News

Rules are announced for Mamou Mardi Gras

The Mamou Police Department has announced rules for this year’s Mardi Gras celebration. This festival, according to the police department, is meant to be a time of celebration and community, not a “do what you want” event.

Swamp Pop star passes away

Swamp Pop star Roy Chaffin, of Turkey Creek, passed away on Monday, February 9, after being diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. As of press time, no arrangements have been announced.

EPPJ hears update on detention pond

By: HEATHER BOGARD Associate Editor The Evangeline Parish Police Jury, during its meeting on Monday, February 9, discussed the detention pond project and said they are weighing their options as the project has exceeded the estimated $4 million cost.

JOSEPH WILLIAM ANDERSON

Joseph William Anderson, a dedicated oilfield worker and loving family man, passed away on Sunday, February 8, 2026, in Bayou Chicot, at the age of 73. A celebration of Joseph’s life will take place on a later date.

CARLA V. ARDOIN CLARK

Carla V. Ardoin Clark, a lifelong resident of Ville Platte, passed away on Friday, February 6, 2026, at the age of 58. Funeral services took place on Wednesday, February 11, 2026. Rev. Kevin West officiated the services.

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: •Lorenzo S.

State steps up maintenance on roads and bridges

By: VERONICA CAMENZULI and SHERIDAN WHITE LSU Manship School News Service BATON ROUGE—State officials say they will prioritize maintenance projects, especially on rural roads and bridges, as they seek to reduce an estimated $19 billion backlog in highway projects.

Senior voters are key for GOP victory

Among the American electorate, seniors are the most likely to be registered to vote. Voter registration in the 65-74 age group is an astounding 80.5% and among those 75 years and older, it is 80.1%.

Qualifying procedures are given for primaries

BATON ROUGE — Qualifying for the May 16 Party Primary and Municipal Primary Election began Feb. 11 and will run through Friday, Feb. 13.

Candidate announcement policy is given

The Ville Platte Gazette will publish announcements for candidates in the November 3, 2026, primary election at no charge when accompanied by payment for advertising.