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Delcambre’s Krewe de Mystical Waters King Robbie Barras and Queen Jo-Ellen Barras.

Prince and Princesses- Jake Duhon, Jesse Alario, Laura Rogers, Scotty Trahan, Mandy LeBlanc, Robbie Barras, Godmother Anita Landry, JoEllen Barras, Cameron Broussard, Alex Barras, Tammy Trim, Tracey Trim, Listi Arceneaux, Mark Arceneaux

Mad Hatters- Jake Duhon, Scotty Trahan, Laura Rogers, Jesse Alario, Mandy LeBlanc, Robbie Barras, JoEllen Barras, Mark Arceneaux, Tammy Trim, Listi Arceneaux, Tracey Trim, Cameron Broussard

Alice in Wonderland Characters- Ches Gordon, Holli Mire, Robbie Barras, Alaina Barras, JoEllen Barras, Jennifer Broussard, Garrett Frederick, and Mandy Thibodeaux

The Cards- Kristy Touchard, Jodi Domingue, Rachel Trahan, Julie Alario, Mitzi Duhon, Jodi Romero

The Three Pigs- Ches Gordon, Clay Broussard, Garrett Frederick, Larry Landry

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs- Drake LeBlanc, Jorey Renard, Zack Renard, Renee Renard, Lexi Renard, Tina Renard, Lani Renard, Randall Mitchell, Clint Renard

The Trees-Francis Nunez, Mike Romero, Errol Domingue, Brian Touchard, Mark Trahan, Clayton Rogers, Tammy Gordon, Debbie Baudoin, and Hollie Frederick

The Wiz- Chris Esponge, Lisa Broussard, Homer Stelly, Wendy Trahan, Tony Barras, Robbie Barras

Cruella and the Dalmations- Jamie Schexnayder, Ken Schexnayder, Kyle LeBlanc, Zane Zagar, Britlyn Zagar, Liz Schexnayder, Darcel Robin, and Brittany Delcambre

Little Red Riding Hood- Jamie Schexnayder, Ken Schexnayder, Bridget Touchet, Zane Zagar, Britlyn Zagar, Darcel Robin, Larry Landry, Brittany Delcambre

Young Ambassadors- Standing -Ava Broussard, Avery Desormeaux, Mallory Broussard, Emma Broussard, Emma Duhon, Olivia Gordon. Sitting-Cameron Broussard, Cooper Broussard, Chace LeBlanc, Jaxon Wiggins

Delcambre’s Krewe de Mystical Waters holds ball

Wed, 01/17/2024 - 12:27pm

Guests were taken into a world of musical fantasy

DELCAMBRE — Once upon a time, in a land far, far away there was a magical kingdom where mythical creatures stay.
On Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024 at the Hilton Double Tree Hotel in Lafayette, Delcambre’s Krewe de Mystical Waters held its 23rd annual bal masque, Boogie Wonderland, taking their guests into a world of musical fantasy. Reigning over the 2024 festivities were Krewe de Mystical Waters’ 20th King and Queen, Robbie Barras and his wife, JoEllen.
All guests present on Saturday night were encouraged to “jump down the rabbit hole,” leave reality behind, and boogie with the krewe through wonderland.
The show opened with the king and queen’s daughter Alaina, who portrayed Alice, awakening to find herself in a scene from the storybook Alice in Wonderland. There were magical trees that moved about the ballroom, mad hatters, tea parties, and strange encounters with the elusive Cheshire cat, the white rabbit, and the peculiar Tweedledee and Tweedledum. Concluding the show’s first storybook adventure was the Queen of Hearts and her card soldiers.
Continuing the show was the Krewe’s interpretation of some well-known fairytales. Snow White and the 7 Dwarves(or should we say….Thugs):Ash, Crusty, Dopey, Tooty, Fruity, Musty and Nappy, eluded the Wicked Queen. A cute group of dalmatians were on a search for the evil Cruella Deville. Sneakerella(formerly known as Cinderella) and her princess friends put on their boogie shoes and entertained the crowd with some fancy footwork.
Out of the forest of magical trees came several other stories including; Little Red Riding Hood, The Three “not so little” Pigs, and of course the Big Bad Wolf.
The show’s last story showcased The Wizard of Oz, as the story’s cast members included the king’s classmates from the Class of “85 and the yellow brick road led them to find out that there really is no place like our hometown, Delcambre!
Being escorted by their children, Alex and Alaina, the night’s adventures concluded with the formal presentation of King Robbie and Queen JoEllen.

