Governor signs bill creating Northshore Technical Community College

It has been more than 80 years since Bogalusans created the state’s first trade school and in that time, many things have changed.

And things are about to change once again.

Founded in 1930 as Sullivan Memorial Trade School, it was the first post-secondary public technical school in Louisiana. The original school was built on Mississippi Avenue in Bogalusa, Louisiana with funds contributed by school children, local sawmill workers and citizens of the city in memory of the city's first mayor, William H. Sullivan.  The late Commissioner of Education, J.P. Starns suggested that a memorial to Sullivan be established in the form of a "manual arts training" center.  Initial capital requirements were quickly exceeded, and the training center became a reality.

Then, in 1970, the school known locally as simply “Sullivan” became the first vocational/technical institute to be accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

In addition to being known as “Sullivan,” it has officially been known as Louisiana Technical College-Sullivan Campus as well as Northshore Technical College-Sullivan.

Now, following the signing of SB 69, authored by Sen. Ben Nevers (D, Bogalusa), Northshore Technical College is poised to become Northshore Technical and Community College.

The change is more than in name only.

Unlike NTC-Sullivan, NTCC will be able to grant degrees and students will be able to transfer to other degree-granting institutions. The law, which became Act 209 when Gov. Bobby Jindal signed it into law on June 27, levels the playing field between the state’s oldest technical school and other community colleges in the state.

“The campuses in Bogalusa, Hammond and Greensburg can now offer associate degrees,” Nevers explained to mywpnews. “We can have locally enrolled students in high school working toward college hours and all of these can be applied to an associate’s degree or a baccalaureate degree.”

Nevers, a former educator and member of the Bogalusa City School board, said he could only imagine the frustration of someone, having gone through a course of study at one of the technical college campuses only to learn those credits are not transferable.

“The LPN course at Sullivan is a prime example,” he said. “I have been fighting that nursing issue since the seventies, when I served on the (Bogalusa) school board. Our students can leave Sullivan and go to Mississippi and get more credit for their courses than we gave them in Louisiana.”

No more.

Now, students attending the nation’s seventh-fastest growing technical college system will be able to either follow a technical curriculum to certification of quick entry into the work force or go through the community curriculum and earn an associate’s degree and, if they choose, take that degree, their hours and credits and transfer to a four-year school.

“That’s the reason the name is Northshore Technical Community College … to keep the technical component as well as add the community component. I believe this change will encourage students to stay in post-secondary education, rather than starting over.”

On Monday, William Wainwright, dean of Northshore Technical Community College, told mywpnews that work is under way to officially announce the name change and other new information tied to the changes created by the legislation.

Governor's visits headlines parade

Gov. Bobby Jindal, Sen. Ben Nevers and
Gen. Bennett C. Landreau.
(Photo by John H. Walker)

A visit from Gov. Bobby Jindal and Gen. Bennett C. Landreau, head of the Louisiana Army National Guard, headlined Bogalusa's annual Fourth of July Parade that got under way at 9:53 a.m. today.

While the weather wasn't as hot as it had been over the past week, it was still extreme enough that people employed umbrellas and ice chests to try and keep their cool.

        (Three albums with  43 photos, plus a video, of today's

          parade can be found at WPNewsBlog on Facebook.)

As has been tradition, motorcycle riders got the parade under way — pulling out in front and heading north on Columbia as parade-goers cheered and clapped.

"This is what the Fourth is all about," explained one spectator. "We have some friends who drive from Baton Rouge and some others from Foley (Ala.) who come to Bogalusa because they enjoy the small town atmosphere."

This year's carried a dual theme — "Citizen Soldiers" and "Protect What Matters" — to honor those serving in the National Guard and Air National Guard and there were numerous vehicles carrying them.

In addition, Bogalusa and Washington Parish's remaining World War II, Korea and Vietnam veterans were on a float together.

And there were politicians.

While it is a limited year for elections, even those "safe" this year were out for morning — to throw beads, bottles of water, plastic cups or candy — and wave to the spectators.

