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Lou Anna Landry

ABBEVILLE — Memorial services for Lou Anna Landry are scheduled for 11;00 A.M. Saturday, December, 21, 2024 in the chapel of Kinchen Funeral Home - 218 N. St. Valarie Street (337) 898-9595. Rev. Harris Antoine will officiate the service.
Mrs. Lou Anna Landry answered the call from her heavenly father on Friday, December 13, 2024, at Oschner Lafayette General. Mrs. Landry was born in Erath, La to Anethal and Rena George of Erath on February 2, 1950. Mrs. Lou Anna Landry was reared in Erath. She loved watching football, and baseball, and spending her Sundays connecting with her family in Texas and Baton Rouge.
Mrs. Lou Anna Landry leaves to cherish many fond memories of her husband, Lawrence Landry Sr. of 47 years, son Lawrence Landry Jr. of Houston, TX, a special granddaughter, Paige Landry of Houston, TX. One brother, Daniel (Barbara) George of Erath, 2 sisters, Laura Jolly of Abbeville and Elizabeth George of Erath. 7 nieces, Christine Cannon of Erath, Joycelyn Cannon of Colorado, Carla (Mac) Sinegal of Houston, TX Danielle George of Erath, Jody (Joe) Ashley, and Katrina (Chris) Jolly, both of Abbeville, and Shelia George of Breaux Bridge. 4 nephews Brandon George, Bradley George, Jason George, and Norman Cannon Jr. all of Erath. She also leaves memories to a host of other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Anethal and Rena George, Brother Rufus George, sister Peggy Cannon, brother-in-law Norman Cannon and grandparents, Father and mother in law Gustin and Hilda Landry, brother-in-law Clayton Landry and Augustin “June “Landry.
Condolences to the family may be expressed on our website at www.kinchenfuneralhome.com.

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Guy Bourque for Kaplan takes a jump shot behind the 3-point line.

Kaplan splits with Crowley

KAPLAN - The Lady Pirates of Kaplan ended a three-game losing streak last week after beating Crowley 55-31.
The victory improves Kaplan to 4-7 on theuyear.
Makayla Davenport had a great game for Kaplan. She scored 16 points to lead the team.
She made 3 three pointers.
Liberty Greene added 13 points. Drew Kass scored six and Lexi Green made five for KHS.
In boys action, the Gents beat the Pirates 72-44.
Kaplan at one time in the second quarter closed to within three points, 18-15, but could not catch up.
Rashad Boudreaux and Blaiyd Michael scored eight points for Kaplan.
Javonte Mouton chipped in five.

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NV’s Joci Delino (left) and Abigail Duhon (8) try to break through Northlake Christian’s defensive line

North Vermilion soccer teams get big wins

LEROY - The North Vermilion Lady Patriots soccer team has won three straight and improved to 7-5 overall.
In North Vermilion’s seven wins, six wins have been shutouts.
Acadiana High scored two goals in the Lady Patriots 3-2 win.
In the last three games, the Lady Patriots have outscored their opponents 15-0.
They have beaten David Thibodaux (3-0), Pearl River (5-0) and Morgan City (7-0).
In the win over Pearl River, senior captain Joci Delino scored two goals. Other scorers were junior Duyen Reaux (1 goal), freshman Aubrey Donner (1 goal), and sophomore Abigail Hebert (1 goal).
In the victory over Morgan City, Delino scored three goals, junior Duyen Reaux scored two goals and an assist. Junior Kylie Lassister had a goal and an assist. Duhon also scored a goal.

NV boys...1
Tara.........0

The North Vermilion boys soccer team has won four out of its last five games, including a big win earlier this week.
The Patriots beat Tara this past week to improve to 6-3-2 overall.
Hunter Buford scored the Patriots’ only goal against Tara.
It was a huge win for the Patriots because going into the match, Tara was undefeated at 9-0.
As of Thursday, North Vermilion is No. 9 in power point ranking in Divison II. Tara (9-1) is No. 10.
Teurlings (8-0) is No. 1 in power ranking.

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Broc Prejean, head coach at VC.

