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Bayou Teche refuge gets $9.9M federal grant

Thu, 09/13/2018 - 12:58pm

Washington, D.C.

The Migratory Bird Commission, chaired by U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke, will award $9.93 million in conservation funding to the Bayou Teche National Wildlife Refuge, which is managed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, according to a news release from U.S. Rep. Clay Higgins, R-Port Barre.

The Bayou Teche National Wildlife Refuge, established in 2001, is located at the south edge of Franklin and encompasses 9,028 acres in St. Mary Parish, its website says.

This grant will support conservation efforts for wetland habitats and waterfowl populations while supporting local economies and recreational traditions such as hunting, fishing, and other outdoor activities. The wetlands also provide flood control benefits and mitigate coastal erosion, the release stated.

The funds were primarily raised through the sale of Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamps, commonly known as “Duck Stamps.” Duck Stamps – while required by waterfowl hunters as an annual license – are also voluntarily purchased by birders, outdoor enthusiasts, and fans of national wildlife refuges who understand the value of preserving some of the most diverse and important wildlife habitats in our nation.

“The Bayou Teche National Wildlife Refuge is significant to the culture and heritage of South Louisiana,” Higgins said in the release.

“The wildlife refuge serves as a natural barrier and flood control structure, which must be maintained. This funding will help preserve the sportsman’s traditions that our state is so well-known for while also conserving local wildlife and their habitats,” he said.

Objectives of the refuge are to provide habitat and refuge for the Louisiana black bear, provide the highest quality migratory bird habitat possible, allow compatible public use such as nature trails, recreational boating, fishing, hunting, wildlife observation and photography, promote research and restoration of the Louisiana black bear and provide opportunity for environmental education and interpretation, according to the refuge website.

Inland ports group, Corps to cooperate on tonnage issue

Thu, 09/13/2018 - 12:50pm

Staff Report

Officials with an port association and a division of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have formally agreed to cooperate to make sure ports receive adequate funds based on their economic impact to the communities they serve.

Cindy Cutrera, president of Inland Rivers, Ports & Terminals Inc., an association that advocates on behalf of ports, and Joe Manous Jr., director for the Institute of Water Resources of the Corps of Engineers, signed a memorandum to mark the cooperative effort Wednesday in New Orleans, a news release said.

Cutrera is also economic development manager for the Port of Morgan City and has been working for many years to try to ensure the port receives proper credit for the business it brings to the community.

“While we are all different, some of the problems experienced by our Members, such as inadequate funding and tonnage reporting, we have common issues throughout the Inland River system,” Cutrera said in the release.

Ports are ranked by the amount of tonnage that passes through their waterways, and they receive federal funds to dredge those waterways based on that ranking system.

The number of people employed in the fabrication industry and amount of money fabrication projects bring to port communities are far more significant for many ports, including Morgan City, than just the tonnage, Cutrera said.

“We feel like there needs to be some other important factors that come out of this,” she said.

Another issue is to trying to get all companies to report all of their tonnage to ports so those ports get proper credit and funds based on the current system, she said.

“We know still that we do not have everybody who should be reporting everything. We’re going to have to do some more tonnage campaigns in our area for sure,” Cutrera said.

The Institute of Water Resources will be able to help advocate in conjunction with the association to bring forward legislation to possibly fix some of the issues with giving ports proper credit for their economic impact, she said.

The association’s vision is to navigate a path forward through strategic partnerships, such as with the Institute of Water Resources for an accurate reporting system with valuable data that shows the truest value of the inland waterway system for freight transportation in order to support adequate, long-term funding, the release said.

Sheriff: Man booked on disturbing peace, remaining where forbidden charges

Thu, 09/13/2018 - 11:44am

Staff Report

A Bayou L’Ourse man was booked into jail Wednesday after a deputy found him yelling and cursing at an Amelia business, St. Mary Parish Sheriff Scott Anslum said in a news release.

—Jarrod Leblanc, 25, of Elaine Street in Bayou L’Ourse, was arrested at 5:25 a.m. Wednesday on charges of disturbing the peace intoxicated and remaining on premises after being forbidden.

A deputy patrolling Amelia was dispatched to a business in response to a theft complaint. Upon arrival at the business, the deputy located a man who said that someone had left with another patron’s money, Anslum said.

Through the investigation, the deputy located Leblanc who began yelling and using profanity in front of the business. Leblanc was booked into jail and then released on $1,500 bail.

Anslum reported that deputies responded to 46 complaints in the parish and reported the following arrests in east St. Mary Parish:

—Amon Solone, 29, of St. Lucy Street in Patterson, was arrested at 2:01 p.m. Wednesday on three warrants for failure to appear on charges of driving under suspension, contempt of court, no insurance, expired inspection sticker, proper equipment required and seatbelt violation.

