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Alexander Marceaux pitched three innings and got the win for VC.

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Bryce Lege made a difficult catch in the outfield for VC. At the plate, he had three hits and drove in three runs against St. Ed’s.

Late rally lifts VC over St. Ed Blue Jays

EUNICE  – The Vermilion Catholic Eagles clawed their way to a hard-fought 7-6 victory over the St. Edmund Blue Jays on Saturday, using timely hitting and a strong bullpen to seal the win.
The Eagles wasted no time getting on the board. In the top of the first, Dominic Gautreaux and Jacob Dubois were hit by pitches before Jackson Trahan executed a sacrifice bunt to move them into scoring position. Brice Lege then ripped a single to left, bringing in Gautreaux and Dubois for an early 2-0 Eagles lead.
The Eagles added another in the second when Cayden Dehart reached on an infield single, and Ross Dartez followed with a bunt single. Gautreaux then delivered an RBI groundout, plating Dehart to extend the lead to 3-0.
The Blue Jays answered back in a big way. In the bottom of the second, they strung together four hits to push across five runs, flipping the scoreboard in their favor, 5-3.
The Eagles chipped away in the third as Lege singled, and Alexander Marceaux reached on an error, allowing Lege to cross the plate and cut the deficit to 5-4.
The fourth inning saw the Eagles regain control.
Gautreaux singled to right, Dubois was hit by a pitch, and Lege came through  with an RBI single to right, scoring Gautreaux from second  to knot the game at 5-5. With courtesy runner Hudson Hebert advancing to third, William Simon laced an RBI single down the third base line to bring in Hebert, putting the Eagles back on top, 6-5.
St. Edmund wouldn’t go quietly, taking advantage of an Eagles miscue in the fifth to tie it at 6-6.
The Eagles responded at the top of the sixth with a decisive blow. Gautreaux led off with a line drive doubled into the right-center gap, stole third, and then scored on a Trahan RBI groundout, reclaiming the lead, 7-6.
The Eagles bullpen took care of business from the middle of the second on. Alexander Marceaux earned the win in relief, tossing 3 1/3 innings while allowing just three hits and an unearned run. Ayden Beraud got the start, going 1 2/3 innings and surrendering five earned runs on five hits. Cruz Hebert worked a clean inning of relief facing five batters before Cole Albert slammed the door in the seventh, striking out two of the three batters he faced to notch the save.
Lege led the Eagles with three hits and three RBIs. Gautreaux and Ross Dartez had two hits apiece, while Gautreaux led the team with three runs scored.
The Eagles return to action at home on Friday for a doubleheader against the Beau Chene Gators. The first pitch is set for 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.

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Abbeville’s Kaylon Fletcher (2) plays defense against Iowa.

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Abbeville’s Kaylon Fletcher (2) plays defense against Iowa.

Abbeville's ‘D’ big reason for its success

They traveling to Wossman on Monday

The Abbeville Wildcats advanced to the second round of the Division IV Non-Select Playoffs, where they faced a tough No. 1 Wossman team on Monday.
The Wildcats  (20-13) were the No. 16 seeded team, while Wossman is the top seed in the playoffs. The Meridional went to press Monday before the game ended. Wossman has been to the state finals five years in a row. 
Wossman won the Division II Non-Select state title last year as the No. 2 seed. 
In 2023, Abbeville battled No. 1 Wossman in the second round and lost, 82-52. Wossman would finish second in 2023, and it won the state title in 2024. 
On Friday, the Wildcats reached the second round by beating Iowa, 54-44.
Abbeville won 10 out of its last 11 games before playing Wossman.
Abbeville had four players score in double digits on Friday.
Jacolby Campbell led the team in scoring with 14 points. Cameron Samuels had 13, with each 10 points Chayson Gray and Trentin Cormier. 
On Friday, the Wildcats used a tough, “in your-face” defense that created turnovers and provided scoring opportunities.
Abbeville head coach Trevor Eaton said that style of defense is how they have been playing all year.
“This is the only way we can play defense,” said Eaton on Friday. “That is Abbeville’s defense. In-your-face defense.  Our players have bought into that over the last three years.”
Against Iowa, Abbeville led most of the game and by as much as 12 points. The Wildcats got behind once, 25-24, early in the third period.
Down by a point, Abbeville’s Kaylon Fletcher sparked Abbeville when he made a defensive play that resulted in him injuring his ankle and missing the second half. Fletcher’s out-of-bound play saved the ball, but he injured his ankle.
A lay-up from Fletcher’s save put Abbeville ahead 26-25, and the Wildcats never gave up the lead again.
Cormier made his second three-pointer of the game, putting AHS up 51-38 with less than a minute to play.
Other scorers for AHS were Kaylon Fletcher (4) and Kobe Vital (3).

