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St. Mary AARP holds meeting

Thu, 04/11/2019 - 10:12am

St. Mary Parish AARP Chapter 4435 held its monthly meeting on April 1 at the St. Mary Senior Citizens Center, home of St. Mary AARP, in Morgan City. Prior to the meeting, members and guests were entertained with dance music from 4-5:30 p.m. followed by bingo.
The meeting and meal co-sponsors were CORE Physical Therapy and Sports Performance, and Dr. Lianter Albert. Attendees were served a meal of beef stew, rice, salad and bread. The meal was prepared by Lonnie and Kathy LaBouve.
Chet Sternfels, DPT, owner and chief physical therapist of CORE Physical Therapy and Sports Performance, discussed special precautions necessary to reduce the risk of falls as people age. He noted the impact that health concerns in the inner ear and eyesight can have on increasing the risk of falls. He encouraged people to consult physicians to assess health conditions and concerns, and to avail themselves of physical therapy services to increase mobility, flexibility and balance.
Albert emphasized his commitment to provide the best possible service to the community in his role as a physician and deputy coroner for St. Mary Parish.
The Morgan City Junior High School Tigerettes dance team, under the direction of faculty sponsor Mary Beadle, performed three dance routines to entertain the membership.
Birthday and anniversary celebrants for April were recognized at the meeting. The birthday cake was donated by M C Bank.
The next St. Mary AARP monthly meeting and meal will be held on May 6.

Mom ‘reclaims’ the things she gave to her daughters

Thu, 04/11/2019 - 10:06am

DEAR ABBY: My mother moved in with my sister in California around 1993. After 20 years, I asked her what she wanted to do with her storage unit, which was still in Arizona. Long story short, she said: “Clear it out. I don’t even know what’s in there. Take whatever you want, keep the pictures and give the rest to Goodwill.” My sisters have the same recollection. Over the next three or four years, my sisters and I proceeded to do so. Mom has moved in with me now, at 80 years old, and says she may be moving out into ...

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Dropping collections, other issues concern sales tax director

Thu, 04/11/2019 - 8:15am

Two straight months of decreasing sales tax collections, a proposed bill to centralize collection of sales taxes and the struggle to collect taxes on internet sales are all concerning to St. Mary’s sales tax director. In March, St. Mary Parish sales and use tax collections were less than the same month of the prior year for the second consecutive month. Collections totaled $2.59 million in March, down 3.2 percent from the $2.67 million collected in March 2018. Excluding collections made due to financial audits, collections dropped 1.1 percent. “This is very disappointing and concerning as we expected the economy to ...

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Many sophomores getting playing time for 'Jacks

Wed, 04/10/2019 - 8:28pm
GEOFF STOUTE
gstoute@daily-review.com

There’s a heavy sophomore influence on the Patterson High School baseball team.
The Lumberjacks, who lost five senior starters a year ago, have played plenty of underclassmen, particularly sophomores, this season on their way to a 13-11 mark, including a 3-6 record in District 8-3A action.
“This season we had ton of goals and expectations for our baseball program,” second-year Patterson Coach Blayze Romero said. “Our players understand that we expect a lot out of each and every one of them. We hold these players to high standards, and we expect them to succeed in all aspects of the game. The culture on the team right now is phenomenal. The players are trusting each other and believing in the program. We have a talented group of young guys who have really stepped up for us this year.”
Two of Patterson’s top three pitchers are sophomores as the Lumberjacks’ No. 2 pitcher is sophomore Joseph Larson while Don Diaz is the team’s relief/closing pitcher.
In the infield, the Lumberjacks feature sophomores at first base (Jonathan Cheely), second base (Kaden Samuels), third base (Diaz or Larson) and left field (Dylan Fabre). Larson also will play second base when he doesn’t pitch or he will play shortstop when the team’s top pitcher, junior Reid Perkins, isn’t manning his usual shortstop position.
While the team does feature a heavy dose of sophomores in the lineup, there are some upperclassmen.
Senior Noah Bryant is the team’s starting catcher after making the move from shortstop where he played in 2018. Juniors Julius Albert, Amarea Christopher and Randy Paul hold down the designated hitter, right field and centerfield positions, respectively.
In addition to Bryant, other seniors on the team are Telvae Phillips and Irvin Celestine, who both have received playing time.
Paul is a returning Louisiana Sports Writers Association Class 3A Honorable Mention All-State selection from a year ago.
“Randy Paul’s our leader of our team,” Romero said last month. “Our team’s going to go as Randy Paul goes.”
Patterson is ranked No. 15 in the latest Louisiana High School Athletic Association Class 3A power rankings.
In District 8-3A, six of the seven teams are playoff eligible, as per the latest power rankings. Of those, two are in the top four in Class 3A as Erath is ranked No. 2 and Berwick is ranked No. 4.
Patterson will return to action Tuesday when it hosts North Vermilion in District 8-3A play. First pitch is set for 5 p.m.

