Above are some scenes from Friday during the 83rd Louisiana Shrimp & Petroleum Festival in Morgan City. The festival kicked off Thursday evening and continues through Monday.
A Patterson man has been arrested in connection with a Friday armed robbery in Bayou Vista, St. Mary Parish Sheriff Scott Anslum said in a news release.
Anthony Jones, 37, of Cleveland Avenue in Patterson, was arrested at 9 p.m. Friday on a charge of armed robbery.
Deputies with the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to Express Cash Advance in Bayou Vista in reference to an armed robbery. Through the investigation, a suspect was identified, and contact was made with a man matching the description. The suspect was identified as Jones. Deputies found evidence linking Jones to the robbery, Anslum said.Jones was transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking. No bail was set.
A former Morgan City Authority board chairman was sentenced Friday to serve one year and three months in prison for failing to report more than $250,000 in income on his 2012 tax return.
Victory Nam Ho, 39, of Morgan City, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote on one count of filing a false tax return, U.S. Attorney David Joseph of the Western District of Louisiana said in a news release. In August 2016, Ho, a former housing authority board chairman, resigned from the board following a drug arrest.
For filing a false tax return Ho was also sentenced to one year of supervised release and was ordered to pay $69,167 in restitution, Joseph said. According to the May 23, guilty plea, Ho engaged in stock transactions and made $251,196 in 2012, but when he filed his taxes, he reported $14,742 as his income. As a result, he paid no income tax that year, which resulted in a loss of $69,167 to the U.S. Treasury, Joseph said. The IRS conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly Uebinger prosecuted the case.
Ho, Kelly Liu and Salvador Russo III were convicted of conspiracy to commit securities fraud and securities fraud, commonly known as insider trading, in U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana in Baton Rouge. Ho made about $300,000 from the illegal insider trading activities, according to authorities.
In late July 2012, Shaw and Chicago Bridge and Iron Company, known as CB&I, came to an agreement whereby CB&I acquired all outstanding shares of Shaw stock. The merger between the two companies was publicly announced July 30, 2012. As a result of the public announcement, Shaw’s stock price rose substantially, a release said.
As the evidence established, prior to the public announcement and through her job at Shaw, Liu obtained inside information that Shaw was being acquired by another company and passed the inside information to Ho, through another individual, and to Russo, for their use in trading Shaw securities, a news release said.
Later, Ho and Russo purchased Shaw securities before the public announcement. Ho sold his Shaw securities after the public announcement caused Shaw’s stock price to rise, while Russo held his Shaw securities, a release stated.
A 28-year-old man was caught with a stolen semi-automatic gun after he committed a battery on a Morgan City police officer, Police Chief James Blair said in a news release.
—Tajh P. Watson, 28, of Bergeron Lane in Morgan City, was arrested at 1:30 p.m. Thursday on charges of resisting an officer by giving false information, illegal carrying of a weapon, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, resisting an officer by force, battery on a police officer, possession of a stolen firearm and possession of a firearm in a firearm-free zone.
Officers responded to the area of Franklin Street and Federal Avenue in regard to individual knocking on doors. Officers located the individual, who initially gave officers a false name, but later was identified as Watson.
When trying to detain Watson, he committed a battery on one of the officers, Blair said. Officers located a .40-caliber semi-automatic firearm in Watson’s waistband, Blair said.
Police learned that Watson was a convicted felon and discovered that the firearm was stolen, Blair said. The area in which Watson was located is considered a firearm-free zone because it is within 1,000 feet of an elementary school. Watson was jailed.
Blair reported that officers responded to 42 calls and reported the following arrest:
—Charles M. Gantt Jr., 61, of Aiken, South Carolina, was arrested at 6:52 p.m. Thursday on charges of possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and violation of a uniform controlled dangerous substance-drug-free zone.
Officers working the fairground in the area of First and Greenwood streets observed an individual sitting in a vehicle. Officers located the individual, Gantt. An odor of marijuana was coming from the vehicle, Blair said.
