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Louisiana State Open Horseshoe Tournament

Tue, 04/29/2025 - 10:07am

Kemper Williams Park, Patterson
April 26
Class A
First place, Tim Gilmore (tournament champion), Bayou Vista, 5 wins-0 losses, 60.5 ring percentage; second place, Tim Hayles, Berwick, 3-2, 40.5; and third place, Sharla Fontenot, Lacassine, 2-3, 41.5.
Class B
First, Larry Pertuit, Marrero, 5-1, 32.5; second, Nancy Woods, Monroe, 4-2, 28.7; and third, Ricky Richard, Church Point, 3-2, 36.3.
Class C
First, Mack Thibodeaux, Lake Arthur, 5-0, 26.0; second, Bobbie Richard, Church Point, 4-1, 27.0; and third, Matthew Strickland, Morgan City, 3-2, 20.0;
Class D
First, Glen Calliouet, Raceland, 5-2, 22.9; second, Adarious Robertson, Port Allen, 4-3, 23.6; and third, Joseph Thomas, Port Allen, 4-3, 23.5.
Class E
First, Ricky Pitre, Chauvin, 4-1, 14.5; second, Joe Primeaux, Broussard, 3-2, 20.5; and third, Mark Jones, Patterson, 3-2, 11.0.
Class F
First, Kevin Kinslow, Bayou Blue, 5-0, 17.5; second, Hilton Rhodes, Bayou Vista, 4-1, 16.0; and third, Clay Weaver, Lacassine, 3-2, 15.5.

Seafood industry gets huge break, and red tape

Tue, 04/29/2025 - 10:00am
NOLAN McKENDRY, The Center Square

Permitting is a costly regulatory hurdle among many U.S. industries with money, time, opportunity and business are all lost to the cumbersome grind of securing the government’s approval. 
Consider the seafood industry, which President Donald Trump just threw a life-jacket. 
Despite the United States controlling over 4 million square miles of prime fishing grounds, nearly 90% of seafood consumed domestically is imported, contributing to a trade deficit exceeding $20 billion, according to the executive order.
At the POWERS Summit and Expo hosted by the American Association of Port Authorities, U.S. Maritime Administrator Ann Phillips addressed the financial and operational challenges posed by inconsistent federal permitting processes for aquaculture facilities. 
She highlighted that varying enforcement practices by the National Marine Fisheries Service under the Endangered Species Act have led to unpredictability and increased costs for aquaculture operators.  
“It’s supposed to be the same everywhere. That’s an ongoing discussion. We understand the unpredictability and are working with marine fisheries. ... There’s a growing sense that we need to do more and make the process the same everywhere”, ​Phillips said, as reported by The Business Journal.
The complexity of the current permitting landscape requires aquaculture ventures to navigate approvals from multiple federal agencies, including the EPA, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and NMFS. 
This multi-agency oversight can lead to extended timelines and increased expenses, particularly when environmental assessments are involved. Industry experts suggest that pre-permitting designated ocean areas for aquaculture could streamline the process and reduce costs by conducting necessary reviews in advance.​
The recent executive order issued by Trump ​ordered the Secretary of Commerce to “expand exempted fishing permit programs to promote fishing opportunities nationwide," broadening the scope and accessibility of Exempted Fishing Permits.
EFPs are special authorizations issued by NOAA Fisheries that allow individuals or organizations to conduct fishing activities that are otherwise restricted under current regulations.
Trump issued a similar order in 2020, but it was struck down in court. 
​Both fish farms and offshore energy exploration projects must navigate a complex regulatory landscape, often involving multiple overlapping permitting requirements. 
Each project typically undergoes individual assessments and approvals, including obtaining a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit under the Clean Water Act, as well as consultations to ensure compliance with the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act
In 2022, Ocean Era announced that it was finally issued its NPDES four years after the company first applied. 
“It has been over four and a half years since we first began the permitting for this project, and the staff in EPA and other Federal agencies have been incredibly persistent, thorough and unswervingly objective in their analyses, throughout the process,” CEO Neil Sims said in a news release.  “This one permit is for a single batch of no more than 20,000 fish, in one small net pen. That’s about one-tenth the size of a commercial-scale net pen, and perhaps only 1 percent the scale of a full commercial farm. Permitting for research, demonstration and development projects should not be this hard.”
As part of the permit’s conditions, the company is required to develop four key documents covering water quality monitoring, quality control protocols, environmental mitigation strategies, and best practices for operations. According to Ocean Era’s project proposal, they require six permits in total for their fish farm. 
“The project’s design incorporates an innovative approach to farming that combines fish and seaweed, which will promote nutrient cycling and enhance water quality,” the proposal states.  
While the permit marked a milestone for the offshore aquaculture project, it’s still not the final green light. Ocean Era still needs authorization from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and must submit the required plans before it can begin operations, according to the National Sea Grant Law Center. 

Legislators push again for pieces of failed amendment

Tue, 04/29/2025 - 9:59am
NOLAN McKENDRY, The Center Square

Louisiana legislators are reintroducing key parts of the recently rejected Amendment 2, this time in a much more streamlined fashion.
Amendment 2, rejected by voters in March, had attempted a sweeping rewrite of Article 7 of the state constitution but was widely criticized for its complexity and length. Lawmakers are now trying a simpler approach with a pair of constitutional amendments focused on specific issues.
One amendment will combine two major funds and redirect the money to pay down debt owed to the Teachers Retirement System of Louisiana. This plan would ultimately provide $2,000 stipends to teachers. 
However, because the original amendment failed, the stipends remain unfunded. Even if the new proposals pass, teachers will not receive payments until November 2026.
Instead of combining several issues into one proposal, lawmakers have split them. 
House Bill 472 focuses on budget and revenue stabilization changes, while HB473 would reappropriate those savings to cover the teacher stipends. Both amendments passed committee favorably.
Originally 130 pages long, HB472 has now been condensed to just six pages, now only functioning to combine the Revenue Stabilization Fund and the Budget Stabilization Fund.
During a recent hearing, Emerson, who is carrying the bill, explained why legislators shifted strategies. 
“After the failure of Amendment 2 on March 29, we wanted to revisit some of the topics,” Emerson said. “I got a lot of feedback — many people told me they liked the concepts but said it was too much at once and became confusing.”
He said the original version had to reprint the entire Article 7 because it touched on multiple subjects, creating a bill that ran over 115 pages.
“Our desire was not to make it that long,” Emerson said. “The public and members of the Legislature overwhelmingly asked us to focus on a single issue.”
“As the Revenue Stabilization Trust Fund phases out, mineral revenues will instead flow directly into the general fund, increasing recurring revenues,” Emerson said. “We’re removing the $600 million corporate collection cap that limited what could be deposited into the general fund.”
Other legislation introduced functions to phase out the state’s inventory tax, another piece of the March amendment that failed.

