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Abbeville Electrical Superintendent Stewart Head repairs the main line in order to get the electricity back on in the city. Power was turned off in the city while Stewart repaired the line.

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The main line is being hooked back up by the Abbeville Electrical Department.

Contractor electrocuted while working on Abbeville power lines; city shuts off electricity for an hour

Around 10:30 on Tuesday morning, power had to be shut off in the City of Abbeville to make repairs after a contractor was electrocuted while working on a live electrical line.
According to Abbeville Mayor Mark Piazza, the contractor is alive, but severely burned. The contractor’s name has not been released.
“He was airlifted to the burn center in Baton Rouge,” Piazza said. “He was talking to the police and firemen who responded before the ambulance transported him from the scene.”
The contractor works for Sol Power Lines.
Piazza said the city hired the contractor to make some repairs to lines and change out five poles after Hurricane Barry caused some damage when it hit in July. Piazza said the contractors were making repairs without having to shut off power to the entire city-wide.
“They were working on the line as what they refer to as hot,” Piazza explained, “meaning it’s live.”
Piazza said it is not an uncommon way for some contractors to work on high-transmission lines.
“They are specialized in this and that is why we hire them for this kind of work,” Piazza said, “but it is dangerous work.”
Contractors were replacing electrical poles on Ollie Drive, near Abbeville High School, when the incident occurred.
“I heard a big boom,” said one person who lives on Ollie Drive. “I thought it was a thunderstorm that came out of nowhere.”
Ollie Drive is near the Pete Noel Substation, the city’s primary power source.
“We had to shut the substation down completely,” Piazza said. “They were not going to be able to make repairs with the wires still live.”
Abbeville Electrical crews had power restored after an hour.
Vermilion Parish Superintendent Jerome Puyau announced at 11 a.m. that the four schools in Abbeville would be let out early because schools were without electricity.

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Al Harrington

Al Harrington seeks seat for Vermilion Parish Police Jury in District 6

Hello everyone! My name is Al Harrington and I would like to announce my candidacy for Police Juror in Vermilion Parish District 6. I have been a lifelong resident of Vermilion Parish. I also have 4 children Tab, Todd, Trent and Jade.
I am a Abbeville High School graduate an a U.S. Army Veteran. I was also a Scout Master for 15 years.
I am a previous multiple business owner to many business in Vermilion Parish. I have many years of experienced leadership.
I am humbly asking for your support and vote, on October 12, 2019. I look forward to the opportunity to serve the people of Vermilion Parish District 6. Together we can "Make a Change". My number is 337-522-3492. If I can help, don't hesitate to call me. I am ready to serve you.

Paid for by
Al Harrington

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Barbara Adams

Barbara Adams announces candidacy for District 5 seat on Police Jury

Barbara Adams is running for the District 5 seat on the Vermilion Parish Police Jury on October 12, 2019 election.
Barbara lives in Abbeville with her husband of 50 years. They have three children, Mark of Lafayette, Kenneth of Broussard, Lisa of Allen Texas and eight grand-children.
Barbara is the daughter of the late L. J. Boudreaux and Lucille Boudreaux.
Barbara is a member of St. Therese Catholic Church in Abbeville.
Barbara is a 1967 graduate of James A. Herod High school and attended Gulf area school in nursing and business.
Barbara retired from Abbeville General Hospital on May 25, 2015, after 48 years of service.
Barbara has been the owner of Elderly Care Sitters service for 10 years.
Barbara is a Formal member of the Chamber of Commerce of Vermilion Parish.
Barbara is a Registrar of Voter: commission in charge and commission for 5 years.
I would work with branches of government to make a positive impact in our community.
“For me, as being on of many that have been a victim of the 2016 flood, I witnessed firsthand the devastation of storms and flooding to our area and the subsequent impact to our communities, businesses, wildlife, agriculture.
“I am excited for the opportunity to serve the citizens of district 5 and humbly ask for your vote. I will be visiting all to discuss the needs of our community” - Barbara Adams

