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Local News

United Way Honors Women

April 17, 2026
 United Way Honors Women BOBBY ARDOIN St. Landry Now.com Editor As Madelyn Rosette and Sahari Sawtelle accepted their Evangeline-St. Landry United Way Women With Heart awards on Friday afternoon, both of them acknowledged the assistance they  received for the numerous civic-minded projects they have undertaken  Rosette and Sawtelle told the large noon-day crowd at the Louisiana Equine Sales & Events Center that their personal religious faiths have also played significant roles as they spearhead community involvement projects involving youths and adults. Opelousas native Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, CEO of Feeding America, was the guest speaker for the event whose proceeds will help support the Dolly Parton Reading Library, the major two-parish reading initiative which has been a major United Way project in each parish. The United Way Board of Directors presented outgoing executive director Ginger LeCompte with a commemorative award. Madelyn Rosette Rosette, who serves as the executive director for CASA Evangeline-St. Landry, compared…
Local News

Community Conversations

April 17, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Community Conversations Where We Live: Opelousas Neighborhoods WHAT:            Community Conversations WHEN:            Tuesday, April 21, 2026 TIME:               5:30 – 7 p.m. WHERE:           Opelousas Museum CONTACT:       Patrice Melnick 337-948-2589; museum@cityofopelousas.com Let’s gather to talk about neighborhoods.  Opelousas neighborhoods have colorful names and a rich history.  They are places where families gather and children play. On April 21, you are invited to share your stories and to listen to those of others.  Perhaps you want to describe what it was like growing up in Brickyard.  Or maybe you want to tell about a favorite store in The Hill.  You’ll be invited to share stories of people and activities, past and present as we strive to preserve the rich history and culture of Opelousas Neighborhoods. Feel free to bring snacks to share, food that reminds you of home. The Community Conversations takes place among the photo exhibit, Where We Live: Opelousas Neighborhoods.  The exhibit…
Local News

OGH Honors Legends

April 17, 2026
 OGH Honors Legends BOBBY ARDOIN St. Landry Now.com Editor Five former Opelousas General Hospital staff members who were remembered for their compassionate and dedicated healthcare service for over three decades, were honored Thursday night during an annual gala event held at Evangeline Downs. Three legendary physicians – Dr. White Owen III, Dr. Creighton Shute and Dr. Richard Tate – were recognized along with longtime lab technician Debbie Clary Deshotel and nurse Liler Florence, who was described by her co-workers as an angel in disguise. Gina Tuttle, OGH board chairperson and chairperson for the OGH Foundation Board of Directors, said the five honorees were reminders that OGH has served patients since the 1950’s. “Those that we honor tonight are five incredible individuals who became an integral part of our history and part of our mission to provide excellent health care,” Tuttle told the crowd estimated at 300. Hospital CEO Lance Armentor reminded those…
Local News

Clerk Of Court Explains Primaries

April 16, 2026
A MESSAGE FROM CLERK OF COURT CHARLES JAGNEAUX  WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT THE MAY 16TH ELECTION  Our election system was changed to a party primary system for federal candidates by the legislature in 2025.  Your party registration will determine whether you can vote in the Republican primary or the Democratic primary.  If you are registered as a Democrat, you can only vote for the  Democratic candidate of your choice.  If you are a registered Republican you can only vote for the  Republican candidate of your choice.  If you are registered as "no Party" or "unaffiliated voter" you must fill out a "Declaration of Ballot Choice" at the voting location and  choose which party primary you want to vote in.  If you only want to vote on the local issues you do not have to fill out  the Declaration of Ballot Choice.  Early voting dates are: May 2nd thru 9th at…
Local News

Sunset Man Convicted

April 16, 2026
SUNSET MAN CONVICTED, 2ND DEGREE MURDER  Late Wednesday afternoon, a St. Landry Parish jury returned a verdict finding Jakyri Mykel Altrevan Paddio guilty of Second-Degree Murder. Paddio was 17 at the time. The shooting death stemmed from a verbal altercation on August 5, 2022, on East Martin Luther King Drive in Sunset. The victim, Jeremy Chaisson (21), was sitting on his porch when Paddio shot him in the chest. Despite medical treatment, Chaisson died just a few hours later. Both the victim and Paddio were from Sunset, Louisiana.  Assistant District Attorney Katie Ryan prosecuted this case and made clear to the jury the evidence of guilt was overwhelming.  Louisiana law provides that Second Degree Murder carries mandatory life imprisonment at hard labor. However, because of his age at the time of the crime, Paddio will have the opportunity to apply for parole after serving twenty-five years of his hard labor…
Local News