Lawmakers crack down on abuse at early learning centers

Tue, 04/29/2025 - 9:58am
GRACE THOMPSON, LSU Manship School News Service

BATON ROUGE -- The Louisiana Senate Health and Welfare Committee advanced legislation this week aimed at closing gaps in child abuse investigations at early learning centers.
The bill moved forward following a heartbreaking testimony from a family whose three-year-old daughter was sexually assaulted by a classmate at an unlicensed private school.
Senate Bill 41, introduced by Sen. Regina Barrow, D-Baton Rouge, aims to clarify who holds responsibility for investigating child-on-child abuse in early education settings and strengthen oversight of unlicensed early learning centers.
They include some day care centers and pre-kindergarten programs that are not currently required to follow Louisiana Department of Education guidelines.
The proposal gained urgency after a powerful testimony from a Jefferson Parish family.
The father, a member of the Army National Guard, testified that he discovered blood in his daughter’s underwear after picking her up from school and helping her change into her leotard for gymnastics practice. His daughter later told him a classmate had touched her inappropriately.
“We immediately sought medical help at Children’s Hospital in New Orleans.” the father told the committee. “The weeks that followed, my mental health would be equivalent to, if not worse than, my combat deployment to Iraq.”
The family explained how the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office initially refused to investigate, citing the children’s young age, and how the Department of Children and Family Services stated that the matter fell under law enforcement’s jurisdiction.
It was not until weeks later that a detective was assigned to the case.
“Everybody is pointing fingers at each other,” the mother proclaimed.
She explained that no agency would take responsibility for the case. That led her to pull her child out of school and have her father-in-law travel down from New York to help care for the children.
Under current law, public schools are required to conduct criminal background checks on employees but are not mandated to consult DCFS’s child abuse registry.
“We need to get this gap closed,” Sen. Barrow said. “There is no reason this school shouldn’t be treated like any other school.”
SB41 would require all schools, public and private, to conduct both criminal history checks and consult the child abuse registry before hiring staff. It also aims to define which agency must respond when incidents like the one experienced by the Jefferson Parish family occur.
State child ombudsman Kathleen Ritchie testified that such incidents often stem from a history of trauma and said both alleged perpetrators and victims must be assessed and connected to services.
“We’ve failed this child, and we need to fix this problem,” said Sen. Jay Luneau. “We’ve got to do better.”
The bill also includes amendments that limit registry background checks to school employees hired after August 1, 2018, and exempt certified teachers from duplicate checks already completed by schools.
The bill received strong support from the committee and heads to the Senate floor.

LSU says its research is valued at more than half a billion

Tue, 04/29/2025 - 9:56am

For four years in a row, LSU has soared in research, the university said in a press release
In the 2023-2024 academic year, LSU’s research campuses in Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and Shreveport achieved a record-breaking $543 million in combined research activity. Not only did this lead to life-changing discoveries and support thousands of jobs — the direct economic impact of LSU research on Louisiana is higher than ever, estimated at $1.5 billion.
“Reaching $543 million in research demonstrates the unified efforts of our faculty and research staff across the LSU enterprise and underscores our commitment to affecting Louisianans where it really matters – improving agricultural yields, biomedical research for better cancer prevention and treatment, saving our coast and fisheries, enhancing defense and national security, and protecting our energy industry,” said LSU President William F. Tate IV. “Our teams have no confusion on their mission, and they are winning for the people of Louisiana.”
Under its Scholarship First Agenda, announced in 2022, LSU set a bold goal of 10% research growth year over year. The 2023-2024 leap, from $488 million to $543 million, represents an increase of 11.5%, marking explosive growth and lighting LSU’s path to joining the Top 50 research universities in the U.S.
“Our continued growth in research at LSU represents our commitment to finding solutions to some of the most critical issues here in Louisiana, from agricultural sustainability and healthy communities to coastal resilience and energy independence,” LSU Vice President of Research & Economic Development Robert Twilley said. “These are also global challenges that national laboratories and distinguished university peers are partnering with LSU to solve, leading to highly impactful team science.”
LSU’s historic growth depends primarily on federal funding for large research teams. It also speaks to the statewide university’s sustained, strategic investment in research areas where LSU’s combined strengths in research meet Louisiana’s greatest needs—such as in agriculture, biomedicine, coast, defense, and energy; the five research priorities in LSU’s Scholarship First Agenda.
These are some of LSU’s teams behind the numbers:
•Continued support from the Patrick F. Taylor Foundation enabled the LSU AgCenter to increase its research and extension mission across Louisiana by establishing four model farms for rice, corn, soybeans, cotton, and sugarcane on a total of 540 acres to implement and demonstrate science-based best practices for soil and water management in partnership with Louisiana farmers. By reducing agricultural inputs such as fertilizers and pesticides, farmers become more profitable while protecting the Mississippi River watershed. A grant renewal in 2023 brought the total award for this project to $3.1 million.
•An LSU Health New Orleans team led by Dr. Jeffrey Carter, LSU professor of surgery and director of the Burn Center at University Medical Center in New Orleans, was awarded $4.6 million from the Department of Defense to improve the treatment of burn and blast injuries during military conflicts and civilian disasters. When victims must be transported by train, truck, or car to nearby hospitals, comprehensive care is often delayed. But with new tools and training on how to clean, clear, depressurize, and dress wounds in the field, first responders can make a difference between a victim needing a skin graft instead of an amputation.
The D4 Child Language Lab team, led by Professor Janna Oetting in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, was awarded $2.8 million by the National Institutes of Health to work with schools in rural, suburban, and urban Louisiana to make it possible to diagnose developmental language disorder, or DLD, in children who speak various dialects of Louisiana English. DLD is more prevalent than autism, and children with DLD are 12 times more likely to have significant problems with reading, spelling, and math. Without proper diagnosis and support, children with DLD often suffer life-long setbacks.
A team led by LSU Boyd Professor Eric Ravussin at Pennington Biomedical was awarded $7.3 million by the National Institutes of Health to help move the nation beyond a “one size fits all” approach to diet, which fails a large segment of the population. By establishing a Nutrition for Precision Health Center in Baton Rouge and doing a cross-over study of three diets—a hybrid of the Mediterranean diet and the DASH diet, which was developed by researchers at Pennington Biomedical; a mostly plant-based flexitarian diet; and a standard Western diet—Ravussin’s team is developing a first-of-its-kind diet prediction algorithm based on individual factors such as genetics, metabolism, physiology, microbiome, behavior, and environment.
•Known by its acronyms, ACTIONS and DEEDS, which stand for Anticipating Threats to Natural Systems and Developing Engineering Practices for Ecosystem Design Solutions, two projects led by Professor Robert Twilley in the College of the Coast & Environment have so far been awarded $15 million by the Department of Defense through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to help the military use — not fight — nature to ensure their operations and infrastructure remain resilient in the face of flooding and strong storms; solutions that translate to coastal communities everywhere.
•The LSU Cybersecurity Clinic trains and deploys teams of cybersecurity students to help secure small businesses across Louisiana. Led by Associate Professor Aisha Ali-Gombe in the College of Engineering, the clinic was the first of its kind to be funded by the National Security Agency following LSU’s designation as 1 of 22 National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Operations in 2022. The project was awarded $1.5 million.
•Professor John Flake in the College of Engineering leads a team of chemists, chemical engineers, and more than 30 students who were awarded $4 million by the National Science Foundation to develop new electrolyzers that industry can use to transform CO2 and water into valuable base chemicals such as acetic acid, ethanol, and ethylene. These base chemicals can then be used to make polymers, medicines, food, and other products people use and need every day.