Landry earns weekly softball honors

Wed, 04/10/2019 - 8:23pm
Staff Report
THIBODAUX –

Nicholls State University softball senior Megan Landry has been named Southland Conference and Louisiana Sports Writers Association Pitcher of the Week, the organizations announced Monday afternoon.
A native of Pierre Part, Landry tossed three more complete games for the Colonels, going 3-0 with a 0.35 ERA and 22 strikeouts for the week. The Central Catholic alum allowed just one earned run and struck out 13 against Northwestern State, which came into the weekend atop the Southland standings. Landry clinched the series with wins in the first two games.
Including her one-hit effort against Southern, Landry strung together 17 consecutive shutout innings before Northwestern State scored in the fifth of Game 2.
Landry threw 41 consecutive innings with six straight complete games dating back to last week.
Earlier in the week versus Southern, she surpassed 500 strikeouts for her career in her one-hit shutout of the Southern Jaguars.
ON DECK
Nicholls continues its 13-game homestand with its makeup series against UIW. Tuesday’s doubleheader is scheduled for 4 p.m.

Dragna Brothers defeats Johnny's Propellers 6-4

Wed, 04/10/2019 - 8:19pm

Dragna Brothers defeated Johnny’s Propellers 6-4 in Morgan City Recreation Department Dixie League action at Complex Park Monday. Brandon Cordero led Dragna Brothers with a 1-for-2 performance with a double and a run. Other top Dragna Brothers offensive contributors were Anthony Bourgeois, 1-for-2 with a run, and Lucas Pickens and Landyn Ramagos, each a walk and a run. Kyle Stansbury and Noah Guarisco led Johnny’s Propellers as each finished 1-for-1 with a walk. Other top Johnny’s Propellers offensive contributors were Keiton Laverne, two walks and two runs; and Kade Gagliano and Kaleb Nguyen, each two walks. Offshore Hammers 9 Frogdog Sluggers 5 Offshore Hammers defeated ...

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Franklin native Darrell Johnson Jr. serving aboard USS Portland

Wed, 04/10/2019 - 1:02pm

A Franklin native and 1997 Franklin Senior High School graduate is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard USS Portland, one of the Navy’s newest and most advanced amphibious ships.
Petty Officer 1st Class Darrell Johnson Jr. is a yeoman aboard the amphibious transport dock operating out of San Diego. A Navy yeoman is responsible for maintaining correspondence, awards and any administrative duties.
Johnson credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in Franklin.
“I was taught to treat everyone with respect and always help other people,” Johnson said. “You never know when you could need someone to help you. I work for the military but I am an influence of my parents.”
Commissioned in 2017, Portland is designed to deliver Marines and their equipment where they are needed to support a variety of missions ranging from amphibious assaults to humanitarian relief efforts.
“I have only been on aircraft carriers before this,” Johnson said. “Being on a smaller ship, you see that the team is more united. You have more hands on with everyone.”
Being stationed in San Diego, the principal homeport of the Pacific Fleet, means Johnson is playing an important part in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“Our priorities center on people, capabilities and processes, and will be achieved by our focus on speed, value, results and partnerships,” Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer said. “Readiness, lethality and modernization are the requirements driving these priorities.”
Sailors’ jobs are highly varied aboard Portland. More than 400 men and women make up the ship’s crew, which keeps all parts of the ship running smoothly, from handling weaponry to maintaining the engines. An additional 700 Marines can be embarked. Portland is capable of transporting Marines and landing them where they are needed via helicopters, vertical takeoff and landing aircraft and landing craft.
These amphibious transport dock ships support sea-to-shore assaults, special operations or other warfare missions and can serve as secondary aviation platforms for amphibious ready groups. Because of their inherent capabilities, these ships have been called upon to support humanitarian and other contingency missions on short notice.
“The current and future success of USS Portland will be due to the hard work and dedication from each member of the crew,” Capt. Tony Rodriguez, commanding officer of USS Portland said. “Every sailor knows their role and purpose within the ship. By maintaining high standards and sound shipboard operating procedures we can ensure we are ready to answer when the nation calls.”
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Johnson who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Johnson is honored to carry on the family tradition.
“My cousin just retired from the Navy,” Johnson said. “Being able to see what he achieved and having access to any information he could share with me really influenced my decision to join.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Johnson and other Portland sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nations needs.
“By putting on the uniform every day, it shows that I want to be there for my family and country as a whole,” Johnson added.

