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Sharlene Michaud

Mon, 02/01/2021 - 3:53pm

ABBEVILLE — A Celebration of Life Gathering for Sharlene Michaud, 57, will be in David Funeral Home of Abbeville on Tuesday, February 2, 2021 from 3:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Sharlene passed away Friday, January 29, 2021 in her residence. Sharlene was born in Abbeville and a resident of Duson, LA. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend to all. She will always be remembered for her love of family and willingness to help others.
She is survived by her wife, Sandra Bourque (Sandy) of Duson, her children, Brandie L. Connelly and husband Pat of Abbeville, Tara L. Shake and husband Timothy of Abbeville, grandchildren, Jada, Mya, Destin, Nollie, Shawnita, Constance, Hazelynn, great-grandchildren, Zaidyn, Mazelynn, a sister, Sonia Michaud of Abbeville.
She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Judith P. Michaud, and grandchild, Timara.
Condolences may be shared with the family at www.davidfuneralhome.org
In lieu of flowers, monetary donations may be deposited at this account #15615242094 with Chime Bank Online to help defray funeral expenses.
“In order to help keep the community safe we will honor the July 13, 2020 Louisiana Mandates. All families and their guests are required to wear a face covering while at the funeral home. Thank you for your understanding during this unprecedented time.”
David Funeral Home of Abbeville is in charge of the arrangements. 2600 Charity Street Abbeville LA 70510 337-893-3777.

Letter to the Editor from Sen. Bob Hensgens

Mon, 02/01/2021 - 2:00pm

Dear Editor,

I am proud of the people in my district. The residents of Vermilion, Acadia, Lafayette, and St. Landry parishes are hard workers, but without industry, our entire region is in jeopardy. Constituents they tell me they’re expecting project cancellations, rigs to idle, and layoffs, layoffs, layoffs. This is happening because the new President has made it his goal to kill industry...while saying he’s doing it for the environment.
I invite the President to come to Louisiana, where our bayous are some of the most magical, mysterious and beautiful environments a person can visit. Environments that are strengthened thanks to the investment of the very industry he’s trying to kill. No one gives more to coastal restoration than the oil and gas industry, and Louisiana’s oil and gas industry is still recovering from 2020. This could be the fatal blow.
The Governor asked the White House for $3 billion in hurricane recovery money, which is wonderful and badly needed, and I thank him for doing that. But that grant is one-time money. We need to think long term. We need an economy that puts food on the table for the everyday people of Louisiana.
The oil and gas industry has long been a great place to work. You don’t need a college degree to work in the oilfield, and you can still make one of the top-five highest wages in the state. Our state's bottom line depends on the oil industry. Oil and gas was responsible for almost a third of our state’s GDP in 2019.
A leasing ban like this one - especially considering it could be indefinite - would kill thousands of jobs forever and suck our communities dry of the revenues they need for their roads, schools, infrastructure and more. This is a cruel blow to the entire state of Louisiana.
Giving Louisiana $3 billion for hurricane recovery and then taking away our state’s bedrock industry is like feeding the golden goose and then cooking it for dinner.
Now is the time for the leader of our state to join us and speak up for citizens of Louisiana. Make our voices heard, before it's too late.

Senator Bob Hensgens
Chairman Natural Resources
District 26: Acadia, Lafayette, St. Landry, and Vermilion Parishes

Biden’s school ‘reopening’ plan calls for renovating 130,000 schools with new ventilation, threating U.S. economic recovery

