RSS Feed

Article Image Alt Text

Roy Olen Hunter

September 10, 1929 ~ February 22, 2022

ABBEVILLE — A memorial gathering will be held on Saturday, September 10, 2022 from 10:00 AM until 12:00 PM at Vincent Funeral Home – Abbeville honoring the life of Roy Olen Hunter, 92, who died Tuesday, February 22, 2022 at his step-daughter’s residence.  Inurnment will be at Bancker Cemetery.
Roy always wore a smile, with a quick wit and wisdom to spare, he was beloved by all who knew him. A salt of the earth gentleman, who worked on a dairy farm in Maine during his youth, then answered the call of his country by serving in the United States Marine Corp for a number of years. He was born in the city of Orange, Connecticut, but settled in Abbeville when he met & married Jeanette in 1981. The majority of his adult life was spent on a great adventure driving the “big rigs” across the entire country. He delivered just about everything, and ended his long career driving sugar cane syrup made right here in Abbeville for Steens Syrup Mill. He was an avid reader and enjoyed watching old westerns and eating Strawberry Rhubarb pie. His light will be greatly missed.
He is survived by his wife Jeanette Hunter; sister, Merlyn Hart; brother Merton Hunter; daughters, Linda Lamb and Susan Bryden; step-daughter, Mitzi Primeaux Romanelli; grandchildren; great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. 
He is preceded in death by his mother, Ruby Plumley; father, Olen Hunter; as well as his sisters, Carolyn (Bee) Flint and Olena Keller.
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.

Article Image Alt Text

Shannon Simon Duhon

Shannon Marie Simon Duhon, 48 years old, went peacefully to her Heavenly home on Thursday, September 1, 2022, at Our Lady Of Lourdes Hospital after a years long and courageous battle with cancer.
Shannon was born in Metairie, LA on January 19,1974. She moved to the Leroy/Maurice area with her parents at a very young age, and attended local schools. She graduated from North Vermilion High School in 1992, where she loved being in the color guard and participating in the science fairs. She later obtained certification in medical insurance filing and billing. She worked in this area for many years in the office of Dr. Mike Mounir in Lafayette.
Shannon most enjoyed helping in the family orchard, reading books, playing video games with family, taking long car rides, sitting on her front porch watching and helping her husband grill something delicious, and visiting family and friends. She loved dining at her favorite Mexican, Greek, and Sushi restaurants. Her favorite vacations were snow skiing in Colorado and the “Make a Wish Foundation” trip to Disney World, Florida. In between illness treatments, she loved running 5Ks with her son and her dad. Shannon never seemed sad. She had her moments but she was relentlessly positive. She never had a bad word about anyone. She was strong and bright like her favorite flower, the sunflower.
Shannon was a devoted wife and loving mother. She leaves behind the loves of her life, her husband Troy Anthony Duhon son of Larry and Phyllis (Sonnier) Duhon of Meaux, daughter Chloe Primeaux, son Aaron Primeaux, stepdaughter Hailey Duhon, and her many fur babies (especially Pepper). She is survived by her parents, Lynn and Belinda (Brown) Simon of Leroy; sisters Lindsay (Aaron) Watson and Ashley (Derek) Broussard; nieces Cora Watson, Maggie and Riley Broussard; nephews Aiden Broussard, Todd and Noah Watson; both sets of grandparents, Donald and Wanda (Sherman) Simon of Abbeville; Gayle and Dorethea (Bernard) Brown of Perry and Esther; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
Shannon was greeted in Heaven by extended family members James “Jimmy” Geisinger, Richard and Lucille “Granny” (Mizell) Geisinger; great grandparents Hazard and Claudia (Breaux) Simon of Leroy, Francois and Hazel (Simon) Sherman of Abbeville, Shen Hugh and Irene (Stansbury) Brown of Perry, and Raywood and Eta (Primeaux) Bernard of Esther.
In lieu of flowers, family and friends can honor the memory of Shannon by contributing to the Miles Perret Cancer Center, 2130 Kaliste Saloom Road, Suite 200, Lafayette, LA 70508 or online at www.milesperret.org
A gathering of family and friends celebrating Shannon’s life will take place at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Maurice (Leroy) LA. on Monday, September 12 from 1 pm-2 pm followed by a Mass by celebrant Fr. Paul Bienvenu . A private internment will be at a later date.
Shannon was larger than life, her shoes cannot be filled. She touched so many people’s lives during her short life. This is a huge loss to our family. She will be so missed.
May she rest in peace.

