I was on the air Wednesday when I was told that The Faith House in Ville Platte was being shut down due to “budget cuts”.  My tears immediately began.  It was an awful, awful tragedy in my heart.  I immediately began to think of women who need or will need the services of The Faith House.  Those women who are being abused by their mate or who will in the future be abused by their mate.  You see, there will always be someone being abused.  Someone will always need the help of The Faith House.  You may not know her today, but you may know her in the future.  She may be the one that comes to work with a bruise on her arm and jokes that she “ran into a door”, she may the one that you see in the grocery store and she’s sporting sunglasses and a ball cap to hide that black eye.  She may be your sister, mother, daughter, aunt, grandmother, and she could be your wife. 

Domestic violence is real, very real.  It has taken the lives of many thousands of women who did not or could not get the help they need.  The lives of the ones who did not escape it.

Please understand that abuse is not just slapping or punching a woman.  It comes in the form of isolation, cutting her off of any money, mocking and ridiculing, screaming and cursing and other verbal abuse.  And, don’t forget the sexual abuse.  These are factors in a woman’s life that she may not even recognize until it’s too late.  Then, when she needs help, it is organizations like The Faith House who step in and help her with assistance from the Court, reforming her life and the lives of her children, providing clothing and necessities and helping her start a new life.  When was the last time you had to ask someone for a bar of soap or deodorant?  People do not always realize that some women have to leave in the dead of night just to survive.  And, sometimes that means she leaves with nothing except the clothes she has on.

It takes bravery and help to escape domestic violence.  That help comes in the form of Faith House.  I have been an advocate of Faith House and have helped raise money and supplies for them for the past three years because I know that the need is real.  I’ve seen it and I have lived it.

Yes, believe it or not I know how it feels to be a domestic violence survivor.  I am not ashamed, I am totally blessed that others in my community knew about the abuse and stepped up to help us leave.  Our church provided me with guidance and Faith House opened my eyes to what I had been dealing with.

This state needs not only more resources for battered women, but we need to educate our daughters on the signs of abuse and how to not only recognize it, but to absolutely not stand for it and report it.  We are lagging very far behind other states in not only helping abuse victims start a new life, but protecting them from further abuse.

We have all watched as lawmakers have fought the battle of the budget every year and we always know someone’s going to “get the hatchet”.  Normally, we see colleges and universities, hospitals, etc., take it for the team.  But, this year strikes my heart and it should hurt yours.

I spoke with the Executive Director of Faith House, Bobbi Lacombe, and she said they tried to hold out as long as they could before they closed the Evangeline Parish office.  The St. Landry and Acadia offices closed 6 months ago.  She assured me that the resources are still going to be there for victims in Evangeline Parish.  They now will have to call the Lafayette shelter where they can assist you.  Advocates are available by phone 24-hours a day on the

CRISIS LINE at 1-888-411-1333

Lacombe said most of their funding comes from the United Way and that due to the recent devastating floods, reduction in oil field labor and other factors, budgets for non-profits are way down.  She said they saw a 50% reduction in donations and lost over $100,000.00 last year.  They are still waiting for July 1^st to see what is allocated.  They could see more reductions but they are hopeful.

I read an article on the air this week about Phil Jackson being fired from the NY Knicks.  The man received $60 million dollars for three years of work.  That is a staggering $50,000 per day.  I don’t know about you, but to me that is a lot of money.   When we celebrate things in our society like professional ball, concerts, expensive cars, monetary items and celebrities, don’t you think it is incumbent upon us to also recognize those who go forgotten in our society?  Those who do not have a voice and may not even have a place to lay their head.  It’s time to get back to basic humanity.  I for one, will continue to fight against domestic violence and I welcome anyone who wants to come on the journey with me.

If you would like to donate to Faith House, you can donate online at faithhouseacadiana.com or you can mail them to Faith House, PO Box 93145, Lafayette, LA 70509.

Due to the 4^th of July holiday, most businesses and banks will be closed Tuesday.  The Evangeline Parish Clerk of Court and courthouse, Ville Platte City Hall and the Police Jury offices will be closed, but will re-open Wednesday.

The Solid Waste office and all dump sites in Evangeline Parish will be closed Tuesday as well.  Trash service will not run and will be pushed back one day so employees can celebrate the holiday.

Jawaski Beverly, 23 of Cotton Street – arrested for Theft of Goods and currently incarcerated with a $500.00 bond;

Tylan Roberts, 20 of 220 Roderick – arrested for Theft of Goods and currently incarcerated with a $500.00 bond;

Templeton Guillory of ED Alfred – arrested for Theft of Goods and currently incarcerated with a $500.00 bond;

Emanuel Malbrew, 47 of Austin Road – arrested for Disturbing the Peace and out on a $200.00 bond; and

Ashley Henry, 25 of W. Magnolia – arrested for No Insurance, Driving Under Suspension, Expired Motor Vehicle Inspection, running a stop sign and currently incarcerated with an $1,100 bond.

