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October 27, 1934 ~ January 23, 2024

ABBEVILLE — A Memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 27, 2024 at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church honoring the life of Myrlene LeBlanc Sellers, 89, who passed away on Tuesday, January 23, 2024 at her residence. She will be laid to rest at St. Paul Mausoleum with Reverend Nicholas DuPre' officiating the services.
Myrlene was a homemaker who provided a loving home for her family filled with joy and laughter. She was a talented seamstress and a Member of the Home Demonstration Club, winning several awards for her creative projects. In her spare time, she enjoyed sewing, arts and crafts, gathering with her family, spending time at the family camp in Holly Beach, trips to the casino and watching the New Orleans Saints.
She is survived by her six children, Barbara Rivere (Joe), Sandra Faulk (Keith), Patricia Trahan, Carl Sellers (companion, Lisa), Keith Sellers (Tina), and Angela Sagrera (Brandon); seven grandchildren, Eric Sellers, Kristi Durke (Daniel), Jamie Richard (Gabe), Brett Trahan (companion, Noelie), Katie Reaux (Jed), Laurie Sagrera (companion, Brant), and Bryce Sagrera; and great grandchildren, Tyler Durke, Britlynn Durke, Kylie Richard, Easton Reaux, Emmitt Reaux, and Everett Reaux.
She was preceded in death by her husband, The Honorable Judge Roger C. Sellers; parents, Avery LeBlanc and Clemance Dore LeBlanc; sister and brother-in-law, Myrtis and Aston "Naunchie" Landry; nephew, Michael Landry; and son-in-law, Ricky Trahan.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church, 300 Pere Megret St., Abbeville on Saturday, January 27, 2024 from 9 a.m. until time of services. A rosary being prayed at 9:30 a.m.
The Sellers Family would like to thank the Doctors and staff of Hospice of Acadiana, her care givers, Hedy Primeaux, Regina Gabriel, Rose Roussell, Dawn Decker, Helen Viator, Tonia Benoit, Kathy Boudreaux and Vickey Broussard.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Hospice of Acadiana, 2600 Johnston St., Suite 200, Lafayette, LA 70503 or Vermilion Catholic School a legacy of Mount Carmel 425 Park Avenue, Abbeville, LA 70510.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.vincentfuneralhome.net.
All funeral arrangements are being conducted by Vincent Funeral Home of Abbeville, (337) 893-4661.

The North Vermilion Middle School Jr. Dreams has once again in a resounding display of talent, dedication, and unwavering commitment to their team, emerged victorious as State Champions in the recent American All Star State competition held at the Cajundome on Sunday, Jan. 14.
The precision and technique displayed by the Jr. Dreams was nothing short of mesmerizing, showcasing the countless hours of practice, discipline, and collaboration that went into their award-winning performances.
The journey to becoming state champions was a collective effort fueled by teamwork and dedication. The Jr. Dreams, under the guidance of their talented choreographers and coaches, demonstrated a level of cohesion and unity that set them apart. The commitment of every dancer contributed to the seamless execution of their award-winning routines.
As their fans were waiting for them to exit the Cajundome Sunday, it was overwhelming to see the tears of joy from each one of them. The young 6th graders were filled with a strong sense of accomplishment they have never experienced before. The 7th graders, most of them having been in their shoes just a short year ago, were the party animals. All were excited to share the experience with their little sisters and drying the tears of the 8th graders knowing they'd soon be in their shoes. And the 8th graders releasing overwhelming feelings of leadership, commitment, and pride as three years on Jr. Dreams' journey is coming to an end.
This team, with their coaches, and unwavering support of their parents, has taught these girls some important life lessons. Most importantly, "Practice like you've never won, and perform like you've never lost." - Author Unknown
Along with the title of Sweepstakes Champions, the Jr. Dreams were the recipients of the following awards:
• 1st Place Jazz JH Division II and 2nd Place Overall JH Jazz
• 1st Place Pom JH Division II and 1st Place Overall JH Pom
• 1st Place Hip Hop JH Division II and 1st Place Overall JH Hip Hop
Choreography Award for Hip Hop
Technique Award for Hip Hop
Junior High School Sweepstakes Champions

