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At the Library

News Staff

Monday, February 16, 2026

The Evangeline Parish Library (all locations) will be closed on Monday, February 16, in observance of Presidents’ Day and on Tuesday, February 17, for Mardi Gras Day. The Library Board of Control and staff members from around the parish wish everyone a safe and memorable Mardi Gras celebration!

BENEFITS OF MOVEMENT SHARED - David Vidrine with Healthworks Rehab (center) visited the February 10, meeting of the Ville Platte Rotary Club to talk about the many health benefits of exercising. He is shown with Rotary President Beau Wilson (left) and Rotarian Jimmy LeBlanc (right) (Gazette photo by Heather Bogard)

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Ville Platte Rotary:

News Staff

Monday, February 16, 2026

By: HEATHER BOGARD Associate Editor Rotarian Jimmy LeBlanc welcomed David Vidrine with Healthworks Rehab as the guest speaker for the February 10, meeting of the Ville Platte Rotary Club. Vidrine shared he is co-owner of Healthworks Rehab and they have been in the same building since 2003.

EPSO Arrests

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EPSO Arrests

News Staff

Monday, February 16, 2026

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

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Minister’s Corner: God’s loving mercy

News Staff

Monday, February 16, 2026

By: DR. BRIAN DORE’ Member of the Ville Platte Ministerial Alliance We read in the book of Lamentations 3:22-23 (KJV), “It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.”

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Heritage Manor News: Happy Mardi Gras

News Staff

Monday, February 16, 2026

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

Police jurors tour new parish jail at Ward 1 Industrial Park

News Staff

Thursday, February 12, 2026

Members of the Evangeline Parish Police Jury, on Thursday, February 5, toured the new parish jail, which is being constructed in the Ward 1 Industrial Park. Before taking the tour, the jurors gathered for a photograph at the entrance sign to the park.

Pictured is the suspect, in a clown mask, who is wanted in connection to an armed robbery. (Photo courtesy of Ville Platte Police Department)

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VPPD responds to armed robbery

News Staff

Thursday, February 12, 2026

Ville Platte Chief of Police A. Perry Thomas reports, at approximately 9:34 p.m., on Wednesday, February 4, the Dollar General, on Tate Cove Road, was robbed at gun point.

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Rules are announced for Mamou Mardi Gras

News Staff

Thursday, February 12, 2026

The Mamou Police Department has announced rules for this year’s Mardi Gras celebration. This festival, according to the police department, is meant to be a time of celebration and community, not a “do what you want” event.

Chaffin

Swamp Pop star passes away

News Staff

Thursday, February 12, 2026

Swamp Pop star Roy Chaffin, of Turkey Creek, passed away on Monday, February 9, after being diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. As of press time, no arrangements have been announced.

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EPPJ hears update on detention pond

News Staff

Thursday, February 12, 2026

By: HEATHER BOGARD Associate Editor The Evangeline Parish Police Jury, during its meeting on Monday, February 9, discussed the detention pond project and said they are weighing their options as the project has exceeded the estimated $4 million cost.

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