January 2021

State capitols step up security amid new safety concerns

(AP) - State capitols across the nation stepped up security Monday, deploying National Guard units, SWAT teams and extra police officers while several legislatures convened amid heightened safety concerns following last week’s violence at the U.S. Capitol.

The protections came as the FBI issued a bulletin warning of plans for armed protests at all 50 state capitals and in Washington ahead of President-elect Joe Biden’s Jan. 20 inauguration.

Going big: US dispensing shots at stadiums, fairgrounds

(AP) - The U.S. is entering the second month of the biggest vaccination drive in history with a major expansion of the campaign, opening football stadiums, major league ballparks, fairgrounds and convention centers to inoculate a larger and more diverse pool of people.

After a frustratingly slow rollout involving primarily health care workers and nursing home residents, states are moving on to the next phase before the first one is complete, making COVID-19 shots available to such groups as senior citizens, teachers, bus drivers, police officers and firefighters.

Study: Wildfires produced up to half of pollution in US West

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — Wildfire smoke accounted for up to half of all healthdamaging small particle air pollution in the western U.S. in recent years as warming temperatures fueled more destructive blazes, according to a study released Monday.

Even as pollution emissions declined from other sources including vehicle exhaust and power plants, the amount from fires increased sharply, said researchers at Stanford University and the University of California, San Diego.

HATHAWAY CLAIMS PAIR OF NON-DISTRICT WINS OVER JENNINGS

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The Hathaway Hornets and Lady Hornets came into Gaudet Gymnasium at Jennings High School Friday night and swept a pair of contests from their Jeff Davis Parish rivals. The No. 2-ranked Hornets defeated the Bulldogs by a final of 57-39, while the No.1-ranked Lady Hornets toppled the Lady Dogs by a count of 63-43. The Lady Hornets improved their overall record to 15-3 overall, while the 3A No.5-ranked Lady Dogs fell to 14-3.

The Hornets upped their overall mark to an identical 15-3 slate, while the Bulldogs dropped to 5-3.

CADA audit reveals healthy finances

A state audit recently released on Jeff Davis Communities Against Domestic Violence (CADA)’s revealed healthy finances, with no finding of noncompliance listed of the entities financial statements.

The 32-page audit report on the fiscal year ending Dec. 31, 2019 was completed by Mike B. Gillespie, of Jennings.

Total assets for the fiscal year showed growth, coming in at $344,946, up from $307,365 in 2018. Liabilities came in flush for the last two fiscal years, according to the report.

LA announces Mardi Gras schedule

LAKE ARTHUR — The town is gearing up for its 22nd annual Mardi Gras celebration on Saturday, Feb. 6.

Just like in previous years, the town will host a traditional Mardi Gras run that morning before the parade begins in the afternoon.

According to the event forms, line up and registration will begin at 8 a.m. Registration for those on horseback or with wagons will take place at Monlezun Boat Dock, and those entering floats will turn in their forms at Lake Arthur Park.

First in Line

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Southwest Louisiana Veterans Home Administrator Matthew Duhon was the first to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. He said he is taking the vaccine to protect the veterans, their family and staff. 

Charity to distribute groceries in JDP

Catholic Charities of Southwest Louisiana will be coming soon to provide groceries throughout the parish.

According to their Facebook page, the group will in Elton and Jennings in the coming weeks to provide for for the area. The food will be delivered by their truck, affectionately called “Big Joe.”

Today, Tuesday, the truck will be at 1100 St. Mary Street in Elton.

Then on Tuesday, Jan. 19, the truck will stop off at Our Lady Help of Christians located at 710 N. State Street in Jennings.

La. food stamp benefits grow under virus aid package

BATON ROUGE (AP) — Louisiana families are eligible for a 15 percent boost in their food stamp benefits through June, under the federal coronavirus aid package passed by Congress.

The state said any increases due to people receiving benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known as SNAP or more commonly as food stamps, started being transferred to benefit cards Friday.

Age with Style and Grace

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Aging may be inevitable, but with advancement in research and technology, there are plenty of ways you can slow, or even reverse, the hands of time to stay healthy and promote longevity.

Consider these ideas from Longevity Labs+, a company dedicated to cutting-edge aging research and the makers of spermidineLIFE, a first-ofits kind, clinically studied supplement containing natural spermidine, which renews cells and can reverse the signs of aging:

Protect Your Skin