Early Voting

November 1, 2016

     Evangeline Parish Registrar of Voters Lucas Buller told KVPI News that 508 people cast early votes Monday at his office in the courthouse for the November 8 Presidential election. That is the second highest one day total since early voting began last week. This brings the grand total to 2656 voters in Evangeline Parish have voted early. The final day to vote early is Tuesday November 1. KVPI urges you to go and vote and then hear complete election return coverage Tuesday November starting at 8;00pm live from the Clerk of Court’s Office.

EVANGELINE PARISH SALES TAX REPORT

OCTOBER 31, 2016

    Evangeline Parish Sales Commission Director Michael Veillon released the following report for sales tax collections for the month of September. Overall, the parish wide collections showed a 4.3 percent increase in collections or $63,000 for September.

    Individual governmental agencies shows the Village of Pine Prairie showed the greatest increase, 27 percent increase or $4100 for September of this year over the same period a year ago. The city of Ville Platte was next with nearly a 10 percent increase in tax collections or $22,000. Other agencies showing increases include: the Evangeline Parish School Board and the Solid Waste Commission and the Town of Mamou ,all  showing about a 4 percent improvement in sales tax collections. The Evangeline Parish Police Jury showed slightly less than a 2 percent increase.

   Governmental groups with decreases in collections include: the Town of Basile with a 30 percent decrease or a drop of $6000; the Village of Chataignier showing a 37 percent decrease and the Village of Turkey Creek just under a one percent drop in sales tax collections.

    The sales tax commission is urging parish residents to buy locally this holiday season to keep our tax dollars here at home.

Evangeline Parish Registrar of Voters Lucas Buller tells KVPI News that Friday's early voting total may be a record. A total of 562 people voted early for the November 8 presidential election at his office on Friday. The office will be closed Sunday and will resume again Monday and end Tuesday November 1 at the Registrar of Voters Office in the courthouse.  Other races facing parish voters include Senator, Congressman and local races in Pine Prairie and elsewhere. KVPI urges you to go vote early or vote on election day. On election day, when the polls close at 8:00pm , KVPI News will be broadcasting live  at the Clerk of Court's Office
with News Director Stephanie Ware getting vote totals from Clerk of Court Randy Deshotel and his staff.

This week was very busy for the staff at KVPI and Listeners.  Along with our sponsors, KVPI had multiple contests and giveaways including 13^th Gate tickets, Teacher of the Month, Thirsty Thursdays giveaway of Saints Edition Cases of Bud Light, & Phil Collins CD Box Sets, and more. 

Listeners and followers on FB for Classic Hits 92.5 and The Non-Blonde Café with Steph in the Mornings have competed for weeks to win 13^th Gate tickets.  This week Kevin Robinson, Jr., Nicky Guillory and Mitzi Lanclos all picked up a pair of tickets to experience The 13^th Gate in Baton Rouge.  

Our Teacher of the Month for the month of October was chosen and Ms. Jennifer Scott was our winner.  She was nominated by her student, Wade Marshall Brooks and won some great prizes.  She is now in the running for Teacher of the Year.  If you would like to nominate your favorite teacher, you can visit our Classic Hits 92.5 FB and respond to the post. 

Abby McDaniel was this week’s winner of our Thirsty Thursday Saints Trivia Question and won a case of Bud Light and other prizes. 

We also gave away three Phil Collins CD Box Sets containing a 45 song collection.  After qualifying on the radio all week, our three winners were drawn.  They are Annette Johnson, Ricky McDaniel and Landen O’Pry. 

Congratulations to all of our winners and keep listening to Classic Hits for your next chance to win!

Thank you to our sponsors, Southwest Beverages, Atlantic Records, Midnight Productions, Cajun Catfish Steakhouse, The Flower Patch, Family Hair & Gifts, & St. Landry Cinema

The Trick-or-Treating schedule for Evangeline Parish is as follows:

City of Ville Platte – Monday, 5:00 p.m. –  8:00 p.m.

