RSS Feed

Morgan City man arrested on child pornography counts

For the second time in a week, a local man has been arrested on child pornography charges.
Chad Michael Duval Jr., Roderick Street, Morgan City, was arrested Thursday on nine counts of pornography involving juveniles under 13 and one count of sexual abuse of an animal, according to state Attorney General Liz Murrill's office. Duval was arrested by agents with the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation.
The arrest resulted from a joint investigation by the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation, the Morgan City Police Department and the St Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Duval was booked into the Morgan City Jail.
The investigation continues.
A Bayou Vista man, Kaleb Leonard, 19, was arrested June 18 on 13 counts of child pornography. Out on bail, Leonard was arrested again July 1 on 45 child porn counts and 54 counts of sexual abuse of an animal.

Morgan City man dies after Terrebonne crash

A Morgan City man died as a result of a single-vehicle crash Friday in Terrebonne Parish.

The victim was identified as James McCleary, 76, according to Louisiana State Police Troop C.

The crash occurred about two miles west of Savanne Road just before 8 p.m. Friday..

The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2014 Ford F-150, driven by McCleary, was traveling west on La. 182 when it exited the roadway to the right, struck a tree and became partially submerged in a nearby waterway.

McCleary, who was unrestrained, sustained serious injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital, where he later died.

Standard toxicology samples were collected from McCleary for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.

Buckling up is the most effective way to protect yourself while in a vehicle, state police said. It can reduce the risk of serious injury or death in the event of a crash, and it takes only seconds to do so. Always remember to buckle up before starting your journey, no matter how short the trip may be.

Bayou L'Ourse teen accused of attempted murder

(Editor’s note: The charges listed here and the narratives that go with them are provided by the police agencies that made the arrests. Guilt or innocence has not been determined in court.)

A Bayou L'Ourse 17-year-old is one of three youths accused of attempted murder after a June 28 shooting in Paintcourtville.

Assumption

Sheriff Leland Falcon reported these arrests:

--Harley J. Montet, 17, Ann Street, Bayou L'Ourse, was arrested Wednesday on four counts of attempted first-degree murder, four counts of aggravated assault with a firearm, aggravated criminal damage to property, and illegal use of weapons or dangerous instrumentalities.

--Javon Jaquanta Williams, 19, Violet Street, Lababadieville, was arrested Wednesday on four counts of attempted first-degree murder, four counts of aggravated assault with a firearm, aggravated criminal damage to property, and illegal use of weapons or dangerous instrumentalities.

--Denarion Javontey Truehill, 17, La. 400, Napoleonville, was arrested Wednesday on four counts of attempted first-degree murder, four counts of aggravated assault with a firearm, aggravated criminal damage to property, and illegal use of weapons or dangerous instrumentalities.

--Juvenile, 16, Gonzales, was arrested on a charge of illegal possession of a firearm by a juvenile.

The charges result from an incident in the Ideal Street area of Paintcourtville.

In the early morning hours of June 28, deputies were dispatched to the area of Ideal Street off La. 308 in Paincourtville in reference to gunshots being fired.

Deputies arrived on scene and located bullet casings of several different calibers. Deputies secured the area on Ideal Street. Additionally, deputies located a vehicle in the La. 1 area of Belle Rose that had been struck by gunfire on Ideal Street. That vehicle was secured as an additional crime scene.

At the time of this shooting, the vehicle was occupied by four people.

Detectives were dispatched and continued the investigation. It was determined that multiple individuals were involved in an argument and at some point, gunfire erupted.

As the investigation progressed, detectives identified Montet, Williams, Truehill and a fourth individual as suspects in this incident.

As the investigation continued, detectives secured arrest warrants for Montet, Williams and Truehill, who were booked Wednesday into the Assumption Parish Detention Center pending bond proceedings.

The juvenile, who is from Gonzales, remains in custody. Falcon thanked the Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office for its assistance.

Morgan City

Chief Chad M. Adams reported that the Morgan City Police Department responded to 44 calls for service over the last 24-hour reporting period and made these arrests:

--Jeffry Gross, 42, Terrebonne Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 1:47 a.m. Wednesday on charges of prohibited acts, false representation; possession of methamphetamine; possession of marijuana (first offense); and possession of drug paraphernalia.

--Sarah Bran, 39, Hogan Street, Berwick, was arrested at 9:27 a.m. Wednesday on a charge of failure to appear for trial (6th Ward Morgan City Court).

--Phi Duval, 41, Belanger Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 12:24 p.m. Wednesday on a charge of failure to appear for trial (6th Ward Morgan City Court.

--Atlas White, 33, Nebraska Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 12:24 p.m. Wednesday on a charge of domestic abuse battery.

--Sylvester Francois, 27, Taft Street, Patterson, was arrested at 6:45 p.m. Wednesday on five counts of failure to appear to pay fines (6th Ward Morgan City Court).

Franklin

Chief Cedric Handy reported that the Franklin Police Department responded to 15 calls for service over the last 24-hour reporting period and made this arrest:

--Joseph Williams, Jr., 36, Willow Street, Franklin, was arrested at 9 p.m. Wednesday on a warrant for 3rd Ward City Court alleging failure to appear on charges of no head lamps after dark and driver must be licensed.
Williams was booked, processed and released on a $348 bond.

Public notices for July 4, 2025

Click here to download the June 24 Morgan City Council minutes.

mmm

PUBLIC NOTICE
OFFICIAL
PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF
MORGAN CITY
JUNE 24, 2025
The Mayor and City Council of Morgan City, Louisiana, met at 6:00 pm (local time) in regular session, this date, in the City Court Building, Highway 182 East, Morgan City, Louisiana.
There were present: Honorable Lee Dragna, Mayor; and Council Members Ron Bias, Steve Domangue, Tim Hymel, and Bonnie Leonard.
Absent: None
Also present were Mr. Charlie Solar, Jr., Chief Administrative Officer and Mr. Paul Landry, City Attorney.
The invocation was given by Reverend Tracy Smith.
The Positive Im- age recipients for the month of June were employees of the Police Department who received their 5, 10, and 15-year service pins. Police Chief Chad Adams presented the pins to Shyra Tabb, 15 years; Lisa Bourgeois and Kimberly Witherow, 10 years; and Misty Swiber and Tammy Ashley, 5 years. The Mayor and Council congratulated them and presented them with Positive Image Certificates.
Mrs. Cassandra Romo addressed the Council re- garding the Boujee Bingo event. She read a letter to the Mayor and Council (copy on file).
The minutes of the May 27, 2025, meeting were submitted. There be- ing no corrections, additions, or deletions, a motion to approve the minutes was made by Pastor Bias, seconded by Mrs. Leonard, and voted unanimously in favor.
Mrs. Deborah Garber, Finance Director, submitted the following financial statement for the period ending May 31, 2025.
MONTHLY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DATE: June 24, 2025
TO: Mayor and Council
FROM: Deborah Garber
RE: Comments related to summary of revenues and expenses compared to budget for the period ended May 31, 2025.
Attached is a summary that compares our actual revenues and expenses to our operational budget for our major funds subject to budgetary control for the period ending May 31, 2025. The following comments are related thereto:
General and Ancillary Funds: Actual revenues are over budget by $67,410. Operating expenses are under budget by $200,719. The net loss of $1,362,374 is a favorable variance of $268,129 as compared to the adopted budget.
Utility Fund: Actual revenues in this fund remain under budget by $700,956. This is a result of Electric revenues being 888,000 under budget. The operational expenses are over budget by $511,378. This overage is in large part due to Purchase power costs being over budget by $547,933. The net income, after transfers, of $880,081 creates an unfavorable variance again this month as compared to the budget of $1,046,036.
Sanitation and Sewer Fund: The operating revenues are slightly over budget by $23,990, with total operating expenses under budget by $44,682. The net income, after transfers, of $355,954 leaves a favorable variance of $85,202.
Respectfully submitted,
/s/ Deborah Garber
Deborah Garber
Finance Director

