RSS Feed

LARRY CRAIG FARIA

Wed, 05/29/2019 - 10:28am

Larry Craig Faria, 61, a native of Shreveport and resident of Patterson died Tuesday, May 21, 2019, at Teche Regional Medical Center.
He is survived by a daughter, Katie Adams of Patterson; his mother, Geraldine Royer of Acushnet, Massachusetts; a brother, Tony Ebbs of Baton Rouge; and a sister, Karen Silvia of Massachusetts.
He was preceded in death by his father.
Twin City Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Five years of service at M C Bank

Wed, 05/29/2019 - 10:12am

Consumer Lender Sonya Mitchell celebrated her five years of service recently. From left: M C Bank’s Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer Barton Blanco; CEO Larry J. Callais; Mitchell; and Senior Vice President Harold Smith.

40 years of service at M C Bank

Wed, 05/29/2019 - 10:11am

Submitted Photos
M C Bank acknowledges its employee years of service at five-year intervals. Recently M C Bank’s AVP/supervisor of imaging, research & adjustments, Charlene Hall, reached her 40 years of service. On hand for the presentation of her anniversary gift are, from left: CEO Larry J. Callais; Hall; Vice President-IT Manager Jason Pye; and M C Bank President Jeremy Callais.

Louque joins TRMC staff

Wed, 05/29/2019 - 10:09am

Meghan V. Louque, MD, has joined the medical staff at Thibodaux Regional Medical Center. She has joined the practice of the Children’s Clinic located at 807 Ridgefield Road, Thibodaux.
Louque received her medical degree from LSU Health Sciences Center in Shreveport, and completed a pediatric residency from Levine Children’s Hospital in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Louque is board certified by the American Board of Pediatric, and is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Jim Brown: Forgiveness is a struggle when we're wronged