Article Image Alt Text

Anna LaPointe

Anna LaPointe seeking re-election as Erath Chief of Police

I, Chief Anna LaPointe, would like to say, “ THANK YOU,” to the whole community of Erath for the opportunity to be your Chief Of Police.
I am asking for your help on November 8, 2022, to continue working for you.
Our Police Department does more than just enforce the laws. We also serve our community. Myself and our Officers are constantly training to ensure the safety of our community. I have several training instructors, which include firearms, self-defensive tactics and radar. My number one goal is to keep our community safe.
My door is always open to discuss any concerns you may have. As a lot of you already know I am a 24/7 Chief. I am always here to serve. I have served the Erath community for 16 years, 6 of which as your Chief Of Police.
I have written and received many grants that provided funding for much needed equipment for the Erath Police Department, Officers, and community safety. Some of those items include adding cameras around town in much needed areas such as City Park.
There are over 20 cameras placed throughout our town. There are Cameras in police units as well as body cameras for officers. I work side by side with our officers. I am involved in our community events. I escort for school football games, as well as school field trips around town to make sure our kids are safe. I am at school crossing.
I also volunteer my time for several events. I NEED YOUR HELP SO I CAN CONTINUE TO WORK FOR YOU, TO KEEP OUR COMMUNITY SAFE. Please vote #70 Chief Anna LaPointe.

Paid for by
Anna LaPointe

Article Image Alt Text

Scott Trahan

Scott Trahan running for Alderman in town of Maurice

Hi, my name is Scott Trahan, I’m excited to announce my running for Alderman of Maurice.
My wife, Emily Trahan and I have been married for 27 years. Emily is the grand-daughter of the late Bob and Gladys Trahan. We have three children Hunter, Gage, and Remi Trahan who are all alumni of Vermilion Catholic, and ULL, SLU, and attending LSU.
As a career business owner, I have been the owner-operator of Scott’s Professional Lawn Care for 31 years. In 2007, My wife and I purchased Spic’N’Span Cleaners in Abbeville and later expanded to Kaplan.
I also coached baseball and football at Vermilion Catholic for 9 years.
As a 20+ year resident of Maurice I’ve been impressed with the rapid growth of our town under guidance from our town leadership. As a 30+ year business owner, I’m excited for the opportunity to work with our community leaders to guide our town in a direction where our residents can prosper in this economy we’ve all worked so hard to grow.
To the great people of Maurice, thank you for being my neighbors, friends, customers, business owners, and community.
This year, I hope you give me the opportunity to earn your trust. Vote for me, Scott Trahan, as your Alderman of the town of Maurice on November 8, 2022.

My Perspective

“I believe our community’s work ethic deserves to be rewarded with prosperity.”
As a business owner, father, outdoorsman, and coach, I have always strived to build character and integrity in my children, players, employees, and friends.