The Village of Chataignier – Monday, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m and their Community Halloween Party begins at 6:00 p.m.

The Town of Mamou – Monday, 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Turkey Creek – Monday, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Pine Prairie – Monday, 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Evangeline Parish Rural areas – Monday, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

First Baptist Church Trunk-or-Treat – Monday, 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Basile – Monday, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

The LA State Police remind you to use caution when trick-or-treating.  

*  Ensure that your child carries a flashlight or glow stick, and/or wear reflective clothing or costumes to alert drivers of the child's location;

*  Masks can restrict vision and breathing, restricting sight of oncoming vehicles.  Face painting is a safe option;

*  Costumes should fit children correctly and not drag the ground, as this could create a tripping hazard;

*  Children should be accompanied by adults/parents and should not be allowed to enter homes or vehicles without their supervision;

*  Plan your trick-or-treating route in familiar neighborhoods with well-lit streets;

*  Always walk on sidewalks when available.  If walking on the street is necessary, pedestrians should walk on the left side of the road facing traffic;

*  Children should know their address, phone number, and how to dial 911 for their emergencies.  Young children should have this information attached somewhere on their costume in the event they get separated; and

*  Parents are urged to inspect all candy for safety after returning home.

HAVE FUN!!

AMERICAN LEGION VETERANS DAY CELEBRATION

OCTOBER 26, 2016

   The Mamou  American Legion Post 123 will once again sponsor its annual Veterans Day celebration on Friday November 11. New post commander Charles Perdices is trying to recruit new members to the post that has been in existence since 1926. A new post sign will be unveiled at the event.

    The veteran’s day observance will begin at 4:30pm, the lineup for the parade at Mamou High School. The parade will begin at 5;00pm rolling down Sixth Street to the Legion Post home. Military veterans and groups wishing to enter the parade are asked to please contact Perdices at 601-212-5600. He is also attempting to have veteran and law enforcement motorcycle clubs to participate in the parade. Following the parade, there will be a memorial program and public speaking at the post home at about 5:30 or 6;00pm. KVPI FM 92.5 is planning to broadcast the veterans day observance again this year.

     Something new this year is a “classic car show” that will take place Saturday Nov. 12 from 9-5 at the Legion Post Home on Main street. Those classic car owners that would like to show their vehicles are urged to contact Perdices.

EARLY VOTING

OCTOBER 26, 2016

    Early voting began in Evangeline Parish and throughout the state on Tuesday. Here in Evangeline Parish, voters can vote at the Registrar of Voters office in the courthouse. Registrar of Voters Lucas Buller told KVPI News , the vote total on day one was 434. He said there were no long lines of people or people being transported to the polls like what happens in hotly contested elections. The ballot is long from voting for President to Senator and Congressman to several local races. Buller plans to call us back later today to compare the vote number with the last presidential race four years ago on the opening day.

VILLE PLATTE ROTARY CLUB HEARS FROM FAITH HOUSE SPOKESPERSON

OCTOBER 25, 2016

     The Ville Platte Rotary Club today heard from Marie Guidry, outreach director for the Faith House discussing domestic abuse.

     Guidry told KVPI News after the meeting that she has on average about 100 cases of domestic abuse reported to her each year. Statistics show that three out of every four cases of abuse are never reported.

     The Faith House shelter has 45 beds that usually stays full all year long. Fiath House also has outreach centers in neighboring parishes including Evangeline Parish. The agency helps victims by providing legal assistance, get jobs and clothing.

    As an out -reach coordinator, most of the time Guidry spends is to help victims get restraining orders and goes to court with them.

     She reported that the types of abuse include physical, verbal, and economic abuse. Most women and victims refuse to leave is fear and shame.

     She shared some starting statistics: every 9 seconds a woman is abused and three women are killed every day from an abusive partner.

