Local News Archives for 2017-10

New School Programs Announced at Rotary Club Meeting

Evangeline School District Officials Speak at Rotary Club Meeting

October 31, 2017

 

     Evangeline Parish Superintendent of Schools Darwan Lazard and Assistant Superintendent of Schools Mike Lombas were the special guest speakers at today’s(Tuesday) meeting of the Ville Platte Rotary Club.

    Superintendent Lazard told club members that the Evangeline School District has a five year goal to move from textbooks to all electronic devices in the hands of all 6001 students. He said Vidrine Elementary is taking the lead in this effort as they have adopted the Google platform.

    He reported at Chicot Elementary, Health and Fitness is emphasized and teachers were able to secure over $25,000 in grant funding.

    The school board was able to secure funding without additional taxes to construct a Teacher Training and Technology Center adjacent to the school board office. He reported that French Immersion is going well at both Mamou and Ville Platte elementary schools.

   Assistant Superintendent Lombas reported that high school students can take advantage of dual enrollment courses to gain college credit. In fact, 26 students in the new LSU-E academy are working toward receiving their Associates college degree when they receive their high school diploma. A total of 168 parish students are participating in dual enrollment courses with LSUE earning college credit.

   Lombas also announced that the school district has begun a career academy to encourage students to go into education. “We need to grow our own teachers. There are not enough teachers to fill the vacancies,” he said.

   Lombas praised the local school district. He said he has worked in a number of school systems in the state but “the best school district I have ever worked for is here in Evangeline Parish. Our public schools are heading in the right direction.”

  

Ville Platte suspect arrested Saturday on multiple charges

    Ville Platte Police Chief Neal Lartigue reports a Ville Platte man was arrested  in an ongoing investigation.

     On September 23, Officers responded to a report of an assault where Officers learned that the victim had been struck with a set of brass knuckles causing a laceration to the top of the victim’s head which required multiple stitches.  After further investigation a warrant was issued for Steveniski Frank, 26 of 520 East Jackson Street, Ville Platte  on a charge of aggravated second degree battery. 

On Saturday, October 28,  Officers responding to a call to have him removed from his mother’s home on East Jackson Street, located Frank walking away from the residence.  Upon arresting Frank on the warrant for aggravated second degree battery, they located a loaded sawed off shot gun and extra rounds inside a duffle bag being carried by Frank.  Officers and Detectives found that the serial numbers on the shotgun had been scratched off.  Frank was also charged with carrying of a firearm by a convicted felon, illegal carrying of a weapon, and firearm with obliterated number. Frank was booked into the Ville Platte City Jail on a $110,000.00 bond and transferred to the Evangeline Parish Jail where he remains incarcerated.  

     Chief Lartigue reminds citizens to report suspicious and illegal activity immediately to the Ville Platte Police Department by calling 363-1313.  Your call will remain anonymous.

Experience Louisiana Festival Begins in Eunice

    After all the rain Friday, the third annual Louisiana Experience Festival began with lots of sunshine and a brisk northerly wind. The cool weather did not keep away festival goers. The festival grounds quickly filled up with visitors enjoying the live music, food booths and arts and crafts booths. Also again this year, there was another classic car show with even more vintage vehicles on display. The festival is held on the LSUE campus grounds and is sponsored by the Eunice Rotary Club. One new display this year was a huge Ag Village with tractors and implements, livestock show and even Smokey Bear was present. The Classic Hits 92.5 KVPI road crew, Josh and Mark, were there covering it with a live remote broadcast

State Police arrests Ville Platte Man

Ville Platte Man in Jail After Troopers Find Cocaine in Vehicle


Calcasieu Parish – A Ville Platte Man was arrested last night after Troopers found cocaine in the vehicle he was driving on Interstate 10 in Calcasieu Parish.

On Wednesday, October 25, 2017, shortly after 9:00 p.m., a Trooper assigned to Louisiana State Police Troop D stopped a 2013 Buick Lacrosse on Interstate 10 east for a traffic violation.  Troopers requested permission to search the vehicle but the driver, 39-year-old Eric Richard of Ville Platte, refused to give consent.