Paid for by
Scott Trahan

Article Image Alt Text

Nick Touchet

Nick Touchet announces run for Vermilion Parish School Board in District I

My name is Nick Touchet and I am pleased to announce my candidacy for the newly added District I seat on the Vermilion Parish School Board.
I was born and raised and a lifelong resident of my district. I am married to Alaina Hebert Touchet from Erath, and we have four children, Kennedi (23), John Nick (18), Meg (16) and Ana Kate (10). Our children attend or have attended public schools including Meaux Elementary, North Vermilion Middle School and North Vermilion High School.
It is the love that I have for my community, my passion for protecting our community’s traditions and values, and the future of the schools in our parish that has prompted me to seek the newly formed District I School Board seat.
Our district functions like a family, full of heart. I want to support the progress of not only my district but all districts in Vermilion Parish. I am enthusiastic about a strong focus on community engagement and adequately preparing our students for their future. It is also very important to me that we keep the safety and well-being of each student, teacher, and staff member at the forefront of our decisions.
Because of the magnitude of my entire family’s involvement in the district and parish, I recognize the importance of values and changes in the school system.
Being elected as your school board representative would allow me the opportunity to serve Vermilion Parish at large and specifically District I. I am committed to fostering positive relationships with the school board, administration, teachers, staff, and importantly my constituents. I am committed to spend the time and energy needed to stay informed and active on all issues pertaining to schools in Vermilion Parish.
As the largest employer in Vermilion parish, the school board has the responsibility to oversee the expenditure of local taxpayer dollars. As a businessman, I understand that the role and responsibility as a school board member is important, and I believe decisions should be based on the best interests of the entire community.
At the end of the day, I am not a politician, but a public servant who is ready to accept the responsibility of improving the quality of public education for children of all ages, incomes, and backgrounds in Vermilion Parish. I thoroughly look forward to meeting and talking to everyone in the coming months and listening to the ideas, concerns, and priorities of each voter.
I humbly ask for your support and your vote for Vermilion Parish School Board District I seat on November 8, 2022.

Paid for by
Nick Touchet

Article Image Alt Text

Dr. Tina Stefanski

Fentanyl poses severe threat

The nation is on the downside of the sixth surge of the COVID Omicron variant, monkeypox is on the emerging and fentanyl is a rising deadly threat.
That sums up the message from Dr. Tina Stefanski, regional medical director for the Louisiana Department of Health’s (LDH) Office of Public Health in Acadiana (Region 4).
Stefanski and Stacy Conrad, opioid prevention outreach coordinator for the office of Public Health Region 4, spoke at Wednesday’s Eunice Rotary Club meeting.
Their focus was on fentanyl, a synthetic drug causing an increasing number of deaths.
But Stefanski also provided an update on the infections.
The hope is there will be an effective booster vaccine this fall for the COVID-19 Omicron variant. The vaccine is very protective against severe illness, she said.
As for monkeypox, the first reported case in the U.S. was in May, she said. Since then, there has been close to 16,000 cases in the U.S. and more than 44,000 cases in the world.
In Louisiana, there have been 156 cases of monkeypox and nine cases in Acadiana, she said.
For most infected people, monkeypox is mild and the rash lasts two to four weeks, she said.
Monkeypox transmission is primarily through prolonged intimate contact with an infected person, she said.
Casual contact with an infected person is not likely to cause transmission, she said.
Conrad described a growing fentanyl crisis. In Region 4 comprised of Acadia, Evangeline, Iberia, Lafayette, St. Landry, St. Martin and Vermillion parishes, there were 45 overdose deaths from fentanyl in 2019, 58 in 2020, 69 in 2021 and at least 60 so far this year, she aid.
“It is definitely a problem and these are not overdoses that typically we think people want to end their lives,” she said.
Fentanyl risk is greatest in ages 17 to about 40, she said.
Fentanyl is being found everywhere, she said. The drug is used in counterfeit drugs and, since it is a powder, is found on other drugs such as marijuana.
Fentanyl is 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin.
An amount of fentanyl the size of three or four grains of salt blown across the Rotary group would be fatal within about 15 minutes, she said.
An overdose can be reversed with Narcan — naloxone — that can be obtained at pharmacies.
Dr. John Hamlin, of LSUE, said Narcan is available on the LSUE campus.
Deputy Chief Eddie Thibodeaux, of the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office, said school resource officers are equipped with Narcan.
Police also are often equipped with Narcan.
Even with the use of Narcan, the overdosed person should receive medical care.
Signs someone may be overdosing include:
— Loss of consciousness;
— Lack of response to stimuli;
— Vomiting, nausea and/or diarrhea;
— Choking or gurgling noises;
— Irregular breathing;
— Blue lips or fingernails;
— Confusion or slurred speech; and
— Slowed heart rate.
An information sheet states an overdose person should not be left alone, 911 should be called or text OPIOID to 989-211. Narcan should be administered.

