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!
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!
RAYNE - The City of Rayne and the Rayne Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture tourism Committee has again selected James “Jimmy” Prevost and Darien Ramon’ Harmon to serve as 2019 Rayne Mardi Gras parade Grand Marshal and Jr. Grand Marshal, respectfully.
The duo was selected to lead last year’s festivities. But due to inclement weather, the parade and festivities were canceled. Therefore, the honorees will take their respective places this year instead.
They will co-lead the fourth annual Rayne Mardi Gras parade when it rolls down the streets of Rayne on Saturday, March 2, at 3 p.m., ending at the Frog Festival Pavilion where events will be enjoyed by all.
When discussing the criteria of the annual Mardi Gras Parade, the Chamber’s Tourism Committee felt that the persons selected should have some affiliation with Mardi Gras in Rayne in the past or present.
Jimmy Prevost and Darien Harmon certainly qualify.
Prevost reigned as the first king of the Rayne Grand Court Mardi Gras Ball in 2012, and has continued to support and attend the Ball since his reign.
Jimmy is an avid person of interest in tourism, having served his community as a Chamber Board member for several years and past president of the Rayne Chamber of Commerce. He has also volunteered countless hours as chairman for the annual Frog Festival in the 80’s and again in 2013 and 2014.
Prevost also serves his community as a member of other community and church organizations, such as Rayne Lions Club, Rayne Rotary Club, Knights of Columbus council 1897, St. Joseph Catholic Church usher and finance committee; past president of the Acadia Parish Insurance Exchange and past president of the Rice Belt Board of Realtors. He currently sits on the board of the Rayne Building and Loan and is co-owner and president of C.J Prevost Insurance and Rayne Realty Company, Inc.
Darien Ramon ’Harmon mostly known as “Turtle” will co-lead the Parade as Jr. Grand Marshal.
The son of the late Cheryl Harmon and Dannie Harmon, Darien is a 2018 graduate of Rayne High School and plans to further his education. He was a four-year varsity player in football and was the Flex Player of the year, First Team All Acadiana, First Team All Acadia Parish, and also received numerous All District honors.
Relating to his Mardi Gras traditions, Darien began ‘dressing out’ at the age of four as did his father and brother.
Harmon notes that by growing up in Rayne, he has witnessed how Mardi Gras has changed over the years. Traditions has gone from old school crate paper suits and capes to more of a Mardi Gras-Indian costume which leads to the history being left behind. He learned his craft from his father, who showed him the basic skills of building a costume at the age of 13. Since then, he has completed his own costumes and loves the tradition still enjoyed in the City of Rayne.
Harmon wants to honor all supporters that encouraged him throughout his young life and his productive school years.”
Everyone is invited to participate and be part of the fun, family safe parade with a float, trailer, vehicle or walk.
All participates must complete the entry form available at the chamber office at 107 Oak Street. The office is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. until noon and 1-4 p.m.
Deadline to enter is Thursday, Feb. 28, with an entry fee of $25 per team. Entry fee for all political candidates seeking office is $75.
Brian Mouton is chairman of the parade, and is encouraging businesses, schools organizations, civic and church organizations, dance troupes, school bands, elected officials, political candidates, city and area royalty, and area Mardi Gras Krewes to participate.
For more info, please contact the Chamber office at 334-2332 or email to raynechamber1@bellsouth.net.
The parade line-up will begin at 2 p.m. on American Legion Drive. Parade will begin at 3 p.m., travel along The Boulevard and South Adams and end at the Frog Festival Pavilion for more fun.
The “After Parade Party” will be held again this year, immediately following the parade at the Frog Festival Pavilion, between 4 and 7 p.m. Everyone is invited to come enjoy a “Chicken and Sausage Gumbo Cook-off” entries, BBQ hamburgers, cold drinks, live music and more, all at no admission.
The Chamber is now taking entries for the Chicken and Sausage Gumbo Cook-off. Entry fee is only $25 per team of businesses, non-profit organizations or individuals.
Gumbo dishes will be judged with plaques given to the first, second and third place finishers, plus a “People’s Choice” award (voted by the public for $1 each). An entry forms with rules and regulations are also available at the Chamber office.
The public will be able to sample the gumbo entries for only a $5 sampling fee. Nikki Link is chairing the Gumbo Cook-Off, and adds that no ice chests with drinks will be allowed. Entry forms are available at the Chamber office, and contact Nikki at (337) 849-0566 for more details if needed.
