Latest news with #Fontenot
American Press
2 days ago
- Sport
- American Press
All-Southwest La. Small Schools: Iguess, Fontenot named MVPs
K inder's Brianna Fontenot and Welsh's Dane Iguess closed out their high school softball and baseball careers with stellar seasons to lead their teams deep into the playoffs. They are the American Press All-Southwest Louisiana Small Schools MVPs. Softball Fontenot won her third All-Southwest MVP honor. She won her first as a freshman in 2022, and last season she was the Big Schools MVP when the Yellow Jackets were in Class 3A. 'From when the season started, till the end, she gave everything that she had even on her rough days,' Kinder head coach Sarah Chaney said. 'When some games were on the line, coaches, as well as her teammates, had trust in her to do whatever she needed to do.' Fontenot batted over .500 for a fourth time while striking out once in 87 plate appearances. The Purdue signee and prolific hitter had 24 extra-base hits, including seven home runs, and drove in 40 runs to push her career totals to 52 home runs and 204 RBIs. She led the Yellow Jackets to the quarterfinals for the second time in her career with 12 multi-hit games and 10 games with two or more RBI. In the circle, she was equally feared with a 15-1 record and a 2.33 earned run average in 102 1/3 innings. She struck out 119 batters and walked 17. She pitched two no-hitters, including one against Oakdale on March 19 with 12 strikeouts. She finished her high school career with 504 strikeouts and a 60-14 record in four seasons as a starter. 'Brianna has made such an impact on Kinder High softball since the beginning of her freshman year, coming in as a starter and learning and growing as a teammate, and also as a person and player,' Chaney said. 'I wish her the best at Purdue and can't wait to see what she accomplishes there.' Baseball Iguess headed up a strong senior class to lead the Greyhounds to the state tournament for the first time since 2019. The 6-foot-2 southpaw went 9-1 in 12 starts on the mound and pitched five complete games. In 72 2/3 innings, he struck out 93 batters with 18 walks and a 1.80 ERA. Opponents struggled against him, batting .197. 'He had a great year,' Welsh head coach Caleb Hayes said. 'I think it is going to go down as one of the best pitching years in school history. He is just a competitor.' Iguess hit .330 as the Greyhounds' leadoff batter with seven doubles, using speed to steal 20 of 21 bases and score 27 runs. At the top of the order, he didn't get many opportunities to drive in runs (8), but he came up big in the Non-select Division IV semifinals with a walk-off RBI hit in Welsh's 8-7 eight-inning win over DeQuincy. Iguess was a defensive asset with a .902 fielding percentage. In the postseason, Iguess went 2-0 with 25 strikeouts and seven walks in 18 innings and helped the Greyhounds get through the quarterfinals after losses in 2023 and '24. 'He actually started in a quarterfinal game as a sophomore and junior and both of those didn't go our way,' Hayes said. 'It was kind of fitting that we rolled with him in the quarters and we leaned on him in the semifinals, and we got to the state championship game.' Coaches In his sixth season as head coach, Hayes, a former Greyhound standout, took Welsh back to the final for the first time since 2018. Welsh won two of its first seven games but turned things around to earn the No. 2 seed in Non-select Division IV and finish 23-11. The Greyhound lost to the four-time defending state champion, Oak Grove, in the final. In her first season as head coach, Chaney helped her former high school break out of its regional round jinks and reach the quarterfinals for the first time since 2022. The Yellow Jackets lost in the regional round in 2023 and '24 as a top-four seed. Kinder started the season 12-1 and finished 17-6. They bowed out of the playoffs to Non-select Division III runner-up Jena in the quarterfinals. Small Schools Baseball Pos. Player, School Cl. Statistics P Carson Rainwater, DeQuincy Sr. 9-4, 1.39 ERA, 116 Ks P Gage Guidry, Vinton Jr. 6-2, 1.67 ERA, 108 Ks P Cohen Cormier, Welsh Sr. 5-5, 2.50 ERA, 40 Ks P Riddick Meaux, Kinder Jr. 5-1, 1.60 ERA, 30 Ks C Andrew Dowden, DeQuincy Sr. .486 avg., 3 HR, 50 RBIs INF Cameron Bonin, Lake Arthur Jr. .458 avg., 17 RBIs, 19 runs INF Rylan Young, Grand Lake Sr. .455 avg., 38 RBIs/8-0, 55 Ks, 1.50 ERA INF Connor Courmier, Vinton Sr. .350 avg., 13 RBIs, 12 runs INF Gabriel McKee, Rosepine Sr. .379 avg., 24 RBIs, 35 runs OF Dane Iguess, Welsh Sr. .330 avg./9-1, 93 Ks, 1.80 ERA OF Blaze Brister, Merryville Jr. .395 avg., 12 RBIs, 15 runs OF Turner Rodriguez, DeQuincy Jr. .400 avg., 35 RBIs / 7-2, 74 Ks UT Layne Bageux, Lacassine Jr. .371 avg., 3 HR, 29 RBIs UT Law Faulk, Grand Lake Fr. .484 avg., 25 RBIs/ 5-0, 1.10 ERA UT Braeden Strother, Oakdale Sr. 5-3, 2.07 ERA, 45 Ks/ .273 avg. UT Hunter Broussard, Reeves