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Lacey Meaux

Melinda Roy

Dara Broussard

Dr. Belisa Smith

Wendy Stoute

Elizabeth Bearb

Tiffany Roché

Educators honored by Kiwanis Club of Abbeville

Wed, 07/15/2020 - 10:46am

The first-ever Abbeville Kiwanis Club Educators Award night was held on a smaller scale, but it did not matter because everyone who attended enjoyed the night.
The event was held on Tuesday at the old Riverfront Restaurant next to the Vermilion River.
The awards were given to the top elementary teacher, the top middle school teacher, and the top high school teacher in the parish. Other awards given were to the top high school, middle school, and elementary principal. The first award went to the top support worker of the school district.
Nomination letters were emailed and mailed into the Kiwanis Club, and a separate panel from outside of parish selected the winners based on the nomination letters.
The winner of each category was given $500 cash, a gift basket and a trophy that totaled close to $800. The others were also given a $150 cash prize, along with an award.
The total amount of prizes given by the Kiwanis Club was $8,500.

High School Teacher winner

Lacey Meaux of Abbeville High walked away with the high school teacher award. For the last nine years, she has been Abbeville High’s virtual coordinator.
In her nomination letter, it states that “Lacey is an absolute rock of our students and faculty. She represents me, the ideal Wildcat. She is the product of our school, and she has returned to hold its legacy. She does what needs to be done to keep things operating 110 percent.”
Meaux said education runs deeper than simply giving students the best education possible.
“Education is about developing relationships with our students, who I often refer to as ‘my kids,’ and teaching them about life and how to be better people each day.”

Middle School Teacher winner

Malinda Roy of North Vermilion Middle School was named the middle school teacher of the year.
Roy teaches English and World History at NVMS.
Her nomination letter was sent in by a parent, whose son was taught by Roy.
The letter points out that her son has disabilities, and Roy was notified of his challenges.
“Each day, this teacher goes above and beyond our expectation as parents to work with my son, who is labeled as ODD. Each week she goes beyond and sends us a note to let us know how the week has gone. She has given my son a job to do in the classroom every day. As a fellow educator, I know she has a good rapport with her students, which goes a long way.
“If you build a great classroom environment, your students will work with you.”

Elementary School Teacher winner

Dara Broussard of Dozier Elementary won the elementary teacher of the year award. She is a fifth-grade teacher.
“I chose to teach because I love seeing children smile, laugh, and get excited because it is magical. I want to be an inspiration making sure that the light shining within each child’s heart grows and continues to shine bright. I want to make sure that each child knows that he or she is loved, special, and cared for,” said Broussard.
Here is part of her nomination letter.
“She is an amazing teacher,” said her letter. “She explains everything very clearly so we all can understand what she is talking about. She also never points anyone out for a bad reason.”

High School Principal winner

The winner of the high school principal of the year is Erath High assistant principal Dr. Belisa Smith.
Here is part of her nomination letter.
“Dr. Smith wants the students to succeed. She does not talk down to us but treats us like we would be her own children and she is so happy when we succeed. She gives us praise and lets us know that she believes in us.”
Smith, who is originally from Mississippi, has been the assistant principal at EHS for two years. Prior to EHS, she was the assistant principal at Abbeville High School.

Middle School Principal winner

Wendy Stoute is this year’s Middle School Principal of the Year winner.
Stoute retired in June after spending 30 years in education. She spent her final years as the EMS principal.
Here is part of her nomination letter.
“She always has her door open and empathizes with you, making you feel like you matter. She fights for her students and staff like no other principal I have worked for. Her finesse and presence with her community have proven that she lives to serve. I mean it when I say she is truly a blessing to our school. She is someone you want to serve because that is exactly what she does. She serves her school, her students, her staff, and her community.”

