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Teacher pay sales tax up for renewal

Tue, 08/19/2025 - 9:56am

Staff Report

St. Mary voters will soon decide whether to renew a sales tax that funds teacher and staff pay.
The 0.45% sales tax will appear on the Oct. 11 ballot parishwide for a five-year renewal. Residents have until Sept. 10 to register to vote in person or Sept. 20 to register online.
Early voting will be 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Sept. 27-Oct. 4, excluding Sunday. You can vote early at the St. Mary Parish Courthouse in Franklin or the Registrar of Voters Office, 301 Third St., Morgan City.
The tax will continue to raise an estimated $5.1 million each year, all of it dedicated to salaries and benefits for teachers and other School Board employees.
The tax was a source of controversy leading up to its passage in March 2021 by a 62%-38% margin with a 15% turnout.
The board originally proposed a 0.5% tax that included dedication to a technology fund as well as the pay raises.
But, as the proposal was being developed in 2020, opposition emerged. Then-state Sen. Bret Allain, a member of the State Bond Commission, objected publicly to the technology fund dedication and said he’d push to put the tax proposition on the November 2020 ballot, when turnout was likely to be larger than a typical proposition election.
The School Board eventually eliminated the technology fund dedication and reduced the proposed tax to 0.45%.
Supporters have said the tax is needed to keep pace with similar moves by other parishes in their scramble to attract and keep teachers.

Acadian names fire liaison supervisor

Tue, 08/19/2025 - 9:54am

Acadian Ambulance announced that Robert Benoit has been named to the newly created role of fire liaison supervisor.
Benoit recently retired from the Lafayette Fire Department after 46 year. He held the role of fire chief for 32 years.
As the fire liaison supervisor, Benoit will serve as the bridge between local and state fire departments and Acadian Ambulance Service, facilitating communication and collaboration, the company said in a news release.
He will also be involved with incident communication and assisting outside agencies.
He will work closely with Acadian’s Vice President of Joint Operations Troy Guidry, who holds 44 years of service with the company. The Joint Operations role will focus on deeper collaboration with first responder agencies and to further strengthen the integration and efficiency of emergency response services.
“I am excited that we have an opportunity for Robert to share his knowledge and professionalism with our first responder partners and our medics,” Guidry said.
Benoit is a graduate of the University of Southwestern Louisiana (now University of Louisiana at Lafayette), holding a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice/law enforcement administration.
Acadian Ambulance is the largest employee-owned ambulance service in the nation, providing transportation and medical services to areas in Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, and Tennessee. It is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services, and its sister division, Acadian Air Med, is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems.
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Terrebonne General urology clinic gets new name

Tue, 08/19/2025 - 9:52am

Terrebonne General Health System announced hat Houma Surgi-Center and Urology Clinic is now operating under a new name: Terrebonne General Urology Care.
"While the clinic’s name has changed, its location, staff, and unwavering commitment to exceptional patient care remain unchanged," the hospital said.
Located at 1020 School St., Houma, Terrebonne General Urology Care continues to be led by experienced urologist Dr. Robert Alexander, Dr. Haden Lafaye, and Dr. Stephen Charbonnet.
“This change marks an exciting new chapter for our urology patients,” said Phyllis Peoples, president and CEO of Terrebonne General Health System. “ Our patients can expect the same outstanding care from the same dedicated urology team, now under a new name and backed by Terrebonne General.”
All existing appointments and services will continue without interruption, and no action is required from patients due to the name change.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit tghealthsystem.com or call 985-868-4320.

Plans for Plaquemines LNG terminal move ahead

Tue, 08/19/2025 - 9:50am

NOLAN McKENDRY, The Center Square

Gulfstream LNG is proposing a major liquefied natural gas export terminal along the Mississippi River in southeast Louisiana, with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission accepting the company’s application, advancing it into the certificate review phase that will determine whether construction can proceed.
Construction is expected to begin in mid-2027, pending regulatory approvals, with LNG production targeted for January 2030.
According to the company’s application, Gulfstream aims to source natural gas from prolific U.S. shale plays including the Permian, Haynesville, Eagle Ford, Barnett and Marcellus basins — regions estimated to contain over 500 trillion cubic feet of recoverable reserves.
The project — planned for a 418-acre site near Belle Chasse, with more than two miles of frontage on the Mississippi River — would export up to 4 million tons per year of LNG, equivalent to roughly 700 million cubic feet per day of natural gas. FERC’s acceptance marks the end of the pre-filing process and the beginning of a multi-year review.
Gulfstream LNG’s proposed terminal includes three liquefaction trains with a combined gross capacity of 4.2 MTPA, two marine loading berths (one for ocean-going LNG carriers and another for barges and smaller vessels), one LNG storage tank, and an on-site power generation facility fueled by approximately 50 million cubic feet of natural gas per day.
The facility would create approximately 600 construction jobs over three years and support 60 to 80 permanent positions once operational. Gulfstream has committed to sourcing up to 20% of its workforce locally.
While the company touts economic benefits, including tax revenue and export growth, some local residents voiced concerns during recent FERC outreach events. Questions centered on potential impacts to housing availability, traffic, and water supply in surrounding communities like those near St. Jude Road.
Tribal implications were also noted. The environmental review will assess the project’s potential effects on native American tribes, though no specific findings have been published yet.
The terminal would permanently occupy 185 acres for operational infrastructure, temporarily disturb 75 acres during construction, and designate the remaining 158 acres for parking and later restoration.
The Mississippi River at the project site exceeds 50 feet in depth, supporting deep-draft LNG carriers ranging from 145,000 to 185,000 cubic meters. The terminal anticipates around 62 vessel arrivals per year — about five per month.
Gulfstream’s lease agreement with Magnolia Terminal, LLC secures exclusive access to the site. The application includes 28 separate permit or approval requests across federal, state, and local agencies.
Gulfstream argues the project is in the public interest, citing U.S. natural gas production levels that outpace domestic demand. The U.S. Energy Information Administration projects domestic gas supply will grow twice as fast as consumption through 2050, supporting the case for increased exports.
Environmental arguments in favor of the project note that foreign use of LNG might displace dirtier fuels like coal and diesel, potentially reducing global greenhouse gas and particulate emissions. Gulfstream also emphasizes national security benefits tied to international trade and energy diplomacy.