Morgan City police radio logs for April 23-28

Mon, 04/28/2025 - 8:02pm

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.
Wednesday, April 23
6:29 a.m. 900 block of Marguerite Street; Vehicle accident.
6:36 a.m. 100 block of St. Claire Street; Medical.
8:19 a.m. 500 block of Roderick Street; Animal complaint.
9:04 a.m. 1000 block of Fifth Street; Juvenile problems.
9:44 a.m. 700 block of David Drive; Disturbance.
10:03 a.m. La. 70; Assistance.
10:22 a.m. 600 block of Kentucky Street; Complaint.
10:26 a.m. La. 182/Berwick; Assistance.
10:53 a.m. 500 block of Brashear Avenue; Alarm.
10:59 a.m. Fourth/Duke streets; Suspicious subject.
11:02 a.m. 500 block of Fourth Street; Animal complaint.
11:16 a.m. 700 block of Fourth Street; Residential burglary.
11:24 a.m. 1000 block of Seventh Street; Theft.
11:51 a.m. Front/Onstead streets; Vehicle accident.
11:59 a.m. 700 block of David Drive; Medical.
12:06 p.m. 900 block of Clothilde Street; Criminal trespassing.
12:09 p.m. 1100 block of Marguerite Street; Vehicle accident.
1:25 p.m. 7200 block of La. 182; Complaint.
1:39 p.m. U.S. 90 West/Federal Avenue; Traffic incident.
1:41 p.m. 900 block of Marguerite Street; Suspicious subject.
1:44 p.m. 100 block of Chennault Street; Complaint.
1:49 p.m. 2500 block of Elm Street; Harassment.
1:53 p.m. 900 block of Marguerite Street; Patrol request.
2:16 p.m. 1100 block of Seventh Street; Disturbance.
2:29 p.m. 300 block of Levee Road; Complaint.
2:46 p.m. 3100 block of Susan Drive; Welfare concern.
3:47 p.m. 200 block of Brashear Avenue; Theft.
4:01 p.m. U.S. 90/La. 182 Exit; Reckless driver.
4:03 p.m. 1000 block of Seventh Street; Vehicle accident.
5:19 p.m. 100 block of Glenwood Street; Lost and found property.
5:42 p.m. 2400 block of Apple Street; Suspicious vehicle.
7:05 p.m. 100 block of Chennault Street; Loud music.
7:32 p.m. 6200 block of La. 182; Theft.
7:49 p.m. Fourth Street/Brashear Avenue; Complaint.
8:55 p.m. 700 block of Everett Street; Suspicious person/vehicle.
9:25 p.m. 900 block of Seventh Street; Suspicious person/vehicle.
9:36 p.m. 1200 block of Victor II Boulevard; Complaint.
9:50 p.m. 1400 block of Railroad Avenue; Complaint.
9:58 p.m. 7400 block of La. 182; Arrest.
10:17 p.m. 300 block of Wren Street; Complaint.
10:52 p.m. Seventh/Willard streets; Suspicious person/vehicle.
11:03 p.m. Federal Avenue/Greenwood Street; Suspicious person/vehicle.
11:20 p.m. Sandra/Redwood streets; Suspicious person/vehicle.
Thursday, April 24
1:02 a.m. 100 block of Wren Street; Medical.
1:03 a.m. Fourth/Everett streets; Suspicious person/vehicle.
1:23 a.m. 100 block of Wren Street; Medical.
3:26 a.m. Roderick/Chennault streets; Complaint.
3:53 a.m. David Drive; Alarm.
5:54 a.m. 800 block of Brashear Avenue; Welfare concern.
7:11 a.m. U.S. 90 West/Welcome Center; Reckless driver.
7:34 a.m. 1600 block of McDermott Drive; Medical.
7:53 a.m. U.S. 90 West/Shoneys; Stalled vehicle.
8:20 a.m. 1100 block of Ditch Avenue; Animal complaint.
8:45 a.m. Wytchwood Drive; Animal complaint.
8:56 a.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Theft.
9:35 a.m. 1100 block of Seventh Street; 911 hang up.
9:44 a.m. 500 block of Roderick Street; Medical.
10 a.m. U.S. 90 West/La. 182 Ramp; Stalled vehicle.
10:20 a.m. 300 block of Chennault Street; Theft.
10:21 a.m. 2600 block of Sixth Street; Patrol request.
10:43 a.m. Mayon Street; Animal complaint.
10:47 a.m. Lawrence Park; Welfare concern.
11:27 a.m. 600 block of Oregon Street/Berwick; Assistance.
11:30 a.m. 300 block of Terrebonne Street; Intel.
11:42 a.m. 1800 block of Elk Street; Animal complaint.
Noon U.S. 90 West/Federal Avenue Ramp; Vehicle accident.
12:11 p.m. 3200 block of Susan Drive; Lost property.
12:20 p.m. 500 block of Roderick Street; Complaint.
12:32 p.m. 1000 block of La. 70; Vehicle accident.
12:51 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Harassment.
1:26 p.m. 500 block of Roderick Street; Hit and run.
1:53 p.m. 600 block of Fourth Street; Theft.
1:56 p.m. 400 block of Myrtle Street; Animal complaint.
2:33 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Arrest.
2:42 p.m. Federal Avenue/Hilda Street; Assistance.
2:48 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Arrest.
2:52 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Arrest.
3:25 p.m. 1100 block of Victor II Boulevard; Complaint.
3:35 p.m. Patterson Truck Stop/U.S. 90; Assistance.
3:43 p.m. 600 block of Kentucky Street; Criminal trespassing.
3:49 p.m. 6400 block of La. 182; Disturbance.
4:02 p.m. 1000 block of Third Street; Missing juvenile.
4:33 p.m. U.S. 90 East/Martin Luther King Boulevard; Vehicle accident.
4:47 p.m. 100 block of Eleventh Street; Animal complaint.
4:54 p.m. 900 block of Seventh Street; Complaint.
5:01 p.m. 500 block of St Mary Street/Patterson; Assistance.
5:04 p.m. Terrebonne Street; Welfare concern.
5:21 p.m. 1000 block of Second Street; Animal complaint.
5:32 p.m. 3200 block of Karen Drive; Juvenile problems.
