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Bryan Kibodeaux

Vermilion Sheriff’s Deputy arrested for first-degree rape charge, other charges

Wed, 02/06/2019 - 9:18am

According to Vermilion Parish Sheriff Mike Couvillon, a deputy with just under 18 years of service with the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office was arrested Tuesday afternoon by the Louisiana State Police charged with 1 count of first degree rape, 4 counts of sexual battery and 4 counts of indecent behavior with a juvenile.
Although the Sheriff said he is limited on providing information due to the case being an active investigation, he wanted to make it very clear that the LSP investigation and the criminal charges brought against Bryan Kibodeaux, 42, of 10916 Shanna Dr. in Abbeville, are a result of matters totally unrelated to the office of Sheriff. The Sheriff confirmed that the deputy’s employment with the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office was terminated immediately upon learning of the LSP investigation and subsequent arrest for felony crimes.
“In law enforcement, we are held to a higher standard by the public with regard to adherence to the laws of our state. This higher standard includes what the public expects of us both on and off the job, and rightly so. I think it is important to mention that this deputy was assigned to the parish jail and although the arrest and criminal charges are NOT related to anything within the office of Sheriff nor the deputy’s work at the parish jail. We understand the importance of public safety, taking immediate action by terminating Kibodeuax’s employment with the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office. As a parent, my heart hurts over this and my final thought is to pray for the victim and family," said the Sheriff.
The investigation is being handled by the Louisiana State Police. For more information, please contact the LSP directly.

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Laura Mae Menard Primeaux

Tue, 02/05/2019 - 4:40pm

ERATH – A Mass of Christian Burial for Laura Mae Menard Primeaux, 90, will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, February 8, 2019 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church with Fr. Andre’ Metrejean officiating. Interment will follow at Our Lady of Lourdes Mausoleum.
Visitation will be at David Funeral Home of Erath on Thursday, February 7, 2019 from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. with a recitation of the rosary at 7:00PM. Visitation will resume on Friday, February 8, 2019 from 8 a.m. until the time of the services.
A native of Vermilion Parish and a resident of Erath, Mrs. Primeaux died at 7:55 a.m. on Monday, February 4, 2019 at her residence. She was a member of the Family and Community Volunteer for the LVFC, a lifetime member of the Cooking Club of America, and a member of the Good Sam’s Camping Club.
She is survived by a daughter, Glenda Elliott of Mountain Home, AR; a grandson, Adam Henry and his wife Shelley of Youngsville; and three great grandchildren, Allie Henry, Jaine Henry, and Mallory Mullican.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Durphy Primeaux; her parents, Ophelias and Agnes Cormier Menard; and three brothers, Jean Dudley Menard, Antoine Menard, and William “Hank” Menard.
Serving as pallbearers will be Adam Henry, Tracy Menard, and Cory Menard.
The family would like to thank the entire staff of NSI Hospice, Dr. Mihail Borissov, Home Instead Senior Care, Alijah Charles and Wanda Arvie for their compassionate care and support.
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.

