Mamou Police arrest suspects in Shooting February 25, 2021 Two adults and a juvenile were arrested in connection with a shooting incident that occurred on February 1 in Mamou, according to Mamou Police Chief Brent Zackery. The shooting took place at the intersection of 5th and Pine Streets. The subjects were identified as Joshua Jones age 19 and charged with aggravated assault with a firearm. The second suspect was identified as Alex Thibodeaux age 19 and charged with principal to aggravated assault. A third suspect, a junvile was arrested charged with with illegal discharge of a firearm, illegal carrying of a firearm and aggravated assault with a firearm. He was hen released to the custody of his parents. The victims reported that four male suspects had approached them and threatened to take the bicycle of one of the victims. When the victim resisted, the suspects circled the men and one suspect pulled out a gun and shot into the air. In another incident, Mamou police arrested two suspects in connection with the theft of a four wheeler on Saturday Feb. 20. The suspects were identified as Deandre Wilson age 21 was charged with criminal trespassing, Theft and Criminal Damage to Property. Also arrested was Sharon Thomas age 21 charged with Accessory after the Fact. The victim told police his ATV was pushed out from underneath his carport. Officers followed the tracks of the ATV which led to a residence on Maple Avenue.

Rotary Club Meeting February 23, 2021 Ville Platte Rotary Club members Tuesday heard from Connie Landreneau and Amy Miller representing the New Life Pregnancy Center in Mamou. The New Life Pregnancy Center is open to assist women in crisis because of unexpected pregnancy and those who have been harmed by abortion. The center offers a range of free and confidential services including: pregnancy test, shelter, ultrasound, counseling , referrals and baby items. The center is located near Savoy Medical Center in Mamou. The speakers invited club members to attend their fund raising Pro-Life Annual Gala planned for Saturday March 13 at LSU E from 6:00-8:30pm. There will be a live auction, music and a buffet dinner. The auction will include some big ticket items including a one week stay at Cozumel, Mexico, duck huts, fishing trips and jewelry. The two speakers were guests of Rotarian Trey Prudhomme. The Rotary Club voted to make a donation of $500 for the New Life Pregnancy Center. In other business, Rotarian Renee Brown reminded club members that Mercy Regional Medical Center will sponsor a community blood drive on March 4 from 11-3. There is a critical need of type O positive and type o negative blood as well as other blood types.

Armed Robbery February 19, 2021 Evangeline Parish Sheriff Charles Guillory reported to KVPI that a number of suspects were arrested in connection with an armed robbery last Tuesday near Mamou. Last Tuesday, the sheriff's office received a call about an armed robbery on Greenwood road near Tiger Lane in the Mamou area. Deputies learned that two men had come to purchase a four wheeler. When the victims arrived they were met by four subjects. While waiting for the subjects to produce the four wheeler, the subjects pulled out handguns and robbed the victims of their money. The victims then fled in their truck . Deputies were able to get a description of the suspect's truck and found it at a residence on Jamie Street in Mamou. Deputies took all four male suspects into custody without incident. The following subjects were arrested: Keon Alfay Lebleu age 1509 Jamie Street, Mamou charged with armed robbery, possession of a firearm in the presence of Controlled Dangerous Substance; Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and an outstanding warrant; Noah Markell Gallow age 19 of 127 Dogwood Street, Chataignier charged with armed robbery; Travous Alfred age 22 of 1410 Hazel Street, Eunice charged with Armed Robbery and Aggravated Assault;Devontae Wilson age 21 of 924 First Stret, Mamou charged with Armed Robbery, Aggravated Assault with a Firearm and Illegal carrying and discharging a weapon; Jamie Adam LeBleu age 40 charged with possession with intent to distribute marijuana, possession of Suboxone, Possession of a stolen Firearm, Possession of a firearm in the presence of Controlled Dangerous Substance, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Possession of Controlled Dangerous Substance in the presence of a minor. As always, Sheriff Guillory and the sheriff's department is always seeking information on criminal activity and urges the general public to contact their investigation department at 363-2161.

Evangeline Parish Supt. Of Schools Darwan Lazard announced to KVPI News that all public schools and school district offices will remain closed through Thursday due to the situation caused by the winter weather. A decision about classes on Friday will be announced Thursday afternoon after conditions are assessed. Students are asked to complete their preliminary virtual lesson assignments that were issued last week.

Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Office Drug Arrests Feb. 17, 2021 Evangeline Parish Sheriff Charles Guillory reports that last Friday Feb. 12, his criminal patrol unit executed a search warrant at a residence located at 2028 West Pine in Turkey Creek. Deputies have been receiving numerous complaints about this residence and spent many hours doing surveillance on it. When the deputies entered the residence, they found illegal narcotics and firearms. This led to the following arrests: Randall Woodham age 62 of Turkey Creek charged with possession of a firearm with a controlled dangerous substance, possession of a schedule four drug, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of marijuana; Floyd Christopher Woodham age 61 of Turkey Creek charged with possession of methamphetamine and had three outstanding warrants; Robert H. Lee age 40 of Turkey Creek charged with possession of schedule four drugs, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; Kathy Leah Halbert age 39 of Turkey Creek charged with obstruction of justice, possession of a firearm with a controlled dangerous substance, possession of schedule four drugs, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of marijuana and Shanie Danielle Rider age 29 of Turkey Creek charged with possession of methamphetamine and two active warrants. Also on Sunday February 14, agents made a traffic stop on a car in the Turkey Creek area. During the stop, deputies could smell marijuana coming from the car which resulted in the following arrest: Robert Scott Carter age 20 of St. Landry charged with possession with intent to distribute marijuana and possession of controlled dangerous substance in the presence of a minor. Sheriff Guillory and the sheriff's office is always seeking information on criminal activity and urges the public to contact their investigation department at 337-36-2161.

Ville Platte Ward One City Court criminal docket cases scheduled to be heard Wednesday February 17 before City Court Judge Greg Vidrine have been cancelled because of the expected severe winter weather. There is no need to report. The cases will be rescheduled.

Drug Arrests February 14, 2021 Evangeline Parish Sheriff Charles Guillory reported to KVPI News that sheriff's deputies have arrested a number of suspects on drug charges in the last week. Last Tuesday, February 9, the Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Department Criminal Patrol Unit conducted a traffic stop. While the deputies were speaking to the occupants, they noticed an overwhelming smell of marijuana coming from the vehicle. The deputies conducted a search and made the following arrest: Rodricus Oshae Jacko age 25 of 1186 North Chataignier Street, Ville Platte and charged with Possession of Marijuana, Possession of synthetic marijuana and possession of Methamphetamine. Last Monday February 8, the sheriff's office K-9 unit stopped a vehicle on Main Street. During the conversation, the deputy became suspicious of the way the driver was acting. The deputy deployed his K-9 Drug dog, Diego, which gave a positive alert to the presence of narcotics, Deputies conducted a search and a suspect was arrested: Kirk Anthony Goodwin age 53 of Lake Charles was charged with Possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine and possession of drug paraphernalia and a traffic violation. Also last Monday Feb. 8 the sheriff's department criminal patrol unit were working in the Bayou Chicot area and the following suspects were arrested: Billy Joe Byrd, age 44 of 1216 Pine Hill Road, Ville Platte charged with possession with methamphetamine and possession of suboxone and a traffic violation; Curtis Ray White Jr age 39 of 1616 Yale Street, Alexandria charged with Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Methamphetamine; Marla Nicole Daigrepont age 19 of 256 Marion Road, Marksville cited and released for possession of marijuana and a traffic violation; David Wyatt Broussard age 21 of 1077 Millers Lake Road, Ville Platte cited and released for possession of marijuana and a traffic violation. Sheriff Guillory and the 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 Schoolboard Meeting Wednesday, 10 February 2021 Tensions rose at Wednesday's meeting of the Evangeline Parish School board after Board Member Nick Chaumont suggested allowing parish teachers to wear tennis shoes for the rest of the school year. Up until now, starting when COVID precautions were first discussed, teachers could wear tennis shoes on the condition that they were to be worn with scrubs only during certain phases of COVID-19. Lately, teachers have been calling board members to request that they be allowed to wear more comfortable footwear at any time. Most board members spoke in agreement; Sheila Joseph stated that tennis shoes do not affect a teacher's professionalism, especially given their current situation and precautionary measures. However, other board members disagreed. Nancy Hamlin suggested that there are other comfortable footwear options, such as flats, and that teachers are not required to wear heels. Board President, Wayne Dardeau, argued that this school year has not been any more difficult than past years and that to give in to teachers' request for tennis would lead to more difficult demands. He said that the line had to be drawn somewhere and that teachers have already been given multiple extra days off this school year. Board Member Joseph countered his arguments, stating that teachers had not requested those days off, but that they were caused by the current world situation. In the end, a motion was unanimously carried to allow all employees to wear tennis shoes, without having to wear scrubs, for the remainder of the current school year. Board Member Karen Vidrine ended by suggesting that the board revisit their footwear policy next year, arguing that many tennis shoes are appropriate for professional use, while many heels and flat shoes allowed by the current policy are inappropriate for schools. In other news, the schoolboard accepted the low-cost bids for several building improvements, including: electronic access-control doors for the Media Center and Central Office from Flynn's Building Specialties and a canopy for the parent pick-up at Mamou Elementary from Jeanmard Inc..

