Diamond J and the Ruby Red Raindrops with Horace Trahan at Debbie's Lounge Friday night Dec. 19th. It's a Ruby Red Christmas!

The heartbeat of a town can sound like a triple-row accordion, a slow boogie groove, and a street lined with Christmas lights. We sit down with Mayor Spanky, Diamond J, and Horace Trahan to celebrate Church Point’s musical lineage and the new “Steppin’ Out” collaboration that brings generations together on one stage. From family names that taught half the parish to play, to porch jams that turned into touring bands, this is a portrait of how culture survives: by being played, shared, and passed forward.

Horace walks us through his journey from a 16-year-old pro with DL Menard to fronting Ossun Express, sharing why “music is like medicine” and which songs still hit hardest. Diamond J opens up about crafting a soul-first sound shaped by late-night Cajun kitchens, where Clarence Carter sat right beside the waltz. Their joint project adds the texture of the triple-row accordion to a set that dances between slow-burn groove and crowd-lifting rhythm, proving that Acadiana’s genres aren’t walls—they’re bridges.

We also spotlight the Presbytere Museum’s music room revival, a labor of love powered by deep-dive research and community pride. Mayor Spanky lays out how bold civic moves—Candy Cane Lane, the nighttime parade, new parks—create the conditions for scenes to thrive and venues like Debbie’s Lounge to shine. It all comes together at Ruby Red Christmas: dress up, step out, and feel how a small town becomes a sound when everyone brings their part.

If you care about Cajun music, zydeco, blues, swamp pop, or simply love a great hometown story, this one’s for you. Hit play, share it with a friend who loves live music, and leave a review to help more people find the heart of Church Point.

Ever wish your water bill came with a map of what actually happened at home? We walk through the new Church Point Water Portal and show how real-time usage, simple alerts, and clear trends turn guesswork into confident action. No jargon, no extra fluff—just the tools that help you catch problems fast and keep your budget steady.

We start with the basics: how to sign up in minutes from churchpoint.org and what you’ll see the first time you log in. The dashboard lays out your address, account number, and daily average use, with a clean 30‑day graph you can expand by day, week, month, year, or a custom range. Then we dig into the features that change the game: custom thresholds that ping you when usage crosses a number you set, plus an out‑of‑town alert that warns you if water moves when your house should be quiet. Think of it like an alarm system for your water.

From there, we decode patterns. A steady overnight trickle? Likely a toilet or a drip. A mid‑afternoon surge when nobody’s home? That’s a red flag worth checking right away. We share real numbers—how toilets can waste 10 to 60 gallons an hour and how even small drips add up—to help you diagnose faster and fix sooner. On the utility side, we explain how admin tools verify repairs and build trust, cutting down on “why is my bill high” calls while giving residents evidence they can act on the same day, not a month later.

If you want lower bills, fewer surprises, and peace of mind when you’re away, this walkthrough gives you everything you need to get started and get smarter about your water. Try the portal, set your alerts, and take control of your usage. Enjoy the episode? Follow the show, share it with a neighbor, and leave a quick review to help others find it.

The lights flip on, the phone lines light up, and a simple neighborhood display grows into a destination that pulls families from across Acadiana. We’re opening Candy Cane Lane on Nov 28 with more than 20,000 bulbs, fresh sponsored features, and a few surprises we’re keeping under wraps. It’s the kind of community ritual that makes the season feel real: a crisp evening, a warm cup in hand, kids pointing at glowing arches, and neighbors lingering to say hello.

We talk through what’s new and what’s proven, from improved audio and a staffed guard station to the partnerships that bring the entrance and major pieces to life. The numbers tell the story—hundreds of nightly visitors and rising—fueled by clear schedules and simple planning. Open on Black Friday, the display runs through New Year, so you can map your own tour and come back as the weeks unfold. Safety and clarity matter, too, with a short-term road closure near the setup zone to keep crews moving and guests comfortable.

The parade makes its triumphant nighttime return on Dec 10 at 6 p.m., a shift that turned a dwindling event into a packed spectacle. We share how moving to the evening revived the energy, why it works for families, and how to join the lineup. Registration is quick on our website and Facebook page, and we’d love to see local groups, schools, and businesses ride along. Beyond the park and the lane, we’re issuing a friendly challenge: light your storefronts, paint your windows, add something small that sparks delight. When every window glows, Main Street feels like a storybook, and the whole town shines.

Mark your calendars, invite a friend, and help us spread the cheer. Subscribe for updates, share this episode with a neighbor who loves the holidays, and leave a quick review so more people can find the show and plan their visit. We’ll keep posting details and registration links on Facebook and the website—see you under the lights.

In this episode of the town talk podcast, Mayor Spanky Meche and Chief Dale Thibodeaux discuss the upcoming election for the half cent sales tax. 

Leander Daigle, commander of VFW Post in Church Point and holder of numerous veterans' organization titles, discusses the unique Church Point 21 Memorial Day event that honors fallen local veterans.

