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Joseph Billy Hebert, Sr.

March 25, 1932 ~ July 22, 2021

KAPLAN — A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, July 28, 2021 at Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Roman Catholic Church honoring the life of Joseph Billy Hebert, Sr., 89, who died Thursday, July 22, 2021 at Abrom Kaplan Memorial Hospital. He will be laid to rest at Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Cemetery.
He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Elaine M. Hebert; his son, Bill Hebert and his wife, Gerette of Prairie Grove, AR; his two daughters, Rachel Landry and her husband, Ronald of Kaplan and Lauri Breaux of Kaplan; his eight grandchildren, Rozlyn Cothran and her husband, Brad, Lance Hebert, Blake Hebert, Jordan Landry, Bridget Landry, Alaina Landry, Serenity Morgan and Nora Breaux; his two great grandchildren, Alice Cothran and Marion Cothran; and his brother, Godfrey Hebert of Houston, TX.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Aurille and Ophelia Hebert; his sister, Nona Fay Broussard; and his brother, Jesse Hebert.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Vincent Funeral Home - Kaplan, 300 N. Eleazar Ave., on Tuesday, July 27, 2021 from 5:00 PM until 10:00 PM with a rosary being prayed at 7:00 PM; Wednesday, July 28, 2021 from 8:00 AM until the procession departs for the church at 12:45 PM.
All funeral arrangements are being conducted by Vincent Funeral Home of Kaplan, (337) 643-7276 [Service Information 225-5276]. Condolences may be sent to the Hebert family at www.vincentfuneralhome.net.

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Miss Nacole Rene’ O’Connor and Mr. Trey Jerald Hebert.
Photo by: Emily Trahan Photography

Miss Nacole Rene’ O’Connor and Mr. Trey Jerald Hebert are headed to the altar

Dale and Vickie Herpin Hebert along with the late Charlene McLain are proud to announce the engagement and approaching marriage of Miss Nacole Rene’ O’Connor to Trey Jerald Hebert, both of Kaplan, LA.
Nacole is the daughter of the late Joyce Charlene McLain and the granddaughter of the late Ella Verlene and Charles McLain, of Lawton, Oklahoma and the late Connie Robertson and Frank O’Connor of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
The bride-to-be is a 1996 graduate of Lawton High School and is currently employed by Larry’s Superfoods.
Trey is the son of Dale and Vickie Herpin Hebert of Kaplan, LA. He is the grandson of the late Gerard and Ada Bares Hebert of Delcambre, LA and the late R.J. (Red) and Mercedes Vincent Herpin of Kaplan, LA.
The prospective groom is a 1994 graduate of Kaplan High School. He is currently employed at Hebert’s Specialty Meats.
The couple plan to marry on August 21, 2021 at the Kaplan Baptist Church in Kaplan.