A motion to accept the financial statement was made by Mr. Domangue, seconded by Mr. Hymel, and voted unanimously in favor.
The next matter on the agenda was appointing an interim councilman and calling for a special election. Mayor Dragna said four names were submitted to take Mr. Blan-chard’s place until an election could be held. He thank-ed everyone for putting their names up. Mr. Hymel said there were four great candidates, but only one could be chosen; whereupon,
Mrs. Leonard offered the following Resolution, who moved for its adoption.
RESOLUTION
NO. R: 25-39
WHEREAS, Council member Eriq Blanchard, representing District 5, submitted his resignation effective June 20, 2025, at midnight, and
WHEREAS, the constitution, laws of the State of Louisiana, and the charter of the City of Morgan City provide that such a vacancy shall be filled through appointment by a majority of the re- maining members of the council until the office is filled by the vote of the qualified electors voting in an election called by the council for that purpose, and
WHEREAS, the constitution, laws of the State of Louisiana, and the charter of the City of Morgan City provide that the council shall issue a proclamation ordering the election to fill the vacancy in accordance with state law, and
WHEREAS, an election is scheduled for April 18, 2026, primary election and May 30, 2026, general election, with qualifying dates being January 14, 15, & 16, 2026.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RE- SOLVED, by the City Council, the governing authority of the City of Morgan City, that Thomas Hutchinson, Jr. is hereby appointed to serve on the Morgan City Council as the District 5 representative until the office is filled by the vote of the qualified electors voting in an election called by the council for that purpose and
IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED, by the City Council, the governing authority of the City of Morgan City, that the election to fill the vacancy for the City Council District 5 representative shall be scheduled for April 18, 2026, primary election and May 30, 2026, general election with qualifying dates being January 14, 15 & 16, 2026.
Pastor Bias seconded the motion.
The vote thereon was as follows:
AYES: Leonard, Bias, Domangue, Hymel
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
The resolution was therefore de- clared approved and adopted this 24th day of June, 2025.
/s/ Lee Dragna
Lee Dragna
Mayor
ATTEST:
/s/ Debbie
Harrington
Debbie Harrington
Clerk
Mr. Hutchinson was administered the oath of office by Judge Edward Leonard.
The next matter on the agenda was the official journal; whereupon,
Mr. Domangue offered the following Resolution, who moved for its adoption.
RESOLUTION
NO. R: 25-40
WHEREAS, L.R.S. 43:171 provides that political subdivisions of the state shall select an official journal for the period of July 1st and ending June 30th of each year, and
WHEREAS, The Morgan City Re- view is the only newspaper within the City which conforms to the regulations governing official journals, and
WHEREAS, the price quoted by The Morgan City Review is within the limits allowed by law,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RE- SOLVED, by the City Council, the governing authority of the City of Morgan City, that The Morgan City Review be and the same is hereby appointed as the official journal of the City of Morgan City and its proposal to publish legal publications of the City at a cost of $6.00 per square is hereby accepted.
Pastor Bias seconded the motion.
The vote thereon was as follows:
AYES: Doman-gue, Bias, Hutchinson, Hymel, Leonard
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
The resolution was therefore de- clared approved and adopted this 24th day of June, 2025.
/s/ Lee Dragna
Lee Dragna
Mayor
ATTEST:
/s/ Debbie
Harrington
Debbie Harrington
Clerk
Mayor Dragna said that in the appropriations bill, the city was awarded $1.25 million and the planning for the Lake End Parkway Pier needed to get underway; whereupon,
Mr. Hymel offer-ed the following Resolution, who moved for its adoption.
RESOLUTION
NO. R: 25-41
WHEREAS, The City of Morgan City will need En- gineering Services for the US HUD EDI-CPF Grant Lake End Parkway Pier – Multiuse Development, and
WHEREAS, the City sent out a Request for Qualifications for Professional Engineering Services; and
WHEREAS, the firm of C.H. Fenstermaker & Associates, LLC best meets the City’s needs in its qualifications for Engineering Services for the US HUD EDI-CPF Grant Lake End Parkway Pier – Multiuse Development.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RE- SOLVED by the City Council, the governing authority of the City of Morgan City, Louisiana that it engage C.H. Fenstermaker & Associates, LLC to perform the necessary services to implement this project.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLV-ED, that the Mayor be and he is hereby authorized, empowered, and directed to execute any and all documents in connection with this project.
Mrs. Leonard seconded the motion.
The vote thereon was as follows:
AYES: Hymel, Leonard, Bias, Do- mangue, Hutchinson
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
The Resolution was therefore de- clared approved and adopted this 24th day of June, 2025.
/s/ Lee Dragna
Lee Dragna
Mayor
ATTEST:
/s/ Debbie
Harrington
Debbie Harrington
Clerk
Mr. Solar said that Request for Qualifications had been received for a Debris Monitoring Company as re- quired by FEMA in case of a hurricane or natural disaster; whereupon;
Mrs. Leonard offered the following Resolution, who moved for its adoption.
RESOLUTION
NO. R: 25-42
WHEREAS, The City of Morgan City needs to Disaster Debris Monitoring Services in place, and
WHEREAS, the City sent out a Request for Qualifications for Disaster Debris Monitoring Services; and
WHEREAS, the firm of Metric Consulting best meets the City’s needs in its qualifications for Disaster Debris Monitoring Services.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RE- SOLVED by the City Council, the governing authority of the City of Morgan City, Louisiana that it engage Metric Consulting to perform the necessary services to implement this project.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLV-ED, that the Mayor be and he is hereby authorized, empowered, and directed to execute any and all documents in connection with this project.
Mr. Domangue seconded the mo- tion.
The vote thereon was as follows:
AYES: Leonard, Domangue, Bias, Hutchinson, Hy- mel
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
The Resolution was therefore de- clared approved and adopted this 24th day of June, 2025.
/s/ Lee Dragna
Lee Dragna
Mayor
ATTEST:
/s/ Debbie
Harrington
Debbie Harrington
Clerk
Mr. Solar said that the funding for the wastewater infrastructure grant had not been approved. The repairs still needed to be made to the system. He said that the City could request $6,609,000 in federal funding from the US Army Corps of Engineers, under the Water Resources Development Act, but it would re- quire a 25% match; whereupon,
Mr. Domangue offered the following Resolution, who moved for its adoption.
RESOLUTION
NO. R: 25-43
WHEREAS, the City of Morgan City is interested in making up- grades to the wastewater infrastructure; and
WHEREAS, the City wishes to seek assistance from the US Army Corps of Engineers, under Section 219 of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 1992; and
WHEREAS, the City is requesting $6,609,000 in federal funding; and
WHEREAS, as a non-federal Sponsor, the City must enter into a project partnership agreement which re- quires a 25% match of the funding.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council, the governing authority of the City of Morgan City that it hereby allocates 25% as the City’s match for Wastewater Infrastructure and Management Project, said funds to be allocated from the Sanitation and Sewer Fund.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLV-ED, etc., by the City Council, the governing authority of the City of Morgan City that the City of Morgan City will manage and maintain the project and assume any legal liability incurred as a re- sult and that the Mayor be, and he is hereby authorized, empowered, and directed to execute any.
