PLEASE LOG IN FOR PREMIUM CONTENT. Our website requires visitors to log in to view the best local news from St. Mary Now. Not yet a subscriber? Subscribe today!
James Richard is nearing retirement as police chief, but he isn’t leaving public service.
Mayor Louis Ratcliff presented Richard with Berwick’s “Beacon Shines On” award during Tuesday’s town council meeting.
Richard, who turns 54 on Nov. 29, will retire as police chief at the end of the year having served 14 years in that capacity. However, he will start a new role in the New Year when he becomes a Berwick councilman after being elected last week.
He began working in law enforcement in St. Mary Parish in 1984 and joined the Berwick Police Department in July 1987 as a patrolman.
“I never had a day that I didn’t want to come to work,” Richard said. “I’ve had a wonderful time here.”
Richard grew up in Bayou Vista but graduated from Berwick High School in 1982.
“I never dreamed that I would be the chief of police in the community that I went to school in,” he said.
Berwick is the “best community to work for” because the people “love law enforcement,” he said.
He learned a lot working under former Berwick police chiefs Duval Arthur and Ovay Rogers, whom Richard called “two special people in my life.”
Arthur, a current Berwick councilman, was elected mayor of Berwick last week and will take office in January.
Arthur plans to appoint Assistant Chief David Leonard as the new chief when Arthur takes office as mayor. Arthur said he’s confident that Leonard is the right person for the job and will do well in that position.
Leonard has worked for the Berwick Police Department for 31 years and said he has a “good foundation” working under great leadership.
Richard has served as police chief during Ratcliff’s entire three terms as mayor. Richard was also a Berwick officer while former mayors Emmett Hardaway and the late Everett Berry were in office and thanked all three mayors for their help over the years.
Richard was promoted to assistant chief in 1998 and stayed in that position until his appointment as police chief in August 2004. He’s also chairman of the Berwick Housing Authority and member of the Berwick Planning and Zoning Commission, the St. Mary Parish 911 Board and the Fairview Treatment Center Board.
October 19, 1961-November 12, 2018
Angela Chauvin Lowes, 57, passed away peacefully in her sleep during the early morning hours on Monday, November 12, 2018 in Houston, Texas. Born in Port Sulphur, Louisiana, October 19, 1961, as an identical twin daughter of Gloria Reed Chauvin and Lyle Chauvin of New Iberia.
Angela was preceded in death by her husband, Gordon Lowes, and leaves behind a beloved daughter, Marielle Lowes and two-year-old grandson, Donovan Lowes.
Angela was loved by many and will be greatly missed. With her personality and smile, she would light up a room and never met a stranger. If you ever had the privilege of eating Angela’s cooking, you knew that she was a talented cook. She was passionate about photography, art, makeup and fashion. Traveling was a favorite pastime and she was fortunate and blessed to have lived in Europe for a time. Angela lived most of her life in the bayou country of south Louisiana and worked in the oil & gas industry region from New Orleans to Houston.
In addition to her daughter, grandson and parents, Angela is survived by five siblings: brother, Jerry Chauvin of New Iberia, twin sister, Christina Chauvin Ziegeler of Youngsville, brother, Duane Chauvin (Shirin) of San Diego, CA, sister, Rebecca Fouquier (Jude) of Ventura, CA, and brother, Earl Chauvin (Laurissa) of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. She leaves behind many nieces and nephews: Julian, Matthew, Jason, Jude, Jonathan, Jake, Lauren, Emily, Andrew and Ellie; as well as great-nephews: Jack and Rio. Angela is also survived by her Uncle Bert Reed (Ann), Aunt Betty Reed, Godmother/Aunt Gloria Nini, Aunt Lana Hood (Raymond) and Aunt Eljean Nesmith.
The family is planning a Memorial Mass at St. Stephen Catholic Church in Berwick on December 18, 2018 at 10 a.m. Friends and family are invited to share in the celebration of her life. The family would like to gratefully acknowledge the compassionate and excellence of care given to Angela by the staff of The Methodist Hospital and Houston Hospice staff in Houston.
