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Allen Ray Hanks, Sr.

Sat, 01/12/2019 - 11:53am

March 6, 1946 ~ January 10, 2019

ABBEVILLE—Graveside services will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, January 11, 2019 at Baudoin Cemetery honoring the life of Allen Ray Hanks, Sr., 72, who died Thursday, January 10, 2019 at AMG Specialty Hospital. He will be laid to rest at Baudoin Cemetery with Deacon Cody Miller officiating the services.
Allen is survived by his wife of 54 years, Ruby Hebert Hanks; one son, Allen Hanks, Jr. and his wife Tammi; three daughters, Linda Marie Foreman and her husband Anthony, Glenda Faulk and her husband Michael, and Dianna Henry and her husband Douglas; four brothers; five sisters; twenty grandchildren; and eleven great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Zephrine Hanks and the former Azena Bertrand.
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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Patsy Marie Hebert Touchet

Sat, 01/12/2019 - 10:18am

Patsy Marie Hebert Touchet, 70, of Abbeville, LA, died peacefully with a smile on her face, Monday, January 7, 2019 after an 8-month battle with metastatic lung cancer to the brain. She was born October 13, 1948, in Abbeville, LA to Lily Mae Luquette Hebert and Joseph Dalton Hebert, Sr. She lived her final months with her husband in the home of their daughter Colette and husband Mark Theobald in Southeast, Texas.
Patsy was a very faithful and loving wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend to all. She was a Devout Catholic, who enjoyed her local Catholic Church Community for over 50 years in Abbeville, Louisiana. She enjoyed cooking, crossword puzzles, having a good time visiting and drinking coffee with family and friends. She was the only person besides Jesus that could cook one chicken and feed everyone! She had a passion for helping others in time of need. Patsy was a huge support to her husband of 50 years, six children, adored her grandchildren and had a great love for her siblings and all her nephews and nieces. She will be missed dearly by all that knew her.
She is survived by her husband Earl James Touchet, also of Abbeville; Daughters, Twyla Seaux and husband Nicholas,of Abbeville, Cherylle R. Reed and husband, Ken, of Katy, TX, Colette Theobald and husband, Mark, of Kountze, TX; Sons, Corey Touchet of Abbeville, Brady Touchet and wife Chloe of Abbeville, and Scotty Touchet and wife Angel of Abbeville; Grandchildren: Brody, Jeri, Alex, Kallie, Brooks, Jared, Kelsey, Lily, Drake, Samuel, Anna, Lucy, Jada and Drew. Great-grandchildren: Averi, Perseus, Raistlin, Ezra, Alistair, Susie, Austin, and Hunter. Her two sisters, Gloria (Glenn) Richard, Phyllis (Richard) Boudreaux, three brothers, Dalton, Jr. (Cheryl) Hebert, Francis (Cindy) Hebert and Albert (Charlene) Hebert. A host of nieces and nephews that she cherished, and they cherished her.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Dalton and Lily Mae Hebert and Sister Theresa H. Suire. Maternal Grandparents, Adrian and Lezina Luquette; Paternal Grandparents, Clemay and Adonia Hebert. Three Uncles, Joseph B. Luquette, Floyd Hebert and Preston Doyce Hebert; Two Aunts, Edith Hebert Granger and Rose Hebert.
A funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, January 16, 2019, at St. Mary Magdalen Church in Abbeville, La. Visitation will begin at St. Mary Magdalen Church at 10:00 am, Rosary at 11:00 am followed by a Mass at 11:30 am and will be officiated by Father Louie Richard.
The Family would like to give thanks to her Neurosurgeon and Radiation Doctors at Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston, Texas and Radiation Doctor in Lafayette, Louisiana, Dr. Jason Shumadine, One of the most compassionate caring Physicians on this earth! The Family would also like to give thanks and gratitude to all her Nurses and CNAs at Harbor Hospice in Beaumont, Texas. God bless everyone for their thoughts and prayers. Finally, Glory be to God for extending her life 8 whole months longer than expected.

