The Presidential Preference Primary Election and Special Election for Chief of Police in Mamou and in Chatagnier is scheduled for this Saturday, March 5^th.  The polls will open at 7:00 a.m. and close at 8:00 p.m.  Locally, you will have the following candidates to choose from.  If you are registered as a Republican, your choices will be only Republicans and vice versa if you are a registered Democrat.  The major candidates for President within the Democrat Party include Bernie Sanders, Hillary Clinton and several other candidates.  The major candidates for President within the Republican Party include Donald Trump, Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio, Ben Carson, John Kasich and several other candidates.  Locally, those eligible to vote for Police Chief in Mamou will have the choosing from the following candidates: A.J. Benoit, Chris Godeaux, Lucas Lavergne, Ricky McGee, Charles Perdices, Katina Richard and Brent Zackery.  Those eligible to vote for Chief of Police in Chatagnier will choose between two candidates: Joseph Clint Brasseaux and Big Mac Wilson.  KVPI News will cover the elections Saturday night from the Clerk of Court, Randy Deshotel’s office in the Evangeline Parish Courthouse.

According to the Ville Platte Police Department, the following individuals have recently been arrested and booked into the Ville Platte City Jail:

Tyler Mayeaux, 28 of Mansura, arrested for Simple Criminal Damage to Property and currently out on a $1,000.00 bond;

Nollan Freeman, 36 of 602 N. Latour Street, arrested for Criminal Mischief and currently out on a $2,500.00 bond;

Tyler Louis, 40 of 806 N. Latour #62, arrested for Domestic Abuse Battery and currently incarcerated with a $1,000.00 bond;

Tracie Bernard, 45, arrested for Theft of Goods and currently incarcerated on a $500.00 bond; and

Jordan Fontenot, 21 of 107 E. Oak, arrested for Simple Battery and currently out on a $1,000.00 bond.

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KVPI News has learned that according to a letter furnished to area funeral homes, Evangeline Parish Sheriff, Eddie Soileau, has made the decision to cease escort services to funeral homes for funeral processions as of April 1, 2016.  He states with federal, state and local government budget cuts and cuts to local employment, the “Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Office will no longer be in the funeral home escort business.”  Soileau stated because of “the rise in the volume of calls handled by his department and manpower available, it will not be possible to continue providing this service.”

KVPI News spoke with several funeral home owners including, Ezekiel Thomas with Owens-Thomas Funeral Home.  When asked about the Sheriff’s decision, he stated: “We don’t like it.  We don’t like it at all.  It’s not right.  These families need safe escorts to the cemeteries and we travel all over the parish.  A lot of people come from out of town and they do not know their way around.  We don’t think it’s fair.  To me, before he made that decision, he could have spoken to the funeral homes.  He should have called a meeting with all of the funeral homes in the area.  We could have worked together to come up with a solution.”  Thomas also stated “I know the Sheriff doesn’t want it to come out of his budget, but we could have come up with a solution.”  He stated in other cities he has worked in, there is a fee charged for the escort, but that it was always available.

KVPI News has spoken with Sheriff Soileau and he stated that "Yes, there is a shortage of funds and manpower; however, he is willing to meet with the funeral homes to come to come up with a solution."  He stated his door is "always open."  We will keep you updated on the matter as information becomes available.

The Evangeline Parish School Board held its bi-monthly meeting tonight in the School Board Media Center.  It was announced that there will be a special board meeting on February 29^th at 6:00 p.m. and that the School Board’s special council will be in attendance.  There will be a policy meeting at 5:00 p.m. that same evening. 

It was announced that Board Member, Peggy Forman, has resigned from the Executive Committee and the Board voted to replace her with Board Member, Darren Vidrine.  Ms. Forman stated that she thinks it is good to circulate members and she wanted to set the record straight that she is “not going anywhere.”

As reported from the Ville Platte Chamber meeting, Superintendent of Schools, Toni Hamlin, along with Darwin Lazard and six Board Members recently returned from the Louisiana School Board Association Conference in Baton Rouge.  They were able to hear the newly elected Governor John Bel Edwards speak of the huge budget deficit the state is facing and the three largest entities in Louisiana will most likely feel some cuts.  Those being, K12 Education, universities and the health care system.  She stated that she expects to see some changes coming to the Retirement System within the education system.  As an example, Ms. Hamlin stated that if there is even a 1% cut to MFP funding, Evangeline Parish stands to lose right at $237,000.00.