A 41-year-old man was caught with cocaine, crack cocaine, a Viagra pill and marijuana after deputies stopped a vehicle in Amelia, St. Mary Parish Sheriff Scott Anslum said in a news release.
—Christopher Prince, 41, of North Bayou Black Drive in Gibson, was arrested at 11:32 p.m. Friday on charges of possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of powdered cocaine with intent to distribute, possession of crack cocaine with intent to distribute, possession of Viagra without prescription, possession of drug paraphernalia, transactions involving drug proceeds, improper lane usage and resisting an officer.
Deputies with the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office observed a vehicle cross over the fog line and the center line on La. 182 in Amelia. The deputies conducted a traffic stop and made contact with the driver, Prince. During the investigation, K9 officer Buddy showed an odor response on the vehicle. The deputies found 2.5 grams of powdered cocaine, 37 rocks of crack cocaine, 76 grams of marijuana, a Viagra pill and a digital scale, Anslum said. Additionally, $1,491 in cash was seized pending forfeiture.
Prince was booked into jail and then released on $15,000 bail.
Anslum reported that deputies responded to 149 complaints in the parish and reported the following arrests in east St. Mary Parish:
—Brad Ackman, 39, of Roderick Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 8:50 a.m. Saturday on charges of speeding and driving under suspension.
A deputy monitoring traffic on U.S. 90 in Bayou Vista observed a truck traveling at a high rate of speed. The deputy conducted a traffic stop and made contact with the driver, Ackman. Through the stop, the deputy learned that Ackman’s license was suspended. Ackman was arrested and released on a summons to appear in court Jan. 30, 2019.
—Rena Wilson, 39, of Nini Lane in Bayou Vista, was arrested at 11:52 a.m. Saturday on a warrant for battery on a police officer and on a warrant for failure to appear on charges of unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling, entry on or remaining in places or land after being forbidden, simple battery, disturbing the peace-offensive words and resisting an officer.
A deputy was dispatched to a home on Nini Lane in Bayou Vista in reference to a trespassing complaint. Upon arrival, the deputy located Wilson. Through the investigation, the deputy learned of active warrants for Wilson’s arrest. Wilson was jailed with bail set at $8,000.
—Christy Washington, 37, of Railway Alley in Gibson, was arrested at 5:09 p.m. Saturday on charges of driving under suspension and driving in the right lane.
Deputies patrolling Bayou Vista observed a vehicle traveling in the left lane for several miles. The deputies conducted a traffic stop and made contact with the driver, Washington. The deputies learned that Washington’s license was suspended. Washington was jailed with bail set at $1,250
—Glenn Rochel Jr., 35, of Two Sisters Court in Bayou Vista, was arrested at 3:11 p.m. Sunday on charges of driving under suspension and improper lane usage.
A deputy patrolling the area of Bayou Vista observed a vehicle cross over the fog line and conducted a traffic stop. The deputy made contact with the driver, Rochel. The deputy learned that Rochel’s license was suspended. Rochel was arrested and released on a summons to appear in court Jan. 30, 2019.
—Victor Crane Jr., 51, of Shady Grove Drive in Patterson, was arrested at 7:46 p.m. Monday on charges of driving under suspension and stop signs and yield signs.
A deputy patrolling the area of Bayou Vista observed a vehicle fail to stop at a stop sign and conducted a traffic stop. The deputy made contact with the driver, Crane. The deputy learned that Crane’s license was suspended. Crane was arrested and released on a summons to appear in court Jan. 30, 2019.
—Tyler Wilson, 46, of Nini Lane in Bayou Vista, was arrested at 9:24 p.m. Friday on charges of possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of Clonazepam.
—Rena Wilson, 39, of Nini Lane in Bayou Vista, was arrested at 9:24 p.m. Friday on a charge of possession of drug paraphernalia.
