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Morgan City, Patterson make plans for Independence Day blast

Tue, 06/29/2021 - 11:45am

GEOFF STOUTE

Two area Fourth of July events — one Friday and another Sunday — are scheduled for the Tri-City area.
Friday, the Patterson Police Department will host its Community Bash in Morey Park from 6-10 p.m.
Patterson Police Chief Garrett Grogan said it is an event to unite the city after being idle for so long due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Everybody’s been locked down, so we’re trying to do something just to get the community back together,” he said.
The event will feature a performance by Low Down Band from 6-8 p.m. before Dj Fab will entertain from 8-10 p.m.
No ice chests are allowed. Food and drink vendors will be on site.
COVID-19 shots will be offered for free, too.
Sunday, the 4th of July Lake Jam event will be held at Lake End Parkway in Morgan City from 1-9 p.m.
Admission to the parkway is free.
“You’re invited to come by land, by water,” Morgan City Main Street Executive Director Beth Price said in a Facebook Live video Monday. “We would love to have you either way.”
Face painting, an axe-throwing event and food and drinks will be sold.
Patrons are encouraged to bring cash because not all vendors have card readers.
“Support the event, y’all,” Price said. “Leave the ice chests at home. All of the funds go towards different things, and of course for the Boy Scouts, for Main Street and for Xtreme Athletics, it’s fundraisers. So support it as much as you can.”
Three bands will perform on the judge’s stand. Southern Roots Band will entertain 1-2:30 p.m., while Just Cuz Band will perform 3-5 p.m.
The final band will be Jamie Bergeron & The Kickin’ Cajuns, who will perform 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Fireworks will be shot from a barge in the middle of Lake Palourde at 8:30 p.m.
“We will have a perimeter set up around the barge,” Price said. “There’s going to be sheriff’s office out there, and the Police Department out there. Please be smart. Be responsible. It’s very important. Safety is very important for this event.
“If it doesn’t work out well, we’ll know it’s something that we won’t be able to do in the future, so it kind of depends on you guys,” Price said. “Be smart.”
While Lake End Parkway will not have a fee, there still will be a fee for the Lake End Park Campground.
The only entrance for parking for Sunday’s event will be by Lake End Bark, the city dog park.
Also, the boat launch on the parkway by the judge’s stand will be closed Saturday afternoon and remain closed Sunday.
“We can’t have traffic driving through the area,” Price said.
Boaters can launch at Lake End Park Campground, though.
At the site of Sunday’s event, the dock only will be used for temporary parking for those who want to purchase food or drinks. Those who would like to dock their boats and come on land will have to do so along the nearby jetty or by the parkway.
While bad weather has been forecast, organizers are watching predictions for the event.
“We’re going to monitor it until we can’t monitor it anymore, and I’ll update you guys every day,” said Price, who plans to provide updates via the Morgan City Main Street Facebook Page.
Sunday’s festivities also will feature a “Stuff the Bus” event at the parkway.
“If you’re feeling in the mood to donate something, bring school supplies,” Price said. “We’ll fill up the bus.”
The supplies will be distributed to local students in need. Price said another “Stuff the Bus” event probably will be held later this summer.

Berwick softball team wins state championship

Tue, 06/29/2021 - 11:42am

Submitted Photo
The Berwick Babe Ruth 10U All-stars participated in the state tournament last weekend in Metairie and went undefeated to claim the Louisiana State Championship. They advanced to the Southwest Regional tournament made up of seven states: Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. The play will begin Thursday, concluding on Saturday to crown the champion that will move on to the world series held in Treasure Coast, Florida. Shown on the front row are Anna Gros, Ava Landry, Aubrey Harris, Aliyah Fagan, Emilly Osburn, Shelby Taylor, Ann-Marie Beadle and Brooklyn Comeaux. Middle row: Jaselynn Haven, Bryleigh Comeaux, Madisson Gibson, Victoria Gonzales and Audrey Lodrigue. Back row: Duane Lodrigue, Shari Osburn, Michelle Taylor and Ryan Taylor. Not pictured is Addison Liner.