Letter to the Editor

Tue, 01/16/2024 - 10:43am

Dear Editor:

Motorists beware! Most people I have talked to describe the new driving and parking plan around our Parish Courthouse as a fiasco.
You have to experience it to believe it! When we drive around our Courthouse Square on one-way streets with the new parking situation on the north and south side of the building, to park a vehicle there on those two one-way streets, a driver attempting to park will require the driver to stop in the middle of the one- lane traffic flow, and then back up against the traffic flow into a designated angular parking slot. What will inevitably result is that moving vehicles behind the wanna- be parker will have to stop (and perhaps back up some) to wait for the parker to back up against the traffic flow, and perhaps wait even longer while the parker makes a second attempt to park in reverse within parallel white lines. And, of course, these facts will worsen when the parker does not use his turn-signal to warn trailing traffic to stop to give him safe passage to back up in the middle of the street.
This one rectangular block in our little city is the most traffic-gluttonous driving area here, and this new plan causes it to be worse. Traffic feeds around this block from five busy streets and necessitates one to drive around this block to reach are otherwise unreachable destination due to one way streets. Locals are too familiar with this situation.
I note with interest that a retired educator in our parish authored a hyper-critical letter to this newspaper last week on this traffic issue noting that it was many years ago that he had ever seen back-up angular parking on a city street – and it was in Oregon.
Regardless who funded these street usage changes, I believe that anoverwhelming majority of drivers opine that the current plan is poorly thought out. I fail to understand that pedestrians intending to cross the street at these six intersections will significantly benefit from these new parking rules. And what about the resulting lane usage restrictions to turn from Peace Street, Charity Street and Tivoli Street?
Before these changes, we could drive around the courthouse in the left lane(there were two lanes) while not impeding other motorists. Now, there is only one driving lane and motorists must wait for drivers ahead who stop and then back up to park angularly. It is an unwarranted and wasted street usage.
I am told that there was a public meeting a couple of months ago where posters were displayed showing the proposals, but there was no traffic engineer to speak to defend the proposals. There are some trial attorneys who probably would be eager to cross-examine the “expert” who authored this new traffic plan.
Let’s face it. We are stuck with our Parish Courthouse situated on an island. This new plan makes this bottleneck situation more cumbersome – and needlessly so. Increasing the number of vehicles that can park on two sides of the courthouse in this new plan has a down side more significant than any upside.

Louis G. Garrot, III
Abbeville, Louisiana

KC Hall in Kaplan a warming center

Tue, 01/16/2024 - 9:39am

KAPLAN — There will be a warming center set up at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Kaplan through this Wednesday afternoon.
The KC Hall is located at 1007 N Lejeune Ave.
Kaplan Mayor Mike Kloesel thanked the group for making the warming center possible.
“I want to personally thank the entire Knights of Columbus organization and Mr. Felix Guidry,” Kloesel said, “for stepping up and answering my request to open their hall as a warming shelter due to the extreme cold temperatures we are expecting Monday to Wednesday.”
The local Knights of Columbus organization working in conjunction with the American Red Cross to provide a warm place for people to go that might need help or unable to provide for themselves. They will have cots and blankets for the elderly. If you need to go to the warming shelter please bring what you can with regards to blankets, sleeping bags, etc.
“The Knights will also try to provide a warm soup or gumbo if someone is hungry,” Kloesel said.
If you have questions or need assistance the KC Hall phone number is 337-643-9805 and that number will be manned beginning Monday afternoon.
:The police department will search and clear anyone going into the shelter to ensure there are no weapons or drugs entering the shelter,” the mayor added.

