Community backs Northside revamp

LAFAYETTE — The makeover of Northside High School is ahead of schedule with students, faculty and the community pushing the effort forward, new Principal Melinda Voorhies told a group of visitors that included state Superintendent of Education John White on Friday.

DA: Fenroy charges unlikely

A former University of Louisiana at Lafayette football standout who works for the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office likely will not face criminal charges for a first-offense domestic abuse violation, District … Continue reading →

Council seeks police rule

The City Council adopted a resolution Thursday that would give the police chief the power to appoint his second-in-command even after the city implements a fire and police civil service board.The move … Continue reading →

FRIDAYLee Benoit: Pont Breaux’s Cajun Restaurant on the Breaux Bridge Highway. Call (337) 332-4648. Branch Playboys : Prejean’s Restaurant, 3480 I-49 North. Call (337) 896-3247.Continue reading →

Rain helps protect rice farms

Heavy rains over the past two months seem to have helped push out salt water that had been creeping north and threatening the salt-sensitive rice crop in coastal southwest Louisiana, where many farmers … Continue reading →

Summit called on education

LAFAYETTE — What are your aspirations for education in your community?That question is among the first meant to spark conversations among community members, business leaders and education officials during “Public Education Summit 2012: A … Continue reading →

Iberia council overrides president’s veto

The Iberia Parish Council voted 13-1 Wednesday to override Parish President Errol “Romo” Romero’s veto of a resolution that sets newly hired employees’ pay rates at a predetermined minimum.Continue reading →

Suit attacks Ville Platte curfew

The ACLU has amended its complaint against Ville Platte and the city’s late-night walking curfew, alleging that “while the curfew has been suspended, the danger has not passed.”The amended complaint, filed Monday, states that … Continue reading →

Report says helicopter hit trees before crash

The Jan. 19 helicopter crash that killed two people near Centerville occurred when the aircraft hit trees while flying at a low altitude over the Belle Isle salt dome, according to the National Transportation and Safety Board.Continue reading →

ULL planning research center

Industry demands and needs will drive research in the new Center on Visual and Decision Informatics launched by a partnership between University of Louisiana at Lafayette and Drexel University in … Continue reading →

Ambulance pact advances

The City-Parish Council on Tuesday moved forward proposals to renew an exclusive contract with Acadian Ambulance and to allow residents to opt out of having new “smart meters” that give Lafayette Utilities System … Continue reading →

Agencies plan DWI crackdown

Law enforcement agencies across the state are gearing up for a DWI crackdown over the Mardi Gras season, the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, local law enforcement agencies and Mothers Against Drunk Driving … Continue reading →

French team visits schools

A small delegation of French education officials visited Lafayette schools Monday as part of its review of French immersion programs in the United States.The visit is part of … Continue reading →

3 agencies receive Pelican payments

The U.S. Attorney’s Office on Monday distributed $2 million in community service payments stemming from Pelican Refining Co.’s sentence in December for criminal violations of the U.S. Clean Air Act at its Lake Charles … Continue reading →

DA to seek death penalty

The 16th Judicial District Attorney’s Office plans to seek the death penalty against the daughter and granddaughter of an 83-year-old Breaux Bridge woman found strangled in November at Lake Martin.A grand jury indicted … Continue reading →

New housing slated for blind, disabled

The Affiliated Blind of Louisiana Training Center announced Monday the start of construction on a 32-unit apartment complex for blind, physically disabled and other special-needs residents.Construction of the $3.8 million … Continue reading →

Green thumbs welcome

— Turnips, mustard greens, strawberries, carrots and swiss chard are all part of the learning labs growing in six area schools.The school garden movement in Lafayette is in bloom with teachers … Continue reading →

Board sets retirement for schools chief

The Vermilion Parish Police Jury unanimously approved a timeline for the retirement of Superintendent Randy Schexnayder on Thursday without discussion.The board plans to conduct interviews at a special board meeting March 17 … Continue reading →