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EPSO Arrests

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EPSO Arrests

News Staff

Monday, July 6, 2026

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

IMPACT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ON RURAL COMMUNITIES DISCUSSED - From left, are Ville Platte Mayor and Rotarian Ryan LeDay Williams, Rotary President Dr. Kirk Soileau, guest speaker Dr. Leah A. Carter, and Ville Platte City Clerk/Treasurer and Rotarian Donald Bergeron during the June 30, meeting of the Ville Platte Rotary Club. (Gazette photo by Heather Bogard)

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Ville Platte Rotary:

News Staff

Monday, July 6, 2026

By: HEATHER BOGARD Associate Editor Newly-installed Rotary President Dr. Kirk Soileau led the first meeting of his tenure during the June 30, meeting of the Ville Platte Rotary Club. Rotarian Donald Bergeron then introduced Dr. Leah A.

Youths learn of endangered species

News Staff

Monday, July 6, 2026

As part of its summer program, the Evangeline Parish Library hosted Brittany Palode, with the International Crane Foundation, for an exciting program where children learned about the world of whooping cranes through stories and craft projects.

Raymond Partsch III (left) and Tony Marks (right) hold their major awards that they won at the 2025 Louisiana Sports Writers Association Awards Contest luncheon in Natchitoches on Sunday, June 28. (Photo by Tina Partsch)

Major hardware

News Staff

Thursday, July 2, 2026

Staff Report NATCHITOCHES - The Ville Platte Gazette and The Oakdale Journal received hardware after staff members earned top honors at the Louisiana Sports Writers Association Awards Contest luncheon held on Sunday, June 28.

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City faces multi-million dollar shortfall in public safety funds

News Staff

Thursday, July 2, 2026

By: TONY MARKS Editor VILLE PLATTE - The City of Ville Platte is facing a multi-million dollar shortfall in its funds for the police department, fire department, city marshal’s office, and city court.

Monier

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Local doctor is arrested

News Staff

Thursday, July 2, 2026

By: TONY MARKS Editor A Ville Platte cardiologist is being held in jail on a $2,500 bond. The Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Office arrested Dr. Charles S. Monier, 57, on Friday, June 26. He is charged with violation of protective orders, stalking, and driving under suspension for DWI.

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Davis, Letlow earn nominations

News Staff

Thursday, July 2, 2026

By: TONY MARKS Editor The field is now set for the United States Senator election in November after candidates clinched their party’s nominations on Saturday, June 27. “Jamie” Davis won the Democratic nomination after edging out Gary Crockett with 80% of the vote statewide.

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Victim is killed in crash on Oakdale Road

News Staff

Thursday, July 2, 2026

OAKDALE – On June 27, at approximately 12:25 a.m., troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop I responded to a single vehicle fatal crash on Louisiana Highway 106 near Liz’s Lane in Evangeline Parish. The crash claimed the life of 29-year-old James Woodruff III of Ville Platte.

Fontenot

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GERALDINE “DEAN” FONTENOT

News Staff

Thursday, July 2, 2026

Geraldine “Dean” Fontenot, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 26, 2026, at the age of 91. A longtime resident of Ville Platte, Dean lived a life filled with love, kindness, faith, and service to others.

Andrus

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JEAN BATISTE ANDRUS SR.

News Staff

Thursday, July 2, 2026

Jean Batiste Andrus Sr., a lifelong resident of Ville Platte, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at the age of 79. A time of visitation was held on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at Ardoin’s Funeral Home, with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. until the time of service.

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