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Nicholls Bridge program gets new home

Thu, 09/18/2025 - 8:55am

Nicholls State University hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to unveil the renovated spaces for its Bridge to Independence program. This project was completed thanks to Colleen Hunter and Jeannette Guillory Thomason, who each donated $500,000 to the Nicholls Foundation to support the program. Both women made these contributions in honor of their late husbands.
The renovated spaces included the Bridge to Independence Academic Center and the Independent Learning Lab facilities, where degree program and certificate candidates spend a majority of their time learning, collaborating and completing coursework.
The Bridge to Independence H. Allen Thomason Independent Learning Lab is in honor of Jeanette’s late husband Hebert “Allen” Thomason. The lab is connected to a classroom and comes equipped with a full kitchen, washer, dryer and more for students to practice and learn independent living and job readiness skills.
“When I learned about the Bridge to Independence program at Nicholls State University, I knew I wanted to support it. It is so wonderful to have a program that teaches certificate students the life skills they need to help them be productive members of society,” said Thomason.
The Bridge to Independence degree program, now known as the Bridge to Independence William Dewitt Hunter Academic Excellence Program, is in honor of Colleen’s late husband William “Bill” Dewitt Hunter. Hunter’s son is a two-time graduate of Nicholls in Interdisciplinary Studies and Geomatics with the support of Bridge to Independence. “The Bridge to Independence program holds such a special place for our family. William’s time here has helped him grow and prosper into adulthood. We are so happy to help grow the program so near and dear to us,” said Hunter.
Dr. Mary Breaud, associate professor of education and a Bridge to Independence co-founder, said, “Our goal is for our students to be as successful as they possibly can be, and we provide the support for them. We are so fortunate for the donations from the Hunter and Thomason families that have helped us provide this wonderful learning atmosphere, space and resources for our students.”
Students with intellectual disabilities or autism spectrum disorder have the opportunity to enjoy the full college experience while gaining the leadership and social skills needed for future employment and independent living through the Nicholls Bridge to Independence program, the first dual-track program of its kind in Louisiana certified by the U.S. Department of Education.
Bridge to Independence provides the support services needed for eligible students to attend regular Nicholls classes, participate in campus events and activities and join campus organizations. The program offers two pathways, a certificate pathway for independent living and workforce skills and a support pathway for students accepted to the university working on a traditional college degree. Along the way, peer mentors trained in Nicholls College of Education and Behavioral Sciences will assist Bridge students with their coursework and socialization.
The Nicholls Foundation, an independent 501(c)3 corporation, exists to support the mission of Nicholls State University by seeking gifts and grants and by managing those funds and other assets to support Nicholls through endowed chairs, professorships, scholarships and other enhancement efforts. To learn more about donating to Nicholls, visit nichollsfoundation.org.

Barton Wax joins Terrebonne General staff

Thu, 09/18/2025 - 8:53am

Terrebonne General Health System announced that Dr. Barton Wax, board-certified orthopedic hand surgeon, is now part of Terrebonne General and Gulf Coast Orthopaedics. He will join the orthopedic group specializing in hand surgery, where he will treat various conditions affecting the hand, wrist and elbow.
Wax received his Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, Human Movement Science, Summa Cum Laude from LSU in Baton Rouge.
He received his Doctor of Medicine and then completed his orthopedic surgery residency at LSU Health Science Center in New Orleans.
He then completed his hand fellowship at the University of Miami, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, affiliated with Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami.
He is board-certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery for general orthopedic surgery and sub-specialty in hand surgery. He is a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the Louisiana Orthopedic Association and the American Society for Surgery of the Hand.
To schedule an appointment, call 985-868-1540 or visit tghealthsystem.com.

Learn about youth programs from Delta Sigma Theta

Thu, 09/18/2025 - 8:52am

The Franklin-Jeanerette Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta invites high school students and their parents to an introduction to youth initiative programs for those 14-18 at 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28, at Good Hope Baptist Church, 908 Washington St., Patterson.
This program offers a wide variety of services that would help to enhance child social growth and skills. In addition, the chapter engages in leadership roles, a voter registration drive, a community clean-up and a higher education program for career opportunities.
Please sign up by texting or calling Phyllis Glover, 985-255-9315, or Mary Grimm Howard, 985-312-2528, so the chapter can plan for materials accordingly.

