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Letter to the Editor regarding Superintendent, School Board

Dear Editor:

I have wanted to write a letter to the paper regarding the outright harassment and mistreatment of our VPSB Superintendent from SOME of our VPSB members for quite a while. Even though I have been warned several times to not get involved, I choose to ignore those warnings. I know firsthand how much it means in times like these to have real support. What the Puyau’s are going through is unfathomable. It’s time to put a stop to the relentless bedevilment. To support Mr. Puyau privately, but not publically, is not helping the matter; instead it is in a sense supporting the injustice that is taking place.
I know this letter will not diffuse the personal agendas of some on the board. Yes- personal agendas. If you don’t know the facts as to why this is happening to our Superintendent – find out from someone you respect and trust.
This letter is to hopefully reach the concerned people in our communities, parents, employees, city leaders, business owners etc. Please get involved! As quoted by Dr. MLK “To ignore evil is to become an accomplice to it.”
The list of contributors concerning the success of Vermilion Parish includes the hard work from ALL faculty and staff of our parish, the devoted Central Office staff, school administrators, teachers, and support staff, everyone INCLUDING the Superintendent. Instead of celebrating the numerous achievements, the VPSB publicity is usually negative.
So I am asking you to please call and email your board member, complain, voice your concern, get involved and see for yourself, attend the meetings. If you feel your board member is NOT representing you, then ask them to stop this drama and do their job they were elected to do or resign. Instead of putting our PROVEN leader on leave AGAIN – why don’t you ask (SOME) of the board members that continue to create issues and follow their own agenda to RESIGN from their position.
Lastly, I want to thank the board members that do speak and act on their own accord, supporting our Superintendent. You give us hope. Thank you for being a voice of reason when so much that happens at the Vermilion Parish Board meetings doesn’t make sense.
I also want to thank our Superintendent for showing class and grace in spite of the unimaginable injustice that he faces on a daily basis. You are a true leader and you continue to show by example what being a true leader is. You inspire me.

Honey LeDoux

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Ragin’ Cajuns Football Season Tickets Flash Sale at Gulf Coast Bank in Abbeville

As football season approaches, the Ragin’ Cajuns will host multiple opportunities across Acadiana to purchase general admission football season tickets at an outstanding discounted price of $60!
There will be no limit on the amount of tickets purchased per location. To be eligible for the special offer, fans must be present and sign up on location at the posted date and time. All fans will receive a Proud Ragin’ Cajuns Supporter yard sign as well as a Ragin’ Cajuns Flag on-site after completing their purchases. UL ticket office staff will be present from 11am – 1pm to answer any questions you may have.
The Vermilion Parish Flash Sale location will be Gulf Coast Bank’s Main Office (221 S. State St, Abbeville) on Friday August 2nd from 11:00am – 1:00pm. Stop by to help welcome UL to Vermilion Parish!
“We are a proud supporter of our local universities and schools. We believe education is vital to the success and betterment of our community,” states Paul Patout, President and CEO of Gulf Coast Bank.
Gulf Coast Bank is a locally-owned and operated full-service banking institution with thirteen locations within Lafayette and Vermilion Parishes, including branches inside three area Walmarts.

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CYT Vermilion Campers learn about musical theater

CYT (Christian Youth Theater) Vermilion Campers experienced a fun-filled week learning musical theater skills resulting in a showcase performance for family and friends. The campers learned how to treat individuals with respect, developed character traits including discipline, self-confidence, and integrity, bringing families together through the use of individual talents and abilities while sharing the love of Christ in word and deed.

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Louisiana’s New child seat belt laws go into effect on Aug. 1

Parents and caregivers of children need to inform themselves and prepare for a new Louisiana child safety seat law that goes into effect on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2019, the executive director of the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission said.
The new law keeps children in more protected restraint systems and safer positions until they are older, LHSC Executive Director Lisa Freeman said.
"We have a law that is considered a model for other states to follow, but our goal is to make sure it is followed here in Louisiana," Freeman said. "I urge anyone who transports a child in a motor vehicle to inform themselves about the new law and to ensure their child is properly restrained in the right seat in the right position."
The new law requires children in a motor vehicle to remain in the most protected category of child restraint for a longer period of time. Children must remain in car seats, boosters or the back seat of vehicles for as long as is appropriate for a child’s age, and according to the car seat manufacturer’s instructions for height and weight limitations. The new law also requires that all children ride in the back seat of vehicles with lap and shoulder belts until they are 13 years old.
Louisiana State Police produced a video outlining how the new law works. The video can be viewed on the LHSC Facebook page under “videos.” LHSC also maintains a list of fitting stations where parents, grandparents and caregivers can get a free child seat installation from a qualified technician.

