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Maurice mayor questions police jury on tax collected on 2025 tax assessment

Arsement made public records request looking for details about tax collected in Maurice; he got unexpected answer from lawyer

MAURICE - Maurice Mayor Neil Arsement filed a public records request with the Vermilion Parish Police Jury, seeking information on the total revenue generated from a 4.87 millage that the residents of Maurice are currently paying.
Instead of receiving responses to the 11 questions he posed in an E-mail and a hand-delivered letter, he received a letter from police jury attorney Paul Moresi III stating that the millage proposition he inquired about does not exist.
Every year, tax statements for residents of Maurice and those living nearby include a line item labeled “Road District 3-2.”
This millage costs approximately $35 annually per household in Maurice.
Arsement submitted a public records request because he said the police jury is not allocating any of the 4.87 millage collected in Maurice to maintain the town’s roads.
The Mayor wanted to know how much money Maurice generated from the millage in 2021 through 2025, and which road projects were completed in Maurice using that money.
Instead of receiving responses to his inquiries, Arsement got a letter from Moresi on June 26. The letter clarified that Moresi could not address his public request regarding “Road District 3-2” because, according to Moresi, “There is no parish entity named Road District 3-2. As such, there are no public records that pertain to your request.”
This response from the police jury attorney left Arsement in disbelief, especially since his 2025 tax statement indicated “Road District 3-2” and showed that $11.79 was to be collected.
Arsement said, “Let me read that again. They (the police jury) charge you for a road district. It prints on your tax bill every single year. And when someone finally asks where the money goes, the police jury’s own lawyer says the district does not exist. If it does not exist, why are we paying for it? Where is the money going?”
Vermilion Parish Tax Assessor Gabe Marceaux did his best to explain in simple terms why Moresi wrote that the parish does not have a Road District 3-2, when in fact it does.
The parish is divided up into taxing districts and those taxing districts are subdivided into smaller taxing districts. In and around Maurice, it is called District 2, Sub-3 according to the Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s website.
Marceaux said Sub-3, District 2 is the same as District 2, Sub-3. The only difference is that the words and the numbers are flipped.
However, on everyone’s tax bill, it is listed as District 3-2. Moresi may have looked for District 3, Sub 2, and found no records of a tax being collected by the police jury.
“You would think the attorney of the police jury should do a little research and learn that the verbiage that shows up on the tax assessment bill is the same exact verbiage that I am asking for in a public records request,” said Arsement. “Instead, he wanted to be technical and cute by saying District 3-2 does not exist.
“I just want to know how much is being collected from the residents of Maurice and how much of that money is being spent in Maurice,” Arsement said.
Police Juror Dane Hebert, who is the police juror for Maurice and the area around Maurice, said Arsement has been given the answers to his questions by Hebert and police jury administrator Keith Roy over the last few months. The two have met with Arsement.
“He may not have liked our answers, but we provided him with answers,” said Hebert.
Hebert, who has been a police juror for 20 years, explained that the “District 3-2” property tax collects just over $100,000 a year. That money has to be used for road repairs in the city of Maurice and around the Maurice area.
“It is not a lot of money,” said Hebert. Hebert explained that not much road work can be done for $100,000 in and around Maurice. He gave the example that resurfacing and repairing almost a mile of road will cost $800,000.
Hebert said that, under state law, the police juror from the district has the final say on how property tax revenue may be spent. Hebert could spend all $100,000 outside the city limits of Maurice, share the money with the town for road projects, or use all of the money to repair roads in Maurice.
Arsement mentioned that he filed a public records request to find out the precise amount of revenue generated by the tax and how much of that money was used for road repairs in Maurice over the past four years.
Hebert said the police jury has worked on the streets in Maurice, filling pot holes at no expense to the city.
Hebert recently spent most of the $100,000 to repair a road outside the city limits. Hebert said he has explained that information to Arsement.
“I can spend the money as I see fit and as wisely as I can,” Hebert said. “I explained all that to him. If he has a question about the tax, my phone is always on. In the 20 years of being a police juror, I have never had an issue with a Maurice mayor as I have with Neil.”

