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St. Mary Parish Councilman James Bennett of Morgan City has been arrested for the second time in a week and the fourth time in less than a year.
Bennett, 51, was arrested by Morgan City police Saturday on a Berwick warrant alleging violation of a protective order. Two of the previous arrests were on stalking charges.
Berwick Chief David S. Leonard said in a news release that Bennett was served May 2 with a protective order from the 16th Judicial District Court forbidding Bennett from being within 100 yards of the petitioner. Berwick police received a report and confirmed that Bennett was in the prohibited area, Leonard said.
"Investigators were able to obtain clear video evidence that placed Bennett within the prohibited area of the victim's residence on more than one occasion," the press release said
Bennett represents Parish Council District 7. He was out on $3,500 bond after Monday's arrest followed a search of his Sixth Street home and his car. In addition to the stalking charge, he was booked on counts of possessing anabolic steroids and possession of a weapon in the presence of a controlled dangerous substance.
Louisiana State Police detectives based in Houma conducted the search and made the arrest. They had been asked for help by Berwick police because they believed the acts of which Bennett is accused also occurred outside Berwick. Bennett was released on bond later Monday.
Berwick police arrested Bennett on Feb. 6 on a warrant resulting from a complaint that Bennett had stalked a Berwick woman.
Police said Bennett “used resources to gain knowledge of who was visiting with the victim and later confront the victim.”
The warrant stems from an investigation that began Feb. 1 in which a complaint was received concerning him stalking a woman who lives in the Berwick area. Police learned that Bennett was in fact responsible for the behavior associated with stalking, Leonard said.
Bennett was booked into the Berwick jail and later released on $20,000 bail. He was later transported to the Morgan City jail due to active warrants that Morgan City Police Department held for his arrest associated with this investigation.
Berwick police confirmed that Bennett’s February arrest was related to another arrest July 31. Bennett was arrested on a charge of remaining after being forbidden. Police said Bennett had returned to a Berwick home after being told not to go there.
After that arrest, Bennett characterized the incident as “a big misunderstanding.”
CENTERVILLE — The St. Mary Parish School Board honored a beloved Franklin High coach Thursday, not without questions about whether it was the right sort of honor.
The board also had to put off a decision on whether to devote Raintree Elementary space to the Teche Action Clinic’s school health service over a procedural question. And the board set the property tax rates you’ll have to pay by year’s end.
And there was applause for the two students who were the top readers in the million-word reading program this year.
Field house named
for Kenneth Lockett
Kenneth Lockett, who coached football, track and other sports at Franklin High for more than three decades, died three years ago. On Thursday, the board took up an agenda item suggested by former Franklin athlete Kenny Marshall: a request to name the Franklin High field house for Lockett.
“I saw the commitment,” said board member Pearl Buck, a former co-worker. “I witnessed the dedication.”
Franklin Junior High Principal J Ina has a few accomplishments of his own: a history degree, winning a place as a National Football League lineman and election to the St. Mary Parish Council. Outside the meeting room Thursday with members of Lockett’s family, Ina said he owes a lot of it to Lockett, his former coach.
“He made a difference in my life,” Ina said. “If it wasn’t for his guidance and what he poured into it, I wouldn’t be doing this.”
Back in the meeting room, board member Roland Verrett acknowledge Lockett’s contributions but asked whether the board would be making a decision that would bind future generations.
In the end, the name change passed unanimously on a voice vote, making the facility’s name The Coach Kenneth Lockett Field House. After the vote, all the board members applauded.
Delay for
clinic decision
Dr. Gary Wiltz of the Teche Action Clinic asked the board to enter an agreement that would set up a permanent space at Raintree Elementary, where the clinic’s mobile unit has been parked for two years.
The clinic offers preventive screenings, vaccination updates and other basic services for students, faculty members and faculty dependents. At Raintree, the clinic sees 10 to 15 patients a day.
But parking the mobile unit there “sort of defeats the purpose,” Wiltz said.
