Parish News ~ Vol. 2 No. 1 ~ February-March 2019

ACADIANA March 2019 - Vol. 2 No. 1 Complimentary Copy

@MyParishNews

Business & Industry | Community Affairs | Events & Entertainment

MyParishNews.com

COMMUNITY AFFAIRS

ENTERTAINMENT

COVER STORY

LPSS Superintendent Announces Retirement In a letter to LPSS School Board Members, Lafayette Parish School Superintendent Dr. Donald W. Aguillard announced his plans to retire at the end of the current school year on May 17, 2019.

Dr. Aguillard began his tenure as Superintendent of Schools for the Lafayette Parish School System in May 2015, where he inherited a system embattled with controversy amid the forced departure of the former Superintendent, Dr. Pat Cooper.

Dr. Aguillard has spent the past 43-plus years in education.

Former Knight Oil Tools CEO Sentenced for Corrupt Influencing and Public Bribery

By Flint Zerangue, Sr.

In August 2018, Mark Knight, the former President and CEO of Knight Oil Tools pleaded “No Contest” to charges of Corrupt Influencing and Public Bribery.

On February 6, 2019, Knight was sentenced to four years in prison on the bribery charge

LPSS

Continued on page 6

COMMUNITY AFFAIRS Mail Slot

“Zombie Raccoons” on the Rise in Lafayette Parish The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) has received an increased number of reports about raccoons infected with canine distemper. These infected raccoons (often referred to as “Zombie Raccoons”), are being primarily reported from Lafayette to the Florida Parishes in southeast Louisiana.

but that was suspended. He was ordered to pay a $1,000 fine, 300 hours of community service, and forfeit $87,000.

Knight must also complete three years of probation. For the Corrupt Influencing charge, Knight was ordered to serve one year in the parish prison.

Knight was convicted of paying others to plant tracking devices and drugs in his own brother’s vehicle in an attempt to discredit him and take over financial control of Knight Oil Tools. It was discovered that Knight conspired with others to have his brother caught with the drugs and arrested. Three of those conspirators plead guilty to their roles in the scheme, including a former Knight Oil Tools employee, a former Louisiana State Police trooper, and a former Lafayette Parish Sheriff ’s deputy.

After sentencing, Mike Skinner, Knight’s defense attorney, made a brief statement explaining they were glad this phase was over and that because of ongoing civil litigation [related to the matter], he would make no further comment.

Distemper is a virus that infects raccoons, foxes, coyotes, skunks, and unvaccinated dogs.

The disease does not affect humans.

It is more likely to occur when raccoon populations are large or concentrated.

The disease is spread among susceptible animals through direct contact with body fluids or droppings from an infected animal. The best prevention for dogs is to make sure they are vaccinated. Contact your veterinarian to make sure your dog’s shots are current.

Raccoons Continued on page 8

Acadiana's Complete

Mardi Gras Parade & Events Schedule EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT on page 22

IN THIS ISSUE: • Verot School Rd Nears Completion • New School Safety APP • LFT Airport Passenger Count Up • Robideaux Report Scheduled • Business On The Grow • Alzheimer’s Treatment Shows Promise • Business & Industry • Real Estate & Construction • People On The Move • Commentary

2

PARISH NEWS

March 2019 Vol. 2 No. 1

March 2019 Vol. 2 No. 1

3

PARISH NEWS

Lafayette Man Convicted of Felony Theft and Money VEROT SCHOOL ROAD Laundering CONSTRUCTION NEARS COMPLETION! COMMUNITY AFFAIRS

After more than three years, the 3.19 mile widening and reconstruction of Verot School Road (LA HWY 339), is nearly complete.

Earlier this month, the safety cones and road closed signs were removed from the north and southbound lanes of Verot School Rd. between Ambassador Caffery Pkwy and Newburg Drive (just past Heleaux’s Grocery store).

According to DOTD spokesperson Brandy Richardson, “…except for a few punch-list items, all of the concrete work has been completed. Barring any unforeseen issues and weather permitting, the road should completely open within the next 30 to 60 days (April).”

While residents in the area are relieved that construction is almost completed, businesses along the construction zone

are counting the minutes until all of the safety cones are removed, and traffic can resume at a safe and normal pace.

“It’s been a long three years for us. The constant lane closures, dust, and noise from the construction greatly impacted our business,” says Kathryn Shank CoOwner of DAX on Verot. “Over the past few years, our business has dropped considerably, simply because customers could not pull in or out of our driveway safely.”

The $35,000,000 project began in November of 2015. According to Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) records, the project is slightly ahead of schedule, as its original completion was estimated to be the summer of 2019.

Lafayette Parish Posts Second-highest Taxable Sales Year for 2018 With more than $577 million in sales in December 2018, taxable sales in Lafayette Parish reached just over $6 billion, the second highest on record. The previous retail sales record was set in 2014 when sales topped $6.4 billion. Sales ended the year up 4.0% from 2017 and up 4.7% from 2016. “[2018] Holiday shopping met LEDA’s forecast of $1 billion which is an encouraging sign for continued upward momentum. Taxable sales have rebounded from the decline that began in 2015,” says Gregg Gothreaux, President and CEO of the Lafayette Economic Development Authority.

Gothreaux reminds consumers that shopping local stores keeps sales tax revenue in our community to support schools, jobs, roads, and safety.

Total taxable sales ended up in all

municipalities compared to 2017— Lafayette (1.1%) Broussard (13.25%), Carencro (8.0%), Duson (25.8%), Scott (17.0%), Youngsville (18.4%) and unincorporated areas of the parish (4.4%).

Within the city of Lafayette, year-end sales were up in the food, auto, furniture, and miscellaneous/other categories, while apparel, general merchandise, building materials, and services were down.

Sources: LEDA and the Lafayette Parish School Board Sales Tax Division.

On February 7, 2019, a Lafayette Parish Jury unanimously convicted Michael C. Duhon (52) of theft over $25,000 and money laundering in excess of $100,000.

During the three-day trial, prosecutors argued that Duhon used an elaborate financial scheme to steal more than $400,000 in retirement funds and land from the victim(s). He then moved the money via shell companies and various bank accounts to conceal the source of the funds.

Duhon has been held in the Lafayette Parish Correctional Center since his indictment in November 2017, on charges of Felony Theft, Money Laundering, and Exploitation of the Infirmed.

Facebook Photo

With his conviction, Duhon faces a sentence of 5 to 20 years for Theft and a sentence of 5 to 99 years for Money Laundering. Sentencing will take place after a pre-sentence investigation is completed.

Clams Don’t Mess Around After Oil Spills - UL Lafayette Researchers Find

Razor clam photo courtesy of Dr. Darryl Felder - University of Louisiana at Lafayette

Stout razor clams may be on the cutting edge of oil spill cleanup, according to University of Louisiana at Lafayette researchers.

After simulating an oil spill, faculty and student researchers found coastal sediments that held razor clams retained 25 percent less oil than areas where the mollusks weren’t present.

“That could mean clams are absorbing oily residue, or they might be burying it. Either way, they’re acting as frontline custodians combatting environmental crises,” said Dr. Paul Klerks, a UL Lafayette biology professor and one of the project’s investigators.

“Our research shows that evaluations of oil spill impacts need to consider how animals living in coastal areas may influence what happens to the oil. Studies like these are important because they help determine where spilled oil will be found and how fast it will disappear,” Klerks said.

Razor clams are bioturbators, which means their burrowing reworks and moves sediment in the beaches and coastal estuaries where they live. They are ubiquitous in the western Atlantic Ocean from Cape Cod to Argentina, and

throughout the Gulf of Mexico.

Feeding and digging by these “ecosystem engineers” can redistribute contaminants over a wide geographic area, potentially exposing other sea creatures to pollutants as well.

Researchers found the clams’ presence reduced contaminants on the sediments’ surface by 25 percent; however, the team noted the level of toxins below the surface had not increased, Klerks said.

“We checked oil levels below the surface to assess whether the clams were burying the oil. If they were, then there should have been less oil at the surface and more oil in deeper sediment.

Questions remain. While it is clear the clams’ presence affected the oil, Klerks said more study is needed to determine how and why. Another avenue University researchers are examining: how Gulf ghost shrimp interact with pollutants.

Like razor clams, ghost shrimp burrow into sediments, but tend to be more reclusive. They “are very abundant and very active. They make burrows that may be as much as 10 feet deep, so they are likely to have even more of an impact than razor clams,” Klerks said.

He explained that the tunnels’ depths mean ghost shrimp move more sediment than razor clams do. That results in more oxygen below the surface and more bacteria that potentially could consume – and therefore combat – toxins.

The new findings on how both organisms help the environment cope with contaminants “underscore the importance of healthy coastal systems,” Klerks added.

4

PARISH NEWS

COMMUNITY AFFAIRS

SEVEN BERCHMANS ACADEMY SAINTS NAMED ALL-AMERICANS

Grand Coteau, LA - Seven Berchmans Academy Saints football players have been named to the National Athletic Association of Private Schools AllAmerican team. Cameron Muller (Sr), Luke Menard (Sr), Alec Moore (Jr), Addison Stoute (Sr), Patrick Gandy (Sr), Michael Moreau (Sr), and James Paul Gandy (So) received invitations to the All-American team, as well as an

invitation to compete in the All-American game in Tennessee in January. The Saints finished their season as the State Champions and #10 on NAAPS national 8-man football ranking.

