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A Kaplan resident has around 30 chickens and roosters by his house. He mentioned that he breeds them with the intention of selling. In 20 days, he’ll need to figure out which birds to keep and which to let go. A new Kaplan ordinance now permits him to keep just five birds - with a limit of two roosters.

Kaplan adopts new poultry ordinance

Thu, 10/30/2025 - 9:54am

Residents can only own five birds in city limits

In 20 days, a new law will take effect in Kaplan, prohibiting residents from owning more than five poultry within the city limits. On Tuesday, the Kaplan City Council approved a new poultry ordinance limiting the number of poultry each person can own.
The new ordinance states that a person can have no more than five birds at their home. If it is poultry, there can only be two roosters out of the five. It limited the number of roosters because of their crowing.
The new ordinance also carries a stiff $ 200-a-day fine.
Five years ago, poultry owners in Kaplan celebrated after a newly proposed ordinance that would have limited the number of domestic poultry a person could own in Kaplan was voted down by the then-council.
Since that defeat, Kaplan residents could own as many roosters and hens as they could fit in their yard. The old ordinance stated that the birds had to be in cages and could not roam the city.
The phone calls and complaints from residents near those raising 20 to 50 roosters and hens continued.
Kaplan Mayor Mike Kloesel, who first introduced the ordinance that limited the number of fouls a person could have in the city five years ago, brought a different bird ordinance up at last month’s meeting.
The old ordinance, defeated five years ago, said a resident could have only eight birds. The new ordinance now says a resident can only own five birds.
On Tuesday, the city council approved the foul ordinance, with no opposition from bird owners. No one attended the city council meeting, and it was approved unanimously.
“I want to thank this council. Five years ago, the other council fought me and voted against the ordinance,” said Mayor Kloesel.
The new ordinance not only limits the number of birds you can own, but also imposes an expensive fine.
A Kaplan resident who owns at least 30 birds, half roosters and half hens, learned of the new ordinance.
“I have no plans to move my birds,” said the resident who has been raising hens and roosters for the last three years. “I have a lot of money invested in these birds. I can not just get rid of them.”
The resident has at least 15 cages on the side of his house, each containing roosters and hens. He said he makes his money by breeding and selling roosters.
“This is a business for me. I asked my neighbors before I started raising the birds, and at the time, they all gave me the OK. New neighbors have moved in. So, I do not know what is going to happen.”
He and other poultry owners in Kaplan will find out in 20 days.

Councilman Francis Plaisance (second from left) brings up recent shootings during the Abbeville City Council meeting on Oct. 21.

‘What can we do?’

Thu, 10/30/2025 - 9:49am

Concerned with recent shots fired in city, Councilman spurs discussion at meeting

