This past Friday, three Erath High seniors were honored during the Snooks-Derouen Relays . The three ladies are (left to right) Emily Alleman, Queen Courtney Dubois and Catherine Sonnier. Dubois was named the queen. (photo by Missy Rosa)
Continued efforts to bring the COVID-19 vaccine to more people this week will include a special event in Abbeville.
The special event will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Wednesday, March 17, at the St. Theresa Catholic Church Holy Family Center. The center is located at 101 N. Leonard Ave. in Abbeville.
Those taking part will receive the Moderna Vaccine. The event is by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, visit OPH4.timetap.com.
The event is a partnership between the Iberia Comprehensive Community Health Center and the Louisiana Office of Public Health.
Health Department: 628 vaccine providers in all 64 parishes will receive COVID vaccine this week
This week, 628 vaccine providers across the state will receive very limited doses of COVID vaccine. These providers include national and independent pharmacies, public health providers, clinics and physician offices, hospitals and others. The full breakdown is as follows:
• 260 chain pharmacies (including 116 Walmarts, 7 Sam’s Club, and 75 CVS from retail pharmacy program)
• 164 independent pharmacies
• 66 hospitals
• 46 public health providers
• 26 urgent cares
• 31 federally qualified health centers (FQHCS)
• 15 medical practices
• 8 rural health clinics (RHCs)
• 12 other healthcare provider
LDH has published the list of participating providers, along with their locations and contact information, on its website: covidvaccine.la.gov. In addition to these providers, community vaccination events are taking place across the state and are also listed on LDH’s website.
Residents can call 211 to find a vaccine provider or event near them.
Future distribution is dependent on vaccine made available to the state, among other factors.
Effective Tuesday, March 9, 2021, the State of Louisiana has expanded eligibility for COVID-19 vaccines to include people who have health conditions that may result in a higher risk of disease. If you are between the ages of 18 and 64 (or 16+ if receiving the Pfizer vaccine) and have one of the following conditions, you are now eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccine. If you are pregnant, regardless, of age you are eligible.
Eligibility by Age or Condition
People 65 and older
Dialysis patients
Pregnant people
People with Certain Medical Conditions
People 18-64 (or 16+ for Pfizer vaccine only) with at least one of the conditions listed below by the CDC. To receive the vaccine, people with these underlying medical conditions should complete the Louisiana COVID-19 Vaccine Attestation Form (English | Spanish | Vietnamese) before their appointment.
Asthma (moderate to severe)
Cancer
Cerebrovascular disease (affects blood vessels and blood supply to the brain)
Chronic kidney disease
Chronic liver disease
COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
Current or former smoker
Cystic fibrosis
Down syndrome
Heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease or cardiomyopathies
Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) from solid organ transplant
Hypertension or high blood pressure
Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) from blood or bone marrow transplant, immune deficiencies, HIV, use of corticosteroids, or use of other immune weakening medicines
Overweight (body mass index [BMI] of 25 or higher less than 30)
Obesity (BMI of 30 or higher but less than 40)
Severe obesity (BMI of 40 or higher)
Pulmonary fibrosis (having damaged or scarred lung tissues)
Severe neurologic conditions such as dementia
Sickle cell disease
Type 1 diabetes mellitus
Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Thalassemia (a type of blood disorder)
Eligibility by Workforce Category
Ambulatory and outpatient providers and staff
Behavioral health providers and staff
Community care providers and staff
Dental providers and staff
Dialysis providers and staff
Non-emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) providers and staff
Urgent care clinic providers and staff
Professional home care providers (including hospice workers) and home care recipients (including older and younger people with disabilities over the age of 16 who receive community or home-based care, as well as clients of home health agencies)
Unpaid family caregivers to people who are receiving licensed home and community-based services
American Sign Language (ASL) and foreign language interpreters and Support Service Providers (SSPs) working in community and clinic-based settings, and clients who are both deaf and blind
Any staff working in congregate facilities (prisons/jails, shelters, dorms, rehab/detox centers, group homes)
Health-related support personnel (lab staff, mortuary staff who have contact with corpses, pharmacy staff)
Schools of allied health students, residents and staff
Law enforcement and other first responders
Louisiana Unified Command Group
State legislators
State and local essential COVID emergency response personnel
Some elections staff ahead of March and April elections
Teachers and any other support staff working on site in K-12 or daycare
Participating providers must give available vaccine doses to anyone who is eligible. Failure to do so will affect whether the provider receives future allocations of the vaccine.
