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RAYNE - A full house was welcomed Monday night during the annual installation banquet of the Rayne Volunteered Fire Department held at the Fire Station for the Rayne Volunteer Fire Department.
Guests were welcomed by Fire Chief Allen “Noochie” Credeur, along with officers and members of the RVFD.
The Pledge of Allegiance and Fireman’s Prayer were recited to begin the evening, followed by a special moment of silence observed in memory of fallen comrades.
Credeur welcomed the many guests in attendance, and then introduced Mayor Charles “Chuck” Robichaux who welcomed everyone on behalf of the city. He also acknowledged the city’s fire department as one of the best at what they do.
“Some people don’t realize what you guys do for our community,” Robichaux stated. “You protect us all and you’re an important part of our city. We really appreciate all you do for all of us.”
Robichaux went on to explain the upcoming joint project between the city and fire department -- a new fire station located near the Rayne Chamber that’s in the works.
As Credeur recognized guests in attendance and called the roll for the 30 volunteer firemen. Retired firefighters in attendance were also noted, including Barry Granger, Lee Hebert, Larry LeBlanc, Louis “Bedoo” Meche, Adam Soileaux and Roland Thibodeaux.
Credeur called upon the line officers for the coming year to take their place for the swearing in ceremony by City Judge James “Jim” Cunningham, including his 1st Assistant Chief Phil Hebert, 2nd Assistant Chief/treasurer/publicity officer Michael Cormier, 1st Captain/President Joseph “Wa” Credeur, 2nd Captain Justin Granger, Lt. Toby Credeur and Jeremy LaBauve, Vice-President Eric Menard, secretary Josh Foreman and judges Chad Credeur, Jonathan Hebert and Jake Venable.
Four new firemen were welcomed to the department, including Lance Cormier, Cory Credeur, Darren Keller and Devin Mueck.
In a brief address following the swearing-in ceremonies, Credeur said the volunteer department answered a total of 208 calls during 2018.
Breaking down the variety of calls for the year, the department responded to 5 house fires, 6 grass fires, 7 vehicle fires, 1 trash dumpster fire, 21 smoke/pot on stove, 3 electrical shorts, 21 natural gas leaks/smell, 23 vehicle accidents/extrications, 7 general fire alarms, 109 false alarms and 2 assists with other fire departments.
Credeur also noted three medical assists and seven landing zone assists for Air-Med calls as he recognized Mike Richard of Acadian Ambulance, who was in attendance.
“I would like to personally thank this fire department for all you do,” Richard noted. “We work on many calls together and I can honestly say, the Rayne Volunteer Department is one of the best. We work hand in hand and we appreciate all you do not only for us, but for the many citizens you help on a daily basis. You truly lay down your lives for your fellow man. You can’t ask for more than that.”
During his address, Credeur included details of an anticipated state of the art training facility to be built soon through a grant the department has worked on for a time.
“Not only will this training facility serve us, but will benefit the entire parish,” Credeur noted. “We are also looking forward to the new northside fire station that we are working together with the city. This will provide service to the area where most of our calls come from.”
Credeur also spoke of the new flags and honor flag attained by the department from the city to be used during honor guard processions and events.
“We, the Rayne Volunteer Fire Department, are the honor guard for the parish,” Credeur noted. “When there’s a funeral or other event that needs an honor guard, we’re there. Thanks to the city, we now have a large U.S. Flag to complete the ceremony.”
Credeur concluded with a special thank you to all the firemen for their dedicated service, night and day, towards their community and shared experiences of years gone by. He also extended a thanks to “firemen families” for their understanding and support.
The blessing was said and all enjoyed a delicious meal to complete the evening.
RAYNE - A rather abbreviated City Council meeting Monday evening saw Mayor Charles Robichaux and members of the Council approve a long-awaited project.
With no objections heard or brought forth for a resolution to issue utilities revenue bonds topping at $2,600,000 for the construction and improvements of the city’s outdated water treatment system, the Council authorized city officials to proceed with the preparation of the documents required for the issurance of the bonds and obtain approval of the La. State Bond Commission.
