News

The Jeff Davis Parish Police Jury approved a controversial rezoning request Wednesday that will allow Solugen Inc. to move forward with plans for a chemical storage and loading facility along Oilfield Road near Welsh.

WELSH — The Welsh Police Department is adding a motorcycle to its fleet as Chief Marcus Crochet looks for another tool officers can use for traffic enforcement and patrol throughout the town. Crochet discussed the department’s plans for the motorcycle, explaining officers will be able to use it in a variety of situations, particularly for traffic enforcement and patrol in residential areas.

The Jeff Davis Parish Tourism Commission addressed an unexpected question surrounding upcoming board appointments Tuesday while also receiving updates on state funding, Fall Fest preparations and staffing.

LAKE ARTHUR — Lake Arthur may be one of Jeff Davis Parish’s best-kept secrets, but a new national survey suggests travelers are beginning to take notice. The lakeside community ranked No.

WELSH — Officials here approved keeping the town’s property tax millage rates at their previously established levels for 2026. The decision came during a recent town meeting as Mayor Karl Arceneaux and the Welsh Board of Aldermen considered Resolution 012-2026, which sets the property tax millage rate for the town.

— Louisiana opioid-related deaths have fallen 59% since 2022, even as federal survey data rank the state last among the 50 states and Washington, D.C., for opioid misuse. The Louisiana Department of Health said opioid-related deaths declined 59% from 2022 through 2025, compared with a 46.2% decline nationally.

WELSH — The Welsh Fire Department has improved its fire protection rating from Class 4 to Class 3. This feat is an achievement, Fire Chief John Hall said, that is the result of years of training, documentation, equipment maintenance and commitment from the department’s volunteer firefighters.