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Wolves fall to Kaplan during Jamboree, prepare for Welsh
ABBEVILLE - The Rayne High Wolves traveled to Abbeville on Friday for the first of two football games of the 2019 Acadia/Vermilion Jamboree.
Rayne High met Kaplan High School during the opening 6:30 p.m. contest where the Pirates dominated both halves of play with a 18-0 final score.
“We knew it would be a physical game playing Kaplan,” stated first-year Rayne head coach Kaine Guidry. “They are always tough, especially coming off a good season last year.”
Guidry continued, “I thought we didn’t quite match their physicality and consistently enough to get them off the field.
“Our defense faired well, considering. But, we just didn’t set up things for our offense to produce.”
The Rayne offense was limited to 99 total offensive yards (51 rushing, 48 passing) by the Kaplan defense, with both squads producing three turnovers each.
On the ground for the Wolves were Reid Dupont (two carries for 49 yards) and Ron Charles (10 rushing yards).
In the air for the Wolves was junior quarterback Collin LaCombe who completed six of 12 passes for 48 yards.
Lacombe connected for a touchdown for the Wolves, but was called back due to a holding call.
“We didn’t help our defense out much on the offensive side of the ball, Guidry continued. “And we didn’t get too many first downs, which led to our defense staying on field all night.”
Leading the Rayne defense was Peyton Francis with four solo tackles, one assist and a fumble recovery.
Also, Jamarcus Monroe and Ron Roberts tallied three solos tackles and two assists each.
Chipping in a tackle for the Wolves were Miles Doucet, Griffin Champagne, Bleyton Francis, Miguel DeValle, Brandon Aguillard and Reid Dupont.
Doucet and Jsia teamed up for a tackle for a loss behind the line of scrimmage, while Will Arceneaux, Dylan Istre and Tony Cormier had defensive assists.
On a positive note, Guidry stated, “I was proud of our fight on the field tonight. We never gave up despite the score. But, our youth on the offensive side of the ball really showed tonight.”
“Other than one drive we put together and got a TD called back by a holding call, we just couldn’t get anything going.
“We had 10 penalties and 3 turnovers in basically half a football game. You can’t win games when you commit that many mistakes.
“But, it mirrored the week of practice we had. Will have to learn from this and understand that games are won Monday-Thursday. You play like you practice -- can’t wait until game day to play ball.”
Coming off a down season last year and having to basically rebuild the squad following 22 players lost to graduation, Guidry knows this year will be a re-building season, especially on offense where he has only three veterans returning.
He explains, “We knew it wouldn’t happen over night, but we definitely need to have a sense of urgency and not make the same mistakes each week. As long as they learn each week and take responsibility for their actions, we are headed in the right direction.”
The Wolves are slated to host Welsh High School on Friday at Wolf Stadium during their first home game. Kickoff is 7:30 p.m.
2019 Project Pink held, royalty crowned
RAYNE - The 21st Annual “Project Pink”, Breast Cancer Awareness Event, and the 11th Annual Project Pink Pageant were held Saturday, Aug. 24, at the Rayne Civic Center.
Chairperson for the 2019 event was Theresa Prather, assisted by ladies of Preceptor Alpha Chi Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority.
The day was dedicated to the late Mrs. Lucy Mae Hebert, who lost her battle with breast cancer. Her family members were in attendance for the tribute.
Althea Faye Domingue Cook was named this year’s Project Pink Ambassador. The Rayne resident has been married to her high school sweetheart, Lewis Cook Jr., for 45 years.
They are the parents to three sons and their wives, Lewis III, Jeff (Rachel) and Stuart (Marie). She is also the proud grandmother of five little ones, Scarlett, Eloise, Shepard, Christina Faye and baby Gabriel Louis soon to arrive.
Faye is the youngest daughter of Danny and Lucille Domingue. She has one brother, Donald (Diana) of Rayne and one sister, Billie Domingue-Henry (Bob) of Lafayette.
She was joined by a number of family members during the surprise announcement.
The Project Pink children’s pageants began at 9:30 a.m. with the following honorees crowned:
Baby Division (0-11 months) Queen Bella Tatman of Iowa, 1st Maid Caroline Prosper of Sunset, 2nd Maid Nova Cormier of Eunice.
