Tricia Lafleur
Tricia Lafleur was recently selected as the 2020-2021 Erath High Support Person of the Year! She is a paraprofessional in the EHS SPED Department where she is appreciated by the students and faculty.
The Sheriff’s Office is looking for this 2015 Honda ATV which was stolen.
According to Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office’s PIO Eddie Langlinais, due to recent thefts of four wheelers, side-by-side utility vehicles, zero turn mowers and utility trailers in Vermilion Parish and surrounding areas, Sheriff Mike Couvillon is urging residents of Vermilion Parish to please be vigilant in securing these type of properties.
Whenever possible, it’s important to store these type of properties in a secure area, and remove any keys when not in use.
The Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Criminal Investigation Division is actively attempting to locate a 2015 Honda Rubicon 500 four wheeler, red in color with an aftermarket snorkel kit, and 26” mud lite tires. At the time the theft occurred, the four-wheeler also had a 15 gallon spray tank on the back.
If anyone has any information in regards to this four-wheeler, or if anyone has been approached to purchase this four-wheeler, you are urged to contact Sgt. Josh Hebert at (337) 898-4403.
Sheriff Couvillon says that most stolen ATV’s and similar type properties are sold to individual buyers that should consider the following tips.
• As a buyer of an ATV or similar type off road vehicle and/or similar types of movable properties from an individual, you should:
• When applicable, locate the VIN number (vehicle identification number) and call the Sheriff’s Office or your local Law enforcement agency to ensure that it is not stolen.
• Understand that, if you purchase something that is stolen, you could face criminal charges for possession of stolen goods, depending on the circumstances surrounding the purchase.
• Understand that the state of Louisiana issues the legal owner of an ATV, side-by-side, and utility trailers, an official title, and therefore, it is recommended to always make the purchase with the legal title of these types of properties signed over to the buyer in the presence of a notary.
• As an owner of these types of properties, always keep a copy of the title (which includes the VIN number) along with photographs in a safe place for proof of ownership, to provide accurate information in the event of a theft, and for insurance purposes.
Detectives have been working diligently with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, in an effort to identify, arrest, and prosecute those individuals involved in these thefts. Detectives are encouraging anyone with any information of a recent theft of these type properties to contact the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Criminal Investigations Division at (337) 898-4403.
Finally, Sheriff Couvillon says, “Trust your instincts. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”
Bryan Golden
You have complete control over your thoughts. Thought patterns develop over a lifetime; a result of the influences of schooling, parents, friends, relatives, TV, movies, etc.
Unfortunately, most of the guidance received about how to think is negative. More effort is spent teaching what you can’t do rather than what you can. Whatever your thinking is now, you can learn to alter it. Study the thinking of successful people.
Mark Allen, a six-time ironman triathlon champion started by studying the techniques of previous winners. He wanted to know how they trained and prepared themselves. Allen then incorporated their successful techniques into his own practice sessions.
Another powerful mental tool that Allen utilized was visualization. Allen visualized his performance of his next event before sleeping. Athletes have found that visualizing successful accomplishment can be as effective as the actual physical training.
An American prisoner of war in Vietnam visualized playing golf every day to help endure the hardships of captivity. After being released, his golf skills had markedly improved even though he hadn’t physically played in years.
Visualization is one of the most powerful techniques you can use to change your thinking. Through visualization, you control the desired outcome in your mind. In your mind you can overcome any obstacle. You can rehearse a situation over and over anytime and anywhere.
Your mind must be conditioned to be impervious to negative criticism. Rather than wanting to join you on your goal-achieving quest, most people would instead prefer you to fail. Other people will be jealous. There’s nothing you can do to control their thoughts.
The first modern rocket scientist, Robert Goddard, a physics professor, had his research denounced by the press. In 1920, a newspaper editorial stated that Goddard “seems to lack the knowledge ladled out daily in high schools.”
Amid condemnation and with little support from fellow scientists, Goddard became a leading pioneer of the space era. He achieved success by focusing on reaching his goals instead of what people thought of his research.