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Tuesday’s Krewe Chic-A-La-Pie Mardi Gras parade in Kaplan will now begin at 11 a.m.

Kaplan Mardi Gras parade moved up to 11 a.m. due to threat of weather Tuesday afternoon

KAPLAN — Krewe Chic-A-La-Pie’s annual Mardi Gras parade has been moved up to 11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 4, due to the threat of inclement weather.
Krewe President Angie Breaux Demette made the announcement Monday morning.
Demette said, “As president of Krewe Chic a la Pie, I convened a board meeting to discuss weather conditions for our Mardi Gras parade on March 4…We have decided to adjust the parade time from 2 p.m. to 11 a.m.”
According to Kaplan Chief of Police Joshua Hardy, roads will be shut down at 9 a.m. in preparation for the start of the parade.

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Krewe de Mystical Waters’ King Zane Zagar and Queen Britlyn Leblanc Zagar.
Photos by Rachel Trahan

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Fly Me to the Moon:
Clint Renard, Rachel Trahan, Bridget Touchet, Danelle Renard, Liz Schexnayder, Debbie Baudoin, Tina Renard, Tammy Gordon and Mike Blakely

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Stilts Walkers & Puppeteers: Brenn Renard, Francis Nunez, Bryan Touchard, Kristy Touchard, Mike Romero and Jarad Mason

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Space Cadets: Top Row-Jennifer Broussard, Listi
Arceneaux, Kim Mason, Wendy Trahan; Bottom Row-Mark Arceneaux, Jorey Renard, Randall Mitchell & Zack Renard

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Astronauts: Ben LeBlanc, Kyle LeBlanc, Mark Trahan and Clayton Rogers

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Blue Man Group: Robbie Barras, Ches Gordon and Jake Duhon

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Darth Vader & Storm Troopers: Tallon Guiberteau, Chris Esponge and Tucker Zagar

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Mad Scientist & Lab Techs: Top Row - Scott Trahan, Seth Duhon, Andrew Robin, Garrett
Frederick, Zane Zagar, Ken Schexnayder, Hunter Delahoussaye and Tracy Trim; Middle Row-Jamie Schexnayder, Britlyn Zagar, Lili LeBlanc; Bottom Row-Darcel Robin, Tammy Trim, Mandy LeBlanc, Lexi Renard and Renee Renard

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Aliens: Drake LeBlanc and Clay Broussard

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Neon Aliens: Top Row - Brandy Mitchell, Lani Renard, Mitzi Duhon, Aubrey Zagar, Laura Rogers and Kassie Duhon; Bottom Row - Clara Mendoza, JoEllen Barras, Jodi Romero and Ann Nunez

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Young Ambassadors: Shani Sonnier, Chace LeBlanc, Olivia Gordon and Eli LeBlanc

Delcambre's Krewe de Mystical Waters takes ‘trip out of this world’