Eligible residents must contact a participating provider to make an appointment. Patients who arrive without an appointment will not be vaccinated. LDH cannot make appointments for patients; only providers can.
Second doses
Patients receiving Moderna or Pfizer vaccines will receive their second dose of the COVID vaccine at the same location they received their first dose. Second-dose appointments should be made during the administration of the first dose. If residents missed their second dose vaccination appointment they should immediately contact the provider of their first dose to schedule a new appointment. If you have received the Moderna vaccine, ideally your second shot should be given 28 days after your first one. If you get the Pfizer vaccine, the second dose should be given 21 days after the first. According to the CDC, you can safely receive the second dose up to 42 days and likely longer after the first dose if need be.
The recently authorized Johnson & Johnson vaccine is given in one dose, and like the other two vaccines is 100% effective at preventing hospitalization and death from COVID.
The Louisiana Department of Health is coordinating the COVID-19 vaccine distribution effort in Louisiana. As more vaccines become available from the CDC, more individuals and groups will be offered a vaccination. We want everyone to have the opportunity to get vaccinated against COVID. We are confident that COVID-19 vaccines will be a critical tool in ultimately ending the pandemic.
Tyler Cherry runs a leg on the 4x400 meter realy team for Abbeville. (photo by Ethan Trangmar)
Snooks-Derouen Relays
BOYS TEAM SCORING
1, Berwick, 104. 2, Ascension Episcopal, 95. 3, Abbeville, 87. 4, Erath, 78. 5, Crowley, 56. 6, Delcambre, 48. 7, Kaplan, 39.5. 8, Catholic-NI, 26. 9, DT, 18. 10, Vermilion Catholic, 12.5. 11, Hanson, 9, 12, ARCA, 2.
RUNNING EVENTS
100 – 1, Nate St. Julien, ABB, 11.62. 2, Ethan LeBlanc, HM,.. 11.67. 3, Kevian Trice, ABB, 11.72.
200 – 1, Jose Valonnuda, EHS, 23.64. 2, Bret Bearb, BER, 23.66. 3, Landon Meche, AES, 23.77.
400 – 1, Gabe Clement, KAP, 53.79. 2, Calep Jacob, LOR, 54.52. 3, Kaden Thomas, BER, 55.23.
800 – 1, Landon Meche, AES, 2:06.80. 2, Trevon Viator, DEL, 2:19.57. 3, Dax Broussard, EHS, 2:23.58.
1600 – 1, Darby Frickey, BER, 4:37.74. 2, Jed Allen, EHS, 4:48.00. 3, Jason LeBlanc, EHS, 4:43.62.
3200 – 1, Frickey, BER, 10:15.49. 2, Allen, EHS, 10:17.03. 3, LeBlanc, EHS, 10:33.86.
110H – 1, Rashad Cormier, ABB, 16.61. 2, Dane Grow, BER, 17.71. 3, Gavin White, BER, 17.82.
300H – 1, Cormier, ABB, 43.41. 2, White, BER, 43.76. 3, Hayden Frederick, DEL, 44.06.
RELAY EVENTS
4x100 – 1, Abbeville (Kevian Trice, Brandon Shelvin, Rashad Cormier, Nate St. Julien), 44.58. 2, Crowley, 46.66. 3, Delcambre, 47.79.
4x200 – 1, Abbeville (Trice, Mckinney Nichols, Cormier, St. Julien), 1:33.88. 2, Ascension Episcopal, 1:34.84. 3, Crowley, 1:34.84.
4x400 – 1, Ascension Episcopal (Cole Edmond, Andre Domengeaux, Jude Ardoin, Landon Meche), 3:48.25. 2, Berwick, 3:49.62. 3, Crowley, 3:57.76.