T’Nincy Division (12-23 months) Queen Eva Castille of Church Point, 1st Maid Harper Sonnier of Roanoke, 2nd Maid Ayda Moseley of Sulphur.
Toddler Division (2 years) Queen Adalynn McGraw of Plaucheville, 1st Maid Kholeigh Quesenberry of Iowa, 2nd Maid Jazlynn Scott of Patterson.
Tiny Division (3-4 years) Queen Ahnalilis Gautreaux of Church Point, 1st Maid Aniston Quibodeaux of Rayne, 2nd Maid Charlotte LaFargue of Jennings.
Petite Division (5-6 years) Queen Laikyn Meyers of Jennings, 1st Maid MaKayla Landry of New Iberia.
Little Division (7-9 years) Queen Rileigh Cowan of DeRidder, 1st Maid Averie Hieronymus of Jennings.
Deb Division (10-12 years) Queen Adelyn Autin of Youngsville.
The new royalty will hold their title for the upcoming year with their primary responsibility to inform others throughout the state about the event and invite them to participate in this well-known Breast Cancer Awareness Event.
Following the children’s division contests, PAC Chapter president and Project Pink chairperson Theresa Prather presented a $5,000 check to Susan G. Komen representatives Dakota Henry and Paula Hildalgo.
The afternoon session began with the following division winners:
Junior Teen Division (13-14 years) Queen Katelynn Pitre of Ville Platte,
1st Maid Natalie Domingue of Crowley, 2nd Maid Brookelynn Thibodeaux of Rayne.
Teen Division (15-16 years) Queen Taylor Grayson of Palmetto, 1st Maid Madeline Foster of Crowley, 2nd Maid Kristen Navarre of Rayne.
Miss Division (16-23 years) Queen Ali Delahoussaye, daughter of Patrick and Ashly Delahoussaye of Rayne; 1st Maid Katelyn Meche, daughter of Scotty and Celeste Meche.
Ms. Division (24-39 years) Queen Michelle Lynn Simon of New Iberia, 1st Maid Lanie Rouly of New Iberia, 2nd Maid Tangela Delco of Patterson, 3rd Maid Keisha Bouquet-Simmons of Youngsville.
Lady Division (40 years and above) Queen Karrie Hannan of Breaux Bridge, 1st Maid Patricia Comeaux of Rayne, 2nd Maid Jennifer James Autin of Youngsville.
New royalty were each presented a pink ribbon custom designed crown and embroidered banner.
Tickets were also sold for the annual “Angel of Hope” 12” Seraphim angel raffle valued at $175. She wears a pink ribbon and sash to represent the commitment to bringing the world closer to a cure of breast cancer. The 2019 raffle winner was Charlotte LaFargue.
Other raffle prizes were also presented for the many tickets sold during the past three months leading up to the Project Pink program, including Mary Leger, Sue Zaunbrecher, Beth LeBlanc, Donnie Francois, Lisa Gossen, Chad LeDoux, Lisa Soileaux, John Menard and Kelli LeBeouf.
All proceeds of Project Pink are used to help the community by purchasing wigs for cancer patients, help with travel expenses for treatments, and also donate funds for research.
Thanks are extended for everyone who donated towards the event, and to all who attended Project Pink 2016 to make the event another success.
Rayne native, historian publishes first book
RAYNE - While riding the rails during his 44 years as a railroad employee or riding the waves during his time aboard a Navy destroyer during the Vietnam War, William Thibodeaux acquired a love for history and story telling.
With his thirst for history and deep appreciation of his French heritage, Thibodeaux has always dreamed of someday sharing his stories he attained mostly while riding the rails between New Orleans and Houston during his employment with Southern/Union Pacific Railroad.
After retiring, Thibodeaux began writing stories that he heard throughout his life, some going all the way back to his early childhood.
That dream came true this summer as he published his first book, “Hidden History of Acadiana,” a compilation of non-fictional short stories he has written over the years about people, places and events of years gone by.
As noted on the book jacket, “Tragedy and destruction abound in this region and in these pages, but heroism, glory and Cajun flare come in equal measure.
“From the improbable Thoroughbred Twenty-Twoinit, which defied odds and burned Vegas odds makers at Evangeline Downs, to the destitute Reconstruction-era Cajuns who sought recompense from the federal government after the war, history comes to life in these re-tellings by historian and yarn spinner William Thibodeaux.
