decades, much has changed in our food system and society. Schools aren’t purchasing as many fresh foods, yet they have more nutrition requirements to fill. Schools got away from...
View ArticleOpinion: Rural America Gets a Lump of Coal for Christmas
USDA's new definition of “actively engaged in farming”
View ArticleOp/Ed: Gearing up for the big fight
Crop insurance is an important and necessary component of an effective farm safety net. However, it is a very complex program that will work more effectively with much-needed, commonsense reforms....
View ArticleOp/Ed: Tips for keeping your new year's health resolution
Often New Year’s resolutions start out with a bang, but quickly fail because realistic goals were not set. In order to be successful, a long term plan should be made that includes small daily changes....
View ArticleEditorial: Immigration debate misses the obvious
Soon after Donald Trump launched his presidential campaign with a promise to build a wall on the southern border to keep illegal immigrants out, Latin American workers building Trump's new hotel steps...
View ArticleFrom the office of the Parish President
Today marks two months since my inauguration as your Parish President. I have been honored to begin executing my vision for the people of Ascension Parish. This column marks another chapter in my...
View ArticleFrom the office of the Parish President
When our community is tested is when we are strongest. In the past few weeks, Ascension Parish has endured several weather events that have tested our resolve as good neighbors and good servants....
View ArticleFrom the office of the Parish President
Last week, I announced my top ten projects for 2016. The response from residents and business owners has been phenomenal. I want to thank each person who reached out to me over the course of the week...
View ArticleLetter: Impact fees hurt native residents
As a lifelong citizen of Ascension Parish, born and raised on Highway 621, I have huge concerns about these new impact fees that were unanimously voted on. The fees are forcing people like myself to...
View ArticleFrom the office of the Parish President
Among my promises to the residents and business owners of Ascension Parish is to get things done on transportation infrastructure and traffic. The Parish Council took a step forward by implementing...
View ArticleParish President Kenny Matassa pens retort
I am respectfully writing this letter so that the people of Ascension Parish fully understand the issues related to the news stories and controversy regarding the recent release of a taped recording...
View ArticleLetter to the Editor: Recognizing the caregivers of older Americans
Dear editor, The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that nearly 25 percent of Louisiana’s population will be over the age of 60 by the year 2030, an increase of more than 25 percent from 2012. As the...
View ArticleTroopers urge safe planning for Memorial Day weekend
With the Memorial Day weekend upon us, many Louisiana travelers will be taking to the highways to visit family and friends. Schools will be out for summer break and our children will be at play in...
View ArticleGuest Column: It can wait
From the moment we begin preparing for our learner’s permit test, we are taught the importance of being safe and responsible drivers. Parents, Driver’s Ed teachers and other seasoned adults caution new...
View ArticleFrom the Office of the Parish President
Next Thursday in Donaldsonville, the Parish Council will vote on an ordinance I proposed bringing ride sharing services into Ascension Parish. By establishing this regulatory framework, the Council...
View ArticleEditorial: Landowners get a win from Supreme Court
The U.S. Supreme Court has given landowners a way to fight back if they feel government bureaucratic decisions are unfair or flawed.That is good news.The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers could determine...
View ArticleOPINION: Time to Flip the Federal Disaster Equation
June is upon us, bringing with it the things we love about summer in South Louisiana: longer days, snowballs, cicadas buzzing in the background and maybe a family trip to the beach. It’s also the time...
View ArticleFrom the office of the Parish President
June 1 marks the start of the 2016 hurricane season. I want to urge you and your families to take the time to prepare. Hurricanes are one of nature’s most powerful and destructive forces that we face....
View ArticleEditorial: Hate, terrorism and politics
Once again, mass violence has taken the lives of innocents, this time at a nightclub in Orlando, Florida. As has happened too often these last few years — at the Boston Marathon in 2012, a Colorado...
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