A pair of St. Landry Parish Gold Star mothers, whose sons were killed in combat, was recognized during a Tuesday afternoon ceremony hosted by the Opelousas Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
People
Happy Mother’s Day!
Happy Mother’s Day from St. Landry Now!
Local Author Schedules Friday Appearances
New York Times Best-Selling editor, author, publisher Lavaille Lavette will be recognized on the floors of the House and Senate today. Lavette is a native of Opelousas, Louisiana.
June 3rd Father’s Day Walk and Fun Day in the Park
Please check the flyer for information about the upcoming Father’s Day Walk and Fun Day set for June 3, 2023.
Mini-Documentary Film Chronicles Histories of Orphan Train Riders
What are the future plans for a now publicly-released, mini-documentary film that chronicles the histories of Orphan Train infants who arrived in Louisiana during the first part of the 20th century?
Northwest High Grad Prepares For Educating Others
Jordan Guillory learned a lot about himself on his journey to becoming an educator and he leaves Northwestern State University with a desire to improve upon himself, build community and make a positive impact on his students.
The Orphan Train Comes To Opelousas
Opelousas was buzzing with excitement and anticipation in April of 1907. Local citizens, especially those who had agreed to accept a child, were awaiting the arrival of the first group of New York orphans.
“Louisiana Orphan Trains – The Untold Story” Documentary Screening
On Wednesday, May 3 at the Delta Grand Theatre in downtown Opelousas, a special screening of “Louisiana Orphan Trains – The Untold Story” will take place.
Yvonne Normand, St. Landry Community Volunteer is Awarded District 6200 Rotary Governor’s Cup
Congratulations to Yvonne Normand, Past District Governor, for receiving the prestigious Governor’s Cup Award at the District 6200 Rotary Convention held April 21 – 23 in Lafayette.
Cleco Celebrates Employees for Line Mechanic Appreciation Day
April 18, 2023 – Cleco joins electrical companies across the nation to
celebrate National Line Mechanic Appreciation Day.
Port Barre Elementary Act of Kindness Day Hair Donation
Port Barre Elementary students and 4th Grade Teacher Sarah Keys participated in a hair donation ceremony for children diagnosed with cancer as an act of kindness for PBE’s Act of Kindness Day on April 5th.
Port Barre High School Honors Former Football Coach and Local Legend
A local legend, William E. Duplechain, AKA ‘Coach Dup’ was honored by Port Barre High School.
Women of Opelousas – Mamie Camella “Cam” Johnson Leach
Opelousas lost a good citizen in September of 2003 when Cam Leach passed away. I knew Cam and considered her a good friend.
Women of Opelousas – Marie Magdalena Esprit/Lemelle Simien
As a Free Woman of Color, Marie Magdalena Esprit/Lemelle Simien played an important role in the story of Opelousas, St. Landry Parish and Louisiana.
Women of Opelousas – Muriel Boswell Thompson
Born on August 30, 1929, Muriel was the daughter of Rev. Cephas and Amelia Boswell. Growing up in Opelousas, she attended the St. Landry Training School, graduating from there with honors.
The Women of Opelousas – Edith Garland Dupré
Continuing with our articles on the Women of Opelousas for National Women’s History Month, today’s story focuses on a special woman from our city who made a big difference in higher education in our state.
Women of Opelousas – Marian Rose Smith
As we continue the series on the Women of Opelousas, today we share the story of a local nurse who served the Opelousas community for many years. Her name was Marian Rose Smith.
Five Honored By Parish Democratic Party
Five honorees were presented with honorary lifetime achievement awards by the St. Landry Parish Democratic Party during ceremonies held Thursday night at the Opelousas Civic Center.
Women of Opelousas – Dorothy Mornhinveg Laas
During the mid 1800s to early 1900s Mrs. Dorothy Mornhinveg Laas.was among the most successful business owners in Opelousas.
Women of Opelousas – Agatha Dupre Lafleur
As we continue with stories about the amazing women of Opelousas for National Women’s History Month, today I want to share the story of a woman who is so special to me. My grandmother, Agatha Dupre Lafleur.
Women of Opelousas – Effie Dimmick Hollier
This week, on Thursday, March 16th the Opelousas Woman’s Club is holding a celebration for National Women’s History Month, a celebration of women’s contributions to history, culture and society. One of those who did just that in Opelousas was Effie Dimmick Hollier, the first president of the Opelousas Woman’s Club. This is her story.
