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BATON ROUGE – In 1998, Jimmie “Chris” Duncan was convicted of first-degree murder in the bathtub drowning of 23-month-old Haley Oliveaux and sent to death row at the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola.
Twenty-seven years later, in April 2025, a judge vacated Duncan’s conviction and ordered his release from Angola, saying he was “factually innocent,” and the victim of egregiously flawed testimony provided by a disgraced Mississippi medical examiner who was terminated from his position and barred from performing other procedures.
Duncan’s story, which has yet another twist and turn, is the subject of Catherine Legge’s new documentary, “The Murder that Never Happened.”
On April 28, Duncan will go before the Louisiana Supreme Court, which will hear an appeal by Louisiana prosecutors that the judge’s ruling releasing him was incorrect and that Duncan should return to death row.
Legge, an award-winning filmmaker and journalist, captures the fallout of flawed forensic pathology following Haley’s bathtub drowning in West Monroe. The film had its first private screening at the Manship Theatre in Baton Rouge last Sunday.
On Dec. 18, 1993, Duncan was babysitting his live-in girlfriend’s daughter, Haley, at their home. Duncan told authorities he left Haley in the bath while he was washing dishes, on the other side of the wall. The tub had under four inches of water, enough to cover Haley’s toys.
Soon after, Duncan said he heard a loud noise and found Haley face down in the water. She was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
Haley’s mother, Allison Layton Statham, said in the film that Duncan’s eyes were “so full of tears they looked like mirrors.” Duncan recounted his agony and his feeling of failure.
Duncan was originally charged with negligent homicide, but Dr. Steven Hayne, a medical pathologist who oversaw most autopsies in Mississippi and some autopsies in a few Louisiana parishes, claimed there was evidence of sexual assault, bite marks and forced drowning. The state upgraded the charges against Duncan to first-degree murder, which carries the potential for the death penalty.
In 2024, before Duncan’s conviction was overturned, Gov. Jeff Landry, following a 15-year hiatus, moved to resume executions in Louisiana by nitrogen gas.
“The time for broken promises has ended,” Landry said in a press release. “We will carry out these sentences, and justice will be dispensed.”
On, March 18, 2025, Jessie Hoffman Jr., an inmate at Angola, was the first to be executed by nitrogen gas in Louisiana.
Meanwhile, Duncan awaited the status of his legal claim of factual innocence and hoped he would not be executed. Following a six-day evidentiary hearing in 2024, District Judge Alvin R. Sharp, who oversees Ouachita and Morehouse parishes, found Duncan “factually innocent.”
Evidence showed that the original trial neglected to consider Haley’s previous medical records indicating that she had suffered from seizures and had been admitted to the hospital three weeks before her death following an accident at home.
The testimonies of Michael West, a Mississippi forensic odontologist, and Hayne, which bolstered the prosecution’s case against Duncan, were also put under a microscope.
The documentary references a particularly disturbing video that, although filmed in 1993, was uncovered more than a decade later. The video initially shows West examining Haley’s body and pointing out that her bruises were old and that she had a diaper rash. There were no visible marks on her cheek, and West did not mention one in the video.
Later in the same video, West is seen jamming a mold of Duncan’s teeth 17 times into Haley’s corpse.
Following Duncan’s hearing, Judge Sharp sealed the video, but Haley’s family has urged for it to be released, believing the film offers proof of Duncan’s innocence.
For 20 years, Hayne was paid to perform 80% of Mississippi’s autopsies – amounting to 1,200 to 1,800 cases a year. This surpasses the yearly limit of 250 recommended by the National Association of Medical Examiner.
Hayne’s previous testimony also played a role in the wrongful convictions of Levon Brooks, Kennedy Brewer and Tyler Edmonds. West provided bite-mark identification in both Brooks’ and Brewer’s cases.
Five separate medical experts testified in Duncan’s evidentiary hearing and concluded that bite-mark identification is subjective and no longer scientifically defensible. Another expert concluded that Hayne, who was not a board-certified pathologist, conducted a “sloppy” and “inadequate” autopsy.
Dr. Judy Melinek, a board-certified forensic pathologist, offered convincing testimony that Haley’s death should have been classified as an accidental drowning rather than a homicide.
Legge’s film continually questions who the true villain is.
In a question-and-answer session following the screening, Legge, Duncan, investigative journalist Jerry Mitchell, former Mississippi Supreme Court Justice Oliver Diaz and Mississippi criminal defense lawyer Graham Carner discussed the consequences of what experts call “junk science.”
Diaz discussed his ongoing scrutiny, while serving as a judge, of Hayne’s medical assessments. Diaz cited what he called odd testimony Hayne gave in helping convict 13-year-old Tyler Edmonds of murder.
“The testimony … was that Dr. Hayne examined the body of the gunshot victim, and from the body of the victim, he could tell that there were two people holding the gun that shot the dead person,” Diaz said.
Duncan’s innocence is maintained by the family of the deceased, including relatives of Haley’s deceased father, Lloyd Donald “Donnie” Oliveaux, and Allison Layton Statham.
Haley’s paternal aunt, Jennifer Berry, her uncle Joshua Berry and cousin Jacob Hamm wrote to Gov. Landry, Attorney General Liz Murrill and Ouachita Parish District Attorney Robert S. Tew asking for accountability.
“The criminals that were hired to perform the autopsy, abused and desecrated her little body to manipulate the jury into handing down first-degree murder charges,” Jennifer Berry wrote in the letter to Landry. “In closing, you say you do justice for families. Mr. Landry, I am demanding justice for Jimmie Duncan.”
They have yet to receive a response.
“This is a state where the governor and the attorney general ran on the platform of accountability for everyone and justice for everyone, and they (Haley’s family) have not even had a reply,” Legge said.
Legge invited elected officials and media representatives to the screening, but no one showed.
“The system allows for abuse so long as the citizens aren’t paying attention,” Duncan said.
Oliver Diaz and Graham Carner, the judge and the attorney featured in the documentary, emphasized the stain that flawed medical examinations legacy have left on the justice systems of Mississippi and Louisiana.
“One instance of an expert witness doing what Michael West did on video should be enough to call for a widespread, system-wide investigation, and the state of Mississippi has refused to do it,” Carner said.
Diaz said he has called for a complete review of all Hayne’s cases in Mississippi, but nothing has been done.
Duncan said others might suffer the same fate if his sentence is not permanently vacated.
“There'll be another person like me who may or may not live to remind us,” Duncan said.

