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Dear Abby: Siblings not interested in sister’s vengeful ‘party’ for dad

Wed, 09/24/2025 - 6:00am

DEAR ABBY: My father was a terrible person. He was physically abusive to his wife and kids, and he sexually abused both of my sisters. He was a vicious bully who took every opportunity to humiliate his children and took pleasure in destroying things we worked hard for. No one in the family is sad that he’s no longer with us; most of us are happy to move on.
One of my sisters, however, wants to have a big party to celebrate the 10th anniversary of his death. She envisions a celebratory dinner at a fancy restaurant followed by a party at her house, complete with a contest for throwing darts at his picture.
I don’t miss our father any more than she does, and I understand her raw hatred of him. But I also don’t have any interest in going to that kind of an event, nor do any of our other siblings. We think it’s past time to move on, and celebrating his death is not moving on.
My sister has made clear that if we don’t attend, she will view it as not being supportive of her and won’t ever speak to us again. What do you think about all of this? Must the rest of us go to her event, or should we take a pass, knowing she most likely will cut us out of her life?
BEYOND THAT IN FLORIDA
DEAR BEYOND THAT: You and your siblings are fortunate to have been able to move forward from the trauma you suffered at the hands of your father. Your sister obviously hasn’t been so fortunate. She’s wrong to threaten you with excommunication if you refuse her invitation to a “death day” party for the abuser. I hope none of you knuckle under.
As a victim of abuse, she could use intensive counseling, and I hope at some point she’ll reach out for it. The way she’s headed now, she will soon isolate herself completely from the family.

DEAR ABBY: I am a 36-year-old mother of four dating a 28-year-old man. He is the youngest guy I’ve ever dated. I usually date men my age or older. After my kids’ father left me for another woman after 12 years of being together, I was broken. I didn’t date for two years as I tried to heal. Then comes along this younger guy whom I’ve grown to love.
This man has no children and doesn’t seem like a guy I should be with according to society, but I love him, and he loves me very much. I keep quiet about him when it comes to my mother and family out of fear of judgment. Should I tell them about him, or just keep him “hidden,” as he would say?
IN LOVE IN THE SOUTH

DEAR IN LOVE: Keeping him hidden is insulting to the man you have been seeing. At 36 years old, you should be mature enough to live your life openly. The age difference is not so great that it should be a cause for concern. If the issue is that he comes from a different culture or racial background, you may have to stand up and defend your choice. Because you love each other, you should not be keeping him hidden. You have nothing to be ashamed about.

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Author of 15 novels says 'stories never stopped'

Wed, 09/24/2025 - 6:00am

By VANA PLAISANCE
Special to the Review
The creative challenge of crafting a large novel is embraced often by Dr. Christopher J. Fontenot. This prolific Louisiana writer can complete the first draft of a novel, 400-500 pages, in a few weeks.
He serves as vice president of the Writers Guild of Acadiana that meets monthly at South Regional Library in Lafayette. The accomplished author creates historical fiction and science fiction.
Although Fontenot has written 15 novels, he has not yet exhausted his ideas for creating more books and trying other genres.
Fontenot holds a Bachelor of Science degree, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Education, a Master’s in Education, and a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership. He has taught students at the university level, high school and junior high school.
His own love for creative writing and a keen sense of observation began as a child.
“After I retired,” Fontenot said, “I found that the stories never stopped piling up in my head. And the stories continue to come.”
Acadian Prairie Series
The Acadian Prairie Series has five installments: "Theodule," "Maius," "Amelie," "Octave” and "Joel."
"'Theodule' covers the tumultuous period of the Vigilante and Anti-Vigilante war and the Civil War in the Acadian Prairie (1835-1867)," Fontenot explained. “The second novel, ‘Maius’, takes the story to the next generation and covers the time between 1877, the end of Reconstruction, and the Gilded Age in 1894."
The third installment, "Amelie," explores conflict raging between families on the prairie. In the fourth novel, “Octave,” Amelie’s brother struggles against the same rivals seeking revenge, after they return from prison.
"The story concludes with the aftermath of the actual disaster that struck Ville Platte in 1919 when a dance hall burned, killing 28 people," Fontenot said. "This event garnered national attention and spurred the development of a local fire department and led to many national laws to help prevent a similar disaster."
Pointe aux Pain Series
The Pointe aux Pain Series has three books: "The Class of ’69," "Life Lessons" and "Past Imperfect."
"This series follows many of the same families from The Acadian Prairie Series," Fontenot said. "Four close friends grow up attending a parochial school through the watershed years of the late 1960s and into the 1970s. Subsequent stories will follow the same characters through their years in university and their marriages."
Haven Series
The Haven Series has seven novels: "The Purpose," "Planning Heaven," "Building Heaven," "Heaven’s Children," "Saving Paradise," "Haven Unleashed" and "Haven Unleashed, Part II." This series describes life in a dystopian future.
"Radical extremist religious groups all but destroy civilization in their drive to convert everyone on the plant," Fontenot explained. "This series follows the desperate efforts to save civilization from that extremist religion before it plunges the world into a new Dark Age."
Giving life to a story and bringing a published novel into the world for a reading audience can be an arduous undertaking, even for an experienced author.
"Like starting a child, the spark of an idea many take very little time," Fontenot said. "Getting a book to print is more like the nine-month ordeal of a pregnancy through the heat of a Louisiana summer!"
Fontenot is scheduled to be among 22 authors featured at an Author Signing Event at Vermilion Parish Library, in Abbeville, on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025. The public is encouraged to attend, to meet the authors, to browse through their books, to purchase a copy (or more), and to invite the author to sign it.
The Writers Guild of Acadiana meets on the last Tuesday of each month, except in December, 6-7:30 p.m., at the South Regional Library, 6101 Johnston St., Lafayette. The public is invited to attend the meetings for free.
The WGA hosts guest speakers and free workshops on self-publishing and marketing. In addition, every other month, the WGA has a writing prompt competition, open to its members.
Each winner receives a $10 gift card. The WGA annual membership fee is $25. For more information, refer to the WGA website at writersguildacadiana.org.
Ed Gauthier initiated a free writing critique group that meets online through Google Groups and Google Meet on the second and fourth Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. Participants are not required to be WGA members.
For more information, contact Gauthier at eggchess@gmail.com.
The guild's Writer's Day will be 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Main Branch of Lafayette Public Library, 301 W. Congress St., on the second floor. The public is invited.

