RSS Feed

Click here to download a .pdf of the April 22 Morgan City Council minutes.

mmm

PUBLIC NOTICE
OFFICIAL
PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF
MORGAN CITY
APRIL 22, 2025
The Mayor and City Council of Morgan City, Louisiana, met at 6:00 pm (local time) in regular session, this date, in the City Court Building, Highway 182 East, Morgan City, Louisiana.
There were present: Honorable Lee Dragna, Mayor; and Council Members Ron Bias, Eriq Blanchard, Steve Domangue, Tim Hymel, and Bonnie Leonard.
Absent: None
Also present were Mr. Charlie Solar, Jr., Chief Administrative Of- ficer and Mr. Paul Landry, City Attorney.
The invocation was given by Reverend Tracey Smith, First Baptist Church.
There was no Positive Image re- cipient for the month of April.
Mayor Dragna said Jean Paul Bourg had called and said he would not be attending the meeting.
Mrs. Steisha Brown was the next guest on the agenda. She was not present. Mayor Dragna said he thought that her grass situation had been taken care of.
The next matter on the agenda was a proclamation. Mayor Dragna said that Mrs. Domen-geaux was not present and the Proclamation would be taken up at the May meeting.
St. Mary Parish Councilman Dean Adams asked for the support of the Mayor, Council, and all residents in the upcoming Drainage District 2A Operating and Maintenance Tax renewal. He said that District 2 A was Amelia and Morgan City, but funds were not commingled. Early voting was going on this week and the election was on May 3.
Mr. Brooks Rentrop requested per- mission to hold the 1st annual Pit vs. Pot Cook-Off on August 9, 2025, from 11 AM to 6 PM under the US 90 Bridge. He re- quested that Arkansas and Alabama Streets under the bridge be closed to allow pedestrian traffic. He said setup would begin at 6 AM. The event was open to the public and tickets would be $20 per person. He wanted permission to sell alcohol, but was planning to get with one of the local establishments to have them sell it. Mayor Dragna said that he would need to get with the Police Department for security and would need port-o-lets.The city would help him with electricity, water, and trash bins. Pastor Bias asked if judges were needed, and Mr. Rentrop said he would take any help with the judging. A motion to allow the Pit vs. Pot Cookoff was made by Mrs. Leonard, seconded by Pastor Bias, and voted unanimously in favor.
Mr. Bryce Merrill said that the Annual Diver’s Rally was scheduled for this weekend in Morgan City. There would be a reception on Friday, April 25, 2025, at the Clarion Inn and the unveiling of the wall would take place on Saturday at 10 AM, followed by the reception at Lake End Park. He invited the Mayor and Councilman to attend.
Mayor Dragna said that at the recent New Generations meeting at Morgan City High School, one suggestion of the students was that the City build pickleball courts. He said that they had identified that a suitable place for the courts would be next to the Jimmy Johnson Basketball Court under the new bridge. He said that they currently only had one bid in the amount of $88,896 to complete two courts. That price would be for everything, including nets. He said more bids would be received before a decision was made on the courts. He said the H & B Young Foundation also said that they would like to participate in the pickleball court project. He would update the Council as the proposed project progressed. It was also mentioned that some cornhole boards made of cement could be placed in the area as well.
The minutes of the March 25, 2025 meeting were submitted. There be- ing no corrections, additions, or deletions, a motion to approve the minutes was made by Pastor Bias, seconded by, and voted unanimously in favor.
Mrs. Deborah Garber, Finance Director, submitted the following financial statement for the period ending March 31, 2025.
MONTHLY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DATE: April 22, 2025
TO: Mayor and Council
FROM: Deborah Garber
RE: Comments related to summary of revenues and expenses compared to budget for the period ended March 31, 2025.
Attached is a summary that compares our actual revenues and expenses to our operational budget for our major funds subject to budgetary control for the period ending March 31, 2025. The following comments are related thereto:
General and Ancillary Funds: Actual revenues remain under budget by $111,434. Operating expenses are also under budget by $164,696. The net loss of $1,261,374 is still a favorable variance of $53,262 as compared to the adopted budget.
Utility Fund: Actual revenues in this fund are also under budget by $358,214 while the operational expenses are now over budget by $168,533. The net income, after transfers, of $783,704 creates another unfavorable variance this month compared to the budget of $496,959.
Sanitation and Sewer Fund: The operating revenues are slightly over budget by $10,895, with total operating expenses under budget by $58,649. The net income, after transfers, of $140,011 leaves a favorable variance of $81,803.
Respectfully submitted,
/s/ Deborah Garber
Deborah Garber
Finance Director

