The March 5^th Primary Elections are soon approaching.  You will have many candidates to choose from.  Here is a sample ballot of what you can expect to see at the polls.

 

Only Democrats Vote:

Presidential Nominee (D)

(Vote for ONE)

Steve Burke – Democrat

Hillary Clinton – Democrat

Rocky De La Fuente – Democrat

Henry Hewes – Democrat

Keith Judd – Democrat

Martin J. O’Malley – Democrat

Bernie Sanders – Democrat

Michael Steinberg – Democrat

Willie L. Wilson – Democrat

Only Republicans Vote:

Presidential Nominee (R)

(VOTE FOR ONE)

Jeb Bush – Republican

Ben Carson – Republican

Chris Christie – Republican

Timothy Cook – Republican

Ted Cruz – Republican

Carly Fiorina – Republican

Lindsey Graham – Republican

Mike Huckabee – Republican

John Kasich – Republican

Peter Messina – Republican

Rand Paul – Republican

Marco Rubio – Republican

Rick Santorum – Republican

Open Primary

Chief of Police – Mamou

(Vote for ONE)

Armond Benoit, Jr. – 292, No Party

Chris Godeaux – 293, Republican

Lucas Lavergne – 294, Democrat

Ricky J. McGee – 295, Democrat

Charles Perdices – 296, No Party

Katina Richard – 297, Democrat

Open Primary

Chief of Police – Chataignier

(Vote for ONE)

Joseph Brasseaux – 299, Democrat

Elliot N. Thomas – 300, No Party

Only Republicans can vote

(Vote for ONE)

Members of Republican State Central Committee

Toni Aguillard – 268, Republican

Jimmy Lafleur – 269, Republican

 

The March 5^th Primary Elections are soon approaching.  You will have many candidates to choose from.  Here is a sample ballot of what you can expect to see at the polls.

 

Only Democrats Vote:

Presidential Nominee (D)

(Vote for ONE)

Steve Burke – Democrat

Hillary Clinton – Democrat

Rocky De La Fuente – Democrat

Henry Hewes – Democrat

Keith Judd – Democrat

Martin J. O’Malley – Democrat

Bernie Sanders – Democrat

Michael Steinberg – Democrat

Willie L. Wilson – Democrat

Only Republicans Vote:

Presidential Nominee (R)

(VOTE FOR ONE)

Jeb Bush – Republican

Ben Carson – Republican

Chris Christie – Republican

Timothy Cook – Republican

Ted Cruz – Republican

Carly Fiorina – Republican

Lindsey Graham – Republican

Mike Huckabee – Republican

John Kasich – Republican

Peter Messina – Republican

Rand Paul – Republican

Marco Rubio – Republican

Rick Santorum – Republican

Open Primary

Chief of Police – Mamou

(Vote for ONE)

Armond Benoit, Jr. – 292, No Party

Chris Godeaux – 293, Republican

Lucas Lavergne – 294, Democrat

Ricky J. McGee – 295, Democrat

Charles Perdices – 296, No Party

Katina Richard – 297, Democrat

Open Primary

Chief of Police – Chataignier

(Vote for ONE)

Joseph Brasseaux – 299, Democrat

Elliot N. Thomas – 300, No Party

Only Republicans can vote

(Vote for ONE)

Members of Republican State Central Committee

Toni Aguillard – 268, Republican

Jimmy Lafleur – 269, Republican

 

 

VILLE PLATTE ROTARY CLUB MEETING

JANUARY 26, 2016

 

    The Ville Platte Rotary Club today (Tuesday) heard from Debbie Clark, the director of Chateau Des Amis Apartment Complex. Chateaux des Amis located in Ville Platte  is a 49 apartment complex for seniors age 62 or older with very low income. The income limit for singles is $17,000 a year and couples is $19,000 a year. The non profit facility is managed by Elderly Housing Development and Operations Corporation. The corporation also manages senior housing apartments in 14 states.

   Clark introduced members of her staff including Landy Thompson who serves as the service coordinator helping residents with any problems or questions they may have.

