News

Louisiana law banning debit card surcharges takes effect

By: MISTY CASTILLE The Center Square (The Center Square) – Louisiana retailers can no longer charge customers extra for using debit cards under a new state law that took effect Saturday, giving consumers new legal protections and expanding the attorney general's authority to enforce the ban.

Economic impact of Tropical Storm Arthur on state agriculture exceeds $112 million

By: KURT GUIDRY LSU AgCenter BATON ROUGE — Although a mostly disorganized system while circulating in the Gulf, Tropical Storm Arthur produced historic rainfall and widespread flooding across portions of central Louisiana on June 18 and 19.

The Biden nightmare still haunts America

Joe Biden, the worst President in American history, left office over eighteen months ago, but the nightmare of his administration continues to haunt our country.

Qualifying begins for November election

Qualifying for the upcoming November elections began on Wednesday, August 5, and will continue until Friday, August 7. Qualifying will be held at the Clerk of Court’s office in the Evangeline Parish Courthouse from the hours of 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each of the qualifying days.

Sex offenders are wanted by sheriff’s department

By: TONY MARKS Editor The Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Office, in a press release, has announced it is currently seeking several sex offenders who have failed to comply with Louisiana’s mandatory registration and notification requirements.

Housing Authority honors city’s past with new site names

The Ville Platte Housing Authority has recently renamed a few of its sites. On Tuesday, July 21, at a regular board meeting, the board and executive director recognized the families of those the sites have been named after.

Tournoi pageant is set for Aug. 22

By: TONY MARKS Editor VILLE PLATTE - The Louisiana Tournoi Association will hold its Queens Pageant on Saturday, August 22, at 6 p.m. at the Ville Platte Civic Center. All proceeds will fund the preservation of Le Tournoi. The categories are: •Ms. Tournoi Queen - 24 years old and older •Jr.

JAMES CAROL LAFLEUR

VILLE PLATTE - Funeral services for James Carol Lafleur, 77, were held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, July 23, 2026, in the LaVille Funeral Home Chapel. Visitation was held on Thursday, July 23, 2026, in the LaVille Funeral Home Chapel beginning at 9 a.m. until the time of services.

2026 Gueydan Duck Calling Contest announced

GUEYDAN - The Gueydan Duck Festival is proud to host the 56th Annual Louisiana State Duck and Goose Calling Contest. The contest will be held Saturday Aug. 15, at the Gueydan Civic Center, 901 Wilkinson Dr, Gueydan, LA.

EPSO Arrests

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