Submitted Photo
Local officials and St. Mary Chamber of Commerce members came out Saturday to help cut the ribbon for the new Dollar Tree store. The new business is located at La. 70 and Victor II Boulevard in Morgan City.
More than 89,000 Louisiana residents took advantage of Louisiana’s early voting process on Saturday (Nov. 2), resulting in the largest day-one turnout state election officials have ever seen.
Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin described the results as “encouraging” and has spent part of this week making media appearances while explaining how the process has grown and new early voting sites have been added in certain locales.
The first day total of 89,623 early voters for this runoff cycle bests the last record of 87,066 early voters for the opening day of the 2016 president election.
“This 89,623 figure was 16 percent higher than it was for the primary and 112 percent higher than it was for the 2015 runoff,” said JMC Analytics and Polling President John Couvillon, who breaks down early voting numbers each day on his blog and for television news partners.
Couvillon, a Republican, added, “For whatever the true causes were of weak Democratic early voting turnout in the primary (overconfidence about Governor Edwards’ winning in the first primary, lack of motivation from partisan Democrats to vote in the primary, or some other reason), that mistake was not repeated yesterday. In fact, Democrats had a great first day.”
Based on figures released by the Secretary of State’s Office, more than 40,000 Democrats early voted on day one, along with about 35,000 Republicans and 14,000 other party voters. Additionally, 59,000 of those voters were white and 27,000 were African-American.
There were likewise large numbers posted in Bossier, Caddo, East Baton Rouge and Orleans par-ishes, which are regions rich with Democratic votes.
Political History: Constitutionally
elected governor
This week marks the 52nd anniversary (Nov. 4, 1967) of a modern Louisiana governor achieving a subsequent second term thanks to constitutional law.
Prior to the late 1960s, governors of recent history were confined to a single four-year term, unless they wanted to sit out an election cycle and attempt a comeback, much like late Govs. Earl K. Long and Jimmie Davis. But it was late Gov. John McKeithen who paved the way for the possibil-ity of two terms back-to-back, like those later enjoyed by Govs. Edwin Edwards, Mike Fos-ter and Bobby Jindal.
McKeithen started making a push for his “Amendment 1” in 1966, as his first term was coming to a close. He convinced the Legislature to approve the proposed amendment that spring, announced in September he would run for re-election if it was passed and was given what he wanted by voters on Nov. 8, 1966. Passage was no easy matter. Opponents included Davis and late Congressman Gillis Long, but they were outmatched by supporters like the AFL-CIO and most of Louisiana’s major newspapers.
After the Nov. 4, 1967, gubernatorial primary election was held, no runoff was required because Re-publicans failed to field a candidate to take on McKeithen. Freshman Congressman John Rarick, an Indiana transplant who called St. Francisville home, attempted to capture the Demo-cratic nomination, but McKeithen’s country ways and trademark “Won’t you ‘hep me?” won voters over.
McKeithen died on June 4, 1999, just months before Foster became Louisiana’s next constitutionally-mandated, two-term governor. Upon his tombstone are the following words, excepted from a speech McKeithen delivered during his first bid for governor during the 1963-64 election cycle:
“I wasn’t born to material wealth, nor do I have claim to an aristocratic name. But if I am elected gov-ernor, it will prove that any mother’s son can aspire to the highest political office of this state. I’ve come this far because you the people have given me your support – with all the professional politicians, power brokers and big money people fighting me every step of the way. Because I owe you so much, you can be assured when I raise my hand to take the oath of office as Governor of Louisiana, there will be a prayer in my heart that God will always guide me to do what is best for the state and all the people in it. We’ll win this race, but I need your help. Won’t you help me?”
