June 2019

Scientists seek beaches where dead whales can rot in peace

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — So many gray whales are dying off the U.S. West Coast that scientists and volunteers dealing with the putrid carcasses have an urgent request for coastal residents: Lend us your private beaches so these ocean giants can rot in peace.

Commercial shrimp bycatch study sign-up extended

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has extended the sign-up date indefinitely for its commercial shrimp bycatch study. To ensure the study’s success, participation from a wide range of commercial shrimpers from each major basin and who utilize all major types of gear are needed.

Prevent dehydration this summer

A person’s desire to be outdoors can sometimes be at odds with the outdoors itself. The dead of winter tends to be a time of year when people know to stay indoors, but the dog days of summer can be dangerous as well.

Heat-related diseases like dehydration can put lives at risk. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, children and people over the age of 60 are particularly susceptible to dehydration. Understanding dehydration and how to prevent it is essential for anyone who plans to spend time outside during the summer.

What are the signs of dehydration?

Ribbon Cutting Held

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MedExpress Ambulance held a ribbon cutting event Tuesday, June 18. The new business is located at 107 S. Lake Arthur Ave. in Jennings.

Flags properly retired

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The Flag Retirement Ceremony at the Southwest Louisiana Veterans Home in Jennings on June 14 was conducted by members of James O. Hall Post 19 of the American Legion. The flags were inspected by Sgt. at Arms Charles Burrell and Post Vice Cdr.Mike Sanchez. After it was determined that the flags were unserviceable, Post Cdr. Horace Naquin directed that the flags be properly retired by burning.

Local heroes recognized

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On Thursday, June 6, the Optimist Club of Jennings honored several members of the community who work very hard to help those in need whenever possible at their annual “Respect for Law” ceremony. Jeff Davis Sheriff’s Office Deputy Jeremy Broussard, Jennings Police Department Cpl. Nathanial Anderson and Jennings Fire Department firemen Ashley Navarre, Daniel Hanks, Corey LaMarque, Mark Courville, Doug Croyle, Kegan Navarre and Garrett Miller were in attendance, along with their spouses and family. Optimist member Janet Doucet is shown presenting framed certificates the local heroes.

Try distylium for foundation planting

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Distylium is my new favorite evergreen shrub for foundation plantings. When I am asked what to use to replace aging and diseased Indian hawthorn or littleleaf boxwood planted around homes as foundation shrub plantings I always, always, always go back to distylium. Not because there are no other suitable replacements, but because I love it so much.

Berken speaks to club members

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On Thursday, June 6, the Optimist Club of Jennings welcomed Kevin Berken, candidate for State Representative. He spoke on his plans for the district if he should be elected as well as giving a short personal history. His speech was warmly received by all present. He is pictured here with Optimist Club President Carolyn Barker presenting him with a framed copy of the Optimist Creed.

Stocks pull back slightly after hitting record

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks moved lower in early trading on Wall Street Friday as investors hit the brakes on a fast-moving market that reached a record high a day earlier.

Health care and technology companies led the decline. Chipmakers were among the biggest losers. Micron Technology shed 1.5 percent and Western Digital lost 1.2 percent. Biotechnology company AbbVie fell 2.2 percent.

Companies that make consumer products and industrial companies also fell. Conagra shed 1.9 percent and Raytheon fell 1.3 percent.

Yield predictions at the center of partnership between LSU AgCenter, Ag-Analytics

BATON ROUGE — The LSU AgCenter is partnering with Ag-Analytics to help farmers maintain and improve yields through the use of machine learning and big data.

Ag-Analytics, a secure farm management platform, works with farmers, industry and universities with the goal of helping farmers make better management decisions and mitigate risk.

The data partnership with the AgCenter is a first of its kind with any university.