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Ronald Darby

Ronald Darby announces candidacy for Abbeville Councilman At Large

Mr. Ronald Darby is married to Mrs. Janice Hebert Darby.
They are proud parents of several children and grand children.
Mr. Darby has been a part of the Vermilion Parish Police Jury representing district 4 for 18 1/2 years.
He is currently serving on the Louisiana Police Jury Association Executive Board of Directors and serves on the insurance committee, chairman of the Rural Development Committee for the State Association. “I serve on various committees of the Police Jury, finance, public works, general needs, Costal Restoration & Protection, 911 Courthouse, rabies & animal sub,” Darby said.
“I’m an Ordained Elder at Lighthouse for Jesus Ministries in Abbeville LA, under the leadership of Pastor Donnie Bolden Sr. and a minister at St. James Church of Christ.
I have served on various boards, past and present, such as Acadiana Planning Commission, Acadiana Crime Lab, Workforce Development, Christian Service Center, Council on Aging, Tourist Commission Board, Assist Agency, Herod Village, Vermilion Youth Planning Board, Fire & Police Civil Service Board, St. Mary/Vermilion Board of Directors for Head Start, NAACP, Louisiana Police Jury Black Caucus Association. I’m also a Red Cross Volunteer.
I attended Abbeville High, Jack Yates High School, Crowley Technical College ( Computer Literacy), Lafayette Technical College (Ac/Ref), NTCI ( Service Line Tech), ICS School (Electrician), USA Training Academy and for 8 years I worked for the City of Abbeville as an Apprentice Lineman and for 16 years with Cox Communications as a Service Technician.
We have a beautiful community and I want to continue fighting for lower electricity, better drainage, better roads, create new jobs and work with our Fire & Police department to make sure we get the proper training and tools to do their jobs and to keep Abbeville safe. Abbeville is a place where more retirees want to live ( Abbeville is the parish seat). I believe we should keep the vision of our founder father Pere’ Antoine Desire Megret alive, making Abbeville a beautiful place to live in. We need to teach our community about our history, many don’t know who father Pere’ Antoine Desire Megret is. I’m asking you to please vote for me in March 2022 as you next Councilman at Large.”

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Maurice Mayor’s Court set for Tuesday continued to Oct. 12

MAURICE — The Maurice Mayor’s Court scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 14, has been continued until Tuesday, Oct. 12.
Maurice Mayor Wayne Theriot said this decision is due to the effects of Tropical Storm Nicholas. Cases originally set for Tuesday night will be continued to Oct. 12.

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National Weather Service provides update on Nicholas

Nicholas will continue to weaken as it slowly moves through the Houston area on Tuesday.
This is according to the 10 a.m. update from the National Weather Service in Lake Charles.
Tonight it will slowly turn east and head towards the Beaumont region, before slowing down or even stalling in southwest Louisiana Wednesday into Thursday.
Wind gusts today will be in the 25 to 45 mph range for southeast Texas and southwest Louisiana. A few power outages will be possible. Gusts will be 20 to 30 mph across the remainder of the region.
Rain totals will be 4 to 10 inches, with locally higher amounts possible. Be aware of the road conditions. Traveling is not recommended during flash flood warnings.
Tides will be 1 to 2 feet above normal today and tomorrow. Minor coastal flooding is possible during high tides.
There is only a marginal 5% chance for tornadoes today across most of our region.

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Nicholas expected to weaken as it moves into southwest Louisiana on Wednesday

Nicholas made landfall a little southwest of Freeport. It is now moving northeast towards Houston, according to an update Tuesday morning.
It will continue to weaken as it slowly moves east towards Beaumont tonight, and moves into southwest Louisiana on Wednesday, before dissipating on Thursday.
According to Roger Erickson, Warning Coordination Meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Lake Charles, wind gusts today will be in the 20 to 40 mph range for southeast Texas and southwest Louisiana. A few power outages will be possible. Gusts will be 20 to 30 mph across the remainder of the region.
Rain totals will be 5 to 10 inches, with locally higher amounts of 15 to 20 inches possible. Be aware of the road conditions. Traveling is not recommended during flash floods.
Tides will be 1 to 2 feet above normal today and tomorrow. Minor coastal flooding is possible.
There is only a marginal 5% chance for tornadoes today across most of our region.

