Community Corner

🌱 Why Opelousas aldermen blocked a big raise for water chief

Also, don't miss Elton at JS Clark Leadership Academy on the Opelousas Patch calendar

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Hi there, Opelousas! We've got your morning read ready! Read on to stay connected. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Why Opelousas aldermen blocked a big raise for water chief
  • How a 'prank' drive-by nearly turned tragic in Opelousas
  • How a national nonprofit is protecting an Opelousas sheriff's K9

Also on today's calendar: Elton Indians Football vs JS Clark Leadership Academy and 7 more events.

Today's riddle: What do you call a belt that is made of watches? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: A t-storm in the afternoon, with a high of 91 and low of 73 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Friday: A heavy t-storm in the p.m., temps: high: 87, low: 72.
  • Saturday: Showers and a heavier t-storm, with a high of 85 and low of 71 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Aldermen Deny Pay Increase (stlandrynow.com) — Opelousas aldermen deadlocked 3-3 on a proposal to raise water and sewer supervisor Matthew Zachery's salary from about $35,000 to $51,000, effectively denying the increase. Supporters cited his licenses and role stabilizing the city's water system, while opponents questioned funding sources, civil service procedures, and the lack of a legal advisor at the meeting.
   

2. A deputy's home was struck by gunfire during homecoming pranks (klfy.com) — A deputy's home in Opelousas was hit multiple times by gunfire during what students claimed was a homecoming prank, with a 1-year-old child inside but no injuries reported. The sheriff is urging parents to talk with teens about safety, warning that similar actions could bring serious felony charges such as negligent injuring or even negligent homicide.
   

3. St. Landry Parish police dog to receive body armor from nonprofit (klfy.com) — A St. Landry Parish Sheriff's Office K9 based in Opelousas is getting a new bullet- and stab-resistant vest, donated by the national nonprofit Vested Interest in K9s. The custom-fitted armor should arrive within about ten weeks, adding protection for the dog during local law enforcement work while highlighting how charitable donations are supporting police animals across the country.
   

4. Deadly motorcycle crash near New Iberia reflects Louisiana's high traffic death rate (katc.com) — A 45-year-old man from Opelousas died after his motorcycle left LA 3212 near New Iberia and struck a curb at a roundabout, despite wearing a helmet. Safety experts say the crash reflects Louisiana's high traffic death rate, especially for motorcyclists, and stress the need for roadway upgrades like rumble strips on rural highways.
   

📸 Around Opelousas

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Opelousas

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📣 Opelousas Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

    Friday October 2
  • Tiger Football v. LCA (Homecoming)
    Opelousas Sr. High School, 1524 S Market St, Opelousas
    6:00 pm
  • Abramson Varsity Football @ Varnado →
    Varnado High School, 25543 Washington St, Angie
    7:00 pm

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Is this your cat?
    Showed up at my home back June/July sometime. Vet estimates she's 1 yr. She has been spaded, fully vaccinated, dewormed and has been administered 3… (Nextdoor Opelousas)
  • O'Reilly Automotive posted a job opening for Retail Service Specialist in Opelousas. Apply here.
  • Murphy USA posted a job opening for Store Shift Lead in Opelousas. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Opelousas here.

Ok Opelousas! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: A waist of time. (Thank you Martin L. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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