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Storm fee is coming off Cleco bills

Thu, 02/20/2020 - 11:41am

Staff Report

Cleco power customers will save a combined $22.3 million a year beginning March 1, when the Storm Restoration Charge drops from their bills, the utility announced.
The Louisiana Public Service Commission approved the charge in 2006. The charge raised money that the utility used to repay debt incurred when it repaired damage caused by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
“This is good news for our customers,” said Bill Fontenot, president and CEO of Cleco, in a press release.
“Cleco’s residential customers will, on average, pay $3.75 less per month resulting in savings of about $45 over 12 months, which supports our ongoing efforts to lower customers’ bills.”
The cost to repair Cleco’s system and restore power following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita was approximately $160 million, the largest combined storm expense in the company’s history. The company secured low-interest bonds to finance the storm costs, create a storm reserve for future weather events and reduce customers’ costs.
The storm recovery effort for Hurricane Katrina included 3,400 workers and lasted 29 days. Storm recovery for Hurricane Rita included 2,400 workers and lasted 11 days.
“We’ll always remember these back-to-back storms because of the catastrophic damage and resources required to repair our system. Both storms tested our endurance and far exceeded anything we’ve ever experienced,” said Fontenot. “We’re glad these two storms are behind us.”
Cleco Corporate Holdings LLC is a regional energy holding company that conducts its business operations through its subsidiaries, Cleco Power LLC and Cleco Cajun LLC. Cleco Power is a regulated electric public utility company that owns 10 generating assets with a total nameplate capacity of 3,357 MWs and serves approximately 290,000 customers in Louisiana through its retail business and supplies wholesale power in Louisiana and Mississippi. Cleco Cajun is an unregulated utility company that owns eight generating assets with a total nameplate capacity of 3,555 MWs, with contracts serving nine Louisiana cooperatives, five wholesale municipal customers and one electric utility. For more information about Cleco, visit us at www.cleco.com.

Donation for Boys State

Thu, 02/20/2020 - 11:35am

Submitted Photo
Patterson State Bank has teamed up with American Legion Post 242 to send one local high school junior to Louisiana Boys State. This program helps provide these students a first-hand experience on how local, state and federal governments work. The week-long event is held annually in Natchitoches during the summer. American Legion Post 242 Commander Troy LaRive accepts the donation from Patterson State Bank's Leslie Landry, left, and Teresa Rappmundt, senior vice president and board secretary.

Law requires disclosure of election costs

Thu, 02/20/2020 - 11:33am

HARLAN KIRGAN, Eunice News

State Rep. Phillip DeVillier’s bill requiring public entities calling a tax election to provide an estimate of the election’s cost is now law.
The bill is in effect for all bond, debt and tax elections called after Sept. 23, 2019.
“It makes voters aware of what’s going on,” DeVillier, R-Eunice, said.
The law requires the governing authority to provide an estimate of the election cost when it advertises the election notice. The election notice is required once a week for four consecutive weeks before the election.
The public notice law requires the election notice “not less than 45 days nor more than 90 days shall intervene between the date of the first publication and the date of the election.”
After the election, the results must be published with the actual cost of the election.
The intent is to make people aware of the election costs when governing authorities scheduled votes on dates when turnout is low.
“There is something really uncomfortable about that,” he said. And, “We just see it over and over and over again at the bond commission. I just think people need to be made more aware.”
Last year, DeVillier recalled two tax elections in New Orleans with each costing about $500,000. If the elections had been scheduled on a general election date the cost would have been nearly eliminated, he said.
DeVillier said the law is an attempt to shine more light on the public’s business.
DeVillier said there are times governing authorities are forced to schedule elections for dates when turnout is low.
But elections on those low turnout dates cost more than holding them at times when turnout is high such as a general election.
The St. Landry Parish School Board recently discussed a property tax election to fund employee pay raises. The proposal included the estimated costs to the School Board for holding elections in different months. The estimated costs varied: a May 9 election cost $108,000 to $125,000; a Nov. 3 election cost $50,000; and a Dec. 5 election cost $39,000.
DeVillier said election notices pass before the State Bond Commission and the Secretary of State.
DeVillier said the public can reach out to elected officials to express concerns if the election cost estimate is not in a public notice about an election.
“If it actually reduces the amount I guess that is a good thing,” he said about election costs.
Tyler Brey, press secretary for Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin, did not provide a annual cost of elections held in the state but did email this statement about DeVillier’s law.
“The staff of the State Bond Commission and the staff of the Secretary of State’s office review the propositions to make sure the estimated costs are provided in the notice of election. A State Bond Commission certificate will not be issued if the estimated costs are not provided and the proposition will not go on the ballot; the election costs vary depending on the type of election. For a statewide election, the state pays the first 50% and the remaining 50% shall be prorated between the state and all local or municipal entities participating in the election.”

