April 22 Morgan City Council agenda
Mon, 04/21/2025 - 12:30pm
Click on the link below to download a .pdf version of the agenda.
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John K. Flores: What's your plan for high water bass fishing?
Sat, 04/19/2025 - 6:00am
JOHN K. FLORES
Over the course of the next couple weeks, the Atchafalaya River at Morgan City is expected to rise to 7.5 feet, which is considered a moderate flood stage event locally. What’s more, local officials out of an abundance of caution have been making preparations in order to protect residents and local interests from any potential flood threats.
St. Mary Parish is literally the southern gateway to the Atchafalaya Basin, providing access to nearly a million acres of bottomland hardwoods, swamps and lakes. The basin is simply an amazing ecosystem with tremendous biomass that provides commercial food and recreation opportunities for thousands of Louisianans.
That said, occasional flooding is normal for our region and, quite honestly, a good thing when it comes to fish stocks. A number of years ago during a similar moderate flooding event, I spoke with Mike Wood who at the time was Director of Inland Fisheries for the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
My questions to Wood centered around how flooding impacts fish populations like bass, bream and sac-a-lait (crappie). According to Wood, flooding events allow fish numbers to rejuvenate after long periods of low water conditions.
Essentially, with freshwater sport fish spawning much of the spring in the basin, there is increased competition for habitat when the water is low. Moreover, there is also an increase in predation. Let’s face it, it’s a dog-eat-dog world that fish grow up in.
By contrast, when the water rises in the basin and goes over sandbars, bayou banks and canal banks, thus flooding backwater swamps and marshes, it provides an increase in spawning habitat and decreases predation. Fish can spread out, thus increasing their chance to successfully spawn — that’s the positive.
The negative is, high water will definitely impact fishing says Patterson resident Gerald Foulcard.
Foulcard, an avid tournament bass angler, said, “Bass can still be caught in high water, but the fisherman will have to catch them near cypress, tupelo and willow trees. The bites will most likely be few and far apart but can still yield a solid fish.”
Morgan City bass angler Howard Hartley echoed Foulcard.
Hartley, who back in 2019 fished the BASS NATION National Championship held on Lake Hartwell in Anderson, South Carolina, said, “Anytime the river is on the rise, it sets back the bass fishing in the basin between the levees. Usually, bass are still catchable throughout the basin as it rises, but the threshold would be somewhere at 5 feet and climbing at the Morgan City gauge.”
Both bass anglers suggest getting outside of the basin levees. Foulcard mentioned places like Bayou Teche, any barrow pits you can get your boat into, the Quintana oilfield canals south of Franklin, and the Four Mile Bayou and Lake Verret areas near Stephensville.
Hartley said, “The further away you get from the Atchafalaya River and Calumet Cut, the less affected it is by high river. Places like Bayou Black area east of the river and Black Crook area west of the river are a couple areas I’d opt for. Plan B would be spending more time outside of the Atchafalaya Basin levee system for sure.”
When fishing high water conditions near cypress and tupelo trees, a little finesse is needed in your technique along with some specialty artificial baits.
Foulcard said, “The trick is getting that bait as close to the tree as possible, even if you have to bump the tree. You may want to use big-bladed spinner baits with Colorado blades. Jigs with creature trailers may also work and if an angler can find some stained to partially clear water, he may be successful.”
“The water would have to be pulling out of the woods and swamps,” Foulcard continued, “but can be caught on big square bill crank baits in crawfish colors or perch colors, which will be their source of forage during this time of year.”
No matter where you’re fishing, with high water conditions, Foulcard stresses fishermen need to practice boating courtesy and be aware of no wake areas around camps and wharfs.
Over the next several weeks, high water in the basin will impact anglers. However, the nice part about living in St. Mary Parish is there are plenty of options to formulate a Plan B until the water recedes.
John Flores is the Morgan City Review’s outdoor writer. He can be contacted at gowiththeflo@cox.net.
Wheel House for April 18
Fri, 04/18/2025 - 6:00am
17th PASTORAL
ANNIVERSARY
Service, 2 p.m. Sunday, April 27, New Zorah Baptist Church, 604 Julia St., Morgan City. Honoree: the Rev. Terry L. Joseph Sr., pastor. Guest: Greater St. Stephen Baptist Church, Franklin, the Rev. De’Andre Johnson, pastor. Everyone invited.
Jeremy Alford and David Jacobs: RFK Jr. brings 'MAHA' to Louisiana
Fri, 04/18/2025 - 6:00am
JEREMY ALFORD AND DAVID JACOBS
It looks like Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s MAHA train will make a stop in Capitoland.
President Donald Trump’s health secretary is expected to visit Baton Rouge to promote SB 14, a bill inspired by Kennedy’s “Make America Healthy Again” movement.
