RSS Feed

Dr. Roberta Hair-Grainger

Wed, 03/26/2025 - 10:14am

Dr. Roberta (Bobbie) Margarite Hair-Grainger passed into the next phase of existence surrounded by her loving family on March 21, 2025. Her dedicated husband John rarely left her side after her recent cancer diagnosis and subsequent struggles. She is survived by her children Christopher and Mamie, their spouses Susan and Paul, stepson Rob, foster-daughter Leah, and her grandchildren: Killashandra, Alexis, Tyson and his wife Diana, Kaylee, Nyna, Bryce, and Abene. Additionally, she is survived by her brother Billy and sisters Paula, Timala, and Jennifer with whom she remained in frequent contact. She was preceded in death by her parents, William C. and Marge(Verhines) Hair.
Born in 1949, Bobbie was raised in the close-knit farming community of Wright, Louisiana. After graduating from Gueydan High School in 1967, she traveled to Denton, Texas to attend Texas Woman’s University where she received her Bachelors, Masters, and Ph.D. in Fashion Design. Returning to Gueydan in 1982, she became the local librarian until 1990. Her subsequent journeys led her to Williamsburg, Virginia where she met her husband, John. The home they made in Newport News provided their blended family with loving support through good times and bad. She worked and ultimately retired from Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation in 2014. Along with fond memories, Bobbie will be remembered though her creativity exhibited by the clothing, quilts, and works of art that she created for family and friends. Her untimely passing will be felt deeply by many.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society or Arbor Society.

Claudia Detraz Saunier

Wed, 03/26/2025 - 9:55am

December 20, 1937 - March 22, 2025

Claudia Detraz Saunier, age 87, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 22, 2025. She was born on December 20, 1937, in Abbeville, Louisiana to the late Claude and Mary Mae Primeaux Detraz, Sr. and spent her life touching the hearts of all who knew her.
A loving wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, sister, and friend, Claudia was deeply committed to her family and community. She was a proud and dedicated member of Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, where her faith and kindness shone brightly.
Claudia devoted 41 years of her life to the noble profession of teaching in elementary education. She had a passion for nurturing young minds, sharing her wisdom, and making a lasting impact on her students. Her teaching career spanned several schools, including Fatima Catholic School, Catholic High School, and Herod Elementary School, where she made lifelong connections with both colleagues and students.
While her career was rewarding, Claudia's greatest joy came from spending time with her family, particularly her three grandsons, who were the light of her life. She took immense pride in helping to raise them, supporting them at all of their events, and being a constant source of love and encouragement. Claudia found her most treasured times in the presence of her grandchildren.
Those left behind to treasure her memory are her son, Michael Saunier and wife Ann Rachel Hebert Saunier; her three grandsons, Alexander Saunier, Grayson Saunier and Richmond Saunier; and one sister, Darlene Detraz Viator.
Along with her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Marion Saunier; one sister, Inez Detraz Meaux and two brothers, Claude Detraz, Jr. and Donald Detraz.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church at 2 p.m. on Thursday, March 27, 2025, with Fr. Buddy Breaux officiating. She will be laid to rest following the mass at Our Lady of the Lake Mausoleum with her husband.
A gathering of family and friends will be held at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church on Thursday from 12:00 pm until time of service.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Alexander Saunier, Grayson Saunier, Richmond Saunier, Scottie Saunier, Jude Meaux and Tommy Saunier.
Claudia's warm spirit, devotion to family, and the kindness she shared with everyone she met will live on in the hearts of those who loved her. May she rest in peace.
Family and friends are encouraged to share their memories and leave words of encouragement by visiting Claudia’s memorial at www.evangelinedelcambre.com
Evangeline Funeral Home of Delcambre is in charge of arrangements.

Delcambre’s Emma Smith was named the Outstanding Performer at the ARCA track meet in the Youngsville. She won the 300 meter hurdles, high jump and was second in the 100 meter hurdle race.

