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5 p.m. Festival features food, Cajun, zydeco and swamp pop music, carnival rides, arts and crafts, and a beauty pageant.

Joseph "Gabe" Sonnier, a longtime school janitor at Port Barre, Louisiana elementary school, was named the school's next principal Friday by the Saint Landry School Board.

The 28-year-old event has become the major fundraiser for the Port Barre Lions Club, drawing thousands to the town.

A debate over the status of Melville Mayor Willie Haynes, who draws a salary from the St. Landry Parish School District though he no longer works for the district, could be settled today.

A Union Pacific train carrying hazardous chemicals hit a soybean truck in Port Barre Tuesday, but little damage was done and none of the hazardous material was spilled.

St. Landry Parish food pantries and shelters are looking to restock their shelves for families in need this holiday season.

* Kevin Tyler, 25, 719 Market St., Opelousas, possession with intent to distribute schedule I drugs, possession of drug paraphernalia and resisting an officer.

Now that voters have approved the Smooth Ride Home proposal, the fate of the parish's existing special taxing districts dedicated to roads is being called into question.

They disappeared and left loved ones behind. Most have been missing for years. Some have been missing for decades.

Two students and a teacher at Port Barre Elementary School are sporting new pinkie cut hairstyles lately, but it isn't part of a new fashion trend.

St. Landry Parish is experiencing its first serious brush with old man winter this year, and residents are urged to take precautions as temperatures fall below freezing.

Nearby residents no longer need to drive to Port Barre to get into the Bayou Teche.

The annual Foodnet Food For Families drive will be Wednesday and those who can are urged to give generously.

The Third annual Port Barre Christmas Parade will roll Saturday, and organizers are calling on everyone to take part.

Volunteer workers wrapped up in heavy coats and gloves against the cold Wednesday as food came in by the ton to help those in need as part of this year's Food for Families Drive.

The first of four public meetings about the Bayou Teche Paddle Trail will be held tonight in Port Barre, and the public is urged to attend.

A food drive to benefit the working poor and others will be held in Port Barre on Friday, and residents are urged to give generously.

7 p.m. Cost of admission is your "most favorite" dish for contribution to communal dinner.

Plans for a canoe and kayak trail along Bayou Teche are moving forward, with two meetings planned in January to give the public a chance to weigh in on the project.

The Federal Highway Administration awarded an $83,447 grant to the Center for Louisiana Studies.

Things to do

Louisiana man goes from janitor to principal

Cracklin Festival wraps up 28th year

School board members question appointment of Port Barre principal

Train clips bean truck in Port Barre

Food For Families drive is Dec. 11

Police beat

Council debates road districts

Website spotlights those missing from Acadiana

Teacher and students donate to Locks of Love

Freezing weather expected tonight

Boat launch, veteran's plaque dedicated in Leonville

Food For Families drive seeking donations

Entries sought for Port Barre's holiday parade

Food For Families Drive gathers food for thousands

Bayou Teche Paddle Trail meeting set for 6 p.m. today in Port Barre

Port Barre will hold food drive on Friday

Things To Do

Bayou Teche canoe, kayak trail plans moving forward

Federal Highway Administration awards grant for Louisiana canoe, kayak project