*******Press Release*******

Date: September 25, 2024
Subject: Homicide Arrests
Chief A. Perry Thomas reports that on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, officers with Ville Platte Police Department, in cooperation with the Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Office and Ville Platte City Marshal’s Office, arrested two suspects for the September 14 shooting that resulted in the death of a 19-year-old female.
Arrested were Tavion Fontenot, 20, of Ville Platte and a male juvenile, age 16. They are charged with 1 count of 2nd Degree Murder and 2 counts of Attempted 2nd Degree Murder. Their bonds have been set at $3,750,000. 

This investigation is ongoing and more arrests are possible. Chief Thomas asks if anyone has information about this crime to please call the Ville Platte Police Department at 337-363-1313.  All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

*******Press Release*******

Date: September 25, 2024
Subject: Burglary Arrest
Chief A. Perry Thomas reports that on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, officers with Ville Platte Police Department, in cooperation with the Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Office and Ville Platte City Marshal’s Office, arrested a suspect for recent break-ins and theft around the city. 

These break-ins and charges include:
B&S Grocery – Criminal Damage to Property; Simple Burglary 

Budget Rental – Illegal Possession of Stolen Things
The suspect, a 17-year-old juvenile, also confessed to a rash of break-in attempts in the City of Ville Platte. He is being charged as an adult. Bond has not been set at this time. 

This investigation is ongoing and more arrests are possible. Chief Thomas asks if anyone has information about these crimes to please call the Ville Platte Police Department at 337-363-1313.  All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

On August 7th, 2024, Narcotic Agents with the Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Office while working Criminal Patrol within the city limits of Mamou, observed two white male individuals walking in the middle of the roadway headed Westbound on Chestnut Street. One of the males who was identified as Jade McDaniel 34 of Mamou, who also maintained felony warrants from Probation and Parole resisted the agent by fleeing the scene when he was advised to stop walking.  During the foot pursuit and running through numerous backyards, agents deployed the taser and McDaniel continued to run for a short distance.  McDaniel then turned with a fighting stance and lunged toward the agent.  After a brief struggle, McDaniel was placed under arrest.  McDaniel was arrested and charged with the following:

 La RS 14:14:100.1 (Impeding public passages)

• La RS 14:108.1 (Flight from an officer)
• La RS 14:108.2  (Resisting a police officer with force or violence)
• La RS 14:108 (Resisting an Officer)

Date: September 16, 2024
Subject: Shootings/Homicide

Chief A. Perry Thomas reports that on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at approximately 12:45 p.m., the Ville Platte Police Department was notified of multiple gunshots fired at the Parkview Apartments on Dupre Street. One victim, a 25-year-old male, was taken to an area hospital and is reportedly in stable condition.

Later that day, at approximately 9:15 p.m., a second shooting occurred in the area of the intersection of Huey P. Long and Reed Street. Three individuals were shot inside their vehicle by unknown assailants. A female passenger, aged 19, died from a gunshot wound. The driver, a 26-year-old male, and the other passenger, a 27-year-old male, both received gunshot wounds and were brought to an area hospital for treatment. They are reportedly in stable condition.

At this time, it is not known if the two shootings are connected. Due to ongoing investigations in both cases, no further information can be released at this time.

If anyone has any information on this crime, they are urged to contact Ville Platte Police Department dispatch at 337-363-1313. All calls will remain anonymous. Chief Thomas reminds the public, if you see something, say something.

On August 26, 2024, agents with the Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Office, while conducting Criminal Patrol, observed a vehicle traveling on Lanse Bleu Road swerve within his lane.  Agents activated the emergency lights to conduct a traffic stop.   Upon the vehicle coming to a stop, contact was made with the driver, a 24-year-old white male who was identified as Joseph Shawn Fontenot Ville Platte, and a 27-year-old white male of was identified as Russell Armond of Mamou.    Agents smelled the odor of marijuana emitting from Russell Armond.  During a pat
search of Armond, he immediately surrendered a total of 1.09 grams of Marijuana.  Also, the agent located a plastic bag on the side of the foot of Armond, which he was attempting to distance himself from, that contained 27.23 grams of Methamphetamines.   

