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Radio Logs for Feb. 3-4

Tue, 02/04/2020 - 11:13am

The following are the radio dispatch logs from the Morgan City Police Department. To report unlawful or suspicious activity, call the police department at 985-380-4605.
Monday, Feb. 3
6:11 a.m. Ochsner St. Mary; Assistance.
7:43 a.m. 1000 block of Front Street; Accident.
9:17 a.m. 1000 block of Seventh Street; Accident.
9:18 a.m. 7200 block of La. 182; Welfare check.
10:02 a.m. 1400 block of North Third Street; Animal.
10:50 a.m. 1000 block of Brashear Avenue; Narcotic activity.
12:03 p.m. 1000 block of Fig Street; Medical.
12:16 p.m. Lake End Park; Animal.
12:29 p.m. 7200 block of La. 182; Animal.
12:57 p.m. 900 block of Seventh Street; Assistance.
1:19 p.m. 800 block of Willard Street; Stand by.
1:49 p.m. 800 block of Belanger Street; Stand by.
1:55 p.m. 7200 block of La. 182; Animal.
2:33 p.m. 500 block of Leona Street; Suspicious person.
2:40 p.m. Berwick Po-lice Department; Inmate transport.
4:28 p.m. 7400 block of La. 182; Assistance.
4:37 p.m. 4000 block of Railroad Avenue; Simple battery.
5:17 p.m. 500 block of Terrebonne Street; Animal complaint.
5:46 p.m. 7200 block of La. 182; Suspicious subject.
6:48 p.m. 6300 block of La. 182; Loud music.
7:02 p.m. 200 block of Patton Street; Complaint.
7:27 p.m. 300 block of Franklin Street; Animal complaint.
7:36 p.m. 3000 block of Allison Street; Disturbance.
8:26 p.m. 500 block of Garber Street; Assistance.
8:58 p.m. 7000 block of Railroad Avenue; Loud music.
9:27 p.m. 300 block of Wren Street; Removal of subject.
10:36 p.m. 3000 block of Diane Drive; Complaint.
10:47 p.m. 7000 block of Railroad Avenue; Loud music.
11:16 p.m. La. 182 and Halsey Street; Assistance.
Tuesday, Feb. 4
12:07 a.m. 500 block of Sixth Street; Utility.
12:21 a.m. Federal Avenue and Ash Street; Arrest.
12:29 a.m. 500 block of Orange Street; Suspicious vehicle.

Town of Berwick field named for Menard

Tue, 02/04/2020 - 10:46am

Family and friends of the late John Menard gathered at the Berwick Civic Complex Monday for a ceremony honoring the former longtime coach as one of the three fields at the complex has been named in his honor. The naming of the field, the closest to La. 182, was approved by the Berwick Town Council in June 2019, just days after Menard passed away after a battle with cancer at age 44. Monday, a large crowd gathered for a ceremony to recognize the dedication. “He was such a positive influence on the youth in our community,” Town Councilman Kevin Hebert told the crowd.

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AGA Super Bowl Classic winners

Tue, 02/04/2020 - 10:16am

The Atchafalaya Golf Association held its Super Bowl Classic, the first event of the year, Saturday at The Atchafalaya at Idlewild near Patterson. The Atchafalaya Golf Association holds monthly tournaments. Points are earned at each event, and the top 24 players qualify for the Atchafalaya Golf Association Cup at the end of the year. The Atchafalaya Golf Association is open to players of all skill levels. For more information visit www.atchafalayagolf.com or call the Pro Shop at 985-395-GOLF(4653). ...

