As 2025 came to a close, St. Martin Parish looked back on a year marked by public service investments, community milestones, and local accomplishments that shaped the parish’s civic and cultural landscape from July through December.
July
In early summer, the St. Martin Parish Consolidated Water District No. 4 board voted 4–1 to set new water rates during its June meeting at the St. Martin Parish Government Annex. Residential customers will now pay a flat rate of $18 for the first 2,000 gallons, and $4 for every additional 1,000 gallons. Commercial users will see a base rate of $36 for the first 5,000 gallons, plus $7 per 1,000 thereafter.
The St. Martinville City Council approved the recodification of city ordinances under the Lawrason Act, removing sections 2 and 3 for further review to ensure continuity of existing laws.
Meanwhile, the Village of Parks, St. Martin Parish Government, and the St. Martin Parish Library Board finalized an agreement transferring property from the village to build a new parish library branch in Parks.
Environmental efforts also remained a focus. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) announced plans for a drawdown of Henderson Lake to help control invasive aquatic vegetation that threatens the lake’s ecosystem.
August
Teche Elementary’s fourth-grade teacher Ali Romero Angelle earned statewide recognition as the 2026 Louisiana State Elementary Teacher of the Year.
In Breaux Bridge, Ochsner St. Martin Hospital dedicated a new helipad in honor of Acadian Ambulance founder Richard Zuschlag, made possible through a partnership with St. Martin Hospital Service District No. 2 and Acadian Ambulance Service.
Former Parish President Chester Cedars publicly addressed concerns highlighted in a Legislative Auditor’s report regarding Lafayette Consolidated Government’s 2022 spoil bank removal near Cypress Island.
In a separate effort to bolster law enforcement, the Breaux Bridge Police Department announced the creation of a Violent Criminal Apprehension Team (VCAT) to focus on investigating and deterring violent crime.
The Water District No. 4 board also advanced plans for a third water well, approving a tentative 50-year lease agreement with the Billeaud Companies pending final signatures.
Meanwhile, LDWF scheduled a drawdown for Lake Martin to combat overgrowth and support healthier fish habitat.
The 11th annual Fête-Dieu du Teche brought communities together along Bayou Teche to celebrate the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the arrival of the Acadians in Louisiana. The 2025 procession held special meaning as part of the Catholic Church’s Great Jubilee Year, centered on the theme “The Christian’s Pilgrimage of Hope.”
September
In Parks, Mayor Kevin Kately confirmed that contracts were finalized for a new water well project—Griner will construct the well, while Southern Contractors will manage the associated facilities.
At the same time, the 2025 sugar cane grinding season began at the Louisiana Sugar Cane Cooperative mill north of St. Martinville, with projections for a record harvest following a slight increase in acreage. October
Community pride took center stage as St. Martinville officials requested the School Board rename the high school football stadium after legendary coach Carroll Delahoussaye, who won 246 games and two state championships.
Assessor Todd Dugas reported that parish property tax revenues remained steady compared to the prior year, hovering near $51.8 million.
Meanwhile, the St. Martin Animal Shelter dedicated a new building in memory of Giselle Doucet, who tragically passed away in a 2024 plane crash before graduating from LSU’s Veterinary School.
The Becket Breaux Community Foundation also received an anonymous donation in honor of Henri Clay Bienvenu, longtime Teche News publisher.
2025
November
The St. Martinville City Council voted to lease the Maison Duchamp Building to the Greater St. Martinville Economic Development District for one year at $1, reserving the right to terminate the agreement if a commercial tenant opportunity arises.
Consolidated Water District No. 4 confirmed progress on its expansion plans, with Parish President Pete Delcambre announcing that Billeaud Companies had officially signed the land lease for the new well.
The St. Martin Parish School Board later voted 7–2 to officially rename the St. Martinville Senior High stadium after Coach Carroll Delahoussaye.
Cecilia High School also honored one of its own, retiring the jersey of former LSU and CHS standout Ramsey Dardar, while recognizing junior wide receiver Braylon Calais with an All-American jersey presentation.
Additionally, the Teche Vermilion Fresh Water District outlined plans to replace the aging Ruth Canal structure, which has regulated water flow between Bayou Teche and the Vermilion since 1945.
Parish education officials noted that district performance scores slightly dipped from a “B” to a “C,” with a new score of 74.6.
December
As the year ended, bids were expected for the construction of a new water well for Water District No. 4, further advancing local infrastructure improvements.
The Louisiana/Mississippi Blinded Veterans Association also presented a tactile Braille American flag plaque to the St. Martin Parish Government during its December meeting, symbolizing accessibility and patriotism.
The Louisiana Sugar Cane Cooperative wrapped up a successful 2025 grinding season early in the month, processing 2,049,800 tons of cane over 102 days—a strong close to an abundant agricultural year in St. Martin Parish.
