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APRIL 4, 2007

CITY OF EUNICE PARKS AND RECREATION DEPT. HAS CHANGED DAY FOR PRACTICE

The first official scheduled day of practices for T-Ball Baseball & Girls Softball Leagues scheduled for April 4, 2007, have been rescheduled for Monday, the 9th, and a very important parent's meeting has been set for Thursday, April 5th at the Northwest pavilion at 6pm. The recreation department needs more coached and umpires, whether you have children in the program or not, more new hires are needed, call457-6567 for information.

SAINT LANDRY PARISH SHERIFF'S OFFICE HAS APPLIED FOR STATE GRANTS

Jim Smith, Public Information Officer with Bobby Guidroz' Saint Landry Parish Sheriff's Department, informs us that the department has applied for federal and state grants totaling $753,178. Grants already received total over $53,000. The newest grants applied for are from The U.S. Office Of Violence Against Women, which would enhance training and services to end violence and help stop abuse of older women, a grant from the Office Of Louisiana's Youth Development Department and a grant from the U.S. Department Of Justice's Bureau Of Justice Assistance to provide 50% reimbursement for bullet proof vests.

APRIL 3, 2007

VEHICLE STRUCK BY LIGHTNING IN SAINT LANDRY PARISH

On I-49 southbound at mile post number nineteen near Opeleousas, lightning struck a truck. The Driver, 36 year-old Jamie Miller of Ville Platte, said he saw a lightning flash and heard a loud boom as he was driving. An approximately three-inch hole was burned into the vehicle where the radio aerial used to be, the antenna was blown away. An eight inch burn mark was visible on the right front fender and a cracked windshield as well as a flat right front tire.

BRIDGE CLOSED

A bridge on Louisiana Highway 752 in Saint Landry parish is closed between Swords and Lawtell for bridge repair embankment work. The work is scheduled to last through to Friday, April 8, 2007, weather permitting. The detour is Louisiana Highway 35, U.S. Highway 190 and Louisiana Highway 751.

APRIL 2, 2007

EUNICE CITY MAYOR AND CHIEF OF POLICE IN HEATED DISCUSSIONS

As heard on our "Coffee Talk" segments on our morning show, Eunice City mayor Bob Morris continues to insist that he is not "Anti-Police Department" and feels he and Police Chief Gary Fontenot could work out their differences if given that opportunity. Chief Fontenot has been asking for a raise for his department patrol officers for eight years, and the Chief of Police before him tried for several years. Fontenot stated that, according to a state survey, the Eunice Police officer's annual salary is below the state poverty level.

Latest arrests by The Eunice Police Department:

22 year-old Kenneth Myers of 517 West Maple (the report did NOT indicate whether maple is an Avenue, Street, Boulevard or Drive) for disturbing the peace and two counts of resisting an officer.

19 year-old Derrick Colligan of Church Point, arrested for theft by shoplifting in Eunice.

MARCH 30, 2007

SAINT LANDRY PARISH BICENTENNIAL UNDER CLOSE SCRUTINY

Saint Landry Parish was served a suit for banning the racial Confederate Flag in this weekend's Bicentennial Celebration. A group of Confederate War Re-enactors are fighting for their right to wave the flag this weekend, listen for more details on 105-5 KEUN during our newscasts.

EUNICE RECREATION CENTRE T-BALL & GIRLS SOFTBALL SCHEDULED DRAFT TIMES

Deacon Caesar, Director of The Eunice Recreation Department, has announced that baseball draft times will start Monday evening, April 2, at 6pm at the Southeast Community Centre and Park. The Softball scheduled draft times will be Tuesday, April 3 starting at 6pm at The Southeast Community Centre and Park.

SPECIAL BULLETIN

State Police Detectives are searching for Tyrone Dwayne Mack, 37 year-old black male, 5 feet and 11 inches tall, weighing approximately 175 pounds, dark complexion, and hair is a short afro. Mack escaped law enforcement personnel while a shooting was under investigation. Mack was last known to be in the Baton Rouge area, but could now be anywhere in the state. Persons with information should call Crimestoppers at 225-344-7867. Tyrone Mack is considered to be armed and dangerous, do not attempt to contact this suspect.

MARCH 29, 2007

STAND-OFF AND SUICIDE

54 year-old Charles Armand, III, of Chataignier has committed suicide following a stand-off with law-enforcement officials Tuesday. Armand refused to leave his ex-wife's home late this past Monday afternoon, a deputy was shot at when trying to talk Armand into leaving the house. Investigation into this event continues.

EUNICE WILL BE FEATURED ON NBC-TV

On Sunday, May 20th, during the 7am to 9am showing of the NBC-TV program "Today", The City Of Eunice will be featured in a small segment focusing on "Vanishing America". Those interviewed include The Liberty Theatre's Jerry Devilier, and Marc and And Savoy, as well as former Eunice Mayor Curtis Joubert.

MARCH 27, 2007

OPELOUSAS ALDERMAN, BAR OWNER CITED FOR SELLING ALCOHOL TO MINORS

A member of the Opelousas Board of Alderman and owner of the Added Attractions Lounge, Louis Butler, Jr., has been cited for contributing to the delinquency of minors. The citation was issued this weekend when Opelousas police discovered five minors, ages 14 to 17, patronizing Butler's bar. Upon questioning the juveniles, officers learned that they had gained entrance to the club when the elderly gentlemen at the door failed to check their identifications. Opelousas police chief Perry Gallow has vowed to attend an upcoming hearing before the state's Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, at which time he will formally request that Butler's liquor license be revoked.

