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Metal Shark and HavocAI, a leading builder of maritime swarm autonomy, on Wednesday announced a strategic partnership integrating Havoc's autonomy platform across Metal Shark's existing fleet of high-speed maneuverable unmanned surface vessels.
This first-of-its-kind deployment further demonstrates that the autonomous maritime capabilities required to defend the United States are real, and they’re available right now, Metal Shark said in a press release.
Already deployed with the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Army, and used in live operational settings by multiple international allies, Havoc's collaborative autonomy technology will allow a single operator to quickly and effectively conduct complex operations involving multiple Metal Shark autonomous surface vessels simultaneously. This technology enables unprecedented interoperability and lethality through autonomous, intelligent boat swarms that overwhelm adversaries, Metal Shark said.
Metal Shark has won multiple major U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, and Marine Corps contracts worth hundreds of millions of dollars to produce various patrol boats. The company is currently producing the U.S. Navy’s next-generation 40 PB combatant craft , and 85’ Near Coastal Patrol Vessels, establishing itself as a key supplier of welded aluminum military vessels to the Navy and other branches of the U.S. Armed Forces.
"We're not just announcing a partnership — we're once again demonstrating that real autonomy is available right now for existing warfighting platforms," said Paul Lwin, CEO of HavocAI. "Metal Shark's engineering excellence and track record of delivering thousands of reliable vessels to military and commercial operators worldwide makes them the ideal partner for expanding Havoc’s proven collaborative autonomy capabilities."
"Simply put, we chose to partner with Havoc because they are demonstrating real and substantial, head-turning operational results in the autonomous surface vessels space," said Chris Allard, CEO of Metal Shark. "Over the years, Metal Shark has built and delivered over 400 autonomous or remote operated vessels, and the scale and maturity of Havoc’s platform in such a short time made them the perfect partner for us.”
The partnership addresses the U.S. and allied militaries’ critical needs for heterogeneous fleet coordination – mixed fleets of different sizes and capabilities to operate cohesively, maximizing mission flexibility and asset utilization, Metal Shark said.
In the past 20 years Metal Shark has designed, built, and delivered over 2,000 vessels for U.S. and foreign militaries and first responders , while more recently debuting innovative autonomous platforms like the United States Marine Corps long-range unmanned surface vessel, Prowler semi-submersible USV and Frenzy micro-USV, and delivering their new high-speed autonomous surface vessels at production rates of up to one unit per day.
This year, Havoc AI has announced production and integration partnerships with Lockheed Martin, PacMar Technologies, and Tocaro Blue, and their products have been effectively utilized by warfighters in nearly a dozen official U.S. Department of War missions and exercises.
Metal Shark specializes in the design and construction of welded aluminum vessels from 16 feet to over 300 feet for military, law enforcement and commercial operators. Key customers include U.S. and foreign militaries, law enforcement agencies, fire departments, and other clients worldwide. With two boat-building facilities in Louisiana, a research, design and testing facility in Alabama, plus a dedicated engineering facility in Croatia, Metal Shark’s 400-plus employees produce over 200 vessels per year.
HavocAI has already delivered fully operational products to the U.S. Department of War. The company recently hosted a demonstration where one operator controlled 25 autonomous vessels deployed in Europe, Rhode Island and San Diego from one maritime operations center.

