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After four years of planning and getting grant money, construction for the new 911/OEP building is underway. It is expected to take all of 2026 to be completed.

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This is a rendering of the Emergency Operations 911 Communication Center that is being constructed by the Vermilion Parish Police Jury.

Vermilion Parish Police Jury’s new 911/OEP Center will be completed by end of the year

If you drive past the Amazon Building on North Airport Road, you’ll notice a new facility going up. Right now, the cement is poured and the steel beams are in place.
Chad Vallo, the newly elected Police Jury president, recently educated Vermilion Parish Chamber members at its annual “state of the parish” breakfast about what was being built.
Vallo explained that a new “Emergency Operations 911 Communication Center” is being built. The total square footage is 11,000 at an $8 million price tag.
The communication center is expected to be finished by the end of 2026. Federal grants will cover $6 million of the cost.
The remaining $2 million will come from the parish’s 1976 and 1978 sales tax fund and the 911 fund.
It will house the 911 Department, the Office of Emergency Preparedness, and the parish’s Fire Protection Association. The building will also include a room where meetings with parish officials, as well as with fire and police departments, could take place before and after a hurricane.
Vallo said the facility will have 36 to 42 beds for first responders and others. It is designed to withstand winds up to 160 miles per hour.
“I hope that we never have to use it,” Vallo said, “but we are building an OEP/911 safe room for hurricane preparedness. As a sheriff’s deputy for 35 years, anytime we had a storm come through, we had to make a makeshift where we were going to set up for response. It was always trouble finding where we were going to put everybody for the response we would need.”
In the past for hurricanes, emergency personnel and parish officials held meetings in the court house and slept in court rooms when needed.
Once construction is complete, everyone will be able to meet in the new building.
After 911 and OEP move out of the courthouse, those spaces may be used by the district attorney’s office, judges, or the clerk of court.

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Photos courtesy of Rachel Trahan Photography
King Mark Arceneaux and Queen Listi Arceneaux

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A League Of Their Own — Back Row: Kristi Touchard, Tina Renard, Julie Alario, Ann Nunez, Queen Listi Arceneaux, Mechell Frazier, Jodi Romero, Tammy Gordon and Natalie Menard; Front Row: Coach Liz Schexnayder, Rachel Trahan, Keisha Deville JoEllen Barras, Tammy Trim, Sandy Migues, Jennifer Broussard, Mitzie Duhon and Coach Clint Renard.

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Party Poulets — Ken Schexnayder, Matt Gordon, Hunter Delahoussaye, Cru Arceneaux, Jorey Renard and Zack Renard

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Umpires — Chess Gordon and Garret Frederick

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Shrimp Shakers — Mike Romero, Andrew Robin, Scotty Trahan, King Mark Arceneaux, Tracey Trim and Zane Zager

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Commentators — Chris Esponge and Kassie Romero

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The Sandlot — Standing: Jake Duhon, Brittany Delcambre, Robbie Barras, Bryan Touchard, Jesse Alario, Chris Frazier, Laura Satchez and Frances Nunez; Kneeling — Darcel Robin, Tammy Trim, Laura Rogers

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Dance Instructor — Hollie Mire

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Dance Team — Back Row: Britlyn Zagar, Lili LeBlanc, Lexie Renard and Lani Renard; Front Row: Mandy Leblanc, Clara Mendoza, Renee Renard and Jamie Schexnayder.

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VIP — Hank Schexnayder

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Working Woman Fan — Amanda Thibodeaux

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Concession and Field Guys — Kyle LeBlanc, Bryan Satchez, Clayton Rogers, Ben LeBlanc