While the date and circumstances are TBD, McMath and Gov. Jeff Landry’s office confirmed that a visit is expected. Landry also plans to endorse the bill in Monday’s session-opening State of the State speech.
It’s not surprising that policies aligned with a Republican president’s administration would be popular among Republicans at the state level, especially in a largely conservative state like Louisiana. McMath’s bill is far from the only one pending for the session that dovetails with the administration, including at least one instrument filed by a Democrat.
But it’s still noteworthy that new regulations on businesses, promoted by a lifelong liberal Democrat in Kennedy, have become so popular so quickly with generally conservative, pro-business Republicans.
McMath said he has been meeting with groups around the state who are interested in supporting his bill.
“MAHA Nation is definitely engaged,” he said.
Dozens of “MAHA” bills have been filed in statehouses across the country. This week, Arizona legislators passed a bill to ban “ultra-processed” foods in school lunches, with Democrats noting that Republicans villainized former First Lady Michelle Obama for trying to make school lunches healthier. [The Arizona Capitol Times, which like LaPolitics is part of the State Affairs network, has more.]
In a nutshell, the Louisiana bill seeks to:
• Remove “unnecessary and harmful” food dyes from school lunches, as well as other ingredients that are banned in foreign jurisdictions such as the European Union.
• Require physicians to take nutrition classes as part of their continuing education.
• Require restaurants that use certain seed oils to disclose that fact to their customers.
•Have the Department of Children and Family Services submit a waiver to the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture to permit Louisiana to prohibit buying soft drinks using SNAP benefits.
•Make food manufacturers label products that contain certain artificial colors, additives, or chemicals.
McMath said his colleagues largely have been supportive so far, adding that the main negotiation points with businesses have been around the timeline. As currently written, the provisions related to continuing education and the SNAP waiver would go into effect with the governor’s signature, while the item dealing with processed food in schools would apply to the 2026-2027 school year and the seed oil disclosure requirement would kick in Jan. 1, 2027.
“We’re looking to make some pretty significant changes to our food structure,” McMath said. “It’s going to take a few years. If we tried to require the schools to do this by the beginning of the next school year, they wouldn’t have any food to serve.”
McMath, a Republican, isn’t fazed by the fact that a Democrat spurred his legislation, noting that Trump was a Democrat for most of his life.
“I don’t know how anyone can sincerely try to make health and nutrition a partisan issue,” he said.
McMath said Senate Health will take up the bill on April 30. Also pending in his committee is Sen. Mike Fesi’s SB 2, which would ban fluoridation of public water systems.
The bill, which McMath is cosponsoring, was filed before RFK Jr. told the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to stop recommending that communities put fluoride in their water, and before Kennedy praised Utah lawmakers for banning fluoride in their systems.
Republicans aren’t the only ones hoping the Trump factor helps to advance their goals. Rep. Alonzo Knox, a New Orleans Democrat, has filed HB 198 to exempt tips from state income taxes for individual filers that make up to $65,000 and joint filers with income of $130,000 or less.
For Knox, it’s a chance to give a tax break to more than 218,000 Louisianans who work in hospitality, including 72,000 in New Orleans alone. And he’s well aware that both Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris called for eliminating taxes on tips while on the campaign trail; Republican Sen. Ted Cruz has sponsored a bill to that effect in Congress.
If his Republican colleagues associate his proposal with Trump, that’s fine with him, Knox said. And while he hasn’t heard from the governor’s team about his bill, he doesn’t expect them to stand in the way.
“He is in lockstep with the president,” Knox said of Landry. “My expectation is that he will not oppose it.”
It’s worth noting that it would be a mistake to assume that the Trump administration inspired every Trumpy-seeming bill in Louisiana. One could argue that Trump’s rise to power is a sign of the rest of the country moving toward Louisiana’s politics, not the other way around.
For more Louisiana political news, visit www. LaPolitics.com or follow Alford on X @ LaPoliticsNow.
Public notices for April 18, 2025
Fri, 04/18/2025 - 6:00am
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
ST. MARY LEVEE DISTRICT
REGULAR MEETING
February 20, 2025
Morgan City, LA
The St. Mary Levee District (“SMLD”) met on this date with President William Hidalgo, Sr., presiding and the following board members present: Will Terry, J.P. Hebert, Andrew Mancuso, Mike Ortiz, Carla Davis, Mike Thomason and with Kenny Arceneaux absent.
Also present: Tim Matte, Executive Director; Michael Brocato, Operations Manager; Gerard Bourgeois; William Bourgeois; Reid Miller, Miller En- gineers; Graham Denton, T. Baker Smith; and members of the public.
Mr. Mancuso moved to dispense with the reading and to approve the Jan 16 regular monthly minutes. After a second by Mr. Terry, the motion was carried unanimously.
Mr. Hidalgo presented the payables report, which Mr. Mancuso mov-ed to approve. Following Ms. Davis’s second, the motion was carried unanimously.