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Wiltz Robert Domingues

December 23, 1946 — July 8, 2026

ERATH – Funeral Services for Wiltz Robert “T-Bob” Domingues, 79, will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, July 17, 2026, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Erath. Father Mark Derise will be the celebrant assisted by Deacon Glynn Stutes.
Visitation will begin at 4 p.m. on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at Frioux Funeral Home of Erath and continue until 8 p.m. A Recitation of the Rosary will be led at 6 p.m. by Claudelle Thibodeaux, followed by a reading of "T-Bob's Life Story” by his godchild, Susan B. Cassidy.
Visitation will resume at 9:00 AM on Friday, July 17, 2026, at Frioux Funeral Home of Erath and continue until the time of service. Interment will follow at LeBlanc Cemetery.
The readings will be proclaimed by Mary LeBlanc, Jeanne Perrin, and Katelyn Shelton. Communion Gifts will be presented by Jenny Domingues, Dawsyn Domingues, Ila Domingues, and Sheila Trahan. Music will be provided by trumpeter Dawson Lasseigne and organist Sammy Thibodeaux performing “Ave Maria,” “Amazing Grace,” and “The Battle Hymn of the Republic.”
Pallbearers will be David Domingues, Daniel Domingues, Owen Domingues, Seth Domingues, Edward Domingues, and Dewey Domingues.
Honorary pallbearers will be Tyler Domingues, Philip Domingues, Sam Domingues, Matt Domingues, Jim Domingues, Errol Domingues, Julian Hinckley, Oswald Broussard, Roddy Trahan, Salvador Maida, Ronnie Frederick, Larry Frederick, Kenneth Blanchet, Clarence Moss, Charles Vincent, Charles Toups, Minos Sellers, and Joe Cavazos.
Wiltz Robert “T-Bob” Domingues passed away at Heart Hospital of Lafayette at 8:32 PM on Wednesday, July 8, 2026.
Known to everyone as "T-Bob," Wiltz was proudly named after his maternal grandfather, Wiltz LeBlanc, to whom he remained especially close throughout his life. Born on December 23, 1946, in his family home, he was always well loved because he genuinely loved and respected others. He cared deeply for his hometown of Erath and demonstrated that love through his service and commitment to his family, friends, and community. T-Bob had a wonderful sense of humor, could always tell a good story, and had a gift for making people laugh.
Wiltz Robert was born to Corbet and Velma LeBlanc Domingues. He was the third of four sons, following Jimmy and Edward and preceding Dewey. The brothers shared a close bond throughout their lives, as did their relationships with their many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews—relationships the family always admired and cherished.
He is survived by his wife, Cheryl Kaye Frederick Domingues ("Pie"); his two brothers, Edward Domingues and Dewey Domingues; his son, David Robert Domingues and his wife Jenny Domingues; his daughter, Leslie Kaye Domingues Deslatte; four grandchildren, Daniel Robert Domingues, Seth David Andrew Domingues, Owen David Renee Domingues, and Leila Kaye Hamilton; and six great-grandchildren: Dawsyn Angelle Domingues, Ila Kaye Domingues, Waylyn Daniel Domingues, Brix Romero, Kove Romero, and baby Domingues, expected to arrive in January.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Corbet and Velma Domingues, and his eldest brother, Jimmy Domingues.
Robert married Cheryl Kaye Frederick of Abbeville on July 27, 1968. Together they shared 58 wonderful years of marriage, and Robert embraced Cheryl's family as warmly as he did his own. They considered themselves truly blessed by their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and treasured the love they shared as a family.
Professionally, T-Bob worked for 18 years as an Engineering Clerk at the Texaco office in New Iberia. He later returned home to Erath, where he owned, managed, and operated T-Bob's Seafood for 38 years with two locations in New Iberia and Erath. Today, his son David continues that legacy with a locations in Lafayette and Erath. Throughout his 38 years in business customers appreciated his friendliness, humor, warm smile, and consistently positive attitude. As a councilman for 42 years, T-Bob was always thankful for the opportunity to serve others.
Athletics were an important part of his life. He played, enjoyed, and faithfully supported sports, especially his beloved Erath Bobcats and their coaching staff. As a football player, he played “End” and, even years later, continued to praise the talents, strengths, and accomplishments of his teammates. In high school track, he excelled in the high and low hurdles, posting a winning time of 15 seconds flat, while also competing in relay events. In recognition of his athletic achievements, he was inducted into the Erath Hall of Fame in 2001.
While attending USL, T-Bob continued his success on the track team, competing and often winning in the 330 intermediate meter hurdles with a time of 37.7 seconds. He also enjoyed reminding friends with a smile, "I still hold the U.L. 440 yard intermediate hurdles with a time of 52.8 seconds," because after he left USL, the event was no longer run. He also competed in relay events during his collegiate career.
Beyond work and sports, dancing and the sound of music brought him great joy. Summer beach vacations with his family created countless happy memories. He enjoyed movies, but above all, he loved the outdoors. Hunting, fishing, trawling, boating, and treasured trips to the camps on Vermilion Bay were among his greatest pleasures—even surpassing his love of athletics.
When life presented its greatest challenge, T-Bob would simply smile and say, "It is what it is."
Wiltz Robert Domingues truly loved life. Thank you, T-Bob, for being you. We will always remember you as a special boy and an extraordinary man—a devoted husband, loving family man, loyal friend, and faithful servant to his community. You will forever remain in our hearts and minds.
We love you!
Family and friends may sign the guest register book and/or send condolences at www.friouxfunerals.com.
Frioux Funeral Home of Erath, 209 East Putnam Street, (337) 937-0405 will be handling the arrangements.