Police: Man charged with aggravated crime against nature; Victim is under 13

Wed, 04/10/2019 - 11:18am
Staff Report

A 53-year-old Morgan City man has been charged with having sexual contact with a girl under 13 years old, Morgan City Police Chief James Blair said in a news release.

—Wayne Joseph Billiot, 53, of Railroad Avenue in Morgan City, was arrested at 8:24 a.m. Tuesday on a warrant charging him with aggravated crimes against nature.

On Monday, the Morgan City Police Detective Division received a complaint alleging Billiot had inappropriate sexual contact with a girl under the age of 13. Upon the conclusion of the investigation, an arrest warrant was obtained for Billiot, Blair said.

Upon detectives attempting to locate Billiot, they learned he had left the Morgan City area, Blair said. With the assistance of Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Marshal Task Force, Billiot was located in Harvey and taken into custody. On Tuesday, Billiot was transported to the Morgan City Police Department.

Blair reported that officers responded to 34 calls and reported the following arrests:

—Robert Paul Stansbury Jr. 35, of Park Ridge Avenue in Baton Rouge, was arrested at 11:02 a.m. Tuesday on a charge of criminal trespass.

Officers patrolling Brashear Avenue observed a subject later identified as Stansbury acting suspiciously. Stansbury fled the area upon seeing police and attempted to hide from officers on private property. He was arrested and jailed.

—Krystal L. Meranta, 29, of Clark Road 2 in Bayou Vista, was arrested at 5:50 p.m. Tuesday on warrants charging her with contempt of court. Meranta was located at the Morgan City Police Department and arrested on city court warrants. She was jailed.

—Joseph Guillory Soto, 32, of Sixth Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 1:41 a.m. Wednesday on a warrant charging him with three counts of contempt of court, four counts of failure to appear to pay a fine and one count of probation violation. Guillory was located at the police department and arrested on city court warrants. He was jailed.

—Kenneth M. Richard, 35, of La. 182 in Morgan City, was arrested at 1:41 a.m. Wednesday on a warrant charging him with theft.

Richard was located at Berwick Police Department. He was placed under arrest on active warrants held by Morgan City Police Department. He was jailed.

St. Mary Parish Sheriff Blaise Smith reported that deputies responded to 34 complaints in the parish and reported the following arrests in east St. Mary Parish:

—A male juvenile, 13, was arrested at 12:28 p.m. Tuesday on a charge of ungovernable juvenile.

A deputy was dispatched to a runaway juvenile complaint. The juvenile was located a short time later. He was charged with ungovernable juvenile. The juvenile was released to a guardian pending juvenile court action.

—Antoine Leroy Reid, 27, of Tenth Street in Slidell, was arrested at 12:39 p.m. Tuesday on charges of possession of stolen things and disturbing the peace by language.

A deputy was dispatched to Delmar Street in Bayou Vista in reference to a suspicious vehicle. Upon arrival, the deputy made contact with the complainant who stated the vehicle had been parked in front of the church for an extended period of time.