• Annual three-day vigil from sunup to sundown on Memorial Day weekend (24th-26th) at the Depot on Main Street
• 21 white crosses represent Church Point locals killed in action, average age 19
• Crosses made by local high school students to honor those "who never got to come home"
• Hourly changing of the guard includes veterans, Civil Air Patrol, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and civilians
• Event draws visitors from across Louisiana, including Vietnam refugees seeking connections
• Closing ceremony Monday at 6pm features a formal military walk, reading of names, bell-ringing, 21-gun salute and taps
• No admission charge - just come to witness, remember, and learn
• Memorial Day about honoring the fallen: "If we quit telling their story, their story dies"

Mayor Spanky joins us for an insightful discussion on the evolving landscape of Church Point, where infrastructure and progress are at the forefront. Discover how we've been tackling the critical road maintenance issues with a significant $500,000 investment already underway and another half-million dollars committed to our efforts. As we navigate the complexities of managing state highways, Mayor Spanky shares our strategic focus on repairing the worst interior roads first, alongside a determined approach to securing government funding to lighten the town's financial load. Also, celebrate with us the exciting milestones achieved, from annexing new areas and establishing a new city hall to upgrading police department facilities and modernizing our water meter systems.

We extend heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated listeners as we wrap up this chapter of our series. Your continued support fuels our passion for bringing you more engaging content and stories that matter to our community. With the invaluable contributions of Mayor Spanky, we promise more updates and behind-the-scenes glimpses into the future trajectory of Church Point. Stay connected and be ready for more episodes packed with insights that keep you informed about the local happenings shaping our town's future.

Unlock the secrets behind transforming a community with Mayor Spanky as we explore the remarkable revitalization of Church Point. Promising to inspire, this episode reveals how over 5% of blighted properties were removed to pave the way for future developments, especially around the promising Central Park area. Learn how these changes not only enhance aesthetics but also boost property values, contributing to a cleaner and more vibrant community. With the town earning the prestigious Cleanest City award, we discuss their ongoing commitment to maintaining Church Point’s newfound beauty.

Join us as we uncover the strategic moves Church Point made to secure $10.5 million in grants, thanks to the expert guidance of a talented engineer from Youngsville. This funding has been crucial for infrastructure enhancements, tackling flood prevention, and upgrading water and sewer systems. Despite the challenges posed by state regulations and necessary water rate adjustments, the town is poised for growth and prosperity. This episode is your gateway to understanding how strategic planning and investment can lay a solid foundation for lasting community success.

What if transforming a small town was as simple as eliminating a $27,000 monthly debt? Join us for an enlightening session with Mayor Spanky, who shares his recipe for success in Church Point, achieving an eight-year vision in just six years. Discover the secrets behind Church Point's debt-free status, allowing for pivotal infrastructure upgrades and the miraculous conversion of the old Guerin building into a bustling business hub. This episode unveils how such targeted financial decisions have birthed new job opportunities and laid a promising foundation for future growth.

Beyond financial triumphs, Mayor Spanky paints a picture of a vibrant community coming together through spirited local initiatives. From the colorful tapestry of Mardi Gras to the magic of Christmas, see how these celebrations fostered a family-friendly environment. Hear about the revitalization of Central Park, now teeming with innovative amenities funded by local generosity, and the town's journey to become the buggy capital of the world. With gratitude to the community and collaborators, this episode is a testament to the power of shared vision and community-driven transformation.

Today's episode focuses on the challenges and necessary choices regarding the town's water infrastructure and funding through grants. Mayor Spanky discusses the impact of new technologies on water billing, the importance of community engagement, and the upcoming improvements to the water system. 

• Crucial role of grants in revitalizing infrastructure 
• Recent increase in water bills explained through new meter readings 
• Transition to automatic meter readings and an upcoming app for monitoring usage 
• Addressing social media misinformation and the need for transparency 
• Interconnectedness of water, sewer, and road improvement projects 
• Importance of community feedback and participation at town meetings

Light display in Central Park begins Friday after Thanksgiving

Christmas Parade + festivities are Wednesday Dec. 11th at 6pm 

Ever wondered how a small town transforms its holiday celebration into a bustling community event? Join us as we host the Mayor on Town Talk, revealing the journey of Christmas in the Point, a beloved Church Point tradition that has captured hearts and boosted local businesses over the past five years. Discover how local partners like McBade Engineering, Kirkpatrick Construction, and the local hospital have come together to create enchanting displays such as Candy Cane Lane and a grand Christmas tree. This year, the festivities are not just about decorations; they include a dedicated radio frequency for festive tunes, a night parade with vibrant floats, and a myriad of food vendors. 

With the holiday spirit in full swing, we explore the magic of the night parade, reimagined to illuminate the streets and draw thousands of spectators. This edition brings a unique twist with entries like a pickleball players' float, making it a must-see spectacle. After soaking up the parade's vibrant atmosphere, unwind with movies at the park and enjoy the community's offerings around the Splash Pad and Depot area. As the holiday season approaches, we extend our warmest greetings for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the New Year, inviting our listeners to join the conversation on the Town Talk Facebook page. Share your ideas, get involved, and embrace the joy that Christmas in the Point brings to our community.