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June date set for regional facility

News Staff
Thursday, February 5, 2026
BY: BOBBY ARDOIN LSN Correspondent opelousas - A proposed nine-parish regional juvenile detention facility located on rural property somewhere north of Interstate 10, would be supported initially by a voter-approved 1-cent sales tax, St. Landry Parish president Jessie Bellard said on Wednesday.
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Auditor reviews financials of justices of the peace

News Staff
Thursday, February 5, 2026
Auditors from the Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s Office reviewed the annual financial reports the state’s justices of the peace and surveyed them about their salaries, revenues, expenditures, and staffing.
From left are Ville Platte Rotarians Bob Manuel, Steve Phillips, and Dan Poret as they inspect a game table in one of the cell blocks located inside the new Evangeline Parish jail. The new jail is nearing completion and is located inside the Industrial Park. (Gazette photo by Tony Marks)

From left are Ville Platte Rotarians Bob Manuel, Steve Phillips, and Dan Poret as they inspect a game table in one of the cell blocks located inside the new Evangeline Parish jail. The new jail is nearing completion and is located inside the Industrial Park. (Gazette photo by Tony Marks)

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Rotary goes to the big house

News Staff
Monday, February 2, 2026
By: HEATHER BOGARD Associate Editor On Tuesday, January 27, Sheriff Charles Guillory hosted members of the Ville Platte Rotary Club for a tour of the new jail facility.
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Searile is charged with crimes against juveniles

News Staff
Monday, February 2, 2026
Rufus Anthony Searile has been booked into the Evangeline Parish Jail on a $600 thousand bond. He is charged with felony carnal knowledge of a juvenile, two counts of forcible rape, and molestation of a juvenile. More information will be reported as it becomes available.
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Conviction is announced in child porn case

News Staff
Monday, February 2, 2026
The Evangeline Parish District Attorney's office announced the January 22, conviction of Christopher John Lalonde on 21 counts of pornography involving juveniles under the age of 13 wherein he was sentenced to serve 30 years at hard labor.
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Guillory is booked on fentanyl, other charges

News Staff
Monday, February 2, 2026
By: TONY MARKS Editor The Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of a subject in connection with possession of fentanyl and other charges.
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At the Library

News Staff
Monday, February 2, 2026
Library Spring Fest 2026 is set for May 2. Wear your favorite Hawaiian outfit, bring your lawn chairs, and join us for a fun-filled, family-friendly day featuring food vendors, craft vendors, local authors, a petting zoo, face painting, and much more.
EPSO Arrests

EPSO Arrests

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EPSO Arrests

News Staff
Monday, February 2, 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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Weekend weather update

News Staff
Friday, January 30, 2026
The leading edge of the next cold arctic air mass is beginning to move through the area. Gusty north winds today will be the first notice of the air mass change, with below freezing temperatures arriving tonight. Very cold temperatures and bone chilling wind chills are expected.
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Searile is charged with crimes against juveniles

News Staff
Thursday, January 29, 2026
Rufus Anthony Searile has been booked into the Evangeline Parish Jail on a $600 thousand bond. He is charged with felony carnal knowledge of a juvenile, two counts of forcible rape, and molestation of a juvenile. More information will be reported as it becomes available.
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