Good morning, Lafayette.

City Marshal Reggie Thomas held his annual jambalaya drive-thru lunch for seniors at the Martin Luther King Center, delivering meals by car with the help of volunteers.

He said the event celebrates seniors and will continue as long as he is in office.

Deacon Cody Miller introduces a new Christmas song at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Milton (his return to music follows a successful yet unsustainable career shift to focus on faith and family).

His journey underscores a deep belief in hope and sharing true life with parishioners.

Unemployment claims in Louisiana reached 1,571 for the week ending Dec.

6, up from 1,155, the U.S. Department of Labor reported. Nationwide claims also rose to 236,000 while Georgia saw the largest percentage increase and Rhode Island the biggest drop.

Lafayette Parish Superintendent Francis Touchet received a strong evaluation at the school board meeting on Wednesday, Dec.

10 for his work improving school facilities, safety, and communication. The board also approved recommending a one-time bonus up to $1,000 for eligible staff (teachers, bus drivers, and others) meeting attendance goals.

The University of Louisiana System will convene a search committee in January to find a permanent UL president, with finalists presented in late February + Interim president Ramesh Kolluru remains in charge while the job is posted nationally.

On Dec. 12, the Lafayette Parish School Board approved a one-time $3,000 stipend to recruit certified Algebra I and Geometry teachers for middle and high school vacancies in Spring (2025–26).

Interested applicants must apply online by Jan. 16 and remain employed through their last contracted workday.

South Louisiana Community College expanded its Lafayette campus last week by closing a nearly $3.6-million deal for almost 6 acres at the corner of Dulles Drive and Luke Street.

The purchase includes a 30,000 sqft office building for classrooms and labs plus a three-acre parking lot to ease overcrowding.

Lafayette Parish School System will let students wear sweatpants on Monday and Tuesday due to below freezing temperatures expected on December 15 and 16, while students may still wear jeans per the dress code.

Superintendent Touchet noted this change will end once weather moderates.

Building permits were issued for a Tractor Supply store project at 262 Ridge Road in Lafayette.

The $4 million demolition of an existing building will pave the way for a 21,000 sqft store, with SE3 LLC and Wimco Corp. leading the work.

UL safety Tyree Skipper returns for the 68 Ventures Bowl next week in Mobile, Alabama after his suspension was lifted, and coaches said his work with the scout team energizes the Ragin’ Cajuns.

This comeback boosts the team as they prepare for the game.

Cajun Christmas Ballet

3:00 – 4:30 PM — Acadiana Center for the Arts — Family-friendly — Experience a Cajun-inspired ballet that celebrates Christmas through the adventures of Marie in the bayou.

Marc Broussard Concert

8:30 PM – 12:00 AM — Rock'n'Bowl® de Lafayette — $25 cover charge — Enjoy an evening of live music featuring Marc Broussard and special guest Mike Broussard.

New Year’s Eve Dance with Geno Delafose

8:30 PM – 12:30 AM — Lafayette Parish Bayou Vermilion District — $45 — Celebrate the New Year with live music, food, and dancing at the biggest party of the year.