Abbeville opens a ‘warming center’

Tue, 01/16/2024 - 9:38am

The city of Abbeville will set up a warming center in the Recreation building at A.A. Comeaux Park.
The facility, which officially opened at 3 p.m. on Monday, will remain open until 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 17. The address for the warming center is located at 301 A.A Comeaux Memorial Dr. in Abbeville.
“If you know of anyone in the community who needs to get out of the elements,” Abbeville Mayor Roslyn White said, “please direct them to the recreation center.”
More information is available by calling 337-893-8550 for more information.
“Note we will not be able to cook meals at the center,” White said, “but we will have a microwave self-serve station set up for use.
White said the following items could be used through donations:

Hot drink dry packets such as:
-hot chocolate
-tea

Individual packs of microwaveable food such as:
-Mac and Cheese
-Ramon Noodles
-Instant Oatmeal
-Grits
-Fresh Fruits or Vegetables

-Paper Towels
-Spoons/Forks
-Paper Bowls/Plates

All other donations for food can go through the Christian Service Center as they will prepare daily community meals in their commercial kitchen. If you would like to contribute to the community food efforts, contact the Christian Service Center at 337-893-9756. The Christian Service Center is located at 701 Chevis St. in Abbeville.
White said despite city hall being closed on Monday in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the city team is on 24-hour call. If you need assistance shutting off the water to your home, please call.
“We are running 24-hour operators at the water plant and have a freeze plan in place,” White said, “but it is important that everyone do their part by protecting your property from leaks. If you do not take precautions, your pipes will freeze. As temperatures rise and pipes thaw if you see a water leak at your home or in your neighborhood please call.
Again, the number to contact the city for such issues is 337-893-8550.
“We have had many requests about donating items needed for warming center,” White said.
The following items are what White said are believed to be most needed:

Personal hygiene kits including items like:
-toothpaste
-toothbrush
-body cleansing wipes
-deodorant
-lotion
-individual hand sanitizer

Personal warming items:
-Coats new or gently used
-Gloves
-Warm Socks
-Beanies
-Scarves
-Clean Blankets
-Sleeping Bags

The Christian Service center will be open daily 8 a.m. to noon. You can drop items there or bring to the warming center at AA Comeaux.
“Due to capacity and staffing issues, we ask that you limit clothing items,” White said. “If we have a community member in need of additional items, we will post that request as needed.
White said prior to the warming center opening that the still sought volunteers to work shifts to help man the warming center. If you would like to volunteer, please email your name, phone number and email address to clejeune@cityofabbeville.net. The city will respond to emails as time allows.
“The next few days will be challenging but the city team is prepared, and we are here if you need,” White said.

Larris Joseph Denais

Tue, 01/16/2024 - 9:36am

August 7, 1928 ~ January 14, 2024

ABBEVILLE — A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, January 17, 2024 at St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Catholic Church honoring the life of Larris Joseph Denais, 95, who died peacefully at his home on Sunday, January 14, 2024. He will be laid to rest at St. Alphonsus Cemetery with Fr. François Sainte-Marie officiating the services.
Larris attended school in Maurice, Louisiana in his early years and received vocational education in mechanics in his adulthood. He was a strong advocate for education and urged his siblings and both his children to strive for the highest educational level they could achieve. He read everything he could put his hands on, primarily biographies and autobiographies of people who played important roles in shaping the country and the state of Louisiana. He read the local newspapers daily to keep up with current events and enjoyed critiquing the state of local, national, and worldwide affairs government.
He spent most of his career in the automobile industry, first becoming a mechanic and later moving into the role of manager of the service department of what was then Ray Chevrolet-Olds. His years as a mechanic taught him how to repair almost any type of engine. His nephews would often call him for advice with mechanical problems when they were refurbishing old vehicles. One nephew shared “when I asked Uncle Larris what was wrong with the car, he told me to put the phone near the engine so he could hear it running, and he was able to immediately tell me what the problem was.”
Another interest of his was horses, particularly quarter horses. He developed an interest in horses and horsemanship as a young boy living in Henry where he watched local horsemen round up cattle during storms to move them to higher ground.
Larris was also a good dancer, according to his “bride” as he called his wife Gladys. But above all else, family was his highest priority, and relished his role as husband, father, grandfather, and most recently, great-grandfather.
He is survived by his children Diane Sasser (John) and Ruth LeGros (Tony); grandchildren, Brooke LeGros and Allison Meaux (Brett); great granddaughter, Cecilia Grace Meaux; brother, Dale Denais (Mary); sister-in-law, Margaret Denais (Lee); and several nieces and nephews.
Larris is preceded in death by his wife, Gladys Landry Denais; parents, John and Rena Trahan Denais; sisters, Dorothy Landry and Virgie Domingue; brother Lee Denais; brothers-in-law, J. C. Landry and O. J. Domingue; nephews, Tommy Denais and David Denais; and niece, Patricia Landry.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville, 209 S. St. Charles St., on Wednesday, January 17, 2024 from 9 a.m. until 12:45 p.m. when the procession will depart for the church. A rosary being prayed at 12 p.m.
The family would like to thank the staff of Heart of Hospice, nurse Skyla Pilcher, and caregivers Bridget Lacey and Esther Ward for their outstanding care.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.vincentfuneralhome.net.
All funeral arrangements are being conducted by Vincent Funeral Home of Abbeville, 337-893-4661.