Landry would welcome Guard troops in New Orleans

Thu, 09/18/2025 - 8:51am

NOLAN McKENDRY, The Center Square

Gov. Jeff Landry on Monday praised President Donald Trump’s plan to deploy National Guard troops to crime-plagued cities, including New Orleans, saying Louisiana is prepared to welcome federal resources to combat violent crime.
“Let’s talk about times under which the National Guard did things like that,” Landry said, recalling the city’s response to the New Year’s Day mass casualty on Bourbon Street. “I said, how many soldiers can you give me? We had to secure the largest crime scene the city of New Orleans ever had. And what the National Guard does is it gives you a force multiply – people who are highly trained and highly disciplined.
“Our cities already war zones. Too many people already die. We leaned in on that way before, in anticipation, in hoping that President Trump would be and did get elected. Why? Because he supports law enforcement.”
The governor said the state is ready to partner with federal authorities across Louisiana, pointing to recent “violent crime crackdown” operations in Baton Rouge and plans to extend similar efforts to Alexandria and Shreveport.
“We’re going to do whatever we need to to stem the violence and to get our cities and our streets under control,” Landry said. “Why? Because you can’t have economic opportunity in the face of violence.”
He added that making neighborhoods safe is essential to attracting corporate investment.
“I can tell you what Mark Zuckerberg and corporate America is not interested in going to places that are dangerous,” Landry said. “When I want them to look at Louisiana, I want them to see safety.”
Landry also highlighted what he called the link between homelessness and crime.
“The homeless population is something else we’ve got to deal with that only allows criminal elements to hide inside of that same homeless population,” he said, adding that federal assistance could help move people off the streets and reduce lawlessness.
The governor said public opinion is on his side.
“I don’t get pushback from citizens who want safety,” he said. “I get pushback from people who live in houses that have alarms and big fences and probably safe neighborhoods. I don’t get pushback from people who live in dangerous neighborhoods.”

Construction is bright spot for La. economy

Thu, 09/18/2025 - 8:49am

NOLAN McKENDRY, The Center Square

The U.S. construction industry lost some 7,000 jobs in August, marking the third straight month of employment losses, according to an analysis by Associated Builders and Contractors of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Construction is Louisiana’s seventh largest employer, according to data from the bureau. With roughly 139,000 employed, construction constitutes about 7% of the state’s workforce.
Fortunately for Louisiana, the contractor association data showed that heavy and civil engineering construction – such as port improvements and energy infrastructure – was one of the few bright spots in August, growing 2,300 jobs since July and up 2% since last year. Energy infrastructure and port improvements are among the key industries being target by Louisiana Economic Development.
The industry is still up 58,000 jobs from 2024 – a 0.7% gain – but momentum has slowed. Nonresidential construction employment fell by 1,200 positions in August, with losses concentrated in nonresidential building (3,300 jobs) and nonresidential specialty trade contractors (200 jobs). Heavy and civil engineering was the only nonresidential segment to grow, adding 2,300 jobs.
Residential construction also slipped, losing 6,100 jobs nationwide (minus-0.8%) in August, including 900 in residential building and 5,200 among residential specialty trade contractors.
Iron and steel prices are up almost 10% since last year.

