May 2019

Morris’ life, military career chronicled at library

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With the Memorial Day holiday approaching, families are taking the time to remember past service members. One family is reminded of a loved one who was lost at a very young age over 50 years ago.

Paul Morris was born to Joseph and Leotha Morris near Opelousas May 17, 1945. He was the eighthborn child of the 14 children the couple shared.

The family relocated to Jennings when Paul was a young boy and the children enrolled in Jennings Elementary School, with several eventually graduating from Jeff Davis High School.

Attorney suspended from practicing

The Louisiana Attorney Disciplinary Board has suspended a Jennings lawyer from practice for two years.

The board made its decision regarding Richard C. Oustalet, Jr., May 20. In addition to the suspension, he is responsible for all financial costs in the matter.

Welsh Memorial Day event planned

WELSH - The American Legion Post 283 and the VFW Post 9046 will sponsor a Memorial Day program at 2 p.m. Monday, May 27, at the Welsh Community Center.

“Our guest speaker will be Rev. Pat Deshotel of Welsh First Baptist Church,” said Post Commander Dave Lejeune. “We invite everyone from all surroundings areas to join us.”

Lejeune said a homemade quilt will be presented to Welsh’s oldest living veteran, Lawrence Boudreaux, who is 97 years old.

NATIONAL BRIEFS

LSU president names interim chancellor for LSU-Alexandria

Vets Home Honors Fallen Soldiers

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The Southwest Louisiana Veterans Home held a Memorial Day ceremony on Friday, May 24. Guest speaker (below) was U.S. Army veteran Chris Sullivan, field representative to Clay Higgins. A flag-folding ceremony was conducted by the Vietnam Veterans of America’s (VVA) Honor Guard. The flag was presented to Administrator Matthew Duhon, who represented the family of the 48 veterans who have passed on.

Second Miss. River spillway may open

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — With high water setting longevity records on the Mississippi River, officials say they may have to open a spillway west of Baton Rouge for the third time ever. A spillway north of New Orleans is already open.

Gov. John Bel Edwards said Thursday that he will soon ask for a federal disaster declaration to set up potential aid for protective measures and debris cleanup.

He declared a statewide disaster Feb. 27 because of the threat of flooding.

State: Three parish bridges to open by fall

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Two bridges in the parish that were closed last year after state inspectors deemed them unsafe for travel are expected to reopen by the fall.

Currently the Mouton Road Bridge over Bayou Chene near Roanoke is under construction and closed to motorists.

According to Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) Public Information Officer Tammy York, the Mouton Road Bridge is currently in bent cap construction with all piles driven.

Due to high water, York said the site has been inaccessible. She said work at the site would resume as water recedes.

Serial killer Long executed in Florida

STARKE, Fla. (AP) — A serial killer who terrorized Florida with a murderous spree that claimed 10 women in 1984 was put to death Thursday, his execution witnessed by a woman who survived one of his attacks and aided in his capture.

Bobby Joe Long, 65, was pronounced dead at 6:55 p.m. Thursday following a lethal injection at Florida State Prison. Long had no last words, simply closing his eyes as the procedure began, witnesses said.

VFC attends state convention

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The Louisiana Volunteers for Family and Community (LFVC) held its 88th Annual Convention May 14-16 in Lafayette. The theme of this year’s convention was LVFC Roundup: Education and Innovation.

The purpose of this convention was to share ideas to work with individuals, families, educators, and public officials to strengthen and improve quality of life in families and communities through education.

Seniors gain interview experience

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Emily Lavergne is on a mission to ensure her students are prepared for life post-graduation. Lavergne, an English teacher at Hathaway High School, recently partnered with EnLink Midstream to host a mock interview day, giving high school seniors a glimpse of the job application process.

Students were required to prepare a resume and research EnLink prior to meeting with EnLink employees.