Reuben Robicheaux, 51, a native of Morgan City and resident of Berwick, died March 15, 2021.
He is survived by his wife, Jennifer Carline Robicheaux; a son, Brayden Robicheaux; a daughter, Brynn Robicheaux; and a brother, Ray Robicheaux.
He was proceeded in death by his parents.
Memorial services will be Monday, 5-9 p.m., at Hargrave Funeral Home, who is in charge of arrangements.
(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 trespassing complaint Wednesday in Berwick led to two arrests, including one on marijuana and cocaine possession charges, police reports said.
Berwick
Police Chief David Leonard reported these arrests:
—Natalie Lowe, 32, La. 182, Morgan City, was arrested at 4:42 p.m. Wednesday on a charge of remaining where forbidden.
—Garrett White, 47, U.S. 90, Morgan City, was arrested at 4:42 p.m. Wednesday on charges of possession of marijuana and possession of cocaine.
About 4 p.m. Wednesday, officers with the Berwick Police Department responded to a complaint of a person trespassing. Officers met with Lowe and White.
During the course of the investigation, it was learned that Lowe had been previously banned from the property. While officers spoke with White, he appeared to be acting in a nervous manner.
White consented to a search of his vehicle, at which time suspected cocaine and marijuana were located. White and Lowe were placed under arrest and transported to the Berwick Police Department.
Lowe was booked on the charge of remaining where forbidden. White was booked on the charges of possession of cocaine and possession of marijuana.
White posted a $6,000 bond and was released. Lowe remains incarcerated on a $326 bond.
Morgan City
Police Chief James F. Blair reported that over the last 24-hour period, the Morgan City Police Department responded to 42 calls for service and made these arrests:
—Kedesha Nicole Scott, 26, Florida Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 06:56 a.m. Wednesday on warrants for nine counts of failure to appear to pay fines, two counts of contempt of court (trial) and six counts of failure to appear for arraignment, all from 6th Ward Court.
—Shundren Keon Johnson, 24, Tiffany Street, Patterson, was arrested at 1:50 p.m. Wednesday on warrants for contempt of court (fine) and contempt of court (terms of probation) from 6th Ward Court.
—Earl Lynn Perro, 39, Cleveland Street, Patterson, was arrested at 4:42 p.m. Wednesday on Morgan City Police Department warrants for disturbing the peace and filing a false complaint and on a 16th Judicial District Court warrant for three counts of failure to appear.
St. Mary
Sheriff Blaise Smith advised that over the last 24-hour reporting period, the Sheriff’s Office responded to 38 complaints and made these arrests:
—Darius Dwyone Preston, 22, Baldwin, was arrested at 4:13 p.m. Wednesday on a warrant for failure to appear on charges of illegal carrying of concealed weapons, operating a motorcycle or motorized bicycle without a safety helmet, failure to wear approved eye-protective device, careless operation of a motor vehicle, and operating a vehicle while license is suspended.
Preston was released on a $3,500 bond.
—Julius Celestine, 19, Houma, was arrested at 1:21 p.m. Wednesday on charges of improper lane usage, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Celestine was released on a summons to appear June 28.
Chitimacha
Police Chief Hal Hutchinson reported these arrests:
—Jennifer Kennerson, 45, Kaliste Saloom Road, Lafayette, was arrested March 9 on a charge of theft and released on a summons.
An officer responded to a tribal business in reference to a theft. During the investigation, it was learned Kennerson was involved and was arrested.
—Ruthaline Joseph, 59, Washington Street, Jeanerette, was arrested Monday on charges of criminal trespass and resisting an officer.
Joseph was transported to the St. Mary Parish Jail. An officer responded to a Tribal business in reference to a subject trespassing. During the investigation, it was learned Joseph was trespassing and was arrested on all charges.
St. Martin
Sheriff Beckett Breaux reported these arrests:
—Logan Angelle, 27, Albert Road, St. Martinville, was arrested Wednesday by the Breaux Bridge Police Department on warrants for failure to appear.
—Delaney Calais, 29, Auguillard Road, Breaux Bridge, was arrested Wednesday by the Breaux Bridge Police Department on charges of theft ($1-$999), possession of Schedule II narcotics, resisting an officer, and entry or remaining in places after forbidden.
—Homer John, 39, Batiste Street, Breaux Bridge, was arrested Wednesday on charges of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; illegal use of a weapon; resisting an officer with force or violence; manufacture, distribution or possession with intent to distribute Schedule II narcotics; simple possession of marijuana; distribution drug paraphernalia; and illegally supplying a felon with ammunition.