Erath High’s Sean Herrington holds up his Outstanding Performer Plaque that he won this past Friday at the ARCA track meet. He finished first in the 100- and 300 meter hurdles and ran on the second place 4x200 and 4x400 relay teams.

Delcambre’s Smith, Erath’s Herrington shine at ARCA track meet

Mon, 03/24/2025 - 3:11pm

BOYS
TEAM STANDINGS: 1 Acadiana Renaissance 116; 2. Erath 113; 3. Catholic-NI 76; 4. Ascension Episcopal 72; 5. North Vermilion 43; 6. Delcambre 41; 7. Kaplan 34; 8. Abbeville 32; 9. Beau Chene 23; 10. Highland Baptist 19; 11. Hanson 10; 11. Vermilion Catholic 10.

RUNNING EVENTS

100 – 1. Torrien Alfred, Erath, 11.54; 2. Braylon Moore, Abbeville, 11.71; 3. Terry Matthews, Acadiana Renaissance, 11.76.
200 – 1. Kodi Clement, Kaplan, 22.99; 2. Gykel Bessard, Delcambre, 23.61; 3. Connor Booker, Acadiana Renaissance 23.81.
400 – 1. Kori Clement, Kaplan, 51.78; 2. Gykel Bessard, Delcambre, 52.48; 3. Josiah Porter, Acadiana Renaissance, 53.14.
800 – 1. Cameron Soirez, Erath, 2:00.78; 2. Landon Gary, Acadiana Renaissance, 2:09.04; 3. Hayes Trotter, Ascension Episcopal, 2:09.59.
1,600 – 1. Hayes Trotter, Ascension Episcopal, 4:49.96; 2. Christopher Schexnaider, Acadiana Renaissance, 4:51.46; 3. Quinton Foshee, Ascension Episcopal, 4:56.80.
3,200 – 1. Jackson Kosmer, Acadiana Renaissance, 10:50.67; 2. David Nowakowski, Highland Baptist, 10:51.04; 3. Zachary Montel, North Vermilion, 10:59.52.
110H – 1. Sean Herrington, Erath, 15.26; 2. Terry Matthews, Acadiana Renaissance, 15.68; 3. Ali Carrier, Beau Chene, 16.17.
300H – 1. Dean Herrington, Erath, 41.07; 2. Ali Carrier, Beau Chene, 41.53; 3. Terry Matthews, Acadiana Renaissance, 42.80.

RELAYS

4x100 – 1. Acadiana Renaissance, 44.87; 2. North Vermilion, 44.87; 3. Abbeville, 45.38.
4x200 – 1. Erath, 1:34.78; 2. Catholic-NI, 1:35.25; 3. Acadiana Renaissance, 1:35.76.
4x400 – 1. Acadiana Renaissance, 3:33.09; 2. Erath, 3:36.64; 3. Kaplan, 3:38.55.
4x800 – 1. Acadiana renaissance, 8:44.86; 2. Erath, 9:03.37; 3. Hanson, 9:57.54.

FIELD EVENTS

High jump – 1. Dylan Nelson, Catholic High, 6-2; 2. Karsen Buggs, Acadiana Renaissance, 5-8; 3. Braylon Moore, Abbeville, 5-8.
Long jump – 1. Harley Foreman, North Vermilion, 20-5; 2. Branon Mitchell, Ascension Episcopal, 20-5; 3. Torrien Alfred, Erath; 19-10.5.
Triple jump – 1. Brock Anthony, Catholic-NI, 41-6; 2. Harley Foreman, North Vermilion, 40-10; 3. Torrien Alfred, Erath, 40-7.
Pole vault – 1. Beau Domengeaux, Ascension Episcopal, 14-7; 2. Eli Parich, Catholic-NI, 14-0; 3. Lucas Owens, Acadiana Renaissance, 13-6.
Discus – 1. Charlie Milam, Ascension Episcopal, 134-8; 2. Eli Larson, Delcambre, 127-9; 3. Roan Judice, Catholic-NI, 118-7.
Javelin – 1. Luke Mclain, Vermilion Catholic, 162-6; 2. Michael Bertrand, Catholic-NI, 161-9; 3. Griffin LeBlanc, Erath, 152-10.