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NICHOLAS HEADS EAST, BRINGING HEAVY RAIN

Nicholas made landfall overnight in Texas as a Category 1 hurricane and quickly weakened to a tropical storm.
A flash flood warning is in effect through Wednesday afternoon. A coastal flood advisory is currently in place in Vermilion Parish until 7 p.m. on Wednesday.
Nicholas made landfall about 1 a.m. Tuesday near Freeport, Texas, on that state’s central coast.
On Monday, Gov. John Bel Edwards requested a pre-landfall Federal Declaration of Emergency in a letter to President Joe Biden in advance of Nicholas.
On Sunday, Edwards declared a state of emergency, allowing the state to begin its preparations and to assist local governments as they respond. A pre-landfall federal disaster declaration would allow Louisiana to mobilize federal resources the state already has in place as well as to request additional resources if needed.
Louisiana continues to recover from Hurricane Laura and Hurricane Ida, with many homes and businesses still damaged from these events. Heavy rainfall could complicate current storm recovery.
“Nicholas will likely be weakening into a depression as its center slowly moves into Louisiana early Wednesday morning and will exit into Southern Mississippi by Thursday morning,” Edwards said. “Life-threatening rainfall is our primary concern Tuesday through Thursday, with between six and 10 inches likely across Southwest and South Louisiana with locally higher amounts possible, especially given the slow storm motion.”
Flash flooding will be the greatest threat of this system, the governor said.
“It also has the potential to cause river flooding in southwest and southeast Louisiana,” Edwards said. “The ongoing storm recovery will be a compounding threat because homes are already damaged, people are already displaced and storm debris from Ida could be blocking drainage systems, causing rainwater to accumulate more quickly than normal, which will potentially enhance the flash flooding threat.”
Edwards said the relative weakness of the winds from Nicholas shouldn’t lead people to believe that it’s not dangerous.

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Exavier Marceaux Jr.

ABBEVILLE — Celebration of Life Services for Exavier Marceaux Jr. ,75, will be Wednesday September 15, 2021 in David Funeral Home of Abbeville from 11:00AM until 3:00PM with a service at 2:00PM.
Exavier, a life resident of Vermilion Parish passed away August 27, 2021 in his residence. He was a hard worker and he enjoyed spending time with his family.
He is survived by his wife Lena B. Marceaux, his son, Sam Lindsey, his daughters, Eunice Anglin, Rhonda Romero, Shaintina Pegg, and Brenda Gary and husband Justin, a sister, Laura Guidry, grandchildren, Johnathan, Caitlin, Jesse, David Jr., Brandon, Christian, Carson, Cara, Cami, Christopher, Chloe, Marie, and Heip Jr., Haley, and Jenny, great grandchildren, Hayden, Sophia, Leonard, and Olivia.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Exavier Sr. and Lattie Marceaux, 4 brothers and 2 sisters, a daughter Susan Barnes and a grandchild Colt Romero.
Condolences may be shared with the family at www.davidfuneralhome.org
To help the community stay safe we will honor the August 1, 2021 Louisiana Mandates.  All families and their guests are required to wear a face-covering while at the funeral home and church. Thank you for your understanding during this unprecedented time.
David Funeral Home of Abbeville 2600 Charity Street Abbeville, LA 70510 (337) 893-3777 is in charge of arrangements.

