PLEASE LOG IN FOR PREMIUM CONTENT Our website requires visitors to log in to view the best local news from Acadia Parish, LA. Not yet a subscriber? Subscribe today!
PLEASE LOG IN FOR PREMIUM CONTENT Our website requires visitors to log in to view the best local news from Acadia Parish, LA. Not yet a subscriber? Subscribe today!
Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 20, at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Crowley for Ms. Mary Louise Francis, 61, who passed away on Thursday, April 11, 2019, in Crowley.
Interment was in South Crowley Cemetery.
Father Godwin Imoru officiated the funeral mass.
Ms. Francis leaves to cherish her memories her mother, Ruth Francis of Crowley; her daughter, Ruth Adams (Donald Jr.) of Lake Charles; four brothers, Percy Francis Jr. of Houston, Texas, Joseph John Francis, Martin Francis and Eddie Francis, all of Crowley; five sisters, Dianne Normand and Evelyn Nixon, both of Crowley, Didrer Steirs of Florida, Lucille Bunch of Alanta, Georgia, and Delores Francis of Lake Charles; one grandchild; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Ms. Francis was preceded in death by her father, Percy Francis Sr.; and two sisters, Edna Harmon and Elemena Minger.
Visitation was held on Saturday, April 20, from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at St. Theresa Catholic Church.
Words of condolences may be expressed at fordandjosephfh.com
Ford and Joseph Funeral Home, 577 N. Avenue C, Crowley, (337) 514-5217, is in charge of arrangements.
PLEASE LOG IN FOR PREMIUM CONTENT Our website requires visitors to log in to view the best local news from Acadia Parish, LA. Not yet a subscriber? Subscribe today!
PLEASE LOG IN FOR PREMIUM CONTENT Our website requires visitors to log in to view the best local news from Acadia Parish, LA. Not yet a subscriber? Subscribe today!
The Lady Wolves Softball Team of Rayne High School traveled to West Monroe on Friday, April 12, for a bi-district contest against No. 3-ranked West Ouachita in the opening round of the LHSAA 4-A State Playoffs.
With a scoreless two and one-half innings, the Chiefs tagged home for a run and kept things going for a 9-1 win over the Lady Wolves.
The Chiefs tallied five big runs in the fourth inning and another three in the fifth before Rayne could cross the plate in the sixth.
Elizabeth Comeaux was on the mound for Rayne. She threw six innings allowing 11 hits and six walks.
Collecting Rayne High’s four hits on the day were Lexi Marks, Jessi Cary, Kassidie Bourgeois and Elizabeth Daigle.
Elizabeth Comeaux, who reached base on a walk, was the lone Lady Wolf to tag home during the day on a sacrifice by Bourgeois.
RAYNE - The 1969 graduating class of 1969 gathered on Saturday, March 30, 2019, at Chef Roy’s Frog City Café in Rayne for their 50-year class reunion.
Reunion committee members included Greg Moroux, Jack Lambert, Louisette Broussard and Veralda Girouard.
The evening reunion included a cocktail hour with visiting by classmates and guests against a background of school memorabilia.
A delicious meal was served by the staff of Chef Roy’s to complete an enjoyable event attended by classmates from Louisiana points of Rayne, Crowley, Iota, Lafayette, Scott, Eunice, Breaux Bridge, Baton Rouge, Plaquemine, St. Gabriel, Ponchatoula and Thibodeaux, in addition to Seattle, Washington; San Francisco, California; Daphne, Alabama; Marietta, Georgia; Vicksburg, Mississippi, and Texas cities of Longview, Wake Village and Fort Worth.
Remembered during the reunion were deceased classmates, including Becky Avant, David Boudreaux, Jimmy Elkins, Octavie Gall, Keith Lambousy, Brice LeJeune, Barbara Leonards, Tony Manuel, Wayne Nelson, Lucille Ramos, Nicholette Semar and Floyd Simon.