CECILE COLEMAN JOHNSON

Tue, 06/29/2021 - 11:40am

Cecile Claudette Coleman Johnson, 84, a native of Lafayette and resident of Morgan City, died Saturday, June 26, 2021, at her residence.
She is survived by four daughters, Stephanie Patterson and Cynthia Sampey, both of Lafayette, and Traci Connor and Allison Williams, both of Morgan City; a son, Shane Johnson of Houston; a sister, Marjorie Brooks; eight grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives.
She was preceded in death by her parents, five brothers and seven sisters.
Visitation will be Thursday from 11 a.m. until services at 1 p.m. at Hargrave Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Morgan City Cemetery.
Hargrave Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Canonization process begins for La. priest who saved POWs

Tue, 06/29/2021 - 11:37am

TONY MARKS, LSN Staff Writer

“Do you realize what I have done for you? You call me ‘teacher’ and ‘master,’ and rightly so, for indeed I am. If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another’s feet. I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do. Amen, amen, I say to you, no slave is greater than his master nor any messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you understand this, blessed are you if you do it.”
These words from John 13:12-17 were a command from Jesus Christ after he washed the feet of His apostles. Throughout the centuries since this command was given, countless faithful have selflessly devoted their time, treasure, and talents to serve others. Many of them have been recognized for their service by being canonized a saint.
Seventy-six years ago, a Ville Platte native, the Rev. Verbis LaFleur, gave up his life while following Christ’s command as a prisoner of war during World War II. For his actions, the process of canonization has begun and has cleared another step as the bishops of the United States have voted to advance the cause of sainthood.
Diocese of Lafayette spokesperson Blue Rolfes said the vote is part of the first phase of the canonization process. During this phase, the bishop where the canonization effort originates must consult the local diocese, their conference of bishops and the Congregation for Saints Causes in Rome for approval to begin formal investigations.
“The people of Louisiana and the Diocese of Lafayette are most pleased to have had a priest who so completely exuded the virtue of charity and lived as an example of Christ,” Lafayette Bishop J. Douglas Deshotel said in prepared remarks.
LaFleur was the fourth of eight children born to Valentine LaFleur and Agatha Dupre and received the three Sacraments of Initiation as well as First Confession at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Ville Platte.
“Everyone at Sacred Heart is overjoyed at the U.S. bishops’ vote to approve the cause for Father Verbis LaFleur’s canonization,” said the Rev. Tom Voorhies, pastor of Sacred Heart. “It is an important step in the process.
“Father LaFleur was an altar server here until moving to Opelousas. We also have his chalice, so this is a great day for all of us and the whole Diocese of Lafayette.”
Voorhies went on to explain the canonization process.
“The bishop has to open up his own investigation in the Diocese of Lafayette, and once that is completed, then he can present it to Rome,” he said. “The pope would then have to declare him a person of virtue, then venerable, then beatified. Then you would need a miracle for beatification and then another miracle for canonization. Or, if the pope should say that he was a martyr for charity and for the faith, the pope could dispense with the need for any miracles and just say he’s a saint.”
LaFleur’s family moved to Opelousas when he was 14-years-old and became parishioners of St. Landry Church where he celebrated his first solemn Mass three days after his ordination.
He served as a priest at St. Mary Magdalen Church in Abbeville before he felt the call to join the United States Army roughly six months before the U.S. entered World War II. His first assignment was in Albuquerque, New Mexico, before being reassigned to Clark Field in the Philippines.
The Japanese attacked the field on Dec. 8, 1941, a day after they had bombed Pearl Harbor.
Mark Kelso, of Gavelston, Texas, is the grandson of a soldier who was in the 19th Bomb Group where Lafleur served as chaplain.
“He trained in Albuquerque with my grandfather,” Kelso said. “They were both officers before the war and left on the same ship for Manila in The Philippines in October, 1941. They went to Mindanao together on the S.S. Mayon and were captured there together.”
The two became prisoners of war.
“After two years at Davao in the same barracks next to the mess hall,” Kelso said, “Father LaFleur went to Lasang, and my grandfather ended up back in Luzon at Cabanatuan.”
