December 2020

Obama reunion? Biden fills Cabinet with former WH leaders

WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Joe Biden is getting the old gang back together.

Increasingly deep into the process of selecting Cabinet members and other senior staff, the incoming Biden administration has a distinctly Obama feel.

There’s Denis McDonough, former President Barack Obama’s chief of staff who Biden announced on Thursday would be nominated as the secretary of veterans affairs. Susan Rice, Obama’s former U.N. ambassador and national security adviser, was named the director of Biden’s White House Domestic Policy Council.

Hospital: Surfer attacked by shark off Maui dies

WAILUKU, Hawaii (AP) — A man who was bitten by a shark in the water off Maui has died from injuries he suffered in the attack, a hospital official said.

Maui Health spokeswoman Tracy Dallarda said Wednesday evening that the hospital does not plan to identify the 56-year-old man or the time of his death out of respect for patient privacy, The Maui News reported.

The man was surfing in Honolua Bay when he was attacked just before 8 a.m. Tuesday.

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Each year, Jennings Daily News assists Santa in his busiest time of year by delivering the letters of local children so that they may be published in upcoming special editions of your hometown newspaper.

It’s the little things

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Christmas is so much quieter this year compared to the celebration it usually is. I guess we can thank COVID for that.

For years I have written about how a busy, drawn out Christmas season is not my cup of tea. Too many activities and gatherings leave me feeling overwhelmed.

Vile is vile, regardless of your political party

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I have been pretty honest and clear about my refusal to sing Kumbaya with the other side on policy. But I’m not willing to demonize people with whom I disagree in areas where politics and policy, ideology and integrity are irrelevant.

Case in point: Phil Murphy.

City ‘playing it safe’ for Christmas

The city is taking extra precautions this year while celebrating the holidays during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We will be following all COVID-19 guidelines with booths spaced out and the people spaced out at all events. Also, facial coverings are encouraged,” City Events Coordinator Lin Fake said.

The Christmas festival will be held Dec. 19 at Founder’s Park from 1-6:30 p.m. with shopping and food vendors on hand to delight the crowds. Admission is free to the public.

At 5:30 p.m., there will be a Christmas parade down Main Street.

Millican to serve as board’s legal counsel

District Attorney-elect Kevin Millican is expected to be named the Jeff Davis Parish School Board’s new legal counsel at a Dec. 17 meeting.

Millican’s work with the board would be effective upon him taking the oath of office, according to an agenda for this week’s meeting. He will begin his six-year term on Jan. 11, 2021.

Current District Attorney Michael Cassidy, meanwhile, will be recognized for 30 years of “loyalty, leadership and dedication” to the school system.

COA to distribute special holiday gifts

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Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Council on Aging (COA) and Entergy will be unable to gather this year for their annual Christmas Party for the elderly citizens of Jeff Davis.

“This year has been really hard for us,” said Activities Director Kim Benoit. “Our people really miss coming here for our services and our smiles.”

For the last 35 years, the COA and Entergy typically host a meal and party annually to celebrate the holiday season with the elderly of the parish.

However, this year, the staff at COA had to improvise.

Pavilion dedication in the works

WELSH - Officials here plan to dedicate the Cora Mae Gordon Vital Pavilion at Richmond Park some time this month.

“We’re still working out some details but will let everyone know a date soon,” Mayor Carolyn Louviere said this week.

Over 1,200 locals signed a petition earlier this year to honor the late community member, who died in 2017.