Half a million pets are affected by home fires each year, with more than 40,000 of those animals losing their lives, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Dr. Kyle Johnson, a clinical assistant professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, provides insight into how owners can protect their homes — and their pets — from fires and the procedures to enact in the event of a fire emergency.
Accidental sparks
With a harmless swat of the paw, flick of the tail, or mix-up of a chew toy, your pets have the ability to mistakenly start a fire in your home. Approximately 750 home fires that occur annually are caused by pets or wildlife, according to the National Fire Protection Association.
In addition to having properly installed smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, one of the best ways to prevent fires is by staying aware of potential fire hazards:
•Lit candles should never be left unattended and should be extinguished before leaving home. 
•Christmas lights and electrical cords can be both a fire hazard and a danger to pets’ health, so it’s best to unplug lights and cords when you leave the house and go to bed.
•Use an approved protective barrier, screen, or fence to prevent your pet from getting too close to the fireplace.
•If possible, remove or cover the knobs on your stove when not in use.
“When pets are unattended, they are more at risk,” Johnson said. “If your pet has been known to chew on things, consider keeping them in a crate or another room when you’re away to reduce the risk of them starting a fire or being injured from chewing on something they shouldn’t.”
While stovetops are the top source of home fires caused by pets, heating equipment — particularly space heaters, fireplaces, and wood-burning stoves — are the most common causes of home fires in the U.S., especially in winter months
These items should never be left unattended while in use because an excited pet or wagging tail could accidentally knock them over onto something flammable.
“It is also important to avoid using electric blankets with your pets,” Johnson said. “Not only could they be a fire source if a pet were to chew on them, but they can also lead to severe burns."
Emergency
Despite our best efforts to prevent fires, accidents still happen. If there’s a fire in your home and you’re unable to extinguish it yourself, you should evacuate all family members, including pets, immediately.  “There’s likely little time to grab an emergency kit in this situation,” Johnson said. “Instead, keep leashes and carriers near the door so they’re close at hand should you need to evacuate quickly.”
Making sure your pet has proper identification, including a microchip and collar with tags, can help you be reunited if you lose control of your pet during evacuation or if they escape on their own.
Ensuring your pet’s microchip is both properly registered and up-to-date is essential to helping you be reunited with your pet following a disaster.
“In the event of a house fire, it’s important that pet owners do not attempt to go back inside their homes to rescue a pet,” Johnson said. “Instead, they should tell the firefighters or first responders on scene. There are many documented cases of pet owners not surviving after reentering a burning home to retrieve their pet. This may also put first responders in additional danger if they now need to rescue a person in addition to animals.”
Keeping pets in rooms or kennels near the home’s entrance can help firefighters locate the animal if the owner were to be away during a fire emergency.
“There are a variety of signs and placards that notify firefighters that there are pets in your home,” Johnson said. “Consider mounting one by the entrance or on windows that are easily seen by first responders.”
Post-fire pet safety
Even after a pet has escaped or been evacuated from a fire, the danger is not yet out of sight — or rather, out of their system. 
“If your pet was involved in a house fire, they should be evaluated by a veterinarian right away,” Johnson said. “Although your pet may be free from burns, they could have inhaled smoke, which can be deadly. In fact, like people, smoke inhalation is the main cause of death for animals in house fires.”
Signs of damage to the respiratory system from smoke can include:
•Labored breathing
•Increased breathing rate
•Coughing
•Different-sounding barks or meows
•Hoarseness
•An altered mental state
The effects of smoke inhalation may not be evident right away and may take 12-24 hours for signs to appear. A veterinarian can help monitor pets for these signs and provide prompt treatment if necessary.
The loss of a pet or house to fire is a tragedy that many face, but with proper preparation, awareness, and quick action, pet owners can help protect their home and furry friends from this simmering threat.
Pet Talk is a service of the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University. Stories can be viewed on the web at vetmed.tamu.edu/news/pet-talk. Suggestions for future topics may be directed to vmbs-editor@tamu.edu.