OPD OFFICER ARRESTED FOR AGGRAVATED BATTERY

St. Landry Parish Sheriff's deputies have arrested Opelousas Police Department Officer Paul Cortez on charges of aggravated battery. Details about the charges are sketchy at this point, but because aggravated battery is a felony charge, the motorcycle patrolman has been placed on paid administrative leave pending an internal affairs investigation. Some witnesses have come forward to suggest that Cortez may have been assaulted in his home prior to the altercation that led to his arrest.

MARCH 26, 2007

CHIEF FONTENOT FIGHTS BACK

For the first time since Mayor Bob Morris took office on January 1, Eunice Police Chief Gary "Goose" Fontenot has responded to what he characterizes as personal attacks against his department and himself. Chief Fontenot has remained silent in the months since, as Mayor Morris publicly criticized the chief and his officers on KEUN's Coffee Talk and in newspaper articles. Chief Fontenot has not only broken his silence, but he has come out swinging. In an interview with a local newspaper reporter, Chief Fontenot said that "the mayor seems hellbent on finding fault with the department" and that Morris' "contempt for...officers of the Eunice Police Department is very apparent".

ALCOHOL CONTRIBUTES TO 23rd LA HWY FATALITY IN 2007

An Arnaudville woman was pronounced dead at the scene of a crash in St. Martin Parish that police contributed to alcohol. Georgia Lemelle, 66, was fatally injured when her car was struck at a right angle by a vehicle driven by Darrin Savoie, 38, to which Lemelle failed to yield. Her passenger, 65-year-old Percy Williams of Breaux Bridge, was severely injured in the crash and transported to a local hospital. The crash occurred on La. 686 as Lemelle was exiting Club LA. Police say the intoxication of both drivers was a contributing factor in the crash, as was the fact that none of those involved were wearing their seatbelts. Savoie received moderate injuries and was charged with first offense DWI and failure to wear a seatbelt.

EUNICE MAN CHARGED WITH POSSESSION, DEALING FOLLOWING RAID

A drug raid conducted just before dawn Friday resulted in the arrest of 21-year-old Aaron L. Jones of 230 Benoit Street on drug charges. The raid, conducted by the Eunice Police Department's Narcotics Division with help from the St. Landry Parish Sheriff's Office, was the result of several complaints by neighbors that drug dealing was occurring at the residence. Jones was charged with intent to distribute crack cocaine, intent to distribute Lortabs and possession of marijuana.

MARCH 23, 2007

SHERIFF GUIDROZ BLAMES BALTHAZAR FOR OVERSPENT BUDGET

Sheriff Bobby J. Guidroz called a press conference Thursday to expound upon problems with the St. Landry Parish Sheriff's Office budget, problems he asserts that he inherited from the previous administration. Under former interim sheriff Laura Balthazar's administration, Sheriff Guidroz says the office was operated at a deficit of over $1.2 million. In fact, when he took office in November, the office was already in the hole by that amount, and only five months of the budget cycle had been completed. Balthazar denied the new sheriff's allegations and took umbrage to the suggestion that she didn't know how to handle a budget. She pointed out that while individual budget items may have been overspent, the budget includes a $4 million fund balance, which is more than enough money to make up for any shortfalls.

SLP DEPUTIES MAKE ARREST IN JULY 2006 ATTEMPTED RAPE CASE

A cold St. Landry Parish rape case was solved Thursday when sheriff's deputies arrested 44-year-old Martin P. Broussard of Gueydan.  Broussard, of 1623 N. Fourth Street, Gueydan, has been charged with aggravated burglary attempted forcible rape, sexual battery and theft. The alleged crimes were committed in July 2006 against a single Port Barre woman. He was arrested and booked into the St. Landry Parish jail. When authorities in St. Landry Parish are finished with him, Broussard will return to the Calcasieu Parish jail  from whence he came; at the time of his arrest by the St. Landry Parish Sheriff's Office, Broussard was awaiting a trial on charges of sexual battery against the infirm, aggravated battery, theft over $500, two counts of theft by use of a bank access card and simple criminal damage to property.  He had been incarcerated there since January 18.

MARCH 22, 2007

BALTHAZAR, DEPUTIES FACE $3 MILLION LAWSUIT

A woman who was arrested by deputies of the St. Landry Parish Sheriff's Office during the administration of Laura Balthazar has filed a suit against three deputies and former interim sheriff Balthazar. Linda D. Senegal, 46, has hired attorney William Goode, who filed a civil rights complaint with a U.S. District Court in Lafayette on behalf of his client, whose address is listed as 141 Quinault Lane, Opelousas. The 15-page document alleges that Senegal was unlawfully arrested, assaulted and subjected to malicious prosecution and defamation. The arrest arose from a dispute with Senegal's neighbor, Marcus Anderson, over the placement of a fence separating their properties. According to Senegal, a complaint called in to the sheriff's office by Anderson led to the dispatch of deputies Arthur Lee Harris and Spencer Gallow; along with Cindy Hawkins, these are the deputies named in the suit. Senegal maintains that Harris and Gallow tackled her to ground, resulting in physical injury, before transporting her to the jail, where she was "treated badly" and charged with aggravated assault, resisting an officer and two counts of battery on an officer. Senegal also charges that Balthazar interfered with the setting of bond by Judge Alonzo Harris, delaying the bond hearing so that Senegal was forced to spend the night in jail. Balthazar declined to comment on the case, since she had just learned of it herself and wanted time to examine before speaking publicly. 