The Gulf Coast Bank Board of Directors voted to make Patrick Patout the new President & CEO after the retirement of his brother, Paul Patout in December 2023.
Patrick Patout has served Gulf Coast Bank for more than 39 years and has been the bank’s Chairman of the Board since 2000. Effective January 1, 2024, Patrick is now President & CEO | Chairman of the Board.
Patrick said he is honored and humbled to continue serving the company his father founded in this new capacity.
“We opened for business in 1971,” Patrick said. “We had my father Charles Patout as our leader, but he had a great board, the founders that started the bank, and today, this generation that’s leading the bank, is standing on the shoulders of those that came before us. I have nothing but trust and faith that the future is very bright for the bank. GCB will continue to remain committed to the communities in which we serve and focused on customer service!”
Gulf Coast Bank is a locally owned and operated full-service financial institution with ten locations in Vermilion and Lafayette parishes. The Bank proudly delivers quality customer service to meet the financial needs of both individuals and businesses.

Since the Vermilion Economic Development Alliance (VEDA) inception, governmental partners have been the primary source of organizational funding, alongside key business investors.
In order to secure long-term sustain-ability for the organization, VEDA will be reintroducing a proposal for a dedicated funding source on the March 23 ballot.
The proposal will reflect a $6.50 fee per parcel of land, which is estimated to result in $224,250 to support VEDA’s small actions and initiatives throughout the parish.
For most landowners, the fee amounts to just two cents a day.
“The proposed parcel fee is less than the cost of a fast-food meal,” notes long-time board member Richard Guilbeaux. The parcel fee will help ensure a path forward for The Alliance, as we work to create a community where our children can live, work, and grow.
The Vermilion Economic Development Alliance said it remains committed to creating a community that embraces its rural and cultural heritage while promoting sustainable growth and development.
VEDA said this funding is essential to maintain its organization, without reliance on third-parties amidst evolving budget changes and changing priorities.
While VEDA works alongside state economic development officials and regional partners, it remains the only organization whose sole focus is Vermilion Parish’s long-term success.
Alliance board members stress that securing a stable funding source will determine the future of the Vermilion Economic Development Alliance and its ability to be a part of state and regional efforts.

VEDA shares highlights of 2023

The Vermilion Economic Development Alliance, (VEDA) recently shared highlights of its 2023 efforts.
For nearly a decade, the Alliance has continually worked as an advocate for businesses and growth in Vermilion Parish.
The Alliance’s work is driven by four priorities: Business Retention & Expansion, Workforce Development, Attracting New Business, and Community Development.
According to VEDA, President, Patrick Duhon, “We’re often asked, ‘What is economic development?’ For us it’s a series of small actions and initiatives that include policies, programs, and activities that prepare our community for growth. It’s about preparing and improving the economic climate and quality of life in Vermilion Parish.”
Among key metrics for 2023, VEDA conducted 35 business retention and expansion visits.
VEDA worked with 10 prospects and new business start-ups who have aspirations of doing business in our parish.
VEDA featured 19 businesses as part of VEDA’s annual holiday and Small Business Saturday campaign, and 7
businesses were sponsored to participate in the Louisiana Small Business Summit. Workforce development became an important area of focus for The Alliance with a newly formed Workforce Committee that focused on linkages between education and the business community.
VEDA launched a collaboration with the Vermilion Parish School System to better leverage their JumpStart and ProStart Programs.
VEDA also co-hosted the parish’s fifth annual Parishwide Job Fair promoting 36 area employers and assisting 115 job candidates.
It also championed the Development Ready Community Assessment on behalf of the parish in an effort to prepare for growth. Alongside the Vermilion Parish Police Jury, VEDA has identified key projects to leverage $2.1 million in Hometown Revitalization federal grant funds and hope to play an instrumental role in the execution of the identified projects.
VEDA also completed 26 governmental engagements, hosted 10 events, and served in a critical capacity for three community-based projects.