Develop a belief in your goals and the path you choose to achieve them. It takes a lot of practice to free yourself from what other people say, think or do. You must overcome a strong societal outlook that other people’s opinion of you is important.
The discoverer of the Titanic wreck, Robert Ballard, tried unsuccessfully for 12 years to obtain financing needed for his search. Additionally, hunting for the Titanic was considered folly by several fellow scientists. Yet, with an unshakable belief in himself and his goals, he overcame all obstacles and found the wreckage in 1985.
The type of thinking that all successful people have is available to you. You can opt to pattern your thinking after those who have achieved success, often despite overwhelming odds.
Changing your thinking requires effort. Many people who are close to you won’t understand or support your endeavors. If you are laughed at and criticized, this is good. It means that you are experiencing the same reaction as some of the greatest minds in history and are in the best of company.
Travis Blaize
Vermilion Catholic is losing its offensive coordinator to another high school.
Travis Blaize, the 31-year-old son of former VC head coach Ossie Blaize, was named the new head football coach at Westminster Christian Academy near Opelousas.
This will be his first head football coaching job. He has been the offensive coordinator at VC for three years and was also an assistant coach at Abbeville High and Comeaux High School before VC.
“Of course I am excited,” said Blaize Sunday night. “It has been my goal to follow in my father’s footsteps and to be a head coach one day. I can’t describe how blessed I feel that it is a reality that the opportunity is finally here.”
Blaize, who is also the head soccer coach and track coach at VC, will remain at VC until the school year is over. He is also going to take the type of explosive offense that VC runs to Westminster.
“I am comfortable with the spread multiple offenses that we ran here at VC,” he said. “I want to bring that style with me, uptempo, and lots of formations.”
Westminster was coming off a 3-5 season in 2020. The year before, it posted a 5-5 season. Its last winning season was in 2016, when it went 7-3.
For the last couple of weeks, Blaize has been in Fort Knox, Kentucky for leadership training with the Army National Guard. He interviewed before he left for Kentucky and recently, he learned he got the job.
One of the first people he told that he got the head coaching job was his father, who has been coaching football for 31 plus years.
“I have three mentors, Chris Towery, Doug Dotson, and of course my dad,” said Blaize. “They all told me the same thing. They were proud of me and to enjoy the moment. They all offered some football advice and, of course like things I must do. As for my dad, it was pretty cool to hear it in his voice. I told him the day I was offered the job, but we had to keep it a secret until everything was finalized. I know he’s proud.”
VC head coach Broc Prejean will miss his good friend and offensive coordinator.
“Coach Travis has been a tremendously integral part of our success, school-wide,” said VC head coach Broc Prejean. “He wore a lot of different hats for VC as a coach, teacher, and administrator, so it’s a loss for our community, but I know everyone wishes him the best, and we all anticipate a lot of success in his future. Personally, not only from the football perspective but as a VC alumnus, I am very appreciative of his time and efforts for the Eagles. I wish him and the Crusaders all the best moving forward.”
May 11, 1937 ~ April 9, 2021
ABBEVILLE — A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, April 13, 2021 at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church honoring the life of James William "Billy" Meaux, 83, who passed into the loving arms of his Savior on April 9, 2021. A son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and friend to many, he was deeply loved and will be deeply missed. He will be laid to rest at St. Paul Cemetery with Fr. Louis Richard and Fr. Edward Duhon officiating the services. Pallbearers will be Jude Meaux, James Shea Johnson, David Meaux, Mike Saunier, Neil Schexnaider, Brian Hollier, Jabian Sellers and Troy Trahan.
Billy was born in Abbeville, Louisiana. He graduated from Abbeville High School in 1954. Immediately after graduation, he joined the United States Air Force and was stationed in Wyoming and Japan. After leaving the service, he married Inez Marie Detraz in 1963. After marrying and starting a family, he was employed by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development. He retired in 1996 after 35 years of service.
