ARTISTS
Due to Hurricane Ida, Artists Guild Unlimited is re-opening registration for its postponed Labor Day Art Show & Sale. Anybody wishing to register art for the show may do so from 1-7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 17, and 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 18, at the AGU Everett Street Gallery, Morgan City. Show judging, and the Patrons’/Donors’ Reception dates will be announced at a later date.
(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.)
A Pierre Part man faces felony sex crime charges after his arrest Thursday, the Assumption Parish Sheriff’s Office said.
Assumption
Sheriff Leland Falcon reported this arrest:
—Grant Paul Johnson, 43, La. 70 South, Pierre Part, was arrested on three counts of indecent behavior with juveniles.
On Sept. 3, detectives commenced an investigation concerning indecent behavior with juveniles that occurred at a residence in the 2200 block of La. 70. A number of interviews were conducted with potential witnesses and victims.
As a result of that process, Johnson was identified as a suspect in the matter. Those interviews produced sufficient probable cause to believe that Johnson had committed acts sexual in nature over a period of several months in the presence of multiple juveniles.
Those incidents are alleged to have occurred at Johnson’s home as recently as the past few days.
Detectives obtained a search warrant for Johnson’s residence and executed them Thursday.
Evidence recovered corroborated statements made by the complainant and the youngsters involved.
At the conclusion of this investigation, Johnson was arrested on Thursday and booked into the Assumption Parish Detention Center pending a bond hearing.
St. Mary
Sheriff Blaise Smith advised that over the last 24-hour reporting period, the Sheriff’s Office responded to 42 complaints and reported these arrests:
—Corey Lee Percle, 41, Morgan City, was arrested at 2:02 p.m. Thursday on charges of domestic abuse battery and disturbing the peace (violent and tumultuous manner). No bail has been set.
—Ahtajday Phillips, 19, Franklin, was arrested at 1:12 p.m. Thursday on a warrant alleging failure to appear. Phillips was released on a summons to appear Dec. 1.
—Jude Benjamin, 46, New Iberia, was arrested at 11:09 a.m. Thursday on charges of improper display of license plates, driving under suspension and no seat belt. Benjamin also held an active failure to appear warrant on the charge of simple robbery. No bail has been set.
—Jason Joseph Olivier, 39, Berwick, was arrested at 1:24 a.m. Friday on charges of simple burglary, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a legend drug without prescription (two counts) and possession of a controlled dangerous substance in a drug-free zone.
Bail has not been set.
—Reggie P. James, 41, Houma, was arrested at 11:48 p.m. Thursday on charges of driving on roadway laned for traffic and possession of drug paraphernalia. James was released on a summons to appear Dec. 1.
—David Wade Woods Jr., 36, Franklin, was arrested at 2:29 a.m. Friday on charges of possession of methamphetamine, no insurance, and switched or stolen license plate.
—Kizzy Ann Rice, 44, Houma, was arrested at 2:54 p.m. Thursday by the Narcotics Section on a charge of possession of marijuana. Rice was released on a summons to appear Dec. 1.
Morgan City
Police Chief James F. Blair reported that the Morgan City Police Department responded to 57 calls for service within the last 24-hour reporting period and made these arrests beginning Thursday:
—Scott Russell Barr, 39, Highway 71 Bay City, Texas, was arrested at 2 p.m. Thursday on a warrant alleging probation violation.
—Kizmet Gant, 40, Wren Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 3:15 p.m. Thursday on charges of disturbing the peace (fighting) and criminal damage to property.
—Jamerie Tyhein Gash, 18, Railroad Avenue, Morgan City, was arrested 5:46 p.m. Thursday on a warrant alleging failure to appear for trial July 29.
—Adrian Billiot, 39, Federal Avenue, Morgan City, arrested at 2:53 a.m. Friday on warrants alleging failure to appear for arraignment Aug. 19, failure to appear for trial Aug. 9, two counts of failure to appear for trial in 16th Judicial District Court Aug. 6 and failure to appear for trial in 16th Judicial District Court Aug. 9.
