Local

UL Lafayette’s alternative energy research expertise, resources, and infrastructure, including at its Cleco Alternative Energy Center shown above, has made the University a key player in a three-state ‘hydrogen hub’ initiative. Louisiana, Oklahoma and Arkansas will focus development, production, and use of hydrogen as fuel and manufacturing feedstock to help diversify the region’s energy portfolio. (Photo by Doug Dugas / University of Louisiana at Lafayette)

UL Lafayette’s alternative energy research expertise, resources, and infrastructure, including at its Cleco Alternative Energy Center shown above, has made the University a key player in a three-state ‘hydrogen hub’ initiative. Louisiana, Oklahoma and Arkansas will focus development, production, and use of hydrogen as fuel and manufacturing feedstock to help diversify the region’s energy portfolio. (Photo by Doug Dugas / University of Louisiana at Lafayette)

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Alternative energy capacity earns UL Lafayette spot in ‘hydrogen hub’

Rebecca Chaisson
Wednesday, March 23, 2022
Louisiana, Oklahoma and Arkansas will establish a hub for development, production, and use of hydrogen as fuel and manufacturing feedstock as part of ongoing efforts to diversify the region’s energy portfolio.
Megan Malmay Duhon

Megan Malmay Duhon

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Duhon leads Acadia Parish Chamber of Commerce

Rebecca Chaisson
Wednesday, March 23, 2022
The Acadia Parish Chamber of Commerce Executive Committee and Board of Directors named Megan Malmay Duhon president and CEO of the Acadia Parish Chamber of Commerce effective March 1. Duhon has served as interim president and CEO since December 2021.
From left, are Randall Vigee, JD Bank, commercial lender; Yancy Fontenot, director for Eunice Community Health Center; Kitty Jo Deshotel, JD Bank Eunice, branch manager; Glynn Michaud, pharmacist for the health center; and Ryan Vidrine, JD Bank commercial lender. JD Bank donated $3,000 to the health center. (Submitted photo)

From left, are Randall Vigee, JD Bank, commercial lender; Yancy Fontenot, director for Eunice Community Health Center; Kitty Jo Deshotel, JD Bank Eunice, branch manager; Glynn Michaud, pharmacist for the health center; and Ryan Vidrine, JD Bank commercial lender. JD Bank donated $3,000 to the health center. (Submitted photo)

Exclusive Subscriber Content

JD Bank celebrates 75th anniversary with $75,000 donation to local non-profits

Rebecca Chaisson
Wednesday, March 23, 2022
To commemorate its 75th anniversary, JD Bank announced the donation of $75,000 on behalf of its employees to 25 charitable organizations throughout Southwest Louisiana and Acadiana. Each JD Bank location selected an organization to receive a donation in celebration of the milestone anniversary.

Exclusive Subscriber Content

3,161 cast early votes in election on school taxes

Rebecca Chaisson
Wednesday, March 23, 2022
There were 3,161 early votes cast in this Saturday’s election that is highlighted by three property taxes propositions for the St. Landry Parish School Board. Early voting ended on Saturday. The polls will open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. Saturday.
Eunice High School sophomore Josi Lemelle, daughter of Chad and Fran Lemelle, of Eunice, is shown in a screenshot from KLFY TV as she introduces Vice President Kamala Harris on Monday in Sunset.

Eunice High School sophomore Josi Lemelle, daughter of Chad and Fran Lemelle, of Eunice, is shown in a screenshot from KLFY TV as she introduces Vice President Kamala Harris on Monday in Sunset.

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Eunice High student Lemelle introduces Vice President Harris

Rebecca Chaisson
Wednesday, March 23, 2022
Josi Lemelle, a sophomore at Eunice High School, was chosen to introduce Vice President Kamala Harris in Sunset on Monday. Announcing federal funding to bring fiber optic cable into St. Landry, Acadia and Evangeline parishes was the highlight of the vice president’s visit.

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Employment hits post-pandemic high in Central Louisiana

Rebecca Chaisson
Tuesday, March 22, 2022
The Louisiana State University of Alexandria College of Business releases its March issue of the CENLA Economic Dashboard. Employment is the dominant story for the local economy. “Employment in the Alexandria MSA hit a new post-pandemic high in December,” says Dr.
News notes items

News notes items

Exclusive Subscriber Content

News notes

Myra Miller
Monday, March 21, 2022
St. Francis Night Out set for March 26 St. Francis will hold Night Out dinner and auction from 6 to 11 p.m. on March 26 inside St. Francis School gym. St. Francis is located at 490 St. Joseph Ave., in Iota. The cost is $100 per couple, donations are accepted.

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Spaniards and the cache of silver

Rebecca Chaisson
Friday, March 18, 2022
Some years ago, a fellow from the Cecilia area of St. Martin Parish suggested to me that Spaniards had traveled far up the Teche a long time before the history books said any European explorers got to south Louisiana.
People jam 2nd Street in Eunice during Mardi Gras. (Photo by Harlan Kirgan)

People jam 2nd Street in Eunice during Mardi Gras. (Photo by Harlan Kirgan)

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Tourist director cites increased visitors

Rebecca Chaisson
Friday, March 18, 2022
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.

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Regional juvenile detention center proposed

Rebecca Chaisson
Friday, March 18, 2022
Juvenile crime is on the rise and, with no place to house the violent offenders, Acadia Parish is facing fees of $250 per offender per day to house those juveniles indicted as adults.