CHATAIGNIER, LA – The Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Office needs the public's assistance in locating a runaway juvenile. On Friday, December 28, 2018 the reporting person (Minette Thibodeaux) stated her son Bryson Thibodeaux (DOB 1-19-2009) left his residence from the 3400 block of Chataignier Road without his father's permission or knowledge. He was last seen at 12:30 pm. It is unknown as to what Bryson was wearing when he left the residence. A photo of Bryson is included below. The reporting person stated her son has done this in the past but was always located shortly after. It is paramount that Bryson is located quickly due to his medical condition of Autism. The Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Office has teamed up with several agencies both local and afar in an effort to locate Bryson. The Cajun Navy arrived earlier and is on scene conducting a search in the Chataignier/Point Blue area along with the other agencies. If anyone has any information or comes into contact with Bryson Thibodeaux is asked to contact the Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Office at 337-363-2161. Bryson Thibodeaux DOB 1/19/2009

The Evangeline Parish School Board met Wednesday evening. There was an election of officers. Wayne Dardeau was elected Board President; Scott Limoges was elected Board Vice President; Georgiana Wilson, Wanda Skinner, Mike Fontenot and Karen Vidrine were elected to serve on the Executive Committee. Cleco representative Gary Guidroz presented the Board with a check for $20,015.30 for participating in the Power Wise program, which updates the schools with LED lights and lighting technology. The Board will dedicate the funds for teacher/personnel/student incentives and classroom materials and instructional technology. Bayou Chicot Elementary Honors Band students, Grace Bordelon and Collin Deville, were recognized for their achievement in making it to District Honor Band. The Board also recognized 5 schools which achieved Excellence Honor Roll in our district, which is more than any other district in the state. Pine Prairie High School, Mamou Elementary, Vidrine Elementary, W.W. Stewart, and Bayou Chichot Elementary each received a certificate of recognition for their achievement. Pine Prairie High School also received the 2017/2018 Top Gain award. Basile High School won the maintenance and safety award in the big school category; Evangeline Central won for the small school category. Each school's principal and custodian received a $25 Walmart gift card. In other action, the Board approved the low price quote of $12,275 by Associated Food Equipment for a 40 gallon tilting skillet for Mamou High School. They also approved a low price quote of $5,778.51 by Sayes for door mats. Superintendent Darwin Lazard announced that Cameron Iron Works invited James Stevens Montessori students to a Christmas party where the students were given gifts. Last year they invited Ville Platte Elementary. Superintendent Lazard also announced that Evangeline Parish students are going to be in a training video that will be used nation-wide for the company Great Minds, which Louisiana has adopted to provide the science curriculum. Evangeline Parish is the first in the nation to get the training from the company.

KVPI News has received the following news bulletin from the Evangeline Parish School Board: Today at 3:05pm, the principal at Ville Platte High School received an anonymous on-line threat regarding that campus. Law enforcement officials were immediately informed and are actively investigating the matter. Additional measures are being put into place by our law enforcement partners and school officials to ensure the safety and security of Ville Platte High School's faculty, staff, students and other stakeholders.

The Ville Platte City Council met Tuesday for their regular meeting of the month. The VPHS French Class led the Pledge of Allegiance. CPA Vic Slaven presented the audit report ending June 30, 2018. The General Fund balance finished the year with total assets of $3,754,000. Liabilities were $216,000 and a fund balance of $3,530,768; that number just above the $782,536 is fund balance unassigned, which means it's the fund balance used to spend at the discretion of the council. The rest of it is restricted for specific purposes according to state statutes and laws. The city will have $782,000 to open up next fiscal year to spend. Current assets are $23,574,000. He went on to say there is no surplus to use at the city's discretion going forward in the utility funds. In other business, Todd Morein addressed the council, saying he wants to provide another internet service to the area. Mayor Vidrine said a public meeting will be held at a later date so that citizens can voice their concerns. She also said that the council will determine a fair price for Mr. Morein's company to pay for use of the towers around the parish. In other business, the council approved the hiring of a new full-time police officer, Justin Jack of Ville Platte. Mr. Jack will be hired upon completion of requirements. Chief Lartigue also reported that the police department made 56 arrests, which included 16 felony arrests, and responded to 27 motor vehicle accidents in the month of November. Fire Chief Harrison reported that during the month of November, the fire department responded to 2 structure fires, 2 grass fires, 4 medical, 2 alarm activations, 5 service calls. There were no fatalities. The council approved a 2% pay increase for the fire department. Mayor Vidrine announced a $6,074.43 decrease in spending for the month of November compared to October. Councilman Jerry Joseph was named Mayor Pro Tempore; he replaced councilman Mike Perron, whose term is finished for Mayor Pro Tem. Mayor Vidrine concluded the meeting by announcing the retirement of councilmen C.J. Dardeau and Rev. Freddie Jack. Dardeau, who served as councilman for 41 ½ years, is one of the longest-serving councilmen in the state of Louisiana. Rev. Jack served for 20 years. Mayor Vidrine issued a proclamation and thanked them for their service. Rev. Jack said, "I've had the privilege to serve under 4 different mayors, and every year was a good year, even with the ups and the downs, the highs and the lows, I can't say anything bad. It's been quite an adventure. Now the season has come for me to move on to bigger and greater things. [...] I have plenty on the fire." Dardeau said, "I enjoyed serving with the city council and the mayor. I'd also like to thank the people of district 8 for voting for me for 41 years. I'm thankful to them for doing that." Mike Perron added, "Freddie, I want to thank you for always having my back." Perron said when he had his heart attack, Rev. Jack came to the hospital and prayed for him and he respects him. Perron added that he and Dardeau go back to his sixteenth birthday when Perron worked for Dardeau. Perron said, "He taught him me everything I know. He taught me how to be public servant, how to work with the people, how to run a business, how to be a butcher [...] everything that I am today I owe to this man right here." Mayor Vidrine added, "Don't be stranger! Y'all can still come and visit!" She then announced that new councilmen, mayor, and chief will be sworn in on January 8, 2019 at 4:00 PM.

