State

The Louisiana State Flag

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.

Breaking News

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)

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...

Local Headline

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.

Thibodeaux

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.

Local Headline

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)

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.

Hall

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.

Sarahi Sawtelle (left) was the recipient of the Women With Heart Award for Evangeline Parish. In the above photo, she is presented her award by Sonia Ardoin (right). (Gazette photo by Heather Bogard)

Women with Heart winners are announced

News Staff

Thursday, April 23, 2026

By: HEATHER BOGARD Associate Editor St. Landry-Evangeline United Way held its 14th annual Women with Heart awards banquet on Friday, April 17, at the Louisiana Equine Sales and Events Center in Opelousas. Executive Director Ginger LeCompte welcomed everyone to the special event and Rev.

Ribbon is cut at new detention center

News Staff

Monday, April 20, 2026

State and local dignitaries and other guests were on hand as the ribbon was cut to ceremoniously open the newly constructed Evangeline Parish Detention Center, located at the intersection of Maxie Rae Road and Patriot Road in the Industrial Park.

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