Police located suspected marijuana and drug paraphernalia on Gantt, Blair said. The area Gantt was located is considered a drug-free zone because it was within 1,000 feet of a church. Gant was jailed.
St. Mary Parish Sheriff Scott Anslum reported that deputies responded to 37 complaints in the parish and reported the following arrests in east St. Mary Parish:
—Preston Wade, 28, of Ciro Street in Siracusa, was arrested at 6:20 p.m. Thursday on a warrant charging him with aggravated battery.
A deputy patrolling Siracusa observed Wade walking towards his home and learned of an active warrant for his arrest. The deputy made contact with Wade and informed him of the warrant. Wade was jailed with no bail set.
—Dandre Richard, 43, of Plum Street in Patterson, was arrested at 11:54 p.m. Thursday for driving while intoxicated, improper lane usage, and driving under suspension.
A deputy patrolling the area of Patterson observed a vehicle cross over the centerline. The deputy conducted a traffic stop and located the driver, Richard. The deputy noticed a strong odor of alcoholic beverage coming from Richard, Anslum said.
Richard performed poorly on a field sobriety test and registered 0.242 grams-percent blood alcohol concentration on a chemical test. Richard was jailed with bail set at $3,750.
—Travis Dupre, 41, of Myrtle Place in Houma, was arrested at 7:07 p.m. Thursday on charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a controlled dangerous substance in the presence of a minor.
—Chantelle Richard, 31, of Myrtle Place in Houma, was arrested at 7:07 p.m. Thursday on charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of a controlled dangerous substance in the presence of a minor and improper lane use.
Detectives with the St. Mary Parish Narcotics Section were patrolling Amelia when they observed a car cross over the fog line onto the shoulder as it exited U.S. 90. The detectives conducted a traffic stop and made contact with the driver, Richard.
During the stop, detectives learned that Richard had methamphetamine on her, Anslum said.
Detectives also made contact with the passenger, Dupre. Dupre had a backpack in his possession and the detectives found drugs and drug paraphernalia inside it, the sheriff said. Both Dupre and Richard were jailed with no bail set.
Berwick Police Chief James Richard reported no arrests.
Patterson Police Chief Janis Merritt reported no arrests.
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.
Thursday, Aug. 30
6:31 a.m. 300 block of Grizzaffi Street; Hit and run.
7:11 a.m. 1000 block of Poplar Street; Burglary.
8:08 a.m. 100 block of Halsey Street; Animal complaint.
9:14 a.m. 300 block of Lawrence Street; Suspicious vehicle.
9:36 a.m. 1000 block of David Drive; Hang up call.
9:51 a.m. 2300 block of Cypress Drive; Inquiry.
10:13 a.m. 2400 block of Tiger Drive; Arrest.
11:18 a.m. La. 70-U.S. 90 up ramp; Signs/signal.
11:22 a.m. 800 block of North Everett Street; Animal complaint.
11:27 a.m. 7400 block of La. 182; Hit and run.
12 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Inquiry.
1:20 p.m. Onstead and Second streets; Arrest.
1:54 p.m. 900 block of Marguerite Street; Complaint.
2:46 p.m. 7700 block of La. 182; Remove subject.
2:49 p.m. Sixth and General McArthur streets; Traffic incident.
3:12 p.m. 6000 block of La. 182; Concerned citizen.
4:17 p.m. La. 70-U.S. 90 junction; Vehicle accident.
4:22 p.m. 1600 block of Victor II Boulevard; Medical.
4:27 p.m. 200 block of Wren Street; Disturbance.
4:46 p.m. 700 block of Arkansas Street; Investigation.
6:34 p.m. 2400 block of Cypress Street; Complaint.
6:34 p.m. 2400 block of Cypress Street; Lost and found.
6:35 p.m. First and Greenwood streets; Arrest.
6:42 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Disturbance.
8:44 p.m. First and Greenwood streets; Disturbance.
9:33 p.m. Front Street; Suspicious subject.
10:22 p.m. 6300 block of La. 182; Complaint.
11:29 p.m. 1000 block of Hickory Street; Telephone harassment.
