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Ramsie Kate Baumgardner

Mon, 01/24/2022 - 4:02pm

January 13, 2004 ~ January 23, 2022

MAURICE — A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, January 26, 2022 at St. Alphonsus Roman Catholic Church honoring the life of Ramsie Kate “Ram” Baumgardner, 18, who entered into eternal life on Sunday, January 23, 2022 after a tragic automobile accident in Vermilion Parish.
She will be laid to rest at St. Alphonsus Cemetery with Reverend Paul Bienvenu officiating the services.
Pallbearers will be Riley Baumgardner, Ethan Wiltz, Benny Wiltz, Ryan Wiltz, Brandon Baumgardner, Brett Baumgardner, and Landon Babineaux. Honorary pallbearers are members of the North Vermilion High School Senior Class of 2022.
Ramsie was a senior at North Vermilion High School and had planned to attend the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in August. She had worked at Louisiana Cajun Mansion Bed and Breakfast and was currently working for RiverFront Seafood Restaurant. While she excelled in the classroom and participated in many school events, Ramsie will be remembered more for her joie de vivre- a beautiful soul and full-of-life ball of fire with a heart of gold, an infectious laugh, a bubbly personality, and a beautiful smile.
Ramsie is survived by her father, Brian Baumgardner and second mom, Kristi; mother and second dad, Ali and Clay Vincent; loving siblings, Riley Baumgardner, Eleanor Vincent, Kayli Navarre (Robert), Madison Abshire (Tre), and Landon Babineaux; grandparents, Iris and Jackie Baumgardner, Bernard and Molly Wiltz, Jackie Vincent, Eric and Karen Mouton, and James LeBlanc; Old Nanny, Sydney Mire; nephew, Anderson Abshire; numerous cousins, aunts and uncles; a community of friends; and her devoted cat, Bree.
Ramsie, was preceded in death by her maternal grandmother Evelyn Leblanc.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville, 209 S. St. Charles St., on Tuesday, January 25, 2022 from 4:00 PM until 9:00 PM with a rosary being prayed at 6:30 PM; Wednesday, January 26, 2022 from 8:00 AM until 12:30 PM.
Ramsie’s final act of kindness was fulfilled with her wish to be a LOPA donor. Her family would like to thank all emergency first responders at the scene, the ER and the ICU staffs at Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center, LOPA, the community of Vermilion Parish, and all who have reached out with prayers and support. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or https://www.stjude.org/donate.
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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Ramsie Baumgardner, with her father, Brian, at North Vermilion's homecoming this school year. She was killed in a head-on collision Saturday night on La. 167.

North Vermilion senior killed in head-on collision on La. 167

Sun, 01/23/2022 - 2:40pm
Driver of other vehicle also killed

Vermilion Parish – Shortly after 9:30 p.m. on January 23, 2022, Louisiana State Police Troop I began investigating a two-vehicle crash on US Highway 167 near Lurby Road in Vermilion Parish. The crash ultimately claimed the life of 18-year-old Ramsie Baumgardner of Maurice and 31-year-old Brandon Isaac of Carencro.
Ramsie is a senior at North Vermilion High School.
The preliminary investigation revealed a 2015 Kia Optima, driven by Baumgardner, was traveling south on US 167. At the same time, a 2015 Chrysler 300, driven by Isaac, was traveling north in the southbound lane of US 167. Isaac’s Chrysler struck the Kia head-on in the inside lane.

Troopers determined Baumgardner and Isaac were restrained at the time of the crash. Both drivers were transported to a local hospital in critical condition where they both succumb to their injuries. Toxicology samples were taken from the drivers and results are pending. This crash remains under investigation.

Troop I has investigated 2 fatal crashes resulting in 3 deaths since the beginning of 2022.

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Joseph “Joey” Boneski

Joseph Boneski running for Abbeville Chief of Police

Sun, 01/23/2022 - 12:01am

Hello, my name is Joseph “Joey” Boneski and I’m happy to announce my candidacy for the office of Abbeville Chief of Police.
I was born in Abbeville at Abbeville General Hospital and raised in the rural community of Henry, LA. I am a 1986 graduate of Henry High School and shortly after at the age of 18 became a reserve officer at the Abbeville Police Department. In 1990 I was hired as a full time police officer and quickly rose through the ranks. In 1995 I was promoted to sergeant and in 2000 to the rank of lieutenant. I retired with 25 years of full time service in 2015 but remained with the department as a reserve/part time officer until 2021 when I left the department to pursue the office of Chief of Police.
I reside in Abbeville with my wife Jinky Soligan Boneski and three children, Michael, Elizabeth, and Joseph III.
My duties included:
. Patrol Supervisor
. Special Events Coordinator
. Training and Equipment
. Field Training Coordinator
. Police Explorers Supervisor
. Community Policing
. Child Safety Seat
Inspection/Installation
. Police Chaplain
. Reserve Police Commander
. Louisiana Police and Fire
Civil Service Board Member
. Fraternal Order of Police
Board Member
When elected as Chief of Police, I intend to move the City of Abbeville forward with transparency in the department through community policing and being proactive in all aspects of the department.
Our community deserves enforcement of all crime that interrupts our daily lives such as traffic, noise complaints, panhandlers, fireworks, shootings, misdemeanors and felonies with a well managed department capable of handling all aspects. I intend to be available to all who need it with an open door policy to all.
I look forward to meeting everyone discussing the concerns and solutions to the problems we face in our community. I will be honored to have your support in the election for Abbeville Chief of Police March 26, 2022.

