December 2019

NINE PLEAD GUILTY IN THEFT RING RELATED TO N.O. GANG

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Nine people involved in the New Orleans-based East Side Wheelie Kings bike gang have pleaded guilty in a scheme that stole more than $200,000 in motorcycles and 4-wheelers in Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana.

LOUISIANA BOY SCOUTS LEADER ACCUSED OF CHILD PORN POSSESSION

LIVINGSTON PARISH (AP) — A Louisiana Boy Scout leader has been charged with more than 500 counts of possessing child pornography.

A statement from Attorney General Jeff Landry’s office said 49-year-old Randy D. Miller was arrested Tuesday following an investigation by state and federal authorities. Records obtained by news outlets show he was booked into jail on a $50 million bond.

School fee schedules going online

Parents and legal guardians will be soon be able to view information online and in handbooks that details the collection and use of school-related fees.

Act 240 became effective Aug. 1 in Louisiana, requiring school boards to adopt and post fee policies for each school. Jeff Davis Parish School Board members approved the policies at a Nov. 21 meeting.

Parish job growth down over 2018

Job growth in the parish trended slightly down over last year, according to recent unemployment data released this week by the state.

According to preliminary results released by the Louisiana Workforce Commission (LWC), the unemployment rate in the parish for October was 4.6 percent, versus a rate of 4.4 percent in October of last year.

LWC releases a report each month that examines non-seasonally adjusted employment for the state by parish. There were 12,784 listed as employed and 610 without jobs during the month of October.

BULLDOG BLESSINGS

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JHS bulldogs spent the afternoon Tuesday handing out “Bulldog Blessings” to police, fire and hospital personnel in Jennings, a tradition they plan to continue in the community.

Lacassine man injured in officer-involved shooting

LACASSINE - A Lacassine man was hospitalized for being shot after refusing to drop his weapon during an incident Wednesday.

On Wednesday morning, Jeff Davis Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a 911 call at a residence located just north of Lacassine on La. 101. The caller complained of shots fired outside of the residence.

Louisiana State Police (LSP) also responded to the scene, according to Chief Deputy Chris Ivey.

“During the incident, a white male involved in the shooting was shot,” he said.

AHEAD OF THE HERD

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The Jeff Davis Parish 4-H Dairy Club traveled to Shreveport to compete at the Louisiana State Fair. One competitor has broken a club record with his prizewinning best friend.

Lacassine High School (LHS) student Kyle Sonnier, along with his prized cow Emily, once again won the title of overall dairy showman no other 4-Her has ever done.

Sonnier has been competing at shows since he was seven years old. He and Emily have garnered many titles over the eight years they have spent together.

CHRISTMAS ACROSS THE PARISH

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The holiday season is now upon us. Activities for people of all ages have been planned throughout Jeff Davis Parish.

Dozens of decked out trees are already on display for all to see. The City of Jennings Hall of Trees at the Tupper Museum and the Hall of Trees at Lake Arthur City Hall offer a variety of themed trees for local residents to enjoy.

The museum’s exhibit includes 30 trees, wreaths, antique ornaments, vintage toys, the original elf on the shelf and more currently on display until Monday, Dec. 23.

LAHS Students Hold CADA Food, Clothing Drive

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Lake Arthur High students Miya Breaux, Kallie Broussard and Kenzie Hanks organized a five-week long food and clothing drive to benefit a veterans and Communities Against Domestic Abuse (CADA).The service project was in preparation for the girls’ Catholic confirmation. Their combined 75 hours of service and charitable efforts gathered food, toiletries, outer wear and clothing for residents of the Southwest Louisiana Veterans Home and CADA.

Local clubs participate in JDP 4-H Cookery contest

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Members of the Lacassine Junior High and Lacassine Elementary 4-H Clubs participated in the Jeff Davis Parish 4-H Cookery held at SOWELA on Nov. 9.

The results are as follows:

Rice Side Dish - Kaylee Fontenot, first place

Overall Rice Side Dish - Charlee Bell, first place

Rice Dessert - Kaylee Fontenot, winner

Rice Main Dish - Mandee Matt, first place

Beef One-Dish - Kenzie Brassell, first place