Category: News

The Tunica-Biloxi Tribal Transportation Program (TIP) Control Schedule for FY2022 through FY2025 has been developed and is available for public review/comment. The TTP Control Schedule can be reviewed or copies can be obtained at the Tunica-Biloxi Director of Land and Facilities’ office located in the Tunica-Biloxi Cultural and Educational Resources Center (CERC) at 150 Melacon Road, Marksville, Louisiana 71351.

Any comments/questions about the Control Schedule for FY2022 through FY2025 may be sent to Ron Bordelon, Director of Land and Facilities at rbordelon@tunica.org until September 9, 2022.

Marksville, La. – (August 25, 2022) Paragon Casino Resort is revving up for a high-volume fall season with 150 new gaming machines on the casino floor. This influx of new machines features the latest gaming technology, featured in both “bingo-style” and “Las Vegas-style” slot machines, in addition to a series of entertainment-focused enhancements Paragon Casino Resort has implemented over the last five years. Paragon Casino Resort is the only casino to offer its players both styles of gaming machines in the state of Louisiana.

“Paragon Casino Resort is continuously exploring new technology and revitalizing our offerings to enhance the gaming experience of our guests,” said Marshall Ray Sampson, Sr., General Manager of Paragon Casino Resort. “With the recent upgrades to our gaming floor and other areas of our campus, Paragon Casino Resort is ready to welcome both regular visitors and new guests this fall.”     

The acquisition of new gaming machines has been a long-term project for Paragon Casino Resort. From the onset, Paragon Casino Resort meticulously researched the latest in gaming technology and sought out highly popular slot machines such as the Cashnado and the Lantern of Destiny on Flex, a pair of video slot machines offering huge progressive jackpots. Additionally, Paragon Casino Resort is currently acquiring the newest bingo-style slots including some of the most popular games such as Crazy Cherry Jewel Hunt, Mr. Money Bags and the Polar High Roller Jewel Hunt, to add to the variety of its offerings.

The new gaming machines will replace 15 percent of the estimated 1,000 total machines currently on the casino floor. Players will be able to experience an assortment of gaming favorites, including the highly-anticipated Wealth of Coins Dancing Lion and Golden Blessings.

In addition to updating its sizeable selection of gaming offerings, Paragon Casino Resort became a forerunner in diversifying gaming offerings in Louisiana with the addition of in-person sports betting. In October 2021, Paragon Casino Resort in partnership with Betfred Sports was the first facility to allow on-site sports betting in Louisiana.

“In-person sports betting and our new machines have opened a new realm of opportunity for Paragon Casino Resort, the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe and players within Louisiana,” said Marshall Pierite, Chairman of the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana, which owns Paragon Casino Resort. “Paragon Casino Resort now offers a robust gaming experience with the latest gaming technology and hardware to all guests.”

In addition to sports betting, Paragon Casino Resort has seen several physical upgrades over the past year, including the opening of the Draft Room, a 600-square-foot sports bar boasting wall-to-wall sports and gaming options and a North Tower hotel renovation with a relaxed yet modern aesthetic to accommodate overnight guests.

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About Paragon Casino Resort

Since opening its doors in 1994, The Paragon Casino Resort has strived to become the most entertaining gaming destination in the South. The facilities feature an impressive lineup of luxury amenities and attractions, including over 1,000 slot machines and over 35 tables on a 64,000-square-foot gaming floor; a hotel with more than 500 rooms; a full-service spa and salon; an 18-hole golf course with a fully stocked pro-shop and grillroom; indoor tropical pool; a soaring bayou themed atrium complete with a live alligator habitat; a three-screen cinema; restaurants; bars; full-service top rated RV resort; Kids Quest child care activity center; Cyber Quest arcade and over 75,000 square feet of meeting space including an expansive showroom hosting concerts and conventions. Over the years, the Paragon facilities have made a significant economic impact on central Louisiana. Currently, the Paragon employs over 700 associates. To learn more about how to participate in sports betting at the casino resort and to experience the rest of Paragon’s amenities, visit www.paragoncasinoresort.com or follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. To book a stay at the Paragon Resort or learn more, call (318) 253-1946 or 1-800-946-1946.

PURPOSE: To create lifelong learning that encourages continued brain health and stimulation for our elders. Research has shown that lifelong learning can result in less memory loss and fewer cognitive disorders, such as Alzheimer’s and Dementia. So important for our elders to stay actively engaged, mentally, physically and socially. Continued health and wellness for our elders is our goal.