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PUBLIC NOTICE
OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF THE ST. MARY PARISH COUNCIL OF THE
PARISH OF ST. MARY, STATE OF LOUISIANA
MARCH 11, 2026
FRANKLIN,
LOUISIANA
6:00 P.M.
The St. Mary Parish Council met on this date in Regular Session with Chairperson Gwendolyn L. Hidalgo presiding and the following members present: Rev. Craig Mat-hews, J Ina, Rodney Olander, David W. Hill, Patrick Hebert, James “Jimmy” Davis, Jr., Mark Duhon, Dean Adams, and Kristi Prejeant Rink, M.D. Absent was Leslie “Les” Rulf, Jr.
The Invocation was pronounced by Dr. Rink and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mr. Adams.
Mrs. Hidalgo recognized Mayor Duval Arthur, City of Berwick, St. Mary Parish Assessor Jarod Longman, and Sheriff Gary Driskell in attendance.
Mr. Olander moved that the reading of the Second Regular Meeting, February 25, 2026 be dispensed with and that the same be approved. Mr. Adams seconded the motion, which carried.
Mrs. Hidalgo moved up Item 14A, “Resolution of respect in memory of Mr. Thomas “Tommy” Keith Longman.”
Mr. Adams mov-ed to adopt the following Resolution. The Council seconded the motion, which carried by the following 10-0-0-1 Roll Call vote:
YEAS: Mathews, Ina, Olander, Hill, Hebert, Davis, Duhon, Adams, Rink, and Hidalgo
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Rulf
RESOLUTION
OF RESPECT
WHEREAS, the Lord Almighty in His Infinite mercy and goodness has seen fit to remove from our midst, Thomas “Tommy” Keith Longman, father of St. Mary Parish Assessor, Jarrod Longman, and
WHEREAS, Mr. Longman was a longtime resident of Morgan City, a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, who cherished spending time with family, and
WHEREAS, Mr. Longman dedicated over 30 years to local law enforcement, served as a volunteer firefighter with the Morgan City Volunteer Fire Department for many years, served as Dispatcher, Patrolman, Detective, and Undercover Narcotics Agent for St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office, and Inspector overseeing the Morgan City Sheriff’s Office until retirement, and
WHEREAS, Mr. Longman also worked as an In- vestigator and Community Liaison with the District Attorney’s Office of the 16th Judicial District, earned numerous certifications throughout his career including DEA and FBI training on narcotics, intelligence, surveillance, was an instructor for many enforcement classes, and be- lieved in the importance of ethics and performing job duties the right way, and
WHEREAS, Mr. Longman was a longtime member of Doric Lodge #87 F.&A.M. in Morgan City and was active in local politics, running many successful campaigns, including electing his son to both the Morgan City Council and St. Mary Parish’s Assessor, and
WHEREAS, the members of the St. Mary Parish Council wish to acknowledge publicly their sorrow and sympathy to the family of Mr. Longman and hopes that his family will find comfort in the thought that their grief and sorrow are shared by their friends.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RE- SOLVED, by the St. Mary Parish Council through the unanimous adoption of this resolution that they solemnly deliberate with sincere condolences, sympathy, and understanding during this time of grief.
ADOPTED AND APPROV-ED by the St. Mary Parish Council in regular session convened on this the 11th day of March 2026.
APPROVED:
S/G
GWENDOLYN L. HIDALGO
GWENDOLYN L. HIDALGO
CHAIRPERSON
ST. MARY PARISH COUNCIL
ATTEST:
S/G LISA C. MORGAN
LISA C.
MORGAN,
CLERK
ST. MARY PARISH COUNCIL
Tim Matte with Pitts & Matte, CPA’s appeared before the Council with an update on the 2024 audit report. He submitted and expounded on the Reporting Entity Financial Statements Ex- cerpts from the Annual Financial Statements Agreed Upon Procedures Report and Primary Government Financial Statements and Reporting Entity Financial Statements to the Council for the Year Ended De- cember 31, 2024.
In response to Several Council Members’ inquiries, Mr. Matte expounded on Revenue & Expenditures, General Fund Balance, Accounts Payable, road repair bonds, long term debt, and debt service funds.
Janet Aucoin, Amelia resident appeared before the Council to discuss animal control and public safety matters. She stated that her concern is that the proposed ordinance relative to prohibiting feeding of stray cats and dogs within the unincorporated areas of St. Mary Parish lack enforcement procedures, standards and restrictions, and clarification of the language, specifically Section 2 – Exceptions for veterinarians and persons acting within scope of their employment with any governmental entity, non-profit, or humane society which have custody of or manages stray dogs and cats are not subject to the prohibitions of this section. She suggested establishing a clear en- forcement protocol for animal control in the Sheriff’s Department, create a defined complaint process to report nuisance animals and ob- tain recourse, clarify responsibilities for those who regularly feed stray animals, improve definitions of feeding strays, and implement standards for organizations participating in stray animal management.
Several Council Members discussed the Sheriff’s Department responsibility to enforce the ordinance and possibly amending Section 2 of the proposed ordinance.
Lester Wheeler and Maureen Joseph appeared before the Council to give an update on the Singleton Heirs ability to access the ferry and the Southeast Quarter of Avoca Island. They submitted a list of Singleton Heirs that were arrested, dating back to 1999 and also submitted a picture of a no trespassing sign by the St. Mary Levee District that is on their property.
Mrs. Joseph in- formed that since the last Council Meeting, the heirs were able to use the ferry. Her concern is that the public road is overgrown with trees hindering access to the property and that a recent construction staging site is on the property.
St. Mary Parish Sheriff Gary Driskell stated that records show that it was a civil matter in 2013. He presented Google Maps and the Assessor’s website map that indicates the Singleton’s property and Avoca, LLC property.
Lengthy discussion was had relative to property ownership, denial of access, arrests, construction equipment, and the public road maintenance. The Council suggested that the property ownership issue is a civil matter. Mr. Governale stated that he will research the issue with the public road.
Hope Jones with Mary Bird Perkins Center appeared before the Council to inform of a Prostrate, Breast, Colon, Skin and, Blood Pressure Screening Event to be held on March 19, 2026 at Raintree Market in Baldwin from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. She stated that mammograms will be billed to insurance. However, there is no charge for those without insurance.
Kaitlyn Rock, Julie Rock, and Bryan Rock ap- peared before the Council to discuss their Specific Use request to allow chickens and a rooster on their property. Kaitlyn Rock stated that they thought the request was ap- proved by the Council at their January 14, 2026 meeting. Julie Rock presented a letter of recommendation for the Specific Use from the Planning & Zoning Department stating the Council approved the Specific Use request to allow for chickens and a rooster and introduced an ordinance pertaining to the above property at their January 14, 2026 meeting. In response to the neighbors complaint, she stated that her yard does not drain into the neighbors yard and the smell is from her dog.
Clerk of the Council, Lisa Morgan, stated that Mrs. LeBlanc did not know the Council would table the adoption of the ordinance at their January 14, 2026 meeting. She explained the Specific Use/Ordinance process once it is recommended to the Council.
Tina Rainey, Bayou Vista resident, appeared before the Council in opposition to a Specific Use for Bryan Rock to allow chickens and a rooster in an Existing Neighborhood Zoned District. She stated that she resides directly behind Mr. Rock. She stated her concerns are the rooster crowing, the foul smell, health risks, and property value. She requested that steps be taken to enforce the existing ordinance.
Mr. Olander re- quested to move up Item 13B, “FOR ADOPTION - An Ordinance in compliance with Ordinance No. 1973, DIVISION 5.4 General Procedures for Public Hearings, Section 5.4.3 Specific Use Permits granting a Specific Use. (Bryan Rock)”
After discussion, Mr. Olander moved to adopt Item 13B to include an amendment to only allow chickens on the property. Mr. Hill seconded the motion.
Kaitlyn Rock stated their Specific Use permit is to allow for chickens and a rooster. Julie Rock explained that she needs the rooster in order to sell pickled eggs and pepper jelly.
After further discussion, Mr. Olander withdrew his motion to only allow for chickens. Mr. Hill withdrew his second.
Mr. Olander moved to adopt the following Ordinance. Mr. Hill seconded the motion, which carried by the following 8-2-0-1 Roll Call vote:
YEAS: Ina, Olander, Hill, He- bert, Davis, Duhon, Rink, and Mathews
NAYS: Adams and Hidalgo
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Rulf
ORDINANCE
NO. 2426
An Ordinance in compliance with Ordinance No. 1973, DIVISION 5.4 General Procedures for Public Hearings, Section 5.4.3 Specific Use Permits granting a Specific Use.
THIS ORDINANCE IS AVAILABLE FOR RE- VEW IN THE PARISH COUNCIL’S OFFICE
EXHIBIT “A”
Name: Bryan Rock
Address: 136 Mercury Rd., Bayou Vista, LA
Parcel Id# 2984301055.00 – Lot 12-L Clarke Bayou Vista Subd Acq 136 297169
Currently Zon-ed: \Existing Neighborhood (EN2) Zoned District
Specific Use Purpose: to allow for Livestock (chickens and a rooster) in an Existing Neighborhood (EN2) Zoned District.
Renee’ Dupre, Assurance Financial Manufactured Home Lender, ap- peared before the Council in support of a Rezoning re- quest for Karin Bertrand located at 10906 Highway 182, Franklin. She stated that she is representing the homeowner, Courtney Payton, who was denied by the Planning & Zoning Department. She explained the difference between a double wide mobile home and a manufactured home. She expounded on the set up requirements of a manufactured home, inspection requirements required by FHA/HUD guidelines, and depreciation of neighboring properties.
Per several Council Members’ inquiries, Planning & Zoning Director, Mandi LeBlanc stated that the property is zoned Single Family, which does not allow for a manufactured home. She stated that South Central Planning Commission could explain the differences in the building construction of a manufactured home versus a modular home. She also stated that one neighbor appeared in opposition, the Planning & Zoning Commission unanimously voted to deny the request, and that spot zoning is usually not done.
Courtney Payton appeared be- fore the Council to inform that she is trying to purchase the property to place the manufactured home on to reside in. She stated that two manufactured homes are located down the road and Ms. Dupre stated that they are allowed on that property.
Discussion was had relative to deed restrictions, zoning restrictions, depreciation of property value, Unified Development Code requirements, HUD Standards, and International Building Code requirements.
Mr. Adams mov-ed to table the rezone request for Karin Bertrand located at 10906 Highway 182, Franklin. The mo- tion failed, due to lack of a second.
Mayor Duval Arthur, City of Berwick, appeared before the Council to discuss an ordinance prohibiting the feeding of stray cats and dogs. He stated that this is a parish wide problem and suggested the Council and all municipalities work together to adopt the same ordinance.
Parish President, Sam Jones recognized EBP Community Boxing founder, Efremzimbalist Randle and several members in attendance. Mr. Randle inform-ed of a boxing event to be held on March 14, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. at the Foulcard Center located on Willow Street in Franklin.
Planning & Zoning Director, Mandi LeBlanc, presented the following items as recommended by the Planning & Zoning Commission at their February 23, 2026, Regular Meeting:
a. Recommend Preliminary & Final Subdivision/Development Approval
Name: Beverly Rentrop
5248 Hwy. 182 W., Patterson, LA 70392
Address: 5262 Hwy. 182, Patterson, LA
Parcel Id#: 2684361005.00. 2.06 Ac Por 3.59 Ac Being Rem No. 1 Clarfa & Anthony Boudreaux Part Per Plat 7q 81957 Situated in Sec 54 T15S R11E Acq. 22F 181030 & Parcel Id# 2684341 02.00, Sec.55 T15S R11E; 1.53 Ac Por 3.59 Ac Being Rem No. 1 Clarfa & Anthony Boudreaux Part Per Plat 7q 81957. Situated in Sec. 55 T15S R11E; Acq. 22F 181030.
Zoned: Agricultural (AG) & Single Family Residential (SR) Zoned Districts
PURPOSE: Preliminary & Final Approval for the above referenced as shown on a plat titled “Showing a portion of the Clarfa & Anthony Boudreaux Subdivision as per COB 7Q, Entry No. 81,957 being property of Beverly B. Rentrop, et al. To be re-subdivided into Lots 1A, 1B, 1C, & 1D situated in: Sections 54 & 55, T 15 S – R 12 E St. Mary Parish, Louisiana Southwestern Land District” as surveyed by Miller Engineer & Associates, Inc. Engineering & Land Surveyors 601 Main St. Franklin, Louisiana 70538, dated January 16, 2026. DWG. No. 15271.
Rev. Mathews recommends the above Preliminary & Final Subdivision/Development. Mr. Hebert seconded the motion, which carried.
b. Recommend Specific Use
Name: 4C Christian Committing
The Community to Christ
Address: 1560 & 1564 Cypremort Rd., Franklin, LA
Parcel Id#: 1814901090.00 - Lot 2 Lockett Subd. per Plat 44A 273250 Acq. Inc. 69 10766, Parcel Id#: 1814901055.00 - Lot 3 Lockett Subd. per Plat 374 330929, Acq. 374 330930, and 1564 Cypremort Rd., Jeanerette, LA 70544, & Parcel Id#: 1814901089.00 - Lot 1 Lockett Subd. per Plat 44A 273250; Acq. 216 308287
Currently Zon-ed: Existing Neighborhood (EN2) Zoned District
Specific Use Purpose: for an existing Church and Accessory Facilities.
Rev. Mathews recommends the above Specific Use Approval. Mr. Hebert seconded the motion, which carried.
c. Preliminary Subdivision/Development Approval
Name: Rivers Patout
611 Irish Bend Rd., Franklin, LA 70538
Address: Hwy. 317, Franklin, LA 70538
Parcel Id #: 2354364054.00. 83.25 Ac Por 1400.00 Ac Tract Maryland Pltn BD above by a Carlin - below by W Garrett being situated in Sec. 51 T15S R10E; Acq. 25z 200591; Improvement on the Land of Maryland Company, LLC the Acq. 25Z 200591
Zoned: Agricultural (AG) Zoned District
PURPOSE: Preliminary Approval for the above referenced as shown on a plat titled “Plan of Land showing property of The Maryland Company II, LLC as per COB 25Z, Entry No. 2000,591 to be subdivided in Tracts “ABCDEA” & “FGHIJF” and to be acquired by Martha Anne H. Foster Situated in: Sections 51, T 15 S R 10 E., St. Mary Parish, Louisiana Southwestern Land District” as surveyed by Francis Fortier 3091 Highway 104, Opelousas,, Louisiana 70570, dated February 3, 2026.
Mr. Hebert recommends the above Preliminary & Final Subdivision/Development. Mr. Hill seconded the motion, which carried.
d. Recommend Rezoning
Name: St. Mary Parish Government for Columbus Ave.
Address: Columbus Ave., Bayou Vista, LA
Parcel Id#: 1204 Columbus Ave., Morgan City, LA 70380, - Sec 14 T16S R12E; - Parcel Id#: 3014301091.00 - Lot 20 Bayou Vista Park Subd. Blk 11 Acq. 359 328658; 1210 Columbus Ave., Morgan City, LA 70380, - Parcel Id#: 3014301092.00 - Lot Tract B-C-H-A-B Per plat 14L 130632 Being The Remainder Of Lot 19 Bayou Vista Park, Blk 11, Acq. 458 344150; 1208 Columbus Ave., Morgan City, LA 70380, - Parcel Id#: 30143010 93.00 - Lot East 30 Ft. No. 19 Bayou Vista Park Subd., Blk 11 Being Por Tract CDGHC Per plat 14L 130632, Acq. 469 345773, - Parcel Id#: 3014301094.00 - Lot West 35 Ft No 18 Bayou Vista Park, Subd. Blk 11 Being Por Tract CDGHC per Plat 14L 130632, Acq. 469 345773; 1220 Columbus Ave., Morgan City, LA 70380, - Parcel Id#: 30143010 95.00 - Lot East 40 Ft No 18, Bayou Vista Park Subd., Blk 11 Acq. 453 343240, - Parcel Id#: 30143010 96.00 - Lot West 25 Ft., No. 17, Bayou Vista Park Subd., Blk 11, Acq. 453 343240; 1224 Columbus Ave., Morgan City, LA 70380,
Parcel Id#: 3014301097.00 - Lot East 50 Ft No 17 Bayou Vista Park Subd., Blk 11, Acq. 42X 268179, - Parcel Id#: 30143010 98.00 - Lot West 15 Ft., No. 16, Bayou Vista Park Subd., Blk. 11, Acq. 42X 268179; 1230 Columbus Ave., Morgan City, LA 70380, Parcel Id#: 3014301099.00 - Lot East 60 Ft. ,No. 16 Bayou Vista Park Subd., Blk. 11, Acq. 44H 274231 Improvement On The Land Of Beadle Michael Paul, Acq. 44H 274231, - Parcel Id#: 3014301100.00 - Lot West 5 Ft. No. 15 Bayou Vista Park Subd., Blk. 11, Acq. 44H 274231; 1236 Columbus Ave., Morgan City, LA 70380, - Parcel Id#: 3014301101.00 - Lot Center 65 Ft. No. 15 Bayou Vista Park Subd., Blk. 11, Acq. 45T 280699; 1240 Columbus Ave., Morgan City, LA 70380, - Parcel Id#: 3014301102.00 - Lot East 5 Ft. No. 15 Bayou Vista Park Subd., Blk. 11 Acq. 36G 242583, - Parcel Id#: 3014301103.00 - Lot West 60 Ft. No. 14 Bayou Vista Park Subd., Blk 11 Acq. 449 342574; 1244 Columbus Ave., Morgan City, LA 70380, - Parcel Id#: 3014301104.00 - Lot East 15 Ft. No. 14 Bayou Vista Park Subd., Blk. 11, Acq. 184 303639,
