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Francois' buzzer beater lifts MCHS to 62-60 victory

Wed, 01/09/2019 - 3:27pm

Staff Report

Morgan City High School’s Kerwin Francois stole the basketball and converted a layup at the buzzer to lift the Tigers to a 62-60 victory against New Iberia in Morgan City Tuesday.
Kerwin Francois tied for the team-high in scoring with Jared Singleton as each scored 21 points.
Morgan City entered the fourth quarter down 48-44 but outscored New Iberia 18-12 in the period for the victory.
Early on, New Iberia led 15-12 after a period of play and 34-28 at halftime.
Other Morgan City scorers were Deondre Grogan, 15; Leo Garrett, three; and Zion Landry, two.
Morgan City (11-6) will return to action Friday when it travels to face defending Class 3A state champion Madison Prep.
Panthers win first game
The Berwick Panthers won their first game of the season Tuesday, topping Erath 45-21 in District 8-3A action on the road.
The win snapped a 16-game losing streak to begin the season.
While the game was tied at 4 after a quarter, Berwick took a 14-8 lead into halftime and led 30-18 after three periods of play.
Dayton Clark led Berwick with 17 points. Other Berwick scorers were Blain Louviere, nine; Hunter Seneca, six; Hilton Span, four; Julius Ziegler, three points; and Chris Jones, Keon Carbin and Brannan Chassan, two each.
Berwick (1-16 overall, 1-1 in district) will return to action Friday when it hosts Kaplan in district play.
Patterson holds
off Kaplan
The Patterson Lumber-jacks survived a Kaplan fourth-quarter scoring surge for a 52-50 victory in District 8-3A action Friday at Kaplan.
Patterson entered the fourth quarter ahead 46-32, but Kaplan outscored the visitors 18-6 in the period for the final margin.
Early on, Patterson led 11-7 after a quarter and 30-16 at halftime. Each team scored 16 points in the third quarter.
Kai Schexnayder led Patterson with 17 points, while Tyrone Tillman also reached double figures with 13. Other Patterson scorers were Elijah Williams, eight; Dajon Richard, five; Dillon Gunner, three; Kyler Paul and Irvin Celestine, two each; and James Butler and Tron Clark, one each.
Patterson (8-6, 2-1) will return to action Thursday when it travels to face Ellender in nondistrict action.
Vandebilt tops CCHS in overtime (girls)
Vandebilt Catholic defeated Central Catholic 47-43 in overtime in Houma Tuesday.
With the teams tied at 39 after four quarters, Vandebilt Catholic outscored Central Catholic 8-4 in overtime for the win.
Central Catholic led 11-10 after a quarter and 26-19 at halftime. However, Vandebilt Catholic outscored the Lady Eagles 12-5 in the third quarter to tie the game at 31 after three quarters.
Yani Johnson led Central Catholic with 22 points. Other Central Catholic scorers were Laurielle Bias and Lay Bertrand, eight each; Caitlyn Picou and Sydney Williams, two each; and Lexi Landry, one.
Monday, Central Catholic fell to New Iberia 41-32.
New Iberia outscored Central Catholic 22-16 in the second half for the win.
Trailing 16-9 at halftime, New Iberia outscored Central Catholic 19-9 in the third quarter for a 28-25 lead after three quarters before finishing the game with a 13-7 scoring advantage in the fourth quarter.
Early on, New Iberia led 6-4 after a period of play while Central Catholic responded with a 12-3 second-quarter scoring advantage.
Aaliyah Poole led Central Catholic with 15 points, while Johnson added 13. Other Central Catholic scorers were Bertrand and Williams with two each.
Central Catholic (5-11) will return to action Friday when it travels to face Zachary.
Kaplan tops Lumberjills
The Patterson Lumberjills fell on the road to Kaplan 62-40 in District 8-3A action Tuesday.
Briyanna Butler led Patterson with 15 points, eight rebounds, one assist, two steals and two blocked shots, while Zorrie Spain added 12 points, two rebounds, three assists and one steal.
Other Patterson contributors were: De’Asha Williams, three points; and Randalyn Paul, Alayah Williams, Lanashia Firmin, Kaylon Smith and Aniyah Martin, all with two points.
Patterson (7-9, 1-3) will return to action Friday when it hosts Erath.
Erath tops Berwick
The Berwick Lady Panthers fell on the road to Erath 39-33 Tuesday in District 8-3A action.
No individual Berwick stats were available.
Berwick (4-12, 1-3) will re-turn to action Friday when it hosts Kaplan.
Additional reporting by The Associated Press.

