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School board member Laura LeBeouf brought up the idea of hiring an architect to inspect completed school projects under $30,000.

Vermilion Parish School Board looks at putting architect on retainer to inspect completed small projects

Fri, 04/16/2021 - 9:21am

When the Vermilion Parish School Board completes a project less than $30,000, it lets Kerry Richard, the school system’s maintenance supervisor, inspect it. Now, the school board is looking at having an architect check the finished projects.
School Board member Laura LeBeouf brought the issue up at the Properties Committee on Monday. LeBeouf asked Richard how does the school board know when small projects are completed.
Richard told the board that he is the one who is inspecting the smaller projects once they are completed.
LeBeouf said she does not want anyone, other than a supervisor in the maintenance office, signing off on a completed project, especially without someone inspecting it.
School Board Member Kibbie Pillette explained to fellow board members that the school boards in other parishes have contracts with an architectural service to inspect large and small completed projects.
“The architect certifies a project under $30,000,” said Pillette. “The board pays the architect an annual fee. We should find out if architects are interested in working with the school board to inspect projects. They would say the work is done and done correctly. To have Kerry do everything is a stretch.”
School board member Jason Roy was not too thrilled in having the school board hire someone on retainer when they are getting the work done by a school employee.
“Most of these projects under $30,000 are minor things,” Roy said. “I do not know if we have a major issue. We are putting someone else on retainer? If we keep hiring people on retainer, we are going to run out of money.”
Pillette said he is trying to take a load off of Richard’s shoulders. The school board member said the projects might be small, but they need to make sure they are doing it right.
“Other school boards have a school board architect on retainer,” Pillette added. “You tell the architect what is being done and he checks to see if that is being done. At least we will know a project is done accurately and complete if an architect inspects the finished project.”
Pillette wants to research to see how expensive it will be to hire an architect on retainer.

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Nelda Broussard Faulk

Fri, 04/16/2021 - 9:14am

May 26, 1932 ~ April 11, 2021

KAPLAN — Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, April 17, 2021 at Vincent Funeral Home - Kaplan honoring the life of Nelda Broussard Faulk, 88, who died Sunday, April 11, 2021 at her residence. She will be laid to rest at Cossinade Cemetery with Deacon Bryan Istre officiating the services.
She is survived by her son, Randall Faulk and his wife, Ramona of Kaplan; her two daughters, Reanell Frederick and her husband, Ricky of Kaplan and Lisa Matthew and her husband, Tony of Kaplan; her two grandchildren, Heidi Broussard and her husband, Lance of Lafayette and Bradley Faulk and his wife, Alexis of Kaplan; her five step grandchildren, Blaine Matthew, Beth Savoie, Brent Bellon, Amanda Doucet and Roman Bellon; and one great grandchild, Sophia Faulk.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Ray Allen Faulk; her parents, Alexander Broussard and the former Oceana Schexnider; her brother, Wilfred Broussard; and her four sisters, Gladys Trahan, Effie Meaux, Gussie Greene and Velta Lege.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Vincent Funeral Home - Kaplan, 300 N. Eleazar Ave., on Friday, April 16, 2021 from 5:00 PM until 9:00 PM with a rosary being prayed at 7:00 PM; Saturday, April 17, 2021 from 9:00 AM until the time of the services at 2:00 PM.
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 Faulk family at www.vincentfuneralhome.net.

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A Delcambre resident says vehicles in the parent pick-up line block driveways on a daily basis.

