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Nicholls grad in contention for marine fellowship

Nicholls State University graduate Spring Gaines (BS ‘08) is one of 74 finalists for the 2022 Sea Grant John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship program.
The one-year fellowship matches graduate students with hosts in the legislative and executive branches of the federal government. Gaines will be a part of the legislative cohort, working with a congressional representative or committee.
“Being a Knauss Fellow is an incredible opportunity to be directly involved in marine policy issues on the federal level,” Gaines said. “I am honored and excited to be able to work with game-changers on Capitol Hill.”
Since 1979, almost 1,500 fellows have completed the program. Knauss fellows have a long history of becoming influential leaders in science, policy-making and public administration. Gaines is the second Nicholls alum to earn a Knauss Fellowship.
Knauss finalists are vetted through a competitive review process. They must first apply to one of the 34 Sea Grant programs, with successful candidates then reviewed by a national panel of experts.
“I’m from St. Bernard. This coast is my home, and I want to do what I can to protect it for generations after me,” Gaines said. “Nicholls not only gave me the background, knowledge and tools but also the confidence to be able to educate others about this incredible biosphere we experience every day and to advocate for the positive change we need.”
Gaines will go through a virtual orientation in January before moving to Washington D.C. in February.
“While at Nicholls, I had fantastic opportunities with my marine biology professors and the Honors College. I was able to go out into the marsh, plant and measure Spartina grasses, participate in frog-calling and fish surveys and even present at state conferences on the anatomy and physiology of bowhead whale hearing mechanisms,” Gaines said. “Nicholls led me on a path to want to advocate for our wetlands and estuaries. With this fellowship, I saw a unique opportunity to use my marine science background and legal knowledge in environmental law to get in on the ground floor with leading coastal issues facing our nation.”

3rd suspect in video poker swindle returned to La.

(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.)

The third of three suspects accused of cashing fake video poker vouchers has been returned to Louisiana, Assumption Sheriff Leland Falcon said in Tuesday’s arrest reports.
The same trio is believed to have committed similar crimes elsewhere in the region, Falcon said.

Assumption
Falcon reported these arrests:
—Kamie Marie Dupre, 27, West Fifth Street, Cutoff, was returned Monday to Louisiana to face charges of felony theft and monetary instrument abuse.
The charges result from a financial crimes investigation after a Napoleonville business was defrauded.
In January, deputies were called to the Napoleonville business in connection with someone cashing in fraudulent video poker vouchers.
Detectives determined that on or about Jan. 6, fraudulent vouchers totaling $1,082.10 had been cashed in at the business by three individuals.
The investigation also resulted in the arrests of:
—David Terrebonne, 28, St. Charles By Pass Road, Thibodaux, who was arrested March 30 and later posted bond.
—Tyrone Q. Wilson, 36, Sophie Street, Labadieville, who was arrested March 11.
Dupre was arrested July 31 in Oklahoma. She was returned to Assumption on Monday. Her bond was set at $75,000.
—Holli Amber Delatte, 37, Lance Street, Thibodaux, was arrested Monday on charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana and headlamps required.
A uniformed patrol deputy observed a vehicle with an equipment violation Monday on La. 308 near the Labadieville Bridge and initiated a stop of the vehicle.
The deputy made contact with the driver, identified as Delatte. The deputy noted an odor of suspected marijuana emitting from the vehicle. The deputy noticed Delatte to be pacing nervously.
The deputy requested consent to search the vehicle, and consent was granted.
The search of the vehicle yielded suspected methamphetamine and marijuana.
Delatte was arrested and booked into the Assumption Parish Detention Center with bond set at $5,000.
—Rae Loyd, 40, La. 44, Gonzales, was arrested Monday on charges of possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and prohibited acts involving Adderall and Xanax (lorazepam).
A uniformed patrol deputy observed a vehicle commit a traffic violation Monday near Bertrandville and initiated a stop of the vehicle.
The deputy made contact with the driver, identified as Loyd. During the interview, the deputy noted an odor of suspected marijuana emitting from the violator vehicle.
The deputy concluded that further investigation was warranted. The deputy requested consent to search the vehicle, and Loyd gave consent. During a search of the vehicle, deputies located marijuana, Adderall and Xanax.
Loyd was arrested and booked into the Assumption Parish Detention Center with bond set at $50,000.

