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Beverly LeBlanc Michaud

July 31, 1941 ~ March 6, 2025

ABBEVILLE — A Graveside Memorial Service will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, March 10, 2025 at St. Mary Magdalen Cemetery honoring the life of Beverly Ann LeBlanc Michaud, 83, who passed away on March 6, 2025 at Eastridge Nursing Center. Deacon William Vincent will officiate the memorial service.
Beverly found joy in simple pleasures, often partaking in outings with friends, exciting trips to the casino, and cherished afternoons spent playing cards. However, her greatest joy came from spending time with her family, creating lasting memories that will be forever treasured.
She is survived by her spouse of 65 years, Wallace J. Michaud; daughters, Rochelle Michaud Dugas and her husband, Billy, and Sharla Broussard and her husband, Randall; grandchildren, Britlyn Duplantis (Cory), Brandt Dugas (Kaylin), Katley Gachassin (Warren), and Lexi Stelly (Coy); great-grandchildren, Cory Duplantis, Jr., Mollie-Grace Duplantis, Aline Gachassin, Jaxson Dugas, Mary-Catherine Duplantis, Jordan Dugas, Manon-Cate Duplantis, Wyatt Stelly, Eloise Gachassin and Amelie Gachassin; and numerous extended family members who will remember her for her kindness, wisdom, and unwavering support.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Edward LeBlanc and the former Aline Jeanne Landry; and sister, Norma Levine.
The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to  Hospice of Acadiana especially Natalie for the exceptional care they provided.  They also appreciate the support of family and friends who continuously checked in, offering love and comfort during this time.
All funeral arrangements are being conducted by Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville (337) 893-4661.

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Demarcus Broussard

Lafayette man arrested after Abbeville Police responds to shots fired call

On Thursday, March 6, 2025, at approximately 7:27 pm, the Abbeville Police Department responded to several calls reporting shots fired at 1021 W Port Street, the address of Chapel Down Apartments.
Upon arrival, officers received information that someone from one of the apartments walked to the rear of the complex and discharged 4 or 5 rounds from a firearm. The apartment security cameras were checked, and a suspect was identified. Officers located casings behind one of the buildings.
Officers arrested DaMarcus Broussard, 21, of Lafayette. Broussard was charged with Illegal Discharge of a Firearm and Possession of a Stolen Firearm.
Broussard was transported to the Abbeville Police Department to be booked on both charges, then transported to Vermilion Parish Correction Center.
Abbeville Chief of Police Mike Hardy would like to send a message to anyone that shoots a firearm in the city limits of Abbeville that illegal discharge is a Felony and anyone who is charged with illegal discharge will go to jail.
Hardy said he would like to thank everyone who called to report this incident. Hardy stressed that Abbeville Police needs the community’s assistance to get the bad element off our city streets.
This case is still actively under investigation and Chief Hardy urges the public to provide any further information regarding this crime or any other crime by calling the Abbeville Police Department at (337) 893-2511. You may also contact our “Tips” line at (337) 892-6777. All callers may remain anonymous. Citizens may also send anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers of Vermilion by calling (337) 740-TIPS or the P3 app, which can be downloaded through the Apple App Store or at Google Play Store.

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Krewe de Bijou Court members — First row: Queen Brooke Hebert, Dr.Stella Arabie,
Anita Levy, Brooklyn Lawson and Marisa Sonnier; Back Row: Casey White, King Earl “Boo” Landry Jr., Chris Duhon, Jerrod Broussard and Mitchell

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Krewe de Bijou King and Queen —
Earl “Boo” Landry Jr. and Brooke Hebert

Abbeville's JA Charity Mardi Gras Ball raises $54,100 for service projects in Parish

