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From A to Zucchini

Most South Louisiana home gardeners have started their planting. Some plants are already producing. Boo bought fresh cucumbers and tomatoes last weekend at Erath’s Grub Lot. I must say the tomato flavor was very close to my dad’s of years ago.
Often in summer, I get offers of fresh squash and zucchini because these plants are prolific. There are so many delicious ways to prepare zucchini that I never refuse them. A gardener’s household can not use all the veggies one garden produces.

A IS FOR ANNA’S APPLE CAKE

So delicious.
It can be tedious and time consuming to peel and cut the necessary amount of apples. The baked cake is worth the time preparing the apples.
I used to make apple cake, but all I did was cut the apples into consistent sizes. The peelings make the cake denser, my kind of cake. Anna says people offer to prepare the apples for her to bake a cake. I would gladly take that job. I have baking problems lately.

INGREDIENTS

-2 cups sugar
-2 eggs
-1 1/4 cup cooking oil
-2 tsp vanilla
-3 cups chopped apples
-3 cups flour
-1 tsp salt
-1 tsp soda
-1 cup pecans

MISE EN PLACE

-Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
-Grease a Bundt pan or a 9x13 pan
-Cream sugar and eggs together.
-Add oil, vanilla, and chopped apples.
-Mix well.
-Add flour, salt, and soda.
-Fold in pecans.
-Pour batter into prepared pan.
-Bake for 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
You can use tart apples, like Granny Smith, to balance sweetness of batter.
Peel the apples if you want a smoother texture.
-Leave the peels for added nutrition and texture.
-Chop apples into 1/2-inch pieces for even distribution.

ZUCCHINI

When I was working for Frank Godchaux, the magazine “Rural Montana” was delivered quarterly. There was always a two-page recipe section. Surprisingly there were always a few recipes that I tried out or at least kept for future trials. Reading some of the Montana magazine recently, I remember why I was surprised. No pepper! Montana is very far from Louisiana. Feel free to add seasoning to your taste.

SQUASH CASSEROLE

INGREDIENTS

-1 tsp salt
-1 lb. Butternut squash
-1 medium onion, cut up
-1 cup sharp cheese, grated
-1 cup crushed cracker crumbs
-1 cup milk

MISE EN PLACE

-Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
-Butter a casserole dish.
-Cook salt, squash, and onion together.
-Turn off flame.
-Drain and mash.
-Add remaining ingredients into the squash mixture.
-Mix all ingredients together until blended.
-Bake 1 hour.

ZUCCHINI COLESLAW

Note that this recipe calls for “mild” picante sauce.

INGREDIENTS

-2 cups zucchini, coarsely shredded
-2 cups cabbage, shredded
-1 medium carrot
-1 medium red onion, sliced
-1/3 cup mayonnaise, or to taste
-1/3 cup mild picante sauce

MISE EN PLACE

-Press shredded vegetables between layers of paper towels.
-Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.
-Blend thoroughly.
-Put into a covered container.
-Chill at least 1 hour.
-Makes 6 servings.
Bagged Angel Hair Coleslaw is a convenient substitute instead of shredding cabbage yourself.
Bagged shredded carrots are also available in most grocery stores.

ZUCCHINI CAKE

One of my favorites

INGREDIENTS

-2 tsp baking powder
-1/2 tsp baking soda
-3/4 tsp salt
-2 tsp cinnamon
-3 late eggs
-1 1/2 cups oil
-1 cup packed light brown sugar
-1/2 white sugar
-2 tsp vanilla extract
-2 cups finely shredded zucchini
-1 cup chopped pecans or raisins, both or neither

MISE EN PLACE

-Prepare oven and cake pan.
-Mix together dry ingredients.
-In a large bowl, whisk together remaining ingredients.
-Stir flour mixture into the large bowl until combined. Do not over mix.
-Stir in pecans or golden raisins if using.
-Pour into Bundt pan or loaf pans if you prefer.
-Bake Bundt pan 48 to 52 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. If using 2 loaf pans, bake for 35 minutes.
-Let cake cool in pan 10 minutes before turning out on cooling rack.
Enjoy! Now while warm or later if you can wait!
Ms. Nellie Chaisson usually had zucchini cake at her Demi Tasse parties. Always delicious! This is not specifically hers, but it’s a good try.

