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Left to right, Patsy Hebert, District III Cleanest City Chairman Co-Chair, Wanda Dishman,
Kayla Rhodes, Linda Brashier, District III Cleanest City Judges, Mayor Piazza and Gwen Lanoux, District III Cleanest City Co-Chair

Abbeville wins Cleanest City district title

Tue, 03/26/2019 - 9:56am

The City of Abbeville now has its sights set on a Louisiana Garden Club Federation, Inc. State Cleanest City Contest state title.
Abbeville competed in the LGCF District III Cleanest City Contest on Tuesday, March 19. The city brought home a win in that round.
District III Cleanest City Contest Chairmen Gwen Lanoux and Patsy Hebert stated that “Abbeville excelled in the District III Contest. The judges were impressed with the overall cleanliness of the city and the extent of civic pride and community involvement.”
Judges for the District III CCC were LGCF members Linda Brashier. Wanda Dishman, and Kayla Rhodes.
Abbeville Cleanest City Co-chair Sandra Creswell said she is undoubtedly pleased with the outcome, especially considering the work everyone put into the effort.
“We want to thank everyone,” Creswell said, “from the city workers, the (Vermilion Parish) Police Jury, to the Abbeville Garden Club members and Keep Abbeville Beautiful members.
“I thank everyone who helped make Abbeville a cleaner place.”
Co-chair Liz Gremillion agreed.
“We thank everyone for their participation and help,” Gremillion said. “The cooperation was wonderful, and that helped us to win.”
In 1958, the Louisiana Garden Club Federation, Inc. began sponsoring a state-wide “Cleanest City Contest.” To date, Louisiana is the only member of the National Garden Clubs, Inc. to sponsor such a contest. The aim of the contest is to instill civic pride in the individual citizens and thus, improve the appearance of villages, towns, and cities.
The city of Abbeville is sponsored by the Abbeville Garden Club which is a member of National Garden Clubs, Inc., Deep South Garden Clubs, Inc., Louisiana Garden Club Federation, Inc., District III.
“We are looking forward to a state win this year,” Gremillion said.
The State Cleanest City contest will be held during the weeks of April 15-19, 2019 and April 22-26, 2019. The exact date for judging in Abbeville will be announced by State Cleanest City Contest Chairperson, Jean Gilstrap.
“We ask that everyone remain focused on keeping the city clean,” Creswell said.
The cleanliness of the city has not gone unnoticed by visitors.
“There was a guest at the Caldwell House that told the hostess that he had never seen a small town this clean,” Creswell said.

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Joyce Mailhes Meaux

Mon, 03/25/2019 - 11:00am

ABBEVILLE – Funeral Services for Mrs. Joyce Mailhes Meaux, 75, will be held at 10:00AM on Tuesday, March 26, 2019 at David Funeral Chapel of Abbeville With Deacon Billy Vincent officiating. Interment will follow at St. Paul Cemetery.
Visitation will be held at David Funeral Home of Abbeville on Monday, March 25, 2019 from 4:00PM until 9:00PM with a recitation of the rosary at 7:00PM, Visitation will resume on Tuesday, March 26, 2019 from 8:00AM until the time of the services.
A native and resident of Abbeville, Mrs. Meaux died at 11:20PM on Friday, March 22, 2019 at The Heart Hospital of Lafayette. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She enjoyed working in her flower garden and cooking. Mrs. Joyce and Mr. Ray were avid campers and her specialty was building the campfire.
She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Ray A. Meaux of Abbeville; two sons, Randall J. Meaux of Lafayette and Tim Meaux and his wife Jennifer of Abbeville; four daughters, Darlene Meaux of Abbeville, Christine Broussard and her husband Bryan of Abbeville, Stacie Meaux and her husband Scott Hinshaw of Greensboro, NC, and Cherie Boudreaux and her husband Remy of Baton Rouge. Fifteen grandchildren, Sean Blanchard, Jarod Blanchard, Ryan Blanchard, Darek Blanchard, Alyssa Meaux, Tiffany Touchet, Megan Meaux, Keira Meaux, Bryce Meaux, Chelsea Broussard, Jacob Broussard, Nathanael Hinshaw, Olivia Boudreaux, Carter Boudreaux, and Ethan Boudreaux; one great grandchild, Paislee Touchet; two brothers, Raywood Mailhes and Frank Mailhes, Jr., and a sister, Mildred Faulk.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank Mailhes, Sr. and Noemie Touchet Mailhes.
Serving as pallbearers will be Scott Hinshaw, Jarod Blanchard, Sean Blanchard, Jacob Broussard, Bryan Broussard, and Remy Boudreaux. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be her sons, Tim Meaux and Randall Meaux.
David Funeral Home of Abbeville at 2600 Charity St. (337)893-3777 will be handling the arrangements.