Later, LaFleur, along with 700 other prisoners, wase being transported by ship from an airfield in the jungle to another Japanese occupied island. This ship was struck by an U.S. Armed Forces torpedo and began to sink. LaFleur began pushing his fellow prisoners through the hatch to safety, risking his own life as the ship began to sink. He perished with the ship Sept. 7, 1944.
“For my family, it would be wonderful,” Kelso said of the possible canonization of LaFleur. “It would really be something if my grandfather’s chaplain would be canonized.”
A year after LaFleur died, his nephew, Richard, was born.
“Richard’s second-to-oldest aunt lived in New Orleans,” said Richard’s wife Carrol. “She was an R.N., and her name was Edna. Aunt Edna never had any children and is the one who made sure to write the two little books.”
The books are "Man Among Men" and "The Roses Have Crossed to the Other Side."
Carrol went on to say, “(Aunt Edna) always made sure that her nieces and nephews had those books and they knew about Father LaFleur.”
Interest in LaFleur was renewed in 2000 when Carrol’s father-in-law passed away and family members were going through items in his house.
“My father-in-law’s house was the house that Grandma LaFleur lived in when she moved to Opelousas from Ville Platte,” Carrol said. “Grandma LaFleur was Father LaFleur’s mother, and there was a sizable stack of papers in the closet. There were papers that Fr. LaFleur had written while he was in the seminary, letters to his mother and sisters, and letters people wrote to Grandma LaFleur after the war.”
After those documents were found, Carrol and Richard began working to drum up support for canonization efforts.
“That’s when everything started for us,” Carrol said. “It’s just grown and grown, and people from all over have helped us. That’s why we are at this point now. We are thankful for all of these people and thankful for God for connecting us to all of these people.”
“The people have inspired us to continue,” Carrol went on to say. “It feels like every time we were in doubt there was a little something that happened or somebody who came forth who sparked us to continue on and do a little bit more.”
The efforts of Carrol and Richard are paying dividends now that the bishops have advanced the cause of Fr. LaFleur.
“That is unbelievable,” she said. “That’s just amazing to us. As far as I know, this is the first native Louisianan to be honored with such greatness.”
Admittedly, though, Carrol has done everything for selfish reasons.
“I do this selfishly because I want my children and my grandchildren and the children who go beyond them to know Father LaFleur and to know what he did for God and for his country. They know they have a little bit of that same blood that Father LaFleur had.”
Father LaFleur is up for canonization with two other natives of south Louisiana in Charlene Richard and Auguste “Nonco” Pelafigue. For Carrol, having these three is a testament to the struggles people endured years ago in this part of the state.
“I think about my children and how difficult it was,” she said. “I think about my parents and how they struggled, and my grandmother and them who were tenant farmers. Her husband died in his early 40s. They struggled to make a meager living, but they were satisfied with what they had and with what God gave them. They were thankful for the little they had.”
Carrol continued, “I think that’s what sprouted up three potential candidates for sainthood. It’s truly a blessing.”
The Rev. Mitch Guidry, who is pastor of Our Lady, Queen of All Saints Catholic Church in Ville Platte and an Acadia Parish native like Charlene Richard, said of LaFleur’s vote, “In these days, the Catholic priesthood has been put in bad favor because of the sins of some evil men who abused their position as priests to harm others, especially the young, to whom they should have been an inspiration and example.
“The Church and the world need the heroic witness of priests like Father LaFleur who inspire us by their devotion to Christ, their service to others, and their willingness to sacrifice absolutely everything, even their own lives as Christ did, in exchange for the good of souls.
“Priests and seminarians studying for the priesthood also need the inspiration and example of strong, Godly men like Father LaFleur who, by their lives and deaths, remind us of Christ’s words, ‘no servant is greater than his Master.’”

Wheel House for June 29

Tue, 06/29/2021 - 11:27am

PATTERSON
Upcoming events for the city of Patterson include: Senior luncheons at 205 Park St., 11:30 a.m. July 14 and 28; Moderna COVID vaccinations 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 15 at city hall by Teche Action Clinic, call city hall outreach program to make an appointment; Summer Block Party noon to 6 p.m. July 24 for children followed by an adult street party with music by Connie G & Band 7-10 p.m.; and Back to School Bash 10 a.m. July 31 at Park Street Park featuring backpack, school supplies and uniforms given away. City is taking donations of both new and used uniforms. Uniforms can be dropped off to city hall or call Allise, 985-992-0630 for pick up.

