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Flooding issues prompt move of training school to Baldwin site

It was announced at Wednesday night’s West St. Mary Port Commission meeting that the site of the much-deliberated, much-anticipated training facility will be moved from the port’s industrial park to the less flood-prone Baldwin campus.
Executive Director David Allain proposed the move following a threat from Louisiana Economic Development Association, to pull grant funds if the site for the prospective training facility was not moved out of such flood-proned an area as they consider the industrial park at the port.
The proposal was approved and even was said to afford advantages to the project insofar as the Baldwin campus is already utility-ready and will not require the same preparation as did the previous site.
A second proposal from the executive director’s report was also approved by the commission, to inspect the roofs of buildings at the Baldwin campus, to appraise the potential of load-bearing components that they should be capable of bearing the weight of an overlay of the roofs.
In other business, it was approved to participate in an intergovernmental replacement agreement, making more readily available the reimbursement of funds from the near complete Department of Transportation and Development project, which began work in its fourth phase this week.
Lastly, the meeting agenda was expanded to approve the repair of the air compressor from the DOTD project, to the tune of $24,000.
The compressor was found to have collected water through its intake, conjectured to have been perpetrated by recent storms, or from Hurricane Barry.
After some discussion, the repairs were agreed to be of immediate necessity, and were approved, with further investigations and claims possibilities as inevitable.

Lafayette Christian pulls victory over Centerville

CENTERVILLE _ Lafayette Christian Academy scored one run in the top of the 10th inning, pulling out a nail-biting 7-6 District 7-1A victory over the Centerville Bulldogs here Tuesday at the CHS Baseball Field.
Centerville and Lafayette Christian played to a 6-6 tie at the end of seven complete innings before the Knights rallied for one run in the 10th inning for the hard-fought win.
Trevyn Guilbeau started on the hill for the Bulldogs, working 7 1/3 innings, yielding six runs (3 earned) on six hits with three walks and six strikeouts.
Ben Simpson appeared in relief, working 2 2/3 innings, giving up one unearned run on no hits with three walks and two strikeouts.
Leading hitters for Centerville were: Morty Frederick, 1-4, 2 RBI, triple; Drayvy Guilbeau, 1-4, RBI, triple; Matt Sonnier, 1-3; Andrew Couvillier, 1-4 and Braden Gaspard, RBI.
LCA scored one run in the top half of the first inning before adding five more in the sixth along with the winning run in the 10th frame.
Centerville scored two runs in the bottom half of the second frame, one in the fourth and three more in the seven inning to knot the game at 6-6 at the end of regulation.
Centerville (7-3, 1-2) traveled to play Central Catholic on Wednesday.

Shannon cost is an issue for Morgan City, School Board

CENTERVILLE — Shannon Elementary is a beautiful landmark in Morgan City, but at what cost? And who pays for it?
Morgan City Mayor Frank “Boo” Grizzaffi attended Thursday’s St. Mary Parish School Board meeting to discuss just that. Grizzaffi discussed considerations for a cooperative endeavor agreement between the school board and the Morgan City government for the use of Shannon Elementary’s gym.
The board closed Shannon in 2015 as a cost-cutting measure in response to declining enrollment.
Currently, the gym is used for various recreational events, including some during Louisiana Shrimp and Petroleum Festival. The Morgan City Recreation Department also uses it for Biddy Basketball and to host a summer camp.
Local law enforcement agencies have used the building for trainings as well. Schools are able to utilize it for things such as the annual finance park and bus parking.
The gym is the part of the school that is used, but to cool it, you have to cool the whole area. Mayor Grizzaffi pointed out that this is an expensive bill.
He said it can cost in the “mid-$20,000 range annually to use the building.” Currently, the School Board covers the cost. Morgan City does not have a tax in place for recreation. The city also does not have a civic center or gymnasium, so the value of the school board’s asset is recognized.
Grizzaffi told the board that he originally “felt the city would stay out of that matter” but that the “expense is recognized.”
It was acknowledged that the building is a beautiful landmark positioned at the base of the bridge offering a welcoming appearance to the city as people enter. Grizzaffi gave his praise to the School Board for the good job it does with maintaining the building and the area belonging to it.
“I wish we could cool just the gym,” Grizzaffi went on to say.
There may be a “permanent solution down the road” but right now the only answer is a temporary one, and the city would like to continue using it. The only solution as of last night was to work on it: “Hash out a deal for numbers” and have an agreement before the city’s budget cycle.
In a separate item on the board’s agenda, insurance consultant James Perez provided the members with an update on the United Healthcare Wellness Program. Health care renewal proposals will be available at the next board meeting, but Perez explained that United Healthcare is presenting a wellness program to its members soon.
Sam Atkinson will be going to St. Mary Parish schools and informing members of United Healthcare of programs that they are eligible to participate in, creating what he calls “a culture of health.” These programs offer wellness challenges that can help members do things such as lose weight and quit smoking.
During an item on the agenda being discussed about technology, Kevin Derise was able to provide some information and an update on the recent cyber attack issue that caused St. Mary Parish to go offline to perform security protocols.
The move followed reports that four Louisiana school systems, mostly in north Louisiana, were the targets of hacking attempts. Officials said the St. Mary system was not successfully hacked.
Derise told the board that this wasn’t a small attack, this was predators and the state had to get help from homeland security and put all parishes on high alert.
“The state came with six remediation steps, and step one was to take down the internet. We went through the steps,” Derise said. “Luckily we were pretty quick at it.
“As of today, I think, there were only three districts that haven’t gone through the steps. As soon as they do, the state should remove the emergency.”
From here, Derise said, it will be a matter of preventing the users clicking on an unsafe link or opening an unsafe page.
After completing all the state’s precautions, now “we are trying to protect ourselves, from ourselves,” he said.