A motion to accept the financial statement was made by Mr. Domangue, seconded by Mrs. Leonard, and vot-ed unanimously in favor.
The next matter on the agenda was the surplus equipment, whereupon,
Mr. Hymel offer-ed the following Resolution, who moved for its adoption.
RESOLUTION
NO. R: 25-27
BE IT RESOLV-ED, by the City Council, the governing authority of the City of Morgan City, that the item shown below are hereby declared surplus and no longer needed:
1. 2004 GMC 1500 Pickup VIN #1GTEC14X5 4Z340532, Police Department
2. 2005 Ford Crown Victoria VIN #2FAFP71W85X144878, Police Department
3. 2006 Ford Crown Victoria VIN #2FAFP71W86X137253 , Police Department
4. 2008 Ford Crown Victoria VIN #2FAFP71V88X178783 , Police Department
5. 2009 Ford Crown Victoria VIN #2FAHP71V29X133493 , Police Department
6. 2002 Ford Crown Victoria VIN #2FAFP71WX2X157708 , Police Department
7. 2003 Ford Ranger VIN #1FTYR15E93TA35576, Public Works
8. John Deer Gator, 6 Wheel 6 X 4, Public Works
9. 2000 Chevy C8500 Bucket Truck VIN #1GBT7H4C7YJ518726, Electric Department
BE IT FURTHER RESOLV-ED, etc., that said items be sold either by auction, on GovDeal.com, or by receiving bids.
Mr. Blanchard seconded the motion.
The vote thereon was as follows:
AYES: Hymel, Blanchard, Bias, Domangue, Leonard
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
The Resolution was therefore declared approved and adopted this 22nd day of April, 2025.
/s/ Lee Dragna
Lee Dragna, Mayor
ATTEST:
/s/ Debbie
Harrington
Debbie
Harrington, Clerk
Mayor Dragna said that the H & B Young Foundation had built a new facility to house the Morgan City Youth Center and it would be opening in May. He said that a new Cooperative En- deavor Agreement needed to be sign-ed; whereupon,
Pastor Bias offered the following Resolution, who moved for its adoption.
RESOLUTION
NO. R: 25-28
WHEREAS, THE CITY OF MORGAN CITY, is a municipal corporation of the State of Louisiana, (“CITY”) represented herein by Lee Dragna, its duly authorized Mayor; and
WHEREAS, THE H & B YOUNG FOUNDATION, (“YOUNG FUND”) is a Louisiana non-profit corporation represented herein by Brenda Ayo, its duly authorized President; and
WHEREAS, the CITY and the YOUNG FUND wish to provide a safe and wholesome environment for students ages 7-11 residing in Morgan City to spend time after school through the mutual efforts of the CITY and the YOUNG FUND, and
WHEREAS, the CITY has a Juvenile Services Division that will provide supervision, staffing, and operation of the Morgan City Youth Center; and
WHEREAS the YOUNG FUND has a facility located at 3205 Youngs Road to house the Morgan City Youth Center; and
WHEREAS, the CITY and the YOUNG have agreed that the CITY Juvenile Services Division will provide the services and that the YOUNG FUND will provide physical location for the activities of the Morgan City Youth Center, and
WHEREAS, the CITY and the YOUNG FUND are required to enter into an cooperative endeavor agreement to ac- complish this.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RE- SOLVED, by the City Council, the governing authority of the City of Morgan City, that Lee Dragna, Mayor, be and he is hereby authorized, empowered, and directed to enter into any agreements and sign any documents necessary for the Cooperative Endeavor Agreement be- tween the City of Morgan City and the H & B Young Foundation for the Morgan City Youth Center.
Mr. Domangue seconded the motion.
The vote thereon was as follows:
AYES: Bias, Do- mangue, Blan- chard, Hymel, Leonard
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
The resolution was therefore de- clared approved and adopted this 22nd day of April, 2025.
/s/ Lee Dragna
Lee Dragna, Mayor
ATTEST:
/s/ Debbie
Harrington
Debbie
Harrington, Clerk
The first reading for the 2025 Millage ordinance was the next matter on the agenda. No definitive action was necessary.
Mayor Dragna said the last thing on the agenda was the resolution of respect for Byron A. “Red” Adams, Sr.; whereupon,
Messrs. Bias, Blanchard, Do- mangue, Hymel and Leonard offer-ed the following Resolution, who moved for its adoption.
RESOLUTION
NO. R: 25-32
IN MEMORIAM
BYRON A. “RED” ADAMS, SR.
WHEREAS, God, in his infinite wisdom has taken Byron A. “Red” Adams, Sr. from our midst; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Adams was en- gaged in various aspects of the oil industry for most of his life; and
WHEREAS, he was Contract La- bor Foreman for the California Company (Chevron) Bay Marchand Area from 1952 to 1958; Division Manager for Arnold Pipe Rentals from 1958 to 1964; Division Manager for Drilling Tools, Inc. from 1964 to 1967; and in November of 1967 founded Oil & Gas Rental Services, Inc. and later Oil & Gas Marine Services, Inc., retiring as Chairman in 2006; and
WHEREAS, “Red” served his country honorably in the United States Navy; and
WHEREAS, he leaves to cherish his wonderful memory five sons, Byron A. Adams, Jr., Bruce A. Adams, Sr., Burt A. Adams, Brad A. Adams, and Ben A. Adams; eleven grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, the Mayor and City Council of Morgan City wish to acknowledge publicly their sorrow and sympathy to the family of Byron A. “Red” Adams, Sr.; and
WHEREAS, the Mayor and City Council of Morgan City hope that his family will find comfort in the thought that their grief and sorrow are shared by their friends.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RE- SOLVED, by the Mayor and City Council of the City of Morgan City through the unanimous adoption of this resolution that they solemnly deliberate with sincere condolences, sympathy, and understanding during this time of grief.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLV-ED, etc., that this resolution be inscribed on a separate page of the official proceedings of this meeting; that a copy of this resolution be sent to his be- reaved family; and that this meeting adjourn out of respect for the late Byron A. “Red” Adams, Sr.
Messrs. Bias, Blanchard, Do- mangue, Hymel and Leonard seconded the motion.
The vote thereon was as follows:
AYES: Bias, Blanchard, Do- mangue, Hymel, Leonard
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
The resolution was therefore de- clared approved and adopted this 22nd day of April, 2025.
/s/ Lee Dragna
Lee Dragna
Mayor
ATTEST:
/s/ Debbie
Harrington
Debbie Harrington
Clerk
/s/ Lee Dragna
Lee Dragna
Mayor
/s/ Debbie
Harrington
Debbie Harrington
Clerk
Adv. May 2, 2025

mmm

PUBLIC NOTICE
ST. MARY
PARISH
RECREATION
DISTRICT #3
BAYOU VISTA COMMUNITY CENTER
1333 BELLVIEW STREET
P.O. BOX 635
PATTERSON, LA 70392
985-395-6552
The Board of Commissioners of the St. Mary Parish Recreation District #3 met in regular session on Monday, March 24, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. in the meeting room at the Bayou Vista Community Center.
Members Present: Brian Head – Chairman, Lane Boudreaux – Vice Chairman, Dr. Jeffery Fitter, Calvin Johnson, Rachel Kidder, Eddie Gay
Members Ab- sent: Javon Charles
Employees of the District Present: Mark Richard – Operations Manager, Angie Guillotte – Office Manager, Kim Willoughby – Activities Director
Secretary: Tyler Lambert
Guests: Gwen Hidalgo, David Hill – St. Mary Parish Council, Carl Blum
Mr. Head called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. Everyone present stood for the pledge of allegiance.
Mr. Head asked for a motion to amend the agenda to include the presentation of the renderings of the remodel of Central Park by Carl Blum. A motion to amend the agenda was made by Mrs. Kidder with a second from Dr. Fitter. All were in favor and the motion carried.
Board members reviewed the minutes of the March meeting. Mrs. Kidder motioned to accept the minutes as written. Mr. Johnson made a second to the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried.
Board members reviewed the ac- counts payable report and the monthly budget comparison report. Mr. Boudreaux made a motion to accept the report as is and pay the bills. Mr. Johnosn made a second to the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried.
Mrs. Guillotte presented the Community Center report and updated the board on the rental activity for the month of March.
Facility Manager, Mark Richard, gave the manager/maintenance re- port.
In old business, the board revisited the discussion of the community center purchasing fun jumps. After discussion, Mr. Boudreaux mo- tioned to authorize $2,500.00 to be spent on the purchase of fun jumps. A second to the motion was made by Mr. Gay. All were in favor and the motion carried.
Continuing in old business, the board revisited the commercial insurance proposal from Paul’s. A motion to accept the proposed policy totaling $77,270.00 was made by Mrs. Kidder with a second from Mr. Gay. All were in favor and the motion carried.
Moving to new business, the board tabled the acceptance of the audit findings and discussed the up- coming Dixie Youth Baseball season. No motions were brought to the floor for either item.
With no further business to discuss, a motion to adjourn was made by Mrs. Kidder. A second was made by Mr. Boudreaux. All were in favor. The motion carried and the meeting was adjourned.
(s) Brian Head
Brian Head,
Chairman
(s) Tyler Lambert
Tyler Lambert,
Secretary
Adv. May 2, 2025

