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Three arrested in Dec. 6 fatal Rayne shooting

Wed, 12/14/2016 - 5:01pm

Chief: Additional arrests expected

Steve Bandy, Rayne Acadian-Tribune

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

Three Rayne men have been arrested in connection with the shooting death of a fourth Rayne man here Tuesday night, Dec. 6.
Police Chief Carroll Stelly said his department had arrested and charged the suspects by Friday afternoon. They are being charged in the shooting death of Mohamed Abdullar Nur, 59, of 409 Sixth St.
Charged are Gavin John Hamilton, 27, of 605 N. Marie St.; Joseph M. “Chuckie” LeBlanc, 25, of 710 Reynolds Ave.; and Rakeem A. Yokum, 25, of 612 Karen Drive.
All three have been charged with principal to first-degree murder.
Stelly said the investigation revealed that Nur was murdered during the commission of an armed robbery.
Stelly said his office received several calls from citizens reporting shots fired in the area of Reynolds Avenue and West B. North Street just before 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday.
Officers responding found a black male, later identified as Nur, in the 400 block of West B. North Street. Nur was transported to Acadia General Hospital in Crowley where he was pronounced dead.
LeBlanc, Hamilton and Yokum were booked into the Rayne City Jail.
Stelly said the investigation is ongoing and more arrests are expected.

Rayne City Council handles routine agenda

Wed, 12/14/2016 - 4:57pm

Steve Bandy, Rayne Acadian-Tribune

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

By resolution, the Rayne City Council is asking that the city’s rating under the National Flood Insurance Program Community Rating System remain unchanged as a result of the variance granted last month for the Rayne Guest Home expansion project.
The resolution was adopted during a fairly routine meeting of the council Monday night.
The variance allowed the Guest Home to move forward with a planned $8.5 million expansion on the facility located just off Robert Street in the southeastern section of the city.
The resolution points out that, had the required 12-inches above the street crown city regulation been enforced, the floor elevation for the new building would have been nearly 10 inches higher than the existing building, which would have necessitated that the internal connection between existing and new floors incline or slope approximately 3 percent.
“The floor elevation proposed for the new building must be kept the same as that of the existing building because the two floors will be constantly traversed inside by elderly and handicapped residents, who would otherwise be at great risk to slips and falls should such connection be constructed with any inclIne,” the resolution reads.
The resolution also points out that, during the “historical meteorological event of 18 inches of rain in 36 hours” in mid-August, “the existing floor remained above all ... flood waters.”
It is also noted in the resolution, adopted unanimously by the council, that the action taken by the council in granting the variance “is in no way intended to set a broad precedent for approval of future requests that may be lacking in similar merit.”
In other business, Mayor Charles “Chuck” Robichaux explained recent tweaks to the city’s insurance program for retired employees that he said will save the city about $100,000 in the coming year.
The new program, he said, will not only lower premium for retirees, but will offer better benefits.
“And with the savings to the city, it’s a win-win-win,” Robichaux said.
Council members also approved the appointment of Wayne Wyatt to the city’s Planning and Zoning Commission, replacing Larry J. Menard, who recently resigned his seat .
Wyatt’s appointment is effective immediately for a term of five years.
The council also:
• granted permission for the National Association of University Women to conduct a street drive March 3 and 4, 2017;
• approved a liquor permit for Nonc Kev’s Specialty Meats at 1421 The Boulevard.

Joyce Franques

Wed, 12/14/2016 - 12:49pm

CHURCH POINT

Funeral Services will be held at 3 p.m. Wednesday, December 14, 2016 at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Church Point for Joyce Franques, 86, the former Mary Joyce Benoit. Mrs. Franques, a native and long-time resident of Church Point, died Monday morning, December 12 at Acadian Medical Center, Eunice. Father Godwin Nzeh will conduct the services with entombment following in the Monsignor Bienvenu Mausoleum Hwy 35.
Survivors include a son, Kenneth LeJeune and wife Bessie of Crowley; two daughters, Debbie Gunnels and husband Woody of Eunice and Scarlett Abshire and husband Daryl of Houma; a brother, Neubon Benoit of Winnie, Texas; five sisters: Verbie Gennuso and husband George of Opelousas, Barbara Nell Hebert of Nederland, Texas, Junis Pommier and husband Lou of Lafayette, Brenda Bearb and husband Leland of Carencro and Donna Richard and husband Lonnie of Church Point; five grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Emar Benoit and Edolia Lavergne Benoit; her husband, Francis Franques and a brother, Eddie Benoit.
At the family’s request, visiting hours be observed at Guidry Funeral Home from 2 p.m.. until on 9 p.m. on Tuesday, December 13. They will resume from 9 a.m. on Wednesday until the time of the services. A recitation of the Rosary was held there 7 p.m. Tuesday by Deacon Bryne Winn.
Pallbearers will be Clay and Ken LeJeune, Brock and Daryl Abshire, Lane and Woody Gunnels.Mrs. Franques was a member of the OLSH Catholic Daughters of the Americas for many years.
Arrangements are being handled by Guidry Funeral Home, Inc.; 219 N. Broadway, Church Point, LA (337) 684-5488. View the obituary and guest book on-line at guidryfuneralhome.com.

