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Teachers and staff from Cecil Picard Elementary are joined by officials from the Vermilion Parish School System during the celebration of the school’s Louisiana Blue Ribbon Award.

Cecil Picard Elementary honored as Blue Ribbon School

MAURICE — Wednesday morning at Cecil Picard Elementary began with a roar from the student body.
The cheers that filled the school’s gymnasium were certainly well earned.
Local and state officials joined students and staff to celebrate Cecil Picard Elementary being named a Louisiana Blue Ribbon School, one of eight schools in the state that received the prestigious designation. Cecil Picard is the fourth school in the parish to earn the honor, joining Erath High, Forked Island E. Broussard Elementary and Indian Bayou Elementary.
“What a proud, proud day for Cecil Picard Elementary,” Vermilion Parish Superintendent Tommy Byler said. “We are gathered this morning not just to celebrate an award, but to celebrate a commitment. It is a commitment to children, a commitment to excellence and a belief that every student can achieve at high levels.”
Blue Ribbon awards honor academic achievement and closing achievement gaps. Cecil Picard earned an “A” with its School Performance Score in 2025. Trey False, an assistant superintendent with the Louisiana Department of Education, said, while important, this award represents more than scores.
“It’s about a school’s commitment to excellence, innovation and opportunity,” False said.
Cecil Picard Principal Jessica Broussard took an opportunity to thank former Principal Paulette Gaspard and former Assistant Principal Jennifer McRee, both of whom attended Wednesday’s ceremony.
“Their leadership helped lay a strong foundation for the success we celebrate today,” Broussard said. “We are grateful for their lasting impact on our school community.”
When it comes to a lasting impact on education, both locally and at the state level, the man after whom the school is named is revered. The late Cecil J. Picard, a Maurice native, served as teacher and principal in his home parish before becoming state superintendent. Picard also served 20 years in the Louisiana Senate, playing a pivotal role in many pieces of legislation involving education.
“He dedicated his life to public education,” Byler said. “He believed deeply in high standards, strong leadership and an opportunity for every child. Today, there’s no happier person than Mr. Cecil J. Picard to know that Cecil Picard Elementary, the school bearing the name of his legacy, has received this award.”
Broussard offered thanks to everyone who played a role in bringing the award to Maurice.
“We are reminded that the achievements we honor are the result of many hearts and hands working together,” Broussard said. “The Blue Ribbon recognition earned by Cecil Picard Elementary is a reflection of dedicated educators, supportive families, engaged students and a school culture that believes in excellence for every child.
“Thank you to our students for shining so brightly, to our teachers and staff for their unwavering dedication and to our families and community partners for their continued support.”
Along with their celebrating of the Blue Ribbon Award, False did offer the students another award on Wednesday, albeit an unofficial one.
“I’ve been going to schools across the state for 40 years,” False told the students. “I’ve never heard that loud of a welcome from anywhere across this whole state. In addition to getting the Blue Ribbon Award, you get the award for loudest, greatest student body at the introduction of a program.
“One more loud cheer for Cecil Picard Elementary.”