PUBLIC NOTICE
OFFICIAL
PROCEEDINGS
WAX LAKE EAST DRAINAGE DISTRICT
REGULAR MEETING
September 2, 2025
6:00 p.m.
PATTERSON, LOUISIANA
The Wax Lake East Drainage District (“WLEDD”) met on this date at 6:00 p.m. with Chairman Wayne Can-trell presiding and the following members present: Chad Ross, Bill Miller, Chris Begnaud, Raymond Beadle Jr. and William Hidalgo Jr.
Absent: Chris Cooper
Also present: Corey Aucoin, Sup- ervisor, Joel Miller, Miller Engineering and Associates, and Jonathan Miller, Giroir Mud Boats.
Mr. Hidalgo moved that the reading of the minutes of the Regular Meeting, August 5, 2025, be dispensed with and that the same be approved. Mr. Beadle seconded the motion which carried.
Board reviewed prepared financial statements. Mr. Beadle moved, and Mr. Hidalgo seconded a motion, which was carried, to accept the financial reports, payables report, auth-orize the Chairman to sign all necessary reports and to make all necessary transfers to cover payables for the month of September 2025.
Mr. Beadle mov-ed, and Mr. Ross seconded a motion, which was carried by the Board to allow Jonathan Miller, Giroir Mud Boats to continue to spray ditches as needed.
It was moved by Mr. Ross, seconded by Mr. Miller, and approved by the board that the following Resolution, be adopted:
RESOLUTION
NO.
A RESOLUTION amending the Operating Budget of Revenues and Expenditures for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2024 and ending September 30, 2025.
BE IT ORDAIN-ED BY THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONER of Wax Lake East Drainage District, of the Parish of St. Mary, State of Louisiana, in regular session convened that:
Section 1: The detailed estimate of Revenues for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2024 and ending September 30, 2025 and the same is hereby adopted to serve as an amended Operating Budget of Revenues for Wax Lake East Drainage District, dur-ing the same period.
Section 2: The estimates of Ex- penditures for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2024 and ending September 30, 2025, be and the same is hereby adopted to serve as an amended budget of Expenditures for Wax Lake East Drainage District, during the same period.
Section 3: The adoption of this Operating Budget of Expenditures is hereby declared to operate as an appropriation of the amount therein set forth within the terms of the budget classification.
Section 4: Amounts are available for expenditures only to the extent included with the 2024 - 2025 budget.
It was moved by Mr. Hidalgo, seconded by Mr. Beadle, and approved by the board that the following Resolution, be adopted:
RESOLUTION
NO.
A RESOLUTION adopting an Operating Budget of Revenues and Expenditures for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2025 and ending September 30, 2026.
BE IT ORDAIN-ED BY THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONER of Wax Lake East Drainage District, of the Parish of St. Mary, State of Louisiana, in regular session convened that:
Section 1: The detailed estimate of Revenues for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2025 and ending September 30, 2026, and the same is hereby adopted to serve as an Operation Budget of Revenues for Wax Lake East Drainage District, during the same period.
Section 2: The estimates of Ex- penditures for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2025 and ending September 30, 2026, be and the same is hereby adopted to serve as a budget of Expenditures for Wax Lake East Drainage District, dur-ing the period.
Section 3: The adoption of this Operating Budget of Expenditures is hereby declared to operate as an ap- propriation of the amount therein set forth within the terms of the budget classification.
Section 4: Amounts are available for expenditures only to the extent included with the 2025 - 2026 budget.
There being no further business Mr. Ross made a motion for adjournment. Mr. Beadle seconded the motion which carried.
Attest:
/s/ Chad Ross,
Vice Chairman
Wax Lake East Drainage District
/s/ Rhonda
Patterson,
Secretary
Wax Lake East Drainage District
Adv. Oct. 15, 2025

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PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the St. Mary Parish Council in accordance with law that a vacancy exists on the Board of Commissioners of the Atchafalaya Golf Course Commission.
The St. Mary Parish Council will receive applications for the filling of these vacancies from this date until November 6, 2025, at Noon.
Qualifications for submitting of an application will be in compliance with Item 4. of Ordinance No. 1592.
Applications may be mailed or personally submitted Monday- Thursday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. till noon on Friday to Lisa C. Morgan, Clerk of the Council, Fifth Floor Courthouse, Franklin, Louisiana 70538.
The St. Mary Parish Council will meet in regular session on November 12, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Meeting Room, Fifth Floor Courthouse, Franklin, Louisiana to fill this vacancy.
Adv. Oct. 15 and 29, 2025

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PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the St. Mary Parish Council in accordance with law that vacancies exist on the Board of Commissioners of Consolidated Gravity Drainage District No. 2.
The St. Mary Parish Council will receive applications for the filling of these vacancies from this date until November 6, 2025, at Noon.
Qualifications for submitting of an application will be in compliance with Part II, Chapter 7 Title 38 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, Section 38:1843.
Applications may be mailed or personally submitted Monday- Thursday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. till noon on Friday to Lisa C. Morgan, Clerk of the Council, Fifth Floor Courthouse, Franklin, Louisiana 70538.
The St. Mary Parish Council will meet in regular session on November 12, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Meeting Room, Fifth Floor Courthouse, Franklin, Louisiana to fill these vacancies.
Adv. Oct. 15 and 29, 2025

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PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the St. Mary Parish Council in accordance with law that vacancies exist on the Board of Commissioners of Fire Protection District No. 7.
The St. Mary Parish Council will receive applications for the filling of these vacancies from this date until November 6, 2025, at Noon.
Qualifications for submitting of an application will be in compliance with Part I Chapter 7 Title 40 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, Section 40:1495 and 40:1496.
Applications may be mailed or personally submitted Monday- Thursday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. till noon on Friday to Lisa C. Morgan, Clerk of the Council, Fifth Floor Courthouse, Franklin, Louisiana 70538.
The St. Mary Parish Council will meet in regular session on November 12, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Meeting Room, Fifth Floor Courthouse, Franklin, Louisiana to fill these vacancies.
Adv. Oct. 15 and 29, 2025

