New morning: Dennis Manshack, former vice president/commercial relationship manager for Gulf Coast Bank & Trust in Baton Rouge, is the new West Feliciana Parish economic development director. Manshack started his new job Wednesday, following a vote by the West Feliciana Economic Development Board on Jan. 23 to hire him. In his new role, Manshack will be responsible for attracting, retaining, and growing business and jobs in the parish, while continuously working to improve the overall quality of life. Manshack has 25 years’ experience in economic development and banking. He previously served as executive director/COO of the Louisiana Economic Development Corporation for five years, beginning in 1997.
La. Tech tragedy: Louisiana Tech running back Tyronne Duplessis was found dead this morning at his off-campus apartment. Hazel Woods, the chief investigator for the Lincoln Parish coroner’s office, says the cause of death is not yet known and an autopsy is pending. The 21-year-old Duplessis recently completed his sophomore season of eligibility. Louisiana Tech spokesman Patrick Walsh says coach Sonny Dykes has informed the team, which was expected to have a meeting later today. The university has also made grief counselors available to team members. Duplessis, who is from New Orleans, played in two games last season as he sought to come back from a knee injury that sidelined him in 2010. As a true freshman in 2009, he had 70 carries for 277 yards.
Decisions, decisions: Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says a decision won’t be made until next week on whether the state’s property insurer of last resort will pursue a U.S. Supreme Court appeal of a $93 million judgment against the company. Donelon says his office and leaders of the Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance Corp. continue to discuss their remaining legal options. Citizens was found to have moved too slowly in dealing with claims after hurricanes Katrina and Rita. At issue is whether Citizens will pay $350,000 to a Washington-based law firm to ask the Supreme Court to consider an application for appeal of the judgment, which has grown to $104 million with interest. The high court refused to stall payment of the judgment, even if Citizens tries the federal appeal.
Today’s poll question: Will you be in the stands at the Baton Rouge River Center for any of the United States Bowling Congress tournament action, which begins this month?
