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Defensive players Chad Celestine (8) and Hogan Landry (70) will be in action tonight with the rest of the Abbeville Wildcats. (photo by Beverly Vincent)

2018 Season Begins: Wildcats on road tonight to play ‘athletic’ West St. Mary

The Abbeville Wildcats did not look too sharp last week in the Acadia/Vermilion Parish Jamboree.
The Wildcats had a few defensive offside penalties, coupled with other crucial penalties that kept drives alive for Lake Arthur.
This past week, the Abbeville coaching staff worked on ways to correct the mistakes.
The jamboree was the dress rehearsal. Now, tonight is the real thing.
The Wildcats open the season on the road against West St. Mary. Game time is 7 p.m.
The two teams have played each other four times since 2013. Abbeville has won three out of four games. The Wildcats have won the last three meetings against West St. Mary.
Last year Abbeville won 19-12 and West St. Mary finished the year 4-6, while Abbeville completed the year 2-8.
Abbeville head coach Kevin Kern is not taking West St. Mary lightly.
“They are a physical team,” said Kern.
The Wildcats, running out of the option, is being led by sophomore quarterback Jaibyn O’Brien. Kern says he selected the sophomore at QB because he liked what he saw at the end of last year.
“He is starting because he did well last year and had a great spring,” said Kern. “He is also very smart and reads the option well.”
In the option, the Wildcats have weapons. O’Brien can either run the football or pitch it to one of his backs. Look for these players to carry the football - Tavion Menard, Braeden Williams or Deion Williams.
Deion led Abbeville last week in the jamboree with 10 carries for 56 yards. He had a long run of 11 yards.
Menard had five rushes for 34 yards.
O’Brien ran it five times for eight yards.
O’ Brien did throw the football four times, and he completed two for seven yards in the jamboree. Kente Charles and Deion Williams had the two receptions.
Take away the handful of defensive mistakes, and the Wildcats’ defense played well.
The linebackers are Kevin Dennis, Jamal Hoffpauir, Chad Celestine and Christian Alverez.
The cornerbacks are Darrian Harrison and Brayden Williams.
The defensive line is made up of Kelvin Shelvin, Hogan Landry, De Ante Wilson and Joshua Landry.

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Drake Abshire will be the go-to tailback for Kaplan. The Pirates are ranked No. 3 in the Class 3A poll.

Kaplan ranked No. 3; VC at 9

The Kaplan Pirates probably do not have to win a game to make the Class 3A playoffs. The reason is ...

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City Attorney Woody Woodruff (right) administers the oath of office for the newly installed Councilman for District C, Justin Johnson. He replaces Richard LeBlanc who recently passed away after a brief illness.

Justin Johnson appointed to fill vacant Kaplan council seat

KAPLAN — Justin Johnson was sworn in as the Councilman for District C to replace the late Richard LeBlanc who ...

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Ivory “Ike” Petry

ABBEVILLE — A Home-going Celebration will be held for Mr. Ivory “Ike” Petry 74 at 11:00 A.M. Friday, August 31, 2018 at Greater Pleasant Green Baptist Church with Rev. John Allen, officiating.
He will await the resurrection in Greater Pleasant Green Baptist Church Cemetery.
A gathering of family and friends will begin Friday at the church 9:00 A.M. until time of service.
Mr. Petry was born  on May 4, 1944 to Mr. Ivan Petry and Mrs. Ada Shelvin Petry. A native and resident of Abbeville, LA he passed at 4:00 P.M. Saturday, August 25, 2018 at his residence.
Bro. Ivory  accepted Christ as his Savior at an early age  and became a member of Greater Pleasant Green Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon and member of the Male Chorus for many years until his health began to fail.  In addition, he was the Owner and Operator of Ike’s Plumbing in Abbeville, LA.
He leaves to cherish his memory, one daughter, Lori Wilson Newton of Abbeville, LA; one granddaughter, Mitisha Rice (Kirby) of Abbeville, LA; two great-granddaughters, Keosha Rice and Keyiada Wilson; his mother, Ada Shelvin Petry of Abbeville, LA; two brothers, Kenneth Petry and Ross Petry both of Abbeville, LA; two sisters, Jeretha Ardoin (Lionel, Sr.) and Lisa P. Hill (Richard) of Abbeville, LA; one uncle, Herb Shelvin; one aunt, Victorine Broussard; a very dear and special cousin, Felix Ruffin, Sr. and one godchild, Johnny Allen Guidry of Humble, TX as well as a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Sheila Roy Petry; his father, Ivan Petry; one sister, Taffy Elaine Chargois; maternal grandparents, Goddard Shelvin Sr. and Olive Shelvin and paternal grandparents, Joseph Petry and Susan Petry.
Active Pallbearers are Edward Landry, Wallace Johnson, Kirby Rice, Ernest Rice, Jr., Kendon Hill, and James Jenkins.
Honorary Pallbearers are Felix Ruffin, Herd Shelvin, Lionel Ardoin, Sr., Lionel Ardoin, Jr., Johnell Ardoin, Ross Petry, Perry Johnson, Kenneth Petry, Lester Levine and Richard Hill.
Condolences may be expressed at www.fletcherfuneralhomes.org.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Fletcher Funeral Home (337-893-2440)  - 1116 Green Street - Abbeville, LA 70510.