Billy was a life-long devout Catholic. He was a lay minister at St. Mary Magdalen and performed volunteer work for the Christian Service Center. His passions in life were cooking, fishing, motorcycles, his cat, Scooter (that his daughter still insists he loved more than her), and watching football and golf. He enjoyed taking his family on elaborate vacations every summer when his kids were growing up.
He is survived by his daughter, Jacqueline M. Meaux, and son, Claude Jude Meaux, both of Abbeville; his grandson, James Shea Johnson, of Lafayette; his best friend and partner in crime for 80 years, Elray Schexnaider and his best friend of 56 years and the man who sold him the cigars when his baby girl was born, Robert Sonnier.
Billy was pre-deceased by his loving wife, Inez Detraz Meaux; his parents, Gladys and Joseph Meaux, Sr. and his brother Joseph Meaux, Jr.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville, 209 S. St. Charles St., on Monday, April 12, 2021 from 11:00 AM until 8:00 PM with a rosary being prayed at 6:30 PM; Tuesday, April 13, 2021 from 8:00 AM until 10:45 AM when the procession will depart for the church.
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.
By Emily Wood
LSU Manship School News Service
BATON ROUGE — Gov. John Bel Edwards announced Thursday that state residents will be able to schedule COVID-19 vaccinations by calling a hotline at 855-453-0774.
The hotline also will connect residents with medical professionals so they can ask questions about the vaccines.
It will operate from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 8 p.m. on Sundays.
“This is a smart solution, it is timely, and it comes at no additional cost,” Edwards said when he announced last week that the Louisiana Health Department would create the hotline.
Edwards lifted capacity limits on bars, restaurants and casinos last week. But unlike the governors in Texas and Mississippi, he kept a mask mandate in place for people who cannot socially distance. The aim is to guard against the rise in cases that many other states are experiencing.
Edwards said that helping residents get vaccinated remains the best solution. He said the hotline will address two barriers: lack of access to the Internet and “tech-savviness,” or the time it takes to navigate the scheduling platforms, as well as a lack of access to medical professionals to ask specific questions.
Difficulty in accessing vaccines due to a lack of computer access has been a problem for many poor people and some people living in rural areas.
More than 2.15 million total doses of vaccines have been administered in Louisiana. The Health Department said Thursday that more than 1.3 million people have received at least one dose and 898,262 people have been fully vaccinated. More than 10,000 people have died from COVID-19 in the state.
The hotline will be staffed by workers who were trained to trace the contacts of people who were infected with the virus to warn them of their exposure.
The health department is training 60 call agents this week. Ten will be trained for clinical support.
IBERIA PARISH – Shortly before 9 p.m. on April 11, 2021, Troopers responded to a fatal crash involving a pedestrian on Louisiana Highway 14 East near Old La 25 Road in Iberia Parish.
The crash claimed the life of 56-year-old Donald J. Derouen of New Iberia.
The preliminary investigation by State Police revealed Derouen was walking west in the westbound lane of LA 14 when he was struck by a westbound 2020 Honda Civic.
Derouen was pronounced deceased at scene by the Iberia Parish Coroner’s Office. Impairment on the part of Derouen is unknown but a standard toxicology sample was taken for analysis. The driver of the Civic submitted a breath sample and was not impaired at the time of the crash. She was properly restrained and suffered no injuries. This crash remains under investigation.
A majority of pedestrian fatalities, nearly 70 percent, occur at night. Troopers urge pedestrians to maintain a heightened level of awareness while walking near the road. Simple precautions such as wearing reflective materials, avoiding distractions, not walking too close to roadways, and walking against the flow of traffic could prevent most pedestrian related crashes.
Troop I has investigated 21 fatal crashes resulting in 26 deaths in 2021.
Jaheim Deontray Celestine
A son, Jaheim Deontray Celestine, was born on February 12, 2021 at Our Lady of Lourdes Women’s and Children’s Hospital to Jontae Kelly and Juantraveon Celestine of New Iberia.
