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North Vermilion High School Principal Denise Lotief has spent more than three decades working in education.
Lotief announced that time is now coming to an end.
“After 32 incredible years in education, I’m stepping into a new chapter of my life — retirement,” Loteif said in a post on social media. “This decision has not been easy, as this has truly been my second home for so long.”
Lotief became principal at North Vermilion in 2020, first on an interim basis and then permanently, following Tommy Byler being named the superintendent of the Vermilion Parish School System. Lotief served as an assistant principal at the school prior to being named to the top spot.
“I’m so proud of everything that we accomplished together,” Lotief said. “I can’t wait to watch the next generation of Patriots continue to shine.”
More than 120 from the NV community and beyond shared their appreciation on Lotief’s post. Representatives of the school shared their collective thanks for what Lotief has meant to the school.
“Join us in congratulating NVHS principal, Mrs. Denise Lotief, on her well-deserved retirement!” a post on the school’s page exclaimed. “We thank her for her unwavering commitment to our students, staff, and community. Help us celebrate her incredible career and wish her the very best in this exciting new chapter ahead.”
Assistant Superintendent Marc Turner said Monday morning the job had not been officially opened.
Lotief said she will be in the office and working right up until orientation to help prepare things for the upcoming school year. She shared a message for every student who will continue to move North Vermilion forward.
“While I won’t be here next year in an administrative role,” Lotief said, “you will still see me around in my new role as your number-one fan. I’ll be cheering you in all you do.

The Russell Gaspard French Immersion Scholarship committee presented the 2025 student recipient, Ethan J. Cessac (parents - Ashley & Brandon Cessac), with a Certificate of Recognition.
Since 2007 the Acadian Centre Acadian and Abbeville Cultural & Historical Alliance have provided 24 Vermilion Parish student scholarships to study at the University St. Anne summer program in Church Point, Nova Scotia, Canada.

The Abbeville Harbor and Terminal District announces the implementation of a new, streamlined payment system for parking and boat launching at the Intracoastal City Launch. This initiative is designed to provide a faster, more convenient experience for all visitors using the site for recreational access, including boating, fishing, hunting, and camping.
Effective immediately, users are encouraged to download the JustPark App to pay the daily access fee of $5. The app simplifies payment and makes it easy to manage your stay.

Daily Rate:
• Park Only – $5
• Launch Only – $5
• Launch and Park – Still just $5
*No additional fees apply.*

Download the App for Easy Access
The JustPark App is the easiest and quickest way to pay.
• Pay before you arrive
• Manage your time remotely
• Avoid on-site lines and delays
• A QR code is also available on-site, but downloading the JustPark App directly from your device’s app store is the quickest way to pay.
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
All payments are verified by vehicle license plate identification.
Visitors must enter the correct vehicle plate number when using the app.
• Failure to do so may result in a fine or the vehicle being towed at the owner’s expense.
• Failure to pay the required access fee constitutes a violation of law and may result in enforcement action.

Permit Options for
Frequent Users

Permits may be purchased at:
Abbeville Harbor & Terminal District
124 North Street, Suite 100, Abbeville, LA
- Annual Permit: $100 (Valid through December 31)
- Six-Month Permit: $60
- Valid through June 30 if purchased before June 30
- Valid through December 31 if purchased after June 30

Please note: The office accepts cash & Check only for permit purchases. Credit cards are not accepted.
Commercial Use

Any commercial use of the Intracoastal City Launch facility requires a permit and prior approval from the Abbeville Harbor and Terminal District. Please contact the office directly to inquire about commercial use guidelines and applications.

A Message from District Leadership

“For years, we’ve heard your frustration about the old pay station—whether it was too slow or simply not working,” said Nicholas Gautreaux, Executive Director of the Abbeville Harbor and Terminal District. “The Board of Commissioners and I felt the same way. That’s why we’ve implemented this new system—to save you time, eliminate the hassle, and allow you to enjoy your trip without standing in line or waiting on a payment to process.”

Board President Jimmie Steen added: “I’ve served on this Board for many years, and I’ve heard the same concerns from our community time and time again. I want the public to know that we take those concerns seriously. That’s exactly why we’re modernizing the way we handle parking and launching—with the new JustPark App. It’s about making things easier, more efficient, and more in line with the convenience people expect today.”
The District is transitioning to a cashless payment system for daily access. All visitors are strongly encouraged to begin using the JustPark App for parking and launch payments to ensure a smooth and efficient experience.
This upgrade supports the District’s mission to improve access, maintain quality facilities, and enhance recreational opportunities across the District.
For questions or more information, contact the District at (337) 893-9465 or email admin@abbevilleharbor.com.

