Weekly Press 04/30/2020

BATON

ROUGE,

LOUISIANA

SERVING BAKER, CENTRAL, AND ZACHARY THURSDAY, APRIL 30- MAY 6, 2020

A PEOPLE’S PUBLICATION

Louisiana's Governor Officially Extends

STAY AT HOME ORDER Next Announcement on Moving to Phase 1 in Louisiana Coming May 11

BATON ROUGE, La. — Gov. John Bel Edwards formally extended Louisiana’s Stay at Home order until May 15 as the state continues to slow the spread of COVID-19 to meet the White House threshold criteria for opening more of our economy. In recent days and weeks, Louisiana has seen a drop in new case counts and hospitalizations in some, but not all, regions of the state, though the death rate continues to be high.

More than 1,800 people in Louisiana have died from COVID19. And while more than 17,000 people are estimated by the Louisiana Department of Health as being recovered,10,000 people in Louisiana are still sick, giving Louisiana a high disease burden.

And this does not account for the thousands of asymptomatic and mildly symptomatic cases in our state among those not tested. As of Thursday morning, Louisiana was six per capita for cases in the United States.

“My decision to extend the Stay at Home order was based on sound science and data and the recommendations of multiple public See ORDER, on page 2

Graves Announces Over $1 Million in Coronavirus Public Housing Funds WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Congressman Garret Graves announced Louisiana’s 6th Congressional District is set to receive $1,333,817.00 in CARES Act Supplemental Public Housing Operating Funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The operating funds provide Public Housing Agency (PHA) financial resources for the management, maintenance, and resident services, and support preventing, preparing, and responding to the Coronavirus pandemic in public housing. This new allocation comes in addition to the $4,201,613 in various HUD COVID-19 Recovery Formula Grants Graves had announced on April 10th.

See HOUSING FUND, on page 2

Many are still concern how businesses will reopen as stay-at-home orders continue until May 15.

VOL. 43 • NO.11 • FREE

Mayor Broome Announces #MaskUpEBR Campaign BATON ROUGE, La. – Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome is launching a new campaign encouraging East Baton Rouge Parish residents to wear a face covering in public as a safeguard to slow the spread of the coronavirus. "Mask Up EBR" is a grassroots public health campaign to inspire people to “Mask Up” for a loved one or for someone on the frontlines of the pandemic.

“We are all asked to love our neighbor. Show your love by wearing a face covering in public,” said Mayor Broome.

“This can literally save a life. Our senior citizens are our post-war generation, we owe it to them; our essential workers are on the front line for our community, we owe it to them; our families are the inspiration to get through the pandemic as safely as possible, mask up for them. Who do you mask up for?”

Residents are encouraged to take photos wearing their face covering and share with Mayor Broome via social media at @mayorbroome and hashtag #MaskUpEBR. Mayor Broome jumpstarted #MaskUpEBR, in partnership with Hanes Clothing Company, through a wide scale distribution of approximately 200,000 cloth face masks for essential workers and vulnerable populations.

Mayor Sharon Weston Broome partnered with Hanes Clothing Company to kick off the campaign through a wide-scale distribution of nearly 200,000 face masks for essential workers and vulnerable populations.

"Face coverings alone won’t protect a person from infection," said Mayor Broome, urging people to continue practicing physical distancing. "There are many people that are asymptomatic and masks can help slow the spread."

Face coverings can be more than just masks. Scarfs, bandanas, and folded t-shirts fitted with rubber bands will also serve the purpose. Wearing a cloth face covering limits the spread of germs.

Residents should wash their cloth face coverings every day.

Digital Services Help Governments, Their Citizens Through COVID-19 Crisis

Councilwoman Tara Wicker, GBR Food Bank to Distribute Groceries for Laid off gig Workers

Recent global developments in response to the COVID-19 outbreak show an emerging need for digital government services, commonly referred to as eGovernment Solutions. Veridos, a world-leader in identity solutions, explains how governments can go digital and provide citizens with online access to essential government services from their homes or wherever they are.

