The Daily Review/Geoff Stoute
Owners Skyler Moffett and Jason Lester cut the ribbon Friday to mark the opening of Cuyon Creations, 703 Third St., Morgan City. The business specializes in woodwork and custom furniture. Also present were Casey Young and Emma Moffett. They were joined by St. Mary Chamber representatives and Assessor Jarrod Longman.
Larry Callais, CEO at M C Bank & Trust Company, has announced that long-time bank employee Wendy Fernandez has been promoted to branch manager at its Bayou Vista location.
Fernandez is a 1978 graduate of Berwick High School, and has completed multiple banking seminars during her tenure at M C Bank,
She began her banking career as a teller and most recently worked as a new accounts representative at the full-service Bayou Vista branch, located at 539 Southeast Blvd. The branch offers extended drive-up banking hours in addition to its traditional lobby hours, along with a 24-hour ATM and a host of technologies “designed to enhance our customers’ banking experience,” according to Callais.
Fernandez is also active as a member of the Lions Club.
“I am always pleased to announce the promotion of an outstanding employee,” Callais said. “Our customers in and around Bayou Vista will be well-served by Wendy and her staff for years to come.”
Thibodaux Regional Health System announced the addition of Dr. Derek Haight, interventional pain management specialist, to the active medical staff. Haight is available to care for patients at Thibodaux Regional Pain Clinic located 726 North Acadia Road, Suite 2400, Thibodaux, 985-493-4080.
Haight earned his medical degree from McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston. He completed his residency in anesthesiology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
(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 Franklin man was arrested early Tuesday when a deputy caught him in an Ashton-area building after an alarm went off, the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office said.
St. Mary
Sheriff Blaise Smith advised that over the last 24-hour reporting period, the Sheriff’s Office responded to 16 complaints and made these arrests:
—Gary Kirkland Javon Semien, 25, Franklin, was arrested at 1:45 a.m. Tuesday on a charge of simple burglary and on a warrant alleging theft.
A K-9 deputy responded to an alarm activation at a building in the Ashton area. The deputy began checking doors and windows on the exterior of the building and found signs of an entry.
After backup arrived, the K9 deputy heard sounds of someone inside the building. The deputies entered the building and while clearing the rooms, they made contact with a male suspect who was inside the building. The suspect was identified as Semien.
Through the investigation, the deputy learned that Semien also held an active warrant for theft. Semien was taken into custody and transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking.
The key-holder for the building was notified and the building was secured. Bail has not been set.
—Eugene Lee Green V, 42, Centerville, was arrested at 1:43 a.m. Tuesday on charges of domestic abuse aggravated battery and domestic abuse battery. Bail was set at $4,000.
—Lee Michael Boudreaux, 46, Amelia, was arrested at 10:28 p.m. Monday on charges of proper equipment required on vehicles, turning movement and required signals, driving under suspension, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Boudreaux was released on a summons to appear Nov. 2.
Morgan City
Police Chief James F. Blair reported that over the last 24-hour period, the Morgan City Police Department responded to 45 calls for service and made this arrest:
—Taraneka Simpson, 23, Leona Street, Morgan City was arrested at 2:41 p.m. Monday on a charge of theft under $1,000 and at 8:48 p.m. Monday on a charge of theft under $1,000.
Assumption
Sheriff Leland Falcon reported this arrest:
—Terry Joseph Leonard Jr., 33, La. 403, Paincourtville, was arrested Sunday on charges of domestic abuse battery of a pregnant victim with child endangerment, resisting an officer and battery of a correctional center employee.
Deputies were dispatched to a location near Paincourtville and made contact with the victim. She advised that the suspect, Leonard, had been abusive to her.
Deputies noted activity consistent with domestic abuse.
After interviewing the suspect, he was placed under arrest.
Acadian Ambulance was dispatched to the location to treat the victim.
The suspect was combative and once at the detention center, Leonard allegedly committed a battery upon a correctional officer.
Leonard was booked into the Assumption Parish Detention Center with a bond set at $45,000.
St. Martin
Sheriff Becket Breaux reported these arrests:
—Corbett Alexander, 51, Lester Roberts Drive, Breaux Bridge, was arrested Monday on a warrant alleging failure to appear on the charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated, open container and aggravated flight from an officer.
—Marcus Cormier, 54, Robertson Drive, Breaux Bridge, was arrested Monday by the Henderson Police Department on a charge of violation of a protective order and on a warrant alleging failure to appear.
