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Carl Toups joined the race for Justice of the Peace in Ward 1 because he wanted to be able to help the people of his community.
A majority of the people in the Ward 1 community, which covers the Erath area, agreed that Toups is the right person for the job.
In a three-man race, Toups received 58 percent (1,906) of the 3,289 votes. Chris Langlinais finished second, with 30 percent (987 votes). Brian Richard received 396 votes (12 percent).
“I would like to thank all the constituents of Ward 1,” Toups said Wednesday morning. “I would like to thank my friends and family. I want to thank everyone who allowed me inside of their home and supported me for this election.
“I am humbled and appreciative to be elected Justice of the Peace.”
Toups will take over for former Justice of the Peace Shane Broussard, who stepped down because of health issues. Toups will serve the remainder of Broussard’s unexpired, six year-term. That term ends on Dec. 31, 2020. Rene Dartez also serves as Justice of the Peace in Ward 1.
Part of Toups’ new duties will be handling small claims court, for issues and disputes under $5,000.
“It’s anything too small to go into a larger court,” Toups said.
Toups is ready to get on the job.
“They will let me know when I will be sworn in,” Toups said. “Those are some of the details that are going to be worked out.”
Toups’ goal of joining the race to serve his community has certainly worked out.
“I like to help people,” Toups said. “It’s a good example for my family, my four kids, that we give back and try to make a difference in the community.”

ABBEVILLE — A Celebration of Life Legacy for Mr. L.V. Trahan, 87, will be held at David Funeral Home of Abbeville on Friday, November 9, 2018 from 10:00AM until 9:00PM with recitation of the Rosary at 7:00PM.
L.V. was born on July 26, 1933 in Abbeville, passed away Monday, November 5, 2018 at Kaplan Healthcare in Kaplan, LA. Mr. Trahan met the love of his life JoAnn Boudreaux in 1953 and they enjoyed 65 years together before her passing in February of this year.
His is survived by a daughter, Goldie Bengtson and her husband Les of Abbeville; a son, Melvin Trahan and his wife Karen of Kaplan; eight grandchildren, Jessica Lewis of Metairie, Coby Bengtson, Rebecca “Becky”, Maddie and Nicole Bengtson of Abbeville, Brandon Trahan of Orlando,FL, Hannah, PJ, and Denise Carlson of Kaplan; nine great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
L.V. will be enjoying his heavenly reunion with his wife, JoAnn Boudreaux Trahan; his parents, Dua and Inez Trahan; an infant son, Lovelace Trahan, and a brother, Dudley Trahan.
The family would like to thank Dr. Randall Faulk, Kaplan Healthcare, and Bridgeway Hospice.
Condolences may be shared with the family at www.davidfuneralhome.org
David Funeral Home of Abbeville at 2600 Charity St. (337) 893-3777 will be handling the arrangements.

Bob Hensgens will be heading to the Louisiana Senate. The longtime Vermilion Parish Representative won the District 26 Senate Seat after Tuesday’s win over Jerry Gaspard and Jean Menard. Hensgens will move to Senate when Sen. Jonathan Perry, who will be joining the Third Circuit Court of Appeal, steps down in December.
“What an outcome - what a night!,” Hensgens exclaimed.  “I can’t thank everyone enough for the trust they have shown in me with this election victory!  Thanks to my family who has done without me for many hours. Their support has been incredible! We ran this campaign the old fashioned way with “meet and greets”, no television, nor radio. That kind of race takes dedicated supporters to do so much work. They have put much effort in this campaign over the last few months. Thanks to all my friends and loyal supporters! To all the voters in District 26 this outcome is more than I expected. You make the work worth it! From Church Point to Erath, and Gueydan to Sunset and all in between you have made this campaign the most fun I have ever experienced.  I want to give a special shout out to one of my opponents, Mr. Gerry Gaspard, Gerry was called to run this election and he ran it with dignity and grace!  I am so glad to have been able to get to know him!  I am so fired up, I can’t wait to officially start serving Senate District 26 starting on December the 9th, and continuing to work and gain more of the people’s support! 
“Again, thanks to everyone involved, November 6,, 2018 has been a great day for me. Tomorrow the work begins!”

A handful of Erath voters had to vote with the help of their cell phones Tuesday night at the old health unit building in Erath.
Around 6:50, the town of Erath went pitch black because an electrical wire fell in town.
Voters at Erath city hall continued to vote because of a backup generator. There was no generator at the health unit precinct, but that did not stop the voters.
The commissioners used cell phones to sign in voters. The voting machines continued working because they are fitted with a four-hour battery back. There is an also a light inside each voting booth.
A half hour into voting, Erath mayor John Earl LeBlanc learned about the cell phone situation and dispatched a city worker to bring a large flashlight. At the same time the worker arrived, a Vermilion Parish Sheriff deputy came with a flashlight to offer a helping hand.
While all this was going on, voting was steady at the health unit in Erath. Voters even read the amendments outside using their cell phones.
By around 8:15 p.m., the town of Erath had power.