Jenna Beth Hagle had a .555 batting average for VC. She was named Co-MVP in district.
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Mr. Hunter Michael Bertrand & Miss Jada Lynn Poche’
Mr. and Mrs. Paul Poche’ of Erath are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Jada Lynn Poche’ to Hunter Michael Bertrand, son of Mr. & Mrs. Shannon Bertrand of Abbeville. A nuptial mass will take place on Saturday, June 7th at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church in Abbeville.
Grandparents of the future bride are Mrs. Lucille Doré and the late M.C. Doré of Erath and the late Mr. And Mrs. James Lynn Poche’ of Erath. Jada is a 2017 graduate of Erath High School and a 2020 graduate of UL-Lafayette earning her bachelors in Exercise Science. She then earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from LSU Health Science in Shreveport in 2024. She currently is a physical therapist at ACTS Physical Therapy in Broussard and Delcambre.
Grandparents of the prospective groom are Mr. and Mrs. Chris Dupuy of Abbeville and Ms. Delores Begley of Kenner. Hunter is a 2018 graduate of St. Thomas More Catholic High School and earned his bachelors degree in Business Administration Management from UL-Lafayette in 2022. He currently is employed by UBS Private Wealth Management in Lafayette.
January 11, 1937 ~ May 6, 2025
ABBEVILLE - A Funeral Service will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, May 12, 2025, at Vincent Funeral Home of Abbeville, 209 S. Saint Charles St., Abbeville, honoring the life of Anna Belle T. Guillory, 88, who passed away on May 6, 2025 at Pelican Pointe Healthcare and Rehabilitation. Deacon William Vincent will officiate the services. Burial will follow at St. Paul Cemetery. Pallbearers will be C.J. Faulk, Gary Green Jr., Chris Desormeaux, Styve Vincent, Cheyenne Hebert, and Julian Tibbs. Honorary pallbearer will be Parker Green.
A visitation will take place at Vincent Funeral Home of Abbeville, 209 S. Saint Charles St., Abbeville, on Monday, May 12, 2025, from 9 a.m. until the time of services. A rosary will be prayed at 1:30 PM on Monday.
Anna Belle passed away peacefully at the age of 88 on May 6th at Pelican Pointe Nursing Home. Anna loved her family dearly and devoted most of her adult life to caring for her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She was a devout Catholic and never let a day go by without praying her rosary. She had a passion for the outdoors and loved bird watching, fishing, Holly Beach trips with family, and simply sitting outside with a cup of coffee and enjoying the breeze. She enjoyed reading a good book and often had Cajun/French music playing in the background. Annie’s favorite saying was “It’s better to laugh than cry!” meaning It’s important to always find the good in every situation, to have faith in God’s plan, even when don’t understand his reasons, and to never lose faith!
She is survived by her daughter, Kimberly A. Gaspard; son-in-law, Chris Desormeaux; three grandsons, Gary N. Green Jr. and his wife Shara, C.J. Faulk and his wife Danielle, and Michael Desormeaux and his wife Kari; three granddaughters, Ashley A. Conway and her husband David, Brandy A. Parks, and Rachel M. Tibbs and her husband Julian; nieces, Linda G. Vincent and Glenda M. Abate; and several great-grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Raymond J. Guillory; parents, Octa Joseph Theriot and the former Odelia Richard; son, Daniel K. Gaspard; daughter, Tina M. Desormeaux; great-grandson, Benjamin A. Conway; and sisters, Frances M. Sellers and Beulah M. Trahan.
The family would like to send a special thanks to all of the staff at Pelican Pointe Nursing Home, Vermilion Healthcare Center, and Cornerstone Nursing and Rehab for the exceptional care during her stay there.
All funeral arrangements are being conducted by Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville (337) 893-4661.
Sheriff Eddie Langlinais presents Andrew Bradford his scholarship.
Upon the recommendation of the Vermilion Parish School Board, Vermilion Parish Sheriff Eddie Langlinais announces scholarship recipient of the Louisiana Sheriffs’ Honorary Membership Program
Sheriff Langlinais is happy to announce Andrew Bradford of Erath High has been named the recipient of an academic scholarship from the Louisiana Sheriffs’ Scholarship Program for the 2024-2025 school year.
Andrew resides in Erath and plans to attend UL Lafayette and pursue mechanical engineering as a field of study. His parents are Nicholas Bradford and Ashlee Girard.
The Sheriffs’ Scholarship is made possible by the Louisiana Sheriffs’ Honorary Membership Program (LSHMP). Louisiana Sheriffs provide scholarships to graduating high school students from each parish where the Sheriff is an affiliate of the Program.