Wed, 05/29/2019 - 10:06am

By JIM BROWN

Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise says he is still struggling over whether to forgive the man who shot him two years ago. “I’ve never, internally, formally forgiven the shooter from the baseball shooting,” he said. “It’s some-thing I’ve struggled with as a Catholic.”
It would be hard for many, including me, to forgive such a transgression. I’m still personally quite bitter over wrongs that happened to me some years back. So I understand the reluctance to forgive.
But what about turning the other cheek, and forgiving one’s enemies as we read in scripture throughout the New Testament? Can we suffocate our bitterness and a feeling that some form of retribution is unnecessary? Does continuing anger and hostility become tantamount to suffocating oneself emotionally? “The effects on one’s health from bottled up anger and resentment can range from anxiety and depression to blood pressure and increased risk of heart attacks,” says professor of medicine Amit Sood at the Mayo Clinic. “Forgiveness, by contrast, allows one to focus on more positive thoughts and relationships. It allows you to free up the real estate in your brain taken up by negative thinking.”
Forgive and forget, so goes much of the conventional wisdom. Move on with your life and just chalk it all up to tough lessons learned. But isn’t it possible to continue with the positive aspects in one’s life, learn from past mistakes, and continue to grow, putting aside the bitter feeling that you suffered a terrible wrong? Simply put, don’t maintain continuing anger, but don’t forget.
In the fall of 2015, Pope Francis sent the body of St. Maria Goretti on a limited U.S. tour. The youngest canonized Saint has a compelling story of suffering and forgiveness. St. Maria was born into poverty and raised in Corinaldo, a beautiful medieval village in central Italy. Maria, whose father died when she was nine, raised her five siblings when she was only eleven while her mother worked in the fields. One day, a twenty-year-old neighbor accosted her and, as she fought him, he brutally stabbed her repeatedly.
Maria died the next day, but her last words were, “I forgive Alessandro Serenelli (her attacker) and I want him with me in heaven forever.” Alessandro was so overcome that he lived the converted life of holiness in prison and eventually became a Franciscan lay brother.
One of the stops on St. Maria’s U.S. pilgrimage was Baton Rouge, where the coffin with her remains was to be displayed in veneration at Lady of Mercy Catholic Church for three days. Crowds of worshipers were expected to visit the Saint from a number of states. The pastor there, Father Cleo Milano, has been a good friend and I called him to see if there was a possibility of any quiet time with St. Maria. He suggested I come by the church close to midnight after the doors were locked down for the night.
As the sanctuary was about to be bolted and the lights were dimmed, I made my way down the center aisle of the church and sat beside the remains of St. Maria. I touched her coffin and prayed for my family. And then, I thought to myself, this beautiful child, now a Saint, was brave and open-hearted enough to forgive the cruel demon that took her life. Although I too was wronged in ways that I felt were so unjust, should I not be empathetic and compassionate enough to forgive those who so aggrieved me?
I thought about it for good while. I guess I even prayed over the decision. After much contemplation, I quietly got up from my pew and walked out of the church. So what was my decision? Could I forgive those transgressions?
Often, your adversaries, by their impertinence, bring themselves down and destroy their own reputations. In my case, I decided just to wait them out. They ended up destroying themselves. What’s the old saying: If you stand by the river long enough, your enemies will come floating by.
I’d urge the congressman to take his time and be sure that forgiveness is something he really wants to give. If not, just bide his time. After all, revenge is a dish best served cold.
Peace and Justice
Jim Brown
Jim Brown’s syndicated column appears each week in numerous newspapers throughout the nation and on websites worldwide. You can read all of his columns at www.jimbrownusa.com.
Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise says he is still struggling over whether to forgive the man who shot him two years ago. “I’ve never, internally, formally forgiven the shooter from the baseball shooting,” he said. “It’s some-thing I’ve struggled with as a Catholic.”
It would be hard for many, including me, to forgive such a transgression. I’m still personally quite bitter over wrongs that happened to me some years back. So I understand the reluctance to forgive.
But what about turning the other cheek, and forgiving one’s enemies as we read in scripture throughout the New Testament? Can we suffocate our bitterness and a feeling that some form of retribution is unnecessary? Does continuing anger and hostility become tantamount to suffocating oneself emotionally? “The effects on one’s health from bottled up anger and resentment can range from anxiety and depression to blood pressure and increased risk of heart attacks,” says professor of medicine Amit Sood at the Mayo Clinic. “Forgiveness, by contrast, allows one to focus on more positive thoughts and relationships. It allows you to free up the real estate in your brain taken up by negative thinking.”
Forgive and forget, so goes much of the conventional wisdom. Move on with your life and just chalk it all up to tough lessons learned. But isn’t it possible to continue with the positive aspects in one’s life, learn from past mis-takes, and continue to grow, putting aside the bitter feeling that you suffered a terrible wrong? Simply put, don’t maintain continuing anger, but don’t forget.
In the fall of 2015, Pope Francis sent the body of St. Maria Goretti on a limited U.S. tour. The youngest canon-ized Saint has a compelling story of suffering and forgiveness. St. Maria was born into poverty and raised in Corinaldo, a beautiful medieval village in central Italy. Maria, whose father died when she was nine, raised her five siblings when she was only eleven while her mother worked in the fields. One day, a twenty-year-old neighbor ac-costed her and, as she fought him, he brutally stabbed her repeatedly.
Maria died the next day, but her last words were, “I forgive Alessandro Serenelli (her attacker) and I want him with me in heaven forever.” Alessandro was so overcome that he lived the converted life of holiness in prison and eventually became a Franciscan lay brother.
One of the stops on St. Maria’s U.S. pilgrimage was Baton Rouge, where the coffin with her remains was to be displayed in veneration at Lady of Mercy Catholic Church for three days. Crowds of worshipers were expected to visit the Saint from a number of states. The pastor there, Father Cleo Milano, has been a good friend and I called him to see if there was a possibility of any quiet time with St. Maria. He suggested I come by the church close to midnight after the doors were locked down for the night.
As the sanctuary was about to be bolted and the lights were dimmed, I made my way down the center aisle of the church and sat beside the remains of St. Maria. I touched her coffin and prayed for my family. And then, I thought to myself, this beautiful child, now a Saint, was brave and open-hearted enough to forgive the cruel demon that took her life. Although I too was wronged in ways that I felt were so unjust, should I not be empathetic and compassionate enough to forgive those who so aggrieved me?
I thought about it for good while. I guess I even prayed over the decision. After much contemplation, I quietly got up from my pew and walked out of the church. So what was my decision? Could I forgive those transgressions?
Often, your adversaries, by their impertinence, bring themselves down and destroy their own reputations. In my case, nemeses that caused me harm have themselves been damaged and suffered humiliation. So what to do? Forgive them? In my case, I decided just to wait them out. They ended up destroying themselves. What’s the old saying: If you stand by the river long enough, your enemies will come floating by.
I’d urge the Congressman to take his time and be sure that forgiveness is something he really wants to give. If not, just bide his time. After all, revenge is a dish best served cold.
Peace and Justice
Jim Brown
Jim Brown’s syndicated column appears each week in numerous newspapers throughout the nation and on websites worldwide. You can read all of his columns at www.jimbrownusa.com.

