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Chamber Virtual auction to benefit Roe scholarship fund

Fri, 06/18/2021 - 10:07am

The St. Mary Chamber of Commerce will host an online virtual auction June 21-25 to benefit the Charlie Roe Scholarship Fund.
Scholarships are given to graduating students in St. Mary Parish. Call the chamber office at 985-384-3830 or Catalene Theriot at 337-551-4260 to donate auction items or to make a monetary donation.
Bidders will be able to sign in and bid regularly on the site. When outbid, bidders will receive an email notification.
Register now to be ready when action goes live on June 21. Visit www.biddingforgood.com/auction/item/browse.action?auctionId=341697935 for details.
Many items are available to bid on including an alligator hide ensemble donated by The Swamp People, a handmade quilt featuring T-shirts supplied by chamber members and much more.

Manning passing camp will return to Nicholls

Fri, 06/18/2021 - 10:03am

THIBODAUX — More than 1,000 aspiring high school quarterbacks and receivers will descend upon the Nicholls State University campus for the return of the Manning Passing Academy from July 15-18.
This will be the 25th anniversary of the premier football camp, and its 16th year at Nicholls. Last year, the camp was canceled because of COVID-19.
“The Manning Passing Academy is the pinnacle of football summer camps,” said Jonathan Terrell, Nicholls athletic director. “Over the years we have seen campers become counselors, counselors become All-Americans and All-Americans become first-round picks. We are thankful for the valued partnership between Nicholls and the First Family of Football.”
The South Louisiana Economic Council estimates that the Manning Passing Camp has injected as much as $4.5 million into the local economy.
At 8:30 p.m. on July 17, parents and fans are invited to watch the annual Saturday Night Lights passing display. Camp coaches and counselors along with selected campers will run pass route drills at Guidry Stadium.
The night will cap off with the popular Riddell Air-It-Out passing competition featuring many of the top college quarterbacks in the country. One of the most popular summer events at the Nicholls Campus, the passing competition has generated almost $45,000 in revenue over the last five events.
“This camp is more than just an opportunity for these young all-stars to refine their game,” Terrell said. “It’s a chance for football fans in South Louisiana to get an up-close look at many of the biggest names in the sport. Additionally, it’s a chance for us to introduce South Louisiana culture to these families who come from all over the country. This is truly one of the highlights of our summer.”
In addition to seeing the biggest names in football, fans will also get their first glance of the recently completed Boucvalt Family Athletic Complex. The $6.5 million expansion of Barker Hall will benefit all 17 athletic programs, including the football program with the addition of a state-of-the-art operations center.
The center will include a new locker room, players’ lounge, team meeting room with stadium-style seating, training and equipment room, catering kitchen and showcase lobby. The team meeting room will also function as game day club seating.
Tickets for Saturday Night Lights are available now for $12 and $15 at the gate. To buy tickets early, visit geauxcolonels.com, or call 985-448-4790.

