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In Memory
In Memory

The family of the late Rusty Phelps met at the 50-yard line Friday night in Jerry Simmons Stadium to honor the former head coach for his dedication to Bulldogs football.

Parish fire department announces increased protection classification
WELSH — The Welsh Fire Department has improved its fire protection rating from Class 4 to Class 3. This feat is an achievement, Fire Chief John Hall said, that is the result of years of training, documentation, equipment maintenance and commitment from the department’s volunteer firefighters.
Board approves stay in millage rates
WELSH — Officials here approved keeping the town’s property tax millage rates at their previously established levels for 2026. The decision came during a recent town meeting as Mayor Karl Arceneaux and the Welsh Board of Aldermen considered Resolution 012-2026, which sets the property tax millage rate for the town.
Louisiana opioid deaths fall 59% as misuse ranks last
— Louisiana opioid-related deaths have fallen 59% since 2022, even as federal survey data rank the state last among the 50 states and Washington, D.C., for opioid misuse. The Louisiana Department of Health said opioid-related deaths declined 59% from 2022 through 2025, compared with a 46.2% decline nationally.
LA to seek new bids for wastewater electrical upgrades
LAKE ARTHUR — Lake Arthur officials will again seek contractors for electrical upgrades to the town’s wastewater lift stations after receiving no bids for the project during its first round of advertising.

Community

Dear Readers
Dear Readers
When I told a casual friend/former hairdresser that my dog had just been “put to sleep,” she reached over without hesitation and hugged my neck in a genuine expression of concern. “I am so sorry,” she said.
Education at any Age , Education at any Age , Education at any Age , Education at any Age , Education at any Age , Area seniors gathered at Jeff Davis Council on Aging for the monthly LAMM Education and Bingo event. Attendees are treated to an educational discussion, followed by fun and fellowship. The group meets on the first Thursday of each month from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the COA, located at 210 South State. St. in Jennings. All parish seniors are welcome to attend. Daily News photos by Erin Hargrave
Education at any Age
Education at any Age
Cajun dance planned for Saturday
The accordion will be playing, the dance floor will be open and the Cajun Family Chapter is inviting everyone to come pass a good time at its latest celebration of South Louisiana music and culture. The Cajun Family Chapter of the Cajun French Music Association will host Dax Faulk et Les Vieilles Âmes from 7-10 p.m.
Grand Knight Mason LeJeune (from left) with Janet and Preston Doucet , Grand Knight Mason LeJeune (left) and Knight of the Month Daniel Stretcher
KC News
Knights of Columbus 2012 recently met to discuss business, including honoring members of the organization. Grand Knight Mason LeJeune awarded Daniel Stretcher with Knight of the Month, while Preston and Janet Doucet received the Family of the Month distinction.
Five ways to celebrate National Piano Month
Five ways to celebrate National Piano Month
September, which is National Piano Month, is an opportunity to explore a wider range of music, build your skills and discover new ways to express yourself through playing. Here are a few ways to celebrate this month and beyond:

Sports

Elton comes out swinging against Basile in season opener
Elton comes out swinging against Basile in season opener
ELTON — It was the “Battle of the Bayou,” and the winner got bragging rights for 2026. It was the first game of the season, with the winner getting a 1-0 start.
Daily News photo by Brooke Hornsby
Tigers roll past Eagles
ALEXANDRIA — The Lake Arthur Tigers overcame a sluggish start and a host of penalties to gain win number one of the season with a 41-12 victory over the Menard Eagles here Friday night. “Things just didn’t go our way in the first half,” commented Tiger Head Coach Cody Gueringer.
Daily News photo by Renee Benoit
Hounds blow out Wildcats
KAPLAN — The Welsh Greyhounds used a balanced offense and a tenacious defense to open their 2026 gridiron season with a resounding 51-16 win over the Abbeville Wildcats here Friday night. Welsh Head Coach Ronnie Courville notched his first openingseason win with the victory. “We had lost the first game of the season in all three years since I became the head coach of Welsh, and I told the kids that we were going to change that stat this year,” commented Courville. “I was very happy with the effort in all three phases of the game, and especially coming back from the way we started and not letting that first Abbeville score phase us. We pretty much played very well overall tonight and that’s a great way to start the season.”
Jennings takes hit from Bears
Jennings takes hit from Bears
Friday night at Jerry Simmons Stadium in Jennings, the 2026 regular season kicked off for the Bulldogs of Jennings High and the Bears of Church Point in a game dominated by the visiting Bears by a score of 24-8.
Daily News photos by Wayne Bergeaux
FOO FACTS: Jamboree
Foo Facts Foo Fact of the Game: The Class 3A Bulldogs offense turned two of three Broncos turnovers into touchdowns to give Jennings a 20-0 win over Class 5A Sam Houston in the Bolton Ford Jamboree. Captains: Ayden Guintard, Neyten Vargas, Joseph Sonnier and Niko Easton.

