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Kristy Kloesel Hebert

Kristy Kloesel Hebert running for District H Seat on Vermilion Parish School Boar

Tue, 07/17/2018 - 4:05pm

Kristy Kloesel Hebert, an educator with nine years experience in education and seven years experience in business, announces her candidacy for Vermilion Parish, District H, School Board member. Mrs. Hebert has served the education system for nine years with six of those years being in Vermilion Parish.
She obtained a bachelor’s degree from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, in Elementary Education, where she was involved in several educational programs and committees. Mrs. Hebert is a current educator at Jefferson Island Road Elementary, where she teaches 6th grade Math.
She is daughter to Mike Kloesel and Pamela Kloesel of Kaplan. Her father is the mayor of Kaplan and is involved in many non-profit organizations. She is married to Todd Hebert, son of Tony and the late Sandra Hebert of Erath, and grandson of the late Hazel and Eldridge Hebert. She is the stepmother to Brianna, a 2016 graduate of Erath High School and mother of Chase, a seventh grader at Erath Middle School.
Mrs. Hebert has been involved as a teacher in organizations such as Vermilion Association of Education, A+Pel, and Louisiana Association of Educators. As a teacher, she has been credited for starting the Junior Beta club at LeBlanc Elementary, involved in working with special needs, planning and implementing school wide curriculum, being a committee chairperson for several committees, and numerous professional development in-services and trainings. She attends and participates in many non-profit and community activities not only in Erath and Delcambre but all over Vermilion Parish.
In addition she plans on walking door to door to meet all the constituents of District H to listen to their concerns and share her campaign platform.
Kristy quoted: “As a teacher, parent, and citizen of District H, I want to utilize and share my experience as a HIGHLY EFFECTIVE teacher to assist my constituents with concerns relating to education, school board business, and our children's interest. I want to share the value and importance of educating our children and representing our teachers.” She believes that knowledge of the education system is very significant when representing our children, especially with the changes our state has been instituting.
“I am vocal, lead by conviction, and will fight for the children, teachers, and citizens of District H. I ask for your support by voting for me Kristy Hebert- AN EDUCATOR and public servant as your next school board member for District H.
I am also asking all citizens in District H to visit my political page on Facebook- Kristy Hebert for School Board.”

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Qualifying for Nov. 6 elections gets underway on Wednesday

Tue, 07/17/2018 - 9:39am

While the Nov. 6 elections remain a few months away, voters in Vermilion Parish will find out this week who will officially be on the ballot.
Qualifying for fall elections will begin this Wednesday morning. It will conclude Friday afternoon. Aspiring candidates can qualify from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday in Vermilion Parish Clerk of Court Diane Meaux Broussard’s office. The office is located on the first floor of the Vermilion Parish courthouse in downtown Abbeville.
Elections will include each of the eight district seats on the Vermilion Parish School Board.
There will be municipal races for Mayor, Chief of Police and Council members in the Town of Erath, the Town of Gueydan and the Village of Maurice.
There will be an election for Justice of the Peace for Ward 1 (Erath area).
Vermilion voters will see a statewide race for Secretary of State and a race for U.S. Representative for the 3rd District as well as a multi-parish election for judge on the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals.

