RSS Feed

Police Reports 10-18

Fri, 10/18/2019 - 9:24am

St. Mary Sheriff Blaise Smith reported the following arrests:
Carlven Calvin Chapman III, 43, of 716 Louisiana St., Morgan City, was arrested Wednesday at 5:56 p.m. on a warrant for failure to appear on the charge of domestic abuse battery.
A booking deputy made contact with Chapman when he was transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center from another agency. Chapman was booked and incarcerated. No bail has been set.
Brittany Renee Kirt, 30, of 152 Prairie Road, Franklin, was arrested Wednesday at 11:21 p.m. on charges of no taillights, resisting an officer by flight and no child restraint.
A deputy was patrolling the area of US 90 East near Patterson when he observed a vehicle with an inoperable taillight. The deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop but the vehicle made turns to evade the deputy. When the vehicle stopped, the deputy made contact with the driver, Kirt. The deputy observed a child in the vehicle that was not in a child passenger restraint system. Kirt was transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking. Kirt was subsequently released on a $2,000 bond.
David Paul Martin, 39, of 4000 Llano Drive, Bourg, was arrested on Thursday at 12:48 a.m. on charges of no taillights, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Lisa Ann Chaisson, 54, of 319 Rosemary Avenue, Chauvin, was arrested Thursday at 12:48 a.m. on charges of possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia, two counts of possession of Schedule II drugs and possession of Schedule IV drugs.
A deputy was sitting stationary on US 90 near Patterson when he observed a vehicle with no operable taillights. The deputy conducted a traffic stop and made contact with the driver, Martin, and a passenger, Chaisson. Through the investigation, drugs and drug paraphernalia were located. Martin and Chaisson were transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking. No bail has been set.
Calab Laurance Mitchell, 23, of 103 Chris Lane, Centerville, was arrested Wednesday at 7:42 p.m. on charges of possession of synthetic cannabinoids, introduction of contraband-penal institute and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Tammy Hawk Fusilier, 49, of 711 Versen St., Berwick, was arrested Wednesday at 7:42 p.m. on charges of following too close, improper lane usage, possession of methamphetamines and possession of drug paraphernalia.
A deputy was patrolling the area of US 90 West near Baldwin when he observed a vehicle following another vehicle too closely, and crossing the fog line. The deputy conducted a traffic stop and made contact with the driver, Fusilier, and a passenger, Mitchell. Through the investigation, drugs and drug paraphernalia were located. Mitchell and Fusilier were transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking. The deputy located drug paraphernalia belonging to Mitchell in the patrol unit before leaving the L.E.C. No bail has been set.
Ernest Babe Finley, 42, of 1604 Castillo Road, New Iberia, was arrested Thursday at 4:50 a.m. on charges of driving under suspension, reckless operation with an accident, and expired or no inspection sticker.
A deputy was dispatched to a location on La. 87 in Sorrel in reference to a one-vehicle crash. Upon arrival, the deputy made contact with the driver, Finley. Through the investigation, the deputy learned that Finley was driving under suspension. Finley was arrested and released on a summons.
Franklin Police Chief Morris Beverly reported the following arrest:
Tracey Mitchell, 27, of Isaac Street, Franklin, was arrested Thursday at 9:02 a.m. on the charge of theft.
Mitchell was additionally arrested on a warrant for 15th Judicial District Court, for failure to appear on the charge of theft of goods.
Mitchell was booked, processed, and released on a $1,500 bond.