Morgan City declares emergency as precaution

Wed, 05/29/2019 - 7:55am

By ZACHARY FITZGERALD

zfitzgerald@daily-review.com

Morgan City officials don’t expect any issues within the city from the high water that has caused backwater flooding in neighboring lower St. Martin Parish. But they aren’t taking any chances.

On Tuesday, the city council authorized city leaders to declare a state of emergency, so the city can get some reimbursement for any expenses incurred relating to the high water.

“We thought it was prudent to possibly put the city in a state of emergency like other areas around us that are in the direct path of the high water,” Mayor Frank “Boo” Grizzaffi said.

All landowners on the unprotected side of the floodwall have been getting regular updates from city officials on anything relating to the high water, the mayor said.

Morgan City leaders are confident that all homes and businesses protected by the floodwall should be fine during the high water event. But officials are being vigilant to ensure people and property remain protected, he said.

Also at the meeting, the council approved submitting requests for proposal to gauge interest on bringing a restaurant along Lake Palourde. That information will be put on the city’s website, cityofmc.com.

The idea to consider bringing a restaurant near the lake has been around for at least over a decade. But organizers with St. Mary Excel, a group that commissioned a recent economic development study for the area, are pushing to determine how to implement that idea.

In other business, the council

—Adopted the city’s millage rates for the 2019 tax year. Those rates will remain the same as the prior year. They are 14.75 mills for municipal expenses, 0.97 mills to pay interest on auditorium bonds and 2 mills for maintenance and other auditorium expenses.

—Approved the 84th annual Louisiana Shrimp & Petroleum Festival to be held Aug. 29 through Sept. 2 in downtown Morgan City. Officials will close the La. 182 bridge at Morgan City to vehicular traffic during the Blessing of the Fleet Sept. 1 from 9 a.m. to noon and for the fireworks display that will also be that day from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Festival organizers and Kiwanis Club of East St. Mary members will serve liquor during the festival.

—Approve 5K run to be held Nov. 9 in Lawrence Park.

—Approved the finance committee’s recommendations to allocate $4,800 to the police department from the general fund to upgrade the computer server and software for the interview room.

—Authorized the mayor to accept the bid of $1,500 from Southern Sno & More to continue operating at Lake End Park for the next three years.

—Renewed The Daily Review as the city’s official journal starting July 1 through June 30, 2020, at a cost of $3 per column inch.

—Approved the 2019-20 Class A & B liquor license renewals.

