The 318: A challenge to school masks and a change in cosmetology rules for Louisiana
Though the first weeks of November were packed with news like Ralph and Kacoo’s Thanksgiving Day around noon, the past week saw a more tame political scene in the Shreveport-Bossier area.
Filling vacancies on Caddo Commission and Shreveport City Council
This week, Caddo Parish commissioners will appoint a new co-fellow to the seat left by Lynn Cawthorne of District 6, who resigned after pleading guilty to federal wire fraud charges.
The Caddo Commission will make their decision Monday at 3:30 p.m at a public meeting in the Government Plaza in Shreveport. According to the meeting’s agenda, there are four candidates: former state Legislator Ernest Baylor, Jr., SporTran maintenance supervisor Steffon Jones, 2019 Caddo Sheriff's candidate Hersy Jones, and sickle cell foundation case manager Jasmine Clinton.
The Shreveport City Council will accept applications to fill their seat vacancy until Tuesday and must make a choice by Dec. 13. Shreveport must replace James Flurry of District E who resigned after fellow councilmembers questioned his residential move out of his district – a move that renders his seat vacated.
City officials ask for bond measure support as early voting kicks off
Early voting for the 2021 Shreveport Bond Proposal began Saturday. The ballot includes five proposals which, if all approved, would total a $236 million investment for voters.
Read why Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins says “we have to act now,” and how the police department would use their allocation for moldy ceilings and other health concerns at their main headquarters.
Caddo parents take first steps to fight school mask mandates
A group of Caddo Parish parents sent a cease and desist letter to the school board, demanding the immediate end of mask requirements in schools. The current mask mandate ends Dec. 3 if the district’s COVID positivity rates stay below 5%.
The group's attorney Royal Alexander said in a statement, "We would very much like to avoid a lawsuit if possible but these concerned, exasperated parents feel these masks are doing much more harm than good and it's time for them to go and not come back."
Cosmetology rules change in Louisiana
On Nov. 11, the Louisiana State Board of Cosmetology approved the revision of the practical exam for cosmetology. This revision promotes the proficiency of styling textured hair.
This revision will go into effect June of 2022.
Read why this change is important to a Shreveport stylist and her client.
A fare-free SporTran
SporTran announced their free-to-ride program will start in January and will last for two years. The program will be assisted by federal dollars covering the cost of bus and OnDemand travel. Shreveport City Council approved the program at their Nov. 19 meeting.
A community Thanksgiving
The Rescue Mission made around 1,200 plates with 200 served on-site at the Mission, and the remaining 1,000 being delivered.
At the Salvation Army, another 1,200 meals were prepared. About 300 were delivered to those unable to leave their homes.
"It means a lot to do that, sometimes those people feel like they are forgotten about," said Shreveport Salvation Army Capt. Jamaal Ellis.
Shreveport hand sanitizer recall
The sanitizer is packaged in 8-ounce containers that resemble water bottles.
You can expect a new edition of The 318 every Sunday evening
Kendrick Dante writes for the USA Today Network and is a government watchdog reporter in Shreveport, Louisiana. He enjoys cooking, concerts, and content. Email him at kdbrown1@gannett.com or connect on Twitter @kendrickdante.
This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: The 318: School masks challenge, Cawthorne's seat, and textured hair
