News

Frequent rain is hampering sugar cane harvest

Consistently rainy weather during recent weeks and months has hampered sugar cane farmers from harvesting this year’s crop and planting for next year. Sugar cane harvest season started around the beginning of October.

UL Lafayette moves ahead with graduate certificate in cardiovascular nursing

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s College of Nursing and Allied Health Professions is one step closer to offering a graduate certificate program for nurse practitioners who want to specialize in heart-related health care.

Crickets for T-day?

Food science researchers at LSU are concocting recipes with an unusual ingredient: crickets. Cricket protein, actually. The brown powder can pack a protein punch that proponents say is environmentally sustainable.

Despite cold winter, citrus crop is early, sweet

Citrus growers were concerned that the cold temperatures last winter would destroy this year’s crop. But that has not been the case. Barton Joffrion, LSU AgCenter horticulture agent in Terrebonne Parish, said the season is well on its way with satsumas looking really good right now.

Flu vaccine clinic open Thursday

The Louisiana Department of Health is scheduling a flu vaccination day in Opelousas Thursday at the St. Landry Parish Health Unit, 308 W. Bloch St., Opelousas, from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. These one-day clinics will allow people to come in and get a flu shot at little or no cost to the patient.

Survey of teens finds Facebook is such old stuff

By Harlan Kirgan Editor Facebook might be top of mind for social media among adults, but don’t expect teens to hang around that site. A survey of teens attending the annual St. Landry Parish Boldly Living As Smart Teens event offers a window in the world of 11- to 14-year-olds in the parish.

Voting at the Eunice Municipal Complex.

Voters cast their ballots at the Eunice Municipal Complex Tuesday afternoon. (Photo by Harlan Kirgan)

Police chief sees possible opening to raise police pay

Eunice Police Chief Randy Fontenot sees hope in Tuesday’s election results that voters may be inclined to help his department with its pay issue.

Eunice mayor, police chief win big

Eunice Mayor Scott Fontenot and Police Chief Randy Fontenot won re-election with overwhelming majorities in Tuesday’s election. Scott Fontenot won 82 percent of the vote in defeating challenger Tim Smith. With a 42 percent turnout, the incumbent garnered 2,141 votes to Smith’s 481.

Parish sales tax revenues rose 3.3% in year

Total St. Landry Parish sales tax revenue rose 3.3 percent from October 2017 to October 2018, according to statistics released by the St. Landry Parish School Board Sales Tax Division. Through October, sales tax revenue totaled $58 million. The September sales tax total also reflected a 3.