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.

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.”

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.

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.

Holy Spirit, you who made me see everything and showed me the way to reach my ideal. You who gave me the divine gift to forgive the wrong that is done to me, and you who are in all instances of my life with me, I, in this short dialogue want to thank you for everything and confirm once more that I never want to be separated from you no matter how great the material desire may be. I want to be with you and my loved ones in your perpetual glory. Thank you for your love towards me and my loved ones. Amen. Persons must pray the prayer three consecutive days without asking your wish. After third day wish will be granted no matter how difficult may be. Then promise to publish this dialogue as soon as this favor is granted. MB

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On June 28, the Rotary Club of Belle Chasse celebrated another year of service above self and officially welcomed the 2022-2023 club directors and officers as they gathered at historic Woodland Plantation for dinner.

org August 23 Citizen's Police Academy Sign-Up Event Stop by El Paso Mexican Grill located at 8617 Highway 23 in Belle Chasse on September 8 Coee with a Cop Join the Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office for “Coffee with a Cop” on September 8 at the Fill-a-Sack (Pink Store) located at 12753 Highway 23 in Jesuit Bend from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

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July 25, 2022 108 Fenella St., Belle Chasse. Leonard K.