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Cheri Fontenot (center) is pictured as she signs her contract to officially become the new school superintendent. Seated is Assistant District Attorney Jacob Fusilier, who notarized the contract. Also pictured on the left is Evangeline Parish School Board Vice President Sheila Joseph. (Gazette photo by Tony Marks)

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School board approves contract

News Staff

Monday, July 6, 2026

By: TONY MARKS Editor VILLE PLATTE - Cheri Fontenot signed her contract to officially become the new superintendent of the Evangeline Parish School District after the Evangeline Parish School Board approved the document during a special meeting held Wednesday, July 1.

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Mamou native is new president

News Staff

Monday, July 6, 2026

Northeastern Technical College (of South Carolina) Board of Area Commissioners has selected Dr. Melissa Frank-Alston as its seventh president following a national search, making her the first woman in the college’s history to lead the institution. She is expected to begin on July 1.

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Motorists are arrested for narcotics

News Staff

Monday, July 6, 2026

By: TONY MARKS Editor The Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Office reported several recent narcotics arrests.

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At the Library

News Staff

Monday, July 6, 2026

The Board of Directors and staff of the Evangeline Parish Library wish all of our patrons a safe, happy, healthy, and memorable Fourth of July as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of America's independence. We hope you enjoy this special holiday with family and friends.

VPPD Arrests

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VPPD Arrests

News Staff

Monday, July 6, 2026

The Ville Platte Police Department reported the following recent bookings into the city jail. All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Arrested were the following persons: •Jaimyia Herbert, DOB: December 5, 2004, was arrested June 26, 2026, for aggravated assault with a firearm.

EPSO Arrests

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EPSO Arrests

News Staff

Monday, July 6, 2026

The Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Office reported the following recent bookings into the parish jail. All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

IMPACT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ON RURAL COMMUNITIES DISCUSSED - From left, are Ville Platte Mayor and Rotarian Ryan LeDay Williams, Rotary President Dr. Kirk Soileau, guest speaker Dr. Leah A. Carter, and Ville Platte City Clerk/Treasurer and Rotarian Donald Bergeron during the June 30, meeting of the Ville Platte Rotary Club. (Gazette photo by Heather Bogard)

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Ville Platte Rotary:

News Staff

Monday, July 6, 2026

By: HEATHER BOGARD Associate Editor Newly-installed Rotary President Dr. Kirk Soileau led the first meeting of his tenure during the June 30, meeting of the Ville Platte Rotary Club.

Youths learn of endangered species

News Staff

Monday, July 6, 2026

As part of its summer program, the Evangeline Parish Library hosted Brittany Palode, with the International Crane Foundation, for an exciting program where children learned about the world of whooping cranes through stories and craft projects.

Raymond Partsch III (left) and Tony Marks (right) hold their major awards that they won at the 2025 Louisiana Sports Writers Association Awards Contest luncheon in Natchitoches on Sunday, June 28. (Photo by Tina Partsch)

Major hardware

News Staff

Thursday, July 2, 2026

Staff Report NATCHITOCHES - The Ville Platte Gazette and The Oakdale Journal received hardware after staff members earned top honors at the Louisiana Sports Writers Association Awards Contest luncheon held on Sunday, June 28.

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City faces multi-million dollar shortfall in public safety funds

News Staff

Thursday, July 2, 2026

By: TONY MARKS Editor VILLE PLATTE - The City of Ville Platte is facing a multi-million dollar shortfall in its funds for the police department, fire department, city marshal’s office, and city court.

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