Jeremy Alford and David Jacobs: Lawmakers eye changes in way courts work

Wed, 09/24/2025 - 6:00am

 Louisiana lawmakers are likely to again consider changing the rules around whether criminal defendants must face a jury or only a judge, which would require changing the state Constitution. 
 Currently, defendants who are not facing capital punishment can waive their right to a jury trial and choose a bench trial, in which the judge decides guilt or innocence. In most states, the prosecution must also agree to forgo a jury. 
 Going with the bench trial can be a smart tactic for defense attorneys who believe a judge might not be inclined to convict their client, for whatever reason. 
 The issue came to a head during a meeting of the Senate Judiciary C Committee earlier this month when Rafael Goyeneche, president of the New Orleans-based Metropolitan Crime Commission, testified two judges oversaw more than half of the bench trials in Orleans Parish over three years, with one posting a 79 percent acquittal rate while the other acquitted 88 percent of defendants. 
 Much of the committee hearing focused on the cases in which two prosecutors did not call any witnesses or present any evidence, while also failing to ask for a continuance or to dismiss the case to preserve their ability to try again later. 
 New Orleans District Attorney Jason Williams admitted that his young prosecutors screwed up and said they were retrained so it won’t happen again.
But he also laid some blame on the judges, who he said signaled which way they were leaning in the cases with their pretrial rulings, possibly spurring the defense attorneys to call for bench trials. 
 “That is a problem,” Williams said, adding that the way to fix it is to ensure that “both sides of the ‘v’” (as in “versus”) agree to a judge trial. 
 Judiciary C Chair Jay Morris, who was critical of Williams and his office during the hearing, nonetheless agrees with that argument. Morris said he’s been aware of the issue for two years, but hasn’t addressed it himself because he has had several other constitutional amendments on his plate. 
 “You can’t bring everything at once, but the time is right,” he said.
“That is definitely one that I or somebody else will be bringing.” 
 The Louisiana District Attorneys Association, which is in the midst of putting together its legislative agenda for next year, declined to comment through a spokesperson. LaPolitics also reached out to  the Louisiana Association for Justice but did not hear back in time for this report. 
 The idea has come up before, and the Louisiana Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers hopes that legislators put it to bed once again, said defense attorney Jeanna Wheat, co-chair of the organization’s legislative committee. 
 A trial by jury is one of the constitutional rights that defendants have that they can choose to give up, she said.
Sometimes, they believe their case requires the ability to set aside emotional aspects of the facts and focus on the letter of the law, which a judge may be more equipped to do than a jury. 
 Asked about the fact that most other states need the prosecutor’s agreement to hold a bench trial, she said that prosecutors in Louisiana have more power than their counterparts in many other states.
For example, Louisiana prosecutors can dismiss a case, while a judge cannot. 
“Prosecutors in Louisiana have a tremendous amount of control and discretion to drive the path of litigation,” Wheat said.
“This is one of the rights that the criminally accused hold near and dear because it is one of the few components of their case that they get to control.”
 Morris also said there is a need for a system that allows the public to easily access accurate information about the criminal justice system. Getting data from various jurisdictions throughout the state can be like pulling teeth, though the work underway by the Integrated Criminal Justice Information System Policy Board, chaired by 5th Circuit Court of Appeal Judge Scott Schlegel, could help make such a system possible. 
 Morris also would like more tools to address ineffective district attorneys.
Back when Gov. Jeff Landry was attorney general, Morris planned to bring legislation that would have allowed the AG to step in under certain defined circumstances, but got such “horrific pushback” he didn’t even bring it to the committee. 
 He also raised the possibility of going to the “Florida model,” where the governor has the ability to suspend a district attorney (and other officials), who the state Senate can remove permanently.
Under Article 10, the Louisiana Legislature currently has the sole power to impeach a state or district official “for commission or conviction during his term of office of a felony or for malfeasance or gross misconduct while in such office.”
 Morris stressed that he respects the state’s district attorneys and judges, and doesn’t want any proposal to be seen as a personal attack. 
 “I’m open to suggestions, but I feel like we really need to do something,” he said.
For more Louisiana political news, visit www. LaPolitics.com or follow Alford on X @ LaPoliticsNow.

