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!
Louisiana Wildlife Federation (LWF; has selected 22 undergraduate students from 10 universities in Louisiana for its fourth cohort Edgar Veillon Conservation Leadership Corps (CLC;. The CLC is a leadership development program that provides expert training for future conservation leaders. Students from colleges and universities across the state were eligible to apply.
Training will be provided by natural resource professionals in the public, non-profit and private sectors. Students will be presented with real-world issues and experience with a focus on this year’s theme of habitat conservation. Through the integration of presentations, case studies, and collaborative activities, students will increase their knowledge of conservation policy and build skills in leadership and advocacy.
The first of four sessions will be held Jan. 28-29. Due to safety concerns related to COVID-19, this year’s cohort will meet online with the final meeting in April planned in-person at Chicot State Park. Training will take place during one weekend each month in January, February, March, and April 2022.
This year’s Conservation Leadership Corps students are:
• James Anderson: sophomore, LSU, Coastal Environmental Science;
• Afia Boaitey: freshman, Xavier, Neuroscience;
Faith Boutte: junior, Nicholls, Biology;
Mario Campo: junior, Southeastern, Biology-Wetlands Ecology;
Carly Carpenter: sophomore, LSU, Environmental Management Systems-Policy Analysis;
Chelsea Coleman: senior, McNeese, Animal Science;
Eva Counts: sophomore, LSU, Biological & Agricultural Engineering;
Saidee Fonseca: freshman, LSU, Natural Resource Ecology & Management;
Mia Foster: sophomore, LSU, Biology;
Lily Gleneck: senior, LSU, Coastal Environmental Science;
Aaliyah Hameed: junior, LSU, Marine Biology;
Madelyn Helm: sophomore, LSU, Renewable Natural Resources;
Alexandra Himel: sophomore, Nicholls, Marine Biology;
Sahil Inaganti: junior, Tulane, Environmental Studies, Public Health, & Political Economy;
Nautica Jones: senior, UL-Monroe, Biology;
Kayla Keats: freshman, Tulane, International Relations& Environmental Studies;
Hannah Laville: senior, LSU, Natural Resource Ecology & Management;
Emmerson Lyons: freshman, LSU-Eunice, Biological Sciences;
Katarina Perlsweig: senior, Loyola, Environmental Science;
Amanda Ross: junior, LSU, Chemical Engineering;
Sarah Sargent: senior, Northwestern, Biology; and
Thomas Showers: senior, UL-Monroe, Biology
Stacy Ortego, LWF outreach coordinator, said, “The number of applicants grows each year and LWF is thrilled to see the continued interest in the program. We appreciate the university faculty and staff who share this opportunity with their students and previous CLC students who recommend it to other students.”
Rebecca Triche, LWF executive director, said, “We could not offer this program without the help of our dedicated volunteer leaders and guest speakers who share their knowledge and experience with the students. We appreciate the Stuller Family Foundation for their continued support in helping fund the program this year.”
Louisiana Wildlife Federation is a statewide nonprofit organization representing a broad constituency of conservationists including hunters, anglers, campers, birders, boaters, hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts.
Louisiana Men's Basketball sophomore forward Jordan Brown has been named to the 2021-22 Lou Henson Award Midseason Watch List as announced by the voting committee recently.
The award, which is presented annually, seeks to honor the top mid-major player in Division I college basketball.
In his first year in a Louisiana uniform, Brown leads the Ragin' Cajuns and ranks eighth in the Sun Belt Conference with 14.8 points per game. The sophomore has been extremely efficient from the field this season converting 48.6 percent of his shots, a mark that ranks fourth in the conference.
On the defensive end, Brown has been nothing short of dominant. The Roseville, Calif. native ranks fourth in the Sun Belt with 1.6 blocked shots and is third among conference competitors grabbing 8.8 rebounds per game.
Brown has had several standout performances this season including a 30 point exhibit at Louisiana Tech on Dec. 11 and a 16 point, 16 rebound double-double display against McNeese on Dec. 8.