The Evangeline Parish Grand Jury today returned indictments against two suspects on several charges. Keisha Lane Matt age 38 of 1609 L.D. Verette road, Ville Platte was indicted on two counts: First Degree rape with the victim under age of 13. Count Two- Pornography involving juveniles under the age of 13. The alleged offenses occurred between January 2014 and August 2018. The Grand Jury also indicted Christopher S. Landreneau age 35 of 1706 S. Midkiff Road, Midland, Texas. He has been charged with : First Degree rape with the victim under age of the 13; Count Two-Pornography involving Juveniles under age of 13; Count 3-Indecent Behavior with a juvenile under age 13. Counts 1 and 2 allegedly occurred around Jan. 1, 2013 and Count 3 allegedly occurred around July 1, 2016.

The Evangeline Parish Police Jury met today for their annual December meeting conducted all in Cajun French. Juror Eric Soileau conducted the meeting. Clerk of Court Randy Deshotel offered the opening prayer in French. The French Immersion students did the pledge of allegiance and sang Christmas songs. Grammy winner and Mamou native Steve Riley played the National Anthem on his accordion. The meeting room was packed with a standing room only crowd of public officials and visitors. This is the only meeting of its kind in Louisiana and the jury is sending a signal that they support and promote our Cajun French language and way of life. KVPI 1050 The Legend was there broadcasting the entire meeting for our listeners. Thank you to the Evangeline Parish Police Jury

St. Landry Parish – Shortly after 10:30 pm on November 29, 2018, Troopers from Troop I began investigating a two vehicle crash on US 167 near St. Amand Road. The crash ultimately claimed the life of 49-year-old Cynthia Fontenot of Ville Platte. The preliminary investigation revealed Fontenot's 2003 Saturn Vue became disabled on the east shoulder of US 167 northbound. A family member began rendering assistance by attempting to push the vehicle forward on the shoulder. At that same moment, 40-year-old David Klier of Opelousas was traveling northbound in a 2000 Dodge Ram on US 167. As the family member pushed the disable vehicle, it entered into the northbound lane of travel into the path of the Dodge. As a result the Dodge struck the Saturn. Fontenot was unrestrained and was ejected from the vehicle. She was transported to Lafayette General Medical Center with moderate injuries. On December 3, 2018, Troopers were notified by LGMC medical personnel that Fontenot succumbed to her injuries sustained in the crash. Klier was properly restrained and sustained only minor injuries. Impairment is not suspected to be a factor on the part of either driver. This crash remains under investigation.

The Rotary Club of Ville Platte today (Tuesday) had a special treat compliments of the French Immersion first grade students from Ville Platte and Mamou Elementary Schools. The students who are into their second year of the Immersion program treated club members with Christmas songs such as "Jingle Bells" and "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer" as well as the Pledge of Allegiance all in French. Accompanying the students were Ville Platte Elementary Principal Sally Moreau and Mamamou Elementary Principal Troy Fontenot. School Superintendent and Rotary member Darwan Lazard introduced the school officials in attendance. It was announced that the Kindergarten students in French Immersion will entertain at the police jury meeting next Tuesday at 2;00pm at the courthouse. The immersion students in the Second Grade will be appearing on TV 10 in the next few weeks. It was announced that there will be no noon luncheon next Tuesday due to the Christmas social planned for next Tuesday night December 11 at 6;00pm.

One of the longest Christmas parades in many years rolled down Main Street in Ville Platte tonight under clear skies. There were several units from Church and Youth groups along with political candidates who are gearing up to run next year. There were a lot of people especially children along the parade route wanting to catch a view of Santa Claus riding atop the Fire truck. Congratulations to Chamber Director Renee Brown and her group for a successful parade.