News

BACK-TO-SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE Families gathered Saturday at the William E. Broussard Event Center for the annual Back-to-School Supply Drive, where students received backpacks filled with grade-specific school supplies while enjoying free food, activities and community fellowship. The event also featured live baby alligators from the Gator Chateau and was made possible through donations and volunteers from across Jeff Davis Parish. Daily News photos by D'Arcy Knight
BACK-TO-SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE
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How one sweet fruit packs a powerful nutritional punch
How one sweet fruit packs a powerful nutritional punch
FEATURE IMPACT Consumers today are looking for foods that do more than simply taste good; they want foods that deliver nutrition in every bite. As conversations around nutrient-dense eating continue to grow, fresh fruit has become one of the simplest ways to add naturally occurring vitamins and minerals to everyday routines.
Council on Aging launches free monthly blood pressure checks
The Jeff Davis Council on Aging is expanding its activities for local seniors with the launch of a free monthly blood pressure monitoring program beginning Thursday. The program, offered in partnership with Lamm Home Health & Hospice, will provide free manual blood pressure checks on the first Thursday of each month at the Council on Aging, located at 210 South State St.
Back-to-school traffic brings renewed focus on safety
As students across Jeff Davis Parish prepare to return to the classroom, traffic patterns will soon change with school buses, parents, bicyclists and pedestrians once again filling neighborhood streets and school zones. The first few weeks of school are different for children and drivers because routines change, new bus routes are introduced and everyone — from parents to commuters — has a role in keeping children safe.
Former Jennings Police Chief Todd D'Albor
Former Jennings police chief passes away
NEW IBERIA — Former Jennings Police Chief Todd D’Albor, who later became the founding chief of the reestablished New Iberia Police Department, has died following what fellow officers described as a courageous battle with illness.

Community

Ranch Green Beans and Little Potatoes with Bacon
Ranch Green Beans and Little Potatoes with Bacon
1 package maple bacon 1/2 pound fresh string beans, washed 2 tablespoons olive oil 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon rosemary salt, to taste pepper, to taste 1 package A Little Homestyle Ranch Microwave Ready Kit On stovetop, cook bacon until crispy, reserving 1/4 cup bacon grease. Crumble bacon and set aside.
FFA Leadership , Submitted photos
FFA Leadership
Elton High School FFA Advisor Lana Myers recently brought a group of students to attend the annual Washington Leadership Conference in Washington D.C. “During the conference, Joseph, Sophie and Austin strengthened their leadership skills, collaborated with students from across the nation, explored our nation’s history and gained valuable experiences that will help shape them into future leaders,” according to EHS Principal Amy Gobert. “This incredible opportunity allowed them to represent Elton High School and our community with pride, integrity and excellence. We know the lessons they learned and the connections they made will have a lasting impact.”
Submitted photos , Wonderful Wednesdays , Wonderful Wednesdays
Wonderful Wednesdays
Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church recently wrapped up their three-week summer program, Wonderful Wednesdays, where area youth learned about being a light for Christ through Matthew 5:14: “You are the light of the world.” The children discovered how God calls each of us to let His light shine through our words, actions and love for others. Along with the lesson, everyone enjoyed an afternoon filled with laughter, friendship and tremendous fun. Program organizers thanked the volunteers, leaders and families for helping make Wonderful Wednesday a joyful and faith-filled experience.
Grand Knight Mason LeJeune (left) and KC Tommy Dennis , Grand Knight Mason LeJeune (left) and the Stretcher family Submitted photos
KC NEWS
Knights of Columbus Council 2012 recently met to discuss business, including naming their members of the month for July. Outgoing Grand Knight Tommy Dennis was named Knight of the Month, while Emile and Katelynn Stretcher received Family of the Month honors.
SUSAN LINCOLN Midweek Muddle
Anastasia and Drizella
or those of you who are not fashion-savvy, Fa skort is a cute word for a cute skirt that also has cute shorts underneath. Golfers, in particular, wear skorts.

Sports

Bulldog Football Camp
Bulldog Football Camp
Area youth attend football camp this week led by Jennings High School coaches. The young athletes learned skills to help build their football strengths and capabilities..
Elton High School student Jocelyn Ahshapanek recently placed second at the USSSA Golf Governor’s Games in Alexandria. Ahshapanek has now qualified for the 2026 Notah Begay III Junior Golf National Championship in September. Submitted photo
GOING THE DISTANCE
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Daily News photo by Randall Fuselier
ALUMNI ACTION
The 33rd Jennings High School Alumni Tournament took place over the weekend, bringing back JHS graduates from years past to go head-to-head in softball play. Players and family members of the combined classes from 2003-06 celebrate their championship win in the tournament. The 2003-06 team — three-peat alumni tourney champions — scored five runs in their last at bat to win 8-5 over the Class of 2025.
Daily News photo by Brooke Hornsby
MAKING HISTORY
The Lake Arthur 14U baseball team recently represented their hometown in the Zone Tournament. They were the first team in the program’s history to win a game in this tournament. Lake Arthur beat Capital City from Austin Texas, coming out in the top eight teams in the zone. Lake Arthur played two pool play games and two bracket games.
SUMMER SPORTS
SUMMER SPORTS
Young football players from Jeff Davis Parish and neighboring communities took to the field during Next Play’s fourth annual youth football camp in Welsh. Regional coaches and mentors worked with campers to develop their athletic skills while encouraging teamwork, leadership and confidence. To learn more about Next Play, visit the organization’s Facebook.

Editorial

America's small businesses can't aord 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

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.
Dr. Don Louis Ivey
Dr. Don Louis Ivey
Dr. Don Louis Ivey, 90, loving husband of Cynthia Stagg Ivey, passed away peacefully at the family home on Saturday, July 18, 2026.
Fabus Paul Bonin
Fabus Paul Bonin
Published in Jennings Daily News July 19, 2026 A memorial gathering will be held on Monday July 20, 2026 from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.
Karen Guidry
Karen Guidry Jenkins
Karen Guidry Jenkins, a member of the Jefferson Davis High School graduating class of 1968, passed away on Friday, July 3, 2026. Services will be held in Orange, Texas, on Saturday, July 11, 2026..

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PO Box 910 | 238 Market Street | Jennings, LA 70546 | 337.824.3011
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