Ground breaking for new parish prison held March 21, 2023 The ground breaking for the new Evangeline Parish Jail facility was held this (Tuesday) morning at the new proposed site at the Ward One Industrial Park. Sheriff Charles Guillory welcomed the large group of public officials and the general public in attendance. Fr. Tom Voorhies, pastor of Sacred Heart Catholic Church offered an opening prayer. Also speaking was architect Alex Deshotel whose firm is designing the new parish jail facility who announced that the jail will house 200 inmates including men, woman and some juveniles. They expect to go to bid in the next three months for a general contractor. The construction phase is expected to take about 14-16 months. Based on that time line, the new parish jail should have a ribbon cutting in the next 18 months. Other speakers included State Representative Rhonda Butler and Police Jury President Brian Vidrine. The ground breaking included the sheriff, the architect and several members of the police jury. The closing prayer was offered by Rev. Freddie Jack of the St. John Baptist Church.

Evangeline Parish Police Jury Meeting March 6, 2023 The Evangeline Parish Police Jury Monday night received information on a proposed solar farm in Bayou Chicot from Eric Wedesky with IBV Energy Partners. The company plans to invest 250 million dollars to create a 200 Megawatt solar farm on a 1200 acre tract of land in the Bayou Chicot area. The project will support energy reliability, create jobs and increase tax revenues for Evangeline Parish residents,. They are proposing to start construction in the first quarter of 2024 and start commercial operation and be on line and deliver power to the grid by the second quarter of 2025. He is projecting that the new Solar Farm will support over 27.5 million dollars in a new tax base over a 35 year period. The project will supply electricity for approximately 34,000 homes. He mentioned that during the 18 month construction period, the project will hire some 250 direct temporary jobs and $54 million dollars in earnings in Louisiana. Once construction is completed, they will have 3-5 permanent new jobs to help maintain the solar farm operation. The police jury has called a public hearing at 4:30pm on April 3 at the courthouse to get public comment on the proposed new Solar Farm operation at Bayou Chicot. In other business, the police jury: --agreed to proceed with a “Workers on Wheels” project at Crooked Creek Park where campers could camp at no charge in exchange for assisting in work projects around the camping site; --after hearing a proposal to lease the courthouse canteen to Steven Sawtelle to begin selling food for courthouse employees and guests, the police jury voted to officially advertise in their legal journal to accept sealed quotes and proposals for the courthouse canteen; --authorized the police jury president the authority to sign all necessary paperwork once an agreement has been reached in a cooperative endeavor agreement between the police jury and City of Ville Platte to help clean the city’s canals;- --scheduled a public hearing on a new nuisance ordinance regulating the usage of Tannerite. The ordinance prohibits the usage of Tannerite with propane bottles. This new noise pollution ordinance would prohibit its usage between 8’00pm to 8;00am.; --approved a resolution to issue up to 2.5 million dollars in tax bonds for Fire Protection District #2 to construct a new fire station in the Tee Mamou area.; --appointed Jody Snoddy as the new Public Works Director replacing Andrew Tate who will become the new Region A Foreman; Darrell Shepherd Jr was named new Assistant Public Works Director; --received news from Parish Engineer Ronnie Landreneau that the parish has been awarded $923,000 in a sewer grant for the Wyble Subdivision.

KVPI Winning Award March 3, 2023 KVPI AM/FM was honored and recognized Thursday night at the annual Louisiana Agriculture Hall of Distinction event in Baton Rouge. The radio stations were recognized for outstanding and continuous service to the ag industry in our listening area for the past 70 years. KVPI presents four ag reports a day from the Louisiana Agri News Network along with weekly county agent and 4-H reports. Presenting the award to KVPI’s Misty Parker representing KVPI were Jeff Palermo, the News and Sports Director with the Louisiana Radio Network and Richard Fontenot of Vidrine. with the Louisiana Farm Bureau and the Louisiana Rice Research Board. Also recognized at the event were: Dr. Steven Linscombe, rice scientist with the LSU Ag Center, Jackie Theriot, a sugar cane farmer from Breaux Bridge and Gerard Frey, rice producer from Acadia Parish. The Louisiana Agriculture Hall of Distinction event took place Thursday night at L’auberge Casino and Hotel in Baton Rouge and sponsored by the Louisiana Radio Network, LSU AG Center, Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Louisiana Farm Bureau.