Deploying new weapons for Stephensville flood fight

Tue, 05/28/2019 - 1:51pm

By BILL DECKER

bdecker@daily-review.com

STEPHENSVILLE — It was Saturday, one of the season’s first days of muggy, 90-degree heat, and Gov. John Bel Edwards was due to be in Stephensville in an hour.
Nearby, a St. Martin Parish crew of six men and Sarah and Denny Blanchard were working on a couple of tall sand piles along La. 70. They weren’t there to see the governor.
They were were filling sandbags to protect homes and other property.
The battle against back-flooding, which started not long after Mardi Gras, continued as Memorial Day weekend arrived. Last week the news seemed to be getting worse with word that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers seemed sure to open the Morganza Spillway to deal with record rainfall in the Mississippi River’s immense basin.
But Saturday brought good news, too. Edwards made the official announcement that a barge would be sunk in Bayou Chene, a flood protection measure that proved effective in three previous foods. Edwards also said the state and federal governments will pay for it.
Edwards made the announcement near a new barrier system that promised to block water from La. 70 and keep the highway open.
The news will be welcome to people like the Blanchards, who are no strangers to filling sandbags. “We came here from Belle River,” said Denny Blanchard with a laugh.
No water has come into their new place on Stephensville Road. The home of Sarah Blanchard’s family on Susan Court in Bayou Estates also has escaped flooding, but not all the problems associated with it.
No water has come into her mother’s home. “Her house is high off the ground,” Sarah Blanchard said. “Their neighbors, yes. But they just couldn’t get to their house.”
The flooding causes other problems you might not think about.
“The transformers keep getting wet,” Denny Blanchard said, “and they keep shorting out or whatever and blow up.”
The governor’s appearance later Saturday offered hope that help is on the way, both immediately and for the future.
The St. Mary Levee District had been working to locate and move a barge that to placed in Bayou Chene near Morgan City in what some consider to be the most effective back-flood control measure not just for Lower St. Martin but also for Terrebonne, St. Mary, Assumption and Iberville.
The state will pay the $7 million required to sink the barge, Edwards said, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will provide $2 million worth of riprap, the loose stone used to shore up breakwaters.
“At this point we don’t intend to let money get in the way,” Edwards said.
Facebook pictures posted by local officials over the weekend showed the barge being pushed into place.
The Corps decision to open the Morganza Spillway came Sunday, sooner than expected. It raised the stakes by putting more water in the Atchafalaya River and creating more back-flooding in the Stephensville area.
Edwards said the Corps would “slow open” the Morganza Spillway over a few days in early June.
Also Saturday, Edwards asked for federal help with flood-fighting efforts. The governor issued a disaster declaration Feb. 27 because of river flooding. The rest is up to President Donald J. Trump and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
In another flood control move, the state Department of Transportation and Development has been installing a product called Barrier Force along both sides of La. 70 just north of Stephensville, where the highway has been closed by high water.
The barriers should be installed along both sides of the highway by Sunday afternoon, the governor said. His office had predicted the road would be open soon.
For the long term, Edwards pointed to this spring’s announcement that a proposed permanent flood control structure that would eliminate the need for a sunken barge in Bayou Chene has been fully funded. The project has been estimated at about $80 million. The sunken barge approach was employed in 1973, 2011 and 2016.
The governor also said work to raise La. 70 in the affected area is also being considered.
Edwards said the state has already spent $2 million on flood measures such as added Louisiana State Police and Wildlife & Fisheries patrols to keep roads and waterways safe.

Police: Woman charged with cruelty to infirm, theft over $8K

Tue, 05/28/2019 - 1:50pm

Staff Report

A 31-year-old woman was booked on charges of cruelty to the infirm and over $8,000 in theft stemming from an April incident in Morgan City, Police Chief James Blair said in a news release.

—Destiny Ann Dinger, 31, of Franklin Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 8:35 a.m. Friday on warrants charging her with theft between $5,000 and $25,000 (value $8,388.36), access device fraud, unauthorized use of a movable and cruelty to the infirm.

Detectives located Dinger at a home on Railroad Avenue on a warrant. On April 23, detectives began an investigation into a complaint of abuse to an elderly victim. During the investigation, detectives learned that money and valuables were taken from the victim along with unauthorized use of the victim’s credit card, Blair said.

Police learned Dinger had used the victim’s vehicle on several occasions without permission from the victim, Blair said. Dinger was jailed.

Blair reported that officers responded to 152 calls and reported the following arrests:

—Joey G. Businelle, 46, of Pecan Grove Lane in Berwick, was arrested at 10:42 p.m. Friday on charges of improper lane usage and DWI first offense.

An officer on patrol observed a traffic violation and conducted a traffic stop in the area of Seventh Street and Brashear Avenue. The driver, Businelle , was suspected of driver impairment. Businelle did poorly on a field sobriety test, Blair said.

He later registered 0.148 grams-percent blood alcohol content on a chemical test, Blair said. He was jailed.

—Lynn King, 35, of Fifth Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 11:37 p.m. Friday on a charge of disturbing the peace.

Officers were called to a hotel on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in reference to a disturbance. Upon officers’ arrival, they were advised King was causing a disturbance with the hotel staff, Blair said. The officer encountered King who was still causing a disturbance. She was jailed.

—Justin David Price, 30, of Front Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 12:35 a.m. Saturday on a charge of smoking prohibited in city jail. A corrections officer located Price in possession of a cigarette while in the city jail. He was jailed.

