News

Columnist says he is too young to be 84!

Here is a message I received from one of my grandkids this week. “Hey JB, it’s your birthday, and you just turned 84, I know you will live for many, many more.” I sure hope I do. I understand that I’m getting a bit older and that I cannot ignore life’s ending.

Red Cross urges residents to start preparations

NEW ORLEANS — This week is National Hurricane Preparedness Week (May 5-11) and the American Red Cross of Louisiana is urging residents to take action and begin pre-season preparations now to be ready before hurricane season arrives on June 1.

Mamou native Soileau is named director of LUS Fiber

Lafayette Mayor-President Monique Boulet announced the appointment of Michael Soileau as the new director of LUS Fiber. Originally from Mamou, Soileau joins LUS Fiber having worked for Comcast NBC Universal for more than 20 years, primarily in the broadband and cable television business.

Letter carriers to hold food drive on Saturday

Saturday marks the 32nd anniversary of one of America’s great days of giving — the National Association of Letter Carriers Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive. Letter carriers travel throughout communities daily, often coming face to face with a sad reality for too many — hunger.

Giving Day generates $2M

The seventh annual SOLA Giving Day ended with a record-breaking fundraising total of $2,032,564 million to over 200 organizations made possible by 5,034 donations. SOLA Giving Day is a 24-hour online fundraising event for nonprofit organizations, churches, and schools who serve South Louisiana.

House OKs constitutional convention

A bill calling for a constitutional convention, a key part of Gov. Jeff Landry’s agenda, passed the House floor in a 75-27 Tuesday after a lengthy debate and various amendments.

St. Landry Parish sales tax collections up over last year

Total sales tax collections in St. Landry Parish rose 15.9% through April compared to the same four months in 2023, according to statistics released by the St. Landry Parish School Board tax division on Monday.

Former athletic director sues over demotion

A former athletic director at North Central High School is suing the St. Landry Parish School Board and former Superintendent Patrick Jenkins asserting she was unfairly demoted. Vanessa Taylor filed suit on April 26 in the 27th Judicial District Court.

Primate research center at LSUE proposed

The Louisiana State University Board of Supervisors at its April meeting approved a request from LSU Eunice Chancellor Nancee Sorenson to create a proposal to bring the research center to life.

St. Landry Parish Sheriff arrests

The following are arrests reported by the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office. All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Wednesday, May 8 Christopher Ornette Simien, 52, 100 block of South Oak Street, Opelousas. Theft (2 counts), Criminal trespass.