Qualities such as academic achievement, leadership, and character are considered in making selections of Sheriffs’ scholarship recipients. The only limitations are that applicants be permanent residents of Louisiana; scholarships be utilized in higher education within the State; and students be enrolled as full-time, undergraduate students. Scholarships will be awarded in sixty-four parishes throughout the state.
Ahna Fontenot and Kallie Romero, both form Kaplan High, were named as alternates so that in the event the recipient is unable to take advantage of the scholarship award, the alternate (first and/or second) can do so.
In closing Sheriff Langlinais said, “Academic awards by the Louisiana Sheriff’s Scholarship Program to Louisiana students open doors to endless opportunities and empower students to reach their full potential. It’s more than financial support, it’s an investment in the bright minds of tomorrow, fostering their dreams and enabling them to focus on their education
Taking a group photo with Coach Ossie Blaize during a 20-year VC class reunion are Richard Hoyt, Chris Meaux, Coach Blaize and Zan Beckett. The three athletes went on to run track for the Ragin Cajuns.
Ossie Blaize, who retired from the education system three years ago, passed away Monday morning at a local hospital. He was 76 years old.
Funeral arrangements are tentatively scheduled for next week.
He began teaching and coaching in 1970. Blaize spent his final 23 years in education in Vermilion Parish. He arrived at Vermilion Catholic in 1991 after teaching/coaching in New Orleans.
Blaize coached nearly half of his career in Abbeville — 16 years at Vermilion Catholic, from 1991-2001, and then from 2015-22, as well as from 2008-15 at Abbeville High. He was a resident of Abbeville.
“At Vermilion Catholic, we had some pretty good football teams,” said Blaize when he retired in 2022. “When we lost to Evangel in the semifinals in ‘93, that was a heck of a game. Sometimes, whether you win or lose a game, you still remember it. I had the good fortune to coach a lot of good players, a lot of good kids.”
The news about his death spread quickly Monday in the VC community.
“Hearing of Coach Ossie’s passing is a tough one. It’s news you never want to hear. Immediately, I thought about what a great loss it is for the VC community,” said Zan Beckett, who played football and ran track for Coach Blaize.
“As the news spread amongst some friends, we began to remember Coach’s impact on us. The somber calls turned into something more. Our conversations became more of a celebration of a man who challenged us to be better on the field and in the classroom. We had great stories of his famous one-liners, at which you couldn’t help but laugh. Some were way funnier than others, mostly because it was not at our expense.
A 1998 graduate, Beckett added, “I can’t help but remember what a tremendous impact Coach had on so many of us. He was a great coach and an even better man. We were very fortunate to have Coach Ossie as a part of the VC community. His impact will never be forgotten.”
John Thompson, a 1998 VC graduate, was coached by Blaize and an assistant coach at VC with Blaize.
“Coach Blaize was a major instrumental figure in my life and my career choice,” said Thompson. “He was the one that convinced me to play football in high school and was one reason I became a coach. He was the type of coach you never wanted to let down. He is going to be missed dearly by myself and my family.”
Freddy D. Dubois, who lives in Las Vegas, was VC’s starting quarterback and graduated in 1995. Blaize was Freddie’s history teacher during his senior year.
“Coach was very well educated and knew a lot about everything, but you could tell he loved football,” said Freddie. “Coach taught me to work hard and prepare for every play and game. He was always pushing me to be my best; for example, he encouraged and told me to run track as it would improve my football ability and speed, and he was right.
“I always loved talking football with Coach and watching film as he knew every detail and taught me what to look for at the line of scrimmage so I could call the best play in the moment.
“He was funny, quick-witted, and always had a comeback. I miss Coach and hearing his funny accent/slang/tone of voice, but I will always remember him as my coach, mentor, teacher, and friend. Rest in Peace, Coach Blaize,” Dubois concluded.
Linden Bercegeay coached with Blaize at Abbeville High.
Bercegeay said, “I coached against Ossie for many years and always respected his competitiveness in football and track. It wasn’t until I had an opportunity to work with him at AHS that I got to really know him. He was a very unique and interesting character, one who was sincere in helping students and athletes, often going above and beyond the call of duty to mentor them in the right direction. I was very fortunate to have crossed paths with him in my life as well.”
Former VC quarterback Lenny Mayard, who graduated in 1998, added, “He was a great coach and a great man who will be missed by many. He was very passionate, always honest with you, and strived to get the best out of us.”
Blaize spent most of his career coaching football and track and field. At the rural consolidated high school he worked at in Mississippi, he was the head baseball coach and head track coach, which ran simultaneously in the spring.