A million words are worth a picture

Tue, 06/29/2021 - 11:19am

Submitted Photo
Stephensville Elementary School student Jack Shirley recently was recognized at a St Martin Parish School Board meeting. He's a second-grader who read over 1 million words this school year, making him a Word Millionaire. Pictured are St Martin Parish Superintendent Allen Blanchard Jr. and Shirley.

Police: Man met officers, not teen girl, in Berwick

Tue, 06/29/2021 - 11:17am

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.)

An undercover operation by Berwick police resulted Friday in the arrest of a Raceland man accused of improper contact with what he thought was a 15-year-old girl online, police reports said.

Berwick
Police Chief David Leonard reported these arrests:
—John Adam Gisclair, Raceland, was arrested at 8:36 a.m. Friday on a charge of contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile.
On Friday, officers with the Berwick Police Department conducted an undercover operation involving an online social media application. Investigators made contact with Gisclair via an online social media application, where he made arrangements to meet with what he believed to be a 15-year-old girl.
About 8:23 a.m. Friday, Gisclair arrived in Berwick at the arranged meeting location, and officers subsequently took him into custody without incident. Gisclair was transported to Berwick Police Department, where he was booked. He posted a bond of $1,000 and was released.
—Lennis Ross Paray, 36, Fourth Street, Berwick, was arrested at 12:33 a.m. Saturday on a charge of violation of a protective order.
About 12:20 a.m. Saturday, Berwick officers received a call from a resident on Fourth Street about a disturbance. Officers made contact with Paray, who was not supposed to be around this residence due to an active protective order against him.
Officers were able to confirm the protective order was still active ,and they placed Paray under arrest. He was transported to the Berwick Jail, where he was booked on the charge. Paray remains in jail waiting for bond to be set.

Assumption
Sheriff Leland Falcon reported these arrests:
—Dale Michael Ray Moore, 42, Margaret Avenue, Rayne, was arrested Saturday on charges of possession of methamphetamine, driving on right side of roadway, expired motor vehicle inspection tag, head lamps required and possession of drug paraphernalia in the presence of persons under 17.
The arrest followed a traffic stop near Amelia.
A uniformed patrol deputy observed a vehicle on U.S. 90 commit a traffic violation. The deputy initiated a stop of the violator vehicle and made contact with the driver, identified as Moore.
The deputy interviewed the driver and made observation indicative of illegal drug activity. The deputy thought that the matter warranted further investigation.
The deputy summoned a K-9 to the stop location. The K-9 conducted an open-air sniff and alerted to particular areas of the vehicle.
A subsequent search of the suspect vehicle resulted in the seizure of a quantity of methamphetamine.
Moore was arrested and booked into the parish detention center with bond set at $20,000.
—Verner Jerome Bradford, 24, Williams Street, Donaldsonville, was arrested Saturday on charges of possession of MDMA (ecstasy), taking contraband to or from a penal institution, resisting an officer, illegal carrying of a weapon and possession of fentanyl, and as a fugitive from Ascension Parish.
Bradford was also booked on warrants from an August incident alleging aggravated flight from an officer, illegal carrying of weapons in the presence of controlled dangerous substances, illegal possession of a stolen firearm, simple criminal damage to property and possession of marijuana.
Bradford was arrested after a traffic stop near Paincourtville.
A uniformed patrol deputy observed a vehicle commit a traffic violation and initiated a stop of the vehicle. The deputy made contact with the driver and one passenger now identified as Bradford. At the time, Bradford gave deputies a fictitious name.
The deputy noted a crushed, powder-like substance on the suspect’s clothing. During the interview, the suspect acknowledged that the substance was MDMA (ecstasy).
The suspect was arrested.
At some point, the deputy determined that the passenger’s correct identification was Bradford and he was wanted on numerous charges related to an Aug. 1 incident.
In that matter, Bradford was the driver of a vehicle deputies attempted to stop for a traffic violation. Bradford engaged deputies in a pursuit situation that ended when Bradford crashed the vehicle. Bradford fled on foot and was able to avoid capture until now.
After Saturday’s arrest, Bradford was booked into the Assumption Parish Detention Center on charges arising out of both incidents.
During the August arrest, deputies seized a large-caliber handgun that had been reported stolen. As a result of Saturday’s arrest, radford was booked and remains incarcerated with bond set $120,000.
—Michael Joseph Landry, 24, Woodland Drive, Donaldsonville, was arrested Sunday on charge of illegal carrying of weapons in the presence of controlled dangerous substances, illegal use of controlled dangerous substances in the presence of person under 17, possession of marijuana (first offense) and speeding 78 mph in a 55 mph zone.
The arrest followed a traffic stop north of Belle Rose.
A uniformed patrol deputy observed a northbound vehicle on La. 1 commit a traffic violation and initiated a stop of the vehicle.
The deputy made contact with the driver, identified Landry. The deputy noted a strong odor of suspected marijuana emitting from the vehicle. The deputy also recognized physical behavior consistent with illegal drug activity.
The deputy requested consent to search the vehicle. The suspect acknowledged the presence of a handgun in the vehicle. During the search, a quantity of suspected marijuana and the handgun were seized.
It was further noted the presence of two underage children in the vehicle.
Landry was arrested and booked into the Assumption Parish Detention Center and remains incarcerated waiting a bond hearing.