Saints head coach, Chris Garvey, says, “I am so proud of these young men. Their hard work and dedication to the team and Berchmans Academy is an outstanding example to their teammates as well as their classmates. I am excited to see what the future holds for these young men and the entire Saints team.”

Berchmans Academy of the Sacred Heart, founded in 2006, is an independent Catholic school enrolling boys in Pre-Kindergarten 3 through grade 12. It is the brother school of the Academy of the Sacred Heart in Grand Coteau.

March 2019 Vol. 2 No. 1

Lafayette Student Protect App Launched to Increase School Safety

The Lafayette Parish Sheriff ’s Office, in partnership with the Lafayette Parish School System, is proud to announce the launch of a new app geared at further increasing the safety and security of students, teachers and faculty members throughout Lafayette Parish.

The “Lafayette Student Protect” App is now available as a free resource for students and their parents to stay updated on all important information, alerts, and reminders pertaining to

safety in their child’s school, as well as the entire parish.

All push notifications on the app will be sent and monitored by the Sheriff ’s “Student Resource Officer” (SRO) Program Administrators.

Students, Parents, and LPSS Faculty can: • Submit anonymous tips • Report suspicious or unsafe activity • Alert law enforcement of an emergency with the tap of a button • Receive important bulletins from school administrators The app is also designed to reduce the amount of misinformation that is common during a disaster or emergency situation.

Sheriff Mark Garber and Superintendent Dr. Donald Aguillard were on hand today to unveil and explain the many benefits this App will provide for students, teachers and faculty members throughout Lafayette Parish.

Students, parents, and faculty are encouraged to download the app as soon as possible.

To download the app, search “Lafayette studentprotect” in the app store.

Youngsville Named Best Scott Fire City to Live in Louisiana Department by 24/7 Wall St. Seeking

The City of Youngsville has been named the Best City to Live in Louisiana by 24/7 Wall St. as part of their annual Best City to Live in Every State column.

The column touts Youngsville as growing its population by more than 41% over the past five years, stating; “Youngsville is a relatively prosperous

city... The typical Youngsville household earns about $95,000 a year and just 5.5% of the population lives in poverty.”

That is compared to Louisiana’s median household income of approximately $46,000 a year.

The article continues to credit Youngsville for its affordable prices for goods and services and investment into community assets such as the Youngsville Sports Complex.

24/7 Wall St. is a financial news and opinion company.

Their articles are republished by many of the largest news sites and portals in the U.S., including MSN Money, Yahoo!

Finance, MarketWatch, Time.com, USAToday, and The Huffington Post.

Volunteers

The Scott Fire Department is currently accepting applications for Volunteer Firefighters. A Scott Volunteer Firefighter is responsible for responding to and assisting on many types of incidents from residential/commercial fires or alarms, vehicle crashes/injuries and all other emergencies needing the Fire Department. Scott Volunteer Firefighters also assist and participate with special events and fire prevention details in the community.

Chief Chad P. Sonnier stated that applicants with firefighting experience is preferred, but not necessary and that the department is always looking for good men and women to join their team.

The SVFD will hold an orientation night at Station 51 on Lions Club Rd. The date is yet to be announced.

To submit the electronic Facebook Job Application, or to ask questions, visit the department’s FaceBook page at @ ScottFireDepartment.

March 2019 Vol. 2 No. 1

5

PARISH NEWS

LFT Regional Airport Passenger Count Up Nearly Ten Percent

COURIR DU FESTIVAL 5K presnted by Stuller

Registration is now open!

Lafayette Regional Airport passenger counts for 2018 dramatically exceeded numbers from the previous year.

Acadiana’s major hub saw 451,543 passengers travel through the Lafayette airport, a nine percent increase over the 411,818 passengers who chose to fly Lafayette during 2017, according to Executive Director Steven Picou. The addition of 39,725 people departing and arriving in 2018 was like adding an additional month of passengers choosing Lafayette Regional Airport.

Beginning in February 2018, the number of plane seats occupied by passengers each month was greater than the same month from the previous year.

In terms of load factors, the

percentage of seats occupied by passengers in 2018 showed a major increase over 2017. During the past year, airlines experienced an average load factor of 80% of available seats as compared to 76%

during the previous year. American, Delta and United all had year to year load factor increases. Frontier Airlines began service to Lafayette on October 24, 2018, so their passenger numbers only impacted November and December activity at the Lafayette airport. September 2018 had the lowest load factor percentage for the year, with 74% of seats filled, and was still higher than five individual months of 2017.

Construction on the airport’s new terminal began in November and is progressing, with no impact on parking or other airport operations as the new terminal is being built in an empty area away from the existing terminal. Once completed, the New LFT Terminal will double the size of the current terminal building.

DELIVERY NOW AVAILABLE DELIVERY NOW AVAILABLE

festivalinternational.org/5k GENERAL DENTISTRY Dr. Curtis H. Roy & Associates

Curtis H. Roy, D.D.S. David B. Chambers, D.D.S. Luan A. Nguyen, D.D.S. Established 1970

Complete Dentistry For Individuals, Families & Businesses! www.drcurtisroyandassociates.com

337-981-9811

• 800-443-5138 3703 Johnston St. • Lafayette

Our Office:

One Only One Year Year Subscription Only

$24.95

For additional information or to order by phone call 337-456-5537 Or mail $24.95 along with your mailing & contact information to: Parish News: P.O. Box 61096, Lafayette, LA 70596 Annual subscription includes 12 issues mailed via USPS to your home or office.

• • • • • • •

Has 4 Full-Time Dental Hygienists Find Offers A Dental Credit Card Us Electronically Files For You On Accepts Workman’s Comp Insurance Sees Emergency Patients The Same Day They Call Speaks English, Spanish, & Vietnamese Makes Our Own Crowns, Bridges & Dentures

7 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday-Friday • Saturday Appointments Available Dr. Curtis H. Roy & Associates offers a 12-Month-Interest-Free DENTAL CREDIT CARD Apply online! 337.981.9811 for details!

6

PARISH NEWS

COMMUNITY AFFAIRS

UL Lafayette Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs Ranked Best in State

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s online bachelor’s degree programs are the state’s best for the third consecutive year.

That’s according to U.S. News & World Report. UL Lafayette was No. 114 nationally on the 2019 Best Online Bachelor’s Programs list, and led all Louisiana universities and colleges.

The University’s online graduate degree programs in nursing, education, and business were also ranked.

U.S. News & World Report bases its survey on factors such as student engagement, faculty credentials and training, student services, technology, and peer reputation.

Several of UL Lafayette’s online graduate programs also were cited. Its master of science in nursing and doctor of nursing practice programs placed 65th. That’s up from No. 84 in U.S. News’ 2018 survey.

By delivering the University’s “rigorous and high-quality programs of study” online, the College of Nursing and Allied Health Professions is meeting the need for highly educated nursing professionals found throughout the health care industry, said Dr. Melinda G. Oberleitner, the college’s dean.

“As national shortages of registered nurses, nurse practitioners and health care professionals persist, we remain dedicated to expanding our array of online health care-related programs to increase student access to quality online educational programs in the health professions,” she said.

U.S. News placed the University’s

online education master’s degree in curriculum and instruction at No. 166.

It’s the highest rating of any online graduate degree program in education in Louisiana, noted Dr. Nathan Roberts, dean of the College of Education.

“The curriculum offers practicing teachers enrolled in our programs exposure to a range of skilled faculty.

The U.S. News commendation reaffirms the college’s ability to prepare candidates for teaching and to improve the instructional practices of veteran teachers as well,” Roberts said.

The B.I. Moody III College of Business Administration launched its online MBA program in 2017. U.S. News ranked it No. 153 in 2019, the program’s first year of eligibility.

Students enrolled in the online MBA program earn the same degree as they would in a traditional, face-toface classroom setting, said Dr. J. Bret Becton, the college’s dean.

“The faculty and staff of the Moody College of Business are elated that our high-quality, affordable online MBA program has been identified as among the nation’s best in its first year of existence.”

UL Lafayette offers 16 online undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate programs, and the list will continue to grow, said Dr. Claire Arabie, interim director of the Office of Distance Learning.

Learn more about University online programs at online.louisiana.edu/ programs.

March 2019 Vol. 2 No. 1

LPSS

Continued from Front Page He served as the Superintendent of schools in St. Mary Parish for eleven years before accepting the LPSS Superintendent’s CEO position. As Chief Education Officer, Dr. Aguillard duties include managing the district’s 43 campuses, a $425 million budget, a staff of 3,500-plus, and overseeing the education of approximately 31,000 students.

Aguillard explains that the decision to retire was difficult and that he will cherish the many personal relationships formed in both St. Mary and Lafayette parishes among the Stakeholders sharing his vision of providing increasing opportunities for all students.

He thanked the students, parents, teachers, support staff, administrators, civic organizations, and government, business and community leaders who championed the idea that our future success depends on the quality

of educational experiences for our children.

Major accomplishments during Dr. Aguiallard’s tenure include: - Covered playground pavilions at 20 elementary schools - Air conditioning 21 gymnasiums - Construction of the New Southside High School and Billeaud Elementary - Improvements to Milton Elementary and L.Leo Judice Elementary - Addition of the performing arts wing at Comeaux High School for PAA - Refurbishing Westside Elementary due to flood damage - Building additions to eliminate temporary classrooms at Evangeline, Acadian, Drexel, Woodvale, Plantation, Broadmoor, Ridge, LJ Alleman and Edgar Martin.

