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Robert Paul Broussard, 70, of Gueydan was called from this life on July 11, 2017. Robert was born in Gueydan to Aldis Broussard and Marie Boudreaux Broussard on Nov. 1, 1946. Robert loved being outdoors, especially if he was working in his garden or enjoying a trip to Holly Beach. He also loved listening to French music every chance he got. Most of all, Robert enjoyed visiting with all his family and friends. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Robert is survived by his four children, Celena (Judd) Breaux of Gueydan, Laurie (Wendell) Zaunbrecher of Crowley, Tina (Raymond) Champagne of Gueydan and Robert Broussard II of Gueydan; his 11 grandchildren, Bryce, Zachary, Reagan, Johnnie, Jacob, Sadie, Ethan, Rylee, Chloe’, Ava and Brenna; one great-grandchild, Harper; two brothers, Rodney (Shirley) Broussard and Sheldon (Darlene) Broussard; and two sisters, Cecile Linscomb and Aline Martin, all of Gueydan.
Robert is preceded in death by his parents, Aldis and Marie Boudreaux Broussard; and his beloved wife, Brenda Broussard.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Gueydan on Thursday, July 13, at 11 a.m. with Father Corey Campeaux officiating. Burial will follow in the Gueydan Cemetery under the direction of Matthews and Son Funeral Home. A gathering of family and friends will be held at Matthews & Son Funeral Home in Gueydan beginning on Wednesday, July 12, at 9:30 a.m. and continuing until the time of his Funeral Mass on Thursday. A Rosary will be recited at 6 p.m., Wednesday evening.
To extend online condolences, please visit our website at www.matthewsandsonfuneralhome.net.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Matthews & Son Funeral Home.
RAYNE - The Mustang Americans All-Stars, better known as the Frog Sox, captured top honors during the Super Regional Tournament held in Erath over the weekend, collecting the state title and qualifying for the Zone National Tournament slated July 27-31, in Tampa, Florida.
The All-Stars recorded four wins in as many contests defeating CSA 21-6, Kaplan 15-5, Kinder 13-7, and Welsh 13-3 in the finals.
Team members are Kainon Suiter, Connor Hebert, Isaac Russell, Mark Frederick, Kade Savoy, Quincy Alexander, Huntson Hebert, Parker Faust, William Gaitreaux, Austin Judice, Josh Hebert, Lon Paul Moody, along with coaches Layne Suiter, Lon Moody and Randy Judice.
The Frog Sox will be accepting donations at The Depot on Friday, July 14 between 4-7 p.m. and again on Saturday, July 15, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. They are also host a fundraiser bake sale a eifferent locations (Piggly Wiggly and Trahan Foods) on Sunday, July 16, from 10 a.m. until.
The Frog Sox will also host a sausage poboy sale will also be held July 22 at Gossen Park. For $6 patrons can enjoy a sausage poboy, chips and a drink. Pickup is between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Please make checks payable to the City of Rayne, attention Rayne Mustang All-Stars.
The Pinto Americans and Nationals attended their super-regional tournament at Youngsville over the weekend. Both teams completed their seasons with a third place finish falling short in semi-final action.
The Bronco Bullfrogs also placed third during their super regional tournament held in Youngsville. They completed a very productive season with a 21-2 tally.
The Rayne Pony All-Stars participated in their sectional tournament over the weekend in Erath where they also placed third overall. They will begin action on July 19 in Youngsville during their super regional tournament.
In girl’s action, the Rayne Mustang All-Stars completed their season with a third place finish in Kaplan Invitational over the weekend.
All coaches are reminded to submit team pictures and info on a weekly basis to The Rayne Acadian-Tribune for publication, in addition to tournament results and schedules to raynenewslife@cox-internet.com or texted to 581-7787.
RAYNE - Young ladies interested in competing for city’s itle of Miss Rayne are invited to participate in the 2017 Miss Rayne Pageant to be held Saturday, Aug. 12, at the Rayne Civic Center.
Young ladies interested in competing for the coveted crown are invited to attend the pre-pageant orientation at Rayne City Hall Council Chambers, 801 The Boulevard, on Monday, July 17, 2017 at 6 p.m.
To be eligible to compete for the title of Miss Rayne, contests must (1) be 16 years of age and not older than 22 years of age the date of the pageant; (2) be single and have never been married or had a marriage annulled; (3) not be pregnant or have never borne a child; (4) be of good moral character and never been convicted of any felony; (5) have a Rayne address or telephone number or attend a school servicing the Rayne community.
The competition will consist of the following segments; interview – (held the afternoon of the competition); typically there will be a panel of three judges that will visit with each contestant for a period of approximately five minutes; questions may be asked concerning information covered on the entry form and general items of interest about the City of Rayne; sportswear and introductions; Choreographed dance number and a maximum 30 second introduction; evening gown – on stage competition in an evening gown of choice; on-stage interview including two lighthearted questions.