It’s summertime and that means children need to be kept busy and what better to keep them entertained with than activities and special performances at the Evangeline Parish Libraries.  As part of the Summer Reading Program, children and adults have been treated to performances by Storyteller and Actress, Daphne Thomas, Magician Mitch Richard, “Fun with Spanish” with Thelma Fontenot and this week “Geebo the Clown and Magician”. 

The room was packed as Geebo performed and interacted with children at the main branch of the library today.  Many children from the Ville Platte Boys and Girls Club were in attendance.

Originally from Lake Charles, Gregory Guillory began performing as “Geebo The Clown aka “El Payaso Loco” as a seasoned bilingual clown, juggler, face-painter, balloon sculpture and magician in Los Angeles, California in 1988.  He has also performed in other parts of the country.  He performed for Evangeline Parish in 2015 and was invited back.  The children are very interactive with his performances.

Geebo was perform Wednesday morning at Pine Prairie branch of the library at 10:00 a.m. and at the Mamou branch at 2:00 p.m.  On Thursday he will wrap up the week’s performances at the Basile branch at 10:00 a.m. and the Chataignier branch at 3:00 p.m.

VILLE PLATTE ROTARY CLUB

JUNE 27, 2017

    The Rotary Club of Ville Platte today (Tuesday) heard from their guest speaker, new U.L.-Lafayette Athletic Director, Dr. Bryan Maggert. Maggert brought several members of his staff with him at the meeting. Ville Platte was the ninth and final stop in visiting every parish in the Acadiana region to help promote U.L. athletics. “Our goal is to make U.L. Acadiana’s university, “ he said.

    Maggert served in the athletic program for 22 years in the University of Missouri He is married and he and his wife are the parents of three children. He said he is proud to report that U.L. leads the state in student athlete graduation rate and in the Sun Belt conference.

    He urged club members to attend U.L. sporting events. U.L. has just completed spending 117 million dollars on a new baseball facility. The next project is to upgrade and enlarge the football stadium. He said he loves the culture of Lafayette especially the food.

   Among the members accompanying Maggert was long time U.L. Play by Play announcer Jay Walker.

   Maggert was presented a special gift basket by Hilda Edwards on behalf of Ville Platte Mayor Jennifer Vidrine who could not attend.

   Maggert was a special guest of Rotarian Dr. Joey Soileau.

On June 23, 2017 at approximately 10:30 p.m. Officers with the Ville Platte Police Department responded to a report of a stolen vehicle on Jean Vidrine Road.  The silver Ford Expedition was located the next morning outside of the city limits and the Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Officer notified the Ville Platte Police Department Detective assigned to the case.  The vehicle had been abandoned in a field off of St. john Road.  This matter is still under investigation.

Chief Lartigue asks residents to call if they have any information regarding the persons involved with the stolen Expedition.  To report this any information or any type of illegal activity, you can call the Ville Platte Police Department at 363-1313.  Your call will remain anonymous.

According to Ville Platte Chief of Police, Neal Lartigue, on June 19, 2017 Officers with the Ville Platte Police Department responded to a disturbance call on West Oak Street.  Upon arrival Officer learned that a father and son had an argument which led to the father striking his son in the head with a hammer.  As the son stumbled and tried to stop his fall, his hand and arm went through a window of the home causing cuts and bruising.  He was transported to Mercy Regional and treated for his cuts and bruises on his arm and hand and was also treated for a concussion and bleeding on his head.  

Joseph Shawn Fontenot, 44 of 105 West Oak Street, Ville Platte was arrested and charged with aggravated battery.  Fontenot was booked into the Ville Platte City Jail on a $35,000.00 and was transported to the Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Office Jail.

Ville Platte Police Chief, Neal Lartigue reports a recent pursuit with one arrest.

On June 21, 2017 at approximately 11:00 p.m. an Officer with the Ville Platte Police Department observed a vehicle traveling west in the east bound lane of West Main Street.  As the Officer attempted to make a traffic stop, the vehicle accelerated speed and a short pursuit began.  The vehicle described as a grey Jeep turned onto HWY 167 and traveled a short distance before coliding with a set of mailboxes.  The driver exited the vehicle and fled and was captured after a short foot pursuit.  

Cedrick Gallow 33, of 114 S. Soileau Street, Ville Platte, was arrested and charged with reckless operation of a motor vehicle, aggravated flight from an officer, improper lane usage, improper display of license plate, no driver’s license, failure to have proper paperwork in vehicle, and no insurance.   Gallow was booked into the Ville Platte City Jail and was transferred to the Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Office jail on a $17,740.00 bond.