Paid for by
Barbara Adams

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Anthony “Tony” Romero

Tony Romero running for District 9 Police Jury seat

In March of this year I announced my candidacy for Police Juror in District 9.
In that announcement, I outlined my business background and the tools I've acquired while being a small business owner. The most important of the many lessons I've learned is to be a good listener.
Since my announcement I have spent countless hours going door to door to introduce myself and to listen. Our people in District 9 are hardworking people with very similar concerns. We care about our families, our children, our property and our safety from natural weather disasters. I'm proud to share your concerns because this District in Vermilion Parish has been home for my children, my wife and I, for my parents and my grandparents.
The concerns such as drainage, maintenance and roads are a few of the issues that affect our everyday lives here in District 9. Here is where I know I can make a difference. I will be a strong powerful voice for the issues facing our District. I will not back down to politics as usual and never will I give up a fight that will benefit our District. The big roll up door to my fabrication shop will always be open to discuss whatever is on your mind.
One other service I will offer each resident of our District is information. Our people should know what business is being taken up by its governing body. I will keep our people up to date with each meeting's agenda especially when we are voting. I want your input and I want you to hold me accountable.
Lastly, I’d like to thank Kevin for his years of service to our district. I’d also like to acknowledge Mr. Keith Roy, Mr. Gary Guidry, Mr. Keith Frederick & Mr. Billy Noegel for the excellent work they are currently doing and I sincerely hope to have the opportunity to work closely with these men in the future and serve the people of District 9 as your Police Juror.
Thank you for taking the time to read this letter and I would appreciate your vote on October 12th. When you get behind that curtain please cast your vote for me,
Anthony, "Tony" Romero.

Paid for by
Anthony “Tony”
Romero

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Michael J. Detraz “Big Mike”

December 3, 1949 ~ August 10, 2019

ABBEVILLE — Memorial services will be held at 3:00 PM on Tuesday, August 13, 2019 at Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville honoring the life of Michael J. “Big Mike” Detraz, 69, who died Saturday, August 10, 2019 at Eunice Manor Nursing Home. Reverend Louis Richard will officiate the services.
Big Mike was a lifelong resident of Abbeville and a man that wore many hats at once. He farmed rice with his brother for a few years after their father’s death, then he moved on to a job with LUMCON (Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium) for 13 years. This job allowed him to be where he loved to be, in the outdoors. He often brought professors and college students throughout the marshlands, and the bay to do research. Mike also helped his wife in their crawfish buying and bait business for 31 years. Despite having these demanding jobs his work was never done, he also worked for the Vermilion Parish Police Jury as a Locksman for 45 years. He was very passionate about controlling the water for southern Vermilion Parish. Farmers relied on him to keep salt water out the canals and also to keep others from flooding during storms.
Many knew him as a tough, strong man with a mind of his own, but when it came to his grandkids and his dog, he was a kid at heart. He loved to hunt and fish, often traveling to Mexico and Nicaragua with family and friends.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Shawnee LeBlanc Detraz; one daughter, Michelle Comeaux and her husband, Joey; one brother, Luke Detraz III and his wife Angela; one sister, Marsha D. Petry and her husband Johnny; and five grandchildren, Dilan Comeaux, Paige Comeaux, Madison Hebert, Jennah Detraz, and Amelia Detraz; and his dog, Duke.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Luke Detraz, Jr. and the former Bernice Primeaux; and his son, Michael "Lil Mike" Detraz, Jr.; in-laws, Clifford “T-Cliff” LeBlanc and former Thelma Moore.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville, 209 S. St. Charles St., on Tuesday, August 13, 2019 from 11:00 AM until the services at 3:00 PM.
His family would like to thank administrator, Nickie Prejean Toups and staff at Eunice Manor  for the excellent care he received. In lieu of flowers, any donations made will be forwarded to Alzheimer’s research.
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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Vermilion Parish School Board President cancels committee meeting; catches everyone off guard