Jim Bradshaw: During wartime, people missed more than sugar

Wed, 09/24/2025 - 6:00am
JIM BRADSHAW

=We know that people complained about sugar rations and the lack of rubber for tires during World War II.
Those and other shortages were made even more painful because it was tough to drown the wartime anxieties they were constant reminders of.
The government reserved 15% of the beer and 30% of the cigarettes made in the United States for GIs, but practically all of the alcohol used for stronger liquor went to make bombs and torpedoes.
In February 1944, Ed Dauphin, chairman of the southwest Louisiana liquor industry board, explained, “The whiskey shortage is a reality, notwithstanding rumors to the contrary. ...
“Furthermore, the shortage is likely to continue to be real as long as the war lasts.”
He said “abnormal labor and economic conditions” were partly to blame, but that “the shortage is due primarily to the fact that military demands for alcohol in the manufacture of explosives are so great that no alcoholic beverages have been distilled since Nov. 8, 1942.”
He said 100 gallons of alcohol were used to make just one 18-inch shell and that “it has been discovered that a better grade of butadiene is more economically made from alcohol than from other materials formerly used.”
Butadiene was important in making synthetic rubber, which was important because the rubber plantations that provided real rubber were mostly in places in the Pacific where war was raging.
Innovative GIs found a way to get at some of the weapons-grade alcohol with a concoction they called torpedo juice. They drained some of the 180-proof ethanol used to fuel a torpedo and mixed it with fruit juice. They left enough so that the torpedo still worked fine; the GIs, not so good. Torpedo juice was at least twice as potent as regular whiskey and could be as deadly to the drinkers as the torpedo was to its victims.     
But there was no torpedo juice on the home front, where liquor was strictly regulated.
Dauphin said the good news was that 420 million gallons of whiskey were stored in warehouses in the United States. The bad news was that not all of it was available.
“The government allows 15 to 35 percent loss through soakage and evaporation … [and] the industry has placed aside a post-war reserve since whiskey cannot be aged quickly enough after the war to meet any immediate demand,” he said.            
 That meant that only 208 million gallons of whiskey would be available for the duration of the war, and nobody knew in February 1944 how long the war would last.
We felt the squeeze like everyone else, even though a shortage of whiskey would not normally have been a big bother in south Louisiana.
Some of the best booze made during Prohibition was made here, and the art of home distilling had not been lost even though the dry days were over. But there was a problem with that, too.
Homemade hooch required a lot of sugar, and even though we grew a lot of cane in Louisiana, refined sugar was so heavily rationed that families barely got enough to sweeten their coffee, let alone make whiskey. Just as with rubber, the United States was cut off entirely from sugar from the Pacific, and German U-boats played havoc with imports from the Caribbean.
Still, even with the restrictions, it appears that a drink of whiskey could be found. Bars remained open in most places, sometimes with limits on drinks.
One bar in Lafayette was warned that GIs would not be allowed to go there if it continued to sell liquor to minors, and they needed the patronage of GIs training here.
The Hill Top Club in Lafayette was still holding its regular Saturday dances for GIs and civilians alike in 1943, with refreshments available. Polito’s Bar in Franklin advertised “real beer” and “choicest wines and liquors.”
The Hub Club in Morgan City promised “good food and drink” to go with “dancing every night,” and Cass’ Bar in Opelousas said its “complete stock of leading whiskies” was not only available to patrons at the bar but that a bottle could be delivered to your home or picked up through its drive-in curb service.
It also appears that the nation’s supply had not run dry by the time the war ended in 1945.
Celebrations of victories in Europe and the Pacific appear to have included a wholesale loss of sobriety here and practically everywhere else in the nation.
You can contact Jim Bradshaw at jimbradshaw4321@gmail.com or P.O. Box 1121, Washington LA 70589.

Wheel House for Sept. 24: Rummage sale

Wed, 09/24/2025 - 6:00am

RUMMAGE
SALE
8 a.m.-noon, Saturday, Oct. 4, United Methodist Church, 1204 Main St., Patterson. Items for sale include Halloween and fall décor, children's costumes, linens, children's books, toys, puzzles, lots of men's clothing, jackets, coats and housewares.

Alexis Rack headed for La. Sports Hall of Fame

Wed, 09/24/2025 - 6:00am
HOWARD J. CASTAY, Review correspondent

FRANKLIN— A St Mary Parish principal is now a member of the Louisiana High School Sports Hall of Fame.
The Louisiana High School Athletic Association has given a nod to Alexis Rack, principal of B. Edward Boudreaux Middle School in Baldwin, as a 2026 Inductee, for a career as a player, that included back-to0back state titles at Franklin Senior High School, an SEC record for 3-pointers at Mississippi State, an induction into the Mississippi State Hall of Fame, a selection as Louisiana’s Miss Basketball in 2006, and then stints in the WNBA and overseas, all in the name of basketball.
Jimmy Anderson, 2026 LHSAA Hall of Fame Committee chairman, surprised Rack in an impromptu ceremony at her school in late August.
“You are now separated from athletes and coaches and teams, and have left a legacy in our state’s history,” he said to Rack, adding that she has an unparalleled commitment of perseverance and excellence and has also left, “an outstanding record of contributions to athletics,” to Louisiana sports history.
Rack said she was surprised at the news, especially since her former coach at Franklin High, Ronnie Louis, had informed her a few years ago that he would nominate her, but didn’t hear anything. “I told him, ‘Well, OK, let’s move forward.’
“However, my mother reminded me of something I had told her. At Mississippi State I was inducted in the Hall of Fame, and I told my mom it would be really nice if I was inducted into the Hall of Fame in my own state,” she said.
The famer said she has loved basketball since she was a child, saying when her brother Willdric would go outside to play basketball, she would follow him to also play, because he is only a year older than she.
“He made me rough, and my mom always pushed me to the next level.
“I love competition, but that’s in our family. However, my dad did not like me playing wit all those boys,” she joked.
“We were taught to keep going, to always look for something to get."
Rack said she accepts challenges, and really isn’t intimidated by anything. She thinks challenges come along with playing basketball.
“Basketball teaches you life lessons, but I still received the foundation from my family - not to quit, but to find a way to get the job done.”
Willdric said his sister’s work ethic made her a great player, especially when she played with 30 boys deep every day, on Ninth Street, in front of their family home in Franklin.
“Every day we shot basketball. That’s all we did. She was really good for being a girl, so we had to play her tough like she was one of the boys,” her brother said.
Ronnie Louis, Rack’s high school coach, said she is a leader who impacts those who she meets and plays with.
“A leader, an influencer and a competitor, always willing to take the game in her hands and lead us to victory,” Louis said, noting she lead the team in winning two back to back state championships and a runner up the third year.
“Now, to see her becoming a leader as an educator in the school system, is simply awesome and outstanding.”
Natasha Jackson, current Principal of Franklin Sr High School, said in the year Rack worked on her faculty, she always displayed the will to win.
“She taught biology but also life skills, while she was our boys basketball coach. She had our team dressing in suits prior to our games. A definite boys to men mentality was always her focus. Her Franklin family is very proud of her.”
Tyrus Burdette served at Franklin during Rack’s initial teaching tenure there.
“I believe her determination to be the best has brought her to this point. It’s not easy for a woman to take over a men’s basketball program, but those guys bought into her because of her determination to be the best.”
Franklin Senior High Athletic Director Jacinta Verret who is also the Franklin Girls Basketball Head Coach, said Rack was terrific colleague to work with on the court.
“It was just inspiring to watch a woman coach boys and see them so respectful to her. It was wonderful to watch her command it as much as it was to see the young men return it.”
Franklin City Councilman Pearl Barnes Rack said her daughter was “born with the talent to win in everything that puts her mind to.”
The famer’s mother said her daughter’s discipline, respect, and fairness for her fellow players as well her teams, “created the best,” for all involved.
Her dad Willie said what makes his daughter win. is her heart, “and she certainly has a heart for basketball.”
Alexis said, “I always played with a chip on my shoulder. Feeling like I always had something to prove. I never felt that I was the best player on the court.
"I always felt that I had to work harder. I still feel that way.”
The 2026 LHSAA Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will be held Monday, April 20, at The Crowne Plaza in Baton Rouge.