      The Rotary Club remembered long time club member Joe Guillotte who died earlier this week.

The Evangeline Parish School Board held a short meeting Wednesday night in the School Board Media Center.  CFO, Amy Lafleur reported the Sales Tax Comparison for September was $614,230.15 leaving a Year to Date shortfall of only $4,953.36. 

Standing in for Superintendent of Schools, Toni Hamlin, Assistant Superintendent, Darwan Lazard, announced there will be Ethics training available for the Board on November 2^nd and 16^th for the one hour required continuing education.  He also stated that the unofficial count of enrolled students is currently 6,050 which is 20 less than last year when the count was 6,071.  Also, test scores are still not in and he advised he was notified by the State that it would be mid or late November.  He said is may even be in December, which makes it more difficult for teachers to prepare the necessary tests.

The subject of student teachers was discussed and Lazard informed the board that a letter was sent to BESE raising their concerns about their recent 6-5 decision to change the requirements of student teachers.  Previously, a student teacher was required to serve a semester in the classroom, but BESE changed the rules and now require 1 year and compensation.  It was stated that these rules will push people out of getting into the student teacher program and will be very expensive for school boards to absorb.

SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a Shreveport optometrist was sentenced Monday to six months in prison for writing prescriptions for non-patients and non-medical purposes. Charles D. Shanks, 64, of Shreveport, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Donald E. Walter on one count of distributing or dispensing a controlled substance. He was also sentenced to three years of supervised release.

According to the September 14, 2015 guilty plea, Shanks wrote dozens of prescriptions for codeine and hydrocodone in 2012 and 2013 from pharmacies and wholesale distributors that were for non-patients and not for valid medical purposes.

The DEA conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney James G. Cowles Jr. prosecuted the case. 

The Ville Platte Chamber of Commerce met Wednesday at Main Street Pizza and Pub.  The Guest Speaker was Janice Fontenot with Troupe d’Evangeline.  She stated that the mission of the Troupe is to provide education, entertainment and exposure to cultural experiences.  They want to enrich the cultural depth in the community at large.  In addition to plays here in town, the group is interested in taking plays or musicals on the road.  They recently did a series of short skits at our area libraries and said it was a success and the children had a lot of fun.  She stated how important teaching drama is for children, and that not all schools have drama departments.  Fontenot stated it teaches children to express themselves.  They are always looking for new and fresh talent of all ages.  Their next performance will be “All the King’s Women” about 17 women obsessed with Elvis Presley.  Tickets are $10.00 for the performances on October 28th & 29^th at 7:00 p.m. and on Sunday, October 30^th at 2:00 p.m.  You can purchase them at The Ville Platte Chamber of Commerce and Kim’s Total Image.  She stated the Troupe’ is currently looking for permanent home.

Susan Fisher with St. Landry-Evangeline United Way updated the group on the BOOgie Ball that will be held in Opelousas on Saturday, October 29^th at 7:00 p.m. at The Delta Grand.  There will be a silent auction, LIVE auction, Entertainment by Lil’ Kenny & The Heartbreakers, Costume Contest, dinner and more.  All proceeds go to the United Way to assist during disaster times, like the recent August flooding.  They are still helping those who have lost so much from the flooding.  Tickets are $40.00 and can be purchased at the Ville Platte Chamber office.

Clerk of Court, Randy Deshotel, announced that there will be two more Election Commissioner Schools at Noon and 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 20th.  The classes will be for re-certified and new commissioners and will be held in the Police Jury Room at the Courthouse in Ville Platte.    

The new office for CASA, which helps children in foster care, will have a grand opening tomorrow at 4:30 at the corner of Magnolia & Soileau.  The ribbon cutting will be held at 5:30 p.m.

The next Chamber meeting will be held on November 16^th.  Also, the Christmas Parade will be held December 11^th at 5:30 p.m. and the Annual Chamber Christmas Social will be held on December 8^th.

