August 2021

EPA ordered to update rules on oil spill-fighting chemicals

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — A federal judge ruled Monday that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency must update nearly three-decade-old regulations about the chemicals that can be used to disperse offshore oil spills, which some environmental groups contend cause serious health problems.

The agency “delayed unreasonably” by waiting at least six years to finalize draft regulations updating the 1994 rules, said William H. Orrick, a judge in the U.S. district court for the Northern District of California.

Program provides internet access to rural homes

In a time when the internet is an essential component to human civilization, it seems individuals who reside in rural areas would have access to these services.

In an article previously published in the Jennings Daily News, an emergency internet assistance program for families with school-aged children in Jeff Davis Parish was discussed.

The Emergency Broadband Benefit Program is offered through the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Lifeline initiative. Lifeline is a federal program aiming to lower the monthly cost of phone and internet bills.

Face the new school year — with a mask

Article Image Alt Text

University students will be returning to campus for in-person classes this year and this will be the first time that many meet their professors and peers after maintaining contact electronically for over a year now.

Debate over the dangers of going back to school in-person, and whether masks should be worn is a hot topic right now.

Personally, if a mask has to be worn in order for me return to school then it will be done. I will wear whatever needs to be worn to be allowed back into the classroom.

Schools restart in Louisiana with COVID-19 worries

Article Image Alt Text

Louisiana’s unenviable place as the epicenter of the nation’s latest coronavirus spike has replaced the excitement and hopefulness of a new school year with dread and anger.

Parents, teachers, students and education leaders are arguing over coronavirus testing rules, worrying about infection possibilities and lashing out about mask and vaccine mandates.

Local man arrested on outstanding warrant

Article Image Alt Text

Jennings Police Department officers responded to a complaint in regards to a white male stooped over in the middle of S. Lake Arthur Avenue in front of Evan’s Corner Store on Aug. 9.

Upon arrival, officers determined the identity of the subject in question to be Joseph Henry Nolan Gatte, 36, of Jennings.

Gatte was arrested by responding officers on an outstanding warrant in regards to a charge of simple burglary to a permanent structure.

Unique & Handmade

Article Image Alt Text

Organizers said the Back-To-School popup event hosted by Boss Moves at Marcus Cain Park was a huge success. Vendors, like Mz. Glo’s Jewels (above), were on hand to sell a large selection of unique and handmade goods. Another vendor, Taylor Owens (left), 6, even brought her homemade lip balm and other items for the small business she started when she was five. Below, local youth participated in several games, including the “cup game” and musical chairs.

From the GROUND UP

Article Image Alt Text

A local family has turned a small project into a large dairy farming operation in Lacassine.

“What started off as a 4-H project turned into an extremely large 4-H project,” said Chad Sonnier, who noted the entire family assists in operations.

Chad and Aimee Sonnier and their three children are several generations deep into raising show cattle for the 4-H organization. The family own 3-S Farms in Lacassine, where they raise commercial, jersey and brown swiss cattle.

JHS Class of 1969 reunion postponed

The 52-year anniversary celebration for the Jennings High School (JHS) Class of 1969 has been postponed indefinitely.

The celebration was originally scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 12.

“We made the decision to postpone the reunion due to COVID-19,” said event coordinator and JHS Class of 1969 graduate Jane Sneed. “A future date will be publicized once arrangements are made. We thank everyone in advance for their understanding during these difficult times.”

Sneed said she had been lookin forward the event.

Reward offered for burglary info

Article Image Alt Text

WELSH — A reward is being offered for any information on a burglary that took place at a business here last week. According to Jeff Davis Sheriff’s Office (JDSO) Chief Deputy Chris Ivey, on Thursday, Aug. 5, deputies investigated a break-in at Coastal King Clay on La. 99 in Welsh.

“The company reported offroad diesel fuel stolen, a blue Polaris ranger 800, a sprayer, tools, a large Craftsman tool box and other tools — totaling over $20,000 in losses,” Ivey said.

After blowing four late leads, Yanks finally hold off KC in 11

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — DJ LeMahieu led off the 11th inning with an RBI double and the New York Yankees, after blowing four late leads, finally held off the feisty Kansas City Royals 8-6 on Monday night.

Brett Gardner drove in three runs for the Yankees, two on a sharp infield single in the 11th that made it 8-5.