Public notices for Sept. 24, 2025

Wed, 09/24/2025 - 6:00am

PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE
Notice is hereby given that the following proposed ordinance has been submitted at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Patterson, Loui-siana on the 9th day of September 2025.
ORDINANCE
NO. 2025-09
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING RATES FOR SEWER SERVICE
BE IT ORDAIN-ED by the Mayor and City Council of the City of Patterson, Loui-siana, in regular session assembled that the charges to be paid by consumers for sewer service from the municipal sewer system shall be as follows:
RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMERS
A. 2025- $ 18.23 flat rate and $9.68 per 1000 gallons after first 2000 gallons;
B. Commencing August 1, 2026, and on the same day of each successive year thereafter, the flat rate and the per gallon rate in effect on that date shall automatically be increased annually by the amount which the Con-sumer Price Index CPI for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Depart-ment of Labor has increased from July 1of the applicable previous year to July 1 of the applicable present year. All flat rate increase provisions in effect at the time of the introduction of this ordinance shall remain in effect until October 1, 2025.
COMMERCIAL CUSTOMERS
A 2025- $24.12 flat rate and $12.11 per 1000 gallons after the first 2000 gallons;
B. Commencing August 1, 2026, and on the same day of each successive year thereafter, the flat rate and the per gallon rate in effect on that date shall automatically be increased annually by the amount which the Con-sumer Price Index CPI for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Depart-ment of Labor has increased from July 1 of the applicable previous year to July 1 of the applicable present year. All flat rate increase provisions in effect at the time of the introduction of this ordinance shall remain in effect until October 1, 2025.
This ordinance shall become effective immediately upon publication.
The foregoing Ordinance was introduced by Councilman Ray Dewey and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem, at the regularly scheduled meeting of the City Council of the City of Patterson on the 9th day of Sep-tember, 2025.
The foregoing Ordinance was offered by Coun-cilman ——————, who moved its adoption, seconded by Councilman ——————, and being read and considered section by section, the Ordinance was submitted to vote with the results as follows:
YEAS: ————
NAYS: ————
ABSENT: ———
WHEREUPON, the Ordinance was declared adopted on this ——— day of ——————, 2025.
———————
RODNEY A. GROGAN,
MAYOR
ATTEST:
———————
CITY CLERK
Notice is further given that a public hearing on the aforesaid proposed ordinance is set for 5:00 p.m. on the 9th day of Sep-tember 2025, during the regular meeting of the Patterson City Council to be held at the City Hall in Patterson, 1314 Main Street, Pat-terson, Louisiana, on that date and at that time, and final action on said proposed ordinance shall be taken at said meeting.
———————
MIDGE BOURGEOIS,
CITY CLERK
Adv. Sept. 17, 24 and 26, 2025

