Classic Country 1050 KVPI had its drawing for the All American Country Weekend Concerts at Paragon Casino this Labor Day weekend to see Country Stars Charlie Pride and Neal McCoy. Our winners selected for the Charlie Pride show Friday night are:

Caroline Menard, Adean LaFleur, Kathy Riley, Roger Charlie and Cammy Marcantel.

Our winners to attend the Neal McCoy show Sunday night are: Dot Fontenot, Roe Marcantel, Juanita Sylvester, Runie Thibodeaux and Anison Fontenot. Congratulations to all our winners and thanks to everyone who qualified.

       A Ville Platte man was seriously injured in a train accident Friday afternoon near the Ward One Industrial Park. A spokesman for Evangeline Parish Sheriff Eddie Soileau identified the victim as Kyle Fontenot age 24 of Ville Platte. The accident occurred at 1:27pm on Industrial Road at the Railroad crossing. The sheriff’s office spokesman said Fontenot was driving a pickup truck and apparently did not stop at the crossing when his truck struck the Acadiana Railway train that was crossing at the time. Fontenot was transported to a local hospital by Acadian Ambulance with a broken leg.

     At 10:53 hours Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Department was notified of
an industrial accident at Cameron International Manufacturing Facility
located in Evangeline Parish Industrial Park.  This incident resulted
in the death of an employee.  The incident is currently under
investigation at this time.  No further details will be released until
the investigation is complete.

    Cameron International is cooperating completely and is providing all
the necessary resources and information needed to expedite this
investigation.

    The name of the victim will not be released pending notification of
the family.  At this time Cameron International is providing the
family with their support in their time of need.

    Evangeline Parish District Attorney Trent Brignac’s office has issued the results of a criminal jury trial which began Monday August 22. The trial ended this (Wednesday) morning. The defendant, Samuel LaFleur, age 19, of 1367 Fruge Street, Ville Platte, was found guilty as charged by a six person jury of illegal possession of stolen things valued at $1500 or more and simple criminal damage to property wherein the damage was more than $500 but less than $50,000. The stolen items were found in LaFleur’s home on or about December 20 of last year.

     Detective StanleyWashingtonof the Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Office testified he received a tip that Samuel LaFleur was attempting to sell a stolen television. Upon further investigation, Detective Washington obtained a search warrant for LaFleur’s home. Several items believed to have been stolen were retrieved. Among the items were a Dell laptop, a 72 inch Mistubishi television and a 50 inch Samsung television. When located, the 72 inch television was found to have been damaged.

     The crime of illegal possession of stolen things valued at $1500 or more carries a maximum sentence of ten years imprisonment and the crime of simple criminal damage to property carries a maximum sentence of two years imprisonment. Lafleur’s sentencing has been scheduled by District Judge John Larry Vidrine for October 22, 2011at which time Lafleur faces a maximum of 12 years at hard labor.

      Lafleur had been previously convicted of burglary and currently has a pending burglary charge, but that information was unable to be presented to the jury because of Louisianatrial procedure rules.

      District Attorney Trent Brignac complimeneted lead prosecutor Marcus Fontenot and Tim Fontenot who assisted Fontenot in the prosecution of the case and thanked them for their efforts during the three day trial. Brignac also expressed his appreciation for the excellent investigation by the Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Department as well as their professionalism in working with the District Attorney’s Office to present the evidence and testimony at trial.

   Ville Platte-  Discussion  at Wednesday’s meeting of the Evangeline Parish School Board centered over a proposal to mandate all school coaches to have a Commercial Drivers License.

     The conversation began by School Board President Wayne Dardeau who felt it was not fair to only have coaches with CDL’s having to drive the buses to athletic and academic events. Currently, there is no job description calling for coaches to have a CDL.

“It puts a strain on those few coaches to have to do all of the bus driving,” said Dardeau. In addition to the sporting events, those coaches are asked to transport students on field trips and literary rallies.

     The current policy of the school board does not require coaches to own a CDL. However, those who wish to obtain such a license, the school board does pay for the training expenses.

      Personnel Supervisor Mike Lombas recommended against changing the policy. “This suggestion would mean changing the conditions of employment and adding additional duties to our coaches.  “

     Lombas suggested that if the board is in favor of the policy change that it should be phased in over a period of time.

     Dardeau said neighboring parishes all require their coaches to have a CDL license.

     It could be costly for schools to begin having First Student to provide transportation for all sporting and academic events.

