Local News Archives for 2014-06

2014 Smoked Meat Festival Cook Off Results

2014 Smoked Meat Festival

June 29, 2014

 

     Here are the results of the 2014 Smoked Meat Festival held this past Saturday at the city park grounds:

 

Professional Grand Champion Winner: Big Mamou Beef Jerky for Big Foot Ribs. Head chef Damien Douget and team members Pat Reed, Mark Ardoin and Perry Bertrand.

Amateur Grand Champion Winners- Cameron Team 1 with their winning dish “Backed Up Macaroni” with Head Chef Mickey Johnson and team members Ava Vidrine, Jacob Soileau, Marcus Colligan and Keith Saucier.

Bes Dressed Team- First Place- Krewe de Cameron; Second Place- Citizens Bank; and Third Place- Evangeline Bank.

Best Decorated Booth—First Place- Citizens Bank; Second Place- Krewe de Evangeline and Third Place-Evangeline Bank;

 

In the Professional Division:

Sausage, Andouille and Ponce Category: First Place-Big Mamou Beef Jerkey; Second Place- Bryan and the Boucanee’ Coullions And Third Place- Teet’s Food Store Team One;

Tasso Category- First Place- Cajun Crawfish Tails; Second Place- Teet’s Food Store Team 2; Third Place- Nick’s on Main;

Smoked Seafood Category- First Place- Mercy Regional Medical Center Team 1; Second Place- Big Mamou Beef Jerkey and Third Place- Bryan and the Boucanee’ Coullions;

Smoked Poultry Category- First Place- Bryan and the Boucanee’ Coullions; Second Place-  Betsy Jackson for Judge Team; Third Place- B&S Grocery;

Smoked Game Category- First Place- Mercy Regional Medical Center Team 1; Second Place- Bryan and the Boucanee’ Coullions; Third Place- Eric Veillion State Farm;

Barbecue Smoker Category- First Place- Big Mamou Beef Jerkey; Second Place- R-T=Go’s; and Third Place- Nick’s on Main.

 

 

In the Amateur Division:

Sausage, Andouille and Ponce Category: First Place- First South Production Credit Team A; Second Place- Cameron Team 1; Third Place- Ha U Want It Creole Seasoning.

Tasso Category- First Place- Cameron Team 1; Second Place- Evangeline Bank Team 2; and Third Place- Citizens Bank Team 1;

Smoked Seafood Category- First Place- Cameron Team 1; Second Place- Cameron Team 2 and First South Production Credit Team A;

Smoked Poultry Category- First Place- Citizens Bank; Second Place- First South Production Credit Team A; and Third Place- Mercy Regional Medical Center Team 2;

Smoked Game Category- First Place- First South Credit Team A; Second Place- Citizens Bank Team 2; and Third Place- Ha U Want It Creole Seasoning;

Barbecue/Smoker Category- First Place- Evangeline Bank Team 1; Second Place-Mercy Regional Medical Center Team 2 and Third Place- Ha U Want It Creole Seasoning.

Ville Platte Chamber Hears from Union Tank Official

VILLE PLATTE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

JUNE 25, 2014

 

      The Ville Platte Chamber of Commerce met today (Wednesday) and heard from guest speaker, Stephen Williams, the new plant manager at Union Tank Company. He is a native of Winn Parish and a 27 year Air Force Veteran.

      Union Tank Car Company employs 130 people locally including 21 salaried positions. Ville Platte is one of six company shop locations. The company also has two manufacturing facilities: in Alexandria and in Texas. The Ville Platte site maintains tank cars and hopper cars. They can do about 150 cars a month including refurbishing and re fabricating work, interior work and exterior.

      Williams announced that the company is planning to hire an additional 26-28 employees later this year and begin a third shift. They are currently partnering with the Coreil campus to train welders to work at the Ville Platte plant.

