Born in Lafayette and raised in St. Martinville, I am a Cajun in heart, mind and spirit. I dove into the news industry with my start at my hometown newspaper where I picked up some journalistic skills. I earned a degree in mass communications at UL Lafayette which prepared me for covering news in Acadiana and around the state. As a news reporter for KPEL, my news beats include, but are not limited to, Lafayette Consolidated Government and the Lafayette Parish School Board. Jumping from print media to broadcast has been an exciting move for me in the ever-changing multimedia environment of today's news world. When not covering news, I can often be found playing guitar or cooking at home, both usually being done with my daughter, Jolie, very near by.
Derek Albert
Dixie Cab Faces Closure Over Unpaid Traffic Camera Fines
Lafayette Consolidated Government may indefinitely suspend all permits for Dixie Cab Inc. on Oct. 30.
Jeanerette Cop, City Marshal Arrested For Fight At Precinct
A police officer and a city marshal have been arrested--and since released--on charges related to a fight at the police department late last month.
UPDATE: I-10 Completely Reopened After Tanker Spill (Photos)
The tanker leaking molten sulfur had traffic backed up for hours.
Scott PD Arrests Three For Internet Scam, Narcotics
The suspects allegedly set up a fraudulent internet company where they collected $80,000 but did not deliver products purchased.
Deputies Investigating Mysterious Death Of Butte LaRose Man
The 68-year-old Richard Alan Hanson was found deceased in his home on Tuesday night.
Armed Suspects Terrorize A Lafayette Parish School Bus
One of two suspects who pointed firearms at a Lafayette Parish school bus is still on the loose.
St. Martinville Landmarks Still Closed Following August Flood
Work continues at the Acadian Memorial and the neighboring Cultural Heritage Center that sit on the bank of the Bayou Teche.
Two Men Drown In Bayou Teche
The bodies were discovered in the bayou just south of Breaux Bridge.
Person of Interest Arrested In Arnaudville Murder Case
Twenty-five-year-old Stoney Bergeron was extradited from New Mexico. Detectives are questioning him for the murder case.
Lafayette Fire Dept. Commemorating 15 Years Since 9/11 Attacks
The public is invited to join in the Patriot Day ceremony Sunday morning.
Opelousas Man Arrested For Beating Wife With Dresser Drawer
A St. Landry Parish Crime Stoppers Facebook post led to the arrest for the violent crime.
Obama Agrees To Cover 90% Of Flood Relief Costs
Federal funds had--until now--covered 75 percent of flood relief costs.
Tyler Domingue Case: 3 Indicted In Her Death (UPDATED)
Dereck Viator from Lafayette, Johnny Primeaux of Lafayette and Brady Derouen of Abbeville have all been indicted in the death of Tyler Domingue.
LPSS To Receive $10,000 In Relief Funds Following Floods
A private company based in Vermont is offering supplies, manpower and funds to re-supply district classrooms.
UL Lafayette Sun Belt Rival Reaches Out To Flood Victims
The University of South Alabama Athletic Department will be delivering donated goods and supplies for victims from last week's floods.
Arrest Made For Theft Of NCAA Championship Rings
An Opelousas man stole at least two LSU rings from his brother-in-law who was a former football player.
DOTD Updates List Of Road Closures
This list of road closures is current as of 2 p.m. Thursday.
Stansbury: Emergency Personnel Getting Supplies To Those In Need
Lafayette Parish, Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Director Craig Stansbury said his office has received and responded to a record number of calls.
River Stages Rising Even As Rains Subside
The Vermilion may have crested, but the Mermentau is expected to remain above major flood levels until next weekend.
DOTD Updates List Of Road Closures
DOTD Closures UPDATED AT 4:45 p.m.
Effective immediately, the following road closures and high water notifications are in place due to heavy rains. The roads will be reopened as soon as conditions improve.
Acadia Parish
Open:
I-10 eastbound from US 165 to I-49 at MP 88
LA 97 from I-10 to LA 100
Closures:
LA 91 at Estherwood Pontoon Bridge (Bayou Plaquemine Brule)
LA 98 East of LA 91 (Iota)
L