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School Board will look at stipend for employees

Wed, 05/26/2021 - 12:02pm

Staff Report

The St. Mary Parish School Board will hold a special meeting Thursday in Cent-erville with just two items for consideration, one of those a one-time stipend for employees who performed extra duties related to the reopening of school during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The employees are described in the agenda as those who did extra work “in preventing, preparing for and responding to COVID-19” when school opened for in-person learning.
The board also will consider approving job descriptions for a K-5 Literacy Coach and a 6-8 Literacy Coach.

Senate OKs bill on school aid, teacher raises

Wed, 05/26/2021 - 12:00pm

DAVID JACOBS, The Center Square

The Louisiana Senate approved a $3.9 billion K-12 education formula that is virtually unchanged from the current spending plan except for an increase in teacher and staff pay.
The Minimum Foundation Program for next school year, which represents the main state contribution to education funding, increases spending by about $19 million to give teachers an $800 raise and support staff a $400 pay bump, according to the Legislative Fiscal Office. Lawmakers have discussed raises of $1,000 and $500, respectively; Louisiana teachers make about $4,000 less per year on average than peers in nearby states.
Senate Concurrent Resolution 2 passed unanimously with little discussion and no debate.
Only the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education can alter the MFP. The Legislature can approve or reject the funding formula but generally cannot change it.
If the session ends without a new MFP, the current one will stay in place.
In other legislative action Monday:
—The House approved House Bill 487, by Rep. Michael Echols, R-Monroe. It would let legislators reduce spending that is dedicated by law or the constitution to avoid a budget deficit by up to 20%. The current limit is 5%.
Echols said he wanted to give lawmakers more options when the budget must be cut.
—Senators voted not to accept House amendments to Senate Bill 159, which calls for setting a maximum state income tax rate of 4.75% in the state constitution – the current top rate is 6% – and removing from the constitution the provision calling for a state income tax reduction for federal income taxes paid.
The bill will go to a conference between the House and Senate, along with other bills changing the state’s tax structure to work out a final overhaul package.

GERALDINE 'DEANIE' C. WALTERS

Wed, 05/26/2021 - 11:56am

Funeral Services will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 27, 2021 in Delhomme Chapel of the Flowers for Geraldine “Deanie” C. Walters, 97, who passed away on May 24, 2021.
Pastor Jason Miller, of Amana Christian Fellowship, will conduct the funeral services.
“Deanie”, a resident of Maurice, was the daughter of the late William Canty and the former Orelia Dinger.
Deanie was born and raised in Morgan City, LA and raised her family in Baton Rouge, spending the last 30-plus years in the Lafayette/Maurice area. Her loving and adventurous spirit transferred into her children and grandchildren. She loved a Sunday drive to any unknown destination, be it to visit family in South LA or beloved friends in Anahuac, Texas. Her home was always open, coffee in the pot and cards ready to shuffle. She was known for always wearing a beautiful Broche, even with a sweatshirt as she worked in her yard. It was impossible to greet or leave her presence without a hug. There were a few things that she took extreme pride in: her Irish heritage, her family’s property at Shell Island and both her extended Canty family and her immediate Walters family. She will be greatly missed, until we are in Heaven with her, hearing her sweet greeting of “Oh Darlin, it is so good to see you”.
She is survived by her daughter, Stephany W. LeBlanc (Emile) of Prairieville, LA; son, Art J. Walters Jr. (Bonnie) of Carencro, LA; son, Terry A. Walters (Sherry) of Gonzales, LA; daughter, Kimberly W. Robertson of Denham Springs, LA; daughter, Jade W. Landry (Chris) of Maurice, LA; sister, Myrtle “Dutsy” Fromenthal of Brownsville, TX; brother, Clayton “Buster” Canty of Berwick, LA; and 16 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren and eight great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, Art J. Walters Sr.; granddaughters, Allison A. Walters and Lauri Walters Bodin; grandson, Terrance Zachariah (Zac) Walters; great-grandsons, Joseph Aaron Tramel and Broddy Jacob Maxwell; and parents, William and Orelia Canty.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Delhomme Funeral Home - Bertrand on Thursday, May 27, 2021 from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service.
Personal condolences may be sent to the Walters family at www.delhommefuneralhome.com. Or P.O. Box 280, Maurice, La 70555.
Delhomme Funeral Home, 1011 Bertrand Drive, Lafayette, LA is in charge of funeral arrangements.