Parishes ponder uses for opioid settlement funds

Tue, 08/19/2025 - 9:47am

NOLAN McKENDRY, The Center Square

Louisiana’s parishes are flush with opioid-settlement cash, but a lot of questions remain about how those funds are being used and how they should be used.
One answer is apparently to invest the funds using Louisiana’s state-affiliated asset management pool.
“This investment pool was created as a voluntary option for parishes to use. They can put the settlement funds in the fund, to earn more interest and disperse more for the parishes,” Theo Sanders, the asset pools executive officer, told The Center Square.
While no funds have yet to be invested, Louisiana’s Opioid Abatement Task Force is will allow parishes to invest their funds if they wish.
The pool manages assets exclusively from public entities like school boards and commissions, using taxpayer dollars. The current rate of return for the pool as a whole is 4.37%, according to Sanders.
The pool is over $5 billion dollars in the black, according to a June report from the state auditor. The fund, which holds the highest possible credit ratings, offers an online portal with unlimited accounts and manages about $6.5 billion for 931 participants, including numerous school boards and universities.
It is essentially a cooperative investment fund for local governments. Created in 1993, it lets parishes, municipalities, school boards and other public bodies pool their extra cash and invest it together – giving them access to safer investments than they might on their own.
The fund’s main goals are to protect the principal, allow participants to withdraw their money any day without penalty, and earn a competitive return. To do that, LAMP sticks to high-quality, short-term investments like U.S. government securities and top-rated money market funds. LAMP holds the highest possible credit rating from Standard & Poor’s.
As of July, the state has received $173 million in settlement funding from various pharmaceutical companies, with the state expected to secure even more. The agreement set up by the state requires that 20% of all funds go to sheriff’s departments and the rest are allocated to parishes and municipalities.
Local governments are still uncertain about specific strategies for managing the opioid crisis beyond just securing money from pharmaceutical companies.
Monique Boulet, Lafayette mayor president, questioned whether there has been any real analysis of the opioid crisis and the impact of settlement funds.
“Has it been corrected? I don’t think it has,” Boulet said, adding that she wants to understand what’s happening “on the ground from an opioid perspective,” and that there’s still “no quantitative understanding” of the situation.
“We’re still uninformed,” Boulet continued, adding that while there are attempts to address the problem, she doesn’t know “the scope of the problem” or whether the settlements are truly being used to fix the crisis.
“My goal is that we actually have a real impact,” Boulet told The Center Square in an interview, adding that how to achieve that real impact was still uncertain. “That’s what I’m trying to figure out.”
“There’s different ways to look at this,” Boulet said. “When you arrest somebody with a drug problem, jail is not really the best place. It’s not equipped to handle it, and the person isn’t going to get what they need to stabilize. We had such a severe reaction as a country to this opioid crisis that all these companies ended up settling and putting money up. The challenge now is how to actually fix it – how to use that money in the most productive way. And I don’t know that it’s enough to cure the whole problem by any means, because it’s so multifaceted.”
Task force members offered some comfort, saying that half of the money has been used directly for treatment. The rest remains unspent or has gone toward administrative costs and strategizing.
The St. Mary Parish government received payments of $400,000 in 2023 and 2024. A significant portion of the money may go to meet the parish's obligations toward the new Acadiana Criminalistics Laboratory after finance discussions Aug. 13.