Berwick
Police Chief David Leonard reported these arrests:
—Leslie Evans, 23, Express Boulevard, Houma, was arrested at 11:24 p.m. Tuesday on charges of speeding, driving under suspension, possession of marijuana (under 14 grams) and possession of drug paraphernalia.
About 11:04 p.m. Tuesday, an officer in the area of westbound U.S. 90 observed a vehicle traveling 72 mph in a 55 mph zone. A traffic stop was conducted, and officers made contact with Evans.
While speaking with Evans, officers learned that his driver’s license was suspended. Through the course of the traffic stop, an odor of marijuana was detected coming from the vehicle, at which time a search was done.
Officers located marijuana and items of drug paraphernalia, which Evans admitted belonged to him. Evans was placed under arrest and released on a summons to appear in court.
—Connor Wells, 20, Parro Lane, Berwick, was arrested at 1:41 p.m. Wednesday on a warrant alleging cruelty to animals.
On Tuesday, the Berwick Police Department received a complaint of a neglected dog on Parro Lane. Officers arrived and located an extremely malnourished and neglected dog.
The dog was bought to the Berwick Police Department where it was cared for. Officers conducted an investigation into the matter and learned the dog belonged to Wells.
Officers made contact with Wells on Thursday, and he came to the Police Department to speak with officers. Following an interview with Wells, a warrant was prepared for his arrest for the charge of simple cruelty to animals
Wells was booked on the warrant and released on a summons to appear in court.
St. Martin
Sheriff Becket Breaux reported this arrest:
—Quinton Pierre, 30, Elmore Street, St. Martinville, was arrested Wednesday by the St. Martinville Police Department on a charge of simple burglary of a movable or immovable.
Terrebonne General Health announced the list of services that are open to patients in the wake of Hurricane Ida:
—Emergency Services – Daily - 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.- Terrebonne General Campus.
—Cancer Center –Chemotherapy infusions - M – F – 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. – 857-8093.
—Chauvin Clinic - Primary care – M – F - 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. – No appointment needed. Walk-ins welcome!
—COVID (same day results) Testing – M- F - Mary Bird Perkins Ramp – 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. – No appointment needed.
—COVID Vaccines – M- F – 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Drive- thru Center – By appointment or Drive Ups welcome – 873-4683.
—Outpatient Lab – Enter main lobby - 8 a.m. – 4 p.m..
—Radiology (X-ray, Ultrasound, Echo’s, and EKG’s) - Enter main lobby – 8 a.m. – 4 p.m..
The hospital said it will continue to expand services every day. You can learn more at tghealthsystem.com daily for updates and continue to follow us on FB, Instagram, and Twitter for the latest information.
“Health care is the cornerstone of every community and we all are committed to be there when you need us the most!” the hospital said in a press release.
Terrebonne General Health System is the largest health care resource provider in southeast Louisiana that has taken the lead to deliver medical excellence and innovation to the people of Southeast Louisiana.
Driven by a “high tech” and “high touch” style of healing that offers an expansive range of services that provide hospital care and preventive care while also providing basic healthcare needs on and offsite. The hospiital's highly skilled healthcare team consists of over 1,500 employees, with over 450 medical staff providers that offer 42 various specialties.
The system has been honored with many prestigious awards and accolades for quality, safety, and patient experience on the state, national and international levels. Terrebonne General took the lead to initiate a public/private partnership with Ochsner Health, which delivers crucial safety-net services for the region through
Chabert Medical Center and is part of an alliance of healthcare-focused entities across the greater Gulf South region.
For more information, please visit www.tghealthsystem.com and follow the hospital on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Deborah Kleimann Trahan, 61, a native of Morgan City and resident of Patterson, died Tuesday, Sept. 7, 2021 at Ochsner Medical Center West Bank in New Orleans.
