The Calcasieu Parish Police Jury recognized winning teams and coaches at its Thursday meeting and approved the budget committee’s funding for recreation events connected to economic development. Community Center and Playground District Number Two, Ward Four (Sulphur Parks and Recreation) was awarded $45,000 for costs associated with the Louisiana High School Athletic Association State Softball Championship and LHSAA State Baseball Championship. The Louisiana High School Rodeo Association was awarded $25,000 for costs associated with the State high school and junior high school rodeo.

The CPPJ also approved the budget committee’s recommendations to approve $150,000 to Waterwork District Number One for costs associated with the meter replacement project, phase two and $48,280 to Ward Seven, District Two Fire Protection for costs associated with the purchase of fire fighting gear.

James Landreneau, Coach of the McNeese State University Softball Team was recognized for guiding McNeese to a school record 47 wins, his fourth 40th win-season that includes numerous titles and championships.

Four St. Louis Catholic High School teams were recognized for LHSAA championships: the boys Division III Tennis Team; the boys Division II Golf Team, the girls Class 3A State Championship Track and Field Team and the pole vaulting champion for the fourth year in a row.

The CPPJ adopted a resolution approving the proposed budget for the operation of the Southwest Louisiana Crime Lab for the 2023-2024 fiscal year and the resolution approving an amendment to the Cooperative Endeavor Agreements between the Police Jury and Dr. Terry Welke, Calcasieu Parish Coroner, which outlines the duties and responsibilities of the Coroner and the Police Jury in the operation of the Coroner’s Office and Forensic Facility.

Joe Andrepont, District 13, asked if outside autopsy provider companies would be continued to be used after the new facility is complete.

Parish administrator Bryan Beam said the number of autopsies have gone down.

Parish Director of Finance Kelly Fontenot put the  number at about 30 to 40 this past year.

“When the new facility that’s underway is complete, we anticipate having autopsies here,” Beam said, adding that the coroner’s role is  challenging to fill. However, he is optimistic that the new state-of-the-art facility will attract the right candidate. The election for a new Parish Coroner will coincide with the completion of the new facilities.