Law Enforcement Searching For Escapee

April 16, 2026
Press Release: April 16, 2026 Inmate Escapes From Behavioral Health Center During Transport WANTED:Michael Jerome Vavasseur, 34 years old139 Pinecrest LoopSunset, LA 70584CHARGES:Simple Escape Sheriff Bobby J. Guidroz reports, “On 4/15/2026, Michael Vavasseur was being transported bythe STOA Behavioral Health staff from Baton Rouge to the St. Landry Parish Jail. When thevehicle came to East Landry Street and Wallior Street, Vavasseur had removed one hand fromhis restraints and bailed out of the van.” Sheriff Guidroz continues, “Vavasseur is considereddangerous and unpredictable. If you see him DO NOT APPROACH, contact local authoritiesat once. He was last seen in the neighborhoods behind Lowe’s, wearing a grey t-shirt and greyshorts. He was in leg restraints and still had one hand restrained at his waist. The St. LandryParish Sheriff’s Office is working with the Opelousas Police Department in the apprehension ofVavasseur. Any assistance from the public would be greatly appreciated.”Anyone with additional information about…
Local News

OPD Searches For Escapee

April 16, 2026
ESCAPED INMATE – PUBLIC SAFETY ALERT  The Opelousas Police Department is actively searching for an escaped inmate identified as 34-year-old Michael Vavasseur. Vavasseur escaped from custody at approximately 3:30 PM while being transported from STOA Behavioral Health back to the St. Landry Parish Jail. During transport, he was able to partially free himself from restraints and fled from the vehicle near the intersection of U.S. Highway 190 and Wallior Street. He was last seen in the area of Cenla Street and High Street wearing a gray t-shirt and gray shorts.  Vavasseur is considered dangerous due to prior violent offenses. DO NOT APPROACH.  Anyone who sees Vavasseur or has information on his whereabouts is urged to immediately contact the Opelousas Police Department at (337) 948-2500 or call 911. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to St. Landry Crime Stoppers at (337) 948-TIPS (8477). This is an active and ongoing situation. Additional…
Local News

Handling Nightclub Issues

April 15, 2026
 Handling Nightclub Issues BOBBY ARDOIN St. Landry Now.com Editor Residential relief might occur soon for some Opelousas residents who are complaining about noise and property intrusion issues created by the activities from late-night patrons of a popular neighborhood nightclub. Solving the problem is now placed in the hands of city police after Mayor Julius Alsandor told Chief Graig LeBlanc on Tuesday night to devise better departmental planning that allows the club to operate, while providing nocturnal relief from those living near the establishment.. The Opelousas Board of Aldermen item which requested a discussion among LeBlanc and residents near the bar called “The Back,” was originally scheduled to be deleted from the meeting agenda. However, alderwoman Sherrell Roberts asked to restore the discussion item to the agenda, since several residents living along Foster and Blanchard streets near the bar were attending the meeting in order to have their concerns addressed. Residents who spoke…
Local News

OPD Looks For Teen

April 15, 2026
OR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Opelousas Police DepartmentProtection Through Service MISSING JUVENILE / WARRANT ISSUED  The Opelousas Police Department is currently requesting the public’s assistance in locating a missing juvenile, Mariah Tieuel age 13. Mariah was last seen on April 7, 2026, in the Opelousas area. She is believed to be in the company of her mother, Heather Leeann Todd. An arrest warrant has been issued for Heather Leeann Todd in connection with Interference with the Custody of a Child (Felony). During the course of the incident, authorities were advised that the juvenile was to be taken into custody by child welfare services. However, Heather Todd left the location with the child and has not been located since. Possible vehicle to be on the lookout for is a 2006 Toyota RAV 4, white is color. TAG Number: 553HXB. At this time, Mariah Tieuel has been entered into the system as a runaway, and efforts are ongoing to…
Local News

OPD Investigate Bus Incident

April 15, 2026
RAFFIC INCIDENT INVOLVING SCHOOL BUS  On April 13, 2026, the Opelousas Police Department responded to a traffic crash involving a school bus and a City of Opelousas vehicle at the intersection of I-49 South Service Road and Laurent Street. Preliminary investigation revealed that a City vehicle (Ford truck) traveling eastbound on Laurent Street failed to yield while attempting to enter the Service Road to travel northbound. As the vehicle entered the roadway, it struck the passenger side of a school bus that was traveling southbound on the I-49 South Service Road. At the time of the crash, there were five (5) students on the school bus. No injuries were reported at the scene. However, one student was later transported to a local hospital as a precaution after being shaken up by the incident. The Opelousas Police Department is continuing to investigate this matter. Chief Graig LeBlanc and the Opelousas Police…

 

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