Two arrested on meth, marijuana charges

Thu, 02/20/2020 - 11:28am

Staff Report

Two residents of Cayce Street in Franklin were arrested on charges of possession of methamphetamine and marijuana with intent to distribute, St. Mary Parish Sheriff Blaise Smith said in a news release.
—Jacob Zirlott, 38, of Cayce Street in Franklin, was arrested at 8:01 p.m. Tuesday on charges of possession of a Schedule II controlled dangerous substance (methamphetamine) with intent to distribute, possession of a Schedule I controlled dangerous substance (marijuana) with intent to distribute, violation of controlled dangerous substance law drug-free zone, possession of drug paraphernalia, obstruction of justice and transactions involving drug proceeds.
—Roni M. Landry, 31, of Cayce Street in Franklin, was arrested at 8:01 p.m. Tuesday on charges of possession of a Schedule II controlled dangerous substance (methamphetamine) with intent to distribute, possession of a Schedule I controlled dangerous substance (marijuana) with intent to distribute, violation of controlled dangerous substance law drug-free zone and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Smith also advised that the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office responded to 32 complaints and the following arrests were reported:
—Christopher Sylvester Jr., 23, of Versa Street in Berwick, was arrested at 3:46 p.m. on a charge of second-degree battery. He was jailed.
—Deonte Devon Harris, 22, of Clines Lane in Amelia, was arrested at 10:14 a.m. Tuesday on charges of illegal mufflers, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. Harris was released on a summons to appear on May 18.
Morgan City Police Chief James F. Blair reported that the Morgan City Police Department responded to 41 calls of service and the following arrests were made:
—Kimberly Marie Jones, 29, of Como Street in Patterson, was arrested at 10:13 a.m. Tuesday on a charge of failure to appear.
Officers came into contact with Jones in the area of Brashear Avenue and Federal Avenue. A warrant check revealed the 16th District Court held an active warrant for his arrest. She was jailed.
—David Brown Jr., 32, of Federal Avenue in Morgan City, was arrested at 11:36 a.m. Tuesday on a charge of failure to appear.
Officers came into contact with Brown in the area of Front Street.
A warrant check revealed the City Court of Morgan City held an active warrant for his arrest. He was jailed.
Berwick Police Chief David Leonard Sr. reported the following arrests:
—Jai-Cherydan Gutter, 22, of Harrell Avenue in Houma, was arrested at 8:46 p.m. Monday on charges of stop sign violation and driving under suspension.
Officers were in the area of La. 182 near Bowman Street when they observed a vehicle fail to stop at a stop sign. A traffic stop was conducted and the driver was identified as Gutter. Gutter was unable to produce a driver’s license and a check revealed that he had a suspended license.
He was jailed and later released on a $252 bond.
—Moses Malik Charlot, 18, of Versen Street in Berwick, was arrested at 7:33 p.m. Tuesday on a warrant for theft. Charlot walked into Berwick Police Department to turn himself in on a warrant for his arrest.
The warrant stems from an incident in which a complaint was filed on Feb. 12 concerning a bicycle being stolen from a local school. Charlot was developed as a suspect and a warrant was later prepared for his arrest. He was jailed and later released on a $1,500 bond.
Franklin Police Chief Morris Beverly reported that the Franklin Police Department responded to 15 complaints and the following arrest was made:
—JeMario Williams, 19, of Myra Street in Franklin, was arrested at 12:53 p.m. Tuesday on warrants for the Patterson Police Department on charges of simple battery and theft. Williams was arrested and transported to the Patterson Police Department where he was jailed.
Patterson Police Chief Garrett Grogan reported no arrests.