RICHARD BAUDOIN

Wed, 05/26/2021 - 11:48am

Richard Baudoin, 75, passed away Monday, May 17, 2021 peacefully at home.
Memorial Services will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, May 28th, 2021 at Delhomme Funeral Home, 1011 Bertrand Dr., Lafayette, LA.
A rosary will be recited at 3:30 p.m. at the funeral home.
The family requests visiting hours be observed at Delhomme Funeral Home of Lafayette on Friday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the services at 4:00 p.m.
Born in Jennings and a lifelong resident of Lafayette, Richard graduated from Lafayette High School in 1963 and attended USL for 3 years. He worked in bulk Oil & Gas sales for the last 32 years for Gayle Oil Company and Miguez Fuel.
He was a truly good Christian man who fiercely loved his family and took great pride in them. He grew up in a very loving family and tried his best for everyone when they needed it. His light was reflected in the eyes of his family. He was the port in the storm and lightened the burden for his children, grandchildren and many more. Richard knew intuitively how to put a smile on your face and never met a stranger.
He was loved deeply and shall be greatly missed.
He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Marcella Alpha Baudoin; daughters, Laura Ashurst and Lisa Valentin, their husbands Phil Ashurst and Elias Valentin, and their children Rebecca and Meagan Ashurst and Nathan, Abigail and Daniel Valentin. He is survived also by his sisters Renola Petitifils and Genevieve Lambert, and many nieces and nephews. His Godchildren are Pia Richard, Scott Petitfils, Caroline Stegeman, Micah Lambert, Erin and Bishop Ostteen, Beau Baudoin, and Teresa deBeche-Adams.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Kossuth (K.J.) and Rena Baudoin; his brother, Carroll Baudoin; and sister, Ruth Baudoin Wolf.
In lieu of flowers, please donate in his memory to your favorite charity.
Honorary Pallbearers are Phil Ashurst, Elias, Nathan and Daniel Valentin, Micah Lambert and Morgan Guillory.
Father Ken Domingue and Father Patrick Broussard will conduct the funeral services and rosary. Entombment will take place later at Fountain Memorial in Lafayette.
Personal condolences may be sent to the Baudoin family at www.delhommefuneralhome.com.
Delhomme Funeral Home, 1011 Bertrand Drive, Lafayette, LA will oversee funeral arrangements. Richard Baudoin, 75, passed away Monday, May 17, 2021 peacefully at home.
Memorial Services will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, May 28th, 2021 at Delhomme Funeral Home, 1011 Bertrand Dr., Lafayette, LA.
A rosary will be recited at 3:30 p.m. at the funeral home.
The family requests visiting hours be observed at Delhomme Funeral Home of Lafayette on Friday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the services at 4:00 p.m.
Born in Jennings and a lifelong resident of Lafayette, Richard graduated from Lafayette High School in 1963 and attended USL for 3 years. He worked in bulk Oil & Gas sales for the last 32 years for Gayle Oil Company and Miguez Fuel.
He was a truly good Christian man who fiercely loved his family and took great pride in them. He grew up in a very loving family and tried his best for everyone when they needed it. His light was reflected in the eyes of his family. He was the port in the storm and lightened the burden for his children, grandchildren and many more. Richard knew intuitively how to put a smile on your face and never met a stranger.
He was loved deeply and shall be greatly missed.
He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Marcella Alpha Baudoin; daughters, Laura Ashurst and Lisa Valentin, their husbands Phil Ashurst and Elias Valentin, and their children Rebecca and Meagan Ashurst and Nathan, Abigail and Daniel Valentin. He is survived also by his sisters Renola Petitifils and Genevieve Lambert, and many nieces and nephews. His Godchildren are Pia Richard, Scott Petitfils, Caroline Stegeman, Micah Lambert, Erin and Bishop Ostteen, Beau Baudoin, and Teresa deBeche-Adams.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Kossuth (K.J.) and Rena Baudoin; his brother, Carroll Baudoin; and sister, Ruth Baudoin Wolf.
In lieu of flowers, please donate in his memory to your favorite charity.
Honorary Pallbearers are Phil Ashurst, Elias, Nathan and Daniel Valentin, Micah Lambert and Morgan Guillory.
Father Ken Domingue and Father Patrick Broussard will conduct the funeral services and rosary. Entombment will take place later at Fountain Memorial in Lafayette.
Personal condolences may be sent to the Baudoin family at www.delhommefuneralhome.com.
Delhomme Funeral Home, 1011 Bertrand Drive, Lafayette, LA will oversee funeral arrangements.