mmm

PUBLIC NOTICE
CITY OF
PATTERSON
ADJUDICATED PROPERTY SALE ADVERTISEMENT
BY VIRTUE OF THE AUTH- ORITY VESTED IN ME BY THE CONSTITUTION AND THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF LOUISIANA, I WILL SELL, AT CIVICSOURCE.COM, WITHIN THE LEGAL HOURS FOR JUDICIAL SALES BEGINNING AT 8:00 O’CLOCK A.M. ON THE 7th DAY OF MAY, 2025 AND CONTINUING UNTIL SAID SALES ARE COMPLETED, TITLE TO IMMOVABLE PROPERTY ON WHICH TAXES WERE ADJUDICATED TO THE CITY OF PATTERSON, TO ENFORCE COLLECTION OF TAXES. THE NAMES OF SAID DELINQUENT TAX DEBTORS AND THE LEGAL DES- CRIPTION FOR EACH OF THE PROPERTIES TO BE OFFER-ED FOR SALE ARE AS FOLLOWS:
SCOTT NA- THANIEL E 1/3 ET AL 2/3
418 MARTIN LUTHER KING AVE, PATTERSON, LA 70392 TAXES OWED ARE WITH A CERTAIN LOT OF GROUND, TO- GETHER WITH ALL OF THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON, AND ALL OF THE RIGHTS, WAYS, PRIVILEGES, SERVITUDES AND ADVANTAGES AND APPURTENANCES THEREUNTO BELONGING OR IN ANYWISE AP- PERTAINING, SITUATED IN THE TOWN OF PATTERSON, ST. MARY PARISH, LOUISIANA, HAVING A FRONT ON THE NORTH SIDE OF LOUISIANA AVENUE OF SAID TOWN OF 79 FEET BY A DEPTH BE- TWEEN PARALLEL LINES OF ONE HUNDRED NINETY-THREE (193’) FEET, BE- ING BOUNDED ON THE NORTH BY PROPERTY OF THE ESTATE OF MORRISON HECTOR; ON THE EAST BY PROPERTY OF PATSY HUNT; ON THE SOUTH BY SAID LOUISIANA AVENUE AND ON THE WEST BY PROPERTY OF VICTORIA HUNT PICKETT.
2864341009.00
ON THE DAY OF SALE I WILL SELL THE PROPERTY TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER. THE SALE WILL BE WITHOUT AP- PRAISEMENT, FOR CASH OR OTHER PAYMENT METHODS ACCEPTABLE TO THE TAX COLLECTOR, IN LEGAL TENDER MONEY OF THE UNITED STATES, AND A NON-WARRANTY CASH SALE CERTIFICATE SHALL BE IS- SUED TO THE PURCHASER FOR THE PROPERTY.
Adv. May 2, 2025

mmm

PUBLIC NOTICE
Accepting sealed bids for Qty- 1 surplus generator 150 kw.
Needs rebuilt engine and various electrical issues.
To be sold to highest bidder as is where is.
Contact Mickey @ 985-992-7254 or Calvin @ 985-992-6890.
Bids can be mailed to:
Generator Bid
P O Box 181
Berwick, LA 70342
Adv. April 16, 18, 23, 25, 30, May 2, 7 and 9, 2025

mmm

PUBLIC NOTICE
Accepting sealed bids for one (1) surplus 1997 Dodge Pickup, mileage 58,542
To be sold to highest bidder as-is, where-is.
Contact Jacob or Kenney at 985-384-8990.
Bids can be mailed to: Pickup Truck Bid, P O Box 322, Berwick, LA 70342
Adv. April 30, May 2, 7, 9, 14, 16, 21 and 23, 2025

mmm

PUBLIC NO-TICE — NOTICE TO BIDDERS The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) will be selecting eligible hunters to harvest alligators on certain Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) properties, Wetland Conservation Areas (WCAs), and State Wildlife Refuges located in various parishes based on a bid system. Successful bidders will be awarded the bid for a total of three years (2025, 2026, and 2027), provided their performance is satisfactory to LDWF. Bid application notifications and forms can be printed from LDWF’s website at https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/alligator-hunting, be requested by phone at 337-735-8720, or obtained via email by contacting LAalligatorprogram@wlf.la.gov. Completed bid application forms can be mailed or hand delivered to and must be received by 11:00 AM on May 20, 2025 in Room 1007 of the LDWF Office at 200 Dulles Drive, Lafayette, LA 70506. However, bidders are hereby notified that LDWF is not responsible for any delays caused by the bidder’s chosen method of bid delivery. Failure of the bid to reach Room 1007 by the designated time and date shall result in rejection of the bid. Bid opening will be on May 20, 2025 at 11:30 AM at the LDWF Lafayette Office, 1st Floor Conference Room #1002, 200 Dulles Drive, Lafayette, LA 70506. The public is permitted to attend. Selected bidders will be notified by phone.
Adv. May 2, 9 and 16, 2025

mmm

PUBLIC NOTICE
Town of
Berwick
Sewer
Rehabilitation on Fourth, Sixth, Texas, Francis & Utah Streets, Planning and
Construction
SECTION
00 11 13
ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS
The Town of Berwick, St. Mary Parish, Louisiana, acting through its Mayor, Duval H. Arthur, Jr., will receive sealed bids for the Sewer Rehabilitation on Fourth, Sixth, Texas, Francis & Utah Streets, Planning and Construction project, any bids delivered should be delivered to Newell “ Bubba” Slaughter, Chief Administrative Officer, within the Council Meeting Room at Berwick Town Hall, 3225 Third Street, Berwick, Louisiana 70342, until May 28. 2025. at 10:00 A.M., local time, at which time and place, they will be publicly opened and read aloud. Bids received after the time set forth above for opening of bids will not be considered and will be returned unopened.
Project Name: Sewer Rehabilitation on Fourth, Sixth, Texas, Francis & Utah Streets, Planning and Construction
The Contract Documents (Plans, Information for Bidders, Bid Form, Specifications and other pertinent documents) may be examined at the following locations:
•George Mik-hael P.E – 222 Archangel Drive; Lafayette, Louisiana 70508
•Berwick Town Hall – 3225 Third Street; Berwick, Louisiana 70342
Copies of the bidding documents may be obtained from the office of George Mikhael P.E. Inc. upon receipt of $50.00 for each set during normal business hours (7:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. Monday - Thursday and 7:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M. Friday). Checks for Bidding Documents shall be made payable to “George Mik-hael P.E.”. In accordance with La. R.S. 38:2212.D, deposits on the first set of documents furnished prime bidders shall be fully re- funded upon re- turn of the documents no later than ten days after receipt of bids. On other sets of documents furnished to bidders, the deposit less the actual cost of reproduction shall be re- funded upon re- turn of the documents no later than ten days after receipt of bids. Refunds will be made upon return of the documents, unmarked and in good condition if within ten days after receipt of bids.
Official bid documents can be downloaded from Central Bidding at www.centralbidding.com. Electronic bids can be submitted at www.centralbidding.com. For any questions relating to the electronic bidding process, please call Central Bidding at (225) 810-4814.
There will be A mandatory pre-Bid Conference for this project. It will be held on Wednesday May 14, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. (local time) in the Conference Room, Town Hall, 3225 Third Street, Berwick, Louisiana 70342. Bidders are responsible for making site visitations in preparation of their bids.
To qualify to bid, each bidder shall be a properly licensed Contractor in accordance with La. R.S. 37:2150 - 2163 for the classification of MUNICIPAL AND PUBLIC WORKS CONSTRUCTION or related classification.
The Owner re- serves the right to reject any and all bids in accordance with Title 38 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes. Public Entity shall award Contract no later than 45 calendar days from Opening of Bids to lowest Responsible/Re- sponsive Bidder.
Each bidder must deposit with his/her bid, security in the amount, form and subject to the conditions provided in the Information for Bidders. Sureties used for obtaining bonds must appear as acceptable on the U.S. Department of Treasury Circular 570.
A bidder may withdraw their bid within forty-eight [48) hours of the bid opening, ex- cluding Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays as governed by La. R.S. 38:2214 (C).
Any questions or clarifications shall be submitted to the Project Engineer in writing a minimum of five [5] days prior to the bid opening date. Addenda will be issued to all prospective bidders a minimum of 72 hours prior to the bid opening date. Only information provided within written addenda issued by the Project Engineer shall be considered binding.
Any person with disabilities requiring special accommodations must contact the Town of Berwick no later than seven (7) days prior to the bid opening.
/s/ Duval H. Arthur
Duval H. Arthur Mayor
Town of Berwick
Adv. April 25, May 2, 14 and 21, 2025
Cost: $105.00
PUBLIC NOTICE
Posted on the door
April 29, 2025
5:00 p.m.
CITY OF
PATTERSON
NOTICE OF PUBLIC
MEETING
May 6, 2025
A Public Meeting will be held as follows:
DATE: May 6, 2025
TIME: 6:00 PM
PLACE OF MEETING: City Hall, Council Meeting Room, 1314 Main Street, Patterson, Louisiana 70392
AGENDA
* * * * * * * *
1) MEETING CALLED TO ORDER BY THE MAYOR
2) INVOCATION
3) PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
4) ROLL CALL
5) APPROVAL OF THE APRIL 1, 2025, MINUTES.
6) SUBMISSION OF MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORT
7) PUBLIC COMMENT
8) GUEST
1) Tina Johnson, Patterson High School’s Ed Rising Club – can shake
9) UNFINISHED BUSINESS
10) NEW BUSINESS
1) Alyssa Cart / Jeremy Meaux with Darnall Sikes & Frederick to present the FY 2024 – 2025 Audit Report.
2) Introduction of the FY 2025- 2026 Budget
3) Introduction of Ordinance levying a General Alimony Tax for 2025.
4) Introduction of Ordinance to levy millage rates for Public Improvement Bond for Waterworks Issues for 2025.
5) Resolutions of Respect for Mr. Byron “Red” Adams, Sr.
6) Resolution of Respect for Ms. Pearly Lightfoot.
7) Resolution of Respect for Mrs. Mary Ann Grogan.
8) Resolution of Respect for Mr. Herman Richardson, Sr.
9) Resolution of Respect for Ms. Sandra Grogan.
10) Resolution of Respect for Mr. Larry Griffin, Sr.
11) Resolution of Respect for Mr. Melvin Vinning
11) AN- NOUNCEMENTS
12) ENGINEERS REPORT
13) LEGAL MATTERS
14) ADJOURN
ANY AND ALL BUSINESS TO COME BEFORE THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL WITH THEIR UNANIMOUS CONSENT, ADJOURN
Midge Bourgeois,
City Clerk
City of Patterson
1314 Main Street
Patterson, LA 70392
985-395-5205
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you require special assistance, please contact Midge Bourgeois at 985-395-5205 or email midge.bourgeois@cityofpattersonla.gov to describe the necessary assistance.
“City of Patterson is an Equal Opportunity
Provider and Employer”
Adv. May 2, 2025