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Bryan Golden

Dare to Live Without Limits: It All Starts with a Dream

Dreams precede everything; all actions and all creations. Truly, everything does start with a dream. Dreaming is not an idle activity. It’s not an escape from reality. Dreams are the foundation of all creativity.
The type of dreaming I’m talking about doesn’t just occur while you are sleeping. The thoughts occupy your mind constantly, while you are awake as well as resting. These types of dreams stick in your mind. They become a mental obsession. When your mind is focused on a specific detailed dream, it will lead you toward a path that will transform your dream to reality.
Dreaming is healthy, allowing you to explore different scenarios and options. Without dreams, you can’t venture beyond your perceived limits. For maximum effectiveness, a dream should be as detailed as possible. It shouldn’t be conceived in general terms such as, “if I were rich,” or “if I only had this,” or if I only had that.”
Without dreams, people would still be living in caves. Every element of society is the result of dreaming. Our country is the product of a dream. Dreams precede reality. There are no limits to what you can dream about. Health, relationships, success, finances, career, and lifestyle are all valid topics.
Your dreams shouldn’t be a passing thought or whim. They should embody specifics you have a burning desire for. They should be something you are willing to work for and expend whatever effort is required. Dreams can and do come true, but not by themselves. You have to make them happen.
There are those who have a lotto mentality for their dreams. They are only willing to invest a dollar in the hopes of winning millions. Sure, there will be a winner, but the chance is one in millions that it will be you. When people have this lotto mentality, they are constantly disappointed. As a result they wind up jaded and give up on their dreams. They become resigned to their lot in life and disconnected from the infinite potential that resides within.
People who have given up will try to discourage others by using their own disappointments as evidence that dreams are a waste of time. Typically, being labeled a dreamer has a negative connotation. The implication is that a dreamer is not grounded in reality and is wasting their time chasing rainbows.
The dreamer will often be ridiculed and chided. Without a solid understanding of the value of dreaming, the dreamer runs the risk of abandoning their dreams in the face of peer pressure. Should this happen, it would be a real waste. Without dreams, one is in jeopardy of squandering their future.
Dreams have no constraints. Dreams are the seeds from which you can create a robust life. Guard your dreams. Don’t allow others to influence you to relinquish your dreams. You don’t have to share your dreams nor do you need the approval or acceptance of others.
Turning your dreams into reality requires action, determination, and perseverance. If not for dreamers our country never would have been founded. We would have no telephones, no electricity, no cars, no TV or radio, and no medical breakthroughs. In short, if people throughout history had not pursued their dreams we would still be in the dark ages.
Go ahead and dream. Picture your life any way you would like it to be. Don’t put any limitations on your vision. Keep your dream in the front of your mind and review it daily. Take action and turn your dreams into reality.

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Mayfeel J. Adams

June 29, 1932 ~ July 23, 2021

KAPLAN — Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM on Monday, July 26, 2021 at Vincent Funeral Home - Kaplan honoring the life of Mayfeel Jean Adams, 89, who died Friday, July 23, 2021 at Abbeville General Hospital. He will be laid to rest at St. David Chapel Cemetery with Deacon Bryan Istre officiating the services.
He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Ellagene Abshire Adams of Kaplan; two sons, Randy Adams and his wife, Mildred of Gatesville, TX and Darrin Adams of Kaplan; one daughter, Karen Whitley and her husband, J.R. of Perry, TX; 12 grandchildren, Patrina Cranfill, Tennille Adams, Sharon Peters, Russell Adams, Kris Jackson, Phillip Krumnow III, Steven Adams, April Adams, Bobby Adams, Gary Adams, Olivia Adams and Rhinn Adams; one step granddaughter, Kristina Smith; 24 great grandchildren; and eight great-great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his son, Tommy L. Adams; his parents, Elie Adams and the former Olive Bourque; five brothers, Elie Adams, Jr., Blanc Adams, Adie "Chin" Adams, Esley Adams and Roy Adams; two sisters, Eve Bourque and Agnes Adams; two half sisters, Elita Adams and Emilita Adams.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Vincent Funeral Home - Kaplan, 300 N. Eleazar Ave., on Monday, July 26, 2021 from 9:00 AM until the services at 1:00 PM with a rosary being prayed at 11:30 AM.
All funeral arrangements are being conducted by Vincent Funeral Home of Kaplan, (337) 643-7276 [Service Information 225-5276]. Condolences may be sent to the Adams family at www.vincentfuneralhome.net.

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Louella Dronet Greene Habetz “T – Lou”

