Local
83 new COVID cases, one death in local parishes
Eighty-three new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 56 of them in St. Martin, and one St. Martin fatality were reported at midday Thursday for three local parishes.
Another COVID cancellation: Dionysus calls off Mardi Gras ball
The Krewe of Dionysus has announced that it has decided not to hold its masquerade ball Feb. 6 as earlier announced. The parade had already canceled.

The Daily Review/Bill Decker
Dean Adams will continue to serve as St. Mary Parish Council chairman, and Gwendolyn Hidalgo will serve as vice chairwoman after votes at Tuesday's meeting in Franklin.

Parish Council members J Ina, left, and Craig Mathews voted Wednesday against the election of Dean Adams as council chairman and Gwendolyn Hidalgo as vice chairwoman. Ina and Mathews say the posts should be open to any council member rather than limited to at-large council members as the current charter dictates.
The Daily Review/Bill Decker
Adams, Hidalgo take Parish Council leadership posts
FRANKLIN — The St. Mary Parish Council took up its first piece of business for the new year Wednesday, electing a chairman and vice chairman for 2021.