Multiple agencies report area arrests

Fri, 06/18/2021 - 9:53am

(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
Morgan City Police Chief James Blair reported the following arrests:
—Joshua Jerome Navy, 34, of Verdin Lane, Franklin, was arrested June 15 at 8:55 a.m. on a charge of remaining where forbidden.
—Rondell James Guy, 28, of Railroad Avenue, Morgan City, was arrested June 15 at 2:32 p.m. on 6th Ward warrants alleging failure to appear for trial and contempt of court.
—Joshua Anthony Mote, 20, of Eighth Street, Morgan City, was arrested June 15 at 2:35 p.m. on a charge of cruelty to animals.
—Jasmine Marie Colegrove, 22, of Idaho Street, Morgan City, was arrested June 15 at 7:11 p.m. on charges of limitation of passing on the left, first-offense possession of marijuana and contributing to the delinquency of juvenile.
—Thomas Clay, 58, of West Park, Gray, was arrested June 16 at 4:14 p.m. on a charge of remaining after forbidden and on a 6th Ward Court warrant alleging two counts of failure to pay fine.
—Naquel Deron Dotch, 32, of Tiffany Street, Patterson, was arrested June 16 at 5:29 p.m. on charges of traffic control signals; operating a vehicle with a suspended driver’s license; possession of MDMA, methamphetamine and marijuana, all with intent to distribute; transactions involving drug proceeds; and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Morgan City Police Department narcotic detectives conducted a traffic stop after observing traffic violations at Brashear and Federal avenues. A computer check of the driver, Dotch, revealed his driver’s license was under suspension.
During the traffic investigation, narcotics detectives discovered Dotch was in possession of a large amount of synthetic marijuana, MDMA, methamphetamine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia. Detectives also located a large sum of money that was suspected proceeds from illegal narcotics sales.
He was arrested and transported to the Morgan City Police Department.
—Trinity Harris, 22, of Eleventh Street, Morgan City, was arrested June 16 at 5:33 p.m. on 6th Ward Court warrants alleging 12 counts of failure to appear to pay fines and seven counts for contempt of court.
St. Mary
St. Mary Parish Sheriff Blaise Smith reported the following arrests:
—Joshua Donnel Robertson, 29, Morgan City, was arrested June 16 at 9:12 a.m. on a warrant for failure to appear on the charges of operating a vehicle while license is suspended/revoked/canceled and speeding.
Robertson was subsequently released on his own recognizance.
—Amy Ponce-Mata, 43, Amelia, was arrested June 16 at 11:25 a.m. for texting while driving, driving under suspension and no insurance. Ponce-Mata was released on a summons to appear.
—Kashif Jermaine Wallace, 33, Amelia, was arrested June 16 at 12:15 p.m. for ATV/off road vehicles on public roadways prohibited, resisting an officer by flight, and resisting arrest or officer.
Bail was set at $4,250.
—Joshua Jermaine Hopes, 37, Jeanerette, was arrested June 16 at 7:08 p.m. on a warrant for failure to appear on the charges of resisting an officer, switched license plates, and no driver’s license.
No bail has been set.
—Lee Joseph Allemand, 39, Napoleonville, was arrested June 16 at 11:15 p.m. on the charges of driving under suspension, no insurance, failure to signal turn, failure to transfer registration, and switched license plate/stolen license plate.
Allemand was released on a summons to appear.
Franklin
Chief Morris Beverly of the Franklin Police Department reported the following arrests:
—Joseph Thibodaux, 23, of West Ibert Street, Franklin, was arrested June 16 at 8:13 p.m. on a warrant for 3rd Ward City Court for failure to appear on the charges of driver must be licensed and no head lamps after dark.
Thibodaux was additionally arrested on two warrants for 16th Judicial District Court for failure to appear on the charges of possession of schedule II narcotics, illegal possession of stolen things, and criminal trespassing. He was booked, processed and held with no bail set at the time of the press release.
Assumption
Assumption Parish Sheriff Leland Falcon reported the following arrests:
—Mark Corey McLaughlin, 41, of Willie Lane, Livingston, was arrested on felony charges arising out of a domestic incident that occurred on June 15 near Belle Rose.
Deputies responded to a complaint south of the Ascension Parish line on La. 1 in connection with a female subject appearing to be in some distress. Deputies located the victim as well as her domestic partner at separate locations.
Deputies initiated an investigation and noted injuries to the female consistent with domestic abuse.
At the conclusion of the investigation, McLaughlin was arrested and booked into the Assumption Parish Detention Center on charges of domestic abuse battery involving strangulation.
McLaughlin remains incarcerated with bail set at $25,000.