    All of the apartments are one bedroom units and they are all electric. The facility includes a library, computer room, washateria and small pets are allowed.

    Debbie Clark was the special guest of Rotarian Mable Forman.

The City of Ville Platte has announced the following:

 

The deadline to pay property taxes without delinquent penalties is January 31, 2016. Please note that January 31, 2016 is on Sunday. The last business day to pay your property tax is Friday, January 29, 2016 at 4:00 p.m. On February 1, 2016, the penalty will be $51.50 plus 1% interest. March 1, 2016 the penalty will be $90.00 plus interest and on April 1, 2016, the penalty will be $115.00 plus interest. The tax sale will be August 24, 2016. Please pay property taxes by January 29, 2016 to avoid additional charges. 

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

 

Albert Malveaux, 35 of Opelousas, arrested for DOMESTIC ABUSE BATTERY and currently out on a $2,000.00 bond;

 

Giordan Santiny, 21 of Ville Platte, arrested for THEFT OF GOODS and currently out on a $500.00 bond;

 

Naomi Edwards, 22 of Ville Platte, arrested for THEFT OF GOODS and currently out on a $500.00 bond;

 

Maritra Ventass, 30 of Opelousas, arrested for THEFT OF GOODS and currently out on a $1,000.00 bond;

 

Joewalskee Beverly, of Ville Platte, arrested for DOMESTIC ABUSE BATTERY and CRIMINAL DAMAGE TO PROPERTY, and is currently incarcerated with a bond in the amount of $2,700.00;

 

Adam Celestine, of Ville Platte, arrested for DOMESTIC ABUSE BATTERY and currently out on a $1,000.00 bond;

 

Andrus Mose, 58 of Ville Platte, arrested for NO REFLECTIVE GEAR and DRUG PARAPHENALIA and currently out on a $2,700.00 bond;

 

Jody Charlie, 42 of Ville Platte, arrested for RESISTING AN OFFICER and SIMPLE BATTERY and currently out on a $1,750.00 bond

 

The Ville Platte Chamber of Commerce met today at Noon at Nick’s on Main for its monthly meeting.  Chamber President, Renee Brown, asked the members to please contact herself or other Board Members about new ideas that the Chamber can be involved with.  She asked that if you see things in other parishes that could benefit the Ville Platte Chamber or have any topics that can be explored to please volunteer them. 

 

Guest Speaker was Necole Fruge Courville, President of Every Paw Animal Rescue.   She spoke regarding their efforts to rescue animals in Evangeline Parish.  She stated that their organization has placed over 400 dogs so far and they continue to need volunteers to help “foster” dogs until they can be adopted.  She stated they are still in need of donations to help with vaccinations, food, housing, spay and neutering costs and other services needed for the animals.  You can log onto their website at www.eparinc.com to see how you can help or to reach them.  There is a tremendous need in our area to help the animals and she commented they are currently working on a program to educate children in our school system about animal abuse, etc.  She said the public really has no idea how many times someone will move away from a residence and leave a pet behind…even locked inside of a dwelling.  Her organization helps with those issues as well.  She stated they had approximately 5 of those type of calls last month alone.

 

Stephanie Ware with KVPI spoke regarding some exciting things happening at KVPI.  She stated how KVPI continues to support local artists and most recently James Dupre, formerly of Bayou Chicot, now a recording artist in Nashville.  He will be releasing a new single which will be played after an interview with James tomorrow morning at 10:40 over Classic Hits 92.5.  She also announced that KVPI will be programming a new “Thursday” Edition of La Tasse de Café beginning the first week in February.  Steph then introduced the newest addition to the KVPI Team, Raquel Leblanc, who then spoke to the crowd and answered questions about herself.  Raquel has joined the Sales Team at KVPI.

 

Eddie Mashini, the new owner of Nick’s on Main, was introduced and announced to the crowd that the restaurant will no longer close at 2:00 p.m. but will be open all day and now on Sundays from 11:00 – 3:00 to serve those attending church and others.  They also now deliver.  He said he is excited about the changes that will be coming to the restaurant.