- Updating School Safety - Implementation of Common Core State Standards (CCSS) - Implementation of ESSA required transition to Tier I ELA and Math curricula

C-SPAN Bus Makes “Southern Swing” Through Lafayette

The C-SPAN Bus recently visited Lafayette as part of an eight week “Southern Swing” tour through Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. While in Lafayette, the awardwinning bus made stops at Northside High School and UL Lafayette engaging students, teachers, community members, and elected officials through interactive kiosks and demonstrations about C-SPAN’s in-depth coverage of the American political process. Bus visitors were also able to share their thoughts on what it means to be an American for C-SPAN’s “Voices from the Road” project.

“We are excited for the opportunity to meet, engage and share our resources with residents along our ‘Southern Swing’ and hearing from people about what being an American means to them,” said Heath Neiderer, C-SPAN Marketing Manager.

Since 1993, a C-SPAN Bus has traveled across the nation visiting schools and community events in partnership with C-SPAN’s cable and satellite providers. The “Southern Swing” tour was made possible in part by a partnership with Cox Communications.

March 2019 Vol. 2 No. 1

Louisiana Child Trafficking Collaborative Awarded $1.2 Million Grant From U.S. Dept of Justice Louisiana has been awarded a $1.2 million grant from the U.S. Dept. of Justice Office for Victims of Crime to improve outcomes for child victims of human trafficking. It will be used to implement a multi-year federal project known as the Louisiana Child Trafficking Collaborative.

Governor John Bel Edwards stated, “We are especially excited about this grant to implement the Louisiana Child Trafficking Collaborative. In Louisiana alone, over the last several years thousands of victims have been identified as either confirmed or prospective victims of human sex or labor trafficking. This must end.

Thankfully, we have already begun to see major progress as we work closely with law enforcement and our state lawmakers to support laws and policies to enact harsher penalties on the perpetrators of human trafficking and help to restore the lives of those directly impacted by this terrible tragedy.”

Louisiana is one of only seven states to receive this funding—since 2015.

The grant will be implemented over a three year period. In 2016, Shared Hope International ranked Louisiana #1 in the nation for its anti-trafficking laws.

“This is an important issue that everyone needs to be concerned about because it can and does happen in all communities,” said First Lady Donna

7

PARISH NEWS

Edwards. “Human trafficking is a global, national and statewide problem, and we are committed to doing all we can to raise awareness, help those who are in need and prevent others from becoming victims.”

In February 2018, The Dept. of Children and Family Services annual report to the Legislature revealed that there were a total of 681 confirmed or prospective victims of human trafficking here in Louisiana. 641 (94.1%) of those were sex trafficking victims 29 (5.1%) were sex and labor trafficking victims.

Of all reported victims 356 (52%) were identified as juveniles again which was a 77% increase from the previous year.

The saddest piece of data given was that 72 of those sex trafficking juvenile victims were ages 12 and under.

The Louisiana Child Trafficking Collaborative will be implemented by the Governor’s Children’s Cabinet, which is led by Executive Director Dr. Dana Hunter.

“Louisiana is very progressive in its efforts to identify, treat, and prevent human trafficking,” said Dr. Hunter.

“We want children and families to be aware of the ways in which pimps recruit victims, but we also want citizens to know that we are doing everything possible to increase public safety.”

LOCAL PUBLIC PONDS STOCKED WITH RAINBOW TROUT & CATFISH

As part of the Get Out and Fish! program, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) has stocked the Girard Park pond in Lafayette and the Southside Regional ParkFabacher Field pond in Youngsville with adultsize Rainbow Trout, and Catfish ranging from 1 to 2 pounds.

According to the LDWF, now is the only time of year these sites will be stocked with Rainbow Trout, so do not miss this unique opportunity to land one, right here in Louisiana. Rainbow Trout are native to rivers and lakes in western North America; yet, due to their popularity, these fish have been introduced Group of Rainbow Trout fishermen at Get Out & Fish! site, Girard Park in Lafayette, LA. throughout the United States through stocking efforts. When license to try their hand at catching water temperatures are cool during this tricky species. Learn more at: winter months, Louisiana ponds and http://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/fishing. lakes can support the cold-water fish.

Anglers 16 and older must possess a valid Louisiana fishing

Military Hand Grenade Suspect Accused of Sexual Misconduct Found in Lafayette

File Photo

WWII Era Hand Grenade

On the evening of February 4th, the Lafayette Parish Sheriff ’s Office and Carencro Fire Department responded to a call from a resident about a possible hand grenade that had been found while walking in a wooded area off of Des

Jardin Street.

Upon their arrival, LPSO alerted the LA State Police Bomb Squad and other federal authorities for assistance when it was determined that the object was an apparent unexploded military hand grenade, possibly from the World War II era.

Military personnel from Fort Polk were immediately dispatched to the scene where they safely detonated the explosive.

There was no danger to the public during this incident. An investigation remains ongoing.

With a St. Thomas More Student Arrested* Daniel Raborn (28), the suspect accused of sexual misconduct with an STM student turned himself in to the Lafayette Parish Sheriff ’s Office on Monday, January 14th and booked on a charge of prohibited sexual conduct between an educator and student [code14:81.4]. Raborn, who is currently on administrative leave pending results of the investigation is an Extracurricular

Moderator at St. Thomas More High School. Raborn is accused of having an inappropriate (off-campus) relationship with a female student. He has since been released on a $15,000 bond. A court date has not been set. *All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

8

PARISH NEWS

COMMUNITY AFFAIRS

LSU Alzheimer’s Treatment Shows Promise

By Matt Doyle – LA Radio Network

Alzheimer sufferers potentially have some great news out of LSU Health New Orleans: A patient who underwent hyperbaric oxygen therapy showed a big improvement in their mental and physical faculties. Director of Hyperbaric Medicine Dr. Paul Harch says the patient reported increased quality of life, and a brain scan showed a 38 percent increase in brain metabolism after undergoing the restorative therapy.

“The largest sets of genes to get turned on with this therapy are the growth and repair hormone genes that grow new tissue, and the anti-inflammatory genes.”

The patient was a 58-year-old woman who had experienced five years of cognitive decline.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has caught on in sports medicine and other healing focused fields, but this is one of the first looks at its benefits in relation to

cognitive disorders.

Harch says patient undergos 40 sessions at 50 minutes each.

“Most of them are single person chambers, a horizontal tube that is clear acrylic. You then elevate the pressure and oxygen levels for a period of time.”

After 40 treatments, the patient reported increased memory and concentration and had more good days than bad days.

Harch cautioned that this was not a formal study or clinical trial, but the limited sample size does give reason to be optimistic.

“She was the first that we were able to document her improvement with what is considered the gold standard for imaging and documentation of changes in the brain in Alzheimer’s.

Alzheimer’s is the sixth leading cause of death in America.

ICE Most Wanted Fugitive Captured in Church PointPleads Guilty

LAFAYETTE, LA – Jose MelchorMartinez, the illegal alien from Mexico who was arrested in Acadia Parish last October pleaded guilty to illegally reentering the country.

Jose Melchor-Martinez, 49, of Mexico, pleaded guilty January 29, 2019 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Carol B. Whitehurst to one count of illegal re-entry of a removed alien. The plea will become final when accepted

by U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. According to the guilty plea,

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrested MelchorMartinez near Church Point, Louisiana, on October 12, 2018 on a criminal complaint.

Martinez was previously removed from the United States in 2003 after serving time for a conviction in North Carolina for indecent liberties with a child. At the time of his arrest in October, U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) considered Martinez one of its most wanted fugitives.

Martinez faces up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, a $250,000 fine, and possible deportation. The court set sentencing for June 6, 2019.

March 2019 Vol. 2 No. 1

BBB Serving Acadiana Names New Board Members The BBB Serving Acadiana recently announced its newly elected 2019 board members. The four new board members include: Matthew Thibodeaux - Klout 9 Eli Tate - Gambino’s Bakery Charles Sarver - Pixus Digital Printing James Battey - Prestige Mortgage of Louisiana.

The new board members are beginning a three-year term and join the following returing board members: Kathy Blanchard – Copy & Camera Technologies Donald Dejean – Don’s Car Care & Tire Center Darren Domingue – Lafayette Roofing & General Contractors David Dupuis – Dupuis Heating & AC Amanda Fontenot – Opelousas General Health System Mark Fontenot – Garage Solutions James Ford – J & J Exterminating Joel Fruge – Acadiana Prescription Shop Charlie Genin – The Gen Group Construction Polly Koury – Charles Landry – Remain Home Scott Lavergne – Enterprise Data Concepts Steve Laviolette – Trees Unlimited of Lafayette Lance Linscombe – Cornerstone Village South Ronnie Miller – Acadian Ambulance Service Herb Palombo – Adrien’s Supermarket Eli Valentin – Cajun Paving & Construction of Acadiana Tana Walker – Walker & Sons/Slap Ya Mama

Raccoons

Continued from Front Page Symptoms of Zombie Raccoon Distemper may include discharge from the nose and eyes, a rough coat of hair, seizures, coughing, emaciated appearance and unusual behavior such as disorientation or wandering aimlessly. The animals’ symptoms will become progressively worse and the disease is usually fatal.

Distemper is not the same disease as rabies although some symptoms are similar. LDWF advises that children and pets be kept away from sick raccoons and other wildlife. Even though the animal may appear calm, they can

Rick Watkins – Trust Acadiana BBB Serving Acadiana’s Board of Directors has played a crucial role in helping the BBB accomplish the mission of creating a community of trustworthy businesses, setting standards for marketplace trust, encouraging and supporting best practices, celebrating marketplace role models and denouncing substandard marketplace behavior.

