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Jeff Crouere

Hold on America, Trump is coming back

There is an obvious reason that President Donald Trump plays the Sam and Dave classic “Hold On, I’m Comin’” at the end of his campaign rallies. He wants to give the American people hope that our collective nightmare will eventually end.
Since President Donald Trump left the White House in January of 2021, it has been unmitigated hell for the American people. With the Democrats in control of the White House and Congress, the nation has sunk into economic despair.
After almost two years of the Biden administration, the nation is reeling from high inflation, skyrocketing interest rates and negative economic growth in the first two quarters of 2022, which used to identify a recession, prior to the new definitions created by the Biden administration.
The dual threat of soaring inflation and high interest rates are causing Americans to worry about paying their bills and surviving financially. According to recent surveys of Americans, an astounding 63% are living paycheck to paycheck and 66% are worse off financially than one year ago.
With difficult economic times, Americans are dipping into their investment accounts, so 72% have less reserve funds than last year and, sadly, 29% have absolutely nothing left in their savings.
It is inadequate to call this situation a crisis, in fact, it is an economic emergency. However, President Joe Biden, as tone deaf as any politician in American history, claims our economy is “strong as hell.”
Biden is the anti-King Midas, as everything he touches turns to ruin. Along with Democratic Party politicians in control of Congress and our major urban areas, Biden has created devastation throughout our country.
Americans face economic misery, newly created energy dependence on foreign nations, increasing rates of violent crime, an illegal drug epidemic, dangerous content being taught to our children in schools and a wide-open southern border.
This administration inherited a secure border, but quickly ended construction of the wall and reversed successful policies. The result is that an incredible surge of approximately 5 million illegal aliens from more than 150 nations have entered the country since the start of the Biden presidency. This figure exceeds the population of 25 states and 100 countries around the world.
While border patrol agents are overwhelmed, the Biden administration has maintained the fiction that everything is secure. The inept and dangerous Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, Alejandro Mayorkas, has often repeated the lie that the “border is closed.”
This indifference, negligence and arrogance should lead to the impeachment of Biden, Mayorkas and other cabinet officials when the Republicans take back control of Congress in January.
The person most responsible for this GOP “wave” is President Donald Trump. From the day he descended the escalator in Trump Tower and announced his presidential campaign, he showed the Republican Party how to fight back against the Deep State, the media, and the Democrats.
The 2022 GOP “wave” will result in many strongly pro-Trump candidates getting elected. These candidates will work non-stop to halt the dangerous Biden agenda, but it will only prevent more harm from being done to the country. Unfortunately, the first two years of the Biden presidency have been unbelievably damaging.
The only way for our country to return to sanity, prosperity, and security is for the right President to be elected in 2024. Of course, the winner of that election should be the most deserving and capable candidate, President Donald Trump.
President Trump deserves a chance to finish the job that he started so magnificently in his first term. During his first four years, he accomplished a tremendous amount for the American people, despite the obstacles created by his political enemies, as well as many establishment Republicans in his own administration.
If he is elected for another term, President Trump will be even more effective for the American people. In his first term, too many of his cabinet members and other key appointees worked to undercut his agenda, subvert his goals, and betray him to his political enemies.
Despite ongoing harassment from the Biden Justice Department and the New York Attorney General, the stage is set for President Trump to announce his next campaign on November 14.
He is telegraphing to the American people that he will run for President again. In the final five days before the midterm election, President Trump scheduled four rallies, a last-minute push to help MAGA candidates win.
At last Thursday’s rally in Sioux City, Iowa, President Trump said, “In order to make our country successful and safe and glorious, I will very, very, very probably do it again...get ready.”
In other words, to the millions of Americans who are suffering, “Hold On,” President Trump is coming back, relief is on the way. This is nothing but music to the ears of all who love our great country.

Jeff Crouere is a native New Orleanian and is a political columnist, the author of America’s Last Chance and provides regular commentaries on the Jeff Crouere YouTube channel and on Crouere.net. For more information, email him at jcrouere@gmail.com

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Ruffin Levine, Jr.

