State

Abbeville Council backing local shrimp industry

Local elected officials recognize the importance of the Vermilion Parish shrimping industry and are hoping that some of the nation’s top elected officials will see that, too.

Vermilion Parish School Board only down 1.6 percent in sales tax revenue from last year

Five months into the fiscal year, the Vermilion Parish School District sales tax collection is holding steady, according to school district’s CFO Phil Sellers. The school district is showing a 1.6 percent decline in sales tax revenue compared to this time last year.

Sales tax collection in Vermilion Parish down slightly, but government entities can handle decline

The City of Abbeville is on schedule to end the 2017 calender year in decent shape, when it comes to sales tax collection. The city’s budget is down three percent as the year comes to a close.

Avoyelles Police Jury adopts 2018 budget

There was not enough money to do what needed to be done in 2017 -- there never is. However, the Avoyelles Parish Police Jury is ending 2017 with surpluses in all of its operating accounts and has adopted a budget for 2018 that gives employees a raise and will also live within its means.

Arthur to retire as homeland security director

Communication has been the biggest area of improvement in the field of emergency management since Duval Arthur became St. Mary Parish’s first homeland security director more than a decade ago.

Parish councilmen wrap up the year

St. Mary Parish Council members made quick work Wednesday of their final regular meeting for 2017. Chief Administrative Officer Henry “Bo” LaGrange announced the retirement of Public Works Director George Michael, and noted that Jean Paul Bourg of Morgan City will be stepping into the position.

Housing board member booked on meth charge

A Morgan City Housing Authority board member was allegedly caught with drugs Wednesday night in Berwick, becoming the second board member within the past two years to be arrested on drug charges. The arrest came just one day after the Morgan City Council had reappointed him to the board.

Abbeville to have bridge on South John Hardy Dr. repaired

Abbeville officials learned on Nov. 30 that one of the most heavily trafficked bridges in the city had to be closed. An inspection by the Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) of the bridge on South John Hardy led to the state closing it that afternoon.

Avoyelles Courthouse courtrooms lighting, a/c project nears completion

As the Avoyelles Parish Courthouse prepares to turn 90 this month, minor renovations to the courtrooms are being finished. The $100,000 project isn’t as extensive as parish officials had hoped it would be when a 3rd floor renovation project was envisioned a few years ago.

Ex-girlfriend of convicted killer gets probation in 2013 shooting

The ex-girlfriend of a defendant convicted of manslaughter has been sentenced to serve probation for helping to dispose of bullets from a gun she believed he used and clothes he wore in a 2013 fatal shooting in Morgan City.