Grand Jury Indictment on Ville Platte Man March 31, 2021 Evangeline Parish District Attorney Trent Brignac reported to KVPI News that a Ville Platte man was indicted on a number of charges today (Wednesday). Sidney J. Myers age 65 of Everton Road, Ville Platte was indicted on charges of Sexual Battery, Felony Carnal Knowledge of a Juvenile, Contributing to the Delinquency of a Juvenile and five counts of Indecent Behavior with a juvenile all in relation to a series of sexual misconduct between Sidney Myers and a 13 year old victim from January 2020 to November 2020. The crimes of Sexual Battery and Felony Carnal Knowledge of a Juvenile carry sentences of up to ten years imprisonment. District Attorney Trent Brignac complimented lead prosecutor Chris Ludeau in his presentation of the case to the grand jury and thanked him along with the members of the grand jury for their efforts during the one day presentation.

Evangeline Parish Sheriff Arrests March 31, 2021 Evangeline Parish Sheriff Charles Guillory reported to KVPI News the following arrests. On Thursday March 30, the criminal patrol unit conducted a traffic stop on a car in the Basile area. While speaking to the driver, the deputies could smell marijuana. The deputies requested permission to search and it was granted. The deputies located marijuana on his person. The driver was identified as Courtney J. Ceasar age 34 of Basile was cited for possession of marijuana and arrested for two outstanding warrants. In another case, the Sheriff's Department criminal patrol unit along with the Eunice Police Department Narcotics Unit executed a search warrant on a residence at 1702 Fuselier Avenue in Basile. The deputies have been receiving various information in reference to this residence. Once the deputies entered the residence, they located narcotics. Two suspects were arrested: Kirk Joseph Reed age 46 of Basile and Jace Ryan Reed age 19 of Basile were each charged with possession if intent to distribute Methamphetamine over 27 grams, possession with intent to distribute Marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of controlled dangerous substance in a drug free zone and monetary instrument abuse (counterfeit money). On Monday March 29 the sheriff department was notified that the Eunice Police Department was in pursuit of a motorcycle heading west on Highway 190 coming into Evangeline Parish at speeds in excess of 130 miles per hour. The suspect was wanted by several agencies. The motorcycle turned onto the old Basile road continuing at speeds of over 130 miles per hour. The motorcycle approached Pelican Loop and the driver lost control. The driver then ran into a wooded area. Deputies from several agencies, set up a perimeter in the area. The search continued for three hours before t he suspect was captured. The driver was identified: Steven Dwight Savoy age 33 of Elton. He was charged with nine different narcotic charges, one for failure to appear for court. He is wanted by Acadiana Parish and the Mamou Police Department. Sheriff Guillory would like to thank the Mamou Police Department, Eunice Police Department, Eunice City Marshal Office for their assistance. Also on March 29, while deputies were in pursuit of a wanted suspect, they began a second pursuit at the same time. While deputies were in route in to assist with the pursuit on Old Basile Highway, a black Nissan car failed to pull over to allow emergency units to pass. The car traveled east on Highway 104 to the Belaire Cove area, then into the Grand Prairie area. The pursuit continued entering St. Landry Parish. The car traveled to the Morrow area where it was finally stopped. The driver was arrested without any further incident. The driver, Sheila Jack age 23 of Ville Platte. She was charged with aggravated flight from an officer. As always, Sheriff Guillory urged parish residents to contact his investigative unit to report any illegal activities at 363-2161.

Ville Platte Rotary Club hears from Jill and Robert Stevens March 30, 2021 Jill and Robert Stevens of Central Hemp were the special guest speakers at today's (Tuesday's) meeting of the Ville Platte Rotary Club meeting. The couple told club members that they began using hemp and CBD products for aches and pains. Jill said she found that the hemp oils and products helped her with neck and shoulder pain. Their new hemp shop opened on Vidrine road, LA 10, west of Ville Platte. Robert said he wanted to make sure that people were aware that the shop does not sell marijuana. Hemp products does not have the THC level that causes the "high" feeling of euphoria that one can get from marijuana. The CBD products offers a lot of medical benefits. Robert said the benefits include a sleep aid, stress reliver and pain reliever. The products include oils, salves, creams, bath balms and hand creams. They wanted to emphasize that the products are non addictive. The two guest speakers were guests of Rotarian Peter Strawitz.