CHOCOLATE ZUCCHINI BREAD

Similar to above recipe
Chocoholic’s delight

INGREDIENTS

-2 cups grated zucchini
-4 cups flour
-1/2 cup cocoa
-1 1/2 cup sugar
-1/2 tsp baking powder
-1 tsp baking soda
-3/4 tsp salt
-1 tsp cinnamon
-1/2 tsp nutmeg
-1 1/2 cup oil
-3 eggs
-1 1/2 cups milk
-3 tsp vanilla extract
-1 cup miniature semi-sweet chocolate chips

MISE EN PLACE

-Heat oven to 350 degrees.
-Grease 2 (8x4) inch loaf pans*
-Grate zucchini.
-Combine flour, cocoa, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if you are using) in a large bowl.
-In another bowl, combine zucchini with remaining ingredients, oil, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract, except chocolate chips, until well blended.
-Stir into dry ingredients until blended.
-Stir in chocolate chips.
-Pour into prepared pans.
-Bake until toothpick comes out clean, about 1 hour.
*If you do not own 8x4” pans, you can bake in one 9x13” pan. Will it still be called bread? I don’t know. I call it good.

All the zucchini recipes come from the Montana magazine delivered to Abbeville August 2002. What a mess I make when I am trying to find a recipe somewhere in a pile of magazines or pages of newsmaker in a basket. I go through cookbooks that have scraps of paper marking a recipe I want to look at again. I have two recipes taken inside cabinet doors: banana loaf and almond flavored bread pudding.

I have 42 recipe books spread across Louisiana and Mississippi. One of my favorites is “The Cake Mix Doctor.” I’ve made about 100 cake layers and many, many 9x13” cakes with the recipes. “The Chocolate Cake Mix Doctor” is another book that has several recipes with paper scraps marking their location. My favorite time in the kitchen was always baking. Rice cookbooks have a special section in my library.

Jusqu’a la semaine prochaine!

billielandry@iosinces.com

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The future home of the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s office is located adjacent to the new Office of Emergency Preparedness building currently under construction near the Chris Crusta Memorial Airport in Abbeville.

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Vermilion Parish Sheriff Eddie Langlinais signs paperwork for the property that will be the future home of the VPSO Law Enforcement Complex.

Sheriff Eddie Langlinais announces purchase of property for future VPSO Law Enforcement Complex

Vermilion Parish Sheriff Eddie Langlinais is pleased to announce that, through funds appropriated to the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office during the 2025 Louisiana Legislative Session, the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office has purchased property that will become the future home of the VPSO Law Enforcement Complex.
The acquisition of the property marks the first major step in a long-term vision to bring all divisions of the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office together under one centralized location. The future complex is intended to improve operational efficiency, strengthen communication between divisions, and better serve the residents of Vermilion Parish for generations to come.
The future home of the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s office is located adjacent to the new Office of Emergency Preparedness building currently under construction near the Chris Crusta Memorial Airport in Abbeville. Langlinais said having the two agencies located side by side will serve as a major asset for Vermilion Parish and will help strengthen coordination and emergency response efforts during hurricanes, severe weather events, and other emergencies impacting the parish.
“This future law enforcement complex,” Sheriff Eddie Langlinais said, “represents our commitment to providing the highest level of service, improving coordination between divisions, and ensuring that we are prepared to meet the needs of our community for many years to come.”
Sheriff Langlinais added that he is grateful to the members of the Louisiana Legislature and local leaders who supported the appropriations request and made this property purchase possible.

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Stuart Paul Touchard

October 1, 1962 - April 29, 2026

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at 11 a.m. in Our Savior’s Church Broussard for Stuart Paul Touchard, age 63, who passed away on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center in Lafayette surrounded by his family.
The family requests that visitation be observed in Our Savior’s Church Broussard on Saturday, May 30, 2026, from 10 a.m. until time of services. Pastor Gabe Smith will conduct the funeral.
Survivors include his devoted wife of 40 years, Dorena Lynn Billiot Touchard; his son, Ashton L. Touchard and his wife, Caitlyn; his daughter, Katlyn M. Touchard; six grandchildren, Mason Paul, Londyn, Charles, Ireland, Caspian, Iris, and one on the way, Anastasia, and four siblings, Ross, Roxanne, Clark, and Bryan.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. Roy Anthony Touchard and Mrs. Rosalind “Sue” Fabre Touchard, and two siblings, Phillip and Claire.
Stuart was a native of New Orleans and a longtime resident of Delcambre. He was a proud graduate of Delcambre High School and went on to build a meaningful career as a boat captain, faithfully ferrying essential equipment and crew members to offshore platforms in the Gulf, work that reflected both his skill and strong sense of responsibility.
A devoted husband, father, and family man, Stuart found his greatest joy in the time he shared with those he loved, especially his grandchildren. He enjoyed simple pleasures, gathering around bonfires, listening to music, tending to his yard, and spending time outdoors. He never met a moment outside he didn’t appreciate, and he carried that same warmth into the lives of those around him.
Stuart was a man of enduring faith and quiet strength. Despite the challenges he faced throughout his life, he remained steadfast, loyal, and dedicated, always persevering with grace and conviction. His life was a testament to resilience and faithfulness, grounded in his membership at Our Savior’s Church.
He will be remembered for his unwavering love for his family, his hardworking spirit, and the steady presence he provided to all who knew him.
The Touchard family would like to extend their gratitude and appreciation to the teams of both Acadiana Rehabilitation Hospital and Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center.
View the obituary and guestbook online at www.mourning.com.
Martin & Castille Funeral Home - SOUTHSIDE, 600 E. Farrel Road, Lafayette, Louisiana 70508, 337-984-2811.