They said it
“There are not local races anymore. Every doctor’s office, every gas station, every barber shop has a TV in it, and eight out of ten of those in Mississippi are airing Fox News. … I am personally hopeful that local issues such as infrastructure, public education and transportation supersede this, but the thing about Trump is, he just sucks up all the oxygen, every day.” —Brad Chism, a Mississippi Democratic strategist, on the nation’s gubernatorial elections being influenced by President Donald Trump, in The Washington Post
“For the vast majority of Americans who are either center-left or center-right, I think about half are saying, ‘Give the guy a break.’ I think the other half are saying, ‘How in God’s name did we get here?’ And they’re paying attention.” —U.S. Sen. John Kennedy, on the president, in The Washington Post
“One day, you’re standing with a group that will never stand with you on life but you’ll stand with on criminal justice reform. And the next day you’re standing with all pro-lifers, and everybody else is screaming at you.” —Sen.-elect Katrina Jackson, D-Monroe, on the challenge of working with both conservatives and liberals on wide-ranging topics, in the National Catholic Reporter
For more Louisiana political news, visitwww.
LaPolitics.com or follow Alford onTwitter@
LaPoliticsNow
In the first primary governor’s race here in the Bayou State, incumbent John Bel Edwards looked to be on the verge of a first primary victory.
Then at the last minute, the president blew into the state. It made a huge difference, and now Edwards is in the political fight of his life, being challenged by political newcomer and Trump ally Eddie Rispone.
On paper, Rispone looked to be a minor candidate in the race, having few qualifications other than being a successful contractor and a major republican contributor.
But the “new kid on the block” poured some 11 million dollars of his personal wealth into the campaign and ran his whole first primary attacking Edwards and wrapping himself around Donald Trump.
So much for addressing any major issues affecting the state’s future.
Edwards could only garner 46% of the first primary vote. The governor took a real shellacking in rural parishes throughout the state.
Ands black turnout, traditionally a strong democratic vote, was a dismal 36%.
Many insiders felt the Democratic establishment dropped the ball in a weak effort to get out the traditional party vote.
There were plenty of ballots floating around for Edwards, but the usual concentrated effort of canvasing and election day coordination was frail at best in many African American communities and non-existent in others.
The current runoff race is pegged a dead heat. The winner will be determined by who can best energize their respective voters.
Edwards has his work cut out since his turnout was lower than expected in the first primary. And then there is the big elephant in the room. Donald Trump.
Rispone is counting on the president to hold at least one major rally in the state, and possibly more.
Although Trump’s current favorability is down from a high of 65% in the spring, he still is strongly supported by a majority of the state’s voters.
So the Edwards team has to figure out a way to attack Rispone’s record without alienating Trump supporters. He has a big challenge in the few shorts weeks until election day November 16th.
But Edwards is the incumbent, and he won an uphill race as a democrat in a republican state just four years ago. Get ready for a knockdown, drag out campaign in the next two weeks.
So long for now
This will be my last column for the year. I have written my opinionated views since 2003. It’s hard to believe I have not missed a week in the past 16 years.
I have enjoyed hearing from so many readers and I’m glad to have been a small part of our current political debate.
But I’m approaching 80 years old, I have grandkids who need my attention and some traveling to do. I hope to get back in touch through my weekly column after the first of the year.
In the meantime, I’ll be traveling the state and promoting my new book, "My Louisiana Odyssey," a memoir about my love affair with the Bayou State.
This is my fifth book, and I’ve tried to write a compelling, informative and humorous adventure of what it’s like to “discover” the most interesting state in America.
I have candidly tried to describe my personal relationship with a number of the state’s governors, as well as tales of meeting different presidents.
My banjo playing got me through law school and led to a brief acting career. And my cookbook led to friendships with a number of the state’s top celebrity chefs, while Blue Dog artist George Rodrigue encouraged me to paint. I also write about my run-in with the Ku Klux Klan. And should one want revenge?
You will find my opinion in this book. You can find all about it and order it a www.jimbrownla.com.
I look forward to continuing visits after the first of the year.