- Parcel Id#: 3014301105.00 - Lot West 50 Ft. No. 13 Bayou Vista Park Subd., Blk. 11, Acq. 184 303639; 1252 Columbus Ave., Morgan City, LA 70380,
-Parcel Id#: 3014301106.00 - Lot East 25 Ft. No. 13 Bayou Vista Park Subd., Blk. 11, Acq. 45J 278793, - Parcel Id#: 3014301107.00 - Lot West 40 Ft. No. 12 Bayou Vista Park Subd., Blk. 11, Acq. 45J 278793; 1256 Columbus Ave., Morgan City, LA 70380, - Parcel Id#: 3014301108.00 - Lot East 35 Ft. No. 12 Bayou Vista Park Subd., Blk. 11, Acq. 264 314816, - Parcel Id#: 3014301109.00 - Lot West 30 Ft. No. 11, Bayou Vista Park Subd., Blk. 11, Acq. 264 314816; 1260 Columbus Ave., Morgan City, LA 70380,
- Parcel Id#: 3014301110.00 - Lot East 45 Ft. No. 11 Bayou Vista Park Subd., Blk. 11, Acq. 260 314181, - Parcel Id#: 3014301111.00 - Lot West 20 Ft. No. 10 Bayou Vista Park Subd. Blk. 11, Acq. 260 314181; 1264 Columbus Ave., Morgan City, LA 70380, - Parcel Id#: 3014301112.00 - Lot East 55 Ft. No. 10 Bayou Vista Park Subd., Blk. 11, Acq. 23V 189470, - Parcel Id#: 3014301113.00 - Lot West 10 Ft. No. 9 Bayou Vista Park Subd., Blk. 11, Acq. 23V 189470; 1270 Columbus Ave., Morgan City, LA 70380, - Parcel Id#: 3014301114.00 - Lot East 65 Ft. No. 9 Bayou Vista Park Subd., Blk. 11, Acq. 443 341533; and 1104 Southeast Blvd., Morgan City, LA 70380, - Parcel Id#: 3014301115.00 - Lot 1 Bayou Vista Park Subd., Blk. 11, Acq. 28L 213527, - Parcel Id#: 3014301116.00 - Lot North 55.05, No. 2 Bayou Vista Park Subd., Blk. 11, Acq. 28L 21352722047 01197.00 - Lot Tract A-B-C-I-A, Per Plat 24M 192689, Acq. 449 342553, Sec.62 T14S R9E.
PURPOSE: Re- zone from General Commercial (GC) Zoned District to Single Family Residential (SR) Zoned District.
Mr. Adams recommends the above Rezoning. Mr. Hill seconded the motion, which carried. Mr. Hebert abstained.
e. Denied Re- zoning
Name: Karin Bertrand
Address: 10906 Hwy. 182, Franklin, LA
Parcel Id# 2234604021.00 - Lot 1A Bayouside Investments, LLC; Per Plat 441 341242, Acq. 470 346101
PURPOSE: Single Family (SR) Zoned District to Existing Neighborhood (EN2) Zoned District to allow for a manufactured home to be placed on the property.
Rev. Mathews recommends to overturn the above Rezoning denial. Mr. Ina seconded the motion, which carried. Mr. Adams, Mr. Olan-der, and Mrs. Hidalgo voted no.
Rev. Mathews requested that the ordinance for in- troduction granting a rezone for Karin Bertrand located at 10906 Hwy. 182, Franklin, LA be placed on the March 25, 2026 agenda.
Dr. Rink moved that the Public Hearing Report, February 25, 2026 – 5:45 p.m. Mr. Hebert seconded the motion, which carried.
Dr. Rink introduced the following Ordinances:
ORDINANCE
NO:
An Ordinance in compliance with Ordinance No. 1973, DIVISION 5.4 General Procedures for Public Hearings, Section 5.4.3 Specific Use Permits granting a Specific Use.
THIS ORDINANCE IS AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW IN THE PARISH COUNCIL’S OFFICE
EXHIBIT “A”
Name: 4C Christian Committing
The Community to Christ
Address: 1560 & 1564 Cypremort Rd., Franklin, LA
Parcel Id#1814901 090.00 - Lot 2 Lockett Subd. per Plat 44A 273250 Acq. Inc 69 10766,
Parcel Id# 1814901055.00 - Lot 3 Lockett Subd. per Plat 374 330929 Acq. 374 330930, and 1564 Cypremort Rd., Jeanerette, LA 70544, & Parcel Id# 1814901089.00 - Lot 1 Lockett Subd. per Plat 44A 273250 Acq. 216 308287
Currently Zon-ed: Existing Neighborhood (EN2) Zoned District
Specific Use Purpose: for an existing Church and Accessory Facilities.
ORDINANCE
NO:
An Ordinance in compliance with Ordinance No. 1973, Chapter 5 Procedures, Division 5.4 General Procedures for Public Hearing, Section 5.4.2 Re- zonings (Zoning Map Amendments).
THIS ORDINANCE IS AVAILABLE FOR RE- VIEW IN THE PARISH COUNCIL’S OFFICE
EXHIBIT “A”
Name: St. Mary Parish Government for Columbus Ave.
Address: Columbus Ave., Bayou Vista, LA
Parcel Id# 1204 Columbus Ave., Morgan City, LA 70380, - Sec 14 T16S R12E; - Parcel Id# 30143010 91.00 - Lot 20 Bayou Vista Park Subd. Blk 11 Acq. 359 328658; 1210 Columbus Ave., Morgan City, LA 70380, - Parcel Id# 30143010 92.00 - Lot Tract B-C-H-A-B Per plat 14L 130632 Being The Remainder Of Lot 19 Bayou Vista Park Blk 11 Acq. 458 344150; 1208 Columbus Ave., Morgan City, LA 70380, - Parcel Id# 30143010 93.00 - Lot East 30 Ft No 19 Bayou Vista Park Subd. Blk 11 Being Por Tract CDGHC Per plat 14L 130632 Acq. 469 345773, - Parcel Id# 30143010 94.00 - Lot West 35 Ft No 18 Bayou Vista Park Subd. Blk 11 Being Por Tract CDGHC per Plat 14L 130632 Acq. 469 345773; 1220 Columbus Ave., Morgan City, LA 70380, - Parcel Id# 30143010 95.00 - Lot East 40 Ft No 18 Bayou Vista Park Subd. Blk 11 Acq. 453 343240, - Parcel Id# 30143010 96.00 - Lot West 25 Ft No 17 Bayou Vista Park Subd. Blk 11 Acq. 453 343240; 1224 Columbus Ave., Morgan City, LA 70380,
Parcel Id# 3014301097.00 - Lot East 50 Ft No 17 Bayou Vista Park Subd. Blk 11 Acq. 42X 268179, - Parcel Id# 30143010 98.00 - Lot West 15 Ft No 16 Bayou Vista Park Subd. Blk 11 Acq. 42X 268179; 1230 Columbus Ave., Morgan City, LA 70380, - Parcel Id # 3014301099.00
Lot East 60 Ft No 16 Bayou Vista Park Subd. Blk 11 Acq. 44H 274231
Improvement On The Land Of Beadle Michael Paul Acq. 44H 274231, - Parcel Id# 30143011 00.00 - Lot West 5 Ft No 15 Bayou Vista Park Subd. Blk 11 Acq. 44H 274231; 1236 Columbus Ave., Morgan City, LA 70380, - Parcel Id# 30143011 01.00 - Lot Center 65 Ft No 15 Bayou Vista Park Subd. Blk 11 Acq. 45T 280699; 1240 Columbus Ave., Morgan City, LA 70380, - Parcel Id# 30143011 02.00 - Lot East 5 Ft No 15 Bayou Vista Park Subd. Blk 11 Acq. 36G 242583, - Parcel Id# 30143011 03.00 - Lot West 60 Ft No 14 Bayou Vista Park Subd. Blk 11 Acq. 449 342574; 1244 Columbus Ave., Morgan City, LA 70380, - Parcel Id# 30143011 04.00 - Lot East 15 Ft No 14 Bayou Vista Park Subd. Blk 11 Acq. 184 303639,
Parcel Id# 3014301105.00 - Lot West 50 Ft No. 13 Bayou Vista Park Subd. Blk 11 Acq. 184 303639; 1252 Columbus Ave., Morgan City, LA 70380,
Parcel Id# 3014301106.00 - Lot East 25 Ft No. 13 Bayou Vista Park Subd. Blk 11 Acq. 45J 278793, - Parcel Id# 30143011 07.00 - Lot West 40 Ft No. 12 Bayou Vista Park Subd. Blk 11 Acq. 45J 278793; 1256 Columbus Ave., Morgan City, LA 70380, - Parcel Id# 30143011 08.00 Lot East 35 Ft No. 12 Bayou Vista Park Subd. Blk 11 Acq. 264 314816, - Parcel Id# 30143011 09.00 - Lot West 30 Ft No. 11 Bayou Vista Park Subd. Blk 11 Acq. 264 314816; 1260 Columbus Ave., Morgan City, LA 70380,
Parcel Id# 3014301110.00 - Lot East 45 Ft No. 11 Bayou Vista Park Subd. Blk 11 Acq. 260 314181, - Parcel Id# 3014301111.00 - Lot West 20 Ft No. 10 Bayou Vista Park Subd. Blk 11 Acq. 260 314181; 1264 Columbus Ave., Morgan City, LA 70380, - Parcel Id# 30143011 12.00 Lot East 55 Ft No. 10 Bayou Vista Park Subd. Blk 11 Acq. 23V 189470, - Parcel Id# 30143011 13.00 - Lot West 10 Ft No. 9 Bayou Vista Park Subd. Blk 11 Acq. 23V 189470; 1270 Columbus Ave., Morgan City, LA 70380, - Parcel Id# 30143011 14.00 - Lot East 65 Ft No. 9 Bayou Vista Park Subd. Blk 11 Acq. 443 341533; and 1104 Southeast Blvd., Morgan City, LA 70380, - Parcel Id# 30143011 15.00 - Lot 1 Bayou Vista Park Subd. Blk 11 Acq. 28L 213527, - Parcel Id# 30143011 16.00 - Lot North 55.05 No. 2 Bayou Vista Park Subd. Blk 11 Acq. 28L 213527220470 1197.00 - Lot Tract A-B-C-I-A Per Plat 24M 192689 Acq 449 342553, Sec.62 T14S R9E
PURPOSE: Re- zone from General Commercial (GC) Zoned District to Single Family Residential (SR) Zoned District.
Mr. Adams mov-ed to amend the ordinance to re- move Section 2 and adopt the following Ordinance as amended. Mr. Hebert seconded the motion, which carried by the following 8-2-0-1 Roll Call vote:
YEAS: Hill, Hebert, Davis, Adams, Rink, Hi- dalgo, Mathews, and Ina
NAYS: Olander and Duhon
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Rulf
ORDINANCE
NO. 2427
An ordinance prohibiting the feeding of stray cats and dogs within the unincorporated areas of St. Mary Parish and imposing penalties for the violation thereof.
THIS ORDINANCE IS AVAILABLE FOR RE- VIEW IN THE PARISH COUNCIL’S OFFICE
In response to several Council Members’ inquiries, Janet Aucoin stated the purpose to remove Section 2 – Exemption from the proposed ordinance is to put structure in place and stop people from putting food everywhere to feed them.
Per Mr. Duhon’s inquiry, Mr. Governale stated that funding was discontinued from one of the rescue organizations due to the Parish and the organization not moving in the same direction.
Mr. Hill moved to adopt the following Resolution. The Council seconded the motion, which carried by the following 10-0-0-1 Roll Call vote:
YEAS: Hill, Hebert, Davis, Du- hon, Adams, Rink, Hidalgo, Mathews, Ina, and Olander
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Rulf
RESOLUTION
OF RESPECT
WHEREAS, the Lord Almighty in His Infinite mercy and goodness has seen fit to remove from our midst, Mrs. Rosemary Salsman Breaux, affectionately known by all as Rosie, at the blessed age of 106, and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Breaux was born in Donner, Louisiana and a lifelong resident of Baldwin, and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Breaux spent years in various states and towns traveling with the Army and Shell Oil Company, then settling in Baldwin in 1954, purchasing and operating Breaux’s Grocery Store on Main Street then relocating to Charenton Road, re- naming it Breaux’s Foodland, where she dedicated most of her hard working life, and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Breaux was a devout Catholic who loved her faith and was an active parishioner of Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Baldwin, was a former member of the Catholic Daughter Court Assumption in Franklin, and a charter member of the Catholic Daughters Court Sacre Coeur in Baldwin, and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Breaux en- joyed life to the fullest and contributed her long life to hard work, a positive attitude, and her trust in God, and
WHEREAS, the members of the St. Mary Parish Council wish to ac- knowledge publicly their sorrow and sympathy to the family of Mrs. Breaux and hopes that her family will find comfort in the thought that their grief and sorrow are shared by their friends.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RE- SOLVED, by the St. Mary Parish Council through the unanimous adoption of this resolution that they solemnly deliberate with sincere condolences, sympathy, and understanding during this time of grief.
ADOPTED AND APPROV-ED by the St. Mary Parish Council in regular session convened on this the 11th day of March 2026.
APPROVED:
S/G
GWENDOLYN L. HIDALGO
GWENDOLYN L. HIDALGO
CHAIRPERSON
ST. MARY PARISH COUNCIL
ATTEST:
S/G LISA C. MORGAN
LISA C.
MORGAN,
CLERK
ST. MARY PARISH COUNCIL
OLD BUSINESS:
A. Referred from the February 25, 2026, Regular Council Meeting – to rescind the appointment of Mr. George Small, III from the Board of Adjustments for Parish of St. Mary.
Clerk of the Council, Lisa Morgan stated that Mr. Small was ac- cidentally appointed at the last meeting and would like to remain on the Board of Ad- justments. Therefore, no action will be taken.
B. Referred from the February 25, 2026, Regular Council Meeting – to rescind the appointment of Mr. Cody M. Fontenot from Wards 5 & 8 Joint Sewer Commission.
Lisa Morgan stated that Mr. Fontenot was ap- pointed at the last meeting and since George Small, III did not want to be considered for ap- pointment of Wards 5 & 8 Joint Sewer Commission, no action will be taken.
Appointment to following Boards and Commissions:
Wards 5 and 8 Joint Sewer Commission (Bayou Vista) – 1 Vacancy
Cody M. Fontenot George Small, III
Due to Cody Fontenot remaining on Wards 5 & 8 Joint Sewer Commission, no action will be taken on this item.
C. Discussion and Action to rescind a Resolution ordering and calling a special election to be held in the Parish of St. Mary, State of Louisiana, to vote upon the adoption of an amended St. Mary Parish Home Rule Charter, making application to the State Bond Commission, and providing for other matters in connection therewith.
Mr. Hebert mov-ed to rescind a Resolution ordering and calling a special election to be held in the Parish of St. Mary, State of Louisiana, to vote upon the adoption of an amended St. Mary Parish Home Rule Charter, making application to the State Bond Commission, and providing for other matters in connection therewith. Rev. Mathews seconded the motion, which carried.
In response to Mr. Adams’ inquiry, Mr. Hebert stated the approximate cost of the election is $80,000.
NEW BUSINESS:
A. We received the following financial statements:
Gravity Sub- Drainage District No. 1 of Gravity Drainage District No. 2 of the Parish of St. Mary – year ended September 30, 2025
Wax Lake East Drainage District of the Parish of St. Mary – year ended September 30, 2025
B. Robbie Squires, Director, Government Affairs, Cox Communication Central Region has written Cox is required to obtain permission from local broadcast stations and cable networks to provide their signals on our channel lineup. We’re in discussions to re- new agreements with the following programmers and broadcasters:
Station/Network, Channel(s)
MoviePlex, 120
RetroPlex, 193
IndiePlex, 194
Starz Encore Espanol, 197
Starz Encore, 203
Starz Encore Westerns, 204
Starz Encore Classic, 205
Starz Encore Suspense, 206
Starz Encore Action, 207
Starz Encore Black, 208
Starz Encore Family, 223
Starz Encore, 360
Starz, 361
Starz Edge, 362
Starz in Black, 363
Starz Kids, 364
Starz Cinema, 365
Starz Comedy, 366
Starz West, 367
Starz Edge West, 368
Starz in Black West, 369
We will keep you updated with any new information. Please feel free to contact me at (405)286-5061 or Robbie.Squires@cox.com.
C. Caroline Byrne Cassagme, Executive Director, Atchafalaya National Heritage Area has written that the term of Carrie Stansbury on the Atchafalaya Trace Commission expires on March 13, 2026. Mrs. Stansbury has in- dicated that she would like to continue serving on the ATC.
Enclosed is a Commissioner Appointment form for appointing the St. Mary Parish representative for the term March 13, 2026, to March 13, 2029.
Mr. Adams moved that Carrie Stansbury be reappointed to the Atchafalaya Trace Commission. Dr. Rink seconded the motion, which carried.
D. As per LA RS 38:291 (Z) relative to the St. Mary Levee District, the St. Mary Parish Council is responsible for submitting a list containing three nominations from each of the eight single member parish council districts. The Governor shall appoint one member to represent each District.
District III
Junius Paul Hebert, Jr.
Roy J. Martin
David Landry
Mr. Olander moved to submit to the Governor for a nomination to the St. Mary Levee District, the names of Junius Paul Hebert, Jr., Roy J. Martin, and David Landry for District III. Dr. Rink seconded the motion, which carried.
E. Trey Brazan, Attorney, Secretary of State, has written that in accordance with La. R.S. 18:653, I am enclosing a copy of the notice of resignation received from the Honorable James P. Carinhas as Constable, Justice of the Peace Ward 5, Parish of St. Mary, with an effective date of February 28, 2026.
Pursuant to La. R.S. 18:583, an anticipated vacancy has occurred in the above-specified office. Therefore, the governing authority shall within twenty (20) days of the office actually becoming vacant (after February 28, 2026, but on or before March 20, 2026) make an appointment to fill the office, in accordance with La. R.S. 18:583(D)(1) and La. 18:602. After an appointment has been made, the certified minutes of the meeting or a certified resolution should be mailed to our office. A commission will be issued to the person appointed to fill the vacancy.
Please be ad- vised that a special election is not required in connection with this vacancy, per La. R.S. 18:602, and the appointee can serve for the remainder of the unexpired term.
If the governing authority does not timely appoint an individual in connection with this vacancy, we will transmit notice to the Governor to do so in accordance with La. R.S. 18:602(D).
Discussion was had relative to re- ceiving this notice on March 4, 2026 and the deadline being March 20, 2026, before the next Council meeting, possibly re- sulting in having to call a Special Meeting.
There being no further business, Mr. Hill moved for adjournment. Mr. Hebert seconded the motion, which carried.
s/g Gwendolyn L. Hidalgo
Gwendolyn L. Hidalgo,
Chairperson
s/g Lisa C. Morgan
Lisa C. Morgan,
Clerk
Adv. April 17, 2026
Cost: $876.00

