State

Statewide, ACT scores down for Class of 2018

Louisiana students’ scores on the ACT exam fell in 2018. Data the state released Wednesday shows an average composite score of 19.3 for the 2017-2018 class. The 2016-2017 average was 19.6, according to the Louisiana Department of Education.

Warrant out for former Bunkie Police Chief

A warrant has been issued for the arrest of former Bunkie Police Chief Bobby Corner and another Bunkie police officer, according to reliable sources. The Louisiana State Police investigated the police department earlier this year. Corner has reportedly agreed to turn himself in today.

St. Landry Parish Sheriff's Office arrests

The following are arrests reported by the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office. Oct. 10 Lashonda M. Matthews, 31, 400 block of East Cotton Street, Ville Platte. Domestic abuse battery, simple criminal damage to property. Arrested by St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Department.

‘Dusty’ Fuqua receives Creole Peoples Award

History is forever and cannot be changed, but cultures -- like gardens -- will disappear if they are left untended. One of the state’s “gardeners” is Marksville native Dustin “Dusty” Fuqua, the chief of resources at Cane River Creole National Historical Park in Natchitoches Parish.

Rees St. future traffic to be topic of BB meetings

The City of Breaux Bridge and the Acadiana Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) will be hosting a series of meetings to discuss future development along Rees Street. The meetings will be held in the Breaux Bridge branch of the Parish Library on Main Street from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Avoyelles School Board to award bonuses to highest-performing teachers

Avoyelles Parish teachers who came to work every day, whose students’ scores improved significantly and who helped their schools meet performance goals could receive a bonus this November. The Avoyelles School Board Education Committee was presented the bonus proposal at its Sept. 18 meeting.

Panel’s ideas offer help to face economic challenges

Community leaders say some recommendations to help improve the Morgan City and Berwick economies will be challenging but attainable with a coordinated effort.

Swamp scene took Lonnie Landry more than 30 hours to create

Lonnie Landry, 78, has more than 30 hours of work on his fence mural in his back yard. The project is ongoing as he adds bits and pieces to the swamp scene and has a side fence that has yet to be done.

Tommie Pillette named grand marshal of Erath Homecoming Parade

ERATH — Erath educator Tommie Pillette (also known as Coach P. in the community) has been selected as the 2018 Erath High School Homecoming Grand Marshal. Entering his 40th year as an educator and coach, he is a man you can count on to care about the students and the community.

Grand Funk Railroad still on track

Pretend you are on a popular game show. The category is “Rock Music of the 1970’s.” The “answer” is: “An American band who is coming to your town to help you party down.” The correct response, in the form of a question: “Who is Grand Funk Railroad?