mmm

PUBLIC NOTICE
CITY OF
MORGAN CITY
DELINQUENT TAX LIST
CITY OF MORGAN CITY VS. DELINQUENT TAX DEBTORS
BY VIRTUE OF THE AUTH- ORITY VESTED IN ME BY THE CONSTITUTION AND THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF LOUISIANA, I WILL SELL, AT CIVICSOURCE.COM, WITHIN THE LEGAL HOURS FOR JUDICIAL SALES BEGINNING AT 8:00 O’CLOCK A.M. ON THE 3rd DAY OF JUNE, 2025 AND CONTINUING UNTIL SAID SALES ARE COMPLETED, TAX SALE TITLE TO ALL IMMOVABLE PROPERTY ON WHICH TAXES ARE NOW DUE TO THE CITY OF MORGAN CITY, TO EN- FORCE COLLECTION OF TAXES ASSESSED IN THE YEAR 2024, TOGETHER WITH INTEREST THEREON FROM JANUARY 1ST IN THE YEAR OF DE- LINQUENCY, AT THE RATE OF ONE PERCENT (1%) PER MONTH UNTIL PAID AND ALL COSTS. THE NAMES OF SAID DELINQUENT TAX DEBTORS, THE AMOUNT OF STATUTORY IMPOSITIONS DUE, INCLUDING ANY DUE FOR PRIOR YEARS, AND THE IMMOVABLE PROPERTY ASSESSED TO EACH TO BE OFFERED FOR SALE ARE AS FOLLOWS:
91870
ADAMS DARLENE M
319 2ND ST, MORGAN CITY, LA 70380 TOTAL DUE IS: $199.75 LOT 8 DITCH ANNEX SQ 22 ACQ 421 337959 IMPROVEMENTS
91872
ADAMS DARLENE M
314 BARROW ST, MORGAN CITY, LA 70380 TOTAL DUE IS: $219.20 LOT EAST 50 FT NO 8 DITCH ANNEX SQ 19 ACQ 421 337959 IMPROVEMENTS
91873
ADAMS DARLENE M
726 LEONA ST, MORGAN CITY, LA 70380 TOTAL DUE IS: $396.94 LOT 10 MILTON SUBD SQ 1 ACQ 421 337959 IMPROVEMENTS LOT 8 MILTON SUBD SQ 1 ACQ 421 337959
90942
ADAMS JESSIE PAUL
1017 COTTONWOOD ST, MORGAN CITY, LA TOTAL DUE IS: $371.65 LOT POR NO 20 COLONIAL ACRES SUBD SQ E SITUATED SEC 12 T16S-R12E ACQ 413 336793 LOT POR NO 20 COLONIAL ACRES SUBD SQ E SITUATED SEC 1 T16S-R12E ACQ 413 336793 IMPROVEMENTS
90295
ARAGORN DEVELOPMENT INC
1645 FRONT ST, MORGAN CITY, LA TOTAL DUE IS: $436.71 LOT POR BD WHITE - FRONT ST - SELF - RIVER ACQ 445 341859 LOT POR BD SELF - FRONT ST - SPANGLER - RIVER ACQ 445 341859 LOT TRACT ‘ABCDA’ PER PLAT 15Q 139519 ACQ 445 341859 IMPROVEMENTS
97651
ARGUETA MELVIN JOEL GARCIA
122 PONCIO ST, MORGAN CITY, LA TOTAL DUE IS: $209.44 LOT BD RUSSO - OBRIEN AND SQUIRES SUBD - PONCIO - PONCIO ST ACQ 455 343576
2583
BILLIOT WHITNEY J III
300 LAUREL ST, MORGAN CITY, LA 70380 TOTAL DUE IS: $227.56 LOT B-C-D-E-B PER PLAT 11Q 110615 BD LAUREL ST - LANDRY - EVANS -CUTRONE SUBD - C CUTRERA ACQ 21O 177208
16605
BOUDREAUX GEORGIA COYLE
1108 MCDERMOTT DR, MORGAN CITY, LA TOTAL DUE IS: $456.88 LOT 12 LAKESIDE SUBD SQ 25 ACQ 150 299130
87900
BRAVO SECURITIES W/UNION BANK AS SE
3221 JENNIE DR, MORGAN CITY, LA TOTAL DUE IS: $407.38 LOT 10 LAKESIDE SUBD SQ 22 ACQ 450 342762 IMPROVEMENTS
93621
BROUSSARD ANTHONY T
503 RAILROAD AVE, MORGAN CITY, LA 70380 TOTAL DUE IS: $507.25 LOT POR NO 4 DITCH ANNEX BLK 9 BEING POR TRACT B PER PLAT 300 319748 ACQ 431 339581 LOT POR NO 4 DITCH ANNEX SQ 9 BEING POR TRACT B PER PLAT 300 319748 ACQ 431 339581 IMPROVEMENTS LOT POR NO 4 DITCH ANNEX SQ 9 BEING TRACT ‘ABCDA’ PER PLAT 64 286508 ACQ 431 339581
88381
BZ HOSPITALITY LLC
2018 ALLISON ST, MORGAN CITY, LA 70380 TOTAL DUE IS: $3,402.81 LOT TRACT ‘ABCDIJKLA’ PER PLAT 182 303352 ACQ 403 335477 IM- PROVEMENT
94400
CROSSWALK REALTY INVESTMENTS LLC
6801 HWY 182 E, MORGAN CITY, LA TOTAL DUE IS: $360.30 LOT TRACT ABCDA PER PLAT 19Q 165562 BD COLONIAL ACRES SUBD - A GRIZZAFFI EST - U S 90 - P HAINES ACQ 435 340362 IMPROVEMENTS
95208
CROSSWALK REALTY INVESTMENTS LLC
402 RODERICK ST, MORGAN CITY, LA TOTAL DUE IS: $718.83 LOT 14 NORMAN-BREAUX SUBD SQ D ACQ 440 341097 LOT 13 NORMAN- BREAUX SUBD SQ D ACQ 440 341097 LOT TRACT ‘ABHGA’ PER PLAT 15I 137202 BD BREAUX - BREAUX - NORMAN BREAUX LUMBER CO - RODERICK ST ACQ 440 341097 IMPROVEMENTS
98045
DELAHOUSSAYE TAMMY DAIGLE
208 ONSTEAD ST, MORGAN CITY, LA TOTAL DUE IS: $385.43 LOT EAST 51 FT 6 IN OF NORTH 17 FT NO 2 BOURGEOIS SUBD SQ 71 ACQ 459 344228 LOT EAST 51 FT 6 IN NO 1 BOURGEOIS SUBD SQ 71 ACQ 459 344228 IMPROVEMENTS
12020
DELAUNE LEO P
1222 FIG ST, MORGAN CITY, LA TOTAL DUE IS: $210.95 LOT 5 JOKA SUBD ADDN ACQ 102 292342
90977
FIELDS JOHN E
223 PATTON ST, MORGAN CITY, LA TOTAL DUE IS: $289.11 LOT 28 WYANDOTTE SUBD SQ H ACQ 358 328444 IMPROVEMENTS
6310
GALEY BILLY F JR
1124 FRONT ST, MORGAN CITY, LA 70380 TOTAL DUE IS: $528.02 LOT BD CHAISSON & VIDOS - DALTON - DALTON -FRONT ST LESS R/W 25J 197383 25B 195484 ACQ 35V 240476
1611
GALEY BILLY F JR
1430 VICTOR II BLVD, MORGAN CITY, LA 70380 TOTAL DUE IS: $589.96 LOT 24 COLONIAL ACRES SUBD SQ C ACQ 48 284190 IMPROVEMENTS LOT EAST 20 FT NO 26 COLONIAL ACRES SUBD SQ C ACQ 48 284190
