News

Robert “Bob” Manuel

Robert “Bob” Manuel

Manuel named Cotton Festival king

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, September 19, 2025
Robert “Bob” Manuel, a lifelong Ville Platte resident and dedicated community leader, has been named the Cotton Festival king. The 71st annual Louisiana Cotton Festival will be held from Oct. 6 to 12.
Laura McDonald, park ranger at the Prairie Acadian Cultural Center, gave a re-introduction of the center, which reopened around Mardi Gras earlier this year after being closed for about five years. During those years, the building was outfitted with a new air conditioning system and a new roof. (Photo by Claudette Olivier)

Laura McDonald, park ranger at the Prairie Acadian Cultural Center, gave a re-introduction of the center, which reopened around Mardi Gras earlier this year after being closed for about five years. During those years, the building was outfitted with a new air conditioning system and a new roof. (Photo by Claudette Olivier)

Liberty may reopen for Mardi Gras

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, September 19, 2025
Tourism leaders from St. Landry and Acadia parishes gathered at the Prairie Acadian Cultural Center Thursday to rub elbows, network and hear about the progress to reopen the Liberty Theater. Joel Savoy, president of the Association for the Liberty Theatre provided the update on the theater.
St. Landry Parish President Jessie Bellard, seated at the table, spoke for a $4 million loan at the State Bond Commission meeting on Thursday. Also at the table is Lela Folse, commission staff director. Speaker of the House Phillip DeVillier is in the inset at lower right in this still image captured from a video.

St. Landry Parish President Jessie Bellard, seated at the table, spoke for a $4 million loan at the State Bond Commission meeting on Thursday. Also at the table is Lela Folse, commission staff director. Speaker of the House Phillip DeVillier is in the inset at lower right in this still image captured from a video.

Bond Commission OKs parish request to borrow $4 million

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, September 19, 2025
The State Bond Commission approved St. Landry Parish borrowing $4 million to pay past and current expenses at its meeting Thursday in Baton Rouge. The amount is a reduction from $4.6 million requested at the commission’s August meeting.
Steven Coy Lafleur

Steven Coy Lafleur

Steven Coy Lafleur

Myra Miller
Thursday, September 18, 2025
Steven Coy Lafleur, a cherished member of his family and a beloved friend to many, passed away on September 14, 2025, in Lafayette, Louisiana, surrounded by loved ones. He was born on September 16, 1962, in Eunice, Louisiana.
St. Landry Parish Sheriff arrests report

St. Landry Parish Sheriff arrests report

St. Landry Parish Sheriff arrests

Myra Miller
Thursday, September 18, 2025
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. Thursday, Sept. 18 Lainey Lyn Gray, 25, 300 block of Mingo Circle, Opelousas. Possession of Schedule II CDS, drug paraphernalia.
Eunice Police Arrests

Eunice Police Arrests

Eunice Police Arrests report

Myra Miller
Thursday, September 18, 2025
The following are arrests by Eunice Police. All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Wednesday, Sept. 17 Demondre Terry, 28, 400 block of Jelks, Eunice. Probation/parole warrant. Derick Comeaux, 39, 3100 block of Soileau Road, Basile. Probation warrant.
Eunice Police Radio log

Eunice Police Radio log

Eunice Police Radio log

Myra Miller
Thursday, September 18, 2025
The following are excerpts from the Eunice Police Department radio dispatch logs. The Police Department changed the format from chronological to one based on officers who responded to calls. Wednesday, Sept. 17 There were 19 traffic stops from 5:05 a.m. until 3:51 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 18. Officer D.
News notes items

News notes items

News notes

Myra Miller
Thursday, September 18, 2025
Downtown Litter Walk set Saturday The National Public Lands Day will have a Downtown Eunice Litter Walk Day on Saturday with registration from 9:30 to 10 a.m. and the walk from 10 to 11:30 a.m. and water and snacks from 11:30 to noon. Volunteers are needed.
Jon Gabriel Bordelon Jr.

Jon Gabriel Bordelon Jr.

Jon Gabriel Bordelon, Jr.

Myra Miller
Thursday, September 18, 2025
Jon Gabriel Bordelon, Jr. passed away on Wednesday, September 17, 2025 at the age of 26. A Private Service will be held by the family at a later date.