Ville Platte Radio Station to Receive Recognition Three individuals who have spent their careers dedicated to improving agriculture in Louisiana will be the newest inductees into the Louisiana Agriculture Hall of Distinction and one South Louisiana radio station will be recognized for dedicated service to Louisiana agriculture. The induction will take place at the L’Auberge Hotel in Baton Rouge Thursday March 2. KVPI AM/FM, Ville Platte, will receive special recognition at the 2023 Louisiana Agriculture Hall of Distinction induction ceremonies. KVPI has been serving the agriculture community of Evangeline and surrounding parishes since it first signed on the air back in 1953. General Manager Mark Layne and the entire staff of KVPI AM/FM is being recognized as one of the outstanding affiliates of the Voice of Louisiana Agriculture Radio Network as it provides Louisiana farmers and ranchers access to the latest information they need to continue making agriculture the number one industry in Louisiana. The inductees are rice and crawfish farmer Gerard Frey, of Iota; Steve Linscombe, longtime LSU AgCenter rice breeder and current director of the USA Rice Federation Leadership Development Program, who currently resides in Mountain Home, Texas; and Jackie Theriot, a sugarcane farmer and advocate for the sugarcane industry from St. Martinville. A joint effort of the LSU AgCenter, Louisiana Radio Network, Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation and Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, the Louisiana Agriculture Hall of Distinction honors individuals who have made significant contributions to agriculture or agriculture-related industries. Previous inductees have represented farming, ranching, forestry, aquaculture, education and agribusiness. For more information regarding the Louisiana Agriculture Hall of Distinction event, contact Robyn Dow with the Louisiana Radio Network at 225-291-2727 or office@louisianaradionetwork.com.

Book Authors Speak at Rotary Club Meeting Feb. 14, 2023 The two authors of the popular new book, “Healing Traditions”, Mary Perrin and Beverly Fuselier, were the guest speakers at today’s (Tuesday) meeting of the Ville Platte Rotary Club. The book discusses folk healing and healing plants. Both authors are “traiteurs” treating people with various ailments. One section on the book is on “traiteurs” and folk healing. Some folk healers only treat specific problems such as warts, fevers and burns while others treat for everything. It was mentioned that well known Cajun musician , the late D.L. Menard and his father were both “traiteurs.” The cover of their new publication shows a faith healer healing an afflicted person inside a circle of salt. The artwork came from well known artist, George Rodrigue. The authors mention that the faith healing practice is given from one generation to a younger one. However, they never push the art to another person. The person must ask for it. The other section of the book goes into detail on some 68 healing plants including herbs, roots, and bark that can be used and prepared in various ways as a tea or a poultice or bandage. The two guest speakers were guests of Rotarian Ronnie Landreneau who was in charge of the program. It was announced that the March 7 meeting of the club will be held at the state arboretum at Chicot State Park.