MARCH 21, 2007

BLANCO ANNOUNCES DECISION NOT TO SEEK RE-ELECTION

Governor Kathleen Blanco announced yesterday that she will not seek re-election this fall. Gov. Blanco's announcement came just 11 days after former U.S. Senator John Breaux told newspapers that he will campaign for the state's top office, but only after he talked to the current governor about his decision; Breaux had said he'd make a formal announcement within two weeks. Democrats across the state have expressed the concern that Blanco could not win a race against former opponent and congressman Bobby Jindal, and many believe that those same people have encouraged Breaux to run against Jindal. 

TWO MEN SHOT IN AFTERNOON ALTERCATION IN THE "HILL"

Two men were shot in the section of Opelousas known as the "Hill" Tuesday, following an argument with a third man who is now being sought by police. Leon Cary allegedly shot Randy Joseph, 26, in the arm, and his brother, Cedric Joseph, 24, in the chest with a .38 caliber handgun. The brothers were both taken by ambulance to a local hospital, where they were pronounced to be in stable condition. Neighbors witnessed the shooting and were able to connect it back to an ongoing dispute between Randy Joseph and Cary, who just bonded out of jail Monday after being arrested on an assault charge for hitting the elder Joseph in the head with a lug wrench.

MARCH 19, 2007

EPD LOSES TWO MORE OFFICERS TO SHERIFF'S OFFICE; FOUR MORE EXPECTED TO RESIGN SOON

The Eunice Police Department announced last week the resignation of two more officers, who left to take jobs with the sheriff's office; four more officers are expected to resign soon. Chief Gary Fontenot appealed to the City Council last Tuesday, in an effort to gain support for a pay raise for his officers, whose current base pay is just $7.83 hourly. Eunice officers have not received a pay raise in 9 years. Mayor Bob Morris's words were not encouraging, as he pointed out that the pay rate can't be changed without amending the city's entire Civil Service plan rates.

MAPLE SPEED LIMIT TO DROP, SPEED BUMPS COMING TO WARD 4

The speed limit on Maple Avenue between 12th Street and LSUE Drive will son drop from 45 to 35 MPH. The drop in speed was suggested following an engineering study by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development at the request of Ward 3 alderman Chawana V. Fontenot, who had originally proposed that the speed limit should drop from 12th street all the way to Bobcat Drive. The study showed, however, that traffic on the stretch between LSUE Drive and Bobcat Drive does not warrant a speed change. In Ward 4, Alderman Dale Soileau has received the city insuror's go-ahead to add speed bumps to streets in his district.

LAFLEUR FOUND GUILTY OF SECOND-DEGREE MURDER

Jurors debated late into the night Wednesday before delivering a verdict of "guilty" against Eunice resident Gary Wayne Lafleur, 28. Lafleur was tried in the second-degree of fellow Eunice resident Dwain Andrepont on Christmas Eve, 2004. Andrepont was found by a friend early Christmas morning; he had been stabbed 26 times and severely beaten with a tire tool. Seven of those stab wounds proved fatal, and the victim suffered 25 other injuries in the beating, including a fractured skull. After waiving his rights to a delay of sentencing, Lafleur was sentenced to life in prison without the benefit of parole. 

MARCH 15, 2007

DRUG BUSTS catch 18 

Narcotics officers with the St. Landry Parish Sheriff's Office assembled in Eunice yesterday to make 18 busts of drug users and dealers in the area. Sheriff Bobby J, Guidroz explained that the major crackdown is part of an ongoing investigation that began about two months ago, when Eunice Chief of Police Gary "Goose" Fontenot asked that sheriff's deputies help his undermanned department with the drug problem that is growing out of control in Eunice. Those arrested so far include: Raymond Rideaux, Jr., 43, 170 South Mallard, possession of marijuana; Shane Malveaux, 35, 201 S. MLK Dr., distribution of cocaine; Michael D. Moody, 24, 1440 West Vine, distribution of Schedule III narcotics, Herman Ceasar, 24, 240 Jennifer St., three counts of distribution of cocaine; Lisa Dupre, 42, 300 Ida St., distribution of Schedule II drugs; Jason N. Lavergne, 26, 201 Mamie St., distribution of marijuana; Jason T. McGee, 26, 510B Fuselier St., possession of Schedule III drugs; Ryan Janice, 32, 216 Chenault Rd., possession of marijuana; Derek J. Veillon, 24, 132 Lake St., Opelousas, distribution of Schedule II drugs; Magraff L. Favors, 19, 530 Maple Ave., distribution of cocaine;  Brandon P. Boone, 21, 335 Hwy. 190, distribution of marijuana and Dustin D. Heinen, 26, 200 Coteau Road, three counts of distribution of Schedule II drugs. More arrests are expected.

DONATION HELPS EFD ENHANCE FIRE PREVENTION PROGRAM

The Eunice Fire Department announced Tuesday the addition of an interactive robot to its fire prevention program. The purchase of "Sparky the Fire Dog and Pumper" was made possible by a $10,601 grant from State Farm Insurance. Sparky will accompany Firefighters Anna Daigle and Samuel Andrus to the classrooms of Head Start, Pre-K and elementary school students up to the fourth grade, where he will "communicate" with the children through an interactive voice system in language that even the youngest children will understand. The new program is expected to reach 1,219 students. According to Andrus and Daigle, State Farm has donated money, videos and other training aids over the years, helping to make it possible the EFD to respond to 454 calls between June 2005 and June 2006, forty-eight of which were structure fires. 

