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Fallon Lege Vermilion Catholic

Senior Highlight: Fallon Lege Vermilion Catholic

Fri, 04/24/2020 - 8:58am

What are your plans after high school?

After high school, I plan to attend ULL and major in Biology. After completing college I hope to go on to pursue a career as a pediatrician. As a pediatrician, I want to allow parents to understand what stages of life their child is going through and how to best help them. I would love to be able to give back to the community through medical care.

Who is/was your favorite teacher?

Mrs. Reba Broussard was my favorite teacher. She is a teacher who provides us with knowledge about the future and never fails to teach us valuable life lessons. She is always willing to give advice when it is needed and she always lets us know she is praying for us and she loves us.

Who has had the greatest influence on you, why?

My parents have had the greatest influence on my life. They have always encouraged me to do my best and to take every opportunity that comes my way. They have been my biggest supporters in every aspect of my life.

What is your favorite movie?

My favorite movie is Beauty and the Beast. Belle has always been my favorite princess, and Disney movies always make me happy.

If you had a chance to have dinner with one person from history, who would it be?

I would choose to have dinner with Mother Teresa. I have always been inspired by her willingness to give generously to everyone. I aspire to be as humbled and loving as she was.

If you could go back, what advice would you give “freshman” you?

If I had the opportunity to share knowledge with my freshman self, I would tell myself to never be afraid to take part in an event. Join every club possible, go on every trip you can, and never let an opportunity pass you because you are afraid of what others think or you doubt your own abilities.

What was your most memorable moment from your senior year?

My most memorable moments from senior year were cheering at the football games with my friends in the student section.

Who would you count on to uplift your spirits when you’re feeling down?

When I am feeling down, I can always count on Andrew to put a smile on my face no matter what. He has been my best friend and I loved spending my senior year with him!

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In 10 years, I see myself with a successful career and a happy and healthy family.

Beth Broussard Melebeck

Thu, 04/23/2020 - 3:56pm

March 21, 1963 - April 23, 2020

Beth Broussard Melebeck, passed away on April 23, 2020 at her home, surrounded by her loving family. In view of the current COVID-19 Pandemic, graveside services, with immediate family only, will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2020 at St. Mary Magdalen Cemetery with Father Louis Richard and Father Donald Bernard presiding. A memorial mass will be held at a later date.
Beth was a lifelong resident of Abbeville, and a graduate of Vermilion Catholic High School. After high school she began working for Bank of Erath in the bookkeeping department and as a teller. She worked her way up through the chain of command of the bank becoming President of the bank on July 1, 2018. She was also a long-time board member of the Bank of Erath.
Beth was a member of St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church where she was a Eucharist Minister. She was on the Finance Committee for both St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church and Vermilion Catholic High School.
She was a woman of great integrity and sterling character with moral and Christian principles that was evident in every role in her life. She was a wonderful wife, mother and friend to all who knew her.
Her greatest love was her family and she cherished her many friendships. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.
She is survived by her loving husband, Keith Melebeck; son, Aaron Melebeck and his wife, Mandy; brother, Michael P. Broussard; uncle, Paul G. Moresi, Jr.; aunt and Godmother, Virginia “Koddy” B. Young; niece and Goddaughter, Angelle Broussard; niece Gabriel Broussard; nephews, Adrian Broussard and Trey Coon; great-niece, Camille Bourque; and Godson, Spencer Hebert.
She was preceded in death by her son, Corey Rene Melebeck; father, Rene S. Broussard; mother, Lynn Moresi Broussard; and brother, Rene S. Broussard, Jr.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in memory of Beth to St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church, Vermilion Catholic High School or Mt. Carmel Elementary School.
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.

