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UL Lafayette’s first Louisiana Educate Program graduate sets sights on higher education career

Taijah Growe, 21, enrolled at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette intent on pursing an education that would enable her to parlay an empathetic disposition into a career helping others.
“I’ve always been a good listener, and people have always talked to me about things that were bothering them. I find that rewarding,” she said.
Growe, who is from New Orleans, will earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology from UL Lafayette during the College of Liberal Arts’ Commencement ceremony at 9 a.m. on Saturday at the Cajundome. Individual Fall 2021 Commencement ceremonies for the University’s eight academic colleges and Graduate School will be held on Friday and Saturday at the Cajundome and the Cajundome Convention Center.
Growe, who minored in business, began considering a career as a mental health counselor in middle school. Private practice, however, is no longer the plan. During her time at UL Lafayette, Growe decided she will use her academic foundation in psychology at a college or university.
Following graduation, Growe intends to pursue a master’s degree in education – with a concentration in higher education administration. She is considering graduate schools in several states.
“My long-term goal is to work with students, helping them get through college, grow as leaders, get involved, become well-rounded. That’s important, because college is about more than simply school,” Growe said.
It’s a dynamic she experienced firsthand as part of the Louisiana Educate Program. The program is in place to help academically accomplished, lower-income students remain in college; it’s funded with a blend of private gifts, institutional grants, and federal and state financial aid.
LEP is also designed to get students like Growe, who will become its first graduate on Saturday, heavily involved in campus activities and organizations.
Students accepted into the program are required to have work-study jobs on campus, meet structured study hall requirements, live on campus, join student organizations, and complete internships.
Growe was accepted into the Louisiana Educate Program among an inaugural cohort of 43 students that enrolled in the University in Fall 2018. The program has since grown to 98 students. “It has enhanced my academic experience. Getting more involved definitely helped with my social skills and time management,” she explained.
Growe’s achievements illustrate the point.
She earned a 3.43 GPA while being heavily involved in campus organizations and activities. Growe served as a counselor for the Office of Orientation’s Soul Camp, and was a peer mentor for Office of First-Year Experience’s UNIV 100, which is in place to help high school students transition to campus life.
She was a member of the National Society for Leadership and Success and the campus chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, serving as recording secretary and fundraising chair.
As part of her Louisiana Educate Program work-study job, Growe tutored fellow students in psychology courses, and provided advice about considerations such as time management and study habits.
She said accepting her diploma will be “bittersweet,” because while she’s anxious to get on to the next chapter of her life, “I love the program and the people I’ve met.”

CAA celebrates Christmas with Santa

PHOTO SUBMITTED
Members of the Crowley Art Association recently gathered at The Gallery for their annual Christmas party. Enjoying the event were, front row, Gallery Coordinator Vanessa Schendel; middle row from left, Brandon Faulk, Shirley Griffin, Lynette Guidry (holding Mary Pearl), Leah Hoffpauir, Joanie Schendel, Connie Kebodeaux; back row, Michael Brand, Harold Letz, Patty Ronkartz, Santa (Larry Kebodeaux), Kathy Clement, Gayle Godeaux, Jeff Schendel, Brenda Regan and Jenny DeVille.

Common dog-walking habit raises stink with readers

DEAR ABBY: I’m responding to your request for comments about your answer to “Doggy Business” (Oct. 28). Please IMPLORE your readers not to put their dog’s poop in their neighbor’s garbage cans, even if the cans are on the street. This may seem harmless, but I live near a park and daily dog walkers use my trash can like it’s a public service.
My garbage quickly fills with endless poop bags, sometimes between five and 10 a day. Garbage is collected only every other week in my community. I’m sure your readers can do the math. Then I end up having to work around all this poop, and not only does my garbage can perpetually stink to high heaven, but I have to be judicious with what I throw away myself.
Rough materials will rupture those bags and poop gets all over the inside of the can. I’m currently saving up to modify my property’s retaining wall so I can keep the receptacles away from the street, but I’m at the mercy of dog owners until I can afford this renovation.
Please, if you have a dog, be a good neighbor. Be responsible for its waste. If you don’t want to carry it, get your dog a harness or pack with a pocket, and dispose of it in your own can when you get home. – PEEVED IN THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST

DEAR PEEVED: I advised “Doggy Business” that disposing of his dog’s waste in neighbors’ garbage cans is a big no-no. After asking for readers’ thoughts, an AVALANCHE of responses descended. The vast majority agreed with me, expressing disdain at the practice and explicitly sharing the messy, smelly details of their experiences.
Some areas require trash be placed in a large, sealed plastic bag in the receptacle. When garbage collectors pull the bag out, the small poop bags can spill out and the contents disperse onto the street. Worse, if the bags are thrown into a neighbor’s garbage container AFTER collection, those bags remain at the bottom and smell for days.
Readers, encourage dog walkers to take a larger bag with them or wear a fanny pack with multiple compartments to transport their pets’ “souvenirs” back to their own home.

