168 stories in our archive · page 7 of 7.
Local Government & PoliticsThe City of Abbeville has officially confirmed Doris Langlinais Jr. as the permanent Chief of the Abbeville Fire Department, following his tenure as provisional fire chief. This permanent appointment solidifies leadership at the department and marks an important personnel decision for the City of Abbeville's public safety services.
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Local Government & PoliticsLocal business owners including Deano's, Beads for Less, and Legends have requested the Lafayette city council pause a proposed $13-15 million project in the area. The LCG Drainage Director has also confirmed awareness of a damaged pipe that will require state approval before repairs can begin. The council will need to address both the business concerns and the infrastructure issue.
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Local Government & PoliticsSt. Martinville Police Chief Ricky Martin has announced his retirement after 8 years leading the department. Martin cited a desire to move forward to the next chapter of his career as his reason for stepping down. The St. Martinville Municipal Fire and Police Civil Service Board will select his replacement.
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Local Government & PoliticsLouisiana Governor Jeff Landry has signed House Bill 12, a new law that expands survivor benefits for families of reserve and auxiliary law enforcement officers and firefighters killed in the line of duty. The legislation extends critical support to the spouses and children of reserve and auxiliary first responders who lose their lives in service. This expansion recognizes the sacrifices made by these dedicated public servants and their families.
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Local Government & PoliticsLafayette Mayor-President Monique Blanco-Boulet addressed concerns and misinformation surrounding the Bertrand Drive Revitalization Project. The mayor aimed to clarify details about the initiative and provide accurate information to residents. The project has generated questions from the public that officials believe have been misrepresented.
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Local Government & PoliticsLafayette's Mayor-President is responding to concerns raised by business owners along Bertrand Drive regarding the city's revitalization project. Business owners are worried about potential impacts that construction activities could have on their operations during the project. The city leadership is engaging with local business community stakeholders about the project's implementation and effects.
Read moreLocal Government & PoliticsSt. Martinville Police Chief Ricky Martin has announced his retirement after 8 years in the position. During his tenure, Chief Martin implemented notable programs including Team Martin and made contributions to the department's operations. His departure marks a transition as he moves on from his role with the local police department.
Read moreLocal Government & PoliticsThe Parish Council will vote this week on naming the new Northside library in honor of Norman Francis. Additionally, the City Council plans to address questions regarding Lafayette Consolidated Government's road projects during their upcoming meetings.
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Local Government & PoliticsLouisiana Treasurer John Fleming announced that $6.5 million in unclaimed property checks were mailed out Friday to residents. The checks represent funds that have been held by the state and are now being returned to their rightful owners. Residents should check their mailboxes to see if they are among those receiving a check from the state treasurer's office.
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Local Government & PoliticsA state audit has uncovered that a former University of Louisiana at Lafayette Athletics Department employee falsified documentation for football recruiting expenses using a state credit card. The fraudulent submissions may violate state law and raise questions about financial oversight within the university's athletics program.
Read moreLocal Government & PoliticsThe Trump administration has suspended nearly $200 million in federal funding for Louisiana's primary homeless services agency due to fraud allegations, with the funding freeze currently under federal investigation. The suspension could jeopardize housing and services for thousands of homeless individuals across the state. The HUD action comes as authorities examine claims against the agency's operations.
Read moreLocal Government & PoliticsEarly voting has begun for Louisiana's June 27 election, with particular significance for St. Landry Parish residents who will vote across two different congressional districts. This redistricting makes the election especially important for the parish as voters are now split between multiple representation areas. Louisiana voters can cast their ballots during the early voting period ahead of the election date.
Read moreLocal Government & PoliticsState lawmakers have approved legislation that would allow local 911 districts, including Lafayette's, to increase the monthly surcharge on phone lines from $1.25 to up to $2. This fee increase is designed to help Lafayette's 911 system keep pace with growing technology costs. The higher surcharge could provide additional funding needed to maintain and upgrade emergency services infrastructure.
Read moreLocal Government & PoliticsSoldiers from the Louisiana Army National Guard's 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, known as the Tiger Brigade, have been honored with the Louisiana War Cross for their service during deployments to Kosovo and the Horn of Africa. The award recognizes the brigade's honorable federal service and dedication to their missions abroad. This recognition highlights the contributions of Louisiana's military personnel to national defense efforts.
Read moreLocal Government & PoliticsLafayette residents along West Simcoe Street are calling on the city to address homelessness issues affecting their neighborhood, as encampments are moving onto private property. While sympathetic to those experiencing homelessness, residents are demanding increased action from city leadership and the Lafayette Police Department. The situation reflects growing concerns about balancing compassion with the need for solutions to the homeless crisis in the community.
Read moreLocal Government & PoliticsThe Sunset Volunteer Fire Department is facing a financial crisis that threatens its ability to operate as an independent department after serving the community since 1937. The department is proposing a 10 millage rate property tax that residents will vote on June 27 to keep services operational. The vote will determine whether the fire department can continue providing fire protection to Sunset residents.
Read moreLocal Government & PoliticsNeal Richard, an Abbeville businessman who was recently elected to the city council's District A seat on May 16, has died at age 58. Richard passed away on Wednesday following his overwhelming victory in the local election. His death marks an unexpected loss for the Abbeville community just weeks after his decisive electoral win.
Read moreLocal Government & PoliticsUnincorporated Lafayette has experienced rapid, largely unregulated growth that is now prompting the Boulet administration to consider new regulatory measures. The area has lacked proper oversight that would typically control development in municipalities. Officials are evaluating various options to manage future growth and establish better planning controls in the unincorporated areas of Lafayette.
Read moreLocal Government & PoliticsThe City of Abbeville is seeking a new facility to house misdemeanor inmates after its long-standing agreement with the Iberia Parish Sheriff's Office expires at the end of June. For years, Abbeville Police have depended on the Iberia Parish Jail to hold people arrested on misdemeanor charges. The city must now find alternative jail space to continue its operations.
Read moreLocal Government & PoliticsProtesters gathered at the St. Landry Parish courthouse in Opelousas demanding the resignation of parish president Jessie Bellard over controversial social media comments he made regarding public housing. The demonstration was sparked by Bellard's statements about public housing policy that drew criticism from residents. The protest reflects ongoing tension between community members and parish leadership over housing issues in the area.
Read moreLocal Government & PoliticsLafayette received limited new funding allocations in the state budget, with available resources focusing on completing existing projects rather than starting new initiatives. The city faces challenges in securing additional state funds for future development and infrastructure improvements. This budget outcome may impact Lafayette's ability to advance planned projects in the coming fiscal period.
Read moreLocal Government & PoliticsByron Starks, a former UL Lafayette basketball player and hall of famer, has been appointed as the new director of Lafayette's parks and recreation department. Starks will oversee the city's parks and recreation services, bringing his athletic background and community ties to the position.
Read moreLocal Government & PoliticsThe Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development has filed a lawsuit against the Calcasieu police jury over sewer contamination that affected the DOTD's water supply. The department claims it has spent more than $4 million investigating, remediating, and restoring its water system from bacterial contamination caused by the police jury's actions.
Read moreLocal Government & PoliticsLouisiana colleges are now posting the Ten Commandments in classrooms following a 2024 state law requiring the displays at all schools receiving state funding. The law, which passed the legislature last year, is now being implemented across college campuses throughout the state. This reflects ongoing discussions about religious displays in educational institutions.
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