August 15, 1931 ~ July 22, 2021

KAPLAN — A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, July 26, 2021 at Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Roman Catholic Church honoring the life of Louella Dronet Greene Habetz, 89, who died Thursday, July 22, 2021 at Gueydan Memorial Guest Home. She will be laid to rest at Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Cemetery with Reverend Palthasar Arrockia Doss officiating the services. Serving as pallbearers will be Jacob Faulk, Brooks Faulk, Buddy Greene, Jacob Greene, Tyler Stubbs and Kirk Hoffpauir. Honorary pallbearers will be Jackson Green, Drake Washington and Vince Greene.
Louella “T – Lou” enjoyed working in her garden, tending to her flowers, watching the hummingbirds, going to garage sales and spending time with her grandchildren.
She is survived by her two sons, John Greene of Kaplan and Allen Greene and his wife, Denise of Crowley; her three daughters, Rita Faulk and her husband, David of Cow Island, Elizabeth Stelly of Kaplan and Emily Stubbs and her husband, Eddie of Broussard; her 13 grandchildren; 32 great grandchildren; and 12 great-great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her first husband, Preston Greene; her second husband, Vincent Habetz; her sister, Frances Guidry; one great granddaughter, Nora Jo Faulk; and her parents, Loveless Dronet and the former Olphida Lachaussee.
The family would like to thank Hospice of Acadiana, Gueydan Memorial Guest Home and Mary Lou Harrington for all their care and compassion. In lieu of flowers the family is asking for donations to Hospice of Acadiana in honor of “T – Lou”.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Vincent Funeral Home - Kaplan, 300 N. Eleazar Ave., on Sunday, July 25, 2021 from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM with a rosary being prayed at 6:00 PM; Monday, July 26, 2021 from 8:00 AM until the procession departs for the church at 10:45 AM.
All funeral arrangements are being conducted by Vincent Funeral Home of Kaplan, (337) 643-7276 [Service Information 225-5276]. Condolences may be sent to the Habetz family at www.vincentfuneralhome.net.

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Abbeville participates in Louisiana Development Ready Community Program

The City of Abbeville is partnering with Louisiana Economic Development (LED) to build an Economic Development plan for Abbeville.
The Louisiana Development Ready Community (LDRC) program is designed to identify the strengths and weaknesses of Abbeville and provide community leaders with clear direction on specific resources needed to foster successful economic development while increasing collaboration between municipal, parish, regional and state economic development practitioners. Upon completion of this process, the LDRC certification will put Abbeville in the forefront for businesses looking to invest in Louisiana.
“I believe in taking a proactive approach to attracting and retaining businesses in Abbeville.” Committee Chair Councilwoman Roslyn White said, “Through the LDRC program, we will build a plan to improve our business climate and better leverage ourselves to grow our economy.”
LED identifies twenty indicators to gauge the economic development readiness of a community, and identify a community’s stage of development as emerging, developing, or achieving. Once readiness is determined, the LDRC team will collaborate directly with the Abbeville team to identify potential improvement opportunities and to utilize resources available to strengthen economic development capacity. 
The first step toward achieving certification is to complete a comprehensive community assessment that Abbeville can later use for strategic planning. Next, LED surveys the community to gauge where the city currently is and identify areas that Abbeville should focus on improving.
Mayor Mark Piazza says, “I hope that businesses and the citizens of Abbeville take the time to fill out this survey. We are hoping to get a complete survey that renders opinions throughout all segments of the population and businesses. This survey is important moving us forward and making long range plans for our future.”
Once the survey is complete, LED will analyze the results and present possible goals. The city will then host a town hall meeting to gain feedback from the community. LED will take all information gathered and write a strategic plan for economic improvement. This will be the city’s “Roadmap for Progress.” Finally, the City of Abbeville will get to work executing the steps to grow a sustainable economy in Abbeville. LDRC communities can show progress from year to year because of developed measurements identified in their plans; much like mile-markers on a roadmap.  
If you would like to help plan the future of Abbeville, please complete the community survey at www.SurveyAbbeville.com. It takes about 15 minutes to complete. Please know that your input is valuable, and your participation is greatly appreciated. 

