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Vermilion Parish Sheriff Office arrests contractor for home improvement fraud

Mon, 07/29/2024 - 2:54pm

Brent Dugas was also arrested by Acadia Parish Sheriff's Office the same week

The Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office arrested a man from Lake Charles and charged him with three counts of home improvement fraud.
According to the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s website, Brent Dugas, 48, was initially arrested on July 17 and charged with two counts of home improvement fraud.
Then, on July 26, he was arrested again on the same charge.
As of Monday, Dugas was still in the parish jail.
Home improvement fraud, also known as a home improvement scam, occurs when a contractor or company, or someone pretending to be one, tricks a homeowner into paying for an unfinished or poorly done renovation or remodel.
The Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office gave no details about the arrest.
On July 19, the Acadia Parish Sheriff’s Office also arrested Dugas and charged him with contractor fraud.
Authorities learned the victim and owner of SLPS Pole Barns and Buildings signed a contract to construct a building on the victim’s property in Acadia Parish. The contractor was paid half of the cost of the project during the contract signing.
Approximately one year later, the victim filed a criminal complaint against the contractor for violation of residential contractor fraud, according to APSO.

Rose Toth Labauve

Mon, 07/29/2024 - 9:26am

June 16, 1931 ~ July 23, 2024

ABBEVILLE — A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, July 29, 2024 at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church honoring the life of Rose Toth Labauve, 93, who died Tuesday, July 23, 2024 at her residence.
She will be laid to rest at St. Mary Magdalen Cemetery with Reverend Nicholas DuPre’ officiating the services.
Pallbearers will be Barton L. Migues, Jody K. Migues, Buddy Dautriel, Glenn Lege, Nicholas T. Gautreaux, and Nicholas T. Gautreaux, II. Honorary pallbearers will be James “Jay” Campbell, Wayne LeBleu, and Tim Creswell.
Mrs. Rose was a cherished member of our community. Mrs. Rose’s remarkable dedication to public service and her unwavering commitment to her community will be remembered and appreciated by all who had the honor of knowing her.
Mrs. Rose began her distinguished career as a volunteer with the Abbeville Harbor & Terminal District (Port of Vermilion) in 1954. For the first six years, she worked tirelessly without pay, demonstrating her genuine passion and selfless dedication to the development of the Port. Her efforts were pivotal in recording the history of the Port since its inception in 1954, a task she continued with great dedication until her retirement in June of 1996.
Throughout her 42 years of service, Mrs. Rose set up the bookkeeping from the ground up and exemplified excellence in service.
Her friendly smile and can-do attitude endeared her to Commissioners past and present, and her presence was a source of inspiration and support to all. She was instrumental in the transition to the new District office building and played a significant role in key projects such as the Freshwater Bayou channel and the Leland Bowman Locks.
Mrs. Rose’s extensive knowledge of the district’s history provided invaluable guidance and insight, helping to shape its future. The experience, knowledge, and advice to all who worked with her has been a mainstay in her contribution to the community and the legacy of her advice will live on.
Rose is survived by her loving family, including her nephews and niece, Barton L. Migues, Jody K. Migues, and Silvia Migues Norton; cousins, Evelyn Fiorentino and Karen Durham; as well as several great nieces and nephews. Most importantly she is survived by her feline companions, Opal and Little Sister who comforted her during her time of need.
She was preceded in death by her parents, William Toth and Rose Gulrich Toth of Marydel, Maryland; husband, Fernand “Buster” LaBauve; sister-in-law, Ruby F. Migues; and canine companion for many years her golden retriever, “Goldman”.
A special thanks to Cheryl Decuire Broussard whom she trained for her job and who always answered her calls for assistance or just to have a personal conversation. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and the entire community.
The family would like to thank Community Personal Care and Community Hospice Care for their compassionate, personal, and professional care of Mrs. Rose.
A special thanks to her care givers, Judy Darlene Baudoin, Clarissa Starlard, Nykira Horne, Halle Nunez, Zach David, Valerie Dore, and Chaplain Matt Palmer.
Rest in peace, Mrs. Rose. Your life was a blessing, and your memory will be a treasure. Please join the family in gathering to honor and remember Mrs. Rose’s extraordinary life and legacy.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Rose Toth Labauve’s memory to Catholic Charities of Acadiana, Post Office Box 3177, Lafayette, LA 70502, reflecting her lifelong commitment to community service.
All funeral arrangements are being conducted by Vincent Funeral Home of Abbeville, (337) 893-4661.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.vincentfuneralhome.net.