EUNICE'S FIRST PEDIATRICIAN, "DR. BENNY", DEAD AT 78

The family of beloved pioneering pediatrician Dr. Benny Fruge will lay him to rest at a 1 p.m. funeral service today at St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church. "Dr. Benny", as he was affectionately referred to by former patients, was Eunice's first pediatrician, first opening his practice here in the 1950s. Many will remember that, even in his later years, he often rode his bicycle to work. He will also be remembered for making house calls and seeing patients after hours and on weekends, often in his own home. In 1963, in a move that was arguably the most important of his entire career, Dr. Fruge organized the polio program for St. Landry Parish. As a 1945 graduate of St. Edmund's Catholic High School, Dr. Fruge continued to show his love and support for his church parish at St. Anthony's and his adjacent alma mater as a longtime benefactor and member of the school's board and booster club. The doctor is survived by his wife, Ann Rozas Fruge, four sons, a daughter and 12 grandchildren. He was 78. 

MARCH 14, 2007

1,000 EUNICE CITIZENS SIGN PETITION TO RECALL MAYOR

Supporters of the effort to recall Eunice's mayor, Bob Morris, called a press conference yesterday to announce that they are halfway to their goal of 2,300. Organizers George Fisher and Clifton Lemelle have been able to obtain more than 1,000 signatures of those registered voters who voted in the September 30, 2006  municipal election; some petitions are still out, while others are awaiting verification. The men claim that since he took office on January 1, Morris has unfairly terminated long-term workers, replaced experienced and more-qualified workers with his own supporters, has attempted to hurt Eunice tourism, has made public personal attacks on policemen and city council members and has damaged city operations, namely recreation. Morris denies all allegations.

MARCH 9, 2007

RELEASED FELON COLEMAN ARRESTED YET AGAIN

For the fourth time since he was acquitted of double murder in April 2006, Kevin Coleman of Opelousas has been arrested - this time on  charges of assault and criminal trespassing. Coleman, 28, was arrested by the Opelousas Police Department on Thursday after a woman called the department after an alleged verbal assault, asking for Coleman to be removed from her property; the woman didn't want to press charges and refused to give officers a written statement. Still, officers arrested Coleman "because the owner of the residence didn't want him (Coleman) on the property", according to OPD's Public Information Officer, Capt. Martin McLendon. Coleman was found not guilty last April 12 after being tried for the double murder of Roy Barry and Felicia Comeaux, both of Opelousas. Just one month later, on May 15, the otherwise-convicted felon was arrested by OPD for aggravated assault, reckless operation of a vehicle and disturbing the peace; on that day, police say that he was involved in a fight during which he pulled a pistol from his car to threaten the other individual. On July 19, he was arrested and charged with felony possession of a firearm; at the time of his arrest, it is reported that he had $12,000 in cash on his person.

MARCH 8, 2007

AMC CELEBRATES FIRST ANNIVERSARY IN NEW FACILITY

Acadian Medical Center has reached the one-year mark in its new facility on Hwy. 190. Chief executive officer Charlotte Dupre reports that the medical center has exceeded all goals and expectations for their first year, and was even ranked number one in Lifepoint Hospital, Inc.'s region that comprises hospitals in Louisiana, Mississippi and Virginia. Factors used to rank the hospitals include patient satisfaction, community service, physician satisfaction and financial success. AMC opened its doors on Hwy. 190 at 7 a.m. on March 9, 2006. Since that date, the hospital's income has increased by $900,000 and 20 employees have been added to the payroll. Future plans for the hospital include a cardiology unit, to be added in July. The facility will use the $100,000 grant received for ranking number one to purchase a C-Arm, which is used in radiographic and vascular surgery.

SHERIFF DONATES $200,000 TO OPD, EPD DONATION UPCOMING

St. Landry Parish Sheriff Bobby J. Guidroz and Opelousas Police Chief Perry Gallow held a press conference yesterday to announce the sheriff's donation of $200,000 to the Opelousas Police Department. Sheriff Guidroz says that he hopes to make this a yearly event. The money for the donation comes from the roughly $200,000 per year that the sheriff's office receives from Evangeline Downs Racetrack and Casino; it is the office's share of taxes on the racino's gaming profits. The sheriff added that he and Eunice Police Chief Gary "Goose" Fontenot will be holding a similar press conference in Eunice soon, at which time he will announce his intentions to upgrade the EPD's computer systems.

NEW SOLID WASTE DIRECTOR TO BE PAID MORE THAN $70K PER YEAR

Katry Martin, the newly-appointed executive director of the St. Landry Parish Solid Waste board, must wait until Monday to learn exactly what his yearly salary, benefits and other perks will include. Martin is slated to begin work March 17; his salary is projected to fall between $72,000 and $75,000 per year. Martin replaces 23-year parish waste disposal district veteran Gary Bonvillain in the top position. At the time of his resignation, Bonvillain's salary was $72,600 per year. When he leaves the job on March 16, he will receive an additional $45,832.43 in accrued sick and vacation time, a move which was approved by the full board yesterday. Martin has expressed that rather than receiving a $22,000 truck as part of his contract, he would prefer an auto allowance; the commission ordered a new truck for Bonvillain in December.

MARCH 7, 2007

IESI to become parish's garbage collector

St. Landry Parish residents will hardly notice the changeover from Waste Management to IESI as their garbage collectors, except for the color of the trucks. Waste Management's green trucks will make their last pickups in St. Landry Parish on Saturday, September 29. IESI's white trucks will begin picking up residential garbage on Monday, October 1. No change in routing services are expected at this time. Waste Management has been collecting the parish's garbage for 23 years, but didn't submit a bid this time around. John Nix, IESI's marketing and government relations officer, admitted that most citizens would not notice a difference. He added, however, that IESI offers several advantages: full-time, uniformed employees who receive better pay and benefits, making them more motivated and well-trained; smaller trucks with better weight distribution, which should result in less damage to parish roads, though it will mean that 13 trucks will be used rather than eight; and a dedicated call center that will most likely be located on the outskirts of Opelousas. Another important change is that businesses are not included in the contract. Parish businesses will have to choose from Waste Management, IESI, Allied Waste (formerly BFI), and Baham Portables for their garbage pick-up. 

