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One suspect has been charged with attempted murder and another suspect with accessory after the fact to the alleged crime in connection with a Monday shooting in Morgan City, a police news release said.
The lone victim in the shooting was treated for minor injuries, police said.
Courtland Jamarr Francois, 27, of Atlanta, Georgia, was arrested at 5:58 p.m. Wednesday on charges of attempted first-degree murder, carrying a firearm by a convicted felon, a 16th Judicial District Court warrant charging him with failure to appear for simple burglary, Morgan City Court warrant charging him with stop sign violation, and Morgan City Court warrant charging him with driver’s license not in possession.
Makayla Sims, 23, of Atlanta, Georgia, was arrested at 8:48 p.m. Wednesday on a charge of accessory after the fact to attempted first-degree murder.
Shortly before 10 a.m. Monday, Morgan City police responded to a call of several shots being fired in the area of Orange Street. Officers arrived in the area and located one male victim who suffered a gunshot wound to the lower leg, the release said.
The Morgan City Police Department Detectives along with the assistance of St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office detectives located and arrested Francois in connection with the shooting. Maitland Elementary and Immanuel Christian schools were temporarily placed on lockdown Monday morning while authorities investigated the shooting.
Francois was arrested after being located by investigators for his involvement in the shooting that injured one person, the release said. Sims, already jailed on other charges, was additionally charged with accessory after the fact for her part in that shooting, police said.
U.S. 90 on the Atchafalaya River, Bayou Ramos Bridge and Bayou Boeuf bridges will have alternating lane closures in the east and west directions Sunday to allow crews to pick up debris from the shoulders of the bridge, a state Department of Transportation and Development news release said.
This work is estimated to take place from 6 a.m.-5 p.m., weather permitting. All permit and oversize loads along with emergency vehicles will be allowed to pass. There are no detours.
A 33-year-old woman was arrested, along with two other people, after authorities responded to numerous complaints that the woman was selling illegal drugs in Amelia, St. Mary Parish Sheriff Scott Anslum said in a news release.
—Jennifer Beecher, 33, of Beadle Street in Amelia, was arrested at 8:42 p.m. Tuesday on charges of obstruction of justice, distribution of methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia and on a warrant charging her with possession of methamphetamine.
—Pearl Ross, 34, of North Verrett Street in Amelia, was arrested at 7:35 p.m. Tuesday on charges of obstruction of justice, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, improper lane usage and limitations on backing.
—Phillip Dehart, 52, of Murial Street in Bayou L’Ourse, was arrested at 7:40 p.m. Tuesday on a charge of possession of methamphetamine.
Detectives of the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Section along with Detectives of the Morgan City Police Department Narcotics Division conducted an investigation into Beecher selling illegal narcotics from the Amelia area.
This investigation was due to numerous complaints on Beecher, Anslum said. During the investigation, the detectives obtained a search warrant for Beecher’s home. During surveillance, the detectives observed Beecher meeting with a car in a known drug area, Anslum said.
When the vehicle traveled back towards Beecher’s home, detectives conducted a traffic stop due to the vehicle backing up on U.S. 90 and crossing over the center line. The detectives made contact with the driver, Ross. The detectives found meth in the vehicle belonging to Ross. Ross was transported to parish jail for booking. Ross was found to have been hiding more meth on her, Anslum said. Bail was denied.
Beecher was also seen meeting with another vehicle, then walking off. Detectives made contact with the driver of the vehicle, Dehart. When Dehart denied consent to search his vehicle, K9 Buddy was deployed and showed an odor response to the vehicle. A search of the vehicle yielded a bag of methamphetamine in the center console, Anslum said. Dehart was jailed with no bail set.
Beecher was located at the home of a family member. Beecher had drugs on her, and a search of her home yielded more drugs and drug paraphernalia, Anslum said. Beecher was jailed with no bail set.
Anslum reported that deputies responded to 35 complaints in the parish and reported the following arrests in east St. Mary Parish:
—Brandon Hill, 36, of Moor Street in Fort Hood, Texas, was arrested at 3:25 p.m. Tuesday on two warrants for failure to appear on charges of possession of marijuana and possession of Suboxone.
A deputy patrolling Bayou Vista was dispatched to investigate a report of a suspicious person on Jupiter Street. Upon arrival, the deputy made contact with a male subject matching the description, who was identified as Hill. The deputy learned of two active warrants for Hill’s arrest. Hill was jailed with no bail set.
—Taylor Brocato, 23, of Elk Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 8:45 p.m. Tuesday on charges of possession of marijuana and proper equipment required on vehicles.
A deputy patrolling Amelia observed a vehicle with no operational license plate light. The deputy conducted a traffic stop and made contact with the driver, Brocato. During the stop, the deputy also found marijuana in the vehicle, Anslum said. Brocato was released on a summons to appear in court March 6, 2019.