Jeremy Alford and David Jacobs: Senate race defined by what we don't know

Thu, 09/18/2025 - 8:48am

JEREMY ALFORD AND DAVID JACOBS

By JEREMY ALFORD and DAVID JACOBS
Whatever you may think about the substance of the issue, U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy made a risky political bet on Feb. 13, 2021, when he voted to convict Donald Trump in his second impeachment trial.
After the violence that unfolded on Jan. 6 of that year, and the release of a recording of Trump trying to pressure Georgia officials to change vote totals in his favor, perhaps Cassidy was willing to gamble that Trump’s political career was over.
Whatever the reasons, that wager certainly didn’t pan out.
Trump is very much still around — and as we look ahead to April’s Republican primary, all eyes and ears are on the president. There are also lingering questions about the rest of the GOP field, what Democrats will do and how voters will respond to the new closed primary system.
Is Cassidy toast?
Writing off an incumbent U.S. senator with an effectively bottomless war chest would be reckless. He has a lot of support in his home base of Baton Rouge and from chamber of commerce types.
But rival politicos say their polling puts him underwater among Republicans.
Even one poll that Team Cassidy released back in May when State Treasurer John Fleming was the only major declared opponent had Cassidy below 50%, which is not encouraging for an incumbent.
Cassidy endorsed Jeff Landry’s bid for governor, but rather than reciprocating, Landry has urged Congresswoman Julia Letlow to enter the fray.
This week, Landry and Cassidy got into a public spat over COVID vaccines.
Still, Cassidy will point to a track record of delivering results for the folks back home.
And setting aside that one, glaring exception, he has been a loyal foot soldier for Trump’s agenda and worked hard to highlight that fact.
“I still think Cassidy has a good shot,” said Pearson Cross, who teaches and writes about politics and directs the School of Behavioral and Social Sciences at UL-Monroe.
If Cassidy makes the party runoff (no sure thing), whoever he faces will have to raise a lot of money to compete, Cross said.
“I would think that if you can’t raise $4 million-$5 million, you can’t really be a legitimate candidate,” he said.
What will Trump do?
Trump has endorsed at least 16 Republicans who are running for Senate next year, including 14 incumbents. U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, who has clashed with Trump, is on the list, but you-know-who is not.
Obviously, a Trump endorsement would dramatically alter the dynamics of the race.
The recent conventional wisdom is that he will stay out of it, at least in the near term, and maybe altogether, though high-ranking Senate Republicans reportedly have urged the president to back Cassidy.
“Of course I prefer his endorsement, but if it’s not an endorsement, neutral is probably the next best thing,” Cassidy told Politico.
Trump could probably bury Cassidy for good with Republicans if he wanted to, but making an enemy of a sitting senator who has backed him consistently would be risky. Stringing Cassidy along is likely the safer play.
While Trump could be a “kingmaker” in the race, Cross expects him to keep his powder dry for now.
“I would be surprised if he picked somebody in the first round,” he said. “I think it’s more likely that he would jump in and make a pick after the primary.”
What’s Letlow thinking?
Some Republican insiders think the congresswoman would be the favorite if she got in.
While her voting record and support for Trump put her right in line with most Louisiana Republicans, her calm, personable demeanor could appeal to voters and donors wary of a fire-breathing MAGA disciple, some say.
But there’s also some frustration with the way Letlow seems to be leaning toward a run without actually making it official.
Does she really want to do this?
And does she have it in her to go hard after Cassidy, as the other declared candidates already are?
To be fair, Letlow has a safe seat (at least under the current map), and she sits on the powerful Appropriations Committee, so she has far more to lose than anyone else currently in the mix.
“Maybe Letlow is saying, 'Llook, if y’all want me to run, I need Donald Trump’s endorsement,'” said Bob Mann, an author, political scholar and former staffer for top Louisiana Democrats.
“'I’m not doing it unless I’ve got Trump behind me 100 percent.'”
But as noted above, if she’s waiting for a nod from Trump, she could miss her opportunity.
Letlow could be Cassidy’s “worst nightmare” because of her gender, said pollster Bernie Pinsonat, who believes Cassidy has no shot with the “far-right MAGAs.”
Among Republican-leaning voters, Trump is weakest with women, so Cassidy will have to dominate the white female demographic to have a chance, he said.
What will the GOP field look like?
Along with Treasurer Fleming, the high-profile candidates are Public Service Commissioner Eric Skrmetta and Sen. Blake Miguez.
House Ways and Means Chair Julie Emerson is gearing up to run if Letlow doesn’t jump in before next month, so we’ll likely have at least one woman in the field.
Among the outsiders, Sammy Wyatt, chief compliance and risk management officer for LSU Health Shreveport, has made the most noise, though he only reported a little more than $22,000 on hand at the end of the last fundraising quarter.
Fleming reported about $2.1 million on hand, compared to $1.7 million for Miguez, with both putting up significant personal investments. Skrmetta, the most recent entrant, has not yet filed a federal campaign report.
Of course, no one is officially in the race until they qualify in January.
What about the Democrats?
Former Gov. John Bel Edwards is the only Democrat who scares anyone on the Republican side, but he is unlikely to run and would be an underdog if he did.
Sen. Jay Luneau has at least looked at the race, but no high-profile Democrats have jumped in yet.
How will the new primary
system affect the race?
Cassidy, as a Republican who is palatable to moderates, is well-suited for the open, nonpartisan primary.
But under the new system Louisiana adopted for congressional races, he will have to survive at least one, and possibly two, party primaries.
The GOP primary electorate will be much smaller and more conservative that what you would find in a jungle primary, which looks daunting for Cassidy.
And the massive cash advantage the incumbent will have might not matter as much, since the chronic voters likely to participate in a party primary can be reached with more targeted, less expensive methods than TV.
As a reminder, the party primaries will be in April, followed by party runoffs if needed in May and the general election in November.
Candidates who are not a member of either major party, and are able to complete a nominating petition before January, can skip the primaries and go right to the general.
In theory, if Cassidy really wanted to throw everyone a curve ball, he could run as an independent and avoid the MAGA primary altogether.
He recently grilled Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. over the secretary’s anti-vaccine views, while going out of his way to credit Trump for his administration’s efforts to develop the COVID vaccine.
But if getting tough on Kennedy is an effort to ingratiate himself with the administration’s critics, it doesn’t erase the fact that Cassidy cast the swing vote to advance Kennedy’s nomination in February.
“I think that strategy was viable six months ago, but I don’t think it is anymore,” Mann said.
For more Louisiana political news, visit www. LaPolitics.com or follow Alford on X @ LaPoliticsNow.