She is survived by her husband, Irvin Trahan Sr. of Patterson; mother, Earline Kleimann of Patterson; five children, Irvin Trahan Jr. and Kelly Burbante, both of Patterson, Jacob Trahan of Morgan City, Brandon Trahan of Bayou Vista and Travis Trahan of Cypress, Texas; 18 grandchildren; four sisters, Sally Taylor, Rose Cockerton, Terrie Gros and Rebecca Mullally; four brothers, Mark Kleimann, Robert Kleimann, Sammy Kleimann and Patrick Kleimann.
She was preceded in death by her father, a brother and a sister.
Visitation will be Sunday at Twin City Funeral Home, 6-10 p.m. and again Monday from 9 a.m. until services at 11 a.m. Burial will follow in Berwick Cemetery.
Twin City Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
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.
Thursday, Sept. 9
7:35 a.m. 1000 block of Sixth Street; Complaint.
8:27 a.m. 800 block of Railroad Avenue; Complaint.
8:41 a.m. Garber and Acorn streets; Disturbance.
9:24 a.m. 400 block of Federal Avenue; Complaint.
10:14 a.m. 900 block of Ninth Street; Alarm.
11:33 a.m. 900 block of Spruce Street; Juvenile complaint.
11:40 a.m. General Hodges and Chester Bowles streets; Complaint.
12:26 p.m. 1200 block of Spruce Street; Alarm.
1:57 p.m. 7200 block of La. 182; Arrest.
2:36 p.m. 1300 block of Victor II Boulevard; Assistance.
3:08 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Complaint.
3:14 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Arrest.
3:40 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Lost and found.
3:53 p.m. 1100 block of Marguerite Street; 911 hang up.
3:59 p.m. La. 70/U.S. 90 Junction; Crash.
4:06 p.m. 600 block of Terrebonne Street; Medical.
4:13 p.m. Glenwood Street; Animal complaint.
4:20 p.m. 7700 block of La. 182; Warrant.
4:33 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Disturbance.
4:44 p.m. U.S. 90 West; Crash.
4:57 p.m. 800 block of Brashear Avenue; Complaint.
5:02 p.m. 600 block of Second Street; Complaint.
5:12 p.m. U.S. 90 West; Crash.
6:04 p.m. 1100 block of Victor II Boulevard ; Disturbance.
6:30 p.m. 600 block of Kentucky Street; Patrols.
8:17 p.m. 1600 block of Cedar Street; Patrols.
8:36 p.m. 300 block of Egle Street; Disturbance.
8:45 p.m. 2900 block of Railroad Avenue; Welfare concern.
9:33 p.m. 700 block of Duke Street; Complaint.
10:10 p.m. 7300 block of La. 182; Alarm.
10:45 p.m. Bayou Vista; Be on the lookout/SMPSO.
11:16 p.m. 600 block of Brashear Avenue; Complaint.
12:56 a.m. 500 block of Orange Street; Medical.
12:59 a.m. 500 block of Brashear Avenue; Assist SMPSO.
1:11 a.m. 1100 block of Marguerite Street; Battery.
2:23 a.m. 700 block of Martin Luther King Boulevard; Complaint.
3:25 a.m. 300 block of Adam Street; Remove subject.
Submitted Photo
VFW Post 4222 and its Auxiliary donated food and supplies to the Morgan City Police Department so they could bring them to the Houma Police Department to help the people impacted by Ida. With the help of these people, the supplies were loaded in the police vehicles.
NEW ORLEANS – The Louisiana National Guard continued emergency operations Friday throughout coastal Louisiana following the wake and destruction of Hurricane Ida, while continuing its COVID-19 response missions.
There are currently over 5,220 Louisiana Guardsmen protecting lives and property, maintaining communications, and ensuring the continuity of operations and government throughout the state. In addition, there are 3,116 Guardsmen from 15 other states and 485 active-duty service members integrated into the response missions.
Currently, the LANG is focused on efforts to clear and ensure accessibility of roadways, distribute commodities, provide temporary electric power and assist local law enforcement efforts.
