Jeremy Alford
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Jeff Crouere
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Tosanwomy Mason Gee
An arrest has been made in connection to two burned bodies found inside a vehicle near Maurice more than five years ago.
According to Captain Drew David, the Public Information Officer for the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office, an arrest has been made in connection with a Double Homicide which occurred within Vermilion Parish on April 16, 2014.
Tosanwomy Mason Gee, 36, was arrested on Oct. 28, 2019, in Dallas, on a warrant for Principle to 1st Degree Murder, Obstruction of Justice and Aggravated Arson.
A continuing investigation by Sheriff’s Detectives and the District Attorney’s Office lead to information which identified Tosanwomy Gee as a suspect involved in the double homicide.
Victims Cody Fell and Abigail Deshotel Clark, were discovered burned inside of a stolen vehicle located on Claude Road in Maurice.
Captain David advised that the investigation will remain ongoing, and further arrests are possible.
Dereck Viator has already been charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of Fell and Clark.
BATON ROUGE – With temperatures dipping near or below freezing, Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) Commissioner Mike Strain, D.V.M., is urging livestock and pet owners to take special precautions to ensure the safety and well-being of their animals.
“We cannot stress enough that these are serious weather conditions and it is time to protect pets, plants, pipes, and of course, people,” Strain said.
Here are some cold weather tips for livestock, pet and plant owners:
Livestock
Owners should check their livestock and look for signs of stress, illness or injury.
Pay close attention to the young and older animals as they are more susceptible to problems during frigid conditions.
Provide plenty of hay, feed, supplements and water.
Be sure to check water troughs as they can ice over.
If possible, make adequate shelter available. Even a wind-break will minimize exposure to cold winds.
Companion animals
If possible, keep all companion animals indoors. If this is not an option, make sure there is a dry shelter available and have warm blankets for your pet.
Provide adequate food and water. Monitor water bowls as they can freeze during cold weather.
Consider a sweater for your short-haired dog.
Outdoor cats searching for warmth will sometimes crawl underneath the hood of a vehicle. Cats can be injured or even killed when the car is started.
“Before cranking up your vehicle in the morning, bang on or open the hood of your car so any feline seeking refuge on the engine can get out,” added Strain.
Plants
Move all plants in containers and hanging baskets inside. If this is not possible, group them in a protected area and cover with plastic.
Larger plants can be covered with fabric or plastic.
Thoroughly water plants if the soil is dry.
The Abbeville Kiwanis Club wants to know who you think is the best teacher, principal, or support worker in Vermilion Parish.
The reason they want to know is because the Kiwanis Club will be hosting the inaugural Kiwanis Club Educator Award Gala at the VN Center in Abbeville. The event will happen on March 31, 2020.
The gala will pay tribute to the top teachers, principals, and support staff workers in Vermilion Parish schools, public and private.
Andrew Dozier, who is the Kiwanis Lt. Governor for Region 6, Division 7 has always wanted to honor those who work in the Vermilion Parish school system. For one night, they will be in the spotlight.
“I come from a family of educators,” said Dozier, who is a former president of the Abbeville club. “My great, great grandparents were Robert and Francis Dozier from Erath. They were educators from Erath. I want to continue honoring educators.”
The Kiwanis Club is modeling the first-ever gala after Lafayette Parish’s ceremony.
“The great thing about this event is that the people are going to decide who the winners are,” explained Dozier.
The Kiwanis Club set up a website: www.kiwaniseducatorsaward.com that will be used to help select the top nominees.
The person nominated has to work in public or private (VC, Mt. Carmel, LightHouse, Harvest Time, and Maltrait are all included) school system this school year.
Dozier explained when they visit the website, and it will ask who they want to nominate, what category (principal, teacher, and support worker) and for what grade level (high school, middle school and elementary). Then on the website, the person needs to type a 200 to 300-word essay on why they think this person deserves to win the award.
Nominations may be submitted online or through mail submission. The address to mail the nomination form is the Kiwanis Club of Abbeville Attention: KEA Committee, P.O. Box 322, Abbeville, La. 70511.
The Kiwanis Club will keep the nomination process open until Dec. 31, 2019.
A separate committee from out of the parish will read all of the nomination letters submitted and select the top three from the high school, middle school, and elementary level.
Once the top three nominees are picked, they will be invited to the gala. At the gala is when they will find out who won.
Dozier said, “Vermilion Parish has the best educators in the parish. “What better way to honor our educators than with a special night.”
