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Michael James Bellaire

December 5, 1949 ~ February 8, 2018

ABBEVILLE — Michael James Bellaire died on Thursday, February 8, 2018 following a brief illness. A memorial services will be held on March 14, 2018 from 5 pm to 8 pm, with a Rosary at 7 pm, at Vincent Funeral home in Abbeville.
Michael was born in Abbeville Louisiana to Alvin Bellaire, Sr. and Allie Broussard Bellaire on December 5, 1949. He graduated from Abbeville High School in 1967 and later from the University of Southwestern Louisiana (USL).
Michael was a veteran who proudly served in the U.S. Army as a medic during the Vietnam War. He was active in the community and a member of the Kiwanis for many years. He was also a co-owner of Bayou AC and Electric in Abbeville. After a successful career, he moved to Lake Placid, Florida where he lived for the last 17 years. He joined Spofford Stage, Inc. and in later years, Hickey Excavation.
Michael was an avid sportsman, cook, and motorcycle enthusiast. While in Florida, Mike was active in several Motorcycle clubs, supported many charity events, and was well known for his cooking. He served as president of the Heartland Riders Association, for which he organized 10 years of October Weekend events in Sebring, Florida. Mike was a multi-talented craftsman who enjoyed helping others. He loved sharing photos of the sunsets in “paradise”, long motorcycle rides and spending time with family and friends. He will be missed by many.
He is survived by his soulmate of many years, Lucinda “Cindy” Schiewe, his children Bart Bellaire and Allie Bellaire Fleckner, his step-sons Todd Beal and Kevin Beall, his brother Alvin Bellaire, Jr., his grandchildren, and his nieces, nephew, and many cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents Alvin and Allie Bellaire.
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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Mable Bonin Frederick

ERATH — A Mass of Christian Burial for Mable Bonin Frederick, 97, was held on Monday, March 12, 2018 in Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church with Father Andre Metrejean officiating. Interment will follow in Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Mausoleum.
Mable, born in Loreauville and a former resident of Erath passed away Wednesday March 7, 2018 at Garden View Assisted Living Center in New Iberia. She was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church as well as the Catholic Daughters of America. She enjoyed being a member the Supper Club as well as her various tea parties. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother and she enjoyed spending time with family and friends.
She is survived by her children; Jerry Frederick and wife Debbie of Las Vegas, NV, James Frederick and wife Lela, and John Roy Frederick and wife Christie both of New Iberia; 12 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her husband of over 50 years Dudley J. Frederick; her parents Neuville and Pamela Dugas Bonin; and 2 sisters Mary Segura and Vivian Mestayer.
The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Garden View Assisted Living Center for their care and concern.
Condolences may be shared with the family at www.davidfuneralhome.org
David Funeral Home of Erath is in charge of arrangements 209 E. Putnam St. Erath, LA 70533, (337) 937-0405.

Birth announcements

Mason Perry Lege
A son, Mason Perry Lege, was born Wednesday, March 7, 2018, at Abbeville General to Rene Angelle Weekly and Nicholas Haymann Lege of Maurice.

Noah Eli’jah Melancon Levy
A son, Noah Eli’jah Melancon Levy, was born Friday, February 23 2018, at Abbeville General to Ri’Cola Renee Levy and leo Lashawn Melancon of Abbeville.

Averi Noelle George
A daughter, Averi Noelle George, was born Tuesday, March 6, 2018, at Abbeville General to Marqanna Sherelle Thibeaux and Andretti Dell George of Abbeville.

Carter Alan Coughlin
Boudreaux
A son, Carter Alan Coughlin Boudreaux, was born Tuesday, March 6, 2018, at Abbeville General to Krystal Renee Coughlin and Clinton Colby Boudreaux of Abbeville.

Rylan Joseph Mouton
A son, Rylan Joseph Mouton, was born February 22, 2018, at Women’s and Children’s to Courtney Saltzman and Hunter Mouton of Abbeville.

Constance Ann Renee’ Shake
A daughter, Constance Ann Renee’ Shake, was born February 21, 2018, at Women’s and Children’s to Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Shake, Jr., of Abbeville.
The mother if the former Tara Lapointe.

