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Motorcyclist Succumbs to Injuries Received in Lafayette Parish Crash

Fri, 06/15/2018 - 1:49pm

MILTON – Shortly before 3:30 p.m. on June 14, 2018, Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop I began investigating a two vehicle serious injury crash that occurred on LA Hwy 92 near Mermentau Rd. in Lafayette Parish. The crash took the life of 20-year-old Jessie R. Bourque of Duson.
The initial investigation by State Police revealed that the crash occurred as Bourque was riding a 2003 Harley Davidson motorcycle westbound on LA Hwy 92. At the same time, 59-year-old Clyde Lee of Carencro was driving a 2005 International 7400 truck eastbound on LA Hwy 92. Lee attempted to make a left turn off of LA Hwy 92 onto Placide Rd., and pulled into the path of the motorcycle. As a result the motorcycle struck the International truck and Bourque was ejected.
Despite the fact that Bourque was wearing a DOT approved helmet, he suffered serious injuries as a result of the crash. He was transported from the scene to Lafayette General Medical Center where he later succumbed to those injuries. Impairment on his part is unknown at this time, but a toxicology sample was taken from him to be submitted to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab for analysis. Impairment on the part of Lee was not a factor. He was cited for LRS 32:122 Vehicle turning left at intersection. This crash remains under investigation.
Louisiana State Troopers wish to remind motorists to always make good decisions while in a motor vehicle. Making good choices such as never driving while impaired, always ensuring every occupant is properly restrained, avoiding all distractions, and obeying all traffic laws can often mean the difference between life and death. While not all crashes are survivable, Troopers encourage all riders to take an approved motorcycle safety course. For more information on the Louisiana Motorcycle Safety, Awareness, and Operator Training Program, visit http://www.lsp.org/motorcycle.html.

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Councilman Francis Plaisance (right) presents Tony Mayard with a key to the City of Abbeville.

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Mayard receives Key to City of Abbeville for contributions to art

Fri, 06/15/2018 - 10:14am

Tony Mayard was honored in a special way on June 7, at a Vermilion Arts Council event for his 20-plus years of volunteer and philanthropic service to the Vermilion Arts Council and Abbeville as a whole.
Recently retired from his role as President of the Arts Council and his position as curator of the Alliance Center, Mayard was surprised by his colleagues and friends when the new president Megan Bertrand unveiled a new sign for the Alliance Center dedicating the gallery space as the new Tony Mayard Exhibition Gallery.
Councilman Francis Plaisance was on hand to present a framed certificate with a declaration by Mayor Mark Piazza that June 7, 2018 was officially Tony Mayard Day. He was also presented with a key to the city.
Many people came forward to express there thanks to Tony for all that he has done, including Charlene Beckett with Abbeville Main Street and Friends of Palmetto Island State Park, who wanted to thank him for all the paintings he has donated to the park to help raise funds.
The current exhibit: The Gathering A Collection of Local Artists, will be on display through the end of June, followed by a solo exhibit by Tony Mayard that will run from July through October.

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Mary Grace Sherlock, president-elect of the student chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, is interviewed at the State of the Coast Conference in New Orleans.

UL Lafayette civil engineering students cited for coastal restoration efforts

Fri, 06/15/2018 - 9:44am

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s American Society of Civil Engineers student chapter recently earned a stewardship award from the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana.
The award recognizes work related to preserving Louisiana’s coastal wetlands. UL Lafayette’s ASCE chapter was recognized last month at the coalition’s State of the Coast Conference in New Orleans.
The yearly awards observe “outstanding commitment to the coast” and “significant contributions to the restoration and conservation of Louisiana’s coastal wetlands,” according to a press release.
The chapter has helped the coalition and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries on restoration and conservation projects.
The American Society of Civil Engineers is based in Washington, D.C. It is the oldest engineering society in the nation.
The Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana focuses on outreach, restoration and advocacy. Learn more: https://www.crcl.org.