Awards will be as follows:
Queen - supreme crown, banner, silver tray, flowers, monetary scholarship upon successful completion which will be awarded upon verification of enrollment at an accredited educational institution of higher learning and entry to Frog Festival Queen’s Pageant and car signs for parades;
First Maid – silver tray and sponsorship to compete at International Rice Festival Pageant;
Second Maid - silver tray and sponsorship to compete at Miss Acadia Parish Pageant;
Third Maid – silver tray;
Miss Congeniality – silver tray; and
People’s Choice - silver tray (people attending will be given the opportunity to vote for a “People’s Choice” (popularity vote) for $1 per vote (a photo will be needed to post at voting space)
For more information or to acquire the official application, contact Suzette Leonards at Suzette.leonards@rayne.org, by phone at 337-334-6682 or stop by City Hall (801 The Boulevard).
Deadline to enter is Monday, Aug. 7, by 4 p.m.
There will be no increase in fire insurance premiums for residents of Fire Protection District 9.
The recent testing by the Property Insurance Association of Louisiana resulted in a “5” rating for the Rayne Volunteer Fire Department — the same rating it had going into the tests.
“We worked hard for this,” said Fire Chief Allen “Noochie” Credeur. “Kudos to all the firefighters who busted their chops during the tests and the time leading up to the tests.”
PIAL ratings are on a scale of 1 - 10. The lower the rating, the lower the fire insurance premiums for the service area.
Announcement of the rating was made during the annual Retired Fireman’s Supper Monday night at the main station.
A near-capacity crowd was on hand for the meeting and meal honoring the retired firefighters, most of whom still respond to calls.
RAYNE - Action aimed at improving drinking water dispersal and waste water disposal was taken during Monday’s meeting of the Rayne City Council.
A resolution authorizing Mayor Charles “Chuck” Robichaux to submit an application to the Department of Health and Hospitals’ Drinking Water Revolving Loan Fund Program to pay for upgrades to the city’s water treatment plant was unanimously approved.
According to Tim Mader, engineer, the funding, if approved, would be used to replace the clarifier troughs and aerator cones at the nearly 50-year-old plant.
In his monthly report, Mader noted that, he and Robichaux had visited the water treatment plant in March, 2016, to inspect the condition of the clarifier while it had been emptied for routine maintenance.
“It was very apparent from our inspection that steps need to be taken toward funding and planning for the eventual removal and replacement of the clarifier hardware within the concrete tank and for replacement of the adjacent aerator hardware,” Mader said.
In March of this year, a meeting was held with bond counsel and U.S. Department of Agriculture agents to discuss possible funding options — loan, grant, principal forgiveness, etc. — in order for the city to be in a position to make the best decision on how to fund the improvements.
It was determined that the DWRLF option is the best for the city.
The application is for improvements including, but not limited to, clarifier renovations, water tower planting, water plant electric generator and a new water supply well.
In association with the application, the council also adopted a resolution authorizing Mader Engineering, Inc., to prepare the required application and System Improvement Plan — not to be confused with construction plans and specifications.
Other action concerned the Louisiana Community Development Block Grant project for the improvement of the Barbara Street pump station.
A series of “routine” resolutions required to comply with the LCDBG program regulations was adopted naming Deputy City Clerk Shelley Daigle as:
• Accessibility Compliance Officer (and adopting a complaint procedure);
• Residential Antidisplacement and Relocation Assistance Officer (and adopting a similar plan);
• Labor Compliance Officer; and
• Equal Opportunity Officer.
A fifth resolution adopted a “Section 3” plan in compliance with federal and state guidelines concerning equal employment.
Concerning the city’s ongoing demolition program, the council voted unanimously to Wilson Labbe 90 days to demolish the house at 407 Seventh St.
Similarly, after some discussion, the council voted unanimously to give George Melancon 90 days to demolish the mobile home and building (formerly known as the Domino Hall) at 611 and 613 E. Jeff Davis.
In other action Monday night, the council:
• Accepted the resignation of David Guidry as a member of the Municipal Civil Service Board effective July 31;
• Approved the appointment of Clyde Leger to the Municipal Civil Service Board effective Aug. 1;
• Reappointed William “Bill” Wynn to the Housing Authority Board for another five-year term.
• Approved a street drive for the A&O 21st Century Club on July 28 (4 to 7 p.m.) and July 29 (9 a.m. to 1 p.m.) to fund the annual back-to-school program.
RAYNE - Tim Cormier, the soft-spoken president of Recovery Ministries, did his best Monday night to allay fears that his planned drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility would bring more drug addicts to the streets of Rayne.
Before Cormier spoke, Mayor Charles “Chuck” Robichaux explained that there was no council action to be taken concerning the project, that Cormier was simply present to explain his plans for the hospital building.