GeauxPreps.com website names Broc Prejean as Class A coach of the year

GeauxPreps.com Managing Editor

Vermilion Catholic’s Broc Prejean has been named the GeauxPreps Class 1A Coach of the Year after leading the Screaming Eagles to a perfect 14-0 season and their third state championship in school history.
Under Prejean’s guidance, Vermilion Catholic dominated their path to the Division IV Select title, capping off the season with a 33-0 shutout victory over Kentwood in the semifinals and a 33-21 victory over #11 Ouachita Christian in the state title game. Prejean’s squad became one of only two teams in Louisiana to complete an undefeated season in 2024.
The Screaming Eagles proved their strength throughout the season with significant regular-season victories over Loreauville, Erath, Riverside, and Ascension Episcopal, setting the tone for their postseason success. They powered through the playoffs with strong performances, including a 47-17 win over Westminster Christian in the regional round and a 60-20 rout of St. Edmund in the quarterfinals. The team was led by Most Outstanding Player, Jonathan Dartez, who solidified his place in Louisiana high school football history by setting the career touchdown record with 173 and adding four more scores in the title game.
The 2024 championship adds to Vermilion Catholic’s storied history, which now includes state titles in 2013 and 2003. Prejean’s leadership has cemented the Screaming Eagles as one of the premier programs in Class 1A and earned him the well-deserved honor of being named GeauxPreps Class 1A Coach of the Year.

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Jonathan Dartez is voted the top offensive player in Class A.

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Allen McLain III

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Jackson Trahan

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Luke McLain

VC's Dartez named top Class A offensive player of the year

Four Eagles land on All-State team

By Chris Singleton

Written for the LSWA

Vermilion Catholic and Kentwood enjoyed memorable runs through the LHSAA Division IV select playoff bracket this season.
The two teams met in the semifinals with the winner advancing to Prep Classic championship game at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.
Although Vermilion Catholic rolled to a 33-0 win over Kentwood in the semifinals, both teams topped the 2024 Louisiana Sports Writers Association Class 1A All-State team.
Vermilion Catholic senior quarterback Jonathan Dartez earned Outstanding Offensive Player honors on the All-State team, while Kentwood senior defensive lineman La’Mikal Callahan took home Outstanding Defensive Player honors. The All-State teams were selected by sportswriters throughout the state.
Dartez led Vermilion Catholic to a perfect 14-0 record and a Division IV select state championship. It was Vermilion Catholic’s third state title in school history and first since 2013.
Dartez dominated throughout the season with 2,761 rushing yards and 44 touchdowns on 348 carries. He averaged 7.9 yards per carry. As a passer, he completed 92-of-146 passes for 1,638 yards, 23 touchdowns and four interceptions. He finished with 177 career touchdowns (a state record) and 13,302 total yards for his career.
Callahan played a key role in Kentwood’s run to the semifinals this season with 172 tackles, 76 tackles for a loss and 27 sacks. He also recorded 36 quarterback hurries for Kentwood, which finished the season with a 10-4 record.
Covenant Christian Academy’s Jesse Turner received LSWA Coach of the Year honors in Class 1A. He helped CCA improve from a 4-8 record in 2023 to a 11-1 record in 2024. The Lions finished 10-0 in the regular season for the first time in school history, won their first district title since the 2016 season and advanced to the Division IV select quarterfinals for the second time in school history.

LSWA CLASS 1A ALL-STATE CHART

OFFENSE

Pos player school ht wt cl

WR Nehemiah Philip Riverside Academy 6-0 192 Sr.

WR Jermaine Brown Kentwood 6-0 180 Jr.

TE Allen McLain Vermilion Catholic 6-0 190 Sr.

OL Ayden Bullock Riverside Academy 6-2 270 Jr.

OL Kabren Thomas Covenant Christian Academy 6-1 260 Jr.

OL Jackson Trahan Vermilion Catholic 6-2 255 Sr.

OL Gregory Green Jeanerette 6-2, 265, So.

OL Dakota Davis Haynesville 5-11 230 Sr.

QB Jonathan Dartez Vermilion Catholic 5-8 170 Sr.

RB Harlem Berry St. Martin’s Episcopal 5-11 188 Sr.

RB Dedric Lastie Riverside Academy 5-4 165 Sr.

RB Chad Elzy Jr. Ascension Catholic 5-10 205 Sr.

PK Cooper Helmke St. Martin’s Episcopal 6-3 180 Sr.

ATH Owen Trosclair Covenant Christian Academy 5-10 160 Jr.

DEFENSE

DL Ahmad Cage Riverside Academy 5-9 250 So.

DL Javonte Williams Jeanerette 6-2 240 Jr.

DL La’Mikal Callahan Kentwood 6-0 225 Sr.

DL Germerian Williams Haynesville 5-11 230 Sr.

LB Cole Parrino St. Frederick 5-11 210 Sr.