The reigning Pac-12 Sixth Man of the Year and the No. 19 recruit in the class of 2018, Brown joined the Ragin' Cajuns in the offseason after spending last year at Arizona.
The sophomore is the son of Dion Brown who lettered for the Ragin' Cajuns from 1980-84 and finished his career as one of the top scorers and rebounders in school history. Dion, a 1984 graduate of UL, earned All-Southland Conference honors in 1982 and was a two-time All-Louisiana selection.
He finished his career with 1,412 points and 926 rebounds (then second in school history) and helped then-USL to the championship of the 1982 Great Alaskan Shootout where he was named to the All-Tournament team.
Jordan was one of just two Sun Belt representatives to appear on the watch list.
Henson is the winningest coach in Illinois basketball history with 423 victories. During his 21 seasons (1975-1996), Henson led the Fighting Illini to 16 postseason appearances, including 12 NCAA tournaments and a Final Four appearance in 1989.
Henson, who is also the all-time winningest coach in New Mexico State history with 289 victories, is one of only 11 coaches to take two different schools to the NCAA Final Four. His teams have made 19 NCAA appearances and four NIT appearances.
In total, Henson amassed 775 wins during his 41 years on the sidelines with the two programs.
Players on teams from the following conferences are eligible for the award: America East, Atlantic Sun, Big Sky, Big South, Big West, Colonial, Horizon, Ivy, Metro Atlantic, Mid-American, Mid-Eastern, Missouri Valley, Northeast, Ohio Valley, Patriot, Southern, Southland, Southwestern, Summit, Sun Belt, West Coast.
The Crowley Boxing Club recently traveled to Little Rock, Arkansas to participate in the Region 6 Silver Gloves tournament which consisted of over 100 boxers from six states.
They had just one fighter competing and as it turns out, that’s all they needed.
Connier George, a 10-year old fighting in the 80-pound division, won both of his bouts in the three-day tournament to earn a berth into the National Silver Gloves tournament the first weekend of February in Kansas City, Missouri.
George qualified for the regional tournament by defeating Kamarius Hobley of Shreveport to win the state Silver Gloves competition back in October.
At the regional, he defeated Travis Clark of Arkansas by split decision on Jan. 6 and then toppled Leland Crutcher by unanimous decision on Jan. 8 to win the title.
George’s performance during his two bouts was good enough to earn him the Outstanding Male Boxer award at the conclusion of the regional.
For the better part of three quarters, the Iota Bulldogs shut down Westlake standout guard Jammal Guillory, limiting him to just nine points.
Tyler Joseph more than picked up the slack, however.
Joseph poured in a game-high 32 points and Guillory pitched in 12 in the final frame to finish with 21 and the Rams pulled away for an 83-44 victory over the Bulldogs Thursday.
The Rams, ranked No. 6 in the most recent Class 3A power ratings, improved to 15-1 on the season with the victory.
The Bulldogs, who currently sit at No. 34 in the power ratings, fell to 10-9.
Iota, playing without the services of senior standout Andrew Thibodeaux, kept it close early on and led twice in the first five minutes.
Jaylon Howell hit a shot in the lane with 2:24 remaining in the quarter to spark a 9-0 run that was capped by a 3-pointer from Joseph to put the hosts up 17-9 at the end of the frame.
Joseph knocked down another long ball in the second quarter and tallied 10 points to help the Rams extend their advantage to 35-19 heading into the break.
Conner Daigle and Luke Duhon combined for seven of Iota’s 10 points in the second period.
The Bulldogs attempted to chip away at the lead in the third quarter but the Rams forced five turnovers and went on an 11-0 run in the middle of the frame to pull away even further.
Payton DarDar added two baskets late in the frame and Daigle hit another shot but the Rams were able to take a 25-point advantage at 54-29.
The Rams used another big run early in the final period and scored 10 unanswered points to take away any hopes of a rally by the Bulldogs.
