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Tuesday is the last day traffic will be able to pass over the downtown Abbeville bridge. It is expected to be closed on Wednesday for a couple of weeks.
Change of plans: Abbeville's Downtown bridge now closing on Wednesday
It’s not closed just yet.
Originally set to close Monday morning, the Old Abbeville Bridge will be closing on Wednesday.
The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) announced last week that the Old Abbeville Bridge on La. 14 Business between LA 335 (South Henry Street) and North Main Street will be closed until further notice. Crews with DOTD will be conducting maintenance work on the bridge.
But that has changed because of Mother Nature. The bridge did not close and the state announced it will not close until Wednesday.
Work will begin at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday. The bridge could be closed for about three weeks.
The detour route will include US 167, LA 14 Bypass and LA 82:
• Traffic coming from the west on LA 14 will take LA 14 Bypass to LA 82 south to LA 14 (Abbeville Business District).
• Traffic coming from the east on LA 14 will take LA 82 north to LA 14 Bypass and head east to US 167 and head south to LA 14 (Abbeville Business District).
• Traffic on US 167 south can take LA 14 Bypass to LA 82 south to LA 14 (Abbeville Business District).
• Traffic on LA 335 north can head west to US 167 north to LA 14 Bypass and then head east to LA 82 south to LA 14 (Abbeville Business District).
• Traffic on LA 82 north can go to LA 14 Bypass and head west to US 167 south to LA 14 (Abbeville Business District).
• Traffic on LA 82 south can go to LA 14 Bypass and head west to US 167 south to LA 14 (Abbeville Business District).

Gulf Coast Bank’s Kenny Richey and Claire Wallace present a
donation check to Erath 4th of July President Robert Vincent and Board Member Douglas Vincent.
Gulf Coast Bank sponsors annual Erath 4th of July Celebration
ERATH — Gulf Coast Bank is excited to once again be a sponsor of the annual Erath 4th of July Celebration.
Kenny Richey, Branch Manager, and Claire Wallace, Senior Banking Associate of Gulf Coast Bank’s Erath branch, presented the check to Erath 4th of July Association President Robert Vincent and Board Member Douglas Vincent.
Gulf Coast Bank has been a proud supporter of this local celebration for many years.
“The generosity of our sponsors like Gulf Coast Bank allows us to continue to have this festival celebrating our Nation’s independence,” said Robert Vincent.
This year marks the 82nd Anniversary of the Erath 4th of July Celebration.
Gulf Coast Bank is a locally-owned and operated full-service banking institution with thirteen locations within Vermilion and Lafayette Parishes, including branches inside three area Walmarts.

Farm Service Agency County Committee Nomination Period in Vermilion Parish underway
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) encourages America’s farmers and ranchers to nominate candidates to lead, serve and represent their community on their local county committee.
According to USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) Vermilion County Executive Director Larry Thibodeaux, FSA is currently accepting nominations for county committee members beginning Friday, June 15, 2018.
Producers across the country are already serving on committees where they play a critical role in the day-to-day operations of FSA, making important decisions on programs dealing with disaster and conservation, emergencies, commodity loan price support, county office employment and other agricultural issues.
“County committees are unique to FSA and allow producers to have a voice on federal farm program implementation at the local level,” said Thibodeaux. “It is also important that committees are comprised of members who fairly represent the diverse demographics of production agriculture for their community. I encourage all producers, including women, minority and beginning farmers and ranchers, to participate in the nomination and election process.”
Nationwide, more than 7,700 dedicated farmers and ranchers serve on FSA county committees, which consist of three to 11 members and meet once a month, or as needed. Members serve three-year terms.
Producers can nominate themselves or others. Organizations, including those representing beginning, women and minority producers, may also nominate candidates to better serve their communities. To be eligible to serve on an FSA county committee, producers must participate or cooperate in an FSA program and reside in the area where the election is being held.
This year, nominations and elections for Vermilion Parish will be held in local administrative area 1, which includes Maurice area east of La Hwy 167, Abbeville area east of the Vermilion River, Erath, Delcambre, Henry and Leblanc areas.
