The North Vermilion Patriot Athletic Club donated a check for $42,000 to the North Vermilion Athletic Program. Accepting the large check from Kevin Meyers is North Vermilion athletic director Jack LeBlanc. In the photo with Meyers and LeBlanc are (left to right) Nick Touchet, Jessica LeBlanc, Meyers, LeBlanc, Barbara Robinson and Rocky Guidry.
Boats filled the Vermilion River and followed the boat carrying the Eucharist.
Boats filled the Vermilion River and followed the boat carrying the Eucharist.
There is no doubt, Vermilion Parish is a Roman Catholic Community based on the amount of people who took part in the Centennial Fete-Dieu du Vermilion Eucharistic Procession on Wednesday morning.
It began with a French Mass at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church in Abbeville. The procession left the church and walked across the downtown bridge and then turned into the old Riverfront Restaurant where it stopped along the river.
The rosary was said in four different languages.
Catholics surrounded the grounds and many were standing on the shutdown downtown bridge. Also in attendance were students from Vermilion Catholic, Mt. Carmel and Maltrait Elementary.
“Participating in such a reverent celebration and reciting a decade of the Rosary in French was a blessing and opportunity to connect with our Catholic and Acadian roots of south Louisiana,” said Camille Harrington, a VC senior
Some Vermilion Catholic students took part in the procession
“I was very honored to be chosen to serve for such a special and unique Mass. it was humbling to serve for Bishop Provost,”said VC senior Anne-Catherine Gallet.
The event honors the arrival of the French-speaking Catholics, the Acadians, who came to the area 252 years ago after being exiled by the British from present-day Nova Scotia. They built homes and churches along the bayou and established the communities, the culture and the faith that would define the Cajuns.
The Feté-Dieu du Vermilion procession left downtown and headed north towards Lafayette, where it ended later in the day.
There were over 60 boats in the procession.
Since that first event in 2015, the procession-by-boat has been repeated each year on August 15, becoming an annual part of Acadiana’s observance of the Assumption of Mary.
“To be Cajun is to be Catholic,” says Father Michael Champagne in a pleasant baritone that gives evidence of his own Acadian roots.
Watching along the banks of the Vermilion River was Jerry Hiden from New Iberia. She was speechless when she saw the amount of Catholics walking across the bridge.
“That is lovely to see,” Hiden said.
December 28, 1961 ~ August 14, 2018
ABBEVILLE — Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, August 18, 2018 at Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville honoring the life of Gina Marie Landry Touchet, 56, who died Tuesday, August 14, 2018 at Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center. She will be laid to rest at Our Lady of Lourdes Cemetery with Deacon Keith Duhon officiating the services. Pallbearers will be Jacob Touchet, Bruce Fourroux II, Buddy Delahoussaye. Mike Delahoussaye, Kyle Monk and David “Dirty” Melancon. Honorary pallbearers will be Cooper and Cohen Fourroux.
Gina is survived by her companion, Danny Fields, Sr.; daughter, Tasha Touchet and her fiancé Bruce Fourroux, II; son. Jacob Touchet and his companion Dawn Hebert; mother, Anna Landry; brother, Allen Landry and his wife Sondra; sister, Drucella Fontenot and her husband Robert; grandchildren, Cooper Fourroux, Cohen Fourroux, Isabella Fourroux, Aubree Touchet and Alix Hebert; mother-in-law, Linda Romero; step children, Danny Fields, Jr. and William Fields; step-grandchildren, Taylor Grow, Ashlyn Hebert, Erica Fields and Addison Fields; great-step-grandchildren, Paisley Trahan, Kolton Trahan, Benit Grow, Royce Grow and Reid Hebert, III; nieces, Monique Dartez, Cheree Burgess, Mandy Leonards, Leea Fontenot, Lacey Simon, Jamie Vincent, Hallie Toups and Jaide Primeaux; nephew, Shane Landry; and numerous great nieces and nephews, all family who knew her as “MiMi”.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Willis “Will” Touchet, Jr.; father, Calvin Landry; brother, Kenneth Landry; nephew, Judd Primeaux; father-in-law, Willis Touchet, Sr.; maternal grandparents, Alfred and Elise Delahoussaye; and paternal grandparents, Viles and Levie Landry.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville, 209 S. St. Charles St., on Friday, August 17, 2018 from 1:00 PM until 10:00 PM with a rosary being prayed at 7:00 PM; Saturday, August 18, 2018 from 8:00 AM until time of services.
