April 2020

NATIONAL BRIEFS

Saints keep reserve rusher, special teams regular Washington

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The New Orleans Saints have re-signed reserve running back and special teams regular Dwayne Washington, general manager Mickey Loomis said Thursday.

The four-year NFL veteran out of Washington has spent the past two seasons with New Orleans, carrying 35 times for 214 yards in that span. He also has had five special teams stops, a deflected punt and a blocked punt recovery in 29 games with the Saints.

Pro-Trump protesters push back on stay-at-home orders

(AP) - While many Americans are filled with fear, Melissa Ackison says the coronavirus pandemic has filled her with anger. The stay-at home orders are government overreach, the conservative Ohio state Senate candidate says, and the labeling of some workers as “essential” arbitrary.

“It enrages something inside of you,” said Ackison, who was among those who protested Republican Gov. Mike DeWine’s orders at the statehouse in Columbus with her 10-year-old son. She has “no fear whatsoever” of contracting the virus, she said Thursday, dismissing it as hype.

Facebook to warn users who ‘liked’ coronavirus hoaxes

(AP) - Facebook will soon let you know if you shared or interacted with dangerous coronavirus misinformation on the site, the latest in a string of aggressive efforts the social media giant is taking to contain an outbreak of viral falsehoods.

Edwards taking cautious approach to re-opening state

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Amid hopeful signs in Louisiana’s struggle against the new coronavirus, Gov. John Bel Edwards is looking at when, and how, efforts to stop the spread can be altered to ease devastating effects on the state’s economy.

Edwards made clear at a Wednesday news conference in Baton Rouge that the decisions won’t be easy.

“We’ve done a Herculean job of really turning around what was the fastest growth rate in the world in order to flatten the curve,” Edwards said. “We know it wouldn’t take long in order to see cases spike again.”

Don’t buy a ticket to the media circus

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While watching one of the daily fiascos from Washington, when the President and “All the President’s Men” try desperately to put “Humpty Dumpty” back together again, I think I encountered Mr. Trump’s lowest point in his political career. I watched, with jaw dropped, as he bantered back and forth with a newsperson and I was reminded of two children arguing on the playground. He said she said but he couldn’t get a word in because she was rudely interrupting him, The President of the United States.

We’re home, where we belong

Back when we lived in the country, I sometimes wouldn’t leave the property for days at a time except to walk the dogs. We were unique along our gravel road, where a dog on a leash was an unusual sight. Otherwise, our pets roamed free like everybody else’s.

Actually, I suppose, my wife and I walked each other, a daily ritual of connection.

Lucas Street project resumes

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A 2018 street project that was postponed when the contractor went default is back underway.

Crews are currently working on rebuilding the drainage and asphalt overlay on Lucas Street between May and Lucy streets.

The project was originally scheduled to be completed in the 2018 fiscal year, however, Jennings Mayor Henry Guinn said plans were postponed when Coastal Bridge, the contractor handling the project, went out of business.

Residents reminded about proper trash pick up procedures

LAKE ARTHUR - With most families spending time home due to the COVID-19 quarantine requirements, many are using this time to clean up both inside and out. Citizens in Lake Arthur are being reminded of garbage pick up procedures.

“I know everyone is bored at home with this virus going around,” said Mayor Sherry Crochet. “Many are cleaning their yards and this is greatly appreciated. There are just a few things that need to be addressed.”

Succulents in Bloom

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Even the succulents know it is springtime here in Jeff Davis Parish.

 

Edwina Broussard Hebert

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Graveside services for Edwina Broussard Hebert, wife of Willie Ray Hebert, were held April 15, 2020, at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Evangeline, with Father Paul Lafleur officiating.

Visitation was held from 1-2:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 15, 2020, at Matthews and Son Funeral Home in Jennings. A Rosary was recited at 2 p.m.

Mrs. Hebert died at 12:18 p.m. on April 13, 2020, in her residence. She was a native of Lake Arthur and had lived in the Jennings area for a number of years.