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48th Vermilion Parish 4-H Livestock Show successful

Sun, 01/23/2022 - 12:01am
Sale of animals totaled $137,189

The 48th Annual Vermilion Parish 4-H Livestock Show and Sale was a great success. It involved 139 young people who exhibited 272 head of livestock (beef, sheep, goats, dairy, swine) and 57 poultry entries.
This event is organized by the LSU AgCenter Extension Service and was held January 14-15, 2022, at the Cecil McCrory Exhibit Building in Abbeville.
The sale of market animals totaled $137,189.50 A total of 58 market hogs sold with an average of $ 8.52 per pound, 24 market lambs sold with an average of $ 6.90 per pound, and two commercial heifers sold with an average of $ 3,750 per head.
Additional funds were raised for: the Vermilion 4-H Foundation, $ 4,100.00; $1,200 for the Vermilion 4-H Junior Leader Club; $2,300 for the 4-H Swine Project and $19,108 for The Kaylee McLain Scholarship Fund and a donation from Gulf Coast Bank in the amount of $1,040.
The Champion Market Hog Awards are sponsored by Kenneth Primeaux. The Overall Grand Champion Market Hog was exhibited by Kennedy Marceaux of Kaplan High School. It was purchased by Sheriff Mike Couvillon for $13.00 per pound.
The Overall Reserve Champion Market Hog was exhibited by Katie Domingue of Erath High. It was purchased by Abbeville Electric and sold for $13.00 per pound.
The Champion Vermilion Bred Market Hog was shown by Amelia Detraz or Kaplan High School. It was purchased by for $15 per pound and purchased by St. Mary Sugar and Errol Domingues.
The Reserve Champion Vermilion Bred Market Hog was shown by Lane Primeaux of Kaplan High School. It was sold for $11 per pound and purchased by State Senator Ryan Bourriaque. Reserve Champion Market Hog awards are sponsored in Memory of Kaylee McLain by Ayla Baugh.
The Overall Grand Champion Market Lamb was exhibited by Everette Hulin of Erath Middle School.
It was sold to Savoy Electric for $12 per pound. The Overall Reserve Champion Market Lamb was also shown by Everette Hulin.

SWINE SHOWMANSHIP:

The Kaylee McLain Overall Champion Swine Showman Buckle was won by Paityn Martin of Rene Rost Middle School.

9-10 Years Old (Buckle sponsored in memory of Jane Menard) -----1st place & Belt Buckle Winner, Hadley Dumond, Forked Island-E. Broussard Elementary; 2nd place, Durks Dumond, Forked Island-E. Broussard Elementary; 3rd place, Royce Agilar, Forked Island-E. Broussard Elementary; 4th place, Noah Broussard, Forked Island-E. Broussard Elementary; and 5th place, Brianna Primeaux, Kaplan Elementary.

11-12 Years Old (Buckle sponsored by Dewey Domingues, Southern Sugar) -----1st place & Belt Buckle winner, Jace LaCoste, Erath Middle; 2nd, Camille Marceaux, Rene Rost Middle; 3rd, Cooper Miller, Forked Island-E. Broussard Elementary; 4th, Hogun Sherman, Erath Middle; 5th, Kinley Lange, Cecil Picard Elementary.

13-14 Years Old (Buckle sponsored by Brady and Alicia Domingue and Savoie Electric) -----1st place and Belt Buckle Winner, Paityn Martin, Rene Rost Middle; 2nd place, Emily-Grace Roden, Kaplan High; 3rd place, Hallie Primeaux, Kaplan High; 4th place, Owen Marceaux, Rene Rost Middle; and 5th place, Addyson Stelly, Forked Island-E. Broussard Elementary.

15 & 16 Years Old-----(Buckle sponsored by Dronet’s Floor Gallery) 1st place and Belt Buckle Winner, Riley LaCoste, Erath High; 2nd place, Ellie Marceaux, Kaplan High School; 3rd place, Lane Primeaux, Kaplan High School; 4th place, Kinsey Waits, North Vermilion High; 5th place, Charly Beth Menard, Kaplan High School.

17 Years and Older----(Buckle sponsored by G & H Outdoor Store) 1st place and Belt Buckle Winner, Ty Hebert, Kaplan High School; 2nd place, Katie Domingue, Erath High School; 3rd place, Amelia Detraz, Kaplan High School; 4th place, Carter Broussard, Erath High School.

BREEDING SWINE:

The Overall Grand Champion Breeding Gilt was a Commercial Gilt, shown by Katie Domingue of Erath High School.

Cooper Miller of Forked Island-E. Broussard Elementary showed the Overall Champion Breeding Gilt with his Yorkshire gilt. Hallie Primeaux of Kaplan High School showed the Reserve Champion Breeding Gilt with her Yorkshire gilt. The Overall Champion and Champion Vermilion Bred Breeding Hogs were shown by Cooper Miller of Forked Island-E. Broussard Elementary.

The Champion Breeding Gilt, Champion and Reserve Commercial Gilt Awards were sponsored by First South Farm Credit. The Reserve Champion Breeding Gilt was sponsored by Wayne and Rhonda Miller.

MARKET HOGS:

Hadley Dumond of Forked Island-E. Broussard Elementary, showed the Division Champion and Reserve Division Market White Hog.

In the Market AOB Division, Hallie Primeaux of Kaplan High showed the Division Champion. Paityn Martin, Rene Rost Middle showed the Reserve Division AOB Market Hog. Cooper Miller, Forked Island-E. Broussard Elementary showed the Division Champion and Reserve Champion AOB Market Hog.

