Rotary Club Hears From Pharmacist Shanna Thomas May 25, 2021 Ville Platte Medical Center Director of Pharmacy Shanna Thomas was the guest speaker today (Tuesday) at the Ville Platte Rotary Club meeting. The long time pharmacist addressed the differences between generic drugs vs. brand name drugs. She also detailed the growing unregulated vitamin industry. She stated that a balanced diet including fruit and vegetables provides all of the vitamins and minerals necessary for metabolism. She reported that the Food and Drug Administration does not require proof of safety or label accuracy before the vitamins are distributed to the general public. Shanna Thomas was the guest speaker of Rotarian Renee Brown. Renee Brown announced that Ville Platte Medical Center will have a Fifth Saturday Healthy Evangeline Walk Saturday June 5 at 9:00am at the hospital parking lot. Rotarian Wayne Vidrine reported that four students, three from Ville Platte High and one from Sacred Heart, have been invited to attend the Rotary Club Summer Rylla camp. Club President Peter Strawitz announced that the annual club Installation Banquet is set for June 22 at 6:00pm at Café Evangeline.

On Monday, Evangeline Parish Schoolboard President Darwin Lazard conducted a Basile Schools Showcase of their new ActivPanels with the assistance of Basile High School Principal Helana Francois and W. W. Stewart Elementary Principal Danielle Young. Each classroom of the schools are equipped with a Promethean Titanium ActivPanel and every teacher attended a 2-hour webinar to learn panel basics and how ot use the features of the devices. Additionally, they have full access to online training anytime, allowing them to explore the devices and learn at their own paces.

 

In Ms. Krystle Smith’s 7th Grade math classroom, the class engaged in a Jeopardy-style game consisting of questions related to their current lessons. Once students were divided into groups, a question was selected for them to work out and solve together using the methods they learn in class. When group members agreed on an answer, they “buzzed in” their answer and sent one member to work out the problem on the board. In actuality, the game is an educational PowerPoint designed by Ms. Krystal Smith to engage the class in a fun and interactive way. Because the ActivPanel works as a computer, she and other teachers can also share their screens with students both in class and at home using their ChromeBooks. Students can also screen share their projects from wherever they are connected, allowing teachers to monitor their class at all times whether online or in-person.

 

Ms. Sadie Guillory’s 5th Grade math class worked together to answer review questions using the panel. Using PAX methods, they took turns as student leader and helped each other correct their answers using the many functions and features of the ActivPanel. They said that being able to work together and not go one at a time makes for a more engaging classroom experience. They agreed that having a board with only one multipurpose pen is easier than their previous device, which had multiple styluses and erasers that often got misplaced. Additionally, the screen operates without a projector, making it much clearer even for students in the back of the room.

 

Even the youngest students benefit from the ActivPanel’s many features, like Ms. Norma Lebleu’s Kindergarten class, who demonstrated for the Superintendent how they can learn to sound out words together while they take turns arranging letters on the board to form words. They especially enjoy the clearer sound system, which allows them to sing along to their educational songs and listen to stories.

 

Ms. Sadie Lebleu’s 3rd Grade ELA class wrapped up the day by saying that they hope every classroom and student in Evangeline Parish can get their own ActivPanel. They said that the device is smoother than their previous board, since it updates and never goes out-of-date. Mr. Lazard said that there are currently 157 boards around Evangeline Parish, and even though Basile is currently the only school with ActivPanels in every classroom, he hopes to eventually get one in every classroom in Evangeline Parish.

EVANGELINE PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

REGULAR MEETING

WEDNESDAY, 19 MAY 2021

 

At Wednesday’s meeting of the Evangeline Parish School Board, board members received an update on the LSUE dual enrollment partnership. Since the 2018-19 school year, over 3500 college credits have been earned by our parish students, and over 2500 of those credits were earned at LSUE.

 

LSUE Chancellor Dr. Nancee Sorensen told board members that while many colleges experienced a decrease in enrollment during the pandemic last year, LSUE had an increase. She explained that dual-enrollment for high school students allows them to earn college credits at low or free cost.

 

Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs Dr. John Hamlin explained that students have the option to take online classes if students cannot arrange transportation or fit in-person dual-enrollment classes into their schedule. Additionally, the program is working on becoming more workforce-focused, not just on academic degrees but also on preparing students who want to enter the workforce immediately upon graduating high school.