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Roslyn White

Roslyn White seeks re-election as Mayor of Abbeville

In 2022, I made a promised to bring new energy and passion to our city as I worked to make a difference in a community that I love. I would like to thank the residents of Abbeville for allowing me to serve as your Mayor, I am incredibly proud of the progress we have made together.
When I took office, my focus was clear: learn about our city’s systems, understand our infrastructure and community needs, and align funding with long-term priorities so we could make smart, lasting investments. We completed a city-wide master plan with broad community engagement. The plan helped to set a vision and goals and laid out steps to keep us on track as we continue our work to make Abbeville a safer, more desirable place to live and work.
We have built strong partnerships at the state and federal levels; allowing us to turn our planning into real results. Over the past four years, we have secured over 18 million for critical infrastructure projects in Abbeville.
Ten city roads have already seen major repairs with twelve more planned over the next seven years. We have made significant investments in neighborhoods across the city, including improvements to Graceland Avenue, adding sidewalks, drainage upgrades, and continued investment in Parker Hebert Park and improving access along the MLK corridor. These projects reflect my commitment to improving quality of life in every part of Abbeville.
One of our most important accomplishments has been addressing our aging water infrastructure. We secured over $10 million for upgrades to our water plant. The project is currently under construction, and once completed, you will have better, more reliable water, and our system will be prepared for future growth.
Accessibility has remained a priority throughout my term. From ADA improvements in parks and downtown, to sidewalk and corridor projects connecting residents to schools, healthcare, and community resources, every infrastructure project is an opportunity to make Abbeville better for all that live and work here.
Beyond bricks and mortar, we have worked to improve transparency, communication, and civic engagement. Through livestreamed meetings, emergency notifications, expanded digital access, and community partnerships, residents can see what’s happening in real time and stay connected to their city. We’ve also expanded events, supported local organizations, invested in youth leadership through the Mayor’s Youth Council and Intern Program, and focused on economic development, tourism, and small business growth.
Every step forward requires teamwork. I am grateful for the support of our City Council, our city employees, community partners, and our state and federal delegation who have worked tirelessly to help secure funding and move projects forward.
We have proven what thoughtful planning, accountability, and collaboration can achieve. While I am proud of all that we have accomplished, there is still important work ahead to keep Abbeville moving forward. I am seeking re-election because we need steady, experienced leadership— because our community deserves continued progress built on a strong foundation.
I would appreciate your vote on Saturday, May 16, 2026, as I seek re-election as Mayor of Abbeville. I remain committed to our community and dedicated to progress, but I need your support to continue building a brighter future for our community.
If you have concerns or would like to schedule a visit, please call me at 337-898-4206 or visit www.RoslynWhite.com so that we can set a day and time.

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Roslyn White

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Bang Bui

‘Get More BANG for your buck’ for Abbeville City Councilman at Large

Hello, Abbeville! It is with great pride and enthusiasm that I am announcing my candidacy to run for Councilman at Large. As a lifelong resident of this historic and beautiful city we call home, I know how special Abbeville is for many and why it is important that we continue to preserve the things that make it so. We must also find creative ways to improve the quality of life for the entire community.
For those that may not know me, I'm the owner of Handy Mart, and my family and I have been serving up the best fried chicken and fried rice in town for the past 33 years. It's truly a blessing to interact with the community on a daily basis and get to know families new and old. I am also grateful to serve as a sounding board for other business owners as they share their struggles, triumphs, and everything in between
When elected to the position of Councilman at Large, I will work tirelessly with my fellow councilmen, the mayor and local organizations to continue to move this city forward with intentional and transparent actions resulting in tangible progress that all residents benefit from.
Be sure to stop by the store to share your thoughts and concerns with me and leave with a smile and a full stomach. It takes all of us to make a difference, and with your vote, I will help shape the next chapter of Abbeville.
Thank You for the consideration and Have a BLESSED 2026

Bang Bui,
Candidate for Councilman at Large

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Bang Bui

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Kenzie Marceaux cuts a piece of the net off after the win.

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Rhyan Dubois cuts a piece of the net down after the win.

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Reagan Semien drives to the basket for two points.

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NV’s Ellery Dupuy makes a big three-pointer in the second quarter.

North Vermilion Lady Patriots in Final Four after 40 years

They will play Wednesday at 8 p.m.

