News

Holding up a radiosonde, a weather instrument, and a weather balloon are John Pucheu and Van Reed. (Photos by Myra Miller)

Holding up a radiosonde, a weather instrument, and a weather balloon are John Pucheu and Van Reed. (Photos by Myra Miller)

Weather balloons are a basic tool in the weather forecasting service

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, July 25, 2025
A National Weather Service meteorologist spoke about weather balloons and the danger of lightning to Eunice Rotary Club members. Doug Cramer, of the Weather Service’s Lake Charles office, even brought a weather balloon to the Wednesday meeting.
M.P. Hayes, an LSU AgCenter water quality expert, demonstrates a small, remote-controlled boat that can gather data to help monitor pond conditions. (Photo by Olivia McClure/LSU AgCenter)

M.P. Hayes, an LSU AgCenter water quality expert, demonstrates a small, remote-controlled boat that can gather data to help monitor pond conditions. (Photo by Olivia McClure/LSU AgCenter)

Cloudy skies and cool research: AgCenter field day covers horticulture innovations

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, July 25, 2025
From turfgrass to tea production and rain gardens to robotics, there was something for just about everyone at the LSU AgCenter’s annual horticulture field day July 18.

How friendly is your garden soil?

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, July 25, 2025
From Bulb and Blossom Garden Club Friendly soil structure is one of the most overlooked features of garden soil. Great garden soil is only about 50% dirt; the other parts are air and water. Friendly soil provides access to air, nutrients, and growth for tender roots.
Sparse canopies on trees that normally have dense canopies often suffer from some type of health issue. These trees may pose additional risks during a storm. (Photo by Olivia McClure/LSU AgCenter)

Sparse canopies on trees that normally have dense canopies often suffer from some type of health issue. These trees may pose additional risks during a storm. (Photo by Olivia McClure/LSU AgCenter)

Give your trees a checkup before peak hurricane season

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, July 25, 2025
Hurricane season is ramping up. In Louisiana, we know the drill: It’s time to pick up some extra canned goods and batteries, make sure the generator cranks and think over evacuation plans. But your checklist may be missing one important item: the trees in your yard.

Tips sought about bomb threat at Rayne nursing home

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, July 25, 2025
The Rayne Police Department is investigating a bomb threat that occurred at The Ellington of Rayne Nursing Home located at 308 Amelia St. on July 16, at about 8 p.m. An unknown male suspect phoned the facility stating there was a bomb in your building before disconnecting the call.

St. Landry Parish marriage licenses

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, July 25, 2025
The following people obtained marriage licenses from the St. Landry Parish Clerk of Court Office. Monday, July 21 Robert Clifton Douglas Sr. Of Janesville, Wisconsin, and Chamire Denise Murphy, of Opelousas. Tuesday, July 22 Robert Mallet III and Shalemeiko Shawnee Johnson, both of Opelousas.

St. Landry Parish civil cases

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, July 25, 2025
The following are civil cases filed in the 27th Judicial District Court. Wednesday, July 16 Laura Leday vs Tonya Ashford, damages. Capital One NA vs James Mosley, open account. Pelican State Credit Union vs Christina Taylor Cannatella, open account.
Collin Junuis Benoit

Collin Junuis Benoit

Iota man arrested on drug charges

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, July 25, 2025
Acadia Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested an Iota man for various narcotics charges on July 23 in the 600 block of Gotts Cove Road, according to a news release from Sheriff K.P. Gibson. Deputies were called to assist the Department of Children and Family Services.
Sheriff Bobby Guidroz announced four corrections deputies have graduated from the State of Louisiana Basic 92-hour course. During the course, deputies are instructed on the use of force, inmate care, introduction to weapons and contraband control. The St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office uses in-house, state certified instructors to train deputies prior to their attending a more extensive corrections academy to become P.O.S.T. – certified corrections officers. Guidroz states, “Our goal is to have every deput

Sheriff Bobby Guidroz announced four corrections deputies have graduated from the State of Louisiana Basic 92-hour course. During the course, deputies are instructed on the use of force, inmate care, introduction to weapons and contraband control. The St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office uses in-house, state certified instructors to train deputies prior to their attending a more extensive corrections academy to become P.O.S.T. – certified corrections officers. Guidroz states, “Our goal is to have every deput

Corrections deputies certified

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, July 25, 2025
Sheriff Bobby Guidroz announced four corrections deputies have graduated from the State of Louisiana Basic 92-hour course. During the course, deputies are instructed on the use of force, inmate care, introduction to weapons and contraband control. The St.

AI is a 21st century ‘Invasion of the Body Snatchers’

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, July 25, 2025
My favorite horror movie is the original “Invasion of the Body Snatchers,” closely followed by the 1978 remake with Donald Sutherland. The reason I still sleep with the lights on after watching them is the idea that we can live among facsimiles of reality, when it’s all fabrication.