Elementary School Principal winner

Elizabeth Bearb is the Elementary School Principal of the Year winner. She is the assistant principal at Herod Elementary for the last two years.
Here is part of her nomination letter.
“In her short time, she has brought so much to our school,” said the letter. She has a vibrant and bubbly personality. She is a go-getter who is willing to do whatever it needed. She came to our school and quickly began making connections with the faculty and students. She digs into the curriculum and assists teachers with annotating lesson plans, analyzing students’ work, and using data to guide instruction. She has garnered the respect of the students, teacher, and parents alike. Our school would be a much different place without her.”

Support Staff Worker winner

Tiffany Vidrine Roché is the Support Staff Worker of the Year award winner. Roché is the bookkeeper at Herod Elementary.
Here is part of her nomination letter.
“She takes her job very seriously, and she strives daily to make sure she is doing everything correctly. The school’s finances are vital, and she makes sure that every penny is accounted for. She goes beyond her bookkeeping duties. She can be seen monitoring classes when the teacher must step out or making copies for teachers. She also serves meals when the cafeteria is short-staffed. She is like the hub of the school, and not much gets past her. “

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SEASON WON’T BEGIN UNTIL PHASE 4

Wed, 07/15/2020 - 9:03am

BATON ROUGE — LHSAA executive director Eddie Bonine reiterated his organization’s dedication to high school athletics beginning in the fall during his presentation to the House Education Committee Monday.
However, when those athletic events will be able to take place is still up in the air.
Contact football practices and games cannot begin until the LHSAA enters Phase 4 of its reopening.
Louisiana remains in Phase 2 of its reopening by order of Gov. John Bel Edwards until at least July 24.
The LHSAA has a set of four phases which differ from the state and federal governments, which only have three phases.
Football coaches at member schools have been aware of the LHSAA’s phase approach.
In the LHSAA’s Phase 3, teams are allowed to conduct 7-on-7 inter-school contact drills for teams without helmets and shoulder pads. Phase 4 would allow full contact and collisions using helmet and shoulder pads along with scrimmages against other teams.
Currently, in Phase 2, schools are in summer workouts and are scheduled to move on to fall practice rules for all sports on Aug. 10.
Bonine also said while there has been discussion of flipping the fall and spring seasons, it is not the LHSAA’s first option.
Abbeville High head coach Roderick Moy said he will continue to get his team prepared by working within the set of rules that are put in front of him.
“I have to operate under the same umbrella of rules I give to my kids,” Moy said, “control the things I can control which is making sure we are ready to play whenever phase 4 gets here.”