Girls

TEAM STANDINGS: 1 Acadiana Renaissance 136; 2. Kaplan 102; 3. Highland Baptist 63; 4. Erath 62; 5. Ascension Episcopal 55; 6. Vermilion Catholic 49; 7. Delcambre 41; 8. Beau Chene 35; 9. Catholic-NI 28; 10. Abbeville 6; 11. North Vermilion 5; 12. Sacred Heart 1.

RUNNING EVENTS

100 – 1. Marley Moore, Vermilion Catholic, 12.98; 2. Maci Gautro, Acadiana Renaissance, 13.08; 3. Journee James, Acadiana Renaissance, 13.27.
200 – 1. Marley Moore, vermilion Catholic, 26.44; 2. Maci Gautro, Acadiana Renaissance, 26.96; 3. Emily Roy, Kaplan, 27.57.
400 – 1. Bella Biggerstaff, Ascension Episcopal, 1:03.39; 2. Selena Alexandria, Kaplan, 1:03.42; 3. Reide Sizemore, Acadiana Renaissance, 1:06.66.
800 – 1. Madelynn Salsman, Highland Baptist, 2:28.53; 2. Alexa Tarin-Carlon, Erath, 2:28.91; 3. Isabella Hargrave, Kaplan, 2:35.92.
1,600 – 1. Madalynn Salsman, Highland Baptist, 5:26.85; 2. Bella Biggerstaff, Ascension Episcopal, 5:29.25; 3. Ava Lebouef, Acadiana Renaissance, 5:42.62.
3,200 – 1. Ella Blake, Highland Baptist, 11:54.96; 2. Ava Lebouef, Acadiana Renaissance, 12:34.26; 3. Gracie Daigle, Acadiana Renaissance, 12:44.46.
100 hurdles – 1. Kelsey Bomersbach, Vermilion Catholic, 15.79; 2. Emma Smith, Delcambre, 16.69; 3. Kaylei Brown, Beau Chene, 16.86.
300 hurdles – Emma Smith, Delcambre, 48.88; 2. Kaylei Brown, Beau Chene, 49.56; 3. Emily Currie, Catholic-NI, 50.61.

RELAYS

4x100 – 1. Acadiana Renaissance, 51.16; 2. Erath, 52.84; 3. Kaplan, 56.08.
4x200 – 1. Acadiana Renaissance, 1:49.12; 2. Erath, 1:57.47; 3. Kaplan, 1:57.66.
4x400 – 1. Kaplan, 4:22.21; 2. Erath, 4:29.67; 3. Acadiana Renaissance, 4:33.60.
4x800 – Kaplan, 11:12.90; 2. Acadiana Renaissance, 11:37.70; 3. Catholic-NI, 12:20.19.

FIELD EVENTS

High jump – 1. Emma Smith, Delcambre, 5-4; 2. Grace Bourque, Catholic-NI, 4-10; 3. Reace Richard, Kaplan, 4-8.
Long jump – 1. Kaylei Brown, Beau Chene, 17-0; 2. Marley Moore, Vermilion Catholic, 16-11.5; 3. Treasure Matthews, Acadiana Renaissance, 16-11.25.
Pole vault – 1. Rachel Owens, Acadiana Renaissance, 10-0; 2. Makenzi Davis, Highland Baptist, 9-0; 3. Sophie Morris, Highland Baptist, 9-0.
Discus – 1. Naomi Wyble, Erath, 100-1; 2. Molly Cormier, Ascension Episcopal, 96-7; 3. Ajia Comeaux, Kaplan, 91-3.
Javelin – 1. Molly Cormier, Ascension Episcopal, 104-9; 2. Addisen Yates, Highland Baptist, 102-3; 3. Breahana Thomassee, Vermilion Catholic, 94-1.

