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Stipend discussions ongoing
The Jeff Davis Parish School Board has begun discussing how to distribute revenue from the parish’s newly approved half-cent sales tax among school system employees, but board members remain divided over the fairest approach.
Submitted photo
FFA NEWS
Elton High School junior Austin Bruchhaus was recently selected as the Louisiana state winner of Today’s Youth in Agriculture Ambassador. The state ambassadors will attend events that consist of agricultural activities and will also be expected to create agricultural content on social media.
More than 500 applicants seek share of rural health millions
(The Center Square) — More than 500 applicants are seeking a share of Louisiana’s new federal rural health funding, but not every request will be approved as they begin deciding how to divide more than $200 million.
Landfill commission tackles transition issues
With preparations underway for a new landfill operations contract next year, the Jeff Davis Parish Sanitary Landfill Commission turned its attention to several operational and financial issues that could influence both the current transition process and the parish’s long-term management of one of its most valuable public assets. Among the topics discussed were excavation activities on the landfill expansion property, maintenance of the oxidation pond, progress on smoothing and repairing expansion acreage, ongoing contract negotiations with Republic Services and continued review of operational expenditures.
POLICE REPORT
POLICE REPORT
(Editor’s Note: An arrest does not indicate whether a person is guilty of the crime with which they have been charged. A person is not considered guilty until they are convicted of a crime in a court of law.)

Community

A southern chinch bug nymph displays the distinctive white band across its back. Nymphs range in color from black to orange and feed alongside adults, damaging grass by sucking sap from stems while injecting toxins into the plant. Photo courtesy of LSU AgCenter , Adult southern chinch bugs gather on a blade of grass. Adults are about onefifth of an inch long and have black bodies with white wings that form a noticeable 'X' pattern. Because they hide in the thatch layer near the soil, infestations often go unnoticed until brown patches appear. Photo courtesy of LSU AgCenter
Brown spots in lawn may signal hidden chinch bug activity
If your lawn is developing irregular brown spots, southern chinch bugs may be the culprit. August’s high temperatures and dry soil conditions create an ideal environment for chinch bug populations to thrive throughout Louisiana.
Photo courtesy of Unsplash
Jumpstart busy mornings with make-ahead breakfast burritos
Hectic school mornings get much easier when breakfast is already waiting in the fridge or freezer. These Healthy Make-Ahead Breakfast Burritos can be assembled in advance, frozen individually and easily reheated for quick, filling meals to keep your family going through the day.
Healthy Make-Ahead Breakfast Burritos Recipe adapted from The Gracious Pantry
Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes Servings: 4 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 small red onion, diced 1 large red bell pepper, diced 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 cup chopped fresh spinach 1 cup cooked black beans 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika 4 tablespoons salsa 6 large eggs 2 tablespoons unsweetened almond milk, water or dairy milk 4 large whole-grain tortillas 1/2 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend In pan over medium heat, heat olive oil. Saute onion, bell pepper and garlic until soft, 4-5 minutes.
Tips to ace math class this school year
Math is often the most challenging class in a student’s course load. But it doesn’t have to be. Follow these tips to prevent feeling frazzled and overwhelmed this school year: Find study buddies: Staying on top of your A-game can be as simple as making some friends in your class. Find some study buddies to remain accountable and work through difficult problems together.
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STUDENT SUCCESS
Global Geospatial Institute recently honored Elton High School student Rubi Johnson for placing in the Louisiana Mapped StoryMap Competition for the high school division. Johnson’s entry was built using ArcGIS StoryMaps, powered by Esri, earning her a $100 award and statewide recognition.