Councilman Francis Plaisance is alarmed by the continued act of shots being fired within the city limits of Abbeville.
Plaisance addressed Chief of Police Mike Hardy during the latter’s comment time during Tuesday’s Abbeville City Council meeting.
“First of all, I think you have the most difficult job in the city,” Plaisance told the chief. “I want to establish that. However, we have a serious, serious crime problem in our city. I know you are aware of that.”
Plaisance, who served on the council from 2006 to ‘22, before returning after a special election earlier this year, said he is concerned that one shot may claim the life of an innocent person.
“We had an elderly lady, 81 years old,” Plaisance said. “A bullet goes through her house and ends up in the headboard. Only because she got up to use the bathroom was she saved. We have bullet holes in houses, and I’m just really concerned that we’re just setting the stage for some bad incident to happen.
“What can we do?”
Hardy said one of the best things that anyone in the community can do is provide information when possible.
“When they see something or hear something,” Hardy said, “report it. The worst thing is to shut your door and forget about it. It’s not going to go away.”
Hardy explained that the department is following up on the incident Plaisance referenced. He said the department is also working closely with the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office and 15th Judicial District Attorney Don Landry’s office under the reactivated Violent Crimes Task Force.
“We are putting this together to have a foundation to lay it out,” Hardy said of potential cases to be made that would follow arrests. “We want to have something saying that this person was shooting at that person. This person is from another part of town and is shooting at the other guys. Who is connected to whom? Who stands in the middle? Who is gaining by these people shooting every night or every other night?”
Hardy said he shares the feelings of frustration and concern.
“I’m sick and tired of it,” Hardy said, “just like you guys are. I know something needs to be done.”
The chief views numerous options as being on the table. That includes the possibility of a curfew, a move Hardy made in February of 2023 after a shooting at a lounge on the La. Hwy. 14 By-Pass that injured four people.
“We may have to start the curfew again,” Hardy said. “I may not be at 8 p.m., but maybe 10 p.m. Anybody on the streets is going to be stopped. It’s something that we have to consider. We want to do our investigative part first. We want to make sure the sheriff’s office knows what’s going on. When we have extra patrols on the road, and we’re stopping people, everybody understands why.”
Mayor Roslyn White said the city is open to any and all help, whether that comes from local, state or federal agencies, including the Violent Crimes Task Force. White added that a major part of the process is suspects being involved in incidents after previously being arrested in other cases.
“Until we all work together,” White said, “we are never going to get these people off the streets, and put them away with cases that keep them locked up. The chief is now working with the sheriff’s office. I have offered that if he wants to dedicate a detective working with the sheriff’s office (with the task force), we will fund that if he decides to move forward.
“We know that once we catch them, we have to prove the case.”
White said she is open to any other ideas that lead to a solution.
“I think one shot being fired in this city is too many,” White said. “We’re way too small, and there’s no way that no one knows what’s going on.”
White thanked Hardy for working with the sheriff’s office.
“I think they bring a lot of resources to the table,” White said. “It’s not that our department can’t do it, but we need all the help we can get.”
Councilwoman Terry Broussard said she contacted Hardy about one of the shootings.
“I spoke to the lady whose house had bullet holes,” Broussard told the chief on Tuesday. “She commended your officers. She was really pleased with their professionalism and with what they had to do. I know we always hear bad, but I wanted to share some good with you.”
Hardy said those situations serve to strengthen trust between the department and the community, which can help build cases. Hardy said the police respond to crimes and shootings, but the community plays a vital role when it comes to information.
“I have people who may not call our department,” Hardy said, “but they will call me. I give out cards to everyone. You have to get information where you can.”
Hardy said neighborhood watch meetings continue, with the effort seeing increased participation.
“These provide information on how to keep safe if you have a crime in your neighborhood,” Hardy said. “Please call us. We are out there every day.”
Plaisance said he appreciated Tuesday’s discussion. Hopefully, it helps avoid a tragedy, he added.
“If an innocent human being at home in bed gets killed,” Plaisance said, “you will hear an outcry from this council and the public like you have never heard before.”

