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When the owners of Vermilion Oaks Country Club announced plans to suspended operations last October, someone suggested that the City of Abbeville take over the operations.
Nearly one year later, city officials are looking into that possibility.
The Abbeville City Council voted during Tuesday’s regular meeting to allow Mayor Mark Piazza to form a committee and look into the possibility of the city taking over operations of the golf course, which is owned by the Broussard family. The Council voted 4-0 on the motion, with Councilwoman Roslyn White, a member of the Broussard family, recusing herself from the vote and discussion.
“Although by definition it may not be unethical for me to participate or vote on this issue,” White said in a statement during the meeting, “I do think that my close proximity to Vermilion Oaks property makes it inappropriate for me to participate in the discussion or the vote.
“I don’t want my personal affiliation to influence this council in any way.”
Councilman Francis Touchet Jr. brought the issue to the table on Tuesday.
“I just want us to have a discussion and get some feedback,” Touchet said. “In no way whatsoever do I feel we have the amount of money to go and purchase that particular property. I would think if there was anything we would be looking at, it would be some type of lease. That’s what I would want the Mayor to pursue with the owners.”
One hurdle would be annexing the property into the city. Part of the course is already in the city. Attorney Ike Funderburk is going to look into what the city could do to incorporate the remainder of the more than 100-acre course.
“What would be the process of bringing that property into the city limits?,” Touchet asked. “Would the family be OK with that?”
Touchet said the cost of keeping up the grounds and maintenance are other issues that need to be given a good look.
“We need to know what that cost is,” Touchet said. “We also need to see what insurance will cost if we add that to the city’s liability.”
Setting green fees and staffing the course would be other issues to be discussed.
“Before we do anything,” Touchet said, “we are going to have all of our facts lined up.”
Playing a part in that process will be the committee that the mayor puts together.
“We could get a small advisory committee among some of the professionals here in the community,” Piazza said. “They can give us some ideas and help us with the research and the proper questions to ask.”
Piazza said he feels the course is an important economic driver for the city.
“The golf course can be as important as our airport,” Piazza said. “It’s something that attracts people to Abbeville. They come here and they eat at our restaurants and they buy gas at our gas stations.
“It is important to the economy of our city.”
Touchet said that is his focus.
“I am concerned with providing a golf course,” Touchet said, “for citizens of Abbeville to utilize and most importantly for the youth of the different high schools to have some place to play.”

September 29, 1959 ~ September 5, 2018

ABBEVILLE — Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, September 7, 2018 at Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville honoring the life of Sandra Louise McCammant, 58, who died Wednesday, September 5, 2018 at her residence. She will be laid to rest at St. Mary Magdalen Cemetery with Father Michael Broussard officiating the services.
Sandra is survived by her two sons, Adam Woodson and Damian Touchet; one daughter, April Hannah; two brothers, Michael McCammant and his wife Sherie, and Randy McCammant; and four grandchildren, Damian Touchet, Jr., Dylan Pressley, Allie Touchet and Jonathan Woodson.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Marvin McCammant and the former Marjorie Hebert; and one son, Jonathan Theriot.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville, 209 S. St. Charles St., on Friday, September 7, 2018 from 9:00 AM until time of services. A rosary being prayed at 1:30 PM.
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.

LAFAYETTE — Norma Crane Mayeaux, age 85, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 1, 2018 in Mandeville, LA. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, September 7, 2018 at 10:00 AM in the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Lafayette. Interment will immediately follow in St. John Cemetery. The family requests that visitation be observed in Martin & Castille's DOWNTOWN location on Friday, September 7, 2018 from 8:30 AM until time of service.
Reverend Monsignor Keith DeRouen will conduct the funeral services.
Survivors include her sons, Dr. Maxwell Hayden Edward Mayeaux (Rebecca), Paul English Mayeaux (Anna), Luke Andrew Mayeaux (Esther); her daughter, Katie Mayeaux Jones (Kent); her granddaughter, Trisha Kristin Mayeaux; her sisters, Bonnie Sykes and Shirley Zito; and her brother, Albert Crane.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 62 years, Dr. Hayden E. Mayeaux; her son, John Barton Mayeaux; her daughter, Tracey Elizabeth Mayeaux; her parents, Almeta Loftis Crane and Albert Crane; her sisters, Wilma Jane Lister, Hilda Hall, and Mary Culbreath; and her brother, Edward G. Crane.
Mrs. Mayeaux and her late husband resided in Abbeville, Louisiana where they raised their family. She was completely dedicated to her church, her family and friends. She was a loving, talented, amusing, and knowledgeable lady who was a lifelong student of the arts. She was a nationally recognized collector of antique lace in which she designed, created, and sold antique lace apparel for over 35 years until her passing. She also enjoyed reading, creative writing, painting, and loved to travel. Mrs. Mayeaux was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and participated in her parish prayer group.
Memorial contributions can be made in Norma Mayeaux's name to Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist or to St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church in Abbeville, La.
View the obituary and guestbook online at www.mourning.com
Martin & Castille-DOWNTOWN-330 St. Landry St., Lafayette, LA 70506, 337-234-2311.

November 2, 1958 ~ September 1, 2018

ABBEVILLE — Funeral services will be held at 7:00 PM on Tuesday, September 4, 2018 at Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville honoring the life of Beverly Ann Bourque, 59, who died Saturday, September 1, 2018.
Reverend Nicholas DuPre' will officiate the services. Burial will be held at a later date.
Beverly passed away after a long 10 month journey with cancer. Our family is very saddened at this time, but there were a few people that made this just a bit easier. I wanted to write to these few organizations and people to let them know how they’ve greatly impacted our family.
To Hospice of Acadiana, though this wasn’t an easy time for our family, your organization has made this experience run smoothly and made our pain just a bit more bearable.
Robin Broussard and Louise Young, the nurses that took extra time to give Bev the most tender care, thank you. During this journey, you also became friends with Bev. She adored you and loved you as if you were family. You ladies are priceless and your work does not go unnoticed. My family and I couldn’t thank you enough.
Of course a big thanks to Cashway Pharmacy of Abbeville for always supporting us through tough times. Tammy, Marissa, and the rest of the Cashway crew are a special group who give exceptional care to their customers.
My sweet sweet girls, Chasity, Ashley, and my of course my Husband Preston- I couldn’t have done any of this without you. Your self-less time and effort are appreciated beyond words. I love you all dearly and am eternally grateful for all you do for me.
Beverly is survived by her daughters, Amy Journet and her husband Chris and Michelle Taylor and her husband Marcus; brother, John Bourque; sisters, Mary Miguez and her husband Preston and Margaret Bourque and Arnold Bob; grandchildren, Taylor Nicholas, Marcus Taylor Jr, Braxton Taylor, Blair Landry, Bailey Landry, Jeremih Landry, Kayde Nicholas and Koen Nicholas; and a great grandchild, Ryleigh Landry.
She was preceded in death by her parents, John Bourque and the former Audrey Menard; son, Jimmy "Jimbo" Nicholas; paternal grandparents, Luke and Effie Menard; and maternal grandparents, Walter and Hortense Bourque.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville, 209 S. St. Charles St., on Tuesday, September 4, 2018 from 2:00 PM until time of services. A rosary will be prayed at 6:30 PM.
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.