8-28-19
I-ten westbound on the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge remains closed after a crash Monday afternoon involving five 18-wheelers. Louisiana State Police initially reported no fatalities as a result of Monday’s wreck, however, one body was later discovered on the scene, 31-year-old Christopher McGee, of Youngstown, Florida, who was driving a truck that became engulfed in flames. There is currently no time frame on when the roadway will reopen as transportation crews are continuing to clean up debris at the scene. Transportation officials say inspection of the bridge could happen as early as this morning.
“I Voted” stickers are returning to every Louisiana polling place for the fall elections, created by a local Cajun artist and featuring a pelican wearing a crown centered in a rendition of the state seal. Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin unveiled the new sticker Tuesday with the Lafayette artist Tony Benard. The stickers will be available for the Oct. 12 primary and Nov. 16 runoff elections, and during early voting. The secretary of state’s office first introduced a statewide sticker during the 2016 presidential election, featuring Louisiana’s famous “Blue Dog” by artist George Rodrigue.
TWO U-S IMMIGRATIONS AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT DETAINEES HAVE ESCAPED FROM A DETENTION CENTER IN ALLEN PARISH AND ARE BELIEVED TO NO LONGER BE IN THE PARISH. THE TWO MEN, 40-YEAR-OLD YURDEL RODRIGUES-MARQUES FROM CUBA AND 25-YEAR-OLD SELVIN PONCE-MARIDIEGA FROM HONDURAS, WERE DETAINED FOR BEING IN THE COUNTRY ILLEGALLY. THE MEN WERE DISCOVERED MISSING FROM A DETENTION CENTER BEHIND THE ALLEN PARISH JAIL AT AROUND MIDNIGHT MONDAY NIGHT. IT’S BELIEVED THE MEN WERE PICKED UP BY TWO WOMEN IN THE TOPSY AREA AFTER THE ESCAPE.
A RAYNE MAN IS IN JAIL AND A POLICE OFFICER IS RECOVERING AFTER A SHOOTING LATE MONDAY NIGHT. CAROLINE MARCELLO REPORTS.
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President Donald Trump has approved a major disaster declaration request for areas in Louisiana affected by Hurricane Barry. Barry made landfall near Intracoastal City on July 13 as a Category 1 storm, however, some rain and wind started impacting coastal areas of the state as early as July 10. Gov. John Bel Edwards thanked the administration for supporting the state as it continues to make progress from flooding from Barry that hit southeast and southwest Louisiana to central Louisiana. The declaration, announced Tuesday, will make federal funding available to seven parishes including Allen, Iberia, St. Mary, and Vermilion parishes, for all categories of public assistance.
A TRANSITION COMMITTEE FOR THE NEW LAFAYETTE CITY AND PARISH COUNCILS HELD THEIR FIRST MEETING LAST NIGHT. THE CITY AND PARISH COUNCILS WILL BE SPLITTING UP NEXT YEAR AND THE COMMITTEE WILL COME UP WITH RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE NEW COUNCILS. HAVING TWO COUNCILS WILL PRESENT NEW CHALLENGES INCLUDING PASSING A NEW BUDGET THAT BOTH COUNCILS HAVE TO AGREE ON. MAYOR PRESIDENT JOEL ROBIDEAUX SAYS THAT COULD CREATE A CRISIS BECAUSE THERE’S NOTHING IN THE NEW CHARTER AMENDMENT THAT DEALS WITH WHAT TO DO IF THE COUNCILS CAN’T COME TO AN AGREEMENT.
Louisiana State Police have arrested a probation and parole officer accused of having an inappropriate sexual relationship with a female parolee who he supervised. State police say 43-year-old Corey James Quebedeaux, of DeRidder was arrested Tuesday on charges of felony malfeasance in office and sexual conduct prohibited. The Louisiana State Probation and Parole office asked state police earlier this month to investigate a complaint filed against Quebedeaux. Authorities say Quebedeaux resigned prior to his arrest.
A NINE-YEAR-OLD BOY FROM ST. MARTINVILLE WAS KILLED IN A HEAD-ON COLLISION IN BREAUX BRIDGE YESTERDAY EVENING AT AROUND FIVE. THE CRASH HAPPENED ON L-A 31 WHEN THE DRIVER OF A PICKUP TRUCK SWERVED TO AVOID ANOTHER VEHICLE STOPPED FOR A TURN AND SLAMMED HEAD ON INTO A HONDA ACCORD HEADING THE OTHER WAY. THE JUVENILE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL HOSPITAL WHERE HE WAS PRONOUNCED DEAD. TROOPERS SAY THE NINE-YEAR-OLD WAS IMPROPERLY WEARING HIS SEATBELT AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT.
