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Gabe Carlson

Senior Highlight: Gueydan High's Gabe Carlson

What are your plans after high school?

After high school I plan on attending McNeese State University where I plan on getting my bachelors degree in Agribusiness.

Who is/was your favorite teacher?

My favorite teacher would have to be Coach Tim LeBlanc mainly because he’s up spirited and likes to clown around.

Who has had the greatest influence on you, why?

The person who had the greatest impact on me would be my grandpa. Even though he can be a pain, he has taught me a lot of things that school could not.

What is your favorite movie?

My favorite movie is the Longest Yard.

If you had a chance to have dinner with one person from history, who would it be?

I would have dinner with Desmond Doss because he was strong in his faith and fought for what he believed in.

If you could go back, what advice would you give “freshman” you?

I would advise my freshman self to try a little harder in class.

What was your most memorable moment from your senior year?

When I was announced as a first-team all state offensive lineman.

Who would you count on to uplift your spirits when you’re feeling down?

I would count on my black lab Cifero to cheer me up.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Hopefully in ten years I will have a good job and will be starting my family.

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Abbeville will lift curfew for adults on May 1; it will remain in effect for unaccompanied minors

​The city of Abbeville will be lifting the mandated curfew due to the Covid-19 pandemic on May 1, 2020.
This will be in conjunction with other law enforcement agencies within Vermilion Parish.
A juvenile curfew will still remain in effect from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. for all unaccompanied minors. All minors must be accompanied by a guardian or a responsible adult. This curfew will be strictly enforced. Minors going to and from work will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Parents will be held responsible if their minors do not obey the curfew.
Abbeville ​Chief of Police William Spearman would also like to remind all of the citizens that we are there, 24 hours a day, to serve you. We encourage all of our citizens to stay vigilant and contact us if you need. In addition to dialing 911, you can contact us at 893-2511. You may contact our “Tips” line at 892-6777. All callers may remain anonymous. Citizens may also send anonymous tips through the Tip411 system at the department’s Facebook page @ www.facebook.com/AbbevillePolice Department/, the official web page @ www.abbevillepd.com by clicking on the “Submit a Tip” link provided or through the official Abbeville Police Department app, which can be downloaded through the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

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Donna B. Reaux

Private graveside services for Donna B. Reaux, 80, were held Tuesday, April 28, 2020 at 1:30 PM at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Cemetery in Erath, with Father Andre Metrejean officiating.
Donna was a native of Jeanerette and a resident of Erath; she was a loving wife, mother and grandmother, and friend. Donna passed away Friday, April 24, 2020 at a local health care facility.
Survivors include her three sons, Paul and Bonnie Reaux II, Dale and Michelle Reaux, and Shane and Julie Reaux; eleven grandchildren Jade and his wife Maddie Reaux, Brynn Hebert, Luke Reaux, Lindsey Skidmore, Peyton Reaux, Annkatherine Reaux, Colby and his wife Hali Reaux, Desiree and her husband Sammy Theall, Lyndsay and her husband Ben Dubois, Jed and his wife Katie Reaux, and Ellie Reaux. She is also survived by seven great grandchildren Alissa, Corey, Easton, and Emmitt Reaux, Samuel Theall, and Nate and Evelyn Dubois; her brother Walter “Sonny” Bourgeois Jr.
Donna was preceded in death by her husband Paul Stanley Reaux; son Cory Reaux, two daughters Belinda Kaye and Janet Kim Reaux; her parents Walter and Ezar Broussard Bourgeois Sr.; two sisters Sue Fredrick, and Marie Romero
Serving as pallbearers will be Jed Reaux, Colby Reaux, Jade Reaux, Ben Dubois, Sammy Theall and Peyton Reaux.
David Funeral Home 209 E. Putnam St. Erath 337-937-0405 is in charge of arrangements.