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Paul Brent Thibodeaux

ERATH – Funeral Services for Paul Brent Thibodeaux, 69, will be held at 11:00AM on Saturday, September 1, 2018 at David Funeral Home Chapel in Erath, with Deacon Michael Fabre officiating. Interment will follow at Our Lady of Lourdes Mausoleum in Erath.
Visitation will be at David Funeral Home of Erath on Friday, August 31, 2018 from 2:00PM until 9:00PM with a recitation of the rosary at 7:00PM. Visitation will resume on Saturday, September 1, 2018 from 8:00AM until time of services.
A native and resident of Erath, Mr. Thibodeaux died Sunday, August 26, 2018 at his residence. He proudly served his country in Vietnam as a member of the 7th Calvary and was a Purple Heart and Cluster recipient. He was a life member of The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4158, in Abbeville. His favorite pastimes included hunting and fishing, motorcycling, playing cards and Yahtzee.
He is survived by his wife, Deborah Ann Thibodeaux; sons Shawn Thibodeaux and Shane Thibodeaux; a daughter Heather Pollack; stepsons, Thaddeus Riordan and Jeremy Riordan; two brothers, Artie Thibodeaux and Kevin Thibodeaux; two sisters, Sheryl Ann O’Neal and Lisa Ann Gayneaux; eleven grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents Arthur Ray and Irene Frederick Thibodeaux; two sisters, Joy Rita Miller and Susan Gail Ruffin.
Serving as pallbearers will be Kevin Thibodeaux, Bryan O’Neal, Kelly Gayneaux, Tyler Thibodeaux, Seth Falgout, Clint O’Neal. Honorary pallbearers will be Artie Thibodeaux, Thaddeus Riordan, Jeremy Riordan, Billy Miller, Steve Miller.
David Funeral Home of Erath at 209 East Putnam St. (337-937-0405) will be handling the arrangements.

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Jules Edward “J. E.” Meaux

November 25, 1928 – August 27, 2018

GUEYDAN — Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, August 30, 2018 at Vincent Funeral Home - Gueydan honoring the life of Jules Edward (J. E.) Meaux. He will be laid to rest at Gueydan Cemetery with Reverend Corey Campeaux officiating the services.
Jules Edward (J. E.) Meaux was brought home in the company of angels, to his heavenly father, on Monday, August 27, 2018 after 89 years. If you listen carefully you will be able to hear dad singing and strumming his guitar to an old country music song. He was greeted by Mom, family, and friends dancing and having a wonderful time as they had done so many times here on earth.
He was born to the late Odelas Meaux and Olivia Lemaire on November 25, 1928 in Gueydan, LA. In January of 1950, he married Manita Kibodeaux and they were married for 63 years, and reared seven children.
His love for his wife, family, home town, and country never wavered. During his final days he reminded his family to face life with faith in God, laughter, and fortitude which he instilled in each of his children. He will be greatly missed by those he has left behind.
J.E. served his country in the 167th Signal Company at Camp Gordan Georgia in the United States Army and his community as an alderman for two terms and was elected mayor for three terms. He truly loved Gueydan; so much so that he chose to remain here even while working at Firestone in Lake Charles, La. for 30 years, commuting so his children could grow up in his beloved town.
He is survived by his seven children, Sandra Meaux Williams (Randolph), Roxane Meaux Leblanc (Joseph) of Lafayette, Donna Meaux Cormier of Gueydan, Rhonda Meaux Hobbs of Gueydan, Jennifer Meaux of Kaplan, Jason Meaux (Kimberly) of Bryan, TX, and Marshall Meaux of Lafayette; 14 grandchildren; 22 great grandchildren; one sister, Melva Grace “Sister” Phillips of Winnie,TX; one brother Steve Meaux of Gueydan; and one brother-in-law, Richard Kibodeaux (Juanita) of Lake Charles.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Manita Kibodeaux Meaux; his parents, Odelas “Blanc” Meaux and the former Olivia Lemaire; one brother, Walter Meaux; and his son-in-law, Richard Cormier.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Vincent Funeral Home - Gueydan, 311 Fourth St., on Wednesday, August 29, 2018 from 3:00 PM until 9:00 PM with a rosary being prayed at 7:00 PM; Thursday, August 30, 2018 from 8:00 AM until services.
All funeral arrangements are being conducted by Vincent Funeral Home of Gueydan, (337) 536-6124 [Service Information 225-5276]. Condolences may be sent to the Meaux family at www.vincentfuneralhome.net.

