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Welcome to Louisiana. Where you will find the largest assortment of gambling options anywhere. It might be the gambling mecca of the world. So go ahead and pick your poison.
You can go to one of four federally approved Indian casinos and 43 state-licensed casinos where you can pick a large selection of betting options. Craps, slot machines, Bourré, blackjack, Baccarat, roulette, poker (Texas hold’em, Five-card draw, Omaha hold’em), and Big Six-wheel. Then you can also choose pool, the lottery, online gambling of sports, horse racing tracks, off-track wagering, the list goes on and on. There are 200 truck stop casinos and over 1000 restaurants and bars that have video poker machines. Cock fighting was outlawed just a few years ago, but still takes place in Cajun country.
Sports betting is the new mantra for bettors with full page ads running daily in many of the state’s newspapers. And can you believe the state’s major university is openly soliciting its students to gamble online? Even though it’s against the law for someone in Louisiana to gamble who is under twenty-one, the state’s flagship LSU is illegally urging students to sign up for an online account and gamble on any number of sporting events. “It just feels gross and tacky for a university to be encouraging people to engage in behavior that is addictive and very harmful,” said Robert Mann, an L.S.U. journalism professor.
Lia Nower, a professor and director of the Center for Gambling Studies at Rutgers University writes: “Gambling is a very different addiction from drugs or alcohol. If I’m drunk or high, at some point my family is going to figure it out. With gambling, I can be sitting with my kids, watching cartoons, and gambling away my house, my car, everything I own, on my mobile phone. How would you know?”
It would be one thing if the state’s gambling obsession was being absorbed into the economy that was ticking with new businesses, a growing population, and an improving quality of life. But when you compare such qualities in surrounding states, Louisiana continues to be at the bottom of the barrel. Now it seems like we have become obsessed with a gambling addiction.
Shouldn’t our public officials offer options to bring the Bayou State in line with our neighbors? Yes, we have a growing number of chemical plants along the Mississippi river. But these operations require fewer employees as their functions become more mechanized. Texas,
Mississippi, Arkansas, Alabama, and Tennessee all have thriving and growing economic bases. Companies that require a large number of employees.
I recently returned from a trip in North Carolina, and my route took me through Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee. I passed any number of automobile plants and distribution centers that individually seem to take up thousands of acres. Nissen and Toyota have massive plants in Mississippi, and the Mercedes plant in Alabama looks like a major city. Louisiana does not have the trained workforce that is required to operate such plants.
Writer Walker Percy, who is buried in Covington, gave this view of his home state. “Its marshes have been plundered and polluted, one of the highest cancer rates in the county and the loss of fifty square miles of wetlands yearly.” He went on to lament that Louisiana should be much more than what he decried as “a slightly sleazy playground for tourists and conventioneers.”
And sadly, how about this from our state’s current most prolific writer James Lee Burke, who has written some 40 novels mostly about Louisiana. “I also believe my home state is cursed by ignorance and poverty and racism, much of it deliberately inculcated to control a vulnerable electorate. And I believe many of the politicians in Louisiana are among the most stomach-churning examples of white trash and venality I have ever known. To me, the fact that large numbers of people find them humorously picaresque is mind numbing, on a level with telling fond tales of one’s rapist.”
Tough comments from two respected authors who have observed the Bayou State for many years. Will the state ever change? It’s election year with balloting to begin in a matter of months. Political office wannabes will be trying to convince the electorate to vote for them. Are voters ready to ask tough questions? We will find out in November.
Peace and Justice
Jim Brown

On Saturday, March 4 and Sunday, March 5, the Louisiana Cattle Festival and Fair Association proudly welcomed a new group of royalty to reign over the 73rd Louisiana Cattle Festival, scheduled for October of 2023.
The newly crowned kings and queens are tasked with promoting the festival during their year-long reign in addition to representing the festival and fair association, the state’s cattle industry, the City of Abbeville and Vermilion Parish.
The Louisiana Cattle Festival would like to congratulate the 2023 Louisiana Cattle Festival royalty, including Baby Cattle Queen, Effie Bergeron; Baby Cattle King, Colt Lemaire; Petite Cattle Queen, Tinsley Turnage; Deb Cattle Queen, Paisley Lajaunie; Junior Cattle Queen, Suri Romero; Teen Cattle Queen, Gracie Bourque; Ms. Cattle Queen, Joy Sanders; and the 73rd Louisiana Cattle Festival Queen, Amelia Detraz and Louisiana Cattle Festival King, Calvin LeBouef.