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Hamilton Paul Mitchell

Tue, 02/05/2019 - 4:38pm

DELCAMBRE – A Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted for Mr. Hamilton Paul Mitchell , age 77, at 3:00 pm Thursday, February 7, 2019 at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church with Fr. Andre’ Metrejean officiating. Interment will follow at Our Lady of the Lake Mausoleum.
Visitation will be held from 9:00 am until 2:30 pm on Thursday at Evangeline Funeral Home in Delcambre. A Rosary will be prayed at 1:30 pm.
A native and resident of Delcambre, Mr. Mitchell passed away at 6:00 am on Monday, February 4, 2019 at Our Lady of the Lourdes Regional Medical Center.
Mr. Mitchell was the co-owner of Delcambre Seafood, Mitchell Trucking and Mitchell Fuel Dock for many years.
Hamilton could be found on Saturday and Sunday mornings drinking coffee and visiting with his friends at Texaco. His hobbies included, hunting and fishing and also camping and bowling with his wife. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend who enjoyed spending time with his family and will be missed dearly.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Leona Broussard Mitchell of Delcambre; his son, Timmy Mitchell and wife Glenna of Erath; his daughter, Tammy M. Broussard and husband Ricky of Erath; ten grandchildren, Brandon Broussard & wife Ashlee; Jordy Mitchell & wife Kaleigh; Gavin Broussard & wife Alie; Mindi Mitchell; Garth Mitchell & fiancé Chasity; Gannon Broussard & fiancé Haley; Marissa Mitchell; Alex Mitchell; Adrianna Mitchell and Victoria Lumpkin; one great grandchild, Ava Schoate; one brother, Nicholas Mitchell and wife Beverly of Delcambre and two sisters, Georgia M. Cobna and husband LJ of New Orleans and Jane M. Savoy of Dallas.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Nicholas and Clemence Campbell Mitchell; one son, Todd Paul Mitchell and his brother in law, Curley Savoy.
Pallbearers will be his grandsons, Brandon P. Broussard, Gavin Broussard, Gannon Broussard, Jordy Mitchell, Garth Mitchell and Alex Mitchell.
To view on-line obituary, video tribute and sign the guest register, please visit www.evangelinefuneralhome.com.
Evangeline Funeral Home of Delcambre is in charge of arrangements.

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Mike Francis

Louisiana Public Service Commission elects Mike Francis as Chairman

Tue, 02/05/2019 - 10:05am

CROWLEY -– At the January Business and Executive meeting of the Louisiana Public Service Commission, Mike Francis, (R-Crowley) was unanimously elected Chairman by the five Louisiana Commissioners for the 2019 term.
Commissioner Francis stated, “I am honored to have been elected unanimously by my colleagues, Republican and Democrat alike”. “I appreciate the confidence they have entrusted in me. I will strive daily to work for every Louisiana consumer”.
Francis was elected to the Commission in 2016 by the people of District IV, which comprises all or parts of 17 parishes from Sabine to Catahoula and Cameron to Iberia. “The best kept secret is that Louisiana households enjoy the lowest electric rates in the United States”, said Francis. “It will be my priority to ensure that our rates remain the lowest in the Country!”
In addition to electric rates, the Louisiana Public Service Commission regulates water natural gas, sewage, and telecommunications. The District IV office is located in Crowley, Louisiana and the toll free number is 1-800-256-2490.

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Amanda Broussard Morgan

Tue, 02/05/2019 - 9:10am

ERATH — A Mass of Christian Burial for Mrs. Amanda Broussard Morgan, 81, will be held at 3:30PM on Wednesday, February 6, 2019 at Our Lady Of Lourdes Catholic Church with Fr. Andre’ Metrejean officiating. Interment will follow at St. Paul Cemetery in Abbeville.
Visitation will be at David Funeral Home of Erath on Wednesday, February 6, 2019 from 10 AM until the time of the services with a recitation of the rosary at 1 PM
A native of Henry and a lifelong resident of Erath, Mrs. Morgan died peacefully on Sunday, February 3, 2019 at her residence at 11:55 PM after succumbing to her battle with cancer. She enjoyed cooking and being with family and friends.
She is survived by her daughter, Cindy Morgan of Erath; three step grandsons, Damas Chandler, Tyler Bergeron, and Jesse Bergeron; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Herman Morgan; her parents, Lenes and Melina Soirez Broussard; and three sisters, Evelyn Hebert, Annie LeBlanc, and Lena Guidry.
Serving as pallbearers will be members of her family and friends.
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.

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JoLane M. Primeaux

Tue, 02/05/2019 - 9:06am

December 03, 1945 - February 03, 2019

On Sunday, February 3, 2019, JoLane M. Primeaux passed away peacefully at the age of 73.
She leaves her memory to be cherished by her two daughters, Linda Simon and husband Mike of Erath and Martina Baudoin and husband Tim of Abbeville; her five grandchildren Sydney “CC” Baudoin, Kala Simon, Keri Beasley and husband Johnny, Amber Gastal and husband Seth, Kelli Broussard and wife Emily; six great grandchildren, Landon, Haden, Casey, Talan, Kohen & Lyla.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband Presley; her parents Eudore “Kim” & Mazie “PeeWee” Menard; and only brother Harold Menard.
To those who knew her she was a loving & hard working mother, grandmother & great grandmother. She worked in retail for 40 years.
She will be greatly missed by those who loved her. It comforts us to know that her and her husband’s souls are reunited for eternity.
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.