Gueydan Journal

Tue, 01/09/2024 - 11:44am

Public Notice

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

The Town of Gueydan will receive sealed bids for the following equipment which was declared surplus at the Regular Meeting of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen on January 2, 2024. The equipment is described as follows:

2005 Chevrolet Tahoe (0058)
Bids for the abovementioned equipment will be received by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the Town of Gueydan, City Hall, 600 Main St., Gueydan, LA until 3:30 o’clock P.M. on date of February 6, 2024. Such mentioned bids will be opened at the regular Council Meeting of February 6, 2024, which meeting begins at 6 o’clock p.m., City Hall, 600 Main Street, Gueydan, LA The Town of Gueydan reserves the right to reject any and all bids and to waive any informalities.

S/Jude Reese
Jude Reese, Mayor

Published in The Gueydan Journal Newspaper:
THURSDAY, January 11, 2024
Publish 2 times

Gueydan Journal

Tue, 01/09/2024 - 11:43am

Public Notice Gueydan City Council Minutes

Minutes of the proceedings of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the Town of Gueydan, Louisiana, taken at regular meeting held Tuesday, January 2, 2024, at 6:00 o’clock P.M.

The Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the Town of Gueydan, Louisiana met in regular session with Mayor Jude Reese presiding and the following Aldermen present:

Present: JOHN LASETER, LAUREL PORTIE’, ANITA DUPUIS
& JASON SUIRE
Absent: EFREM LIVINGSTON

Public Comment any item on agenda (3 minutes per person)

Motion was made by JASON SUIRE, seconded by JOHN LASETER, and carried, that in as much as each member of the Board of Aldermen received a copy of minutes taken at Regular Meeting of December 5, 2023, that the reading of said minutes be dispensed with and same be adopted as written.

Motion by JASON SUIRE, seconded by JOHN LASETER, and carried, that the reports of the Bookkeeper and Tax Collector be approved as filed. Mayor Reese spoke briefly on the budget to actual report:

Period YTD Actual Budget Variance
General Fund October 2023
Revenue 106,615.73 1,441,949.46 1,207,984.00 ( 233,965.46)
Expenditures:
General & Administrative 5,810.56 289,579.94 243,975.00 ( 45,604.94)
Police Department 7,305.90 414,491.57 333,436.00 ( 81,055.57)
Fire Department 3,515.59 228,527.17 228,590.00 ( 59,937.17)
Streets & Bridges 2,060.99 229,234.21 213,200.00 ( 16,032.21)
Drainage 18.93 22,427.17 10,550.00 ( 11,877.17)
Sanitation 0.00 0.00 109.00 109.00
Community Center .00 1,62.31 1,782.31 ( 62.31) Dept 81 – Capital Outlay 2,516.11 50,425.62 .00 ( 50,425.62)
Total Expenditures 22,259.45 1,343,100.56 1,069,310.00 ( 273,790.56)
Profit (Loss) 84,356.29 98.848.90 138,574.00 39,825.10

Sales Tax Revenue 24,476.64 244,941.48 301,500.00 56,556.54 Expenses & Transfers Out 141,528.41 .00 ( 141,528.41)
Total Expenditures .00 141,528.41 .00 ( 141,528.41)
Profit (Loss) 24,476.64 103,413.05 301,500.00 198,086.95