Kyla Ra’Shae Mouton

Thu, 04/23/2020 - 3:55pm

Kyla Ra’Shae Mouton was born to Shawntele Mouton Levine and Claburn Levine on Wednesday, December 10, 1997 in Abbeville, LA. She was a graduate of Abbeville High School, class of 2015. She began working various jobs and was currently employed at Taco Bell.
She was preceded in death by two grandparents, Rachel Mouton and Warris Levine; great-grandparents, Memphis and Gladys Mouton; one uncle, Byron Levine; and five great-uncles, Edward, Eddie, Milton, Memphis, Jr. and Albert Mouton.. Kyla’s earthly life came to an unexpected end on Monday, April 13, 2020 in Lafayette, LA.
Kyla leaves to cherish her life and memory ; her two daughters, Kya Ja”Zhail Mouton and Kaylei Chanel Mouton, both of Abbeville, LA; her parents, Shawntele (Troy) Levine of Abbeville, LA and Claburn Levine of Houston, TX; her grandparents, Brenda Mouton Hebert of Kaplan, LA and Joseph (Vanessa)Gilbert of Abbeville, LA; her siblings, Travion Mouton, Nadaedrion (Jada) Mouton, Oatlon Smith and Jontrelel Rice, all of Abbeville, LA; her aunts and uncles, Jessica Levine and Michelle Levine, both of Baton Rouge, LA, Lawrence (Victoria) Briggs of New Iberia, LA, Skyler Mouton of Kaplan, LA, Laticia (Brian) Landry, Andres (TJ) Darby and Sharla Peters, Bernice Gilbert, Melanie Levine, Brendon Gilbert, Joseph (whitney) Gilbert, II, and Jason Gilbert, all of Abbeville, LA and Bretlin Shelvin and Quanetta Gilbert, both of Atlanta, GA; godparents, Shanda Porter of Abbeville, LA and Kenvern Mitchell of New York, NY; great-uncles and aunts, Melvin Mouton of Las Vegas, NV, Gail Scott and Barbara Mouton, both of Portland, OR, Phylis Baker and Gilda Abah, both of Meza, AZ, Denise Powell, Deborah Powqell and Jennifer Hebea, all of Kaplan, LA; special friends, Jay and Jada Peters, Katina Smith and Vicki Bessard, all of Abbeville, LA; her nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Personal condolences may be expressed to the family on our website: carneyfuneralhome.net
Arrangements are entrusted to Carney Funeral Home, Lafayette, LA.

Entering this season, Claire Meyers had two years left as a member of the UL track team. Meyers, a North Vermilion graduate, was looking forward to her junior year but it was cut short because of COVID-19.

Meyers deals with no UL track season

Thu, 04/23/2020 - 11:41am

She was looking forward to her junior season after a productive sophomore year

You have been a member of UL track squad for how many years?

I am currently a redshirt junior. Including this year, I have been a member of the UL track team for four years.

You are listed as a senior. Would this have been your final year at UL or you have another year (not counting the COVID-19 extra year) if you wanted ?

This would not have been my final year competing for UL. I have one more season to compete in, not counting the COVID-19 add on. My actual senior season will be spring of 2021. I have not decided on whether I will take the COVID-19 add on year yet. This will probably be something I decide on later with regards to the completion of my schooling and how my next season plays out.

How were you told the season was canceled? Your first reaction when you heard the news?

At first, we were told in a team meeting that our season was going to be postponed until April 1.
After that meeting, we went on with practice and weights as normal, and by the time weights were finished, we heard the news that all NCAA sports were canceled for spring 2020. We didn’t hear it through anyone specifically until the next day. But a bunch of student-athletes in the weight room and on the athletic grounds we were all talking about it and social media really played its role. I saw the NCAA post about the season-ending before our coaches had a chance to tell us anything.
However, I had a feeling it was coming.
After we got out of weights and started walking to the parking lot, I experienced something I won’t forget. Student-athletes were walking to their cars without saying a word. No one was talking and heads were down. It was so obvious that we all shared the same feeling, and it was just hanging over all of us, including the facility. We would look at each other and give the same, “I know how you feel” expression. Words like, “man, I can’t believe this is happening”, “this sucks so bad”, and “see y’all when I see y’all” were all being thrown around. We all understood each other’s disappointment, and we knew we wouldn’t be on campus or around the athletic facility until next semester.
I sat there, in the parking lot on the end of my car, with a good friend for about an hour. We sat there, soaking it all in, without saying much. I cried a little out of anger, confusion, and disappointment on missing out on what was to come that season. I know all student-athletes can relate to all of these feelings.