“Look for the Seal” and Start with Trust®. BBB Serving Acadiana is a private non-profit organization that strives for a trustworthy marketplace by maintaining standards for truthful advertising, investigating and exposing fraud against consumers and businesses.

Contact Better Business Bureau at (337) 981-3497 or bbb.org for information on businesses throughout North America.

BBB Serving Acadiana covers the parishes of Acadia, Evangeline, Iberia, Lafayette, St. Martin, St. Landry, and Vermilion.

become aggressive if approached too closely.

To discourage raccoons from your surroundings, LDWF recommends that you remove attractants from your yard and feed pets indoors. If you feed outdoors, bring in feeding bowls right after pets have eaten. Be sure to secure garbage cans so they can’t be knocked over or have their lids removed.

Do not feed raccoons. Providing artificial food sources may lead to unnaturally large concentrations of animals and increase the spread of disease.

For more information, go to http:// www.wlf.louisiana.gov/wildlife/ nuisance-wildlife

March 2019 Vol. 2 No. 1

PARISH NEWS

9

THIRD ANNUAL ROBIDEAUX REPORT SCHEDULED Lafayette Mayor-President Joel Robideaux’s third annual parish-wide address, the Robideaux Report, will be held the evening of Thursday, March 14 at the Heymann Performing Arts Center.

The annual event features two components – a review of Lafayette’s successes and challenges both behind us and still yet to come, followed by a Showcase of the many aspects that make Lafayette so special. The Showcase will celebrate some of the parish’s best cultural aspects, including food, music, art and recreation, and feature important community stakeholders and emerging community partners. There is no charge to attend the Robideaux Report or the Showcase.

Both free events will take place on

the evening of Thursday, March 14 at the Heymann Performing Arts Center, with the Robideaux Report beginning at 6 p.m., and the Showcase to follow at approximately 7 p.m.

“Last year’s event was a resounding success, bringing citizens and elected officials from across the parish. I look forward to another great event where we can celebrate our successes, and honestly address our challenges ahead.

As has been done in previous years, I plan to unveil several new initiatives that will make government more customer service-oriented and efficient,” said Robideaux.

The address will begin at 6 p.m. in the Heymann Performing Arts Center. The complete report will be made available at www.RobideauxReport.com.

The Robideaux Report is produced by the Community Foundation of Acadiana.

Photo by Brad Kemp

10

PARISH NEWS

March 2019 Vol. 2 No. 1

BUSINESSES ON THE GROW

BURGER KING Cajun Food Tours OPENS BROUSSARD Launches All-Day LOCATION Cajun Experience

Burger King, “The Home of the Whopper” recently celebrated the grand opening of their newest location in Broussard, LA with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. They are located at 209 St.

Nazaire Rd in front of Home Depot, where they’re open until 11:00 pm.

Photo Source: Broussard Chamber of Commerce

Cajun Food Tours recently launched a new All-Day Cajun Experience Tour that provides a day full of genuine Cajun area highlights while also sharing with guests, the rich history of Cajun & Creole Culture.

The All-Day Experience includes a guided tour of the Historic Vermilionville village, a swamp boat, a perfect meal, a Cajun dance lesson, and more. The All-Day Cajun Experience

Tours are currently offered on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 8:30am to 5pm.

Cajun Food Tour owner, Marie Ducote-Comeaux, says the new tour was designed to pack as much “Cajun” into one day as possible. For more information on all of their tours, visit www.cajunfoodtours.com or call 337-230-6169.

After months of anticipation, the newest location of Smoothie King in Acadiana has officially opened in Youngsville.

Carrying on the Smoothie King vision of being an integral part of every health and fitness journey, the new location

is located on E. Milton Ave. next to Youngsville Dental Care across from Ernest Gallet Elem. School. Their hours are Monday-Thursday 6am-9pm, Friday 6am-10pm, Saturday 7am-9pm and Sunday 8am-8pm.

New Laborde Earles Law Firm Facility Smoothie King Now Nears Completion Open in Youngsville

Personal injury law firm Laborde Earles make final preparations before moving into their beautiful new twostory, 20,000-square-foot office building designed by Gossen Architects. The new facility is located on Kaliste Saloom Road between Cpl. Michael Middlebrook Elementary School and

Parc Lafayette. Barring any unforeseen setbacks, the building should be completed in April.

Laborde Earles currently has offices in Lafayette, Marksville, and Alexandria.

March 2019 Vol. 2 No. 1

11

PARISH NEWS

Acadian Ambulance Completes Acquisition of Emergency Mobile Health Care Acadian Ambulance Service and Memphis-based Emergency Mobile Health Care (EMHC) have completed the merger of their operations. EMHC’s highly respected management and medical teams have joined Acadian Ambulance and will continue to provide medical transportation for the greater Memphis community.

Services include critical care transport for the most critically sick or injured patients provided by Acadian’s specially trained personnel.

“Acadian is excited to bring a 47-year operating history into Memphis and the surrounding region,” said Justin Back, Acadian vice president of integrations.

“We are dedicated to continuing the excellent work of EMHC and to bringing new resources into the area to grow our capabilities. We are committed to bringing our new and existing team members into our employee-ownership structure and supporting them so they can focus on patient care.”

In September 2018, Acadian Ambulance

announced its acquisition of EMHC. The shared values and key goals of Acadian and EMHC make the move a strategic and beneficial one for both companies.

The merger became official on February 1, 2019.

Dave Sears, EMHC CEO, said, “EMHC is proud to have served the MidSouth community since 1997. We care deeply about Memphis and are very pleased to have found a partner that is able to continue to advance EMHC’s tradition.”

Acadian Ambulance is the largest employee-owned ambulance service in the nation and serves more than 20 million residents across 75 counties and parishes

SPEEDPRO IMAGING OF ACADIANA OPENS NEW FACILITY

SpeedPro Imaging, a national leader in wide-format printing and graphics, has opened its newest franchise location in Louisiana, SpeedPro Imaging of Acadiana.

Local entrepreneur and franchise owner/operator Chuck Lane says, “SpeedPro of Acadiana is a one-stop

source for large format printing.

From Design Services, Vehicle Wraps, Window Graphics, Wall Murals, Trade Show Displays, large run Direct-tosubstrate, and Event Banners, we handle it all with vivid colors and expert design.”

SpeedPro of Acadiana covers the 22 parishes of South Louisiana for both retail and wholesale trade clients. No matter if you’re in Lafayette, Lake Charles, Baton Rouge, Alexandria, or any point in between, the experienced staff at SpeedPro of Acadiana is ready to help get your company’s message seen.

To learn more, visit their new location in Scott at 100 SpeedPro Lane (near the intersection of Old Spanish Trail and Apollo Road), call 337-703-4995 or click www.speedproacadiana.com.

in Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi and Tennessee. Acadian is actively recruiting EMTs, advanced EMTs and paramedics for full- and part-time positions.

Since 1971, Acadian Companies has Photo

by BradtoKemp been dedicated providing the highest level of emergency medical care and

transportation possible. The company includes a diverse suite of services designed to offer the very best support and education in health, safety, security, education and transportation.

Business and Personal Accounting and Tax Services

A Full-Service Certified Public Accounting Firm

Lafayette 337.984.9717 Opelousas 337.948.4848 www.jsdc-cpas.com

Licensed in Louisiana

12

PARISH NEWS

PEOPLE ON THE MOVE

Berthelot Elected ViceChair of Louisiana Travel Association Board

Ben Berthelot, President and CEO of the Lafayette Convention and Visitors Commission was installed as Vice-Chair of the Louisiana Travel Association (LTA) Board of Directors at its annual meeting.

“I am honored to be serving LTA and the 750 members the association represents throughout the state,” said Ben Berthelot, LTA vice-chair. “This organization has worked to lead and strengthen Louisiana’s tourism industry for 58 years, and I look forward to working with my fellow board members to keep the momentum going.”

“Our executive committee and board of directors are responsible for helping us meet the needs of our members and

making sure we accomplish our goals of providing educational and marketing opportunities while also advocating on the industry’s behalf,” said Jill Kidder, LTA president and CEO. “We are excited to be starting off another year with a great group of industry leaders that represent the entire state.”

Officers on the executive committee and members of the board of directors are elected during the annual meeting. Each year, the chairman of the board selects a nominating committee that is comprised of members who are not up for re-election and who are not seeking office. This committee is responsible for presenting a slate to the members of the association that recognizes all regions of the state and all segments of the tourism industry.

About the Louisiana Travel Association LTA is a trade association leading and strengthening Louisiana’s vibrant tourism industry through promotion, education and advocacy on behalf of our members. Tourism generated $1.8 billion for Louisiana in 2017 and employs more than 236,000 people throughout the state. For more information, visit LouisianaTravelAssociation.org.

Source Lafayette Travel

March 2019 Vol. 2 No. 1

Lafayette Parish School System Superintendent Appoints New Administrators

LPSS Superintendent Dr. Donald Aguillard has appointed Christy Hayes principal of the new Martial Billeaud Elementary School in Broussard, and Dawn Weimer principal of the newly named Dr. Raphael Baranco Elementary School (formally N.P. Moss Elementary).

Mrs. Hayes received a Bachelor of Arts Degree and a Master of Education degree from the University of Louisiana Lafayette. Ms. Hayes has served as a teacher at LeRosen Elementary School and at Live Oak Elementary School.