Utility Fund Revenue
Misc. Rev & Transfers 1,218.99 76,529.45 75,700.00 ( 629.45)
Electrical 95,101.45 1,598,204.72 1,750,000.00 151,795.28
Gas 29,990.11 182,882.62 250,000.00 67,117.38
Sewer 14,168.80 169,929.60 161,900.00 ( 8,029.60)
Water 17,222.00 200,384.20 198,500.00 ( 1,884.20)
Total Revenues
157,701.35 2,227,930.59 2,436,100.00 208,169.41

Expenditures:
Transfers Out 90,000.00 1,044,000.00 750,000.00 ( 294,000.00)
Electrical ( 196,667.18) 851,554.45 1,084,650.00 233,095.55
Gas 20,677.09 249,482.92 223,900.00 ( 25,582.92)
Sewer 9,914.88 243,628.22 200,960.00 ( 42,668.22)
Water 11,272.28 319,342.43 248,475.00 ( 70,867.43)
Dept 84 ARPA Sewer 47,205.76 0.00 ( 47,205.76)
Dept 85 ARPA Water 0.00 17,635.30 0.00 17,635.90)
Total Expenditure (64,801.91) 2,772,849.06 2,507,985.00 ( 264,864.08)
Profit (Loss) 222,504.26 ( 544,918.49) ( 71,885.00) 473,033.49

Motion by JASON SUIRE, seconded by JOHN LASETER, and carried that the following transfer, on the date, and amount from fund is hereby ratified and approved:

To General Fund:

December 12,2023 Utility Fund $74,000.00
December 28,2023 Utility Fund $16,000.00

Councilman John Laseter questioned the finances of the Town and requested it be recorded in the minutes. After a discussion no action was taken

Mayor Reese announced the amount of interest that the town has received for the month and the year-to-date amounts.

Motion by JASON SUIRE, seconded by JOHN LASETER and carried to accept the billing adjustments in the amount of $62.49 for the month of December 2023.

Larry Cramer, engineer representing Sellers & Associates informed those present that the Louisiana Community Block Grant for the Blighted Property was awarded to the Town in the amount of $195,250.00.

Mr. Cramer also informed those present that the Louisiana Water Initiative Local and Regional Watershed Grants Program – Round 2 preliminary application has been conditionally awarded to the Town in the amount of $1,170,700.00 for the Gueydan Flood Protection Project. The next step is to submit the application to LCDBG.

Motion by JASON SUIRE, seconded by ANITA DUPUIS and carried to adopt the following resolution.

TOWN OF GUEYDAN RESOLUTION
FOR
OFFICE OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT – LOUISIANA WATERSHED
INTIATIVE

STATE OF LOUISIANA

PARISH OF VERMILION

On January 2, 2024, the Town of Gueydan held a meeting with a quorum of its members present, and the following business was conducted:

It was duly moved and seconded that the following resolution be adopted:

BE IT RESOLVED that the Town of Gueydan hereby authorizes Jude Reese,
Mayor, or his successor in office, to negotiate and enter into a contract or
contracts to accept funding for the Town of Gueydan on terms and conditions
that he may deem advisable, and to execute said documents on behalf of the
Town of Gueydan, during the term of CEA. Further, we do herby give him
the power and authority to do all things necessary to implement, maintain, amend
or renew said documents and to accept any grant awards on be half of the Town of Gueydan.

The above resolution was passed by a majority vote of those present and voting in accordance with the By-Laws and Articles of Incorporation of the Town of Gueydan.

I certify that the above and foregoing constitutes a true and correct excerpt of the minutes of the above-referenced meeting of the Town of Gueydan

Signed this 2nd day of January 2024.

S/Roxanna Richard S/Jude Reese Clerk Mayor

Mayor Reese ordered a rate study which is being conducted by Sellers & Associates that is still in progress.

Motion by JOHN LASETER, seconded by JASON SUIRE and carried to accept the recommendation of Mayor Jude Reese of Roger Cormier as Street Commissioner.

Motion by JOHN LASETER SECONDED by JASON SUIRE and carried to adopt an Intergovernmental Agreement

INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT

BY AND AMONG CITY OF ABBEVILLE, VERMILION PARISH POLICE
JURY, VERMILION PARISH SCHOOL BOARD, TOWN OF ERATH,
TOWN OF DELCAMBRE, TOWN OF MAURICE, TOWN OF KAPLAN,
TOWN OF GUEYDAN, AND VERMILION PARISH SHERIFF’S OFFICE.