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Kirk Road in Vermilion Parish is not that wide and part of the road is cracking.

Kirk Road will get facelift in 2028

Vermilion Parish Police Juror helps secure $2.3 million to repair 1.3 miles

A Vermilion Parish police juror helped secure $1.8 million from the Acadiana Planning Commission (APC) to overlay and widen Kirk Road from La. 92 (Milton Road) to the Lafayette/Vermilion parish line.
Police Juror Dane Hebert informed the jury that the 1.3-mile Kirk Road project will cost $2.3 million. The APC will provide $1.8 million, and the state is expected to contribute $400,000 from its capital outlay budget.
Hebert stated that the project is expected to begin in 2028.
“Kirk Road has a lot of traffic,” said Hebert. “It has become a main thoroughfare from Lafayette to Vermilion Parish.”
Hebert added that Kirk Road requires major repairs and widening, noting that its current condition poses a danger to motorists.
Lafayette Parish has already overlaid and widened Robley Drive, which continues as Kirk Road in Vermilion Parish.
Traffic is expected to increase due to the construction of a roundabout on Robley Drive in Lafayette Parish and a new subdivision on Kirk Road.
“The police jury is pleased to see the road improvements moving forward at no cost to the parish,” Hebert added

What is the Acadiana Planning Commission?

The Acadiana Planning Commission (APC) — Louisiana Planning District 4 — serves the public sector in the planning and implementation of economic, community, and transportation development throughout the region known as Acadiana, including the Louisiana Parishes of Acadia, Evangeline, Iberia, Lafayette, St. Landry, St. Martin, and Vermilion.

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Vermilion Parish Sheriff Eddie Landlinais presents Erath High’s Grace Hebert with the Louisiana Sheriff’s Association Scholarship.

Sheriff Eddie Langlinais announces Louisiana Sheriff’s Association Scholarship winner for Vermilion

Vermilion Parish Sheriff Eddie Langlinais is happy to announce that Vermilion Parish native Grace Hebert has been named the recipient of an academic scholarship from the Louisiana Sheriffs’ Scholarship Program for the 2025-2026 school year.
Grace is a student at Erath High School and plans to attend the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and pursue nursing. Grace is the daughter of Amanda Hebert and the late David Hebert.
The Sheriffs’ Scholarship is made possible by the Louisiana Sheriffs’ Honorary Membership Program (LSHMP). Louisiana Sheriffs provide scholarships to graduating high school students from each parish where the Sheriff is an affiliate of the Program.
Qualities such as academic achievement, leadership, and character are considered in making selections of Sheriffs’ scholarship recipients. The only limitations are that applicants be permanent residents of Louisiana; scholarships be utilized in higher education within the State; and students be enrolled as full-time, undergraduate students. Scholarships will be awarded in sixty-four parishes throughout the state.
In closing, Sheriff Langlinais said, “The Louisiana Sheriff’s Scholarship Program is more than a monetary award. It is an investment in the future of our communities. By recognizing the hard work, talent, and dedication of our students, we are helping open doors to opportunity and allowing them to focus on their education and goals. This program not only supports academic achievement but also helps shape the next generation of leaders who will make a meaningful difference in Vermilion Parish and beyond.”