Chief Neal Lartigue reminds residents to support suspicious and illegal activity by calling the Ville Platte Police Department at 363-1313.  Your call will remain anonymous.

Funeral services for Cajun musician, Belton Richard will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, June 26, 2017 at St. Elizabeth Church in Carencro with burial to follow in the Greenview Memorial Cemetery.  Visitation will take place Saturday from 11:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. and on Sunday from 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Melancon Funeral Home in Carencro.

KVPI News has been briefed by Evangeline Parish Director of 911 and the Office of Emergency Preparedness about Tropical Storm Cindy.  The storm has now been downgraded and the warnings we were under have been lifted.  Here is what you can expect as far as rain potential over the next few days:

FRIDAY – 30-60% chance of rain

SATURDAY – 60-70%

SUNDAY – 50-60%

MONDAY – 30-50%

TUESDAY – 20-30%

WEDNESDAY – 20-40%

Stay tuned to Classic Hits 92.5 for weather updates and any weather events that may arise.

Ville Platte Chamber of Commerce members heard from Rae Gremillion with Volunteers of America during their monthly meeting Wednesday.  She explained how Volunteers of America is helping communities in 15 parishes in Louisiana by providing resources to Type 3 Childcare Centers like Kids World in Ville Platte.  A Type 3 childcare center is one that is able to accept state and federal funds to assist poverty stricken families with childcare.  Volunteers of America focuses on providing the same curriculum, materials, resources and training that other childcare centers have in order to bridge the learning gap.  They are dependent on donations from businesses to help be able to provide the materials.

She explained the School Readiness Tax Credit that many people do not know about.  If you have a business and you contribute up to $5,000.00 to the America’s Partnership in Child Care program, the State will reimburse your business dollar-to-dollar for your donation.  If your business owes taxes, the State will deduct the amount of your donation from amount that you owe.  Even if your business does not owe state taxes or if your donation exceeds your tax bill, the State will reimburse you in the form of a refund.  Gremillion said their organization has never been able to get help from Evangeline Parish and it only helps the Parish by putting those funds into the Type 3 childcare centers.  Bridging the learning gap helps lower crime later in life as well as drop-out rates.  Only 54% of children entering kindergarten are academically and developmentally ready to succeed.  If your business would like to donate and receive the tax credit, please call 337-234-5715.

It was also announced that the new UL Athletic Director, Bryan Maggard, will be visiting Evangeline Parish on June 27^th.  Maggard replaced Scott Farmer and will be visiting the KVPI studios, Chamber of Commerce and other area businesses.

Mable Foreman announced the 9^th year of the Evangeline Parish Coalition will hold its Health Fair at the Northside Civic Center on July 29^th from 10:00 a.m. until they run out of supplies.  Parents can come and bring their children to collect school supplies.  They will also be provided with lunch.

The next Chamber meeting will be held on July 19, 2017 at Noon

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

John Poullard, 24 of MLK Drive – arrested for Simple Burglary and Theft.  Bond was set at $20,000 by Judge Gary Ortego;

James Jones, of High School St. – arrested for 1 count of Domestic Abuse Battery, Felony and 2 counts of Domestic Abuse Battery.  Jones was denied bond by Judge Gary Ortego;

Steven McKoy, 18 of East Wilson – arrested for transfer and possession of a stolen vehicle.  Bond was set at $5,000.00 by Judge Gary Ortego;

Christopher Bellard, 48 of Blake Street – arrested for Simple Criminal Damage to Property.  Bellard is currently incarcerated with a $1,400.00 bond;

Michael Brooks, 47 of N. Chataignier – arrested for Simple Battery and is currently incarcerated with a $1,000.00 bond;

Lillian Andrus, 51 of Kordish Lane – arrested for Disobeying a Traffic Light/No License/Expired License Plate and Open Container.  Andrus is out on a $500.00 bond;

Jessie Vories, 44 of East Pine – arrested for Wreckless Driving and out on a $200.00 bond;

Davinski Doucet, 34 of East Long – arrested for Domestic Abuse and Driving Under Suspension and out on a $1,500.00 bond;

Warren Green, 46 of Tate Cove – arrested for Hit and Run and incarcerated with a $300.00 bond;

Bryan Weston, 18 of W. Long – arrested for Simple Battery and incarcerated with a $1,000.00 bond; and

Precious Thomas, 26 of N. Latour – arrested for Criminal Damage to Property and out on a $700.00 bond.

As of 10 am, Tropical Storm Cindy has weakened slightly, down to sustained winds of 50 mph. Landfall projections still show a Texas-Louisiana state line location, sometime after midnight tonight, as a weak tropical storm.