The family would like to thank her attending doctors and ICU staff at Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center for their wonderful care along with Deacon Keith and Deacon Russell for their continued support and prayers.
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.
This is the pavilion in the middle of Erath High School and Erath Middle School. It was built more than 10 years ago after Hurricane Rita. The cost to build it was $200,000 from private donations. The students do not use it to eat under.
State law says one of three things need to happen for a government body to declare an emergency declaration. The emergency has to be a “disaster,” “emergency” or “public health emergency.”
Where does building an open pavilion at North Vermilion Middle School fall under an “emergency,” “public health emergency” or a “disaster?” Somehow, the school board thinks it does.
The school board voted 8-0 to declare an emergency declaration during a committee meeting on Monday. New school board attorney Kathy Boudreaux advised against the emergency declaration.
The Meridional called the State Ethics Board and spoke to someone from the board, who did not want to give their name. The person on the ethics board said in their opinion the school board was legal by declaring a state emergency for the project.
By declaring the state of emergency, the school board gets to avoid not advertising for bid prices when it comes to building the pavilion, which will be used for the middle school students to eat “express lunches” at noon time.
By not advertising for the construction of the pavilion, it will save about four weeks on completing the project, estimates architect Gene Sellers Jr.
Sellers Jr. could not lock down an exact price for the building, but he did guesstimate closer to $200,000. Sellers said he will get three contractors to submit quotes for the project and then go with the lowest quote.
Boudreaux advised the board to go out for bids for the project because of the guesstimated cost of the project.
“I have some concerns if the pavilion falls under the emergency declaration act,” said Boudreaux. The emergency declaration calls for a dining hall. I realize we are talking about a place to eat. The pavilion is different. The projected cost could be $150,000 to $250,000. I think we are required to send that out for public bid, and I do not think that falls under an emergency declaration.”
School Board member Chris Gautreaux is the board member who recommended the board to vote for a state of emergency declaration. After hearing Boudreaux’s recommendation, he responded.
Gautreaux said, “I have done my homework on this. I know where I am going with this. Dining hall or dining pavilion, it is one in the same. I am not going to hash it out for the next two weeks.”
CHURCH POINT – Shortly before 5:30 p.m. on Aug. 14, Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop I began investigating a three vehicle crash that resulted in a fatality on LA Hwy. 95 at LA Hwy. 365 in Acadia Parish.
The crash took the life of 24-year-old Weston R. Nelams of Church Point.
The preliminary investigation by State Police revealed that the crash occurred as 41-year-old Frankie Guillory of Opelousas was driving a 2014 GMC pickup truck northbound on LA Hwy 95 behind a 2013 Ford Fusion driven by 19-year-old Tyler Bergeron of Church Point. At the same time Nelams was operating a 2007 Harley Davidson motorcycle southbound on LA Hwy 95. Bergeron had brought his vehicle to a stop preparing to turn left onto LA Hwy 365, and for unknown reasons Guillory failed to stop for the Ford and attempted to steer his GMC to the left. The GMC struck the Ford causing the GMC to rotate into the southbound lane, and as a result the GMC struck the Harley Davidson motorcycle.
Nelams sustained fatal injuries as a result of the crash. He was pronounced deceased on scene by the Acadia Parish Coroner’s Office. Guillory and Bergeron were properly restrained and were uninjured in the crash. Impairment is not suspected to be a factor in this crash, but toxicology samples were taken from all drivers to be submitted to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab for analysis. This crash remains under investigation, and charges are pending.
ABBEVILLE – A Mass of Christian Burial for Mr. Lovelace Joseph Landry, Sr., 79, will be held at 2:00PM on Thursday, August 16, 2018 at St. Theresa Catholic Church with Fr. François Sainte-Marie officiating. Interment will follow at St. Paul Cemetery.