Is it safe to eat raw oysters?

Thu, 09/18/2025 - 8:44am

V. TODD MILLER, LSU AgCenter

Two people recently died in Louisiana after eating raw Gulf oysters contaminated with the flesh-eating bacteria Vibrio vulnificus. Now that we have returned to the “r” months of autumn, a period historically considered safer to consume the mollusks on the half shell, seafood lovers are rightfully on edge about enjoying what many consider a saltwater delicacy.
Evelyn Watts, a seafood extension specialist with the LSU AgCenter and Louisiana Sea Grant, has spent the better part of her adult life working with the seafood industry on the best ways to process and work through regulations about their catches. She wants to set the record straight about the safety of eating Gulf oysters throughout the year.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, vibrio is a type of bacteria that thrives in warm, brackish waters, especially between May and October. Watts said that while Louisiana is observing some above-average cases, it is important to remember that vibrio is a seasonal pathogen with most infection cases linked to wound exposure or ingestion.
On July 31, the Louisiana Department of Health reported four deaths and 17 hospitalizations from vibrio infections this year. The number of hospitalizations had risen to 22 as of the last week of August.
Watts emphasized safe handling and cooking of all Louisiana seafood. Thoroughly cooking oysters and other shellfish eliminates any vibrio risk, she said.
“The Louisiana seafood industry follows strict safety protocols, including cold-chain management and traceability systems, which includes the use of tags,” she said. “The tag color indicates if harvest refrigeration times have been followed.”
Watts said white-tagged oysters may be consumed raw while those with green tags must be sold for processing and cannot be purchased for raw consumption.
“Restaurants are required to post consumer advisories about raw shellfish risks, especially for those with liver disease or weakened immune systems,” she said. “Consumers may purchase oysters either as shellstock — live molluscan shellfish still in the shell — or shucked, where the meat has been removed from the shell.”
Watts explained that if consumers intend to purchase shellstock oysters for raw consumption, they must look for the white tag, which confirms the product has followed proper refrigeration protocols. This tag includes key information such as the harvester’s name, the dealer’s name and address, certification number, date of harvest and harvest location.
Conversely, pre-shucked oysters or half-shell oysters sold in tubs, bags or trays — whether refrigerated or frozen — are not intended for raw consumption unless the label explicitly states otherwise.
“While vibrio is more common in warmer months, it’s important to remember that it can be present year-round,” Watts said. “The good news is that by staying informed and choosing properly cooked oysters, consumers can enjoy seafood safely in any season.”
According to LSU AgCenter and Louisiana Sea Grant economist Rex Caffey, oysters are the third-most lucrative seafood commodity in the state, behind shrimp and crab. Thus, the recent uptick in illnesses could adversely affect the state’s economy if the public isn’t properly informed on how to mitigate potential infections.
“Louisiana is the national leader in oyster production and accounts for more than 75% of Gulf oyster landings,” Caffey said. “The value of Louisiana’s oyster crop has varied in recent years, with an average of $65 million annually from 2022 to 2024.”
For additional information about oysters as it relates to handling and production, Watts suggests visiting https://louisianadirectseafood.com/oyster/.

