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Seven Subjects Cited for Hunting Migratory Game Birds Over Bait in Natchitoches Parish

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries enforcement agents cited seven subjects for alleged duck hunting violations in Natchitoches Parish on Jan. 26.
Agents cited Christopher Mayeux, 54, of Natchitoches, Drake Griffin, 20, of Natchitoches, Conor Jordan, 18, of Natchitoches, Frank Griffien, 51, of Natchitoches, Thomas Tubre, 50, of New Orleans, and Stephen Mayeux, 24, of Natchitoches, for hunting migratory game birds over a baited area. Agents also cited John Methvin, 47, of Natchitoches, for hunting migratory game birds over a baited area, possession of an untagged migratory game bird, aiding and abetting others in taking migratory game birds over a baited area and possessing over the limit of migratory game birds.
Agents documented a baited area in a bayou in Natchitoches Parish in mid-January. Agents setup surveillance on the area and on Jan. 26 observed the subjects actively hunting over the baited area.
Agents made contact with the subjects and found them in possession of 19 wood ducks. Of the 19 wood ducks, Methvin harvested four, which put him one over the daily limit of wood ducks. Agents seized the 19 ducks and donated them to a local charity.
This migratory game bird case has been filed with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for prosecution in Federal Court.
Agents involved in the case are Lt. Andrew Mitchell, Sgt. Harvey Pearce, Corporal Dustin Nash, Corporal Adriel Herrera, and Agent Logan Laffoon.

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Cordray Lyons, Sr.

November 25, 1973 - January 24, 2025

ABBEVILLE — A Mass of Christian Burial honoring the life of Cordray Lyons, Sr., 51, will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, January 31, 2025 at Theresa Catholic Church with Fr. Francois Sainte Marie officiating. He will be laid to rest at St. Paul Cemetery.
Visitation will be held at Frioux – David Funeral Home of Abbeville on Friday, January 31, 2025 beginning at 9 a.m. until the time of the services with a recitation of the rosary at 11 a.m.
Cordray, a native of Abbeville was born on November 25th, 1973 and died Friday, January 24, 2025 at his residence. He was a loving son, grandson, dad, nephew, cousin and friend. His love for his family was abundant and unconditional. He loved spending time with his children, cooking and hearing about what they had going on in their adult lives. His legacy will continue through his children and his first unborn grandchild.
Cordray was known to all his friends as “Mr. Big” or “Dray.” Dray didn’t know a stranger, his moto was “Hello is for everybody.” His smile filled the hearts of everyone who knew him.
Cordray was a graduate of Abbeville High School, Class of 1992. After high school, Dray continued his education by attending SLCC Gulf Area Campus for Diesel Mechanic, where his love for big trucks became his passion for his future. He also had a love for Hot Rods, mainly his first El Camino where he re-built the motor with friends.
He is survived by his children, Taylor McCullough (Matt) and Cordray Lyons Jr (Allison). His mother, Regina Lyons of Houston, Tx. His aunts, Jocelyn Briggs (Roy) and Natalie Brailey both of Abbeville, La. His uncle Timon Lyons (Dana) of Houston, Tx. And a host of cousins.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Hope McCullough, his grandparents, Floyd Lyons and Dorothy Reaux Lyons and an uncle, Clyde Lyons.
Serving as Pallbearers were Tony Raphael, Ricardo Vallot, Tyrus Brailey, Julian Briggs, Brian Marceaux, Andre Broussard, Brian Baumgardner, and Mitchell Lemaire.
Serving as Honorary Pallbearers were Curt Antoine, Chad Zenon, and Garrett Guidry.
Frioux – David Funeral Home of Abbeville at 2600 Charity St. (337)893-3777 will be handling the arrangements.

Agents Cite Three Subjects for Hunting Violations in Jefferson Davis Parish

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries enforcement agents cited three subjects for hunting violations in Jefferson Davis Parish on Jan. 23.
Agents cited Nathan Rogers, 27, of Lake Arthur, for hunting without a deer-hunting license, failing to tag deer, failing to validate deer harvest and taking a deer during a closed deer season. Agents also cited Randal Boudreaux, 27, of Lake Arthur, for violating non-toxic shot requirements. Agents also cited Gavin Price, 26, of Lake Arthur, for hunting without a basic hunting license, hunting waterfowl without a state duck license and without a federal duck stamp and violating non-toxic shot requirements.
Agents received information about a subject killing an antlered deer during the closed deer season near Lake Arthur. Agents responded to the area and observed Boudreaux and Price getting back from duck hunting. During the interview, agents learned that Boudreaux and Price used lead shot while duck hunting and that Price did not have the required duck hunting licenses.
Agents then made contact with Rogers at his residence and found a harvested deer in his backyard. He admitted to agents of taking the deer on Jan. 22 and leaving it lay in a field near where Boudreaux and Price were duck hunting. Then on Jan. 23, Rogers, Boudreaux and Price retrieved the deer.
Agents seized the deer, two wood ducks and a teal and donated them to a local charity.
Taking a deer during a closed season brings a $900 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail. Hunting deer without a deer-hunting license, failing to tag a harvested deer, failing to validate deer harvest, hunting ducks without a state duck license and hunting ducks without a federal duck stamp carries up to a $350 fine for each offense. Violating non-toxic shot requirements brings a $400 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail. Hunting without a basic hunting license carries up to a $50 fine.
Rogers will also face civil restitution totaling $1,624 for the replacement value of the illegally taken deer. Boudreaux and Price will face civil restitution totaling $80 for the replacement value of the illegally taken ducks.
Agents involved in the case are Corporal Katie Matthias and Sgt. Justin Sonnier.