So. .362 avg., 20 RBIs, 31 runs UT Madden Spicer, Hackberry Fr. .278 avg., 21 RBIs/4-3, 60k MVP — Dane Iguess, Welsh COACH OF THE YEAR — Caleb Hayes, Welsh Softball Pos. Player, School Cl. Statistics P Ainslie Willis, Oakdale Jr. 10-5, 3.12 ERA, 97 Ks P Brianna Fontenot, Kinder Sr. 15-1, 2.33 ERA, 119 Ks P Marli Jones, Rosepine So. 13-6, 3.60 ERA, 142 Ks P Maddie Vinatieri, DeQuincy So. 14-11, 3.80 ERA, 172 Ks C Aubrey May, Kinder Jr. .419 avg., 12 doubles, 22 RBIs INF Alaina Bearb, Grand Lake Jr. .352 avg., 37 runs, 16 SB INF Analeigh Roberts, Rosepine Jr. .378 avg., 8 HR, 26 RBIs INF Aubrie Richard, Bell City Jr. .364 avg., 6 doubles, 14 RBIs INF Shay Lott, Merryville Sr. .477 avg., 37 SB, 18 RBIs OF Layla Gauthier, Lake Arthur Sr. .529 avg., 13 RBIs OF Reesie Jinks, Fairview Sr. .646 avg., 25 runs, 32 SB OF Onnie Remedies, DeQuincy Fr. .411 avg., 34 RBIs, 12 SB UT Madelyn Nolen, Starks Sr. 12-6, 113 Ks/ .570 avg., 38 RBIs UT Jolie Gary, Vinton Sr. .551 avg., 6 HR, 33 RBIs/ 982/3 IP, 116 Ks UT Addison Hollier, Lacassine So. .490 avg., 22 RBIs, 20 runs UT Jolie West, Oakdale Sr. .565 avg., .643 OBP, 27 RBIs UT Maggie Johnson, Welsh Sr. .407 avg., 16 RBIs, 25 runs MVP — Brianna Fontenot, Kinder COACH OF THE YEAR — Sarah Chaney, Kinder
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Homeowners struggle as prices skyrocket for household necessity: 'A lot of people are just being priced out'
Texas homeowners are facing skyrocketing insurance costs, with policies becoming harder to find and more expensive because of natural disasters' increasing severity, reported KHOU 11 News. New homeowner Jonathan Leopold discovered this harsh reality while trying to secure insurance for his Houston home. "You have to have home insurance that qualifies with the mortgage company. It was a little frustrating that I had to shop multiple insurance agencies," he shared. Insurance broker Melody Fontenot confirmed this trend is widespread. "I'm going to say about 10 to 15% higher. Definitely. Yes. And in some areas even more," she explained. The situation has become dire for many Texans. "A lot of people are just being priced out," Fontenot noted. Insurance companies are increasingly pulling out of flood-prone areas that have experienced multiple flooding events. When fewer companies serve a region, remaining insurers can raise rates even higher. Attorney John Black, who represents homeowners against insurance companies, highlighted the growing tension: "Insurance companies are charging more and giving less, covering less." This insurance crisis is a result of our changing climate. As warming temperatures drive more severe weather events across Texas, from hurricanes to floods, insurance companies face mounting claims and financial pressure. When smaller companies can't handle the rising costs of climate-related disasters, they're forced to merge with larger firms or go out of business entirely. Consolidation reduces competition, allowing remaining companies to charge higher premiums. Without adequate coverage, homeowners face devastating personal and financial losses when disasters strike. Many families may need to compromise on protection, leaving them vulnerable during increasingly unpredictable weather events. Do you think home heating costs are higher than they should be? Definitely Depends on the season Depends where you live No Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. The situation also disproportionately affects people in particularly vulnerable communities. For instance, if you live in an area that's already experienced flooding, you may find it nearly impossible to secure affordable coverage. Despite these challenges, homeowners have options to help manage insurance costs. Fontenot recommends shopping around for new rates each year to find better deals as the market changes. You can also work on improving your credit score, which can lower your premium costs over time. Many people don't realize how much their credit rating affects their insurance rates. Using an insurance broker rather than contacting companies directly can save you time and money. Brokers work with multiple companies and can find options you might miss on your own. For his part, Leopold persevered through the difficult process. "I just continued to shop and did not get discouraged," he said. Industry experts also suggest considering higher deductibles to lower monthly costs, bundling home and auto insurance for discounts, and installing protective features like storm shutters or reinforced roofing that can qualify you for premium reductions. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
American Press
08-05-2025
- American Press
UPDATE: Suspect in fatal of shooting of 14-year-old not talking