Kaplan first baseman Karter Meaux

Check Out Kaplan's Karter Meaux Q&A

Fri, 03/21/2025 - 10:32am

Karter Meaux is a 6’5 senior righthanded pitcher and first baseman for the Kaplan Pirates. He is 3-2 on the mound on the season with a 3.0 ERA and 26 strikeouts. At the plate, he’s batting .415 with 17 RBI. He has a 3.8 GPA and wants to attend SLCC as a diesel mechanic. After high school, he plans to have a career in that field.

Q: What led you to decide you want to be a diesel mechanic?

This year was the first actual class, but over the summers, I worked on the rice farms, and I was attracted to everything about them. They make good money, and I enjoyed being around them for the last couple of years.

Q: Baseball is now the only sport you play. What is it about baseball that captures you like no other sport does?

It’s the atmosphere. I like the feeling of winning in general. Say you lose a football game; you must wait a week to play another game. Baseball is day by day. If you lose a game, you can recover from it pretty much the next day.

Q: In your four years at Kaplan, you have had three head baseball coaches. What has that been like for you and the seniors on this team?

Last year was difficult, but Coach Jake (Faulk) was here during my freshman and sophomore years, so I already knew how he handled it. His coming back this year for the seniors was the best thing for us.

Q: Do you feel y’all are a better team this year?

We are way better. We are smooth is fast. That’s how we go off of, smooth is fast. Our lineup right now is looking pretty smooth and pretty fast.

Q: What’s different about Coach Jake Faulk?

He motivates us a lot more. He doesn’t follow the negative. He follows more of the positive. It’s benefited my game a lot. It’s my mind. My head is clearer now. I’m able to focus.

Q: Do you play video games or do social media?

No, I don’t. I don’t get into any of that. Facebook Marketplace is all I do. My grandpa (Dale Meaux) taught me that stuff rots your brain.

Q: What are you doing if you’re not on social media and not playing video games?

I’m either helping on the crawfish dock, waiting for baseball practice to start, or watching YouTube when I’m not at school.

Q: Did you say crawfish?

Yes, I work for Stelly’s Boiling Spot, where the fishermen bring their crawfish. We weigh them, sell them, and do everything else.

Q: Who do you credit with getting you into baseball?

My dad (Kelly Meaux). We started when I was young, and out of all the sports I played, he pushed me more toward baseball. That makes me enjoy it more. My mom (Renee LeMaire Meaux) keeps me in line and makes sure I’m where I need to be on time. She makes sure I have everything I need.

Q: Here’s your chance to tell the world once and for all: Why, at a country-solid 6’5, don’t you play football?

It’s exhausting, and it hurts my body to the point that I can’t be 100 percent for baseball season.

Kaplan right fielder Carter Petry

Kaplan Pirates blank ARCA, 6-0

Fri, 03/21/2025 - 10:28am

The Kaplan Pirates stepped out of district and blanked ARCA, 6-0, on Thursday.
Karter Meaux collected three hits in four at bats for KHS. Meaux singled in the fifth inning, doubled in the fourth inning, and singled in the sixth inning.
Kaplan won thanks in part to five runs in the fifth inning. Meaux singled, scoring two runs, and Carter Petry tripled, scoring three runs.
Kaplan opened the scoring in the fourth after Petry singled, scoring one run.
Meaux earned his third win on the year for Kaplan.
The reliever gave up three hits and zero runs over three innings, striking out six and walking none.
Aiden Gaspard started on the mound for Kaplan. The starting pitcher surrendered one hit and zero runs over three innings, striking out three and walking one. Sabe David pitched one inning of scoreless ball for Kaplan.
Petry went 2-for-3 on the day.
Next up for Kaplan is a game against St. Edmund on Saturday.

VC second baseman Caden DeHart makes a throw to first base.

