State Senator Heather Cloud was the guest speaker Tuesday at the Ville Platte Rotary Club meeting. Senator Cloud discussed the recent special session of the state legislature. She fought a measure that would have cost local and statewide businesses through a major increase in unemployment taxes. She said the bill was not publicized so many businesses and property owners were not aware how this bill would have put an additional 30 percent on the back end to each business taxes. Senator Cloud had authored an election integrity bill to help prevent fraud in mail ballots. However the bill was vetoed by Governor Edwards. However she said she is not giving up. She announced that broadband infrastructure will be a major issue in the next session of the legislature. She reported that funds will be available for improvements to US 167 from Turkey Creek to the parish line. Dawn Storms with the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry presented Senator Cloud a "Guardian of Small Business " award for her hard work in promoting and supporting small business in the state legislature including assisting banks and lending institutions to help local small businesses with the Paycheck Protection Program. Senator Cloud was the special guest of Rotarian Wayne Vidrine.

On Saturday, November 21, deputies with the Evangeline Parish Criminal Patrol Unit stopped a vehicle in the northern part of the parish on a traffic violation, according to Evangeline Parish Sheriff Charles R. Guillory. When deputies made contact with the driver, he showed signs of impairment and extreme nervousness. One of the three people in the vehicle admitted to having marijuana inside the vehicle. Authorities searched the three suspects and their vehicle. The following were arrested: Daniel Messer age 35 of Turkey Creek, charged with possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Schedule Three drugs, resisting an officer and a switched license plate. His bond is pending at this time; Rustin Ray Naquin age 38 of Mamou charged with possession of marijuana and arrested on two outstanding bench warrants. Bond is pending and Kristina Dawn Morris age 40 of Turkey Creek charged with possession of methamphetamine. Bond is pending. In another case, Sheriff Guillory told KVPI News that a Washington man was arrested by sheriff's deputies Saturday on drug and firearm charges. Deputies with the Evangeline Parish Sheriff Department Criminal Patrol Unit were on West Hickory when they noticed a vehicle commit a traffic violation. The vehicle stopped at the L&V store parking. The driver attempted to enter the store when deputies approached him. Deputies observed a piece of crack cocaine in plain view inside the vehicle. The suspect, Richard Martin Fontenot age 48 of Washington was arrested and charged with Failure to Yield, possession of crack cocaine, possession of synthetic marijuana, felon in possession of a firearm, driving under suspension, possession of drug paraphernalia and controlled dangerous substance in presence of a firearm. Bond is pending. Sheriff Guillory and the Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Office is always seeking information on criminal activity and urges the public to contact the investigation department at 337-363-2161.

Evangeline Parish Deputies make another drug bust November 21, 2020 Evangeline Parish Sheriff Charles R. Guillory announced that deputies on Thursday in the criminal patrol unit stopped a vehicle at the corner of Lincoln and North Chataignier in Ville Platte on a traffic violation. Deputies performed a search of the vehicle and seized two plastic bags of marijuana. The driver was identified as Raven Spencer Gallow age 35 of Pine Point Road, Ville Platte. He was charged with possession of 9.5 grams of marijuana. As always Sheriff Guillory and the sheriff's office is always seeking information on criminal activity and urges the public to contact their investigation department at 363-2161 or online at evangelineparishsheriff.org. Any persons reporting information will remain anonymous.

Sheriff's Office makes large drug bust November 20, 2020 Early Wednesday morning, November 18, the criminal patrol unit of the Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Department executed a search warrant at a residence at 601 North Coreil Street. Deputies made entry and detailed two suspects who were sleeping at the time. The deputies searched the residence and located a large amount of illegal narcotics and currency from drug sales. The following suspects were arrested: James Miller age 56 and Joana Lafleur age 66 both of 601 North Coreil Street. The following drugs were recovered and sized: 45 grams of marijuana, 32 hand rolled marijuana cigars, 763 tablets of ecstasy pills, 90 tablets of Gabapentin, 19 tablets of Vyvanse, 2 tablets of Phentermine, 10 tablets of Quetiapine, two containers with a white powdery substance with a total street value of $8900. Deputies recovered and seized over $17,800 in U.S. currency from the drug proceeds. Deputies also seized two vehicles that were purchased through drug sales. In a statement to the public, Sheriff Charles Guillory said "Since taking office on July 1, I have kept my word and commitment to clean Evangeline Parish of narcotics. We were able to secure a trained drug dog at no cost to the parish. We implemented a criminal patrol division. Since the inception of the criminal patrol division we have made a difference. Since July, the Sheriffs Department has made a total of 57 drug arrests including the following: possession of marijuana, possession of cocaine, possession of LSD and ecstasy, possession of methamphetamine and possession of heroin. We have seized and recovered several firearms with the narcotics. We have seized two vehicles as of now. We have also recovered over $19,000 in currency from the sale of illegal narcotics."