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PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the St. Mary Parish Council in accordance with law that a vacancy exists on the Board of Commissioners of Drainage District No. 6 (Amelia area).
The St. Mary Parish Council will receive applications for the filling of this vacancy from this date until November 6, 2025, at Noon.
Qualifications for submitting of an application will be in compliance with Chapter 7 Title 38 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, Section 38:1758 and 38:1759.
Applications may be mailed or personally submitted Monday- Thursday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. till noon on Friday to Lisa C. Morgan, Clerk of the Council, Fifth Floor Courthouse, Franklin, Louisiana 70538.
The St. Mary Parish Council will meet in regular session on November 12, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Meeting Room, Fifth Floor Courthouse, Franklin, Louisiana to fill this vacancy.
Adv. Oct. 15 and 29, 2025

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PUBLIC NOTICE
As mandated by the by-laws of the Louisiana Shrimp and Petroleum Festival and Fair Association, a general membership meeting has been scheduled for Monday, October 20, 2025 at 5:00pm in the Festival Office, located at 715 Second St, Morgan City, Louisiana. This will be a joint Membership and Board Meeting. This meeting has the purpose of accepting nominations and elections of members to the Festival Board of Directors. This is an annual meeting.
Adv. Oct. 8, 10 and 15, 2025

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PUBLIC NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
Sixteenth
Judicial District Court
——
PARISH OF
ST. MARY
——
STATE OF
LOUISIANA
Lakeview Loan Servicing, LLC
Vs. No. 139728 Div “F”
Unopened Succession of Linda B. Dupre A/K/A Linda Ruth Boudreaux, Deceased
TAKE NOTICE, that by virtue of Order of Seizure and Sale issued out of the Honorable 16th Judicial District Court, in and for the Parish of St. Mary, and to me directed, in the above numbered and entitled suit, I have seized the following mentioned and described property, to wit:
THAT CERTAIN TRACT OR PARCEL OF LAND, together with all buildings and improvements thereon situated and all rights, ways, privileges, servitudes and ap- purtenances thereunto belonging or in anywise appertaining, lying and being situated in Morgan City, St. Mary Parish, Louisiana, and being more particularly described as the North 89 feet 2 inches of Lot Number 5 in Square “A” of the City of Morgan City, according to Barnes Map and Plat. Said tract being bounded on the North by Everett Street, East by Lot 4, South by the remainder of Lot 5 and West by Lot 6, all lying in Square “A” of the City of Morgan City. The Barnes Map re- ferred to above in recorded in St. Mary Parish COB 28-X, Entry No. 213136 and in St. Mary Parish MOB 24. page 154.
to satisfy the sum of SEVENTY SIX THOUSAND SEVEN HUNDRED SEVENTY AND 22/100 ($76,770.22) DOLLARS, with 3.875% percent interest thereon from February 1, 2025, until paid, together with ac- cumulated late charges, any additional amounts which petitioner has advanced or hereafter advances, as permitted by the Note and Mortgage, for taxes, insurance, assessments, repairs to and maintenance and preservation of the mortgaged property, together with reasonable attorney’s fees on the total amount of principal, interest and all current and future advances and all costs of this proceedings, as well as all sheriff’s costs and commission
All successful bidders must have cash, cashier’s check or a verifiable letter of credit in favor of said bidder from a solvent bank, savings and loan association or other such financial institution authorized to do business in the state of Louisiana and full payment must be made on the date of sale. Letter must state that money is available on the date of sale.
I shall expose the same at public sale, for Cash, according to law WITH appraisement to the last and highest bidder, at the principal front door of the 1st floor lobby area of the Court House in the Parish of St. Mary, Town of Franklin, Louisiana, on Wednesday, the 22nd day of October A.D., 2025, between the legal hours commencing at 10 O’Clock A.M.
Sheriff’s Office
Parish of St. Mary, La.
Tuesday, the 12th day of August A.D., 2025
GARY L.
DRISKELL,
SHERIFF
By: Heidi Rineholt
Deputy Sheriff
Adv. Sept. 19 and Oct. 15, 2025

