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Demontrevon Chavis

Abbeville man allegedly shoots woman during argument

Officers book Demontrevon Chavis for attempted second-degree murder

On Sunday, at approximately 12:05 a.m., officers with the Abbeville Police Department responded to a call that a person had possibly been shot at the Country Village Apartments on Coullee Kinney Street.
As officers arrived, they observed a female subject outside of the apartment with a gunshot wound to her neck. Officers learned that the victim and the suspect, identified as Demontrevon Chavis of Abbeville, got into an argument. Chavis produced a handgun and fired one round, hitting the victim in the neck. The victim stated that the suspect was still in the residence. The victim was transported to a local hospital for medical attention, and officers sealed off the area and contacted the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office for assistance. While waiting for the Special Response Team to arrive, Chavis exited the apartment and was taken into custody without incident. Officers were able to retrieve the weapon used, and a routine check determined that the handgun was reported as stolen on the N.C.I.C. database.
Chavis was arrested on the following charges:
• Attempted 2nd Degree Murder
• Illegal Possession of a Stolen Firearm
The victim was treated and later released from the hospital.
Chief of Police William Spearman would like to thank the officers for a job well done. Chief Spearman would also like to thank the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office for their assistance.
The Abbeville Police Department is asking that anyone who may have any information regarding this or any crime, to please contact the Abbeville Police Department by calling 893-2511. You may contact our “Tips” line at 892-6777. All callers may remain anonymous. Citizens may also send anonymous tips through CrimeStoppers of Vermilion by calling 740-TIPS or the P3 app, which can be downloaded through the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

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Anita Cunningham

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Kabien Wright

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Koby Winston

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Tazaylain Perro

VPSO makes narcotics arrests in Parish

According to Eddie Langlinais, Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer, Crime Stoppers Coordinator, and Violent Crimes Task Force Director, the Vermilion Municipal and Sheriff’s Narcotics Task Force made the following arrests for narcotics-related offenses within the parish.
Last month, after a lengthy investigation, agents with the Vermilion Municipal and Sheriff’s Narcotics Task Force, Abbeville Police Department, Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office K-9 Division, Patrol and S.R.T., and the Louisiana State Police arrested two adults and two juveniles after a lengthy vehicle pursuit.
As a result of the investigation, four firearms were recovered, one of which was reported stolen. Arrested and charged were:
Kabien Wright, (B/M, DOB: 11-20-2003 of Abbeville)
• Possession of Schedule II, (Hydrocodone)
• Possession of a Firearm in the Presence of a Controlled Dangerous Substance
• Possession of a Stolen Firearm
• Contributing to the Delinquency of a Juvenile (2 counts)
Wright also had outstanding felony warrants for:
• Conspiracy to Distribute Schedule II, (Meth)
• Conspiracy to Distribute Schedule I, (Synthetic Marijuana)
• Conspiracy to Introduce Contraband into a Penal Facility
Tazaylain Perro, (B/M, DOB: 10-17-2001, of Abbeville)
• Possession of Schedule I, (Synthetic Marijuana)
• Possession of a Firearm in the Presence of a Controlled Dangerous Substance
• Possession of a Stolen Firearm
• Contributing to the Delinquency of a Juvenile (2 counts)
The juveniles will remain unidentified due to their age but were subsequently charged as well.
On 2-22-2022, agents with the Vermilion Municipal and Sheriff’s Narcotics Task Force went to 17137 Dalton Road in Kaplan Louisiana to execute an arrest warrant on Anita Cunningham, (W/F, DOB: 1-12-1969 of Kaplan).
Upon arrival, Cunningham attempted to flee on foot from agents but was taken into custody shortly after. A further investigation was conducted into illegal activity at the residence which led to the arrest of:

Koby Winston, (W/M, DOB: 3-29-1987 of Kaplan) was charged with:
• Possession of Schedule II, (Methamphetamine)
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
Sheriff Couvillon would like to thank the Mayors, and their council, of Abbeville, Maurice, Kaplan, Gueydan, and Erath, along with their Chiefs of Police, for their support of the Vermilion Municipal and Sheriff’s Narcotics Task Force. Sheriff Couvillon also applauds the concerned citizens of Vermilion Parish for their awareness and assistance in helping the Task Force in fighting the war on illegal drugs. He encourages all citizens with information in regards to illegal drug activities to contact the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office or the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit at 337-740-4501 or E-mail the Task Force anonymously at taskforce@vpso.net and your e-mail will be held in the “strictest of confidence” and replied to in a very timely manner.
More information on reporting drug activities can be seen on our Web Site at www.vpso.net. Click on Narcotics and fill out the TURN IN A PUSHER information.