To be considered, a producer must sign an FSA-669A nomination form. The form and other information about FSA county committee elections are available at www.fsa.usda.gov/elections, or from the Vermilion Parish FSA office. All nomination forms for the 2018 election must be postmarked or received in the local FSA office by Aug. 1, 2018. Visit farmers.gov for more information.
Election ballots will be mailed to eligible voters beginning Nov. 5, 2018. Read more to learn about important election dates.

Coach Paul Broussard
ERATH – A Mass celebrating the life of Coach Paul Broussard, 84, will be held at 10:00AM on Tuesday, June 19, 2018 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church with Fr. Andre Metrejean officiating. Interment will follow at Our Lady of Lourdes Cemetery.
Visitation will be at David Funeral Home of Erath on Monday, June 18, 2018 from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. with a recitation of the rosary at 7 p.m. Visitation will resume on Tuesday, June 19, 2018 from 8 a.m. until the time of the services.
A native and resident of Erath, Coach Broussard died at 11:07 a.m. on Saturday, June 16, 2018 at Lafayette General Regional Medical Center following a long illness. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. While in the military he participated on the Army’s Track and Field Team. He was a graduate of SLI and earned his post graduate at McNeese. Coach Broussard touched countless lives in his over 40 years as a teacher and head coach. He taught and coached at St. Francis of Iota, in Lafayette Parish during which time he served as Athletics Director at Comeaux High, and in Vermilion Parish. He loved his athletes and was always proud of their accomplishments. After retirement he taught several years at SLCC.
He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Ann Brunet Broussard of Erath; three sons, Travis Broussard of Erath, Marty Broussard and his wife Paula of Lafayette, and Corey Broussard of Redondo Beach, CA; two daughters, Bannie Settle of Joppatown, MD and Lori Cerami of Southlake, TX; a sister, Deanna Broussard of New Iberia; eight grandchildren, Hanna Settle, Gretchen Settle, Trey Settle, Colby Settle, Taylor Broussard, Olivia Kate Broussard, Jack Broussard, and Bryce Cerami; two great grandchildren, Addilyn Wallace and Milo Cardenas; and Ann’s two children, Victor Shabanah and Natalie Shabanah.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Gilbert and Ida “Dod” Suire Broussard; two brothers, Morris Frederick and Ronald Broussard; a sister, Janelle Viator; a daughter in law, Karen Martin Broussard and two grandchildren, Austin Broussard and Elise Cerami.
Serving as pallbearers will be Travis Broussard, Marty Broussard, Corey Broussard, Jack Broussard, Trey Settle, and Colby Settle.
Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Coach Benny Dronet and Paul Hardy.
The family would like to thank Dr. Ronald Lahasky and his staff of Abbeville for their professionalism and wisdom. We also wish to acknowledge Paul Stutes and his staff at Cashway Pharmacy in Erath for their cheerful and professional ways. Lafayette General Hospital’s doctors and nurses were truly compassionate and tireless in their help to our family during these difficult days.
David Funeral Home of Erath at 209 E. Putnam St. (337)937-0405 will be handling the arrangements.
Birth announcements
Xander Colt Gray
A son, Xander Colt Gray, was born Saturday, June 2, 2018, at Abbeville General to Teala Nichole Gray of Abbeville.
Avianna Reginae Ski Thibeaux
A daughter, Avianna Reginae Ski Thibeaux, was born Tuesday, June 5, 2018, at Abbeville General to Mr. and Mrs. Darrell Charles Thibeaux, Jr. of Abbeville.
The mother is the former Bianca Nicole Prejean.
Jeanelle Paige Mason
A daughter, Jeanelle Paige Mason, was born Friday, June 1, 2018, at Abbeville General to Mr. and Mrs. Sean Michael Mason of Abbeville.
The mother is the former Josie Mae Adeline Picard.
Eben Anthony Georgia
A son, Eben Anthony Georgia, was born Tuesday, May 29, 2018, at Abbeville General to Resha Angelle Broussard and Travor Jay Georgia of Abbeville.
Ryker David Caldwell Lewis
A son, Ryker David Caldwell Lewis, was born Tuesday, May 29, 2018, at Abbeville General to Holley Lynn Singer and Tevin Caldwell Lewis of Delcambre.
