ABBEVILLE — Services are pending for Janelle Plowden Morris, 58, who passed away on April 24, 2020 in Abbeville, LA, where she was a lifelong resident, following a brief illness.
Arrangements are entrusted to Carney Funeral Home of Lafayette, LA.
The city has temporarily put a hold on the sidewalk improvement project.
Work on the sidewalk improvement project began in January.
After several years of waiting, work finally began in January on the City of Abbeville’s downtown streetscape project.
That served as the “good thing” for those in the city who waited patiently for it to come to fruition. Now, after a few months of work, the wait will have to be a bit longer, at least for the finished product
“The city recently decided to bring a pause to the project,” said Councilman Brady Broussard Jr., whose district includes the area.
Uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic factored heavily into the decision.
“This health crisis pandemic has affected the state to such a degree that we thought it best to halt the contractor at this point until we are sure the State of Louisiana can timely reimburse the city for expenses covered in the grant,” Broussard said.
The beautification project, which features improved sidewalks, the addition of multiple handicap accessibility points and other improvements is being largely funded by a reimbursable $475,000 grant from the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD). The city has made payments to Glenn Lege Construction, with the state reimbursing the city. The city made partial payments to Glenn Lege Construction during its meeting on April 7.
“We just don’t know what the future is going to bring as far as finances,” Mayor Mark Piazza said during that meeting. “This is a reimbursable grant. Our engineer, Mr. Gene Sellers, was a little cautious on how long it would take for the state to reimburse. For this particular program, we have to pay for it and then wait for the state. His recommendation is to pay what we owe now, then let them stop work.
“Once we feel that reimbursements could come in a timely manner, then we could get the project kicked back off.”
Crews with Glenn Lege have completed the portion of the project from the corner of Pere Megret and Main Street, to the corner of Pere Megret and Washington Street.
“It’s not easy to pause this streetscape project that the city waited nine years to start,” Broussard said. “Over an abundance of caution, we have asked the contractor to pause until we can get assurances that state funding will not be interrupted in these unprecedented times. When the city is confident that funding is timely for reimbursement, contractor Glen Lege construction will start work on handicap accessibility to Magdalen Square.”
Broussard added that the city has received assurances that LADOT would like to overlay the asphalt streets in this project once it is completed.
While patience has been a necessity throughout the process of this project, Broussard said he likes what he sees.
“It’s nice to see the high quality concrete work visible on that street now,” Broussard said. “The scope of work includes new handicap accessible surfacing, buried utility lines, landscaping, brick paver accents, new decorative lighting and landscaping.”
Gabrielle Marceaux
What are your plans after high school?
I plan to attend the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and major in Early Childhood Development. With this degree I would plan to teach for a few years before pursuing opening a daycare of my own.
Who is/was your favorite teacher?
Coach Amelia Broussard was my favorite teacher. As well as being my cross country and track coach, Coach Amelia was a great role model, friend, and beacon of faith to me, my teammates, and all of her students.
Who has had the greatest influence on you, why?
My dad has had the greatest influence on me. Along with encouraging me to give my all in everything I do and being the leader of my support team, he also has been a great inspiration to me through his faith and devotion to God.
What is your favorite movie?
Because of my younger sister Adelle, my favorite movie is Trolls. She watched Trolls everyday for about a month. Now, I can nearly recite the entire movie word for word.
If you had a chance to have dinner with one person from history, who would it be?
If I had this chance, I would choose whoever invented chocolate chip cookies because they are a pure genius.
If you could go back, what advice would you give “freshman” you?
Embrace who you are and who you are through Christ.
What was your most memorable moment from your senior year?
Dressing up as a fish in a bag for homecoming week and being looked at weirdly all day.
Who would you count on to uplift your spirits when you’re feeling down?
Erin Lotief has been my best friend throughout middle school and high school and has always been a great person to turn to when in need of a laugh.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I have learned recently that no matter what plan you set for yourself, God will always see His plan through. My biggest concern is that I always follow God’s will and not my own.
Elvina Frederick Campbell was smiling while watching vehicles drive by and wish her a happy birthday on Sunday.
Vehicles lined up on Huey Road and then turned into Elvina Campbell’s driveway to wish her a happy birthday.
Family and friends originally had plans to throw a huge birthday party for Elvina Frederick Campbell this past weekend because she turned 100 years old on Monday. But because of the COVID-19 pandemic, a different kind of party had to take place for Campbell.
“There was a big party planned for her Sunday that we didn’t get to have, but we have to do something for her turning 100 years old, no matter what is happening,” said daughter Gail Collins.
Her other three children who were also there were Dolores Meaux, Gail Collins and Chris Campbell. Her other son, Milton, died in 2006.
On Sunday, family and friends still managed to celebrate Campbell’s special birthday with a drive-by celebration.
The vehicles, including a fire truck from the Meaux-Nunez Volunteer Fire Department, lined up on Huey Road and slowly drove down the road and turned into her driveway, where she sat in a chair surrounded by her children.
Friends and family drove into her driveway, and managed to stay at least six feet apart, wished her happy birthday with signs and balloons. Some brought presents while others gave her candy.
Campbell waved to everyone as they drove by.
“This is nice,” said Campbell during the celebration.
Campbell, who was married to the late Milton Campbell, lives with her children.
Today, Campbell has 16 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren and 49 great, great grandchildren.
“Family is very important,” says daughter Dolores Meaux.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.”
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.
Kiley Naomi
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.
318 N. Main St.
Abbeville, LA 70510
Phone: 337-893-4223
Fax: 337-898-9022
219 North Cushing Avenue
Kaplan, LA 70548