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American Press
04-07-2025
- General
- American Press
Warren 'Jimmy' J. LeBlanc Sr.
Warren J. (Jimmie) LeBlanc Sr. born in Welsh on Nov. 14, 1934, son of the late Andrew and Ada Hardy LeBlanc, passed away Wednesday, July 2, 2025 at the age of 90, surrounded by his loving family. Jimmie was a graduate of 1954 Class in Lacassine, La. He served his country honorably in the Louisiana National Guard from 1953-1959. He and his wife, Genevieve married in November of 1955. Jimmie was a rice farmer in Welsh area for most of his adult life. He is an honorary member of the Welsh Knights of Columbus Council 2855. He was also a faithful member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Lacassine. He was one of the Founders of the Lacassine Optimist Club. He enjoyed deer hunting, playing cards with his friends, but most of all his family. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Genevieve LeLeaux LeBlanc, children, Warren Jr. (Susie), Carl (Patty), Sherree (Bobby), and Chad (Jamie). Grandchildren Chris (Muffy), Megan (Ryan), Barrett (Lacey), Casey (Joni), Brennon (Heather), Kyle (Brandy), Jenna (Philip), and Madison. Great grandchildren, James, Grayson, Parker Elizabeth, Levi, Austin, Avery, Olivia, Emmie, Thomas, Claire, Allie, William, Parker Matthew, Annie, Collin, Sarah, Landon, Eva, Finn, Shawn, Jason, and Shawna. Also, three sisters-in-law, Della, MaryNell, and Yvette. Nephews and nieces, Jeffery, Robin, Holly, RJ and Russell. He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Dickie and Chester, and sister Marie Eloise. A Mass of Christian burial will be in St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church on Monday, July 7, 2025 at 10 a.m., the Rev. Jom Joseph, Celebrant. Burial will follow in Lacassine Cemetery under the direction of Johnson & Brown Funeral Home of Iowa. Visitation will begin Sunday in Johnson & Brown Funeral Home of Iowa from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m., with a rosary recited at 6 p.m. and will resume Monday from 8 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. Pallbearers assisting in his service are Chris LeBlanc, Barrett LeBlanc, Casey LeBlanc, Brennon LaBouve, Kyle LaBouve and Ryan McAtee. Honorary Pallbearers will include all of his great grandchildren. Lectors will be Megan McAtee and Madison LeBlanc The family would like to thank Memorial Hospital Staff, Christus St. Pats Staff, Golden Age of Welsh staff, Harbor House Hospice and his cardiologist, Dr. Foster for their love and compassionate care of Jimmie. In lieu of flowers please send donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or charity of your choice. Words of comfort may be shared at: Facebook: Johnson & Brown Funeral Home
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
St. Tammany Parish leaders discuss hurricane preparations
St. TAMMANY PARISH, La. (WGNO) — St. Tammany Parish leaders joined first responders and the national weather service to discuss hurricane preparedness Thursday, June 12. Officials said preparations may look different this season due to the Louisiana National Guard taking over the Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness. Celebrate Fourth of July in style at these Greater New Orleans events However, GOHSEP'S interim director said their goals remain the same. Officials said the merge won't negatively affect preparations and response. They said they aim to make operations efficient using the advantages of the National Orleans public defenders prepared to aid if Antoine Massey, Derrick Groves surrender Toasty temps and isolated storms for Thursday Person fatally struck by train in St. Rose 'Immaturity': Rand Paul rips White House after being 'uninvited' from picnic Learning dance moves from 'Velma Kelly' from Broadway's 'Chicago' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Gov. Landry to talk about hurricane preparedness
