Bandy named Acadian-Tribune managing editor

Steve Bandy has been named managing editor of The Rayne Acadian-Tribune. He succeeds Paul Kedinger in the position.
Bandy, a native of Crowley and resident of Rayne, began his newspaper career at The Acadian-Tribune nearly 40 years ago after graduating from Northwestern State University. He returns to the newspaper after an absence of 20 years.
“I thought the grass was greener,” he said of his decision to leave the paper in 1996. “I was wrong.”
Bandy worked for a number of daily newspapers in Louisiana and Texas before returning to Rayne in 2009.
“When I got the opportunity to come back to Rayne, I jumped at it. Unfortunately, that situation didn’t work out so well but I was fortunate enough to get back on with Louisiana State Newspapers at the Crowley Post-Signal for the last three years,” he said. “When I was given the chance to come back to The Tribune upon Paul’s retirement, I was ecstatic. I guess I’ve come full circle now.
“I’ve known Lisa (Soileaux) and Josie (Henry) for many years – in fact, I worked with both of them during my first ‘go-round’ here. That they’re still here reflects the loyalty they have to this newspaper and the community of Rayne. I‘ll be leaning on them a lot.
“I’ve got some very big shoes to fill taking over for Paul. He’s done a remarkable job here for the last almost 20 years and I join in wishing him the best in his retirement.”
A graduate of Opelousas High School, Bandy is the father of three children – twin sons Chris and Mike Bandy and daughter Angela Gaudin – and grandfather of nine.
“I look forward to working with the staff here and with the community as a whole,” Bandy said.