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Dorothy Baudoin Melebeck

May 2, 1929 ~ September 9, 2021

ABBEVILLE — A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, September 14, 2021 at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church honoring the life of Dorothy Marie “Chank” Melebeck of Abbeville, 92, who died Thursday, September 9, 2021 at her residence. She will be laid to rest at St. Paul Cemetery with Father Don Bernard officiating the services.
Dorothy was born on May 2, 1929, to Lyndon and Lillian Ardeneaux Baudoin.  She grew up in Perry and graduated from Abbeville High School in 1946.  On June 12, 1949, she was united with Francis E. “Frank” Melebeck.  Their 48-year marriage was blessed with three children.
Dorothy enjoyed cooking for her family every Sunday and chatting with friends.  She played Pokeno weekly for many years.  She was a fun and reliable babysitter for her grand- and great grandchildren.  She was a member of St. Mary Magdalen Church and had served in various capacities. She was a member of the Girl Scouts, the American Legion Auxilliary, the Woodmen of the World, and the Knights of Columbus Auxilliary.   
Survivors include her children, Charles E. “Chuck” Melebeck, Nancy Melebeck Vigneaux, and Francis Keith Melebeck; her grandchildren, Nicholas P. Vigneaux (Lauren), Francine N. Vigneaux (Anothony), and Aaron K. (Mandy) Melebeck; her great grandchildren, Kylie Denby, Kason Roman, Kamron Roman, and Reece Corey Melebeck; her sister, Lynda Baudoin Bruno; and a great grandson on the way, Cort Joseph Melebeck.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Lyndon Jr.; her grandson, Corey Melebeck; her son-in-law, Paul Vigneaux; and her daughter-in-law, Beth Broussard Melebeck. 
The family would like to thank everyone at Hospice of Acadiana for all their love and care they provided for Mrs. Dorothy and a very special thank you to her nurse Mrs. Shronda Trail for her personal care.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Acadiana or St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville, 209 S. St. Charles St., on Monday, September 13, 2021 from 5:00 PM until 9:00 PM with a rosary being prayed at 6:30 PM; Tuesday, September 14, 2021 from 8:00 AM until 10:45 AM when the procession will depart for the church.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.vincentfuneralhome.net.
All funeral arrangements are being conducted by Vincent Funeral Home of Abbeville, (337) 893-4661.

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The University of Louisiana at Lafayette has announced vaccination guidelines.

UL Lafayette issues student vaccination requirement guidelines

LAFAYETTE — Students who plan to take winter intersession or spring semester courses at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette will need to submit proof of COVID-19 vaccination.
UL Lafayette announced vaccination guidelines Thursday in a message to the campus community.
“Vaccines are safe, effective and the most powerful tool we have to combat – and end – the pandemic. Getting vaccinated helps protect yourself, your friends, family, coworkers, and community. Individuals who receive the COVID-19 vaccine will help the University community thrive together and thrive in person,” the announcement said.
Registration for the Spring 2022 semester and Winter Intersession 2021 begins on Nov. 1.
The message continued: “Now is the time to make your vaccination plans to avoid challenges when registering for future classes. Failure to get vaccinated or to submit the appropriate documentation for an exemption will result in a hold on your Spring 2022 and Winter Intersession 2021 registration.”
The full announcement follows:
On Monday, Aug. 23, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration fully approved the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for people ages 16 and older, and the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) granted the University of Louisiana System's request to add COVID-19 to the schedule of required immunizations for students enrolled at all System institutions, including UL Lafayette.
This requirement goes into effect for the Spring 2022 semester and Winter Intersession 2021.
Vaccines are safe, effective and the most powerful tool we have to combat – and end – the pandemic. Getting vaccinated helps protect yourself, your friends, family, coworkers, and community. Individuals who receive the COVID-19 vaccine will help the University community thrive together and thrive in person.
Registration for the Spring 2022 semester and Winter Intersession 2021 begins on Nov. 1. Now is the time to make your vaccination plans to avoid challenges when registering for future classes. Failure to get vaccinated or to submit the appropriate documentation for an exemption will result in a hold on your Spring 2022 and Winter Intersession 2021 registration.

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement

Under current state law, the requirement is as follows:

Students must provide documentation of immunization against COVID-19 prior to the next registration period. Alternatively, students may provide one of the following: 1) documentation from a physician of medical contraindication for the vaccine, or 2) a written dissent for taking the vaccine.
Students have two options to comply with the vaccination requirement by Monday, Sept. 20:
Option 1: Begin the COVID-19 vaccination process by receiving at least one dose of a vaccine approved by the World Health Organization.
Option 2: Request an exemption from the COVID-19 vaccine requirements.
This requirement applies to all students regardless of whether they take classes on campus or online, except for dual enrollment students. Dual enrollment students are not required to submit proof of immunization but are strongly encouraged to do so.
The process for completing one's COVID-19 vaccination requirement is similar to the process used to complete the other immunization requirements on the schedule that all students followed upon initial enrollment, regardless of method of instruction. Instructions for students to meet the COVID-19 vaccination requirement are as follows.