17165
GALEY BILLY F SR
1705 GARNER DR W, MORGAN CITY, LA 70380 TOTAL DUE IS: $473.63 LOT 72 CYPRESS GARDEN SUBD LESS SALE 22Y 184955 ACQ 28D 210176 LOT SOUTH 2 FT NO 71 CYPRESS GARDEN SUBD ACQ 28D 210176
11943
GALEY BILLY F SR
1118 FRONT ST, MORGAN CITY, LA 70380 TOTAL DUE IS: $555.64 LOT BD ROBICHEAUX - DALTON - BROWNELL ST -FRONT STREET LESS R/W 25B 195484 ACQ 40G 257487 IMPROVEMENT ON THE LAND OF GALEY BILLY F SR ACQ 40G 257487 LOT EAST 65 FT NO 5 GATHRIGHT SUBD ACQ 40G 257487 LOT EAST 4O FT NO 3 HANSON ANNEX SQ 1 ACQ 40G 257487
10920
GALEY GLADYS W AND BILLY F SR
1023 MARSHALL ST, MORGAN CITY, LA 70380 TOTAL DUE IS: $305.88 LOT 15 ELLIOTT SUBD SQ 27 ACQ 15K 137549
97379
GIROIR CORRY PETER JR
100 HALSEY ST, MORGAN CITY, LA TOTAL DUE IS: $237.63 LOT 19 WYANDOTTE SUBD SQ K ACQ 454 343393
97380
GIROIR TIFFANY MARIE
100 HALSEY ST, MORGAN CITY, LA TOTAL DUE IS: $237.63 LOT 19 WYANDOTTE SUBD SQ K ACQ 454 343393
98205
GITSIT REAL PROPERTY LLC
3211 VINE DR, MORGAN CITY, LA TOTAL DUE IS: $513.21 LOT 3 LAKESIDE SUBD SQ 30 ACQ 460 344345 IMPROVEMENTS LOT EAST 5 FT NO 4 LAKESIDE SUBD SQ 30 ACQ 460 344345
98261
GMFS LLC
812 CLOTHILDE ST, MORGAN CITY, LA TOTAL DUE IS: $378.94 LOT NORTH 100 FT NO 9 DITCH ANNEX SQ 101 ACQ 459 344286 IMPROVEMENTS
27392
GORSHA JOHN R
1322 FRONT ST, MORGAN CITY, LA TOTAL DUE IS: $286.51 LOT 4 GATHRIGHT SUBD LESS R/W 25B 19548425H 196820 ACQ 35P 239720 IMPROVEMENT ON THE LAND OF GORSHA JOHN R ACQ 35P 239720
88118
GUIDRYS CONTRACTOR SERVICE LLC
522 AUCOIN ST, MORGAN CITY, LA 70380 TOTAL DUE IS: $481.07 LOT EAST 22 FT NO 5 AUCOIN-WIGGINS SUBD SQ 4 ACQ 402 335293 LOT 6 AUCOIN-WIGGINS SUBD SQ 4 ACQ 402 335293
7171
HAYWOOD EVA M
212 FRANKLIN ST, MORGAN CITY, LA TOTAL DUE IS: $343.53 LOT TRACT ‘ABCDA’ PER PLAT 34Y 236780 BD FRANKLIN ST - R LANDRY OR ASSIGNS - CITYOF MORGAN CITY - W T ELLIOTT ACQ 34Y 236780 LOT WEST 10 FT NO 4 CLEMENTS SUBD ON FRANKLIN STREET BLK A ACQ 37U 248188 LOT TRACT ‘ABCDA’ PER PLAT 35Q 239773 BDE HAYWOOD - FRANKLIN ST - W ELLIOTT -CITY OF MORGAN CITY ACQ 35Q 239773 IMPROVEMENTS LOT 3 CLEMENTS SUBD ON FRANKLIN ST BLK A ACQ 37U 248188 IMPROVEMENTS IM- PROVEMENT ON THE LAND OF HAYWOOD EVA M
87473
HEBERT AARON J 1/2 ET AL 1/2
601 BUSH ST, MORGAN CITY, LA TOTAL DUE IS: $237.00 LOT 29 HOFFSTETTER STRIP ACQ 399 334743 IMPROVEMENTS
78509
IPARRAGUIRRE LUIS A
219 GLENWOOD ST, MORGAN CITY, LA 70380 TOTAL DUE IS: $467.11 LOT EAST 20 FT NO 25 WYANDOTTE ANNEX SQ F ACQ 349 327020 LOT 26 WYANDOTTE SUBD SQ F ACQ 349 327020 IM- PROVEMENTS IMPROVEMENT ON THE LAND OF IPARRAGUIRRE LUIS A IMPROVEMENT ON THE LAND OF IPARRAGUIRRE LUIS A
33844
IPARRAGUIRRE LUIS A
308 GLENWOOD ST, MORGAN CITY, LA 70380 TOTAL DUE IS: $356.37 LOT 5 WYANDOTTE SUBD SQ I ACQ 268 315246 IMPROVEMENTS
16380
JLR PROPERTIES LLC
615 RAILROAD AVE, MORGAN CITY, LA TOTAL DUE IS: $262.44 LOT POR NO 12 DITCH ANNEX SQ 13 BEING POR TRACT ‘KFGJK’ PER PLAT 12C 114140 ACQ 237 311042 LOT POR NO 11 DITCH ANNEX SQ 13 BEING POR TRACT ‘KFGJK’ PER PLAT 12C 114140 ACQ 237 311042
21737
JOHNSON HORACE D (EST)
333 EGLE ST, MORGAN CITY, LA TOTAL DUE IS: $253.22 LOT BD GUIDROZ - FEDERAL AVENUE - EGLE ST -ANTHONY ACQ 37L 247117
98470
JONES CLARENCE SR
1002 BIRCH ST, MORGAN CITY, LA TOTAL DUE IS: $285.04 LOT WEST 66.5 FT NO 14 O’BRIEN & SQUIRES SUBD ACQ 462 344690 IMPROVEMENTS
98471
JONES MARY LOUISE J
1004 BIRCH ST, MORGAN CITY, LA TOTAL DUE IS: $204.23 LOT EAST 26.5 FT OF WEST 93 FT NO 14 O’BRIEN & SQUIRES SUBD ACQ 462 344691 IMPROVEMENTS
97841
KBK PROPERTY MANAGEMENT LLC
7010 HWY 182 E, MORGAN CITY, LA TOTAL DUE IS: $1,176.18 LOT POR NO 2 ANTHONY CUTRERA BEING POR TRACT ‘ABFEA’ PER PLAT 12Z 119959 ACQ 457 343926 LOT POR NO 3 ANTHONY CUTRERA BEING POR TRACT ‘ABFEA’ PER PLAT 12Z 119959 ACQ 457 343926 IMPROVEMENTS
16142
LAFLEUR DAIRY PRODUCTS INC
7322 HWY 182 E, MORGAN CITY, LA TOTAL DUE IS: $1,328.23 LOT TRACT ‘ABCDEFGA’ PER PLAT 38U 252028 ACQ 38U 252028 IMPROVEMENTS IMPROVEMENT ON THE LAND OF LAFLEUR DAIRY PRODUCTS INC IM- PROVEMENT ON THE LAND OF LAFLEUR DAIRY PRODUCTS INC LOT REM POR TRACT ‘ABCDEFGHIJA’ PER PLAT 20O 171306 ACQ 20R 171978 LOT TRACT ‘ABCDEA’ PER PLAT 28A 209741 ACQ 27T 208855 LOT TRACT ‘CDEFHGC’ PER PLAT 242 311696 ACQ 244 311890
97007
LAJAUNIE DRAKE
1906 CEDAR ST, MORGAN CITY, LA TOTAL DUE IS: $365.01 LOT 2 ELLIOTT SUBD SQ 17 ACQ 452 343117
6117
LEE DANA B
315 PERSHING ST, MORGAN CITY, LA TOTAL DUE IS: $271.02 LOT WEST 35 FT NO 9 SCHOOL PARK SUBD SQ B ACQ 41G 261353 IMPROVEMENTS IMPROVEMENT ON THE LAND OF LEE DANA B