Morgan City police radio logs for Feb. 18-19

Thu, 02/20/2020 - 11:26am

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.
Tuesday, Feb. 18
5:02 a.m. 1100 block of Marguerite Street; Complaint.
6:44 a.m. 1100 block of Marguerite Street; Assistance.
7:37 a.m. 3000 block of Allison Street; Complaint.
8:56 a.m. 100 block of Glenwood Street; Suspicious vehicle.
9:32 a.m. 500 block of Brashear Avenue; Arrest.
11:30 a.m. Onstead Street; Arrest.
12:42 p.m. Levee Road; Traffic incident.
1:26 p.m. 1200 block of Victor II Boulevard; Assistance.
1:35 p.m. 800 block of Federal Avenue;Com-plaint.
3:12 p.m. 700 block of General Hodges Street; Complaint.
5:41 p.m. 300 block of Grizzaffi Street; Animal complaint.
5:45 p.m. Shaw Drive; Complaint.
5:51 p.m. 700 block of Duke Street; Fight.
5:57 p.m. 1500 block of Victor II Boulevard; Medical.
6:17 p.m. 700 block of Brashear Avenue; Standby.
6:18 p.m. Shaw Drive and Elm Street; Traffic.
6:36 p.m. La. 182 East; Suspicious person.
6:38 p.m. Walmart; Complaint.
7:08 p.m. 7500 block of La. 182; Disturbance.
7:15 p.m. Seventh Street and La. 182; Stalled vehicle.
9:05 p.m. Eighth Street; Suspicious person.
9:11 p.m. Terrebonne Street and Federal Avenue; Stalled vehicle.
9:31 p.m. 300 block of Railroad Avenue; Warrant.
Wednesday, Feb. 19
1:51 a.m. 1100 block of Chester Bowles Street; Medical.
2:26 a.m. 7700 block of La. 182; Theft.
2:40 a.m. 6000 block of La. 182; Alarm.

Wheel House for Feb. 20

Thu, 02/20/2020 - 11:21am

TOASTMASTERS
St. Mary Parish Toastmasters, a personal and professional growth group, open house is 5:30-7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 27, at South Louisiana Community College, Young Memorial, 900 Youngs Road, Morgan City. Public invited.

ALBERT JEROME BILECI SR.

Thu, 02/20/2020 - 11:19am

Albert Jerome Bileci Sr., a native of New Orleans and lifelong resident of Baton Rouge, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 16, 2020, at the age of 98.
He is survived by three children, Albert Bileci Jr. of Palm Desert, California, Wayne Bileci and wife Bernadette of Chardon, Ohio, and Charlotte B. Mahfouz and husband Tommy of Berwick, Louisiana; grandchildren, Brian Bileci and wife Magali, Amy M. Argenti and husband Andreas, Michael Bileci and wife Jennica, Mark Mahfouz and wife Andrea, Jason Bileci and wife Meghan, Amy Cocca and husband Pasquale, and Anna Bileci; 15 great-grandchildren; and one sister, Frances Cacioppo.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 72 years, Audrey S. Bileci, his parents, Frank P. and Victoria LaCava Bileci; his sisters, Mary Montamat, Josephine Pellegini, Alberta Gilmore, Antoinette Murry, Catherine Saaks, Rosemary Dean and Victoria Casadaban; and one brother, Frank Bileci.
Albert was a proud graduate of St. Aloysius High School in New Orleans. After graduation, he served in the US Coast Guard during World War II. He later worked as bookkeeper and office manager for Capitol Tobacco Co. in Baton Rouge.
He will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered as a kind and gentle man who always thought of others before himself.
Visitation will be held Friday, February 21, 2020 from 12:30-1:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church, 445 Marquette Ave. A mass of Christian burial will follow at 1:30 p.m. with Reverend Cleo Milano, celebrant. Entombment will be at Greenoaks Memorial Park Mausoleum.
Greenoaks Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

