July 6, 1944
T.H, Vidrine, U.S. Navy, son of Mr. and Mrs. Helaire Vidrine of this City, is here on his first furlough since his enlistment over two years ago and had been overseas for many months.
Young Vidrine is now machinist mate 2-C with the Naval Air Corps. He began his training at San Diego,Calif. and had training at Great Lakes and several other Naval bases.
Vidrine has been on several missions and describes chasing and bombing German submarine as thrilling and exciting experiences. He has been in England for over a year, and has to report to Norfolk, Virginia for his next overseas assignment.
July 27, 1944
According to information received, Wayne Vidrine, now in the European Theater of operations, has been promoted to Tech Sergeant. Young Vidrine is with the Army Air Corps and serves as flight engineer on a flying fortress.
He has been on several missions over Germany and was awarded the Air Medal with three clusters on June 22 and the Distinguished Flying Cross on July 11, in recognition of meritorious service.
Sgt. Vidirne began his training at Keesler Field, attended Gunnery school in Panama City, Fla, A.M. training at Seymour Johnson Field, N.C. with Combat training at Pyote, Texas, after which he was sent on overseas duty. He is the son of Mr. Armand Vidrine and has a number of relatives in this community.
July 3, 1969
Officials of the Evangeline Parish school system are meeting in Lafayette Thursday morning with representatives of the Health, Education, and Welfare Department to discuss plans for integration of public schools in the parish.
School Superintendent Nat Manuel said that he, along with the district attorney, assistant district attorney, the president and vice-president of the school board and other board members who wish to attend, will meet with new representative Dr. John Bell in Lafayette.
The school board will meet in executive session Thursday afternoon following the confrontation with the federal officials to hear the report from Superintendent Manuel.
If HEW does not accept the local plan, both HEW and the school board will have to submit their individual plans to the court. Also, the plaintiff NAACP will have a right to submit one of its own.
July 24, 1969
Between 2,500 and 3,000 parish residents met at the Courthouse here Monday night to hear public officials support the Evangeline Parish School Board in its stand for the “freedom of choice” plan in parish schools, as opposed to the HEW plan for forced integration of the school system.
The courtroom was filled to capacity with many standing, and the crowd overflowing into the halls, on the steps and lawn, and many remaining in their cars to hear the proceedings over a loud speaker system. Those attending included parents, grandparents, doctors, lawyers, teachers, businessmen and parish office holders.
Preston N. Aucoin, local attorney, served as master of ceremonies, setting the keynote of the meeting saying that the time had come “to forget political differences and unite as a family group to preserve every person’s right to ‘freedom of choice.’”
July 7, 1994
Four proposed reapportionment plans for the City of Ville Platte were presented Tuesday night at a special public hearing, but the city council and the public are still a ways off in finalizing a proposal.
Richard Minvielle, demographer for the planned redistricting representing the Lafayette firm of Sellers and Associates, presented the four plans at the meeting, which were labeled Plan E, a revised Plan E, Plan F and Plan G.
Last year, the Justice Department said no to a proposal that consisted of five districts, including two minority, because they thought that a third minority district could be feasible.
July 14, 1994
Voters of Evangeline Parish will have an opportunity to decide whether or not to incorporate a parish wide emergency response network. The decision to place the issue on the October 1 ballot was made unanimously by members of the Evangeline Parish Police Jury during Monday’s meeting held here.
George Broussard, chairman of the parish Communication’s District offered a formal presentation on behalf of the E-911 project.
Voters will be asked to pass two proposals on the upcoming fall ballot. The first authorizes the local telephone company to place a tariff on customers to partially fund the emergency response service. The second proposal is a one-mill property tax. It is expected both fees would raise approximately $207,000 annually, enough to fund the service.
July 28, 1994
A little over two months ago, Terry Campbell was convicted of second-degree murder. Today, his brother and uncle face almost certain prison time for attempting to influence the verdict.
Wilson, Terry’s uncle, was convicted of two counts of attempted jury tampering. Billy, Terry’s brother, was convicted of one count of attempted jury tampering. Each charge carries a maximum sentence of two and a half years in prison and/or a $2,500 fine.
The trial, which began with opening arguments at approximately 2 p.m. Monday afternoon, moved quite rapidly. Wilson was represented by local attorney John Larry Vidrine. Billy was represented by local attorney Brent Coreil. The prosecution was led by Assistant District Attorney Bruce Rozas of Mamou.
July 31, 1994
Elections will decide the fate of two local administrations and a host of other parish offices on the October 1, 1994 ballot.
Coach Curley Dossman qualified for Mayor of Ville Platte Friday morning forcing a rematch of last fall’s race between he and Mayor Bennett Baquet.
Councilman-At-Large Bill Jeanmard will also have opposition. Ricky N. Thomas qualified for the seat Friday, joining him on the fall ballot. As reported Thursday, Police Chief Robert Landreneau will be pitted against familiar political foe Leon C. Fontenot.
All incumbents are opposed in the Town of Mamou as well.