Amelia Detraz is the daughter of Gabrielle Detraz and the late Michael Detraz, Jr., and is a senior at Kaplan High School.
When asked what has the LA Cattle Festival Queen meant to her, Amelia Detraz replied, “I grew up within the cattle industry my whole life. My family raises cattle, and I show cattle myself and raise my heifer. Seeing that my hometown had a festival and queen that represented something I hold so close to my heart was amazing to me as a little girl. Now, it’s even more outstanding, being that I know the duties and responsibilities of being the LA Cattle Festival Queen and having the opportunity to represent such an impactful industry every day during my reign. I am truly living my childhood dream!”
Detraz is excited to reign alongside her 73rd LA Cattle Festival King, Calvin LeBouef; a 3rd generation cattle producer and native of Abbeville, La. Calvin LeBouef comes from a strong lineage in the cattle industry, having had productions in both beef and dairy cattle. LeBouef continues his industry involvement with an operation of Red Brahman, Hereford Bulls, Braford Bulls, and F1 program in addition to livestock hauling alongside his wife of 55 years, Lorraine LeBouef.
With true devotion to the cattle industry, LeBouef has served his community in various capacities, including Vermilion Parish Livestock Show as Ringman, weighing animals and helping countless kids for many years.
He has belonged to the Louisiana Department of Agriculture’s Livestock Brand Commission, Louisiana Farm Bureau state board and livestock division, Louisiana Cattlemen’s Association state board, the Vermilion Cattlemen’s Association board and officer at large, and has been a board member of the Louisiana Cattle Festival & Fair Association for over 40 years, including a voting member of the board during the Festival’s major shift from being the known as the Louisiana Dairy Festival to encompassing all of the industry as the Louisiana Cattle Festival in 1979. LeBouef has served as the LA Cattle Festival’s anchor in the cattle industry for decades; it is an esteemed honor to recognize LeBouef and his commitment to the cattle industry, the youth of Vermilion Parish.
The Louisiana Cattle Festival Association would like to sincerely thank each contestant, family member and friend, board and festival members, past LA Cattle Queens and volunteers for the support of all contestants, as well as the festival. Mark your calendars to attend the 73rd Louisiana Cattle Festival in the downtown streets of Abbeville in October 2023.

ERATH - The French people of Louisiana stand out because of their language, traditions, customs, celebrations and most of all, their pride in French heritage and culture.
The best way to preserve that culture is to preserve the French language and folk traditions. It is vital to immerse students who study French in culturally-enriching experiences that teach them about the lives of those who came before, and in doing so, instill in them the level of pride in their heritage that is necessary for Louisiana’s French culture and language to survive.
Les Amis du Français en Vermillon (Friends of French in Vermilion), a non-profit parent and community organization, dedicated to the preservation and promotion of French language, heritage and culture, and to the continued success of French education in Vermilion parish, is providing these enrichment opportunities and cultural learning experiences for Vermilion parish French students, as well as opportunities for them to engage with their heritage and utilize their French-speaking skills.
Les Amis du Français en Vermillon (LADFEV) recently hosted several culturally-enriching activities for students and families, surrounding the historical Louisiana French tradition of a “Courir de Mardi Gras” (Mardi Gras Run). The experiences included a cultural presentation, a traditional Mardi Gras costume-making workshop and the most exciting of all, an actual Mardi Gras chicken chase.
LADFEV began with their “Courir de Mardi Gras Cultural Presentation” for Vermilion parish Kindergarten through Third grade French students. During the fun classroom presentation, students and their teachers learned the history of the “Courir de Mardi Gras” beginnings in rural medieval France. In addition, they learned how this lively French tradition has been preserved with the current practices that take place throughout Louisiana rural communities.
The students had the opportunity to view the vibrant traditional Mardi Gras costumes used in the “Courir de Mardi Gras” celebrations. They enjoyed using their French-speaking skills to sing and dance to "La Danse de Mardi Gras", the well-known French song sung by the ‘Mardi Gras’, as they travel from house to house begging for the ingredients to make their communal gumbo. Students were given a “Courir de Mardi Gras” fun packet to share with family and friends, featuring French Mardi Gras learning activities, songs and coloring pages.