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Theresa Boudreaux Sonnier

November 18, 1961 ~ August 27, 2018

ABBEVILLE — Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, August 30, 2018 at Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville honoring the life of Theresa Boudreaux Sonnier, 56, who died Monday, August 27, 2018 at Abbeville General Hospital. She will be laid to rest at LeBlanc Community Cemetery with Fr. François Sainte-Marie officiating the services. Pallbearers will be Ashley Sonnier, Anna Sonnier, Jennifer Barras, Kenneth Suire II, Barry Menard and Ricky Menard Sr. Honorary pallbearers will be Wilfred Sonnier and Norris Istre.
Theresa is survived by her life time companion of 24 years, Norris Istre; one son, Wilfred Sonnier; one step-son, Patrick Sonnier; three daughters, Jennifer Barras, Anna Sonnier and Ashley Sonnier; brother, Jean Boudreaux; two sisters, Delores Boudreaux and Beverly Frederick; and three grandchildren, April Barras, Kayla Barras and Anthony Joseph Sonnier.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Wilfred Boudreaux and the former Marie Istre; brothers, Cyepran Boudreaux and Joseph Boudreaux; sisters, Aline Suire, Genevive Boudreaux and Evelyn Rodrigue; first husband, Gerald Paul Suire; and second husband, Wilson Anthony Sonnier.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville, 209 S. St. Charles St., on Thursday, August 30, 2018 from 9:00 AM until time of services.
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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Former Councilman Louis Joe Hardy, Councilwoman Terry Broussard, Councilman Francis Touchet Jr., Councilwoman Roslyn White, Councilman Brady Broussard Jr., Mayor Mark Piazza and Councilman Francis Plaisance (L-R) officially break ground on the terminal expansion at the Chris Crusta Memorial Airport in Abbeville. Looking on in the back are Mike Mouton, airport supervisor, Gene Sellers Jr., the architect for the project, and David Brousard, who is representing the contractor for the project, Minvielle Lumber.

City officials kick off expansion of terminal at Abbeville airport

Officials with the City of Abbeville took a step closer to realizing a major vision for the Christ Crusta Memorial Airport.
Mayor Mark Piazza and members of the City Council took part Friday morning in a ground-breaking ceremony for the new airport terminal. The project is expected to be completed in nine to 10 months. Once completed, the terminal will be 3,700-square feet. It will feature amenities, including a multi-media room, offices and a lounge area, that will cater to pilots for larger planes.
“The Abbeville municipal airport is an important part of our infrastructure and a great economic tool to attract businesses to Abbeville,” Piazza said. “This new airport terminal will help us compete with surrounding airports and attract more private aircraft to our area.
“This accommodates both aircraft owners and their pilots as our airport continues to grow.”
The project, which is being constructed by Minvielle Lumber, is estimated to cost nearly $900,000. Ten percent of the cost is being paid by the FAA. The remainder is being paid for largely by revenue generated from the oil well at the airport.
Councilman Francis Touchet Jr., who chairs the Airport Committee, said this is all part of an effort that began a couple of years ago when some local businessmen, including Bubba Broussard and Don Hargroder, attended a public meeting to ask about a long-term plan for the airport.
“This process started with these individuals coming to us and giving us some ideas,” Touchet said. “Some of those ideas involved increasing the terminal space, so that we could involve more and larger planes into our airport.
“At that point, we were led by the Mayor and the rest of the City Council to work to put that vision in place.”
Touchet said this is a win-win situation because funding is essentially built into the plan.
“Revenues that we are generating at the airport are revenues that have to be spent at the airport,” Touchet said. “We are utilizing those revenues to do just what we are doing right now.
“This is no doubt a great thing for the City of Abbeville.”
Touchet thanked everyone who has been a part of this effort.
“This would not be possible without the leadership of our Mayor and the commitment of the City Council,” Touchet said. “My special thanks is to Bubba Broussard and Don Hargroder for helping to push us in this direction. We are finally at that point. This is a direction the Mayor has always wanted us to go and we are going to continue to work with everyone to make sure this airport is a driving force for our economy.
“This is such a great day.”

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Virnez Bertrand

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial for Mr. Virnez Bertrand, 89, will be held at 3:00PM on Wednesday, August 29, 2018 at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church with Fr. Buddy Breaux officiating. Interment will follow at St. Paul Cemetery.
A native of Henry and a resident of Duson, Mr. Bertrand died at 12:07AM on Friday, August 24, 2018 at Camelot Place in Rayne. He served his country proudly during the Korean Conflict in the U.S. Air Force.
He is survived by two sons, Wayne Bertrand of Natchez, MS and Keith Bertrand of Duson; a brother, C.J. Bertrand; three grandchildren, Stephanie Bertrand, Tiffanie McFaul, and Courtney Hanks; four great grandchildren, and one great great grandchild.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Mabel Colomb Bertrand; his parents, Eddie and Edith Bertrand; a brother, Hugh Bertrand; and a grandchild, Stacey Bertrand.
David Funeral Home of Abbeville at 2600 Charity St. (337)893-3777 will be handling the arrangement.

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