The police jury will be picking up its commercial trash containers after May 15.
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One of Louisiana’s natural resource treasures is the abundance of waterways in the state. Meandering bayous, streams, rivers, coastal marshes and tidal creeks help make up the diversity of waterways in the Sportsman’s Paradise.
That’s why 50 years ago the Louisiana Legislature created the Louisiana Natural and Scenic Rivers System. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) administers the Scenic Rivers system, in which there are approximately 80 streams or stream segments thereof, constituting an estimated 3,100 miles of the state’s streams, rivers and bayous.
So in 2020, LDWF will celebrate the creation and evolution of the system and spotlight exactly how, where and why these beautiful waterbodies are so recognized. Among the events will be an anniversary celebration July 29 in Lacombe at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Southeast Louisiana Complex. LDWF will partner with the Louisiana Wildlife Federation, The Nature Conservancy of Louisiana and the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation to stage this event.
The purpose of the system was simple; to preserve, protect, develop, reclaim and enhance the wilderness qualities, scenic beauties and ecological regimes of certain free-flowing Louisiana streams.
“Louisiana’s Scenic Rivers System is one of the largest systems like it in the world and LDWF is proud of the role it plays in this effort,” said LDWF Secretary Jack Montoucet. “It was clear many of these rivers and streams needed shielding and preservation so that generations to come would be able to enjoy them. In addition, we always want to make sure that prime habitat such as these rivers and streams are guarded so fisheries and wildlife can continue to flourish.’’
A great diversity of stream types, habitats and geographic areas are represented in the system. From large rivers like the Ouachita River in north central Louisiana to fast running, upland streams, complete with waterfalls, like Kisatchie Bayou in Natchitoches Parish and stream systems like the Tchefuncte River and its tributaries in St. Tammany Parish, all are unique and worth preserving for the benefit of future generations of Louisianians.
Certain activities are prohibited on designated Natural and Scenic Rivers because of their detrimental ecological impacts on the streams. These include channelization, clearing and snagging, channel realignment, reservoir construction, commercial clear-cutting of trees within 100 feet of the ordinary low water mark and use of a motor vehicle or other wheeled or tracked vehicle on a designated stream.
Scenic River Permits are required for activities on or near System Rivers that may detrimentally impact the ecological integrity, scenic beauty or wilderness qualities of those rivers. These permits, when granted, contain specific conditions aimed at preserving the stream’s natural character and quality.
Rivers, streams and bayous can be nominated for inclusion in the Scenic Rivers System by local legislators. Once nominated, LDWF will conduct a study on the stream and determine if it meets the qualifying criteria. If it does, the LDWF Secretary could recommend it for inclusion.
LDWF wants the public to take part in the celebration as well. Use the #MyScenicRiver hashtag whenever posting to social media any photos, video or other media while out and about in the Scenic River System.
For more information, contact Carrie Salyers at csalyers@wlf.la.gov or 337-735-8665.
ABBEVILLE — Funeral services will be held for Helen Marie Francis on Thursday, February 6, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Theresa Catholic Church with interment at St. Paul Catholic Church Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 8:30 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. at Kinchen Funeral Home
Helen Marie Francis was born on March 9, 1944 to the union of Freddie and Elaine Martin. Helen departed this life on January 27, 2020 at Eastridge Nursing Center in Abbeville, LA. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend who will be greatly missed by those who loved her and knew her.
Helen was a faithful member of St. Theresa Catholic Church where she served in many departments. She will be remembered by her unconditional love for her children, grandchildren, her love for doing hair, her cooking and her love for helping others.
She leaves to cherish her memories her husband of 52 years, Ophelius Francis, Jr.; one son, Anthony Francis; one stepson, Phillip (Patricia) August of Ridge, LA; step-daughters: Trudy Lewis of Lafayette, LA, Lanie Fuselier of Erath, LA and Precious (Daltoia) Boudreaux of Maurice, LA; her son-in-law whom she loved as her son; Andrew Carmouche, Sr. of Abbeville, LA; 20 grandchildren; 42 great-grandchildren; two (2) sisters Irene Fontenot and Rose (Donald) Carmouche of Lafayette, LA; (3) brothers-in-law, Jimmy and Lawrence Francis of Houston, Texas and Timothy Francis of Washington, D.C.; (4) sisters-in-law: Mary (McKinley) Johnson of Conroe, Texas; Linda Angelle of Carencro, LA; Shirley (Darrel) Newman of Lafayette, LA and Carmella Francis of Lafayette, LA; a host of nieces, nephews, god-children and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents Freddie and Elaine Martin, her daughter Melissa Carmouche, (4) grandsons Ryan Levine, Jr., Tayvien J. Francis, Latrell and Catrell August, her aunts Edith Guidry, Clarene Segura and Ellen Guidry, (3) uncles Whitney, Velton and Lucien Mire, (2) sisters-in-law Ruby Francis and Emma Lee Francis and brothers-in-law Tommy, William Francis and Mitchell Fontenot.