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COVID cases rising in Vermilion Parish

193 new cases over nine-day period

COVID-19 cases in Vermilion Parish have risen by 163 patients over an eight-day period.
On Tuesday of last week, there had been 5,914 cases of coronavirus in Vermilion Parish. As of Thursday, there are now 6,107 cases, an increase of 193 cases.
In the last week, one more person from Vermilion Parish has died of COVID-19, bringing the total to 127 deaths.
Vermilion Parish also has one of the lowest vaccination rates in the state at only 30 percent.
Medical experts say if more people don’t get the vaccine soon, Acadiana is going to have a very dangerous fall and winter.
“Our vaccination rates are low. We’re one of the lowest states in the country, so when you compare us to other states, Texas is well ahead of where we are in vaccinations. Certainly, the northeast, the west coast, and most states around the country are better vaccinated than Louisiana,” Regional Medical Director Dr. Tina Stefanski said.
She says while Louisiana is ranked 49th in terms of vaccinations, Acadiana’s vaccinations rates are even lower than most of the states.
Only 30 percent of Acadiana is vaccinated.
“I think a lot of people don’t recognize that we don’t even have a third of the population in Acadiana vaccinated. So two-thirds of our population are unvaccinated here in Acadiana,” Stefanski said.
She says she believes that’s because of false information going around.
“There’s a lot of false misinformation that is misleading people, and that is going to lead to a continued increase in cases, hospitalizations, and poor outcomes for people,” she said.
“I don’t want to see that happen, especially when we have access to these safe, effective vaccines,” she added.
Vermilion Parish is not the only parish seeing an increase in COVID-19 cases. Hospitalizations from COVID-19 in Louisiana rose to 844 patients as of Wednesday afternoon, the highest levels since mid-February, according to a noon update from the Louisiana Department of Health.
Louisiana also reported an additional 3,264 confirmed cases of the coronavirus on Wednesday — the largest batch of new infections since January 15, when the state was in the thick of a deadly, winter surge.
Another 9 people in Louisiana died from COVID-19 overnight, the state reported, bringing the total number of confirmed deaths from the coronavirus to 9,819 since the pandemic began.
The age group showing an increase in COVID-19 cases statewide is between 18- to 29 and 30 to 39 years old.
Louisiana is at the start of its fourth surge in cases, fueled by the highly-contagious delta variant, and made worse by the state’s lagging vaccination rates. Nearly two-thirds of the state’s population remains unvaccinated against COVID-19, and hospital officials statewide said most of their patients hospitalized with the coronavirus haven’t gotten the jab.
Louisiana has logged 10,059 confirmed cases of COVID-19 over the last seven days, a number that’s 6.5 times larger than what was reported four weeks ago, according to an analysis of state data by The Times-Picayune and The Advocate.
And, since February, there have been 2,175 breakthrough cases, accounting for about 0.1% of all vaccinated people in the state, according to the Louisiana Department of Health. Of the 1,479 people who have died since that time, 28 were vaccinated, or about 2%.
The data is clear: Most people who get severely sick and die have yet to be inoculated.
“Everyone we’re seeing has been unvaccinated,” said Dr. Kara Ward, a doctor who specializes in pulmonary critical care and emergency medicine at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center. “Over the last two weeks, numbers have skyrocketed and gotten out of control. This population is different than it has been previously. They’re younger, healthier and the commonality is no one is vaccinated.”