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — Gov. Jeff Landry and other state leaders are set to talk about what residents need to know to prepare for this year's hurricane season Tuesday afternoon. A news conference with Landry, the Louisiana National Guard, and the Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness is scheduled to start at 1 p.m. in Baton Rouge. FEMA chief was joking with hurricane season awareness remarks: DHS The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts an above-normal Atlantic hurricane season for 2025. A range of 13 to 19 named storms is forecasted, with three to five that could become major hurricanes. 'In my 30 years at the National Weather Service, we've never had more advanced models and warning systems in place to monitor the weather,' NOAA's National Weather Service Director Ken Graham said. 'This outlook is a call to action: be prepared. Take proactive steps now to make a plan and gather supplies to ensure you're ready before a storm threatens.' The Louisiana National Guard started its preparation long before June 1, the date that officially marks the start of hurricane season. Leaders from different commands gathered to refine emergency response plans on May 21 in Baton Rouge. 'This is the capstone event in our year-long planning cycle for hurricane season,' said Maj. Gen. Thomas Friloux, adjutant general of Louisiana. 'This isn't a war game. It's about refining real plans, identifying gaps, and ensuring we're ready to act when the time comes.' Gulf policymakers detail efforts to brace for 2025 hurricanes 'Disgusting abomination': Elon Musk tears into Trump megabill Judge extends pause of order invalidating Trump's tariffs Man tried to get witness against him deported by writing letters threatening Trump: Prosecutors Trump DOJ reviewing Biden pardons Gov. Landry to talk about hurricane preparedness Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
La. Guard's 256th Infantry Brigade honored before deployment
PINEVILLE, La. (KTAL/KMSS) — Around 700 soldiers from the Louisiana National Guard's 256th Infantry Brigade Combat team were honored during a deployment ceremony in Lafayette, April 13. The ceremony, held at the Cajundome Convention Center in Lafayette, was attended by several luminaries. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, Major General Thomas Friloux, Command Sergeant Major Clifford Ockman, and others graced the stage. Governor Landry, a former member of the 256th, thanked the soldiers, saying, 'I would like to express my gratitude to each and every one of the Soldiers who are seated here today.' Major General Friloux added, 'I have all the confidence in the world that you will do an outstanding job on this deployment.' The 'Tiger Brigade' is deploying in support of Operation Joint Guardian in Kosovo and Operation Enduring Freedom—Horn of Africa to provide security and support to U.S. and partner organizations. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
21-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Landry moves emergency preparedness office under Louisiana National Guard
Jacques Thibodeaux, director of the Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Prepareness, addresses the media ahead of Hurricane Francine in September 2024. (Julie O'Donoghue/LAI) Gov. Jeff Landry announced Thursday he is restructuring the state's disaster response office and folding it into the Louisiana National Guard. The Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness will now be placed under the authority of National Guard Brig. Gen. Jason Mahfouz, who will serve as GOHSEP's interim director, according to a news release from Landry's office. Short on details, the governor's announcement described the restructuring as a 'cost savings' measure to cut wasteful government spending. He said the move would save the state millions but did not offer details as to how this would happen. 'We will definitely put some of that info out at a later date,' Landry spokeswoman Kate Kelly said in a text message. Landry said the change aligns with his belief in relying more on the National Guard for emergency response. His announcement did not explicitly say whether GOHSEP's current director, Jacques Thibodeaux, will have any future role with the agency or in Landry's administration. Kelly said Thibodeaux would stay with the agency at least until the transition is complete. Thibodeaux, who retired from the National Guard as a colonel in 2015, was appointed as GOHSEP director shortly after Landry took office. He recently gave an interview to the Illuminator to discuss the fate of the Federal Emergency Management Agency and President Donald Trump's suggestion of 'maybe getting rid of FEMA.' In his statement, Landry thanked Thibodeaux for his service. 'GOHSEP Director Jacques Thibodeaux took on a challenging role and served our state with dedication under difficult circumstances. We deeply appreciate his service,' Landry said. Maj. Gen. Thomas Friloux, the highest ranking member of the Louisiana National Guard, has been instructed to provide oversight and guidance to GOHSEP during the transition, the governor said. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