To respond to current COVID-19 restrictions, citizens and governments have seen a need for private and public sector organizations to adapt processes and services and find digital alternatives. In light of current events, the opportunity to implement eGoverment Services (eGov Services) is now more visible than ever before. From applying for an identity document to accessing

B A T O N ROUGE, La. Councilwoman Tara Wicker has partnered with Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank to give groceries to contract, gig, and hospitality workers who have lost their jobs due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The event will be held on Saturday, May 2 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Lighthouse Christian Fellowship Church.

“There are so many of our fellow citizens working in these industries who find it difficult and even impossible to qualify for or access much-needed resources. These workers are especially vulnerable, often

medical services, eGov Services allow people to conveniently and securely access bureaucratic processes from their homes.

Current events around the Corona crisis have led to advances within the eGovernment sector by

exploring methods to integrate government services with digital platforms. The introduction of an eGovernment platform can have a multitude of benefits for See DIGITAL, on page 2

forgotten, but represent some of the hardest working and most essential members of our community and local economy,” Councilwoman Wicker said.

Workers in need of groceries are asked to preregister for the event. You can pre-register by clicking here.

Those who register will be issued a number that can be printed and placed on their dashboard with they arrive Saturday.

Lighthouse Christian Fellowship Church is located at 1564 Nicholson Drive in Baton Rouge, across from Enterprise car rental.

READ OUR DIGITAL INTERACTIVE EDITION ONLINE @ BRWEEKLYPRESS.COM

FOOD ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS CRITICAL

STATE & LOCAL

RELIGION

BUSINESS

STATE & LOCAL NEWS

Send your news to the news department at the Baton Rouge Weekly Press by emailing it to: brweeklypress@yahoo.com

INDEX

According to the Census Bureau, of the 13.8 million households that receive SNAP, 6.7 million have children under the age of 18 and 6.4 million have someone living with a disability...See Page 3

SU LEADERS JOIN TASK FORCE

TROY SNEED DIES AT AGE 52

LIBERTY BANK ACQUIRES METRO

Southern University System will have eight representatives on Governor John Bel Edwards Louisiana COVID-19 Health Equity Task Force. ..See Page 2

Grammy-nominated gospel singer Troy Sneed has died from complications with the coronavirus. He was 52...See Page 4

Liberty Bank announced that it has finalized a merger agreement and has acquired the assets of Louisville Development Bancorp, Inc., the holding company for Metro Bank, Inc....See Page 5

State & Local...................... 2 - 3 Religion....................................4 Business....................................5 Classifieds.................................5 Sports.......................................6

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READER INFORMATION

STATE & LOCAL

Eight Southern University Leaders Join Health Equity Task Force

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Ray L. Belton, Ph.D.

Orlando F. McMeans, Ph.D.

BATON ROUGE, La.— Southern University System will have eight representatives on Governor John Bel Edwards Louisiana COVID-19 Health Equity Task Force. The task force, which will meet for the first time on Friday, April 24, will focus on research and actions to improve health outcomes and equity for the state’s residents in response to COVID-19. The group’s progress will be monitored by a statewide Health Equity Dashboard. n Sandra Brown, Ph.D., dean of the Southern University College of Nursing and Allied Health, will serve as co-chair of the task force. “It is an honor to serve the citizens of Louisiana on the COVID-19 Health Equity Taskforce,” she said. “I look forward to working with a distinguished diverse group of experts from across the state who are committed to addressing the health disparities that specifically challenge minorities and vulnerable populations in Louisiana not only in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, but in advancing health equity for decades to come.”

“Louisiana has for many years been among the least healthy states and the racial disparities seen around the country are as evident here as it is elsewhere. I am particularly delighted that Governor Edwards has prioritized health equity and I am hopeful that we will be able to make a difference for our

state,” said co-chair Dr. Thomas LaVeist, Dean of Tulane University’s School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine.

