Terry Paul LaCoste, 76, a native of Morgan City and resident of Berwick, died Aug. 12, 2021 at his residence.
He is survived by a brother, Edward LaCoste of Toledo Bend.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister.
Services that were scheduled for Saturday have been postponed.
Twin City Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
FRANKLIN — Morgan City’s mayor on Wednesday asked the St. Mary Parish Council for a raise in the amount the parish pays the city to house parish prisoners. He came away Wednesday with an offer that he said he can’t recommend to the City Council.
Morgan City is one of four municipalities that house prisoners in parish custody. The parish pays Berwick, Franklin, Patterson and Morgan City $14 per prisoner for each day the municipalities house them.
Morgan City houses more prisoners than the other municipalities combined, according to figures from the parish. Those figures calculate “prisoner days” — one prisoner housed for one day. Morgan City was reimbursed for nearly 12,000 of the nearly 20,000 prisoner days for which the parish paid in 2020 and received $163,000 of the $278,000 in reimbursements.
Morgan City has received about $93,000 in reimbursement so far this year.
Morgan City’s unique role is that it houses the parish’s female prisoners at its city jail, which has a floor where women can be isolated from male prisoners more easily than at the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center in Centerville.
Morgan City Mayor Lee Dragna told the Parish Council on Wednesday that the city government is losing money on the parish prisoners, partly because female inmates require female guards, who are in higher demand than male guards, Dragna said.
“Our jail was in a negative and we traced it back to this,” Dragna said.
He asked for a $19-per-day rate, which he said is the amount needed to break even.
The additional $5 a day would have increased the reimbursement to Morgan City by more than $58,000 for the 11,659 prisoner days it recorded in 2020.
“We want to help,” Dragna told the council. “But we can’t get hurt by it.”
Assumption Parish reimburses Morgan City at a rate of $22 per day for housing prisoners, Dragna said.
Parish President David Hanagriff called Dragna’s request reasonable. But it comes as the parish is putting together its own budget for the next fiscal year, he said.
Hanagriff suggested raising the reimbursement rate $2 to $16 per day with a 1% yearly increase, and then looking for a way to raise the reimbursement further next year.
Dragna wasn’t a fan of that idea.
“In right mind, I can’t go back to my council and say, ‘Hey, they want to give us half what we need to break even,’” Dragna said.
Councilman J Ina asked what would happen if Morgan City exercises its 30-day option and ends its agreement with the parish.
The parish would have to find other accommodations for the prisoners now housed by Morgan City, said Chief Administrative Officer Henry C. “Bo” LaGrange.
The council talked about the possibility of reopening the jail in the courthouse, which was used before the Law Enforcement was built. That would require time to fix the jail up again after years of disuse and would require staffing, LaGrange said.
Councilwoman Kristi Prejeant Rink asked the administration to develop an estimate of how much it would cost to put the courthouse jail in use again.
Dragna said housing the prisoners is something Morgan City does for the parish as a whole. Hanagriff responded the parish provides services including the animal shelter and landfill that city residents use.
“It’s give and take for everybody,” Hanagriff said.
FRANKLIN — The St. Mary Parish Council will soon begin the work of finding a successor for Registrar of Voters Jolene Holcombe, who retired earlier this month from the post she held for 23 years.
At the second of its two August meetings Wednesday, the council made plans to interview candidates for the registrar’s post.
Also Wednesday, the council heard some encouraging news about the Atchafalaya at Idlewild Golf Course, and paid tribute to the man who runs the course as he nears retirement.
Registrar
The council has advertised for candidates to become the new registrar, who will maintain the parish’s voter registration records and plays a big role in the administration of elections.
Holcombe retired effective Aug. 6.
Council members will interview candidates at a public meeting next month. Applications will be accepted through Sept. 7.
The council settled on the idea of developing questions for the candidates in advance and submitting them to legal counsel Eric Duplantis for review to avoid legal pitfalls.
Golf course
Rudy Sparks, chairman of the Atchafalaya at Idlewild course at Patterson’s Kemper Williams Park, said the course is in the best shape in years. The course’s finances are looking better, too.
A summary presented by Sparks on Wednesday says the commission projects a net loss of about $108,000 for the fiscal year that ends next month.
The shortfall was $325,000 in 2018-19 and $269,000 in 2019-20.
COVID-19 affected the course’s operations, Sparks said, but in varied ways. The pandemic reduced the course’s ability to attract tournaments, but golf was also a recreational opportunity to get outdoors without the need to worry about social distancing.
The course has embarked on a $150,000 project to improve Atchafalaya at Idlewild’s bunkers.