Mr. Matte also presented the Statement of Revenues by sources and Summary of Expenditures with comparison to budget of the St. Mary Levee District.
Mr. Graham Denton with T. Baker Smith re- ported within the next two weeks his office plans to send out an environmental professional to perform a site assessment of potential wetland areas that could be affected by the proposed alignment for Phase 2 of the West of Charenton drainage study. Mr. Denton stated that once the site assessment is completed Olsson can run proposed condition models and his office can start conceptual de- signs.
Mr. Denton re- ported his office is currently to complete design plans for a small weir to be installed adjacent to the earthen plug and his office submitted an engineering estimate to complete design of the proposed weir and for contractor solicitation and construction admin. Mr. Denton stated that his office has submitted an engineering design estimate to complete the 60% design phase for the Lakeside Flood Protection Project.
Mr. Brocato re- ported levee clearing debris is ongoing and the contractor has completed three levee sections. Mr. Brocato stated battery backups at Bayou Chene has been installed as well as the weather stations, they are currently working on updates. Mr. Brocato also reported he has received quotes for grass cutting on Avoca and is still looking them over.
Mr. Matte re- ported the development of the CPRA 2029 Master Plan has begun with a meeting of the Coastal Advisory team, modeling, risk assessments and hindcasts were discussed. Mr. Matte also reported SMLD modeling effort in reviewing storm scenarios impacts on the Bayou Chene structure is underway and by next month’s meeting they should be able to present some of that analysis.
Mr. Mancuso motioned to authorize T Baker Smith to proceed with the design of Lakeside Flood Protection Project. After a second by Mr. Terry, the motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Terry mo- tioned to authorize Mr. Hidalgo to sign an IGA with CPRA for pump station and drainage improvements for Drainage District No. 2A and to authorize any steps necessary to implement such agreement, which was followed by Mr. Mancuso’s second, it carried unanimously.
Mr. Mancuso motioned to authorize Mr. Hidalgo to sign an IGA with St. Mary Parish Government to implement the pump station and drainage improvements for Drainage District No. 2A. After a second by Ms. Davis, the motion carried un- animously.
Mr. Mancuso motioned to engage GIS Engineering for design and assistance with implementation of the Pump Station and Drainage Improvement Project. After a second by Mr. Ortiz, the motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Hebert mo- tioned to engage APTIM for desktop review of options to file amendments to NFIP mage in the vicinity of Franklin.
Mr. Hidalgo ask-ed for further comments and did not receive any. Mr. Terry moved for adjournment, which was seconded by Mr. Hebert and was carried unanimously.
Attest:
———————
Kenneth
Arceneaux Jr.,
Secretary/
Treasurer
St. Mary Levee District
Adv. April 18, 2025
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PUBLIC NOTICE
BOARD OF COMMISSION
ST MARY
PARISH
RECREATION
DISTRICT #2
1110 GRACE STREET
P.O. BOX 922
MORGAN CITY, LOUISIANA 70381
Notice Posted: April 7, 2025 at 6:00 P.M.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC
MEETING
A public meeting will be held as follows:
DATE: April 10, 2025
TIME: 6:00 PM
PLACE OF MEETING: Siracusa Recreation Building, 1110 Grace Street, Morgan City, LA 70380
AGENDA:
Call to Order
Invocation
Roll Call
Guest: Pitts & Matte CPA
Approval of Minutes from last meeting, March 13, 2025.
Financial Report
Old Business
1. More Activities for kids
2. Gate Repair
3. Walking Track Resurface
4. Budget Admen
New Business:
1. Adopt the 2025 millage rate(s).
2. Approval of bills
Adjournment
Oscar Toups,
Chairman
St. Mary Recreation District #2
1110 Grace Street, Morgan City, LA 70380
(985) 385-4224
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance, please contact Leroy Trim at (985) 385-4224 describing the assistance that is necessary.
——
RECREATION DISTRICT #2 ST MARY PARISH
1110 GRACE ST
MORGAN CITY, LA. 70380
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
RECREATION DISTRICT #2
1110 GRACE ST MORGAN CITY, LA. 70380
6:00 P.M.
MARCH 13, 2025
Meeting of The Board of Commissioners of Recreation District #2 was call to order by Commissioner Nelda Dural, Prayer by Norman Skinner.. Members present were Norman Skinner, Ann Poole, Tracy Wilson, Nelda Dural and Oscar Toups. Other present Ira Langston and Leroy Trim Director.
A motion to accept the minutes as read by Norman Skinner and second by Ann Poole with all in favor.
Leroy presented the financial re- port, a motion to accept the report by Norman Skinner and second Ann Poole with all in favor.
OLD BUSINESS:
Budget up date. Mr. Trim stated to the board that the budget amendment is forth coming after the audit is completed.
