News

Special legislative session begins in Baton Rouge

By: NOLAN MCKENDRY The Center Square (The Center Square) − Louisiana’s Legislature convened Thursday to fast-track a package of election bills that would shift the state’s 2026 congressional election calendar back by one month while the U.S.

WAYLAN PAUL SMITH

Waylan Paul Smith, born on January 15, 1956, in Ville Platte, passed away on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, in his beloved hometown of Ville Platte. He left Ville Platte as a young man and resided in the New Orleans area until his later years.

GLADYS COLLINS

VILLE PLATTE - Funeral services for Gladys Collins, 66, will be held on Saturday November 1, 2025, at 11 a.m. with wake service beginning at 9 a.m. at Victory Millennium Ministries in Ville Platte. Burial will be in the St John Memorial Cemetery. Pastor Russell Kaough will officiate the service.

At the Library

We invite you to join us at the Mamou Branch Library for an informative and engaging Parent Chat session. The Parent Chat series will be held on October 27, at 4:30 p.m. at the Mamou Branch Library.

Bayou Chicot Elementary announces honor students for first nine-weeks

Bayou Chicot Elementary School recently announced their honor students for the first nine weeks grading period as follows: Kindergarten: Superintendent’s List - Caroline Fontenot, Destinee Gallow, Lena Garner, Louis LaBranche, Rowen Landreneau, Everest Lee, Chloe Anderson, Reagan Galland, Benjamin...

New water tower is constructed

Following the creation of the new Point Blue-Chataignier Water System, a $10 million grant was procured through the state’s Water Sector Program. The funds were used to construct a new water tower for the water system.

Gov. halts new carbon capture applications

By: DAVID J. MITCHELL The Advocate Gov. Jeff Landry declared a moratorium last Wednesday on new applications for carbon capture injection wells in Louisiana after years of growing complaints from people who live near where the projects are planned.

Oil and gas well is explored in parish

By: HEATHER BOGARD Associate Editor Justin Carr with ExxonMobil made a presentation to the Evangeline Parish Police Jury regarding the placement of a stratigraphic oil and gas well they are hoping to install in the western part of the parish.

Hester Heath project garners more discussion

By: HEATHER BOGARD Associate Editor During a special meeting of the Evangeline Parish Police Jury held Monday, October 20, President Kevin Veillon and jurors discussed a lease agreement between the jury and the Evangeline Parish School Board for the Hester Heath school property located in the Bayou...

MARY ETHEL SAVANT

Mary Ethel Savant, a loving housewife and devoted mother, passed away on Thursday, October 16, 2025, in Ville Platte, at the age of 93. Born on Saturday, March 5, 1932, in Beaver Creek, Mary lived a life filled with love and creativity that touched the hearts of many around her.