Morgan City Police Department radio logs for June 16-17

Fri, 06/18/2021 - 9:46am

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.
Wednesday, June 16
7:05 a.m. 700 block of Justa Street; 911 hang up.
9:38 a.m. La. 70 and Willard Street; Crash.
9:29 a.m. 1200 block of Brashear Avenue; Theft.
11:12 a.m. 1000 block of La. 70; Complaint.
11:30 a.m. 600 block of Brashear Avenue; Medical.
12:17 p.m. 6300 block of La. 182; Disturbance.
12:31 p.m. 700 block of Hilda Street; Complaint.
1:11 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Comp-laint.
1:22 p.m. 600 block of Railroad Avenue; Animal complaint.
2:20 p.m. 400 block of Fifth Street; Disturbance.
2:22 p.m. 7400 block of La. 182; Disturbance.
2:54 p.m. 1500 block of Second Street; Medical.
3:10 p.m. 1000 block of Brashear Avenue; Patrol.
3:56 p.m. 600 block of Martin Luther King Boulevard; Complaint.
3:59 p.m. 200 block of Robin Street; Arrest.
4:06 p.m. 1400 block of Youngs Road; Animal complaint.
4:08 p.m. 1100 block of Marguerite Street; 911 hang up.
4:13 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Arrest.
4:48 p.m. 7100 block of La. 182; Crash.
6:31 p.m. 1400 block of Sandra Street; Alarm.
6:42 p.m. 2300 block of La. 70; Assistance.
7:12 p.m. La. 182 And Martin Luther King Boulevard; Reckless driving.
7:35 p.m. Federal Avenue and Garber Street; Frequent patrols.
8:10 p.m. 300 block of Egle Street; Assistance.
9:25 p.m. 300 block of Egle Street; Reckless driving.
9:36 p.m. 1100 block of Marguerite Street; Alarm.
Thursday, June 17
3:13 a.m. 7200 block of La. 182; Disturbance.
4:41 a.m. 1100 block of Dora Street; Medical.
4:46 a.m. 3000 block of Lake Palourde Road; Suspicious person.

Crochet is physician's assistant

Fri, 06/18/2021 - 9:45am

Brandon Crochet, a 2013 Patterson High School alumni and a magna cum laude graduate from Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, graduated in May from the LSU Health Sciences Center — New Orleans. He earned a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences with a minor in chemistry and psychology while at Nicholls. At LSU he earned master’s degree in physician’s assistant studies. Crochet became a Louisiana board certified physician’s assistant in June. He has accepted a position in Family Medicine in Slidell. He is the son of Dale and Cheryl Crochet of Bayou Vista.

Locals win in state doubles horseshoe pitching

Fri, 06/18/2021 - 9:42am

The Louisiana State Doubles Horseshoe Pitching Championships were held June 12 at John Blank Park in Welsh.
The results include winners from the Tri-City area. They are as follows:
Class A Women
First place, (tournament champions) Wanda Lantz of Marrero and Bobbie Richard of Church Point, 6 wins-0 losses, 33.0 ringer percentage; and second place, Mary Begnaud of Lacassine and Rhonda Smith of Lake Charles, 3-3, 33.3.
Class B Women
First, Tina Stanley and Nancy Woods, both of Monroe, 6-1, 25.8; and second, Hannah Gibson and Amanda Lyon, both of Monroe, 4-2, 15.0.
Class A Men
First, (tournament champions) Burnie Williams of Morgan City and Tanner Pousson of Lacassine, 4-1, 39.0; and second, Ricky Richard of Church Point and Alois Habetz of Sulphur, 3½-1½, 35.3.
Class B Men
First, Glenn Caillouet and Jimmy Caillouet, both of Raceland, 6-1, 21.7; second, Danny Navarre of Carylis and Joe Primeaux of Broussard, 5-2, 14.4; and third place, Larry Pertuit of Marrero and Mack Thibodeaux of Lake Arthur, 5-2, 26.9.
Class C Men
First, Johnny Florres of Minden and Julius Lovell of Bayou L’Ourse, 5-0, 14.3; second, Charles Benoit of Lake Arthur and Joseph Thomas III of Irwinville, 3-2, 8.0; and third, Justin Morvant of Berwick and Matthew Strickland of Morgan City, 3-2, 6.7.

