State

Brian Thompson of Basile (left) receives the St. George medal and certificate from Bishop Douglas Deshotel of the Diocese of Lafayette.

Brian Thompson of Basile (left) receives the St. George medal and certificate from Bishop Douglas Deshotel of the Diocese of Lafayette.

Scout’s honor, Basile’s ties

By: DARREL LEJEUNE LSN Editor LAFAYETTE - Three men with strong ties to Basile played key roles during the annual St. George Mass held Feb. 8 at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Lafayette. Brian Thompson, who was raised in Basile and still calls the town home, received the St.
The Fontenot farm runs on a small staff, with most of the fishing done by family members themselves. (LSN photo by Alena Maschke)

The Fontenot farm runs on a small staff, with most of the fishing done by family members themselves. (LSN photo by Alena Maschke)

Between the levees, hopes for a long crawfish season emerge

By: ALENA MASCHKE Louisiana Farm and Ranch As Scotty Fontenot of Ville Platte drives his boat across one of his family’s crawfish fields, the water in front of him is clear to the ground, a sign that the crawfish aren’t quite moving yet. “We see crawfish, but it’s slow,” he says.
Dardeau

Dardeau

Dardeau proves to be a team captain

By: FRANK LEGATO GGB Magazine Like many in our industry, Brandon Dardeau didn’t originally anticipate a career in casino operations.
Local Headline

Local Headline

Wood pellet wishes clash with anti-carbon storage proposals

By: ELISE PLUNK Louisiana Illuminator Legislation to expand wood pellet manufacturing in Louisiana is gaining traction despite concerns over the industry’s connection to underground carbon storage, which has attracted a growing number of critics among state lawmakers.
Bieber, others win top honors

Bieber, others win top honors

Bieber, others win top honors

These junior Angus members won top honors in senior showmanship at the 2026 Louisiana State University (LSU) AgCenter Livestock Show’s Junior Angus Show, Feb. 20 in Gonzales, La.
Local Headline

Local Headline

City is approved for funding

Baton Rouge —On Thursday, March 19, the Louisiana State Bond Commission approved election applications for the following parishes: Acadia, Assumption, Bossier, Caddo, East Baton Rouge, Evangeline, Jackson, Jefferson Davis, Lafourche, Livingston, Natchitoches, Orleans, Ouachita, St.
From left, are Colin Gould, John Vidrine and Kevin Huval (president of Louisiana Folk Roots) perform for Rotarians during the March 17, meeting of the Ville Platte Rotary Club. They also shared details on the upcoming Dewey Balfa Cajun and Creole Heritage Week, which will be held April 13-16 at Lakeview Park and Beach. (Gazette photo by Heather Bogard)

From left, are Colin Gould, John Vidrine and Kevin Huval (president of Louisiana Folk Roots) perform for Rotarians during the March 17, meeting of the Ville Platte Rotary Club. They also shared details on the upcoming Dewey Balfa Cajun and Creole Heritage Week, which will be held April 13-16 at Lakeview Park and Beach. (Gazette photo by Heather Bogard)

Huval, with LA Folk Roots, discusses upcoming Balfa Week

By: HEATHER BOGARD Associate Editor Rotarian Misty Parker welcomed Kevin Huval, president of Louisiana Folk Roots, to speak at the March 17, meeting of the Ville Platte Rotary Club to discuss the upcoming Dewey Balfa Cajun and Creole Heritage Week, which will be held April 13-16, 2026, at Lakeview...