Guillory finally found a rhythm in the final period and scored 12 points. Ryan Allen added eight points and Joseph scored seven during the Rams’ 29-point outburst.
In addition to Joseph and Guillory, Allen also scored in double figures with 12 points, Kristan Ozane added eight and Howell had seven for the victors.
Luke Duhon was the leader for the Bulldogs with 13 points and Daigle had his best outing of the season with 11. DarDar followed with eight points, Cole Breaux pitched in five and Chase Lalonde added three. Ashton Andrepont and Kolton Morgan rounded out the Bulldogs’ offense with two points apiece.
The Bulldogs return to action on Tuesday when they open up District 5-3A play with a home contest against the Church Point Bears. They close out the week with another league tilt on Friday at Ville Platte.
Division I
Player School Position Grade
Megan LaCour Chapelle Outside Hitter Jr.
Jaida Alvin Catholic-BR Outside Hitter Jr.
Ryley Boyne Destrehan Outside Hitter Sr.
Brooke Couret Dominican Libero Sr.
Kate Baker Dominican Setter Sr.
O’neil Haddad Dominican Middle Blocker Jr.
Alexis Logarbo Dutchtown Middle Blocker Sr.
Taylor Heeb Dutchtown Outside Hitter Sr.
Abigail Hunt Fontainebleau Outside Hitter Sr.
Lindsey Wikersham Mt. Carmel Setter Jr.
Olivia Stant Mt. Carmel Outside Hitter Sr.
Tierney Terrell Northshore Outside Hitter Jr.
Charlotte Hawkins Southside Middle Blocker So.
Anna Musso St. Joseph’s Outside Hitter Sr.
Grace Toler St. Joseph’s Outside Hitter Sr.
Morgan Perry St. Joseph’s Middle Blocker Sr.
Olivia Judice St. Joseph’s Setter Jr.
Division II
Lani Alleman Assumption Libero Jr.
Nya St. Cyr Belle Chasse Middle Blocker Jr.
Annavel Allen Ben Franklin Setter Sr.
Grace Delpit Ben Franklin Outside Hitter Sr.
A.C. Froehlich STM Outside Hitter Jr.
Addison Phares STM Outside Hitter Jr.
Emma Warren STM Middle Blocker Jr.
Mayah Richard STM Libero Sr.
Alex Barrett Teurlings Outside Hitter Jr.
Emma Cother Teurlings Setter Sr.
Madisen Fobbs Teurlings Middle Blocker Jr.
Reagan Richey Teurlings Outside Hitter Sr..
Alexis Porche Vandebilt Libero Sr.
Division III
Rylee Morris Hannan Middle Blocker Sr.
Sarah Kirsch Hannan Setter So.
Sophia Bonnaffee Hannan Outside Hitter So.
Anna Claire Jones E.D. White Setter Jr.
Julia Robichaux E.D. White Outside Hitter Sr.
Maria Detillier Lutcher Libero Sr.
Megan Pulizzano Ursuline Setter Sr.
Division IV
Marian Graffagnini ASH-NO Setter Sr.
Catherine Bonura ASH-NO Libero Sr.
Abigail Hall AES Outside Hitter Sr.
Hana Maturin CHS-NI Outside Hitter Sr.
Kaitlyn Washington LCA Middle Blocker Sr.
Payton Castro LCA Setter Sr.
Zaria Nelson Newman Outside Hitter Sr.
Andrus Kelbaugh Notre Dame Middle Blocker Sr.
Lily Morgan Notre Dame Outside Hitter Sr.
Maddie Murrell Notre Dame Libero Sr.
Allison Howard Parkview Outside Hitter Jr.
Ava Ricks Dunham Outside Hitter Jr.
Caylin Pixley Dunham Setter Jr.
Madison Stephens Dunham Libero Jr.
Divison V
Graycee Cline ESA Libero Sr.
Peyton Stokley ESA Outside Hitter Sr.
Abigail Cunningham Westminster Outside Hitter Jr.