In the Market Barrow Division, Kennedy Marceaux showed the Division Champion and Reserve Division Champion Market Barrow Hog. The Division Champion Vermilion Bred Market Barrow was shown by Amelia Detraz, Kaplan High School. Lane Primeaux showed the Reserve Division Champion Vermilion Bred Market Barrow.

In the Market Dark Division, Katie Domingue, Erath High showed the Division Champion Market Dark Hog. Kennedy Marceaux, Kaplan High showed the Division Reserve Champion Market Dark Hog. Lane Primeaux, Kaplan High, showed the Division Vermilion Bred Champion Market Dark Hog.

The Champion Market Hog award was sponsored by Kenneth Primeaux. The Reserve Champion Market Hog award was sponsored in memory of Kaylee McLain by Ayla Baugh.

SHEEP SHOWMANSHIP:

9-11 Years Old: (Buckle sponsored by Ethan Goutierrez in memory of his Dad, Garrett Goutierrez and Grandfather, Ned Goutierrez) - 1st, Addisyn Meaux, Rene Rost Middle School; 2nd, Garrett Goutierrez, Dozier Elementary; 3rd, Averi Guidry, Rene Rost Middle School; 4th, Koen Breaux, Gueydan High School; 5th, Brinley Saltzman, Kaplan Elementary, 6th, Tate Guidry, Gueydan High; 7th, Jax Guidry, Jesse Owens Elementary; 8th, Brennan Vidalier, Forked Island-E. Broussard Elementary and 9th Rain Housend, Kaplan Elementary.

12-14 Years Old: (Buckle sponsored in Memory of Guy LeDoux) - 1st, Emily Vidalier, Forked Island-E. Broussard Elementary; 2nd; Everette Hulin, Erath Middle School; 3rd, Lane Goutierrez, Erath Middle School; 4th, Asa Guidry, Gueydan High School; 5th, Taven Housend, Rene Rost Middle.

15 Years and Older: (Buckle sponsored by Benny Goutierrez, Benny G’s Feed & Farm Supply) - 1st, Ava Breaux, Gueydan High School; 2nd, Kaylee Trahan, Kaplan High School; 3rd, Ava Petry, Kaplan High School and 4th, Stormie Housend, At-Large.

BREEDING SHEEP:

The Champion Commercial Ewe was shown by Emily Vidalier of Forked Island-E. Broussard Elementary. Brinley Saltzman of Kaplan Elementary showed the Reserve Champion and Champion Vermilion Bred Commercial Ewe.

The Champion Babydoll Southdown and Champion Vermilion Bred Babydoll Southdown Ewe were shown by Taven Housend of Rene Rost Middle School. The Overall Reserve Champion and Reserve Champion Vermilion Bred Babydoll Southdown Ewe was shown by Addisyn Meaux, Rene Rost Middle. The awards were sponsored by Brady and Tara Meaux.

The Champion AOB Breeding Ewe and Reserve Champion Breeding Ewe were shown by Emily Vidalier, Forked Island-E. Broussard Elementary. The Champion Vermilion Bred AOB Breeding Ewe was shown by Brinley Saltzman, Kaplan Elementary.

The Champion Commercial Ewe was shown by Emily Vidalier, Forked Island-E. Broussard Elementary. The Reserve Champion and Champion Vermilion Bred Commercial Ewe was shown by Brinley Saltzman, Kaplan Elementary. Commercial Ewe Awards were sponsored by Corey and Shannon Vidalier.

MARKET LAMBS:

The Champion Market Lamb award was sponsored in memory of J. G. “Ken” Broussard. Ethan Goutierrez of Erath High School showed the Overall Champion Market Lamb. Emily Vidalier of Forked Island-E. Broussard Elementary exhibited the Champion Vermilion Bred Market Lamb.

The Reserve Champion Market Lamb award was sponsored in memory of Fred Zaunbrecher by High & Sherry Zaunbrecher. Everette Hulin of Erath Middle School showed the Reserve Champion Market Lamb. The Reserve Champion Vermilion Bred Market Lamb was shown by Coleen Perrin of Rene Rost Middle School.

GOAT SHOWMANSHIP: (Buckle sponsored by Ayla Baugh)

Winners in the 13 and under Goat Showmanship were: 1st and Belt Buckle Winner, Cheyenne Earnest, LeBlanc Elementary; 2nd, Kole Cantonwine, ARCH; 3rd, Mathiew Breaux, Maltrait Memorial Catholic School; 4th, Emily Vidalier, Forked Island-E. Broussard Elementary; 5th Coen Trahan, Forked Island-E. Broussard Elementary.

Goat Showmanship winners in the 14 years and older category were: 1st and Belt Buckle Winner, Kobe Earnest, Erath High School; 2nd, Ahlia Trahan, Kaplan High; 3rd, Karli Broussard, Kaplan High School; 4th, Morgan Breaux, Kaplan High School; 5th Katie Romero, Kaplan High; 6th, Kelsey Falgout, Kaplan High School.

BREEDING GOATS:

The Grand Champion and Champion Vermilion Bred Commercial Doe was shown by Katie Romero of Kaplan High School. Katie also exhibited the Reserve Champion and Reserve Champion Vermilion Bred Commercial Doe.

The Champion Market Goat was shown by Everette Hulin of Erath Middle School. The Champion Market Goat Award was sponsored by Ayla Baugh.

