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September 17, 1933 ~ August 2, 2026 
 
ABBEVILLE—A Mass of Christian Burial officiated by Father Buddy Breaux will be held at 12 p.m. on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Catholic Church honoring the life of Sidney Louis Bares, 92, who passed away on August 2, 2026, at his residence. He will be laid to rest at St. Paul Cemetery. Pallbearers will be his grandsons, James LeMaire, Matthew Broussard, Jon Bares, Jacob Bares, Joshua Bares and Jonah Bares, along with his good friends, Ronnie Abshire and Darrin Lege. 
Visitation will be held at Vincent Funeral Home of Abbeville, 209 S. Saint Charles St., Abbeville, on Saturday, August 8, 2026, from 8 a.m. until 11:45 a.m., when the procession will depart for the church. A rosary will be prayed by the Knights of Columbus at 11 a.m. 
Born on September 17, 1933, in Abbeville, Louisiana, Sidney lived a life marked by dedication, service, and love for his family and community. A proud 1951 graduate of Abbeville High School, he went on to build a respected career as the owner of Bares Welding for 67 years. Known for his craftsmanship, strong work ethic, and remarkable ability to fix almost anything, Sidney often joked that he could repair anything except a broken heart—a saying that endeared him to many. He also served honorably in the National Guard for eight years. 
Sidney’s commitment to his community was evident through his service as a charter member of the Knights of Columbus in Abbeville and as an usher at St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Catholic Church. He found joy in raising cattle and tending to his small farm, where he embraced the peace of rural life. He also treasured time spent with friends, including 33 years as part of a supper club, and enjoyed leisurely afternoons playing cards. 
 Sidney was deeply devoted to his family and placed great value on education, especially for his four children. He took immense pride in their accomplishments and in the fact that each earned a college degree. His generous spirit and willingness to help others, often without charge, left a lasting impression on all who knew him. Among his many contributions to the community was a memorable act in 1964, when he used his winch truck to lift a fallen water tower from the Erath City Hall, demonstrating both bravery and resourcefulness. 
Sidney leaves behind his loving wife, Una Bares, with whom he shared 72 wonderful years of marriage; his children, Tina LeMaire (Ronald), Diane Broussard (Karl), Michael Bares (Deborah), and David Bares (Shannon); his grandchildren, James LeMaire (Monica), Katie Benoit (Ryan), Matthew Broussard (Kristen), Jenna Caho (Jack), Jon Bares (Sheena), Lauren Carmichael (Jake), Jacob Bares, Joshua Bares (Macy), Jonah Bares, and Bailey Latiolais (Taylor); and sixteen great-grandchildren. 
Sidney was preceded in death by his parents, Azare Bares and the former Emerente LeBlanc; his sisters, Florence Steinhorst and Lola Frederick; and his in-laws, Amar “Paddy” and Lelia L. Stelly. 
All funeral arrangements are being conducted by Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville (337) 893-4661. 