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Get It Growing: Japanese magnolia spring to life

Tue, 02/04/2020 - 8:48am

By HEATHER KIRK-BALLARD
LSU AgCenter Horticulturist
Japanese magnolias are in bloom everywhere right now, possibly signifying an early spring. It’s one of the most strikingly beautiful blooming trees this time of year.
Also known as saucer magnolia, it is a small, deciduous shrub (botanically speaking) but grows tall. It can be trained like a tree to grow from one main trunk, similar to the way crape myrtles are grown. The tree is a hybrid cross of two species of magnolias, M. liliiflora and M. denudate, and its Latin name is Magnolia x soulangeana.
And as luck would have it, this is the perfect time of year to plant them. Local nurseries usually carry more than one variety, and many are available to choose from. It can get confusing keeping up with the many types and crosses of magnolias.
The most common varieties of Japanese or saucer magnolias are Alexandrina, which has flowers that are deep rose-purple with white inside; Lennei, which has a dark purple flower with white inside; Lennei Alba, which is pure white; Rustica Rubra, which has rose-red flowers; and Verbanica, which has pink flowers with white inside.
Other gorgeous magnolia crosses are also in bloom this time of year. They include loebnar magnolia and star magnolia stellata.
The Little Girl series originated at the National Arboretum in the 1950s and are a hybrid of Magnolia liliiflora Nigra crossed with Magnolia stellata Rosea. They come with adorable names such as Ann, Betty, Jane, Jon, Judy, Pinkie, Randy, Ricki and Susan. Many of these named varieties can be found at local nurseries.
All of these magnolias are small, deciduous trees that bloom in early spring and boast many colors from the deepest magenta purple to pink to creamy white. There are even yellow-colored varieties called Elizabeth and Judy Zuk, but finding them can be likened to finding a needle in a haystack.
What’s especially striking about these magnolias is they flower before leaves emerge. Gorgeous blooms on barren stems is the quintessential image of spring, in my mind. Large, fuzzy gray buds break, followed closely by gorgeous tulip-shaped blooms that open into little saucers shapes of delicate pink to white colors.
All are relatively small trees, growing only to 25 to 30 feet tall by 20 feet wide and are multi-trunked unless trained to one major trunk. They grow best in full to partial sun in well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Be sure to water in well after planting, followed by routine watering the first couple of weeks for best establishment. Water during droughts in the first year. Skip fertilizer in year one, but begin fertilizing in the spring of year two.
Magnolias prefer a loamy soil with a lower pH of 5.0 to 6.5, but they can tolerate alkaline soils. Iron and manganese chlorosis can be an issue in soils with high pH. This yellowing of the leaves can be corrected after soil tests confirm an iron or manganese deficiency by applying elemental sulfur to help lower the pH. Fertilize with ferrous (iron) sulfate if iron is deficient. You may apply a water-soluble, complete fertilizer with micronutrients at the recommended rates to combat manganese issues.
Trim branches to keep the tree looking tidy, and keep the many trunks trained to either only one trunk or just two or three. It’s best to prune after flowering. Be sure to mulch at a 2-to-4-inch-thick layer because magnolias are shallow rooted. Mulch helps moderate soil temperatures and conserve moisture.
Scale is the main insect problem for magnolias. Use a horticulture oil in cool weather to help with control. Once weather heats up, use another type of organic spray for control because oil on the leaves can burn the plant in intense sun.
These magnolias have a slow to moderate growth rate and make a great accent specimen or foundation tree for framing the house. Be sure to plant them a good 10 feet away from the house or awnings.
The flowers are extremely fragrant and make gorgeous cut flowers to bring in, arrange and enjoy. The room will be filled with spicy, sweet, invigorating scents, and the colors will warm your home.

Fear keeps jittery driver from getting a license

Tue, 02/04/2020 - 8:45am

DEAR ABBY: I am trying hard to let go of my paralyzing fear of driving, which has prevented me from getting a license. I am not sure why I get so nervous and afraid when I get behind the wheel. I really need a car to get my family and myself around. I just wish I knew what was causing this. Could you please help me figure it out? FEAR OF DRIVING DEAR F.O.D.: Gladly. The quickest way to get to the bottom of what’s causing your fear of driving would be to discuss it with a licensed mental health professional — ...

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Vessel runs aground, barge splits, jamming Intracoastal

Mon, 02/03/2020 - 4:51pm

Vessels were lining up to get through the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway on Monday afternoon after a towing vessel ran aground Sunday near Berwick, the U.S. Coast Guard in New Orleans said.