The Champion AOB Dairy Buck was shown by Ahlia Trahan, Kaplan High School.

Ahlia Trahan, Kaplan High School, exhibited the Grand Champion AOB Dairy Doe. Kobe Earnest, Erath High School, showed the Reserve Champion AOB Dairy Doe. Champion AOB Dairy Awards were sponsored by Ayla Baugh.

The Champion and Champion Vermilion Bred Nigerian Dwarf Buck was shown by Morgan Breaux, Kaplan High School. The Reserve Champion Nigerian Dwarf Buck was shown by Shealynn Istre, Indian Bayou Elementary.

The Champion and Reserve Champion Nigerian Dwarf Breeding Doe were shown by Kobe Earnest, Erath High School. The Reserve Champion Nigerian Dwarf Breeding Doe was shown by Ahlia Trahan, Kaplan High School. The Reserve Champion Vermilion Bred Nigerian Dwarf Breeding Doe was shown by Cheyenne Earnest, LeBlanc Elementary. Nigerian Dwarf Goat awards were sponsored by Jeremiah and Manda Earnest.

The Champion Meat Goat was shown by Katie Romero of Kaplan High School.

The Champion Commercial Doe was shown by Katie Romero, Kaplan High School. The Reserve Champion Commercial Doe was shown by Emily Vidalier, Forked Island-E. Broussard Elementary. The awards were sponsored by Ayla Baugh.

BEEF SHOWMANSHIP:

The Denise Gastal Memorial Award belt buckle for Overall Champion Beef Showman was won by Ty Hebert of Kaplan High School.

9-10 Years Old (Sponsored by Randy Broussard) –---- 1st and Buckle Winner was Anna-Kate Stelly of Vermilion Catholic High School Lower Campus, 2nd, Isabella Choate, Forked Island-E. Broussard Elementary; and 3rd, Turner Dupuis, Meaux Elementary; and 4th, Dax Perrin, Kaplan Elementary School and 5th, Cade Broussard, Meaux Elementary; 6th Jett Andrus, Meaux Elementary; 7th, Aubrey Picou, Maltrait Memorial Catholic School; 8th, Emma Hebert, 7th Ward Elementary; and 9th, Braxton Demette, ARCH.

11-12 Years Old (Buckle sponsored in memory of Freddie LeMaire, Jr. by The Gaspard Family and Scottie Lemaire) ----- 1st and Belt Buckle Winner, Emma Trahan, Forked Island-E. Broussard Elementary; 2nd, Mason Andrus, Meaux Elementary; 3rd, Jillian Hebert, Gueydan High; 4th, Addyson Trahan, Forked Island-E. Broussard Elementary; 5th, Ridge Andrus, Meaux Elementary and 6th, Dax Broussard, Meaux Elementary; 7th, Kylie Mouton, ARCH; and 8th, Faith Zaunbrecher, ARCH.

13-14 Years Old-----(Buckle sponsored in Memory of Jeffrey Faulk, Senior) 1st, & Belt Buckle Winner, Alyssa Gaspard, Kaplan High School; 2nd, Isaac Duhon, Kaplan High School; 3rd, Paityn Martin, Rene Rost Middle School; 4th, Luke McLain, Vermilion Catholic High Lower Campus; and 5th, Lily Perrin, Rene Rost Middle School; 6th, Jillian Broussard, North Vermilion High; and 7th, Addyson Stelly, Forked Island-E. Broussard Elementary.

15 -16 Years Old- (Buckle sponsored in memory of Teenie Man and Flo Hebert) (1st Split) --1st and Belt Buckle Winner, Allen McLain, Vermilion Catholic High; 2nd, Drake Carlin, Kaplan High School; 3rd, Morgan Meaux, Kaplan High School; 4th, Tayler Guidry, Gueydan High School; 5th, Lane Frederick, Abbeville High School; 6th, Braden Deculus, North Vermilion High; 7th Emma Lege, Vermilion Catholic High; 8th, Lane Primeaux; 8th, Henry Duplantis, Erath High; and 10th, Lane Demette, ARCH.

17 & Older ----- (Buckle sponsored in memory of Gary Mayard by his daughters Jessa and Gina and grandchildren, Ava Grace, Manning, and Reese) ---- 1st, Ty Hebert, Kaplan High School; 2nd, Abbie Mouton, Abbeville High; 3rd, Kayleigh Istre, Harvest Time Christian Academy; 4th, Lillie Thibodeaux, Vermilion Catholic High; 5th, Adrian Carlin, Kaplan High; and 6th, Britlynn Durke, Vermilion Catholic High.

BREEDING BEEF SHOW

The Division Champion Brahman-Influence Commercial Heifer was shown by Jillian Hebert, Gueydan High School. The Division Reserve Champion Brahman-Influence Commercial Heifer was shown by Kylie Mouton, ARCH 4-H.

The Division Champion Non-Brahman-Influence Commercial Heifer was shown by Grant Vaughn, Vermilion Catholic High School. The Division Reserve Champion Non-Brahman Influence Commercial Heifer was shown by Emma Lege, Vermilion Catholic High School.

The Overall Champion and Champion Vermilion Bred Commercial Heifer was exhibited by Jillian Hebert, Gueydan High School. The Overall Reserve Champion and Reserve Champion Vermilion Bred Commercial Heifer was exhibited by Grant Vaughn, Vermilion Catholic High School. Commercial heifer awards were sponsored by Chad Dartez Trucking and LeMaire Cattle Company.