RAYNE - Mardi Gras will be in the air next week when the Rayne Chamber of Commerce and the City of Rayne will co-sponsor the 6th Annual Business Appreciation Night.
The 2019 event, carrying the theme of “Chamber Mambo” will be held Thursday, Feb. 28, at the Rayne Civic Center, slightly earlier than the usual time frame due to the earlier date of Mardi Gras.
Doors will open at 6 p.m. for a casual social, followed by the program and dinner at 7 p.m. A cash bar will be available.
In addition to the new officers and board members to be installed during the event, a number of awards will be presented, including Business Person of the Year, Employee of the Year, Chamber Member of the Year and Humanitarian of the Year. (Nominations for awards are due by Thursday, Feb. 21.)
New Board members announced during the February meeting who will be welcomed during the event are Michele Veillon, Crystal Underwood and Marietta Leonards Sikat.
New officers to be installed are Jeremy Lavergne-president, Suzette Leonards-vice president, Brian Mouton-secretary, Tiffany Thibodeaux-treasurer, Beverly Rayon-member at large, Cynthia Oliver and Ricky Bonin-Board members, and Nikki Link-immediate past president.
The city, co-sponsors of the event, will provide a delicious meal once again as State Representative John Stefanski will serve as emcee for the evening.
Keep the “Chamber Mambo” theme in mind for the table decorating contest to be held again this year. Best decorated table will receive $50 in Chamber Cash.
Each Chamber business will receive four tickets for entry. If more are needed, a table of eight will be available for $25.
Due to limited space, reservations must be limited to four guests per business, unless the $25 reservation fee is paid for a table of eight.
RAYNE - As announced during the February meeting of Arceneaux Post 77, American Legion, the bands have been booked, the menu set and plans finalized for the American Legion’s 100th anniversary celebration planned at the American Legion Home here.
With the actual birthday of the American Legion March 15, the Rayne celebration will be held Saturday, March 16, at the local Legion Home with legionnaires, their families and the general public invited to attend.
As announced by Commander David Simon, a 10 a.m. opening ceremony will begin the celebration. A special Color Guard will be in attendance from the Louisiana National Guard, in addition to special guests including Mayor Charles Robichaux representative of the city and other dignitaries.
“This is the observance of the 100th birthday of the U.S. American Legion,” stated Post 77 Commander David Simon. “We are hoping to get the entire community involved and learn what the American Legion is all about.”
Six bands will provided musical entertainment between noon and 10 p.m., in addition to other activities to be provided for the entire family including fun jumps, balloon artists, face painting and much more.
A 50-50 raffle will be held, along with door prizes as provided from local and area businesses.
Highlighting the 100th celebration will be a chili cook-off that is open to all local and area “chefs.” Entry fee is $25 per team with a minimum of 2 people per team who are responsible for all ingredients, pots and burners. Trophies will be awarded to first and second place finishers, along with bragging rights.
Visitors are welcomed to enjoy a bowl of the chili entries for only $5 per ticket.
Chili cook-off applications are available at the Legion Home in Rayne, call 334-4774 for additional information or contact Mike Pastor at 446-7673 for entry forms.
In addition, adult beverages, soft drinks and water will be available. No ice chests will be allowed.
In addition to the chili cook-off purchases, hamburgers and hot dogs will be available for purchase inside the Legion Hall.
Sponsorships available for purchase for businesses, groups, or individuals. Please contact Terry Broussard at 781-0515 Mike Pastor at 446-7673 or Keith Fontenot at 458-8322 for more information regarding sponsorships.
Under committee reports, the commander announced the arrival of paperwork he received for the many Legion programs hosted by Post 77 (Boys State, Oratorical Contest and awards for the annual Law Enforcement Officer, Fireman and Citizen of the Year, Teacher of the Year). The forms were distributed by Chairman John Quebodeaux as he awaits nominations.
For Boys State, it was noted two males and two females from Rayne High have shown interest in the annual event, with community sponsors to be contacted soon.
It was also announced the orientation meeting for Boys and Girls State will again be held at the local Legion Home on June 6 at 5 p.m. prior to the summer program.
Simon reported of the recent weekend musical entertainment and events held at the Legion Home, in addition to a number of events planned in the coming weeks, including Five o”clock Shadow, Bayou Beat and Louisiana Knights.
