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In November of 2020, Governor John Bel Edwards and Louisiana Economic Development (LED) Secretary Don Pierson welcomed the award of $2.4 million in federal funds to spur business recovery throughout Louisiana. In 2021, LED issued a request for proposals to identify and select qualified, experienced regional and stand-alone Economic Development Organizations, Chambers of Commerce and other traditional “technical assistance” provider organizations to provide services to Louisiana businesses and communities impacted by COVID-19.
Among the applicants was the Vermilion Economic Development Alliance (VEDA) whose mission is to “develop Vermilion” by facilitating business growth, retention and expansion, and serve as the contact for industry interested in relocating to Vermilion Parish, Louisiana. VEDA recently was accepted into the partnership with LED and has been awarded a contract to assist in their efforts.
“Vermilion has long been known for its strength and resilience. But even strong communities like ours were seriously impacted by the pandemic and its aftereffects. This partnership will allow us to continue matching local businesses with opportunities that can sustain their operations,” says Executive Director Anne Falgout, “Several of our local entrepreneurs have been models for ingenuity and sustainability. We hope to leverage those best practices and bring innovative ideas to the business community so that Vermilion, and the state, can leave the pandemic era even better than we arrived.”
VEDA plans to use the allotted funds to provide training in the form of online and in-person classes, one-on-one counseling with interested businesses, and outreach to ensure that available resources are known and utilized.
“The COVID-19 pandemic continues to place unprecedented challenges in our path, but with the collaboration of state, regional and local leaders, we have been able to maintain our stride and prepare for potential new challenges,” said LED Secretary Don Pierson. “The people and leadership of Vermilion Parish have shown time and again that they are willing to combine best practices with a uniquely-Louisiana sense of fortitude to face hurdles and move ahead. I am proud to have VEDA serve as an administrator for these federal dollars, as I can attest to their deep investment in the Vermilion business community, helping to sustain business operations through significant tests. I have no doubt they will rise to this challenge once more.”
To learn more about how VEDA can assist your business, visit www.developvermilion.org/results or contact the office to schedule an appointment (info@developvermilion.org, (337) 740-0433).

An Abbeville man is facing an attempted murder charge after he used two different weapons to fire at another man during an argument.
​On July 25, at approximately 2:50 p.m. officers of the Abbeville Police Department responded to a call from Abbeville General Hospital in reference to a subject with gunshot wounds. Upon officers arriving at the hospital, officers observed a male victim who suffered numerous wounds sustained after being shot with a shotgun.
During the subsequent investigation, it was determined that the victim and the suspect, identified as 33-year-old Ryan Thompson of Abbeville, got into a verbal argument regarding payment over storing a motor. During the argument, Thompson allegedly produced a handgun and fired at the victim. The shots did not hit the victim. According to officers, the suspect then produced a shotgun and again fired at the victim, striking him on the side of his body, with pellets striking him at various places on his body, from his ankle to his face.
An arrest warrant was obtained for Thompson, and he was located and arrested for Attempted 2nd Degree Murder. Thompson was transported to the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office for booking.
​The Abbeville Police Department is asking that anyone who have any information regarding this case, or any other 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 the Tip411 system at the department’s Facebook page @ www.facebook.com/AbbevillePolice Department/, the official web page @ www.abbevillepd.com by clicking on the “Submit a Tip” link provided or through the official Abbeville Police Department app, which can be downloaded through the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

