Local

(This article first ran in the Oilman Magazine recently. The magazine gave the Meridional permission to print it).

The Vermilion Parish School Board meeting lasted only 90 seconds, but School Board President Anthony Fontana’s words during that time may be felt throughout the parish.
After role call was taken by Superintendent Jerome Puyau, missing were Laura LeBeouf, Luddy Herpin, Sara Duplechain and Kibbie Pillette. Fontana spoke.

Abbeville farmers and the Louisiana rice industry on the whole should reap the benefits of the recent trade agreement that will enable the United States to export commodities like rice to China.
China consumers and produces more rice than any other country. Last year, China imported about 5 million tons of rice, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reported.
Abbeville farmer and President of the Vermilion Parish Rice Growers Association, Allen McLain said countries like China want to consume
U.S. rice because of its strict regulations.