11:45 p.m. 1500 block of Filmore Street; Animal complaint.
Friday, Aug. 31
12:39 a.m. 3000 block of Carrol Street; Complaint.
1:45 a.m. 7700 block of La. 182; Disturbance.
3:53 a.m. 6300 block of La. 182; Removal of subject.
The 83rd edition of the Louisiana Shrimp & Petroleum Festival is underway.
Local officials and members of the festival’s board cut the ribbon Thursday under the U.S. 90 bridge to open the annual harvest event, the oldest in the state.
Speaking of editions, inside this edition of The Daily Review you’ll find our annual festival section. It’s actually seven sections, including:
—Lagniappe, with an introduction to the people who bring you the festival and a year-by-year history of the event. You’ll also find information on when and where your favorite events will be held.
—St. Mary Seafood, with stories about the local shrimp fishing and alligator hunting. And you’ll find the return of a popular feature: recipes for preparing shrimp, alligator, crab and crawfish dishes.
—St. Mary Energy, with information on the Mr. Charlie rig, the diving museum and more.
—St. Mary People, with features telling the stories of some of the people you may see and talk to every day.
—Football, two eight-page sections packed with previews featuring local prep teams and college squads.
—Tourism, a look at the popular sights to see in the Tri-City area.
This year’s festival king and queen are David Patterson and Caylee Deshotel, who were crowned the 83rd Louisiana Shrimp and Petroleum Festival King and Queen Saturday during the Louisiana Shrimp and Petroleum Festival Association’s coronation held at the Morgan City Municipal Auditorium.
Thursday was the first night for the Mitchell Brothers carnival midway. The rides and games will be available through the end of the festival Monday night. On Monday, $25 ride bracelets will be available noon-9 p.m.
The Artists Guild Unlimited Show and Sale, held in conjunction with the festival, is already open and will continue through Sept. 22 at the Everett Street Gallery.
The Cajun Culinary Classic is open 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, noon to 11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and noon to 7:30 p.m. Monday.
Local nonprofit groups and civic organizations benefit from the proceeds.
The 41st Arts & Crafts Show & Sale will open at 5 p.m. Friday under the U.S. 90 bridge and continue through Monday at 9 p.m.
The event features over 130 artists and crafters from south Louisiana with unique merchandise and artistic masterpieces for sale.
Children’s Day activities will begin with children’s field and game events Saturday, Sept. 1, at 9 a.m.
Children of all ages can participate in sack races, three-legged races and more. The Children’s Day Mini Street Parade will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday. Decorated bicycles, wagons, strollers and four wheelers are welcome to participate. Registration begins at 10 a.m. in front of City Hall.
Traditional activities on Sunday will take place starting with the Mass in the Park. The community will give thanks for its blessings at the Mass in the Park at 8:30 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 2. It will be celebrated under the oaks in Lawrence Park and is open to the public.
The Historic Blessing of the Fleet will begin at 10 a.m. on the Atchafalaya River from the Berwick docks and is followed by the water parade featuring decorated shrimp boats, pleasure crafts, offshore supply boats and some of the biggest “muscle” boats of the offshore industry including supply boats, crew boats and tugboats. A Certificate of Blessing and a prayer card of St. Brendan the Navigator, patron Saint of Seafarers will be presented to each participant.
Live music begins at 6 p.m. Friday with a performance by Kyle Daigle at Lawrence Park.
The headliners this year include Keith Frank and the Soileau Zydeco Band at 9 p.m. Friday; Horace Trahan & the Ossun Express and Souled Out beginning at 9 p.m. Saturday; and Wayne Toups at 9 p.m. Sunday.
July 12, 1934-August 28, 2018
Gerald Joseph Albares, a native and former longtime resident of Patterson and most recently a resident of Baton Rouge, passed away at the age of 84 on Tuesday, August 28, 2018, at St. Joseph Hospice’s Carpenter House in Baton Rouge.
