RSS Feed

ALBERTHA BENNETT RICHARD

Thu, 10/07/2021 - 11:02am

Albertha Bennett Richard, 79, a native of Patterson and resident of Katy, Texas, died Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2021.
Visitation will be Saturday from 9 a.m. until services at 11 a.m. at Good Hope Baptist Church in Patterson with burial following in New Salem Cemetery in Patterson.
She is survived by children, Bailey Richard Jr. of Seattle, Dionne Dardar of Tomball, Texas, Teronna Richard of Katy, Texas, and Dana Duhart and Warren Gant, both of Spring, Texas; brother, Bertrand Bennett; sisters, Gracie Jennings and Frankie Ladday; 14 grandchildren; a great-grandchild; and a host of other relatives.
She was preceded in death by her parents, daughter, five brothers and a sister.
Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Morgan City police radio logs for Oct. 4-6

Thu, 10/07/2021 - 10:58am

The following are the radio dispatch logs from the Morgan City Police Department. To report unlawful or suspicious activity, call the Police Department at 985-380-4605.
Monday, Oct. 4
9:35 a.m. 2400 block of Apple Street; Complaint.
10:25 a.m. 500 block of Roderick Street; Welfare check.
11:10 a.m. 1300 block of Victor II Boulevard; Accident.
12:32 p.m. 1400 block of Mayon Street; Harassment.
12:40 p.m. 7200 block of La. 182; Complaint.
3:26 p.m. 2300 block of La. 70; Traffic incident.
4:41 p.m. Third and Greenwood streets; Suspicious person.
7:51 p.m. Greenwood and Third streets area; Suspicious vehicle.
7:57 p.m. 200 block of Mallard Street; Battery.
8:41 p.m. 600 block of Kentucky Street; Patrols.
9:13 p.m. 7200 block of La. 182; Suspicious subject.
9:50 p.m. 100 block of Mallard Street; Patrols.
Tuesday, Oct. 5
1:23 a.m. 6700 block of La. 182; Suspicious subject.
4:35 a.m. 1000 block of Seventh Street ; Peeping Tom.
7:51 a.m. 6300 block of La. 182; Theft.
8:26 a.m. 700 block of General Patton Street; Medical.
11:24 a.m. 6700 block of La. 182; Assistance.
11:35 a.m. David and Victor II Boulevard; Suspicious person.
12:17 p.m. 800 block of Fig Street; Animal.
12:54 p.m. 1000 block of Greenwood Street; Assistance.
1:05 p.m. 100 block of Eleventh Street; Loud noise.
1:24 p.m. La. 182 and David Drive; Accident.
1:46 p.m. 500 block of Roderick Street; Suspicious person.
3:30 p.m. U.S. 90 East; Accident.
3:57 p.m. 400 block of Bush Street; Medical.
4:57 p.m. U.S. 90 West; Accident.
5:28 p.m. Fig and Tupelo streets area; Traffic incident.
5:51 p.m. 300 block of Mallard Street; Loud music.
6:30 p.m. 600 block of Martin Luther King Boulevard; Welfare concern.
6:44 p.m. Belanger Street and Federal Avenue area; Complaint of smoke.
6:55 p.m. 3000 block of Keith Street; Medical emergency.
7:07 p.m. Greenwood Street area; Hit and run.
7:43 p.m. 1400 block of Federal Avenue; Accident.
9:36 p.m. 600 block of General Hodges Street; Theft.
9:42 p.m. 2000 block of Cedar Street; Assist Ochsner St. Mary.
10:46 p.m. 100 block of Oak Street; Complaint.
Wednesday, Oct. 6
Midnight 780 block of La. 1823; Traffic stop/arrest.
12:06 a.m. 500 block of Roderick Street ; Disturbance.
12:18 a.m. 2000 block of Cedar Street; Disturbance.
1:42 a.m. 800 block of Brashear Avenue; Suspicious subject.

Deputies make arrests on warrants in drug cases

Thu, 10/07/2021 - 10:36am

(Editor’s note: The charges listed here and the narratives that go with them are provided by the police agencies that made the arrests. Guilt or innocence has not been determined in court.)