Classmates in attendance were Suzanne Baronet Landry, Alan Broussard, Linda Cain Badon, Pam Carre Greeman, Verelda Credeur Girouard, Dienna Champagne Hoffpauir, Mary Champagne, Wayne Doucet, Kenny Dugas, Susie Dupont, Charlene Everett Varni, Agnes Faul Wilson, Marlene Firmin Brantley, Cyndie Guidry Wilkins, Theresa Hebert Cronan, Sheila Hensgens Hargrave, Kenneth Johnson, Jack Lambert, Joycelyn Lambousy Arceneayx, Mary Landry Ledlow, David LeJeune, Debbie LeJeune Gummels, Albert Leonards, Germaine Leonards Ropp, Cora Monte Faul, Shelton Miller, Greg Moroux, Louisette Nugent Broussard, Maria Olenforst Kracher, Charlotte Petitjean Gulotta, Bill Puissegur, Russell Richard, Glenn Simon, Roberta Sweeney Motley, Sara Sweeney Smeltzer, Tommy Thevis, Sandra Trahan Hein, Toni Trouille Fogleman and Sherry Wales Summers.
RAYNE - Since 1949 when the Rayne Housing Authority was established, a member of the Chappuis family of Rayne has served in one capacity or another.
That consecutive run ended on Dec. 31, 2018, when Chris C. Simpson retired after 40 years of service.
“I started here in 1976,” Simpson said when looking back on four decades of service to Rayne citizens. “I’ve been in this business for 40 years and I’ve seen it all ... the good, the bad and the ugly.
“Our housing authority has been through hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, fires ... through it all. But through it all, we have stayed a high performer.”
When discussing changes she has seen during her service, Simpson brings some enlightenment to readers.
“One of the main changes I’ve seen over the years is that our residents are not made up of only welfare recipients as the general public thinks. Most of them are the elderly or the ‘working poor.’
“I often stress that if public housing is not properly funded, all small cities would suffer. There would be homeless people on the streets; but most important, many of our residents work in small businesses in the city and the economy would suffer.
“Not sure if people know this, but the city gets $40,000 as a payment in lieu of taxes from us on a yearly basis. That may not sound like a lot to most, but to a small city it is very important.”
The Chappuis family has served the Housing Authority since its inception in 1949.
“A.C. Chappuis Sr., my grandfather, was mayor of Rayne when the Housing Authority was established in 1949,” Simpson continues. “He and a lot of caring people established the Housing Authority for our community.”
Simpson’s father, A.C. Chappuis Jr., applied for the executive director job and was chosen by a five-member board headed by Joseph Sonnier.
“A new job with a new organization was a pretty large undertaking at that time,” Simpson notes.
“My dad asked my mom, Helen, to assist him (at no pay), which she did for many years. He later resigned as he needed a job with a larger salary for his growing family.
“My mother, who had assisted all those years and knew the job well, was appointed as executive director by the board, at that time led by Lewis Cook Sr.”
Simpson began her career with the Housing Authority at that time in December of 1976 as a Housing Authority clerk.
“I remember that day well,” she chuckles. “Mr. Cook needed an assistant since his had quit. He asked me to go in and help out and I basically never left.
“When my mom left, she was replaced by Donald Hoffpauir by the board chaired by Logan Venable.
“When Donald (Hoffpauir) departed for a job at the assessors office, the board, chaired by Charles Robichaux, hired me as executive director in 1983. I served in that job for 36 years.”
During that period, Robichaux was followed by Preston Venable as leader of the board, which is now chaired by Lee Hebert.
In 1983, when Simpson was named executive director, the Hosing Authority numbered 122 units. But, that would change.
During her tenure, a 28-unit project and then a 50-unit project were built, giving the Rayne Housing Authority a total of 200 apartments.
“We have implemented years of Capital Fund projects which have made the Rayne Housing Authority one of the best in the state,” Simpson said with justified pride. “This is verified by the PHAS scores / report card grade for our agency. In fact one year we scored the highest in the state.”
In her 42 years, Simpson has seen many changes in the housing business.
“The updates were mostly good, but some I didn’t agree with but still had to implement,” she continues.
“I’ve always felt the Housing Authority was a needed program, especially to give people a step up when in need. I especially appreciated helping the elderly.
“During my time as executive director, I have been active in many HA organizations, having been elected to many offices, served on many committees and receiving a number of awards.”
Simpson served as chairman on the state and regional level for 15 years, and was even honored with an award named after her.
Some of the awards she has received during her career include Best Newsletter, Member of the Year and The Extra Mile Award.
“During all my years as director, Jill Rochon was on board as Housing Project manager,” Simpson said. “Upon my recommendation, she was appointed executive director in January by the current board.”
RAYNE - The upcoming 47th annual Frog Festival took center stage during Wednesday’s meeting of the Rayne Chamber of Commerce.
