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A Community Connections Meeting will be hosted by the City of Franklin Dec. 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Presented by the Louisiana Housing Corporation, the session will be held at City Hall in the council meeting room on the first floor.
LHC will send a team of housing experts to share best practices for leveraging state and federal resources to create more affordable housing opportunities for Franklin residents. Topics will include home ownership, housing development, weatherization, energy assistance, rental opportunities, homelessness solutions and housing recovery.
The session is free to the public, Mayor Eugene Foulcard said, and invited interested parties to attend. As many co-workers, employees and neighbors may come along.
The website is:
http://www.lhc.la.gov/events/community-connections-franklin.
Contact Administrative Assistant Tammy Rogers at 337-828-6350 for more information.
As early voting for the Dec. 8 runoff nears its end, a proposed St. Mary charter amendment is running into opposition.
The St. Mary Industrial Group published an ad in The Daily Review and the St. Mary and Franklin Banner-Tribune on Wednesday, urging voters to oppose a measure governing the way parish council salaries are set.
Early voting continues through Saturday at the parish courthouse in Franklin and the registrar of voters branch office at 301 Third St. in Morgan City.
Voters will decide the runoffs for secretary of state, sheriff and coroner in addition to the fate of the salary amendment.
The amendment would set the salaries of parish council members at $800 a month, or $1,200 for council members elected at large.
The amendment allows the council to vote on salary increases, but not in the last year of a term. And no pay raise can take effect during the term in which it is passed.
Councilman Dale Rogers introduced the ordinance to send the measure to voters with a second from Councilman Gabriel Beadle that was — after several previous attempts — approved by the council.
SMIG’s ad noted that the amendment was placed on the Dec. 8 ballot rather than on the Nov. 6 primary ballot, when it would have been less expensive and when turnout would have been higher.
“This amendment will allow the council to approve pay raises without seeking public approval,” the ad said.
ARC of St. Mary/Center of Hope is celebrating a banner year for their pecan processing operation at their Missouri Street location in Centerville.
According to Executive Director Kristal Hebert, at only two months into a seven-month processing season, ASM has already processed more than half of what they processed all season long two years ago; one of their better seasons, according to Hebert.
She said that two years ago the processing operation shelled and bagged over 6,000 pounds of pecans; and this year, just past Thanksgiving, they have already processed 3,700 pounds.
Needless to say, the workers at the shelling table, who are doing the meticulous business of separating the meat from the shells, have plenty to do.
However, Hebert said it wasn’t this way last year, “Last year,” she said, “I don’t think we had 1,000 pounds. It was a very slow year. This year, we are shelling pecans for close to five and six hours a day,” which is the reason why ASM is calling for volunteers to aid in this year’s shelling process.
Hebert said the already beleaguered processing operation is working on a waiting list that has been full since August, before the season had even begun, and more clients are added to the rolls every day.
She urged that if anyone is inclined to volunteer, the hours spent at the Missouri Street location can be counted toward community service hours, if such were to be the volunteer’s situation.
To volunteer for ASM’s pecan processing position, call 337-836-9445.
If you are interested in having pecans shelled at ASM, they are $.50 per pound to have them cracked, $.75 per pound to have them cracked and shelled and $2.00 per pound to have them cracked and peeled.
November’s cleanup was held on the 10th where volunteers removed 17 bags of trash and cigarette butts from Franklin’s historic downtown commercial district. The sponsor was the Beta Club of Hanson Memorial High School. Participants from HMS included Tammy Cunningham, Bella Hidalgo, Madison Hidalgo, Nathan Adams, Tyler Derise, Kassidy Cunningham, Madelyn Trosclair, Jamie Adams, Ali Adams and Avery Adams. They were joined by Kevin Romero and Michelle Skillings of Franklin Foundation Hospital, Ruthie Heard, Marguerite Robinson of Teche Talk, Didi Battle and Jo Champagne of Keep St. Mary Beautiful. The hospital provided gloves and bags, Argus Spa had bottled water. The next cleanup is Dec. 8, sponsored by Cub Scout Pack 300. Volunteers are welcome.