Concerning the DOTD City Road Improvement Project, the Council approved a resolution to approve plans and specifications and authorizing the advertisement for bids and designing the time and place the bids will be received for the Edgewood Subdivision street improvement.
Robichaux noted the funds have been received by the city from DOTD in the amount of $281,000 for the city to complete the project.
The lone change made to the initial project was an alternate proposal for medians to remain by removing and replacing barrier curbs with mountable curbs to fore-go additional damage by large vehicles.
Under new business, the financial update was given by City Clerk Annette Cutrera, who noted the “numbers look good” and “we are in a good place at this time of the year.”
The Council considered and approved the following items as declared by the street, water and electric departments as surplus: Shindaiwa 24” hedge trimmer, Shindaiwa weed eater unit 5, Redmax weed eater unit 9, Gravy mower unit 2, Redmax hand blower, Redmax weed eater, Shindaiwa weed eater unit 8, bush hog skeleton, Shindaiwa weed eater unit 2, Shindaiwa weed eater unit 12, Shindaiwa weed eater unit 3, Brother fax machine and Craftsman cordless drill.
Also considered was a recommendation from the Rayne Planning and Zoning Commission Board from their January 24 meeting to approve the re-zoning of Lots 3-8 and East 25’ of Lot 2 Block 17 of Cunningham Addition which would include Lot 1 and west 15’ of Lot 2 owned and occupied by the City of Rayne from R-1 to C-1. The Council approved the recommendation.
Under permit department/demolition projects, three properties were presented for action, including:
• 705 Wiltz - 30 days to demolish;
• 605 Third Street - 30 days to demolish; and
• 814 Chappuis - 90 days to demolish.
Also addressing the Council during the meeting were Mike Richard of Acadian Ambulance and Terry Broussard on behalf of the local American Legion for the upcoming 100th American Legion Birthday Celebration..
City Engineer Tim Mader gave a brief update of the following items:
• Barbara Street Pump Station Project in the home stretch with completion closing in;
• DOTD Street Improvement Project to begin bids for the Edgewood Subdivision Street Improvement Project on Feb. 28; and
• LCDBG 2020-21 Project to determine the best possible project and application for a grant presented to Council during the March Council meeting.
A last-minute item introduced by Councilman Jimmy Fontenot was the addition of motorized bikes now being seen about the city. Police Chief Carroll Stelly stated the bikes, regular or motorized, are to adhere to normal travel laws as to stops signs, signal lights, etc.
Stelly also suggested if problems continue, an ordinance may be brought forth by the Council for any changes they see fit.
The Krewe of Kings and Queens Extraordinaire, in partnership with the City of Rayne, will host their second annual Krewe of Kings and Queens Mardi Gras Parade and Celebration on Tuesday, March 5, Mardi Gras day.
The entire family is invited to participate in the exciting, family-focused, energetic, costume-filled Mardi Gras parade.
The purpose of the annual event is to facilitate a safe, fun-filled, family-friendly Mardi Gras celebration that honors the history, legacy and pride of traditional Rayne Mardi Gras.
Parade grand marshals for the 2019 special event are Ambra Shae Foreman and Don Charles, participants of recent Mardi Gras events and parades.
The Mardi Gras parade will be filled with traditional Mardi Gras costumes, floats, dance teams, side-by-side vehicles and decorated vehicles as they roll through the streets of Rayne.
Everyone’s invited to participate in the parade including businesses, school organizations, church groups, dance teams, school bands, elected officials local and parish-wide.
Beginning at the Frog Festival Pavilion at 3 p.m., the parade will head south until Harrop, then north on The Boulevard and ending at the Pavilion where the follow-up festivities will be enjoyed.
Delicious food, music, a swing-out contest, dance team competition and much more will be provided for the entire community and participating Mardi Gras revelers.
Admission is free for the entire family to enjoy a variety of events included for Mardi Gras day.
In addition to the Mardi Gras day events, announcement is being made of the organization’s inaugural Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball slated Saturday, March 2, at the Rayne Civic Center.
Individual tickets are $10 each in advance and $15 at the door. Tables of eight (8) or 14 will be available in support of this excellent community engagement opportunity.
