June 2019

States’ push to legalize sports betting differs by region

CHERRY HILL, N.J. (AP) — In the year since the U.S. Supreme Court cleared the way for every state to legalize sports betting , a regional divide has opened as states decide whether to expand their gambling options.

By year’s end, legalization is possible in a dozen states in the Northeast and Midwest. But most states in the Deep South and far West — SEC and Pac-12 territory in college sports — are staying on the sidelines, at least for now.

Welsh Softball stars finish seventh at Sectional Tournament

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KAPLAN – The Welsh 12u Softball All-Stars turned in a seventh-place finish at the Sectional Tournament held at multiple sites throughout Vermillion Parish this past weekend after getting off to a rocky start in pool play on Friday. The Lady Hounds dropped their two Friday contests 3-1 to Eunice, and eventually fell 7-1 to tournament champion Kinder in a game that was only 2-1 heading into the final inning of play. Welsh endured a 14-hour day on Saturday to go 2-2, and didn’t leave the ballpark until right at midnight after playing four games in bracket play.

Big finish for Jennings

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KAPLAN – The Jennings 12u Softball All-Stars notched a fourth-place finish at the PONY Section Tournament held at multiple sites around the Vermillion Parish area over the weekend. Fourteen teams from throughout South Louisiana competed at the three-day event, with Jennings making it to the third day of finals play.

Parish drainage districts see clean audits

State audits on two drainage districts in the parish showed healthy finances for the previous fiscal year.

Audits were released Monday by the Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s Office (LLAO) for Jeff Davis Gravity Drainage District No. 9 in Welsh, as well as Grand Marais Gravity Drainage District. Both reports were completed by certified public accountant Mike B. Gillespie, of Jennings.

Tourist Commission adopts budget

The Jeff Davis Tourist Commission met this morning to adopt their budget for the upcoming fiscal year beginning July 1.

The budget is a standstill budget and will be the same as the prior year with the exception of an additional $25,000 in payroll necessary to fun the new 5,000-foot Gator Chateau facility that has already seen over 5,000 visitors in the first three weeks.

Pool Pointers

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Lilly Cassidy (above), 3, and her sister Ellis Cassidy (left), 1, prove that it’s never too early to get your feet wet. The youngsters are taking lessons with instructor Nicole Z. Fuselier, learning the fundamentals of swimming and water safety tips.

Lions Club poker run rescheduled

A poker run is being held as a way of raising funds needed to help local youth who face challenges such as respiratory disorders, diabetes, childhood cancer or other medical issues.

The Jennings Lion Club, in coordination with the Cajun Riders Club, will sponsor the run as a way to secure money needed to send children from the area to the Louisiana Lions Camp this summer.

The event was originally scheduled for May 11, but had to be rescheduled due to severe weather.

Trash Mountain: Abandoned tents add to detritus on Everest

KATHMANDU, Nepal (AP) — After every party it’s time to clean up and Mount Everest is no different. The record number of climbers crowding the world’s highest mountain this season has left a government cleanup crew grappling with how to clear away everything from abandoned tents to human waste that threatens drinking water.

State increases funding for COA

The state budget for the fiscal year 2019-2020 has passed and the Council on Aging (COA) will receive an increase in state funding.

“The governor’s office called to invite us to witness the signing of this bill,” said COA Director Helen Langley. “The Directors Association works with the House when they come into session if it has anything to do with seniors.”

Langley said this year they will see a bit more money from the state that will be used to help serve seniors.

FORMER HEAD OF CHARITY PLEADS GUILTY IN EMBEZZLEMENT CASE

BATON ROUGE (AP) — The former lead fundraiser of a Louisiana hospital foundation has pleaded guilty to stealing more than $550,000 for his personal use.

News outlets report 49-year-old John Paul Funes entered guilty pleas Thursday on charges of wire fraud and money laundering. Prosecutors say the fired president and CEO of Our Lady of the Lakes Foundation falsified records in order to use the charity’s money for gift cards and to send family and friends to LSU and New Orleans Saints football games.