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Betty Dubois Derouen

June 17, 1928 ~July 8, 2026

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, July 11, 2026, at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church, Abbeville, for Betty D. Derouen, 98 years of age, who died Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at The Vermilion at Eastridge Assisted Living with her daughter and son-in-law by her side.
Betty was born June 17, 1928, in Henry, Louisiana, and was a graduate of Abbeville High School, class of 1945. She was a wonderful seamstress, loved to embroider, and made beautiful quilts, being so proud of her perfect stitches and mitered corners. She had a strong sense of values and cared for others deeply, always having an open-door policy and a hot cup of coffee and desserts as well as a delicious home-cooked meal for all. She loved visitors and had a vivacious personality. Her family was her greatest joy, and her loving care for all of them will never be forgotten.
Betty is survived by her daughter, Marilyn D. Hebert married to Glynn K. Hebert and their sons, Brett Mathew Hebert married to Kristin Locantro, Dr. Jacob Michael Hebert married to Natalie DeMoss, and Ethan Thomas Hebert; her son, Jody James Derouen and his daughter, Morgan Elizabeth Derouen Angelle married to James Angelle; and her great grandchildren, Kambry Roane Hebert, Tanner Reid Hebert, Harper Rose Hebert, Finley Garnette Hebert, Beckett Levon Hebert, Anna Elizabeth Angelle, Libby Claire Angelle and Mary Madeleine Angelle.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Alwin James Derouen; parents, Leonce Dubois and Enite Thibodeaux Dubois; brothers, Lifey Dubois and Jean Ray Dubois; and sisters, Thelma Dubois Bergeron and Gloria Dubois Choate.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Vincent Funeral Home, Abbeville, 209 S. St. Charles St., on Saturday, July 11, 2026, from 9:00 AM until 10:45 AM when the procession will depart for the church. A rosary will be recited at 10:00 AM. Inurnment will follow at St. Mary Magdalen Cemetery. The Reverend Louis Richard will officiate all services.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to The Vermilion at Eastridge Assisted Living for all their support and care and to Hospice of Acadiana.
In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy can be made to Vermilion Catholic, a legacy of Mount Carmel, or Hospice of Acadiana in Betty’s memory.
All funeral arrangements are being conducted by Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville (337) 893-4661.

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Joseph Joey JoJo” Sloan, Jr.,