Mon, 02/01/2021 - 1:58pm

By Robert Romano

One of the many executive orders that has come in President Joe Biden’s first few days in office addresses the Covid pandemic and the thorny issue of reopening schools.
Entitled, “Executive Order on Supporting the Reopening and Continuing Operation of Schools and Early Childhood Education Providers,” the order issued Jan. 21 may instead create a number of new regulatory barriers to schools reopening.
It orders the Secretary of Education to “provide, in consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, evidence-based guidance” on “how to remain open, for in-person learning; and in safely conducting in-person learning, including by implementing mitigation measures such as cleaning, masking, proper ventilation, and testing…”
Of those, “proper ventilation” stands out.
According to the Centers for Disease Control guidance on air ventilation, public buildings should “Consider ventilation system upgrades or improvements and other steps to increase the delivery of clean air and dilute potential contaminants. Obtain consultation from experienced Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) professionals when considering changes to HVAC systems and equipment… The ventilation intervention considerations listed above come with a range of initial costs and operating costs which, along with risk assessment parameters such as community incidence rates, facemask compliance expectations and room occupant density, may affect considerations for which interventions are implemented.”
Additionally, a new 200-page report on Covid response from the Biden administration states, “In the coming weeks, FEMA, in consultation with ED and CDC, will work with states and local governments to utilize disaster relief funds to address barriers to school reopening, including purchase of masks and sanitizing products, as well as necessary emergency changes to school ventilation.”
Essentially, the Biden administration is proposing to retrofit 130,000 schools across the country. In addition, President Biden is calling for an additional $130 billion of funding from Congress for schools to complete the renovations. That works out to $1 million per school.
Fortunately, in the most recent stimulus legislation passed by Congress and signed by former President Donald Trump, $82 billion was provided to schools and colleges to safely reopen. How soon that will be is anyone’s guess, with millions of students still utilizing distance learning.
As far as Covid cases go, confirmed cases are still coming in at about 188,000 per day nationwide, while probable cases according to the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at about 574,000 new cases daily.
Is Biden saying that unless Congress puts forth another $130 billion, it won’t be safe for schools to reopen?
That’s a critical question, because besides the effectiveness of the Covid vaccines now being distributed, the greatest barrier to reopening America and getting everyone back to work is solving the issue of schools.
Millions of working parents are being forced to cut back hours or quit their jobs to take care of their kids who would normally be in school, with women being disproportionately removed from the labor force. In fact, females have the lowest labor participation now than at any time since 1987.
Overall, 25 million jobs were lost when labor market bottomed last April. Fortunately, more than 16 million of those have been recovered.
Still, by March, many students will have gone almost a full year without in-person learning, including many with special needs including children with autism. My own daughter is enrolled in a pre-K autism class, and except for a few weeks of reopening in November here in northern Virginia, the school has remained closed.
We are offsetting the lack of in-person schooling with increased ABA therapy, but that is not an option for all children. She and other special needs students are definitely not getting what they need. They are losing years of development.
My wife was admittedly excited about the announcement of President Biden’s plan to “reopen” schools, but our hearts sank as we examined the details, realizing that the barriers included potentially retrofitting every school in America with new ventilation.
We keep asking: When will the schools reopen?
To take what the Biden administration is saying at face value, first, Congress has to pass this new legislation, which could take several months. Then the funds have to be distributed to the states. Then the states have to distribute the funds to the school districts. And then the schools have to be retrofitted by FEMA. Finally, the vaccine has to be proven effective, which we may not really know until the next cold and flu season begins in September.
So, perhaps schools will fully reopen in another year or so? Maybe? We’re not optimistic.

Robert Romano is the Vice President of Public Policy at Americans for Limited Government.

Birth Announcements for Jan. 31

Mon, 02/01/2021 - 12:18pm

Auria Louise Hilliard
A daughter, Auria Louise Hillard, was born on Monday, January 4, 2021 at Abbeville General to Irie Desha Hilliard of Delcambre.

D’quarioun Dontreal Johnson
A son, D’quarioun Dontreal Johnson, was born on Wednesday, January 20, 2021 at Abbeville General to Ladante Nicole Grogan and Henry D’quarious Montreal Johnson of Kaplan.

Mila Claire Trahan
A daughter, Mila Claire Trahan, was born on Sunday, January 24, 2021 at Abbeville General to Sheena Marie Burke and Eric Scott Trahan of Abbeville.

Danny Ray Trahan

Mon, 02/01/2021 - 12:02pm

Danny Ray Trahan was born on December 2, 1968 to the late Orley Joseph Trahan and Janie Wilson in Houston, Texas. Danny entered into eternal rest on, Thursday, January 21, 2021, at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas.
He leaves in God’s care, his wife Joanne Forbes Trahan; three children, Danni Raenee (Cavan) Zacharie, Joron Denver Trahan and Kayla Escort; his grandchildren, Camille Grace Zacharie and Jeremiah James Zacharie; mother, Janie Wilson; his brother, Joseph Orley Trahan; sisters, Yvette Baudoin, Leann (Donovan) Dominque, Karen Stewart-Johnson, Arlene Trahan (Gordon) Williams and Charlene Jones; bonus children and grandchildren, Courtney Forbes, Nicholas Glaude, Bailon Forbes, and Saige Broussard; aunts, Sheila Jules, Willie Ann Lege, Lucy Ann Plowden and Patricia (Robert) Rudd; sisters-in-law, Betty (Frank) Waters, Cynthia (John) Smith, Roseanne (Leo) Lilly, Elizabeth Forbes and Cathy Trahan; brothers-in law, Charles Ray (Adrienne) Forbes and Gilbert (Shavonne) Forbes; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Orley Joseph Trahan; brother, Ronnie James Trahan; maternal grandparents, Roy and Willie Mae Wilson; paternal grandparents, Loveless and Wilda Trahan; uncles, David Lege, Larry Jules and Mercy Jules.
Services will be held at 1 p.m. this Saturday, Feb. 6, 2021, at Family Life Church, located at 2223 Dulles Drive in Scott, La.

