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Believe it or not, the start of the new school year is less than a month away.
School supply lists will soon begin to be checked off, with backpacks ready to go.
Unfortunately, for some, that process will not come easily. That is why numerous organizations and other groups rally yearly to collect school supplies for those in need.
Among those groups are St. Paul’s Episcopal Church parishioners in Abbeville.
“St. Paul’s has been participating in this ministry for about 15 years now,” St. Paul’s Mother Madge McLain said while speaking to the Kiwanis Club of Abbeville. “For 15 years, we have bought about 200 backpacks.”
Each backpack is furnished with markers, crayons, pencil sharpener, pencils, scissors, notebooks and folders.
“That all comes within these backpacks,” McLain said. “The backpacks are excellent quality.”
The church delivers the backpacks to the Vermilion Parish School System before the start of the school year. That helps get students ready for the beginning of the school year.
“What we have come to find out,” McLain said, “is that generally, halfway through the school year, there is a shortage of school supplies, with notebooks, pencils and things like that.”
McLain said whatever funds are raised beyond the initial 200 filled backpacks will be designated toward buying school supplies that can be utilized throughout the year.
“We will deliver those to Vermilion Parish,” McLain said. “It’s important, too, because all the new has worn off in the middle of the year, and some kids are left without the necessary supplies. Teachers are buying many of these supplies out of their pockets.”
Members of the Kiwanis Club helped pad those funds by donating to St. Paul’s on Tuesday. McLain thanked the club.
“This is a great project,” McLain said. “We thank you for your lovely contribution.”

Back by popular demand, partners in Vermilion Parish are joining forces to host the Vermilion Parish Job Fair.
Joining the Vermilion Chamber of Commerce and the Vermilion Economic Development Alliance include the Louisiana Workforce Commission, Acadiana Workforce Solutions, Goodwill of Acadiana, One Acadiana and ExxonMobil.
This free and open-to-the-public event will take place July 19 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Forty employers and resources throughout Acadiana will line the halls of Abbeville High School to fill open positions and provide assistance to local job seekers. In addition, Goodwill of Acadiana will be providing freshly grilled and on-site prepared hamburgers and hotdogs.
There is no fee for jobseekers to attend. Job Seekers should bring resumes, leave their friends and family at home, and dress for success. For anyone who would like more information, a website has been created to provide all the necessary information. Visit www.vermilionparishjobfair.com often for details, tips, and updates including available job openings!

The Vermilion Parish Job Fair:
Wednesday, July 19t
9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Abbeville High School – 1305 Wildcat Dr., Abbeville
Free entry for Jobseekers

Vermilion Parish Job Fair
Participating Employers & Resources

Employers & Openings: 
Abbeville General Hospital – RN’s, LPN’s, Scrub Techs, Medical Assistants, Patient Access Clerks, Coders, Housekeepers, Cooks, Ultrasound/Echo Tech, and Respiratory Therapists
Acadian Companies – EMT’s & Paramedics
Acadian Contractors, Inc. – Welders, Fitters, Superintendents, Foreman, Equipment Operators, Riggers
Arc of Acadiana – Personal Care Attendant, QIDP (Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional), LPN, and more
American YouthWorks Louisiana Conservation Corps – Crew Members & Crew Leaders
AvEx – Service Helper, Aircraft Painter, Tool Crib Attendant Lead, QC Inspector, Runner/Warehouse Clerk, Facilities Maintenance Mechanic, HSE Safety Observer
Broussard Brothers, Inc. – Tugboat Captains, Deckhands, Crewman, Company Road Mechanic
Chris’ Electrical Service, Inc – Electricians, Apprentices, Office Staff
Conrad Shipyard – welders, tackers, fitters, stockroom, warehouse, mechanics, maintenance, electricians, blaster/painters, operators, quality control
Courtesy Automotive Group – car sales consultants, service advisors, cashiers, porters, detailers, technicians
Cypress Bayou Casino Hotel – Food service, restaurant service, table games dealer, cage, housekeeping, and engineering.
Ecoserv – Offshore Technicians (Tank Cleaner)
Go Marine Services – Offshore Cooks, Deckhands, Galley hands, Riggers.
Goodwill Industries of Acadiana – Retail Associates, Janitorial Associates, General Maintenance Technicians, Warehouse, Housing Property Managers, Accounting Clerk
Gulf Coast Bank – Banking Associate, Customer & Branch Support Analyst, Central Files Analyst, Compliance Officer, Auditor, Commercial Lender, Branch Sales Manager, Financial Advisor
Gulf Coast Marine Fabricators, Inc. – Offshore Welder, Offshore Fitters, Offshore Rigger, Offshore Crane Operator
High Noon Restaurant Group (Popeyes) – Team member, cashier, assistant manager, general manager
Home Instead – Caregiver
Iberia Comprehensive CHC, Inc. – Call Center LPN, Call Center CMA, Maintenance Technician, Patient Support Specialist (Front Desk), and more
Lafayette Police Department – Police Officer Police Communications Officer (Dispatcher) Departmental Records Clerk
Landmark of Rayne – Registered Nurse, LPN, CNA, Housekeeping
Leading Home Care – Direct Support Workers CNA’s
McDonalds Miller Management – Crew, Manager (Shift, Department)
My Maritime Career – Apprentices, Able Bodied Seaman, QMED Oilers, Maritime instructors
New Day Personal Care Services – Direct Service Workers (DSW)
Northwestern Mutual (Lafayette, La) – Financial Representative
SafeSource Direct LLC – Welders, welder helpers, manufacturing team members
Senior Helpers – CNA’s, Caregivers
SONOCO – Offshore Cooks and Offshore Galley Hands
Taylors International Services, Inc. – Cooks/Night Cooks/Bakers/Galley Hands/Utility Hands
United Stated Army – US Army (active and reserve)
Vermilion Boys and Girls Club – Member Parent Coordinator, Youth Development Professional, Sanitation Specialists
Vermilion Parish School System – Substitute Teachers, Bus Operators, Cafeteria Technicians, and more
Walmart – Cashier, Hardlines TA, Apparel/Homelines TA, Stocking, Personal Shopper, Customer Host, Deli TA, Meat/Produce TA, and Food/Consumable TA
Seatrax Marine Cranes - Offshore Crane Mechanic Offshore Lifting Authority
City of Abbeville - Code Enforcer, Maintenance Worker
McIlhenny Company - Mechanic - Pitman Schedule Machine Operator - Night Shift Machine Operator - Pitman Schedule Production Receiving Operator - Night Shift

