Eunice Police reported the arrest of a Houston, Texas, man in connection with the armed robbery of a Eunice loan company and bank.
The two are also suspects to an armed robbery of a Ville Platte pharmacy, Eunice Police Chief Randy Fontenot said in a news release Friday.
Larryl Fisher, 31, of Houston, was booked into the Eunice City Jail on Thursday on an arrest warrant for charges armed robbery with a firearm, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and aggravated assault, Fontenot said.
The charges involve the March 7 armed robbery of Advance America in the Plaza Acadienne Shopping Center on West Laurel Avenue in Eunice, he said.
Police are seeking additional warrants for Fisher and Algernon Wilson, of Crowley, for the Feb. 22 armed robbery of Basile State Bank in Eunice, he said.
Warrants are also being sought for Wilson charging him with being a principle to the armed robbery of Advance America, Fontenot said.
About two hours after the March 7 Advance America robbery, Eunice Police learned that Ville Platte Police were investigating an armed robbery of a pharmacy the same afternoon, which led to a vehicle pursuit. The conclusion of the pursuit resulted in the arrest of the vehicle’s driver, Wilson, by Ville Platte Police, Fontenot said.
A passenger in the vehicle fled on foot following the pursuit and was not apprehended.
Eunice Police detectives went to Ville Platte to assist with the investigation and follow upon the Eunice robbery, Fontenot said. Police linked the two suspects to the Advance America armed robbery, he said.
A warrant for the arrest of Wilson, who was now in custody of Ville Platte officials, was obtained by Eunice Police charging him with accessory after the fact to armed robbery. Wilson is in custody in Evangeline Parish.
Fisher was identified as the passenger of the vehicle who eluded police in Ville Platte. With the assistance of the FBI, Fisher was located and arrested in Houston, Texas on April 13. He waived extradition and was transported by Eunice Police to the Eunice City Jail on Thursday.
Fisher appeared before a district judge Friday and his bond was set at $251,000, Fontenot said.
A cooperative investigation with Eunice, Crowley and Rayne police departments and the FBI continued following Fisher’s arrest which led to information identifying Fisher and Wilson as suspects in the robbery of Basile State Bank in Eunice, Fontenot said.

BASILE — “Teachers and leaders who produce the greatest gains are those of us who view our profession as a vocation rather than an occupation. Elevating our profession relies not only on preparation and knowledge, but also on dedication to and love of children. As our children shine, so will Louisiana rise!”
These are the thoughts of Christine Bacon, W. W. Stewart Elementary principal and semifinalist for the Louisiana State Principal of the Year award, as she shares her passion for the field of education.
Mrs. Bacon is no stranger to competition for high awards for herself and for her school. In 1990, she was also a a finalist for the State Principal of the Year honor.
She was also named a High Performing Coach for 2010 and 2011 and was nominated for the National Distinguished Principals Award in 1991. She also received the District Leadership Award from the Evangeline Parish School Board in 2004-2005 and was given the High Performing, High Poverty School Leader Award in 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012.
W.W. Stewart Elementary School, under Mrs. Bacon’s leadership, has received the School of Exemplary Academic Growth Award in 2011, Title I School of the Year for Exceptional Student Achievement Award in 2010, School of Recognized Growth Award in 2008-2009, State Scholastic Growth Award in 1997, State Scholastic Achievement Award in 1996, and School Incentive Program Achievement Award in 1990.
The students at Stewart Elementary are happy to share their feelings about their principal. Here are some of the statements provided by non-identified students on Bacon’s application for the honor:
“I am so excited to have Mrs. Christine Bacon as our principal. She encourages us to do better every day. She never gives up. She’s on her feet, never falling back down. I love her. She teaches me to love, hope, and never give up on my dreams. I live my dreams every day because of her.”
“Every morning when kids get off of the bus, she is always at the sun greeting children with a big smile and a happy good morning.”
“A principal should believe and have faith in the students and teachers to do their best to teach and learn. A principal should do anything to help a student or teachers learn. And that principal is Mrs. Bacon.”
“When a student gets sent to the office, she helps them want to try their best or try harder.”
“Mrs. Bacon is so helpful that all of the students in the school show her how we can behave even when she is not there to see us.”
“I think Mrs. Bacon should be the principal of the year because she can light up your day. She makes us ‘shine’.”
Mrs. Bacon graduated from Basile High School in 1972 as Christine Chaumont, the eldest daughter of Darrell and June Chaumont of Basile. She was head cheerleader and Homecoming Queen at BHS and soon after graduation married her high school sweetheart, James “Jimbo” Bacon, the captain of the Bearcat football team.
The couple went on to raise two boys and two girls, all attending elementary school at Stewart and going on to graduate from Basile High School.
After graduating from McNeese State University in 1976, she began her career as an educator in August of 1976 as a special education teacher at W. W. Stewart Elementary. She soon took on the position of Acting Assistant Principal (while still teaching special ed.) upon the request of Principal Curley Dossman. Upon his retirement, she became principal for the 1983-84 school year.
A reception for all of the Principal of the Year semifinalists will be held in Baton Rouge on July 15 where the State Principal of the Year will be named.

