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From ragincajuns.com

Erath native Elijah declares for NFL draft

He thanks his home town of Erath in Tweet announcing his decision

Former Erath High running back Elijah Mitchell announced Sunday he will enter the 2021 NFL Draft.
If he is drafted, he would be the first Erath High gradaute to be drafted. No Erath High graduate has also played in the NFL.
The website, Walterfootball.com, has Mitchell ranked as No. 16 running back in the draft.
Mitchell is a fourth-year senior from Erath High. He made his announcement on Twitter Page and did not forget the community that raised.
“From the small town of Erath, to the bright lights of Cajun Field, the outpouring of love and support from Ragin’ Cajun fans has been nothing but elite over the past four years,” Mitchell posted on Twitter.
“The memories I have made with my teammates,” Mitchell added, “will be something I will take forward with me forever.”
A Senior Bowl invitee, Mitchell opted to turn pro rather than use the extra year of eligibility granted by the NCAA to all FBS players because of the COVID-19 pandemic. He previously said he would discuss the matter with family, and wrote on Twitter he decided after “much thought, prayer and consideration.”
Mitchell ran for a season-high 164 yards and two touchdowns including the game-winner in overtime during a victory in September at Georgia State, and had 127 yards and a TD on 19 carries en route to winning MVP honors in UL’s Dec. 26 First Responder Bowl win over UTSA.
The All-Sun Belt Conference pick rushed 527 times for 3,267 yards and 41 touchdowns in 42 games over four seasons, including 878 yards and eight TDs over 10 games in 2020 and a career-high 1,147 yards and 16 TDs over 14 games in 2019.

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Calvin Louis Landry

ABBEVILLE — A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, January 16th at 1pm at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Erath with Father Bill Melancon officiating.  Mr. Landry’s grandson, Drew Hoffpauir will be the vocalist for the mass.  Interment will follow at Our Lady of Lourdes Cemetery. 
Calvin Louis Landry, known to those closest to him as “Gavan” and born a twin, in August of 1931.  He was a lifetime resident of Erath and passed away at his residence on Friday evening, January 8th, surrounded by his six children.  His wife of 67 years, his 14 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren were most important to him. 
Calvin was a well known Master Carpenter by trade and retired from Vermilion Parish School board as head carpenter of the maintenance department in 1988. A man who inhabited a strong work ethic, was incredibly talented in his skilled hands, with a specialty in detail and cabinetry, he built and remodeled many homes and schools in the Vermilion Parish area and beyond. He took much pride in his work. 
Calvin was a graduate of the EHS Class of 1951 with awards noting him as one of the best athletes at Erath High School. He also had a love of the great Marty Robbins & his favorite was “My Woman, My Woman, My Wife”, horses, tractors, trawling, raising farm animals, yard work, reading, all sports especially boxing, woodworking, and gardening, but none of it compared to his love for his family and close friends. 
He is survived by his son, Brandon Louis Landry and companion Demi of Erath; daughters, Vanessa Granger and husband Patrick of Abbeville, Lorraine Broussard and husband Joe of Abbeville, Robin Foreman of Erath, Rachel Hoffpauir of Erath, and Allison Migues and husband Shane of Erath; a brother Clay Landry and wife Belle of Erath, sister Sue Landry Touchet and husband Gerald of Erath, his 14 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. 
He is preceded in death by his wife Elita Ruth Mergist Landry, his son in law Joel Hoffpauir, a grandson Jeremy Granger,  his parents Cleo Landry, Sr. and Elise Schexnaider Landry; brothers Carol Landry (twin), Stanley Landry, Russel Landry, Roland Landry; sisters Wanda Norris, Helen Richard, and Joycelyn Landry. 
The children would like to extend special thanks to their caregiver Gayle Montet and Hospice of Acadiana’s staff, especially Laura Thibodeaux and Sheena Domingue for the great care given to both Calvin and Ruth in their time of need. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the American Heart Association or your favorite charity.
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 Abbeville 2600 Charity St. (337)893-3777 will be handling the arrangements.

