Mud Lumps are rare geological phenomena which occur only in Plaquemines Parish. They were originally described by Spanish explorer Cabeza de Vaca in 1528 when he discovered the mouth of the Mississippi. Several books have been written on Plaquemines’ mud lumps. According to Geological Bulletin #8 by the Louisiana Department of Conservation, historically maximum mud lump heights were reported as high as 25 feet above sea level and as large as 30 acres during the nineteenth century. They can appear or disappear sud-denly. In 1872 a mud lump raised a sunken ship sunk in ten feet of water with a cargo of heavy stone completely out of the water. Though mud lump activity at the mouth of the river has diminished with the building of jetties, mud lumps and mud lump vents still occur.

The March 24 Plaquemines Port Harbor & Terminal District (PPHTD) meeting held was unusually calm, with commissioners mostly keeping any comments to themselves. Part of the reason for this temporary respite from the typical, high-intensity arguments was that no update on the proposed container terminal was given. While there were ordinances and resolutions for commissioners to vote, most were standard housekeeping measures that inspired little to no conversation.

Dalon Bienemy is amongst just 24 across the State who is one step closer to being named Louisiana Teacher of the year by the Louisiana Department of Education. Mr.

Way down the road in Southern Plaquemines Parish, St. Ann’s Catholic Church has stood as an essential landmark for the community of Empire for over 100 years. Established in 1922 (as mentioned in a previous article on St. Ann’s, its centennial celebration was held on March 9), St. Ann’s has served as the religious institution for generations of residents, persisting as an unchanging aspect of Empire even as the community has undergone radical changes through the years.

Kirk Lepine has announced his candidacy for Plaquemines Parish President. In 2018, Lepine ousted the incumbent by campaigning to end frivolous spending and unnecessary litigation costs, increase economic development opportunities, and provide steady leadership during difficult times, all while improving the quality of life of Parish residents.

Beginning this summer, NAS JRB Credit Union will be known as Instep Credit Union as of June 1. The name change corresponds with the construction of the credit union’s new building at 8640 Highway 23 in Belle Chasse, located across from the Flores Gardens Shopping Center.

Following my column this past week on how Louisianans are affected by †he current war in Ukraine, I was surprised at the number of responses I received asking just what the average citizen can or should do to help this besieged country. This will be a decision that everyone individually will have to make.

March 9, 2022 Joshua Paul Chiasson, 42, Westwego: simple battery, 2 bench warrants, 2 fugitive warrants, refusal to give correct name. Cornel Jo Badeaux, 53, Oakville: domestic abuse battery.

March 9, 2022 Suit 67262, Velocity Investments LLC vs. Talicia Vanacor, Open Account.

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries enforcement agents cited a Des Allemands man for alleged crab fishing violations on Feb. 23 in Plaquemines Parish.