Kayzlyn Audreyelle Smith
A daughter, Kayzlyn Audreyelle Smith, was born May 16, 2018, at Abbeville General to Keisha Nicole Sellers of Abbeville and Jason Douglas Smith of Scott.
Brayleigh Paige Touchet
A daughter, Brayleigh Paige Touchet, was born May 16, 2018, at Abbeville General to Brittany Dawn Touchet of Abbeville.
Elijah Quinn Harrington
A son, Elijah Quinn Harrington, was born at Women’s and Children’s May 30, 2018, to Mr. and Mrs. Jeremy Harrington of Kaplan.
The mother is the former Gabrielle Vincent.
Norah Joan Creasman
A daughter, Norah Joan Creasman, was born May 31, 2018, at Women’s and Children’s to Mr. and Mrs. Dylan Creasman of Abbeville.
The mother is the former Kacie Breaux.
Allie Kate Hebert
A daughter, Allie Kate Hebert, was born, May 26, 2018, at Women’s and Children’s to Mr. and Mrs. Trent Hebert of Maurice.
The mother is the former Katherine Broussard.
Easton Paul Delcambre
A son, Easton Paul Delcambre, was born May 28, 2018, at Women’s and Children’s to Mr. and Mrs. Cru Delcambre of Gueydan.
The mother is the former Ashly Lougon.
Remi Lyn O’Quinn
A daughter, Remi Lyn O’Quinn, was born May 26, 2018, at Women’s and Children’s to Maci Terrebonne and John O’Quinn, Jr. of Erath,
Kohen Kentrell Edmond
A son, Kohen Kentrell Edmond, was born May 28, 2018, at Women’s and Children’s to Mr. and Mrs. Markeil Edmond, Sr.
The mother is the former Shawna August.
Maggie James LeBlanc
A daughter, Maggie James LeBlanc, was born May 24, 2018, at Women’s and Children’s to Mr. and Mrs. Eric LeBlanc of Erath.
Mrs. LeBlanc is the former Bliss Romero.
Camden James Lavergne
A son, Camden James Lavergne, was born May 18, 2018, at Women’s and Children’s to Mr. and Mrs. Cody Lavergne of Delcambre.
The mother if the former Jenci Meaux.
Emmett Hayes Ryder
A son, Emmett Hayes Ryder, was born May 18, 2018, at Women’s and Children’s to Mr. and Mrs. Jeremy Ryder of Maurice.
The mother is the former Alix Broussard.
Jayceon Jaleel Promise
A son, Jayceon Jaleel Promise, was born April 26, 2018, at Women’s and Children’s to Nesherica Promise of Abbeville.
Yvonne Marie Landry
A daughter, Yvonne Marie Landry, was born May 11, 2018, at Women’s and Children’s to Daniel Landry and Myra Johnson of Abbeville.
Saylor Marie Duhon
A daughter, Saylor Marie Duhon, was born May 11, 2018, at Women’s and Children’s to Mr. and Mrs. Kyle Duhon of Abbeville.
The mother is the former Shaina Comeaux.
Journei Angelle Kelly
A daughter, Journei Angelle Kelly, was born Saturday, June 9, 2018, at Abbeville General to Jarrah Angelle Turner and Journal Robert Kelly of Abbeville.
Janiyah Amari Batiste
A daughter, Janiyah Amari Batiste, was born Wednesday, June 13, 2018, at Abbeville General to La’Dedra Ra’Sha’Na Vakel Chargois and Jaquari Dentrel Thaney Batiste of Abbeville.

Mrs. Dason Jude Bernard
Broussard - Dason Bernard exchange vows
Miss Courtney Renee Broussard, and Mr. Dason Jude Bernard, both of Erath, were united in marriage during a nuptial Mass held at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Erath on Friday, May 25, 2018.
Father Andre Metrejean officiated the 6:20 p.m. ceremony.
The bride is the daughter of Chad and Yvette Broussard of Erath and Matthew and Hope Cleveland of Abbeville. Her grandparents are Bradley and Neila Broussard and Russell and Bonnie LeLeux, all of Erath.
The groom is the son of Kevin and Margaret Bernard of Erath.
Music was provided by Melissa Lacour, organist and Kristy Langlinais and Chris West, vocalists.
