RSS Feed

Article Image Alt Text

A tree near Maurice after Barry hit during the weekend.

INSURANCE INFORMATION FOR Barry’s AFTERMATH

Mon, 07/15/2019 - 11:04am

The office of Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon offered this guide for people affected by tropical weather:
--Minimize your losses and document the damage. Take photos of any damage and whatever reasonable repairs are needed.
--Keep your receipts. If you are unable to stay in your home due to damage from a storm, keep your receipts for lodging, food and essentials. Your policy may cover a portion of the costs while you are temporarily relocated.
--Contact your insurance agent as soon as possible. Have your policy available if you need to file a claim. Find out whether the damage is covered under the terms of your policy.
If you need help or have questions, call the Louisiana Department of Insurance.

Article Image Alt Text

Mrs. Aaron James Crochet

Veazey-Broussard & Crochet united in holy matrimony

Mon, 07/15/2019 - 10:41am

Abigail Veazey Broussard and Aaron James Crochet were united in the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony during the evening of June 28, 2019 at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church in Abbeville, Louisiana. Father Louis Richard officiated the ceremony.
The bride is the daughter of Mr. Christopher Veazey and Mr. Geoffrey Hebert & Mrs. Mona Vincent Hebert of Pecan Island, Louisiana. Her grandparents are the late Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Marshall Veazey of Abbeville, Louisiana, Mr. Gordon Bourque & Mrs. Dainty Hardin Bourque of Pecan Island, Louisiana, and the late Mr. Wade Vincent of Kaplan, Louisiana.
The groom is the son of Mr. & Mrs. Kent Crochet of Grand Lake, Louisiana. His grandparents are Mrs. Genelle Crochet and the late Mr. Leland Crochet of Creole, Louisiana and Mr. Clyde Miller and the late Mrs. Audrey Theriot Miller of Grand Chenier, Louisiana.
Escorted by her parents, the bride wore a classic ivory tulle gown by Enzoani’s Beautiful collection which was complimented with lace and pearl accents. The bride also wore a borrowed fingertip length veil made of simple ivory tulle. She carried a bouquet of ivory and soft pink blooms that were wrapped with an ivory satin ribbon and a rosary in memory of her daughter, Allison.
Serving as Matron of Honor was Mrs. Jamie Hulin Yates, friend of the bride. Bridesmaids included Mrs. Samantha Veazey Lofton, sister of the bride, Mrs. Tracie Bordelon and Ms. Jamie Laviolette, both friends of the bride. Junior Bridesmaids included Addisen Yates, goddaughter of the bride, and Reyce Broussard, goddaughter of the groom. Ava Lofton, godchild of the bride, and Kyndall Broussard, niece of the groom, served as flower girls.
The bridesmaids wore midnight blue floor length gowns of charmeuse and chiffon by Vera Wang’s White collection.
Serving as Best Man was Mr. Brandon Fitkin, brother-in-law of the groom. Groomsmen included Mr. Landon Miller, cousin of the groom, Mr. Corey Broussard, brother-in-law to the groom, and Mr. Marshall Veazey, brother of the bride. Serving as Jr. Groomsmen was Everett Broussard, son of the bride.
The ceremony scriptures were read by Mrs. Mary Beth Broussard, sister of the groom. Gift bearers were Bonnie Wainwright, godmother of the bride, and Brady Wainwright, cousin of the bride. Ushers included Gavin Guilbeaux, nephew of the groom, and Geoffrey Hebert, step father of the bride.
Ceremony music was provided by organist and music director Tommy Guidry and vocalist Lainey Landry Gonzales, friend of the bride.
A reception was held at Magdalen Place with food provided by Don’s Custom Catering and entertainment by Homer Stelly.
The bride’s cake was a 3-tiered traditional almond wedding cake filled with French Bavarian Cream and topped with florals by Gwen’s Cakes of New Iberia, Louisiana.
The groom’s cake was a cookie cake with an outdoorsman’s theme to include hunting and fishing. The groom’s cake was provided by Great American Cookie Company.
The bride is employed as a school counselor in Abbeville, Louisiana. She is a graduate of Pecan Island High School, UL Lafayette, and McNeese State University.
The groom is employed with Shell Pipeline Company. He graduated from Grand Lake High School and SOWELA Technical College of Lake Charles, and has honorably served with the Louisiana Army National Guard.
The newlywed couple will enjoy their honeymoon in Alaska.