Southern University System president-chancellor Ray L. Belton, Ph.D. and chief of staff Katara Williams, Ph.D., will serve on the task force’s administration along with SU alum and Commissioner of the Louisiana Board of Regents, Kim Hunter-Reed, Ph.D. n Thomas-LaVeist-Headshot-1 n Dr. Thomas LaVeist Southern University System president-chancellor Ray L. Belton, Ph.D. and chief of staff Katara Williams, Ph.D., will serve on the task force’s adm.nistration along with SU alum and Commissioner of the Louisiana Board of Regents, Kim Hunter-Reed, Ph.D. n Orlando F. McMeans, Ph.D.,, chancellor-dean of the Southern University Ag Center and the College of Agricultural, Family and Consumer Sciences. n Dr. Rani G. Whitfield, Southern University System Board Member and family practice physician. n Deleso A. Alford, professor of law at the Southern University Law Center and expert on marginalized people in American healthcare, and Damien Ejigiri,Ph.D, dean and professor of the Nelson Mandela School of Government and Social Sciences will serve on the

Order from page 1

and resume the celebrations we have had to put on hold when we are able to come together again safely."

“Let me be clear – many businesses in Louisiana are allowed to open and operate as long as their employees wear face masks or coverings, limit the number of people on premises as outlined in the order and enforce social distancing. Businesses owners will need to review the order to be sure that they understand if their business may be open and how it may operate, if it is. In the coming days we will be providing additional information and tools to help business owners

understand the guidance for Phase 1 so that they can protect the health and safety of their customers and their employees.”

The order signed today is almost identical to the Governor’s previous orders. Businesses that previously were directed to be closed will remain closed, including salons, barber shops, bars and casinos. Businesses that are deemed essential under the third phase of federal CISA guidance will still be open. Non-essential retail and other businesses in Louisiana continue to be able to open with no more than 10 people total inside, including employees and

that can be retrieved and shared at different levels.

The application of eGovernment can be adapted to a variety of situations and needs. This includes the use of digital medical services through video appointments, online learning, and even renewal of expired documents online. This platform can also be used as an efficient

manner to broadly communicate with citizens. One such example would be the ability to send official announcements from the government via a standardized application directly to the citizens' smartphones.

Moreover, in daily encounters eGovernment allows for touchless authentication through the digitalization of citizens' documents. A mobile driver's license can be authenticated by scanning a one-time generated QR-code, thus avoiding the exchange of a physical document between citizens and law enforcement officers.

"The global Corona crisis clearly shows the importance of digital infrastructures. This is particularly true for advances within the eGovernment sector. Now is the time for governments to think about digitalizing services. Citizens and governments can greatly benefit from a secure and technologically advanced digital ecosystem.

This is one of Veridos' priorities and we continue, as always, to be a trustworthy partner for governments around the world," says Andreas Räschmeier, CEO of Veridos.

In the new normal, the provision of eServices plays an important role in maximizing security and increasing to essential government services for all citizens. We can make sure that even during difficult situations, citizens and governments are protected with secure digital services and continued processes.

health experts and doctors as the best shot Louisiana has to protect the health of all people,” Gov. Edwards said. “We simply don’t meet the qualifications to move to Phase 1 yet, but all Louisianans should be hopeful that we will soon. Brighter days are ahead for Louisiana, and I am proud not only of our health care heroes and frontline essential workers, but also of our people who have shown extreme strength during this tough time and have largely abided by the Stay at Home order.

We will get through this together

Digital from page 1

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all citizens. Citizens have access to official documents through a secure personal online vault. The online vault, securely stored within the government's cloud, provides access to identification documents

Kim Hunter-Reed, Ph.D.

Dr. Rani G. Whitfield

Sandra Brown, Ph.D.

Damien Ejigiri,Ph.D,

Katara Williams, Ph.D.

Deleso A. Alford

task force’s public and regulatory policy subcommittee and focus on policies and laws that impact health disparities.