VC Eagles win one district game, but fall to Ascension

Fri, 03/21/2025 - 10:26am

The Vermilion Catholic Eagles dropped their second District 6-A game, falling to Ascension Episcopal 5-3 on Thursday.
VC’s two district losses are to Ascension Episcopal.
The Eagles are now 12-5 overall and 4-2 in the district, while Ascension is 18-2 and 6-0 in the district. Ascension is 18-2 overall and No. 3 in the power rankings.
VC drops to No. 6 in the Division IV Select power rankings

Ascension...5
VC.............3
After the fourth inning, Ascension led 5-1, and it stayed that way until VC scored two runs in the top of the seventh inning.
VC outhit Ascension 9-8
With each two hits were Jonathan Dartez, Hudson Hebert, and Ross Dartez.
Cole Albert was VC’s starting pitcher. He pitched three innings and allowed two hits and one earned run.
Alexander Marceaux pitched the final three innings and allowed eight hits and four earned runs.
Eagles with hits were Jackson Trahan, Bryce Lege, and Will Simon

VC..................12
Wesminster.....2

Earlier in the week, VC crushed Westminster of Lafayette 12-2 on Tuesday.
Vermilion Catholic got on the board in the bottom of the first inning after an error scored two runs, and Will Simon singled, scoring one run.
A ground out by Jackson Trahan extended the Vermilion Catholic lead to 4-0 in the bottom of the second inning.
Vermilion Catholic added to its early lead in the bottom of the third inning after Caden DeHart singled to center field, Ross Dartez hit a sacrifice fly, and Jonathan Dartez singled to right field, each scoring one run.

VC scored five runs on two hits in the bottom of the fifth inning. Dartez drew a walk, scoring one run; Dartez singled, scoring one run; Trahan was struck by a pitch, driving in a run; and Bryce Lege hit a sacrifice fly, scoring one run.
Pitcher Aidan Bertrand earned the win for VC.
The hurler gave up two hits and two runs over five innings, striking out four and walking six.
DeHart, Ross Dartez, and Hudson Hebert each collected two hits for VC.

VC’s Jenna-Beth Hagle slides into second base ahead of the tag by Aaliyah Bessard of Abbeville. Photo by Rosco Harrington.

VC Lady Eagles hold off Abbeville in softball

Fri, 03/21/2025 - 10:21am

The Vermilion Catholic Lady Eagles jumped ahead early and held on for a 9-7 victory against the Abbeville Lady Wildcats on Tuesday.
This season the two teams met for bragging rights with the Lady Eagles winning both contests. VC head coach Kim Guidry thought her team did a good job of overcoming challenges.
“We did a good job of playing through adversity,” Guidry said. “Two or three times during the game we didn’t know what was going on because the officials didn’t know what was going on. We didn’t give up; We persevered. It was a good win.”
VC scored five runs in the second inning to jump ahead 5-1. Emma Prejean and Brynn Broussard had RBI singles, while Bree Thomassee had an RBI double. Grace Carpenter had the big hit in the inning with a two-RBI triple.
The Lady Cats responded in the in the bottom of the inning without getting a hit. They took advantage of three walks and three passed balls to score two runs. Sarinity Wallace and Kylie Walker scored to narrow the gap to 5-3.
Abbeville got to within 5-4 in the bottom of the fourth when Aaliyah Bessard singled and came around to score.
VC answered by scoring four times in the fifth to take a 9-4 lead. Jenna-Beth Hagle and Prejean each had singles in the inning while Carpenter had an RBI double.
The Lady Cats roared back in the bottom of the inning, scoring three times. Walker and Rhyleigh Bessard walked to lead off the inning while Aaliyah Pilette delivered a two-RBI triple to make it 9-7
Abbeville threatened again in the bottom of the seventh when Ariel Stelly drew a one-out walk. With two out, Aaliyah Pillette sent a shot to right centerfield. The Lady Eagles executed a perfect relay from the outfield and catcher Anna Boudreaux tagged Stelly out at the plate to end the game.