Ulysse “Bill” Menard

Mon, 02/01/2021 - 10:18am

ERATH — A Mass of Christian Burial for Ulysse “Bill” Menard, 86, will be held at 2:00PM on Monday, February 1, 2021 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church with Father Andre Metrejean officiating. Interment will follow in Our Lady of Lourdes Mausoleum.
Visitation will be held at David Funeral Home of Erath Monday, February 1, 2021 from 9:00AM until service time with recitation of the rosary at 11:00AM.
“Bill”, a native and life resident of Erath passed away Friday, January 29, 2021 in his residence surrounded by his family. He owned and operated Menard’s Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning for many years. He spent most of his time working outdoors and tending to his various projects. He served as an usher for Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church as well as being a 3rd degree member of the Knights of Columbus. The most important thing to him was family taking care of his grandchildren and his loving wife during her illness.
He is survived by his children, Greg Menard and wife Cristy of Milton, Ronnie Menard of Erath, Karen Schexnaider and husband Wilfred of Erath, Denise Roy and husband Dave of Lafayette, and Rochelle Menard of Erath, 4 grandchildren, Colin Menard and wife Ashlee of Abbeville, Brison Menard of Erath, Braedon Landry of Milton, and Grant Gosnell of Lafayette, 1 great grandson, Judah Menard of Abbeville.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 60 years, Wilda Bertrand Menard and a sister, Ussay Pellerin.
Condolences may be shared with family at www.davidfuneralhome.org
“In order to help keep the community safe we will honor the July 13, 2020 Louisiana Mandates. All families and their guests are required to wear a face covering while at the funeral home. Thank you for your understanding during this unprecedented time.”
David Funeral Home of Erath is in charge of arrangements. 209 E. Putnam St. Erath, LA 70533 (337) 936-0405.

Grant Hardin of ARCH 4-H Club showed the Grand Champion and Grand Champion Vermilion Bred Commercial Heifer at the 47th Annual Vermilion 4-H Livestock Show on January 13th. Pictured with Grant is show judge, Ricky Thompson and Craig Frederick, Vermilion Cattlemen’s Association Board Member. Grant was presented with a $ check from the Vermilion Cattlemen’s Association.

Ethan Goutierrez of Erath High showed the Grand Champion Market Lamb at the 47th Annual Vermilion 4-H Livestock Show on Jan. 15 at the Cecil McCrory Exhibit Building in Abbeville. Pictured with Ethan are Gabe Marceaux, Assessor, purchased the lamb. Also pictured are Camille and Richelle Marceaux.

Jillian Hebert of Jesse Owens Elementary 4-H Club showed the Reserve Champion and Reserve Champion Vermilion Bred Commercial Heifer at the 2021 Vermilion 4-H Livestock Show. Pictured with Jillian are Ricky Thompson, show judge and Craig Frederick, Vermilion Parish Cattlemen’s Association Board Member. Craig presented Jillian with a check for $150 for exhibiting the Vermilion Bred Reserve Champion.

Alyssa Gaspard of F.I.-E.B. Elementary was selected as the Overall Champion Beef Showman at the 47th Annual Vermilion 4-H Livestock Show on January 13th at the Cecil McCrory Exhibit Building in Abbeville. She was presented with a belt buckle that is sponsored in Memory of Denise Lene Gastal, who supported the 4-H Beef project and taught many youth how to care and show cattle. Pictured with Alyssa are (l to r) Carleen Frederick, Craig Frederick, Alyssa Gaspard, Alicia Gaspard, Victoria Frederick, Isaac Duhon (holding buckle), Bridgette Duhon, Joshua Duhon and Vermilion Parish Cattlemen’s Queen, Celine Auzenne.

47th Vermilion Parish 4-H Jr. Livestock Show, Sale totals over $130,000

Sun, 01/31/2021 - 12:01pm

The 47th Annual Vermilion Parish 4-H Livestock Show and Sale was a great success.
It involved 120 young people who exhibited 260 head of livestock (beef, sheep, goats, dairy, swine) and 56 poultry entries. This event is organized by the LSU AgCenter Extension Service and was held January 12-15, at the Cecil McCrory Exhibit Building in Abbeville.
The sale of market animals totaled $ 130,270.75, of which $3,575 was raised for the Vermilion 4-H Foundation and $500 for the Vermilion 4-H Junior Leader Club.
A total of 58 market hogs sold with an average of $ 8.13 per pound, 21 market lambs sold with an average of $7.52 per pound, 3 commercial heifers sold with an average of $2,066.67 per head, and 2 market goats sold for an average of $8.00 per pound.
The Champion Market Hog Awards are sponsored by Kenneth and Darlene Primeaux. The Overall Grand Champion Market Hog was exhibited by Kennedy Marceaux of Kaplan High School. It was purchased by Errol and Jodie Domingues for $10.00 per pound. The Overall Reserve Champion Market Hog was exhibited by Mallory Meaux of Kaplan High and purchased by Chip and Angie Arnould and Danny and Carlene Meaux for $11.00 per pound. The Champion Vermilion Bred Market Hog was shown by Amelia Detraz. It was purchased by Sheriff Mike Couvillon, Kevin Sagrera, Senator Bob Hensgens and Joey Comeaux for $27.00 per pound. The Reserve Champion Vermilion Bred Market Hog was shown by Cooper Miller of Forked Island-E. Broussard Elementary. It was sold for $6.50 per pound and purchased by Noel Farms and Coastal Storage. Reserve Champion Market Hog awards are sponsored in Memory of Kaylee McLain by Ayla Baugh.
The Overall Grand Champion Market Lamb was exhibited by Ethan Goutierrez of Erath High School. It was sold to Gabe Marceaux, Assessor for $8.00 per pound. The Champion Vermilion Bred Market Lamb was shown by Emily Vidalier of Forked Island-E. Broussard Elementary. It was purchased by the Vermilion Parish Police Jurors for $12.75 per pound. The award for Overall Champion Lamb was sponsored in memory of J. G. (Ken Broussard). Everette Hulin of Erath Middle School exhibited the Overall Reserve Champion Market Lamb. It was purchased by Savoie Electric for $10.75 per pound. The Reserve Champion Vermilion Bred Market Lamb was shown by Coleen Perrin of Rene Rost Middle School. This Reserve Champion award is sponsored in memory of Fred Zaunbrecher by Hugh and Sherry Zaunbrecher.
The Grand Champion Market Goat was shown by Everette Hulin of Erath Middle School. The Reserve Champion Market Goat was shown by Kole Cantonwine of ARCH 4-H Club and purchased by Isaac Duhon for $7.00 per pound.

