News roundup: Dardenne recognized for support of the arts … Business development consulting sessions launched in Livingston Parish … B.R. Army Recruiting Battalion gets a change of command

Published Jul 20, 2012 at 10:00 am (Updated Jul 20, 2012)

Drawn to it: Lt. Gov. Jay Dardenne has been awarded the Public Leadership in the Arts Award for State Arts Leadership by the national nonprofit group Americans for the Arts and the National Lieutenant Governors Association. The award annually honors a public official who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in the advancement of the arts at the state level. Dardenne received it at the NLGA's annual conference in Chicago on Wednesday. More details on the award and why Dardenne was selected for it are available here.

Something to talk about: Beginning Wednesday, Aug. 8, the Livingston Economic Development Council will provide professional, one-on-one business consulting sessions to individuals interested in starting or expanding a business in Walker, Livingston, Denham Springs and surrounding areas. The sessions will be held at the LEDC offices, 20355 Government Blvd., Suite E, in Livingston. After Aug. 8, sessions will be offered on the second Wednesday of each month; they'll be available by appointment only. If you're interested in scheduling one, contact the LEDC at 225-686-3982.

Defenders of the flag: Lt. Col. Doug Reynolds is set to take command of the Baton Rouge Army Recruiting Battalion following a change of command ceremony in Baton Rouge this morning. Reynolds' previous assignment was to Camp Smith, Hawaii, where he served as the Land Operations Planner for the Joint Forces Headquarters. Outgoing commander Lt. Col. Jose Torres departs for the Pentagon, where he will serve as an analyst for the Department of the Army.