Sports

Area volleyball team to host restaurant fundraiser night
Area volleyball team to host restaurant fundraiser night
The Elton High School volleyball team will host a community fundraiser Aug. 25 at McDonald’s in Jennings as the Lady Indians prepare for the upcoming volleyball season.
© Everste / iStock via Getty Images Plus
Versatile gear for nature enthusiasts
As most outdoor enthusiasts learn sooner or later, the gear you bring on your expeditions can make or break the experience. That’s why selecting multipurpose, adaptable equipment is so important. To gear up for fall hikes, climbing expeditions, bike rides and more, consider these three pieces of versatile equipment:
Junior high softball tryouts set
Junior high softball tryouts set
Jennings High School junior high softball players will have an opportunity to compete for a spot on the team during upcoming tryouts scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 30.
First lady, racing community join forces to support foster youth
(The Center Square) – Ahead of the weekend’s Freedom 250 Grand Prix race in Washington, D.C., First Lady Melania Trump hosted an event Thursday to highlight her Fostering the Future initiative as IndyCar and Fox Corporation donated $2 million to fund scholarships at Indiana University and Purdue University.
The Elton Junior High girls’ volleyball team started its season facing off against St. Edmund Catholic. The Lady Indians won two matches in their scrimmage against the St. Ed Lady Blue Jays. Submitted photo
SERVING UP A WIN
SERVING UP A WIN

Editorial

America's small businesses can't aord 340B abuse
Many hospitals are destabilizing small businesses across America by exploiting a littleknown federal charity care program to drive healthcare costs up. The 340B Drug Pricing Program was supposed to help safety-net hospitals serve vulnerable patients by letting them buy prescription medicines at a discount.
Elton adopts golf cart ordinance aligned with state law
ELTON — The Elton Town Council approved a new golf cart ordinance that brings the town's regulations into compliance with Louisiana law and sets local registration fees, following a detailed presentation by Town Attorney Michael Holmes. Holmes explained that the ordinance is based on Louisiana Revised Statute 32:299.4 and establishes the requirements for operating golf carts on public streets within the Town of Elton. Under the ordinance, golf cart owners must register their vehicles with the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles if they intend to drive them on public roads. Operators must also provide proof of registration and liability insurance before receiving authorization from the town.
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A vacation, in 50 words or less
Ihave unpacked the suitcase. I have washed its contents and returned my clean clothes to closets and drawers.
Louisiana lawsuit abuse costs taxpayers, jobs

As a legislator proudly representing Louisiana’s working coast in Terrebonne Parish, the impacts of lawsuit abuse continue to reverberate across not only my district, but the entire state.

A rare reset in the new dietary guidelines — with more work ahead

The Departments of Health and Human Services and Agriculture just released the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, resetting the federal nutrition advice that shapes how Americans eat.

Obituaries

Margaret Mallett
Margaret Mallett
Margaret Myers Mallett, a devout Catholic, was the second of nine children born to Luke, Sr. and Mamie Kinney Myers on April 17, 1936 in Jennings in Jeff Davis Parish. As a teen, she cared for her maternal grandparents, Elvina and Leo Paul Kinney. After graduating from Jennings High School, she attended SLI (now UL Lafayette) where she met Joseph “Joe” Mallett also from Jeff Davis Parish. On August 4, 1956, they were one of the first couples married at the newly formed Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Jennings, of which her family was a founding member. Margaret and Joe began their family in Welsh before moving to Baton Rouge for Joe’s work. In Baton Rouge, they were a founding family of St. Pius X Catholic Church. Upon moving to Wilson in East Feliciana Parish, they joined Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Jackson where she was active with the Altar Guild and was affectionately known as the “Donut Lady”.
Mary Epperly
Mary Epperly
Mary Epperly passed away on Thursday, August 6, 2026 at the age of 83. She was born in Roanoke and resided in LaPlace.
Mary Epperly
Mary Epperly
Mary Epperly passed away on Thursday, August 6, 2026 at the age of 83. She was born in Roanoke and resided in LaPlace.
Ivy "John" Gary
Ivy "John" Gary
Ivy 'John' Gary, 79, of Jennings passed away peacefully at his home in Lake Charles on July 11, 2026. He was born on Aug.
Dwayne "Durwood" Lewis
Dwayne 'Durwood' Lewis
Dwayne “Durwood” Lewis, 69, of Jennings, died peacefully in his home surrounded by family members on Thursday, July 23, 2026 after a brief battle with cancer. Visitation was held on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at Miguez Funeral Home in Jennings beginning at 3 p.m.

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