Kinchen Funeral Home --- 218 N. St. Valerie Street ---Abbeville, LA (337) 898-9595 is in charge of final arrangements. Additionally, condolences to the family may be expressed on our website at: www.kinchenfuneralhome.com.
Mrs. Dylan Joseph Touchet
Natalie Blair Choplin, of Lafayette, LA and Dylan Joseph Touchet, of Maurice, LA, were united in a nuptial mass on Saturday, February 1, 2020, at St. Mary Magdalen Roman Catholic Church in Abbeville, LA. Father Donald Bernard officiated the 6:30 p.m. ceremony.
The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Chad Choplin of Lafayette, LA and the granddaughter of Nan Hadaway and the late Leslie Broussard, of Lafayette, LA and Pierre Louis Choplin and the late Barbara Choplin of Duson, LA.
She is a 2012 graduate of Comeaux High School in Lafayette, LA and a 2016 graduate of Louisiana State University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Biological Sciences, a 2019 graduate of Mississippi College with a Master of Science in Biology, Medical Sciences. She is currently employed at Lafayette Bone and Joint Clinic in Lafayette, LA.
The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Kim Touchet of Maurice, LA. and the grandson of Eurice Touchet and the late Eldes Touchet of Abbeville, LA and Sonja Gaspard and the late Carroll “CJ” Gaspard of Abbeville, LA.
He is a 2011 graduate of North Vermilion High School in Maurice, LA and a 2015 graduate of Louisiana State University with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, a 2019 graduate of University of Louisiana at Lafayette with a Master of Business with a concentration in Healthcare Administration. He is currently employed by Precision Rehabilitation in Abbeville, LA.
Escorted by her father, Chad Choplin, the bride wore a gorgeous sleeveless silk Mikado ballgown which drops to a deep sweetheart neckline and pleats at the waist. The waist was accented with an elegant rhinestone belt and the back was adorned with dramatic lace and rhinestone beading. She completed her look with a cathedral length veil trimmed with delicate rhinestone details.
The bride carried a bouquet of dark plum calla lillies and white roses detailed with gold accents. Entwined in her bouquet was lace taken from her mother’s bridal gown.
Serving as Maid of Honor was Tori Lasseigne, friend of the bride. Bridesmaids included Ramie Choplin, sister of the bride, Maegan Courville, Renne Angelle and Jian Massucco, all friends of the bride. They wore elegant full length crepe dresses with a woven crisscross spaghetti strap detail at the open back and a side slit trumpet skirt in an eggplant color. Serving as flower girls were Ellen Prejean, gochild of the groom and Emmy Prejean, cousin of the groom. Both are daughters of Zach and Kati Prejean.
Cameron Touchet, brother of the groom attended as Best Man. Groomsmen included Thai Schexnaider, Scott Salinas, Trevor Picard and Jeffery Johnson, all friends of the groom.
Serving as ring bearer was Eli Prejean, son of Zach and Kati Prejean.Ushers for the ceremony included Neil Touchet, Godfather of the groom and Bryce Gooch, cousin of the groom.
Scriptural readings were given by Tanya McBride, cousin of the groom and Stephanie Broussard, Godmother of the bride.
Music for the ceremony was provided by Organist, Tommy Guidry and Violinist Emil Ivanov.
A rehearsal dinner, hosted by the grooms parents, Kima and Jodie Touchet, took place on Friday, January 31 at Riverfront in Abbeville, LA.