Jim Bradshaw

COVID and the culture

Wed, 07/15/2020 - 8:59am

As we struggle through the changes brought on by the coronavirus outbreak, I am reminded of the 1980s, when a disastrous downturn in the oil industry turned south Louisiana topsy-turvy.
We’d boasted back then that our oil and gas made Louisiana recession-proof, that we had something everyone else needed, and nothing could change that. When others complained about oil prices, we put stickers on our bumpers: “Let the [blankety-blanks] freeze in the dark.”
But when the big oil bust hit, we found out that had been wishful thinking. A new bumper sticker appeared: “Stay Alive in ’85.” That also turned out to be wishful thinking for a lot of people associated with the oil and gas industry, which included practically everybody in south Louisiana.
That bust turned out to be the catalyst that made us realize that we had plenty to offer besides oil, and that we could and should diversify our economy. That idea led to the concept of actively promoting our culture.
We knew that south Louisiana was different from most other places, but it hadn’t dawned on most of us that people from those other places would come to see, and fall in love with, what we considered our everyday life. There had been efforts to hold on to our language and music and crafts, but that was mostly for ourselves. But then we began to perceive that our food, music, history, language, and inclination toward “passing a good time” had a value, that people from elsewhere, unbelievably, would pay good money to share.
I was then, and continue to be, an advocate for promotion of our authentic culture. I emphasize authentic. You’ll remember that some people went a little overboard and promoted everything from made-up history to “genuine” Cajun hot dogs (just like grandma used to make).
All of it, the real and the hokey, set off a boom that caused us to begin to think once more that nothing could shut down our newfound culture-based businesses. All we had to do was keep being us and others would come to see us do it.
We never thought about a pandemic that meant that nobody, including ourselves, would be able to eat at our restaurants, two-step at our dance halls, or come together for our festivals. That was as inconceivable as a plummeting oil market had once been.
But here we are, and it looks like we may be in this predicament for a while. The good news is that it will be only for a while. The oil industry did rebound back then, albeit with some differences. The cultural economy will do the same, also most likely with some differences. But the things that created it in the first place will still be with us.
We come from a culture that honors a love for family and the fun things that can happen when we get together to boil crawfish or ride horses or enjoy the rich variety of our music.
This virus business deprives us of some of that — but if we are not careful, it could also deprive us of loved ones who are at the center of the culture that sets us apart — brothers and sisters and cousins, parents and grandparents and aunts and uncles who have taught us how to cook, showed us our first dance steps, secured those family bonds that are so important.
When people from elsewhere come to see us, they don’t always realize that our families are the keepers of our culture; the traditions they maintain are the basis of what others find so compelling here.
Our culture is based upon family values that have never been for sale, and won’t be in the future, but we do love to share those values and the things that set us apart, and that love won’t change, either.
Some of us still find it incredible that people will spend some money while doing the sharing.
But they do, and we’ll again be able to grin, shake our heads, and say, “OK, we’ll take it, if you insist.”
A collection of Jim Bradshaw’s columns, Cajuns and Other Characters, is now available from Pelican Publishing. You can contact him at jimbradshaw4321@gmail.com or P.O. Box 1121, Washington LA 70589.

Eugene Harrington

Wed, 07/15/2020 - 8:56am

LAFAYETTE — Graveside services for Mr. Eugene Harrington, 78, will be held at St. Paul Cemetery on Wednesday, July 15, 2020 at 2:00PM with Deacon Bill Vincent officiating.
Mr. Eugene was a resident of Abbeville and was raised in Cow Island. He retired from the City of Abbeville in 2012. He worked as a patrolman with city police and as a security guard at City Hall.
Over the years, he and his wife of 56 years Mrs. Lavonn Schexnider Harrington, had over 20 foster children that they had helped. They were very passionate about helping children.
He is survived by his son Clint Harrington and his wife Jennifer of Baton Rouge; his grandchild, Olivia J. Harrington; his step grandchild, Cassandra Broussard; his foster son, Kevin Ardoin; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Lavonn Schexnider Harrington; his parents Emanuel Harrington and Millian Touchet Harrington; his son, Eugene Harrington Jr.; his brothers, Robert Charles Harrington, and Wilson Harrington; his sisters, Aline Harrington Menard, Lena Harrington Bourque, Maudry Harrington, Mildred Harrington Romero, Rena Harrington, and Annie Rose Harrington Sistrunk.
In order to keep the community safe we will honor the July 13, 2020 Louisiana Mandates. All families and their guests are required to wear a face covering while at the funeral home. Thank you for your understanding during this unprecedented time.
David Funeral Home of Lafayette 316 Youngsville HWY (337)837-9887 will be handling the arrangements.