MARCH 6, 2007

THREE EUNICE RESIDENTS PLEAD GUILTY IN FEBRUARY DISTRICT COURT CASES

Three Eunice residents entered guilty pleas to unrelated charges in district court during the month of February, according to District Attorney Earl Taylor. Those residents and the charges to which they pled guilty are as follows: Maria Schaffer, 47, 1400 W. Vine St., possession of alprazolam (Xanax); John Ortego, 24, 296 Wayne Road, possession of methadone, possession of alprazolam and possession of codeine; Damien Chevis, 26, 812 Myrtle Street, two counts of armed robbery. Sentencing dates for both Schaffer and Chevis have been set for May 11, while Ortego will hear the judge's decree on April 13.

MARCH 5, 2007

CITY'S NEW RECREATION DIRECTOR AMBITIOUS

Chris Ceasar, a 1982 graduate of Eunice High School and former running back for the Bobcats, has been chosen as Eunice's new Recreation Director. Ceaser expressed pleasure at returning to his hometown after serving as recreation director in a Houston neighborhood. Ceaser credits former EHS head coach Johnny Bourque, now Superintendent of Acadia Parish's school district, and KEUN's own "King" Karl DeRouen as his inspirations. As for the recreation department, Ceaser plans to expand it tremendously. For example, he will introduce a flag football league this fall, and also hopes that he can get together a pre-tackle flag football and tackle football league for children ages seven through 10; in this league, young athletes would study high school football playbooks of both EHS and St. Edmund's High School, so that they can be better prepared to play for the schools. Ceaser also plans to reach out to the city's adults, with a ladies', mens' and coed softball league already in the works for the future, and a volleyball league tentatively planned . For now, the new director hopes to make opening day of the city's baseball and softball seasons a great success, with an opening day tournament as his ultimate goal. 

CITY FORMS NEW COMMITTEE TO DEAL WITH NUISANCE ANIMALS

A committee that will study "dangerous" dogs in Eunice was formed at February's meeting of the Eunice City Council. Appointed to the Nuisance Animal Committee were Ward 1 Alderman Wallace "Bubba" Bourque, Ward 4 Alderman Dale Soileau, Police Chief Gary Fontenot and private citizens Tee Leger and Charlie Joubert. The committee is the third formed to deal with animals in the city, joining the existing Humane Animal Shelter Advisory Committee and the Dangerous Dog Committee. The formation of the new committee was suggested by city meter reader Web Deshotel. So far, the committee has uncovered that several of the city's ordinances concerning animals have never been followed. For instance, it is required that any Eunice resident in possession of a dog or cat over the age of two months register the animal with the parish health officer; not even those employed by the parish health department seemed to be aware of that law, as they could not answer questions about the ordinance, such as the cost of registering an animal, or how many are already registered as Eunice residents. In other animal-control related news, the City of Eunice has purchased a tranquilizer gun to deal with dangerous dogs. City employee Mike Guillory attended a two-day training course to become certified to use the gun, which will save city police the heartbreak of shooting dangerous dogs, as they are authorized to do. 

EUNICE MAN ARRESTED AFTER GRANDSON FALLS INTO FIRE

41-year-old Thomas Joseph Murphy of Fournerat Road in Eunice is in jail on charges of second-degree cruelty to a juvenile after an incident that left his five-year-old grandson with second-degree burns to his lower back. Murphy turned himself into the Acadia Parish Sheriff's Office Friday, where he is being held on $50,000 bond; he is accused of dropping his grandson into an open fire to teach the child a lesson about riding his bike too close to the fire. The child was treated for his burns at a local hospital and released into the care of his mother, Murphy's daughter. Mia Murphy has said that the occurrence was an accident, and that her father would never intentionally harm a child. A neighbor also expressed disbelief that Murphy, a father of eight himself and by all appearances a normal man, would harm a child. 

MARCH 2, 2007

DEPUTY ARRESTED FOR MAKING FAKE ID FOR MINOR, HUSBAND PLACED ON LEAVE

St. Landry Parish Sheriff's Deputy Tammy Lorah was arrested Tuesday and charged with malfeasance in office and first-degree injury of public records. Lorah, who resigned her position as a clerk with the sheriff's office as a result of the charges, is accused of making a fake ID for a 17-year-old in 2003. Her alleged crime was discovered during an internal affairs investigation of the agency's employees. Sheriff Bobby J. Guidroz expounded on Lorah's record with the sheriff's office, noting that she was an employee of the former administration who was let go for insubordination. Since no personnel records remained on file after former Interim Sheriff Laura Balthazar left office, Sheriff Guidroz could not look further into the matter, so he rehired Lorah, whose husband is a supervisor of detectives under Sheriff Guidroz. Randy Lorah, a five-year veteran of the sheriff's office, was placed on paid administrative leave on February 23, after it was discovered that he was in possession of evidence that should have been properly documented and stored. Lorah's impropriety was discovered during the course of evidence destruction and inventory updates. Sheriff Guidroz described Lorah's paid leave as a "disciplinary action". Tammy Lorah bonded out on the same Tuesday that she was arrested and charged.