After the parade and a break for a cook-out type lunch at American Legion Magic City Post 24, activities kicked back up again at 1 p.m. in Cassidy Park with live music, political speeches, food vendors and a bicycle parade.

July 4th in Bogalusa: Time to celebrate!

Gov. Bobby Jindal

It's America's 237th Independence Day and Bogalusa's 97th birthday, and early on, there was activity as the community readied for a day full of activities — including a visit from Gov. Bobby Jindal and scheduled appearances the heads of both the Louisiana Army National Guard and Louisiana Air National Guard.

Before 7 a.m., Mack Corkern of the Bogalusa Lions Club, was making his way down Columbia Street, placing American flags in front of local businesses which have subscribed to the Lions program.

Mack Corkern and helper placing an
American flag at Bino's about 7 a.m.

In the 400 block of Columbia, there were a couple of volunteers with trash bags picking up the debris of the weekend in an attempt to clean at least a portion of the parade route.

Down Highway 21, at Jason Lumpkin's Bogalusa Equipment, his long-standing sign touting Bogalusa and long-promised Highway 3241 faced the northbound lanes, as always.

Jason's Lumpkin's pro-Bogalusa and Highway
 3241 sign at his business, Bogalusa Equipment.

It was Lumpkin who, at a recent Bogalusa City Council meeting, called on his fellow citizens to catch the attention of the governor as he made his way through the community.

"There are going to be plenty of (American) flags," he said at the time. "What we need to do is have our school children lining the parade route with signs promoting Bogalusa. Let's remind him (Jindal) about the prison and his promise to build that highway."

The parade gets under way at 10 a.m. at the corner of 6th and Columbia, moves north until it reaches Carolina Avenue, then turns west on Carolina until reaching Cumberland. Again heading west, the parade will proceed to 9th, where it will turn west until reaching Avenue F and makes a right turn to head to Willis, where another right turn will take it to the Bogalusa High School parking lot, where it will disband.

American flags, by morning's early light,
greet drivers on Columbia Street today.

At 10:30, a pair of McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagles are scheduled to make a high-speed, low-altitude pass over Bogalusa.

Following the completion of the parade, there will be a brief break until the start of activities in Cassidy Park at 1 p.m.

Live music, games and activities for kids, food booths, political speeches and a bicycle parade at 3 p.m. headline those activities.

The last chance to purchase fireworks for
the July 4 holiday ... and signs mark the
spot at the former Mack Grubbs SuperStore.

Things wind down at last light today, when Bogalusa's annual fireworks display light up the night skies as they are fired from a location by the Temple-Inland pond. To afford spectators a unobstructed view, Bogalusa City School officials will open Lewis V. Murray, Jr. Stadium.

The schedule for Cassidy Park includes:

Activities located in the area by the museums include:

            1 p.m. — Wayne McCain (on the Pioneer Museum porch)

            2 p.m. — Eli Seals and Friends (on the Pioneer Museum porch)

            3 p.m. — The Petty Bones (inside the Pioneer Museum)

            3 p.m. — Turtle races (outside the Native American Museum)

            3 p.m. — Bicycle Parade (bring a non-perishable food iterm for the Bogalusa Help Center as an entry fee)

            4 p.m. — Gene Gunulfsen and Friends (on the Pioneer Museum porch)

            5 p.m. — 8 Years Difference (on the Pioneer Museum porch)

            6 p.m. — Kipori Woods (on the Pioneer Museum porch)

            7 p.m. — Beth McKee (Evangeline) (on the Pioneer Museum porch)

Activities located at the stage include:

            1:45 p.m. — Allen Barrios

            2 p.m. — Political candidates

            3 p.m. — The Forman Twins

Activities located by the covered bridge include:

            Food vendors with hot dogs, hamburgers and more as well as a sno-ball stand

Visit by Gov. Bobby Jindal highlights busy Independence Day celebration in Bogalusa

With Gov. Bobby Jindal scheduled to ride in Monday's Independence Day parade, Bogalusans are set to celebrate the city's 97th and America's 235th birthday in grand fashion.