Visitation will be at David Funeral Home of Abbeville on Thursday, August 16, 2018 from 9:00AM until the time of the services with a recitation of the rosary at 11:00AM.
A native of Abbeville and a resident of Erath, Mr. Lovelace died at 8:25PM on Saturday, August 11, 2018 at Abbeville General Hospital. He enjoyed watching sports and fishing.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Mary Clostio Landry of Erath; a daughter, Patricia Cessac of Crosby, TX; a sister, Velta Landry; five grandchildren, Justin Cessac, Phillip Cessac, Nathan Cessac, Jake Broussard, and Eric Broussard; and a great grandchild, Anna Lee Broussard.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Claudol and Edna Primeaux Landry; a son, Lovelace J. Landry, Jr.; a daughter, Gloria Broussard; a brother, Duris Landry; and two sisters, Olite Rogers, and Olive Landry.
Serving as pallbearers will be Justin Paul Cessac, Phillip James Cessac, Nathan Thomas Cessac, Jake Paul Broussard, and Eric John Broussard.
You may sign the guest register book and express condolences online at www.davidfuneralhome.org
David Funeral Home of Abbeville at 2600 Charity St. (337)893-3777 will be handling the arrangements.
November 27, 1930 ~ August 12, 2018
ABBEVILLE — A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, August 16, 2018 at St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Catholic Church honoring the life of Essie Marie Mayeux, 87, who died Sunday, August 12, 2018 at Maison du Monde Living Center. She will be laid to rest at St. Mary Magdalen Cemetery with Reverend Nicholas DuPre' officiating the services.
Essie is survived by her two sons, Jules V. Mayeux and wife Catherine, and Hugh J. Mayeux and wife Sheila all of Abbeville; two daughters, Mary M. Mayeux, and Amy M. Sellers and her husband Will all of Abbeville; five grandchildren; ten great grandchildren; brother, Eugene "Gene" Mayeux; and two sisters, Sadie Rabalais of Baytown,TX, and Vicky Naquin of Abbeville.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald Mayeux; son, John Matthew Mayeux; and great grandchild, Simonet Sellers.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville, 209 S. St. Charles St., on Wednesday, August 15, 2018 from 2:00 PM until 9:00 PM with a rosary being prayed at 7:00 PM; Thursday, August 16, 2018 from 8:00 AM until 9:45 AM when the procession will depart for the church.
For those preferring memorials, contributions can be made in Essie Mayeux’s memory to Hospice of Acadiana, 2600 Johnston Street, Suite 200, Lafayette, LA 70503-3240.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.vincentfuneralhome.net.
All funeral arrangements are being conducted by Vincent Funeral Home of Abbevi
October 18, 1934 ~ August 13, 2018
ABBEVILLE — A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, August 16, 2018 at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church honoring the life of Theresa Joy Coleman Touchet, 83, who died Monday, August 13, 2018 at Vermilion Health Care Center. She will be laid to rest at St. Mary Magdalen Cemetery with Reverend Louis Richard officiating the services.
Pallbearers will be Cory Touchet, Kim Touchet, Mark Baudoin, Marlin Touchet, Nicholas Touchet, and Ryan Touchet.
Theresa is survived by her two sisters, Cecille Johnson of Morgan City, and Marjorie Brooks of North Carolina; two sons, Cory Touchet and his wife Penny Lane of Cow Island, and Duane Touchet and his wife Victoria of Meaux; two granddaughters, Korri Lane and Elizabeth Grace; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Wilbert Touchet; parents, John Coleman, Sr. and the former Edna Desormeaux; six sisters, Dorothy Avent, Winnie Salazar, Rita Coleman, Roberta Coleman, Mildred Dore, and Carita Hooper; and five brothers, Frank Coleman, John Coleman, Jr., Joseph Coleman, Patrick Theriot, and Paul Coleman.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville, 209 S. St. Charles St., on Wednesday, August 15, 2018 from 3:00 PM until 9:00 PM with a rosary being prayed at 7:00 PM; Thursday, August 16, 2018 from 8:00 AM until 9:45 AM when the procession will depart for the church.