Article Image Alt Text

Raymond Lee Davidson

Mon, 07/15/2019 - 10:31am

July 31, 1940 ~ July 11, 2019

LEROY — A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, July 16, 2019 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church honoring the life of Raymond Lee Davidson, 78, who died Thursday, July 11, 2019 at Lafayette General Southwest Medical Center. He will be laid to rest at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Cemetery with Reverend Johnathan Janise officiating the services.
Raymond was very active within the church community where he volunteered as a lay minister for over 30 years. He attended daily mass and was an Eucharistic Minister who delivered communion to the elderly, sick and homebound.
Raymond is survived by his wife of 57 years, Loretta B. Davidson; son, John Davidson and his wife, Gina of Maurice; daughter-in-law, Donella Davidson of Pearland, TX; and three grandchildren, Barret James Davidson of Lafayette, Cameron Davidson of Pearland, TX, and Camille Davidson of Pearland, TX., and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John Davidson and the former Lilly Mae Soirez; son, Patrick Reed Davidson; brother, Herman Davidson; and sisters, Audrey Hulin, Joyce LeBlanc and Barbara Galtier.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville, 209 S. St. Charles St., on Monday, July 15, 2019 from 1:00 PM until 9:00 PM with a rosary to be prayed at 7:00 PM; Tuesday, July 16, 2019 from 8:00 AM until 10:30 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.

Article Image Alt Text

Mildred C. LaSalle

Fri, 07/12/2019 - 1:29pm

August 7, 1953 ~ July 10, 2019

KAPLAN — Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, July 16, 2019 at Vincent Funeral Home - Kaplan honoring the life of Mildred C. LaSalle, 65, who died Wednesday, July 10, 2019. She will be laid to rest at Kaplan Cemetery with Deacon Tom Sommers officiating the services. Serving as pallbearers will be Jordan Schexnider, Grant LaSalle, Hagen Hebert, Chad Hebert, Lee Schexnider, and Alton “Tan” Campbell.
She is survived by her husband of 45 years, Rodeny LaSalle of Kaplan; three daughters, Maxine and her husband, Lee Schexnider of Kaplan, Rodessa and her husband, Chad Hebert of Kaplan, and Christine LaSalle of Kaplan; one sister, Lovenia Seaux of Crowley; seven brothers, Michael Campbell, Alton “Tan” Campbell, L.J. Campbell, Donnie Campbell, Dave Campbell, Ray Allen Campbell, and Allen Campbell; five grandchildren, Jordan Schexnider and his finaceé, Kaylie Savoie, Mallory Hebert, Morgan and her husband, Brett Singley, Hagen Hebert, and Grant LaSalle; and one great grandchild, Annalee Singley.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Morris Campbell and the former Inez Dupuis; her mother and father-in-law, Gordy and Eunice LaSalle; her brother, Alvin Campbell; and two sisters, Betty Campbell and Linda Andrus.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Vincent Funeral Home - Kaplan, 300 N. Eleazar Ave., on Monday, July 15, 2019 from 10:00 AM until 10:00 PM with a rosary being prayed at 7:00 PM; Tuesday, July 16, 2019 from 8:00 AM until the time of services at 10:00 AM.
All funeral arrangements are being conducted by Vincent Funeral Home of Kaplan, (337) 643-7276 [Service Information 225-5276]. Condolences may be sent to the LaSalle family at www.vincentfuneralhome.net.

Article Image Alt Text

Curfews announced for towns in Vermilion Parish

Fri, 07/12/2019 - 11:44am

As Tropical Storm Barry continues toward Louisiana, officials from towns in Vermilion Parish are issuing curfews.
Gueydan will have a dusk until dawn curfew on Friday-Saturday.
The town of Delcambre has a 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew;.
The town of Erath issued a city-wide curfew of 10 p.m. until 5 a.m. on Friday-Saturday.
Abbeville also issued a city-wide curfew which will be in effect from Friday 11 p.m. until sunrise on Saturday. This curfew will be in effect until the state of emergency has been canceled.
There will be a curfew in the Village of Maurice, and all of Vermilion Parish, from 11:00 PM to 5:00 AM on Friday and Saturday July 12th and July 13th. This curfew may be extended as needed.
As of the 10:30 AM weather briefing we are in the bulls eye of the storm. Rain fall is anticipated to be between 6-8 inches with some areas higher. Winds will be 50-65 miles per hour. This may change as the day goes. Please keep updated on this situation.
A State of Emergency has been issued for Kaplan and all of Vermilion Parish, who are all under a hurricane warning.
The city of Kaplan will be under a MANDATORY curfew from 11 PM until 5 AM every day until this curfew is lifted.
If you are a medical special needs patient we ask that you contact your health provider for information and assistance.
No persons should be out during these curfew times. Anyone seen wondering about could be issued a citation.