ABBEVILLE — Funeral Services for Mr. Ruffin Levine, Jr., 85 will be held at David Funeral Home Chapel on Saturday, November 12, 2022 at 11:00AM with Pastor John Allen officiating.
Visitation will be held at David Funeral Home of Abbeville on Saturday, November 12, 2022 from 9:00AM until the time of service with a recitation of the rosary by Deacon Russell Hayes at 10:00AM.
Mr. Ruffin Levine, Sr. was called into eternal rest on Saturday, November 5, 2022 at the Calcutta House, Hospice of Acadiana in Lafayette. He was born to Mr. Rufus Levine, Sr. and Mrs. Sarah Greene  in Abbeville. Ruffin, was known by his many friends and family as “Rufus” or “Baby.”  He was reared and attended schools in Abbeville.  His joy was being around his family and friends; and he loved and enjoyed being around  animals, especially horses. He enjoyed the farm life. 
He was a loving husband to Rose Rice Levine for 48 years. He was a loving father to 4 daughters, Saralynn (Lovelace Broussard) Levine, Debra Levine, Delta Adams, and Monique Adams; 4 sons,  Ruffin Levine lll, Jonathan Citizen, Samuel Narcisse and Amondo Levine ; 12 grandchildren; 13 great great grandchildren; 2 great great great grandchildren, and 1 grandchild on the way.  He also leaves many cherished memories to 3 brothers, Roger Levine of Houston, Texas, Wilton Levine of  Abbeville, and Calvin Greene of Port Arthur, TX,4 sisters, Gladys Briggs of Abbeville, Mildred Gage of Abbeville, Mercedes Greene of Beaumont, TX and  Malinda Johnson of Baytown, TX. Numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. Rufus Levine Sr, Mrs. Sarah Greene; 4 brothers, Eristes Levine, Chester Levine, Sidney Levine, and Wilfred Levi.
The Repass will be held at St. Martin De Porres Church 608 MLK Drive Delcambre, La 70528 for anyone who would like to attend. 
You may sign the guest register book and express condolences online at www.davidfuneralhome.org
David Funeral Home of Abbeville, 2600 Charity Street, (337) 893-3777 is in charge of arrangements.

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Abbeville Police investigating shooting; victim shot multiple times

On Monday, Nov 7, at 11:47 p.m., the Abbeville Police Department received a report of a shooting in the area of 300 block of Leblanc Street.
Abbeville Police Officers responded and located a person, who had been shot numerous times, lying in a driveway on the 1700 block of Frank’s Alley.
Gunshot victim was transported to a nearby hospital by Acadian Ambulance Service. Officers taped off crime scene along Frank’s Alley and located assorted spent casings and other related evidence. A car and a truck were hit by stray bullets, A house and a mobile home approximately 300 feet away from the victim were also shot.
The victim remains in the hospital and will undergo multiple surgeries in the next few days, according to Abbeville Chief of Police Mike Hardy.
This case is still under investigation and Chief Hardy urges the public to provide any further information regarding this crime or any other crime by calling the Abbeville Police Department at (337) 893-2511. You may also contact our “Tips” line at (337) 892-6777. All callers may remain anonymous. Citizens may also send anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers of Vermilion by calling (337) 740-TIPS or the P3 app, which can be downloaded through the Apple App Store or at Google Play Store.

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Six Vermilion Parish teams headed to football playoffs