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Parent pickup/drop-off lines cause issues in Delcambre

Fri, 04/16/2021 - 8:40am

DELCAMBRE — Residents who live by Delcambre Elementary have had enough.
“We have a situation that has been going on for years,” Neely Saunier said as she addressed the board Monday night. “This year has been the worst, and it’s getting out of hand. We can’t even use our driveways.”
That was Saunier’s latest, and hopefully final, attempt to represent herself, as well as every resident on Saunier Drive, to have the parent pick-up lines monitored.
Exhausting every option before the council, Saunier has spoken to Delcambre Elementary Principal Jodi Romero, law enforcement, and even those who are blocking her driveway in an attempt to get a little common courtesy.
“The principal has done everything she could to remind these parents not to block or obstruct traffic during pick-up times,” Saunier said. “It’s just not working.”
Drivers picking up and dropping off students are sometimes using resident’s driveways to turn around and leaving these homeowners unable to access their driveway and, in turn, are blocking traffic.
“There are a select few who willingly move when we ask, but the majority usually give you colorful language and the middle finger, and all we are trying to do is get to work or go home,” said Saunier.
Saunier pointed out that there are a large number of residents who have serious medical conditions. Blocking traffic and/or driveways is a major concern since the responders may not be able to get to the person in need quick enough, or at all, in the event of a medical emergency, she added.
“Possibly having a head-on collision from a blocked view has also been an issue,” said Saunier, “I cannot tell you how many times this has almost happened to each of us here.”
After reaching out to the Police Department, Saunier noticed there had been units parked.
“We appreciate that effort,” she said. “But I think we need to start issuing tickets since nothing has changed. We can’t seem to get them to follow the law.”
Alderman Bryan Glatter did suggest the citations.
“Word of mouth is the best thing in this town, and issuing tickets could get the word out and get the point across,” he said. “These residents have had enough, and rightfully so, because so far right now, word of mouth is that you can do whatever you want.”
Another suggestion made by Saunier was to have an officer walk the pick-up line, ensuring that people follow the law or direct traffic.
In an to attempt to fix the issue independently, Delcambre Principal Jodi Romero doesn’t know what more she could do.
Once she called the School Board, her only options will cost money, and that is something that the School Board has.
“We could divide car rider lines, but before that could happen, I would need a pavilion on one side and a PA system, or, we could take away the backfield at the school, but we would need new drainage, cement, and rock,” Principal Romero said.
Both of those options cost money, and not only that, if the backfield were to be taken from the kids, they’d lose their favorite spot.
“Our last resort is to issue tickets,” the council agreed.
“Even if photos of the license plates are sent in, citations could be given,” Delcambre Police Officer Brady Segura said. “If that is what has to happen to fix the problem, that is what we will do.
Mayor Pam Blakely agreed that the issue is not minor.
“It’s not just something to complain about, and it’s not just a hassle,” said Blakely. “The first year, it was a hassle. Now, years later, these residents deserve the peace of mind when it comes to leaving for work or getting home, so yes, I think we need to call their bluff and start issuing tickets; it is against the law.”