It may have been the shortest  Vermilion Parish School Board Committee Meeting ever to take place on Monday night.
After three minutes, the meeting was over.
The school board committee meetings, which have lasted as much as three hours this past summer, was over before anyone knew it even began.
School Board President Laura LeBeouf said the meeting is canceled because agenda items were changed and that there was a conflict of interest. 
LeBeouf said she did not approve the items on the agenda.
It caught everyone, including the school board members and Superintendent Jerome Puyau off guard.
"I did not know that was going to happen," said Puyau after the meeting.
School Board member Chris Gautreaux asked LaBeouf, "What are we running and hiding behind?"
"We are not behind anything," said LeBeouf. "I am the president."
School Board Vice President Kibbie Pillette chimed in, "Mr. Jerome has no business to be here."
"He is on leave, and he is here," said LeBeouf. 
Gautreaux responded, "You have exhausted all of your avenues, and he (Puyau) is still here.
"Y'all made all of these people come here, for this kind of a show. Another show," Gautreaux said. 
There was a new security company in the meeting room because the Abbeville Police Department refused to work security at school board meetings.
Gautreaux wanted to know who hired the new security company because it was not the school board.
"The president," responded Pillette. 
"She can't act alone," fired back Gautreaux.
After that comment, the board members got up and walked outside.

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Byrum Burton Brown “Breezie”

September 8, 1943 ~ August 8, 2019

ABBEVILLE — Funeral services were held at 3:00 PM on Saturday, August 10, 2019 at Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville honoring the life of Byrum Burton Brown, 75, who died Thursday, August 8, 2019 at his home among loved ones. He will be laid to rest at Graceland Cemetery with Pastor Chad Thibodeaux officiating the services.
He is survived by his loving wife, Marie Hebert Brown; children, Rickey Brown (Donna), and Darlene Johnson (Michael); stepchildren, Charles Fitzsimmons (Jessica), and Aaron Fitzsimmons; six grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; sister, Marylou Stroud; brother, Gayle Brown (Doretha); nieces and nephews; and his dog, Peanut.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Shen “Jimmy” Brown and Irene Stansbury Brown; and dog, Missy.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.vincentfuneralhome.net.
All funeral arrangements were conducted by Vincent Funeral Home of Abbeville, (337) 893-4661.

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Mrs. Nicholas Dale Geyer

LeBlanc - Geyer united in holy matrimony

Amanda Marie LeBlanc and Nicholas Dale Geyer were united in the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony during the evening of April 12, 2019 at Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church in New Orleans, LA.
Presiding over the union was Rev. Herb Bennerfield, family friend of the bride. The bride is the daughter of Leslie Paul LeBlanc and Denise W. LeBlanc of Abbeville, LA. Her maternal grandparents are Maxine Lemaire of Erath, LA and the late George Wyatt of San Antonio, TX and her paternal grandparents are the late Doris and Annie LeBlanc of Abbeville.
The groom is the son of Joseph and Christanna Geyer of Lisle, IL. His paternal grandparents are Agnes Geyer and the late Frite Geyer and his maternal grandparents are the late Dale and Sophia Anderson.
Escorted by her father, the bride wore an Yvonne Lafleur gown which featured a beautiful elongated bodice of antique ivory venetian lace. Antique blush tulle accented the gown around the waistline. The back of the dress was adorned with lace appliques and glittering Swarovski crystal beading. The bride wore a fingertip length veil made of ivory silver tulle edged with matching Swarovski crystals. A semi cascading train completed her look. The bride carried a bouquet of stems O’Hare and garden roses, light blue thistle adorned with succulent plants of different shapes and sizes wrapped tightly in a French satin ribbon. She also carried in her bouquet two special heirlooms, a handkerchief from her maternal great great grandmother Esma Hebert and her great Aunt Deanna Hebert’s rosary.
Serving as Maid of Honor was Charlotte Marie LeBlanc, twin sister of the bride. Bridesmaids included Clair Cunningham, sister of the groom, Lindsey Fordis, Lauren Guilbeau, Katelyn Dupre, Lauren Dupuis, and Brides man Derek Dupuis, all friends of the bride.
The groom’s Co-Best Men were Nick Bacon and Colin Armstrong, both friends of the groom. Serving as groomsmen were Nick Loundagin, Ryan O’Quinn and Kyle Mikowski, all friends of the groom.
Serving as scripture readers were Cathy Trcalek, Aunt of the bride, Amy Hebert, Godmother of the bride, and Chris Geyer, Uncle of the groom. Gift bearers were parents of the bride and groom.
Following the ceremony, a reception was held at Cedar Grove Plantation with live music provided by The Boogiemen of New Orleans.
The groom’s parents honored their son and his bride-elect along with their wedding party with a dinner on the eve of their marriage at the Clesi’s Restaurant in New Orleans.
After returning from a Honeymoon in Australia, the couple will reside in New Orleans.