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Mrs. Aaron Melebeck

Miss Mandy Songne’ becomes Mrs. Aaron Melebeck

Fri, 01/11/2019 - 10:59am

Mandy Marie Songne’ of Maurice, and Mr. Aaron Keith Melebeck of Abbeville, were united in marriage during an evening ceremony at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church in Abbeville on Saturday, December 22, 2018.
The bride is the daughter of Gregory J. Songne’ and Becky T. Sonnier, spouse of Charles R. Sonnier Jr., all of Maurice. Her maternal grandparents are Sandra Trahan and Mr. and Mrs. Richard Wayne Touchet of Abbeville. Her paternal grandparents are Carolyn D. Songne’ and the late Jules Joseph Songne’ of Abbeville.
The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Francis Keith Melebeck of Abbeville. His maternal grandparents are the late Rene’ Sidney Sr. and Lynn Moresi Broussard of Abbeville. His paternal grandparents are Dorothy “Chank” Melebeck and the late Francis “Frank” Eustis Melebeck of Abbeville.
The ceremony was officiated by Father Andrew Schumacher, Parochial Vicar at Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Lafayette. Father Daniel Picard also served as co-celebrant. The bride’s godmothers, Carrie Durke and Mona Trahan, and the groom’s godmother, Angelle Broussard, served as readers for the ceremony.
The groom made sure to pay tribute to his older brother, the late Corey Rene’ Melebeck, as honorary best man. A small charmed picture of Corey was found on every bouquet and boutonniere used in the ceremony.
The bride’s sisters, Amy Songne’ and Brook S. Stelly, served as maid and matron of honor. Bridesmaids included cousins of the bride, Lindsay and Julie LeBlanc; close family friend of the groom and cousin of the bride, Sidney S. Songne’; cousin of the groom, Camille Bourque, and friends of both the bride and groom, Torri C. Steen and Ashlyn T. Broussard. Kylie Denby, godchild of the groom, served as a junior bridesmaid. The flower girls were Bonnie and Cecile Songne’, younger cousins of the bride as well as “adopted” nieces of the groom.
Chase Steen, close family friend of the groom, served as best man. Groomsmen included friends of the groom, Logan Broussard, John McLain, Trey Patin, and Duke Steen and cousins of the bride, Joshua Durke, Grant Johnson and Jade Songne’. The ring bearers included the bride’s two godsons, Rowan LeBlanc and Liam Trahan, and younger cousin of the bride as well as “adopted” nephew of the groom, Joseph Songne’.
Following the ceremony, a reception was held at Magdalen Place in Abbeville.
The couple will be spending their first Christmas as Mr. and Mrs. Melebeckin New York City for their honeymoon and will be residing in Abbeville upon their return.
Aaron and Mandy would like to thank their parents, families, and friends for all of the love and support they received on their big day.

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African American Heritage Exhibit, Walk on Saturday

Fri, 01/11/2019 - 9:49am
Walk begins at 10 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church

On Saturday, the public is cordially invited to an African American Heritage Exhibit and Walk celebrating Black History.
The event is to celebrate African American Heritage by participating in the walk and exhibit held this Saturday. These events honor African Americans for their accomplishments and acknowledge their struggles for fair/equal rights and freedom from slavery.
Line up for the walk will be at 10 a.m. at St. Mary’s Congregational Church at 213 Louisiana Ave where there will be a reenactment of the Civil Right Movement. The march will be from St. Mary to Magdalen Square.
Opening ceremony for the exhibit will begin at 11:00 a.m. at the Abbeville Cultural Center at 200 N Magdalen Square. Students of Lighthouse Christian Preparatory School will have their exhibits on display until February 23.
MLK Parade will be dated for January 21 in downtown Abbeville.

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Louisiana Tax Commission Administrator Arrested following Joint Investigation

Fri, 01/11/2019 - 9:46am

BATON ROUGE – On January 11th, 2019, Investigators from the Louisiana State Police Bureau of Investigations arrested a member of the Louisiana Tax Commission (LTC) on multiple charges related to his employment. The investigation resulted in the arrest of the Administrator of the LTC, 51-year-old Charles K. Abels III of Baton Rouge.
The investigation began in May of 2018 when the Louisiana State Police Bureau of Investigations - Criminal Investigations Division (CID) was contacted by the Louisiana Legislative Auditor (LLA) regarding possible payroll fraud by Abels. Upon learning of the allegations, CID initiated a joint investigation with the LLA. Investigators were able to determine that on multiple occasions Abels claimed and was paid for time worked while not in the performance of his LTC duties. Furthermore, on multiple occasions Investigators observed Abels utilizing a state rental vehicle for personal use, and learned that he submitted unauthorized fuel reimbursement requests for the vehicle.
As a result of the investigation, an arrest warrant was obtained through the 19th JDC charging Abels with LRS 14:134 - Malfeasance in office (1 felony count), LRS 14:138 – Public payroll fraud (1 felony count), and LRS 14:133 - Filing or maintaining false public records (63 felony counts). On January 11th, 2019, Abels was booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison on the above charges. This case remains under investigation.