MARCH 1, 2007

SHERIFF'S OFFICE IMPLEMENTS CRIME STOPPERS PROGRAM

St. Landry Parish Sheriff Bobby J. Guidroz is adding the Crime stoppers program to his arsenal of weapons used to fight crime. Crime stoppers, an international program that has been in operation since 1976, offers cash rewards to anyone with information about a crime that leads to an arrest. The caller and their information remains anonymous. Ron Dartez, the new program's coordinator, announced Crime stoppers' implementation at a noon luncheon in Opelousas on Wednesday. Dartez held the same position with the Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Department prior to his retirement. He said, "Coming back out of retirement was easy for such a great program and it is certain to help make a difference in St. Landry Parish." Sheriff Guidroz echoed that sentiment, calling the program "very effective" wherever it exists. More details about the program will be released in the near future, according to the sheriff's Public Relations Officer, Jim Smith. Smith also said that business owners and civic or neighborhood watch groups can schedule a presentation about the program by calling the sheriff's office at (337) 948-6516.

PROPERTY OWNERS TO RECEIVE STATE INCOME TAX CREDIT

Louisiana property owners who possess homeowner's or property insurance are likely to receive an income tax credit, according to District 41 State Representative Mickey Guillory. Rep. Guillory explains that in December 2006, the Legislature authorized a refundable income tax credit for the Louisiana Citizens' Assessments, which resulted from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The assessments came in the aftermath of 2005's devastating storms in an effort to restore the state's dwindling Citizens account, Rep. Guillory explained. He also clarified the purpose of the 18-year-old Citizens account, which he says was created as an alternative source of insurance for those property owners unable to obtain insurance in high-risk areas of the state. In an ordinary year, Rep. Guillory says that the account collects enough premiums to cover its cost of operations; the one-two blow dealt by the two hurricanes drained the account of $1.2 billion, essentially bankrupting it. LA Citizens assessments on assessable property insurance policies were used to partially fund the deficit. To determine the amount of a refund, Rep. Guillory says that property owners should review their premium notices received prior to January 1, 2007, and add up the charges for the following items: FAIR Plan Regular Assessment Recoupment Surcharge; Coastal Plan Regular Assessment Recoupment Surcharge; FAIR Plan Emergency Assessment; and Market Equalization Charge. Only those assessments actually paid in 2005 and/or 2006 will be allowed as a credit on a 2006 income tax return, Guillory said. 

FEBRUARY 28, 2007

ST. EDMUND NAMES NEW HEAD COACH

Tom Andrus was named the new athletic director at St. Edmund High School Tuesday morning. Andrus' history with St. Edmund sports spans more than 25 years, beginning as an assistant under the legendary Joe Nagata; in 1980 then-baseball-coach Andrus led the St. Ed's team to their first-ever state championship. Though Tom Andrus' career led him to pursue interests in the oilfield and construction, he continued to coach T-Jay football at the school, and has always volunteered for building projects. Coaching at St. Edmund's has become a family affair for the Andrus family; Andrus' wife, Rachel, taught physical education and coached the girls' basketball team at the school for over 10 years. Their daughter, Erica Zaunbracher, is currently teaching physical education at St. Edmund's Elementary School. All of his children, including sons Josh and Heath, attended St. Ed's; youngest daughter, Leah, is currently a sophomore at the high school. 

MARTIN CHOSEN TO LEAD ST. LANDRY SOLID WASTE COMMISSION

Katry Martin, who previously served as the secretary/treasurer of the Acadia Parish Police Jury, has been chosen by the St. Landry Parish Solid Waste Commission to serve as their new executive director. Martin replaces Gary Bonvillain, who was with the commission for 23 years. Bonvillain has accepted a job with a local insurance company and will leave the SLSWC on March 16. The vote for Martin was unanimous, an about face from last week's 4-4 split. The deciding vote was cast by newly appointed commission member A.F. "Pete" Olivier. Olivier takes the late Allen Brasseaux's seat. Brasseaux died Sunday after a three-month absence due to illness.

FEBRUARY 27, 2007

ONE KILLED, THREE INJURED IN HWY. 182 CRASH

Joseph David, 62, was pronounced dead at the scene of a two-car crash at the intersection of La. 182 in Opelousas Monday afternoon. The wreck occurred at an intersection just south of Harry Guilbeau Road in Opelousas around 12:50 p.m. Louisiana State Police's Troop I responded to the scene of the crash after residents along the highway reported the crash. The same residents then ran to the aid of the three people who were injured in the fatal crash as they waited for troopers and paramedics to arrive. Those arriving on the scene stayed to comfort a 10-year-old granddaughter of David's, who was attempting to reach out to her grandfather when passersby found her; her injuries were later found to be moderate. In the second car, residents discovered an unconscious 18-year-old driver, Amiee Stelly of Church Point, and her 15-year-old passenger. Both girls were transported to area hospitals, with Stelly in critical condition; her passenger is in severe condition. Witnesses to the crash say it occurred when David, who was the only one in the crash not wearing his seatbelt, failed to negotiate a curve on La. 182 and crossed the centerline. David is the 15th person to die in a fatal crash in Troop I since January 1st. 

FEBRUARY 26, 2007

EUNICE CITY LAKE OPENED TO RESIDENTS

Citizens of Eunice woke up Saturday to beautiful weather and the long-awaited option of visiting the town's City Lake to bask in the sun. Both the warm weather and the sudden opening were a bit unexpected, but it didn't stop anglers, boaters and picnickers from turning out in droves Saturday and Sunday. Representatives of the Department of Environmental Quality had told the City Council and Mayor Bob Morris last week that there were no environmental concerns at the lake that should keep it closed any longer. The mayor and the council came together late Friday afternoon to make the last-minute decision to open the lake after the mayor realized what a beautiful weekend the city would experience. Visitors to the lake reported catching large fish and enjoying the warm sunshine immensely, and tens of boaters showed up to take part in the fun.