Following the first official appearance of Paper Queen Karlie Wheat on Saturday night at the Paper Queen Ball, activities slowed on Sunday as a mid-afternoon thunderstorm washed away the dust and dropped the temperature several degrees.

      (More July 4 activities in Cassidy Park, see related story)

Now, as time winds down until the start of the day, all that's left to do is cook out, shoot fireworks and get ready for Monday.

Things get started early Monday as volunteers gather at Magic City American Legion Post 24 to go over the final set of details and cover the check list once more.

Then, at about 8 a.m., the lining up entries in the parade will begin at the corner of Sixth and Columbia in preparation for the scheduled 10 a.m. start.

Coast Guard Capt. Jim Montgomery said this year's parade carries a dual theme — "Citizen Soldiers" and "Protect What Matters" — in honor of the Louisiana Army National Guard and Louisiana Air National Guard.

And as part of that recognition, Maj. Gen. Bennett C. Landreau, Adjutant General of the Louisiana Army National Guard, and Lt. Gen. Brod B. Veillon, commander of the Louisiana Air National Guard, will join the Governor in the parade.

In addition, at least one band — a 46-member military unit — is scheduled to participate.

As the parade heads north on Columbia Street, a pair of McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagles are scheduled to complete a low-altitude, high speed flyover at 10:30

The parade will head north on Columbia, cross Bogue Lusa Creek and continue on Richmond before turning left on Carolina Avenue at Zellco. The parade will cross Louisiana and continue west on Carolina, then Superior Avenue before turning south on Cumberland. Participants will continue south, crossing Bogue Lusa Creek again and continuing on Avenue B before turning west on West 9th, north on Avenue F and finally, right on Willis Avenue before disbanding at the Bogalusa High School Parking lot.








, Maj. Gen, Bennett C, Landreau, Adjutant General of the Louisiana Army National Guard and Lt. Gen. Brod Veillon, Commander of the Air National Guard, have committed to participate in the parade. In addition, an Army Band, numerous local floats and a flyover event are also scheduled.




It's Friday, and the July 4 weekend — when we celebrate Bogalusa's 97th birthday and the 235th for the United States of America.

When you think watermelon around these parts, it's Washington Parish melons, and some of the best are grown by local attorney John Gallaspy and longtime educator Mickey Murphy.

Late Thursday afternoon, Gallaspy went to his five-acre melon patch and gathered two pickup loads to take to Travis' Supermarket so customers could have a fresh, local melon for the weekend.

Gallaspy is growing at least three varieties this year, including one called "Desert Storm," which has a sort of sage green, dusty color to it.

"Obviously," he said, standing by the bed of one of the trucks, "that one came out after the first Iraqi war."

There are folks selling watermelons on almost every street corner, parking lot and wide spot by the side of the road. In Covington on Thursday, heading out on Highway 25 towards Franklinton, one vendor had a "special" on Washington Parish melons — two for $20.

A word of advice ... stay close to home, pay much less and you've got a greater chance of actually getting a Washington Parish melon.

With 725 acres and a cash value of nearly $1 million, Washington Parish is among the state's four top melon producing parishes.

Along with the melons, there are picnics and beauty pageants — like Saturday night's Paper Queen Ball and Coronation at American Legion Magic City Post No. 24.

Queen Karlie Wheat will make her first public appearance at the ball, then will turn right around and participate in Monday's July 4th Independence and Birthday Parade through Bogalusa.

On Monday, lining up for the parade will begin about 8 a.m. near the corner of 6th and Columbia,  with a 10 a.m. scheduled start.

Capt. Jim Montgomery, U.S. Coast Guard, said the parade carries a dual theme this year — “Citizen Soldiers” and “Protect What Matters” in honor of the Louisiana Army National Guard and Louisiana Air National Guard.

Governor Bobby Jindal, along with Maj. Gen, Bennett C, Landreau, Adjutant General of the Army National Guard and Lt. Gen. Brod Veillon, Commander of the Air National Guard, have committed to participate in the parade. In addition, an Army Band, numerous local floats and a flyover event are also scheduled.

After the parade there will be a brief break before activities get under way at Cassidy Park at 2 p.m.