Original Agreement is filed in the filing cabinet.

RESOLUTION NO. 1-2004

A RESOLUTION BY THE COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF GUEYDAN
(“TOWN”) AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR OF THE TOWN (“MAYOR”)
TO EXECUTE CERTAIN AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE TOWN AND
THE LOUISIANA ENERGY AND POWER AUTHORITY (“LEPA”)

BE IT RESOLVED that the MAYOR of the TOWN be and he is hereby authorized to execute and deliver the following agreements for and on behalf of the TOWN, the

FULL REQUIREMENT SERVICE AGREEMENT BY AND BETWEEN THE
LOUISIANA ENERGY AND POWER AUTHORITY AND THE TOWN OF
GUEYDAN

FULL REQUIREMENT INCENTIVE AGREEMENT BY AND BETWEEN
LOUISIANA ENERGY AND POWER AUTHORITY AND THE TOWN OF
GUEYDAN, LOUISIANA

and in connection therewith, he be and is further authorized to deliver such certificates and other writings and otherwise take such actions as may be necessary to implement the terms and conditions of this Resolution and said agreement.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all resolutions or parts thereof in conflict herewith be and the same are hereby repealed.

On motion by Councilman JASON SUIRE, seconded by JOHN LASETER, the above resolution was passed by a vote of 4 to 0.

AYES: JOHN LASETER, LAUREL PORTIE’
ANITA DUPUIS & JASON SUIRE
NAYS: NONE
ABSENT: EFREM LIVINGSTON

S/Roxanna Richard S/Jude Reese Clerk Mayor

Motion by JOHN LASETER seconded by JASON SUIRE and carried to declare the 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe (0058). Minimum bid is $500.00. Sealed bids will be accepted until 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 6, 2024, and will be opened and publicly read at the meeting of February 6, 2024, which meeting beg8ins at 6:00 p.m.

Motion by JOHN LASETER, seconded by JASON SUIRE and carried to enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement between the Town of Gueydan and the Village of Morse for the donation of a 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe (3169).

Motion by JASON SUIRE seconded by JOHN LASETER and carried to enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement between the Village of Morse and the Town of Gueydan for the donation of a 2013 Dodge Charger (6724) and also the donation of an additional 2013 Dodge Charger (6722).

John Laseter voiced his concerns about bills being behind. Mayor Reese advised him that he is working toward getting them all up to date.

Jason Suire voiced his concern on the number of vehicles the town has.

Mayor Reese informed the governing body that he is having rate studies done on electricity, gas, water and sewer.

There being no further business to come before the meeting thereupon motion by JASON SUIRE, seconded by LAUREL PORTIE’, and carried the meeting thereupon adjourned at 6:57 o’clock P.M. on this 2nd day of January, 2024.

S/Roxanna Richard S/Jude Reese Clerk Mayor

Published in The Gueydan Journal Newspaper:
THURSDAY, January 11, 2024

Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry

Governor Jeff Landry: ‘Our people have not come first. This will soon change.’

