Good to Know

The US Air Force has awarded Praeses a contract of up to $950,000,000 for the maturation, demonstration, and proliferation of capability for the Joint All Domain Command and Control (JADC2) environment. Praeses is a Shreveport-based company which develops customized software solutions and analytics-backed services. Leveraging open systems design, modern software, and algorithm development this JADC2 contract is part of a multi-level security effort to provide development and operation of systems as a unified force across all domains (air, land, sea, space, cyber and electromagnetic spectrum). JADC2 operates in an open architecture family of systems that enable capabilities via multiple integrated platforms.

Praeses’ robust software applications – RookTM, AMASS, and ConnoteTM - will support the ABMS program. AMASS, and ConnoteTM - will support the ABMS program. ABMS is hosted within the Department of Defense’s larger JADC2 framework and targets an agile, adaptable, decentralized enterprise data ecosystem addressing the challenges to connect disparate data sources supporting warfighters’ missions. The Praeses’ solutions, both individually and col-missions. The Praeses’ solutions, both individually and collectively, address the US Air Force’s needs through digital modeling, simulation and analysis, cloud-based repositories, data ingestion, data fusion, data analytics, predictive modeling, artificial intelligence, command and control and visualization across multi-domain operations.

“Praeses is honored to be selected to support the US Air Force and the DoD through the Advanced Battlefield Man-Force and the DoD through the Advanced Battlefield Management System (ABMS) contract,” says J.D. Hunsicker, Vice President of Government Programs at Praeses. “This partnership allows Praeses to materially impact the Air Force’s need for rapid and agile delivery of communication technology and data management services with our proven and uniquely innovative software systems.”

The Northwest Louisiana Master Gardeners are proud to DeSoto, and Red River Parishes. Applications will be accepted September 1 – October 14, 2022. Grants will be awarded tural education, showcase sustainable gardening practices, or enhance the quality and quantity of publicly accessible green spaces. NWLA Master Gardeners want to fund projects that make a difference in the community and involve collaboration among organizations. The NWLA Master Gardeners will accept grant applications from $300 to $10,000. Groups eligible for Community Grants include municipalities, schools, garden clubs, neighborhood associations, charitable non-profit organizations with current 501(c)(3) status, and faith-based organizations serving the general public on a non-denominational basis. http://nwlamg.weebly.com/ community-grants-guidelines.html

The Louisiana Legislature passed the “Riley Bourgeois Act” requiring instruction in water safety for public school students, which was signed into law and became effective August 1, 2022.

The Northwest Louisiana Master Gardeners are proud to again offer grants for gardening projects in Caddo, Bossier, DeSoto, and Red River Parishes. Applications will be accepted September 1 – October 14, 2022. Grants will be awarded to projects that promote beautification, provide horticultural education, showcase sustainable gardening practices, or enhance the quality and quantity of publicly accessible green spaces. NWLA Master Gardeners want to fund projects that make a difference in the community and involve collaboration among organizations. The NWLA Master Gardeners will accept grant applications from $300 to $10,000. Groups eligible for Community Grants include municipalities, schools, garden clubs, neighborhood associations, charitable non-profit organizations with current 501(c)(3) status, and faith-based organizations serving the general public on a non-denominational basis. http://nwlamg.weebly.com/ community-grants-guidelines.html

The Center for Brain Health (CBH) at LSU Health The Center for Brain Health (CBH) at LSU Health Shreveport has received a $100,000 gift to create the Noel Shreveport has received a $100,000 gift to create the Noel Foundation, Inc. Endowed Professorship Honoring Dr. Rob-Foundation, Inc. Endowed Professorship Honoring Dr. Robert C. Leitz, III in Parkinson’s Disease Research. The gift rep-ert C. Leitz, III in Parkinson’s Disease Research. The gift represents the first endowed funding in support of the Center resents the first endowed funding in support of the Center for Brain Health. It will expand the study of age-related neu-for Brain Health. It will expand the study of age-related neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease (PD) rodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease (PD) and dementia and fund neurological training equipment and dementia and fund neurological training equipment for graduate and medical students studying at LSU Health for graduate and medical students studying at LSU Health Shreveport. One goal of the research is to determine how Shreveport. One goal of the research is to determine how to make care available to the estimated 55,000 citizens in to make care available to the estimated 55,000 citizens in North Louisiana living with Parkinson’s disease. North Louisiana living with Parkinson’s disease.