St. Mary
Sheriff Blaise Smith advised that over the last 24-hour reporting period, the Sheriff’s Office responded to 38 complaints and made these arrests:
—Jamon Clayborn Bias, 41, Morgan City, was arrested 1 p.m. Monday on a charge of domestic abuse battery. Bias was transferred to another agency.
—Curtis Anthony Richard, 44, Patterson, was arrested at 12:03 a.m. Tuesday on charges of speeding and driving under suspension. Richard was released on a summons to appear Nov. 2.

St. Martin
Sheriff Becket Breaux reported this arrest:
—Darius Jones, 27, Kaufman Street, Baton Rouge, was arrested Sunday by the Henderson Police Department on charges of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and aggravated flight from an officer.

Morgan City police radio logs for Aug. 16

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, Aug. 16
5:55 a.m. 7800 block of La. 182; Complaint.
6:29 a.m. 300 block of Mallard Street; Property damage.
7:10 a.m. 1000 block of Brashear Avenue; Suspicious subject.
7:14 a.m. 2400 block of Apple Street; Complaint.
8:11 a.m. 1100 block of Marguerite Street; Property damage.
8:27 a.m. Power Plant; Theft.
8:42 a.m. Willard Street; Suspicious vehicle.
8:50 a.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Complaint.
9:05 a.m. 1100 block of Chestnut Drive; Welfare concern.
9:53 a.m. 600 block of Levee Road; Property damage.
10:37 a.m. 3100 block of Susan Drive; Assistance.
12:28 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Lost and found.
12:41 p.m. 300 block of Egle Street; Assistance.
1:30 p.m. 1300 block of Third Street; Complaint.
2:12 p.m. 1400 block of North Third Street; Complaint.
2:19 p.m. 1100 block of Levee Road; Animal complaint.
2:43 p.m. Franklin Street; Traffic incident.
3:51 p.m. Bowman Street; Suspicious vehicle.
4:15 p.m. 7300 block of La. 182; Suspicious subject.
5:26 p.m. 1000 block of Duke Street; Disturbance.
5:44 p.m. 7700 block of La. 182; Juvenile problem.
6:44 p.m. 2300 block of La. 70; Suspicious subject.
7:15 p.m. 700 block of Belanger Street; Complaint.
7:40 p.m. 300 block of Egle Street; Complaint.
7:58 p.m. 6600 block of La. 182; Reckless operation.
8:26 p.m. 300 block of Wren Street; Suspicious subject.
9:02 p.m. 7400 block of La. 182; Complaint.
9:07 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Assistance.
9:24 p.m. 7300 block of La. 182; Arrest.
10:56 p.m. 7200 block of La. 182; Disturbance.
11:34 p.m. 600 block of Brashear Avenue; Complaint.

New grad

Submitted Photo
Diana Claire Stoute, formerly of Morgan City, graduated magna cum laude from East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, Tennessee, on May 8 with a degree in dental hygiene from the College of Clinical and Rehabilitative Health. She is the daughter of Cathy Stoute of Morgan City and the late Robert Stoute. She is the granddaughter of Nolan Bernucho of Morgan City and the late Carrie Bernucho. She also is the granddaughter of the late Helen and Russell “Bobby” Stoute.