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Delta Mae Hebert Seaux

December 24, 1950 ~ July 21, 2021

KAPLAN — A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, July 23, 2021 at Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Roman Catholic Church honoring the life of Delta Mae Hebert Seaux, 70, who died Wednesday, July 21, 2021 at her residence, with Reverend Matthew Barzare officiating the services.
Delta was loved by many and the true definition of an angel on earth. Many obstacles were placed along her journey in life, but never once did she ever complain. She was everyone’s go-to person, if she could not do it she found someone who could, but you better believe she made sure everyone had what they needed. Delta was a woman of such strong faith and strength, definitely a warrior in our books. She was a volunteer with the Cursillo movement, which she earned the rank of Cursillo number two. She also volunteered at Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Catholic Church and Hospice of Acadiana. She said many rosaries for families at their residences and at the funeral home. She was an amazing caregiver and now she is our angel and we are “Seaux” blessed. She loved going to the casino and dancing, but now she is running in the streets of Heaven. Go rest high on that mountain sweet lady.
She is survived by by her husband of 53 years and the love of her life, Earl Joseph Seaux. Together they have four children who they have raised to be very strong unique individuals, Corey Dale James Seaux and his wife, Karisa, Stephanie Rae Seaux Nerren and her husband, Guy, Kelly Renee Seaux Roden and her fiancé, Raphael Higginbotham and William Jerome Seaux and his wife, Cassie; grandchildren, Josh Hardy and his wife, Tiffany, Cody Seaux and his fiancée, Sammie, Clay Seaux and his fiancée, Carmen LeMaire, Lexi Harrington and her husband, Blake, Ty Joseph Nerren, Matthew Hansen Roden (Londen Hebert), Emily- Grace Lovinia Roden, Enzley Kamille Roden, Krystian Joseph Sonnier and Madilynn Rae Seaux; great grandchildren, Madison Claire Hardy, Rylan Jude Hardy, Gracie Claire Seaux, Layton Marcus Seaux, Saige McKenna Seaux, Everly Kate Seaux, Camille Elise Harrington, Catherine Ruth Harrington, and Levi James Roden arriving in December; sisters, Louella Touchet, Lorraine Roy, twin sister, Velta Meaux; brother, John Loycie Hebert; sisters-in-law, Christine LeMaire and Gail Blackburn and her husband, Rusty; brother-in-law, Shane Myers and his wife, Rachel; mother-in-law, Emily Romero; father-in-law, Arestile “Dado” Seaux; and many nieces and nephews that loved Taunt Delta. She had two sisters in Christ, Carol Marceaux and Jerry Abshire who have been lifelong friends to our whole family.
She was preceded in death by her siblings, Adles “Joe” Hebert, Lucy LeMaire, Lena LeMaire, Flavie Dartez and Chester Paul Hebert; and her parents, Ovey and Lovinia Hebert.
The family would like to thank Father Mark Miley and Deacon Billy Vincent and his wife, Melissa for all the prayers and rosaries prayed and also everyone who has reached out to our family. A special thanks to Concepts of Care, especially Christy Guidry and Zack Mire; Hospice of Acadiana; and the ICU Nurses at Abbeville General Hospital. In lieu of flowers please arrange that Masses be said in memory of Delta.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Vincent Funeral Home - Kaplan, 300 N. Eleazar Ave., on Thursday, July 22, 2021 from 4:00 PM until 10:00 PM with a rosary being prayed at 7:00 PM; Friday, July 23, 2021 at Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Catholic Curch, 602 Church Ave. from 9:00 AM until the time of the services at 11:00 AM.
All funeral arrangements are being conducted by Vincent Funeral Home of Kaplan, (337) 643-7276 [Service Information 225-5276]. Condolences may be sent to the Seaux family at www.vincentfuneralhome.net.

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Philip “Pete” Mouledous Jr.

