State

Le Courir de Mardi Gras goes through Mamou

News Staff

Thursday, February 19, 2026

Under overcast skies, rowdy riders on horseback carried on the traditional custom of chasing after chickens as Le Courir de Mardi Gras took place in Mamou on Tuesday, February 17. The ride began and ended at the American Legion Hall on Main Street.

Local Headline

Tornado touches down near Crooked Creek

News Staff

Thursday, February 19, 2026

By: TONY MARKS Editor The National Weather Service confirmed an EF1 tornado touched down in the northern part of the parish at approximately 9:12 p.m. on Saturday, February 14.

Local Headline

Ballot is set for May election

News Staff

Thursday, February 19, 2026

By: TONY MARKS Editor Qualifying for the May closed primary election ended on Friday, February 13. Voters who are registered as Democrat or Republican can only participate in their party’s primary.

Swamp Pop Reunion Dance is held

News Staff

Thursday, February 19, 2026

The 20th annual Swamp Pop Reunion Dance was held at the Ville Platte Civic Center on Monday, February 16. During the celebration, Roy Chaffin and Tommy McLain were honored after both Swamp Pop stars had passed away since last year’s event.

BEST-DRESSED AT STATE - The La. High School Coaches Association shared this photo above on Facebook prior to the championship rounds of the state wrestling tourney with the following caption: Waiting to see who will be State Champions on the mats, but we have confirmed a front runner in best dressed…introducing the Basile Bearcat coaching staff. From left are Ben Bertrand, Romyn Cortez, senior wrestler; Patrick Fontenot, Gabe Duplechin, and Jason Ashford.

Bearcats claim another state wrestling title

News Staff

Thursday, February 19, 2026

By: DARREL LEJEUNE LSN Editor BOSSIER CITY - The Basile Bearcats proved once again that they are the standard in Louisiana high school wrestling, powering their way to another state championship at the LHSAA Division III State Wrestling Tournament held Friday and Saturday, Feb.

Police jurors tour new parish jail at Ward 1 Industrial Park

News Staff

Thursday, February 12, 2026

Members of the Evangeline Parish Police Jury, on Thursday, February 5, toured the new parish jail, which is being constructed in the Ward 1 Industrial Park. Before taking the tour, the jurors gathered for a photograph at the entrance sign to the park.

Chaffin

Swamp Pop star passes away

News Staff

Thursday, February 12, 2026

Swamp Pop star Roy Chaffin, of Turkey Creek, passed away on Monday, February 9, after being diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. As of press time, no arrangements have been announced.

Local Headline

Qualifying procedures are given for primaries

News Staff

Thursday, February 12, 2026

BATON ROUGE — Qualifying for the May 16 Party Primary and Municipal Primary Election began Feb. 11 and will run through Friday, Feb. 13.

Local Headline

Candidate announcement policy is given

News Staff

Thursday, February 12, 2026

The Ville Platte Gazette will publish announcements for candidates in the November 3, 2026, primary election at no charge when accompanied by payment for advertising.

Map of the expansion to the CWD control area for 2026. (Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries)

State leans on hunters to keep ‘zombie deer’ disease in check

News Staff

Thursday, February 5, 2026

By: ELISE PLUNK Louisiana Illuminator A fatal disease that primarily impacts deer is slowly creeping through populations in northern Louisiana as officials ramp up efforts to control its spread.

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