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Halloween is just a few days away and the Acadia Parish Sheriff’s Department is focused on making this event a safe one for all children.
This year, as years in the past, APSO is teaming up with Louisiana Probation and Parole to have specific tiers of sex offenders removed from the public for the hours of trick or treating.
“During these hours, specific tier sex offenders will be at our office as we team up with Probation and Parole to make this event as safe as possible” explained Sheriff K.P. Gibson.
Residents are encouraged to go to the sheriff’s website (www.apso.org) to learn where sex offenders live within your immediate area. Once on the website, click “sex offender” to research neighborhoods for more information.
Gibson offers a few safety tips for trick-or-treating out tomorrow night:
• Know the area you are taking the children out to trick or treat.
• Residences with no lights on, means that they are not participating. Please respect their decision.
• Inspect your children’s candy. Opened or unwrapped candy should not be eaten unless received from a known source
• Walk in groups and utilize lights or reflective clothing for safety
• Drivers need to be aware of their surroundings and expect delays. Drive slow and cautiously
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During ceremonies Thursday morning, Rayne High softball standout Lexis Marks signed a letter of commitment with Louisiana College to continue her softball career at the university level. Marks, a two-time all-district honoree, is a slap-hitter for the Lady Wolves who anchors the outfield at center. Among those on hand for the ceremonies were, seated from left, father Beau Marks, signee Lexie Marks, mother Amy Marks; standing, RHS softball coach Natalie Moody, RHS principal J. Wendall Prudhomme and RHS girls’ AD/volleyball coach Stephanie Garrett. (Acadian-Tribune Photo by Lisa Soileaux)
RAYNE - The #15-ranked Lady Wolves will enter the state playoffs in Division III next week as district champions of District 3 with a 8-0 slate.
Rayne High finished their district season Tuesday afternoon with a win over Livonia.
In addition to the district title, Rayne High will have to wait until Monday, Nov. 4, and see who they will meet in the first round (bi-district) of the 32-team bracket.
With a win the following week (regional round), the Lady Wolves will once again qualify for the LHSAA State Volleyball Tournament slated Nov. 14-16 at the Pontchartrain Center in Kenner.
Brackets will be released Monday, Nov. 4, for all divisions.
Quarterfinals are slated for Nov. 14, the semis on Nov. 15, and the championship finals all on Nov. 16.
“Since the new playoff schedule was implemented a few years ago,” stated Rayne Head Coach Stephanie Garrett, “we have yet to win a game at the tournament. That’s what the girls are aiming for - a win and maybe more.”
Garrett continued, “We have the talent to do that this year with seven seniors who have a lot of experience. They just have to play at the level I know they can.
“We’ve come a long way since the beginning of the season, especially since district began. We have to just keep on playing at that level.”
The Lady Wolves will participate in the annual ESA Spooktacular Tournament this weekend (Oct. 31 - Nov. 2) in preparation for their bi-district match next week.
Rayne High’s monthly announcement of the school’s “Teacher and Students of the Month” is published each month in the Teen Scene section of The Rayne Acadian-Tribune.
Students are selected by members of the faculty and are recognized for their character, leadership, contribution to RHS, and academic performance.
Each student/teacher is rewarded the following: a care package that includes goody bag with special treats, a student/teacher of month t-shirt, exposure in the local newspaper, and a free luncheon with administrators prepared by the Pro-Start students of Rayne High School.
Rayne High School’s October “Teacher of the Month” during 2019-2020 school year is Mary Peltier, a teacher of biology and physical science honors. The 2014 graduate of Rayne High School is in her first year of teaching at her alma mater.
The October “Students of the Month” are: Senior - Trevor Wiltz; Junior - Ava Thibodeaux; Sophomore - Dax Constantin; and Freshman - John David Dupont.
Students and Teachers of the Month are sponsored by the Rayne High School PTO. These individuals display good leadership qualities which help to make RHS a better place, contribute to our school’s success, and showcase what it means to possess Wolf Pride.
RAYNE - The Green Room of the Rayne Civic Center Complex was the setting on Saturday, Sept. 21, for the 30-year class reunion held for the graduates of the Rayne High School graduating class of 1989.
Reunion committee members responsible for the successful reunion were Randy Guidry, Tiffany Roberts, Monyca Dupuis and Blaine Dupont.
Classmates in attendance were Randy Guidry, Chris Guidry, Janice Begnaud, John Besse, Monyca Dupuis, Lesslie Melancon, Shannon Brasseaux, Yolanda Lefleur, Shane Meche, Ryan Charles, Abby Trahan, Shane Carriere, Berry Arceneaux, Tiffany Roberts, Guy Simon, Melissa Morvant and Blaine Dupont.
Of special significance was a “In Memoriam” table of photos of the two deceased classmates, Danon Hoffpauir and Christine LeBlanc Brandon.
Providing musical entertainment for the 17 classmates and their guests was DJ Phil Peltier.
RAYNE - Classmates of the Rayne High School graduating class of 1999 gathered at The Bank of Mervine Kahn on Saturday, Sept. 21, for their 20-year class reunion.
Reunion committee members were Jade Guidry Durio, Celeste Prejean Touchet and Kelli Langley Maner.
Decorations noted for the reunion included purple and gold football helmets, flowers and pom-poms.
Classmates and their guests enjoyed a variety of refreshments, including jambalaya, gumbo, cupcakes, cookies and assorted beverages.
Remembered during the reunion was the late Glenn Bott, classmate.
The 32 classmates attended the reunion from Rayne, Lafayette, Church Point, Youngsville, Scott, Pineville, Covington, and Little Elm, Texas.