Option 1: Guidelines for Students who Plan to be Vaccinated
By Monday, Sept. 20, all students (except dual enrollment students) must have received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine to avoid registration challenges for Spring 2022 and Winter Intersession 2021.
Your hold will be lifted after you complete your shot schedule (two doses of Pfizer or Moderna or one dose of Johnson & Johnson). If you opt for the two-dose Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, the University highly recommends that you receive your second dose on the recommended shot schedule; otherwise, your hold may not be lifted before your Spring 2022/Winter Intercession 2021 registration window.

How to upload your COVID-19 proof of immunization
If you received your vaccine in Louisiana: If you received all doses of the COVID-19 vaccine in Louisiana, you do not need to take any action. Proof of your vaccine will be automatically added to the Student Health Services’ Medicat Patient Portal.
If you received your vaccine outside of Louisiana: If you received any or all doses of the COVID-19 vaccine outside of LA, you must upload an image of your COVID-19 vaccination card to the Student Health Services Medicat Patient Portal.
Although the Pfizer vaccine is currently the only FDA-approved vaccine, any World Health Organization-approved vaccine, including the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines, will also satisfy the requirement.  

Option 2: Guidelines for Students who Plan to Request an Exemption
All students (except dual enrollment students) who intend to request an exemption to the COVID-19 vaccine requirement based on medical or personal reasons must submit their documentation by Monday, Sept. 20.
Even if you opt to request an exemption now, you can still decide to receive the vaccine later and update your vaccination status with the University at that time.

How to request
an exemption
Complete the Request for Exemption from Immunizations form to request an exemption from receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. If you request an exemption for medical reasons you must also upload the completed Vaccine Exemption Physician Certification. These forms serve as the required written statement and/or written consent. Upload the completed form to the Student Health Services Medicat Patient Portal.
Account Holds f​or Spring 2022 and Winter Intersession 2021 Registration

Students who do not follow the guidelines for vaccine requirement (Option 1) or exemption requirement (Option 2) described above will have an immunization hold placed on their University record and may be unable to register for classes for the Spring 2022 or Winter Intersession 2021 semesters.
Holds will automatically be removed after you complete your shot schedule (Option 1) and the Student Health Services Medicat database is updated or after you have submitted necessary documentation for an exemption (Option 2).
Student Health Services will verify all documentation, which may take longer if a large volume of documentation is submitted close to or after the deadline.  Learn more about immunization holds.

Free COVID-19 Testing and Vaccinations Available on Campus

The University, in collaboration with the Louisiana National Guard and LDH, is offering free, walk-in vaccination and testing sites on campus.
The vaccination and testing site is open on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the former University Bookstore building at 210 E. St. Mary Blvd. The University clinic administers the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. No appointment is required to receive a vaccine. Appointments are required for COVID-19 tests. Schedule a testing appointment.

Vaccination
Incentives

Students who receive their first or second vaccine dose on campus qualify for a bank card as part of the state’s “Shot for $100” incentive program. Those who have received both doses can win prizes by entering the University’s “Don’t Wait. Vaccinate!” campaign. 

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Mayor Piazza welcomed two special guests representing National Garden Clubs, Inc. to Abbeville with Honorary Cajun Certificates and Abbeville pins. Pictured with Mayor Piazza receiving this honor are NGC Environmental School Deep South Region Accrediting Chairman Jim Rouch and National Garden Clubs, Inc. Second Vice-President Donna Rouch from Omaha, Nebraska.

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Mayor Piazza welcomed special guest Louisiana Garden Club Federation, Inc. President Roxanna Champagne with a Certificate of Recognition and an Abbeville pin. President Champagne is an NGC Gardening School Master Consultant and member of Lafayette Garden Club.

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Abbeville Mayor Mark Piazza welcomed the attendants of the National Garden Clubs, Inc. Gardening School on September 1, 2021, at the Vermilion Parish Ag Center in Abbeville. Thirty members attended the school sponsored by the Louisiana Garden Club Federation, Lafayette Garden Club, and Abbeville Garden Club. Preparations for the school were coordinated by LGCF Gardening School Chairman Anita Petitjean.