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PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE OF INTRODUCTION
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the following entitled ordinances were introduced at a regular meeting of the St. Mary Parish Council, State of Louisiana (the “Parish Council”), on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, and laid over for publication of notice:
PROPOSED ORDINANCES
An Ordinance establishing a policy governing the requirements of Louisiana Revised Statue 42:14(E) to allow for any member of the public with a disability recognized by the Americans with Disabilities Act or their designated care giver to participate in the meetings of the St. Mary Parish Council remotely by teleconferencing and providing for all other matters related thereto.
An Ordinance authorizing the President of St. Mary Parish to execute a lease agreement be- tween St. Mary Parish and State of Louisiana, Division of Administration. (Grand Avoille Cove Boat Landing)
NOTICE IS HEREBY FURTHER GIVEN that the St. Mary Parish Council will meet on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at five-forty-five (5:45) o’clock p.m. at the Parish Council Room of the Courthouse, Franklin, Louisiana, at which time there will be a public hearing on the adoption of the aforesaid ordinances.
/s/ Gwendolyn L. Hidalgo
CHAIRPERSON OF THE COUNCIL
ST. MARY PARISH COUNCIL
/s/ Lisa C. Morgan
CLERK OF THE COUNCIL
ST. MARY PARISH COUNCIL
Adv. Oct. 15, 2025

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PUBLIC NOTICE
A MEETING OF THE LEPA OPERATING COMMITTEE WILL BE HELD AT THE LEPA MAIN OF- FICE LOCATED AT 210 VENTURE WAY, LAFAYETTE, LOUISIANA 70507, ON THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2025 AT 10:30 A.M.
OPERATING COMMITTEE MEETING
AGENDA
MEETING DATE: October 16, 2025
MEETING PLACE: LEPA Main Office, 210 Venture Way
Lafayette, LA 70507
TIME: 10:30 A. M.
ITEM 1 Call to Order
ITEM 2 Pledge of Allegiance
ITEM 3 Roll Call
ITEM 4 Approval of the Minutes of the August 21, 2025 Operating Committee Meeting
ITEM 5 OLD BUSINESS
(a) Report on Wholesale Power Costs and Residential Retail Rates
(b) Update on Rodemacher Unit No. 2
(c) Discussion on any other outstanding items of Old Business
ITEM 6 NEW BUSINESS
(a) Discussion and Recommendation to the Board for Approval of the Proposed 2026 LEPA Budgets
1. Rodemacher Unit No. 2
2. Full Requirement
(b) Consideration for Approval of ‘Unanimous Written Consent of the Owner’s Committee’ for Rode- macher 2
(c) Consideration for Approval of the 2026 Meeting Calendar for the LEPA Operating Committee
ITEM 7 AD- JOURNMENT
Individuals with a disability that falls under the Americans with Disabilities Act who wish to participate electronically in the meetings, please call (337) 269-4046 at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting in order for us to accommodate you.
Adv. Oct. 15, 2025

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PUBLIC NOTICE
October 10, 2025
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the St. Mary Parish Council will hold a Public Hearing at 5:45 p.m. and will meet in Regular Session at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, in the Parish Council Meeting Room, Fifth Floor Courthouse, Franklin, Louisiana.
The purpose of the Public Meeting will be to receive written and/or oral comments and to adopt the following ordinances:
An Ordinance in compliance with Ordinance No. 1973, Chapter 5 Procedures, Division 5.4 General Procedures for Public Hearing, Section 5.4.2 Re- zonings (Zoning Map Amendments). (John Talbert)
An ordinance establishing a Predial Servitude Agreement with Cosmas Pellerin and Sandra Paul Pellerin regarding property owned by St. Mary Parish Government.
In accordance with Act 393 of 2023 and the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance, please contact Lisa C. Morgan, Clerk of the Council at 337-828-4100, Ext. 505, describing the assistance that is necessary.
Your attendance will be appreciated.
Sincerely,
GWENDOLYN L. HIDALGO,
CHAIRPERSON
ST. MARY PARISH COUNCIL
Adv. Oct. 15, 2025

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PUBLIC NOTICE
OFFICIAL
PROCEEDINGS
ST. MARY LEVEE DISTRICT
SPECIAL
MEETING
September 2, 2025
Morgan City, LA
The St. Mary Levee District (“SMLD”) met on this date with President William Hidalgo Sr., presiding and the following board members present: Carla Davis, Kenny Arceneaux, Mike Thomason, Will Terry, Kenny Arceneaux, Mike Ortiz, Andrew Mancuso, and with J.P. Hebert absent.
Also present: Tim Matte, Executive Director; Michael Brocato, Operations Manager; Bill Bourgeois; and members of the public.
Mr. Arceneaux moved to authorize the resolution on declaration of emergency related to electrical power needs and the authorization to proceed with emergency procurement of generators and associated equipment for Pump Station #9 for the TE 168 project. After a second by Mr. Mancuso the motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Hidalgo asked for further comments and did not receive any. Mr. Terry moved for adjournment, which was seconded by Mr. Arceneaux and was carried unanimously.
Attest:
_____________
Kenneth
Arceneaux Jr.,
Secretary/
Treasurer
St. Mary Levee District
Adv. Oct. 15, 2025