Jude Mire

Abbeville Fire Chief Jude Mire announces retirement date

Thu, 10/30/2025 - 9:37am

He plans to step away on April 24, 2026

Jude Mire began his career at the Abbeville Fire Department nearly 36 years ago, eventually reaching the rank of chief.
Mire has made a decision as to when that career will come to an end.
“On April 24, 2026,” Mire said, “I will be retiring.”
Mire made the announcement during Tuesday’s Abbeville City Council meeting.
“Mayor Brady Broussard hired me on Dec. 3, 1989, to work for the city of Abbeville,” Mire said. “It was one of the best days of my life.”
While not easy, Mire said making the announcement now will make the transition for the department easier. He spoke to Mayor Roslyn White in the days leading up to the meeting.
“The reason that I am giving a six-month notice,” Mire said, “and not a two-week notice, is because civil service takes a while to get someone to take my place.
“Tonight, I would like to give you all that notice.”
An emotional Mire received a positive response from members of a packed audience and the city council, who gave him a standing ovation.
“Thank you, chief,” said Councilman Brady Broussard Jr., the son of the man who hired Mire. “Your service to the city has been admirable. We will certainly miss you, but we know your best days are ahead.”
Mire became fire chief in January of ‘14. Among the highlights of Mire’s tenure is the continued improvement of the city’s fire rating from the Property Insurance of Louisiana. In May, the city received a 2 rating, on a scale of 1 to 10, with one being the highest. It marked the first time the city received such a high mark.
“I want to thank everybody who worked for me,” Mire said. “It’s been some great people. You have a great department, and I know it’s going to have a great leader who takes it into the future.”
Mire also offered a special show of gratitude.
“While I’m standing here, I want to thank my wife,” Mire said, fighting back the highest level of emotion of the night.
White thanked Mire.
“We met last week,” White said. “He told me he was planning to tell you all at this meeting. I told him to make sure he was sure before he announced.”
Mire reiterated that he is certain about his decision after someone asked him if he would consider changing his mind before next spring.
“My wife and I talked about it,” Mire said. “I’m not changing my mind.”

Make! Bake! Cake!

Thu, 10/30/2025 - 9:32am

IT’S CAKE TIME!
Days are temperate. Nights are cool. The oven will not bother anyone, least of all you.
It’s time to gather recipes for cakes to be baked throughout the holidays. Start making samples now.

ADVICE QUADRUPLED

# 1 Grease thoroughly. Spray or grease pan or try cake release. There are many choices. Pound cake pans must be well coated or your beautiful, delicious cake will come out in chunks.

# 2 Measure carefully. Sifting is a sure way to achieve success. But you can just measure your flour into a separate bowl before adding it to recipe. I shake my flour between 2 cups of the size that recipe calls for.

# 3 Don’t overmix. Overmixing leads to a heavy or rubbery cake.
# 4 Keep it moist is the Golden Rule. An unwelcomed, dry cake is more often caused by over baking. The cake will keep baking until it is no longer piping hot. Bake only until cake springs back when patted lightly and a toothpick or cake tester comes out clean. I bought a pack of 3 metal testers lately. A tester is a perfect tool for its job and a good addition to your baking supplies.

TWO STEP POUND CAKE

A perfectly baked cake is heavenly.
And it can be so easily done.

Step # 1 Gather ingredients and mix.

Step # 2 Pour into pan and bake.

INGREDIENTS

-4 cups flour
-3 cups sugar
-2 cups unsalted butter, softened
-3/4 cup milk
-6 large eggs
-2 tsp almond flavoring or 2 tsp vanilla or 1 tsp of each

MISE EN PLACE

-Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
-Spray pan well with regular cooking spray and flour or cake releaser.*
-Layer ingredients in this order: flour, then sugar, butter, milk, eggs,and flavoring (in that order) into a large bowl of a heavy-duty stand mixer.
-Beat at low speed for 1 minute, stopping to scrape down sides.
-Beat at medium speed for 2 minutes.
-Pour into greased pan and smooth the top.
-Bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.
-Cool in pan on wire rack for 10 minutes.
-Remove cake from pan onto the wire rack.
-Let cool for about 1 hour.

*The name brand Cake Release almost guarantees you a winner especially when dealing with pound cake in the tube pan. With just almond flavoring, this cake is perfection, one of my favorites.

EASY CAJUN CHOCOLATE PECAN PIE

Pecans make anything good.
Cajun dishes are usually good also.

INGREDIENTS

-1 cup sugar
-1/2 cup flour
-1/2 cup unsalted butter*
-1 cup pecans
-1 cup chocolate chips
-2 eggs, lightly beaten
-1 unbaked deep-dish pie crust

MISE EN PLACE

-Place raw pie crust into 9” pie pan.
-Mix ingredients well in a large bowl.
-Pour into unbaked pie crust
-Bake for 50 minutes.

*I always bake with whatever butter is in the fridge. There’s not enough butter in the amount asked for in the recipe to affect the results.