      Chamber Executive Diretor Camille Fontenot announced:

--the Smoked Meat Festival is scheduled for this weekend at the civic center grounds;

--reported a new business joining the chamber: La Dee Da Gifts on Tate Cove Road next to Party in a Box;

--seats are still available for two chamber sponsored bus trips: Sept. 21 to the World War Two museum and November 15 to view the Phantom of the Opera;

--the chamber will sponsor a fund raising political rally August 14  at the Ville Platte Civic Center where all political candidates will be invited to sponsor a table and speak;

--heard from Carlene Jones with the Coreil Campus that the school will be offering new courses in the fall: Associate Degree programs in Accounting and General Business. The school is advertising to hire a Business and Welding Instructor.

Ville Platte Rotary Club hears from Faith House Representative

VILLE PLATTE ROTARY CLUB MEETING

JUNE 24, 2014

 

   The Rotary Club of Ville Platte today (Tuesday) heard  from Marie Guidry, outreach coordinator with Faith House. Guidry gave a number of statistics dealing with domestic violence: every nine seconds a woman is battered in the United States; over 95% of batterers are men; one out of three women will experience domestic violence; one of every  three high school girls are currently in an abusive relationship and Louisiana ranks second in the number of homicides from domestic abuse relationships. She reported that some of the reasons why women remain in an abusive relationship: shame, guilt and fear. Faith House is based in Lafayette with an out- patient facility here in Ville Platte. The local Faith House unit helps about 100 women a year.

Ville Platte Police Make Two Arrests

Chief Neal Lartigue with the Ville Platte Police Department reports two arrests on the same subject for two separate incidents.

 

 

On May 19, 2014 the Ville Platte Police made an attempt to stop a vehicle that turned onto Latour Street heading incorrectly on a one way lane of passage.  As the vehicle approached the officer it turned off of Latour and began evading the officer. The vehicle then led officers on a pursuit within the city limits of Ville Platte.  The vehicle eventually stopped on South Stagg where the suspect exited the vehicle where he disobeyed the instructions of the officer and fled on foot.   A warrant was issued and arrested was Jaonie Arvie, 26 of 6582 Pine Point Road, Ville Platte.  Arvie was booked into the Ville Platte City Jail and charged with resisting arrest, driving the wrong way on a one way laned for traffic, driving with a suspended license, speeding and possession of a schedule II narcotic.  Arvie was released on a $2,500.00 bond set by Judge John Larry Vidrine.

 

In an unrelated incident on June 18, 2014, Jaonie Arvie, 26 of 6582 Pine Point Road, Ville Platte was arrested for theft over $500.00 for stealing an item from a female’s purse.  Arvie was booked into the Ville Platte City Jail where he remains incarcerated on a $5,000.00 bond set by Judge John Larry Vidrine.

 

Chief Neal Lartigue reminds residents to remain aware of their surroundings and report suspicious activity in their neighborhood.  Be observant of unfamiliar people hanging around the area or going into someone’s yard.  Call in any suspicious activity by calling the Ville Platte Police Department at 363-1313. All callers will remain anonymous.

Evangeline Parish School Board Meeting

June 18, 2014

 

Evangeline Parish School Board Meeting

 

The Evangeline Parish School Board held its meeting last night and as expected the main topic of conversation was the announcement by Governor Bobby Jindal that “It’s time for PARCC to withdraw from Louisiana.  We won’t let the federal government take over Louisiana’s education standards.  We are very alarmed about choice and local control over curriculum being taken away from parents and educators…  Additionally, proponents weren’t up front about the federal involvement in PARCC and Common Core.  Now that we understand the federal outreach involved, we need to slow down and make the right decision.”  

Superintendent Toni Hamlin and members of her staff were paying close attention as the governor spoke yesterday and she commented that “We do not have a problem with the Common Core standards, but through our own hard work as educators, our scores are up!  The quality of our teaching has improved and our expectations are higher because we have raised the bar and will continue to raise the bar.  We work very hard.  We have had a problem with the PARCC Assessment, because we are not ready.”

Shortly after the Governor’s announcement, State Superintendent John White announced that “The state will continue to implement Common Core and PARCC testing despite what the Governor said.  He says they’ve committed to 10 years and they will not throw the system into chaos by getting a new plan.”