October 8, 1956 ~ July 8, 2026

Memorial services will be held at 11:30 AM on Saturday, July 11, 2026, for Joseph F. “Joey JoJo” Sloan, Jr., 69, who passed away on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at his residence in Abbeville, LA. Services will be held at Revive Church, 1631 S. State St., Abbeville, LA, and officiated by Pastor Chris Rose. The family will receive family and friends from 11:00 AM on Saturday, July 11, 2026, until the time of the services. An additional memorial service will be held on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Williams Funeral Home, with family and friends received beginning at 10:00 AM until the time of the service. Interment will follow at Hickory Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 67525 LA Highway 41, Pearl River, LA 70452.
Joey was born on October 8, 1956, in New Orleans, LA. Joey loved going to Amy’s regularly to play cards and shoot pool, and eating at the Quartermaster Deli with Josh.
Joey is survived by his mother, Theresa Norma Broussard Sloan; five children, Joseph F. Sloan III, Starlet M. Sloan, Joshua M. Sloan, Jonathan M. Sloan, and Amy N. Sloan; grandchildren, Hayley Montgomery, Kevin Chaisson, Brendin Montgomery, Madelynn, Christian Montgomery, Jaden Sloan, Madeline Sloan, Jacob Sloan, Xzavier Sloan, and Lovelyn Kitzman; great-grandchildren, Kevin and Karsen Chaisson, Rowen Montgomery, and Cash Sloan’ siblings, John H. Sloan, Deborah A. Sloan Benz and her husband Steve, Kim Marie Sloan, and Joan Marie Sloan; along with several nieces and nephews.
Joey is preceded in death by his father, Joseph Frank Sloan Sr.; brother, Kevin Martin Sloan; nephew, John Howard Sloan, Jr.; maternal grandparents, Johnnie and Genvieve Broussard; paternal grandparents, Joseph and Elma Sloan; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
The family would like to thank Jennifer Lott, longtime friend and caregiver, for the last six years. To Butch and Linda Wright, he loved to watch Western Movies and eat popcorn. To the Revive Church Family for making Joe feel so loved, especially Sharon Guidry. To Robert and Brad for always looking after Joe. Special thanks to Debbie for making sure his fingernails, toenails, and hair were always cut; he enjoyed that. Also, to John and Kim for all the extra help they provided. To Vital Care Staff, especially Terri RN, Shalaya NA, Julie RN, Lisa RN, Jen RN, and Erin RN.
All funeral arrangements are being conducted by Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville (337) 893-4661.

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Marlene Menard

Marlene Menard announces candidacy for Mayor of Erath

ERATH — On July 4, Erath native Marlene Menard, daughter of Donald Menard and the late Lucy Menard, announced her candidacy for Mayor of Erath, bringing a lifetime of public service and leadership to a campaign focused on communication, transparency, accountability, and community participation.
After graduating from Erath High School, Menard earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Southwestern Louisiana and her law degree from LSU Law School. Following law school, she served as a judicial law clerk for the Louisiana Second Circuit Court of Appeal and the Louisiana Supreme Court before pursuing a career in law and public service that took her from Louisiana to Dallas, Washington, D.C., and assignments around the world. During her career, she served as an attorney, a Dallas Assistant City Attorney, a Trademark Attorney with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, and a U.S. Foreign Service Officer with the U.S. Department of State.
For Menard, life has come full circle. Although her career took her across the country and around the world, her roots in Erath remained strong. Following her retirement, life brought her back to the town she has always called home. After returning to be with her family, she became an active participant in Town Council meetings and community affairs. Today, she is restoring a home in Erath while seeking the opportunity to help strengthen the town she has always loved.
“Throughout my career, I’ve learned that the best decisions are made when people are informed, listened to, and invited to participate,” Menard said. “That’s the kind of leadership I hope to bring to Erath—leadership rooted in communication, transparency, and accountability.”
Menard said she believes local government works best when citizens and their elected officials work together.
“I believe public engagement is essential to good local government,” she said. “I also believe our strongest communities are built on shared responsibility, where residents and their elected officials work together toward common goals. By listening carefully to one another, we can recognize the ideas and concerns common across our community. Those shared priorities, I believe, should help guide the work of local government.”
“It would be an honor to serve as Mayor of Erath,” Menard said. “I look forward to working alongside the people of Erath, listening with respect, leading with transparency, and always putting Erath first.”
Candidate qualifying for the municipal election will be held August 5–7 at the Vermilion Parish Clerk of Court’s Office.
For additional information about the campaign, visit the Marlene Menard for Mayor Facebook page or contact the campaign using the information below.