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PUBLIC NOTICE
PUBLIC HEARING REPORT
MARCH 11, 2026
FRANKLIN,
LOUISIANA
5:45 P.M.
The St. Mary Parish Council held a Public Hearing on this date with Chairperson Gwendolyn L. Hidalgo presiding and the following members present: Rev. Craig Mat-hews, Rodney Olander, David W. Hill, Patrick He- bert, James “Jimmy” Davis, Jr., Mark Duhon, and Kristi Prejeant Rink, M.D. Absent were J Ina, Leslie Rulf, Jr., and Dean Adams.
The purpose of the Public Hearing was to receive written and/or oral comments relative to the following Ordinance:
An ordinance prohibiting feeding of stray cats and dogs within the unincorporated areas of St. Mary Parish and imposing penalties for the violation thereof.
Clerk of the Council, Lisa Morgan stated Janet Aucoin submitted information to the Council.
There being no further business, Mr. Olander moved for adjournment. Mr. Hebert seconded the motion, which carried.
S/G Gwendolyn L. Hidalgo
Gwendolyn L. Hidalgo,
Chairperson
S/G Lisa C.
Morgan
Lisa C. Morgan,
Clerk
Adv. April 17, 2026

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PUBLIC NOTICE
PUBLIC HEARING REPORT
MARCH 11, 2026
FRANKLIN,
LOUISIANA
5:50 P.M.
The St. Mary Parish Council held a Public Hearing on this date with Chairperson Gwendolyn L. Hidalgo presiding and the following members present: Rev. Craig Mathews, Rodney Olander, David W. Hill, Patrick He- bert, James “Jimmy” Davis, Jr., Mark Duhon, Dean Adams, and Kristi Prejeant Rink, M.D. Absent were J Ina and Leslie Rulf, Jr.
The purpose of the Public Hearing was to receive written and/or oral comments relative to the following Ordinance:
An Ordinance in compliance with Ordinance No. 1973, DIVISION 5.4 General Procedures for Public Hearings, Section 5.4.3 Specific Use Permits granting a Specific Use. (Bryan Rock)
There were no written and/or oral comments were received regarding the above ordinance.
There being no further business, Dr. Rink moved for adjournment. Mr. Hebert seconded the motion, which carried.
S/G Gwendolyn L. Hidalgo
Gwendolyn L. Hidalgo,
Chairperson
S/G Lisa C.
Morgan
Lisa C. Morgan,
Clerk

