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Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer has established the “Judges Imparting Knowledge Task Force 2021 – Judges in the Classroom”. Chief Justice Weimer has also appointed Third Circuit Court of Appeal Judge Jonathan Perry to serve on the task force.
“In a pre-judicial career, I was a teacher of law and ethics. As a judge, I came to learn that the professions are similar–both require being in command of a room, be it the courtroom or classroom, scholarship, service, passing judgment, and a caring attitude. I am convinced that judges can have a positive impact on the communities they serve by outreach programs that combine civics and lessons on equality, respect for all people, the consequences of inappropriate behavior, and personal responsibility. Most importantly, outreach programs benefit the community, while positively reflecting on the judiciary and have an immensely beneficial impact on judges who participate.” Stated Chief Justice Weimer.
Being in the classroom is not new to Judge Jonathan Perry. Prior to serving on the Third Circuit Court of Appeal, Judge Perry served eleven years in the Louisiana Legislature, wherein he annually taught a full day of civics at local high schools. “I have always liked being in the classroom. When I was in the legislature, I really felt like it was my duty to give back to the teachers and students in my area.” Perry said.
“I was looking for a way to continue giving back to the community specifically in the classroom and Chief Justice Weimer’s foresight came into play and I am really excited about this program. I encourage any school or community organizations to reach out to my office if they are interested in allowing me to present the program.” Stated Perry. Judge Perry can be reached via email at jperry@la3circuit.org

KAPLAN - After Joyce Carbaugh decided not to run for the seat she took over when her huband John passed away last year, Mike Renfrow ran unopposed for the seat of Councilman for District B.
Renfrow was sworn-in by Judge Jonathan Perry before the city council meeting last Tuesday. A 23-year resident of the district he now represents, Renfrow’s background is as strong as his roots.
The husband and father of two has been married to his wife Kristi Landry Renfrow for 22 years and they’re the proud parents of Reed and Rhen Renfrow. Reed is a sophomore at UL and Rhen is a senior at Kaplan High.
The District B councilman and graduate of Kaplan High School attended LSUE and is currently employed with Wyatt Field Service of Houston, TX for the last 20 years, where he holds the position of Regional Manager of Construction.
Renfrow says he enjoys being a part of the Kaplan community whether it be coaching his sons in various sports, helping out at school, or simply giving away hot chocolate and cotton candy for Christmas.
Even though this is his first time serving Kaplan in an official capacity, his plans for District B is to give every person a voice in the future of the community. “I believe we do have a future in Kaplan. I believe our citizens believe that as well. Our community has seen our fair share of challenges that has left us in a series of reactionary positions,” Renfrow said, “The railroad was put offline, the rice mill moved out of state, and more recently Acadiana Ford has moved.”
After each one of these, Renfrow said that they were all led to believe that this was the end. But yet, he says “Here we are.” “Here we are with our top rated schools, with a local Hospital. Here we are with quality local businesses. But more importantly, here we are with a community filled with good, hard working people.”
Renfrow is proud to have a fantastic volunteer base in Kaplan that spans everything from the food bank to the ever improving recreation department. “We also boast a fair and honest police department as well as a truly heroic volunteer fire department. So, you see my dear friends, we are not at the end. I believe that we are far from it.”
Renfrow plans to give back to the community that has afforded him so much. His plan is to attack this job in the same manner that he tries to live life; with honesty and compassion. and he truly believes that what you put into things, that shall be returned to you. “I expect to be held to account,” he said.
“All of the above are things that I am excited about, but I would be sadly remiss if I did not speak of the one thing that I am most excited about, my faith in my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,” he said “Without His love and forgiveness, there is no way that I could stand before you. I pray for His guidance daily, and will ask for that same guidance when working for District B and for all of Kaplan. We are not done.”

A little more than three years after being involved in a drunk driving crash that killed two North Vermilion High students, Tyler Meaux has been sentenced.
On Thursday, 15th Judicial District Court Judge Laurie Hulin sentenced Meaux, 23, to 48 years in prison, with all but 12 suspended. This comes after Meaux was charged with vehicular homicide for a drunk driving arrest on Feb. 4, 2018. The crash, which occurred on U.S. Hwy. 167, just north of Abbeville, claimed the lives of Sydney Colomb, 15, and Alana Duhon, 16.
According to authorities, Meaux had a blood-alcohol level of .16.
Meaux’s attorney, Bart Broussard, told KATC-TV, that Meaux’s sentence calls for him to serve 24 years each on his two counts of
vehicular homicide. The first 12 years to be served and the remaining 12 years suspended. Meaux will serve five years on each count without the possibility of parole.
Meaux reportedly apologized to the families of Colomb and Duhon during his sentencing.

November 28, 1940 ~ February 24, 2021

ABBEVILLE — A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, February 27, 2021 at Abbeville United Methodist Church honoring the life of Louis Charles Ramke, 80, who died Wednesday, February 24, 2021 at his residence. Pallbearers will be Collin Ramke, Kalob Ramke, Patrick Ramke, Kyle Ramke, Steven Ramke, Jr. and Brock Sonnier.
He is survived by his wife, Gloria P. Ramke; daughter, Samantha Sonnier and her husband Ben; three sons, Steven Ramke, Sr. and his wife Debra of Dayton, OH, Scott Ramke and his wife Diana of Abbeville and Sean Ramke and his wife Dona of Abbeville; grandchildren, Brock Sonnier, Chelsey Tournear and her husband Cody; Jacob Ramke and his wife Bao, Kyle Ramke and his significant other Maddi, Steven Ramke, Jr., Matthew Ramke, Patrick Ramke, Kalob Ramke, Morgan Ramke, Collin Ramke and Ian Ramke; great grandchildren, Ahren Ramke, Liam Ramke, Steven Ramke, III and Clara Ramke; two brothers, Terry John Ramke and his wife Sandra of Fayetteville, NC and Maurice Martel Ramke and his wife Sue; two sisters, Linda Fay Stepp and her husband Mark of Clarksville, TN and Beverly Elaine Branam of Georgia; and sister-in-law, Victoria Thompson.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Ramke and the former Alzia Hebert; parents-in-law, Oreste Pelletier and the former Mary Alice Guidry; sisters, Catherine Veillion and Dora Abshire and brother-in-law, Elton Pelletier.
Due to COVID-19, face masks will be required and please practice social distancing.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Abbeville United Methodist Church, 213 N. State St., on Saturday, February 27, 2021 from 9:00 AM until time of services.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.vincentfuneralhome.net.
All funeral arrangements are being conducted by Vincent Funeral Home of Abbeville, (337) 893-4661.