August 2019

Qualifying opens today for Oct. 12 election

Qualifying for the Oct. 12 Gubernatorial Primary election opens Tuesday and runs through Thursday, Aug. 8.

According to the Louisiana Secretary of State’s Office (SOS), voters in Jeff Davis Parish will be deciding on the following races on Oct. 12:

• Governor

• Lieutenant Governor

• Secretary of State

• Attorney General

• Treasurer

• Commissioner of

Agriculture and

Forestry

• Commission of

Insurance

• BESE District 7

• State Senator, District 25

• State Representative, District 37

Back to School Bash

Article Image Alt Text

The Marcus Cain Back to School Bash allowed children one more chance to have a good time before the new school year kicks off. Fun, food and games were offered. Children walked away with backpacks, school supplies, cash prizes and coupons for haircuts.

State’s distracted driving penalties go into effect

Fines for texting and driving in Louisiana are doubling for serial offenders, with minors paying higher fines as well.

Louisiana’s new distracted driving penalties went into effect Aug. 1. On June 13, Gov. John Bel Edwards signed into law legislation that established a $500 fine for first-time offenders of the state texting law. The penalty will double for serial offenders and minors will also pay higher fines.

Under the new law, the fine for first-time violations of the distracted driving law went from $175 to $500. For repeat offenders, the fine went from $500 to $1,000.

Texas author to visit city for book signing

Article Image Alt Text

Author Dana Wayne is gearing up to promote her newest book, “Chasing Hope,” with a book-signing event at the Steamer Trunk from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24.

“I have never been to Jennings and I am very much looking forward to visiting,” said the award-winning author.

Wayne said she grew up in Nacogdoches, Texas, and has always had the desire to write.

“My dad was an avid reader and I can remember him reading passages from his western stories,” said Wayne. “It fascinated me that people could paint a picture so vivid using only words.”

United Way accepting applications for community grants

The United Way of Southwest Louisiana (UWSWL) has a mission of recognizing, measuring and mobilizing the resources to target community needs in the area.

Soon, non-profit organizations will have a chance to apply for the Community Impact Grant.

“Our goal is to continue to provide financial support and direction to nonprofits who have the ability to address critical community needs,” said President Denise Durel.

Although applications will not be accepted until November, UWSWL would like to spread the word in advance.

The Gueringer era begins

Article Image Alt Text

WELSH – The Welsh Greyhounds are coming off back-to-back trips to the Class 2A state championship game, the first resulting in a Class 2A state title. However, 2019 rings in a new era in Greyhound football as Welsh native Cody Gueringer takes the reins of the program following the departure of John Richardson to Westlake High. A ton of new faces will don the black and red this season following a heavy departure of contributors to the Hounds’ 2018 runner-up team, but Gueringer will not start without a lack of talent and lots of enthusiasm.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Calendar Guidelines

MYTH DEBUNKED: Jennings, McComb not named for same man

Jennings Daily News (JDN) learned this week that one of its articles from 1975 reported a myth as fact.

Printed under the headline, “Tornadoes hit cities named for one man,” the piece was originally published in the newspaper, then known as The Daily News, in January 1975. According to the article, tornadoes struck both Jennings and McComb, Mississippi, Jan. 10, 1975.

The story was reprinted last weekend on JDN’s Yesterday’s News page.

Helen Editha Wright Wilson

Article Image Alt Text

Helen Editha Wright Wilson was born Oct. 2, 1930, in Welsh. She passed away Aug. 1, 2019, in Jennings American Legion Hospital at the age of 88 ½ years old.

Helen is survived by her husband, James Owen Wilson. They were married Dec. 27, 1952, in Welsh United Methodist Church in Welsh. She is also survived by her daughter, Mabel Grace Wilson Brewer of Westlake and her son, Ernie S. Wilson of Jennings. She has five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Pursuing a Passion

A Jennings firefighter had made it his mission to educate his hometown when it comes to fire prevention.