Jordan Felix McGehee Setter Sr.
Nia Washington Country Day Outside Hitter Sr.
Ellison Vosbein Country Day Libero Sr.
Ellie Schneider Country Day Middle Blocker Jr.
The accolades continue to roll in for the 2021 Division IV state champion Notre Dame volleyball team well after their dominating season.
And the most recent are the biggest yet for the local powerhouse.
Senior outside hitter Lily Morgan was recently tabbed as the division’s Player of the Year and Tara Young was named its Coach of the Year.
Also making the team representing the Lady Pios were seniors Andrus Kelbaugh and Maddie Murrell.
Morgan was a dominant force at the net for the Lady Pios, finishing her senior campaign with 578 kills, 30 blocks, 269 digs, 67 assists and 57 aces.
The Southeastern University signee was also the District MVP and she was named as the Outstanding Player of the Division IV state championship game.
In the state tournament, Morgan logged 72 kills, including 36 in the Lady Pios’ semifinal victory over Dunham, and she had five blocks and three aces during the three-game stretch.
For Young, it was her fifth All-State Coach of the Year honor.
The legendary coach guided her team to the No. 2 seed in the Division IV playoffs where they marched through postseason play by winning 15 of 16 sets in five games en route to the state title.
Young’s Lady Pios finished the season with an overall record of 32-9 while playing some of the stiffest competition in the state. They logged victories over Division II state champion St. Thomas More and runnerup Teurlings. They also had a pair of victories over Division III state runnerup E.D. White and a victory over Division V runnerup ESA.
Kelbaugh, a senior middle hitter, was also a guiding force in the Lady Pios’ success. She finished the season with 180 kills, 48 blocks, 16 digs and six aces.
Murrell, the Libero of the Year in district play, tallied 262 digs, 67 assists and 57 aces to earn a spot on the team.
Division IV state runnerup Lafayette Christian earned two spots on the squad in setter Payton Castro and outside hitter Kaitlyn Washington.
Dunham, which Notre Dame defeated in the semifinals, 3-1, earned three selections- libero Madison Stephens, setter Caylin Pixley and outside hitter Ava Ricks. Parkview outside hitter Allison Howard also made the team.
Rounding out the team were Academy of Sacred Heart’s Marian Graffagnini and Catherine Bonura, Ascension Episcopal’s Abigail Hall, Catholic High’s Hana Maturin, Episcopal’s Izzy Besseiman and Newman’s Zaria Nelson.
DEAR ABBY: A year and a half ago, I separated from my husband because I was being neglected, not respected, and mistreated emotionally. During the separation, he had to have surgery and needed to be taken care of while he healed. I went back because, as his wife, I felt obligated to do the right thing.
I have tried to move forward and restore my marriage, but I still don’t feel loved or appreciated. In the back of my mind, I can’t forget the way he treated me in the past. I feel stuck because he isn’t working and doesn’t plan on working again. He says he’s not able to, but I believe he could do something that’s not strenuous. How do I find my happiness and still do the right thing? – CONFLICTED IN THE SOUTH
DEAR CONFLICTED: Have you told your husband how you feel – about everything? If you have and nothing has changed, make an appointment with a lawyer to find out what your obligations may be to a husband who is no longer self-supporting.
If he has no income, you may have to provide for him financially from now on. For some women, this might mean remaining unhappily married but living their own lives to the extent they can, and not relying on their spouse for emotional or any other support.
DEAR ABBY: I have to meet my fiance’s adult children. They are not happy he’s in a relationship since their mom’s death two years ago. I’m very nervous about it, and so is he. What do we do? – TAKING THE NEXT STEP
DEAR TAKING: You meet them, and do your best to relax and be friendly and open with them. Understand they are still grieving the loss of their beloved mother, and be prepared to do a lot of listening. Refrain from physical displays of affection with your fiance until they get to know you.
If it becomes necessary, their father should be prepared to make clear to them that you two are going to be married and, while they do not have to “love” you, he expects them to treat you with courtesy, respect and kindness.
