News

Locals qualify for national finals rodeo

By: TONY MARKS Editor Three Evangeline Parish students recently qualified for the National Junior High Finals Rodeo June 21-27 in Guthrie, Okla.

Hospitals sent warnings over lack of price transparency

By: AIDAN MCCAHILL The Advocate The Trump administration has warned 27 Louisiana hospitals they are failing to provide the public with basic pricing information — arguing that the lack of disclosure is keeping healthcare costs higher than they should be.

EPPJ warns of strong weather

(Editor’s Note: The following is a press release from the Evangeline Parish Police Jury.

Council whiffs on liquor ordinance amendment

By: TONY MARKS Editor CHATAIGNIER - The Chataignier Village Council, during its meeting held Monday, June 15, split on a proposed amendment to a liquor ordinance. The proposed amendment to the ordinance would allow the sale of alcohol 500 feet from church property lines.

KENNETH RAYMOND WALKER

VILLE PLATTE - Kenneth Raymond Walker, 77, of Ville Platte, passed away peacefully on June 11, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of faith, family, service, and hard work. Visitation was held on Monday, June 15, 2026, at First Baptist Church of Ville Platte, at 10 a.m.

WILLIAM “BILLY” BRIGNAC

William “Billy” Brignac, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and devoted family man, passed away peacefully on June 14, 2026, in his hometown of Ville Platte. Born on March 20, 1944, in Ville Platte, Billy lived a life marked by dedication to family, service, and the community.

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. Arrested were the following persons: •Devontae Terez Alfred, 26, was arrested June 10, 2026, for aggravated battery.

Tulsi Gabbard makes a grand exit

The Director of National Intelligence (DNI), Tulsi Gabbard, will be officially leaving her post on June 19. She is resigning to care for her husband, who is battling a rare form of bone cancer.

LSHOF member, legendary rodeo figure T. Berry Porter passes away

(Editor’s Note: The following article was submitted by the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame.) Visitation was Monday evening and a Tuesday morning funeral was set in his hometown of Leesville for Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame member T. Barrett “T.

Sand bags are available

With the possibility of several inches of rain and the flash flood risk at hand, our crews have been taking proactive steps to prepare and keep our parish safe, and we encourage you to do the same for your home and family.