SWINE SHOWMANSHIP:
The Kaylee McLain Overall Champion Swine Showman Buckle was won by Paityn Martin of Rene Rost Middle School.
9-10 Years Old (Buckle sponsored in memory of Jane Menard) -----1st place & Belt Buckle Winner, Hadley Dumond, Forked Island-E. Broussard Elementary; 2nd place, Camille Marceaux, Rene Rost Middle; 3rd place, Durks Dumond, Forked Island-E. Broussard Elementary; 4th place, Kinley Lange, At-Large; and 5th place, Cooper Miller, F.I.-E.B. Elementary.
11-12 Years Old (Buckle sponsored by Dewey Domingues, Southern Sugar) -----1st place & Belt Buckle winner, Paityn Martin, Rene Rost Middle; 2nd, Owen Marceaux, Rene Rost Middle; 3rd, Jace LaCoste, Erath Middle School; 4th, Addyson Stelly, Forked Island – E. Broussard Elementary; 5th, Colby Broussard, Erath Middle School.
13-14 Years Old (Buckle sponsored by Brady and Alicia Domingue and Savoie Electric) -----1st place and Belt Buckle Winner, Hallie Primeaux, Rene Rost Middle; 2nd place, Ellie Marceaux, Kaplan High; 3rd place, Lane Primeaux, Kaplan High; 4th place, Emily-Grace Roden, Rene Rost Middle; and 5th place, Braxton Duhon, Rene Rost Middle School.
15 & 16 Years Old-----(Buckle sponsored by Dronet’s Floor Gallery) 1st place and Belt Buckle Winner, Katie Domingue, Erath High; 2nd place, Riley LaCoste, Erath High School; 3rd place, Kennedy Marceaux, Kaplan High School; 4th place, Amelia Detraz, Kaplan High; 5th place, Leighton Turnley, Kaplan High School.
17 Years and Older----(Buckle sponsored by G & H Outdoor Store) 1st place and Belt Buckle Winner, Mallory Marceaux, Kaplan High School; 2nd place, Cyla Covalt, Erath High School; 3rd place, Jon’Vea Stelly, Kaplan High School; 4th place, Jayton Stutes Erath High School; 5th place, Gabe Guilbeaux, Erath High School.

BREEDING SWINE:
The Overall Grand Champion Breeding Gilt was a Commercial Gilt, shown by Katie Domingue or Erath High School. The Overall Reserve Champion Breeding Gilt was a Yorkshire Gilt shown by Katie Domingue of Erath High. Cooper Miller of Forked Island-E. Broussard Elementary showed the Champion Vermilion Bred Breeding Gilt with his Duroc gilt. Cooper Miller of Forked Island-E. Broussard Elementary showed the Reserve Champion Vermilion Bred Breeding Gilt with his Hampshire gilt.
The Champion Breeding Gilt Award was sponsored by Wayne and Rhonda Miller. First South Farm Credit sponsored the following awards: Reserve Champion Breeding Gilt, Champion and Reserve Champion Commercial Gilt.

SHEEP SHOWMANSHIP:
9-11 Years Old: (Buckle sponsored by Ethan Goutierrez in memory of his Dad, Garrett Goutierrez and Grandfather, Ned Goutierrez) - 1st, Addisyn Meaux, Kaplan Elementary; 2nd, Emily Vidalier, Forked Island-E. Broussard Elementary; 3rd, Koen Breaux, Jesse Owens Elementary; 4th, Averi Guidry, Rene Rost Middle; 5th, Braxton Meche, 6th, Lane Hardee, At-Large; 7th, Tate Guidry, Jesse Owens Elementary; 8th, Jax Guidry, Jesse Owens Elementary.
12-14 Years Old: (Buckle sponsored in Memory of Guy LeDoux) - 1st, Coleen Perrin, Rene Rost Middle; 2nd; Lane Goutierrez, Erath Middle School; 3rd, Everette Hulin, Erath Middle School; 4th, Bradyn Bearb, Forked Island-E. Broussard Elementary; 5th, Asa Guidry, Gueydan High School; and 6th Taven Housend, Rene Rost Middle.
15 Years and Older: (Buckle sponsored by Benny Goutierrez, Benny G’s Feed & Farm Supply) - 1st, Ethan Goutierrez, Erath High; 2nd, Ava Breaux, Gueydan High School; 3rd, Ava Petry, Kaplan High School.