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Christopher Kyle Landry

A memorial mass will be held at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church for Christopher Kyle Landry on Friday, August 16, at 4 p.m.
Father Andre Metrejean, pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes, will officiate.
Kyle was born on April 30, 1970; he died at his home on Saturday, July 27. He is survived by his daughter, Kambre; his mother, Linda Trahan (Galton); brothers, Chad, Todd and Seth; uncles, Wade, Linwood and Reed Landry; nephew, Austin Landry, and niece, Bralyn Landry.
Kyle was preceded in death by his father, Larry Landry; maternal grandparents, Curtis and Redeste (née Suire) Landry; paternal grandparents, Levan and Chloe (née Broussard) Landry; and uncles, Kirby, Ludren and Dave Sonnier, Patrick Landry and aunt, Lois Landry.
Kyle was gifted. Kyle was a master carpenter who built many homes in the Lafayette area: River Ranch, Fernewood and Girard Park.
Kyle was beautiful, both inside and out. He never met a stranger without offering hospitality and a meal and sometimes a place of rest for the night. He always saw the goodness in others. He hated the word negative: “Don’t be negative” and “OK now, let’s not get negative” were common refrains of his. His most memorable traits are his kindness to others and his ability to befriend anyone. He was the genuine article, with enormous capacity to help the less fortunate, believing he should share his good fortune.
After diabetes prevented him from pursuing the rigors of building homes, Kyle spent his free time creating works of are and turning what he called trash into treasures. He loved teaching his daughter (the love of his life) baseball, watching movies with her, talking about her future, and encouraging her to be a good person. His family and friends will miss his beautiful smile, his generous heart, his jokes that made us all laugh, but most of all, they will miss his presence. Kyle, your passing has left an emptiness and sadness in all of our hearts.
Kyle was an unfinished life. Kyle’s soul has always resided in GOD’S hands. According to John 14:2, “In my father’s house are many rooms, if it were not so would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?” There, too, Kyle you shall live in peace for all eternity in the presence of the Lord. Kyle, may our earthly love keep you company until we meet again. Goodbye, dearest son, dad, brother and friend.
Donations can be made to your favorite charity or Erath High School in his name.

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Morse officers arrested Alex George, 21, of Kaplan; he was booked into the Acadia Parish Jail with one charge of Attempted First Degree Murder.

Kaplan man arrested by Morse Police for allegedly shooting into a home

According to KATC, a Kaplan was arrested for allegedly shooting into a home in Morse, La.
On Aug. 9, the Morse Police Department responded to a call of shots fired into a home on the 400 block of Kruttschnitt Avenue.
Upon further investigation, it was discovered that the gunshots were fired from a vehicle.
Officers arrested Alex George, 21, of Kaplan; he was booked into the Acadia Parish Jail with one charge of Attempted First Degree Murder.
A bond has not yet been set.

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Vermilion Today

Abbeville Meridional

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

The Kaplan Herald

219 North Cushing Avenue
Kaplan, LA 70548