LEROY – Forty years. It really does sound like a long time, and it is. That’s how long it’s been since the North Vermilion Lady Patriot Basketball Team last made it to Marsh Madness.
Forty years ago, none of the current Lady Patriots were even born. Only a few of their parents were around back then. Head coach Jack LeBlanc was just two years old, and assistant coach Mya Touchet hadn’t been born yet. NV principal Casey Meador was also only two.
In other words, it’s been a long time since the Lady Patriots made it to the Final Four. This marks only the fourth time they’ve reached this stage, with previous appearances in 1984, 1985, and 1986.
The 2025-2026 Lady Patriots made history, beating South Beauregard, 51-45, in a thrilling game in front of a packed NV gym.
The LHSAA announced that No. 3 North Vermilion will face No. 2 LaGrange on Wednesday at 8 p.m. in Hammond at the University Center Gym. The earlier game at 6:15 p.m. will feature No. 1 Sterlington against No. 4 Wossman.
The winners of these two games will meet on Saturday in the Division II Non-Select Finals. The exact game time has not been announced yet.
North Vermilion senior Kenzie Marceaux delivered one of her best performances of the season, which is impressive since she didn’t think she would even play, much less start. She had been fighting the flu both the day before and on game day. Still, she played all four quarters and finished with 14 points, making 4 out of 7 free throws.
“I am so overwhelmed and excited to be going to Hammond,” said Marceaux. “We set the goal of reaching Hammond last year; unfortunately, we did not get there. Entering this year, we knew we had a good chance. Our team stayed focused.”
That focus is what helped the Lady Patriots secure the win.
At the start of the fourth quarter, NV trailed, 36-35. That was the last time they were behind. Marceaux made a tough shot under the basket, and then sophomore point guard Rhyan Dubois drove to the hoop, drew a foul, and sank two clutch free throws to give her team the lead for good (39-37).
Dubois hit four out of six free throws, and Kenzie made three out of five in the fourth quarter to help keep the Lady Pats ahead.
NV guard Reagan Semien drove to the basket for a layup, putting the Lady Patriots up 43-39 with four minutes left.
Early in the fourth quarter, NV made three of its first four shots, while the SB Knights missed all nine of theirs.
The Knights made another push and closed the gap to just one point, 46-45, with 1:20 left to play.
In the final minute, the Lady Patriots made four out of six free throws, while the Knights couldn’t score from the free-throw line or the field.
Semien sealed the win by sinking two free throws with 27 seconds left. She finished the game with 11 points.
In the fourth quarter, the Lady Patriots made 10 of 15 free throws.
Dubois ended the game with five points, all coming from the free throw line.
“This is amazing, “ said Dubois. “I am super proud of our team. We have been working hard to get there.”
North Vermilion head coach Jack LeBlanc will make his first trip to Hammond as a coach.
“Forty years. It is a long time coming,” said LeBlanc. “I would say it is an even longer time coming when you do things the right way. We have 13 girls who all played together in junior high. They stuck together. We have 7 girls with a 4.0 grade-point average. The six others have no Cs. They are phenomenal kids.”

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North Vermilion has to forfeit first round boys' playoff game

School turns itself in after playing academically ineligible player

North Vermilion High School notified the Louisiana High School Athletic Association of a clerical error involving a boys’ basketball player’s grades. As a result, the LHSAA ruled on Wednesday that the team is ineligible for the first round of the playoffs.
The Patriots were scheduled to play the Abbeville Wildcats on Thursday. Following North Vermilion’s disqualification, Abbeville advanced to the second round.
North Vermilion Principal Casey Meador accepted responsibility for the error.
“I take full responsibility,” said Meador. “I have to put things in place to make sure this never happens again at North Vermilion.”
The administration discovered that a Patriot basketball player had participated in games while academically ineligible and promptly reported this to the LHSAA.
Since the playoff brackets had already been released, the LHSAA could not retroactively void the games involving the ineligible player.
Abbeville High advanced to the second round. AHS Head Coach Trevor Eaton expressed sympathy for the North Vermilion team and its coaches.
“As a basketball head coach and athletic director at Abbeville, I empathize with the kids and coaches from both schools,” Eaton said. “While Abbeville moves forward, it feels like a lose-lose situation for the entire community.
“The real impact is on the kids and coaches who prepared for the playoffs.”
Due to the forfeit, the Wildcats lost a guaranteed home game. In the second round, they will face the winner of No. 5 Franklin Parish and No. 28 Iota.
Abbeville will host the second round only if Iota upsets Franklin Parish.