Following the maintenance report including projects and repairs recently completed at the Legion Home, it was noted the air conditioner in the kitchen area was in need to be replaced.
Robert Comeaux also stated the lights on the home’s front signs had been replaced, as well as the addition of lighting for the flag pole to illuminate the U.S. Flag.
The membership report for the new membership year of 128 paid up dues was given.
In addition to ladies of Unit77 Auxiliary, special guest in attendance for the meeting was 7th District Vice Commander Frank Richard who spoke of the free insurance benefit available to all legionnaires in the amounts of $1,000 and $5,000. Please contact the American Legion locally or online for additional information.
The commander also reminded everyone that food and beverages are still available for purchase with an expanding menu at the Legion Home during normal bar hours. Call 334-4774 to place your pick-up orders.
Also continuing at the Legion Home is Cadillac and Domino games between 4 p.m. until closing every Thursday.
“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 to come before the Post, the meeting was adjourned and a meal was served by the Legion cooks.
The Krewe of Atlantis held its 23rd annual ball and pageant on Saturday, Feb. 16, at The Wyndam Garden Hotel in Lafayette. Theme of the 2019 ball was “The Hot Wives of Atlantis.”
Reigning over the festivities was Queen Hera XXII – Frances “Fran” Stelly Credeur. She is married to Todd A. Credeur who was her escort for the evening. They are the parents Madison Credeur. Fran enjoys spoiling her nieces and nephews and now her great nieces.
She has been the owner/operator of Fran’s Best Little Hair House in Scott for 26 years.
Fran has been an active member of the Scott Business Association for many years. She is and Todd are members of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Scott.
She has served on the Board of Directors for the Krewe of Atlantis, serving one year as vice president and as member-at-large. She served as Royal Maid for Queen Hera the VI - Debbie McFarland and Queen Hera IX - Roxann Guidry. Fran was Ball Mistress for Queen Hera III - Cindy Armentor.
She enjoys hosting family gatherings at her home and is a BIG of “The Real Housewives” Franchise.
Serving as Royal Maids were the following honorees:
• Roxann Guidry – representing The Hot Wife of The Napa Valley - Owner of Wild Girl Winery.
Roxann is the mother of Ryan Guidry (Brooke) and April Martin (Kyle). She is also a doting grandmother to Kendall Paige.
She has been the owner/operator of The Burger Best for 33 years and is a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Scott and sponsor of the Teurlings Catholic High School Booster Club.
Roxann is a charter member of the Krewe of Atlantis where she has served two years as corresponding secretary and member-at-large for the Board of Directors. She reigned as Queen Hera IX in 2006, was Royal Maid to Queen Hera I – Cindy Cobb and Queen Hera XIV – Pam Bergeron. She was also Ball Mistress for Queen Hera III – Cindy Armentor.
She enjoys spoiling her granddaughter and her three animal buddies, Sadie, Bunny Bun Bun and Kitty Cat. She also enjoys shopping and travelling.
Her escort for the evening was Steve Dronet.
• Cindy Cobb – representing The Hot Wife of Hollywood - Owner of Allure Secrets & Appletini Spa.
Cindy is married to Darrell Cobb, who was her escort for the evening. They are the parents to Jeremy, Megan and Courtney, and enjoy spoiling their grandchildren Remy and Ceci.
She is the owner of Allure Enhancement Center in Lafayette.
Cindy is a Doctor of Nursing Practice, she holds a master of science in nursing and health services administration and a bachelor of science in nursing.
She holds membership in the Louisiana Association of Nurse Practitioners, American Association of Nurse Practitioners, is on the Executive Board of the Ragin Cajun Athletic Foundation and is a Mentor of the Ragin Cajun Women’s Basketball team.
Cindy is a Charter member of the Krewe and had the honor of being the first Queen in 1997 as she reigned as Queen Hera I. She was also Royal Maid to Queen Hera VI – Debbie McFarland.
Cindy enjoys reading, spectator sports, travelling and is a self-proclaimed workaholic.
• Butchie Arceneaux – representing The Hot Wife of Las Vegas - Owner of The Beer and Bandstand Supper Club.
Butchie is married to Frank Arceneaux, who was her escort for the evening. They are the parents of Monica Cullen and Buddy Arceneaux and enjoy spoiling their grandchildren, Emerson, John, Rhyan and Blake.