—Steven Wayne Davis, 43, of Versen Street in Berwick, was arrested at 8 a.m. Saturday on charges of speeding and driving under suspension.

An officer conducted a traffic stop on Fourth and Grove streets for a speeding violation and identified the driver as Davis. A computer check revealed his driver’s license was under suspension. He was jailed.

—Arnoldo Alejandro Arita-Recinos, 22, of Roderick Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 10:23 a.m. Saturday on charges of improper lane usage, possession of an alcoholic beverage in a motor vehicle, no driver’s license and warrants charging him with three counts of failure to appear for trial.

An officer observed a vehicle commit a traffic violation and conducted a traffic stop in the area of Cottonwood Street and La. 182. The driver was identified as Arita-Recinos. A computer check revealed he did not have a valid driver’s license and warrants for his arrest through city court.

Officers also observed an open container of an alcoholic beverage inside of his vehicle during the traffic stop, Blair said. He was jailed.

—Anuar Medina-Rojas, 26, of Lakeview Drive in Morgan City, was arrested at 12:33 a.m. Sunday on charges of reckless operation of a motor vehicle, possession of an alcoholic beverage in a motor vehicle and DWI first offense.

—Martin Carranco-Presa, 32, of Mayon Lane in Morgan City, was arrested at 12:33 a.m. Sunday on charges of possession of marijuana first offense and possession of drug paraphernalia.

An officer observed a vehicle being driven in a reckless manner near the intersection of David Drive and Victor II Boulevard. The driver was identified as Medina-Rojas and passenger as Carranco-Presa. The officer suspected driver impairment. Medina-Rojas did poorly on a field sobriety test, Blair said. Officers located a bottle of suspected alcoholic beverage in his vehicle.

Police located suspected marijuana and drug paraphernalia in Carranco-Presa’s possession during the traffic stop, Blair said. Medina-Rojas later registered 0.205 grams-percent blood alcohol content on a chemical test, Blair said. Both Medina-Rojas and Carranco-Presa were jailed.

—Lance P. Dupuy, 27, of Shady Park in Raceland, was arrested at 1:11 a.m. Sunday on charges of color of clearance lamps/ identification lamps violation, resisting an officer-false information, driving under suspension, possession of methamphetamine, possession of Suboxone, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of an alcoholic beverage in a motor vehicle.

—Ronyneisha Jules, 38, of Hilda Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 1:11 a.m. Sunday on charges of possession of marijuana first offense, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of an alcoholic beverage in a motor vehicle and introduction of contraband into a penal institute.

An officer working a security patrol at Lake End Park observed a vehicle enter the park after hours and conducted a stop for a traffic violation. The driver was later identified as Dupuy and the passenger, Jules.

Officers observed several open containers of alcoholic beverages in the vehicle and detected the odor of suspected marijuana emitting from the vehicle, Blair said.

During the investigation, Dupuy was found in possession of suspected methamphetamine, Suboxone and drug paraphernalia. During the initial stop, Dupuy gave officers a false name, Blair said.

Jules was in possession of suspected marijuana, methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. Once at the police department, officers found that Jules had concealed a bag of suspected methamphetamine on her, Blair said. Both Dupuy and Jules were jailed.

—Nakiesa Walker, 39, of Mallard Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 3:30 p.m. Sunday on warrants charging her with failure to appear for trial and contempt of court. Walker was located at the police department and arrested on city court warrants. She was jailed.

—Kobe Jake Arceneaux, 18, of Courtney Drive in Duson, was arrested at 3:30 p.m. Sunday on charges of speeding, possession of marijuana first offense, possession of drug paraphernalia and illegal use of a controlled dangerous substance in the presence of a person under 17 years old.

An officer conducted a traffic stop for a traffic violation on U.S. 90 and identified the driver as Arceneaux along with a 14-year-old passenger.

During the traffic investigation, Arceneaux was found in possession of suspected marijuana and drug paraphernalia. Officers also found evidence of suspected illegal drug usage inside the vehicle, Blair said. He was jailed.

—Mary Helen Sharp, 28, of John Boudreaux Road in Abbeville, was arrested at 7:06 p.m. Sunday on a warrant charging her with failure to appear in court.