Delcambre’s Krewe De Mystical Waters plays ball

On January 17, 2026, the Krewe de Mystical Waters marked a milestone evening with the celebration of its XXV Bal Masque, delighting guests with a spirited night of pageantry, tradition, and entertainment.
Embracing the lively theme “Play Ball,” the ballroom was transformed into a festive tribute to America’s favorite pastime, blending Mardi Gras elegance with playful, athletic flair.
The evening’s production unfolded as a lively showdown at Arceneaux Park, where the Party Poulets and Shrimp Shakers faced off in a spirited display of choreography and storytelling. Inspired by beloved baseball classics, A League of Their Own and The Sandlot played a central role in the production, adding nostalgia, humor, and heart to the performance.
The royal court honored King Mark Arceneaux and Queen Listi S. Arceneaux XXII, who reigned over the celebration with grace and enthusiasm. Mark and Listi have been married for 25 years and have long been steadfast supporters of the Krewe, embodying its values of leadership, unity, and community.
Mark and Listi have two sons, Cru and Jaggar. Mark is an active baseball coach for his son, Cru, at Delcambre High, and Listi is their #1 fan.
As masks glittered and music filled the room, the XXV Bal Masque stood as a testament to the Krewe de Mystical Waters’ enduring commitment to community, camaraderie, and Mardi Gras tradition. With “Play Ball” setting the tone, the evening proved to be a winning celebration and a proud chapter in the Krewe’s storied legacy. Fun was had by all as the Junior LaCrosse Band kept the dance floor full and the party going all night.

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James Trevor Voorhies (right) is seen sitting in a chair with a purse, marked in red, hanging from the back. When the owner of the purse stepped away for a couple of minutes, Voorhies reportedly ordered a drink and then took the purse before leaving Maurice City Bar.

Video shows man stealing purse at City Bar in Maurice

Voorhies arrested in DeRidder

MAURICE — James Trevor Voorhies of Youngsville showed he was not the most careful criminal in South Louisiana.
Last week, Voorhies was seen on video allegedly taking a purse from the back of a chair at City Bar in Maurice.
A camera behind the bar shows a man who looks like Voorhies sitting at the bar, with the purse hanging from the same chair. He orders a drink, finishes it, and pays with a credit card under the name James Trevor Voorhies.
The video shows what seems to be Voorhies taking the purse and hiding it under his shirt, near his stomach.
After paying his bill, the man gets up and leaves, holding the purse close to his stomach, the straps hanging down by his legs.
The lady who had the purse went back to her seat only to discover it was gone. She had been standing and chatting about 15 feet away from her purse the whole time.
She told City Bar owner Elliot Guidry about the theft, and they checked the surveillance footage. Maurice City Police were then called to the bar. The stolen purse was found outside City Bar the next morning.
Maurice City Police got a warrant for the person whose name was on the credit card used to buy alcohol.
After the arrest warrant was issued, Voorhies’ name was added to the state’s database.
On Friday, Voorhies was stopped by DeRidder Police for a traffic violation. They found he had warrants for his arrest.
The DeRidder Police Department charged Voorhies with these crimes.

• Possession of CDC Schedule II
• Possession of drug paraphernalia;
• Resisting an officer;
• No insurance
• No registration
• Turning movements and required signals

The DeRidder Police Department informed Maurice City Police about Voorhies’ arrest in Allen Parish. DeRidder Police placed a hold on him, and Maurice Police will later bring him back to face theft charges, among others.
Before Voorhies’ arrest, City Bar posted a video on Facebook of Voorhies allegedly taking the purse and walking out with it.
City Bar updated its Facebook page two days later, saying Voorihies has been arrested in DeRidder. They also thanked the community for its support.
“We are beyond thankful for our community … the tips, shares, and messages truly helped lead law enforcement in the right direction. This is exactly why City Bar will always feel like home.
“Thank you to local law enforcement for handling this quickly and professionally, and thank you to our community for showing up like always.”

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Vermilion Parish Sheriff warns community of scams involving calls, texts and emails

The Vermilion Parish Sheriff's Office has received information from a local bank who has recently noticed an increase in sophisticated scams targeting the community.
In these recent scams, scammers are using fake emails, texts, and phone calls to pose as banks, utilities, government agencies, and other trusted organizations in an attempt to steal personal or financial information.
Sheriff Eddie Langlinais reminds Vermilion residents to watch for red flags. These can include things such as "urgent messages" about account problems, suspicious activity, fake links asking you to “verify” information, tech support scams, check washing from stolen mail, and others.
To protect yourself, avoid clicking links or responding to unexpected messages, verify information directly using official websites or phone numbers, secure your mail, and monitor your bank accounts regularly.
When you receive communications, take a moment to remember that scammers rely on urgency. Do not interact with the sender.

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Photo by Blake Wilson
A sugarcane field in Vermilion Parish shows sign of yellowing canopy syndrome. The invasive insect pasture mealybug was detected in these fields and could be causing the yellowing.