Six of the seven Vermilion Parish high school football teams earned spots in the Louisiana High School Athletic Association playoffs, and the one team that didn’t would have earned a spot if the brackets had not been trimmed by four teams in the non-select divisions this season.
Early during the season, the LHSAA announced it was changing from five non-select classes to four non-select divisions, matching the select school playoffs. At the same time, each division was cut from a 32-team bracket to a 28-team bracket with the top four teams in each division getting first-round byes. Seeding is determined through a system of power points awarded for wins and wins by teams on each team’s schedule.
Vermilion Catholic, which went unbeaten in the regular season at 10-0 and 5-0 in District 7-A, will be the No. 1 seed in the select school Division IV playoffs. VC has a first-round bye and awaits the winner of a game between No. 16 Cedar Creek (6-4) and No. 17 Slaughter Community Charter School (7-3).
“Those guys earned it with the character they have displayed since August camp,” VC head coach Broc Prejean said of getting the top seed in the division. “They’ve shown up for 10 straight weeks, and now we are going to need them to do it for five more. Our message to the players is going to be to burn the ships at this point and keep moving forward.”
VC closed out the regular season with a pair of dominant wins over No. 2 seed Central Catholic (9-1) and No. 12 seed Hanson (8-2). The Eagles have done it on both offense and defense, with seven shutouts in 10 games and outscored those 10 opponents 434-37 over the season.
“We have to recognize what we’ve done to put ourselves in this position and then do a lot more of it to get the result we all want,” Prejean said. “We’ve got some really good coaches that work their tails off, and that are now going to get some extra time to keep coaching. We will dig into the finer points of our techniques this week at practice while we wait to see who we’ll pair up with at home on the 18th.”
Three parish teams earned spots in the non-select Division II playoffs, which features schools in classes 3A and 4A. Some 4A schools, like Westgate, play in the Division I playoffs, and some 3A schools like Berwick and Patterson, play in Division III, based on the school enrollment.
Locally, Erath (7-3) leads the Division II contingent as the No. 15 seeds. The Bobcats will play host to No. 18 Eunice (6-4).
“We are excited for our guys to earn this spot in the playoffs with another 7-3 season, and the opportunity for our seniors to play at home again this season,” Erath head coach Eric LeBlanc said. “Playing in front of a home crowd during the playoffs is an incredible honor and an experience that many players will never forget.”
Friday’s game is the fourth meeting between the two sets of Bobcats. Erath leads the series 2-1, including a 49-20 win in their last meeting, a playoff game in 2016 in which Elijah Mitchell ran for 331 yards and scored six touchdowns.
“Eunice is an athletic football team that’s well coached,” LeBlanc said. “We’re looking forward to a physical matchup on Friday night in Bobcat Stadium.”
Abbeville (6-4) is the No. 17 seed in Division II and just missed out on a home game in the first round. The Wildcats travel to No. 16 Brusly (6-4) to open the playoffs.
“The goal was a home game, but we are glad to be one of the last 28 teams standing,” AHS head coach Roderick Moy said. “I’m proud of what our kids accomplished this season and now it’s time for us to make sure we send these seniors off how they deserve.”
Moy said that Brusly is a big, physical team, but that the Abbeville coaches feel good about being able to use their team speed against the Panthers.
“It’s going to be a great playoff atmosphere and a very competitive ballgame,” Moy said. “The team who makes the least mistakes will win, in my opinion.”
North Vermilion (4-6) is the No. 23 seed in Division II and plays at No. 10 Franklin Parish (7-3) in the opening round. The Patriots play in District 4-4A, which features the No. 10 team in non-select Division I (Westgate) as well as three teams in the top six in the Division II select school bracket (No. 1 St. Thomas More, No. 2 Teurlings Catholic and No. 6 Lafayette Christian).
“We are really excited about the opportunity to be in the playoffs,” NVHS head coach Brett Blakey said. “This is the first time in three years.”
Franklin Parish is a good matchup for the Patriots, Blakey said.
“They are a quality opponent, but we feel like our district has prepared us for this moment,” he said. “I have a lot of confidence in our guys to get their job done.”
Kaplan (4-6), which in the final two weeks lost to Division II No. 5 seed Church Point by a touchdown and to Abbeville by a point, finished as the No. 30 seed and just missed earning a spot in the Division II non-select playoffs.
Two parish teams earned spots in the non-select Division IV playoffs.
Gueydan (6-4) is the No. 20 seed and will travel to No. 13 Oberlin (7-3), which beat the Bears 43-7 in a Week 9 District 5-A game.
Delcambre (5-5) enters the Division IV playoffs as the No. 27 seed and travels to No. 6 White Castle (7-2) in the first round.
“Winning five games for the second year in a row and earning a playoff spot is a good step in the right direction for our program,” Delcambre head coach Artie Liuzza said. “It would be special to get a playoff win on the road and potentially host a second-round game at home.”
Liuzza said White Castle has put together a string of three or four good playoff runs in a row, so the Bulldogs are familiar with the pressure of winning big games.
“They have good size and speed,” he said. “They will be a tough opponent. We will have to be ready to play disciplined ball and control football on offense and eliminate big plays on defense. If we can do that, we will give ourselves a chance to compete.”

