Driver Arrested in Crash that Kills Pedestrian and Injures Another Evangeline Parish – Shortly after 2:30 am on September 29, 2018, Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop I began investigating a crash involving two pedestrians that resulted in a fatality on LA Hwy 3149 near Parrott Lane in Evangeline Parish. The crash took the life of 24-year-old Michael Fontenot of St. Landry and injured 20-year-old Bo Darbonne of Mamou. The initial investigation by State Police revealed that the crash occurred as Fontenot and Darbonne were walking northbound near LA Hwy 3149. At the same time, 28-year-old Marla Rushing of Ville Platte was traveling north on LA 3149 in a 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 pick-up truck. For reasons still under investigation, Rushing's vehicle struck Darbonne who was standing near the roadway. Rushing continued a short distance and then struck Fontenot, who was standing in the northbound lane. Both pedestrians were transported to Savoy Medical Center in Mamou. Darbonne suffered moderate injuries and Fontenot was pronounced dead at the hospital. Rushing was properly restrained and was not injured. Troopers suspected alcohol as a factor for Rushing, and she submitted to a chemical test which revealed her blood alcohol concentration was 0.144g%. She was arrested and booked into Evangeline Parish jail Vehicular homicide, Vehicular negligent injuring, Operating a vehicle with a suspended license, Expired motor vehicle inspection, and an outstanding warrant out of Lafayette Parish. This crash remains under investigation. Troopers would like to stress that crashes involving pedestrians can often be avoided by following some basic safety guidelines. Pedestrians should wear light-colored or reflective clothing and should always avoid walking on the roadway in dark areas. Pedestrians must also assume that approaching motorists cannot see them, especially at night. Troopers also wish to remind motorists that impaired driving continues to be a major problem throughout Louisiana. Whether impaired through alcohol, drugs, or a combination of the two, the consequences of driving while impaired remain the same.

Evangeline Parish – Shortly after 4:30 am on September 26, 2018, Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop I began investigating a crash involving a pedestrian that resulted in a fatality on LA Hwy 106 at LA 3042 in Evangeline Parish. The crash took the life of 44-year-old Danny Chambliss of St. Landry. The initial investigation by State Police revealed that the crash occurred as Chambliss was walking across LA 106. For reasons still under investigation, Chambliss walked into the path of an eastbound 2005 Ford Ranger driven by 19-year-old Landon Fontenot of Ville Platte. Chambliss was struck by Fontenot's vehicle in the eastbound lane of LA 106. Chambliss sustained fatal injuries a result of the crash and was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Evangeline Parish Coroner's Office. Fontenot was properly restrained and was not injured. Impairment is not suspected, but routine toxicology tests are pending. This crash remains under investigation. Crashes involving pedestrians can often be avoided by following some basic safety guidelines. Troopers urge pedestrians to maintain a heightened level of awareness while walking near the roadway. Pedestrians must also assume that approaching motorists cannot see them, especially at night. Simple precautions such as wearing reflective materials, avoiding distractions, and walking a safe distance from travel lanes while facing oncoming traffic could help prevent many pedestrian related crashes.

The Rotary Club of Ville Platte today (Tuesday) heard from Jennifer Martin, Director of Development for the Shriners Hospital for Children in Shreveport. Martin offered a video presentation of the history and services of Shriners Hospital in Shreveport. The hospital is the first Shriners hospital in the nation officially opening in 1922. The hospital system has expanded into 22 specialty hospitals throughout the country, Canada and Mexico. The Shriners provides+ specialized care for children with orthopedic conditions, cleft lip and palate, orthopedic injuries and sports medicine conditions. Care has been provided to over 95,000 children regardless of the families' ability to pay. She gave an example on the costs associated with some of the medical procedures: orthopedic surgery $37,584 and spine surgery $127,334. It costs about $19 million dollars to run the hospital system. Shriners operate the system through endowments and donations. She was the guest of Rotarian Renee Brown. Maggie Ortego introduced her to the club. Rotary Club members were urged to make plans to attend the annual Club Fall Social on October 23.