Mamou Area Drug Bust March 25, 2021 Evangeline Parish Sheriff Charles Guillory reported to KVPI News that the Sheriff's office in conjunction with the Mamou Police Department executed a search warrant Wednesday at a residence on LD Verette Road in the Mamou area. Deputies made entry into the residence and located a female who was taken into custody. Deputies searched the home and found illegal narcotics and weapons. Authorities arrested Chelsea Bergeaux age 30 of 2049 LD Verette Road, Mamou. She was charged with possession with intent to distribute Methamphetamine, possession of Marijuana, possession with intent to distribute Tramadol, possession with intent to distribute Anabolic Steroids, possession of Promethazine, possession of drug paraphernalia, monetary instrument abuse and possession of controlled dangerous substance in the presence of a minor. More arrests are pending from this search warrant. Sheriff Guillory and the Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Office is always seeking information on criminal activity and urges the public to contact their investigation department at 337-363-2161.

Sheriff Charles Guillory was guest speaker at Rotary Club March 23, 2021 Evangeline Parish Sheriff Charles Guillory was the guest speaker at today's (Tuesdays) meeting of the Ville Platte Rotary Club. The sheriff has called for a one cent sales tax on the April 24 election day ballot. After talking with many people throughout the parish, he felt it was a fairer tax for the citizens of the parish. With a millage tax, only 30 percent of the voters would pay. If approved by parish voters, his office would get an additional 2.5 million dollars a year to help provide law enforcement service to the parish. That would bring his budget to approximately 5 million dollars. That is still below neighboring parish law enforcement agencies like Allen Parish that has a 10 million dollar budget, Avoyelles Parish with 7 million and St. Landry Parish with 16 million dollars. Thanks to Covid-19 federal funding, the sheriff's department was able to begin a traffic unit and a criminal patrol unit to help combat the drug problem in the parish. So far, over 200 suspects have been arrested since he took office last year. The sheriff said he plans to give his staff pay raises with the additional funds but his personal salary will remain the same. He is also negotiating with the police jury to construct a new parish jail. With the additional funds, his plans include having more patrol officers on the road, having resource officers in parish schools and substations in various parts of the parish. He reported that the late Sheriff Wayne Morein attempted to pass a tax some 30 years ago but it was turned down by voters. "Out parish has been neglected for many years. Public safety protection is not free, " said Sheriff Guillory. Sheriff Guillory was the guest of Rotarian Dr. Hosea "Joey" Soileau.

Sheriff's Office Drug Arrest March 23, 2021 Evangeline Parish Sheriff Charles Guillory reported to KVPI News of additional drug related arrests. Earlier today (Tuesday) the sheriff's department criminal patrol unit were doing surveillance on a suspect believed to be selling narcotics from a local business. The deputies made contact with the suspect and immediately noticed an overwhelming smell of marijuana. The suspect attempted to flee before being apprehended by deputies. The deputies searched the suspect's vehicle and the hotel room and found a large amount of narcotics. Arrested was Robert H. Lee age 40 of 1110 Pine Street, Turkey Creek charged with possession with intent to distribute over 112 grams of marijuana, possession with intent to distribute over 127 grams of methamphetamine, possession of synthetic marijuana, possession with intent to distribute Loprazolam, possession of Suboxone and possession of drug paraphernalia. Also this morning the sheriff's department criminal patrol unit executed a search warrant on a residence at 617 East Jefferson Street in Ville Platte. Upon making entry into the residence deputies located 11.4 pounds of synthetic marijuana, heroin, methamphetamine, fentanyl, different pills and US currency. This led to the following arrest: Jeremy Joseph Morien age 34 of 617 East Jefferson, Ville Platte. He was charged with possession with intent to distribute Heroin, possession of MDMA, possession with intent to distribute Clonazepam, possession with intent to distribute Carisoprodol, possession with intent to distribute Buprenorphine, possession of Alprazolam, possession of marijuana, possession with intent to distribute synthetic marijuana over 11 pounds, possession with intent to distribute Fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute Methamphetamine. Sheriff Guillory made this statement: "In the past 24 hours, we have arrested four major drug distributors all operating within a mile of each other. We are working hard to rid our parish of illegal narcotics. My team is dedicated and proactive. We will not stop the fight to take our parish from the drug dealers and thieves that have plagued the parish for too long. Within the last 24 hours, we have seized $15,731 cash from illegal narcotic sales. We have seized 180 grams of Methamphetamine, 68 Ecstasy pills, 8 grams of Heroin, 12 grams of Fentanyl, 145 prescription drugs, 180 grams of marijuana and 5255 grams of synthetic marijuana with a total street value of approximately $45,700."

