Local

81st International Rice Festival Junior Royalty Crowned

This morning the 81st International Rice Festival Junior King and Queen were crowned on the Supreme Rice Stage following the pageant.

Rice Eating Contest champion named

Colby Geerts of Evangeline, center, handily won this year's Rice Eating Contest with 41 scoops. The contest is sponsored by the Crowley Lions Club, and on hand to congratulate Geerts were Lions Club President Patti Lawrence (left) and Lion Tamer Jack Wise (right).

Rice and Creole Cookery Contest Chef de Riz and Jr. Chef chosen

The competition was fierce, but the judges worked hard to select the winners of this year's Rice and Creole Cookery Contest. They are, front row, Aubrey Broussard of Maurice, Children's Division Tri-Color Ribbon winner and Jr.

Babin crowned Queen Cotton

Tara Elizabeth Babin of Gonzales was crowned Queen Cotton LXIV at Saturday night’s Cotton Coronation. “It was an incredible honor,” she said about winning the Cotton Pageant. “I dreamed about becoming Queen since I was a little girl. I always watched my sister in pageants, and I wanted to be her.

Chataignier council adopts ordinances giving pay raises

The Chataignier Village Council adopted ordinances for pay increases and adopted resolutions dealing with a proposed block grant and with millages for 2017 at its monthly meeting Monday night.

Local scout leaders react to girls being allowed into Boy Scouts

The Boy Scouts of America made an announcement that is designed to attract new members after its numbers have been dwindling over the last couple of years. News broke last Wednesday that the Boy Scouts will now accept girls as members for the first time in the organization’s 100-plus year history.

News notes

Concealed handgun classes offered Non-profit classes for a concealed handgun permit are scheduled Oct. 28, Nov. 11 and Dec. 9 at the Masonic Lodge, 211 W. Park Ave., Eunice, according to an announcement from Maj. Eddie Thibodeaux of the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office.

News notes

Cancer benefit Saturday for Gloria Fuselier There will be a cancer benefit for Gloria Jeansonne Fuselier’s medical fund expenses. Fuselier was recently diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer and liver cancer.

Notre Dame Homecoming Queen crowned

PHOTO COURTESY PETRY PHOTOGRAPHY Meaghan Thibodeaux, right, daughter of Chris and Staci Thibodeaux of Jennings, was crowned Notre Dame High School’s 2017 Homecoming Queen during the school’s game against Lake Charles College Prep Friday night. She was crowned by 2008 Queen Adrienne Trahan Catalano.

News notes

LSUE French Table meet Fridays The LSUE French Table will be from 9 a.m. until 10 a.m. on Fridays at LSUE Continuing Ed Building, Room 117, next to baseball field. On Friday, a topic of discussion will be superstitions from long ago. On Nov.