Bercie Ann Breaux Alleman

Tue, 12/13/2016 - 11:00am

DUSON

A Mass of Christian Burial for Bercie Ann Breaux Alleman, 71, will be celebrated on Wednesday, Dec. 14, at 11 a.m. in St. Theresa Catholic Church, Duson. Father Allen Breaux will serve as celebrant. Interment will follow in St. Theresa Catholic Cemetery, Duson.
Visitation will be observed on Tuesday, Dec. 13, from 3 p.m. until 9 p.m. in Gossen Funeral Home, Rayne, with a rosary being recited at 6 p.m. Visitation will continue on Wednesday from 8 a.m. until 10:15 a.m. in the funeral home.
Mrs. Alleman passed away on Sunday, Dec. 11, 2016, in a Lafayette hospital.
Mrs. Alleman was a founding pioneer of the Cajun French Music Association (CFMA), and was a Chairperson of the Acadiana Chapter for Le Cajun Annual Festival for over 25 years. She presided over the selection committee for the music considered for the annual awards, and at one time held the office of Board Member. She was honored twice over the years at the Le Cajun Festival for her many contributions and hard work. Keeping the French Culture and Language going for our descendants was very important to her.
Mrs. Alleman was also a Board Member of the Breaux du Monde Association, and she was very active in genealogy. She was responsible for compiling her family’s genealogy on both the Breaux and Prejean sides, as well as her husband’s Alleman and Guidry families. Mrs. Alleman also volunteered her time each year at Acadian Village for Noel Acadien au Village.
She was a faithful member of St. Theresa Catholic Church in Duson. She has been described as The Rock of her family, and caring for them was her greatest joy in life.
Survivors include her husband of 50 years, John Alleman of Duson; sons, Dion James Alleman and wife Chanda of Church Point and Jody Paul Alleman and wife Tonya of Milton; sisters, Audrey Miller and husband Raleigh of Iota, Rouidel Meaux and husband Ralan Rozas of Eunice, Earline Miller of Eunice, Gloria Breaux Sanchez of Duson and Linda Alleman and husband, Raylin of Rayne; grandchildren, Anais Alleman, Chloe Alleman, Emma Alleman and Adam Alleman; brothers-in-law, Louis Alleman and Carrol Alleman; and sister-in-law, Birdie Guilbeaux.
Preceding Mrs. Alleman in death were her parents, Benton and May Prejean Breaux; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Wilfred and Solita Guidry Alleman; sister, Brunella Potier; brothers-in-law, Dudley Potier, Joseph Voice Alleman, and Jessie Alleman; and sisters-in-law, Dacie Dugas, Masil Ray, Lorena Dugas and Grace Trahan.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.gossenfuneralhome.net.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Gossen Funeral Home, Inc. of Rayne, LA, (337) 334-3141.

Merdress Gotreaux Leckelt

Tue, 12/13/2016 - 10:59am

IOTA

Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2016 at 10 a.m. for Merdress Gotreaux Leckelt, 88, who died Saturday, Dec. 10, 2016 at her home in Iota surrounded by her loving family.
Rev. David Greene, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Iota, will be officiating for the services. At the family’s request, visiting hours were held on Monday from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m., and will resume Tuesday from 8 a.m. until 9:45 a.m. Interment will be in Maxie Cemetery.
Mrs. Leckelt is survived by three daughters, Barbara L. Cart and her husband Cecil of Crowley, Katherine L. Tammen and her husband Larry of Pineville and Phillis Leckelt of Iota; two sons, Frederick W. Leckelt and his wife Velda and Warren Paul Leckelt and his wife Suzanne, both of Iota; 15 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Willie Leckelt; one son, Kenneth R. Leckelt; her parents, Austin and Alice Young Gotreaux; one sister and four brothers.
Condolences may be sent to the family by www.geesey-ferguson.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home Inc. of Iota.

Kennedy, Higgins heading to Washington

Sun, 12/11/2016 - 1:06am

John Kennedy and Clay Higgins are both heading to Washington, D. C., after successfully winning respective runoff elections Saturday. With ...