Morgan City
Police Chief James F. Blair reported that over the last 72-hour period, the Morgan City Police Department responded to 102 calls for service and made these arrests beginning Friday:
—Matthew T. Rollins, 27, Diane Lane, Patterson, was arrested at 7:33 a.m. Friday on a warrant alleging eight counts of failure to appear to pay fines.
—A’myri D. Walker, 21, Wren Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 9:14 a.m. Saturday on a charge of simple assault.
—Lee Higgins, 43, Baton Rouge, was arrested at 4:33 p.m. Saturday on a charge of disturbing the peace (language).
—Charles R. Mitchell, 41, La. 182, Morgan City, was arrested at 3:55 a.m. Saturday on a warrant alleging failure to appear.
—Amanda F. Larive, 35, Genevieve Lane, Franklin, was arrested at 4:20 p.m. Saturday on a charge of simple battery.
—Kenneth P. Charrier, 53, Keith Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 7:45 p.m. Saturday on a charge of simple battery.
—Gary W. Skyes, 43, Gen. Patton Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 3:32 a.m. Sunday on warrants alleging theft under $1,000 and simple battery.
—Hayleigh N. Martin, 19, North Everett Street, Morgan City, was arrested 12:24 a.m. Sunday on warrants alleging possession of marijuana and violation of uniform controlled dangerous substance laws (drug-free zone).
—Monika M. Faulk, 55, Maine Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 12:16 a.m. Monday on a charge of disturbing the peace (drunkenness).

St. Mary
Sheriff Blaise Smith advisee that over the last 72-hour reporting period, the Sheriff’s Office responded to 92 complaints and made these arrests:
—Michael Ray Morris Jr., 22, Franklin, was arrested at 8:12 a.m. Friday on a charge of criminal trespass. No bail has been set for this charge.
—Jamie Keith Mallet, 44, Patterson, was arrested at 11:56 p.m. Friday on charges of reckless operation with accident and possession of marijuana, and on a warrant alleging failure to appear on the charges of speeding and possession of alcoholic beverage in motor vehicle. Bail has not been set.
—Deirdre Louisa Martin, 47, Patterson, was arrested at 6:57 p.m. Saturday on warrants alleging failure to appear on charges of possession of methamphetamine (three counts): possession of cocaine; possession of drug paraphernalia (four counts); possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine (two counts); operating a vehicle while license is suspended, revoked or canceled (two counts); resisting an officer (two counts); improper lane usage; aggravated flight from offer where human life is endangered; and obstruction of justice (tampering with evidence), and on five warrants alleging failure to appear on the following charges: possession, distribution or sale of a legend drug without a prescription (ibuprofen 800); possession, distribution or sale of a legend drug without a prescription; and possession of MDMA (ecstasy).
No bail has been set.
—Carlin David Stelly, 43, Franklin, was arrested at 7:02 p.m. Saturday on a warrant alleging failure to appear on the charge of criminal neglect of family. Stelly also held an active warrant for the charge of domestic abuse battery. Bail was set at $57, 961.43.
—Samantha Jolene Landreneau, 29, Morgan City, was arrested at 10:15 p.m. Saturday on a charge of disturbing the peace (intoxicated). Bail was set at $1,000.
—Zaire Abdul Hunter, 18, Baldwin, was arrested at 12:41 a.m. Sunday on charges of turning movements and signals required, driver must be licensed and possession of marijuana. Hunter was released on a summons to appear Sept. 1.
—William Joseph Griffin, 34, Houston, was arrested at 3:46 a.m. Monday by the Narcotics Section on charges of improper lane usage, following too closely, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and transactions involving drug proceeds.
Bail was set at $32,000.
—-Jean Ange Mossou Sahou, 28, Houston, was arrested at 3:46 a.m. Monday by the Narcotics Section on charges of possession with intent to distribute marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and transactions involving drug proceeds.
No bail has been set.
—Dunia Angela West, 26, Houston, was arrested at 3:46 a.m. Monday on charges of possession with intent to distribute marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