     The school board finally approved a motion by Board Member Peggy Forman to authorize Superintendent Toni Hamlin and her staff to conduct a study on how school principals feel about a policy change and to prepare a cost estimate on how much it would impact the schools if they employed First Student for the extra curricular bus transportation.

     In other business, Superintendent Hamlin reported to the school board that the first day of school went smooth. There were 5822 students in attendance Wednesday for the first day of school, very close to what the school district population was a year ago.

    Board members were told that the first student pickup in the morning is at 5:45am and some students come home as late as 5;00pm in the afternoon.

     In other action the school board:

--appointed Crystal Ortego out of 19 applicants for the position of LPN at Vidrine Elementary School;

--appointed Jeremy Murray as Band Instructor for Ville Platte and Mamou High Schools.

     Oldies 92-5 KVPI had its drawing at noon today for the concert tickets for the Four Tops/Temptations Show at Paragon Casino Resort in Marksville Saturday night. Congratulations to our winners: Neva Ardoin, Cindy Stewart, Lawrence Cart, Peggy Duplechain and Christine Guidroz. Each winner has won a pair of tickets to the concert. A special thanks to everyone who qualified.

Sheriff Eddie Soileau is providing an investigation update in regards
to the robbery of Citizen’s Bank in Pine Prairie.

Brian Keith Soileau was charged on August 05, 2011 with armed robbery,
possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, illegal use of weapons,
resisting an officer by force, theft of a motor vehicle, aggravated
burglary, theft of a firearm, criminal damage to property and theft
under $300.

Anna Laurie Soileau was charged with illegal possession of stolen
things on August 05, 2011, and additional charges are pending the
outcome of an ongoing investigation related to the armed robbery of
Citizen’s Bank in Pine Prairie.

The sheriff reminds residents they can be a valuable tool to law
enforcement by reporting any suspicious activity. He said it’s always
better to call the Sheriff’s Office if you believe something illegal
may be occurring in your area. Soileau thanked the community for its
continued support and encouraged the public to continue to report
illegal activities. He said all callers will remain anonymous.

      Chief Neal Lartigue of the Ville Platte Police Department reports that detectives are investigating an armed robbery that took place at a local business. At approximately 8:45 on Monday August 15, 2011, two black males entered a business located at 1311 East Main Street in Ville Platte with weapons and ordered employees to get on the floor.  One of the black males kicked open the office door and removed money from the office.  They then ordered an employee to open the register.  After the employee complied with their demands the employee was then ordered to go to the back of the store.  The armed men then took the money from the register and left through the rear door. The amount of money taken is undetermined at this time.  Chief Lartigue is asking anyone who may have seen two black males running in the area of East Main Street around 8:45 or 9:00 p.m. or anyone who may have any information on this armed robbery to call the department at 363-1313.  Your call will remain anonymous. 

      Chief Lartigue also reports a recent burglary has resulted in two arrests.  In the early morning hours of Saturday, August 6, 2011, a local pawn shop on Chataignier Road was entered by two black males and several handguns were stolen.  Caleb Richardson of 707 West Hickory Street, Ville Platte was arrested and charged with simple burglary, simple criminal damage to property and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.  Richardson remains incarcerated on a $50,000.00 bond set by Judge J. Larry Vidrine. De’andre Robert of 129 East Desota Street, Ville Platte was arrested and charged with simple burglary and simple criminal damage to property. Roberts remains incarcerated on a $20,000.00  bond set by Judge J. Larry Vidrine.  Chief Lartigue said that the guns had been sold by the individuals.  “If you purchased a gun from one of these two individuals you are urged to come forward and speak with us” Chief Lartigue said, “if you do not come forward, you can face charges of possession of a stolen firearm which could carry a sentence of up to five years in prison.”   Lartigue reminds everyone that even though there have been two arrests, the case is still under investigation.  “There are still illegal weapons on the street from this burglary” Lartigue stated, “We will continue to pursue leads.”  If you have information on the stolen guns or if you have purchased a gun that you feel may be stolen you are asked to call the Ville Platte Police Department at 363-1313. 

    The Evangeline Parish Police Jury met in special session Monday to approve calling a special election for the Ward Four Fire Protection District to renew a millage tax. Police Jury Legal Advisor Greg Vidrine informed the police jury that the fire district is proposing to call for a special  9.79 millage tax election on November 19 for another ten year period.

    In other business , the police jury:

--approved hiring Scott Stelly and Nelson jack as operators in Region A to replace road emqployees who were let go earlier in the year;

--approved the low bid of Jimco of $17,502 for improvements to the Courthouse Second Foor Restroom to make it a unisex restroom and handicap accessible as mandated by the USDA.;

--directed Juror Ryan Ardoin to have a Mamou contractor submit a quote on needed repairs at the Mamou Health Unit.

