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Afternoon shower fêtes bride-elect Lara Henderson

Thu, 12/15/2016 - 10:43am
CROWLEY

 Lara Brooke Henderson of Iota was the honoree at a lovely afternoon bridal shower held on Sunday, Nov. 13, to celebrate her upcoming marriage to John Raymond Leonards of Crowley.
Henderson is daughter of Darrin and Carol Henderson of Iota. Her maternal grandparents are Dorlis Pippin and Russell LeBlanc of Crowley and the late Harvey Douglas Pippin. Her paternal grandparents are Ronald and Audrey Henderson of Iota.
Leonards is the son of Jerry and Karen Leonards of Roberts Cove. He is the grandson of Shelton Pousson of Egan and the late Betty Pousson and the late Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Leonards Sr.
Approximately 85 guests were in attendance at the event, which was held in the ballroom of the Grand Opera House in Crowley.
Tables at the historic venue, already filled with charm and classic beauty, featured floral centerpieces of fresh hydrangeas.
For her shower, the bride-elect selected a white lace dress and was presented with a white and pink alstroemeria corsage.
The mother of the bride-elect chose an eggplant-colored dress, while the mother of the prospective groom wore a navy, white and tan dress. Both mothers were presented corsages matching that of the bride-elect.
Hostesses for the event were Leigh Ann Robichaux, Paulette Moore, Melissa Dooley, Cheryl Short, Leah Conrad, Jody Henderson, Gretchen Savoy, Beth Trahan, Amanda Stratton, Cindy Abshire, Caitlin Bertrand, Pat Derbes, Courtney Francois, Dorlis Pippin, Darlene Latiola, Anne Savoy, Kaye Beasley, Annette Ritter, Mary Ann Lormand, Morgan Lebeouf, Charley Hebert, Shelley Prejean, Meredith Hebert, Barbara Pippin, Sheryl Venable, Velma Faul, Donna Spaetgens, Priscilla Leonards, Marietta Sikat, Stephanie Leonards and Audrey Henderson.
The bride-elect graduated from Iota High School in 2007 before attending the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology and minors in psychology and chemistry in 2011, and the LSU School of Dentistry in New Orleans, where she earned a Doctorate of Dental Surgery degree in 2015. She went on to complete an Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. She is currently employed as a general dentist at Acadiana Smiles in Crowley.
The prospective groom graduated from Notre Dame High School of Acadia Parish in 2007 before attending the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in animal science, and the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine in Baton Rouge, where he earned a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine degree in 2014. He is currently employed as a veterinarian at Northside Veterinary Hospital in Eunice.
The couple will be wed on Saturday, Dec. 10, at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Crowley. Rev. Mikel Polson will officiate the 6:30 p.m. nuptial ceremony.
Following their wedding, the couple will reside in Crowley.

Reynolds Joseph LeJeune

Wed, 12/14/2016 - 5:45pm
CROWLEY

Funeral services will be held Friday, Dec. 16, at 10 a.m. in the Chapel of Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home for Reynolds Joseph LeJeune, 70, who died Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2016, at 9:25 a.m. in Crowley.
Reynolds was a veteran of the U.S. Navy having served his country during the Vietnam War. He enjoyed hunting, crabbing, fishing, camping and barbecuing with his family. He retired as an electrician in the oilfield.
Fr. Clint Trahan, pastor of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, will officiate for the services. The family requests visiting hours Thursday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to service time. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery with U.S. Navy military honors.
Reynolds is survived by two daughters, Gretchen LeJeune Stutes and husband Jeffrey of Scott, Michelle Dawn LeJeune of Crowley; one son, Steven James LeJeune and wife Tammy of Youngsville; two sisters, Geraldine L. Cormier and husband Linus of Eunice and Phyllis L. Sensat and husband Dennis of Iota; and three grandchildren, Lauren Stutes, Christopher Stutes and Trent LeJeune.
He was preceded in death by his wife Celie Nell Hoffpauir LeJeune; and his parents, Leonard and Beatrice Winchester LeJeune.
Pallbearers will be Christopher Stutes, Scott Sensat, Jason Sensat, Hunter Sensat, Kevin Cormier, Corie Blackwell, Brennon Kelley and Craig Hoffpauir.
Words of comfort may be sent to the family at www.geesey-ferguson.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home, 301 North Avenue F, Crowley, LA 70526, 337-783-3313.