BREEDING SHEEP:
The Champion Commercial Ewe was shown by Emily Vidalier of Forked Island-E. Broussard Elementary. This commercial ewe was selected as Overall Champion Breeding Ewe.
The Champion AOB Breeding Ewe was shown by Taven Housend of Rene Rost Middle School. This breeding Ewe was also selected as Overall Reserve Champion and Champion Vermilion Bred Breeding Ewe. The awards were sponsored by Marceaux Farm – Rixby, Rita and Harold Marceaux.

MARKET LAMBS:
The Champion Market Lamb award was sponsored in memory of J. G. “Ken” Broussard. Ethan Goutierrez of Erath High School showed the Overall Champion Market Lamb. Emily Vidalier of Forked Island-E. Broussard Elementary exhibited the Champion Vermilion Bred Market Lamb.
The Reserve Champion Market Lamb award was sponsored in memory of Fred Zaunbrecher by High & Sherry Zaunbrecher. Everette Hulin of Erath Middle School showed the Reserve Champion Market Lamb. The Reserve Champion Vermilion Bred Market Lamb was shown by Coleen Perrin of Rene Rost Middle School.

GOAT SHOWMANSHIP: (Buckle sponsored by Ayla Baugh)
Winners in the 13 and under Goat Showmanship were: 1st and Belt Buckle Winner, Kobe Earnest, Erath Middle School; 2nd, Matthew Breaux, Maltrait Memorial Catholic School; 3rd, Cheyenne Earnest, LeBlanc Elementary; 4th, Brigg Boudreaux, Dozier Elementary; 5th Kole Cantonwine, ARCH, 6th, Emma Scroggins, Indian Bayou Elementary; 7th Taven Housend, Rene Rost Middle; and 8th, Rain Housend, Kaplan Elementary.
Goat Showmanship winners in the 14 years and older category were: 1st and Belt Buckle Winner, Slade Hollier, Kaplan High School; 2nd Karli Broussard, Kaplan High; 3rd, Ahlia Trahan, At-Large; 4th Stormie Housend, At-Large; 5th Hannah Scroggins, N. Vermilion High; 6th, Morgan Breaux, Vermilion Catholic High; 7th, Katie Romero, Kaplan High School; 8th, Ethan Weygand, Kaplan High School; 9th, Collin Hulin, North Vermilion High School.

BREEDING GOATS:
The Grand Champion and Champion Vermilion Bred Commercial Doe was shown by Katie Romero of Kaplan High School. Katie also exhibited the Reserve Champion and Reserve Champion Vermilion Bred Commercial Doe.
The Champion Market Goat was shown by Everette Hulin of Erath Middle School. The Reserve Champion Market Goat was shown by Kole Cantonwine of the ARCH 4-H Club.
The Champion AOB Buck was shown by Stormie Housend, at-large club member. The Reserve Champion AOB Buck was shown by Ahlia Trahan, at-large club member.
Kobe Earnest of Erath Middle School exhibited the Grand Champion AOB Doe. Stormie Housend showed the Reserve Champion AOB Doe.
The Champion Nigerian Dwarf Buck was shown by Kobe Earnest of Erath Middle School. The Reserve Champion Nigerian Dwarf Buck was shown by Ahlia Trahan, at-large club member. Ethan Weygand of Kaplan High showed the Grand Champion Vermilion Bred Nigerian Dwarf Buck. Mathiew Breaux of Maltrait Memorial Catholic School showed the Reserve Champion Vermilion Bred Nigerian Dwarf Buck.
The Champion Nigerian Dwarf Breeding Doe was shown by Cheyenne Earnest of LeBlanc Elementary. Kobe Earnest of Erath Middle School showed the Reserve Champion Nigerian Dwarf Breeding Doe. Stormie Housend, at-large member showed the Champion Vermilion Bred Nigerian Dwarf Breeding Doe. Kobe Earnest of Erath Middle School exhibited the Reserve Champion Vermilion Bred Nigerian Dwarf Breeding Doe.

BEEF SHOWMANSHIP:
The Denise Gastal Memorial Award belt buckle for Overall Champion Beef Showman was won by Alyssa Gaspard of Forked Island-E. Broussard Elementary.
9-10 Years Old (Sponsored by Randy Broussard) –---- 1st and Buckle Winner was Carson Touchet of Forked Island-E. Broussard Elementary, 2nd, Turner Dupuis of Meaux Elementary; and 3rd, Dax Broussard of Meaux Elementary; and 4th, Rain Housend of Kaplan Elementary School.
11-12 Years Old (Buckle sponsored in memory of Freddie LeMaire, Jr. by The Gaspard Family and Scottie Lemaire) ----- 1st and Belt Buckle Winner, Paityn Martin, Rene Rost Middle School; 2nd, Emily Vidalier, F.I.-E.B. Elementary; 3rd, Jillian Hebert, Jesse Owens Elementary; 4th, Luke McLain, Mt. Carmel Elementary; 5th, Ridge Andrus, Meaux Elementary and 6th, Addyson Stelly, Forked Island-E. Broussard Elementary.
13-14 Years Old-----(Buckle sponsored in Memory of Jeffrey Faulk, Senior) 1st, & Belt Buckle Winner, Alyssa Gaspard, Forked Island – E. Broussard Elementary; 2nd, Allen McLain, Mt. Carmel Elementary; 3rd, Colten Esthay, Rene Rost Middle School; 4th, Isaac Duhon, Forked Island – E. Broussard Elementary; and 5th, Olivia Stelly, Forked Island – E. Broussard Elementary.
15 -16 Years Old- (Buckle sponsored in memory of Teenie Man and Flo Hebert) (1st Split) --1st and Belt Buckle Winner, Lane Frederick, Abbeville High School; 2nd, Drake Carlin, Kaplan High School; 3rd, Luke Hebert, Abbeville High School; 4th, Lillie Thibodeaux, Vermilion Catholic High School; 5th, Canaan Romero, At-Large member and 6th, Adrian Carlin, Kaplan High School.
(2nd Split) – 1st, Morgan Meaux, Kaplan High School; 2nd, Abbie Mouton, Abbeville High School; 3rd, Tayler Guidry, Gueydan High School; 4th, Braden Deculus, North Vermilion High School; 5th, Britlynn Durke, Vermilion Catholic High School.
17 & Older ----- (Buckle sponsored in memory of Gary Mayard by his daughters Jessa and Gina and grandchildren, Ava Grace, Manning and Reese) ---- 1st, Caleb Arnould, North Vermilion High School; 2nd, Ty Hebert, Kaplan High School; 3rd, Grace Roussel, Kaplan High School; 4th, Max Hargrave, Kaplan High School; 5th, Grant Hardin, ARCH 4-H Club and 6th, Stormie Housend, At-Large.