A State Police K-9 was deployed and indicated the presence of narcotics in the vehicle.  During a search of the vehicle, approximately 2 pounds of powdered cocaine with an estimated street value of $74,000 was located in the vehicle.  

Richard was charged with following too close, defective vehicle equipment and possession of cocaine with intent to distribute.  He was booked into the Calcasieu Parish Correctional Center.

If convicted, Richard faces up to 30 years in prison and up to a $50,000 fine.

Troopers work to protect the citizens of our state from the illicit manufacturing, distribution, selling, and use of drugs by enforcing federal and state laws governing such activities. The general public may report narcotic and/or drug violations by calling the nearest State Police Narcotics office.  For local office phone numbers please visit our website, www.LSP.org.

Bayou Chicot Elementary recognized for Wellness Grants

 

       A large group of Bayou Chicot Elementary teachers and parents Wednesday filled the Evangeline Parish School Board meeting room as the school was being showcased for their ability to secure health and wellness grand funding.  Chicot School Principal Mary Chris Fontenot and Food Supervisor Karen Soileau announced that some $25,000 in grant funding was awarded to the rural school through the hard work of two school teachers: Ann Soileau and Amy Andrus.

   The two instructors explained some of the projects that were funded: walk kits that let students walk around and listen to instructive pod casts through an “Eat, Move and Grow grant; they were able to get grant funds to install basketball goals for Jr. High students; involving school students to grow and appreciate home gardening by involving students to grow the largest cabbage head and win a $1000; a grab and go breakfast to encourage students to eat a healthy breakfast by giving them the option to grab a healthy breakfast kit and eat it in the classroom; received an award to take a school class on a fully funded class trip to a civil war site. Their big goals now are to secure funding to air condition the school gym, construct a school track and install an electronic sign for the school.             Supt. Darwan Lazard and members of the school thanked the two teachers and principals for their hard work. Principal Mary Chris Fontenot played an original song sung by seventh graders called “We Got Class” using the music from a Lady Antebellum song “You Look Good.” KVPI plans to play the song back during La Tass de Café Monday morning at 8:30am on KVPI AM and FM.

    In other action, Chief Financial Officers Amy Lafleur reported that sales tax collections are down $47,210 in September as compared to the previous September.

    Supt. Lazard, members of the staff and all of the school board were all wearing special shirts recognizing bus drivers. This week is “National School Bus Safety Week”. “This is our way of saying how much we appreciate their service to our students”, Lazard said.

      Technology Supervisor Connie Guillory reported that with the assistance of E-Rate funding, the Evangeline Parish School District was able to save nearly $500,000 in funding for technology such as internet access, Wi Fi and Wide Area Network.

    Supt. Lazard announces that businesses who hire school students in the new work based special education program will be able to get tax credits from the state.

    

 

Rotary Club hears from State Department of Insurance Representative

      The Ville Platte Rotary Club today (Tuesday) heard from Vicky Dupre, with the Louisiana Dept. of Insurance’s S.H.I.P. program. SHIP stands for Louisiana Senior Health Insurance Information Program. The program offers free Medicare counseling. There are 816,000 Medicare recipients in Louisiana. Right now, it is Medicare Open Enrollment through the end of the December. Her agency offers free counseling for Medicare. Her counselors have no connection with any insurance company or product. She encourages seniors to call her office toll free at 1-800-259-5300 for information and advice. She was the special guest of Rotary Club member Lisa Deshotel.

    In other club news, Club President Wayne Vidrine announced that the Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser was given a tour of Chicot State Park by State Rep. Bernard LeBas and shown how the park needs additional financial assistance.

   Also, it was announced that that the rotary club will sponsor a Halloween social next Tuesday night Oct. 24 at 6;00pm at Dr. Aswell’s Camping Lodge near Chicot Park. Due to the social taking place, there will be no noon meeting next week.

Grand Parade of Cotton

The 2017 Grand Parade of Cotton rolled down Main Street today at noon with a long line of marching units, floats and queens and dignitaries. Classic Hits 92.5 KVPI was there broadcasting live from the start of the parade at Investar Bank.