Article Image Alt Text

Principals and Special Guest: (left to right) Karla Langlinais (2009-2020), Rickey Suire Domingues representing her dad, Principal Johnnie Suire (1972-1980), Teddy Broussard (1986-2001), Liz Gremilion (2003-2009) and Andrea Turner Ford (2020-Present). Not pictured are Principals Johnnie Suire, Sherry Trahan (1980-1986), and Ralph Thibodeaux (2001-2003).

Article Image Alt Text

Past Dozier Elementary staff members and guests. Sitting: Linda Norris, Beverly Libersat, Peggy Landry, Telisa Lege, Deana Simon, Liz Perry, Pam Cheek, Cheryl “Pie” Domingues. Standing: Marget Bernard, Susan Maturin, Liz Gremillion, Cheryl DesOrmeaux, Marilyn Dufrene Brantley, Barbara LaPlace (Fisher), Mitzi Turner, Amy Champagne, Delia Girouard, Karla Toups (Langlinais), Gail Lee, Claudell Thibodeaux, Becky Cormier, Nannette Delcambre, Joddy Landry, Tasha Trahan, Dana Comeaux, Patty Broussard, Judy LeBlanc, Karen Blanchette, Cynthia Frederick, and Teddy Broussard.

50th Anniversary celebrated at Dozier Elementary in Erath

ERATH — Dozier Elementary celebrated the 50th Anniversary date of the school’s opening on August 29, 1972. Originally, the celebration was set for Monday, August 29, 2022, but Erath had no school that day due to town electrical issues. Though the celebration was postponed and held on Tuesday, August 30th instead, it didn’t dampen the spirits of the celebration in the least. In 1972, the feeder school was for all students in grades 1st-3rd grade. The doors opened with Principal Johnnie Suire, 29 faculty and staff members, and 271 students in grades, one, two, and three. The school now houses PreK-5th grade.
Principal Andrea Ford and Assistant Principal Jessie Leger, along with the faculty and staff, hosted an anniversary pep rally at 1:00 pm for students and former employees. As part of the unique celebration, the Erath High band, cheerleaders, dance squad, football team, and Bobby the Bobcat were available for the pep rally. Superintendent Tommy Byler, Assistant Superintendents, Paul Hebert, Kimberly Etie, Marc Turner, as well as past administrators, and former Dozier Elementary faculty and staff members were on hand, as well. Erath High student, Coy Frederick was invited to play the National Anthem on his accordion.
Following that event, students headed back to class, while there was a special gathering and cake for former Dozier Elementary faculty, staff, and the special guests in the gym. Fifty years later, five original staff members were present. Those included Marilyn Dufrene Brantley, Judy LeBlanc, Cheryl “Pie” Domingues, Cynthia Frederick, and Beverly Libersat. Rickey Suire Domingues attended in honor of her father Johnnie Suire, who was the first principal when it opened in ’72. Suire passed away in 2010.
Fifty years have since passed since Dozier Elementary opened its doors in August 1972, as a feeder school in Erath. There have been seven principals, seven assistant principals, a number of faculty and staff members, and thousands of students who have passed the doors in five decades.