Miss Hannah Elizabeth Fontenot, of Abbeville, Louisiana and Mr. Nicholas James Satchell, of Rayne, Louisiana were united in the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony during a 6:30 p.m. ceremony on Friday, July 14, 2023 at Saint Mary Magdalen Catholic Church in Abbeville, LA. Father Louis Richard and Father Donald Bernard officiated the Nuptial mass.
The Bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jared Mark Fontenot of Abbeville, LA. Grandparents of the bride are Mr. and Mrs. Freddy Dubois of Abbeville and Mr. Arduse Fontenot and the late Mary Jessie Fontenot of Ville Platte.
The Groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Jason Ulmont Satchell of Rayne, LA. He is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Meche of Crowley, and the late Mr. and Mrs. James Satchell Sr. of Crowley.
Escorted by her father, the bride wore an ivory designer gown by Martina Liana. The gown featured a demure scoop neckline and slightly sheer bodice with delicate beaded straps. Intricate beaded lace embellishments covered the beautiful glittered tulle of the fit and flare design. Fabric covered buttons and textured tulle highlighted the lace motifs along the bottom of the beautiful chapel length train. For her headpiece, the bride chose an ivory fingertip veil with oval pearl and crystal beaded edging.
She carried a fresh handheld floral bouquet of Eskimo and Mother of Pearl roses, pure white hydrangeas, and pale pink ranunculus finished with seeded eucalyptus. Entwined in her bouquet was her rosary made from the petals of roses given to her by her father on the day of her birth, and a handkerchief belonging to her great grandmother. Tucked into the bouquet was a diamond pendant given to the bride as a gift from her parents. The pendant was crafted of diamond baguettes from her mother’s original wedding band. The bride also wore an antique sixpence in her shoe, given to her by her godmother.
Rebekah Fontenot, sister of the bride, served as Maid of Honor. Bridesmaids included Rachel Fontenot, sister of the bride, Laura Fontenot, sister-in-law of the bride, Emily Gallet, Paige Didier, and Anne-Marie Akin, cousins of the bride, Abigail Hebert, Angelle Romaine, Jackie Greenwood, and Cameron Sharp, all friends of the bride. They wore sleeveless jewel neck dresses in the color Blush that featured a soft a-line skirt, low v-back, and a tie sash around the waist. The bridesmaids carried handheld bouquets of Eskimo and Mother of Pearl roses and seeded eucalyptus.
Kambry Hebert, friend of the bride and groom, served as flower girl. She wore a beautiful ivory satin sleeveless dress with a v-neckline and floor length skirt. The dress featured a ruched bodice and satin buttons covering the back zipper. A blush sash complimented the dress. She carried a small bouquet of Eskimo and Mother of Pearl roses and seeded eucalyptus.
Zachary Satchell, brother of the groom, served as Best Man. Groomsmen were Matthew Fontenot and John Fontenot, brothers of the bride, Kyle Habetz, Landon Johnsey, Claiton Johnson, Jacob Leleux, Matthew Hanks, Tyler Binder, and Andre Dubois, all friends of the groom. Ushers for the ceremony included John Paul Foreman, Hunter Miller, and Blake Vampran, all friends of the groom. Serving as Ring bearer was Tanner Hebert, friend of the bride and groom.
The mother of the bride was escorted by her sons, Matthew and John Fontenot. She wore an elegant fit and flare gown in the color pink. The gown featured a unique folded asymmetrical neckline and a mid-rise back. It was sculpted with princess seams and styled with a peplum at the natural waist and full length skirt.
The mother of the groom was escorted by her husband, Jason Satchell. She wore a platinum gown featuring a fit and flare silhouette with illusion short sleeves to frame the V-neck and mid v-back. It was adorned with intricate lace and sequins over a blush lining.
Scriptures for the ceremony were read by Michelle Picard, godmother of the bride, and Bonnie Credeur, godmother of the groom. Serving as gift bearers and Hannah’s something blue were Anne-Catherine Gallet, and Caroline Dubois, cousins of the bride, and Madeline Credeur, cousin of the groom. Music for the ceremony was provided by Tommy Guidry, organist, Will Green, trumpeter, and Laura Humble, vocalist. Following the ceremony, a reception was held at Magdalen Place, where Beautiful floral centerpieces and candlelit tables created an elegant ambiance as guests were entertained by the band Rouge Krewe.
The bride’s cake was a four-tier white almond cake with buttercream icing consisting of alternating fillings of Bavarian cream, strawberry, and pecan praline. Clusters of fresh flowers adorned each layer. The cake was elegantly displayed on a silver plateau. The groom’s cake was Houston Astros inspired and covered in the team’s colors. It sat on a wooden base in the shape of home plate, and gave a nod to the World Series Champions with the 30 golden flags surrounding the bottom tier. Hand sculpted chocolate figurines of the bride and groom with personalized team jerseys adorned the top. The flavors included white velvet cake with pecan praline filling, Lemon cake with lemon zest buttercream, and strawberry cake with a strawberry infused buttercream, all covered in a white chocolate ganache.
The groom’s parents honored their son and his bride-elect along with their wedding party at a dinner on the eve of their wedding at The Woodlawn Chapel in Maurice, LA.
Upon their return from a honeymoon trip to Antigua, the couple will reside in Broussard, LA.