Ville Platte City Council Meeting Tuesday, 9 February 2021 At Tuesday's meeting of the Ville Platte City Council, it was announced that the city's efforts to cut back on costs has paid off. Ville Platte saw an overall increase in revenue and decrease in expenditure for the fiscal year ending in June 2020, leaving them with over $1,400,000 in surplus. Mayor Jennifer Vidrine thanked the city staff for their hard work and compliance. Representatives from Cajun Broadband visited the council after buying Universal Communications , the company with whom the city had previously signed a contract. Mayor Vidrine stated that Cajun Broadband will honor that contract as previously written. Chris Disher, managing director, explained that when they saw big business internet companies not taking care of small communities, Cajun Broadband took it upon themselves to bring fast, reliable internet to rural areas. They are a family run business employing local people and are hoping to get broadband access up and running in Ville Platte as soon as possible. He said "There are no contracts or late fees, just reliable internet at a fair price." The city of Ville Platte purchased a backhoe and are waiting for it to be delivered. Also in que for purchase, they also have tractors, a Bobcat, and roller for fixing potholes. District F Councilman Bryant Riggs suggested that a second backhoe be added to the waiting list, stating that the machinery needs to be properly cleaned and maintained to avoid extra cost. He also suggested the purchase of a trackhoe so that the city would no longer need to rent one to tear down houses. Mayor Vidrine argued that the purchase of a trackhoe is a liability and would require special training for city workers. Councilman Riggs finished by saying that if that is the case, then the city should start training now. Texas-based artist Thaddeus Arvie, who was born in Ville Platte and attended Ville Platte High, will be painting murals on the outside of the Martin Luther King Center and all three basketball courts in the city. He was at first unsure of when work would begin, since he first had to fundraise for $8,500, but he will now be able to begin work immediately. Before the meeting adjourned, Councilman Riggs pledged $500, Mayor Vidrine $1,000, and City Attorney Eric Lafleur's office the remaining amount of $7,000. Also, the Ville Platte Fire Department received approval for the purchase of a 2014 Chevy Tahoe at a cost of $17,500.

Ville Platte Rotary Club February 9, 2021 Sarah Dake, Regional Representative from US Senator John Kennedy's Acadiana Office was the guest speaker at today's (Tuesday) meeting at the Ville Platte Rotary Club. She represents the 8 parish Acadiana region and helps local residents and constituents get assistance with federal agencies and veteran benefits. Before coming to work with Senator Kennedy, she worked with US Congressman Clay Higgins. She told rotary club members that the senator is planning to vote against the conviction of former President Donald Trump since he is no longer president. The senator is also working to help preserve our oil and gas industry in the state. She commented that the senator has a speech writer but he is responsible for his witty one liners. Sarah Dake was the special guest of Rotarian Dan Poret. Secretary Annette Johnson, who conducted the meeting announced the winners in the Super Bowl football pool. The proceeds of the pool go to the annual LSUE scholarship fund.

Drug Arrests in Chicot Area February 4, 2021 On Tuesday, Evangeline Parish Sheriff Charles Guillory reports to KVPI News that his sheriff department criminal patrol was working in the Bayou Chicot area of the parish. Agents conducted two traffic stops then executed a search warrant on a resident located at Chicot Park road and Highway 106. The arrests include: Robert Dupre Jr age 28 of 1519 Pecan Street, Pine Prairie charged with possession of synthetic marijuana, possession of methamphetamine, resisting an officer and possession of Adderall; Jennifer Carraway age 38 of 1871 Wilson Campbell Road, Ville Platte charged with possession of marijuana and possession of Adderall; Gage Michael Thibodeaux age 20 of 1595 Black Lake Road , St. Landry and Lesly Gordon age 36 of 4292 St. Landry Highway, Ville Platte and Brent John Frelich age 33 of 4292 St. Landry Highway, Ville Platte all charged each with the following charges: possession of ecstasy, possession of heroin, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of schedule four drugs, possession of schedule three drugs and possession of marijuana. Also the criminal patrol agents stopped a car in Ville Platte for a traffic violation which led to the arrest and following charges: Davis Arclis age 66 of 1012 Creole Avenue Apt. 44 Ville Platte charged with possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine and with two traffic violation. Sheriff Guillory and the sheriff office is always seeking information on criminal activity and urges the public to contact their investigations department at 363-2161.

Mamou Woman arrested on drug Charges February 2, 2021 On Monday February 1, the Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Department K-9 Unit made a traffic stop on the Oberlin road for a traffic violation. The driver appeared extremely nervous during the conversation with the deputy. He brought out the drug dog, K-9 Diego. This led to the arrest of the driver: Mica K. Duplechain age 42 of Mamou. She was charged with Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Driving Under Suspension and Driving Left of Center. As always, Sheriff Charles Guillory and the Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Department is always seeking information on criminal activity and urges the public to contact their investigations department at 363-2161.

