State

Funds are received for Mr. Perfect

News Staff

Thursday, October 8, 2026

As in year’s past, riders of the Louisiana Tournoi put money into a pot for the Mr. Perfect Lotto. The funds are then matched by The Evangeline Bank and Trust Company and are then given to the rider who collects all 21 rings of the Tournoi.

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An Important Update from Mercy Regional Medical Center

News Staff

Tuesday, October 6, 2026

Allegiance Health Management announced today its planned divestiture of Mercy Regional Medical Center, along with three other Louisiana hospitals. This process is intended to position our hospital for long-term sustainability and continued service to our community.

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Closure of books is announced

News Staff

Monday, October 5, 2026

Registrar of Voters Lucas Buller would like to announce the close of books for the November 3 election. The last day to register in person or by mail is October 5, and the last day to register online using the geauxvote.com website is October 13.

PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSIONER ADDRESSES CLUB - Public Service Commissioner Mike Francis addressed the September 29, meeting of the Ville Platte Rotary Club with an update on the commission’s work. Shown, from left, are Rotary President Dr. Kirk Soileau, Francis, executive assistant Eric Duplechain and Rotarian Wayne Vidrine. (Gazette photo by Heather Bogard)

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Ville Platte Rotary: Public Service Commissioner Mike Francis shares update

News Staff

Monday, October 5, 2026

By: HEATHER BOGARD Associate Editor Rotarian Wayne Vidrine welcomed Public Service Commissioner Mike Francis as the guest speaker for the September 22, meeting of the Ville Platte Rotary Club. Francis shared a brief background, sharing he was born and raised in Jena and attended Jena public schools.

Queen Cotton LXXI Chloe Lynn Guilbeau

News Staff

Monday, October 5, 2026

By: HEATHER BOGARD Associate Editor Outgoing Queen Cotton LXXI Chloe Lynn Guilbeau has had an amazing year representing the Louisiana Cotton Festival as Queen Cotton LXXI and shares, “I have not held any other titles prior to this one, and I am incredibly grateful that this title has been my one...

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A brief history of La. Cotton Festival

News Staff

Monday, October 5, 2026

Ville Platte is the home of the fall festival known as the Louisiana Cotton Festival and Le Tournoi de la Ville Platte, held each year in October. The World War II veterans are credited with starting the festival as part of their July 4th, celebration in 1952.

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A warm welcome...

News Staff

Monday, October 5, 2026

Dear Visitors, On behalf of the Louisiana Cotton Festival Association and our dedicated volunteers, I am delighted to extend a warm invitation to everyone to join us for the 72nd Annual Louisiana Cotton Festival.

2025 COTTON FESTIVAL SENIOR ROYALTY - Shown, from left, are runners-up Byron Faul and Janella Soileau, Louisiana Cotton Festival Association President Kimberly McDaniel, Le Roi James Bordelon and La Reine Susan Graser. (Photo courtesy of Heritage Manor)

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2025 Le Roi et La Reine enjoyed their reign

News Staff

Monday, October 5, 2026

By: HEATHER BOGARD Associate Editor 2025 senior Cotton Festival royalty Le Roi James Bordelon and La Reine Susan Graser bid farewell to their reign and crowned their successors during the pageant held Saturday, September 26.

Queen Cotton LXXII crowned

News Staff

Thursday, October 1, 2026

Ashley Ann Gorrell of Baton Rouge, the 23-year-old daughter of Samantha and Randall Rowlands, was crowned Queen Cotton LXXII during pageant festivities held Saturday afternoon, September 26, at the Northside Civic Center.

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A decade after flood, church is being demolished

News Staff

Thursday, October 1, 2026

By: TONY MARKS Editor VILLE PLATTE - Ten years after historic flooding unearthed tombs and coffins in the church’s cemetery, the property of Saint Matthews Baptist Church has a new owner and is awaiting demolition. The Evangeline Parish Police Jury took over ownership of the property last week.

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