Pastor Bias seconded the motion.
The vote thereon was as follows:
AYES: Doman-gue, Bias, Hutchinson, Hymel, Leonard
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
The resolution was therefore de- clared approved and adopted this 24th day of June, 2024.
/s/ Lee Dragna
Lee Dragna
Mayor
ATTEST:
/s/ Debbie
Harrington
Debbie Harrington
Clerk
The next matter on the agenda was the finance committee recommendations; whereupon,
Mrs. Leonard offered the following Resolution, who moved for its adoption.
RESOLUTION
NO. R: 25-44
BE IT RESOLV-ED, by the City Council, the governing authority of the City of Morgan City, that the following Finance Committee recommendations be and the same are hereby approved:
1. Allocate $13,300 for 2 Flock Cameras. $7,000 is from TED revenues with the remaining balance coming from the General Fund fund balance.
2. Allocate $5,242 from the Water Distribution Capital Additions for Sectional Door replacement.
3. Allocate $22,730 from Gas Capital Additions to install gas meter at Bayou Ramos.
4. Allocate $25,000 from Lake End Park Building and Maintenance to repair Cabin 2.
5. Allocate $13,128 from General Fund fund balance to install lights and sirens on Fire Department Truck.
6. Allocate $6,500 from Utility Capital Additions to purchase Air Breaker.
7. Allocate $13,695 from Lake End Parkway for purchase of portable bathroom.
Mr. Domangue seconded the motion.
The vote thereon was as follows:
AYES: Leonard, Domangue, Bias, Hutchinson, Hy- mel
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
The resolution was therefore de- clared approved and adopted this 24th day of June, 2025.
/s/ Lee Dragna
Lee Dragna
Mayor
ATTEST:
/s/ Debbie
Harrington
Debbie Harrington
Clerk
The first reading of the Amending of Section 114-32 Ordinance was the next matter on the agenda. No definitive action was necessary.
The first reading of the Amending of Section 114-34 Ordinance was opened. No definitive action was necessary.
The public hearing for the Enacting Chapter 106 was opened. No one appeared for or against said ordinance; whereupon,
This ordinance was introduced with a first reading on May 27, 2025. Published by title on May 30, 2025.
Pastor Bias offered the following ordinance, who moved for its adoption.
ORDINANCE
NO. 25-03
AN ORDINANCE ENACTING CHAPTER 106, TRAFFIC AND VEHICLES, ARTICLE VI – STORING OR ABANDONING JUNKED AUTOMOBILES, MOTOR VEHICLES, OR WATERCRAFT, OR ANY OTHER JUNK ON PRIVATE PROPERTY
SECTION 1
BE IT ORDAIN-ED, by the City Council, the governing authority of the City of Morgan City, Louisiana, that Article VI of Chapter 106, Traffic and Vehicles, is hereby enacted, said section to read as follows:
Chapter 106
********
Traffic and
Vehicles
********
Article VI – Storing or Abandoning Junked Automobiles, Motor
Vehicles, or Watercraft, or any other Junk on Private Property
********
Sec. 106-215. Storing or abandoning junked automobiles, motor vehicles or watercraft, or any other junk on private property is prohibited.
It is unlawful to store or abandon “junked, wrecked or used automobiles or motor vehicles or watercraft” or “any other junk” on any vacant lot, or any portion of any occupied lot, neutral ground, street or sidewalk, within the municipal limits of the city.
Sec. 106-216. Defined.
Antique vehicle shall mean a vehicle twenty-five (25) years or older.
Any other junk shall mean and include but is not limited to: discarded or abandoned major appliances, such as refrigerators, freezers, ranges or machinery or other metal, tin or other discarded items, located on any vacant lot, or any portion of any occupied lot, neutral ground, street or sidewalk, within the municipality or parish.
Junked, wrecked or used automobiles or motor ve- hicles or watercraft as used herein shall mean any motor vehicle or watercraft which is totally inoperable, left unattended on any portion of any occupied lot, neutral ground, street or sidewalk, and is so damaged or dismantled as to be a total loss, located on any vacant lot, or any portion of any occupied lot, neutral ground, street or sidewalk, within the municipality or parish.
Total loss shall mean that the cost to repair a damaged or dismantled motor vehicle exceeds the junk value of said vehicle, as determined by any recognized national appraisal book.
The provisions hereto shall not apply to:
(1) Any motor vehicle or watercraft in operable condition specifically adapted or constructed for racing or operation on privately owned drag strips or raceways;
(2) Any motor vehicle retained by the owner for antique collection purposes rather than for salvage or for transportation; however, all motor vehicles obtained for antique collection purposes which have not been fully restored shall be kept in an enclosed building or under a carport or other structure, or shall be located on a concrete pad or other improved surface and covered by a bonafide automotive covering securely fastened to said vehicle, and protected from the elements, such as rain, sun, hail, and any other naturally occurring processes which would cause said vehicles to deteriorate further, and if not kept in an enclosed building, shall keep said vehicle free from any unsightly weed growth or accumulation of garbage or junk underneath or about the sides of said vehicle; or
(3) Any motor vehicle stored as the property of a member of the Armed Forces of the United States who is on active- duty assignment.
Sec. 106-217. Declaration of public nuisance and illegality.
The presence of any “junked, wrecked or used automobiles or motor vehicles or watercraft” or “any other junk” on any private lot, tract or parcel of land, or portion thereof, occupied or unoccupied, improved or unimproved within the city shall be deemed and is hereby declared a public nuisance and it shall be unlawful for any person to cause or maintain such a public on the real property of another or on his own real property provided that this section shall not apply with regard to:
(1) Any junked motor vehicle or watercraft in an enclosed building;
(2) Any junked motor vehicle or watercraft on the premises of a business enterprise operated in a lawful manner, when necessary to the operation of such business entMAYMAYMAY202520252024ACTUALBUDGETVARIANCEACTUALGENERAL
9prise; or
(3) Any junked motor vehicle or watercraft in an appropriate storage place or depository maintained at a location where such business is authorized under the zoning law and other regulatory ordinances of the city.
Sec. 106-218. Evidence of abandonment.
If a junked motor vehicle, as defined herein, has been situated on the private property of another, or upon a public street, alley or other property, without such person’s permission or without the city’s permission, for a period of sixty (60) days or longer, this fact then shall be prima facie evidence that the owner of said vehicle has abandoned the same.
Sec. 106-219. Notice; declaration as public property; removal and costs: Junked, wrecked or used automobiles or motor vehicles or watercraft.
(a) This division provides for re- moval and disposition of such junked, wrecked or used automobiles or watercraft after notice of not less than ten (10) days, either placed on the vehicle itself or given to the owner, if known, or ten (10) days after unopened or unaccepted certified mail is returned undeliverable, containing notice to the address where the junked, wrecked or used automobile or motor vehicle or watercraft is located.
(b) Any junked, wrecked or used automobile or motor vehicle or watercraft which remains on the public ways or private property des-cribed above in section 19-66(a), after notice given as provided in this division, shall be considered as public property, and disposed of by the municipality or parish as the governing authority may designate.
(c) In the event that valid notice is given, and the ten (10) day period lapses, the city may at its choice, tow and store and/or demolish the automobile, motor vehicle or watercraft with its own personnel or en- gage with a third party to accomplish the same.