In a revival of one of the greatest traditions of political campaigning in the South, all candidates for public office are invited to take the stage at the park and greet and talk with the public

The park will also feature food vendors, music and a first-ever bike parade.  Kids of all ages are invited to decorate their bicycles and parade along the new, asphalt track at 3 p.m.  The entry fee for the bike parade is a donation of a perishable food item, which will be given to the Bogalusa Help Center.

Following the activities at Cassidy Park there will be another break until dark, when the sky will be lit up by the explosions of fireworks launched from the Temple-Inland pond. The Bogalusa City Schools will open Lewis V. Murray, Jr. Stadium so that persons may view the fireworks in an open-air setting.

July 4 weekend means watermelons, queens, parades, picnics, patriotic music and fireworks

A pair of John Gallaspy's melons
await the Fourth of July knife.

It's Friday, and the July 4 weekend — when we celebrate Bogalusa's 97th birthday and the 235th for the United States of America.

When you think watermelon around these parts, it's Washington Parish melons, and some of the best are grown by local attorney John Gallaspy and longtime educator Mickey Murphy.

Late Thursday afternoon, Gallaspy went to his five-acre melon patch and gathered two pickup loads to take to Travis' Supermarket so customers could have a fresh, local melon for the weekend.

Gallaspy is growing at least three varieties this year, including one called "Desert Storm," which has a sort of sage green, dusty color to it.

"Obviously," he said, standing by the bed of one of the trucks, "that one came out after the first Iraqi war."

There are folks selling watermelons on almost every street corner, parking lot and wide spot by the side of the road. In Covington on Thursday, heading out on Highway 25 towards Franklinton, one vendor had a "special" on Washington Parish melons — two for $20.

A word of advice ... stay close to home, pay much less and you've got a greater chance of actually getting a Washington Parish melon.

With 725 acres and a cash value of nearly $1 million, Washington Parish is among the state's four top melon producing parishes.

Along with the melons, there are picnics and beauty pageants — like Saturday night's Paper Queen Ball and Coronation at American Legion Magic City Post No. 24.

Queen Karlie Wheat will make her first public appearance at the ball, then will turn right around and participate in Monday's July 4th Independence and Birthday Parade through Bogalusa.

On Monday, lining up for the parade will begin about 8 a.m. near the corner of 6th and Columbia,  with a 10 a.m. scheduled start.

Capt. Jim Montgomery, U.S. Coast Guard, said the parade carries a dual theme this year — “Citizen Soldiers” and “Protect What Matters” in honor of the Louisiana Army National Guard and Louisiana Air National Guard.

Governor Bobby Jindal, along with Maj. Gen, Bennett C, Landreau, Adjutant General of the Army National Guard and Lt. Gen. Brod Veillon, Commander of the Air National Guard, have committed to participate in the parade. In addition, an Army Band, numerous local floats and a flyover event are also scheduled.

After the parade there will be a brief break before activities get under way at Cassidy Park at 2 p.m.

In a revival of one of the greatest traditions of political campaigning in the South, all candidates for public office are invited to take the stage at the park and greet and talk with the public

The park will also feature food vendors, music and a first-ever bike parade.  Kids of all ages are invited to decorate their bicycles and parade along the new, asphalt track at 3 p.m.  The entry fee for the bike parade is a donation of a perishable food item, which will be given to the Bogalusa Help Center.

Following the activities at Cassidy Park there will be another break until dark, when the sky will be lit up by the explosions of fireworks launched from the Temple-Inland pond. The Bogalusa City Schools will open Lewis V. Murray, Jr. Stadium so that persons may view the fireworks in an open-air setting.

Ritchie's 4-cent tax on cigs tacked on to constitutional amendment to fund TOPS

Rep. Harold Ritchie
(D, Franklinton)

Remember that four-cent tax on cigarettes that Rep. Harold Ritchie (D, Franklinton) introduced as HB 591 that was vetoed by Gov. Bobby Jindal? Well, it lives on as part of a ballot initiative voters will see this fall.