79457
LINER JACOB LOUIS
710 FRANKLIN ST, MORGAN CITY, LA 70380 TOTAL DUE IS: $313.81 LOT WEST 14.54 FT NO 9 MAYON SUBD SQ H ACQ 353 327698 LOT EAST 35.47 FT NO 8 MAYON SUBD SQ H ACQ 353 327698 IM- PROVEMENTS
33522
MBJR & COMPANY LLC
608 LEONA ST, MORGAN CITY, LA TOTAL DUE IS: $254.80 LOT 21 EVANS-CUTRONE SUBD SQ 2 OR 4 ACQ 252 313102
74897
MK MALL HOLDINGS LLC
1025 VICTOR II BLVD, MORGAN CITY, LA TOTAL DUE IS: $4,159.83 LOT BD CLOTHILDE ST - VICTOR II BLVD - BRASHEAR AVE -NINTH ST (LESS SALE TO GUARANTY BLDG CORP) LESS POR LEASED TO CANAL VILLERIE ACQ 326 323494 IMPROVEMENTS
98213
OSCHWALD JAMES F
512 FEDERAL AVE, MORGAN CITY, LA TOTAL DUE IS: $454.33 LOT 3 DITCH ANNEX SQ 14 ACQ 460 344329 IMPROVEMENT
98214
OSCHWALD JAMES F
508 FEDERAL AVE, MORGAN CITY, LA TOTAL DUE IS: $200.75 LOT WEST 120 FT NO 4 DITCH ANNEX SQ 14 ACQ 460 344329
95023
PEAK RENTALS LLC
1818 MAPLE ST, MORGAN CITY, LA TOTAL DUE IS: $251.13 LOT 5 ELLIOTT SUBD SQ 40 ACQ 439 340905 IMPROVEMENTS
89908
PINDER PEGGY SUE MILLER
3024 FRANCES DR, MORGAN CITY, LA TOTAL DUE IS: $350.01 LOT 14 LAKESIDE SUBD SQ 4 ACQ 409 336188 IMPROVEMENTS
87901
REBARDI GEORGE JR ET AL
3221 JENNIE DR, MORGAN CITY, LA TOTAL DUE IS: $169.15 LOT 10 LAKESIDE SUBD SQ 22 ACQ 450 342762 IMPROVEMENTS
93142
RENATO #2 LLC
7019 HWY 182 E, MORGAN CITY, LA 70380 TOTAL DUE IS: $680.72 LOT WEST 1/2 NO 12 ALFRED P ARCENEAUX SUBD ACQ 428 339041 LOT 11 ALFRED P ARCENEAUX SUBD ACQ 428 339041
16916
ROGERS KRISTOPHER T
416 FIFTH ST, MORGAN CITY, LA TOTAL DUE IS: $166.87 LOT SOUTH 50 FT NO 5 DITCH ANNEX SQ I ACQ 45Z 281792
19228
RUFFIN ROUSSELL
111 MOUNT ST, MORGAN CITY, LA TOTAL DUE IS: $285.89 LOT EAST 123 FT NO 7 O’BRIEN & SQUIRES SUBD ACQ 38X 252601 IMPROVEMENTS
96581
SIRACUSA ANNA MARIA
1905 ELM ST, MORGAN CITY, LA TOTAL DUE IS: $497.13 LOT 14 ELLIOTT SUBD SQ 17 ACQ 449 342654 LOT SOUTH 25 FT NO 15 ELLIOTT SUBD SQ 17 ACQ 449 342654
98170
STEWART MICHELE RENEE LEBLANC
320 EGLE ST, MORGAN CITY, LA TOTAL DUE IS: $235.81 LOT 26 TERREBONNE SUBD SQ 5 ACQ 461 344544 IM- PROVEMENTS LOT EAST 20 FT NO 24 TERREBONNE SUBD SQ 5 ACQ 461 344544
90260
STEWART TRUCKING LLC
318 EGLE ST, MORGAN CITY, LA TOTAL DUE IS: $227.31 LOT EAST 10 FT NO 20 TERREBONNE SUBD SQ 5 ACQ 411 336481 LOT 22 TERREBONNE SUBD SQ 5 ACQ 411 336481 LOT WEST 10 FT NO 24 TERREBONNE SUBD SQ 5 ACQ 411 336481
91427
SWIBER SHANNON
1305 WALNUT DR, MORGAN CITY, LA TOTAL DUE IS: $441.57 LOT SOUTH 17 FT NO 22 LAKESIDE SUBD SQ 31 ACQ 418 337585 LOT NORTH 49.5 FT NO 23 LAKESIDE SUBD SQ 31 ACQ 418 337585
13324
TUCKER PEGGY H
1621 CHESTNUT DR, MORGAN CITY, LA 70380 TOTAL DUE IS: $329.95 LOT WEST 13 FT NO 22-A LAKESIDE SUBD SQ 27 ACQ 32V 228482 LOT EAST 48 FT NO 23-A LAKESIDE SUBD SQ 27 ACQ 32V 228482
97176
US BANK TRUST COMPANY
401 GARBER ST, MORGAN CITY, LA TOTAL DUE IS: $278.19 LOT 22 GARBER SUBD ACQ 454 343414
98141
VARGAS ANTONIO CONTRERAS
3001 KEITH ST, MORGAN CITY, LA TOTAL DUE IS: $290.09 LOT 17 WALSH SUBD SQ C ACQ 458 344186 IMPROVEMENTS
318
VIDOS FREDERICK MATHEW 1/13
1124 FOURTH ST, MORGAN CITY, LA TOTAL DUE IS: $290.40 LOT 4 MCARTHUR SUBD SQ D ACQ 29V 217074 IMPROVEMENTS IMPROVEMENT ON THE LAND OF VIDOS FREDERICK MATHEW 1/13
85582
WALKER SHERRICK D
918 FRANKLIN ST, MORGAN CITY, LA 70380 TOTAL DUE IS: $455.97 LOT 18 ELLIOTT SUBD SQ 17 ACQ 386 332876
88394
WILLIAMS CHRISTINA
192 LOUISA ST, MORGAN CITY, LA 70380 TOTAL DUE IS: $210.90 LOT TRACT B-C-D-E-B PER PLAT 22F 180978 BD LOUISA ST - H HOLMAN - I BOURGEOIS - A BARRAS ACQ 403 335473
ON THE DAY OF SALE I WILL SELL A TAX SALE TITLE TO SUCH PORTIONS OF THE PROPERTY AS EACH TAX DEBTOR WILL POINT OUT AND, IN CASE THE DEBTOR WILL NOT POINT OUT SUFFICIENT PROPERTY, I WILL AT ONCE AND WITHOUT FURTHER DELAY SELL THE LEAST QUANTITY AS UNDIVIDED INTERESTS OF SAID PROPERTY OF ANY TAX DEBTOR WHICH ANY BIDDER WILL BUY FOR THE AMOUNT OF THE STATUTORY IMPOSITIONS FOR WHICH THE SALE IS MADE, TOGETHER WITH INTEREST, FEES AND COSTS DUE BY SAID TAX DEBTOR. THE SALE WILL BE WITHOUT APPRAISEMENT, FOR CASH OR OTHER PAYMENT METHODS ACCEPTABLE TO THE TAX COLLECTOR, IN LEGAL TENDER MONEY OF THE UNITED STATES, AND THE TAX SALE TITLE TO PROPERTY SOLD WILL BE REDEEMABLE AT ANY TIME DURING THE APPLICABLE REDEMPTIVE PERIOD BY PAYING THE PRICE GIVEN, INCLUDING COSTS AND FIVE PERCENT (5%) PENALTY THEREON, WITH INTEREST AT THE RATE OF ONE PERCENT (1%) PER MONTH UNTIL RE- DEEMED.
Adv. May 2, 2025

