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Garrett Karson Dolan, 23, of Mont Belvieu, Texas, was born Sept. 8, 1994, in Baytown, Texas, and passed away Sunday, May 6, 2018, in Houston, Texas.
He was a 2013 graduate of Barbers Hill High School and was to graduate Saturday, May 12, from Houston Baptist University with a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree.
Garrett played linebacker at HBU and received many honors, including four-time All Southland Conference, two-time AP and STATS All American, two-time HBU Male Athlete of the Year, and finished Top 10 in the Southland Conference and the FCS Division in All-Time Total Tackles. He was also a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Colonel Malcolm Millet and Preston Menard; cousin, Mackie Millet; aunt, Glenda Davis; and uncles, Steven Menard and Jerry Guidry.
He is survived by his parents, Brett and Cathy Millet Dolan of Mont Belvieu, Texas; brother and sister-in-law, Jared and Ashley Hampshire Dolan and nephew Luke, all of Montgomery, Texas; grandmothers, Josie Heinen Millet and Aline Chaisson Menard, both of Crowley; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, coaches and his girlfriend and soulmate, Guinevere Meyer of Georgetown, Texas.
His family will receive friends at Navarre Funeral Home Thursday, May 10, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m., and Friday from 9 a.m. until 10:30 a.m.
Funeral services will be Friday, May 11, at 11 a.m. at Navarre Funeral Home.
To view the online obituary or to post a tribute for the family, go to www.navarrefuneralhome.com
Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Navarre Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 2444 Rollingbrook Drive, Baytown, Texas, (281) 422-8111.
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!
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RAYNE - Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 11, 2018, at a 11:00 am Mass of Christian Burial at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rayne, for Raymond Cormier, 77, who died Wednesday, May 9, 2018 at residence in Rayne.
Interment will be in the St. Joseph Cemetery #2 in Rayne.
Rev. Christopher Cambre, Associate Pastor of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rayne, LA will be the Celebrant of the Funeral Mass and will conduct the funeral services.
Survivors include his wife, Ruby Charline DiBenedetto Cormier of Rayne; son, Dale James Cormier of Rayne; two grandsons, Dillian Cormier of Rayne and Byran Cormier of South Carolina; and a great-granddaughter, Scarlet Cormier.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Early Cormier and Euzeude Alleman Cormier.
Pallbearers will be Dale Cormier, Dillian Cormier, Byran Gautreaux, Robert Meche, Eugene Gautreaux, Russell DiBenedetto and John Hollier.
Mr. Cormier was a fiddler for 64 years. He played with many bands over the years an was inducted to The Louisiana Music Hall of Fame.
A Rosary will be prayed Thursday, May 11, at 6 p.m. in Gossen Funeral Home in Rayne.
The family requests that visitation be observed in Gossen Funeral Home in Rayne on Thursday, May 10, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and on Friday, May 11, from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
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.
RAYNE - Asialyn Nichelle Jolivette was named the 2018 Debutante Queen on Saturday, May 5, during the annual Debutante Introductions and Ball hosted by the Ebonite Civic and Social Club of Rayne, Inc. at the Rayne Civic Center.
Asialyn is the daughter of Christopher and Cutina Gabriel and Norris Roberts Sr. Her escort for the evening was Don Charles.
Asialyn was crowned by last year’s co-honoree, Tajané Butler.
Guests were welcomed with greetings from club president Joan Francis Brown, with Brittany D. Guidry serving as mistress of ceremonies.
Named First Maid was Angel Vallier, daughter of Darby and Mary Angelle. She was escorted by Johnny Deculit for the evening.
Taiya McDowell was named Second Maid. She is the daughter of Raven Babineaux and Raymond McDowell. She was escorted by Marlon Forman.
Named Third Maid was Amari Collins, daughter of Bobbi Julian and Davon Collins. She was escorted by Jaelon LaGard for the ball.
Devin Sias was named Miss Congeniality by the young ladies included in this year’s selections. She is the daughter of Demetria Sias and Dominick Mott.
The 2017 co-honoree, Tajané Butler, delivered her outgoing message and was honored during her last promenade prior to the announcement of the new 2018 court. Souvenirs were also given and past Debutante queens in attendance were acknowledged.
The Debs and their escorts performed a minuet choreographed by Jazzmin Evans.
Once the court was named, a toast to the new royalty was given by Elaine Sias, followed by a waltz for the debutantes, escorts, and their parents by Jessica Wiltz who serenaded the royal court.
A waltz was enjoyed by the debs ad their fathers, in addition to the escorts and their mothers to end a beautiful program.
General dancing was enjoyed to music provided by Chazam Entertainmnt, with decorations provided by Jeanette Brown.
RAYNE - The 2018 baseball season has been a close one for the Wolves and the state playoffs was no different.
In quarterfinal action, the No. 23-ranked Rayne High Wolves hosted Westlake (31) in a district showdown.
During district action during the regular season, the two teams split their two-game league series.