Evangeline Parish Schoolboard Meeting Wednesday, 18 November 2020 On Wednesday, November 18th, the Evangeline Parish Schoolboard welcomed three Evangeline Parish principals for a curricular and instructional update, focusing on distance learning in Evangeline Parish and the role of Wednesdays as planning days. The three principals were: Ville Platte's Katrina Ardoin representing elementary grades, Vidrine's Debby Soileau representing middle school, and Pine Prairie's Alice D. LeJeune representing high school. The overwhelming majority of teachers, students, and faculty fully embrace the benefits of Wednesdays as planning periods. Teachers have described the days as a "breath of fresh air," allowing them to slow down and thoroughly prepare the upcoming lessons without feeling rushed. The day also allows for one-on-one meetings with students who may be struggling in a particular area, particularly in Special Education students. Students' needs are identified and accommodated accordingly to provide the best learning opportunity during COVID-19 measures. For all students, Wednesdays are not simply a day off, but a day filled with planned lessons and homework to be completed before the next in-person school day. Teachers have also found that dedicated planning days are an opportunity for them to collaborate in person. In the past, doing so was nearly impossible due to schedules not aligning properly. Now, teachers find themselves able to work together without having to worry about making it back to class on time. Some board members expressed concerns about student and parent participation being compromised by virtual learning. The three principals, however, agreed that parent participation has improved over last year's and that students' learning experience this school year continues to evolve and is proving effective. Board member Peggy Forman agreed, stating that though the methods are not traditional, neither is the upcoming generation. Regarding COVID-19 concerns: Superintendent Lazard asks that everyone continue taking precautions and following safety guidelines. As of Wednesday's meeting, the only school that has gone completely virtual was Mamou High School. However, cases continue to increase, with Evangeline Parish currently over 10%. The school board and schools will continue monitoring the situation and adjust accordingly.

The Eunice High Booster Club radio auction took place at Nick's on Second in downtown Eunice last night. It was broadcast live on Classic Hits 92-5 KVPI from 6:00-10:00pm. From all indications, it was a big success. Thank you to everyone who bid on the items and to everyone who donated items. The auctioneers included Eunice Mayor Scott Fontenot and Eunice City Marshal Terry Darbonne. Special thanks to DJ Te Rob Soileau for providing the P.A. system speakers for the auction.

Swamp Pop Legend Van Broussard Dies November 17, 2020 KVPI News has learned from our music sources, that Swamp Pop music legend Van Broussard died today at age 83. Broussard has been playing Swamp Pop music for more than sixty years. He and his well known sister, Grace Broussard, had been attending the annual Swamp Pop reunion shows at the Ville Platte civic center for a number of years including earlier this year. One of his biggest hits was "Feed the Flame". KVPI FM 92.5 will do a special salute to his music all day on Friday along with playing back an interview we did several years ago.

Savoy Cancer Center Officials guests at Rotary Meeting November 17, 2020 Representatives of Savoy Cancer Center were the special guests at today's (Tuesday's) meeting of the Ville Platte Rotary Club. Danyette Cormier , clinical director, was the featured speaker. She said Savoy Cancer Center opened its door to patients in 2001 from support from Dr. Frank Savoy Jr. who envisioned a rural cancer center to serve local residents. The cancer center offers state of the art Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy services and is located next to Savoy Medical Center in Mamou. The providers include Dr. Paul Zhang, board certified medical oncologist and Jennifer Landry, Nurse Practitioner in Oncology and Dr. Lawrence Menache, in the Radiation Clinic. The guest speaker was the guest of Rotarian Larry Lachney. In other news, Renee Brown with the Evangeline Chamber of Commerce announced that the Chamber will have a special feature for shoppers shopping the Evangeline Christmas Holiday Open House this Friday and Saturday. There will be a horse and carriage that will pick up shoppers and give them a carriage ride through town Friday evening from 5-8pm and Saturday morning from 9-12 noon for $10 for adults

Evangeline Sheriff's Office make drug arrests November 17, 2020 Two Ville Platte men were arrested on drug charges last Monday November 9, according to Evangeline Parish Sheriff Charles Guillory. Sheriff's deputies observed a black Buick Roadmaster apparently run a stop sign on Beech street. The deputies activated their emergency lights in an attempt to stop the vehicle. The vehicle took of at a high rate of speed leading deputies on a short pursuit. Deputies observed the occupants could be seen throwing items out of the window. The vehicle was eventually stopped and the driver and passenger were detained. The suspects were identified as Cerderris Vondez Wilson age 20 at 617 North Fontenot , charged with possession of 30 Ecstasy Pills and Possession of marijuana. Bond is pending. Also arrested was Brent Hernandez Roberts age 29 of 307 South Chataignier, Ville Platte. He was charged with possession of marijuana and possession of 30 Ecstasy Pills. Bond is pending. Sheriff Charles Guillory and the Evangeline Parish Sheriff Office is always seeking information on criminal activity and urges the public to contact the investigation department at 337-363-2161.

