News

Belle Chasse Toll Bridge to Completely Open in April 2024

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The new Belle Chasse Toll Bridge being constructed by the Melbourne, Australian based company Plenary Group is approaching its completion date sooner than residents may expect. Though this Public-Private-Partnership (P3) project between Plenary and the state of Louisiana has been the subject of much debate within Plaquemines Parish, its development has moved ahead without issue.

Council Amends Government Structure, Public Meeting Rules

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High spirits and expressions of gratitude continued at the January 26 Plaquemines Parish Government (PPG) council meeting with council members thanking president Keith Hinkley and his administration for quickly handling issues that have popped up within their respective districts. And once council members had finished complimenting the administration, they moved on to more pressing issues, voting on legislation that affected how PPG would be organized and how the council would operate its meetings.

Commissioners Amend Deputy Port Director's Contract

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At their January 26 meeting, commissioners for the Plaquemines Port Harbor & Terminal District (PPHTD) voted on legislation to address the organization and future operations of the port. Specifically, they unanimously approved a resolution to amend Deputy Port Director and Port Attorney Melissa Folse’s contract.

PPHTD to Hold Special Meeting on February 1

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District 4 commissioner Stuart Guey stated that the Plaquemines Port Harbor & Terminal District (PPHTD) will be holding a special meeting on Wednesday, February 1. This is so that commissioners can vote on a time sensitive resolution that was deferred at their January 26 meeting.

PABI Installs New Officers and Board Members

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A sold-out crowd of business owners and their guests attended the annual installation of officers of the Plaquemines Association of Business and Industry (PABI) recently at English Turn Golf Club with Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser addressing the group.

From the Sugar Coast to an Industrial Super Power

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Many people know the 20 mile stretch of land from Jesuit Bend to Woodland as the Citrus Lands of Louisiana property. Its not anymore! Prior to the Civil War until about 1890 it was nine different sugar plantations and most had their own sugar mills.

The Violence Must Stop

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New Orleans has officially become the Murder Capital of the United States. Such a proud heritage. This is not in total numbers of dead bodies, but it relates to the per capita death rate… 70 murders per 100,000 citizens.

PEACE & JUSTICE

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I have enjoyed writing this column for the past 17 years. But I’ve got to tell you, it’s really a challenge writing one each week in this day and age.

Lane Closure Extension on Highway 23 for BC Bridge Construction

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Last week, Plenary Infrastructure announced the extension of intermittent lane closures starting from January 23 through February 17. The closures will affect the northbound and southbound lanes on LA23 between Dale Avenue and the Belle Chasse Bridge. Lane closures will take place between the hours of 7 p.m. and 5 a.m., Monday through Friday. All work is in preparation for the new Belle Chasse Bridge and is weather permitting.

College News

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• Yvette Alfonso of Braithwaite and Janey Saik of Port Sulphur graduated from Northwestern State University in the Summer of 2022. Alfonso received a Bachelor of Science and Saik received an Associate of General Studies.