St. Martin
Sheriff Becket Breaux reported these arrests:
—Michael Willis, 62, Lynch Hollow Road, Lafollette, Tennessee, was arrested Friday on a charge of simple possession of marijuana.
—Traylon Calais, 20, Almicar Drive, Breaux Bridge, was arrested Thursday by the Breaux Bridge Police Department on charges of assault by drive-by shooting, aggravated criminal damage to property, illegal use of a weapon and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and on a warrant alleging failure to appear.
—Jowan Hypolite, 19, Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, St. Martinville, was arrested Thursday on charges of bicycle front lamps; side and rear reflectors, illegal carrying of a weapons, simple possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, resisting an officer and transactions involving proceeds from drug offenses.
—Jacob Boudreaux, 29, Patin Street, Henderson, was arrested Sunday by the Henderson Police Department on charges of simple possession of marijuana and manufacture or distribution of Schedule IV drugs, and on a warrant alleging failure to appear on a charge of simple robbery.
—Skylar Gaspard, 37, Devillier Road, Henderson, was arrested Sunday by the Henderson Police Department on charges of simple possession of marijuana; distribution of drug paraphernalia; possession of Schedule IV drugs; sale, distribution or possession of a legend drug; and obstruction of justice (evidence tampering).

Franklin
Police Chief Morris Beverly reported that the Franklin Police Department responded to 27 complaints over the past weekend and made these arrests:
—Barry Burney, 59, Main Street, Franklin, was arrested at 10:27 p.m. Sunday on a charge of violation of a protective order. Burney was booked, processed and held on a $2,500 bond.
—Christopher Silas, 43, Morris Charles Street, Jeanerette, was arrested at 10:58 p.m. Sunday on charges of aggravated obstruction of a highway of commerce, reckless operation of a vehicle, speeding, stop sign, one-way roadway (two counts), stop lights and turn signals, and red light violation. Silas was booked, processed and held with no bond set at time of press release.

More arrests in Franklin

Tue, 06/29/2021 - 11:07am

June 29, 2021
On June 28, 2021, at approximately 6:00 PM, the Franklin Police Department received multiple calls of shots fired in the area of Willow Street and Fifth Street involving vehicles. Officers arrived on scene and began investigation efforts. Deputies with the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on the suspect vehicle in the area of Willow Street and Wall Street and upon searching; a hand gun with a high capacity magazine was located in the waistband of the passenger. The subject was then transported to the Franklin Police Department for questioning, and was subsequently arrested on the following charge.
Irvyon James, 18, of Seventh St., Franklin, LA, was arrested on June 28, 2021, at 11:30 PM, on the charge of illegal carrying of a weapon. James was booked, processed, and held on a $1,000.00 bond.
The Franklin Police Department is asking that if anyone has any information or was a witness to the above incident, to please call the Franklin Police Department at (337) 828-1716. You can remain anonymous.
Chief Morris Beverly

