News

Building and zoning director Shedrick Berard was given a three-day suspension without pay after the city council issued an apology to two police officers Berard accused of lying. At the August 5 city council meeting, the continuing issue saw Berard again at odds with the council.

Bids for another major I-10 upgrade in St. Martin Parish were opened recently by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development.
The project, with a budget of $87.7 million, was awarded to Gilchrist Construction of Jeanerette and calls for the widening of I-10 between Breaux Bridge and Henderson (from LA 328/Rees St./Anse Broussard Hwy to LA 347/Grand Point Hwy) to six lanes.

The city council made progress on addressing a shortage of experienced electrical workers by approving the hiring of a recently-retired, top-rated SLEMCO lineman.
In a special meeting on July 31, the council voted unanimously to add Kevin Benoit to the Public Works staff. A Rayne resident, Benoit was, until his recent retirement, a foreman, trainer and Lineman III at SLEMCO. He has worked extensively in the St. Martinville area and is already quite familiar with the local system.