5:52 p.m. Duke Street/Federal Avenue; Runaway juvenile.
6:12 p.m. Railroad/Federal avenues; Suspicious person/vehicle.
6:53 p.m. U.S. 90; Traffic incident.
7:11 p.m. 6400 block of La. 182; Suspicious person/vehicle.
7:19 p.m. Kentucky Street; Suspicious person/vehicle.
7:30 p.m. Bowman Street; Disturbance.
7:43 p.m. 3100 block of Wytchwood Drive; Assistance.
7:51 p.m. 2400 block of Apple Street; Complaint.
8:15 p.m. Florida Street/Brashear Avenue; Suspicious person/vehicle.
8:51 p.m. 7200 block of La. 182; Suspicious person/vehicle.
8:54 p.m. 7700 block of La. 182; Suspicious person/vehicle.
9:53 p.m. 2400 block of Apple Street; Suspicious person/vehicle.
9:58 p.m. Seventh/Florence streets; Suspicious person/vehicle.
11:20 p.m. 400 block of Garber Street; Complaint.
Friday, April 25
12:04 a.m. 6500 block of La. 182; Suspicious person/vehicle.
12:08 a.m. Duke/Ninth streets; Suspicious person/vehicle.
7:46 a.m. 5000 block of Railroad Avenue; Animal complaint.
7:53 a.m. 2400 block of Tiger Drive; Fight.
8:32 a.m. 6400 block of La. 182; Simple assault.
8:39 a.m. 200 block of Franklin Street; Assistance.
9:05 a.m. 1600 block of Willow Bend; Medical.
9:40 a.m. 100 block of Eleventh Street; Animal complaint.
10:59 a.m. Brashear Avenue/Sixth Street; Utilities.
11:23 a.m. U.S. 90 West; Animal complaint.
11:29 a.m. 1000 block of Brashear Avenue; Medical.
11:48 a.m. 7200 block of La. 182; Animal complaint.
12:44 p.m. 2300 block of La. 70; Complaint.
1:18 p.m. 1200 block of Victor II Boulevard; Inmate transfer.
1:50 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Search warrant.
2:04 p.m. 300 block of Mallard Street; Complaint.
3:41 p.m. Fifth/Maine streets; Suspicious person.
4:21 p.m. 7200 block of La. 182; Welfare check.
4:53 p.m. Garber Street; Disturbance.
5:14 p.m. Sixth Street/Brashear Avenue; Utilities.
5:28 p.m. Freret/Front streets; Utilities.
6:55 p.m. 7500 block of La. 182; Animal complaint.
10:06 p.m. Third Street/South Railroad Avenue; Arrest.
10:33 p.m. 1000 block of La. 70; 911 hang up.
11:31 p.m. Greenwood Street; Suspicious subject.
11:40 p.m. Federal Avenue; Suspicious subject.
Saturday, April 26
12:39 a.m. Garber Street; Fireworks.
1:35 a.m. Bowman/Sixth streets; Loud music.
1:46 a.m. 500 block of Bowman Street; Animal complaint.
2:45 a.m. First/Everett streets; Suspicious subject.
3:15 a.m. 600 block of Martin Luther King Boulevard; Suspicious subject.
7:38 a.m. 1400 block of North Third Street; Subject removal.
9:57 a.m. 1400 block of Railroad Avenue; 911 hang up.
11:10 a.m. 500 block of Roderick Street; Juvenile problems.
11:56 a.m. 7300 block of La. 182; Suspicious person.
12:11 p.m. 1300 block of Federal Avenue; Medical.
1:30 p.m. 500 block of Roderick Street; Welfare check.
2:36 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Arrest.
3:45 p.m. 500 block of Garber Street; Subject removal.
4:16 p.m. 1400 block of Second Street; Suspicious person.
4:25 p.m. 1000 block of Myrtle Street; Complaint.
5:25 p.m. 300 block of Chennault Street; Animal complaint.
5:51 p.m. 3100 block of Wytchwood; Medical.
7:34 p.m. 2600 block of Sixth Street; Complaint.
7:55 p.m. U.S. 90 East; Crash.
9:05 p.m. 700 block of David Drive; Complaint.
9:08 p.m. 1500 block of Victor II Boulevard; Arrest.
9:46 p.m. 1100 block of Marguerite Street; Disturbance.
10 p.m. 6700 block of La. 182; Complaint.
10:23 p.m. 2400 block of Federal Avenue; Theft.
10:28 p.m. 600 block of Kentucky Street; Complaint.
11:11 p.m. Federal Avenue/Union Street; Suspicious subject.
Sunday, April 27
12:25 a.m. 500 block of Railroad Avenue; Arrest.
1:15 a.m. 3000 block of Lizabeth Drive; Stand by.
1:33 a.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; 911 hang up.
2:07 a.m. 7400 block of La. 182; Complaint.
3:26 a.m. 7200 block of La. 182; Suspicious subject.
3:56 a.m. Karen/McDermott drives; Complaint.
5:25 a.m. U.S. 90 East; Assistance.
9:12 a.m. 500 block of Roderick Street; Medical.
10:04 a.m. 300 block of Grizzaffi Street; Animal complaint.
11 a.m. Justa/Roderick streets; Theft.
11:27 a.m. 1000 block of Federal Avenue; Alarm.
11:29 a.m. U.S. 90 East; Stalled vehicle.
12:17 p.m. 500 block of Marshall Street; Medical.
12:26 p.m. 200 block of Bowman Street; Animal complaint.
1:20 p.m. 1100 block of Marguerite Street; Complaint.
1:26 p.m. 1700 block of Youngs Road; Theft.
2:49 p.m. Glenwood Street; Animal complaint.
3:53 p.m. 700 block of David Drive; Medical.
4:10 p.m. La. 70/U.S. 90 Junction; Vehicle fire.
6:38 p.m. 300 block of Fourth Street; Animal complaint.
6:58 p.m. 1700 block of Youngs Road; Patrol.
9:23 p.m. 300 block of Laurel Street; Medical.
9:26 p.m. 900 block of Poplar Street; Animal complaint.
9:46 p.m. Federal Avenue/Duke Street; Arrest.
9:53 p.m. Railroad Avenue/Roderick Street; Hit and run.
10:13 p.m. 2100 block of Federal Avenue; Complaint.
Monday, April 28
12:02 a.m. 1400 block of Chestnut Drive; Complaint.
12:47 a.m. 2300 block of Cypress Street; Welfare concern.