ALMOST CAJUN CHOCO/PECAN PIE

Very close to previous recipe
Corn syrup provides distinctive flavor
Has pecans so is good

INGREDIENTS

-2 (1/2 oz) squares unsweetened chocolate (baker’s chocolate 100% cacao*)
-2 tbsp butter
-3 large eggs
-1/2 cup sugar
-3/4 cup dark corn syrup
3/4 cup pecan halves
-1 (9 inch) uncooked pie crust

MISE EN PLACE

-Place raw pie crust in 9” pie pan.
-Melt chocolate and butter together in saucepan over low heat.
-Stir until smooth.
-Beat together eggs, sugar, chocolate mixture, and corn syrup.
-Add pecan halves.
-Mix until all ingredients blended.
-Pour into pie crust.
-Bake until just set, about 40 to 50 minutes.

Cacao is the unprocessed version of the cocoa bean. Cocoa is pressed at high temperatures, which reduces nutrient content but creates a milder, sweeter taste than cacao.

ON BEING CAJUN

Being Cajun had been on my mind the last few weeks, and I have a story that never leaves my mind.
Several years ago, at Boo’s Nichols’ Agri-Business gathering, I was introduced by a fellow classmate of his (from Raceland) as “Boo’s wife. She has the worst Cajun accent in the world.” Worst! I was mortified! I consider my Cajun accent “pronounced,” and I would have walked away without a second thought without “worst” as the adjective. For a brief amount of time I allowed this one word to identify myself. I was considering a career change and thought that elocution classes would polish my “accent” before starting again in the job market. When I shared this with my dear friend, Beth Hebert, she told me in her calm and caring voice that it would be a huge mistake. She suggested that if I really wanted a change I should consider the Louisiana tourist industry, where my accent would be a plus. I finally realized that a prominent Cajun accent can be an asset. In this column, my accent is nonexistent, as only my Cajun colloquialisms give me away.

Jusqu’a la semaine prochaine!

billielandry@iosinces.com

Hobgoblins may still lurk, but no Sabbats

Wed, 10/29/2025 - 9:33am

At Halloween we think about ghosts and goblins and strange things that go bump in the night, but there’s one of those spooky phenomena that we don’t have to worry about anymore.
A memoir written about 1901 and attributed to Judge Joseph Arsenne Breaux tells us that “there are no longer any Sabbats,“ and that their disappearance made it “all the more important to gather what old timers tell of these astonishing apparitions.”
The unsigned memoir, written in French, was found among Judge Breaux’s papers and donated to the Louisiana State Museum after his death in 1926. It records what are presumed to be the judge’s memories of south Louisiana folkways in the middle to late 1800s. Breaux, a native of Iberville Parish, was an associate justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court from 1890 to 1904 and chief justice from 1904 to 1914.
The manuscript was edited in 1932 by Tulane professor Jay K. Ditchy and published as Les Acadiens Louisianais et leur parler (Paris, 1932). In 1966, George F. Reinecke translated and edited parts of Ditchy’s work and published them as “Early Louisiana French and Folklore” in a special issue of Louisiana Folklore Miscellany (Volume II, 1966).
According to the memoir, Sabbats were bands of “hook-nosed wrinkled old women, men of bad repute and strange appearance, and loose-moraled young people” who used magical whirlwinds and other devices to carry away the innocent.
“At the beginning of the last century [the 1800s] there were still a multitude of these phenomena, as well as wizards and little devils dancing in the deep forest of St. Martinville, the uninhabited areas of St. Landry, the woods near Grand Lake Verret, etc.,” Judge Breaux wrote.
“Aerial singing and melancholy cries were heard on misty nights in winter, joined to the loud strains of musical instruments.” From up in the air would come the sound of dogs barking, screams, and laughter. This was “the devil’s Sabbath” passing by, sometimes stopping in an isolated place for a nocturnal meal and to dance “infernal round-dances.”
A traveler passing by the place would be stopped by an invisible hand. He would hear “strange noise and rustlings, shouts, and laughter in the depth of the woods. At dawn, cloven footprints could be seen. … [Sometimes] women’s shoes, broomsticks, and the leftovers of a banquet were found in places just vacated by the devils, sorcerers, and witches.”
The judge recounted the tale of a man who, in 1785, “was chased one night by one of these infernal bands and said he had clearly seen men and women pass above him, up in the air.”
The man said he even recognized one of the men, whom he questioned the next Sunday after church. “The devils carried me off,” the friend said. Then, according to Judge Breaux, “The neighbors separated only after secrets had changed hands, secrets which [were] never revealed.”
But, if the Sabbats were gone, there were still other things to worry about, according to the memoir.
“People still believe to some extent in sorcerers, spells, and certain imaginary beings, like the lutin (hobgoblins), who enjoy tormenting men and animals. Fortunes are told by means of certain ridiculous practices. Marvelous cures are believed in and attempted; these work through the agency of mysterious words, … secret remedies, and assistance from sleepwalkers and guerisseurs or healers.”
Even as late as 1901, Judge Breaux asserted, “I know some prominent people who firmly believe that with one word, touch, or wink, sorcerers work on livestock and make them sickly or cause their death. They assert that a certain powder can kill men and animals, and cause the crops to fail.”
And, of course, the feu follet and loup garou may still be on the prowl “in the deep forest of St. Martinville,” or maybe right in the middle of town.
You can contact Jim Bradshaw at jimbradshaw4321@gmail.com or P.O. Box 1121, Washington LA 70589.

