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School notice

News Staff

Monday, January 26, 2026

Evangeline Parish School District Campuses and Offices will Open Tuesday (1/27/2026) Based on reports from all campus principals, all Evangeline Parish schools and offices will be open Tuesday, January 27, 2026.

Pictured are the members of the Evangeline Parish School Board who were recognized as being certified board members by the Louisiana School Board Association. From left are Calvin Leday, Kristie Briley, Fannie Soileau, Vice President Sheila Joseph, President Bobby Hamlin, and Superintendent Darwan Lazard. (Gazette photo by Tony Marks)

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School district is among top ranked in state

News Staff

Monday, January 26, 2026

By: TONY MARKS Editor VILLE PLATTE - At the Wednesday, January 21 meeting of the Evangeline Parish School Board, the board’s president, Bobby Hamlin, announced the parish’s school district was ranked 16th on the list of The 30 Best School Districts in Louisiana according to Money Inc.

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EPSB sees deficit of $10 million

News Staff

Monday, January 26, 2026

By: TONY MARKS Editor VILLE PLATTE - Casey Ardoin, of Kolder, Slaven, and Company LLC, presented the annual audit report of the Evangeline Parish School Board during its meeting held Wednesday, January 21. According to Ardoin, the audit covers the fiscal year that ended on June 30, 2025.

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Agents help rescue four people from Bayou Cocodrie

News Staff

Monday, January 26, 2026

By: ADAM EINCK LDWF Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries enforcement agents participated in a successful search and rescue mission on Jan. 18 in Evangeline Parish. Agents were notified on the morning of Jan. 18 about an overturned vessel with four occupants in the water in Bayou Cocodrie.

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Embezzlement leads to arrest of Peacock

News Staff

Monday, January 26, 2026

By: TONY MARKS Editor A Mamou resident was booked into the Evangeline Parish Jail on charges of theft and forgery. Her bond was set at $50 thousand.

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Ortego is arrested for crimes against juveniles

News Staff

Monday, January 26, 2026

By: TONY MARKS Editor The Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Office reports the arrest of a suspect on alleged crimes against juveniles.

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Humane Society objects to bringing back cockfighting in St. Landry Parish

News Staff

Monday, January 26, 2026

(Editor’s Note: The following article was submitted by Jeff Dorson, director of the Humane Society of Louisiana. The statement from Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill was added by Ville Platte Gazette editor Tony Marks) A St.

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At the Library

News Staff

Monday, January 26, 2026

We have exciting new! Library Spring Fest 2026 is set for May 2, and it will be Hawaiian style! Wear your favorite Hawaiian outfit, bring your lawn chairs, and join us for a fun filled, family friendly day.

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Smoked Meat Battle is set for Crooked Creek

News Staff

Monday, January 26, 2026

Crooked Creek Recreational Area presents the Evangeline Parish Smoked Meat Battle on Saturday, March 14. Entry Classes: $100 per team entry. 2 entries max per team. 1 Team entry Includes: up to 3 separate categories. “Different dishes/categories must be presented for judging”.

From left are Rotarian Clem LaFleur, Kourtheil Henderson with the governor’s office, and Rotary of Ville Platte President Beau Wilson. (Gazette photo by Tony Marks)

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Rotary gains awareness of human trafficking

News Staff

Monday, January 26, 2026

By: TONY MARKS Editor VILLE PLATTE - Kourtheil Henderson with the governor’s office spoke to Ville Platte Rotarians, during the club’s meeting on Tuesday, January 20, about human trafficking and what our state is doing to protect people from this crime.

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