News

Fiscal priorities: Teachers and Medicaid fraud

The Edwards Administration has just released reports stating that public school teacher pay hikes are their top priority for 2019, and that Gov. John Bel Edwards plans to recommend an election year salary increase of $1,000 per year (costing the state $50 million annually).

Recalling September centennial bash

This year marks the 160th anniversary of the incorporation of Ville Platte, and its citizens picked this month in 1958 for a grand centennial celebration, largely so that it would coincide with the annual Cotton Festival. The area was long settled before the formal incorporation in 1858, of course.

Did you know? Human trafficking is the modern slavery

There are different types of trafficking. Sex trafficking is also driven by buyer demand. Whether a pimp is involved or not, anyone under the age of 18 is deemed a victim of sex trafficking when they engage in commercial sex with an adult.

Port Allen man accused in horse thefts in St. Landry, Evangeline parishes

A West Baton Rouge Parish man is accused of stealing 15 horses. The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) Livestock Brand Commission arrested 30-year-old Jonramon Hatfield Vaughns, of 9690 Hwy. 190, Port Allen, on Sept. 11.

Evangeline Parish project among bids let

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) announced Thursday that 21 projects around the state were let on Wednesday. Sixteen contractors presented bids totaling $40 million. Projects include milling, patching, and overlay on La. 1161 at La. 29 in Evangeline Parish: $169,069.

Germanfest scheduled at Oct. 6-7

The Roberts Cove German Heritage Museum is preparing once again for this year’s Germanfest. The 24th annual Germanfest will be held Oct. 6-7 at the festival grounds in Roberts Cove. This year the museum will be taking a look at the first German settlement in northern prairies of Acadia Parish.

Rice Fest’s Junior Farmer of the Year attends LSUE

The 82nd International Rice Festival will recognize Benjamin Joseph Faulk as the 2018 Junior Farmer of the Year. He is the 19-year-old son of Thomas and Gretchen Leonards Faulk. Faulk has four sisters, Jennifer Kidder (Shiloh), Andrea Guidry (Chris), Hannah Katira (Kris) and Anne Catherine.

Buddy Poppy Days

American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars members gathered at the Eunice Board of Aldermen’s meeting Tuesday for a presentation declaring VFW Buddy Poppy Days through Nov. 11, Veterans Day.

Kennedy activates campaign team

An actual announcement may or may not be forthcoming, but various bits and pieces for a gubernatorial bid by U.S. Sen. John Kennedy are being put together.

Hurricane season still very much a danger

Hurricane Florence is the first major hurricane of the 2018 and most likely it will not be last in a season that ends Nov. 30. Lisa Vidrine, St. Landry Parish director of the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, said, “We are at the peak of the season. We go until Nov.