Are you over it now, or it still has not sunk in?

I wouldn’t say that I am completely over it now because I’ll see an old picture of me competing, or my calendar will show me that I would be having a meet on this day, and I’ll get a little sad. It reminds me of what I would be doing and where I would be if all of this hadn’t happened. So, no, it hasn’t completely sunk in, but like any other athlete, I’m sure we’ve come to terms with the situation.

How ready were you for this season? You were coming off your best season. You won a meet, and also, you threw 150 feet. What was more exciting, reaching the 150-foot mark in a track meet or winning your first meet?

I was super pumped for this upcoming season. The training was going well, and I felt more prepared than I ever have before. I was going into this season with more confidence than my previous ones. Even though last season was successful, and I reached a few of my goals, which included hitting the 150-foot mark, which was by far more exciting than winning my first meet. Winning comes and goes, but I feel it’s important to push yourself to reach your potential no matter the outcome of a win or loss. I was looking forward to throwing a new best and hitting bigger milestones this season.

What have you been up to now that there is no track practice or season? When is the last time you threw a javelin?

Since the season came to an early end and there is not more training and working out, life is a little different but, in some ways, still the same. My coaches and trainer still check in weekly to make sure I’m on track with school and staying active. All of my classes are now online, so I am still doing homework, studying, and taking tests. I am still working out and doing what I can at home in order to stay in shape and ready for when things go back to normal, and we can start lifting and training like before.

When do you plan to graduate from UL?

I am on track to graduate in May 2021 with a degree in finance and a minor in interior design. After college, I plan on pursuing my dream of owning my own interior design business.

