LMR FEB 2020.pdf

parishes between them, according to BroadBandNow.
Lafayette also had roughly 98% connectivity to fast
speeds.
Sluggish internet speeds are a reality Iberville STEM
Academy senior Ariel Williams knows all too well.
The school has increasingly put a focus on computerized
assignments. But at times Williams has to stop and
restart her internet router then wait several minutes for
her work to buffer at her home in Maringouin, which is
among the communities getting a speed boost.
Other times, she and her classmates have to find a
library or use the hotspot from their phones. “It’s real
aggravating,” Williams said.
Hospitals and medical facilities have also begun
offering services for rural patients to video chat with
doctors, which often spares them from making a long
trip. Farmers have increasingly begun to use more
technology in recent years that rely on strong internet
connections for things like soil sensors and even
autonomous tractors.
Grosse Tete Mayor Michael Chauffe said internet speeds
is often a sticking point for businesses in developers
who want to build there. The antiquated copper lines
that connect homes and businesses in town are slow and
sometimes unreliable.
With the prospect of faster speeds, the mayor said that
could give residential and business development a jolt in
the near future.
“The old saying goes: ‘If you build it, they will come,’”
he said. “Now we can say we have high-speed, optic
internet.”
LDAF’S INDIAN CREEK WINNER OF LOUISIANA TOURISM AWARD
The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry’s
(LDAF’s) Indian Creek Recreation Area is this year’s
recipient of the Campground/RV Park of the Year award
by the Louisiana Travel Association (LTA).
The LTA presented 19 “Louey Awards” at its annual
meeting in Clarenton, La. to honor and showcase
individuals and organizations contributing to the
Louisiana tourism industry.
“We have worked very hard to make Indian Creek
a destination for Louisiana residents and visitors
from all over,” said Commissioner of Agriculture and
Forestry Mike Strain, D.V.M. “The pristine and tranquil
grounds offer camping, boating, fishing and a beautiful
playground area. There are a variety of activities for
family fun,” added Strain.
Indian Creek Recreation Area, located in Woodworth,
La., includes 100 acres of developed recreation facilities,
250 acres of primitive camping area, and the 2,250 acre
Indian Creek Lake. The recreation area has more than
100 campsites with water and electricity. Other amenities
include three beaches, five bathrooms, laundry facilities,
playground, handicap parking, boat launch, canoe
rentals, Wi-Fi (in RV area) and a covered pavilion which
is available for rent. Indian Creek is managed by the
LDAF.
Indian Creek Recreation Area also hosts several events
throughout the year such as the Golf Cart & Pet Mardi
Gras Parade, Easter egg hunts, Antique Tractor &
Classic Car Show, Indian Creek Triathlon, Fourth of July
fireworks, and trick-or-treating.
“It is wonderful to have such an important part of
our community honored with this award,” said Sherry
Photo courtesy of the Lt. Governor’s Office
Left to right: Andrew Stewart (LDAF employee), Commissioner Mike
Strain, Melissa Sylvia (LDAF employee)
Ellington, Executive Director, CEO of the Alexandria/
Pineville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Indian
Creek Recreation Area is beyond deserving of this
award because they are a huge draw for travelers to
our area and dedicated to improving the quality of
life for residents by offering a variety of events and
experiences.”
For more information on Indian Creek Recreation
Area, go to www.ldaf.la.gov or check out the Indian
Creek Recreation Area Facebook page at @
indiancreekrecreationareaLDAF.
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LMR | February 2020