Eulalie ‘Lee’ Muszar Michel

Fri, 06/18/2021 - 8:29am

September 4, 1935 — June 13, 2021
Eulalie Michel, age 85, passed away peacefully at home in Patterson surrounded by her family on June 13, 2021.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Irving “Mitch” Michel; son, Joseph Michael Michel; parents, Leonard and Noemie (Landry) Muszar; brothers, Leonard (Hilda) and William (Lois); sister, Velma Deffes (Merlin); her in-laws, Sidney and Ella (Percle) Michel; and brother-in-law, Sidney Michel Jr. (Sue).
She is survived by her children, Judy and husband Dan Alm of Payson, Arizona; Mary and husband John Koster of Warwick, Maryland; Cindy and husband Walter Jackson of Lafayette, Louisiana; and Michael and wife Shelley (Mire) of Rogersville, Alabama. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Kimberly and husband Dewayne Broyles, and Laikyn Michel and her fiancée Emily Phipps; her great-grandchildren, Nathan and Malachi Broyles, and Michael Phipps; her brother-in-law, Leroy and wife Genevieve (Mire) Michel; her sister-in-law, Ann Michel Welling; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
Lee was born and raised in Morgan City. She married Irving in 1953. After living in El Paso, Texas; Morgan City; Thibodaux; and New Iberia, they moved back home in 1974 and settled down in Patterson, where she lived until her death.
Lee devoted her whole life to taking care of and serving others. She was a stay-at-home Mom who made sure her children knew the true values in life. Those who knew her will always remember her quick wit and sense of humor. She was very dedicated to doing God’s work with St. Joseph Catholic Church in Patterson for many years, until she was physically unable to do so.
Funeral services will be held Monday, June 21, 2021, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Patterson during a 1:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial with Father Herb Bennerfield as Celebrant and Father Angelo Cremaldi concelebrating. Musical selections will be performed by her son-in-law, Dan.
Following the Mass, she will be laid to rest next to her husband in Morgan City Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be Michael Michel, Walter Jackson, John Koster, Laikyn Michel, Dewayne Broyles and Nathan Broyles.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed Monday at Ibert’s Mortuary in Patterson from 10:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., with 11:30 a.m. recitation of the Rosary.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity of your choice to honor her memory.
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.

Tips for planting blueberries include patience

Fri, 06/18/2021 - 7:17am

A trip to the produce aisle at a local grocery store can unveil a host of healthy additions to anyone’s diet. Such a jaunt also can raise eyebrows, as produce, particularly organic fruits and vegetables, can be very expensive. Consumers may feel helpless to corral the cost of healthy foods like fruits and vegetables, but all hope should not be lost. That’s especially so for people willing to give gardening a try.
Blueberries are one of the healthiest foods people can eat. The USDA National Nutrient Database notes that blueberries, which are low in calories and high in fiber, are great sources of the vitamins C, K and B6.
However, organic blueberries can be among the most expensive foods in the produce aisle. Various factors, including where blueberries come from and whether or not they’re organic, dictate their cost. But it’s not uncommon to pay roughly $4 for a six-ounce package of organic blueberries. For some, such costs are prohibitive.
Growing blueberries in a home garden can save blueberry lovers substantial amounts of money while ensuring they reap all of the benefits of this highly nutritious and edible berry.
The following are some tips novices can employ as they plant their first batch of blueberries.
—Consult a local garden center. The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council recommends consulting a local garden center before planting blueberries.
The professionals at such centers can recommend the best variety of blueberry to plant. That’s an important first step, as the USHBC notes that farmers cultivate dozens of varieties of highbush blueberries across North America. Lowbush varieties also may be a gardener’s best option depending on where he or she lives. A local garden center can help determine which variety best suits your local climate.
—Plant where there is ample sun and well-drained soil. The roots of blueberry plants should remain moist throughout the growing season, so choose an area where the soil drains well. If that’s hard to find, consider planting in raised beds or patio containers.
In addition, the University of Minnesota Extension notes that blueberries require full sun, so plant in a spot where the blueberries will not be denied daily sunlight.
—Prepare the soil. Blueberries require acidic soil, so running a soil test prior to planting is a good idea. Soil tests are available through the LSU AgCenter.
—Fertilize carefully. The USHBC notes that established blueberry plants will respond well to acid fertilizers. However, it’s important not to overdo it, as blueberries are sensitive to overfertilization. Follow fertilization instructions and speak with local garden center professionals for advice.
—Be patient. The University of Minnesota Extension notes that plants won’t bear much fruit in their first two to three years, and that harvests are bigger after five years. So patience is a virtue blueberry planters must embrace.
Planting blueberries can be a rewarding hobby that also can save gardeners money at the grocery store.