The permanent arrangement at Raintree would require no additional spending by the board. But board member Ginger Griffin noted that Wiltz’ presentation appeared on the agenda under “Appearances” rather than as an item that might be voted on. That wouldn’t let people know action might be taken and offer a chance for comment.
Board President Michael Taylor said Wiltz’ request could be taken up at the next meeting.
Property taxes
The approved its property tax rates for 2019. Not all of the rates apply throughout the parish. Some are dedicated to maintenance work in three separate zones.
The rates are:
—For the general fund, 8.35 mills for the constitutional school tax and 11.17 mills for Consolidated School District No. 5.
—12 mills for Consolidated District 3 maintenance, 12.17 mills, for District 2 in central St. Mary and 11.75 mills for Sixth Ward School District No. 3 maintenance.
—For three bond retirement funds: 16 mills for Consolidated School District No. 1, 8 mills for Special School District No 4 and 20 mills for Fifth Ward Special School District No. 1.
The bond retirement millage for the Fifth Ward Special School District is the only rate that changed, rising from 15 to 20 mills. Chief Financial Officer Alton Perry said he recommended the rate based on property values in the area and the mills required to raise enough money to service the debt.
A mill is 1/10th of a cent of tax applied to every dollar of assessed valuation. The assessed valuation of residential property is set by law at 10 percent of the property’s market value. Louisiana’s homestead exemption applies to school board property taxes.
August 17, 1934 – May 7, 2019
Beverly was born on August 17, 1934, in Rapides Parish, Louisiana, and passed away on May 7, 2019, in Spring Hill, Tennessee. She was a long-time resident of Patterson, Louisiana. She was a graduate of Louisiana Tech University before moving to Patterson where she meet her husband. She taught elementary school and raised her family in Patterson.
Beverly enjoyed traveling with her husband, Ernest, sewing with several area quilt guilds and tending to her flowers.
Visitation will be Monday, May 13, 2019, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Patterson beginning at 9 a.m. followed by a rosary at 10:45 a.m. and a Rite of Christian Burial Mass at 11 a.m. Father Herb Bennerfield of St. Joseph Catholic Church will officiate the services. Following the Mass she will be laid to rest with her husband in the St. Joseph Cemetery Mausoleum.
She is survived by her brother, Joe Melancon and his wife Louise of Colorado Springs, Colorado; her daughter, Nancy Robichaux and her husband William of Spring Hill, Tennessee; her son, Michael Felterman and his wife Sharon of Patterson; and her daughter, Jennifer Sawyer and her husband Joseph of Wichita Falls, Texas. She is also survived by seven grandchildren, Ashlynne McIntosh and her husband Terry, Michelle Felterman, Chloe Felterman, Marie Robichaux, Mark Robichaux, Matthew Sawyer and Daniel Sawyer; her brother-in-law, F.C. Felterman Jr. and his wife Sylvia of Patterson; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, Ernest L. Felterman; her parents, Joseph L. and Helen Simmons Melancon; and her sister, Helen Alene Melancon.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Louisiana Tech Tornado Relief at https//www.latechalumni.org or mailed to Louisiana Tech University Foundation, P. O. Box 1190, Ruston, LA, 71273 or the charity of your choice.
Family and friends may view the obituary and express their condolences online by visiting www.iberts.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Ibert’s Mortuary, Inc., 1111 Lia Street, Patterson, LA 70392, (985) 395-7873.
June 5,1948 – May 7, 2019
Hazel Comeaux Dreyer, age 70, was called to her heavenly home on May 7, 2019, surrounded by her loving family.
Hazel loved crocheting and reading her Bible in her spare time.
