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Former Port of West St. Mary Commissioner Albert H. "Tad" Blevins Jr. was honored Wednesday at the port’s annual Christmas banquet at The Forest Restaurant in Franklin.
Blevins served on the port commission for 44 years, retiring his commission in August.
Port Executive Director David Allain described of Blevins’ career, “Mr. Blevins started out as a youngster, working for Murphy Oil and excelled at that, from what I understand.
“Then, he went on to take over a Ford dealership here in Franklin, and he was very successful there.
“A little bit later in life he decided that he wanted to construct big, aluminum boats and was very successful in that. I think it was fitting for a man who loves the water and everything that it brings. It was a good move.
“With all of that going on, he found the time to volunteer to be on the commission here at the Port of West St. Mary.
“Mr. Blevins was at the beginning of it. He was sworn in on May 23, 1974. I was in grade school. Obviously, it was a police jury back then that appointed him in his district.
“He retired his commission on August 21, 2018. Through the years he served through the executive committee several times, and worked his way up. He gave his time and effort, as his family well knows, to serve on that commission. We wish him the best in his retirement and hope everything works out for him.”
Allain called Blevins “a true friend,” and yielded the microphone to Blevins’ contemporaries and friends, who then reminisced of Blevins amidst smiles and laughter.
Blevins was also gifted with a commemorative plaque of gratitude, by Will Terry, port commission president.

Baldwin Mayor Donna Lanceslin and Alderman Gene St. Germain participated in their final town council meeting Thursday.
Lanceslin presented St. Germain with a plaque for 42 years on the board of aldermen, and Interim Town Clerk Tammy Richard presented Lanceslin with a plaque commemorating her term as mayor.
Each marked the occasion with short addresses respectively, thanking the town for the opportunity to serve, and bidding farewell
It was all within a full boardroom and on the heels of a boisterous public discussion of police department budget deficiencies.
Baldwin Assistant Police Chief Joseph Garrison spoke concerning the police department’s need for a doubling of their current budget of $250,000 per year. He lobbied for pay increases for officers, claiming that a part-time officer makes only $7.25 per hour. He asked that an increase for full-time officers be made of $12.50 per hour.
The board approved a modification to the policy concerning events requiring security details, that the officers providing may make $35 per hour instead of $25. But the pay increase and budget allotments were tabled pending the scheduling of necessary town budget amendments.
The town’s worker’s compensation insurance quote was disclosed as $31,122 per year to keep the administration in compliance with state standards, and Town Attorney Joseph Tabb was authorized to advise Pelican Waste and Debris that their refusal to service Baldwin residences without Pelican bins is in contrast to their previous statements that they would. Tabb stated that he thought a contract re-negotiation may be in order.
In other business, a resolution of respect was approved for former Mayor Francis Todd; Lagrange Karate Club was approved to hold a bucket drive on March 2; the town’s annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. march was scheduled for Jan. 21; Lanceslin proclaimed Jan. 20-29 as National School Choice Week; a state land lease was approved for the Teche Project Paddle Trail; and Dec. 24-25 and Dec. 31- Jan. 1 were declared town holidays.

Two suspects were caught Thursday after a high-speed vehicle chase on U.S. 90 ended near the Calumet Cut when authorities deployed spike strips, St. Mary Parish Sheriff Scott Anslum said in a news release.

—Brett Phillips, 28, of Woodrow Street in Shreveport, was arrested at 5:12 p.m. Thursday on charges of aggravated flight from officer, driver must be licensed, no insurance, switched license plate/stolen license plate, resisting officer or arrest.

—Tommy Trosclair Jr., 26, of Enterprise Avenue in Patterson, was arrested at 5:12 p.m. Thursday on a charge of resisting officer or arrest and a warrant for failure to appear on charges of possession of drug paraphernalia, disturbing the peace by fighting and disturbing the peace by appearing in an intoxicated condition.

A deputy patrolling the area of Jeanerette was informed by dispatch that the Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Louisiana State Police were in an active vehicle pursuit and had entered St. Mary Parish.

The deputies joined the pursuit on U.S. 90 east. The older model vehicle was occupied by two males and was traveling at speeds between 95-100 mph. Deputies coordinated and successfully deployed spike strips on U.S. 90 near the Calumet Cut, Anslum said.

After the vehicle came to a stop, both the driver, Phillips, and the passenger, Trosclair , fled the vehicle on foot. St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies apprehended Phillips while Iberia Parish sheriff deputies apprehended Trosclair. Both were transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking. No bail was set.

Anslum reported that deputies responded to 37 complaints in the parish and reported the following arrests in east St. Mary Parish:

—Lacey Yates, 35, of Pecan Lane in Patterson, was arrested at 6:35 p.m. Thursday on a charge of simple battery.

—A juvenile female, 14, of Patterson, was arrested at 7:08 p.m. Thursday on a charge of simple battery.