Head Start Awareness Week kicks off Monday with Red, White and Blue Day

Fri, 10/18/2019 - 9:23am

Thirty-seven years ago, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed October as Head Start Awareness Month on Friday, October 22, 1982. Today his words still vibrate throughout the Head Start Community.
The week of October 21, 2019 is Head Start Awareness Week, and St. Mary/Vermilion CAA is celebrating with an abundance of activities, including Fun Day in the Park on Thursday, October 24. This event takes place at Caffery Park on Barrow Street in Franklin. Families and individuals are encouraged to visit the centers during this time to see what services the agency has to offer.
Monday, October 21, is Red, White and Blue Day. On that day, you are invited to the Head Start Proclamation signing day by local mayors and the parish president. The signing will be held at 10:30 a.m. at the Central Office for the Franklin and Baldwin mayors and the parish president. Another proclamation signing begins at 9 a.m. at Baby Bear Head Start Center, for the mayors of Berwick, Patterson and Morgan City. Literacy Awareness is also on October 21, as local officials and community representatives are asked to select a Head Start Center to visit and read a story to the children.
The week culminates with the “Head Start Awareness FUN Day.” Community partners and vendors will set up tables to give out information and fun bags for the Head Start students and families. Community partners participating include: Teche Action Clinic, the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office, Anytime Fitness, The St. Mary Parish Chamber of Commerce, Teche Regional and Franklin Foundation Hospitals and Scruff McGruff. St. Mary CAA also invites all fathers, father figures, elderly citizens and locally owned businesses to participate and display community resources and programs available to the public through partnership with St. Mary Community Action Agency. If you have any questions or inquiries about any Head Start Awareness Week activities, please call Pearl Rack or Cynthia Prince at (337) 828-5703.
St. Mary/Vermilion Community Action Agency/Head Start Program has strived to build on the Head Start success by involving parents, volunteers and the community. Their commitment for nearly 54 years and the services provided by dedicated Head Start staff have been instrumental in creating a quality program that provides young children with a “head start” in life.
The National Head Start Program has helped over eight million low-income pre-school children and their families. In doing so, it has earned recognition and support for its success in early childhood education and development.

Franklin native publishes first novel, available today

Fri, 10/18/2019 - 9:21am

Story and Photo By CASEY COLLIER

Gregory Haydel has lived in Franklin his entire life.
He said that most people who know him, or have known him, wouldn’t believe that he is an author. But, it is true.
Haydel’s first novel, No Phones in Heaven, is set to be tentatively released on Friday, through Amazon.
The novel professes itself as a story that will “make you laugh, cry, and wish for a miracle.”
It is 244 pages long, and tells two stories of two different families; and their struggles through tragedy and sorrow, aided by the power of hope, prayer, and love.
Haydel said the book, after its release on Amazon, will also be available on Apple Books, and in Barnes and Noble and Books-a-Million stores, with an eye to stores like Walmart, Target and Costco, sometime in the future.
“I had two people read it,” Haydel said, “my sister and my wife, and I asked them, can you give me a judgement on this (the book) on a scale of one to 10?
“Both of them gave me an eight.”
He finished the novel in 2018, but said the editing process took almost a year, with 11 review copies sent back and forth from his editor at Page Publishing.
Haydel has been a tugboat captain for almost 40 years, and plans to retire on Oct. 23.
He said he started writing poetry when he was a teen, putting into words his feelings for the girls he was dating.
He then went on to be a drummer in music groups whereby the poetry from his teenage years became the lyrics to the songs they wrote.
He said he continued writing poetry, which led him to write short stories.
Then, seven years ago, he had a close friend pass away.
“So, I wrote the poem, No Phones in Heaven,” he said, “and I turned that into a story.”
He went on to say that his second novel, Millions on the Bayou, is currently in production.
He stated that in 2000, he decided to enter a contest wherein the applicants could send movie scripts to Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, that one chosen script would be optioned for production into a movie.
Haydel wrote the script for MOTB for submission to the contest, and when it was returned to him, though he did not win the contest, the notes on the script’s plot were positive, which made Haydel hopeful.
He then decided to turn the movie script into a novel, which he reported should be out next year.
MOTB, purportedly a gritty crime drama, Haydel said is unlike No Phones in Heaven in almost every way.
He also said he wants to write a children’s book called, Carly the Crawfish, but thinks he should finish MOTB first.
Among his favorite authors are Glenn Beck and John Grisham, and Haydel expressed that he is thinking of sending a copy of NPIH to Ron Howard, to see if he might want to turn it into a motion picture.
He disclosed that he regrets not dedicating NPIH to anyone, as is customary for authors to do. But, he added, “I would like to have dedicated it to anyone who is going through a grieving process, to say that, ‘There is hope, and if you live righteously for God, there is a possibility to see your loved ones again in Heaven.’”
Hayden concluded by saying that he wanted to thank his wife, Peggy, who was instrumental in getting NPIH to a publishing house.