A narcotics detective went to a home on Nini Lane in reference to locating a suspect involved in a battery upon another person. Upon arrival at the home, the detective located Tyler and Rena Wilson. The detective was given consent to search the home and found drugs and drug paraphernalia, Anslum said. Rena Wilson was released on a summons to appear in court Jan. 30, 2019. Tyler Wilson was jailed with bail set at $3,000.
Morgan City Police Chief James Blair reported that officers responded to 47 calls and reported the following arrests:
—Alexis L. Robertson, 33, of 11th Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 10:35 a.m. Monday on charges of possession of cocaine, possession of Suboxone with intent to distribute, possession of topiramate, possession of zolpidem tartrate, possession of drug paraphernalia and a warrant charging her with failure to appear in court.
—Randy G. Clark, 32, of Friendship Alley in Amelia, was arrested at 10:35 a.m. Monday on a charge of possession of cocaine and warrants charging him with failure to appear in court, two counts of failure to pay probation fees, three counts of failure to pay fines, probation violation and simple cruelty to animals.
—James D. Robinson, 50, of 11th Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 10:35 a.m. Monday on warrants charging him with failure to pay a probation fee and failure to pay a fine.
—Patrel M. Jenkins, 44, of 11th Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 10:35 a.m. Monday on charges of possession of Lortab and topiramate.
The narcotics division executed a search warrant at a home on 11th Street. Officers located Robertson, Clark, Robinson and Jenkins inside the home. During the search, officers located suspected cocaine, Suboxone, pills identified as Lortab, topiramate, zolpidem tartrate and drug paraphernalia, Blair said. All subjects were jailed.
—Summer Billiot, 33, of Mallard Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 8:53 a.m. Monday on a warrant charging her with six counts of failure to pay fines. Billiot was located at her home on Mallard Street and arrested on a city court warrant. Billiot was jailed.
—Bryant K. Harris, 31, of Mars Road in Bayou Vista, was arrested at 7:54 p.m. Monday on charges of unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling and possession of marijuana.
Officers responded to a home on Railroad Avenue in regard to an unknown individual inside the victim’s home. Police arrived and located the individual identified as Harris. The victim observed Harris standing in his doorway, Blair said. Police also found suspected marijuana in Harris’ possession, Blair said. Harris was jailed.
—Courtlin M. Carter, 29, of Birch Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 11:42 p.m. Monday on a warrant for failure to appear for trial. Carter was located on La. 70 and arrested on a city court warrant. Carter was jailed.
Berwick Police Chief James Richard reported the following arrest:
—Juan Lopez, 39, of Arlington Street in Bayou Vista, was arrested at 6 a.m. Sunday on charges of careless operation of a motor vehicle with a crash and no driver’s license. He posted $252 bail.
Patterson Police Chief Janis Merritt reported no arrests.
The Advocate
Yes, it will be cold enough for snow in parts of south Louisiana this week but, no, it’s not expected. Forecasters say the moisture needed to help make snow will be long gone before temperatures really drop.
Temperatures will run 20-25 degrees below normal for a few days this week as a rare mid-November blast of cold air plunges south.
The low for St. Mary is expected to be near 36 degrees Wednesday morning. The high Wednesday will do no better than 48 degrees.
On Thursday, the parish is due for its first freezing weather of the season. The low will be near 31 degrees. The high will climb back into the 50s.
After the rain moves out Tuesday, no precipitation is in the five-day forecast.
Across the region, according to the National Weather Service, rain will stick around Tuesday with chances ranging from 40 percent to 70 percent along the Acadiana-Baton Rouge-New Orleans corridor. And as the rain persists for another day, high temperatures likely won’t reach 50 degrees, making for a raw, dreary day.
From there, rain chances diminish, but cold air really starts to settle in Tuesday night into early Wednesday, with lows forecast to reach the mid-30s in Baton Rouge and Acadiana and the low 40s around New Orleans. With the wind, the weather will feel close to or even perhaps below freezing, the NWS forecasts.
Highs again Wednesday will struggle to reach 50 degrees, and then the region will have its coldest air of the season so far — reaching freezing in Baton Rouge and Acadiana and a few degrees above freezing in New Orleans. Some areas north of Interstate 12 could see readings in the upper 20s early Thursday.