—Mark Journet, 52, Kennedy Drive, Arnaudville, was arrested Wednesday by the Henderson Police Department on a charge of theft ($1,000-$4,999).
—Tabitha Primeaux, 35, Drozin Street, Delcambre, was arrested Wednesday on a charge of criminal trespass.
—Emmitt Zeno, 24, Vieux Orleans Street, Lafayette, was arrested Wednesday by the Henderson Police Department on charges of illegal use of controlled dangerous substances in the presence of a minor; distribution of drug paraphernalia; simple possession of marijuana; possession with intent to distribute Schedule I narcotics; transactions involving the proceeds from drug offenses; and contributing the delinquency of juveniles.
BATON ROUGE —More than two years after voters in most parishes approved fantasy sports contests, businesses can finally begin applying for licenses to begin operating the games within the state.
The Louisiana Gaming Control Board has published its final regulations for the prize contests, and the State Police’s gaming commission opened the application process last month.
The approval process will take 60 to 90 days for each company, according to Maj. Chuck McNeal of the Louisiana State Police Gaming Enforcement Division.
The applications must be submitted by mail, and as of Monday afternoon the department has yet to receive any applications.
Part of the process for the businesses will be to create virtual barriers around the 17 parishes that did not vote in favor of allowing fantasy gambling.
“They’re going to be, for lack of a better word, geofencing along parish lines, whether it be the parishes who opted out are blocked out, or the parishes that opted in are blocked in,” said McNeal.
Many states, like New Jersey, use this technological barrier to prohibit entrance into contests from across state lines, but the applicants will have to prove their software works along state and parish lines in Louisiana.
“They’re going to have to demonstrate that to us, and then they’re going to have to go to one of the state-approved regulatory gaming labs and prove to them also that it is not allowed to be played in the parishes that opted out,” said McNeal.
“We will also be periodically monitoring that and make sure it is operating the way it is supposed to,” he said
Mike Noel, chairman of the Louisiana Gaming Control Board, predicts that it would be late spring before fantasy sports betting sites will be operational.
“Once the state police begin receiving applications, it’s probably a couple of months at least because to go through the applications, there’s a number of technical requirements that have to be met,” said Noel.
“I anticipate that will take a few months.”
Fantasy sports contests charge users an entry fee to create a virtual roster of real athletes and hope they record better individual statistics than other entrants’ rosters for a chance for a payout. The contests will be limited to participants above 21 years of age, and the state’s take from an 8% tax on the net gambling revenue will help fund early childhood education.
Voters in 47 of the 64 parishes approved betting on fantasy sports in late 2018. Legislators and regulators then had to create the rules and the tax level before the state police could invite operators to apply.
In another expansion of gambling, voters in 55 parishes supported the legalization of betting on real sports. But it might be 2022 by the time bettors are allowed to wager in Louisiana on football and other games.
Legislators will use this spring’s session to set tax rates and create a plan for betting on sporting events.
Submitted Photo
Patterson State Bank teamed up with Raymond and Eugina Price to donate team jerseys to the Berwick High School bowling team. The Berwick High School bowling team and Coach Cole LeMay are pictured here in the new jerseys along with school administrators Paul Broussard and Noelle Lowrimore, Jason Watson, left, of Patterson State Bank, and Raymond and Eugina Price, far right.
The Daily Review/Geoff Stoute
St. Mary Parish School Board’s March Employees of the Month were recognized during the board’s March 11 meeting in Centerville. Award-winners are, from left, Rachel Auenson, guidance counselor at Patterson High School; Ramona Busbice, mathematics teacher at Wyandotte Elementary School in Morgan City; and Tremayne Johnson, Franklin Junior High School.
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, March 17
6:56 a.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Warrant/transfer/arrest.
7:26 a.m. 1100 block of Second Street; Animal complaint.
8:30 a.m. 500 block of Onstead Street; Complaint.
8:31 a.m. 200 block of Brashear Avenue; Criminal damage to property.
8:33 a.m. 7200 block of La. 182; Lost Property.
10:17 a.m. 1300 block of Second Street; Alarm.
11:31 a.m. 2400 block of Cypress Street; Trespassing.
1:50 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Warrant/transfer/arrest.
3:11 p.m. 500 block of Roderick Street; Civil matter.
3:45 p.m. 100 block of First Street; 911 hang up call.
4:16 p.m. Victor II Boulevard and Brashear Avenue area; Accident.
6:03 p.m. 700 block of Fifth Street; Complaint.
6:25 p.m. 300 block of Wren Street; Juvenile problems.