Governor Jindal pointed out other problems with the Assessment is that it goes against state bidding laws, giving no one else the opportunity to bid on the project, and the enormous cost of the on-line assessment.  The governor has requested a report on the amount of money spent to date on PARCC and Common Core.

Board Member, Scott Limoges stated “This was the first time he has heard the governor speaking about the astronomical cost of the program.  Now, they are seeing other problems with it.”

Board Member, Peggy Foreman summed up her stance by saying “In 2010, he was all for it.  Why should we trust him now? That’s my question.  As leader of this state, he should have checked all of this out before he agreed with it.  Governor Jindal can say what he wants, and Mr. White can say what he wants, but the real question is “What are we going to do for the STUDENTS.”  That’s what this board is here for…to make sure we are educating our children.  I am at the point now where I don’t believe any of them.”

The legislature made four attempts to quash the PARCC and Common Core curriculum before they recessed, but to no avail.

Another announcement was made that the Parish will be entering into the litigation against the State in connection with its failure to fund the 2.75% increase called for in the 2012-2013 MFP (Minimum Foundation Program).  If the litigation is successful, the Parish would recoup over $900,000 annually that the litigation says it is owed.  If the lawsuit is not successful, there will be no fees for the parish to pay.

Ville Platte Rotary Club Celebrates Its 85th Birthday

Ville Platte Rotary Club Installation of Officers Banquet

June 17, 2014

 

      The Rotary Club of Ville Platte had a double celebration Tuesday night: celebrating the club’s 85th birthday and held its installation of officers at Nick’s on Main in Ville Platte.

       Past District Governor Linwood Broussard installed the new slate of officers which included new Club President David Mayeaux, President elect Mitch Fontenot, Vice President Wayne Vidrine, Treasurer Vic Slaven, Secretary Janice Helmer, Sgt. At Arms- Dr. Jerry Veillon and Immediate Past President Bill Brunet. The members of the board include Annette Johnson, Allen Farr, Larry Lachney and Dr. Joey Soileau.

   Outgoing president Bill Brunet reported that the club showed as  increase of 13 new members:9 new members, one transfer and 3 former members that re- joined the club. That increase was the second highest  in the entire rotary district. Rotary Club members Wayne Vidrine and Larry Lachney were recognized for their efforts in recruiting new members and both were named Rotarians of the Year by the club.

     Linwood Broussard noted that the Ville Platte club is the second oldest club in the rotary district He recognized two members who were named Paul Harris Fellows for their contributions to Rotary International:  Greg Vidrine and Eric Gil.

     Rotarian Brent Coreil was recognized for being the longest serving member of the local club, over 40 years.

   New club president David Mayeaux said he was looking forward to working with the board and club members. One of his goals this year will be to improve the name recognition of rotary in Ville Platte through the news media so residents will know more about the club.

    Sgt. at Arms Dr. Jerry Veillon shared some historical information about the club by reading minutes from a club meeting in the 1940’s.

Thee Suspects Arrested in Pine Prairie Burglary

BUSINESS BURGLARY SUSPECTS CHARGED

JUNE 17, 2014

 

     Three suspects were arrested Saturday in connection with the burglary of a Pine Prairie business. According to a spokesman for Pine Prairie Chief of Police L.C. Deshotel , the suspects were identified as Casey Hollands age 20 , Logan Bertrand age 19 and Bret Bertrand age 17 all of Mamou. All three were charged with Burglary of a Business. The police spokesman told KVPI News that the police was  notified that Landreneau’s Grocery was burglarized Saturday morning at 5:00am. The back door was kicked in and a large amount of cigarettes was stolen. Officer Eathan Johns received information on the whereabouts of the suspects. After further investigation, the suspects were located in Mamou with assistance from the Mamou Police Department. The officer was able to locate most of the stolen items and return them to the owner. The approximate value is over $2500 in stolen merchandise. Chief Deshotel would like to thank the Mamou Police Department in this case and reminds Pine Prairie residents to report any suspicious activity.

