Local

Rain, rain go away

The rain has been pouring for nearly a week, causing flooding in parts of the state. One day brought 13 inches as the weather systems stalled over some cities. Many areas have been under water for days. One thing this weather has definitely shown us is where the problem spots are in our yards.

Marine killed in Afghanistan 10 years ago remembered in his hometown of Iota

On June 9, 2011, Cpl. Matthew Richard was on a combat operation in Afghanistan’s Helmund Province when he moved his team to safety as he investigated an improvised explosive device. The IED blew up killing the 21-year-old Marine from Iota.

Tri-Parish workforce posts gain in April

The Tri-Parish workforce posted a gain in April compared to a year ago when jobs vaporized amid COVID-19 restrictions and shutdowns. The April workforce numbered 67,162, an increase of 657 or nearly 1% over a year ago, according to statistic released Friday by the Louisiana Workforce Commission.

Bridge reopened

The bridge on La. 3116, 0.9 miles north of La. 3123, has been reopened, according to the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development. The bridge, south of Eunice in Acadia Parish, had been closed for repairs.

Eunice’s oldest resident dies

Mary Hester Thibodeaux, thought to be Eunice’s oldest resident, died Saturday. She was 104. The funeral service is scheduled at 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Mathilda Catholic Church. She was born on April 9, 1917, the daughter of Alfin Thibodeaux and the former Regina Guidry.

Robotics earning honors at Northwest High School

There was a definite Stars Wars aura to a presentation at St. Landry Parish School Board Academics Committee meeting Monday. There was a whir of electric motors, belts moving and talk of “blue alliance” and “red alliance” teams.

Registration off to slow start for new school

Registration for the Highland Early Learning Center is off to slow start with only 67 students signed up for the center’s first year. Highland Elementary is being transformed into a school focused on teaching 4-year-olds and is the first public school like that in St. Landry Parish.

Bridge out

A bridge on La. 3116 south of Eunice was closed on Tuesday by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development. The bridge is about a mile north of La. 3123. Michael DeSelle, DOTD District 3 engineer administrator, said the a routine inspection found a deterioration.

Quest to buy parish-owned property continues

One woman’s quest to buy dilapidated property from St. Landry Parish may be nearing a conclusion. At Wednesday’s Parish Council meeting, Jennifer Cravins, of Lawtell, returned to inquire about a dilapidated and abandoned house.

News notes

Come Lord Jesus Mass set May 25 The annual Come, Lord Jesus Prayer Groups Anniversary Mass will be held at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 25 at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Basile. All are welcome with a special invitation to prayer groups from all area churches.