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Photo by Blake Wilson
Pasture mealybug, Heliococcus summervillei, colony on a sugarcane leaf. The invasive insect was detected in Vermilion and Iberia parishes last year.

Pasture mealybug, a new invasive pest, confirmed in Vermilion, Iberia Parishes

BATON ROUGE, La. — LSU AgCenter researchers have confirmed the presence of a new invasive insect in Louisiana sugarcane fields. The pasture mealybug was detected in Vermilion and Iberia parishes late last year, raising concerns among growers, ranchers and researchers.
Blake Wilson, AgCenter entomologist, said the insect was observed by crop consultants Nick Daigle and Ryan Viator, who noticed a yellowing canopy in commercial sugarcane fields. AgCenter researchers collected specimens from the Vermilion Parish fields.
“Specimens were sent to U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, where scientists with the National Identification Services were able to confirm the species identification based on morphological characteristics and genetic comparison with specimens collected from Texas,” Wilson said.
Fields in Louisiana where the pasture mealybug was detected showed severe yellow canopy syndrome and suffered severe yield loss, Wilson said.
“The pest status of H. summervillei in sugarcane is not well understood. Evidence from Australia has noted that both nymphs and adults are found on the leaves and roots of sugarcane,” Wilson said. “Only the nymphs are thought to feed. This feeding may be associated with yellow canopy syndrome, but the mealybug has not been identified as the direct cause of the symptoms.”
Sugarcane fields in St. Landry Parish also expressed yellow canopy symptoms, but Wilson said it is not known if the pasture mealybug was present there.
The insect was detected in Texas, where pasture dieback was reported in 22 counties, last year as well. As the name suggests, the pasture mealybug is known to kill various species of pasture grass used in livestock production.
“Early symptoms of infestations in pasture grasses cause discoloration ranging from yellowing to reddening,” Wilson said.
AgCenter researchers will conduct surveys to determine where the pasture mealybug may be in Louisiana sugarcane fields and pastures.
Potential host plants include all species of pasture and turfgrasses in addition to sugarcane. Suspected infestations of pasture mealybug should be reported to Wilson (bwilson@agcenter.lsu.edu) for sugarcane and Ed Twidwell (etwidwell@agcenter.lsu.edu) for pasture.

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These words explain the reason for the stump.

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These words explain the reason for the stump.

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Participants gathered near the stump for Stump Speech, held each year in Abbeville on Martin Luther King Dr. Day.

Stump Speech Memorial unveiled at Stump Service in Abbeville

Words explain reason for old stump

A new addition was unveiled at the Martin Luther King Jr. Stump Service on Monday.
A three-foot-high marble ‘Stump Speech Memorial’ now stands beside the aging stump, featuring an inscription that explains the tree’s significance to the community.
“This stump symbolizes the enduring struggles for equality, justice, and peace. Although the tree is no longer, its roots remain strong, just as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Message of Love, Hope, and Perseverance continues to inspire generations.”
Councilman At Large Carlton Campbell of Abbeville created the monument.
Councilman Campbell raised $1,000 to fund the monument and personally covered any remaining costs.
“I am pleased with the result. I had hoped for a larger monument, but cost required this size.”
Campbell said he drew from Dr. King’s speeches to compose the monument’s inscription. The memorial is located at the corner of I.J. Joiner Street and Greene Street in Abbeville.
Approximately 30 people gathered at the monument on Monday for the Stump Service.
“We have been doing this for 30 years, and most of those who began attending three decades ago are still here,” said the Councilman At Large.
Campbell recalled that when the stump service began, some people marked Martin Luther King Day at nearby nightclubs. He noted that pastors would raise their voices to reach those gathered outside the clubs.
Those clubs have since closed, but the stump service continues to thrive.
Over time, traditional buildings such as Herod High School were demolished near the stump. To ensure the tree trunk remained, Campbell placed a marble landmark beside it.
Pastor Dr. Warren Milton of Christ Community Church, located nearby the stump, expressed his appreciation for the monument.
“I think the landmark is monumental because it helps us remember the origins of the stump service,” Pastor Milton said.