Staff Report

St. Mary deputies made two arrests on warrants related to drug charges Wednesday, arrest reports said.
Morgan City officers made three disturbing the peace arrests, and Berwick police reported an unauthorized entry arrest.

St. Mary
Sheriff Blaise Smith advised that over the last 24-hour reporting period, the Sheriff’s Office responded to 35 complaints and made these arrests:
—Kendra Ann Theriot, 36, Corpus Christi, Texas, was arrested at 2:45 p.m. Wednesday on two warrants alleging failure to appear on the charges of theft and possession of Schedule IV drugs.
Theriot was released on a summons to appear Oct. 18.
—Alyssandra Elizabeth Russo, 24, Houston, was arrested at 3:34 p.m. Wednesday on a warrant alleging failure to appear on the charge of possession of MDMA. Russo was released on a summons to appear Jan. 4.
—Karim Colar, 23, Baldwin, was arrested at 4:19 p.m. Wednesday on a charge of driving under suspension. Colar was released on a summons to appear Jan. 4.
—Freddie Patrick Delasbour, 27, Franklin, was arrested at 9:05 p.m. Wednesday on a warrant alleging aggravated domestic abuse battery. No bail has been set.

Morgan City
Police Chief James F. Blair reported that the Morgan City Police Department responded to 45 calls for service within the last 24-hour reporting period and made these arrests:
—Lawrence Alex Garrett, 25, Fourth Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 1:10 p.m. Wednesday on a 6th Ward Morgan City Court warrant alleging two counts of failure to appear to pay fine Sept. 14; a 6th Ward Morgan City Court warrant alleging failure to appear for arraignment Sept. 14; and a 16th Judicial District Court warrant alleging two counts of failure to appear for trial Aug. 9.
—James Wayne Bullock, 54, Gen. Patton Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 5:24 p.m. Wednesday on a charge of disturbing the peace (intoxication).
—Veronica Marie Lynch, 46, Gen. Patton Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 5:24 p.m. Wednesday on a charge of disturbing the peace (intoxicated).
—Jaelyne Renee Molaison, 23, La. 182 Franklin, was arrested at 10:25 p.m. Wednesday on a charge of disturbing the peace.

Berwick
Police Chief David Leonard reported these arrests:
—Craig M. Free, 35, Fourth Street, Berwick, was arrested at 4:44 p.m. Wednesday on charges of unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling.
At 4:34 p.m. Wednesday, officers were dispatched to a residence on Jones Street in reference to a man who entered a residence without permission.
Through investigation, the suspect was identified as Free. Officers learned that Free followed a female to the residence on Jones Street and once she entered, he walked inside moments later to confront her about being there.
He left the residence and was located at his residence on Fourth Street, where he was taken into custody without incident. Following the investigation, Free was placed under arrest and booked into the Berwick Jail with no bond set.

MARICH “MARIE” ANN ANDERSON

Thu, 10/07/2021 - 10:27am

Mask or Face Covering and Social Distancing are required for all service attendees.
2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness.
Marich “Marie” Ann Anderson, a native and resident of Franklin, Louisiana. Marie, went home to glory surrounded by devoted, loving, caring family and friendson Monday, October 4, 2021 in Franklin, Louisiana. Visitation will be observed on Monday, October 11, 2021 at Saint Joseph Baptist Church(878 Irish Bend Road-Franklin, La.) from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m and funeral service commencing at 12:00 p.m. The Interment will take place in The Irish Bend Cemetery, Franklin, La.
Marich, is survived by (2) Sons: O’Dell “Fly” (Jermica) Phillips, Jr. of Lafayette, La. and Anthony “Beaver” (Tanika) Phillips, Sr. of Houston, Texas; (1) Brother: Jimmie Anderson of Fresno, California; (2) Sisters: Laura A. Wells and Barbara A. (Barry) Sanders both of Franklin, La.; (11) Grandchildren, (5) Great Grandchildren.
Officiating Minister: Pastor Ronald C. Young.
The Otis Mortuary, Inc. of Franklin, Louisiana is in charge of preparations.