Turkey Creek Police arrest couple on domestic abuse charges November 17, 2020 Turkey Creek Police Chief Shawn Eckhart reported the following arrests to KVPI News: On Saturday, Turkey Creek police received a complaint from a concerned citizen in connection to a female subject screaming and beating on the door of a local residence. During interviews with both subjects, police observed signs of a struggle and physical injuries about the face and body of both subjects. Jeremy Johnson age 38 of Turkey Creek and charged him with domestic abuse battery and Christian Mire age 32 of Turkey Creek was charged with domestic abuse batter and criminal damage to property. Both subjects were transported to the Evangeline Parish Detention Center and booked on those charges. Last Friday night at 6:40pm, Turkey Creek Police conducted a traffic stop after observing a motorcycle with an improperly displayed license plate., Following a field interview, the driver, Drake LeJeune age 30 of Franklin was charged with possession with intent to distribute a schedule one controlled dangerous substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a firearm in the presence of a controlled dangerous substance and violation of a drug free zone. He was also cited for the traffic infraction. Officers located a Smith and Wesson handgun, two baggies of marijuana, MDMA/Ecstasy and drug paraphernalia. Chief Eckhart reminds Turkey Creek residents to report all suspicious activity by calling 337-363-3345 or 9-1-1.

The weather was perfect today as veterans, family members and the general public gathered at the American Legion Post Home in Mamou to salute veterans at their annual Veterans Day observance. Due to Covid-19 restriction, the event was reduced in scope. There was no parade or live music. Charles Perdices, post commander, welcomed the crowds of people. Acadian Ambulance Representative Paul Fuselier was the guest speaker. Fuselier thanked all of the veterans in attendance for their service to our country. He announced that Acadian Ambulance began 50 years ago when returning Viet Nam medics helped staff the company when it began. Legion members helped retire the colors at the flagpole in front of the Legion Home. There was a fly-by of two planes overhead. Among the public officials who attended the event were 13th District Court Judge Gary Ortego, Parish Assessor Dirk Deville and Sheriff Charles Guillory. Perdices announced the winners in the school student patriotic shoe box decorating contest. First Place in First Grade was Harley Longino, age 6. First Place honors in the Third Grade went to Kengah Alyse Jack age 8; First Place honors in the Fourth Grade was awarded to Harlie Desormeaux age 9. Eight grade students were recognized: First place- Desiree orchard; Second Place- Myles Aucoin and Third Place-Juidan Richard.

The weather was perfect for the 2020 Library Fest on the grounds of the Evangeline Parish Public Library on West Main in Ville Platte. They had booths and activities for every member of the family. They had magicians, story tellers and musicians, food booths, arts and crafts and author booths too. The KVPI road crew, Deet, Tobin and Mark were there. Visit our Classic Hits 92.5 KVPI Facebook page or website for even more photos of this great event. Thank you to Suzie Lemoine and the entire staff for inviting us to attend.

Turkey Creek Police make Arrests November 4, 2020 Turkey Creek Police Chief Shawn Eckhart reported the following arrests to KVPI News: On Tuesday Nov. 3 , Turkey Creek police made a traffic stop at the intersection of LA 13 and Cemetery road, during a field interview, the driver Nicholas Paul Carter age 32 of Ville Platte advised the officer that he was driving with a suspended license. Following a search of the vehicle, the driver was charged with a number of traffic violations, having no insurance, possession of marijuana, and a possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a controlled dangerous substance in a drug free zone. Judge Gary Ortego set his bond at $8500. On Sunday November 1, a Turkey Creek resident was arrested on drug charges at her residence. Turkey Creek police executed a search warrant just after 9:00 at night. She was found to have marijuana concealed in her garments and possession of a dangerous substance within a drug free zone. She was booked in the Evangeline Parish Jail with bond set at $9,000 by Judge Gary Ortego. A traffic stop was made Saturday at the intersection of Red Roberts road and Cemetery road led to the arrest of the driver and a passenger. The passenger, Dylan Campbell age 19 of Ville Platte was charged with possession of controlled dangerous substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a controlled dangerous substance in a drug free zone. Judge Chuck West set his bond at $2500. The driver was cited for traffic violations and released.