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Elijah Wilson

Abbeville man arrested for attempted murder

​On July 28, at approximately 4:50 a.m., patrol officers of the Abbeville Police Department responded to a call from an address on East Lafayette Street.
The complainant stated that his son had been stabbed.
An investigation has determined that during an altercation, the suspect, identified as Elijah Wilson, 22, of Abbeville, stabbed the victim numerous times with a knife. The 24-year-old victim was treated at a local hospital and released. The suspect was taken into custody without incident.
Wilson was later transported to the Vermilion Parish Correctional Center where he was booked on one count of Attempted 2nd Degree Murder.
​The Abbeville Police Department detective division is continuing their investigation at this time.​
Chief of Police Bill Spearman would like to commend his officers for a job well done. Chief Spearman would also like to thank the citizens of Abbeville for their support and help they provide to the Abbeville Police Department.
​Anyone with any information regarding any crime is encouraged to contact the Abbeville Police Department. You may also contact our “Tips” line at 892-6777. All callers may remain anonymous.

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Texas Man Killed in Two-Vehicle Crash in Acadia Parish

CROWLEY – Shortly after 5:30 a.m. on July 29, Louisiana State Police Troop I began investigating a two vehicle fatal crash on LA Hwy 100 east of McCain Road in Acadia Parish.
The crash claimed the life of 55-year-old Norges Ortiz of Houston, TX.
The preliminary investigation by State Police revealed Ortiz was driving a 2012 Nissan Versa westbound on LA Hwy 100. For unknown reasons, Ortiz crossed the center line into the eastbound lane of travel. Upon doing so the Nissan struck an eastbound 2004 Chevrolet Silverado.
Despite being properly restrained, Ortiz suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the Silverado was properly restrained and suffered non-life threatening injuries. Impairment is unknown, but toxicology samples were taken from the drivers for analysis. This crash remains under investigation. There is no further information available at this time.
Louisiana State Troopers would like to take this opportunity to remind motorists to always make good decisions while operating motor vehicles. Never drive while impaired, fatigued, or distracted, always ensure every occupant is properly restrained, and follow all traffic laws. Taking simple precautions such as these can often mean the difference between life and death.

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Abbeville Police Officers Jason Hebert (left) and James Wood stand guard in front of the door where the school board members went into executive secession.

Abbeville Police will no longer provide security at school board meetings

The Abbeville Police Department will no longer provide security for School Board meetings.
For the last year, the Abbeville Police Department has been providing the school board with officers who were not on duty. A year ago it only took one officer to attend the meeting. Then this summer, Abbeville Police Chief Bill Spearman said two officers were needed for security.
After Thursday’s meeting, the Chief decided the Abbeville Police Department will not be furnishing anymore off duty officers. He wrote a letter to the school board letting them know.
At Thursday’s meeting, officers Jason Hebert and James Wood had to stop superintendent Jerome Puyau from going into exectutive session with the school board members. The two officers stood next to the door to make sure Puyau did not go in.
The off duty officers were paid $35 per hour by the school board and have been averaging at least three hours of security.
Before the Abbeville Police Department, the Abbeville City Marshal’s Office provided security. After the Deysha Hargrave arrest, the Abbeville City Marshal’s office did not go back to the school board meeting.
The Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office provided an officer in the parking lot during and after the school board meetings.

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Vermilion Today

Abbeville Meridional

318 N. Main St.
Abbeville, LA 70510
Phone: 337-893-4223
Fax: 337-898-9022

The Kaplan Herald

219 North Cushing Avenue
Kaplan, LA 70548