BREEDING BEEF SHOW
The Overall Champion and Champion Vermilion Bred Commercial Heifer was exhibited by Grant Hardin of ARCH 4-H Club. The Overall Reserve Champion and Reserve Champion Vermilion Bred Commercial Heifer was exhibited by Jillian Hebert of Jesse Owens Elementary. Commercial heifer awards were sponsored by Chad Dartez Trucking and LeMaire Cattle Company.
Awards for the Grey Brahman breed were sponsored in memory of Bryan Veazey by the Bryan Veazey Family. The Grand Champion and Champion Vermilion Bred Grey Brahman Bull was shown by Isaac Duhon of Forked Island-E. Broussard Elementary. The Reserve Champion and Reserve Champion Vermilion Bred Grey Brahman Bull was shown by Colten Esthay of Rene Rost Middle School.
The Champion Grey Brahman Heifer was shown by Isaac Duhon of Forked Island-E. Broussard Elementary. Ty Hebert of Kaplan High exhibited the Reserve Champion and Champion Grey Brahman Heifer. The Champion Vermilion Bred Grey Brahman Heifer was shown by Olivia Stelly of Forked-Island E. Broussard Elementary. The Reserve Champion Vermilion Bred Grey Brahman Heifer was shown by Paityn Martin of Rene Rost Middle School.
The Champion and Reserve Champion Red Brahman Bull and Heifer awards were sponsored by Craig and Carleen Frederick. Lane Frederick of Abbeville High School showed the Champion and Champion Vermilion Bred Red Brahman Bull. Lane also showed the Reserve Champion and Reserve Champion Vermilion Bred Red Brahman Bull.
Alyssa Gaspard if Forked Island-E. Broussard Elementary exhibited the Grand Champion and Champion Vermilion Bred Red Brahman Heifer. The Reserve Champion and Reserve Champion Vermilion Bred Red Brahman Heifer was shown by Drake Carlin of Kaplan High School.
The AOB Brahman Influence awards were sponsored by Tim and Gwen Broussard. The Champion AOB Brahman Influence Heifer was shown by Grant Vaughn of Mt. Carmel Elementary. The Reserve Champion and Champion Vermilion Bred AOB Brahman Influence Heifer was shown by Tayler Guidry of Gueydan High School.
The Champion Miniature Zebu Bull was shown by Stormie Housend, At-Large club member. The Champion Mini Zebu Heifer was shown by Rain Housend of Kaplan Elementary. First South Farm Credit sponsored the Mini Zebu awards.
The Beefmaster awards were sponsored by Larry Stakes. The Champion and Champion Vermilion Bred Beefmaster Bull was shown by Canaan Romero, At-Large club member. The Reserve Champion and Reserve Champion Vermilion Bred Beefmaster Bull was shown by Alex Broussard of Mt. Carmel Elementary.
The Champion Beefmaster Heifer was exhibited by Morgan Meaux of Kaplan High School. The Reserve Champion Beefmaster Heifer was shown by Caleb Arnould of North Vermilion High. The Champion Vermilion Bred Beefmaster Heifer was shown by Lane Frederick of Abbeville High School. Carson Touchet of Forked Island-E. Broussard Elementary showed the Reserve Champion Vermilion Bred Beefmaster Heifer.
The awards for Santa Gertrudis Bull and Heifer were sponsored by Troy and Monique Luquette. The Champion and Champion Vermilion Santa Gertrudis Bull was shown by Tayler Guidry of Gueydan High School. Tayler also exhibited the Reserve Champion and Reserve Champion Vermilion Bred Santa Gertrudis Bull.
Abbie Mouton of Abbeville High School showed the Champion and Champion Vermilion Bred Santa Gertrudis Heifer. The Reserve Champion and Reserve Champion Vermilion Bred Santa Gertrudis Heifer were also shown by Abbie Mouton.
Celine Auzenne, At-Large member exhibited the Champion and Champion Vermilion Bred Hereford Bull. Braxton Duhon of Rene Rost Middle School showed the Reserve Champion and Reserve Champion Vermilion Bred Hereford Bull.
Braden Deculus of North Vermilion High School exhibited the Champion Hereford Heifer. The Reserve Champion Hereford Heifer was shown by Olivia Stelly of Forked Island-E. Broussard Elementary. Kayleigh Istre of Harvest Time Christian Academy showed the Champion Vermilion Bred Hereford Heifer and the Reserve Champion Vermilion Bred Hereford Heifer.
The AOB Non-Brahman Influence show awards were sponsored by Foster Lanie.
The Champion AOB Non-Brahman Influence Heifer was shown by Grant Hardin of ARCH 4-H Club.
DAIRY SHOWMANSHIP:
The buckle for Dairy Showman was sponsored by Paradise Island.
The 1st and Overall Champion Dairy Showman, Olivia Stelly of Forked Island – E. Broussard Elementary; 2nd place, Adrian Carlin, Kaplan High School.