Russell John Armond was arrested and charged with (1) Count of Distribution/Possession with the Intent to Distribute Schedule II CDS Methamphetamines.  Armond was also issued a Criminal Summons for (1) Count of 40:966 Possession of Marijuana Less Than 14 grams.  

Joseph Shawn Fontenot was issued traffic citations for traffic-related incidents.

Due to the totality of the circumstances, J. Fontenot was issued a traffic citation for his traffic- related offenses. R. Armond was issued a citation for 40:966 Possession of Schedule I Marijuana under 14 grams and transported to Evangeline Parish Jail for further booking and processing on the charges of 40:967 Possession with the intent to distribute Schedule II Methamphetamine.

LSU Ag Extension County Agents Kim Deville, Madison LaTour and Brittany Zaunbrecher provided reports to the Police Jury at their meeting on Tuesday night.  Here are the Highlights that were reported:

Parish 4-H students traveled to the National Shootings Sports competition in Grand Island Nebraska.  There were three members on the Hunting Skills Team representing the State of Louisiana.  The skills consist of Archery, Shot Fun, 22 Rifle and a Skills test.  The team finished 2^nd overall with these individual results:

• Aaron Bieber – 10^th
• Shaun Young – 4^th
• Tallon Soileau – 3^rd.

Lance Fontenot represented the Parish on the Shotgun Team.

The Louisiana Shooting Sports Team placed 1^st overall at Nationals.

In Robotics, the sponsors are CLECO, Schlumberger and Cabot.  The focus was on Lego Robotics last year, and they are introducing drones and underwater robotics this year.  The 4-H students toured the Schlumberger facilities and learned about STEM jobs from the Sponsor.

The following students participated in an interview process at the 4-H State Conference and were appointed as below:

• Alissa Olivier – Fashion Board
• Amelia Fontenot – Citizenship Board
• Madeline Soileau – Wetland Ambassador

At the 4-H University, there were 18 participants with home in the educational Clover College and some competing in state level contests:

• Amelia Fontenot – 9^th Career Prep
• Caroline Garrett – 1^st – Child Development
• Collin Deville – 7^th Consumer Decision Making
• Alissa Olivier – 10^th Blue Ribbon – Ready to Wear
• Justin Castille and Andre Fuselier – 6^th Healthy Living Method Demo
• Dana Fontenot – 9^th – Insect ID
• Daisy Berzas – 10^th Visual Arts
• Abigail Roy – 7^th – 4-H has Talent

Sewing for Services and Gardening is the new Project Club.

LSU AgCenter Master Cattleman Class finished up on June 13. 22 producers completed the class, with three of them having their cattle operations here in Evangeline Parish.

Thursday September 5, the Evangeline Parish Cattlemen’s Association hosted a field day at the Chauncey Pitre Barn. With over twenty participants and board members in attendance, producers learned about meeting the nutrition requirements of cattle through hay quality and supplementation from Brett Richard, sales representative from Sweetlix. LSU AgCenter Livestock and Forages Agent Brittany Zaunbrecher spoke to the group about producing quality forages and hay, reducing dry matter losses, and soil and hay testing services offered by the LSU AgCenter. Curtis Bryant, Sales Manager for Neogen, spoke to the group about DNA testing and what it can tell producers about their cattle and how they can improve their genetics with DNA testing. Thanks to Louisiana Home Builders and the Evangeline Cattlemen’s Association for putting on a great field day event!

The Evangeline Parish Police Jury met on Monday night.  In the Committee meetings leading up to the Regular Meeting, Brian Richmond gave an update on Crooked Creek.  The Law Enforcement/First Responder Weekend was very successful with over 300 visitors and 79 campsites occupied. The Fins, Feathers and Fur Cook-off Weekend was also great with a cookoff, live auction and music.   

There continues to be contentious discussions during the Animal Control Committee because there has been no solution to the animal control problem in the Parish.  Matt Baker invited officials to come to Heroes Everywhere Animal Rescue on September 29^th to see what is happening at their facility.