OPELOUSAS — Can I help you with anything?
That straightforward and simple question shouldn’t necessarily provoke an emotional response, but in an era where customer service has largely disappeared from retail outlets, it is a question that can still surprise you.
A warm welcome isn’t the only kind of surprise one will find when walking through the doors at J.B. Sandoz Inc., the second-oldest business in Opelousas.
“My daddy never preached it but you always understood that is what he wanted,” fourth-generation owner 61-year-old Neil Sandoz said. “My daddy wasn’t talkative person but he was one that believed that you shouldn’t be told to do things like that because you are an adult. You are supposed to ask people how they are.”
Neil’s great grandfather J.B. Sandoz purchased the Perrodin Opera House located at the southeast corner of Main and Grolee Streets in downtown Opelousas in 1878. Sandoz would remove the second-floor terrace, add a wing to each side of the building and relocate the steps. J.B. Sandoz Inc. opened up and sold housewares on one side and wagon, buggy and bicycle parts on the other.
Sandoz’s store would become a destination place where people in town, and those living outside of town including those in Ville Platte which was at that time part of St. Landry Parish, would come and pick up everything they needed for that week or month.
“In the old days you went to the hardware store to get everything,” Sandoz said. “They didn’t have all of these other places like today. Saturday was the day that you would hitch the horse to the buggy and go to town. It’s hard to believe in today’s age but back then and all way through the Great Depression that was the way.”
The original wooden structure would eventually be replaced by the businesses current building, a brick structure built in the 1950’s that featured for many years a distinctive green, brown and orange neon marquee.
That well-known sign was damaged by a hurricane a few years ago.
The establishment, which has passed from one Sandoz to another (starting with J.B., his brother Robert, then to Sidney Sandoz Sr., Sidney Sandoz Jr. and his son Neil) has remained independent for nearly 150 years.
“Were not a normal size small town hardware store,” said Sandoz, who uses the largest independent family-owned hardware wholesaler. “We are rather large for the town but were not associated with national chains. Lots of people say that you have to associate with those big companies so you can get everything that you need. That has never been the case for us.”
It doesn’t take long to notice that J.B. Sandoz is not part of a chain, that is largely due to the array of antique items that are display throughout the building.
There are plenty of the typical hardware items down the aisles, such as paint cans, garden tools, pipe fittings, nails and bolts and even an entire section for housewares such as pots, rolling pins and stoneware. But there is also an old cast iron counter scale, three glass gas pumps (including one that has an old Daily World advertisement for the store asking people to guess how many pennies is inside a pump), an old wooden wagon and even a French closed carriage from the 1870’s.
Not to mention displays of antique tools on the walls around the customer service-checkout counter, and even older display racks or containers being used to house modern items.
“My dad and my oldest sister would go to the markets in Dallas for gifts,” said Sandoz, who remains active with the business despite being paralyzed from a motorcycle accident more than a decade ago. “They got a lot of the ideas from there. Those old gas pumps for example. You don’t see them anymore. My daddy bought them up and redid them and just displayed them inside the store.”
Added employee Barbara Pitre, “What we do here is customer service mixed with all of the older stuff. By selling new stuff in an old atmosphere it kind of keeps that old small-town feeling inside the store.”
The other unique aspect concerning Sandoz is the fact that everybody chips in regardless of how long he or she has worked there or what department is their speciality.
“We never really had a specific title at the store,” Sandoz said. “My daddy and I always hated to do that kind of stuff. Once you give a title to someone it hurts someone else. Everybody in the store waits on people no matter who you are.”
According to Sandoz, it is that kind of customer service that has kept generations of people coming back to his family’s business.
“I think after they find out that we know what we talking and that we want to help them with what they need, they come back. That’s what we have always done.”