An officer came into contact with Sharp on Amelia Street. A warrant check revealed city court had a warrant for her arrest. She was jailed.

—Shawn Clements, 43, of Lee Street in Patterson, was arrested at 5 p.m. Monday on a warrant charging him with failure to return a leased movable (value $1,143.22).

Clements was located at the police department and arrested on a warrant. The warrant stems from a January 2016 incident which alleges Clements failed to return lease merchandise. He was jailed.

—Ronald P. Picou, 53, of Federal Avenue in Morgan City, was arrested at 8:43 p.m. Monday on charges of no insurance and driving under suspension.

An officer came into contact with Picou on U.S. 90 during a traffic stop. A computer check revealed Picou did not possess valid insurance and his driver’s license was under suspension. He was jailed.

—Oscar Renee’ Torres, 35, of Onstead Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 12:44 a.m. Tuesday on charges of criminal trespassing and disturbing the peace.

Officers were called to a home on Freret Street in reference to a person causing a disturbance. Upon officers arriving they came into contact with Torres outside the home in an intoxicated condition, Blair said.

The complainant did not know Torres, and he came to the home causing a disturbance and wanting to fight an individual, Blair said. Torres was jailed.

St. Mary Parish Sheriff Blaise Smith reported that deputies responded to 139 complaints in the parish and reported the following arrests in east St. Mary Parish:

—A female juvenile, 16, was arrested at 2:24 p.m. Friday on a charge of simple battery.

A deputy was contacted in reference to a simple battery complaint that occurred on La. 182 in the Patterson area. After further investigation, the deputy learned the female juvenile had committed a battery on another juvenile, Smith said. The female juvenile was released to a guardian pending juvenile court proceedings.

—Allis J. Jennings, 37, of Williams Street in Patterson, was arrested at 9:47 p.m. Friday on charges of failure to signal and driving under suspension.

A deputy was patrolling the area of La. 182 in Patterson when he observed a vehicle turn into a business without using a turn signal, Blair said.

A traffic stop was conducted on the vehicle and contact was made with the driver, Jennings. A background check revealed she was driving under suspension. Jennings was issued a summons to appear in court Aug. 28.

—Jill Marie Parker, 44, of Two Brothers Street in Amelia, was arrested at 2:30 a.m. Saturday on charges of reckless operation with no accident, driving under suspension and DWI first offense.

A deputy traveling westbound on U.S. 90 observed a vehicle on the east lane traveling west. The deputy observed the vehicle miss several vehicles while on the Siracusa high rise. The vehicle came to a complete stop on the shoulder of the road when the deputy made contact with the driver, identified as Parker.

Parker admitted she had been drinking, Smith said. Parker refused a field sobriety test and chemical test, the sheriff said. She was jailed with bail set at $4,000.

—Jerral Wade Prestenbach, 30, of Main Street in Patterson, was arrested at 5:47 p.m. Saturday on a warrant for failure to appear on a charge for fishing without a license.

Deputies were dispatched to the intersection of U.S. 90 East and Main Street in Patterson in reference to a suspicious person complaint. Upon arrival, deputies made contact with a witness who advised the deputies of a person on the ground, later identified as Prestenbach.

Deputies made contact with Prestenbach and a background check revealed the active warrant. He was jailed with bail set at $500.

—Victor Laurance Crane Jr., 51, of Shady Grove Drive in Patterson, was arrested at 12:48 p.m. Sunday on a charge of domestic abuse battery.

A deputy was dispatched to Carol Drive in Bayou Vista in reference to a welfare concern. Upon arrival, the deputy learned that a physical altercation had taken place, and Crane pushed the victim, the sheriff said. Crane was jailed with bail set at $2,500.

—Burkin Jerome Dupre, 33, of Cross Road No. 2 in Bayou Vista, was arrested at 6:04 p.m. Sunday on charges of no seat belt and driving under suspension.

A deputy was patrolling the Bayou Vista area when he observed the driver of a vehicle not wearing a seatbelt. A traffic stop was conducted on the vehicle and contact was made with the driver, identified as Dupre.

A background check revealed he was driving with a suspended license. Dupre was issued a summons to appear in court Aug. 28.

—Shawn Phillip Chester, 35, of Solar Apartments in Morgan City, was arrested at 12:43 a.m. Sunday on a charge of violation of a protective order.