Ville Platte Police Chief Neal Lartigue and the Ville Platte Police Department recently held a school supply drive. School supplies were collected to assist teachers in providing supplies for elementary students throughout the school year. Teachers purchase many supplies themselves so that all of the children have access and supplies for learning. The goal was to help by providing some of the much needed supplies in our elementary schools. Donations came from helpful citizens as well as the employees of Cameron, Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter #632 (President JD Soileau pictured), Investar Bank (Branch Manager Rhonda Marcantel pictured). Supplies were brought to Ville Platte Elementary, James Stephens Montessori and Sacred Heart Elementary. Chief Lartigue stated, "We enjoy promoting education and helping when we can. This school supply drive was just one way to show our support for children's education and the teachers who strive so hard to teach with limited resources."

Ville Platte Couple Receives Philanthropist of the Year Honor Lafayette, LA – Mary Alice and Leonard Fontenot are the recipient of the 2018 Leaders In Philanthropy Award for Evangeline Parish, an honor presented by Community Foundation of Acadiana (CFA) and Hancock Whitney Bank, and sponsored by CLECO. The Fontenots will be recognized during an awards luncheon on Thursday, November 15 at the Cajundome Convention Center in Lafayette. Seats and tables to the event can be purchased online at www.cfacadiana.org/lip. The couple has served their community all of their lives with time, talent, and generous contributions. They pray that their love for the community encourages others to give of themselves. Mary's past activities have included choir, both singing and playing the organ, and lector. Leonard has served on the church council, performed Eucharistic minister duties and lector duties, and presently brings communion to the homebound. He is a member of the Eunice Players Theater and a member of the Manship Theater. Leonard is the former Vicar Coordinator for the Bishops Services Appeal and a member and advisor for Central Louisiana Community Foundation. Currently, he is active in Our Lady of the Oaks Retreat House recruiting, managing the Seminary Fund for K of C Council 1754, seeking support for the Rotary Foundation, and is a member of the Cabot Community Advisory Panel. Leonard is proud to have recently begun serving on the Evangeline Parish Foundation, an organization he is most proud to serve. "The Foundation itself will only give to the community," said Leonard. "This parish is in need of help and we have a diverse group of members that can cater to a diverse group of needs." The Fontenots have donated generously in several areas of the community such as Sacred Heart Church of Ville Platte, Catholic Diocese of Lafayette, Sacred Heart School Foundation, the Rotary Foundation, The Evangeline Parish Foundation, and the Ville Platte Rotary Club. They have both been a source of generosity in the community and have been active in clubs and organizations, have served on numerous boards. They are currently supporting members of two theater groups and the Community Foundation of Central Louisiana. "God has blessed us and we need to return those blessings by helping others," said Mary. Leonard is a retired CLECO employee while Mary is a retired science school teacher. They have been active members in both Catholic churches in Ville Platte and currently attend Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Leaders in Philanthropy Awards are presented annually to outstanding individuals or couples from each of the eight parishes of CFA's primary service area who have made a philanthropic impact in their communities through substantial charitable contributions to or by attracting substantial contributions for nonprofits, churches or schools. "Our annual Leaders in Philanthropy Awards Luncheon is an appropriate way to recognize those who have contributed so much to our communities through charitable giving or philanthropic work," said Raymond J. Hébert, CFA President and CEO. "We appreciate the community's help in identifying worthy recipients through this nominations process."