Drug Arrests Feb. 13, 2023 Evangeline Parish Sheriff Charles Guillory reported to KVPI News that his department have arrested suspects on drug related charges in three separate matters. On February 7, the sheriff’s office narcotics unit conducted a search warrant at a residence on North Thompson Street in Ville Platte. Agents entered the residence and detained several people. A search of the home was conducted and illegal narcotics were located. Arrested were: Christopher Allen Wall age 36 of 9th Street, Pine Prairie charged with possession of schedule three drugs, possession of drug paraphernalia and resisting an officer; Cody Wardlaw age 26 of North Thompson, Ville Platte charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute synthetic marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia and Brandy Nichole Fontenot age 28 of Tiger Lane, Ville Platte charged with possession of methamphetamine, On February 9, the narcotics unit conducted a traffic stop on Washington Street in Ville Platte. Agents made contact with the driver and conducted an interview. A search of the driver and the vehicle was then conducted and illegal narcotics were located. The suspect was identified as Casey Faul age 32 of 319 East Pine, Ville Platte and charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of fentanyl and possession of drug paraphernalia. On February 11, the sheriff’s department traffic unit conducted a stop on a vehicle. Upon making contact with the driver, there was an over whelming smell of marijuana coming from the vehicle. The deputy conducted a probably cause search and located narcotics and a firearm. Arrested was Andre Fitzgerald Franklin age 34 of Baton Rouge charged with possession with intent to distribute over 2 pounds of marijuana, possession of a firearm in the presence of controlled dangerous substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. In another matter, Sheriff Guillory reports that a Lake Cove man, Galen Hazelton age 26 was arrested by Evangeline Parish authorities on charges of theft. On January 10, the victim reported that someone gained access to his bank account information. During the investigation, it was discovered that the suspect, Hazelton obtained the bank account information and used to make transactions on the internet. When questioning the suspect, he admitted to the allegation and was issued a misdemeanor summons for theft.

Ville Platte City Council Meeting January `10, 2023 The Ville Platte City Council Tuesday received a detailed review and explanation from its City Attorney Chris Ludeau about his legal opinion over a recent contract the city signed with a private firm to construct a new sewer system. Ludeau advised the council that the city should have presented the contract before the State Bond Commission for their approval. Ludeau said he spoke with former City Attorney Eric Lafleur who told him the contact was never reviewed by him. City Councilman Bryant Riggs, said he voted for the sewer project with the firm, Sustainability Pardners. Riggs said he was present when attorney Lafleur told him and the rest of the city council that the contract “was a good deal” for the city. The council after much discussion voted to review the contract with Sustainability Pardners and decide whether the city should cancel the project. During a disagreement between City Marshal Nicole Snoddy and City Councilman Bryant Riggs, councilman Tracey Jagneaux pleaded to the rest of the council and the audience , “ We need to stop all this name calling. We need a certain decorum in our meetings. If you have an opinion, say it with respect.” Mayor Ryan LeDay Williams issued a statement to the public “ Upon taking office, we are discovering that the city has taken on a lot of debt. Water, gas and sewer needs to be addressed for the residents. We are meeting weekly to streamline all budget issues.” In other business, the city: --approved a cooperative endeavor agreement with the police jury to start the cleaning of city canals; --appointed Christina Sam as new Mayor Pro- Tem; --voted to upgrade the city animal shelter to help handle the number of animals the city is handling until a new parish shelter is constructed in the next two years; --heard special reports from State Senator Heather Cloud and Jerri LeDoux with Congressman Mike Johnson’s Office; --heard from Fire Chief Chris Soileau reported on year end fire reports: for the year 2022: there were 320 incidents, 39 structure fires, 11 vehicle fires, 63 grass fires, 16 medical calls, 7 extractions, 104 alarm activations and 50 service calls; --heard from Police Chief Al Perry Thomas give his monthly police report: 185 calls, 36 citations, 34 arrests and 11 felony arrests and the department worked 16 traffic accidents; --approved hiring several police officers including two officers who worked for the city before; -called a public hearing to adopt ordnances to combine the offices, city clerk, treasurer and tax collector, and another ordinance to change the compensation of the city attorney and to change the time of the regular meetings.

