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House approves $47 billion state budget proposal

News Staff
Monday, April 20, 2026
BATON ROUGE – The Louisiana House of Representatives, on Thursday, voted to approve a financially responsible $47 billion state budget that avoids raising taxes for the year beginning July 1, 2026 and speeds up investment in better classrooms and more high-paying jobs in Louisiana.
Sam LaFleur (left) and Haylee Dupre (right) are pictured as they display the state runner-up trophies in powerlifting. Both are senior captains for this year’s Sacred Heart teams. (Photo courtesy of Misty Parker)

Sam LaFleur (left) and Haylee Dupre (right) are pictured as they display the state runner-up trophies in powerlifting. Both are senior captains for this year’s Sacred Heart teams. (Photo courtesy of Misty Parker)

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Council meets state runners-up

News Staff
Thursday, April 16, 2026
By: TONY MARKS Editor VILLE PLATTE - The boys’ and girls’ powerlifting teams from Sacred Heart who ended the season as state runners-up received proclamations from the City of Ville Platte during the city council meeting held Monday, April 13.
Williams

Williams

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Attorney issues statement

News Staff
Thursday, April 16, 2026
By: TONY MARKS Editor Following the arrest of Ville Platte Mayor Ryan LeDay Williams in connection with alleged malfeasance in office, his attorney Todd Clemons, from Todd Clemons and Associates, issued the following statement.
Searile

Searile

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Link is confirmed

News Staff
Thursday, April 16, 2026
By: TONY MARKS Editor Sources have confirmed to the Ville Platte Gazette that Rufus Searile has been linked with the recent arrest of five public officials, including Ville Platte Mayor Ryan LeDay Williams and Mamou Chief of Police Charles Patrick Hall.
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Agents cite subject for shooting whooping crane

News Staff
Thursday, April 16, 2026
By: ADAM EINCK LDWF Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) enforcement agents cited a subject on April 13 for allegedly shooting an endangered whooping crane in Evangeline Parish. Agents cited Michael Alaniz, 49, of Chicago, Illinois, for violating the migratory bird treaty act.
Breaking News

Breaking News

LDWF Agents Cite Subject for Shooting Whooping Crane in Evangeline Parish

News Staff
Monday, April 13, 2026
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) enforcement agents cited a subject on April 13 for allegedly shooting an endangered whooping crane in Evangeline Parish. Agents cited Michael Alaniz, 49, of Chicago, Illinois, for violating the migratory bird treaty act.
Pictured from left are Holy Savior Menard head girls’ basketball coach Craig Whittington and Bell City head girls’ basketball coach Tracy Fontenot. Both coaches, from Bayou Chicot, led their teams to the state finals this season. (Photo courtesy of Craig Whittington)

Pictured from left are Holy Savior Menard head girls’ basketball coach Craig Whittington and Bell City head girls’ basketball coach Tracy Fontenot. Both coaches, from Bayou Chicot, led their teams to the state finals this season. (Photo courtesy of Craig Whittington)

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Tracing through crags

News Staff
Monday, April 13, 2026
By: TONY MARKS Editor Friendships last forever. This statement may be a cliché, but two Bayou Chicot natives are living that out as they continue to impact young lives on the basketball court.
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EPPJ votes against tax break

News Staff
Monday, April 13, 2026
By: NANCY DUPLECHAIN Staff Reporter The Evangeline Parish Police Jury, during its Monday, April 6 meeting, voted unanimously to oppose a proposed tax break tied to an expansion project at the Pine Prairie Energy Center.
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