The BYOB affair will feature a formal program to include the crowning of the official 2019 parade grand marshals and a traditional New Orleans second line.
Anyone having questions concerning the events or would like to make a donation to ensure a most successful Mardi Gras celebration are asked to contact Ludy Bellad (337-322-5520), Keel Charles (337-247-2969) or any Krewe of Kings and Queens member.
RAYNE - With a most successful Mardi Gras Ball under their belt, the Rayne Chamber of Commerce discussed a number of projects in the near future during their monthly meeting held Wednesday, Feb. 6, at the Chamber office.
Chairman Michelle Autin gave a report of the 8th Annual Grand Court Mardi Gras Ball held Saturday, Jan. 19, at the Rayne Civic Center. “Under the Big Top” was the theme for the 2019 celebration.
“Ticket sales went well,” Autin stated. “Not quite as good as last year, but still good. I think everyone enjoyed the ball and would like to thank everyone for their help, especially the committee members.”
Members were reminded that proceeds of the Mardi Gras Ball help to benefit the Chamber’s scholarship program presented to Rayne High and Notre Dame students at graduation each year.
Autin has completed three years as ball chairman. The Board is in need of a new chairman, along with additional Mardi Gras ball committee members.
Chamber Executive Director Fran Bihm announced plans for the 2019 Annual Business Appreciation Night. The event, moved ahead to Thursday, Feb. 28, at the Rayne Civic Center, was due to Mardi Gras in March of this year.
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.
New Board members announced during the meeting who will be welcomed during the banquet are Michele Veillon, Crystal Underwood and Marietta Leonards-Sikat.
The city, co-sponsors of the event, will provide the meal for the evening as State Representative John Stefanski will serve as emcee for the “Chamber Mambo.” Keep the theme in mind for the table decorating contest to be held again this year.
Each Chamber business will receive four tickets for entry. If more are needed, a table of eight will be available for $25.
The next major event being planned by the Chamber discussed during the meeting was the Rayne Mardi Gras Parade and After Party.
Co-sponsored with the City of Rayne, the parade will be held on Saturday, March 2, and everyone is invited to participate. All participants must complete the entry form available at the Chamber office at 107 Oak Street. Deadline to enter with entry fee of $25 is Thursday, Feb. 28. Entry fee for all political candidates seeking office in the 2019 year is $75 as announced by Chairman Brian Mouton.
The parade line-up will begin at 2 p.m. on American Legion Drive, with the parade beginning at 3 p.m., travel along The Boulevard and South Adams Ave., and end at the Frog Festival Pavilion where the “After Parade Party” will be enjoyed between 4-7 p.m. where everyone is invited to enjoy the “Chicken & Sausage Gumbo Cook-Off”, BBQ hamburgers, cold drinks, music, all at no admission.
The Chamber is now taking entries for the Chicken & Sausage Gumbo Cook-Off, with $25 entry fee. Gumbo Cook-Off entry forms with rules and regulations are available at the Chamber office.
The public will be able to sample all the gumbo entries for only a $5 sampling fee. Nikki Link is chairing the Gumbo Cook-off, and adds that no chests with drinks will be allowed.
With the absence of Frog Festival Chairman Jeremy Lavergne, Committee member Suzette Leonards gave a brief report of the upcoming 2019 Rayne Frog Festival slated May 9-11.
“Everything is rolling along pretty smoothly,” Leonards stated. “Entertainment has been secured and the carnival is lined up. We are concentrating on sponsors at this point.”
The main change for this year’s Frog Festival is the parade that has been moved to Thursday, May 9, at 6 p.m., followed by the opening ceremonies at the Frog Festival Pavilion of where the parade will end. A complete schedule of events for the three days of activities will be released soon.
Link announced the raffle will be held again this year, but with a twist. The raffle will not have prizes, but half-and-half pay out. Raffle tickets will be sold at the festival, from Frog Festival committee members and at the Chamber office.
Link also added that volunteers, including organizations and school clubs, are still in need for the many events the festival will offer. Any club or organization is urged to contact the Chamber office with any questions or if interested in working a time slot during the festival.