LB Mace Melancon Ascension Catholic 5-10 200 Sr.

LB Keizavion Woods Haynesville 6-3 215 Sr.

LB Hunter Martin Logansport 5-9 165 Jr

DB Damarion Berry General Trass 5-10 175 Jr.

DB Owen O’Neal St. Frederick 5-9 170 Jr.

DB Luke McLain Vermilion Catholic 6-0 180 Jr.

DB Isaiah Washington Haynesville 6-1 170 Jr.

P Eli Bray Haynesville 6-1 200 Jr.

KR Javon Vital Hamilton Christian 5-10 185 So.

ATH Trevoris Norman Southern Lab 5-7 180 Sr.

OUTSTANDING OFFENSIVE PLAYER: Jonathan Dartez, Vermilion Catholic

OUTSTANDING DEFENSIVE PLAYER: La’Mikal Callahan, Kentwood

COACH OF THE YEAR: Jesse Turner, Covenant Christian Academy

HONORABLE MENTION

Austin Paine, Ascension Catholic; Alijah Hardy, Basile; Makelin Lemoine, Elton; Rory Lambert, Catholic-Pointe Coupee; Landyn Ramagos, Central Catholic; Tate Fontenot, Central Catholic; Russel Mandenbourg, Centerville; Jaden Carter, Covenant Christian Academy; Brennan Champagne, Covenant Christian Academy; Patrick Williams, Covenant Christian Academy; Tyrin Singleton, Delta Charter; Marcus LeBlanc, Elton; Ahmoniee Williams, General Trass; Josh Hopkins, General Trass; Chris Rideau, Hamilton Christian; Derwin Rankins, Hamilton Christian; Andrea Brooks, Haynesville; Isaiah Washington, Haynesville; Jayden Bokemeyer, Oberlin; Kyle Horde, Westminster-Opelousas; Henry Summerlin, St. Edmund; Rowen Bergeron, Opelousas Catholic; Andre Abshire, Ascension Episcopal; Matthew Thompson, LaSalle; Ayden Gongre, Montgomery; Mason Jordan, Montgomery; Jacorian Shepherd, Montgomery; Atlas Hicks, St. Mary’s; Haiden Nelson, St. Mary’s; Braylon Normand, St. Mary’s; Cenario Wilson, Lincoln Prep; D’Tavion Wright, Lincoln Prep; Eli Carr, St. Frederick; Armyrian Asberry, Southern Lab; Jerry Bottley, Southern Lab; Jukadynn Carter, Logansport; Tonashton Bland, Logansport; Andrew McCormick, Ascension Episcopal; Kenric Johnson, Riverside; Kaleb Brumfield, Riverside; Mekell Toussaint, North Iberville; Jon’Quinn Charles, Jeanerette; Wyatt Dubois, St. Edmund; William Patrick, St. Edmund; Joradae Grows, West St. John; Chance Bovie, West St. John; Bryce Guillory, Grand Lake; Brooks Capps, Catholic-Point Coupee.

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Jacob Charles Comeaux

Attorney General Murrill’s LBI agents arrest Rayne man for Pornography Involving Juveniles

Agents with Attorney General Liz Murrill’s Louisiana Bureau of Investigation arrested a man from Rayne on December 17, 2024.
Jacob Charles Comeaux, 21, of Wiltz Street in Rayne, was arrested for violating:
• 14:81.1-- Pornography Involving Juveniles Under the Age of 13 – 7 Counts
A tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children sparked our investigation.
This arrest was a result of a joint investigation with The Louisiana Bureau of Investigation, the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Acadia Parish Sheriff’s Office, and Homeland Security Investigations.
Jacob Charles Comeaux was booked into the Acadia Parish Jail and then transported to Vermilion Correctional Center, where he was booked on the above-mentioned charges.
His bond has been reportedly set at $50,000.00
The investigation is ongoing.