Patterson will host E.D. White Friday

Fri, 10/18/2019 - 1:17am

GEOFF STOUTE

gstoute@daily-review.com

The Patterson Lumberjacks will be looking to get on track again this week when they host the E.D. White Cardinals in District 9-3A action at Patterson.
The Lumberjacks enter the game with a 2-4 mark and dropped their district opener 29-26 to Berwick a week ago.
During the second quarter, the Lumberjacks lost Kyler Paul to an ejection for a helmet-to-helmet hit.
Patterson sent the play in for review, and Patterson Coach Don Jones said the Thibodaux association later notified the Louisiana High S c h o o l A t h l e t i c Association that the call was incorrect.
“I’m glad for the sake of the young man that that’s not on his record, but the film proved that it wasn’t a helmet-to-helmet (hit) and he shouldn’t have been penalized,” Jones said. “It was just a great hit.”
After the Berwick onside kick to start the second half was sent in for review, too, Jones said he was told that the call on that play was incorrect, and that the ball didn’t travel 10 yards before being recovered by Berwick. During the game, the Panthers were awarded possession but didn’t score on the ensuing drive.
With the Lumberjacks already missing linebacker Treylon Bennett, Jones said the ejection of Paul, who Jones said is the team’s best player, affected the game.
“I’m not saying that that was a difference in the game, but that had a lot to do with it since he’s one of our leading scorers,” Jones said. “Other than that, we were pretty
banged up towards the end, but our guys gave it everything they had. We had a chance to win it there at the end, and we didn’t pull it out.”
This week, the Lumberjacks will face E.D. White, which comes into the contest with a 2-4 mark, including an 0-1 record in District 9-3A action.
“The good news is we’re playing them at home, and we’re going to get Treylon Bennett back, which I think will make a huge difference on defense. … We’ve just
got to play football,” Jones said. “We’ve got two home games in a row and got a chance to get in the playoffs, and we got to come out and protect our field and play football
like we’re capable of playing.”
The Cardinals have lost four straight since winning their first two games to open the season.
A week ago, E.D. White fell 12-7 to Donaldsonville in the Cardinals’ District 9-3A opener.
E.D. White lost last week after a Donaldsonville punt return for a touchdown with less than two minutes remaining in the game gave Donaldsonville a 12-7 lead.
E.D. White’s lone score came when quarterback Caulin Griggs connected with Grant Gauthreaux for a 39-yard touchdown.
“They run a Wing-T type offense,” Jones said. “They’re predominately going to run the football. A typical Wing-T type football team. They’re going to go straight at you, run some quarterback option every now and then. They don’t throw the ball a whole bunch, but when they do, it’s screens and play-actions.”
Patterson’s ground game this year is led by Allen Langston, who has carried the football 83 times for 452 yards with six touchdowns, while Paul has 28 carries for 193 yards and two touchdowns.
Tylon Walton has completed 21 of 56 passes for 324 yards with five touchdowns and seven interceptions.
Elijah Williams is Patterson’s top receiver with six catches for 220 yards and three touchdowns, while Kai Schexnayder had 14 catches for 105 yards and a score.
Additional reporting by The Houma Courier.

Berwick will travel to face Lutcher Friday

Thu, 10/17/2019 - 6:39pm

Berwick will be looking to win its third straight contest Friday when it travels to face District 9-3A foe Lutcher. The Panthers come into the game having won two straight after defeating Cohen College Prep and Patterson . While Lutcher enters Friday’s contest with a 2-4 mark, the Bulldogs’ losses have come to quality opponents in Amite, St. Charles, St. Amant, and, a week ago, a 34-13 loss to St. James. St. James is ranked No. 1 in the latest Louisiana Sports Writers Association Class 3A poll. “This is no offense to any team that we’ve played so far, but they’re going to ...

