Keith Frank Draws Crowd

BOBBY ARDOIN

Editor/Consulting Writer

Threats of inclement weather and high winds didn’t deter a large crowd from gathering at the St. Landry Parish Ag Arena Tuesday to listen and dance at the third annual Mardi Gras On The Square concert featuring Keith Frank and the Soileau Zydeco Band.

Originally set for the Courthouse Square on Court Street, the concert was moved to the newly-renovated Ag Arena venue due to the weather threats that intensified following the completion of the Opelousas Imperial Mardi Gras parade that ended on the Yambilee parking lot.

Those attending the event were also treated to food, arts and crafts as vendors set up at the concert site.

Parish president Jessie Bellard, who orchestrated the annual event, said that expansion of the arena with an enlarged band stand and large dancing area, was suitable for the large number of people who crowded into the facility to listen to the popular Zydeco band which formed over a decade ago.

“We have the facilities now to entertain people in our parish and provide an entertainment-type of atmosphere. That’s always been one of the objectives of my administration. We want people to enjoy themselves. This is their parish and we want to enrich their lives with entertainment and opportunities to hear our local artists such as Keith Frank,” Bellard said.

Bellard said his administration employees did a good job of moving the event over to the arena and providing the necessary arrangements for the band and the crowd that attended.

SLP Sher

March 6, 2025

Wayland Joseph Guillory, B/M, age 37, 108 Raceway Street, Carencro, LA., 70520, Domestic abuse battery (child
endangerment). Arrested by Opelousas Police Department.
Patrick Dwayne Bryant, B/M, age 48, 622 Sapphire Street, Opelousas, LA., 70570, Bench warrant, non-support (2
counts). Arrested by St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Patrick Dwayne Bryant, B/M, age 48, 622 Sapphire Street, Opelousas, LA., 70570, Probation / parole violation. Arrested
by Louisiana State Probation and Parole.
Justin John Slocum, W/M, age 37, 2333 Hemlock Drive, Opelousas, LA., 70570, Domestic abuse battery (strangulation).
Arrested by Opelousas Police Department.
Wilfred Wayne Clark, B/M, age 50, 214 Halfway House Road, Arnaudville, LA., 70512, Probation / parole violation.
Arrested by Louisiana State Probation and Parole.
Mark Devonte Ratliff, B/M, age 31, 1371 Nash Drive, Apt. #43, Opelousas, LA., 70570, Bench warrant (2 counts).
Arrested by St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Noah Soileau, W/M, age 22, 1710 Yukon Street, Eunice, LA., 70535, Aggravated second degree battery. Arrested by
Eunice Police Department.
Darieus Markel Lewis, B/M, age 20, 1330 Rose Street, Eunice, LA., 70535, Public possession of alcoholic beverages, flight
from an officer, illegal possession of a firearm on premises of alcoholic beverage outlet, illegal carrying of a firearm used
in the commission of a crime of violence, aggravated assault with a firearm (2 counts). Arrested by Eunice Police
Department.
Jai Tremayne Guillory, B/M, age 21, 410 Eula Street, Eunice, LA., 70535, Domestic abuse battery with a dangerous
weapon, improper telephone communications, illegal possession of a firearm on premises of alcoholic beverage outlet,
introduction of contraband into a penal institution. Arrested by Eunice Police Department.
This is Sheriff Bobby J. Guidroz, and this concludes our report. All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty
in a court of law.