Jim Bradshaw: A tariff brought Teddy Roosevelt to Franklin

Tue, 08/19/2025 - 9:40am

JIM BRADSHAW

Seventy-five sugar mills operating in Louisiana in 1800 produced 5 million pounds of sugar that sold for 8 cents a pound, netting about $400,000 to the planters.
That was a lot of money in those days, and the sugar industry was just getting started. The crop became so important that the government decided to protect it with a tariff that has remained in effect in one form or another ever since, although not without some challenges.
It became a big issue during the 1914 congressional election because President Woodrow Wilson wanted to change it.
Former President Theodore Roosevelt wanted it left alone and came to Louisiana to defend it.
Roosevelt was out of office at the time, but not without influence.
He became the youngest U.S. president in history when he assumed office in 1901 at the age of 42 after the assassination of William McKinley. (John Kennedy, who took office at 43, was the youngest to be elected directly to the office.)
Roosevelt was re-elected in 1904 and picked William Howard Taft as his successor in 1908. Taft won that election and appeared to have easy sailing for a second term in 1912 — until Roosevelt caused a national uproar by challenging him for the Republican nomination. Trying for a third term went against the then-unwritten rule that presidents could serve only two terms. (It did not become law until the 22nd Amendment was ratified in 1951.)
When he didn’t get the Republican nomination, Roosevelt formed the Progressive Party, which became popularly known as the Bull Moose Party after Roosevelt was shot Oct. 14, 1912, while he was campaigning in Milwaukee.
Not only did he survive, but he went on to deliver a speech with the bullet still lodged in his chest. After showing his bloodied shirt to his followers, he said it took “more than that to kill a bull moose.” Thus, a nickname was born for him and his party.
The Bull Moose finished second in the 1912 election, taking important votes from Taft, who got only 23% of the vote. Wilson won with 42 percent.
Roosevelt was not on the ballot in 1914, when only congressional seats were decided, but he campaigned across the U.S. to promote his party’s candidates. He came to Louisiana to woo sugar planters who were upset that Wilson would even think about removing a tariff that they needed to complete with sugar from Cuba and Hawaii.
Roosevelt arrived in New Orleans on Sept. 7 and boarded a train for Franklin that evening. Cathi B. Gibbens wrote about that trip in the quarterly Attakapas Gazette: “September 8 dawned hot and dry. Roosevelt had traveled overnight from New Orleans. Arriving in Franklin at 7:45 a.m., he went immediately to the courthouse and . . . addressed a crowd estimated at 3,000. Promptly at 8:30 the Roosevelt entourage entered automobiles for the trip to Jeanerette and New Iberia. The dignitaries were escorted out of Franklin by 75 automobiles and a delegation of 800 people.”
According to newspaper accounts, Roosevelt was met outside New Iberia by several hundred people on horseback who invited him to ride into town with them. Roosevelt, who had gained fame as colonel of the so-called Rough Riders — the 1st United States Volunteer Cavalry — during the Spanish American War, promptly accepted.
According to the New Iberia Enterprise, he rode into town on an “iron gray pacer” and was greeted by a brass band and several young ladies on saddle horses. The town was decked with flags and banners, and a speaker’s stand was put up in front of the courthouse. “Main Street was a mass of humanity. In fact, it was one of the largest crowds that has visited this city for a number of years,” the Enterprise said. The New Orleans Picayune correspondent estimated the crowd at between nine thousand and ten thousand people.
Roosevelt’s visit paid off in the November election. Progressive Whitmell Martin, a lawyer from Napoleonville, beat Democrat Henry L. Gueydan in the 3rd Congressional District. He was one of only three Progressives elected to Congress that year.
That wasn’t enough to completely block the tariff reforms, but protectionists in the Senate added more than 600 amendments to Wilson’s version of a “big, beautiful bill” that reduced or removed most of them. The sugar tariff remained mostly untouched.
Ironically, Roosevelt may have had more impact on Louisiana sugar as a cavalry leader than as a politician. At the end of the Spanish American War, which he helped win, the United States ended up with Puerto Rico, the Philippines and some other places where a lot of sugar was grown. Reducing the sugar tariff for these places had a direct, detrimental impact on Louisiana growers.
You can contact Jim Bradshaw at jimbradshaw4321@gmail.com or P.O. Box 1121, Washington LA 70589.

Aug. 20 Cajun Coast Tourism business meeting agenda

Mon, 08/18/2025 - 7:06pm

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

St. Mary agencies report 10 drug arrests

Mon, 08/18/2025 - 1:47pm

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 summertime upturn in drug-related cases continued in the last week, when local agencies reported 10 arrests on drug charges.

Morgan City

Chief Chad M. Adams reported these arrests:

--Tammy Marks, 56, Universe Street, Bayou Vista, was arrested at 11:35 p.m. Friday on charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and failure to yield.

--Daniel Buck, 23, Mendoza Drive, Franklin, was arrested at 9:51 p.m. Thursday on charges of possession of marijuana (first offense), obstruction of justice, possession of drug paraphernalia and improper lighting.

--Erica Darby, 38, Cherbourg Street, New Orleans, was arrested at 7:50 p.m. Aug. 13 on a charge of possession of marijuana (first offense). (Released on summons.)

--Brennan Skinner, 33, Grace Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 11:57 p.m. Aug. 13 on charges of possession of marijuana (first offense), driving under suspension and lights required. (Released on summons.)

--John Demarco, 35, Frontage Road, Centerville, was arrested at 10:12 a.m. Friday on three counts of failure to appear for trial (6th Ward Morgan City Court) and as a fugitive from the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office.

--Dearius Kenner, 37, Terrebonne Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 5:33 p.m. Friday on charges of remaining where forbidden and failure to appear for trial and as a fugitive from the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office.

--Calderon Cerritos, 39, W Syls Lane, Amelia, was arrested at 9:01 p.m. Friday on charges of no child restraint, no driver’s license and signals required.

--Dane Farrington, 42, Keith Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 12:01 a.m. Saturday on a charge of violation of protective order.

--Sharina Dixon, 20, Bowman Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 2:24 a.m. Saturday on charges of criminal damage to property and domestic abuse (child endangerment law).