Jonathan Simien. (Special to the American Press) A GoFundMe and other fundraisers have been launched to help cover funeral expenses for a 14-year-old Lake Arthur girl who was fatally shot while visiting a friend. The victim, identified by family and friends on social media as Nayomie Marie Fontenot, was fatally shot shortly before midnight Wednesday at a residence in the 1200 block of State Street in Lake Arthur. The residence is the home of a close friend of the victim, according to Jeff Davis Parish Sheriff Kyle Miers. Jonathan Simien, 18, of Lake Arthur was arrested Wednesday and charged with second-degree murder and illegal carrying and discharge of a weapon. He is currently being held without bond in the Jeff Davis Parish Jail. On Thursday, Miers said the investigation is ongoing and authorities are working to understand the circumstances of the shooting as the suspect is not providing information. He also said that more charges are possible. 'Detectives are working diligently to validate information gained by witnesses and family members,' he said. 'So at this time, I'm not going to comment on motives or what led to the fatal shooting.' Additionally, Miers said his ability to release information is limited due to the involvement of multiple juveniles. Investigators have questioned other individuals who were present at the residence but unharmed. Fontenot was a student at the James Ward Center for Excellence in Jennings. Joni McZeal of Lake Arthur has initiated a Go Fund Me campaign to help Fontenot's family with funeral expenses with a goal of $5,000, As of Thursday afternoon, over $4,920 has been donated. A message on the GoFundMe page from the McZeal/Fontenot family expressed their need for support in giving Fontenot a dignified and heartfelt farewell during this difficult time. They thanked donors in advance for their contributions. Additionally, a car wash fundraiser will be held noon to 5:30 p.m. Saturday at the MLK Park on GC Chaney Avenue in Lake Arthur to further assist with funeral costs. The services for Fontenot are scheduled for 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 14, at Antioch Baptist Church in Lake Arthur.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
St. Landry Parish schools to open up Thursday after all
OPELOUSAS, La. (KLFY) — Students in St. Landry Parish who thought they were getting another off/remote day Thursday will be disappointed. After previously announcing schools would be closed both today and tomorrow, the St. Landry Parish School Board has announced classes will resume as normal tomorrow, officials said. The district's Supervisor of Instructional Technology and Communications Tricia Fontenot announced the decision in an email to media Wednesday afternoon. 'After reviewing the latest weather conditions and updated forecasts, the school closure for Thursday, May 8th, has been canceled,' Fontenot said. 'Classes will resume and follow a normal schedule. Thanks for your flexibility and understanding.' Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now KLFY Daily Digest Latest news Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Atlanta Falcons GM Terry Fontenot Aggressiveness During NFL Draft Must Yield Immediate Results
After some outlets are giving the Atlanta Falcons an "A" with this year's draft class, it's now or never. The "I's" were dotted and the "T's" were crossed for Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot in this year's NFL Draft. Needs were addressed, and the team drafted a Georgia Bulldogs player in the first round. Now, it's time for all of the hype surrounding this offseason to be put to the test on the field. Advertisement Entering his fifth season with Atlanta, Fontenot has gone all in. The gloves are off, and his seat has been relatively warm for a couple of seasons. The pressure has been mounting for some time for Atlanta to get back to relevancy, and at a minimum, get to the playoffs year to year. Atlanta Falcons GM Terry Fontenot speaks to the media during the NFL Scouting Combine. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images The Falcons swapped their 2026 first-round pick, a second for a third, and sent a seventh-round pick to the Los Angeles Rams to get back into the first round to select Tennessee Volunteers edge rusher James Pearce Jr. Critics say that Atlanta has given up entirely too much. Still, Atlanta has lacked a pass rush the past several seasons, so two high-projected edge rushers are better than one. The Falcons hope they get the results the team is looking for. Fontenot spent future capital to attempt to gain an immediate impact. He knows the team is out of excuses for why Atlanta is not a perennial playoff contender every year in the NFC South. Advertisement With no time to spare for Fontenot, the Falcons will look to develop this year's draft class to produce quickly, or he may be out of Atlanta sooner rather than later. Related: Atlanta Falcons Pick Up Drake London's 5th Year Option Related: Each Atlanta Falcons Draft Pick Offers Impact Potential