(d) Additionally, the city, at its choice, may re- quire, but not by way of limitation, that any vacant lot or portion of any occupied lot properly zoned and used for the storage of junked automobiles, motor vehicles or watercraft, as herein defined, shall be surrounded or en- closed by a board fence or other en- closure.
Sec. 106-220. Compliance; abatement; re- quest for hearing.
In the event the automobile, motor vehicle or watercraft is removed within ten (10) days of the notice by service outlined in this division to abate the nuisance, the responsible party will be deemed in compliance with in this division.
If, within ten (10) days after receipt of notice to abate the nuisance as herein provided, the owner or occupant of the premises, or the owner of the junked vehicle, automobile or watercraft gives written permission to the city for removal of the junked motor vehicle from the premises, the giving of such permission shall be considered compliance with the provisions of this division, subject to reimbursement by the re- sponsible party of costs for such removal as outlined in these ordinances.
However, if the owner or occupant of the premises so desires, such person may, within said period after service of notice to abate the nuisance, request of the clerk of the court, either in person or in writing, along with written notice requesting such hearing being provided to the city within the said period after service of the notice, and without the requirement of bond, that a date and a time be set when such owner or occupant may appear before the court for a trial without jury to determine whether or not such owner or occupant is in violation of this division, and said trial shall be set as hereinafter provided.
Sec. 106-221. Notice; declaration as public property; removal and costs: Any other junk.
(a) This division provides for re- moval and disposition of “any other junk” as defined in section 19-66, after notice is given to the owner of the lot or parcel of ground upon which the junk material is located. After ten (10) days elapse after the unopened or unaccepted certified mail is returned undeliverable, containing notice to the address outlined above, the “junk” shall be considered as public property, and disposed of by the municipality or parish as the governing authority may designate.
(b) In the event that valid notice is given, and the ten (10) day period lapses, the city may at its choice, remove the junk with its own personnel or engage with a third party to accomplish the same.
(c) The cost of removing said “junk” shall constitute a special lien collectable in the same manner as special assessments are collectible by law, and shall not exceed two thousand dollars ($2,000.00).
(d) Additionally, the city, at its choice, may re- quire, but not by way of limitation, that any vacant lot or portion of any occupied lot properly zoned and used for the storage of junk, as herein defined, shall be surrounded or enclosed by a board fence or other enclosure.
Sec. 106-222. Compliance; abatement; re- quest for hearing.
In the event the “junk” is removed within ten (10) days of the notice by service outlined these ordinances to abate the nuisance, the responsible party will be deemed in compliance with this division.
If, within ten (10) days after receipt of notice to abate the nuisance as herein provided, the owner or occupant of the premises, or the owner of the junk gives written permission to the city for re- moval of the junk from the premises, the giving of such permission shall be considered compliance with the provisions of this division, subject to reimbursement by the responsible party of costs for such removal as outlined in this division.
However, if the owner or occupant of the premises so desires, such person may, within said period after service of notice to abate the nuisance, request of the clerk of the court, either in person or in writing, along with written notice requesting such hearing being provided to the city within the said period after service of the notice, and without the requirement of bond, that a date and a time be set when such owner or occupant may appear before the court for a trial without jury to determine whether or not such owner or occupant is in violation of this division, and said trial shall be set as hereinafter provided. Sec. 106-223. Trials—Setting date and time; complaint.
Upon receiving a request for trial, made pursuant to this division, the clerk of the court shall set a date and a time for such trial on the court docket. The clerk of the court shall notify the city attorney of the date and the time of such hearing. The city attorney shall cause to be prepared, filed and served on the defendant, a written complaint charging that the owner or occupant of the premises, as the case may be, or the owner of the motor vehicle on public streets, alleys or other property, has violated this division. After service, such complaint shall be on file with the clerk of the court not less than ten (10) days prior to the date of trial.
Sec. 106-224. Trial in the city court.
After a hearing or trial is requested in compliance with the requirements of this division, upon a finding that the defendant is in violation of this division, the defendant shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and subject to a fine in the amount of five hundred dollars ($500.00). The judge of the city court shall further order such defendant to remove and abate the nuisance within ten (10) days, the same being a reasonable time, or render such other judgment or order as may be appropriate under the circumstances. If the defendant shall fail and refuse, within ten (10) days of such order or judgment, to abate or remove the nuisance, the judge may issue an order directing the chief of police and/or his designee to have the same removed, and the chief of police and/or his designee shall take possession of the junked motor vehicle or watercraft and remove it from the premises. The chief of police and/or his designee shall remove and dispose of the junked vehicle, automobile or watercraft or any other junk in the same manner as provided in these ordinances for the removal and disposition of such junked vehicle, automobile motor vehicle or watercraft or any other junk.
SECTION TWO
Should any section, paragraph, sentence, clause, or phrase be de- clared unconstitutional or repealed for any reason, the remainder of the ordinance shall not be affected hereby. That all laws or parts of laws in conflict with this ordinance be and the same are hereby repealed. This ordinance shall take effect immediately after its passage within the time prescribed by law.
Mr. Domangue seconded the motion.
The vote thereon was as follows:
AYES: Bias, Do- mangue, Hutchinson, Hymel, Leonard
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
Certified ap- proved and adopted this 24th day of June, 2025.
Delivered to Mayor Dragna at 9:00 am, this 25th day of June, 2025.
/s/ Debbie
Harrington
Debbie
Harrington,
Clerk
Approved this 25th day of June, 2025.
/s/ Lee Dragna
Lee Dragna,
Mayor
Received from Mayor at 9:15 am on June 25, 2025.
/s/ Debbie
Harrington
Debbie
Harrington,
Clerk
Published: June 27, 2025
Mayor Dragna submitted the names of Alex Romero and Kimberly Landry for appointment to the Main Street Committee. A motion to concur in the appointments was made by Mr. Hymel, seconded by Mrs. Leonard, and vot-ed unanimously in favor.
Pastor Bias, on behalf of the Juneteenth Committee, thanked everyone for their help in making the Juneteenth event successful.
Mr. Thomas Hutchinson thanked the Council for their support and said that he has children and grandchildren living in Morgan City and he appreciated this opportunity to make a difference.
There being no further business, a motion to adjourn was made by Mr. Hymel, seconded by Mrs. Leonard, and voted unanimously in favor.
/s/ Lee Dragna
Lee Dragna
Mayor
ATTEST:
/s/ Debbie
Harrington
Debbie Harrington
Clerk
Adv. July 4, 2025