On Thursday, the family of Matt Montz, a missing crabber, arrived at the boat launch in Intracoastal City at 7 a.m. They came with the hope that Montz would be found alive.
By noon, however, that hope turned to despair when Matt’s body was discovered.
Lauren Montz, his daughter, posted on Facebook, “His body is at peace, and we are absolutely crushed. We appreciate all of the prayers. We know we will get through this.”
The Coast Guard, Wildlife and Fisheries, and the Sheriff’s Marine Unit searched for Montz on Thursday. However, it was not one of those agents who located Montz’s body.
Omega Protein out of Intracoastal City joined in the search with its airplanes. A pilot saw Montz’s body floating on the banks near Oaks Canal, a few miles from where his boat was found.
The Sheriff’s Marine Unit transported Montz to Don’s Boat Landing south of Henry, where the coroner awaited.
The Wildlife and Fisheries agents then told the Montz family, who were waiting in Intracoastal City.
Unofficially, it is believed that Montz may have fallen out of his boat while crabbing.

The morning started with hope

The Thursday morning began with the Montz arriving at the boat dock that Matt docked out of.
They got to speak with Wildlife and Fisheries agents Derek Logan and Katie Matthias before they began the search in the Vermilion Bay. The agents explained where they would be searching for Montz.
When the agents departed, Matt’s wife, Jamie, told them to go find her husband.
Derek responded, “I promise you, we will.”
The boats departed, and Jamie hugged her daughter Lauren, hoping for the best.
“He is a strong man. He can swim if he has to save himself,” said Jamie.
The search for Montz began Tuesday night at around 9 p.m. and ended Thursday afternoon.
Montz, 53, has been a crabber in Vermilion Bay for the last 17 years. The majority of the time, he goes by himself, which always worries his wife.
“I always worry,” said Jamie on Thursday morning. “It is the water which is unpredictable.”
On Tuesday, she expected her husband to return home at around 5:30 p.m. The two planned to eat fresh-boiled crabs.
The routine for Montz was to return to the boat launch, load up and then stop at the crab market and sell his catch in Intracoastal City.
By 7 p.m. on Tuesday, his wife had not heard from him, and she began to worry.
She drove from Maurice to Intracoastal City, hoping to find her husband. She first checked the crab market. He had not been there that day.
She called a friend of Matt’s, who is also a crabber, to find out where he would launch his boat. She drove to the public dock at the old Maxie Pierce’s store.
Jamie saw her husband’s truck and boat trailer in the parking lot. She called the friend back and he encouraged her to call the Wildlife and Fisheries and Sheriff’s Office to report him missing.
The search began Tuesday night and continued all day Wednesday and Thursday.
Tuesday morning, Matt’s crab boat was located miles away from where he usually runs his crab traps. The engine was still in gear when a friend found the boat that had run aground.
One of Matt’s Croc shoes was found, along with his cell phone, in the boat