News

Teaching history as it happened

By Rebecca Chaisson Managing Editor Throughout his career, Dr. Tony Baltakis taught students about wars fought before they were born. Then, on Sept. 11, 2001, the LSU Eunice history professor and Fulbright Scholar found himself trying to explain an attack as it unfolded for the very first time.

Local ceremonies held

Eunice was home to multiple events this week in memory of all those who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001. On Thursday, WoodmenLife held its remembrance ceremony at Circle Park, organized by local VFW, American Legion and DAR chapters.

Dove Season Takes Flight

The 2026 dove hunting season began Saturday, Sept. 5, statewide, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) announced, and Garrett Daville and his wife, Rhea, of Eunice, took their two sons with them, 12-year-old Eli and 4-year old Slade, on their first dove hunt of the season.

Two inmates accused of attempted escape involving stolen handcuff key

Two inmates are facing additional charges after allegedly attempting to use a stolen handcuff key while awaiting transport from the Eunice Police Department to the St. Landry Parish Jail.

LDWF agents issue 141 citations during opening weekend of dove season

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) enforcement agents issued a total of 141 dove hunting related citations for alleged dove hunting violations on the opening weekend of the 2026-27 dove hunting season that took place from Sept. 5-7. On Sept.

Ortego featured in sheriff’s office Employee Spotlight

The St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office recently recognized Capt. Casey Ortego in its Employee Spotlight. Ortego has served with the sheriff’s office since September 2014. During his 12 years with the department, he has spent all but six months working in patrol.

Eunice Police Department reports 428 complaints, 54 arrests in August

Eunice police responded to 428 complaints and made 54 arrests during August, according to statistics presented by Police Chief Kyle LeBouef to the mayor and Board of Aldermen this week. LeBouef reported the department handled 41 vehicle crashes during the month, none of which involved fatalities.

Who put ‘old’ and ‘Spanish’ into the trail?

A cadre of cultural leaders from across south Louisiana and beyond will gather at the Rayne Civic Center on September 25 to explore the origins and influence of the roadway called the Old Spanish Trail (OST) that linked our Main Streets before an Interstate isolated most of them.