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PUBLIC NOTICE
PUBLIC HEARING
REPORT
SEPTEMBER 24, 2025
FRANKLIN,
LOUISIANA
5:45 P.M.
The St. Mary Parish Council held a Public Hearing on this date with Chairperson Gwendolyn L. Hidalgo presiding and the following members present: Rev. Craig Mat-hews, J Ina, Rodney Olander, David W. Hill, Leslie Rulf, Jr., Patrick Hebert, James “Jimmy” Davis, Jr., Mark Duhon, Dean Adams, and Kristi Prejeant Rink, M.D.
The purpose of the Public Hearing was to receive written and/or oral comments relative to the following Ordinance:
An Ordinance amending Ordinance No. 2396 regarding Public Comment during Parish Council Meetings.
There were no written and/or oral comments received regarding the proposed ordinance.
In response to Mr. Adams’ inquiry, Clerk of the Council, Lisa Morgan stated that this will change the deadline from noon on Wednesdays to 2:00 p.m. on Thursdays prior to regular Wednesday meetings and to keep in line with all other deadlines.
There being no further business, Mr. Olander moved for adjournment. Dr. Rink seconded the motion, which carried.
s/g Lisa C. Morgan
––––––––––––––
Lisa C. Morgan, Clerk
s/g Gwendolyn L. Hidalgo
––––––––––––––
Gwendolyn L. Hidalgo, Chairperson

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PUBLIC NOTICE
ST. MARY PARISH WATER & SEWER COMMISSION NO. 1
834 WATERWORKS ROAD
P.O. BOX 309
AMELIA, LA. 70340
REGULAR
SESSION
OCTOBER 1, 2025
The Board of Commissioners of St. Mary Parish Water & Sewer Commission No. 1 met in regular session on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, and was held at the office in Amelia, Louisiana at 6:00 P.M.
The President, Kenneth Mire called the meeting to order.
The Office Manager performed a roll call.
Board members present: Leroy Trim, Carla Gagliano, Charles Walters, Oscar Toups and Kenneth Mire.
Absent: None
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all present.
Others Present: Brian Tabor, Larry Barras, Amanda Lacoste and Jane Aucoin
Comment/Ap- pearances: Bill Bourgeois, representing Bourgeois Law LLC
Noah Aucoin and Juliet Thibodeaux, representing West Side Trailer Park
Mr. Aucoin made a request to the board to install individual meters in West Side Trailer Park. The board and Plant Operations Manager informed Mr. Aucoin that the purchase of meters for this project will be budgeted for year 2026, and he would be kept informed on a specific date after the first of the year.
Approval of the minutes of the meetings held on Wednesday, September 3, 2025.
A motion was made by Leroy Trim and seconded by Oscar Toups to approve and dispense the reading of the minutes for regular session held on Wednesday, September 3, 2025. Motion passed.
A motion was made by Charles Walters and seconded by Leroy Trim to go into executive session at 6:12 P.M. All voted aye. Motion passed.
Those present in the Executive session were Board Members, Mr. Bourgeois, Mr. Tabor, Mr. Barras,
Mrs. Aucoin, and Mrs. LaCoste.
Executive Session (if necessary):
A. Discussion of pending litigation captioned “In the Matter of the Complaint for Exoneration from or Limitation of Liability of Deloach Marine Services, LLC, as Owner Pro-Hac Vice and Operator of M/V Miss Mollye D,” bearing Civil Action No. 3:22-cv-00416 in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana in- volving Deloach, LA DOTD and the Commission re- garding the allision into the Bayou Ramos Bridge and the damaged water line.
B. To receive oral report regarding potential litigation and/or for the purpose of providing legal services related to the filing and litigation of a civil action for Rehabilitation of Gravity Filters at Water Treatment Plant project pursuant to the provisions of La. R.S. 42:17 that, in pertinent part, reads as follows:
A. A public body may hold an executive session pursuant to R.S. 42:16 for one or more of the following reasons:
(2) Strategy sessions or negotiations with respect to collective bargaining, prospective litigation after formal written demand, or litigation when an open meeting would have a detrimental effect on the bargaining or litigating position of the public body.
Came out of executive session at 6:46 P.M.
Unfinished Business:
None
New Business:
A. Discussion and any action on matters discussed in executive session.
Allowed for public comment: None
When coming out of executive session, a motion was made by Charles Walters and seconded by Carla Gagliano for legal counsel to proceed as discussed in executive session. All voted aye. Motion passed.
B. Discussion and any action on the cleaning and the inspection of the water tank and towers.
Allowed for public comment: None
The Plant Operations Manager requested this matter be discussed at the next meeting.
Reports:
A. Engineering Report: None
B. Manager’s Report:
The Plant Operations Manager informed the board that we have a plant operator that will be attending a 40-hour training class.
The Plant Operations Manager briefed the board relating to manganese levels in Bayou Boeuf which is the source water for the water plant. A discussion followed.
C. Outstanding Bills Report
A motion was made by Carla Gagliano and seconded by Charles Walters to approve payment of the outstanding monthly bills. All voted aye. Motion passed.
Other Business allowed under Act 861: None
Adjournment
A motion was made by Leroy Trim and seconded by Oscar Toups to adjourn the meeting at 6:57 P.M.
All voted aye. Motion passed.
———————
Kenneth Mire,
President
———————
Carla Gagliano,
Secretary/
Treasurer
Adv. Oct. 15, 2025

