Residents of Plain Dealing have a new reason to celebrate after state, parish, and local leaders recently gathered to cut the ribbon on expanded broadband service coming to the community through Louisiana’s GUMBO Program.
The Granting Unserved Municipalities Broadband Opportunities (GUMBO) Program, administered by ConnectLA, is helping bring reliable, high-speed internet to communities across Louisiana that have historically lacked access to quality broadband service.
Among those attending the ceremony were Bossier Parish Police Jurors John Ed Jorden (District 4), Glenn Benton (District 2), and Chris Marsiglia (District 6), who joined state and local officials in marking the occasion.
“This is definitely a great day in Plain Dealing,” said Dr. Ken Ward, Bossier Parish Administrator. “The Governor spoke on Monday about bringing projects to the rural parts of the state. Well, here we are; we’re in rural Bossier Parish, talking about a great program with ConnectLA on the GUMBO Grant Program that’s going on with the funds for broadband.”
The project means better access to the online tools and services people rely on every day, whether it’s working from home, attending virtual classes, running a business, connecting with family, or accessing healthcare resources.
Comcast will serve as the internet provider for Plain Dealing, delivering broadband service to homes and businesses throughout the community.
Adding to the excitement of the day were members of the Plain Dealing Lions football team, who were recognized alongside their coach following a milestone achievement for the program. Last Friday, the Lions earned their first football victory in more than four years.
To celebrate the team’s accomplishment, the players were presented with an LSU football helmet signed by Coach Lane Kiffin. Among those recognized was Jamrion Baker Shepherd, a longtime member of the Lions who has played for the team since the seventh grade. Shepherd scored a touchdown in the historic win and was also awarded a $1,000 scholarship and a welder’s helmet as he prepares to pursue a career in welding at Louisiana Technical College in Shreveport.
John Ed Jorden, Police Juror for the district the town is in, congratulated the team on its achievement and praised the players for their perseverance. “What this team accomplished is something we all are proud of,” Jorden said. “The whole town is celebrating right along with them.”