Discuss compliance training for all board members duties and rolls (Eric Duplantis)
Discuss hiring an office assistant 6 hrs a day 4 days a week.
Discuss expenditures of capital funds.
NEW BUSINESS:
Ms. Skinner said she would like to see more activities for the youths
Mr. Trim present to the Board two quote on equipment on state contract price Kubota Tractor and RTV W/Dump. After price review a motion to purchase by Ann Poole and second by Tracy Wilson with all in favor.
Bill were submitted for payment after re- viewed a motion to pay all bills by Tracy Wilson and second by Norman Skinner with all in favor.
With nothing further to discuss a motion to ad- journ by Norman Skinner and second by Tracy Wilson with all in favor.
(S) Oscar Toups
Oscar Toups,
Chairman
Adv. April 18, 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 mailed 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
AGENDA
ST. MARY PARISH 911 COMMUNICATIONS DISTRICT
1200 David Dr. Building B
Morgan City, LA 70380
Thursday, April 24, 2025
1:00 P.M.
1. Meeting Called to Order
2. Roll Call
3. Public Comment
4. Minutes: February 2025
5. Income Statement: February 2025
6. Expense Statement: February 2025
7. Income Statement: March 2025
8. Expense Statement: March 2025
9. Old Business: None
10. New Business: None
11. Director Updates
12. General Discussion
13. Motion and vote to go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing the interview committee’s recommendations regarding the possible appointment/hiring of a new assistant director.
14. Executive Session
15. Open session:
Decision regarding the appointment/hiring of an Assistant Director.
16. Adjournment
•All matters discussed during the executive session are confidential and not to be reported or discussed with anyone not in attendance.
Adv. April 18, 2025
Cost: $30.00
PUBLIC NOTICE
Last registered owner: Baylor Jewell
Picked up: February 21, 2025
Location: 2016 Georgia St Jeanerette La
Registration # 3409-BU
Make: Mako Bayboat
Length: 25 Foot
Type of vessel: Bay boat
Motor: Outboard
Make & Horsepower: Johnson 150
Motor Serial # G 03502813
HIN: 104450877M25B
Stored at Rick’s Auto Salvage, 1896 Hwy 90 West, Patterson, La 70392
985-395-2846
Vessel is subject to privilege held & owner is in default. Unless the claim is paid by May 18, 2025, it will be sold at commercially reasonably public sale at Rick’s Auto Salvage.
Adv. April 11 and 18, 2025
Cost: $18.00
PUBLIC NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
Sixteenth
Judicial District Court
——
PARISH OF
ST. MARY
——
STATE OF
LOUISIANA
South Central Planning and Development Commission
Vs. No. 132557 Div “G”
Flawless Screen Printing, LLC and Edward G. Campbell as Guarantor
TAKE NOTICE, that by virtue of Writ of Fi Fa issued out of the Honorable 16th Judicial District Court, in and for the Parish of St. Mary, and to me directed, in the above numbered and entitled suit, I have seized the following mentioned and described property, to wit:
1) Those certain tracts or parcels of land, together with all buildings and improvements therein situated and all rights, ways, privileges and servitudes, lying and being situated in the City of Morgan City, St. Mary Parish, Louisiana, and being known and designated as Lots 2, 3, 4 and 5 and the East One Half of Lot 6, In Square A of Colonial Acres Subdivision, as per map recorded in St. Mary Parish COB 15-D, Entry No. 135797.
This property bears municipal addresses of 1534, 1544 and 1546 Sandra Street, Morgan City, Louisiana 70380.
to satisfy the sum of TWO HUNDRED FORTY-FOUR THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED FORTY-TWO and 69/100 ($244,542.69) DOLLARS, together with accrued interest in the amount of FIFTEEN THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED NINETY and 95/100 ($15,690.95) DOLLARS through May 4, 2018, until paid in full, De- fault Interest on the principle amount owing and due at the rate of 8.75% from May 5, 2018, until paid in full, unpaid fees and charges in the amount of ONE THOUSAND NINE and 25/100 ($1,009.25) in the amount of 8.75%, as well as all court costs and judicial interest from the date of judicial demand until paid in full, all as agreed to pursuant to the terms of the Promissory Note at issue. CONSIDERING THE ABOVE AND FOREGOING, IT IS ORDERED, ADJUDGED AND DECREED, that there be judgment herein in favor of South Central Planning and De- velopment Commission, plaintiff in the above titled and captioned cause, and against Defendants, FLAWLESS SCREEN PRINTING, LLC, and EDWARD G. CAMPBELL, and FLAWLESS WIRELESS, LLC, as Guarantors, on Loan RCF-108, in the ONE HUNDRED SIXTY-EIGHT THOUSAND NINE HUNDRED NINETEEN AND 15/100 ($168,919.15) DOLLARS, together with accrued interest in the amount of Nine Thousand Six Hundred Ninety-Nine and 20/100 ($9,699.20) Dollars through May 4, 2018, until paid in full, Default Interest at the rate of 8.75% from March 5, 2018, until paid in full, unpaid charges in the amount of One Thousand Sixty-Six and 45/100 ($1,066.95) Dollars, reasonable attorney fees in the amount of Twenty-five (25%) Percent of the principle amount owing and due, interest attorney’s fees in the amount of 8.75%, as well as all court costs and judicial interest from the date of judicial demand until paid in full, all as agreed to pursuant to the terms of the Promissory Note at issue, and also, all costs, as well as all sheriff’s costs and commission.