PLEASE LOG IN FOR PREMIUM CONTENT. Our website requires visitors to log in to view the best local news from St. Mary Now. Not yet a subscriber? Subscribe today!

MCHS to meet top-10 Assumption team Friday

Thu, 10/17/2019 - 6:37pm

Morgan City will face its toughest test of the season when the Tigers welcome the Assumption Mustangs to town in District 8-4A play Friday. Assumption (5-1 overall, 1-0 in District 8-4A) enters the contest ranked No. 9 in the latest Louisiana Sports Writers Association Class 4A poll. The Mustangs (5-1) won four straight before suffering their lone loss of the season in week five to St. James, which is ranked No. 1 in the latest Louisiana Sports Writers Association Class 3A poll. A week ago, Assumption opened District 8-4A play with a 34-0 victory against South Terrebonne. “Obviously, they’re a very good football ...

PLEASE LOG IN FOR PREMIUM CONTENT. Our website requires visitors to log in to view the best local news from St. Mary Now. Not yet a subscriber? Subscribe today!

Under the bridge

Thu, 10/17/2019 - 3:44pm

The Daily Review/Jaclyn Breaux
A drilling rig named Coastal 22 owned by Coastal Drilling has been docked on the Berwick side of the Atchafalaya River waiting on work. On Thursday around noon, the rig began making its way towards the Port of Iberia where it will be received by Coastal Drilling at the Coastal Drilling Yard. Once at the yard it will be put together and sent out for work. The drilling rig had to be partially sunk to ensure it could pass under the La. 182 and U.S. 90 bridges as it was secured to a barge and moved by tug boats.

Update on tropical weather system in Gulf

Thu, 10/17/2019 - 3:41pm

The National Hurricane Center has issued this statement about the tropical system in the Gulf. The National Weather Service says the only impacts in St. Mary Parish may be higher than normal tides.

...DISTURBANCE OVER THE SOUTHWESTERN GULF OF MEXICO EXPECTED TO
DEVELOP INTO A TROPICAL OR SUBTROPICAL STORM LATER TODAY OR
TONIGHT...
...TROPICAL STORM WARNINGS ISSUED FOR PORTIONS OF THE NORTHERN GULF
COAST...

SUMMARY OF 1000 AM CDT...1500 UTC...INFORMATION
-----------------------------------------------
LOCATION...22.4N 95.7W
ABOUT 140 MI...225 KM E OF TAMPICO MEXICO
ABOUT 620 MI...995 KM SW OF THE MOUTH OF THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...35 MPH...55 KM/H
PRESENT MOVEMENT...N OR 355 DEGREES AT 8 MPH...13 KM/H
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...1007 MB...29.74 INCHES

WATCHES AND WARNINGS
--------------------
CHANGES WITH THIS ADVISORY:

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect from the Mississippi/Alabama
border to the Ochlockonee River, Florida.

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect from Grand Isle, Louisiana to
the Mouth of the Pearl River.

A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect east of the Ochlockonee River to
Yankeetown, Florida.

A Storm Surge Watch is in effect from Indian Pass, Florida, to
Clearwater, Florida.
000
WTNT41 KNHC 171503
TCDAT1

Potential Tropical Cyclone Sixteen Discussion Number 1
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL AL162019
1000 AM CDT Thu Oct 17 2019

A complicated weather situation is evolving in the Gulf of Mexico.
The circulation associated with the tropical disturbance over the
southwestern Gulf of Mexico is getting better defined, and the
associated convection is getting better organized. However, a
strong mid- to upper-level trough is moving eastward across
southern Texas and northern Mexico, and a frontal system is present
over the northern and northwestern Gulf of Mexico. The ECMWF and
GFS models suggest that the trough will spawn a low along the
front, with the tropical disturbance merging with that low. On the
other hand, the UKMET suggests the tropical disturbance will become
the primary low pressure system. Either way, it is likely that a
low pressure area with gale-force winds and at least some tropical
cyclone characteristics will move northeastward and affect
portions of the northern Gulf coast during the next 36-48 h. Based
on this, advisories are initiated on Potential Tropical cyclone
Sixteen, and coastal tropical cyclone and storm surge
watches/warnings are being issued.