Entertainment was provided by DJ Robert Dionne.
Classmates in attendance for the reunion were Kelli Langley Maner, Shellie Richard Comeaux, Celeste Prejean Touchet, Sabrina Menard Leger, Jan Moreau, Ashley Price, Andrea Breaux Lormand, Tashaka Butler, Jade Guidry Durio, Krystal Washington, Scott Richard, Josh Boullion, Kyle Terro, Kendra Menard Meaux, Mandy Melancon, Allyson Stelly Allen, Torie Scott Keller, Trashanda Williams, Starr Babineaux Swanson, Dominique Aymond, Kimberly Augustus, Ranada Paddio, Sharon Gibson Duhon, Atrina Minix Thomas, Alan LaCombe, Donovan Broussard, Gabrielle Aymond Daigle, Larry Broussard, Keith Terro, Derek Kopecky, Manwel Arceneaux and Jonque Washington.
RAYNE - The monthly meeting of Arceneaux Post 77, American Legion, was held Tuesday, Oct. 1, at the local Legion Home, where Commander David Simon welcomed legionnaires and guests.
Simon gave a brief report of the recently attended 7th District Fall Conference. He gave updates of Legion programs and noted a number that will be sponsored by Post 77 in the coming months.
Simon announced the forms for the annual Legion awards (Sheriff, Policemen, Firemen, Teacher of Year) should be available within the next two weeks. Chairman John Quebodeaux will contact the local groups for their participation during the upcoming year.
Ray Olinger gave the membership report including 98 paid-up dues as of the date of the meeting for the new year. He also reminded members to never pay with cash when paying dues, only with check to provide proof of continuous membership.
Welcomed by a membership vote during the meeting was new legionnaire Benjy Babineaux, Army veteran.
The schedule for weekly musical entertainment at the Legion Home was announced, including:
• Louisiana Knights again performing during the “First Friday Dine and Dance” on Friday, Nov. 1, between 6:30-10 p.m. to benefit the upcoming OST Day Celebration for the Rayne Chamber and City of Rayne.
• Southern Man Doo will also perform on Friday, Nov. 8, between 7-11 p.m. with a $5 cover charge.
A report was given by Simon of the progress of the veteran’s cemetery now being constructed at the War Veterans Home in Jennings.
In addition, he also announced that plans are being made for the addition of an Alzheimer’s wing at the War Veterans Home.
A reminder was given for the 2020 Mid-Winter 7th District Conference that will again be held at the Best Western in Alexandria.
Simon also announced the 7th District Spring Conference will be held March 29, 2020 by Post 15. Plans and location will be announced soon.
Discussion was heard of a possible Legion Blood Drive to be held at the Legion Home during the month of November. Announcement will be made at the November meeting if the drive will be held at the Legion Home.
The Commander also reminded the membership to visit the National website for a number of programs offered to veterans.
The commander also reminded everyone that food and beverages are still available for purchase with an expanding menu at the Legion Home when entertainment is provided. Call 334-4774 to place your pick-up orders.
“Thirsty Thursday” drink specials will also be available from 7 p.m. till. All domestic beers are $1.50 a bottle.
With no further business, the meeting was concluded and a meal was served by the Legion cooks.
RAYNE – Hope Recovery Center in Rayne hopes to be open by the end of October.
Located at the former Rayne-Branch Hospital building on South Chevis Street, HRC will be a 40-bed residential retreat center for men recovering from addition. The unique program combines Christian spirituality and Medicaid-funded intensive outpatient therapy, according to Ravi Kamath, treasurer of the Christian 501(c)(3) non-profit ministry.
Speaking to his fellow Rotarians, Kamath said HRC is a 4-acre, 4,500-square-foot facility being renovated as a free, Christian residential retreat center for male addicts.
“We will offer a Biblical, 12-step discipleship program to form a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, coupled with intensive outpatient therapy provided by partner Solutions Recovery Center,” Kamath said. “The program includes vocational training via partnership with vo-tech schools and local businesses.”
Tim Cormier of Rayne is the founder and president of the ministry and is well aware of the trials and tribulations of addiction.
According to Kamath, after 23 years in Christian ministry as a pastor and evangelist, a life-shattering event caused Cormier to abandon his faith.
“His struggle with depression and insomnia led to an addiction to crystal meth and, within a few months, he was a drug dealer,” Kamath told Rotarians. “But the Lord has restored what addiction, sin and Satan destroyed in his life.”
He started a Facebook page called ‘methaddictshelp’ in 2014 and he now has nearly 140,000 followers.
Kamath is the co-founder, treasurer and member of the board of directors or the ministry. Born in Bombay, India, and raised a nominal Hindu, Kamath came to the United States in 1986 and had a successful 27-year business career in investment banking and asset management, but said he was in spiritual despair with suicidal thoughts numbed by drugs.
He was “radically saved” at the age of 49, co-founding the HRC ministry shortly thereafter.
HRC is under renovation with Phase I covering 1,800 square feet. Projects include installation / upgrade of sprinkler and fire alarm systems, emergency and exit lighting, along with upgrades to air conditioning, electrical, plumbing, carpeting, painting and landscaping.
“We anticipate receiving Phase I Certificate of Occupancy in late October,” Kamath said.
“Phase II includes office space for lease to medical providers and a drug testing facility, which will provide rental income,” he said, adding that a local medical corporation has expressed interest in the office space.
Phase III has potential for “sober living” arrangements, according to Kamath.
Kamath told Rotarians that about 45 million Americans – 16.5 percent of the population – use illicit drugs or have alcohol use disorder.
“Only about 12 percent of addicts have received treatment at a special facility,” he said.
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