2017 Tournoi Results

   The weather was warm and the crowds of family, friends and well wishers packed along the side of the track Sunday afternoon for the 2017 running of the Tournoi. Here are the results of the running of the Tournoi:

   Congratulations to the 2017 Tournoi Champ-Eric Guillory who has won it for the sixth time in a row. No Tournoi champ has ever done that before. Eric and his horse, General Lee also won the fastest time award. Eric is a third generation rider: his father Kent Guillory won the championship in 1991 and Eric’s grandfather, Winston Guillory, -a three time champ in 1963, 1965 and 1971. Eric also won the champion saddle in memory of Alyssa Guillory donated by Mr and Mrs. John L. Soileau.
 

   Second place-Marcus Guillory, Third Place-Ryan Haller, Fourth Place-Kent Saucier, Fifth Place- Alex Haller; Sixth Place- Keith Saucier; Seventh Place- Lisa Crane; Eith Place- John Ross Guillory; Ninth Place- Paul Fontenot and Tenth Place- Shane Lee. The top ten this year are automatically qualified to run in next year’s running of the Tournoi. The sportsmanship award went to Bryce Johnson who fell off his horse while competing in the second round. Acadian Ambulance medics attended to him and said he is going to an area hospital to be treated for a fractured arm.

   Once again this year, we had  the mother-daughter team of Lisa Crane and Cheyenne Crane competing in the Tournoi.

     This year’s Tournoi was dedicated to the Late Jerry Dupre, past Tournoi board member. Once again this year’s emcee was Charlie Manuel. Miss Tournoi Queen is Holly Kay, Teen Tournoi Queen is Charley Bieber and Junior Tournoi Queen is Samara LaFleur.

     KVPI-FM 92.5 was there covering the entire Tournoi with Mark and A.J. from start to the announcement of the winners. KVPI has been covering Tournoi events since we signed on in 1953.

Election Returns Saturday

      The turnout for Saturday’s election in Evangeline Parish as well as statewide was light due to the few local races to generate a lot of interest among the voters.

    There were no local elections in Evangeline Parish. Here are the parish results:

For Secretary of State:  Angele Davis was the top vote getter with 479 voters, followed by John Shroeder with 407 votes, Derrel Edwards with 358 votes, Neil Riser with 331 votes, Terry Hughes 51 votes and Joseph Little with 32 votes. Statewide, there appears to be a runoff in the works for State Treasurer between Derrell Edwards with 31 percent of the vote and the second place finisher John Shroeder with 24 percent of the vote. Angele Davis was third with 22 percent, Neil Riser with 18 percent, Terry Hughes with 3 percent and Joseph Little with 2 percent of the vote.

     In the amendments: Amendment #1 which offers an exemption of property taxes for construction sites passed by 66 percent of the voters statewide. Here in Evangeline Parish, 1119 votes for and 474 votes no;

      Amendmbet #2- offers homestead exemption for unmarried surviving spouse, 67 percent of the voters statewide said year. Here is Evangeline Parish, voters passed it 1119 votes for and 534 voters no;

      Amendment #3 dedicates any new taxes into a construction sub-fund. That amendment passed statewide by 53 percent of the voters. In Evangeline Parish, it was voted down 822 to 817.

      Special thanks to the Clerk of Court’s staff for their assistance in getting these numbers for our listeners.

Classic Hits 92.5.5 KVPI was in Mamou Saturday for the Savoy Cancer Center Breast Cancer Walk

     One of the largest crowds ever jammed into downtown Mamou this morning to join with Savoy Cancer Center and its sponsors for the annual benefit walk/run. All of the funds raised from this 5K walk/run help indigent cancer patients.

     The weather was perfect as teams gathered on Sixth Street in Mamou across from Fred’s Lounge to begin the walk and run. There was a Zumba warm up and the cancer survivors were recognized.

     The Classic Hits 92.5 KVPI road crew, Becky Vidrine and Carly Chaumont covered the event live for listeners who could not attend. Classic Hits 92.5 KVPI was a corporate sponsor for the event.

Classic Hits 92.5 covers St. Peter Church Fair in Pine Prairie October 14

        The annual St. Peter’s/St. Theresa Fall Festival in Pine Prairie was another big success. The weather cooperated with clear skies and warm temperatures,

       The event began Friday night with fish fried dinners and a talent show held in the old church building. First place winner was Bryce Boyles of Alexandria won first place honors and Jolie Aucoin came in second place.