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PUBLIC NOTICE
BERWICK-
BAYOU VISTA JOINT
WATERWORKS
COMMISSION
POST OFFICE BOX 322
BERWICK, LA 70342
(985) 384-8990
Chairman – Troy Lombardo, Vice Chairman – Paul Tholen, Vice Chairman – N.A. Hensgens, Jr., Vice Chairman – Dwight Gray
A special meeting of the Berwick – Bayou Vista Joint Waterworks Commission was called at the Berwick Civic Center, 300 Patti Drive Berwick, La. At 5:30 P.M., March 16, 2026.
Board Members Present: Troy Lombardo, Dwight Gray, N.A. Hensgens, Jr, Paul Tholen.
Others Present: Jacob Dupuy, Joel Miller and Tori Henry.
The meeting was called to order by Troy Lombardo.
It was moved by N.A. Hensgens, Jr., seconded by Dwight Gray and unanimously agreed to accept the minutes from the February meeting.
It was moved by N.A. Hensgens, Jr., seconded by Paul Tholen and unanimously agreed to accept accounts payable & treasurer’s report for the month of February.
Jacob Dupuy reported that Frisco has the parts on order to fix the manhole cover as mentioned in the sanitary survey; he and Troy Lombardo will be attending the LRWA operator training on March 26th; and an extension request letter is due by May 12th for the administrative order.
Joel Miller re- ported that he is working on getting any design specs and drawings from the manufacturer for the clarifiers to be able to draw up the plans and specs for bid package; he spoke with the Parish and they are still waiting on the CWEF funds from the State for the roof project; and he did not receive any word from South Central Planning yet.
There being no further business to come before the Board, it was moved by N.A. Hensgens, Jr., seconded by Dwight Gray and unanimously agreed that the meeting be adjourned.
———————
Troy Lombardo,
Chairman
Adv. April 17, 2026