7:37 p.m. 800 block of Victor II Boulevard; Alarm.
7:39 p.m. 1100 block of Victor II Boulevard; Alarm.
7:40 p.m. 1200 block of Brashear Avenue; Alarm.
7:42 p.m. 900 block of Seventh Street; Alarm.
8:21 p.m. 300 block of Second Street; Disturbance.
9:06 p.m. 3100 block of Karen Drive; Suspicious vehicle.
9:10 p.m. 6400 block of La. 182; Alarm.
9:26 p.m. 200 block of Patton Street; Disturbance.
9:36 p.m. 1400 block of Railroad Avenue; Suspicious person.
10:14 p.m. 6300 block of La. 182; Alarm.
10:30 p.m. 800 block of Brashear Avenue; Complaint.
11:46 p.m. La. 182 and Duke Street; Reckless driving.
Thursday, March 18
1:39 a.m. 600 block of General Patton Street; Disturbance.
Members of Louisiana’s congressional delegation to introduce legislation that would reauthorize the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area for 15 years, continuing a commitment to sustain the unique heritage of “America’s Foreign Country.”
Established in 2006, the Heritage Area stretches through 14 parishes and provides support for the region’s cultural heritage, increases regional and national attention to the area through tourism and enhances the ecological habitats and wildlife species.
“The Atchafalaya National Heritage Area is a jewel of Cajun culture and Acadiana’s diverse landscapes. I’m happy to join Louisiana’s delegation in working to extend its authorization for another 15 years so Louisianians can keep enjoying its natural beauty and rich history,” said U.S. Sen. John Kennedy., R-La.
“The Atchafalaya National Heritage Area celebrates Cajun culture and history. This bill preserves the celebration while protecting the environment and creating jobs,” said Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-:La.
“To put it simply, there is nothing like the Atchafalaya Basin anywhere else on this continent. It is larger, more productive, the source of amazing crawfish and some great people. We need to treasure it, protect it and educate people about all the basin area has to offer from conservation to economic productivity and tourism. The Heritage Area designation helps to highlight and improve the stewardship of the natural resources, culture, and history of this important region,” said Rep. Garret Graves., R-La.
“The Atchafalaya Basin is an integral part of South Louisiana’s culture and heritage. I’m honored to join my colleagues in the Louisiana delegation to support rethorizing the Basin as a National Heritage Area. This designation provides our state with both economic and environmental benefits,” said Rep. Clay Higgins, R-La.
“The Atchafalaya National Heritage Area will help preserve the unique Cajun and Creole cultures found in the Atchafalaya Basin. Today, I am proud to join my Louisiana colleagues in introducing legislation that will reauthorize this designation to help preserve this special Louisiana landmark,” said Rep. Mike Johnson, R-La.
“It’s vital for our state’s culture and unique way of life to preserve and protect the Atchafalaya Basin, and I’m proud to support the Heritage Area reauthorization to enhance conservation efforts and to protect the area’s strong cultural heritage for years to come,” said Rep. Steve Scalise, R-La.
Stakeholders and elected officials across south Louisiana support the reauthorization, including:—Acadiana Planning Commission
—Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge
—Ascension Parish (Parish President Clint Cointment)
—Avoyelles Parish Police Jury
—Cajun Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau
—City of Patterson
—Concordia Parish Police Jury (President Joseph Parker, Sr.)
—Louisiana Travel Association
—Louisiana Association of Convention and Visitor Bureau
— The Nature Conservancy
—Pointe Coupee Parish President Major Thibaut
—South Central Planning and Development Commission
—South Louisiana Wetlands Discovery Center
—St. Mary Parish President David Hanagriff
—St. Mary Chapter of the Louisiana Landmarks Society
—St. Mary Chamber of Commerce (President Donna Meyer)
—St. Mary Parish Tourist Commission
—Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government
—Louisiana Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser
—State Rep. Rhonda Butler
—State Rep. Phillip Devillier
—State Rep. Kathy Edmonston
—State Rep. Les Farnum
—State Rep. Bryan Fontenot
—State Rep. Mike Huval
—State Rep. Clay Schexnayder
—State Rep. Phillip Tarver
—State Rep. Jerome Zeringue
—State Sen. Bret Allain
—State Sen. Page Cortez
—State Sen. Ronnie Johns
—State Sen. Fred Mills
—State Sen. Gary Smith
Gov. John Bel Edwards, Port of Iberia Executive Director Craig Romero and Turner Industries President Stephen Toups on Friday announced the company’s selection of a 95-acre Port of Iberia site for future fabrication of modules and related services in the energy sector and other industries.
