News

Ready for chatbot clergy?

“Give me that old-time religion, give me that old-time religion…” I can still hear classmate Ronald Bright launching into an impromptu performance of that traditional Gospel song.

St. Landry Parish marriage licenses

The following people obtained marriage licenses at the St. Landry Parish Clerk of Court Office. Thursday, Oct. 31 Kenneth Blaine Lanclos and Brenda Gail Lafleur, both of Vinson. Gerard Ty Levier of Port Barre and Angel Lee Benoit, of Opelousas. Monday, Nov.
Louisiana’s ambitious plan to save and restore its coastline is stalled amid lawsuits seeking to halt the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion project. But federal officials warn the state could lose more than $2 billion if it does not commit to finishing the project. (Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority)

Louisiana’s ambitious plan to save and restore its coastline is stalled amid lawsuits seeking to halt the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion project. But federal officials warn the state could lose more than $2 billion if it does not commit to finishing the project. (Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority)

Louisiana could be out billions of dollars if controversial coastal restoration stalls

Louisiana state leaders are mum about whether a nearly $3 billion project that’s been touted as a linchpin in the state’s coastal restoration efforts will move forward as pressure mounts from the federal government to get the work done. Gov.
Sen. Heather Cloud, R-Turkey Creek, is proposing a constitutional amendment that could lead to more minors being sentenced to adult prisons. (Greg LaRose/Louisiana Illuminator)

Sen. Heather Cloud, R-Turkey Creek, is proposing a constitutional amendment that could lead to more minors being sentenced to adult prisons. (Greg LaRose/Louisiana Illuminator)

Lawmakers consider making it easier to sentence minors to adult prisons

In a special lawmaking session focused on tax policy, Louisiana lawmakers are also quietly moving legislation that could lead to more underage youth being sent to adult prisons.
A portion of the Eunice wastewater treatment facility off of Sittig Street. (Photo by Harlan Kirgan)

A portion of the Eunice wastewater treatment facility off of Sittig Street. (Photo by Harlan Kirgan)

City about to embark on historic project

The Eunice Board of Aldermen will be asked to do the legal work necessary to launch a historic overhaul of the city’s aging wastewater treatment facility. On Tuesday’s city meeting agenda is an ordinance to authorize issuing a sewer revenue bond up to $12 million.
St. Landry Parish Sheriff Maj. Mark LeBlanc, Crime Stoppers coordinator, speaks to the Parish Council on Wednesday about a program to combat littering and dumping. (Photo by Harlan Kirgan)

St. Landry Parish Sheriff Maj. Mark LeBlanc, Crime Stoppers coordinator, speaks to the Parish Council on Wednesday about a program to combat littering and dumping. (Photo by Harlan Kirgan)

St. Landry Crime Stoppers takes aim at litter, dumping

St. Landry Crime Stoppers is best known for collaring murder, burglary and other felony suspects, but by next year it intends to combat littering and dumping. St. Landry Parish Sheriff’ Maj.
The rain was pouring down during a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate new restrooms at East Elementary in Eunice on Wednesday. Among those present were St. Landry Parish School Superintendent Milton Batiste III, assistant superintendents, several School Board members, Lemoine Company representative, and the instructional leadership team of East Elementary. At the center of the photo, cutting the ribbon is School Board President Mary Ellen Donatto and Principal Gina LaGrange. The new restrooms are funded b

The rain was pouring down during a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate new restrooms at East Elementary in Eunice on Wednesday. Among those present were St. Landry Parish School Superintendent Milton Batiste III, assistant superintendents, several School Board members, Lemoine Company representative, and the instructional leadership team of East Elementary. At the center of the photo, cutting the ribbon is School Board President Mary Ellen Donatto and Principal Gina LaGrange. The new restrooms are funded b

East Elementary ceremony

The rain was pouring down during a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate new restrooms at East Elementary in Eunice on Wednesday. Among those present were St.

Veterans Day program is Monday at VFW

A Veterans Day program will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at the VFW 8971 Hall grounds near the tank on U.S. 190 east. The program will be moved inside if it rains. The public and all veterans are invited. Gumbo will be served at the conclusion of the program.
Rep. Julie Emerson, R-Carencro, speaking to Rep. Charles Owen in the House Chamber. (Allison Allsop/ Louisiana Illuminator)

Rep. Julie Emerson, R-Carencro, speaking to Rep. Charles Owen in the House Chamber. (Allison Allsop/ Louisiana Illuminator)

Flat tax advances

State lawmakers advanced two major pieces of legislation Thursday that would establish a flat tax on income and fully repeal a tax on large corporations. House Bill 1 and House Bill 3, both sponsored by Rep.
St. Landry Parish Sheriff arrests report

St. Landry Parish Sheriff arrests report

St. Landry Parish Sheriff arrests

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, Nov. 7 Terrin T. Richard, 21, 400 block of Howard Road, Opelousas. Disturbing the peace. Arrested by Opelousas Police.