Article Image Alt Text

Charles (Charlie) Ray Landry

Charles (Charlie) Ray Landry, 77, born on January 30, 1945, went peacefully to his Heavenly home on Wednesday, August 24, 2022, surrounded by family and friends. Charlie was ready to be with his wife, Kaye, and his son, Jeff; he missed them so much and grieved for them daily. He prayed for the day that he would be able to reunite with them and be with his Lord Jesus Christ. He fought a long, tiring and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer for over a year and a half. Most didn’t know he was sick because he didn’t want anyone to feel sorry for him. His body was worn down physically, and he didn’t have the fight to last another single day. Just like he dealt with all his experiences in life, Charlie managed his illness with strength and grace, and wanted to spend as much time with his loved ones as possible. Charlie loved his family, friends, colleagues, and even strangers all the same. He adored his 10 grandchildren more than anything else in the world. They called him “Dancin.” He also had 2 “adopted/ kidnapped” golden retriever fur babies, Brody and Cooper, that he borrowed from his daughter to keep him company while he was sick. They stayed right by his side and followed him everywhere he went. They loved him unconditionally. It was definitely mutual. If you saw Charlie around town, he was always sporting his favorite black Catholic High hat and some type of CHS gear. He was Johnny on the spot when it was time to go watch his grandsons at a Catholic High sporting event, and even if he felt terrible, he pushed through it and never complained. He was a true fighter.
Charlie was born to parents Randolph and Pauline Landry in Kaplan, Louisiana. He graduated from Kaplan High School in 1963. There he played football, basketball and ran track. He also played baseball for American Legion. Charlie was quite the athlete. After graduation he went to McNeese College. Charlie was a member of the M club, he was also Secretary and Treasurer of the M club, and a member of the Kiwanis Club. Charlie was on the McNeese football team, and his position was defensive end. # 87. POW 87 was a nickname given to him by his close college roommate and teammate, RC Slocum. During the years 1963, 1965, and 1967, they were Gulf State Conference Champions. He was so very proud to tell all his old football stories to all his grandsons. His big claim to fame was when he played against Terry Bradshaw and Roger Staubach. The stories always got bigger and better every time he told them. Up until the last few days of his life when he was so ill , he still remained in contact with his best friends and McNeese football buddies, RC Slocum (POW 85) and David Poche ( Saco). They communicated daily to check on each other, pray for each other, and to keep each other upbeat and positive. They all had such a special bond that was formed so many decades ago. Charlie got an undergraduate degree from McNeese in Education and a Master’s degree in Administration and Supervision. Charlie met the love of his life Linda Kaye Smith at McNeese and on August 12, 1967, they married. After college, Charlie went to the Army in 1969 for 6 years of basic training then to advanced training in Fort Dicks, New Jersey. He was awarded outstanding soldier in the cycle. Charlie also started working in the insurance business in 1969 for The Aetna. Ten years later he moved to Louisiana Companies for 20 years as Senior Vice President. In 2018, Charlie retired from Regions Bank as the Vice President of the commercial insurance division. He was always willing to teach someone something new about the business or lend a helping hand. Charlie was a true gentleman and the kind of person you just wanted to be around. He always had a story to tell and a smile on his face. It usually started off around the coffee pot and he would wander around from office to office just to check up on everyone to see how their day was going. He wanted to know about their spouses, their kids, their dogs, their parents…it was never about him. He was a humble man. Charlie was loved by all and was one of a kind. Charlie was raised to be a God fearing man and he loved Jesus. He will be greatly missed by everyone that knew him. If you didn’t get a chance to know him, you truly missed out on a wonderful man. Charlie is survived by his 3 daughters, Leigh Anne Landry, Erin Landry Wright and Kreslyn Jill Pieterse (Jan); grandchildren, Emory and Britton Mayeaux, Cole, Chandler, Bradley and Brooks Wright and Olivia, Christiaan, Chloe, and Caroline Pieterse; brother, Warren Louis Landry (Barbara); nieces, Donna Landry Lavergne, Robin Landry McHugh (Bryan) and Cathy Landry Barry (Tim); as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. Charlie was preceded in death by his loving wife, Linda Kaye Smith Landry; his precious son, Jeffrey Charles Landry; parents, Randolph and Pauline Landry; sister, Theresa Ann Maxwell (Max); in-laws, Glenn and Ruth Smith; brother-in-law, Kendall Scott Smith; sister-in-law, Glenda Smith Shows; brother-in-law, Robert Shows; niece, Anne Shows; and nephew, Patrick Smith. A cremation will take place and there will not be a service at this time per Charlie’s wishes. Our family would like to extend our sincere gratitude and gratefulness to all the staff at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center for the love and support they gave Charlie during his battle with cancer, especially Dr. Daniel Lavie. He was Charlie’s biggest supporter and #1 fan. A big thank you to Dr. Jeff Hyde for keeping his heart in tip top shape. We appreciate all the prayers from everyone that loved Charlie …please keep the prayers coming. This is a huge loss to our family. He was our Rock. In lieu of flowers, family and friends can honor the memory of Charlie by contributing to the Charles Ray and Jeffrey Charles Landry Memorial Scholarship Fund. This scholarship will be established at Catholic High School to support a family who has struggled through the challenges of a cancer diagnosis. Donations can be made by going to the Catholic High School website or by accessing the link below. This is wonderful way to honor Charlie’s generous spirit and allow his legacy to carry forward. He would be so proud to know his loved ones are supporting something that meant so much to him. Memorial and Honorary Gifts - Catholic High School.