Emersyn Rose Howell
A daughter, Emersyn Rose Howell, was born on February 14, 2021 at Our Lady of Lourdes Women’s and Children’s Hospital to Mr. and Mrs. Christofer Howell of Abbeville. The mother is the former Lauren Boudreaux.
Aailyah Jane Brooks
A daughter, Aailyah Jane Brooks, was born on February 18, 2021 at Our Lady of Lourdes Women’s and Children’s Hospital to Joanie Menard and John Brooks of Abbeville.
Finn Joseph Couvillon
A son, Finn Joseph Couvillon, was born on February 22, 2021 at Our Lady of Lourdes Women’s and Children’s Hospital to Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Couvillon of Maurice. The mother is the former Natalie Theriot.
Sienna Mae Barrientez
A daughter, Sienna Mae Barrientez, was born on February 22, 2021 at Our Lady of Lourdes Women’s and Children’s Hospital to Taelynn Sellers and Adam Barrientez of Abbeville.
Maverick Grayson Guidry
A son, Maverick Grayson Guidry, was born on February 24, 2021 at Our Lady of Lourdes Women’s and Children’s Hospital to Marissa Arnold and Marshall Guidry of Youngsville.
Sophia Grace Reed
A daughter, Sophia Grace Reed, was born on February 25, 2021 at Our Lady of Lourdes Women’s and Children’s Hospital to Morgan Duhon and Johnathan Reed of Erath.
Xenlei Rose Briggs
A daughter, Xenlei Rose Briggs, was born on March 2, 2021 at Our Lady of Lourdes Women’s and Children’s Hospital to Mr. and Mrs. Dillon Briggs of Lafayette. The mother is the former Michelle Alexander.
Acelyn Grace Zufall
A daughter, Acelyn Grace Zufall, was born on March 4, 2021 at Our Lady of Lourdes Women’s and Children’s Hospital to Gabrielle Zufall of Erath.
Lila Jae Romero
A daughter, Lila Jae Romero, was born on March 10, 2021 at Our Lady of Lourdes Women’s and Children’s Hospital to Paige Johnson and Triston Romero of Abbeville.
Remi Louise Broussard
A daughter, Remi Louise Broussard, was born on March 11, 2021 at Our Lady of Lourdes Women’s and Children’s Hospital to Mr. and Mrs. Drake Broussard of Abbeville. The mother is the former Caroline David.
Kadrian Reign Bradley
and
Kardian Dream Bradley
Twins, Kadrian Reign Bradley and Kardian Dream Bradley were born on March 15, 2021 at Our Lady of Lourdes Women’s and Children’s Hospital to Amber Quinn and Kelvin Bradley of Kaplan.
Kiyroni Theresa Marceaux
A daughter, Kiyroni Theresa Marceaux, was born on March 15, 2021 at Our Lady of Lourdes Women’s and Children’s Hospital to Kymberly Marceaux of Kaplan.
Edmond Joseph Turner
A son, Edmond Joseph Turner, was born on March 17, 2021 at Our Lady of Lourdes Women’s and Children’s Hospital to Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Turner of Lafayette. The mother is the former Elizabeth Collins.
Finnley Ryker Short
A son, Finnley Ryker Short, was born on March 18, 2021 at Our Lady of Lourdes Women’s and Children’s Hospital to Lauren Hue and Kevin Short.
Mason Lane Belanger
A son, Mason Lane Belanger, was born on March 23, 2021 at Our Lady of Lourdes Women’s and Children’s Hospital to Rachel Mire and David David Belanger of Kaplan.
Adelee Lynn Head
A daughter, Adelee Lynn Head, was born on March 24, 2021 at Our Lady of Lourdes Women’s and Children’s Hospital to Melanie Fuselier and Auston Head of Rayne.
Khazi Jewel Jackson
A daughter, Khazi Jewel Jackson, was born on Monday, March 29, 2021 at Abbeville General to Ke’Jaha Jadalind Jackson of Abbeville.