Chamber President Jeremy Lavergne, who is also serving as chairman of the 2019 Frog Festival, gave a brief report of festival plans and additional events to take place May 8-11 for the Frog Festival.
Lavergne reminded everyone of the parade being held on Thursday, May 9, at 6 p.m. near the railroad and ending at the Frog Festival grounds for the opening ceremonies and then musical entertainment.
“This year’s parade will be very unique and we’re expecting a large event with more people involved,” Lavergne stated.
“We will again have a ‘Kids Zone” this year, but it will be expanded with additional activities to enjoy.
“A wine and cheese social is planned on April 25 when we will honor this year’s grand marshal, Lisa Soileaux, new royalty and volunteers.”
Lavergne also noted that plans were now finalized with work continuing on sponsorships.
Suzette Leonards gave a report of the recently held Frog Festival Queen’s Pageant, noting a good attendance not only with contestants but with a larger audience than last year.
Thanks were expressed during a brief report given for the quarterly Business After Hours held March 28 at the Holiday Inn Express in Scott. It was also noted Mon Rev was presented the “Business of the Quarter” award during the event.
Eddie Palmer spoke of the upcoming OST Day Celebration slated Saturday, Nov. 2, at The Depot and surrounding area.
“The main activities will again be held at The Depot Square which will include vendors, demonstrations, great food and live musical entertainment,” state Palmer.
“The Bank will again house the memorabilia displays for our museum for a day.
“We are also negotiating new events at new venues. We’ve kinda outgrown the locations used for the past three years, so additional room is needed for new activities being planned for the fourth annual program.”
Marietta Sikat gave a report of the upcoming quarterly Farmers Market slated June 8 at The Depot.
“I’m hoping for more vendors to contact me so we can get our numbers back up,” Sikat stated. “The March market was the first quarterly event for the new schedule to follow and it was ok.”
Under new business, a schedule was given for meeting and deadlines for the annual Chamber scholarships presented during graduation at both Rayne High and Notre Dame.
Lavergne also noted that a number of business economic development, fundraiser/promotion of new ideas have been brought up and will be addressed following the Frog Festival.
The lone old business subject addressed was the creation of a new sign for the Chamber office. Lavergne stated the Rayne High FFA is working on a new sign that will be completed in the near future.
During the business portion of the meeting, the budget was approved as the financial report was given.
The Director’s Report given by Fran Bihm included her announcement the USDA inspection went well and the Chamber is in compliance.
She also included in her report of a number of out of state and international tourists who have visited the Chamber and city.
Bihm also gave the membership report of 96 paid memberships with a reminder to businesses the deadline is nearing for renewal.
Lavergne announced the following upcoming events:
• Grand opening of rayne Family Healthcare on Friday, April 12 at 1 p.m.;
• Grand opening at Blush Skin Studio on Saturday, April 13, at 10 a.m.; and
Frog Festival Committee meeting on Monday, April 8, at 5:30 p.m.
Thanks were expressed to Myrtle and Willie Etta Servat who provided lunch for the meeting.
RAYNE - Two well-known and inspiring Rayne leaders will be honored this weekend during the 2019 Acadia Parish Training School and Armstrong High School Grand Reunion.
Named this year’s honoree is JoAnn Eaglin Gage, with Rita T. Norman named Grand Marshal.
JoAnn Eaglin Gage
“Honoree”
Gage is the daughter of Maggie Nolia Davis Eaglin Baloney, Overy Eaglin and Wilton Baloney (Papa), her stepfather who raised her.
“Papa” was a sharecropper on the Camie Andrus farm. Mr. and Mrs. Camie Andrus babysat JoAnn while her parents worked in the fields.
Her mother was also a seamstress, a beautician, a homemaker and a helper in the fields. But, she dreamed for a better life for her daughter.
Gage grew up in Branch and walked to school on dusty country roads with her cousins, the Guidrys and Wilturners. Later “Papa” purchased her a bicycle for her to travel to school, sometimes encountering strangers and wild animals. “But, because of God’s grace, He kept me safe,” she states.
Her family moved to Rayne where she attended Acadia Parish Training School (APTS). On June 9, 1947, she received her elementary school certificate. On April 26, 1951, she received the American Red Cross Home Care for the Sick Nursing Card from Crowley. Then on May 30, 1951, she received her State of Louisiana Department of Education State Approved Negro High School Diploma as satisfactorily completing the course of study required by the state.