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Leeward Joseph Thibodeaux

January 19, 1931 - December 15, 2024

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:30 PM, Thursday, December 19, 2024, at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church honoring the life of Leeward Joseph Thibodeaux, 93, with Reverend Nicholas DuPre’ officiating. Leeward passed away on Sunday December 15, 2024, at his residence. Lectors for the Mass will be Rani P. Broussard and Kim Armentor.
Gift bearers will be Niki M. Thibodeaux, Gabrielle J. Thibodeaux, Maddox J. Primeaux, Evan P. Broussard, Hayes Thibodeaux, Connor P. Primeaux and Audrey E. Primeaux.
He will be laid to rest at St. Paul Cemetery, with the Acadian Honor Guard rendering honors. Honored to serve as pallbearers will be Guy R. Thibodeaux, Garett J. Thibodeaux, Heath Broussard, Alvin J. Primeaux, Steffan J. Primeaux, Cy P. Primeaux and Richard “Dickie” Armentor.
Leeward Joseph Thibodeaux, born on January 19, 1931, in Henry to Nudes and Nelia Thibodeaux, was a remarkable individual whose life was marked by achievement and love. He excelled academically at Henry High School, graduating as valedictorian in 1948 before pursuing a bachelor’s degree in science and math at SLI (now UL Lafayette). After completing his education, he served two years in the Army, spending 14 months stationed in Okinawa, Japan.
Upon returning home, Leeward married his beloved Betty Armentor on June 5, 1955. Their marriage lasted an impressive 69 years, filled with love and companionship until his passing.
Leeward dedicated over 25 years of his career to Farm Bureau Insurance before retiring.
A true lover of country life, he enjoyed raising cattle and working on his farm, sharing the joys of rural living with his grandchildren. Whether he was on his tractor, pulling trees, or taking a peaceful nap under the shade of a big oak tree, he found solace and happiness in his surroundings.
Leeward affectionately referred to his property as “next to heaven,” reflecting his deep appreciation for the simple pleasures of life.
He is survived by his loving wife, Betty Armentor Thibodeaux; daughter, Karla T. Primeaux and her husband, Alvin; son, Guy R. Thibodeaux and his wife, Pauline; sister, Mamie T. Cormier and her husband, Billy. Leeward is also survived by his five grandchildren, Rani P. Broussard (Heath), Garett J. Thibodeaux ( Brittany), Steffan J. Primeaux (Sarah), Niki M. Thibodeaux, and Cy P. Primeaux (Jennifer); and six great grandchildren, Gabrielle J. Thibodeaux, Maddox J. Primeaux, Evan P. Broussard, Hayes J. Thibodeaux, Connor P. Primeaux, and Audrey E. Primeaux.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Nudes Paul Thibodeaux and Nelia Marie Leleux Thibodeaux; and sister, Beverly T. Broussard.
Relatives and friends are invited for visitation at Vincent Funeral Home 209 S. Saint Charles St. Abbeville on Thursday, December 19, 2024, from 9:30 AM to until 1:15 PM when the procession will depart for church, with a rosary to be prayed at noon.
All funeral arrangements are being conducted by Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville (337) 893-4661.

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A prisoner was found unresponsive in a cell in the Vermilion Parish jail.

Inmate dies in Vermilion Parish prison; foul play not suspected

According to Sheriff Eddie Langlinais, on Dec. 17 at 2:50 a.m., an inmate notified correctional deputies at the Vermilion Parish Correctional Center of an inmate experiencing a medical emergency.

Upon opening the cell, correctional deputies found that Mitchel P. Bertrand (W/M, DOB: 11/20/1971) of Abbeville was unresponsive and not breathing.
Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office Correctional Deputies immediately began performing Life-Saving measures on Bertrand until Acadian Ambulance Service paramedics arrived.
Once paramedics arrived on scene, Life-Saving measures continued, and Bertrand was transported by Acadian Ambulance Services to Abbeville General Hospital. Hospital staff continued life-saving measures until Bertrand was pronounced deceased at 3:42 a.m.
Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office Detectives were contacted to initiate an investigation. Through the investigation, it was learned that Bertrand began showing signs of distress, and within one minute, life-saving measures were started.
After reviewing video footage in the initial phase of the investigation, no foul play is suspected. Any further updates will be offered when they are deemed appropriate.
Sheriff Eddie Langlinais personally extends his deepest sympathies to Bertrand’s family.
He offers his gratitude to the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office Corrections Deputies at the Vermilion Parish Correctional Center for their swift response to the emergency.
Sheriff Langlinais also extends a thank you to the Detectives investigating this incident, and the medical professionals at Acadian Ambulance Services and Abbeville General Hospital for their life-saving efforts.

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Magdalen Square had plenty of vendors.

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CYT performers marched in the parade.

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The Abbeville High Cheerleaders and the Wildcat mascot were on a float.

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This is the side of the house that won the decorating contest. It was owned by Lexi Stelly of Abbeville.

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This is the front of the winning house.

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Santa Claus was in Abbeville for the parade.