All successful bidders must have cash, cashier’s check or a verifiable letter of credit in favor of said bidder from a solvent bank, savings and loan association or other such financial institution authorized to do business in the state of Louisiana and full payment must be made on the date of sale. Letter must state that money is available on the date of sale.
I shall expose the same at public sale, for Cash, according to law WITH appraisement to the last and highest bidder, at the principal front door of the 1st floor lobby area of the Court House in the Parish of St. Mary, Town of Franklin, Louisiana, on Wednesday, the 21st day of May A.D., 2025, be- tween the legal hours commencing at 10 O’Clock A.M.
Sheriff’s Office
Parish of St. Mary, La.
Friday, the 4th day of April A.D., 2025.
GARY L.
DRISKELL,
SHERIFF
By: Heidi Rineholt
Deputy Sheriff
Adv. April 18 and May 14, 2025
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PUBLIC NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
Sixteenth
Judicial District Court
——
PARISH OF
ST. MARY
——
STATE OF
LOUISIANA
PennyMac Loan Services, LLC
Vs. No. 139196 Div “H”
Richard Merrill Haynes A/K/A Richard M. Haynes A/K/A Richard Haynes
TAKE NOTICE, that by virtue of Order of Seizure and Sale issued out of the Honorable 16th Judicial District Court, in and for the Parish of St. Mary, and to me directed, in the above numbered and entitled suit, I have seized the following mentioned and described property, to wit:
This certain lot or parcel of land together with all buildings and im- provements thereon situated and all rights, way, privileges, prescriptions and servitudes thereto be- longing or in anywise appertaining and all appurtenances thereof, lying and being situated in Morgan City, St. Mary Parish, Louisiana, being known and designated and described as Lot 4-A, Square 8 of Unit No. 1, Lakeside Subdivision, said lot having such measurements, boundaries, configurations, and dimensions as are fully shown by reference to a plat of survey prepared by J. J. Krebs & Sons, Civil Engineers Surveyors dated June 5, 1964, recorded July 10, 1964 in St. Mary Parish, COB 13-F, page 689, entry no. 122,099.
to satisfy the sum of ONE HUNDRED TWENTY FOUR THOUSAND ONE HUNDRED THIRTY TWO AND 44/100 ($124,132.44) DOLLARS, balance due on Principal of Fixed Rate Note, interest from June 1, 2024, until paid, at 4.125% per annum, to be computed; reasonable attorney’s fees; to be computed; and all costs of this proceedings, as well as all sheriff’s costs and commission
All successful bidders must have cash, cashier’s check or a verifiable letter of credit in favor of said bidder from a solvent bank, savings and loan association or other such financial institution authorized to do business in the state of Louisiana and full payment must be made on the date of sale. Letter must state that money is available on the date of sale.
I shall expose the same at public sale, for Cash, according to law WITHOUT ap- praisement to the last and highest bidder, at the principal front door of the 1st floor lobby area of the Court House in the Parish of St. Mary, Town of Franklin, Louisiana, on Wednesday, the 21st day of May A.D., 2025, be- tween the legal hours commencing at 10 O’Clock A.M.
Sheriff’s Office
Parish of St. Mary, La.
Friday, the 21st day of February A.D., 2025
GARY L.
DRISKELL,
SHERIFF
By: Heidi Rineholt
Deputy Sheriff
Adv. April 18 and May 14, 2025
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PUBLIC NOTICE
St. Mary Parish
Water & Sewer
Comm. 2
P.O. Box 635
Patterson, La.
70392
March 10, 2025
The Board of
Commissioners
met in regular session
at 5:30 p.m. at
the district office
with President,
Chris Cooper presiding.
Present: Board
Members – Chris
Cooper-President,
Tony Hensgens-
Vice President,
Thomas Philbrook-
Sec. Treas., Raymond
Beadle &
Paul Tholen
Guests: Larry &
Pam Fromenthal-
F r o m e n t h a l
Plumbing, Reid
Miller- Miller Engineers,
Glenn Duncan,
& Murtada
Mousa - Providence
Engineers, David
Hill- Parish Councilman,
Employees-
Alexis Hartman,
Jason Scott
and Dakota Dupuy.