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Bridge in downtown Abbeville to close on Monday, June 18

Thu, 06/14/2018 - 11:10am

The Old Abbeville Bridge on LA 14 Business between LA 335 (South Henry Street) and North Main Street will be closed until further notice beginning Monday, June 18 at 8:30 a.m., for bridge maintenance.
The detour route will include US 167, LA 14 Bypass and LA 82. The detour will be posted.
DOTD appreciates your patience and reminds you to please drive with caution and be on the lookout for work crews and their equipment.

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Codrey Gaspard Menard

Wed, 06/13/2018 - 4:16pm

December 12, 1936 ~ June 13, 2018

ABBEVILLE — A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, June 15, 2018 at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church honoring the life of Codrey Mae Gaspard Menard, 81, who died Wednesday, June 13, 2018 at Eastridge Assisted Living Center. She will be laid to rest at St. Paul Cemetery with Fr. Matthew Hebert officiating the services.
She is survived by her son, Robert Wayne Menard and his wife Patricia Champagne; four daughters, Cindy Luquette and her husband John, Phyllis Luquette and her husband Mark, Angela Hebert and her husband Deacon Joseph Hebert, and Laura Hardy and her husband Edward; seventeen grandchildren; numerous great grandchildren; two brothers, Augustin Gaspard, “Jr.”, and James Gaspard; and four sisters, Yvonne Stelly, Ouida Sanderline, Marie Hebert and her husband Edwin, and Delores Major and her husband Joseph.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Eves Menard; parents, Augustin Gaspard, Sr. and the former Ida Boudreaux; brothers, John Gaspard, Luke Gaspard, Eldridge Gaspard, and Nolan Gaspard; and sisters, Joyce (Sr. Elizabeth) Gaspard, Naomie LaVergne, Anna Marie Gaspard, and Mary Nolia Gaspard; granddaughter, Angelique Domingue Sonnier; and great grandson, Joshua Domingue.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville, 209 S. St. Charles St., on Thursday, June 14, 2018 from 2:00 PM until 9:00 PM with a rosary being prayed at 7:00 PM; Friday, June 15, 2018 from 8:00 AM until 9:45 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.

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Black smoke could be seen miles away from Gueydan.

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Fire was shooting high in the sky because of burning crude oil in tanks.

Lightning strikes oil tanker near Gueydan; sets it on fire

Wed, 06/13/2018 - 3:28pm

Multiple fire departments responded to a fire Wednesday afternoon at the old Pure Oil facility, which used to be an oil field plant. The facility is located on the east side of Gueydan. While no official cause has been given, it is believed that lightning struck a battery and ignited one of the tanks. Officials on the scene were concerned about other tanks catching fire. No injuries have been reported.

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Kaylee Lopez has had a lot to smile about the last two years in a row.

North Vermilion's Lopez wins back-to-back Class 3A MVP honors

Wed, 06/13/2018 - 12:44pm

One player who delivered strikes and another whose specialty was catching them lead the Louisiana Sports Writers Association’s Class 3A All-State baseball and softball teams.
Iota High junior pitcher Hunter Wriborg is the 3A Most Valuable Player for baseball, while North Vermilion High senior catcher Kaylee Lopez is the 3A MVP for softball.
Lopez, a McNeese State signee, hit .645 with a 1.514 slugging percentage, 18 doubles, three triples, 23 homers and 74 RBIs and helped North Vermilion to the second round of the playoffs.
It is the second straight year Lopez wins the Class 3A Player of the Year Award.
Also joining Lopez on the all state team is teammate Kylie Naomi (471 batting average). This is Naomi’s second year in a row to make all-state.
Kaplan freshman pitcher Carina Chargois earned all state honorable mention honors.
Wriborg led Iota to the Class 3A runner-up title after going 10-1 with 75 strikeouts and a 0.86 ERA.
No parish baseball player earned first team honors, but the parish had three honorable mention selections. The were Mason Granger and Chandler LeBlanc of Erath and Darian Duhon of North Vermilion.
Berwick High baseball coach Brandon Bravata and Crowley High softball coach Josh Schrader won the Coach of the Year honors for the LSWA squads selected by a panel of sportswriters.
Bravata, in his first season as head coach of the Panthers, took fourth-seeded Berwick (29-8) to the program’s first state title since 1978 a despite graduating six starters from a 2017 team that reached the 3A semifinals.
Schrader, who just completed his fourth season at Crowley, led the ninth-seeded Ladies to a 25-9 overall record, an upset of No. 1 Brusly in the quarterfinals and the program’s first ever semifinal appearance.