mmm

PUBLIC NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
Sixteenth
Judicial District Court
———
PARISH OF
ST. MARY
———
STATE OF
LOUISIANA
Peoples Bank
Vs. No. 139381 Div “D”
BZ Hospitality LLC
TAKE NOTICE, that by virtue of Order of Seizure and Sale issued out of the Honorable 16th Judicial District Court, in and for the Parish of St. Mary, and to me directed, in the above numbered and entitled suit, I have seized the following mentioned and described property, to wit:
PROPERTY-REAL ESTATE
That certain tract or parcel of land situated in Morgan City, St. Mary Parish, Louisiana, Section 12 T16S, R12E, and more particularly described as Tract “ABCDIJKLA” on a Plan of Land Showing resubdivision of property of Lakshmi of Morgan City, LLC by Don A. Garland, Professional Land Surveyor, dated January 18, 2009, a copy of which is attached to Book 182, Page 668, File #303352 of the Official Records of the Clerk of Court for the Parish of St. Mary, State of Louisiana.
Being a portion of the same property acquired by Lakshmi of Morgan City, LLC by Act of Cash Deed from Victor Guillory Construction, LLC recorded on January 22, 2007, in St. Mary Parish Conveyance Book 123, Page 339, Entry no 295333.
Municipal Address: 2018 Allison Street, Morgan City, LA 70380
MOVEABLES
The Collateral described below, now owned or hereafter acquired, together with all replacements, accessions, proceeds and products.
X Equipment
X Fixtures
X Inventory
X Accounts
X General Intangibles
to satisfy the sum of ONE MILLION TWO HUNDRED NINETY-NINE THOUSAND SEVEN HUNDRED FIFTY-NINE AND 54/100 ($1,299,759.54), PLUS ACCRUED UNPAID INTEREST OWED ON THE PRINCIPAL BALANCE AMOUNT, THROUGH JANUARY 23, 2025, IN THE AMOUNT OF $49,157.90, PLUS INTEREST ACCRUING ON THE PRINCIPAL BALANCE FROM JANUARY 23, 2025 AT A RATE OF 9.5% UNTIL THE PRINCIPAL BALANCE IS PAID IN FULL, PLUS A NEGATIVE ESCROW BALANCE OF $23,562.83, PLUS LATE CHARGES IN THE AMOUNT OF $298.89; PLUS OTHER FEES IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,950.00, PLUS ATTORNEY’S FEES and all costs of this proceedings, as well as all sheriff’s costs and commission
All successful bidders must have cash, cashier’s check or a verifiable letter of credit in favor of said bidder from a solvent bank, savings and loan association or other such financial institution authorized to do business in the state of Louisiana and full payment must be made on the date of sale. Letter must state that money is available on the date of sale.
I shall expose the same at public sale, for Cash, according to law WITH appraisement to the last and highest bidder, at the principal front door of the 1st floor lobby area of the Court House in the Parish of St. Mary, Town of Franklin, Louisiana, on Wednesday, the 6th day of August A.D., 2025, be- tween the legal hours commencing at 10 O’Clock A.M.
Sheriff’s Office
Parish of St. Mary, La.
Wednesday, the 7th day of May A.D., 2025.
GARY L.
DRISKELL,
SHERIFF
By: Heidi Rineholt
Deputy Sheriff
Adv. July 4 and 30, 2025

mmm

PUBLIC NOTICE
OFFICIAL
PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF RECREATION DISTRICT NO. 1
June 18, 2025
6:00 P.M.
Amelia, Louisiana
The Board of Commissioners of Recreation District No. 1, State of Louisiana, met on this date at 6:00 p.m. at the Amelia Recreation Center, 2109 Duhon Blvd., Amelia, Louisiana.
The Board of Commissioners in attendance was Andrew Gros, Jr., Cheryl Dugas, Denise Chaisson, Russell Blanchard, and Tyrone L. Richardson. Also in attendance was Mike Beadle (Recreation District No. 1 Supervisor), and Gwendolyn L. Hidalgo (Council at Large District No. 10).
Mr. Gros, Jr., opened the meeting and asked if any guests in attendance would like to make a public comment. Guest, Joshua Brown, introduced himself and spoke on the CCHS contracts.
Mr. Brown questioned if the matter of the keys taken from CCHS was voted on by the Board of Commissioners to which Mr. Gros, Jr., explained that the Board of Commissioners did not vote due to the need to take immediate action for safety reasons.
Mr. Brown ex- plained that the locks were also changed, and due to the keys taken from CCHS without a special meeting held to discuss both matters, he believed it was a breach of contract.
Mrs. Chaisson asked Mr. Brown if the Board of Commissioners can follow the agenda as scheduled and discuss the CCHS contract under Old Business to which he agreed.
Mrs. Dugas made a motion to approve both the May 21 and May 28, 2025, minutes, seconded by Mrs. Chaisson, motion carried.
Mrs. Dugas made a motion to approve the treasurer’s report and pay outstanding bills, seconded by Mr. Blanchard, motion carried.
Mr. Gros, Jr., moved to old business to discuss the CCHS contracts. Mrs. Chaisson asked that all members of the Board of Commissioners have both copies of the old contracts.
Mr. Gros, Jr., stated that he had the proposal of a new contract on hand to share with the Board of Commissioners and Mr. Ree Case, the Athletic Director of CCHS. However, Mr. Case could not be in attendance.
He explained that CCHS boy and girl teams would need to have separate contracts from the swamp and travel ball teams due to the different regulations the teams follow. He discussed that the regular high school teams are under the Louisiana High School Athletic Association while swamp and travel ball teams are not.
Mr. Gros, Jr., suggested that three (3) members of the Board of Commissioners take the responsibility of following the proposed CCHS contract through, pending board ap- proval. Mrs. Chaisson motioned to delegate the re- sponsibility to Mr. Gros, Jr., Mr. Richardson, and Mr. Blanchard, seconded by Mrs. Dugas, motion carried.
Mrs. Dugas discussed having a martial arts class. Mr. Beadle spoke with one instructor, Mr. Greg, who would require a minimum of eight (8) people to sign up to take two (2) classes a week for an hour and 15 minutes per class. Open discussion to be continued.
Mr. Gros, Jr., presented the amended Bylaws to the Board of Commissioners. Mr. Blanchard motioned to present the ByLaws to the lawyer, Mr. Duplantis, for re- view, seconded by Mr. Richardson, motion carried.
Mr. Gros, Jr., and Mrs. Chaisson held an open discussion about bringing soccer to the recreation, to be continued.
Mr. Beadle discussed having a meeting set up with the manager of Bayou Vista Recreation Center to know more about the time clocks that their employees use and how to use it. Discussion to be continued for the next meeting.
Mr. Gros, Jr., gave an update on the streetlights for Duhon Blvd. He stated that some of the materials have not arrived yet, but all parts should be in for the end of July.
NEW BUSINESS
Mr. Beadle discussed the quotes for the stove re- pair: two (2) out of six (6) burners and one (1) oven does not work. He ex- plained that Coastwide Electric could repair the parts for free, but Recreation District No. 1 would be responsible for buying the parts. Mr. Beadle was given a quote of $1,642.00 for the necessary parts for the stove repairs. Mrs. Chaisson made a motion to buy the parts for the stove, seconded by Mr. Richardson, motion carried.
Mr. Gros, Jr., discussed having an in-house security presence around the fields during the afternoon due to smaller children playing around adults who are also using the fields. Mrs. Dugas motioned to have in-house security around the fields, seconded by Mrs. Chaisson, motion carried.
Mr. Gros, Jr., discussed an issue with people sleeping in the rest-rooms and leaving dangerous items around. He ex- plained the possibility of locking the restrooms at sundown to be reopened in the early mornings. Mr. Beadle stated that this issue can tie in with having in-house security around.
The meeting was adjourned by Mr. Gros, Jr..
———————
Andrew Gros, Jr.
Chairman
———————
Jasmine
Bartholomew
Secretary/
Treasurer
Adv. July 4, 2025