--Megan Daigle, 34, Park Road, Morgan City, was arrested at 9:29 p.m. Saturday on charges of disturbing the peace and remaining where forbidden.

--Mandy Dixon, 37, Bowman Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 10:04 p.m. Saturday on a charge of domestic abuse (endangerment law).

--Eddie Mayfield, 40, Fifth Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 3:35 p.m. Sunday on charges of disturbing the peace, remaining where forbidden and failure to appear for arraignment (6th Ward Morgan City Court).

--Georgianna Sweetser, 57, Ditch Avenue, Morgan City, was arrested at 5:54 p.m. Sunday on a charge of remaining where forbidden and three counts of failure to appear to pay fine (6th Ward Morgan City Court).

--Adam Roy, 39, Arcement Lane, Morgan City, was arrested at 8:39 a.m. Thursday on two counts of failure to appear to pay fine (6th Ward Morgan City Court).

--Darryl Crockett, 43, Manchester Manor, Thibodaux, was arrested at 12:40 a.m. Friday on a charge of failure to appear to pay fine (6th Ward Morgan City Court).

--Joey Francois, 44, Aucoin Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 2:47 a.m. Friday on charges of switched license plate and driving under suspension, and as a fugitive from the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office.

--Brandon Stratton, 25, Second Street, Berwick, was arrested at 5:22 a.m. Friday on charges of driving while intoxicated (first offense), first-degree negligent injuring and reckless operation of a motor vehicle.

--Jerald Stansbury, 48, Walter Street, New Iberia, was arrested at 3:15 p.m. Aug. 13 on a charge of remaining where forbidden.

--Mason Oliver, 25, Sun Road, Morgan City, was arrested at 9:38 p.m. Aug. 13 on a charge of failure to appear for arraignment (6th Ward Morgan City Court).

--Phillip Aucoin, 54, Gezzatta Street, Berwick, was arrested at 10:31 p.m. Aug. 13 on two counts of failure to appear to pay fine (6th Ward Morgan City Court).

St. Mary

Sheriff Gary Driskell reported these arrests:

--Jamie Truman Scarbrough Jr., 36, Morgan City, was arrested at 1:15 p.m. Saturday on charges of possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. Bail was set at $1,500.

--Erica Natasha Darby, 38, New Orleans, was arrested at 1:19 p.m. Saturday on charges of possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of methamphetamine, introduction of contraband into a penal institution, possession with intent to distribute marijuana and possession of Schedule II drugs.

Bail was set at $41,500.

--Troy Rosson, 45, Franklin, was arrested by the Narcotics Section at 5:48 a.m. Monday on charges of possession of methamphetamine; possession of marijuana; possession of drug paraphernalia; operating a vehicle with an expired license plate; operating a vehicle while license is suspended, revoked or canceled; and improper lane usage.

Bail has not been set at this time.

--Kathleen Elizabeth Heard, 32, Pierre Part, was arrested at 12:05 p.m. Friday on a warrant alleging failure to appear on charges of improper driving left of center and failing to honor a written promise to appear. Heard was released on a $350 bond.

--Wilmer Sadi Reyes Cacres, 24, Amelia, was arrested at 2:28 a.m. Saturday on charges of driving while intoxicated, no driver’s license, improper lane usage, no insurance and expired license plate.

Bail was set at $10,250.

--Devin Russell Benoit, 28, Thibodaux, was arrested at 7:49 a.m. Sunday on a warrant alleging failure to appear on charges of hunting or possession ducks other than teal and intentional littering.

Benoit was released on a $500 bond.

--Markam Anthony Derouen Jr., 44, Morgan City, was arrested at 11:19 p.m. Thursday for violation of protective orders. Bail was set at $10,000.

--Cherie Denise Aucoin, 53, Orlando, Florida, was arrested at 2:02 p.m. Thursday on a warrant alleging failure to appear for battery of a dating partner. Bail has not been set at this time.

--Michael Shane Leleaux, 49, Bridge City, Texas, was arrested at 10:02 a.m. Aug. 13 on a charge of speeding. Leleaux was released on a $250 bond.

--Mary Augustine Jordan, 44, Franklin, was arrested at 1:36 p.m. Aug. 13 on a warrant alleging failure to appear on charges of operating a vehicle while license is suspended, revoked, or canceled and operating a vehicle with an unlit plate. Jordan
was released on bond.

--Cory James Leblanc, 44, Bayou Vista, was arrested at 7:17 p.m. Thursday on a charge of violation of protective orders. Bail was set at $2,500.

Berwick

Chief David S. Leonard Sr. reported these arrests:

--Djimon Phillons, 27, Patterson, was arrested at 1:04 a.m. Saturday on charges of possession marijuana (under 14 grams) and possession of drug paraphernalia. (Released on summons.)

--Monique Elliot, 40, Berwick, was arrested at 9 a.m. Thursday on charges of prohibited acts (Schedule II methamphetamine), possession of drug paraphernalia and violation of a drug—free zone.

--Danayre Smith, 30, Morgan City, was arrested at 11:32 a.m. Thursday on two warrants alleging failure to appear (16th Judicial District Court).

--John Demarco, 35, Centerville, was arrested at 4:22 p.m. Thursday on a 16th Judicial District Court warrant alleging simple battery and a charge of failure to appear from 6th Ward Morgan City Court.