A freeze watch might be necessary for Wednesday night-Thursday morning in the Baton Rouge and Lafayette areas, the NWS advises.
The cold blast certainly isn’t the norm for this time of year. Average high temperatures for south Louisiana should be in the low 70s while average lows typically hover around 50-55 degrees, according to NWS data.
Even while conditions will be raw and cold, the unseasonable cold appears unlikely to break records. Even at the peak of cold — late Wednesday into early Thursday — temperatures in the 30s will stay above record lows in the 20s.
A slow warming trend will arrive into the weekend with highs climbing in the 60s and lows in the 40s.
BATON ROUGE (AP) — While repairs continue on one bridge that spans the Mississippi River in south Louisiana, a state lawmaker is pushing for a new bridge in the region.
State Sen. Rick Ward, a Republican from Port Allen, near Baton Rouge, is featured in a new one-minute television ad calling for a new span.
The ad is paid for through Ward’s campaign fund. It’s getting praise from leaders of parishes that have been directly affected by the recent closure of the Sunshine Bridge. Leaders say that bridge’s closure following an October barge accident has made existing traffic problems worse.
The Sunshine bridge, in St. James Parish, is part of the transportation system serving industrialized areas downriver from Baton Rouge. The estimated cost of a new bridge is $1 billion.
“Since everything that has happened with the Sunshine bridge, everyone’s radar is up more than ever before,” Ward said.
The ad is a precursor to the work that will be done by the Capital Region Infrastructure Authority, which was created this spring through legislation Ward sponsored. The authority is composed of appointees from East Baton Rouge, West Baton Rouge, Iberville, Livingston and Ascension parishes, and the secretary of the state’s Department of Transportation and Development.
East Baton Rouge Parish Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome attended the authority’s first meeting a few months ago and says she plans to be an active participant in the conversation about a new bridge, a project she says would fall in line with her “MoveBR” 30-year, half-cent sales tax proposal.
Broome intends to use revenue generated by the sales tax, up for voter consideration on Dec. 8, to pay for upgrades and improvements to roadways throughout the city-parish.
“There’s no denying a new bridge will be beneficial,” she said.
In addition to devising how and where a new bridge could be built, Ward’s bill also gives the authority the power to propose fees and/or taxes that would fund whatever traffic solutions the body proposes.
Just a new bridge alone has an estimated price tag of at least $1 billion.
That’s where the ad comes in.
Any funding measures would have to win voter approval. A few preliminary ideas include a public-private partnership that would allow the authority to build the bridge and pay for it through tolls at the structure or sales taxes across the five-parish region.
“The PAC was set up for two reasons,” Ward said. “To let people know if they vote on something, it’s not another study to determine how to build a bridge. They’re voting on how to finance its construction.”
January 1, 1939 -November 8, 2018
Funeral services for Charles Curtis Mills, 79, of Van, were 2 p.m. Sunday, November 11, 2018, at Cheatham Memorial United Methodist Church in Edgewood. Burial followed at Haven of Memories in Canton. Services were under the direction of Hiett’s LyBrand Funeral Home.
Charles Curtis Mills was born January 1, 1939, in Houston, to parents, Howard Curtis Mills and Sydney Laverne Moon. Charles was raised in Channelview, Texas and graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in Baytown, Texas. After high school he attended Texas A&M University in College Station until being drafted in 1962. Charles served in the United States Army and was stationed at Fort Polk in Leesville, Louisiana. Charles married Norma Mills and she preceded him in death in 2004. He later married Bobbie Nadine Gray in Wills Point in 2006, and they lived in Grand Saline before moving to Van to make their home. Charles was a quality control supervisor in the steel industry working for ARMCO Steel, retiring in 1985. After retirement he worked for Ensco Steel in Louisiana. He was a member of Cheatham Memorial United Methodist Church in Edgewood and also a member of the Terry Hale Sunday school class. Charles was Mason for 60 years, a member of the Artesia Masonic Lodge No. 406 in Terrell and a past Grand Master. He was a member of the Shrine for 50 years and affiliated with Shriner Hella Temple of Garland. Charles was also a member of Rollin’ Nobles and served as President.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Sydney Mills of Blanco, Texas; and two nieces, Lisa Rodrick and Sarah Rodrick of Channelview, Texas; and former wife, Norma Mills of Wills Point, Texas.