Deputies were dispatched to a business in Amelia in reference to a violation of a protective order. Upon arrival, the deputy made contact with the complainant who stated Chester entered the establishment asking if she knew a subject.

Authorities learned that the subject had an active protective order against Chester. The complainant then contacted the sheriff’s office. Chester was jailed with bail set at $2,500.

—Drevin M. Willis, 20, of Southwest Road in Bayou Vista, was arrested at 9:54 a.m. Monday on charges of cyberstalking and telephone calls-harassment.

A deputy was dispatched to the 100 block of Jupiter Street in Bayou Vista in reference to a telephone harassment complaint. Upon arrival, the deputy made contact with the complainant who advised the deputy Willis had been making threats on social media and harassing the victim by phone, Smith said. Willis was located at his home and issued a summons to appear in court Aug. 28.

—Asia Adale Piggott, 23, of Carol Road in Bayou Vista, was arrested at 4:45 p.m. Monday on a charge of disturbing the peace by fighting.

—Raven Markell Piggott, 25, of Carol Road in Bayou Vista, was arrested at 4:45 p.m. Monday on a charge of disturbing the peace by fighting.

A deputy was dispatched to the Bayou Vista Skate Park regarding a fight in progress. Upon arrival, the deputy learned that Asia Piggott and Raven Piggott had been involved in an altercation. Both were issued summonses to appear in court Aug. 28.

—Everette J. Ballard, 67, of St. Mary Street in Thibodaux, was arrested at 10:08 p.m. Monday on a charge of theft less than $1,000 and a warrant for failure to appear on charges of operating a vehicle while license is suspended/ revoked/ canceled, failure to stop at stop sign and expired motor vehicle inspection.

A deputy was dispatched to the 500 block of Lake Palourde Road in Amelia in reference to a theft complaint. Upon arrival, the deputy made contact with the complainant.

After further investigation, the deputy learned Ballard had taken a wallet that was left on a seat by the complainant, Smith said. A background check on Ballard revealed the active warrant. Ballard was jailed with bail set at $1,000.

Patterson Police Chief Garrett Grogan reported the following arrests:

—Robert J. Ballance, 35, of Bernice Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 4:31 p.m. Friday on a St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office warrant. No bail was set.

—Thomas D. Remedies, 26, of Second Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 1:07 p.m. Friday on a St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office warrant. No bail was set.

—Frank D. Peavy, 47, of Gerami Drive in Patterson, was arrested at 10:02 p.m. Thursday on charges of aggravated assault and disturbing the peace intoxicated. Peavy paid $733 bail.

—Gvon D. Sargent, 26, of Dale Avenue in Gretna, was arrested at 3:07 a.m. Saturday on charges of speeding 70 mph in a 55 mph zone and suspended driver’s license. Bail was set at $596.

—Nicholas J. Comeaux, 35, of Chris Lane in Franklin, was arrested at 12:23 p.m. Saturday on charges of suspended driver’s license, expired motor vehicle inspection sticker and no insurance. Bail was set at $757.

—Christine A. Hart, 35, of Southeast Boulevard in Bayou Vista, was arrested at 9:15 a.m. Sunday on charges of possession of Schedule II drugs, possession of drug paraphernalia, failure to carry registration, no insurance, expired motor vehicle inspection sticker and no seat belt. Hart was jailed with no bail set.

—Gerlisa Calais, 41, of Wedell Street in Patterson, was arrested at 11:33 p.m. Monday on a St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office warrant. No bail was set yet.

—Andric D. Valentine, 43, of Wedell Street in Patterson, was arrested at 11:33 p.m. Monday on charges of simple battery involving domestic violence and criminal damage to property. No bail was set yet.

Berwick Police Chief David Leonard Sr. reported the following arrests:

—Casey Floyd, 48, of Rose Street in Berwick, was arrested at 7:31 p.m. Sunday on charges of hit-and-run driving and careless operation of a motor vehicle with a crash. Floyd posted $1,500 bail.

—Shawn Clements, 43, of Lee Street in Patterson, was arrested at 9:39 p.m. Sunday on charges of possession of marijuana second offense, violation of controlled dangerous substance law-drug-free zone, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a controlled dangerous substance in the presence of a minor. Clements posted $20,000 bail.

