by SHEILA SMITH

Going to the Lorrain Bridge or the Lacassane Pool in the Lacassine area always turns into an episode of Marty Stouffer’s “Wild America.”

Some of you may remember a few years ago when I made my first journey to the area in search of the beautiful bridge. I discovered the long and winding Niblett Road (which also serves as a pathway for the parish’s Extreme Bike Trail, venomous snakes and all) and I mistook it as the Road to Death, since there were no signs of life or homes for miles.

Well, I made the journey again Monday to take pictures for the Jennings Daily News’ upcoming Cajun Country 2013, our visitor’s guide magazine that will be filled with tons of interesting facts and features about Jeff Davis Parish. My Lorrain Bridge experience was simple and peaceful this time; Mother Nature was shining bright, wildlife was active and all the flowers and trees were in bloom. I even cruised Niblett Road with my windows down and the radio up, enjoying the ride.

I made it over the river and through the woods to the Lacassane Pool and the day was even prettier there. Miles of water were covered in bright green lily pads and healthy water lilies. A variety of birds flew through the air and skipped across the water. People of all ages were sitting along the banks, fishing in the sun.

My camera caught a number of unique images but I was disappointed to see no alligators. With so much activity near and on the water, it was surprising. But the number one reason I headed there was in hopes of gator shots.

So I took my car down a wildlife trail in hopes of finding a gator. Luckily, I noticed two younger reptiles floating in one canal so I parked and began snapping away. Back in my car, I drove a few more feet and noticed a rather large gator basking on the bank across from me.

So I parked, walk to the water’s edge, camera in hand, and begin snapping pictures. Something kept splashing around at my feet. I assumed it was small fish but it was incredibly shallow in that area, so I wondered why fish were that close to the bank.

To my delight, something popped up about a foot away from me, and I squealed in excitement: four baby alligators, probably seven to eight inches long, swimming through reeds and leaves, not bothered by my presence.

I immediately refocused my camera on them and started to shoot.

Well, guess who that was resting on the bank across my way? Yep. Mama Gator.

I knew that the minute I saw the babies. But when Mama realized I knew her kids were there, she did not like that. Nope, not at all.

She slowly walked into the water and gracefully swam my way. Then she hit the shallow part. Then she stood up on all fours.

Then she came out of the water.

Have you ever seen a chick with a camera around her neck turn, run, do a “Dukes of Hazzard” slide across the hood of her vehicle, jump into her car, then lock all the doors?

Well, if you had been with me at the Lacassane Pool Monday, you would have seen just that.

Mama  G, satisfied she had chased away the paparazzo, crept back into the water but stayed at its edge, her babies swimming freely, without any concerns. (Of course, if I had a mother like that, I probably wouldn’t have to worry about danger, either.)

I got out of my car once more and climbed on the hood (Toyota  Corollas are quite durable, by the way). I took more pictures but needed to get closer.

So I drove the Corolla down the embankment to the edge of the water, leaned out of the passenger side window, and starting photographing Mama G as she hissed and bared her teeth.

“Calm down, woman,” I said. “I don’t want to cook your tail, just take some glamour shots.”

When I finally finished harassing her and drove up the embankment, I watched as she swam in my direction until she approached a drainage pipe. Quite a possessive woman.

So, with that said, keep your eyes peeled for our upcoming Cajun Country issue. It’s going to be great – food, fun, festivals, facts and all kinds of other goodies.

There will also be plenty of alligator pics. Rumor has it some dumb reporter almost lost her life (or at least a limb) trying to get those shots for you.

Louisiana is once again participating in national Safe Boating Week, scheduled for May 18-24. This week, LDWF is reminding boaters to be safe, responsible and knowledgeable while on the water during this safe boating week. Safe Boating Week is a time for all boaters to inspect their vessels to ensure that all required safety equipment is on board and that vessels are in good, working condition.

LDWF Enforcement Division agents will be out in full force, performing boating safety checks and driving or operating a vessel while intoxicated (DWI) patrols. Each vessel should have enough personal flotation devices (PFD) on board for all occupants and a sober operator.

“Personal flotation devices are made to be worn and not sit in a vessel storage compartment. Even if you consider yourself to be a strong swimmer, we (LDWF) still encourage everyone on a boat to wear a personal flotation device whenever the boat is in motion,” said LDWF Boating Safety Officer Capt. Rachel Zechenelly. “A personal flotation device on a boat should be treated the same as a seatbelt in a car, because they are both easy to use and are proven to save lives.”