Local agencies make assault, battery arrests

Mon, 04/28/2025 - 7:58pm
Staff Report

(Editor’s note: The charges listed here and the narratives that go with them are provided by the police agencies that made the arrests. Guilt or innocence has not been determined in court.)
 
Morgan City and Franklin police and St. Mary deputies reported arrests on assault and battery charges within the last week.

Morgan City

Chief Chad M. Adams reported these arrests:

•Cassie Belknap, 33, Brashear Avenue, Morgan City, was arrested at 2:31 p.m. April 23 on a charge of battery of emergency room personnel.

•Jayden Perez, 21, Barrow Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 12:50 p.m. April 23 on charges of illegal modified exhaust, driving under suspension and no proof of insurance.

•Darwin Paz, 34, Chennault Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 1:59 p.m. April 23 on a charge of prohibition of illegal disposal. (Released on summons.)

•Brant Percle, 45, First Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 7:10 p.m.
April 23 on charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and failure to signal.

•Dylan Houck, 26, Sixth Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 9:27 p.m. April 23 on charges of possession of marijuana (first offense), possession of drug paraphernalia, disturbing the peace and criminal trespass.

•Shanae Milburn, 34, Jeremy Drive, Opelousas, was arrested at 10 p.m. April 30 on charges of solicitation of prostitution, possession of marijuana (first offense) and possession of drug paraphernalia.

St. Mary

Sheriff Gary Driskell reported these arrests:

•Joshua James Hearld, 42, Baker, was arrested at 11:28 p.m. Saturday on a Pike County Sheriff’s Office warrant alleging aggravated assault. Bail has not been set at this time.

•Joseph Demond Wade, 49, Franklin, was arrested 10:16 a.m. Friday on a charge of simple battery. Bail was set at $2,500.

•Joshua Gabriel Kelly, 51, Bayou Vista, was arrested at 9:49 p.m. Sunday on charges of driving while intoxicated, no insurance and driving under suspension. Bail has not been set at this time.

•Joshua James Hebert, 43, Houma, was arrested at 10:18 p.m. Saturday on charges of disturbing the peace (intoxicated) and resisting arrest or officer. Bail has not been set at this time.

•Darius Dequan Williams, 18, Franklin, was arrested at 10:18 p.m. Saturday on a charge of possession of stolen things. Bail was set at $2,500.

•Garland Joseph Romero II, 37, Patterson, was arrested at 8:55 p.m. April 23 on a charge of simple arson, theft of a motor vehicle and simple burglary. Bail has not been set at this time.

•Jordan Abby Billiot, 35, Franklin, was arrested at 3:27 p.m. April 23 on a charge of simple burglary. Bail has not been set at this time.

•Damien Kane Keller, 41, Bayou Vista, was arrested at 12:15 p.m. April 23 on charges of criminal trespass and resisting arrest or officer. Bail has not been set at this time.

Franklin

Chief Cedric Handy reported these arrests:

•Jashonne Brown, 26, Plantation Drive, Franklin, was arrested at 3:14 p.m. Sunday on a charge of simple battery. Brown was booked, processed and released on a $2,500 bond.

•Kendrick Madison, 48, 10th Street, Franklin, was arrested at 12:10 a.m. Friday on a warrant for 16th Judicial District Court alleging failure to appear on a charge of criminal neglect of family. Madison was booked, processed and held on an $11,052.01 bond.

 •Brad Romero, 24, Abberine Street, Franklin, was arrested at 12:12 a.m. Friday on a warrant for 6th Ward Morgan City Court alleging failure to appear on a charge of driver must be licensed. Romero was booked, processed and held on a $331.50 bond.

•Tina Williams, 21, Third Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 12:17 a.m. Friday on a warrant for 6th Ward Morgan City Court alleging failure to appear on a charge of possession of drug paraphernalia. Williams was booked, processed and held on a $500 bond.

Pioneers among pioneers

Sat, 04/26/2025 - 12:45pm

Organizers on Saturday added a wall of tribute to the Oilfield Divers Monument near the St. Mary Chamber Office on Morgan City's Myrtle Street. The unveiling gave special honors to women who worked in commercial diving, for which Morgan City has been a central staging area. Unveiling the new wall were, from left: Nancy Summers, who worked for Oceaneering; Kim Kendall, Oceaneering; and Kiara Pullen, a former Champagne diver.