 

The school board was proud to announce that they are investing $4,600,000 into the betterment of our parish schools. They stressed that these are their own funds and that they are not asking for additional taxes from Evangeline Parish citizens.

 

The school board would like to congratulate all of our parish high school graduates for the 2020-21 school year.

Fred's Lounge May 18, 2021 Fans of Cajun music will be happy to know that one of the top Cajun tourist attractions in South Louisiana will reopen Saturday May 29. Owner Steve "Buffy" Guillory confirmed to KVPI News that following more than a year long close due to Covid-19, Fred's Lounge in Mamou will reopen on that date. He announced that Fred's Lounge will keep the same hours of operation: 8:00am to 1:30pm with a live Cajun Band from 9:00am to 1:30pm. The first Cajun band performing that day will be Troy LeJeune and Cajun Revue. KVPI the Legend will continue the tradition of our live weekly broadcast from 9;00am to 11;00am with Announcer Mike Perron now on two radio stations: 107.3 FM and 1050 AM and online at kvpionline.com. Businesses wishing to advertise their messages during the Fred's Radio Show in front of the many tourists that will be there are invited to call KVPI Business Office at 337-363-2124.

Fred's Lounge May 18, 2021 Fans of Cajun music will be happy to know that one of the top Cajun tourist attractions in South Louisiana will reopen Saturday May 29. Owner Steve "Buffy" Guillory confirmed to KVPI News that following more than a year long close due to Covid-19, Fred's Lounge in Mamou will reopen on that date. He announced that Fred's Lounge will keep the same hours of operation: 8:00am to 1:30pm with a live Cajun Band from 9:00am to 1:30pm. The first Cajun band performing that day will be Troy LeJeune and Cajun Revue. KVPI the Legend will continue the tradition of our live weekly broadcast from 9;00am to 11;00am with Announcer Mike Perron now on two radio stations: 107.3 FM and 1050 AM and online at kvpionline.com. Businesses wishing to advertise their messages during the Fred's Radio Show in front of the many tourists that will be there are invited to call KVPI Business Office at 337-363-2124.

Pine Prairie Police Chief L.C. Deshotel reported to KVPI News: On May 18, 2021 Pine Prairie Police clocked a vehicle at 130mph in a 45 mph zone on Highway 13. The vehicle failed to stop and a pursuit led officers through Turkey Creek where Turkey Creek Police joined in the pursuit which got to speeds of over 140 mph. Pine Prairie Police and Turkey Creek Police was able to identify the car as a grey Mercedes 4 door car with Florida Plates before they got onto Interstate 49 north towards Alexandria where speeds increased and sight of the vehicle was lost. Louisiana State Police Troop E was able to regain sight of the vehicle where he got off at Highway 112 and into the Burger King Parking lot where the driver and passenger was detained without further incident. Upon search of the vehicle, Marijuana was located along with Marijuana Gummy Candies. Also in the vehicle was several credit cards and electronic devices commonly used in credit card skimming and thefts. Pine Prairie Police was able to seize the drugs, equipment and cash which was taken into evidence. The driver, Nicholas Llunroy Rose of Miramar Florida was arrested and charged with Speeding 130mph in a 45 mph zone, Reckless Operation of a Vehicle, Aggravated Flight from an Officer, Driving under suspension, Anti Skimming Act and Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute. The passenger of the vehicle, Chachouna Aurelien, of Miami Gardens, Florida was charged with Anti Skimming Act and Possession of Marijuana with intent to distribute. Both subjects were booked into the Evangeline Parish Jail of said charges. Chief Deshotel thanks Turkey Creek Chief Steven Ardoin and Louisiana State Police Troop E Troopers for the assistance in this matter.

Evangeline Parish Honor Students May 18, 2021 Evangeline Parish Honor students were announced this week by each high school. Here is the list of Valedictorians and Salutatorians in each parish high school: Ville Platte High School: Benjamin Veillon, Valedictorian and Lucan Doucet, Salutatorian. Ville Platte High will have graduation ceremonies Thursday night at 7:00pm in the school gym; Mamou High School: Ann- Marie Bieber, Valedictorian and Ashlyn Foret, Salutatorian. Mamou High will have graduation ceremonies Friday night at 6:00pm at St. Ann Catholic Church. Seating is limited. You must have a ticket for entrance. Pine Prairie High School: Co Valedictorians: Maycie Hardy and Kamryn West; Allison Soileau , Salutatorian. Pine Prairie's graduation is scheduled for Thursday night at 7:00pm in the school gym. Sacred Heart High: Madison Maier, Valedictorian and Mary Dupre, Salutatorian. Sacred Heart's graduation took place last Friday night; Basile High: Alex Menier, Valedictorian and Bryson McCoy, Salutatorian. Basile High's graduation is scheduled for Friday at 7:00pm in the school gym. KVPI is scheduling interviews with these special honor students and will compile the interviews to play back on the air in the near future. Keep listening for the date and time.