LDWF boating incident statistics indicate that 15 out of the 25 boating fatalities in 2012 officially listed drowning as the cause of death. LDWF regulations state that anyone 16 years of age and younger must wear a PFD while underway in vessels less than 26 foot long. For more boating and PFD regulations, visit http:/www.wlf.louisiana.gov/boating.

Alcohol use is another leading cause of boating crash incidents and fatalities on the water. Alcohol consumption impairs a boater’s judgment, balance, vision and reaction time. Alcohol increases fatigue and susceptibility to hypothermia. Intensifying the effects of alcohol are sun, wind, noise, vibration and movement, which are all common to boating activities.

The penalties for DWI on the water are the same as on the road. Anyone cited for a DWI on the water or on the road will lose his or her driver’s license and boating privileges for the specified time ordered by the judge in the case. Also, each offense of operating a vehicle or vessel while intoxicated counts toward the total number of DWI crimes whether they happened on the water or road.

In Louisiana, a DWI can be issued to anyone operating a moving vessel or vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher. First-offense DWI on the water or on the road carries a $300 to $1,000 fine and up to six months in jail. Second offense DWI brings a $750 to $1,000 fine and between 30 days and six months in jail. Third-offense DWI carries a $5,000 fine and between one and five years in jail. Again, every DWI offense is also subject to a suspension of driving a vehicle and operating a boat privileges.

LDWF also wants to remind anybody born after Jan. 1, 1984 that they are required to successfully complete a National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) boating education course to operate a motorboat over 10 horsepower.  LDWF offers these classes free of charge statewide. For a list of courses, visit http://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/boating/courses.

For more information, contact Adam Einck at aei...@wlf.la.gov or (225) 765-2465.

The Jennings High School Drum Line served as the opening act for the Lake Charles Downtown at Sundown on Friday, March 17, to help kick off the 15th season of the annual event.

Mrs. Cassidy is the former Heather Stutes of Jennings.

Emma weighed seven pounds, eight ounces at birth and was 18 and 3/4 inches long.

She passed away at 4:30 p.m. on May 21, 2013, at Lafayette General.

Shelton Joseph Bouley Foreman

The family and friends of Shelton Joseph Bouley Foreman are mourning the loss of their loved one who was called from this life on May 17, 2013.

Funeral services will be held at Matthews and Son Funeral Home in Jennings today, Wednesday, May 22, 2013, at 3 p.m. Shelton will be laid to rest in Lafayette Fountain Memorial Cemetery.

Visitation was held at Matthews and Son Funeral Home on Tuesday, May 21, 2013, from 3-10 p.m. with a rosary recited at 7 p.m. Visitation resumed today, Wednesday, May 22, 2013, at 10 a.m. until the time of his services.

Shelton Joseph Bouley Foreman was born in Sulphur to the late Richard Joseph Bouley and the late Mary Alvina Benoit Bouley on April 14, 1971. He was an assistant manager for Walgreens in Lafayette. He loved spending time with his family and friends. Shelton also enjoyed dancing and vacationing.

He is survived by his spouse, Greg Foreman of Lafayette; two sons, Jason Pete Bouley of Hathaway, and Connor Alexander Bouley of LaGrange, Texas; one daughter, Cortlyn Paige Bouley (Celso Hernandez) of Lafayette; three brothers, Shelby (Jennifer) Bouley of Jennings, James (Courtney) Bouley of Hathaway, and Richard Dale (Shelia) Bouley Sr. of Jennings; two sisters, Leila (Leonard) Lopez of Center, Texas, and Mary (Walter) Thibodeaux of Evangeline;  his three beautiful grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Carrying Shelton to his eternal resting place will be Ross Louivere, James Allaman, Shelby Bouley, Lawrence LaVergne, Issac LaVergne, James Bouley, Allen Broussard, Fraell Foreman and Shelbie Dawn Bouley.

To extend online condolences, please visit www.matthewsandsonfuneralhome.net.

Daily News photo by Sheila Smith

Daily News Staff Writer

While using fireworks can be a fun and patriotic way to pass the time this summer, local officials urge residents to use them safely to prevent accidents and injuries.

Jennings Fire Chief Hulin Theriot said he and his family enjoy using consumer fireworks each year but they stay safe by following a few simple tips:

Daily News photos by Holli Brucchaus