July 2019

LA police report holiday arrests

LAKE ARTHUR - Police in Lake Arthur reported several arrests over the Fourth of July holiday.

According to Louisiana State Police, along with the rise in travel, the chance of increase danger occurs. In June alone, Troopers reported over 30 fatal crashes on state highways.

On July 3, two drivers were charged for operating their vehicle with a suspended license during routine traffic stops, according to Lake Arthur Police Chief Kobi Turner.

Jason Lacombe, of Lake Arthur, was arrested Wednesday and charged with La. R.S. 32:415 driving under suspension.

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State parks to offer military, first responder discounts

In recognition of Independence Day, Louisiana State Parks is announcing special discounts available to all former and current military members along with first responders.

These special discounts, effective through the end of 2019, will provide for a 15 percent discount off rentals of campsites, cabins, lodges, group camps, conference centers, and pavilions at Louisiana State Parks properties, according to Sharon Broussard, of the Office of State Parks.

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Did somebody say turn up the heat?

Excuse me, did someone put the heater on? It’s getting hot out there, and summer officially began on June 21, the summer solstice. We are fortunate in many ways to live in a state that allows a year-round growing season for flower and vegetable gardens, and south Louisiana is considered to have a subtropical climate.

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Sugar Research Station to host field day

BATON ROUGE — The LSU AgCenter Sugar Research Station will hold its annual field day on Wednesday, July 17.

Registration will begin at 8 a.m., and a field tour will follow at 9 a.m. The event will conclude with a provided lunch.

Topics to be discussed include sugarcane varieties, pest control, cover crops and best management practices for limiting nutrient runoff.

Also, officials will give updates on AgCenter and College of Agriculture programs and issues facing the agriculture industry.

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Bounty to increase for Coastwide Nutria Control Program

The Coastwide Nutria Control Program (CNCP) bounty will be raised to $6, up from $5, when the program season commences Nov. 20, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries announced. The increase is to make the take of nutria more lucrative for hunters and trappers enrolled in the program.

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LDH announces closure of oyster harvest areas

BATON ROUGE - Today, the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) announced the closure of oyster harvest areas 1, 2 and a portion of area 3. This is a precautionary closure due to low salinity levels negatively affecting oyster health. These particular areas occur in Lake Borgne, Mississippi Sound, and portions of the marsh bays and bayous of St. Bernard Parish.

These harvest areas will be reopened as soon as it is determined that environmental conditions are within requirements specified by the National Shellfish Sanitation Program.

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LDWF schedules Bundick Lake drawdown

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has scheduled a drawdown for Bundick Lake in Beauregard Parish on Aug. 1, 2019. The drawdown, requested by the Bundick Lake Commission, will allow the parish and landowners to repair and maintain shoreline facilities.

During the 2018 drawdown, rainfall was higher than average, preventing the necessary decrease in the lake’s water level to complete the repairs.

During the 2019 drawdown, the lake level will be lowered eight feet below pool stage at the rate of two to four inches per day.

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Leadership EXCEL Visits Angola State Penitentiary

The Leadership EXCEL June session focusing on civil and criminal justice consisted of a visit to Angola State Penitentiary Wednesday, June 19. The objective of the session was to acquaint participants with the state criminal justice system.

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Jennings Rotary Club inducts Parker, hears guests

At recent meetings of the Jennings Rotary Club, members welcomed guests and also welcomed a new club president.

On June 25, Jeff Davis Parish Registrar of Voters Joann Blair (above at right, with Patsy Richard) spoke about the duties of her office and the many avenues available to residents so they can register and cast votes.