After the ceremony, a formal reception was held at Magdalen Place in Abbeville, LA. The bride’s cake was a 4 tiered wedding cake with each tier filled with the assorted flavors of lemon, strawberry cream cheese, chocolate and almond buttercream. It was beautifully adorned with dark purple flowers and detailed with gold accents. The bride’s cake was served by Stephanie Broussard, the bride’s Godmother.
The groom’s cake was a 2 tier cookies and cream filled cake featuring the groom’s alma mater, LSU, using the tiger eye logo on one tier. The second tier represented the groom’s love of duck hunting. It was served by Carolyn Gaspard, godmother of the groom.
After a wedding trip to Whistler, Canada, the couple will reside in New Orleans, where the bride will be attending Medical school at LSU Health Sciences Center.
Photo by Felecity Hardin
Some of the past Presidents from the Chamber’s 100-year history gathered at Thursday’s banquet.
When the Vermilion Chamber of Commerce began, the Roaring Twenties were just getting underway.
One century later, the Chamber remains a resounding voice for Vermilion Parish.
Members from around the parish gathered Thursday night to reflect on 100 years during a Centennial Celebration and Awards Banquet held at Magdalen Place in Abbeville.
“You only get to celebrate 100 once,” said Megan Landry-Lalande, who will serve as the Centennial President in 2020.
Since its inception, the Chamber has played an important role in the parish’s growth. It had a hand in the creation of what are now the Louisiana Cattle Festival, formerly the Dairy Festival in 1949, the Giant Omelette Celebration and countless other events. During his tenure as Chamber President in 1979, John T. Landry set the foundation for what is now Palmetto Island State Park, which opened in 2010. The Chamber played a role in the development of the Teche-Vermilion Freshwater District’s creation in 1970, and successful property tax renewal in ‘19, as well as countless other initiatives over the years.
While those are only a few of the highlights, each president has had an impact during his or her time. Many of those who held the leadership position attended Thursday night, being recognized during the Parade of Presidents. Those honored included Charlie Sonnier (1977, ‘78), John T. Landry (1978, ‘79), Gene Sellers (1982, ‘83), Fred Hoyt (1983, ‘84), Allen LaBry (1990), Dr. Gordy Landry (1991), Dexter Duhon (1996), Mark Piazza (1997), Suzanne Jones (2004), Bert Istre (2005), Lloyd Dore III (2006), Paul Bourgeois Jr. (2008), Ray “Trey” Dugal III (2010), Bertha Mire (2013), Ben Rivera (2014), Sammy Frioux (2015), Dr. Anita Carrere (2016), Ross Comeaux (2017) and John Suire (2018).
The chamber also recognized outgoing president, Thomas Thompson. The current president recognized the significance of seeing the line of former leaders in the same room Thursday night.
“That is the most presidents we have had in one room,” Lalande said. “We can’t find minutes to support anything other that. Thank you all for your legacy. Thank you all for your contributions. Thank you all for your initiatives.
“There are big shoes to fill.”
Sonnier, whose father Emery Sonnier was a member of the chamber who helped elevate the organization, said he appreciated what Thursday night meant.
“To be able to be here and celebrate this,” Sonnier said, “and to still be a part of (the Chamber), is just a fabulous thing.
John T. Landry, whose father-in-law Young Broussard had a positive impact on Chamber’s history, agreed with Sonnier.
“We tried to carry on the tradition,” Landry said. “It’s unbelievable to be able to see this today. My year as the president of the Chamber was one of the highlights of my life.
“It was a big deal and we were really fired up.”
Landry said he sees that same fire in today’s leadership.
“It’s encouraging to see someone like (Lalande) on fire,” Landry said. “I absolutely think things are in good hands.”
Think is the key word for how Lalande plans to kick off the Chamber’s next 100 years. The theme for 2020 is “Think Vermilion.”
“In our actions and our inactions,” Lalande asked, “are we thinking about Vermilion? As local business owners? As servant leaders? As employees? As community builders? Are we thinking individually, or are we thinking organizationally?”
Lalande said the answer is thinking of Vermilion, as a whole, united body.
“We’re all intertwined,” Lalande said. “Our businesses and our customers need one another. Our organizations need our community support. Our communities need a lot of our organizations, and the great things that they provide to them.
“We’re growing our parish.”
Lalande issued a challenge to help continue that mission.
“As business owners,” Lalande said, “encourage leadership and community service and think about how it can help the community.
“Think Vermilion.”