Cormier’s Recovery Ministries recently purchased the former Rayne-Branch Hospital building and is in the process of converting part of it into a “faith-based Christian retreat center providing hope and healing for individuals, families and communities struggling to recover from alcoholism and drug addiction.”
Because the purchase of the building and the ensuing work being done there has met with little fanfare, some area citizens felt that the project was “secretive.”
However, Cormier assured that he has been open and above-board with all of his dealings, has obtained all the necessary city permits and has nothing to hide.
“The facility will not be a methadone clinic nor will we be handing out any drugs on the premises,” he said. “It will be a non-medical environment to help people with alcohol and drug issues find salvation through the power of Christ.
“The individuals staying in our facility will be under supervision and not allowed to leave the facility without an escort. We will have 24-hour surveillance and security present,” he added.
Cormier, who has lived in Rayne since 2014, explained that, as with other similar “retreat centers,” admittance will be based on customary procedures facilitated through referrals from family members, background checks and “through assessments made after detox facilities if needed.
“Our facility will be a sober and drug-free living environment at all times.”
Cormier said the center will offer a 12-week program designed to help those in recovery learn new coping skills to regulate behavior, emotions and thinking. The program will include prayer, Biblical counseling, group session and some job placement training.
“We plan to work with local AA groups and Al-Anon meetings which include family counseling,” he said.
And the program is not limited to alcohol and drug addiction.
“Counseling will be designed to help clients through personal losses such as death, divorce, loss of children, abuse and any other related issues,” Cormier explained.
During a question-and-answer session, Cormier admitted that he has no “formal training” in the field of rehabilitation but said he will have “credentialed” individuals and “certified Christian counselors” working at the center.
He also admitted that, while he has no personal experience running such an operation, “I do have experience with the problems associated with addiction and have been involved with hundreds of addicts.”
Cormier added that, although he wasn’t at liberty to “throw out names,” a number of individuals well-educated in the field — “including doctors and psychiatrists” — are supporters of the center and will serve on the facility’s board of directors.
As a faith-based facility, the center will likely receive no federal or state funding and, since the retreat center is open to everyone regardless of whether or not they can pay or have insurance, the question of funding was raised.
“We have a number of supporters and donors,” Cormier said, pointing out that much of the work being done clearing out the hospital and Pauline Faulk Center “is being donated by the contractors.”
The retreat center will operate out of the former Pauline Faulk Center fronting South Bradford Street, to the rear of the hospital.
“The hospital side of the building will be renovated and updated for rental offices,” Cormier said. “Hopefully, we can entice professionals from the medical field to acquire office space so that, once again, our community can have in-house health care as once before.
“Also, with the renovation and updating of the property, our hope is for the rental of this facility to play a big part in supporting the retreat center.”
Monique Domingue, a nurse who once worked at the hospital, cautioned Cormier that opening a medical facility is such proximity to a drug-treatment center could be very enticing to companies that operate methadone clinics.
“Well, when you own the building, you can decide who you allow in and who not,” Cormier responded.
The issue of property values in the surrounding neighborhoods also was brought up.
“Just with the work we’ve already done clearing out and cleaning up the area, I think property values will probably increase with the renovations,” Cormier responded.
Mark Daigle, city inspector and director of zoning, planning and codes, was last to speak on the issue, explaining that Cormier’s realtor and attorney had contacted him three months ago regarding the hospital property.
He said the property is zoned “R-1,” which allows for “hospitals and institutions,” so, “Yes, it is zoned correctly.”
He went on to say that, during the four years he has worked for the city, he’s heard numerous times, “I wish someone would do something with the old hospital building.”
“Well, we have someone doing something with it — something positive,” he said.
He said he’s also heard, “They need to do something about the drug problem.”
Again, “We have someone doing something about it.”
He pointed out that the people who will use the center “are not being forced to go there, they’re crying out for help.
“I think we should give (Cormier) a chance. We all call ourselves Christians here, let’s show it.”
RAYNE - Funeral services will be held on Thursday, July 13, at 4 p.m. in the Gossen Funeral Home Chapel in Rayne for Barbara Duplein Smith, 58, who died Tuesday July 11, 2017, at Magnolia Estates Nursing Home in Lafayette.
Deacon Tommy Adams, of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rayne, will be conducting the funeral services.