With the encouragement of her mother and help of family and friends, Gage continued her education at Southern University A&M College in Baton Rouge. She received a bachelor of arts in elementary education on August 9, 1958 from Southern, where she also attended for her post-bachelor study.
She began her career teaching second and fourth grade, but the majority of her teaching career was at the first grade level. Her teaching career expanded from Church Point Elementary, Acadia Parish Training School which was later named Armstrong High School. With integration, she was transferred to Central Rayne Elementary School, until Martin Petitjean Elementary was built, where she taught for 10 years.
In addition to teaching in the classroom, Gage taught Edward Washington in his home for several years.
As a lifetime learner, her purpose was to make learning fun and share it with the masses.
Teaching adult night school for years was a privilege and honor for Gage because her “Papa” was in her first night school class. To open the doors to learning and teaching her father was a defining moment in her career.
As part of the Head Start pilot program, several teachers and Gage signed up and travel to Austin, Texas for training, and introduced Head Start in Acadia Parish in Rayne.
Gage retired from the Acadia Parish school system in May of 1987.
As a Christian and member of Starlight Baptist Church in Rayne, she taught Sunday school, Vacation Bible School, Baptist Training Union, and was director of the Sunbeam Choir.
Gage now resides in Lafayette and is a member of Progressive Baptist Church.
She is the mother of two daughters, Cathie Cassandra Gage-Durand and Medra Nolia Gage, both products of APTS/AHS. It was her joy and duty to help and support them both through their bachelor and post-bachelor degrees.
Gage has passed on her zeal for learning and working to her grandchildren. Today, Rateah Anid Gage is a mental health therapist. Kylie Sharraine Durand is a nationally board certified pediatrician. Jarrid Joseph Durand is a civil engineer. Alair Shantee Durand is an register nurse and studying towards a nurse practician degree.
Rita T. Norman
“Grand Marshal”
Norman is the daughter of the late Alpha and Julia Trahan. She is mother to a daughter, Cheryl Ann Fruge of Branch, who is married to Alywin Fruge. She is a proud grandmother of one grandson, Alywin Fruge Jr., and wife Jane, and two fine great-grandchildren, John and James Fruge.
A graduate of Acadia Parish Training School, she taught in schools of Acadia Parish, Natchitoches Parish and at St. Joseph Elementary.
Schools where she taught locally included Acadia Parish Training School, Armstrong High School and Central Rayne Elementary School after integration.
Norman attended Grambling State University in Grambling, Louisiana where she received a bachelor of science degree in elementary education. She later attended Texas South University where she obtained a masters of education degree.
She has been a member of Our Mother of Mercy Shrine Catholic Church for as many years as she can remember, and is currently a lector and Eucharistic minister there. She also helps with the upkeep of the church grounds.
Schedule of Events
During afternoon ceremonies on Tuesday, April 9, at City Hall, Mayor Charles “Chuck” Robichaux signed the official proclamation declaring April 18-20 as the “Acadia Parish Training School and Armstrong High School Grand Reunion - A Golden Celebration #thewaywewere.”
The theme — “The Golden Celebration” — will observe the 50th anniversary (1969-2019) and consist of historical activities, music, dancing, singing, a pep rally and games.
The Acadia Parish Training School/Armstrong High School Reunion Committee has put together an impressive and exciting agenda for this year’s reunion.
Activities are open to the general public include:
• April 18: meet and greet and children’s games and conversation (5-9 p.m.).
• April 19: (8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.) tour school and city tours; (7-9 p.m.) meal, happy hour and karaoke, followed by dance between 9 p.m. and 1 a.m. at Ballroom.
April 20: business meeting at 9 a.m. followed by grand parade (11:30 a.m. line-up and rolls at 12:30 p.m.); pep rally and program (immediately following the parade at school).
Reunion activities open only to those registered will include:
Reunion Saturday Night Ball events include: 7 p.m. short program and sit-down meal, dancing 9 p.m.. until 12:45 a.m.
Crowley Post-Signal
602 N. Parkerson Ave, Crowley, LA 70526
Phone: 337-783-3450
Fax: 337-788-0949
Rayne-Acadian Tribune
108 North Adams, Rayne, LA 70578
Phone: 337-334-3186
Fax: 337-334-8474
Church Point News
c/o The Eunice News, 465 Aymond St., Eunice, LA 70535
Phone: 337-457-3061