       On Saturday, the church hall building was full of young children enjoying breakfast with their favorite Disney characters including Mickey and Minnie Mouse and Donald Duck and the characters from Frozen. There were hayrides and train rides, bingo games, a silent auction, face painting and much more.

     There was a gumbo cook off and the grand champion winner was Donald Vidrine.

     A dunking booth was something new where celebrities were dunked.

     Live music was played with Fr. Maynes and a trio of musicians in the church hall.

    Classic Hits 92.5 KVPI was there covering it with a live remote today

4-H Cotton Pickin' Pet Show October 11

The 4-H Cotton Pickin' Pet Show took place this afternoon in the Civic Center pavilion with parish 4-H'ers showing off their prized pets . Some of the students dressed up for the event. I am sure the judges had a tough time in deciding who the winners would be. Classic Hits 92.5 KVPI was there doing special live reports with Becky Vidrine and Simon.

Cotton Festival Contredanse drew large crowd Tuesday night

     A large crowd of festival goers attended the first night of the 2017 Louisiana Cotton Festival Tuesday night at the Ville Platte Civic Center. The highlights of the night were the crowning of the King and Queen of Heritage Manor Nursing Home and the showcasing of the young Contredanse dancers. Cotton Festival Association Board President Pat Derousselle was the emcee. KVPI FM 92.5 was there covering it live for our lsiteners.

     The new 2017 Heritage Manor King is James Brown, age 80 of Plaisance. He has two children, three grandchildren and five great grandchildren. He loves fishing and hunting and playing his harmonica, fiddle and accordion. He replaces the late Eldridge Vidrine, last year’s King. The first runner up to the King was Allen Ardoin age 94 of Grand Prairie. He has one child, three grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. He was raised on a cotton and corn farm. He is a Navy veteran and operated the Evangeline Electric Fixit Shop for many years.

   The new Queen of Heritage Manor is Hazel Ortego age 91 of Grand Prairie. She was an LPN for 30 years. She has 3 children, 6 grand children and 12 great grandchildren. She was raised on a farm with her siblings. She replaces outgoing Queen Gertrude Soileau. The first runner up to the Queen was Marjorie Chapman, 80 year old resident of Mamou. She was a beautician for 27 years. She has 7 children, 19 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren. She was also raised on a farm.

   Another major highlight was the presentation of the Contredanse dancers all comprised of young pre teen dancers doing the Cajun square dancing. The dancers this year are: Grace Bordelon, the daughter of Melanie and John Bordelon; Beau Fontenot, son of Shelly and Joey Fontenot; Kaden Ardoin, son of Nicholas and Erica Ardoin; John Bordelon, son of Johnny and  Melanie Bordelon; Stephanie Vidrine, the daughter of Caralire and Jason Vidrine; Peyton Fontenot, son of Ebony Fontenot; Marcus Sam, son of Donald and Christina Sam; Ashlynn Thibodeaux, the daughter of Daniel and Courtney Thibodeaux; Lillian Stanfield, the daughter of Justin and Destiny Lafleur; Susan Lafleur, the daughter of Justin and Destiny Lafleur; Hannah Arabie, the daughter of Dustin and Miranda Arabie; Deana Blankenship, the daughter of Bruce and Sharon Blankenship; Marlinskie Viltz, son of Wesley Winfrey and Sharin Wiltz; Joshua Williams, son of Vasean and Jamie Williams; Baleigh Williams daughter of Vasean and Jamie Williams; Kaislyn Lafleur, daughter of Michelle Brown and Jeremy Lafleur; Leslie Forman, son of Kim Leger and Shanendoah Forman; Bailey Edmund, daughter of Elizabeth Edmund and  Zoey Goudy, daughter of She’re and Julian Goudy. The dancers were under the direction of Anita Fontenot and Melanie Soileau.

     Among the festival royalty in attendance was Col. Cotton Bernard Lebas.

    The dancers danced to the music of Lennis Soileau and the Country Playboys.