Other members are: n Earl Benjamin-Robinson, Dr.H.Sc. Louisiana Department of Health- Office of Health Equity, Community Partnerships, Deputy Director n Dr. Takeisha Davis, CEO, New Orleans East Hospital n Dr. Rebekah E. Gee, CEO, LSU Health Care Services n Dr. Corey Hebert, Dillard University, Chief Medical Officer / Assistant professor – Tulane and LSU

n Theron J. Jackson, Morning Star Baptist Church, Pastor n Raymond A. Jetson, CEO, MetroMorphosis n Peter Katzmarzyk, Ph.D, Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Professor and Marie Edana Corcoran Endowed Chair in Pediatric Obesity and Diabetes/Assoc.

Exec. Dir. for Population and Public Health Sciences, LSU n Kathleen B. Kennedy, Pharm.D., Xavier University of Louisiana, Dean and Malcolm Ellington Professor of Health Disparities Research Endowed Professorship in the College of Pharmacy n Michael W. McClanahan, NAACP, State President n Orlando McMeans, Ph.D., customers.

Three noteworthy changes in the new Stay at Home order include: Malls will remain closed to the public, but stores may open for curbside delivery.

Restaurants will be allowed to open their outside areas for patrons to eat meals only, without tableside service.

All employees of a business who have contact with the public must wear a mask or face covering.

Additionally, both the CDC and the Louisiana Department of Health strongly urge everyone to wear masks or face coverings when in public.

Hopefully, Louisiana will meet the White House criteria and move to Phase 1 on May 15, provided symptoms, new case counts and hospitalizations decrease and the state continues to surge testing and contact tracing capacity. Phase 1 lifts the Stay at Home order and

Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center, Chancellor n Judy Reese Morse, CEO, Urban League of Louisiana n Demetrius Porche, DNS, LSUHSC School of Nursing – Dean and Professor, and President, Louisiana Council of Administration of Nursing Education n Dr. Rani G. Whitfield, Our Lady of the Lake Physician READ THE COMPLETE STORY ONLINE BRWeeklypress.com

eases restrictions on some public spaces like houses of worship and restaurants and opens other businesses that have been closed such as barber shops and salons, but with restrictions on occupancy and strict requirements for personal distancing and masks to keep everyone safe. Phase 1 occupancy for these businesses will be limited to 25 percent, including employees and customers.

As Louisiana prepares to move forward to the next phase, the state will begin issuing guidance and additional resources for businesses, in the coming days and weeks.

Gov. Edwards intends to make his next announcement on moving to Phase 1 in Louisiana on or by May 11. Members of the public can continue to get information from the Governor’s office on Coronavirus.la.gov and by texting LACOVID to 67283.

Housing Fund from page 1 Recipient Entities in the 6th Congressional District: n PHA Name (Recipient): Housing Authority of the City of Donaldsonville • Ascension Parish • Amount: $48,655.00 n PHA Name (Recipient): Housing Authority of East Baton Rouge • East Baton Rouge Parish • Amount: $501,923.00 n PHA Name (Recipient): Housing Authority of the Town of White Castle • Iberville Parish • Amount: $50,864.00 n PHA Name (Recipient): Housing Authority of Lafourche Parish • Lafourche Parish • Amount: $123,406.00 n PHA Name (Recipient): Housing Authority of the City of Thibodaux • Lafourche Parish • Amount: $159,661.00 n PHA Name (Recipient): Housing Authority of the City of Denham Springs

• Livingston Parish • Amount: 4,350.00 n PHA Name (Recipient): Housing Authority of the Town of New Roads • Pointe Coupee Parish • Amount: $15,160.00 n PHA Name (Recipient): Housing Authority of St. John the Baptist Parish • St. John the Baptist Parish • Amount: $132,613.00 n PHA Name (Recipient): Housing Authority of St. Charles Parish • St. Charles Parish • Amount: $71,065.00 nPHA Name (Recipient): Housing Authority of the City of Houma • Terrebonne Parish • Amount: $226,120.00 In total, Louisiana is to receive $9,161,093 in CARES Act Supplemental Public Housing Operating Funds.

www.brweeklypress.com • Thursday • April 30-May 6, 2020 • The Weekly Press • Page 3

Applications Open for Local Disbursement of CARES Act Funds

Baton Rouge, La. – April 29, 2020 – Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome, in conjunction with Build Baton Rouge, is seeking applications from area community and non-profit organizations for $3.2 million in federal funding provided to the City-Parish through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The funding is available to organizations for programs and projects that prevent, prepare for and respond to the effects of the coronavirus.