EVANGELINE PARISH SCHOOL BOARD MEETING Wednesday, September 19, 2018 The Evangeline Parish School Board at their meeting Wednesday adopted changes to the Pupil Progression Plan for the 2018-2019 school year. Under the old plan, students needed a minimum of 800 points per nine-weeks period, per subject in each course. A minimum of 800 possible points, of which 400 points must come from 100 point summative test. In the new plan, students need a minimum of 600 points per nine-weeks period, per subject in each course. A minimum of 600 possible point, of which 400 points must come from 100 point summative test and 2 of which must be writing assignments or task using the state's rubric. During the meeting, Mamou High School, W.W. Stewart, and Mamou Elementary were recognized for improvement in growth to mastery score for students with disabilities. Mamou High increased by 5.8 points. W.W. Stewart increased by 4.2 points. Mamou Elementary increased by 33.6 points. Ville Platte High School, Mamou High School, and Basile High School received ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) certificates for military exams for juniors and seniors. Pine Prairie will receive a certificate on October 24th. Superintendent Darwin Lazard said projects at Basile High School and W.W. Stewart are coming to an end, and work is progressing at Mamou High School. He also announced that there will be a Trail Blazer workshop in Baton Rouge Monday, Oct. 8th in Baton, sponsored by the Louisiana School Board Association. Also, the School Board got good news about their sales tax revenues , CFO Amy LaFleur said of the taxes coming in, "We're off to a very good start this year." She said they are ahead by $57,533.02 over the same time last year. In other business: • The board approved funds for the program My Virtual Reaching Coach to be used district wide. • The board approved renewal of the general liability insurance, automobile liability and physical damage insurance, and cyber liability insurance; • State contract for $14,125 for touch screen chromebooks and chrome cart for Evangeline Central • $31,668.80 for English and Language Arts curriculum for kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grades for Ville Platte Elementary • $10,060.30 for school supply stock ; • Approved payment for improvements to Basile High School • Approved payment for athletic track resurfacing at Basile High School

The Ville Platte Rotary Club today (Tuesday) heard from new Mercy Regional Medical Center CEO Calvin Green. Green was former administrator at a medical facility in Many and has been a hospital administrator for 35 years. The new company that purchased the hospitals in Ville Platte and Eunice from Lifepoint is Allegiance Health based in Shreveport. The two owners are former residents of Oakdale and Avoyelles Parish and own 10 rural hospitals throughout Louisiana. The medical group also owns medical facilities in Many, Arcadia, Lessville nd Winnfield. Green said he is impressed with the staff at Mercy Regional in Ville Platte. His primary goal is to keep four groups of people happy and content: patients and their families, the 350- employees of the hospital, the physicians and medical staff and the community at large. He is proud to announce that a physician will be locating here soon: Dr. Ellis Landreneau, a pediatrician who will move back home and open his practice in October along with his wife, a physician assistant. Also, his staff is actively recruiting another former resident to move back home: Dr. Noah Miller, who specializes in Family Medicine who will complete is residency in another year. Green said he wants to take a more active presence in the community on behalf of Mercy Regional Medical Center. In other Rotary News: - The Fall Rotary Social is planned for October 23 at Dr. Jerry Veillon's camp; - A public hearing will be held October 18 in Lafayette by the the state Department of Transportation to get public comment on highway priorities. It was suggested to have a large group of citizens to attend to voice support for the four laning of US 167 from Ville Platte to Nuba;

TOURNOI QUALIFYING SEPTEMBER 16, 2018 Seven additional riders qualified today (Sunday) to compete with the top ten riders from last year for the running of the Tournoi Sunday October 14. Steve "Buffy" Guillory told KVPI News that it was hot but fortunately no riders and their horses were injured in the competition. The seven that qualified are: Austin Trahan, Bryan Fontenot, Chuck Manuel, Cheyenne Crane, Cody Guillory, Bryce Johnson and Shane Trahan. We have both Father-son and a Mother-daughter teams. Shane is the son of Austin Trahan. Cheyenne is the daughter of Rider Lisa Crane who finished #7 last year and will be competing again this year. The seven new riders will compete with last year's Top Ten: 2017 Champ Eric Guillory, Marcus Guillory, Ryan Haller, Kent Saucier, Alex Haller, Keith Saucier, Lisa Crane, John Ross, Paul Fontenot and Shane Lee. The Tournoi will be run at the Ward One Industrial Park at 2;00pm Sunday October 14 following the Grand Parade of Cotton. The Tournoi riders will be riding in the parade. KVPI will be covering the entire tournoi for those who cannot attend in person will be able to hear it on 92.5 KVPI FM. The 2018 Tournoi will be run in honor of Gerald Fontenot, a 25 year veteran of the Tournoi. He was the 1967 Tournoi Champ, Fastest Time award in 1962 and he received the Sportsmanship award in 1968. In 1987, he received a plaque of appreciation for his years of service to the Tournoi. The new Tournoi royalty will be attending the Tournoi: Miss 2018 La Tournoi is Taylor Grace Perrodin, the daughter of Brandy and Shannon Joubert and Rory Perrodin. She is a student at Pine Prairie High. The new Teen Tournoi Queen is Riana Perrodin, the daughter of Clarissa Daigle and Dustin Perrodin. She is a student of Pine Prairie High School. Retired Tournoi riders will keep score and time. Also assisting with the scores will be Past Champion and Tournoi rider Winston Guillory.

