The Evangeline Parish School Board held its bi-monthly meeting tonight in the Media Center at Ville Platte High School. 

An important discussion was had regarding HB 177 that was passed through committee today in Baton Rouge.  If passed, the Bill would eliminate any governmental agency from collecting inventory taxes as they have in the past.  There was much discussion on how devastating this would be to many different entities as in school boards, maintenance funds, athletic funds, etc.   Board President, Wayne Dardeau, said he spoke to Representative Eric Lafleur, who is on the Executive Finance Committee, and he indicated he was for the Bill; however, stated that he said there should be an amendment where the lost money would have to be recouped by another means.  The question was asked “Where is that money going to come from?”  The general response was “There is no-where for it to come from.”  Several members of the Board questioned as to why Rep. Lafleur is in favor of such a Bill.  The Bill will go to the floor for debate on April 27^th.  President Dardeau stated that Rep. Lafleur also said that he was not sure if the Bill could be passed without a Constitutional Amendment.

The Evangeline Sales Tax Comparison for the month of March was $528,417.92 and that is down $11,842.01 down from this time last year.

Keith Fontenot, Tina Guillory and Todd Fontenot presented the Board with a 4-H report that included information on some of the various programs offered to students, farmers, and homeowners.  It was noted that, due to the recent weather, they have fielded a variety of different phone calls regarding everything from bees, ants, various other insects and other issues with what the vast amount of rain brought with it.  Board President, Wayne Dardeau thanked all three of them for their continued efforts and assistance to the students and people in the parish.

On Wednesday, April 29^th, there will be an Executive Committee Meeting to discuss various subjects including the “Jumpstart” program and salary issues.  Principles from area schools will be in attendance.

The next School Board Meeting will be held on May 7^th instead of May 6^th.

U.S. JUSTICE DEPARTMENT LAUNCHING INVESTIGATION OF VILLE PLATTE POLICE DEPARTMENT

APRIL 21, 2015

    The Ville Platte City Police Department is the target of an investigation by the U.S. Justice Department, according to Mayor Jennifer Vidrine. The mayor told KVPI News  that she received news this (Tuesday)  morning in a letter. She has reviewed the letter with Police Chief Neal Lartigue. Mayor Jennifer and Chief Lartigue announced that they will fully cooperate with the investigation. “We will be fully transparent and comply with any and all recommendations that come out of this investigation.” The mayor could not release any additional information on the specifics of the investigation. As soon as we receive any further word, we will inform our listeners.

FAN APPRECIATION NIGHT

APRIL 19, 2015

     KVPI is sponsoring a Fan Appreciation Night for its listeners by giving away dozens of prizes all for the benefit of Evangeline Community Autism Network . The event is planned for this Saturday night from 6;00-12 midnight at Nick’s on Main. Tickets $20 per person. The first fifty people also receive a free T Shirt.

    Enjoy music Alyse Young, Dayne West, Mitch Attales and Spencer Racca. Bring your dancing shoes and party the night away. The KVPI crew will be there so come meet us. There will be a cash bar, and food will be available from Nick’s menu.

    Our fans will have a chance to win great door prizes including: four tickets to Blue Bayou Dixie Landing, a one night stay and a meal for two at Paragon Casino Resort, Movie Tickets, McDonalds Food vouchers, Disney on Ice Prize Packs, KVPI T Shirts, Koozies, Cups and Bumper Stickers.

   We will also have a raffle to win a Crawfish Boiling kit, a sack of crawfish and a $100 Wal-Mart gift Card. $1 per chance. The winner will be announced that night.

    KVPI is planning a Radio-Thon Friday from 9-12 noon on both KVPI AM and FM where those who wish to make a donation for Evangeline Community Autism Network may do so over the phone. Parents will go to your home or business to pick up your tax deductable donation.

    Our special thanks to our sponsors: Woodman of the World, Sheriff Eddie Soileau, Paragon Casino Resort, Fontenot’s Hatchery, KVPIU, Nick’s On Main, The Y Not Stop Shell, Citizens Bank, Fontenot Physical Therapy, Blakes Pharmacy, Cabot Corporation, City of Ville Platte, Evangeline Bank and Trust Company, T&J Ford, and Cajun Catfish and Kitchen.