Election Returns November 3, 2020 Complete but unofficial election returns shows that there will be a runoff election for Ville Platte City Marshal. The top vote getter was Nicole Latour Snoddy with 45 percent of the vote or 2938 votes. She will be in a runoff with Horace Johnson who received 34 percent of the vote of 2220 votes. Lisa Doucet came in third with 1335 votes. Snoddy and Johnson will meet in a runoff in December. For Justice of the Peace in Ward Three, Michael "Gorilla" Fruge defeated Joe Brady. Fruge received 1622 votes to Brady's 905 votes. In the Village of Pine Prairie, incumbent L.C. Deshotel with 64 percent of the vote or 275 votes beat challenger Joshua Estes with 153 votes. In the Village of Pine Prairie where three aldermen are to be elected. The top vote getter was Tammy Hammond followed by Gilbert Bordelon with 243 votes, challenger Kevin Rodriguez received 200 votes and Gretchen Lamke got 161 votes. In the Town of Basile Carmen Cortez with 198 votes defeated Herbert Rippeon who got 154 votes. For President, Evangeline Parish voters overwhelmingly were in favor of Donald Trump who received 71 percent of the vote or 11,053 votes. Democratic challenger Joe Biden received 26 percent of the vote or 4158 votes. All of the other challengers received less than 1 percent of the vote. For US Senator, incumbent Bill Cassidy was the top vote getter with 72 percent of the vote or 10,374 votes. His closest challenger was Adrian Perkins with 9.8 percent of the vote. For US Congress, incumbent Mike Johnson received 70 percent of the vote with his nearest challenger Kenny Houston with 2424 votes. In the state constitutional amendments: Amendment #1 the Right to Life Amendment , 79 percent of the vote voted yes and 2962 votes voting no; Amendment #2 on the Fair market value of oil, voters in Evangeline Parish narrowly defeated the amendment, 6790 No and 6667 voting yes; Amendment #3, Evangeline Parish voters turned down a proposal dealing with the use of the budget stabilization fund; Amendment #4-dealing with limiting the expenditure limit for the state general fund. The vote was 7252 no votes and 5849 votes yes; Amendment #5-Evangeline Parish voters voted down this measure to authorize cooperative endeavor tax exemptions. The vote was 8430 votes no and 4699 votes yes; Amendment #6- voters approved this amendment increasing the income limit for homestead exemption with 7607 people votes yes and 5645 voters voted no; In Amendment #7, voters were in favor of this message, 7601 people voted no and 5719 voted no. Evangeline Parish voters authorized sports wagering activities in this parish: 8197 votes yes and 5040 voting no.

Election day is Tuesday. All of us at KVPI urges you to go vote. The polls open at 6;00am until 8:00pm. Please go vote and then hear your votes count when the polls close at 8:00pm. Join the KVPI election return team: Deet and Mark broadcast live with Clerk of Court Randy Deshotel at the Evangeline Parish Courthouse on Classic Hits 92.5 to give you the parish election returns brought to you by Evangeline Bank and Trust Company.

Evangeline Parish Police Jury Meeting November 2, 2020 The Evangeline Parish Police Jury Monday, in an effort to help Mercy Regional Medical get access to additional Medicaid funding, voted to assess a hospital fee. Attorney Gary Frost representing the Allegiance Hospital group explained that Mercy Regional in Ville Platte and Acadian Medical in Eunice, both owned by Allegiance, were not eligible to draw down Medicaid funding because of their operating structure. A new bill approved by the legislature will cover specifically those two hospitals and additional hospitals in Webster and Lincoln parishes also owned by Allegiance creates a formula for these hospitals to be eligible for the additional funding. Mercy will be assessed a certain fee by the parish., The fees will be kept in a special account that will be transferred over to the state. Frost said hospital patients will not be impacted. Scott Crowley with Allegiance Hospitals said the additional funding will help his group compete with larger area hospitals, allow his company to purchase new equipment and give needed pay raises. Police Jury President Ryan Williams said "The police jury wants to make sure our parish citizens get access to good health care and employment opportunities." Opal Andrus with the newly formed Crooked Creek Foundation gave a report on the recent "Fins, Feathers and Fur cookoff" at Crooked Creek park. Over 500 attended the event including 141 campers and the park brought in some $7000 . Andrus said her group is looking at an online booking system for campers to reserve and pay for their camping spot. In other action the police jury: ? Received a report from State Senator Heather Cloud that funding from the state should be available by the Fall of 2021 to conduct a complete study on improving US 167 north from Turkey Creek to the parish line; ? Heard from State Rep. Darryl Deshotel discussing broadband service in Evangeline Parish; ? Called for a special election to renew a millage tax on maintaining cemeteries in Districts 2, 3 and 7 on March 20; ? Approved the use of the Chauncey Pitre Ag Arena by the Rapides Parish 4-H Club to hold their annual 4-H Livestock show; ? Schedule their all French meeting for December 8 at 2;00pm at the courthouse. ? Received news that an Evangeline Parish Economic Development Committee meeting with Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser will be held Thursday at 5;00pm at the Hatchery in Vidrine; ? Heard from Secretary Treasurer Donald Bergeron that sales tax collection for September amounted to $329,068, nearly a 2 percent increase over the same period a year ago.