A blessing from the recent ice and snowstorm may be control of aquatic weeds that are found in local bodies of water. Grand Bayou Reservoir had a recent draw-down to help combat the nuisance of invasive species.

District 22 State Representative Gabe Firment is hopeful that the cold helped. Firment said, “Louisiana Wildlife & Fisheries is hopeful that the recent Arctic blast killed much of the Giant Salvinia plaguing our lakes. This would be great news for those who live and play on Iatt, Nantachie, Hardwater, Saline, Clear, and Black Lakes.”

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries called it, “Ready for some good news? Louisiana’s recent extreme weather will result in a reduction of harmful aquatic weeds across the state.”

LDWF is currently evaluating impacts of the freeze on aquatic vegetation coverage; it will take several weeks for all the dead plants to decompose and drop from the water surface.

Aquatic weeds can become incredibly dense, inhibiting access to waterways and shading out native vegetation. To help control the impacts of these kinds of “invasive species,” we encourage boaters to be diligent with cleaning boat trailers after a day on the water.

When springtime weather returns, you can request LDWF assistance for areas with actively growing aquatic vegetation here: www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/controlling-aquatic-plants-and-enhancing-freshwater-habitat (Click on “Request Assistance with Invasive Aquatic Vegetation”).

By Royal Alexander/Opinion

The First Amendment prohibits government censorship but Leftist politicians and groups are attempting to accomplish the same thing with threats and bullying

It is now undeniable. We continue to see it daily. While the 1st Amendment won’t allow Congress and/or government to censor conservative speech, Leftwing activists and politicians are accomplishing the same thing by use of intimidation and bullying. We have witnessed in the last few months several such actions.

As we know, many large social media entities have banned well known and highly popular conservatives from their platforms. We’ve seen President Trump, himself, and numerous other conservative figures either temporarily or permanently censored and banned from Twitter, Facebook, Twitch, YouTube, TikTok, Snapchat and virtually every other major social media platform. Many that haven’t been banned outright have had large numbers of their social media followers deleted. Apple, Google, and others have also now purged conservative speech and speakers from their platforms as well. This is the beginning of a punitive “de-platforming” push.

[I understand that companies like these are private companies but while they enjoy the enormous benefit of Section 230 legal liability protection from 3d party content under federal law (Communications Decency Act), they shouldn’t be allowed to selectively censor].

As Federal Communications Commissioner, Brendan Carr, noted “right now the greatest threat to free speech in this country is not any law passed by the government—the First Amendment stands as a bulwark.” Rather, he continued, “the threat comes in the form of legislating by letterhead. Politicians have realized that they can silence the speech of those with different political viewpoints by public bullying.”

What we know is that Big Tech censored and diminished the visibility of Breitbart News, for example, by some 99% in 2020. Big Tech accomplishes these purges by arbitrarily deeming conservative speech to be “disinformation,” “hate speech” or “authoritative” speech. Do you see how broad those categories are? Anything and everything could potentially be banned! This is accomplished by the tweaking of complex algorithms to either filter out or prominently display certain content as the software directs.

How does this not qualify as consumer fraud and a deceptive business practice? Large numbers of people signed up with these social media platforms, established accounts, posted pictures, bought ads, and cultivated followers but suddenly these companies pull the rug out from under certain customers. It’s a bait and switch. And, for that matter, what about the public accommodation laws? 42 U.S.C. Sec. 2000a (a) states that “all persons shall be entitled to the full and equal enjoyment of the goods, services, facilities, … and accommodations of any place of public accommodation … without discrimination…” These social media giants certainly “affect commerce.” For these reasons and others, I feel a solid legal argument can be made that the public accommodation laws should apply online as well as in person.

Big Tech has demonstrated a clear ideological bias, and Congress and regulators should take steps soon to ensure that the great legal and economic benefits these social media platforms were given in 1996—when these fledgling companies promised to be fair and impartial clearinghouses of all speech and content—are curtailed until a marketplace of ideas truly returns.

The views and opinions expressed in the My Opinion article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Winn Parish Journal. Any content provided by the authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual or anyone or anything.

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon issued Bulletin 2021-03 reminding insurers of their obligations to policyholders as they work with consumers affected by the devastating 2020 hurricane season and impacted by last month’s extreme winter weather.