Article Image Alt Text

Driver Succumbs to Injuries in St. Mary Parish Crash

Fri, 07/12/2019 - 11:37am

BAYOU VISTA – At approximately 7 a.m. on July 11, 2019, Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop I began investigating a two-vehicle crash on US Hwy. 90 near Delmar Road in St. Mary Parish.
The crash ultimately took the life of 88-year-old Claudia Dugas of Morgan City.
The initial investigation by State Police revealed Dugas was driving a 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt when she failed to yield to oncoming traffic as she entered US Hwy 90 from a private lot. Dugas’ vehicle was struck in the outside, westbound travel lane by a 1994 Kenworth 18-wheeler driven by 54-year-old Oscar Gonzalez of Houston.
Dugas was restrained at the time of the crash and was transported to Lafayette General Hospital in critical condition. On July 12, Dugas succumbed to injuries she received in the crash. Gonzalez was properly restrained and was not injured. Impairment is not suspected to be a factor in the crash. 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.

Article Image Alt Text

Curfew issued in Abbeville

Fri, 07/12/2019 - 9:36am

The City of Abbeville has issued a city-wide curfew for the entire city of Abbeville.
The curfew is in effect from 11 p.m. tonight until sunrise.
This curfew will be in effect each night until the state of emergency has been cancelled. No one other than emergency personnel will be allowed on the roadways.
​The Abbeville Police Department would like to remind all citizens to stay safe throughout this incident. This includes the aftermath of the passing storm. Downed trees, power lines and flooding are expected.
Anyone with any information regarding any crime is encouraged to contact the Abbeville Police Department. You may also contact our “Tips” line at 892-6777. All callers may remain anonymous.

Article Image Alt Text

Sheriff urges everyone to get a plan; Vermilion Parish will get wind and rain from Tropical Storm Barry

Fri, 07/12/2019 - 9:15am

According to the National Weather Service, Tropical Storm Barry has formed in the Gulf of Mexico and is projected to make landfall on the Louisiana coast by Saturday morning, possibly somewhere east of New Iberia.
Although the forecast is subject to change, at this time the forecast for Vermilion Parish is heavy rain with possible hurricane force wind gust. The Vermilion Office of Emergency Preparedness has already issued a voluntary evacuation to those residents living in low-lying areas that are prone to flooding.
Vermilion Parish could get five to seven inches of rain.
“Yesterday we activated our preliminary hurricane plan, preparing for the storm’s approach. All of our emergency enforcement and rescue operations staff has been placed on mandatory standby for activation. We have sent inmates to fill sandbags and residents can access them at any of the Police Jury area barn locations. They may contact the OEP office (337-898-4308) or the Police Jury (337-898-4300) for information. We will be providing updates as needed to media outlets”, said the Sheriff.
Sheriff Mike Couvillon is urging Vermilion Parish residents to begin taking precautions now so that they can avoid long lines at supply stores, supermarkets and gas stations as the storm gets closer.
“Have a plan now, activate your plan early and call 911 in the event of an emergency. May God keep all of us safe in this storm”, said the Sheriff.
Some Recommendations For Early Planning Include:
• Make evacuation plans now in case you need them. Hotels and other accommodations fill quickly. If you plan to evacuate, leave early to avoid long traffic delays.
• Start now getting your home and property storm ready. Secure valuable and/or irreplaceable items and complete any home protection measures early (supply stores can run out of supplies quickly).
• Make a Disaster Supply Kit which includes the following items: water, food, first aid supplies, clothing and bedding, tools and emergency supplies, and special items.

