Community

Monday morning, we opened the office on South Jefferson Street, in the heart of downtown Perry, Fla., and noticed that one of two concrete planters flanking the front door of the newspaper office was missing a plant. There wasn’t dirt scattered around; the plant had been retrieved carefully, dirt intact, and was nowhere to be found.

District Attorney Lauren Heinen (from left), Jennings Mayor Henry Guinn, Communities Against Domestic Abuse Director Cynthia Petry and CADA Board President Megan Miller gathered at Jennings City Hall to proclaim October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Each year, Petry obtains a proclamation from the governor that is then signed by the city’s mayor. This is one of many steps CADA takes to bring awareness to the growing problem of domestic violence right here in Jeff Davis Parish.

Editor’s Note: This is the second of a twopart series describing the genealogy of a local Vietnam War hero along with his ancestral trek to Jennings, starting in the Middle Ages. The story reflects similar ancestral migration stories of many residents.

Genealogical research on a locally celebrated Vietnam Veteran, Wayne Milner, turned into a reflection on what it took for every Southwest Louisiana resident’s ancestors to make their way through the centuries to this location. The research by SWLA natives reveals evidence of ancestral survival through deadly eras of history showing an interesting look, according to the researchers, at how the entire population today is in many ways, lucky to be here.

The Jeff Davis Parish Fair parade rolled down the streets of Jennings on Friday, filled with floats, cheer squads, dance groups, marching bands, queens and more from throughout the area. Crowds gathered to cheer them on or catch candy and trinkets.