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Governor renews mask mandate

Gov. John Bel Edwards has reinstated Louisiana’s statewide mask mandate indoors for all people age 5 and older as COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations continue to rise across Louisiana, threatening the ability of Louisiana’s hospitals to deliver care during this fourth surge of COVID.

You can have August, and February too

August has always been my least favorite month, and I suspect I am not alone. The experts tell us that its hot, humid weather makes this the most physically stressful month of the year in south Louisiana. August temperatures get as warm as the body’s temperature, or warmer.

School Board ends year with budget surplus

June is the final budget month for the St. Landry Parish School Board and the year is ending with a $3.1 million surplus in its General Fund.

DeVillier pitches Constitutional amendments

Constitutional amendments to be voted on in October may alter the course of the state budget and streamline the collection of sales taxes. State Rep. Phillip DeVillier said in speaking to the Eunice Rotary Club that three changes proposed to the state Constitution are encouraging.

COVID-19 vaccine offered at Eunice High School

COVID-19 vaccinations were available at Eunice High School Friday as St. Landry Parish and the state experiences a surge of infections. The state Department of Health reports a test positivity rate of 10.3% in St. Landry Parish from July 15 to 21, up from 7.3% the previous reporting period.

Cleco shares tips to help customers reduce energy usage during hot summer months

With heat advisories in effect for parts of Louisiana, Cleco customers can reduce their energy consumption by following some simple tips. Tips to conserve energy: Cooling — Set thermostat to 78 degrees or higher, if possible.

White House webinar spotlights UL Lafayette vaccination incentives campaign

The White House COVID-19 College Vaccine Challenge thinks the University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s “Don’t Wait. Vaccinate!” incentives program is a capital idea.

News notes

Charlene Richard Mass is Aug. 11 The Charlene Richard Foundation has announced the date of the Annual Mass of Petition marking the 62nd anniversary of the death of Charlene Marie Richard. The mass will be offered at 6 p.m. Aug. 11 at St. Edward Church in Richard. The Rev.

Mask mandate in place at St. Landry Parish Courthouse

A mask mandate has been implemented in the St. Landry Parish Courthouse common areas and courtrooms, Parish President Jessie Bellard said. The restriction is in response to the rising number of COVID-19 cases in the parish and state.

Masks are back

St. Landry Parish public schools are likely to require face masks in most settings when classes reopen Aug. 18. The School Board is to make a decision at its Aug. 5 meeting. “I definitely know that we want the students to be in the classroom learning. We don’t want them online.