Neighbor intrudes on backyard oasis, invades on alone time

Fri, 06/18/2021 - 7:15am

By Jeanne Phillips, ©United Features Syndicate

DEAR ABBY: I am a 40-something single mother of two teens. A 24-year-old neighbor with a young daughter moved in next door a couple years ago after her divorce. She recently joined the workforce, and being a single working mother for the last year and a half has been a difficult adjustment for her. When she sees me outside, she comes over to vent. She seems incapable of just giving a friendly wave and going about her day.
I like to garden in peace. She has actually come into my yard, sat on my lawn and complained while I continued weeding. She prefaces it by telling me she doesn’t want advice; she just wants to vent. Abby, I have lived her life — with a lot less support — and at this point, I value my alone time. I don’t want to listen to her woes.
I find myself sneaking around my yard trying to avoid her. Today, I saw her setting up a trampoline in her backyard. It’s close to my yard and right outside my dining room window. How do I communicate to her that I don’t want a visitor when I’m working in my yard? I know her feelings will be hurt. I’ve already tried to set boundaries by not initiating conversation and not inviting her over. Help!
PRIVATE IN THE MIDWEST

DEAR PRIVATE: Tell your neighbor she needs to find another person to vent to because your gardening activities are the way you cope with your own problems, and you prefer to do that without company.
Then suggest she find a comparable activity for herself that may serve the same purpose. She may not like hearing it, but you will be free.

DEAR ABBY: My husband has withdrawn himself from my family. I sense my niece resents it. She’s 53 and has a teenage son. I believe she thinks we don’t see each other because we don’t love them. I can’t explain what’s going on with my husband to her. I want to explain to my family and maybe make excuses for his behavior, but honestly, I don’t think it would change much.
I realize COVID-19 has kept families apart, and this may not be a good time to try to become closer. I have expressed my feelings to my husband, but it never turns out well. He lost his mom two years ago, and his depression has gotten worse. He wants nothing to do with my family. They don’t deserve it, but things are good between the two of us apart from this issue.
Must I choose sides? What can I do?
CHOOSING SIDES IN CANADA

DEAR CHOOSING: Unless there is something important that you omitted from your letter, your husband’s behavior may be connected to the loss of his mother. Do not “choose sides,” but also do not allow him to separate you from your family.
Stay in touch as much as you can, and once the quarantines are finished, visit with them. Explain your husband’s absence by letting your relatives know WHY your husband is acting this way and that he needs compassion and understanding, not judgment.
***
To order “How to Write Letters for All Occasions,” send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 to: Dear Abby — Letter Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447.

Tropical storm warning in effect for St. Mary

Thu, 06/17/2021 - 5:26pm

National Weather Service Meteorologist Donald Jones said Thursday in a Facebook live stream that the most likely point of landfall is in the Vermilion Bay-St. Mary Parish area.

From the National Weather Service

National Weather Service Lake Charles LA AL032021
414 PM CDT Thu Jun 17 2021

LAZ054-180600-
/O.NEW.KLCH.TR.W.1003.210617T2114Z-000000T0000Z/
St. Mary-
414 PM CDT Thu Jun 17 2021

...TROPICAL STORM WARNING IN EFFECT...