Jeremy Alford: Legislature continues to make far-reachng changes

You can certainly accuse members of the Louisiana Legislature of a lot of things, but preserving the status quo is not among them.
Lawmakers spent the first year and a half of this term ushering in changes to a few areas of law that were previously off limits, like tort reform and marijuana possession.
Representatives and senators also worked to establish a greater dividing line between the Legislative and Executive branches, continuing a theme of independence that was first sparked last term.
Lawmakers elected their own leadership without a governor looking over their shoulders and called themselves into a special session.
As we approach the current term’s midpoint, this agenda of change is poised to continue, whether you agree with the Legislature’s positions or not.
The legislative leadership, for example, is busy preparing for another special session that will significantly alter our election lines.
Lawmakers are likewise raising money to campaign for changes to the state’s tax code and plotting moves that could undermine the governor’s emergency COVID-19 orders.
As for this year’s regularly-scheduled reapportionment exercise, nothing about that process has been normal.
In fact, this year’s special redistricting session was rescheduled for next year, in February 2022.
Like everyone else, the U.S. Census had a tough time last year and the agency’s head-counting took longer than expected. But the long wait ended last week when finalized population data was released.
It was the first time our elected officials were provided with accurate figures for how many people live in each parish.
As expected, the data showed population losses in parts of north Louisiana and gains in the southern part of the state. Lawmakers are now tasked with redrawing our election lines to make sure the right number of people reside in each district. The process will be particularly touchy when it comes time to redraw our congressional and legislative districts.
The next big deadline comes in roughly three and half to four weeks.
That’s when House and Senate staffers will complete their work on what these latest numbers mean for each legislative district.
In the meantime, lawmakers are keeping an eye on the October ballot, which will host constitutional amendments to transform income tax rates and the state’s sales tax collection system.
The legislative leadership is raising money through a new outfit called Reform Louisiana PAC to help convince voters to approve these amendments.
The PAC was created last month, with Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Chair Bret Allain listed as chairperson and Senate President Page Cortez listed as treasurer.
Speaker Clay Schexnayder and Ways and Means Chair Stuart Bishop have also signed onto recent fundraising letters from the PAC.
Conservative lawmakers are also meeting privately and publicly to discuss different approaches to the governor’s emergency COVID-19 orders.
A meeting of the House Health and Welfare Committee held earlier this week offered a preview of just how anxious some parents are becoming about the mask mandates for younger students and the possibility of vaccine requirements for college students.
That public meeting went sideways quickly and a handful of people were forcefully removed from the committee room for heckling speakers and pushing back against a mask requirement that was instituted for the gathering.
Lawmakers are hopeful that members of the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education will adopt a rule that contradicts the governor’s mask order.
Short of that, legislators are still considering signing onto a legislative petition that would revoke the governor’s order.
A similar petition was advanced last year before being struck down by a district court judge, but lawmakers are now said to be considering a different approach.
Whether you agree with lawmakers on these various issues or not, representatives and senators are hellbent on being change agents.
The big question is whether the public will engage on these lofty issues in a meaningful way.
Because without that engagement, lawmakers will operate in a proverbial vacuum during this time of great change — and that doesn’t benefit anyone.
For more Louisiana political news, visit www. LaPolitics.com or follow Alford on Twitter @LaPoliticsNow.

Adventurefuls make its Girl Scout Cookie debut

NEW ORLEANS — The Girl Scouts Louisiana East and Girl Scouts of the USA have announced that the new Adventurefuls cookie will join the nationwide lineup for the 2022 Girl Scout Cookie season.
An indulgent brownie-inspired cookie with caramel-flavored crème and a hint of sea salt, Adventurefuls take cookie lovers on a delicious taste adventure just like Girl Scouts go on their own amazing adventures through the program, stated the Girl Scouts Louisiana East news release. Girl Scouts in southeast Louisiana and across the United States will offer the Adventurefuls cookie next season alongside favorites like Thin Mints and Caramel deLites.
Every purchase of the iconic cookies, during cookie season, fuels local Girl Scouts’ adventures throughout the year: exploring what interests them, discovering their passions, and taking action on issues they care about.
Whether they’re using their STEM skills to solve a problem, changing a law to help their community, having a courageous outdoor experience, or starting an innovative nonprofit, Girl Scouts build a better future for themselves and the world, the news release emphasized. Through the Girl Scout Cookie Program, not only do girls become entrepreneurs as they gain hands-on experience running their own small business, but they also earn money to fuel their Girl Scout adventures, which catapult them where they want to go.
Also new this year, Girl Scouts of the USA recently announced new Cookie Business badges that help girls think like entrepreneurs as they run their own cookie businesses and incorporate online sales via the Smart Cookies platform. The badges progress from goal setting and effective sales-pitching in person and online to using market research, to creating business plans, and implementing digital marketing campaigns.
Girl Scouts Louisiana East kicks off cookie season on Jan. 15, 2022, in southeast Louisiana. St. Mary Parish is part of Girl Scouts Louisiana East. Visit www.girlscoutcookies.org to sign up to be notified as soon as Adventurefuls and other Girl Scout Cookies are on sale.
Girls can find adventure at Girl Scouts by joining or adults can volunteer, just visit www.girlscouts.org/join.