The Miss Odessa was reportedly transiting south-bound on the Atchafalaya River when it turned west onto the Intracoastal and hit bottom at mile marker 99 near Berwick, the Coast Guard said. The Miss Odessa, in an attempt to break free, tore apart the barge, causing the barge to split in half.

Watchstanders at Vessel Traffic Service Berwick Bay received a report at about 10 p.m. Sunday about the Miss Odessa, which was carrying six hopper barges filled with rock..

Members from Marine Safety Unit Morgan City’s marine inspections team and investigations team arrived on scene at 8:30 a.m. Monday to assess the incident. The response teams reported no damage to the Miss Odessa or other five barges. No pollution has been reported in the area.

The Coast Guard has secured all tow traffic in the location of the barge. The vessel queue as of 2:30 p.m. Monday was 12 southbound, six westbound, 28 eastbound and four northbound.

The towing vessel company has hired a salvage company to assist the salvage of the barge. A Coast Guard salvage engineering response team is also assisting.

Amelia man charged with distributing cocaine

Mon, 02/03/2020 - 1:32pm
Staff Report

An Amelia man resisted officers while being arrested for a warrant for distributing crack cocaine, St. Mary Parish Sheriff Blaise Smith said in a news release.
—Derek M. Gaskins, 39, of Friendship Alley in Amelia, was arrested at 2:32 p.m. Thursday on a warrant for the charges of distribution of a Schedule II controlled dangerous substance (crack cocaine), resisting an officer, and violation of a controlled dangerous substance (drug-free zone). Gaskins was additionally charged with resisting an officer. He was jailed with no bail set.
Smith also advised that the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office responded to 36 complaints and the following arrests were made:
—Steven Wayne Davis, 44, of Versen Street in Berwick, was arrested at 9:04 a.m. Thursday on a warrant for failure to appear on the charges of operating a vehicle while license is suspended/revoked/canceled and operating a vehicle with improper headlamps and for charges of driving under suspension, insurance required, wrong way on a one-way road, and switched license plate. He was jailed with no bail set.
—Melvin Charles Willis Jr., 48, of Talbot Street in Franklin, was arrested at 10:31 a.m. Thursday on charges of driving under suspension and turning movements and signals required. Willis was released on a summons to appear on May 1.
—Tashalyn K’von Foster, 21, of St. Joseph Lane in Franklin, was arrested at 12:08 p.m. Thursday on a warrant for failure to appear on the charge of aggravated battery. Foster was jailed and later released on a $5,000 bond.
—Dearius Deshawn Kenner, 32, of Eleventh Street in Patterson, was arrested at 2:32 p.m. Thursday on a warrant for failure to appear on the charge of criminal neglect of family. He was jailed with no bail set.
—Juvenile male, 15, of Baldwin, was arrested at 5:26 p.m. Thursday on a charge of disturbing the peace by language and entry/remaining on premises after being forbidden. The juvenile was jailed and later released to a guardian.
—Dustin Blair Lowe Sr., 34, of Orange Grove in New Iberia, was arrested at 5:27 p.m. Thursday on a warrant for failure to appear on the charge of domestic abuse battery/child present. He was jailed and later released on a $1,000 bond.
—Dawnelle Michelle Small, 35, of Jessica Lane in Lake Charles, was arrested at 11:19 p.m. Thursday on a warrant for failure to appear on the charges of possession of heroin, possession of drug paraphernalia and theft of less than $1,000. She was jailed with no bail set.
—Harley Marie Campo, 25, of Jamie Court in Morgan City, was arrested at 2:53 a.m. Friday on charges of possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. Campo was released on a summons to appear on May 1.