Ville Platte Fire Department responded to a house fire call at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday night at the corner of South Dupre and Main St. Upon arrival, firefighters began work on ceasing the fire at a house that Barbara Dupre Colligan said “was built in what they call the glory days.”
As firefighters worked tirelessly while the raging fire continued its pursuit to destroy the iconic Ville Platte home known as the Old Dupre’ House, city residents stood along Main Street admiring the 77-year old home before it’s beauty no longer exsisted.
The abandoned house that Colligan’s brother Doctor Robert Emery Dupre and his wife Hazel Ardoin built, is owned today by Dupre’s daughter and her husband, Haidee and Thurman Floyed. Haidee and her husband occupied the home up until five-years ago.
Haidee described the house that she grew up in as “a place that was always filled with love and family.”
After hours of working to calm the blazing fire that was rapidly destroying the home that was completed in 1939, backup had to be called.
Fire departments that assisted VPFD in dissipating the fire were: all Ville Platte Fire District #2 Fire Departments, Mamou, Vidrine, Eunice, and Opelousas. Also providing assistance was Ville Plate Police Department.
On the scene, Ville Platte Fire District #2 Board Member and Belaire Cove Fireman Shawn Devillier said, “This house is all made of pine, and so it is going to just keep burning. This will probably be going on until tomorrow (Friday) morning.”
Devillier’s predictions were right.
On Friday morning there were still firefighters on the scene making sure that the fire had completely been put out.
While some of the Dupre house is still standing, the damage caused by Thursday’s fire is irreparable. This has left Haidee feeling “very sad.”
“There is a lot of family history there,” said Haidee. “My parents always entertained children from all over the neighborhood at that house, and that’s why it meant so much to so many people. My cousins like Hazel “Pud” Fontenot grew up at that house too.”
The day following the fire, Colligan remembered the house her brother built as “tremendous.”
Colligan said, “The house had all oak floors and really high ceilings. There was a large entrance hall, and three bedrooms downstairs. Upstairs, there were a couple more bedrooms, and a game room that had a large pool table in it. The game room opened up to a balcony that you could walk out on. It really was such a tremendous house.”
According to Haidee, they do not think the fire was electrical because her and her husband “had turned off the electricity to hopefully keep a fire from starting.”
While what started the fire is still unknown, investigations are underway at this time to determine the cause.

According to KATC News "fire investigators have obtained an arrest warrant for the person who they say is responsible for an April 21 fire in Ville Platte."
The warrant was issued for Patraveyanna George, of Ville Platte, who is currently hospitalized.
According to KATC the 19-year old "will be booked in the Evangeline Parish jail on charges of unauthorized entry and arson once released from the medical facility."

The Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Office reported 17 recent bookings into the parish jail. Arrested were the following persons:
• Charles T. Warner, 33, 1121 Community Loop, Basile, was arrested on March 15, 2016 for domestic abuse battery. Warner was released from jail on a $7,500.00 bond.
• Eva D. Lapoint, 36, 2118 Demary Rd. Lot B, Jennings, was arrested on March 16, 2016 for theft. Lapoint was released from jail on a $15,000.00 bond.
• Holly R. Dupre, 38, 8032 Veteran Memorial Hwy., Ville Platte, was arrested on March 17, 2016 for driving under suspension and failure to dim headlights. Dupre was released from jail on a $1,500.00 bond.
• Coby L. Vidrine,, 29, 642 Belaire Cove Rd., Ville Platte, was arrested on March 17, 2016 for insurance fraud. Vidrine was released from jail on a $25,000.00 bond.
• Brittany R. Marcantel, 26, 1047 Majic Rd., Ville Platte, was arrested on March 17, 2016 for on land after being forbidden, criminal damage to property over $750.00, simple escape, and aggravated escape. Marcantel was released from jail on a $9,500.00 bond.
• Anthony R. Lebleu, 56, 5118 Lanse Bleu Rd., Ville Platte, was arrested on March 17, 2016 for resisting arrest and aggravated assault. Lebleu’s bond was set at $15,000.00.
• Billy J. West, 20, 1945 Jeanard Rd., Mamou, was arrested on March 18, 2016 for following to close, modified exhaust, speeding 71 in a 55, and driving under the influence (first offense). West was released from jail on a $1,500.00 bond.
• Kristi J. McElwee, 47, 743 Vatican Rd., Carencro, was arrested on March 18, 2016 for theft (two counts) and forgery (two counts). McElwee’s bond was set at $40,000.00.
• Robert J. Dupre, 22, 1519 Pecan St., Ville Platte, was arrested on March 18, 2016 for unauthorized entry of a place of business and theft of a pressure washer. Dupre’s bond was set at $27,500.00.
• Debra J. Calk, 57, 1025 Academy St., Ville Platte, was arrested on March 18, 2016 for criminal trespassing. Calk was released from jail on a $1,000.00 bond.
• Rininski V. Edwards, 25, 225 High School Dr., Ville Platte, was arrested on March 19, 2016 for driving under suspension, driving left of center, reckless operation, and driving under the influence (second offense). Edwards was released from jail on a $3,000.00 bond.
• Andrian T. Jones, 22, 1126 Abraham Avenue, Ville Platte, was arrested on March 19, 2016 for driving while intoxicated (second offense), driving on right side of road, and driving on roadway landed for traffic. Jones was released from jail on a $2,500.00 bond.
•Bernard B. Caldwell III, 31, 4980 Highway 167 N., Ville Platte, was arrested on March 19, 2016 for possession with intent to distribute schedule I, possession of schedule II controlled dangerous substance, prohibited acts, drug paraphernalia, and possession of a firearm by convicted felon. Caldwell was released from jail on a $55,000.00 bond.
• William T. King, 47, 1120 Country Lane, Ville Platte, was arrested on March 19, 2016 for violation of a restraining order. King was released from jail on a $12,500.00 bond.
• Cleveland Gallow, 37, 300 Jeeve Rd., Ville Platte, was arrested on March 21, 2016 for incident behavior with a juvenile. Gallow’s bond was set at $100,000.00.
• Debra J. Calk, 57, 1025 Academy St., Ville Platte, was arrested on March 22, 2016 for criminal trespass and criminal damage to property. Calk was released from jail on a $2,500.00 bond.
• Donald Lafleur Jr., 23, 132 Rue Des Cajun, Ville Platte, was arrested on March 22, 2016 for distribution of schedule IV controlled dangerous substance, possession of marijuana, prohibited acts, and drug paraphernalia. Lafleur was released from jail on a $9,500.00 bond.

At 4:30 p.m., Louisiana State Police canceled their Level II Endangered/Missing Child Media Advisory after 12-year old Jalon Bradley was located in Jackson, Mississippi.
State police had issued the Level II Endangered/Missing Child Media Advisory on behalf of the Mamou Police Department on April 26, 2016 for a 12-year old boy who was reported missing from Mamou High School on Tuesday.
According to state police, Jalon Bradley “was taken from Mamou High School by his non-custodial mother, Elaine Freeman, at approximately 3:15 p.m. on Tuesday."
According to police, Bradley is safe, and Freeman is in custody at this time.

The Ville Platte Fire Department will begin testing fire hydrants throughout the city beginning Monday, May 2. Fire Chief Chris Harrison said the testing will last three to four weeks and residents may see cloudy water. He said, “Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.” Call 363-7478 with any questions or concerns.