Brandi Fontenot was appointed to the Hospital Board to replace Lance Chapman.  Ms. Liz Hill, from the Evangeline Parish 911/OEP, presented an update on the status of the preparations for the Tropical Storm/Hurricane Francine.  Two appointments were made to the Parish 911 Board.  Brent Guillory proposed Bekki Miller, and Tim Causey proposed Opal Oleta Poole.  The Jury approved both appointments.  Higginbotham Insurance was approved as Agent of Record for health insurance.  The nursing contract revision requested by the sheriff was approved – one nurse on duty daily from 10:30-5:30.

President Bryan Vidrine declared a Disaster Proclamation in advance of the storm.  Announcements were made about the availability of sandbags.

Chris Guillory, the Evangeline Parish Tax Assessor, presented his proposed 2024 Tax Rolls, and they were approved by the Police Jury.  He reported that this is the first time that there have been no protests.

Vince Deshotel, from the LSU Ag Extension Office, talked about the Weather Data Collection System which will be a great service for the Parish.  The system has to be set up on government property, and the Jury approved this.    County Agents Kim Deville, Madison LaTour and Brittany Zaunbrecher also reported updates on their activities.  Their updates are covered in a separate story.

Additions to the agenda:

• Post disaster housing to allow FEMA trailers in the Parish was denied.
• The Jury approved hiring Debra Brunet as Grant Writer.  She will also be working as the Administrator for the Evangeline Parish Tourist Commission.
• Tommy Jones is vacating his position at the Solid Waste Commission, Ward 1.  The Jury approved appointment Donald Ray Thomas as his replacement.
• Juror Tim Causey updated the Jury on the acquisition of the Hester Heath Building which is in process by the School Board.  An appraisal is required.
• The Jury approved the bid of $15,480 from Scott Lafleur for the renovation of the Veterans’ Home.
• The Jury needs an advisor to manage the Grant for the Detention Bond.
• The Jury voted to keep the existing precincts in place as they are.
• Ms. Thelma Toussaint spoke about the need to focus on littering in the Parish.  She suggested possibly posting signs to charge fines for littering.

Public Work’s Director Report

Mr. Snoddy requested and got approval to hire Joey Arneaux and Daniel Smith.  He also obtained approved to purchase a grapple for the skid steer for District 4.

Engineer’s Report

Mr. Landreneau reported that the bids for the Ward 1 Industrial Park should be in by September 16^th.  The Wastewater Treatment plant will be handled separately, and the project should be ready to be submitted for bid soon.  The Wyble Subdivision project is 50% complete.  They are waiting on equipment that should be there in about 2 weeks.

Secretary Treasurer’s Report

Mr. Deville didn’t have the Sales Tax data available, but he reported that auto sales tax collections remain down, and everything else is flat.

The next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, October 7^th.

FROM THE DESK OF SHERIFF BOBBY J. GUIDROZ
Phone: 337-948-6516
Fax: 337-942-7202

PRESS RELEASE
September 10, 2024

Beoncka Dentley, B/F, age 31, 530 West Park Ave, Eunice, LA. 70535, Domestic abuse battery-use of force or violence committed with a dangerous weapon. Arrested by Eunice Police Department.

Ethan Lee Ryder, W/M, age 23, 160 Shady Lane, Port Barre, LA, 70577, Bench warrant. Arrested by St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office. 

Corrine Renee Hebert, W/F, age 31, 177 Seven Arpents Road, Arnaudville, LA 70512, Unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. Arrested by St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Casey Lee Driver, W/M, age 33, 1050 County Road 455, Clanton, AL 35046, Possession of schedule II CDS, possession of drug paraphernalia. Arrested by Eunice Police Department.

Justin Ryan Desormeaux, W/M, age 29, 153 Baggys Camp Road, Opelousas, LA 70570, Simple burglary of vehicle.  Arrested by St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Richard Delton Lomas, W/M, age 42, 551 South 3 rd Street, Eunice, LA 70535, Aggravated arson. Arrested by Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal.

Bryse William Valin, B/M, age 22, 3388 Highway 103, Port Barre, LA 70577, Accessory after the fact aiding and abetting, approaching peace officer lawfully engaged in law enforcement duties. Arrested by Port Barre Police Department. 