BREEDING DAIRY
The Dairy Show awards were sponsored by Wilhelm Farms, Ed and Susan Wilhelm.
The Overall Champion and Champion Vermilion Bred Dairy Cow was shown by Olivia Stelly of F.I.-E.B. Elementary School. The Overall Reserve Champion and Reserve Champion Vermilion Bred Dairy Cow was shown by Adrian Carlin of Kaplan High School.
POULTRY SHOWMANSHIP
Awards for the 14 and Over Poultry showmanship were donated by Jimmy Roden and Cudd Well Control. Results were 1st, Jason Freeman, North Vermilion High School; 2nd, Katherine Matte, Gueydan High School; 3rd, Hannah Scroggins, North Vermilion High School; 4th, Jace Freeman, North Vermilion Middle School.
Awards for the 13 and Under Poultry showmanship were donated by Al and Leisa Lee. Results were 1st, Emma Zaunbrecher, ARCH 4-H Club; 2nd, Emma Scroggins, Indian Bayou Elementary; 3rd, Olivia Stelly, Forked Island-E. Broussard Elementary 4th, Amelia Broussard, Mt. Carmel Elementary; 5th, Easton Rodrigue, Indian Bayou Elementary; 6th, Lanie Vincent, Rene Rost Middle; 7th, Noah Vincent, Rene Rost Middle; 8th, Fisher Breaux, Dozier Elementary.

Lanie Farms, Al and Darla Lanie, sponsored the awards for the Poultry Show. Winning Best of Show with her Black Breasted Red Old English Game cockerel was Lanie Vincent of Rene Rost Middle School. Reserve Best of Show with was shown by Jace Freeman with his White Plymouth Rock pullet.
Champion Standard Bird was shown by Jace Freeman of North Vermilion Middle with his White Plymouth Rock pullet. Reserve Champion Standard Bird was also shown by Jace Freeman of North Vermilion Middle with his Light Brahma cockerel.
Champion Bantam Bird was shown by Lanie Vincent of Rene Rost Middle with her Black Breasted Red Old English Game cockerel. Reserve Champion Bantam Bird was shown by Jace Freeman of North Vermilion Middle School with his White Leghorn Cockerel.
The Vermilion 4-H livestock exhibitors would also like to thank the following show sponsors: Vermilion Parish Police Jury; Vermilion Parish Farm Bureau; Vermilion Parish School Board, Vermilion Rice Growers Association; Vermilion Parish Cattlemen’s Association; Vermilion Parish Cattlewomen’s Association, and the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service.
It is the policy of the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service that no person shall be subjected to discrimination on the grounds of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age or disability. If you would like more information on the 4-H Livestock program, contact Hilton Waits at hwaits@agcenter.lsu.edu or Natalie McElyea-Chittenden at nmcelyea@agcenter.lsu.edu or call the office at 337-898-4335.

The Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office recovered numerous items.

Texas man booked in connection to vehicle burglaries in Vermilion Parish

Fri, 01/29/2021 - 11:22am

A Texas man allegedly involved in multiple vehicle burglaries is now behind bars.
According to Vermilion Parish Sheriff Mike Couvillon, on Jan. 23, Tyler Burkholder, 23 , of Texas, was arrested in connection to at least nine vehicle burglaries in Vermilion Parish
Burkholder is currently incarcerated in the St. Landry Correctional Facility on charges directly linked to the vehicle burglaries in Vermilion Parish. An arrest warrant for illegal possession of stolen items in the amount of $75,000 has been issued for Burkholder and additional charges will be forthcoming.
Sheriff Couvillon also stated that on Monday Jan. 25, Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Detectives were able to recover a Honda Big Red side-by-side and Honda Foreman 500 4x4 from a residence in Lafayette Parish that had been reported stolen from Vermilion Parish. The investigation is ongoing and arrests are pending in both Vermilion and Lafayette parish.
Finally, on Jan. 27, 2021 Detectives were able to recover a stolen Kubota skid steer loader reported stolen from Beaumont, Texas and a suspect has been identified. An arrest warrant is in the process of being obtained and an arrest is expected.

Michael BJ O’Bryan Jr.