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Springtime Brings….Broadband

By Representative Daryl Deshotel (R-Avoyelles)

It’s almost springtime and for Louisiana that means crawfish boils, baseball and gardening, but this particular spring it means we will usher in the largest economic development opportunity in the history of our state: INCREASED INTERNET CONNECTIVITY.
This year we will begin to enjoy the harvest of groundbreaking legislative action found in the GUMBO grant program, a program that I authored which received bipartisan support within the legislature. This bipartisan legislation basically set the stage for a potential of nearly $300 million federal dollars to provide much needed internet connectivity to Louisiana families and businesses. Over 58 parishes throughout Louisiana applied to take part in the first round of grants totaling $90 million, and in just a few weeks the FIRST ROUND OF AWARDS WILL BE ANNOUNCED.
When I began to work on this fund, I knew it was a once in a lifetime opportunity for the people of Louisiana. While I recognized a limited window of opportunity, I am proud of how expedient, successful and transformative this program is proving to be. The GUMBO Fund will allow countless Louisianans to participate in the global economy while improving access to tele-healthcare, remote work and educational opportunities.
Local governments deserve due credit for recognizing the connectivity needs within the communities they represent and for seizing these grant opportunities. Local governments' decision to partner with private companies in applying for the GUMBO Fund will reap generational rewards. I am committed to working with the telecom industry, local governments and my colleagues to ensure every penny of this program is spent investing in broadband infrastructure that will improve the lives of our people and grow our economy. This is only the beginning of our work and we have a long way to go. I look forward to touring the state in the coming weeks as we carry the great news of a bright and modernized future for Louisiana.
To sign up to receive broadband updates go to www.daryldeshotel.com

Rep. Deshotel (from the Avoyelles Parish area) who authored the broadband legislation that passed last session. It’s huge for the state and is making broadband more accessible for local communities, like those in Acadiana.

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The poster for "Peace River," which open in select Louisiana theaters on Thursday, March 3.

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Real-life couple Meg and Ben Jones play Barb and Bo Shane in 'Peace River,' which Ben Jones wrote and produced and which will be shown Thursday in cinemas nationwide. (Submitted photo)

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Ben Jones, who works in the oil exploration business, wrote and acted in 'Peace River,' an inspirational movie about modern cowboys and redemption that will show in Baton Rouge and in hundreds of theaters nationwide on March 3. (Advocate photo by Travis Spradling)

“Peace River” is a Christian cowboy movie exploring faith, love and loyalty; open Thursday at select theaters

Ben Jones wouldn't mind "Peace River" becoming an overnight success. But that's only if over a decade counts as "overnight."
When the Baton Rouge oil executive's inspirational movie get shown at the Cinemark Perkins Row and 560 screens nationwide on Thursday night, it will have taken that long for his idea to become a reality. His original concept didn't envision some of the casting decisions it would entail.
"It's almost a surreal experience to write the story and then go through … a 12-year process and see it come to fruition on the screen, and to be acting with my wife and my son in it," Jones said. "That's a trip, as they used to say."
If that phrase dates Jones, 68, it's not the only thing about "Peace River" that's a throwback. Though set mostly in recent years, the movie focuses on timeless qualities like faith, love and loyalty, all of which are rolled into what Jones calls "the cowboy way."
Having competed in rodeo in his youth and occasionally worked as a cowboy in adulthood, Jones learned the ethos of that lifestyle and built his film around it. It tells about multigenerational New Mexico ranching family.
A young cowboy, Casey Shane, played by Chase Garland, follows family tradition and joins the military after 9/11 only to be traumatized by combat experiences and have his life fall apart when he returns home — until he's rescued by faith in Christ. Jessica Wood plays his love interest, Maria Martinez.
For Jones, owner of Canada Energy Partners, this is his entertainment debut. He attended Dallas Theological Seminary in the 1970s and has preached and served as an interim pastor for various churches while pursuing his secular career, and he started writing "Peace River" in 2009.
The project got a jump start when Jones attended the International Christian Film Festival in Orlando, Florida, in 2019 and pitched his idea to filmmaker Douglas James Vail, who agreed to direct and serve as co-executive producer along with Jones.
When industry COVID-19 standards raised costs so high that Jones had to drop plans for a union-staffed film, the actor who played Bo Shane, Casey's grandfather, dropped out, as did his replacement when a crew member was exposed to the coronavirus. At Vail's suggestion, Jones agreed to play the part.

