News

Injured Deputy Returns Home, Charges Lowered for Individual Accused of Hitting Him

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As Lieutenant Edmund Fisher—the Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office (PPSO) deputy who was hospitalized due to being struck by an ATV on Tuesday, May 31—returned to his home after two months of hospitalization, the individual who struck the deputy, Reginald Hamilton, of New Orleans; had his charges lowered from Attempted Murder to Second Degree Battery.

How Did We Get Here?

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Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan was so explosive due to the complexity and danger of the situation concerning China, Taiwan, and the United States. The region has experienced a long and difficult history.

Aug. 11 Declared “Balestra’s Day” by Plaq. Parish Council

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A heart-felt thanks was offered to members of the Balestra family for 63 years of serving the community by the Plaquemines Parish Council and President Kirk Lepine at the August 11 meeting of the council. Many family members were present to receive the honor. The family sold the storied Belle Chasse grocery store to Breaux Mart because as family spokesman Joe Balestra said, 'It was time'! Best wishes on a happy and joyful retirement to Joe, Sal and Ralph Balestra.

Empire South Pass Tarpon Rodeo Reels in Continued Success

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During the weekend of August 4 through August 6, Delta Marina hosted the annual Empire South Pass Tarpon Rodeo. As always, it was a massive success for the Empire community and Plaquemines Parish as a whole. More than that, one of the key organizers for the event Mitch Jurisich stated that this year’s Tarpon Rodeo actually exceeded expectations. “This was definitely one of the largest Tarpon Rodeos we ever put on. We sold about 300 adult tickets which is up from 80 last year. That’s obviously a great sign that we’re only going to keep growing,” Jurisich stated. “Overall, it was just a great event. We had great bands, music, food, and people.” Jurisich noted that during the competition portion of the weekend- long event, uncooperative weather posed a potential threat to the experience. But the fishermen who participated were “persistent,” mostly undaunted by the rain or wind. Jursich explained that the largest fish caught—in spite of the weather forcing fishermen to stay closer to the shore—was a 192 pound (lbs) Tarpon and two Gar Fish over 110 lbs were caught as well. “Even with how bad it got out there, most of our categories were still full by the end. They really wanted those prizes,” Jursich stated. “Both the fishermen and the crowd were great. Despite being so large, we didn’t have any issues. People were calm and peaceful and just there for a good time.”

Gazette

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In all newspapers, there is an opinion or editorial page where readers are encouraged to express their thoughts. In addition to articles from our regular columnists and an occasional editorial written by one of our publishers, The Plaquemines Gazette accepts letters from the public addressed to the editor.

EDITORIAL

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As sure as the tomatoes ripen in May and the Oranges sweeten in November, election time brings forth the promise of pay raises for parish employees. This year is no different as some employees were encouraged to attend the latest council meeting where raises would be discussed and to look council members in the eye while pay raises were debated. The fact that salaries are very low, and raises are indeed needed to retain existing employees and attract candidates for dozens of vacancies was admitted by all.