And he got different things out of coaching different sports, Blaize said.
“Football’s a team thing and a strategy thing, but track’s a ‘see kids grow and improve things,’” he said. “It’s different.”
Blaize had a great passion for track, and it showed at Vermilion Catholic, where many went on to win state.
Chris Meaux, who ran track in 1996-1998, said Blaize had a major influence on his life.
“He was our high school track coach and football coach, and without him, I wouldn’t have run for the Ragin’ Cajuns,” said Meaux. “I wouldn’t be coaching my son Isaiah the way I do. The Do Great Things Track Team wouldn’t even exist if it weren’t for the way he coached and inspired me.
“He pushed us with some of the toughest workouts — but he also felt what we felt. He knew when to challenge us and when to believe in us more than we believed in ourselves.
“I’ll never forget the regional meet when I was trying to qualify for state in the 3200-meter race. The pace was faster than I had ever run, and I was stuck in sixth place, fading. With one mile to go, I heard Coach Ossie yell louder than I’d ever heard before:
“You got to go run with them! If you die, you die!!!”
“Something in me flipped. I moved from 6th to the front, took the lead on the last lap, and qualified for state with my fastest time all season.
“That was Coach Ossie. Passionate. Fierce. Encouraging. Honest. Legendary.”
Kaplan’s Carter Petry
LAKE CHARLES - The No.5 Kaplan Pirates’ playoff run ended in the quarterfinals as they fell to the No.4 Westlake Rams 9-2 on Friday and 5-1 on Saturday.
First-year head coach Jake Faulk was proud of his team’s accomplishments.
“I could not be more proud of our boys; the level of personal growth they have shown in one short year speaks for itself.”
The Pirates (21-14) fell behind 4-0 after one inning on Friday. The Rams did their damage with an RBI double, an RBI single, and a two-RBI double.
Hadley Hardesty homered in the fourth to make it 5-0 before Westlake exploded for four more runs in the sixth. The Rams used two RBI singles and a two-run single to take a 9-0 lead.
Kaplan rallied in the seventh. Carter Petry and Hayes Mire walked to lead off the inning. Owen Marceaux grounded out to second to move the runners to second and third before Petry scored on a passed ball. Eli Simon then lifted a sacrifice fly to score Mire and provide the final margin.
Aiden Gaspard had the Pirates’ lone hit in the game. Simon had the RBI. Mire drew two walks, while Petry and Karter Meaux each had one.
Sabe David started on the mound. He allowed four runs on six hits and one walk while striking out three.
Westlake jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning of game two when Bradyn Spears scored on a wild pitch. They added four more in the third, using a two-run single and a passed ball to take a 5-0 lead.
Kaplan scored its lone run in the fifth inning. Karter Meaux doubled to rightfield to score Aiden Gaspard to provide the final margin.
Meaux led the Pirates at the plate with a hit and an RBI. Hayes Mire had a hit while Gaspard, Petry, and Remy Broussard each drew a walk.
Hayes Mire got the nod on the bump for Kaplan. He pitched five innings, allowing four earned runs on four hits and five walks while striking out six over five innings. Gaspard pitched the final two innings, allowing no runs on no hits and one walk while striking out two.
Members of the Erath baseball team in no certain order: Head coach Jeremy Picard, along with assistant coaches Tommie Pillette, Trey Price and Bert Migues. The players are Aiden Romero, Brax Champagne, Braxtron Richard, Brennan Broussard, Cade Francis, Camden Gullo, Carter Boutte, Carter Champagne, Cohen Luquette, Connor Toups, Dominic Frederick, Ean LeBlanc, Hudson Guidry, Issac Goutierrez, Jack Landry, Koah Copell, Kolin Rodriguez, Landen Derouen, Landon Lemaire, Logan Duhon, Spencer Lacoste, Talen Landry, Tate Collins and Zaylen Vincent.
ERATH – The No. 2 Erath Bobcats defeated the No. 7 Jena Giants 10-0 and 9-0 Saturday at Ross Granger Field to sweep the quarterfinal playoff series and advance to the semifinals for the first time in school history.
The Bobcats (23-11) will face No. 3 South Beauregard (24-10) in the semifinal round at Ross Granger Field. The Knights defeated Berwick in their quarterfinal matchup. The winner advances to the championship series at McMurry Park in Sulphur.
Erath beat South Beauregard 4-2 earlier in the year.
Erath head coach Jeremy Picard isn’t surprised this senior class is the one that got over the hump after four previous attempts. A prime example of what makes them different is their determination to get Ross Granger Field ready to go on Saturday morning after all the rain Friday night.
