Kate Archer Kent

The former head of the North Louisiana Economic Partnership, Kurt Foreman, is keeping a close eye on the rebuilding process in tornado-ravaged Moore, Okla., as executive director of economic development for the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce. His chamber represents 5,400 companies, Foreman said, and now the focus is on helping the ones in Moore.

Christus Health will close its Christus Schumpert St. Mary's Place medical complex in Shreveport and consolidate many services into its Highland Medical Center in Shreveport. CEO Stephen Wright announced at a news conference Monday that the cost cutting move will eliminate 200 jobs over the next two years, trimming its workforce by about 10 percent. Wright said the Sutton Children’s Medical Center, which has been running a $10 million annual deficit in recent years, will also close.

Commentator Gary Joiner remembers the Siege of Vicksburg and how fresh baked bread factored into the capture of the emaciated city and Confederate soldiers, 150 years ago this week.

The Arc of Acadiana Northwest, a residential facility for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, has opened seven resale clothing stores and a nursery and pottery business at its 100-acre campus in Bossier City. Arc employee Ruth Fox moved to Bossier City in December to start preparing for the launch of the resale stores that are in a converted activities building. She finds the new nursery has been the biggest draw for shoppers.

Louisianans who are interested in keeping Louisiana French alive will meet Saturday in Derry, La., for what’s called the Natchitoches French Table. Dustin Fuqua, cultural resource specialist for the Cane River Creole National Historical Park, launched the Natchitoches French Table in January.

Last year, he landed a coveted National Park Service professional development grant that enabled him to attend French Tables throughout southwest Louisiana to improve his retention and use of Louisiana French, a group of French dialects.