News

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.

Northwestern State University lists summer and fall graduates

NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University awarded 427 degrees to 422 Summer 2023 graduates 683 degrees to 665 Fall 2023 graduates during commencement exercises Dec. 13-14. Summer 2023 graduates from Evangeline Parish are listed as follows: Mamou -- Kayla Berzas, Bachelor of Science.

McNeese State University lists fall graduates

McNeese State University conferred degrees on 537 graduates during two ceremonies for the university’s 161st commencement Friday, Dec. 8, in McNeese’s Legacy Center. The ceremony for the Burton College of Education and colleges of business and liberal arts was held at 9 a.m.

Four-wheelers are now banned from Christmas parade in Chataigner

By: TONY MARKS Editor Chataignier Mayor Justin Darbonne, during the council meeting held Monday, December 18, thanked everyone who helped put on the village’s Christmas parade. He said there was a good turnout for the event with a lot of people in the village.

Censorship is un-American; Free speech is the answer

Americans are blessed to have constitutional rights, especially the First Amendment right of free speech. As Benjamin Franklin once wrote, whoever “would overthrow the Liberty of a Nation, must begin by subduing the Freeness of Speech.

SANDRA DARLENE NACQUIN

MAMOU – It is with great sadness that the family of Sandra Darlene Nacquin announces her passing on Saturday, December 16, 2023 in Opelousas at the age of 59. Funeral services were held on Wednesday, December 20, 2023, at Ardoin’s Funeral Home in Mamou at 2 p.m. Burial followed in the Reed Cemetery.

Obituary

Jesse Noel Ludeau, a strong but gentle Cajun from Ville Platte, ended his 21-month battle with pancreatic cancer on December 15th at the age of 64.

Change is coming to delivery of Ville Platte Gazette

The Ville Platte Gazette will begin delivery by mail starting with the January 4, 2024, edition. Rising distribution costs are causing the change. If you live in the 70586 zip code, you will receive your Thursday edition of the Gazette by mail on Thursday and your Sunday edition on Saturday.

EPSB elects Hamlin, Joseph as officers

By: TONY MARKS Editor Bobby Hamlin was elected president, and Sheila Joseph was elected vice president during the Evangeline Parish School Board meeting on Wednesday, December 13. Board member Calvin Leday Jr. nominated Wanda Skinner for president, while board member Fannie Soileau nominated Hamlin.

Budget is adopted in Mamou

By: HEATHER BOGARD Associate Editor During the Mamou Council meeting held December 13, the council adopted the 2024 budget of anticipated revenue and expenditures. Assistant Chief Caleb Semien addressed Mayor Leisa Deshotel and the council members with concerns over the police department’s budget.