The Review/Bill Decker

Public notices for April 25, 2025

Fri, 04/25/2025 - 6:00am

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 Mikhael 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 refunded upon return 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 reserves 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 Re- sponsible/Responsive 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, excluding 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

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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

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PUBLIC NOTICE
OFFICIAL
PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF RECREATION DISTRICT NO. 1
March 18, 2025
Amelia, Louisiana
The Board of Commissioners of Recreation District No. 1, State of Louisiana, met on this date at 6:00 p.m. at the Amelia Recreation Center, 2109 Duhon Blvd., Amelia, Louisiana.
The Board of Commissioners in attendance were Andrew Gros, Sr., Denise Chaisson, Tyrone L. Richardson, Cheryl Dugas, and Russell Blan-chard.
Mr. Paul Governale, Chief Administrative Officer, St. Mary Parish Government open-ed the meeting and introduced himself, Lisa C. Morgan, Clerk of the Council, Desiree Gros, Finance Director, and Mike Beadle, Recreation District No. 1 Supervisor. Also in attendance was Gwendolyn L. Hi- dalgo, Council At Large District No. 10, Mark Duhon, Councilman District No. 8, and Jasmine Bartho- lomew.
In the absence of Assistant District Attorney Eric Du- plantis, Lisa Morgan, Clerk of the Council, read from the outline on various issues for parish Board/Commissioners.
There was discussion on the secretary’s position and filing of the minutes in the newspaper within 20 days. Revised Statue 33:4564 states that the “board of commissioners shall also select one person as secretary-treasurer who shall not be a member of the board but shall be a qualified voter and resident of the district.”
Mr. Governale explained that once the Chairperson is appointed to the position, that person will take over the agenda and proceed with the meeting.
Nominations were open for the Chairperson: Mrs. Chaisson nominated Andrew Gros, Sr., seconded by Mr. Blanchard, motion carried. Mr. Richardson was absent.
Nominations were open for the Vice Chairperson: Mrs. Chaisson nominated Cheryl Dugas, seconded by Mr. Gros, motion carried.
Mr. Gros introduced Jasmine Bartholomew, and she commented on her work history and her current residence. Mr. Gros motioned to appoint Jasmine Bartholomew, seconded by Mrs. Dugas, motion carried.
Mr. Gros ex- plained that Ms. Bartholomew will help relieve Mr. Beadle of his duties with the Board of Commissioners.
Mrs. Chaisson motioned to give Mr. Gros the ability to authorize her salary, discuss duties and whether she will be an employee or contractor, seconded by Mrs. Dugas, motion carried.
Mr. Gros asked for additional in- formation in reference to setting her salary. He also handed Mr. Beadle a list of questions that he would like answered in a week.
Mrs. Chaisson motioned to ap- prove January 27, 2025, minutes, seconded by Mrs. Dugas, motion carried.
Mr. Gros moved up old business item number four from the agenda to discuss old business discussion on the CCHS rental contract options and lighting.
Mr. Gros ex- plained that the board would like to be as fair as possible, however, the Recreation District is having increased utilities fees and concession issues.
Mr. Beadle ex- plained that CCHS has a contract with Recreation District No. 1 charging a rental fee of $250.00 a year. Mr. Gros stated that the lighting, dirt work and the concessions are costing the Recreation District way more than the rental fee. He explained to the representatives of CCHS that the contract will be reviewed and re- addressed. He further explained that the batting cages are sufficient for what is needed in this area.
Mr. Governale explained that a contract is currently in place and the legality of the contract will have to be reviewed before any changes are made.
Mr. Beadle in- formed that the contract used to be $2,500 but changes were made with the previous board. Mr. Duhon stated that the attorney should have been here tonight, and Mr. Governale ex- plained that neither Mr. Duplantis nor Mrs. Bodin could be in attendance tonight.
Mrs. Dugas mo- tioned to table the CCHS contract discussion until contracts can be read and legal could review the documents, seconded by Mr. Richardson, motion carried.
Mr. Beadle ex- pounded on the St. Mary Parish Recreation District No. 1 comparative financial statements for 1 month and 5 months ending through February 28, 2025.
Mrs. Dugas mo- tioned to table the review of quotes on drainage dirt work, review parking area cement repair quotes and discussion on covered area gutters options until the next month’s meeting, seconded by Mrs. Chaisson, motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS:
Mrs. Chaisson moved to authorize 2 of the 3 board members, Andrew Gros, Cheryl Du- gas, and Russell Blanchard to sign on the bank ac- counts and remove Mike Beadle and Paul Governale from the current account, seconded by Mr. Blanchard, motion carried.
Mr. Gros deviated from the agenda to discuss and take action related to the installation of streetlights on Duhon Boulevard with no objections. Mr. Gros and Mr. Duhon compiled information on the getting streetlights erected in the median of the Duhon Boulevard. The quote came in at $82,959.69 for a total of 36 lights to be erected.
There was discussion on the average of the monthly electricity fees for the new lights that will be erected. There was also discussion on grass cutting on the main boulevard.
Mr. Gros motion-ed to approve the bid for the installation of the streetlights on Duhon Boulevard subject to in accordance with the public bid law, seconded by Mrs. Chaisson, motion carried.
Mr. Gros discussed amending the budget to pay for the streetlights. Mr. Governale explained that the current budget is allocated at $292,485 for expenses and Mr. Beadle stated the capital outlay has a balance.
Mr. Duhon stated that the previous board allocated $125,000 for the walking Trail. Mr. Governale ex- plained the proper budgeting process.
Mrs. Chaisson motioned that Mr. Gros, Chairperson has the authority to discuss the contract with Sleca in reference to the streetlights, seconded by Mr. Richardson, motion carried
Mr. Beadle presented his managers’ monthly re- port. He expressed his desire to serve with the new board members. He ex- pounded on the storm damage re- pairs (except for one pole needing electricity ran to it) recreation baseball, tractor re- pairs, monthly audit reports, new signage on fences in reference to security cameras, emergency generator and the tennis court project. He stated that CCHS is on their 3rd game of the year and the concessions are being handled/sold by the Recreation Center which is documented and deposited with details. He ex- plained that he is a personal trainer, his duties as the manager and commitment to the Recreation District.
Mr. Gros questioned the number of baseball applicants and Mr. Beadle stated only two. Mr. Gros would like to place on the next agenda to establish soccer teams for younger people and get another soccer field. Mrs. Hidalgo explained that the Bayou Vista Recreation District is working on a multi-purpose court to enhance the area. Mr. Governale said that there is a new fitness court that can include several opportunities for different recreation sports.
Mr. Duhon discussed the recreation grants that are not being utilized.
Guest Mr. Blan-chard questioned who is in control of the prices for the rental of the facility. Mr. Gros ex- plained that the board will be working on that.
There being no other business before the commission, Mr. Gros made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded Mrs. Chaisson, which carried.
———————
Andrew Gros, Sr.,
Chairperson
(S) Lisa C. Morgan
Lisa C. Morgan,
Secretary/
Treasurer
Adv. April 25, 2025