Zoey Megan Segura
A daughter, Zoey Megan Segura, was born February 20, 2018, at Women’s and Children’s to Ira Colletti and Cody Segura of New Iberia.

Jia Autumn Campbell
A daughter, Jia Autumn Campbell, was born February 20, 2018, at Women’s and Children’s to Ginjer Campbell of Abbeville.

Kenneth Carl Beverly, III
A son, Kenneth Carl Beverly, III, was born February 20, 2018, at Women’s and Children’s to Lavonna Adams and Kenneth Beverly, Jr. of Abbeville.

Violet Anne Curol
A daughter, Violet Anne Curol, was born on February 17, 2018, at Women’s and Children’s to Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Curol of Erath.
Mrs. Curol is the former Emily Broussard.

Vivian Claire Guidry
A daughter, Vivian Claire Guidry, wa born February 15, 2018, at Women’s and Children’s to Mr. and Mrs. Dirk Guidry of Lafayette.
The mother is the former Rilee Dupuis.

Myla Jaye
Dozier
A daughter, Myla Jaye Dozier, was born February 13, 2018, at Women’s and Children’s to Ariel Moore and De’Shawn Dozier of Abbeville.

Jacqueline Dahlia Alice Callahan
A daughter, Jacqueline Dahlia Alice Callahan, was born February 14, 2018, at Women’s and Children’s to Mr. and Mrs. Chance Callahan of Erath.
The mother is the former Callie Touchet.

Julianna Claire Hudson
A daughter, Julianna Claire Hudson, was born February 9, 2018, at Women’s and Children’s to Chelsey Leblanc and Jacob Hudson of Erath, La.

Lillian-Grace Marie
Menard
A daughter, Lillian-Grace Marie Menard, was born February 7, 2018, at Women’s and Children’s to Taylor Crosby and Trey Menard of Kaplan.

Layne Kole
Vincent
A son, Layne Cole Vincent, was born February 8, 2018, at Women’s and Children’s to Carrie Hebert and Jimmy Vincent of Kaplan.

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Hillarie Hebert and Lance Stein

Hillarie Hebert - Lance Stein announce engagement

James and Charlsie Hebert of Abbeville are pleased to announce the engagement and forthcoming marriage of their daughter, Hillarie Paige Hebert, to Lance Paul Stein of Ragley. He is the son of Paul Stein of Lake Charles and Pamala Rogers of Lake Charles.
The wedding will take place on April 21, 2018, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Kaplan.
The future bride is the granddaughter of James O. ‘Teenyman’ Hebert and Florine Hebert of Forked Island, Charles and Danielle Suire of Kaplan and Danny and Margaret Prejean of Kaplan.
She is a 2011 graduate of Kaplan High School and a 2015 graduate of McNeese State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Ag Business. She is employed with Olivier Dermatology.
Grandparents of the prospective groom are the late Irving and Rena Stein of Lake Charles, LA and Joyce Comeaux of Lake Charles.
He is a 2008 graduate of Barbe High School and a 2009 graduate of Fire Academy. He is employed with the Lake Charles Fire Department.