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Willis Gabriel Granger

Thu, 04/15/2021 - 4:01pm

Willis Gabriel Granger, age 98, passed away surrounded by family in the comfort of his home in Erath on April 12, 2021.  
Willis, the last survivor of 14 children, was born on February 4th, 1923 in Lafayette Parish to Alpheus “Mim” and Avela Granger.   In 1933 the Granger family moved to Vermilion Parish where they worked as sharecroppers.  He met his wife of 75 years Edith Hebert in 1942. They were married in St. John’s Catholic Church in Henry.  Willis entered military service in the U.S. Navy and was first stationed in Camp Perry, Virginia.  He served proudly on the USS Catoctin, a flagship of the U.S. Navy.  Willis was so proud of his service, recounting stories to his children about his travels around the world on his assigned ship. Following the war, the family moved to Prairie Gregg where Willis worked as a field hand for farmers.  As a sharecropper he began raising his family which ultimately ended up being a wonderful family of 11 children, 7 boys and 4 girls.  From the fields of Prairie Gregg he took his family to Erath to begin a long career of 27 years with Diamond Crystal Salt Company at the Jefferson Island salt mine. After the demise of the mine, he partnered up with his son Weldon to start W. Granger Stables where he enjoyed working with horses with his trusted hand and adopted son Rusty Theriot.  
He and Edith made their final move to Erath where they purchased their residence at 305 North Broadway. There they lived out their lives watching kids come to and from school and having a front row seat to the Fourth of July activities. 
Willis and Edith’s life was one of hard work and difficult times. However, through it all, they experienced the best reward of all, family. From the fields of Prairie Gregg to the salt mines of Jefferson Island, the Granger Family fought against nearly impossible odds to forge a strong family unit. The responsibility of having 11 children, all of whom succeeded in their academic and employment fields, serves as a lasting legacy of the Grangers. Willis and Edith have traveled the world over with their children but continued to maintain their home in Erath. Willis is survived by his children, Weldon Granger, Leona Garmendia, Janice Granger, Neil Granger and wife Cindy, Tommy Granger and wife Arlene, Lottie De La Garza and husband Michael, Joey Granger and wife Linda, Patrick Granger and wife Vanessa, Billy Granger and wife Natalie, and Tammy Conner and husband Jason, daughter-in-law Ramona Granger, 27 grandchildren and 40 great-grandchildren.  Willis was preceded in death by his wife Edith, son Harris, daughter-in-law Fran Granger, sons-in-law Enrique Garmendia and Charley Byford, and grandson Jeremy Granger. 
Willis was a proud but humble man, a man of very few words.  He worked tirelessly as a young man with his hands and his back, he led by example to his children, and they are the better for it.  All of the degrees and accomplishments of his kids cannot match his life as a man of principal and character. 
The family wishes to acknowledge the love and care given to him by his sitters, Monica Harrington, Melinda Theriot, Tammy Comeaux, and Natalie Leblanc, Concept of Care and Hospice of Acadiana.  We are forever grateful to our sister Tammy Granger Conner who spent the last years of her parents’ life caring for them 24/7.
Pallbearers are John Granger, Jonathan Granger, Ryan Granger, Benjamin Granger, Enrique Garmendia, Chris Keller, Gabe Conner, Brant Granger, and Ashley Granger. 
Visitation will be at David Funeral Home in Erath, from 5pm-9pm on Friday, April 16th  and Saturday from 8:30 to the time of the service to be held in a Catholic Mass at our Lady of Lourdes in Erath at 11:30am with Fr. Buddy Breaux officiating. 
In lieu of flowers if you so choose, donations may be made to the American Legion of Erath and/or the Erath 4th of July Association.
You may sign the guest register book and express condolences online at www.davidfuneralhome.org
“In order to help keep the community safe we will honor the July 13, 2020 Louisiana Mandates.  All families and their guests are required to wear a face covering while at the funeral home. Thank you for your understanding during this unprecedented time.” 
David Funeral Home of Erath, 209 East Putnam Street, (337) 937-0405 will be handling the arrangements.