Junior Auxiliary of Vermilion held its 4th annual Charity Mardi Gras Ball.
The excitement of Mardi Gras was in the air, and this year Krewe de Bijou has crowed its King and Queen. Unlike traditional royal titles, the honor of King and Queen at this highly anticipated event is awarded based on the amount of money raised and the number of tickets sold. Each year, candidates compete to secure the crown, rallying support from friends, family and local business, and all in the spirit of giving back.
This year, King Earl “Boo” Landry Jr. and Queen Brooke Hebert went above and beyond their fundraising efforts. President and Chairman Hope Cleveland stated, “We are humbled and grateful to announce total money raised was $54,100 with a profit of $35,415.13! All the money raised will help fund the organization and our hands on service projects that support the children and families of Vermilion Parish.
For more information on the Krewe de Bijou Charity Ball or more information on Junior Auxiliary of Vermilion www.jaofabbeville.org or jaofabbeville@gmail.com

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Lexi Greene struck out four in two innings of works against Erath. In six starts this season, Greene has recorded 63 strikeouts.

Kaplan Lady Pirates off to impressive start in 2025

KAPLAN – The Kaplan Lady Pirates’ softball team is off to a hot start in 2025, posting a 6-1 record.
While Lady Pirates’ head coach Brittany LeBeouf is replacing the production and leadership of current Alabama freshman Kennedy Marceaux and current BRCC freshman Briley LeBeouf, her team has already defeated powerhouses Iowa, John Curtis, and Lutcher this season.
“We have a young team, starting four freshmen,” LeBeouf said.  “Our seniors do a good job of keeping them always composed.  We make a mistake; it’s the next ball.”
The four freshmen starters are  Liberty Greene (second base), Gabby Braus (centerfield),  Emma Sherman (designated player) and Cheyanne Breaux (third base).
LeBeouf likes what she sees thus far.
“I think we showed that this weekend against some great competition.  We still have a lot of work to do, but I’m happy with what I’m seeing early. We have to keep working and getting better every day.” LeBeouf credits her team’s work during the off-season for their crispness in the Spring.  She believes discipline is the key. 
“Our workout regimen in the Fall, all preseason, was military-type stuff to be mentally tough and disciplined,” she explained.  “Waking up at 6 a.m. all summer long shows discipline, and we’re very disciplined when we play.
“That’s how we run this program.  We preach discipline.  Good things come with discipline.”
Another bright spot for LeBeouf has been Lexi Greene’s pitching. The sophomore southpaw has 63 strikeouts and 16 walks in 36 innings. 
“Lexi works really hard,” LeBeouf said.  “She’s day in and day out putting in extra work.  She leaves practice and goes to pitch more.  Her preparation shows.  She’s composed on the mound.  She keeps our team calm.”      
Kaplan played six games in seven days to begin the season.  On Tuesday, February 25, they kicked off the 2025 regular season with a 23-0 shellacking of Rayne.   Then they beat Iowa 5-0 on consecutive days, Denham Springs 10-0, John Curtis 4-1, and Lutcher 3-1 before taking Sunday off.
The Lady Pirates kicked off District 5-3A play on Monday, defeating the Erath Lady Bobcats 16-0.
“For the last couple of years, we’ve been starting district earlier,” LeBeouf said.  “We like to play district early so we can prepare for the playoffs late in the season.”
Greene started in the circle and pitched two innings, allowing no runs on no hits and one walk while striking out four.  Emma Sherman pitched the final inning, striking out all three batters she faced.
Abbigale Ford drove in five runs on three doubles to lead Kaplan at the plate.  Greene had a double and two RBI, while Addyson Hebert and Jenna Duhon each had a double and one RBI.  Drew Kass had a single and one RBI.

Southside...7
Kaplan..,,....6

In Thursday’s game against Southside, the Lady Pirates lost the lead late in a 7-6 defeat. 
The game was tied at six in the top of the seventh when Kobi Lam grounded out, scoring one run.
Kaplan was the first to get on the board in the second when Liberty Greene grounded out, scoring one run.
KHS added one run in the third inning. Baleigh Landry grounded out, making the score 2-0.
Southside took the lead in the top of the sixth. Briley Lovell homered to center field, scoring three runs, to give Southside a 6-4 lead.
Lexi Greene homered to left field, which helped the Lady Pirates tie the game at six in the bottom of the sixth.
Lexi Greene began the game for  KHS on the hill.
The pitcher surrendered 10 hits and seven runs (six earned) over seven innings, striking out nine and walking six. 
Leadoff hitter  Liberty Greene KHS had two hits in three at-bats. Greene also stole three bases.