Abbeville's Christmas Celebration a huge success

The Christmas Celebration in Abbeville is getting bigger each year, and this year may have been the best.
On Saturday, downtown Abbeville looked like a Hallmark TV movie, with white lights lighting up buildings and the streets.
The day began early with a car show and musical entertainment, and it capped off with a 5:30 p.m. parade and a visit from Santa in Magdalen Square.
With perfect weather, the Abbeville streets were packed along the parade route, which began at Jim’s Tire Service and ended at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church.
The parade lasted 45 minutes.
“I think the celebration has grown yearly,” said Rotary Club President Todd Chauvin.
Claire Broussard is the president of the Christmas Celebration. She said the parade was twice as big as usual and lasted 45 minutes. 
“There were more floats that were decorated with a theme,” she said.  
Magdalen Square was full of vendors that remained open until 8 p.m.
At the end of the parade, the Abbeville Rotary Club donated toys to more than 1,000 children waiting in line for the free toys.
A new added attraction that was a hit was a hand-made train featuring train cars that children could ride in.
This past Saturday, from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m., Stacy Landry, the conductor, drove a train full of children around the courthouse and dropped them off at Magdalen Square.
Here is a list of winners for the parade and the decoration:
Home winner:
• Lexi Stelly at 1101 Allen Alexandre

Business winner:
• Auto Correct Automotive Repair

Parade Winners:
• Glenn Lege Construction

Christmas Spirit:
• Palmetto State Park

Original:
• David Keating

Judge’s Choice:
• Relay for Life

Car winner:
• Mitch Reed

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Jonathan Dartez holds his outstanding award trophy that he won.

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Jonathan Dartez heads up for in the first half.

Vermilion Catholic's Dartez has outstanding performance in state finals

He has 47 carries which is a state record

NEW ORLEANS - What an epic way to wrap up your last high school football game! You’re out there on Louisiana’s biggest stage, showcasing your skills in front of thousands of fans and on TV, and it all pays off in the end.
That was the case for Jonathan “Jon Jon” Dartez.
Dartez, the quarterback for VC for the past four years, rushed a record-high 47 times during the LHSAA Prep Classic, the most in its 44-year history. These carries were crucial as he led VC to its third state title, achieving a 33-21 victory over Ouachita Christian on Thursday. 
“Forty-seven carries,” Ouachita Christian head coach Steven Fitzhugh said. “He ought to sleep well tonight.”
Dartez finished with 253 yards, scored two touchdowns, and threw two more touchdowns to finish his history-making career with 177 touchdowns - now the state’s all-time TD record holder.
He was also named the Division IV Select Finals’ Outstanding Player.
Dartez ended his final season with 2,761 yards rushing and 44 touchdowns, 1,638 passing yards, and another 23 scores.
During the press conference following the game, Dartez reflected on his roots.
“I just want to give a shout out to the Abbeville and Vermilion Parish,” said Dartez. “I want to thank everyone, including my parents. I know they sacrificed a lot for me to be a VC. “
Carrying the pigskin 40 or more times is nothing new to Dartez. He has carried the ball 40 times three times this year, however. Forty-seven is the most this year.
His longest run of the night was a 44-yard touchdown run with 10 seconds to play in the first quarter. He also had a three-yard TD run at the 8:04 mark in the first quarter.   In the first quarter, he had 113 yards on 16 carries and scored two touchdowns.
He also threw two touchdown passes. He completed a 12-yard TD pass to Allen McLain III in the second period and a 20-yard TD pass to Jyrin Bessard in the third quarter.  
Two years ago, Dartez was a sophomore, and VC head coach Broc Prejean was a third-year head coach when VC lost 28-14 to OCS in the Superdome.
Now, Prejean has his first state championship as a coach, 21 years after being a part of the school’s first title as a player.
“Super special memory back in ‘03,” Prejean said, “but if I’m being upfront and honest, there’s an amount of emotion and reward far greater than that.”
This season, Dartez set specific goals at the beginning. One goal was to help VC win a Division IV state title. 
On Thursday, in front of at least 15 reporters, including 7 TV reporters after the game, Dartez explained to the media one of the things that fueled him all year.
“In August, one reporter asked me where I see myself at the end of the year,” Dartez said in the press conference at the end of the game.  “I told him I see myself winning the state championship.  The reporter responded by telling me to be more realistic. That response by the reporter  really frustrated me all season.”
 Dartez should no longer be frustrated because he accomplished his goal of helping the VC Eagles win a state title.

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Abbeville Meridional

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Abbeville, LA 70510
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Fax: 337-898-9022

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