—Derek Fontenette, 26, Smede Highway, St. Martinville, was arrested Monday on charges of possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of Schedule II drugs, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a firearm while committing or attempting a crime, and possession of Schedule IV drugs.
—Eric Gaines, 38, no address, Lafayette, was arrested Monday by the Henderson Police Department on charges of attempted first-degree murder and simple domestic abuse battery.
UPDATED: The Berwick 10 softball All-Stars lost their final game to Brookfield Burn of Connecticut 3-2 Wednesday in the Diamond Bracket championship game of the Babe Ruth World Series in Jensen Beach, Florida.
The loss ends the Berwick girls' championship run, which included Louisiana and regional titles on the way to the World Series.
Berwick beat Madeira Beach, Florida, Riptide 3-1 earlier Wednesday to earn a spot in the Diamond Bracket championship game.
Berwick lost 7-2 to Duplin County, North Carolina, in their first game Wednesday morning.
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. 2
5:14 a.m. 1100 block of Marguerite; Assistance
5:18 a.m. 900 block Willard; disturbance.
7:54 a.m. 100 block Youngswood. Stalled vehicle.
8:47 a.m. 100 block Wren; Medical.
8:50 a.m. 7200 block La. 182; Telephone harassment.
9:43 a.m. 2400 block Tiger; Complaint.
10:03 a.m. 500 block Bowman; Medical.
11:04 a.m. 1000 block Victor II; Traffic incident.
12:14 p.m. 700 block Myrtle; Complaint.
12:52 p.m. 2300 block Clements; Medical.
1:28 p.m. 800 block Marguerite; Welfare concern.
1:49 p.m. 400 block Belanger; Complaint.
1:50 p.m. 1700 block Youngs; 911 hang-up.
2:03 p.m. 2400 block Sixth Street; Complaint.
2:24 p.m. 900 block Seventh; Arrest.
3:51 p.m. 1700 block Youngs; 911 hang-up.
6:14 p.m.; 1100 block Victor II; Remove a subject.
7:00 p.m. 400 block Halsey; Disturbance.
8:21 p.m. 300 block Mallard; Loud music.
8:37 p.m. 7500 La. 182; Theft Arrest.
10:55 p.m. 100 block Mount; Lost phone.
11:08 p.m. 900 block Willard; Complaint.
12:18 a.m. 1000 block Maple; Juvenile problem.
12:59 a.m. 200 block Trevino; Assist Berwick.
Tuesday, Aug. 3
1:02 a.m. 7100 block La. 182; Complaint.
There are currently three open seats in the Louisiana Legislature as lawmakers approach the middle of their term, and there are certainly more to come.
Over the past two weeks, the Senate saw two new committee chairmen appointed and the House experienced the removal of two others. There have also been a number of rank-and-file committee changes in both chambers during the same timeframe.
Unfortunately, none of this is novel in the ongoing four-year term that commenced in January 2020.
There have so far been seven special elections called by the legislative leadership to fill seats that were unexpectedly vacated. P
rior to these most recent changes at the Capitol, lawmakers likewise lost or walked away high-profile seats on committees (including the House education and governmental affairs chairs) due chiefly to politics.
The turnover that took hold of the Legislature last term isn’t expected to ease its grip.
The roots are running deeper than ever for partisan politics as well, which in turn is fueling some of the turnover.
That’s all to say the seemingly constant changing of the guard within the Legislature’s standing committees will probably be the norm for the rest of the term, if not the foreseeable future.
Late last week, Speaker Clay Schexnayder took gavels away from two Democrats. Rep. Chad Brown of Plaquemine was removed as chairman of the insurance committee and Rep. Vincent Pierre of Lafayette suffered the same fate on the transportation committee.
Additionally, Independent Rep. Daryl Adams of Jackson lost his spot on the Appropriations Committee and Democratic Rep. Travis Johnson of Vidalia was pulled off of the transportation committee.
Most of these changes in the House arrived in the wake of calls by conservatives for the speaker to hold Democrats accountable for voting with the governor during the recent veto session.
Those requests have put Schexnayder in an uncomfortable position, since Democrats helped elect him as speaker and make up an important part of his base in the lower chamber.
What’s more important than the speaker removing these members will be who he replaces them with.
Conservatives would obviously prefer Republicans in these key positions, but Schexnayder always has the option of choosing other Democrats.
That option, however, seems unlikely.
There were also some big moves in the Senate last week, with Sen. Rick Ward of Livonia taking over as commerce chair, due to the vacancy created by former Sen. Ronnie Johns of Lake Charles. Sen. Patrick McMath has replaced Ward, meanwhile, as the new transportation chair.