Dennis Patrick Guillory, Jr, B/M, age 35, 10457 Highway 190, Opelousas, LA., 70570, Second degree murder. Arrested by St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office. (REBOOK – ADDITIONAL CHARGES)

This is Sheriff Bobby J. Guidroz, and this concludes our report. All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

FROM THE DESK OF SHERIFF BOBBY J. GUIDROZ
Phone: 337-948-6516
Fax: 337-942-7202

PRESS RELEASE
September 7 - 9, 2024

Brock Kobe Valin, B/M, age 21, 3388 Highway 103, Port Barre, LA., 70577, Criminal damage to property, domestic abuse battery (child endangerment), simple burglary. Arrested by St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office. 

Brock Kobe Valin, B/M, age 21, 3388 Highway 103, Port Barre, LA., 70577, Resisting an officer by flight, possession with intent to distribute schedule II CDS (2 counts). Arrested by Port Barre Police Department.

Mackenzie Rose James, B/F, age 23, 250 Garnet Drive, Opelousas, LA., 70570, Criminal damage to property. Arrested by St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Jean Phillip Joubert, W/M, age 44, 589 Jess Bergeron Road, Opelousas, LA., 70570, Domestic abuse battery. Arrested by St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Michael Keith Stelly, W/M, age 59, 597 Stelly Road, Washington, LA., 70589, Bench warrant. Arrested by St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Sydney Jynee Durisseau, B/F, age 23, 1817 Royal Street, Opelousas, LA., 70570, Bench warrant. Arrested by St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Andrus Rubin, B/M, age 60, 542 Augustus Street, Opelousas, LA., 70570, Access device fraud, theft. Arrested by Opelousas Police Department. 

Arnud David Vasquez, W/M, age 39, 222 Samuel Boulevard, Unit #L-5, Coppell, TX., 75019, Issuing worthless checks.  Arrested by St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Dashia Metrejean, W/F, age 22, 340 Lanclos Road, Arnaudville, LA., 70512, Second degree battery. Arrested by St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Jordan James Leday, B/M, age 32, 143 Park Street, Opelousas, LA., 70570, Unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling, criminal damage to property. Arrested by Opelousas Police Department.

Robeeta Thomas Jack, B/F, age 37, 409 W. Oak Street, Ville Platte, LA., 70586, Domestic abuse battery. Arrested by St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office. 

Drake Anthony Ordoyne, W/M, age 24, 1052 Charles Marks Road, Arnaudville, LA., 70512, Probation / parole violation.  Arrested by Louisiana State Probation and Parole.

This is Sheriff Bobby J. Guidroz, and this concludes our report. All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Here are the results from Friday night's football games in Evangeline Parish:

Mamou defeated Bolton on Thursday 58-0

Lake  Arthur defeated Basile 34-12

Sacred Heart defeated Oakdale 14-0

Northside Defeated Ville Platte 36-14

Westminster defeated Pine Prairie 34-0

On August 22, 2024, Narcotic Agents with the Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Office while conducting Criminal Patrol in Mamou, observed a vehicle conduct a left turn into the residence of 800 6th Street without using a turn signal before turning.   Upon the agents conducting a traffic stop, agents made
contact with driver, James Johnson.   Agents learned that the driver, Johnson, did not maintain a valid Driver’s License.  Agents advised Johnson to step out of the vehicle and for the safety of the agents, a pat search was conducted, and permission was granted by Johnson to allow agents to take all items off
his person and pockets.  Johnson was then asked if he had anything within the vehicle that was illegal to which he stated no.   

During the interview, Johnson said to the agent he had Marijuana in the vehicle.   Agents searched the vehicle, on the driver’s side floorboard was a piece of plastic containing Marijuana weighing 4.37 grams and a piece of receipt paper containing loose Marijuana weighing 2.61 grams.  Agents also learned
Johnson maintains an Active Warrant through the Ville Platte City Marshals Office.

Jones-Johnson was issued a citation for his traffic violations along with (1) Criminal Summons for Possession of Schedule I Marijuana under 14 grams.  Johnson was arrested for his active warrant and transported to Ville Platte City jail for further booking or processing.

