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Programs for a Mass for Charlene Richard in 2024.

Programs for a Mass for Charlene Richard in 2024.

Path to sainthood for Charlene Richard advances another step

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, March 7, 2025
LAFAYETTE — Efforts to have Charlene Richard recognized as a saint have advanced another step, with the Vatican accepting and approving the results of the Diocese of Lafayette’s investigation into the life and virtue of “The Little Cajun Saint.

4 vie for Acadia Jury job

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, March 7, 2025
Four candidates have thrown their hats into the ring seeking the secretary-treasurer’s position for the Acadia Parish Police Jury. No timeline for a final vote to fill the post has been set.
Chris Ardoin and NuStep Zydeko performed on the Heritage Stage Saturday afternoon, Oct. 15, 2022, during the 48th annual Festivals Acadiens et Créoles in Girard Park, Lafayette. (Photo by David Simpson)

Chris Ardoin and NuStep Zydeko performed on the Heritage Stage Saturday afternoon, Oct. 15, 2022, during the 48th annual Festivals Acadiens et Créoles in Girard Park, Lafayette. (Photo by David Simpson)

Musician Chris Ardoin described shooting in social media posting

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, March 7, 2025
As the good times were rolling in Mamou, on Mardi Gras, during a performance from Chris Ardoin and Nustep Krewe, shots erupted. Following the incident, Ardoin posted a video on social media where he described the series of events that transpired.
The intersection of 6th Street and Poinciana Avenue in Mamou was the site of mass shooting that left two dead and at least 12 injured on Mardi Gras. (Ville Platte Gazette photo by Heather Bogard)

The intersection of 6th Street and Poinciana Avenue in Mamou was the site of mass shooting that left two dead and at least 12 injured on Mardi Gras. (Ville Platte Gazette photo by Heather Bogard)

2 killed in Mamou Mardi Gras shooting

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, March 7, 2025
Two juveniles fell victim to a mass shooting during the northside Mamou Mardi Gras celebration. The victims are identified as Alaya Christian,17, a student at Lafayette Renaissance Charter High, and Bryson Green, a student at Cecilia High .

City prevails in suit over fatal party shooting

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, March 7, 2025
The City of Eunice prevailed in a lawsuit seeking damages following the death of Tyrie Frederick after a fight during a Christmas concert at the Southeast Community Center on Dec. 23, 2017.
News notes items

News notes items

News notes

Myra Miller
Thursday, March 6, 2025
39th annual Beef Cook-off set March 15 The 39th annual St. Landry Parish Cattlemen’s Association will have “Here’s The Beef” Cook-Off on March 15 beginning at 10 a.m. with a non-motorized trail ride and live music by Dylan Aucoin & Judice Ramblers and Jamie Bergeron & The Kickin’ Cajuns.
Mona Siebert, gives ashes to Gerrie Cormier, and the Rev. Sam Fontana is in the background. (Photo by Myra Miller)

Mona Siebert, gives ashes to Gerrie Cormier, and the Rev. Sam Fontana is in the background. (Photo by Myra Miller)

Ash Wednesday at St. Thomas More Catholic Church

Myra Miller
Wednesday, March 5, 2025
Ash Wednesday began the Lenten season and the Rev. Sam Fontana of St. Thomas More Catholic Church performed a 7 a.m. Mass. Ash Wednesday begins the 40-day season of fast and penance. Mona Siebert, gives ashes to Gerrie Cormier, and the Rev. Sam Fontana is in the background. (Photo by Myra Miller)
Cutting a ribbon marking the reopening of the Prairie Acadian Cultural Center on Friday were, from left, Scott Fontenot Eunice mayor; Laura McDonald and Lainey Binnix, park rangers; Herman Fuselier, parish tourism director; Justin Lemoine, executive director of the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area; and Dwight Jodon, Eunice Rotary Club member. (Photo by Harlan Kirgan)

Cutting a ribbon marking the reopening of the Prairie Acadian Cultural Center on Friday were, from left, Scott Fontenot Eunice mayor; Laura McDonald and Lainey Binnix, park rangers; Herman Fuselier, parish tourism director; Justin Lemoine, executive director of the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area; and Dwight Jodon, Eunice Rotary Club member. (Photo by Harlan Kirgan)

Prairie Acadian Cultural Center reopens

Myra Miller
Wednesday, March 5, 2025
By Harlan Kirgan Editor ‘It has been a long 5 years’ Despite mass firings coming out of Washington, D.C., the Prairie Acadian Cultural Center reopened on Friday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The Center has been closed since 2019 due to renovations and the Covid pandemic.
Leroy Thomas leads the next Zydeco Capital Jam from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday at the St. Landry Parish Visitor Center at I-49 exit 23, just north of Opelousas. (Submitted photo)

Leroy Thomas leads the next Zydeco Capital Jam from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday at the St. Landry Parish Visitor Center at I-49 exit 23, just north of Opelousas. (Submitted photo)

‘Jewel of the Bayou’ leads Zydeco Jam

Myra Miller
Wednesday, March 5, 2025
Singer and accordionist Leroy Thomas leads the next Zydeco Capital Jam from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday at the St. Landry Parish Visitor Center at I-49 exit 23, just north of Opelousas. Admission is free to the jam, open to musicians of all skill levels and fans.
Ray’s Bakery was gutted in Sunday afternoon fire. (Photo by Myra Miller)

Ray’s Bakery was gutted in Sunday afternoon fire. (Photo by Myra Miller)

Fire guts Ray’s Bakery, owner plans to reopen

Myra Miller
Wednesday, March 5, 2025
A Sunday afternoon fire gutted Ray’s Bakery, but there are plans to restore and reopen the family-owned business. The bakery is owned by Steven Oncale and is managed by Delana Oncale. Eunice Fire Chief Chaise Brown, said, “The initial investigation and cause of the fire is pointing to an electrical.