Media Contact

Marlene Menard for Mayor Campaign
Email: menardformayor@gmail.com
Phone: (337) 385-3074
Facebook: Marlene Menard for Mayor

Paid for by Marlene Menard

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Beverly David Motty

Beverly David Motty, aged 90, passed away peacefully in the early hours Sunday morning, July 5th, after an extended illness for many years. There will be visitation on Friday July 10th at Vincents Funeral Home located at 209 S. St. Charles St. Abbeville, Louisiana, from 9-11 a.m., with a rosary being said at 10 a.m. At 11 a.m. the funeral mass will be officiated by the very Reverend Louis Richard at St Mary Magdalen Catholic Church 300 Pere Magret St, Abbeville, La. Immediately following the Mass, she will be laid to rest at St. Mary Magdalene cemetery at 410 Old Kaplan Hwy. in Abbeville.
Beverly was born in Perry, La. And grew up in Mouton Cove with her parents Edes and Pearl David along with her two older sisters Verda and Doretha. She graduated from Abbeville high School in 1953. Married Douglas Motty in 1954. She and Doug settled in Lafayette and proudly raised two loving and successful children, Lisa and John. She worked as an accountant in the business office and kept the finances of the athletic department at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. She retired after 25 years.
She was an excellent seamstress and made a new dress for Lisa every week all through high school. She learned how to cook from the best, her mother. She hosted countless parties, seasonal family gatherings, weddings and showers, all at their home. She crocheted and knitted numerous blankets and curtains. After retirement she joined the Home Demonstration Club and was an active member for years. While a member of the club, she learned how to crewel, embroidery, cross-stitch, needle point, and pulled thread, and created many works that are hanging in her home. She loved the outdoors, and especially loved flower gardening. You could always find her in her flower beds. She was dedicated to visiting her family religiously and always enjoyed meeting with her lifelong friends. Beverly loved to travel and went on many journeys and vacations every year.
After Doug passed in 2008, she fell in love again with her high school sweetheart Floyd, who is a very kind and excellent businessman. They married in 2011, and she returned to Abbeville with Floyd where they made a home together for 15 years. Floyd was an extremely and lovingly devoted husband to Beverly and cared for her to the end.
Beverly was preceded in death by her father Edes, mother Pearl, two sisters Verda and Doretha, her first husband Douglas, her grandson Grant Edouard Leblanc, Lisa’s son, and her son, John Val Motty II, and son-in-law Ken Woodward
She is survived by her husband Floyd, daughter Lisa Motty Woodward, daughter Brittany and husband Ty and their three children Emma, Tommy and Charlotte.
Cheryl, the wife of her son John and their children Ryan, Blair Miller and husband Bryan, and Anna Marie Guiddroz and her husband Derrick, four grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
She left behind many nieces, nephews, and cousins, especially Jeffery Meaux, who visited her in the assisted facility many times a day.
We would like to express our deepest gratitude to The Vermillion, the doctors and nurses of Lamm Hospice, and her sitters Brittany Clostio and her mother Brenda Closltio, who gave such devoted and loving care to mother.

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Leeman Stelly

April 21, 1953 - July 5, 2026

Leeman Stelly, a lifelong resident of Kaplan, Louisiana, passed away on Sunday, July 5, 2026, at the age of 73.
Born on April 21, 1953, in Kaplan, Leeman enjoyed the simple things in life and the people he shared them with. He had a passion for raising game roosters and attending chicken fights. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, listening to Cajun French and Zydeco music, and spending time at the truck stop casino. Above all, Leeman appreciated good company and the way of life he called home.
He will be remembered for his love of the outdoors, his Cajun heritage, and the many memories he shared with family and friends.
Leeman is survived by his children, Dedria Stelly (Stanley), Nicole Stelly, Dayna Campbell (Nathan), Natalie Stelly, Katie Camacho (Jude), Shyann Weekly, and Dakota Weekly; grandchildren, Jessica, Spencer, and Heather Green, Landon Stelly, Rylan Boudreaux, Rawlis Leslie, III (Haniel), Layna Leslie, Lane Stelly, Christopher Green, III, Hayden Green, Hunter Arcemont, Sadie, Cruz, and Kennedy Camacho; great grandchildren, Kylan & Kohen Schexnider, Rylee Barton, Mateo Green, and Athena McKee; siblings, Alvin Stelly, Alfred Stelly, Jr. (Henrietta), Judy Hargrave (James), Maxine Saltzman (Larry), Marlene Stelly, and Emalee Carlisle (Zack).
He is preceded in death by his parents, Alfred Stelly, Sr. and Linda Stelly; and his wife, Jackie Daigle Stelly.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at Louisiana Funeral Services & Crematory, 108 Hardware Rd. Broussard, LA 70518. The family requests that visitation be observed beginning at 9:00 a.m. A Rosary will be recited at 11:30 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 12:00 p.m.

