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Chauvin man accused of making threats, possessing heroin at shelter

Tue, 09/07/2021 - 8:28am

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.)

A Chauvin man was arrested early Monday at a Berwick shelter and is accused of making threats and possessing heroin and methamphetamine, Berwick Police Chief David Leonard said.

—Michael Martin, 62, Bayouside Drive, Chauvin was arrested at 12:02 a.m. Monday on charges of aggravated assault, possession of heroin, possession of methamphetamine and violation of a drug-free zone.

Early Monday, the Berwick Police Department responded to a local disaster relief shelter for a subject making threats and causing disturbances.

Several witnesses advised that Martin armed himself with a chair and threatened to strike another person with it. Officers made contact with Martin and placed him under arrest.

While checking his property, Martin was found to be in possession of heroin and methamphetamine. The area where the incident took place is a posted drug free zone.

Martin was transported to the Berwick Police Department, where he was booked.

—Michael Voisan Jr., 23, Trevino Street, Berwick, was arrested at 3:15 p.m. Friday on a charge of simple battery.

About 2:30 p.m. Thursday, the Berwick Police Department received a complaint of a battery that was committed at a residence on River Road. Officers arrived in the area and Voisan was developed as a suspect.

Through the course of the investigation, it was learned that Voisan committed a battery on a female victim. Voisan was placed under arrest for Simple Battery. Voisan was later released on a summons to appear in court.

—Ashton Allen, 30, Ehrlich Street, Berwick was arrested at 9:54 p.m. Saturday on a charge of violation of a protective order.

About 9:34 p.m. Saturday, the Berwick Police Department received a call of a disturbance taking place at a residence on Ehrlich Street. Officers arrived and met with Allen.

Through the course of the investigation, it was learned that Allen had an active protective order against him. The female also involved in the disturbance was present. Allen was placed under arrest and transported to the Berwick Police Department, where he was booked.

—Alvin Carter, 38, Marlin Street, Gray, was arrested at 3:52 a.m. Saturday on charges of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute Xanax, possession with intent to district cocaine, possession of marijuana (under 14 grams) and possession of drug paraphernalia.

About 3:40 a.m. Saturday, the Berwick Police Department received a call of a suspicious person at a local business. Officers responded to the area and made contact with Carter.

During the course of the stop with Carter, a search of his person was done, at which time a quantity of methamphetamine, cocaine, Xanax and marijuana was located on his person along with items of drug paraphernalia.

Through further investigation it was learned that the drugs were destined to be sold. Carter was placed under arrest and transported to the Berwick Police Department where he was booked.

Boil water order for Berwick

Tue, 09/07/2021 - 6:16am

A boil water is in effect for Berwick after Monday's water main break on Watson Street.

The town government's Facebook page will be updated when the boil order is lifted.

Berwick students are asked to bring a bottle of water to school Tuesday.

WAYNE D. DUBUC

Mon, 09/06/2021 - 3:18pm

Wayne D. Dubuc, 85, of Morgan City, died Friday, Sept. 3, 2021.
He is survived by three children, James Dubuc, Brian Dubuc and Brent Dubuc; five grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and a sister, Julie Dubuc.
He was preceded in death by his wife, a son, his parents and a sister.
Services will be held privately.
Hargrave Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

ANTOINETTE GULOTTA SPINELLA

Mon, 09/06/2021 - 3:09pm

Antoinette Gulotta Spinella, 99, a resident of Morgan City, died Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021, at Patterson Nursing Home.
Visitation will be Sept. 18 at 9 a.m. at Holy Cross Catholic Church until Mass at 11 a.m. Burial will follow in Morgan City Cemetery.
Twin City Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