Awards for the Santa Gertrudis division were sponsored in memory Troy and Monique Luquette. The Grand Champion and Reserve Champion Santa Gertrudis Bull were shown by Turner Dupuis of Meaux Elementary. The Reserve Champion Santa Gertrudis Bull was shown by Abbie Mouton, Abbeville High. The Reserve Champion Santa Gertrudis Bull was shown by Anna Hebert, Rene Rost Middle School.

The Champion and Reserve Champion Santa Gertrudis Heifer were shown by Turner Dupuis, Meaux Elementary. Isabella Choate, Forked Island-E. Broussard Elementary, exhibited the Reserve Champion Vermilion Bred Santa Gertrudis Heifer. The Reserve Champion Vermillion Bred Santa Gertrudis Heifer was shown by Abbie Mouton, Abbeville High School.

The Beefmaster awards were sponsored by Larry Stakes. The Champion and Champion Vermilion Bred Beefmaster Heifer was exhibited by Lane Frederick, Abbeville High School. The Reserve Champion and Reserve Champion Vermilion Bred Beefmaster Heifer was shown by Caleb Arnould of North Vermilion High. The Champion Vermilion Bred Beefmaster Heifer was shown by Lane Frederick of Abbeville High School. Addyson Stelly of Forked Island-E. Broussard Elementary showed the Reserve Champion and Reserve Champion Vermilion Bred Beefmaster Heifer.

The awards for the Grey Brahman Division at the Vermilion 4-H Livestock Show were sponsored in Memory of Bryan Veazey by the Bryan Veazy family.

The Champion Grey Brahmans Bull was shown by Mason Andrus, Meaux Elementary School. The Reserve Champion and Champion Vermilion Bred Grey Brahman Bull was shown by Hayden Duplantis, Erath Middle School. The Reserve Champion Vermilion Bred Grey Brahman Bull was shown by Henry Duplantis, Erath High School.

The Champion Grey Brahman Heifer was shown by Isaac Duhon, Kaplan High School. The Reserve Champion Grey Brahman Heifer was shown by Mason Andrus, Meaux Elementary. The Champion Vermilion Bred Grey Brahman Heifer was shown by Ty Hebert, Kaplan High School. The Reserve Champion Vermilion Bred Heifer was shown by Paityn Martin, Rene Rost Middle School.

The Champion and Reserve Champion Red Brahman Bull and Heifer awards were sponsored by Craig and Carleen Frederick. The Champion and Champion Vermilion Bred Red Brahman Bull was shown by Alyssa Gaspard, Kaplan High School.

Alyssa Gaspard of Kaplan High School exhibited the Champion and Champion Vermilion Bred Red Brahman Heifer. The Reserve Champion Red Brahman Heifer was shown by Paityn Martin, Rene Rost Middle School. The Reserve Champion Vermilion Bred Red Brahman Heifer was shown by Emma Hebert, Seventh Ward Elementary.

The AOB Brahman Influence awards were sponsored by Tim and Gwen Broussard. The Champion AOB Brahman Influence Bull and the Champion Vermilion Bred AOB Brahman Influence Bull were shown by Jett Andrus, Meaux Elementary. The Reserve Champion and Reserve Champion Vermilion Bred AOB Brahman Influence Bull was shown by Tayler Guidry of Gueydan High School.

The Champion AOB Brahman Influence Heifer was shown by Grant Vaughn, Vermilion Catholic High School. The Reserve Champion and Champion Vermilion Bred AOB Brahman Influence Heifer was shown by Adrian Carlin, Kaplan High School. The Reserve Champion AOB Brahman Influence Heifer was shown by Tayler Guidry, Gueydan High School.

The Champion Miniature Zebu Heifer was shown by Rain Housend, Kaplan Elementary. The Reserve Champion Mini Zebu Heifer was shown by Tavin Housend, Rene Rost Middle School. First South Farm Credit sponsored the Mini Zebu awards.

The Hereford Awards were sponsored by Foster Lanie. Kayleigh Istre, Harvest Time Christian Academy, exhibited the Champion and Champion Vermilion Bred Hereford Bull.

Lily Grace Perrin, Rene Rost Middle School exhibited the Champion and Champion Vermilion Bred Hereford Heifer. The Reserve Champion and Reserve Champion Vermilion Bred Hereford Heifer was shown by Dax Perrin, Kaplan Elementary School.

The Champion and Champion Vermilion Bred Steer was shown by Aubrey Picou, Maltrait Memorial Catholic School. The Champion Steer award was sponsored by Foster Lanie.

DAIRY SHOWMANSHIP:

The buckle for Dairy Showman was sponsored by Paradise Island.

The 1st and Overall Champion Dairy Showman, Olivia Stelly of Forked Island – E. Broussard Elementary; 2nd place, Adrian Carlin, Kaplan High School; 3rd place, Isabella Choate, Forked Island-E. Broussard Elementary and 4th Ellie Trahan, Forked Island-E. Broussard Elementary.

BREEDING DAIRY

The Dairy Show awards were sponsored by Wilhelm Farms, Ed and Susan Wilhelm.

The Division Champion and Reserve Division Champion AOB Breeding Dairy was shown by Adrian Carlin, Kaplan High.

Ellie Trahan, Forked Island-E. Broussard Elementary showed the Division Champion Commercial Dairy. Isabella Choate, Forked Island-E. Broussard Elementary showed the Division Reserve Champion Commercial Dairy.