Sheriff: Illegal U-turns in Bayou Vista lead to three separate arrests.

Staff Report
A traffic stops made by deputies posted on the corner of U.S. 90 and Southeast Boulevard in Bayou Vista led to three arrests, St. Mary Parish Sheriff Blaise Smith reported in a news release.
—Brent Edward Charles, 38, of Headland Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 6:51 p.m. Wednesday on three warrants for failure to appear for distribution of cocaine, resisting an officer by flight and simple battery. Charles was also arrested on charges of failure to obey traffic control, illegal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of Schedule II drugs, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of a firearm in the presence of a controlled dangerous substance.
Deputies were stationary at the intersection of U.S. 90 and Southeast Boulevard in Bayou Vista when they observed a vehicle make an illegal U-turn. The deputies conducted a traffic stop and made contact with the driver, identified as Charles. Deputies learned that Charles held active warrants for his arrest. During the investigation, drugs and a firearm were located. Charles jailed. No bail has been set.
Smith also reported that the Sheriff’s Office responded to 32 complaints and the following arrests were made:
—Anthony Lee Brooks, 39, of Catherine Street in Patterson, was arrested at 4:54 p.m. Wednesday on charges of failure to obey traffic controls and driving under suspension. A deputy was stationary on the corner of U.S. 90 and Southeast Boulevard in Bayou Vista when he observed a vehicle make an illegal U-turn from a J-turn. The deputy conducted a traffic stop and made contact with the driver, identified as Brooks. The deputy learned that Brooks was driving with a suspended driver’s license. Brooks was jailed and released on a summons to appear in court on Nov. 8.
—Brent Edward Charles, 38, of Headland Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 6:51 p.m. Wednesday on three warrants for failure to appear for distribution of cocaine, resisting an officer by flight and simple battery and charges of failure to obey traffic control, illegal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of Schedule II drugs, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a firearm in the presence of a controlled dangerous substance.
Deputies were stationary at the intersection of U.S. 90 and Southeast Boulevard in Bayou Vista when they observed a vehicle make an illegal U-turn. The deputies conducted a traffic stop and made contact with the driver, identified as Charles. Deputies learned that Charles held active warrants for his arrest. During the investigation, drugs and a firearm were located. Charles jailed. No bail has been set.
—Renitta Williams Brown, 36, of Red Street in Gray, La., was arrested at 7:50 p.m. Wednesday on charges for failure to obey traffic controls and driving under suspension. A deputy was stationary on the corner of U.S. 90 and Southeast Boulevard in Bayou Vista when he observed a vehicle make an illegal U-turn. The deputy conducted a traffic stop and made contact with the driver, identified as Brown. The deputy learned that Brown was driving under suspension. Brown was jailed and released on a summons to appear in court on Nov. 8.
Morgan City Police Chief James F. Blair reported that the Morgan City Police Department responded to 49 calls of service and the following arrests were made:
—Charon Bougere, 34, of West Second Street in Donaldsonville, was arrested at 5:15 p.m. Wednesday on a warrant for failure to appear. Bougere was located at the Morgan City Police Department and placed under arrest on an active warrant. She was jailed.
—Blake J. McNemar, 30, of Leona Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 12:09 a.m. Thursday on charges of first-offense possession of synthetic marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.
An officer on patrol conducted a traffic stop in the area of La.182 and U.S. 90 for a traffic violation. During the traffic stop, McNemar was identified as a passenger in the vehicle. He was found to be in possession of suspected synthetic marijuana and drug paraphernalia, Blair said. He was jailed.
—Angie B. LaFleur, 39, of LaJuanie Court in Bayou L’Ourse, La., was arrested at 12:09 a.m. Thursday on warrants for charges of four counts failure to appear. An officer on patrol came into contact with LaFleur during a traffic stop on La. 182. A warrant check revealed City Court of Morgan City held active warrants for her arrest. She was jailed.
—Jonathon Paul Conner, 38, of Apple Street in Morgan City, La., was arrested at 3:09 a.m. Thursday on four counts failure to appear. An officer on patrol came into contact with Conner on Victor II Boulevard. A warrants check revealed City Court held active warrants for his arrest. He was jailed.
Patterson Police Chief Garrett Grogan reported the following arrests:
—Jeremy Hamilton, 23, of Richland Drive in Thibodaux, was arrested at 1:22 a.m. Thursday on charges of suspended driver’s license, expired license plate, and speeding 69 in a 55. He was jailed and released on a $783 bond.
Berwick Police Chief David Leonard Sr. reported that there were no arrests.