—Cruz Sanchez, 35, of Willow Street in Franklin, was arrested at 1:14 a.m. Wednesday on a charge of driving under suspension.
A deputy patrolling Bayou Vista observed a vehicle make a turn without giving a proper turn signal. The deputy conducted a traffic stop and made contact with the driver, Sanchez.
During the stop, the deputy learned that Sanchez’ driver’s license was suspended. Sanchez was arrested and released on a summons to appear on March 6, 2019.
—Chad Evans, 44, of River Road in Berwick, was arrested at 1:24 a.m. Wednesday on charges of driving under suspension and no tail lights.
A deputy patrolling Bayou Vista observed a vehicle with no tail lights illuminated. The deputy conducted a traffic stop and made contact with the driver, Evans.
During the stop, the deputy learned that Evans’ driver’s license was suspended. Evans was released on a summons to appear in court March 6, 2019.
Morgan City Police Chief James Blair reported that officers responded to 38 calls and reported the following arrests:
—Martha Gatlin, 45, of Valley Park, Mississippi, was arrested at 2:03 p.m. Tuesday on charges of possession of methamphetamine and two counts of possession of a Legend Drug.
Officers responded to a medical facility on La. 70 in regard to an employee possibly having illegal narcotics. Officers arrived and spoke to a staff member who identified Gatlin with having the illegal narcotic, Blair said. Officers made contact with Gatlin, who admitted to having recently used an illegal narcotic, Blair said. Officers located suspected methamphetamine and pills identified as Lisinopril and metoprolol tartrate in her possession, Blair said. Gatlin was jailed.
—Mykayla T. Sims, 23, of McDonough, Georgia, was arrested at 6 a.m. Tuesday on charges of possession of ecstasy with intent to distribute, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and general speed law violation.
An officer in the area of Railroad Avenue near East Boulevard observed a vehicle traveling at a speed higher than the posted speed limit. A traffic stop was conducted on the vehicle, and the driver was identified as Sims.
Police located suspected marijuana and several ecstasy pills inside the vehicle, Blair said. Sims was jailed.
—Anna C. Sauseda, 35, of Clements Street in Patterson, was arrested at 7:40 a.m. Wednesday on warrants charging her with failure to appear for trial and two counts of probation violation. Sauseda was arrested at the police department on city court warrants. Sauseda was jailed.
Patterson Police Chief Janis Merritt reported the following arrests:
—Alvin Louis, 37, of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue in Patterson, was arrested at 3:24 p.m. Tuesday on a charge of disturbing the peace. Louis posted $356 cash bail.
—Jarrett Williams, 41, of Second Street in Patterson, was arrested at 3:20 p.m. Tuesday on a charge of disturbing the peace. Williams posted $356 cash bail.
Berwick Police Chief James Richard reported the following arrest:
—Jonathan Theriot, 34, of Rose Street in Berwick, was arrested at 3:35 p.m. Tuesday on charges of passing a stopped school bus and driving under suspension. Theriot posted $252 bail.
Print newspapers are still the primary way that tens of millions of Americans receive information about their communities and the world. They are also the way that many people find out about job opportunities. While we assume that everyone has an internet connection, the fact is that many areas of the country have limited or no internet service. According to the Federal Communications Commission, nearly 40 percent of Americans living in rural areas lack access to fixed broadband internet. Without their local newspapers providing the information and job listings they need, they would be at an extreme disadvantage.
But if the Department of Labor (DOL) has its way, these communities may soon be out of luck. On November 8, the DOL proposed to change the way temporary job openings are shared with potential workers. Currently, employers are required by law to notify U.S. workers of these openings through publishing the listings in local newspapers. However, the DOL says it now believes publishing the listings on “widely viewed” websites, instead of in print newspapers, would be sufficient, and is therefore proposing removing the print requirement and moving to digital-only listings.
The purpose of the existing policy is to ensure that job opportunities are made known to U.S. workers before they can be offered to foreign workers. By publishing announcements in the print newspaper, employers are able to reach an extremely wide audience, both geographically and in income level. Sunday newspapers – the main sources of print job listings – reach roughly 34 million adults in the U.S., according to the Pew Center for Excellence in Journalism. In many cases, newspaper publishers also publish the job listings on their websites and social media channels, as well as employment websites such as Monster.com and CareerBuilder, with whom newspapers have partnerships. The newspaper, in effect, serves as a local agency to ensure the broadest distribution of recruitment ads. If the Department of Labor ends the print requirement, it will be much more difficult for people who need jobs to find them.
Without the print requirement, job seekers will not only have a harder time finding job listings in their local newspapers, but online as well. By maintaining the print requirement and adding a digital requirement, the DOL will ensure the widest possible distribution of an ad so U.S. citizens can learn of employment opportunities.
