News

Official: Searchers find bodies in hurricane-stricken town

MEXICO BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Search-andrescue teams found at least one body in Mexico Beach, the ground-zero town nearly obliterated by Hurricane Michael, an official said Friday as the scale of the storm’s fury became ever clearer.

The death toll across the South stood at 13, not counting any victims in Mexico Beach.

Canker disease threatens La.’s citrus industry

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BATON ROUGE — Citrus canker, a serious disease of citrus, was recently found on trees in East Baton Rouge and Livingston parishes, according to LSU AgCenter plant doctor Raj Singh.

Citrus canker is a highly contagious bacterial disease that was first detected around 1914 in Louisiana and declared eradicated by 1940. But the disease reappeared in the state in June 2013.

The disease is known to cause defoliation, premature fruit drop, blemished fruit and tree decline. Severely infected trees ultimately may stop producing fruit.

LSU AgCenter receives grant to train small farmers

BATON ROUGE — The LSU AgCenter is launching an initiative to train small- and medium-scale farmers who are new to the business.

The Grow Louisiana Beginning Farmer Training Program is funded by a nearly $590,000 U.S. Department of Agriculture grant. It will target those with 10 or fewer years of farming experience.

LDWF Reopens Elmer’s Island after Hurricane Michael

LDWF has reopened Elmer’s Island as water levels have begun to recede and the parking area at the beach is mostly dry.

Visitors are reminded to use caution, and be mindful of the tidal stage until water levels return to normal. Be aware that rip currents are a possibility with the amount of water funneling out of the estuary.

BRIDGE OVER MISSISSIPPI CLOSED AFTER BARGE STRIKE

BATON ROUGE (AP) — A bridge over the Mississippi River in Louisiana has been closed indefinitely after it was struck by a barge carrying a crane in the river.

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development said in a release the Sunshine Bridge in Donaldsville was hit around 3 a.m. Friday. The agency said one of the main support beams suffered severe damage.

The department says it doesn’t know exactly what is needed to repair the bridge and how long it will take.

EDWARDS LEADING LA. DELEGATION TO ISRAEL THIS MONTH

BATON ROUGE (AP) — Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards announced Thursday that he will travel to Israel later this month on an economic development trip that includes a meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The Democratic governor said the 24-person delegation will include business leaders and researchers in water management, logistics, higher education, and cybersecurity. The delegation leaves Louisiana on Oct. 26 and returns Nov. 2, visiting both Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.

WELCOME HOME

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Jennings High School students of today and yesteryears descended on Bulldog country this week, celebrating with a parade and a pep rally at Jerry Simmons Stadium on Thursday. The JHS alumni band also rehearsed for their appearance at Friday’s homecoming game against Westlake. See page 2A for more Homecoming week photos.

Thornwell business to host street dance

Celebrating a successful harvest

The Thornwell Warehouse Association is hosting a harvest street dance to show appreciation and support for area farmers.

On Saturday, Oct. 27, from 2-6 p.m., the community is invited to gather at 11113 Warehouse Road in Thornwell.

Last year’s street dance was the first event of this kind geared towards shining some light on the agriculture industry in rural Jeff Davis Parish.

LOOK, LISTEN AND LEARN

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Today’s home fires burn faster than ever. In a typical fire, one may have as little as one to two minutes to escape safely from the time the smoke alarm sounds.

The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) has deemed October 7-13 as National Fire Prevention Week and local fire departments across the U.S. are working to educate the public on fire prevention.

Sex offender charged with molestation of juvenile

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An Elton man is being charged for providing drugs and engaging in inappropriate physical contact with a juvenile.

On Wednesday, Jeff Davis Sheriff’s Office (JDSO) detectives interviewed the mother of a juvenile. The mother reported that her daughter had been given drugs

by an adult living in the same residence.

Detectives interviewed the juvenile, who confirmed the information reported by her mother, as well as and additional information about inappropriate behavior and physical contact with the subject.