Tue, 07/28/2026 - 9:32pm
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News
(The Center Square) — Louisiana education officials have issued longawaited instructions explaining how school systems must handle Gov. Jeff Landry’s decision to redirect $168 million in public school funding toward teacher and support staff compensation.
Landry says you’re not alone By D'ARCY KNIGHT news1@jenningsdailynews.net Jeff Davis Parish Assistant Extension Agent Kim Landry said he’s received several calls recently from homeowners asking the same question: “Why are my figs staying green?” With fig season in full swing across Southwest Louisiana, Landry said many homeowners look forward to harvesting fresh figs for eating, baking, and making preserves each summer, yet there are several reasons fruit may remain green and fail to ripen, with one cause standing above the rest. “Stress is the most common reason figs fail to ripen,” he said.
(The Center Square) — Argent LNG announced it has received authorization from the U.S. Department of Energy to export up to 25 million metric tons annually – about 3.54 billion cubic feet per day – to countries that have a Free Trade Agreement with the United States.
(The Center Square) — Louisiana returned a record $70.9 million in unclaimed property to residents, businesses and other rightful owners during fiscal year 2026, the highest annual total in the state's history, according to State Treasurer John Fleming.
Community
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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.”
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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.
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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.
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.
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Your camellia has yellow blotches on its leaves and seems to be struggling. Aren’t these flowering shrubs supposed to be tough? In general, yes: Camellia japonica and Camellia sasanqua plants are usually easy to care for.
Sports
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.
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.
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.
GRAND ISLAND, Neb. – Fifteen-year-old Landon LaBouve made history this summer as the first Welsh High School freshman to compete in the 4-H Shooting Sports National Championship, joining 767 competitors from 42 states in one of the program’s largest national events.
Editorial
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.
Ihave unpacked the suitcase. I have washed its contents and returned my clean clothes to closets and drawers.
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.
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.
The Jeff Davis Animal Shelter is completed, according to a recent news report from the parish administrator. And in the Jan. 22 JD Parish Police Jury meeting, the discussion centered around moving the tax rededication proposal to a November 2026 agenda for a re-vote. This rededication, which failed on Nov. 15, 2025, by the voters of Jeff Davis Parish, would have moved monies from a half-cent consolidated jail sales tax, originally passed in 2014, and last renewed in 2024, to fund maintaining this newly constructed $2.1 million shelter. The reason for moving the tax proposal later this year was to “educate the voters about taking money from the jail tax and moving it to fund the animal center”, and hopefully get the measure passed then.
Obituaries
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, 90, loving husband of Cynthia Stagg Ivey, passed away peacefully at the family home on Saturday, July 18, 2026.
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 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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Georgia Brantley Chargois passed into the loving arms of her Lord on June 9, 2026. Born on May 11, 1925, 101 years young, “Ms. Georgia”, as she was called, was born in Greenbrier, Ark., to Zachary Taylor Loveless and Clara Woodruff Loveless. She was preceded in death by her parents and four of her six siblings: Hazel Loveless Cardin (Dennis), Guthrie “Gus” Loveless (Bonnie Mae), Ozie Loveless Martinez, and Lovetta Loveless. Left to mourn her passing are her siblings: Gene H. Loveless and Shirley Loveless McElhanon Jordan, both of Arkansas.
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