Peace and Justice
Jim Brown
Jim Brown’s syndicated column appears each week in numerous newspapers throughout the nation and on websites worldwide. You can read all his past columns and see continuing updates at http://www.jimbrownusa.com. You can also hear Jim’s nationally syndicated radio show each Sunday morning 9-11 a.m. . on the Genesis Radio Network, with a live stream at http://www.jimbrownusa.com.
Submitted Photo
Wyandotte Elementary celebrated Halloween with its annual P.E. pumpkin carving celebration. Wyandotte faculty, staff and students thanked all of the donors who made this event possible. Pictured are the health and physical education coach and a few of the winners from the event. Back row, from left: Allyssa Toledano, fifth; Coach Adam Rhodes; and Madison Morton, fourth. Bottom row: Dowayne Dials first; Parker Davis, second; and Ava Landry, third.
Berwick Public Works has been working with engineers from Miller Engineers and Associates Inc. to improve the drainage in Berwick’s Country Club Estates Subdivision. This work was begun in response to homes in the subdivision getting flooded during heavy rains on more than one occasion.
The proposition Miller Engineers presented the Town’s council in September included multiple phases, each coming with its own price tag. The total of all phases combined had an estimated cost of $1.6 million.
“I have applied for a grant for hazard mitigation with FEMA to do the drainage work,” Mayor Duval Arthur said in a phone interview. “The grant is for $1.5 million and I feel assured we are going to get it. I have no second thoughts about it.”
Arthur continued, “We will know if it is approved in January.”
Waiting for approval has put pause on some work, but not all. “We ordered the pipe for the Hogan Street Ditch and it is in. We are starting this week digging at that ditch,” Arthur said.
The town is only doing the Hogan Street Ditch stage of the proposed plan to repair everything “until we get the money,” according to Arthur.
“Most will be happy this week when they see the ditch getting dug, knowing work is moving forward, but some will be sad,” Arthur recognized. “Those along Hogan, some will be sad losing the big backyard they have grown accustomed to, but you got to do what you got to do, we have to fix the problem.”
Other issues have already been remedied. Trees and debris have been removed and cleaned out of existing ditches and culverts.
“A big thing was that we found a ditch culvert that collapsed on Nicklaus Street,” Arthur said. “We dug that up, made repairs and that made a tremendous difference. All the rain we just received and the area handled it well.”
Arthur is approaching the issue from all sides. Cleaning out and repairing existing issues as well as working through the phases Miller Engineers presented, but also realizing that maintenance in the past was lacking and has, in some cases, lead them to where they are now.
“I’m not pointing fingers or saying this is an issue from any person, but you have to have proper maintenance. We are fixing that. We are making a schedule for that now and working to be proactive. You have to have proper maintenance,” Arthur said.
Staff Report
Police received a call from a woman screaming for help from a vehicle and, using surveillance footage from local businesses, were able to locate the vehicle and arrest a Texas man for simple kidnapping and false imprisonment, Morgan City Police Chief James F. Blair said in a news release.
—Chadwick Joseph Latiolais, 48, of Marshall Street in Vidor, Texas, was arrested at 5:55 p.m. Monday on warrants for the charges of simple kidnapping, false imprisonment, first offense possession of marijuana, possession of Schedule II controlled dangerous substance (methamphetamine), possession of a Schedule II controlled dangerous substance (Vyvanse) and possession of drug paraphernalia.
On Monday, the Morgan City Police Department received a call from a woman screaming for help from a vehicle in the area of La. 182 and Grizzaffi Street. Officers and detectives responded to the call and began obtaining information on the suspect vehicle. Local and surrounding agencies were notified as investigators discovered the vehicle had traveled east outside the city limits of Morgan City.
As the surrounding agencies searched for the vehicle, investigators from the Morgan City Police Department were able to track the movements of the suspect vehicle from numerous businesses’ surveillance systems in the surrounding area, eventually discovering that the suspect vehicle had changed its direction of travel and re-entered the city limits of Morgan City.