CLASS 3A SOFTBALL

Pos | Player | School | Class | Rec/Avg

P | Victoria Abrams | Caldwell | Jr. | 11-0

P | Brittney Turner | Albany | Soph. | 19-7

P | Nella LaGrange | Crowley | Jr. | 22-8

P | Myka Lester | Westlake | Jr. | N/A

C | Kaylee Lopez | North Vermilion | Sr. | .645

IF | Phoebe Spell | Crowley | Jr. | .505

IF | Whitney Tate | Caldwell | Jr. | .661

IF | Kaylelea Dearmon | Jena | Sr. | .464

IF | Kylie Naomi | North Vermilion | Sr. | .471

OF | KB Briley | Sterlington | Soph. | .485

OF | Teri Johnson | Iota | Sr. | .505

OF | Jaclyn Deason | South Beauregard | Jr. | .450

Utility | Mary-Cathryn Comeaux | Brusly | Jr. | 18-5

Utility | Jade Brady | St. Charles | Sr. | 15-2

Utility | Allie Hutton | Hannan | Sr. | 18-6

Utility | Caroline Julian | St. Charles | Sr. | .520

Utility | Makenzie Droddy | Iota | Fr. | 465

Most Valuable Player: Kaylee Lopez, North Vermillion

Coach of the Year: Josh Schrader, Crowley

Honorable mention: Saige Gant, St. James; Maley Stein, St. James; Alyssa Gray, Berwick; Mecollet Bradley, De La Salle; Tanner Wilson, Sterlington; Carina Chargois, Kaplan; Karina Simpkins, South Beauregard; Hannhan Derouen, St. Louis; Rebekah Wood, Sterlington; Ashleigh Rowland, Caldwell; Shelby Wood, St. Louis; Gentry Spinks, Hannan; Sckylier Baronet, Crowley; Carson Lyon, Sterlington; Anna Hunt, Caldwell; Tia Brown, Jena; Kaci Payne, Albany; Madison Knight, Albany; Kyana Thymes; Kassidy Moore; Katelyn Courville, St. Louis; Tamia Brown, Jena; Sedrianna Wilson, Jena; Angel Bradford, Brusly; Heather Degenhardt, Albany; Katelyn Courville, St. Louis; Kiri Parker, St. James; Maryann Brame, Bolton; Tiffani, North Webster.