Musical selections were Oh God Beyond All Praising (processional) and Holy God We Praise Thy Name (recessional).
Escorted by her father, the bride was lovely in her unique bridal gown which had a classy design featuring a figure flattering slip silhouette with whispers of soft ivory lace. The delicate straps and bodice gave an etherial appearance. Lastly, the bride’s look was completed by a beautiful illusion back enclosed with covered buttons and a semi-cathedral train. She wore cathedral veil with lace trimming.
The bride carried a bouquet of natural flowing, nosegay style bouquet consisting of cream and ivory roses, seeded silver dollar eucalyptus and spiral eucalyptus.
Alexandra Campos attended as her maid of honor. Bridesmaids included Taylor Broussard, sister of the bride; Lena Issa, Brye LeBlanc, Katelyn Broussard, all friends of the bride; Ashlyn Lege, cousin of the groom and Anne Renee Meaux, cousin of the bride. The junior bridesmaids were Raleigh Landry, niece of the groom and Ahni Frederick, godchild of the bride.
The maids wore floor length, slate blue chiffon dresses of their own style choice. They each carried a bouquet of fresh baby’s breath with silver dollar eucalyptus at the bottom.
The flower girl, Nyla Trahan, daughter of Desmond Trahan, held a kissing ball of fresh baby’s breath.
Best man was Brennan Bernard. Groomsmen included Scott Bernard, cousin of the groom; Coy Clostio, friend of the groom; Ty Broussard, brother of the bride; Jason Romero, friend of the groom; Tyler Broussard, friend of the groom and Blake Smith, friend of the bride.
Junior groomsmen were Coy and Coty Broussard, brothers of the bride and Cohen Landry, godchild of the groom.
The ring bearers were Parker and Graham Bernard, sons of Brennan and Amanda Bernard. Ushers were Clayton Landry, Nathan Leblanc and Jake Dever.
A reception was held at The Landry Building in Erath immediately following the wedding.
A rehearsal dinner, hosted by the parents of the groom, was held at Riverfront on Thursday, May 24.
After their return from the wedding trip to Exuma, Bahamas, the couple will reside in Erath.
Courtney is a 2010 graduate of Erath High School and a 2014 graduate of UL Lafayette with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. She is employed by Schoeffler Energy Group, Inc.
Dason is a 2010 graduate of Erath High School and a 2014 graduate of UL Lafayette with a Bachelor of Science in General Studies. He is employed with KJB Contractors.

Mrs. Courtney James Trahan
Gallet - Trahan united in marriage
Miss Haley Danielle Gallet of Youngsville and Mr. Courtney James Trahan of Maurice, were joined in holy matrimony during a ceremony held on Saturday, June 16, 2018, at St. Mary Magdalen Church in Abbeville.
Father Michael Richard officiated the 6:30 p.m. wedding ceremony.
The bride is the daughter of Ryan And Christine Gallet of Youngsville. Her grandparents are James (J.C.) and Kathy Gallet of Youngsville, LA; Diane Armstrong of Broussard, LA and Thomas Sinitiere of Lafayette, LA.
The groom is the son of Arnold and Wanda Trahan of Maurice, LA. His grandparents are Magdalene and the Late Leonard “B.B.” Trahan of Maurice and Robert and Irene Clark of Maurice.
Music was provided by Tommy Guidry. Reading were given by J. C. Gallet, grandfather of the bride and Denise Clark, godmother of the groom.
Ushers were Brian Gallet, godfather of the bride and Thomas Sinitiere, uncle of the bride.
Escorted by her husband, the mother of the bride wore a sleeveless black lace, floor length gown with a long elegant train.
The mother of the groom was escorted by her son, Courtney. She wore a two piece black ensemble. The top was open lace with bell sleeves, while the pants were a flowing chiffon.
Escorted by her father, the bride wore a dress found exclusively at A-Nets Bridal Boutique. The chic strapless gown began with a deep sweetheart neckline. Crisp ivory and delicate lace completely covered the fit and flare silhouette and ended in a scalloped hem. Finally, the gown featured a covered button enclosure and semi-cathedral train.
Hannah Gallet, sister of the bride, served as maid of honor. Bridesmaids included Addison Gallet, cousin of the bride; Skylar Noel, Katie Kern and Angelle Laperouse, all friends of the bride.