One minor injury reported in Morgan City shooting

Wed, 01/09/2019 - 1:16pm

Morgan City police officers responded at 12:44 p.m. Wednesday to a complaint of shots fired on Ash Street between Second and Dora streets. One man had a minor injury in the shooting, police said. He was treated at Teche Regional Medical Center and released. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information should contact the Morgan City Police Department at 985-380-4605.

Police: Man gave alcohol to juvenile

Wed, 01/09/2019 - 1:12pm

Staff Report

A 45-year-old man was booked into jail Tuesday stemming from an October 2018 incident where he provided alcohol to a juvenile, Morgan City Police Chief James Blair said in a news release.

—Stuart R. Vincent, 45, of Chestnut Drive in Morgan City, was arrested at 4 p.m. Tuesday on a warrant charging him with contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile.

Vincent was placed under arrest at the police department on a warrant. The warrant stems from an October 2018 incident during which Vincent allegedly provided alcoholic beverages to a juvenile. Vincent was jailed.

Blair reported that officers responded to 30 calls and reported the following arrests:

—Joseph J. Thibodeaux, 20, of West Ibert Street in Franklin, was arrested at 9:55 a.m. Tuesday on a warrant charging him with three counts of failure to pay fines.

—Calvin Acosta, 32, of La. 182 in Morgan City, was arrested at 9:55 a.m. Tuesday on a charge of driving under suspension third offense.

An officer in the area of La. 182 near Roderick Street observed a vehicle driven by an individual identified as Acosta. The officer was aware of Acosta having a suspended driver’s license. A traffic stop was conducted, and a computer check revealed that Acosta’s license was indeed suspended, Blair said.

Acosta also had two prior arrests for driving under suspension. The passenger of the vehicle, Thibodeaux, had an active warrant for city court. Acosta and Thibodeaux were jailed.

—Jerry R. Forbes, 18, of Terrebonne Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 2:17 p.m. Tuesday on warrants charging him with failure to appear for trial and two counts of failure to appear for arraignment.

Forbes was located on Egle Street and arrested on city court warrants. Forbes was jailed.

—Jane G. Landry, 49, of La. 182 in Morgan City, was arrested at 3:49 p.m. Tuesday on a warrant charging her with probation violation. Landry was arrested at the police department on a city court warrant. Landry was jailed.

—Pablo Fonte, 62, of Spruce Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 7:10 p.m. Tuesday on a charge of disturbing the peace intoxicated.

Officers responded to Spruce Street in regard to an individual who was possibly intoxicated. Officers arrived and located the individual identified as Fonte. Fonte did appear intoxicated, Blair said. Fonte was jailed.

Berwick Police Chief David Leonard reported the following arrests:

—Storm Griffin, 19, of Oregon Street in Berwick, was arrested at 6:53 p.m. Tuesday on a charge of disturbing the peace fifth offense. Bail was set at $256.

—Tyler Sylvester, 19, of Short Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 1 a.m. Wednesday on warrants charging him with possession of marijuana and resisting an officer. Sylvester posted $4,500 bail.

St. Mary Parish Sheriff Blaise Smith reported that deputies responded to 42 complaints and reported the following arrest:

—Kimberly Harris, 46, of Levee Road in Morgan City, was arrested at 8:45 p.m. Tuesday on a charge of possession of schedule II drugs.

A deputy patrolling the area of Berwick was dispatched to a location on La. 182 in response to a suspicious person. Upon arrival, the deputy made contact with the person, identified as Harris. Through the investigation, drugs were found in Harris’ possession for which she had no prescription, Smith said. Harris was jailed with no bail set.

