State

Participants and other guests dance to the band Balfa Toujours during the opening night of Dewey Balfa Cajun and Creole Heritage Week at Lakeview Park and Beach on Tuesday, March 25. Band member Christine Balfa is the daughter of Dewey Balfa. (Gazette photo by Tony Marks)

Participants and other guests dance to the band Balfa Toujours during the opening night of Dewey Balfa Cajun and Creole Heritage Week at Lakeview Park and Beach on Tuesday, March 25. Band member Christine Balfa is the daughter of Dewey Balfa. (Gazette photo by Tony Marks)

Balfa Week is held at Lakeview

Learning local Louisiana Cajun and Creole French was the focus of interactive cooking, singing, and cultural exhibit activities as part of the 22nd annual Dewey Balfa Cajun and Creole Heritage Week at Lakeview Park and Beach, March 24-28.
Sergeant Guillory earns state award

Sergeant Guillory earns state award

Sergeant Guillory earns state award

Ville Platte Police Department’s Sergeant Darrian Guillory was selected as one of only 10 officers in the State of Louisiana to receive the Beyond the Badge Award.
PPHS PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE SHOWS OFF TALENT - The PPHS Percussion Ensemble raises their hands at the close of their performance of their show “Steps to the Horizon.” (Gazette photo by Heather Bogard)

PPHS PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE SHOWS OFF TALENT - The PPHS Percussion Ensemble raises their hands at the close of their performance of their show “Steps to the Horizon.” (Gazette photo by Heather Bogard)

PPHS Percussion Ensemble: “Stepping” to the ‘ship

By: HEATHER BOGARD Associate Editor On Friday, March 21, the Pine Prairie High School Percussion Ensemble, led by Director Taylor Naquin, hosted their second community performance at the high school gym, where they performed their championship winning show titled, “Steps to the Horizon,” On March...
Acadia Parish rice farmer and leader Jackie Loewer talked about rice at the Eunice Rotary Club meeting. (Photo by Myra Miller)

Acadia Parish rice farmer and leader Jackie Loewer talked about rice at the Eunice Rotary Club meeting. (Photo by Myra Miller)

Issue with rice tariffs is explained

By: MYRA MILLER The Eunice News The Rotary Club guest speaker on Wednesday, March 19, brought a lifetime of experience and achievement in the field of rice and soybean production.
Local Headline

Local Headline

Early voting ends for Sat. election

By: TONY MARKS Editor VILLE PLATTE - Early voting for the Saturday, March 29, election ended with 581 parish residents casting their votes. Of the total, 390 were in person and the other 191 were absentee.
Local Headline

Local Headline

Hyundai Motor Group announces steel facility

WASHINGTON, DC - Governor Jeff Landry, on Monday, March 24, joined President Trump at the White House to announce Hyundai Steel Company (HSC) selected Louisiana as a first-of-its-kind steel manufacturing facility. It is expected to create 1,400 direct new jobs with an average salary of $95,000.
Fran Lemelle, principal of James Stephens Montessori, (left) along with Superintendent Darwan Lazard (center) present gifts to Melanie Soileau (right). (Gazette photo by Tony Marks)

Fran Lemelle, principal of James Stephens Montessori, (left) along with Superintendent Darwan Lazard (center) present gifts to Melanie Soileau (right). (Gazette photo by Tony Marks)

Soileau is honored as semifinalist

By: TONY MARKS Editor VILLE PLATTE - Melanie Soileau, a preschool teacher at James Stephens Montessori, was recognized as being a state semi-finalist for teacher of the year.
Deputies with the Criminal Patrol Unit of the Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Office escort Trae’land Castille, 19, of Arnaudville, out of a police unit and into the Evangeline Parish Courthouse for his initial court hearing on Monday, March 17. His arraignment date is set for Monday, May 5, in Division A. (Photo courtesy of EPSO)

Deputies with the Criminal Patrol Unit of the Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Office escort Trae’land Castille, 19, of Arnaudville, out of a police unit and into the Evangeline Parish Courthouse for his initial court hearing on Monday, March 17. His arraignment date is set for Monday, May 5, in Division A. (Photo courtesy of EPSO)

Castille is booked on charges, makes first court appearance

By: TONY MARKS Editor VILLE PLATTE - Trae’land Castille, the accused gunman associated with mass shooting that took place on Mardi Gras in Mamou, appeared in an Evangeline Parish courtroom for the first time on Monday, March 17. During the hearing in front of the honorable Judge Marcus L.
New Boggy Bayou Festival  royalty crowned

New Boggy Bayou Festival royalty crowned

New Boggy Bayou Festival royalty crowned

The 2025 Boggy Bayou royalty were crowned on Saturday evening March 15, at the Sherman Place Event Venue in Crooked Creek. The newly-crowned royals will reign over the 40th annual Boggy Bayou Festival, which will be held in Pine Prairie May 8-10, 2025. In the top photo, from left are Ms.