June 2019

DA SEEKS AUGUST EXECUTION DATE FOR CHILD MURDERER

LAKE CHARLES (AP) — A Louisiana prosecutor is seeking an August execution date for a convicted child rapist and murderer in what would be the state’s first execution in almost 10 years. The American Press reports that the Calcasieu District Attorney’s Office filed a death warrant Wednesday requesting that Jason Manuel Reeves receive a lethal injection on Aug. 19.

Reeves was convicted of firstdegree murder for abducting 4-year-old Mary Jean Thigpen in 2001, raping the child and stabbing her 16 times. After a 2003 mistrial, he was sentenced to death in 2004.

 

City to see $2.8M in new projects

Once the city council accepts the proposed 2019-20 budget, Jennings could see $2.8 million in new projects this fiscal year beginning July 1.

The proposed budget stands at around $15.8 million, up from the current year’s $14.5 million budget. Total projected expenditures came in at around $12.3 million, leaving $2.8 million for capital outlay projects around the city.

Good deed

Even with all the negative things happening around the world, there still are good people out there. One local resident wanted to make sure others knew of the gentleman she encountered and how he helped her.

Lake Arthur resident Margene Richard started her day as usual. Without notice, her doctor’s office called to inform her that there was a cancellation and wanted to see if she could make it in for an ultrasound within the hour.

“They wanted me to make the visit by 9:30 a.m. so I got dressed in a hurry,” said Richard. “I got myself ready and rushed out the door.”

Tourist commission proposes budget

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Jeff Davis Tourist Commission members met this week to introduce the budget for the 2019-2020 fiscal year.

The budget is a standstill budget and will be the same as the prior year with the exception of an added $25,000 in payroll needed to man the new 5,000-square-foot alligator abode facility. The Gator Chateau facility has seen over 5,000 visitors in the three weeks since opening to the public.

In Honor of Dad

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In honor of Father’s Day, VFW Post 9822 sponsored a few rounds of bingo. Volunteers Sis Lavergne, Enola Gilcrest and Daisy Lodrigue treated everyone to finger foods and dessert.

 

Local birth announced

Trent and Morgan Crochet of Gotts Cove announce the birth of their daughter, Caroline Marie Crochet, on June 4, 2019. Caroline weighed seven pounds and seven ounces and was 19 inches long. She was welcomed home by her sister, Vivey Ann Crochet of Gotts Cove. Maternal grandparents are Garland and Mandy Reed of Jennings. Paternal grandparents are Fred and Trudy Crochet of Gotts Cove.

Naquin recognized at American Legion convention

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AMERICAN LEGION NEWS

During the 101st Annual Convention of the American Legion Department of Louisiana, which was held in Alexandria on June 8, Department of Louisiana Commander Rickey Griffin (on right) presented to Horace Naquin (second from right), Commander of James O. Hall American Legion Post 19 from Jennings, the award for Outstanding Post Scrapbook in the State for Posts with a membership under 300. Also pictured are State Vice Commanders Byron Comeaux (on left) and Richard Bell (second from left).

Theriot named Firefighter of the Year

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During the 101st Annual Convention of the American Legion Department of Louisiana, which was held in Alexandria on June 8, Retired Chief Hulin Theriot (on left) of the Jennings Fire Department was recognized as the American Legion State Firefighter of the Year. Theriot was not able to attend the convention because of medical issues, so Horace Naquin (on right), James O. Hall American Legion Post 19 Commander, travelled to Theriot’s home to present the award. Theriot was a member of the Jennings Fire Department for 39 years, serving the last 10 years as Fire Chief.

Ribbon Cutting Held

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Professional Office Products held a ribbon cutting event on Thursday, June 6. Professional Office Products also hosted a Business After Hours chamber event after the ribbon cutting.

Jennings High School lists honor students

Jennings High School recently announced its Principal’s List and Honor Roll for the last nine weeks.

The following students were included in those lists.

Principal’s List

Seventh grade - Clifton Deshazo, Brynn Fullilove, Serenity Greis, Riley Guillotte, Toya Husers, Alyssa Kerlry, Emma Lecompte, Abby Ortego, Matthew Sonnier, Emma Watson and Kandi Willridge.