With the start of a new year for the Chamber’s Farmers Market, Chairperson Marietta Sikat gave a new quarterly schedule for the coming year. She announced the new dates including March 9, June 8, September 14 and November 23 (early December event due to Christmas shopping).
Bihm also noted that membership dues are continuing to be received and retention is good with members renewing membership. She urged all Chamber members to submit their dues for the coming year.
The financial report was presented by treasurer Tiffany Thibodeaux and the upcoming budget will be presented at the March meeting. The USDA loan for the Chamber building was also discussed.
The ongoing Old Spanish Trail Celebration was discussed and Dr. Eddie Palmer again volunteered to continue his great work with the program. He was also thanked for his dedication to the growing OST project that will hopefully soon encompass the entire Acadiana area.
Palmer noted plans to expand the 2019 celebration to include the Warehouse Event Center in addition to The Bank and The Crossing at Mervine Kahn.
“We’ve come to the conclusion that we need more room in order for us to provide more materials for the many visitors to view,” stated Palmer. “We are again looking at the first weekend in November as usual, but that will be decided next month during our first organizational meeting.”
Under announcements: Friday, Feb. 15, is the deadline to submit nominations for the upcoming Business Appreciation Night awards; Frog Festival committee meeting scheduled for Monday, Feb. 11 at 5 p.m.; Mardi Gras Parade committee meeting slated Monday, Feb. 25, at 5:30 p.m.
The meal for the noon meeting was provided by Fezzo’s of Crowley.
Donald and Diana Domingue of Rayne were honored on Saturday, Jan. 19, during a special reception in honor of the couple’s 50th wedding anniversary.
The couple’s actual anniversary is Jan. 25, but was honored during a family gathering at Landry’s of Henderson.
Hosting the 6 p.m. celebration were the couple’s children and their spouses, Randy and Denee Hayes of Henderson and Dane and Valerie Domingue of Baton Rouge.
They were also joined by their grandchildren, Nicholas, Annie and Sam Lyons of Henderson and Cooper and Aaron Domingue of Baton Rouge.
For the special event, Mrs. Domingue wore a blouse of gold thread with a black jacket and black slacks. She was presented a white carnation corsage.
Mr. Domingue was attired in a dark grey stripe shirt, tie and black slacks. He was presented a white carnation boutonniere.
Decorations noted for the gathering included white carnations with royal blue accents, bridesmaids’ color, and five yellow roses representing the couple’s five grandchildren.
Refreshments included a Dutch treat dinner attended by 11 couples and friends totaling 35 family and friends in attendance.
A special anniversary cake was also provided, a cream cheese, double layered white confection decorated with yellow trim and roses.
Guests attended the celebration from Rayne, Lafayette, Catahoula, Sulphur and Baton Rouge.
Prior to the evening celebration, the couple’s marriage was blessed during the 4 p.m. Mass at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rayne.
The couple was married on Jan. 25, 1969, during a wedding ceremony at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Ville Platte.
Mrs. Domingue is the former Diana Landreneau, daughter of the late Eddie and Eulalie Landreneau. She is a retired teacher.
Mr. Domingue is the son of Danny and Lucille Domingue. He is a retired operator with Union Texas Petroleum.
For their wedding, the couple’s attendants were Kathy Sonnier Mier (maid of honor), Louis Mier (best man), Elaine Rozas, Robert Trahan, Faye Cook, Clayton Landreneau, Martha Landreneau and John Domingue.
As a special gift, the couple’s children presented their parents a weekend get-away to Poché Bridge Bed and Breakfast.
LAFAYETTE - The Krewe of Atlantis will hold its Twenty-third annual ball and pageant at 8 p.m. this weekend on Saturday, Feb. 16, at The Wyndam Garden Hotel.
The theme of the 2019 ball is “The Hot Wives of Atlantis.”
Reigning over the festivities will be Queen Hera XXII, Frances “Fran” Stelly Credeur.
Fran is married to Todd A. Credeur, who will be 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 & 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 also Ball Mistress for Queen Hera III - Cindy Armentor.
