Covid 19 closures reported around parish

Statewide emergency declarations are impacting local offices and businesses, with closures, shorter hours and restrictions in place. This includes a parish-wide curfew that is in place from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. until further notice.
The following is a list of current office closures within Jeff Davis Parish as of press time Tuesday:

• 31st Judicial District Court
The 31st Judicial District Court has cut its schedule through March 30. Next week's criminal petit jury has been canceled, meaning no jurors, witnesses or defendants must be in court. Child support enforcement cases scheduled for March 19 are cancelled as well.

• City of Jennings
There is a mandatory curfew in place from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. until further notice.
All events associated with the Jennings Festival Association, Strand Theater, Tupper Museum, city parks and recreation, sporting events, team practices, the Louisiana Oil and Gas Park, Gator Chateau and Jennings Carnegie Library are closed until further notice.
City administration offices and the water department are closed for walk-in services. The public is encouraged to use pay-by-phone, mobile pay or the drive-through  at city hall for water payments. 
All permits for occupational licenses and city building permits will be seen by appointment only. Questions about occupational licenses may be asked by calling (337) 821-5500 or by calling the city inspector at (337) 821-5515. 
Jennings police and fire services remain open, but public access will be limited to the front lobby. 
Jennings City Hall can be reached at (337) 821-5500.

• Jeff Davis Parish Police Jury
As of press time Tuesday, no changes were reported to the police jury office's hours or operations. That office can be called at (337) 824-4792.

• Jeff Davis Parish School Board Tax Office
Any taxpayers needing assistance on accounts in person can visit the office on the following dates: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, March 20; 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, March 23; 8 a.m. to noon Wednesday, March 25; 8 a.m. to noon Friday, March 27; 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, March 30; 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, March 31;  8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 1; 8 a.m. to noon Monday, April 6; and 8 a.m. to noon Wednesday, April 8.
Taxes are due as normal on the 20th of each month. The school board office can be contacted at (337) 824-1834.

• Jennings City Court
Jennings City Court is limiting access to the physical court facilities to the lobby area only. To the extent possible, all business with the Jennings City Court should be handled by telephoning the court at (337) 821-5514. If it is necessary to come to the court facilities, people should call first to schedule an appropriate time for the visit. Social distancing protocols shall be observed, and staff has been instructed to limit physical contact as much as possible, per an order from Jennings City Judge Daniel Stretcher.

• Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
Offices throughout the state are closed to the public indefinitely. To alleviate any additional public burden, LDWF is providing the public alternatives to process applications via mail, email and online. Payment methods accepted will be check, cashier’s check and money order.
- Commercial Licenses
New applications will be accepted by mail and email, which may be sent with all required documents scanned and attached
Required documents include pplications, copy of driver’s license (individuals) and copy of federal tax ID paperwork (businesses).
Licensing staff will reach out by phone to collect payment by credit card.
- Renewals
Online - https://la-web.s3licensing.com/
Mail to Commercial Licensing, PO Box 98000, Baton Rouge, LA 70898
Email - Commercial@wlf.la.gov
- Motorboat Registration and Titling
New/Transfers will be accepted by mail and email.
- Renewals are accepted by mail and online at https://la-web.s3licensing.com Mail to Motorboat Registration, PO Box 14796, Baton Rouge, LA 70898.
Email - Motorboat@wlf.la.gov
- Recreational Hunting/Fishing Licenses
Annual licenses and tags are available online at https://la-web.s3licensing
- At retail license vendors
Lifetime/Disability applications will be accepted by mail and email, which may be sent with all required documents scanned and attached. A scanned birth certificate will be accepted.
Mail to Lifetime, PO Box 98000, Baton Rouge, LA 70898 or email Lifetime@wlf.la.gov.
- Charter Licenses
New applications will be accepted by mail or email, to be sent with all required documents scanned and attached. Mail to Commercial Licensing, PO Box 98000 , Baton Rouge, LA 70898. Email charterguideins@wlf.la.gov.
- Oyster Tags
If an individual needs additional non-personalized oyster tags, they can call (225) 765-2821 and leave a voicemail.  Licensing staff will return calls to obtain payment over the phone using a credit card. The tags will be mailed to the recipient.
Refer to LDWF website (www.wlf.louisiana.gov) for required documents for each specific license or registration.

• Office of Motor Vehicles 
As of press time Tuesday, no schedule or operational changes had been reported by the state for the Jennings office, which can be reached by calling (337) 824-5750.

• Town of Elton
As of Tuesday at press time, no changes had been made to city hall operations in Elton. City hall can be contacted at (337) 584-2992.

• Town of Lake Arthur
Lake Arthur City Hall is closed to the public until further notice. Utility payments can be made online at www.townoflakearthur.org under the "Online Bill Pay" link. Payments can also be left in the drop box located on the southern side of the city hall building. Payments can be made in the form of check or money orders, with the account number included, in a sealed envelope. Lake Arthur City Hall can be contacted at (337) 774-2211.

• Town of Welsh
Welsh City Hall is closed to visitors, except those with appointments. Citizens must utilize the drive-through for payments or to speak to a customer service representative. City hall can be reached at (337) 734-2231.
Welsh recreation has also suspended all practices and games. Recreation Director Michelle Ramagos said the situation will be reevaluated April 1. townofwelsh.com

• Village of Fenton
The main doors at village hall will be closed. Those needing to pay utilizes may use the drop box located outside the building, said Mayor Eddie Alfred, Jr. Village hall can be reached at (337) 756-2321.

The governor has ordered bars, gyms and movie theaters to close and limited restaurants to delivery and takeout. Gatherings have been restricted to 50 people or less.

In an effort to keep the public safe, the Jeff Davis Sheriff's Office (JDSO) is canceling some services to limit close contact.

Beginning Wednesday March 18, the Sheriff's office will not provide fingerprinting for school employment, nursing, expungements or carry concealed weapon applications.  All visitations with inmates are cancelled, except for off-site video and telephone calls.

As all restaurants, bars and casinos are closing, to limit the exposure between individuals and to deter unwanted activities a Parish Wide Curfew will begin on Wednesday March 18, at 11 p.m., in accordance with the Louisiana Revised Statute 29:724. The curfew will be in effect from 11 p.m. thru 5 a.m. until further notice. Parish wide curfew excludes persons traveling to or from work or an emergency.  

The administration office for JDSO will remain open for payment of taxes, fines and bonds.  

"We ask that you not enter the administration building if you are sick, feverish or have any flu like symptoms," said Sheriff Ivy Woods. "Our emergency services, including patrol, 911 and corrections will continue to provide services. You can contact the office by phone at (337) 821-2102 if you have any questions."