National Guard engineer teams have assessed over 5,280 miles of roadway and cleared over 2,930 miles of roadway in 20 parishes to date. They have also cleared 13,324 cubic yards of debris from 90 municipal facilities. Much of this effort is led by the LANG’s 225th Engineer Brigade.
“When a storm has passed, we immediately need to get on the ground, assess, and clear theroutes in order to allow access for emergency responders as well as any power companies to start working,” said Col. Greg St. Romain, commander of the 225th. “We’re very dynamic; we’ve become versatile, and we are adaptable to any mission that comes our way. I can’t be more proud of the soldiers within the Task Force Castle arena and how they’re operating. They continue to accomplish any mission and any task that comes their way.”
The LANG is working in conjunction with the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness to provide generators to assist areas affected by power losses. There are currently 235 generators on site, 29 installations underway and 93 sites under assessment for installation.
“This is another way the National Guard supports citizens, the healthcare system, municipalities and industry in Louisiana,” said Lt. Col. Terry Vallarautto, commander of Task Force Generator response operations.
“After the storm passed we pulled generators to multiple places, sewage plants, the Joint Force Headquarters in Covington, and homeless shelters in New Orleans. We had all of our guys going out to deliver generators, as well as performing repairs that were needed,” said Spc. Courtney Braswell, an assistant production controller working out of the Armed Forces Reserve Center in Baton Rouge.
More than 1,040 Louisiana Guardsmen are assisting law enforcement in 17 parishes by providing traffic control and shelter security.
The Regional Staging Area (RSA) located in Tangipahoa Parish is deploying trucks and trailers with commodities and is supporting 69 distribution sites in 12 parishes. The RSA has dispatched over 50 vehicles to provide clean, potable water to those sites. Additionally, the LANG has distributed 5,132,333 meals, 227,972 tarps, 6,273,686 liters of water, 936,151 bags of ice and 224,000 sandbags to affected citizens.
The Louisiana Air National Guard’s 159th Medical Group’s Chemical, Biological, Radiological/Nuclear, and Explosive (CBRNE) - Enhanced Response Force Package has been augmenting the Terrebonne General Health System to provide additional support to the hospital’s walk-in clinic following Ida.
TG Health System was badly damaged by Hurricane Ida which forced the staff and patients to evacuate from the hospital. Because of hurricane damage, the hospital is limited to the number of patients they can treat in the facility.
“[The 159 MDG] has set up a small, stand up walk-in clinic, and our troops will be providing medical capabilities that are slightly above that of a walk-in clinic,” said Lt Col. Mark Allen, general medical officer from the 159th MDG. “We [were tasked with] this mission in 2011 and we’ve been working every year to perfect it. … We are incredibly proud to have this up today and see it function.”
The LANG rescued a total of 397 citizens and 65 pets through air, land and water search and rescue efforts after the storm passed and are positioned to support aerial casualty evacuation efforts.
Throughout the hurricane response effort, the LANG has continued COVID-19 operations and is supporting 35 open medical test sites, seven open food banks and 22 vaccination sites.
Please visit https://geauxguard.la.gov/ for the latest LANG releases, photos and videos.
LSU began Friday to enforce its COVID-19 vaccine mandate, which includes unenrolling students who do not comply.
LSU is the state’s largest public university with nearly 32,000 students.
Friday was the deadline to submit proof of at least one vaccine dose or a formal exemption waiver to the school’s Student Health Center Patient Portal. Students will have until Oct. 15 to prove full vaccination.
Those able to opt-out must submit to random COVID-19 testing on a regular basis, the university said.
“Each week, 25 percent of all unvaccinated students will be tested using a stratified approach to ensure each week’s sample is generalizable to the student population based on living arrangement (i.e., on-campus or off-campus) and other factors,” LSU’s mitigation protocols said.
A positive result must be reported to the school’s “Daily Symptom Checker,” a digital system that sends texts messages and emails to faculty, staff and students. Participation is required even without a positive test.
