News

Article Image Alt Text

Concerned Pecan Island resident attended last week’s SpaceX meeting held at the old high school.

Pecan Island residents tell SpaceX their ‘Wish List’

Wed, 10/07/2026 - 9:39am

What can SpaceX do to help Pecan Island residents living about four miles from Starbase, Louisiana, transition more smoothly after the company’s planned 2027 relocation south of Pecan Island?
SpaceX officials asked more than 100 Pecan Island residents who gathered in the historic Pecan Island High School cafeteria last week.
The Pecan Island natives were eager to share three top priorities for SpaceX’s wish list.
The first two things on the wish list were:
• Some permanent police presence and fire department in the Pecan Island area.

Article Image Alt Text

Ramsie Baumgardner

Article Image Alt Text

Kristi Baumgardner speaks to members of the Rotary Club of Abbeville about the
project that carries the name of her late daughter, Ramsie.

Article Image Alt Text

Installation of new LED lighting that is part of the Ramsie Baumgardner Street Lighting
Upgrade in Abbeville began late last month.

Project holds special meaning

Wed, 10/07/2026 - 9:36am

Kristi Baumgardner played a video of a dark stretch of U.S. Hwy. 167 when she spoke recently to the Rotary Club of Abbeville.
The video ended in a crash.
“That would be the moment that two people lost their lives,” Baumgardner said.

Article Image Alt Text

The cost to operate the Miss Brittany G. continues to climb for Granger Seafood due to rising cost of diesel.

Article Image Alt Text

The cost to operate the Miss Brittany G. continues to climb for Granger Seafood due to rising cost of diesel.

Price of diesel affecting shrimping industry

Wed, 10/07/2026 - 9:30am

For years, the shrimping industry has battled wave after wave of challenges, from surges of imported shrimp to plummeting prices and wild weather. Now, a new threat looms: skyrocketing diesel fuel costs.
Diesel fuel has hit a record price of close to $6 a gallon in South Louisiana, and the national average is $6.52, according to AAA. That is up an average of $3.69 a gallon at this time last year.
With fuel prices so high, many shrimpers remain at the dock.

Article Image Alt Text

SpaceX holding public meeting for Vermilion Parish residents

Wed, 09/23/2026 - 11:30am

Vermilion Parish residents are invited to a SpaceX Community Town Hall Meeting, where you can hear the latest project updates straight from SpaceX representatives, ask your questions, and share your thoughts.
The meeting will be held on Thursday at Magdalen Place, starting at 6 p.m.
This meeting is exclusively for Vermilion Parish residents and offers a unique chance to connect with SpaceX, ask questions, and discuss the issues that matter most to our community.

Article Image Alt Text

Brown water in Abbeville expected for at least another 60 days

Wed, 09/16/2026 - 9:23am

Unfortunately, customers on the city of Abbeville’s system continue to see brownish, yellowish water coming from the tap.
On the plus side, there is a timeline for when those customers can expect relief.
Abbeville Public Works Director Chris Gautreaux said Wednesday morning that renovation work at the water plant that has caused the discoloration is expected to be wrapped up in the next 60 to 90 days.
“It’s painful,” Gautreaux said, “but it will be worth it in the end. The contractor is working hard to finish.”

Pages

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

The Abbeville Meridional Copyright © 2026