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Mable Simon Duhon

Funeral Services will be held 12:00PM on Friday, March 9, 2018 in the Delhomme Funeral Home of Maurice for Mrs. Mable Simon Duhon, 93, who passed away on Wednesday, March 7, 2018 at St. Joseph's Carpenter House.
Burial will take place in St. Alphonsus Cemetery.
Mrs. Mable, a native of Abbeville and a resident of Lafayette, was the daughter of the late Alexander Simon and the former Rosita Broussard. Mrs. Mable enjoyed gardening, French Cajun dancing and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. Mrs. Mable was a loving and kind woman and will be dearly missed.
She is survived by her children, Chester Duhon and wife Barbara, Johnny Duhon and wife Melissa, Roland Duhon and wife Gayle, and Ronald Duhon; grandchildren, Katy, Denise, Chester Jr., Roxanne, Jonathan, Roland Jr., Nichole, Jamie, Chase, Randy; great grandchildren, Blake, Dustin, Emma, Clay, Drew, Tannor, Devin, Megan, Ashton, Logan, Brooke, Lexi, Bryson, Kylie, Amanda, Hailey, Dominick, Zoe, Zachary; great great grandchildren, Bailey, Aimee, Zoey, Addison, Ayden, Laika, Kylan, and Ellis.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Emery Duhon; parents, Alexander and Rosita Simon; and brother, Clarrise Simon.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Delhomme Funeral Home of Maurice on Thursday, March 8, 2018 from 3:00PM to 9:00PM. A Rosary will be recited at 6:00PM on Thursday evening in the funeral home. Visiting hours will continue Friday from 8:00AM until the time of service.
Pallbearers will be Randy Duhon, Roland Duhon Jr, Chase Duhon, Blake Ponthieux, Dustin Ponthieux, Tannor Tauzin, and Devin Duhon, and Jonathan Duhon.
The family would like to thank St. Joseph Hospice and the staff of Pelican Point of Maurice for their excellent care and compassion.
Personal condolences may be sent to the Duhon family at www.delhommefuneralhome.com.
Delhomme Funeral Home, 200 Chief H. Fred Road, Maurice, LA is in charge of funeral arrangemen

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Pavilion I at Comeaux Park will be getting a face lift thanks to the money raised by the Rotary Club.

Abbeville Rotary Club fundraiser to help build splash pad at Comeaux Park

Over the last six years, “The St. Pat’s Comedy For A Cause” fundraiser has helped the city of Abbeville.
The event, which is taking place Saturday, has raised more than $120,000 and donated the money back into Abbeville.
Over the last six years, the money has been used to build a skate board park at Comeaux Park, buy Herod Elementary playground equipment and remodeled the Christian Service Center.
The Rotary’s next big project is to construct a splash pad at Comeaux Park and remodel the pavilion next to the skate park.
The splash pad will be built near the skate park and pavilion.
“This event has raised money for special projects the Rotary Club of Abbeville takes on,” said Rob Roy of the Abbeville Rotary Club. “It is for a great cause.”
The event will be held Saturday night at Magdelen Place in Abbeville.
There will be a comedian, William Lee Martin, known better as “Cowboy Bill.” There will also be a silent auction and a dinner buffet.
Tickets can be purchased by calling Rob Roy (523-0551).

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erry Gaspard said he had great inspiration to write his book.

Gaspard shares stories, inspiration with new book

Jerry Gaspard, author of the book “Truth That Brings Peace, Love, Joy and Hope” grew up in a small town in ‘Cajun Country’. Being raised in your typical south Louisiana home, he credits his passion for gardening on being brought up on a cattle farm and growing their food.
In high school, Gaspard played sports which included baseball, basketball and track. His hobbies today rarely differ from his earlier years, such as watching LSU baseball, softball and football, the New England Patriots, New Orleans Saints and the New York Yankees.
Gaspard graduated from Louisiana State University with a B.S. in Vocational Agriculture Education and the school of hard knocks. He is a student of the Bible and loves to read inspirational books, much like his own.
In Gaspard’s book, the words “The Bible is God’s truth and he cannot lie. God’s word is his will for your life” greet you followed by numerous bible quotes, including more than one personal testimony of God’s Grace and Protection, Faith, and overcoming temptation, which are just a few of the things he writes about.
Gaspard says, “It only took me six months to write this book. I wrote it in 2017 and it was published by WestBow Press in 2018.”
“My inspiration for this book came from the Holy Spirit from the tragedies and experiences. I should have died three times in my life.”
Gaspard shares his first brush with death. “It’s far more detailed in my book, but basically this is what happened. You know, in order to pay for my college expenses, I worked on a drilling rig during my teenage years. Our station was about three feet above sea level and the seas were rough. I’d say about 12 to 15-foot seas, wearing heavy work attire, making it very difficult, if not impossible to swim, if need be. A fifteen foot wave came over me and I was sucked in to the ocean.”
Falling back in to the ocean, Gaspard felt ‘someone’ grabbing his hand, placing it on a ladder connected to the side of the barge, a ladder he was previously unaware of.
“It was my guardian angel who grabbed my hand, allowing me to climb aboard the barge, I should have drowned, but God had better plans for me.”
The book is described as an inspirational book that will provide truth about heaven and hell, God and the Devil, providing the purpose of God and the job of the Devil, giving the reader a chance to learn about free will and choosing where to spend eternity.
A review of this book reads “I have always been close to God, I have always believed and I have always had faith. This book reminds me of how bad it could be, how easily you could fall off the bandwagon, and how Faith could get you back up. I could not put this book down. I would recommend everyone to read this book, especially if you are having a hard time believing in the power of the Heavens.”