  

Brent Coreil spoke at today's Rotary Club Meeting

    The Rotary Club of Ville Platte , Tuesday, heard from club member, Brent Coreil review the articles of incorporation and the goals of the organization. Coreil is one of the longest serving members of the club having been a member for 43 years. Rotary was organized to help develop acquaintances in the community, support high ethical standards in our businesses and advance international relationships. The avenues of service include club service, vocational service, international service and youth service. Potential club members must be of good character and possess leadership qualities.

   Club member Larry Lachney announced there will be a Halloween social Tuesday Oct. 24 at 6;00pm at Dr. Chuck Aswell’s lodge near the arboretum. There will be no noon meeting that day.

   It was also announced that $2100 was collected by the rotary club for hurricane relief for victims of the storm in Southeast Texas. The club is looking at possibly donating the funds to the Beaumont Chamber of Commerce for use to help needy students with school supplies.

Fugitive Captured by Sheriff's Office

Sheriff Eddie Soileau, of the Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Office has released the following:

 

Tuesday evening, September 12, 2017 Deputies discovered a male subject fitting the description of Matthew Deville who was wanted by Lafayette Police Department for 2nd Degree Robbery near the 3900 Block of the Whiteville Road. After a positive identification was made Deputies and the wanted subject ensued in a foot pursuit.

 

Shortly after, Deville was located inside the culvert of a ditch. He was ordered by Deputies on scene to exit the culvert in which he complied. Deville was peacefully detained and transported to the Evangeline Parish Jail where he was charged with Aggravated Battery of a Police Officer and Resisting an Officer.

 

Since then Deville has made bail, and was transferred to Lafayette to face charges of 2nd Degree Robbery.

 

 

 

Louisiana Cotton Festival Schedule

64th Louisiana Cotton Festival Schedule:

Tuesday, October 10, 2017
5:00 pm-- Doors open for live music & dancing then Contradanse & Crowning of Le Roi et La Reine of the local nursing home at 6:30pm, North Side Civic Center
(Admission: $5.00 for Adults and $2.00 for Children 5 years and under)

Wednesday, October 11, 2017
3:30 pm-- 4-H Cotton Food Fest, North Side Civic Center (judging begins at 4:00pm)

4:00 pm-- 4-H Cotton Pickin’ Pet Show, North Side
Civic Center Pavilion

5:00 pm--Family Night at the Carnival
(Admission to fairgrounds is FREE)
5:00 pm to 10:00 pm -- Bracelet hours at Carnival

Thursday, October 12, 2017
5:00 pm-- Family Night at the Carnival
(Admission to fairgrounds is FREE)
5:00 pm to 10:00 pm -- Bracelet hours at Carnival

Friday, October 13, 2017
Admission all day into fairgrounds
Adults & children 13yrs & over=$6.00
$2.00 for Children 12yrs to 6 yrs. old
5 yrs. and under =FREE

1:00 pm-- Carnival opens

1:00 to 5:00 pm-- Bracelet hours at Carnival

6:00 to 12 Midnight – ‘ Fais-Do-D0’ - Street Dance

6:00 to 7:45 pm – Travis Matte and the Kingpins

8:00 to 9: 45pm – Keith Frank and The Soileau Zydeco Band

10:00 to 12 Midnight – Category 6
Saturday, October 14, 2017
10:00 – 10:30 am – Contestants and Visiting Queens arrive

11:00 am – Contestant interviews (private event)

1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Royal Reception (private invite)

1:00 pm – Family Day at the Carnival
(Admission to fairgrounds is FREE)
1:00 pm to 5:00 pm -- Bracelet hours at Carnival

5:30 pm -- Cotton Coronation - Crowning of King & Queen Cotton (Admission to Coronation- $5.00 for adults and children)

Sunday, October 15, 2017
8:30 am—Cotton Harvest Mass-Our Lady Queen of All Saints in Ville Platte 1220 West Dardeau Street

12:00 pm—“Grand Parade of Cotton”, Main Street running West to East

1:00 pm – Family Day at the Carnival
(Admission to fairgrounds is FREE)
1:00 – 5:00 pm – Bracelet hours at Carnival
3:00 pm—Running of the Tournoi-Industrial Park

6:00 pm— Cotton Festival 2017 Closes!