The Historic Running of the Tournoi was held Sunday at The Industrial Park in Ville Platte and closed out the Louisiana Cotton Festival. There were 17 riders competing for the big win. Notably missing from the event was Tournoi Rider, Chuck Manuel, who was not able to attend. He did send his best to his “fellow riders” and said he “can’t wait to be back next year.”

One of the competitors, Marcus Guillory, was involved in an accident with his horse at Ring 5. He was transported to the hospital where it was determined he suffered a broken collar bone. KVPI has been told that he will be okay and that his horse is also okay.

Tournoi

October 14, 2016

     The historic running of the Tournoi is planned for Sunday afternoon at 2;00pm to cap off the Louisiana Cotton Festival events.

      Here are the list of riders that will be competing: 2015 Tournoi Champ: Eric Guillory, Alex Haller, Ryan Haller, Chuck Manuel, Paul Fontenot, Marcus Guillory, Keith Saucier, Cody Manuel, Shane Trahan, John Ross Guillory, lisa Crane, Shane Lee, Austin Trahan, Bryce Johnson, Logan Floyd, Cheyenne Crane and Kristen Avery. This is the first time three females will be riding in the Tournoi.

    Returning as the Tournoi Queen for a second year is Bethany Thibodeaux. She is repeating because there was no pageant due to the flooding in August.

    The admission charge is $5 at the gate at the Industrial Park. There will be a concession stand and the sheriff’s posse will be cooking some BBQ sandwiches. The emcee will be KVPI’s Charlie Manuel.

    KVPI will be broadcasting live at the Tournoi with Stephanie and Carly on KVPI FM 92.5.

Louisiana Cotton Festival Under Way

October 11, 2016

      The 2016 Louisiana Cotton Festival kicked off tonight (Tuesday) at the Civic Center with the popular Contredanse (Cajun  Square Dancing) and the crowning of the king and queen of Heritage Manor Nursing Home.

      The new Heritage Manor King is Elridge Vidrine, age 89 from the Faubourg area. Mr. Vidrine and his wife, Miss Rose were Contredanse dancers for over 20 years. Vidrine replaces the late Andrus Chapman who was last year’s King. Vidrine has 5 children, 10 grand children, three step grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren and 11 step great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild.

      The first runnerup to the king is Joseph Eddie Dangler, 81 from the Lawtell/Church Point area.

     The new Heritage Manor Queen is Gertrude Soileau age 75 of the Vidrine area. She has one daughter. She replaces Miss Bobbie McCauley age 77.

      The first runnerup to the Queen is Rita Robinson age 77 of Ville Platte.

       Providing the Cajun music for the event was Lennis Soileau and his Cajun band.

       Entertaining the standing room only crowds were the official ambassadors for the Cotton Festival: the Cotton Pickers under the direction of Renee Brown and Karen Soileau.  The Cotton Pickers are: Rebekah Brown, daughter of Chris and Michelle Brown; Brook Soileau, daughter of Kirk and Karen Soileau; Madison Fontenot, daughter of Dane and Pam Fontenot; Callie Pitre, daughter of Mitch and Kimberly Pitre and Katherine Brown, daughter of Chris Brown.