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Stacy Broussard

GUEYDAN — The family and friends of Stacy Broussard are mourning the loss of their loved one who was called from this life on April 26, 2020 at the age of 78. Stacy was born in Kaplan LA to Curley Broussard and Pauline Perry Broussard on July 5, 1941. He worked as a Welder and Farmer. Stacy loved camping, bailing hay, welding, and raising cattle. He was a member of the Vermilion Parish Cattlemen Association and St. Peter’s Catholic Church. Stacy especially loved the time he spent with his family and his beautiful grandchildren. He was a kind and giving man who will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Stacy is survived by his beloved wife, Fannie S. Broussard of Gueydan, LA; three sons, Craig Joseph Broussard of Gueydan, LA, Jerry Paul Broussard (Tina) of Gueydan, LA, Rusty Doucet (Michelle) of Duson, LA; his daughter-in-law, Lorretta L. Broussard of Andrus Cove, LA; his six grandchildren, Heather (Jordan), Michael, Mandy (Elliot), Matthew, Ashley, & Brock; his five great grandchildren, Abagail, Leo, Eliana, Colton, & Maci.
Stacy was preceded in death by his son Stacy Broussard, Jr.; his parents, Curley & Pauline Broussard; his wife, Sally Dupuis.
Graveside Services were held at St. Peter’s Cemetery in Gueydan on Tuesday, April 28, 2020 at 2:00 PM with Father Clint Trahan officiating. Those chosen to honor Stacy as his pallbearers were Jerry Broussard, Craig Broussard, Rusty Doucet, Matthew Broussard, Robbie Vallo, and Wade Cormier. A viewing was held at Matthews & Son Funeral Home in Gueydan on Tuesday, April 28th from 12:00 PM until 1:45PM with a Rosary recited at 1:00 PM.
To extend online condolences, please visit our website at www.matthewsandsonfuneralhome.net
Arrangements have been entrusted to Matthews & Son Funeral Home.

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Ginny Aucoin, a volunteer with Steps to Heaven, presents Abbeville General staff member Brittany Thibodeaux with a donation for the hospital. John and Ginny Aucoin donated 100 medical masks and homemade cookies.

Steps to Heaven delivers masks, fresh cookies to Abbeville General

Steps to Heaven is still doing its part in the fight of the COVID 19 pandemic.
At this time in our country, it is important to be able to “Switch horses in the middle of the stream.”
This is exactly what Steps to Heaven has done. The original goal of Steps to Heaven, which has been met many times, is to provide comfort and help to families in crisis. Small handmade clothes for premature babies and sadly, burial outfits for little angels who did not live.
Today, Steps to Heaven is still providing the clothes, but these volunteers are now focusing on masks for our nurses, nursing home residents and all front line workers.
On Thursday, Phyllis Berberich of Steps to Heaven delivered 100 masks and homemade cookies to Abbeville General.
As of this time, the Steps to Heaven volunteers have provided handmade and purchased masks in excess of 1,000. Their ‘Sew Days’ when they all gathered to share friendship and stitching is now done on individual basis to obey the health needs.
They still stay in touch with each other, but now the conversation centers around more sturdy material and elastic.
While their baby items have been sent to Father Meaux and others in New York, their masks have been sent here in the United States as far away as West Virginia and California.
“We are proud to serve our community and our country with these mask and welcome help from other volunteers in this endeavor,” said Phyllis Berberich. “You can check us out on Facebook and we will be glad to contact you in providing this service to our communities.”

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Kiley Naomi is the starting shortstop for Oklahoma State. She was off to a great start at the plate, (.355 batting average) in the lead-off position.

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Kiley Naomi

Former North Vermilion standout Naomi was off to great start at Oklahoma State

She was hitting .355 in the lead-off position for the Cowgirls

Kiley Naomi is entering her sophomore season at Oklahoma State. She graduated from North Vermilion High School two years ago. She is off to a great start for the softball team. In 24 games, Kiley had a batting average of .355 which was third best on the team. In one game, she had four hits and knocked in four runs. She had 8 home runs and knocked in 18 runs after 24 games. She is also the lead off batter for the Cowgirls and has an on-base percentage of just above .450.
The softball season ended when the NCAA canceled it because of the COVID 19 pandemic.
Here are Kiley’s thoughts about no softball season.

Where were you when you found out the season was canceled?

I was at my house, and Coach G called for a team meeting at the softball field. At that point I kind of had a feeling that he was going to tell us the season has been canceled. So I officially found out that day in the team room from Coach G.

What kind of reaction did you have?

At first I was in shock and thought to myself no way they are canceling sports. Then a few days passed and it actually hit me that I wasn’t going to be able to play the rest of the season and I got pretty angry/upset. No one wants to be told that the thing you love doing the most is canceled.