Zakkary Scott Broussard
A son, Zakkary Scott Broussard, was born on Monday, March 29, 2021 at Abbeville General to Mr. and Mrs. Dillion Scott Broussard. The mother is the former Amber Nicole Broussard.
Lyanna Belle Butler
A daughter, Lyanna Belle Butler, was born on Tuesday, March 30, 2021 at Abbeville General to Mr. and Mrs. Leslie Thomas Butler III. The mother is the former Holly Ann Olivier.
Kalix Rayne Berry
A son, Kalix Rayne Berry, was born on Thursday, April 1, 2021 at Abbeville General to Markeyia La’shay Berry of Abbeville.
Devon Jeremiah Batiste
A son, Devon Jeremiah Batiste, was born on Wednesday, April 7, 2021 at Abbeville General to Elizabeth Clair Melancon and Seith Thurston Batiste, Jr. of Abbeville.
In loving memory: Gene Whitten-Legé, born Eugene Legé in Abbeville, La, passed away 02/21/2021 at the age of 82. Bradshaw Carter Funeral Home provided cremation services. A Memorial Service in Houston and Graveside Service in Port Arthur, Tx. will be announced later in the year. bradshawcarter.com
He was the 11th of 12 children in a blended family that moved from Louisiana to Port Arthur. He entered Texas Kindergarten speaking only French. Following high school, he served as a Navy photographer in Europe. He earned an MSSW from UT Austin after getting his BA from Lamar University while working in the chemistry lab at Pure Oil and as a newspaper photo lithographer in Port Arthur, Tx. He often related details of how he helped produce the first lithographic photograph. He retained an interest in photography throughout his life.
He was the active CEO and co-founder of In-Home Attendant Services providing Consumer Directed Services statewide in Texas. As a Texas Licensed and Certified Social Worker, he provided a life time of leadership in policy and program development, advocacy, and multiagency initiatives while serving in positions with the State of Texas, Catholic Charities, and home health agencies. After graduate school, he worked with the Child Welfare Unit in Port Arthur. He then provided a decade of leadership as Executive Director of Houston’s Harris County Child Welfare achieving national certification and establishing several innovative children’s services. He remained active on Boards, Advisory groups, Committees and spoke at Conferences in Texas and nationally. With his many activities, he never forgot his Louisiana connections to his family and the Richelieu Leger Association and was a familiar face at meetings and reunions with his wife Pat. He and Pat traveled to his Canadian roots at various times with an older brother, sister-in-law, cousins, friends, and some of his children.
Many of us can say, “He believed in me and challenged me to be my best self.” Shy as a child, he was passionate in all that he did as an adult and never hesitated to speak his mind. He filled a room with energy and piercing blue eyes. He was a seeker of knowledge, a philosopher, and an advocate. He was a talker, a bit of a rebel, tinkered with everything and welcomed new technology.
He is survived by his wife of 43 years Pat Whitten-Legé, their son Jon Whitten-Legé and wife Reyna, and 4 children from his previous marriage to Margaret Chelette: Gene Legé, Jr, David Legé, Joan Legé-Krebs and husband Joseph, and Joey Legé and wife Cynthia. Other survivors include: brother Gilbert J. Legé of Groves, Tx, 7 grandchildren with 1 on the way, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, work family and friends. He was preceded in death by his 2nd son Rudy Legé, a talented musician, his father and mother Rudolph and Olite Legé, siblings: Pearl (2nd Mom) Legé Cole Trosclair, Rudolph Legé, Jr., Eva Legé Brown and blended family siblings: Lionel, Verna, and C.B. “Shelby” Marceaux and J. Nedley, Mazie, Mable, and J. Irvin Legé.
Raised in Baptist and Catholic faiths, Gene was a member of Emerson Unitarian Universalist Church. The family thanks all of you of all faiths for your prayers and offerings and asks that any charitable donations be made to one of the following charities or a charity nearest to your heart.
318 N. Main St.
Abbeville, LA 70510
Phone: 337-893-4223
Fax: 337-898-9022
219 North Cushing Avenue
Kaplan, LA 70548