mmm

When the month of May rolls around and things begin to heat up, so does the catfishing action in the Atchafalaya River and most tributaries between it and the Calumet Spillway. Moreover, whether chasing blue catfish, flathead catfish or channel catfish, there’s a few things to keep in mind.
Big blue catfish like deeper waters, while smaller blue cats prefer shallow water. Big flathead cats also prefer deep water, where channel catfish tend to prefer more shallow skinny waters further upstream from the bigger blue and flathead catfish.
Both blue catfish and flathead catfish spawn from mid-May through June when the water temperature reaches 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. And though you can catch big catfish in the spring, they’re more active later in the summer, particularly July and August after the spawn.
Morgan City resident Ernie Roe loves to fish catfish and specifically targets big catfish. Just last week the retired boat engineer caught two nice blue cats in the 25-30 pound range.
Roe said, “In May both the blue cats and flathead cats are together. Right now, they’re both in about 45 feet of water in the river, but the blue catfish will go deeper in June, where the flatheads will mostly stay in the 45-foot range.”
The debris and current in the river are hazardous right now,” Roe continued, “so I suggest fishing the tree lines for 1 to 3 pounders along the river and local lakes.”
Another thing to keep in mind is bait. Though catfish aren’t necessarily picky eaters, there are a few baits that work better under certain conditions. For example, river shrimp are an excellent catfish bait and can be caught by hanging a bushy myrtle tree limb along the bank, where it’s submerged in the shallow water.
As the moving water passes through the “bush-line” line, the river shrimp get caught in its twigs and small branches.
River shrimp prefer shallow locations with smooth, sandy bottoms. What’s more, so do the smaller pan size catfish, whether blue or channel cats, who gorge themselves on river shrimp.
By contrast, both big blue catfish and flathead catfish like big, live baits, according to Roe.
Roe said, “My favorite baits are mullet, shad, and slicks and there are a couple of reasons I like to use live bait. One, a live bait is always better than a frozen bait. And two, a live bait is going to have a good oily scent on it. Once they’re frozen, they lose a lot of the oil scent. It’s also better to have the size and fresh quality of bait you want. I like mullet that range between 7 and 10 in length.”
Where to go catfishing is not a challenge in St. Mary Parish. Just south of Jesse Fontenot Boat Landing in Berwick is Fools Point, Chicken Island Pass, and right where the Atchafalaya River and Bayou Shaffer meet. In these three locations, you have both shallow and deep water fishing. You have sandy bottom and muddy bottom.
To the west you have the Calumet Spillway. Along the spillway there are numerous fishing locations all the way down to the Wax Lake side of the Atchafalaya Delta Wildlife Management Area. Big Lacassine Bayou near Belle Isle Lake is productive and so are Big and Little Beach Bayous, particularly at the mouth of their outlets where good catches of catfish can be had in May.
One of the areas Roe recommended is Lake Palourde.
Roe said, “Lake Palourde is only about 8-feet deep. They’re catching a lot of catfish on the north end of the lake right now.”
Finally, bank anglers should definitely fish the river fronts in Morgan City and Berwick. Catfish can be caught fishing from the bank at the Jesse Fontenot Landing. And finally, for a good family outing, fish catfish off the fishing pier at the Burns Point Landing down La. 317.
Burns Point Landing has restrooms, a boat launch, and a playground for children. It also has overnight camping for RVs, and pavilions with grills for cook outs.
Besides mullets and river shrimp, other good catfish baits are saltwater shrimp, nutria liver, big nightcrawler worms, and commercial stink baits. In short, catfish eat just about anything.
Tackle to catch catfish is all over the board. Roe uses heavy offshore fishing gear and outriggers on his boat. But catfish have been caught on everything from a kids “Snoopy” fishing pole to big game fishing tackle. In short, use what’s best for you and your budget. You’ll figure it out.
If the fish is too big for your tackle, you’ll have a good story to tell. Whatever you do, plan to get out. May is a great month, it’s still not too hot, and there’s plenty of catfish to catch!
John Flores is the Morgan City Review’s outdoor writer. He can be contacted at gowiththeflo@cox.net.