Editorial

America's small businesses can't afford 340B abuse
Many hospitals are destabilizing small businesses across America by exploiting a littleknown federal charity care program to drive healthcare costs up. The 340B Drug Pricing Program was supposed to help safety-net hospitals serve vulnerable patients by letting them buy prescription medicines at a discount.
Elton adopts golf cart ordinance aligned with state law
ELTON — The Elton Town Council approved a new golf cart ordinance that brings the town's regulations into compliance with Louisiana law and sets local registration fees, following a detailed presentation by Town Attorney Michael Holmes. Holmes explained that the ordinance is based on Louisiana Revised Statute 32:299.4 and establishes the requirements for operating golf carts on public streets within the Town of Elton. Under the ordinance, golf cart owners must register their vehicles with the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles if they intend to drive them on public roads. Operators must also provide proof of registration and liability insurance before receiving authorization from the town.
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A vacation, in 50 words or less
Ihave unpacked the suitcase. I have washed its contents and returned my clean clothes to closets and drawers.
Louisiana lawsuit abuse costs taxpayers, jobs

As a legislator proudly representing Louisiana’s working coast in Terrebonne Parish, the impacts of lawsuit abuse continue to reverberate across not only my district, but the entire state.

A rare reset in the new dietary guidelines — with more work ahead

The Departments of Health and Human Services and Agriculture just released the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, resetting the federal nutrition advice that shapes how Americans eat.

Obituaries

Margaret Mallett
Margaret Mallett
Margaret Myers Mallett, a devout Catholic, was the second of nine children born to Luke, Sr. and Mamie Kinney Myers on April 17, 1936 in Jennings in Jeff Davis Parish. As a teen, she cared for her maternal grandparents, Elvina and Leo Paul Kinney. After graduating from Jennings High School, she attended SLI (now UL Lafayette) where she met Joseph “Joe” Mallett also from Jeff Davis Parish. On August 4, 1956, they were one of the first couples married at the newly formed Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Jennings, of which her family was a founding member. Margaret and Joe began their family in Welsh before moving to Baton Rouge for Joe’s work. In Baton Rouge, they were a founding family of St. Pius X Catholic Church. Upon moving to Wilson in East Feliciana Parish, they joined Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Jackson where she was active with the Altar Guild and was affectionately known as the “Donut Lady”.
Mary Epperly
Mary Epperly
Mary Epperly passed away on Thursday, August 6, 2026 at the age of 83. She was born in Roanoke and resided in LaPlace.
Mary Epperly
Mary Epperly
Mary Epperly passed away on Thursday, August 6, 2026 at the age of 83. She was born in Roanoke and resided in LaPlace.
Ivy "John" Gary
Ivy "John" Gary
Ivy 'John' Gary, 79, of Jennings passed away peacefully at his home in Lake Charles on July 11, 2026. He was born on Aug.
Dwayne "Durwood" Lewis
Dwayne 'Durwood' Lewis
Dwayne “Durwood” Lewis, 69, of Jennings, died peacefully in his home surrounded by family members on Thursday, July 23, 2026 after a brief battle with cancer. Visitation was held on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at Miguez Funeral Home in Jennings beginning at 3 p.m.

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