Article Image Alt Text

Charles Ragland Godchaux

Fri, 07/12/2019 - 9:10am

December 27, 1930 ~ July 10, 2019

ABBEVILLE — Charles Ragland Godchaux (December 27, 1930 - July 10, 2019) of Abbeville, Louisiana—avid fisherman, great outdoorsman and philanthropist—passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday.
A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, July 12th at Graceland Cemetery, Abbeville, Louisiana. Reverend Madge McLain of St. Paul's Episcopal Church will officiate. Pallbearers will be his grandsons, Charles Payne, Nelson Payne and Julian Payne, Tom Spence, and great-nephews, Stephen Wieck, Joel Derby and Gus Godchaux.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 32 years, Wilma Monypeny Godchaux, as well as by his parents, Frank Area Godchaux, Jr. and Mary Ragland Godchaux; and brothers, Lawrence Putnam Godchaux and Frank Area Godchaux Ill.
He is survived by his wife, Dolores Nunez Godchaux; daughters, Theresa Polk Godchaux of Jackson, WY, Rebecca Ragland Godchaux of Marathon, FL, and adopted daughter Dorothy Margaret Clyne of New Orleans, LA; four grandchildren, Charles Ragland Godchaux Payne (Abbey) of Lafayette, LA, Rebecca Lawrence Payne Spence of Adams, TN, George Nelson Payne (Charlotte) of Denver, CO, Julian Brooks Payne of New York, NY; and two great-grandchildren, Avery Parker Spence and Hartley Blythe Spence.
Charles attended Sewanee Military Academy and Vanderbilt University where he was a member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity. Following his graduation from Vanderbilt he joined the US Navy.
Upon his honorable discharge from the Navy, Charles returned home to Abbeville to begin his career in the family rice business—Louisiana State Rice Milling Company, where he ultimately became Chairman of the Board. When the company merged with River Brand Rice Mills to become Riviana Foods Inc., Charles served as Vice President, while also named Vice President of the USA Rice Division and Vice Chair for Worldwide Rice Operations. Charles' other activities included Director of The Rice Council for Market Development; President of The Rice Millers' Association as well as serving on its Board of Directors and Executive Committee. After forming the Abbeville Family Partnership with his brother in 1994 he focused his attention on his pursuit of philanthropic endeavors.
In his role as philanthropist Charles served as a Trustee of the Alton Ochsner Medical Foundation and was an active member on the Board of Trustees and Executive Committee for the Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana. In addition, he served as a Director of the National Audubon Society and a Trustee and President of the American Friends of the Game Conservancy. He was a Trustee of the Louisiana Nature Conservancy as well as the National Nature Conservancy Board. Closer to home, he served as a Trustee of the Vermilion
Parish Library Board. Charles was an avid outdoorsman and sportsman and Charles was an enthusiastic outdoorsman and sportsman and nothing was more special to him than Live Oak Plantation, which has been the heart of the family for 6 generations.
Charles and his brother led the way creating an integral habitat for native and migratory species of waterfowl and other wildlife. His dedication and love of Live Oak encouraged the younger generations to continue to act as devoted stewards of the land and its resources. The family has maintained active farming and wildlife preservation initiatives.
Charles was known as an avid shooter, golfer and fisherman. His shooting career offered him the experience of coming in runner-up in the National Skeet Shooting Championships in Mexico City. His love for golfing left him with an incredible legacy of 8 hole-in-ones. Charles was also a world-class fisherman who was well loved by guides all around the world.
Charles took great pride and enjoyment in his family. He loved sharing and spreading his love of the outdoors with all of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren through both his storytelling and experiences—from fishing in his ponds to shooting skeet at the farm.
Lastly, he was a man who was not perfect, but stood by his work, took care of his family and friends without expectation of acknowledgement and through his actions enriched the lives of many.
The Godchaux Family would like to extend our gratitude to Eula Broussard, Charlotte DuBose, Steve Meador, Alvin Willis, Glenn Guidry, Jackie Harrison and caregivers, Mike Bowden, Brenda James and Senior Helpers caregivers.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 101 East Vermilion Street, Abbeville, LA 70510, Ochsner Health Systems, 1514 Jefferson Highway Room 1E617, New Orleans, LA 70121 or to the charity of one's choice.
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.

Article Image Alt Text

Abbeville resident Laney Kirstin to celebrate birthday, mother asks for birthday cards

Thu, 07/11/2019 - 12:17pm

Laney was born with epilepsy and had seizures 5-6 times a week for the first few years of her life. She suffered brain damage as a result and is mentally delayed, according to her mother, Amanda Constantine. Constantine is planning a special surprise for her daughter's 18th birthday. She says that her daughter checks the mail and is disappointed when there is no mail for herself. This year, Constantine is asking Acadiana to help out and make her daughter's birthday extra special by sending her a birthday card. The hopeful mom asks for anyone to send cards to 19904 Pine Island Rd., Abbeville, LA 70510.

Pages

Vermilion Today

Abbeville Meridional

318 N. Main St.
Abbeville, LA 70510
Phone: 337-893-4223
Fax: 337-898-9022

The Kaplan Herald

219 North Cushing Avenue
Kaplan, LA 70548

The Abbeville Meridional Copyright © 2026