Detectives were able to locate the vehicle and driver at an area motel on La. 182 and identified the owner as Latiolais. Based on information received, investigators were able to locate the adult victim at a location near the motel. Investigators learned that the suspect and victim were familiar with each other.
The victim advised while outside a local business, Latiolais approached her, and ultimately left the location with her in the vehicle, Blair said. The victim stated Latiolais refused to let her out of the vehicle and that she physically resisted Latiolais as he drove off. The victim advised she was later able to talk Latiolais into releasing her shortly before police located her.
Investigators obtained a search warrant for Latiolais’ vehicle and located suspected marijuana, methamphetamine, and Vyvanse, Blair said. During the investigation, an arrest warrant was obtained for Latiolais, and he was jailed.
Blair also reported that the Morgan City Police Department also responded to 45 calls of service, and the following arrests were made:
—Nathaniel Lawerence Wicks, 21, of Hidden Acres Street in Houma, was arrested at 11:50 a.m. Monday on a charge of introduction of contraband into a penal institute.
—Mario Williams Jr., 20, of La. 182 in Morgan City, was arrested at 11:50 a.m. Monday on a charge of introduction of contraband into a penal institute.
The staff at the Morgan City Police Department Correctional Facility conducted a search of the inmate housing facility for contraband. During the investigation, Wicks and Williams were found in possession of suspected synthetic marijuana and Xanax, Blair said.
The investigation revealed that the contraband had entered the jail during Wicks’ arrest Nov. 3. It was learned the contraband was concealed on Wicks person. Wicks then dispensed some of the contraband to Williams. Both were jailed.
—Dylan Paul Matte, 27, of Caroline Street in Thibodaux, was arrested at 4 a.m. Tuesday on a warrant for retaining possession of leased merchandise. The warrant stems from a Nov. 4 complaint filed with the Morgan City Police Department. The victim in the case filed charges against Matte for failing to return leased merchandise valued at $9,473.11. On Tuesday, Matte was transferred from St. Mary Law Enforcement Center and jailed.
St. Mary Parish Sheriff Blaise Smith advised that the Sheriff’s Office responded to 43 complaints and the following arrests were reported:
—Garland Joseph Romero II, 32, of La. 182 in Patterson, was arrested at 5:41 p.m. Monday on charges of domestic abuse battery, domestic abuse battery by strangulation and domestic abuse aggravated assault. A deputy was dispatched to a location in Morgan City in reference to a battery. The deputy made contact with the victim who stated that Romero had grabbed the victim by the neck and punched the victim several times. Romero was located a short time later and jailed with no bail set.
—Anthony Louis Arizmendi, 22, of Eighth Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 3:17 p.m. Monday on an active warrant for the charge of monetary instrument abuse and on a warrant for failure to appear on the charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated, operating a vehicle without a driver’s license, careless operation, hit and run and possession of marijuana. A booking deputy made contact with Arizmendi when he was transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center from another agency. He was jailed with no bail set.
—Carissa Ann Upshaw, 38, of Moffett Court in Morgan City, was arrested at 12:04 a.m. Tuesday on charges of improper lane usage, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.
—Dylan Paul Matte, 27, of La. 1 in Thibodaux, was arrested at 12:04 a.m. Tuesday on charges of possession of marijuana and on a warrant through the Morgan City Police Department for retaining possession of a leased movable/failure to return leased merchandise.
A deputy was patrolling the area of Greenwood Road when he observed a vehicle cross the centerline multiple times. The deputy conducted a traffic stop and made contact with the driver, Upshaw, and a passenger, Matte.
Through the investigation, drugs belonging to both Upshaw and Matte were found. Dispatch advised the deputy that Matte had an active warrant for his arrest. Upshaw was arrested and released on a summons to appear Feb. 7. Matte was jailed and eventually transferred to another agency.