SENATOR ERIC LAFLEUR GUEST SPEAKER AT ROTARY CLUB MEETING

JANUARY 19, 2016

 

        The Ville Platte Rotary Club today (Tuesday) heard from guest speaker, State Senator Eric Lafleur.  He was named as new chairman of the powerful state senate finance committee. All tax and expenditure bills must go through this committee before it goes to the governor’s desk.

      Lafleur announced that he and his fellow law makers have a tough task : to overcome a $750 million dollar deficit. Louisiana residents can expect cuts in state services and programs and tax hikes as well.

     Senator Lafleur said the recent governor’s election was “the first election where character played a key role” in Democrat John Bel Edwards defeated Republican David Vitter.

    Lafleur said the recent world- wide oil glut will impact the state’s finances but not to the point where the state suffered back in the 1980’s under Governor Buddy Roemer’s administration.

    One victim of the state’s budget’s problems: the popular Tops scholarship program will not be funded this year. Also, be prepared for a possible   hike in the state sales tax.

    Lafleur said the legislature will be going into special session in the next few weeks to begin addressing the budget issues.

    Senator Lafleur was the special guest of Rotarian Robert Eastin.

Walmart has announced it will be closing 269 stores as it exits the Walmart Express pilot program.  In October 2015, the company said an active review of their portfolio was underway to ensure assets were aligned with strategy.  Today’s action follows a thorough review of Walmart’s nearly 11,600 worldwide stores that took into account a number of factors, including financial performance as well as strategic alignment with long-term plans. 

 

“Actively managing our portfolio of assets is essential to maintaining a healthy business,” said Doug McMillon, president and CEO, Walmart Stores, Inc.  “Closing stores is never an easy decision, but it is necessary to keep the company strong and positioned for the future.  It is important to remember that we’ll open well more than 300 stores around the world next year.  So, we are committed to growing, but we are being disciplined about it.”

In total, approximately 16,000 associates will be impacted by the decision, about 10,000 of them in the United States.

 

Eight stores in Louisiana will be closed including those in Mamou, Lake Arthur, Colfax, Iowa, Clinton, Kentwood, Zwolle and Independence.  A complete list of the stores that will close in the U.S. can be found on the company’s website. 

 

McMillion further added, “The decision to close stores is difficult and we care about the associates who will be impacted.  We invested considerable time assessing our stores and clubs and don’t take this lightly.  We are supporting those impacted with extra pay and support, and we will take all appropriate steps to ensure they are treated well.”

 

We will keep you updated on the matter.
 

 

Mardi Gras is on its way and its time to start making your celebration plans.  Stephanie and Annona will be LIVE on remote from historic Fred’s Lounge in Mamou on Fat Tuesday.  Come and Celebrate your Mardi Gras with them, Buffy, Tante Sue and Troy Lejeune and the Cajun Review LIVE all day from 9:00 – 5:00.  They will entertain the crowds with Cajun & Mardi Gras Music!

Starting the Saturday before Mardi Gras, come to Fred’s and listen to Tom Fontenot from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and for Lundigras (Monday before Mardi Gras Day) come to Fred’s starting at 9:00 a.m. with Don Fontenot until 1:00 p.m., Ray Abshite from 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. and from 7:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. it’s Jamie Berzas & The Cajun Tradition.  It’s going to be a great mardi gras 2016!  

The Evangeline Parish Martin Luther King, Jr. Annual Memorial will be held on Monday, January 18th with parade line up beginning at 9:00 a.m. at the Evangeline Parish Media Center.

 

10:00 a.m.  Parade and the march begins to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Civic Center.

 

11:00 a.m. The Evangeline Parish Martin Luther King, Jr. Annual Memorial Celebration begins.

 

Everyone is invited to attend and participate in the parade and the march with a sign or a sign on your vehicle.