Chris Cooper
called the meeting
to order and roll
call was taken.
February’s board
minutes were
accepted as circulated
with a motion
from Tony Hensgens
and a second
from Raymond
Beadle, motion carried.
Accounts Payable
and Treasurer’s
Report was
accepted by motion
from Thomas Philbrook
and a second
from Paul Tholen,
motion carried.
Larry Fromenthal
provided his
maintenance report
for the month.
A sewer line inside
the Saturn tower
bathroom needed
to be capped off.
Check valves were
cleaned at the
Fairview Station.
Prep work began
for the install of
the new 6in meter
connecting Patterson
and Bayou
Vista. Larry assisted
Jason with
locates. Larry also
started working on
the Saturn Rd cut
in valves.
Jason Scott provided
his maintenance
report for
the month. He
completed routine
m a i n t e n a n c e ,
along with some
meter change outs.
Locates were completed.
Tony Hensgens
gave a joint plant
update. Currently
they are just waiting
for grant money
to be received.
Chris added that
the agreement
with Berwick has
one modification to
be made and then
everything will be
signed off on.
Chris informed
the board that the
old meters that
were removed will
be posted on Govdeals.
com for public
auction.
Chris mentioned
that the open field
position was filled.
Jason Scott and
Alexis Hartman
will be attending a
LRWA class in
Carencro for their
level one’s certifications
in April.
Murtada Mousa
and Glen Duncan
with Providence
Engineers showed
the board maps
and discussed certain
areas regarding
Boy Blue, and
Fangue Station.
Chris reminded
everyone that
their yearly ethics
and sexual harassment
training
needs to be completed.
There being no
further business to
come before the
board, a motion
was made by Tony
Hensgens to
adjourn with a second
from Thomas
Philbrook, all were
in favor and
motion passed.
———————
Chris Cooper –
President
———————
Alexis Hartman –
Recording
Secretary
Adv. April 18, 2025
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How happy is your teen?
Fri, 04/18/2025 - 6:00am
How carefree are today’s teenagers?
Not very, according to a recent survey. Not in Louisiana. Not according to their parents.
A survey of 3,012 parents of adolescents nationwide by the Mission Prep website found that Louisiana parents gave their teens a score of 3 on a 1-to-10 happiness scale.
Mississippi is ranked lowest at 2/10. Louisiana is ranked near the bottom with Maine, New Mexico, Rhode Island and Alabama, all with 3/10.
Kansas has the happiest teens, the survey said, with their parents giving a score of 9/10.
Delaware, New Hampshire, Oklahoma and Delaware have 8/10 scores.
“These differences point to bigger forces at play,” Mission Prep said. “In higher-ranking states, there’s often a sense of belonging or a buffer against stress.Think tight-knit towns or outdoor escapes.
“In the lower ranks, challenges like poverty, sparse mental health resources or a lack of opportunity might deepen the strain. Still, numbers only scratch the surface; parents’ firsthand observations fill in the gaps.”
Mission Prep asked parents to reflect on their teens’ day-to-day experiences. The responses offer both concern and cautious hope.
On happiness trends, 72% of parents said their teen’s mood has held steady over the past year. Another 19% saw improvement, while 9% noticed a drop.
That stability could mean resilience, or it might signal a kind of emotional plateau, neither sinking nor rising.
What’s behind the stress? Here’s what the parents said:
•Peer relationships and social dynamics: 31% cited this; friendships, rivalries, and the push to fit in.
•Social media and screen time: 30% pointed to the digital world, where comparison and validation rule.
•Academic demands: 22% named school, with its high stakes and relentless pace.
•Family conflict (10%) and household financial worries (6%) also factored in, though less dominantly.
Screen time, in particular, stands out. Teens average 3 hours and 32 minutes daily on social media or personal devices, not counting homework. That’s a significant slice of their lives spent online, time that could cut into sleep, real-world connections, or simply unwinding.
Yet there are bright spots. Parents shared what brings their teens joy:
•Time with friends: 23% said this tops the list-face-to-face bonds still matter most.
•Pets or animals: 16% credited four-legged friends with lifting spirits.
•Family moments: 15% highlighted the value of togetherness at home.
•Physical activity (14%), creative pursuits (11%), and even solitude (8%) also help, while social media (6%) and school success (5%) rank lower.
Gauging mindset
How do parents see their teens’ current state? The survey offered four lenses:
•Thriving: vibrant, engaged, hopeful: 45% of teens fit here, a solid foundation.
•Managing: functional but stressed: 35% are in this middle space, coping but stretched.
•Struggling: low energy, moody, distant: 10% are finding it tough.
•At risk: showing signs of anxiety: 10% are cause for concern.
•Looking back to their own youth: 51% of parents said their teen’s happiness mirrors their own at that age. Meanwhile, 34% think their kids are happier —16% much more, 18% slightly —while 15% see less — 11% slightly, 4% much less. It’s a mixed bag, reflecting both timeless teenage struggles and today’s distinct challenges.