A billion barrels: BP expands Gulf work

Wed, 01/09/2019 - 10:27am

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — BP has approved a $1.3 billion expansion at one of its oil projects in the Gulf of Mexico and discovered an additional 1.4 billion barrels at two of them.
“BP’s Gulf of Mexico business is key to our strategy of growing production of advantaged high-margin oil. We are building on our world-class position, upgrading the resources at our fields through technology, productivity and exploration success,” Bernard Looney, BP’s Upstream chief executive, said in a news release Tuesday.
“And these fields are still young — only 12 percent of the hydrocarbons in place across our Gulf portfolio have been produced so far. We can see many opportunities for further development, offering the potential to continue to create significant value through the middle of the next decade and beyond.”
The announcement comes amid a 4½-year offshore oil bust that has cost St. Mary Parish about 7,000 jobs, and Houma-Thibodaux area about 16,000 jobs.
Over the past few months, several reports from economists and consultants have predicted an uptick in the Gulf this year, forecasts that hinge on how high oil prices rise above current levels of just under $50 a barrel.
The development of Atlantis Phase 3 will include the construction of a new subsea production system from eight new wells that will be tied into the current platform, 150 miles (240 kilometers) south of New Orleans. The company says it’s scheduled to begin operating in 2020 and is expected to boost production by an estimated 38,000 barrels of oil equivalent a day gross at its peak.
BP operates Atlantis and holds a 56 percent working interest, with BHP holding the remaining 44 percent. BHP is expected to make a final decision early this year on whether to proceed with the expansion.
BP’s actions come after the company’s recent breakthroughs in advanced seismic imaging and related technology that revealed an additional 400 million barrels of oil in place at the Atlantis field, officials said. The same innovation helped the company find an additional 1 billion barrels oil at its nearby Thunder Horse field, officials said.
And new discoveries near BP’s Na Kika platform provide additional development opportunities, officials said.
BP is already the Gulf’s largest oil producer, and officials say the latest discoveries will help it grow output to about 400,000 barrels a day within the next decade.
All of the platforms are roughly 140-160 miles southeast of the Gulf’s main oilfield service hub at Port Fourchon.
BP’s announcement comes a day after Danos, an oilfield service company based in Gray, said two new contracts in the Gulf prompted it to hire 150 workers.

Cane truck concerns continue

Wed, 01/09/2019 - 10:24am

The city council heard again Tuesday from a woman who says sugar cane trucks on Red Cypress Road make life difficult. But the council offered no quick solutions. Patricia Wiggins, a Red Cypress Road resident for six years, returned to the council with a petition signed by 26 of her neighbors asking for action. Wiggins asked the council to ban the trucks from the road, which connects La. 182 and U.S. 90. Last month, Wiggins said passing cane trucks shake her mobile home badly enough to knock it off level. “This year has been the worst year for cane trucks since I’ve ...

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Radio logs for Jan. 9

Wed, 01/09/2019 - 10:16am

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, Jan. 8

8:10 a.m. 700 block of Onstead Street; Fire complaint.

9 a.m. Freret Street and Federal Avenue; Traffic incident.

10:18 a.m. 900 block of Poplar Street; Traffic incident.

12 p.m. Veterans Boulevard and Levee Road; Traffic incident.

12:46 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Civil matter.

2:13 p.m. 600 block of Terrebonne Street; Arrest.

3:06 p.m. U.S. 90 West near Federal Avenue; Traffic incident.

3:28 p.m. 300 block of Bush Street; Suspicious person.

3:52 p.m. 1200 block of Victor II Boulevard; Assistance.

3:58 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Arrest.

4:13 p.m. 500 block of Franklin Street; Complaint.

5:01 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Animal complaint.

6:14 p.m. 300 block of Federal Avenue; Complaint.

6:56 p.m. 2400 block of Sixth Street; Alarm.

6:58 p.m. 1200 block of Spruce Street; Arrest.

8:03 p.m. 500 block of Roderick Street; Lost and found.

8:03 p.m. 100 block of Eleventh Street; Juvenile problem.

8:38 p.m. Federal and Brashear avenues; Assistance.

9:27 p.m. Federal Avenue and Marshall Street; Suspicious subject.

10:38 p.m. Orange Street; Disturbance.

11:37 p.m. 200 block of Robin Street; Disturbance.

Wednesday, Jan. 9

12:12 a.m. 300 block of Mallard Street; Disturbance.

2 a.m. 700 block of Louisa Street; Suspicious subject.