--John Cain, 41, Berwick, was arrested at 9:52 p.m. Friday on Berwick warrants alleging criminal trespass and simple criminal damage to property.

--Ricky Dupree, 46, Berwick was arrested at 5:01 p.m. Saturday on a charge of disturbing the peace.

--Laura Dean, 42, Berwick, was arrested at 5:01 p.m. Saturday on a charge of disturbing the peace.

--Mattie Landry, 54, Morgan City, was arrested at 2:04 a.m. Sunday on charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated, general speed law and improper lane usage.

--Terrance Venson, 31, Friday, was arrested Sunday on a charge of domestic abuse battery.

Patterson

Chief Garrett Grogan reported these arrests:

--Victoria A. Alpha, 38, Ellis Road, Deridder, was arrested at 7:11 a.m. Aug. 13 on charges of speeding over 25 mph, expired license plate and careless operation. Alpha was incarcerated at the Patterson PD Jail with bond set at $1,199.

--Roderick A.M. Hunter, 34, Sun Road, Bayou Vista, was arrested at 1:11 a.m. Thursday on a charge of possession of marijuana less than 14 grams. Hunter was released on a summons.

--Adam W. Roy, 39, Arcemont Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 1:21 a.m. Thursday on a warrant for another jurisdiction. Roy was released to the Morgan City Police Department.

--Cheryl L. Hilliard, 41, Laura Drive, Patterson, was arrested at 1:10 a.m. Friday on charges of driving while intoxicated (first offense) , no taillights and no insurance. Hilliard was incarcerated at the Patterson PD Jail with no bond set.

--Latisha D. Randle, 47, Canal Drive, Franklin was arrested at 2:14 a.m. Friday on a charge of driving while intoxicated (first offense). Randle was incarcerated at the Patterson PD Jail with no bond set.

Franklin

Chief Cedric Handy reported this arrest:

--Joseph Lewis, 35, Cedar Streett, Franklin, was arrested at 5:08 p.m. Thursday on charges of theft and resisting an officer. Lewis was additionally arrested on a warrant for Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office alleging failure to appear on a charge of burglary. Lewis was booked, processed, and released to appear in 3rd Ward City Court.

Morgan City police radio logs for Aug. 15-18

Mon, 08/18/2025 - 11:28am

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.
Friday, Aug. 15
7:37 a.m. Federal Avenue/Ash Street; Crash.
8:49 a.m. 900 block of Spruce Street; Alarm.
9:06 a.m. 700 block of Belanger Street; Medical.
10:25 a.m. La. 70; Traffic incident.
11:22 a.m. 500 block of Second Street; Suspicious vehicle.
11:46 a.m. Justa/Allison streets; Traffic incident.
12:48 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Alarm.
12:51 p.m. U.S. 90 East/Bridge; Stalled vehicle.
1:18 p.m. 2400 block of Tiger Drive; Arrest.
4:38 p.m. 600 block of Terrebonne Street; Medical.
4:43 p.m. 500 block of Roderick Street; Animal complaint.
4:57 p.m. 600 block of Terrebonne Street; Arrest.
6:27 p.m. 2300 block of La. 70; Complaint.
6:28 p.m. 1000 block of Second Street; Juvenile complaint.
7:22 p.m. 200 block of Aucoin Street; Medical.
8:41 p.m. 1400 block of Railroad Avenue; Arrest.
8:43 p.m. 600 block of Barrow Street; Juvenile complaint.
9:15 p.m. 6200 block of La. 182; Assistance.
9:41 p.m. 5000 block of Railroad Avenue; Complaint.
10:33 p.m. 3300 block of Youngs Road; 911 hang up.
11:33 p.m. 6300 block of La. 182; Arrest.
11:53 p.m. 2000 block of Keith Street; Arrest.
Saturday, Aug. 16
1:58 a.m. 500 block of Egle Street; Two arrests.
2:55 a.m. 30 block of Chennault Street; Suspicious subject.
3:43 a.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Suspicious subject.
5:07 a.m. 1000 block of Brashear Avenue; 911 hang up.
5:53 a.m. 1000 block of Brashear Avenue; Subject removal.
7:15 a.m. 900 block of Seventh Street; Criminal damage to property.
7:54 a.m. Apple Street; Animal complaint.
11:01 a.m. 700 block of Leona Street; Medical.
11:34 a.m. 6300 block of La. 182; Welfare concern.
11:58 a.m. 2600 block of Hemlock Street; Welfare concern.
1 p.m. U.S. 90 West/Cannatas Ramp; Traffic incident.
4:27 p.m. U.S. 90 West/Cannatas Ramp; Stalled vehicle.
5:17 p.m. 2300 block of La. 70; Boat accident.
5:30 p.m. 3000 block of Carrol Drive; Medical.
7:50 p.m. 1000 block of Sixth Street; Reckless operation.
8:16 p.m. 1200 block of Spruce Street; Suspicious subject.
8:16 p.m. Veterans Boulevard; Traffic incident.
8:24 p.m. 500 block of Freret Street; Loud music.
9:02 p.m. 100 block of Eleventh Street; Suspicious subject.
9:15 p.m. Railroad Avenue/Eleventh Street; Suspicious subject.
9:26 p.m. 6700 block of La. 182; Arrest.
10:25 p.m. 700 block of Onstead Street; Complaint.
Sunday, Aug. 17
1:25 a.m. Second Street; Arrest.
5:55 a.m. 1100 block of Brashear Avenue; Suspicious vehicle.
8:29 a.m. 700 block of Maine Street; Remove subjects.
8:39 a.m. 10 block of Glenwood Street; Animal complaint.
10:21 a.m. 1400 block of Lakewood Drive; Medical.
10:38 a.m. 700 block of Louisiana Street; 911 hang up.
10:45 a.m. 1200 block of Victor II Boulevard; Suspicious subject.
11:17 a.m. 600 block of Fifth Street; Patrol request.
11:46 a.m. La. 70; Assistance.
12:07 p.m. 800 block of Brashear Avenue; Assistance.
12:37 p.m. 400 block of Lawrence Street; Medical.
12:49 p.m. 1000 block of Greenwood Street; Vehicle accident.
12:55 p.m. 1100 block of Marguerite Street; Assistance.
3:18 p.m. 700 block of Everett Street; Fight.
3:56 p.m. 2600 block of Fir Drive; Alarm.
4:10 p.m. 900 block of Fig Street; Alarm.
5:47 p.m. 700 block of David Drive; Remove subjects.
7:09 p.m. 2400 block of Cypress Street; Medical.
7:50 p.m. 200 block of Federal Avenue; Disturbance.
8:47 p.m. 100 block of Poncio Street; Medical.
9:55 p.m. 900 block of Short Street; Warrant.
Monday, Aug. 18
1:37 a.m. 500 block of Leona Street; Complaint.
2:31 a.m. Second/Union streets; Suspicious subject.