Gerald was outgoing, adventurous and spirited. His love of travel took him to many corners of the globe including New Zealand, Australia, Europe and Canada. He was a military veteran, honorably discharged in 1959, and stationed in Germany during part of his U.S. Army enlistment. Gerald’s love of his own country took him to nearly every state in the U.S. From visits to the nation’s capital, annual hunting trips in Wyoming, and a month-long drive from Louisiana to Alaska, he saw and experienced the U.S. on a grand scale. While he cultivated friends from many places, he never lost touch with his old friends and the town of Patterson, his birthplace, where he spent his youth and most of his adult life.
A true man of God, Gerald served faithfully as an altar server in his youth and later as a Eucharistic minister, lector and usher at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Patterson and Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church in Baton Rouge. He always placed the needs of others before his own and treasured the time he spent with his daughters and his two grandchildren.
He was an exceptionally hard worker who lived by the motto “you’ve always got to have a game-plan,” often having each hour of his day planned out. He spent his entire working career with Southern Natural Gas Co. in Patterson. After retiring, he worked for the LA Office of Disciplinary Council in Baton Rouge where he remained active until the age of 83.
Gerald was an avid sportsman who played multiple sets of tennis each week, well into his late 70’s. He participated in multiple U.S. senior Olympic Games, medaling in tennis, and he also enjoyed golf, cycling, fitness, hunting and camping. He was an avid fan of the New Orleans Saints and LSU football and baseball. He enjoyed frying fish for the family, and loved to finish the day with good conversation and a cold beer.
Those he leaves to cherish his memory include his daughters, Cindy Albares Vinning and her husband Lance, and Patty Albares Bayles and her husband Nathaniel; two grandchildren, Joseph Lance Vinning and Mary Caroline Vinning; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and family members.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara “Bobbie” Landry Albares; his parents, Acniel Antoine Albares and Eunice Marie Tabor Albares; and one sister, Juanita Albares Shearing.
A gathering of family and friends will be held Saturday, September 1st, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Patterson beginning at 9:00 a.m. with a Mass of Christian Burial being celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Following Mass, he will be laid to rest in St. Joseph Cemetery. Father Angelo Cremaldi will be the Celebrant for the Mass and conduct the services.
Serving as pallbearers will be Lance Vinning, Joseph Vinning, Nathaniel Bayles, Charles Plattsmier, Christopher Plattsmier and Dr. Robert Adams. Honorary pallbearers will be Clyde Aucoin, James Vining, Dennis Taylor, Bob Watson, Jerry Boyles, Frank Guarisco, Frank Cali and Billy Marin.
Family and friends may view the obituary and express their condolences online by visiting www.iberts.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Ibert’s Mortuary, Inc., 1111 Lia Street, Patterson, LA 70392, (985) 395-7873.
April 12, 1930- August 29, 2018
Calvin Peter Alfred, 88, a resident of Patterson, passed away Wednesday, August 29, 2018, surrounded by his loving family.
Calvin was born on April 12, 1930, in Morgan City, the son of William Joseph Alfred and Ida M. Loupe Alfred.
Calvin was a 4th Degree Knight and member of the Knights of Columbus Council #1373 and was a faithful parishioner of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Calvin served his country proudly as a member of the Louisiana National Guard; he is also a member of the American Legion. Calvin worked with his father at William Alfred and Son Plumbing from 1953 until his retirement in 1986. As a business owner he sponsored little league baseball for many years. He was an outdoors enthusiast who loved to go hunting and fishing and also loved to watch football, rooting for the New Orleans Saints and the LSU Tigers. He was the happiest when around friends and family or in his shop fixing things.
We are totally not surprised that his passing came on his favorite festival of all time, The Shrimp and Petroleum Festival. He and Laura, his wife of 65 years, enjoyed being in Lawrence Park and attended every year, rain or shine, enjoying the music, Central Catholic hamburgers, Sunday Mass in the park, and the Blessing of the Fleet. This will be a good landmark for us every year that the festival rolls around and for many years to come! He loved people-watching along with our mother by his side, they spoke to everyone and anyone, they never were afraid of making new friends. They taught us to always live with a good conscience, never stayed angry, laughed at the silliest things, and believe in your maker or as Calvin would say “The Man Upstairs.” He will always be a huge part of our hearts. We find comfort that he is now at rest with our mother and Jesus, who promises to wipe every tear from our eyes.