Morgan City police radio logs for June 25-28

Tue, 06/29/2021 - 10:50am

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.
Friday, June 25
6:01 a.m. 800 block of First Street; Fire.
9:05 a.m. 900 block of Seventh Street; Alarm.
9:06 a.m. Allison and Roderick streets; Stalled vehicle.
11:12 a.m. 7800 block of La. 182; Removal of subject.
11:18 a.m. 400 block of Fourth Street; Complaint.
11:49 a.m. 7400 block of La. 182; Medical.
12:24 p.m. Lesley and McDermott drives; Suspicious vehicle.
3:18 p.m. Railroad Avenue and Idaho Street; Suspicious person.
3:34 p.m. La. 182; Traffic incident.
4:47 p.m. 6300 block of La. 182; Disturbance.
5:21 p.m. 500 block of Brashear Avenue; Disturbance.
5:40 p.m. 200 block of Brashear Avenue; Suspicious subject.
5:53 p.m. 1000 block of Greenwood Street; Disturbance.
7:47 p.m. 700 block of Fifth Street; Patrols.
7:51 p.m. 7400 block of La. 182; Suspicious subject.
10:02 p.m. Fourth Street basketball area; Loud music.
10:11 p.m. 7400 block of La. 182 ; Welfare concern.
10:20 p.m. 300 block of Eighth Street; Complaint.
10:56 p.m. 2700 block of Shaw Drive; Loud music.
Saturday, June 26
1:46 a.m. La. 182/Berwick Civic Center; Assist Berwick Police Department.
3:33 a.m. 7400 block of La. 182; Disturbance.
3:48 a.m. 500 block of Brashear Avenue; Traffic stop/arrest.
6:36 a.m. 1300 block of Victor II Boulevard; Suspicious person.
7:04 a.m. 700 block of General McArthur Street; Animal complaint.
7:07 a.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Complaint.
8:41 a.m. 500 block of Roderick Street; Crash.
8:48 a.m. 1100 block of Marguerite Street; Disturbance.
9:43 a.m. 7300 block of La. 182; Crash.
10:24 a.m. Susan Drive; Animal complaint.
12:05 p.m. 300 block of Egle Street; Medical.
12:19 p.m. 700 block of Justa Street; Theft.
12:20 p.m. 5000 block of Railroad Avenue; Medical.
4:30 p.m. 2000 block of Allison Street; Disturbance.
5:07 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Fight.
5:13 p.m. 7200 block of La. 182; Welfare concern.
5:19 p.m. 700 block of Federal Avenue; Alarm.
6:39 p.m. 7500 block of La. 182; Complaint.
7:39 p.m. 500 block of Egle Street; Remove subject.
7:40 p.m. 7500 block of La. 182; Battery/arrest.
8:51 p.m. 1000 block of Brashear Avenue; Disturbance.
8:59 p.m. 700 block of Duke Street; Loud music.
10:03 p.m. 500 block of Aucoin Street; Loud music.
10:13 p.m. La. 182 and Aycock area; Alarm.
10:28 p.m. 1000 block of Brashear Avenue; Complaint.
10:41 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Complaint.
Sunday, June 27
12:23 a.m. 6300 block of La. 182; Warrant/arrest.
2:07 a.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Battery/arrest.
5:55 a.m. 600 block of General Patton Street; Theft.
6:38 a.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Disturbance.
10:29 a.m. 1700 block of Youngs Road; Alarm.
11:57 a.m. 6300 block of La. 182; Accident.
12:07 p.m. 1100 block of Marguerite Street; Disturbance.
1:05 p.m. 1700 block of Youngs Road; 911 hang up.
1:09 p.m. 1400 block of Bernice Street; Welfare check.
1:55 p.m. 200 block of Wren Street; Disturbance.
1:58 p.m. 1200 block of Brashear Avenue; Alarm.
2:04 p.m. 5000 block of Railroad Avenue; Animal.
2:17 p.m. 700 block of Belanger Street; Suspicious person.
2:55 p.m. 7000 block of Railroad Avenue; Animal.
3:30 p.m. 700 block of Federal Avenue; Alarm.
4:19 p.m. 300 block of Onstead Street; Accident.
5:41 p.m. 7500 block of La. 182; Complaint.
6:04 p.m. 2700 block of Shaw Drive; Disturbance.
6:07 p.m. 1000 block of Greenwood Street; Medical emergency.
7:10 p.m. 7500 block of La. 182; Theft.
7:59 p.m. Sixth and Willow streets; Suspicious subject.
10:40 p.m. 3000 block of Catherine Street; Disturbance/arrest.
10:56 p.m. 600 block of Fourth Street; Assist Berwick Police Department.
11:32 p.m. 100 block of Eleventh Street; Complaint.
Monday, June 28
2:21 a.m. 3200 block of Susan Drive; Disturbance.

