News

BATON ROUGE, La. — LSU AgCenter researchers have confirmed the presence of a new invasive insect in Louisiana sugarcane fields. The pasture mealybug was detected in Vermilion and Iberia parishes late last year, raising concerns among growers, ranchers and researchers.
Blake Wilson, AgCenter entomologist, said the insect was observed by crop consultants Nick Daigle and Ryan Viator, who noticed a yellowing canopy in commercial sugarcane fields. AgCenter researchers collected specimens from the Vermilion Parish fields.

A new addition was unveiled at the Martin Luther King Jr. Stump Service on Monday.
A three-foot-high marble ‘Stump Speech Memorial’ now stands beside the aging stump, featuring an inscription that explains the tree’s significance to the community.
“This stump symbolizes the enduring struggles for equality, justice, and peace. Although the tree is no longer, its roots remain strong, just as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Message of Love, Hope, and Perseverance continues to inspire generations.”
Councilman At Large Carlton Campbell of Abbeville created the monument.

ERATH – The town of Erath still has not chosen a new fire chief after two attempts.
The town’s ordinance says the Erath mayor must submit one of three candidates for fire chief.
Volunteer firefighters give the mayor two names, and honorary volunteer firefighters submit one name as well.
After the mayor submits a name, the aldermen vote on that nomination. If they do not approve the choice, the mayor is expected to submit another name, or so the aldermen believed.