Dear Abby: Daughter turns 18, starts down alarming path
Fri, 04/18/2025 - 6:00am
DEAR ABBY: My husband and I finally got custody of his daughter “Amelia” 15 days before her 16th birthday. She came to us with home-schooling and little socialization. Now she’s 18, and we’ve gotten her on track to graduate, but she has completely changed. She plans to move in with her boyfriend and is skipping school.
My husband feels we can’t get on her case about it, since we’ve had her for only two years. We’ve had three boys who have graduated, and two girls who haven’t yet. We made the boys (his stepsons) go to school every day and live at home until they graduated. We will do the same with our younger girls.
Abby, why is he scared for me to tell Amelia that she can’t move out until after graduation, especially not with her boyfriend, or get on her about missing school all the time?
STERN STEPMOM IN KANSAS
DEAR STEPMOM: Your husband may fear that Amelia is too headstrong to be reasoned with and worry that if he asserts himself, his daughter will become estranged.
You described yourself as “Stern Stepmom.” If the way you demonstrate that is by insisting your husband’s children graduate with a basic education, I don’t consider it heavy-handed. However, if there is more to it, Amelia may be moving out to get away from you.
Perhaps a different approach might be more effective. Amelia is old enough to be talked with “woman to woman.” If you can impress upon her that you and her father care only about her welfare, that the decisions she is making now will affect her entire future, perhaps she will be more open to hearing your message. The fact that she’s moving out is less important than failing to complete her education and get that high school diploma. Let that be your focus when you and her dad speak to her.
DEAR ABBY: I have a co-worker who loves to bake. She’s actually wonderful at it and brings a baked item for our birthdays. We have a small office of six.
Unfortunately, she has quite a few plug-in air fresheners in her kitchen, so every item she brings in to share is saturated with perfume. No one wants to say anything because she is EXTREMELY sensitive and would be crushed. Is there a way to put it gently?
TASTING IT IN WASHINGTON
DEAR TASTING: If the oil from her air fresheners is transferring to the treats your co-worker brings, someone needs to discreetly take her aside and speak up. A way to phrase it would be:
“You are always so generous in bringing birthday goodies for everyone, and we really appreciate it. But the last time we tried your fabulous chocolate cake we noticed the scent of Jungle Gardenia (or Alpine Pine, etc.). Do you think it might have come from your plug-in air freshener? It would be a shame if the fragrances affected the quality of your wonderful baked goods. Unplugging the air freshener during the baking and cooling would probably do the trick.”
***
For everything you need to know about wedding planning, order “How to Have a Lovely Wedding.” Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 to: Dear Abby, Wedding Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447.
Morgan City police radio logs for April 15-16
Thu, 04/17/2025 - 10:28am
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.
Tuesday, April 15
6:15 a.m. 1300 block of Victor II Boulevard; 911 open line.
8:49 a.m. 400 block of Fifth Street; Frequent patrols.
8:55 a.m. 1400 block of Second Street; 911 hang up.
9:12 a.m. 900 block of Second Street; Animal complaint.
9:30 a.m. Union/Second streets; Traffic incident.
9:34 a.m. 1000 block of Federal Avenue; Animal complaint.
10:30 a.m. 500 block of Brashear Avenue; Medical.
10:51 a.m. 7200 block of La. 182; Domestic.
11:54 a.m. 2600 block of Sixth Street; Stand by.
12:22 p.m. Wytchwood/Walnut drives; Complaint.
12:54 p.m. 300 block of Federal Avenue; Noise complaint.
1:01 p.m. 500 block of Fifth Street; Theft.
1:09 p.m. 1700 block of Federal Avenue; Noise complaint.
1:29 p.m. 500 block of Roderick Street; Medical.
1:30 p.m. 400 block of Charlotte Street/Patterson; Assistance.
1:38 p.m. 500 block of Marshall Street; Medical.
1:43 p.m. Railroad Avenue; Reckless driver.
1:51 p.m. 2400 block of Apple Street; Theft.
2:16 p.m. 900 block of Duke Street; Welfare concern.
2:47 p.m. 2100 block of Cedar Street; Complaint.
3:01 p.m. 300 block of Leona Street; Missing person.
3:14 p.m. 900 block of Palm Street; Complaint.
3:25 p.m. 700 block of Belanger Street; Complaint.
3:45 p.m. 100 block of South Railroad Avenue; Complaint.
3:53 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Civil matter.
4:04 p.m. 200 block of Ann Street; Telephone harassment.
4:22 p.m. Eighth/Duke streets; Suspicious subject.
4:47 p.m. 100 block of Chennault Street; Loud music.
5:16 p.m. 1400 block of Sandra Street; Alarm.
