Loggers told tech school construction due soon The new Louisiana Technical College due for construction in Winnfield next year, will be a state-of-the-art facility offering learning opportunities for technology-related jobs for Louisiana workers, according to State Senator Gerald Long, who spoke to the Louisiana Loggers Association Self Insured Fund annual banquet in Winnfield. n The 15th annual event is held each year during the Louisiana Forest Festival, an industry highlight for the city which calls itself the Heart of the Forest in Louisiana. Sen. Long said he is working with Representative Jim Fannin of Jonesboro, who also chairs the House Appropriations Committee, to sponsor a bill establishing a dual-track curriculum for high school students. Since only 30 to 40 percent of Louisiana high school graduates go to college, students need an alternative to prepare them for top jobs in industry, Long said. The Technical College, due for construction on property adjoining the Winnfield High School campus alongside Highway 167 North, will offer opportunity for such a program. Long said there are 75,000 jobs in Louisiana that require some technical skills. The Senator said his legislative office in Winnfield is staffed by Mrs. Myrtle Lasyone, who worked for the retired Sen. Mike Smith. He invited those with needs to discuss state services to contact the office. The Association Self Insured Fund was organized in 1994, and continues to be strong financially, according to Board member Tony McManus. During the current year, the Fund returned $1,250,000 in dividends to members in good standing. The Fund is managed by a five-member board including McManus, Michael Franks, Robert Franks, Steven Gaar, and Don Tant. Employees include Evelyn Garner, administrator; Jeannie Gaar, administrative assistant; and Bobby Erskins, safety engineer. The members enjoyed the traditional buffet meal of fish, shrimp, and the trimmings, at the Winnfield Civic Center on the Winn Fair Grounds sound of Winnfield. |