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Kelly Hardy

Kelly Hardy seeking election for Maurice Chief of Police

Tue, 07/17/2018 - 9:30am

To the residents of Maurice, I, Kelly Broussard Hardy, would like to announce my candidacy for the office of Chief of Police for the Village of Maurice. I worked in law enforcement for the past 26 years, having retired in January 2018 with the State of Louisiana, Department of Corrections, Office of Probation and Parole. I have extensive training in investigative writing, courtroom testimony, defensive tactics training, tactical training, first aid/CPR and firearms training. During my career, I have worked professionally and courteously with local and statewide criminal justice agencies and have earned a good rapport with them.
My decision for running for chief was not a hastily made decision, but one I pondered over with my family for some time before dedicating myself to this endeavor. The residents of the Village of Maurice and its police department deserve more options. I have stated over and over again that when elected, I will dedicate myself to writing and applying for grant money. No monies will be handed over to any department unless it is applied for and, subsequently, approved. This money, when available, will assist in paying overtime to our officers for various programs to deter crime, purchase equipment and have more officer presence on our streets. Grant money has been available to all law enforcement agencies for well over 25 years. With the limited budget our village has, this is a financially beneficial way of acquiring additional funding.
I will be a hands on chief who will work side by side with my officers. I will do all I can to assist my officers in their daily duties. I have always made myself available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and will continue to do so. Our officers deserve better incentives and I intend on dedicating my efforts toward that goal.
As a resident of Maurice for the past 17 1/2 years, my husband, David Hardy, and I have reared our children in this community and enrolled our children in its exceptional schools. Two of our children have graduated from NVHS and two will be attending NVHS in August. Our roots have been established and will continue to grow in Maurice.
The office of Chief of Police is primarily an administrative job but must also be one of shared duties. It is looked upon as a professional leadership position and I plan to do everything to uphold and maintain that image to my officers, to the citizens of the Village of Maurice, to assisting law enforcement agencies and to the general public.
If I have not yet visited your home, I will. I want to meet every resident and listen to your concerns, comments and questions.
Together we will continue to make Maurice a safe and great community while embracing its growth. I humbly ask that you support me in my endeavor to be YOUR next Chief of Police for the Village of Maurice. PLEASE go vote on November 6, 2018.

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Neil Arsement

Neil Arsement announces Maurice Chief of Police candidacy

Tue, 07/17/2018 - 9:25am

It is with great honor that I announce my candidacy for the office of Chief of Police for the City of Maurice in the November 2018 election. My wife, Kathryn, and I have been married for three years, and have three sons Gage (18), Hudson (2) and Hayes (6 months). I was born and raised in Rayne, Louisiana and have lived in Maurice for the last 12 years. I consider Maurice my home and plan to spend the rest of my life here.
As a reserve officer for the Rayne Police Department, I gained valuable firsthand police experience. I understand the dangers and hardships police officers face, and the importance of taking the oath to protect and serve. I know that the safety of Maurice comes first. I offer you my experience and skills to lead your police department to meet the challenging demands and dangers we all face together in today’s ever-changing world.
Owning several successful businesses over many years taught me valuable administrative and management skills. I understand business owners’ concerns to protect their investments and livelihoods. I will apply my administrative skills toward managing your police department efficiently.
I am the ONLY candidate who lives in the village of Maurice and, like you, invests in this community. With both police experience and a proven record of business success, I offer the best combination to meet the law enforcement challenges ahead. I will be a Police Chief who is competent, capable and effective, and also one who is easy to reach and easy to talk to. As your neighbor, I will strive to make you proud to call me your Police Chief.

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John Earl Leblanc

John Earl Leblanc seeking re-election for Mayor of Erath

Tue, 07/17/2018 - 9:19am

I, John Earl Leblanc, am seeking re-election as your Mayor in the upcoming election on November 6, 2018, for the Town of Erath. It has been an honor to serve as your Mayor for the past 4 ½ years, and I have worked diligently to better our town.
During my administration, I negotiated an electrical contract to lower electricity costs, which resulted in a savings to residents and businesses. I have been working with the Vermilion Parish Economic Development Director and property owners to attract businesses to Erath. Hopefully in the near future our vision will materialize for the people of Erath and also bring additional revenue to our town.
As Mayor, I have worked with the city council to completely renovate the sewer plant to accommodate our needs for the next 30 to 40 years. This was completed and funded through a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Grant and low interest loan. We also received funding from the Twin Parish Port to provide needed services on the north side of Highway 14 Bypass. This funding brought the Pediatric Clinic that provides medical services to children and residents, and is promising for other future development on the north side.
I plan to continue working to move Erath forward with the goal of bringing new businesses to the Town of Erath. I want this town to prosper and grow for the benefit of all residents and their children and grandchildren. My wife Peggy and I humbly ask for your vote and support on Election Day.