Berwick Police Chief David Leonard Sr. reported the following arrests:
—Richard Barrick III, 38, of Fourth Street in Berwick, was arrested at 5:01 p.m. Monday on charges of stop sign violation, driving under suspension, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, resisting an officer by flight and a warrant for drug court.
Officers were patrolling the area of Sixth and Oregon streets when they observed a vehicle fail to come to a complete stop at a stop sign. Officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle; however the vehicle failed to stop. The vehicle continued for several blocks before stopping at a residence on Fourth Street.
The driver was identified as Barrick and officers were aware of active warrants for his arrest. Barrick was placed under arrest and found to be in possession of a small amount of marijuana and also drug paraphernalia. He was jailed with no bond set.
—Louis Bourque, 33, of Onstead Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 7:01 p.m. Monday on a warrant for charges of aggravated flight from an officer. On Monday, officers went to Morgan City Jail and located Bourque and placed him under arrest for an active warrant held for his arrest.
The warrant stems from an incident that occurred Sunday in which officers initiated a traffic stop on Bourque’s vehicle in Berwick after receiving information from Morgan City Police Department that he was involved in a disturbance in the Morgan City area.
Bourque failed to stop and led officers on a pursuit through Bayou Vista and back through Berwick onto U.S. 90 eastbound. Officers lost sight of the vehicle which was suspected of fleeing into Morgan City. Bourque was later located and apprehended by Morgan City officers. Bourque was jailed and later transported back to Morgan City Jail where he is currently being held on other charges.
—Iesha Jones, 22, of Main Street in Patterson, was arrested at 10:52 p.m. Monday on charges of disturbing the peace. Officers were flagged down on Thorguson Drive at U.S. 90 by a motorist who stated someone was walking in the merging lane on U.S. 90 and was almost struck.
Officers located Jones walking in the roadway. Officers stated this was the second time they had dealt with her on this evening and offered assistance to bring her where she needed to go. Jones became upset with officers and was placed under arrest. She was jailed with bond set at $176.
Patterson Police Chief Garrett Grogan reported there were no arrests.
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, Nov. 5
7:13 a.m. 1200 block of North Prescott Street; Medical.
7:17 a.m. 500 block of Roderick Street; Medical.
7:23 a.m. 1200 block of Railroad Avenue; Medical.
8:09 a.m. 7900 block of La. 182; Complaint.
9:47 a.m. Greenwood Overpass; Assistance.
10:01 a.m. 1200 block of Railroad Avenue; Removal of subject.
10:55 a.m. Ochsner St. Mary; Disturbance.
11:03 a.m. Brashear Avenue; Suspicious man.
11:31 a.m. Marquis Manor; Alarm.
11:52 a.m. 100 block of Mallard Street; Medical.
12:06 p.m. Morgan City Police Department; Arrest.
12:42 p.m. 1600 block of Plum Street, Patterson; Complaint.
12:59 p.m. U.S. 90 West on-ramp; Traffic blockage.
1:12 p.m. 100 block of Mallard Street; Accident.
1:42 p.m. 600 block of Everett Street; Complaint.
1:45 p.m. 400 block of General Hodges Street; Medical.
1:56 p.m. 1200 block of Clothilde Street; Medical.
2:36 p.m. 1600 block of Chestnut Drive; Complaint.
2:39 p.m. La. 182 East; Reckless driver.
2:49 p.m. 2400 block of Tupelo Street; Medical.
2:53 p.m. 7500 block of La. 182; Theft.
3:59 p.m. 2400 block of Apple Street; Medical.
7:54 p.m. Fig Street off Veterans Boulevard; Suspicious subject.
8:18 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Warrant.
8:38 p.m. Songe Street; Medical emergency.
Wednesday, Nov. 6
12:27 a.m. 600 block of Shannon Street; Juvenile problems.
12:33 a.m. 6300 block of La. 182; Disturbance.
