By LEONARD GRAY / L’Observateur / November 16, 1998

DESTREHAN – Uneasy neighbors are working out a truce on Ormond Boulevard, where Jesse Duplantis Ministries is facing off against Ormond Country Club.

The issue is the driving range next to the Ministries property. The problemis wayward golf balls.

On the Ministries site, an administration building was recently completed and a new Covenant Church is under construction, executive director Edwin J. Walker said.Walker added people have already been hit with badly-hit golf balls and also the windshield of a contractor’s bulldozer was shattered by a chip shot. “We don’t want anybody getting hurt, that’s the main thing,” Walkersaid. “It’s a legitimate concern.”Club officials voluntarily agreed to close the driving range after Ministries officials filed suit recently to block its use. The matter washeaded for 29th Judicial District Judge Robert Chaisson when the club agreed to shut down the range, pending an out-of-court agreement.

“We are presently working with our neighbor, Ormond Country Club, and St.

Charles Parish officials to come to a solution concering the driving range that is next door to our property,” a Ministries press statement declared.

“Although we have had damage to our property and the property of sub- contractors working on the project, our greatest concern is for the safety and well-being of the construction workers, Covenant Church members and their children,” the statement continued.

The driving range has been open since the country club was opened in 1978, club manager Will Mulhearn said. Jesse Duplantis Ministries, whichbroadcasts Sunday worship services on WGNO-26 at 10 a.m., bought thesite some five years ago, Walker noted.>

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