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UL Lafayette students from Vermilion Parish recognized on Fall 2018 President's, Dean's lists

Fri, 01/11/2019 - 9:27am

LAFAYETTE — At the end of each regular semester, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette recognizes those students named to the President’s List and Dean’s List. Eligible students must be enrolled full time.
To be included on the Dean’s List, students must earn at 3.5 GPA or better and to be included on the President’s List, students must earn a 3.8 GPA or better.

Vermilion Parish

Arts

Dean's List
Chris J Rabassa
Theresa M Rudesill
Matthew Paul Suire
Kennedi G Thibodeaux

President's List
Grant Christopher Clark
Payton M Gaspard
Jacob Anthony Gerard
Trevor Joseph Guidry
Michael Joseph Harper
Jacie R Lopez
Claire Elizabeth Meyers
Gage B Pacetti
Blair N Williamson

B.I. Moody III College of
Business Administration

Dean's List
Morgan Eve Bergeron
Brody A Fontenot
Jada F Hebert
Emily O Kieu
Lori Catherine Lange
John-Tyler E Lege
Bailee Jenee Lerette
Jacob L Nunez
Amber Leigh Sarver
Christopher Hieu Tran

President's List
Stephanie Lynn Beckett
Mary Kirsten Broussard
Minh T Cao
Ann-Kathryn Dartez
Caitlyn Nicole Hebert
Laura Ann Landry
Taylor M Luquette
Courtney Ari Lyles
Katherine E Meyers
Kane Phuoc Khanh Nguyen
Alisha Shyann Trahan

Education

Dean's List
Nicole E Bouillion
Taylor Michel Broussard
Brianna Kaye Campbell
Mya C Cawyer
Ava Camille Couvillon
Cole P Delcambre
Cecile Therese Desormeaux
Hunter Craig Duhon
Alyssa Blair Duhon
Natalie C Duhon
Kelsey Nicole Eckelberger
Matthew Paul Fontenot
Haley Elise Foreman
Emily C Gallet
Jesse M Gaspard
Caroline Grace Guidry
Morgan Elizabeth Harrington
Paige R Johnson
Alexis Kae Langlinais
Luke Looney
Katy Michelle Meaux
Gabrielle Oliva
Taylor A Plaisance
Mason Joseph Rhoads
Margo J White

President’s List
Tori Ann Barras
Reilly D Boling
Faith Angel Boudreaux
Haley Jenise Bourque
Haillie Renee’ Daigle
Halie Wright David
Luke M Davidson
Emily Claire Delcambre
Kate Marie Faulk
Hannah Elizabeth Fontenot
Claire Elizabeth Frederick
Hannah Michelle Hardin
Kayleigh Michelle Hebert
Abigail D Joseph
Caroline Noelle Landry
Mikel Alexis LeBlanc
Ally M Marceaux
Emily Claire Miller
Caleb Michael Mire
Ryleigh N Probst
Cailyn E Simon
Trevor J Simon
Anjelica Michelle Theall
Cailin Angelle Trahan

Engineering

Dean’s List
Grant Gerard Baudoin
Caleb G Bourque
Hunter M Bourque
Emile J. Hebert
Gabriel John Hebert
Bryce Paul Teekell
Shaye Michael Thibodeaux
Andrew Trahan
Tate M Viator

President’s List
Joshua Paul Boudreaux
Jace Nickolas Harrington
Zachary Paul Hebert
Anh The Le
Nicholas Shane Martin
Rhett P Maturin
Thomas J Poche
Payne M Touchet

Liberal Arts

Dean’s List
Morgan Nicole Alleman
Alisicia Jane Boudreaux
Madison Noelle Istre
Jessica C Jarred
Bethany Locita Marshall
Emily G Mire
Jordan Elizabeth Nunez
Marissa Claire Pitt
Jade Alexis Schexnaider
Sadie Marie Schoeffler
Victor A Stelly
Alaina Claire Stephen