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Kristina Strong, co-owner of Stronghold Collectibles, showcases the most expensive comic book in her store, X-Men, priced at $1,100. Stronghold Collectibles has over 30,000 comic books available for sale.

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The Strongs displayed their comic books in the Abbeville library.

Comic Book World comes to Abbeville

Comic books have been a part of popular culture for nearly a hundred years. Collecting and selling comic books is a way of life for one family. The Strong family, consisting of two brothers and their wives, set up a booth at the Comic-Con event at the Abbeville library.
Stronghold Collectibles of Acadiana was one of 14 booths set up in the library last Saturday.
Close to 1,000 comic books were on display, only a tiny part of their collection.
Stronghold Collectibles has around 30,000 comic books for sale at their Lafayette store off Johnson Street.
The business comprises of Chris, Kristina Strong, and John and Stephanie Strong.
The four sat behind a table full of boxed comic books, hoping to either introduce someone to the comic book world or possibly have a five-minute conversation with someone about why they like or dislike a certain comic book or character. They also gave free comic books away to introduce new readers to the comic book world.
“We love comic books,” said Kristina. “We love talking about comic books and sharing them with the community. There are so many great reads and great artwork.
“Not everyone buys a comic book to read. Many love the artwork and will study each page.”

What are comic books?

A comic book is a type of entertainment that combines words and pictures to tell a story. Comic books can be about superheroes, science fiction, horror, romance, and many other genres. They are typically published in a magazine format, usually around 20-30 pages long.
The average price of a book today ranges from $3 to $8, depending on page count. In 1980, the average price of a comic book printed on newsprint paper was 40 cents. Nowadays, they are printed on magazine paper.
Kristina explained there are different reasons why someone is into comic books.

The love of the art in the books

The art in today’s comic books is superior. The artists who create comic books are talented and can bring the stories to life with their drawings. Strong said the art can be just as important as the words.

Great stories

She said comic books are a unique form of storytelling that combines words and pictures to create a truly immersive experience. Comic books, like other books, can transport people to another world.
Comics now cater to different age groups, genders, and cultural backgrounds, making the medium more inclusive and diverse than ever before.

Love for Superheroes

One of the most popular genres in comic books is the superhero genre. Superheroes like Superman, Spider-Man, and Batman have become cultural icons and have captured people’s hearts worldwide. Their stories often involve themes of justice, morality, and heroism, which can inspire readers.

New releases each week

Kristina said every Wednesday is Comic Book Day, which is when new comic books are released.
“The comic industry in Acadiana is excellent,” she said.  “We have young and old customers that come in.  We have young customers who come in with their parents. We also have people in their 60s and 70s buying comic books. They have been buying comic books their entire life, and they are still buying them.”
Strong said their store’s most popular comic books are “Absolute Batman” or “Ultimate Spider-Man.”
“Both are from virtual universes,” she said.  “You have your main Spider-man and Batman, who has been loved for decades. These are the new twists on the stories where they focus now and do not have the characters’ back history. The new Batman does not have a mansion and is not a millionaire. It is a different take on Bruce Wayne. Spider-man is married and has kids.”

Comic books are still collectible

Strong said comic books are still desirable, and many collect them.
The most expensive comic book, “Action Comics #1,” which introduced Superman, was sold for $6 million in 2024. In 2022, the second most expensive comic book, “Superman #1,” was sold for $5.3 million.
The most expensive comic book in the Stronghold store’s collection is a 1964  “X-Man” comic book that is on sale for $1,100.
She said there are also comic books as low as $1 and $2 for sale. 

Comic books have a purpose

“Everyone needs an outlet of some kind,” said Kristina. “Comic books can put you in a fantasy world with a superhero or in a romantic world.  A comic book can do that with its words and the fantastic art.”