Crawfish season about to end due to loss of income

Thu, 04/23/2020 - 10:19am

Survey says farmers losing $500 an acre

Bruce Schultz/LSU AgCenter

CROWLEY — Results from a survey of crawfish producers show that decreased demand for their product is resulting in lost income of about $500 an acre and a season that could end about 40 days sooner than usual in some cases.
“When you look at all those things, it’s a pretty impactful scenario for producers,” said LSU AgCenter economist Kurt Guidry, who compiled the survey results.
A total of 67 producers responded to the survey, representing more than 10% of the total estimated crawfish acres in the state, Guidry said.
The survey was conducted at the request of the Louisiana Farm Bureau and crawfish producers to make the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Louisiana congressional delegation aware of the problems facing the industry.
Demand for crawfish has decreased as restaurants face restrictions imposed during the coronavirus pandemic. The shutdown hit when crawfish season was in full swing — and when producers make most of their income.
“It happened at the absolute worst possible time,” Guidry said.
The survey results could result in government assistance.
“It’s in the hands of the policymakers,” he said. “This is the first step to make sure policymakers are aware of the issues.”
The survey only addresses farm-raised crawfish and not the wild crawfish caught in the Atchafalaya Basin. Other faculty in the AgCenter and Louisiana Sea Grant are currently examining the economic impact to wild-caught crawfish fishermen.
Based on survey results, the average projected decline in wholesale prices for the entire production season is about 55 cents below the previous three-year average. For some producers, the drop in price has resulted in prices falling below their breakeven point.
Harvesting has been curtailed, and buyers are limiting how much they will buy from producers.
“On average, producers are harvesting more than two days fewer per week,” Guidry said.
In addition to the decreased harvest and lower prices, producers who hired foreign labor to bring in the catch are contractually obligated to pay those workers for a guaranteed amount for a full season’s work.
“It’s basically an expense some are having to pay without having a way to generate any income,” Guidry said.
The average starting date of the season for producers surveyed was in late December as usual. Producers indicated their season would usually end by mid-June, but the survey showed that, on average, producers felt their season could end by the first week of May this year because of either below-breakeven prices or a lack of available market outlets.
For many rice farmers, crawfish has been a way to fill the economic gap created by low rice prices.
“For a lot of producers, they rely heavily on crawfish,” Guidry said.
Some individuals who responded to the survey reported that this was their first year to harvest crawfish, and they had invested substantially to buy harvesting equipment.
Some crawfish producers have drained their fields because they were unable to sell their harvest at a profit, Guidry said.
Mark Shirley, AgCenter and Louisiana Sea Grant crawfish specialist, said draining a pond that is overpopulated could be done quickly to reduce the population. A field that is not overpopulated should be drained slowly over two to three weeks to allow the crawfish to burrow so they can reproduce for the next season.
Restocking crawfish in early planted rice fields can be done in May.
Shirley said he has found a few fields with the white spot virus.
“I don’t know if it’s 10%, 20% or just 5%, but it’s out there in a lot of the ponds,” he said.
There is no cure for the disease, and it returns the following year in some fields, but not all.
AgCenter scientists are currently sampling ponds to determine how widespread the white spot virus is and what conditions trigger some of the crawfish to die in the pond.
“Fortunately, the white spot virus only affects crustaceans and not humans or other animals,” Shirley said.
Jeff Durand, who farms with his brothers in St. Martin Parish, said they have drained some fields because of the limited market.
“We would have gone another month or two in those fields,” he said.
Durand said they are only harvesting three days a week.
The Durands lost several big orders, and the restaurant business has decreased considerably. The peeler market also is down. But the drive-thru boiling businesses are buying.
“We’re lucky to be moving some crawfish,” Durand said.
Paul Zaunbrecher, who farms with his brothers in Acadia Parish, said their business is surviving because they have a large grader that allows them to cull large crawfish.
“We’re not suffering as bad as most people. We’ve got some good buyers,” he said.
Zaunbrecher said the market has increased significantly with more acreage and more people in the crawfish business.
“A lot of our markets just dried up,” said Alan Lawson, who farms with his father in Acadia Parish.
He harvests crawfish from their rice ponds, and he buys crawfish to be peeled.
Lawson said he’s had no choice but to peel a large amount of big crawfish.
“We’ve had some pretty good sales with the tail meat,” he said.
Lawson said he has had to reduce the amount he buys from other farmers because markets have disappeared or declined, and he suspects many farmers stopped harvesting crawfish.
He also has a whole-boiled operation to freeze boiled crawfish.
“The whole-cooked market just went away. We had hundreds of thousands of pounds that would have been sold,” Lawson said.
He said crawfish businesses like his won’t be able to take advantage of the federal payroll protection program because the workers are foreign.
When the economy emerges from hibernation, the crawfish industry won’t make a quick recovery because it is a seasonal business that peaked when the coronavirus shutdown occurred.
Lawson is trying to stay positive.
“We’re all just going to make the best of it like we always do,” he said.

Della Cormier Broussard

Thu, 04/23/2020 - 9:10am

August 15, 1934 ~ April 21, 2020

ABBEVILLE — Private graveside services will be held honoring the life of Della Mae Cormier Broussard, who passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 21, 2020. Under the current circumstances, funeral services will be private.
She was an avid card player and enjoyed a weekly games of Bourré. She never missed an opportunity for a trip to the casino.
Her family was her greatest joy and she will forever be remembered as their Gammy.
Della is survived by her three daughters, Cheryl Boudreaux (Patrick), Donnie Meaux (Shooky), and Jamie Webb (Tad); five grandchildren, Brock Boudreaux, Hunter Boudreaux (Jennifer), Trisha Mayeaux, Bridget Meaux, and Alana Meaux Hunag; five great grandchildren, Gabriel Boudreaux, Eve Boudreaux, Rosemary Boudreaux, Alec Huang, and Arthur Huang.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 51 years, James Herman Broussard; mother, Gladys LeBlanc Guidry; father, Ovey Cormier; and brother, Bradley Guidry.
Ms. Della’s family wishes to express their gratitude to Landmark of Acadiana for taking loving care of our Gammy.
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.