     The Ville Platte Rotary Club held its annual installation of officers and banquet Tuesday night at La Veille Banque.

     Club members and their spouses and special guests were treated to a country band comprised of Chauncey Guillory and his son, Casey Guillory, Guy Pucheu, Chuck Manuel and Dustin Bailey. Chauncey is the son of the late Swamp Pop singer Clint West and Casey is Clint’s grand son.

    Outgoing president Peter Strawitz introduced the members of the board and said he enjoyed his term in office. During the past year, membership remained steady, the club worked closely with the Sacred Heart Interact Club and the club took part in preparing meals at the Grand Hoorah festival and for Rylla students at the Mountain Bayou Boy Scout camp. The club continued providing scholarships to LSU-E and Coreil Campus and to encourage 8^th grade  public school students to  stay in school through the “Choices” program.

    Rotary District Official Linwood Broussard officiated in installing the following new slate of officers: President-Wayne Vidrine, President Elect-Richard LeJeune, Vice President Nicole Wenger, Secretary-Susan Saunders, Treasurer-Vic Slaven, Outgoing President Peter Strawitz and board members: Dr. Joey Soileau, Dr. Jerry Veillon, Annette Johnson, Peggy Tate and Larry Lachney.

    President Wayne Vidrine announced that his priority will be to work for improvements at Chicot State Park. The park was first created with the assistance of the Ville Platte Rotary Club. Vidrine said he wants to make sure that the flooded out cabins at the park can be replaced so groups such as the Rylla students can use the local facilities.

    Nicole Wenger and Darwan Lazard were named as Paul Harris Fellows after making major contributions to the Rotary International Foundation. Leonard Fontenot was honored as being a major donor to Rotary International.

    Retiring club secretary Janice Helmer was named Rotarian of the Year. She served in that office for the past six years. Kim LeJeune  was honored with a plaque from Larry Lachney for her work as instructor for the Sacred Heart Interact Club. Also, Peter Strawitz received a plaque for his service as president for the past year.

On Monday, June 19, 2017, Officers with the Ville Platte Police Department responded to a report of a disturbance at a local business on Tate Cove Rd.  Upon arrival officers learned that one of the subjects involved in the disturbance fled the area in a vehicle that he did not have permission to use.  A few minutes later the vehicle and subject were located and stopped on Main Street, by detectives and officers. 

Emanuel Malbrew, 48 of 280 Austin Road, Ville Platte was arrested and charged with unauthorized use of a moveable.  Malbrew was booked into the Ville Platte City Jail and transferred to the Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Office Jail on a $15,000.00 bond.

If you have any information regarding illegal activity in the community, you are asked to call the Ville Platte Police Department at 363-1313.  Your call will remain anonymous.

KVPI News Director, Stephanie Ware, attended a Budget Meeting held at the Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Office Thursday morning.  In attendance was Sheriff, Eddie Soileau, Dirk Deville, Josh Fontenot and Mike Fontenot.  The Sheriff was presented with the Amended Budget for 2016-2017.  Amendments to the Original Budget included a significant amount of “back billing” that was never collected, including $483,000 for ‘State Inmate Holding”.  With all of the Amendments to the Original Budget, the Amended Surplus adds up to $843,186.00 for 2016-2017.  Soileau stated “I have never seen a number like that in nine years.”  The Sheriff adopted the Budget then moved on to the proposed Budget for 2017-2018. 

The Surplus for the projected year goes down significantly to $155,279.00.  Deville and Josh Fontenot explained one of the reasons for that is because they will be spending more money to “meet the needs of the Parish, put more deputies on the roads and meet the needs of each department.”  The Expenditures in the new Budget increase from $1,170,817 in 2016-2017 to $1,406,429.00 in 2017-2018 for Salaries and Payroll Taxes.  Josh Fontenot stated that they are “cutting the Surplus but providing more for the Parish.” 

The Sheriff stopped carrying liability insurance for deputies last year and as reflected in the new Budget, he will continue not to carry it due to the extremely high cost of doing so versus what insurance has ever paid out.  When Stephanie asked why they will not carry the insurance, Deville stated that they had previously paid out close to half-a-million dollars for the premiums and insurance had only paid out approximately $18,000 so he said they will be self-funded like the Police Jury.

When Soileau reflected on the Surplus for next year only being $155,279, he stated “I don’t like that number, but we will have to live with it.”  He then adopted the Budget for 2017-2018.

Ville Platte Chief of Police, Neal Lartigue is urging business owners to use caution when accepting cash for purchases.  A local business had a customer make a purchase with counterfeit money Wednesday morning consisting of nine (9) counterfeit $50.00 bills and one (1) counterfeit $100.00 bill.  The suspect got away but police are investigating and reviewing video footage.  A similar occurrence took place in Breaux Bridge recently. 