RAFAEL A. BASAS

Mon, 09/06/2021 - 3:08pm

October 28, 1939 — September 2, 2021
Rafael A. Basas, a resident of Morgan City, passed away Thursday, September 2, 2021 at Ochsner Main Campus in New Orleans.
Rafael was born October 28, 1939, in Cuba, the son of Carlos L. Basas and Natividad Noelia Saavedra Basas.
Rafael was a very sweet, caring man. He loved his family and his wife, and would do anything to make them happy.
He will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his wife of 42 years, Maria Raquel Gomez Basas of Morgan City; three sisters-in-law, Emelina Basas, Mercedes Bassa, Helena Gomez Flores; numerous nieces and nephews in Florida, Columbia, California, and New York.
Rafael was preceded in death by his parents, Carlos and Natividad Basas; three brothers, Francisco Bassa, Julius Basas, Antonia Basas, sister, Maria Martinez.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, September 7, 2021 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church Father Henry Sebastian. Visitation will be held Tuesday, September 7, 2021 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. After Mass, Rafael will be laid to rest in the Morgan City Cemetery Mausoleum.

BUDDY LANE MARTIN

Mon, 09/06/2021 - 3:06pm

7/15/1970 — 9/1/2021
Buddy Lane Martin, resident of Patterson, LA, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, September 1st at the age of 51.
Buddy Lane Martin was born on July 15, 1970, in El Paso, Texas. Buddy proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps before becoming disabled. For many years, he also worked in the oil and gas industry as a Safety Professional, including being a Safety Trainer on the Mr. Charlie Rig Museum in Morgan City, LA.
Buddy will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him. He enjoyed spending time with his family and his fur baby Angel. On the weekends he enjoyed going out on the camper with his partner, Laura. He had a special love for cars. He will be remembered by his loving nature and his humor. His kind-heartedness will be missed by many.
Buddy is lovingly remembered by his son, Ian Robert Martin and his daughters, Lanie Elizabeth Martin and Lexie Dianne Martin all of Morgan City, LA; his fur baby, Angel, and mother, Diane Cloutier Martin also of Morgan City, LA.; brothers, Ronnie (Sam) Martin of Nashville, TN, and Joed (Diane Plaisance) Martin of Marrero, LA; sisters Edith Martin (Paul) Tranchina of Hammond, LA and Belinda Martin (Les) Ganson of Duluth, GA; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Buddy was preceded in death by his father, Charlie E. Martin; maternal grandparents, C. Floyd and Laura Belle Cloutier, Sr.; and paternal grandparents, Charlie M.C. and Edith Green Martin.
Visitation will be held at HARGRAVE FUNERAL HOME on Tuesday, September 7, 2021, at 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. with services beginning at 1 p.m. Graveside services to be held at Morgan City Cemetery.
Condolences for the family may be offered at www.hargrave. Following the services family and friends to gather at the home of Calvin and Floyd Cognevich-Cloutier.
Flowers may be delivered to Hargrave Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers friends and family may consider contributing to the Morgan City Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots by contacting Bill Goessl at morgan-city-la.toysfortots.org.

LETTRESS ROSALIE HEBERT AUCOIN

Mon, 09/06/2021 - 3:03pm

May 14, 1931 — September 5, 2021
Lettress Hebert Aucoin, a longtime resident of Berwick, passed away on Sunday, September 5, 2021, at the age of 90. She was born at Oaklawn Plantation in Franklin on May 14, 1931 to Benjamin and Angelle Hebert. Lettress was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and sister. She loved flowers and enjoyed working in her garden and listening to Cajun music. She especially loved spending time with family whom she deeply loved.
Those she leaves to cherish her memory include her son, Leonard Aucoin; her daughter, Lana Giroir and her husband Keith; four grandchildren, Jason Rogers, Jessica Rogers, Zachary Aucoin, and Alexandra Aucoin; five great-grandchildren, Trey Cabanilla, Tayla Cabanilla, Tasia Cabanilla, Blaize Rogers, and Skyla Domangue; two sisters, Eveline Metts and Theresa Schexnider; as well as three step-grandchildren, seven step great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Leon Aucoin; her parents, Benjamin Hebert and Angelle Davis; and 10 siblings, Dudless Hebert, Mary Lee Derouen, Yvonne Schaubert, Anna Bell Louviere, David Hebert, Lionel Savoie Jr., Eva Benoit, Lawless Savoie Sr., Leroy Savoie, and Gloria Moreaux.
Pallbearers will be Leonard Aucoin, Zachary Aucoin, Jason Rogers, Keith Giroir, Jessica Rogers, and Trey Cabanilla. Honorary pallbearer will be Alexandra Aucoin.
The family requests that visitation be observed on Wednesday, September 8th, at the Church of the Assumption in Franklin from 11:00 a.m. until the Mass of Christian Burial at 1:00 p.m., followed by burial in Perpetual Park Cemetery. Father Joel Faulk will be the Celebrant for the Mass and conduct the services.
Family and friends may view the obituary online by visiting www.iberts.com and are encouraged to share their condolences, cherished memories, love, and support for the family.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Ibert’s Mortuary, Inc., 1007 Main Street, Franklin, LA 70538, (337) 828-5426.