VILLE PLATTE CHAMBER  OF COMMERCE BANQUET NOMINEES

APRIL 17, 2015

   The Ville Platte Chamber of Commerce will hold their annual banquet on Wednesday April 29 at the Ville Platte Civic Center. The highlight of the event is the announcement of the civic award winners.

   Here are the nominations:

Nominees for Ville Platte Man of the Year: Randy Deshotels Clerk of Court and Nick LeBas with Evangeline Drug Store;

Nominees for Ville Platte Woman of the Year: Jennifer Meylian with KVPI; Linda Lebsack with Friends of the Library and Evangeline Parish Tourism Commission; Mary Foster Galasso with the Evangeline Parish Library;

Business of the Year- Budget Rental ; Cabot Corporation, Citizens Bank, Cottage Couture, Evangeline Parish Communications-911; Laville Funeral Home; Leroy’s Cajun Meats; Mayeaux Wealth Partners, Rick’s Custom Signs, The Hatchery and Walk and Sons -Slap Ya Mama.

Business Person of the Year- Anita Fontenot-owner of the Hatchery and Southwest Loan Companies; Annette Johnson of Kolder, Champagne, Slaven and Co; Clem Lafleur-Owner of Lafleur Industries; Darin Bordelon-owner of Laville Funeral Home; Donald Fontenot- Storage Facility Manager of Pine Prairie Energy; Leroy Fontenot-Owner of Leroy’s Cajun Meats; Liz Hill-Director of Evangeline Parish Communications 9-1-1; Maggie Eades-Owner of Cottage Couture; Sheila Saunders of Cottage Couture; Larry Lachney-Owner of Papa Gators Cajun Foods, Money Mart, Gators Drive Through and Lachney Properties.

Congratulations to all the nominees.

The Ville Platte City Council

April 14, 2015

The Ville Platte City Council held its monthly meeting tonight at Ville Platte City Hall.  Mayor, Jennifer Vidrine, and all of the City Councilmen were in attendance.

Real Estate Developer, J.C. Ceasar, approached the City Council with his plans to renovate, rejuvenate and turn the property he purchased at the corner of Dr. Carver and MLK Drive into a restaurant similar to that of Buffalo Wild Wings.  He will be filing an application for a liquor permit to serve alcohol similar to that of the big chain restaurant.  There was some hot discussion back and forth about the issuance of a liquor permit in that area.  Mr. Ceasar reported that he has met with many residents in the area and received a lot of approval to go ahead with the project.  Mayor Vidrine expressed that she has received calls from some area residents who, because of the past in the area, and where they live, they were against a liquor permit being issued.  Councilman Bryant Riggs spoke in support of giving Mr. Caesar a chance with the project because he knows Mr. Ceasar’s reputation, his service in the military, his help with other projects in Ville Platte, and commented that we “should not focus on the past, but the future.”  Area resident, Joycee Thomas, spoke out against the project as she lives directly across the street and says that since the clubs in that area have closed she “now pass peace and can sleep at night.”  Wanda Skinner came to the podium and said she was very much “for the project” and that she is “tired of always having to travel to the other side of town to get something to eat.  There will be a public hearing for comments at 4:30 p.m. before the next meeting on May 12^th.

The Police Jury unanimously agreed to grant a permit to Stout & Co.  to construct and erect a 195 foot tower on the south end of town off of Hickory that will be used by multiple wireless companies to better cell phone coverage, and internet speed.  Stout reported that the project should be completed in the next 120 days.

Tiffany Barth spoke to the Council and Mayor regarding the introduction of an ordinance regarding a Drinking Water Protection Program.  She presented a draft ordinance patterned after the EPA standards for protection of our public water supply from possible contaminations.  One of the items in the draft ordinance, which can be altered by the Council if adopted, is to have restrictions within 1,000 feet of any water well serving an active public water system.  When asked the question “What kind of opposition do you receive from these ordinances in other places?” she replied “Normally from the farming community”.  The Council’s legal council will now be reviewing the draft ordinance and there will be a public hearing for comments at 4:45 p.m. at the next meeting on May 12th..

