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Abbeville man Killed on US Highway 90 in Iberia Parish

Mon, 08/31/2020 - 9:39am

IBERIA PARISH – Shortly after 10:00 p.m. on August 30, 2020, Troopers responded to a fatal crash involving a pedestrian on US Highway 90 near North College Road. The crash claimed the life of 40-year-old Chad James Maturin of Abbeville.
The preliminary investigation by State Police revealed Maturin was a passenger in a in an eastbound Hyundai Sonata that pulled onto the outside shoulder of US 90 and came to a stop. For unknown reasons, Maturin exited the vehicle and stood in the center of the outside eastbound lane of US 90. He was struck by an eastbound 2005 BMW 2-door passenger car.
Maturin was pronounced deceased at scene by the Iberia Parish Coroner’s Office. The driver of the BMW was properly restrained and was transported to a local hospital with only minor injuries. Standard toxicology samples were taken and will be submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.
Troop I has investigated 37 fatal crashes resulting in 41 deaths since the beginning of 2020.

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Eve D. Bourque

Mon, 08/31/2020 - 9:26am

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, August 31, 2020 in Delhomme Funeral Home - Maurice, for Eve Denais Bourque, 94, who passed away on August 23, 2020, at her residence.
Fr. Paul Bienvenu, Pastor of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, will conduct the funeral services.
Burial will take place in Leblanc Catholic Cemetery.
Mrs. Bourque, a resident of Covington, was the daughter of the late Jacque Denais and the former Editha Simon.
She is survived by her daughters, Dianna Bourque Risher (Ernie) and Brenda Bourque Graham (Jay); granddaughter, Amy Risher McCance (Lee); two great-granddaughters, Haley and Camille McCance; nephews, James, Carl and Lester Denais; and niece, Hope Denais Landry. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Velma Bourque Williams.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Jean "SueSue" Bourque; her parents, Jacque and Editha Denais; and her siblings, Dalton Denais, Joseph Denais and Mary Rose Denais Bourque and her best friend and companion of many years, Luke Bourque.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Delhomme Funeral Home on Monday, August 31, 2020 from 12:00 PM until 2:00 PM.
Pallbearers will be her family and friends.
Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, the family requests that State recommendations regarding wearing masks and maintaining social distancing be observed throughout the visitation and service.
Personal condolences may be sent to the Bourque family at www.delhommefuneralhome.com.
Delhomme Funeral Home, 200 Chief H. Fred Road, Maurice, LA is in charge of funeral arrangements.

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Robert Marion Morvant, Sr.

Mon, 08/31/2020 - 9:25am

DELCAMBRE – A Funeral Service will be held for Robert Marion Morvant, Sr., age 75, at 11:00 am Monday, August 31, 2020 at Evangeline Funeral Home with Deacon Timothy Marcantel officiating. Burial will follow at Our Lady of the Lake Mausoleum.
Visitation will be held on Sunday from 2:00 pm until 9:00 pm at Evangeline Funeral Home. The funeral home will reopen on Monday at 8:00 am until service time.
A native of Vermilion Parish and resident of Delcambre, Mr. Morvant passed away at 10:08 pm on Monday, August 24, 2020 at Abbeville General Hospital.
Mr. Morvant was employed with Vermilion Parish Sheriff Dept. for more than 14 years where he served as a custodian. He loved working with his hands and was an excellent wood worker. He owned a chair factory and crafted wooden rockers and chairs.
He volunteered his time with Cajun Youth Sports for many years and loved spending time with his family.
He is survived by his wife of more than 50 years, Florence Vice Morvant of Delcambre; one daughter, Danielle Trahan and husband Chad of Delcambre; two sons, Robert Morvant, Jr. and wife Mystie of New Iberia and Ricky Movant of Nunez; twelve grandchildren, Aaron Trahan and Kaitlynn, Kyle Trahan and Raquel, Bailee Trahan, Krislyn Morvant and Bowie, Nikita Comeaux and Marcus, Tiffany Hanks and Joseph, Chris Duhon and Christina, Courtney Duhon and Jamie, Lindsey McDonald and John, Sydnie Whitman, Kenzi Whitman and Angel Morvant; eight great grandchildren, Asher Trahan, Archer Trahan, Zo’wee Morvant, Laynee Comeaux, Layne Comeaux, Cameron Hanks, Demi Duhon and Christiana Duhon and two sisters, Wilda Thibodeaux of Delcambre and Mary Champagne of St. Martinville.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Willie and Lillian Mergist Morvant; one brother, Michael Morvant and one sister, Gloria Segura.
Pallbearers will be Aaron Trahan, Kyle Trahan, Willie Morvant, Marcus Comeaux, Carrol Schexnayder and Troy Morvant.
To view the 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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Gov. John Bel Edwards