The system should track generally northeastward in the southern
portion of the mid-latitude westerlies, and the track model
guidance is in reasonably good agreement through 96 h. The forecast
track lies a little to the south of the model consensus, as the
UKMET has a somewhat more southerly track. The forecast track
brings the system across the southeastern United States between
48-72 h, and then has it moving into the Atlantic east of the
mid-Atlantic States.

Gradual strengthening is expected as strong upper-level
divergence caused by the trough partly prevails over strong
vertical shear. Thus, the intensity forecast calls for gradual
strengthening along the lines of that in the global models. It is
unlikely, though, that the system will develop into a classical
tropical cyclone. The system is expected to be fully extratropical
by 48 h, with gradual weakening expected after that time.

Regardless of the exact evolution of this weather system, portions
of the northern coast of the Gulf of Mexico will experience strong
winds, locally heavy rains, and storm surge Friday and Saturday.
Similar impacts are expected across portions of the Atlantic coast
of the southeastern United States Saturday and Sunday.

FORECAST POSITIONS AND MAX WINDS

INIT 17/1500Z 22.4N 95.7W 30 KT 35 MPH...POTENTIAL TROP CYCLONE
12H 18/0000Z 23.7N 94.2W 35 KT 40 MPH...TROPICAL STORM
24H 18/1200Z 25.8N 91.0W 40 KT 45 MPH
36H 19/0000Z 28.5N 88.0W 45 KT 50 MPH
48H 19/1200Z 30.9N 85.0W 45 KT 50 MPH...POST-TROP/EXTRATROP
72H 20/1200Z 35.5N 77.2W 35 KT 40 MPH...POST-TROP/EXTRATROP
96H 21/1200Z 37.5N 70.0W 30 KT 35 MPH...POST-TROP/EXTRATROP
120H 22/1200Z 38.0N 66.5W 25 KT 30 MPH...POST-TROP/EXTRATROP

Bridge lane closures reset for Friday

Thu, 10/17/2019 - 3:01pm

The closure of the left lane of U.S. 90 eastbound and westbound on the Atchafalaya River Bridge from Berwick to Morgan City has been rescheduled to 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, weather permitting, according to the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development.

This closure is necessary for a striping operation.

Emergency vehicles will have full access through the area.

DOTD says it appreciates your patience and reminds you to please drive with caution and be on the lookout for work crews and their equipment.