     The young Contredanse dancers performed for the nursing home royalty and the crowds of people. This year’s dancers: Lilly Blankenship, daughter of Bruce and Sharon Blankenship; Grace Bordelon, daughter of Melanie and John Bordelon; Beau Fontenot, son of Shelly and Joey Fontenot; Sawyer Jagneaux,  son of Yvette and Tracey Jagneaux; Keyonna Celestine, daughter of Cierra Arvie and Oliver Celestine Jr.,  Aidan Johnson, son of Chasity Johnson; Stephanie Vidrine, daughter of Coralie and Jason Vidrine; Max Soileau son of April Mothes and Curt Soileau; Joani Prudhomme, daughter of Angie Cormier and Mitch Prudhomme; Shanijah Edwards, son of Shemeaka Malveau and Nathaniel Dick; Ava Kordish, daughter of of Schuyer and Shelly Kordish; Hailey Bordelon, daughter of Joseph and Patti Bordelon; Lillian Stanfield, daughter of Justin and Destiny Lafleur; Susan Lafleur, daughter of Justin and Destiny Lafleur; Hannah Arabie, daughter of Dustin and Miranda Arabie; John Bordelon, son of Johnny and Melanie Bordelon; Deana Blankenship, daughter of Bruce and Sharon Blankenship; Marlinskie Viltz, son of Wesley Wenfrey and Sharon Viltz; Joshua Williams, son of Vasean and Jamie Williams; Baily Williams, daughter of Vaean and Jamie Williams; Shakaylie Dick, daughter of Nathanie Dick and Shneaka Malveaux; Kaislyn Lafleur, daughter of Michelle Brownand Jeremy Lafleur and Leslie Forman, son of Kim Leger and Shenandoah Forman. The dancers are under the direction of Anita Fontenot and Melanie Soileau.

The monthly meeting of the Ville Platte City Council was held Tuesday night in Ville Platte City Hall.  4-H Member and Student at Sacred Heart, Andrew Fontenot (pictured), led the Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance for the meeting.  The Mayor paid tribute to the passing of LSU Mascot, Mike VI and displayed a memorial tiger display in the meeting room. 

The Mayor and several council members addressed an issue and rumors that have been circulated in the area accusing The City of installing “dummy” fire hydrants on the South side of Ville Platte where a home recently was lost due to fire.  She stated: “We want to let everyone know that we would never install dummy fire hydrants.  That is illegal and it is very insulting to all of us.  Before you jump to conclusions about something, please call us so you can get the correct information.”  She continued: “The City is in the middle of ongoing water projects with the City engineers, and the piping for those particular hydrants is not finished so the hydrants are not active.  They are painted black so that fire fighters are aware that they are not active.  The fire department is very informed and knew to bring water with them to the recent fire…and went back several times to get more water.”  She stated firmly that all of the rumors and accusations were “A Lie.  Period.”

Expenditures for the City for the month of August were $131,612.89.  In September, they were $212,645.09, which is an increase of $93,032.20.  That figure includes an annual $60,000.00 insurance premium that was paid as well as approximately $18,000.00 paid in medical bills for prisoners in the City Jail.

In respect to abandoned properties, there are approximately 13 notices that have been sent out to property owners to clean up their property.  The time period has now expired and the City will be cleaning those properties and/or tearing down structures that have been ignored.  Those expenses will be put on the property owners tax bill.

The Ville Platte Police Department is actively hiring new recruits.  They are currently working four officers per shift; and they are looking for approximately 7 more officers.  Officers responded to 540 calls last month and made 506 reports.  Crime is being addressed and because of that, 80 arrests were made with 18 of those being felony arrests with various charges.

Halloween in the City of Ville Platte will be held Monday, October 31^st from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

The meeting for November will be held on Monday, November 7^th at 5:00 p.m. due to the Presidential Election being held on Tuesday, November 8^th.  Public hearings will be held before that to amend the “Culvert Ordinance” and to increase the pay for Police Chief, Neal Lartigue and City Marshall, Ronald T. Doucet.

The mayor reported that Medical, LLC has officially donated the old nursing home to the City and they are exploring what they will be doing with it.