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Jim Bradshaw

Loggers prayed as fervently as farmers

In the late 1800s, before narrow-gauge railroads crisscrossed the piney woods of southwest Louisiana, loggers prayed just as fervently as farmers for just the right amount of rain. It wasn’t because they wanted the trees to grow. It was so that they could get their logs to the sawmills.
In those days, logs were floated down the Calcasieu River to the dozen mills that ringed Lake Charles, and the river itself usually wasn’t much of a problem. But the loggers used dozens of little streams to get their timber from deep in the woods to the river. They’d put a big chain across the mouth of a little stream to corral the logs until they had enough to bind into a raft and haul to market.
But those little streams dried up if there wasn’t enough rain. If there was too much, the streams ran amok and the corralled logs were likely to stampede down the river on their own.
Either too little or too much presented a problem that reached beyond the men who cut the logs. Without logs to cut, the mills sat silent. When the mills sat silent, all of southwest Louisiana felt an economic pinch.
That’s why there was widespread interest in weather reports that showed up regularly in the newspapers of the day.
For example, the Lake Charles Commercial noted in January 1882, that “continuous rains” for two weeks had turned streets to mud, but they “caused a good rise in the River and … all the available logs are now afloat and our mill and lumber men may expect a full supply for the next ninety days at least.”
In another item a decade later, in the spring of 1893, the paper said “mill men are … jubilant” after “the hardest rain that has fallen in months.” They didn’t mind the damaging hail that came with the rain. They and the newspaper’s editors were “satisfied that it was sufficient to swell the creeks and river, so as to enable the log men to run logs to market, for some of our mills have already run short of saw-timber.”
The story was different in early 1884, when heavy rains “raised the creeks and brought out a great many logs, which jammed against the chain booms on the Hickory Branch and West Fork, letting logs into the main river,” apparently for the second time in two years.
“The Steam Tug Alert was put to work stretching booms at West Lake Charles [as Westlake was called then], where the jam of two years ago was stopped, but the current aided by the heavy north wind … broke the booms and the logs were adrift again.”
The Alert stretched another chain boom about a mile downstream, but it also broke after holding the logs for about a day.
“It is estimated that between 10,000 and 12,000 logs have gone down the river, and will be a total loss,” the Commercial said. “The actual loss in timber will hardly fall short of $18,000 to $20,000.”
That’s about a half-million dollars in today’s money, and the loss added impetus to long discussed plans to build little railroads to haul logs out of the woods.
The idea had been kicking around since right after the real railroad crossed south Louisiana in 1880, The Commercial reported as early as the summer of 1881 that “the mill owners and lumbermen of Calcasieu have at last realized the fact that they can no longer absolutely depend upon the uncertain rises of the river for their supply of logs.”
The demand for lumber, the newspaper said, “has been constantly increasing since the day that the first saw-mill was erected in Lake Charles, and this demand has … reached such proportions that our twelve sawmills are strained to their utmost capacity to fill one-half of the orders sent to them. Any interruption in the supply of logs is, therefore, a serious loss to them, and we are glad to see that serious steps are being taken by some of our citizens to prevent any such contingency in the future.”
At first, those little railways just carried lumber to the river; it was still floated downstream to the mills. But now the logs went directly to the river, and did not depend on the rise and fall of little streams or the weakest links of chains stretched across them.
You can contact Jim Bradshaw at jimbradshaw4321@gmail.com or P.O. Box 1121, Washington LA 70589.

