News

Garden shows will be held around the state during the next few months to prepare gardeners for the spring. (LSU AgCenter File Photo.)

Garden shows will be held around the state during the next few months to prepare gardeners for the spring. (LSU AgCenter File Photo.)

AgCenter announces spring garden show schedule

(not verified)
Friday, January 31, 2025
By Anthony Bailey anthonybailey@agcenter.lsu.edu BATON ROUGE — As spring approaches in Louisiana, local gardeners are starting to prepare to plant their gardens. To get ready for the season, the AgCenter has announced garden shows happening throughout Louisiana, starting in February.
LSU AgCenter fruit and nut specialist Michael Polozola prepares to take a cutting from a fig tree. (Photos by Olivia McClure/LSU AgCenter)

LSU AgCenter fruit and nut specialist Michael Polozola prepares to take a cutting from a fig tree. (Photos by Olivia McClure/LSU AgCenter)

With easy propagation process, figs can be passed down like family heirlooms

(not verified)
Friday, January 31, 2025
Figs are one of the most common fruit trees you’ll find growing in Louisiana backyards. And for many of these fig trees, there’s a name and face and a personal backstory behind them. That’s because figs are a popular passalong plant.
Gov. Jeff Landry addresses reporters Wednesday on extra security precautions in New Orleans for Super Bowl LIX. Louisiana State Police Superintendent Col. Robert Hodges, left, took part in the news conference with the governor at the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness in Baton Rouge. (Greg LaRose/Louisiana Illuminator)

Gov. Jeff Landry addresses reporters Wednesday on extra security precautions in New Orleans for Super Bowl LIX. Louisiana State Police Superintendent Col. Robert Hodges, left, took part in the news conference with the governor at the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness in Baton Rouge. (Greg LaRose/Louisiana Illuminator)

Bourbon Street area is an ‘enhanced security zone’

(not verified)
Friday, January 31, 2025
Heightened security restrictions will be in effect for the busiest section of the French Quarter starting next Wednesday through at least the day after Super Bowl LIX is played, Gov. Jeff Landry announced Wednesday. The additional safety measures follow a Jan.

Railroad came late to prairie settlement

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, January 31, 2025
The common assumption is that after the railroad crossed the Louisiana prairies in 1880, Southern Pacific went right to work recruiting settlers to provide travelers and cargoes for their trains. The railroad did push for immigrants to build new towns next to the rails.

We need Punxsutawney Phil

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, January 31, 2025
Hey, Punxsutawney Phil, we sure need some of your levity right now. It’s so cold, Republicans switched their slogan to “Make America Warm Again.” It’s so cold, Democrats have started lobbying for global warming. Three weeks ago, I wrote a column about my love of snow. That hasn’t aged well.

Is it time to stop making pennies?

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, January 31, 2025
In 1936 Bing Crosby entertained the nation by crooning “Pennies From Heaven,” but in 2025 it seems that pennies are The Coin From Hell.

St. Landry Parish marriage licenses

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, January 31, 2025
The following people obtained marriage licenses from the St. Landry Parish Clerk of Court Office. Thursday, Jan. 16 Dustin George Kilsby, of Lafayette, and Allison Renee Cummings, of Opelousas. Jaren Jaleel St. Clair, of Opelousas, and Kenyon Rashad Linden, of Lafayette. Friday, Jan.

St. Landry Parish civil cases

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, January 31, 2025
The following are civil cases filed in the 27th Judicial District Court. Thursday, Jan. 16 Portfolio Recovery Associates LLC vs Robyn Breaux, open account. Emily Ann Roberie vs Ian Nicholas Fontenot, divorce. Ransom Nicholas vs Dewan Global LLC et al, damages.

State income tax filing begins

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, January 31, 2025
BATON ROUGE – The Louisiana Department of Revenue began accepting 2024 state individual income tax returns on Jan. 29. Taxpayers can begin filing their state income tax returns electronically through LDR’s Louisiana Taxpayer Access Point (LaTAP) account management portal at www.revenue.louisiana.
Kevin McFarlain, a St. Edmund graduate of 2011, is an official Louisiana State Trooper. McFarlain is now a Louisiana State Trooper (Louisiana State Police Cadet Class 105). He has been assigned to Troop I. (Submitted photo)

Kevin McFarlain, a St. Edmund graduate of 2011, is an official Louisiana State Trooper. McFarlain is now a Louisiana State Trooper (Louisiana State Police Cadet Class 105). He has been assigned to Troop I. (Submitted photo)

St. Ed alumnus now a trooper

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, January 31, 2025
Kevin McFarlain, a St. Edmund graduate of 2011, is an official Louisiana State Trooper. McFarlain is now a Louisiana State Trooper (Louisiana State Police Cadet Class 105). He has been assigned to Troop I. (Submitted photo)