She has served as an Instructional Services Support Teacher for the district, Instructional Strategist at Woodvale Elementary School and, most recently, as an Assistant Principal at Woodvale Elementary School. Ms. Hayes is a member of UL Lafayette’s Education Department Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation

Committee.

Mrs. Weimer received a Bachelor’s Degree and a Master of Education degree from the University of Louisiana Lafayette. Ms. Weimer has served as the ELA Academic Content Coach, Reading Facilitator and Instructional Strategist at Faulk Elementary School. She taught two years at Our Lady of Fatima and six years in the district at Faulk Elementary, Alice Boucher Elementary, and Myrtle Place Elementary. Her most recent position was the Assistant Principal at Faulk Elementary School. She is also currently participating in the National Institute of School Leadership (NISL) training. Ms. Weimer was a Lafayette Education Foundation semi-finalist for Teacher of the Year for two years at Fatima Elementary School.

BBR Taps Brian Burns to ZACHARY LELEUX Lead Business Development NAMED ASSISTANT SPORTS MANAGER

BBR Creative is pleased to welcome Brian Burns as a business development executive for the agency.

Burns will play a critical role in leading the agency’s growth, particularly in the food and beverage sector. Established in 1997, BBR Creative has grown into a digital marketing agency with expertise in consumer activation programs, guided by data and driven by fresh, innovative ideas.

The agency’s clients include a number of iconic Louisiana food businesses, and Burns will be engaging with an even broader range of food and beverage

brands to develop new opportunities for the agency as part of a broader growth strategy.

“Brian is a passionate advocate for helping businesses and brands succeed, especially in the fast-moving digital environment,” said Cherie Hebert, chief executive officer for BBR. “With his help, we’ll be able to continue building on our experience and expertise in the food and beverage industry.”

Prior to joining BBR, Burns was a successful sales executive with Cox Media for 12 years, working with corporate customers to develop customized digital advertising and marketing solutions.

Burns’ background also includes sales experience with AT&T, a three-year stint in military intelligence for the US Army and several years as a drill instructor. This multifaceted experience has given him a broad understanding of organizational and business challenges and the leadership skills to be successful in a variety of environments.

The City of Broussard is pleased to announce Zachary Leleux as Assistant Sports Manager at the Broussard Sports Complex at St. Julien Park. Zachary brings experience in directing tournaments for USSSA and WSL. The Broussard Sports Complex at St. Julien Park is a $33 million public sports complex. Built on 122 acres, the park offers youth recreational sports programs, a splash park and walking paths.

Send your company news, press releases, and new hires to News@MyParishNews.com

March 2019 Vol. 2 No. 1

Dwayne Myrick Appointed Director of Loan Review – JD Bank JD Bank is pleased to announce that Dwayne Myrick has accepted the position of Director of Loan Review. As a 25-year industry veteran, Myrick’s responsibilities include reviewing and insuring loans are accurately graded, helping to manage risk and verifying bank policy is followed.

Myrick graduated from the University of Southwestern Louisiana (now UL) with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. His banking experience includes financial analysis and underwriting, loan portfolio management, loan administration, and risk analysis and mitigation.

“Dwayne’s strong interpersonal skills and his leadership and mentoring experience will be a great fit for Louisiana’s Community

13

PARISH NEWS

Bank,” said Boyd R. Boudreaux President and CEO of JD Bank.

Acadian Names Asbel Montes as Sr. Vice President of Strategic Initiatives and Innovation

Acadian Chairman & CEO Richard Zuschlag announced that Asbel Montes has been promoted to Sr. Vice President of Strategic Initiatives and Innovation.

Asbel joined Acadian in 2009 and oversees Acadian’s revenue cycle management, contract management,

business office process improvements, and government relations for state and federal reimbursement policy initiatives.

He is a member of the American Ambulance Association (AAA) and has served on its board of directors; he is currently co-chair of the Payment Reform Steering Committee. Asbel also sits on the board of the Louisiana Ambulance Alliance.

Asbel is a respected thought leader on reimbursement initiatives within the industry and is a requested speaker at many conferences. He has also been asked to testify as an expert witness before federal and state health committees regarding ambulance reimbursement.

Asbel is married to Stephenie Haney‐ Montes and has a daughter.

Small Business Owners

It's worth a call...

337-356-3480

14

PARISH NEWS

March 2019 Vol. 2 No. 1

BUSINESS & INDUSTRY

BP Approves $1.3 billion Atlantis Development Project in Gulf of Mexico BP announced the approved of a major expansion in the Atlantis field in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico. BP’s Atlantis production platform is located 150 miles south of New Orleans in over 7,000 feet of water.

The $1.3 billion Atlantis Phase 3 development is the latest example of BP’s strategy of growing advantaged oil production through its existing production facilities in the Gulf. The approval for this latest development comes after recent BP breakthroughs in advanced seismic imaging and reservoir characterization revealed an additional 400 million barrels of oil in place at the Atlantis field.

Application of the same technology

and analysis has now identified an additional 1 billion barrels of oil in place at the Thunder Horse field. Elsewhere, two new discoveries near the Na Kika production facility could provide further tie-back development opportunities.

“BP’s Gulf of Mexico business is key to our strategy of growing production of advantaged high-margin oil. We are building on our world-class position, upgrading the resources at our fields through technology, productivity and exploration success,” said Bernard Looney, BP’s Upstream chief executive.

“And these fields are still young – only 12% of the hydrocarbons in place across our Gulf portfolio have been produced so far. We can see many opportunities for further development, offering the potential to continue to create significant value through the middle of the next

decade and beyond.“ BP is the largest investor in the Deepwater Gulf of Mexico over the past 10 years and operates four large production platforms in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico – Thunder Horse,

Atlantis, Mad Dog and Na Kika – and holds interests in four non-operated hubs – Mars, Olympus, Ursa and Great White.

Entergy Ordered to H&E Equipment Refund $58 Mil to Acquires We-Rent-It LA Customers

Entergy Louisiana customers will be receiving refunds (via credits) on their electric bills in January, February, and March 2019 as a result of a ruling by the Louisiana Public Service Commission (PSC).

The PSC voted earlier this week to approve a plan for returning approximately $58 million to Entergy Louisiana customers for the company’s

violation of the Entergy System Agreement by selling cheap base load energy owned by Entergy Arkansas off-system to merchants, for the benefit of Entergy shareholders, rather than making the power available to Entergy Louisiana and other system companies. This violation which occurred between 20002009 caused customer bills to rise.

For customers consuming roughly 1300 kilowatt-watt-hours a month, the refund should be approximately $5.50 per month.

BATON ROUGE, LA. - (BUSINESS WIRE) - H&E Equipment Services, Inc. (NASDAQ: HEES) has announced the completion of its acquisition of We-Rent-It (WRI), a non-residential construction-focused equipment rental company in Texas. The assets include approximately $75 million of fleet based on original equipment cost and six branches serving the growing central Texas market.

Brad Barber, H&E’s Chief Executive Officer and President, said, “With the WRI acquisition, we expand our presence to 22 branches in Texas and improve our ability to better serve the healthy markets in the central portion of the state. As a pillar of our growth strategy, we are continuing to pursue acquisitions that improve our density and complement our existing business within our footprint as well as enter new markets with solid non-residential construction demographics.”

H&E Equipment Services, Inc. is one of the largest integrated equipment services companies in the United States

with 96 full-service facilities throughout the West Coast, Intermountain, Southwest, Gulf Coast, Mid-Atlantic and Southeast regions. The Company is focused on heavy construction and industrial equipment and rents, sells, and provides parts and services support for four core categories of specialized equipment: (1) hi-lift or aerial platform equipment; (2) cranes; (3) earthmoving equipment; and (4) industrial lift trucks.

By providing equipment rental, sales, on site parts, repair, and maintenance functions under one roof, the Company is a one-stop provider for its customers’ varied equipment needs. This full service approach provides the Company with multiple points of customer contact, enabling it to maintain a high quality rental fleet, as well as an effective distribution channel for fleet disposal and provides cross-selling opportunities among its new and used equipment sales, rentals, parts sales, and services operations.

March 2019 Vol. 2 No. 1

PARISH NEWS

Leonardo Helicopters Opens 21,000 sq ft Support Center in Broussard

Leonardo Helicopters, a global leader in the production of military and commercial rotorcraft OEM and replacement parts, held a grand opening celebration today at its new 21,000 sq. ft. “Gulf of Mexico Support Center” in Broussard, LA. With operations in Philadelphia and Las Vegas, the Broussard facility becomes the third U.S. location for the Italian based firm.

“Leonardo Helicopters is opening in Broussard, Louisiana to bring regional support to our Americas-based customers,” said Mike Hotze, Leonardo Helicopters Vice President of Customer Support and Training. “By localizing customer support in the Gulf of Mexico region, we will deliver the highest level of

quality and service.”

The Leonardo Helicopters Gulf of Mexico Support Center facility will provide blade repair, OEM parts, and technical support for current and new clients throughout the Americas. While the company expects to employ 15 skilled technicians and staff in 2019, expectations are to double that over the next 48 months.

Troy Penny, General Manager of the Broussard facility, stated, “The team we’re assembling in Broussard has decades of experience working in aviation and rotor blade repair—we’re looking forward to providing the highest quality product and service to our Leonardo customers.”

“The City of Broussard is proud to be chosen by Leonardo Helicopters as the next city for this global company to plant roots,” said Broussard Mayor Ray Bourque. “We are committed to being a good partner to our business community.”