Elizabeth West Evangeline Parish Police Jury Meeting January 10, 2023 A new year brings a new face to the Evangeline Parish Police Jury, with the swearing in of Angelica Williams by Ville Platte City Judge Greg Vidrine during the police jury’s meeting on Monday. Williams was appointed to fill the police jury seat left vacant after her husband, Ryan Leday Williams, was elected Ville Platte Mayor back in November of 2022. During the meeting, Chester Granger was officially appointed as the new Secretary-Treasurer for the EPPJ. Granger, who was appointed as interim Secretary-Treasurer in December, replaced Donald Bergeron after Bergeron announced he would be resigning from his role with the EPPJ and accepting a position with the City of Ville Platte.  When it came to selecting officers for the year 2023, current EPPJ President Bryan Vidrine was selected to serve another year as President, while police jurors voted for Kevin Veillon to serve as its Vice-President.  During the meeting, police jurors once again discussed the ongoing issue it faces with people stealing street signs.  Granger reported that cameras have been purchased and will be put out in different locations in an effort to catch people stealing street signs. In addition, EPPJ President Bryan Vidrine asked for anyone with information on individuals stealing street signs to call the police jury, police departments or the sheriff’s office to report them.  As it relates to sales tax collections, Granger reported that the total collections for November 2022 were $321,366.01. Other items approved: •Appoint Robert LeJeune to the Acadia/Evangeline Fire Protection District for the remainder of Neil LeJeune’s term, to expire in December 2023.  •Final payment for redistricting maps of $16,800.00.  •Incidental travel items for Bryan Vidrine’s travel to Washington, DC.  •IRS Standard Mileage Rates for 2023 set at 65.5 cents per mile.  •Pay $7,675.04 for a second 4-H agent for Evangeline Parish. •Regular meeting dates, time, and place set for the first Monday of each month at 6 p.m. except for when the meeting date falls on a holiday. Meetings will be held at the Evangeline Parish Courthouse in the police jury meeting room on the second floor. •Committee meetings set for the same date and at the same location as the regular meetings at 5 p.m. •Pay for Registrar of Voters Lucas Buller to attend annual conference. 

Ville Platte City Council Meeting January 4, 2022 The Ville Platte City Council, Wednesday, held its first meeting of the new year with new members and took care of house keeping responsibilities. New Mayor Ryan LeDay Wllliams recommended Donald Bergeron as the new city clerk. Bergeron has been serving for the last ten years as Evangeline Parish Police Jury Secretary-Treasurer. City Councilman Bryant Riggs said he had no problem with Bergeron as the new city clerk but had concerns over the proposed salary. Currently the city clerk pay scale is set by ordinance at $49,000. Bergeron’s pay is expected to be $75,000 a year. Riggs felt the pay rate should be closer to $60,000 a year and the council should look at trying to give all city employees pay raises. Mayor Williams explained to Riggs and the city council that Bergeron’s duties will encompass three positions: City Clerk, City Treasurer and Tax Collector. By combining all three positions, the city will actually save $14,000 a year. Bergeron was appointed as new City Clerk by a vote of 5-1 with only Bryant Riggs voting no. In his statement after the vote, Bergeron said “I appreciate your vote of confidence. I will work hard to earn every dollar. We are committed to help raise the level of pay to all city employees.” In other business, the city council: --appointed Chris Ludeau as new city attorney; --appointed Deidra Godfrey as new city prosecutor; ==appointed Janice Leday as new Section 8 director; --appointed the Ville Platte Gazette as its legal journal; And voted to set its monthly meeting the second Tuesday each month at 5:30pm at City Hall

Sheriff Department Drug Arrest December 28, 2022 Evangeline Parish Sheriff Charles Guillory reported to KVPI News a drug arrest took place last Friday. The sheriff’s department narcotics unit stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation. Agents made contact with the driver and occupant. Agents then developed probably cause to believe narcotics may be involved. K-9 Diego was on scene and deployed giving a positive alert to the presence of illegal narcotics. Agents then conducted a search of the vehicle and located a small amount of narcotics. Agents searched the driver and located a hidden belt around his waist which contained more narcotics. Agents arrested Corey Hebert age 45 of Chicot Park Road, Ville Platte and charged with possession with intent to distribute over 6 grams of Heroin, possession with intent to distribute over 4 grams of Fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute over 24 grams of Methamphetamine. He is also being held for a probation violation and was cited for the traffic violation.