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Angela Hebert Landry

January 17, 1967 - July 5, 2026

ABBEVILLE - A Mass of Christian Burial officiated by Rev. Emmanuel Fernandez will be held at 1 p.m., Thursday, July 9, 2026, at St. James Catholic Church, honoring the life of Angela Estelle Hebert Landry, 59, who passed away on July 5, 2026, at her residence. She will be laid to rest at Esther Community Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be Joshua Landry, Brandt Marceaux, Garrett Marceaux, Tyson Sellers, Timothy Clark, and Keith Frederick. Honorary pallbearer will be Coy Sellers.
A visitation will take place at Vincent Funeral Home of Abbeville, 209 S. Saint Charles St., Abbeville, on Wednesday, July 08, 2026, from 4 p.m. until 9 p.m., with a rosary being prayed at 6:30 p.m.. The visitation will continue on Thursday from 8:30 a.m. until the procession departs for the church at 12:30 p.m.
Angela Estelle Hebert Landry, 59, was truly one of a kind. She was the best of wives, an unmatched mother to her two kids, and a source of strength, peace, security, and faith to so many friends and family. Even as she battled cancer over the last four years, Angela was more concerned about those she cared about than herself.
She loved memories - making them, capturing them, and reliving them. Angela was such a talented planner and made so many special moments possible for the family she leaves behind, from birthday parties to epic road trips to Disney World (probably her favorite place on Earth). She documented all of it in her cherished scrapbooks.
She was so thankful for every moment she had with those she loved and was sure to thank God for them in the silence where she found and often wrote to Him. Everyone who knew her got to experience part of that gratitude, love, and joy. The world is a little darker without her shining in it, but her loved ones will carry a part of her light forever.
She was a member of the Come Lord Jesus prayer group and Saint Anne's Altar Society, a devoted parishioner of St. James Catholic Church congregation where she wore many hats over the years, a volunteer at Faith House and former president of Abbeville High Booster Club.
She is survived by her husband, Stacy Landry; son, Brice Landry and Jeane Derouen; daughter, Grace Landry; parents, Dixie and Richard Hebert; brother, Neil Hebert and his wife Karen; sister, Donna Sellers and her husband Ryan; sister-in-law, Tonya Hebert and her husband Jody; cats, Milo, Charles, and Sam; and loved by countless nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Hubert Bailey LaCour, Frankie Work LaCour, Carl Anthony Hebert Sr., and Juanita Baudoin Hebert; father-in-law, Raymond Landry; mother-in-law, Janell Bruno; brother-in-law, Gregory Landry; and sister-in-law, Shreen Marceaux.
The family extends a special thank you to Natalie and Hospice of Acadiana.
All funeral arrangements are being conducted by Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville (337) 893-4661.

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Vermilion Parish School system rises to No. 6 in LEAP Assessments

District posts one of state’s strongest gains as schools demonstrate outstanding student achievement

The Vermilion Parish School System is celebrating exceptional academic progress following the release of the 2026 Louisiana Educational Assessment Program (LEAP) results. Districtwide, the percentage of students performing at the Mastery and Above level increased from 43% in 2025 to 46% in 2026, a three-point gain that propelled Vermilion Parish to 6th in the state of Louisiana among all school systems.
The results reflect the collective efforts of students, teachers, school leaders, support staff, families, and the community in maintaining a relentless focus on high-quality instruction and student success.
“These results are a celebration of the incredible work happening every day in our classrooms,” said Superintendent Tommy Byler. “Earning the No. 6 ranking statewide, is something our entire parish can be proud of. More importantly, these gains represent students who are learning at higher levels because of the dedication of outstanding teachers, principals, support staff, and families. We celebrate this achievement while remaining committed to ensuring every child continues to grow and succeed.”
Schools Making Remarkable Gains
Several Vermilion Parish schools recorded significant increases in students achieving Mastery and Above, highlighting growth across every region of the parish.
Among the district’s largest improvements were:
• Kaplan Elementary School, improving 11 percentage points to 47% Mastery and Above.
• Erath Middle School, increasing 10 percentage points to 58% Mastery and Above, making it one of the district’s highest-performing middle schools.
• North Vermilion Middle School, rising 6 percentage points to 57% Mastery and Above.
• Gueydan High School, increasing 6 percentage points to 36% Mastery and Above.
•Indian Bayou Elementary School, climbing 4 percentage points to 61% Mastery and Above.
• Kaplan High School, improving 4 percentage points to 48% Mastery and Above.
• Abbeville High School, increasing 4 percentage points to 20% Mastery and Above.
Additional schools posting gains included:
• North Vermilion High School (+2)
• LeBlanc Elementary School (+2)
• Jesse Owens Elementary School (+2)
• Cecil Picard Elementary School at Maurice (+1), which led the district with an outstanding 62% Mastery and Above.
• Forked Island-E. Broussard Elementary School (+1)
• J.H. Williams Middle School (+1)
The district also recognizes Dozier Elementary School, Meaux Elementary School, and Erath High School for maintaining their strong levels of students performing at Mastery and above.
Excellence Across Vermilion Parish
The district’s improvement reflects years of focused work to strengthen instruction, provide meaningful professional learning, analyze student data, and ensure every child receives the support needed to succeed. The district’s three-point improvement reflects continued progress in strengthening instruction and increasing student achievement.
While the statewide ranking is a significant accomplishment, district leaders emphasize that the greatest measure of success is the continued academic growth of Vermilion Parish students.
“Our work is far from finished,” Byler added. “These results affirm that we are moving in the right direction, but our mission remains the same and that is to provide every student with opportunities to excel and graduate prepared for college, careers, and life. We are proud of our progress and excited about what lies ahead.”