DEAR ABBY: Our nosy children have been pressuring us to explain their inheritance. I’m appalled. I was taught that this is something for the parents to tell, not the kids to ask. Several friends of ours who are executors for their parents are now being questioned by siblings while the parent is sick and fighting for life. Please explain to readers what is the best etiquette with regard to inheritance. – UNSURE IN CALIFORNIA

DEAR UNSURE: I know this can be a sensitive subject, but it is also an important one. Although some may not agree with me, I happen to be in favor of open communication regarding money matters. Too often money (and the promise of it) is used to manipulate and control family members. This is not a matter of etiquette. If adult children are going to inherit, they need to learn early how to wisely and responsibly handle money. And, if circumstances change and the estate is affected, the heirs should be given as much forewarning as possible so they are prepared and not shocked.

Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

Sports betting now underway at Evangeline Downs Racetrack

The world of sports betting is taking off, and Acadiana won’t be the last to cash in.
Friday launched the start of legal sports betting at Evangeline Downs in Opelousas.
The Boyd Gaming Property partnered with Fanduel Sportsbook to make it happen.
Along with a ribbon cutting ceremony, Louisiana Hall of Fame Runningback Dalton Hillard placed the first bet to start things off.
Fanduel Sportsbook will be open daily and features a newly designed 28,000 square foot retail location that has three live betting windows.
Fourteen self-service betting terminals, 24 video displays and seating for more than 85 guests also are available.

Gloria Smith Hoffpauir

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, Dec. 22, at 2 p.m. in the Chapel of Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home for Gloria Smith Hoffpauir, 76, who died Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021, at 3:45 p.m. at Ochsner Acadia General Hospital.
Rev. Kerry Doucet, pastor of Crossway Fellowship Church, will officiate for the services. The family requests visiting hours Wednesday from 9 a.m. to service time. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery.
Mrs. Hoffpauir is survived by one daughter, Trudy Woodard of Crowley; one son, John W. Hoffpauir Jr. of South Dakota; one brother, Webb “Ben” Barnett (Cathy) of Crowley; her companion, Carl Theriot of Rayne; seven grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, John W. “Johnny” Hoffpauir Sr.; her son-in-law, Kerwin James Woodard; her mother, Edna Spell Barnett; and one sister, Irene Stoute.
Words of comfort may be sent to the family at www.geesey-ferguson.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home, 301 N. Avenue F, Crowley, (337) 783-3313.