ALBERTHA “LIL SISTER” BENNETT RICHARD

Thu, 10/07/2021 - 8:31am

Albertha “Lil Sister” Bennett Richard, 79, a native of Patterson, La. and resident of Katy, TX, passed away peacefully on Tuesday September 21, 2021.
Visitation will be observed on Saturday October 9, 2021 at the Good Hope Baptist Church in Patterson, La., from 9 a.m. until funeral services beginning at 11 a.m. with Pastor Patrick T. Jones, officiating. Burial will follow funeral services in the New Salem Cemetery in Patterson, La.
Memories of Albertha will forever remain in the hearts of her: children, Bailey Richard, Jr. (Pamela) of Seattle, WA, Dionne Dardar of Tomball, TX, Teronna “Ronnie” Richard of Katy, TX, Dana Duhart (Tremaine) and Warren Gant of Spring, TX; brother, Bertrand Bennett; sisters, Gracie B. Jennings and Frankie Mae Ladday; sister-in-law, Ella Mae Bennett; god-children, Susan Bennett, Julia May Sterling, Gloria Butler, Barbara Jennings, and Markima White; a special child, Nina Singleton; a special baby, Braydan Clarkston; her Pastor and Classmate, Reverend Fred Powell; special cousin, Josie Carmouche; fourteen grandchildren, one great-grandson and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Albertha was preceded in death by her parents Elvena and Frankie Bennett; daughter, Sharonna Gant; brothers, Albert (Mary Louise) Bennett, Donald Bennett, Calvin sBennett, Charles (Ladora) Bennett, and Wilbert Bennett; sister, Francis Joy (Francis) Washington; aunt, Alberta Johnson; sister-in-law, Sally Bennett; and brother-in-law, Clarence “Dutchie” Jennings and George Ladday.
Arrangements entrusted to jones funeral home of Morgan City-Franklin-Houma and Jeanerette. Please visit www.jones-funeral-home.com to send condolences to family.

DORIS LEE HARTMAN DARNELL

Thu, 10/07/2021 - 8:29am

Doris Lee Hartman Darnell, 80, a resident and native of Patterson, La., passed away peacefully on Sunday October 3, 2021 at Ochsner Medical Center in Jefferson, La.
Visitation will be observed on Saturday October 9, 2021 at the Zion Chapel AME Church 1511 Cherry St, Patterson, Louisiana 70392., from 12 Noon until funeral services beginning at 2 p.m. with Pastor Richelle Lewis Castine, officiating. Burial will follow funeral services in the New Salem Cemetery - Willing Workers Side.
Memories of Doris will forever remain in the hearts of her children, Lawrence “Larry” (Ellen) Darnell of Patterson, La., Valarie (David) Landry of Pearland, TX; Tempest (Whybray) Jackson of Patterson, La.; a grandson she reared; Travis “T-Boy” (Latoya) Darnell of Patterson, La.; sister, Gladys H. Ahmad of Las Vegas, NV; brother, Ogden Thomas of Patterson, La.; seven grandchildren, LaQuita “Ms. Qui” Darnell, LaGenia (Courtney) Bradford, Blake Smith, Regne (Luke) Hines, Courtney Landry and Kimberly Landry, seven great-grandchildren, Kennedi, Blaire, Zion, Tehani, Coe, Jayse, and Aubrey; god-son, Byron Diggs and Bill Thomas, Jr.; seven step-children and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Doris was preceded in death by parents, Jane Lockett Hartman and Albert Hartman; siblings, Al Hartman, Kenneth Hartman, Richard Hartman, George Hartman, Michael Hartman, Ted Hartman, Alvin Hartman, Emile Hartman and Delicious Hartman.
Arrangements entrusted to jones funeral home of Morgan City-Franklin-Houma and Jeanerette. Please visit; www.jones-funeral-home.com to send condolences to family

