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Heritage Manor News: Night leg cramps

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Monday, February 23, 2026

(Editor’s Note: The following article was submitted by Patricia Duplechin, resident activity director at Heritage Manor Nursing Home in Ville Platte.

Le Courir de Mardi Gras goes through Mamou

News Staff

Thursday, February 19, 2026

Under overcast skies, rowdy riders on horseback carried on the traditional custom of chasing after chickens as Le Courir de Mardi Gras took place in Mamou on Tuesday, February 17. The ride began and ended at the American Legion Hall on Main Street.

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Tornado touches down near Crooked Creek

News Staff

Thursday, February 19, 2026

By: TONY MARKS Editor The National Weather Service confirmed an EF1 tornado touched down in the northern part of the parish at approximately 9:12 p.m. on Saturday, February 14.

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Ballot is set for May election

News Staff

Thursday, February 19, 2026

By: TONY MARKS Editor Qualifying for the May closed primary election ended on Friday, February 13. Voters who are registered as Democrat or Republican can only participate in their party’s primary.

Swamp Pop Reunion Dance is held

News Staff

Thursday, February 19, 2026

The 20th annual Swamp Pop Reunion Dance was held at the Ville Platte Civic Center on Monday, February 16. During the celebration, Roy Chaffin and Tommy McLain were honored after both Swamp Pop stars had passed away since last year’s event.

BEST-DRESSED AT STATE - The La. High School Coaches Association shared this photo above on Facebook prior to the championship rounds of the state wrestling tourney with the following caption: Waiting to see who will be State Champions on the mats, but we have confirmed a front runner in best dressed…introducing the Basile Bearcat coaching staff. From left are Ben Bertrand, Romyn Cortez, senior wrestler; Patrick Fontenot, Gabe Duplechin, and Jason Ashford.

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Bearcats claim another state wrestling title

News Staff

Thursday, February 19, 2026

By: DARREL LEJEUNE LSN Editor BOSSIER CITY - The Basile Bearcats proved once again that they are the standard in Louisiana high school wrestling, powering their way to another state championship at the LHSAA Division III State Wrestling Tournament held Friday and Saturday, Feb. 6–7, at the...

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Dollar General Armed Robbery Suspect Apprehended

News Staff

Wednesday, February 18, 2026

Chief A. Perry Thomas reports an update to the armed robbery which occurred at the Ville Platte Dollar General on Tate Cove Road earlier this month when a person wearing a clown mask entered the store, brandishing a firearm, and escaped with around $1,000 cash.

From left are Superintendent Darwan Lazard; Jaiden Thomas, 5th grade student of the year from James Stephens Montessori; Ethan Zang, 8th grade student of the year from Evangeline Reimagine Academy; and Supervisor Cheri Fontenot. Not present was Charlee Smith, 12th grade student of the year from Basile High School. (Gazette photo by Nancy Duplechain)

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EPSB recognizes students of the year

News Staff

Monday, February 16, 2026

By: NANCY DUPLECHAIN Staff Reporter During the Evangeline Parish School Board’s Wednesday meeting, Elementary Supervisor Cheri Fontenot presented the 2025-2026 District Student of the Year winners.

Jail Supervisor Haley Gallow (right) was recognized for achieving her State Food Safety Certification. She is pictured with City Councilman Bryant Riggs (left). (Photo courtesy of Ville Platte Police Department)

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Location of new business waffles

News Staff

Monday, February 16, 2026

By: TONY MARKS Editor VILLE PLATTE - During the Ville Platte City Council meeting held Tuesday, February 10, Mayor Ryan LeDay Williams announced Waffle House will be not locating where it was initially planned.

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Chief addresses possible gun shots

News Staff

Monday, February 16, 2026

By: HEATHER BOGARD Associate Editor Police Chief Patrick Hall, during the February 11, meeting of the Mamou Town Council, addressed the recent incidents of door knocking, shining lights in windows and possible gunshots fired occurring on the Northside.

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