The Evangeline Chamber of Commerce conducted a workshop geared to help local and area small businesses start a new business or to help grow their business. Chamber Director Renee Brown conducted the meeting and Chamber President Luke Deville welcomed a number of businesses who attended the Thursday after meeting. Among the guest speakers who spoke to the group included: Seth Norris, C.P.A., who spoke about new tax changes impacting businesses; Destin Ortego with the Opportunity machine who talked about his services to help entrepreneurs and start up businesses get the training they need; Heidi Melancon with the U.L. Small Business Development Center and Larry Dents Jr. with TruFund who discussed finances for new businesses. Those in attendance had a roundtable discussion and survey to decide on topics for future workshops such as marketing and using social media. The group also discussed planning a chamber sponsored "Shop Local Christmas kickoff" promotion. Maggie Eades is the chairperson of the promotion. Chamber members will be polled to decide on a date in November for the kickoff date.

Ville Platte Police Chief Neal Lartigue reports the arrest of two. On Monday September 10, 2018 at approximately 7:45 p.m. Ville Platte Police Officers responded to a report of Shots fired in the area of Edward Knotoe Thomas Street. Upon arrival Officers learned one individual was walking on the street and a second individual was in a car at the intersection of Edward Knotoe Thomas Street and South Soileau Street. It is also reported that a black female and a one year old child were also in the car at the time of the incident. Each of the two suspects fired a weapon and multiple bullet holes were found in the vehicle. No one was injured during the exchange. After further investigation two arrests were made. On Tuesday September 11, 2018 Officers and Detectives located one of the suspects who fled the area and was captured after a short foot pursuit from Young Street to South Soileau. Once Officers captured and searched the suspect they located a handgun in the front pocket of the suspect. The 16 year old black male was arrested and charged with three counts of attempted first degree murder, one count of possession of a firearm by a juvenile and one count of resisting an officer. The juvenile remains in the custody at this time. On Wednesday September 12, 2018 Dequandray Thomas, 20 of 806 North Latour, apartment 52, Ville Platte was arrested and charged with one count of attempted second degree murder. Thomas was transferred to the Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Office Jail and remains incarcerated on a $100,000.00 bond. Chief Neal Lartigue reminds everyone to report illegal activity immediately by calling 363-1313. Your call will remain anonymous.