Juanita Menard LeBlanc

Mon, 07/29/2024 - 9:25am

February 15, 1928 ~ July 24, 2024

KAPLAN — It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and great-great grandmother, Juanita Menard LeBlanc. Juanita passed away on Wednesday, July 24, 2024 at Abbeville General Hospital at the age of 96.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, July 29, 2024 at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church. She will be laid to rest at Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Cemetery with Father Alexander Albert officiating the services.
She is survived by her children, Jimmy Duhon (Jane), Maxine Frederick (Kenneth), and Rusty LeBlanc (Sharon); nine grandchildren, Jimmy “Bubba” Duhon (Christine), Michelle Martin (Dwayne), Lance Lege, Shawn Lege (Jan), Vickie Vincent (Kevin), Dawn Hebert (Josh), Kade LeBlanc (Ginger), Shellie Hargrave (Jace), and Brook Frederick (Stephen); 17 great grandchildren; and 19 great-great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Alcide Menard and Lorraine Peltier Menard; her husband, E.J. LeBlanc; one daughter, Darlene Duhon Lege; one sister, Ester Menard; two brothers, Raymond and Clifton Menard; and one grandson, Chad Duhon.
The family would like to thank Eastridge Assisted Living and Lamm Hospice for the care provided.

Sage Louviere

18-year-old faces Attempted 1st-Degree Murder charge after multiple shots fired at vehicle in Abbeville

Thu, 07/25/2024 - 1:52pm

According to Sheriff Eddie Langlinais, on July 20, 2024, at approximately 1:50 a.m., the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division, during active patrolling, heard and then responded to the area of Louisiana Highway 82, just north of McDonald’s in Abbeville, in reference to multiple gunshots.
Upon arrival in the area, no one was found outside, and no one had reported any shootings or injuries. Deputies maintained additional patrol following the shooting, but no calls were received from citizens.
At approximately 3:57 a.m., the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office received a call from the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office in reference to a Juvenile, aged 15, taking his mother’s vehicle without permission and returning it with multiple bullet holes and damages. Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office determined that the shooting occurred in Abbeville after speaking with the juvenile and it was found that the incident the juvenile described was the gunshots that Vermilion Parish Deputies heard. The Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division then responded to both Lafayette Parish and the area of Louisiana Highway 82 to continue the investigation.
During the investigation it was learned that the Juveniles came to Abbeville to purchase illegal narcotics. During the transactions events unfolded that resulted in someone shooting several rounds of ammunition at the vehicle as it drove away.
The subject who committed the shooting was identified as Sage Michael Louviere, 18. Detectives were able to rapidly secure an arrest warrant for Louviere for the charge of Attempted 1st Degree Murder.
On July 23, 2024, Sage Louviere turned himself in to the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office in reference to the incident. Mr. Louviere was then booked into the Vermilion Parish Correctional Center for his warrant. For information on his bond, housing, and other information, please contact the Vermilion Parish Correctional Center at (337) 898-4430.
A Juvenile, other than the driver of the vehicle, was also arrested as a result of the investigation. That juvenile has not been charged with any violent offenses at the time of this release and was released to the custody of his/her parent(s).
The investigation is ongoing, and more arrests and charges are possible.
Sheriff Eddie Langlinais sends a special thank you to Sheriff Mark Garber of the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office for his department’s assistance in this case and many others. Sheriff Langlinais also praises his officers for their rapid response to the area and his detectives for their investigative efforts that led to this arrest.
If anyone has information on this shooting or any other crime, Sheriff Langlinais and the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office urges you contact Criminal Investigations at (337) 898-4403 or Crime Stoppers of Vermilion at the TIPS Line, (337) 740-TIPS (8477).

Kaplan High School FCCLA members pictured among the Louisiana FCCLA delegates in attendance at the National Leadership Conference in Seattle, Washington.

Kaplan High shines at recent FCCLA National Leadership Conference in Seattle

Thu, 07/25/2024 - 11:28am

SEATTLE – Kaplan High School FCCLA proudly represented their school and community at the highly anticipated FCCLA National Leadership Conference ...