Virgie Primeaux Richard

Wed, 07/15/2020 - 8:55am

ERATH – A Mass of Christian Burial for Mrs. Virgie Primeaux Richard, 85, will be held at 1:00PM on Wednesday, July 15, 2020 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church with Fr. Andre Metrejean officiating. Interment will follow at Our Lady of Lourdes Mausoleum.
A native and resident of Erath, Mrs. Richard died at 6:40AM on Monday, July 13, 2020 at Rosewood Assisted Living. She enjoyed doing arts and crafts and especially enjoyed cooking for her family.
She is survived by her husband, Durice Richard, Sr.; her children, Joey Richard, Tony Richard and his wife, Christine, Michael Richard and his wife Terrell, Tina Lopez and her husband, Brady, Dewey Richard and his partner, Johnny Lewis, and Kateri Broussard and her husband, Shannon; sixteen grandchildren; thirty-six great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; and her siblings, Faye Desormeaux and her husband, Marion, Madeline Duhon and her husband, Ronnie, and Johnny Primeaux and his wife, Catherine.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Dewey and Lucille Primeaux; and two siblings, Donald Primeaux and Virginia Frioux.
Serving as pallbearers will be Ryan Richard, Nathan Richard, Jake Lopez, Garrett Thomas, Alec Broussard, and Johnny Lewis.
You may sign the guest register book and express condolences online at www.davidfuneralhome.org
David Funeral Home of Erath at 209 E. Putnam St. (337)937-0405 will be handling the arrangements.

Robert Vincent takes a photo by a St. Therese statue at Sacred Heart Church in Morgan City. He is on a mission to locate as many churches with the same statue. He has located 10 churches, thus far.

'Searching For St. Therese'

Tue, 07/14/2020 - 11:27am

Erath man trying to locate all St Therese statutes that Dudley LeBlanc donated

On Oct. 3, 1939, Dudley J. LeBlanc donated a St. Theresa statue to St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church in Abbeville.
That was one of numerous St. Therese statues that LeBlanc, affectionately known as “Coozan Dud,” had donated to churches in Louisiana.
More than 80 years later, Robert Vincent is working to track down all of the statues donated by LeBlanc.
“When the world came to a stop in March with the pandemic,” Vincent said, “I felt now is the time to go find the many statues given by Coozan Dud.
“I was ‘in search of St. Therese.’”
He has located 10 statues at different churches in Louisiana.
For Vincent, the subject of LebBanc, a famous entrepreneur and politician from Vermilion Parish, and the statues is one that piqued his interest 30 years ago.
“When I was 10 years old,” Vincent said, “my mother and I attended a mass at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church in Abbeville. I noticed the St. Theresa statue outside and we went to look at it. We read the plaque on the statue saying that it was donated by Dudley J. LeBlanc on October 3, 1939. I questioned my mother about Dudley J. LeBlanc, or “Coozan Dud” as he was affectionately known. My mother told me a little about Coozan Dud and that my great grandmother had worked for him at one time at the HADACOL factory.
“This began my lifelong study of his life and the collecting of any product produced by or advertising related to LeBlanc.”
When the COVID-19 pandemic flipped so much upside down earlier this year, Vincent saw the time as right to ramp up his mission.
Vincent was previously aware of four statues. Along with the one at St. Mary Magdalen, Vincent knew of St. Theresa in Abbeville, St. Anne in Youngsville and Sacred Heart in Morgan City as each having one.
“Over the years, I’d get excited every time I would discover a ‘new’ St. Theresa statue that was donated by LeBlanc,” Vincent said. “I always wanted to know more, but was never able to find any articles explaining the reason why he made the donations or which churches had them. I knew that LeBlanc was a devout Catholic and had donated the land where St. Theresa Catholic Church in Abbeville is located.”
The question about the St. Theresa statues has always stayed in the back of Vincent’s mind. Recently, he decided to ask Morgan LeBlanc what he knew about the statues. Morgan is Dudley J. LeBlanc’s son.
“Morgan was very helpful,” Vincent said. “He contacted his siblings and they told me that their Dad had a devotion to St. Theresa. He always prayed to St. Theresa and asked for her intercession.
“It was this devotion that lead to his generous donations.”
Vincent researched the Abbeville Meridional archives, a book on the history of the Diocese of Lafayette as well as his own LeBlanc collection.
“I was excited to find a prayer card to St. Theresa in my LeBlanc binders,” Vincent said.
In his collection, Vincent also found a program from a Salute to Senator Dudley J. LeBlanc given by Acadian Village on Aug. 16, 1987. This program took place 16 years after his death on his 93rd birthday.
“No ceremony honoring Coozan Dud would be complete,” Vincent said, “without mentioning his devotion to St. Theresa or as he called her in French, ‘St. Therese.’ Included in the program was the following:
“To St. Therese
A special thanks to St. Therese who “let fall from heaven...a shower of roses” creating for Senator Dudley J. LeBlanc a rose petal path to trod.”
As it currently stands, Vincent’s efforts have turned up nearly a dozen churches that have statues of St. Theresa.
“We have been able to locate 10 churches with statues,” Vincent said. This includes churches as far away as Alexandria and Plattenville and stretches across four dioceses.
“At this point, I have no idea how many statues are out there.”
He asked LeBlanc’s family.
“They were unsure when it came to the number of statues and how the churches that have them were selected,” Vincent sad. “They felt it was more than eight, but even the LeBlanc family was unable to provide an exact number.”
Vincent cast a net on social media, to see if anyone had an idea about other churches that may have statues.
“The response has been great,” Vincent said. “People are really excited. I posted on Facebook asking anyone with knowledge of any other statues to contact me. I thought I may get a few responses. To my surprise, the post has been shared 29 times with numerous comments.
“Some people told me they couldn’t tell me where to locate any other statues. They were excited about the project and requested I keep them posted. I even had an aunt and uncle that drove for 6 1/2 hours and over 100 miles looking for statues.
“In that time, they passed by 23 Catholic Churches in three parishes!”
Even if people are aware of the statue’s locations, Vincent said this has drawn interest.
“Most of the donations were done seventy years ago and people don’t know the history,” Vincent said. “I’ve received several messages from people saying they were so happy to learn a little of the history. I look forward to sharing more of the story of the St. Theresa statues as I discover them.
“Until then, my search for St. Theresa continues.”