Clements was then arrested at 2:50 p.m. Monday on a Morgan City police warrant for failure to return leased merchandise. Clements was transported to the Morgan City Police Department.

Assumption Parish Sheriff Leland Falcon reported the following arrests relating to the area:

—Christina Allison Breaux, 25, of Sun Road in Bayou Vista, was arrested on charges of no driver’s license, roadway laned for traffic, no proof of insurance, possession of marijuana second offense, possession of alprazolam (Xanax), possession of MDMA (ecstasy), possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and possession of drug paraphernalia

—Caleb Adam Thompson, 28, of La. 121 in Hineston, was arrested on charges of possession of marijuana, possession of alprazolam (Xanax), possession of MDMA (ecstasy), possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Deputies assigned to the I.C.E. Unit late Thursday night observed a vehicle commit a traffic violation on La. 662 in Bayou L’Ourse and proceeded to stop the vehicle.

There were two occupants, the driver, being Breaux and the passenger was identified as Thompson. Deputies noted both to be acting nervously and were inconsistent in their personal interviews, Falcon said.

Based on probable cause developed during the process, authorities got consent to search the vehicle. During that search, deputies recovered marijuana, methamphetamine, alprazolam (Xanax) and MDMA (ecstasy), Falcon said. An assortment of drug paraphernalia was also recovered.

Both Breaux and Thompson were arrested and booked into the Assumption Parish Detention Center where they remained pending a bail hearing.

Bayou Chene closure to be complete June 5

Tue, 05/28/2019 - 1:47pm

By ZACHARY FITZGERALD

zfitzgerald@daily-review.com

Officials plan to have Bayou Chene in Amelia closed by June 5, though the temporary barge floodgate may begin blocking some water flow by Thursday.

State leaders announced Friday that the state had committed to installing a temporary barge floodgate on Bayou Chene in anticipation of operation of the Morganza Spillway. The Mississippi River Commission made the official decision Monday to start opening Morganza June 2.

Operation of Morganza was deemed necessary to divert flood waters from the Mississippi River. But opening Morganza brings more water to the Atchafalaya Basin, which necessitated close of Bayou Chene.

With the Morganza opening, the Atchafalaya River is projected to crest June 18 near 10 feet at Morgan City, according to the National Weather Service.

Officials issued a contract Friday to close Bayou Chene. Driving of steel pilings started Monday and continued Tuesday. Authorities planned to move the barge into place Wednesday morning, said Tim Matte, executive director of the St. Mary Levee District. The levee district is managing the project.

Matte anticipates that sheet pilings will begin to be driven Thursday morning. The barge may begin to prevent some additional backwater flooding Thursday, but the channel won’t be closed until June 5, Matte said. Placement of rock will be the final action to close Bayou Chene.

On June 2, officials plan to send 10,000 cubic feet per second through the Morganza Spillway, followed by another 10,000 each June 3 and June 4.

“That’s a pretty nominal amount when, right now, the flow is almost 600,000 (cubic feet per second) past Simmesport,” Matte said.

After the first three days, the flow will increase more substantially. The total expected flow to be released from the spillway is about 150,000 cubic feet per second.

Work was also progressing Tuesday to build a limestone levee on Avoca Island, which is located near Bayou Chene, to help with the flood protection efforts, Matte said. The Terrebonne Levee and Conservation District was set to start placing sand bags along Tabor Canal.

Levee district officials have been working closely with consultants, along with staff of the Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

As of Tuesday, La. 70 in lower St. Martin Parish is now passable to vehicles.

Law enforcement officers are on site to make sure motorists are in their lanes and not going fast, said Brandie Richardson, a spokeswoman with the state Department of Transportation and Development.

Over the Memorial Day weekend, DOTD officials DOTD officials placed linked sand bags along about a half-mile stretch of La. 70 and then pumped water off the highway.

Memorial Day ride

Tue, 05/28/2019 - 1:46pm

Participants in the freedom ride leave American Legion Post 242 on Monday for their next stop in St. Mary Parish. The freedom ride was put on by American Legion Riders Post 328 in Pierre Part and participants traveled to all Blue Star Markers throughout St. Mary Parish to honor fallen veterans. More photos from Memorial Day events appear on Page 10.