“Before “serial killer” was a term, a vile murderer stalked the streets of then-tiny Lafayette, inciting unimaginable terror. All too familiar are harrowing tales of locals who battened down the hatches as horrible storms roared forth.
“From the hills to the bayous, Acadiana has quite a story to tell, especially for those who lean in close to listen.”
Earlier this month in Crowley, Thibodeaux was guest speaker for the monthly meeting of the Genealogical & Historical Society. He spoke of stories of his book which pertain to Crowley, including the Medlenka River, along with the local outlaws of Octave and Auguste Thibodeaux who caused a huge derailment in 1894. He also presented a short story of the sensational trial of Dora Murff and James Duvall.
Future speaking dates will be scheduled, in addition to book signings.
“I was very excited to see the crowd we had in Crowley,” stated Thibodeaux. “We basically had standing room only. Hope to see many more interested readers in the months to come.”
An honored 2019 inductee to The Acadian Museum into its Order of Living Legends in February, Thibodeaux has led a French table group in Rayne (la table Française de Rayne et histoire) every Saturday morning for the past decade. He occasionally has invited guests who share their stories, with each session audio-video recorded and archived at Dupré Library for posterity.
For more than three years now, Thibodeaux has also conducted a monthly history talk at Hospice of Acadiana in Lafayette. The stories he shares all have historical significance to the Acadiana region when he speaks of people, places and events of long ago. They are also audio-video recorded and archived at Dupré Library. The talks are mostly from information he has researched or written about through the years.
The Rayne native was one of five children, three boys and two girls, born to Wilson Thibodeaux and the former Rose Mae Menard of Mire, and later Rayne where he attended Rayne High School.
He grew up in a French-speaking community, and like most Acadians during that era, French was his first language.
Thibodeaux is married to the love of his life, the former Judy Clark of Riceville, and they make their home in Lafayette.
“Hidden History of Acadiana” is available at Barnes and Nobles, Amazon and with Thibodeaux who can be contacted at wjthibodeaux@yahoo.com or by phone at 337-371-9011. He is also available every Saturday morning at the historic Bernard-Bertrand House in Rayne between 9-11 a.m.
Book signing for “Hidden History of Acadiana” is finally scheduled for Saturday, September 28, 2019, between the hours of 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. at Barnes & Noble located at 5705 Johnston Street, Lafayette, La. 70503.
John Aubrey Mire
October 3, 1931 - August 28, 2019
VILLE PLATTE – Funeral services were held at a 1 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Ville Platte on Friday, Aug. 30, 2019, for John Aubrey Mire, 87, who passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 28, in Ville Platte surrounded by his loved ones.
Rev. Thomas Voorhies, Pastor of Sacred Heart Church, was celebrant of the Funeral Mass, and Rev. Blake Dubroc, Parochial Vicar of Sacred Heart Church was con-celebrant and Homilist.
Entombment took place in Sacred Heart Mausoleum.
John Aubrey Mire was born on October 3, 1931 to Luther and Hilda Breaux Mire. He was in the US Marines and a veteran of the Korean War. During his time in the Marine Corps, he was stationed in the Aleutian Islands and also played a major part in the Atomic Bomb Testing in the Mojave Desert.
Aubrey received a bachelor’s degree from SLI and later attended LSU earning his master’s degree in Agriculture.
In November of 1969 he became an Assistant County Agent. He was promoted to the position County Agent of Evangeline Parish on March 11, 1981 and retired on January 4, 1997 after serving our parish for 28 years. His passion for his job and love of his community touched the lives of much of the youth of Evangeline Parish 4-H.
Aubrey bred and raised Giant Homer Pigeons. He served on the board of the Giant Homer Pigeon Association, and he and his wife Terrie would travel to Oklahoma to attend the pigeon shows.
One of his greatest past times was raising Angus Cattle. He prided himself in the genetics of his Angus Cattle. Aubrey also served as longtime Secretary Treasurer of the Evangeline Parish Cattlemen’s Association.
He wore many hats and being involved in his church and community was very important to him. Aubrey was a devout Catholic and longtime member of Sacred Heart Church where he sang in the choir and taught catechism for several years. He was musically inclined and loved and enjoyed music of all kinds. His devotion to family was apparent every day. This is where he left his legacy of faith in God, service to others and love for all.
