State

Tri-Parish workforce dips in August

The Tri-Parish workforce in August dropped by 268 people or 0.4% from the August 2024 count, according to the Louisiana Workforce Commission. The workforce count includes those employed and those looking for a job.

State achieves top reading gains while spending far less per student

By: NOLAN MCKENDRY The Center Square (The Center Square) − Louisiana spends less per student than most of the country, yet its fourth graders are outperforming peers in nearly every other state.

SoLAcc awarded $1.36 million federal grant to boost student success

South Louisiana Community College (SoLAcc) has secured a five-year, $1.36 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education to expand support for continuing students through Project CARES: Connecting Acadiana Rural to Engage and Succeed.

A warm welcome...

Dear Visitors, On behalf of the Louisiana Cotton Festival Association and our dedicated volunteers, I am delighted to extend a warm invitation to everyone to join us for the 71st Annual Louisiana Cotton Festival.

A brief history of La. Cotton Festival

Ville Platte is the home of the fall festival known as the Louisiana Cotton Festival and Le Tournoi de la Ville Platte, held each year in October. The World War II veterans are credited with starting the festival as part of their July 4th, celebration in 1952.

Manuel, former board festival member is named King Cotton

By: TONY MARKS Editor Robert F. “Bob” Manuel, a lifelong Ville Platte resident and a dedicated community leader, was named as king of this year’s Louisiana Cotton Festival. Manuel said he was shocked when he learned the news but acknowledged it is an honor.

Posthumous title of Colonel Cotton is awarded to Hebert

By: HEATHER BOGARD Associate Editor Carissa Ann Hebert is being posthumously honored by the Louisiana Cotton Festival board as Colonel Cotton this year for her dedication to the festival for many years. “She is still a beloved member of our board, and we miss her dearly.

Arvie to lead Grand Parade of Cotton as marshal

By: HEATHER BOGARD Associate Editor When learning he was selected to be last year’s Grand Parade Marshal for the Cotton Festival, Darion Arvie admits, “My initial reaction was shock.

Queen Cotton LXX: Emma Rose McElwee

By: HEATHER BOGARD Associate Editor “This title has opened the door to countless incredible opportunities,” shares outgoing Queen Cotton LXX Emma Rose McElwee.

Cotton Festival youth royalty crowned September 20

By: HEATHER BOGARD Associate Editor Cotton Festival Youth Royalty were crowned during pageant festivities held at the Northside Civic Center in Ville Platte on Saturday, September 20.