    The Vermilion Catholic Eagles and the Erath Bobcats ventured into unchartered territory this Spring as both programs advanced to the state championship in Sulphur for the first time in school history.
For that reason, Erath head coach Jeremy Picard and VC head coach Ben Harrington are the Vermilion Parish Co-Coaches of the Year. At the same time, pitcher Seth Leger of Erath and pitcher Cole Albert of VC are the Vermilion Parish Co-MVPs.
 The Eagles (25-7) won their final 11 games en route to VC’s first baseball state championship. 
 Albert led the way with his arm, finishing the season with a 9-1 record and an ERA well below 1.00.  He broke into the rotation in early March, defeating the North Vermilion Patriots 4-3 in his first start.  He followed that win with victories over storied programs like Alexandria Senior High and Vandebilt Catholic before defeating Erath 1-0.
  In the playoffs, Albert was nearly unhittable.  He went 3-0 while shutting out St. Ed’s, avenging his only loss in a quarterfinal victory over Ascension Episcopal, and defeating Ouachita Christian 4-1 in the championship game on only three days rest.
 “It was the Teurlings game that allowed me to see who he was,” Harrington said.  “We were down 5-1 in the fourth inning, so I put Cole in to get him some work, and he got hit around pretty hard.  I went to pull him, and he begged me to let him finish the inning.  I didn’t allow it, but it told me everything I needed to know.”
  As for Albert, the goal was always to win a state championship.  He was excited about all the arms VC had at the beginning of the year before injuries plagued the staff.  Those injuries forced him into a bigger role.  He dealt with the pressure one batter at a time.
 “Going into the season, the goal was always to win a state championship,” Albert said.  “At the beginning of the year, we had arms everywhere.  But then Dom (Gautreaux) got hurt, Ayden (Beraud) got hurt, and Cruz (Hebert) got hurt going into the playoffs.
“At that point, I just had to do my thing.  I took it game by game and hitter by hitter, but at the same time, the ultimate goal was always in the back of my mind.”
 Now that the season is over and the celebrations have ended, Harrington is grateful.
“It’s a dream come true,” Harrington said.  “There are coaches who go their entire careers without ever getting to play for a championship, much less win it.  I’m extremely humble and grateful that I had the opportunity to win one.”
The Bobcats (26-13) made the fifth time the charm in the quarterfinals.  Erath had advanced to the quarterfinals four times previously but failed to advance each time.  They cleared that hurdle and then some this season.
   “We lost in the second round last year,” Leger said.  “We knew we didn’t want to let that happen again.  When we got to the quarters, we knew no Erath team had ever gone past that.  We did it.  After that, no one had ever been to the next round either, so we said, let’s do it.  I hope next year they realize they can go back and win it.”
Picard said that the quarterfinal’s curse was a non-issue for this team.  They had one goal and refused to be denied.
 “With the mentality of this team from day one, I don’t think the quarterfinals were even in the picture,” Picard said.  “They had one goal in mind, and that was to make it to the state finals.
 “After losing like we did last year, they were disappointed.  With the mentality, work, and focus they approached this season with, it was clear the goal wasn’t just to get past the quarterfinals.  It was to get to the championship.”
Leger did everything he possibly could to help his team.  The senior posted a 10-2 record on the mound with a 1.53 ERA, including a 4-0 playoff record.  When he wasn’t pitching, Leger played first base.  He ended the season, batting .358 with one home run and 31 RBI.  He feels being named Co-MVP is a testament to all the hard work he’s put in over the years.
   “It’s an honor to be named Co-MVP,” Leger said.  “It’s proof of how hard I’ve worked.”
Picard credits Leger and the entire senior class for the success of Erath baseball. They raised the bar and set an expectation for the future.
 “It was the senior class,” Picard said.  “Seth’s been our guy since he was a freshman, but he didn’t walk in as our guy.  He put in the work and effort, and the guys followed him.
 “You can’t replace a Seth Leger.  You can only hope that guys follow him and give us the same things he has done.  When I say Seth Leger does what Seth Leger does, I mean when I give him the ball, I know we’re going to be competitive.  For four years, I was willing to play anybody, anywhere, any time with him on the mound.”
Joining Leger and Albert on the first team are pitchers Blaze Duhon of North Vermilion and Sabe David of Kaplan.  The infield consists of catcher Brennan Broussard of Erath, first baseman Jackson Trahan of VC, second baseman Dominic Frederick of Erath, shortstop Jonathan Dartez of VC, and third baseman Brody Lambeck of North Vermilion.
  In the outfield, Ross Dartez of VC is joined by Jansen Deangelo of North Vermilion and Jack Landry of Erath.  The utility players on the first team are Remy Broussard of Kaplan, Landen Derouen of Erath, Bryce Lege of VC, Karter Meaux of Kaplan, and Carter Petry of Kaplan.