The Overall Champion and Champion Vermilion Bred Dairy Cow was shown by Adrian Carlin, Kaplan High School. The Overall Reserve Champion and Reserve Champion Vermilion Bred Dairy Cow was shown by Ellie Trahan, Forked Island-E. Broussard Elementary.

POULTRY SHOWMANSHIP

Awards for the 14 and Over Poultry showmanship were donated by Jimmy Roden and Cudd Well Control. Results were 1st, Hannah Scroggins, North Vermilion High School; 2nd, Jace Freeman, North Vermilion High School; 3rd, Emma Zaunbrecher, ARCH; 4th, Olivia Stelly, Kaplan High School.

Awards for the 13 and Under Poultry showmanship were donated by Al and Leisa Lee. Results were 1st, Molly Bordelon, ARCH; 2nd, Elise Bordelon, ARCH; 3rd, Emma Scroggins; North Vermilion High; 4th, Noah Vincent, Rene Rost Middle; 5th, Lanie Vincent, Rene Rost Middle; 6th, Marissa Gaspard, Indian Bayou Elementary; 7th, Eastan Rodrigue, Indian Bayou Elementary.

Lanie Farms, Al and Darla Lanie, sponsored the awards for the Poultry Show. Winning Best of Show with her Black Old English Game cockerel was Lanie Vincent of Rene Rost Middle School. Reserve Best of Show with was shown by Jace Freeman with his White Plymouth Rock pullet.

Champion Standard Bird was shown by Jace Freeman of North Vermilion High with White Plymouth Rock Pullet. Reserve Champion Standard Bird was also shown by Brayden Rodrigue of North Vermilion Middle with his Buff Orpingtons Cock.

Champion Bantam Bird was shown by Lanie Vincent of Rene Rost Middle with her Black Old English Game cockerel. Reserve Champion Bantam Bird was shown by Jace Freeman of North Vermilion Middle School with his White Plymouth Rock Pullet.

The Vermilion 4-H livestock exhibitors would also like to thank the following show sponsors: Vermilion Parish Police Jury; Vermilion Parish Farm Bureau; Vermilion Parish School Board, Vermilion Rice Growers Association; Vermilion Parish Cattlemen’s Association; Vermilion Parish Cattlewomen’s Association, and the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service.

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SLCC Chancellor Dr. Vincent June and VEDA Executive Director Anne Falgout serve as the guest speakers for Thursday morning’s Chamber event.

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Members of the Vermilion Chamber of Commerce listen to the speakers during Thursday’s event at Southern Oaks Country Club.

Chamber hosts ‘Vermilion At Work’

Thu, 01/20/2022 - 12:07pm
SLCC Chancellor, Economic Development Director talks about importance of ties between business, education

Education is an essential element on the path to success.
While that is true for an individual, it is also the case for a community. As Vermilion Parish moves into 2022 and beyond, strengthening ties between education and business can help create a stronger, more vibrant community.
On Thursday morning, the Vermilion Chamber of Commerce brought local higher education and business representatives together for an event aptly named “Vermilion At Work: Connecting Education & Economic Development.”
South Louisiana Community College (SLCC) Chancellor Dr. Vincent June and Anne Falgout, executive director of the Vermilion Economic Development Alliance (VEDA), served as the guest speakers.
Angelle Broussard, who is the new Vermilion Chamber president in ‘22, said this event provided a tremendous opportunity.
“It was a wonderful, well-attended event and a great kick-off for 2022!” she exclaimed. “With the workforce being top-of-mind for many business owners, it is important to discuss our community’s education and skills development. Both VEDA and SLCC are assets to our community, and we, the Chamber, hope to help facilitate more conversations between our members, our schools, and these organizations to continue building the quality of life in our Parish for generations to come.”
Falgout has been VEDA’s director since its inception in ‘14. She said there is an aspect that strongly ties education to economic development.
“There is a place where education and the economy meet,” Falgout said. “That is workforce development. That workforce development table is often where Dr. June, SLCC and Vermilion Economic Development Alliance find ourselves. In ‘22, it will be more critical than ever that we are aligned between the business community and academia.
“We have to create some alignment.”
Since officially becoming chancellor last year, Dr. June has traveled the region to make the connections necessary to create that alignment.
“My team and I love doing these parish tours,” Dr. June said Thursday morning. “This is probably number 70.”
There are nine SLCC campuses in eight parishes, including the Gulf Area Campus in Abbeville. Lawana Stokes is the campus director. Dr. June said the Gulf Area Campus is in excellent hands.
“There is a campus director who is the face of each campus,” Dr. June said. “Let me say this, I would not want to be a campus director at the same time as Lawana Stokes. She has connected with the community and knows everybody. I am very grateful to her.
“She is all about student success.”
Dr. June said SLCC will not be content when it comes to offering programs that help develop that success for the students and their future employers. Key to that is making sure that programs line up with what is happening in the world at that time.
“We have to enhance and change out our resources,” Dr. June said. “We have to be able to maintain a relationship with our partnerships in real-time. It’s OK for a program to be outdated. But, it’s not OK for us to engage in an outdated program when it has no connectivity or relevancy to demands.”
There is also a focus on younger students. Dr. June said SLCC is reaching out to parish school systems, including Vermilion Parish, to create more opportunities.
“It helps when you have superintendents who get it,” Dr. June said. “I have met with the Vermilion Parish superintendent (Tommy Byler). He is on board.”
Vermilion Chamber Executive Director Lynn Guillory worked in education for more than 30 years, including at the Gulf Area campus. Guillory taught both high school and adults during her career.
“This is one of my passions,” Guillory said. “I genuinely believe these schools (like SLCC) prepare our citizens for the workforce that we have in our community. So it’s been really exciting talking to and getting to know Dr. June.
“I look forward to great partnerships with him.”
As far as Dr. June is concerned, the more partnerships, the better.
“We can’t do this by ourselves,” Dr. June said. “Our success is dependent upon our relationship with our chambers, our (civic organizations) and our local legislative leaders. My goal as chancellor is to build new frameworks.”
Falgout is optimistic that this can yield the best results for Vermilion Parish.
“I am confident in SLCC’s ability to meet the needs of our employers,” Falgout said. “It’s because of the openness of the current administration and the dialog being done with industry professionals right here in our parish.”