Nominate your favorite educator at website:
www.kiwaniseducatoraward.com
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Lawren Elyssa Rochelle
A daughter, Lawren Elyssa Rochelle, was born Tuesday, November 5, 2019, at Abbeville General to Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Edward Rochelle, Jr. of Abbeville.
The mother is the former Keiocha Sha’Wayne Andrews.
Kai’elle Zyli Romero
A daughter, Kai’elle Zyli Romero, was born Saturday, November 2, 2019, at Abbeville General to Sara Aline Romero of Abbeville.
Easton Andrew Leblanc
A son, Easton Andrew Leblanc, was born Wednesday, October 30, 2019, at Abbeville General to Mr. and Mrs. Chaz Leblanc of Erath.
The mother is the former Amber Ann Williams.
Amelia Stephain Forrest-Powell
A daughter, Amelia Stephain Forrest-Powell was born Thursday, October 31, 2019, at Abbeville General to Kimboneeka Lashantay Forrest-Powell of Abbeville.
Evin Joseph Rawlins
A son, Evin Joseph Rawlins, was born Tuesday, October 29, 2019, at Abbeville General to Dusti Rene Duhon and Jimmy Eugene Rawlins of Delcambre.
Torian De’Shawn Patrick Williams
A son, Torian De’Shawn Patrick Williams was born Tuesday, November 5, 2019, at Abbeville General to A’Mya La’Shae Cormier of Abbeville and La’Travion Jahiem Williams of Maurice.
Adrian Jade Menard
A daughter, Adrian Jade Menard was born October 28, 2019, at Our Lady of Lourdes Women’s and Children’s Hospital to Mr. and Mrs. Chase Menard of Abbeville.
The mother is the former Kari Stott.
Madison Rae David
A daughter, Madison Rae David, was born October 28, 2019 at Our Lady of Lourdes Women’s and Children’s Hospital to Mr. and Mrs. Brennan David of Youngsville.
The mother is the former Kimberly Broussard.
McKinley Elizabeth Henry
A daughter, McKinley Elizabeth Henry, was born October 27, 2019, at Our Lady of Lourdes Women’s and Children’s Hospital to Mr. and Mrs. Walter Henry, Jr. of Kaplan.
The mother is the former Brittany Corner.
Emmanuel Barron
A son, Emmanuel Barron, was born October 24, 2019, at Our Lady of Lourdes Women’s and Children’s Hospital to Mr. and Mrs. Emmanuel Barron of Abbeville.
The mother is the former Yadira Rodriguez.
Sloan Adele Cardinale
A daughter, Sloan Adele Cardinale, was born on October 25, 2019, at Our Lady of Lourdes Women’s and Children’s Hospital to Mr. and Mrs. Cody Cardinale of Patterson.
The mother is the former Tiffany Vanderpool.
Collins Marie Delcambre
A daughter, Collins Marie Delcambre was born October 23, 2019, at Our Lady of Lourdes Women’s and Children’s Hospital to Mr. and Mrs. Blaze Delcambre of Delcambre.
The mother is the former Brittany Granger.
Autumn Claire Simon
A daughter, Autumn Claire Simon, was born October 18, 2019, at Our Lady of Lourdes Women’s and Children’s Hospital to Mr. and Mrs. Blake Simon of Kaplan.
The mother is the former Carissa Trahan.
Mrs. Jacob Dustin Wiggins
Ahnie Michelle Simon and Jacob Dustin Wiggins were united in the sacrament of Holy Matrimony on Saturday, November 9, 2019, at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church in Abbeville, LA. Father Louis Richard officiated the 6 p.m. ceremony.
The bride is the daughter of Donna Stelly of Abbeville, LA and Barry Simon of Kaplan, LA. She is the granddaughter of Lois Cessac and the late Curnal Cessac of Abbeville, LA and Vernice Long and the late Robert Long of Abbeville, LA.
The groom is the son of Karen Gertling of Scott, LA and Jackie Wiggins of West Monroe, LA.
Escorted by her father, Barry, the bride wore a cap sleeve ivory gown featuring crystal beaded Alencon lace with an illusion neck line and a fit and flair silhouette. She wore a fingertip veil accented with pearls and rhinestones.
She carried a bouquet of white hydrangeas with blush and white roses and baby’s breath.
Serving as Matron of Honor was Sadi Dworacyzk, friend of the bride. Bridesmaids included Stephanie Tate, friend of the bride, Taylor Shepard, friend of the bride, Mireille Weber, friend of the bride and Danielle Simon, sister-in-law of the bride. Madison Lenox, godchild of the groom attended as junior bridesmaid. Piper Simon, niece of the bride, attended as flower girl.
