News

St. Landry Parish civil cases

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, March 21, 2025
The following are civil cases filed in the 27th Judicial District Court. Wednesday, March 12 Interdiction of Lauren Venable. Kelonda S. Thibodeaux vs Barbara J. Francis, protective order. Kelonda S. Thibodeaux vs Brandon Thibodeaux, protective order.

Information sought about double homicide in Opelousas

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, March 21, 2025
Opelousas Police responded to a report of gunshots in the 1200 block of Ina Claire Drive on Dec. 1, 2022. The first officer on scene observed a red Chevrolet Cruze with military honors license plate MH15670. The vehicle was parked in the driveway of 1222 Ina Claire Dr. Apt. 467.
Trae’land Castille

Trae’land Castille

$5M bond set on Mamou Mardi Gras shooting suspect

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, March 21, 2025
Trae’land Castille, the suspect in the mass shooting that took place on Mardi Gras in Mamou, appeared in an Evangeline Parish courtroom for the first time on March 17. During the hearing in front of Judge Marcus L.

Balfa Week starts Monday at Prairie Center

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, March 21, 2025
The 20th Dewey Balfa Cajun & Creole Heritage Week begins Monday with a program at the Prairie Acadian Cultural Center in Eunice. In partnership with Balfa Week, the Center is offering cooking and singing programs in French from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The program at the Center continues from 7 to 10 p.m.
After the death of Brittany Fontenot signs like this one at the intersection of U.S. 190 and la. 95 appeared in the area. Evangeline Parish Sheriff Charles Guillory announced that Brittney’s husband, Ray Charles Fontenot Jr., is named in an arrest warrant issued Wednesday for one count of second-degree murder in her death. (Photo by Harlan Kirgan)

After the death of Brittany Fontenot signs like this one at the intersection of U.S. 190 and la. 95 appeared in the area. Evangeline Parish Sheriff Charles Guillory announced that Brittney’s husband, Ray Charles Fontenot Jr., is named in an arrest warrant issued Wednesday for one count of second-degree murder in her death. (Photo by Harlan Kirgan)

Wife’s death once reported as a suicide is now a murder case

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, March 21, 2025
For nearly two years the cause of Brittney Fontenot’s death has been the subject of investigation. There were reports of FBI agents, Louisiana State Police investigators and Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s deputies asking questions and conducting interviews.
Acadia Parish rice farmer and leader Jackie Loewer talked about rice at the Eunice Rotary Club meeting. (Photo by Myra Miller)

Acadia Parish rice farmer and leader Jackie Loewer talked about rice at the Eunice Rotary Club meeting. (Photo by Myra Miller)

Yes, there is an issue with rice tariffs

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, March 21, 2025
The Rotary Club guest speaker Wednesday brings a lifetime of experience and achievement in the field of rice and soybean production. Jackie Loewer farms over 3,000 acres of rice, soybeans and crawfish with his brother Jim, and his nephews, Micah and Clint.
St. Landry Parish Sheriff arrests report

St. Landry Parish Sheriff arrests report

St. Landry Parish Sheriff arrests

Myra Miller
Thursday, March 20, 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, March 20 Michael Vaughn, 44, 1300 block of Hayward Street, Opelousas.
Eunice Police Radio log

Eunice Police Radio log

Eunice Police Radio log

Myra Miller
Thursday, March 20, 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 March 19 There were 9 traffic stop between the hours of 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. Officer B.
News notes items

News notes items

News notes

Myra Miller
Thursday, March 20, 2025
Early voting continues through March 22 Early Voting for the March 29 election began on Saturday and will continue until March 22 with the exception of Sundays, from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Early voting locations are: — Registrar of Voter’s Office (Courthouse), 118 S. Court St. (Ste. 133), Opelousas.