She is happily retired and notes she and Frank really enjoy retirement.
Butchie has been active in the Krewe of Atlantis serving twice on the Board of Directors. She held the office of vice president twice, legal advisor once and member-at-large twice. She reigned as Queen Hera XVII in 2014 and Royal Maid for Queen Hera XII – Helen Kennedy.
She is also a member of the Krewe of Olympus and serves as a member of the Board of Directors. In addition, she is a member of the “Couyon’s In Action” Supper Group.
• Gwen Hilburn – representing The Hot Wife of Orange Beach - Owner of The World Famous Florabama Club.
Gwen is married to Gary “Lindy” Hilburn, who was her escort for the evening. They are parents to Nancy Gregory (Mike), Ally Graham (Steven) and Kelli Louviere (Sean). They enjoy spoiling their grandchildren, Alexandra, Andrew, Ryan, Jackson, Farrah, Kennedy and Bryce.
She and Gary are enjoying retirement as she retired in 2008 from Sikes, Gardes & Frederick CPA’s.
Gwen served as Royal Maid for Queen Hera XIV - Pam Bergeron and queen Hera XVII – Butchie Arceneaux.
She is a member of St. Basil Catholic Church in Judice and St. Thomas by the Sea in Orange Beach. She is president of The BB’s Group, member of the “Couyon’s In Action” Supper Group and decoration committee member of the Nautilus Condominium Association.
Gwen loves being surrounded by family and friends, cooking and entertaining.
Serving as Ball Mistresses were Becky Brasseaux and Cindy LeBlanc.
Master of Ceremonies for the evening were Gerald Greunig, reporter for KLFY TV-10 in Lafayette.
RAYNE - The No. 12-ranked Rayne High Wolves will begin playoff action on Friday, Feb. 22, when they hit the road to Napoleonville to meet No. 14-ranked Assumption.
The first-round contest has a 7 p.m. tip-off time.
The Wolves completed their district slate on Friday in Lafayette at St. Thomas More where the crowd was treated to one for the books.
Trailing at the half, the Wolves clawed their way back and had the score knotted at 48-all with a few seconds remaining in the ballgame. That’s when the Cougars hit a bucket for the two-point district win.
Rayne ended their district slate with a .500 percentage at 5-5 and a 19 ranking for the 4-A state brackets.
With a bi-district win on Friday, the Wolves will advance to the regional round against the winner of No. 3 Breaux Bridge and No. 30 Lutcher.
Five other Acadia Parish teams are also in the state playoffs.
The Northside Christian Warriors join the Crowley Gents, the Iota Bulldogs, the Notre Dame Pios and the Midland Rebels in the 2018-19 LHSAA boys basketball playoffs released Monday morning.
The Warriors (22-12) are the No. 4 seed in the Division V playoffs, which has just 12 teams in postseason play. The Warriors will have a bye until the quarterfinal round, when they will then take on either No. 5 Family Community (13-12) or No. 12 St. Joseph’s (3-23).
A victory would send the Warriors to the semifinals where they would likely play No. 1 Jehovah-Jireh (34-6).
In Class 3A, the Iota Bulldogs (22-12) drew the No. 17 seed and will travel to No. 16 Westlake Friday while Crowley High (17-11), the No. 23 seed, will travel to Baton Rouge to take on No. 10 Glen Oaks.
A victory by Iota would likely have them hosting No. 1 Sophie B Wright in the second round.
The Gents, should they win, would likely host No. 7 Lake Charles College Prep.
Notre Dame (11-12) is the No. 9 seed in Division III and will travel to New Iberia Friday to take on rival Catholic High Friday in a 7 p.m. regional showdown.
The two teams squared off on Jan. 24 with the Panthers claiming a 50-40 victory.
A victory by the Pios would send them to the quarterfinal round where they would likely get No. 1 Dunham on the road.
Midland (8-25) is the No. 24 seed and will get a familiar foe in No. 9 Hathaway.
The two teams have played three times this season, once in tournament action and twice in district play, and the Hornets were victorious each time.
The winner of that first-round game will move on to play either No. 8 Bell City or No. 25 Converse.
RAYNE - It was announced this week that Rayne High School finally has a new athletic director and football coach, Kaine Guidry.
The Rayne High alumni returns to his hometown for his eleventh year in the coaching field.