The Evangeline Parish School Board met Wednesday night.  Most of the meeting involved handling ordinary business including budget and committee actions of the Executive Committee and the Policy Committee.  The board also approved presented requisitions and invoices.   Permission was given to consider leasing or selling the Old Hester Heath School Building to the Evangeline Parish Police Jury for the purpose of providing the Bayou Chicot Community and all of Evangeline Parish with a multi-purpose community center. The first step is to have an appraisal done to determine the Fair Market Value.

Superintendent Lazard made the following comments:

• Thursday, 9/5, is a virtual day for the students.  All staff, with the exception of the bus drivers must report for training by NIET for the new evaluation system.  Training is taking place at Ville Platte High School, Vidrine Elementary and Pine Prairie High School.
• September 15^th is the deadline for the Nepotism Disclosure for Board Members.
• Congratulations to Mr. John Havard, the Band Director at Pine Prairie and Bayou Chicot, for his receipt of the Robert L. Wilhite Award of Excellence!
• Mr. Lazard signed the contract for the Ville Platte High Track.  It is slated to begin after football season, and it will be a 270 day project.  Parking for Reimagine Academy will be affected, and they are working on a plan for that.  The James Stevens Modular Building Project contract has been signed, and he hopes to get the contract for the Gym Project on 9/5.

The CFO, Ms. Amy LaFleur, was then invited up to speak about compensation.  The state hasn’t issued official guidelines for the payment of staff stipends, but the plan is to pay a $2000 stipend to professionals, and a $1000 stipend to support staff.  These are one time payments that are to occur prior to December 15^th.    She will report back to the board once the guidelines are issued by the state.  They are beginning to work on Retention and Recruitment stipends.  Commitment has to be made to work through the 2024-2025 school year.

The next School Board meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 18^th.

On August 21, 2024, while conducting Criminal Patrol on Hwy 13, I observed a vehicle negotiate a left turn onto Bond Road, without utilizing a turn signal—contact was made with the driver, who was identified as John Holford.   J. Holford was advised of the reasoning for the stop.  The passenger was a white female, who was identified as Nicolette Savant 42 of Mamou.   Through field interviews, agents
became aware of the driver, and Halford maintained a Suspended Driver’s License.  At this time both the driver and passenger exited the vehicle.   The driver, Halford was asked if there were any guns or anything illegal in the car, and he did not know of anything illegal in the vehicle. Voluntary permission by the driver, Halford, was given to search the vehicle.
 
Dispatch was advised of John Holford 45 of Sulpher, LA by name and date of birth and advised his license was suspended. The passenger identified as Nicolette Savant exited the vehicle and made her way to the rear of the vehicle. Dispatch was advised of N. Savant’s identification. J. Holford was asked if he had
insurance on the vehicle and stated the vehicle was not his. J. Holford was then asked if anything illegal was within the vehicle and or weapons, which J. Holford stated there were no weapons and nothing that he knew of held within the vehicle. J. Holford was then asked for voluntary permission to search the
vehicle in which he stated yes.  Upon agents searching the vehicle, agents located in a folded McDonald's bag a pill bottle labeled for Prednisone 20 mg to Savant which contained a plastic sandwich bag containing Methamphetamine weighing approximately 2.31 grams and a loose shard of Methamphetamine at the bottom of the bottle weighing approximately 1.29 grams, a plastic baggie containing Methamphetamine weighing .50 grams, and 3 white round pills with imprint V2532 identified as Clonazepam 2mg.  Located within the purse of Savant was a blue zipper pouch containing 3 separate plastic baggies containing Methamphetamine weighing approximately 1.31 grams, 0.81 grams, and .27 grams. Also located within the blue zipper pouch within Savant’s purse were two unopened packages of
Buprenorphine and Naloxone Sublingual Film 8mg/2mg, and a plastic pill container containing a blue diamond-shaped pill with imprint 100 labeled for Sildenafil Tablets 100 mg identified as Vigamax 100 mg. Located within the purse in a side zipper was an opened pill bottle with 31 white round pills imprinted V2532 identified as Clonazepam 2mg. Located within the driver’s door was a syringe filled
with a tan liquid substance suspected to be Heroin the syringe was filled with 30 units of liquid and also located in the rear passenger floorboard behind the driver’s seat was a Meth Pipe with residue.

