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Rachel Touchet Mouton

Rachel Touchet Mouton running for District B seat on Abbeville City Council

Hello, my name is Rachel Touchet Mouton, and I am running for Abbeville City Council District B. I have been a resident in Abbeville for 23 years. I have been married to Jeremy Mouton for 8 years, and a proud mother of Matthew, an enlisted U.S. Navy member. Having worked for Walmart for 32 years, 6 years in management and 20 years in HR, I possess extensive knowledge of our community and demonstrate a commitment to hard work. I am also a dedicated community member and advocate.
My goal for District B in Abbeville is to promote family values and to be transparent with all whom I represent. I will work hand and hand with city officials to continue to make Abbeville a better place for our current generation and for those to come. Together we can build a better Abbeville.
I humbly ask for your support and vote on March 29, 2025 for a special election. Early voting is March 15 -22, 2025. Thank you Rachel Touchet Mouton.

Paid for by
Rachel Touchet Mouton

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Francis Plaisance

Plaisance seeks District B seat on the Abbeville City Council

Francis J. Plaisance announces his candidacy in the March 29 special election to fill the District B seat on the Abbeville City Council. Early voting is set for March 15-22, 2025. The public is encouraged to vote in this important special election.
“I will represent my constituents as a voice of integrity and experience while working with the current administration to move Abbeville forward,” Plaisance said. “My proven ability to lead, to compromise, and to work as a team member, qualifies me for this position on the City Council.”
During his previous sixteen years as the Councilman at Large, Plaisance also served as Mayor Pro-Tem for twelve years and proved himself an asset to the City.
Notably, he spear-headed the two necessary salary increases for the Police Department, the Fire Department, and the City of Abbeville employees.
In addition, Plaisance is the founder of the beautiful Lafitte Drive-In Park, located at 117 N. John Hardy Drive. If elected, he hopes to develop the park further. Moreover, he was co-founder of the Abbeville Film and Visitors Commission and founder of the Cake and Ice-Cream Festival.
Plaisance is well-known for his previous remarkable leadership with the Louisiana Cattle Festival, having served as Grand Parade Chairman for 25 years, President for 20 years, Vice President for two years, and board member for 26 years.
“I will accept the challenges of this City Council seat with enthusiasm, energy, and a vision for the future, while working with the current Mayor and Council,” Plaisance added. “I will respect all citizens that I represent and address their concerns.”
Plaisance retired with 25 years of service as a State of Louisiana employee, having served in the Department of Social Services as a Child Protection Investigator, after working with Louisiana Job Service for several years.
Numerous community organizations have benefitted from Plaisance’s service. He was a Charter Member and Board Member of the Abbeville Military Museum; past Vice President and Charter Board Member of the Vermilion Domestic Abuse Intervention Program; and Charter Member and Board Member of the original Riceland Little League. Plaisance is a former member of the Abbeville Lions Club, Abbeville Recreation Board, and Horseman Association of Southwest Louisiana Board of Trustees.
Plaisance earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Southwestern Louisiana (now ULL) in 1976, as well as an Associate of Arts degree from Southeastern Christian College in Winchester, Kentucky, where he was ordained a minister, after months of church work in Appalachia. He served as pastor of the Abbeville Church of Christ for 13 years and currently serves as a Board Member, as well as teaching Sunday School and preaching part-time.
Plaisance has received numerous civic awards. He was the “What I Want To Be and Why” Rotary Club essay contest winner while attending Abbeville High School; Outstanding Employee Award winner by the Louisiana Council on Child Abuse, Lafayette Region, in 1992; Louisiana Cattle Festival President’s Award winner in both 1997 and 2001; and Volunteer of the Year Award winner, Louisiana Fair and Festivals, Division II, in 2002. Plaisance was also selected as the 2005 Krewe of Vermilion Parade Grand Marshall, the 2005 Outstanding Citizen by Woodman of the World Life Insurance Society, and American Legion Post 29 Citizen of the Year in 2013.
Francis Plaisance and his wife, the former Vana Johnson, are the parents of Ladessa Plaisance LeBlanc and the late Francis “Fran” Plaisance, Jr. They are the grandparents of Kallen LeBlanc, a ULL nursing student, and Caden LeBlanc, a VC student. Plaisance is the son of the late Galton and Lois Plaisance of Abbeville.
“I will continue to dedicate my life to this City and its people,” Plaisance said. “Please remember to vote in this important special election on March 29 or during Early Voting, March 15-22, 2025. Thank you for considering me for the District B seat on the Abbeville City Council. I look forward to the opportunity of serving you again.”
The public is invited to contact Francis Plaisance at (337) 652-0646 or ragin70510@yahoo.com or at facebook.com/Ragin76.

