December 2020

Trump signs COVID relief, averts federal shutdown

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — President Donald Trump has signed a $900 billion pandemic relief package, ending days of drama over his refusal to accept the bipartisan deal that will deliver long-sought cash to businesses and individuals and avert a federal government shutdown.

The deal also provides $1.4 trillion to fund government agencies through September and contains other end-of-session priorities such as an increase in food stamp benefits.

After naming bombing suspect, focus turns to motive

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — With federal officials having identified the man believed to be behind Nashville’s Christmas Day bombing, authorities now turn to the monumental task of piecing together the motive behind the explosion that severely damaged dozens of downtown buildings and injured three people.

While officials on Sunday named Anthony Quinn Warner, 63, as the man behind the mysterious explosion in which he was killed, the motive has remained elusive.

Warnock and Loeffler work to consolidate voters for runoff

ATLANTA (AP) — When Georgia Republican Kelly Loeffler and Democrat Raphael Warnock advanced to the Jan. 5 U.S. Senate runoff, they faced the immediate challenge of winning over the 2 million voters who chose one of the 18 other candidates in November’s election.

Polls show they have largely succeeded, and that could give Loeffler, the incumbent, a small advantage.

Loughlin released after prison term in college scam

(AP) - “Full House” actor Lori Loughlin was released from prison Monday after spending two months behind bars for paying half a million dollars in bribes to get her two daughters into college.

Loughlin was released from the federal lockup in Dublin, California, where she had been serving her sentence for her role in the college admissions bribery scheme, the federal Bureau of Prisons said. Her husband, fashion designer Mossimo Giannulli, is serving his five-month sentence at a prison in Lompoc near Santa Barbara, California.

Preparing for a Financial Emergency

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The new year provides an opportunity to re-evaluate different aspects of your life, and that includes your budget and savings habits. Planning for emergencies by building – or rebuilding if the COVID-19 pandemic required making a withdrawal – a savings account to withstand the unforeseen can increase confidence in your overall financial health and reduce worry that a significant life event will negatively impact your finances.

Special school board meeting set for Wednesday

The Jeff Davis Parish School Board will meet Wednesday night to decide if high school students will resume classes five days per week.

The board requested Dec. 17 to hold a special meeting before winter break ends to discuss the matter. In November, the board voted to nix an A/B alternating schedule for high schoolers beginning Jan. 4. Board members expressed concern this month, however, that returning older students to full-time in-person instruction could lead to more cases of COVID-19 both within schools and the community.

Chief: JPD in full force for holiday

Police here are ramping up patrols in anticipation of New Year’s eve.

Police Chief Danny Semmes urges drivers to stay safe on the roadways.

“I would recommend that anyone going out to celebrate have a designated driver or call Uber or Lyft,” he said. “Always have a ride lined up in case you have had too much to drink.”

Semmes said his department would be out in full force for the holiday weekend.

“Three-quarters of our department will be out looking for impaired drivers and will be enforcing DWI laws as strictly as possible,” he said.

Lynn M. Simar

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It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that the family of Lynn Merle Simar announces his passing on Dec. 26, 2020.

The family of Lynn Simar has decided to honor his wishes of cremation and a service will be announced at a later date.

Lynn was born in Evangeline on Aug. 12, 1941, to Louis and Elia “Blackie” Simar. He worked as an operator in the oil and gas industry and served our country honorably in the United States Army. He enjoyed gardening and working outdoors. His greatest joy in life came from spending time with family and friends.

Philip ‘Wee-Bit’ Nolan McCarty

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Philip “Wee-Bit” Nolan McCarty, 84, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family, Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2020, after a brief illness at American Legion Hospital in Jennings.

Funeral services will be held at 11:30 today, Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2020, at Pharr Chapel United Methodist Church, with Pastor Ann Sutton and Rev. Walter Parker of Roanoke UMC officiating. Masks are required upon entering Pharr Chapel.

Visitation will be held today, Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2020, at Twin City Funeral Home, located at 412 Fourth St. in Morgan City, from 9-11 a.m.

Organization creates free store in Elton

ELTON — Today at the Community Center, a pop-up donation site will be opening at 12 p.m. to hand out a variety of household supplies and personal hygiene items.

Karli Hale, organizer of the event, said she hopes this will be the first of many in the area.

“They were hit hard by the hurricanes,” said Hale, who is based out of Lake Charles. “We wanted to extend a hand. People are still struggling, especially during the holidays.”