July 21, 1929 ~ July 20, 2021

ABBEVILLE — A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 9:30 AM on Saturday, July 24, 2021 at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church honoring the life of Philip Mouledous Jr., 91, who died Tuesday, July 20, 2021 at Pelican Pointe Healthcare and Rehabilitation. He will be laid to rest at St. Paul Cemetery with Reverend Steven C. LeBlanc officiating the services. Those serving as pallbearers will be his grandsons, Matt, Mark, Nick, Aaron, Christopher and Cameron. Honorary pallbearers will be his grandsons, Andrew, Michael and Ben.
“Pete” was the owner/operator of Primeaux and Mouledous Appliance Store for over 43 years. He was an avid outdoorsman and a member of the Pack 61 travel group. Past president of the Kiwanis Club and Abbeville Little League Baseball. He was a devout Catholic who faithfully attended Holy Hour, he was a longstanding member of a faithful St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church prayer group, member of Men of Mary Rosary group and Eucharistic Minister. He was a long time attendee of Grand Coteau retreats.
He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Elaine Primeaux Mouledous; children, Philip Mouledous, III and his wife Julie, Shelley Mouledous and his wife Carrie, (daugher-in-law) Denise Mouledous, Sharon Mouledous, and Rachael Dartez and her husband Scott; 16 grandchildren; and 13 great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his sons, Greg Mouledous and Chris Mouledous; daughter-in-law, Cecillia Deynoodt Mouledous; sister, Phyllis Wetzel; brother, Dr. Shelley Mouledous; and parents, Philip Mouledous, Sr. and Helen Byrne Mouledous.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville, 209 S. St. Charles St., on Friday, July 23, 2021 from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM with a rosary being prayed at 7:00 PM; Saturday, July 24, 2021 from 8:00 AM until 9:15 AM when the procession will depart for the church.
The Mouledous family would like to thank the staff of Pelican Pointe Healthcare and Rehabilitation for the exemplary nursing care with stellar kindness and compassion. The family would like to thank his personal sitters, Connie, Cyndi and Michelle for all of their help in taking care of their father.  A special thank you to Tessie and Randall Landry.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.vincentfuneralhome.net.
All funeral arrangements are being conducted by Vincent Funeral Home of Abbeville, (337) 893-4661.

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Rebekah Bourgeois will play the role of St. Mary Magdalen.

St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church to celebrate Feast Day

St. Mary Magdalen Church in Abbeville will celebrate the Feast Day of their patroness on Thursday.
The feast will begin with a Mass at 6:30 a.m. with Fr. Louis Richard, pastor, presiding. The morning Mass will be followed by a reception of Madeline cookies and Coffee, hosted by the Ladies Altar Society.
This year, the parish will also host another celebration of St. Mary Magdalen in the evening with the performance of a new play called “In the Garden.”
The performance will begin at 7:30 p.m.
The play will feature parishioner Rebekah Bourgeois in the role of St. Mary Magdalen.
“In the Garden,” written by former associate pastor Fr. Michael Richard, is a journey with St. Mary Magdalen from the evening of Good Friday after Jesus was laid in the tomb to the morning of Easter Sunday when she encounters the Resurrected Lord.
All four Gospel writers state that Mary Magdalen was the first to encounter Jesus after the resurrection and that she runs to tell the Apostles that Jesus has risen.
Fr. Louie Richard explained, “Mary Magdalen is rightly called the ‘Apostle to the Apostles’ in the tradition of the Church, for she was the first one sent by Jesus to proclaim the resurrection to the others. Our annual celebration of our patroness is an opportunity to reflect on the love of this faithful woman as well as an opportunity to respond to the Lord’s call to each of us today. This year’s play will give us another moment to meditate on the power and the reality of Jesus’ resurrection through the eyes of St. Mary Magdalen.”
The evening celebration will begin with the recognition of this year’s Bishop’s Medal recipients, Mike & Edith Russo, for their many decades of generous service to the Church and to the community.
The play, “In the Garden,” will be accompanied by music from members of the Voices of St. Mary Magdalen, and the play will conclude with a brief period of prayerful meditation and praise.
Fr. Michael Richard stated that he was encouraged to write this play as he thought of the many parishioners who have passed away over the years.
“For me, every funeral in this Church became a moment to sit with Mary Magdalen through the pain of grief and loss and to come to the strength of faith and hope in the resurrection. As Mary Magdalen sat in the garden with the tomb of Jesus, she experienced the emotions of loss and was gifted with an encounter with the Resurrection Himself.”
He added that the hopes the play is an opportunity to get to know Mary Magdalen better and to walk with her into the garden where we experience the power of Jesus’ resurrection.
Acting alongside Rebekah Bourgeois are parishioners Hannah Bourgeois, Aneliese Hebert, Matthew Glafcke, seminarian Haden Coleman, and Fr. Seth Lemaire.

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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