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Anita Levy elected Mayor of Abbeville, Mike Hardy wins re-election as Chief of Police; Joshua Hardy to return as Kaplan Chief of Police

Voters in the city of Abbeville elected a new mayor and gave the incumbent chief of police another term.
Anita Levy will be the next mayor of Abbeville after defeating incumbent Roslyn White on Saturday. Levy received 1,196 votes (53%). White took 47% of the votes (1,077).
Mike Hardy will continue to lead the Abbeville Police Department after he topped challenger William Spearman, 1,300 (57%) to 975 (43%).
Kaplan voters approved another term for Joshua Hardy on Saturday. He gained 81% (579) of the votes. Challenger Keith M. Greene Sr. took 19% (134).
There will be a runoff for the at-large seat on the Abbeville City Council. That race will feature Bang Bui (46%, 1,044 votes) and Incumbent Carlton Campbell (28%, 629). Ravin St. Julien finished third (28%, 610).
District B will also head to a runoff. Incumbent Francis Plaisance (42%, 179) and Rachel Touchet Mouton (41%, 174) will take part. Todd Chauvin came in third (17%, 72 votes).
Councilwoman Terry Broussard won a third term in District D. Broussard defeated Malcolm Jones, 468 (75%) to 153 (25%).
Neal Richard will be the new councilman in District A. He received 473 votes (77%) on Saturday. Jesrial Jevon Davis took 23% of the votes (138).

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Hunter Wayne Bingham

22-year-old from Kaplan arrested by AG Murrill's office for distribution of child sexual abuse material under age of 13

Agents with Attorney General Liz Murrill's Louisiana Bureau of Investigation arrested a 22-year-old from Kaplan for Distribution of Child Sexual Abuse Materials Under the Age of 13.
Hunter Wayne Bingham, of N. Boudreaux Avenue in Kaplan, was arrested on May 12, 2026, for:
5 Counts of 14:81.1 E(5)(a)-- child sexual abuse material under the age of thirteen (distribution) -- (Felony)
LBI agents initially got a National Center for Missing and Exploited Children tip which jumpstarted our investigation.
This arrest was a result of a joint investigation with The Louisiana Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Hunter Bingham was booked into the Vermilion Parish Jail.
His bond has been set at $50,000.
The investigation continues.

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Abbeville High boys' basketball coach transferring to North Vermilion High

Trevor Eaton named the new boys basketball coach at NVHS

Abbeville High School is seeking a new head boys basketball coach following Trevor Eaton’s decision to transfer to North Vermilion High School.
Eaton, 33 years old, replaces outgoing North Vermilion boys head coach Jean Paul Boullion.
“My decision to leave Abbeville, especially as the school is poised for academic and athletic progress with the hiring of a good head coach, was based on what is best for my family and my desire to gain experience in different schools. I believe this will help prepare me for a future in administration,” Eaton said, who lives in Abbeville.
He will join former Abbeville High football coach Roderick Moy, who is now the head football coach at North Vermilion.
Eaton served as head coach at Abbeville High for the past four years, earning district coach of the year honors twice.
Before becoming head coach at Abbeville, he was an assistant under former head coach Berwick Hamilton.
During his four-year tenure, Eaton compiled a 64-53 record and was named both district coach of the year and Vermilion Parish Coach of the Year twice.
Last year, Eaton served as interim head football coach and led the Wildcats to the playoffs. As the interim head football coach, he ended a 14-game losing streak with a win, and his team won the Russo Trophy after beating Kaplan and getting a homecoming win.
He was also the athletic director for a year.
Eaton is expected to coach football alongside of Moy next school year.
He will teach Virtual Learning and U.S. History at NVHS.

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The Kiwanis Club of Abbeville’s Ross Comeaux (left) presents Erath High’s Everett Etie and North Vermilion’s Abbie Bourque with their scholarship awards from the club.

Kwanis Club awards scholarships to Erath High’s Everett Etie, North Vermilion’s Abbie Bourque