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Bryan Mayeux

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Kinnie Henderson

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Brannon Leger

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Wallace Turner

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Courtney Loflin

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Demetrius Davis

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Lyndon Montgomery

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Cory Jones

Eight Arrested in Vermilion Parish

Thu, 04/15/2021 - 12:16pm

According to Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office PIO and Violent Crimes Task Force Director Eddie Langlinais, the Vermilion Municipal and Sheriff’s Narcotics Task Force made the following arrests for narcotics related offenses within the parish.
• On 3-17-2021, Bryan Mayeux, (DOB: 1-9-1973 of Kaplan), was arrested in Kaplan for Failing to Appear for felony trial for Possession with Intent to Distribute Schedule II (Methamphetamine), and Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance in a Drug Free Zone.
• On 3-29-2021, Kinnie Henderson Jr, (DOB: 11-19-1996 of Abbeville), was arrested in Abbeville for a First Degree Murder warrant. Upon being taken into custody, Henderson was subsequently charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Schedule I, (Synthetic Marijuana), Possession with Intent to Distribute Schedule I (MDMA), Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Possession of a Firearm in the Presence of a Controlled Dangerous Substance, and Transactions involving Drug Proceeds.
• On 3-29-2021, Brannon Leger, (DOB: 12-27-1994 of Rayne), was arrested in Rayne and charged with Possession of Schedule II (Methamphetamine), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Possession of Schedule V, (Promethazine).
• On 3-30-2021, Wallace Turner, (DOB: 8-6-1982 of Kaplan), was arrested in Kaplan for Possession with Intent to Distribute Schedule II (Methamphetamine), Possession of Schedule I, (Marijuana), and Resisting an Officer.
• On 4-6-2021, Courtney Loflin, (DOB: 12-01-1980 of Carencro), was arrested in Abbeville for Possession with Intent to Distribute Schedule II (Methamphetamine), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of a Firearm in the presence of a Controlled Dangerous Substance, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, and Possession of a Stolen Firearm.
• On 4-7-2021, Demetrius Davis, (DOB: 7-15-1985 of Abbeville), was arrested in Abbeville for Possession with Intent to Distribute Schedule II (Crack Cocaine), Distribution of Schedule II (Crack Cocaine), Possession of Schedule I (Marijuana), Resisting an Officer, and Possession of Schedule I (MDMA).
• On 4-12-2021, Lyndon Montgomery, (DOB: 10-11-1983 of Kaplan), was arrested in Kaplan for Possession with Intent to Distribute Schedule I (Marijuana) and Possession of Schedule I (MDMA).
• On 4-13-2021, Cory Jones, (DOB: 2-1-1989 of Gueydan), was arrested in Gueydan for Possession with Intent to Distribute Schedule I (Heroin), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Schedule II (Methamphetamine), and Obstruction of Justice.
Sheriff Mike Couvillon would like to thank the mayors, and their council, of Abbeville, Erath, Gueydan, Kaplan, and Maurice, along with their Chiefs of Police, for their support of the Vermilion Municipal and Sheriff’s Narcotics Task Force.
Sheriff Couvillon also applauds the concerned citizens of Vermilion Parish for their awareness and assistance in helping the Task Force in fighting the war on illegal drugs. He encourages all citizens with information in regards to illegal drug activities to contact the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office or the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit at 337-740-4501, or E-mail the Task Force anonymously at taskforce@vpso.net. Your e-mail will be held in the “strictest of confidence” and replied to in a very timely manner.
More information on reporting drug activities can be seen on our Web Site at www.vpso.net. Click on Narcotics and fill out the TURN IN A PUSHER information.

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Kaylee Lopez

Lopez leads McNeese St. in hitting

Thu, 04/15/2021 - 10:39am

LAKE CHARLES – McNeese softball was scheduled to begin a four-game home stand beginning Tuesday with a 6:30 p.m. game against No. 15 LSU. But it was canceled.
North Vermilion graduate Kaylee Lopez currently leads the Cowgirls with a .310 batting average with 26 hits, seven doubles and 11 RBI.
Lopez, a power hitter in high school, has yet to hit a home run in her three years playing for McNeese.
The home stand will continue with a three-game Southland Conference series against Abilene Christian beginning Friday.
McNeese (19-21) was coming off a 2-1 Southland Conference series loss at Southeastern La. over the weekend where the Cowgirls dropped Friday’s doubleheader 3-2 in both contests. The Cowgirls ended the weekend on a positive note by taking the series finale by a 3-1 score.

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A Coast Guard Station Grand Isle 45-foot Respone Boat-Medium boatcrew heads toward a capsized 175-foot commerical lift boat April 13 searching for people in the water 8 miles south of Grand Isle. The Coast Guard and multiple good Samaritan vessels responded to the capsized vessel and searched for multiple missing people in the water. (U.S. Coast Guard photo courtesy of Coast Guard Cutter Glenn Harris)