The owners of the new Whistle Stop business Tuesday addressed the Mayor and City Council to clarify their intention with their request to sell alcohol at their store. They originally checked the wrong box on the permit, which would have allowed them to sell alcohol and have it consumed on the premises, as is done for restaurants. The Whistle Stop said that was a mistake, and that they only want to sell packaged alcohol that cannot be consumed at the site. The ARC and city council requested that the Whistle Stop provide security, discourage loitering, and provide signage to discourage customers from parking at the ARC. Concern was also given for the citizens who are sometimes in residence at the ARC. The Whistle Stop owners were eager to oblige and said they plan on being very considerate. The council approved the Whistle Stop's permit to sell packaged alcohol. The Ville Platte Fire Chief, Chris Harrison, said the city received 39 calls, and there were no fatalities. City Engineer, Ronnie Landreneau, reminded the council about the proposed L-GAP funds, which the city wants to use for a new Ville Platte welcome sign near Tobacco Plus. Mayor Vidrine said the idea is to have a wall with flags, a fountain, lights, and a motto. The city will later take suggestions from the public as to what type of motto to put on the wall. In other action, a Ville Platte resident approached the council to ask what can be done about the city's drainage problems. The same citizen approached the Evangeline Parish Police Jury the night before, where he was told by the jury that they want to help by providing their equipment and labor, but that the city would have to reimburse them. Councilman Bryant Riggs seemed to take issue with the police jury, saying there's a difference between helping someone and charging them. He said it's a money issue and went on to say some people think the city doesn't have enough money for projects because they hear about council members getting raises, but he said that's a small amount compared to civil lawsuits. He said, "Our money is being spent on civil lawsuits." Councilman Mike Perron agreed with the citizen that something needs to be done about the drainage issue. Mayor Vidrine said 16 more properties have been cleaned up or demolished since the last city council meeting. She and City Attorney Eric LaFleur spoke about revamping communications between city departments. They said the new system will be web-based and state-of-the-art. Mayor Vidrine also announced, with much glee, that the McDonald's driveway is fixed, and DOTD are working on the entrance to Popeye's. In other action, the council approved alcohol permits for the following: Mark's Corner & Drive Thru Hebert's Boudin & Cracklin's, LLC Cheap & Best, LLC The Louisiana Cotton Festival Mayor Vidrine wore a Sacred Heart Trojans jersey because she said she lost a bet when her alma mater, Ville Platte High, lost to the Trojans in the Tee Cotton Bowl. However, she said she was very proud of both teams. In other business, Mayor Jennifer Vidrine read the expenditure report. Total expenses for the month of July, 2018, was $189,011.05 Total for the month of August was $208,903.51. Additional expenses were at the end of the quarter. Some expenses were paid to Acadian Ambulance to transport inmates, and two pump stations unexpectedly broke and needed repairs. The council renewed their sponsorship of Evangeline Council on Aging Public Transit. The council approved the hiring of 4 new people to the Ville Platte Police Department: a dispatcher and three parol officers.

The Ville Platte Rotary Club today (Tuesday) heard from Michelle Bergeron, development director at The Refinery, formerly "Lighthouse Mission" of Opelousas. Bergeron shared a video presentation of the newly constructed men's shelter on South Street in Opelousas. The facility can house up to 64 men who are homeless, who have no families, just out of prison or rehab and have no place to start over. Bergeron said the home gives men their dignity back, gives them a second chance by feeding, housing and clothing them, educating and helping them find employment. The home is a regimented faith based program where most residents satay an average of 9 months before getting on their own. Funding comes from private sources and public grants. Bergeron was the special guest of Rotarian Nicole Wenger. It was also announced that the Christian and Care Center is running short on food. Care and Share officials are asking for your generosity in making a food donation, monetary donations and donations of frozen food or wildgame. The center has a freezer to store the frozen food. The center helps the poor and needy in the Ville Platte area.

EPSO Inmate Attempts Suicide Sheriff Eddie Soileau, of the Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Office has released the following: At 0820 hours on Wednesday August 29, 2018 an inmate in Cell #1 of the Evangeline Parish Jail shook the cell gates to gain the attention of Jailors on Duty. The inmate advised the Jailors of another inmate attempting suicide. Once inside Assistant Warden Sylvester Bradley and Deputy Jailor Barry Giglio discovered a white male inside the Cell hanging from the A/C vent by the use of a ripped towel applied around his neck. Deputy Giglio's extensive training allowed him to react and respond quickly without hesitation. He immediately grabbed the white male inmate from around his waist, slightly lifted him up, and then directed Assistant Warden Bradley to cut the towel from the A/C vent. Deputy Jailor Giglio immediately laid the white male across a nearby bunk and began to administer Chest compression which caused the white male to begin breathing again. Acadian Ambulance arrived and transported inmate to Mercy Regional Hospital for further medical evaluation and treatment.