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PUBLIC NOTICE
(Continued from page 8)
Page 10, Morgan City Review, Morgan City, La., Friday, April 17, 2026
PUBLIC NOTICE
ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS
CENTRAL CATHOLIC, WINDOW WALL REPLACEMENT:
HURRICANE
FRANCINE
Morgan City, Louisiana
Sealed bids will be received by the Roman Catholic Church for the Diocese of Houma- Thibodaux, on behalf of and for the benefit of Central Catholic, 2100 Cedar Street, Morgan City, Louisiana for CENTRAL CATHOLIC, WINDOW WALL RE- PLACEMENT: HURRICANE FRANCINE, Morgan City, Louisiana until 2:00 PM, local time on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at the office of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, 2779 LA-311, Schriever, Louisiana 70395, at which time and place said proposals will be publicly opened and read aloud. Electronic bids at www.centralbidding.com as allowed by Act 590 amended Title 38:2212 are acceptable. Any bids received after the above-mentioned time will be re- turned unopened.
Each bid shall be enclosed in a sealed envelope bearing the title of the work, the name of the Bidder, the address, date and hour of the bid opening, and the State Contractor’s License Number. The bid shall be addressed as follows:
BID: CENTRAL CATHOLIC, WINDOW WALL RE- PLACEMENT: HURRICANE FRANCINE
Morgan City, Louisiana
To: The Roman Catholic Church for the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, on behalf of and for the benefit of Central Catholic, Morgan City, Louisiana, 2100 Cedar Street Morgan City, Louisiana 70538
LICENSE NO. ——————
Failure to have the license number on the envelope will be result in the Bid being returned unopen-ed.
Bid documents will be posted on www.centralbidding.com. To view, download, and re- ceive bid notices by e-mail, you will have to register with Central Auction House (CAH). Vendors/Contractors will have the option to submit their bids and bid bonds electronically or by paper copy. Contact Ted Fleming with Central Auction House at 1-866-570-9620 concerning any questions about this process.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The project consists of replacing Central Catholic window walls with new wall construction due to damage suffered during Hurricane Francine. The estimated construction cost for the Base Bid for this project is $850,000.00.
Prospective Contractors shall be licensed for Building Construction by the State of Louisiana and that license shall be in effect on the date of the bid.
Each proposal must be accompanied by a bid bond, a certified check, or cashier’s check in an amount equal to at least five percent (5%) of the amount bid, made payable without condition to the Owner as a guarantee that the bidder, if awarded the contract, will promptly execute the contract documents. Failure to do so will result in the bid/bids being declared nonresponsive and shall be cause for rejection. If a bid bond is provided it shall be on the attached form and only on the attached form and shall be dated on or before the bid date. The bid security of all bidders, except the three lowest, will be returned promptly after the canvas of bids.
A non-mandatory pre-bid conference, at which the scope of the project, contract time and other requirements can be discussed with prospective bidders, may be held at the project site. All bidders will be notified and are encouraged to attend.
Copies of the contract documents are on file in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, Pastoral Center, 2779 Louisiana Highway 311, Schriever, Louisiana and the office of the Architect, Carl P. Blum AIA Architect., 900 David Drive, Morgan City, Louisiana, Louisiana 70380, and are open for inspection without charge.
Contractors may obtain contract documents from the Architect by paying a deposit of One Hundred Dollars ($100.00). The full amount of the deposit, on the first set, will be refunded to each contractor who submits a bona fide bid, upon re- turn of the documents in good condition within ten (10) days after the receipt of bids. Contractors and Material Dealers may obtain additional sets of plans and specifications by making a deposit in the amount named above. Up- on return of these documents, in good condition, one half of the deposit will be refunded, the difference representing the cost of printing, assembling, and distributing the sets. No refund will be made on any set not returned in good condition within ten (10) days after the receipt of bids.
If someone other than a corporate officer signs for the Bidder/Contractor, a copy of a corporate resolution or other signature authorization shall be required for submission of bid. Failure to include a copy of the appropriate signature authorization, if required, may result in the rejection of the bid unless bidder has complied with LA R.S. 38:22:12(A)(1)(C) or LA R.S. 38:22:12(0).
A bid will be considered responsive if it conforms in all respects with the conditions and requirements of the Bidding Documents. In order to be considered re- sponsive, the Louisiana Uniform Public Works Bid Form must: (a) be fully completed, signed and be re- sponsive in all respects to the Bidding Documents; (b) be made on the Bid Forms provided and submitted intact, (c) submitted in ink.
No bid may be withdrawn after the scheduled closing time for receipt of bids for thirty (30) days.
To the extent permitted by applicable state and federal laws and regulations, the Roman Catholic Church for the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, on behalf of and for the benefit of Central Catholic, Morgan City, Louisiana reserves the right to reject any and/or proposals for just cause.
The Roman Catholic Church for the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, on behalf of and for the benefit of Central Catholic, Morgan City, Louisiana.

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PUBLIC NOTICE
RECREATION DISTRICT #2 ST MARY PARISH
1110 GRACES ST *
P.O. BOX 922
MORGAN CITY, LA. 70381
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
RECREATION DISTRICT #2
1110 GRACE ST
MORGAN CITY, LA. 70380
6:00 P.M.
March 12th, 2026
Meeting of the Board of Commissioners of Recreation District was called to order at 6:00pm by Ms. Ann Poole, Chairperson. Invocation was given by Ms. Nelda Dural.
Members present were Norma Skinner, Nelda Dural, Tracey Wilson, and Ann Poole. Others present were Mr. Leroy Trim, Director and Kimberlin Mc- Pherson, Administrative Assistant.
Absent David McGuire Guest-None
Minutes from February 12th, 2026 monthly board meeting, was submitted for review by all board members present. After a brief discussion, a motion was made by Nelda Dural and second by Tracey Wilson, that the minutes from February 12th, 2026 monthly meeting be re- ceived and adopted with any necessary corrections; if any. The motion was approved unanimously.
Yeas: Tracey Wilson, Nelda Dural, Norma Skinner, Ann Poole Nays: None Absent: David McGuire Guest: None
The districts’ financial report was submitted by Mrs. Kimberlin McPherson, who provided a copy of the balance sheets showing assets, general funds and revenue totals for the month. After a brief discussion and review of said financials, the current financial re- port was compared against the budget for comparison. Thereafter, in addition to the financials, the board was presented with a copy of the bank reconciliation and electronic transfer sheets for review, and signed by chairman upon approval. A motion was made by Ms. Nelda Dural and second by Ms. Tracey Wilson, to receive and approve the financial report, with any necessary corrections; if there be any. The motion was approved un- animously without opposition.
Yeas: Ann Poole, Nelda Dural, Norma Skinner, Tracey Wilson Nays: None Absent: David McGuire
OLD BUSINESS:
Ms. Ann Poole inquired on the follow up of the re- view timeline on the grant. Mr. Trim informed the board that there had been some transmittal problems on the receiver’s side when documents were previously submitted; however, balance due is forthcoming. Meanwhile, Mrs. McPherson stated that advertising for surplus property would be submitted to the Daily Review on Friday, March 13th, 2026 to run for (3) three days. Mr. Trim stated, selected park trees require removal; and targeted tree replanting is necessary to manage park safety and infrastructure. Ms. Dural committed to investigating free tree donation programs. Ms. Wilson moved to authorize fifty percent of the damage trees, with the re- maining fifty percent to be replaced at a later date The motion was second by Ms. Dural and carried unanimously.
NEW BUSINESS:
In further related new business, Ms. Poole stated that she has begun working with Lindell Webster for the summer en- richment program. However, due to budget limitations, Webster is currently limited to hiring two workers and is actively seeking additional funding sources and volunteers. Thereafter, Ms. Poole followed up on the April 18th. 2026, community cleanup schedule; we are currently seeking volunteers to assist with the beautification efforts.
In reviewing salary clarification, Ms. Poole stated, upon successful completion of her probationary period; Mrs. McPherson shall be reinstated in affixion with reinstating full benefits and a salary increase to its original amount. Motion for full reinstatement of salary and all benefits by Ms. Dural and second by Ms. Wilson. The motion was approved unanimously.
Thereafter, the board had a brief discussion on the Annual Community Easter Egg Hunt, to be held on April 4th, 2026. A budget was put into place for this annual festivity. Ms. Dural motion-ed to proceed with the activities and second by Ms. Wilson. The motion was approved without opposition.
Ms. McPherson submitted Pitts & Matte representation letter, P-form engagement and audit. Motion by Ms. Dural and second by Ms. Wilson that the board comply with Pitts & Matte engagement, and proceed with signing ac- cording. The mo- tion was approved without opposition.
Bills were re- viewed, compare to budget, and submitted for payment. A motion was made by Tracey Wilson and second by Norma Skinner to pay all bills that has been submitted for payment. The motion was approved unanimously.
Yeas: Ann Poole, Nelda Dural, Norma Skinner, Tracey Wilson Nays: None Absent: David McGuire
With no further business to discuss, a motion was made by Nelda Dural and second by Norma Skinner, that meeting be adjourned.
Ann W. Poole
/S:/ Ann W. Poole,
Chairman
Adv. April 17, 2026