One of Ten Most Wanted Texas Fugitives Arrested by Ville Platte Police

On June 10, 2014 at approximately 3:10 p.m. Chief Neal Lartigue with the Ville Platte Police Department received information regarding the whereabouts of a fugitive on the Texas Department of Public Safety 's ten most wanted fugitives list.  According to Chief Lartigue, fugitive Cory James Fisher, 35 was wanted in Texas for multiple offenses including possession of cocaine, tampering with evidence and parole violation.  Chief Lartigue made contact with the Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Office  and the Ville Platte City Marshal's Office requesting assistance in locating and apprehending Fisher.  Once in the area Fisher was reported to be, they learned that he left the area in an undescribed vehicle.  Agencies began searching the area and Chief Lartigue located the vehicle on Doucet Lane which is just outside of the city limits of Ville Platte. Chief Lartigue initiated a traffic stop and Fisher was apprehended without incident with the assistance of the Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Office and the Ville Platte City Marshal's Office. Cory James Fisher is being held in the Ville Platte City Jail awaiting extradition.    Chief Lartigue stated that teamwork and quick response was key in catching this fugitive who was on the run. 

Chief Lartigue reminds residents that anonymous tips like this one made a big difference in the amount of time the fugitive remained on the streets.  To report illegal activity in the city limits please contact the Ville Platte Police Department at 363-1313

Ugly Tie Father's Day Contest Winners

Father’s Day Ugly Tie Contest Winners

June 10, 2014

 

    Acadiana’s Greatest Hits 92.5 KVPI congratulates our winners in our Father’s Day Ugly Tie Contest. Thank you to everyone who turned in an ugly tie in the contest. It was tough but our panel of judges that came in to judge made their decision.

    Congratulations to our Grand Prize Winner: Mike Cloud. He will receive a $400 recliner, courtesy of Cester Young’s Furniture in Mamou.

    Our Second Place Winning Dad is Junior Perrodin. He has won a $100 gift certificate to Ace Hardware in Ville Platte.

     Our Third Place Winning Dad is Ernest Anderson who has won a $50 gift certificate to Ace Hardware in Ville Platte.

      Again, thank you to all that entered and Happy Father’s Day to all the Dads from your friends at KVPI.

Ville Platte Mayor and City Council salutes Sacred Heart Baseball Team Tuesday

June 10, 2014 Ville Platte City Council Mtg.


Mayor Jennifer Vidrine and the Ville Platte City Council held their monthly meeting Tuesday night at City Hall.  The meeting quickly became a happy atmosphere as the Sacred Heart Baseball Team was recognized for its awesome achievement this year coming in 1st runner up in the State 1A playoffs.  Mayor Vidrine thanked the team for representing themselves and Ville Platte in such a great way.  She also thanked the parents and the fans for their tremendous support!  The mayor said she has not heard fans cheer so hard in 30 years.

Coach Cody Vidrine was named 2014 Coach of the Year and presented with multiple plaques in recognition.  The Mayor also presented a Declaration making June 10th Trojan Heart Baseball Day.  

The mayor reported that the City is still in the black as far as sales tax revenues and wanted to thank everyone for shopping locally for all of your needs.

There were cheers in the council chambers as it was reported that the Budget Projected Revenues were $719,670.00; however, the city actually had revenues in the amount of $1,282,248.00, bringing the city in $562,578.00 under budget.  The mayor thanked all of the city workers, inside and out, for all of their diligence and said “Please keep up the good work.”

The Mayor was happy to report that all city-workers, full and part-time, will be receiving a 3% salary increase due to the revenues, and the Fire Department will be receiving $20,000.00 for required safety equipment.

Mayor Vidrine presented a check from CLECO for $1,000.00 they have donated towards the new Boys & Girls Club.  June 20th and 21st will be a Day of Action to clean and repair the future building for the Boys &Girls  Club.  She also reminded everyone about the newly formed “flag” football league for those children ages 4, 5 & 6, and the “tackle” league for ages 7 – 12.  She will be sending out more information on registration.

Officials from Troup de Evangeline spoke at the meeting and said they are working with the Allen Ortego Family to secure the warehouse adjacent to City Park (behind the Swamp Pop Museum) for their permanent location.  They are currently awaiting their non-profit status and will be a local Arts, Production and Community Theatre.  They will also have art shows and teaching workshops.