The flower girl was Chloe Grace Trahan, daughter of the bride and groom.
The bridesmaids wore a one strapped floor length gown belted at the waist in a soft blush satin. The flower girl wore a replica of the mother of the bride’s wedding gown.
Brandon Trahan, brother of the groom, served as best man. Groomsmen included Boyd Denais, Jacob Broussard, Jacob Guidry, Hunter Veillon, Dylan Thibodeaux and Briston Dooley, all friends of the groom.
A reception followed the ceremony at Magdalen Place in Abbeville.
Upon their return from a wedding trip to the Bahamas, the couple will reside in Maurice.

Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Morvant.
Hannah Waguespack- Alexander Morvant marry
Miss Hannah Marie Waguespack and Mr. Alexander Robert Morvant were joined in holy matrimony on Friday, May 11, 2018 at St. Joseph Co-Cathedral in Thibodaux, LA.
Father Andre’ Melancon officiated the 7 p.m. Mass.
The bride is the daughter of Randy and Melinda Waguespack of Vacherie, La. She is a graduate of Edward Douglas White C.H.S. in Thibodaux and a Nicholls State University and LSU Health and Sciences Center in New Orleans in the Physicians Assistant Program. She is employed with Orthopedic Sports Specialist-La. in Thibodaux.
The groom is the son of Mark Joseph Morvant and Maureen “Shonie” Sonnier Morvant. He graduated from the Edward Douglas White C.H.S. in Thibodaux and UL at Lafayette. He is employed by Acadia Concrete in Houma, LA.
Readers were Frederick Sonnier and Victoria Verdun. Gift bearers were Robert M. Sonnier, Jr. and Lois Dugas.
For her special day, she wore a Pronovias dress created in crepe and tulle. Delicateness and sweetness take over this incredible mermaid style dress with a fitted waist that drapes beautifully, especially the fabric in the skirt. Her large train was made with the same fabric. The bodice had a discreet V-neck which fit perfectly to the silhouette. The Japanese style sleeves filled with detail and embroidered with floral motifs blended into the deep V-back. The cathedral length veil fell beautifully from a half wreath of spring leaves and was accented with delicate lace around the edges.
Matron of honor was Meryl Waguespack Gravois. Bridesmaids included Delaney Morvant Koch, sister of the groom; Addie Himmel, Catherine Weimer, Jessica Cedatol, Kandis Cazenave, Jayme Alleman and Megan Luke. The flower girl was Brennly Bonvillain.
Attending as best man was Chase St. Pierre. Groomsmen included Cameron Moreau, Luke Spinella, Grant Chiasson, Joshua Jackson, Stetson Rodrigue, Matthew Landry and Justin Waguespack, brother of the bride.
Ring bearers were Levi Gravois and Tucker Smith.
Ushers were Josh Alford and Craig Waguespack.
The couple honeymooned in Tulum, Mexico.

Team Holy Smokes, from left to right, Darius Girouard, Emile Trahan, Allen McLain, Kevin Sagrera, Jacob Sagrera and John McLain with the 122.5 pound Warsaw Grouper.
Fishing for Memories tournament results in Vermilion Parish
Fishing for Memories 2018 Results
Overall Winners
Biggest Rodeo Fish: Kevin Sagrera, 122.5 lb. Warsaw Group, Holy Smokes
Best Offshore Boat: UnReel with Troy Gardner, Chance Thomas, Allen LeMaire, Sammy Hebert, Philip Perry, Reece Place, and Brandon Arabie
Best Inshore Boat: On the Hook with TJ Thompson, Remy Thompson & Maghon Thomas
Most Ticket Sales: C&J’s Outfitters & More
Kayak Champion Luke Beslin, Flounder 1.88 lbs. & Redfish 2.12 lbs. on the Maria T.