Morgan City native named Louisiana poet laureate

The Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, along with Gov. John Bel Edwards, have announced Louisiana’s newest poet laureate, John Warner Smith.
Following Jack Bedell’s tenure as poet laureate from 2017 through Aug. 13 of this year, Smith will assume the post beginning Aug. 14 and serve for two years.

"John Warner Smith's writing captures the human experience through meaningful, passionate poetry that moves your emotions. John is not only a talented and gifted poet, he is a trailblazer who devotes himself to education and the greater good of the community," Edwards said. “He is making history today as the first African American male appointed as Louisiana Poet Laureate, and I'm confident that John will serve our great state well. I want to thank the LEH for leading this search, and I congratulate all of the nominees whose writings tell the unique stories of Louisiana, the place we call home."

Smith, a native of Morgan City, began writing poetry while simultaneously building a successful career as a public administrator and a banker. He now teaches English at Southern University in Baton Rouge, in addition to regularly publishing new works of poetry. Since 2007, he has directed Education’s Next Horizon, a non-profit policy advocacy organization dedicated to improving public education in Louisiana.

“Reading Smith’s poetry, which often reflects the rich beauty of black humanity with razor sharp precision, is a sensual feast,” said Cynthia Bryant, dean of the College of Humanities and Interdisciplinary Studies at Southern University and A &M College. “His words bring the reader deeply into the world of his personas, leaving a lovingly indelible impression that feeds a desire to experience more. We are proud to call him one of our own.”

A fellow of Cave Canem, Smith has four published collections of poetry: “Muhammad’s Mountain” (Lavender Ink, 2018), “Spirits of the Gods” (UL Press, 2017), “Soul Be A Witness” (MadHat Press, 2016) and “A Mandala of Hands” (Kelsay Books - Aldrich Press, 2015). His fifth collection, “Our Shut Eyes,” is forthcoming from MadHat Press.

Smith’s poems have appeared in numerous literary journals across the country, including Ploughshares, Callaloo, North American Review and Missouri Review, and he is the winner of the 2019 Linda Hodge Bromberg Poetry Award. Much of his poetry draws upon African American history and his personal experiences of growing up and living in the South.

Prior to his career as a published poet, Smith earned a Master of Fine Arts from the University of New Orleans. He also holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, and Bachelor of Science degrees in Psychology and Accounting from McNeese State University.

“Poetry found me long before I realized that I was a poet, even as I pursued other career interests,” said Smith. “The journey has been quite fulfilling, and I feel blessed to be a vessel in that sense. As an African American writer, my perspectives are not unique, but I do portray the human condition in a different and somewhat important light, particularly of history and personal experience.”