The CBH was established to increase neuroscience-re-The CBH was established to increase neuroscience-related education, improve and expand care for patients with lated education, improve and expand care for patients with brain disorders, and attract young specialists and pioneering brain disorders, and attract young specialists and pioneering clinical trials to North Louisiana. Through the endowment, clinical trials to North Louisiana. Through the endowment, the CBH will expand its team of researchers and clinician the CBH will expand its team of researchers and clinician scientists with expertise in Parkinson’s disorder and in-scientists with expertise in Parkinson’s disorder and increase competitiveness for federal research grants. crease competitiveness for federal research grants.

The endowed professorship honors the Noel Founda-The endowed professorship honors the Noel Foundation’s former president, Dr. Robert C. Leitz III, who has cou-tion’s former president, Dr. Robert C. Leitz III, who has courageously battled Parkinson’s disease for many years. Dr. rageously battled Parkinson’s disease for many years. Dr. Leitz is a Professor Emeritus of English at Louisiana State Leitz is a Professor Emeritus of English at Louisiana State University in Shreveport and served the Noel Foundation University in Shreveport and served the Noel Foundation for over 20 years. “The Noel Foundation is pleased to es-for over 20 years. “The Noel Foundation is pleased to establish the first endowment at the Center for Brain Health tablish the first endowment at the Center for Brain Health and proud to honor Dr. Leitz,” said Merritt B. Chastain Jr., and proud to honor Dr. Leitz,” said Merritt B. Chastain Jr., President of the Noel Foundation. “We hope that through President of the Noel Foundation. “We hope that through this gift, others will also give to support Parkinson’s disease this gift, others will also give to support Parkinson’s disease research at LSU Health Shreveport to help the many victims research at LSU Health Shreveport to help the many victims of the disease.” of the disease.”

The Noel Foundation’s endowment has been awarded to The Noel Foundation’s endowment has been awarded to Elizabeth Disbrow, PhD, Professor of Neurology and Direc-Elizabeth Disbrow, PhD, Professor of Neurology and Director of the Center for Brain Health. Dr. Disbrow has been at tor of the Center for Brain Health. Dr. Disbrow has been at LSU Health Shreveport for nine years and, in that time, has LSU Health Shreveport for nine years and, in that time, has led the effort to establish the CBH and “The Bridge,” a com-led the effort to establish the CBH and “The Bridge,” a community resource for patients and families struggling with munity resource for patients and families struggling with dementia. Her work in Parkinson’s disease helped identify dementia. Her work in Parkinson’s disease helped identify cognitive deficits in motor planning and cognitive flexibility cognitive deficits in motor planning and cognitive flexibility as major contributors to the symptoms of the disease, over as major contributors to the symptoms of the disease, over and above the traditional definition of Parkinson’s as a mo-and above the traditional definition of Parkinson’s as a motor disorder. tor disorder.

Dr. Terrie Johnson, assistant professor and education department chair at Centenary, has been selected to participate in the inaugural “Inquiry Initiative” sponsored by the ipate in the inaugural “Inquiry Initiative” sponsored by the Association of Teacher Educators (ATE). The Initiative is a “first of its kind” collaborative exploration of teacher education practices and research, focused on opportunity gaps in education.

Opportunity gaps are unequal or inequitable distribution of resources and options individuals or groups encoun-tion of resources and options individuals or groups encounter in schools, colleges and universities, and employment and professional contexts. The inaugural Inquiry Initiative will run parallel to the ATE Nashville 2022 Summer Conference to be held July 29 through August 2. Follow-up events will occur during the next three years at and between ATE’s will occur during the next three years at and between ATE’s annual meetings and summer conferences.