John Russel Holford 45-year-old white male, was arrested and charged with (1) Count of Distribution/Possession with the Intent to Distribute Schedule II CDS (Methamphetamines) and (1) Count of Obstruction of Justice.  Halford was also issued a traffic citation for his traffic-related offenses.  

Nicolette Savant 40-year-old white female was arrested and charged with and transported to Evangeline Parish Jail for further booking and processing on the charges of 40:967 Possession with intent to Distribute Schedule II Methamphetamine and 14:130.1 Obstruction of Justice. N. Savant was
transported to Evangeline Parish Jail for further booking and processing on the charges of 40:967 Possession with intent to Distribute Schedule II Methamphetamine, 14:130.1 Obstruction of Justice, 40:968 Possession of Schedule III Suboxone, 40:969 Possession of Schedule IV Clonazepam 

Once located, John Holford was immediately physically restrained in handcuffs and advised of his Miranda Rights which he stated he understood. J. Holford was then separated from N. Savant. N. Savant was then also advised of her Miranda Rights which she stated she understood. N. Savant was asked by Deputy L. Parker if the located Methamphetamine was her to which she stated no. I then spoke with N.
Savant advising her of her Miranda Rights once again in which she stated she understood. N. Savant stated that during the initial stop of the vehicle before it stopped, J. Holford handed her a plastic sandwich bag containing Methamphetamine and told her to hide it, in which she placed it within a pill
bottle and placed it in a McDonalds Bag and folded it to attempt to hide it from law enforcement. N. Savant was then physically restrained and placed in handcuffs.
J. Holford was then asked what was going on with his vehicle. J. Holford then advised that he gave N. Savant the Methamphetamine and advised her to hide it before being pulled over. J. Holford was then advised that he was arrested distribution of Schedule II Methamphetamine and Obstruction of Justice
due to his attempt to hide the narcotics from law enforcement.
Located within the purse of N. Savant was a blue zipper pouch containing 3 separate plastic baggies containing Methamphetamine weighing 1.31 grams, 0.81 grams, and .27 grams. Also located within the blue zipper pouch within N. Savant’s purse was two unopened packages of Buprenorphine and Naloxone
Sublingual Film 8mg/2mg, and a plastic pill container containing a blue diamond-shaped pill with imprint 100 labeled for Sildenafil Tablets 100 mg identified as Vigamax 100 mg. Located within the purse in a side zipper was an opened pill bottle with 31 white round pills imprinted V2532 identified as Clonazepam 2mg.

Located within a side pocket on the outside of N. Savant’s purse was a plastic baggie containing 1.78 grams of Methamphetamine.

Located within the driver’s door was a syringe filled with a tan liquid substance suspected to be Heroin it should be advised that the syringe was filled with 30 units of liquid. It also should be advised that the subject J. Holford stated that the substance was possibly Methamphetamine.
Located in the rear passenger floorboard behind the driver’s seat was a Meth Pipe with residue.

Due to the totality of the circumstances, J. Holford was issued a traffic citation for his traffic-related offenses and transported to Evangeline Parish Jail for further booking and processing on the charges of 40:967 Possession with intent to Distribute Schedule II Methamphetamine and 14:130.1 Obstruction of
Justice. N. Savant was transported to Evangeline Parish Jail for further booking and processing on the charges of 40:967 Possession with intent to Distribute Schedule II Methamphetamine, 14:130.1 Obstruction of Justice, 40:968 Possession of Schedule III Suboxone, 40:969 Possession of Schedule IV Clonazepam 

The Evangeline Parish Police Jury held a Special Meeting on Tuesday night to review the Solar Ordinance Advisory Board’s proposed amendments.  Prior to the discussion, the public was invited to comment on agenda items.  Mr. Jayce Walker, the Director of Development with Recurrent Energy, spoke about the Zydeco Solar Project.  This project involves 1250 acres and 100 megawatts Alternate Current.    At this point, Recurrent has entered into agreements with MISO and CLECO, and their next step will involve requirements to make upgrades and a significant financial commitment.  Recurrent Energy is happy to see the Parish moving forward to finalize the Ordinance.