• Tuesday Crafting class with paper products continues at the Main library in Ville Platte @ 6:00 pm. Crafts are appropriate for teens and adults.
• Live Tech Help for computers, Ereaders, IPads, etc. is now available at the Mainlibrary in Ville Platte on Thursdays from 9:30 – 11 am.
• Mother Goose Children’s Story Hour with Treats” continues at the Main branch on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons at 3:30 pm. Basile Branch Library also holds a story hour with crafts on every other Thursday at 10 am. Call the manager, Sherry Bergeron, at 337.432.6794 for details.
• The main library in Ville Platte will host an Art Show for the Evangeline Parish School Board Talented Visual Arts Students during the week of Monday, May 9, 2016 for public viewing. A reception for the Artist and their families will be held on Tuesday, May 10th @ 6:30pm in the Multipurpose Room.
• For more information about Library programs and services, please call 363-1369, the branch nearest you or visit our website at www.evangelinelibrary.org. Thank you for supporting your library; libraries change lives!

EPSB Recognizes Teachers of the Year
Evangeline Parish School Board will recognize the district’s Teachers of the Year Wednesday night at 5 p.m. at Ville Platte High School. The public is invited to attend the event, which will involve presenting each Teacher of the Year winner with a beautifully engraved desk clock.

VPHS Class of 1956 looking for graduate information
The Ville Platte High School Graduation Class of 1956 is planning its 60th Anniversary Reunion in Ville Platte. The tenativie date is Saturday, June 11th. At this time we are trying to reach all class members and friends of class members to celebrate this occassion.
We need current contact address information of all interested class members and friends. This includes mailing address, phone or cell number, and e-mail address.
Please contact us no later than May 11th to receive invitation information, etc. If you are related to a 1956 graduate, or know of one, please pass this information on to them so they can contact us at (337) 363-4423 or by e-mail at jfsoileau@gmail.com.

Mamou observing National Day of Prayer on May, 5
The Town of Mamou will be observing a National Day of Prayer on Thursday, May 5, 2016 at noon at the Mamou Skating Rink. Everyone is invited to attend.

The Mamou Police Department reported 16 recent bookings into the town jail. Arrested were the following persons:
•Donald Lafleur Jr., 132 Rue des Cajuns Road, was arrested on March 23, 2016 for possession of marijuana, possession of Schedule IV narcotics and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was transferred to the EPSO the same day.
•Bernadine Arvie, 2479 First St., Ville Platte, was arrested on March 22, 2016 for theft of goods. Arvie was released from jail on bond on March 22.
•Timothy Wilson, 924 First St., Mamou, was arrested on March 22, 2016 for open door in lane of traffic and suspended driver’s license and open container.Wilson was released from jail on bond on March 23.
•Sandressa Leon Calvin, 1214 MLK St., Ville Platte, was arrested on March 23, 2016 (DOC inmate).
•Florinda Clark, 1213 Celestine St. Apt. #5, Mamou, was arrested on March 26, 2016 for disturbing the peace. Clark was released on bond on March 26.
•Jenise Joseph, 812 Fifth St., Mamou, was arrested on March 28, 2016 for suspended affidavit. Joseph was released from jail on bond on March 28.
•Kerry Paul Lebouef, 307 North Sherman St., Jennings, was arrested on March 28, 2016 for no driver’s license, switchted plate and mishap during traffic stop. Lebouef was released from jail on bond on March 29.
•Holly A. Soileau, 1108 Poinciana Ave., Mamou, was arrested on March 30, 2016 for a warrent out of St. Landry Parish. Soileau was released per St. Landry on subpoena on March 30.
•Scharika Patin, 309 Point St., Mamou, was arrested on March 31,2016 for suspended affidavit. Patin was released from jail on bond on March 31.
•Lisa M. Johnson, 268 Hwy 1179, Cottonport, was arrested on March 31, 2016 for careless operation and DWI. Johnson was transported to EPSO on March 31.
•Jessica Carman, 212 Mulberry St., Mamou, was arrested on April 4, 2016 for theft. Carman was released from jail on bond on April 4.
•Eric Gallow, 820 Ninth St., Mamou, was arrested on April 4, 2016 for second degree battery with a deadly weapon.Gallow was released from jail pending investigation.
•Deondre Bellard, 901 Mulberry St., Mamou, was arrested on April 4, 2016 for disturbing the peace. Bellard was released from jail to the emergency room with his mother to be committed.
•Joshua Galloway, 327 Geneive St., Lafayette, was arrested on April 6, 2016 for suspended affidavit. Galloway was released from jail on bond on April 6.
•Rivers Gaspard, 1920 Ballpark Rd., Mamou, was arrested on April 6, 2016 for careless operation and suspended affidavit. Gaspard was released from jail on bond on April 6.
•Eric Gallow, 820 Ninth St., Mamou, was arrested on April 11, 2016 for second degree battery with a deadly weapon. Gallow was transferred to state police.