Lucille Griffin Comeaux

Thu, 04/23/2020 - 9:08am

June 4, 1951 ~ April 18, 2020

ABBEVILLE — Graveside services will be held at Pleasant Green Cemetery (Prairie Avenue) honoring the life of Lucille Griffin Comeaux, 68, who died Saturday, April 18, 2020 at her residence with Reverend Mideate Derouen officiating the services.
She is survived by her husband of six years, Billy Comeaux of Abbeville; her daughter, Charmaine Griffin of Abbeville; two sisters, Marjorie and her husband, Alton Smith of Houston, TX and Annetta and her husband, Clagis Bernard of Lafayette; two nieces, Tisha Smith of Houston, TX, Carmen and her husband, Alex Herring of Lafayette; two nephews, Arthur Joseph Smith, Jr. and his wife, Hope of Opelousas and Todd Smith of Houston, TX; one sister-in-law, Sally Johnson of New Iberia; and her friend, Alice Levine of Abbeville.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Warren Necessary, Sr. and the former Mazie Horace; her son, Richard Brian Griffin; two sister, Beverly Smith and Alfreda Lewis; and one brother, Warren Necessary, Jr.
All funeral arrangements are being conducted by Vincent Funeral Home of Abbeville, (337) 893-4661.

Letter to the Editor

Wed, 04/22/2020 - 2:29pm

Dear Editor:

As Louisiana responds and adapts to the unprecedented challenges introduced by the COVID-19 outbreak, the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) and Louisiana Department of Education are actively working with districts statewide to chart a course for our early learning centers and K-12 education. Despite the current closure of school facilities and the disruption of the academic year, instruction and learning must continue and every local district must have a long-range plan. State education leaders are committed to supporting and guiding school systems to accomplish this as we all move forward.
A vital piece of the puzzle is the selection of the next State Superintendent of Education. The BESE work group charged with identifying and vetting candidates for the Board’s consideration has maintained its focus on that task, and BESE expects to be making its decision on this appointment in the weeks ahead. Selecting the right Superintendent to lead our state is arguably the most important task of the Board, especially at this critical time. We are seeking a leader who will build on recent successes as well as guide Louisiana’s educational system through the uncertainties that have come with COVID-19.
Recently video interviews were conducted with the six contenders for the State Superintendent position. These interviews have been posted on the BESE website. I encourage everyone to take some time to watch these discussions and get to know these leaders better.
BESE is now at an important period in the selection process where we encourage and receive public feedback on the candidates and related topics. To accomplish this during this time of social distancing, a brief and simple survey has been posted online at bese.louisiana.gov. We want to hear from you. Tell us what you feel are the most important issues that the next Superintendent must successfully address. BESE members will use the collective data from the survey to inform their decision in selecting a new Superintendent, and individual responses will remain confidential. Your input in the selection process is extremely important, and I strongly urge your participation.
As your elected BESE member for the Acadiana and Southwest Louisiana regions, I want you to know that I am here to assist and advocate for the students of our state in any way that I can as we continue to navigate these challenging times. With the challenges come opportunities. I am confident that we will make the most of those opportunities together, that we will soon have the right Superintendent to continue our state’s progress, and ensure a bright future ahead for our students and schools.

Dr. Holly Boffy
BESE District 7
Lafayette

Colin Broussard

Senior Highlight: Vermilion Catholic's Colin Broussard

Wed, 04/22/2020 - 1:41pm

What are your plans after high school?

I plan to attend SLCC in the fall. I want to pursue a career in diesel mechanics.

Who was you favorite teacher?