As Louisiana’s literary ambassador for the next two years, Smith will travel the state encouraging fellow Louisianans to explore and engage with poetry. In addition to Bedell, previous poets laureate include Brenda Marie Osbey, Darrell Bourque, Julie Kane, Ava Leavell Haymon and Peter Cooley.

“I like to think of my work as helping to narrow or bridge the distance that our differences often create between us,” said Smith. “As poet laureate, I hope to broaden awareness of how poetry enriches our lives. Having spent my early childhood in a public housing project and attended public schools during the tumultuous years of the Civil Rights Movement, I would especially like to bring that awareness to the youth of poorer, rural parts of Louisiana.”

According to selection guidelines, nominees must have published works in books, anthologies, literary journals or magazines. In addition, the selection committee must seek information from the general public and the literary community. The committee must select nominees who reflect the diverse cultures and heritage of Louisiana.

Under state law, the LEH is charged with overseeing the poet laureate nomination process. This year's panel included Bedell along with LEH President/Executive Director Miranda Restovic; Darrell Bourque, PhD, former poet laureate and professor emeritus at University of Louisiana at Lafayette; Jessica Faust, poetry editor of the Southern Review; Ava Leavell Haymon, former poet laureate and a published poet; Laura Mullen, the McElveen Professor in English at Louisiana State University; Sheryl St. Germain, director of the Master of Fine Arts program in Creative Writing at Chatham University and a published poet; and Erin Greenwald, vice-president of content at the LEH.

The Poet Laureate will be available for public programming, including readings, workshops and lectures, at venues across Louisiana during his tenure. For sites that wish to host the Poet Laureate, please contact Christopher Robert at (504) 620-2639 or robert@leh.org.

“I always look forward to immersing myself in Louisiana’s vibrant and thriving poetry scene for the poet laureate process,” said Restovic. “Here at the LEH we are proud to not only manage the selection process, but also to support meaningful interaction with the Poet Laureate and communities around the state during each tenure.”

ANTHONY BOUDREAUX JR.

September 5, 1936 – August 7, 2019
Anthony Boudreaux Jr. passed away at home at the age of 82 after a long illness on Wednesday, August 7, 2019. He and his wife, Janet, were married for 60 years and have four sons and one daughter.
He was a graduate of Patterson High School, LSU, and Penn State. He served in the United States Air Force for two years at Barksdale Air Force Base in Shreveport as a Meteorologist. In 1963 he returned home to farm sugar cane. He retired after the 2006 crop, having farmed for 43 years.
Anthony was very active in organizations connected with farming. He was a member of the St. Mary Parish Farm Bureau, a member of the FSA, a member of the St. Mary Parish Soil & Water Conservation Board, and was also a founding member of the St. Mary Parish East Wax Lake Drainage District Board. He was a Patterson Rotary Club member for ten years, and was a Rotary Fellow.
Anthony was a Mission Pilot in the St. Mary Parish Civil Air Patrol where he served as Squadron Commander for many years.
He is survived by his wife, Janet; four sons, Andre and his wife Connie, Rémy, Brennan and his wife Fedora, and Myron and his wife Dana; one daughter, Joan Roussel and her husband Ryan; seven grandchildren, Maraé Mire and her husband Melvin, Brennan Michael Boudreaux and his wife Miranda, Hannah Boudreaux, Jessica Nunn and her husband Jason, Lindsey Taylor, Sara Roussel, and Allison Roussel; and five great-grandchildren, Katelyn Boudreaux, Kylea Boudreaux, Maddison Boudreaux, Eli Mire, and Jayde Nunn.
He was preceded in death by his father, Anthony (Mr. Tony) Boudreaux Sr.; his mother, Levia Derouen Boudreaux, an infant daughter, Annette; his sister, Betty Clausen; and a grandson, Ryan Boudreaux.
A debt of thanks to all the caregivers for their love and devotion in every day care: Teresa Romero, Miranda Boudreaux, Maraé Mire, Esther Brown, Anne Houghton, Sally Hebert, Betty Henderson, and family nurse, Dana Boudreaux; Hospice nurses Debbie Richie, Amanda Fortier, Allison Guidry, Christine Wolf, Chris Brewer, and Jennifer Price; all of Hospice of South Louisiana, Houma, LA, and Hospice Chaplain, the Rev. Ray Marcel, Pastor of Cornerstone Foursquare Church in Houma, Louisiana, who was a great comfort during Anthony’s illness.
Visitation will be held Saturday, August 10, 2019, from 9 a.m. until service time at 11 a.m. at Ibert’s Mortuary in Patterson. The service will be officiated by Pastor Herbert Stanley, Associate Pastor of Cornerstone Ministries in Morgan City. Burial will be at the St. Joseph Cemetery in Patterson, in the St. Andrew Mausoleum, following the service. Serving as pallbearers will be his four sons, Andre Boudreaux, Rémy Boudreaux, Brennan Boudreaux, and Myron J. Boudreaux, his grandson, Brennan Michael Boudreaux, and his grandson-in-law, Melvin Mire. Military Honors will be provided by the Keesler Air Force Base Honor Guard.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Hospice of South Louisiana in Houma or to Guatemala Home for Children, C/O Mike and Dottie Clark, PO Box 12764, Lake Charles, LA 70612-2764.
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.

