St. Landry Parish Government

As two storms threatened, the St. Landry Parish Council elected Jessie Bellard on a 7-6 vote as interim parish president on Monday.
Bellard’s first order of business was to sign disaster declarations to clear the way for federal assistance with storm damage.
Tropical Storm Marco dissipated, but Tropical Storm Laura grew into a hurricane threatening southwest Louisiana.
The parish council seat was vacant since Bill Fontenot resigned effective Friday citing a need to focus on his health. Fontenot was serving his third term as parish president.

Judge Alonzo Harris has issued an order closing the St. Landry Parish Courthouse and all offices within it at noon Tuesday and all day Wednesday. 
Harris will evaluate the weather situation and decide later about Thursday, according to a news release from St. Landry Parish Government.
The courthouse houses the offices for the judges, clerk of court, parish government, registrar of voters, and the tax assessor.
The announcement Monday is in reference to Tropical Storms Marco and Laura at approaching Louisiana.

Outgoing St. Landry Parish President Bill Fontenot has recommended the Parish Council name Van Reed as the interim president.
Reed, of Eunice, is serving as the director of Emergency Preparedness and public information officer for parish government. He was appointed to the position by Fontenot.
On Tuesday, Fontenot announced his resignation effective Friday citing his need to focus on his health. Fontenot was diagnosed with a type of skin cancer known as squamous cell carcinoma earlier this year.