Baton Rouge-based Turner Industries, one of the nation’s largest industrial construction firms, completed an extensive search of 30 potential port locations along the East Coast and Gulf of Mexico prior to selecting the Port of Iberia for its sixth permanent Louisiana site and 13th site companywide. Extensive facilities with fabrication bays, overhead crane capacity, warehousing, office space and bulkhead accessing the port’s commercial canal contributed to Turner’s selection of the Louisiana site, according to a press release from the Governor's Office.
“More than a generation ago, this Port of Iberia site fabricated exploration and production equipment for the largest oilfield in the continent on Alaska’s North Slope,” Gov. Edwards said. “Today, we are positioning Louisiana to continue to be a strong oil and gas leader, while also positioning our state for opportunities in emerging fields of energy production. This Port of Iberia location, coupled with the capabilities of Turner Industries, will help Louisiana expand our leadership in energy, chemicals and other sectors for generations to come.”
With locations in Baton Rouge, Port Allen, Geismar, Sulphur and New Orleans, Turner Industries employs 10,000 people across Louisiana and 18,000 companywide. In New Iberia, the port offers unobstructed access to its commercial canal, with the ability for Turner Industries to fabricate and transport industrial modules of up to 5,000 tons for key commercial customers.
“We’re excited to be a tenant of the port as we continue providing one solution for our clients’ success with the opening of the new Turner Industries Gulf of Mexico Operations,” Toups said. “When looking to expand our capabilities and services, Turner Industries considered available properties across the Gulf South and Eastern Seaboard. The flexibility and consistency of the diligent team at the port led to a simple decision. The Port of Iberia is the best strategic option for our company’s future operations.”
Turner Industries plans to occupy the Port of Iberia location via a long-term lease beginning in May. Future capital investment and job creation by the company at the Port of Iberia will follow new construction orders added to Turner Industries’ existing portfolio of projects.
A crucial ingredient in the company’s Port of Iberia selection is the current Acadiana Gulf of Mexico Access Channel project, which will lower major crude oil and natural gas pipelines crossing the port’s access to the Gulf. With approximately $35 million of state funding, the AGMAC project will deepen the channel’s draft from 12 to 16 feet, with future authorization to 20 feet. The deeper channel will allow movement of heavier modules and equipment to the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway and the Gulf of Mexico. Bulkhead improvements completed at the Port of Iberia also will enable the fabrication and shipment of heavier structures by Turner Industries and other tenants.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for the Port of Iberia,” Romero said. “The fact that Turner Industries chose the Port of Iberia over 29 other coastal ports speaks to how important our port infrastructure is. This will be a tremendous opportunity for all of Acadiana, as we support Turner Industries in securing the most significant industrial construction opportunities of the future.”
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Turner Industries provides turnkey services and solutions to the nation’s heavy industrial sector, supporting companies that produce fuel, energy and products essential to modern life. Engineering News-Record ranks Turner as the nation’s top maintenance contractor in petroleum, and the top contractor in Texas and Louisiana. The company, headquartered in Baton Rouge, employs over 18,000 people and works across the United States. Services include construction, maintenance, turnaround, modular and pipe fabrication, equipment, rigging and specialized transportation. The company website is Turner-Industries.com.
As late as the middle 1950s the end of the trapping season was celebrated by an elaborate Trapper’s Ball that included the crowning of a king and queen, speeches by governors and assorted dignitaries, and, of course, dining, dancing, and a sip of something stronger than soda pop.
The tradition was begun in 1941, when, according to J. L. Boudreaux, the state representative from Vermilion Parish, Gov. Sam Jones changed the way trappers were paid and “the big shots … were removed from the graft” that had been associated with getting trapping rights on state land. That first Balle Des Piegeurs, in the estimation of Abbeville Meridional editor Ralph Bienvenu, “was a nice banquet and dance,” and over the years it grew into something more. The second soiree in 1942, according to the Meridional, attracted 450 trappers and their guests, to what was “the largest gathering of Louisiana trappers ever held in this area.”
World War II did not interrupt the balls, but the one in 1943 reflected the temper of those days. Like before, the Silver Star Club was decorated with “quaint grass stalks taken from the marsh and with native flowers,” muskrat pelts and traps were hung “at various places on the wall, and, according to the newspaper, “the club was packed for the event.” But Gov. Jones was on a tour selling war bonds and wasn’t part of that crowd. He did send a telegram congratulating the trappers and urging them to buy bonds “to safeguard your earnings and help the boys on the battle front.”