Shipbuilder Metal Shark will be showcasing an array of new products and technology at this year’s International Workboat Show in New Orleans.
“With the exponential growth of our company, capabilities and technology, we found ourselves with an abundance of genuinely newsworthy product to highlight at this show,” Josh Stickles, Metal Shark’s vice president of marketing said.
Perhaps most notably, Metal Shark has selected this year’s Workboat Show to give the public its first look at the U.S. Navy’s newest patrol boat, the imposing “40 PB.”
“In 2016, the Navy’s PBX Industry Day was one of most talked-about events of the Workboat Show,” Stickles said. “At last year’s show, the award of the contract to Metal Shark following the Navy’s multi-year selection process had just been announced, and now a year later we will be showing off Hull 001, the first result of this significant contract. This will be the first public showing of our new, next-generation Defiant X patrol boat platform, which represents the latest evolution of our popular and proven monohull pilothouse series of vessels.”
On the technology front, Metal Shark is bringing a new 32-foot Defiant pilothouse vessel equipped with “Sharktech” autonomous technology developed in concert with autonomous technology developer L3 ASV.
“We sparked a tremendous amount of interest in our autonomous capabilities with the July debut of our Sharktech-equipped 38-foot Defiant at MACC in Baltimore,” Stickles said. “This is a different boat with those same advanced capabilities, but to make it even more noteworthy we’ve equipped it with a new propulsion system we are excited to help bring to market.”
Metal Shark has partnered with Cox Powertrain to bring the world’s highest-powered diesel outboard to military, government, and commercial markets.
Delivering 300 horsepower at the propeller, the CXO300 is the world’s highest power density diesel outboard engine and is set to revolutionize global markets. The four stroke V8 diesel CXO300 offers up to 25 percent more range compared to gasoline outboards and is designed to last up to three times longer. The engine combines the simplicity and economy of an outboard installation with greatly improved safety and reliability achieved by eliminating the need for highly volatile gasoline.
“Metal Shark is pleased to partner with Cox on the integration and introduction of these new, game-changing outboards,” Metal Shark’s CEO Chris Allard said. “Our law enforcement, and commercial clients worldwide have eagerly awaited the arrival of high powered diesel outboards and it’s an honor for us to help bring this new technology to market. Having worked with Cox for two years we are thoroughly impressed with the product, the company, and the vision.”
Metal Shark will be located in Hall E, booth 3381 at the Morial Convention Center in New Orleans. The 2018 International Workboat Show runs from Nov. 28-30. For more information visit www.workboatshow.com
Santa, his gators and several of his elves are now Christmas fixtures for the Spirit of Morgan City shrimp boat thanks to a donation by Morgan City native Lee Romaire and his company, Romaire Studios in Los Angeles.
Cooperative weather allowed for a large turnout Friday night at the Morgan City median where the boat is featured.
The crowd was awed as Ali Estay , 8, a second-grader at Wyandotte Elementary in Morgan City, threw the switch that illuminated the display and the holiday display was unveiled. Brief fireworks soon followed.
Cajun Santa, waving from the boat’s bow, is complete with a pair of “Cajun Reeboks.” The lead alligator’s red nose is reminiscent of “Rudolph’s” that would lead the reindeer in front of the boat in years past.
The event also featured music by Sophia Besse, Hallie Autin and Gavin Wisdom of Holy Cross Church, and Lee Chapel AME Church’s Inspirational Choir.
Throughout the boat, Santa’s elves can be seen with toys and gifts.
Romaire took time before the reveal to thank his staff, family and many local residents and businesses that helped with finishing touches on the display.
He also recognized classmates and several of their family members that passed away in the past week, Larry Bergeron, Gary Duhon and Judy Landry.
Romaire , the founder and CEO of the studio bearing his name, is 52 and a 1984 graduate of Central Catholic High School.
The unveiling was held in conjunction with Morgan City’s annual Christmas lighting ceremony, which is typically on Thanksgiving night but changed this year to accommodate the unveiling.
Romaire Studios is “one of the foremost providers of live-action creatures, characters and animated props for the entertainment industry,” a news release said. Romaire, an Emmy-winning artist, founded the company in 2000.