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PUBLIC NOTICE
OFFICIAL
PROCEEDINGS
ST. MARY LEVEE DISTRICT
REGULAR MEETING
August 14, 2025
Franklin, LA
The St. Mary Levee District (“SMLD”) met on this date with President William Hidalgo Sr., presiding and the following board members present: Carla Davis, Kenny Arceneaux, Mike Thomason, Will Terry, Kenny Arceneaux, J.P. Hebert and with Mike Ortiz and Andrew Mancuso absent.
Also present: Tim Matte, Executive Director; Michael Brocato, Operations Manager; Gerard Bourgeois, Bill Bourgeois; Robert Karam, T. Baker Smith; Reid Miller, Miller Engineers; and members of the public.
Mr. Arceneaux moved to dispense with the reading and to approve the Jul 17 minutes. After a second by Mr. Thomason, the motion was carried unanimously.
Mr. Arceneaux presented the payables report, which Mr. Terry moved to approve. Following Mr. Hebert’s second, the motion was carried unanimously.
Mr. Matte also presented the Statement of Revenues by Sources and Summary of Expenditures with comparison to budget of the St. Mary Levee District.
Mr. Robert Ka-ram with T. Baker Smith reported Olsson has completed the 25-year storm event model results for Phase 2 of the West of Charenton drainage study. Mr. Karam stated that his office has set up a meeting with CPRA to discuss the project and permitting process. Mr. Karam also stated that Miller Engineers is currently working on a deeper existing drainage system analysis.
Mr. Karam reported his office is working on individual landowner meetings to discuss project alignment at each site which will allow them to finalize the floodwall alignment. Mr. Karam also reported that his office has met with the geotechnical engineers to discuss their preliminary geotechnical analysis for the Lakeside Flood Protection Project. Mr. Karam reported his office is working on revising the Walnut Canal weir design plans based on using existing construction materials SMLD has on hand.
Mr. Matte reported pumps for Pump Station #4 are on order and the advertisement was sent out for the construction of that station. Mr. Matte stated plans for Station #8 has been submitted to CPRA for comments. Mr. Matte also reported the City of Morgan City will bring electricity to Pump Station #9.
Mr. Arceneaux moved to advertise and hire an Operations and Maintenance Technician. After a second by Ms. Davis the motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Terry moved to approve the advertise, accept bids and award contracts for TE 168 upon approval by CPRA and GIS recommendations. After a second by Mr. Arceneaux the motioned was carried unanimously.
Mr. Hebert moved to authorize modeling by Olsson of rainfall events in the Bayou Teche basin. After a second by Mr. Arceneaux the motion was carried unanimously.
Mr. Arceneaux moved to authorize electrical line installation for the Lakeside Flood Gate project, after a second by Mr. Thomason the motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Hidalgo asked for further comments and did not receive any. Mr. Terry moved for adjournment, which was seconded by Mr. Arceneaux and was carried unanimously.
Attest:
––––––––––––––
Kenneth
Arceneaux Jr., Secretary/
Treasurer
St. Mary Levee
District
Adv. Oct. 15, 2025