1:18 a.m. 6800 block of La. 182; Alarm.
Franklin and West St. Mary will play Thursday while Hanson and Centerville are set to play on Friday to close out the regular season finales.
The Franklin Hornets play the Catholic High of New Iberia Panthers for at least a share of the District 7-2A title on Thursday at Panther Stadium in New Iberia in the season finale.
Franklin (5-4, 5-1) will travel to meet the Catholic High ( 6-3, 6-0) in the District 7-2A finale Thursday at Panther Stadium.
The West St. Mary Wolfpack (2-4, 2-7) will make the short journey to Youngsville to do battle with the Ascension Episcopal Blue Gators (7-2, 5-1) on Thursday in District 7-2A play.
The Hanson Memorial Tigers (2-6, 0-4) will play host to the Covenant Christian Lions (2-7, 0-4) for Homecoming in District 8-A action Friday at McCloskey Field.
The Centerville Bulldogs (7-2, 2-2) will make the short trek to New Iberia to play the Highland Baptist Bears (4-5, 2-2) in the District 8-A finale on Friday.
FRANKLIN AT CATHOLIC HIGH
The Franklin Hornets and the Catholic High Panthers will renew their longstanding rivalry on Thursday in the District 7-2A finale with a share of the title on the line.
Franklin will try to knock off Catholic High in hopes of gaining a share of the District 7-2A title.
WEST ST. MARY AT AEHS
The West St. Mary Wolfpack will take to the road to square off against the AEHS Blue Gators in the District 7-2A regular season finale on Thursday in Youngsville.
West St. Mary is currently 2-4 in league play while AEHS is 5-1 in District 7-2A action.
COVENANT CHRISTIAN AT HANSON MEMORIAL
The Hanson Memorial Tigers will celebrate Homecoming Friday by hosting the Covenant Christian Lions in the District 8-A finale at McCloskey Field.
CENTERVILLE AT HIGHLAND BAPTIST
The Centerville Bulldogs will journey to Highland Baptist on Friday in the District 8-A finale in New Iberia.
Mrs. Lillie M. Brook, a native and resident of Patterson, La., passed away peacefully on Monday, October 28, 2019 at 2,10 p.m. in Terrebonne General Medical Center, Houma, Louisiana.
Visitation will be observed on Friday, November 8, 2019 at New Salem Baptist Church (1412 Cherry St., Patterson, La.) from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and funeral service also Friday, November 8, 2019 at New Salem Baptist Church at 11 a.m. The Interment will take place in Home Industrial Cemetery, Patterson, La.
Mrs. Brooks, is survived by (1) daughter, Mrs. Arlene F. (husband, Michael) Stewart of Patterson, La.; (3) grandchildren, Tyren Brooks, Terrence Stewart, and Aaliyah Stewart.
She was preceded in death by her parents and (2) sisters.
Officiating Minister, Rev Samuel Calhoun.
The Otis Mortuary, Inc. of Franklin, La. is in charge of arrangements.
Helping the community for 45 years is an accomplishment that any organization would be proud of.
Teche Action Clinic has provided comprehensive, safe, quality health care to residents of St. Mary Parish and surrounding areas for over four decades and would like to invite the public to help celebrate reaching this milestone.
Teche Action Clinic will host a banquet on Friday, Nov. 8 in the Pavilion of the Cypress Bayou Casino in Charenton. Doors will open at 6 p.m. for a cocktail hour and the banquet will be held from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. The keynote speaker for the event will be Dr. Rebekah Gee, MD, Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health. Contact Aaron Williams for ticket purchases at 337-828 – 2550 ext. 2181.
Franklin Banner-Tribune
P.O. Box 566, Franklin, LA 70538
Phone: 337-828-3706
Fax: 337-828-2874
Morgan City Review
1014 Front Street, Morgan City, LA 70380
Phone: 985-384-8370
Fax: 985-384-4255