[StBernard] The LRA Progress Report -- November 6, 2006

[Westley Annis]

Sports Return to Recovery School District Schools 



The Louisiana High School Athletic Association announced last week that athletics will return to the Recovery School District (RSD) schools this year. Students will have the opportunity to compete for both district and state honors.


Basketball practice is already underway with the girls' high school basketball season scheduled to start in December. The boys' high school basketball season will tip off in January 2007. All high school and middle school sports will also begin in 2007. 


Coaches and equipment for all sports are still needed. Anyone interested in helping should contact RSD Athletic Director Walter Tillman at (504) 872-0581 or e-mail him at coachwt826 at yahoo.com <mailto:coachwt826 at yahoo.com> . 


For Recovery School District updates and progress, visit www.louisianaschools.net <http://www.louisianaschools.net/> . 

DEQ Contractors to Remove Cars and Boats from Private Property 

The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality and DRC, the contractor in charge of removing vehicles and vessels damaged from hurricanes Katrina and Rita, are now expanding the service to private property. 

Property owners, local governments, businesses and apartment complexes that have abandoned cars or boats remaining on their property as a result of the hurricanes now have an approved process where they can have the items removed free of charge by the state.

Property owners should go to the DEQ Website at www.deq.louisiana.gov <http://www.deq.louisiana.gov>  or the DRC Website at www.drcusa.com <http://www.drcusa.com>  for a copy of the right-of-entry form and for more information on the removal process. 

Pampy's Creole Kitchen Reopens in the Seventh Ward of New Orleans 

Serving its award-winning fil gumbo and famous fried chicken, Pampy's Creole Kitchen reopened on Wednesday deep in the heart of the Seventh Ward of New Orleans. Prepared in the tradition of the late Chef Austin Leslie, Pampy's Creole Kitchen serves authentic Creole cuisine.

Known as "The Godfather of Soul Food Cooking," the late Chef Leslie was the inspiration behind the TV sitcom "Frank's Place." Growing up in the kitchens of New Orleans, he blended Creole cuisine with the casual food of local African-American cooks. 

Pampy's Creole Kitchen is located at 2005 N. Broad Street in New Orleans. For daily specials and more information, call (504) 949-7970. 



Thoroughbred Races Return to Delta Downs 

Last week, Delta Downs held thoroughbred races for the first time since Hurricane Rita. Located in Vinton, La., Delta Downs track opened its slot machine parlor and other amenities 43 days after the storm and started quarter horse racing almost two months ago. 

After spending about $41 million on reconstruction, Delta Downs track opens its new thoroughbred season with a 39-stakes schedule and $4 million in purse money. The season will last 88 days, running through March 31. 

For racing dates and schedules, visit www.deltadowns.com <http://www.deltadowns.com> . 


Upcoming events:

Friday, November 17, 2006
Event: Southwest Louisiana Task Force meeting
Time: TBD 
Location: TBD in Cameron Parish 

Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Event: LRA Economic & Workforce Development Task Force meeting 
Time: 1:30 p.m.
Location: Governor's Press Room, 4th Floor of the State Capitol in Baton Rouge

Thursday, December 14, 2006
Event: LRA Board of Directors meeting 
Time: 9 a.m.
Location: TBD 

*	The LRA calendar of events can be found online at http://lra.louisiana.gov/events.html <http://lra.louisiana.gov/events.html>