Joseph Clifton “Cliff” Meaux

Wed, 12/14/2016 - 5:44pm
CROWLEY

Funeral services will be held Saturday, Dec. 17, at 10 a.m. in the Chapel of Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home for Joseph Clifton “Cliff” Meaux, 80, who died Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2016, at 11:50 a.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center in Lafayette.
“Cliff” has been in the towing service for over 40 years starting as a tow truck operator for Bruce’s Towing then eventually opening Cliffs Towing Service which he operated for 38 years. He earned the honor of being listed in the International Towing & Recovery Hall of Fame & Museum in Chattanooga TN. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and was honored to serve as vice-president of Tiger Island Hunting Club in Dry Creek, La in which he loved his time there.
Fr. Matthew Higginbothan, pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, will officiate for the services. The family requests visiting hours Friday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to service time. A rosary will be recited Friday at 6:30 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery.
Mr. Meaux is survived by two daughters, Linda Gotte and husband Byran of Scott, Julie Romeo and husband Terry of Crowley; three grandsons, Brandon Romero, Richard Gotte and Cory Gotte; three great-grandchildren, Logan Thevis, Colt Romero and Everett Gotte; and his companion, Gail Morgan of Crowley.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Lerline Leger Meaux; his parents, John Beo and Amedia Broussard Meaux; and one brother, Paul Wilson Meaux.
Pallbearers will be Brandon Romero, Terry Romero, Richard Gotte, Cory Gotte, Byran Gotte, and Allen Broussard. Honorary pallbearers will be Ivory “Slick” Jennings and Kevin Trahan.
Words of comfort may be sent to the family at www.geesey-ferguson.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home, 301 North Avenue F, Crowley, LA 70526, 337-783-3313.

Wolves dominate 3-4A All-District Football Team

Wed, 12/14/2016 - 5:18pm
Lisa Soileaux, Rayne Acadian-Tribune
Wednesday, December 14, 2016

A total of a dozen Wolves were named during 3-4A All-District selections following a most successful 2016 football season.
Rayne High, who again succeeded on qualifying for the 4-A State Playoffs with a very productive run into the second round, were led by nine offensive and four defensive leaders, all listed among All-District picks.
“We had some good guys on the field this year,” noted Rayne HIgh Coach Curt Ware, the district’s “Coach of the Year.”
“As a whole, these guys never gave up,” Ware continued. “Whether we were down or up, they left it all on the field.”
Ware led the Wolves to an almost perfect regular season, falling one point off with a 15-14 loss to 3-4A District Co-Champions LaGrange.
“We were led by a few returners,” according to Ware, “But, we had a a number of guys step it up this season. That’s what made the difference in our season.”
On offense, junior running back Darien Harmon led all stats in the district, and for that reason, was named 3-4A’s “Offensive MVP.” Harmon compiled 1,377 total yards on 179 carries during the season averaging 7.7 yards per carry while scoring 11 touchdowns.
Leading the backfield for the Wolves during his senior season was Donald Doucet, named 3-4A’s Athlete. He was also named quarterback to this year’s Offensive 2nd Team.
Doucet connected on 39 completions for 852 passing yards. He averaged 21.8 yards in the air while throwing for 15 touchdowns. On the ground, he also ran for 59 rushing yards and three touchdowns on quarterback keepers.
Completing the Rayne backfield 3-4A selections was junior running back Trent Winbush. Like Harmon, Winbush also surpassed the 1,000 yard mark with 1,236 total rushing yards on 206 carries for a seven-yard per carry average. He lit up the scoreboard with 15 touchdowns for the Wolves.
Claiming a spot as wide receiver with First Team Offensive selections was Wolf receiver Jaylon Reed. The senior recorded 20 receptions for 542 yards and 10 touchdowns. Reed also tallied 88 rushing yards duirng the season.
Reed was also named a pick on the Second Team Defense Team at defensive back. On defense, he recorded 15 tackles, including eight assists, five pass breakups and one intereception.
Providing the seams for Rayne’s backfield, three offensive linemen were named during on the First Team Offensive picks. Honored were junior Tyler Carrier and seniors Richard Breaux and Gavin Arceneaux.
Newcomer to the offensive line this season was senior Timmi Bruce, who was named during Second Team Offensive selections.
At tight end, DJ Stelly was named to the Second Team Offensive Team. The senior tallied eight receptions for 116 yards and a touchdown.