Treborian Cooper

Abbeville Police arrest suspect in July 4 shooting

Tue, 07/14/2020 - 10:48am

A suspect in a shooting that occurred in Abbeville earlier this month has been arrested.
On July 14, 2020 at approximately 12 a.m. members of the Abbeville Police Department, with assistance from the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office, executed a search warrant at a residence on the 700 block of N. Lamar Street.
The search warrant was in reference to a shooting incident which took place within the city limits of Abbeville on July 4.
Upon entering the property, officers observed and immediately arrested Treborian Cooper, 19, who had active arrest warrants relating to the July 4 shooting. Once the scene was secured, officers conducted a search of the property. During the search, officers located a 9mm Glock handgun, a 7.62 AK 47 rifle, a small amount of marijuana, one suspected MDMA pill and several other pills which were later determined to not be a CDS.
An N.C.I.C. check was ran on both weapons. The 7.62 rifle was confirmed to be stolen out of St. Martin Parish.
Cooper was transported to the Abbeville Police Department for booking on the arrest warrants, which were for Illegal Use of Weapons, Aggravated Criminal Damage to Property and Possession of a Firearm in a Firearm Free Zone.
Charges stemming from the results of the search warrant are pending at this time.
Chief of Police William Spearman would like to commend his officers for a job well done. Chief Spearman would also like to thank the citizens of Abbeville for their support and help they provide to the Abbeville Police Department.
Chief 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.

