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School Board members learned at Wednesday’s special meeting that two parish organizations wanted to state their views on the Vermilion Parish School Board.
The American Legion 29 and the Vermilion Parish Chamber of Commerce each submitted their own resolution which stated their thoughts about the Vermilion Parish School Board.
John Thompson, who is the commander of American Legion Post 29, read the resolutions to the school board members. Each were also given a copy.
Each resolution is at least four pages long. Here are some excerpts of each resolution.
In the American Legion resolution, it states that the present situation existing between the members of the school board is “Not conducive to the quality growth and confidence in the educational system of Vermilion Parish and has become a distraction from the improved quality of an education within Vermilion Parish.”
The Chamber Board also, “Expects the Vermilion Parish School Board to act with appropriate respect and professionalism in resolving the present situation concerning a contract with present superintendent as required by the laws of the state of Louisiana.”
The Chamber Board concluded by saying that if the school board members do not attend future meetings, then those members should, “Resign from their elected positions or face appropriate sanctions as may be available under the laws of the State of Louisiana.”

ABBEVILLE — Funeral services for Alice Lou Hebert is scheduled for 1:00 P.M. Saturday, August 19, 2017 in the chapel of Kinchen Funeral Home. Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery. Rev. Lane Payne, pastor of New Life Church will officiate the service.
Alice Lou Hebert (72), a long-time resident of Abbeville passed away Thursday, August 17, 2017 at her residence.
She is survived by two sisters, Lula Istre of Horn Lake, MS and Shirley Chargois of Sulphur, LA; eleven nieces, three nephews, and a host of great nieces and nephews, relatives and friends.
She had a very special cousin, Della Hardy that she loved very much who was a great help to her.
Alice worked in the hotel industry for many years and was a loving and happy person to be around. She was also a person who really loved the Lord, and that love was reflected in the way she showed love to others.
She was preceded in death by her mother and father, Guastave Hebert and Mae Miller Hebert; four brothers, three sisters, and two nieces.
A special thanks goes out to Our Lady of Lourdes Staff, Dr. Hutchinson, Dr. Cain, the Cancer Staff of Abbeville General and St. Joseph Hospice.
Pall Bearers are: Rickey Menard, Jr., Rickey Menard, Sr., Kenneth Suire II, Chris Hardy, and Kevin Menard.
Honorary Pall Bearers are: Norris Istre and Ashley Sonnier.
Visitation is scheduled for Saturday, August 19, 2017 at Kinchen Funeral Home – 218 N. St. Valerie Street (337) 898-9595 from 9:00 A.M. until time of service.

LAFAYETTE — On August 16, 2017 shortly after 9 p.m., Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop I responded to a four vehicle fatal crash that occurred on Interstate 10 west near Louisiana Avenue in Lafayette Parish. The crash took the life of 50-year-old Sheila Houston of Lafayette.
The initial investigation by State Police revealed that the crash occurred as 29-year-old Everardo Estada-Hernandez was driving a 1997 Ford Expedition westbound on Interstate 10 near Louisiana Avenue in an active construction zone. For unknown reasons, Estada-Hernandez failed to stop for traffic that was stopped in the outside lane due to the traffic congestion and struck the rear of a 2007 Lexus RX350 operated by Houston. After the initial impact, the Lexus moved forward striking the rear of a 2009 Hyundai Sonata operated by 46 year old Maria Mayeux of Lafayette. Estada-Hernandez’s Expedition continued to travel west, striking the right side of the Sonata and the rear right of a 2017 Kenworth Tractor Trailer operated by 41-year-old Marcus Hoffpauir of Crowley. Estada-Hernandez exited his vehicle and fled the scene on foot, but was later apprehended by Lafayette Police.
Due to Estada-Hernandez fleeing the scene, it is unknown if he was wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash. He did sustain minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital. Houston was properly restrained, but sustained fatal injuries. Houston was pronounced dead on scene by the Lafayette Parish Coroner’s Office. Mayeux and Hoffpauir were wearing seat belts and did not sustain any injuries.
Troopers suspect impairment is a contributing factor on the part of Estada-Hernandez. Toxicology samples were obtained from both Estada-Hernandez and Houston. Both samples were submitted to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab for analysis. Troopers did not suspect impairment by Mayeux or Hoffpauir. Both voluntarily submitted to a chemical breath test and were found not to be impaired.
Estada-Hernandez was arrested and booked at the Lafayette Parish Correctional Center on Vehicular Homicide, Hit and Run, Careless Driving, No Driver’s License, and No Proof Insurance.
This crash remains under investigation.
Unfortunately, this is the second work zone related fatality in two months that has occurred in the Troop I area. Troopers wish to remind motorists of the importance of driving with caution in roadway construction zones. Drivers should slow down when approaching work zones and follow posted speed limits, warning signs, and flagmen or sign directions. Drivers should also be sober, resist distractions and remain aware of their surroundings as there are often workers inside construction zones on our highways. Always remain vigilant and expect the unexpected as workers, work vehicles, or equipment may enter your lane or come to a stop suddenly.