Defense

Defensive lineman Antonio Gabriel was named during First Team Defensive Team picks. The standout junior recorded 38 tackles against Rayne opponents, including 16 assists and seven solos. He also added four sacks, five hurries, caused two fumbles and fell on one fumble recovery.
In the defensive backfield, Johnny Deculit was also named on First Team Defensive Team. The Rayne junior recorded 36 tackles and 22 assists, while nabbing two interceptions and six pass breakups.
Rayne defensive linebacker Tony Roberts was named during Second Team Defense picks. The Rayne junior recorded 64 tackles including, in addition to 34 assists and five tackles for a loss. He also tallied three sacks, seven hurries, five fumble recoveries and two interceptions.

Mervine Kahn Legacy accepted by Cinema On the Bayou Film Festival

Wed, 12/14/2016 - 5:13pm
Steve Bandy, Rayne Acadian-Tribune
Wednesday, December 14, 2016

“The Mervine Kahn Legacy” has been accepted to be shown during the annual Cinema On the Bayou Film Festival being held from Jan. 25 to Feb. 1, 2017.
Bart Wild of Wild productions made the announcement during the monthly meeting of the Acadia Parish Tourist Commission Thursday morning (Dec. 8).
“We’re very excited about this opportunity,” Wild said. “We’ll be submitting to other film festival as well.”
“The Mervine Kahn Legacy, a feature-length documentary, tells the story of how Mervine Kahn, a French-speaking German Jew, settled in Rayne in 1884 and established his namesake general store which grew into a local institution and landmark, eventually affecting everything from farming to music.
The documentary began as an oral history project with interviews of former Mervine Kahn Company employees with the help of students from the USL (now the University of Louisiana - Lafayette).
Two separate documentaries were ultimately developed, which have been merged into one.
This project was begun by the Rayne Historic District Association. Wild Productions became involved when the oral history project grew into a documentary series.
Cinema On the Bayou, Louisiana’s second-oldest film festival, is dedicated to presenting narrative, documentary and animated film and filmmakers with original voices in one of the most unique cultures in the world.
COTB also is committed to promoting both established and emerging filmmakers and the relationship-building that is crucial to their continued work.

Daloris Louise Aucoin

Wed, 12/14/2016 - 5:11pm
Wednesday, December 14, 2016

Funeral services for Daloris Louise Aucoin, 71, of Scott, will be held on Thursday, Dec. 15, at noon in Gossen Funeral Home Chapel in Rayne.
Reverend Sigmund Richard will officiate.  Interment will follow in Arceneaux  Cemetery.
Visitation began on Wednesday, Dec. 14, from 2 p.m. until 10 p.m. in Gossen Funeral Home and continues on Thursday from 8 a.m. until service time in the funeral home.
Mrs. Aucoin passed away on Monday, Dec. 12, 2016, in a Lafayette hospital.
Survivors include her sons, Norman “Butch” Frye Jr. and Pam of Church Point, Shawn Frye and wife Angie of Germany, Fernand “Paco” Guidry Frye of Sapulpa, Oklahoma, and Barcley Frye and wife Gina of Lafayette; daughters, Connie Melancon and husband John of Church Point, Gretchen Cross of Leesville, and Tammy Frye of Breaux Bridge; brother, L.J. Aucoin of New Orleans; sisters, Enes Verette and husband Bobby of Rayne, Inez Arnaud and husband Donald of Carencro, Janice Breaux and husband Bobby of Baton Rouge, Debbie Young of Rayne, and Eljean Thibodeaux and husband Pat of Rayne; 18 grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren.  She is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
Preceding Mrs. Aucoin in death were her husband, Norman Frye Sr.; parents, Opha J. Aucoin and Dutille M. Villejoin Aucoin; brothers, Jerry Aucoin, Pat Aucoin and Jessie Aucoin; and sisters, Dot Bourg, Louella Prescott, Alice Aucoin and Betty Ann Istre.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.gossenfuneralhome.net.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Gossen Funeral Home, Inc., of Rayne, 334-3141.