DELCAMBRE — On Saturday, Feb. 18 at the Hilton Double Tree Hotel in Lafayette, Delcambre’s Krewe de Mystical Waters took its guests on a trip out of this world.
Their 24th annual bal masque, Rock the Force, was held, taking everyone on a musical ride through the galaxy. Reigning over the 2025 festivities were Krewe de Mystical Waters’ 21st King and Queen, Zane and Britlyn Zagar.
The show opened with a phenomenal performance, encouraging guests to “blast off” for an unforgettable night. Everyone was adorned in silver and sparkles, while the big screen featured a space ship taking off to start the show. Following the space cadet performance was a fabulous rendition of “Fly Me to the Moon” by krewe members in their fanciest formal wear. Immediately following, Darth Vader and his storm troopers introduced a group of neon, glowing aliens who swirled and twirled their glowing props to create a breathtaking light show. A mad scientist and his lab techs brought an rock n roll alien to life, and the Purple People Eater made an appearance, among many other surprises.
Later in the night, stilts walkers, puppeteers and futuristic space models stormed the runway, finishing out the show. During the entire performance, the Blue Man Group kept the audience on their toes and laughing with each prop and dance. The intergalactic gala concluded with the formal presentation of King Zane and his queen, Britlyn.

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Emma Gardiner Norris

July 29, 1944 - February 25, 2025

ABBEVILLE / BATON ROUGE, La. — Funeral services will be held on Thursday, March 6, 2025 at 10 a.m. Memorial Mass of Christian Burial at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rayne, LA for Emma Gardiner Norris, 80, who died Tuesday, February 25, 2025 in The Carpenter House in Baton Rouge, LA.
Inurnment will be in the Our Lady of Sacred Heart Church Old Cemetery, Mausoleum in Church Point, LA.
Rev. Billy Massie family friend, Pastor of St. Ann Catholic Church and Holy Spirit Chapel in Mamou and Vidrine, LA will be the Celebrant of the Memorial Mass and will conduct the funeral services.
Emma Gardiner Norris was born on July 29, 1944 to Madeline Sattler Gardiner and Gerald Wayman Gardiner in Church Point. She graduated from The Academy of Sacred Heart High School in Grand Coteau, LA. Emma was a gracious lady who won beauty pageants and poise awards in her youth. An avid equestrian, she enjoyed riding, water skiing, swimming, reading, sewing, genealogy, and later in life she accompanied Bill on many hunting and fishing trips. Emma was the consummate hostess and cook who could seamlessly execute a formal holiday party or whip up a last-minute festive brunch for a large group of hunters. She enjoyed many escapades with her husband, Bill, and their friends in Abbeville. “Mimi” as Emma was known to her children and grandchildren, will be most remembered for her selfless parenting and grand parenting. She loved being with her children and grandchildren and sharing in the challenges and joys of their lives.
Emma is survived by her three children, Emma Claire Fremaux Rees of Pensacola FL: Dr. Nicole Fremaux Keehn and husband, Dr. Gordon Keehn of The Villages, FL., Andre L. Fremaux and wife Fran Lauve Fremaux of Baton Rouge, LA, step-son Wilton J. "Chip" Norris III, and wife Julie Norris, of Mountain Home, AR; and Dr. George C. Rees of Pensacola, FL. She is also survived by her six grandchildren, Dr. Madeline A. Rees of
Houston; Dr. Charles Dodge Rees and wife Chandler M. Rees of New Orleans; Cameron B. Keehn of Houston, Caroline C. Keehn of Houston, Camille L. Fremaux of Dallas, Charles L. Fremaux of Baton Rouge, two step grandchildren, Wilton J. "Wil" Norris IV and wife Tilda of Mountain Home, AR; Lauren J. Norris Morgan and husband Bradan Morgan of Mountain Home, AR, her and her very beloved step-great- grandchild, Audrey Morgan of Mountain Home, AR. She also leaves behind her nieces and nephews, Todd Gardiner and wife Shawne of Crowley, Tisha Gardiner Collado and husband Mike of Lafayette, Jody Gardiner Hammes and husband Terry of Lafayette, Jarrod Gardiner and wife Kecia of Mire, and her sister-in-law, Norma Lee Dodge Gardiner of Rayne.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 46 years, Wilton “Bill” Joseph Norris, Jr., parents, Gerard Wayman Gardiner and Madeline Sattler Gardiner, brother, James “Dee” Aldwin Gardiner, aunts and uncle, Etta Guidry, Emma and Walter “Joe” Daigle, goddaughter Jaime Gardiner Henderson.
A Rosary and Divine Mercy will be prayed Thursday, March 6, 2025 starting at 9:25 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rayne, LA.
The family requests that visitation be observed in Gossen Funeral Home in Rayne LA on Thursday, March 6, 2025 from 9:15 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Emma Gardiner Norris's family would like to give a special thanks to Dr. Michael McCarthy with the Baton Rouge Clinic, St. Joseph Hospice and Carpenter House in Baton Rouge, her caregiver Cassie Battiste, Fr. Cleo and Fr. Anthony with Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church in Baton Rouge.
In Lieu of flowers donations can be made to St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church, P.O. Box 1507, Abbeville, LA 70511-1507, Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church, 455 Marquette Ave., Baton Rouge, LA 70806.
Friends may view the obituary and guestbook online at www.gossenfuneralhome.net.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Gossen Funeral Home, Inc. of Rayne, LA, (337) 334-3141.