Mayor Jennifer Vidrine reported that the City has just submitted a $5 Million dollar grant application to build 30 new, affordable, brick homes in the Woods Section of Town.  She stated: “We want people to rebuild on that side of town and be proud to live and stay there.”

The Mayor announced and congratulated Kennedy Wilson, a senior at Ville Platte High School, who has received the LA Housing Aid Scholarship in the amount of $1,800.00.  The scholarship that was based on academic performance, extra- curricular activities, community service and a submitted essay. 

There will be a 4-way stop sign installed at the corner of Coreil & Jefferson Street. 

The Mayor has been working with the Senior V.P. of Suddenlink out of Dallas and says they are going to be doing a $150,000.00 upgrade to their equipment in our area around July.

She also announced that they are currently waiting for the permits to place the first three flag poles at the entrance of Ville Platte near Tobacco Plus.  The first three will be the American Flag, the State of Louisiana flag and a flag that is being developed for the City of Ville Platte.  Other flags will be added later and plans are being made to put in a water feature at the same site.

They met with the Mayor of Paris France and gave her a replica of the news French/English signs being erected in the City and the Mayor returned to France to place it in her office. 

The Mayor thanks Thomas Scully for all of his hard work and dedication at the new ball complex in Ville Platte.  Scully reported that the “Tournament Action” is going well and that at the last tournament the gate and concession collected approximately $10,000.00.

Lastly, the Council unanimously voted to get the ball rolling on a new Planning and Zoning Commission for our area.  

VILLE PLATTE ROTARY CLUB MEETING

APRIL 14, 2015

    The Rotary Club of Ville Platte heard from the Sacred Heart Interact Club. Interact is a rotary sponsored organization for high school students. Among those who spoke were Claire Bordelon, President of the local group. She gave a report on some of the activities her organization performed during the past year:  making regular visits to Heritage Manor Nursing Home to play bingo with the residents; cleaning the Sacred Heart School Prayer Garden. She also announced that the recent polio project in conjunction with the local rotary club raised over $300 that will be donated to Rotary International to help in their efforts to eradicate polio worldwide.

      Tori Ann Veillon, a senior at Sacred Heart was named Interact Student for the entire rotary district. She gave an essay on what Interact means to her and some of the projects the group was involved in. The group assisted in Food for Families Food Drive last December.

    Kim LeJeune, Sacred Heart Development Director informed Rotarians of the annual Sacred Heart benefit coming up on May 23 from 6:30-11:00pm. The school will have a 9 piece band performing and providing a buffet meal. There will also be a live and a silent auction. Tickets will be $80 per person.

   The three speakers were the guests of Rotarian Larry Lachney.

   Also, KVPI Program Director Jennifer Meylian addressed the Rotary Club about the KVPI Benefit event planned for Saturday April 25 for the benefit of Evangeline Community Autism Network. The benefit dance will take place from 6:00-12 midnight at Nicks on Main and will feature four musical acts. Tickets are $20 per person and available now at KVPI. She shared her personal story of raising her daughter, Sarah, that was diagnosed with autism at age 4. The group is a support group that provides help, support and education to families in Evangeline Parish with an autistic child.

The Evangeline Parish Police Jury

April 13, 2015

The Evangeline Parish Police Jury held its monthly meeting tonight in the Evangeline Parish Courthouse.  Keith Fontenot, Tina Guillory and Todd Fontenot with the LSU AG Center addressed the Jury and told of various services the AG Center provides for our area and neighboring parishes, including educational programs regarding production practices and Master programs such as Farmer and Logger programs.  Ms. Guillory stated the focus for the 4-H Nutrition and Health Programs has been etiquette and manners, including cell phone etiquette, cyber safety, making a commitment and following through, cheating versus honesty and dressing appropriately for occasions.  Todd Fontenot spoke regarding the Live Stock Program, Cattlemen’s Show and the success they are having with the shooting program.  They thanked the Jury for use of the buildings used for their programs and for helping with other assistance.