Ritchie’s bill would have re-created a four-cent tax, which was set to expire in 2012, but Jindal, who had said he would not sign any new taxes, made good on that promise when he vetoed the bill. Jindal said it was a new tax because it was set to expire. 

Additionally, the Louisiana Constitution does not allow for the extension or continuation of taxes, which was the reason Ritchie’s bill was needed.

The House, which initially passed the bill with 70 votes, could only muster 58 “ayes” in the override vote. It would have been the first veto override in the state in 18 years.

Now, the four-cent tax is tacked on as part of a constitutional amendment that provides funding for the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS).

In a last-minute compromise, Jindal and lawmakers agreed to allow the tax extension to go forward via a constitutional amendment to fund college scholarships.

The debate was revived when Ritchie succeeded in attaching the tax to an administration bill to fund the state's free college tuition program with tobacco settlement money. Jindal risked losing the bill if he didn't agree to the tax add-on. 

Cassidy Park activities added to parade, fireworks presentation on Fourth of July

Besides the United States of America and the City of Bogalusa sharing birthdays, there’ll be lot more going on this Independence Day weekend — including an appearance by Gov. Bobby Jindal.

“We see the Fourth of July Parade sponsored by the American Legion and the Fireworks Display sponsored by the American Legion and the City of Bogalusa as a wonderful start and finish to the day.  We want to add to the middle to make it an all day celebration, “ said Bogalusa Mayor Charles Mizell.

Activities get under way at 7 p.m. Saturday night at the American Legion when the Paper Queen Ball is held and a new Paper Queen is crowned, taking the crown and scepter from Ashley Lee Mizell, who was the 71^st winner last year.

On Monday, lining up for the parade will begin about 8:30 a.m. near Sonny’s Pizza with a 10 a.m. start.

Capt. Jim Montgomery, U.S. Coast Guard, said the parade carries a dual theme this year — “Citizen Soldiers” and “Protect What Matters” in honor of the Louisiana Army National Guard and Louisiana Air National Guard.

Governor Bobby Jindal, along with Maj. Gen, Bennett C, Landreau, Adjutant General of the Army National Guard and Lt. Gen. Brod Veillon, Commander of the Air National Guard, have committed to participate in the parade. In addition, an Army Band, numerous local floats and a flyover event are also scheduled.

After the parade there will be a brief break before activities get under way at Cassidy Park at 2 p.m.

In a revival of one of the greatest traditions of political campaigning in the South, all candidates for public office are invited to take the stage at the park and greet and talk with the public

The park will also feature food vendors, music and a first-ever bike parade.  Kids of all ages are invited to decorate their bicycles and parade along the new, asphalt track at 3 p.m.  The entry fee for the bike parade is a donation of a perishable food item, which will be given to the Bogalusa Help Center.

Following the activities at Cassidy Park there will be another break until dark, when the sky will be lit up by the explosions of fireworks launched from the Temple-Inland pond. The Bogalusa City Schools will open Louis V. Murray, Jr. Stadium so that persons may view the fireworks in an open-air setting.

The City of Bogalusa, Bogalusa Chamber of Commerce and the American Legion are working together to make this Fourth of July memorable for everyone in the city of Bogalusa.  If you have an idea and are willing to work to make it a reality, contact Marilyn Bateman at the Chamber of Commerce at 735-5731 or Sandy Bloom at the City of Bogalusa at 732-6211.

Nevers' bill creates Northshore Technical Community College, expands school's role

BATON ROUGE — Gov. Bobby Jindal had a piece of legislation delivered to him Wednesday that is vitally important to the future of Washington Parish.

It is SB 69 — introduced by Sen. Ben Nevers (D, Bogalusa) — and it creates Northshore Technical Community College.

That’s right. What began as Sullivan Memorial Trade School in November 1930 — the state’s first trade school — is now on the verge of becoming a member of The Louisiana Community and Technical College System and her students will be able to transfer their credits to four-year institutions.

All that remains to be done is the signing of the bill by Gov. Jindal.

“This is the most important piece of legislation regarding that campus since the initial legislation that created Sullivan,” as excited Ryan Seal told wpnewsblog. Seal is the executive director of the Washington Economic Development Foundation.