—Mark A. Robin Jr., 35, of Cynthia Street in Franklin, was arrested at 4:10 p.m. Thursday on a warrant for the charge of criminal neglect of family and for charges of no turn signal, obstruction of justice, possession of Schedule I controlled dangerous substance (marijuana), possession of a Schedule II controlled dangerous substance (methamphetamine) with intent to distribute and driving under suspension. He was arrested with no bail set.
Morgan City Police Chief James F. Blair reported that the Morgan City Police Department responded to 82 calls of service and the following arrests were made:
—Johnathon Matthew Priestley, 26, of Fourth Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 7:40 a.m. Wednesday on a warrant for twelve counts of failure to appear. Priestley was located at Assumption Sheriff’s Office Detention Center and placed under arrest on an active warrant held by the City Court of Morgan City. He was transported to the Morgan City Police Department and jailed.
—Rebecca Jane Demarco, 48, of Sixth Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 3:19 p.m. Wednesday on a charge of possession of drug paraphernalia.
—Wayne Curtis Demarco, 50, of Sixth Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 3:19 p.m. Wednesday on a charge of possession of drug paraphernalia.
Officers were called to a Sixth Street residence for a disturbance. Officers came into contact with R. Demarco and W. Demarco who were found to have drug paraphernalia in their possession. Both were jailed.
—Brandon Michael Collier, 24, of Orange Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 4:26 p.m. Wednesday on a charge of driving under suspension. An officer observed a traffic violation in the area of Belanger Street and Federal Avenue. A traffic stop was conducted and the driver was identified as Collier. A computer check revealed that his driver’s license was under suspension. He was jailed.
—Sarah J. Chavis, 35, of Leona Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 10:43 p.m. Wednesday on charges of disturbing the peace intoxicated and criminal trespass.
Officers were called to an Orange Street residence for a disturbance and officer’s came into contact with Chavis. Officers learned Chavis was trespassing on private property and was in an intoxicated condition causing a disturbance. She was jailed.
—Cameron C. Thompson, 18, of Bouquet Street in Houma, was arrested at 11:40 p.m. Wednesday on charges of possession of drug paraphernalia, first offense possession of marijuana and stop sign violation.
An officer on patrol observed a traffic violation and conducted a traffic stop in the area of Marguerite Street and Elm Street. The driver of the vehicle was identified as Thompson and he was found to have suspected marijuana and drug paraphernalia in his possession. He was jailed.
—Benton Clifford McDonald, 24, of Landmark Drive in Raceland, was arrested at 4:53 a.m. Thursday on charges of soliciting for prostitutes and first offense possession of marijuana.
Morgan City police investigators received information that the subject, McDonald, was involved in the solicitation for sexual purposes of an individual in the Morgan City area. McDonald was detained and identified as the subject involved. Evidence was recovered that confirmed the information and McDonald was jailed.
—Justin David Price, 31, of Front Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 3:31 p.m. Thursday on a warrant for two counts failure to appear. Price was located in City Court of Morgan City and placed under arrest on active warrants held by the City Court of Morgan City. He was jailed.
Patterson Police Chief Garrett Grogan reported the following arrest:
—Quinton Dwayne Douglas, 28, of Tiffany Street in Patterson, was arrested at 1:17 a.m. Friday on a charge of first offense possession of marijuana. He was jailed with bail set at $2,000.