“I came back when these guys were freshmen and we’ve had one goal,” Picard said. “Those seniors just don’t give up. They’re a special group and that’s why we are where we are today.
“I came here at about 6:45 this morning and said there’s no way we can play here. They looked at me and said we’re playing here. They took it upon themselves to do all the little things to get the field ready. That’s what it takes.”
Seth Leger got the start in game one, and once again he delivered. The senior ace pitched his second complete-game shutout of the playoffs, allowing only three hits and two walks while striking out six.
The Bobcats broke the scoreless tie in the third inning. Leger got hit by a pitch with two outs to start the rally. Brennan Broussard followed with a double to leftfield that scored Tate Collins. Jack Landry then singled to left to score Koah Copell to make it 2-0.
Erath struck again in the fifth two singles and a fielder’s choice put runners on first and third with one out for Broussard. He sent a single to left that scored Landon LeMaire and Tate Collins. Four batters later, Dominic Frederick drew a bases-loaded walk to make it 5-0.
The Bobcats added five more in the sixth to end the game. Three hit by pitches and an error plated the first run. Landen Derouen followed with a double to centerfield that cleared the bases for three more runs. Four batters later, LeMaire drew a bases-loaded walk to make it 10-0.
Broussard and Derouen led Erath at the dish with two hits and three RBI apiece. Landry had two hits and two RBI while LeMaire had one hit and one RBI. Frederick had two walks and an RBI while Richard and Carter Champagne each had a hit.
For game two, Erath sent Talan Landry to the mound. The junior righthander delivered a Leger-like performance, tossing a complete-game shutout. He allowed only two hits and no walks while striking out four.
“Talan is our number three starter,” Picard said. “He had a very good outing against Notre Dame. We made the decision Friday night to go with him and he was phenomenal.”
The Bobcats broke the scoreless tie in the top of the fourth inning. Jack Landry sent a one-out single to right before Derouen tripled to centerfield, scoring Landry to make it 1-0.
Erath added four more in the fifth. Talan Landry scored the first run of the inning on an error. Richard then scored on a passed ball before Derouen drove in two more with a double to centerfield to make it 5-0.
Richard provided the fireworks in the sixth when he drove in two runs with an inside-the-park homerun. The rare feat made it 7-0.
“Off the bat, I was thinking double,” Richard said. “But when I saw the centerfielder dive, I knew I was going for it. I looked up at coach, and he was waving me home. I’d rather have just hit it out to save some energy, but it means a lot to me.”
In the seventh, Champagne laid down a sacrifice bunt that scored Collins and Derouen scored on a passed ball after collecting his fourth hit of the game to provide the final margin.
Derouen finished four-for-four at the plate with three RBI. In the two-game series, he had six hits and six RBI. He said the ball was huge.
“I was seeing it like a beachball today.” Derouen said. “I was in the box not thinking about anything other than seeing the ball and hitting it.”
Richard finished with two hits and two RBI while Champagne had a hit and an RBI. Talan Landry added two hits while Jack Landry had one.
While the Bobcats have already made history, Broussard said the semifinals are not their goal. They will not let up until they achieve their goal.
“It’s started now, and it’s not going to stop until we get to the championship,” Broussard said. “Today was just another step on the way. We did a great job coming out fired up. We hit the ball, played defense, and morale was very high. You can’t beat that.”
Game one is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Friday. Game two is slated for 2 p.m. Saturday. Game three, if necessary, will commence at 4:30 p.m. Saturday.
Jonathan Lovett’s house burned down after he allegedly set it on fire.
Photo from Office of Louisiana Fire Marshal
State Fire Marshal (SFM) deputies arrested an Abbeville man for defrauding an insurance company by intentionally setting fire to his home.
Last week, State Fire Marshal deputies arrested Jonathan D. Lovett (44) of 9437 Louisiana Highway 343, Abbeville and booked him into the Vermilion Parish Jail today on a charge of Arson with Intent to Defraud.
The investigation revealed that on March 21, 2025, the Meaux Nunez Volunteer Fire Department responded at 8 p.m. to a house fire in the 9400 block Louisiana Highway 343, Abbeville. When they arrived, they found the laundry room on fire. They quickly extinguished it. The fire caused minimal damage. A few hours later, at 2:32 a.m., March 22, 2025, firefighters returned to the home for another reported fire. This time, the house was fully engulfed in flames, and was destroyed.
During the investigation, SFM deputies discovered that the fire(s) were intentionally set by Lovett, that Lovett’s home was in foreclosure according to public records, and that his insurance company paid Lovett an insurance claim for the damage caused by the fire.