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PUBLIC NOTICE
St. Mary Parish
Water & Sewer Comm. 2
P.O. Box 635
Patterson, La. 70392
March 9th, 2026
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., Paul Tholen and Raymond Beadle.
Guests: Larry & Pam Fromenthal- Fromenthal Plumbing, Reid Miller- Miller Engineers, David Hill- Parish Councilman, Tony Sonnier- LRWA, Employees- Alexis Hartman, Dakota Jones, Destinee Bell, and Logan Theriot.
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 Thomas Philbrook, motion carried.
Accounts Payable and Treasurer’s Report was accepted by motion from Thomas Philbrook and a second from Paul Tholen, motion carried.
No public comment.
Logan Theriot provided the maintenance report for the month. The field has been completing their regular monthly maintenance and they have ordered more signs for marking water valves and additional gate signs. They are still working on the meter maintenance log. We are providing water to the City of Patterson as needed. There was a new truck purchased for Logan’s use due to the transmission giving out on the previous, with no time frame of the part coming in.
Larry Fromenthal provided his maintenance report for the month. The major break on Teche that was repaired last month did contribute to our water loss numbers. During the repair on Teche, Larry found a few valves that need to be worked on, he will take care of that this month. There were some sewer issues on River Road, they were addressed and are now fixed. Larry cleaned out the main line at Arlington. He also replaced another meter at Cameron.
Tony Hensgens gave a joint plant update; he stated they are waiting on grant money to replace a clarifier.
Chris reminded all board members that Sexual Harassment and Ethics training need to be completed. This year everyone will also need to complete Cybersecurity training. Alexis will get with everyone for the link regarding Cybersecurity.
Reid Miller stated we are still waiting on an update regarding Capital Outlay.
Tony Sonnier with LRWA presented his findings to the board regarding our current rate study. The board showed their appreciation for LRWA and said they would discuss further.
There being no further business to come before the board, a motion was made by Paul Tholen to adjourn with a second from Tony Hensgens, all were in favor and motion passed.
———————
Chris Cooper –
President
———————
Destinee Bell –
Recording
Secretary
Adv. April 17, 2026

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PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the St. Mary Parish Planning & Zoning Commission will hold a PUBLIC HEARING on Monday, April 20, 2026 at 5:45 P.M. in the Parish Council Meeting Room, Fifth Floor Courthouse, Franklin, Louisiana, for the following purposes:
Specific Use Request
Specific Use Re- quest for Francis Sicard to allow for horses in a Single Family Residential (SR) Zoned District located at 1933 Hwy 182 E, Morgan City LA; Sec.20 T15S R12E; -Parcel Id# 2984341057.00, Lot 6-B Clarke Bayou Vista Subd Acq. 36c 241792. -Parcel Id# 2984341013.00, Lot Por No 5-B Clarke Bayou Vista Subd situated in Sec. 20 T15S R12E Acq. 36c 241792. -Parcel Id# 2984341059.00, Lot Por No 4-B Clarke Bayou Vista Subd Situated in Sec 20 T15S R12E Acq 36c 241792. -Parcel Id# 2984341014.00, Lot Por No 4-B Clarke Bayou Vista Subd Situated in Sec 19 T15S R12E Acq 36c 241792. -Parcel Id# 2984341058.00, Lot Por No 5-B Clarke Bayou Vista Subd Situated in Sec 19 T15S R12E Acq 36c 241792. (Zon-1498)
All persons are invited to this meeting to submit their approval or objections to the above SPECIFIC USE REQUEST.
St. Mary Parish
Planning & Zoning Board
Barry Druilhet, Chairman
Adv. April 3, 10 and 17, 2026

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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 4, 2026, AT 5:45 P.M. in the Parish Council Meeting Room, Fifth Floor Courthouse, Franklin, Louisiana, for the following purposes:
Variance Re- quest for Sheila David for a Front Yard Setback Variance to deviate from the required 50 ft. to 40 ft., Easterly Side Setback Variance to deviate from the required 25 ft. to 19 ft., and a Variance to deviate from Div. 1.6 Agricultural and Residential Standards; Sec. 1.6.2 Residential Accessory Uses, Building, and Structures; Table 1.6.2; De- tached Accessory Building Standards – Setbacks- Front, Generally-behind the principal building in an Agricultural (AG) Zoned District located at 1124 Victoria Riverside Rd., Patterson, LA 70392 – Sec.3 T15S R12E; -Parcel Id# 2954364020.00 - Lot Tract 2 Per Plat 431 339770 Being Por Lot 3 Per Plat 37I 246738 The Resub Of Lots 10-A 10-B 10-C Riverside Est Per Plat 30Q 220249 Acq. 402 335217. (Zon-1500)
All persons are invited to this meeting to submit their approval or objections to the above VARIANCE REQUEST.
St. Mary Parish
Board of Adjustments
John P. Davis,
Chairman
Adv. April 17, 24 and May 1, 2026

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PUBLIC NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
Sixteenth
Judicial District Court
——
PARISH OF
ST. MARY
——
STATE OF
LOUISIANA
McCormick 101, LLC
Vs. No. 140022 Div “H”
LaFleur Dairy Products, Inc.
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:
Tract I
That certain tract of land, lying and being situated in the corporate limits of the city of Morgan City, Parish of St. Mary, Louisiana, Section 12, T16S, R12E, designated and described as Tract A-B-C-D-E-F-G-A containing 1.223 acres as is more fully shown on that Plan of Land dated February 6, 1996, drawn by H.K. Lee, George Mikhael, Civil Engineer and by E.E. Opitz, Professional Land Surveyor, Reg. No. 2916. Together with all buildings and improvements thereon situated, rights, ways, privileges, servitudes and appurtenances thereunto belonging or in anywise appertaining.
Tract II
That certain tract or parcel of land, lying and being situated in Morgan City, Louisiana, St. Mary Parish, together with all improvements therein, and all rights, ways, privileges, appurtenances and perscriptions thereunto belonging or in anywise appertaining, adjoining the above des-cribed property, being more fully described as follows:
That certain tract of land being described as tract A-B-C-D-E-F-G-H-I-J-A, per map and plan of Land of “LaFleur Dairy Product” by George Mikhael, Civil En- gineer, dated December 22, 1994, annexed hereto.
to satisfy the sum of Principal balance of $426,324.64, accrued interest of $43,252.82, late fees of $5,098.04 plus all additional interest, fees, charges, expenses and reasonable attorney’s fees and costs, including all costs of this foreclosure proceeding, all of which continue to accrue until all amounts owed to McCormick 101, LLC are paid in full 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 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 20th day of May A.D., 2026, be- tween the legal hours commencing at 10 O’Clock A.M.
Sheriff’s Office
Parish of St. Mary, La.
Thursday, the 19th day of February A.D., 2026
GARY L.
DRISKELL,
SHERIFF
By: Heidi Rineholt
Deputy Sheriff
Adv. April 17, 2026 and May 13, 2026

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PUBLIC NOTICE
Patterson Housing monthly board meeting will be held on 04/21/2026 at 5:30 pm, at 409 Grout St. Patterson, La. 70392. Public invited. No agenda at this time.
Adv. April 17, 2026

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PUBLIC NOTICE
Cellco Partnership and its controlled affiliates doing business as Verizon Wireless (Verizon Wireless) is proposing to collocate antennas at a center height of 250ft on a 257-ft Lattice Tower located in the vicinity of 10533 E Hwy 182 Frontage Road, Morgan City, St. Mary Parish, Louisiana 70380. Public comments regarding potential effects from this site on historic properties may be submitted within 30 days from the date of this publication to: Project 260063255PR, EBI Consulting, 21 B Street, Burlington, MA 01803, EBIPNReplies@ebiconsulting.com or at (617) 715-1822.
Adv. April 17, 2026