The proposed alternative of simply posting an ad on a website would make it too easy for employers to just “check the box” and by-pass available US workers. If the Department of Labor truly wants to support its mission to serve American job seekers, it should require both print and digital distribution of recruitment ads.
The Wedell-Williams Aviation & Cypress Sawmill Museum 23rd Annual Christmas Tree Festival on Tuesday featured an open house at which people could see trees decorated by local students, top photo. Middle photo: Liliana Keller, 4, and Arianna Keller, 2, of Bayou Vista pose for a picture. Bottom photo: Julia B. Maitland Elementary Principal Tonia Verrette gathers students around the tree decorated by students there.
The Daily Review/Bill Decker
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September 19, 1952- December 7, 2018
Genaro “Mr. Gene” Flores Romo, 66, passed away Friday, December 7, 2018, at Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans.
Mr. Gene was born September 19, 1952, in Celaya, Guanajuato, Mexico, the son of Jose Romo and Maria Flores Romo.
Mr. Gene was a very hard worker, working as the chef for Tampicos in Bayou Vista for over 30 years. He loved his job as well as all of his coworkers, whom he loved to play tricks on. It was obvious as a chef that Mr. Gene loved to feed people; he was such a giving man and always had a smile on his face for the customers. He was a quiet man, but when advice was needed, he was always the first person to go to. He was a loving father, grandfather, brother and uncle, and will be truly missed by everyone who knew him and his contagious smile.
Mr. Gene will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his son, Francisco Romo and wife Shawnie of Patterson; daughter, Cassandra “Cassie” Romo and boyfriend Dean LaCoste of Amelia; the mother of his children, Elsa Romo of Morgan City; three brothers, Jose Flores Romo, Arturo Flores Romo and Felipe Flores Romo, all of Guadalajara, Mexico; grandson, Aidan Romo of Patterson; niece, Maria “Pilar” Romo and husband Enrique “Ricky” of Bayou Vista; and nephew, Jose Luis of Guadalajara, Mexico.
Mr. Gene was preceded in death by his son, Jose Romo; parents, Jose and Maria Romo; and sister, Juana Romo Fabila.
A celebration of life will be held Sunday, December 16, 2018, at Si Senor restaurant in Bayou Vista from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Alzheimer Foundation of America.
July 31, 1925 -December 11, 2018
Louise Aucoin Rink, 93, a resident of Amelia, passed away Tuesday, December 11, 2018, surrounded by her loving family.
Louise was born July 31, 1925, in Bayou Chene, the daughter of Joseph Francis Aucoin and Celina LaCoste Aucoin.
Louise served and loved her Lord and Savior. Louise enjoyed to sing as well as cook; she always made sure everyone was well fed.
Louise will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by one son, Larry Rink of Amelia; one sister, Genevieve “Jenny”; nine grandchildren, Sharon Mercier and husband Michael of Amelia, Melanie Martinez and husband Mark of Amelia, Brian Rink and wife Audrey of Bayou L’Ourse, Larry Rink Jr. of Morgan City, Sina Rink of Morgan City, Melinda Roy and husband Damion of Slidell, Anthony Rink Jr. of Morgan City, John Rink and wife Kasey of Patterson, and Ben Rink and wife Wendy of North Carolina; 19 great-grandchildren, Leah, Joseph, Timothy, Seth, Lexie, Lily, Lauren, Mark Jr. “Markie”, Falyssa, Michael, Parker, Bentley, Francis, Constance, Hunter, Ashton, Grayson, Tia and Cody; and 16 great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Eddie Rink; parents, Joseph and Celina LaCoste Aucoin; two sons, Timothy Glenn Rink and Anthony Lee Rink; brother, Victor Aucoin; sister, Mary Falgout; and one great-great-grandchild.
Funeral Services will be held at noon Friday, December 14, 2018, at Twin City Funeral Home with Pastor Frank Peltier officiating. Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. until the time of service. After services, Louise will be laid to rest in Morgan City Cemetery.
May 25, 1934 -December 10, 2018
Raymond D. Rink Sr., 84, a resident of Morgan City, passed away peacefully, Monday, December 10, 2018, at Teche Regional Medical Center.
Raymond was born on May 25, 1934, in Bayou Penchant, the son of Homer and Angeline LaCoste Rink.
He will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by two children, Stephen Rink of Houston, Texas and Gwen Rink of Morgan City; nine grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.
Raymond was preceded in death by his parents, Homer and Angeline LaCoste Rink; his wife, Letsie Dontay Rink; and one son, Raymond D. “Sonny” Rink Jr.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, December 14, 2018, at Twin City Funeral Home with Rev. Ann Sutton officiating. A visitation will be held from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Thursday, December 13, 2018, at Twin City Funeral Home with the visitation resuming from 8 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday at the funeral home. Following the services, Raymond will be laid to rest in the Morgan City Cemetery Mausoleum.
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