McMath has benefitted from an upward trajectory since taking office last year and was a floor leader for Senate President Page Cortez of Lafayette on key issues during the term’s first regular session. The two are said to be close — and Cortez did give McMath the job he personally held last term.
As for Ward, his votes in the recent veto override session strengthened his conservative credentials and the Senate Commerce Committee is a decent spot from which to fundraise.
If those moves don’t further fuel speculation about Ward running for governor, nothing will.
Then there are the three open seats slated for the October ballot.
One of the more interesting legislative contests will take place in Lake Charles’ Senate District 27, where Businessman Dustin Granger is the lone Democrat facing Republicans Jeremy Stine, the marketing and e-commerce director of Stine Lumber and educator Jake Shaheen.
Granger was beginning to make a name for himself in Democratic circles after spending the past few months laying the foundation for a challenge against Congressman Clay Higgins.
Apparently those plans have been parked.
Stine is still viewed as the early favorite by locals.
The business lobby will be squarely in his corner and he begins his campaign with enviable name recognition in the district.
But Granger could put up a fight, depending on how much top-tier Democrats in Louisiana want to push.
That, in turn, could create an environment ripe for outside spending.
There are also races in Monroe’s House District 16 and New Orleans’ House District 102 that will be decided.
These races are filled exclusively with Democratic candidates.
For the Monroe seat, the candidates include Adrian Fisher, president of HCBS-Cognitive Development Centers; Charles Henry Bradford, who ran unsuccessfully for mayor of Bastrop last cycle; and “Cocoa” McCoy Calvin.
In the New Orleans race, there are two contenders, including realtor Delisha Boyd, who has considerable establishment support, and artist Jordan Bridges.
But don’t spend too much time committing all of this new information to memory. It’s going to change — sooner probably than later.
For more Louisiana political news, visit www.LaPolitics.com or follow Alford on Twitter @LaPoliticsNow
April 3, 1943 – August 1, 2021
Don Nathan “Pete” Boudreaux of Verdunville, LA passed away at his home at the age of 78 on Sunday, August 1, 2021. Pete, as he was affectionately known, was born on April 3, 1943. He was the son of Nathan & Mattie Boudreaux and Rhoder Belle Smith.
At the age of 14, Pete took an interest in flying and started to hang around the airport in Patterson. At which time Scott Tibbs Sr. and Scott Tibbs Jr. took him under their wings and taught him how to fly. He worked as a crop duster for 32 years throughout the US and Canada until health issues would no longer allow him to continue his flying career. An entrepreneur at heart and not content with one job at a time, Pete also had a 300 ton Captain’s license and piloted vessels from the Intracoastal Canal up the East Coast as well as piloting tug boats all over the bayous of Louisiana. He also built and operated his own shrimp boat and was owner and operator of a dump truck business.
A model airplane enthusiast, he built and flew RC planes and traveled to RC events all over the United States. As a child he traveled extensively with his parents, cementing his lifelong love of being on the open road. One of his favorite trips was to load up his truck and toy-hauler, leaving home in the early morning, arrive in Hempstead, TX at The Thirsty Parrot Bar & Grill where his good friend Dan Easter would have his spot in the parking lot for his rig to stay the afternoon and night, eating and drinking with friends. The next morning he would pull out headed to Harwood, TX to meet up with his friends Keith and Shirley Coover, staying the afternoon and night at their home. Then finally off to his final destination San Antonio Flying Field (River City Radio Control Flyers), where he would always arrive days ahead of the event so he could get his favorite spot. When he would get back from one trip he would be planning out the next. He also liked duck hunting, fishing and spending time with family and friends.
Those he leaves to cherish his memory include his wife of 30 years, Ree-Ree Durocher Boudreaux; their son, Cordell Boudreaux and his wife Virginia; his daughter, Suzanne Boudreaux Lofgren and her husband Kevin; his son, Jason Rip Boudreaux; step-daughter, Sabria Hill McGuire and her husband Darrin; ten grandchildren, Eli Boudreaux, Wyatt Boudreaux, Mia Boudreaux, Staci Dawn Tune, Jenna Rae Knoepfel, Taylor Nicole Weaver, Brenna Boudreaux, Lacie Hill Corman, Garland Hill Jr., and Lester Trent Hill; as well as three nieces, one nephew, a host of great grandchildren, and many in-laws. He will also be missed by many dear and close friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Nathan Joseph Boudreaux, Mattie Smith Boudreaux, and Rhoder Belle Smith; his brother, Thoville Smith and his wife Joyce; his sister, Merle Smith and her husband Cecil; his mother-in-law, Mary Jane G. Durocher Rogers; his step-son, Garland Dean Hill Sr.; great granddaughter, Malerie Corman; and great grandson, Rye Michael Hill.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Franklin Home Health Care, Heart of Hospice, and a special thanks to his caregivers for the past 15 months, Jessica Darby and Rose Martin.
