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When offered the opportunity to become the next principal at Abbeville High School, Jenni Frick did not hesitate to accept the role.
Frick’s passion for the school runs deep. It’s a love that dates back to her time as an AHS student.
“It’s very important to me,” said Frick, a 1993 graduate. “It’s why I wanted to have this position. I am a graduate of Abbeville High. I graduated with some great people.
“I know what Abbeville High can be.”
Frick is not a stranger to AHS professionally. She served as an assistant principal a few years ago. During her career in education, one that began at Catholic High of New Iberia, Frick has spent time in various roles at schools and for the district in the Lafayette Parish School System. In Vermilion Parish, along with her previous time at AHS, Frick worked at North Vermilion and held the position of assistant principal at Mount Carmel Elementary for two years. Most recently, Frick served in a role focused on academic content for the Louisiana Department of Education.
“That allows me to have some different perspectives,” Frick said. 
Through everything that she has learned, Frick said her goal is to use that knowledge to help return Abbeville High to a “tradition of excellence.” 
That effort is already underway, even before students are set to return in early August.
“You set the tone on day one,” Frick said. “We have been working hard. I have a great administrative team. We have already started working with our faculty and staff to begin prepping for the 2025-’26 school year.”
That administrative team includes new assistant principals Elizabeth Buatt and Jabian August, himself an AHS alum. Vermilion Parish School System Superintendent Tommy Byler said he is confident in the heights Abbeville High can reach under this group and Frick’s leadership.
“Jenni Frick is an AHS alumna who is going to bring a work ethic to AHS that will be necessary to make the school successful,” Byler said. “She will be leading a new administrative team that I am excited to see where they take AHS. 
“I know this, no one will work harder to make AHS a successful school.”
Frick has been doing so every day since she took the job.
“I stepped back in on June 16,” Frick said of her return to AHS. “The comment from everyone has been, ‘You’re always here.’ Yes, I’m here every day. I will be. We have students who are doing summer workouts and other activities. I think it’s important for them to see that we are committed. They need to see that we are willing to go that extra mile to ensure that they get what they truly deserve.”
Providing the students with the best educational opportunities is at the core of Frick’s mission.
“We just want our students to have the opportunities that education can bring to them,” Frick said. “We are working on some projects. We are going to be student-centered. We want to make sure that they feel the love of school. Nothing builds my heart more than being on campus with our students, and them being involved.”
It’s not limited to current students that Frick wants to see involved.
“I’ve already talked to several alums,” Frick said. “I told them that I want all alumni to return home. Abbeville High is our home. I want them to know that we welcome them and that we value them.
“They’re what make Abbeville High what it is.”
Frick is more than happy to be back home.
“People have asked me why I returned,” Frick said. “I am a very proud product of Abbeville High. When Mr. Byler called me, there was no hesitation.  Once a Wildcat, always a Wildcat. I want to lead us forward.
“I am committed and look forward to the great things that we are going to do.”