Things were a little heated in the belly of The Evangeline Parish School Board meeting tonight as they met in the School Board Media Center.  The topic of School Scores was discussed in length and explanations were given as to why Evangeline Parish schools scored as they did.  Superintendent, Toni Hamlin reported that the district received a “C” rating.  Specifically, she shared that because we have an alternative school in our district that it affects how we are scored.  Evangeline Central received an “F” rating, and she stated there has been a “shift” at the school and attendance is up this year.  Ville Platte Elementary received a “D” rating; however, Ms. Hamlin reported that 2 of our area schools received “C” ratings and 8 received either “A” or “B” ratings.  On a positive note, it was reported that W.W. Stewart Elementary School in Basile gained 13 points in its rating and Chataignier went from a “C” to a “B”.  There will be a Principal’s Meeting on January 25^th to discuss “Action Plans” for all schools.  Ms. Hamlin will then be spending the day of the 27^th with the principals when they meet at the School Board office.  They will be reviewing plans for the 2^nd semester.

 

Board Member, Georgianna Wilson, questioned Board President Wayne Dardeau about his re-appointment of Board Member, Arthur Savoy to the executive committe for the 3^rd year in a row.  She, along with Board Member Nancy Hamlin, stated they have both requested that he not re-appoint the person; however, Mr. Dardeau stated that his decision had been made and he was not reversing it.  He stated that as President, he is afforded that right to make the decision.

 

Toni Hamlin wanted to say to all of the teachers in Evangeline Parish that she knows you work hard, you are cooperative, and attend your PLC’s on a weekly basis.  She thanks you for your service.

 

Teachers of the Year were announced and congratulated:

 

Alice Lejeune – High School Teacher of the Year - Ville Platte High School

Yvonne Johnson – Elementary Teacher of the Year – Special Ed Teacher

Lisa Jack – Middle School Teacher of the Year - Vidrine

The Evangeline Parish Police Jury held its monthly meeting tonight in the Evangeline Parish Courthouse.  Jury Members were sworn into their new term tonight by The Honorable Gary Ortego as the meeting began.  The Jury voted to elect and keep Ryan Ardoin as Jury President and Ryan Leday Williams as Vice President.  They also voted to make the 1^st Monday of the month their regular meeting day for 2016 with committees meeting at 5:00 p.m. and the regular meeting at 6:00 p.m.

 

There had been questions from the Jury about the Budget proposed by the Evangeline Communications District.  Secretary/Treasurer, Donald Bergeron and President Ryan Ardoin both commented that meetings were had with the President of the Board and the questions had been answered regarding the budget.  Several members of the Jury had questions about the part of the budget that included pay raises for the Communications Director and the staff.  The Jury decided to adopt the budget at this time “without the pay raises”. 

 

Public Works Director, Chester Granger, expressed concern to the Jury about what he called “mis-communications” with the School Board over “bus turnarounds”.  He stated that it has become a problem and that they previously obtained District Attorney and Attorney General Opinions which state the Jury should not be involved with going onto private property.  The Jury voted to “No longer handle bus turnarounds for the School Board” and that the School Board will have to take care of them from now on.

 

There will be a public hearing on February 1^st at 4:45 to talk about the Sales Tax and Liquor Permit proposed Ordinance.   

The Ville Platte City Council held its monthly meeting tonight at Ville Platte City Hall.  Mayor, Jennifer Vidrine, was happy to report that expenditures for the month of December, 2015 were $157,790.93, which was $23,120.62 less than the previous month. 

 

The Mayor also reported that they have applied for a Firefighter grant in the amount of $199,755.00 for the use of updating fire equipment.  Talks were had on where the new fire station will be located and Mayor Vidrine said they are still trying to decide if they are going to tear down the current fire station and rebuild on that site, or choose another piece of city property to build on.

 

Chief of Police, Neal Lartigue, reported the hiring of five new police officers.  Those officers were introduced as Nathaniel Leday, Ryan Ferguson, Samuel Tidwell, Chad Romero and Ramon West.  Several of the officers have past law enforcement experience adding to the benefit of having them on the Force.