4x800 – 1, Erath (Joel Allen, Jason LeBlanc, Dax Boudreaux, Evan Spaziante), 8:58.89. 2, David Thibideaux, 9:25.97. 3, Kaplan, 9:53.31.
FIELD EVENTS
Shot put – 1, Clay Ancelet, BER, 43-4.5. 2, Kevin Comeaux, KAP, 41-8. 3, Kade LaSalle, EHS, 39-0.
Discus – 1, Jude Zenon, VC, 119-2. 2, Ancelet, BER, 117-10. 3, Drayson Bryan, BER, 110-10.5.
Javelin – 1, Matthew Remolet, AES, 151-9 2, Bret Bearb, BER, 149-5. 3, Trace Williams, CHNI, 142-8.
Long Jump – 1, Tyrone Goodley, CR, 21-6. 2, Hayden Frederick, DEL, 19-8.5. 3, , Kaden Thomas, BER, 19-7.5.
Ttriple jump – 1, Goodley, CR, 43-8. 2, Tyren Domino, CR, 40-8. 3, Tyler Cherry, ABB, 39-2.
High jump – 1, Jude Ardoin, AES, 5-10. 2, Jaidyn O’Brian, AES, 5-8. 3, Dane Grow, BER, 5-6.
Pole vault – 1, Luke Pacetti, DEL, 13-0. 2, Beau Beaullion, CHNI, 12-6. 3, johan Helms, CHNi, 11-0.
Outstanding Track – Landon Meche, AES. Outstanding Field – Tyron Goodley, Crowley. Outstanding Performer – Rashad Cormier, Abbeville
GIRLS POINT TOTALS
1, Ascension Episcopal, 132. 2, Berwick, 63. 3, Abbeville, 62. 4, /Crowley, Kaplan, 59. 6, Delcambre, 47. 7, Vermilion Catholic, 40. 8, ARCA, 34. 9, Hanson, 29. 10, Catholic-Ni, 19. 11, Erath, 13. 12, DT, 8.
RUNNING EVENTS
100 – 1, Nyah Mitchell, AES, 13.15. 2, Gloryyonna Walker, ABB, 13.31. 3, Rainyah Malcomb, ABB, 13.39.
200 – 1, Walker, ABB, 27.94. 2, Mitchell, A ES, 27.97. 3, Lainie Broussard, VC, 2809.
400 – 1, Iiaria Sabatini, BER, 1:06.39., 2, Hannah Carlson, KAP, 1:09.15. 3, Allison Richard, ABB, 1:09.17.
800 – 1, Sabatini, BER, 2:21.90, 2, Kate Williams, BER, 2:41.20. 3, Megan Guerino, VC, 2:54.8.
1600 – 1, Sara Godley, AES, 6:18.52. 2, Grace French, DT, 6:16.65. 3, Kalynn Besson, ARCA, 6:31.00..24.
3200 – 1, Godley, AES, 13:55.81. 2, Emma Sully, KAP, 14:53.24. 3, Katie Romero, KAP, 16:52.84,
100H – 1, Amelie Boutin, DEL, 17.24. 2, Kendalyn Morgan, AES, 18.09. 3, Hannah Broussard, CHNI, 18.77.
300H – 1, Morgan, AES, 52.74. 2, Hillary Pillaro, HM, 54.79. 3, Broussard, CHNI, 58.72.
RELAY EVENTS
4x100 – 1, Abbeville (Ramiyah Malcomb, Tajah Greene, Lyla Fletcher Gloryyona Walker), 52.09. 2, Crowley,, 54.18. 3, Ascension Episcopal, 56.31.
4x200 – 1, Abbeville (Malcomb, Greene, Fletcher, Walker), 1:49.19. 2, Crowley, 1:58.43. 3, Ascension Episcopal, 1:58.10.
4x400 – 1, Abbeville ( Greene, Fletcher, Kaylee Montgomery, Malcomb), 4:35.48. 2, Berwick, 4:39.67. 3, Delcambre, 4:41.08.
4x800 – 1, ARCA (Laken Day, Emily McGill,, Savannah Padilla, Keylyn B eacom), 11:55.78. 2, Berwick, 13:18.84. 3, Erath, 14:53.31.