“Congress moved quickly to obligate these funds to local governments, so we are moving expeditiously to get them into action so they can benefit our community,” said Mayor Broome. “It is my intention these dollars be utilized to address the most pressing needs in our community, in a COVID-19 environment.”

The notice consists of $1,932,038 of federal community development block grant funds; $955,859 in emergency solutions grant funds; and $370,057 in funding for housing opportunities for persons with AIDS. Proposals from community organizations can include programs for activities such as: job loss prevention, increased health care services, rental and mortgage assistance, homelessness prevention assistance, and others.

The City-Parish is seeking proposals by Monday, May 11, 2020, on programs and projects that utilize the funding. The notice and associated application package is posted on the City-Parish website at www. brla.gov/1509/Announcements, and is also available on the Build Baton Rouge website, at www.buildbatonrouge.org.

Girl Scouts Louisiana East Hosts Facebook Live Camp In

NATIONAL

Food Assistance Programs Critical for Low-Income Children and Families

NNPA Newswire U.S. Census Bureau, www.ceusus.gov According to the Census Bureau, of the 13.8 million households that receive SNAP, 6.7 million have children under the age of 18 and 6.4 million have someone living with a disability.

Of all the homes with children under 18, some 18% receive assistance from SNAP, according to the Census Bureau’s 2018 American Community Survey.

Students who qualify for SNAP also get free or reducedcost school lunches.

Federal nutrition programs are among the many reasons it is so important to respond (and report all children, including newborns, living in your home) to the 2020 Census.

Knowing how many children are in an area helps federal, state and local officials evaluate funding for nutrition programs.

SNAP and the National

School Lunch Program are just two nutrition programs that use census results to inform planning. Other programs include the National School Breakfast Program (NSBP), lunch programs for people age 65 years and older and meal delivery to disabled and homebound individuals.

The Census Bureau works with state and tribal governments to ensure recipients of SNAP don’t lose their benefits if they come to work for the 2020 Census.

They are working to get census income excluded so recipients who receive benefits can work as census takers (enumerators) without losing their benefits or eligibility status.

The Census Bureau has partnered with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (which administers SNAP) to exclude income from temporary employment for 2020 Census. While it is ultimately a state decision whether to ex-

empt 2020 Census income earned, a great majority of states have already agreed to this waiver.

NEW ORLEANS, LA— Girl Scouts Louisiana East has developed a creative way to deliver the fun of camp to homes across the region—no tent or bug spray required! Instead of a traditional camp out, the Council is inviting the public to “Camp In” on Facebook Live from 5 to 9 p.m. this Saturday, May 2.

The “Camp In” event will be a series of Facebook Live streams hosted from each of GSLE’s three camps: Camp Covington, Camp Marydale and Camp Whispering Pines. Camp counselors will lead viewers in various activities from knot tying to campfire songs. There will be a horse barn tour of Camp Marydale, a banana boat demonstration from Camp Whispering Pines and story time from Camp Covington.

“We are encouraging girls either to set up tents in their yards or build pillow forts in their living rooms before the call, then tune into Facebook Live for various activities throughout the night,”

explains Girl Experience Manager Rebecca Wagner. “It will be all the fun of camp, but in the comfort of your own home!”

The “Camp In” is not the only Facebook Live event GSLE has hosted since the Stay-at-Home order was issued mid-March. The Council has been posting new activities for girls to do independently or with their families each day.

“Ever since the Stay-at-Home order was first issued, Girl Scouts have been busy sewing masks, learning coding and exploring nature,” says Girl Scouts Louisiana East CEO Rebecca Pennington.

“Community service and outdoor education are just two pieces of the Girl Scout experience. We have girls who are interested in everything from robotics and activism to art and sports, and we provide the programming for them to explore those interests.”