Tue, 01/09/2024 - 9:35am

With our inauguration now over, I am left with an overwhelming feeling of hope for the future of our great state. Over the last year, we hit the road, listening to folks about the core issues that must be addressed if we’re to restore our state and improve our circumstances. Although we have a diverse state with many differences, most Louisianans want the same things: a good job, a great education for their children, and they want to live in a safe community.
Due to the support of folks across Louisiana, we achieved an unprecedented win on Oct. 14, giving us extra time to be thoughtful about these issues and craft real solutions to make Louisiana great.
Throughout this time, we identified 14 key points that need the most attention, and over the past three months, we assembled a great group of men and women to take a serious look at solution-driven ideas for the challenges we are facing.
Having grown up in the small town of St. Martinville, I learned from my parents the importance of faith, family, service and standing up for what you believe in. I also learned the importance of keeping your word.
We ran a campaign focused on fighting crime, improving our education system and rebuilding our economy. Now begins a new chapter for Louisiana, one where promises are kept and our government truly serves the people of Louisiana.
That means we will focus on fighting crime and ensuring opportunity and growth touches every corner of our state. It means we fix our criminal justice system and make it one where the victims are prioritized, not the criminals. It means fixing our prisons and ensuring those who are incarcerated are prepared to reenter society, not reenter prison. It means we focus on solutions to the infrastructure and insurance crises; it means prioritizing our coast and wetlands, and it means guaranteeing our children’s education is the top priority from kindergarten through college or trade school.
Growing up, I have walked in the shoes of the people who struggle more than they should in a state as blessed as this one. Louisiana is fortunate to have an abundance of resources — from our oil and gas industries to our wetlands, coast and wildlife habitats. And frankly, I believe our best resource is our people. There is no one like folks from Louisiana. With this abundance of incredible resources, Louisiana should be a place where people want to work, build a business and start a family. Yet for years, this has not been the case.
Under my administration, we will get back to prioritizing those industries and the people that built Louisiana. It’s time our rural communities are looked after, our farmers are heard and our men and women in the oil and gas industry feel appreciated. For far too long, the needs of our state and our people have not come first. This will soon change.
Louisiana’s best days are ahead of us.
I have always said, you fix your country when you fix your state. And I believe that over the coming years, Louisiana is positioned to not just become a leader in the South, but Louisiana can lead the nation.
Of course, this will not come without challenges, but if we work together, we will accomplish great things. We can create a better, safer and more prosperous Louisiana — not just for ourselves but also for our future generations to come.
Sharon and I are honored to serve as your 57th governor and first lady of the great state of Louisiana. Your trust in us is something that will never be taken for granted. It is time to put words into action and deliver on our promise to make the government in Louisiana as good as her people — because I believe in Louisiana, and there is no moment like the present.
May God continue to bless this state and her people.

Jeff Landry is the former attorney general of the state of Louisiana and was sworn in as its next governor on Monday.

Jim Brown

Why nothing is getting done in Washington!

Tue, 01/09/2024 - 9:32am

Jim Brown

Poor ole’ Joe Biden. The current president really has his hands full. Some think the world is going to hell in a hand basket, and the Biden team is enmeshed in pouring billions to other countries. The President has just approved a $105 billion military aid package to Israel, as the Israel-Hamas war is on the verge of spiraling into a wider regional conflict. Russia’s war with Ukraine seems more and more like a Russian war with America as the US has poured $80 billion in this struggle. Our Southern border is overflowing with a surge of immigrants with no plan to stop the flow. The president is up for election in just 10 months. And his favorable popularity has dipped to below 35%.
So how does he handle the crisis? You would think he would be staying up late at night seven days a week dealing with a whole host of difficult issues, especially since he has such a short time left in the White House. Here’s his solution. Take a weeklong vacation. Fly to the tropical island of St. Croix. He has the rest of his life to take long vacations, and his whole future is on the line. So he flies to the Caribbean.
Work product of the U.S. Congress is not any better. Back in 1948, President Harry Truman coined the term “Do nothing Congress,” because the legislative body only passed 511 bills that were signed into law. In the 2023 congressional term, a grand total of 27 bills were actually signed in the law. Two of the laws renamed medical centers, and another one created a commemorative coin.
“The House hasn’t done its job. It’s been playing games. It’s what people don’t like about this town,” said Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio. “All year the House didn’t choose its speakers, they’ve been fighting with each other. Their egos are out of control. They’re acting like kids and they’re not doing their job.”
The U.S. Supreme Court could be the worst of the three branches in getting any work done or even showing up for work. If you look at poll numbers, it’s becoming obvious that the American public are losing confidence in the Supremes. In a Gallup poll released recently, only 40% of citizens approve of the job that has been done by the High Court. And it’s not just one party or the other. “At this point, less than a majority of Republicans, Democrats and independents approve of the job the court is doing,” said Gallup, which has been tracking the trend since 2000.
Justices on the nation’s highest court complain about their low salary. But the plain truth is that the court as a whole just does not work very hard. Some 10,000 petitions are filed in the Supreme Court each year, and almost all of them are turned aside. This year, the court might consider some 60 cases. They never worked too hard in the past, but at least up until some 15 years ago, the normal load was 125 cases or more. But no longer. The Supremes need more time for other pursuits.
Come summertime, there are no thoughts of carrying out the constitutional responsibility of considering cases of those who feel they are aggrieved. No, it’s time to head off for speaking junkets and lucrative teaching posts far and beyond. Justice Samuel Alito prefers the beaches and teachers in Malibu California at Pepperdine University at its Oceanside campus. And Chief Justice John Roberts was paid to teach a one week course in Vienna in recent years.
Justices also benefit from the ethically troubling practice of regularly taking all expense paid junkets, often financed by private interests with business before this very court. Many are labeled as “educational seminars” with large honorariums being received for a lecture. The Court has soiled its reputation by accepting such freebies, and it is obvious the members are incapable of effective self-policing.
Every four years, we hear campaign promises from candidates who say they will go to the nation’s capital and get to work. But things never seem to change. What’s the song by the musical group The Who? “Meet the new boss, same as the old boss.”