UPDATED WITH STATEMENT FROM PERFORMANCE: Danos, Performance will receive LABI awards

Wed, 09/17/2025 - 5:54pm

Garrett “Hank” Danos and Performance Contractors Inc. are among the Louisiana Business and Industry Business Excellence Award honorees for 2025, LABI said in a press release Wednesday.
Danos is the owner and chairman of Danos, a family-owned and managed energy services provided based in Gray and with a facility in Amelia. He will receive the Ed Steimel Achievement Award.
The award honors “long-standing membership and service to LABI and recognizes individuals who have committed extraordinary time and effort to improve the quality of life in Louisiana,” LABI said.
“We are incredibly proud of my father, Hank Danos, for receiving the Ed Steimel Achievement Award,” Danos CEO Paul Danos said in an email. “His leadership and dedication to Louisiana have made a lasting impact on both our business community and our state.”
Another company doing business on La. 662, Performance Contractors Inc., will receive the Workforce Innovator of the Year Award.
The award goes “to individuals or organizations that have made substantial contributions to workforce development in Louisiana. The award recognizes those who have excelled in creating, implementing, or supporting a high-caliber education or workforce development initiative aligned with closing the employment gap.”
Performance’s module assembly yards for the LNG industry are on La. 662 east of Morgan City and in Port Allen.
In a statement Wednesday, Performance said: "We are honored to be recognized by LABI as Workforce Innovator of the Year. Through our Built to Serve program, we are proud to provide career opportunities for veterans, active-duty service members, and their families — bringing their valuable skills and leadership into our industry. It has been a pleasure to bring business back to the yard in Morgan City and to give back to the local area. This recognition reflects not only our commitment to building a stronger workforce, but also the dedication of the men and women here who help strengthen both our company and community."
The winners will receive their awards at noon Nov. 18 at the Renaissance Hotel in Baton Rouge.
“Our 2025 honorees remind us that business success and community success go hand in hand,” said Will Green, LABI president and CEO. “The Louisiana Business Excellence Awards celebrate the entrepreneurs and companies driving innovation, creating jobs and shaping a stronger, more competitive Louisiana.”
Other award-winners:
•Paul Spalitta, president and owner, S&W Wholesale Foods, Businessperson of the Year.
•Melanie Clouatre, treasurer, Placid Roofing Co., Young Businessperson of the Year.
•Argent Financial Group, Large Company of the Year.
•Turn Key Solutions, Company of the Year
•Marucci Sports, Large Manufacturer of the Year.
•Manda Fine Meats, Manufacturer of the Year.
•West Baton Rouge Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development Partner of the Year.

St. Mary deputy arrested on video voyeurism charge; Patterson man accused of drug, gun violations

Wed, 09/17/2025 - 1:10pm

Staff Report

(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 St. Mary Sheriff’s Office employee, since fired, has been arrested on charges that he used home surveillance video to spy on his former girlfriend.