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PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the St. Mary Parish Planning Commission will hold a PUBLIC HEARING on Monday, April 20, 2026, AT 5:45 P.M. in the Parish Council Meeting Room, Fifth Floor Courthouse, Franklin, Louisiana, for the following purposes:
REZONE RE- QUEST:
Rezoning of property by Boeuf Land Company LLC represented by Brian Tabor from Heavy Industrial (HI) Zoned District to Existing Neighborhood (EN2) Zoned District located at 2902 Lake Palourde Rd., Morgan City, LA 70380 – Sec 14 T16S R13E; -Parcel Id# 3524281102.00 - Lot BD U Blan-chard - F Fryou Jr - S P Glynn - Public Road Acq. 428 339135, Parcel Id# 3524281103.00 - Lot Blanchard - Bayou Boeuf - S P Glynn - Pub Road Less 12W 120341 and 23F 186369 Acq. 422 338155. (Zon-1497)
All persons are invited to this meeting to submit their approval or objections to the above Rezone Re- quest.
St. Mary Parish Planning & Zoning Commission
Barry Druilhet,
Chairman
Adv. April 3, 10 and 17, 2026

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PUBLIC NOTICE
OFFICIAL
PROCEEDINGS
GRAVITY SUB-DRAINAGE DISTRICT NO. 1 OF GRAVITY DRAINAGE
DISTRICT NO. 2
REGULAR MEETING
March 10, 2026
6:00 p.m.
BAYOU VISTA, LOUISIANA
The Gravity Sub-Drainage District No. 1 of Gravity Drainage District No. 2 (“GSDD1of GDD2”) met on this date at 6:00 p.m. with Chairman Chad Ross presiding with Wayne Can-trell, Raymond Beadle, Paige Voisin, and DJ Mayon
Absent: N/A
Also present: Alvin Lodrigue, District Supervisor, Barry Dufrene, District Accountant, and Jules Darden, Miller En- gineering and Associates.
Mr. Cantrell moved, and Mr. Beadle seconded that the reading of the minutes of the Regular Meeting, February 10, 2026, be dispensed with and that the same be approved. The motion carried.
Mr. Ross called for the Finances and Payables Re- port. Mr. Dufrene was not present therefore Mr. Ross presented the reports on the payables due for March 2026. Mr. Beadle 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. Ross made a motion to allow mechanic to re- build engine. Mr. Cantrell moved, and Mr. Beadle seconded motion, which was carried.
Mr. Beadle made a motion to ap- prove personnel policies changes, Mr. Mayon seconded motion, which was carried by the board.
Mr. Ross discussed the possible purchase of camera system for the District.
With there being no other business, a motion to ad- journ was made by Mr. Beadle and seconded by Mr. Mayon. The motion passed.
Attest:
Chad Ross,
Chairman
Gravity Sub- Drainage District No. 1 of Gravity Drainage District No. 2
/s/ Rhonda
Patterson,
Secretary
Gravity Sub- Drainage District No. 1 of Gravity Drainage District No. 2
Adv. April 17, 2026

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PUBLIC NOTICE
AGENDA
ST. MARY PARISH 911 COMMUNICA-TIONS DISTRICT
1200 David Dr. Building B
Morgan City, LA 70380
April 23, 2026
1:00 P.M.
1. Meeting Called to Order
2. Roll Call
3. Approval of Minutes: March 26, 2026
4. Guest(s): None
5. Public Com- ment
6. Income State-ment March 2026
7. Expense Statement: March 2026
8. Old Business: None
9. New Business: None
10. Director Up- dates
11. General Dis-cussion
12. Adjournment
Adv. April 17, 2026

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I have a request of all of our pontificating politicians. Leave God and me alone to work out our relationship.
I consider myself a religious person, but I don’t wear my faith on my sleeve or preach to my neighbors.
I have a “comfortable” relationship with the Good Lord. But it’s personal. It’s private.
And I want to keep it that way. Political battles are not going to lead any of us to salvation, but that message seems to be lost on Republican and Democrat politicians alike.
American politicians today, are saturating their rhetoric with religious references for the purpose of bolstering a particular political point of view.
According to a recent Pew Research poll, some 60% of Evangelical Christians support the use of torture against suspected terrorists.
Among all regular once a week church goers, the approval rate of torture was 54%. 
And according to a recent Rasmussen poll, 55% of Americans think hate is growing in this country.
What gives?
Why have so many mixed their political rhetoric with their religious beliefs?
In many instances, Christians point to the New Testament as the source for their beliefs on numerous public issues.
Whatever happened to “Render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s, and unto God the things that are God’s” (Matthew 22:21)?
I’m a Thomas Jefferson fan and can make a compelling argument that he was America’s most outstanding president. Jefferson was surprisingly private concerning his religious beliefs, but was a professed Christian and studied the Bible extensively. His personal Bible is currently on display at the Museum of American History in Washington, D.C. 
What is unique about it is that it has been carefully razor cut with a series of small sections missing.  Jefferson cut out what he believed to be the actual teachings of Jesus “and pasted them into a slimmer, different New Testament.”
Jefferson made clear his purpose. “We must reduce our volume to the simple evangelists, select, even from them, the very words only of Jesus.”
He was hoping to end up with “the most sublime and benevolent code of morals which had ever been offered to man.” 
And in his fine tuning of the biblical passages, Jefferson discovered the simple Jesus that so many with political agendas either have missed or purposely ignore.
Jefferson’s premise was simple.
Why does religion have to be made so complicated?  If one is a Christian, doesn’t it all boil down to the two — the only two   — believe in a Supreme Being, and do good works? 
That’s it. That should be what faith is all about and nothing more.
And such faith is the same foundation for not only Christians, but for Jews and Muslims alike,  the simple acts of believing in the Supreme Being and helping those in need.
But too often, internal strife within the hierarchy of many denominations continues to divert attention from these two basic premises of believing in God and lending a hand.
Andrew Sullivan, writing in the London Sunday Times, laments that politics and religion, like oil and water, do not mix well. And he wonders if many religious denominations are straying from their basic goals. 
“The saints, after all, became known as saints not because of their success in fighting political battles, or winning a few news cycles, or funding an anti-abortion super PAC. They were saints purely and simply because of the way they lived."
And this, of course, was Jefferson’s deeply American insight: “No man can conform his faith to the dictates of another. The life and essence of religion consists in the internal persuasion or belief of the mind.’“
Remember the Waylon Jennings song called "Luckenbach, Texas"? The key line is “maybe it’s time to get back to the basics of life.”
No one is going to find salvation by carrying on political battles.
There is nothing wrong with picking a good political fight and going to the mat for a worthy cause, philosophy or a candidate.
But the effort should be secular. When the political smoke clears, winners can crow and losers can lick their wounds. Then it’s time for both sides to go back to the basics.
The simple obligation of acceptance and commitment. Believing in a higher being and offering a helping hand. Why do we make it all so complicated?
Peace and Justice
Jim Brown
Jim Brown’s syndicated column appears each week in numerous newspapers throughout the nation and on websites worldwide. You can read all his past columns and see continuing updates at http://www.jimbrownla.com.  Readers can also review books by Jim Brown and many others he has published by going to http://www.thelisburnpress.com.

DEAR ABBY: My husband of 50 years sits in his chair for hours at a time making online purchases he thinks are a necessity or just plain intriguing. We get two or three packages a day, which usually consist of “Buy two and get a third one free” — fruit corers, citrus squeezers, air fresheners, car-washing supplies, cellphone holders, etc.
What’s frustrating is that we already have the perfectly functional items he’s purchased. Most of the time they get pushed aside and not used. He also buys food items that are on a repeat subscription, filling our pantry with so much overflow that we must throw away perfectly good food to make room for the newest items.
These purchases go on his credit card and amount to more than $2,000 per month. My career supported us financially, so my husband didn’t have to work, but he was busy with the family in many other ways. Now that I’m retired and no longer have an income, I look at the financial drain his compulsive online shopping has been causing.
We cordially and sometimes humorously discuss his obsession, and he promises to abstain, but the next week, 15 more unnecessary items are delivered. What can I do to avoid being buried under junk in my own home?
COVERED IN IT IN CALIFORNIA

DEAR COVERED: You have identified what your problem is: compulsive spending. Now that you are retired, I’m sure the money your husband has been blowing could be put to better use. For some people, compulsive shopping and overspending can become an addiction. Your husband may be one of those; others find the dopamine rush helps with depression.
The next time you and your husband discuss his online activities, tell him a 12-step organization called Spenders Anonymous helps people overcome this problem. You can learn more online at spenders.org.

DEAR ABBY: I have a friend, “Maron,” who is 65 and divorced from her husband, who had been extremely verbally abusive. Her adult son has a daughter by a former partner who had no interest in the girl. The girl, “Lizzie,” is living with her father (Maron’s son) in his father’s home.
Maron has taken an active interest in her grandchild and spends a lot of time with her. Maron drives Lizzie to preschool even though it is an hour away from her and only a few minutes from her ex-husband’s home.
Recently, Maron’s ex has been pressuring her to move back in with him. He says Lizzie needs a consistent female presence. However, he also accuses her of being selfish, thus perpetuating his verbal abuse. What should she do?
IN THE MIDDLE IN WASHINGTON

DEAR IN THE MIDDLE: Unless Maron wants to escape the fire only to jump back into the frying pan, she should maintain her separate residence. Because her ex’s verbal abuse was so bad she left the marriage, she should not allow herself to be guilted into allowing more of it.

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What teens need to know about sex, drugs, AIDS and getting along with peers and parents is in “What Every Teen Should Know.” Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 to: Dear Abby, Teen Booklet, P.O. Box 446, Kings Mills, OH 45034-0446.