I really didn’t have a favorite. I liked all of them.

Who has had the biggest influence on you and why?

I would say my dad. He and I are a lot alike and we both like the same things.

What is your favorite movie?

I would say “Stepbrothers” with Will Ferrell and John Reilly because it makes me laugh every time I watch it.

If you had a chance to have dinner with one person in history, who would it be?

I would love to have dinner with Babe Ruth. I would like to compare baseball then and now with him.

If you could go back what advice would you give freshman?

I would tell them to play every game as if it was their last because you never know when it will be taken away from you!

What was your most memorable moment for your senior year?

Homecoming

Who would you count on to uplift your spirits when you are feeling down?

I would definitely say my family. You can always count on family.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Well I hope to do good in my career and own my own business someday.

Louisiana Department of Health COVID-19 Updates for April 22

Wed, 04/22/2020 - 12:27pm

BATON ROUGE — The Louisiana Department of Health has updated its website to reflect the latest number of COVID-19 positives and will continue to update its website at noon each day.
As of noon on April 22, the Department reports a total of 25,258 positive cases.

Hospitalization

A total of 1,747 COVID-19 patients are currently hospitalized; of those, 287 patients require ventilation. Information on available hospital beds, ICU beds, and hospital vents is on the LDH dashboard.

Deaths

The Department reports a total of 1,473 deaths. Deaths are listed on the LDH dashboard by parish under the by parish tab and information by age can be found on the by age tab.
In line with recent CDC guidance, as of April 22 the Department is now reporting both confirmed COVID-19 deaths and probable COVID-19 deaths on its dashboard. The Department defines a confirmed COVID-19 death as a death with a positive lab result. Probable COVID-19 deaths are deaths identified by coroners and/or physicians as COVID-19 deaths or as probable/suspected/possible COVID-19 deaths without a positive lab result. The number of probable COVID-19 deaths could change if pending test results turn out positive or negative. As of April 22, the Department reports 59 probable COVID-19 deaths.
As of April 20, 56.25% of COVID-19 deaths to date were among African American residents and 34.34% were among white residents. The most common underlying conditions among COVID-19 deaths to date are hypertension, diabetes and chronic kidney disease. This data is updated every Monday.

Nursing homes and other adult residential facilities

COVID-19 cases have been reported by 205 nursing homes and other adult residential facilities in Louisiana. A total of 2,402 COVID cases have been reported among residents of these facilities; 464 COVID-19 deaths have been reported among residents of these facilities. This category includes nursing homes, assisted living facilities, inpatient psych/behavioral health and inpatient drug treatment facilities. These facilities care for thousands of Louisianans, including older people and those with underlying medical conditions that put them at higher risk for complications and death from COVID-19. This does not include other adult residential settings.
In many cases, a resident of an adult residential facility is tested and diagnosed with COVID-19 by a provider outside of the long-term care facility. The facilities have begun self-reporting positive cases to the Department of Health. Due to the volume, the Department is no longer listing individual facilities. The Department continues to work with facilities to minimize the spread of the illness and protect residents and staff. Facilities have been given guidance to minimize the spread of illness.
The Department will update the number of adult residential facilities with COVID-19 cases, the number of residents who are confirmed to have COVID-19 and the number of deaths among these residents on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Commercial testing data reported to LDH

The Department of Health is conducting a comprehensive review of commercial testing data reported to the state. Commercial testing data will be updated upon completion of this review. This does not impact the number of positive cases reported. Positive cases reported are updated and accurate.

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Senior Highlight: Fallon Lege Vermilion Catholic

Beth Broussard Melebeck

Kyla Ra’Shae Mouton

Meyers deals with no UL track season

Crawfish season about to end due to loss of income

Della Cormier Broussard

Lucille Griffin Comeaux

Letter to the Editor

Senior Highlight: Vermilion Catholic's Colin Broussard

Louisiana Department of Health COVID-19 Updates for April 22

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