St. Mary

Sheriff Gary Driskell reported these arrests:

--Mihn Ngo, 33, Morgan City, was arrested by the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office at 4:14 p.m. Tuesday on a warrant alleging video voyeurism, computer tampering and stalking.

A deputy with the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office was contacted by an individual who reported a possible crime involving Ngo. The information was immediately forwarded to a supervisor, who referred the matter to the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office, where the alleged offenses occurred.

During the investigation, the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office cooperated fully with Ascension Parish investigators. At the same time, an Internal Affairs investigation was initiated by the SMPSO Office of Professional Standards.

According to the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office, on Sept. 11, an Ascension Parish resident reported that Ngo, her former boyfriend, had accessed her home surveillance cameras and watched her inside her residence. Detectives learned that Ngo had helped install the cameras while the two were dating.

A search warrant was obtained for several of Ngo’s devices, which revealed that he had accessed the cameras regularly for at least the last four months. Detectives executed an arrest warrant, and Ngo was booked into the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center on charges of stalking and video voyeurism, and was transferred to the Ascension Parish Jail.

At the time of his arrest, Ngo’s employment with the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office was terminated.

“The St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office exists to uphold the law, and no one is above the law, not even those who wear the badge,” Driskell said in a news release. “While it is never easy to arrest one of our own, it is necessary in order to maintain the trust of the citizens we serve. We will continue to hold ourselves to the highest standards of accountability and integrity."

Driskell thanked the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Morgan City Police Department for professionalism and thoroughness throughout this investigation.

--Durwyne Jirayr Canty II, 23, Morgan City, was arrested at 10:55 p.m. Monday on a warrant alleging failure to appear on charges of possession of promethazine and resisting an officer (false information). Bail has not been set at this time.

--Sheneka Marie Johnlouis, 39, Berwick, was arrested at 10:31 p.m. Monday on a warrant alleging failure to appear for the charge of theft of goods. Johnlouis was released on a $5,000 bond.

--Natoya Cheryll Singleton, 34, Morgan City, was arrested at 12:40 a.m. Tuesday on charges of obstruction of justice (tampering), interference with a law enforcement investigation, driving on a roadway laned for traffic and driving under suspension.

Bail has not been set at this time.

--Jose Alejandro, 22, was arrested at 3:34 p.m. Monday on a warrant alleging principal to theft or criminal access of an ATM machine and principal to simple burglary. Bail has not been set at this time.

--Yanier Veloz, 25, was arrested at 3:38 p.m. Monday on a warrant alleging principal to theft or criminal access of an ATM machine and principal to simple burglary. Bail has not been set at this time.

--Omar Alonso Rivera Chavez, 34, Amelia, was arrested by the Narcotics Section at 6:47 p.m. Monday on charges of possession of Schedule II drugs and possession of alcoholic beverages in motor vehicles. Bail has not been set at this time.

--Brian Joseph Justilian, 58, Morgan City, was arrested by the Narcotics Section at 6:31 p.m. Monday on charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, and turning movements or required signals. Bail has not been set at this time.

Assumption

Sheriff Leland Falcon reported these arrests:

--Jacobi Lyndale Williams, 19, Natalie Lane, Patterson, was arrested Monday on charges of possession with intent to distribute marijuana, prohibited acts (possession of THC or CBD vapes), illegal possession of a firearm in the presence of a controlled dangerous substance, contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile, public intimidation (threats to law enforcement) and speeding 83 mph in a 70 mph zone.

--Jace Dwayne Winslow, 18, Camelia Drive, Thibodaux, was arrested Monday on charges of possession with intent to distribute marijuana, prohibited acts (possession of THC or CBD vapes), illegal possession of a firearm in the presence of a controlled dangerous substance and contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile.

The charges arose from a traffic stop Monday evening on U.S. 90.

A uniformed patrol deputy assigned to the I.C.E. detail observed a vehicle commit a traffic violation and executed a stop of that vehicle. The deputy made contact with the driver, now identified as Williams, and engaged him in an interview. The deputy was able to identify three additional occupants of the vehicle, one of whom was Winslow. The deputy noted an odor of suspected marijuana emitting from the suspect vehicle.