Those left to Cherish Hazel’s beautiful memory are her husband of 52 years, Randolph “Cheyenne” Dreyer of Morgan City; her brother-in-law Larry Dreyer of Patterson; her sister-in-law Daisey LeBlanc of Patterson; one niece, “Godchild” Susan Dreyer Romero and her husband, Ronnie of Morgan City; one nephew, Daniel Dreyer and his fiancée Shondell of Morgan City; three great nephews, Michael Aucoin, Blake “Godchild” and Brett Dreyer; two great nieces, Kristin Aucoin and Bailey Dreyer; three great great nieces, Abby, Paige, and Graycee Mae, and one great great nephew, Jayce. Not all of her nieces and nephews were her Godchildren but because of the close bond she shared with each of them they all called her Nanny. She will also be missed by her Pharr Chapel family and three very close friends, Lennie, Miranda and Lilly.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Oristile and Eva Comeaux, and one sister, Lena Dreyer.
Pallbearers will be Ronnie Romero, Blake Dreyer, Brett Dreyer, Michael Aucoin, Arvin Alleman and Dennis Gilmore and Honorary Pallbearer, Jayce Bailey.
The family requests that a time of visitation be observed on Sunday, May 12, 2019, at Hargrave Funeral Home from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. Visitation will continue on Monday, May 13, 2019 at Pharr Chape,l United Methodist Church from 8 a.m. until time of services at 11 a.m., with Rev. Ann Sutton officiating. Following services Hazel will be laid to rest in the Patterson Protestant Cemetery in Patterson, La.
Jimmy Stansbury, 62, a resident of Morgan City, passed away peacefully at his home Wednesday morning, May 8, 2019, surrounded by family.
Jimmy was born November 26, 1956, in Opelousas, the son of Hebert and Betty Ledour Stansbury.
He is survived by his fiancé, Cynthia Authement; one son, Cody Stansbury; one daughter, Ashley Stansbury; two stepsons, Father Joseph Authement and Gordy Authement Jr. and wife Jessica; three brothers, John Stansbury and wife Sheryl, Jack Stansbury, and Jay Stansbury and wife Bettina; 5 sisters, Jane Arceneaux and husband Charles, Joanna Fotenot and husband Gilbert, Janette Barron, Joyce Tirte, and Joan Burton and husband Terry; one grandson, David Stansbury; two step-grandchildren, Allie and Chad Authement; mother-in-law, Eva Deshotel.
Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents, Hebert and Betty Stansbury; two brothers, Joey and Gerry Stansbury.
Following Jimmy’s request, a graveside service will be held at 11a.m. on Saturday, May 18, 2019 at Sacred Heart Prairie Ronde Cemetery in St. Landry Parish.
Clarence “Frank” Bailey, 75, a resident of Berwick and native of Avoca Island, passed away on Wednesday, May 1, 2019, at 12:10 p.m. at his residence.
Visitation will be observed on Saturday, May 11, 2019, at the Church of God of Prophecy in Patterson from 9 a.m. until funeral services at 11 a.m. Bishop James T. Whitney will officiate the services. Burial will follow funeral services in the Morgan City Cemetery.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara Ann Bailey of Berwick; four daughters, Mrs. Warren (Cherica Bailey)-Harvey Jr., of Patterson, Kimberly Bailey of Berwick Tracy Bailey of Kenner and Monica Bailey of Youngsville; four brothers, Willie (Elizabeth) Bailey of Houston, Wallace (Elaine) Bailey and Wilson (Peggy) Bailey, both of Morgan City, and Jessie (Dwana) Bailey of Dulac; five grandchildren; one brother-in-law, three sisters-in-law, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Clarence was preceded in death by his parents, five brothers, and one sister.
Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
FREE TENNIS CAMP
Hosted by World Missions June 3-6 from 8-10 a.m. each day with one class at 8 a.m. and another at 9 a.m. both at Lawrence Park in Morgan City. Beginner lessons for youths 5-18 years old. Pre-registration is June 1 from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at Lawrence Park. Registration forms can be picked up at the public libraries in Morgan City, Berwick, Amelia, Patterson and Bayou Vista. For more, call Bishop Jerry T. Hebert at 985-221-0032.
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