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Thelma M. Cain

Wed, 12/07/2016 - 5:35pm

CROWLEY

Thelma M. Cain was called home on Dec. 3, 2016. Funeral services will be conducted by Bishop Alton Gatlin on Saturday, Dec. 10, at the Greater Mt. Zion Baptiste Church in Crowley. Interment will be in West Crowley Cemetery.
Thelma M. Cain was born Aug. 29, 1930, to the union of the late Eulice and Evangeline Matthews in New Orleans. As a child she was taught divine percepts and given spiritual guidance by her parents. She met, Rogers Cain, who later became her husband on Aug. 18, 1948, and father of their children, Linda C. Badon and Charles E. Cain. They resided in Crowley for 44 years, and moved to Lake Charles in 1991. When she moved to Lafayette in 2015, she united with the Gethsemane Church of God in Christ.
The Godly principles instilled in Mother Cain led her to commit her life to Christ as a young woman. She was a member of Morning Star Baptist Church in Midland, and in 1948 she united with First Church of God in Christ in Crowley. She served diligently as a young woman under the pastorate of Elder Leroy Winbush, and later under the pastorate of Bishop Roy L.H. Winbush. She served faithfully as a Deacon’s wife, Sunday School teacher, Sunshine Band leader, member of Ushers Board, YWCC member and on numerous appointments to committees. She served with her husband, Superintendent Rogers Cain, as First Lady at the Philadelphia Church of God in Christ in Mossville, and Freeman Memorial Church of God in Christ in Lake Charles. Mother Thelma Cain took her responsibly as First Lady seriously. She led by example, taught the women of the local church and the district. She chaired the Ministers and Deacons Wives Committee. Mother Cain chaired the First Jurisdiction Hospitality Committee. Mother Cain was the epitome of hospitality. She loved serving people and she took great pride in serving everyone with the highest level of respect and grace. In 2003, she united with Saints Memorial Church of God in Christ where she served faithfully. After moving to Lafayette, she united with the Gethsemane Church of God in Christ.
In 1956, Mother Cain assisted her husband as they started their first business, Cain’s Slaughter House, in Crowley. After 15 years, they opened a second business, Cain’s Meat Market. She also worked as a teacher’s aide for the Acadia Parish Shelter for Children with disabilities. After 35 years in business, they retired and dedicated their time to ministry.
She leaves to celebrate her life and cherish her memory her children, Linda C. Badon and her husband Ronnell B. Badon of Lafayette; her son, Charles E. Cain and his wife Linda H. Cain of Crowley; four grandchildren, Timica Ceasar (Darrell), Robin Brookter (Bryant), Nicole Cain (Melvecchio Guidry) and Jennifer Badon; eight great-grandchildren, Darrell Ceasar Jr., Bryana Ceasar, Cornelius Cain Jr., Cole and Haley Brookter, Jasmyn and Kaitlyn Guidry and Jeremi and Jordan Brookter; one great-great-granddaughter, Kenberlynn Robinson; one adopted granddaughter, Chavonne Scott; six sisters-in-law, Viola Wright, Rosa Mae Williams, Viola Cain, Ann Bryant (and sister/cousin), Beatrice Cain, Mary Ann Cain, Judy Cain; godsons, Magellan Deville of Sunset and Donnie Williams of Lake Charles; and a host of cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Superintendent Rogers Cain; her grandson, Cornelius Rogers Cain; her parents, Eulice and Evangeline Matthews; five brothers-in-law and three sisters-in-law.
The family extends its gratitude to the doctors and staff of Lafayette General Hospital especially Dr. Brown, Dr. Rosson, Dr. Tyler Bellelo, Dr. Raphael Higginbotham for the excellent care provided throughout this difficult period.

Alceuse “Al” Deranger

Wed, 12/07/2016 - 5:33pm

ORANGE, Texas

Alceuse “Al” Deranger, 91, of Orange, Texas, passed away on Dec. 5, 2016.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 8, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange. Entombment will follow at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery.
Visitation will be prior to the service beginning at noon.
Born in Arnaudville, on May 9, 1925, Al was the son of Dennis Deranger and Francoise’ (Mayer) Deranger. He was a member of the United States Army and proudly served his country in World War II in Austria, France and Germany. He was a member of St. Francis Catholic Church as well as the Knights of Columbus. Al was of Cajun descent and enjoyed Cajun music and dancing. He was an old school gentleman known as a “champion of women”. Al loved spending time with his family and will be greatly missed.
Al was preceded in death by his parents; a sister; and two brothers.
He is survived by his loving wife, Genie Allemand Deranger; children, Johnny Deranger and wife Sandy, Priscilla Varnado and husband Paul, Joe Deranger, Paul Deranger and wife Cindy, Charles Deranger and wife Dorothy, Marie Burge and husband Brian and Rachelle Deranger; stepson, John Allemand Sr.; step-grandson, John Allemand Jr. and wife Annalise Himmel Allemand; numerous other grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; his sister, Alice Devillier; and numerous nieces, nephews and other loving family.
Serving as pallbearers will be his children. Honorary pallbearer is John Allemand Jr.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society at P.O. Box 22478 Oklahoma City, OK 73123 or to the American Heart Association at 10900-B Stonelake Blvd., Suite 320 Austin, TX 78759.