If you have anyone try to present any type of counterfeit payment at your business or if you know anyone who is trying to pass counterfeit money throughout the community, you are urged to contact the police department at 363-2124.

The Ville Platte City Council and Mayor, Jennifer Vidrine, held their monthly meeting Tuesday at Ville Platte City Hall. 

During the meeting, Councilman Mike Perron questioned Ville Platte Chief of Police, Neal Lartigue as to the status of all of the recent vehicle burglaries.  Chief reported that two different groups of juveniles have been traveling throughout Ville Platte, St. Landry Parish and Eunice burglarizing vehicles.  KVPI News was told there were seven juveniles in a vehicle when Eunice Police came upon them.  Two of the juveniles got away from Police and 5 were arrested.  Two others were stopped by Shreveport Police in a stolen vehicle.  One of those assailants got away and one adult is being held in Shreveport.  Chief Neal Lartigue has a Warrant to bring him back to Evangeline Parish of numerous charges.  We were told that the drivers of the vehicles were dropping the juveniles off to walk through neighborhoods and open unlocked vehicles in order to take items left in the vehicles.

Mayor, Jennifer Vidrine reminds the public that you are responsible and will be held accountable for the actions of your children.  There is a curfew according to state law.  No juveniles are allowed on the streets after 10:00 p.m. on weekdays and midnight on the weekends.  She is encouraging the public to report any juveniles you see out after those times to the Ville Platte Police at 363-1313.  Parents can and are being charged with ‘Improper Supervision of a Juvenile’ when they allow their children to roam the streets.

In other news:  Mayor Vidrine is asking that the Police in Ville Platte start being tougher on those who are loitering outside of businesses.  She said “Stop and arrest them.  Don’t just nod your head and drive by.”  She also stated: “The Exxon Station and The Shell Station are not night clubs.  Stop loitering in the parking lots after the clubs close.”  Chief Lartigue said his officers have been working very hard and reported there were fifty-seven (57) arrests in Ville Platte last month.  He said “for a town of this size, that’s a lot!”

Dana Quebedeaux presented the Amended 2016-2017 Budget to the Council and reported a $269,618 surplus for the City; however, also reported that the Police Department overspent by $480,408.00.  She explained that much of those expenses were for medical expenses for inmates in the City Jail.  She also reported that the insurance rates for next year have tripled.  The Mayor and Chief stated that was due to accidents, lawsuits, etc. 

Also:

City of Ville Platte Employees will be receiving a 3% pay raise effective on the June 29^th payroll;

Nancy Duplechain has been named the new Swamp Pop Museum Curator filling the position of Janie Knighton who has retired;

The Mayor presented a check to Fire Chief Chris Harrison in the amount of $39,249.48 for the Fire Insurance 2% Rebate;

The July City Council meeting will be held on July 18^th as the new fiscal year begins; and

Expenditures for the month of May were down by $13,496.14.

VILLE PLATTE ROTARY CLUB MEETING

JUNE 13, 2017

     Evangeline Parish County Agent Todd Fontenot was the guest speaker at today’s meeting of the Ville Platte Rotary Club.

     Fontenot said farmers are facing problems with excessive moisture in their fields. “It has been a wet year” he said.

     The rice crop was affected because of the early rainfall and again the flooding rains in April and May. He estimates Evangeline Parish rice producers have lost about 1000 acres of rice. Some of the rice crop was under water for as long as 12 days. The crop can take up to 8 days of being under water. The excessive moisture has impacted the rice yields. It is also causing problems with rice diseases.

   Some of the soybean crop had to be replanted due to the excessive rains this year.  As far as crawfish production, it was a mixed year. Some crawfish producers had a good year.  The prices fluctuated and were good through Easter week.

   Fontenot also reported that the 4-H program is busy during the summer months with students attending 4-H University at the LSU campus next week. It was formerly known as 4-H Short Course. Also, parish students will be attending 4-H Summer Camp in July at Camp Grant Walker. Participation in the 4-H program is still good in the parish while the numbers have dropped overall statewide.

    Rotary club members were reminded that the annual installation banquet is set for Tuesday night June 20 at 6;00pm at La Veille Banque on Main street. There will be no noon meeting next Tuesday.

Tune in Wednesday, June 14th after the Noon Report as Liz Hill and Stephanie Ware discuss the predictions for the 2017 Hurricane Season that began on June 1st and runs through the end of November.  They will talk about ways you can prepare yourself, your family, pets, and your business in case a storm heads to Evangeline Parish.  Classic Hits 92.5 on your radio dial and classichits925.com online.

Chateau Des Amis is helping bring awareness to abuse of the elderly by sponsoring an event on Wednesday, June 14^th at 9:00 a.m. in observation of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.  There will be a Community Walk and a Commemorative Plaque placed in front of the rose bushes for Awareness of Elder Abuse. 