Drug Bust by Sheriff's Department March 22, 2021 Evangeline Parish Sheriff Charles Guillory reported to KVPI News that two suspects were arrested early this (Monday) morning following the execution of a search warrant. The search warrant was for a residence in Ville Platte following numerous complaints and surveillance. The two people arrested and their charges: Justin Jamal Narcisse age 31 and Crystal Marie Narcisse age 30 of 619 Vidrine Road, Ville Platte. The couple were each charged with the following possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute synthetic marijuana, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, possession with intent to distribute MDMA, possession with intent to distribute Alprazolam, possession of oxycodone, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of controlled dangerous substance in the presence of a minor. The deputies from the criminal patrol unit entered the home shortly after 5;00am and located numerous amounts of narcotics and U.S Currency. As always Sheriff Guillory is always seeking information on criminal activity and urges the public to contact their investigations department at 363-2161.

Complete but unofficial election results from today's millage tax renewals in Evangeline Parish shows the following: Pine Prairie Fire Protection District -9.79 mills for another ten years was approved: 125 yes and 13 no; Lone Pine Fire Protection District-20 mills renewal for another ten years was approved 48 yes and 1 no vote; District 2 cemetery tax for 1.09 mills for ten years was approved 38 yes and 8 voted no; District 3 cemetery tax for 1.14 mills for ten years was approved 59 voting yes and 18 voting no; District 7 cemetery tax for 1.04 mills for ten years was approved 42 voting yes and 9 voting no. Our special thanks to the Evangeline Clerk of Court staff for their help in getting this information.

"Grace, race, and small-town football" LPB premiers Reel South series with Flat Town documentary To some people, football is just a game. However, in Ville Platte it has been turned into a way to bridge the gap between a once divided community. Each year on one fall night, under the Friday night lights of a Ville Platte football field, a vision by Ville Platte native Tim Fontenot and his son - Jacob - comes to life with the playing of the Tee Cotton Bowl. It is a game where the public and private school in one city take each other on in the hopes of bringing home the coveted Tee Cotton Bowl trophy for the year. Tim and Jacob's vision continues an effort that began with desegregation decades ago in the small Cajun city. As Mel LeCompte, Jr. wrote in Sharpened Iron: The Tee Cotton Bowl Story, this game, played between Sacred Heart School and Ville Platte High, is about "grace, race, and small-town football." It is special, and there is only one place it happens.... Ville Platte. It is so unique - garnering its own patron Saint, Pope John Paul II – a short documentary about the game, titled Flat Town, will air on Louisiana Public Broadcasting (LPB) on Thursday, April 8, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. The documentary from Reel South is produced by Gavin Sullivan and is part of a Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) series highlighting stories of the American South. "Exploring different perspectives and providing a platform for those perspectives to be seen and heard is part of public media's mission," says LPB President and CEO Beth Courtney. "LPB is proud to team with Reel South and our public media partners to make sure these diverse Southern experiences are seen by a national audience." Prior to the broadcast premier on April 8, a virtual premiere and filmmaker discussion will take place on Thursday, April 1, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. Panelists for the virtual screening and conversation will be Ville Platte Mayor Jennifer Vidrine, Tim Fontenot, and Flat Town filmmaker Bryan Tucker. Hosting the discussion will be Acadiana-based sportswriter and talk-radio host Raymond Partsch III. To RSVP for the free virtual event, go to www.lpb.org/flattown. For more information, contact Colleen Spillane, LPB Public Information Officer, at 1-800-272-8161 ext. 4453 or Evangeline Parish Tourism at (337) 363-1878.