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PUBLIC NOTICE
RECREATION DISTRICT #2 ST MARY PARISH
1110 GRACE ST
MORGAN CITY, LA. 70380
POSTED: Monday September 8, 2025 10:00 A.M.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC
MEETING
DATE: SEPTEMBER 11, 2025
TIME: 6:00 P.M.
PLACE: SIRACUSA RECREATION BUILDING, 1110 GRACE ST. MORGAN CITY, LA. 70380
AGENDA:
Call to order
Invocation
Roll call
Election of officers
Guest
Approval of Minutes (August 14, 2025)
Financial Report
Old Business
Complete Audit suggestion
New Business:
Air condition is out in gym. (waiting on quote to replace it)
Halloween Trunk or Treat
Ethics Training
Bill submitted for payment
Adjourn
In accordance with the America Disabilities Act. If you need special assistance, please contact Leroy Trim at 985-385-4224 describing the assistance that is necessary.
——
RECREATION DISTRICT #2 ST MARY PARISH
1110 GRACE ST
MORGAN CITY, LA. 70380
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
RECREATION DISTRICT #2
1110 GRACE ST MORGAN CITY, LA. 70380
6:00 P.M.
AUGUST. 14, 2025
Meeting of The Board of Commissioners of Recreation District #2 was call to order By Commissioner Ann Poole. Invocation by Norman Skinner. Member present were Tracy Wilson, Ann Poole, Norman Skinner and Nelda Dural. Absent were David MeQuire. Other present was Kimberly McPherson and Leroy Trim Director.
Minutes from July 10,2025 was read by Tracy Wilson a motion to accept the minutes by Tracy Wilson and second by Norman Skinner with all in favor.
Minutes from the special call meting was read by Tracy Wilson a motion to accept the minutes by Norman Skinner and second by Tracy Wilson with all in favor..
Financial report were given by Di- rector Leroy Trim a motion to accept by Norman Skinner and second by Tracy Wilson Question how many bank ac- count we have, Mr. Trim stated that we have 4 account after clarification on all account motion pass with all in favor.
Old Business:
Complete Audit suggestion report Norman Skinner (see attached)
Outstanding Debt service policy
Management Report read by Mr. Trim (see attached)
Copies of policy and procedures was provided to the board of commissioner.
Amendment to special call meeting of July 22, 2025 Item of page 9,10,11,14,15 and 16 audit finding have been reconciled with supporting dooumentation.
NEW BUSINESS::
Mr. Trim stated to the Board of Commissioner that 10-12 trees have fallen in the park and need to be replace. The Board gave Mr. Trim permission to look into replace the tress.
Mr. Trim also stated to the board that the Clavinova need replacing due to cost of repair and getting arts. It was motion to purchase by Norman Skinner and second Tracy Wilson to purchase from capital funds with all in favor. Mr. Trim also explain to the board that the speaker in the annex building may need to be replace at a later date. No action were taking on this items at this time..
Bills were submitted for payment after re- viewed, a motion by Norman Skinner and second by Tracy Wilson with all in favor to pay all bills.
With nothing further to discuss a motion to adjourn by Tracy Wilson and second by Norman Skinner with all in favor.
(S) Ann W. Poole
Ann Poole,
Commissioner
Notice: Next meeting October 9, 2025. Items of discussion must be place on agenda 24 hours prior to meeting.
Adv. Sept. 24, 2025

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PUBLIC NOTICE
Recreation District No. 4 of the Parish of St. Mary
Minutes of
Meeting
August 20, 2025
Members Present: William Miller, LaGenia Bradford, Vincent Byrd, Mr. Terrance Johnson, Edward Austin
Members Ab- sent: None
Others Present: Jerry Boyles, Barry Dufrene
Mr. Miller open-ed the regular meeting leading the Board in the pledge of allegiance.
The minutes of the regular meeting held on July 16, 2025, were reviewed. Mrs. Bradford made a motion to accept the minutes. Mr. Byrd seconded the motion. The mo- tion passed.
Mr. Dufrene presented and re- viewed the financial statements presented to the Board. A motion to accept the report was made by Mr. Byrd and seconded by Mr. Johnson. The motion passed.
Mrs. Bradford made a motion to pay outstanding invoices. Mr. Austin seconded the motion. Mrs. Bradford, Mr. Austin, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Byrd voted yes. Mr. Miller ab- stained. The mo- tion passed.
Mr. Boyles discussed with the Board rental revenues. He said the Crusin Cajuns will utilize the District’s facilities for 9 of their rallies next year. The District will be implementing the ability to accept credit cards as a form of payment.
Mrs. Bradford reported the scoreboards had arrived but were damaged in transit. It is being worked out begin the manufacturer and the transportation company. The scoreboards will be installed later this year. Flag football registration is on- going.
Mr. Dufrene presented to and discussed with the Board the amended budget for the period ending September 30, 2025. After some discussion, upon a mo- tion by Mrs. Bradford and a second by Mr. Byrd, the Board adopted the amended budget for the period ending September 30, 2025.
Mr. Dufrene presented to and discussed with the Board the proposed budget for the period ending September 30, 2026. Upon a motion by Mr. Austin and a second by Mr. Johnson, the Board adopted the budget for the period ending September 30, 2026.
With there being no other business to discuss, a motion to adjourn was made by Mr. Byrd and seconded by Mrs. Bradford. The motion passed.
———————
William Miller
Chairperson
———————
Gabrielle Gil
Secretary Treasurer
Adv. Sept. 24, 2025

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PUBLIC NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
Sixteenth Judicial District Court
——
PARISH OF
ST. MARY
——
STATE OF
LOUISIANA
Cadence Bank
Vs. No. 139622 Div “F”
Joshua D. Evans and Brittany Evans AKA Brittany Barbier Evans
TAKE NOTICE, that by virtue of Order of Seizure and Sale issued out of the Hon-orable 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 lot or parcel of land together with all buildings and im- provements thereon situated and the component parts thereof, and all rights, ways, privileges, servitudes and appurtenances thereunto belonging or in anywise appertaining lying and being situated in Morgan City, St. Mary Parish, Louisiana, being known designated and described as LOT 9-A, SQUARE 8 OF UNIT NO. 1, LAKESIDE SUB-DIVISION, St. Mary Parish, Loui-siana, as shown plat of survey by J. J. Krebs & Sons, Civil Engineers and Surveyors recorded in St. Mary Parish COB 13-F, Entry No. 122,099, and according to which survey said property measures 60 feet on Diane Drive, with a width in the rear and depth as shown on said survey; subject to restrictions, servitudes, rights-of-way and outstanding mineral rights of record affecting the property.
to satisfy the sum of ONE HUNDRED FIFTY FOUR THOU-SAND FIVE HUNDRED NINETY SEVEN AND 91/100 ($154,597.91) DOLLARS, with interest thereon at 3.750% per annum from November 01, 2024, until paid; all expenses incurred in enforcing the note and mortgage including reasonable attorney’s fees; if/as applicable, such other or additional amounts incurred or advanced for taxes, insurance premiums, special assessments, re- pairs to and/or maintenance of the property, for the protection, preservation, repair and recovery of the property, for the protection and preservation of the lien of the mortgage, for the protection and preservation of the mortgagee’s interest thereunder, and other amounts provided by the mortgage and ap- plicable law, such as late charges, escrow advances for the payment of taxes and insurance, corporate advances, property appraisals, inspection fees, prior attorney fees and expenses, abstract and title charges, NSF charges, at- torney fees and expenses, and other charges which plaintiff is permitted to prove by verified petition, verified supplemental petition, or affidavit files or submitted before distribution by the sheriff of the proceeds of the judicial sale herein; and all law charges, fees and expenses incurred in connection or relating to this proceeding including without limitation sheriff’s commission, sheriff’s costs, court costs 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 WITHOUT ap- praisement 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 1st day of October A.D., 2025, be- tween the legal hours commencing at 10 O’Clock A.M.
Sheriff’s Office
Parish of St. Mary, La.
Thursday, the 10th day of July A.D., 2025
GARY L. DRISKELL,
SHERIFF
By: Heidi Rineholt
Deputy Sheriff
Adv. Aug. 29 and Sept. 24, 2025

