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The 22nd annual Dewey Balfa Cajun & Creole Heritage Week will be held in Eunice in March. The week was announced at the Eunice city council meeting on Tuesday with a proclamation. From left, are Jeane Solis, executive director of Louisiana Folk Roots; Mayor Scott Fontenot; Jean Johnson, Louisiana Folk Roots Board member; and Herb Wiltz, Louisiana Folk Roots Board member. (Photo by Harlan Kirgan)

The 22nd annual Dewey Balfa Cajun & Creole Heritage Week will be held in Eunice in March. The week was announced at the Eunice city council meeting on Tuesday with a proclamation. From left, are Jeane Solis, executive director of Louisiana Folk Roots; Mayor Scott Fontenot; Jean Johnson, Louisiana Folk Roots Board member; and Herb Wiltz, Louisiana Folk Roots Board member. (Photo by Harlan Kirgan)

Balfa Week coming to Lakeview

Harlan Kirgan
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
The 22nd annual Dewey Balfa Cajun & Creole Heritage Week will begin with a pre-Camp Louisiana French language immersion activity on March 24 hosted at the National Park Service’s “Acadian Culture Center” in Eunice. Balfa Week continues March 25 to 28 at Lakeview RV Park in Eunice.

Suit on jail costs proves contentious

Harlan Kirgan
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
A lawsuit filed by St. Landry Parish President Jessie Bellard asking for a district court declaratory judgment on jail costs was contentious from the start. But the process itself may prove difficult. On Dec. 13 a motion was filed to recuse all 27 Judicial District judges from hearing the lawsuit.
Shirley Vige, CPA of Vige, Tujague & Noel, opens an audit report at Tueday’s Eunice city council meeting. (Photo by Harlan Kirgan)

Shirley Vige, CPA of Vige, Tujague & Noel, opens an audit report at Tueday’s Eunice city council meeting. (Photo by Harlan Kirgan)

Audit finds city books healthy

Harlan Kirgan
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
Auditor Shirley Vige possibly saved the best for last during his presentation of the annual audit the City of Eunice financial books. When the fiscal year ended on June 30, 2024, the city’s General Fund had a cash balance of $8,226,295.
News notes items

News notes items

News notes

Myra Miller
Monday, January 13, 2025
Beginners’ Genealogy class set Jan. 18 There will be a Beginners’ Genealogy Class 2025: Unpacking Memories and Building Stories from 9:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 18 at the Eunice Public Library. The Beginners’ Genealogy Class will be presented by the Imperial St.
Outgoing St. Landry Parish School Board President Mary Ellen Donatto speaks to the crowd at Thursday’s Board meeting in Opelousas. Donatto, of Eunice, started her education career as an aide in 1968. (Photos by Harlan Kirgan)

Outgoing St. Landry Parish School Board President Mary Ellen Donatto speaks to the crowd at Thursday’s Board meeting in Opelousas. Donatto, of Eunice, started her education career as an aide in 1968. (Photos by Harlan Kirgan)

Eunice schools shine at School Board meeting

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, January 10, 2025
Success in Eunice public schools came to forefront as school were recognized at Thursday’s St. Landry Parish School Board meeting. And outgoing School Board President Mary Ellen Donatto was honored for year of leadership.
Nickie Toups, Eunice Manor administrator, is with Van Reed. Both are Eunice Rotary Club members. Toups spoke on Wednesday at the club’s meeting. (Photo by Myra Miller)

Nickie Toups, Eunice Manor administrator, is with Van Reed. Both are Eunice Rotary Club members. Toups spoke on Wednesday at the club’s meeting. (Photo by Myra Miller)

Nursing home administrator: Prepare for your future

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, January 10, 2025
Preparing for your future was the topic Wednesday at the Eunice Rotary Club meeting. Nickie Toups, Eunice Manor administrator for the past 10 years, was the guest speaker. Toups’ passion is for people, especially old people. She added, “I love old people.” New Years means starting over.

Year ends with parish sales tax collections up 7.4% over ‘23

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, January 10, 2025
Sales tax collections in St. Landry Parish ended 2024 up 7.4% over the the 2023 collections, according to statistics released by the St. Landry Parish School Board tax division on Thursday. The parish total was $102,427,626, up $7,016,177 over the 2023 total of $95,410,949.

Healthcare training program addresses need for skilled care

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, January 10, 2025
Acadiana Workforce Solutions (AWS) is launching the Country Road Inclusion Project, an initiative aimed at addressing the demand for skilled healthcare workers in Acadiana while providing equitable opportunities for marginalized and rural communities.

Why plant heirloom seeds this spring?

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, January 10, 2025
Heirloom seeds come from plants passed down through generations. These seeds help keep cultural history alive, connecting us with ancestors who also grew these plants. It is like bringing the past back to life.