Cotton Fair is Gold Star Amusements

All Cotton Festival events are held at the North Side Civic Center –704 N. Soileau Street

 

Library Book Fest brought large crowds to Ville Platte today

 

     Crowds of people, young and old, attended the 2017 Evangeline Parish Library book Fest Saturday to buy used books at incredible low prices,  visit with book authors , shop for arts and crafts and enjoy a tasty meal.

     The weather cooperated with cloudy skies that kept temperatures from getting too warm for those visiting the various booths in the front and in the courtyard. Book lovers were picking up their favorite books as low as ten cents. The book sale had over a thousand used books and was a major fund raiser for the Friends of the Library.

     Some 14 authors showed off their books to passers -by while children enjoyed face painting and a petting zoo. People enjoyed delicious foods like jambalaya, BBQ sandwiches and BBQ boudin.

    A special presentation was made to Ville Platte Mayor Jennifer Vidrine by Library Director Mary Foster-Galosso. Mayor Vidrine recently retired after serving many years as a member of the Library board.

   KVPI FM 92.5 was there covering the event with a live remote during the morning.

Low turnout for Early Voting in Evangeline Parish

    Turnout has been low for early voting in Evangeline Parish where there are no local races or local issues to generate interest among voters. Registrar of Voters Lucas Buller announced 149 voters have voted so far through Thursday for the October 14 election for State Treasurer and to decide the fate of three constitutional amendments. Here is the breakdown: 22 voted Saturday, 26 voted Monday and again on Tuesday,  38 people voted Wednesday and 37 people voted Thursday. The early voting is going on today through Saturday at the Registrar of Voters office in the courthouse.

Ville Platte Police Searching for Suspect

 

Ville Platte Police Chief Neal Lartigue reports police are searching  for a suspect in stabbing incident.

On September 29, 2017 at approximately 8:45 p.m. Officers with the Ville Platte Police Department responded to Mercy Regional Hospital in reference to a stabbing.  Upon arrival Officers made contact with the victim who stated that as he was attempting to break up a fight between two male subjects, one of the male subjects swung and hit him in the neck area.  The victim stated that he then realized the suspect had a knife and he had been stabbed in the neck.  Officers notified Detectives and turned the incident over to them for investigation. 

 

Officers obtained the suspects information and an arrest warrant was issued for Sandress Calvin, 32 of 1214 Martin Luther King Drive, Ville Platte charge of aggravated battery. 

Chief Lartigue is asking anyone who knows the whereabouts of Sandress Calvin to contact the Ville Platte Police Department by calling 363-1313.  Your call will remain anonymous

Evangeline Parish Student Enrollment Shows Increase

 

        Evangeline Parish public school student enrollment showed an increase in the final enrollments on October 2 according to Superintendent of Schools Darwan Lazard. The school superintendent told members of the school board Wednesday that there are 6001 students enrolled in parish schools  as compared to the earlier count of 5985 students.  Mamou High is the largest school with 818 students followed closely by Ville Platte High with 806. Bayou Chicot is the largest elementary school with 736 students.

       In other business, Lazard said he attended a meeting with school leaders and public officials to learn more about the new accountability program. He said most leaders are upset over the proposed changes. The current means of testing students are showing 43 percent of all schools in the state are rated with an “A” or “B” grade. In fact, 10 of the 11 schools in Evangeline Parish this past year were either ranked A or B. It was predicted that once the new accountability program kicks in, 45 percent of all schools in the state will drop to a “D” grade. The public will become upset with the drop in grades because they will not understand that the state is using a different instrument or a different form of evaluation to arrive at the grade.

      It was also announced at Wednesday’s meeting that the newly constructed Teacher Training and Technology building is substantially complete located next to the school board building on Tee Mamou road. The building will begin to be staffed today. The superintendent announced that a grand opening is planned in the near future for the general public to come and tour the new facility.

       In other action, the school board:

--approved the price quote of Joey West construction of $9,900 to make repairs to the Pine Prairie High stadium bleachers;

--approved payment of $80,945 for payment to Pat Williams construction for a new multipurpose building at W.W. Stewart Elementary in Basile.

