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Inmate is back in custody

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Thursday, March 12, 2026

Ville Platte Chief of Police A. Perry Thomas reported Marlon H. Williams has been captured by Ville Platte Police in cooperation with the Ville Platte City Marshal’s Office. Williams escaped from the city jail on March 7, at 7:10 p.m., due to an unsecured door to the recreation yard.

Members of the Ville Platte Fire Department work to finish as they extinguish a commercial structure fire on Friday, March 6. (Gazette photo by Nancy Duplechain)

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VPPD responds to structure fire

News Staff

Thursday, March 12, 2026

The Ville Platte Fire Department, on Friday, March 6, was dispatched to the 100 block of NW Railroad Ave, for a commercial structure fire. Upon arrival, responders found a commercial building with heavy fire conditions exiting the front of the middle section of the building.

From left are (standing) Turkey Creek Mayor Bert Campbell, Evangeline Parish School Board member Karen Vidrine, Evangeline Parish Secretary-Treasurer Dirk Deville, Mamou Mayor Leisa Deshotel, Pine Prairie Mayor Quint West, Basile Mayor Mark Denette, and Chataignier Mayor Justin Darbonne; (sitting) Ville Platte Mayor Ryan LeDay Williams, Evangeline Parish Sheriff Charles Guillory, incoming administrator Cody Jones, outgoing administrator Marty Morein, and Evangeline Solid Waste Commission Executive Director

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Jones is tabbed as new sales tax administrator

News Staff

Thursday, March 12, 2026

By: TONY MARKS Editor Cody Jones, a graduate of Ville Platte High School, has been named the new administrator of the Evangeline Parish Sales Tax Commission. He replaces the retiring Marty Morein.

Curran

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MARY IDA FONTENOT CURRAN

News Staff

Thursday, March 12, 2026

Mary Ida Fontenot Curran, who was born on Friday, August 25, 1939, passed away in Mamou, on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at the age of 86. Visitation was held on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at Ardoin Funeral Home, in Mamou, beginning at 10:30 a.m. until time of service at 2 p.m.

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LDWF agents cite two subjects for shooting a whooping crane

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Thursday, March 12, 2026

By: ADAM EINCK LDWF Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) enforcement agents cited two subjects on March 3 for the illegal shooting of a whooping crane in Evangeline Parish. Agents cited Logan Q. Thrasher, 36, of St.

EPSO Arrests

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EPSO Arrests

News Staff

Thursday, March 12, 2026

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

Gov. Jeff Landry addressed the opening session of the Legislature Monday. Among those seated in the front row is State Senator Heather Cloud (R-Turkey Creek). (Photo by John Ballance/ The Advocate)

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Landry calls for voter help on amendment to free money for teacher pay raises

News Staff

Thursday, March 12, 2026

By: GRACIE THOMAS, AVERY WHITE, KYLAH BABIN, and IZZY WOLLFARTH LSU Manship School News Service BATON ROUGE – Gov.

Crouere

Stop the harmful time changing ritual

News Staff

Thursday, March 12, 2026

Except for the wise people of Arizona and Hawaii, who have year-round standard time, Americans were once again forced to “spring forward” and lose an hour of sleep on Sunday morning. This practice, known as daylight-saving time, gives Americans more time in the evening to enjoy sunlight.

Total Auto Parts & Ag celebrates grand opening

News Staff

Thursday, March 12, 2026

A ribbon cutting celebrating the grand opening of Total Auto Parts & Ag was held on Thursday, March 5, at its location, 95 Main Street, in Mamou. It was a huge turnout on this beautiful day for the special occasion.

Breaking News

Update is given

News Staff

Monday, March 9, 2026

Chief A. Perry Thomas reports Marlon H. Williams, the inmate who escaped Saturday from the Ville Platte City Jail, has been captured by Ville Platte Police in cooperation with the Ville Platte City Marshal's Office. Chief Thomas thanks the Marshal's Office and the community for their assistance.

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