Yvonne B. Hoffpauir

Wed, 12/07/2016 - 5:31pm

CROWLEY

Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, at Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home Chapel for Yvonne B. Hoffpauir, 77, who died Dec. 6, 2016, in Lafayette.
Rev. Gerard Morgan, associate pastor of Northside Assembly of God Church, will be officiating for the services. The family is requesting visitation Saturday from 10 a.m. to the time of service at 10:30 a.m.
She is survived by her husband, Jerry Hoffpauir of Crowley; one daughter, Kelly H. Young and her husband Tracy of Crowley; two sons, Ricky Hoffpauir and his wife Diana of Crowley and Donald Hoffpauir of Baton Rouge; two sisters, Stella Paramore, and Marlene Schexnider; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Yvonne is preceded in death by her mother, Verna Kyzar; and her father, Haley McGee.
Condolences may be sent to the family by www.geesey-ferguson.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home of Crowley.

A & O 21st Century Club presents Beautillion

Wed, 12/07/2016 - 3:42pm

King crowned, community service awards presented

Lisa Soileaux, Rayne Acadian-Tribune

Wednesday, December 7, 2016

The A & O 21st Century Club, Inc. staged its 2016 Annual Beautillion on Saturday, Nov. 26, at the Rayne Civic Center entitled, “20th Anniversary - Grow, Learn, Lead.”
During the evening’s festivities set against formal black and white background with a touch of red, the 2015 honoree, Jayson Thomas, crowned his successor, King Damian LeBlanc Jr.
Damian is the son of April Evans and Damian LeBlanc Sr. and a senior at Rayne High School. His escort for the special event was Diajih Young.
The new Beautillion King was also named “Mr. Debonair”.
Named First Runner-Up Johnny Deculit, son of Janet and Conrad Brown and a junior at Rayne High School. His escort for the evening was Tasia Duhon.
Completing the list of Beaus, along with their escorts are:
Drekylon Gibson, junior at Rayne High School and the son of Sylvia Mouton and the late Leroy Gibson. His escort was Keysuana Moore;
Keshun Roberts, a Rayne High School senior and the son of Tara Roberts and Ron Charles. His escort was Aurora LeBlanc;
Tony O’Brien Roberts Jr., a junior at Rayne High School and the son of Mr. and Mrs. Tony Roberts Sr. His escort was Jasmine Fontenot; and
Charles Solomon, a Rayne High School senior and the son of Mary Angelle and Darby Angelle. His escort was Angel Vallier.
Also acknowledged during the Beautillion, the Ronald Duplichain Community Award was presented to an outstanding individual who contributes towards the good of the city. The 2016 honorees honored during the evening’s festivities were Tony and Louana Roberts for their work with the local SwampGators football program for Rayne youth.
Brian Mouton was named A & O’s “Man of the Year” for his dedication to the club and community.
From the Sisters of A & O, the award for the 2015 “Sister of the Year” was presented to Sadie Wheeler, while Mary Jack was acknowledged as the 2016 Supporter of the Year. Both have served the club in a most helpful manner in service for the community.
Honorees and guests were welcomed by A & O President William Board, who delivered the welcome address, followed by the invocation by Deacon Nolton Senegal.
Serving as master of ceremonies was Carlos Prudhomme who introduced the outgoing 2015 honoree, Jayson Thomas, son of Sadie Wheeler and Jason Thomas.
A minuet choreographed by the Sisters of A & O, presented the Beaus and their escorts, along with last year’s king who delivered his farewell address.
Also introduced during the evening’s program were past Beautillion honorees. Among those in attendance were Raymond McDowell IV (1995), Steve Johnson (2000), Bradley Larry (2002), Miles Sias (2004), Jordan Wade (2007), Freddie Broussard (2009), DeAndré Broussard (2011), DeWane Jolivette (2013) and Desmond Cole (2014).
The toast to the royalty was led by Hilda Wiltz, as entertainment and music for general dancing was provided by Chazem Entertainment.
The presentation was completed with the grand waltz participated by the Beaus and their mothers.
Special thanks to the many volunteers who offered their assistance and helped with another successful Beautillion Ball.