Charles is survived by his wife, Nadine Gray Mills of Van, Texas; three sons, Bret Mills and wife Renee, and Bart Mills, all of Jackson, Tennessee, and Craig Mills of Flatwoods, Louisiana; step-daughter Trish Elliott and husband, Tom and step-son Ronnie Gray and wife Jill; two sisters, Barbara Coffey of Aurora, Colorado and Judy Rodrick and husband Kenneth of Mt. Bellview, Texas; two nephews, Randy Rodrick and wife Ruby of Livingston, Texas, and Scott Coffey of San Antonio, Texas and two nieces, Saundra Nichols of Austin, Texas and Crystal Wilcox and husband Chris of Denton, Texas; two great-nephews, Ryan Parrish of Frisco, Texas and Christopher Parrish of Humble, Texas; seven grandchildren, Ashley Tieman and husband Nicholas of Bartlett, Tennessee, Chris Mills and wife DeAnn of Salem, Oregon, Susan Tuders and husband Rusty of Jackson, Tennessee, Andrew Mills and wife Jessica of Santa Fe, Texas, Brittany Mills of Santa Fe, Texas, Courtney Mills of Fremont, Nebraska, and Blake Mills of Alexandria, Louisiana; five great-grandchildren, Christopher and Natalie Tieman, Hailey Mills, Grace Mills, and Lucy Tuders; three step-granddaughters, Cassie Mason and husband Dusty, Callie Haggard and husband Curtis and Blair Perry; step-great-grandsons, Jackson, Judson and P.K. Haggard, Parker, Carter and Asher Mason and Breckin Perry; and step-great-granddaughter, Brele Perry.
Visitation was held at the Cheatham Memorial United Methodist Church one hour prior to service time.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to Cheatham Memorial United Methodist Church for a structural improvement project that is ongoing or to your favorite charity.
HOMECOMING
Service at St. John Baptist Church, 508 Utah St., Berwick, 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 18. Guest minister the Rev. Tyrone Scott Sr., Christ Baptist Church, Belle Rose. Public invited.
BACK TO THE 80S
Berwick High Drama Club, with collaboration from Patterson High Drama Club, presents Back to the 80s, a play about a class reunion. Audience asked to dress in 80s garb, and be prepared to dance and sing. Dates and prices: Dinner showing 6 p.m. Dec. 1, tickets, $15; and Sunday Matinee (no dinner) 2 p.m. Dec. 2, $8 in advance, $10 at the door. Performances at Morgan City Auditorium ball room. For info contact Kim Vasquez, 985-384-8450.
The following are the radio dispatch logs from the Morgan City Police Department. To report unlawful or suspicious activity, call the police department at 985-380-4605.
Sunday, Nov. 11
6:14 a.m. 7500 block of La. 182; Alarm.
7:55 a.m. Levee Road and Veterans Boulevard; Animal.
7:58 a.m. Franklin and Maple streets; Accident.
8:14 a.m. 3100 block of Lake Palourde Road; Alarm.
8:26 a.m. 4000 block of Chennault Street; Frequent patrols.
8:43 a.m. 1600 block of Parlange Street; Animal.
9:43 a.m. Veterans Boulevard; Traffic incident.
10:18 a.m. 1700 block of East Garner Street; Alarm.
10:36 a.m. Mallard Street; Disturbance.
11:55 a.m. 3000 block of Mark Drive; Complaint.
12:01 p.m. 7200 block of La. 182; Disturbance.
12:05 p.m. 1400 block of North Third Street; Animal.
12:40 p.m. 500 block of Egle Street; Medical.
12:49 p.m. 7500 block of La. 182; Suspicious person.