Gov. Edwards Requests Expedited Major Disaster Declaration Following Hurricane Laura

Fri, 08/28/2020 - 4:35pm

BATON ROUGE — In a letter to President Donald Trump, Gov. John Bel Edwards today requested a major disaster declaration for 23 parishes in Louisiana impacted by Hurricane Laura which, if approved, would bring FEMA assistance to affected individuals and communities. At least ten people have died in Louisiana following the storm, with many thousands more suffering damage to their homes and businesses.
“Hurricane Laura is the fifth strongest storm to make landfall in the United States in recorded history and the first in memory to maintain major hurricane strength as it traveled through Louisiana, bringing catastrophic destruction to many parishes and, sadly, causing the deaths of at least six people in our state,” Gov. Edwards said. “Our people are strong and we will get through these trying times, and a major disaster declaration is the first step in bringing critical aid to our communities. I appreciate the President’s consideration of my request and for the support of the federal government as Louisiana responds not only to this disastrous storm, but also to the COVID-19 pandemic, which is complicating our traditional Hurricane Season plans.”
Hurricane Laura made landfall in Louisiana on Thursday, August 27 at 1 a.m. in Cameron Parish as a strong Category 4 hurricane, bringing with it severe storm surge and damaging winds. In addition, Louisiana prepared for and was impacted by Hurricane Marco days before and is in the midst of responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. Gov. Edwards declared a state of emergency statewide on August 21 in advance of Hurricane Marco and Hurricane Laura.
The Governor is requesting all categories of FEMA Public Assistance (for governmental and public entities) and FEMA Individual Assistance (for people impacted by the storm) for the 23 parishes directly in path of Hurricane Laura and their residents. He is also requesting Category B FEMA Public Assistance (for governmental and public entities) statewide for parishes to address the cost of their preparations and response.
The 23 most impacted parishes are: Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Jefferson Davis, Acadia, Vermilion, Catahoula, Grant, LaSalle, Natchitoches, Rapides, Sabine, Vernon, Winn, Bienville, Claiborne, Red River, Caldwell, Jackson, Lincoln, Ouachita and Union.
Yesterday, Gov. Edwards traveled to Southwest Louisiana to survey storm damage in Calcasieu, Cameron and Vermilion parishes. Today, he traveled to Central Louisiana and North Louisiana to further survey storm damage, as Hurricane Laura retained strength and wind speed as the storm traveled through Louisiana.
As of 9 a.m. on Friday, August 28, there were more than 543,000 power outages in Louisiana, stretching from Southwest Louisiana through the central part of the state to North Louisiana. Another 209,000 residents are affected by water outages and many thousands more are displaced from their homes.

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Parts of Abbeville under boil advisory

Wed, 08/26/2020 - 9:22am

A small part of Abbeville is under a boil advisory because of a broken water line that is already repaired.
A 6-inch water broke near WalMart but it was repaired by City workers. However, until the state is able to test the water, business owners around Walmart are under a boil advisory.
The boundaries are Cattle Festival Road, Veterans Memorial Drive and Lauren Parc Road. It is unknown how long the boil advisory will take place.

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John Carbaugh

Wed, 08/26/2020 - 9:15am

June 27, 1951 ~ August 24, 2020

KAPLAN — A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, August 29, 2020 at Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Roman Catholic Church honoring the life of John Warren Carbaugh, 69, who died Monday, August 24, 2020 at his residence. Reverend Mark Miley will be officiating the services.
He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Joyce Carbaugh of Kaplan; his son, Stephen Carbaugh of Kaplan; his sister, Anne Carbaugh of Houston, TX; his two brothers, Bill Carbaugh his wife, Dang of Houston, and Mike Carbaugh his companion, Suzette Cavanaugh of Seaside, CA; and his nieces and nephews, Mark Carbaugh, Amy Wakeman, and Kerianne Carbaugh.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William Lyle Carbaugh and the former Anita Waldman.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Vincent Funeral Home - Kaplan, 300 N. Eleazar Ave., on Friday, August 28, 2020 from 2:00 PM until 9:00 PM with a rosary being prayed at 7:00 PM; Saturday, August 29, 2020 from 8:00 AM until 12:45 PM when the procession departs for the church.
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 Carbaugh family at www.vincentfuneralhome.net.

