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Early voting begins Saturday

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Thursday, April 30, 2026

By: TONY MARKS Editor Early voting for the May 16 election will begin Saturday May 2 and end on Saturday, May 9. Early voting will not be conducted on Sunday, May 3.

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Cleco’s owners have agreed to sell the company

News Staff

Thursday, April 30, 2026

By: SAM KARLIN The Advocate The owners of Cleco Power have reached an agreement to sell the electric utility to Stonepeak Energy and Bernhard Capital Partners in a deal that will keep the firm headquartered in central Louisiana.

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Celebrate Louisiana Statehood

News Staff

Thursday, April 30, 2026

By: TONY MARKS Editor On this day, April 30, in 1812, Louisiana becomes the 18th state to join the United States. This event came nine years to the date after the 828,000 square mile Louisiana Purchase was made for a price of less than three cents an acre.

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Ville Platte Police Department achieves compliance

News Staff

Monday, April 27, 2026

VILLE PLATTE - The United States Department of Justice has closed its investigation into the Ville Platte Police Department, concluding a federal civil rights review that began in 2015 and followed formal findings of unconstitutional detention practices in 2016.

CAPITAINE OF THE YEAR - Patricia Harris, who leads the French Table at the Evangeline Parish Library main branch, recently received an award from CODOFIL naming her as Capitaine of the Year for her work in preserving the French language and culture. (Photo courtesy of Patricia Harris)

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Harris earns CODOFIL award

News Staff

Monday, April 27, 2026

By: HEATHER BOGARD Associate Editor Patricia Harris recently attended the second annual Rendez-vous des Capitaines in Breaux Bridge, where she was awarded the honor of Capitaine of the Year for her work and dedication to promoting the French language and culture through her work in forming a French...

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Timeframe is approved for new superintendent

News Staff

Monday, April 27, 2026

By: TONY MARKS Editor VILLE PLATTE - The Evangeline Parish School Board, during its meeting held Wednesday, April 22, voted to accept the retirement of Superintendent Darwan Lazard.

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EPSB recognizes teacher of the year semifinalist

News Staff

Monday, April 27, 2026

By: TONY MARKS Editor VILLE PLATTE - Lauren Thibodeaux, of Vidrine Elementary, was recognized for being a semifinalist for elementary teacher of the year during the Evangeline Parish School Board meeting on Wednesday, April 22.

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Policy experts weigh in on five amendments to be voted on May 16

News Staff

Monday, April 27, 2026

By: SHERIDAN WHITE LSU Manship School News Service BATON ROUGE – A Public Affairs Research Council webinar brought together policy experts who expressed sharp differences on the five constitutional amendments voters will consider in the May 16 election.

The inside of the Garand Suite of BeauBassin Farm and Gardens is pictured. On the wall is a picture of Marcelin Garand, the founder of Ville Platte, and a former adjutant general of the French Imperial Army. (Gazette photo by Tony Marks)

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Deeply rooted interests

News Staff

Thursday, April 23, 2026

By: TONY MARKS Editor SUNSET - Kenny Arceneaux is a veterinary specialist from Mandeville with a variety of interests, including history, architecture, culture, music, gardening, and science.

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Attorney addresses chief’s arrest

News Staff

Thursday, April 23, 2026

By: TONY MARKS Editor Following the arrest of Mamou Chief of Police Charles “Pat” Hall for trespass against state computers and malfeasance in office, his attorney Todd Clemons, from Todd Clemons and Associates, issued the following statement.

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