Ryan Abshire (Principal), Sabrina Langley (Assistant Principal), Alexander Landry (Student of the Year), and Justin Simon (Assistant Principal).

lexander Landry named J.H. Williams Middle School’s Student of the Year

Wed, 10/29/2025 - 9:32am

Alexander Landry is J.H. Williams Middle School’s 2025 - 2026 Student of the Year! Alexander’s outstanding academic achievements are matched by his passion for cultural enrichment through Lache Pas, where he enjoys learning about Cajun music and exploring new instruments. A dedicated member of the JHW Band, Alexander continues to shine both in and out of the classroom. His leadership and teamwork skills are further highlighted through his involvement in the nationally qualifying BETA Leadership teams, making him a true example of excellence and well-rounded success.

Cecil Picard Elementary’s 2025-2026 Student of the Year — Ridge Ramsey.

Cecil Picard Elementary Student of the Year

Wed, 10/29/2025 - 9:28am

Cecil Picard Elementary is proud to announce their 2025-2026 Student of the Year — Ridge Ramsey.
We are incredibly proud of Ridge for his hard work, leadership, and outstanding character.
He truly represents what it means to be a Jr. Patriot - respectful, responsible, and always striving for excellence!
Ridge will go on to represent Cecil Picard Elementary at the district level.

The Woman's Club of Abbeville contributed to the disaster relief efforts following the flood disaster that occurred in Kerr County, Texas on the Fourth of July 2025.

Members of the Woman's Club of Abbeville

Abbeville Womens Club disaster relief efforts following July 4th Texas flood

Wed, 10/29/2025 - 9:24am

The Woman's Club of Abbeville contributed to the disaster relief efforts following the flood disaster that occurred in Kerr County, Texas on the Fourth of July 2025.
The club donated cleaning supplies from a Brookshire Grant secured by Jolene Gibbs, Past President of GFWC Louisiana. An 18-wheeler filled with these, and other supplies departed from Abbeville to assist affected victims.
The GFWC National Day of Service was held on September 22-26, 2025. This year’s theme are projects related to domestic violence abuse and prevention. Woman’s Club of Abbeville collected personal sized toiletries to be given to Faith House. Woman’s Club of Abbeville also joined with other clubs throughout the state to donate additional items to Faith House at the GFWC Fall State Board Meeting on September 25, 2025.