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Bryan Golden

Problem Solving

Everyone has problems and all problems have solutions. The challenge lies in finding the appropriate solution for each problem. Some problems may appear unsolvable and leave you feeling overwhelmed. But you can rest assured that there is always a solution. Additionally, effective problem solving techniques can be learned.
Yet not everyone strives to actively discover the best solution. Some give up and let problems get the best of them. Others take the path of least resistance, embracing the easiest course of action that appears.
Another mistake is taking someone else’s advice without determining its appropriateness to your specific situation. You can make a problem worse by doing the wrong thing and not thinking before you act.
Before a problem can be solved, you must correctly identify exactly what the problem is. Any solution that doesn’t address the root cause will be ineffective and give the illusion that the problem is unsolvable.
Suppose Barbara is unhappy with her job. She is in her third retail job in two years. What should Barbara do? Barbara can’t decide what she needs to do until she figures out exactly what’s the cause of her unhappiness.
Is Barbara in an occupation she doesn’t like? Does she need a more challenging position in the same industry? Does she need more customer contact or less? Are Barbara’s interpersonal skills in need of improvement? Perhaps Barbara wants to be in her own business and will never be satisfied working for someone else.
Each one of the above possibilities has its own specific solution. If Barbara resolves an issue that isn’t the cause of her dissatisfaction, the problem will persist and she will get more frustrated and discouraged.
So the initial step to problem solving is correctly identifying the actual basis of your dilemma. Once this is done, you have taken a major step to finding a solution. Problems don’t have to be solved in one step. Breaking an issue down into multiple steps makes it manageable.
A problem can have both short and long term solutions. A short-term solution can provide you with immediate relief whereas the long-term solution thoroughly addresses the root cause of the problem.
Suppose Barbara decides she really doesn’t like working in retail. She’s always enjoyed working with computers and wants to become a programmer, but she has no formal training. Barbara’s long-term solution is to get a job as a programmer.
Her short-term solution is to begin taking courses in programming. Barbara can start doing this part-time while keeping her current job. With this strategy, Barbara will alleviate some of her frustration by taking steps to attain her long-term solution.
When seeking a solution, be creative. Don’t limit yourself to only what you think is possible. Consider every alternative, regardless of how outlandish it may seem. Daydream and create a wish list of solutions. The longer your list, the greater the chance of discovering the ideal one for you.
There is one restriction. A solution may not cause harm to yourself or someone else. To be effective, any solution must be an improvement.
There are circumstances where a short-term solution requires sacrifice to effect a long-term solution. For example, you and your family are living in a cramped apartment but would like to own a home. You have to limit your discretionary spending in order to save enough for a down payment. Any reduction in lifestyle is palatable because it is a short-term action that enables you to realize your long-term solution.
Don’t hide from problems in the hope they will go away. Ignoring problems tends to make them worse. Whenever you face a problem remember that a solution exists. Your challenge is to discover it. Problem solving gets easier the more you do it.

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Mrs. Chance Michael Desormeaux

