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.

Berzas is selected to serve as Boggy Bayou king

The youngest of nine, Paul Berzas, better known a “T-Boy,” was raised by his parents, the late Nathan and Alida Berzas, on their family farm in L’Anse Meg, on the outskirts of Mamou.

Tommy G headlines festival

Local Swamp Pop favorite Tommy G, along with his band, Stormy Weather, will headline this year’s Boggy Bayou Festival. Tommy G is a singer, song writer and entertainer. Born Thomas Joseph Gros on April 22, 1962, in Amelia, the 8th of nine children. Tommy had a passion for music at a very young age.

Teen Miss Boggy Bayou Avery Annabelle Brown:

By: HEATHER BOGARD Associate Editor “This was my first festival title and I had an amazing year that will always hold a special place in my heart,” shares Teen Boggy Bayou Queen Avery Annabelle Brown.

Ms. Boggy Bayou Chasity Nicole Matte:

By: HEATHER BOGARD Associate Editor Reflecting on her reign as Ms. Boggy Bayou, Chasity Nicole Matte shares, “Being crowned Ms. Boggy Bayou has opened my eyes even more than before to how many people don’t realize that most pageants extend far beyond a pretty dress, makeup, and a crown.

Senior royalty is named

Prairie Manor Nursing Home announced its 2026 Senior Boggy Bayou Festival King and Queen. The new royalty of Senior King Darnell Fontenot (left) and Senior Queen Drucella Rozas (right) was crowned on February 24 and will preside over the festival which begins on Thursday, May 7.

Awareness ride is held

CASA of St. Landry-Evangeline Inc. and St. Landry-Evangeline Sexual Assault Center (SLESAC) held its 13th Annual Crime and Abuse Prevention Awareness Ride at the Evangeline Parish Courthouse on Saturday, April 25, in partnership with the City of Ville Platte.

Ville Platte Police Department achieves compliance

VILLE PLATTE - The United States Department of Justice has closed its investigation into the Ville Platte Police Department, concluding a federal civil rights review that began in 2015 and followed formal findings of unconstitutional detention practices in 2016.

MPD investigates fatal pedestrian crash

MAMOU — On April 24, at approximately 4:50 a.m., the Mamou Police Department received a 911 call from the Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Office regarding a vehicle crash involving a pedestrian in the area of 8th Street and South Street.

Early voting begins Saturday

By: TONY MARKS Editor Early voting for the May 16 election will begin Saturday May 2 and end on Saturday, May 9. Early voting will not be conducted on Sunday, May 3. Early voting will be conducted at the registrar’s office between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 6 p.m.