“The LSU community will be required to self-monitor their symptoms daily,” read the protocols. “Once respondents have provided information about their symptoms, they will be provided with feedback. The QR code from the daily symptom checker will be used for entrance into high traffic areas on campus.”
The school also has a digital contact tracing program where students are required to enter positive test results and information about those they have been in contact with.
“If additional information is needed or someone does not provide this information, they will be contacted,” the school said.
LSU’s proof of vaccination or negative test policy, sometimes called a vaccine passport system, will apply to the first home football game at Tiger Stadium on Saturday.
Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry has been a staunch opponent of student vaccine mandates in the public university system. He previously argued higher education mandates and related participatory conditions cannot be imposed because the Emergency Use Authorization status of COVID-19 vaccines.
That changed Aug. 23, when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration fully approved Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine. LSU President William Tate IV announced the school’s mandate policy the next day.
“Yesterday the FDA granted full approval to the Pfizer vaccine for anyone 16 and over, paving the way for LSU to require vaccines for students, faculty and staff,” Tate said. “As an epidemiologist, I know that vaccination is the way out of this pandemic, and I’m grateful to everyone who has already been vaccinated for helping us move in that direction.”
Landry has raised additional concerns over religious objections. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, nearly every state allows immunization exemptions regarding religious beliefs. Louisiana is one of only 15 states to also allow for nonreligious, or “personal belief,” exemptions.
“Louisiana law recognizes the right of students to be free from ‘creed’ discrimination, which includes discrimination based on religious beliefs and nonreligious beliefs,” Landry said in a letter to LSU when the mandate policy was floated in May. “Louisiana requires postsecondary institutions to recognize religious and other personal reasons as exemptions to vaccine mandates.”
Lawsuits challenging student vaccine mandates have occurred throughout the country. A federal judge issued a temporary restraining order against Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine last month, when several students sued the private medical college located at the University of Louisiana-Monroe.
The students sought religious exemptions and sued after claiming they were retaliated against for not complying. They also objected to the conditions and restrictions that came with being unvaccinated once their religious exemptions were approved during the legal process.
LSU’s vaccinate mandate protocols also delineates between vaccinated and unvaccinated students, although updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states some vaccinated individuals may contract and transmit COVID-19.
“New data began to emerge that the Delta variant was more infectious and was leading to increased transmissibility when compared with other variants, even in some vaccinated individuals,” the CDC recently said. “Fully vaccinated people with Delta variant breakthrough infections can spread the virus to others.”
Due to Hurricane Ida, Artists Guild Unlimited is re-opening registration for its postponed Labor Day Art Show & Sale.
Anybody wishing to register art for the show may do so from 1-7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 17, and 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 18, at the AGU Everett Street Gallery, 201 Everett St., Morgan City. Show judging, and the Patrons’/Donors’ Reception dates will be announced at a later date.
Competition is open to adult artists, 18 years and older; teenagers, 13-17; and children, group I, ages 2-6, and group II, ages 7-12.
Entry fees are: adult categories — active AGU members $30 first three and $10 each next three entries; and associate and non-AGU members $45 first three entries and $15 each next three entries. There is a maximum of six entries.
Teens’ and children’s categories are $6 per artist with a maximum of three entries.
Rules of entry are:
1. Entries must be original recent work —controlled by artist only. No copies, no numbered prints or artwork previously shown at any judged AGU show will be accepted. Artwork from published photos, computer-generated art, giclee prints nor objectionable subjects will be accepted.
2. All work must be properly framed and ready for hanging (wire hanger only). Entry size is limited to 4-foot-by-4-foot or 16 square feet in area, frame included.
3. No wet paint or unprepared work will be accepted.
4. All three dimensional work must be submitted with its own display stand/table and table cloth (optional).
5. All entries must be staged at the gallery for the entire length of the show.
Permission may be granted by the Show Chairman to remove any entry or purchased item before the end of the show.