Here is an important message from Kimberly LeJeune, Sacred Heart School Development Director: "We have been informed by Evangeline Parish 911 that isolated thunderstorms and scattered showers will begin in our area at approximately 2 P.M. with the main line of storm coming through 3 and 4 P.M. As a measure of safety precaution the elementary and high school will be dismissing at 1 P.M. today, 3/17 to insure the safety of our school community. The 8th grade parent meeting scheduled for this evening has been postponed, parents will receive additional details in the near future. We appreciate everyone's patience and cooperation and pray for everyone's safety. "

Ville Platte Police Chief Neal Lartigue is asking for any assistance from the general public on an attempted business breakin. On Saturday, March 6, 2021 at approximately 2:00 a.m. Officers with the Ville Platte Police Department responded to an attempted break in a pharmacy building on Jack Miller Road in Ville Platte. Upon arrival it was determined that two male suspects attempted to gain entry to the building by crawling underneath and trying to break through the floor. The suspects were unsuccessful and fled on foot. Chief Lartigue is seeking information regarding the identities of these suspects. If you have information on either of these suspects, you are asked to call the Ville Platte Police Department at 363-1316. Your call will remain anonymous.

Ville Platte Police Chief Neal Lartigue reported to KVPI News an arrest for false imprisonment. On Wednesday March 10, 2021, Officers with the Ville Platte Police Department responded to a report of a hostage situation at a store located in the 200 block of Tate Cove Road. Upon arrival the Officer learned that a black male suspect was inside the business with a knife and had locked the door, not allowing anyone to leave the building. The Officer issued commands and the suspect released his hold on the knife but then attempted to regain possession of the knife. The Officer struck the suspect in the leg with a Police baton at different times during the incident as the suspect continued to disregard verbal commands and cause damage to property. After multiple commands to get on the ground and the suspect continually getting into a combative stance, the Officer sprayed the suspect with OC spray. The suspect then jumped over a counter and attempted to flee. Realizing that there was no escape, the suspect jumped back over the counter where he was tackled to the floor by two citizens The Officer placed the suspect in handcuffs and located on the suspect were what appeared to be synthetic marijuana and a clear crystal like substance. Acadian Ambulance transported the suspect to Mercy Regional Medical Center and was released a short time later. Arrested was Patrick K. Dupre, age 20, of 505 North Latour Street, Ville Platte. Dupre was charged with Possession of schedule II, possession with intent to distribute, false imprisonment with a dangerous weapon, resisting a Police Officer with force or violence and simple criminal damage to property. Dupre was booked into the Ville Platte City Jail and transported to the Evangeline Parish Jail with no bond. Chief Neal Lartigue reminds citizens to report suspicious or illegal activity by calling the Ville Platte Police Department 363-1313. Your call will remain anonymous.