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There was insulation scattered all over the floor inside the complex.

Kaplan youth batting complex closed due to vandalism

KAPLAN — The Kaplan Youth Athletic Association indoor batting cages are closed because of vandalism inside of the complex.
Last week, league president Bart Baudoin made the decision to shut it down after seeing the vandalism inside.
Baudoin said he is hoping that by closing the doors, someone will come forward.
The complex has a number combo lock and if you have the number, you can use the facility anytime.
Baudoin made a post on KYAA’s Facebook page in regards to the damage: “It truly boggles my mind that individuals just do not care about things.
“This facility has been open to any and all athletes in our city at any point in time. No one has ever been charged to rent the place and still KYAA cannot even get the respect from individuals using it to clean and not damage the place.”
Two nights in a row, someone vandalized the inside. One night, someone took an aluminum bat and threw it up at the ceiling insulation, knocking pieces of insulation to the floor.
Then the next night, someone left bats and other items on the floor.
Until KYAA figures out what to do, expect the hitting complex to be closed.
“I am sorry it has come to this, but until something can be figured out the facility is closed.”
The league is now looking into putting video cameras in hopes it would deter the vandals.

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Stephen and Challi are all smiles as they prepare to leave for their honeymoon from New Orleans.

‘No ordinary’ love story

Challi Romero Muguira and Stephen Anthony Muguira have an incredible love story or as Challi calls it, “A far from ordinary love.”
The pair met through a dating site. They were from two different towns in Louisiana. Long distance, usually being an issue for most new couples, came as a challenge to them. Not your typical challenge, though, but rather your ‘bring it on’ type of challenge.
Their friendship turned into love. Their love turned into pure adoration.
Challi says “It’s hard to meet people in a small town, especially when you’re disabled. People see a disability and run. I wanted someone to get to know me before I was judged on my looks.”
“You see I have a rare, moderate case of Progeria, which means I age faster than I should. Because of this, I do appear different. My birth defect is very visible.” Challi has had her share of surgeries, procedures and many invasive appointments in her life, including surgery on her jaw, which was not an option given to her, it was required.
In another town, an hour and a half away, there is Stephen, who has had his fair share of difficulties as well, suffering with Type 1 diabetes as well as aplastic anemia. Aplastic anemia acts as leukemia and diminishes the bone marrow. He has lost nearly all of his eyesight, went through many rounds of chemo and so much more. Stephen has since gained some of his eyesight back, thanks to a bone marrow transplant, but is still considered legally blind.
Challi recently decided to blog, in her blog, she describes that the best thing about her and Stephen’s relationship is their ‘ability to sympathize with each other’. “We have a special understanding
because we have both been through so much, because of this, it has made us stronger.”
Despite still being bullied about her appearance, Challi expresses how ‘it’s a miracle to still be alive. Doctors were never sure I’d make it to age 30.’ Fast forward to 2017, she and Stephen, or Tony, as she calls him, are now married, have two dogs, one cat and a beautiful life. Surrounded by friends and family and in a beautiful country setting, their lives were forever changed and two became one.
Challi says she has ‘no regrets’, but expresses that she ‘mostly feels sorry for her husband for having to adopt the reactions of people who don’t care for the way she looks’. “Sometimes, well, lots of times, I have to stop him from becoming too angry at people who make comments or give me looks, because I am used to it, he is not.”
Stephen, being legally blind, fell in love with her heart first. But in truth, deep down she knows he fell in love with HER. Her beauty, her heart, her laugh, her love and her ability to admire all of that about him as well.
Challi shares how their story is more complicated than it seems. “You see, immediately after we met, we wanted to see more of each other, more often. So for the next eight months, I would drive back and forth an hour and a half to make our relationship work.”
“By this time I knew I loved him, and with him being legally blind, I would soon have to make a critical decision; uproot the life I knew, or try to continue to make a long-distance relationship work? I decided to uproot my life, leave my parents, moved in with him, and hoped for a bright future. Soon after I moved in, he had gotten a job – any job he could take because no one wanted to hire a legally blind man. While I worked days, he worked mostly nights, and again, we’d rarely see each other. Somehow we made it work. By January of 2017, he was gone again.’
“His new adventure was going to an affiliated blind school. It is a state-run program where they teach the visually impaired to be independent enough to run their own business. The catch? The next four months he’d be living in a dorm 30 minutes from home and could only come home on weekends and holidays. I supported him the best way I could. Our whole relationship for a year and a half was long distance, yet we still made it work.”
“It didn’t take long for us to realize we were best friends” Challi says. ‘In March of 2017, he asked my father for my hand in marriage. In all my life, I never admitted my greatest fear to anyone, not even my loved ones. With having a moderate case of progeria and knowing I aged faster, I was terrified I would die alone with no one to share that special life with. On Nov. 18, 2017, we shared our vows in front of our loved ones and friends.”
So where are they today? Challi shares, “We are happy. We struggle with real life problems, and we stay strong through thick and thin. We don’t argue. We don’t yell or raise our voices. We rarely have disagreements. It’s not hard to admit that he is my soul mate and I feel as though we found each other for the sole purpose that we are destined to be together.”
‘My dad once told me that I was lucky. I had found the purest love of all, because Tony is legally blind, he fell in love with my heart and soul, rather than my looks. We truly live a fairy tale life. I found my prince.’
A friend says, “Their relationship is based on a solid foundation. A foundation built with love, respect, honor, and adoration. A foundation that is strong, a foundation that is being taken care of and molded into delicate clay, so that their foundation could grow with them.”