Three Abbeville pharmacies in Vermilion Parish are not happy with the Vermilion Parish Public School District.
The reason they are not happy is that last month the school district sent out a letter (email) to its employees encouraging them not to fill their prescription drugs at Mula’s Pharmacy, Cashway Pharmacy, and Thrifty Way Pharmacy.
The letter informed school staff that a new state law that recently took effect may cause the three pharmacies in Abbeville to impose an additional $11.81 fee per prescription. This could result in an additional $60 per month in costs for certain employees who require at least five prescriptions each month.
Additionally, the letter from the school district clarifies that employees can avoid an extra $11.81 fee by transferring their prescription drugs to larger pharmacy chains such as Wal-Mart, WalGreens, or CVS, which do not charge this fee.Pharmacist Melissa Prejean, who works at Mula’s Pharmacy, said that what the school district sent to its employees is wrong, based on her understanding of the new law.
“This law is designed to help local pharmacies not hurt us,” said Prejean. “The $11.81 dispensing fee, from what I understand, should be paid by the PBM (Pharmacy Benefit Manager). It should not be passed on to the patient or the school district. So, this letter the school district sent out is wrong, in my opinion.”
Prejean said Mula’s Pharmacy has not lost any school district customers just yet, but many have enquired about the $11.81 dispensing fee the school district said may be charged to the employee. Mula’s has not charged its customers the $11.81 that the school district suggested they may.
“Customers are calling, texting, asking me questions,” she said. “No one wants to leave us. But, I mean the school district says national chains are not affected, so go there instead of the local pharmacy.”
Prejean reminded the school district that the mom-and-pop pharmacies in the parish pay sales taxes, employ local people who also shop in the parish, and generate sales tax dollars. It is also mom-and-pop pharmacies that purchase ads in football programs or donate items to help schools raise money.
“The big chains don’t back local schools the way we do,” she mentioned. “I received a call from Abbeville High, wanting to purchase an ad. Yet, that very school district we’re assisting is going to direct its staff away from us with a letter that contains incorrect information.”
The three pharmacists have the backing of the Louisiana Independent Pharmacies Association (LIPA).
On July 27, LIPA President Randal Johnson issued a letter to both the school district and the insurance consulting firm, HUD International, which had recommended that the school district communicate with its employees. His letter indicated that the school district and HUD will hurt local pharmacies by steering them toward chain stores.
“The school board’s letter calls out specific local pharmacies by name, telling members those businesses would now cost them more money, while pointing members toward chain pharmacies and mail order instead,” Johnson’s letter said. “These are real, locally owned businesses in this community. Singling them out by name, without giving them any chance to respond or share the fuller picture we’ve laid out here, does real damage to their reputation and viability.
“It tells members (employees) to take their business elsewhere based on information that leaves the most important part of the story. For pharmacies operating on thin margins, that kind of steering can be the difference between staying open and permanently closing their doors.”
Superintendent Tommy Byler suggested that any inquiries regarding the school district’s letter to its staff should be directed to Louann Landry, who is with HUB International. HUB International is the firm guiding the Vermilion Parish School District on ways to cut costs on health insurance and prescription medications.

Update: The water boil advisory issued by the city of Abbeville on Wednesday has been lifted.

The city of Abbeville has issued a system-wide boil advisory for all customers served by the city of Abbeville water system.
This advisory will remain in effect until water quality testing confirms the water is safe for consumption and the Louisiana Department of Health authorizes the advisory to be lifted.
As a precaution, residents and businesses should boil all water used for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing fruits and vegetables, and preparing food. Bring water to a rolling boil for at least one minute before use.
The City teams are actively working to resolve the issue as quickly and safely as possible. We will continue to provide updates as information becomes available and will notify the public immediately once the boil advisory has been lifted.
City officials appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to restore normal service. Please help us by sharing this notice so others in our community are aware of the advisory.

An Abbeville High graduate was named the 2027 Louisiana High School Principal of the Year, earning statewide recognition for her work expanding student pathways at the W.D. & Mary Baker Smith Career Center.
The Louisiana Department of Education presented the honor to Dr. Holly Boffy, principal of the Lafayette Career Center, on Saturday during the 20th Annual Cecil J. Picard Educator Excellence Awards Gala.
The award recognizes exceptional school leaders whose vision, innovation, and commitment create meaningful opportunities for students.
Back in 2010, Boffy won the Louisiana Teacher of the Year Award.
“I feel blessed to be recognized for my work as both the 2010 Louisiana State Teacher of the Year and the 2027 Louisiana State High School Principal of the Year,” said Boffy. “The difference is this time I can share the experience with my own children and with the whole student body at school. We have worked hard at the W.D. & Mary Baker Smith Career Center to support students in building skills, earning credentials, and launching careers. Preparing students for success after graduation is critical, and I am proud of our success.”
Under Boffy’s leadership, the Career Center broadened student opportunities in several areas, including an 800% increase in industry-based credential attainment. She also oversaw the development of a HiSET program, which provides students with a pathway to earn a high school equivalency credential and continue toward college, career training, or employment.
During the 2026-27 school year, Boffy will continue serving as principal of the Career Center while also leading E.J. Sam Accelerated School.
Superintendent Francis Touchet Jr. praised Boffy’s impact on students and the district.
“Dr. Boffy believes deeply in the potential of every student, and she has built a culture where that belief is turned into real opportunities,” Touchet said. “This honor is incredibly well deserved, and we could not be prouder to see her leadership recognized across Louisiana.”
Boffy’s parents are the late Keith Franks and Kim Pate.