HUGE LAW ENFORCEMENT PRESENCE AT EUNICE MARDI GRAS

Though one woman was run over at Ninth St. and Park Boulevard, the large number of law enforcement officials present during Eunice's Courir De Mardi Gras led to a relatively safe event. In total, 60 law enforcement personnel were present for the traditional pre-Lenten run; those officers included 30 members of the Eunice Police Department, including jailers and four Probation and Parole officers, six Eunice reserve officers, six Church Point officers, eight sheriff's deputies and eight Eunice marshals. The aforementioned woman was not believed to be seriously injured, as she declined medical assistance and did not file a report of the incident. Besides the unidentified female's injury, officers issued five court summonses to individuals for various misdemeanor offenses, while another four were arrested.

FEBRUARY 23, 2007

SOLID WASTE COMMISSION FAILS TO CHOOSE NEW DIRECTOR 

Following the resignation of executive director Gary Bonvillain, the St. Landry Parish Solid Waste Commission has failed to choose his successor, despite two votes regarding the matter. The votes were cast after two days of closed-door interviews of 28 applicants. Following the interviews, commission members met over three days, again behind closed doors, to try to decide between two candidates to which they have narrowed the initial list of candidates. Those candidates are Bradley McDonald of Houston, Texas and Katry Martin of Crowley. McDonald is currently the general manager of a Houston waste corporation; Martin has served as the secretary/treasurer of the Acadia Parish Police Jury since 1996, a job in which her duties included managing public works contracts related to the disposal of waste. Bonvillain will leave this position on March 16 to take a job with a local insurance company.

FEBRUARY 22, 2007

KEUN TO AIR 1,000th LIBERTY THEATER SHOW SATURDAY NIGHT

The 1000th "Rendez Vous Des Cajuns" Saturday night radio show will air on KEUN 1490 AM this Saturday, February 24, from 6 to 8 p.m. Local Cajun music champions Marc and Ann Savoy and Dr. Barry Ancelet, who still serves as the show's emcee, began the Saturday night Cajun music showcase in 1986 on a trial basis. Needless to say, the concept was a great success; the Liberty Theater, first purchased by the City of Eunice in 1985, has put Eunice on the map as a tourist destination. The theater's status as a historical landmark and local treasure can, in part, be attributed to the Saturday night show. After a successful first year, the show was first broadcast on the radio on July 11, 1987; performers that night included Church Point Playboys, Chuck Guillory, Papa Cairo and the Rhythm Boys, and humorist Craig Soileau. The 1,000th show will feature Jason Frey and Lagniappe, Jeffery Broussard and Creole Cowboys, Jambalaya Cajun Band with special guests D.L. Menard, Paul Daigle and Rodney LeJeune. This Saturday's show will be reminiscent of the first broadcast, as many of the musicians have ties to the July 11, 1987 performance. For instance, a nearly-20-years-younger Jason Frey performed during that show with Chuck Guillory, while Paul Daigle led the Church Point Playboys. Admission to the show has remained at $5 for adults and $3 for children ages 7-12 for the entire run of the program. The box office at South 2nd Street and Park Boulevard will open at 4 p.m. None of the 528 available seats can be reserved.

MORRIS REPAYS CITY FOR QUESTIONABLE ADS

Mayor Bob Morris has repaid Eunice for newspaper advertisements that he originally paid for with city money. There was one point at Tuesday evening's raucous Eunice City Council meeting when the room went silent, if only for a moment. The silence followed a verbal thrashing of Mayor Bob Morris by Alderwoman Chawana Fontenot regarding ads that he placed in a local newspaper and remarks he made on KEUN's Coffee Talk; Fontenot concluded her remarks by expressing her hope that the city was not paying for the newspaper ads. A shocked silence settled over the previously rowdy audience when Mayor Morris lowered his eyeglasses from atop his head and peered through them at Fontenot before replying that two of the ads were, in fact, paid for with city money. Morris' wife, Jeanita, paid for the January 21 and February 1 ads, totaling $355.40, on Wednesday morning. Later that day, the mayor defended his actions to reporters by phone from a Louisiana Municipal Association workshop in Baton Rouge that he was attending. Mayor Morris contends that he looked as the ads as being related to city business, since he announced things that pertained to city government, namely Recreation Committee issues. Fontenot's aim with her remarks was to upbraid the mayor for what she calls ongoing misinformation relayed to the public by Mayor Morris, which has been going on for three years. 

FEBRUARY 13, 2007

EUNICE RESIDENT'S CD NOMINATED FOR GRAMMY

Ann Savoy, a Eunice musician who recently recorded a CD with Linda Ronstadt, was nominated for a 2007 Grammy. Savoy and Ronstadt make up the duet known as The Zozo Sisters. The Zozo Sisters was nominated for "Best Traditional Folk Album" for their CD, Adieu False Heart. Bruce Springsteen won the Grammy in that category. Savoy is also a member of the Savoy-Doucet Cajun Band with her husband, Marc, and friend, Michael Doucet of BeauSoleil, which will tour Scotland this month. In early June, another band Savoy is a member of, Magnolia Sisters, will tour France. She, Marc and their children, will also record a new CD as the Savoy Family Band as Savoy continues to perform locally with Her Sleepless Knights, a pop standards band. Savoy is also working on a CD that will serve as a companion to her 1984 book, Cajun Music: A Reflection of a People. 

FEBRUARY 12, 2007

CHARTER ADJUSTS RATES, PLANS TO BRING PHONE SERVICE TO CITY

In March, the rates for cable television and internet through local carrier Charter Communications will go up for the second time in 19 months. This second rate increase is not without benefits for Eunice residents, however, as the company plans to bring another option for telephone service to the area. Eunice will lead the state as one of the first markets to be offered the broadband telephone service. Basic cable will go up 27% when the price changes take effect, from $12.59 monthly to $15.99. The price increase will serve to offset the cost of the $1 million "head" installed through which all of Charter services will be fed into the city.

