For Immediate Release, Tuesday, November 1, 2005
Contact:  Suzanne Parsons Stymiest @ 985-898-5243

PARISH LAUNCHES NEWS PROGRAM WITH KATRINA INFO

            Parish President Kevin Davis has announced the creation of a news program to air on the Government Access Channel (Charter cable channel 10) to keep residents informed about recovery efforts post-Katrina.

            The program, “Northshore News,” will air twice daily with weekly updates, and will feature interviews with local leaders, disaster recovery volunteers, and public officials. The first edition began airing last Friday, and includes segments with Davis, Slidell Mayor Ben Morris, Covington Mayor Candace Watkins, Assessor Patricia Core, Slidell Fire Chief Larry Hess, Slidell Police Chief Freddy Drennan, Parish Councilman Ken Burkhalter and volunteers from the American Red Cross and First Baptist Church of Slidell.

            The next edition will include interviews with Mandeville Mayor Eddie Price and Schools Superintendent Gayle Sloan, in addition to other local officials. Each edition of “Northshore News” will include features highlighting the efforts of non-profits and volunteer organizations and their contributions to St. Tammany’s rebuilding effort.

            “During this time of rebuilding and recovery, it is extremely important to keep our citizens informed of local recovery efforts and update them on our progress,” Davis said. “While we respect the efforts of mainstream news programs, they cover a wide geographical area and population. Our show will focus only on St. Tammany Parish, giving viewers a full half-hour of local news and information.”

            Citizens are encouraged to contact “Northshore News” with story ideas via email to GAC@stpgov.org, fax to 898-2798, or mail to P.O. Box 628, Covington, LA, 70434.

            “Northshore News” is aired daily at 7 a.m. and 10 p.m.

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