They all wore Alfred Sung platinum full-length sateen twill dresses with a v-neckline and open back. They carried a bouquet of white hydrangeas with blush and white roses and baby’s breath..
Isaac Wiggins, brother of the groom attended as Best Man. Groomsmen included Jason Lenox, Coty Richard, Ross Rials and Scott Harson, all friends of the groom. Deuce Wiggins, nephew and Parker Simon, godchild of the groom served as junior groomsmen. Dax Wiggins, godchild of the groom, served as ring bearer. Ushers for the ceremony included Asa Whitewing and Stephen Harris, friends of the groom.
Music for the ceremony was provided by Tommy Guidry. Readings were given by Gary Landry, godfather of the groom and Lynette Brinkerhoff, godmother of the groom.
Escorted by Luke and Hayes Simon, nephews of the bride, the mother of the bride wore a slate blue floor lenth A-line scoop-neck dress with a chiffon lace sequined top. The mother of the groom, escorted by the groom, Jacob Wiggins, wore a grey off-the-shoulder floor-length sweetheart neck shimmer lace gown.
Following the ceremony, a formal reception was held at The Madison in Broussard, LA.
The couple will reside in Youngsville, LA, after a wedding trip to Negril, Jamaica.
North Vermilion's Devin Martinez (3) scores a 21-yard TD in the second half.
LAFAYETTE - The North Vermilion Patriots ran into a well, oiled machine Friday when they traveled to Lafayette to play the Class 4A St. Thomas More Cougars.
The Cougars (8-2) are the No. 2 power ranked team in Division II, and the Patriots found out why.
The Cougars crushed North Vermilion 62-14 in a non-distrct game.
The game ended the regular season for both teams. The Class 4A playoff pairings will be announced today, and the Patriots will be on the road in the first round.
Against STM, the Patriots fell behind 28-8 in the first half and could not recover.
STM quarterback Caleb Holstein threw for 383 yards and four touchdowns in the game.
The Patriots got on the scoreboard in the second quarter when Darrius Gilliam scored from the 3-yard-line to make it a 28-7 game. However, STM came right back and scored another touchdown to head into the locker room ahead 35-7.
STM scored three more times before the Patriots scored again. Devin Martinez had a 21-yard touchdown run in the fourth period for North Vermilion.
After the touchdown, NV kicked off, and STM’s Joshua Stevens ran the kickoff 70 yards for STM’s final score.
STM had 502 yards of offense and NV had 230.
Gilliam led NV with 10 carries for 69 yards. He also completed 3 of 9 passes for 44 yards.
Andrew Marceaux stepped in as the VC quarterback when starter Drew Lege went out with an injury.
MORGAN CITY - VC senior Andrew Marceaux delivered when he was called on.
Marceaux is the backup quarterback for Drew Lege, a junior who has thrown for 5,200 yards over the last three years.
This season Marceaux gets to play quarterback when VC is leading by far. He has appeared in nine games.
But on Friday, that changed.
On VC’s second possession of the game, quarterback Drew Lege injured his ankle and was sidelined for the rest of the game.
With the district title and a No. 1 powerpoint ranking on the line, no one panicked when Lege did not come back in.
Marceaux stepped in at quarterback and ran the offense without any hiccups. He completed two touchdown passes to help VC crush Central Catholic 29-0.
The win gives VC the outright district title and also gives VC the No. 1 power rating heading into the playoffs.
Marceaux completed four out of seven passes for 90 yards.
Oh, yeah, he also converted two successful two-point plays on offense. When he played defense, he had a few tackles and an interception.
It was a scoreless first quarter, and then VC blew it open with two touchdowns in the second period.
Moe Maxile had a three-yard touchdown run and John Robert Allums kicked the extra point for a 7-0 lead.
The VC defense scored six points when Alec Broussard recovered a fumble in the end zone. Marceaux ran it in for the two-point conversion, and VC led 14-0 at halftime.
Marceaux sealed the district title after completing two TD passes to two different receivers.
He completed a 47-yard touchdown reception to Alums at the 5:32 mark in the third quarter. Four minutes later, he completed a 39-yard touchdown pass to Saul Dartez that made it 29-0.
Dartez had two catches for 40 yards, and Colin Broussard also had two catches for 16 yards.
Andre LeBlanc led the rushing attack for VC with 83 yards on 10 carries. Maxile had 63 yards on 12 carries.
VC will be at home on Friday in the first round of the Division IV playoffs.
318 N. Main St.
Abbeville, LA 70510
Phone: 337-893-4223
Fax: 337-898-9022
219 North Cushing Avenue
Kaplan, LA 70548