President’s List
Breelyn E Brigola
Saygan Joslyn Broussard
Tanner Mitchell Choate
Elizabeth Amber Daspit
Haley Marie Faulk
Julie Alysha Galtier
Shelby Elizabeth Gaspard
Reilly McEwen Goldsmith
Ezra Reed Gyles
Chelsey Celine Huval
Megan Michelle Langlinais
Ellan Haley LeBleu
Ryan Christopher Luquette
Kayla Alexandra Michot
Jimmy X Nguyen
Alyssa M Pellegrin
Caroline M Poche
Ashley R Richard
Camille Elizabeth Robichaux
Bethany L Sistrunk
Jason P Sullivan
Kaitlyn Thompson
Ryan Michael Winmill

Nursing & Allied
Health Professions

Dean’s List
Gavin Paul Becker
Alison Christine Bourque
Peyton John Broussard
Kylie L Chaney
Draik Bradshaw Delino
Braden I Doucet
Colin P Faulk
Heidi C Frederick
Tanner J Harris
Lindsay N Lowery
Kirsten Ayo Maze
Jaden A Romero

President’s List
Taylor E Abshire
Madison C Ardoin
Catherine Louise Domingues
Danielle R. Hebert
Ainsley Shea Lange
Brooke Nicole Langlinais
Katelyn Paige LeBlanc

Ray P. Authement
College of Sciences

Dean’s List
Jaida R Abshire
Dayne Adelle Bass
Brooke Angelle Baudoin
Bailey J Bernard
Monique O Broussard
Leah Kathryn Camel
Paige M Comeaux
Lanie P Dubois
Gabriel Blake LeBeouf
Jon Logan Leblanc
Lauren Grace Lege
Patrick Wayne Leleux
Jett M Miller
Haley Q Nguyen
Reiss C Olsberg
Michelle E Perkins
Shelbi Lynn Picard
Carlie B Presley
Hunter M Roy
Sarah Elizabeth Saunier
Sara A Trahan
Marina Jessica White

President’s List
Jordan A Baudoin
Peter J Bergeaux
Adrian H Courville
Aidyn Dakota-McKinley Creson
Kaleb Derouen
Gage Matthew Desormeaux
Elisabeth Grace Duplantis
William Anthony Faulk
Mason P Granger
Alec J Hebert
Bryce C Lavergne
Teri Lynn Lewis
Diana Kim Nguyen
Alexandra T Nguyen
Swapnil Patel
Jared M Racca
Lindsey Claire Schexnailder
Kevin Starlard
Christian Joseph Trahan
Hannah A Trahan
Kieu K Tran
Sarah Marie Vice

University College

Dean’s List
Hannah S Ali
Oluwamayowa Bode-Omololu
John Adam Hebert
Kaylyn Badeaux Joseph
Lacherie Comaleeta Lollis
Kylie A White

President’s List
Kyle James Duplantis
Noelle Monique Ellis

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Clarence Lege, Jr.

Thu, 01/10/2019 - 11:38am

December 20, 1935 ~ January 9, 2019

GUEYDAN — Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, January 11, 2019 at Vincent Funeral Home - Gueydan honoring the life of Clarence Lege, Jr., 83, who died Wednesday, January 9, 2019 at his residence. He will be laid to rest at Gueydan Cemetery with Reverend Corey Campeaux officiating the services.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Vivian Toups Lege of Gueydan; his two sons, Richard Lege and his wife, Reesa of Gueydan and Michael Lege and his wife, Judy of Gueydan; his daughter, Eva Lege of Gueydan; eight grandchildren; and 13 great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence Lege, Sr. and the former Etta Mae Humble; and one brother, Robert Lege.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Vincent Funeral Home - Gueydan, 311 Fourth St., on Thursday, January 10, 2019 from 2:00 PM until 10:00 PM with a rosary being prayed at 7:00 PM; Friday, January 11, 2019 from 11:00 AM until the services at 2:00 PM.
All funeral arrangements are being conducted by Vincent Funeral Home of Gueydan, (337) 536-6124 [Service Information 225-5276]. Condolences may be sent to the Lege family at www.vincentfuneralhome.net.