Public notices for Aug. 15, 2025

Fri, 08/15/2025 - 6:00am

PUBLIC NOTICE
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP)
Walkway Renovation: Removal of Existing Wood & Installation of Trex Decking
RFP Number: CCT01
Date Issued: August 13, 2025
Proposals Due By: October 21, 2025, by 4:00 pm
Project Location: Cajun Coast Tourism, 900 Dr. MLK Blvd. Morgan City, LA 70380
——
1. Project Overview
St. Mary Parish Tourist Commission DBA Cajun Coast Tourism is seeking proposals from qualified contractors to remove the existing wood planks on an outdoor walkway and install new Trex (or equivalent composite) decking boards. The selected contractor will be responsible for all materials, labor, and equipment necessary to complete the project to code and by the specifications.
——
2. Scope of Work
The scope of this project includes, but is not limited to:
•Site inspection and confirmation of measurements.
•Safe removal and disposal of all existing wood decking materials.
•Inspection of the substructure for damage or weakness; report and propose re- pairs as necessary.
•Supply and installation of Trex composite boards or an equivalent approved brand.
•All necessary fasteners, supports, and trim pieces must be in- cluded.
•Ensure all work meets local building codes and manufacturer guidelines.
•Site cleanup and debris removal upon project completion.
•If permits are needed, contractor my provide
——
3. Specifications
•Material: Trex Enhance, Select, or equivalent composite decking (color to be specified).
•Walkway Dimensions: approx. 1604 sf and top decks 691 sf
•Fasteners: Hidden fastening system preferred (or as recommended by the manufacturer).
•Warranty: Materials must in- clude a manufacturer’s warranty; a workmanship warranty of at least 1 year is required.
——
4. Proposal Re- quirements
Proposals must include:
•Company profile, license, and insurance documentation.
•Detailed cost estimate (labor, materials, equipment, disposal, etc.).
•Proposed timeline and availability to begin work.
•Three references from recent similar projects.
•Any optional value-add services or alternative recommendations.
——
5. Evaluation Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated based on:
•Cost competitiveness
•Contractor ex- perience and qualifications
•Proposed timeline and project management ap- proach
•Quality of materials proposed
•References and past performance
——
6. Submission Instructions
Please submit your sealed bids to:
Contact Name: Christal Carter
Email: ccarter@cajuncoast.com
Phone: (985) 380-8224
Mailing Address: PO Box 2332, Morgan City, LA 70381
Physical Address: 900 DR. MLK Blvd. Morgan City, LA 70380
Deadline: October 13, 2025
Late submissions may not be considered.
——
7. Terms & Conditions
St. Mary Parish Tourist Commission DBA Cajun Coast Tourism re- serves the right to reject any or all bids, to waive informalities and minor irregularities, and to accept the sealed bids deemed in the best interest of the project.
Adv. Aug. 15, 22 and 29, 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. 139517 Div “G”
Deidre Look A/K/A Deidre Ann Falgout Wife Of/And Michael Look
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 LOT OR PARCEL OF LAND, together with all buildings and improvements thereon situated and all rights, ways, privileges, prescriptions and servitudes thereunto belonging or in anywise appertaining and all appurtenances thereof, lying and being situated in Patterson, St. Mary Parish, Louisiana, being known designated and described as LOT 8 OF BLOCK 5 OF ADDENDUM 1B OF THE TIFFANY PLACE SUBDIVISION, as shown on a plat made by Arthur A. Defraites, Jr., a Louisiana Registered Professional Land Surveyor, dated December 18, 2006, and which plat is recorded in St. Mary Parish COB 121, Page 627, Entry No. 295058.
to satisfy the sum of NINETY NINE THOUSAND ONE HUNDRED EIGHT AND 40/100 ($99,108.40) DOLLARS, with 5.75% percent interest thereon from May 1, 2024, 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 17th day of September A.D., 2025, between the legal hours commencing at 10 O’Clock A.M.
Sheriff’s Office
Parish of St. Mary, La.
Monday, the 16th day of June A.D., 2025
GARY L.
DRISKELL,
SHERIFF
By: Heidi Rineholt
Deputy Sheriff
Adv. Aug. 15 and Sept. 10, 2025