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Carroll Lee F. Vincent

Carroll Lee F. Vincent, a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, earned his heavenly reward of eternal peace Friday, January 8, 2021. He was 89.
Carroll Lee was born October 11, 1931 in Iberia Parish to the late Elier "Mallet" Vincent and Maple LeBlanc Vincent. He was employed in the Natural Gas Industry starting out with United Gas and remained in his position through his retirement with Entex after 44 years of service. One of his passions was floral design, which led him to receiving his Louisiana floral designer's license. He worked part time with Paul's Flower Shop in New Iberia in the evening hours, often leaving from Paul's for his job at that Gas Company. He would later realize his dream and opened his own shop, Vincent Floral and Gift Shop in his home in Delcambre.
He and his family enjoyed traveling and every year they visited their favorite vacation spots of Biloxi and Galveston. His sons remember staying at the Gaido Seaside Hotel, Mr. Carroll Lee's favorite hotel. He also spent some of his time as a volunteer with his church parish of Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Delcambre. He assisted in counting collections and wherever he was needed. Above all else, his family brought him the greatest joy. He will be missed dearly.
Those left to cherish his memory is his wife of 66 years, Sylvia Gerard Vincent; his three sons, Jerome Vincent (Patti), Kent Vincent (Denise) and Gerard Vincent (Rhonda); five grandchildren, Kristin Vincent, Ashlee Broussard (Brandon), Damon Vincent (Alyssa), Kramer Vincent (Lauren) and Shanna Vincent (Fiancee' Ross Walet); one great grandson, Wyatt Vincent; his sister-in-law, Jean Littleton Vincent; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Dade Anthony Vincent and Edwin Joseph Vincent; and his sister-in-law, Tweet Guilbeaux Vincent.
A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating his life will be held at 2:00 pm Wednesday, January 13 at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church. Fr. Thomas Voorhies, a dear friend of Mr. Carroll Lee, will be the celebrant with Fr. Buddy Breaux as con-celebrant. Following the Mass, Mr. Vincent will be laid to rest in the church mausoleum.
A gathering of family and friends will be held at Evangeline Funeral Home on Wednesday from 11 a.m. until 1:30 p.m., with the Rosary at 11:00 am.
Serving as pallbearers are Damon, Kramer, Eddie and Brandon Broussard, Carl Viator and Jody Guilbeaux. Honorary pallbearers are Drayton Vincent, Ken LeBlanc, Tony Vincent and Ross Walet.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Maison du Monde Living Center in Abbeville, New Iberia Manor South and the Staff of Grace Hospice, especially Krista, for the exceptional care and compassion shown to Carroll Lee during their care. You are all greatly appreciated.
Relatives and friends are encouraged to share their memories and condolences with the family by visiting Mr. Vincent's memorial page at www.evangelinefuneralhome.com
Evangeline Funeral Home of New Iberia is in charge of arrangements.

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Lou Ella Suire Sherman Pesson

DELCAMBRE – A Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted for Lou Ella Suire Sherman Pesson, age 90, at 11:00 am Tuesday, January 12, 2021 at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church with Fr. Buddy Breaux officiating. Interment will follow at Our Lady of the Lake Mausoleum.
A gathering of family and friends will take place at Evangeline Funeral Home on Monday from 2:00 pm until 9:00 pm with a Rosary at 7:00 pm. The funeral home will reopen on Tuesday at 8:00 am until 10:30 am.
Mrs. Pesson passed away on Thursday, January 7, 2021 at her residence, peacefully after a long and courageous battle.
Mrs. Pesson was the matriarch of her family and the pride she held for her family was undeniable. She had many life experiences and traveled many places that most only dream of. Family and friends will cherish the many memories of her as wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, religion teacher and librarian.
She leaves to cherish her memories her sons, Rodney Sherman and wife Lisa; Reed Sherman and wife Cynthia; Craig Sherman and wife Iris; her grandchildren, Faith Borel and Kevin; Jennifer LeMaire and Jaque; Jon-Paul Sherman and Christina; Coby Sherman; Grant Sherman and Ashley; Dana Broussard and PJ; Devon Sherman; Emilie Sherman; Robert Sherman; Daniel Ready; Drew Sherman; Brock Sherman and Quentin Sherman; thirty one great grandchildren and ten great great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her first husband, OJ Sherman; second husband, Ray Pesson; one son, Charles Sherman; daughter in law, Kathy Sherman and one granddaughter, Brittany Sherman.
Pallbearers will be Faith Borel, Jon Paul Sherman, Coby Sherman, Grant Sherman, Devon Sherman, Robert Sherman, Drew Sherman, Daniel Ready, Brock Sherman and Quentin Sherman.
The family would like to thank Amedisys Home Health Care and Hospice for the care they provided and her adoring granddaughters, Faith Borel, Emilie Sherman, Amber Borel and Chelsie Burke who cared for their Granny.
To view the on-line obituary and sign the guest register, please visit www.evangelinefuneralhome.com.
Evangeline Funeral Home of New Iberia is in charge of arrangements.