Louisiana’s governor has proposed that he institute a new policy that would strip levee districts in Louisiana of their autonomy. Board members of several large levee boards are crying foul, and charge that flood protection will suffer and emergency responses will slow down.  Louisiana has 23 Levee boards that cover the state’s waterways from the Arkansas border to the Gulf of Mexico. But here’s the question. Why have any levee boards at all?
For well over the first 200 years of Louisiana’s existence, all flood control efforts were constructed and initially paid for by the riverfront landowner, then by parishes adjoining the river, and then by funds raised by local levee boards. Federal involvement came about in 1917 with the passage of the Ransdell-Humphreys Flood Control Act, a flood control program designed to give protection up and down the Mississippi Valley. There was no requirement in this, and federal legislation that followed, that states seeking flood protection from levee boards.
Few other states have levee boards or levee districts. Mississippi has two. A number of states bordering the Mississippi River have none.
Louisiana spends hundreds of millions of dollars a year on various other construction projects without the oversight of any appointed board. In this fiscal year, there is some $165 million in public building construction projects taking place in Louisiana. The state budget for highway construction this year will top $1.1 billion. No governor-appointed board is in place to oversee any of this construction.
The simple fact is that having non-professionals appointed to boards that are given direct authority and control over basic protection to our public safety makes no sense in the 21st century. Professionals within the Louisiana State Department of Public Works and the U.S. Corps of Engineers would seem much better qualified to design the necessary flood protection plan, and oversee both the construction and maintenance of such important projects.
If the Corps of Engineers, as was alleged following Hurricane Katrina, made some serious errors in design and construction of our levy protection system, then certainly they should be held accountable. But do we continue to allow untrained, average citizens with no professional background to make decisions that, as we have tragically seen, can lead to serious consequences including the loss of human life?
Merely scaling down the present 23 levee boards to a handful doesn’t really address the problem. Levee boards are outdated. They are a thing of the past.
The Dutch do not turn over the protection of their entire nation, a country that rests primarily below sea level, to a board of non-professionals. Neither do the Italians in their efforts to defend their city on the sea, Venice. We live in the richest, most powerful and technologically advanced nation on earth. Surely the governor, the Legislature and the federal government can get together and work out a better administrative system than what we now have in place. There’s too much at stake.
Is electing levee boards the answer, as has been suggested by former U.S. Sen. Mary Landrieu? That makes about as much sense as electing firemen and policemen.
The 23 levy boards that are scattered throughout Louisiana are, for the most part, made up of decent, hardworking people who hold a variety of jobs, and they all have one thing in common: they know nothing about building and maintaining levees.
In the levee district debate presently before the legislature, there is an opportunity to end the parochialism that pits one parish or district against another. Statewide oversight would allow decisions to be made that are for the good of the state as a whole instead of drawing lines that shouldn’t exist.
Simply put, these times call for changes in the age-old system of political fiefdoms in the Bayou State. Take the politics out of levee engineering. That’s the way it works all over the world.  Why should Louisiana be any different?
Peace and Justice
Jim Brown
Jim Brown’s syndicated column appears each week in numerous newspapers throughout the nation and on websites worldwide. You can read all his past columns and see continuing updates at http://www.jimbrownla.com.

DEAR ABBY: I’ve known “Bianca” since high school. She’s my neighbor and godmother to my son. I consider her a sister, and we travel and spend holidays together. Our families get along well.
A month ago, my body started aching all over. I have been feeling sick, and my doctor is trying to figure out what’s wrong with me. One day, Bianca and I ran into each other, and I told her I was feeling really sick. She replied, “Stop saying that. Sick, sick, sick. No! Better to say that you are in pain but not sick!” (It was an order.) Abby, Bianca’s comment took me aback. I told her I can’t complain to my loved ones all the time and I thought I could share with her. She told me she gets worried every time I do it.
I complained to her only a couple of times in a three-week period. I’m so sad. Bianca is my best friend. We talk on the phone, but not as often as we used to. I know she realized immediately that she had hurt me, but she didn’t apologize. Every time I think about it, I get an empty feeling in my stomach. I’m not holding a grudge, but now I’m more careful about what I say. When she asks about my health, I change the subject. What are your thoughts on this?
CENSORED
IN ECUADOR

DEAR CENSORED: I am trying to decide if your friend Bianca may be so empathetic that when you mention your physical pain she experiences it, too, or whether she’s just plain insensitive.
Whatever the cause of her inability to listen to you discuss your symptoms, if you want this friendship to last, you are going to have to accept that she isn’t up to the challenge and find another outlet.
Consider asking your physician for a referral to a doctor who specializes in chronic pain.

DEAR ABBY: I have been at the same job for 20-plus years and have accrued a lot of vacation days. I don’t often take a week or two at a time; I’ll take a day off here and there. My neighbors can’t get their heads around this and ask me repeatedly, “Don’t you work every day? Do you have Fridays off? Why aren’t you at work?” It frosts me because they’re implying I’m doing something wrong and think my schedule and life are their business.
Most of the old-timers have left the complex since I moved in, but a few busybodies remain. They appear to suffer from “group think” and have a tendency to interfere. (One management company dropped us because they interfered so much.) It goes right over their heads that they might be bothering folks with questions like this. I’m now using the fire stairs and taking different routes to avoid encountering some of them. Any advice?
THIRD DEGREE IN MINNESOTA

DEAR THIRD DEGREE: Could some of those “old-timers” suffer from cognitive impairment, which is why they persist in asking these questions? If you are not interested in answering any question you regard as intrusive, change the subject, ignore the question and keep walking.

***

To order “How to Write Letters for All Occasions,” send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 to: Dear Abby — Letter Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447.