Peace and Justice
Jim Brown

Biden’s numbers are critically low among minorities and young people, but are they all going third-party?

Tue, 01/09/2024 - 9:29am

Manzanita Miller

In the past few months, we’ve seen unprecedented fracturing of the Democratic Party’s base, with young people and minorities withdrawing their support from President Joe Biden in record numbers across multiple national polls.
With Biden’s approval ratings falling below 40% and economic issues as well as the divisive wars in Ukraine and Israel remaining top issues for voters, this movement appears to only be escalating.
However, much of the recent reporting on these shifts away from Biden has attempted to soften the reality. It isn’t so much that these voters are eschewing Democrats as they are simply annoyed with Biden and threatening to support third-party candidates – or so goes the mainstream narrative. There is little appetite to report on the way these shifts might bolster a certain challenger – former President Donald Trump. Yet there is strong evidence that they do.
A new USA Today/Suffolk University poll shows young people and minorities retracting their support from Biden, and Former President Trump earning significant gains with these same voters at the same time.
According to the poll, just 63% of Black Americans plan to vote for Biden – a twenty-four percentage point decline in support compared to 2020, when Biden won Black voters 87% to 13%.
Biden is outright losing Hispanics by five points in the poll, after winning them by a two-to-one margin in 2020. The poll shows Trump leading Biden with Hispanics 39% to 34%, after losing Hispanics by a full 33 percentage points, 65% to 32%.
Among young people, Biden continues to suffer steep losses. Trump now leads Biden narrowly with voters under 35 – 37% to 33% – after losing younger voters by twenty-four points in 2020.
While several media outlets have tempered these numbers, arguing that the majority of these disgruntled voters plan to support third-party candidates, not necessarily move to Trump’s camp, there is evidence that both could happen.
According to the USA Today poll, around a fifth of Black, Hispanic, and young voters respectively plan to vote for someone other than Trump or Biden, and since these voters heavily skewed Democrat in 2020 these votes will largely detract from Biden.
However, there is also strong evidence that minorities and young people are firmly considering supporting Trump at rates unseen in 2020 or 2016.
The November New York Times poll of six battleground states found Biden’s support has dropped a startling 33 percentage points among non-whites compared to 2020 results, and a significant share of these voters have moved to Trump’s camp.
The Times poll shows Trump’s support among Blacks has risen 10 points compared to 2020 – from 12% to 22%. While a significant share of Blacks may indeed vote third-party, Trump is within shouting distance of doubling his share of the Black vote according to the Times poll.
Among Hispanics, The Times poll shows a startling 22 percentage-point decline in support for Biden compared to 2020. That decline is not entirely drifting into the third-party category either. The Times poll shows Trump gaining seven percentage points with Hispanics compared to 2020, going from 32% to 39%. Clearly, a significant portion of Hispanics who supported Biden in 2020 are angling toward a third-party candidate, but one cannot ignore the drift toward Trump as well.
What about young people? The Times polling found Biden leading Trump by a single percentage-point among voters under 30, 47% to 46%. This is a far cry from the 2020 election, when Biden won voters under thirty 60% to 36%, and represents a ten-point shift toward Trump among young voters.
It is true that a significant share of former Biden voters are contemplating a third-party vote in the next election, but there is also strong evidence to support a shift toward Trump. The USA Today numbers show around 20% of young people and minorities respectively say they plan to vote third-party, but other polls show Trump gaining around ten percentage-points or more with each group, indicating that Biden’s losses are not exclusively third-party votes.

Manzanita Miller is an associate analyst at Americans for Limited Government Foundation.

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