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PUBLIC NOTICE
ORDINANCE
NO. 2407
An Ordinance in compliance with Ordinance No. 1973, DIVISION 5.4 General Procedures for Public Hearings, Section 5.4.3 Specific Use Permits granting a Specific Use.
WHEREAS, on March 12, 2014, the St. Mary Parish Council adopted Ordinance No. 1973 – St. Mary Parish Unified Development Code, and
WHEREAS, DIVISION 5.4 General Procedures for Public Hearings, Section 5.4.3 Specific Use Permits provides a process for the granting of a specific use, and
THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAIN-ED by the Parish Council of the Parish of St. Mary, State of Louisiana, acting as the governing authority of the Parish of St. Mary, State of Louisiana:
SECTION I - That certain tract of land described in Exhibit “A” is hereby approved and granted a specific use to install a Solar Farm in an Agricultural (AG) Zoned District.
This ordinance shall become effective and be in full force upon publication in the official journal of the Parish.
This ordinance having been offer-ed and read on this 13th day of August 2025; having been published in accordance with law; having been heard in a public hearing held at Franklin, Louisiana on the 10th day of September 2025; was adopted by the following vote on the 10th day of September 2025.
AYES: Leslie Rulf, Jr., Patrick J. Hebert, James Davis, Jr., Mark A. Duhon, Dean S. Adams, Dr.
Kristi P. Rink, Rev. Craig Mat-hews, J Ina, Rodney Olander, and David Hill.
NAYS: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
ABSENT: Gwendolyn L. Hidalgo.
APPROVED:
s/g Kristi P. Rink, M.D.
KRISTI P. RINK, M.D.,
VICE-CHAIRPERSON
ST. MARY PARISH COUNCIL
ATTEST:
s/g Lisa C.
Morgan
LISA C.
MORGAN,
CLERK
ST. MARY PARISH COUNCIL
This Ordinance was submitted to the President on this the 12th day of September 2025, at the hour of 8:16 a.m.
APPROVED:
s/g Sam Jones
SAM JONES,
PRESIDENT
ST. MARY
PARISH
This Ordinance was returned to the Clerk of the Council on this day 12th of September 2025 at the hour of 11:55 a.m.
Name: ibV Energy/Bayou Teche Solar, LLC
Address: N/A
Parcel Id# 2114844001.00-350.59 ac por 493.09 ac Tract situated in Sec. 46 T14S R9E lying North of Hwy. 87 Acq. 85 289653,-Parcel Id# 2174821013.00-66.11 ac por Rem 493.09 ac tract situated in Sec 46 T14S R9E lying between Hwy. 87 and Bayou Teche Acq. 85 289653. Improvement on the land of D T Caffery LLC acq. 85 289653, -Parcel Id# 2174821014.00-72.64 ac por Rem 493.09 ac tract situated in Sec 46 T14S R9E lying between Hwy. 87 and Bayou Teche Acq. 85 289653. Improvement on the land of D T Caffery LLC Acq. 85 289653.-Parcel Id# 2144841017.00-4.20 ac being por 20.35 ac tract bd Garcia- Columbia Sugar Co - self - Teche situated in Sec 44 T14S R9E lying East of Hwy 87 Acq 464 345017.-Parcel Id# 2144841018.00-1.85 ac being por 20.35 ac tract bd Garcia- Columbia Sugar Co - self - Teche situated in Sec 45 T14S R9E Acq. 464 345017.-Parcel Id# 2144841019.00-9.80 ac being por 20.35 ac tract bd Garcia- Columbia Sugar co - self - Teche situated in Sec 46 T14S R9E lying East of Hwy 87 acq 464 345017.-Parcel Id# 2144841021.00-1.77 ac being por 10.00 ac tract bd Morris- Columbia Sugar Co - Moore - Teche situated in Sec 44 T14S R9E acq 464 345017.-Parcel Id#-2144841022.00-1.02 ac being por 10.00 ac tract bd Morris- Columbia Sugar Co - Moore - Teche situated in Sec 45 T14S R9E acq 464 345017.-Parcel Id#-2144841023.00-5.19 ac being por 10.00 ac tract bd Morris- Columbia Sugar Co - Moore - Teche situated in Sec 46 T14S R9E acq 464 345017.-Parcel Id# 2144841011.00-4.83 ac being por 121.91 ac tract above by Fuselier and below by Columbia Sugar Co situated in Sec 44 T14S R9E lying East of Hwy 87 acq 464 345017.-Parcel Id# 2144841006.00-7.01 ac being por 121.91 ac tract above by Fuselier and below by Columbia Sugar Co situated in Sec 45 T14S R9E lying North of Hwy 87 acq 464 345017.& -Parcel Id# 2144841005.00-51.32 ac being por 121.91 ac tract above by Fuselier and below by Columbia Sugar Co situated in Sec 46 T14S R9E lying north of Hwy 87 acq 464 345017
Specific Use Purpose: to in- stall a Solar Farm in an Agricultural (AG) Zoned District
Adv. Sept. 24, 2025