Anyone with information regarding any suspected arson case is asked to submit tips through our Arson Hotline at 1-844-954-1221.
August 24, 1939 ~ April 29, 2025
ABBEVILLE — A Funeral Service will be held at 4:30 p.m., Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Abbeville United Methodist Church, 213 N. State Street, Abbeville, honoring the life of Gerald M. Nunez, 85, who passed away on April 29, 2025, at a local nursing home. Reverend Cynthia L. Luquette will officiate at the funeral service. Burial will follow at Graceland Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Bret M. Nunez, Matt A. Nunez, Clint E. Nunez, Seth A. Nunez, Jake Broussard, and Rick Nunez.
A visitation will take place at Vincent Funeral Home of Abbeville, 209 S. Saint Charles St., Abbeville on Friday, May 2, 2025 from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m.; and will continue on Saturday, May 3, 2025 from 1 p.m. until 4:15 p.m. when the procession will depart for the church.
Gerald had an esteemed career with Texaco that spanned several decades, during which he advanced into the positions of Plant Superintendent and Assistant Plant Manager. His work ethic and commitment to excellence were admired by his peers and contributed to his legacy in the oilfield industry.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Gerald was a lifetime member of the Abbeville Masonic Lodge No. 192 where he served as Worshipful Master at one time. He had a love of the outdoors, particularly enjoying activities such as watching football, visiting the casino, and attending tractor shows. He had a gentle soul and a kind demeanor that touched the hearts of all who knew him. His family was the cornerstone of his life, and he was a doting husband and kind-hearted man who cherished every moment spent with themHe will be remembered as a loving father to children, Bret M. Nunez and wife Rhonda, Romy N. Broussard and husband Luke, Matt A. Nunez and wife Donna, Clint E. Nunez and wife Kira, and Seth A. Nunez and wife Heather; thirteen grandchildren, Lexi Nunez, Dylan Nunez, Jake Broussard, Blair B. Suire, Ty B. Fawcett, Sydney Bass, Ethan Herren, Ross Nunez, Evan Nunez, Addison Nunez, Olivia Nunez, Preston Nunez, Wyatt Nunez, and his five great grandchildren, Bentley Suire, Christian Suire, Lila Suire, Remi Fawcett, and Reese Fawcett.
He is preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Ruby Broussard Nunez; second wife, Mary Stephens Nunez; parents, Aaron Nunez and the former Linda Meaux; two brothers, Dale Nunez and Carl Nunez; and an infant sister.
All funeral arrangements are being conducted by Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville (337) 893-4661.
November 15, 1934 ~ April 29, 2025
A Memorial Service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 3, 2025 at Holy Cross Catholic Church honoring the life of Gene Peter Meaux, 90, who passed away on April 29, 2025 at his residence. Rev. Ravi Jampangi will officiate the memorial service. Burial will follow at St. Paul Cemetery in Abbeville.
A visitation will take place at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 415 Robley Dr., Lafayette on Saturday, May 3, 2025 from 9 a.m. until time of services. A rosary will be prayed at 9 a.m. on Saturday.
Gene was a devoted purchasing agent in the oil field industry, where he made invaluable contributions throughout his career. He was respected by his colleagues and admired for his unwavering work ethic and integrity. Beyond his professional life, Gene played a pivotal role in organizing high school rodeos in the Lafayette area, fostering community spirit and a love for the cowboy traditions he held dear.
An avid hunter and fisherman, Gene cherished the time he spent at his camp in Toledo Bend, where he created countless memories with friends and family. His love for the outdoors was only matched by his devotion to his loved ones.
He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Charlotte Sellers Meaux; son, Randall Meaux and his wife, Lynette of Maurice; daughters, Michelle Meaux Landry and her husband, Dale of Abbeville, and Lisa Meaux Denton and her husband, Don of Carlyss, LA; seven grandchildren, Molly, Jennifer, Seth, Hannah, Blake, Lynsie, and Kayla; seventeen great grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild.
He is preceded in death by his father, Willie Meaux; mother, Lelia Guidry Meaux; and sister, Faye Meaux Turner.
The family extends special thanks to the dedicated staff at Home Instead Sitting Agency and Southern Grace Hospice for their excellent care and support during his final days. Your kindness will always be remembered.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, in honor of Gene Peter Meaux.
All funeral arrangements are being conducted by Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville (337) 893-4661.
318 N. Main St.
Abbeville, LA 70510
Phone: 337-893-4223
Fax: 337-898-9022
219 North Cushing Avenue
Kaplan, LA 70548