The Ville Platte Police Department is in the process of purging all of the personal property in the City Jail that has not been claimed by previous inmates.
The purge will take place from May 1st, 2016 through June 1st, 2016. The property can be retrieved on Monday through Sunday, during the hours of 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Identification must be presented in order to retrieve your property.
Any property that is not claimed by the dates given will be discarded. If you have any questions, contact the Ville Platte Police Department at (337) 363-1313 or (337) 363-1316.
The following subjects need to come and get their property:
Lerest Jack, Michael Louis, Steve Thomas, Cedillio Lanete, Michal Laughney, Vanessa Griffin, Sedgeric Vidrine, Kelly Miller, Bandy Tuppet, Shanon Edwards, Mary Dejean, Chris Naerom, Darell Gabriel, Dakar Simon, Glen A. Manuel, Pamela Guillot, Alex Miner, Brandon Guidry, Makayla Trod, Erin Bellard, Carl Gallow, Robert Thomas, Dorothy Colestine, Jackie Redmond, Brenda Skinner, McKenzie Thomas, Robert Dupre, Bethany Phillips, Shannon Vidrine, Tuggy Fontenot, Bonnie Leday, Melinda Lafleur, Elizabeth Brunett, Jordan Simien, Lucas Arvie, Marco Nelson, Deric Guidry, Warren Bias, Alex Frank, Larry Thomas, Christopher Malveau, Dwayne West, Martha Charles, Bryan Thomas, Mannix Veillon, Amber Ducote, Shelli Rollins, Tron Jack, Tabitha Rider, Lisa Garnett, Rickie Fontenot, Melven Edwards, Shannon Arvie, Trachelle Richardson, Tommy Williams, Latasha Pleasant, Alexandria Thomas, Linda Fontenot, Patrick Thomas, Claudia Thomas, Rod Mouille, Petter Seraille, Anthony Bias, Meguel Fontenot, Cheyenne Aucoin, Carlos Arvie, Levi Griffith, Holly Collins, Willie Melbni, Chadley Arvie, Heather Williams, Elizabeth Richard, Madison Catoite, Eric Jones, Joshua Celestine, Tylan Roberts, Ahsley Charlot, Eric Roberts, Brandon Freeman, Kriesten Deshotel, Cynthia Doucet, Megan Chaffin, Sonya Thompson, Macushan Smith, Shelly Harrison, Rachel Bergeron, Bradley Doucet, and Douglas Fontenot.

An infestation of snakes has local residents calling for help, and the East Carroll Parish Sheriff’s Office is responding to these calls. The Sheriff’s Office’s annual snake rodeo has been tentatively set for Saturday, May 21st, with registration beginning at 9:00 a.m. at the Byerley Boat Landing on Schneider Lane in Lake Providence.
Registration for a two man team is $40.00.
All entry fee money will be paid back to the winners of the snake rodeo. “We are hoping that we can get a large number of teams,” stated Chief Deputy Glenn Threats. “The more participants, the more prize money will be paid out.” In addition to the prize money, the East Carroll Parish Sheriff’s Office will serve lunch and door prizes will also be given to those registered.
Rules and regulations for the snake rodeo are as follows:
1. All entrants must abide by the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Department rules and regulations with reference to boats, guns, licenses, etc.
2. Only .410, 16, 20 and 12 gauge shotguns are allowed with a light load shell.
3. Entrants 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent or a guardian.
4. No live snakes will be counted.
5. All entrants must sign a waiver of liability.
6. A team consists of two people per boat. Teams may not combine their kills.
7. Only snakes killed on Lake Providence will be counted. (Snakes can be killed in any portion of the lake that a boat can reach).
8. No alcoholic beverages will be allowed.
Violation of any of the rules will result in disqualification.
While registration will take place the morning of the rodeo, anyone wishing to preregister may do so.
For further information, contact the East Carroll Parish Sheriff’s Office at (318) 559-2800 or Debra Hopkins at (318) 559-1911.