Ville Platte City Council Meeting December 13, 2022 Farewell messages were made by Ville Platte Mayor Jennifer Vidrine and some members of the Ville Platte City Council at Tuesday’s city council meeting. It was the last public meeting for Mayor Vidrine along with Jordan Anderson and Jerry Joseph who did not win re-election in last week’s elections and for Mike Perron who did not seek re-election. In her final mayor’s comments, Mayor Vidrine said she is proud of the accomplishments she and the city council were able to do for the past 12 years. She advised the new incoming mayor and council members “to always work for the people and care about the people. Ville Platte and its people will always be in my heart” she said. The city council approved a number of measures recommended by Mayor Jennifer Vidrine using federal American Rescue Fund monies. The council approved accepting proposals to do begin cleaning the 13 city canals to improve the drainage issues in the city. At the suggestion by the mayor, the city council approved the purchase of the Ollie Deville property at the corner of Dr. Carver and Cotton Street for $35,000 to be used as a pocket park. The City Council, after viewing a presentation from a representative with Atakapa Services of Baton Rouge, approved using their services to begin cleaning storm drains in the city. In other business, the city council approved giving a 4% increase in pay to the paid firefighters in the city and to give police officers a $2.50 an hour pay raise. The pay hike would increase the pay for starting police officers to $17.50 an hour. Special presentations were made to Donna Guillory who is retiring after 33 years of service as a city hall employee and Mike Perron is retiring after 16 years as a city councilman. Dwan Jack appeared before the council to announce that he is opening a new pool hall in the city at 142 West Main in Ville Platte in the old Briley’s Lounge location; Sharon Fontenot, curator of the Louisiana Swamp Pop Museum announced that the next Swamp Pop Reunion Dance is set for Feb. 22, Mardi Gras eve at the Ville Platte Civic Center. It is a major fund raiser for the museum, Visitors from 42 states and 12 countries have toured the only known museum dedicated for the presentation of Swamp Pop Music, Police Chief Neal Lartigue reported that for the month of November the police department responded to 896 calls, 22 citations issued, 19 misdemeanor cases, 3 felony cases, 16 accidents and one fatality. Lartigue is leaving the office after serving 16 years as police chief and 32 years in the police force. Fire Chief Chris Soileau announced that for the month of November 25 incidents reported to the fire department and no structure fires and one vehicle fire.

Election Returns December 10, 2022 Complete but unofficial returns from today’s (Saturday’s) runoff elections shows the following: The special runoff election for Mayor of Turkey Creek ended up in a tie vote. Bert Campbell and Vickie Chaddrick each got 109 votes in the runoff race. Evangeline Parish Clerk of Court Randy Deshotel spoke with the Secretary of State’s Office and was informed that once the election is certified, there will be a special election to be held for Mayor in Turkey Creek January 14. In the Town of Mamou races for Mamou City Council, Reko Goodley defeated Jimmie Thomas 348 votes to Thomas’s 247 votes for the Alderman at Large seat. For the District Three alderman seat, Eugene Manuel with 104 votes beat Allen Noel Sr who received 82 votes. In the city of Ville Platte, two of the three incumbents in the runoff races were defeated by their challengers. Challenger Anna Frank beat Jerry Joseph 156 to 94 votes in the District B office. Incumbent Jordan Anderson lost to Shawn Roy 164-137 in the District D seat. Incumbent Christina Sam from District E with 248 votes defeated Adam Toussaint who received 140 votes. Both Millage Tax Propositions called by the Fire Protection District Two board passed by more than 75 percent of the vote. The tax renewals were for renewing 5.63 mills for 15 and 17 years respectively. In Evangeline Parish, the three constitutional amendments were approved by voters by more than 67 percent of the vote. KVPI FM 92.5 was there broadcasting live from the Clerk of Court’s Office in the courthouse with Clerk of Court randy Deshotel.