The original version of "Peace River" was 3 hours, so they had to find ways to cut it to its current 2 hours and 10 minutes. That was a painful process, Jones said, but he and his investors like the finished product.

"You're so immersed in it, so deep into it, sometimes you wonder, 'Have we drunk our own Kool-Aid here? Have we lost our objectivity?'" Jones said.

"But I felt real good about the film we delivered. … We had a number of people look at the film, so we had a real good feel that it wasn't just our Kool-Aid."

Getting it shown was another battles Fathom Events, which finds screen availabilities for faith-based and other specialty films, agreed to give "Peace River" its nationwide, one-night showing. It's being marketed to Christian organizations, including cowboy churches, Jones said.
If it does well, an encore showing is a possibility, and if it continues to sell tickets, it could lead to a general release, Jones said. Four screens at Perkins Rowe have all but sold out, but tickets may be available at theaters in New Orleans and Covington. To find tickets, visit the Fathom Events website.
If it succeeds, don't be surprised if Jones' name appears on more movie credits.
"I've got about three prequels to this and one sequel and some nonfiction episodic stuff I think I could do," Jones said, then laughed. "Ain't nothing like starting a new career when you're 68."
Overnight successes, after all, aren't always as overnight as they seem.

To buy tickets to "Peace River": https://www.fathomevents.com/events/Peace-River/theaters 

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The Abbeville Police blocked off Washington and West Lafayette streets.

Gun fire took place downtown Abbeville

It came from two cars passing by one another

The Abbeville Police were called to West Lafayette Street Friday morning around 11 after people heard gun fire.

The gun fire is determined to come from two vehicles who drove next to each other on West Lafayette Street, a block away from Magdalen Square.

Bullet casings were found by West Lafayette Street.

As of noon on Friday, the Abbeville Police were trying to figure out what types of vehicles were used in the gunfire.

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The Abbeville Police blocked off Washington Street and West Lafayette Street.

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The Abbeville Police Department gathered to talk about the shooting.

Gun fire took place downtown Abbeville

It came from two cars passing by one another

The Abbeville Police were called to West Lafayette Street Friday morning around 11 after people heard gun fire.

The gun fire is determined to come from two vehicles who drove next to each other on West Lafayette Street, a block away from Magdalen Square.

Bullet casings were found by West Lafayette Street.

As of noon on Friday, the Abbeville Police were trying to figure out what types of vehicles were used in the gunfire.

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Dr. Stella Arabie

Vermilion Catholic names Dr. Arabie as new principal

She’s coming to Abbeville after four years as principal at Catholic High

Vermilion Catholic is pleased to announce that Dr. Stella Arabie has been named as the new principal of Vermilion Catholic, a legacy of Mount Carmel.
While her official start date will be July 1, 2022, she will start working with VC principal Mike Guilbeaux immediately to ensure a smooth transition.
Dr. Arabie is coming to Vermilion Catholic with an extensive background in administration and many years in Catholic education.
She has seventeen years of experience teaching in the classroom and nine years of administrative experience, most recently serving as principal of Catholic High of New Iberia for the past four years, overseeing 4th through 12th grade. She also served as CFO at Catholic High, and we are looking forward to her using that knowledge to continue to align the culture, facilities, and curriculum of our Pre-K through 12th grade school.
Dr. Arabie stated, “I am honored and blessed to be joining Vermilion Catholic, a legacy of Mount Carmel, as the next principal. Vermillion Catholic and Mount Carmel have long been models of Catholic education in Acadiana and I am looking forward to being a part of continuing that tradition. I am excited to meet and to get to know all of the students, families and staff who make this school so special. A word of thanks to Fr. Richard and Mr. Guilbeaux for welcoming me and giving me their personal support during this transition and into the new school year. I can’t wait to get started.”
Father Louis Richard, Chancellor, stated, “I am proud to welcome Dr. Arabie to the Vermilion Catholic family.
“Her leadership and insight to curriculum will be invaluable as we continue to align our Pre-K through 12th grade school. With her experience and enthusiasm, I believe she will be a perfect fit to be the leader of Vermilion Catholic.”