There were good profits to put aside that year. State Treasurer Pat Tugwell said the 140 trappers who operated on state refuges in Vermilion, Iberia and Cameron parishes sold $300,000 worth of pelts in 1943. That would be about $4.5 million in today’s dollars. Trappers got 65% of that and the state took 35% that was ostensibly used to maintain the refuges.
Secretary of State James Gremillion said the trappers were doing important work “in bringing from the marsh the pelts that will keep our men in the armed forces warm and protected.” Vermilion sheriff K.P. Landry continued the theme, urging the trappers and all citizens “to accept their responsibilities for the war effort.” He had a vested interest. Three of his sons were serving in the armed forces and “five others will be available when they become of age,” he said.
Gov. Jones did make the ball in 1944, when “most all of Abbeville was there to see the lovely fur coat presented to Mrs. Jones, who refused to take it off while dancing with ‘all the trappers I can, before Sam takes me home.’” Gov. Jimmie Davis was on hand for the 1945 festivities. He didn’t make a speech, but, as was his wont, joined with the band “to sing a few of his compositions.”
There were apparently two fetes in 1946. Vermilion Parish trappers and “many visitors from several sections of the state” gathered in Abbeville in early May, according to the Meridional, but another article on the same page reported that “the trappers of Iberia Parish joined in marking the end of a successful trapping season with a dance and supper . . . at the Pecan Grove Club in Erath.”
If there was a rift it was healed in 1947 as 150 trappers and 400 guests from both parishes gathered at the Belvedere Club in Delcambre.
In 1949, “1,000 Iberia and Vermilion trappers, their wives, friends and other spectators” applauded as Earl Long crowned the trapper royalty at Prim’s Place, “only a stone’s throw from the small community of Delcambre.”
I’m not sure when the balls ended. The last reference I find is to one in 1954, when it was held at the Rockabye Club at Forked Island. If that wasn’t the last one it was probably close to it. The times were changing by then. Old trappers were coming in from the marsh and their sons were finding better jobs on the oil rigs. I suspect the tradition just died for lack of celebrants.
A collection of Jim Bradshaw’s columns, "Cajuns and Other Characters," is now available from Pelican Publishing. You can contact him at jimbradshaw4321@gmail.com or P.O. Box 1121, Washington LA 70589.
New parents may not be able to visualize that one day their largest expenditures won’t be centralized around providing necessities for their children. Adults go though many years of paying for diapers, toys, clothing, food and education for their children. Yet, when the children have flown the coop, spending patterns change, and even more changes await come retirement.
According to a 2020 survey from the financial services firm Edward Jones, 68% of workers soon to retire said they had no idea how much they should be setting aside for expenses, particularly health care and long-term care. Professionals approaching retirement would be wise to analyze the Consumer Price Index — Elderly.
The price index is a good reference to estimate which future expenses will cost the most after retirement. The Bureau of Labor Statistics looks at consumer spending and uses various data to determine the rate of inflation in key areas that apply to older adults starting at age 62.
Individuals may be surprised to learn about where they’ll be spending the bulk of their money when they get older. Here’s a look at some key categories.
—Housing: According to data from the Employee Benefit Research Institute, in 2017, the most recent year for which data is available, housing accounted for roughly 49% of all spending for seniors. Focus should be centered on lowering those costs when a fixed income is imminent.
The possibilities include paying off a mortgage; downsizing a home to have a lower rent or mortgage payment; refinancing a home to a fixed-rate loan so that costs are predictable; and taking on a tenant to offset costs.
—Food: The cost of food will not change dramatically, but it can eat into your budget. Even though food costs may decline when there’s only two mouths to feed, food and beverage spending may go up due to more leisure time and dining out.
Utilize senior discounts by shopping on days when stores offer percentages off purchases. Save money on restaurant spending by eating out at lunch instead of dinner, splitting plates or skipping appetizers.
—Healthcare: Experts warn that while many expenses decline in retirement, health care spending increases. According to Fidelity, the average 65-year-old couple retiring in 2020 in the United States needed roughly $295,000 just to cover their retirement health care expenses. Those with family histories of severe illnesses or those with preexisting conditions will need even more.
It’s also important to realize that roughly half of the population will need long-term care at some point, offers The Motley Fool, and that requires advanced budgeting as well. Many people find that Medicare supplement plans can bridge the gap in expenses that government-run plans will not cover. Saving through a health savings account when employed also can create extra cash on hand for retirement expenses.
Understanding which retirement expenses will be high can help people plan better for the future.
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