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Unrestrained Driver Killed in Acadia Parish Crash

Mon, 03/25/2019 - 9:16am

ACADIA PARISH – At approximately 6:30 pm on March 24, 2019, Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop I began investigating a single vehicle fatality crash on LA Hwy 91 near Jacob Road in Acadia Parish. The crash took the life of 37-year-old Cory Landreneau of Eunice.
The initial investigation by State Police revealed that the crash occurred as Landreneau was driving a 1995 Chevrolet Silverado northbound on LA Hwy 91. For unknown reasons, Landreneau failed to negotiate a curve. His vehicle traveled off the roadway to the left and overturned.
Landreneau was unrestrained at the time of the crash and was ejected. He was transported to Lafayette General Hospital in critical condition, but later died as a result of his injuries. Impairment is unknown but standard toxicology samples were obtained and submitted to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.
Louisiana State Troopers wish to remind motorists that all occupants in a vehicle must be restrained, regardless of seating position. While not all crashes are survivable, statistics show that the chances of surviving a crash rise significantly when properly restrained. Making good choices while in motor vehicles such as never driving while impaired and always ensuring every occupant is properly restrained can often mean the difference between life and death.

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Abbeville man sentenced for lying on firearm application

Mon, 03/25/2019 - 9:15am

ALEXANDRIA, La. – Gene Williams III, 22, of Abbeville, was sentenced Monday by U.S. District Judge Dee. D. Drell to 14 months in prison for lying on a firearms application.
Williams was also sentenced to three years of supervised release to follow imprisonment.
Williams lied on an ATF Form 4473 on February 26, 2018, in order to purchase a Taurus, Model 740, Slim .40-caliber semi-automatic pistol at a pawnshop in Abbeville.
Williams stated on the form that he had no felony charges pending against him when, in fact, at the time he had been charged in the 15th Judicial District Court of Louisiana with a variety of felony offenses, including drug possession, weapon possession, aggravated assault, and racketeering.
Williams pleaded guilty in federal court on December 13, 2018, for the false statement he made on the ATF Form 4473. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).
Project Safe Neighborhoods is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. Project Safe Neighborhoods is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.
Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The ATF conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dominic Rossetti prosecuted the case.

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Lloyd Campisi, Janice Macomber, Debbie Garrot and Mayor Mark Piazza display the
Sicilian Flag. Garrot helped to organize Saturday’s Sicilian Festival. Campisi, Macomber and Piazza represent the I Cugini Della Sicilia (Cousins of Sicily).

First Sicilian Celebration Saturday at Guarino Blacksmith Shop in Abbeville

Fri, 03/22/2019 - 9:49am

The Sicilian Celebration is nearing and Debbie Garrot said she is expecting a great turnout. The event takes place on March 23 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. and will take place at the Sam Guarino Blacksmith Shop Museum and Heritage Center located at 304 S. State Street in Abbeville.
Garrot arranged the celebration after learning the history of Sicilian heritage here in Vermilion Parish. “Once I heard of the hardships of those who came here from Sicily, along with their rich heritage, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to hold this celebration for everyone to learn more about this great culture,” Garrot explained.
There was massive immigration in the late 1800s and early 1900s and New Orleans was a destination for many. A large number of those immigrants traveled to Vermilion Parish and descendents still reside here today. Names such as Piazza, Campisi, Guzzardo, and many other surnames originated from the far away land of Sicily.
Although they carried very few possessions on their month-long journey, Italians brought old world cultural values, work ethic, frugality, faith, family devotion and sheer joy of life to many parishes in Louisiana. When it comes to food, pasta’s, pizza’s, and a lot of the carb-filled foods that ‘cajuns’ like to fill up on, Italians bring in flavors of the land, which include tomatoes.
“We cannot wait to see everyone, laugh with everyone, and learn more about such a colorful culture,” Garrot said. “Please come and join us.”
The celebration will hold a cooking contest, tours of the Blacksmith Shop Museum, live music, as well as imported wine and beer that will be available for purchase. Admission is free.

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Shayla Breaux

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Larry Broussard Jr.

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Anthony Hebert

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Kip Stelly

Narcotics arrests made in Vermilion Parish

Fri, 03/22/2019 - 9:27am

According to Vermilion Parish Sheriff Mike Couvillon, the Vermilion Municipal and Sheriff’s Narcotics Task Force made the following arrests for narcotics related offenses within the parish.
Agents arrested Larry Broussard Jr., 42, of Gueydan, for Possession of Crystal Methamphetamine, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Agents arrested Anthony Hebert, 55, of Kaplan, for possession with the intent to distribute crystal methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia
Agents arrested Shayla Breaux, 25, of Gueydan, for possession with the intent to distribute Oxycodone, two counts of possession of a legend drug, possession with the intent to distribute Schedule II narcotic, and possession of a controlled dangerous substance within a drug free zone.
Agents arrested Kip Stelly, 32, of Erath, for possession with the intent to distribute marijuana, possession of crystal methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, transactions involving drug proceeds.
Sheriff Couvillon would like to thank the Mayors, and their council, of Abbeville, Gueydan, and Erath, along with their Chiefs of Police, for their support of the Vermilion Municipal and Sheriff’s Narcotics Task Force. Sheriff Couvillon also applauds the concerned citizens of Vermilion Parish for their awareness and assistance in helping the Task Force in fighting the war on illegal drugs. He encourages all citizens with information in regards to illegal drug activities to contact the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office or the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit at 337-740-4501 or E-mail the Task Force anonymously at taskforce@vpso.net and your e-mail will be held in the “strictest of confidence” and replied to in a very timely manner.
More information on reporting drug activities can be seen on our Web Site at www.vpso.net. Click on Narcotics and fill out the TURN IN A PUSHER information.