DEAR ABBY: Is it customary to give a house cleaner or cleaning service lunch or offer them food if they are doing an extensive cleaning job? I ask because my mother-in-law hired a cleaning crew. She watches my infant daughter during the day. She doesn’t cook or clean, although I pay her. Well, she gave the crew lunch. Mind you, she didn’t ask me if it was OK or if I wanted the leftovers for my own lunch. I wouldn’t mind, but I’m wondering if this is typical. – CLEANING CREW LUNCH
DEAR CLEANING CREW: Let me put it this way: It is intelligent and hospitable to offer lunch if you want a happy, energetic cleaning crew who look forward to coming back. The practice is NOT uncommon.
P.S. If there are leftovers you would like to have for lunch, take them with you before the housekeepers arrive.
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser and the Louisiana State Museum have announced the opening of a new exhibition, “Rex: The 150th Anniversary of the School of Design,” at the Presbytère on Feb. 1.
Just in time for Mardi Gras, this new exhibit celebrates the history and contributions of the Rex organization to the Carnival season, and commemorates the sesquicentennial of the organization. Since its founding in 1872, Rex, also known by its official name, the School of Design, has taken on an unparalleled leadership role in Carnival, setting the standard of excellence for the dozens of krewes formed since then. The Rex parade was the first daytime parade in modern Carnival, and the man and woman selected as its monarchs have always served as the king and queen of all New Orleans Carnival.
“Rex has become synonymous with Mardi Gras and Carnival season in New Orleans, reigning over the city as the King of Carnival. While there are many traditions in the city that are the backbone of the annual celebration, the image of Rex parading through the streets of New Orleans is known worldwide,” said Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser.
“We are thrilled to add this exhibit to our collection just in time for the upcoming Carnival season, adding to the series of exhibits in our museums in New Orleans that have showcased the extraordinary traditions we hold so dear.”
Working closely with Dr. Stephen Hales, historian and archivist of the Rex Organization and author of the new book Rex: 150 Years of the School of Design, the Louisiana State Museum will tell the story of Rex utilizing the museum’s unmatched collection of artifacts, focusing on the sophisticated costumes of the krewe’s kings, queens and courtiers. The museum made a dedicated effort beginning in the 1920s to gather costumes directly from krewe members. This collection now totals more than 60 royalty and krewe costumes and gowns as well as dozens of sets of rare crown jewels. The exhibition will also feature newly discovered treasures from the krewe’s early years, recently acquired from as far away as Germany and Italy, along with rarely seen artifacts borrowed from private and institutional collections.
An exciting feature of the exhibition will be a specially built float installed in one of the exhibition galleries by the krewe’s float builder, Royal Artists, demonstrating the techniques and materials used to construct Rex’s elaborate, historically inspired floats.
“We can always count on Rex for a beautiful parade that is a world-renowned Mardi Gras event,” says Nungesser. “And the rest of the year, the organization supports public education.”
An extensive array of educational programs scheduled throughout the run of the exhibition will draw on the krewe’s incorporated name, the School of Design, with a goal of aiding students and families in creating works of art inspired by the krewe’s artistic legacy. The museum will also offer enriching sensory-friendly programs for children with autism and other developmental disabilities.
The exhibition will also explore the vital civic function the krewe has performed since it was founded in large part to boost economic development in the city following the Civil War. After Hurricane Katrina, Rex assumed an expanded philanthropic mission through its Pro Bono Publico Foundation, funneling over $10 million to the New Orleans public school system. Throughout its history, municipal and humanitarian organizations have honored numerous kings and queens of the krewe for their broad-ranging support of essential community causes.
Rex: The 150th Anniversary of the School of Design will be on display to the public through Dec. 11. The Presbytère, located at 751 Chartres Street on Jackson Square, is open Tuesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission to the museum is $10 for adults, $8 for students, seniors and active military and free for children 6 and under.
Visit LouisianaStateMuseum.org for more information.
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