Sparks also praised Ed Selser, the course’s director of golf, who is retiring in December.
The former University of New Orleans golfer, who earned his PGA card in 1982, has shown dedication to operating Atchafalaya at Idlewild as well as to local high school golf programs, Sparks said.
Council members stood to give Selser a round of applause.
Legislative wrap-up
State Rep. Beryl Amedee, R-Gray, reported on the 2021 legislative sessions.
Among the Legislature’s accomplishments she cited were proposed constitutional amendments asking voters to central state sales tax collections and lowering the top state income tax rate from 6% to 4.75%.
Those measures will appear on the Oct. 9 ballot.
The Legislature also voted to shift the bulk of vehicle sales and lease taxes into roads and bridges.
Among other new laws, the Legislature created the MJ Foster Opportunity Award to pay for two-year college or industry certification for adults with incomes of up to three times the federal poverty level.
Insurance adjustors will now be legally required to be truthful with their damage estimates and will be prohibited from having any financial interest in damage repairs.
The Legislature also raised the minimum age for buying tobacco and tobacco alternative products from 18 to 21, Amedee said.
May 11, 1926 — August 24, 2021
Ferris Paul Romaire, Jr., 95 years of age, a native of Baldwin and a longtime resident of Morgan City, was called to his heavenly home on Tuesday, August 24, 2021 at Ochsner St. Mary Medical Center.
A proud World War II veteran of the United States Navy, Ferris joined the military to serve his country just three days after graduating high school in 1944. After his return from the Philippines, he worked as a machinist to provide for his growing family and eventually served as Vice President of E.J. Fields Machine Works.
Ferris was an outgoing, good-humored man. He raised an amazing family that he was so proud of; he cherished his wife, children and grandchildren. He was a best friend to many, a wonderful neighbor, the unofficial neighborhood watch dog, a master gardener, and an engaging conversationalist who kept everyone laughing. He sang in the Holy Cross Choir for over 40 years. He continued his love for music by also becoming a member of the Tune Weavers and St. Stephen’s Choir. He had impeccable common sense with a knack for solving the biggest problems.
Those left to cherish Ferris’ wonderful memory is his loving wife of 74 years, Margaret Smith Romaire. They were recognized by the Louisiana Family Forum’s Hall of Fame in 2019 and 2020 for being one of the longest married couples in the state of Louisiana. They became Morgan City’s unanticipated celebrities when photographs of them celebrating their 70th wedding anniversary gained national and international attention in air, print and social media. Additionally, he is survived by his three children, Dianne Romaire Romano and her husband, Michael, Robert Romaire, Kim Romaire Noto and her husband, Gary, and son-in-law, Herman Ballay; two sisters, Lois Bergeron and Vivian Jeanmard; his cousin and brother-by-heart, Billy Talbot; eight adoring grandchildren, Ann-Marie Ballay, Jacque Ballay, Melissa Romaire Mertz, Emily Romano, Amanda Noto Kleckley, Peter Noto, Maria Noto Moynihan, and Aimee Noto Kindle; and fourteen great-grandchildren.
He was greeted in heaven by his daughter, Catherine ‘Cathy’ Romaire Ballay; and his daughter-in-law, Terry Lombardino Romaire; his parents, Ferris Paul Romaire, Sr. and Florence Vivian Wilkes Romaire; and his brother, Richard Romaire, Sr.
Visitation will be held at Holy Cross Catholic Church on Saturday, August 28, 2021 from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., with a Mass of Christian burial at 1:00 p.m.. Father Mike Tran will officiate the services. Military honors will follow at the Morgan City Mausoleum. The East St. Mary Veterans Funeral Squad will be rendering military honors.
The family would like to express their love and gratitude to his caregivers, Vicki Daigle and Lisa Daigle, Ferris’ coffee buddies — Wooster Fell, Lloyd Aucoin, Ridley “Black” Blanchard, and Alfred Arceneaux; and his nephew, Ricky Romaire, who all faithfully visited him.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to one of the three groups that were near and dear to Ferris’ heart:
National World War II Museum, 945 Magazine St., New Orleans, LA, 504-528-1944;
Achilles Freedom Team, give.achillesinternational.org; or
St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, 800-805-5856.
August 7, 1946 — August 23, 2021
Rose Ann Lipari (nee Listi) passed away at the age of 75 on Monday, August 23, 2021, at Ochsner St. Mary due to complications of Covid-19 pneumonia.