“It was textbook perfect,” Guidry said. “We practice, practice, practice and hope it sets in. Apparently, they were listening one day.”
Lady Cats’ head coach Jonathan Zenon thought his girls played well. He believes the next step in their development is learning to play as a team.
“It was a great game,” Zenon said. “There were some missed calls here and there, but at the end of the day our girls fought hard. They played exceptionally well. We just need to learn that softball is a team sport, not individual. When we make a mistake, we need to pick each other up, not put each other down.”
Prejean started in the circle for VC and earned the win. Hagle came on in relief to pick up the save. Carpenter led the way at the plate with a double, a triple, and three RBI.
Walker got the start for Abbeville. She struck out five in five innings of work. Ariel Stelly pitched the final two innings. Pillette led the Lady Cats at the dish with two triples and two RBI.

VC........................17
WCA Opelousas....3

The Lady Eagles won their second straight game, beating Westminster, 17-3 on Tuesday.
VC is now 3-3 overall and ranked No. 22 in the Division IV Select power rankings. The top 24 make the playoffs.
After the first two innings, VC led only 5-3.
The Lady Eagles exploded for seven runs in third inning to blow the game open.
VC hit two home runs. Bree Thomasee hit a grand slam in the fourth inning.
Also with a home run was lead-off hitter Grace Carpenter, who opened the game with a solo home run.
Ali Broussard had a double, triple and knocked in five runs.

This building was one of the first rice mills built in Abbeville in the early 1900s. Developers are looking at making this four-story building along the Vermilion River a new hotel.

This is the side of the old mill that may be turned in a hotel.

This brick is more than 120 years old.

The front of the old packing plant could one day be an outdoor venue to be rented for weddings and concerts.

Old rice mill in Abbeville could become historic-looking hotel

Fri, 03/21/2025 - 10:16am

There are plans to also create indoor and outdoor venue

In the next couple of years, Abbeville is expected to see the opening of a historic-looking hotel and a spacious 10,000-square-foot indoor venue connected to the hotel that can be used for weddings and concerts.
At Wednesday’s Abbeville Rotary Club meeting, Brad Colgin, owner of The Colgin Companies LLC in Lafayette, informed Rotarians on the gameplan for the old Riviana Rice Mill in Abbeville.
In December of 2023, Earl “Boo” Landry of Erath purchased the rice mill from Riviana and named it “Rice Quarter LLC.”
Since then, Landry has hired contractors to remove the asbestos from the rice mill along First Street. Other than that, there has been little movement at the closed rice mill.
At the Wednesday Rotary meeting, Colgin said that is about to change.
Colgin’s company purchases old mills throughout the United States, tears them down, and sells the metal, lumber and other equipment it can salvage.
He was introduced to Landry, and the two began working together to determine the best way to utilize the rice mill buildings and 16 acres of land on which they sit.

Colgin told the Rotary Club that work would soon begin on redoing the roof of the old packing plant building, which is located on the west side next to the Vermilion River.
The back section of the packing plant is a four-story building that was once a rice mill that opened around 1900.
By 2027, the four-story building will be converted into a hotel with balconies overlooking the Vermilion River. The front of the hotel will have a 10,000-square-foot, two-story venue that could be used for weddings and indoor concerts.
Each hotel floor will have rooms around 500 square feet in size with 13-foot high ceilings.
“They are big rooms,” Colgin said.
Clogin mentioned plans to develop a New Orleans-style outdoor space around the two oak trees. The courtyard will be spacious enough to accommodate 500 chairs and can be rented for weddings, parties, or concerts.
He said the historic-looking hotel and the large indoor and outdoor venues will be one of a kind.
“This will be like no place in Acadiana and Louisiana like this,” said Colgin.

Next to the hotel is a 30,000-square-foot blue metallic building that will remain intact. The plan is to use that building as a covered parking area for the hotel, with First Street as an entrance into the parking area.
Colgin closed the meeting by answering a question that many Rotarians may have been thinking about — how will Abbeville support the hotel and the indoor/outdoor venues?
“We are not counting on Abbeville to support a venture like this,” he said. “This is a destination location. This is also not just an Acadiana deal or a state deal. We are going to hire a marketing team to drive traffic. The venues in this place are going to be spectacular.”
While contractors are developing the hotel and indoor and outdoor venues, other contractors will be removing all of the tanks, storage bins and the old electrical plant next to the Vermilion River.
When all of that is removed, it will create parking for guests staying in the hotel.
Colgin did not touch on the future plans for the closed Riviana Rice Mill on the east side. He said the goal is first to get the hotel and venues up and running before they begin tackling the east side of the rice mill.

