Local

St. Landry Parish Council members, from left, Dexter Brown, Timmy Lejeune and Jimmie Edwards listen to human resource expert Becky Rogers at a special meeting Wednesday. The Council tied 6-6 on whether to hire Rogers and another vote is set for this Wednesday’s meeting. If hired, Rogers would investigate firings by Parish President Jessie Bellard. (Photo by Harlan Kirgan)

St. Landry Parish Council members, from left, Dexter Brown, Timmy Lejeune and Jimmie Edwards listen to human resource expert Becky Rogers at a special meeting Wednesday. The Council tied 6-6 on whether to hire Rogers and another vote is set for this Wednesday’s meeting. If hired, Rogers would investigate firings by Parish President Jessie Bellard. (Photo by Harlan Kirgan)

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Parish Council divided on investigating firings

Rebecca Chaisson
Friday, August 11, 2023
In March, the St. Landry Parish Council voted unanimously to conduct an investigation into Parish President Jessie Bellard’s firing of 21 employees.

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Lejeune, Huckaby are candidates for Council seat

Rebecca Chaisson
Friday, August 11, 2023
An interim appointment to fill the St. Landry Parish District 13 Parish Council position is scheduled to be made at Wednesday’s Council meeting. As of a special meeting on Aug. 9 there are two candidates — Lynn Lejeune and Darrell Huckaby.
The St. Landry Parish School Board began reviewing its 2023-24 budget at a Committee of the Whole meeting on Wednesday in Opelousas. From left, are Milton Batiste III, superintendent, Mary Ellen Donatto, Board vice president, and Shaun Grantham, finance director. (Photo by Harlan Kirgan)

The St. Landry Parish School Board began reviewing its 2023-24 budget at a Committee of the Whole meeting on Wednesday in Opelousas. From left, are Milton Batiste III, superintendent, Mary Ellen Donatto, Board vice president, and Shaun Grantham, finance director. (Photo by Harlan Kirgan)

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School Board reviews $200M plus budget

Rebecca Chaisson
Friday, August 11, 2023
St. Landry Parish School Board members received their first public review of the 2023-2024 operating budget at a Committee of the Whole meeting on Wednesday in Opelousas. Shaun Grantham, finance director, said the budget is balanced, but is based on best estimates.
St. Landry Parish Sheriff Bobby Guidroz

St. Landry Parish Sheriff Bobby Guidroz

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Sheriff Guidroz unopposed for 5th term

Rebecca Chaisson
Friday, August 11, 2023
St. Landry Parish Sheriff Bobby Guidroz emerged unopposed for a fifth term after qualifying ended on Thursday. Guidroz stated in an email it was second time he was elected without opposition. Guidroz first served as sheriff in 2006 and was elected to his first four-year term in 2007.

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Local incumbents unopposed at the end of qualifying

Rebecca Chaisson
Thursday, August 10, 2023
Several local incumbents emerged unopposed as qualifying ended on Thursday. State Rep. Phillip DeVillier is unopposed for a third and final term representing District 41 that includes Eunice, Church Point and much of rural Acadia Parish north of Interstate 10. St.
The St. Landry Parish District Attorney’s Office was awarded the statewide “Leaders in Law Enforcement Award” given by the Community Foundation of Acadiana in Lafayette on Tuesday. The District Attorney’s staff includes, back row, from left, are Nancy Soileau, Katie Ryan, Chad Pitre, Alisa Gothreaux and Ricky Leger. Front, from left, are Heather Meyers, Donna Slate and Vickie Lanclos. (Submitted photo)

The St. Landry Parish District Attorney’s Office was awarded the statewide “Leaders in Law Enforcement Award” given by the Community Foundation of Acadiana in Lafayette on Tuesday. The District Attorney’s staff includes, back row, from left, are Nancy Soileau, Katie Ryan, Chad Pitre, Alisa Gothreaux and Ricky Leger. Front, from left, are Heather Meyers, Donna Slate and Vickie Lanclos. (Submitted photo)

St. Landry Parish DA receives top award, $40K

Rebecca Chaisson
Thursday, August 10, 2023
The St. Landry Parish District Attorney’s Office was awarded the statewide “Leaders in Law Enforcement Award” given by the Community Foundation of Acadiana in Lafayette on Tuesday. The award includes $40,000 to be used in furtherance of public safety.
News notes items

News notes items

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News notes

Myra Miller
Thursday, August 10, 2023
La Table Française in Opelousas Wednesday La Table Française will take place from 8:30 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. Wednesday in the Louisiana Orphan Train Museum at Le Vieux Village, located at 828 E. Landry St., in Opelousas. The event is free and all ages and speaking abilities are invited.
Ken Lyon presented an interesting history of the accordion to the Crowley Lions Club, telling members that the symbol of Cajun French music actually comes from Germany. (Photos by Steve Bandy/Crowley Post-Signal)

Ken Lyon presented an interesting history of the accordion to the Crowley Lions Club, telling members that the symbol of Cajun French music actually comes from Germany. (Photos by Steve Bandy/Crowley Post-Signal)

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Germany produced early accordions sold in U.S.

Rebecca Chaisson
Wednesday, August 9, 2023
The accordion – considered by many the iconic symbol of Cajun French music – is really of German descent and can actually be traced back to China. According to Ken Lyon, the Chinese developed the original “accordion-like” instrument, but it was immediately seized upon by the Europeans.
Truck-driving, master accordionist Ryan Perkins returns to the Zydeco Capital Jam from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday at the St. Landry Parish Visitor Center, I-49 exit 23, in Opelousas. Perkins, a 24-year-old truck driver who lives in Plaisance, was one of the first to attend the Visitor Center jams that started in 2019. A Baton Rouge native, Perkins is a self-taught accordionist who has been playing for 12 years. He learned by watching video tapes of “Zydeco Extravaganza,” the early 1990s show hosted by Don and Cha

Truck-driving, master accordionist Ryan Perkins returns to the Zydeco Capital Jam from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday at the St. Landry Parish Visitor Center, I-49 exit 23, in Opelousas. Perkins, a 24-year-old truck driver who lives in Plaisance, was one of the first to attend the Visitor Center jams that started in 2019. A Baton Rouge native, Perkins is a self-taught accordionist who has been playing for 12 years. He learned by watching video tapes of “Zydeco Extravaganza,” the early 1990s show hosted by Don and Cha

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Tourism center jam

Rebecca Chaisson
Wednesday, August 9, 2023
Truck-driving, master accordionist Ryan Perkins returns to the Zydeco Capital Jam from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday at the St. Landry Parish Visitor Center, I-49 exit 23, in Opelousas.

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Community health fairs planned in Eunice and Sunset

Rebecca Chaisson
Wednesday, August 9, 2023
The St. Landry Parish Government is announcing two upcoming Community Health Fairs in Eunice and Sunset. The events will bring together residents, health care professionals, and various community partners to provide essential health services and educational workshops to the public.