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Vermilion Parish Tourism Executive Director Alison Miller (middle) receives the award from Louisiana Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser and Jill Kidder, president/CEO of the
Louisiana Travel Association.

Vermilion Parish Tourist Commission captures Louisiana Travel Association 2019 Louey Award

Sat, 02/02/2019 - 12:09pm

The Louisiana Travel Association (LTA) introduced the Vermilion Parish Tourist Commission as the winner of the Outstanding Convention and Visitors Bureau/Tourist Commission of the Year (budget up to $499,999) during its Annual Meeting on Jan. 24 in Alexandria.
The “Louey Awards” honor and showcase individuals and organizations who have made outstanding contributions to the Louisiana tourism industry
“We are excited to be a winner of this award and to be recognized for all of our efforts in promoting Vermilion Parish’s tourism assets throughout the US and the world,” Alison Miller, VPTC Executive Director said. “Being selected in a category for annual budgets right under $500,000 is impressive considering our annual total budget is less than $60,000.”
This is the third time Vermilion Parish Tourism Commission has received this award. In 2009 and 2014, VPTC competed against tourism bureaus with budgets up to $250,000.
The LTA Louey Award winners also include: Cajun Coast Visitors & Convention Bureau, Outstanding Convention and Visitors Bureau/Tourist Commission of the Year (budget from $500,000 to $999,999); Louisiana Northshore, Outstanding Convention and Visitors Bureau/Tourist Commission of the Year (budget of $1 million and higher); Cajun Bayou Food Trail campaign from Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou Tourism, Tourism Campaign/Promotion of the Year; Loyal Blue Weekends from Ruston Lincoln CVB, Festival/Event of the Year; Kent Plantation House, Attraction of the Year; Baton Rouge Marriott, Accommodation of the Year/Full-Service Lodging; Courtyard Lake Charles, Accommodation of the Year/Limited-Service Lodging; Blue Heron Bed & Breakfast, Accommodation of the Year/Bed & Breakfast; Jacques Rodrigue of Blue Dog Café, Restaurateur of the Year; Cajun Palms RV resort, Campground RV/Park of the Year; Senator Sharon Hewitt, Governmental Friend of Tourism; Representative Cameron Henry, Governmental Friend of Tourism; Wynne Waltman, Victor Profis Travel Media; Morgan Moss with The Myrtles Plantation, Rising Star; Governor Kathleen Blanco, Will Mangham Tourism Lifetime Achievement.

About the Louisiana Travel Association, LTA

LTA is a trade association leading and strengthening Louisiana’s vibrant tourism industry through promotion, education and advocacy on behalf of our members. Tourism generated $1.8 billion for Louisiana in 2017 and employs more than 236,000 people throughout the state. For more information, visit LouisianaTravelAssociation.org.

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North Vermilion’s Caleb Reese

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Mia Judge (left) agrees with Gabbie Bessard (right) that Caleb Reese’ idea to write to the School Board was “Crazy, but brave and needed.”

