News

Everyone has a different routine in the morning. Some jump up out of bed quickly; others press snooze a few times. Some sit down to eat breakfast by themselves or with their family; others may wait to eat until they get to school or work. What is your morning routine like?

After 41 years as a teller with Delta Bank, Diann Fortenberry decided it was time to hang up her boots. Diann was feted with a retirement reception on Thursday, July 17, by the staff at the Delta Bank. Friends and family were on hand to help Diann celebrate. Diann stated that she had enjoyed her time at Delta Bank and especially her customers. “Seeing the people was absolutely the best part of my job,” she stated. “I will miss everyone.” When asked about her future, Diann said, “I haven’t got a clue. I will do whatever I want.” She said that she spends a lot of time with her sister and enjoys being with her family. She is the wife of Earl K. Fortenberry and she has two children: Jamie Fortenberry and Lisa Bradford. Both of them are nearby. Jamie lives in Lake Providence and Lisa lives in West Carroll, although she works at the East Carroll Hospital. Diann has one grandchild, Ramsey Bradford, and she was quick to tell me how proud she was of her granddaughter. Ramsey is a junior at LSU and she just made the Dean’s List.

A lot of really good news this week that I want to tell you about. Starting off, the youth and leadership of local churches in East Carroll Parish traveled to Baton Rouge June 21-24 to participate in the Louisiana Baptist State Convention.Theconvention promotes Christian education and is a great fellowship experience for the youth and young adults from parishes within the State. North Star M.B. Church, Central Baptist #2, St. John M.B. Church, Mt. Zion M. B. Church, China Grove and Cain Ridge #1 all sent representatives from East Carroll Parish.

JeffReddickholdsdownfirst place with 46.55 lbs. at the halfway point in East Carroll Bass Club’s 2024 tournament season.

The Town of Lake Providence will hold a public hearing on Thursday, August 15, to accept comments on a new rate increase in water and sewerage for town customers. The proposed increase came about after the town requested and received a report from the Louisiana Rural Water Association (LRWA). Mayor Bobby Amacker pointed out that the town hasn’t had an increase in water or sewerage rates in eight years.

East Carroll’s elementary and middle schools saw a dip in student achievement on the spring LEAP scores released by the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) last week. General Trass High School, however, saw an increase in its students scoring at the mastery level or above on the 2024 LEAP test compared to 2023.

This Saturday, check out the lively mix of music, food and art at the East Carroll Courthouse lawn as the annual Louisiana Soul Food & Heritage Festival is set for August 3, beginning at 11a.m. A Rib Cook Off will be held for the second year.

The school year for East Carroll Parish children has been delayed due to ongoing construction at each school. Originally scheduled to report for orientation next week with full days of classes beginning August 12, students have been asked to follow a staggered start schedule.

East Carroll Parish farmers Nick and Mary Van Mol attended their third training session with the American Soybean Association in Washington, D. C., last week. The couple was selected last November from applicants across the United States to join the Young Leaders Program.

July - August 2024 THURSDAY 25 Toddler Thursday • 1011am • East Carroll Parish Library • call 559-2615 for more information LAKE PROVIDENCE BOARD OF ALDERMEN 5:30pm • in the Mayor’s C ourt room, City Hall FRIDAY 26 Makers Meetup • 5pm • Virginia Harris Hall at Grace Episcopal Church • join other makers for STEAM activities and to plan for the creation of a makerspace for all ages • text (603) 289-2134 to get more details SATURDAY 27 SUNDAY 28 MONDAY 29 TUESDAY 30 SNAP benefit signup 9:30am-3pm • East Carroll Parish Community Action Agency WEDNESDAY 31 Chair exercise for adults • 10am • ECP Library THURSDAY 1 Downtown Gallery Crawl • 5 to 9pm • Downtown Monroe & Downtown West Monroe • art, food, music Region 8 Juried Exhibition: Roots+Reflecting • Opening reception • 5pm • at The Gallery, 118 Cotton St..