Cotton Festival Schedule Announced at Rotary Club Meeting

    The Ville Platte Rotary Club today (Tuesday) heard from Pat Derousselle, President of the Louisiana Cotton Festival Association. Next week’s festival will be the 64th annual festival. He announced that since the beginning of the year, 14 festivals have folded due to either lack of funding or participation. “I am happy to say, Cotton is still here and we plan to be here for a long time to come,” said Derouselle. He noted that Goldstar Amusements, that bring sits carnival to the festival each year has recently won a national award for safety for its riders.

   Derousselle announced that this year’s festival royalty includes: King Cotton- Lt. Governor Billy Nungessor; Col. Cotton-State Representative Bernard LeBas and Parade Marshal-Janie Knighten. The festival begins Tuesday Oct. 10 with the Contredanse and the crowning of the King and Queen of Heritage Manor Nursing home at the Civic Center; 4-H Cooking contest and Pet Show Wednesday Oct. 11 at the Civic Center and pavilion. The carnival rides open Wednesday. On Friday night, the street dance includes Travis Matte, Keith Frank and Category Six; On Saturday , the coronation of the Cotton Festival Queen 65 at 5:30pm; On Sunday Oct. 15, the day begins with the Cotton Festival Mass at Our Lady Queen of All Saints at 8:30am; the Grand Parade of Cotton  at 12 noon and the running of the tournoi at the Industrial Park at 2:00pm. He was the special guest of Rotarian Bill Brunet.

  Club President Wayne Vidrine announced the newest club member to join the group: Maggie Eaves. It was also announced that the next club social is scheduled for October 24.

Bras on the Bayou fund raiser held at Steamboat last night

     October begins Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and on Monday, October 2nd, Bras on the Bayou celebrated their fourth year of fundraising. The event was held at the Steam Boat restaurant, in Washington. Within days of advertising, tickets were all sold out, but KVPI was lucky enough to grab a ticket. The night's festivities included door prizes, a dance off, a bra decorating contest, fine dining, inspiring stories, and fireworks to close out. The bra decorating competition and the parade of bras, modeled by men, raised $629.00 for cancer research. The winner of the bra decorating contest was crowned "Queen Ta Ta" and the inspiring design was "Take care of your pumpkins". Bras on the Bayou, and it's hard working volunteers, want to thank everyone who helped make this year's fundraiser a success

Evangeline Parish Police Jury Discusses Industrial Park

 

      Ville Platte Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Camille Fontenot addressed the Evangeline Parish Police Jury Monday to show her concerns over the Industrial Park and the lack of jobs in our parish. She said “Evangeline Parish is dying for the lack of jobs and industry”. She noted the industrial Park is 40 years old and said the tall grass at some of the sites is not appealing for potential industrial clients. She proposed to the police jury to engage the services of an architect from Baton Rouge to prepare a master plan for the industrial park and secondly find the funds to construct a waste water plant to treat the industrial waste from the park. Funds are available through the State Department of Economic Development from Cleco for areas serviced by Cleco.

      Former District Attorney Brent Coreil also complained about some of the park sites such as the deserted National Guard armory site where the grass is not being cut and the windows are broken. He said we need to rejuvenate our site to make it presentable for future industries.

      The jury approved a motion to our local legislative delegation to inquire in to the possible funding sources and if the parish is eligible to be granted some of these funds through the Department of Economic Development.

      State Representative Bernard LeBas told the jury that he confirmed that Cleco has set aside $7 million dollars for economic development through the state for areas served by Cleco.

      Dr. William “ToJo” Ward, Chairman of the Evangeline Parish Industrial Board, was more upbeat. “Our Industrial Park is industry ready and we will eventually land an industry tenant. Industries like Cameron, Cabot are truly blessings to our parish.”

      In other business, Ville Platte Mayor Jennifer Vidrine asked for the parish’s help in cleaning out drainage canals and laterals to help reduce flooding problems in the city.

      Jurors explained to the mayor that the parish does not have tax funds to help pay for the cost of using equipment and labor inside the city. They can legally go help out the city but the parish will have to charge the city for the work done.

