News

From left, are Gwendolen von Einsiedel, Zydeco Joe Citizen and Corey Ledet. (Photo by David Simpson)

Grammy nominee returns to Zydeco Capital Jam Saturday

Rebecca Chaisson

Wednesday, August 11, 2021

Grammy nominee Corey Ledet, aka “The Accordion Dragon”, returns to lead the Zydeco Capital Jam from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday at the St. Landry Parish Visitor Center, I-49 exit 23 in Opelousas. Ledet kicked off the jam, held the second Saturday of each month, when it debuted in January 2019.

A mother’s bond will never disappear

Rebecca Chaisson

Wednesday, August 11, 2021

Seven years ago, Lucy Flowers died. It’s taken a while for me to write those words in exactly that way – “Lucy Flowers died.” I’ve written about it on frequent occasion, but usually turn to euphemisms: “Left us.

Time to bet off the couch, Americans

Rebecca Chaisson

Wednesday, August 11, 2021

Yesterday I went to my urologist for one of my regular checkups. I’ll spare you the medical details, but my trip to the doctor gave me a quick lesson in why there are still millions of Americans who are not returning to their jobs.

Academic recovery, acceleration program announced

Rebecca Chaisson

Wednesday, August 11, 2021

The Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) announced the launch of “Louisiana Comeback,” a coordinated campaign to recover and accelerate learning lost due to the previous year’s challenges.

A scene from the UL Lafayette campus. (Photo by Doug Dugas / University of Louisiana at Lafayette)

UL Lafayette uses federal COVID-19 funds to erase student debt

Rebecca Chaisson

Wednesday, August 11, 2021

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette has erased $2.7 million in student debt. UL Lafayette utilized allocations from the federal Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund, part of the American Rescue Plan that was signed into law in March. It provided $39.

Workshop to focus on arts, culture, tourism aiding development

Rebecca Chaisson

Wednesday, August 11, 2021

Three workshops are planned starting Monday to explore ways that arts, culture, and tourism contribute to creative placemaking, economic development, and community revitalization. Called Leveraging Cultural Anchor Institutions, the virtual workshops are scheduled Monday through Wednesday.

Author Robert Mann, left, on a State Police helicopter with the late Gov. Kathleen Blanco and journalist Tyler Bridges in 2004. (Photo Courtesy of Robert Mann)

Kathleen Blanco, ‘Dealt a bad hand, and did the best she could’

Rebecca Chaisson

Wednesday, August 11, 2021

As the 16th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina approaches, the following is an excerpt from Robert Mann’s new memoir, “Backrooms and Bayous: My Life in Louisiana Politics,” looking at how the late governor handled the crisis. By Robert Mann Governor Kathleen Blanco’s administration had two periods.

Robert Johnson, recreation director

Board OKs artificial turf for Rec Complex

Rebecca Chaisson

Wednesday, August 11, 2021

Artificial turf for eight infields at the Eunice Recreation Complex was approved by the Board of Aldermen at Tuesday’s meeting. The Board authorized Mayor Scott Fontenot to enter into a agreement with Sustainability Partners, which will act as a contractor for the project.

LEAP test scores in St. Landry Parish declined

Rebecca Chaisson

Wednesday, August 11, 2021

LEAP test scores from last spring show St. Landry Parish public school students declined. The scores were released on Aug. 4 by the state Department of Education and document the impact of a school year marked by COVID-19 precautions.

Parish sales tax revenue continues double-digit growth

Rebecca Chaisson

Wednesday, August 11, 2021

St. Landry Parish sales tax collections continued double-digit growth through July, according to the monthly report released by St. Landry Parish School Board sales tax division. Collections totaled $50,618,551 through July, up $5,447,452 or 12% over the same period in 2020.