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Photo caption: Among the participants in Tuesday’s groundbreaking for UL Lafayette’s new Engineering Student-Centered Collaborative Building were, from left, state Rep. Troy Hebert; engineering senior Christiaan Thibodeaux; Dr. Jeannine O’Rourke, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs for the University of Louisiana System; Georges Antoun, chair of the College of Engineering’s Dean’s Advisory Council; state Rep. Julie Emerson; Dr. Ahmed Khattab, College of Engineering dean; Dr. Joseph Savoie, UL Lafayette president; Dr. Jaimie Hebert, UL Lafayette provost and vice president for Academic Affairs; Dr. Jimmy Clarke, member of the UL System Board of Supervisors; and Winfred Sibille, former member of the UL System Board of Supervisors. (Credit: Doug Dugas/University of Louisiana at Lafayette)

UL Lafayette breaks ground on new student-centered engineering building

Thu, 07/25/2024 - 11:19am

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s College of Engineering broke ground Tuesday for its new Engineering Student-Centered Collaborative Building. Once completed, the nearly 65,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility will be home to the newly established Engineering Center of Excellence, or ECoE.
Designed to foster teamwork, creativity and student success, the building and accompanying ECoE “are significant milestones in our commitment to reimagining and advancing engineering education, research and workforce development,” said Dr. Joseph Savoie, UL Lafayette president.
“ECoE will empower students to be leaders in the fields of engineering and engineering technology and bridge the skills gap that exists between education and industry needs,” added Dr. Jaimie Hebert, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs. “It will bring students’ ideas to life and connect their work to solving tomorrow’s engineering challenges.”
The building’s first floor will include a 5,000-square-foot makerspace, a creative hub with equipment and technology for students to develop prototypes and projects. An aptly named “collaboratorium” – a space where students can come together to share ideas, work on projects and benefit from each other’s expertise – will lead to a second-floor collaboration studio and tech tank terrace designed for partnerships that cross disciplines.
“ECoE will provide students and faculty with an environment of limitless creativity,” said Dr. Ahmed Khattab, dean of the College of Engineering. “ECoE is not just a center – it’s a dynamic movement and a bold vision. It’s where education meets innovation, where students forge solutions to the challenges of the future. Imagine a space where students don’t just learn, but also connect, create and collaborate. That’s what the Engineering Student-Centered Collaborative Building and ECoE will provide.”
Khattab described the building’s third floor as “the heart of ECoE.” Its “Bridge” area will include huddle rooms for team discussions, tutoring rooms for tailored academic support, and individual study rooms for focused learning.

ECoE also will provide space for enrichment activities and programs. These include the Engineering Innovation Program; the Dean’s Certificate for Leadership and Innovation; career development, industry partnership and study abroad programs; and the Continuing Engineering Education Program for workforce development, among other initiatives.
The Engineering Student-Centered Collaborative Building will be situated next to Madison and Rougeou halls, the University’s two other engineering buildings. Its construction will augment an ongoing renovation to Madison Hall, which opened in 1957 and that will be transformed into a state-of-the-art space used primarily for teaching labs and research. Rougeou Hall, built in 1988, will continue to house classrooms and other academic spaces.
“Collectively, these improvements and new construction represent an investment in the strategic growth of campus and coincide with the College of Engineering’s evolving, innovative approach to workforce development, education and research,” Khattab said.
During the 2023 State of the University address, Savoie announced UL Lafayette had received initial state funding for the construction of a planned sciences building across from the new engineering building and adjacent to Oliver Hall, home of the Ray P. Authement College of Sciences. Once completed, the buildings will form a “STEM Quad” on campus’ western edge.
In the address, Savoie described the STEM Quad as “a visible symbol – not only of the individual strengths of our colleges of Sciences and Engineering, but of the collective power they hold to inspire ingenuity, drive innovation and produce results – for students and for society as a whole.”
The new engineering building is projected to cost about $55 million in state and private funds.
Private dollars raised will support the academic programs and student services in the new Engineering Student-Centered Collaborative Building and will be part of the largest comprehensive fundraising initiative in UL Lafayette history. Together: The Campaign for the University of Louisiana at Lafayette aims to raise $500 million. Among the campaign’s priorities: the renovation, construction and maintenance of academic spaces, including labs and classrooms.
For more on how to support the new Engineering Student-Centered Collaborative Building and ECoE, contact Katherine Burlette, managing director of Development, at Katherine.kennedy@louisiana.edu or call (337) 482-0912.
Learn more about the Together Campaign. Find more information on the ECoE here. Find a video presentation about the new Engineering Student-Centered Collaborative Building and ECoE here. Read the University’s 2022 announcement about the new building here.

Members of the 415th Battalion

La. Guard intelligence battalion welcomes new commander and sergeant major

Thu, 07/25/2024 - 11:13am

Barrett Lancon from St. Martinville

By Staff Sgt. Noshoba Davis, Louisiana National Guard Public Affairs Office

PINEVILLE, La. – The Louisiana National Guard’s 415th Military Intelligence Battalion (Interrogation) welcomed its new command team, Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Barrett Lancon and Battalion Command Sgt. Maj. Jon Mount, during an official change of command and change of responsibility ceremony at Gillis W. Long Center in Carville, July 20.

