News

A dead Rice’s whale washed up on a Florida beach in 2019. It was found to have been killed by a plastic fragment lodged in its stomach. (National Park Service photo)

A dead Rice’s whale washed up on a Florida beach in 2019. It was found to have been killed by a plastic fragment lodged in its stomach. (National Park Service photo)

Protection plan stalls for rare Gulf whale

(not verified)
Friday, July 19, 2024
The first significant effort to protect the habitat of an exceedingly rare Gulf of Mexico whale is getting pushback from several members of Congress who represent the Gulf Coast region.

My childhood neighborhood did not raise assassins

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, July 19, 2024
I grew up in Bethel Park, the middle-class suburb south of Pittsburgh where 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks lived with his parents. Crooks’ attempt to kill Donald Trump last weekend has filled my old neighborhood with shock and sadness.

Crowd watched as famous aviator glided in

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, July 19, 2024
Jimmy Mattern was never as well known as Charles Lindbergh, but he was at the height of his fame when hundreds of people from across south Louisiana turned out to hear him talk about exploits every bit as riveting as Lindbergh’s celebrated adventures.

Do you talk with your hands?

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, July 19, 2024
Somewhere over the years, karma gave me the finger. It all started with an incident in Mrs. Jones’s high school English class. Classmate Tracy Holder was unconsciously performing multiple animated hand gestures as he delivered an emphatic observation. Unnoticed, I smugly imitated his gesticulations.

St. Landry Parish marriage licenses

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, July 19, 2024
The following people obtained marriage licenses at the St. Landry Parish Clerk of Court Office. Wednesday, July 10 Ja’Quine Tevonski Marcus Javont Sanch Anderson and Malory Shawna Allison both Sunset. Thursday, July 11 Benny. Trail Bradley Jr. and Tondra Sharnae Joseph both of Opelousas.

St. Landry Parish civil cases

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, July 19, 2024
The following are civil cases filed in the 27th JudicialbDistrict Court. Monday, July 8 Freedom Mortgage Corporation vs Bobby Joe Boquet et al, executory process. Lakeview Servicing vs Pamela Richard Bearb et al, executory process. Francis Dale Etienne vs Mary Ethel Moore, divorce.
St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s narcotics detectives and SWAT team members forced a door open to make an arrest and seize guns and drugs from an Opelousas residence on July 15, according to Sheriff Bobby Guidroz.

St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s narcotics detectives and SWAT team members forced a door open to make an arrest and seize guns and drugs from an Opelousas residence on July 15, according to Sheriff Bobby Guidroz.

SWAT team helps make arrest

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, July 19, 2024
St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s narcotics detectives and SWAT team members forced a door open to make an arrest and seize guns and drugs from an Opelousas residence on July 15, according to Sheriff Bobby Guidroz.
The execution of a search warrant led to guns and drugs in the possession of a convicted felon in Opelousas, according to St. Landry Parish Sheriff Bobby Guidroz in a news release. Arrested was James Vidrine, 57, of the 500 block of Marks Road, Opelousas. Vidrine is charged with possession with intent to distribute schedule I CDS, possession of schedule II CDS, possession of drug paraphernalia, illegal carrying of weapons (9 counts), possession of a firearm or carrying concealed weapon by a person convict

The execution of a search warrant led to guns and drugs in the possession of a convicted felon in Opelousas, according to St. Landry Parish Sheriff Bobby Guidroz in a news release. Arrested was James Vidrine, 57, of the 500 block of Marks Road, Opelousas. Vidrine is charged with possession with intent to distribute schedule I CDS, possession of schedule II CDS, possession of drug paraphernalia, illegal carrying of weapons (9 counts), possession of a firearm or carrying concealed weapon by a person convict

Search warrant leads to drugs, guns

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, July 19, 2024
The execution of a search warrant led to guns and drugs in the possession of a convicted felon in Opelousas, according to St. Landry Parish Sheriff Bobby Guidroz in a news release. Arrested was James Vidrine, 57, of the 500 block of Marks Road, Opelousas.
Jodie Powell

Jodie Powell

Powell reappointed to Solid Waste Commission

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, July 19, 2024
Two St. St. Landry Parish Solid Waste Commission members were reappointed at a Parish Council meeting Wednesday. Jodie Powell was reappointed with 10 votes. She has served on the Commission since June 2004. Kathy Moreau was reappointed with seven votes.

Walmart Distribution Center tax deal OK’d

Harlan Kirgan
Friday, July 19, 2024
Walmart is to begin paying a tax on its distribution center north of Opelousas by October 2029, according to St. Landry Parish President Jessie Bellard. The tax is to be on its equipment in the building located off Interstate 49 that employs about 1,000 people.