Memorial services will be held Monday, August 9, 2021, at 12:00 p.m. at Ibert’s Mortuary. Inurnment will follow in the Boudreaux Family Mausoleum in the Franklin Cemetery. Father Joel Faulk will conduct the services. The family requests that visiting hours be observed Monday at Ibert’s from 9:00 a.m. until service time.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that contributions be made in Pete’s name to the American Heart Association: visit online at https://www.heart.org/, by mail at PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692 (please download the mail in form), or contact the AHA at 1-800-242-8721.
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.
Mr. Clarence “Mighty Man” Jackson, age 69, and a resident of Franklin, Louisiana. He passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 25, 2021 in Franklin, Louisiana.
Mask or face covering, social distancing are required for all attendees, to enter our establishment for visitation and funeral service. Visitation will be observed on Saturday, August 14, 2021 at Otis Mortuary Chapel (501 Willow Street, Franklin, Louisiana) from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and funeral services commencing at 11 a.m. The Interment will take place in Sorrell Community Cemetery, Sorrell, Louisiana.
Mr. Jackson, is survived by his wife: Ruby Lumpkin Jackson of Charenton, Louisiana; (3) Sons: Randy Ray Jackson and Troy Jamal Jackson both of Charenton, Louisiana; Dequincy Javon Sereal of New Iberia, La.; (6) Sisters: Betty Craig, Audrey Barkey, and Denise Randel all of Franklin, La.; Doretha Randel and Clara Bell Lewis both of Jeanerette, Louisiana; and Carol Randel of Coteau, Louisiana; A Devoted Friend: Gladys M. Johnson of Franklin, La. He was preceded in death by (1) Son: Marcus Ray Jackson (1) Daughter: Aquilla M. Jackson Vital Parents: Peter and Ethel Fine Jackson. (2) Sisters: Dorothy Milton & Ruthie May Hamilton (1) Brother: Peter Jackson.
Officiating Minister: Bishop Wilson.
The Otis Mortuary, Inc. of Franklin, Louisiana is in charge of arrangements.
Reading aloud to children is one of the joys of parenting. All children, whether they’re infants, toddlers or school-aged, can benefit from being read to, and parents whose youngsters have grown up often look back on story time as some of their favorite moments as moms and dads.
Reading aloud to children is about more than just establishing a bond between parent and child. According to Reading Rockets, a national public media literacy initiative, children as young as infants can benefit from being read to.
Infants can look at pictures as their parents point to them and say the names of the various objects within them. By drawing attention to the pictures and associating words with them and real-world objects, parents are helping infants learn the importance of language.
Children of all ages can benefit from being read to, even after they learn to read on their own. The following are a handful of ways that reading aloud to children can benefit them.
—Reading to children dramatically expands their vocabulary. A 2019 study published in the Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pedia-trics found that young children whose parents read them five books a day enter kindergarten having heard roughly 1.4 million more words than kids who were never read to.
The disparity is even significant when comparing children who are periodically read to each day with children who are read five books per day. Children who are read to daily may hear slightly less than 300,000 words prior to entering kindergarten, while those read five books per day will hear more than 1.4 million words.
—Reading to children expands their imaginations. The Northern Virginia Family Services reports that research has shown that children who activate their imaginations through being read to develop higher activity in the area of their brain that’s responsible for cultivating mental images and deciphering and comprehending verbal cues.
That heightened activity bolsters youngsters’ imaginations and instills in them a greater fondness for reading.
—Reading can help kids learn to focus. Parents of young children no doubt know that such youngsters rarely sit still for any significant length of time.
However, when being read to, young children, even those who are initially reluctant to engage in story time, will learn to sit still for the duration of the book. That can help them learn to focus, a benefit that will pay dividends when children begin school.
—Reading to children can speak to children’s interests or emotional needs. Reading Rockets notes that children’s favorite stories may speak to their emotional needs and interests. That’s why so many youngsters insist on reading a favorite book over and over again. Though that’s often boring for parents, it can benefit youngsters, who will eventually move on to other books.
Reading to children can benefit them in myriad ways and provide a great way for parents to bond with their youngsters.
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