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Ryan Meche, LUS Fiber director, explains the benefits of fiber optic cable during a meeting of the St. Landry Economic Development District Board meeting on Tuesday in Opelousas. (Photo by Harlan Kirgan)

Ryan Meche, LUS Fiber director, explains the benefits of fiber optic cable during a meeting of the St. Landry Economic Development District Board meeting on Tuesday in Opelousas. (Photo by Harlan Kirgan)

North Acadiana gets fiber optic fever

By Harlan Kirgan Editor North Acadiana is getting a case of fiber optic fever as the high-speed internet resource nears fruition due to a flood of federal dollars. Ryan Meche, director of LUS Fiber, speaking at a meeting of the St.
Ryan Meche, LUS Fiber director, explains the benefits of fiber optic cable during a meeting of the St. Landry Economic Development District Board meeting on Tuesday in Opelousas. (Photo by Harlan Kirgan)

Ryan Meche, LUS Fiber director, explains the benefits of fiber optic cable during a meeting of the St. Landry Economic Development District Board meeting on Tuesday in Opelousas. (Photo by Harlan Kirgan)

North Acadiana gets fiber optic fever

North Acadiana is getting a case of fiber optic fever as the high-speed internet resource nears fruition due to a flood of federal dollars. Ryan Meche, director of LUS Fiber, said Vice President Kamala Harris is again scheduled to make an announcement on Friday in Sunset.
The St. Landry Economic Development Board met Tuesday in Opelousas. (Photo by Harlan Kirgan)

The St. Landry Economic Development Board met Tuesday in Opelousas. (Photo by Harlan Kirgan)

Walmart Distribution Center tax deal yet to be delivered

Getting everyone on board to advance a plan to transfer ownership of the Walmart Distribution Center from a parish industrial development district to the company is still a work in progress. Bill Rodier, St.
Joan Richard signs her name before she casts her vote Wednesday morning at the Eunice City Hall. Early voting continues through Saturday at the Eunice City Hall. Working the elections at the table were Cynthia Martin, left, and Trovette  Martin. (Photo by Myra Miller)

Joan Richard signs her name before she casts her vote Wednesday morning at the Eunice City Hall. Early voting continues through Saturday at the Eunice City Hall. Working the elections at the table were Cynthia Martin, left, and Trovette Martin. (Photo by Myra Miller)

Early voting strong

As of Tuesday, 1,786 people had voted in the March 26 election that includes three St. Landry Parish School Board tax propositions. Of the votes cast, 208 were at the Eunice City Hall polling site. When two school tax propositions were on the ballot in March 2018 there were 1,768 total early votes.
St. Landry Parish Tourism Commission logo.

St. Landry Parish Tourism Commission logo.

Tourism director cites increased visitors

The St. Landry Parish Tourism Commission Visitors Center counted 3,776 visitors in 2021, 25% increase over the 2020 count, according to annual report by Herman Fuselier, executive director. As Fuselier stated, the 2021 increase is over the 2020 year noted for COVID-19 and hurricanes.
Ville Platte City Judge Greg Vidrine gives the oath of office to newly elected Appellate Judge Gary Ortego of Ville Platte. (Photo by Tony Marks/Ville Platte Gazette)

Ville Platte City Judge Greg Vidrine gives the oath of office to newly elected Appellate Judge Gary Ortego of Ville Platte. (Photo by Tony Marks/Ville Platte Gazette)

Ortego takes oath of office for court of appeal

After being the only candidate to qualify in the special election, the honorable Gary Ortego took the oath office on March 3 to replace the late John Saunders on the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeal District Three.
News notes items

News notes items

News notes

Concealed carry weapon permit class set Saturday The St Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office will host a 1-day concealed carry permit training class beginning at 7:30 a.m. Saturday on March 19. The location is at 211 West Park Eunice, The course is $100 dollars and $80 for a spouse or renewal.

St. Patrick fitting for Acadiana

Besides the fact that we will throw a party on the flimsiest of excuses, it is solid theologically for French Louisiana to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. You see, he spent much of his religious life in France, and he wasn’t Irish at all. He was born about 375 A.D.
LAFAYETTE — Leaders in areas such business, education and nonprofits will share stories about personal and career success during the University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s 2022 Women’s Leadership Conference.  It will be held from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 24 at the Student Union. UL Lafayette’s Office for Campus Diversity will host the conference, which is in its 15th year. It is designed to empower women, provide opportunities for networking, and recognize several for longstanding success.  The conference

LAFAYETTE — Leaders in areas such business, education and nonprofits will share stories about personal and career success during the University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s 2022 Women’s Leadership Conference. It will be held from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 24 at the Student Union. UL Lafayette’s Office for Campus Diversity will host the conference, which is in its 15th year. It is designed to empower women, provide opportunities for networking, and recognize several for longstanding success. The conference

Empowerment, health and hope focus of women’s conference

Leaders in areas such business, education and nonprofits will share stories about personal and career success during the University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s 2022 Women’s Leadership Conference. It will be held from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 24 at the Student Union.
Eunice jeweler Robert “Bob” Fontenot spoke about precious metals at the Rotary Club meeting Wednesday. (Photos by Myra Miller)

Eunice jeweler Robert “Bob” Fontenot spoke about precious metals at the Rotary Club meeting Wednesday. (Photos by Myra Miller)

War, inflation drive precious metal prices up

War and inflation are driving the price of gold up, said Robert “Bob” Fontenot, owner and manager of Jerry’s Jewelers, at the Rotary Club on Wednesday. Fontenot, a gold coin collector, brought with him some of his collection pieces. He also had pieces of gold and silver jewelry. “I just enjoy it!