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Louisiana higher education officials can point to steady progress toward the educational attainment goals they set in 2019. 
But as they try to continue hitting their marks ahead of the 2030 deadline they’ve set, they must navigate numerous hot-button topics, from campus safety to speech to paying student-athletes, while still keeping the central goal in mind. 
“We really do have to significantly address the poverty issue in our state,” Commissioner of Higher Education Kim Hunter Reed said. “That is the challenge, and that is the opportunity. So that’s the work that we do every day.”
Federal funding is an important revenue stream for higher education institutions, who use those dollars for research and to pay for care at their hospital health science centers. So uncertainty about whether that money will continue to flow was a major topic of conversation in higher ed circles even before the current shutdown, which has only heightened the concern. 
For now, there’s little they can do but wait and see, and hope the shutdown is brief. 
“We were already in these conversations as changes were happening at the federal level with grants and other research opportunities,” Reed said. “So this is just continued watch and oversight and analysis that’s happening on our campuses as a result of the shutdown.”
The White House has proposed giving nine universities preferential access to federal funding in exchange for promoting the Trump administration’s political goals, such as weeding out structures that allegedly “purposefully punish, belittle, and even spark violence against conservative ideas.”
This proposal raises questions about whether universities that are not on the list, such as those in Louisiana, might get shortchanged. But it also highlights how campuses have become culture war battlegrounds, where promoting “free speech,” however that might be defined, ties into the broader goal of campus safety. 
Following the shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University, Attorney General Liz Murrill and 16 Republican colleagues from other states signed a letter to college administrators warning them not to impose a “tax on free speech” by asking student organizations to pay high security fees for controversial speakers. 
Reed said institutions have a responsibility to promote “diversity of voices and thoughts and ideas, because that enriches the educational experience for students and it increases their value in the marketplace,” adding that campus leaders are aware of those expectations, while still focusing on safety. 
She noted that Southern University’s Baton Rouge campus, along with other historically Black colleges and universities across the South, received racially charged threats in the wake of the Kirk shooting. While the FBI has not found the threats to be credible, Southern has locked down a few times in recent weeks, and Reed said she is looking for federal guidance about how to respond. 
She said the Legislature appropriated $2 million to have LSU’s center for emergency preparedness and response training conduct a review of safety at every campus and recommend improvements.
“We’ve been vigilant on it and the Legislature has been supportive of that,” Reed said. “But it’s needed now more than ever.”
As is typically the case, higher ed stakeholders and lawmakers are engaged with multiple task forces that will report to the Legislature ahead of next year’s session. One is looking at the feasibility of adopting a phased retirement program for higher education faculty and staff. 
The Caleb Wilson Hazing Prevention Task Force, named after a Southern University student who died in a hazing-related incident, has focused in part on making sure that middle school and high school students aren’t normalizing hazing and bringing those expectations to college. The group also is discussing standards of evidence rules for student disciplinary proceedings, Reed said. 
Another task force led by Rep. Rashid Young, a former Grambling State football player, is considering future state laws regarding student-athlete endorsement deals, typically called “name, image and likeness” or “NIL” deals. Lawmakers are hoping to bring some order to a relatively new phenomenon with shifting rules and norms, while still allowing Louisiana universities to compete for top athletes. 
Some of the recent conversations have centered around protecting high school students who are approached about signing NIL contracts, possibly without fully understanding what they are committing to, Reed notes. 
But while all of these issues are related to the core mission of higher education, job No. 1 remains educating students. When the Board of Regents adopted a new master plan in 2019, they set the goal of having 60% of the state’s working-age adults with a degree or other post-secondary credential by 2030. The proportion was 44% at the time. 
The regents recently announced that the level had been raised to 52.5 percent. A new record of 80,000 graduates earned credentials in Louisiana in 2025, just 5,000 annual completers short of the 2030 goal of 85,000, according to the board. Much of that increase comes from short-term credentials tied to specific industry sectors. 
Traditionally, the regents approved academic programs one at a time, without real insight into any strategic planning across institutions or across time, Reed said. Now, each institution approves a strategic academic plan which is submitted to regional economic developers to ensure it will help to fill high-demand jobs in each region. 
“And if not, then those programs are not given a green light to proceed to develop,” she said.
Looking ahead to next year’s regular session, the big question, as always, will be about funding levels. Reed wants to keep talking about ways to give schools more autonomy to decide how to manage their own business. 
“We know that we’re not going to receive massive amounts of funding,” she said. “And so the conversation around the business model for higher ed and ensuring there’s enough flexibility for institutions to support themselves and diversify their own budgets is an important one.”
For more Louisiana political news, visit www. LaPolitics.com or follow Alford on X @ LaPoliticsNow.