In the Morgan City display, Cajun Santa is decked out in white shrimping boots, and his outfit has brown fur instead white fur to represent the fur industry, both of which were once prevalent in the area. Instead of reindeer, Romaire chose to create albino alligators that are more “Christmassy” than regular alligators, he said recently.
He added “crab antlers” to two of the alligators, a feature he didn’t reveal before the unveiling. Romaire named two of the alligators after prominent Morgan City residents. The largest one was named “Doc” after former Morgan City mayor, the late Dr. C.R. “Doc” Brownell, who created the first Santa Claus and reindeer for the shrimp boat. The medium-sized alligator was named “Green” after local artist, the late Robert Greenwood, who created the second Santa Claus featured in the city’s Christmas display.
Morgan City Mayor Frank “Boo” Grizzaffi thanked Romaire for his donation before the display was revealed.
Twelve to 15 artists, including moldmakers and computer design specialists, spent the past year developing the display.
Much of the work Romaire Studios does for clients is confidential.
“So it’s really fun when you’re able to actually show something that you can do and have done to share it with people,” Romaire said.
Last year, Romaire thought of the idea to create a Christmas display for his hometown while visiting Morgan City for the funeral of a family friend, who was inspirational and generous to the community.
“It just made me think that I wanted to give something back,” Romaire said.
Morgan City’s Christmas display “always inspired me as a kid because I loved that kind of thing,” he said.
Keeping the holiday spirit going was Saturday’s Christmas in the Park hosted by The Junior Auxiliary of East St. Mary and Morgan City Main Street in Lawrence Park in Morgan City.
Again the weather cooperated to allow families to take part in arts and crafts, free games and entertainment before the evening’s feature attraction, the showing of “The Star” on the big screen.
Francis Lyons Todd
September 29, 1938 - November 29, 2018
Francis Lyons Todd, a longtime resident of Franklin, passed away peacefully at the age of 80 in the afternoon hours of Thursday, November 29, 2018, at Cornerstone Village South in Lafayette surrounded by loved ones.
Francis was born in Crowley on September 29, 1938, one of three children born to Spencer Todd Sr. and Frances Lyons. He was a 1961 graduate of Tulane University earning a Bachelor’s degree in Education. After meeting the love of his life, Judy, the two were married on December 26, 1960 and began raising their family. Francis was a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather, who above all cherished time spent with loved ones. In his early years, Francis taught Louisiana history and civics at various high schools in St. Mary and Iberia Parishes. He also served for a time as Mayor of the Town of Baldwin in the early 70's. Following his time in education, he went to work as an insurance agent at David H. Stiel Agency, and later as a licensed contractor starting his own company, Assist Inc., building numerous homes and multi-family buildings. After many years of managing his properties he retired and rekindled his childhood passion of photography. A faithful Christian and philanthropist at heart, Francis had a love for helping others and was a strong advocate and supporter of Habitat for Humanity and the Emergency Aid Center in Franklin. His giving nature, fueled by his deep love for his community, drove him in volunteering with Keep St. Mary Beautiful, being a member of Franklin Rotary Club, and restoring a historic Main Street building which still houses an art gallery. He was an avid fisherman and loved quail hunting with his English Setters, Sam and Rufus. He also enjoyed playing golf and tennis, was an amateur astronomer, as well as a huge Saints fan. He will truly be missed by all who knew and loved him.
Those he leaves to cherish his memory include his wife of nearly 58 years, Judy Moncla Todd; three children, Liz Todd, Susan Todd-Trammell and her husband Chad, and Glenn Todd and his wife Margaret; eight grandchildren, Ashley Ortego and her husband Luke, Madison Mathews, McCarley Cossey, Evan Trammell, Rachel Trammell, Emma Todd, Stephanie Todd, and Olivia Todd; five great grandchildren, Logan, Maddox, and Nolan Ortego, and Hudson and Archer Mathews; a sister, Sarah Todd Schoeffler and her husband Harold; and a sister-in-law, Susan Moncla and her companion Cami Miller.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Spencer George Todd Sr. and Frances Lyons Todd; brother and sister-in-law, Spencer George Todd Jr. and Virginia Todd; mother and father-in-law, Odette and Elton "Teddy" Moncla; and his nephew, Spencer George Todd III.