Drug Arrest at Ville Platte Residence December 8, 2022 Evangeline Parish Sheriff Charles Guillory reported to KVPI News that Wednesday morning, the Evangeline Parish Sheriff Department Narcotics Division, along with the Allen Parish Sheriff Department Swat Team and the Louisiana Department of Probation and Parole executed a search warrant at a residence located at 415 North Fontenot Street in Ville Platte. Agents entered the residence and different building on the property before daylight and detained three people without incident. Agents then searched the home and found crack cocaine, cocaine and marijuana along with several handguns and U S currency. Agents confiscated several vehicles, including four wheelers and a golf cart which will be seized. Arrested was James Alexander Garlow Sr. age 47 of 415 North Fontenot Street, Ville Platte charged with: Possession with intent to distribute over 116 grams of crack cocaine, possession with intent to distribute over 295 grams of marijuana, possession of cocaine, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a firearm in the presence of controlled dangerous substance, possession of controlled dangerous substance in the presence of a minor, possession of drug paraphernalia and money derived from drug proceeds. Sheriff Guillory would like to thank the Allen Parish Sheriff’s Department Swat Team and Narcotics Unit along with the Louisiana Department of Probation and Parole. All suspects are innocent till proven guilty.

The KVPI road crew had a good time broadcasting live at the scene of the 2022 Food for Families Food Drive at the Ville Platte Civic Center Pavilion. The road crew included Karlee, Misty, Britney and Mark. We even had a special report with our own Mike Perron during the day. Santa Claus even showed up. We had holiday music provided by DJ Jude Dardeau. Special thanks to Gene and Darlene for their help. Volunteers included students from Sacred Heart and the Ville Platte High JROTC. Gene Fontenot will be calling in during the French News at 7:30am on KVPI to give a report on how much food was collected during the day long drive.

Parish Deputy Charged with Battery on a Parish Inmate December 6, 2022 Evangeline Parish Sheriff Charles Guillory reported to KVPI News that a corrections deputy was fired from his position and formally charged with one count of simple battery and one count of malfeasance in office. The deputy was identified as Juquarius Hayward. His bond was set at $6500. The sheriff said the charges were filed in connection with an altercation last Saturday involving multiple inmates. During the disturbance, all of the prisoners were detained and put on lockdown. While on lockdown, deputy Hayward assaulted one of the prisoners. The investigation is on going and more details may become available. In another case, Sheriff Guillory said a Ville Platte man was arrested in connection with a missing 16 year old female juvenile from Calcassieu Parish. On January 8, the sheriff’s office was contacted by the Calcassieu Parish Sheriff’s Office for help in locating a missing 16 year old female juvenile. Relatives of the missing girl advised deputies they they believed the girl had run away and was picked up by Isaiah Drummer age 21 of Ville Platte. Evangeline Parish deputies were able to locate the missing girl at Drummer’s home in Ville Platte. Once the missing girl was located, she was detained and transported to the Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Office and released into the custody of her legal guardian. This matter was then transferred to the sheriff’s office criminal investigations division for further investigation. During the investigation, information was received that suggested that Drummer had an inappropriate sexual contact on at least one occasion after picking up the underage juvenile. Drummer was charged with one count of misdemeanor contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile and one count felony contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile. He was booked into the Evangeline Parish Jail with a bond set at $45,000.

Parish Prisoner Escapee Captured November 26, 2022 An Evangeline Parish prisoner was recaptured a short time after he escaped from deputies. Evangeline Parish Sheriff Charles Guillory reported to KVPI News that the inmate, Deonterrian Devon Wilson of Mamou , was being escorted to the parish jail Friday when he took off running and escaped from the deputies. He was considered dangerous. A few hours later, the sheriff’s department notified KVPI News that the escapee was recaptured at 11:40pm Friday night without incident and is back in the parish jail.

Evangeline Parish District Attorney Trent Brignac confirmed to KVPI News today the arrest of Christina Sam, a Ville Platte City Councilwoman , who is currently in a runoff race for re-election. The arrest is related to election fraud, forgery and illegally procuring and submitting voter registration applications that are known to be materially false. The violation of election code provision carries a maximum sentence of up to two years imprisonment and a fine of up to two thousand dollars. District Judge Marcus Fontenot set Sam's bond at $15,000.