COURSE EXAMPLES: Baking, basket weaving, cooking, creative writing, gardening, interior design and staging, drawing, jewelry making/beading, music instrument, nutrition, painting, photography, poetry, pottery, quilting, sewing, woodworking, writing

REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be a tribal member
• Must be 55+
• Have not applied for the program within the current year

MAXIMUM REIMBURSEMENT: $500 per year (Course/materials) – must provide the following:

• Course registration/documentation
• Receipts
• Certification of completion

*The Elders Enrichment Learning is a pilot program and will be determined on a first come, first serve basis, due to limited funds. And therefore, applications will be approved, so long as funds are available. If the program is successful, we will seek additional resources that may help fund this program for future years to come.

Any member who willfully violates the rules of the program, could be prevented from participating in future programs.

Click here for the application.

The Inter-Tribal Council of Louisiana is a workforce development organization designed to develop the academic and occupational needs of American Indian people living in Louisiana. The ITCLA provides comprehensive employment and training activities in order to make individuals more competitive in the workforce; and promote economic and social development in accordance with the goals and values of consortium member tribes, including the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana.

Some of the many services and training that the ITCLA offer include:

• Online local tribal job listings
• Job counseling, job placement assistance and referrals
• Job readiness skills courses
• Adult basic education, literacy, math skills and GED preparation
• Youth employment programs
• Financial aid and planning
• Food and nutrition services

To learn more about what the ITCLA has to offer, click here.

Dear Tunica-Biloxi Citizens, 

This summer has seen a massive increase in the average power bill for citizens across Louisiana. To alleviate a portion of the financial burdens some may have been suffering, Entergy Louisiana has committed almost $4.4 million to United Way to assist qualified customers with paying their energy bills. 

I encourage all citizens who meet these qualifications to apply. Additional information may be found below. As always, I encourage those with questions or concerns to reach out to me or Chief of Staff Megan Guillot at mguillot@tunica.org or 381-427-7418. 

Sincerely,
Chairman Marshall Pierite

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United Way of Central Louisiana will accept applications for Entergy residential customers who reside in our service area: Avoyelles, Concordia, Grant, La Salle, and Winn. 

Entergy customers are encouraged to visit www.entergy.com/answers for the most up-to-date information on bill assistance. 

Customers with a household income of up to 250% of the federal poverty level will be qualified. This equates to:

• $33,975 for a household of 1
• $45,775 for a household of 2
• $57,575 for a household of 3
• $69,375 for a household of 4
• $81,175 for a household of 5
• $92,975 for a household of 6

DOCUMENTATION

(Applicants will be required to upload documents. These file types are accepted: .jpg .tif .png .pdf)

• Photo ID (driver’s license or state-issued ID, passport) 
• Income options (choose one)
  • First page of 2021 tax return for all income earners in household
  • 2021 W2 for all income earners in household
  • Last paystub for all income earners in household
  • Social Security Administration 1099 or 1042-S form

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

(Please have this information handy when you start your application)

• Entergy account number
• Account holder’s DOB
• Valid email address
• Working phone number
• Utility service address
• Number of people in household
• Total annual income of all earners in household
• Income earners over the age of 18 in the household

HOW IT WORKS

• Fill out the application online form and upload supporting documents.
• You will be contacted by a United Way of Central Louisiana Caseworker if your application is complete.
• United Way’s Caseworker will review your application and get back to you within 10 business days.
• Approved applications will receive a $150 credit on their Entergy Louisiana bill. 

United Way of Central Louisiana is working with local partners to ensure applications can be accessed online and paper applications are available.  We will update our website with the most current information.  

Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, La, has an opportunity for Native Americans to receive tuition exemption at their institution. Application deadlines are as follows:

Fall 22 Semester – September 30
Spring 23 Semester – February 28
Summer 23 Semester – July 15

Click here for the application.

The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana commits to their community through $1 million donation for the development of a multi-sport complex in Avoyelles Parish

Marksville, La. – June 29, 2022 – The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana contributed to the development of Avoyelles Parish’s newest multi-sport complex by making a $1 million commitment over the next ten years, including $300,000 for this year.