According to the National Center on Elder Abuse, in the United States, experts have reported that knowledge about elder abuse lags as much as two decades behind the fields of child abuse and domestic violence. 

Unfortunately, they say they simply do not know for certain how many people are suffering from elder abuse and neglect. Signs of elder abuse may be missed by professionals working with older Americans because of lack of awareness and adequate training on detecting abuse. The elderly may be reluctant to report abuse themselves because of fear of retaliation, lack of physical and/or cognitive ability to report, or because they do not want to get the abuser in trouble.

Guest speakers will be providing educational information on the many types of elder abuse and ways to prevent it.  Refreshments will be served.  That’s Chateau Des Amis at 955 Dardeau in Ville Platte. KVPI will be covering the event.

According to the Ville Platte Police department, a vehicle was stolen on or around May 24, 2017 from Eunice, Louisiana and was located on May 25, 2017 in Ville Platte.  Two suspects fled from authorities and a warrant has been issued for their arrest.

Alshamir McKoy, 18 of 401 N. Chataignier Street and Antwan McKoy 30, of 124 East Wilson Street are wanted for possession of a stolen vehicle.  Their bond is set at $15,000.00 each by Judge Gary Ortego.

Detectives are also searching for Crystal Renee Landry Edmunson 43, Corie Miller Road, Port Barre from an incident that happened in January 2017.  Edmundson is believed to have left the area and is evading arrest.  In January, Emundson was involved in a disturbance in the Ville Platte area and is wanted on charges of aggravated battery and domestic abuse battery.

If you know the whereabouts of any of these suspects, you are asked to call 363-1313.  Your call will remain anonymous.

The Ville Platte Police Department reports update on thefts from vehicles. 

Over the past couple of weeks the Ville Platte Police Department has been stepping up extra patrol in the city in response to multiple reports of thefts from vehicles. The investigation is ongoing and as of today there has been one arrest and two search warrants have been executed.

According to Detective Sergeant Steven Deville, two houses that were searched on June 6, 2017 in which evidence was recovered from residences where juveniles were thought to be involved with the thefts. More arrests are expected as the investigation continues.

A suspect also believed to be involved was arrested on a trespassing charge. Arrested on June 2, 2017 was Brandon Jason, 20 of 216 Roderick Street in Ville Platte.  Jason was transported to the Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s office and a $500.00 bond issued by Judge Chuck West.

Chief Neal Lartigue reminds residents to remain vigilant. The investigation is continuing and it is important to always be careful, pay attention to your surroundings, lock your vehicles, doors and windows.  Keep an eye out in your neighborhood and to report any suspicious activity or suspicious person immediately by calling the Ville Platte Police Department at 363-1313.  Your call will remain anonymous.

The investigation of multiple thefts from unlocked vehicles within the city limits has yielded another arrest.

The Ville Platte Police Department received a report that a male subject was at someone’s home watching a game on television and took the keys to someone’s vehicle.  Later that night the suspect took the vehicle from the homeowner’s residence using the stolen keys from the house he was visiting.  The suspect was later arrested in Shreveport with the stolen vehicle, an unspecified amount of narcotics and a gun. The gun that was located was recently stolen from a vehicle in Ville Platte.  Kelly Thomas, 25 of 304 West Lincoln Road, Ville Platte is currently incarcerated in Shreveport and will be facing extradition on charges of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, possession of a stolen firearm and carrying of a firearm by a convicted felon.  A warrant issued for Thomas has a $100,000.00 bond set by Judge Chuck West. 

According to Detectives the arrest of Thomas and earlier reported arrest are not the only ones expected.  Detectives are requesting information on other suspects as their investigation continues.

Chief Lartigue reminds residents to keep vehicles, homes and outside buildings locked to prevent easy access to criminals and to continue to be vigilant in watching your property and your neighbor’s property for suspicious persons.

To report any information regarding the recent thefts from vehicles or any other illegal activity, please call the Ville Platte Police Department at 363-1313.  Your call will remain anonymous. 

The Ville Platte Fire Department would like to congratulate Assistant Fire Chief, Blake Perron and Firefighter, Dwayne Soileau for their 25 years as Louisiana State Firemen’s Association members, and 25 years as Volunteers with the Ville Platte Volunteer Fire Department.   With this milestone, they both became lifetime members of the Louisiana State Firemen’s Association.  

Fire Chief, Chris Harrison said "Congratulations from the entire department.  The community appreciates your hard work and dedication to the fire service."  KVPI would like to thank the Ville Platte Fire Department for their dedication to the community.

Pictured left to right are Blake Perron, Dwayne Soileau and Fire Chief Chris Harrison.