       Evangeline Parish authorities were called out Saturday just before noon  about a man discovered dead while cutting beans. A spokesman for Evangeline Parish Sheriff Eddie Soileau identified the victim as James Greg Arvie, age 51 of Ville Platte. Witnesses tell deputies that Arvie was on a tractor cutting beans when he apparently suffered a heart attack. Someof the witnesses noticed the tractor driving eratic. They attempted to reach him on his two way but he never answered their calls. The tractor ended up in a canal. The Evangeline Parish Coroner was called out at 12:33 and pronounced him dead of natural causes.

          Joyce Latigue was the guest speaker at today’s (Monday) meeting of the Ville Platte Chamber of Commerce. She is a spokesperson for the group known as “Sisters on the Go”, a local chapter of the Louisiana Coalition of African American Breast Cancer Survivors.  The cost to be a member is $10 a year and each member receives a t shirt.

Latigue said October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. She is asking chamber members to “paint the town pink”. Pink is the color chosen for breast cancer awareness. Residents and businesses may purchase a sign for their store or their front yards through Ace Hardware.

          In other business, Chamber Executive Director Camille Fontenot announced the fund raising bus trip to New Orleans to see the Broadway production “The Lion King” in March is confirmed.

          The chamber currently has 159 members enrolled with 119 paid up members.

          Citizens Bank was selected as the chamber business of the month in a special drawing. The bank will receive a special yard sign and will receive an interview program over KVPI to promote the bank.

           Sally Young with Cameron Corporation reported that last month’s job fair was a big success. Some 500 people applied for positions during the job fair. The company plans to increase its work force by an additional 40 people as a result of the job fair. She remarked that business is going well with the local Ville Platte plant taking over a new gate valve line from Houston as well as new equipment lines from New Mexico and Oklahoma.

            Pam McGee gave an update report on the City’s Ready City project. There are six committees working to prepare a master strategic plan to attract additional business and industry to Ville Platte. Everything should be completed in January.

             Camille Fontenot announced that plans are firming up for the celebration of Evangeline Parish’s centennial scheduled for October 29 at courthouse square. All parish municipalities will be involved in the day long event. Vendors are needed to prepare food and sell items.  There will be musical acts featuring all types of music throughout the day.

At noon on that day, the statue of Evangeline will be unveiled in front of the courthouse.

Ville Platte- Following a public hearing, the Evangeline Parish Police Jury Monday voted to adopt an amendment to its glass bottle ordinance for Crooked Creek Park near Pine Prairie.

                     The new ordinance adds penalties to the ordinance. First time offenders will be issued a warning or given a citation  from deputies or wildlife agents. Second Time offenders will be removed from the park and be issued a citation from a law enforcement officer.

                      Visitors to the parish owned park will also be notified about the changes through signage at the park and will be given a set of park rules at the park entrance.

                       In other business, the police jury authorized its secretary treasurer to begin the procurement process to select an engineer, administrator and project manager for a federal Hazard Mitigation Grant. The successful candidate will handle the project to “harden” the Ville Platte North side Civic Center to better withstand high winds and stormy conditions.

                       The police jury went on record approving a resolution supporting the new United States Bicycle Route, a portion which will run through Ville Platte and Chataignier in Evangeline Parish.

                         Also, the police jury authorized President Eric Soileau to approve the lowest possible bidder that the parish will receive later this week for restroom renovation work.

                           The work involves making the restroom on the second floor of the courthouse handicap accessible that is being mandated by the United States Department of Agriculture.  USDA is holding up awarding a grant to the Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Department for new vehicles until the courthouse restroom project is completed. Engineer Ronnie Landreneau is estimating the work should cost the parish about $10,000.

                            In other action, the police jury:

--voted to advertise for  bids for limestone, pest control, culverts, and fuel;

--appointed Bryan Bieber to replace Peter Savoy on the Mamou Drainage District Board;

--reappointed Roderick Thibodeaux to serve another five year term on the Evangeline Parish Water District One board;

--voted to advertise to replace the chillers and blowers on the courthouse air conditioning system using funds received from an Energy Efficient Grant.