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Bryan Golden

Imperfection

No one is perfect. We all have our strengths and weaknesses. Those who are most successful, build on ...

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Freshman Ashante Rose has helped the North Vermilion Lady Patriots win 19 games, along with having a No. 3 power ranking in the Division II.

Which Vermilion Parish basketball teams are in good shape to make the playoffs?

With at least nine games left in the season, competition is intensifying for some parish basketball teams. Girls basketball in the ...

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In Monday night’s district game, Abbeville High’s Cameron Samuels (10) navigated around a pick set by teammate Jacolby Campbell against an ARCA player. Samuels led AHS to victory with 16 points, while Campbell contributed 12 points. (Photo by Rosco Harrington)

Abbeville Wildcats outlast ARCA, 56-51

YOUNGSVILLE – The Abbeville Wildcats came from behind to defeat the Acadiana Renaissance Charter Academy Eagles 56-51 in District 5-3A ...

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Abbeville High’s Lyric Joiner (4) goes up strong for a shot. She finished the game with eight points. (photo by Rosco Harrington)

Abbeville Lady Wildcats topple ARCA in district action

YOUNGSVILLE – The Abbeville Lady Wildcats won their third-straight district game and fifth overall Monday night by notching a 46-22 ...

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Jr. Dreams Team pictured: (Kneeling) Mia Broussard, Evelyn Guidry, Ainsley Page, Adaleigh Kibodeaux, Nora Broussard, and Marissa Gaspard (manager); (Middle) Lainey Duhon (manager), Emily Luquette (manager), Kennedi Faulk, Demi Girouard, Jolie Peltier, Charleigh Dauterive; (Top) Shamayne Istre (coach), Madeline Meaux, Maddie Broussard, Camille Young, Paisley Barfield, Kenedi LaPointe (coach).

North Vermilion Middle Jr. Dreams secure another State Championship

In an exhilarating display of elite talent and determination, the North Vermilion Middle School Jr. Dreams has once again claimed the title of state champions at the American All-Star Louisiana State Championship held at the Cajundome on Sunday, Jan. 19. 
The victory marks another major milestone for the talented dancers and their dedicated coaching staff.
Coached by Shamayne Istre and Kenedi LaPointe, the NVMS Jr. Dreams has consistently raised the bar in the competitive dance scene. With their commitment to excellence, this win directly reflects the countless hours they’ve trained both in and out of practice. The team’s success can be attributed to their individual talents and the sense of unity and teamwork they’ve cultivated over the years. More than just a group of athletes, this team has fostered a deep bond of trust, an unbreakable sense of family, support, and camaraderie that has played a key role in their success.
The NVMS Jr. Dreams impressed the judges and packed crowd with their high-energy routines, their remarkable stage presence, and the seamless execution of the intricate choreography carefully crafted to showcase their technical excellence.
The team’s impeccable jazz, pom, and hip-hop performances earned the Jr. Dreams top scores across all categories. 
With a strong foundation of athletes and an unrelenting drive, the team is eager to continue building on its success, setting new goals, and seeing where its passion for dance takes it next.
Along with the title of Junior High Sweepstakes Champions, the Jr. Dreams were the recipients of the following awards:
• 1st Place Jazz Division II and 1st Place Overall JH Jazz
• 1st Place Pom Division II and 1st Place Overall JH Pom
• 1st Place Hip-Hop Division II and 1st Place Overall JH Hip-Hop

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Qualifying for District B Abbeville City Council seat begins today

Qualifying for a special election for the District B seat on the Abbeville City Council began this morning.
The process will continue on Thursday before concluding on Friday, Jan. 31. Qualifying will be open from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. each day.
Potential candidates can qualify at the office of Vermilion Parish Clerk of Court Diane Meaux Broussard, located on the first floor of the Vermilion Parish Courthouse.
Election day is set for Saturday, March 29, with the winner to serve the remainder of former City Councilman Francis Touchet Jr.’s unexpired term. That term will conclude in the summer of 2026.
Touchet stepped down last September to focus his full attention on his job as superintendent of the Lafayette Parish School System. Touchet represented District B since first being elected ‘02.
In October, the Abbeville City Council appointed Rachel Touchet Mouton, Touchet’s sister, to the District B seat until the special election.
Noteworthy information for this election cycle:
• The registration deadline to vote in person, by mail or at the OMV Office is February 26.    
• The deadline to register to vote through the GeauxVote Online Registration System is March 8.
• Early voting is March 15-22 (excluding Sunday, March 16) from 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
• The deadline to request an absentee ballot is March 25 by 4:30 p.m (other than military and overseas voters). You can request an absentee ballot online through our Voter Portal or in writing through your Registrar of Voters Office.
• The deadline for a registrar of voters to receive a voted absentee ballot is March 28 by 4:30 p.m. (other than military and overseas voters).
• On election day (March 29), the polls are open from 7 a.m.-8 p.m.

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