She enjoys hosting family gathering at her home and is a BIG of “The Real Housewives” Franchise.
Serving as Royal Maids are the following ladies:
• 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 a doting grandmother to Kendall Paige.
She has been the owner/operator of The Burger Best for 33 years.
Roxann is a member of Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Scott and a sponsor of the Teurlings Catholic High School Booster Club.
She is a charter member of the Krewe of Atlantis. She served two years as corresponding secretary and member-at-large for the Board of Directors.
Roxann reigned as Queen Hera IX in 2006, was a Royal Maid to Queen Hera I – Cindy Cobb, and Queen Hera XIV – Pam Bergeron. She was 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 will be Steve Dronet.
• Cindy Cobb – representing The Hot Wife of Hollywood, owner of Allure Secrets & Appletini Spa.
Cindy is married to Darrell Cobb who will be 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 and is a Doctor of Nursing Practice, holds a Master of Science in Nursing and Health Services Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
Cindy 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.
She is a charter member of the Krewe and had the honor of being our first queen in 1997 as she reigned as Queen Hera I. She was also a 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 will be 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 that she and Frank really enjoy retirement.
Butchie is a member of the Krewe of Olympus and serves as a member of the Board of Directors.
She has also been active in the Krewe of Atlantis serving on the Board of Directors twice, 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.
Butchie 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 will be 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 retired in 2008 from Sikes, Gardes & Frederick CPA’s, and she and Gary are enjoying retirement.
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 & friends, cooking and entertaining.
Serving as Ball Mistresses will be Becky Brasseaux and Cindy LeBlanc.
Master of Ceremonies for the evening will be Gerald Greunig, reporter for KLFY TV-10 in Lafayette.
BOSSIER CITY - The Rayne High Wrestling Team traveled to the CenturyLink Center in Bossier City for the 2019 LHSAA Division II State Wrestling Tournament.
Senior leader Morgan Manuel claimed back-to-back championships in the 145-pound weight class by claiming a win over Charles Travasos of Teurlings Catholic.
Manuel is the only Rayne High wrestler in the history of the program to participate in the state finals three times. He is now a two-time state champion, winning titles during his junior and senior years. In addition, Manuel placed third during his sophomore campaign and was the state runner-up as a freshmen.
Besides winning his second state championship, Morgan also took home the tournament’s “Most Outstanding Wrestler” award.
Overall, the Wolves finished in sixth place in the Division II team race as Parkway High School winning the team title and Teurlings Catholic in the runner-up position.
Rayne High placed another five wrestlers on the podium (top 6), including:
• At 120 pounds, unseeded Reese Carrier, after loosing his first match, wrestled through the consolation bracket to place sixth overall.
• At 132 pounds, fifth-seeded Ryder Hawley exceeded expectations and placed third over Teurlings Catholic’s Jacob Pepiton.
• At 160 pounds, sixth-seeded William Billings improved his stock and placed fourth.
• At 170 pounds, sixth-seeded Ron Roberts wrestled through in what could be the tournament’s toughest weigh class, finishing sixth place overall
• At 182 pounds, second-seeded Miles Doucet made the state finals and came up just short to Sam Houston’s Mataius Lavine, to finish as a state runner-up.
Other Rayne High wrestlers who competed in the 2019 State Wrestling Tournament were: 106 lbs.-Beau Perrodin, 113 lbs.-Blaze Cormier, 126 lbs.-Jeremiah Murray, 138 lbs.-Dax Constantine, 152 lbs.-Emile Richard, 195 lbs.-Trevon Williams and 220 lbs.-Khristian Grossie.
NOTE: The Wolfacts Wrestling Club (the former Rayne Wrestling Club) will begin practices on Feb. 12. Practice will be held on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays 5-6:30 p.m. in the Rayne High School south gym.
Students of 5-16 years of age are encouraged to attend practice and see if this is the sport they have been looking for. Please call Trevor Carriere with questions 337-349-8357.
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602 N. Parkerson Ave, Crowley, LA 70526
Phone: 337-783-3450
Fax: 337-788-0949
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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