1:01 p.m. 900 block of Seventh Street; Theft.
1:58 p.m. 400 block of Fifth Street; Disturbance.
2:11 p.m. 1000 block of Pine Street; Medical.
2:17 p.m. 300 block of Barrow Street; 911 hang up.
4:05 p.m. 800 block of Youngs Road; 911 hang up.
Monday, Nov. 12
5:46 p.m. 700 block of Fourth Street; Loud music.
6:27 p.m. 4000 block of Chennault Street; Patrol request.
6:45 p.m. 1500 block of North Third Street; Disturbance.
6:59 p.m. U.S. 90 West; Stalled vehicle.
7:09 p.m. Brashear Avenue and Second Street; Complaint.
7:21 p.m. Second Street; Juvenile problem.
7:38 p.m. 7600 block of La. 182; Alarm.
7:45 p.m. 400 block of Railroad Avenue; Arrest.
8:25 p.m. 6500 block of La. 182; Shoplifter.
9:33 p.m. 600 block of Terrebonne Street; Juvenile problem.
9:39 p.m. 6300 block of La. 182; Suspicious vehicle.
10:18 p.m. Sixth and Terrebonne streets; Crash.
11:20 p.m. 1100 block of Marguerite Street; Arrest.
11:38 p.m. 200 block of Railroad Avenue; Alarm.
Tuesday, Nov. 13
12:09 a.m. 900 block of Cherry Street; Loud music.
1:40 a.m. 6400 block of La. 182; Suspicious vehicle.
3:02 a.m. 900 block of Short Street; Medical.
Cajun Santa and his alligators will arrive in Morgan City before Christmas thanks to Lee Romaire.
Romaire, 52, a Morgan City native and 1984 graduate of Central Catholic High School, is founder and CEO of Romaire Studios in Los Angeles.
He will unveil a new Christmas display that he and a team of other artists created for his hometown at 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 30, on the Spirit of Morgan City shrimp boat located in the median of Brashear Avenue.
The unveiling will be 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 of the display.
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, Santa will be decked out in white shrimping boots, and his outfit will have brown fur instead white fur to represent the fur industry. Instead of reindeer, Romaire chose to create albino alligators that are more “Christmassy” than regular alligators, he said Monday while in Morgan City.
At first, Romaire was going to use a “traditional Christmas theme” for the display.
But he later decided having a “Cajun Christmas theme” would be much neater and incorporate aspects of the Morgan City community, he said.
He plans to return to the city prior to the lighting ceremony to set up the display, which will include some other Louisiana-themed decorations that Romaire is keeping a secret until the Nov. 30 unveiling.
“We’re thrilled that Lee is making this generous donation to his hometown,” Morgan City Mayor Frank “Boo” Grizzaffi said in a news release.
“Our Christmas display will soon have a Louisiana theme and memorable characters from a leading creative studio that works with the world’s top theme parks,” Grizzaffi said.
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" and share it with people, Romaire said.
Romaire Studios mostly now does work for theme parks in research and development along with production. The company used to do a lot of work for movies, TV and commercials.
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.
So adding his own touch to the display was “a natural choice for me,” Romaire said.
He grew up with Grizzaffi, so he called the mayor and said he wanted to donate a new Christmas display to Morgan City.
As a child, Romaire started doing taxidermy and was always fascinated with “things that looked real.”
Going to Disney World with its themed-environments at a young age inspired him to later pursue a career creating art in the movie and theme park industries.
Though Romaire has spent the past two decades creating characters and creatures, he spent about a decade of his career working in advertising.
He graduated in 1989 with an advertising degree from LSU and used that degree to do creative writing and directing. But he eventually grew tired of that work.
“As a kid, I was always very creative and made things, so I wanted to do that again,” Romaire said.
Romaire was working in New Orleans when he decided to make a career change and began sculpting Mardi Gras props. He then realized that he wanted to work in the “movie business” and was mentored by makeup artist Dick Smith, who did work on “The Godfather” and “The Exorcist.”
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