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The 2019 Vermilion Parish 4-H Achievement Day will be held Saturday, March 23rd at Kaplan High School. The day will be dedicated to Traci Simon at the events opening ceremony assembly at 8:00 a.m. Achievement Day is the largest, most important 4-H event of the year. It involves about 500 4-H’ers from throughout the parish competing in contests and exhibits to demonstrate skills and knowledge gained during the club year.
It is fitting that this important event be dedicated to Ms. Traci Simon, a 16 year leader of the Vermilion Parish 4-H program. Ms. Traci began her involvement in 4-H in the 4th grade at Morse Elementary School in Acadia Parish. She was a nine year 4-H member excelling in the Food Preservation project, canning figs and freezing fruits and vegetables from her grandfather’s garden. Ms. Traci was a state winner in Food Preservation Records and won a trip to 4-H Club Congress. She attended 4-H Short Couse, which is now called 4-H University and served her club as Reporter and President during her high school years at Midland High.
She began her involvement as a 4-H Leader assisting Ann Langlinais with the FIEB 4-6th grade club. When Ann retired she took over the 4-6th grade club as organizational leader. She has been actively involved in organizing records and demonstration preparation workshops, community service projects and fundraising activities for her club. Her clubs have been outstanding and are most often named tops in their division for overall performance. She has helped host the parish wide Demonstration Day at FIEB for the past nine years.
As is most often the case with 4-H, Traci has passed the 4-H bug onto her children. Hanna, Cailyn and Cameron have all had outstanding 4-H careers, excelling in demonstrations. All have won multiple expense paid trips for their 4-H work. Hanna is currently serving as organizational leader at Jesse Owens Elementary.
Ms. Simon has been married to Elroi Simon for 25 years and is a member of St. Anne Church.
When asked why she has stayed involved in 4-H all these years, Ms. Traci answered
“4-H teaches life skills to anyone who is active in it. Communication, character and work ethic are instilled in the young people involved. It involves the family working together. I see the value and is worthy of my time.”
Because of her dedication to the development of young people, her willingness to share her talents and experience with her 4-H members and her leadership of an award winning 4-H club, it is with great gratitude and respect that the 4-H members of Vermilion Parish dedicate the 2019 4-H Achievement Day to Traci Simon.

Erath pitcher Lexie Gisclair threw a gem on Wednesday for the Lady Bobcats, allowing zero runs and besting the Abbeville Lady Wildcats, 15-0
The Lady Bobcats secured the victory thanks to eight runs in the first inning. They smacked three straight singles. Carrington Neveaux, Madison Mouton and Chloe Landry had the singles and would later score. Rylee Vincent had a double in the same inning.
Gisclair was the winning pitcher for the Lady Bobcats. She allowed two hits and zero runs over five innings, striking out seven and walking one.
Alexis Stelly took the loss for Abbeville. She surrendered 14 runs on nine hits over four innings, striking out two.
The Lady Bobcats collected 11 hits. Mouton and Neveaux each collected two hits to lead the Lady Bobcats.
Erath had four doubles: Jacee Gainer, Gisclair, Mouton and Vincent.
Abbeville’s hitters were Emma Reynolds, Ann Marie Richard and Kennedy Gordan.

Update: Mayor MIke Kloesel, the advisory was lifted on March 23.

KAPLAN — The City of Kaplan has issued a water boil advisory.
According to Kaplan Mayor Mike Kloesel, “We have experienced a main water line break just a short while ago. Although it has been fixed, due to a loss in water pressure the Department of Health and Hospitals has issued a mandatory water boil for a several block area within the city that will remain in effect until you are notified otherwise.
“ONLY residents east of Herpin Ave, between 2nd and 4th Street will be under this water boil advisory. Every resident affected by this water boil will receive a written notice this afternoon by a city worker. If you do not receive this notice you are not affected. If you are within the area affected but not at home a notice will be left on your front door. Please rest assured that we are doing everything possible to move out of the mandatory water boil in a safe, responsible and efficient manner. Water will need to be tested and approved by DHH before removing the water boil advisory.”
If anyone has any questions please feel free to call City Hall (337-643-8602).

On March 19, 2019 Alvin Wiltz (A.K.A. Gator) turned himself in at the Vermilion Parish Correctional Center. Mr. Wiltz was wanted by the Abbeville Police Department after a shooting which occurred on March 12, 2019 near the intersection of N. Bailey Street and Clover Street.
Mr. Wiltz was booked on a warrant for Attempted 2nd Degree Murder. Mr. Wiltz’s bond has been set at $250,000.00.
Additional charges against Mr. Wiltz are anticipated.
Chief of Police Bill Spearman would like to commend his officers for a job well done. Chief Spearman would also like to thank the citizens of Abbeville for their support and help they provide to the Abbeville Police Department.
Anyone with any information regarding any crime is encouraged to contact the Abbeville Police Department. You may also contact our “Tips” line at 892-6777. All callers may remain anonymous.