Noon Monday update from FEMA

Mon, 09/06/2021 - 12:31pm

From the Federal Emergency Management Agency:

--$132 million from FEMA now in the hands of people impacted by Hurricane Ida in Louisiana.

--Individuals in the parishes of Ascension, Assumption, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Iberia, Iberville, Jefferson, Lafourche, Livingston, Orleans, Plaquemines, Pointe Coupee, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. Helena, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Martin, St. Mary, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Terrebonne, Washington, West Baton Rouge, and West Feliciana are eligible to apply for Individual Assistance.

--Survivors in one of the Parishes designated for Individual Assistance can apply with FEMA for assistance, online at www.disasterassistance.gov or by telephone at 1-800-621-3362, TTY 1-800-462-7585, or use a relay service, such as a videophone, InnoCaption, or CapTel, give FEMA the number for that service.

--Grants from FEMA are not loans, and don’t have to be repaid. They are not taxable income and won’t affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

-- Priorities remain Power, Fuel, Hospitals, Responder Lodging and Medical.

--Threats to Human Life: Carbon monoxide poisoning from generators

--Schools Status: Parishes reporting school closures
Jefferson, St. Bernard, Ascension, Iberville, Assumption, Lafourche, St. Charles, Tangipahoa, and Washington

St. Mary Public Schools and Central Catholic have announced plans to reopen Tuesday, according to their respective administrations.

Berwick police mark anniversary of 9/11

Mon, 09/06/2021 - 9:37am

Berwick Police Department officers will be recognizing the 20th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001.

Officers will be wearing 20th anniversary badges. Officers will be wearing the badge for the entire month of September to honor the first responders that made the ultimate sacrifice on that day and the days following.

"Our hearts and prayers go out to all the families that lost a loved one on that day," the Police Department said in a Facebook post. "We honor their sacrifices daily."

St. Mary School Board offers sign-up for displaced students

Sun, 09/05/2021 - 3:11pm

St. Mary Parish Schools is seeking to support the continued education of children displaced by Hurricane Ida, Superintendent Dr. Teresa Bagwell on Sunday.
Beginning on Wednesday, representatives of the school system’s support staff, including coordinators of homeless services, instructional programs, special education, and English-language learners will be available noon-3 p.m. at the St. Mary Parish Schools Materiel and Operations Center in Morgan City. The enrollment event will continue Thursday and will provide direct assistance to families wishing to enroll their children into area schools.
Parents will also obtain residence verification forms needed for enrollment along with other important information to prepare children for their first day. The goal of the two-day enrollment event is to offer families a way to quickly return students to school while they await recovery efforts.
Additionally, the coordination of district service providers will also avail families to information regarding various supports that are available to students in an effort to ease the transition into a new school environment. School system personnel empathize with the plight of families following a devastating hurricane and are honored to welcome them into area schools.
The Materiel and Operations Center is located at 212 Onstead St. in Morgan City. Parents interested in the enrollment process should come anytime between noon and 3 p.m. Sept. 8 and 9 and may call the St. Mary Parish School Board Office with any further questions.