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Delcambre’s Emma Smith

Delcambre’s Smith named Gatorade Louisiana Girls Track Player Of The Year

CHICAGO — In its 41st year celebrating the nation’s best high school athletes, Gatorade on Thursday announced Emma Smith of Delcambre High School is the 2025-26 Gatorade Louisiana Girls Track and Field Player of the Year.
Gatorade Player of the Year is the top honor in high school sports, celebrating the nation’s best high school athletes for their excellence in sport, academics and community. The award recognizes Smith as Louisiana’s best high school girls track and field athlete and she joins an elite legacy that spans professional athletes and coaches to CEOs, such as Sanya Richards (2001-02, St. Thomas Aquinas High School, Florida), Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone (2015-16 & 2016-17, Union Catholic Regional High School, New Jersey) and Jane Hedengren (2024-25, Timpview High School, Utah).
The 5-foot-6 junior jumper won the LHSAA Class 2A state title in the high jump this past season with a mark of 5 feet, 7 3/4 inches, scoring in two additional events to lead the Panthers to a ninth-place finish as a team. Smith also broke a state record that had stood for 16 years by soaring 6-feet-0 at the Panther Relays, a clearance that ranked No. 5 nationally among prep girls competitors this spring. She broke five meet records in 2026 and was named Outstanding Overall Performer Award at eight different meets.
Elected to serve as Student Council Vice-President for her upcoming senior year, Smith has volunteered locally mentoring middle school athletes in jumping, hurdling and conditioning skills. She has also donated her time working in the concession stand for various school athletic events.
“While Emma Smith dominated the action on home state soil, her victory in the high jump at the Bluebonnet Invitational in Texas and her runner-up showing at the Texas Relays cemented her as a poised performer,” said Rich Gonzalez, editor of PrepCalTrack.com. Smith has maintained a 4.0 GPA in the classroom. She will begin her senior year of high school this fall.
The Gatorade Player of the Year program annually recognizes one state winner from each of the 50 states and Washington D.C., in 12 different sports: football, girls volleyball, boys and girls cross country, boys and girls basketball, baseball, softball, boys and girls soccer, and boys and girls track & field. In total, 610 high school athletes are honored each year.
From the pool of state winners, one national winner is selected in each of the 12 sports. The selection process is administered by the Gatorade Player of the Year Selection Committee, which leverages experts including coaches, scouts, media and others as sources to help evaluate and determine the winners in each sport.
As part of Gatorade’s commitment to breaking down barriers in sport, every Player of the Year also receives a grant to donate to a social impact partner. To date, the Gatorade Player of the Year program has provided more than $6.4 million in grants to winners across more than 2,200 organizations.
To learn more about the Gatorade Player of the Year program, check out past winners or to nominate student-athletes, visit playeroftheyear.gatorade.com or follow us on social media on Instagram at instagram.com/Gatorade, Facebook at facebook.com/GatoradePOY and X (Twitter) at x.com/Gatorade.

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