September 2020

PJ approves zoning change, opens bars

A public hearing was held Wednesday for a zoning classification change on property in the parish.

Mary Ellen Fondel Semien

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A public viewing will be held today, Friday, Sept. 25, 2020, from noon until 9 p.m. in the church chapel at Semien-Lewis Mortuary, located at 819 N. State St. in Jennings. Funerals will be held Saturday, Sept. 26, 2020, in Jennings at 11 a.m. in Union Baptist Church, and Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020, in Lake Charles at 2 p.m. in Eastwood United Pentecostal Church, located at 2501 Opelousas St.

Biden’s grace, empathy reminds us of America’s better angels

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Joe Vadala’s question was heartbreaking in every way imaginable. Vadala, a high school teacher whose fight against multiple sclerosis has left him immunocompromised, looked Joe Biden in the eye last week during CNN town hall in Scranton, Pa., told him he wanted to teach, but “I don’t want to die,” and leave his wife, who’d lost her own mother to COVID-19, a widow.

Biden keeps SCOTUS list secret, refuses to disavow court-packing scheme

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In a few days, we’ll know who President Trump wants to be the next Supreme Court justice. Republicans will praise her qualifications, her intellect, her judicial temperament. Democrats will oppose. There will be an opportunity for a real debate: Should the president’s nominee be confirmed to the nation’s highest court?

Wet weather requires headlights

During this week’s wet weather, you might have noticed a number of people driving without their headlights on. This is in violation of Louisiana law and poses a threat to other drivers sharing the roadway.

Treasurer: Unclaimed property fund low for claims

BATON ROUGE (AP) — Louisiana Treasurer John Schroder said Wednesday the fund to pay unclaimed property claims is temporarily running low on cash and will have to delay sending out some payments until late October because dollars from the fund were diverted to balance the state budget.

Loretha Jones

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It is with heavy hearts that the family of Loretha Jones announces her passing at the age of 93.

Shirley Jeanette Smith

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Funeral services for Shirley Jeanette Smith will be held at Matthews and Son Funeral Home in Jennings today, Friday, Sept. 25, 2020, at 11 a.m.

La. utility says Hurricane Laura repair costs at $1.4B

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — A Louisiana utility says the cost to restore electricity and repair power lines damaged in the state during Hurricane Laura is now up to $1.4 billion.

Renters can apply for FEMA assistance

Renters whose home or property was damaged by Hurricane Laura can apply for federal disaster assistance.