In addition, both teams defeated higher-ranking teams to get to the third round of the playoffs -- the stage was set for a Cinderella story for both schools. The stage was set for only onw to advance.
In their opening contest of their best-of-three quarterfinal series held Thursday, May 3, the Tigers came out swinging and hitting early on, forcing Rayne to play catch-up the entire contest.
Westgate opened the ballgame very early on, scoring two runs in the first frame, adding another in the second inning for a quick 3-0 lead.
The Tigers added another run in the fourth before the Wolves scored two runs on a big rally in the fifth.
With two enpty frames, the Tigers got a second wind in the top of the final inning to rally in three runs for a 7-2 lead, leaving Rayne between a rock and a hard place.
Bryce Gatte scored on a single to the outfield by Demarcus James and James then scored on a single by Zach Fontenot for two Rayne runs -- subject to be their final scores of the ballgame for a 4-7 loss.
Ringing up singles for the Wolves during the loss were Fontenot, Richard, Julian Harvey, Tucket Babineaux and two by James.
Will Arceneaux took the loss for Rayne on the mound as he surrendered two runs on three hits over four and two-thirds innings. Colin Lacombe started the game for Rayne giving up three runs on four hits over one and one-third innings, striking out one and walking zero.
In a do or died situation for the Wolves, they laid it all out during Friday’s second game of the quarterfinal series, but still came up short in a 5-4 final, seeing their seniors play their game in a Wolves’ uniform.
Despite holding a 4-0 Rayne lead going into the sixth inning of play, Westgate mustered up three runs in the bottom of the sixth, allowing Rayne a slim 4-3 lead heading into the final frame.
One more frame was all the Tigers needed to take advantage of two unusal Rayne defensive errors, allowing two runners to tag home and take a 5-4 win into the state tournament.
Lighting up the scoreboard with runs for the Wolves were Damarcus James and Darian Richard each with a run, plus Bryce Gatte touching the plate twice.
“Despite tonight’s result, I’m really proud of these guys,” stated Rayne Head Coach Jason Bonin following Friday’s tight quarterfinal loss.
“They have worked hard all season and have showed improvement,” Bonin continued. “We are not surprised at their season -- we knew they could do it.”
Rayne hitting was led by Gatte with two singles, and double by James, Alex Savoy and Zach Fontenot. Darian Richard led RBIs on the day with two.
Mr. and Mrs. Timothy F. Ledet of Rayne are announcing the engagement and approaching wedding of their daughter, Sarah Catherine Ledet, to Brandon Michael LeJeune, son of Mr. and Mrs. Michael L. LeJeune of Youngsville.
The couple will be married on Friday, June 1, 2018, during an evening Nuptial Mass at St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church in Rayne, followed by a reception at The Crossing at Mervine Kahn, also in Rayne.
The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Catherine Sandberg of Zwolle, the late Eugene A. Ledet, Larry Moore of Rayne, and the late Cynthia B. Leal.
Sarah is a 2013 graduate of Notre Dame High School of Acadia Parish, attained a Bachelor of Science degree from the College of Education at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in 2017, and is employed by Episcopal School of Acadiana in Lafayette.
The prospective groom is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Van Junot of Plaquemine and Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence LeJeune of Livonia.
Brandon is a 2012 graduate of St. Thomas More High School in Lafayette, attained a Bachelor of Science degree in industrial technology from the College of Engineering in 2017 from the University of Louisiana of Lafayette, and is employed by the McIlhenny Company in Avery Island.
Following their wedding, the couple plans to make their home in Rayne.
For the second year in a row, the City of Rayne has collected a State Cleanest City title, as announced Monday afternoon by State Chairman Jean Gilstrap of the Louisiana Federation of Garden Clubs.
A call was received by Rayne Cleanest City Chairman Lisa Soileaux from Gilstrap of Rayne’s win.
“With judging completed Friday afternoon, I was waiting all weekend for that phone call,” said Soileaux of her phone call with Gilstrap Monday afternoon. “I couldn’t wait to tell everyone that we won the state title again.
“It’s what we worked for so hard for many weeks, Soileaux continued. “A sincere thank you to everyone who helped in anyway for this honor. We have a presentable city year round, but everyone worked hard to improve our appearance where needed and it made a difference. Thanks.”
State judges visited the city the morning of Wednesday, May 2, with other cities in other categories (population) completed Friday, May 4.
Rayne was named the state winner in Category F, which also included the cities of Winnfield and Tallulah and Youngville.
Judges for the state judging were Linda Finley, JoAnn Pugh and Clare Earl, joined by State Chairman Jean Gilstrap who presented Mayor Charles Robichaux the district plaque earned during the April judging.
“We love to visit Rayne,” Gilstrap said during her presentation of the district plaque from the Louisiana Garden Club Federation. “We are always impressed with your city — it is beautiful year-round — and you go above and beyond for the Cleanest City judging.”
Following an early morning tour of the city, judges and guests enjoyed a breakfast; after which, Robichaux presented each judge and the chairman a special “goody bag” from the city.
