VPCC recognizes World Series champions

Ville Platte Pride Girls Assistant Coach David LaHaye was present at Tuesday’s Ville Platte City Council meeting to receive proclamations for each girl and coach in honor of the team winning the World Series. “Tell the girls ‘Girl Power! and they made Ville Platte Proud,” Vidrine said to LaHaye.
“Amen! We would not be here without your support. You always support those kids, and we really do appreciate it,” said LaHaye. Vidrine asked him to tell the girls she and the council are sorry the team could not attend the council meeting or have a parade like they usually do because of COVID-19. She also thanked LaHaye, Dr. Brandon Fontenot and Coach Sunny LaHaye for dedicating their time to coaching the team.
Earlier in the meeting, Ville Platte Mayor Jennifer Vidrine addressed the aftermath of Hurricane Laura, dealing with debris, power restoration, and community involvement. She said the city is in clean-up mode. Solid Waste is making the rounds, picking up branches. She asked citizens to call Solid Waste at 337-363-7254 to pick up the branches instead of throwing them in the ditches, which is what some people are doing. Branches should be piled and put on the side of the road. She said the city is assisting Solid Waste as quickly and as much as possible.
Vidrine thanked Cleco for restoring power to everyone in the Parish who can receive power. A few customers might have to have electrical repairs done on their end before Cleco can restore power to them. Vidrine said of Cleco, “They did work in record time. They did a masterful job,” adding some people were out of power for several days, but it could have been much worse. Those who were without power for several days, it was because the line was damaged, and not because of lack of workers. Cleco had 700 extra workers deployed to the area to help with the situation. “We want to thank Cleco for everything they did.”
The rainfall from Hurricane Laura was a big part of the mosquito explosion in the parish and city. Vidrine announced mosquito spraying has been conducted in the city. “Hopefully that will eliminate those ‘maringouins’ that are sucking the blood out of everybody,” she said. Additionally, the Evangeline Parish Police Jury has been spraying for mosquitoes throughout the parish.
Vidrine also commended the individuals and organizations who set up drives and donated for Hurricane Laura relief. “We want to say ‘Thank you, Jesus,’ because Ville Platte and Evangeline Parish did not get hit as hard as predicted. I believe prayer changes things. We came together as a city and we prayed, and we prayed, and we prayed, and I believe that helped us.” She said if anyone in Evangeline Parish needs help, they can call 211 and go to the Evangeline Parish 911 website for the Office of Emergency Preparedness for more information.
Ville Platte Fire Department Chief Fabian Poullard said every fireman who was not on call went to Lake Charles Saturday, September 5th. They went in eight cars to Hubert Park where they set up, cooked, and served over 700 sandwiches consisting of Boston butt, leg quarters, and hamburgers. They also handed out 40 cases of water, cleaning supplies, hand sanitizer, tarps, and masks. They are planning another trip to Lake Charles. Vidrine thanked Poullard and his firemen for all the good work they are doing.
Vidrine also commended city workers for storm preparation. “They did a magnificent job preparing. It was all hands on deck.” She said they are still hiring people for the Street Department. Interested persons can download an application from CityofVillePlatte.com or pick one up at the city annex at the corner of Cotton and Railroad.
The mayor also announced city workers are cleaning up the Ville Platte Cemetery. She said they are aware All Saints Day is approaching, and they want to get it cleaned as soon as possible. She asked citizens not to litter in the graveyard, saying she went to the cemetery and saw trash in the way of beer cans, beer bottles, Styrofoam containers, and fast food bags, as well as things she cannot mention in public. “Please have some respect. Please don’t litter at all, but please don’t disrespect the people’s loved ones in the graveyard by throwing those kinds of things.”