By ROBIN SHANNON

L’Observateur

LAPLACE – Local leaders, sheriff’s deputies and golf aficionados from throughout St. John Parish came together Friday afternoon to swing their clubs for the sheriff.

St. John Sheriff Wayne Jones hosted his 16th annual golf classic fundraiser at Belle Terre Country Club in LaPlace. Jones said about 350 golfers registered to take part in the yearly event.

“I certainly continued to be humbled by the support I receive from the public for this tournament,” Jones said. “Again, we were concerned with the economy being as it is, but people came out in droves all day.”

Jones said the proceeds from the event, which usually averages around $100,000 before expenses, go back into his campaign fund with some money left over for a community donation. Jones said he is planning to donate at least $1,000 to the Wounded Warriors Foundation, which assists and supports the men and women of the military who have suffered serious injury in the line of duty.