The Ville Platte Chamber of Commerce held its monthly meeting today at Noon at Nick’s on Main.  The guest speaker was Superintendent of Schools in Evangeline Parish, Toni Hamlin.  She discussed the various ways that education has changed.  Students in Evangeline Parish are now offered different programs to guide them into the working or college path.  She spoke of a few of those programs which include the Jumpstart Program.  Included in that is Mamou High School which offers oil & gas experience and training to students; Mamou High School also offers the Prostart Culinary program which also includes the business aspect of a Culinary career; Ville Platte High offers a certified nursing aid program in conjunction with SLCC; and Pine Prairie High School offers Art, Theatre, Dance and Music programs.

The Superintendent stated she has just returned from a conference of Superintendents.  The newly elected Governor talked with them about the huge deficit the State of Louisiana is suffering with.  Representative, Bernard Lebas, also spoke with the group.  She stated that “there is a lot of doom and gloom about our state” from the huge deficits and the future rise of the deficits.  Health Care, Universities and Education cost the state the most money and may be hurt from the lack of taxes being collected.

President, Renee Brown talked about the survey that was collected after the last meeting.  She said there have been many good suggestions about how to vamp up the Chamber.  She announced there will be a retreat for Board Members on March 12^th.  Please contact the chamber for more information.

The next Chamber meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 16^th.

VILLE PLATTE ROTARY CLUB MEETING

FEBRUARY 16, 2016

    The Ville Platte Rotary Club today (Tuesday) heard from Dr. Gwen Fontenot, the interim Dean of the Business School at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Fontenot, a native of Vidrine, said she was happy to come back home to visit friends. She and her family operated a weekend auction for many years in Vidrine. The business school has 2200 students offering 8 different degrees.

     She talked about the internship program available through the School of Business. Interns work 150 hours a semester or 10 hours a week in their chosen profession and they are paid by their employer.

    To qualify, a student must be a junior or senior and have a 2.5 grade point average.

    The business college will have a career fair on March 16 for students and potential employers to come together.

    Dr. Gwen Fontenot was the special guest of Rotarian Anita Fontenot.

    In other rotary news, Dr. Willie Buller announced that the recent football pool has raised $5000 to the LSU-Eunice scholarship. LSU-E officials are scheduled to attend the next club meeting.

    Rotarian Wayne Vidrine reported that two students from Sacred Heart school will be selected to attend the youth leadership camp known as Camp Ryla in June paid for by the local rotary club.

Ville Platte City Council Meeting

February 11, 2016

   The Ville Platte City Council, Tuesday, approved giving property owners an additional three weeks to pay their property taxes without paying a delinquent fee. Mayor Jennifer Vidrine explained that due to the fact that the tax bills did not print that a $51.50 fee would be tacked on to their tax bills if they are delinquent, the city has agreed to give them more time. Those who already paid the delinquent fees would  get the fees reimbursed. Now, the deadline will be March 3 to pay your city property taxes without having to pay a delinquent fee.

    Becky Buller with Keep Evangeline Beautiful committee recognized Cub Scout Pack #72 and four cub scouts who adopted Magnolia Street litter free. Buller asks members of the city council to come in to KVPI and record public service announcements at KVPI to remind residents to keep Ville Platte clean.

   In her mayor’s report, Mayor Jennifer Vidrine reminded residents that it is illegal to post advertisements on utility poles. She has instructed employees to remove all literature found on utility poles.

    The city of Ville Platte has applied for a $200,000 grant for the fire department Also the city has applied for a grant to purchase smoke detectors for all homes in the city.

    In other action, the city:

--announced that city hall would be closed Monday for President’s Day;

--received a report from City Engineer Ronnie Landreneau that 80 percent of the city water project was complete. Only water lines on Main and LaSalle streets remain to be updated;

--approved a liquor permit for Anthony Arvie and Ha U Want It Seasonings for the third annual Gumbo Cook off Feb. 27 at the Grand Pavilion with some of the proceeds going to the Ville Platte Boys and Girls club;

--received news that city expenditures dropped $14,468 in January over December and Ville Platte was one of the few governmental tax agency that showed an increase in sales tax revenues for January. Ville Platte showed a 6.61 percent increase;

--the city voted to hire a security guard at city to work three days a week;

--moved its next city council meeting to March 15 so city officials can attend the National League of Cities convention;

According to the Ville Platte Police Department, the following individuals have recently been arrested and booked into the Ville Platte City Jail:

Ollie Reed, 48 of Ville Platte, arrested for Domestic Abuse Battery and is currently incarcerated with a bond of $1,000.99;

Lonfel Richard, 37 of Ville Platte, arrested for Theft of Goods and is currently incarcerated with a bond of $500.00;