CLASS 3A BASEBALL

Pos | Player | School | Class | Rec/Avg

P | Cory Cook | De La Salle | Jr. | 8-2

P | Trey Rugg | Sterlington | Jr. | 12-1

P | Mitchell Sanford | Berwick | Jr. | 7-1

P | Hunter Wriborg | Iota | Jr. | 10-1

C | Josh Youngblood | Eunice | Sr. | .421

IF | Robby Gilbert | St. Charles | .404

IF | Jarrett McDonald | Sterlington | Sr. | .480

IF | Will Doughty | Iota | Sr. | .403

IF | Cameron Daigle | Brusly | Sr. | 482

OF | Brooks Rushworth | Sterlington | Sr. | 386

OF | Andrew Ashby | Iota | Soph. | .444

OF | Jaden Brasseaux | Eunice | Sr. | .459

Utility | Kyle Pitre | Berwick | Sr. | 9-3

Utility | Chase Fisher | South Beauregard | Jr. | .377

Utility | Jacob Burke | University | Jr. | .351

Utility | Tyler Theriot | Brusly | Sr. | 10-3

Utility | Grant Upton | University | Sr. | 9-1

Most Valuable Player: Hunter Wriborg, Iota

Coach of the Year: Brandon Bravata, Berwick

Honorable mention: Zeph Hoffpauir, Berwick; Alec Mahler, St. James; Randy Paul, Patterson; Travis Racca, Westlake; Michael Harlow, Westlake; Kole Myers, Jennings; Carson Clowers, Sterlington, Sr; Grant Sanders, Iowa; Haeden Joubert, Iowa; Dyami Huntsberry, Iowa; Adam Tubbs, Sterlington; Logan Gray, St. Louis; Jonathan Matherne, Loranger; Cole Harper, Loranger; Tristan Miller, Iota; Matthew Storment, Loyola; Lucas Hatch, Berwick; Nick Lucido, Hannan; Jeremiah Ceasar, St. Louis; Jon Deven Mouton, Iota; Mason Granger, Erath; Darian Duhon, North Vermilion; Tyler Darbonne, Eunice; Chance Lyon, Loyola; Will Safford, University; Reid Wiley, Berwick; Luke Colona, Loranger; Chandler LeBlanc, Erath; Damon Fountain, St. Louis; Stephen Klein, De La Salle; Sam Mondisette, North Webster; Fox Vidrine, University.

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SUBMITTED PHOTOS
Christine Payton, left, of Team Mergist, and Michele Veillon of Elder Outreach go over details of the June 20-21 program that will establish a world record for the longest Bingo game. The event, to be held at Southwind Healthcare and Rehabilitation Activity Center, will benefit the Alzheimer’s Association.

World Record Bingo attempt is fundraiser for Alzheimer’s Assoc.

Wed, 06/13/2018 - 11:01am
Steve Bandy, LSN editor

CROWLEY — Elder Outreach and Team Mergist are combining efforts to set a Guinness Book of World Records for the “Longest Bingo Game” on record.
“While our application for the world record is still in the process of being approved, we are continuing to move forward like the true record-holders we are,” said Michele Veillon, program director for Elder Outreach. “At the close of our event, we are determined to declare victory.”
The event will be held in the Southwind Healthcare and Rehabilitation Activity Center beginning at 3 p.m. Wednesday, June 20. The session will end at 3 p.m. Thursday, June 21.
“We are committing to play Bingo for 24 consecutive hours to coincide with the Alzheimer’s Association’s signature event, The Longest Day,” Veillon explained. “All proceeds will be donated directly to the Alzheimer’s Association.”
The Alzheimer’s Association’s Longest Day — held on the actual longest day of the year, the summer solstice — honors the strength, passion and endurance of those living with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers.
“We will be spending the longest day of the year playing Bingo to do our part in helping to bring awareness about this disease and to find a cure for Alzheimer’s,” said Veillon.
Veillon and her co-chair, Christine Payton of Team Mergist, one of the top Alzheimer’s fundraisers in the state, are working on the logistics of the 24-hour Bingo extravaganza.
Residents of six Elder Outreach communities will be participating in the event. Those include Southwind Healthcare and Rehabilitation, Southwind Senior Living Suites and Encore Healthcare and Rehabilitation, all of Crowley; Eastridge Senior Living Suites and Eastridge Nursing and Rehabilitation, both of Abbeville; and Pelican Pointe Healthcare and Rehabilitation of Maurice.
“We’re not going to make our residents sit there and play Bingo for 24 hour,” Veillon laughed. “However, the event is not really open to the general public. To participate, you have to be either a sponsor, a volunteer or make a donation.”
Those donations can include non-cash items valued at least $10 which will be awarded as prizes for the games.
Veillon said most of the late-night and early-morning game will be played by volunteers and sponsors. “But if a (Southwind) resident can’t sleep and wants to come play, that’ll be fine,” she added.
Priority play time during the hours of 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. on June 20 and 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on June 21 will be given to residents of all Elder Outreach / Healthcare Partner communities, Team Mergist members, title sponsors, and “Power Hour” sponsors.
A number of “celebrity” callers will be participating and various “theme hours” will be observed throughout the event.
Twenty-five players will be scheduled to play during all hours of the event, however, players may be added if space is available.
There will be a 1- to 2-hour “playtime limit” on each player with the exception of residents and those with sponsorship benefits.
A number of different sponsorship levels are available. Anyone wanting to make a donation should contact Veillon at (337) 258-6398 or mveillon@premierafs.com; or Payton at (337) 254-8271.

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