Kermit J. Duplechin

Wed, 12/14/2016 - 5:10pm
Wednesday, December 14, 2016

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated for Kermit J. Duplechin, 77, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 10, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rayne with Rev. Sam Fontana as celebrant.
Visitation  began at the Duhon Funeral Home - Rayne Chapel on Friday, Dec. 9, at 5:30 p.m. until 10 p.m. with the recitation of the Holy Rosary at 6:30 p.m. Visitation resumed at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 10,  until just prior to the service time.
Interment followed the church service and was in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery #2 in Rayne. Mr. Duplechin passed away at the Rayne Guest Home on Friday, Dec. 9, 2016.
He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Neva Boudreaux Duplechin of Rayne; children, Bryan and Amy Duplechin of Chicago, Illinois, Kenny Duplechin of Lafayette, Durward James Duplechin and Deborah Duplechin of Niceville, Florida; grandchildren, Whitney Duplechin of Lafayette, Ryan Duplechin of Niceville, Florida, and Andrew Duplechin of Niceville, Florida; brother, J.B. Duplechin; and one sister, Theresa Duplechin Savoy.
Mr. Duplechin was preceded in death by his parents, Hubert and Azelia Duplechin; sister, Hilda Duplechin Miller; brother, Dewey Duplechin; sister-in-law, Dorothy Duplechin.
You may view the obituary, sign the guest registry and express condolences online to Mr. Duplechin’s family at www.duhonfuneralhome.com.
Duhon Funeral Home, LLC - Rayne, (337) 334-3600, 900 E. Texas Ave., Rayne, was in charge of all of the arrangements.

Michael Ray Bertrand

Wed, 12/14/2016 - 5:09pm
Wednesday, December 14, 2016

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Dec. 17, at 2 p.m. in the Duhon Funeral Home Chapel in Rayne for Michael Ray Bertrand, 63, who passed away on Friday, Dec. 10, 2016, at 5:27 a.m. at University Hospital and Clinics in Lafayette.
Pastor Berl Adams, pastor of the First Baptist Church in Church Point, will be officiating for the services. Burial will be in the Abshire Cemetery in rural Kaplan.
The family has requested the visitation to be held on Friday, Dec. 16, from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. in the funeral home chapel in Rayne.  A Rosary will be recited on Friday at 6:30 in the evening in the funeral home chapel in Rayne.  Visitation will resume on Saturday from 8 a.m. until time of services.
Survivors include two daughters, Michele McNaughton of Rayne and Lindsey  and husband Robert Dionne of Rayne; one son, Ronald Mouton of Crowley; three sisters, Barbara and husband Michael Lafosse of Church Point, Lucy and husband Kenneth Choat of Abbeville and Debbie and husband Rod Fontenot of Mamou; three brothers, Pervis and wife Lessie  Bertrand of Church Point, Ronald and wife,Linda Bertrand of Church Point and Melvin and wife Barbara Leleux of Crowley; four grandchildren, Andrew Bertrand, Shelby Bertrand, Keagen Dionne and Noah Gault; and three godchildren, James Regan, Scott Bertrand and Estelle Jeffers.
Mr. Bertrand was preceded in death by his wife, Linda Jeffers Bertrand; one son-in-law, Michael McNaughton; his parents, Sterling and Nedia Leleux Bertrand; three brothers, Wilton, Elzie and Ricky “Tic” Bertrand; one sister, Betty Bertrand.
You may view the obituary, sign the guest registry and express condolences online to Mr. Bertrand’s family at www.duhonfuneralhome.com.
Duhon Funeral Home, LLC - Rayne, (337) 334-3600, 900 E. Texas Ave., Rayne, is in charge of all of the arrangements.

Police Jury adopts budget, cuts included

Wed, 12/14/2016 - 5:06pm
Steve Bandy, Rayne Acadian-Tribune
Wednesday, December 14, 2016