There was significant discussion about different provisions proposed by the Solar Panel Board and proposed changes from Recurrent Energy and Invenergy.  The primary concerns included the following:

1. Vegetation and Landscaping should include the requirement that plants are required to block the view not only from occupied residences, but also from Parish and State roads.
2. Requirement to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with a Landfill to accept waste in the event of a decommissioning.  The concern is that this is not reasonable, and there may be better options for recycling in the future.
3. There were concerns that the proposed decommissioning requirements were too many and too burdensome.  Recurrent walked through their red-line comments and proposed that these be approved with the recommendation that they be put in place until the State adopts its requirements, and then the Parish should adhere to the State’s provisions.
4. The question of who would the bonds be payable to, and the answer is to have them be in favor of the Parish until such time as the Department of Energy and Natural Resources regulates otherwise.
5. Recurrent also recommended that revisiting decommissioning costs, bonds, recycling and Environmental Site Assessments be scheduled for every 5 years.

Solar Board Member Richard Fontenot recommended that the Memorandum of Understanding remain in place for the Ordinance, and he agreed that most of the panel’s concerns about decommissioning were addressed by the suggested changes proposed by Recurrent.

The Board approved the Amended Ordinance as discussed, and scheduled a Public Hearing on October 2^nd at 6:00 PM.  The matter will come to the Board for a vote at the Regular Meeting scheduled for Monday, October 7^th.    There will also be a Public Hearing to adopt and name 4 lanes that have been maintained by the Parish on Monday, October 9^th at 4:30.

The Ville Platte Rotary Club met on Tuesday at Sip and Savor, and Richard LeJeune invited Mike Darbonne to speak.  Mike is with Wildlife and Fisheries and works in Allen Parish.  He spoke about recent changes to the hunting laws for the upcoming hunting season.

For duck hunters, it is now possible to get a federal duck stamp on-line, and it can be pulled up on your phone.

Drones can’t be used to track a wounded deer. 

One dog is allowed to track a wounded deer on WMA land, and the dog must be on a leash.  On private land, the dog must either be on a leash or GPS tracking collar.

The limit on turkeys is 2 gobblers.  

During closed season, on WMA land, you are allowed to carry a weapon for personal safety while hunting, if you are a legal gun carrier, and the gun is not a scoped weapon or any weapon used for hunting.

The limit on redfish is 4 fish 18” – 27” long.  It is illegal to keep anything over 27”.  The limit for trout is 15 – from 13” – 20” long, and you can only keep 2 over 20”.  This rule is in place statewide.

Crabbing is legal with a hook & Line license for $5.00.  Fisherman must have a 6 pack license for Charter Fishing.

There is a lottery for bear licenses, and it is $50.00 to participate.  If you are selected, you can then buy a license with up to 10 tags.

Mr. Darbonne also provided hunting pamphlets for more information.

The program for the next Rotary meeting on September 10^th will be presented by Rotarian Kermit Miller.

Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Department

Narcotics Press Release

On August 9, 2024, Narcotic Agents with the Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Office while conducting criminal patrol, observed a vehicle fail to utilize signal lights when negotiating a turn and pull into the driveway agents became aware of the residence belonging to Garret Mills.   The driver was identified as Garrett Mills.   Upon learning the driver’s license for Mills was suspended, Mills was advised to exit the vehicle.  

Through a field interview, Mills granted consent for Agents to search the car.    Upon conducting a pat search for officer safety, agents located 1.53 grams of methamphetamines on his person.  Within the vehicle agent located .50 grams of Methamphetamines and a piece of cellophane containing .36 grams of cocaine.  Mills was advised of the narcotics located in the vehicle and he stated all narcotics within the vehicle were his and his alone.

Due to the number of Narcotics located within the vehicle and Mills in the driveway of his residence, a secondary interview was conducted and Mills consented to the agents to search his residence.  Located in the residence, agents located a plastic baggie containing 1.31 grams of Methamphetamines, and a Remington Wing Master Model 870 12 gauge shotgun.

Garrett Mills was arrested and charged with (1) Count 40:967A Distribution Possession with the Intent to Distribute Schedule II CDS, Methamphetamines (1) Count 40:967C Possession of Cocaine Schedule II CDS, (1) Count of 14:95E Illegal Carrying of Weapons: Crime or CDS.  Garrett Mills was also issued a traffic citation for his traffic-related offenses.