UPTOWN • DOWNTOWN • MID-CITY • LAKEVIEW • GENTILLY • N.O. EAST • ST. BERNARD
Meatless Meals
MADE EASY
CRESCENT CITY
Medium Peeled Gulf Shrimp 70-90 Count
Wild Caught Des Allemands Catfish Fillets
$3.99 $6.99 www.robertfreshmarket.com lb. See our full ad inside.
N O L A.C O M
|
W e d n e s d ay, F e b r u a ry 25, 2026
1GN
Get a clue Metairie library associate crafts crossword puzzles
BY KAREN TAYLOR GIST
Staff writer
Ever heard the expression that some people just don’t have a clue? Shawn Dugas isn’t one of those people. He has lots of clues. The Jefferson Parish Library associate has always loved puzzles, and now he’s creating crosswords for patrons at the East Bank Regional branch in Metairie. It’s an avocation that combines his divergent passions. Dugas, 40, has an English literature degree from Loyola University New Orleans. He’s also an old-movie buff, and his love of trivia once led him to run the game
lb.
nights at a local bar. His resume includes stand-up comedy. “Crosswords are a blend of all that stuff,” he said. “I can be clever in the clues and show my sense of humor,” which he describes as sarcastic with a dose of silly. It’s not really surprising that his bio helped get him a spot on “Wheel of Fortune” in 2011, and that he was also chosen to compete on “Jeopardy” in 2020. A “Wheel” win brought him cash and prizes totaling $55,000, he said. The episode was one of 15 filmed here, at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. On “Jeopardy,” “I did not win,” he said with a laugh. He was ahead going into the second round, but then something happened
STAFF PHOTO BY CHRIS GRANGER
Shawn Dugas, an associate at the East Bank Regional Library, holds one of the books he ä See CLUE, page 2G uses as a guide to help create his own crossword puzzles.
Fish fry season has arrived in New Orleans Lent may be here to put the kibosh on Carnival partying, but don’t worry. We’ll still eat well. Lent is fish fry season. Here’s a list of those starting now in the metro area.
STAFF PHOTOS BY BRETT DUKE
Archbishop James Checchio distributes ashes to Aria Jackson, 6.
Tidings of Lent Ash Wednesday drew Christians
STAFF PHOTO BY SOPHIA GERMER
from around the metro area into
Those who fry the fish at area churches take pride in their work.
churches to mark the beginning of the Lenten season of penance, where their
JEFFERSON PARISH
foreheads were marked with ashes
ARCHBISHOP RUMMEL HIGH: The Rummel Fishing Club will host fried fish dinners Fridays in Lent, Feb. 27-March 17, 3-6 p.m. or until they run out. Drive-thru only, 1901 Severn Ave. in Metairie. www.rummelraiders.com. DIVINE MERCY PARISH: KC Council 14822 will sell drive-thru dinners at the church, 4337 Sal Lentini Parkway in Kenner, on Feb. 27 and March 6, 13, 20 and 27, 3-7 p.m. or until sold out. Dinners are $15 a plate, which includes roasted Cajun potatoes and mixed vegetables. Men’s Club dinner Feb. 27 will feature fried fish or fried shrimp, each with fries and corn, for $15. Drinks are $1. divinemercyparish.org. MARY HELP OF CHRISTIANS PARISH: The church at 600 First Ave. in Harvey will host Friday dinners through March 27, 4-8 p.m. Fish plates are $12, fish/shrimp combo plates are $13, and shrimp plates are $14. All plates come with fries, coleslaw, hush puppies and fries. Dine-in or take-out available. maryhelpofchristiansla. org. OUR LADY OF DIVINE PROVIDENCE: Dinners will be served at the church, 8617 W. Metairie Ave. in Metairie, Feb. 27 and March 6, 13, 20 and 27, 4-7 p.m. Fried fish plates are $10 and include boiled corn and potatoes. Crawfish pie plates are $12 include boiled corn and potatoes. Crawfish étouffée is $8. oldp.org. OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP: The church
created by burning of palms from previous Palm Sundays. The residue is applied to the forehead in the shape of a cross with the words, “Remember you are dust and unto dust you will
People pray during an Ash Wednesday service at St. Louis Cathedral.
Sensory strolls: Traci Howerton ANIMAL RESCUE
For our dogs, walks are far more than just bathroom breaks. They are mental stimulation, exercise and an eagerly awaited opportunity to engage with the world beyond their home after a day spent indoors. But as much as our pups enjoy these outings, we need to remember that we are sharing the side-
return.”
Walks give dogs a sense of the world. Here’s how to keep the outings safe.
walks, streets and green spaces with our neighbors. A little awareness and courtesy go a long way toward making walks enjoyable for everyone. LEASHES AREN’T OPTIONAL: Even if your dog has excellent manners, when out for a walk around the neighborhood, keeping him on a leash is simply the safest choice.
Surprises can and will happen: A squirrel makes a sudden dash; another dog reacts unexpectedly; a loud noise startles everyone. Dogs are animals, and their behavior is not always predictable. A standard 4– to 6-foot leash gives your pup room to explore while
ä See FISH, page 4G
ä See WALKS, page 2G
SAVE up $ 98 to 2
SAVE $ 12 1
SAVE $ 52 1
When You Buy 2
LB
— ONLY —
— ONLY — PREVIOUSLY FROZEN
Medium Pork Spare Ribs
1
$ 77 LB
TROPICAL
Large Red Mango
LIMIT 4
88 ¢ Rouses
ONE DOZEN
Large Eggs
— ONLY —
5 Rouses 100%
4/$
Louisiana Local
4 LB BAG GRANULATED
— ONLY —
Louisiana Sugar
visit rouses.com for more weekly ad specials!
5
2/$
Prices good at all New Orleans, Gretna, Kenner, Metairie, Marrero, Slidell, Mandeville and Covington stores February 25th - March 4th, 2026.