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James Williams

Wed, 08/26/2020 - 9:13am

March 26,1939 ~ August 22, 2020

James Williams, passed away on August 22, 2020, while at the Abbeville General Hospital. He was 81 years of age.
On March 26, 1939, he was born to Willie and Hilda Landry Williams. He graduated with the class of 1959, from Paul Breaux High School. As a native of Lafayette, in 1973, he moved to Abbeville.
James owned his own Janitorial Service and could always be seen in town washing windows. Being well known in the community, ‘he never met a stranger.’ In his spare time, he helped many people in Abbeville, by restoring and adding color to their photographs. He enjoyed dancing and singing, especially with his granddaughter Airyn. As a spiritual man, he symbolized his dedication to Jehovah God, by being baptized in 1957, as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. For many years, he served as a congregation elder and remained faithful with this assignment until the end.
James is survived by: his wife of 57 years, Virginia Womack Williams, from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; one daughter, Stephanie Williams Meare (Greg); two sons, Stephen Williams (Youlicea) and Kebbon Jacquet; one Granddaughter, Airyn Williams; two sisters, Betty Landry of Houston, TX, and Marion Hewitt of Baton Rouge; and a host of nieces and nephews.
James was preceded in death by his parents, Willie and Hilda Landry Williams; one son, Aaron Williams; five brothers, Willie Jr, Nathaniel, Roman, Leroy, and Harold Williams; one sister, Marva Williams; two nieces, Marvella and Bathsheba Williams.
Interment will be Private.

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Earline Hebert Boudreaux

Wed, 08/26/2020 - 9:11am

July 23, 1935 ~ August 23, 2020

Due to current weather conditions, services are pending for Earline Hebert Boudreaux, 85, who died Sunday, August 23, 2020 at her residence. 
Pallbearers will be Thomas Hebert, Blake Faulk, Gavin Faulk, Corey Delino, Devin Trahan, and Grant Boudreaux. Honorary pallbearers will be Nathan Boudreaux, Keith Faulk, Robert Chris Broussard, James Delino, Jr., James Delino III, Jacob Delino, William Faulk, Parker Boudreaux, and Kennon Boudreaux.
Born on July 23, 1935, Mrs. Boudreaux graduated from Abbeville High School in 1953. A homemaker most of her life, she was devoted to her family and Jesus Christ. Mrs. Boudreaux was a memorable, one-of-a-kind character who touched everyone she came in contact with and will be dearly missed.
She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Floyd J. Boudreaux; five daughters, Theresa G. Bertrand, Tina B. Faulk and husband Keith, Teri B. Delino and husband James, Jr., Nancy B. Trahan, and Mary B. Broussard and husband Chris; one son, Nathan J. Boudreaux and wife Kara Kennon; twelve grandchildren, Blake Faulk, Gavin Faulk, William Faulk, James Delino III, Corey Delino, Jacob Delino, Grant Boudreaux, Parker Boudreaux, Kennon Boudreaux, Devin Trahan, Ashley Trahan, and Izabella Broussard; seven great grandchildren, Alyssa Delino, Jocilyn Delino, Grayson Delino, Leo Faulk, Louis Faulk, Lucy Faulk, and River Trahan; and four godchildren, Thomas Hebert, Sarah Davidson, Christina Hebert, and Cathy Longee.
She was preceded in death by her first husband, Oris J. Bertrand; her parents, Alpheus Hebert and the former Loria Bertrand; two brothers, Wilton Hebert and Robert Steve Hebert; son-in-law, Kenneth J. Trahan; and godson, Peter LeBlanc.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Hospice of Acadiana especially Whitney Credeur and private caregivers, Tonya Desormeaux and Carleen Grogan whose compassionate care during her time of need was most appreciated. Additionally, the family would also like to thank all those who lifted her in prayer, which brought great comfort to them all.
Condolences may be sent to the family at.
All funeral arrangements are being conducted by Vincent Funeral Home of Abbeville, (337) 893-4661.
Please visit www.vincentfuneralhome.net for updated services details.