FIELD EVENTS
Shot put – 1, Noble Hebert, KAP, 30-8. 2, Remi Trahn, VC, 27-5. 3, Riley Hebert, DEL, 27-4.
Discus – 1, Meghan Colomb, AES, 108-0, 2, Hebert, DEL, 86-0.5. 3, Grace Campbell, BER, 76-10.
Javelin – 1, Sydney Braun, AES, 92-0. 2, Savannah Hunt, BER, 74-0. 3, Jaida Istre, VC, 72-9,
Long jump – 1, Hillary Pillaro, HM, 16-0. 2, Nyah Mitchell, AES, 15-8.5. 3, Jaida LaComb, KAP, 15-4.5.
Triple jump – 1, Dycie Touchet, CR, 32-6. 2, A’Najae Kneeland, CR, 32-0.5. 3, Anne Mouton, AES, ,31-0.
High jump – 1, Hillary Pillaro, CR, 5-1. 2, Sophie Fontenot, CR, 4-8. 3, Lainia Broussard, VC, 4-6.
Pole vault – 1, Meg Carter, AES, 8-6. 2, Meryea harrington, KAP, 8-6.
Outstanding Track – Gloryyona Walker, Abbeville. Outstanding Field – Hillary Pillara, Hanson. Outstanding Performer – Ilaria Sabatini, Berwick.
October 10, 1930 ~ March 13, 2021
COW ISLAND — A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, March 16, 2021 at St. Anne Catholic Church honoring the life of Lovelace John Hebert, 90, who died Saturday, March 13, 2021 at Gueydan Memorial Guest Home. He will be laid to rest at St. Anne Cemetery in Cow Island with Reverend Matthew Barzare officiating the services.
Lovelace traveled the country working on pipelines as a heavy equipment operator for 25 years. Then for 20 years ran Gulf View, a camp rental business in Holly Beach, LA. After that he bought a home in Perry, LA and retired.
He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Gertrude “Dean” White Hebert; grandson, Johnny Hebert and his wife, Laura of Hull, TX; two granddaughters, Windy Matherne and her husband, Michael of Dayton, TX, and Jenny Kondo and her husband, Jacob of Austin, TX; six great grandchildren, Rebekah, Marah and Emmah Hebert, Taylor Threet and wife, Courtney, Jonathan White, and Kaitlyn Kondo; brother, Lester Hebert; and sisters, Shirley Hebert Doucet and Jeanette Hebert Arnold.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Honorae Hebert, Sr. and the former Eulalie Bourque; sons, Lovelace John Hebert, Jr., Jimmie Lane “Bubba” Hebert and Matthew Mark Hebert; brothers, Emery J. Hebert and Honorae Hebert, Jr.; and sisters, Ruby Hebert, Lilly Mae Hebert Buford, Eunice Hebert Hargrave, Annie Mae Hebert and Ozite Hebert.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville, 209 S. St. Charles St., on Tuesday, March 16, 2021 from 9:00 AM until 1:30 PM when the procession will depart for the church. A rosary being prayed at 10:30 AM.
The family would like to thank the staff of Gueydan Memorial Guest Home and Lamm Hospice, especially nurse, Crystal for their care and compassion for Lovelace.
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.
A Liturgy of the Word service was held Monday, March 15, 2021 at 3:00 pm in the Sunrise Chapel at Walters Funeral Home for Mae Baudoin, 87, who passed away March 11, 2021 at her residence. Deacon Ken Soignier conducted the funeral services. Interment followed in Calvary Cemetery.
Survivors include her husband, Ervin Baudoin of Lafayette; three children, Myra Cloud, Philip Baudoin, and Mark Baudoin and his wife Diane, all of Lafayette; her sister, Shirley Broussard of Erath; brother Paul Bertrand, Jr. of Meaux; three grandchildren, Travis Cloud, Lauren Morel, and Lindsey Bruce; and two great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Mabel and Paul Bertrand, Sr., and one brother, Robert Bertrand.
Mae was a native of Meaux and resident of Lafayette for most of her life. She was a member of Holy Cross Church.