The Evangeline Parish School Board met Wednesday, September 05, 2018. During the meeting, CFO Amy LaFleur discussed the budget, which included the general fund, parish-wide maintenance, Basile maintenance, and the Basile High School athletic fund. The ending fund balance for the 2017-2018 school year is $13,005,388.54 (13 million, 5 thousand, 388 dollars and 54 cents). LaFleur said, "We closed with a good year." The board approved the proposed general fund budget for the 2018-2019 school year at $7,755,802.48 (7 million, 7 hundred 55 thousand, 8 hundred 2 dollars and 48 cents). Superintendent Darwan Lazard thanked LaFleur for a job well-done, year after year. Lazard said he toured 10 of the 12 schools around the parish and said the new track at the Basile High School "is truly a marvel." The Mamou High School gym floor is under construction, and the school is selling cutouts of the old gym floor. Construction should be finished by October. Lazard said the police brought drug-sniffing dogs to the schools, and there were no reports of drugs found. Hubert Mabe with First Student said buses ran smoothly for the first week of school, and they are committed to the safety of the students. The board approved the following: The Child Nutrition Program plans to advertise for bids for large food service equipment and to advertise to receive bids for a cafeteria redesign at Mamou High School and Ville Platte High School. Accept the low price quote for new auditorium seating at Mamou High School using the parish-wide maintenance fund. Agreed to spend $15,511.92 for smart panels for four new classrooms at W.W. Stewart Elementary School. In new business, the board approved the following: $17,145.40 for new IPads for teachers to access online curriculum. $11,395.00 for Chromebooks and cart for Pine Prairie High School Kindergarten classrooms.

Rotary Club Gets Emergency Medical Info September 4, 2018 The Rotary Club of Ville Platte today (Tuesday) heard from Karen Buroker, a registered nurse and Region Four Emergency Response Coordinator for the Acadiana Region. With Tropical Storm Gordon preparing to strike the Gulf coast tonight, Buroker shared with Rotary Club Members tips and advice to prepare for a storm. She shared special preparedness guides issued by the state. She urged residents to go online to get a game plane.org for lots of useful information. She urged families should prepare an emergency supply checklist that includes food, personal items, clothing and bedding, papers and valuables, safety supplies, prescriptions and medicines, first aid supplies and cooking equipment. She also urged that your plans should include a plan for your pets while you may be gone for several days. Karen was the special guest of Rotarian Bob Buroker. In other business, Club President Richard LeJeune announced that the club will prepare special Christmas baskets for ten needy families for the holidays. He is asking club members to turn in names for review.

Ville Platte Police Chief Neal Lartigue reports a juvenile arrest. On August 30, 2018 at approximately 11:00 a.m. The Ville Platte Police Department Officers and Detectives responded to a report of a black male juvenile carrying a gun near Ville Platte High School. Ville Platte High School officials placed the school on lockdown and contacted the Ville Platte Police Department immediately. Officers and Detectives arrived in the area of high school drive and Cotton Street and began their investigation. Information obtained led them to a residence on High School Drive. Upon arrival the juvenile would not open the door and parents were contacted to return to the residence to gain entry. Once the parent arrived, entry was made and a fourteen year old black male juvenile was taken into custody. Inside the residence a 9 millimeter gun was located and was found to have been reported stolen from the Mamou area. The juvenile was charged with one count of illegal possession of a stolen firearm, one count of illegal possession of a handgun by a juvenile and one count of possession of a firearm in a school zone. Chief Lartigue stated that someone reporting what they saw provided Officers and Detectives with information that assisted them with removing a dangerous weapon from the streets of our city. Had this information not been reported in a timely manner, the outcome could have been much different. It is important for the community that suspicious activity gets reported quickly. To report suspicious or illegal activity please call the Ville Platte Police Department at 363-1313. Your call will remain anonymous.

Sheriff Eddie Soileau, of the Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Office has released the following: Home Burglary Reported on Friday Afternoon On Friday, August 24, 2018, there was a Burglary committed in the Tate Cove area of Evangeline Parish. The Burglary occurred on the 3000 block of Tate Cove Road at an unknown time. The suspects entered the residence through the home's French doors. While the suspect/s was inside the home they only canvassed the Master Bedroom. Other than jewelry only one firearm was taken (nickel plated silver Ruger SR9C 9mm pistol). Also taken from the residence were a female wedding ring and a male class ring. Both items are valued at approximately $800.00 individually. No suspect has been identified at this time. Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Office is asking that everyone remain Vigilant at all times and report any suspicious activity immediately to Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Office Investigations Division @ 337-363-2161, your local Law Enforcement Agency, or in an Emergency dial 9-1-1. All callers shall and will remain anonymous.