6:34 p.m. 1000 block of La. 70; Complaint.
7:53 p.m. La. 182; Animal complaint.
8:21 p.m. 3200 block of Karen Drive; Medical.
9:03 p.m. 300 block of Egle Street; Assistance.
9:22 p.m. 600 block of Egle Street; Animal complaint.
10:59 p.m. 1100 block of Fourth Street; Disturbance.
Wednesday, April 16
6:46 a.m. La. 70; Road blockage.
8:08 a.m. 1100 block of Brashear Avenue; Alarm.
9:25 a.m. 1300 block of Walnut Drive; Alarm.
9:38 a.m. 2400 block of Apple Street; Theft.
10:07 a.m. 1500 block of Youngs Road; Criminal damage.
10:28 a.m. 6300 block of La. 182; Complaint.
11:04 a.m. 800 block of North Everett Street; Complaint.
12:05 p.m. Marquis Manor; Alarm.
12:49 p.m. 700 block of Terrebonne Street; Theft.
1:49 p.m. La. 70; Reckless driver.
1:50 p.m. U.S. 90 East; Bolo.
2:18 p.m. 300 block of Mallard Street; Complaint.
3:01 p.m. 1700 block of Federal Avenue; Complaint.
3:03 p.m. 600 block of Martin Luther King Boulevard; Theft.
3:45 p.m. 7200 block of La. 182; Complaint.
4:16 p.m. 2400 block of Tupelo Street; Suspicious person.
4:24 p.m. 600 block of General McArthur Street; Theft.
In sheriff's program, inmates using welding to build new futures
Thu, 04/17/2025 - 10:22am
Staff Report
It started three months ago with eight men, eight St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement inmates. That was the minimum number to get the new program off the ground.
Then came graduation day.
On April 10, seven of the inmates graduated from a joint St. Mary Sheriff’s Office-South Louisiana Community College program that offered welding training and, maybe, a path forward that’s better than the path behind.
“They made mistakes," Sheriff Gary Driskell said. "We all do. We wanted to give them that chance.”
The payoff?
“It’s something I’m very proud of,” Driskell said. “These men seemed to be so proud.”
SoLAcc said that last year, it became the first higher education institution under the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools-Commission on Colleges to be fully accredited as a prison program provider.
“As we celebrate the achievements of these seven individuals, we recognize the life-changing impact of education and opportunity,” said Dr. Vincent June, SoLAcc chancellor, in a press release.
“This partnership between the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office and SoLAcc demonstrates our shared commitment to empowering individuals with the skills they need to build a better future.”
SoLAcc identified the seven men who completed the school’s Technical Welding Program as Alejandro Nievas, Brian Delaune, Chris Charbonnel, Derrick Enke, Ian Morgan, Jonathan Myers and Kalab Wood.
When the partnership opportunity arose, Driskell said, he had to identify a training topic. Welding seemed like a good fit because employers had already been in contact, looking for welders in the traditional work release program.
“It’s a tough job,” Driskell said, “but you can make a good living.”
So the students began their studies at the community training facility in Baldwin, the product of an Economic Development grant two years ago. It has a welding shop with 12 booths “providing a space where students can develop practical skills that meet industry standards.”
The only expense to the Sheriff’s Office was to pay the deputy who took the inmates to class each day.
“To me, that little bit is well worth it,” Driskell said.
The men can go back to SoLAcc for an associate degree or more advanced technical certifications.
“Programs like this change lives, providing meaningful career opportunities for returning citizens and strengthening Louisiana’s workforce,” said Dr. Andre Perez, SoLAcc associate vice chancellor of external affairs and strategic initiatives.
Or they enter the work release program and land a job they can keep when their obligation to the state is finished. Sometimes they’ve saved thousands before moving back into the civilian world.
“Once they get out of jail,” Driskell said, “they’ll have a job and can live a normal life.”
Early voting begins Saturday for tax propositions
Thu, 04/17/2025 - 10:20am
Early voting for the May 3 election begins Saturday.
Two property tax renewals, one on each end of the parish, will appear on the ballot.
Early voting will run 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. through April 26 except for Easter Sunday. Bring a photo ID to vote early at Registrar of Voters Office locations.
Voters in Consolidated Gravity Drainage District No. 2 will be asked to renew a 2.79-mill property tax for 10 years. The tax raises an estimated $385,000 a year for “acquiring, constructing, maintaining and operating gravity and forced drainage works within and for the District.”
The district covers the Morgan City area, specifically voting precincts 35-44.
Voters in Cypremort Point, voting precinct 1, will be asked to renew a 2-mill property tax.
The tax, which would be renewed for 10 years, raises $60,000 a year “for the purpose of constructing, acquiring, improving, maintaining and operating the District’s fire protection facilities, including the purchase of firetrucks, and paying the cost of obtaining water for fire protection purposes. …”