2016 Louisiana Cotton Festival, Inc.
Schedule of Events :

Tuesday, October 11, 2016
5:00 pm - Contradanse - Doors open for live music & dancing then the Contradanse dancers will dance with the crowning of Le Roi et La Reine of the local nursing home at 6:00 pm (Admission: $5.00 for Adults and $2.00 for Children 5 years and under) live on KVPI FM 92.5

The annual Book Fest was held today at the Ville Platte Branch of the Evangeline Parish Public Library. Under clear, sunny skies with a cool, northerly breeze, large crowds of people attended the event. The Friends of the Library had a huge used book sale, pet adoptions, face painting and nearly a dozen authors in attendance. In addition, Alyssa Carson of Baton Rouge, a future astronaut was there. Plenty of delicious food like baked chicken, jambalya and BBQ pork steaks. Classic Hits 92.5 KVPI was there broadcasting live on remote this morning. We have dozens of photos from the event at this link at our website photo gallery: https://classichits925.com/photos/library-book-fest-october-8

The weather was great for a church fair today at St. Peter's Catholic church in Pine Prairie. According to Tori Schmidt, the new Friday night Fish dinner and Talent Contest was a big hit . The winner of the talent contest Friday night was Heather Thomas. Saturday, local and area residents packed the church grounds for the second day of the event. The gumbo cook off, Debbie Oge was declared the champion while second place finisher was Quint West. There was a Disney Character breakfast, hay rides, train rides, silent auction, bingo and plenty of games and contests.. KVPI FM 92.5 was there broadcasting live on remote today with Emily and Mark. We have more photos at this link to our photo gallery at our website:https://classichits925.com/…/st-peter-fall-festival-october-8

The Evangeline Parish Relay for Life Committee recently held its 3rd annual Bras on The Bayou fundraiser at the Steamboat Warehouse Restaurant.  This private event seated 100 people and offered amazing food from Chef Jason Huguet, silent auction items, a wine grab and bra decorating contest.  The decorated bras were also worn by male volunteers from the audience as they danced their way through the crowd.  The money collected from this dance was counted as votes.  At the end of the evening the votes were tallied and Queen Ta Ta was chosen.  The new Queen elected for 2016 Bras on the Bayou is Vee Pelafigue of Opelousas.  Mrs. Pelafigue was crowned by the 2015 Queen Ta Ta, Randy Deshotel and our visiting Relay Queen, Ms Louisiana Relay for Life, Ava Kilburn.

The bra decorating contest winners are as follows:                                                                              

Most Supportive Bra: Lisa Crane   (Uptown Cake Company)

Most Original Bra: Elizabeth West & Monique Ardoin (Ville Platte Gazette)

Biggest Ta Ta: Jenny Merrick (Ville Platte AT&T)

Blingiest Bra:  Vic Slaven’s Office

Most Creative Bra:  Desirea Vicknair (Rhinestones For a Cure)

Funniest Bra:  Porcha Cassola (Alexandria AT&T)

Scariest Bra: Pat McElwee (Sewing Sisters)

Survivor Champion Bra:   Pheobe Deshotel

Chef Jason Huguet chooses one bra each year as the Chef’s Choice and this winner receives a gift card to return to the Steamboat Restaurant.  The 2016 Chef’s Choice winner was Vee Pelafigue.

You can view video of the “bra dance” on The Classic Hits 92.5 FB Page or at Facebook.com/Bras on the Bayou

Congratulations to all of our participants and winners.  A special thank you to the gentlemen that were such good sports and danced for a great cause.  These men raised $673.00 dancing in the decorated bras.

We have many businesses that donated silent auction items and door prizes.  We appreciate the generosity of these businesses who support our efforts in the war on cancer.  Encana Oil & Gas, Steamboat Warehouse Restaurant, Superior Auto, Craig’s Automotive, Bumper to Bumper Auto Parts, Susan’s on Court, Country Cove Chevron, Teet’s Food Store, A & A Quick Stop, T-Boys Slaughterhouse, Deshotel’s Tire, Ace Hardware, Live Mobile (AT&T Authorized Retailer), Blake’s Gifts, Jeanmard Incorporated, Ville Platte Dodge, Tractor Supply, Olive Designing, Gulf Coast Material Handling and Delta Compression and Equipment LLC.

