News

JPD INVESTIGATES BURGLARY

Police are currently investigating a burglary that took place Thursday at a residence in the Magnolia Drive neighborhood.

The suspect stole a firearm out of a vehicle, said Police Chief Danny Semmes.

In early December, detectives with the Jennings Police Department (JPD) were working on several cases of burglary and home invasion, including one incident in the Magnolia Drive neighborhood. The suspect has still not been identified and is still considered to be a fugitive at-large.

City settles lawsuit with former JPD employee

A lawsuit has been settled between the city and a former employee who claims he was subjected to racial discrimination, whistleblower retaliation and deprivation of constitutionally afforded rights.

According to public filings, in 2016 Christopher Lehman, a former Jennings Police Department (JPD) reserve officer who served as the agency’s community services coordinator, filed suit against the city and then-police chief Todd D’Albor. Lehman alleged he was wrongfully terminated and that the loss of his employment was, in part, racially motivated.

Fire district selling reflective address signs

During an emergency, first responders need to make it to scenes as quickly and safely as possible.

Jefferson Davis Parish Fire District 2 is creating reflective green address signs that are available for purchase at its Hathaway station.

“The signs will help first responders locate homes quicker when needed,” said Fire District 2 Chief Tim Landry. “They are much more visible at night, especially in the fog.”

Perfecting Projects

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Students at Jennings Elementary School have been working on science and social studies fair projects. Winners from the school-level fair received advice from judges on how to improve their presentations for an upcoming regional fair.

SURVIVOR

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(Editor’s note: January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month.)

Out of every 100 women diagnosed with stage IIIB cervical cancer, 32 are predicted to live at least five more years.

In December, Lake Arthur native Kim Neal celebrated living six. She was 32 when she received her diagnosis. In 2012 she began experiencing back and hip pain as well as bleeding for several weeks at a time.

Spring-flowering trees add interest to landscapes

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The third Friday in January is Arbor Day in Louisiana, a day we set aside to celebrate and appreciate the role living trees play in improving our lives and our environment. Many people plant trees to celebrate the occasion. Spring-flowering trees will add so much color and beauty to our landscapes over the next few months, and now through early March is an excellent time to plant these and other types of trees in the landscape.

La. rice industry gives $1M to fund research chair in LSU AgCenter

JENNINGS — The Louisiana Rice Research Board has given $1 million to fund an academic chair dedicated for rice research in the LSU AgCenter.

The presentation was made on Jan. 9 at the annual joint meeting of the Louisiana Rice Council and the Louisiana Rice Growers Association.

The board has pledged to provide an additional $500,000 later this year for the Louisiana Rice Research Board Chair for Excellence in Rice Research with the hope of more allocations in the next few years to growing the chair over time.

PJ approves zoning request, elects officers

This week Jeff Davis Parish police jurors approved a zoning request for a convenience store in the Lacassine area and elected officers for the upcoming year. A public hearing was

Teacher strike delayed in second-largest US school district

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The union representing teachers in Los Angeles — the nation’s second-largest school district — postponed the start of a strike until Monday because of the possibility

Veterans invited to attend funeral service

Area veterans are invited to attend the funeral of former VFW Commander Dr. Lester Armond Ancelet of Jennings. Ancelet passed away Jan. 4, 2019, at the age of 92. Ancelet