Man booked on hit and run charge after collision

Thu, 10/17/2019 - 1:38pm

Staff Report

A Morgan City man tested more than double the legal limit on a breath test after running his vehicle off the road and into the cement base of a light pole, Berwick Police Chief David Leonard Sr. reported in a news release
—Jonathan Singleton, 48, of Leona Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 7:56 p.m. Tuesday on charges of first offense driving while intoxicated, hit and run driving, careless operation, red light violation, open container and headlamps required.
Officers observed a vehicle operating without headlights fail to obey a traffic signal, run off the roadway into the median area, strike a cement base to a light pole and return to the roadway after crashing. Officers conducted a traffic stop and identified the driver as Singleton. Officers suspected Singleton to be impaired, Leonard said.
A standardized field sobriety test was conducted which Singleton did poorly on. Singleton was placed under arrest and later transported to Berwick Police Department where he submitted to a breath test, resulting in .210 grams %. Singleton was jailed.
Morgan City Police Chief James F. Blair reported the Morgan City Police Department responded to 36 calls of service and the following arrests were made:
—Peggy Ann Fabre, 52, of Francis Street in Berwick, was arrested at 12:06 p.m. Tuesday on charges of speeding, expired license plate, driving under suspension and possession of drug paraphernalia. A patrol officer observed a vehicle speeding in the area of Brashear Avenue and verified with a radar that the vehicle was traveling 10 mph over the speed limit.
While conducting the traffic stop, the officer observed the vehicle’s license plate was expired. The driver was identified as Fabre and a computer check revealed her driver’s license was under suspension. Fabre was found to be in possession of suspected drug paraphernalia. She was jailed.
—Joshua Caleb Lousteau, 39, of Lizabeth Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 1:20 p.m. Tuesday on a warrant for four counts of failure to appear. Lousteau was located at the Morgan City Police Department and placed under arrest on active warrants held by the City Court of Morgan City. Lousteau was jailed.
—Immanuel Lee Gary, 30, of La. 182 in Morgan City, was arrested at 1:47 p.m. Tuesday on charges of first offense possession of marijuana, illegal use of controlled dangerous substance in the presence of a person under 17 years of age, possession of drug paraphernalia and violation of uniform controlled dangerous substance drug free zone.
—Rebecca Loraine Clark, 37, of Clements Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 1:37 p.m. Tuesday on charges of first offense possession of marijuana, illegal use of controlled dangerous substance in the presence of a person under 17 years of age, possession of drug paraphernalia and violation of uniform controlled dangerous substance drug free zone.
Narcotics detectives of the Morgan City Police Department executed a search warrant at a residence on Clements Street with the assistance of the St. Mary Sherriff’s Narcotics Division. During the execution of the search warrant, Gary and Clark were located inside the residence along with two juveniles. Detectives located suspected marijuana and drug paraphernalia in the residence which was within a drug-free zone. Gary and Clark were jailed.
St. Mary Parish Sheriff Blaise Smith advised that the Sheriff’s Office responded to 49 complaints and the following arrests were made:
—Jamie Robinson, 29, of Crozier Street in Houma, was arrested at 10:32 a.m. Tuesday on charges of possession of heroin with intent to distribute, possession of Schedule II controlled dangerous substance (methamphetamine) over 28 grams with intent to distribute, possession of marijuana, driving on roadway lined for traffic and a hold for other agency.
A deputy was patrolling U.S. 90 east near Berwick when he observed a vehicle cross the white line and follow an 18-wheeler too closely. The deputy conducted a traffic stop and made contact with the driver, Robinson.
Through the stop, dispatch advised the deputy of an active warrant for Robinson through the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office. The deputy also located drugs belonging to Robinson. He was jailed with no bail set.
—Solomon James Falgout IV, 30, of Sebby’s Lane in Bayou Vista, was arrested at 6:40 p.m. Tuesday on a charge of domestic abuse battery. A deputy was dispatched to a disturbance in progress on Sebby’s Lane. The deputy made contact with a victim, who stated that Falgout had struck the victim, Smith said. The deputy made contact with Falgout and he was jailed with bail set at $2,500.
—Cole Zethrien Fruge, 28, of Saturn Road in Bayou Vista, was arrested at 11:43 p.m. Tuesday for a charge of disturbing the peace intoxicated. A deputy was dispatched to a location on Saturn Road in reference to a disturbance.
The deputy made contact with the complainant who stated that Fruge had come to his residence and is not allowed at the residence. Sometime later, Fruge returned again to the residence. The deputy returned and made contact with Fruge. He was jailed with bail set at $500.
Patterson Police Chief Garrett Grogan reported the following arrests:
—Tyler Brewer, 27, of Louisa Street in Patterson, was arrested at 7:58 a.m. Monday on charges of two counts simple battery and disturbing the peace. He was jailed with no bond set.
—Fallon S. Cannon, 37, of Tiffany Street in Patterson, was arrested at 10:35 a.m. Tuesday on a warrant. She was jailed with no bond set.
—Rhondalynn Butler, 33, of O Street in Patterson, was arrested at 11:59 p.m. Tuesday on a warrant for failure to appear on the charge of following too close with an accident and speeding 67 mph in a 55 mph zone. She was jailed with a $1,125 bond.
Assumption Parish Sheriff Leland Falcon reported the following arrest:
— Austin Cole Williams, 20, of Egle Street in Morgan City, was arrested on a warrant for violation of parole/probation conditions. Deputies received the warrant from St. Mary Parish on Oct. 11. Williams was booked into the Assumption Parish Detention Center on the warrant and will be moved to the Morgan City Police Department to deal with those charges.