Pallbearers were Travis Cloud, Nathan Broussard, Brandon Morel, Ronnie Thibodeaux, Gavin Bruce, and Brad Bertrand.
Honorary pallbearers included Paul Bertrand Jr. and Norman Broussard.
The family requested that visitation be held Monday from noon until services. A rosary will be led by Paula and Shirley Broussard on Monday afternoon at 1:30 p.m.
Words of condolence may be expressed online at www.waltersfh.com.
Walters Funeral Home, 2424 N. University Ave., Lafayette, LA 70507; 337.706.8941 is in charge of arrangements.
Jim Bradshaw
The beginning of the offshore oil industry is commonly dated to the completion of a Kerr-McGee well south of Morgan City in November 1947, but drillers brought in the first well in the Gulf almost a decade before that, in the middle of March 1938.
Humble Oil drilled that well at the end of a pier stretching a mile into the water from McFadden Beach, south of Port Arthur. A railroad spur ran down the middle of the pier and was used to bring men and supplies to the drilling rig at its end.
Those first drillers found a little bit of oil, but not enough to rebuild everything after a hurricane tore up the trestle in August 1938. Even so, the experiment did help solidify two ideas — that there was oil to be found under the Gulf, and that a long pier was not the way to get to it. Piers could be built only so far into the water, and they couldn’t be made sturdy enough or high enough to take on a storm surge.
About the time of the pier-destroying storm, Pure Oil and Superior Oil were working together on the idea of a platform standing alone in the water. They picked a spot with 14 feet of water about a mile south of Cameron, and hired Brown & Root Marine Operators to do the engineering and construction. The oilmen and engineers had a general idea of what needed to be done, but only a general idea. There was a lot of guesswork involved in that first platform.
First, they used pile drivers on barges to pound 300 yellow pine pilings into the sandy seabed. They figured the more pilings the better when storm waves crashed into their platform. But that’s where the biggest guesswork came in. There wasn’t much data in those days on how tall or how strong a hurricane surge could be.
They ended up building a 320-by-180-foot deck 15 feet above the water. The engineers figured that most storm waves would be less than that, but they also built the deck in such a way that it would wash away if a bigger wave hit it. The idea was that it would be simpler to just rebuild the deck rather than fasten it so securely that it would rip out the pilings in a big storm.
Shrimp boats hauled men and supplies to the rig, slowly and at an hourly rate that made it well worthwhile for a shrimper to put aside his nets.
It was all very primitive, but it worked. The first commercially successful well from what became known as the Creole platform was completed on March 18, 1938. A series of directional wells drilled from it produced more than four million barrels of oil over the next 30 years, according to a history of the offshore industry (History of the Offshore Oil and Gas Industry in Southern Louisiana, Minerals Management Service document 2008-042).
World War II put a hold on expansion into the farther Gulf. Besides having to deal with a lack of men and material needed to drill in the Gulf, oilmen were a bit leery of the German submarines that showed up regularly.
But the Creole platform had shown the way, and Kerr-McGee and others were quick to move back onto the water after the war. They were helped by technology created for the war effort and especially by a fleet of sturdy war surplus boats that may have been as important as anything in getting their rigs running.
A collection of Jim Bradshaw’s columns, Cajuns and Other Characters, is now available from Pelican Publishing. You can contact him at jimbradshaw4321@gmail.com or P.O. Box 1121, Washington LA 70589.
Natalie Ardoin
Primeaux
(October 6, 1930
-March 10, 2021)
“And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart.”
Abbeville—A private Mass of Christian Burial for family only will be held at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church to honor the life of Natalie Primeaux, 90, who passed away surrounded by family on Wednesday, March 10, 2021, to be with her beloved husband, Walter.
She will be laid to rest at St. Paul Cemetery with Reverend Louis Richard officiating.
Pallbearers will be Steve Lazarus, Paul Primeaux, Trey Melancon, Willis Melancon, Cameron Melancon, and Craig Melancon.
Natalie was born on October 6, 1930 in Rayne, LA and moved with her family to Abbeville where she spent her youth. She married Walter in 1948 and became a devoted housewife to him and mother to eight children—two sons and six daughters. They lived in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Illinois before Walter and Natalie finally retired and moved back to Abbeville.
