Yesterday's News

Alligator exhibit to boost tourism

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Alligators, billboards and budgets were the main topics of discussion at the Thursday meeting of the Jeff Davis Tourism Commission held at the Acadian House in the I-10 Oil and Gas Park.

With construction beginning today and the official public groundbreaking slated for 9 a.m. Tuesday at the park, the proposed alligator exhibit is being made a reality.

The $32,000 exhibit will be located beside the Acadian House.

When completed, the 17-by-24-foot building will house the 8-to-10-foot alligators.

Plants For Sale

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Joby Delome and Shane Touchet, sophomores at Jennings High, display the plants that the Future Farmers of America are selling for $4 and $7 each. By raising the plants from seeds, the students are able to learn about the plant system, agriculture production and eventually make money from their efforts.

Romero is top winner at FFA Banquet

WELSH — Troy Romero walked away with the lion's share of the honors here Tuesday night at the annual Welsh High School FFA Banquet.

Romero copped three awards including the prestigious Star Chapter Farmer honor which goes to the top senior in FFA. He also captured the Bill Monks Memorial Award, and the Russell Benoit Judging Award. He also serves as treasurer of the club.

The other top honor, Star Greenhand Award which goes to the top freshman, was won by Peter Fontenot.

Jessie E. Roten Passes From Fracture of Skull In Accident

Jessie Ennis Roten, 30, local oil field worker, critically injured at the old field Wednesday night, died at the Parish Hospital Thursday evening from a fracture of the frontal skull. The accident occurred when a pipe on a crane strung out, hitting Roten just above the eye.

The body was taken to Houssiere Memorial Funeral Home and was taken to Houston Thursday morning where burial was made. Roten is survived by the widow, who was momentarily expecting to become a mother. They had lived in Jennings several months and resided at 305 West Division Street.

Percy Dugas, 52, Dies After Mumbling Few Words; No Clue Yet Available

Percy Dugas, 52, was killed by an assailant's bullet about 10 p.m. Wednesday night at his home seven miles south of Lacassine while listening to the radio..

State Police Patrolman, O.J. Hebert and Deputy Sheriff P.W. Miller, stated the crumpled body of the man was found on the front porch by his brother. Desire Dugas who lives about 500 yards from the death scene and who answered a frantic call for help. Desire Dugas stated his brother mumbled a few unintelligible words and then died, unable to throw any light on the case.

JENNINGS WAS WARM WET PLACE IN 1971

JENNINGS, La - If you enjoy cold weather, Jennings was not the place to live in 1971.

Early rice heading out, says Martin

JENNINGS, La — Early planted rice in some areas of the parish is heading out now, County Agent G.B. Martin reported today.

New Year's Baby 1948

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New Year's Baby 1948

Coca Cola truck catches fire near Mermentau, driver is burned

Two fire alarms were answered Tuesday night and both involved gasoline dangers. In one, a truck driver was badly burned when driving a heavily laden Coca Cola truck, which caught fire presumably from defective wiring near Mermentau.

NEW TRAFFIC SIGNAL IS SCENE OF MISHAP

The new traffic signal erected Wednesday at the intersection of La. 26 and Plaquemine Street was the scene of its first accident Thursday afternoon, according to city police.