On behalf of Chef Huguet and the committee members of the Evangeline Parish Relay For Life, thank you for such a wonderful evening.  The total for this event was $5,435.00.   Your support and generosity will benefit so many.

VILLE PLATTE ROTARY CLUB HEARS ABOUT EUNICE GUN CLUB

OCTOBER 4, 2016

    Rotary club members today (Tuesday) heard from the president of the Eunice Rifle and Gun Club at their weekly meeting. Drew Miller was the special guest of Rotarian Steven Williams.

    Miller said the Eunice Rifle and Gun Clun was organized in 1968 and currently has 342 members. In 1988, the group purchased its current ten acre location ..

     The organization offers it members several rifle ranges and a skeet range. All new members must complete a safety course when they first sign up.

      In other club news, Rotary Club President Peter Strawitz:

--reminded club members of the fellowship meeting Tuesday night October 18 to encourage new members to attend and learn more about rotary;

--announced that the Rotary Club Governor will make his official visit to Ville Platte on November 1;

--and heard from Ville Platte Mayor Jennifer Vidrine announce that the city is erecting 150 new larger reflected stop signs around the city.

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

Edward Lionel Lomas, 26 of E. Cotton Street, Ville Platte – Arrested for Domestic Abuse Battery and currently incarcerated with a $1,000.00 bond;

Precious Thomas of N. Chataignier, Ville Platte – Arrested for Remaining After Forbidden/ Disturbing the Peace and currently out on a $700.00 bond;

Jaonnie Arvie, 28 of Deroun Street, Ville Platte – Arrested for Remaining After Forbidden and currently incarcerated with a $500.00 bond;

Edith Mercer, 31 of Brandy Street, Ville Platte – Arrested for Disturbing the Peace by Fighting/Simple Battery and currently incarcerated with a $2,400.00 bond;

Precious Thomas, of N. Chataignier, Ville Platte – Arrested for Theft of Goods and currently out on a $500.00 bond; and

Skyla Thomas, 29 of E. Wilson, Ville Platte – Arrested for Theft of Goods and currently out on a $500.00 bond. 

Evangeline Parish Police Jury

October 3, 2016

     The Evangeline Parish Police Jury, Monday, reviewed a new ordinance crafted by its legal advisor Marcus Fontenot that gives the parish enforcement provisions to deal with residents not paying their sewer fees or not following parish ordinances. The so called  “enforcement provision”  first orders the violator to be informed in writing. If it is not corrected, the parish may order the disconnection of utilities and terminate utility permits until the violation has been corrected.

    At the request of Slemco and Cleco , the parish removed the final line of the proposed ordinance which reads “ any utility service provider shall immediately disconnect service upon notice from the parish or be fined up to $100 per day for failure to disconnect.” Attorney Fontenot felt the entire ordinance including the stricken line was valid and would have passed constitutional muster.

    After concerns raised by Cleco representative Sabrina Salling, the police jury has called a public hearing for November 7 at 4:45 to receive public comment.

     In other business, the police jury:

--voted to apply for a Louisiana Governmental Assistance Program grant to upgrade the electrical system at Crooked Creek as a first priority with improvements to the Industrial Park Water Well 2 to install a sand filter as a second priority;

 --appointed Jason Fontenot to replace Gene Morein on the Te Mamou Water Board;

--appointed Rhonda Miller to replace the late Wilbur Rozas on the Evangeline Parish Tourism Commission;

--voted to advertise for the appointment of a right of way agent to replace Wilbert Ardoin who is retiring at the end of October after serving for 20 years as the agent and as  Secretary Treasurer for many years;

--scheduled Trick or Treating hours for Monday October 31 from 5-8pm for the unincorporated areas of Evangeline Parish;

--scheduled November 16 at 8:30am to meet to start working on preparing new budgets for the new fiscal year;

--applied for a grant to fund improvements on East Hickory Street Extension including striping and lighting . The street has been the scene of 16 traffic accidents in the past few years.