ABBEVILLE MAN AMONG THOSE REPORTED ABOARD CAPSIZED LIFT BOAT

Thu, 04/15/2021 - 9:58am

FROM THE ADVOCATE

There were at least four Acadiana men, including one from Lawtell, on board the boat that capsized in the Gulf of Mexico on Tuesday, according to social media reports.
Among those reported to have been aboard the boat include: Jay Guevara, of Lafayette; Gregory Walcott, 62, of Abbeville; Dylan Daspit, of Breaux Bridge; and Quinon Pitre, 31, of the Lawtell area.
Pitre has been identified as the newphew of Kenneth Pitre of Eunice.
One crew member is confirmed dead and 12 more are missing from the commercial vessel that capsized Tuesday near Port Fourchon with 19 people on board. Six people were rescued, and the U.S. Coast Guard continued to search the Gulf for survivors Wednesday.
About a dozen relatives of missing crew members braved a mid-day squall and stiff winds to huddle pensively inside the open bays of the firehouse in Port Fourchon while the search continued Wednesday afternoon. They’d been told little, and that didn’t change after a representative of Seacor arrived to meet with them about 3 p.m., said one man there.
Authorities didn’t identify any off the ill-fated commercial vessel’s crewmembers, whether dead, rescued or unaccounted for.
Nicole Daspit Latiolais posted to Facebook Wednesday morning in search of prayers for her godchild and nephew, Dylan Daspit.
“We are devastated with this tragedy,” Latiolais wrote in a message to The Advocate. “We are hoping and praying for Dylan’s safety. We have no information other than what we have heard on media reports.”
Krista Vercher took to Facebook Wednesday afternoon in search of prayers and support for her fiancé, Jay Guevara, and his best friend, Daspit.
“Please continue to pray for these 2!!!” Vercher wrote in a post that included a photo of Guevara and Daspit smiling as they hugged. “Best friends hoping are holding on to one another!!!! Please god hear all of our prayers and bring my fiancé and Hannah’s husband home safe to us!!!! Thank you all for the prayers I cannot get back to everyone at this time. We don’t have any current news and just need to continue to pray!!!!!!!!!!”
Lauren Vaccaro posted to Facebook Wednesday morning about her uncle, Quinon Pitre.
“My uncle is still unaccounted for,” Vaccaro wrote in a 9 a.m. Wednesday post. “Please keep the prayers coming for my family and all the other crew members and their families. The waiting and not knowing is the hardest part and the bad weather and rough seas are expected to continue throughout the day today.”
Vaccaro also poked fun at Pitre in her Facebook post about his survival skills that should be up to par from when she “terrorized” him as child.
“I pray that you are clinging to that vessel with every ounce of strength you can find until they are able to get to you,” Vaccaro wrote. “You are tough and resilient and a fighter. We love you and are praying so hard for good news and you and the other crew members safe return. Pray y’all. Please.”

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ASSISTANCE NEEDED FOR STOLEN MILITARY GRAVE PLAQUES

Wed, 04/14/2021 - 1:47pm

ACADIA PARISH — Members of our military serve to protect and defend the freedoms of America. Often at their final resting place, plaques are placed on their graves to show their military service.
This week Crime Stoppers of Acadia Parish needs your help to identify persons who have been stealing military plaques off of graves at several cemeteries in Acadia Parish.
Since March, six plaques were stolen from Woodlawn Cemetery in Crowley and two were reported stolen from St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Rayne. Replacement value is $1,500 each.
Help us bring these people to justice and preserve the memory of our military heroes.
Anyone having any information regarding this crime is urged to call the tips line at 789-TIPS or download the P3 app on a mobile device to report a tip anonymously.
All callers will remain anonymous and can receive up to a $1,000 cash reward for information leading to an arrest in this case.