MADELINE R. VENABLE

Thu, 02/20/2020 - 11:17am

May 29, 1934 — February 18, 2020
Funeral services for Madeline R. Venable will be held Friday, February 21, 2020, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Patterson during a 10:00 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial. Father Angelo Cremaldi will be the Celebrant for the Mass. Following the funeral service in Patterson, she will be laid to rest at 2:30 p.m. next to her parents in Maxie Cemetery in Maxie, LA.
Visitation will be held at Ibert’s Mortuary in Patterson on Friday, February 21st, from 8:00 a.m. until time of dismissal from the funeral home at 9:30 a.m.
Madeline was born in Iota, LA on May 29, 1934 and was the eldest of two children born to the late Frank and Coy Venable. Disabled from an early age, Madeline never let condition hold her back. She graduated in 1952 from Iota High School and went on to attend Southwestern Louisiana Institute (SLI, now UL) in Lafayette, receiving her Master’s Degree in Administration in 1956. She then moved to Patterson, LA and began a 30-year career in Education with the St. Mary Parish School System, working as an educator, administrator, and assistant principle. After retiring in 1986 she decided to go back to work in the Insurance Industry, eventually owning her own business, the Madeline Venable Insurance Agency in Morgan City. She was a generous, caring, and sincere woman who helped so many in their time of need. Sadly, her body could no longer match her strong will and she passed from this life to the next at the age of 85 on Tuesday, February 18, 2020, at Ochsner St. Mary in Morgan City.
She will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by her nieces and nephews, Rhonda Venable Ph.D. (Jeri Fitzpatrick) and her two sons Nick and Sam Venable; Lisa Venable Dommert R.Ph., her husband Karl, and her two sons Chad and Jay Manuel; Linda Daniel and her two children, Kristen Lipari, her husband Matt, and their children, Jordan Lipari, Megan Lipari, and Landon Lipari; and Korey Daniel, his wife Giovanna, and their son, Marco Daniel; first cousins, Neil Henderson and Danny Henderson and his wife Jocelyn; as well as numerous cousins, family members, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank Venable and Coy McNeil Venable; her brother, Allan Roy Venable; her aunts, Blanche Henderson and Faye McNeil; her uncle, Hugh McNeil; her nephew, William A. Daniel III; and first cousin, Kathy Henderson.
Family and friends may view the obituary and express their condolences online by visiting www.iberts.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Ibert’s Mortuary, Inc., 1111 Lia Street, Patterson, LA 70392, (985) 395-7873.

EARL MONTGOMERY

Thu, 02/20/2020 - 11:14am

Earl Montgomery, 75, a native of Morgan City, died Saturday, Feb. 15, 2020.
He is survived by his wife, Judy Wilson Montgomery; three children, Derrick, Lorie and Lance; siblings, Kathryn, Elizabeth, Donna, Mary, Corrine, Earlyn, James and Kenneth; seven grandchildren; and a host of other relatives.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother.
Memorial visitation will be Saturday from 10 a.m. until services at 11 a.m. at St. Bernard Memorial Funeral Home in Chalmette, with military honors following. Inurnment will be private.

MCHS Lady Tigers to meet Bolton Thursday

Thu, 02/20/2020 - 10:56am

It’s been a whirlwind few days for the Morgan City Lady Tigers girls basketball team. After the final Louisiana High School Athletic Association Class 4A power rankings were released Sunday and Morgan City was seeded No. 33 and later the brackets were released Monday and Morgan City didn’t make the top 32, the Lady Tigers were informed Tuesday they would be in the playoffs. Morgan City (10-20 overall, 0-10 in District 8-4A) was inserted into the field after Morgan City coach Duriel Singleton was informed by the Louisiana High School Athletic Association Tuesday morning that Landry-Walker, who was originally seeded No.

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