The deputy summoned a K-9 to the location. The K-9 conducted an open-air sniff of the suspect vehicle and alerted positive for the presence of controlled dangerous substances.

A search of the suspect vehicle resulted in the seizure of a significant amount of suspected marijuana; illegal vapes and multiple firearms.

Williams and Winslow were arrested and booked into the Assumption Parish Detention Center pending bond hearings.

Morgan City

Chief Chad M. Adams reported these arrests:

--Lawrence Garrett, 29, La. 182, Morgan City, was arrested at midnight Monday on two counts of failure to appear for arraignment (6th Ward Morgan City Court).

--Natoya Singleton, 34, Francis Street, Amelia, was arrested at 9:20 a.m. Tuesday on charges of obstruction of justice, interference with a law enforcement investigation, improper lane usage and driving under suspension.

--Chris Boudreaux, 58, Catherine Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 11:31 p.m. Tuesday on charges of possessionof methamphetamine, possession of marijuana (first offense) and possession of drug paraphernalia.

--Casey Gilley, 42, Levee Road, Morgan City, was arrested a 11:31 p.m. Tuesday on charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana (first offense) and possession of drug paraphernalia.

--Freddie Sellers, 35, Keith Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 11:31 p.m. Tuesday on charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana (first offense) and possession of drug paraphernalia

--Jimmy Businelle, 66, La. 182, Morgan City, was arrested at 1:37 a.m. Wednesday on charges of second-degree battery, disturbing the peace and resisting an officer.

--Ashley Jennies, 38, La. 182, Bayou Vista, was arrested at 9:49 a.m. Monday on three counts of failure to appear for trial (6th Ward Morgan City Court).

--Earlisa Calloway, 38, Greenwood Road, Morgan City, was arrested at 11:59 a.m. Monday on a charge of theft (under $1,000). (Released on summons.)

--Ke'Mone Darby, 17, Apple Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 6:46 p.m. Monday on a charge of failure to appear for arraignment (6th Ward Morgan City Court).

--Jordan Engleton, 40, Neptune Street, Bayou Vista, was arrested at 7:16 p.m. Monday on charges of aggravated flight from an officer, reckless operation of a motor vehicle, aggravated obstruction of a roadway, resisting an officer and driving under suspension, and as a fugitive from the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office.

--Abram Granger, 26, Fifth Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 8:35 p.m. Monday on a charge of excessive load noise. (Released on summons.)

Patterson

Chief Garrett Grogan reported these arrests:

--Jayla K. Francis, 17, Roussell Lane, Patterson, was arrested at 3:11 a.m. Tuesday on a charge of domestic abuse battery. Francis is incarcerated at the Patterson PD Jail with no bond set.

--William J. Roberson Sr., 63, Live Oak Drive, Patterson, was arrested at 9:22 p.m. Tuesday on charges of threatening a public official and resisting an officer (failure to comply). Roberson is incarcerated at the Patterson PD Jail with no bond set.

--James Jones, 40, Camille Drive, was arrested at 9:22 p.m. Tuesday on charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia, and on warrants for another jurisdiction. Jones is incarcerated at the Patterson PD Jail with
no bond set.

Franklin

Chief Cedric Handy reported these arrests:

--DaQuincy Walton, 24, Willow Street, Franklin, was arrested at 9:38 a.m. Monday on a charge of theft. Walton was booked, processed and released to appear in 3rd Ward City Court.

--Tyrelle Edwards, 26, La. 87, Franklin, was arrested at 7:39 a.m. Tuesday on a warrant dated Aug. 26 alleging illegal use of weapons or dangerous instrumentalities. Edwards was booked, processed and held on a $4,000 bond.

--Derrion McDaniel, 20, Plantation Drive, Franklin, was arrested at 5:27 p.m. Tuesday on a warrant dated Sept. 2 alleging second-degree battery. McDaniel was booked, processed and released on an $8,000 bond.

Sept. 18 St. Mary Levee District hearing

Wed, 09/17/2025 - 10:49am

Click on the link below to download a .pdf version of the agenda.