North Vermilion student pens letter to School Board

Sat, 02/02/2019 - 12:07pm
Tiffany Cavalier, Staff writer

LEROY — North Vermilion High School student Caleb Reese recently arranged a letter to the Vermilion Parish School Board in hopes to make a difference in the ‘embarrassment’ it has caused for himself and potentially other students, parents, and teachers in the parish; a letter he decided to write after Parish Government Day.
Upon opening the letter addressed to all Vermilion Parish School Board members, it reads ‘I write this letter during a time of unrest, and complete chaos from our school board. Recently, all that the rest of the world, and myself have been seeing is how our school board cannot come together.’
Reese said that he; along with the rest of the world, has followed the downward spiral since the 2018 arrest of a Vermilion Parish teacher during a School Board meeting. “Its’ got to stop,” he said.
“Since the arrest of Ms. Hargrave, nothing ever got better,” he said “you keep waiting for it to end and it just doesn’t; it’s sad.” Reese also expresses his school and district pride; though he also stated his shame to attend school in the parish.
“In the letter, it states that there has been a news story on the school board for what seems like every time I watch the news,” Reese stated “The policy manual for the district clearly states that a board member has a duty to represent the School Board and the School system to the public by way of promoting both interest and support; something we haven’t seen in a very long time from any board member, and something that is also in the letter that I sent to them.”
Students in the parish are in agreement with Reese when he expressed his concern; even before penning the letter to the board.
“Those statements are true. Students like myself and so many others that I have spoken to previously thinks that it makes our parish look stupid; as if we are just a joke,” he said “Which leads us to my next statement in the letter.” It reads:
‘Policy states that a board member must act ethically in all matters at all times thereby representing the School District to the best of one’s’ ability’. Reese said that in his opinion, none of the board members have done so. Here is his closing argument as stated in the letter:
‘I would like to remind every one of you that you are elected to represent, not to promote yourselves, or to attempt to demote others.
“As I stated in the letter, I believe that the board can and will come together as one; together is more powerful, but things will have to change,” Reese said.

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Celeste Marie Landry

Sat, 02/02/2019 - 12:00pm

August 26, 1959 – January 16, 2019

Celeste is survived by her three children, Tricia Landry, Lacey Landry and Chance Landry; four grandchildren, Grace, Mason, Kempton and Liam of Henry; her parents, James Calvin and Dolores LeBlanc Landry of Abbeville; her siblings, Gloria Hulin and her husband Fabian Hulin of Henry; Anthony (Tony) Landry and his wife Penny Landry from Erath; Angela LeMoine and her husband Rodney LeMoine from Erath; Fanny Landry Hargrave and Robert Watkins of Abbeville; and Tracy Landry of Abbeville; nieces and nephews, Crystal, Ashley, Zachery, Mia, Blair, Hailey, Brodie, Cassie, Shelby and Selene.
She is preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Fanna and Velma Landry; and her maternal grandparents, Harry LeBlanc and Lillian Comeaux.
Celeste passed away at 1:10 a.m. on Wednesday, January 16, 2019 at Abbeville General Hospital.
Celeste loved country living and sharing her life with her family and friends. She enjoyed reading and was known for her frequent stops to the Erath Library. Her true passion of life was nurturing her children and grandchildren. She was a caring and loving daughter, devoted mother, and a best friend to her siblings. Celeste embraced her life and all that was in it. She will always be remembered for her loyalty and her strength to endure. May her beautiful soul find peace and be at rest in the courts of heaven.

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Allen Joseph “Moe” Meaux

Sat, 02/02/2019 - 11:59am

ERATH — Funeral Services for Allen Joseph “Moe” Meaux, 60, will be 2:00PM Monday February 4, 2019 in David Funeral Home of Erath with Deacon Bill Vincent officiating. Burial will be a later date.
Visitation will be in David Funeral Home of Erath Monday, February 4, 2019 from 9:00AM until service time.
Moe, born in Abbeville and a resident of Erath passed away Friday February 1, 2019 at his residence surrounded by his family. He was employed as an operator off shore for Chevron, now Cox Operating for 32 years.
He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Alison B. Meaux of Erath ; his mother Lucy Mae Gaspard Meaux of Abbeville; his children, Louis Dreyer Jr. of Erath, April Meaux of Erath, and Allen Heath Meaux of Erath; siblings, Rebecca Broussard of Abbeville, Willis P. Meaux Jr., of Abbeville, Rachel Boudreaux and husband Jessy of Eunice, Rene Meaux of Madisonville, Ricky Meaux of Abbeville; 6 grandchildren, Kelsey Dreyer, Talan Mallet, Paige Mallet, Mason Dreyer, Kipton Dreyer, and Liam Dreyer, and numerous nieces, nephews, and godchildren.
He is preceded in death by his father Willis Meaux, and a brother in law Thomas Broussard.
Condolences may be made to the family at www.davidfuneralhome.org
David Funeral Home of Erath is in charge of arrangements 209 E. Putnam St. Erath, LA 70533, (337) 937-0405.

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