Guidry began his coaching career in 2009 at Notre Dame where he was on the ND coaching staff for three years. He then spent four years at Rayne where he coached offense in football and served as the track coach before wearing the green and gold of Crowley High for the past three years.
Guidry’s outlook for the coming year is positive as he is “looking forward to our community once again taking pride in our school and teams, plus have a positive program that Rayne can support.”
Already at the helm Tuesday, Guidry is getting his ducks in a row noting that “spring practice is right around the corner and we’re planning three weeks of practice beginning April 29, plus a spring game somewhere in there.”
Wrapping his head around the quick move from Crowley to Rayne this week, Guidry is ready to gets things going.
“I’m happy to be back home, where it all began for me and my entire family,” Guidry states. “I’m anxious to get our coaching staff named, get everybody on the same page and with a positive attitude.”
RAYNE - The Rayne High School PTO sponsored its 3rd Annual Super Chili Bowl Cookoff on Saturday, Feb. 9, at the Frog Festival Pavilion.
A total of 17 teams were registered (largest ever) and began preparing for the chili cookoff at noon, followed by the gates opening for public admittance at 2 p.m. when everyone was able listen to music, have chili tasting privileges, participate in the auction, and watch the washer board tournament.
The washer board tournament began at 1 p.m. which was exciting and fun for people of all ages.
Winners of the Washer Board Tournament were: 1st place - Derek and Jana Dupre; 2nd place - J. Wendell Prudhomme and Bubba Beniot; 3rd place - Dude and Charlie Cantrell.
Submission were given to the judges for the all-important chili taste test when the winners were named in the two divisions, domestic and wild game.
Winners of the domestic division were: 1st place - Truly Beniot and Jasmine Lopez “Stew Live Crew”; 2nd place - Taylor Stelly and Beth Compton”Block is Hot”; 3rd place - Don and Nick Barron “Throw Me Some Chili Mister”.
Winners of the wild game division were: 1st place J. Wendell Prudhomme “Red Hot Chili Peppers”; 2nd place - Devin Beard, David Beard, Justin Rozas “Acadiana After Hours Wolf Pack”; 3rd place - Dillion Gatte and Beau Petitjean “Dynamic Duo”.
The Chili Cook-off event included concessions, non and alcoholic beverages, along with games for the entire family. A big obstacle course, ball race and pugil pit was provided by the Louisiana National Guard.
Live and silent auctions were made available by many local businesses who donated items to help make the event a huge success.
Live entertainment was provided by DJ Benoit, followed by “Temporary Fix” with Payton Broussard who took the stage with her guitar player Haidon Trahan.
The beer buying trophy was awarded to the “Podnah’s” team represented by Troy Alleman and Chad Dupuis for the awards presentation.
Best decorated booth was awarded to the “Acadiana After Hours Wolf Pack” booth.
Jamie Bergeron took the stage to close out the day.
Rayne High School PTO would like to thank all volunteers, individuals and businesses who made the 2019 Annual Chili Cookoff a complete success.
Big thanks also to the City of Rayne, Rayne High School PTO, the school administration, parents and student volunteers, and the community who continues to support Rayne High.
PTO Chairman Nicole Broussard and committee members would like to extend special thanks to the following sponsors: SILVER - Acadia Parish Assessor Jimbo Petitjean, Acadiana After Hours Walk-In Clinic, J. Link Aquafarms, Mon Rev Boutique; BRONZE - C.J. Prevost Insurance Agency, Frugé Seafood, London E & Company, Mouton Pharmacy, Rayne Building and Loan; PURPLE - A&C Safety Solutions, Acadiana Lanes, Ace Hardware of Rayne, B&B Electrical Service, Body Basics by Allyson Stelly, Boutique 46, Buffalo Wild Wings, Bullets and Bows, Chik-Fil-A, Chef Roy’s Restaurant, Don’s Seafood Restaurant, Doug Ashy of Rayne, Farmers True Value, Fezzo’s Restaurant, Fred Gossen Company, Mr. Gatti’s of Crowley, Gary Matte Hardware and Cookware, Gautreaux’s Doughnut Kitchen, Grand Theatre 14, Grand Theatre 16, Granddaddy’s Crawfish, Kart Ranch, Maison Daboval Bed & Breakfast, Nonc Kev’s, Rayne Flower Shop, Rayne State Bank, Rice City Designs, The Rolling Pin, Service Chevrolet, Shetler Corley Ford and Sky Zone.
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