“It’s almost impossible to place a dollar value on what this means,” Seal said. “Credits can transfer … high school students can earn college level credits … it just means so much.”

The legislation faced little opposition on its way through both chambers here, with the Senate approving it 34-0 and the House by an 81-9 vote withy 15 absentees.

The law, once signed, creates the Northshore Technical Community College as a multi-campus, public institution of postsecondary

education under the supervision and management of the Board of Supervisors of Community and Technical Colleges.

In addition, it provides that the Northshore Technical Community

College:

1.     Shall provide a comprehensive educational program which may include career and technical education and training, workforce development training, adult basic education, continuing education, general education, associate degree programs, college transfer degree programs, and other educational programs.

2.     May grant certificates, diplomas, associate degrees, and associate transfer degrees. 3. Shall provide educational programs and services through the Florida Parishes Campus, the Hammond Area Campus, and the Sullivan Campus of the Louisiana Technical College, and others.

The law also requires the LCTCS Board of Supervisors to submit a written report to the Senate and House education committees relative to the status of the Northshore Technical Community College, not later than Jan. 1, 2012.

(Published first at http://www.wpnewsblog.blogspot.com)

Lumpkin: 'Catch Governor's attention on July 4'

Jason Lumpkin

For a Washington Parish business owner and resident, it’s all about taking care of business … and while Jason Lumpkin, who owns and operates Bogalusa Equipment Sales at 14234 Highway 21 South, is not inside the city limit, it doesn’t matter.

Tuesday night, Lumpkin, who is unashamedly pro-Bogalusa, went before the Bogalusa City Council to encourage them to be aggressive in marketing the community to Gov. Bobby Jindal when he is in town for the annual July 4 birthday celebration and Independence Day Parade.

“How many cities in the state do you think he’s going to be in to ride in a parade that day?” he asked in a raised voice. “How many cities do you think are going to be able to tell him, ‘Hey, here we are!”

Lumpkin, holding up a single sheet American flag reproduction from the Bogalusa newspaper said, “There are going to be plenty of American flags there … it’s the Fourth of July!  Why not print up 5,000 or so of these pages that say ‘Highway 3241’ or ‘Keep Rayburn Open!’ ?”

Lumpkin, who has a sign erected on the south side of his building — visible to drivers headed north on Highway 21 — that touts the merits of Highway 3241 and the manner in which funds have been collected without the road ever having been built.

“If we don’t do it this year, I think it’s dead,” Lumpkin told wpnewsblog following the council meeting. “It’s so important that we not waste the opportunity of having the Governor here in a one-on-one — or 5,000-on-one situation.”

The TIMED (Transportation Infrastructure Model for Economic Development) program was one of the late Sen. B.B. “Sixty” Rayburn’s prized pieces of legislation in that it created a revenue stream to fund 17 projects statewide. Only Highway 3241 and the 5-mile-long Florida Avenue Bridge, now projected to cost $474 million, to run through the Lower 9th Ward and part of St. Bernard Parish, remain to be completed.

The projects were to be paid for — and have been — with a dedicated four-cents per gallon tax that has since been renewed.

The Highway 3241 project was once estimated to cost about $20 million, but cost estimates to complete the project are now $150 million or more.

Lumpkin has been persistent and passionate about the highway and the positive impact it could have on the region.

In October 2008, he went to a Town Hall meeting in Franklinton and elicited a promise from Jindal regarding the road.

“You have my commitment, we're going to build that road,” Jindal said.

At that time,  Lumpkin urged the governor to “get involved” with the long-delayed project.

There have been a number of plans and proposals over the years and, about four years ago, a preferred route was selected that followed much of the former railroad line through the countryside.

“I just want us to catch his attention while we have him in this setting,’ Lumpkin said. “Imagine the impact it could have if we have young children like this, pointing to council member Michael O’Ree’s young son on the front row of seats, holding signs that encourage him to support our community?”

Lumpkin said he felt the potential impact was worth any expense that might be incurred to print such a flyer.

There is a website on the project — http://www.i12tobush.com.