After further investigation, authorities learned the vehicle was stolen from Kenner. As the investigation continued, Reid was identified as the suspect. While Reid was being arrested, he began to use vulgar language towards the deputy. Reid was transported to St. Mary Parish jail with no bail set.

—John W. Menser, 39, of Judy Lane in Patterson, was arrested at 2:27 p.m. Tuesday on warrants from the Houma Police Department charging him with five counts of obtaining a controlled dangerous substance by fraud and five counts of forgery.

Narcotics detectives located Menser in the 100 block of Judy Lane in Patterson on warrants. Menser was jailed with no bail set.

—Demetria Francis, 41, of Oliver Street in Waveland, Mississippi, was arrested at 5:15 p.m. Tuesday on a warrant charging her with possession of drug paraphernalia first offense.

Narcotics detectives were traveling on La. 182 in Morgan City when they observed a vehicle fail to use a turn signal. Detectives conducted a traffic stop and made contact with the driver, identified as Francis. A background check on Francis revealed the above-mentioned warrant. Francis was jailed with no bail set.

Patterson Police Chief Garrett Grogan reported the following arrests:

—Benjamin Allen, 19, of Main Street in Patterson, was arrested at 10:59 p.m. Tuesday on charges of license plate light required and no driver’s license. Allen was jailed.

—Lacey L. Scully, 25, of Arizona Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 7:38 p.m. Tuesday on charges of no child restraint, no driver’s license and no insurance. Scully was jailed.

—Bridgette A. Borel, 33, of South Sterling Street in Lafayette, was arrested at 2:12 p.m. Tuesday on charges of speeding, no motor vehicle inspection sticker and driving under suspension. Borel was jailed.

—Jason Paul Daigle, 39, of 4th Street in Berwick, was arrested at 4:52 a.m. Wednesday on charges of no turn signal, no license plate light, suspended driver’s license and no insurance. Daigle was jailed.

—Johnathan Alexander Poullard, 31, of Amesbury Drive in Lafayette, was arrested at 4:03 a.m. Wednesday on charges of suspended driver’s license, speeding, failure to carry registration and no proof of insurance. Poullard was jailed.

Berwick Police Chief David Leonard Sr. reported no arrests.

Radio logs for April 10

Wed, 04/10/2019 - 11:10am

The following are the radio dispatch logs from the Morgan City Police Department. To report unlawful or suspicious activity, call the police department at 985-380-4605.

Tuesday, April 9

5:56 a.m. U.S. 90 East; Reckless driver.

6:33 a.m. 600 block of Fourth Street; Animal complaint.

8:20 a.m. 700 block of Justa Street; Medical emergency.

8:45 a.m. Wren Street; Warrants.

8:52 a.m. 7700 block of La. 182 East; Complaint.

9:23 a.m. 6300 block of La. 182 East; Vehicle accident.

9:37 a.m. 1100 block of Seventh Street; Suspicious person.

10:10 a.m. 2000 block of Allison Street; Complaint.

10:13 a.m. U.S. 90 West; Traffic incident.

10:16 a.m. 600 block of Marshall Street; Suspicious person.

11:03 a.m. 600 block of Brashear Avenue; Warrants.

11:12 a.m. 400 block of Eighth Street; Medical emergency.

12:52 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Suspicious vehicle.

13:57 p.m. Railroad Avenue; Complaint.

14:28 p.m. Wren and Mallard streets; Complaint.

14:30 p.m. 2400 block of Seventh Street; Suspicious person.

15:34 p.m. 300 block of Terrebonne Street; Complaint.

18:43 p.m. 700 block of Duke Street; Medical.

19:31 p.m. 300 block of Egle Street; Complaint.

20:21 p.m. 800 block of Willard Street; Medical.

20:53 p.m. Marquis Manor; Alarm.

21:23 p.m. Nevada and Onstead streets; Disturbance.

22:28 p.m. Willow Street and Federal Avenue; Animal.

23:54 p.m. 600 block of Terrebonne Street; Loud music.

Wednesday, April 10

12:31 a.m. 2400 block of Apple Street; Disturbance.

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