Lancon succeeds Lt. Col. Robert Allen, who had served as the commander since February 2023. “I am humbled to be taking command of this historic military intelligence battalion,” said Lancon. “Maj. Gen. Friloux, thank you for me giving the opportunity to command the best battalion in the Louisiana National Guard. I understand the trust and confidence you put in your leaders and commanders, and I can assure you I will be committed and continue to raise the bar.”
“Lt. Col. Allen, thank you for your leadership, dedication and commitment to the Cobras over the last 18 months. I look forward to picking up where you left off and taking this great group of Soldiers to the next level,” concluded Lancon.

A native of Saint Martinville, Lancon enlisted in the Louisiana Army National Guard in 1999 and attended the LANG Officer Candidate School, commissioning as a second lieutenant in 2002.

Lancon currently resides in New Orleans with his wife, Laura, and their three children. He holds a Bachelor of General Studies with a focus in Criminal Justice from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Lancon currently serves as the force integration readiness officer / mobilization division chief for the LANG.
Maj. Gen. Thomas Friloux, the adjutant general of Louisiana, presided over the ceremony and spoke highly of both commanders.

In his address to the outgoing commander, Friloux stated, “Lt. Col. Allen, congratulations on a successful command; job well done. I know under your leadership, the 415th achieved some impressive milestones. Under your and Command Sgt. Maj. Darby’s command, the 415th reached 98.3% DMOSQ, the highest in the state, 95% security clearance, the highest in the state, which is what I would expect from a MI [military intelligence] battalion, and 98% on your Command Supply Discipline Program inspection.”

Welcoming the incoming commander, Friloux continued, “Lt. Col. Lancon, congratulations. Welcome to command; enjoy it. It’s the best time in your career. You’re no stranger to the 415th. You’ve got some big shoes to fill. You’ve earned this position.”In a time-honored tradition known as the passing of the organizational colors, Lt. Col. Allen received the battalion colors from Command Sgt. Maj. Mount and then passed them to Maj. Gen. Friloux, symbolizing his relinquishment of command. Friloux then passed the colors to Lt. Col. Lancon, symbolizing the beginning of his command. Lancon then passed the colors back to Mount to complete the ceremony.

Allen, a native of Dothan, Alabama, began his military career in the United States Marine Corps in 1988. He left the Marines in 1992 and joined the LANG in December of 1999. He received his commission after completing the accelerated course at Fort McClellan, Alabama’s Officer Candidate School in August 2002.

Allen holds a Bachelor of Liberal Studies in social science and criminal justice from Loyola University and a master’s degree in business security management from Webster University in St. Louis.
“When I took command almost 18 months ago, I stated that I had returned to my family. Those words still stand true. Today, I can’t describe how proud I am to have been your battalion commander,” said Allen. “As I approach my upcoming retirement, I can honestly say I’m going out on top. I will be forever grateful for my time at the 415th, and this battalion will always have a special place in my heart.”
During the ceremony, the 415th welcomed Mount as their new senior enlisted advisor. Command Sgt. Maj. Clifford Ockman Jr., the senior enlisted leader of Louisiana, conducted the passing of the noncommissioned officer sword, a tradition used to symbolize the transfer of responsibility and authority that comes with the senior enlisted position.
“Congratulations, Command Sgt. Maj. Mount, as the incoming sergeant major. Take care of our troops and look after their well-being,” said Friloux.
Organized in 1989, the 415th provides intelligence support to tactical, operational and strategic-level commanders to defeat adversaries, promote regional stability, support allies and protect the interests of the United States. The battalion received the Meritorious Unit Citation of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2007 and for Operation Enduring Freedom in 2012. The 415th was activated for multiple all-hazards events throughout the last decade. Members of the battalion have participated in deployments around the world, including Cuba, the Sinai Peninsula, Egypt, Kosovo, Kuwait, Qatar, Uzbekistan, Haiti, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Bayou Library - "The newly updated Bayou Library at the Boys and Girls Club."

Abbeville Map - "A map of Abbeville was painted by local artist, Blake Brodhead, to give the kids a sense of the culture that surrounds them."

Reading Area - "Junior Auxiliary of Vermilion dedicated their time to renovating the library at the Boys and Girls Club in Abbeville. This image shows the new and improved reading area."

Local Author Spotlight - "Special shelving installed by Junior Auxiliary of Vermilion in the library at the Boys and Girls Club that showcases books written by local authors. Each month, JA comes to read a book by a local author through their project, Lessons Through Literacy, and displays the book on the shelving shown in the picture."