Thanks to all of you, who knew him and treated him with kindness. Also, thanks goes out to Mr. James Rink, a childhood friend, better known as Calvin’s shadow, a loyal friend indeed, and Journey Hospice for ushering us through a very tough time in our lives.
He will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by four children, Joy Alfred of Fairview, North Carolina, Calvin Andrew Alfred and Ginger Bonin of Morgan City, Joey Anthony Alfred of Morgan City and Mary Ann Alfred and partner Cimaron LeFlore of Patterson; four grandchildren, Jaci Alfred, Kasey Kyprianou, Jesse Bell and Dayna Miller; and three sisters, Margaret Holt of Berwick, Ida Mae Percle and husband R.J. of Morgan City and Linda Bitely and husband Truman of Bucksport, Maine.
Calvin was preceded in death by his parents, William and Ida Loup Alfred; his wife, Laura Bonin Alfred; five brothers, William “Bill” Alfred Jr., Callan Alfred, Bernie Alfred, Norris Alfred and Edward Alfred; and one sister, Judy Alfred Aucoin.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 1, 2018, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Father Freddie Decal celebrating Mass. A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 1, 2018, at Twin City Funeral Home. Following Mass, Calvin will be laid to rest in the Morgan City Cemetery Mausoleum with Military Honors rendered by the East St. Mary Veterans Funeral Squad.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Shriners Hospital for Children, 3100 Samford Ave., Shreveport, LA 71103.
April 7, 1924- August 29, 2018
Mary Chaisson Michel, 94, a resident of Morgan City, passed away Wednesday, August 29, 2018 at Morgan City Health Care Center surrounded by her loving family.
Mary was born on April 7, 1924, in Kraemer, the daughter of Ellis and Noelie Cortez Chaisson.
She will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Ellis and Noelie Cortez Chaisson; two brothers, Ambrose “Butch” Chaisson and wife Joyce Boudreaux, and Clifton “Chink” Chaisson and wife Joyce Olwell; and three sisters, Eleanor C. Boudreaux, Bernice Chaisson and Sandra Lee Chaisson.
The family would like to thank the staff of Morgan City Health Care Center and Journey Hospice for the wonderful, loving care they gave to Mary.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at noon on Saturday, September 1, 2018, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Father Freddie Decal celebrating the Mass. A visitation will be held from 10:30 a.m. until Mass time. Following Mass, Mary will be laid to rest in the Morgan City Cemetery Mausoleum.
Ronald Blaine Myers passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2018, in Baton Rouge, at the age of 87.
He was a native of Pointe Coupee and a resident of Morgan City for 45 years. He was a U.S. Army veteran, having served during the Korean Conflict. He was the former owner of Myers Enterprises.
He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Debra Madise Myers; daughters, Debbie Myers Richard and Ronda Myers Taylor; son, Zachary Blaine Myers; sister, Patsy Reynolds; brothers, Harvey Myers and Terry Myers; nine grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Bootsy and Ione Myers; brother, Malcolm Myers; sister, Bonnie Giacone; and daughter, Dale Ann Myers.
He was a member of the Morganza Lions Club.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. A visitation will be held on Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018, at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Morganza from 10:30 a.m. until Mass of Christian Burial at noon. Services will be conducted by the Rev. Brent Maher. Interment will follow at St. Ann’s Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Jeremy Richard, Curtis Richard, Alvin Jones, Chad Taylor, Andrew Taylor and Derrick Lemon. A memorial service will also be held on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, at 3:00 p.m. at Higher Ground Family Church in Morgan City, located at 3369 Hwy. 70, Morgan City, La.
Franklin Banner-Tribune
P.O. Box 566, Franklin, LA 70538
Phone: 337-828-3706
Fax: 337-828-2874
Morgan City Review
1014 Front Street, Morgan City, LA 70380
Phone: 985-384-8370
Fax: 985-384-4255