    The Rotary Club of Ville Platte today (Tuesday) heard from Deacon Barney LeJeune with Jacob Crouch Suicide Prevention Services.  Crouch was a student at U.L. excelling in sports and academics and three days before his graduation, he took his life. His family began this education service in his name. Deacon LeJeune said nearly everyone has been touched by suicide.

    He quoted some startling statistics: Suicide is the 10^th largest cause of deaths in the United States with young people ages 15-24 it is the second leading cause of death. Evangeline Parish is leading the state in the number of suicide deaths with 29 suicides per 100,000 people with neighboring parish Avoyelles Parish coming in at number two.

    Among the greatest at risk are : recent divorcees, unemployment, life stress, rural residents with limited resources and experiencing a recent major loss.

    The warning signs include: coded messages like talking about dying, giving away personal property, getting their life matters in order, low self esteem, no hope for the future, changes in personality, behavior, sleep patterns and eating patterns. The warning signs occur on social media such as Facebook.

    He urges family members and friends to take these warning signs seriously, be sympathetic, and get help. Do not leave the person alone.

    The guest speaker was a guest of Rotarian Maggie Ortego.

    Rotarians were reminded of the annual Installation Banquet where the new officers will be installed at La Veille Banque June 20 at 6;00pm.

Evangeline Police Jury Meeting

June 5, 2017

     The Evangeline Parish Police Jury Monday was presented a special plaque of appreciation from J.D. Soileau, President of the Viet Nam Veterans of America, Evangeline Chapter #632.  The award named the police jury as a“Friend of V.V.A. 2017”.  Soileau said the jury has permitted the restoration and maintenance work on the Viet Nam era “Huey” helicopter and the guns at the war monument on courthouse square. The monument includes the names of 12 local residents who were killed in Viet Nam. Soileau said “Thank you for keeping alive their memory for future generations.” Several members of the group were in attendance for the presentation.

    In other business the police jury:

--approved a resolution to be sent to state and federal officials requesting emergency funding for future flood protection in Evangeline Parish;

--approved the reappointment of Lance Chapman, Desmond Thomas and Barry Bordelon to serve another term on the Ville Platte Recreation Board;

--approved a recommendation from Public Works Supt. Chester Granger to name the “Green Valley” road bridge in Faubourg as the number one priority for bridge replacement in the parish. The estimated cost is $525,000 to replace the bridge;

--went into executive session behind closed doors to discuss personnel matters . No action was taken once the doors opened again;

--approved a recommendation from Parish Engineer Ronnie Landreneau to spend $60,000 to repair Water Well Two at the Ward One Industrial Park.

--received a report from Secretary Treasurer Donald Bergeron that the 2 cent sales tax revenues in April brought in $243,988, a nearly $30,000 increase from April of 2016.  

Smoked Meat Cook Off Results

June 6, 2017

     Here are the results of the World Championship Smoked Meat Cook off that was held last weekend during the 2017 Smoked Meat Festival.

     Congratulations to the two Grand Champion Award Winners: Amateur Grand Champion Winning Team- Fontenot and Ludeau Law Offices-Head Chef Chris Ludeau and their winning Dish- Tippin Tasso Slides; The Professional Grand Champion Winning Team: Teet’s Food Store Team One-Head Chef Luke Deville with the winning dish- Sweet n Sour Duck Breast.

     In the Amateur Division, Tasso Category- First Place- Fontenot and Ludeau Law Offices, Second Place- Citizens Bank Team 2, Third Place- Mercy Regional Medical Center Team One.

    In the Smoked Game Category: First Place- Martinique Cookers; Second Place- Evangeline Bank Team #2 and Third Place- Mercy Regional Medical Center Team 1.

    In the Smoked Seafood Category: First Place- Cameron Team One; Second Place- Heritage Manor Team; Third Place- Citizens Bank Team Two.

    In the Smoked Poultry Category: First Place- Evangeline Bank Team 2; Second Place- Cameron Team One; Third Place- Martinique Cookers.

    In the Bar-B-Que/Smoker Category- First Place- Evangeline Bank Team One; Second Place- Cameron Team 2; Third Place- Mercy Regional Medical Team 1.

    In the Sausage, Andouille and Ponce Category- First Place- Woodman Life Team; Second Place- H-U-Want It Team; Third Place- Cajun Grillerz Team.

    In the Professional Division: Smoked Game Category- First Place- Teet’s Food Store Team 1; Second Place- Big Mamou Cajun Beef Jerky Team and Third Place- Papa Gators Team 2;

   In the Sausage, Andouille and Ponce Category-First Place- Teets Food Store Team 1; Second Place- Big Mamou Cajun Beef Jerky Team; Third Place-Papa Gators Team 2.