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Mike Richard

Mike Richard announces bid for spot on Erath City Council

Tue, 07/17/2018 - 9:14am

Hi, I am Michael (Mike) Richard and I am running for the Erath City Council in the upcoming November election. I was born and raised in Erath. Graduated from Erath High School. I have two years of college in Business Administration. I am member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. I was a Volunteer Fireman for the Erath Fire Dept. for 20 years, a member of the Erath Backers Club for 15 years. I coached Erath Little League for 9 years.
I worked for Coastal Chemical Company as an inventory controller and also Facility Manager and Purchasing manager for Wilkinson Technologies.
I am 69 years old, married to Elizabeth (Liz) Richard for 49 years, we have two great kids Heath Richard and his wife Chastiy, our daughter Michelle Richard Landry and her husband Brad. We have four beautiful granddaughters, Kaitlin Richard Voisin, Hanna Richard, Madison Landry and Mollie Landry.
I am retired and can devote more time to the Town of Erath. I would like to be a part of helping Erath and all of our Citizens. I love my little community of Erath. I have never been a politician but I've always been interested in politics. I know I could play a positive role in helping the town Council and serve my community. I will find new ideas to better our Town.
I would deeply appreciate your support and vote this coming November 2018 election.

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Marcella Hernandez Broussard

Tue, 07/17/2018 - 8:55am

March 11, 1963 ~ July 16, 2018

ABBEVILLE — Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, July 18, 2018 at Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville honoring the life of Marcella Jean Hernandez Broussard, 55, who died Monday, July 16, 2018 at The Carpenter House of St. Joseph Hospice. She will be laid to rest at St. Paul Cemetery with Fr. François Sainte-Marie officiating the services.
Marcella is survived by her husband, Tony Broussard; two daughters, Chastity Broussard and Mindy Broussard; three grandchildren, Amari Broussard, Christian Broussard and Jaylen Levier; mother, Helen LeMaire Hernandez; and four brothers, Kelly Hernandez, Phillip Hernandez, Jerome Hernandez and Jason Hernandez.
She was preceded in death by her father, Eldest Hernandez; brother, Derwin Hernandez; and granddaughter, Jayla Broussard.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville, 209 S. St. Charles St., on Tuesday, July 17, 2018 from 10:00 AM until 10:00 PM with a rosary being prayed at 7:00 PM; Wednesday, July 18, 2018 from 8:00 AM until time of services.
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.

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Revis Gaspard

Tue, 07/17/2018 - 8:52am

COW ISLAND—A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, July 18, 2018 at St. Anne Catholic Church honoring the life of Revis John Gaspard, 88, who died Sunday, July 15, 2018 at Eastridge Nursing Center. He will be laid to rest at LeMaire Cemetery with Reverend Keith Landry officiating the services.
He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Melba Gaspard of Forked Island; his two sons, Bradley Gaspard and his wife, Arlene of Erath and Jerry Gaspard of Forked Island; his two brothers, Junior Gaspard and his wife Mae Rose of Port Neches, TX and Nelton Gaspard and his wife Joyce, of Kaplan; and his seven grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his son, Randall Gaspard; his parents, Eudon Gaspard and the former Felice Harrington; and his sister, Verna G. Dartez.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Vincent Funeral Home - Kaplan, 300 N. Eleazar Ave., on Tuesday, July 17, 2018 from 11:00 AM until 9:00 PM with a rosary being prayed at 7:00 PM; Wednesday, July 18, 2018 from 8:00 AM until the procession departs for the church.
All funeral arrangements are being conducted by Vincent Funeral Home of Kaplan, (337) 643-7276 [Service Information 225-5276]. Condolences may be sent to the Gaspard family at www.vincentfuneralhome.net.

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One of the citizens who attended Wednesday’s meeting looks over a rendering of the project.

Citizens receive closer look at Abbeville Streetscaping project

Sat, 07/14/2018 - 12:01pm

During Thursday’s open house meeting, the Abbeville City Council answered questions from the public regarding the latest proposed LA-14 Downtown ...