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Earl J. Perrault, Sr.

Fri, 03/22/2019 - 9:12am

ABBEVILLE — A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Mr. Earl Joseph Perrault, Sr. at 1:00 PM Saturday, March 23, 2019, at Saint Theresa Catholic Church. Deacon Cody Miller will be the Celebrant.
He will await the resurrection in Carter -Rudd-Lewis cemetery in Abbeville, LA.
A gathering of family and friends will be held on Saturday at the church 11:00 AM until the time of the service.
A resident of Abbeville, LA he passed at 8:05 AM on Friday, March 15, 2019 at Maison du Monde Living Center in Abbeville, LA.
Earl was a member of Saint Theresa Catholic Church and the Our Lady of Lourdes Knights of Peter Claver Council No.  77.
He leaves to cherish his fond memory, his wife, Betty Perrault of Abbeville, LA; four daughters, Ramona Perrault, Melody Boudreaux (Felix), Roxsanna Grogan (Frank) all of Abbeville, LA and Debra Jackson (Rev. Leo Paul) of Crowley, LA; one son, Earl Joseph Perrault, Jr.(Angel) several step-children; his caretakers, Carlton Moore, Kevin Moore, Bessie Harris, Takeisha Harris, Floyd Harris III and Kendrick Harris; sister-in-law, Helen Perrault of Beaumont, TX; god-children, Flo Mitchell and Kevin Forest, 40 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, church family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Nelson and Maizie Broussard Perrault; two sisters, Ramonia Stagg and Mary Faye Brooks and one brother Elton Perrault. 
Active Pallbearers are Donald Stagg, Savon Lopez, Keimian Harris, Roxsanna Grogan, Earl Joseph Perrault, Jr. and Carlton Moore.
The family expresses their gratitude to Maison du Monde, Bridgeway Healthcare & Hospice, Fresenius Kidney Care, Dr. Myriam Hutchinson and Dr. Harrington.
Condolences may be expressed at www.fletcherfuneralhomes.org
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Fletcher Funeral Home (337-893-2440) 1116 Green St., Abbeville, LA 70510.

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Traci Simon

Traci Simon to be honored at Vermilion 4-H Achievement Day

Fri, 03/22/2019 - 8:44am

The 2019 Vermilion Parish 4-H Achievement Day will be held Saturday, March 23rd at Kaplan High School. The day will be dedicated to Traci Simon at the events opening ceremony assembly at 8:00 a.m. Achievement Day is the largest, most important 4-H event of the year. It involves about 500 4-H’ers from throughout the parish competing in contests and exhibits to demonstrate skills and knowledge gained during the club year.
It is fitting that this important event be dedicated to Ms. Traci Simon, a 16 year leader of the Vermilion Parish 4-H program. Ms. Traci began her involvement in 4-H in the 4th grade at Morse Elementary School in Acadia Parish. She was a nine year 4-H member excelling in the Food Preservation project, canning figs and freezing fruits and vegetables from her grandfather’s garden. Ms. Traci was a state winner in Food Preservation Records and won a trip to 4-H Club Congress. She attended 4-H Short Couse, which is now called 4-H University and served her club as Reporter and President during her high school years at Midland High.
She began her involvement as a 4-H Leader assisting Ann Langlinais with the FIEB 4-6th grade club. When Ann retired she took over the 4-6th grade club as organizational leader. She has been actively involved in organizing records and demonstration preparation workshops, community service projects and fundraising activities for her club. Her clubs have been outstanding and are most often named tops in their division for overall performance. She has helped host the parish wide Demonstration Day at FIEB for the past nine years.
As is most often the case with 4-H, Traci has passed the 4-H bug onto her children. Hanna, Cailyn and Cameron have all had outstanding 4-H careers, excelling in demonstrations. All have won multiple expense paid trips for their 4-H work. Hanna is currently serving as organizational leader at Jesse Owens Elementary.
Ms. Simon has been married to Elroi Simon for 25 years and is a member of St. Anne Church.
When asked why she has stayed involved in 4-H all these years, Ms. Traci answered
“4-H teaches life skills to anyone who is active in it. Communication, character and work ethic are instilled in the young people involved. It involves the family working together. I see the value and is worthy of my time.”
Because of her dedication to the development of young people, her willingness to share her talents and experience with her 4-H members and her leadership of an award winning 4-H club, it is with great gratitude and respect that the 4-H members of Vermilion Parish dedicate the 2019 4-H Achievement Day to Traci Simon.

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