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Delcambre Mayor Pam Blakely issues emergency declaration ahead of Hurricane Laura

Wed, 08/26/2020 - 9:04am

DELCAMBRE — Town of Delcambre (Iberia/Vermilion Parish), is currently facing the threat of high winds, heavy rains, storm surges and flooding as a result of Tropical Storm/Hurricane Laura.
Therefore, Mayor Pam Blakely has issued an Emergency Declaration, effective Monday, August 24, 2020.
Blakely said that after careful consideration and consultations with representatives of the Iberia Parish & Vermilion Parish Offices of Emergency Preparedness and out of an abundance of caution;
“I AM RECOMMENDING THAT ALL RESIDENTS OF the TOWN OF DELCAMBRE CONSIDER VOLUNTARILY EVACUATING, ESPECIALLY THOSE:
* Living in areas vulnerable to potential storm surges;
* Having special needs;
* Living in low-lying areas along the canal and drainage structures that have experienced flooding in the past; and/or
* Living in a structure that has experienced flooding following heavy rain events.”
Blakely said she also encouraging all of our residents to check their emergency supplies, create a protective plan of action for their families and pets and continue to monitor Iberia & Vermilion PINS (Parish Information Notification System) and our local news media for future weather updates. Those residents that wish to evacuate should begin that process immediately. Residents who choose to remain behind may find themselves without power and unable to leave the area due to possible floodwaters and storm debris.
TO THE RESIDENTS OF DELCAMBRE: if you are staying in your home (not evacuating), please call City Hall or send a message on our Facebook page messenger of your address and how many are in your home. This will assist the Town in providing assistance to those in need once clear of the storm.

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At the age of 80, Whalen Bertrand is busy getting ready for Tropical Storm Laura Monday evening.

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Whalen Bertrand lifts a boat trailer in order to back his tractor behind it. He moved the boat onto a ridge in case a storm surge hits Pecan Island.

Pecan Island resident takes a storm surge seriously

Wed, 08/26/2020 - 8:53am
Bertrand remembers almost drowning for Hurricane Audrey

PECAN ISLAND - Whalen Bertrand has been dealing with storm surge since he was 16 years old. Today, he is 80 years old and lives in Pecan Island.
For the last two days, Bertrand, who lives on the westside of Pecan Island, has been getting ready for Hurricane Laura. He has picked up things in his yard and carried them up to his house.
Laura is expected to bring a 7-11 foot storm surge to parts of Vermilion Parish.
Bertrand does not need a weather person to tell him if Laura is dangerous. He only needs to know where along the coast will the storm hit.
If the hurricane is going to hit on the east side of Pecan Island, Bertrand and his wife, Debra, stay home because there will not be a storm surge.
But if the storm hits on the west side of Pecan Island, the Bertrands leave the Island and head north to their camp in Lake Arthur.
On Wednesday, the Bertrands loaded their vehicles and left. As of Tuesday morning,
Hurricane Laura was projected to hit around Lake Charles or near Texas. That meant at least a 7 to 10 foot storm surge for people along the Acadiana coastline.
“That is all I need to know,”said Bertrand.
When most people in Vermilion Parish hear the words, “storm surge” they are reminded of flooding from Hurricane Ike and Rita some 15 years ago. But when Bertrand hears the words “storm surge” he is reminded about his life-threatening ordeal. At the age of 16, he and his family lived in Pecan Island when Hurricane Audrey hit the Cameron Coast in 1957.
A storm surge destroyed many homes in Cameron and Vermilion parish.
There was one home on the ridge that at least 30 Pecan Island residents crowded into during Hurricane Audrey. Unfortunately, Mother Nature sent a powerful storm surge that pushed that house a mile into the marsh. A handful who were in the house drowned.
“That was my worst hurricane,” said Bertrand. “I was caught in it. I remember waves hitting the roof. It was bad.”
Bertrand and Dalton Lege managed to swim to higher ground after the storm moved on.
Hurricane Audrey killed more than 400 people, a majority of them from Cameron Parish.
Because of Bertrand’s experience with Hurricane Audrey, he takes hurricanes and storm surge seriously.
When he built his home in 1989, he made it 10 feet above the ground. He did not flood for hurricanes Rita and Ike while everyone on the Pecan Island did.
Bertrand said he is not tired of dealing with storm surges because they do not happen too often. The last time Pecan Island had a major storm surge was in 2008 for Hurricane Ike. He stayed on the Island and helped clean up.
The Bertands plan to return to their home as soon as it is safe.
“When we get back, we will begin cleaning up around the house,” said Bertrand.

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