Following the recent completion of asbestos abatement, SporTran has begun Phase One of its demolition and rehaAvenue in Shreveport. In 2018, SporTran acquired the Sun

Resource Center. The COVID-19 pandemic slowed progress on the project, which resumed in 2021. The completed SRC will feature a transit mall, employee wellness center, a Sun Furniture project will have a huge impact on the economy and viability of an underserved area of downtown,” states SporTran CEO Dinero’ Washington. “We’re combining cutvation of a Shreveport landmark to create avenues for investment in our community. It will improve our service and

Following the recent completion of asbestos abatement, SporTran has begun Phase One of its demolition and rehabilitation plans for the Sun Furniture building at 1253 Texas Avenue in Shreveport. In 2018, SporTran acquired the Sun Furniture building to serve as the SporTran

Resource Center. The COVID-19 pandemic slowed progress on the project, which resumed in 2021. The completed SRC will feature a transit mall, employee wellness center, a safety training facility, a public food court, and more. “The Sun Furniture project will have a huge impact on the economy and viability of an underserved area of downtown,” states SporTran CEO Dinero’ Washington. “We’re combining cutting edge technology with studied and thoughtful preservation of a Shreveport landmark to create avenues for investment in our community. It will improve our service and greatly benefit our passengers.”

• SporTran has procured funding to refurbish the historic Sun Furniture sign. The sign will be removed during this process and reinstalled upon completion. • Construction of the retail food court. • Store front and original windows will be rehabbed.

• Construction of Safety Training Innovation Center coshared with other transportation systems. Will feature a state-of-the-art drivers’ training simulator. • Construction of Regional Transit Technology Center.

Will allow SporTran leadership and staff to monitor real-time bus/vehicle movement and mechanical needs, improving efficiency and function.

Southern Hills Business Association (SHBA) Expo and Taste Affair featuring local businesses, restaurants, caterers, and food vendors will be held the evening of September 27. and food vendors will be held the evening of September 27. To be a sponsor, sign up by August 31! Email SHBA@bell-To be a sponsor, sign up by August 31! Email SHBA@bellsouth.net.

The U.S. Chamber reports that 11.3 million jobs were es its grip, companies across the country are scrambling to fill vacant positions. With so many new or re-positioned em-

The U.S. Chamber reports that 11.3 million jobs were available in America in July. As the COVID pandemic releases its grip, companies across the country are scrambling to fill vacant positions. With so many new or re-positioned employees, the demand for workforce training is growing at a rapid pace.

The latest jobs report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics showed that 2.8% of employed people quit their jobs tics showed that 2.8% of employed people quit their jobs while the hiring rate for available jobs hovered at 4.3%. Even though recent months have shown improvements, the labor though recent months have shown improvements, the labor force participation rate dropped a whole percentage point since January 2020 to 62.3%.

The unemployment and hiring rates are particularly im-The unemployment and hiring rates are particularly im portant to community colleges because worker shortages portant to community colleges because worker shortages impact business and industry. One of the primary missions of Louisiana’s Community and Technical colleges is to be of Louisiana’s Community and Technical colleges is to be ready to train new employees and upskill incumbent em-ready to train new employees and upskill incumbent employees. The mission includes training people who want up-ployees. The mission includes training people who want upward mobility or attain skills that make them employable at a more desirable living wage.

To address the training and worker shortages of businesses in north Louisiana, Bossier Parish Community College (BPCC), Louisiana Delta Community College (LDCC), and Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College (NLTCC) have collaborated to form The Workforce Training (NLTCC) have collaborated to form The Workforce Training Alliance (WTA).

The WTA will address business and industry training needs along the I-20 corridor from Texas to Mississippi. The needs along the I-20 corridor from Texas to Mississippi. The alliance was created from a realization that these three colleges could offer a broader range of services consistently if they formed and leveraged the unique strengths that each they formed and leveraged the unique strengths that each institution brings to the mix. The WTA will be a one-stop institution brings to the mix. The WTA will be a one-stop shop to facilitate training in the region.

Southwestern Electric Power Co., an American Elec-Southwestern Electric Power Co., an American Electric Power (Nasdaq: AEP) company, in collaboration with tric Power (Nasdaq: AEP) company, in collaboration with Shreveport Green and EPRI, today announced the first har-Shreveport Green and EPRI, today announced the first harvest of Shreveport Green’s Urban Farm, an indoor agricul-vest of Shreveport Green’s Urban Farm, an indoor agriculture facility that utilizes new technology to grow nutritious ture facility that utilizes new technology to grow nutritious food year-round. food year-round.