mmm

PUBLIC NOTICE
OFFICIAL
PROCEEDINGS
WAX LAKE EAST DRAINAGE
DISTRICT
REGULAR MEETING
June 3, 2025
6:00 p.m.
PATTERSON, LOUISIANA
The Wax Lake East Drainage District (“WLEDD”) met on this date at 6:00 p.m. with Chairman Wayne Cantrell presiding and the following members present: Chad Ross, William Hidalgo, Jr., Bill Miller, Raymond Beadle Jr., Chris Cooper, and Chris Begnaud.
Absent: None
Also present: Barry Dufrene, District’s Accountant, Corey Aucoin, Supervisor, Joel Miller, Miller En- gineering and Associates and Johnathan Miller, Giroir Mud Boats.
Mr. Ross moved that the reading of the minutes of the Regular Meeting, May 6, 2025, be dispensed with and that the same be approved. Mr. Cooper seconded the motion which carried.
Mr. Dufrene presented and discussed the prepared financial statements. Discussed actual re- sults vs budget for the current period and the year to date. Mr. Cooper moved, and Mr. Beadle seconded a motion, which was carried, to accept the financial re- ports, payables re- port, authorize the Chairman to sign all necessary re- ports and to make all necessary transfers to cover payables for the month of June 2025.
Mr. Ross made a motion that was seconded by Mr. Cooper and carried by the board to adopt The Daily Review as an official journal in accordance with State RS 43:171; Part II. Official Journal of Other Political Subdivisions.
There being no further business Mr. Ross made a motion for adjournment. Mr. Beadle seconded the mo- tion which carried.
Attest:
/s/ Wayne Cantrell,
Chairman
Wax Lake East Drainage District
/s/ Rhonda
Patterson,
Secretary
Wax Lake East Drainage District
Adv. July 4, 2025

mmm

PUBLIC NOTICE
OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
OF
THE BOARD OF
COMMISSIONERS
OF ST.
MARY PARISH
FIRE
PROTECTION
DISTRICT NO. 7
June 3, 2025
Bayou Vista,
Louisiana
The Board of
Commissioners of
St. Mary Parish
Fire Protection
District No. 7,
State of Louisiana,
met on this date at
6;00 p.m. at the
Bayou Vista Volunteer
Fire De- partment,
1519 Hwy.
182 East, Bayou
Vista, Louisiana
for a public meeting.
Meeting was
called to order by
Andros Williams
Members Present:
•Andros Williams
•Martin DeHart
•Jermy Price
•Joseph Adyden
•Alvin Metrejean
Guest Present:
•Gerald Price
•Jennifer La-
Coste
•Jeff LaCoste
Approval of minutes
from September
meeting. Motion
made to accept
by Joseph Adyden
seconded by Jeremy
Price all in
favor.
Public Comment:
•None
Treasure Report:
•Gave print out
of Financials to
board members.
Motion made to accept
by Joseph
Adyden seconded
by Alvin Metrejean
all in favor
Report for the
Chief:
•Fire Department
voted to hire
Gerald Price as
paid Fire Chief by
the Department.
•36 calls for the
month of May.
•Chief will be
bringing each
Truck to Sunbelt
for repairs one at a
time.
•Generator at
Central Station
was serviced and
is ready for the
hurricane season.
Old Business:
•Discussion by
Andros Williams
to hire Attorney.
Jeremy Price made
a motion to withdraw
his motion to
hire an attorney.
Motion was made
by Joseph Adyden
to hire outside
legal representation
seconded by
Alvin Metrejean
all in favor
New Business:
•Discussion by
board to add Glen
Elliott to Fire District
7 bank accounts
and all
other billing accounts.
Motion my
Jospeh Adyden,
seconded by Alvin
Metrejean all in
favor.
Motion to adjourn
the meeting
by Jeremy Price,
Seconded by Joseph
Adyden all in favor.
Meeting adjourned
at 6:25pm.
Next Meeting
date is July 1, 2025
S/G Andros
Williams
Andros Williams,
Chairman
S/G Glen Elliott
Glen Elliott,
Secretary
Adv. July 4, 2025

mmm

PUBLIC NOTICE
ST. MARY
PARISH
GOVERNMENT
St. Mary Parish
Consolidated
Gravity Drainage
District
No. 2A
Tuesday,
July 8, 2025
GOEC Port
Building 7327
Highway 182
Morgan City, LA.
70380
6:00 P. M.
AGENDA
Regular
Monthly Board
Meeting
1. Call to Order
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Overview of
Board Responsibilities
given by Paul
Governale
4. Board Training:
Eric Duplantis,
Assistant District
Attorney, and
Lisa Morgan
5. Introduction
of New Board
members by Paul
Governale
6. Guest – Lee
Dragna, mayor
City of Morgan
City
7. Public Comment
8. Roll Call
9. Election of
Officers
10. Approval of
Minutes – May 13,
2025 (no June
meeting)
11. Treasurer’s
Report – A) Budget
Comparison and
Financials – John
Armato Darnall
Sikes & Frederick
B) Christina
Bourg, DD6
12. Maintenance
Reports
13. New Business
a) Resolution
to change signatures
at Hancock
Whitney and Morgan
City Bank.
14. Old Business
15. Adjournment
Paul Governale
St. Mary Parish
CGDD #2A
201 Everett
Street, St. 204
Post Office Box
48
Morgan City,
Louisiana 70381
In accordance
with the Americans
with Disabilities
Act, if you
need special assistance,
please contact
Julana M.
Senette at
985.380.5511 and
discuss the assistance
that is necessary.
Adv. July 4, 2025