Ville Platte Rotary Club February 2, 2021 Evangeline Parish Tax Assessor Chris Guillory and Louisiana Public Service Commissioner Mike Francis were the special guest speakers at today's (Tuesday) meeting of the Ville Platte Rotary Club. Guillory was elected last year and took office January 1 after serving as teacher and coach in Vidrine and Pine Prairie Schools for 16 years. Guillory reported that his office manages some 24,000 pieces of property in Evangeline Parish with some 200 transactions each year including donations, divisions, sales and purchases and updates. The office has five fulltime employees and one part timer. His goal is to incorporate more technology into his office to save time and be more efficient. He is investing in internet mapping. One of his goals is to team up with the schools to educate seniors in each high school about owning property. He said "I want to be the voice of property owners" in Evangeline Parish.". Guillory also spoke up in favor of Evangeline Parish Sheriff Charles Guillory's plans to call for a one cent sales tax to help fund the operation of his office. The sheriff's office has not had a budget increase since the 1970's. Mike Francis of Crowley represents Evangeline Parish and 16 other parishes on the State Public Service Commission from Catahoula Parish all the way to Johnson bayou. The main job is to regulate monopolies like Cleco. He announced that the electricity rates in Louisiana is among the lowest in the United States. The Public Service Commission is in the process of attempting to regulate internet service.

SENATOR HEATHER CLOUD TOURS LIBERTY THEATER IN EUNICE Today, District 28 State Senator Heather Cloud, joined by District 41 State Representative Phillip Devillier, toured the Liberty Theater in Eunice. Liberty Theater was built in 1924 and was once a major economic attraction for the city. However, it has since fallen into disrepair and is need of many updates and restoration. This includes a new heating and air system, electrical updates, new sound and lighting equipment, an updated entrance and marquee, cosmetic work, and a Fire Safety System inspection. The City of Eunice and the Association for the Liberty Theater are working to renovate and reopen the theater, which is conveniently located in downtown Eunice, in the historic district, and is an opportunity zone. "I'm so impressed with the city of Eunice, Mayor Scott, and the theater association. They have a vision to renovate the building and get it back opened as soon as possible," Senator Cloud said upon touring the theater. "I'm committed to be a partner in this endeavor. The City of Eunice is committing its funds and the association is doing its part to raise money." Not only is the theater a musical venue it's also a tool for the City of Eunice to use for economic development. The theater can accommodate productions, bands, meetings and more. It is a multipurpose venue that has hosted politicians, music groups, and performances and it is most recently famous for its Rendez-Vous Des Cajuns weekly radio show, airing every Saturday night. The show attracts visitors from all over the country and is considered a unique spectacle. "There's so much more here than just a historic building," added Senator Cloud. "This can be an economic driver that brings in visitors from all over and it won't just benefit Eunice, but it will bring activity to the entire parish and surrounding areas. And that's why I'm committed to partnering with them to help bring state resources to the Liberty Theater."

Police Jury Meeting Monday, 1 February 2021 At February’s monthly meeting, the Evangeline Parish Police Jury Monday night talked about forming a special committee to discuss the building of a new parish jail. As of Monday’s meeting, Evangeline parish averages 144 inmates per day outside of the parish jail, averaging out at $3,800 per day going somewhere outside of our parish. Sheriff Charles R. Guillory spoke, stating that he will back the jury’s decision regardless of the outcome, but also posed a question to the jury: Do they want to own a jail, or do they want the sheriff’s office to own a jail? He asserted that jails are not cheap to build and that they require constant upkeep and repair. However, he assured everyone that he is in 100% agreement that a new jail is necessary, regardless of who owns it. He ended by saying that he’s glad the jury is discussing options but says it’s time to stop talking and start acting. In other news, State Representative Heather Cloud attended the meeting to request that Evangeline Parish, along with every parish in the state of Louisiana, show their support of rural broadband access across the state. She also requested that the Jury set aside a significant amount of funds for infrastructure, stating that we have more than enough devices in the parish to access internet, but that we are lacking in broadband access for rural areas. Mayor Jennifer Vidrine sent a letter to the Jury requesting a cooperative agreement to clean canals in the city of Ville Platte. However, jury member Bryan Vidrine stated that an agreement was reached 4 years ago when it was determined through trial and error that the Police Jury’s equipment would break the concrete canals. Police Jury President Ryan Williams said he spoke with someone from the City Council and that the council is working on getting the necessary equipment. The jury therefore has tabled the issue until the City Council confirms that they have the necessary machinery to clean the canals. The Jury also: • Carried a motion to have nursing services available 7 days a week for the Evangeline Parish Jail, and • Approved of a water line to be ran along the bridge guard rail on Green Valley Road in District 5.