6. The show chairman is the sole authority to decide on any other issues or questions.
7. A 20% commission of all art sales will be collected by AGU.
8. All entered pieces must be offered for sale — only teen and child entries may be considered not for sale.
9. No change of status or price once entered.
Non-compliance of rules forfeits right to show artist’s work.
Media includes:
—Oils,
—Acrylics,
—Water Media,
—Pastels,
—Mixed Media,
—All Other,
—Photography: black and white, color, and all other (including mechanically altered).
Adult awards are (in each category): first place, $200; second place, $100; and third place, $50.
Teen and children awards are first, $200; second, $50; and third, $25.
Ribbons are also awarded for first, second, third and honorable mention in all categories.
Any category or division with fewer than 10 entries will be judged and awarded ribbons only.
Anyone interested in entering art as a non-member may obtain registration forms at the gallery; the Louisiana Shrimp & Petroleum Festival office at the corner of Second and Greenwood streets in Morgan City; St. Mary Chamber of Commerce on Myrtle Street in Morgan City; and The Frame Shop, Front Street in Morgan City.
Artists Guild Unlimited is a non-profit arts association, promoting the humanities in order to enrich the lives of all area residents. It offers the community a gallery, events, classes and workshops in the arts. Everett Street Gallery is a cultural center honoring artists and creativity, offering scholarships to graduating seniors who will major in art in college.
For information, call the gallery office at 985-385-9945 and leave a message or email agu@atvci.net
DEAR ABBY: A friend of 40 years is always saying what she can’t afford, yet she owns property, has a 401(k), always finds additional work in her field and buys the cheapest groceries. She won’t spend a dime, even when it’s necessary.
In a recent text she was going on again about money. When I (jokingly) quipped, “You’re probably a millionaire by now!” she jumped on me as if I’d called her the B-word and went off on a rant. I was dumbfounded. I apologized because she felt I’d badly offended her by calling her a “millionaire.” When she didn’t respond, I left it alone. This was a few days ago. This morning I got a text from her as if nothing happened.
I’m no longer feeling like I’m her “friend.” Looking back, she was never a good hostess when I flew out of state to visit her. Nor has she ever treated me for lunch or dinner, although I was happy to treat her to lunch when she came to visit.
I don’t feel the caring, generous, giving aspect that usually goes with long-term friendship. When she was down financially, I offered. I haven’t experienced the same from her. I feel shot down and ready to call it quits. Your expert advice is most appreciated and needed.
FALLING OUT OF FRIENDSHIP
DEAR FALLING OUT: Before ending a 40-year friendship, please TELL this woman she hurt your feelings. Then ask why your casual comment triggered such a strong reaction. Her response to your reasonable question will tell you everything you need to know about whether your relationship is salvageable.
DEAR ABBY: I am a stay-at-home mom of a 4-year-old son who is the light of my life. I truly enjoy our days together.
For various reasons, my husband and I have decided he will be our only child. He will soon be in school almost full time and I will be returning to work. When I think about it, I get depressed. These have been the best years of my life, and I think I made a mistake letting my son become my “reason” for happiness. I know we will make many more memories together, but I feel like it’s kind of the end of an era and I’m not sure what to do with myself.
Can you advise?
MOMMY MOVING FORWARD
DEAR MOMMY: This may be “the end of an era,” but it is also the beginning of a NEW one. Your son is about to experience the first of many growth spurts, and you along with him. In addition to his academic lessons, he’s going to learn how to become independent and relate to other children. Both are vital to his development as a person.
Rather than dwell on your sadness, consider this a time of growth for yourself as well, and focus on the positive. If you can help out at your son’s school, volunteer if you have time outside of work. Depending upon your child’s extracurricular interests (like sports, perhaps?), you may find yourself involved with those and busier than ever. Because he’s starting school doesn’t mean your role as a mother is done. Quite the contrary.
***
Abby shares more than 100 of her favorite recipes in two booklets: “Abby’s Favorite Recipes” and “More Favorite Recipes by Dear Abby.” Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $16 to: Dear Abby, Cookbooklet Set, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447.
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