December 2019

US Catholic priests beset by overwork, isolation, scandals

CHICOPEE, Mass. (AP) — More than a century ago, waves of Catholic immigrants from Ireland, Poland and Quebec settled in Chicopee and other western Massachusetts mill towns, helping build churches, rectories and schools to accommodate their faith. Today the priests leading those churches are under siege due to stresses, challenges and sex abuse scandals complicating their lives and those of their fellow priests across the United States.

Accidental shootings by police expose training shortfalls

SEATTLE (AP) — When an Iowa mother tried to take her child from her husband during an argument on a snowy sidewalk in 2015, an officer stepped in to stop the scuffle, but he accidentally fired his weapon as a dog approached. The bullet went through the woman’s arm and into her chest, killing her as her family watched in horror.

When a Minnesota sergeant stopped a motorcyclist after a 2015 high-speed chase, he stepped out of his patrol car with his firearm drawn, flush with adrenaline, and accidentally shot the man in the arm.

Supreme Court leaves Kentucky’s ultrasound law in place

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court on Monday left in place a Kentucky law requiring doctors to perform ultrasounds and show fetal images to patients before abortions.

The justices did not comment in refusing to review an appeals court ruling that upheld the law. Enforcement of the law had been on hold pending the legal challenge but will begin shortly, said Steve Pitt, general counsel to Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin.

LSU’s Burrow, Auburn’s Brown named AP SEC players of year

(AP) - LSU quarterback Joe Burrow is a unanimous selection as the offensive player of the year on The Associated Press All-Southeastern Conference football team.

The top-ranked Tigers also have the SEC’s coach of the year in Ed Orgeron and the newcomer of the year in freshman cornerback Derek Stingley Jr., as selected by a 28-member media panel. The SEC defensive player of the year is Auburn tackle Derrick Brown.

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Seventh suspect in police custody

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A seventh suspect is currently in custody for involvement in the murder of a Jennings man that took place at a private party last week.

Da’Ren Lynn Zeno, 18, of Welsh, turned himself in Monday morning, according to Jennings Police Department Chief Danny Semmes. Zeno was charged with accessory after-the-fact seconddegree murder.

A warrant was issued for Zeno’s arrest last week for his involvement in the murder of Dakota Chaisson, 22, of Jennings. Chaisson was shot and killed at a private party held at

Christmas in Elton

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The Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana and Town of Elton hosted their annual Christmas parade Saturday, welcoming participants and visitors from around the state. See more images from the holiday event on page two of today’s edition.

City to upgrade interstate lighting

The city of Jennings is looking to upgrade the lighting along the I-10 corridor.

“This resolution will begin the process to acquire a federal grant to replace and upgrade all of the lights along the I-10 corridor,” Guinn said.

According to the resolution, the city would enter into an agreement with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) obligating the city to pay 10 percent of construction costs and assume all legal liability for and all maintenance operating costs of the lighting system.

Mallett reappointed to state board

Gov. John Bel Edwards has reappointed an Iowa man to the State Licensing Board for Contractors. Chester “Lee” Mallett is the owner and president of Mallett Buildings.

According to a press release from the governor’s office, Mallett will serve on the board as a subcontractor in the construction industry in a field other than electrical or mechanical construction. He will represent the Third Congressional District of Louisiana.

VISIT A VETERAN this holiday season

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The Southwest Louisiana Veterans Home (SWLVH) is inviting volunteers to visit the retired military heroes who reside there during this holiday season, which can sometimes be a lonely time for veterans who may not have a lot of family around.

Visitors are encouraged to stop by at anytime.

“Our home, like all veterans homes, welcomes visitors, their kind words and visitation time during the holidays,” said administrative manager Sam Doucet. “It makes residents happy to meet, greet and converse with their new friends, both young and old.”