Throughout her life, Natalie was a devout Catholic who was actively involved in her church. She joined rosary groups, the Ladies Altar and Rosary Society, and the Parish Council. She instilled her strong faith in her children.
Natalie had many hobbies that kept her busy. She loved visiting with friends and family, keeping up on the latest events, and texting. She was a world traveler and especially enjoyed repeated visits to Italy and New York City. She loved reading novels and watching old movies. Natalie was an excellent cook, and often gave credit to her mother-in-law, Nola for teaching her. She looked forward to her monthly bridge games with her friends. She took art lessons, working diligently to become an accomplished painter. Natalie left a legacy of beautiful paintings that her family will treasure forever.
Natalie’s family will remember her gentle, loving soul, her sense of humor, and her unwavering generous spirit. She is survived by one son, Lawrence (Lisa) Primeaux of Meridian, MS; five daughters, Marlene Henderson of Oxford, MS, Marie (Willis) Melancon of Meridian, MS, Joan Primeaux of Broussard, LA, Catherine (Craig) Melancon of Oxford, MS, and Michelle (Steve) Lazarus of Lafayette, LA; daughter-in-law, Nancy Meek of Charlotte, NC; grandchildren, Aimee, Paul, and Mark Primeaux, Sara (Michael) Miller, Trey (Elizabeth) Melancon, Claire (Lance) Price, Cameron Melancon, Caroline Melancon, Delaney Primeaux, and Sharon Lazarus; great grandchildren Nola and Baxter Dunnaway, Archer and Avery Miller, Maggie, Bennett, and Camille Melancon, Landry Price, and one on the way; sisters, Toni Ardoin and Lee Ardoin; brother, Robert Ardoin; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Walter Primeaux, Jr.; son, David Primeaux; daughter, Claire Primeaux; son-in-law, James Henderson; granddaughter Shannon Meek; sister Marlene Ardoin; brother M.J. Ardoin, Jr.; and parents M. J. Ardoin, Sr. and Leona Ardoin.
The family is forever grateful to our sisters, Marlene and Catherine, Catherine’s husband Craig, and children Cameron, and Caroline Melancon for taking such loving care of Mom for the past year and a half.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Mt. Carmel School of Abbeville.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.vincentfuneralhome.net.
All funeral arrangements are being conducted by Vincent Funeral Home of Abbeville, (337
Nedia Vidallia Guarino
May 21, 1933 ~ March 11, 2021
Abbeville—A 10:00 am Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Mrs. Nedia V. Guarino at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church in Abbeville on Monday March 15th, 2021.
Reverend Louis Richard, Pastor of St. Mary Magdalen will serve as the Celebrant of the Mass.
A visitation will be held at 9:00 a.m. in the church prior to the mass. Nedia passed away peacefully with her family by her side on March 11, 2021 at Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center.
Nedia who was affectionally known as “Taunte” was born on May 21, 1933 in Abbeville, LA and graduated from Abbeville High School and Southwest Louisiana Institute with a degree in Education.
In addition to her children and grandchildren, Nedia taught and inspired many children as a teacher and mentor. She fondly remembers her students and truly loved them.
Nadia, known to her grandchildren as Nama, always had a contagious loving smile. She enjoyed antiquing, home decorating, cooking, and saying the rosary. She had many special friends including her rosary group and prayer group of 45 years.
Her greatest treasure were her children and grandchildren, who she loved tremendously. One of her greatest joys was sharing Christmas and the Christmas Story with them.
She will be deeply missed by all that knew her.
She is survived by her devoted husband of 60 years, Roland Guarino; daughters, Toni Eddy, and Dimet Conrad; son, Mac Guarino; grandchildren Grant Conrad (Jessie), Jace Conrad (Alex), Brenn Conrad, Braden Eddy, Kate Eddy, Avery Eddy, Grayson Guarino, and Camryn Guarino; two great grandchildren, Jax Conrad and Scarlett Conrad; sister, Ruby Bertrand; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her mother and father, Mr. and Mrs. Theonis VidaIlia; sister, Anna Mae Reed; and brother, Noah VidaIlia.
