News

State preparing classic literature mandate for all K12 students
— Louisiana education officials are moving to require every public school student to read at least one state-approved work of classic literature each year, with $2 million already set aside to help support the effort.
Fenton police in search of burglary suspects
FENTON — Authorities are investigating an early morning burglary at a Fenton convenience store and are asking the public to help identify those responsible. Officers with the Fenton Police Department were dispatched to TP’s Grocery on U.S.
Energy Department orders backup power to avert Louisiana blackouts
— The U.S. Department of Energy on Tuesday authorized the Southwest Power Pool to activate emergency generation to avert gridwide rolling blackouts across 14 states— including parts of North Louisiana—as severe heat drove historic demand for electricity.
Officials warn drivers of pavement buckling as extreme heat persists
— After extreme heat buckled a section of Interstate 49 in Shreveport on Tuesday, Louisiana transportation officials are warning drivers to watch for sudden pavement failures as high temperatures continue through next week.
Participants sought for hunter safety course
WELSH — Registration is now open for the annual Hunter Safety Education Course hosted by the Welsh Police Department, giving prospective hunters an opportunity to earn the certification required to hunt in Louisiana.

Community

FFA Leadership , Submitted photos
FFA Leadership
Elton High School FFA Advisor Lana Myers recently brought a group of students to attend the annual Washington Leadership Conference in Washington D.C. “During the conference, Joseph, Sophie and Austin strengthened their leadership skills, collaborated with students from across the nation, explored our nation’s history and gained valuable experiences that will help shape them into future leaders,” according to EHS Principal Amy Gobert. “This incredible opportunity allowed them to represent Elton High School and our community with pride, integrity and excellence. We know the lessons they learned and the connections they made will have a lasting impact.”
Submitted photos , Wonderful Wednesdays , Wonderful Wednesdays
Wonderful Wednesdays
Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church recently wrapped up their three-week summer program, Wonderful Wednesdays, where area youth learned about being a light for Christ through Matthew 5:14: “You are the light of the world.” The children discovered how God calls each of us to let His light shine through our words, actions and love for others. Along with the lesson, everyone enjoyed an afternoon filled with laughter, friendship and tremendous fun. Program organizers thanked the volunteers, leaders and families for helping make Wonderful Wednesday a joyful and faith-filled experience.
Grand Knight Mason LeJeune (left) and KC Tommy Dennis , Grand Knight Mason LeJeune (left) and the Stretcher family Submitted photos
KC NEWS
Knights of Columbus Council 2012 recently met to discuss business, including naming their members of the month for July. Outgoing Grand Knight Tommy Dennis was named Knight of the Month, while Emile and Katelynn Stretcher received Family of the Month honors.
SUSAN LINCOLN Midweek Muddle
Anastasia and Drizella
or those of you who are not fashion-savvy, Fa skort is a cute word for a cute skirt that also has cute shorts underneath. Golfers, in particular, wear skorts.
Tea leaf scale infestations cause discoloration of leaves and even defoliation. Photo by Olivia McClure/LSU AgCenter , Tea leaf scales gather on the underside of a camellia leaf. Photo by Olivia McClure/LSU AgCenter , Tea leaf scales leave behind a cottony residue. Photo by Olivia McClure/LSU AgCenter , Reading the tea leaves: Diagnosing, dealing with scale infestations in camellias
Reading the tea leaves: Diagnosing, dealing with scale infestations in camellias
Your camellia has yellow blotches on its leaves and seems to be struggling. Aren’t these flowering shrubs supposed to be tough? In general, yes: Camellia japonica and Camellia sasanqua plants are usually easy to care for.

Sports

SUMMER SPORTS
SUMMER SPORTS
Young football players from Jeff Davis Parish and neighboring communities took to the field during Next Play’s fourth annual youth football camp in Welsh. Regional coaches and mentors worked with campers to develop their athletic skills while encouraging teamwork, leadership and confidence. To learn more about Next Play, visit the organization’s Facebook.
Young players participate in the opening day of the community flag football league, Next Play in Welsh. The athletes are developing their skills while enjoying a fun, active season with family and friends cheering them on. Daily News photos by Renee Benoit
NEXT PLAY OPENING DAY
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LaBouve becomes first Welsh freshman to compete in 4-H Shooting Sports National Championship
LaBouve becomes first Welsh freshman to compete in 4-H Shooting Sports National Championship
GRAND ISLAND, Neb. – Fifteen-year-old Landon LaBouve made history this summer as the first Welsh High School freshman to compete in the 4-H Shooting Sports National Championship, joining 767 competitors from 42 states in one of the program’s largest national events.
Jennings Pony 14U Baseball Team was recently crowned the 2026 South Zone Super Region Tournament Champions. The baseballers are now preparing for the South Zone Championship in Youngsville on July 22. Submitted photo
FORWARD MOMENTUM
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The Jennings Pony Baseball Team had a good showing at the recent tournament in Ragley. The team finished as the 2026 South Zone Baseball Section Tournament Runner-Up, advancing to compete in Youngsville. Submitted photo
Strong finish
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Editorial

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.

Open the Jeff Davis Animal Shelter now

The Jeff Davis Animal Shelter is completed, according to a recent news report from the parish administrator. And in the Jan. 22 JD Parish Police Jury meeting, the discussion centered around moving the tax rededication proposal to a November 2026 agenda for a re-vote. This rededication, which failed on Nov. 15, 2025, by the voters of Jeff Davis Parish, would have moved monies from a half-cent consolidated jail sales tax, originally passed in 2014, and last renewed in 2024, to fund maintaining this newly constructed $2.1 million shelter. The reason for moving the tax proposal later this year was to “educate the voters about taking money from the jail tax and moving it to fund the animal center”, and hopefully get the measure passed then.

Obituaries

Dr. Don Louis Ivey
Dr. Don Louis Ivey
Dr. Don Louis Ivey, 90, loving husband of Cynthia Stagg Ivey, passed away peacefully at the family home on Saturday, July 18, 2026.
Fabus Paul Bonin
Fabus Paul Bonin
Published in Jennings Daily News July 19, 2026 A memorial gathering will be held on Monday July 20, 2026 from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.
Karen Guidry
Karen Guidry Jenkins
Karen Guidry Jenkins, a member of the Jefferson Davis High School graduating class of 1968, passed away on Friday, July 3, 2026. Services will be held in Orange, Texas, on Saturday, July 11, 2026..
Georgia Brantley Chargois , Georgia Brantley Chargois
Georgia Brantley Chargois
Georgia Brantley Chargois passed into the loving arms of her Lord on June 9, 2026. Born on May 11, 1925, 101 years young, “Ms. Georgia”, as she was called, was born in Greenbrier, Ark., to Zachary Taylor Loveless and Clara Woodruff Loveless. She was preceded in death by her parents and four of her six siblings: Hazel Loveless Cardin (Dennis), Guthrie “Gus” Loveless (Bonnie Mae), Ozie Loveless Martinez, and Lovetta Loveless. Left to mourn her passing are her siblings: Gene H. Loveless and Shirley Loveless McElhanon Jordan, both of Arkansas.
Jean Istre
Jean Istre
Published in Jennings Daily News June 12, 2026 A Mass of Christian Burial will be held to honor the life of Jean Necessary Istre of Lake Charles at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 13, 2026 at Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church in Jennings with Rev.

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