Parish Council interviews registrar applicants

Wed, 10/06/2021 - 8:16pm

FRANKLIN — The St. Mary Parish Council interviewed candidates for registrar of voters in a lengthy closed-door session Wednesday night at the Parish Courthouse.
The council will make its choice at its regularly scheduled meeting Oct. 13, also at the courthouse.
Members will choose a successor for Jolene Holcombe, who retired Aug. 6 after working in the Registrar of Voters Office for 47 years and serving as registrar for 23 years.
The applicants for the registrar’s post are:
—Byron J. Stelly, Holcombe’s assistant who is serving as interim registrar.
—Marristene L. Phillips
—Christine B. Lemoine
—Raymond Harris, Jr.
Council members decided to develop questions in advance of Wednesday’s interviews.
When she announced her retirement, Holcombe said her successor would face a variety of challenges.
Those challenges include redistricting based on the 2020 Census, changes in voting laws and new voting equipment.
Holcombe also warned about “the hostile political atmosphere that pervades our country.”

Four amendments on La. ballot for Nov. 13

Wed, 10/06/2021 - 2:46pm
WILLIAM PATRICK, The Center Square

Louisiana voters soon will have the opportunity to consider four constitutional ballot amendments in this year’s fall election. All four items are tax and budget issues that could become permanent by majority vote.

Business groups such as the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry are encouraging passage of Amendments 1 and 2, which would centralize sales and use taxes and decrease the individual income tax rate for top earners.

“Louisiana’s business tax climate ranks among the worst in the nation,” LABI President and CEO Stephen Waguespack said. “A pair of tax reform measures on the November 13th ballot could change that, enacting constitutional amendments to finally simplify our system, meaning lower tax rates and more jobs in Louisiana.”

The Louisiana Budget Project, a Baton Rouge-based nonprofit, opposes the tax reduction amendment, saying passage could harm the state budget and lead to "less money for education, health care and transportation."

The election’s two other proposed amendments deal with levee districts and state budget funding.

The fall election was scheduled for Oct. 9, but Gov. John Bel Edwards postponed Election Day to Nov. 13 because of Hurricane Ida. Most of Louisiana will see only the four constitutional amendments on their ballot, though some parishes and cities also will conduct local elections.

Amendment 1: Streamlining sales and use taxes

The first ballot measure proposes amending the Louisiana Constitution to create the State and Local Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Commission, which would centralize the filing, remittance and collection of sales and uses taxes.

According to the Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana, the Louisiana Department of Revenue collects a state sales and use tax of 4.45%, while local governments collect sales and use taxes averaging around 5%.

However, Louisiana’s 64 parishes have differing tax policies and policy interpretations that complicate sales and use tax collection and remittance, though current law also protects them from state government encroachment, a PARC report said.

“This highly decentralized system is unusual; nearly all other states allow a central collector who remits the revenue to the appropriate state and local jurisdictions and acts as the central authority for how and when taxes should be applied,” the report said.

Amendment 2: Individual income taxes

A “yes” vote on Amendment 2 would decrease the maximum individual income tax rate from 6% to 4.75% beginning next year. Passage also would remove the ability to deduct federal income taxes from an individual’s state income tax liability, which is currently allowed. A “no” vote would leave the tax rate and federal deduction in place.

The Council for A Better Louisiana, a nonpartisan public interest group, supports the proposal, which also would apply to corporations. CABL said in statement that reducing the top state income tax rate is “generally revenue neutral to the state and taxpayers.”

The Louisiana Budget Project disagrees, saying the amendment would amount to a “tax swap” that would benefit individuals and corporations that already have the highest incomes.

Amendment 3: Taxing authority for levee districts

Amendment 3 asks voters to consider a constitutional provision that would allow levee districts created after 2006 to raise taxes in districts where a majority of voters approve.

Passage would allow the levee districts to increase property taxes up to five mills, or $5 per $1,000 of assessed property value. The tax revenues would be used for “constructing and maintaining levees, levee drainage, flood protection and hurricane flood protection."

Amendment 4: Funding budget deficits

The final ballot amendment applies to the state budget. Voters will be asked whether they support an increase to the amount of money currently allowed to cope with projected budget deficits.

