March 2018

Iota boys grab runner-up finish at powerlifting state meet

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ALEXANDRIA - The Iota Bulldogs were expecting to bring home a trophy from Saturday’s Division III boys state powerlifting championships at Rapides Parish Coliseum. And they did. It just wasn’t the hardware they were hoping for. The Bulldogs had one lifter bomb out and it cost them as they fell two points shy of a state title, finishing second (35 points) to champion Abbeville (37 points). “It is nice to come home with a trophy, but you could tell that the kids knew we didn’t do what we were supposed to do,” said IHS coach Ray Aucoin.

Altuve, Astros finalize $163.5M, 7-year contract

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — AL MVP Jose Altuve and the World Series champion Houston Astros have finalized a $163.5 million, seven-year contract that guarantees an additional $151 million over five seasons.

The 27--year-old second baseman had been among baseball’s best bargains. He agreed in 2013 to a deal that originally guaranteed $12.5 million from 2014-17 and included club options for 2018 at $6 million and 2019 at $6.5 million.

Shelton eager to contribute to New England Patriots’ success

Danny Shelton didn’t need very long to start toeing the New England Patriots’ company line.

Less than a week after New England acquired Shelton in a trade with the Cleveland Browns, the defensive lineman is already singing coach Bill Belichick’s praises and taking notice of the team’s culture of success.

“Part of the formula to winning is doing your job, and I see that everywhere at the facility with everyone just staying focused and having that same goal leading towards success, and that’s what I want to be a part of,” Shelton said on a conference call Monday.

Charge against Richardson declined

District attorney Michael Cassidy announced Friday that he has declined a charge of domestic abuse battery that was made against Welsh High coach John Richardson in February.

Richardson, 45, was arrested after a dispute between himself and his minor child. According to information released by Jeff Davis Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Chris Ivey upon the arrest, the juvenile was reported to have a red mark on her eye but did not seek medical attention.

Cassidy stated in a press release that he reviewed all reports and statements connected to the investigation.

Ag Day

If you have never given any thought to what the agriculture industry means to Louisiana, today might be the day to do so. Tuesday is National Agriculture Day.

In a press release, Mike Strain, commissioner for the state Department of Agriculture and Forestry, said agriculture is important because it is meant to make people reflect on a sometimes overlooked industry.

Local arrested for attempted murder

A Jennings man is facing second-degree murder charges after a Sunday altercation.

Travin Thomas, 32, was arrested early Sunday after allegedly attacking a man with a razor blade and threatening him with a handgun, Jennings Police Detective Richard Geiger said.

At around 7 a.m., officers were called to a home on Wilbert D. Rochelle Avenue where a victim was found bleeding profusely from cuts on his hands and wrists.

Snakes becoming more active with warmer weather

Snakes are emerging with the warmer spring weather.

Jeff Boundy, a statewide wildlife biologist, said snakes become more active this time of the year after lying semi-dormant for an extended period.

“They tend to become inactive in the winter, and they find a safe and dry place to stay out of the cold weather,” he said. “They’ll most often hide in holes in the ground which are around 50 degrees, which is above freezing.”

Boundy said snakes begin to emerge in the spring to resume their life cycle.

Renny Kirk Crochet

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It’s with great sadness and heavy hearts that the family of Renny Kirk Crochet announces his passing from this life on March 15, 2018 at the age of 62.

Funeral services honoring Renny’s life will be held at Matthews and Son Funeral Home in Jennings on Tuesday, March 20, 2018, at 2 p.m.

A gathering of family and friends will be held at the funeral home beginning on Monday, March 19, from 6-9 p.m. Visitation will resume on Tuesday, March 20, from 10 a.m. until the time of his funeral service.

Burial will follow in Miller French Cemetery.

Harold ‘Smitty’ Allan Smith

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It’s with great sadness and heavy hearts that the family of Harold “Smitty” Smith announces his passing from this life on March 16, 2018, at the age of 83.

A Memorial service honoring Harold’s life will be held at 2877 Riverside Road. in Jennings on Tuesday, March 20, 2018 at 6 p.m., with Reverend Laura Nusbaum officiating.

Harold was born to Harold Albert Smith and Ursula Bridsong Smith on March 24, 1934. He served our nation honorably in the United States Navy. Harold loved dancing and watching Fox News. He especially loved being outdoors and going to car shows.

Robert ‘Radio’/‘Bob’ Mac Murray

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LAKE ARTHUR - It’s with great sadness and heavy hearts that the family of Robert “Radio”/”Bob” Mac Murray announces his passing from this life on March 17, 2018 at the age of 70, while surrounded by his loving family.

Funeral services honoring Robert’s life were held at Matthews and Son Funeral Home in Lake Arthur on Monday, March 19, 2018, at 6 p.m., with Jeremy Damiata and Jerry Snider officiating.