“Lafayette and Acadiana anchor an aviation industry that has served the energy, training, and emergency services sectors for decades. The establishment of Leonardo Helicopters’ facility will build on the region’s long-standing aviation history,” said Gregg Gothreaux, Lafayette Economic Development Authority President and CEO. “Leonardo will provide quality employment opportunities for our region’s experienced aviation and manufacturing workforce.”

15

BAGWELL ENERGY SERVICES ANNOUNCES 150JOB EXPANSION IN IBERIA PARISH

DELCAMBRE, La. —Bagwell Energy Services CEO Rodger Bagwell announced the company will create 150 new jobs in the next five years and make a $2.5 million capital investment at its Port of Delcambre fabrication center in Iberia Parish.

Bagwell Energy Services is situated on the Iberia Parish side of the Twin Parish Port District of Iberia and Vermilion parishes, also known as the Port of Delcambre. There, Bagwell Energy is expanding its services to the chemical manufacturing and liquefied natural gas processing industries, as well as serving its offshore and onshore oil and gas customers.

Through the expansion project, the company will add precision fabrication equipment for process industry piping and vessels, install new bridge cranes, and build a 15,000-square-foot addition to its fabrication center and a 4,000-squarefoot addition to its painting-and-blasting facility. The project will retain 46 existing jobs while creating 150 new direct jobs with an average annual salary of $74,000, plus benefits. In addition, Louisiana Economic Development (LED) estimates the project will result in 240 new indirect jobs, for a total of 390 new jobs in Acadiana and surrounding regions.

LED began working with Bagwell Energy on a potential expansion project in August 2018. To secure the project, the State of Louisiana offered the company a competitive incentive package, including

a performance-based Economic Development Award Program incentive of $250,000 to offset infrastructure improvements at the site. Bagwell Energy also will receive the comprehensive workforce solutions of LED FastStart® – the nation’s No. 1 state workforce training program – and the company is expected to utilize the state’s Quality Jobs Program.

“Bagwell Energy Services is exactly what we need right now at the Port of Delcambre – a respected growing company,” said Parish President M. Larry Richard of Iberia Parish. “I couldn’t be happier to see Bagwell back in Delcambre. We are certain that great businesses like this continuing to locate here will go a long way to grow and diversify economic opportunities for our citizens, and I appreciate the Bagwell family’s decision to invest in Iberia Parish.”

At its Iberia Parish manufacturing site, Bagwell Energy completes piping and vessel fabrication orders; builds production equipment, skids and modular enclosures for remote exploration and production sites; and performs blasting, painting and hydrostatic testing services. Bagwell Energy also dispatches trained crews to install, maintain and repair equipment at customer production sites.

For more information, visit BagwellEnergy.com.

16

PARISH NEWS

March 2019 Vol. 2 No. 1

REAL ESTATE & CONSTRUCTION

Tulane Launches Nation’s First MBA/ Sustainable Real Estate Development Degree Program The A. B. Freeman School of Business at Tulane University has announced a partnership with the Tulane University School of Architecture to meet the increasing demand for business professionals equipped with the tools for a career in real estate development.

The MBA/MSRED will offer students an unrivaled preparation with a broad foundation in business disciplines as well as specialized knowledge from the country’s only master’s degree program in Sustainable Real Estate Development.

“With the exponential growth of the real estate market, prospective real estate professionals must combine business expertise with an understanding of the social and environmental costs of development,” says Ira Solomon, dean of the Freeman School. “The MBA/MSRED program builds upon the rigorous core of the Freeman School’s nationally ranked MBA program to create a

comprehensive and holistic approach to sustainable development.”

In conjunction with Tulane’s School of Architecture, the program awards students an MBA and a master’s degree in Sustainable Real Estate Development. Through the real-world application of theory to current real estate development projects, graduates will be prepared for the rapidly evolving challenges facing the industry. Students will be equipped to successfully manage in all areas of real estate development – finance, analytics, design, management and consulting – with both the qualitative and quantitative skills needed to make informed business decisions.

“We are disrupting how real estate has been taught to drive change in the educational landscape of this field,” says Casius Pealer, director of Sustainable Real Estate Development and Shane Professor of Practice at the Tulane

School of Architecture. “We want students to analyze the implications of technology, environmental changes and urbanization to better understand how political, ecological and cultural forces impact real estate development. By creating an interdisciplinary program, our alumni can anticipate the long term social and financial effects of development.”

The MBA/MSRED is an accelerated two-year, full-time program delivered during the weekday from Tulane’s campus in Uptown New Orleans as well as the Freeman School’s new facility

LAND FOR SALE

downtown. Students will benefit from Freeman’s small cohorts, active learning environment and direct engagement with industry leaders. Freeman is also offering new real estate specializations in its full-time and Professional MBA programs, as well as in its 10-month Master of Management program.

Learn more at freemannews.tulane.edu Photo Source: A. B. Freeman School of Business at Tulane

Lafayette Parish

15 Acres Pont des Mouton Rd. Prime location for development.

Near the intersection of I-10 & I-49.

Newly four-laned road.

Owner will consider subdividing.

To learn more, Call or Click.

337-456-5540 www.AcadianaMetro.com

110 Travis St. Lafayette, LA 70503 Licensed in Louisiana

March 2019 Vol. 2 No. 1

17

PARISH NEWS

McLain Marketplace Opens Phase One

CONSTRUCTION LOAN SPECIALIST AIMIA “MIMI” DOUCET Senior Loan Officer / Branch Manager

337.456.3580

gmfsmortgage.com/aimia.doucet NMLS #128546 Lafayette’s newest retail development, “McLain Marketplace” is in the final stages of completing punch-list items on Phase 1 of a 3 Phase complex. According to developer Brian McLain, two tenants have already moved in, with others on the way.

Structured, a professional hair studio is already open for business and Anniston Rose Boutique, a women’s clothing store is set to open any day now.

Located on East Broussard Road near

LB19-01 Lafeytte Campaign Concept_Horizontal4.indd 1

the intersection of Kaliste Saloom Road, this ultra-modern development, when completed, will consist of 3 buildings totaling some 30,000 square-feet and will be occupied by various retail, eateries, and consumer service companies.

Retail space is still available, for more information contact 337-456-4690 or Info@McLainCompanies.com.

One Time Close Construction Loan HomeStyle Renovation Loan

GMFS LLC is an Equal Housing Lender. All mortgages are originated by GMFS LLC at 7389 Florida Blvd. Suite 200A Baton Rouge, LA 70806.

NMLS #64997. Branch is located at 1728 W. University Ave., Lafayette, LA 70506. Branch NMLS #1183361.

2/5/19 3:15 PM

18

PARISH NEWS

March 2019 Vol. 2 No. 1

REAL ESTATE & CONSTRUCTION

DOTD ROAD & BRIDGE PROJECTS AFFECTING ACADIANA

Louisiana Department of Transportation & Development (DOTD) road and bridge projects in Acadiana. DOTD estimated completion dates are based on the work order date and the contract days allowed. Unavoidable contingencies and unforeseen events often develop during construction, which may impact the actual completion date.

LAFAYETTE PARISH I-10: East Jct. I-49 to La 328

US 90 Albertson’s Parkway to Ambassador Caffery

Asphaltic concrete overlay of rubblized pavement.

Contractor: James Construction Group LLC Miles: 7.11 Miles Contract Amount $129,131,809 Estimated Completion Date Fall of 2020

Asphalt widening and overlay Contractor: James Construction Group LLC Miles: 1.64 Miles Contract Amount $63,735,328 Estimated Completion Date Spring of 2019

Concrete new pavement Contractor: Jb James Construction LLC Miles: 3.19 Miles Contract Amount $35,446,597 Estimated Completion Date Summer of 2019

Traffic flow improvements - formerly turn lanes Contractor: Elliott Construction, LLC Miles: 0.38 Miles Contract Amount $621,998 Estimated Completion Date Beginning of 2019

Verot School Road (Hwy 339)

I-49 Nb Exit Ramp at La 98

March 2019 Vol. 2 No. 1

19

PARISH NEWS

Commercial Building Permits Lafayette Parish December 1, 2018 thru February 15, 2019

NEW CONSTRUCTION AND REMODELS Owner

Address & City

Type

Bank of Jeanerette 1801 CAMELLIA BLVD - LFT FOLKS Investments 103 ZACHARY DR – SCOTT Lafayette Dermatology 101 RUE FONTAINE – LFT Acadiana Allergy & Asthma 101 RUE FONTAINE – LFT LHC GROUP 901 S HUGH WALLIS RD – LFT Vermilion Lofts 436 E VERMILION ST – LFT D.R. Horton 1102 FOREMAN DR – LFT Flow Control Services 220 BROTHERS RD – SCOTT Buchanan Heights 305 W SECOND ST – LFT KEO Properties 2400 WALKER RD – LFT Brooke Point Family Apts 504 N PIERCE ST – LFT Women’s & Children’s Hospital 4600 AMB. CAFF. PKWY – LFT Diocese of Lafayette 1404 CARMEL – LFT Lafayette General Medical Ctr. 1214 COOLIDGE ST – LFT SEARS Home Appliance 4405 AMB. CAFF. PKWY – LFT

BANK WAREHOUSE/SHOP MEDICAL OFFICE MEDICAL OFFICE OFFICE BLDG APARTMENTS OFFICE BLDG WAREHOUSE/SHOP TOWNHOUSE OFFICE BLDG APARTMENTS MEDICAL OFFICE APARTMENTS HOSPITAL TENANT BUILD OUT

Value

$4,425,200 $229,318 $600,000 $400,000 $3,082,566 $3,100,000 $619,000 $220,000 $1,600,000 $2,000,000 $18,528,000 $352,000 $85,250 $776,000 $450,950

Proudly Serving South Louisiana LAFAYETTE / NEW IBERIA / LAKE CHARLES / JENNINGS

S tan dard-T i t le . com

20

PARISH NEWS

March 2019 Vol. 2 No. 1

COMMENTARY

BYE BYE BIRDIE! 7 Reasons E-scooters Should Be Banned

Opinion by: Flint Zerangue, Sr.