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Caleb Duke Landry

October 6,1980 — January 15, 2026

Caleb Duke Landry, 45, passed away on January 15, 2026 at his residence in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Caleb was a kind and compassionate soul who touched the lives of everyone he met. He had a deep love of books, travel and movies, and he loved getting lost in a good story or setting off on a new adventure. Caleb enjoyed the company of others, always focusing fully on the person he was talking to, showing sincere interest in every conversation. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Caleb is survived by his life partner, Wedon Brown, of New Orleans. The two shared many lifetime experiences filled with joy and love. Caleb and Wedon were inseparable.
Caleb is also survived by his mother, Catherine Trahan (Michael) Herpin of Abbeville; his father, Carl Duke Landry of Krotz Springs; step-sister, Amanda Herpin Lemaire; step-brother, Jacob Herpin; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
He was predeceased by his maternal grandparents, Paul Julius Trahan and Lou Ella Weber Trahan; his paternal grandparents, Bradley Landry and Belva Barras Landry; cousin, Rex Herpin; and godfather, Barry Landry.

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Bradly James Broussard “POPPA”

January 21, 1955 ~ January 15, 2026

ABBEVILLE — A memorial service officiated by Rev. Matthew Barzare will be held at Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 11 a.m., honoring the life of Bradly "POPPA" Broussard, 70, who passed away on January 15, 2026, at Abbeville General Hospital.
A visitation will take place at Vincent Funeral Home of Abbeville, 209 S. Saint Charles St., Abbeville, on Saturday, January 24, 2026, from 8:30 AM until the time of services. A rosary will be prayed at 10:30 AM. Burial will follow at St. Mary Magdalen Cemetery.
Bradly was a yard foreman at Chevron in the oil field industry, where he contributed his skills and leadership for many years. He was not just a hard worker but also a man with a heart of gold, who raised and supported a loving family. His ability to balance a successful career while nurturing relationships with family and friends is a testament to his character. An avid sports enthusiast, Bradly was a multi-state APA Pool champion. His love for the game extended beyond competition, as he often gathered with friends to share in the joy of shooting pool. He also devoted countless hours to coaching youth in baseball, instilling in them not only the skills of the game but also the values of teamwork and sportsmanship. His passion for sports influenced many, from his grandchildren to the youth he mentored. Bradly found happiness in the great outdoors, enjoying hunting and fishing whenever he could. He treasured the time spent with family, especially spoiling his grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. His warmth and humor will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
He is survived by his daughters, Donna Touchet and Denaise Choate and her husband, Brock "Toby" Touchet; grandchildren, Kyle Choate and his wife, Emily, Landon Choate, Kennedi Choate, Cain Hebert, and Aiden Touchet; great grandchildren, Ezlyn Choate and Slade Choate; siblings, Brenda Broussard, Loma Broussard, Teena Broussard, Kevin Broussard, Michelle Broussard, and Tamara Baudoin; along with a host of loving family members and friends who were touched by his generous spirit.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife and soul mate, Goldie Marie Broussard; parents, Joseph Savan Broussard and the former Lorenia Marie LeBouef; his brothers, Rody Lee Broussard and Rodney Broussard; sister, Roxanne "Roxie" Broussard; nephews, Jabien Broussard, Joshua Broussard, and Colby Broussard; and great grandson, Noah Choate; and sister-in-law, Jamie Broussard.
As we remember Bradly, let us celebrate the life he lived, the love he shared, and the legacy he leaves behind. May his memory be a blessing to all.
All funeral arrangements are being conducted by Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville (337) 893-4661.