She was born in Morgan City on August 7, 1946 and was one of four children born to Charlie and Lucy Listi. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who truly believed that her greatest accomplishment was her family. A devout Catholic, Rose Ann was a longtime member of St. Bernadette Catholic Church as well as an active adorer at the perpetual adoration chapel. She also organized public rosaries in support of America Needs Fatima!
Her memory will forever live in the hearts of her husband of 53 wonderful years, Peter J. Lipari; her children, Lia K. Lipari and Jacob V. Lipari and his wife Jackie; eight grandchildren, Aaron Ross, Arianna Ross, Lane Lipari and his wife Emilee, Ashlynn Rock, Evan Rotolo, Jack Lipari, Dominic Lipari, and Lucy Lipari; four great grandchildren, Layla Barnes, Avery Cammack, Sammie Jo Lipari, and Haisley Ross; her brother, Vincent Listi and wife Kay; her sister, Annie Keton and husband Ken; her sister-in-law, Frances Listi; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Vincent William “Charlie” Listi and Lucy Dimicelli Listi; her brother, Gerald “Jerry” Listi Sr.; as well as many aunts and uncles that comprised their “big happy family.”
A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 28, 2021, at St. Bernadette Catholic Church in Bayou Vista with Father Thainese Alphonse officiating. The recitation of the Rosary will be prayed at 9:30 a.m. at the church. Following the Mass, inurnment will be held in the St. Joseph Cemetery in Patterson. As Rose Ann always put the wellbeing and happiness of her family and others before herself, she would graciously understand if someone chose not to attend the services due to the ongoing pandemic. However, her immediate family will welcome attendance of guests who will follow the familiar precautions for everyone’s health and safety.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Chuck Metz and Dr. William Cefalu of Ochsner St. Mary, Dr. Brooks Emory of Ochsner NOLA, and to the many nurses that worked endlessly to provide her with the very best care.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that contributions be made in Rose Ann’s name to St. Bernadette Catholic Church, 1112 Saturn Road, Bayou Vista, LA 70380.
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., 1111 Lia Street, Patterson, LA 70392, (985) 395-7873.
Jenny Johnson Thibodeaux, 61, a native of Morgan City, died Monday, Aug. 23, 2021.
She is survived by two children, Sherell Johnson of Berwick and Barry Johnson of Bayou Vista; one stepdaughter, Teasha Thibodeaux of Patterson; five grandchildren; two sisters, Cathy Falgout of Berwick and Sherry Hebert of Northport, Alabama; one brother, Robert Johnson Jr. of Patterson; and a host of other relatives.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and brother.
Visitation will be Friday, 6-9 p.m., at Twin City Funeral Home, who is in charge of arrangements.
Happy birthday Celeste Williams from family, friends and Ira.
Submitted Photo/PSB
Dawn Rentrop receives a donation for Patterson’s Morey Park Brick Program from Patterson State Bank Board Chairman Bill Marin. The proceeds of the brick program will be used for additional renovations to Morey Park. Bricks purchased will be placed in the Memorial Walkway at the entrance of the park. Anyone or any business interested in “Buying A Brick” can contact Rentrop at dvrentrop@cox.net. Rentrop is the chairperson of the Patterson Lower Atchafalaya Cultural /Historical committee.
(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.)
Morgan City police arrested one man on warrants alleging drug possession Tuesday, and another on warrants alleging crimes that include burglary and theft.
Morgan City
Police Chief James F. Blair reported that the Morgan City Police Department responded to 44 calls for service within the last 24-hour reporting period and made these arrests Tuesday.
—Craig Oneal Robinson, 33, First Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 7:13 p.m. Tuesday on warrants alleging simple burglary, theft of a firearm, resisting an officer, simple criminal damage to property, theft under $1,000, failure to appear for arraignment Nov. 10 and failure to appear for an imposition hearing in 16th Judicial District Court.
—Stephanie Gober, 20, Kentucky Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 8:35 p.m. Tuesday on warrants alleging possession of alprazolam, possession of marijuana (first offense), illegal possession of a controlled dangerous substance in the presence of a juvenile and violation of uniform controlled dangerous substance laws.
—Devin James Dinger, 27, South Lewis Street, New Iberia, was arrested at 10:18 p.m. Tuesday on a warrant alleging failure to appear to pay fine Feb. 23.
—Josue B. Avilez-Ortiz, 29, Chennault Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 5:46 a.m. Wednesday on charges of careless operation and no driver’s license.
St. Mary
Sheriff Blaise Smith advised that over the last 24-hour reporting period, the Sheriff’s Office responded to 44 complaints and made these arrests:
—Mai Averianna Francis, 21, Franklin, was arrested at 11 a.m. Tuesday on a warrant alleging failure to appear on the charges of possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and improper lane usage. Francis was released on a summons to appear Nov. 2.