The Urban Farm on Sprague Street near downtown The Urban Farm on Sprague Street near downtown Shreveport features a controlled environment agricul-Shreveport features a controlled environment agriculture (CEA) farm made from a custom shipping container ture (CEA) farm made from a custom shipping container equipped with LED lighting, a high efficiency HVAC sys-equipped with LED lighting, a high efficiency HVAC system, recirculating water pumps, a dehumidification system, tem, recirculating water pumps, a dehumidification system, and sensors. Indoor agriculture facilities like this allow for and sensors. Indoor agriculture facilities like this allow for the year-round local production of crops regardless of out-the year-round local production of crops regardless of outdoor conditions. The container uses electric technologies to door conditions. The container uses electric technologies to create a microclimate that optimizes plant production and create a microclimate that optimizes plant production and helps meet other community energy, water, and sustainabil-helps meet other community energy, water, and sustainability goals. “SWEPCO is proud to collaborate on this exciting ity goals. “SWEPCO is proud to collaborate on this exciting project that will help increase access to healthy food in our project that will help increase access to healthy food in our communities using this innovative farming method,” said communities using this innovative farming method,” said SWEPCO President and Chief Operating Officer Malcolm SWEPCO President and Chief Operating Officer Malcolm Smoak. Smoak.

The produce planted inside the container is closely mon-The produce planted inside the container is closely monitored via remote sensor technology, which continuously itored via remote sensor technology, which continuously gathers real-time data on growing conditions. This informa-gathers real-time data on growing conditions. This information allows farmers to remotely control the lighting, tem-tion allows farmers to remotely control the lighting, tem-

perature, and watering conditions to create the ideal setting needed for produce to thrive. Shreveport Green is growing nearly 1,200 Tuscan kale plants in the hydroponic container that holds 88 growing panels. It will be harvested once every week-and-a-half and distributed through the Shreveport Green Mobile Market to provide fresh, nutritious food to the Choice Neighborhood recipients living in Allendale, Ledbetter Heights, and Lakeside communities of Shreveport.

“We are thrilled to be a part of this exciting and practical program,” said Donna Curtis, Shreveport Green Executive Director. “We hope to eventually harvest 90 pounds of produce every three weeks, giving our Mobile Market a dependable source of food. This hydroponic container nicely complements the 22 additional community gardens we have around the city.”

SWEPCO is one of 13 energy companies nationwide participating in a two-year EPRI study designed to demonstrate and better understand opportunities surrounding indoor food production through operation of a CEA farm. Through automated monitoring, researchers at EPRI will be able to evaluate how energy loads, water use, and other controlled parameters vary across different facilities and locations. Other trackable data will also help address questions regarding distribution planning, rate design, and larger societal benefits.

“Indoor agriculture is a rapidly growing and evolving industry across the United States. We’re seeing innovative designs, technologies, and energy applications that are helping

CEA farms not only achieve year-round crop cultivation but also contribute to areas of community need like energy and water efficiency goals,” said Frank Sharp, Principal Technical that holds 88 growing panels. It will be harvested once ev Leader at EPRI. “We’re thrilled to be working with SWEPCO and Shreveport Green to explore potential opportunities from this CEA farm to benefit the Shreveport community.”

tive Director. “We hope to eventually harvest 90 pounds of The Louisiana Department of State was the recipient of pendable source of food. This hydroponic container nicely the 2022 National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) Innovation, Dedication, Excellence and Achievement in Service Award at the 2022 NASS Summer Conference. Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin accepted the award for Louisiana’s ticipating in a two-year EPRI study designed to demonstrate submission, the Operation Geaux Vote Task Force. “I am honored to accept this award on behalf of members of the Operation Geaux Vote Task Force, our Department of State staff, Clerks of Court, Registrars of Voters, and election evaluate how energy loads, water use, and other controlled commissioners who helped successfully execute the 2020 and 2021 statewide elections in Louisiana,” Secretary Ardoin said. “They did so in the face of extraordinary challenges during a global pandemic and the aftermath of major hurricanes which upended their own lives and the lives of the citizens they serve. I could not be more proud of their work, dedication, and service.”