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PUBLIC NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
Sixteenth
Judicial District Court
——
PARISH OF
ST. MARY
——
STATE OF
LOUISIANA
Beier Radio, L.L.C
Vs. No. 139447 Div “C”
Swiftships, LLC, Jeffery Leleux, and
Shehraze Shah
TAKE NOTICE, that by virtue of Writ of Fifa 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:
Non-exempt movable property: M/V RISEN SUN
United States Coast Guard Official No.: 1255897
Hull Identification No.: 9773105
Vessel Owner: Swiftships, LLC
Hailing Port: Morgan City, LA
Length: 182.9 feet
Breadth: 34 feet
Depth: 14.6 feet
to satisfy the sum of FOUR HUNDRED FOUR THOUSAND NINE HUNDRED EIGHTY NINE AND 09/100 ($404,989.09) DOLLARS, plus attorney’s fees and costs in the amount of $10,137.87; and for judicial interest on the judgment amount starting April 2, 2024 and also, all costs, 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 20th day of August A.D., 2025, be- tween the legal hours commencing at 10 O’Clock A.M.
Sheriff’s Office
Parish of St. Mary, La.
Tuesday, the 20th day of May A.D., 2025
GARY L.
DRISKELL,
SHERIFF
By: Heidi Rineholt
Deputy Sheriff

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PUBLIC NOTICE
Recreation District No. 3 of the Parish of St. Mary will conduct a proposed budget hearing on Monday, August 25, 2025 at 5:15 pm at the Bayou Vista Community Center, Bayou Vista, Louisiana. The purpose of the hearing is to invite public comment in the budget process on the District’s operations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025.
The proposed budget is available for public inspection in the District’s offices at the Bayou Vista Community Center, 1333 Belleview Street Morgan City, LA 70380. Interested persons may examine the budget documents during regular office hours, Monday through Friday (8:00 am – 4:00 pm).
Brian Head,
President
Recreation District No. 3 of the Parish of St. Mary
Adv. July 23, 25, 30, Aug. 1, 6, 8, 13, 15, 20 and 22, 2025

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PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE OF INTRODUCTION OF
ORDINANCE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN in compliance with the provision of Section 2-10 of the Charter of the Town of Berwick, State of Louisiana, that the following entitled ordinance introduced at the regular meeting of the Council of the Town of Berwick, State of Louisiana, held on August 12, 2025 in my office complete in the form in which it will be offered for adoption by the Council of said Town, is open to public inspection and will so remain at least seven (7) days prior to the final adoption, which is scheduled for September 9, 2025.
Proposed Or- dinance Number 760
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF BERWICK, LOUISIANA, TO AMEND THE 2024-2025 CONSOLIDATED BUDGET.
That the said ordinance, complete in the form in which it is to be finally passed, is on file with the Clerk of the Council for public inspection and that the said ordinance is to be taken up on final passage, after public hearing by the Council of the Town of Berwick, State of Louisiana, on September 9, 2025 at 6:15 P.M.
Jamie Keith
Town Clerk

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PUBLIC NOTICE
OFFICIAL
PROCEEDINGS
GRAVITY SUB-DRAINAGE DISTRICT NO. 1 OF GRAVITY DRAINAGE
DISTRICT NO. 2
REGULAR MEETING
July 8, 2025
6:00 p.m.
BAYOU VISTA, LOUISIANA
The Gravity Sub-Drainage District No. 1 of Gravity Drainage District No. 2 (“GSDD1ofGDD2”) met on this date at 6:00 p.m. with Chairman Chad Ross presiding with Wayne Can-trell, Raymond Beadle Jr., Paige Voisin and DJ Mayon.
Absent: None
Also present: Damon Billa, District Employee, Barry Dufrene, District Accountant and Jules Darden, Miller En- gineering.
Mr. Cantrell moved, and Mr. Beadle seconded that the reading of the minutes of the Regular Meeting, June 10, 2025, be dispensed with and that the same be approved. The motion carried.
Mr. Ross called for the Finances and Payables Re- port. Mr. Dufrene presented the re- ports on the payables due for July 2025. Mr. Cantrell moved, and Mr. Beadle seconded a motion, which was carried, to make the necessary transfers, to accept the payables re- port and pay all in- voices.
Mr. Darden stated pre app has been approved. He suggested to the board to wait until next year to submit application so they will have a better idea of fin- ancial situation.
With there being no other business, a motion to ad- journ was made by Mr. Cantrell and seconded by Mr. Beadle. The mo- tion passed.
Attest:
/s/ Chad Ross,
Chairman
Gravity Sub- Drainage District No. 1 of Gravity Drainage District No. 2
/s/ Rhonda
Patterson,
Secretary
Gravity Sub- Drainage District No. 1 of Gravity Drainage District No. 2
Adv. Aug. 15, 2025