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PUBLIC NOTICE
TO: Clerk of the Council for Members of the Parish Council
FROM: Sam Jones, Parish President
DATE: September 19, 2025
SUBJECT: VETO of Ordinance No. 2406
Councilmembers, as the Chief Executive of St. Mary Parish, I hereby VETO Or- dinance No. 2406 and provide the following VETO message:
In accordance with Section 2-13B of the St. Mary Parish Home Rule Charter, I hereby VETO Ordinance No. 2406 due to residents in the area objecting and not wanting the zoning of this property to be changed from Agricultural Zoned District (AG) to Neighborhood Commercial (NC).
THUS, DONE AND SIGNED this 19th day of September, 2025.
s/g Sam Jones
SAM JONES
PARISH PRESIDENT
Adv. Sept. 24, 2025

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PUBLIC NOTICE
ORDINANCE
NO. 2408
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).
WHEREAS, on March 12th, 2014, the St. Mary Parish Council adopted Ordinance No. 1973 – St. Mary Parish Unified Development Code, and
WHEREAS, Chapter 5 Procedures, Division 5.4 General Procedures for Public Hearing, Section 5.4.2 Rezonings (Zoning Map Amendments) provides a process for the official zoning district map to be amended, and
THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAIN-ED by the Parish Council of the Parish of St. Mary, State of Louisiana, acting as the governing authority of the Parish of St. Mary, State of Louisiana:
SECTION I - That certain tract of land described in Exhibit “A” is hereby rezoned from Agricultural (AG) Zoned District to Light Industrial (LI) Zoned District to operate a stone en- graving business.
This ordinance shall become effective and be in full force upon publication in the official journal of the Parish.
This ordinance having been offer-ed and read on this 13th day of August 2025; having been published in accordance with law; having been heard in a public hearing held at Franklin, Louisiana on the 10th day of September 2025; was adopted by the following vote on the 10th day of September 2025.
AYES: Leslie Rulf, Jr., Patrick J. Hebert, James Davis, Jr., Mark A. Duhon, Dean S. Adams, Dr.
Kristi P. Rink, Rev. Craig Mathews, J Ina, Rodney Olander, and David Hill.
NAYS: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
ABSENT: Gwendolyn L. Hidalgo.
APPROVED:
s/g Kristi P. Rink, M.D.
KRISTI P. RINK, M.D.,
VICE-CHAIRPERSON
ST. MARY PARISH COUNCIL
ATTEST:
s/g Lisa C.
Morgan
LISA C.
MORGAN,
CLERK
ST. MARY PARISH COUNCIL
This Ordinance was submitted to the President of St. Mary Parish on this the 12th day of September 2025 at the hour of 8:16 a.m.
APPROVED:
s/g Sam Jones
SAM JONES,
PRESIDENT
ST. MARY
PARISH
This Ordinance was returned to the Clerk of the Council on this the 12th day of September 2025 at the hour 11:55 a.m.
EXHIBIT “A”
Name: Kenneth Smith
Address: 835 St. Peters Rd.
Jeanerette, LA
Parcel Id# 1755004009.00 1.27 AC Tract Being Por 4.00 AC Tract BD Grevemberg - Monot - Du- champ - Road Situated in Sec 41 T13S R8E ACQ 339 325496 and 835 St. Peters Rd., Jeanerette, LA -Sec.42 T13S R8E; & 1725061010.00 2.73 AC Tract Being Por 4.00 AC Tract BD Grevemberg -Monot - Du- champ - Road Situated in Sec 42 T13S R8E ACQ 339 325496
PURPOSE: re- zone from Agricultural (AG) Zoned District to Light Industrial (LI) Zoned District to operate a stone engraving business
Adv. Sept. 24, 2025

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PUBLIC NOTICE
ORDINANCE
NO. 2409
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).
WHEREAS, on March 12th, 2014, the St. Mary Parish Council adopted Ordinance No. 1973 – St. Mary Parish Unified Development Code, and
WHEREAS, Chapter 5 Procedures, Division 5.4 General Procedures for Public Hearing, Section 5.4.2 Rezonings (Zoning Map Amendments) provides a process for the official zoning district map to be amended, and
THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAIN-ED by the Parish Council of the Parish of St. Mary, State of Louisiana, acting as the governing authority of the Parish of St. Mary, State of Louisiana:
SECTION I - That certain tract of land described in Exhibit “A” is hereby rezoned from Existing Neighborhood (EN3) Zoned District to General Commercial (GC) Zoned District to operate a kennel service.
This ordinance shall become effective and be in full force upon publication in the official journal of the Parish.
This ordinance having been offer-ed and read on this 13th day of August 2025; having been published in accordance with law; having been heard in a public hearing held at Franklin, Louisiana on the 10th day of September 2025; was adopted by the following vote on the 10th day of September 2025.
AYES: Leslie Rulf, Jr., Patrick J. Hebert, James Davis, Jr., Mark A. Duhon, Dean S. Adams, Dr. Kristi P. Rink, Rev. Craig Mathews, J Ina, Rodney Olander, and David Hill.
NAYS: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
ABSENT: Gwendolyn L. Hidalgo.
APPROVED:
s/g Kristi P. Rink, M.D.
KRISTI P. RINK, M.D.,
VICE-CHAIRPERSON
ST. MARY PARISH COUNCIL
ATTEST:
s/g Lisa C.
Morgan
LISA C.
MORGAN,
CLERK
ST. MARY PARISH COUNCIL
This Ordinance was submitted to the President of St. Mary Parish on this the 12th day of September 2025 at the hour of 8:16 a.m.
APPROVED:
s/g Sam Jones
SAM JONES,
PRESIDENT
ST. MARY
PARISH
This Ordinance was returned to the Clerk of the Council on this the 12th day of September 2025 at the hour 11:55 a.m.
EXHIBIT “A”
Name: Eddie Rob Vice II
Address: 1507 Hwy. 182
Bayou Vista, LA
Parcel Id# 2984321196.00 Lot 10-A Clarke Bayou Vista Subd per Plat 29Z 217557 being Lot 10 Clarke Bayou Subd. Acq. 375 330977
PURPOSE: rezone from Existing Neighborhood (EN3) Zoned District to General Commercial (GC) Zoned District to operate a kennel service
Adv. Sept. 24, 2025