Rotary Club hears plans for a statewide hiking Trial May 18, 2021 The Ville Platte Rotary Club, Tuesday, heard from guest speaker Bryan Chriceol, a Rotary club member from Lafayette speaking about his plans for a proposed Bayou State Trail. He reported that Louisiana is one of only three states in the country that have no trails longer than 100 miles for hiking and biking. He is meeting with Rotary Clubs and other groups through the state to gain interest and support to develop such a trail. The proposed trail would begin in New Orleans, run through Acadiana including Chicot State Park all the way to North Louisiana. The plan is to develop a trail association to oversee the project. He suggested the Ville Platte Rotary to support it because of the economic development it could bring to Evangeline Parish with more riders and hikers coming in. The speaker was the guest of Rotarian Dr. Ted Ardoin. Rotary club members were reminded that the annual Spring Installation Banquet is planned for June 22 at Café Evangeline. Officers for the new year will be installed by Rotary Executive Linwood Broussard.

Drug Arrests May 13, 2021 Evangeline Parish Sheriff Charles Guillory reported to KVPI News that two subjects were arrested after executing a search warrant of a residence in the Reddell area. The arrests took place on Tuesday May 11. Deputies have been receiving complaints about this residence for months. The deputies entered the residence and detained the suspects inside. Once the deputies completed their search, there were multiple narcotics and weapons recovered. Among the weapons was a Browning shotgun that had been stolen from a home in Eunice several years ago. The following subjects were arrested: Gary Paul Aymond age 56 of Mamou charged with possession with intent to distribute Methamphetamine, possession of Suboxone Strips, Possession of Vyvanse, Possession of Tramadol, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of a stolen firearm, Possession of a firearm with obliterated serial number and Possession of an unregistered silencer. Also arrested Rocky Anthony Deshotel age 62 of Reddell charged with Possession of Methamphetamine.

Endangered/Missing Child Media Advisory Basile – The Louisiana State Police has issued a Level II Endangered/Missing Child Advisory on behalf of the Basile Police Department for a 3-year-old child last seen on Sunday, May 9, 2021, on Second Street in Basile, LA. The child was last seen with his non-custodial mother, Ashley Nicole Bang (also known as Ashley Willis), and is believed to be in imminent danger. Ashton Michael Willis is a 3-year-old bi-racial male with dark brown hair and brown eyes. He is approximately 3' tall and weighs about 40 pounds. He was wearing a T- shirt and diaper when he was last seen. Ashley Nicole Bang is wanted for questioning in the child's disappearance. Ashley Bang is a 32-year-old white female with brown hair and brown eyes. She is approximately 5'2" tall and weighs about 115 pounds. She is possibly driving a 1998 White Chevrolet Cavalier bearing Louisiana license plate 448EBW. Anyone with information as to the whereabouts of either of these subjects should immediately contact the Basile Police Department at 337-432-6625 or call 911. All inquiries concerning this matter should be directed to the Basile Police Department.

Ville Platte City Council Meeting May 11, 2021 Ville Platte Mayor Jennifer Vidrine had good news for citizens who miss going to events and activities due to Covid-19 restrictions. She announced that the city will begin accepting applications to rent the Northside Civic Center beginning June 1. Statistics from the state health department continue to show a decrease in Covid-19 cases and deaths. How ever the mayor is concerned that only a small percentage of residents in Evangeline Parish have taken their Covid-19 vaccines. The latest statistic shows only 22 percent of Evangeline Parish residents have taken at least one dose of the vaccines. "This not good. We need to continue encouraging residents to get their vaccines," said Mayor Vidrine. She reminded residents that the next free vaccination date in Ville Platte will be May 20 at the Ville Platte Civic Center from 10:00am to 3;00pm for residents to get their shots. "We will continue to offer the civic center as a site as long as the state Department of Health and Hospitals will permit it," said the mayor. Police Chief Neal Lartigue reported that the city police in April responded to 825 calls, issued 21 traffic citations, 25 arrests, 14 felony arrests and worked 37 traffic accidents. The police department also is working on investigating two recent business breakins. Fire Chief Chris Soileau reported that the Ville Platte Fire Department worked 16 incidents for the month of April including two structure fires. Chief Soileau recognized two firefighters who have completed professional certifications: Bill Manuel as a fire inspector, the first one in the department and Zachary Johnson as a fire investigator. In other action the city council: --received news that the much anticipated street improvement project in the city is expected to begin in June; --approved the renewing of the sponsorship of the transportation program operated by the Evangeline Council on Aging;

