Sheriff Gerald A. Turlich, Jr. announces the arrest of Justin Arendt, 30, of Belle Chasse for Sexual Battery and Indecent Behavior with a Juvenile under the Age of Thirteen after a Plaquemines Parish Grand Jury returned a true bill of indictment on Friday, May 12, 2023.

As Memorial Day 2023 approaches, retired army veteran Donald Sino is preparing for his annual road march to honor fallen veterans. This will be Sino’s 10th year performing his annual Memorial Day road march.

From the moment my name was pulled from the treasure chest in May 2022, I had no idea how much fun my reign as the seafood pearl would bring. I made so many friends throughout the community, especially my favorite ladies at the Plaquemines Medical Center and the crew at LAYAYA. I got to represent my hometown of Plaquemines Parish and its delicious seafood industry, just by attending many different events along side my rhinestone “sea”sters! From kicking off the school year with backpacks loaded with supplies, fishing rodeos, church events, to picking oranges at a local orange grove, cannons at Fort Jackson, building bonfires, Christmas Carols, Easter Egg Hunts, parades and so much more, I learned that it means so much to be a part of a community and giving back. I can’t wait to see who our next Plaquemines Parish Seafood Pearl will be! There is so much this gulf has to offer! From the inside of your local oyster shell, I am your 2022 Plaquemines Seafood Pearl, Carley Rayne Morse.

This year has been nothing short of a dream come true. Being the Plaquemines Parish Seafood Festival Queen has granted me many experiences and opportunities that I would have not received if I wasn’t queen. Over the last 365 days, I have attended over 40 events both in and out of the parish. In January, I got to ride in the Rose Parade in Pasadena, California where I had the opportunity to showcase our festival, parish and the seafood industry to people from all over the world. In February, I competed in the Louisiana Association of Fairs and Festivals Queen’s Pageant where I proudly represented Plaquemines Parish and the Seafood Festival. Of all the great events I have attended, my favorites were those spent right here in our parish.

The Plaquemines Parish Seafood Festival Queen and Teen Queen pageants will be held on Sunday, May 21, at the Plaquemines Parish Multi Purpose Center, 333 F. Edward Hebert Blvd. Bldg 555, Belle Chasse. Admission will be $5 for everyone 12 and older. This event will be open to the public.

My name is Amy Joy Hochhalter, and a year ago I was bestowed the honor to represent Plaquemines Parish and the closest knit festival in our state, the Plaquemines Parish Seafood Festival as the the 2022 Teen Plaquemines Parish Seafood Festival Queen. Reigning as the first Teen Seafood Queen has granted me with countless personal growth and leadership development opportunities, and has ultimately been like living in a dream! This past year has blessed me with memories and friendships that will last a lifetime; I will never forget picking oranges on Orange Festival weekend, traveling around St. James parish while learning about the sugar industry, or the bonds I have built with girls from around our great state. Although I gained a sparkly crown and 2 gorgeous banners about a year ago, I most importantly gained a true support system from everyone involved in the Seafood Festival. The families and volunteers behind this festival have been some of my biggest cheerleaders, and have grown to become like family to me, not to mention the two sisters I never knew I needed. I highly encourage anyone who has ever considered competing in a pageant to the take the risk and go for it. Whether you walk away with a crown or not, the experience of pageant weekend itself will alter your confidence and maturity forever. Girls residing in Plaquemines Parish, visit our website for more information on competing for the opportunity of a lifetime!

May 4, 2023 Belle Chasse Plantation, Belle Chasse Townsite, Lts. 14-16.

LSU AgCenter Hor_culture Agent Even though it’s only early May and we are still in the middle of spring festival season, it is time to start thinking about summer. It can be challenging to grow much in the kitchen garden other than the standard okra, eggplant, peppers, cowpeas, and basil once the temperatures really heat up.

Rotary Club of Belle Chasse Meetings The Rotary Club of Belle Chasse meets every Tuesday at 12 p.m. at Adams Catfish House in Belle Chasse. For more information about the Rotary Club or on becoming a member, email bellechasserotary@gmail.com.

The shrimpers of Plaquemines Parish and Louisiana took their battle to save the domestic commercial shrimp industry to the state capital on Thursday, May 11, holding a rally in Baton Rouge as the House of Representatives was in session.