Local

This truck not only had a wide load, but it had a tall load, as it demonstrated when it snagged the Christmas lights strung across Main Street in front of the First Baptist Church Friday morning. Another vehicle had minor damage in the accident, but there were no injuries.

Ville Platte Mayor Jennifer Vidrine counted 40 trees on display at city hall, some small table-top trees and some prize winning trees, like the one decorated by LSU alumni and fans.

Pine Prairie held its first Toys for Tots drive this year, with help from the Mamou Police Department, who conducted the Toys for Tots drive in their community.

Rev. Dr. Richard J. Bradley, pastor of Mt.

Mamou Police Department employees hand out toys Thursday, December 19, in the rear of the police station to a Mamou resident. People donated enough toys through this year’s Toys for Tots drive to make this a happy Christmas for about 200 children.

Teachers at Mamou Elementary School were recently awarded educational grants for their classrooms. All teachers pictured above received 2013 REAP Grants (Rural Educational Achievement Program).

The Evangeline Parish Police Jury, during a special meeting on Monday, December 16, voted to double the amount budgeted for repairs to the parish jail that are mandated by the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals.

Chataignier residents who remain delinquent in paying their sewer bills after the beginning of February face having their water service turned off until they pay a $25 reconnection fee.

The Turkey Creek Christmas parade started rolling through town at noon on Saturday, December 14, and ended up at Drouet Park, where the Third Annual Christmas in the Village took place.

Santa Claus has been listening to youngsters about what they want for Christmas and asking them if they've been good this year. Here, he talks to Head Start children on Monday, December 16, as Ville Platte Mayor Jennifer Vidrine looks on.