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OFFICIAL
PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF
MORGAN CITY
SPECIAL
MEETING
APRIL 17, 2025
The Mayor and City Council of Morgan City, Louisiana, met at 2:00 pm in special session, this date, in the Conference Room at Morgan City Recreation Department, 915 Everett Street, Morgan City, Louisiana.
There were present: Council Members Ron Bias, Steve Domangue, Tim Hymel, Bonnie Leonard and Louis J. Tamporello, Jr.
Absent: None
The public no- tice, posted on the principal front door of the meeting place was read (copy on file).
Councilwoman Leonard stated due to the Mayor being out of town, she would chair the meeting. She said that the bid for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements, Phase 2 needed to be awarded; whereupon,
Mr. Hymel offer-ed the following Resolution, who moved for its adoption.
RESOLUTION
NO. R: 25-26
WHEREAS, the City of Morgan City received the following Bids on November 26, 2024, for the Water Treatment Plant Improvements, Phase II Project; and
CONTRACTOR, BASE BID & ALTERNATE
1. The Lemoine Company, LLC, $6,126,000.00
2. Sealevel Construction, Inc., $6,884,500.00
WHEREAS, the Bids have been checked and tabulated by Professional Engineering and Environmental Consultants, Inc., with a recommendation of award being made to the low Bidder.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RE- SOLVED, by the City Council, the governing authority of the City of Morgan City, that the bid of The Lemoine Company, LLC, of Lafayette, Louisiana, for furnishing all materials, equipment, etc., for the Water Treatment Plant Improvements, Phase II project in the amount of Six Million One Hundred Twenty Six Thousand Dollars and No Cents ($6,126,000.00) being the least and most responsible bid received, be and the same is hereby accepted and awarded to The Lemoine Company, LLC.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLV-ED, etc., that the Mayor, be and he is hereby authorized, empowered, and directed to execute contracts and change orders with said The Lemoine Company, LLC, for and on behalf of and in the name of said Municipal Corporation, for furnishing all materials, and equipment for the Water Treatment Plant Im- provements, Phase II project, Morgan City, Louisiana.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLV-ED, etc., that the contract shall be filed with the Clerk of Court and Ex-Officio Recorder of Mortgages for the Parish of St. Mary, State of Louisiana, for recordation in the mortgage records of said parish, hereby ratifying and confirming his act or acts in the premises.
Pastor Bias seconded the motion.
The vote thereon was as follows:
AYES: Hymel, Bias, Blanchard, Domangue
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
The resolution was therefore de- clared approved and adopted this 17th day of April, 2025.
/s/ Lee Dragna
Lee Dragna
Mayor
ATTEST:
/s/ Debbie
Harrington
Debbie Harrington
Clerk
There being no further business, a motion to adjourn was made by Pastor Bias, seconded by Mr. Hymel, and voted unanimously in favor.
/s/ Lee Dragna
Lee Dragna
Mayor
/s/ Debbie
Harrington
Debbie Harrington
Clerk
Adv. April 25, 2025

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PUBLIC NOTICE
OFFICIAL
PROCEEDINGS
GRAVITY SUB-DRAINAGE DISTRICT NO. 1 OF GRAVITY DRAINAGE
DISTRICT NO. 2
REGULAR MEETING
March 11, 2025
6:00 p.m.
BAYOU VISTA, LOUISIANA
The Gravity Sub-Drainage District No. 1 of Gravity Drainage District No. 2 (“GSDD1ofGDD2”) met on this date at 6:00 p.m. with Chairman Chad Ross presiding with Wayne Can-trell, Raymond Beadle Jr., Paige Voisin and Mark Gowan.
Absent:
Also present: Barry Dufrene, District Accountant, Jules Darden, Miller Engineering, Sam Jones, St. Mary Parish President, Paul Governale, St. Mary Parish CAO, William Bourgeois, District Attorney and David Hill, St. Mary Parish Council.
Mr. Gowan mov-ed, and Mr. Can-trell seconded that the reading of the minutes of the Regular Meeting, February 11, 2025, be dispensed with and that the same be approved. The motion carried.
Mr. Ross called for the Finances and Payables Re- port. Mr. Dufrene presented the reports on the payables due for March 2025. Mr. Gowan moved, and Mr. Cantrell seconded a motion, which was carried, to make the necessary transfers, to accept the payables report and pay all invoices.
Mr. Beadle made a motion, seconded by Mr. Cantrell and carried by the board inviting Ms. Rhonda Patterson, Sam Jone, Paul Governale and David Hill to re- main present for executive session to discuss litigation status: Gravity Sub-Drainage District No. 1 Of Gravity Drainage District No. 2 of the Parish of St. Mary And St. Mary Parish Government vs. Providence Engineering And Design, LLC., Docket No. 133832 Div. “G” in 16th JDC, Parish of St. Mary.
Mr. Gowan made a motion to return to regular session. Mr. Cantrell seconded the motion which carried.
With there being no other business, a motion to ad- journ was made by Mr. Beadle and seconded by Mr. Cantrell. The mo- tion passed.
Attest:
Chad Ross,
Chairman,
Gravity Sub- Drainage District No. 1 of Gravity Drainage District No. 2
Rhonda Patterson,
Secretary,
Gravity Sub- Drainage District No. 1 of Gravity Drainage District No. 2
Adv. April 25, 2025

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PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE OF INTENTION OF THE CITY OF MORGAN CITY
TO SELECT A FISCAL AGENT
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Morgan City will receive sealed bids for selecting a fiscal agent for said City for the period ending December 31, 2028. Said bids to be received on Monday, April 28, 2025, at 10:00 am (local time), in the Conference Room, City Hall, 512 First Streets. If bids are mailed, they shall be addressed as follows: Mrs. Genie Bonner, Administrative Secretary, City of Morgan City, P. O. Box 1218, Morgan City, Louisiana 70381 and shall be mail-ed to arrive before the above-mentioned time and date.
Each and every bank in the City of Morgan City is invited and re- quested to submit a sealed bid, in writing, for said purpose, which must be in conformance and compliance with the provisions and re- quirements of the laws of the State of Louisiana relating to Fiscal Agents. The bid documents shall also include the total assets of the local depositary bank.
Any information desired can be obtained by contacting Mr. Marcus Folse, Chief Ad- ministrative Officer, City of Morgan City, 985-385-1770.
The Mayor and Council reserve the right to reject any and all bids.
/s/ Lee Dragna
Lee Dragna
Mayor
Adv. April 11, 18 and 25, 2025