Pallbearers will be Kevin Guarino, Braden Eddy, Jace Conrad, Brenn Conrad, Grayson Guarino and Mark Whitfield.
Honorary pallbearers will be Grant Conrad and her former students.
The family wishes to offer a special thanks to Hilda Richard and her staff for their loving care.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Mount Carmel (405 Park Ave) and Vermillion Catholic (425 Park Ave) in Abbeville La.
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.
Stephen Lotief has been the Kaplan head football coach for the last 11 years and his teams have been to the playoffs each year.
For the last three days, the rumor floating around was that long-time Kaplan football coach Stephen “Tank” Lotief was out as the head football coach and wrestling coach at Kaplan High.
Late Thursday afternoon, Kaplan Principal Patricia Thibodeaux confirmed the rumor by releasing a typed statement.
“After considering the projected needs of all student-athletes at Kaplan High School, the administration has decided to take our athletic program in a new direction,” Kaplan High principal Patricia Thibodeaux said in a statement. “With much respect, Kaplan High School wishes Coach Stephen Lotief great success in the next phase of his career.”
Thibodeaux did not explain why the football and wrestling programs were going in a different direction.
She did say the search is now underway to find a new head football and wrestling coach at Kaplan High.
Lotief released a statement of his own: “It was a good run. I wish the Kaplan community all of the best. They are a good, strong, and hard-working community that knows how to claw, scratch, and fight. Thanks for letting me be a part of your family.”
As of Thursday, Lotief was still employed with the Vermilion Parish School Board.
He did not say what his long-term plans were, but he did say, “I have options.”
In 11 years at Kaplan, Lotief posted a 92-42 record. His overall coaching record in Vermilion Parish is 141-77. His 141 wins may make him the winningest football coach in Vermilion Parish.
Before Kaplan, he was the head football coach at North Vermilion High School.
In 2016, his team posted a 13-1 record and led the Pirates to the Class 3A semifinals, the first time since 1985.
Kaplan also made the semifinals in 2017 and 2018.
Over the last 11 years at KHS, he had the same assistant coaches. Coaches such as Tim Gabor, Craig Blanchard, and Shay Herpin have coached under him for 11 years.
He gave his long-time assistant coaches a final shot out.
And lastly, a shout out to the CECP coaches who worked for below minimum wage for the betterment of Kaplan football,” Lotief said. “I hope all of you get good loyal assistants as loyal as Jared Duhon and Tyler Domingue. These guys are good, dedicated, hard-working coaches and better people.
“I wish the whole staff was as dedicated as these guys. I am going to miss the lifers, such as Coach Blanchard, Coach Shay and Coach Gabor. No doubt, the greatest group and most successful group of men, who bleed black and gold.”
October 8, 1931 ~ March 10, 2021
KAPLAN — Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, March 13, 2021 at Vincent Funeral Home - Kaplan honoring the life of Vernise “Maw” Harrington, 89, who died Wednesday, March 10, 2021 at Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center. She will be laid to rest at Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Cemetery with Deacon Bryan Istre officiating the services.
She is survived by her two daughters, Diana Meaux and her husband, Donald of Kaplan and Kathy Harrington and her companion, Keith Hargrave of Kaplan; her five grandchildren, Kirk Meaux of Kaplan, Angela Broussard of Kaplan, Brady Meaux of Lafayette, Kyle Harrington of Kaplan and Kyla Guidry of Kaplan; her eight great grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Leo Harrington; her parents, Duplesie Vincent and the former Louise Boudreaux; and her three brothers, Wildes Vincent, Darice Vincent and Maxie Vincent.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Vincent Funeral Home - Kaplan, 300 N. Eleazar Ave., on Friday, March 12, 2021 from 2:00 PM until 9:00 PM with a rosary being prayed at 7:00 PM; Saturday, March 13, 2021 from 8:00 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 Harrington family at www.vincentfuneralhome.net.
318 N. Main St.
Abbeville, LA 70510
Phone: 337-893-4223
Fax: 337-898-9022
219 North Cushing Avenue
Kaplan, LA 70548