Evangeline Parish Police Jury Meeting November 7, 2022 The Evangeline Parish Police Jury Monday voted to apply for LGAP funding in the amount of $100,000 for improvements to the Water Tower at the Industrial Park. The jury also agreed to apply for $100,000 in funding to construct a new controls building at the Industrial Park. Police Jury President Bryan Vidrine announced that the Burn Ban in Evangeline Parish has been lifted for local residents. Jury Public Works Director Chester Granger reported that the theft of road signs in the parish is becoming a serious problem. One area the jury is exploring is to purchase cameras to catch those who steal the signs. Also, the police jury tabled the approval of the 2023 operating budget for the Evangeline Parish Communications District to give jurors more time to review until more information is gathered. Several members of the police jury including Juror Eric Soileau praised Granger for “getting the job done” even if it meant working the equipment himself. The jury is considering hiring an Assistant Public Works Director to help Granger in his duties. In other action the police jury: --called a public hearing and special meeting at 4;00pm December 5 to get comments on a proposal to merge the Ward Five and Lone Pine Fire Districts; --received news that sales tax collections for September sales collected In October amounted to $388,626 which is an 11 percent decrease from the previous month; --voted to call their December meeting for Tuesday Dec. 13 at 2:00pm and will be conducted all in the Cajun French language; --voted to give pay raises to Tim Causey, Nolan Soileau, Huey Johnson and Eddie Clark in District Four; --plans to use the $100,000 in NACO funds to be used as matching funds for future grants including the possible construction of a new parish animal shelter.

Unrestrained Driver Killed in Evangeline Parish Crash Evangeline Parish – On November 3, 2022, shortly after 10:30 p.m., an officer with Ville Platte Police Department attempted to conduct a traffic stop. The driver refused to stop and a pursuit ensued which ended in a fatal crash that claimed the life of the driver, 41-year-old Gary Macneil Sims of Ville Platte. The initial investigation revealed the officer attempted a traffic stop on a 2004 Toyota Camry after the owner reported an unauthorized use of her vehicle. The driver, Sims, began fleeing from police at a high rate of speed. For reasons still under investigation, Sims lost control of the Camry in a curve and exited LA 10 near Pelican Road. Upon doing so, the vehicle overturned several times before striking a utility pole. Sims was unrestrained and was ejected from the vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene by the Evangeline Parish Coroner’s Office. Due to the extent of his injuries, a toxicology sample was unable to be obtained for analysis. This crash remains under investigation. While not all crashes are survivable, proper seat belt usage can greatly increase the chances of surviving a crash by spreading out those forces across the strong bones of the body. Speed increases those forces and increases the degree severity in a crash. Please be a responsible driver or a responsible passenger, and buckle up every ride, every time. In 2022, Troop I has investigated 48 fatal crashes resulting in 54 deaths.

The 2022 Tournoi is now in the history books. Today;s event at the Ward One Industrial Park track capped off a great week of Cotton Festival events in Ville Platte. The weather was perfect today for the running of the Tournoi. The emcee was Clerk of Court Randy Deshotel. Fr. Mitch Guidry , pastor of Our Lady Queen of All Saints offered the opening prayer and the "Our Father Prayer" in French. Tee Rob Soileau handled the sound equipment. The KVPI Road crew, Mike Perron and Mark Layne were there covering the event live at the scene. Here are the results of Sunday's Tournoi: First Place and New Champ- John Ross Guillory, 2nd place- Eric Guillory, Third Place- Marcus Guillory, Fourth Place: Cody Guillory who also claimed the fastest time award: 12.470, Fifth Place: Alex Haller who was last year's champion, Sixth Place- Lisa Crane, Seventh Place- Paul Fontenot, 8th place- Bryan Fontenot, 9th place- Chuck Manuel and 10th place- Kent Saucier. Winning the coveted sportsmanship award voted on by the riders was French teacher Marie Toustou, Winning the first place qualifier award was Kent Saucier and Lisa Crane and Cody Guillory won the the two man money team award. Thank you to al our sponsors and thank you to the Tournoi association for allowing us to broadcast at their event again this year. We had listeners listening to our broadcast stream as far away as in France and Texas,