October 19, 1942 ~ July 9, 2025

ABBEVILLE — A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 19, 2025, from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. at Vincent Funeral Home of Abbeville, 209 S. Saint Charles St., Abbeville, honoring the life of Dallas Paul DuBois, 82, who passed away on July 9, 2025 at his residence surrounded by family. Born on October 19, 1942, in Abbeville, LA, Dallas was a beloved figure in his community, affectionately known as "The Godfather" of Vermilion Parish.
He attended Abbeville High School and then dedicated much of his life to his work as a foreman in the pipe yard at Luke Construction and Broussard Brothers, where he served for an impressive 28 years before retiring at the age of 71. His commitment to his profession and the community left a lasting impact on everyone he met.
Dallas really loved to barbecue on Sundays while listening to Cajun and French music waiting for his beloved Saints to play. Dallas had a love of coaching both baseball and softball, where he coached hundreds of kids through the years. His love of horse races allowed him the opportunity to meet a lot of people throughout the years, many becoming lifelong friends. He and Martha enjoyed the outdoors and were always camping at various campgrounds in Louisiana with family and friends. In the latter part of his life, he would often be seen at his grandchildrens’ sporting events, where he was usually the loudest fan. He also enjoyed playing Bingo or just giving someone a hard time that just won a game that he thought he should have won. He made everyone feel like family everywhere he went. He will be truly missed by all who knew him. 
Dallas is survived by his loving spouse of 62 years, Martha Lormand DuBois; three sons, Randal DuBois and his wife Stephanie, Nathan DuBois and his wife Tanya, and Chad DuBois and his wife Kristi; one daughter, Darla D. Foley and her husband, Robert; grandchildren, Kristen DuBois-Hays and her husband Alex Hays, Seth DuBois and his fiancée Lauren Herink, Janna McIntyre and her wife Elizabeth Garcia, Matthew Foley and his fiancée Maddy Schierl, Ethan DuBois and his girlfriend Mika Trahan, Evan DuBois, Eli DuBois and his girlfriend Kirby Lucas, MacKenzie DuBois, Laurel DuBois-Rowland and her husband Marcello Rowland, Camden DuBois, and Victoria Falwell; great grandchildren, Haiden and Malia Mae; bonus grandchildren, Jennifer and Frank A. Impastato, Jr., Emily and Mark Herrin, Rachael and Michael Morris, Jr., Stacey and Maxwell Gumley, Caroline and Dustin Brewer and Margaret and Paul Whiteman; fifteen great grandchildren; special family members, Melissa Ernest and her husband Andrew; cousin, Brenda Broussard; and Rocky, his dog who was his buddy and loyal companion of 15 years. 
He is preceded in death by his father, Odey DuBois and stepmother Pauline; mother, Helen Broussard and stepfather, Maurice; brothers, Odeon Dubois and his wife Lucille, Lovelace DuBois and his wife Sable, Loiphe DuBois; sister Verna Sonnier and her husband Neville; nephews/Godchildren, Keith Sonnier, Mark Sonnier, Duane DuBois, and Ronnie DuBois; and in-laws, Phillip Lormand and Bernice Suire. 
The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Traditions Health Hospice for the compassionate care and support they provided during Dallas’s final days. 
All funeral arrangements are being conducted by Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville (337) 893-4661.
All funeral arrangements are being conducted by Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville (337) 893-4661.

Rodney James Touchet

Erath – A Mass of Christian Burial for Mr. Rodney James Touchet, 78, will be held at 2:00PM on Friday, July 11, 2025 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Erath with Fr. Clinton Sensat officiating. Interment will follow at Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Cemetery in Kaplan.

Visitation will begin at 11:00AM on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at Frioux-David Funeral Home of Erath until 10:00PM with a recitation of the rosary at 7:00PM. Visitation will resume at 10:00AM on Friday, July 11, 2025, at Frioux-David Funeral Home of Erath until the time of Service.
Rodney’s life was a tapestry of adventure, humor, and boundless love. A man who never met a stranger, Rodney had a gift for making friends wherever he went. His warm heart and natural curiosity about people drew others to him, and his unique sense of humor made every encounter unforgettable. He had a special place in his heart for children and delighted in teasing, joking, and bringing laughter to those around him.
Rodney proudly served his country in the United States Army for 24 years, serving three tours in Vietnam and after retirement was called back for one more tour during Desert Storm. During his time in the army, he traveled to 92 countries and became fluent in five languages. His love of learning and world knowledge knew no bounds. He was an avid reader who often said he had read every book in the library. History fascinated him, and he could talk for hours about the world’s wonders, cultures, and events.
In civilian life, Rodney remained active in service and faith as a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus, a proud member of the American Legion and The Veterans of Foreign War. He brought his competitive spirit and sharp intellect into everything he did, always shining brightly in any challenge he took on.
Rodney loved the simple pleasures of life, especially spending time with his family and caring for his beloved monkey, Brandon Malone. He found joy in the garden, nurturing tomatoes, cucumbers, okra, peppers and eggplant with the same care and curiosity he brought to all aspects of his life and giving most of them away.
Rodney was inquisitive, intelligent, and kind-hearted. He lived life fully—with laughter, love, and a thirst for knowledge. His presence was a gift, and his memory will live on in the countless lives he touched.