He told insurers they must provide copies of policies when policyholders ask for them and they must continue to engage with their customers even if those policyholders hire a public adjuster. He further reminded them that it was in their own interest to do so to avoid litigation.

Bulletin 2021-03, Commissioner Donelon’s third communication to insurers about good faith dealing with policyholders harmed by hurricanes Laura, Delta or Zeta, also counsels policyholders to do their best to provide the proof of loss documentation that insurers need to process their claims.

“We’ve heard from policyholders in the Lake Charles area that many people are still having trouble engaging contractors, crews and materials to make repairs on homes, businesses and places of worship damaged by hurricanes Laura and Delta,” said Commissioner Donelon. “I am committed to making insurers understand the extraordinary nature of the 2020 hurricane season and that working with policyholders is the only way forward for a strong recovery in the state of Louisiana.”

After a catastrophe, policyholders have an initial 180 days to file documentation of their claim known as a “proof of loss” with their insurer. Policyholders might have a few extra days to submit such documentation, including photos, estimates and receipts to their insurance companies if they were under a declaration of emergency and civil authorities were denying the insured access to the property after the event. There are other circumstances that may also extend that 180-day deadline.

The initial 180-day mark after Hurricane Laura was Feb. 23, just as policyholders were emerging from a deep freeze with extended power outages, making it difficult for many to focus on their insurance claim. The 180-day file date for proof of loss forms for Hurricane Delta is April 7, 2021, and Hurricane Zeta is April 26, 2021.

In addition to complaints about claim delays and looming deadlines, the Department is receiving complaints against insurers not providing full copies of policies as required in the Policyholder Bill of Rights (La R.S. 22:41). All policyholders are entitled to receive copies of their policies from their insurer in a timely manner. Any policyholders who are not receiving copies of their policies after requesting them should file a complaint with the Department of Insurance.

Insurers and agents were also reminded that public adjusters are not authorized to act as legal representatives for policyholders under Louisiana law and that the involvement of a public adjuster does not affect an insurer or agent’s obligation to communicate with policyholders. If a consumer is experiencing difficulty contacting their insurer or agent and is told it is because they have hired a public adjuster, they are encouraged to contact the Louisiana Department of Insurance immediately to file a complaint.

Even as Commissioner Donelon urged insurance companies to work with policyholders, he encouraged consumers to be aware of the deadlines and strive to meet them. Bulletin 2021-03 is ultimately a reminder that companies should act in good faith and fair dealing with their policyholders and are encouraged to grant leniency even as certain legal deadlines still stand. Policyholders who need to file a proof of loss should review their policy and contact their agent or insurer for guidance on the exact deadline per their policy.

Some consumers have told the Louisiana Department of Insurance that they have not been able to gather complete documentation of their losses because they are still trying to engage contractors or are still incurring additional living expenses while displaced from their homes. In those situations, the Louisiana Department of Insurance advises policyholders to do the best they can, advise their insurers of their efforts, keep them posted on the situation and follow up with additional documentation when it becomes available.

Agents and insurers also can advise what documentation will fulfill a policyholder’s proof of loss obligation. A sufficient proof of loss could include the initial damage claim, as well as photos, contractor estimates, receipts for temporary repairs and any other documentation reasonably required by the company.

Commissioner Donelon encourages policyholders who are having trouble with their insurance claims to call the Louisiana Department of Insurance for help at 1-800-259-5300 or file a complaint online at https://www.ldi.la.gov/fileacomplaint. A team of complaint specialists in the LDI’s Office of Consumer Services is working exclusively on issues related to hurricanes Laura, Delta and Zeta, and they stand ready to answer consumer questions and resolve complaints.

WINN:
Mary Magdalynn Drewett
February 25, 1926 – March 1, 2021
Service: Wednesday, March 3 at 11 am at the Nolley Methodist Church in Jena

Cargle “Junior” Branch, Jr.
May 16, 1949 – February 28, 2021
Service: Wednesday, March 3 at 1 pm at Southern Funeral Home

John Scott Allen
September 15, 1968 – February 25, 2021
Service: Friday, March 5 at 11 am at Southern Funeral Home

NATCHITOCHES:
Miguel Raoul Garcia
December 01, 1975 – February 23, 2021
Service: Saturday, March 6 at 11 am at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church

Maxine Bryant Slater
February 25, 1930 – February 27, 2021
Service: Wednesday, March 3 at 11 am at Central Baptist Church Cemetery in Robeline

Friday, February 26, 2021, the Winn Chamber of Commerce and Tourism hosted a ribbon-cutting at Vintage Belle Boutique, one of downtown Winnfield’s newest clothing boutiques.