Hundreds of students in Vermilion Parish are set to graduate high school in the coming days.
Thanks to the Kiwanis Club of Abbeville, a couple of those students will not have to spend as much money as they continue their education. On Tuesday, the club awarded Erath High School’s Everett Etie with the Lloyd Doré Scholarship and North Vermilion High School’s Abbie Bourque with the new South Louisiana Community College scholarship.
“This is a scholarship that we have awarded for nearly 50 years,” said Kiwanian Ross Comeaux, who serves as the scholarship chair, said of the Llyod Dore Scholarship. “We increased the total, so it’s now $8,000 for four years. This the first year offering the SLCC scholarship that’s going to total $2,000 for the two years.
“These are two deserving winners.”
Bourque said she plans to pursue a focus on business and marketing. She said this next step to SLCC is a one of perseverance.
“My journey hasn’t always been perfect, but it has taught me the value of hard work,” Bourque said, “and not giving up, even when things get tough. Over the years, I’ve learned that success isn’t about being the best at everything—it’s about showing up, trying my best, and continuing to move forward.
“I’m proud of how far I’ve come and excited for what’s ahead.”
Etie can look back on a particular point his is life that served as a catalyst. Years ago, Everette Etie stood in line with his family at Disney World, and what he saw fascinated him.
However, it wasn’t the theme park’s sights, sounds or iconic characters that caused the wheels in the young Etie’s head to turn.
“While most kids at Disney World were running to the next ride,” said Etie, a soon-to-be Erath High graduate, “ I was watching the smallest details. I noticed how lines moved, how people reacted to design, and how the entire organization made thousands of people feel like everything was effortless.
“I did not have the words then, but I was watching a system built on movement, behavior and strategy.”
Etie will have an opportunity to further build on that sense that he developed as a youngster when he officially enrolls in the prestigious Canfield Business Program at the University of Texas in Austin. Etie is the first person from Louisiana in the past 20 years to be admitted into this program, something he said he doesn’t take lightly.
“The University of Texas alone only accepts 5% out of state,” Etie said, “and the program is even less. When I saw the acceptance, I was happy, but I was worried, too. How could I afford the out-of-state tuition at one of the most expensive universities in the south.”
Etie’s résumé in school, including a 34 on his ACT, are evidence. Outside of the classroom, Etie is a member of numerous clubs and organizations. He has served as the National Beta Secretary, representing more than 500,000 members across that nation. Etie is also the communications officer for the Louisiana Legislative Youth Advisory Council.
“In that group,” Etie said, “I work alongside future lawyers, doctors, engineers, educators, and in my case, a future businessman. My role has been to help connect those different perspectives and bring what I call a ‘business of people’ approach to legislative work.”
Etie has focused on that “business of people:” approach for many years. At 13, he said he studied companies, market behavior and branding decisions with the same energy his friends brought to video games. He invested in the stock market, and convinced his dad to open a Roth IRA.
“I got the keys to the investment world before I event had the keys to the car,” Etie said.
However, Etie didn’t use that knowledge to drive his own personal gain. At 15, he founded The KIDesign Nonprofit, an organization that allows young artists, ages five and up, a platform to showcase and sell their art. Etie has worked with the Vermilion Arts Council, an organization for which received election as the youngest board member, on the project. Since is inception nearly two years ago, KiDesigns has become a federally recognized nonprofit, and has spread across Louisiana. It has raised more than $7,000, giving more than $5,000 back to the young artists, as well as awarding a pair of $1,000 scholarships.
“All of these experiences have given me purpose,” Etie said. “They have also shown me how much more there is to learn. I have built platforms, led students, connected communities and served my home, but I do not want my impact to stop where I am comfortable.
“I want to grow into the kind of leader who can build not just programs, but systems that reach people on a larger scale.”
Tuesday’s award helps him along that journey, one that began many years ago.
“The support of the Kwianis Club means so much,” Etie said. “This scholarship gives me the opportunity to enter this next chapter with more freedom to learn, lead and make the most of the doors that have opened. I get to take curiosity that started in a Disney World line, the leadership I have built thorough KiDesign, Beta and LYAC, and the dream of becoming a businessman who builds something meaningful, and carry all of that with the me to the University of Texas.
“I promise, I will not waste it.”
Bourque offered a similar message to the Kiwanis Club.
“I hope to learn, grow and build a successful future for myself,” Bourque said of her future at SLCC. “Thank you Abbeville Kiwians Club for selecting me for this scholarship and thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way, I wouldn’t be here without you.”

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SLEMCO Scholarship Application Deadline is Thursday, May 14

The deadline for applying for a share of $40,000 in college scholarship money from SLEMCO is fast approaching. Entries must be received by May 14. There will be 20 winners and each winner receives $2,000 to help offset tuition for college or trade school this fall.
SLEMCO customers and their dependent children who will be attending college or trade school on a full-time basis this fall are eligible to enter the scholarship drawing for $2,000. Twenty scholarships - totaling $40,000 - will be given away by random drawing at this year’s SLEMCO annual meeting at the Cajundome on June 13th.
A full list of eligibility requirements can be found on SLEMCO’s website. Apply online at https://slemco.com/online-scholarship-application/ .

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Vermilion Today

Abbeville Meridional

318 N. Main St.
Abbeville, LA 70510
Phone: 337-893-4223
Fax: 337-898-9022

The Kaplan Herald

219 North Cushing Avenue
Kaplan, LA 70548