July 2019

Louisiana red snapper landing estimates reported through June 30

The latest catch statistics recorded by LA Creel, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries’ (LDWF) near real-time data collection program, is 348,331 pounds, or 43 percent of Louisiana’s allocation. This estimate covers the period through June 30.

The season will remain open until recreational landings approach or reach Louisiana’s annual private recreational allocation of 816,439 pounds of red snapper approved under the EFP according to landings estimates from LA Creel.

DAY CARE’S PERMIT NIXED FOR LEAVING CHILD IN HOT CAR

ST. AMANT (AP) — The Louisiana Department of Education has revoked an Ascension Parish day care center’s license for failing to report that it left a child alone in a hot van. The department told news outlets that it revoked A-Z Kidzzone Daycare and Learning Center’s license on Thursday.

Staff left the child alone in a van for an unknown amount of time last month while the temperature hovered around 93 degrees. The girl managed to get out by herself.

NEW ORLEANS’ LEVEES FACE HARD TEST AS STORM BEARS DOWN

(AP) - As Tropical Storm Barry threatened New Orleans with torrential rains that will test the city’s flood defenses this weekend, the height of the city’s river levees was the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ greatest concern, spokesman Ricky Boyett said Thursday. Barry was forecast to dump 10 to 20 inches (25 to 50 centimeters) of rain on New Orleans through Sunday, with isolated areas getting 25 inches (64 centimeters).

Welsh man injured in shooting

A Welsh man was hospitalized Wednesday after authorities say he was shot outside a residence that evening.

At around 6 p.m. on Wednesday, a 911 call was made in regard to a shooting that took place at a residence located on Plaquemine Street near Craig Street in Jennings.

The victim’s name is not being released, as the investigation is ongoing, according to Police Chief Danny Semmes.

Local man enjoys fruitful pastime

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By the Bunch

IOTA - For one local man who has always enjoyed the outdoors, keeping a garden has been one of his favorite past times.

Iota resident Ronnie Fontenot has lived at his current residence for over 20 years. Each year he plants a garden, working the soil to ensure a plentiful crop.

“I’ve always had something growing out in the yard,” said Fontenot. “I produce plenty of tomatoes, peppers, eggplants and a variety of cucumbers, just to name a few.”

Backing Up for Barry

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Traffic on I-10 at La. 26 in Jennings was crawling in both directions as residents across Louisiana headed out of the state to evade Hurricane Barry.

Jennings mayor joins Mermentau Watershed coalition

The mayor of Jennings has agreed to be part of a coalition of parish leaders that will join forces to bring federal dollars to the area for flood control.

Parish Civil Engineer Alex Guillory and Dist. 2 Police Juror John Marceaux requested that a representative from the city serve on a committee that would pursue federal funding for flood control for parishes in the Mermentau Watershed. Mayor Henry Guinn volunteered to serve in that role.

WFD to test hydrants, begin construction

WELSH — The fire department here will be testing about 70 hydrants this week and soon begin construction on a small training facility, all in preparation for upcoming inspections through the Property Insurance Association of Louisiana (PIAL).

Monday, July 15, through Friday, July 19, hydrants in the north central and northwestern part of the town will undergo flow testing, said Welsh Fire Department (WFD) Chief John Hall. This is the last leg of hydrant testing that should take place this year.

USDA extends deadline to report spring-seeded crops

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is extending the deadline to file crop acreage reports for Louisiana agricultural producers impacted by flooding, heavy moisture and other natural disasters.

The new July 22 deadline applies to reporting most spring-seeded crops to USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) county offices and federal crop insurance agents, according to a press release issued Friday.

China imports from US plunge 31 percent in June amid tariff war

BEIJING (AP) — China’s trade with the United States plunged last month as a tariff war battered exporters on both sides of the Pacific Ocean.

And there’s no letup in sight: Tensions between the world’s two biggest economies continue to simmer even though President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, called a ceasefire two weeks ago.

Data out Friday showed that the hostilities are taking a toll.