The Louisiana Constitution and state law allows 5% of dedicated funding to be redirected to items other than what was originally intended. Amendment 4 would increase the limit to 10%.

The Public Affairs Research Council said dedicated funds can tie the hands of lawmakers, but also ensure legislatively approved programs and priorities. If the ballot proposal passes, current dedicated funding items would remain unchanged and joint legislative budget committees would have to approve any new changes.

All four proposed constitutional amendments were referred to the fall election ballot by the state Legislature, after the amendments each received a required two-thirds vote in the House and Senate. Amendments 1 and 2 stem from three separate tax reform bills – House Bill 278, House Bill 292 and Senate Bill 161.

According to the Louisiana secretary of state’s office, residents can register to vote in-person or by mail until Oct. 13. Online registration will continue until Oct. 23. Early voting begins Oct. 30 and runs through Nov. 6.

Regional arrest reports: Berwick police make arrests in two business thefts, heroin possession case

Wed, 10/06/2021 - 12:23pm
Staff Report

(Editor’s note: The charges listed here and the narratives that go with them are provided by the police agencies that made the arrests. Guilt or innocence has not been determined in court.)

Berwick police made arrests Tuesday in two thefts at local businesses, and also booked a man accused of possessing nearly a third of a pound of heroin, arrest reports say.

Berwick
Police Chief David Leonard reported these arrests:
—Adner Laboy-Colon, Carter Lane, Berwick was arrested at 5:26 p.m. Tuesday on a Berwick warrant alleging theft.
—Lisa Fontenot, 56, River Road, Berwick, was arrested at 12:53 p.m. Tuesday on a Berwick warrant alleging theft.
On Sept. 5, officers with the Berwick Police Department were dispatched to a local business on La. 182 in reference to a theft. During the course of the investigation, Laboy-Colon and Fontenot were identified as suspects.
It was learned through the investigation that they had stolen a variety of items from the store that valued $575. Warrants were prepared for their arrest, and both were subsequently arrested and released on summons to appear in court.
—Hope Cubbedge 42, Carter Lane, Berwick, was arrested at 3:53 p.m. Tuesday on a charge of theft.
About 6:51 a.m. Monday, officers with the Berwick Police Department responded to a local business on La. 182 at Bowman Street about a theft.
During the course of the investigation, it was learned that the store manager observed a female acting in a suspicious manner inside the store. The woman attempted to purchase items, but her card was declined. The card was left in the store, and the woman fled the area in a rush.
The store manager reviewed surveillance and was able to determine the same woman had removed several items from the store and put them in her purse before fleeing.
Cubbedge was later identified, and a warrant was prepared for her arrest. Cubbedge walked into the Berwick Police Department Tuesday morning to speak with officers about this matter, and she was subsequently arrested on the warrant.
Cubbedge admitted to stealing the items from the store and in fact walked into the Police Department with a pair of sunglasses on that had been stolen the day before. Cubbedge was released on a summons to appear in court.
—Brian Henderson, 38, Utah Street, Berwick, was arrested at 7:59 p.m. Tuesday on charges of possession with intent to distribute heroin (150 grams), possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of Subutex, violation of controlled dangerous substance laws (drug-free zone), possession of drug paraphernalia, monetary instrument abuse and possession of marijuana.
On Tuesday, officers with Berwick Police traveled to Assumption Parish Jail to pick up Henderson, who was being held as a fugitive on Berwick Police Department warrants and other unrelated charges in Assumption Parish.
Henderson was taken into custody and transported back to Berwick Jail, where he was booked on the warrants. The warrants stem from an incident that occurred Aug. 22, when officers responded to Utah Street in reference to a man waving a rifle in the street.
During the course of the investigation, officers with Berwick police with the assistance of the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office attempted to make contact with Henderson at his residence. But they later learned that he had fled the scene through a back door and left the area in a vehicle.
Due to the nature of the incident, officers obtained a search warrant for the residence on Utah Street. During the course of the search, officers located a substantial amount of heroin, methamphetamine and items of drug para-phernalia.
Warrants were issued for Henderson at that time because he fled the scene. He was later located in Assumption Parish, where he was being held. Henderson was transported to the parish jail where he remains without bond.