Wife needs support for husband’s abuse

DEAR ABBY: I have known my husband for eight years. We’ve been married for four. Abby, my husband rapes me while I’m asleep.
I have told him how it makes me feel, because I was molested when I was younger. When my second child was conceived, I don’t even remember doing anything. He never did this when we were dating. We do things every now and again, but NOT how we used to.
I’m the first in my family to get married and have kids, so I’m afraid if I leave him I’ll be breaking my vows and setting a bad example. What should I do?
SILENT VICTIM IN GEORGIA

DEAR SILENT VICTIM: In case you are unaware of it, Georgia has strict laws that treat marital rape the same as rape between two strangers. This means that when dealing with marital rape charges, claiming that the defendant is married to the victim cannot be used as a defense.
If you haven’t already done it, obtain birth control to prevent you from becoming pregnant without your consent again. Contact the Rape, Abuse, Incest National Network (rainn.org; 800-656-4673) and let a counselor there know what has been going on.
Then consult a lawyer, get out of there and don’t look back!

DEAR ABBY: We have a family wedding coming later this year that we’re all very happy about. We are, however, concerned about one family member’s drinking.
This person already has a “larger than life” personality that is amplified when they drink. The bride’s family has, for several reasons, chosen not to have an open bar. A limited selection of alcohol will be offered.
Our concern is this family member will become loud, disruptive and embarrassing. Should we address this ahead of time with the family member, which will be uncomfortable, but will hopefully head off a disruption at the reception? Or should we cross our fingers and take our chances that they will realize they should be on their best behavior?
BRACING OURSELVES IN TENNESSEE

DEAR BRACING: When in doubt, speak out. Sometimes crossing one’s fingers and hoping for the best is not enough of a precaution. In a case like this, leave nothing to chance.

DEAR ABBY: My husband and I are good friends with another couple. One of them is having an affair, which is destroying their family.
The cheater has lied to us repeatedly trying to cover their tracks. We all know the truth.
How can we continue being friends when we do not condone these behaviors? It’s difficult because the friendship is long, rooted in community and we care deeply for them all.
AWKWARD IN THE SOUTH

DEAR AWKWARD: Step back and stay out of the line of fire. Whether the marriage will survive is anybody’s guess.
If it fails, be as supportive to the spouse as you can. However, if the cheater continues his/her relationship with the lover, because you don’t condone “those behaviors” you may choose to change your behavior. See the new couple “because of community ties” on a far less frequent or intimate basis.
***
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.

45 new COVID cases, one death reported for St. Mary

The Louisiana Office of Public Health reported 45 new COVID cases in St. Mary for the 24 hours ending at midday Tuesday. Another COVID-related death was also reported.

The parish's COVID death toll is now at 165, which is up from 147 Aug. 1. Coroner Eric Melancon said Monday that 20 COVID victims have died this month, so two deaths have yet to appear in the OPH statistics.

The parish's pandemic case count is now at 7,282.

Statewide, 3,691 new cases and 122 deaths were reported Tuesday.

The number of COVID patients in Louisiana hospitals rose by 56 in the previous 24 hours and is now at 3,012.

In Louisiana Health Department's Region 3, which covers the area from St. Mary to St. John the Baptist Parish, 87 of 93 intensive care beds are in use Tuesday. The region's hospitals have 629 total beds, 518 of which are occupied.