For more information about GSLE, to volunteer, reconnect, join or give, visit www.gsle.org.

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RELIGION

Grammy-Nominated Gospel Singer Troy Sneed Dies From Coronavirus Complications at Age 52

Gospel singer and producer Troy Sneed sits at the piano in the living room of his Orange Park home in January 2013. Sneed died of the coronavirus at age 52.

LOS ANGELES — Grammy-nominated gospel singer Troy Sneed has died from complications with the coronavirus. He was 52.

Sneed’s publicist, Bill Carpenter, said the singer died early Monday at a hospital in Jacksonville, Florida. Sneed earned a Grammy nomination for his work on the Youth For Christ’s 1999 album, “Higher.”

Sneed traveled throughout the United States early in his career to sing the gospel with

the Georgia Mass Choir. He arranged music on their albums and appeared with the choir in 1996 film “The Preacher’s Wife,” starring Whitney Houston and Denzel Washington.

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Sneed helped form Youth For Christ, which was comprised of members between the ages of 12 and 18 from the Georgia Mass See SNEED, on page 5

WE ARE NOT ALONE

By Creflo Dollar World Changers Church

“We are not alone.” If this phrase conjures up images of aliens, flying saucers, and outer space, then you’re probably like many others who have accepted Hollywood’s version of this catchphrase. But there’s also a biblical meaning to it that can’t be ignored. When we face life’s inevitable pain and struggles, God’s promise to walk with us in our darkest times means we’ll never have to walk alone.

When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, He comes to live inside us. His Holy Spirit will always guide and advise us, and He won’t leave us. “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4).

Regardless of whatever troubles or obstacles we may encounter, when God Himself is on our side, ultimately we will be victorious.

The world operates in fear, but God is walking with us and giving us His strength to help us overcome fear. In the Old Testament, God promised His people He would be with them no matter what happened. “Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right

Creflo Dallor

hand… For I, the LORD your God, will hold your right hand, Saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you’” (Isaiah 41:10, 13, NKJV). This promise still holds true today. When we welcome Him into our lives, He becomes our heavenly Fatherwho takes our hand and leads us out of danger.

There will be times when life completely blindsides us, when we have no idea how to handle unexpected situations that pop up. People who don’t have Jesus could completely fall apart. However, when we can’t go another step, we have someone who will carry us through our spiritual wilderness when our own strength fails. “Even to your old age, I am He, And even to gray hairs I will carry you!

I have made, and I will bear; Even I will carry, and will deliver you” (Isaiah 46:4, NKJV).

We can rely on this, because His Word—every bit of it—is true. God’s love for us is strong enough to overcome any force that attempts to come between us and Him. Believers are His children, and nothing can tear us away from His constant presence in our lives.

“For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38, 39).

Meditating on this and letting it sink down into our hearts gives us a peace that the world doesn’t have. Trying to handle trials and challenges through our own self-effort is exhausting.

God tells us to spiritually rest in Him, and wherever we go in life, He’ll go with us. “And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest” (Exodus 33:14).Whenever we feel alone and isolated in the midst of a situation, we can take comfort in knowing that God will never abandon us.

For more on the protection that God provides, click on the link below for the book, Overcoming Fear.

Streaming LIVE Churches n Oasis Christian Church: Bishop Charles E. Wallace Sunday Morning 8:00 A.M. Wednesday Night Bible Study 7:00 P.M. https://livestream.com/accounts/27567249/events/8379840 n Rose Hill Church: Pastor Danny Donaldson See website for times https://www.facebook.com/rosehillbatonrouge n Living Faith Christian Center Bishop Raymond Johnson Sunday at 10:00am • YouTube: https://www. youtube.com/channel/ UCiHSeRaHIS8ewCoFhcYHGnQ • Piksel: https://campus.piksel. com/living-faith-cc • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LivingFaithChristianCenterBR/ n Mt. Carmel Baptist Church Rev., Dr. Andra Johnson Sunday at 9:30am https://www.mtcarmelbtr.com/?fbclid=IwAR2yeejE375iY6MvJarHB FFsg9uWpJc1ExzVVjZNlhUvs5fC3OAiyTGow2k