Get It Growing: Salvias are summertime sensation

Tue, 06/29/2021 - 9:03am

By HEATHER KIRK-BALLARD, LSU AgCenter Horticulturist

There are quite a few perennials out there that perform well in the summertime here in Louisiana, but none more so than salvias. There are so many great salvias available today for sensational, consistent color all summer — and fall — long.
Salvias (Salvia officinalis) are also known as sage, a common herb most of us know for its savory flavor. Another member of this group is rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus), another common herb. Both have fragrant foliage often used in cooking, and both have beautiful purple blooms. Some have white blooms.
When speaking of salvias, white and purple blooms are most common, but new varieties come in shades of orange, red and blue. If you are trying to achieve a patriotic red, white and blue garden, salvias can make it happen for you.
Most salvia varieties are prized for their extended bloom, vibrant colors, and fragrant foliage and flowers in addition to their nectar production. Salvias display a wide range of heights, flower colors and growth habits. Many varieties are upright, but trailing varieties are available too.
Heights can vary among varieties, with some growing 8 to 12 inches while others grow several feet tall — upwards of 5 to 6 feet. Salvias can be used in the landscape in mass plantings, as borders, in containers and as accent or focal plantings. Some varieties even make good cut flowers.
Varieties that grow in USDA hardiness zones 8 to 10 are an excellent choice for landscapes in Louisiana for their reliable color and flower production. Their nectar makes them fan favorites for pollinators such as butterflies, hummingbirds and bees.
Salvias have vigorous growth and excellent flower production. Most varieties prefer full sun, but they can tolerate partial sun. Blooms will be most proficient in full sun. Plant in a well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Once established, most salvias are drought tolerant.
Little care is required to grow salvias. However, waterlogged soils and overwatering can lead to increased susceptibility to fungal diseases. Plant in the early spring after the last threat of frost. Established plants can be divided when new growth begins in early spring.
To keep flowers going all summer long and into the fall, remove faded blooms to encourage new flower production. Springtime fertilizer and occasional water-soluble fertilizer feedings in the summer will help encourage flowers and keep the foliage healthy and green.
Many varieties of salvia display continuous blooms on tall stems with average growing heights up to 30 to 40 inches with a spread of 24 to 30 inches. Salvias make an excellent selection in both the landscape as well as in container plantings.
Tall, upright growth habit salvias look best at the back of landscape beds for their height. You can use lower-growing varieties as border plants. Make a dramatic impact in your landscape with a mass planting of one cultivar.
Plants can drop lower leaves when stressed or without water for extended periods. To revive, remove the upper third of the plants with a quick trimming, and plants will fill back out nicely. You can also trim to shape or decrease size any time throughout the growing season; this will encourage new branches and create a more compact habit with even more flowers.
Some great varieties include the Evolution series, which is a Louisiana Super Plant program selection. This series comes in both violet and white bloom colors. The Wish series is another great choice. These include Wendy’s Wish, Ember’s Wish and Love and Wishes. The Skyscraper series is a new series that includes Skyscraper Dark Purple, Skyscraper Pink and Skyscraper Orange.
Not all varieties are carried at local nurseries, but many are. Get your hands on as many as you can and start your own collection.
A few more varieties grown and evaluated at the LSU AgCenter Hammond Research Station are White Flame, Black and Bloom, Van Remsen, Blue Ensign, Rockin’ Blue Suede Shoes, Mystic Blue, Big Blue, Rockin’ Deep Purple, Unplugged So Blue, Rebel Child, Roman Red, Purple and Bloom, Amistad, Amante, San Carlos Festival and Limelight.