Deputies patrolling the area of Patterson were dispatched to a home on Pecan Lane in reference to a disturbance complaint. Upon arrival, the deputies made contact with the complainant who stated that she had been hit several times by Yates and a juvenile female, Anslum said.

Yates and the juvenile were arrested. Yates was jailed with bail set at $2,500. The juvenile was released to the custody of a guardian pending juvenile court proceedings.

—Kaitlyn Franks, 23, of Fourth Street in Berwick, was arrested at 9:23 p.m. Thursday on charges of stop signs and yield signs violation and driving under suspension.

Deputies patrolling Bayou Vista observed a car committing a stop sign violation on Southeast Boulevard. The deputies conducted a traffic stop and came in contact with the driver, Franks. During the stop, the deputies learned that Franks’ driver’s license was suspended. Franks was released on a summons to appear in court March 6, 2019.

—Kimber Nicole Thompson, 38, of Clarke Road in Bayou Vista, was arrested at 7:15 p.m. Thursday on charges of distribution of methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, violation of controlled dangerous substance law-drug-free zone, possession of a controlled dangerous substance in the presence of a minor and possession of drug paraphernalia.

—Raymond Miller, 29, of Vivian Street in Bayou L’Ourse, was arrested at 7:15 p.m. Thursday on charges of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, violation of a controlled law-drug-free zone, and possession of a controlled dangerous substance in the presence of a minor.

—Samantha Landreneau, 26, of Wilson Street in Patterson, was arrested at 7:15 p.m. Thursday on charges of possession of marijuana, violation of controlled dangerous substance law-drug-free zone and possession of a controlled dangerous substance in the presence of a minor.

—Kenneth Rollins, 28, of Dianne Lane in Patterson, was arrested at 7:15 p.m. Thursday on a warrant charging him with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute.

Narcotics detectives conducted a search warrant at a residence on Clarke Road, which is one block from a Bayou Vista park and Bayou Vista Baptist Church. During the search, detectives located methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia and marijuana, Anslum said.

It is noted that two minor children were in the home during the investigation. Thompson, Miller and Rollins were booked into jail. No bail was set for Thompson, Miller and Rollins. Landreneau was released on a summons to appear in court March 6, 2019.

Morgan City Police Chief James Blair reported that officers responded to 36 calls and reported the following arrests:

—Gilbert Howard, 48, of Youngs Road in Morgan City, was arrested at 2:40 p.m. Thursday on a warrant charging him with home invasion and a charge of theft less than $1,000.

Howard was booked on the warrant at the police department. The warrant stems from a complaint of a burglary and theft, in which Howard is alleged to have attempted to gain entry into a home which was occupied at the time.

—Kade M. Percle, 22, of Roderick Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 4:46 p.m. Thursday on charges of careless operation, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Officers responded to a vehicle crash on La. 182. During the investigation, Percle was acting very suspicious after being involved in a minor vehicle crash, Blair said. Officers observed Percle attempt to conceal something he took from his pockets in the waistband of his pants, Blair said.

Police searched Percle and located suspected marijuana. Officers also found suspected drug paraphernalia in the vehicle Percle was driving, Blair said. Percle was jailed.

Franklin Police Chief Tina Thibodeaux reported the following arrest relating to east St. Mary Parish:
—Jason Ashley, 30, of Iberia Street in Franklin, while incarcerated at the Franklin Police Department, was arrested Thursday on a warrant for City Court of Morgan City for failure to appear on a charge of possession of drug paraphernalia. Ashley was jailed with no bail set yet.

Berwick Police Chief James Richard reported no arrests.

Patterson Police Chief Janis Merritt reported no arrests.

People in the Tri-City area have the chance to help patients in need of blood donations this holiday season and be entered for a chance to win a $1,500 Amazon gift card.

Blood donations can be made at Vitalant, formerly United Blood Services, located at 1234 David Drive, Suite 102 in Morgan City. The holiday blood drive will be from Dec. 17-31.

The holiday season typically sees about a 20 percent drop in donations, a Vitalant news release said. Vitalant supplies comprehensive transfusion medicine services for nearly 1,000 hospitals and health care partners for patients in need across 40 states.

In return for donating blood, donors will receive a $25 Amazon gift card through Vitalant’s online rewards store, an “Amazing” T-shirt (while supplies last), “Awe-maker” socks, and a chance to win one of two $1,500 Amazon gift cards.

To schedule an appointment to donate blood, visit online at vitalant.org or call 877-25VITAL.

Blood donation takes about an hour from check-in to refreshments. Donors can save about 20 minutes by completing their Fast Track Health History at vitalant.org the day they donate.

Volunteer blood donors must be at least 16 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health.

Additional height/weight requirements apply to donors 22 and younger, and donors who are 16 and 17 must have signed permission from a parent or guardian.