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The North Vermilion Youth Association 9-10 year old All-Stars captured the Mustang Super Region Tournament early Friday morning in Abbeville. NV beat SLYSI of Lafayette 17-14 . The game began at 9 p.m. on Thursday and ended Friday, just after midnight. The all-stars will be traveling to Deer Park, Texas on July 25 to compete in the PONY Zone tournament. The members of the team are kneeling (L-R) Jackson Romero, Kaine Stevens, James Higginbotham: Standing (L-R): Braylon Himel, Caleb Whitlock, Coach Jason Broussard, Caleb Hebert, Aiden F everjean, Coach Clay Young, Mason Hargrave, Cooper Petrey, Jax Smith and Wyatt Kline. Missing from the picture is Coach Steven Romero & Joshua Ruppert

Super Region Champions: North Vermilion Gets It Done

Sat, 07/14/2018 - 11:57am
All-Stars win three-hour slug fest against SLYSI

Good things come to those who wait.
The 10-year-old North Vermilion All-Stars have waited three years for this to happen.
Early Friday morning, at around 12:02 a.m., the North Vermilion All-Stars were celebrating their 17-14 victory over SLYSI of Lafayette. The game began Thursday at about 9 p.m. and ended just after midnight.
With the win, they have qualified to play in Deer Park, Texas for the next round. The tournament begins on July 25.
Last year, with most of the same boys, the club finished third in the same tourney.
Now, they can call themselves the Mustang Super Region Champions.
Clay Young is the head coach of the all-stars. Throughout the final game, he remained calm despite not watching his team’s best performance of the tournament.
‘The boys played well tonight,” said Young. “They never quit, and they fought hard. It was not our best game of the tournament, but they did not give up.”
The 17 runs were the most runs North Vermilion scored in the tourney. The all-stars won games by a score of 8-6, 8-4 and 13-10.
It looked like North Vermilion was going to blow out SLYSI after scoring four runs in the first inning. But the Lafayette team rallied and tied the game 4-4 after the first inning.
By the second inning, the score was tied 8-8. It was not until the third inning that North Vermilion finally stopped SLYSI from scoring the same amount of runs.
By the end of the third inning, NV led 12-9.
In the top of the fourth inning, Jackson Romero singled over third base, and Jax Smith also singled that made the score 14-9.
In the bottom of the fifth inning, SLYSI was held scoreless. Pitcher Caleb Hebert was on the mound at the time. He got two out of three batters to strike out, giving his team a 14-10 lead with one more inning to play.
The all-stars looked like they wanted to put the game away in the top of the sixth inning. Three straight singles by Braylon Himel, James Higginbotham, Cooper Petrey and Jax Smith put North Vermilion ahead 17-10 with half an inning to play.
Things got a little shaky in the bottom of the sixth inning. With the bases loaded and no outs, Young changed pitchers and moved Hebert to third base and put third baseman Cooper Petrey on the hill.
He got the next batter to ground out, but a run scored (17-12). Petrey struck out the next batter, but an SLYSI runner on third base stole home to make the game interesting.
With two outs and NV winning 17-14, the next batter grounded out to first base to end the game.
North Vermilion scored 17 runs on 13 hits. They only committed two errors.
NV shortstop Jax Smith led his team at the plate, going 4-for-5 at the plate. He also knocked in five runs, and he scored two runs. James Higginbotham and Cooper Petrey had three hits. The two boys scored five runs each.
NV’s number three hitter through number six-hitter combined for 12 hits. Jackson Romero also had two hits in the meat of the lineup.
NV used four pitchers.
Caleb Whitlock started the game pitching for NV and threw 1 2/3 innings, giving up four earned runs and striking out two.
Braylon Himel pitched 2 1/3 innings and allowed four hits and two earned runs.
Hebert threw 1 1/3 innings and allowed two hits and struck out three.
Petrey closed the game to earn the save. He threw one inning, surrendered one hit and had a strikeout.

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