Survivors include her daughter, Leslie Schexnayder Richard and husband Kristopher of Scott; three sons, Carl Schexnayder and wife Emilie of Carencro, Harry Schexnayder and wife Kelly of Duson, and Brandon Schexnayder of Scott; 10 grandchildren, Hailey Schexnayder, Jason Hyson, Broc Richard, Danielle Schexnayder, Gage Schexnayder, Corey Schexnayder, McKinsi Richard, Kaleb Schexnayder, Kale Schexnayder and Trey Schexnayder; one great-grandchild, Layla Barber; three sisters, Judy Fontenot and husband Will of Lafayette, Linda Baker and husband Don of Cotton Port, and Jackie Begnaud and husband John of Breaux Bridge; three brothers, Lee Racca, Michael Duplein and Dale Duplein and wife Darleen, all of Breaux Bridge; and 14 nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by a son, Paul Wallace Schexnayder; a grandson, Matthew Schexnayder; her mother, Una Belle Duplein Prejean; and grandparents, Anna Touchet Duplein and Enus Duplein.
The family requests that visitation be observed in Gossen Funeral Home on Thursday July 13, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Friends may view the obituary and guestbook online at www.gossenfuneralhome.net.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Gossen Funeral Home, Inc., of Rayne, (337) 334-3141.
RAYNE - Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 15, at 11 a.m. at Starlight Baptist Church for Rose Mae Julian, 77, who died July 6, 2017, at Acadia General Hospital.
Services will be conducted by Rev. Nathan T. Stevens.
Interment will be in Our Mother of Mercy Cemetery.
She is survived by her husband, Sylvester Julian; daughter, Wennette Williams; son, Cyrus Julian (Shalonda); one sister, Lillie Rubin; two granddaughters, Brittany Harmon and Shellie Gabriel; three grandsons, Darius and Cazal Davis and Rehnquest Charles; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
She was preceded in death by two sons, O’Neal Williams and Brian Keith Julian; her mother, Eva Perrodin Gibson; her father, Ishnell Gibson; six brothers, Curtis Gibson, Murphy Gibson, Leroy Gibson, Mervin Gibson, Irvin and Earl Gibson.
Visitation will be held Saturday, July 15, at Starlight Baptist Church from 8 a.m. until time of service.
Sign the guestbook online at www.syriefh.com
Arrangements have been entrusted to Syrie Funeral Home, Inc., of Lafayette.
RAYNE - Funeral services were held on Thursday, July 6, at a 10 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rayne for Melba Roy Olinger, 79, who died Sunday July 2, 2017, at her residence in Rayne.
Interment was in the St. Leo IV Cemetery in Roberts Cove.
Rev. Richard Wagner, pastor of Our Mother of Mercy Catholic Church in Rayne, was the celebrant of the Funeral Mass and conducted the funeral services.
Survivors include her daughter, Rhonda Olinger Broussard and husband Tom Broussard of Rayne; son, Hilary “Tony” Olinger Jr. and wife Verna Begnaud Olinger of Rayne; five grandchildren, Scott Broussard and wife Katie Anzalone Broussard of Lafayette, Kelli Broussard Moody and husband Luke Moody of Rayne, Lauren Broussard Woods and husband Jordan Woods of The Woodlands, Texas, Nolan Olinger of Rayne and Mackenzie Olinger of Rayne; seven great-grandchildren, Chloe Broussard, Thomas Broussard and Amelia Broussard, all of Lafayette, Vivian Moody and Jack Moody, both of Rayne, and Stella Woods and Alyse Woods both of The Woodlands, Texas; and sister, Renola “Penny” Roy Cart of Baytown, Texas.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Hilary Anthony Olinger; parents, Voorhies Roy and Nola Benoit Roy; two brothers, Claude Joseph Roy and wife Lena, and Leeward Gene Roy and wife Allen Dale “Nannie”; and brother-in-law, James Allen “JA” Cart.
Mrs. Melba was born Dec. 12, 1937, in Duson, and was an active member of the Rayne Garden Club, co-chairperson of the Rayne Centennial Celebration, Good Samaritan, and St. Leo Altar Society. She was a successful businesswomen for over 50 years in Rayne as co-owner/operator of Olinger Television & Radio repair then as a Radio Shack Franchise Dealer.
She was a talented artist, enjoyed working in her flower beds, and loved cooking for her ever-growing family.
A Rosary was prayed Wednesday, July 5, at 7 p.m. in Gossen Funeral Home in Rayne.
The family had requested that visitation be observed in Gossen Funeral Home in Rayne on Wednesday July 5, from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. and on Thursday July 6, from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Memorial contribution can be made in Melba Roy Olinger’s name to Rayne Catholic Elementry School, 407 S. Polk St., Rayne, LA 70578.
Friends may view the obituary and guestbook online at www.gossenfuneralhome.net.
Arrangements were entrusted to Gossen Funeral Home, Inc. of Rayne, (337) 334-3141.
Crowley Post-Signal
602 N. Parkerson Ave, Crowley, LA 70526
Phone: 337-783-3450
Fax: 337-788-0949
Rayne-Acadian Tribune
108 North Adams, Rayne, LA 70578
Phone: 337-334-3186
Fax: 337-334-8474
Church Point News
c/o The Eunice News, 465 Aymond St., Eunice, LA 70535
Phone: 337-457-3061