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Tyler Benoit

Kaplan man sentenced to 40 years for 2017 killing in Lafayette

Tyler Benoit, of Kaplan, has been sentenced to 40 years at hard labor for the shooting death of a Lafayette man in 2017
Assistant District Attorneys Alisa Gothreaux and Roya Boustany presented arguments in the sentencing hearing for Tyler Benoit. Benoit who was convicted by a unanimous jury on Oct. 15, 2021. for the crimes of manslaughter involving victim Christon Chaisson, and obstruction of justice.
Lafayette Police Department Detective Norman Maldonado's investigation revealed that Christon Chaisson was shot and killed by Benoit when Chaisson stopped to help a young lady that was being harmed by her boyfriend back in 2017.
At the sentencing hearing held Thursday afternoon before the presiding Judge, Honorable Marilyn Castle, family for both the defense and Christan Chaisson presented testimony. Judge Castle sentenced Benoit to 40 years at hard labor on the manslaughter charge and 20 years at hard labor on the obstruction, with the sentences to run concurrently.
District Attorney Don Landry complimented his prosecutors for a job well done. "Law Enforcement did an excellent job in solving this case and our prosecutors did an exceptional job in presenting the case to the jury," said Landry.

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Allen-Spencer

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Wiltz

Abbeville Police arrests two for shots fired at residence

The Abbeville Police Department made two arrests dealing with gun shots fired at a residence earlier this month.
On Feb. 16, at approximately 1:30 a.m. , officers of the Abbeville Police Department responded to a “Shots Fired” call on the 800 block of South East Street.
The initial investigation determined that subjects in a vehicle fired numerous rounds from high powered rifles toward a residence. Detectives were called and took over the investigation.
During the investigation, detectives were able to identify the occupants in the vehicle.
On Wednesday, at approximately 6:45 p.m. detectives were able to locate the suspect’s vehicle. Detectives attempted to make a traffic stop on the suspect’s vehicle, but the vehicle fled. Officers pursued the vehicle until the vehicle crashed in a ditch off of Woodlawn Road.
Officers were able to apprehend the driver and a passenger from the vehicle.
Tra’Maine Wiltz of Abbeville was arrested and booked on the following charges:
• Principle to Attempted 1st Degree Murder; Obstruction of Justice; Contributing to the Delinquency of a Juvenile
• Iverson Allen-Spencer of Abbeville was also arrested and booked on the following charges: Principle to Attempted 1st Degree Murder; Obstruction of Justice; Contributing to the Delinquency of a Juvenile
This investigation is ongoing and more arrests are expected in this case.
Chief William Spearman would like to thank the officers for their tireless efforts, which have made the arrests of these violent offenders possible. Chief Spearman would also like to thank the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Maurice Police Department for their assistance.
The Abbeville Police Department is asking that anyone who has any information regarding this or any crime, to please contact the Abbeville Police Department by calling 893-2511. You may contact our “Tips” line at 892-6777. All callers may remain anonymous. Citizens may also send anonymous tips through CrimeStoppers of Vermilion by calling 740-TIPS or the P3 app, which can be downloaded through the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

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Aubrey Vincent

Rene Rost’s Aubrey Vincent earns Parish Elementary Student of the Year honor

Fifth-grader Aubrey Vincent was chosen as the Vermilion Parish Elementary Student of the Year at Rene Rost Middle School.
Aubrey is in the theatre club and 4-H. She did a play called “Deck the Halls with Poison Ivy during the Christmas season.” Her hobbies are cooking, dancing, painting, sewing, arts and crafts, and gymnastics. Her favorite subject in school is math, and her favorite teacher is Janie Turnley.
“I made a purple shirt and pants, and I put it in the 4-H clothing competition,” said Aubrey.
“I feel like she lives in arts and crafts, and her mind is always thinking what she could make next,” said Bridget Vincent, the child’s mother.
“I love making things with my hands,” said Aubrey.
Aubrey participated in character breakfast, where older kids dress up as Disney characters for little kids, and the little kids eat breakfast. She dressed up as Anna from “Frozen,” and many pictures were taken of her with the children. She chose to dress up as Anna because her favorite Disney movie is “Frozen.”
Participating in these hobbies, clubs and events helped her become Student of the Year.
Aubrey is an animal lover; she has three cats and two dogs. Recently, her family rescued a cat from a pet store. She visited the cat at the pet store several times and promised the cat that she would find a way to give the cat a home one day. Then, one year for Halloween, she dressed up her dog as a lion from “Lion King,” The dog tried to eat the costume.
Bridget is proud of her daughter for receiving such an honor. Her older sister was also Student of the Year in 2019 at Rene Rost Middle School, and her older sister is the person she looks up to the most.
Becoming Student of the Year has motivated Aubrey to keep her grades up and to try her best in all her classes.

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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