Here is one sugar kettle located downtown Abbeville.

Downtown Abbeville has sugar kettles with flowers

Fri, 03/21/2025 - 10:09am

No, a black pot cook-off is not about to pop up in downtown Abbeville.
Visitors and drivers will now notice several sugar kettles placed throughout the area. These kettles, serving as flower pots, are situated on traffic islands around Magdalen Square.
“The city decided to add Sugar Kettles with landscaping to the newly completed downtown overlay project,” Councilman Brady Broussard Jr. said.
“Placement of the kettles can now be seen on the various brick islands in our historic downtown.”
Along with beautification, the kettles help make the islands stand out for safety purposes.
“Those islands are to help slow traffic,” Broussard said. “Those can be seen easier now. These (kettles) are visual aids that are also beautiful.”
The total cost for the project is $7,000 for 12 kettles from Brian’s Furniture and Appliances in Port Allen and $4,950 for 12 stands. Council members cover the cost through their respective discretionary spending funds.
“I was happy to see the response of fellow council members to join together and cover the cost of purchase of the kettles,” Broussard said.
As for the stands that hold the pot, those are local.
“The durable custom stands that the kettles rest upon were manufactured by Mr. Brandon Briggs here in Abbeville,” Broussard said.
Public Works Director Chris Gautreaux and members of the street and park crews are handling the potting soil placement in each kettle and now the planting of the chosen species of plants. Horticulturist Mark Riche is consulting with the city to make choices for spring planting in the kettles.
Vermilion Parish Tourism Director Alison Miller, who can see one of the larger kettles near the front of her office at Abbeville Cultural and Alliance Center, said she feels like they are a great addition to the area.
Abbeville Main Street Manager Charlene Beckett, who helped track down the kettles before purchase, agreed.
“I think they add so much to our downtown,” Beckett said, “and sets us apart from other small cities.”
Broussard said it is something exciting to see happen.
“We hope our residents and visitors enjoy the seasonal floral beauty.”

There is now a note on the Abbeville City Hall door explaining how to get into city hall.

You now have to ring bell to get into Abbeville City Hall

Fri, 03/21/2025 - 10:06am

Mayor says it is for safety reasons

Visitors must press a doorbell to enter Abbeville City Hall since the doors are locked. Abbeville Mayor Roslyn White explained the reason for the new system implementation.
Starting this month, when visitors arrive at city hall, they will have to ring a doorbell and then explain what their business is.
A person in city hall is able to see and speak to the person at the front door using the newly installed Ring Doorbell Camera.
Mayor White said, “Like many other entities, we are looking at ways to enhance safety for our employees. We looked at a variety of safety measures. Given the design of the building, the new lock is the most effective way to increase safety for those working in the lobby area and beyond.
“It is similar to the system used in schools and the sheriff’s office.”
For the last two years, one must ring a doorbell to enter the Sheriff’s Annex Building downtown. Similarly, no one can enter a public or private school in Vermilion Parish without ringing a doorbell.
The Mayor said no recent incident called for locking the doors. She said it was all about the safety of the city employees.

RSS Feed

Dr. Roberta Hair-Grainger

Claudia Detraz Saunier

Delcambre’s Smith, Erath’s Herrington shine at ARCA track meet

Check Out Kaplan's Karter Meaux Q&A

Kaplan Pirates blank ARCA, 6-0

VC Eagles win one district game, but fall to Ascension

VC Lady Eagles hold off Abbeville in softball

Old rice mill in Abbeville could become historic-looking hotel

Downtown Abbeville has sugar kettles with flowers

You now have to ring bell to get into Abbeville City Hall

Pages

Vermilion Today

Abbeville Meridional

The Kaplan Herald

Site Links