News

Security enhanced for the Eunice celebration

Rebecca Chaisson
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
Eunice Mayor Scott Fontenot said security is being enhanced for the upcoming five-day Mardi Gras celebration. “We’re preparing to keep our patrons safe for our festival the best way that we can,” he said.

5-day party to start

Rebecca Chaisson
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
The premiere time to be in Eunice starts Friday and continues through Tuesday as the Cajun Prairie celebrates Mardi Gras. The five-day Cajun Mardi Gras Festival may draw up to 14,000 people for a free authentic Cajun experience.
The crowd during the 2024 Mardi Gras at Walnut Avenue and 2nd Street in Eunice.

The crowd during the 2024 Mardi Gras at Walnut Avenue and 2nd Street in Eunice.

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Mayor: Everything is coming together for a Mardi Gras party

Rebecca Chaisson
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
When the five-day Eunice Mardi Gras celebration was announced at the February city council meeting, Mayor Scott Fontenot said everything is coming together. “They’ve got the best band lineup you can imagine as far as Cajun French music goes,” he said.
Barricades were up around the Prairie Acadian Cultural Center. The Center is scheduled to reopen at noon Friday. (Photo by Harlan Kirgan)

Barricades were up around the Prairie Acadian Cultural Center. The Center is scheduled to reopen at noon Friday. (Photo by Harlan Kirgan)

Prairie Acadian Cultural Center to reopen Friday

Rebecca Chaisson
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
The National Park Service announced the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve will resume regular programming at the Prairie Acadian Cultural Center in Eunice. Programs planned include the following. Noon, Friday, kickoff. 12:30 pm Friday, Cooking demonstration featuring Michelle Brown.
From left are KVPI General Manager Mark Layne, Heritage Manor activity director and Rotarian Pat Duplechin, and Rotary President Bob Manuel. (Ville Platte Gazette photo by Tony Marks)

From left are KVPI General Manager Mark Layne, Heritage Manor activity director and Rotarian Pat Duplechin, and Rotary President Bob Manuel. (Ville Platte Gazette photo by Tony Marks)

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Swamp Pop defined a generation in South Louisiana

Rebecca Chaisson
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
What do alligators, big blue diamonds, and red wine have in common? They are all subjects of songs from a musical genre known as Swamp Pop that defined a generation in South Louisiana. Mark Layne, the general manager of KVPI in Ville Platte, presented a history of the music at Tuesday’s (Feb.

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Hate to say it, but AOC is right about this one

Rebecca Chaisson
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
If you listen to some right-wing pundits, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is running a smuggling ring across the southern border. Far be it from me to defend La Cortez, but I find the misrepresentations from those who think there is a Constitution-free zone in this country to be annoying.

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Why so much vulgar and crude language in Louisiana?

Rebecca Chaisson
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
It would seem that the use of uncouth swear words have become a way of description throughout the Bayou State, as well as across the country, from the president on down in recent years.
St. Landry Parish Sheriff arrests report

St. Landry Parish Sheriff arrests report

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St. Landry Parish Sheriff arrests

Myra Miller
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
The following are arrests reported by the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office. All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Wednesday, Feb. 26 Thomas Lee Guilbeau, Jr., 30, 100 block of Sarah Drive, Sunset. Carnal knowledge of a juvenile. Arrested by Sunset Police.
St. Landry Parish Sheriff arrests report

St. Landry Parish Sheriff arrests report

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St. Landry Parish Sheriff arrests

Myra Miller
Tuesday, February 25, 2025
The following are arrests reported by the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office. All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Tuesday, Feb. 25 Kerrie Don Semaire, 50, 1100 block of Hayward Street, Opelousas.