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Slow down: officials discuss speeding in Abbeville

Wed, 04/14/2021 - 11:39am

Abbeville residents in neighborhoods around the city have had enough of speeding drivers.
Some of those residents took the issue to members of the Abbeville City Council, with the topic leading to lengthy discussion during last Tuesday’s regular meeting.
Vermilion Parish Judge Laurie Hulin attended the meeting. She said drivers frequently speed down her neighborhood’s street.
“My neighborhood is a common walk and exercise path,” Hulin said. “We have a lot of young children on our street. I am here representing the neighborhood.
“I’m asking the council for a deterrent for speeding.”
Councilwoman Roslyn White’s district includes Hulin’s neighborhood.
“I was there talking to her,” White said, “when a driver came around and almost ran over her and her dogs. White said this issue is a growing concern.
“I put this item on the agenda,” White said. “It’s something that gets brought to my attention quite a bit. It’s one of the things I get questioned about the most in my district. I have gotten a lot of complaints about speeding on Graceland (Avenue). Mount Carmel Heights, Fairview, State Street and South St. Charles are all concerns. I’m sure everyone in here can echo the same thing with speeders in their neighborhoods.
“If there is anything we can do to deter speeders, I would like to have that discussion.”
Councilwoman Terry Broussard said it’s a discussion that needs to be taken up.
“I received a call today about East Street,” Broussard said. “There’s always a lot of speeding on Guegnon and MLK.”
White asked Chief of Police William Spearman what measures are being taken to slow down drivers.
“We are trying to do it,” Spearman said. “As you can see (from this conversation), it’s all over town. It’s not just one area.”
Spearman said, as his department is short-staffed, he does not have an officer dedicated solely to traffic duty. The chief said he has placed officers and vehicles in certain locations.
“If I can put a guy someplace for a few minutes,” Spearman said, “I do. If I hear a complaint, I will go run the radar. At this point, I don’t have a traffic officer or anyone who works specifically on traffic.”
That doesn’t mean that citations are not being issued when drivers are caught speeding or committing other traffic violations. In 2020, officers with the Abbeville Police Department handed out 1,919 traffic citations.
“We have issued almost 50 citations in the last two weeks,” Spearman said. “We’re not trying not to do this.”
White said she did not put the item on the agenda to try to point out what law enforcement is or is not doing.
“This was to allow people to voice their concerns,” White said, “and to have an open conversation with the chief, Mayor (Mark Piazza) and the council.”
Councilman Francis Touchet Jr., who has served on the council since ‘02, brought up speed bumps, something he said has been suggested multiple times over the years. City Attorney Ike Funderburk said speed bumps could cause damage to fire trucks and slow down vehicles of other first responders. Touchet pointed out that Lafayette has speed bumps. Piazza said Lafayette does not run medical calls at the rate that the Abbeville Fire Department does.
“Would someone want ambulances and fire trucks slowing down for every speed bump on the way to their house for an emergency?,” Piazza asked.
Piazza suggested placing signs for “no through traffic.” Hulin said that is a good idea, in theory.
“We had a lot of trees and power lines down in our neighborhood for one of the hurricanes,” Hulin said. “The city came out and put roadblocks up. People were getting out of their cars and moving the roadblocks to drive through our neighborhood. They would drive through our yards.
“If they will do that, I don’t see a sign deterring traffic.”
Hulin said she would like to see some plan of effectively using speed bumps.
“Maybe I didn’t consider some of the reasons why you would not use them,” Hulin said, “but we do see them in other communities and we know that they do work to re-route some of this traffic to our major roads.”
White said she will look further into what communities have speed bumps and how those communities utilize them.
Spearman said another possibility is signs that alert drivers of how fast they are going.
“Those signs will flash your speed and then turn on blue lights,” Spearman said. “At night, they can slow you down when those lights come on. That could be a deterrent. Maybe we can get a couple of those.”
City Engineer Richard Primeaux said there are funds available for such traffic-calming devices.
“The state has a program for traffic-calming devices,” Primeaux said. “They have different methods for different communities. I will look into what is available.
“What the chief mentioned does work.”
White reiterated that she did not bring up this issue to suggest that officers are not working hard.
“You guys are doing a wonderful job,” White said. “This is not to say that you are not doing your job. This was to get us all in a room and discuss solutions.”

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