—Joshua K. Johnson, 34, Youngsville, was arrested at 7:28 p.m. Tuesday on charges of no insurance and driving under suspension. Johnson was released on a summons to appear Nov. 2.
—Jerry John Landerman, 53, Jeanerette, was arrested at 10:32 p.m. Tuesday on charges of improper lane usage, no driver’s license and possession of drug paraphernalia. Landerman was released on a summons to appear Nov. 2.
—Gene Joseph Stratton Jr., 33, Centerville, , was arrested at 11:51 p.m. Tuesday on a charge of domestic abuse battery. Stratton was released on a $2,500 bond.
—Braden Loustalot, 18, Centerville, was arrested at 11:51 p.m. Tuesday on a charge of domestic abuse battery. Loustalot was released on a $2,500 bond.
Assumption
Sheriff Leland Falcon reported these arrests:
—Anthony Joseph Triche, 44, La. 401, Napoleonville, was arrested Tuesday on charges of possession of methamphetamine and driving on roadways laned for traffic.
—Stacha A. Zicko, 49, Brule Road, Labadieville, was arrested Tuesday on charge of possession of methamphetamine.
A uniformed patrol deputy observed a vehicle commit a traffic violation near Labadieville and initiated a stop of that vehicle. The deputy made contact with the driver, identified as Triche, and conducted an interview.
The deputy also made contact with the passenger, identified as Zicko, and interviewed her as well.
After the interviews, the deputy concluded that additional investigation was warranted. The deputy requested a K-9. The K-9 conducted an open-air sniff of the suspect vehicle and alerted to the presence of controlled dangerous substances.
A subsequent search of the vehicle yielded suspected methamphetamine in multiple areas.
Both suspects were arrested and booked into the Assumption Parish Detention Center pending bond hearings.
St. Martin
Sheriff Becket Breaux reported these arrests:
—Darrell Alexander, 54, Ticoy Road, Breaux Bridge, was arrested Tuesday on warrants alleging failure appear on charges of violation of a protective order.
—Clifford Demouchet, 25, Will Angelle Drive, Arnaudville, was arrested on warrants alleging failure to appear on charges of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, illegal possession of stolen things, possession of marijuana, possess of Schedule II narcotics and open container.
—Tyler Simon, 28, Bayou Alexandre Highway, Coteau Holmes, was arrested Tuesday on warrants alleging failure to appear.
—Denzel Thomas, 24, Cypress Island Highway, St. Martinville, was arrested Tuesday on warrants alleging failure to appear.
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.
Tuesday, Aug. 24
7:33 a.m. 900 block of Spruce Street; Medical emergency.
7:56 a.m. 500 block of Brashear Avenue; Disturbance.
8:42 a.m. 600 block of Willow Street; Animal complaint.
9:13 a.m. Sixth and Marguerite streets area; Accident.
10:03 a.m. 7200 block of La. 182; Complaint.
10:06 a.m. 1100 block of Victor II Boulevard; Dog bite.
10:55 a.m. 500 block of Roderick Street; Complaint.
11:29 a.m. 500 block of Brashear Avenue; Complaint.
11:40 a.m. 100 block of Eleventh Street; Juvenile problems.
11:58 a.m. 2300 block of La. 70; Complaint.
12:02 p.m. 1400 block of North Third Street; Complaint.
12:19 p.m. 500 block of Brashear Avenue; Remove subject.
1:55 p.m. 1100 block of Marguerite Street; Complaint.
2:14 p.m. 1000 block of Brashear Avenue; Accident.
2:14 p.m. 7200 block of La. 182; Complaint.
2:35 p.m. 800 block of Victor II Boulevard; Suspicious subject.
4:27 p.m. 600 block of General Patton Street; Theft.
4:49 p.m. 1600 block of Chestnut Drive; Alarm.
4:51 p.m. Roderick Street area; Fire.
6:45 p.m. 800 block of Youngs Road; Frequent patrols.
6:50 p.m. 1400 block of Federal Avenue; Disturbance.
7:10 p.m. 700 block of Justa Street; Assistance.
7:51 p.m. Roderick and Catherine streets; Traffic incident.
8:51 p.m. 7500 block of La. 182; Theft.
11:23 p.m. 1000 block of La. 70; Hit and run.
Wednesday, Aug. 25
12:55 a.m. 1200 block of Clothilde Street; Alarm.
1:48 a.m. 800 block of Front Street; Alarm.
2:39 a.m. 500 block of Railroad Avenue; Medical.
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