 

Fire Chief, Chris Harrison, announced the hiring of a new firefighter, Kyle Dupre.  Kyle has been a volunteer firefighter and has experience.  Due to the retirement of Former Chief, Ted Demoruelle, and the promotion of others, there was an opening.

 

The Mayor announced the Boys & Girls Club will need approximately 10 volunteers to help with an Adult Literacy Program.  Those who are interested are encouraged to call City Hall.  Also, the City will begin installing “state of the art” meters on homes and you will see city workers in your yards completing the work.

VILLE PLATE ROTARY CLUB MEETING

JANUARY 12, 2016

 

     The Ville Platte Rotary Club today (Tuesday) heard from the Teachers of the Year on the parish (District) level in Evangeline Parish. Rotarian Toni Hamlin, Superintendent of Schools said she was proud of  her instructors who were named as Teachers of the Year: Elementary Teacher of the Year: Yvonne Breaux Johnson, Special Ed teacher from Pine Prairie; Middle School Teacher of the Year- Lisa Cullivan Jack from Mamou; and High School Teacher of the year-Alice LeJeune from Ville Platte High.

    Supervisor Grace Sibley said the ten judges had a difficult job to narrow down the 21 nominees from the school level to choose three.  She said these three teachers will compete on the state level. Last year, the school district had a principal win state principal of the year with Cherie Fontenot, principal from the James Stephens Montessori School.

   In other business, Larry Lachney announced the winners in the College Championship football pool for the benefit of the Coreil Campus. The winners for each quarter included: Joe Guillotte, Rob Eastin, Dr. Joey Soileau and Ville Platte Rental.

2016 Mamou Mardi Gras Schedule

 

Sunday, January 31^st

Children’s Mardi Gras Run

 

Saturday, February 6^th

@ 6^th Street and Chestnut: Music from 11:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Ferrell Manuel & The Wild Rice Band beginning at 1:00 p.m.

 

Monday, February 8^th

@ the traffic light – music from 5:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. – Kajun Kraze

8:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. – Geno Delafosse

 

@the North End

 

5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. – DJ sponsored by NO LIMIT TRAIL RIDERS ASSC.

7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. – Leon Chavis

 

Tuesday, February 9^th

 

@ the traffic light

 

11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. – Music by Cajun Tradition

1:00 p.m. until Mardi Gras returns – Cajun Tradition Band

 

@ the north end

9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. – DJ

1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. – Keith Frank

 

According to the Ville Platte Police Department, in the month of December of 2015, the police department responded to a total of 591 complaints which required a total or 103 reports. Included in those complaints were an “Escaped Inmate”, Armed Robbery, Domestic Disturbances, Identity Theft, Child Endangerment, Missing Person, Battery, Stalking, as well as various other charges. The Ville Platte Police Department issued 22 citations for charges that include No Reflective Gear, Disobeyed Stop Light, Driving Under Suspicion, Unconfined Pitbull. Police Officers arrested a total of 81 people in December. Of those, there were 21 Felony Arrests of which 12 were drug charges. Other charges include but are not limited to: Simple Kidnapping, Reckless Operation, Criminal Mischief, Unauthorized Use of a movable, Criminal Damage to Property and Possession of Marijuana and paraphernalia.

VILLE PLATTE ROTARY CLUB MEETING

JANUARY 5, 2016

 

     The Ville Platte Rotary Club today (Tuesday) heard from Rotarian Jennifer Vidrine , the Mayor of Ville Platte, share community events with the rest of the club.

    In her comments, Mayor Jennifer said the city’s most recent audit report showed the city with a $427,000 surplus.

    Phase three of the 13 million dollar city water project is continuing on the south side of the city. Once that is completed. Phase four will involve changing the lines along Main Street and LaSalle Street.

    The city is planning to use grant money to increase the number of security cameras in high crime areas of the city. Currently Ville Platte has seven security cameras.

    The first letters have been sent to property owners of blighted property warning them they have 30 days to clean up their property. After the 30 day period if the clean -up has not taken place, the city will step in and clean the property and file a tax lien against the property owner for the clean -up fees.