Paid for by
Francis Plaisance

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Mrs. Joseph Paul Martin

Miss Elizabeth Noel Anastasia Romero & Mr. Joseph Paul Martin United in Matrimony

Miss Elizabeth Noel Anastasia Romero of Maurice, LA and Mr. Joseph Paul Martin of Maurice, LA were united in Matrimony during a 5:00 p.m. ceremony on Saturday, October 26, 2024 at Cypress Grove in Eunice, LA. Officiating the ceremony was Angelique Johnson.
The bride is the daughter of Melvin and Beth Romero of Abbeville, LA. The bride’s grandparents are Douglas and Ruby Romero of Abbeville, LA and Lonnie and Patricia Scott of New Iberia, LA and the late Patricia LeBlanc Scott of Jeanerette, LA.
The groom is the son of Andy and Heidi Martin of New Iberia, LA and Traci LeBlanc. The groom’s grandparents are Ricky and Carliss Martin of New Iberia, LA and Mike and Patsy Jenkins of Bogalusa, LA and Tom and JoAnn Parker of New Iberia, LA.
Escorted by her father, the bride wore an ivory Maggie Sottero “Annisa” satin sheath wedding gown. Her gown featured a deep illusion V-neckline with a plunging illusion scoop back neckline that was adorned with pearls and had double covered satin buttons that trailed down the hemline. She wore a cathedral length tulle veil that was embellished with scattered pearls and crystals.
She carried a bouquet of ivory and taupe peonies with silver dollar eucalyptus, pheasant feathers and accenting ribbons in cream, taupe and copper. Entwined in her bouquet was a cream color, crystal beaded and tatted handmade rosary made for her by a great aunt.
The bride designed and handmade her bouquet and the bouquets and boutonnieres for the bridal party.
Sarah Vaughan, the sister of the bride served as Matron of Honor. Serving as Bridesmaids were Tyler Romero Noel (cousin of the bride), Cloie Martin (sister of the groom) and Jacob Gerard (cousin of the bride). They all wore black formals of their choosing.
Ella Marie Vaughan, niece and (Godchild of the bride and groom) and Rikki Denise Martin (Godchild of the groom), served as flower girls, they wore floral puff sleeved dresses in soft with pearl tiaras.
Elliot Bridges friend of the groom, served as the best man. Groomsmen were Hunter Monte, Cole Maturin and Trent Nguyen friends of the groom, and Benjamin Romero brother of the bride.
Serving as ring bearers were Weston Hayes Dauterive, cousin of the groom and Korben Reed Vaughan, infant groomsman, nephew and Godchild of the bride.
Following the ceremony a reception was held at Cypress Grove in Eunice.
The Bride’s cake was made by Heidi Broussard and the Groom’s cake was made by Heidi Martin, mother of the groom.
The Groom’s parents honored their son and his bride elect along with the wedding party at a dinner on the eve of their wedding at Cypress Cove in Eunice, LA.
Following a wedding trip to Tennessee and Arkansas the couple will reside in Maurice, LA.

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Protein Power

Starting your day with a healthy, high-protein breakfast has a huge impact in furnishing energy for the ...

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Ronnie James Lee

ABBEVILLE- A Graveside Service will be held at 10:00 AM, Saturday, February 22, 2025, at Graceland Cemetery honoring the life of Ronnie James Lee, 83, who passed away on February 21, 2025, at his residence. Rev. Cynthia (Cindy) L. Luquette, Pastor at Abbeville United Methodist Church will officiate the services. Pallbearers will be Dennis Thibodeaux, Terry Ledet, Ronnie Denais, Phillip Luquette, Ted Luquette, and Jeb Barras.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara Lee; son, Al Lee (Leisa); grandchildren, Anna Barras (Jeb), Aaron Lee (Jamie), and Bret Lee; and great-grandchildren; John Luke, Reagan, Ryder Barras, and A.J. Lee.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Renette Lee; and brother, Garner Lee.
All funeral arrangements are being conducted by Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville (337) 893-4661.

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Gracyn Meaux keeps busy at North Vermilion High School.

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Gracyn Meaux was part of the North Vermilion dance team that recently won a national dance team title.

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Gracyn Meaux is also a member of the North Vermilion High
marching band.

Meaux Excelling

North Vermilion senior Gracyn Meaux took the ACT for the second time as a junior and scored a 35. On ...

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Photo caption: The University of Louisiana at Lafayette has again earned the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education’s prestigious R1 designation, which is evaluated every three years. R1 status places UL Lafayette among the nation’s top tier of public and private research institutions. Photo credit: Doug Dugas / University of Louisiana at Lafayette

