June 2019

House looks set to pass emergency funding bill for migrants

WASHINGTON (AP) — Democratic leaders in the House proposed somewhat tighter requirements for the care of unaccompanied refugee children as they sought to pass a $4.5 billion emergency funding bill to address the humanitarian crisis involving the thousands of migrant families detained after crossing the U.S.-Mexico border.

Iran: ‘Idiotic’ new US sanctions shut doors of diplomacy

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Iran warned Tuesday that new U.S. sanctions targeting its supreme leader and other top officials meant “closing the doors of diplomacy” between Tehran and Washington amid heightened tensions, even as the country’s president derided the White House as being “afflicted by mental retardation.”

President Hassan Rouhani went on to call the sanctions against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei “outrageous and idiotic,” especially since the 80-year-old Shiite cleric has no plans to travel to the United States.

Tributes to Jackson flow on 10th death anniversary

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Michael Jackson’s estate paid tribute to his artistry and charity Tuesday as fans make final preparations for gatherings to celebrate his memory on the 10th anniversary of the King of Pop’s death.

“Ten years ago today, the world lost a gifted artist and extraordinary humanitarian,” the Jackson estate said in a statement to The Associated Press. “A decade later, Michael Jackson is still with us, his influence embedded in dance, fashion, art and music of the moment. He is more important than ever.”

Dogs go 5-0 to claim championship

Article Image Alt Text

CROWLEY – The Jennings Bronco All-Stars took home first-place honors at the Crowley Tune-Up Tournament over the weekend by sweeping undefeated through five games. Jennings defeated both Iowa and Kaplan in poll play games, then won three games on Sunday in bracket play to claim their title. The team is coming off of a third-place finish a week ago at the Frog City Tune-Up Tournament, and now have their sights on the upcoming Sectional Tournament set to begin this week in Jennings.

Jennings: 8, Iowa: 5

Fenton seeks to recoup utility debt

Village to turn over unpaid fines to collection service

FENTON - In an attempt to collect money owed by area citizens, aldermen here use debt collection services to secure the funds.

Village Clerk Krisi Boese said they have been using American Municipal Services (AMS) to resolve outstanding cases.

“We have been using AMS for the past 3-4 years,” said Boese. “The company calls the people who owe for a ticket and the money is then collected.”

Boese said the amount does vary each month but the village receives anywhere from $16,000-$30,000 per month.

Assessor’s audit reports minor findings

The parish assessor’s office received its annual audit, with only minor findings of noncompliance for the fiscal year for segregation of duties.

The Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s Office (LLAO) recently released an independent auditor’s report on the financial statements of the Jeff Davis Parish Assessor’s Office for the prior fiscal year ending Dec. 31, 2018.

The 52-page report was completed by certified public accountant Mike B. Gillespie of Jennings.

Wine snobs

Article Image Alt Text

MIDWEEK MUDDLE

When I’m looking for a bottle of wine, I might as well be in the auto parts store looking for brake calipers.

I spend so much time on the wine aisle that people think I drink a lot.

I don’t drink a lot.

I don’t even drink a little.

I’m simply overwhelmed, confused and uncertain of which bottle to choose.

The major difference between the grocery store and the auto parts store is that wine bottles are so pretty—beautiful shapes and lovely colors of glass, with labels which are also stunning.

The great bail debate

Article Image Alt Text

Police say the two men from Indiana bound employees at a New Orleans pharmacy with zip ties before getting into a gunfight with police officers, one of whom was hit in the shoulder.

The insult later added to the injury, at least as far as the New Orleans district attorney is concerned, is that the men arrested in last week’s robbery in uptown New Orleans were labeled “low risk” under the criteria of a pre-trial assessment tool used to gauge how high bail should be set for those awaiting trial.

SUMMER SNACKS

Article Image Alt Text

(Family Features) There’s no time like a hot summer picnic to let your patriotic spirit show. These all-American snacks featuring a classic favorite fruit - watermelon - are the perfect solution for nearly any summertime celebration. Watermelon is a patriotic picnic staple for countless reasons, not the least of which is that it’s a beloved treat that many people associate with memories from childhood. However, nostalgia isn’t the only reason adults are just as likely to gravitate toward watermelon at a summer event.

Area lane closures announced

FENTON - The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) recently announced lane closures in the Fenton area through the end of the month.

Intermittent lane closures will take place on La. 201, east of Fenton at mileposts 4 and 5, and will take place this week through Friday, June 28.

The closures are necessary for utility work, according to Public Information Officer Tammy York.