Allen Blanchard Jr.
Allen Blanchard Jr. was the unanimous choice of the St. Martin School Board last week to fill the school system’s top job.
Blanchard, who was the only applicant for the position, had been serving as interim superintendent since last September, when board members relieved Dr. Lottie Beebe, who had held the superintendent’s post since July 2013.
The SM city council audience pays close attention as the council votes to terminate Public Works superintendent Charlie Rader after 60 days on the job. Rader was let go against the wishes of Mayor Melinda Mitchell, and council members Mike Fuselier and Juma Johnson.(Karl Jeter)
By a 3-2 vote and against the recommendation of Mayor Melinda Mitchell, the St. Martinville city council removed Charles Rader from his job as superintendent of public works.
With a standing-room-only audience looking on Monday evening, councilmen Edmond Joseph, Craig Prosper and Dennis Paul Williams cast the deciding votes to terminate Rader just 60 days into his six month probationary period. Opposing the motion were Mike Fuselier and Juma Johnson.
Drivers on LA31/Main Hwy between Parks and Ruth have been coping with delays as several miles of newly resurfaced pavement were rejected due to a faulty asphalt formulation. DOTD engineer Bill Oliver told the Teche News the problem was traced to a computer error at the asphalt plant. Here, traffic is being stopped in alternate lanes as a pilot truck leads vehicles through the construction site. (Karl Jeter)
Stephensville area resident Elwood Skully told the St. Martin Parish Council more needs to be done to maintain flood relief measures in lower St. Martin Parish.(Karl Jeter)
The long road to beginning construction of the Bayou Estates flood wall appears to be nearing its end. At the March 6 parish council meeting, President Chester Cedars presented a review of the process which began in earnest in November 2017.
The wall is intended to greatly reduce the almost-yearly threat of flooding in the Stephensville area of Lower St. Martin Parish and give residents a break from at least some of the sandbagging that has been required to protect their homes.
SM Special meeting – Public Works Superintendent Charlie Rader gives his account of an incident with an employee that occurred at the city barn on Feb. 26. Attorney William L. Goode looks on. (Karl Jeter)
At a special council meeting on Monday called following a heated argument between Public Works supervisor Charlie Rader and employee Michael Martin, the council called for polygraph testing of the principals and two witnesses.
The incident occurred on Feb. 26 when Rader confronted Martin about his overtime hours, which Rader considered excessive. Accounts of the men’s conduct during the dispute differ.
P.O. Box 69
St. Martinville, LA 70582
Phone: 337-394-6232
Fax: 337-394-7511