ALVIN 'CAP' FAIRON CHAMPAGNE

Alvin “Cap” Fairon Champagne, 66, a resident of Bayou L’Ourse, passed away peacefully, Sunday, August 8, 2021, surrounded by his loving family.
Alvin was born January 3, 1955, the son of Alvin Henry Champagne and Betty Bernadou Champagne.
He will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his son, Jory Champagne and wife Sherry of Morgan City; daughter, Kristi Champagne of Asheville, NC; sister, Janice Moore of Morgan City; six grandchildren, Sierra, Caleb, Ashleigh, Addison, Kennedy, and Brody Champagne.
Alvin was preceded in death by his parents, Alvin and Betty Champagne; brother, Phil Champagne.
Pallbearers will be Jory Champagne, Caleb Champagne, Mike Maddox, David Legnon,
Graveside services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 19, 2021 in Berwick Cemetery with Monsignor J. Douglas Courville officiating. A visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 18, 2021 at Twin City Funeral Home.

ROGER JAMES PLAISANCE

Roger James Plaisance, 92, a resident of Bayou Vista for 64 years, passed away on Sunday, August 15, 2021 at his home of natural causes, surrounded by his loving family. He lived a beautiful and happy life.
Roger was born on February 23, 1929 in Patterson, the son of Noah Plaisance and Bernadette Rogers Plaisance.
Roger served his country proudly in the United States Air Force. He retired after 36 years from Halliburton after serving in a various of capacities. From 1971 to 1986 he proudly served on the St. Mary Parish Water and Sewer District #2 Board. Roger was a lifetime member of the Bayou Vista Volunteer Fire Department where he served as assistant fire chief and treasurer for several years. He was also a lifetime member of the Louisiana Fire Chiefs Association and the Louisiana Firemen’s Association. He was a member of the Louisiana Sheriff’s Honorary Program and back in the 1970’s he was involved in coaching St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Softball League. Everyone in the neighborhood knew him as the “Can Man” in his red coveralls, walking miles everyday around Bayou Vista collecting aluminum cans, to pull the tabs off to save for the children at St. Jude’s Research Hospital. Roger was a very loving and caring husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, that only wanted the best for his family and their future.
He will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by five children, Hope Mijares and husband Luis of Scottsboro, Alabama, Darryl Plaisance and wife Wanda of Patterson, Pam Plaisance, Stacy Plaisance and Tammy Plaisance and husband Whitney all of Bayou Vista; 13 grandchildren, Gary Plaisance, Allison Mitchell, Amy Lantier, Clarence Mitchell and wife Sedonia, Alexander Plaisance, Kelly McElroy and husband Slade, Cody Zimmerman, Addison Plaisance, Catlin Plaisance and wife Ashley, Amanda Hardy and husband Adam, Andrew Plaisance, Michael Mijares and fiance Jenna and Arianna Plaisance; 17 great grandchildren with one on the way; two sisters-in-law, Sue Cubbedge of St. Augustine, Florida and Billie Plaisance of Berwick; numerous nieces and nephews.
Roger was preceded in death by his parents, Noah and Bernadette Rogers Plaisance; his wife of 65 years, Audry D. Plaisance; three sisters and two brothers.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers will be Whitney Rogers, Catlin Plaisance, Gary Plaisance, Slade McElroy, Luis Mijares, Michael Mijares. Honorary pallbearers will be Darryl Perry, David Gautreaux and Dudley Plaisance.
The family would like to thank Dr. Cefalu, the staff of Ochser St. Mary and Journey Hospice for the excellent care given to Roger.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 18, 2021 at St. Bernadette Catholic Church with Father Thainese Alphonse celebrating the Mass. A visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. at Twin City Funeral Home and following Mass, Roger will be laid to rest with Military Honors in the St. Joseph Catholic Church Cemetery. Military Honors will be rendered by the East St. Mary Veteran Funeral Squad.

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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