David Leonard named Berwick police chief

Wed, 01/09/2019 - 10:00am

By ZACHARY FITZGERALD

zfitzgerald@daily-review.com

Berwick, La.

The last 44 years of the town of Berwick’s police chiefs were on hand at Tuesday’s council meeting to see the appointment of a new chief.

The newly sworn-in town council unanimously approved new Mayor Duval Arthur’s appointment of David Leonard as police chief. In attendance were four former Berwick police chiefs, including new Councilman James Richard, who just retired as chief at the end of 2018, and Arthur.

Richard had been police chief since 2004. Arthur was chief from 1998-2004.

Also there were former chiefs Ovay Rogers, who was chief from 1978-98, and Nolan Brashear, who served in that capacity from 1975-78.

Leonard, 53, has worked for the Berwick Police Department for over 31 years and had served the last 14 years as assistant chief. He grew up in Berwick and began his public service as a 16-year-old working for the town fire department.

Rogers first hired Leonard, who also worked for Arthur and Richard. Public service “has been my life and my dream,” Leonard said.

Leonard plans to eventually name a new assistant police chief, but that decision won’t come immediately.

“I’m blessed having a department of talented individuals, so I’m not going to make any rash judgments,” he said.

Leonard knows many of the residents in Berwick, and police have a good relationship with them. Police also work well with surrounding law enforcement agencies in the area, he said.

Some of Leonard’s priorities as chief are for officers to use the technology available to best do their jobs and ensure safety in the schools and of residents in the community.

“We’re going to still be a community-based, oriented department. We’re here to serve the citizens in any capacity that we can,” he said.

The council approved a list of other mayoral appointments that included Councilman Lud Henry as mayor pro-tem, Jamie Keith as town clerk and Troy Lombardo to the Morgan City Harbor and Terminal District Commission.

In other business, the council

—Approved the appointment of Leonard to the Berwick Housing Authority Board and reappointment of Venessa Romero to the board.

—Approved payment to Bihm Contractors in the amount of $78,596.02 for work on the Old Spanish Trail and La. 182 sewer project.

—Approved payment to St. Mary Parish Government in the amount of $53,627.40 for the Gilmore Street and Boudreaux Street drainage project.

—Heard from resident Juanita Fromenthal about street repair and drainage issues on Oregon Street. Arthur said officials would look into those issues Wednesday.

Local teams do well in recent action

Wed, 01/09/2019 - 9:55am

The Hanson Memorial Lady Tigers earned consecutive victories over Jeanerette and False River Academy at home in the friendly confines of the Billy Gene Talbot Gym.
On Mondaym the Hanson Memorial Lady Tigers claimed a 46-22 victory over the Jeanerette Lady Tigers.
Carlie Pellerin tossed in a game-high 16 points to help propel the Hanson Lady Tigers. A’myrie Foulcard also finished in double digits with 12 points. Other top scorers for the Lady Tigers were: Camille Baker, 6; Riley Trahan, 5; Abby Dugas, 5; Celia Bishop, 3 and Madison Parro, 2.
In Friday’s action, Hanson Memorial rolled to a 58-47 victory over the False River Academy Lady Gators in non-district action.
A’myrie Foulcard pumped in a game-high 22 points to lead the way for the Hanson Lady Tigers.
Other top scorers were: Carlie Pellerin, 8; Camille Baker, 6; Abby Dugas, 6; Rosemarie Colley, 5; and Celia Bishop, 1.
Hanson will play host to Sacred Heart tonight beginning at 6 p.m.
Franklin posted its third straight District 7-2A victory with a 70-37 triumph over the Delcambre Panthers here Tuesday at the DHS Gym.
J’Michael Gray tallied 22 points to lead the Franklin Hornets, who are currently 3-0 in league play. Zy’Quan Webber tossed in 14 points while Travis Zeno and Braydon Ward pushed through 10 points apiece. Zavius Webber recorded five points while Kim Michael Provost III contributed four points with Kylan Peters adding three points and Malik King bagging two points.
Franklin raced outfront by a 15-5 first quarter margin before grabbing a lop-sided 32-12 lead at intermission. Franklin soared to a 56-20 advantage after three quarters on the way to the huge 70-27 victory.
West St. Mary erupted for a 25-11 run in the third quarter en route to a 67-48 victory over the Catholic High School of New Iberia Panthers in District 7-2A action Tuesday at the WSMHS Gym.
Taylun Druilhet led the Wolfpack with a game-high 21 points on six floor shots and 7 of 10 free throws. James Poledor added 12 points while Javon Robertson pumped in 11 points to polish off the West St. Mary Wolfpack double digit scorers.
Other top scorers for WSM were: Jackyric Roberson, 6; OShawn Smith, 5; Jacoby Fontenot, 3 and Kayshawn Pierre, 2.
Kolde Chretien led Catholic High with 19 points.
West St. Mary (2-1 in District 7-2A) will travel to face rival Jeanerette on Friday in league play.
The Delcambre Lady Panthers topped the Franklin Lady Hornets 67-58 Tuesday in District 7-2A action at the DHS Gym
Leading scorer for the Lady Hornets was Sta’Trail Butler with 20 points on 7 FGs and 2 3FGs. Other scorers were Makhia Fernandez with 13 points on 6 FGs and 1-3 FTs, Autumn Jones with 10 points on 4 FGs and 2-5 FTs, and Alkia Robinson with 8 points on 4 FGs. Leading the Lady Panthers was Chloe Hernandez with 14 points on 3 FGs and 8 of 12 FTs.
The Lady Hornets will host Morgan City tomorrow in non-district play. Game time is 5:00.