What did you do the first week of no softball?
The first week off with no softball I really tried to focus on school. When I wasn’t working on school I was hanging out with some of my teammates.

Are you having softball withdrawals?

I am without a doubt having softball withdrawals. There is nothing more that I want right now then to be playing on the field with my teammates. I never realized this but life without softball is so different for me.

How good was this year’s team? Is it disappointing knowing you will not be going to the World Series this year?

This year’s team had so much potential. We were one of the best teams in the country hands down. It upsets me that we didn’t have the chance to prove that we were going to make it to the world series again because we were!

Was that experience of the World Series one you will never forget?

Going to the World Series is every little girl’s dream and the fact that I was able to live up to my dream is something I will never forget. It is something I wish to keep experiencing so along with my teammates, I will be working hard to get there again.

Where have you been living since softball in canceled?

As of April 22, 2020 I am in Stillwater, but I will be returning home on April 25 to visit with family and friends.

This would be your second or third season with Oklahoma State?

This would have been my second season with the Cowgirl softball team, so this coming year I will be approaching my third season.

If you can, will you play an extra year because this season was canceled?

I am choosing to play an extra year due to our season being canceled. I love being a part of this program so I will take any chances I get to stay.

I see you were having a great season. Lead off batter and playing short stop. You had a great batting average (above .350) with a couple of home runs. What is the reason for the success at the plate?

My success at the plate came straight from my confidence and hard work. I knew I put in the hard work and I wasn’t going to let any pitcher beat me. Having the confidence in myself was a huge part of my success.

How did you like batting leadoff? What is the job of the lead-off batter?

At first it was a little intimidating because leadoff is such an important spot. But I knew if my coaches had enough trust to put me as lead off, I had to trust in my ability as well. Leading off comes with a lot of responsibilities. My teammates were looking to me to get the momentum going in the first inning. If I happen to get out, its my responsibility to let the rest of my team know what I saw in the box.

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Anthony Sebastian LaPorte

September 14, 1967 ~ April 23, 2020

ABBEVILLE—Graveside services were held honoring the life of Anthony Sebastian LaPorte, 52, who died Thursday, April 23, 2020 at his residence. He was laid to rest at St. Paul Cemetery. Pallbearers were Sammy LaPorte, Scott LaPorte, Landon LaPorte, Shaun DeCuir, Jr., Tristan LaPorte and Dale Landry.
He was a God-fearing man who loved the Lord with everything in him. He loved helping and serving people. His ministry was his life and passion. He loved being a Royal Ranger Commander and teaching boys about the word of God. He loved to cook, play golf and hunt. He loved his Saints football. He was loved by all and will be sadly missed.
Anthony is survived by his wife of 23 years, Brenda R. LaPorte; one daughter, Tabitha LaPorte; two step-sons, Shaun DeCuir and Brady DeCuir; one grandson, Landon LaPorte; two step-grandsons, Shaun DeCuir, Jr. and Caden DeCuir; father, Charles LaPorte, Sr.; and two brothers, Sammy LaPorte and Scott LaPorte.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Betty Touchet.
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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Emily Mudd

Senior Highlight: Abbeville High School's Emily Mudd

What are your plans after high school?

I would like to further my education in nursing at SLCC in Lafayette.

Who is/was your favorite teacher?

My favorite teacher is one I actually met a year ago, Ms Kristiana Williams. She’s the teacher you go to on a bad day, to make it better.

Who has had the greatest influence on you, why?

My mother has the greatest influence on me. She is the strongest person I know and I know if she can do it, anyone can.

What is your favorite movie?

My favorite move is The Invisible Man

If you had a chance to have dinner with one person from history, who would it be?

I would have dinner with Walt Disney, I would love to hear how his successful live unraveled.

If you could go back, what advice would you give “freshman” you?

I would tell my freshman self that nothing is more important than school. A successful life/career is more important than the girl talking behind your back.

What was your most memorable moment from your senior year?

My most memorable moment from senior year would’ve been my graduation. Whether it happens or not, it would top everything else. knowing I’m done would be the best thing to happen!

Who would you count on to uplift your spirits when you’re feeling down?