mmm

PUBLIC NOTICE
CITY OF
BERWICK,
LOUISIANA
NOTICE OF
PUBLIC
MEETING
Public Meeting
Date: July 8, 2025
Call to Order:
6:00 P.M.
Place: Council
Meeting Room,
3225 Third Street,
Berwick, LA 70342
Prayer
Pledge of Allegiance
Roll Call: James
Richard, Kevin
Hebert, Colleen
Askew, Raymond
Price & Lud Henry
Minutes from
last meeting: June
10, 2025
Treasurer’s Report
Guests:
The Beacon
Shines on:
Police Report:
Fire Report
Public Works
Report
Consulting Engineers
Report
Committee Reports
PUBLIC HEARING
1. None
ORDINANCES
– INTRODUCE/
ADOPT
1. None
R E S O L U -
TIONS/PROCLAMATIONS
1. None
NEW BUSINESS:
1. Roots & Ribbons
– 5k Run –
Debbie Torline
2. Historical
Committee –
Directional Signs
– Jacki Ackel
Adjournment
In accordance
with the Americans
with Disabilities
Act, if you
need special assistance,
please contact
Jamie Keith,
Town Clerk, at
(985) 384-8858,
P.O. Box 486, Berwick,
LA 70342
describing the
assistance that is
necessary.
Adv. July 4, 2025

mmm

John K. Flores: Geolocator study focuses on birds' migration on the Gulf

It’s mid-June at Palmetto State Park, located just south of Abbeville. It’s also early in the day; the time of morning where campers are just starting to stir around for their first cup of coffee, oblivious to the singing of warblers in the trees outside of their RVs.
Louisiana Director of Bird Conservation Erik Johnson and I have already checked a half dozen or so nest boxes with hopes of catching a prothonotary warbler to attach a geolocator transmitter to. One of the boxes had a female sitting on a clutch of eggs. Sensing danger, she flushed from the box prematurely and avoided capture.
She didn’t fly far. In fact, just far enough where she felt safe and could feign injury to draw our attention away from her nest — something people have seen killdeer do in their driveways.
For over two decades avian geolocators have been instrumental in helping biologists track and key in on bird movements and migration patterns from the wintering grounds to the breeding grounds. What’s more, according to Johnson, Palmetto State Park played a role in some of the early geolocator studies.
Johnson, who resides in Sunset, said, “We’ve probably banded over 100 adult prothonotary warblers here. This was a site that we used in our first geolocator study, in like 2014, 2015, and 2016, and that was the study that showed that breeding birds from across the range winter in northern South America.”
Johnson pointed out that the original study included partners from Arkansas, Ohio, South Carolina, Virginia and Wisconsin. Of the 100 geolocators deployed, 33 from those multiple states were recovered. Moreover, 31 of them showed a wintering ground in northwestern Columbia.
After checking several more nest boxes, Johnson decides to double back and recheck the box that the female flushed from.
Johnson said, “They’re one of the great species to study. They’re incredibly accommodating with all the things we throw at them. Obviously, it just takes a minute or two to check the box, but often we’ll flush the female off when she’s incubating, and she’s back in a few minutes checking on her eggs, and settling back in. When we catch the female, she tends to go right back. We hardly have any abandonment issues.”
Over the years, many of the predator-guarded nest boxes on Palmetto State Park were built by 4-H volunteers from Acadiana High School under the direction of Brandon Broussard. Others were built by a Loreauville High School shop class. And, even some with a higher level of sophistication by retired UL-Lafayette Computer Science Professor Jim Ethridge, who incorporated a QR code, where a cell phone can be used that will take you to a website where nest monitoring data is being collected.
Johnson quietly slips through the woods to the skittish female’s nest box and places a makeshift hand net he specifically built for this purpose over the entrance hole. This time, she flushes into it.
While examining the prothonotary warbler to see if she is a good candidate for a geolocator, Johnson sounds like he’s running down a checklist as he narrates the process to me.
“She’s got good body weight,” he says, “very little wear on the feathers. Everything is fresh. She has lots of white on the tail. She’s got some nice pre-alternate lore limits — like real bright yellow over the lores over the eyes. Really nice. She’s on the upper spectrum. She’s just a good-looking bird.”
I tease Johnson, who was clearly delighted with the bird’s physical attributes saying, so, what you’re telling me is, “she’s a brick house,” taking a line from The Commodores 1977 hit. After all, the bird is to be fitted with a 0.5-gram geolocator that she’ll wear for at least a year.
Johnson, clearly amused by my analogy, tells me it would take 1,000 geolocators of this size to equal one pound. Putting it another way, it’s the equivalent of a 200-pound man carrying an extra 8 pounds.
The thing about geolocators is the bird must be recaptured on the breeding grounds where the unit was deployed to retrieve the information. Now, nearly a decade later, Johnson’s current geolocator project comes with a huge technical advancement.
Johnson said, “Geolocators have evolved. You can add a barometric pressure sensor to the geolocator, which weighs almost nothing. It records barometric pressure every 20 minutes while the tag is on and over the course of the year it’s logging that data, but you can match barometric pressure to different parts of the planet.
“There’s a global barometric pressure data base that is hourly for every 30-by-30-kilometer square on the planet,” Johnson continued. “So, pressure changes obviously depending on weather pattern — you get cold and warm fronts — and just daily fluctuations. Through a computer program you can basically match up what you’re seeing on the geolocator against signals that you see around the planet and home in on the probable location of the bird in any given minute.”
Essentially, the barometric feature provides biologists with more resolution than the original geolocators by providing more accuracy and confidence to the bird’s migration location and timing.
The barometric pressure feature also provides biologists with another critical piece of information.
Johnson said, “Now we can estimate flight height and that is the real impetus of this study. We need to know how high birds are flying when they’re migrating, especially over open water, such as the gulf, where there is an interest in deploying offshore wind energy.”
Johnson says the latest geolocators will allow researchers to know when birds are flying within potential collision zones. Overland, he points out, birds migrate at 3,000-5,000 feet. When there is inclement weather, they can drop out of the sky and hang out in the trees, where over water they must push through.
Stressing some of the tallest wind turbines can potentially reach nearly 1,000 feet, Johnson said, “we think what happens is that birds will come lower into the atmosphere during periods of bad weather and that’s when they’re going to be at most risk colliding with wind turbines — when they’re making those migrations over the Gulf.”
Johnson says one of the goals researchers hope to achieve is the ability to predict those weather patterns that bring birds lower into the atmosphere. “Let’s say a cold front is coming in and we know that lots of birds are going to be migrating over the gulf during that particular week — and we can say, ‘hey, there’s an 86 percent probability that there will be birds in the air space,’ maybe they can shut off turbines, or curtail them, or mitigate in some way. Right?”
At a time where climate change and an endless demand for energy are often at a crossroads with one another, Johnson makes note that conservation is where you are. He mentions over 95 percent of the U.S. has been converted for one human use or another and has been impacted by pesticides, invasive species, hydrology and other changes. His contention is, conservation isn’t an over there thing. It’s something we all can do.
John Flores is the Morgan City Review’s outdoor writer. He can be contacted at gowiththeflo@cox.net.