CITY'S CASH DROPS AS CAPITAL OUTLAY RISES

As of December 30, Eunice has $3.48 million in cash and investments safely nested in banks; that number had dropped by $800,000 to $2.64 million, according to a February 5 report. On the other hand, the city's unreserved and undedicated cash increased by about $120,000 from $480,335 to $600,812. The main reason for the dip in cash is due to in part to recurring expenses related to running a city government, in part to increased operating costs and in part to payments on capital projects.  The rest of the city's cash is tied up in various accounts that are reserved or designated for various purposes. 

THREE EUNICE MEN PLEA GUILTY IN DRUG CASES

Three Eunice men pled guilty to drug charges in separate cases that were heard by District Judge James P. Doherty in January. According to District Attorney Earl Taylor, the following men entered guilty pleas on their separate charges: Acel McDaniel, 30, 154 McDaniel Road, Eunice, distributing methamphetamine; Nathan Malveaux, 46, 713 Reed St., Eunice, possession of cocaine and possession of drug paraphernalia; Reginald Clark, 31, 840 Alexander Street, Eunice, possession of cocaine. Sentencing in all three cases has been set for April 5.

St. Landry Parish man charged with incest

An Opelousas man has been charged with the sexual assault of a 4-year-old relative, according to a report released Saturday by the Opelousas Police Department. Richard "Ricky" Viltz, 48, of 2227 Ledoux Circle in Opelousas, was arrested and charged with aggravated incest. The charges were filed and the arrest made after the OPD received a complaint of an alleged sexual encounter with a 4-year-old girl. The girl was examined by a local physician, who corroborated the story with medical findings that a crime had been committed against the girl. Viltz, who was arrested a short time later on the charges, could face 25 years in prison if convicted.

FEBRUARY 9, 2007 PAT FREY ANNOUNCES LE VIEUX MARDI GRAS DE CAJUNS REGISTRATION AND RULLES Registration will be at the Eunice National Guard Armory 6:00 am to 8:00 am Saturday, Feb. 10 and Saturday Feb. 17 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm and Monday, Feb. 19 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. No horse drawn vehicles, four wheelers or bicycles will be permitted. TRADITIONAL COSTUMES ARE MANDATORY. Picture I.D. must be presented at the time of registration. Two $100.00 prizes will be given away in a drawing from pre-registered individuals. Gumbo will be served to those who registered for the run from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the National Guard Armory.

(Left) Pat Frey

November 6, 2006

Sample Ballot, click to enlarge Listen to live election coverage with Robert K. Guillory Tuesday night at 7 p.m. on 105.5 KEUN Eunice to choose police chief, two council members The city of Eunice will be voting tomorrow for the head of its police department, along with council members for wards one and two. Chief Gary "Goose" Fontenot could be re-elected, or voters could pick his successor, Ronald Dies. Dies led the September 30 race for chief, with 46 percent of the vote to Fontenot's 31 percent. In the six weeks that have followed that race, the two have campaigned non-stop, with Dies calling for change in the department, while Fontenot is stressing the importance of experience in the chief's office. The two are fighting for the 750 votes that their two other opponents, Gerald Watley and Carlton Thibodeaux, received in the primary, as well as for the votes of the 54 percent of Eunice's registered who did not vote in the primary. The candidates in races for two seats on the City Council have also campaigned vigorously since the primaries, when citizens expressed the desire for change by ousting longtime council members Louis Pavur (Ward 1) and Nolton Anderson (Ward 2).  Wallace "Bubba" Bourque and George Fisher will fight for the Ward 1 seat, while Marguerite Fruge-Simpson and Lloyd "Rev" Antoine will compete for the vacancy in Ward 2. Bourque led the primary with 37 percent of the first vote, as did Fruge-Simpson, with 33.6 percent of the vote. The two new members of the council will join new Ward 4 member Dale Soileau, who ousted Charles "Brother" Atchison for the seat, and new mayor Bob Morris. The only two returning members of the council are alderman-at-large Jack Burson, who was unopposed this time around, and Ward 3's Chawana Fontenot, who won in September with 67 percent of the vote. Parish wide, voters will choose between interim sheriff Laura Balthazar and Bobby Guidroz for the sheriff's position.

October 27, 2006

Heavy rains, flooding cause road closures

Louisiana State Police's Troop I announced the activation of its Emergency Operations Center and Emergency Traffic Information System due to the major flooding that resulted from Thursday night/Friday morning's heavy rains. Motorists may visit www.511la.org or dial 511 on a cell phone to learn of current traffic and roadway conditions in the Troop I area.  At 5 a.m. Friday morning, US 190 near Lawtell was closed due to flooding. Interstates 10 and 49, however, as well as US 90, are open at this time, though police have reported that the northbound and southbound frontage roads of interstate 49 near Sunset in St. Landry Parish are still dangerous.

US 167 south of Ville Platte was also impassible due to the flooding, as was LA 104 east and west of Mamou. Troop I recommends that the public remain at their current location during heavy down-pour and flood times in these areas and not attempt to drive unless necessary. Motorists are also reminded that they should not attempt to drive through flood waters and should wear their seatbelts. Flooding and other emergencies should be reported to the parishes by calling 911.  In Iota (Acadia Parish) some roads were still flooded as of Saturday, as seen in these pictures taken in Iota Saturday afternoon. Whenever there are heavy rains that could cause flooding, listen to 105-5 KEUN on The Cajun Prairie for updates of road closures and school closings every hour.

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