Cheryl Theriot Boudreaux

Tue, 07/14/2020 - 9:16am

November 30, 1945 ~ July 8, 2020

ABBEVILLE — Cheryl Theriot Boudreaux, 74, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 8th, 2020 at her home surrounded by her loving family. A rosary and memorial service will be held in her honor on Thursday, July 16th, 2020 starting at 9:00 A.M. at St Mary Magdalen Catholic Church. The Rev. Msgr. Keith DeRouen, pastor of Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church, will officiate at the services. A private mausoleum service will be held for immediate family.
Cheryl was born on November 30, 1945 in Kaplan, Louisiana to the late Clifton and Maude Theriot, she was the youngest of three children.
Cheryl was educated at Mount Carmel in Abbeville and the University of Southern Louisiana. She married Guy Paul Boudreaux on September 18th, 1965 and they had three loving children.
Cheryl was a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, grandmother, great grandmother and friend to all. She loved cooking for her family, playing cards with her friends, going to Saints Games, traveling and spending time at her condo in Orange Beach. She was a beautiful vibrant soul who was always laughing and smiling. She touched many lives. Her catholic faith was the cornerstone of her life. Cheryl loved to say her rosary, read her devotional and pray for others.
Survivors include her loving husband, Guy Paul Boudreaux; her children and their spouses, Kathryn and Sam Hoffpauir, Kevin and Heather Boudreaux, Lisa and Ken Alexander; seven grandchildren, Jarrod Motty, Lauren Broussard, Andrew Hoffpauir, Zachary Boudreaux, Jake Hoffpauir, Jean-Paul Boudreaux and Anne-Marie Alexander; four great grandchildren, Jarrod-Michael Motty, Jonathan Motty, Talon Broussard and Ava Broussard; two brothers and their spouses; Roland and Margie Theriot and Kenneth and Marilyn Theriot.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Clifton and Maude Theriot.
In lieu of flowers please consider offering a mass in her name or making a donation to St Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105 / donors@stjude.org or NSI Hospice, 1025 Camellia Blvd., Ste 201, Lafayette, LA 70508.
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.

Mabel Granger Bertrand

Tue, 07/14/2020 - 9:13am

ERATH – A Mass of Christian Burial for Mrs. Mabel Granger Bertrand, 91, was held at 1:00PM on Saturday, July 11, 2020 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church with Fr. Andre Metrejean officiating. Interment followed at Our Lady of Lourdes Cemetery.
A native and resident of Erath, Mrs. Bertrand died at 1:30PM on Thursday, July 9, 2020 at Magnolia Estates in Lafayette. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She was a champion of education for girls, especially her daughters Brenda, a teacher, Bertha, a registered nurse, and Mary, a respiratory therapist. She was also known for her enjoyment to work in her yard; cooking; and working with the elderly.
She is survived by her three daughters, Brenda B. Thibodeaux and her husband Michael, Bertha B. Mire and her husband Robert, and Mary Bertrand; a brother, Willis Granger; a sister, Euna G. Hebert; her grandchildren, Dedra Thibodeaux Buddeche, Jenny Mire, Kelly Mire, Ellen Thibodeaux, Scott Mire, and Seth Thibodeaux; her great grandchildren, Emily Rung, Ali Buddeche, Eric Buddeche, and Theo Mire; a sister in law, Ruby Vice Granger; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her Husband, Adolph Bertrand; her parents, Alpheuse and Evela Vice Granger; eight brothers, Roy Granger, Curley Granger Vorice Granger, Clodis Granger, Ferdinand Granger, Fernest Granger, Willie Granger, and J.C. Granger; and a sister, Enez G. Simon.
Serving as pallbearers were members of her family and friends.
The family wishes to thank the administration and staff of Magnolia Estates Nursing Home of Lafayette, Eastridge Nursing Home of Abbeville, and Audubon Hospice for the compassion and care they gave Mrs. Mabel.
You may sign the guest register book and express condolences online at www.davidfuneralhome.org
David Funeral Home of Erath at 209 E. Putnam St. (337)937-0405 will be handling the arrangements.