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Abbeville’s McKinley Nicholas 2) bounces the basketball for nine straight minutes.

Wildcats stall for nine minutes, nip NV

The Abbeville Wildcats nipped the North Vermilion Patriots 28-24 in double overtime last week.
One would think that by playing eight extra minutes, it would lead to a lot more scoring. But that was not the case.
The Wildcats, sitting on a 19-18 lead in the third period, held the ball for nine straight minutes and did not take a shot.
In the meantime, the Patriots sat back in a zone defense, and Abbeville’s McKinley Nicholas stood at midcourt, next to Abbeville head coach Colby Batiste bouncing the ball.
He started the stall at the 5:04 mark in the third period and continued it until the 4:20 mark in the fourth period.
For about eight minutes, no one took a shot, let alone scored.
Abbeville head coach Colby Batiste said as long as Louisiana does not have a shot clock, he will stall again.
“That is basketball,” said Batiste. “It is basketball knowledge. They were in a zone, and we wanted them to come out of the zone. We felt we had the athletic advantage to attack. We wanted them to come out and guard us. Until Louisiana gets a shot clock, I will continue to do that.”
Abbeville’s Te’Zarron Stewert scored a layup with 1:35 to play in regulation. It put the Wildcats ahead 21-18.
North Vermilion’s Rontrel Broussard tied the game 22-22 with a layup as time expired in regulation. No one scored in the first overtime, forcing the game into a second overtime.
Leading 25-24 in the second overtime, Abbeville’s Chad Nolan was fouled with 26 seconds left in the game. He made both free throws to seal the victory for Abbeville. Chad Nolan made four out of five free throws in the game and finished with six points.
Batiste said he expected his team to win.
“This is a game we are supposed to win,” said Batiste. “Rather, it is by 20 or 40 points. We scheduled this game to win.”
North Vermilion head coach Jack LeBlanc said he was proud of his team and how they played.
“I can not say anything bad about our team and how we played,” said LeBlanc.
North Vermilion was without its leading scorer Dale Martin, who will miss a few games because of a foot fracture.
Broussard led NV with 18 points.

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The historical Herod gym will be torn down in the coming months to make room for a new cultural center on Martin Luther King Drive in Abbeville.

Pastor August purchases old Herod school, land in Abbeville

He plans to tear down old school, remove cement and build new cultural and educational center on the grounds

It looks like the days are numbered for the old Herod High School located on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive in Abbeville.
For 66 years, the only black high school in Abbeville has slowly been going downhill. 2021 could be the year the building is torn down.
In 1955, the brick Herod High School was built in Abbeville. First grade through 12th-grade students attended. The school eventually closed in 1970 due to desegregation, and the African American students who attended Herod were sent to schools throughout the parish.
By the mid-1970s, the old Herod High was turned into a school for fourth and fifth-grade public school students. By 1990, Herod was closed, and the old East Abbeville Elementary was renamed Herod Elementary.
Since Herod closed, different citizens have tried to turn the facility into a community center. But over time, the building has been deteriorating.
The Vermilion Parish Police Jury now owns the building and wants it off its hands, so they put it up for sale. The highest bidder would be awarded the school and land.
Cathy Walker, who attended Herod High School in the late 1960s, gave it her all to try to save the old school. She spoke to the Abbeville City Council, the School Board, and the Police Jury in hopes they would invest in the old building and turn it into a community center.
But no one seemed interested in repairing the historic building. Walker even attempted to buy the building and was awarded the building after submitting the highest bid of around $30,000.
Thirty days later, after being awarded the bid, she was not able to come up with the money.
The Police Jury canceled Walker’s bid and then went with the second-highest bid. Pastor Walter August was the winning bidder.
Kathy Walker told the jurors she hired a lawyer and filed a lawsuit against the Herod School’s sale.
“I am trying everything possible to keep the old school from being torn down,” said Kathy Walker. “This is part of Abbeville’s history.”
Pastor August, who has a church in Houston but is from Abbeville, addressed the police jury and understood Walker’s compassion for the school. The school will be torn down, and Pastor August plans to spend millions building a new 50,000 square foot educational and cultural center.
“My heart is in Vermilion Parish,” said Pastor August. “That corner (where the old Herod school is located) needs a facelift to inspire these kids. Crime is at an all-time high in that area.”
Pastor August said the new center’s construction would be a Vermilion Parish endeavor, and the facility will be a “bright spot” for Abbeville. He said the old facility is in too bad a shape to try and save.
August gave no timeline as to when construction will begin on the new facility. Contractors have already started visiting the old Herod school to determine the cost of tearing it down and hauling it away.