      Mayor Jennifer Vidrine said the city does not have the large heavy equipment to do the work that needs to be done so she wanted the parish to step In under a cooperative endeavor agreement at no cost to the city.

      Jurors explained to the mayor that the jury can handle the drainage work of the city canals but going into road side ditches is another matter all together. The jury agreed to help with the city canals but it may take up to a year for the work to be done.

     In other action:

--advertised to lease new equipment like a limb cutter, track hoe and a mini-excavator;

--received news that the police jury was dismissed from any liability in the long running U.S. Justice Department investigation against the sheriff’s office and city police over the use of investigative holds used against suspects;

--re-appointed  Bryan Bieber to the Prairie Mamou Drainage Board and Nat Thomas and Lyn Gooden to the 9-1-1 Board; and appointed Hilda Thomas to the Evangeline Council on Aging;

-- heard from Secretary Treasurer Donald Bergeron announce that the jury is still reviewing and studying the possibility of leasing Crooked Creek Park to private groups. He said no decisions will be reached until sometime next year.

Archives:

2024-03 | 2024-02 | 2024-01 | 2023-11 | 2023-10 | 2023-09 | 2023-08 | 2023-07 | 2023-06 | 2023-05 | 2023-04 | 2023-03 | 2023-02 | 2023-01 | 2022-12 | 2022-11 | 2022-10 | 2022-09 | 2022-08 | 2022-07 | 2022-06 | 2022-05 | 2022-04 | 2022-03 | 2022-02 | 2022-01 | 2021-12 | 2021-11 | 2021-10 | 2021-09 | 2021-08 | 2021-07 | 2021-06 | 2021-05 | 2021-04 | 2021-03 | 2021-02 | 2021-01 | 2020-12 | 2020-11 | 2020-10 | 2020-09 | 2020-08 | 2020-07 | 2020-06 | 2020-05 | 2020-04 | 2020-03 | 2020-02 | 2020-01 | 2019-12 | 2019-11 | 2019-10 | 2019-09 | 2019-08 | 2019-07 | 2019-06 | 2019-05 | 2019-04 | 2019-03 | 2019-02 | 2019-01 | 2018-12 | 2018-11 | 2018-10 | 2018-09 | 2018-08 | 2018-07 | 2018-06 | 2018-05 | 2018-04 | 2018-03 | 2018-02 | 2018-01 | 2017-12 | 2017-11 | 2017-10 | 2017-09 | 2017-08 | 2017-07 | 2017-06 | 2017-05 | 2017-04 | 2017-03 | 2017-02 | 2017-01 | 2016-12 | 2016-11 | 2016-10 | 2016-09 | 2016-08 | 2016-07 | 2016-06 | 2016-05 | 2016-04 | 2016-03 | 2016-02 | 2016-01 | 2015-12 | 2015-11 | 2015-10 | 2015-09 | 2015-08 | 2015-07 | 2015-06 | 2015-05 | 2015-04 | 2015-03 | 2015-02 | 2015-01 | 2014-12 | 2014-11 | 2014-10 | 2014-09 | 2014-08 | 2014-07 | 2014-06 | 2014-05 | 2014-04 | 2014-03 | 2014-02 | 2014-01 | 2013-12 | 2013-11 | 2013-10 | 2013-09 | 2013-08 | 2013-07 | 2013-06 | 2013-05 | 2013-04 | 2013-03 | 2013-02 | 2013-01 | 2012-12 | 2012-11 | 2012-10 | 2012-09 | 2012-08 | 2012-07 | 2012-06 | 2012-05 | 2012-04 | 2012-03 | 2012-02 | 2012-01 | 2011-12 | 2011-11 | 2011-10 | 2011-09 | 2011-08 | 2011-07 | 2011-06 | 2011-05 | 2011-04

KVPI Video Of the Week

Visitor Poll

What is your favorite music genre?
Add a Comment
(Fields are Optional)

Your email address is never published.

Weather

 

 

Facebook

KVPI AM and FM are

proud members of the L.A.B.

KVPI is a member of the

LSU Sports Radio Network

Proud supporter of our own

Swamp Pop music

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

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

Admission charge is $3 adults,

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

Northwest Railroad Avenue.