Article Image Alt Text

Gueydan, Kaplan men indicted for money laundering, mail fraud

NEW ORLEANS – A Gueydan man and a Kaplan man were two of six people indicted last week by a federal grand jury for conspiracy to commit bank fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
Indicted were Lance M. Vallo, 37, of Gueydan and Grant C. Menard, 35, of Kaplan.
Also arrested were Ryan Mullen of Jayess, Mississippi, Duane Dufrene of Destrahan, Dillilon Arceaux of Marrero, Louisiana and Zeb Sartin of Lafayette, La.
As charged in the indictment, Mullen and Dufrene conspired with Arceneaux, Vallo, Menard, and Sartin to use a number of shell Louisiana companies with no assets to defraud a merchant cash company based in Georgia.
Mullen and Dufrene helped establish Arceneaux, Vallo, Menard, and Sartin as the owners of existing corporations.
Mullen and Dufrene then created fake vendor accounts for the corporations, and Mullen, with the aid of another person, created falsified bank records for the companies. Mullen then used an alias to hold himself out to be a broker for the companies he helped create.
Through the aid of another broker, Mullen supplied the victim merchant cash advance company with the fake vendor accounts and false bank records in order to obtain funding. The victim cash advance company approved the advances and began to electronically wire Arceneaux, Vallo, Menard, and Sartin millions of dollars in advances. Arceneaux, Vallo, Menard, and Sartin laundered a portion of the funds by paying Mullen and Dufrene percentages of the funds.
Arceneaux, Vallo, Menard, and Sartin then closed their non-existent businesses before fully repaying the victim merchant cash advance company, resulting in losses of approximately $6.4 million.
An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted, Mullen, Dufrene, Arceneaux, Vallo, Menard, and Sartin face a maximum sentence of five years on the wire fraud conspiracy, and a maximum sentence of up to 20 years on the money laundering conspiracy. Each defendant faces up to three years of supervised release, and up to a $250,000 fine on the wire fraud counts. For the money laundering counts, each defendant faces up to three years of supervised release and up to a $500,000 fine.
Each count also has a mandatory special assessment fee of $100. A notice of fraud forfeiture filed by the government seeks to forfeit a number of Rolls Royces and Bentleys bought by Mullen.
U.S. Attorney Evans commended the special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and IRS-Criminal Investigation for their handling of the matter. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Edward J. Rivera and Andre Lagarde.

Article Image Alt Text

Shown (L-R) are Deacon Bill and Melissa Vincent, Sylvia Putnam, and Deacon Reed
Bellingham. Putnam received a Champion of Life Award from the Diocese of Lafayette.

Abbeville’s Sylvia Putnam receives Champion of Life Award from Diocese

On Aug. 20, Bishop Douglas Deshotel recognized five remarkable individuals at the 2022 Pro-Life Rose Dinner.
Sylvia Putnam of St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church in Abbeville was among the honorees.
“These individuals have said ‘yes’ to the pro-life movement in the Diocese of Lafayette through their commitment, dedication, and work in protecting the dignity of human life, according to the Diocese of Lafayette.
Putnam supports the Pro-Life activities of St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church and Vermilion Catholic School. In addition, she assists with the efforts of the Christian Service Center and the Vermilion Women’s Resource Center.
According to the Diocese, Putnam exemplifies the pro-life cause by organizing a weekly prayer line, and attending any and all pro-life activities in the community. In addition, she frequently visits the ill and suffering.
Putnam has taught Catechism and is a Eucharistic minister in her church parish. In addition, she recently hosted the Vocations Chalice in her home.
She cared for her husband through 35 years of Parkinson’s disease.
The Diocese posted that Putnam is considered a leader and icon in the Vermilion Parish community.

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