News

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Stephen Lotief is no longer the head coach at Kaplan.

For the second time in four years, Lotief's head football coaching duties are removed

Thu, 07/31/2025 - 4:02pm

For the second time in four years, Stephen “Tank” Lotief has been let go from his coaching position at Kaplan High School.
On Thursday at 10:30 a.m., Lotief finished up football practice and instructed his players to put on their uniforms since it was picture day in the gym for football.
However, Lotief was not present during picture day.  Instead, he was called into Principal Shay Herpin’s office, joined by assistant superintendent Marc Turner. Herpin informed him that his coaching duties were being removed at KHS. 

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Carlton Eugene Hills

Vermilion Parish Jury finds Carlton Eugene Hills guilty of murder

Thu, 07/31/2025 - 10:26am

A Vermilion Parish jury found Carlton Eugene Hills guilty on Wednesday, July 30, 2025 of the Second Degree Murder of Dalvin Mullins, and Obstruction of Justice.
The crimes occurred on July 8, 2024 in the city of Abbeville, and the defendant faces a mandatory life sentence in prison for the Second Degree Murder and up to an additional 40 years for the Obstruction of Justice.

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Abbeville woman Killed in Lafayette Parish Crash

Thu, 07/31/2025 - 9:11am

LAFAYETTE — On July 29, 2025, just before 11 p.m., Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop I began investigating a single-vehicle fatality crash on Louisiana Highway 724 (South Fieldspan Road) near its intersection with Paul Molbert Road.
The crash claimed the life of 36-year-old Schuyler Lewis of Abbeville.
The preliminary investigation revealed Lewis was driving a 2023 Kia Sportage south on LA Hwy 724. For reasons still under investigation, the Kia traveled off the roadway to the right while in a curve before striking an embankment, a tree, and a utility pole.

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Dr. Savoie talks to students at UL.

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Jamie Hebert, an Abbeville native, will serve as president during the search to replace Dr. Savoie.

UL'S Dr. Savoie stepping down; Abbeville High graduate will replace him

Wed, 07/30/2025 - 3:14pm

Dr. Joseph Savoie is stepping down as president of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette following a transformational 17-year tenure.
Savoie, a two-time UL Lafayette graduate and its sixth president, has been named president emeritus by the University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors. His last day as president is Thursday.
Dr. Jaimie Hebert, the University’s provost and vice president for Academic Affairs for the past seven years, will serve as interim president during the search for a permanent successor.

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Reni James Landry

Delcambre man held on $1.75 million bond

Wed, 07/30/2025 - 10:19am

A Delcambre man is in custody and has been charged with multiple sex crimes against a juvenile in Lafayette Parish, officials said.
Reni James Landry, 37, turned himself in Monday after an investigation by the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office led to warrants for his arrest.
He faces two counts of indecent behavior with a juvenile, three counts of first degree rape, sexual battery under 13 and five counts of sexual battery and oral sexual battery.
Landry is being held in the Lafayette Parish jail on a $1.75 million bond.

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