Sheriff's Deputies arrest burglary suspects March 9, 2021 Evangeline Parish Sheriff Charles Guillory reported to KVPI News that a number of suspects were arrested last Sunday in response to a burglary at a residence in the Duralde area. The victim gave a list of the stolen property to the deputy. The deputy was then able to speak to people in the area. The deputy then began following leads and was able to locate some of the stolen property. The criminal investigations division joined deputies on scene and recovered more property. This led to the arrest of the following suspects: Laura Pelican age 43 of 3202 Duralde Highway, Eunice , Betty Guillory age 53 of 1108 8th street, Mamou , Paul Ardoin age 42 of 3202 Duralde Highway, Eunice and Bryan Fontenot age 40 of 2628 Duralde Highway, Eunice all were charged with Simple Burglary and criminal trespassing. Also the sheriff reports that the criminal patrol unit stopped a white truck on Stagg Avenue in Basile last Sunday for a traffic violation. The driver and passenger appeared to be very nervous and jittery with the deputies. The deputies requested permission to search the vehicle and it was granted. The following subjects were arrested: Albert Joseph Joubert age 40 2002 Ford Avenue, Basile and Danielle Nicole Courville age 36 of 2830 Railroad Street, Basile were both charged with possession with intent to distribute heroin, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. The sheriff urges the public to contact their investigations unit on any criminal activity by calling 363-2161.

Ville Platte City Council Meeting March 9, 2021 The Ville Platte City Council Tuesday heard complaints from City Council member Lionel Anderson and members of the general public over the Creole House on MLK Drive. Mayor Jennifer Vidrine said she has been receiving complaints about loud music and activities lasting as late as 6:30 in the morning. Neighbors cannot sleep because of the loud noise. The mayor felt the owner of the establishment may have broken his promise to the city about having his customers remain inside the establishment and closing down by 2:00am. Coach Anderson said the matter has gotten out of control. Mayor Jennifer Vidrine said the city ordinance is not being followed. Some of the neighbors have asked the city to pull their license and close it down. Mayor Vidrine said she will discuss the matter with their city attorney to discuss what options the city may take. Mayor Jennifer reported that the citywide vaccination project at the civic center last Thursday went smooth. Nearly 300 residents including the mayor received their first Covid 19 vaccination. The second dose will take place April 1. Also the mayor announced the new Louisiana Rental Assistance Program for both renters and landlords. The program can help renters who are behind in paying their rent or landlords having trouble paying their mortgage. Some 5000 people have applied for $2.2 million dollar funding program. Residents are urged to call 877-459-6555 or visit online at LASTATERENT.com Fire Chief Chris Soileau gave his monthly fire report: 23 incidents including 3 structure fires, three grass fires and one vehicle fire. He also commended the fourteen firefighters in his departments that have a combined 125 years of experience in the fire service. He also thanked the city for the new fire vehicle: a 2014 Chevrolet Tahoe. In an effort to get its much needed equipment, the city council approved buying a larger backhoe that costs $4,000 more than the original one it was due to purchase. The original backhoe will take at least six months for delivery while the one agreed to buy at the meeting was available now for purchase. In other business, the council approved a package liquor license for Joseph Alfred to operate the new Whistle Stop convenience store at 3 West LaSalle near the railroad tracks. Alfred, a native of Ville Platte said the city has been good to him and wants to bring jobs and tax money to the city. Mayor Jennifer, in the absence of the police chief read the monthly police report: 522 calls, 9 citations, 19 arrests, 18 felony arrests, 9 traffic accidents and no fatalities. Also the city council had a moment of silence in the memory of long time KVPI radio announcer Jim Soileau who died Monday,.

For those who may have missed our special La Tasse de Cafe radio show this morning dedicated to the memory of Jim Soileau, we have uploaded the entire program including all of the phone calls. You can listen to the show by following this link: https://classichits925.com/podc.../la-tasse-de-cafe-archives