CROWLEY - A 2017 budget that includes cuts in pay and even the termination of one parish-paid employee was adopted by the Acadia Parish Police Jury here Tuesday night.
Overall, the jury adopted a $31.4 million operating budget for the coming fiscal year. However, that figure includes numerous “dedicated” funds — money that can be used only for a specified purpose. The actual day-to-day operation of the parish is handled through the General Fund, which has a budget of $7.3 million for fiscal 2017.
“All employees that are paid through the General Fund are taking a 10 percent pay cut for the coming year,” said Laura Faul, secretary-treasurer. “Unfortunately, we were forced to terminate one employee from the registrar of voters’ office and a number of other offices that are funded by the parish, such as the Clerk of Court, are taking cuts also.”
During a public hearing prior to the start of Tuesday night’s meeting, Billie J. Meyer, registrar, pleaded with jurors not to terminate her employee.
“Our workload has quadrupled the last few years with mandates from the state,” she said. “Our work does not end with the election cycle, it continues year-round with registering voters, checking registrations, changing addresses, etc.”
Meyer said the position being terminated was approved by the jury in April 2007 as a “full-time, parish-paid” position. She explained that, when Acadia Parish’s population reaches 65,001, the state will take over half of that pay — which now stands at $38,037 annually, including benefits.
“We’re just about 2,400 short of that number now,” Meyer said. “I feel certain that we will reach that population within the next two years.
“I need this position. Our workload maintains this position. The amount you will save is minimal when you compare it to the service provided to your constituents.”
The position terminated is the only one in that office that is paid 100 percent through the parish General Fund.
The General Fund budget for the coming year shows $7,268,753 in projected revenue and $7,267,706 in projected expenses, leaving only $1,047 for any contingencies.
In other action, jurors amended the parish garbage disposal ordinance as it pertains to roadside dumping.
Proposed by Juror Kerry Kilgore, the fine for roadside dumping was increased from $500 to $5,000 per occurrence.
“I saw a City of Crowley sign the other day that said they have a $5,000 fine for littering,” Kilgore said. “It was surrounded by plastic grocery bags and other debris.”
Jurors agreed that enforcement is the key to stopping the illegal dumping.
President Davis Savoy couldn’t help but comment on the irony. “If you have too much for your garbage can, stack it on the side of the road and we’ll pick it up — for free,” he said.

Post 77 hears report for bus service

Wed, 12/14/2016 - 5:02pm
Discuss Legion Home bus stop sites
Lisa Soileaux, Rayne Acadian-Tribune
Wednesday, December 14, 2016

RAYNE - During the December meeting of Arceneaux Post 77, American Legion, held at the Legion Home, two guests were welcomed to answered questions about the possible location of a bus stop at the Legion Home.
Laurie Suire of OneAcadia and Paul Casey of the Acadiana Planning Commission, were in attendance and answered a number of questions concerning the anticipated bus transit system planned to begin in March 2017 for Acadia Parish residents.
The service will provide  transportation for all Acadia Parish residents for travel to and from Lafayette as per bus service.
Suire and Casey discussed the location of two bus stop pavilions with benches located in front of the Legion Home (north and south shoulders of American Legion Drive) and the possiblity of parking in Post 77”s parking lot on the north facing of American Legion Drive. Also provided was information of transportation services that are already being provided for veterans to the new VA Clinic of Lafayette.
After much discussion and a question-and-answer session, Commander David Simon thanked Suire and Casey for providing the needed information of the transit program.
Additional discussion for parking (parking lot or street-side) will be heard during the next Legion officers’ meeting.
Veterans were informed the new Lafayette VA Clinic was now open and appointments were to begin soon. The new Lake Charles VA Clinic was set to open within the next quarter.
Regarding transportation to the new Veterans Administration Hospital that is now operable in Lafayette on Ambassador Caffery Boulevard, Acadia Council on Aging will transport any adult resident of Acadia Parish to that location, in addition to any hospital in Lafayette.
The service is offered regardless of disability/non-disabled status or age for doctor appointments and check-ups at any time on Tuesdays and Thursdays only. The service picks up and drops off in front of any address in Acadia Parish and drops off and picks up at the entrance to all hospitals in Lafayette.
The phone number to call to arrange a ride is 788-1232.
Legionnaires were reminded of the annual Christmas Party held every December at the Southwest Louisiana War Veterans Home in Jennings. Post 77 and Unit 77 will make their usual donations, along with cash prizes for the Bingo games enjoyed by the residents. Donations will also be accepted for this event, as well.
Commander Simon also announced the recent donation of $3,000 to the War Veterans Home in Jennings to be used for the extension of the patio area.
A reminder was given to the membership of the upcoming  2017 Winter Conference Jan. 20-22 in Alexandria.
Membership Chairman Ray Olinger submitted the membership count at 149 paid dues for the local membership.
Sick call was announced, along with a list of upcoming entertainment and events. Commander Simon also noted a large attendance to recent events.
For the memorial report, Harris Schexnayder was the lone veteran who had passed on since the previous Legion meeting.
Information for the annual Law Enforcement, Young Fireman and Educator of the Year honors was given by John Quebodeaux, who contacted all local and area locations urging all program chairmen to participate in nominating honorees.
With no additional business, the meeting was adjourned and a delicious meal was served by the Legion cooks.

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