News
District 6 Councilwoman Pushing For West Bank Recreation Building
District 6 Councilwoman Vondra Etienne-Steib said the parish is moving forward with plans to acquire land near St. James High School as the site of a multi-purpose building that can be used for recreation and athletics. Etienne-Steib said the parish plans to purchase eight acres of a 12-acre tract recently purchased by St. James Parish Hospital from the Brazan family. Etienne- Steib said residents of all three west bank districts will have access to biddy basketball and other organized athletic activities that will be held there.
State vs. Blaise Gravois Continues While Judge Reviews Transcript Of Grand Jury
Judge Tess Percy Stromberg of the 23rd Judicial District Court for the Parish of St. James on Thursday, February 20th, 2020, after oral arguments deferred ruling on a Motion to Dismiss / Quash the indictment of Blaise Gravois, which claimed violations of Grand Jury secrecy.
Parish President Proposes Plan To Assist The ARC
St. James Parish President Peter Dufresne and his staff have found sources of funding which will assist the St. James ARC. The ARC has long depended on federal, state and other sources to operate the facility in Vacherie which serves special needs adults throughout the parish. Additional funding from United Way, business, industry and the proceeds of a local festival has helped to keep the facility financially solvent over the years. Facing additional funding challenges, the ARC board met with Dufresne for assistance. Dufresne told the mem-bers of the St. James Parish Council last week that he and his staff can reallocate funds already in the budget to pay the salaries of the ARC staff. By doing so, Dufresne said the parish will be assisting the ARC budget, as well as reducing staff turnover by offering health insurance, retirement and others benefits enjoyed by other parish employees. Dufresne said there will be no changes to the operation of the adult center or the store. He said the only noticeable change will be the new uniforms worn by the staff.