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Virginia Julie Flory

December 3, 1938 — February 25, 2025

ABBEVILLE- A Graveside Service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, February 28, 2025, at St. Paul Cemetery honoring the life of Virginia Julie Flory, 86, who passed away on February 25, 2025, at her residence. Deacon William Vincent will officiate the services.
She is survived by her son, Ronald Flory; daughter, Mona Trahan (Glynn); grandchildren, Derek Roy (Caitlyn), Ashley Romero Parich (Tim), and Tyler Trahan; great-grandchildren, Addison, Ryker, Emery, and Elliot; and son-in-law, Lawrence Roy.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Doris Joseph Hebert and Eula Mae Gagneaux; brother, Bobby D. Hebert; son, Donald J. Flory; and daughter, Renee' Flory Roy.
All funeral arrangements are being conducted by Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville (337) 893-4661.

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Wayne James Adams

September 1, 1959 — February 24, 2025

KAPLAN — Wayne J. Adams, a beloved teacher and cherished brother, uncle, and friend, passed away on February 24, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family.
Born in Abbeville on September 1, 1959 and raised in Kaplan, Wayne dedicated his life to education and service, teaching social studies at Gueydan High School for many years. His passion for knowledge, his kind and generous spirit, and his ability to inspire his students made him not only a respected educator but a mentor and friend to many. Beyond the classroom, he had a deep love for studying genealogy, exploring his roots and sharing his findings with family and friends.
Wayne was a proud alumnus of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, where he earned his degree and became a lifelong Ragin' Cajun fan. His love for his roots and his community was matched only by his love for adventure. Hawaii held a special place in his heart - its culture, beauty, and beaches became one of his greatest joys, and he often spoke of it as his favorite destination.
A man of deep faith, Wayne was a devout Catholic, living his life guided by compassion, kindness, and generosity. His gentle soul, warm smile, and unwavering support touched the lives of everyone who knew him. His legacy of love, learning, and faith will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, students, and all who were fortunate enough to know him.
A Mass of Christian Burial officiated by Monsignor Russell Harrington will be held at 12:00 PM, Saturday, March 1, 2025 at Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Roman Catholic Church honoring the life of Wayne J. Adams, 65. He will be laid to rest at Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be David Michel, Brian Guidry, Jason Warnick, Eric Adams, Phillip Riik, and David Riik.
A visitation will take place at Vincent Funeral Home of Kaplan on Friday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and will continue on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. when the procession departs for the church. A rosary will be prayed at 7 p.m. on Friday.
He is survived by his sisters, Debbie Duhon of Scott and Madeleine Michel and her husband, David of Houston; one nephew, Brian Guidry and his wife, Adrienne of Alexandria; and one niece, Ashley Warnick and her husband, Jason of Katy, TX and their children, Olivia and Jackson Warnick.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Emick Adams and the former Renee Marceaux; his great nephew, Noah Paul Guidry; and brother-in-law, Kurt Duhon.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center and Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans.
All funeral arrangements are being conducted by Vincent Funeral Home - Kaplan (337) 643-7276.