Jaonnie Arvie, 27 of Ville Platte, arrested for Theft of Goods and currenly out on a $500.00 bond;

Winford Bob, 30 of Ville Platte, arrested for Remaining After Forbidden and currently out on a $500.00 bond;

Brian Lavine, 46 of Ville Platte, arrested for Theft of Goods and remains incarcerated on a $500.00 bond;

Shonda Brown, 48 of Ville Platte, arrested for Shoplifting and is currently out on a $500.00 bond;

Brandy Hidalgo, 33 ofVille Platte, arrested for Shoplifting and is currently out on a $500.00 bond;

Rodney Rivers, 25 of Sulphur, arrested for Shoplifting and is currently out on a $500.00 bond;

Shena Leday, 31 of Ville Platte, arrested for Shoplifting and remains incarcerated with a $500.00 bond;

Darrius Mitchell, 27 of Ville Platte, arrested for Disturbing the Peace and Remaining after Forbidden.  Mitchell is currently out on a $700.00 bond;

Fredia Lee, 56 of Ville Platte, arrested for Domestic Abuse Battery and is currently out on a $1,000.00 bond;

Casey  Joseph of Ville Platte, arrested for Unauthorized Use of an Access Card and is currently out on a $500.00 bond;

Marie Joseph of Ville Platte, arrested for Unauthorized Use of an Access Card and is currently out on a $500.00 bond;

ROTARY CLUB HEARS FROM CHAMBER PRESIDENT RENEE BROWN

FEBRUARY 3, 2016

The Ville Platte Rotary Club Tuesday heard from Ville Platte Chamber of Commerce President Renee Brown.

Brown said she and her new board are gathering information from businesses on new ideas and what direction they would like to see the board go. The board is comprised of Linda Lebsack, Annette Johnson, Anita Melancon, Felicia Manuel, Luke Deville and Angie Rozas.

One area she and her board are looking at is to update the chamber by-laws. “We are reviewing all the current by laws and looking removing outdated rules and updating the by-laws to fit what we are trying to accomplish today.”

Another area is to possibly expand the chamber to become a parish wide chamber. She is reaching out to parish mayors in Chataignier and Turkey Creek to get their ideas and comments.

The chamber is looking at forming new committees such economic development and rural development. They are also planning additional events such as “business after hours and “coffee before hours.”

Brown wants to reach out and work with women in leadership positions throughout the city to support and network with them.

She announced that this year’s chamber banquet will feature the accomplishments of local businesses in addition to recognizing the city’s man and woman of the year along with the business of the year.

In other news, Rotary Club President Mitch Fontenot recognized Rotarian Anita Fontenot for recruiting two new club members.

ROTARY CLUB HEARS FROM CHAMBER PRESIDENT RENEE BROWN

FEBRUARY 3, 2016

    The Ville Platte Rotary Club Tuesday heard from Ville Platte Chamber of Commerce President Renee Brown.

    Brown said she and her new board are gathering information from businesses on new ideas and what direction they would like to see the board go. The board is comprised of Linda Lebsack, Annette Johnson, Anita Melancon, Felicia Manuel, Luke Deville and Angie Rozas.

    One area she and her board are looking at is to update the chamber by-laws. “We are reviewing all the current by laws and looking removing outdated rules and updating the by-laws to fit what we are trying to accomplish today.”

    Another area is to possibly expand the chamber to become a parish wide chamber. She is reaching out to parish mayors in Chataignier and Turkey Creek to get their ideas and comments.

   The chamber is looking at forming new committees such economic development and rural development. They are also planning additional events such as “business after hours and “coffee before hours.”

    Brown wants to reach out and work with women in leadership positions throughout the city to support and network with them.

    She announced that this year’s chamber banquet will feature the accomplishments of local businesses in addition to recognizing the city’s man and woman of the year along with the business of the year.

    In other news, Rotary Club President Mitch Fontenot recognized Rotarian Anita Fontenot for recruiting two new club members.

The Evangeline Parish Police Jury held its monthly meeting tonight in the Evangeline Parish Courthouse.  Jurors reported on the DOTD 2016 Highway Plan.  Juror, Bryan Vidrine, said in meeting with DOTD in Lafayette that Hwy. 167 from Turkey Creek to I-49, Hwy 106 from Beaver Creek to I-49 were discussed and they will be conducting more studies to determine if funds will be provided to repair those roads.  Other roads being discussed are Hwy. 104 and Hwy 95 from Mamou to Chataignier.  He noted that a positive aspect to the funding of road repair is that there will be approximately 80 million dollars put back into the DOTD.  That money was being used on the State Police, but newly elected Governor John Bel Edwards has taken those funds and put them back into the DOTD.