Turkey Creek Arrests May 11, 2021 Turkey Creek Police Chief Steven Ardoin reported the following arrests to KVPI News: On April 25, officers with the Turkey Creek Police Department were dispatched to 1229 Pine Street in Turkey Creek in reference to a domestic disturbance. After an investigation, both subjects, Brock Fontenot and Tori Erwin were arrested for Domestic Abuse Battery charges and held without bond. On Friday May 7 at 6:30pm, officers with the Turkey Creek Police Department were dispatched to a home on Saddler Street in connection with a disturbance. After an investigation, officers arrested the subject, Brittany West age 32 was charged with Disturbing the Peace, Tampering with Evidence and Possession of Marijuana with bond set at $1500. Chief Ardoin would like to than the public for their continued support and to report all suspicious activity.

Ville Platte Police Chief Neal Lartigue reports two arrested on multiple charges. On Monday May 10, 2021 at approximately 3:30 a.m. Officers with the Ville Platte Police Department responded to a burglary report in the 700 block of Edward Knotoe Street. Upon arrival Officers discovered the glass doors of a business shattered and the ATM machine inside the building was damaged. The owner of the business reported that money was stolen from the register. The amount of money will not be specified as the incident remains under investigation. At approximately 5:30 a.m. Officers responded to a report of burglary at a business located in the 900 block of East LaSalle Street. Upon arrival Officers discovered the front door glass had been shattered. Officers searched the building and discovered that a safe and multiple cell phones had been stolen from inside the business. Business personnel stated that there was money in the safe at the close of business the day before. The amount of money in the safe will not be disclosed as the incident remains under investigation. Upon further investigation and leads, the Officers were able to locate two suspects who were in possession of some the cell phones. Arrested was Tyquan Herbert, age 18, of 111 Carson Street, Ville Platte. Herbert was charged with one count of simple damage to property (felony) and one count of simple burglary (felony). Herbert was booked into the Ville Platte City Jail and transported to the Evangeline Parish Jail on a bond totaling $87, 500.00 bond. Jayvion Robinson, age 18, of 1207 Concord Pl., Missouri City, Texas was arrested on one count of illegal possession of stolen property (felony). Robinson was booked into the Ville Platte City Jail and was later transported to the Evangeline Parish Jail on a $15,000.00 bond. Chief Lartigue is asking anyone with information regarding this incident or any other illegal activity, to call the Ville Platte Police Department at 337-363-1316. Your call will remain anonymous.

TUESDAY, MAY 3, 2021

 

At Tuesday’s meeting of the Evangeline Parish Police Jury, the jury approved a resolution to take preliminary approval relative to the issuance, sale, and delivery of sales tax refunding bonds, not to exceed $13,750,000. In this case, refunding refers more to refinancing. John Mayeaux explained to the board that Tuesday’s meeting and resolution do not obligate them to anything and only means that they can now draw up numbers for the refunding bonds. If the final prices indicate a loss or too small of savings, the Police Jury does not have to go through with them. If they choose to withdraw, there will be no financial loss, save for the $100 application fee. Mayeaux stressed that these bonds are not bringing in new finances, nor do they extend the repayment period. The Jury will be issued only the amount of bonds necessary to pay off the old ones, and savings will be calculated in terms of lowered interest rates.

 

The jury also carried a motion to approve continuing to levy for 10 years mills property taxes in Voting Districts 2, 3, and 7 in order to maintain public cemeteries. The taxes are not new but are renewals for taxes that have existed for several years.

 

Public Works Director Chester Granger asked the Jury for approval to use the health unit budget to replace several big-ticket items for our parish sewer system. He said that the sewer system has multiple major issues throughout the parish, but that they are working with an almost $0 budget. The motion carried with approval for 1 submersible grinder pump for Wyble and 1 large submersible for Country Estate. Granger also assured the public that the bridges on MacArthur and Bieber are still pending repair; the delay was only due to last week’s severe weather.