   Hotel officials will be making a market survey to determine the feasibility of a new hotel in Ville Platte. Officials visited 22 possible locations for a new hotel when they visited with the mayor last week. The cost for the study will amount to $10-12,000.

   The new bilingual red street signs have been placed all along Main Street. They will next be installed along LaSalle Street and in neighborhoods throughout the city.

   The new Ville Platte Boys and Girls club will open June 1 at the old city hall location on Court Street for the youth of the city ages 10-18. The summer session will be held June 1-August 6 with a full slate of activities, classes and trips. It will be well supervised.

   The mayor advised the club that she is trying to secure funding to construct a new first station on Magnolia and to purchase a new $700,000 ladder truck for the fire department.

   In other business, the new rotary club signs have been delivered to the city to be erected at various intersections in town.

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

 

Dalilah Calvin, 33 of Lake Charles: Arrested for Possession of Schedule II (Crack Cocaine);

 

Glen Fontenot, 49, 1201 Belaire Cove: Arrested for Theft of Goods; he is currently out on a $1,000.00 bond;

 

Peter Seraille, 24, 514 W. Oak: Arrested for Simple Battery; he is currently incarcerated and bond is set at $500.00;

 

Lominska West, 18, 812 N. Chataigner: Arrested for No Reflective Gear, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Alcohol, Possession of Schedule; This individual is currently incarcerated and bond is set at $5,300.00;

 

Murphy Lemelle, 27, 714 N. Stagg: Arrested for No Reflective Gear and Resisting Arrest; he is currently out on a $950.00 bond.

 

Hannah Thomas, 29, 609 W. Oak: Arrested for Criminal Mischief; she is currently out on a $400.00 bond;

 

Murphy Lemelle, 35, 714 N. Stagg: Arrested for Simple Drunk, Resisting an Officer, Open Container and Misrepresentation during booking; He is currently out on a $1,350.00 bond;

 

Martin Bias, 48, 1111 W. Hickory:  Arrested for Simple Battery; He is currently incarcerated on a $1,000.00 bond.

 

Gerald Joseph, 28, 501 W. Dupre; Arrested for Driving with No License.

 

Law enforcement officials with the Mamou Police Department rounded up suspected drug offenders recently in an effort that began on November 20, 2015.  Warrants were issued from offenses ranging from Distribution and Possession of Prescription Drugs, Cocaine and Marijuana.  Tips from “Concerned Citizens” aided the police in their efforts as well as other investigations.  The Mamou Police Department wants the public to know they have “No Tolerance” when it comes to illegal narcotics.

 

The following individuals were arrested on drug charges:

 

Jeremy Bryce Willis, 31 of Mamou: Possession of Schedule 2 CDS & Possession of a Firearm in the presence of CDS;

 

Chantler Shai Castro, 18 of Mamou: Possession of CDS Schedule 2;

 

Hezekiah Thomas, 23 of Ville Platte: Simple Possession of Marijuana;

 

Brian Lejuene, 24 of Mamou: Possession of Schedule 1;

 

Donna Matt of Mamou: Distribution of Schedule IV CDS;

 

Christopher Jack, 30 of Mamou: Distribution/Possession with Intent to Distribute Schedule 2;

 

Nicholas Andrepont, 33 of Eunice: Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance;

 

Keith Thomas, 24 of Mamou: Driver must be licensed, switched plate, Owner to secure registration, No proof of insurance, No tail lights, Distribution/Manufacture or possession with Intent Schedule 1/Schedule 2, Prohibited Act/Drug Paraphernalia, Violation of CDS;

 

Keith Vincent, 36 of Eunice: Distribution of Schedule 2 and Drug Paraphernalia;

 

James Earl Wilson, 33 of Chataigner: Violation of Possession with Intent Violation CDS, 2 counts of theft and 1 count of contempt;

 

Dorothy Celestine of Mamou: Distribution/Possession with Intent of Schedule 2.

 

The Mamou Police Department would like to thank all officers for their help.