Christopher Vidalier

Zachery Marceaux

Gage Marceaux

Maurice officer responds to alleged kidnapping, locates narcotics

Fri, 01/29/2021 - 11:17am

Task Force agents book three others

According to Sheriff Mike Couvillon, the Vermilion Municipal and Sheriff’s Narcotics Task Force made the following arrests for narcotics related offenses within the parish.
A quick-thinking and responding Maurice Police Officer was able to arrest a kidnapping suspect and locate suspected narcotics and a firearm.
On Jan. 25, Maurice Police officers responded to a local business in response to a woman alleging to have been kidnapped. The officer was able to identify the suspect as Michael BJ O’Bryan Jr., 28, of Abbeville, and upon attempting to detain him, O’Bryan fled on foot.
After a very short foot pursuit, O’Bryan was taken into custody. A search of the vehicle O’Bryan was in yielded narcotics and a firearm being located. Agents with the Vermilion Municipal and Sheriff’s Narcotics Task Force responded to assist and were able to obtain enough evidence to charge O’Bryan with the following offenses.
· Possession of Schedule I, (Marijuana)
· Possession with Intent to Distribute Schedule I , (MDMA)
· Possession with Intent to Distribute Schedule II, (Methamphetamine)
· Possession of a Firearm in the Presence of a CDS
· Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
· Transactions Involving Drug Proceeds
More charges on O’Bryan are expected as the investigation continues.
On Jan. 25, Task Force agents observed a vehicle driving in a reckless manner. A traffic stop was conducted on the vehicle. Throughout the course of the stop, agents were able to observe that the occupants were potentially involved in criminal activity and VPSO K-9 Saar was called in to assist agents. After conducting a sweep of the vehicle, K-9 Saar, alerted to the odor of suspected narcotics inside of the vehicle. A search of the vehicle yielded in a large amount of marijuana and two firearms being located. The occupants were arrested and charged as follows;
· Christopher Vidalier, 30, of Kaplan, charged with Possession of Schedule I, (Marijuana), and Possession of a Firearm in the Presence of a Controlled Dangerous Substance.
· Zachery Marceaux, 20, of Abbeville, was charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Schedule I, (Marijuana), Possession of a Firearm in Presence of a Controlled Dangerous Substance, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
· Gage Marceaux, 18, of Abbeville, was charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana.
Sheriff Couvillon would like to thank the Mayors, and their council, of Abbeville, Gueydan, Maurice, Kaplan and Erath, along with their Chiefs of Police, for their support of the Vermilion Municipal and Sheriff’s Narcotics Task Force. Sheriff Couvillon also applauds the concerned citizens of Vermilion Parish for their awareness and assistance in helping the Task Force in fighting the war on illegal drugs. He encourages all citizens with information in regards to illegal drug activities to contact the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office or the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit at 337-740-4501 or E-mail the Task Force anonymously at taskforce@vpso.net and your e-mail will be held in the “strictest of confidence” and replied to in a very timely manner. More information on reporting drug activities can be seen on our Web Site at www.vpso.net [vpso.net]. Click on Narcotics and fill out the TURN IN A PUSHER information

Blair Menard of the Abbeville Fire Department receives his first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

First responders in Abbeville continue to receive COVID vaccine

Fri, 01/29/2021 - 11:09am

First responders have been among the first groups to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
In December, members of the Abbeville Fire Department and other fire departments in Vermilion Parish received their first dose of the Moderna vaccine. The vaccine requires two doses.
Members of the state’s vaccine team returned this week to administer more doses. That took place at the Abbeville Fire Department’s Main Station.
“We had about 15 guys take it during the first round,” Abbeville Fire Chief Jude Mire said. “We had some of the others who were curious about it. They wanted to see how it affected the first round of guys.”
Mire said there were no adverse effects among those who took the vaccine in December.
“We had one or two who had a few symptoms,” Mire said, “like a headache and some fatigue. They told us some of those things might happen. After about 12 hours, that went away.”
No members of the department are required to take the vaccine.
“You don’t want to pressure anybody to take it,” Mire said. “Some people don’t like to take shots.
“It’s brand new, so there are going to be people who are hesitant.”
Mire did not hesitate.
“As someone who had (COVID),” Mire said, “and suffered for a month, I wanted to get the shot.”
Mire received his second dose on Tuesday.
“I wanted to show the guys,” Mire said, “as chief, there is nothing wrong with taking this shot.
“I wanted to set an example.”
Blair Menard of the Abbeville Fire Department didn’t take part in the first round of vaccinations in December. However, he sat down in the chair to do so on Tuesday.
“I was on the fence,” Menard said, “with it being so new. I talked to my wife, who has done a lot of research on it. She said it’s definitely better to take it, than not to take it.”
Mire said this can serve as an encouragement as the vaccine eventually becomes more widely available to the general public.
“There’s nothing to be afraid of,” Mire said. “It’s new, and I understand a lot of people are nervous about it. I haven’t had any problems with it.
“It’s a good thing.”

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Texas man booked in connection to vehicle burglaries in Vermilion Parish

Maurice officer responds to alleged kidnapping, locates narcotics

First responders in Abbeville continue to receive COVID vaccine

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