Youth
Catfish
1st place Remy Thompson, 21.85 lbs., On the Hook
2nd place Remy Thompson, 21.8 lbs., On the Hook
3rd place Remy Thompson, 21 lbs., On the Hook
Croaker
1st place Owen Landry, .67 lb., Nothing Butt Net
2nd place Parker Greene, .65 lb., Tahoe
3rd place Beau Stelly, .6 lb., Makin Memories
Speckled Trout
1st place Jace Adams, 3.92 lbs., La Bonne Vie
2nd place Carlyn Ledet, 2.9 lbs., Dot Chasers
3rd place Kaylee Guillory, 2.8 lbs., Pop-A-Top
Redfish
1st place Luke Dutil, 8.16 lbs., Cat Sack Fever
2nd place Owen Landry, 8.03 lbs., Nothing Butt Net
3rd place Owen Landry, 8.03 lbs., Nothing Butt Net
Lagniappe
1st place Rhett Lanie, 48 lbs. Eel, Catatude
2nd place Tommy Dooley, 29.75 lbs. Jack Crevalle, One Over
3rd place Kreig Allen, 27.10 lbs. Jack Crevalle, One Over
Adult Inshore Division
Black Drum
1st place Melvin Marceaux, 32.95 lbs., Sea Pro
2nd place Clint Dutil, 30.55 lbs., Cat Sack Fever
3rd place Keith Delahoussaye, 23.25 lbs., Nothing Butt Net
Catfish
1st place Robbie Landry, 42.45 lbs., Square One
2nd place T.J. Thompson, 30.4 lbs., On the Hook
3rd place Luke Dutil, 26.2 lbs., Cat Sack Fever
Croaker
1st place Norma Romero, .82 lb., Always Broke
2nd place Norma Romero, .74 lb., Always Broke
3rd place Nancy Trahan, .69 lb., Da Wild Thing
Flounder
1st place T.J. Thompson, 2.58 lbs., On the Hook
2nd place Bob Blanchet, 2.17 lbs., Grey Possum
3rd place Jason Sellers, 2.1 lbs., Triple T.
Garfish
1st place T.J. Thompson, 90.9 lbs., On the Hook
2nd place Chloe d’Augereaux, 65.45 lbs., Da d’Augereaux
3rd place Leslie Clark, 52 lbs., Fish On
Speckled Trout (2 fish 12-25 inches)
1st place Chet Broussard, 9.49 lbs., Pop-A-Top
2nd place Jared Adams, 8.3 lbs., La Bonne Vie
3rd place Jared Adams, 7.73 lbs., La Bonne Vie
Redfish
1st place T.J. Thompson, 18.13 lbs., On the Hook
2nd place Chad Koch, 17.74 lbs., B-4 Reel
3rd place Quentin Comeaux, 17.5 lbs., Nothing Butt Net
Adult Offshore Division
Cobia
1st place Brandon Arabie, 52.4 lbs., UnReel
2nd place Joey Comeaux, 52.05 lbs., Steady Current
3rd place Jeff Delahoussaye, 51 lbs., One Over
Grouper
1st place Kevin Sagrera, 122.5 lbs., Holy Smokes
2nd place Jansen Weaver, 70.2 lbs., Steady Current
3rd place Mike LeBlanc, 69.9 lbs., Lickety Split
King Mackeral
1st place Rhett Lanie, 51.95 lbs., Catatude
2nd place Cole Trahan, 43.9 lbs., Rocketman
3rd place Jansen Weaver, 39.25 lbs., Steady Current
Mangrove Snapper
1st place Allen LeMaire, 9.88 lbs., UnReel
2nd place Allen LeMaire, 9.44 lbs., UnReel
3rd place Seth LeBlanc, 8.92 lbs., Kokomo
Red Snapper
1st place Pat Hammon, 22 lbs., Thank You Sugar
2nd place Reece Place, 18.9 lbs., UnReel
3rd place Brian Broussard, 18.83 lbs., Happy Hooker
Swordfish
1st place Tommy Stevens, 78.95 lbs., Lickety Split
Tuna
1st place Emile Trahan, 93.25 lbs., Holy Smokes
2nd place Ryan Duhon, 35.8 lbs., Hyper-Tension
3rd place Hunter Luquette, 22.05 lbs., Hyper-Tension
Wahoo
1st place Neil Schexnaider, 86.7 lbs., Hyper-Tension
2nd place Bill Gardner, 26.7 lbs., Hyper-Tension
3rd place Brannon Quebodeaux, 15 lbs., Kokomo