—Shawn McCauley, 41, of Taft Street in Patterson, was arrested at 1:43 p.m. Wednesday on a warrant for failure to appear on a charge of possession of methamphetamine.

Deputies patrolling the area of Morgan City were dispatched to a home in reference to a follow-up. Upon arrival, the deputies located Solone and through the investigation, McCauley was found to be hiding at the home.

Solone and McCauley were arrested on warrants and jailed. Bail was set for McCauley at $200,000. Bail was set for Solone at $2,027.

—A juvenile male, 15, of Patterson, was arrested at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday on a charge of ungovernable juvenile.

A deputy patrolling the area of Patterson was dispatched to a location on Main Street in reference to an ungovernable juvenile. Upon arrival, the deputy made contact with the juvenile and throughout the investigation the juvenile was uncooperative. The deputy transported the juvenile to the branch office for processing. The juvenile was released into the custody of a parent pending juvenile court proceedings.

—Devon Marsh, 26, of Ciro Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 3:29 p.m. Wednesday on a warrant for failure to appear on a charge of resisting an officer.

Deputies patrolling the area of Morgan City were dispatched to a home in reference to Marsh having a warrant for his arrest. Upon arriving at the home, the deputies made contact with Marsh and informed him of the warrant. Marsh was jailed with no bail set.

Morgan City Police Chief James Blair reported that officers responded to 44 calls and reported the following arrests:

—Fabiola Quintanilla, 27, of Terrebonne Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 8:32 a.m. Wednesday on charges of driving under suspension, turning movements and required signals, child passenger restraint and a warrant charging him with failure to appear.

An officer in the area of Veterans Boulevard observed a vehicle with improper lighting. A traffic stop was conducted, and the driver, Quintanilla, had a suspended driver’s license, Blair said. The officer also observed a child in the vehicle not properly fastened in a child safety seat.

A warrant check determined that Quintanilla had a warrant through 16th Judicial District Court. Quintanilla was jailed.

—John P. May Jr., 28, of Park Road in Morgan City, was arrested at 11:14 a.m. Wednesday on a warrant charging him with two counts of failure to pay fines. May was located on McDermott Drive and arrested on city court warrants. May was jailed.

—Tyler A. Palmature, 21, of McDermott Drive in Morgan City, was arrested at 3:45 p.m. Wednesday on a warrant charging him with two counts of failure to pay fines. Palmature was located on La. 182 and arrested on a city court warrant. Palmature was jailed.

—Brandon Hatch, 23, of Oregon Street in Berwick, was arrested at 4:16 p.m. Wednesday on warrants charging him with simple battery and failure to appear for speeding.

Hatch was located on La. 70 and arrested on warrants for the Thibodaux Police Department and the Patterson Police Department. Hatch was jailed.

—Brett A. Rome, 26, of Susan Court in Stephensville, was arrested at 3:03 a.m. Thursday on warrants charging him with failure to appear for speeding and failure to appear for no endorsement. Rome was located on La. 182 and arrested on city court warrants. Rome was jailed.

Berwick Police Chief James Richard reported the following arrest:

—Michael Cousson, 53, of Sixth Street in Berwick, was arrested at 10:18 p.m. Wednesday on a 16th Judicial District Court warrant charging him with failure to appear for driving under suspension and speeding in a construction zone. Bail was set at $750.

Patterson Police Chief Janis Merritt reported no arrests.

Radio logs for Sept. 13

Thu, 09/13/2018 - 11:20am

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, Sept. 12

7:01 a.m. 7000 block of Railroad Avenue; Complaint.

7:19 a.m. 200 block of South Railroad Avenue; Medical.

8:12 a.m. 1100 block of Marguerite Street; Arrest.

8:12 a.m. 1300 block of Lakewood Drive; 911 hang up.

8:22 a.m. 2400 block of Tupelo Street; Burglary.

8:43 a.m. 1900 block of Federal Avenue; Complaint.

9:19 a.m. 1700 block of Elk Street; Medical.

9:29 a.m. U.S. 90 West; Assistance.

10:24 a.m. 2100 block of Cedar Street; Lost and found.

11:12 a.m. Mark and McDermott drives; Arrest.

12:47 p.m. 600 block of Louisa Street; Burglary.

12:56 p.m. 200 block of Second Street; Removal of subject.

1:35 p.m. 3100 block of Susan Drive; Assistance.

3:24 p.m. Maryland Street; Traffic incident.

3:25 p.m. 7500 block of La. 182; Arrest.