He is survived by his loving wife of over 9 years, Janet Primeaux Touchet; two sons, Chadwick ‘Sean’ Touchet (Faye), and Hanson Broussard (Casey); three daughters, Kimberly Moody, Chancy Chandler (Damas), and Mandy Broussard (Michael Burrus); two sisters, Wendy Parich (Mike), and Donna Flemming (Schuyler Porche); a brother, Jeffery Touchet (Susan); ten grandchildren, Elaina Thrasher (Mark), Stonewall, Jackson, Taylor, Pierce, Noah, Liliana, Ayden, Easton, and Michael; and three great-grandchildren, Kaydence, Grayson, and Owen Thrasher; and many many cousins.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Villy and Adley Desormeaux Touchet; three brothers, Wayne, Joey, and Tony; and his former wife, Mary Alice Russell Vicknair.

Serving as pall bearers will be Sean, Mike Parich, Jr., Stone, Jackson, Hanson, Mike Burrus.
Serving as honorary pall bearers will be, Jeffery Touchet, Pierce, Ayden, Grayson, Owen, Easton, and Michael.
Frioux-David Funeral Home of Erath at 209 East Putnam Street (337) 937-0405 will be handling the arrangements.

Less than 24 hours after allegedly burglarizing a business in Abbeville, the burglar was arrested by a Vermilion Parish Sheriff deputy and would later confess to the crime, according to the Vermilion Parish Sheriff's Office.
According to Sheriff Eddie Langlinais, on July 5, at approximately 11 in the morning, a Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division responded to a business burglary complaint on Cheryl Drive in Abbeville.
Upon arrival, the responding patrol deputy was advised that approximately $5,100 worth of property had been stolen from the Christian Youth Theater Vermilion.
The complainant provided video footage which showed a vehicle arriving at the business and a male subject exiting the vehicle, looking around, and entering the business. This same male subject was then seen on the video loading items into the back of the truck.
Upon investigating the incident, Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office patrol deputies identified the truck as a Toyota Tacoma bearing a temporary Texas license plate and registered to Tyler Collins, who is 36.
It was then learned that Collins had multiple outstanding arrest warrants.
This past Sunday (July 6) patrol deputies were conducting routine patrol when a vehicle matching the above description and bearing the same temporary license plate number was located at a residence on Port Street in Abbeville.
Patrol deputies approached the residence, making contact with Collins and placing him under arrest for his outstanding warrants.
Collins was read his Miranda Rights, which he waived. Collins then confessed to committing a burglary and stealing items from the business located on Cheryl Drive, and the items were presently at the Port Street residence where he was staying.
Collins subsequently admitted to burglarizing the business on two separate occasions.
Patrol deputies were granted permission by the homeowner to search the Port Street residence as well as a shed on the property and located items which matched the description of stolen items provided by the business owner. Patrol deputies obtained a search warrant for Collins’ vehicle, where additional stolen items were recovered. All recovered stolen items were subsequently returned to the business owners.
Sheriff Eddie Langlinais commends the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office Patrol Deputies who responded to this call, diligently investigated the incident, and recovered the stolen items peacefully and professionally. He also reminds the citizens of Vermilion Parish that this is an ongoing investigation and all suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty. Information on how to anonymously report illegal activities can be found on our website at www.VermilionSheriff.gov.
Click on Anonymous Tips and fill out the Crime Stoppers of Vermilion Tip Form to submit information. You can also report illegal activity anonymously by calling the Crime Stoppers tip line at (337) 740-TIPS (8477) or by downloading and logging in to the P3 App where you can earn a cash reward. You can also download the “Vermilion Parish Sheriff LA” app from the App Store and Google Play. There you can tap the Crime Stoppers logo and submit your tip.