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Update: Abbeville lifts boil advisory

Update: Officials with the city of Abbeville announced Friday afternoon that the citywide water boil advisory has been lifted. The advisory had been issued on Thursday.

The City of Abbeville Water System has issued a citywide precautionary boil advisory effective immediately for all customers within the City of Abbeville water district.
During a routine inspection of the St. Teresa water tower, a minor repair was identified. The tower has been isolated, and repairs are currently underway. Out of an abundance of caution, the City is issuing this advisory until the repair is complete and the system can be retested.
Residents and businesses are advised to boil water prior to consumption. Water should be brought to a rolling boil for one (1) full minute before using it for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth, or food preparation. The one-minute boil time begins after the water reaches a rolling boil. Allow water to cool before use.
The advisory will remain in effect until rescinded. The City will lift the advisory once water samples meet all Louisiana Department of Health requirements.
City crews are actively addressing the situation and will provide updates as they become available. For additional information, residents may contact Abbeville City Hall

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The Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the house fire that claimed the life of a Vermilion Parish woman on Feb. 14.

STATE FIRE MARSHAL INVESTIGATING VERMILION PARISH FATAL FIRE

VERMILION PARISH (February 15, 2026) – The Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal (SFM) is investigating a residential fire that claimed the life of a 62-year-old Vermilion Parish woman.
Vermilion Fire District #13 responded at 3:38 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 14, to a structure fire in the 21000 block of Pine Island Road in Abbeville. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and officials have not ruled out multiple causes including an electrical event or a space heater as possible ignition sources.
The State Fire Marshal’s Office is reminding residents to practice home heating safety;
• If using a space heater, make sure it’s placed 3-5 feet away from objects that can catch fire easily like blankets and furniture.
• Ensure space heaters are plugged directly into a wall outlet as opposed to an extension cord or power strip.
• Space heaters should also always be turned off when you're going to sleep or leaving the room and/or home.
• Do not use ovens or stoves to heat your home.
• Make sure any open flames, like fireplaces and candles, are never left unattended.
• Have a working smoke alarm!
Investigators have determined the home did not have a working smoke alarm. “Smoke alarms provide early warning and save lives,” said DPS Principal Assistant, Chief Bryan J. Adams. “It’s not the flames that kill, it’s the smoke.”
Residents are urged to check their smoke alarms regularly. Those in need of a free smoke alarm and installation can get one through the SFM’s Operation Save-A-Life program. For more information on fire safety or to request a free smoke alarm and installation, visit lasfm.org or contact your local fire department.

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Raymond W. Perry, Jr.

