Here's a look back at the biggest news stories in Acadiana of 2022:
New Iberia Tornado:
Tornado touches down in New Iberia; hospital damaged
The National Weather Services out of Lake Charles, LA confirmed an EF-2 tornado touched down just southwest of New Iberia, and tracked northeast along the southeastern edge of New Iberia.
The tornado damaged roughly 20 to 25 mobile homes on Bradley Lane. Four of the mobile homes were completely destroyed.
Officials said the tornado had estimated peak winds of 135 mph, extended along a path length of 5.4 miles or 300 yards and injured 16 people.
NWS: New Iberia tornado EF-2 with winds up to 135 mph
Mayor - President Josh Guillory:
Mayor-President checks himself into rehab
Mayor-President Josh Guillory checked himself into rehab for treatment for possible alcohol addiction and untreated Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Here's his full statement:
Asking for help is not something that has come easily to me. If there is ever a problem, I deal with it. More often than not, when I see someone else with a problem, I take it on myself to try and fix it. It’s just the way I’m made. It’s why I joined the military and fought on the front lines in active combat for this country, and it’s why I signed up for this job.
In my life, I have handled the most stressful situations imaginable and come out the other side successfully. I have dealt with the stress of looking evil square in the eye and confronting it. I have seen things that people are not meant to see. Over time, those stresses build up. And being a person who has always been the one who takes care of problems, I never asked for help. Instead, I found myself relying on alcohol to ease those pains. Understand that I have never had a drink before or during working hours. But, in recent months I have noticed my growing dependency as soon as the day is over. And while that dependency has not had a direct impact on my duties as Mayor-President, it has begun to negatively impact my interpersonal relationships, especially my family, which is more important than everything else.
This weekend, I made the decision to voluntarily check myself into an in-patient rehabilitation facility for 21 days to help me overcome what I believe was becoming an addiction to alcohol and untreated Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Because of my elected position, special arrangements have been made allowing me to remain available and in daily communication with Lafayette City-Parish Attorney Greg Logan and Chief Administrative Officer Cydra Wingerter to continue to give direction as necessary on City-Parish matters. I have complete faith in my executive team to provide the same level of service, leadership, and operational readiness during this brief period.
In an effort to provide transparency, upon my return, I will work to answer questions from the media. In the meantime, I ask the media to respect my family’s privacy while I am away.
After the 21-day treatment, without question or hesitation, I will be returning, stronger than ever.
Guillory is a combat veteran, and while on active duty, he served as a Platoon Leader in the US Cavalry during Operation Iraqi Freedom in Baghdad, Iraq, in 2005.
Josh Guillory returns to Lafayette following rehab
School threats:
Fake threats of imminent school violence become more common
The Associated Press says since June there have been threatening calls to over 250 colleges, 200 high schools and junior high schools that falsely report imminent danger to students, whether from explosive devices or from a gunman.
Here are a few of the stories we covered regarding threats:
LCG drainage issues:
Court filing: Corps finds LCG did need permit for St. Martin Parish work
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineer's investigation into an LCG drainage project resulted in an order being issued that says LCG did need a permit to conduct the project - something LCG has denied.
Search LCG drainage issues on KATC.com for a list of stories.
Local paster seen at U.S. Capitol on January 6:
A local pastor appeared on KATC in response to the release of video showing him talking on a bullhorn and taking pictures with his phone of the January 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.
Local NAACP doubts pastor's version of his Jan. 6 involvement
Fallen soldier's homecoming:
Nearly 80-years after he was killed in action in World War II, Army Pvt. Hillary Soileau finally returned home to St. Landry Parish Tuesday.
The 23-year-old went missing during a mission to clear Guadalcanal of Japanese forces in January 1943. His remains were recently identifiedthrough a forensics investigation by The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA).
The full story here:
Fallen soldier’s homecoming brings generations of relatives together
Vice President visits Sunset:
Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo traveled to St. Landry Parish.
Their visit to Sunset was aimed at highlighting the Biden-Harris Administration’s historic investments in affordable, accessible high-speed internet.
Festivals and fun returns in person!:
Mardi Gras made its return in 2022 after being canceled last year due to COVID-19. Other events like Festival International made their in-person return as well.
KATC-TV 3 Celebrates 60 Years:
KATC-TV 3: Acadiana's Newschannel celebrates 60 years!
KATC-TV 3 hit the air in 1962, the same year John Glenn became the first American astronaut to orbit the Earth, the average cost of a new automobile was $3,125 and annual tuition at Harvard University was $1,520.
KATC-TV 3, an ABC affiliate, serves viewers in the parishes of Acadia, Evangeline, Iberia, Jefferson Davis, Lafayette, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Mary and Vermilion. TV 3 is Scripps' first station in the state of Louisiana. It is one of 15 television stations in 10 markets that Scripps acquired from Cordillera Communications.
We thank our viewers for making KATC-TV 3 Acadiana's NewsChannel for 60 years!