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Teacher escorted out of school board meeting files lawsuit almost one year after arrest

Deyshia Hargrave sues Hilts, Vermilion Parish School Board

Thu, 01/10/2019 - 9:31am
Teacher escorted out of school board meeting files lawsuit almost one year after arrest

Deyshia Hargrave, the teacher who was arrested and escorted out of a school board meeting, has filed a lawsuit against the school board and Marshal Officer Reggie Hilts.
The Rene Rost Middle School teacher filed the lawsuit on Jan. 4 in the Vermilion Parish courthouse. It was recorded almost a year to the date of the school board meeting.
During questioning Superintendent Jerome Puyau about his pay raise from his contract extension, Sgt. Hilts removed her from the meeting and eventually put her in handcuffs in the hall outside the meeting room. She was escorted out of the building in handcuffs by Sgt. Hilts.
The lawsuit states that Sgt. Hilts had never read the Louisiana Open Meetings Law concerning the manner in which meetings are to be conducted.
The lawsuit explained in detail what was taking place as Hargrave spoke.
In the lawsuit, it states, “Before she could finish making her comments, Mr. Fontana leaned back in his chair and looked at Sgt. Hilts which prompted Sgt Hilts to approach Ms. Hargrave. After being prompted by Mr. Fontana, Sgt Hilts removed Ms. Hargrave from the Special Meeting #5.”
A video shows Sgt. Hilts escorting Hargrave out of the meeting room and into the hall. The lawsuit also states, “She was forced to the floor by Sgt. Hilts. After forcing Ms. Hargrave to the floor, Sgt Hilts put his knee in Ms. Hargrave’s back and placed her in handcuffs.”
She was put into an Abbeville Police car and taken to the police department where she was booked for the alleged violation of “the entry on remaining in places or on land after being forbidden.”
The lawsuit said she spent time in jail and posted bond for her release. Abbeville City Attorney Ike Funderburk said he would not pursue the charges for which Sgt. Hilts arrested Hargrave.
The lawsuit said what Sgt. Hilts did was, “criminal, malicious, intentional, willful, outrageous, reckless, and/or flagrant misconduct.”
The lawsuit continued by saying “Sgt Hilts deprived Ms. Hargrave of her Louisiana Constitutional and statutory right to directly participate in the special meeting.”
The lawsuit blames the school board for hiring Sgt. Hilts and not training him, and the lawsuit states that Sgt. Hilts “posed a threat of injury to members of the public.”
Also, the lawsuit claims that Hargrave’s arrest and detention was “unlawful because she did not commit either of the crimes for which Sgt. Hilts arrested her.” It also says that Sgt. Hilts committed, “a battery upon Ms. Hargrave.”
In the lawsuit is a list of alleged damages suffered by Hargrave because of Sgt. Hilts.
• Past physical pain and suffering
• Bruising
• Past, present, and future mental anguish, embarrassment, humiliation, and indignity
• Past, present and future medical and therapy expenses
• Inconvenience
• The cost associated with release from jail

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Board members Jean Broussard (standing, left) and Kibbie Pillette (sitting) want to be the school board president for 2019. However, after three separate votes, the board stayed deadlocked at 4-4 on who the new president will be. They will vote again on Jan. 24.

Vermilion Parish School Board locked at 4-4 vote for new president

Wed, 01/09/2019 - 8:55am

In the first Vermilion Parish School Board meeting of 2019 with three new school board members, a familiar result occurred.
The new school board members could not decide on whom they wanted to be president. After three votes, the result came up 4-4.
Board members Jean Broussard and Kibbie Pillette put their names up to be the new president.
Last year’s vice president Laura LeBeouf did not want the job.
When it came to voting for Broussard, Chris Gautreaux, Jean Broussard, and Jason Roy voted for Jean.
Voting against were Pillette, Dale Stelly, David Dupuis, and LeBeouf. These four voted for Pillette, and the other four voted against Pillette.
When the hour-long meeting was over, the board left with no new board president. The next meeting will be on Jan. 24 and they will vote again. Until then, LeBeouf will act as the president.
Board members explained their vote during board commentary.
“We are trying to elect a president. We need to elect a president who has no controversy,” said board member Chris Gautreaux. “Myself, I have a controversy with me. Other board members have controversy. Mr. Broussard has no controversy. We need a fresh start. We need someone who can work with the central office and the superintendent. That is where Vermilion Parish School Board needs to go.”
Pillette explained to the board members why he wanted to be the new president. He is on his second go around of being on the school board. He was a board member in the late 1980s. In that time, Pillette was president of the school board twice.
He is starting his second term being a school board member, after replacing Charles Campbell.
Pillette said, “When you talk about conflict, it will be challenging for anyone on this board to not have conflict. There has always been conflict. Board members need to talk to each other. Since I been on board, there has been separation which has not been caused by board members.”
New board member Jason Roy gave his thoughts on why he voted for Jean instead of Pillette.
“We need someone impartial,” said Roy. “Whoever is elected has to have a good working relationship with the central office and the superintendent. Picking sides has gone on long enough. We need someone impartial.”

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