The Police Jury voted to adopt an ordinance stating that if a business sales tax is not up-to-date, the renewal of its liquor permit and professional permits will be affected.  It was also noted that if someone disputes the amount they owe, they still must pay the taxes “Under Protest” while an appeal is under way.

The Jury decided to re-establish the Advisory Committee for Evangeline Parish Drainage District #10.  It was abolished years back, but approximately $154,000.00 remains in the account.  The new committee will have representation from Districts 1, 5, 7, 6, 8 and 9.  Ellis Guillory was granted a liquor permit by the Jury.  The former Angel Food Store #2 will now be called E&J Community Grocery.

Secretary/Treasurer, Donald Bergeron, reported that collections of sewer accounts serviced by the Redell/Vidrine Water System are under way.  He noted that 19 customers who are seriously delinquent (over 90 days) have been sent a certified letter advising if the bill is not handled immediately, water will be cut off.  He reported that 7 customers have come in to make payment arrangements and those who have not are encouraged to do so.

Bergeron also stated there was a meeting held with Senator Eric Lafleur about our parish jail and the condition of same.  He noted this is “preliminary groundwork” to try and figure out what options we have as far as rebuilding, moving prisoners, etc.  Juror, Eric Soileau, advised there will be a meeting tomorrow with Senator Bill Cassidy to explore every avenue possible to try and create a plan.

Keep Evangeline Beautiful presented Certificates of Appreciation to the following students for their contributions in keeping our Parish clean:

Cub Scout Pack #72 - Adopted Magnolia Street up to the Library - the 2nd Saturday of the month.

Cub Scouts: Camry Freeman, 4th Grader, James Stephen, Noah Edward, 3rd Grader, James Stephens, Tyler Lezard, 1st Grader, Vidrine Elementary and James Freeman, 5th Grader, Ville Platte Middle.

The Evangeline Parish Police Jury held its monthly meeting tonight in the Evangeline Parish Courthouse.  Jurors reported on the DOTD 2016 Highway Plan.  Juror, Bryan Vidrine, said in meeting with DOTD in Lafayette that Hwy. 167 from Turkey Creek to I-49, Hwy 106 from Beaver Creek to I-49 were discussed and they will be conducting more studies to determine if funds will be provided to repair those roads.  Other roads being discussed are Hwy. 104 and Hwy 95 from Mamou to Chataignier.  He noted that a positive aspect to the funding of road repair is that there will be approximately 80 million dollars put back into the DOTD.  That money was being used on the State Police, but newly elected Governor John Bel Edwards has taken those funds and put them back into the DOTD.

The Police Jury voted to adopt an ordinance stating that if a business sales tax is not up-to-date, the renewal of its liquor permit and professional permits will be affected.  It was also noted that if someone disputes the amount they owe, they still must pay the taxes “Under Protest” while an appeal is under way.

The Jury decided to re-establish the Advisory Committee for Evangeline Parish Drainage District #10.  It was abolished years back, but approximately $154,000.00 remains in the account.  The new committee will have representation from Districts 1, 5, 7, 6, 8 and 9.

Ellis Guillory was granted a liquor permit by the Jury.  The former Angel Food Store #2 will now be called E&J Community Grocery.

Secretary/Treasurer, Donald Bergeron, reported that collections of sewer accounts serviced by the Redell/Vidrine Water System are under way.  He noted that 19 customers who are seriously delinquent (over 90 days) have been sent a certified letter advising if the bill is not handled immediately, water will be cut off.  He reported that 7 customers have come in to make payment arrangements and those who have not are encouraged to do so.

Bergeron also stated there was a meeting held with Senator Eric Lafleur about our parish jail and the condition of same.  He noted this is “preliminary groundwork” to try and figure out what options we have as far as rebuilding, moving prisoners, etc.  Juror, Eric Soileau, advised there will be a meeting tomorrow with Senator Bill Cassidy to explore every avenue possible to try and create a plan.

Keep Evangeline Beautiful presented Certificates of Appreciation to the following students for their contributions in keeping our Parish clean:

Cub Scout Pack #72 - Adopted Magnolia Street up to the Library - the 2nd Saturday of the month.

Cub Scouts: Camry Freeman, 4th Grader, James Stephen, Noah Edward, 3rd Grader, James Stephens, Tyler Lezard, 1st Grader, Vidrine Elementary and James Freeman, 5th Grader, Ville Platte Middle.