Oh Happy day!!! I was overjoyed to hear the news about LCG MayorPresident Joel Robideaux contacting the rent-a-ride e-scooter companies Bird and Lime to have their products removed from the streets of Lafayette.

In a letter to the companies, Robideaux made a request for a voluntary pause of their parish operations to allow the time needed to address current state law in regulating their use.

Wait a minute—aren’t shared mobility devices such as e-scooters the wave of the future? Aren’t they designed to ease transportation issues, save energy, bring more people downtown, etc… Hardly!

I’m not against e-scooters in general— they’re actually fun to ride. However, my opinion is that they have no place being scattered across our [my] community, and here’s why:

1

They are not legal to ride on public streets. Yet they are, and public officials have no true means of controlling it for now.

2

They create a HUGE liability risk for everyone and everything.

Don’t believe me? Ask your insurance

provider if you or your business could be sued and held liable if someone walks in front of your house or store and trips over a scooter making them fall...

3

E-scooters are not as environmentally friendly as you think.

Really? Every day or so each scooter needs to be charged—and how is that done? Trucks run around town picking them up (not ECOfriendly), bring them to a charging station where they are plugged in to an electrical socket—a socket that receives electricity from a coal, natural gas, or nuclear-powered generator.

4

E-scooters are powered by a lithium battery, the lifespan of which is quite short. Depending on the manufacturer, an e-scooter battery will need to be replaced every 300 to 1000 charges, which brings up an entirely different environmental problem—the disposal of lithium batteries.

5

E-scooters are not aesthetically appealing to our community. The City of Lafayette prides itself on being a clean city, and over the past decade has won multiple Clean City awards.

6

They block sidewalks and are trip hazards, which hinders pedestrian mobility—especially those with disabilities. (In November 2018, four Lafayette citizens, one of which was Mayor-President Joel Robideaux, received the Governor’s Outstanding Leadership in Disabilities (GOLD) Award in recognition of and to pay tribute to the achievements and dedication of individuals who have inspired positive change within the disability community.) Accommodating the scooters seem like a giant step backward.

7

There is no operational training available for users prior to hitting the streets, and that is a significant public safety issue.

I’ll spare you my thoughts on how much I dislike the apps being used to operate these scooters. I mean, if you are fine with sharing all of your personal information with a company who is most likely going to sell it to God knows who—well, that’s your business.

And that my friends, is why I’m happy to see them Geaux!!!

March 2019 Vol. 2 No. 1

PARISH NEWS

21

COMMENTARY

MARCH 2019 - VOL. 2 NO. 1 ONLINE: www.MyParishNews.com @MyParishNews www.facebook.com/ParishNews EDITORS DESK: Editor@MyParishNews.com NEWS DESK: News@MyParishNews.com ADVERTISING AND MARKETING: 337-456-5537 Info@MyParishNews.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS & RESEARCHERS: Erick Erickson, Dwayne Fatherree, Flint Zerangue, Savannah Ludwig, Ryan Borland, Scott Brazda, LEDA, Matt Doyle, Heidi Gettys CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: Flint Zerangue, A. B. Freeman School of Business at Tulane, Lafayette Convention and Visitors Commission, Brad Kemp LAYOUT & DESIGN: Greg Knight – W Knight Advertising & Design Face Media Group PUBLISHER: Flint Zerangue, Sr. Info@FaceAcadiana.com Parish News © 2019 All Rights Reserved.

Parish News is printed monthly and distributed free of charge throughout Acadiana. Direct mail subscriptions are available for a fee. For more information, visit MyParishNews.com or email: Info@MyParishNews.com (Subject: Subscription). No portion of this publication may be reproduced without prior written consent from the publisher. The acceptance and display of advertising does not constitute or imply endorsement.

PARISH NEWS is a tradename of Face Media Group LLC.

Face Media Group LLC P.O. Box 61096 Lafayette, LA 70596

SMALL BUSINESS MARKETING SOLUTIONS SIMPLIFIED ADVERTISING WEBSITES SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECT MAIL

Face Media Group LLC

337-456-5537 www.MyFaceMedia.com

SOCIAL MEDIA

IS PEOPLE

In the 1973 dystopian film “Soylent Green,” Detective Frank Thorn, played

by Charlton Heston, investigates the Soylent Corporation. The corporation produced Soylent Green, a wafer that was supposedly made of “high-energy plankton.” Turns out, as Thorn discovers in his investigation, Soylent Green was actually made of people.

In the present progressive dystopia where people are shamefully allowed to say whatever they want and anyone who supports President Donald Trump is a racist, the new high-energy staple of existence is social media.

It emboldens minority voices into thinking they are the majority. Through a little organization, they take on the likeness of a mob to scare businesses, governments and individuals.

The Achilles’ heel of the progressive movement is the willingness of the mob to turn on itself. One day you’re on the vanguard of intersectional feminism, and the next you’re a troglodyte “phobe” of some sort for not being willing to go that extra mile further into insanity. The progressive mob, when not shuttering Christian businesses and driving advertisers off Fox News, is very good at devouring itself.

That mob has set its sights now on social media, particularly Twitter and Facebook. Outraged that the other side might tweet heresies, they have turned to pressuring social media companies to ban the dissidents.

Complicit in helping the left is the American news industrial complex, which has never come to terms with both a loss of trust from its readers and a loss of revenue from the growth of online outlets. It first tried a pivot to fact-checking where it claimed any progressive myth was true and any conservative fact was false. A great example was the original fact-checking claim that Barack Obama was right.

If you liked your doctor, you would be able to keep your doctor, and any conservative who said otherwise was a lying liar telling lies. Then they walked that back.

When President Trump noted the number of illegal aliens coming into the United States who were charged with crimes. The media fact-checkers checked the facts and declared him wrong - because a good portion of those people were charged with crimes the media did not think qualified as crimes, e.g., illegal entry and re-entry into the United States. I wish I were making that up, but I’m not.

Once the fact-checking was exposed as an exercise in thought control, the progressive mob pivoted to video, where they would try to do informative propaganda. They circulated their videos on social media sites in hopes of boosting revenue. But Facebook decided to change its algorithms and media revenue declined.

It is no coincidence that the media has, ever since, unleashed a daily barrage of stories attacking Facebook and other social media sites. The media outlets became convinced Facebook could save them from themselves. But that failed. So, like scorned lovers, they decided to abuse their own public trust to smear and attack the company for failing to save media bottom lines. Hell hath no fury like a reporter who fails to generate enough clicks.

The progressive mob and media have turned on social media companies for daring to allow others with alternate views on their sites and for failing to save media companies from themselves.

Their litany of complaints include that senior citizens might share fake news; that fake news exists on these sites; that Facebook does not do enough to help its competitors; and a laundry list of other complaints all basically derived from

a common point - Facebook allows all sides on its platform.

But short of banning all other views except the left, Facebook cannot do what they want because Facebook, Twitter, Google and the like are all people. The reason fake news exists on these websites is because people believe lies and generate more. To fix the sites, the companies would have to ban everyone on the planet. Instead of insisting on wholesale overhauls, progressives and the media should do a better job of trying to coexist - like the bumper stickers on the backs of all their cars preach.

Social media companies cannot successfully regulate human behavior, but of course, the progressive mob and media are desperate for someone to do just that.

Erick Erickson is the Editor-in-Chief of RedState.com, the most widely read right-of-center blog on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. He is also is a Fox News contributor.

22

PARISH NEWS

March 2019 Vol. 2 No. 1

EVENTS AND ENTERTAINMENT LAFAYETTE PARISH

FEB 22 – KREWE DE CANAILLES WALKING PARADE. DOWNTOWN LAFAYETTE, 6:30 P.M. FEB 23 – CARENCRO MARDI GRAS PARADE. STARTS AT CARENCRO HIGH ENDS BY CARENCRO COMMUNITY CENTER. 11 A.M. 337-896-4147, CARENCROMARDIGRASASSOCIATION.COM. FEB 23 – KREWE OF CARNIVALE EN RIO MARDI GRAS PARADE. DOWNTOWN TO CAJUN FIELD, LAFAYETTE. 6:30 P.M. 337-984-6522, RIOLAFAYETTE.COM. FEB 23 – KREWE DES CHIENS. DOWNTOWN, LAFAYETTE. 2 P.M. 337-984-6522.

FEB 24 – COURIR DE MARDI GRAS - OLD-FASHION MARDI GRAS RUN. VERMILIONVILLE, 300 FISHER RD., LAFAYETTE. 337-233-4077, VERMILIONVILLE.ORG. FEB 24 – SCOTT MARDI GRAS PARADE. SCOTT. 1 P.M. 337-269-5155.