Following his introduction of special guests, city officials, Garden Club members and volunteers, Robichaux thanked everyone for their help for the contest, in addition to the public’s year-round help in keeping the city clean and appealing.
“Our citizens always take pride in our city, no matter the time of the year,” Robichaux concluded.
On behalf of the Rayne Garden Club, Soileaux added her thanks for everyone’s help.
“I want to thank everyone for their help and for their extended effort for the Cleanest City Contest, especially our city’s clubs, city employees, the mayor and his wife, Garden Club members, and the many volunteers who keep Rayne looking good all year long. Everyone deserves this honor”
Gilstrap will make the state presentation during her return trip in the coming weeks.
Get your schedules ready and make plans to attend and enjoy the 2018 Rayne Frog Festival this week, May 9-12, at the Frog Festival grounds and pavilion near the Rayne Civic Center.
The 45th annual Fete des Oua Oua Rons will again feature giant bullfrogs, pretty queens, plenty of refreshments, a carnival midway and much more.
While the carnival midway opened Wednesday night with “Carnival Family Night,” festival committee members scheduled the start of musical entertainment tonight (Thursday) with Temporary Fix at 5:30 p.m., Ronnie Matthews and Throwdown at 7:30 p.m., including the Jitterbug Dance Contest at 7:45 p.m.
No admission will be collected at the gate on Thursday for anyone 12 years and under, with adults having a $1 entry charge. Carnival and vendors will also be open for business.
Gate admission Friday and Saturday will be $5 with children 12 and younger admitted free.
Judging for the “Paint the Town Green” contest will begin at 10 a.m. Friday morning as the festival officially gets underway Friday evening with the opening ceremonies at 6 p.m. at the main stage.
On Friday, the gates will open at 5:30 p.m., at which time the annual Arts & Crafts Show, sponsored by the Rayne Civic Beautification Board, will open at the Rayne Civic Center.
Winners of the “Paint the Town Green” contest will be announced at 6:15 p.m., followed by a number of toe-tapping musical entertainment.
The vendor booths will open and musical entertainment will be provided by Louisiana Red at 6:30 p.m. and Country Round Up ay 8:30 p.m. featuring Jeff Dugan, Tammy Lynn, Kip Sonnier, Steve Grisaffe, Tony Bruce, Richard Comeaux and Marc Hebert.
Friday will conclude with the 10:30 p.m. performance of Jamie Bergeron and the Kickin Cajuns.
The gates open at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, and the day begins with the annual Diaper Derby, sponsored by the Rayne Jaycees, at 9 a.m. on Stage II.
The Arts and Crafts Show will continue at the Civic Center between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m.
The annual Frog Derby Queen’s Contest, sponsored by the Rayne Lions Club, begins at 10 a.m. on Stage II and features pretty young ladies dressed in jockey attire and the biggest frogs jumping in all directions!
The Frog Festival 4-Ball Golf Tournament will tee-off at 10 a.m., sponsored by Cajun Pine Golf Club in nearby Branch.
Meanwhile, back at the festival grounds on the Main Stage at 10:45 a.m. the third annual Cajun Accordion Contest, with contestants vying for winner category prizes, will definitely be a toe-tapping entertainment.
A new addition to ‘Froggy” events will be the Froggie Fashion Dress Contest on Stage II at 11:30 a.m. while the carnival rides open for business.
Frog Cook-Off sampling will begin at the noon hour while on Stage II the frogs keep on jumping for the Frog Racing and Jumping Contest. This event is open to the public, including children and adults categories.
Frogs are available to rent for a small fee from sponsors, Rayne Jaycees and the Rayne Acadian-Tribune. Trophies and other prizes are awarded.
The Waltz Dance Contest will be held during the musical entertainment provided by Colby Latiolais and Ambush at 12:30 p.m. in the main stage.
During the 2 p.m. Grand Parade, this year’s Parade Grand Marshal, Coach Lewis Cook Jr. will lead the parade line-up of area high school bands, local and visiting kings and queens, and floats in downtown Rayne.
Following the Grand Parade, winners will be announced for the Frog Cook-Off on the main stage at 3 p.m., followed by the hip-shaking sounds of Leroy Thomas ad the Zydeco Roadrunners.
Another new event, kids sack races, will begin at 3:30 p.m. in the kid’s area.
On Stage II, the third annual Frog Leg Etiquette Eating Contest, sponsored by the City of Rayne begins at 4:30 p.m.
A meet and greet with festival honoree Chef Issac Toups will begin at 4:45 p.m., just prior to the traditional tunes of Johnny Allen and Travis Matte in the main stage at 5 p.m.
Musical entertainment continues at 7:30 p.m. with Gyth Rigdon, followed by the 9:30 p.m. performance of national recording artist Doug Stone on the main stage.
The Chee Weez will complete the festival’s musical entertainment as they begin at 11:30 p.m. at the main stage.
For more information, visit the festival on Facebook or official website at www.raynefrogfestival.com.
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