He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Terrie Ardoin Mire; children, Phyllis Mire Stromer and husband Chris, Barney J. Mire and wife Dennine, Julie Mire Broussard and husband Gerald, and Garrett Mire and wife Stacey; grandchildren, Laura S. Blanchard and husband Jared Blanchard, Robert Stromer and wife Madeline, John Broussard and wife Arrie, Natalie Mire, Tyler Mire, Elliott Mire, Evan Mire, Emma Mire, and Elise Mire; great-grandchildren, Lilly, William, Samuel, and Rose Blanchard, Violet, Dominic, Phillip, and Marigold Stromer, and Vance Broussard; sister, Bernell Mire Guilbeau; and nieces, Cindy G. Daigle and Patricia Guilbeau.
He is preceded in death by his parents; Luther and Hilda Breaux Mire.
The family requested visitation observed at Ardoin’s Funeral Home of Ville Platte on Thursday, Aug. 29, from 4 p.m. until 9 p.m. A rosary was recited at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 29, by Father Tom Voorhies. Visitation resumed on Friday, Aug. 30, from 8 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.
Family and friends may leave condolences for the Mire family at www.ardoinfuneralhomes.com.
Ardoin’s Funeral Home of Ville Platte was in charge of arrangements.
Thomas Anthony Dischler
IOTA - A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, Sept. 5, 2019, at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Iota, for Thomas Anthony Dischler, 81, who died Tuesday, Sept. 3, at 6:15 a.m. at the Southwest Louisiana War Veterans Home in Jennings.
Fr. Jude Thierry, Pastor of St. Joseph Catholic Church, will officiate for the services.
The family requests visitation on Wednesday, Sept. 4, from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Thursday, Sept. 5, from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. A rosary will be recited Wednesday evening at 6 p.m. Burial will be in St. Joseph Mausoleum in Iota.
Mr. Dischler is survived by four sisters, Cecile Landry of Rayne, Julia Thompson of Lafayette, Margie Walker and husband Bobby of Iota and Carol Leonards and husband Lawrence of Crowley; one brother, Michael Dischler and wife Barbara of St. Landry; special friend, Carol Jean Schultz of Mowata; numerous nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and great-great-nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Clara Olinger Dischler; two sisters, Barbara Reed and Clarice Stewart; four brothers, Charles, Alvin, Ferdinand and Robert Dischler; and nephew, Karl Leonards.
Pallbearers will be Ken Landry, Donald Reed, Nicholas Pickett, Jon-Michael Trahan, Kenneth Leonards and Michael Dischler.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to St. Francis Catholic School, 490 St. Joseph Avenue, Iota, LA 70543.
The family wishes to thank the Southwest Louisiana War Veterans Home and staff, and Lamm Hospice for their compassion, care and love for Mr. Dischler.
Words of comfort may be sent to the family at www.geesey-ferguson.com
Arrangements have been entrusted to Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home, 509 Duson Ave., Iota, LA 70543, 337-779-2669.
Dr. Lindsey Beth Thomas Frugé
CROWLEY - A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2019, at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church for Dr. Lindsey Beth Thomas Frugé, 31, who passed away Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019.
Fr. Mikel Polson, pastor of St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, officiated for the services.
The family requested visiting hours on Wednesday, Sept. 4, from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home in Crowley. A rosary was recited at 1 p.m. Wednesday. Interment was in Woodlawn Cemetery.
Lindsey was a proud graduate of Louisiana State University Veterinary School in 2013. Dr. Frugé was the owner and operator of Crowley Veterinary Hospital in Crowley. Lindsey was proud of her Catholic Faith and a member of St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church. Her proudest achievement was her two sons with whom she was actively involved. She was a member of the Crowley Rotary Club and participated in Dancing with the Stars. Lindsey’s compassion for people and animals alike was unmatched. Dr. Frugé was loved and will be missed by her family, staff, furry patients and community.