Abbeville hosts National Garden Club, Gardening School

National Garden Clubs, Inc. Gardening School Series 11, Course 2 was held on Sept. 1-2 at the Vermilion Parish LSU AgCenter in Abbeville.
The school was sponsored by the Louisiana Garden Club Federation, Lafayette Garden Club and Abbeville Garden Club.
Preparations for the school were coordinated by LGCF Gardening School Chairman Anita Petitjean.
NGC created the Gardening School program to assist its members in achieving the goal - “all gardeners can be accomplished horticulturists”.
The NGC Gardening School Courses are designed to provide educational information to those especially interested in gardening, horticulture, and related subjects.
The school consists of a series of four courses, scheduled usually for two days of instruction, followed by a general examination.
Courses cover all aspects of growing, from understanding soil structure to pruning techniques, plant identification, etc. Topics include basic botany, soils, growing annuals, perennials, trees and shrubs, fruits and vegetables, lawns, pests and diseases of plants, plant classification and selected subjects of local interest.
Thirty LGCF members attended the school, including 12 Abbeville Garden Club members and 10 Lafayette Garden Club members. Also attending were National Garden Clubs, Inc. Second Vice-President Donna Rouch, National Garden Clubs, Inc. Environmental School Deep South Region Accrediting Chairman Jim Rouch, LGCF President Roxanna Champagne and LGCF President Elect Patricia Ortalano.
On Sept. 2, the class also included 30 members of the Lafayette Parish Master Gardener In Training Class.
The Gardening School and the Master Gardener Program partnered to share speakers who met the educational needs of both groups.
LGCF Gardening Consultants Council President Babette Werner expressed her appreciation to Gardening School Chairman Anita Petitjean for making the preparations for the school, to the Abbeville Garden Club whose members went above and beyond to facilitate this school, and to LSU AgCenter Agent Dan Devenport who secured speakers and served as communications director for everyone involved.
Appreciation was also expressed to the Vermilion Parish LSU Ag Center Staff for their assistance facilitating the school.
Abbeville Garden Club and Lafayette Garden Club are members of National Garden Clubs, Inc., Deep South Garden Clubs, Inc., and Louisiana Garden Club Federation, Inc., District III.
Gardening School courses are open to everyone, regardless of National Garden Club, Inc. membership.

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Mickey Paul Mayard

DELCAMBRE –A Mass of Christian Burial will be held celebrating the life of Mickey Paul Mayard, age 66, at 11:00 am on Saturday, September 11, 2021 at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church. Fr. Buddy Breaux will be the celebrant for the service. Interment will follow at Our Lady of the Lake Mausoleum.
A gathering of family and friends will be held at Evangeline Funeral Home in Delcambre on Saturday from 8:00 am until 10:30 am.
Mickey was born on April 3, 1955 in Vermilion Parish to the late Ledron Paul “Red” “Chuckoo” and Emilda “Millie” Bourque Mayard. He passed away on Wednesday, September 8, 2021 at Iberia Medical Center.
Mickey was an electrician in the oilfield. He was employed by Texaco for 15 years and numerous electrical companies in the area. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed working his cattle and horses and hunting and fishing.
He was affectionately known as “Pappy” and will be missed dearly by his family and friends.
He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Linda Castille Mayard of New Iberia; his children, Johnathan E. Mayard and wife Heather of Delcambre; Dusti M. Robicheaux and husband Trey of Delcambre and Jeremy D. Castille and wife Deidra of New Iberia; ten grandchildren; Jade Mayard, Chloe Mayard, Jean Paul Mayard, Allie Mayard, Josie Mayard, Jacques Mayard, McKenzie Castille, Madison Castille, Gabrielle Robicheaux and Stephen Robicheaux; one brother, Chris Mayard and wife Christine of Erath and two sisters, Frankie Romero and husband Marcus of Erath and Patrice Harvey and husband Steve of Katy, TX.
He is preceded in death by his parents and one son, Grant Paul Mayard.
Pallbearers will be Johnathan Mayard, Jeremy D. Castille, Jade Mayard, McKenzie Castille, Marcus Romero and Freddie Aucoin.
Honorary pallbearers will be Stephen Robicheaux, Jean Paul Mayard, Jacques Mayard, Caleb Mayard, Trey Robicheaux, Glenn Earl Dore, Everett Curol, Wayne Castille and John Castille.
To view the on-line obituary, video tribute, and sign the guest register, please visit www.evangelinefuneralhome.com.
Evangeline Funeral Home of Delcambre is in charge of arrangements.

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