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Elizabeth “Liz” Rudd

Thu, 01/20/2022 - 12:02pm

December 20, 1946 ~ January 16, 2022

KAPLAN — Funeral services will be held at 12:00 PM on Saturday, January 22, 2022 at Vincent Funeral Home - Kaplan honoring the life of Elizabeth “Liz” Rudd, 75, who died Sunday, January 16, 2022 at her residence. She will be laid to rest at Shiloh Baptist Cemetery with Pastor Ernest Williams III officiating the services.
She is survived by her three sons, Ronnie Joseph Rudd and his wife, Tamersen Critchlow Rudd of Houston, TX, Ernest Steven Rudd and his wife, Gayla H. Rudd of Kaplan and Jeremy Marc Rudd of Kaplan; one daughter, Teena R. Delahoussaye and her husband, Juan of New Iberia; two sisters, Mary Ann Solomon of Kaplan and Ann Katherine Williams of Kaplan; four brothers, Joseph Williams of Kaplan, Anthony P. Williams, Sr. of Kaplan, Stanley Williams and his wife, Debra of Kaplan and Edward C. Williams, Sr. and his wife, Damita Jo of Milton, FL; and grandchildren, Hayden Christopher Fitzgerald Glenn, Elijah Xavier Jelani Glenn, and Ashton Michael Canaan Glenn, Kierra S. Rudd, Dontae S. Rudd, Kohen M. Delahoussaye and Laila Koryn Delahoussaye.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Rudd; her parents, Ernest and Elizabeth H. Williams; one sister, Edna O. Williams; four brothers, Ernest Williams, Jr., Leo Williams, Kenneth Williams and John Allen Williams; and one granddaughter, Natalia Shauntae Rudd.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Vincent Funeral Home - Kaplan, 300 N. Eleazar Ave., on Saturday, January 22, 2022 from 11 a.m. until the time of the services at 12 p.m.
All funeral arrangements are being conducted by Vincent Funeral Home of Kaplan, (337) 643-7276 [Service Information 225-5276]. Condolences may be sent to the Rudd family at www.vincentfuneralhome.net.

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Mark Shirley, an LSU AgCenter and Louisiana Sea Grant aquaculture agent, and Haley Gambill, an LSU graduate student, examine some young crawfish as part of a white spot virus research project. The virus can lead to a very high mortality rate, bringing the commercial harvest of the pond to an end. Photo by Craig Gautreaux/LSU AgCenter

Mild weather helps crawfish season get off to fast start

Thu, 01/20/2022 - 12:01pm
Craig Gautreaux, LSU AgCenter

Above-average temperatures in November and December have helped Louisiana’s crawfish season get off to a fast start.
Water temperatures in some ponds were as high as 75 degrees at the end of December, which kept newly hatched crawfish active and growing. These weather conditions led to many crawfish reaching market size in late December and early January.
“When the water temperature is jumping between 60 and 70 degrees, that’s optimum for crawfish growth,” said Mark Shirley, an aquaculture agent for the LSU AgCenter and Louisiana Sea Grant.
Unfortunately for crawfish lovers, freezing conditions are expected across much of the crawfish-producing parishes late this week, which will put a damper on the catch until warmer weather returns.
Shirley said some crawfish producers and buyers have told him this year is one of their better starts in the past five years.
Shirley expects this year to be a good season because of the rainy weather through early September while many crawfish were in their late-summer burrows with their young. Wet conditions help both adult and young crawfish survive until their ponds are flooded in September and October.
One of the biggest threats to the crawfish industry is the deadly white spot virus. Because little is known about the virus, AgCenter and Sea Grant researchers have started a research project to learn more about it.
“We don’t know the transmission vectors at this point — whether it’s birds, whether I’s insects or something in the water,” Shirley said. “We haven’t identified how it gets into a pond.”
Haley Gambill is an LSU graduate student involved in collecting field data for the project.
“There’s not a lot of published literature on white spot within crawfish ponds,” Gambill said. “So, this is really one of the first intensive studies to look at white spot within an aquaculture context.”
Gambill said most of the information on white spot is related to shrimp.
Shirley is quick to point out that white spot is only a threat to crustaceans.
“The virus might be present or not present in a sack of crawfish you may boil this weekend,” Shirley said. “It’s not a concern for people. So go ahead and enjoy the crawfish. It doesn’t affect the taste. It doesn’t affect anything else.”
Shirley said one of the telltale signs a pond has been affected is that larger crawfish will die and be found floating on the water. Another sign is the catch will go down significantly in a matter of two or three days.
Louisiana is expected to have nearly 260,000 acres of crawfish ponds across the state producing nearly 150 million pounds of crawfish.