“Throughout the presentation, students answered and asked questions about the courir de Mardi Gras celebration and other French traditions, past and present,” stated Layla Melancon, Director of LADFEV. “They were focused...they were excited...they showed heart...they truly cared. Enjoying a glimpse into their past, their interest showed as they sang in French and danced to La Danse de Mardi Gras.”
Next, LADFEV hosted a “Children’s Traditional Mardi Gras Costume-Making Workshop” for elementary students currently studying French in Vermilion Parish. During this two-day workshop, the children, along with parents and family members, learned how to create the traditional Mardi Gras costume used during the “Courir de Mardi Gras” event.
“With over 65 participants, our children’s traditional Mardi Gras costume-making workshop was a huge success,” said Melancon. “Seeing the families have so much fun together learning about a piece of their French heritage and culture was extremely meaningful.”
The children were provided with all of the materials necessary to create their own unique costume. First, they created the shirt by gluing hand-cut fabric strips in a variety of designs across the front, back and sleeves. Next, they created the “capuchon” (hat) by covering a cone-shaped hat with fabric strips and decorative items. Last, they created the mask by gluing miscellaneous items onto vinyl mesh cut like the traditional mask. From bells and feathers, to googly eyes and pipe cleaners, the personality of each child definitely shined through their costume creation.
“Our organization recognizes the importance of adding a cultural and historical approach to the teaching of French,” expressed Melancon. “We know that for students studying French in Vermilion parish to continue using their French beyond their school years, they must feel pride in the language they are learning.
“Our costume-making workshop exposed students to an element of their French cultural heritage, and left them with a desire to learn and explore more of the French traditions of their ancestors.”
Last, LADFEV hosted a “Children’s Mardi Gras Chicken Chase” for those who attended the costume- making workshop. Wearing their custom-made costumes, the children had the opportunity to enjoy the part of the “Courir de Mardi Gras” French tradition that is most fun for everyone. In addition to the children and their families, many community members came to Erath City Park to participate in this historical cultural tradition.
“Events like the children’s Mardi Gras chicken chase help keep our French traditions alive,” added Melancon. “Because of successful community-based cultural preservation efforts such as this, we are able to witness a growing youth population who is developing a sense of pride in learning and using Louisiana French, providing hope that the region’s unique Francophone culture remains an enduring, active presence.”
Families and community members formed a giant circle, creating an area for the children and chickens to run. For 12 rounds, the very-determined chicken chasers huddled together with extreme anticipation waiting for Melancon to shout the words “UN, DEUX, TROIS...ALLER!”, signaling the chase is on!
With sounds of Louisiana French music over the speakers, the chickens were tossed into the air. These feathered friends had their chasers diving in every direction for a title of ‘Chicken Catcher’. Parents and community members laughed uncontrollably as they watched the children have a blast participating in such a fun Cajun French tradition.
“The deeply-rooted history, culture and passion for preservation is truly alive in Louisiana’s French country,” stated Melancon. “Our children need to experience this important sense of community that seems lost today in the fast-paced world we live in, filled with computers, cell phones and tablets.
“With the help and support of parents, community members and businesses, Les Amis du Français en Vermillon will be able to continue providing French cultural activities, events, and opportunities for students studying French to interact with the Francophone communities of Vermilion parish and Acadiana while using their French-speaking skills,” continued Melancon.
Melancon shared her sincere gratitude to all those who made the recent activities and events a tremendous success for children and families to learn and celebrate French cultural history, heritage and tradition with LADFEV. “I am truly grateful to the students, parents and community members who participated in all of our activities,” she expressed.
Melancon thanked Erath Mayor Taylor Mencacci and his family for providing the group the locations to host all of their activities and events for our children studying French,” she said.
“He continuously supports our mission to preserve and promote our French language, heritage and culture, and to continue the success and growth of French education in Vermilion parish.”
Melancon recognized Kylie Griffin, the Music and Band Instructor at Dozier Elementary school in Erath, and a founder of the well-known music group, Poisson Rouge.
Melancon extended her thanks to Jacob Landry of Erath, a co-owner of Industrial and Oilfield Services and Enviro-Resources for providing a sound system for the ‘Children’s Mardi Gras Chicken Chase’, and offering support to LADFEV with future activities and events.
Melancon continued by expressing thanks to Mr. Mario Charest and Mrs. Madeline DeHart of Vermilion parish school system. “The support and assistance of Mario and Madeline with our recent Mardi Gras cultural activities and our future projects, is greatly appreciated,” stated Melancon.
