October 2019

Prepare before heading to the polls

The right to vote is something to cherish, as many people across the globe do not get a chance to elect the officials who govern their countries.

Luckily, if you don’t feel like waiting in a line Oct. 12, you can cast your ballot early. Parish residents can visit the Registrar of Voters office in Jennings from 8:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. today through Saturday to make their votes count.

Voters may find it frustrating if they do not take steps to ensure things go smoothly when they head to the polls. The following suggestion can make your voting process a simple one.

Voters have the power to improve education

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THE WAY I SEE IT

Lately I have taken the opportunity to explore the width and breadth of Jeff Davis Parish. I must say, I am surprised at the places and people scattered out over 659 square miles of land and water. Our population in 2010 was just under 31,500.

If there’s one thing Americans understand, it’s a mob shakedown

“Nice little country you’ve got there. It would be a shame if my best friend Vladimir burned it down.” That’s the essence of the threat that Donald J. Trump, the world’s most incompetent gangster, delivered to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky over the phone last July.

Incompetent, among other reasons, because he keeps getting caught. Seemingly persuaded of his impunity, Trump turned U.S. foreign policy into a protection racket for his own political benefit.

Bernie Sanders has heart procedure, cancels campaign events

WASHINGTON (AP) — Bernie Sanders’ campaign said Wednesday that the Democratic presidential candidate had a heart procedure for a blocked artery and was canceling events and appearances “until further notice.”

The 78-year-old Sanders experienced chest discomfort during an event Tuesday and sought medical evaluation, according to a campaign statement. It said two stents were “successfully inserted” and that Sanders “is conversing and in good spirits.”

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Calendar Guidelines

Harvey history at the JDP Fair

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A team of student researchers will have a booth at this year’s fair in hopes of gathering information related to Hurricane Harvey. The public is invited to share their experiences as a way of preserving the history of the storm’s impact.

“The group will visit from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 4, said Fair Board manager and president Eddie Eskew. “Anyone who was affected by the storm in any way is invited to contribute to the cause.”

Eskew said he hopes to have the group set up near the food vendors where the booth can be easily assessed by visitors.

Cooking for a Cause

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For 19 years, Communities Against Domestic Abuse (CADA) has hosted the Taste N’ Tell as its premier fundraiser. This year’s event is scheduled for 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 8, at the Grand Marais Courtyard.

“We are excited to have 21 cook teams so far this year,” said CADA board president and event chairman Bernadine Daboval. “There is going to be good food and plenty of it.”

The cook teams are composed of members of civic groups, individuals, business merchants, employees of corporations and political candidates, she said.

PJ seeks grant for property elevation

The Jeff Davis Police Jury is trying to garner federal grant funds for a property in Welsh that has flooded multiple times in recent years.

The residence, located at 710 South Sarah Street, needs to be elevated to avoid further flood damage. The police jurors are considering two bids for the elevation project to help with the flooding by raising the home in Welsh.

The low bid came in at $148,800 from Davie Shoring Incorporated, of Natalbany. A second bid came in at $169,527 from Louisiana Structural Movers DBA Devillier House Movers of Eunice.

National Night Out

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Lake Arthur Police Department recently held its National Night Out. Police officers, firemen, paramedics and first responders spent the afternoon with members of the community, heightening crime and drug prevention awareness and building relationships with residents. 

Residents got the chance to visit with police officers, firemen, paramedics and first responders at Lake Arthur’s National Night Out. 

Jennings Housing Authority receives clean audit

An audit on the Housing Authority of the City of Jennings showed healthy finances with no instances of noncompliance around internal control procedures.

The Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s Office (LLAO) recently released a 47-page annual financial report for the entity for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2019. The audit was completed by certified public accountant William Daniel McCaskill, of Mandeville.