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Jamie Davis

Abbeville Police locates, arrests man wanted on numerous felony charges

Thu, 01/20/2022 - 11:58am

​On Jan. 14, 2022, at approximately 9:30 a.m. officers of the Abbeville Police Department learned of the possible location of a person wanted on numerous violent felony charges.
Detectives began working surveillance in the area to attempt to locate the suspect. Officers observed that Jamie Davis, 26, of Abbeville, was the passenger in a vehicle.
A traffic stop was made on the vehicle in which Davis was a passenger, and Davis was taken into custody without further incident. Davis was found to be in possession of a handgun at the time of his arrest. Davis was booked on the following new charges:
• Possession of a Firearm by a Person Convicted of Certain Felonies
• Possession of a Firearm in a Firearm Free Zone
Davis was also booked on the following warrants for an incident which occurred on Oct. 26, 2021:
• Aggravated 2nd Degree Battery involving Domestic Abuse with Child Endangerment
• Illegal Use of Weapons
• Obstruction of Justice
• Possession of a Firearm by a Person Convicted of Certain Felonies
• Possession of a Firearm in a Firearm Free Zone
Davis was also booked on a warrant for an incident that occurred on Oct. 28, 2021. On that date, while officers attempted to arrest Davis, he led them on a vehicle pursuit through Vermilion, Lafayette and Acadia Parishes. Davis faces a charge of Aggravated Flight from an Officer in connection to that incident.
​The Abbeville Police Department is asking that anyone who has any information regarding this or any crime, to please contact the Abbeville Police Department by calling 893-2511. You may contact our “Tips” line at 892-6777. All callers may remain anonymous. Citizens may also send anonymous tips through CrimeStoppers of Vermilion by calling 740-TIPS or the P3 app, which can be downloaded through the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

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Rick Joseph Doré

Thu, 01/20/2022 - 9:38am

ERATH — Rick Joseph Doré passed away on January 15, 2022 at the age of 59, in Lafayette, Louisiana. He died unexpectedly of a pulmonary embolism and fought to live until the very end.
Rick was born in Erath, Louisiana on November 13, 1962 and joins his parents, Raywood and Nora Marie Doré, and his little brother, Raywood Jr., to rest. He is survived by his wife, Angela. Rick met the love of his life, at the Sugar Cane Festival in 1981. They shared 42 years of memories and together, had two children: Jared and Katie. He is also survived by his three siblings, Robert and wife Yvonne, Kirk and wife Ita, and Connie and husband Mike Delcambre.
As a child, Rick proclaimed that his goal was to play baseball professionally and kept his love of sports alive, no game or sport he didn’t love to play. He especially loved playing basketball with his kids and could beat just about anyone at a game of HORSE because of his unique talent of spinning the ball to his pinky finger and shooting it into the hoop.
Rick spent the last months of his life painting the homes of locals with his wife and was known for his giving heart and joking around with everyone he knew.
Rick will be honored in a church service January 21, 2022 at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes, Catholic Church in Erath, LA followed by a burial service at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Erath, LA.
You may sign the guest register book and express condolences online at www.davidfuneralhome.org
David Funeral Home of Erath, 209 East Putnam Street, (337) 937-0405 is handling the arrangement.

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Wayne Glenn Broussard

Thu, 01/20/2022 - 9:36am

ABBEVILLE — A Mass of Christian Burial for Mr. Wayne Glenn Broussard, 80, will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, January 21, 2022 at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church with Father Buddy Breaux officiating.
Visitation will be held at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church on Friday, January 21, 2022 from 8 a.m. until the time of services with a recitation of the rosary at 9:30 a.m.
A native and resident of Abbeville, Mr. Wayne passed away at Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center on Monday, January 17, 2022. Mr. Wayne loved sailing and especially his trip sailing around the British Virgin Islands. He also loved to travel. One of his favorite places he traveled to was many of the Fjords in Norway. Mr. Wayne loved to watch LSU football and was a proud graduate of LSU. Mr. Wayne enjoyed working for himself as the owner of a dry-cleaning business and an insurance agent. He studied to be a Deacon and taught Catechism with his first wife, Helen. Mr. Wayne was a ham radio operator and a Horologist. He loved playing with his grandchildren.
Mr. Wayne is survived by his wife of 13 years, Dottie Broussard; two sons; Dedrick Broussard and his wife Lucia of Baytown, TX and Austin Broussard of Abbeville; three daughters; Cyd Nugent and her husband Tyrus of Rosenburg, TX, Miranda Ruckstuhl and her husband Cole of Lafayette, and Morgana Gates and her husband Evan of Mansura, LA; nine grandchildren; Treyton Nugent, Rosanna Nugent, Adrienne Nugent, Cecille Nugent, Maxum Nugent, Lena Ruckstuhl, Oliver Gates, Naomi Gates, and Warren Gates; one brother; Danny Broussard, and three step-children; Herman LeBourgeois and his wife Simone, Heather Horton and her husband Brian, and Heidi Ligon and her husband Rob.
He was preceded in death by the mother of his children and wife of 42 years, Helen DeMarcy Broussard; and two sisters; Patrica Landeche and Diana Broussard.
Serving as pallbearers will be Danny Broussard, Dedrick Broussard, Evan Gates, Treyton Nugent, Tyrus Nugent, and Cole Ruckstuhl.
In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Delcambre, Louisiana.
Condolences may be sent to the Broussard family at www.davidfuneralhome.org
David Funeral Home of Abbeville at 2600 Charity Street (337) 893-3777 is in charge of the arrangements.

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