Claire Aline Maraist

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 22, in St. Edmond Catholic Church of Lafayette for Claire Aline Maraist 89, who passed away peacefully on Dec. 18, 2021, at Avanti Senior Living at Lafayette with her family by her side.
Rev. Fr. Andrew Schumacher will conduct the funeral service. Lectors will be Erin Edmiston Roussel and Abby Guidry Suire. Jodi Bollich will perform the musical selections.
Entombment will take place in Fountain Memorial Cemetery & Mausoleum in Lafayette.
Ms. Maraist, born in Kaplan and raised in Crowley, was the daughter the late A.C. Maraist and the former Aline Chappuis. She graduated from Crowley High School and attended SLI, now the University of Louisiana.
While in college she met and married Hardy Edmiston in 1952, then moved to Houston before settling in Lafayette for the remainder of her life. Throughout her life she was involved in numerous church and civic organizations.
She is survived by her children, Steven Edmiston, Susan Edmiston Guidry and husband Bill, David Edmiston and wife Gema, and Nancy Edmiston Schuler; grandchildren Megan Mayers Guidry and husband Tim, Katie Mayers, Drew Edmiston, Anna Laura Edmiston and husband Eric Auclair, Erin Edmiston Roussel and husband Butch, Christor Guidry, Abby Guidry Suire and husband Mitch, Kaleb Schuler and fiancée Hannah Rupert, and Haley Edmiston; her great-grandchildren Lula Auclair, Odile Auclair, Mary-Frances Roussel, Juliet Claire Roussel. Her fifth great-grandchild (Baby Suire) is to arrive Dec. 25. She is also survived by her brother P. Jules Maraist and wife Nancy of Lafayette as well as several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters Eulalie Sonnier, Yvonne Simon, and Andrée Lalande; brother Francis (Buzzy) Maraist; grandchildren Jaime Mayers, Jeremy Mayers; and the father of her children, Hardy Edmiston; along with many other dearly loved ones.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Delhomme Funeral Home – Bertrand on Tuesday, Dec. 21,2021 from 5p.m. to 9 p.m.. Visitation will continue Wednesday, Dec. 22, from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Pallbearers will be her grandsons, Drew Edmiston, Christor Guidry, Kaleb Schuler, Eric Auclair, Tim Guidry, Butch Roussel and Mitch Suire.
Serving as honorary pallbearer will be her granddaughters, Megan Mayers Guidry, Katie Mayers, Anna Laura Edmiston, Erin Edmiston Roussel, Abby Guidry Suire and Haley Edmiston.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt appreciation to the staff of Cornerstone Assisted Living, Avanti Senior Living at Lafayette, Hospice of Acadiana and the numerous caregivers and medical professionals for their dedication and compassion of care they provided for their mother.
The family would also like to thank Renée and Ed Swain of Crowley for the loving companionship they gave to their mother throughout the years.
In lieu of floral arrangements, Memorial Contributions may be made in honor of Claire Maraist to Hospice of Acadiana or to a Charity of your choice.
Personal condolences may be sent to the family at www.delhommefuneralhome.com.
Claire Maraist and her family were cared for and entrusted final arrangements to Delhomme Funeral Home, 1011 Bertrand Drive, Lafayette.

Randy Paul Champagne

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church in Mire on Wednesday, Dec. 22, at 11 a.m.. to celebrate the life of Randy Paul Champagne, 63, of Mire.
Randy passed away on Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021, at his home surrounded by his wife and children.
Interment will be at Assumption Cemetery in Mire.
Services will be officiated by Monsignor Russell J. Harrington, pastor of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church.
Randy will be remembered as an outstanding high school athlete where he was a member of the 1975 State Championship Runner-Up Football Team. He earned numerous honors including Most Valuable Offensive Player on that year’s All-State Football Team.
He also held the title of State Champion Shot Putter.
He was awarded an athletic scholarship to USL where he lettered four years and was a member of the All-Conference Team. There he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree and went on to teach and coach for five years. He was a highly respected influence to many young students and athletes.
He then made a career change which allowed him to follow in the footsteps of his parents and brothers in the grocery industry. He successfully owned and operated Champagne’s Market in Eunice for 30 years.
In 2013, along with his son, he opened a second location in Carencro.
During his years in the grocery business, Randy demonstrated a strong work ethic that influenced many.
He later was able to resume his coaching duties as he coached numerous sports teams involving his children throughout the years.
He was a member of the Knights of Columbus in Mire and a member of their National Championship Softball Team. He was a lover of all sports and an avid fisherman and hunter alongside his son and numerous hunting and fishing buddies.
Most important to him, though, was his love and devotion to his family.
He is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Joan Lalande Champagne. He will be greatly missed by his four children, Blair Buller and husband Ben, Regan LaCombe and husband Stuart, Paige Barousse and husband Zach, and Ryan Champagne and wife Mallory. He cherished dearly his grandchildren, Madden Buller, Elliot and Edison LaCombe, Iker and Otto Barousse, and Anders, Nadia and Marguerite Champagne. Also mourning his loss are his brothers, Greg Champagne and wife Beth, and Kevin Champagne and fiancé Kimberly; sisters Judy Boudreaux and husband Conrad, Donna Frietag and husband Karl, and Bonnie Simpson and husband Charles. He also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Russell Bernard Champagne and Winifred Goehring Champagne; his father-in-law, Otis Lalande Jr., and grandson Aiden Paul Buller.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Gossen Funeral Home in Rayne from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 21, with a rosary being recited at 6 p.m. Visitation will continue at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 22, until the time of service.
Pallbearers are nephews Russell Champagne, Lance Champagne, Andrew Lawton, Corey Boudreaux, Jason Lalande and Pascal Lalande.
Friends may view the obituary and guestbook online at www.gossenfuneralhome.net.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Gossen Funeral Home, Inc., of Rayne, (337) 334-3141.