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Busch Sereal

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Man arrested after trying to flee Task Force agents

According to Sheriff Mike Couvillon, the Vermilion Municipal and Sheriff’s Narcotics Task Force made the following arrests for narcotics related offenses within the parish.
On Feb. 28, after a lengthy investigation into the sale of illegal narcotics from a residence located at 606 Maude Ave. in Abbeville, agents applied for and executed a search warrant. Upon execution a subject identified as Busch Sereal, 40, of Abbeville, fled on foot. After a short foot pursuit agents took Sereal into custody on multiple outstanding warrants. A search of his residence resulted in a large amount of Cocaine, being located as well as evidence of the manufacturing of Crack Cocaine. Agents also recovered a stolen firearm, suspected marijuana, as well as a large amount of currency believed to be derived from drug proceeds. Sereal was charged with the following charges in addition to his
outstanding warrants;
· Manufacturing of Schedule II, (Crack Cocaine)
· Possession with Intent to Distribute Schedule II, (Cocaine)
· Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
· Possession of a Firearm in the Presence of a Controlled Dangerous Substance
· Possession of a Stolen Firearm
· Possession of a Firearm in a Drug Free Zone
· Transactions Involving Drug Proceeds
· Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
· Possession of Schedule I, (Marijuana)
Sheriff Couvillon would like to thank the Mayors, and their council, of Abbeville, Kaplan, Gueydan, Maurice and Erath, along with their Chiefs of Police, for their support of the Vermilion Municipal and Sheriff’s Narcotics Task Force. Sheriff Couvillon also applauds the concerned citizens of Vermilion Parish for their awareness and assistance in helping the Task Force in fighting the war on illegal drugs. He encourages all citizens with information in regards to illegal drug activities to contact the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office or the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit at 337-740-4501 or E-mail the Task Force anonymously at taskforce@vpso.net and your e-mail will be held in the “strictest of confidence” and replied to in a very timely manner.
More information on reporting drug activities can be seen on our Web Site at www.vpso.net. Click on Narcotics and fill out the TURN IN A PUSHER information.

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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