News

School performance scores increase

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, November 22, 2024
The Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) released 2024 performance scores for the state’s public schools and systems today.

Eunice hospital district abolished

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, November 22, 2024
An ordinance to abolish St. Landry Parish Hospital Service District 1 passed the Parish Council on Wednesday without opposition. At a public hearing, prior to the Council meeting, Ernest Blanchard, Council member, asked about leases the hospital district may have had.
St. Landry Parish Sheriff Bobby Guidroz explained he and Parish President Jessie Bellard are near an agreement on using a new dormitory for trusties and jail costs. (Photo by Harlan Kirgan)

St. Landry Parish Sheriff Bobby Guidroz explained he and Parish President Jessie Bellard are near an agreement on using a new dormitory for trusties and jail costs. (Photo by Harlan Kirgan)

Sheriff praises trusty dorm, says cost-sharing deal near

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, November 22, 2024
Housing prisoners cost St. Landry Parish about $100,000 a month — $1.2 million a year — and it is an expense that isn’t going away. In October at a Parish Council meeting it sounded like Parish President Jessie Bellard and Sheriff Bobby Guidroz were at odds over the prisoner issue.
Louisiana Speaker of the House Phillip DeVillier, R-Eunice, left, and Senate President Cameron Henry, R-Metairie, speak in the Louisiana House of Representatives on the opening day of a legislative special session, Nov. 6 at the Louisiana State Capitol in Baton Rouge (Hilary Scheinuk/The Advocate, Pool)

Louisiana Speaker of the House Phillip DeVillier, R-Eunice, left, and Senate President Cameron Henry, R-Metairie, speak in the Louisiana House of Representatives on the opening day of a legislative special session, Nov. 6 at the Louisiana State Capitol in Baton Rouge (Hilary Scheinuk/The Advocate, Pool)

Tax deal raises sales tax from 4.45% to 5%

(not verified)
Friday, November 22, 2024
State lawmakers have agreed to a pared-down version of Gov. Jeff Landry’s tax overhaul package but one that would still affect most people and businesses in Louisiana. The deal, hashed out in back-room negotiations Thursday, was expected to receive full approval Friday.
Supertunia Vista Bubblegum petunias are a vibrant choice for cool-season gardens. (Photo by Randy LaBauve/LSU AgCenter)

Supertunia Vista Bubblegum petunias are a vibrant choice for cool-season gardens. (Photo by Randy LaBauve/LSU AgCenter)

Out with the old, in with the new: Time for cool-season color in the Louisiana garden

(not verified)
Friday, November 22, 2024
From the LSU AgCenter The familiar saying “out with the old, in with the new” is probably not something many folks associate with fall or winter. The adage is more likely to conjure visions of activities like spring cleaning — and the sense of renewal that comes with that season. But guess what?

America’s happy Thanksgiving

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, November 22, 2024
Do you feel it? Today America is breathing a sigh of relief because most Americans know they were just rescued from the jaws of Marxism. The relief felt today is like the relief felt by those who find freedom from a toxic relationship or from an addiction — freedom feels good because it is good!

Let the holiday cage matches begin

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, November 22, 2024
Since the chaos of election season has ended, and we’ve stopped receiving daily text messages asking us to contribute a few dollars to our favorite candidate’s legal expense fund or celebrity endorsement financing plan, we can turn our attention to more important matters, like gravy.

Strangers took me around the world

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, November 22, 2024
Strangers often sat at our Thanksgiving dinner when I was a boy, and I learned a lot from most of them. In fact, those strangers nearly changed the course of my life.