CORNELIUS “SNOW” DELAHOUSSAYE

Wed, 01/09/2019 - 9:54am

Cornelius “Snow” Delahoussaye, 72, a resident and native of Morgan City, La., passed away on Sunday January 6, 2019 at 12:02 p.m. at Morgan City Healthcare in Morgan City.
Visitation will be observed on Friday, January 11, 2019 at Jones Funeral Home, 715 Sixth St., Morgan City, La., from 10 a.m. until dismissal services at 11 a.m. Burial will follow dismissal services in the Morgan City Cemetery in Morgan City, La.
Memories of Cornelius Delahoussaye, or “Snow” as he was known to many, will forever remain the hearts of his sister, Mrs. David (Earline) Gaskin of Morgan City, La.; seven nieces and nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends.
Cornelius was preceded in death his parents, and a sister.
Jones Funeral Home of Morgan City-Franklin-Jeanerette-Houma in charge of arrangements.
Visit www.jones-funeral-home.com to send condolences to family.

MYRNA MARIE ROMAN FONDAL

Wed, 01/09/2019 - 9:53am

Myrna Marie Roman Fondal, 74, a resident of Monroe, La., and native of Jeanerette, La., passed away on Saturday January 5, 2019 at 10:49 a.m. at her residence.
Memorial Services will be observed on Saturday, January 12, 2019 at 11 a.m. at the Jones Funeral Home 604 Lovette Street Jeanerette, La. 70544, with Reverend Arthur Lee Alexander officiating the services.
Beginning in 1980, Mrs. Fondal was employed as a funeral director with Alex Lovette Funeral Services of Jeanerette, La., under the direction of Mr. Alex and Bessie Lovette. Jr.
Memories of Myrna will forever remain in the hearts of four sons, Craig A. (Rachel) Roman of Chicago Heights, IL, Brian J. (Janet) Roman of New Orleans, La., Kendell (Tiffany) Spiller of Campti, La., and Gavonn (Jaqueta) Fondall of Jeanerette, La. ; two daughters, Mrs. Roderick (Detria F. Spiller)-Jenkins of Monroe, La. and Melanie Spiller of Jeanerette, La.; five siblings, Frank NIchols of Galveston, TX, Willie Roman, Jr. of Jeanerette, La., Eldridge R. Roman of Jeanerette, La., and Debra K. Morman, and Lawrence J. (Carlotta) Roman of Lathrop, CA; twenty-six grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Myrna was preceded in death by her parents, one sister, and three brothers.
The family wishes to thank My Personal Care Attendant Services, Pamela Gater, Roberta Lee, and St. Francis Home Health Agency.
Jones Funeral Home of Morgan City-Franklin-Jeanerette-Houma in charge of arrangements.