Melancon expressed her gratitude to Karen Thibodeaux of Sew What! Designs in Branch, Louisiana. “I am thankful for the unique traditional hand-sewn Mardi Gras mask noses that Mrs. Thibodeaux graciously donated for our children to use when creating their personal costumes, as well as the wisdom and guidance she humbly provided me with during all of the project preparations.”
Melancon closed by recognizing Warren Perrin, renowned author and founder of Le Musée Acadien (The Acadian Museum) in Erath, and true historian of Acadian culture.
“Mr. Perrin is extremely encouraging of our efforts to promote the Francophone cultures in Vermilion parish,” said Melancon. “He is an inspiration to me, and it is an honor to have his support with all of our French activities and events.”
For information on becoming a member of the Les Amis du Français en Vermillon non-profit organization, and/or making a donation to help them continue to provide cultural and enrichment activities, please email the organization’s Director, Layla Melancon, at vermilionfrench@gmail.com.

Some changes to ordinances covering trash containers, golf carts and liquor permits took shape during Tuesday’s regular Abbeville City Council meeting.
The council approved an amendment to the ordinance related to the location of trash containers, adopted language for the use of golf carts and slow-moving vehicles, and moved to repeal and re-enact the liquor license permit ordinance.
All three subjects had been discussed and recommended for a vote of the full council during the ordinance committee meeting on Feb. 7. A public hearing took place on Tuesday before the council voted on each issue.
One of the moves amended Section 15.5-29 (c), the location of trash containers, designating the city as the governing authority determining variances regarding garbage containers at residences within the city limits. Previously, the Vermilion Parish Police Jury had handled that issue.
“Because the police jury is in charge of roadside trash pickup,” Mayor Roslyn White said during the public hearing, “our current ordinance reads that if someone has a medical condition that prevents them from going back and forth from the house to the road, they have to get a variance from the police jury.”
Officials with the police jury sought to adjust that process.
“The police jury reached out to us and said they would like us to take over that authority within the city limits,” White said.
Abbeville’s ordinance states that trash containers can only be placed by the road 24 hours before trash pickup. Those with medical conditions that make moving the trash container to and from the road difficult now have to seek a variance from the city rather than the police jury.
“You will need to come here to the city to get a variance,” White said, “with proof of why you can’t pull it back and forth.”
Some people would like the option to travel back and forth on golf carts in parts of the city. Councilman Francis Touchet Jr. had recently brought the use of golf carts on some city streets to the table. Touchet could not attend Tuesday’s meeting.
“He asked to explore whether we could allow golf carts for commute within the city limits,” White said. “We have done that work. The ordinance talks about it having to be a street-legal golf cart.”
To be deemed street legal, the golf cart must have rear-facing mirrors, DOTD windshields, windshield wipers, horns, speedometer, seat belts, DOTD approved wheels, a license plate holder with lights, headlights and turn signals. The driver must also have a license.
“You can’t just get on your regular golf cart and ride on the streets,” White said. “They need to be equipped with all of those (items).”
Golf carts will not be allowed on state streets, which include many of the streets downtown.
“They have to be on city streets,” White said.
There are further steps to be taken, including the creation application for the permit for the golf carts.
“It still has to be advertised before it’s active,” White said of the ordinance running in the legals for the Abbeville Meridional. “We have to write up the application. This approves it and says, yes, we want to move forward with it.
“We still have work to do before we start allowing it.”
Since taking office as mayor last July, White has focused on making ordinances work better in the present. The liquor permit process is among the work to make the city more business-friendly.
“One of my goals in my administration is to go through the ordinances and update them,” White said during the public hearing. “We want to look at things that need to be streamlined for businesses. One ordinance that we have that we found very cumbersome is the liquor permit application. It’s just a model of the state permit. There’s a lot of duplication and not a lot of sense to some of the things we required businesses to do.”
That included obtaining signatures from neighboring property owners.
“No other city requires that,” White said.
White and City Attorney Bart Broussard reviewed model ordinances from other municipalities.
“We looked at what the state already does and what we can rely on the state to continue to do,” White said. “We presented to the council some proposed language of a revision for our liquor and permit license for businesses. They have reviewed that.”
The four council members in attendance unanimously approved each of the three items after closing the public hearing.