Miss Taylor Elizabeth Baudoin becomes Mrs. Chance Michael Desormeaux

Miss Taylor Elizabeth Baudoin of Abbeville and Mr. Chance Michael Desormeaux of Henry were united in Holy Matrimony during a 6:30 p.m. ceremony November 5, 2022, at L’Eglise in Abbeville. Officiating the ceremony was the couple’s minister, Wayne Cook.
The bride is the daughter of Mark and Nanette Baudoin of Abbeville. She is the granddaughter of Ms. Mary Vice and the late Calvin Vice of Erath. Her paternal grandparents are the late Jack and Cecile Baudoin of Abbeville.
The groom is the son of Michael and Alachia Desormeaux of Henry. He is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Delfred and Lorraine Romero of Henry and Mr. and Mrs. Roland and Fay Desormeaux of Kaplan.
Escorted by her father, the bride wore a one-of-a-kind Maggie Sottero ivory spaghetti strap dress. The dress featured a sweetheart neckline with a scalloped and a double embroidered lace bodice with pearls scattered throughout the front and plunging back of the bodice. The satin A-line skirt was completed with an elegant chapel length train that was adorned with lace appliques, pearls and crystals on the edges. The bride completed her ensemble with a simple Angel Cut veil that was doubled to be both fingertip and chapel length. The veil was scalloped on both lengths with a crystal trim. The bride carried a cascading bouquet of off-white Eskimo roses, hydrangeas, gold orchids with different variations of plum and chocolate roses. Intertwined within her bouquet was her late grandfather, Mr. Calvin Vice’s rosary. The arrangement was designed by her Uncles John Vice and Bear.
The bride was attended by her maid of honor, Morghan Soirez, friend of the bride. Bridesmaids were Allie Bouillion, Rida Prejean, both cousins of the bride, Morgan Broussard, Chelsea Frederick and Callie Desormeaux, all friends of the bride. Jolie Baudoiin, cousin of the bride served as junior bridesmaid.
The attendants chose their own style of dress in a distressed satin in the color of wisteria. The maid of honor wore a dress also in distressed satin in the color plum. Each attendant carried arrangement like the bride’s. Elise Georgia, Godchild of the groom served as flower girl. Elise wore an ivory dress with a lace overlay and illusion neckline. The dress had a natural waistline with a satin belt and rosette.
Jaden Romero, cousin of the groom served as best man. Groomsmen were Trevor Georgia, brother of the groom, Hayden Prejean, cousin of the bride, Jacob Hebert, Dylan Floris, and Michael Frederick, all friends of the groom. Britain Butler, Godchild of the bride and Eben Georgia, nephew of the groom served as ring bearers. They wore black tuxedos with black ties.
The mother of the bride wore a navy pleated ball gown with metallic jacquard jacket with scalloped hem and sleeves. The elegant jacket had jewels throughout.
The mother of the groom wore a formal gown in the color gunmetal. The gown featured rushing on one side and had an embroidery illusion neckline and scalloped sleeves.
Readers for the ceremony were Donna Prejean, Godmother of the bride and Chad Romero, uncle of the groom.
A reception was held immediately following the ceremony.
A rehearsal dinner was held at Bon Soiree in Erath and was hosted by the groom’s aunt and uncle, Chad and Brenda Romero.
The couple plan to make their home in Henry.

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George Williams

Sunrise                                 
October 12, 1947

Sunset
November 1, 2022

ABBEVILLE — Funeral services will be held at 9:00 AM on Saturday, November 12, 2022 at Faith Hope Christian Fellowship, 407 Duroq Street, Abbeville honoring the life of George Williams, 75. He will be laid to rest at St. Paul Cemetery with Pastor B.K. Stevens officiating the services.
George Williams was born on October 12, 1947 to Evelyn Newton and Leon “Black” Stevenson in Abbeville, LA. On Tuesday November 1, 2022, George gained his wings and entered into eternal paradise.
George leaves to cherish memories with his wife, Betty Williams; three daughters, Iris Stagg (Robert), Annetha Broussard (Calvin), and Kameshia Davenport; step-mother, Margie Stevenson; three brothers, Joseph Stevenson, Frankie Stevenson and Kenneth Ray Newton; fifteen grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. 
George was preceded in death by his mother, the former Evelyn Newton; father, Leon “Black” Stevenson; maternal grandparents; paternal grandparents; daughter, Stephanie Thomas; cousins, Janet Rose Hawkins, Boyd William Sr, and Cathy Williams; and his best friend, Percy “Polo” Robinson.
George was a Law Enforcement officer for 24 years for the Abbeville Police Department and a Notary Public. He loved fishing, sitting on his porch talking to family and friends that would stop by, taking rides and door dashing with his granddaughter, Shaquana. He enjoyed telling stories that would make you laugh, which he had many.
George was not just a father, a husband, or a grandfather, he was so much more, he really was something special to us all. He was loved by so many and he will truly be missed by everyone.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Faith Hope Christian Fellowship, 407 Duroq Street, Abbeville, on Saturday, November 12, 2022 from 8:00 AM until time of services.
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.

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Taylor Mencacci re-elected mayor of Erath

ERATH - Taylor Mencacci has been re-elected as mayor of the town of Erath.
Mencacci claimed 566 votes (79%). Challenger Jesse James received 148 votes (21%).
Tuesday’s win secured a second term for Mencacci.

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Neil Arsement

Neil Arsement wins Maurice mayor’s race

MAURICE - Neil Arsement will be the next mayor of the town of Maurice.
Arsement defeated longtime incumbent Mayor Wayne Theriot on Tuesday. Theriot is in his third term.
Arsement received 445 votes (63%). Theriot had 261 votes (37%).

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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