Funeral services will be held Monday, December 3, 2018, at 2:00 p.m. at Crossing Place Fellowship in Franklin, with visitation from 10:00 a.m. until service time. Following he will be laid to rest in the Franklin Cemetery. Rev. Jerry Jett will conduct the services. Serving as pallbearers are Madison Mathews, Evan Trammell, Luke Ortego, Logan Ortego, Ted Schoeffler, Todd Schoeffler, and Gordon Schoeffler.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that you please consider making contributions to the Emergency Aid Center, 106 Commercial Street, Franklin, LA 70538, (337) 828-0921.
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., 1007 Main Street, Franklin, LA 70538, (337) 828-5426.
The University of Arkansas at Monticello football team will conclude its season at the Corsicana Bowl Saturday in Corsicana, Texas, against Kansas-based Emporia State University.
Arkansas-Monticello (6-5) has two ex-Central Catholic connections as the school is coached by former Central Catholic head coach William “Hud” Jackson, while true freshman Chris Singleton is a member of the squad.
Jackson, who is in his eight year leading the program with a 29-58 mark during his time at the university, has led this year’s squad to its best record since it finished 7-4 in 2008. The Boll Weevils enter the bowl game having won two straight contests to close out the regular season. It’s Arkansas-Monticello’s first postseason appearance in 25 years.
Jackson, who led Central Catholic to a 65-32 mark with a state runner-up appearance and multiple district titles, is tied for fourth all-time on the school’s coaching list in total wins.
Singleton, who was a standout running back during his time at Central Catholic before signing with Arkansas-Monticello this spring, has not played in any games this fall.
Saturday’s bowl game will be played at 2 p.m. at Corsicana High School.
Arkansas-Monticello placed fourth in the Great American Conference this season with a 6-5 record.
The squad features first-team Great American Conference selection, junior tight end DeAndre Washington, senior second-team All-GAC quarterback Cole Sears and senior second-team All-GAC defensive tackle Hakim Gray. Washington leads the Boll Weevils’ receivers with 33 catches for 627 yards and six touchdowns, while Sears has completed 190 of 349 passes for 2,583 yards with 16 touchdowns and nine interceptions. Gray finished the year with 26 tackles, three tackles for loss and two quarterback hurries.
Senior Imani Riley leads the team in rushing with 94 carries for 395 yards, while junior Christian Jefferson is the top tackler with 66 stops. Senior Curtis Williams is tops on the team in tackles for loss with 11.
Emporia State (7-4) is a postseason regular, at least in recent years, and will be making its fifth postseason appearance in the last seven years. The Hornets finished fifth in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association with a 7-4 record. It enters the bowl game having won three straight.
Emporia State features redshirt senior quarterback Braxton Marstall, the Mid-American Intercollegiate Athletics Association Offensive Player of the Year. The Hornets have five other all-conference selections who all earned second-team honors: senior running back Landon Nault, senior wide receiver Justin Brown, junior offensive lineman Austin Unterreiner, junior defensive lineman Parker Bass and sophomore linebacker Jace McDown.
Marstall holds the Emporia State record for career passing yards and total offense. He ranks second in passing touchdowns. This season, he has completed 274 of 448 passes for 2,734 yards with 24 touchdowns and six interceptions. He also had rushed 120 times for 402 yards and nine touchdowns.
Nault leads the Hornets’ run game with 195 carries for 949 yards and eight touchdowns.
Brown is the team’s leading receiver with 66 catches for 691 yards and four touchdowns, while senior wide receiver Tyler Harris has 53 catches for 762 yards and 11 scores.
McDown leads the defense and the Mid-American Intercollegiate Athletics Association with 118 tackles. He also ranks fifth nationally in solo tackles.
Bass leads the team with 11.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks.
Unterreiner helped pave the way for an offense that totaled 4,647 yards, averaging 422.5 a game. Of that total, 255.1 yards came through the air.
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