Abbeville woman dies in two-vehicle crash

At approximately 3:30 p.m. on January 3, 2021, Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop I were notified of a two-vehicle crash on LA Highway 3267 (Jacqulyn Street) at South Hospital Drive in Vermilion Parish.
The crash ultimately took the life of 86-year-old Alice Abbott of Abbeville.
The initial investigation by State Police revealed Abbott was driving a 2005 Lincoln Town Car when she failed to yield to oncoming traffic from a stop sign. Abbott’s vehicle was struck on the driver’s rear corner by a 2019 Ram 4500 pickup as she attempted to cross over LA 3267 while traveling south on S. Hospital Drive.
Abbott was unrestrained at the time of the crash and was transported to a local hospital with moderate injuries.
On January 8, 2021, Troopers were notified by the Vermilion Parish Coroner’s Office that Abbott had succumbed to her injuries on January 7, 2021.
The driver of the Ram was properly restrained and was not injured. Impairment is not suspected to be a factor in the crash and this crash remains under investigation.
Louisiana State Troopers wish to remind motorists that, while not all crashes are survivable, statistics show that the chances of surviving a crash rise significantly when properly restrained. Making good choices while in motor vehicles such as never driving while impaired and always ensuring every occupant is properly restrained can often mean the difference between life and death.

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New Iberia Woman Killed in Head-On Crash in St. Mary Parish

ST. MARY PARISH – Shortly after 8:00 p.m. on January 10, 2021, Louisiana State Police Troop I was notified of a two-vehicle crash on Louisiana Highway 182, near Louisiana Highway 670, in St. Mary Parish. The crash claimed the life of 41-year-old Jackie Marie Brown of New Iberia.
The preliminary investigation revealed Brown was driving a 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV west on LA 182. At the same time, a 2007 Cadillac SRX SUV was traveling east on LA 182. For reasons still under investigation, Brown’s SUV crossed the center line and struck the Cadillac head-on in the eastbound lane of travel.
Seatbelt usage on the part of Brown is unknown; she was pronounced dead at the scene by the St. Mary Parish Coroner’s Office. The driver of the Cadillac was not properly restrained and was transported to a local hospital in serious condition. Toxicology samples were taken from both drivers and results are pending. This crash remains under investigation.
Troop I has investigated 3 fatal crashes resulting in 4 deaths in 2021.

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The banners hanging on Concord Street.