     Coach Smiley Fontenot  with the Dixie Youth 12 year old all stars would like to thank the businesses, politicians and  individuals who made pledges during the KVPI Radio Fund Raiser this morning. The team was able to raise approximately $5800 in pledges. KLFY TV Ten was here along with Ville Platte Mayor Jennifer Vidrine during the fund raising drive. The all stars will be representing Ville Platte and Louisiana in the Dixie Youth World Series this weekend in North Carolina. KVPI will be broadcasting live at the World Series bringing these games back home to Ville Platte.

   The 40^th  Annual Mamou Cajun Music Festival was one of the best ever, according to a spokesman for  the group. The festival kicked off Friday with a large group of people enjoying the music. Congratulations to Mr and Mrs. Carroll Ardoin of Richard for winning the popular Potato dance .

    On Saturday morning visitors from as far away as Australia attended the event that included top name bands in Cajun music, delicious Cajun foods and contests for the kids.

KVPI 1050 AM was there Saturday morning broadcasting live. Terry Huval of the band Jambalaya was honored for his contributions to Cajun music through the years.

     You are invited to check out our oldies925.com  photo gallery where we have photographs of the event.

    Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Department received a 9-1-1 call from Citizen’s Bank in Pine Prairie. The caller advised the bank was being robbed at gunpoint by a white male wearing a mask and a baseball type hat. It was also learned that one shot had been fired inside the bank while the subject attempted to flee the scene on a motorcycle.

    Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Department immediately responded to the area in search of the assailant and began an investigation of the robbery. Information from Closed Circuit camera and eyewitnesses at the scene led investigators to the residence of Brian Keith Soileau and Anna Laurie Soileau, who were not home at the time. Shortly after putting an all points bulletin on Soileau’s vehicle, Sergent Shane Guillory with the Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Office located Soileau and the vehicle at the Y Not Stop south of Pine Prairie and immediately called for additional units to respond to the area due to Soileau possibly being armed and dangerous. Both subjects were apprehended at the scene and the money stolen from the bank was recovered.

    Brian Keith Soileau gave a full confession to the armed robbery of Citizens Bank to investigators with the Sheriff’s Department, which also led to the recovery of the stolen Harley Davidson motorcycle and the stolen handgun, which was used in the robbery. Soileau admitted to breaking into a residence and stealing the keys to the motorcycle and the handgun. At this time, charges are pending the outcome of the investigation.

Ville Platte-   Evangeline Parish School Officials Wednesday  took exception to recent comments made by representatives of the Louisiana Department of Education over the issue of teacher tenure.  Some officials have been complaining that there is  not enough teacher tenure hearings held to “weed” out unsatisfactory teachers. 

                      Supervisor of Personnel Mike Lombas told the Evangeline Parish School Board that he disagreed with the conclusion by Education Department officials that local school boards are not doing enough to remove bad teachers.. He said last year, the school system prepared four tenured hearings however in every case, the teachers resigned so there was no need for the hearings.

                       Superintendent of Schools Toni Hamlin reported that there were only 52 teacher tenure hearings for the entire state last year which sounds astonishingly low. She felt teacher tenure will be a hot topic around the state during the new school year.

                        Lombas said our principals are doing a good job weeding out teachers who are not doing their job.  “Our teachers are being monitored closely,” said Lombas.

                        In another issue, Superintendent Hamlin said she was very pleased with the results of school performance scores. She announced that there were no schools in the district that had a negative rating such as academically unacceptable (AUS). She complimented the principals and the school staffs for doing a good job.

                        In other action the school board:

--approved the interim appointment of Liz Chatelain as new Assistant Principal at Mamou High School;

--received news that sales tax collections for the month of July showed a $20,000 decrease over the same period a year ago

    Authorities have arrested two suspects wanted in connection with the armed robbery of  Citizens Bank in Pine Prairie. A spokesman for Evangeline Parish Sheriff Eddie Soileau said two suspects were arrested at the Y today just hours after the 10:30am bank holdup. The spokesman said an armed robber entered the bank and took off on a motorcycle with an undetermined amount of cash. One shot was fired as he left however no one was injured. A few hours later, sheriff’s deputies arrested two suspects wanted in the bank holdup. The money has been recovered. Also assisting in the investigation was the Pine Prairie Police Department. We hope to have more details in our newscasts Thursday morning.

       The month of July was another dry one in the Ville Platte area according to our KVPI weather records. We recorded a total of  5.19 inches of rain for the month of July. The wettest day was July 16 where we recorded 2.81 inches of rain. We had a total of 9 days of measurable rain.

       It was another warm month. We had three 100 degree plus days. The hottest day was July 13 where registered 101 degrees.

       The coolest day of the month was 72 degrees on July 7.