CEA farms not only achieve year-round crop cultivation but also contribute to areas of community need like energy and water efficiency goals,” said Frank Sharp, Principal Technical Leader at EPRI. “We’re thrilled to be working with SWEPCO and Shreveport Green to explore potential opportunities from this CEA farm to benefit the Shreveport community.”

The Louisiana Department of State was the recipient of the 2022 National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) Innovation, Dedication, Excellence and Achievement in Service Award at the 2022 NASS Summer Conference. Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin accepted the award for Louisiana’s submission, the Operation Geaux Vote Task Force. “I am honored to accept this award on behalf of members of the Operation Geaux Vote Task Force, our Department of State staff, Clerks of Court, Registrars of Voters, and election commissioners who helped successfully execute the 2020 and 2021 statewide elections in Louisiana,” Secretary Ardoin said. “They did so in the face of extraordinary challenges during a global pandemic and the aftermath of major hurricanes which upended their own lives and the lives of the citizens they serve. I could not be more proud of their work, dedication, and service.” Making the Most of Our Senior Year!

MAKING THE MOST OF OURSenior Years!

GARDENPARKNURSINGANDREHAB.COM

The Louisiana Hospital Association (LHA) recently honored James K. “Jim” Elrod, FACHE, as a Lifetime Honorary Member of the Association in recognition of his substantial contributions to the hospital industry and his community. He was the longest tenured hospital administrator in the nation, having served as president and CEO of Willis-Knighton Health System in Shreveport for more than 56 years.

“It has been a privilege and an honor of a lifetime to both lead and serve as president and CEO of Willis-Knighton Health System for more than five decades,” said Elrod. “Never as a boy from Texas did I dream I would find my promised land in the piney woods of Northwest Louisiana and together with legions of excellent doctors, nurses and support staff grow Willis-Knighton to the level of prominence in healthcare it enjoys in the region and beyond.”

Elrod began serving on the Association’s Board of Trustees in 1975, served as chair of the board from 1976 to 1977, and served as an ex-officio board member until last year. In addition, he served as board chair of the LHA Trust Funds from 1979 to 1995. “Serving the hospital industry for more than half a century, Jim Elrod’s dedication to healthcare is unmatched,” said LHA President and CEO Paul A. Salles. “His leadership has been instrumental to the Association, and we are grateful for his commitment to improving healthcare in Louisiana.” “James K. Elrod is a visionary and an exceptional leader. For more than five decades, he has made unparalleled contributions to healthcare in Northwest Louisiana and beyond,” said Jaf Fielder, president and CEO of Willis-Knighton Health System. “He leaves a lasting legacy at the local,

Paul Salles, Jim Elrod, Jaf Fielder state and national levels through his commitment to adhis substantial contributions to the hospital industry and his vancing the health and well-being of all patients and growing Willis-Knighton from a small community hospital to one of the largest healthcare systems in Louisiana.” lis-Knighton Health System in Shreveport for more than 56 In addition to making a difference in Louisiana, Elrod has been active in the healthcare field nationally. He served on the

“It has been a privilege and an honor of a lifetime to both American Hospital Association (AHA) Board of Trustees from 1985 to 1988 and on the AHA Regional Policy Board for Region Health System for more than five decades,” said Elrod. “Nev 7, which includes Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas and Louisiana, er as a boy from Texas did I dream I would find my promised from 1980 to 1992, serving as chair from 1985 to 1988. land in the piney woods of Northwest Louisiana and togeth- “Jim is a legend in Louisiana, and I extend my congrater with legions of excellent doctors, nurses and support staff ulations to him for being honored as a Lifetime Member of the Louisiana Hospital Association,” said Rick Pollack, AHA president and CEO. “Jim led Willis-Knighton for a record 56 years, taking it from a small community hospital to one of the largest health systems in Louisiana that provides es-

“James K. Elrod is a visionary and an exceptional leader. For more than five decades, he has made unparalleled contributions to healthcare in Northwest Louisiana and beyond,” said Jaf Fielder, president and CEO of Willis-Knighton Health System. “He leaves a lasting legacy at the local, state and national levels through his commitment to advancing the health and well-being of all patients and growing Willis-Knighton from a small community hospital to one of the largest healthcare systems in Louisiana.”