MAR 1-5 – LE FESTIVAL DE MARDI GRAS À LAFAYETTE. CAJUN FIELD, LAFAYETTE. CARNIVAL RIDES & GAMES, LIVE MUSIC, FOOD VENDORS, PARADES ROLL THROUGH FESTIVAL GROUNDS. TIMES VARY. 800-346-1958, GOMARDIGRAS.COM. MAR 2 – KREWE OF BONAPARTE MARDI GRAS PARADE. DOWNTOWN TO CAJUN FIELD, LAFAYETTE. 6:30 P.M. 800-346-1958, KREWEOFBONAPARTE.ORG. MAR 2 – CHILDREN’S PARADE. DOWNTOWN TO CAJUN FIELD, LAFAYETTE. 12:30 P.M. 800-346-1958, GOMARDIGRAS.COM. MAR 2 – YOUNGSVILLE MARDI GRAS PARADE. YOUNGSVILLE. PUBLIC WORKS BUILDING TO FOUNTAIN VIEW. 337-856-4181, YOUNGSVILLE.US. MAR 4 – QUEEN EVANGELINE’S PARADE. DOWNTOWN TO CAJUN FIELD, LAFAYETTE. 6 P.M. 800-346-1958, GOMARDIGRAS.COM. MAR 5 – MARDI GRAS SHOW AT CLARK FIELD. CLARK FIELD STADIUM, LAFAYETTE. MAR 5 – KING GABRIEL’S PARADE. DOWNTOWN TO CAJUN FIELD, LAFAYETTE. 10 A.M. 800-346-1958, GOMARDIGRAS.COM. MAR 5 – LAFAYETTE MARDI GRAS FESTIVAL PARADE. DOWNTOWN TO CAJUN FIELD, LAFAYETTE. 1 P.M. 800-346-1958, GOMARDIGRAS.COM. MAR 5 – TOWNSQUARE MEDIA INDEPENDENT PARADE. DOWNTOWN TO CAJUN FIELD, LAFAYETTE. 2:30 P.M. 337-237-1500, GOMARDIGRAS.COM. MAR 5 – SOUTHWEST MARDI GRAS ASSOCIATION PAGEANT & BALL. HEYMANN PERFORMING ARTS CENTER AND FREM F. BOUSTANY CONVENTION CENTER, 1373 S COLLEGE RD., LAFAYETTE. 337-291-5540, HEYMANNCENTER.COM.

ST. LANDRY PARISH

MAR 1-5 – EUNICE MARDI GRAS CELEBRATION. WALNUT & 2ND ST., EUNICE. 337-457-7389, CAJUNTRAVEL.COM. MAR 2 – SUNSET MARDI GRAS PARADE. OAK TREE PARK DR., SUNSET. 337-322-5374, CAJUNTRAVEL.COM. MAR 1-3 – LIL NATE’S L’ARGENT TAILRIDE, CHICKEN RUN & PARADE. YAMBILEE ARENA, 1939 W LANDRY ST., OPELOUSAS. 337-319-0639, CAJUNTRAVEL.COM. MAR 2-3 – CAJUN COURIR DE MARDI GRAS RUN. SADDLE TRAMP CLUB HOUSE, 1036 E EBEY ST., DOWNTOWN CHURCH POINT. 877-7832109, CHURCHPOINTMARDIGRAS.COM. MAR 3 – EUNICE LIL’ MARDI GRAS. 461 SITTIG ST., EUNICE. 337-457-7389, CAJUNTRAVEL.COM. MAR 4 – LUNDI GRAS BOUCHERIE. LAKEVIEW PARK & BEACH, 1717 VETERANS MEMORIAL HWY., EUNICE. 337-457-2881, CAJUNTRAVEL.COM. MAR 5 – COURIR DE MARDI GRAS & CHICKEN RUN. 501 SAMUEL DR., EUNICE. 7 A.M.-4 P.M. 337-580-3365, CAJUNTRAVEL.COM. MAR 5 – OPELOUSAS IMPERIAL MARDI GRAS PARADE. PARADE RUNS DOWN EAST LANDRY, TURN LEFT ON LIBERTY AND TRAVEL BACK UP VINE STREET OPELOUSAS. 337-308-8444. CAJUNTRAVEL.COM.

IBERIA PARISH

FEB 9 – BAYOU MARDI GRAS PARADE. NEW IBERIA. FAMILY STYLED MARDI GRAS CELEBRATION, ON THE BANKS OF THE BAYOU TECHE ON HISTORIC MAIN ST., 6:30-8:30 P.M. 337-367-2844, BAYOUMARDIGRAS.COM. FEB 25 – KREWE OF EZANA JEANERETTE MARDI GRAS PARADE. CANAL, MLK & MAIN ST., JEANERETTE. 1 P.M. 337-255-9539, IBERIATRAVEL.COM. MAR 1-4 – GRAND MARAIS MARDI GRAS DANCES. MON AMI, 7304 E HWY. 90, JEANERETTE, FRI.-SAT. 9 P.M.-2 A.M., SUN. 7 P.M.-12 A.M., MON. 9 P.M.-2 A.M. COSTUME JUDGING AT 11 P.M. FRI-SAT., AND AT 10 P.M. SUN-MON. ADMISSION FEE. 337-365-8655, FACEBOOK.COM/MONAMI.GRANDMARAIS. MAR 3 – GRAND MARAIS MARDI GRAS CHILDREN’S DANCE. MON AMI, 7304 E HWY. 90, JEANERETTE, 3-6 P.M., COSTUME JUDGING AT 4:30 P.M. WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED AND WILL RIDE IN THE PARADE. ADMISSION FEE. 337-365-8655, FACEBOOK.COM/MONAMI.GRANDMARAIS. MAR 5 – GRAND MARAIS MARDI GRAS PARADE. HWY 90 E AT COLLEGE RD., JEANERETTE. 11 A.M.-4 P.M. 337-365-8185, IBERIATRAVEL.COM. MAR 5 – KREWE OF COTEAU MARDI GRAS PARADE. FRANCIS ROMERO MEMORIAL PARK & LA 88, COTEAU. 1 P.M. 337-577-5099, IBERIATRAVEL.COM. MAR 5 – FAMILY AFFAIR MARDI GRAS PARADE. MAIN ST., LOREAUVILLE. 2 P.M. 337-229-6001, IBERIATRAVEL.COM. ST. MARTIN PARISH MAR 2 – ROTARY CLUB MARDI GRAS BALL. CADE COMMUNITY CENTER, 1688 SMEDE HWY., ST. MARTINVILLE. 337-394-2233, STMARTINVILLE.ORG. MAR 3 – HENDERSON MARDI GRAS PARADE. HENDERSON. STARTS AT PICARD’S AUTO PARTS ON THE HENDERSON HWY. 352 ENDING AT HENDRY GUIDRY PARK AT THE END OF AMY ST. 12:30 P.M. MAR 3 – NEWCOMERS CLUB MARDI GRAS FESTIVAL. ST. MARTINVILLE CITY FAIRGROUNDS. STMARTINVILLE.ORG.

ACADIA PARISH

FEB 23 – MERMENTAU COVE COURIR DE MARDI GRAS DE L’ANSE. 1174 LAFOSSE RD., MORSE. TRADITIONAL RUN DOWN THE BACK ROADS OF MERMENTAU COVE MAKING SEVERAL STOPS INCLUDING PRIVATE HOMES AND ISTRE CEMETERY. DAY ENDS WITH A FAIS DO-DO AND GUMBO. 337-356-6045, ACADIATOURISM.ORG. MAR 2 – RAYNE MARDI GRAS PARADE & CELEBRATION. GOSSEN MEMORIAL PARK, 206 FROG FESTIVAL DR., RAYNE. 337-334-2332, ACADIATOURISM.ORG. MAR 2 – CHURCH POINT CHILDREN’S COURIR DE MARDI GRAS. 1036 E EBEY-SADDLE TRAMP HOUSE, CHURCH POINT. BEGINS 8:30 A.M. DOWNTOWN FOR PARADE AT 12:30 P.M. AWARDS AT 1 P.M. 337-684-2026, ACADIATOURISM.ORG. MAR 3 – CHURCH POINT COURIR DE MARDI GRAS. 1036 E EBEYSADDLE TRAMP HOUSE, CHURCH POINT. COURIR BEGINS AT 8 A.M. AND ENDS DOWNTOWN FOR A PARADE AT 1:30 P.M. 337-684-2026, ACADIATOURISM.ORG. MAR 5 – TEE MAMOU-IOTA MARDI GRAS FOLKLIFE FESTIVAL. DOWNTOWN, IOTA. 8 A.M.-5 P.M. 337-523-6557, IOTAMARDIGRAS.COM. MAR 5 – CARNIVAL D’ACADIE (MARDI GRAS). DOWNTOWN, CROWLEY. FAIR, LIVE MUSIC AND STREET DANCE, COSTUME CONTESTS, PARADE. 337-783-0821, ACADIATOURISM.ORG.

EVANGELINE PARISH

MAR 5 – MAMOU MARDI GRAS. DOWNTOWN, MAMOU. 337-468-3175.

VERMILION PARISH

MAR 5 – KREWE CHIC-A-LA-PIE MARDI GRAS PARADE. DOWNTOWN, KAPLAN. 337-643-6554.

March 2019 Vol. 2 No. 1

PARISH NEWS

I SHOULD PROBABLY GET A RIDE HOME. BUZZED DRIVING IS DRUNK DRIVING

23

24

PARISH NEWS

March 2019 Vol. 2 No. 1

BUSINESS & INDUSTRY COMMUNITY AFFAIRS COMMENTARY EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Reach your target audience!

Watch for our Top Businesses in Acadiana feature coming soon.

Stay up to date with news and commentary at MyParishNews.com

@ParishNews

@MyParishNews