Governor says you have to wear a mask

Mon, 07/13/2020 - 9:44am

Bars also have to close down once again

The Governor’s Office has provided more detailed information on the mandatory mask mandate and closure of bars that was announced Saturday afternoon.
This past Saturday, Gov. John Bel Edwards announced a mandatory mask requirement for Louisiana and ordered bars in the state closed to on-premises consumption, as the state experiences increasing spread of COVID-19.
The Governor also limited indoor social gatherings like wedding receptions, class reunions and parties to 50 total people. With these additional restrictions, Louisiana remains in Phase Two of the Roadmap for a Resilient Louisiana.
The statewide mask mandate, which will allow for parishes without high COVID-19 incidence to opt out if they choose, and bar closures go into effect Monday, July 13 at 12:01 a.m., per a revised Phase Two proclamation signed today. The order will also limit the size of gatherings to 50. The new order is set to expire July 24, 2020, but could be extended.
“Cases in Louisiana continue to increase, including setting a record-high number of new cases reported in one day, today and yesterday. More than two thousand new COVID infections reported each of these days and increased hospitalizations are signs that we continue to go in the wrong direction in our work to control COVID-19 in our state. While I had hoped to avoid going backwards on restrictions, it is obvious that it is necessary to slow the spread of infection in our state, as COVID-19 has spread to every corner, at a level higher than we have previously seen. This is why I am now mandating face coverings statewide and also closing all bars in Louisiana to on-premises consumption, in addition to putting in limits on the size of indoor gatherings,” Gov. Edwards said. “Right now, all Louisianans need to work together to reduce the spread of COVID-19 by wearing their face masks, keeping social distance, washing their hands frequently and staying at home when they are feeling sick. These are reasonable expectations while we fight to reduce the spread of the illness in our state. This approach also gives us the best possible chance to again flatten the curve without moving back to Phase One.”

MASK MANDATE

The statewide mask mandate applies to all 64 parishes in Louisiana. However, parishes with a COVID-19 incidence of fewer than 100 cases per 100,000 people for the most recent two-week period for which data is available could choose to opt out of the mandate. Parish presidents do not have to opt out and may choose to keep a mask mandate in place. Currently, only three parishes in Louisiana do not exceed this standard, which will be updated every other week by the Louisiana Department of Health: Grant, Red River and West Feliciana.

•The order requires face coverings for everyone ages 8 and older except for the following:
•Anyone who has a medical condition that prevents the wearing of a face covering
•Anyone who is consuming a drink or food
Anyone who is trying to communicate with a person who is hearing impaired
• Anyone who is giving a speech for broadcast or to an audience
• Anyone temporarily removing his or her face covering for identification purposes
•Anyone who is a resident of a parish without a high COVID incidence that has opted out of the masking mandate
• Masks are strongly recommended for children ages 2 to 7.

CLOSURE OF BARS TO ALL ON PREMISES CONSUMPTION

All bars, including those with food permits from the Louisiana Department of Health, will be closed to on-premises consumption. They can operate for curbside takeout or delivery service only.
Since the start of the crisis, Louisiana has identified at least 36 outbreaks, impacting at least 405 people, involving bars, which were actually closed under the Governor’s original Stay at Home order. Public health officials believe going to bars is a higher public health risk than visiting other types of businesses because people are socializing and cannot wear masks when they drink. In addition, young people under the age of 30 make up the largest percentage of new COVID cases in Louisiana.

GATHERING SIZE

The new order also limits the size of social gatherings to 50 people indoors. Outdoor social gatherings are also limited to 50 people if individuals cannot avoid being within six feet of one another.

This crowd size limitation shall not apply to those businesses deemed essential as defined by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency or any businesses and organizations operating at 50% capacity pursuant to Paragraphs (1) through (6) of Subsection (G) of Section 2 of 83 JBE 2020, including churches and other faith-based organizations.

The 50-person limit will apply to indoor gatherings, like receptions, weddings and others. The changes are based on the advice of public health officials.

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Educators honored by Kiwanis Club of Abbeville

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SEASON WON’T BEGIN UNTIL PHASE 4

COVID and the culture

Eugene Harrington

Virgie Primeaux Richard

'Searching For St. Therese'

Abbeville Police arrest suspect in July 4 shooting

Cheryl Theriot Boudreaux

Mabel Granger Bertrand

Governor says you have to wear a mask

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