The Police Jury unanimously voted to adopt the 2015 Amendments to the Budget, which will include $19,000.00 requested by Judge Chuck West to make improvements to both district courtrooms, including wiring for the sound system, etc.

Philip Lemoine addressed the Jury regarding various insurance changes, issues with certain coverages, savings possibilities and persons covered.  He reported that The Affordable Care Act continues to be a thorn and he continues to receive “New Rules” regarding the program.

Kenneth Johnson with Crooked Creek reported to the Jury that there have been problems with campers keeping loud music playing late into the night.  The Jury approved changing the rule to having a cut-off time of 10:00 p.m. sharp.  They reiterated that the rule will be enforced.  There will also be changes coming as to “Golf Cart Passes”.  It was reported that people try to “sneak in” golf carts and until a new program is established, they will be handing out golf cart tags at the front gate that must be on your golf cart showing when you checked in, what spot you are camping in, and when you are departing.

Public Works Director, Chester Granger, advised the Jury of two bridges that are in need of serious…on Stage Coach Road and 4 Mile Road.  They Jury approved Mr. Granger hiring a new crew for Chip & Seal that will begin at the South end of the parish.  He advised if you are interested in applying for any positions, please go to Acadiana Works and apply. 

Secretary/Treasurer, Donald Bergeron, reported that the 2% Sales Tax collected for February was $198,544.00 and that is down $18,000.00 from this time last year.

FESTIVAL WRAP UP

APRIL 12, 2015

   Despite a rainy start Friday, both parish festivals ended with nice weather and plenty of activities for local and area residents.

    The 31^st Annual Boggy Bayou Festival began Thursday at the festival grounds and ended Saturday night. All of the funds raised go to the Prairie Manor Nursing Home. Events were hampered Friday with all the rain. However things greatly improved Saturday. Crowds came out and enjoyed the carnival rides, music by Ashton Dupre, Mitch Attales and Jaryd Lane. KVPI FM was there doing a live remote broadcast with Jenn Meylian Saturday from 10-12 noon. Organizer Bernice Ardoin wants to thank the many volunteers and everyone who came out for making it another great year for the festival.

   The first ever “Le Grand Hoorah” festival, a festival of Louisiana culture took place Friday night and all day Saturday. Again, rain fell for the Friday night event however there were several hundred festival goers assembled under the big dance tent to enjoy Steve Riley and Doug Kershaw and had a great time. On Saturday with the sun shining, the crowds came out and everyone enjoyed the musical acts, great food and activities for the kids. The music included Horace Trahan, Kyle Huval and Déjà Vu. Organizer Gilbert Winky Aucoin wants to thank all the many volunteers, sponsors, groups and the public for their support in making it a successful festival and looks forward to next year. KVPI FM was there covering the event live with a remote Saturday morning from 10-12 noon.

VILLE PLATTE ROTARY CLUB

APRIL 8, 2015

   The Ville Platte Rotary Club Tuesday heard from Missy Grimmett, a workforce developer with the Louisiana Workforce Commission. She told Rotarians that the Workforce Investment and Opportunity Act was signed into law on July 1 of last year. She said her primary focus is to work with employers in finding the skilled workers they need. She said the most jobs in demand are in these industries: construction, health care, manufacturing and oil and gas. She also reported that three companies will be locating in Acadiana and  hiring 1000 people in the IT industry.

    She announced that Acadiana’s share of a $6.1 million dollar grant will be used in the next three years to help employers train new workers. Grant funds are available up to $5000 to train prospective new workers if they meet eligibility requirements.

    She was the special guest of Rotarian Bob Manuel.

    It was announced during the meeting that the annual Chamber of Commerce Banquet is planned for April 29 at the Ville Platte Civic Center. The banquet will honor Ville Platte’s Man and Woman of the Year, Business of the Year and Business Person of the Year.

    Also, the rotary club learned that the VFW Post 3803 will have a sandwich sale on May 13 to raise funds to plan a 75^th anniversary celebration on June 13.