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Emma Floris

March 2, 1945 - January 18, 2026

ERATH – Mass of Christian Burial for Emma “Maw” Lee Touchet Floris, age 80, will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church with Fr. Sensat officiating. Interment will follow at Our Lady of Lourdes Mausoleum.
Visitation will be held at Frioux-David Funeral Home of Erath on January 20, 2026 beginning at 4 p.m. until 9 p.m. with a recitation of the rosary at 7 p.m. Visitation will resume on Wednesday, January 21, 2026 beginning at 8 a.m. until the time of services.
Emma “Maw” Lee Touchet Floris, age 80, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at her home, surrounded by the love of her family.
Emma was born on March 2, 1945, in Lafayette, Louisiana. She was the beloved daughter of the late Caesar J. Touchet Sr.  and Daltie “Dorothy” Touchet.
On September 26, 1961, Emma married the love of her life, Alwin Floris, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Erath, Louisiana. Together they shared 64 wonderful years of marriage, building a life rooted in love, family, and faith.
Emma, affectionately known as “Maw,” found her greatest joy in spending time with her family. She cherished casino trips with her husband, attending school and sporting events, camping, drinking coffee, listening to music, playing BINGO, and doing what she loved most—cooking and feeding those she cared for. Her home was always a place of warmth, laughter, and full plates, and her love for her family knew no bounds.
She is survived by her devoted husband, Alwin Floris; her children Patricia Fourroux, Yvonne Floris (Heriberto), Phil Floris Sr. (Shawntina), Patrick Floris, Veronica Guidry (Michael), Samantha Peltier (Roland Jr.), and Christopher Langlinais (Kim), whom she lovingly called “her adopted son.”
She also leaves behind 20 grandchildren, 13 grandchildren in-laws, 38 great-grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren in-laws, and 3 great-great-grandchildren, all of whom were a constant source of pride and joy.
Emma is also survived by her siblings Lovelace Touchet (Darlene) and Josie Forrester, along with numerous Godchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will forever cherish her memory.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Caesar Sr. and Daltie Touchet; her great-grandson, Eden Mitchell; her siblings Clarence “Tony” Touchet, Willis Touchet Sr., and Caesar “Joe” Touchet Jr.; and her parents-in-law, Antoine and Mildred Floris.
Pallbearers will be Alwin Broussard, Bruce Fourroux, Phil “Pika” Floris II, Ridal Broussard, Derrick Fourroux, and Lovelace Touchet.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Kolby “Koko” Floris, Zachary Fourroux, Drake Guidry, Trevor Peltier, and Christopher Langlinais.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to Simmie G. Soileau, NP, Dr. Philippe E. Prouet, and Southern Grace Hospice for their compassionate care and support.
Emma “Maw” Lee Touchet Floris will be remembered for her kind heart, generous spirit, and unwavering devotion to her family. Her legacy lives on through the many generations she nurtured and the countless lives she touched.
Frioux-David Funeral Home of Erath at 209 East Putnam Street (337) 937-0405 will be in charge of the arrangements.

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Louisiana Arbor Day to be celebrated in Abbeville

Louisiana Arbor Day will be celebrated on Friday, January 16, 2026, a special occasion dedicated to recognizing the vital role trees play in our environment and our community. In Abbeville, this meaningful observance is highlighted through the efforts of the Abbeville Garden Club, Friends of Godchaux Park, Keep Abbeville Beautiful and the leadership of Mayor Roslyn White.
Unlike National Arbor Day, which is celebrated in April, Louisiana observes Arbor Day on the third Friday of January to take advantage of the state’s mild winter climate. Cooler temperatures and seasonal rainfall create ideal conditions for planting trees, allowing young saplings to establish strong root systems before the heat of summer arrives.
In recognition of Louisiana Arbor Day, Mayor Roslyn White has issued an official Arbor Day Proclamation, reaffirming the City of Abbeville’s commitment to environmental stewardship, community beautification, and the preservation of natural resources. The proclamation encourages residents to recognize the value of trees and to take part in activities that promote a greener, healthier city.
Trees provide numerous benefits to Abbeville and the surrounding region. They improve air quality, reduce soil erosion, conserve energy by providing shade, and help manage stormwater runoff—an especially important function in south Louisiana. Trees also enhance the beauty of neighborhoods and public spaces while providing shelter and habitat for wildlife.
Louisiana Arbor Day is more than a ceremonial observance—it is a reminder that planting and protecting trees is an investment in the future. Each tree planted today becomes a living legacy, offering shade, beauty, and environmental benefits for generations to come.
Residents are encouraged to observe Louisiana Arbor Day by planting a tree, supporting local beautification efforts, or simply taking time to appreciate the trees that enrich our community. Together, we can ensure that Abbeville remains a vibrant and welcoming place to live—rooted in care for the land we call home.
The Abbeville Garden Club, in cooperation with Friends of Godchaux Park, Keep Abbeville Beautiful and the City of Abbeville, continues its long-standing mission of promoting gardening, conservation, and civic pride. Through education and community involvement, the club encourages residents of all ages to appreciate the importance of trees and to take an active role in caring for the environment.
Abbeville Garden Club is a member of National Garden Clubs, Inc, Deep South Garden Clubs, Inc, and Louisiana Garden Club Federation, Inc. District III.

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Vermilion Today

Abbeville Meridional

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

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