State

Floyd Soileau (left) is pictured as he receives a commemorative plaque for 54 years of service on The Evangeline Bank and Trust Company’s Board of Directors. He was presented the plaque by the bank’s President, Chief Executive Officer, and Chairman of the Board Randel Chapman during a ceremony held Friday, January 9. (Photo courtesy of The Evangeline Bank and Trust Company)

Floyd Soileau (left) is pictured as he receives a commemorative plaque for 54 years of service on The Evangeline Bank and Trust Company’s Board of Directors. He was presented the plaque by the bank’s President, Chief Executive Officer, and Chairman of the Board Randel Chapman during a ceremony held Friday, January 9. (Photo courtesy of The Evangeline Bank and Trust Company)

“Floydian” stages

News Staff
Thursday, January 15, 2026
By: TONY MARKS Editor VILLE PLATTE — Over a half century of service to the financial community of the parish came to a close as Floyd Soileau stepped down from The Evangeline Bank and Trust Company’s Board of Directors.
Kendarius Doucet, of Ville Platte, is pictured as he attempts a squat during the invitational held Saturday, January 10. He competed in the 165 weight class with a total of 720 pounds. (Gazette photo by Tony Marks)

Kendarius Doucet, of Ville Platte, is pictured as he attempts a squat during the invitational held Saturday, January 10. He competed in the 165 weight class with a total of 720 pounds. (Gazette photo by Tony Marks)

Fifth annual SH powerlifting invitational is held

News Staff
Thursday, January 15, 2026
By: TONY MARKS Editor VILLE PLATTE - Area schools competed in the fifth annual Sacred Heart Invitational, held Saturday, January 10. The Mamou Lady Green Demons (117 points) and the Sacred Heart Trojans (95 points) walked away with the top trophies as team champions of the event.
Local Headline

Local Headline

McNeese names honor students

News Staff
Thursday, January 15, 2026
The President’s Honor List for the fall 2025 semester at McNeese State University has been announced. To be on the President’s Honor List, an undergraduate student must earn at least a 3.5 GPA or better while carrying at least 15 semester hours.
Local Headline

Local Headline

NSU announces honor students

News Staff
Thursday, January 15, 2026
NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University announced the names of undergraduate students who were named to the Fall 2025 Dean’s List. Students on the Dean’s List must be enrolled full time and earn a grade point average of between 3.5 and 3.99.
Local Headline

Local Headline

ULM announces honor students

News Staff
Thursday, January 15, 2026
MONROE -- The University of Louisiana Monroe announces the students on the Dean's List for the Fall 2025 semester. Eligibility for the Dean's List requires full-time enrollment (minimum of 12 semester hours completed) and the list is calculated based on the following G.P.A. hours and term G.P.A.
Local Headline

Local Headline

Deputy-involved shooting is investigated

News Staff
Monday, January 12, 2026
By: TONY MARKS Editor VILLE PLATTE — One person is dead following a deputy-involved shooting that occurred near the intersection of Ivy Lane and Homer Road, just east of the corporate limits of Ville Platte. The incident claimed the life of Dylan Savoie, 24.
Smith

Smith

BHS student is a regional honoree

News Staff
Monday, January 12, 2026
The Louisiana Department of Education has named Basile High School’s 12th-grade Student of the Year and Evangeline Parish Student of the Year Charlee Clare Smith, as regional honoree.
Local Headline

Local Headline

Balfa testifies in evidentiary hearing

News Staff
Thursday, January 8, 2026
By: TONY MARKS Editor VILLE PLATTE - An evidentiary hearing for post-conviction relief began on Tuesday, January 6, regarding John Brady Balfa, who was convicted in connection with the 1983 abduction and murder of Aubrey LaHaye.
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