Fake refund scam leaves Crowley pair out $60,000

An elderly couple was recently contacted by an alleged code agent from Amazon claiming they were hacked, according to Crowley Police Chief Jimmy Broussard.
“The hacker was able to hack into their bank account, take $60,000 out of their savings and put it into their checking. They were not aware of it until the second time, and they contacted their bank,” said Broussard.
The hacker claimed to send the wrong amount of money, causing the couple to send money to the agent through the mail.
According to Broussard, the hacker said, “If Amazon finds us out, they’re going to fire me and my whole team. I need you to send the money back if you possibly can.”
After doing so, the couple received a fake arrest warrant (at right) from Louisiana State Police via email that appeared legitimate, which said they were accused of money laundering.
“Hackers are getting a lot better. First thing to remember is that State Police are not going to send a warrant over email,” says Broussard.
“It’s bad enough that they’re taking funds from people who work all of their life to earn this and to save this, but you’re sinking to a new low when you’re going to involve law enforcement in your actions,” said Broussard.
Chris Babin with the Better Business Bureau offers this tip when dealing with scammers.
“Find a number that you know to be an actual number, call their customer service, have them look up your account, and see if there is something they need from you potentially,” said Babin.
During the holidays, take caution and never send money through the mail.
“There are grinches all over wanting to steal the Christmas spirit, so we just have to make sure we don’t let them in any shape or form,” said Broussard.

Visiting a part of history

Members of Foy and Jennifer Cradeur’s extended family, many from Texas, were at Crowley City Hall Monday to relive and realize a part of their history. Two of the antique cars at city hall — one on the mezzanine level and one on the second floor — are owned by the family of Maxi Cradeur, Foy’s father. Some of the family members remember riding in the cars, especially for parades and such others had never seen the vehicles. Above, gathered on the second floor are, from left, Crystal Cradeur Magnon, Maxi Cradeur’s granddaughter; Gracie Comeaux, great-granddaughter; Jill Cradeur Martinez, granddaughter; Kristen Cradeur, great-granddaughter; Briana Martinez, great-granddaughter; Declan Cradeur, great-grandson; Katya Cradeur, great-granddaughter; Ella Cradeur, great-granddaughter; Foy Cradeur, son; Brandon Cradeur, grandson; Jennifer Cradeur, daughter-in-law; Luisa Cradeur, granddaughter-in-law; Emmaline Cradeur, great-granddaugher; Lola Cradeur, great-granddaughter; and Ryan Cradeur, grandson.

Police Jury divvies up broadband funds

Back in October the Acadia Parish Police Jury voted to contribute $3 million of its American Rescue Plan Act funding toward the expansion of broadband Internet.
At its December meeting jurors decided how to use that allocation.
The jury considered three proposals from area Internet providers, each asking that the parish provide their match for the state GUMBO grant program.
GUMBO — Granting Unserved Municipalities Broadband Opportunities — is a grant program with $177 million to be spent on increasing broadband to unserved communities in Louisiana. The program defines unserved as those with download speeds lower than 25 mbps and upload speeds lower than 3 mbps.
Private broadband service providers must apply for the grant in partnership with the communities that need it. These applications will be scored in a number of ways, including the number of people unserved. The applications with the highest number of points win the grants.
Brett Bayard, engineer with Mader Engineering, explained that four proposals had been submitted for consideration by the jury, but one did not meet specifications and was disqualified.
The remaining three were from Reach4, LUS and Cajun Broadband.
The Reach4 proposal would provide broadband to the areas of Mire, Morse, Maxie and Egan.
Total cost of the project is estimated at $6.7 million with the company asking that the parish pay the 20% match of $1.3 million.
The LUS proposal would:
• bring broadband down Louisiana Highway 97 from the Basile area to the Evangeline area; and
• run fiber optics from Duson, through Rayne and along U.S. Highway 90 to Capital Drive.
Cost of that project is about $8.2 million with the match coming in at $1.6 million.
Bayard noted that the proposal from Cajun Broadband appeared to overlap much of the Reach4 plan, including areas already served by the Crowley company.
“I just want to make suer that we’re not covering areas already covered by fiber — not wireless — or by anyone else,” said Chance Henry, jury president. “I want to see this benefiting the people that would probably never get broadband.”
Jurors voted to deny Cajun Broadband its request and to fund — up to designated limits — the Reach4 and LUS proposals.
The total expenditure for both of those proposals is $2.9 million.

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Acadia Parish Today

Crowley Post-Signal
602 N. Parkerson Ave, Crowley, LA 70526
Phone: 337-783-3450
Fax: 337-788-0949

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Phone: 337-334-3186
Fax: 337-334-8474

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