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Darian Duhon

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Tyson LeBlanc

Vermilion Parish players doing well at the next level

Darian Duhon

Darian Duhon, a North Vermilion graduate, is off to a good start as a senior at Washburn University in Kansas.
Duhon has played in all 16 games and has a batting average of .367. He has 22 hits, two doubles, two triples, and two home runs and knocked in 11 runs.

Tyson LeBlanc

Tyson LeBlanc, a North Vermilion graduate, is on fire at the plate for the LSU-Eunice Bengals.
During the weekend matchup against Murray State College, LeBlanc went five for nine at the plate and knocked in six runs.
During the season, he has a .347 batting average of 72 at-bats. 
He has 25 hits, six doubles, one triple, four home runs, and 16 RBI.
LeBlanc is the starting shortstop for LSU-E.

Lane Patin

Lane Patin is the starting shortstop for the LSU-A baseball team. 
The North Vermilion graduate has a .273 batting average, including 17 hits, 1 HR and he knocked in six runs.

Cody Breaux

Cody Breaux is a Coastal Alabama Community College freshman and managed to start in five games.
He has a .182 batting average with two hits, and he scored twice.

Aiden Leonard

Aiden Leonard is a sophomore pitcher at Northeast Texas Community College.
He has appeared in five games and has a pitching record of 2-2 with an ERA of  2.95.
The North Vermilion graduate has appeared in 21 innings.

Camden Breaux

NV grad Camden Breaux is an Aiden Leonard teammate at Northeast Texas Community College.
Breaux, a freshman, has a batting average of .192, and he has five hits.

SOFTBALL

Kennedy Marceaux

Kaplan High grad Kennedy Marceaux is a freshman at the University of Alabama. 
She has gotten 22 at-bats and has eight hits for a .363 batting average.
She has batted in eight runs, two doubles and two home runs.
In 22 at-bats, she has struck out only twice.

Lexi Broussard

Lexi Broussard, an NVHS graduate, is doing well at Louisiana Christian University in Pineville, La. She has a .347 batting average, 17 hits, five doubles, and eight runs scored.

Mia Broussard

Pitcher Mia Broussard is a grad student at Louisiana Christian University. 
The right-hand pitcher from NVHS is sporting a 4-2 record and her .3.28 ERA. She has struck out 20 batters. She also bats and has a .188 batting average.

Briley LeBeouf

Kaplan High graduate Briley LeBeouf is off to a 4-1 start on the mound for Baton Rouge Community College.
She has pitched in 23 innings, struck out eight, and sports an ERA of 4.26.

Kennedy Kelly

A North Vermilion graduate, Kennedy Kelly plays shortstop for Baton Rouge Community College. She has played in 21 innings and is batting .250. She has scored three runs and stolen three bases.

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Kallie Gibson had a great day on the hill for North Vermilion.

Gibson fans 13 in North Vermilion win over Cecilia

Kallie Gibson struck out 13 batters as the pitcher led the North Vermilion Lady Patriots past the Cecilia Lady Bulldogs 4-2 on Wednesday.
The game was moved to Abbeville’s Luquette Field because NV’s field was too wet.
Gibson surrendered four hits and two runs over seven innings while walking none.
Gibson had a cushion 4-0 lead after the first inning.
North Vermilion opened the scoring in the bottom of the first inning thanks to two singles and a walk.
Kyla Landry, the first batter, led off the game with a walk. The second batter, Emmerson Kelly singled, moving Kyla Landry to second base.
Zoe Harrington walked and loaded the bases to set up Madalynn Landry’s at baat.
Madalynn ripped a hard grounder to center field, scoring two runs to make it a 2-0 game.
Gibson, the fourth batter, singled and Taylor Marceaux, the fifth batter, singled home two runs for a 4-0 lead.
Marceaux went 2-for-3 at the plate to lead the Lady Patriots in hits.
Nylah Harrison also had a hit and she stole two bases.
The Lady Patriots out-hit Cecilia six hits to four.

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Vermilion Today

Abbeville Meridional

318 N. Main St.
Abbeville, LA 70510
Phone: 337-893-4223
Fax: 337-898-9022

The Kaplan Herald

219 North Cushing Avenue
Kaplan, LA 70548