News

By Luke Britt/Editor A Marion man is suing three men linked to a Union Parish Facebook page that published a post he says wrongly accused him of making a political contribution in exchange for favorable treatment from Union Parish Sheriff Dusty Gates and that the post also revealed private information, including his social security number, to the public. The lawsuit …

Six candidates claim victorybefore a single vote is cast Staff Report The qualification period for the October primary elections ended Thursday, and six local races appear to have already been decided. Incumbent Clerk of Court Dodi Eubanks and incumbent Tax Assessor Lance Futch are unopposed, giving them de facto victories for those offices. Coroner Renee Smith chose not to seek …

By Luke Britt/Editor The Town of Marion will soon have a new park, a public computer lab, a new Family Dollar store and new security cameras in the downtown area, according to members of the Town Council who met for their regular monthly meeting Tuesday. Mayor Danny Smith also announced that the Marion office of the Union Parish TRIAD program …

 Staff Report A suspected drunk driver crashed into a fallen tree that two Union Parish firefighters were in the process of removing from LA Highway 2 near Crossroads early Sunday morning. The firefighters were not injured, but the vehicle’s driver – Carlos Mata, 24, of Sealy, TX – was arrested and booked into the Union Parish Detention Center on multiple …

By Luke Britt/Editor The Town of Bernice is taking the steps to correct a deficiency in its zoning ordinances that has resulted in a proliferation of mobile homes being installed “wherever one will fit,” town attorney Joe Cusimano said when the Town Council met on Tuesday.  “The way the ordinances work now, people can put mobile homes in any residential …

NEW ORLEANS – The Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office has issued a statewide burn ban due to extreme heat and dry conditions. The burn ban will remain in effect until the State Fire Marshal’s Office rescinds it. Residents should avoid any outdoor burning. Private burning will only be allowed with permission through a local fire department. Barbeque grills, fire pits …

Gazette Staff Report The 2023 campaign season begins in earnest in Union Parish next week as candidates for five local offices, seven statewide offices and 2 legislative seats begin qualifying. The qualifying period for the Oct. 14 primary begins Tuesday and ends Thursday, Aug. 10. When Union Parish voters step into voting booths on election day, they will be choosing …

A Farmerville man led police on a short vehicle chase Tuesday, and after being apprehended, revealed he was enroute to kill two people when the chase began, according to a Union Parish Sheriff’s Office report. Judge H. Milliken, 42, of Farmerville was booked into the Union Parish Detention Center on charges of attempted second degree murder and multiple traffic charges, …

By Luke Britt/Editor Origin Bank has agreed to pay a fixed interest rate of 5.13 percent on the parish’s $9.7 million Landfill Assurance Trust Fund and the $8.2 million Operating Fund for the next 18 months, which should result in interest earnings that more than make up for the minimal interest the accounts earned over the past several years, Union …

Festival Schedule of Events By Luke Britt/Editor The contestants for the 60th Annual Miss Louisiana Watermelon Festival pageants have been announced, and with nearly 70 babies, girls and young women registered to compete in seven categories, the pageant now has six golden tickets to bestow Saturday night, Jaycee President and Pageant Director Ashley Owen said Saturday. “These pageants mean so …