Boutique owner Destiny Stroud and a large crowd of family and friends cut the ribbon along with Winn Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Board Members Shonna Moss, George Moss, Kristen Green, Kim Poisso, Karen Tyler, Brad Cooper, and Jodi Taylor.

Vintage Belle Boutique is located at 221 East Main Street in Winnfield. Business hours are 10 AM – 5 PM Monday – Friday and 10 AM – 2 PM Saturday. The boutique brings its customers a wide range of trendy women’s casual and dress clothing, handbags and statement-making jewelry. Stroud caters to the fashion-forward consumer looking for a combination of sophistication and glamour through this-season trends mixed with classic pieces. Merchandise consists of a wide age range, from babies and young ladies to established professionals and everyday fashion-conscious women.

The WPSB will meet for a regular session tonight at 5:30 PM.

 

City of Winnfield Police Department

Name: Franchesca Johnson
Date: 2-25-21
Address: Winnfield, LA
Race: Black
Gender: Female
Age: 30
Charge: Hit & Run, No Proof of Insurance, No Registration
Bond: Not Listed

Name: Franchesca Johnson
Date: 2-27-21
Address: Winnfield, LA
Race: Black
Gender: Female
Age: 30
Charge: Criminal Mischief
Bond: Not Listed

Name: William Winn
Date: 2-27-21
Address: Winnfield, LA
Race: White
Gender: Male
Age: 49
Charge: Simple Assault
Bond: Citation Issued

Name: Charles Logan Estes
Date: 3-1-21
Address: Winnfield, LA
Race: White
Gender: Male
Age: 27
Charge: Failure to Appear
Bond: No Bond Set Yet

Name: Tanisha A. Amos
Date: 3-1-21
Address: Winnfield, LA
Race: Black
Gender: Female
Age: 18
Charge: Prohibited Acts, Possession of Schedule IV w/Intent to Distribute
Bond: No Bond Set Yet

The Winn chapter of Whitetails Unlimited is hosting its annual banquet Thursday, March 4, 2021, at the Winnfield Civic Center. 

This fundraising event will include a dinner, auction, and prizes with
various products such as firearms, outfitter packages, hunting and outdoor-related equipment, artwork, and collectibles only
available at WTU events. Check out what you could win here!

Tickets -$40 single, $20 spouse or child (15 & under). Tickets will be available at the door. Table sponsorships are still available.

Proceeds from this event will benefit the Hunting for Christ Banquet at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Calvin, LA.

Local and state officials are compiling damage reports from the recent winter storms and need your information regarding the impact to your property.

The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness is seeking information from anyone who received damage due to the winter weather event this week.  The self-reporting survey, which can be found at damage.la.gov, will help local and state emergency managers collect data to move forward with the recovery process. 

This step should not replace reporting damage to your insurance agency.Anyone impacted by the winter storm should fill out the survey to report damage to your home or business (structures only, no vehicles). 

The survey is voluntary and does not guarantee any federal disaster relief assistance. It will be beneficial in assisting with the damage assessment process in Louisiana related to this event. To fill out the report, visit: damage.la.gov.

Louisiana ACT® NOW will give students an additional opportunity to earn TOPS, qualify for scholarships and gain admission to the college of their choice

BATON ROUGE, La. — The Louisiana Department of Education is investing $2 million in pandemic relief funds to help ensure more high school students are on track to success after graduation. The Louisiana ACT® NOW program provides vouchers for eligible students in grades 10 and 12 to take an upcoming ACT®. Since 2013, Louisiana has offered the ACT® free of charge to high school juniors. This endeavor will give students in grades 10-12 the opportunity to receive an additional ACT® this spring at no cost to the system, student or family.

Louisiana ACT® NOW will give students an additional opportunity to be placed in appropriate entry-level college courses, earn TOPS, qualify for scholarships and gain admission to the college of their choice. It can also help students become eligible for a Dual Enrollment program or other academic programs that require an ACT® score.