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PUBLIC NOTICE
In accordance with Act 186 of 1984, the public is hereby notified that the proposed budget of Gravity Sub-Drainage District No. 1 of Gravity Drainage District No. 2, for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026 is available for inspection at 300 Everett Street, Morgan City, Louisiana, between hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Also, the public is hereby notified that a public hearing will be held on September 9, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. at the Bayou Vista Recreation Building located at 1300 South Road, Bayou Vista, Louisiana 70380. The purpose of this public hearing is to allow citizens to provide comments and opinions on the proposed budget of Gravity Sub- Drainage District No. 1 of Gravity Drainage District No. 2, for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2025 and ending September 30, 2026.
Additionally, proposed amendments to the budget of Gravity Sub- Drainage District No. 1 of Gravity Drainage District No. 2, for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025, may be considered at the public hearing to be held on September 9, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. at the Bayou Vista Recreation Building located at 1300 South Road, Bayou Vista, Louisiana 70380. This proposed amended budget is shown as the estimated 2025 amounts on the September 30, 2026 budget documents.
Proposed
Budget
General Fund
October 1, 2025 to
September 30, 2026
Projected
Beginning
Fund Balance, October 1, 2025
$512,483
Projected Revenues
$341,500
Projected Expenses
$543,650
Projected Ending Fund
Balance, September 30, 2026
$310,333
(s) Chad Ross,
Chairman
(s) Rhonda
Patterson,
Secretary
Adv. Aug. 15, 2025

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PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE OF INTRODUCTION OF
ORDINANCE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN in compliance with the provision of Section 2-10 of the Charter of the Town of Berwick, State of Louisiana, that the following entitled ordinance introduced at the regular meeting of the Council of the Town of Berwick, State of Louisiana, held on August 12, 2025 in my office complete in the form in which it will be offered for adoption by the Council of said Town, is open to public inspection and will so remain at least seven (7) days prior to the final adoption, which is scheduled for September 9, 2025.
Proposed Or- dinance Number 761
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF BERWICK, LOUISIANA, TO ADOPT THE 2025-26 CONSOLIDATED BUDGET.
That the said ordinance, complete in the form in which it is to be finally passed, is on file with the Clerk of the Council for public inspection and that the said ordinance is to be taken up on final passage, after public hearing by the Council of the Town of Berwick, State of Louisiana, on September 9, 2025 at 6:15 P.M.
Jamie Keith
Town Clerk
Adv. Aug. 15, 2025

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PUBLIC NOTICE
Resolution
No. 11-25
WHEREAS, the Delta Regional Authority (hereinafter “DRA”) was created by Congress by the Delta Regional Authority Act of 2000, as amended, as a federal/state partnership now comprised of 252 counties and parishes within the eight states of Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri and Tennessee in order to remedy severe and chronic economic distress by stimulating economic development and fostering partnerships that will have a positive impact on the Delta Region’s economy;
WHEREAS, the Town of Berwick, acting by and through its Town Council proposes to apply for a award with DRA for the Fiscal Year 2013 federal award program cycle;
WHEREAS, DRA requires that a person be designated, appointed, and given the authority to perform certain duties and administration of said award for and on behalf of the Awardee;
WHEREAS, the Town of Berwick met in a regular session on August 12, 2025 whereby James Richard, Kevin Hebert, Lud Henry, Colleen Askew and Raymond Price were present, constituting a quorum;
WHEREAS, a motion was made by Raymond Price, was seconded by Colleen Askew, to designate and appoint Duval H. Arthur, Jr. to perform all duties and administration of said award, which carried unanimously by voice vote and was recorded on the minutes;
WHEREAS, a motion was made by Raymond Price, was seconded by Colleen Askew, to provide additional funds in the amount of $10,000 to said award which carried unanimously by voice vote and was recorded on the minutes;
WHEREAS, a motion was made by N/A, was seconded by N/A, to make an in-kind contribution of $ 0 to said award which carried unanimously by voice vote and was recorded on the minutes; and
WHEREAS, a motion was made by Kevin Hebert, was seconded by James Richard, that in the event of an administration change, the new Mayor shall continue to have such authority under this Resolution.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RE- SOLVED THAT, by the Town Council of the Town of Berwick, as follows:
THAT, Duval H. Arthur, Jr., be and is hereby designated and appointed to perform on behalf of the Town of Berwick and has the authority to make those acts and assume any and all duties in dealing with the award with DRA for the Fiscal Year - 2013 federal award program cycle;
———————
Jamie Keith –
Town Clerk
Date: ——————
APPROVED:
———————
Duval H. Arthur, Jr. - MAYOR
Date: ——————
Delta Regional Authority
Duval H. Arthur, Jr. is hereby authorized to execute and submit any and all documents including, but not limited to, applications, award closing documents, request for funds, status reports to DRA for the Fiscal Year – 2013 federal award program cycle;
THAT, the Awardee agrees to provide additional funds in the amount of $_10,000_ to said award;
THAT, the Awardee agrees to make an in-kind contribution of N/A with a fair market value of $__0___ to said award; and
THAT, in the event of an administration change, the new Mayor shall continue to have such authority under this Resolution.
READ AND ADOPTED, this the 12th day of August, 2025.

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