July 14, 1959 ~ January 30, 2020
ABBEVILLE — A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, February 4, 2020 at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church honoring the life of Mark Bryan Landry, 60, who died Thursday, January 30, 2020 at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital. He will be laid to rest at St. Paul Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Jordan Boudreaux, Ty Credeur, Russell Leleux, Matthew Credeur, Bryan Sims and Clayton Sims.
Mark is survived by his fiancée, Dawana Trahan; daughter, Renee Credeur and her husband Ty; four grandchildren, Jordan Boudreaux, Mackenzie Boudreaux, Hayleigh Credeur and Matthew Credeur; one great grandson, Taysin Boudreaux; brother, Ronald Landry and his wife Karen; nephew, Elliot Landry; niece, Beth Landry; and godchild, Shalin Landry.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Duke and Thelma Landry.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville, 209 S. St. Charles St., on Monday, February 3, 2020 from 1:00 PM until 9:00 PM with a rosary being prayed at 7:00 PM; Tuesday, February 4, 2020 from 8:00 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.
Agents recovered drugs, cash and other evidence.
Scott Grigsby
Angelyn Uriegas
According to Narcotics Task Force Commander Drew David, the Vermilion Municipal and Sheriff’s Narcotics Task Force conducted a narcotics investigation which led to the seizure of a large amount of illicit drugs within the parish.
On Jan. 28, agents conducted a sting operation in Kaplan, La on Scott Grigsby, 39, of Abbeville, and Angelyn Uriegas, 26, of Kaplan. Both parties drove up to the designated location and upon agents moving in to make an arrest, Grigsby attempted to flee the scene, crashing into a Sheriff’s unit. Agents were able to apprehend both suspects. A search of the vehicle yielded nearly 3 pounds of Crystal Methamphetamine, approximately 8.5 ounces of Heroin, Steroids, Cocaine, a 9mm Handgun, several pills, and suspected drug proceed money.
Grigsby was arrested and charged with possession with the intent to distribute Methamphetamine, possession with the intent to distribute Heroin, possession with the intent to distribute cocaine, possession of steroids, possession of a gun in a drug free zone, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a firearm in the presence of a controlled dangerous substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and transactions derived from proceeds.
Uriegas was arrested and charged with possession with the intent to distribute Methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of Clonazepam, obliterating a label from a prescription bottle, possession of a controlled dangerous substance in a drug free zone, possession with the intent to distribute Heroin, possession with the intent to distribute cocaine, and possession of steroids.
Sheriff Michael Couvillon would like to thank the Mayors, and their council, of Abbeville, Gueydan, Maurice, 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.
ABBEVILLE — Funeral Services for Eldora Washington Thomas,93, will be at 11:00AM Saturday February 1, 2020 at Faith Hope Christian Fellowship with Bishop B.K. Stevens officiating. Interment will follow in Faith Gardens Cemetery in Abbeville.
Visitation will be Saturday February 1, 2020 from 9:30AM until service time at Faith Hope Christian Fellowship.
Eldora,a native and life resident of Abbeville, passed away Monday January 27, 2020 at Eastridge Nursing Center. She was a devoted founding member of Faith Hope Christian Fellowship where she was a mission sister and sang in the choir. She was known as the “Cold Cup” lady. In her younger years she was employed as a seamstress.
She is survived by her son, Jimmy Frank Emerson and wife Debra of New Orleans, her daughter, Gerrilynn Thomas of Abbeville, her grandchildren, great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Freddie Washington and Lillie Small Washington Bowie, her husband, Eddie Thomas Sr. , sisters, Lillie Mary Wright, Berteen Washington Joiner and Beverly B. Williams, her son, Anthony “Daddy Roy” Green and a grandson Brother Jimmy Emerson.
Condolences may be shared with the family at www.davidfuneralhome.org.
David Funeral Home of Abbeville is in charge of arrangements. 2600 Charity Street Abbeville, LA 70510 (337) 893-3777.
Daniel Poole of Kaplan has a large arm spand because he stands 6-foot-5. He is scoring 10 points and pulling down seven rebounds a game for Kaplan.
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Lance Myers
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318 N. Main St.
Abbeville, LA 70510
Phone: 337-893-4223
Fax: 337-898-9022
219 North Cushing Avenue
Kaplan, LA 70548