“The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe has always taken the stance that we must continue to invest in our communities and our younger generations so that we as a people, and our neighbors, may continue to thrive,” said Tunica-Biloxi Chairman Marshall Pierite. “This sports complex will bring much needed opportunities for recreation to the youth of Avoyelles Parish. I extend my sincere thanks to all who have participated in bringing this very worthy cause to fruition including the local community, Representative Deshotel, Senator Heather Cloud, the Avoyelles Parish Police Jury as well as the Vice-Chairman Marshall Ray Sampson, Sr. and the entire Tunica-Biloxi Tribal Council.”

Members of the community recognized the need for a sports complex with the ability to host a wide range of sporting events and activities and approached Tunica-Biloxi Tribal leadership for assistance. Tribal leadership, with the support of a committee devoted to making this dream a reality, approached Louisiana State Representative Daryl Deshotel and Louisiana State Senator Heather Cloud.

During the recent legislative session, Rep. Deshotel and Sen. Cloud, armed with the support of the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe, collaborated to secure $350,000 in state funds as well as donations from other private donors that will be used to bring this sports complex to Avoyelles Parish. It is envisioned that the complex will house baseball, softball, soccer and football fields – for use by the local community.

“I work with ARC,” said Sen. Cloud. “I have an intellectually disabled adopted son, and they compete in the Special Olympics across the state. The Muscular Dystrophy Association also has events in different places across the state, and I am excited about being able to host these things in time in Avoyelles Parish.”

Lawmakers and community leaders are eager to commence building over the next few months and are working with the Avoyelles Recreation Board in their search for property near the center of the parish that can accommodate the new facilities.

 

Tunica-Biloxi Tribe, Paragon Casino Resort and United Way “Link-Up” to Help Low-Income Families

President of United Way of Central Louisiana and Chairman of the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe join forces to raise funds to aid those in need

CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS AND BROLL

Marksville, La. – (Jun. 27, 2022) – Today, Paragon Casino Resort and the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana partnered with United Way of Central Louisiana to host the Hit for Hope Tunica-Biloxi Governors Cup, a fundraising golf tournament held at the Tamahka Trails Golf Course, Paragon’s premier 18-hole championship-level golf course. Tournament participants included United Way of Central Louisiana President and CEO Michelle Purl and Chairman of the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana Marshall Pierite.

“The Tunica Biloxi Tribe will always seek opportunities to aid not only Tribal citizens but all our friends, family and neighbors,” said Marshall Pierite, Chairman of the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana. “United Way of Central Louisiana is an outstanding partner, and we greatly appreciate the work they do to make a difference in the lives of some of the most vulnerable in Central Louisiana.”

Proceeds from the tournament were donated to the United Way of Central Louisiana programs that benefit the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) population. ALICE is a driver of innovation, research, and action to improve life across the country for families who may be unable to afford the basics of childcare, housing, food and healthcare.

“It is because of the generosity of our partner organizations and goodhearted people across central Louisiana that we can continue to advocate for the betterment of our communities and find solutions that uplift families in need,” said Michelle Purl, President and CEO of United Way of Central Louisiana. “We hope to continue our partnership with the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe and Paragon Casino Resort in our collective mission of serving the families of Central Louisiana.”

The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe and Paragon Casino Resort have a long history of investing in the communities that surround their tribal lands. In 2021, the Tribe donated over $1 million, their largest contribution ever, to organizations and causes that support the residents of Avoyelles Parish. The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe also participates in annual food drives and hosts events such as the Special Olympics Torch Run to support community engagement and unity within the parish.

The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana, in partnership with the Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs) of Louisiana and the National Center American Indian PTAC, is proud to host the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe Procurement Conference.

The conference is open to tribal and non-tribal small businesses who want to learn about the governmental procurement process and how to win contracts with the government. The conference also brings government buyers from all levels of government, as well as Prime Contractors and Corporations, for participants to meet one-on-one for networking and matchmaking opportunities. 

For more information, click here.

The Tunica Biloxi Tribal Government is taking bids on the following item(s). Sealed bids can be dropped off Monday thru Friday by calling Byron Rachal at (318) 264-1362.

Sealed bids can also be mailed to:
Tunica Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana
Attn: Byron Rachal
P.O. Box 1589
Marksville, LA 71351

All bids must be received by Friday, July 1st, before 4:30 pm.

2008 Dodge Durango
93036 miles
Minimum Bid is $200.00

The vehicle is sold as-is with no warranty of condition.
It is reported that there are problems with this vehicle’s motor & transmission. Also, water leaks into the vehicle.

The buyer is responsible for payment and pickup within 2 weeks after purchase.