My dad would be the person I would go to. Even if he isn’t funny, he tries and that means the most to me.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I see myself being happy, rich, and done with school!!

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Earline Mouton Cibulski

Earline Mouton Cibulski, aged 89, from Metairie, LA., formerly of New Orleans LA, passed away peacefully April 20th, 2020 in Ochsner Health Center after struggling with COVID-19.
Born Margaret Earline Mouton on November 2nd 1930 in Perry, LA, she was the daughter of the late Nita (Lemaire) and Alphonse Mouton, who were prominent members of their Cajun community. Called by her middle name Earline, or lovingly known as ‘Tite Fille since she was the last of five children and petite in size. Earline graduated from Abbeville High School as Salutatorian in 1947 and was awarded the American Legion Award. Not only did she excel academically, but also athletically, especially on the girls’ softball team. She received her teaching degree in 1950 from what is now called University of Louisiana at Lafayette. In 1950, she married the semiprofessional baseball pitcher Floyd Edward Cibulski (1927-1997), and the couple eventually settled in New Orleans.
Earline taught in the Jefferson Parish Public School system for over 33 years, at Metairie, East Jefferson and Bonnabel High Schools. “Ms. C”, as she was lovingly called by her thousands of students (mostly boys), was the Coordinator for the Cooperative Office Education (COE), which helped non-college-bound students to learn practical skills. Wherever she would go, she would run into former students, who would always give her a big hug.
An avid sports enthusiast, Earline could often be found at Paradise Lanes in a bowling league or cheering on her beloved Saints every Sunday. After retirement, she discovered a new love of cooking, gardening, and international travel, and was known to read a book every day. Because of her historical family roots, Earline was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Cameo Society. Mimi, as she came to be known in her later years, was everyone’s favorite teacher, aunt, and neighbor due to her eternal cheerfulness, positive disposition, and joie-de-vivre.
She is survived by her brother Willard Mouton, and four children: Diane Tillette, Keith (Carolyn), Dana Cibulski (Scott Bronstein), and Darla (Dr. Keith) Goodfellow. The center of a large, loving family, she also has eight grandchildren: Tristan Tillette, Max Cibulski, Skylar Cibulski, Lucas Bronstein, Samantha Goodfellow, Hillary (Tyler) Goodfellow Harvey, Dr. Thor (Dr. Kathy Lee) Goodfellow, and Desiree Goodfellow. She is blessed to have three great-grandchildren: Shea, Auryn, and Cian Tillette.
Earline was predeceased by her siblings Janette (“Nanny Jane”) Trahan, Milton Mouton, and Alphonse Mouton (“Uncle Bee”).
There was a private family service on April 25th, where Earline was interned at the Lake Lawn Park Cemetery in the Corridor of Hope. Another memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers and charitable donations, in keeping with Mimi’s spirit of giving, the family suggests an act of kindness to someone in need. May her memory be a blessing.
The family understands that due to the COVID-19 virus restrictions, home visits and other traditional condolence expressions cannot be shared at this time but appreciate online messages at www.lakelawnmetairie.com.

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Lawrence Amedee Meaux

September 28, 1934 ~ April 23, 2020

ABBEVILLE — Graveside services were held honoring the life of Lawrence Amedee Meaux, 85, who died Thursday, April 23, 2020 at his residence. He was laid to rest at St. Alphonsus Cemetery. Pallbearers were L. Karl Meaux, Kent Meaux, James Gahn and Kody Meaux.
Lawrence worked as a public server with the Vermilion Parish Clerk of Court office. His hobbies included raising cattle and gardening. He will be greatly missed by all those who knew him.
Lawrence is survived by his wife of 61 years, Myrna Broussard Meaux; two sons, L. Karl Meaux and Kent Paul Meaux and his wife, Karla; one daughter, Kristy Meaux Gahn and her husband, James; one grandson, Kody Meaux and his wife, Ashley; and two great grandchildren, Kelly and Caroline Meaux.
He was preceded in death by parents, Ameda Meaux and the former Marie Alix Frederick; infant daughter, Mary Kaye Meaux; and sister, Florine Lege.
The family would like to offer their sincere thanks to Jenine Citizen, Kathy Touchet, Helen Viator and Hospice of Acadiana.
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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Abbeville, LA 70510
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