3:48 p.m. Sixth Street and Brashear Avenue; Traffic incident.

4:08 p.m. 1000 block of Marguerite Street; Arrest.

4:37 p.m. U.S. 90 West; Stalled vehicle.

5:05 p.m. U.S. 90 East; Traffic incident.

5:54 p.m. 1000 block of La. 70; Theft.

6:15 p.m. 1200 block of David Drive; Alarm.

6:48 p.m. 1100 block of Marguerite Street; Civil matter.

7:01 p.m. 1000 block of David Drive; Alarm.

7:08 p.m. U.S. 90 West; Reckless driving.

8 p.m. 1000 block of Marshall Street; Found property.

Thursday, Sept. 13

2:14 a.m. Greenwood Overpass; Assistance.

2:30 a.m. 6300 block of La. 182; Warrant arrest.

2:15 a.m. 6300 block of La. 182; Remove subject.

4:22 a.m. 500 block of Hilda Street; Assistance.

Teche Regional staff seeks remedies at parish council

Thu, 09/13/2018 - 10:32am

FRANKLIN - Supporters and staff members of Teche Regional Medical Center in Morgan City filed into the St. Mary Parish Council chambers Wednesday with concerns about the Hospital Service District No. 2’s board and potential new management. In an earlier report, it was stated that starting in 2019, Teche Regional Medical Center in Morgan City will be under new management. The hospital is promising a transition “with no disruptions in care and no changes in how Teche Regional is contacted or accessed,” according to a press release. Teche Regional said in the press release that PHC-Morgan City L.P. and St. Mary Hospital Service ...

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ALICIA JOSEPH

Thu, 09/13/2018 - 10:30am

Alicia Williams Joseph, 48, a resident of Morgan City, died Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2018, at Teche Regional Medical Center.
Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements which are incomplete at this time.

BARBARA SANDERS FIELDS

Thu, 09/13/2018 - 10:28am

Barbara Sanders Fields, 65, a native of Chicago and resident of Houma, died Sunday, Sept. 2, 2018.
Visitation will be Saturday from 9 a.m. until services at 11 a.m. at Jones Funeral Home in Houma. Burial will follow in Deweyville Cemetery.
She is survived by her husband, William Fields of Houma; three sons, James Sanders of Franklin, Donta Sanders of Morgan City, and Deonta Sanders and Larry Ware, both of Houma; five daughters, Yalonda Ware, Leeandra Fields, Barbara Ware, Rita Ware and Michelle Ware, all of Houma; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; two brothers, Jessie Sanders and Donald Sanders; and a host of other relatives.
She was preceded in death by her parents, four brothers and two sisters.
Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

DORIS THOMPSON-JACKSON

Thu, 09/13/2018 - 10:27am

Doris Thompson-Jackson, 71, a resident of Raceland, died Monday, Sept. 3, 2018.
Visitation will be Saturday from 9 a.m. until services at 11 a.m. at Bell Baptist Church in Raceland. Burial will follow in church cemetery.
She is survived by her husband, Johnny Jackson of Raceland; a son, Marshall Boveland of Franklin; three brothers, Paul Thompson of Morgan City, and Michael Thompson and Jeffery Thompson, both of Raceland; and a host of other relatives.
She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers and a sister.
Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

MYRTLE LEE JONES

Thu, 09/13/2018 - 10:26am

Myrtle Lee Jones, 73, a native and resident of Morgan City, died Friday, Sept. 7, 2018, at her residence.
Visitation will be Friday from 9 a.m. until services at 11 a.m. at Railroad Avenue Church of Christ in Morgan City. Burial will follow in Morgan City Cemetery.
She is survived by three sons, Joseph Bergeron, James Prevost and David Bergeron, all of Morgan City; two brothers, Clarence Jones and Charles Jones, both of Morgan City; one sister, Geraldine Morse of Morgan City; five grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and a host of other relatives.
She was preceded in death by a daughter, her parents, two brothers and two sisters.
Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

MARY WALLIS

Thu, 09/13/2018 - 10:24am

Mary Wallis, 69, a native of Terrebonne Parish and resident of Houma, died Monday, Sept. 10, 2018.
Visitation will be Monday from 9 a.m. until services at 11 a.m. at St. Matthews Baptist Church in Houma. Burial will follow in Garden of Memories Cemetery.
She is survived by two sons, Kenneth Wallis of Franklin and Lamark Wallis of Houma; two daughters, Tiffany Stokes of Morgan City and April Wallis of Houma; 18 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; a brother, Walter Williams of Houma; a sister, Kathryn Valentine of Houma; and a host of other relatives.
She was preceded in death by her husband, a son, parents, two brothers and two sisters.
Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.