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Morgan City police radio logs for Sept. 22-23

Tue, 09/23/2025 - 3:31pm

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.
Monday, Sept. 22
6:34 a.m. 400 block of Levee Road; Complaint.
7:23 a.m. 7500 block of La. 182; Complaint.
8:16 a.m. 7200 block of La. 182; Complaint.
8:23 a.m. 800 block of Youngs Road; Complaint.
9:22 a.m. 400 block of Laurel Street; Trespassing.
11:42 a.m. La. 70/U.S. 90; Stalled vehicle.
12:08 p.m. 300 block of Oriole Street; Medical.
12:42 p.m. 900 block of Marguerite Street; Disturbance.
12:57 p.m. 2100 block of Cedar Street; Juvenile complaint.
2:10 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Complaint.
2:29 p.m. 1200 block of Onstead Street; Animal complaint.
3:09 p.m. 100 block of Wren Street; Medical.
3:57 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Complaint.
4:45 p.m. 6400 block of La. 182; Animal complaint.
5:09 p.m. 100 block of Glenwood Street; Medical.
6:45 p.m. 3000 block of Helen Drive; Medical.
7:07 p.m. 200 block of Bowman Street; Patrol request.
7:16 p.m. 400 block of Everett Street; Disturbance.
7:21 p.m. 100 block of Youngswood Road; Patrol request.
7:22 p.m. 100 block of Headland Street; Animal complaint.
7:32 p.m. Onstead/Sixth streets; Stalled vehicle.
8:04 p.m. 300 block of Aycock Street; Alarm.
8:24 p.m. 1000 block of Eighth Street; Stalled vehicle.
8:45 p.m. 1600 block of Front Street; Telephone harassment.
10:02 p.m. La. 70; Reckless driver.
10:06 p.m. 1900 block of McDermott Drive; Medical.
10:23 p.m. 7900 block of La. 182; Suspicious subject.
Tuesday, Sept. 23
12:06 a.m. 300 block of Franklin Street; Disturbance.

Early voting begins Saturday for school pay tax renewal

Tue, 09/23/2025 - 2:02pm
Staff Report

Early voting for the Oct. 11 election opens Saturday with a School Board sales tax renewal on the ballot.

Early voting will run Saturday through Oct. 4, excluding Sunday. The hours are 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Registered voters can cast early ballots either at the St. Mary Parish Courthouse in Franklin or at the
Registrar of Voters Office, 301 Third St., Morgan City.

On Oct. 11, voting will be 7 a.m.-8 p.m. at individual precinct locations.

The parishwide proposition renews for five years a 0.45% sales tax dedicated to teacher and staff salaries. The renewal would be for five years. The tax is expected to raise $5.1 million a year.

Before it first passed on March 20, 2021, the tax was more controversial than the 62%-38% approval margin might suggest.

The board first proposed a 0.5% sales tax for staff pay and a technology fund.

Local officials criticized the proposal for its economic impact. Then-state Sen. Bret Allain, a member of the State Bond Commission, objected to the technology fund dedication and threatened to support moving the proposition from an off-cycle municipal election date to a November election date, when passage was considered to be more difficult.

The board came back with a proposal for a 0.45% tax with no technology fund dedication.

The proposition passed in an election with a 15% turnout.

In 2021, the tax was expected to raise $3.9 million a year.

School officials said the resulting $3,000 raise for certified employees and the $1,500 raise for other staff members were needed to attract and maintain quality employees, especially after Lafourche Parish passed a teacher pay tax of its own.

At the Sept. 11, 2025, School Board meeting, Superintendent Dr. Buffy Fegenbush said the tax revenue has affected an average of 1,200 employees a year since collections began in 2021.

“These funds help the school system maintain competitive compensation and provide stability in classrooms and services,” Fegenbush said.

As of Sept. 1, St. Mary had 30,425 registered voters. The Republican and Democratic parties each claim about 35% of the parish’s voters, and the rest belong to no party.

Here’s the full text of the proposition:

Shall the Parish School Board of the Parish of St. Mary, State of Louisiana (the "School Board"), be authorized to continue to levy and collect a sales and use tax of 0.45% (the "Tax"), for a period of 5 years, beginning July 1, 2026, in accordance with Louisiana law (an estimated $5,100,000 reasonably expected at this time to be collected from the levy of the Tax for an entire year), with the proceeds of the Tax (after paying the reasonable and necessary expenses of collecting and administering the Tax) to be dedicated and used to supplement salaries and benefits paid by the School Board for teachers and other personnel employed by the School Board?

Puttin' on the Pink returns

Tue, 09/23/2025 - 10:15am

Review file photo
Puttin' on the Pink, the annual 5K and two-mile walk fundraiser, returns at 4 p.m. Oct. 4 to Patterson's Morey Park. The event, a project of the Roots & Ribbons Foundation, promotes breast cancer awareness and supports breast cancer survivors. The foundation is dedicated to using local resources for local breast cancer patients. In 2024, when this photo was taken, Puttin' on the Pink drew 350 participants.

Pages

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Phone: 337-828-3706
Fax: 337-828-2874

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Phone: 985-384-8370
Fax: 985-384-4255

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