The mayor, once again, reminded citizens who have abandoned property to take care of them.  Letters are still being sent out about the condition of some properties, and dwellings are currently being torn down.

There will be a public hearing on an ordinance introduced by Alderman Taranza Arvie which requires the quarterly reporting of all travel expenses and the amount spent on gifts presented to visitors to our community.  The mayor stated that the gift baskets that are given out consist of local products that help increase awareness of what is available in our area.

Ville Platte Rotary Club Receives Awards from District

VILLE PLATTE ROTARY CLUB MEETING

JUNE 10, 2014

 

     The Ville Platte Rotary Club today (Tuesday) was notified by new Assistant Governor Yvonne Normand that the local club was recognized by the rotary district for a number of accomplishments. Normand said the Ville Platte club was recognized for placing second in the membership challenge award for having the highest percentage increase in membership in the District. Club members Wayne Vidrine and Larry Lachney were recognized by the District with the Club Building awards.

    The guest speaker for the weekly meeting was Attorney Chuck West who spoke on his experience as Magistrate over the mayor’s court in Mamou. West said mayors can choose to preside over their city court or appoint an attorney to preside as a magistrate-judge in place of the major. West said more and more mayors are moving over to a magistrate type court because of time and a legal background.  West was the guest of Rotarian Jimmy LeBlanc.

    Club President Bill Brunet announced that next Tuesday June 17 will be the annual installation of officers for the Rotary Club at Nicks on Second beginning at 6:00pm. It will coincide with the club’s 85th anniversary. Due to the installation event, there will be no noon meeting next week.

Suddenlink Will Keep Community Channel on its Lineup

SUDDENLINK COMMUNITY CHANNEL

JUNE 6, 2014

 

      Ville Platte Mayor Jennifer Vidrine announced to KVPI listeners today that Suddenlink is moving their community channel from Channel 4 to Channel 97 effective June 30. The channel has community reminders and has the KVPI audio channel . Please keep this mind. Our special thanks to Mayor Vidrine for her efforts in convincing Suddenlink corporate officials to keep  the community channel available to local residents and viewers.

Evangeline Parish School Board Reviews Health Insurance Increases

May 4, 2014

Evangeline Parish School Board


The Evangeline Parish School Board Wednesday  presented the rate increases for group health insurance coverage for the school board and employees.  The new coverage will begin on July 1st; however, the new rates will begin being deducted from June paychecks.  The school board had an increase in their share of the program of $186,643.68, and the employees had an increase of $90,997.92.  The school board was not pleased with the amount of the increase, but stated they thought it was going to be far worse with the new health care laws.

Assistant Superintendent, Darwan Lazard, spoke in place of Superintendent, Toni Hamlin, who was among those attending the Teacher Leaders’ Summit in New Orleans.  He made the following announcements:

  • The last day for principles to report to school will be June 11th.  They are still required to check on their schools during the summer.

  • Merit paychecks will be distributed as a separate, live check by June 30th.

  • The first day of the new school year will be August 14th.

  • Teachers are required to report to school 2 days earlier.

  • Maintenance crews will be working on the schools during the summer to repair projects by the beginning of the new school year.

  • The summer work schedule will close all schools on Fridays, including the Media Center, and the School Board hours will be 7:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

It was reported that there has been no movement by the legislature or by the governor regarding the implementation of the PARC On Line Testing Program  and Common Core programs and the school board is proceeding cautiously with being ready to have the program in place by the required deadline next spring.  The legislature has given parishes an extra year to put the program into place without being fined.

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Proud supporter of our own

Swamp Pop music

The Louisana Swamp Pop Museum is operated by the City of Ville  Platte is open to the public every Friday and

Saturday from 10:00a.m. to 3:00p.m. Come view the amazing artifacts, photos,records, Wall of Fame and hear the music.
 

Admission charge is $3 adults,

$2 seniors and $1 for children under 12.
The museum is located on

Northwest Railroad Avenue.