She is survived by her husband, Adam Frugé of Rayne; two sons, Eli Joseph Frugé and Addis James “AJ” Frugé, both of Rayne; her mother Peggy L. Duplechin of Pine Prairie; three sisters, Lori Askey (Larry) of Bayou Chicot, Liza Fontenot (Todd Duncan) of Baton Rouge and Lanie Thomas Platt (Cheyne) of Opelousas; four step-siblings, Tanya Hurst (Travis) of Denham Springs, Gerald Duplechin Jr. of Denham Springs, Derek Duplechin (Leah) of St. Paulina and Anthony “Tony” Duplechin of Denham Springs; and many nieces and nephews.
Dr. Fruge is preceded in death by her father, John Bernard Thomas; her stepfather, Gerald James Duplechin; and her unborn twins.
Condolences may be sent to the family by www.geesey-ferguson.com
Arrangements have been entrusted to Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home of Crowley.
Dora Lee Breaux Logan
RAYNE - Funeral services will be held Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019, at noon at Gossen Funeral Home in Rayne, for Dora Lee Breaux Logan, 73, who died Sunday, Sept. 1, at her sister’s home in Rayne.
Pastor Shelton Clay with New Wine Ministries Church in Rayne, will conduct the funeral services.
Survivors include a daughter, Chastity Breaux Espree and spouse Paul of Longview, Texas; four sons, Keith Breaux of Houston, Texas, Dartanyan Breaux and spouse Ora of Houston, Texas, Ryan Breaux of Lake Charles and Richard Logan Jr. of Lake Charles; eight sisters, Marie Breaux Pickens, Lillian Breaux Senegal, Margaret Breaux Julian, Bonnie Breaux Evans, Connie Breaux, Nilha Breaux Lake, Michelle Breaux George and Myra Breaux; three brothers, Terry Breaux, Jerry Breaux and Gary Breaux; 12 grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Logan Sr.; father, John Breaux; mother, Rose Barkey Breaux; sister, Mona Breaux Bias; and two brothers, Doris Breaux, Perry Breaux.
The family requests visitation be observed in Gossen Funeral Home in Rayne on Saturday, Sept. 7, from 10 a.m. until noon.
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.
Voter Registration Week continues
CROWLEY - Billie J. Meyer, Acadia Parish Registrar of Voters, joined registrars from across the state this week (Sept. 2-6) for Voter Registration Week activities aimed at registering eligible citizens to vote.
The next regularly scheduled election in Louisiana is the Gubernatorial Primary on Oct. 12.
“The first step to participating in the electoral process is registering to vote,” Meyer reminds.
Meyer said representatives of her office have and will visit area nursing homes during Voter Registration Week.
This fall, Louisianians will choose statewide leaders as well as vote for a host of local and municipal races and propositions. In Acadia Parish, in addition to the statewide races, elections will be held for clerk of court, seven of eight seats on the parish police jury, four constitutional amendments and a drainage district renewal. A number of propositions also will appear on the Nov. 16 general election ballot.
“Make sure you get registered so you can ‘geaux vote’ on election day,” Meyer stresses.
Louisiana was one of the first states in the nation to implement an easy, convenient online voter registration portal. Citizens with a valid Louisiana driver’s license or Louisiana Special ID card can register online 24 hours a day, seven days a week from the convenience of their home or office by visiting voterportal.sos.la.gov.
Residents of Louisiana can also register in person at their parish Registrar of Voter’s office; when they apply for or renew their driver’s license at any Office of Motor Vehicles; or when obtaining services at public assistance agencies and Armed Forces recruitment offices.
Citizens wishing to register by mail can download and print the application from the GeauxVote.com website or complete an application found at public libraries or through registration drives.
To register and vote in Louisiana, individuals must:
• be a U.S. citizen;
• be at least 17 years old (16 years old if registering in person at the Registrar of Voter’s Office or at the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles) to register and 18 years old prior to the next election to vote;
• not be under an order of imprisonment for conviction of a felony or, if under such an order, not have been incarcerated pursuant to the order within the last five years and not be under an order of imprisonment related to a felony conviction for election fraud or any other election offense pursuant to La. R.S. 18:1461.2;
• not be under a judgment of full interdiction for mental incompetence or partial interdiction with suspension of voting rights;
• be a resident in the state and parish in which you seek to register and vote;
• apply at least 20 days prior to an election if registering online or 30 days prior to an election if registering in person or by mail.
The deadline to register to vote in person or by mail is Wednesday, Sept. 11. The deadline to register to vote online is Saturday, Sept. 21.