ERATH — A mass of Christian burial for Andrew "Bob" Babineaux will be celebrated by Father Andre Metrejean at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church on Monday, August 2, 2021 at 3:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Our Lady of the Lake Mausoleum in Delcambre.
Visitation will be at David’s Funeral Home in Erath on Sunday, August 1, 2021 beginning at 3:00 pm. until 9:00 pm with a Rosary recited by family friend Mr. Glynn Stutes at 7:00 pm.
Andrew “Bob” Babineaux was peacefully called home on July 29th; 2021 surrounded by his loving wife of 63 years Romona, and his family.
Andrew (Bob) was born on December 19th 1937 to Gordy Babineaux Sr. and Flavie Hollier and was raised in Delcambre, La. He met the love of his life at a little café in Erath
Andrew was a hard worker, he was the proud owner of Babineaux Repair Shop, working until the day that he fell ill in January. He was famously known for bringing his customers Mexican blankets, vanilla, corn, and sweet potatoes to show them how much he appreciated them.
He is Survived by his wife of 63 years Romona (Stout) Babineaux, his children Marty (Melissa) Babineaux, Natalie (Dennis) Mouton, his grandchildren Morgan (John) Yarbrough, Matthew Babineaux, Dennis Carl (Anne Marie) Mouton, Leslie (Jonathan ) Dronet, his nine great grandchildren. Carter and Catherine Guilbeau, Bowen Yarbrough, Isabel Simon, Isaac and Ian Mouton, Andre, Nate and Allie Grace Dronet. His sister Andrea (Rodrick) Viator and his brother Gordy (Ruth) Babineaux Jr.
Readers will be his granddaughters Leslie Dronet, and Morgan Yarbourgh, and Gift Bearers will be Bowen, Isabel, Catherine, Allie Grace, Anne Marie, Melissa and Natalie
Serving as Pallbearers will be Dennis Carl Mouton Jr, Isaac Mouton, Marty Babineaux, Matthew Babineaux , Carter Guilbeau, and Jonathan Dronet . Serving as Honorary Pallbearers will be Dennis Mouton Sr., Andre and Nate Dronet, Ian Mouton, John Yarbrough, Ronnie Hebert and Roland Olivier
The Babineaux family would like to especially thank Father Andre Metrejean for all of his prayers and visit throughout Andrew’s illness, Concept of Care Home Health and Traditions Health Hospice who cared for Andrew, especially his nurse Rob Estaville and a special thanks to his dear friends Roland and Val Olivier, who showed their love and support throughout his illness, and a special thanks to family friend Lisa Bourque for the love she showed Andrew each and every day throughout his illness.
Andrew was preceded in death by his parents, Gordy Sr. and Flavie Babineaux, his siblings, Joyce Suire, Jenny LeLeux, and Brenda Ransonet, and his brother Kirby Babineaux and in laws Simon and Una Stout.
Condolences may be shared with the family at www.davidfuneralhome.org.
David Funeral Home of Erath, 209 East Putnam Street, (337) 937-0405 is in charge of arrangements.

Paul Royal Mayard passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on March 31, 2020. Because of Covid-19 restrictions at the time of his death, private gravesite services were held on April 3, 2020 at Our Lady of Lourdes Mausoleum. In an effort to honor his memory, a mass will be held on August 2, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church in Abbeville, with Father Donald Bernard officiating. Following the mass, a military service will be held at his mausoleum in Erath.
Royal was born to Robert and Eunice Mayard on February 13, 1931 in Henry, Louisiana. He attended E. Broussard School and later graduated from Abbeville High School. He loved his country and served as Staff Sergeant in the United States Air Force from August 30, 1951 through August 29, 1955, where he was stationed in Greenland. He then worked for Diamond Crystal Salt Company until the Lake Peigneur disaster in 1980. He then began working for his best friend, John L. Nance, who owned Nance & Collums Truck Line. He managed the New Iberia office and worked there until the company was bought out.
Royal enjoyed his annual trips to Jetty East in Destin, Florida. He loved the beach, fixing barbeque at the gazebo, drinking his beer and of course, meeting new friends on the beach. He also enjoyed trips to Cypress Bayou Casino and Paragon Casino with his dear friends, Rita and Wiltz Menard, Marion LaSalle and Norma and Rodney Dugas. Although Royal loved his daughter and granddaughters very much, his great grandchildren, Jude and Ava, were his pride and joy. It became a ritual that he would bring his great grandchildren to Target every Monday after he picked them up from school. Monday’s became “Lego day!’
Royal is survived by his wife, Hazel Romero Mayard, his daughter Tami Mayard Baudoin and her husband, Michael, of Lafayette, three granddaughters, Reagan Patout and her husband Jed, of Youngsville, Brooke Stelly and her husband, Thomas of Lafayette, and Brittany Petre of Seattle, Washington, and three great-grandchildren Jude Patout, Ava Patout and Isabella Stelly, whom was born after his passing. He is also survived by his niece and godchild, Kathleen Touchet and her husband Patrick, niece Jacqueline Bullock and her husband Stephen, niece Lisa Johnson and her husband David, nephews Robert “Robbeaux” Hebert and Jason Hebert.
Royal was predeceased by his parents, Robert and Eunice Mayard, his mother-in-law, Louise Broussard Romero, brother-in-law, Oliver “Bonnie” Hebert, and many uncles and aunts. His dear sister Rita Mayard Hebert passed away three weeks after Royal’s passing.
The family wishes to thank Hospice of Acadiana and specifically, Jonathan Bourque, for the compassion, support and medical attention given to Royal during his demise. You all will forever have a place in our hearts.