All of us at KVPI are sad to announce that we have lost a pioneer broadcaster this morning. James "Jim" Soileau age 83, died at his home after a brief illness. Jim recently retired from a lifetime of radio work due to health issues. He began in 1954 as a French announcer and weekend DJ while still a high school student. He served as General Manager at KVPI on two separate occasions. For a while, he served as Editor of the Ville Platte Gazette. He was honored bv the Cajun French Music Association for his many years as a Cajun French announcer. He was inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame for his support of our Louisiana music. The Louisiana Association of Broadcasters is planning to add Jim's name to the Louisiana Broadcaster's Hall of Fame later this month. It was Jim and the late Dan Andrus that first began the popular La Tasse de Cafe radio show on KVPI in 1967. He is survived by his wife: Katheline "Kat" Soileau of Ville Platte; his children: Kirk Soileau and wife Denise of Erath, Nick Soileau and wife Rita of Ville Platte, Jamie Vidrine and husband Mike of Ville Platte, Matt Soileau and wife Melissa of Whiteville, Kyle Soileau and wife Simmie of Youngsville, and Jessica Soileau of Grand Prairie; One Sister Cathy McDaniel and husband Bob of Ville Platte; 17 grandchildren and 13 grandchildren. Visitation will begin Wednesday March 10, 2021 from 8:00am until time of services. Laville Funeral Home at 2353 East Main in Ville Platte is in charge of arrangements.

Evangeline Parish Farm Bureau Annual Meeting March 7, 2021 The 69th annual Evangeline Parish Farm Bureau meeting took place last Monday March 1 at the Farm Bureau office board room due to Covid 19 restrictions. The board reappointed the current board members which includes: Scotty Fontenot-President, Richard Fontenot -Vice President, Felix Morein-Secretary Treasurer and Board members: Charles Blyn Rozas, Robert Brunet Jr., J.D. Fontenot, John Lucas Pitre, Bobby Lahaye, Tom Ardoin, Walter Tortorich, Robert Soileau, Ike Morein and Robert Helmer. Felix Morein gave the financial report. Winston Fontenot gave the insurance report. Scotty Fontenot gave the president's report. Richard Fontenot gave the legislative report. The outgoing Farm Bureau queen Mallorie Cormier gave her farewell speech. Tammy Fontenot introduced the new Farm Bureau Queen, Charley Bieber, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Bieber of Mamou.

Early Voting Begins March 5, 2021 Early voting begins Saturday March 6 at the Registrar of Voters Office in the Evangeline Parish courthouse through next Saturday March 13 for the March 20 election. The election in this parish involves only millage tax renewals, no candidate races. Here are the various elections coming up on March 20: 9.79 millage tax renewal for ten years for the Ward Four Fire Protection District in Pine Prairie; 20 mill tax renewal for the Lone Pine Fire District in Ward Five for ten years; The police jury has three cemetery tax renewals for an additional ten years : District 2 cemetery tax for 1.09 mills in Basile area; District 3 cemetery tax of 1.14 mills in the Reddell area and District 7 cemetery tax of 1.04 mills.

Evangeline Parish Schoolboard Meeting Wednesday, 3 March 2021 Wednesday's meeting of the Evangeline Parish School Board called for a motion to increase Superintendent Darwin Lazard's authority to approve purchases from $5,000 to $10,000. The motion was carried with only one opposition by District Six board member Mike Fontenot. Two contracts were approved with Detel Computer Solutions for basic maintenance of internet, as well as internal connections and managed broadband. Superintendent Lazard congratulated Basile High on being the Division 3 Wrestling State Champions for the 3rd year in a row. Chataignier's band received a generous donation from Susan Roden Scott in the form of instruments worth $2400. Vaccinations for all employees of Evangeline Parish schools should be in place by March 10th. The vaccinations are voluntary but encouraged. As of Wednesday, schools are allowed 50% capacity at sporting events, as mandated by Governor John Bel Edwards.

Police Jury Meeting Monday, 1 March 2021 At Monday's meeting of the Evangeline Parish Police Jury, the jury entered a cooperative endeavor agreement with Evangeline Parish Recreational District Board to grade road at the Ball Park. Additionally, they entered a cooperative endeavor agreement with Chataignier to overlay a portion of Dogwood Street. Chataignier will purchase the cold mix and the jury will provide manpower and equipment. The board approved Roger Fontenot and Caleb Gautreaux each for a 2-year reappointment to the Ward 4 Fire Protection District Board of Commissioners. They also appointed Charee Eckhart, a police officer from Pine Prairie, as an Evangeline Parish Communication District 1 board member to replace Durwin Carter.