The family wishes to sincerely thank Vermilion Health Care Center and Hospice of Acadiana for the wonderful care and support.
For those preferring memorials, contributions can be made in Theresa Touchet’s memory to Hospice of Acadiana, 2600 Johnston Street, Suite 200, Lafayette, LA 70503-3240.
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.
January 12, 1951 ~ August 12, 2018
ABBEVILLE — A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday August 17, 2018 at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church honoring the life of Paul Robert Miller, 67, who died Sunday August 12, 2018 at Ochsner Medical Center. He will be laid to rest at St. Paul Cemetery with his first cousin Reverend Steve LeBlanc officiating the services. Pallbearers will be Paul Robert Miller, Jr., Seth Fenwick Miller, Dr. Weston P. Miller III, James O’Neal, Benjamin Guidry, E. Marshall Sellers, III, Bill LeBlanc, Charlie Beckett, and Chris Saunier. Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. Weston P. Miller IV, Ronnie Guidry, Bryan Simon and Bang Bui. Gift Bearers will be Phallie Miller, Eleanor Miller and Andrea M. O’Konski.
Paul was the Owner of Ramm Printers, a business founded by his father, where he worked along side his mother for many years. He was a member of the Abbeville Kiwanis Club and served in many capacities. He was an avid golfer. He enjoyed coaching little league baseball and basketball. Most of all, he was a passionate LSU football fan who loved game days spent with his children, family and friends. He was quick to lend a helping hand where ever he was needed. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
He is survived by his sons, Paul Robert Miller, Jr., Seth Fenwick Miller; daughter Mary Phallie Scroggin Miller; their mother Kathleen Sellers Miller; grandchildren Eleanor Rose and Elijah Archer Miller; brother, Dr. Weston P. Miller, III; sisters, Marcia O’Neal and her husband James; Mary Kay Guidry; godchildren, Andrea M. O’Konski, Benjamin J. Guidry, E. Marshall Sellers III; and numerous nieces and nephews all of whom fondly referred to him as Parrainé Paul.
He was preceded in death by his father Weston Peter Miller, Sr. and his mother Hazel LeBlanc Miller.
In lieu of flowers the family request donation be made to American Heart Association American Stroke Association PO Box 840692 Dallas, TX 75284-0692.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Vincent Funeral Home, Abbeville, 209 S. St. Charles St., on Thursday, August 16, 2018 from 4:00 PM until 9:00 PM with a rosary being prayed at 7:00 PM; Friday, August 17, 2018 from 9:00 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.
Kids are back in school as the sun has set on summer fun.
Now that school is back in session, Abbeville Chief of Police William Spearman wants to remind parents and legal guardians that officers will be enforcing the city’s daytime curfew for ages 7 to 17.
Anyone within those ages cannot be alone in any public place between 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Whether they are in school, at home, or with a parent or guardian, Sgt. Jonathan Castille of the Abbeville Police Department said the objective is safety.
“A child cannot be wandering the streets by themselves,” Castille said. “If a parent or guardian are with them, that is fine. We just don’t want them to be by themselves, where they can get hurt.”
If officers do find a school-aged student, that officer will contact the parent or guardian and will either bring the student to the parent, or to his or her school.
“We will contact the parent or guardian,” Castille said, “and find out where to bring the child. We may also bring the child to the station, and the parent or guardian must come to pick up the child.”
In the case of any child who violates the curfew for a third time or more in a 365-day period, the parent or guardian, having previously been notified of the violation, will be cited.
“They will be cited for negligently failing to supervise a child,” Castille said.
That is a misdemeanor and is subject to the jurisdiction of city court. A fine of $500 can be imposed for each offense, as well as a sentence of not more than 60 days in jail.
This is not an issue that will be overlooked.
“The Chief wants people to know that officers will be enforcing the city ordinance for daytime curfew,” Castille said. “We don’t want children running around the city unsupervised. Whenever they are unsupervised, they can get into trouble or get hurt.
“We want the city to be safe and for children to be safe.”
318 N. Main St.
Abbeville, LA 70510
Phone: 337-893-4223
Fax: 337-898-9022
219 North Cushing Avenue
Kaplan, LA 70548