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Breaux’s staff taking shape

Sheriff-elect Becket Breaux has announced several key hires for his command staff when he takes office on July 1.
“I’ve selected individuals with extensive experience, dedication, training and a like-minded vision to move our parish forward,” he said. “Sheriff Ronny Theriot has graciously welcomed me and my team in making a seamless transition.”
Key personnel named by Breaux include:
•Harold Jean Batiste Jr. to be chief deputy.

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Parks Police Chief Ronald J. Solarie is resigning from his office effective Jan. 31.(Karl Jeter)

Parks Chief Solarie resigning office

After serving as chief of police for the Village of Parks for the past 21 years, Ronald J. Solarie has submitted his resignation, effective Jan. 31. The chief’s decision was announced at the Jan. 14 village council meeting.
Under state law, the village must apply to the Secretary of State’s office to have the selection of a new chief added to an upcoming regular election ballot. Solarie’s term runs to the end of 2022.
A special meeting will be called soon to appoint an interim chief.

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PARISH GOVERNMENT – Members of the St. Martin Parish Council posed for this group picture following the first meeting of their new term last week. Standing from left are Byron Fuselier, Dist. 1 (temporary presiding officer); Carla Jean Batiste, Dist. 2; LaTanghue “Tangie” Narcisse, Dist. 3; David M. Poirier, Dist. 4; Chris Tauzin, Dist. 5; Brook Champagne, Dist. 6; Vincent Alexander, Dist. 7; Dean LeBlanc, Dist 8 (chairman); and Daniel Richard Jr., Dist. 9 (vice chairman). Seated, Brooke Gillespie, deputy clerk of the council; Allen Durand Jr., parish attorney; Parish President Chester Cedars, and Laci Laperouse, clerk of the council.
(Henri C. BIenvenu)

New members take seats on Parish Council

The first meeting of the “new” parish administration last week saw five fresh faces taking office along with four veterans who return for second terms on the St. Martin Parish Council.
Members of the council, along with Parish President Chester Cedars, were sworn in by Louisiana Supreme Court Justice John L. Weimer of Thibodaux, whose 6th District includes St. Martin Parish.

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Spiteful response – This was a landowner’s answer to efforts to protect Lake Martin from a non-zoning-compliant business operation. An appeal to 16th Judicial District Court Judge Keith Comeaux’s ruling in favor of the business is expected from the Third Circuit Court of Appeal in February(Karl Jeter)

Circuit Court hears lake zoning appeal

The appeal of 16th Judicial District Court Judge Keith Comeaux’s decision against St. Martin Parish in its case against a Lake Martin tour operator was heard
by a three-judge panel of the Third Circuit Court of Appeal last Tuesday, Jan 7.

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Eyesore – Bids will be taken for the demolition of this decrepit house at 6365 Main Hwy in north St. Martinville.(Karl Jeter)

City Council adopts employee handbook

A long-awaited policies and procedures manual for St. Martinville city employees has been completed.
After a few questions from members at the first meeting of the new decade on Monday, Jan. 6, the council gave unanimous approval for its adoption.
One issue clarified at Mayor Melinda Mitchell’s request concerned random drug testing. Chief Administrator Avis Gutekunst suggested a system that would use the last digit of employees’ Social Security numbers to determine who would be subjected to a random test.

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Teche Today

P.O. Box 69
St. Martinville, LA 70582
Phone: 337-394-6232
Fax: 337-394-7511