Women of Opelousas – Rachel Fergerson Gradenigo
During colonial times women in Louisiana had more rights than women in other areas of the US.
Women of Opelousas – Barbara Ann Giesen Perrault
As we celebrate National Women’s History Month this year, we want to remember a special woman of Opelousas who did so much for the community and the parish.
Women of Opelousas – Manon Baldwin
March is National Women’s History Month. During this month St. Landry Now will publish tidbits of history on the amazing women of Opelousas and St. Landry Parish. Today the focus is on Manon Baldwin, an early Opelousas businesswoman who has a corner in the heart of the old village named for her.
Lifetime Washington Resident Treated To 100th Birthday Party
Although Frederick Robert Bailey had his 100th birthday recognized by a governor’s proclamation and congratulations from many Town of Washington residents, he seemingly treated the occasion with an appearance of nonchalance.
Ambassador James Alfred Joseph (March 12, 1935 – February 17, 2023)
Please see the obituary from the family of Opelousas native Ambassador James Alfred Joseph.
Ambassador James Joseph Has Passed Away
Please click to see the following note from the family of Opelousas native Ambassador James Joseph.
Annual OGHS Gala Event Recognizes Medical Legends
Legendary Opelousas General Hospital Health System professionals that included a family physician, two specialists, nurse and guest representative were recognized Friday night during a fifth annual gala event held at Evangeline Downs.
Guillory Announces For Lieutenant Governor
Former Senator Elbert Guillory will formally announce his candidacy for Lieutenant Governor of Louisiana on Thursday, February 9th at 3:30pm.
Religious Leaders Explain Their Faiths At Museum Event
Thursday night inside the Opelousas Museum and Interpretive Center representatives from three of the world’s monotheistic religions – Islam, Christianity and Judaism – explained the basic tenets of their faiths.
Drug Court Graduates Stories
The 12 newest graduates of the St. Landry Parish Adult Drug and Specialty Court program this week have had their criminal charges dismissed, but what happens to them now that they now are free from prosecution?
McNeese Set To Retire Jersey of John Rudd
John Rudd, a McNeese Sports Hall of Fame basketball player and one of the greatest rebounders in school and Southland Conference history, will have his No. 52 retired on Saturday prior to the Cowboys’ conference game against Houston Christian University.
Opelousas General Health System Selects Hall of Fame Inductees
Gina Bradley Tuttle, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, has announced that five individuals have been selected to be inducted into the Opelousas General Health System Hall of Fame.
That’s One Kool Kid
Macaroni KID would like to introduce our current Kool Kid, Landry S., who is a Kindergartener at Port Barre Elementary.
Photo from the Past – Family of Dr. Armand Lafleur c. 1905
Photo from the Past is the family of Dr. Armand Lafleur (December 19, 1871 – July 11, 1939) and Mary Evelyn (Mamie) Fontenot Lafleur (June 20, 1879 – December 16, 1868). (Photograph courtesy of Tommy Lafleur)
$200,000 IN HEALTH GRANTS FOR RURAL COMMUNITIES NOW AVAILABLE
Addressing Systemic Inequities to Reduce Tobacco (ASIRT), a program of Louisiana Public Health Institute (LPHI) is seeking to engage local community leaders, organizations, and residents in Black, rural communities (Ferriday, Jonesville, Lake Providence, Tallulah, Bastrop, Delhi, Opelousas, Kentwood, St. Joseph, and Newellton) to work towards addressing systemic inequities that drive high rates of tobacco use.
Veterans Day Salute: Highly Decorated Opelousas Veteran Flew 50 Missions in World War II
Editor’s note: The following story about the World War II experiences of U.S. Army Air Corps Capt. and longtime Opelousas resident Wilfred L. Smith is being told through his own wartime photographs, several newspaper articles from 1943 and personal letters discovered about 12 years ago just before his military remembrances packed into garbage bags on an Opelousas street corner, were destined for the parish landfill.
Photo from the Past – 1917 Church Point Catholic School 1st Graduates
The first graduates from Our Lady of Sacred Heart School in Church Point, LA pictured on their graduation day, June 20, 1917
Steve Duhon Day Is Celebrated Without The Boudin
If Steve Duhon could have made a wish, everyone in St. Landry Parish would have had a chance to eat unlimited helpings of free boudin.
