April 2019

Trump tells NRA he’ll fight for gun rights

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — President Donald Trump vowed to fight for gun rights as he addressed the National Rifle Association on Friday and implored members of the group — struggling to maintain its influence — to rally behind his re-election bid.

Speaking to the group for his third straight year, Trump declared himself a “champion for the Second Amendment.”

“It’s under assault,” he said of the constitutional right to bear arms. “But not while we’re here.”

Trump administration reevaluating offshore drilling plans

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration said Thursday it is reevaluating its controversial plan to sharply expand offshore drilling as it responds to a court ruling that blocked oil and gas development off Alaska and parts of the Atlantic.

Governors and lawmakers from both Republican- and Democraticled states have strongly opposed the expanded drilling. And a federal judge last month ruled against President Donald Trump’s executive order to open the Arctic and parts of the Atlantic to broader oil and gas development, saying Trump had exceeded his authority.

Keagan Center school supply drive to benefit needy students

ELTON - The Keagan Center here is committed to providing assistance to the youth of the community. Although this school year is winding down, preparations are already underway for the upcoming year.

Each year the center holds a school supply drive in order to provide students with needed items.

“The center is starting our back-to-school supply drive now. This is always a huge success,” said director Kim Thibodeaux. “Last year we were able to assist 96 children. I want to see this double. This can only happen with the help people in the community.”

Elton Housing Authority receives clean audit

ELTON - The housing authority here was given a clean bill of health based on an audit report released this week by the Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s Office (LLAO).

The 44-page audit was completed by Mike Estes, P.C., of A Professional Accounting Corporation for the fiscal year which ended on Sept. 30, 2018.

Giving Receiving

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Last year less than 200 people in Louisiana were eligible to donate organs and tissue at the time of their deaths. Their contributions, however, saved or enhanced the lives of nearly 700 people around the nation.

Only 2 percent of the population meets the criteria to donate at the end of life. One donor can potentially save up to nine people’s lives. These figures are why the Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency (LOPA) urges everyone to register to possibly save a life one day.

Spring Contest Day

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The 4-H Spring Contest Day was held this week at Jennings High School. Some participants had the task of identifying animal furs and plants as part of judging contests.

Stamp Out Hunger drive returns in May

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The United States Postal Service (USPS) will soon host its annual food collection event.

The Stamp Out Hunger campaign will take place Saturday, May 11.

“Starting on the Monday before, residents will find a post card and a brown paper bag in their mailbox reminding them of the upcoming food drive,” said USPS letter carrier and Welsh resident Charles Drake. “In an effort to refill the pantry at Caring Hands in Jennings, we will collect non-perishable food items and toiletries to be distributed to those in need.”

EPA, public to discuss Superfund site

Meeting set for May 9

The public will soon have another opportunity to speak with representatives from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) about cleanup activities at the SBA Shipyard Superfund Site in Jennings.

The SBA site is located at 9040 Castex Landing Rd.in Jennings. The 98-acre property is located at the end of La. 3166 and is adjacent to the west bank of the Mermentau River, approximately two miles southwest of Mermentau.

Keep up with events this summer

With summer break just weeks away, area children will be looking for ways to pass their free time. Jennings Daily News (JDN) knows that each summer, local libraries, volunteer groups, clubs, schools and other organizations host many free or low-cost activities local youth can enjoy.

Lock your doors and guard your plants

I’M JUST SAYIN’

There are pieces of advice law enforcement has never needed to share with me. To name a few, a cop has never had to tell me, “Don’t commit arson” or “Robbing banks is rude” or “Please do not kidnap a giraffe from the zoo.” So many common sense rules go without saying.

Despite the obvious, this newspaper must often publish stories that include advice such as, “Please do not make it super easy for a burglar to steal valuables from your unlocked vehicle.”