Frances Toups Pere’

Wed, 10/29/2025 - 9:17am

November 18, 1937 ~ October 25, 2025

ABBEVILLE- A Memorial Mass honoring the life of Frances Toups Pere,’ 87, who passed away on October 25, 2025, will be held at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church, 300 Pere Megret St., Abbeville, on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at 10 a.m. Reverend Daniel Picard will officiate the Mass. The family request visiting will began at 9:30 AM at the church. Her burial will be at a later date and private.
Frances was born and raised in Kaplan, graduated from Kaplan High School, then she attended LSU and graduated in 1958. She married Frenzel “Jude” Pere’ on August 16, 1960. Jude preceded her in death on May 7, 2019. Frances is survived by her daughter Susan P. Pereira and her husband David; her grandchildren, Catherine and Michael. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jude, her daughter, Jill Marie Pere; parents, Yolande Tilly Toups and Leo F. Toups and sister, Margaret Cole.
Special thanks to Lynn Ozenne, Marion “Cottye” Peters and Rene Rideaux for the special Love and care they gave to her over the last few years.
In lieu of flowers the family request memorial donations may be made to Vermilion Catholic High School, 425 Park Avenue Abbeville, LA 70510 in memory of Frances T. Pere.’
Arrangements have been entrusted to Vincent Funeral Home of Abbeville (337) 893-4661.

Dennis LeBlanc, Jr.

Wed, 10/29/2025 - 9:16am

August 15, 1949 ~ October 25, 2025

ABBEVILLE — It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Dennis LeBlanc, Jr., who left us peacefully on October 25, 2025, at the age of 76. Born on August 15, 1949, in Abbeville, LA.
A funeral service will be held at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. Dennis will be laid to rest at the St Paul Cemetery with Deacon William "Bill" Vincent officiating. Family and friends are invited to pay their respects during visitation at Vincent Funeral Home of Abbeville on Friday, October 31, 2025, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., A rosary will be prayed at 7 p.m on Friday. Visitation will continue on Saturday, November 1, 2025, from 8 a.m. until 11:15 a.m. when the procession will depart for the church. Pallbearers will be Gerald Thibodeaux, David Richard, Donald Richard, Robert Comeaux, Christopher Comeaux, and Ricky Richard. Honorary pallbearers include Lawrence Roy and Ron Gary.
Dennis is survived by his loving wife, Denise Broussard LeBlanc; his stepson, Donald Richard; and his grandchildren who he loved being “Gramps” to, David, Emma, and Kayleigh Richard. He also leaves behind his dear sisters, Mary Alice Thibodeaux (Gerald) and Shirley Eve LeBlanc.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Dennis and Laurence (Clostio) LeBlanc, as well as his sister, Felicia Ann Trahan, and her husband, Edward Steve Trahan.
Dennis dedicated 40 years of his life to Riviana Rice Mill, where he made lasting friendships and contributed greatly to the community. A true family man, he had a passion for baking-especially whipping up those special birthday cakes-and had a remarkable green thumb, always growing gorgeous flowers and delicious vegetables in his garden. Dennis loved spending time outdoors, whether he was camping, enjoying the beach, or just hanging out with his family. His grandchildren were the apple of his eye, and he loved every moment spent with them.
The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to Calcutta House for the compassionate care they provided to Dennis during his time of need. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
All funeral arrangements are being conducted by Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville (337) 893-4661.

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Kaplan adopts new poultry ordinance

‘What can we do?’

Abbeville Fire Chief Jude Mire announces retirement date

Make! Bake! Cake!

Hobgoblins may still lurk, but no Sabbats

lexander Landry named J.H. Williams Middle School’s Student of the Year

Cecil Picard Elementary Student of the Year

Abbeville Womens Club disaster relief efforts following July 4th Texas flood

Frances Toups Pere’

Dennis LeBlanc, Jr.

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