DONALD JOE MIRE

Wed, 05/26/2021 - 11:46am

November 27, 1928 — May 23, 2021
Donald Joe Mire, 92, a resident of Amelia, passed away peacefully, Sunday, May 23, 2021, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.
Donald was born November 27, 1928, in Morgan City, the son of Albert Mire and Angelina St. Clair Mire.
Donald proudly served in the Army during the Korean War. After being honorably discharged in 1953, Donald worked in the oil field until 1960, and retired with Canal Villere Food Stores Inc. After retirement, he enjoyed traveling, camping, fishing and going bird-watching with his wife, Sweetie. His love of hummingbirds excelled even more when the Audubon Society caught and band a rare Broad-tailed hummingbird from his backyard with only three known to visit Louisiana. His love of music impressed most as he taught himself harmonica, accordion and the organ all by ear. He loved his siblings and telling jokes at any chance. He was very proud of his family and loved hearing about their lives.
He will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his wife of 66 years, Sweetie Bailey Mire of Amelia; four children, Ronald Mire and wife Lisa of Morgan City, Kenneth Mire of Amelia, Brenda Youngblood and husband Charles of Patterson, and Janet LeBlanc and husband Johnny of Arlington, Texas; sister, Elaine Hilliard and husband William “Bill” of Ennis, Texas; seven grandchildren, Jake Youngblood, Lindsey Youngblood, Caitlin Nunez and husband Jared, Evan Mire, Michael Ryan LeBlanc, Jeremy LeBlanc and Daniel LeBlanc; and great-grandchild, Murphy Kate Nunez.
Donald was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Angelina Mire; nine siblings, Carmen Guarisco, Albert “Gerald” Mire, Doris Guzzino, Neal Mire, Merle Harrison Groce, Nina Macalusa Hidalgo, Carolyn Goulas, Gladys Guarisco and infant Arthur Mire; and stepmother, Annie Lee Maxwell Mire.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, May 28, 2021 at St. Andrew Catholic Church in Amelia. Visitation will be held at St. Andrew Catholic Church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. After Mass, Donald will be laid to rest in the St. Andrew Catholic Cemetery, where Military honors will be rendered.

Wheel House for May 26

Wed, 05/26/2021 - 11:44am

GOSPEL GROUP
The Walkers will be ministering at Bayou Vista Community Fellowship, 1523 Anthony St., at 10 a.m. Sunday, May 30.

BERWICK
Housing Authority taking housing applications online 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, June 2. Applications at www.pha-web.com/portal/applicant/berwick/ or BHA Facebook page and click on the link, or its website www.berwickhousingauthority.com. For info call 985-385-1546. After completing an online application, applicants will be contacted for an appointment to provide all documents.

WILL PLANNING
Seminar presented by Dr. Jeffrey W. Steed, MBA, executive director of Louisiana Baptist Foundation, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 8. Info on how to plan and execute a will and power of attorney. Free and lunch provided. RSVP required, call Morgan City First Baptist Church, 985-384-5920.

Around Town for May 26

Wed, 05/26/2021 - 11:41am

Happy birthday Bruce, we love you … Happy birthday Joseph Ross from family, friends and Ira … Congratulations on your well-earned and deserved retirement Ray, we love you.

Ochsner St. Mary says thanks to EMS specialists

Wed, 05/26/2021 - 11:27am

National EMS Week was May 16-22. Ochsner St. Mary showed its appreciation to local EMS employees for all they do for patients and the community with a special gift. Top Photo: Shown from left are Elizabeth Sample, RN; Darrell Easley, Acadian Ambulance; Brittany Acosta, Acadian Ambulance; and Adriane Angeron, RN. Bottom Photo: Shown are Blake Comeaux, Acadian Ambulance; Brooke Landry, RN; and Brad LaPointe, Acadian Ambulance.

Submitted Photos/Ochsner St. Mary

Patterson Dollar General gets an update

Wed, 05/26/2021 - 11:23am

Dollar General announced that it has remodeled and updated its store at 716 Catherine St., Patterson, to its DG Market format.
The new store format will provide area residents with an updated layout and new offerings, including an expanded selection of fresh meats, fruits and vegetables, as well as the same categories, brands and products customers expect Dollar General to carry.
“We are excited to provide Patterson residents with our new DG Market format and look forward to welcoming customers to our recently remodeled location,” said Dan Nieser, Dollar General’s senior vice president of real estate and store development.
“The new DG Market format aims to provide the Patterson community with an updated design and closer access to fresh foods and a convenient location to purchase the items they want and need at everyday low prices. We hope our customers will enjoy the new store.”
Normal hours of operation are available through the Dollar General app.

Terrebonne General sports banquet supports health care and wellness

Wed, 05/26/2021 - 11:22am

Tickets for the fourth annual Terrebonne General Community Sports Institutes Bayou Region Athletic Hall of Fame banquet are now on sale.
The sports-themed banquet benefitting The Foundation for Terrebonne General Health System honors six local professional athletes/coaches who will be inducted into the Bayou Region Athletic Hall of Fame. The event will take place June 24 at Cypress Columns in Gray,
This year’s renowned inductees include: former Assumption High and New York Giant football running back great Brandon Jacobs, former Vandebilt Catholic and UCLA football standout defensive lineman Karl Morgan, former Thibodaux High and LSU Tiger running back great and coaching legend Don Schwab, the most winning volleyball coach ever on the high school level in Louisiana, Assumption High School’s Sandy Fussell, former H.L. Bourgeois multi-sport star and Tulane wide receiver JaJuan Dawson, and former Dallas Cowboys All-Pro kicker and product of Terrebonne High School Richie Cunningham.
Tickets are $50 per person at www.bayouregionhof.eventbrite.com ot by calling Catherine S. Robichaux at 985-873-4603.
Proceeds from the banquet will benefit The Foundation for Terrebonne General Health System and help fund numerous community health care and wellness programs. This event would not be possible without the support of presenting sponsors Peoples Drug Store and the Terrebonne General Community Sports Institute.
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