Abbeville to review sign ordinance regarding banners

Onezieme Mouton owns one of the historic buildings on Concord Street in downtown Abbeville.
Mouton currently has three tenants occupying the building, the most he has had in the several years that he has owned the property. A fourth business is looking to possibly call the location home.
What’s creating buzz for the building? Mouton credits new banners placed on the building to promote the businesses. However, Mouton eventually learned the banners violated the city’s sign ordinance.
“I put the signs up without applying for a permit,” Mouton said. “That is due to my negligence, because I didn’t know there was such a thing. I know ignorance is not an excuse and that is certainly on me.
“It’s not the tenants’ fault, it’s mine.”
On Tuesday, Mouton approached the Abbeville City Council during its regular meeting to request a variance. The council did not grant that request. However, the council will allow Mouton to keep the signs up while it reviews the ordinance, a move that could allow such signs in the future.
“We cannot say enough good things about what Mr. Mouton has done for our downtown,” Councilman Brady Broussard Jr. said. “It’s never a good thing when an ordinance is either deliberately or accidently ignored. We are in the era of banners now. There has been a lack of enforcement for the sign ordinance. Everyone is guilty of that.
“I would hope we would look at this opportunity to adjust our ordinance, for what is now an era of banners.”
Mouton did eventually apply for the banners through the proper channels. Abbeville’s Planning and Zoning Commission denied Mouton’s application for the banners, based solely on the banners not meeting the standard of the sign ordinance.
“We had no issue about the quality,” Planning and Zoning Commissioner Andrew Dozier said. “I will be honest with you, I love it. I have traveled all over. You see (these kinds of banners) everywhere.
“This decision was based on the city ordinance.”
Charles Dill, who chairs the planning and zoning commission, said consistency is important when it comes to these ordinances.
“Where do you draw the line?,” Dill asked. “If we give a variance here, someone may come along with cheap signs, and want a variance. You have to draw the line.
“We based our ruling upon the ordinance.”
Abbeville Main Street Manager Charlene Beckett, who works closely with businesses and projects in the downtown area, said she agrees that Mouton’s signs are nice. However, the ordinance has to take precedence.
“Onezieme and I have worked together on many projects,” Beckett said. “I also work closely with the planning commission. I know how hard they work and how seriously they take their job. It’s difficult to say, yes, the signs are beautiful. Yes, we all like them. They are going against our ordinance.
“I think the council has to make a decision on how the ordinance will read in the future.”
Mayor Mark Piazza agreed.
“This has brought to light,” Piazza said, “what I consider a flaw in our ordinance. These banners are very tactful and very creative. They are nice looking in our downtown area and are promoting businesses. Not all ordinances fit all businesses in all areas.
“I think we do need to look at a change for this ordinance and modify it.”
The council tabled the request for a variance. The council did allow a stay for the banners, while a review of the ordinance is done.
“I understand codes and ordinances are written to prevent bad things from happening,” Mouton said. “I really think in this case, that we might have an ordinance that might prevent something really good from happening.”

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Jeffrey James Faulk, Sr.

December 31, 1941 ~ January 7, 2021

ABBEVILLE — Funeral services were held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, January 10, 2021 at Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville honoring the life of Jeffrey James Faulk, Sr., 79, who died on Thursday, January 7, 2021 at his residence. He was laid to rest at St. Mary Magdalen Cemetery with Deacon William “Billy” Vincent officiating the services. Those serving as pallbearers were Jeffrey Faulk, Jr., Tony Faulk, Justin Faulk, Tyler Faulk, Jonathan Breaux and Ricky Gaspard.
Jeffrey believed that family was everything. Growing up on a cattle farm, he developed a solid work ethic. He truly enjoyed working on the farm caring for the cattle, tending to the field and repairing equipment. Farming was in his blood.
He is a retired school bus driver for the Vermilion Parish School Board for over 24 years. Jeffrey was active in many local organizations including the Knights of Columbus, Lions Club, and Vermilion Parish Cattlemen’s Association. He served on the Louisiana Farm Bureau Board of Directors and was a 4-H volunteer for over 50 years where he was inducted into the Louisiana 4-H Hall of Fame.
He is survived by his daughters, Nancy Breaux and Lori Piazza; two sons, Jeffrey Faulk, Jr. (Kellie), and Tony Faulk (Angela); eleven grandchildren, Jennifer Breaux, Jonathan Breaux, Brooke Fergerson, Justin Faulk, Kacie Piazza, Tyler Faulk, Hannah Faulk, Sarah Faulk, Kali Broussard, Jarod Faulk and Nathan Faulk; and ten great grandchildren; and former spouse. Mildred Faulk.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Hilda Faulk; son-in-law, Joseph Breaux; and three great grandchildren.
The family requested that visiting hours be observed at Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville, 209 S. St. Charles St., on Sunday, January 10, 2021 from 9:00 AM until time of services. A memorial service will be held at a later date for those who are unable to attend.
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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