Once burned: Be prepared to reduce your fire risk

Fireworks are a cherished Fourth of July tradition, but the celebrations carry risks including serious injuries to workers and damage that can disrupt business operations. In fact, more than 31,000 reported fires are started by fireworks annually, costing $109 million in direct property damage, according to the most recent statistics from the National Fire Protection Association.
To celebrate safely and reduce the risk of fire damage, LWCC, Louisiana’s largest workers’ compensation insurance carrier, lays out three steps to avoid preventable fires and injuries.
Know your risk
Businesses facing the highest risk of fireworks damage include those located in areas with higher fire ratings, those storing flammable materials, and in buildings lacking adequate fire suppression systems, such as sprinklers.
Elevated risk
Location: Four parishes in Louisiana are at relatively moderate risk of wildfires from any source, including fireworks, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
St. Tammany, Cameron, Calcasieu, and Beauregard each score above 88% on FEMA’s risk index for wildfires, with nearly $9 million in expected annual losses. Businesses in these parishes, or those located in areas with dry conditions or near flammable materials, are at higher risk.
Materials: Fires can spread quickly at businesses storing  flammable materials, including warehouses or retail stores, endangering employees and complicating evacuation efforts.
Suppression: Fire suppression systems not only limit physical damage but provide crucial time for safe worker evacuation and injury prevention. Installing an adequate fire suppression system, such as sprinklers, can significantly lower the cost of fire damage.
 Be prepared
Preparation is the most important step in fire prevention and includes planning, education, inspection, and clearing hazards.
Plan: Clearly display fire escape routes and the location of fire extinguishers. Assign key contacts to respond to an emergency after-hours or during a holiday closure.
Educate: Share fire prevention responsibilities across teams and offer refresher training for employees working holiday shifts, including temporary or seasonal workers. Be sure to review emergency procedures and encourage them to report any suspicious or unsafe behavior.
Inspect: Test smoke detectors, sprinkler systems, and fire extinguishers to confirm they are functioning properly and ready to use in case of an emergency. Encourage employee involvement in routine safety checks, ensuring they know where extinguishers are and how to report hazards quickly.
Clear: Remove fire hazards including dry brush, trash, cardboard, outdoor umbrellas, and other flammable debris from around buildings. Close trash can lids and move dumpsters at least 10 feet from buildings.
Celebrate safely
As we look forward to celebrating the holiday, remember that a few simple safety strategies can keep the fun in the Fourth while also protecting people from serious injuries.
•To prevent accidents during Independence Day celebrations:
•Do not allow young children to handle or ignite fireworks.
•Use sparklers with caution and keep them at arm’s length.
•Never attempt to re-light malfunctioning fireworks, or “duds.”
•Soak used fireworks in water before throwing them away.
•Only use fireworks that are legal in your town or neighborhood.
By understanding the risks, preparing ahead of time, and promoting safe celebration practices, we can enjoy the holiday and avoid preventable fires and injuries.  
From preparing your team for emergency response to evaluating workplace hazards ahead of a holiday, LWCC Safety Services is here to keep Louisiana workers safe, every day of the year.
For resources and support, visit lwcc.com.
 
 

Dear Abby: College grad feels like a hostage at home

DEAR ABBY: I’m a 23-year-old college graduate who was lucky enough to land a job in my field of study. The job is located in my hometown. Because I couldn’t afford my own apartment, I moved back in with my parents. The situation was supposed to be temporary, but now that I can afford to move out, my parents insist that I stay with them. They forbid me to move until I pay off the entirety of my student loans, which will take years. Then, after I accomplish that, they want me to start repaying them for the loans THEY took out for my schooling.
I can afford to rent an apartment and meet my monthly loan payments, but my parents have threatened to repossess the car they bought me for graduation if I move out. Unfortunately, my job requires me to have transportation.
I love my parents, and I want to help shoulder the burden I placed on them by choosing to attend college, but I feel I’m being manipulated. Also, my boyfriend — whom I love very much — recently asked me to move in with him, but I’m afraid of how my parents would react if I said yes. Under the circumstances, is it selfish to want to move into my own place? What should I do?
TRYING TO FLY
THE NEST

DEAR TRYING: It appears your parents want to keep their little girl at home and under their thumbs. At 23, you are an adult and entitled to live independently (or with your boyfriend) if you wish. What was the original agreement you had with your parents about the college loans they took out? If it wasn’t what they are saying now, I would agree that their demands are manipulative.
A discussion with a financial expert might help you find a way to pay off your student loans in an effective and timely manner.
As for your job, if there is no public transportation, you will have to find some other means of getting around unless the car is titled in your name.
DEAR ABBY: I’m a widowed man. I have great neighbors, but I’m increasingly bothered by this circumstance: The wife of one couple constantly criticizes her husband in front of me and other neighbors. The issues are small, but the jabs are constant. Every couple has disagreements, but in my experience, not in such a public way. In response, the husband looks angry, hurt or both, but he says nothing.
I have been friends with this couple for 10 years, but I’m starting to keep my distance because I don’t want to listen to her petty attacks. Should I say something privately to her? To him? If I do, what should I say? Or should I just mind my own business? It seems wrong to “ghost” them without any explanation.
TIRED OF HEARING IT IN TEXAS

DEAR TIRED: Do not ghost the couple without an explanation. Tell the husband you would like to socialize with him without his wife. (“Just the guys.”) He might welcome it. If the wife asks you why you aren’t around anymore, which she probably won’t, tell her the truth.

DEAR READERS: I wish you all a happy and healthy Fourth of July. Please drive carefully and celebrate safely.
P.S. Wishing a Happy Heavenly Birthday to you, Mom!
LOVE, ABBY

***

To order “How to Write Letters for All Occasions,” send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 to: Dear Abby — Letter Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447.

Prejeant now permanent member of Bayou Bend staff

Bayou Bend Health System announced that Dr. Kristi Prejeant, general surgeon, is permanently joining the medical staff after being affiliated with the hospital system for over 10 years.

Prejeant earned her medical degree from the LSU School of Medicine in Shreveport and completed her residency at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. With over 20 years of experience—much of it dedicated to serving the residents of St. Mary Parish — Prejeant brings a high level of expertise in a range of surgical procedures, including colonoscopy, upper GI endoscopy, mastectomy, and hernia surgery, among others, the hospital said in a press release.

“We are thrilled to have Dr. Prejeant as part of our team,” said Stephanie Guidry, CEO of Bayou Bend Health System. “She will be a wonderful asset to our surgical department and to the community.”

Prejeant is currently seeing patients at the Bayou Bend Surgical and Bariatric Center located at 1105 Northwest Blvd. in Franklin. New patients and former patients of Morgan City Surgical are welcome. For all inquiries or to schedule an appointment, please call 337-471-1215.
Bayou Bend Health System is a 22-bed critical access community hospital serving the residents of St. Mary Parish and surrounding communities.

Pages

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