UL Lafayette again earns Carnegie’s prestigious R1 designation

LAFAYETTE — The University of Louisiana at Lafayette has again earned the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education’s prestigious R1 designation, which is evaluated every three years.
R1 status places UL Lafayette among the nation’s top tier of public and private research institutions, those with “very high research spending and doctorate production,” according to a recent report from Carnegie. The American Council of Education produces the Carnegie Classification.
About 5%, or 187, of the nation’s colleges and universities have R1 status, which is synonymous with academic excellence, research, innovation and global impact.
To earn the R1 designation, institutions must spend at least $50 million on research and development and award at least 70 research doctorates. UL Lafayette’s research expenditures were more than $225 million. The University awarded 85 doctorates.
“Earning our place among the country’s top research universities once again is a testament to our faculty, staff and student researchers whose scholarship and innovation draws national and international attention to our University,” said Dr. Joseph Savoie, UL Lafayette president.
Dr. Ramesh Kolluru, the University’s vice president for Research, Innovation and Economic Development, said the benefits of R1 status extend beyond research labs and classrooms.
The designation further attracts exemplary faculty members, researchers and students; paves the way for new academic degrees and programs; offers added heft to graduates’ degrees; bolsters partnerships with industry seeking established sources of intellectual capital; can influence policymakers and lawmakers; and inspires philanthropy.
An ongoing focus on many of those areas will be guided by UL Lafayette’s Vision 2030 Research Engines, a component of the University’s strategic plan that is focused on increasing research expenditures and scholarly productivity across all disciplines.
“Vision 2030 Research Engines helps to drive workforce development, economic development, and human development outcomes across all of Louisiana and beyond,” Kolluru explained.
“So going forward, retaining our R1 status will rely on the same continued focus on excellence that has gotten us to this point. And that in no small part will include by strengthening, investing into, supporting and growing our doctoral capacity, students and programs,” he added.

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Joseph Byrnes "J.B." Peré

October 2, 1931 ~ February 18, 2025

KAPLAN — A Mass of Christian Burial officiated by Reverend Nicholas Dupré will be held at 1 p.m., Thursday, February 20, 2025 at Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Roman Catholic Church honoring the life of Joseph Byrnes "J.B." Peré, 93, who passed away peacefully on February 18, 2025 at Vermilion Heath Care Center. He will be laid to rest at Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be John Joseph Nordstrom, Erik Prejean, Derek LeMaire, Seth Prejean, Drey Vincent, Jared Prejean, and Lorenzo Russo. Honorary pallbearers will be John Wagliardo, Joey Russo, Jade Trahan, Mitch Prejean, Essay Hebert "Butch", Jr, Gene Dale Choate, Sammy Kershaw, Collin Schexnayder, David Wagliardo, and Edward Vincent.
J.B. was born in the Mouton Cove Community in 1931. He loved his family and friends and loved going to his parents home for family gatherings from 2007-2019. He loved animals, most of all, bird watching. J.B. had a very successful music career for 30 years. He was a self-taught guitar player at eight years old. He learned while listening to the Grand Ol Opry on the radio. He never dreamed he would have the honor to back up many well-known musicians with his band, The Music Macs. However, his all time favorite performer was Louis Armstrong and he loved performing "When the Saints Go Marching In", Louis Armstrong style.
J.B.'s faith was his priority. He was very sensitive to the sufferings of others and never turned down a prayer request day or night. "Put God first and never quit praying - its the only answer." "Lent is the most important to remember what Jesus did on the cross for us." Always give "God the glory, humble yourself and thank Him everyday for the blessings." "Help whoever you can and find the good in each other and you will have peace." And peace J.B. had as he rested in God and went home to the lord, praying for everyone. We will miss his love, his humor, wise counsel, and positive attitude. Be happy in your new home in heaven!
He is survived by his wife of 53 years Mary Faulk Peré of Kaplan; his daughters, Sue Russo (Joey), Judy Wagliardo (David), and Shelley Peré; grandsons, Joseph Lorenzo Russo, John Gabriel Wagliardo, and John Joseph Nordstrom; "daughters", Sherryl Broussard, Kathy Manuel (Craig), Lisa Saltzman, and Angie Vincent (Edward); 14 grandchildren, 31 great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; and a host of nieces, nephews and extended family and friends; most notably, his godchild, Tabitha Forstater; Evangeline Bernard, a lifelong friend; and Joe Trahan who was very supportive and a great friend to J.B.
He is preceded in death by his first wife, Lollie H. Peré; his parents, Marion Peré, Sr. and the former Noemie Guidry; siblings, Lillie Mae Hargrave, Loria Mae Hebert, Marion Peré, Jr., Johnny Peré, and Ray Peré; dear cousins, Dominique, Nolan, Glen, Bobby, and Jude Peré and Raymond and Raywood Mayard. J.B. is also preceded in death by his "son", Phil Prejean; son-in-law, Ken Saltzman; his band members "J.B. Peré and Music Macs", whom he loved as brothers; dearest friends, Pete Mouton (who saved J.B.'s life in The 1940 Flood), Isaac White, Lloyd Choate, Presley Bernard, and Mike Russo; godchildren, Gary Hebert, Ray Landry, and Slaton J. White (whom he loved dearly, like a son); and numerous nieces and nephews whom he missed so much.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who served and supported J.B. in his struggles; especially Veronica, Melba, and Tammy; his angels at home, Shannae Borel, "New York" Nebby and Joe Trahan; the entire staff of Vermilion Heath Care Center, especially Kimmy Abshire and the kitchen angels who made him so happy with delicious meals; the entire staff of Abbeville General Hospital, especially Dr. Myriam Hutchinson and Dr. Melisa Harrington; the staff of Hospice of Acadiana, especially Natalie, Brittnee, and Cristina for keeping J.B. comfortable and peaceful; everyone who took time to visit and pray for J.B; and all of the wonderful friends at Vermilion Health Care Center who became his "family" in the past two years. HE LOVED YOU ALL!
All funeral arrangements are being conducted by Vincent Funeral Home - Kaplan (337) 643-7276.

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