State

Gov.-elect Jeff Landry and how wife, Sharon, wave as they walk down the capitol steps on Sunday for the inauguration ceremony.(Photo by Harlan Kirgan)

Gov.-elect Jeff Landry and how wife, Sharon, wave as they walk down the capitol steps on Sunday for the inauguration ceremony.(Photo by Harlan Kirgan)

It's official: Landry is governor

By Harlan Kirgan The Eunice News BATON ROUGE — A weather-driven change in inauguration plans moving the inauguration of Republican Jeff Landry as 57th governor of Louisiana from Monday to Sunday suggests the direction of his administration.

Area McNeese grads named

McNeese State University conferred degrees on 537 graduates during two ceremonies for the university’s 161st commencement Dec. 8 in McNeese’s Legacy Center. The ceremony for the Burton College of Education and colleges of business and liberal arts was held at 9 a.m.

Evangeline Parish sharing Mardi Gras with Texas town

The band schedule for the inaugural Mardi Gras Celebration in Bastrop, Texas, has been announced, according to the Evangeline Parish Tourist Commission. The following is the schedule for Saturday, Feb. 3: 10:30 to 11:15 a.m., Barney Sledge; 11:15 a.m. to noon, DJ T Rob; Noon. to 1:30 p.m.
Choose drought-tolerant plants. (Photo by Heather Kirk-Ballard/LSU AgCenter)

Choose drought-tolerant plants. (Photo by Heather Kirk-Ballard/LSU AgCenter)

From drought to frost: A gardener’s guide for changing climates

As we approach the year’s end, take a moment to think about the past gardening season. Louisiana gardeners experienced challenges from late spring freezes to a severe summer drought and scorching heat.

Bill introduced to preserve, extend Atchafalaya National Heritage Area

Members of the Louisiana Delegation led by U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) introduced a bill to include Lafourche Parish within the boundary of the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area (ANHA) continuing a commitment to sustain the unique heritage of “America’s Foreign Country.
Mark Shirley, a coastal specialist with the LSU AgCenter and Louisiana Sea Grant, smiles while showing wings of various duck species to 4-H members participating in an Advanced Marsh Maneuvers camp in December. Photo by Hilton Waits/LSU AgCenter

Mark Shirley, a coastal specialist with the LSU AgCenter and Louisiana Sea Grant, smiles while showing wings of various duck species to 4-H members participating in an Advanced Marsh Maneuvers camp in December. Photo by Hilton Waits/LSU AgCenter

3 decades later, Mark Shirley still finds joy in teaching 4-H’ers about La. marshes

By Olivia McClure omcclure@agcenter.lsu.edu GUEYDAN — In the late 1980s, a group of 4-H Junior Leaders in Vermilion Parish was itching to do something fun for a summer club activity.
Louisiana National Guard aviators conduct water dropping missions to aid the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Louisiana State Fire Marshal office and local officials in combating the wildfires in Beauregard Parish near Deridder, Louisiana, Aug. 23, 2023.  (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Scott D. Longstreet)

Louisiana National Guard aviators conduct water dropping missions to aid the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Louisiana State Fire Marshal office and local officials in combating the wildfires in Beauregard Parish near Deridder, Louisiana, Aug. 23, 2023. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Scott D. Longstreet)

La. Guard looks back on 2023

In a year defined by resilience and unwavering dedication, the Louisiana National Guard reflects on its pivotal role in responding to emergencies, honoring service, and the auspicious ceremonies that marked the endeavors of deployed units.
John Kirwan, Pennington Biomedical Executive Director:  When we think about small steps, we’re thinking about things like taking the stairs instead of taking the elevator. It’s about parking your car a distance from where your destination is. If you are going to the supermarket, park farther away from the door – literally small steps. It gets you out in the air; it has an impact on your emotional wellbeing; it has impact on your mental health; and it has impact on your physical health. The concept of small

John Kirwan, Pennington Biomedical Executive Director: When we think about small steps, we’re thinking about things like taking the stairs instead of taking the elevator. It’s about parking your car a distance from where your destination is. If you are going to the supermarket, park farther away from the door – literally small steps. It gets you out in the air; it has an impact on your emotional wellbeing; it has impact on your mental health; and it has impact on your physical health. The concept of small

Pennington biomedical scientists share small healthy shifts you can make

When the calendar flips to from December to January, many people set goals and resolutions for the upcoming year. A number of those resolutions involve nutrition, exercise and mental health.
Gov. John Bel Edwards may be remembered as the Louisiana governor who was constantly responding to disasters. Edwards dealt with an unusual number of crises during his two terms in office. He steps down Jan. 8, when Gov.-elect Jeff Landry takes office. (Photo by Jonathan Peterson/Louisiana Illuminator)

Gov. John Bel Edwards may be remembered as the Louisiana governor who was constantly responding to disasters. Edwards dealt with an unusual number of crises during his two terms in office. He steps down Jan. 8, when Gov.-elect Jeff Landry takes office. (Photo by Jonathan Peterson/Louisiana Illuminator)

Edwards leaves office with budget surplus

On Jan. 11, 2016, the same day he was sworn into office, John Bel Edwards received his first briefing as governor about a weather-related disaster headed for Louisiana. A series of northern storms had caused the Mississippi River to rise and flood areas of Missouri and Illinois.
Numerous amaryllis varieties return and blossom in the summer garden consistently. (Photo by Heather Kirk-Ballard/LSU AgCenter )

Numerous amaryllis varieties return and blossom in the summer garden consistently. (Photo by Heather Kirk-Ballard/LSU AgCenter )

Amaryllis present stunning blooms

Each year, the National Garden Bureau designates a specific plant to celebrate each year. The goal is to promote awareness, education and appreciation for that particular plant — and this year, one of the selections is amaryllis.