Radio logs for Jan. 31-Feb. 3

Mon, 02/03/2020 - 1:30pm

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, Jan. 31
8:07 a.m. 800 block of Victor II Boulevard; Officer stand by.
9:08 a.m. 700 block of Belanger Street; Assistance.
10:03 a.m. 600 block of Terrebonne Street; Medical.
10:47 a.m. 7500 block of La. 182; Complaint.
10:48 a.m. 1300 block of Elm Street; Medical.
12:17 p.m. La. 182/U.S. 90 Junction; Accident.
12:37 p.m. 1400 block of Nevada Street; Complaint.
12:49 p.m. 1200 block of Front Street; Assistance.
1:39 p.m. 3000 block of Carrol Drive; Assistance.
2:22 p.m. 2100 block of Cedar Street; Disturbance.
4:34 p.m. 800 block of Hilda Street; Alarm.
4:35 p.m. 100 block of Roderick Street; Alarm.
6:44 p.m. 7700 block of La. 182; Complaint.
6:50 p.m. 2300 block of La 70; Patrol.
8:54 p.m. U.S. 90 Westbound/Martin Luther King Boulevard exit; Accident/warrant.
10:28 p.m. 700 block of Bush Street; Threats.
Saturday, Feb. 1
12:23 a.m. La. 182/Greenwood Overpass; Assist Sheriff’s Office.
12:40 a.m. 1100 block of Marguerite Street; Disturbance/warrant.
3:09 a.m. 600 block of Brashear Avenue; Complaint.
7:28 a.m. 6300 block of La. 182; Suspicious person.
9:42 a.m. 7300 block of La. 182; Disturbance.
9:51 a.m. 1100 block of Seventh Street; Alarm.
10:49 a.m. 600 block of Willow Street; Animal.
12:10 p.m. 6400 block of La. 182; Juvenile problems.
12:32 p.m. La. 70/U.S. 90 Junction; Accident.
12:59 p.m. Bush Street and Federal Avenue; Medical.
1:51 p.m. 300 block of Grizzaffi Street; Hit and run.
3:48 p.m. 1000 block of Marguerite Street; Harassment.
6:15 p.m. 900 block of Marguerite Street; Suspicious subjects.
6:47 p.m. 2300 block of La. 70; Frequent patrol.
7:10 p.m. 500 block of Roderick Street; Disturbance.
7:12 p.m. Cypress Gardens area; Complaint.
8:26 p.m. West on Railroad Avenue; Traffic stop/pursuit.
9:58 p.m. 1100 block of Marguerite Street; Complaint.
10:05 p.m. Fourth Street and Brashear Avenue area; Assist Sheriff’s Office.
10:53 p.m. Louisiana and Fifth streets area; Loud music.
Sunday, Feb. 2
1:50 a.m. 600 block of Brashear Avenue; Disturbance.
3:54 a.m. 1100 block of Victor II Boulevard; Alarm.
7:11 a.m. 1100 block of Victor II Boulevard; Alarm.
11:52 a.m. 2400 block of Sixth Street; Accident.
12:27 p.m. North Third and Onstead streets; Fire.
12:44 p.m. 1100 block of Marguerite Street; Disturbance.
12:45 p.m. 7200 block of La. 182; Medical.
1:32 p.m. 3000 block of Allison Street; Animal.
3:52 p.m. 2100 block of Sixth Street; Alarm.
4:02 p.m. 1000 block of La. 70; Accident.
4:53 p.m. 7400 block of La. 182; Complaint.
8:11 p.m. 500 block of Egle Street; Disturbance.
8:44 p.m. 100 block of Chennault Street; Disturbance.
Monday, Feb. 3
12:19 a.m. Thorguson Drive and U.S. 90; Assist Berwick Police Department.

UPDATED: Hanagriff makes case for consolidation

Mon, 02/03/2020 - 1:26pm

Parish President David Hanagriff surprised at least one member of the St. Mary Industrial Group with his talk on Monday. But that wasn’t a bad thing for the pro-business organization. Hanagriff laid out a plan for consolidating the parish’s drainage districts, part of a process SMIG has embraced for years. SMIG President Greg Roussel said after the meeting that he didn’t know the president would talk about taxing district consolidation Monday. “We’ve always pushed for consolidation,” Roussel said. “Forty-four taxing districts in the parish. … I’m glad he’s pushing it.” Those districts currently include separate drainage districts for the parish west of the ...

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Krewe of Nike royalty

Mon, 02/03/2020 - 11:47am

Ethan Toups and Mary Alice Dohmann were named King and Queen Nike XLIX Saturday when the children’s krewe presented “Nike Travels to Hogwarts” at the Morgan City Municipal Auditorium. In keeping with the theme, the king represents “Harry James Potter” and the queen “The Golden Snitch.” Dohmann is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joey Dohmann. Toups is the son of Bliss Landry and Chad Toups. Members of Nike will parade at 2 p.m. Feb. 23 in Morgan City with the women’s mystic Krewe of Galatea.

Abigail Kathleen Photography

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