On Eagle Wings Ministries 1746 Scenic Hwy Baton Rouge La.70802 Service times 9:30a.m Every Sunday Inspirational message: Daily via Facebook Live:J. L. DeCuir Bishop & First Lady J. L. DeCuir

Look up an live because God is on your side

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Church directory ads starting at $10 per week call us for details 225.775.2002 CAMPHOR MEMORIAL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

8742 Scenic Highway – Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70807 Telephone: (225) 775-4106 - Fax: (225) 615-8359 Rev. Elenora Mackey Cushenberry, Th.D, Senior Pastor Rev. Tiffanie C. Postell, Associate Pastor

Rev. Elenora Mackey Cushenberry, Th.D.

Sunday School................................................................. 9:30 a.m.

Worship Service............................................................ 10:55 a.m.

Youth Sunday & Contemporary Worship........ 2nd Sun. 8:00 a.m.

Bible Study..................................Wed. 12:00 Noon and 5:00 p.m.

Prayer Ministry ...................................................... Tues 6:00 p.m.

Sunday Service............................... 9:00 am Sunday School................................ 8:00 am Bible Studay.......................... Mon.7:00 pm Saturday Sabbath ..................Sat. 11:00 am Bishop Thelma Pearl Senior Pastor Bishop Michael Pearl, Assistant Pastor

We Don't Count Numbers. We Make Numbers Count

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New Jerusalem Faith Fellowship 982 N 46th St, Baton Rouge, La. 70802

Hour of Power ..............................................12 Noon Each Wednesday Sunday School............................................................................ 8:00am Church Service ........................................................................... 9:00am Communion Service .............................................. 2nd Sunday 9:00am Bible Study Wednesday .............................................................7:00pm Sister/Brotherhood Meeting...................................................... 6:00pm

We believe the Bible to be the inspired and only infallible written Word of God. We believe that there is One God, eternally existent in Three Persons; God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.

PASTOR DONALD A. MONTGOMERY

NEW BIRTH FULL GOSPEL MINISTRIES 1283 Rosenwald Road Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70807 Bishop I. J. Payne, Pastor

'THE NEW LIFE' Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

— 2 Corinthians 5:17

SUNDAY WORSHIP Every Sunday at 11:30 A.M.

HOLY COMMUNION

Every 3rd Sunday at 11:30 A.M.

SUNDAY SCHOOL Every Sunday at 9:30 A.M.

HOUR OF POWER

Every Friday at 12 NOON

Bishop Ernest Mills Dr. Donald Ruth, & Evangelist Yvonne MillsPastor

Radio Broadcast 1st and 3rd Sunday WXOK at 8:00am

NEW HOPE BAPTIST CHURCH 5856 Greenwell Springs Road • Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70806 Telephone: (225) 926-0246 • Facsimile: (225) 925-8022 Toll Free: 888-700-6174 Websites: www.newhopebr.com Rev. Leo Cyrus Sr., Pastor

BUSINESS

BUSINESS DIRECTORY To Advertise your Business in the Business Directory, PLEASE CALL (225) 775-2002 TODAY!

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2303 West Highmeadow Ct. Baton Rouge, LA 70816 Ph: 225-292-0305 Cell: 225-405-3427 Fax: 225-292-0307 Toll Free: 800-240-9507

Pedro Bryant is president and CEO of Metro Bank.

NEW ORLEANS, La. – Liberty Bank and Trust Company (Liberty Bank) headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana announced that it has finalized a merger agreement and has acquired the assets and banking relationships of Louisville Development Bancorp, Inc., the holding company for Metro Bank, Inc., Louisville, Kentucky.

The acquisition is a continuation of Liberty Bank’s expansion into major urban markets throughout America.

Liberty Bank currently operates in eight (8) states including Louisiana; Mississippi; Kansas and Missouri; Michigan; Alabama; Illinois; and Texas. As of March 31, 2020, Liberty had approximately $625 million in assets and $533 million in deposits.