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Lance James Romero

December 10, 1975 - February 24, 2025

ERATH – Funeral services will be conducted for Lance James Romero, age 49, on Friday, February 28, 2025, at Frioux-David Funeral Chapel at 10:30 a.m. with Deacon Glenn Stutes officiating. Entombment will follow at Our Lady of the Lake Cemetery in Delcambre.
The visitation will be held on Friday, February 28, 2025, from 8 a.m. until service time at 10:30 a.m.
A native and resident of Erath, Lance James Romero passed away on Monday, February 24, 2025. Lance had a love of hunting and fishing.
Lance is survived by his mother, Susan Suire; stepfather, Leroy Broussard; daughters, Kyla Arceneaux, Mylie Stelly; one son, Coyden Romero, and half-sister, Tasha Romero.
He was preceded in death by his father, Phillip James Romero.
Honored to serve as Pallbearers are Colin Broussard, Aiden Broussard, Colby Broussard, Bobby Perry, Derrick Sonnier, Leroy Broussard, and Karl Derise.
Frioux - David Funeral Home of Erath, 209 Putman, 337-937-0405 is handling the service arrangements.

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Rachel Adelle Thornhill has not been seen since Feb. 2, 2025.

UPDATE: Kaplan Chief of Police reports that Rachel Thornhill has been found safe

UPDATE: Kaplan Chief of Police Joshua Hardy said Rachel Thornhill has been found safe.

KAPLAN — Kaplan Chief of Police Joshua Hardy said the department is seeking information regarding a missing person.
Name: Rachel Adelle Thornhill
Race: Black
Sex: Female
Eyes: Brown
Hair: Black
Height: 5’01’’
Weight: Around 110-115
Thornhill was Last seen Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025, when she was brought to Kaplan Hospital for evaluation by her mother, Ramona Coleman.
Anyone with information on the case can contact the Kaplan Police Department at 337-643-8600.

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Rotarian Brady Broussard Jr., Mayor Roslyn White, Rotarian Pam Trahan and Rotary President Todd Chauvin took part in honoring Lloyd Doré, a longtime member of the Rotary Club of Abbeville. White presented Doré with a Key to the City.

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Family, friends and fellow members of the Abbeville Rotary Club of Abbeville took part in the evening honoring Lloyd Doré.

Lloyd Doré honored by fellow Abbeville Rotarians

Mayor presents longtime Rotary Club of Abbeville member with City to City

The Rotary Club of Abbeville recently celebrated one of its longtime members, Lloyd Doré.
Family, friends, and fellow Rotarians gathered to recognize Doré’s contributions not only to the club but also to the City and community.
Rotary Club President Todd Chauvin said the club wanted to “create a moment that truly reflected Lloyd’s impact on Abbeville and beyond. Inspired by a personal moment with his father (Don Chauvin) in 2020, Todd Chauvin worked alongside fellow Rotarians to bring this heartfelt recognition to life. 
Rotarian Bernard Duhon coordinated the guest speakers, who shared heartfelt words and personal stories about Doré’s leadership, generosity, and dedication to service. Guest speakers include:
•  Pam Trahan – Past President & Assistant Governor, Rotary Club of Abbeville
• Eric Adcock – President, Abbeville Historical & Cultural Alliance
• Marlene Thompson – Vermilion Parish Library Board
• Rebecca Shirley – Vermilion Parish Chamber of Commerce
• Ret. Appellate Judge Marc Amy – Louisiana Court of Appeal, Third Circuit
• PDG Frank Bradshaw – District 6200 Administrator, Rotary International
• Mayor Roslyn White – City of Abbeville 
One of the highlights of the came when White presented Doré with a Key to the City.

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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