TYRONNE DANIEL BOUTIN

Tyronne Daniel Boutin, 67, a native of New Orleans and a resident of Morgan City, passed away Tuesday, July 30, 2019, at 7 a.m. at his residence.
Visitation will be observed Saturday, Aug. 10, 2019, at the Jones Funeral Home, 715 Sixth St., Morgan City, from 10 a.m. until funeral services at noon.
He is survived by his sister, Mrs. James (Amanda) Gould of Morgan City, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his mother, his grandmother, a sister a niece, and two nephews.
Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Wheel House for Aug. 9

FELLOWSHIP
Jewels for Jesus of New Mount Esther Baptist Church holding an evening of fellowship, prayer, praise and pampering from 6-9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 9. Men and women welcome. For info call 985-385-0081. Refreshments and door prizes.

Some common garden plants might help keep bugs away

If mosquitoes, gnats, black flies and no-see-ums are driving you buggy, then consider cozying up to some lavender, marigolds or basil. Scientists question their overall effectiveness, but many fragrant ornamental flowers and herbs grown around the home have properties that can repel insects.
Insect repellents are divided into two primary chemical classes: natural and synthetic. How effective they are depends on targeted insects and the host plants’ essential oils.
“Plant-derived insect repellents are very volatile compounds that work but exhaust themselves very quickly,” said Walter Leal, a biochemist and distinguished professor at the University of California, Davis. “They’re good, but they should last for a longer time.”
The most frequently cited plant-based repellents include the oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) and oil of citronella.
DEET (N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide), on the other hand, is a strong synthetic repellent considered the yardstick for protection from insects, but often is confused with DDT, the insecticide blamed for so many environmental problems, Leal said.
“DEET is not an insecticide, and it’s a chemical of low volatility so it lasts longer,” Leal said. “People are not interested in reapplying something every few hours.”
If you do plan to try natural repellents, then the top herbs for which there is scientific evidence of mosquito deterrence are lemongrass, lemon balm, bee balm and lemon thyme, said Gary Bachman, an Extension horticulturist with Mississippi State University.
Rosemary, lavender, basil, mint, citronella and catnip also may help discourage insect pests, he said.
Ornamental flowers believed to be effective at deterring troublesome bugs include marigolds, alliums, chrysanthemums, petunias and geraniums.
There are “a lot of plants that if you rub against them release vital oils,” Bachman said. “I think that’s probably of some benefit in repelling insects. But if you just have those plants sitting in a pot, I don’t think there’s much chance of keeping troublesome insects away. You have to put some effort into it, like rubbing crushed plant material onto your clothing or skin.”
Bachman cautions, however, that some of the volatile oils produced by those plants could be irritating.
Most insect repellents designed for use on the skin must be registered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency before they can be sold in stores. EPA registration means the repellent has been tested and approved for human safety and is effective when used according to label directions.
Synthesized OLE is an effective insect deterrent although “pure” oil of eucalyptus is not recommended. “It has not undergone validated testing for safety and effectiveness and is not registered with EPA as an insect repellent,” the Centers for Disease Control said.
Insects can be more than annoying. Some can be downright dangerous, transmitting viruses (yellow fever, encephalitis, dengue fever, West Nile disease), bacteria (Lyme disease, typhus) or parasites (malaria, sleeping sickness). Bug sprays generally are the first line of defense for long-lasting protection.
Does that mean ornamental plants and herbs containing natural insect repellents are practical additions for residential settings?
“Botanical repellents are a nice idea, but I don’t think they’re the best solution for discouraging insects,” Bachman said.

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ST. MARY NOW

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