   In the Tasso Category: First Place- Papa Gators Team 1; Second Place- Leroy’s Cajun Meats Team; Third Place-Teet’s Food Store Team 2.

   In the Smoked Seafood Category: First Place- Teet’s Food Store Team 2; Second Place-Leroy’s Cajun Meats and Third Place- Papa Gators Team 1.

   In the Smoked Poultry Category: First Place- Boucanee Couillons; Second Place- Teets Food Store Team #2; Third Place- Mercy Regional Medical Center Team 2.

   In the Bar-B-Cue/Smoker Category: First Place- Papa Gators Team 2; Second Place- Teet’s Food Store Team 2; Third Place- Teet’s Food Store Team  1.

   Overall, there were 89 total dishes that the out of town judges sampled: 51 dishes in the Amateur Division and 38 dishes in the Professional Category.

    The Smoked Meat Festival Association would like to thank all of the cooking teams and the judges for making this cook off another major success.

       Despite the showers that came and went, the Louisiana Smoked Meat Festival went on with large crowds on hand at all of the events.

      Dozens of cooking booths were on hand all around the Ville Platte Grand Pavilion this morning as both Amateur and Professional cooks prepared highly secret smoked meat recipes in hopes of garnering the prized smoke house grand prize. There were 34 judges from out of town on hand judging about 100 dishes in various smoked meat dishes. Among the judges were long time Baton Rouge Advocate Columnist Smiley Anders and his wife.

       The opening ceremonies were very impressive as a team of Acadiana veterans and flag bearers representing the five branches of the military: army, marines, navy, air force and coast guard along with a special flag for the missing in action. Guest speaker was Col. Joey Strickland, Secretary of the Louisiana Office of Veterans Affairs. Special 50^th anniversary pins were given to Vietnam Veterans in attendance.

     During the opening ceremonies, the Francis Reed distinguished smoker award for 2017 went out to Bob Reed of Cajun Grillerz cooking team.

     KVPI’s Carly Chaumont and Mark Layne were there covering the opening ceremonies and interviewing some of the cooking teams this (Saturday) morning.

     KVPI News will have all of the results of the cook off by Monday morning. Keep listening for all the details.

    Both Carly and Mark were able to meet with Country star headliners Aaron Tippen near his bus for a meet and greet after the broadcast.

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2017 Smoked Meat Festival Kicks Off

June 2, 2017

     The 25^th annual Louisiana Smoked Meat Festival kicked off tonight with perfect weather, delicious food and great live music. The festival has moved a short distance to the civic center grand pavilion with a large dancing area and a new stage.

     Festival goers were able to bring their children to the carnival to ride the rides and enjoy the games. Adults were able to enjoy Wicked Waters and later tonight Hit and Run.

    The Classic Hits road crew were there covering it live with Josh and Mark. We spoke with many of those manning booths and cooking up food tonight. Be sure to look for Carly and Mark Saturday as we will be back at the festival from 10-1 including our live broadcast of the opening ceremonies for those who cannot attend.

    The schedule Saturday includes the Smoked Meat Cook off and judging   from 8-11am; 12;00 noon- Opening Ceremonies honoring all veterans; 3;00pm- Announcement of the winners in the cook off; 7-9pm- One Trick Pony; 10-12 midnight- Nashville Star Aaron Tippin. Admission is only $10 per person.

Former Ville Platte Police Officer, Larry Paul Fontenot, and his attorney, Jacob Fusilier, entered into a plea agreement in open court today (Friday) with the Evangeline Parish District Attorney’s Office.  Fontenot was arrested in August of last year for malfeasance in office, extortion and video voyeurism for his role in intimidating two females during a traffic stop to exposing their breasts.  In the original complaint, he was also accused of taking pictures of their breasts and showing other officers.  The two females have settled a lawsuit filed against the Ville Platte Police Department for an undisclosed amount.

In the plea agreement, the bill was amended to One (1) count of Abuse of Office; and Two (2) counts of Intimidation by an Officer.  By pleading Guilty to all three counts, Fontenot was sentenced to Five (5) year hard labor with Five (5) years suspended and Five (5) years active and supervised probation.  For each of the two (2) counts of Intimidation by an Officer, Fontenot will receive Six (6) months in jail; Six (6) months suspended and One (1) year of probation.  The two years of probation will be served concurrently with the larger charge.

The plea agreement also comes with two special conditions: 1) Fontenot is not allowed to hold any type of law enforcement position; and he is to attend court ordered counseling approved by Parole and Probation.  That counseling could include Anger Management or Abusive Behavior.

Fontenot was also order to pay a $1,000.00 fine, plus additional court fees and costs.

Assistant District Attorney, Kelly Tate handled the case and presented it to The Honorable Chuck West who accepted the plea agreement into the record.