RSS Feed

RAYNE - CFMA L’association de Musique Cadienne Francaise de Louisiane presented the 31st Annual Le Cajun Awards Ceremony during a three-day event held Aug. 15-17, at the Rayne Civic Center.
In addition to traditional Cajun musical entertainment provided all three days of the 2019 festival, “Proud to be a Cajun” was the theme.
Thursday included awards presented to the 2019 French Speaking Contest winners, “New Dawn” and “New Chapter” awards, ending with entertainment by CFMA Young Musicians, all held in Breaux Bridge at the La Poussiere Dance Hall.
French speaking awards were awarded to 1st grade - 1st plae Jack Bedsole, 2nd place Lauren Walker, 3rd place Oliver Chauvin; 2nd grade - 1st place Stella Hale, 2nd plave Elliana Buller, 3rd place Avelyn Campbell and Joshua Adeyemo; 3rd grade - 1st place Yola McClurg, 2nd place Drew Krefft, 3rd place Caitlyn Ridgeway; 4th grade - 1st place Kailey Kennedy, 2nd place Masyn Dupont, 3rd place Amelia Cormier; 6th grade - 1st place Emma Wakefield, 2nd place Kaycie LeBrun.
The Gerald Domingue La Creme de La Creme Award was presented to Kailey Kennedy.
Chapter awards and New Dawn Awards were also presented during the Friday program, including: Ashley Miller of Acadiana Charter Chapter; Rainie Ortego of Lake Charles Chapter; Kelsie Rene Gary and Reed Patin of Chapitre de Lafayette.
Thursday’s schedule was completed with musical entertainment provided by Brazos Huval School of Music backed by Huval Family Band.
Friday’ events were held at the Rayne Civic Center with the award show beginning at 7 p.m.
The welcome was delivered by Blaine Dupont, National Governing Body President at Le Cajun - CFMA’s Annual Cajun Awards Music Festival, and Rayne Mayor Chuck Robichaux.
Taking center stage were a number of local and area individuals who were honored, including:
President’s Award - Daniel and Elaine Romero of Rayne.
New Dawn Recipients (6-16 years of age) - Ashley Miller of Acadiana Charter Chapter, Rainie Ortego of Lake Charles Chapter, Kelsie Rene Gary and Reed Patin of Chapitre de Lafayette.
Hall of Fame honorees Allen Fontenot, Danny Cormier and Kerry Boutin.
Pioneer Award- Alex Caswell.
Heritage Award - John Best
Accordionist of Year - Jimmy Breaux.
CFMA Appreciation Award - Mike Broussard.
Fiddler of the Year - Joshua Richard.
CFMA Continuing Contribution Award - Liberty Theater.
Female Vocalist of Year - Amelia Biere.
Male Vocalist of Year - Johnny Sonnier.
CFMA Heritage Award - John Best.
2019 Best First CD - Johnny Sonnier and Jimmy Breaux, A Tribute to Aldus Roger and More.
2019 Best Traditional CD - Johnny Sonnier and Jimmy Breaux, A Tribute to Aldus Roger and More.
2019 Band of Year - Johnny Sonnier and Jimmy Breaux, A Tribute to Aldus Roger and More.
CFMA Pioneer Award - Alex Caswell.
2019 Song of Year - Rene a’ Lui by Blake Miller and The Old-Fashioned Aces.
Friday evening concluded with live Cajun music by Dylan Aucoin and the Judice Ramblers.
Saturday events included the new accordion and fiddle contests introduced this year, with winners were:
Accordion Contest winners were: youth - place Burke Riley; junior - Kyle LeBlanc; adult - Jamey Bearb. Sponsored by Cajun Music Radio.
Fiddle Contest winners were: youth - Owen Meche; junior - place Daisy Hoffpauir; adult - place Jamey Bearb. Sponsored by Cajun Country Lounge and Dance Hall.
Saturday included music from 1:30 - midnight by Jamie Bearb/Jason Bergeron & Friends, Troy LeJeune & Cajun Revue, Keagan Navarre & Louisiana Traditions, Cameron Dupuy & The Cajun Troubadors featuring an “All-Star” Family Tradition Extravaganza.
Special thanks to the many volunteers, donors and chapters for the 2019 program that welcomed over 500 guests, especially Lt Governor Billy Nungesser and the Louisiana Office of Tourism, City of Rayne and Cajun Music Radio.