In addition to making a difference in Louisiana, Elrod has been active in the healthcare field nationally. He served on the American Hospital Association (AHA) Board of Trustees from 1985 to 1988 and on the AHA Regional Policy Board for Region 7, which includes Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas and Louisiana, from 1980 to 1992, serving as chair from 1985 to 1988.

“Jim is a legend in Louisiana, and I extend my congratulations to him for being honored as a Lifetime Member of the Louisiana Hospital Association,” said Rick Pollack, AHA president and CEO. “Jim led Willis-Knighton for a record 56 years, taking it from a small community hospital to one of the largest health systems in Louisiana that provides es-

sential services to patients. Jim’s service to his patients and communities is immeasurable and his influence will be felt in our field for years to come.”

Willis-Knighton Medical Center (which includes North, South, Bossier, Pierremont and Rehabilitation locations) has been recognized as a High Performing Hospital for 2022-23 by U.S. News & World Report. It is the highest performing hospital in northwest Louisiana and was ranked second in the state.

The annual Procedures & Conditions ratings, now in their 7th year, are designed to assist patients and their doctors in making informed decisions about where to receive care for common conditions and elective procedures. These ratings extend the U.S. News mission of providing consumers with patient decision support beyond the Best Hospitals rankings, which are geared toward complex specialty care.

Willis-Knighton Medical Center earned a “High Performing” rating for 14 adult procedures and conditions: aortic valve surgery, back surgery (spinal fusion), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), colon cancer surgery, diabetes, heart attack, heart bypass surgery, heart failure, hip replacement, kidney failure, knee replacement, pneumonia, stroke and transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). This was awarded in recognition of care that was significantly better than the national average, as measured by factors such as patient outcomes. “High Performing” is the highest rating U.S. News awards for those types of care.

“We appreciate this confirmation yet again of the diligent and conscientious work of our doctors, nurses, allied health professionals and support staff,” said Jaf Fielder, Willis-Knighton president and CEO. “We continually strive for excellence in all our services as we provide the latest technology and innovation to the people of this region. Our consistent performance is a reflection of our unwavering commitment to providing the very best care to the people we serve.” For the 2022-23 ratings, U.S. News evaluated more than 4,500 medical centers nationwide in 13 medical procedures and seven chronic conditions. Fewer than half of in northwest Louisiana and was ranked second in the state. all hospitals received any high-performing rating, and only four earned this rating in all 20 procedures and conditions. The U.S. News Procedures & Conditions methodology is based entirely on objective measures of quality such as level of nursing care, patient experience, survival rates other ratings extend the U.S. News mission of providing consumcare-related indicators. ers with patient decision support beyond the Best Hospitals “We appreciate this confirmation yet again of the diligent and conscientious work of our doctors, nurses, allied health professionals and support staff,” said Jaf Fielder, Willis-Knighton president and CEO. “We continually strive for excellence in all our services as we provide the latest technology and innovation to the people of this region. Our consistent performance is a reflection of our unwavering commitment to providing the very best care to the people we serve.” For the 2022-23 ratings, U.S. News evaluated more than 4,500 medical centers nationwide in 13 medical procedures and seven chronic conditions. Fewer than half of all hospitals received any high-performing rating, and only four earned this rating in all 20 procedures and conditions. The U.S. News Procedures & Conditions methodology is based entirely on objective measures of quality such as level of nursing care, patient experience, survival rates other care-related indicators.

Willis-Knighton Health System’s stroke program at WK Willis-Knighton Health System’s stroke program at WK Pierremont Health Center and WK Bossier Health Center have Pierremont Health Center and WK Bossier Health Center have received the Get with the Guidelines – Stroke Gold Plus Quali-received the Get with the Guidelines – Stroke Gold Plus Quali ty Achievement Award from the American Heart Association/ ty Achievement Award from the American Heart Association/ American Stroke Association. The award recognizes the health system’s commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the system’s commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines based on the latest scientific evidence. research-based guidelines based on the latest scientific evidence.