A Tropical Storm Warning means tropical storm-force winds are
expected somewhere within this area within the next 36 hours

* LOCATIONS AFFECTED
- Morgan City
- Patterson
- Franklin

* WIND
- LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Below tropical storm force wind
- Peak Wind Forecast: 10-15 mph with gusts to 25 mph

- THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for wind 39
to 57 mph
- PLAN: Plan for hazardous wind of equivalent tropical storm
force.
- PREPARE: Efforts to protect property should now be
underway. Prepare for limited wind damage.
- ACT: Act now to complete preparations before the wind
becomes hazardous.

- POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Limited
- Damage to porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and unanchored
mobile homes. Unsecured lightweight objects blown about.
- Many large tree limbs broken off. A few trees snapped or
uprooted, but with greater numbers in places where trees
are shallow rooted. Some fences and roadway signs blown
over.
- A few roads impassable from debris, particularly within
urban or heavily wooded places. Hazardous driving
conditions on bridges and other elevated roadways.
- Scattered power and communications outages.

* STORM SURGE
- LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Localized storm surge possible
- Peak Storm Surge Inundation: The potential for 1-3 feet
above ground somewhere within surge prone areas
- Window of concern: Begins Friday evening

- THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for storm
surge flooding greater than 1 foot above ground
- PLAN: Plan for storm surge flooding greater than 1 foot
above ground.
- PREPARE: Complete preparations for storm surge flooding,
especially in low-lying vulnerable areas, before conditions
become unsafe.
- ACT: Leave immediately if evacuation orders are given for
your area.

- POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Limited
- Localized inundation with storm surge flooding mainly along
immediate shorelines and in low-lying spots, or in areas
farther inland along rivers and bayous that drain into the
Gulf.
- Sections of roads and parking lots near bodies of water may
become overspread with surge water. Driving conditions
dangerous in places where surge water covers the road.
- Moderate beach erosion. Heavy surf also breaching dunes,
mainly in usually vulnerable locations. Strong rip currents.
- Minor to locally moderate damage to marinas, docks, and
piers. A few small craft broken away from moorings.

* FLOODING RAIN
- LATEST LOCAL FORECAST:
- Peak Rainfall Amounts: 2-4 inches, with locally higher
amounts

- THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for
localized flooding rain
- PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for
localized flooding from heavy rain.
- PREPARE: Consider protective actions if you are in an area
vulnerable to flooding.
- ACT: Heed any flood watches and warnings.

- POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Limited
- Localized rainfall flooding may prompt a few evacuations.
- Rivers and tributaries may quickly rise with swifter
currents. Small streams, creeks, canals, and ditches may
become swollen and overflow in spots.
- Flood waters can enter a few structures, especially in
usually vulnerable spots. A few places where rapid ponding
of water occurs at underpasses, low-lying spots, and poor
drainage areas. Several storm drains and retention ponds
become near-full and begin to overflow. Some brief road and
bridge closures.

* TORNADO
- LATEST LOCAL FORECAST:
- Situation is somewhat favorable for tornadoes

- THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for a few
tornadoes
- PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for a
few tornadoes.
- PREPARE: If your shelter is particularly vulnerable to
tornadoes, prepare to relocate to safe shelter before
hazardous weather arrives.
- ACT: If a tornado warning is issued, be ready to shelter
quickly.

- POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Limited
- The occurrence of isolated tornadoes can hinder the
execution of emergency plans during tropical events.
- A few places may experience tornado damage, along with
power and communications disruptions.
- Locations could realize roofs peeled off buildings,
chimneys toppled, mobile homes pushed off foundations or
overturned, large tree tops and branches snapped off,
shallow-rooted trees knocked over, moving vehicles blown
off roads, and small boats pulled from moorings.