“This use of pandemic relief funds removes financial barriers and opens doors for our students,” said State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley. “This additional testing opportunity could be life-changing for some students. An improved ACT® score can make college more affordable and expand a student’s post secondary options.”

The ACT® is used for college admissions and access to scholarships and financial aid, including TOPS. Louisiana’s Class of 2020 earned an average ACT® Composite score of 18.7 (will open in new tab). Louisiana’s score is at an all-time low since the state granted all students access to the test in 2013. The number of seniors earning a college-going ACT® score also dipped for the third consecutive year.

The Department will begin working with school systems this week to provide additional information on submitting voucher requests for eligible sophomores and seniors. Vouchers can be used for the April 17, June 12 or July 17 administrations this school year. Students must meet the registration deadline. Any late registration fees will be the responsibility of the student. ACT® NOW is being funded through $2 million from the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund.

“I appreciate Governor Edwards for honoring my request to fund this opportunity for students,” said Dr. Brumley. “His support has allowed this program to quickly move forward.”

Students in grade 12 are eligible for an ACT® voucher if all of these apply:

The student has not earned an ACT® score that qualifies them for college admissions or TOPS, or who are seeking an opportunity to enhance their current level of TOPS Tech, TOPS Opportunity, TOPS Performance, TOPS Honors, or to seek other merit-based scholarship opportunities.
The student is on target to complete all coursework necessary to graduate no later than August 31, 2021.
The student is on target to meet all state assessment graduation requirements no later than August 31, 2021.
Students in grade 10 are eligible for an ACT® voucher if:

The student requires an ACT® score to qualify for enrollment in a Dual Enrollment program (will open in new tab) or other academic program(s) that require an ACT® score.

 

Mobile homes are not a safe shelter when tornadoes threaten. NOAA and FEMA recommend that mobile and manufactured home residents flee their homes for sturdier shelter before storms with tornadoes hit. On average, a total of 72 percent of all tornado-related fatalities are in homes and 54 percent of those fatalities are in mobile homes. When you are in a mobile home, you are 15 to 20 times more likely to be killed in comparison to when you are in a permanent home. During the January 10th and 11th tornado and high wind event in northwestern Louisiana, four people lost their lives in mobile homes when storms hit the area. EF-1 tornadoes and high-end severe thunderstorm winds can completely destroy mobile and manufactured homes. Regardless of how well built a mobile or manufactured home is built, anchor system failures are the primary cause of the majority of fatalities. Even well-built manufactured homes can be destroyed if they become airborne.

If you live in or have family that live in a mobile or manufactured home, it’s important to identify a safer structure to evacuate to before storms hit. Safer structures include single family homes, designated tornado shelters, buildings built with reinforced concrete, and designated community buildings like arenas, churches, and industrial buildings.

It’s important that mobile home residents monitor National Weather Service forecasts and review their plan. If you are a mobile or manufactured home resident, you need to know your evacuation route from your home and how long it takes to evacuate to a safer place. The day before, when tornadoes are predicted, coordinate with family and friends to spend time at their home when the storms threaten or identify a community place to go to. When a Tornado Watch is issued, that is the time to be ready to evacuate to your safe place. In many cases, when a Tornado Warning is issued, it may be too dangerous to take your evacuation route, so it’s best to evacuate your mobile home before warnings are issued and storms hit.

We encourage the following three step plan for these residents:

Step 1 (Today)- Monitor National Weather Service forecasts and make a tornado sheltering plan or review your current plan. Know your evacuation route from your home and how long it takes to evacuate to a safer place.
Step 2 (Day Before Severe Weather)- When tornadoes are predicted, coordinate with family and friends to spend time at their home when the storms threaten or identify a community place to go to.
Step 3 (Day of Severe Weather)- When a Tornado Watch is issued, that is the time to evacuate to your safe place. In many cases, when a Tornado Warning is issued, it may be too dangerous to take your evacuation route, so it’s best to evacuate your mobile home before warnings are issued and storms hit.

WINN:
John Scott Allen
September 15, 1968 – February 25, 2021
Service: Friday, March 5 at 11 am at Southern Funeral Home

NATCHITOCHES:
James Bryan “Jim” Akin
February 09, 1958 – February 26, 2021
Service: Monday, March 1 at 11 am at the Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home Chapel