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PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice to
Bidders
HUNTING AND TRAPPING BIDS IIXIX/ITED
Notice is hereby given that the St. Mary Parish School Board, in accordance with the provisions of Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, Title 41, Section 1211, will receive sealed bids until 10:00 A.M., Friday, May 2, 2025 at the Central Office Complex in Centerville, Louisiana, when the sealed bids will be opened in public session for the hunting and trapping on the following Section land:
Sweetbay Paradise: Section 16, Township 17 South, Range 12 East - Approx. 635 Acres
Specifications may be obtained by contacting the Maintenance Director, Mr. Brad Wiese at (337)836-9661 or electronically at www.centralauctionhouse.com
The St. Mary Parish School Board reserves the right to reject any and all bids and to waive any informalities. Lease does not include hunting alligators or harvesting alligator eggs.
Adv. April 4, 11 and 25, 2025

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PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the St. Mary Parish Board of Adjustments will hold a PUBLIC HEARING on MONDAY, May 5, 2025, AT 5:45 P.M. in the Parish Council Meeting Room, Fifth Floor Courthouse, Franklin, Louisiana, for the following purposes:
Jennifer Perez for a Front Yard Setback Variance to deviate from the required 15 ft to 5 ft in an Existing Neighborhood (EN2) zoned district located at 1404 James Street, Morgan City, LA - Sec. 8 T16SR13E; - Parcel Id# 3374321068.00 - Lot 2 Siracusa Subd Sq 8 Acq 46A 282102. (ZON-1454)
All persons are invited to this meeting to submit their approval or objections to the above VARIANCE REQUEST.
St. Mary Parish
Board of Adjustments
Barry Druilhet,
Chairman
Adv. April 4, 11 and 25, 2025

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PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a proposed ordinance has been introduced for enactment by the City Council of Morgan City, Louisiana.
Said proposed ordinance provides for Fixing the Rates of Tax to be Assessed by the Municipal Corporation of Morgan City, Louisiana, for the Calendar Year 2025.
Copies of the proposed ordinance are available for inspection at City Hall and may be obtained by contacting the Administrative Secretary at 385-1770.
Notice is further given that a public hearing has been called for 6:00 PM, local time, on May 27, 2025, in the Court Room, City Court Building, Highway 182 East at Myrtle Street, Morgan City, Louisiana to receive and consider public input concerning said proposed ordinance.
/s/ Genie G.
Bonner
Genie G. Bonner
Administrative Secretary
Adv. April 25, 2025

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Jeremy Alford and David Jacobs: 2025 session has a federal flavor

Fri, 04/25/2025 - 6:00am
JEREMY ALFORD AND DAVID JACOBS

Rep. Phillip Tarver already had concerns about how much money the Legislature directs to nongovernmental organizations. But news out of Washington, D.C. about the questionable federal grant spending being highlighted by the Trump Administration’s DOGE really caught his attention, and that of his constituents. 
He doesn’t expect to find that Louisiana has been spending money on things that he finds as egregious as what he’s heard about on the federal level. “But you never know, you could get to that point,” he said. 
Given how dependent Louisiana is on federal dollars, state lawmakers always need to keep an eye on D.C. In this year’s session, they also will consider several bills that are inspired by, or at least aligned with, the federal administration. 
Tarver’s HCR 15 and HB 309 call for pulling NGO funding out of the other big spending bills and into a single supplemental bill. He argues that approach would provide greater transparency regarding the amount, and purpose, of that spending. 
During his session-opening speech, Gov. Jeff Landry touted his own version of DOGE. He calls it La. DOGE, or DOGÉ with an accent for a little Cajun French flavor. 
“Working with [legislators], our La. DOGE project focuses on eliminating wasteful spending, and ensuring expenditures serve meaningful, prudent and legislatively mandated purposes,” he said. 
For example, he said, the DOGE team got the state Department of Health and the Office of Motor Vehicles to share data to verify Medicaid users live in the state, potentially saving $50 million. 
Landry also took time in his speech to champion the “Make America Healthy Again” movement, which promotes the agenda of U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a liberal Democrat serving in Trump’s administration. State Senate Health and Welfare Chair Patrick McMath is carrying SB 14, a wide-ranging MAHA bill that Kennedy himself is expected to visit Baton Rouge to promote. [Read more about McMath’s bill in LaPolitics.]
McMath also is cosponsoring with Sens. Mike Fesi and Heather Cloud SB 2, to ban fluoridation of public water systems, another tenet of Kennedy’s MAHA agenda. Sen. Blake Miguez has authored a more limited MAHA bill (SB 117) to prohibit serving “ultra-processed” foods in public schools. 
Miguez also sponsors SB 100, which directs state agencies to tally the number of “illegal aliens” who are benefiting from state services, and how much those services cost. While illegal immigration is hardly a new concern for conservatives, the bill certainly aligns with the goals and rhetoric of the current administration. 
SB 15 by Sen. Jay Morris directly supports the administration’s immigration crackdown. Under his proposal, any public official who tries to “hinder, delay, prevent, or otherwise interfere, ignore, or thwart federal immigration enforcement efforts” could face a charge of malfeasance in office. 
Last year, Rep. Emily Chenevert passed legislation to require Louisiana’s K-12 schools, colleges and universities to report how much they’re spending on diversity, equity and inclusion programs. The main goal, she said, was making sure state dollars are laser-focused on improving educational outcomes. 
This year, her HB 421 would require the heads of all state agencies to “abolish all DEI programs, offices, and positions and all DEI performance requirements for employees.” 
She said the goal is ensuring state government complies with federal law and the federal administration’s directives. 
“We see what the federal level is requiring,” Chenevert said. “We see what President Trump has announced within his own executive order.” 
Legislators represent the people of the state, so it’s only natural that some of their proposals would reflect concerns that the national government has raised in the public consciousness, Chenevert notes. For example, when the federal DOGE raises questions about federal spending, people will have questions about what’s happening at the state level. 
As always, state leaders will lean on federal dollars to fill out the state’s budget. So talk of big federal spending cuts, including possible overhauls at FEMA and in the Medicaid program, will raise concerns.
For now, there’s not much legislators can do other than work with the numbers that are in front of them, and hope against hope that the Revenue Estimating Conference will identify more available dollars when the REC meets in May. 
But as state House Speaker Pro Tem Mike Johnson notes, Gov. Landry is a staunch ally of the president, and the top two leaders in the U.S. House hail from Louisiana, which might help to shield the state from the full brunt of major cuts if they do come. 
“At this point I don’t think there are any fire alarms going off,” he said. “But we’re very cautious, and we’re certainly monitoring it closely.”
For more Louisiana political news, visit www. LaPolitics.com or follow Alford on X @ LaPoliticsNow.

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Phone: 337-828-3706
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Phone: 985-384-8370
Fax: 985-384-4255

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