St. Mary
Sheriff Blaise Smith advised that over the last 24-hour reporting period, the Sheriff’s Office responded to 33 complaints made these arrests:
—Edmee Louise Allain, 54, Jeanerette, was arrested at 6:54 a.m. Tuesday on two warrants alleging failure to appear on the charges of operating a vehicle while license is suspended, revoked or canceled and no seat belt. Bail was set at $3,500.
—Yerson O. Flores, 19, Lafayette, was arrested at 7:01 p.m. Tuesday on charges of no headlights, proper equipment required on vehicles, modification of exhaust system and driver must be licensed.
Flores was released on a summons to appear Jan. 4.
—Ronald Wayne Johnson Jr., 30, Patterson, was arrested at 9:12 a.m. Tuesday on a charge of aggravated battery. Johnson continues to be incarcerated at the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center.
—Keenan Patterson, 27, Houma, was arrested at 11:28 a.m. Tuesday on a warrant alleging unlawful use of state-issued ID to gain access to a gaming establishment. No bail has been set.
—Jonathan Ray Beadle, 31, Bayou Vista, was arrested at 12:12 p.m. Tuesday on charges of view outward and inward of window, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving under suspension, expired or no inspection sticker, possession of a controlled dangerous substance in a drug-free zone, and modification of exhaust systems.
Beadle also held a warrant alleging failure to appear on charge of simple assault upon arrest.
—Kenneth Williams, 51, Houma, was arrested at 4:15 p.m. Tuesday on charges of one-way roadways and rotary traffic islands and driving under suspension. Williams was released on a summons to appear Jan. 4.
—Jarvis Javon Preston, 35, Franklin, was arrested at 8:09 p.m. Tuesday on a warrant alleging failure to appear on charges of operating a vehicle without proper equipment, possession of Schedule II drugs, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Bail has not been set.
—Brian Henry Henderson, 38, Patterson, was arrested at 4:15 p.m. Tuesday on a warrant alleging failure to appear on the charge of possession of marijuana. No bail has been set.
—Kevin Lashawn James Sr., 36, Franklin, was arrested at 2:45 a.m. Wednesday on charges of traffic control signals, turning movements and signals required, and driving under suspension, and on a warrant alleging failure to appear on a charge of driving under suspension.
Bail has not been set.

Morgan City
Police Chief James F. Blair reported that the Morgan City Police Department responded to 49 calls for service within the last 24-hour reporting period and made these arrests beginning Tuesday.
—Skyler Craig Gibson, 27, Bayou Black Drive, Gibson, was arrested at 12:09 a.m. Wednesday on charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of heroin, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving under suspension and improper lane usage.

Assumption
Sheriff Leland Falcon reported this arrest:
—Amanda Smith, 40, McGill Lane, Gibson, was arrested on a charge of simple burglary of an inhabited dwelling.
The charges result from a residential burglary on Flamingo Road in the Bayou L’Ourse area in early September.
Deputies responded to the complaint Sept. 7 made contact with the complainants, who advised they were residents of the home. The victims advised that they had noticed items missing from the home.
The victims were able to identify suspects after reviewing video surveillance footage. One of the suspects was identified as Smith.
Detectives conducted follow-up investigation, which included interviewing a Smith.
At the conclusion of the investigation, warrants were obtained for the arrest of suspects in this burglary.
Smith was arrested and booked into the Assumption Parish Detention Center on a $10,000 commercial bond
Detectives were able to recover some items reported stolen in the burglary.

Pages

ST. MARY NOW

Franklin Banner-Tribune
P.O. Box 566, Franklin, LA 70538
Phone: 337-828-3706
Fax: 337-828-2874

Morgan City Review
1014 Front Street, Morgan City, LA 70380
Phone: 985-384-8370
Fax: 985-384-4255

St Mary Now Copyright  © 2026