October 3, 1951 - February 11, 2026

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, February 16, 2026 in St. Alphonsus Catholic Church - Maurice for Raymond Warren Perry, Jr., 74, who passed away on February 11, 2026.
Fr. Paul Bienvenu, Pastor of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church - Maurice and Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church - Leroy, will be Celebrant of the Mass and will conduct the funeral services.
Burial will take place in St. Alphonsus Catholic Cemetery.
Mr. Raymond, a resident of Rayne, was the son of the late Raymond Warren Perry, Sr. and the former Mary Patricia Styx.
He is survived by his son, Trey Sinclair Perry (Emily Ruth); grandsons, Titus and Timothy Perry; siblings, David Perry (Liz), Peter Perry, Gregory Perry, Melanie P. Donavan (Dallas), Mark Perry (Dorothy), Ernest Perry, Phillip Perry (Becky), Stephan Perry, Nathan Perry, and Julie Perry.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Marlene Theresa Harrington Perry; parents, Raymond and Mary Perry; and sister-in-law, Gladys McLish Perry.
Though a longtime resident of the area, Mr. Raymond was born in Abbeville. He graduated from Abbeville High School and attended South Eastern Louisiana University on a Cross Country Scholarship. After graduating from South Eastern he briefly taught and coached before going to work for TEXACO Inc. where he worked for 25 years. He continued his career in the oil and gas industry for several more years with Stokes and Spiehler before finally retiring. Though his career took him all over the world, his love of adventure was most evident in an enduring love of riding Harley Davidson motorcycles. Raymond traveled all across America on the back of a Harley with friends and family alike, creating wonderful memories across the United States. In recent years he loved to take care of his land and relax with his dogs enjoying retirement after many years of hard work.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Delhomme Funeral Home - Maurice on Monday, February 16, 2026 beginning at 9:00 AM. A Rosary will be prayed at 10 a.m. on Monday morning in the funeral home. Visiting hours will continue, following the Rosary, until 11 a.m..
Pallbearers will be his brothers, David Perry, Peter Perry, Mark Perry, Ernest Perry, Phillip Perry, Stephan Perry, and Nathan Perry.
Personal condolences may be sent to the family of Raymond W. Perry, Jr. at: www.delhommefuneralhome.com
Raymond W. Perry, Jr. and his family were cared for and entrusted final arrangements to Delhomme Funeral Home, 200 Chief H. Fred Road, Maurice, LA.

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Candidates qualify for May 16 election in Abbeville, Kaplan

Qualifying for the May 16 municipal elections in Abbeville and Kaplan opened on Wednesday, with several candidates adding their names.
The qualifying period ended on Friday, Feb. 13.
Among the spots filled included mayor, chief of police and city council in Abbeville and Kaplan. Voters in Vermilion Parish will also see a race for United States Senate as well as a for U.S. Representative in the 3rd Congressional District.
Below are the candidates who have qualified:

Abbeville

Mayor
• Anita R. Levy
• Roslyn White

Chief of Police
• Mike Hardy
• William “Bill” Spearman

Council At-Large
• Bang Bui
• Carlton Campbell
• Ravin St. Julien

Council District A
• Jesrial Jevon Davis
• Neal A. Richard

Council District B
• Todd Chauvin
• Rachel Touchet Mouton
• Francis Plaisance

Council District C
• Brady Broussard Jr.

Council District D
• Terry Broussard
• Malcolm Jones

Kaplan

Mayor
• Michael “Mike” Kloesel

Chief of Police
• Keith M. Greene, Sr.
• Joshua Hardy

Alderman At-Large
• Dirk Gary

Alderman District A
• Randy Campbell

Alderman District B
• “Mike” Renfrow

Alderman District C
• Justin “JJ” Johnson

Alderman District D
• Chuck Guidry

U.S. Senator Democratic Party
• Nicholas "Nick" Albares
• Gary Crockett
• “Jamie” Davis

U.S. Senator Republican Party
• Bill Cassidy
• John Fleming
• Julia Letlow
• Mark Spencer

U. S. Representative 3rd
Congressional District - Democratic Party
• John Day
• Tia LeBrun
• Caleb “With A C” Walker

U. S. Representative 3rd
Congressional District - Republican Party
• Clay Higgins

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The cement base of the sign helped stop the truck. The sign is made of foam.

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The driver of the truck was taken to a hospital due to injuries.

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The construction gear in the back of the truck flew out of the truck after running into the sign.

Truck veers off U.S. 167, stopped by "Welcome to Abbeville" sign

Driver taken to local hospital

On Friday, after 7 a.m., the driver of a Chevy truck went off the road on U.S. 167 as it was entering Abbeville. The truck went through two ditches, crossed Palm Hospital Road, and finally stopped after hitting the “Welcome to Abbeville” sign.
The sign, which has been around for 15 years, is made of foam. But it was the cement base of the sign that actually stopped the truck.
The driver was taken to a local hospital, and their name or medical condition wasn’t available on Friday.

Pages

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