RAYNE - On Thursday, Aug. 22, at approximately 1:42 a.m., Rayne Police Officers responded to 171 Junot Road where an armed robbery had just occurred.
Upon the officers’ arrival, they learned that Royel Wheeler, 26, of Rayne, and an unknown black male suspect assaulted the victim with a handgun while demanding a large amount of money.
After obtaining an undisclosed amount of cash, Royel Wheeler and the unknown black male subject left the area. Officers located Royel Wheeler at 601 North McGown where he was taken into custody without incident.
Royel Wheeler was booked into Acadia Parish Jail for Armed Robbery, Possession of a Firearm by Convicted Felon, Aggravated Battery with a Dangerous Weapon and a Parole hold was also placed. Royel Wheeler’s bond amount was set at $175,000.
As the investigation continued, officers had probable cause for the apprehension of Karen Wheeler, 55, of Rayne.
Karen Wheeler was arrested for Accessory after the fact of Armed Robbery and Obstruction of Justice. Karen Wheeler’s total bond amount was set at $20,000.
More arrests are pending as the investigation continues.

RAYNE – Shortly after 12:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 27, Louisiana State Police was requested by the Rayne Police Department to investigate a shooting incident resulting in the injury of one of the RPD officers.
The incident occurred at approximately 11:30 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 26, in the 800 block of N. Polk Ave., resulting in the arrest of Dustin L. Benoit, 31, of Rayne.
The initial investigation by the LSP Bureau of Investigations showed that at some point after coming into contact with Benoit, a Rayne Police officer was shot. Benoit then fled the area on foot, but was later apprehended.
The officer did not discharge a weapon during the encounter, and was transported to a local hospital for treatment and later released.
Benoit was booked into the Acadia Parish jail for LRS 14:27/30 (attempted murder of a peace officer).
Further charges are pending.
This remains an active investigation with additional information to be released as it becomes available.

BATON ROUGE - On Saturday, Aug. 24, 2019, our loss here on earth began a grand celebration in heaven for our dear “Bob Bob.”
Robert “Bob” Bradbury Craig was born Dec. 13, 1928 in Rayne to James Hugh and Myrta Fair Craig. He grew up in his beloved town of Rayne.
A graduate of Rayne High School, Bob was a talented member of the 1944 Rayne High Wolves 6-man football team, the first and only Rayne High football state championship team.
Upon graduation, he proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army 1st Infantry in Taegu, Korea.
Upon returning from military service, he attended and graduated from LSU in Baton Rouge with a BS in accounting. He had a distinguished career with the Louisiana State Legislature Auditors office, retiring as a First Assistant Legislative Auditor.
Bob was also a proud member of the Sons of the American Revolution having served as president of the local General Philemon Thomas Chapter.
He was one of the best fast-pitch softball pitchers of his time, playing in towns across the state such as Port Barre, Mowata, the Cove and for Baton Rouge teams of Jax Beer and CC Fish.
In addition, he began coaching youth softball in the 60’s and continued coaching in the men’s leagues through the 90’s. He taught many a young men lessons that went far beyond the fields -- how to be good ball players and better men.
Left to share wonderful memories of a life well-lived are his son and daughter-in-law Bobby and Sherry Craig; his grandchildren who were his everything Ryan, Stephanie, Whitney and Nicki. He was also blessed with nieces and nephews who loved him dearly, Dr. Edward and Laura Milligan, Bo and Debbie King, Jimmy and Celine Craig, Kim and Cliff Jones, Jan and Bill Gregory, and their families.
He was preceded in death by the love of his life for over 68 years, his wife Grace Hayes Craig; his parents; and siblings, Jimmy, Richard “Dickie Boy” and Fair.
Funeral services will be held at Rabenhorst East on Florida Boulevard in Baton Rouge on Saturday, Sept. 7, from 9-11 a.m. with a prayer service at 11 a.m.
Burial will be in Kentwood Cemetery following the prayer service.
Special thanks to Hospice of Baton Rouge, especially Ximena and our beloved Katharyn who gave two years of constant care and comfort.
RIP Bob -- you were the most kind and gentle man. All who knew you loved and respected you.