Metro Bank operates a single office in Louisville, Kentucky. As of March 31, 2020, Metro Bank had approximately $26 million in assets and $21 million in deposits.

Alden J. McDonald, Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer of Liberty Bank and Trust Company said, “This acquisition will move Liberty into the Louisville, Kentucky marketplace. It will tie together our operations across nine states and will allow us to expand wealth building opportunities for the citizens of Louisville.” McDonald pointed out that the Liberty Bank merger with Metro Bank will significantly enhance the financial products available for Metro Bank customers.

“Liberty has a suite of online resources to give Metro Bank customers expanded banking services and products”.

Louisville Development Bancorp and Metro Bank President Pedro Bryant who will continue to lead operations in the Kentucky area

said “We are pleased to partner with Liberty Bank, an institution with a long history and tradition of dedication to the communities it serves. The acquisition will offer our customers access

to the latest in banking technology, an enhanced capacity for lending and deposit offerings and a continued commitment to the community of Louisville and Jefferson County.”

The Better Business Bureau wants to warn the public about a new scam involving buying a new pet online.

Scam Tracker reports show potential pet owners being told they have to pay extra for a crate or insurance, to have a pet shipped because of the coronavirus.

In some instances, victims were also asked to provide an alternate payment, such as a gift card, or mobile banking option that was not part of the original transaction.

These are red flags that the offer or the seller is not legitimate, and they probably don't have the pet they are attempting to sell.

How to avoid puppy scams:

Choir. He served as a producer on Youth For Christ’s “The Struggle Is Over,” which landed at No. 1 on Billboard’s gospel songs chart in 2006.

As a solo artist, Sneed released seven albums and had several hit songs within the gospel realm including “Work It Out” and “My Heart Says Yes,” which both peaked at No. 2 on

Billboard’s gospel chart. He’s also known for the upbeat “Hallelujah.”

Sneed and his wife, Emily, started their own record label, Emtro, which is a blend of their first names. Their label became a success with a roster of artists from Alvin Darling & Celebration and Rev. Rudolph McKissick.

• Don’t buy a pet without seeing it in person.

• Avoid wiring money, if possible. Use a credit card, in case you need to dispute the charges.

• Research prices for the breed you are interested in adopting.

• Consider reaching out to your local animal shelter.

• Learn about fraud in your area at BBB Scam Tracker: https:// www.bbb.org/scamtracker/

THE SUPER COOL BRAND

SUPER COOL FASHIONS IS MORE THAN A CLOTHING STORE. WE ARE A BRAND OF STYLE AND SOPHISTICATION. IN STORE BY SHOPPING

BY APPOINTMENT ONLY • 225.357.5796

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JOIN THE NEW BATON ROUGE

Weekly Press The Bator Rouge Weekly Press is Baton Rouge’s oldest and number one source for African Americans in Baton Rouge, Baker, Central and surrounding areas.

The BR Weekly Press is currently looking for Freelance Writers, Photographers, Videographers, Writers, Bloggers and Social Media Professionals.

For more information or to submit your resume’ call us at 225-775-2002 or email us at https://www.brweeklypress.com/hiring

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PUBLIC NOTICE Request for Proposals Microtransit Pilot Program Solicitation #2020-Microtransit-001 The Capital Area Transit System (CATS), a political subdivision of the State of Louisiana, operating the public transit system in EBR Parish is accepting Offers for Microtransit.

Sealed offers are due to CATS Procurement Department

by March 11, 2020 at 10:00 AM (local time) at 350 N. Donmoor, Baton Rouge, LA 70806. A copy of this RFP can be found on CATS website at: https://www.brcats.com/page/ procurement. Written questions will be accepted through February 19, 2020 via email at: catsprocurement@brcats. com. Offerors are reminded to check CATS website often for addenda and other important dates in reference to this RFP. CATS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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Weekly Press • Thursday • April 30-May 6, 2020 • www.brweeklypress.com