RSS Feed

NFL 2018: Saints, Falcons, Panthers headline tough NFC South

Thu, 08/30/2018 - 12:35pm

By BRETT MARTEL, AP Sports Writer

Recent history would indicate that the NFC South is among the NFL’s strongest divisions.
Three of its four teams — New Orleans, Atlanta and Carolina — made the playoffs last season. The Falcons are only two seasons removed from an overtime loss in the Super Bowl.
Yet, in today’s NFL, fortunes have been known to vacillate widely from one year to the next.
“Obviously, there is parity in our league,” Saints coach Sean Payton said. “What I mean by that is, teams very quickly can improve themselves in the division. You see that each year.”
Payton has urged his players to take the approach that they are “starting from square one and it’s an entirely different year.”
But it’s tough to entirely drown out the expectations surrounding a club that won 11 of its last 14 regular-season games and beat the Panthers in the playoffs before nearly advancing to the NFC title game. Only an unlikely 61-yard touchdown pass play by the Vikings as time expired prevented the Saints from going to Philadelphia.
Much of New Orleans’ success stemmed from young players — namely running back Alvin Kamara and cornerback Marshon Lattimore, the 2017 offensive and defensive rookie award winners. Many other key players— Pro Bowl receiver Michael Thomas, right guard Ryan Ramczyk, safeties Vonn Bell and Marcus Williams, defensive tackles Sheldon Rankins and David Onyemata, cornerback Ken Crawley, and linebacker Alex Anzalone — have been in the NFL two or fewer years.
That gave the Saints the luxury of approaching the past offseason with the mission of refining rather than overhauling.
“We probably feel like we have fewer holes,” general manager Mickey Loomis said. “Overall, we’ve got a young team ... and I’m anxious to see how those guys develop and get better — and I think we feel good about that.”
Here are some other NFC South story lines in 2018:
ELDER STATESMAN: For all of the Saints’ promising youth, their most important player still might be their eldest: 39-year-old Drew Brees.
There’s little evidence of a drop-off yet. Last season he completed an NFL-record 72 percent of his passes and his eight interceptions were his lowest since throwing seven with the Chargers in 2004.
But he might have to throw more this season than last — at least early on. Pro Bowl running back Mark Ingram is suspended the first four games for use of a banned substance.
The good news for New Orleans is the entire offensive line is intact after strong showings in both the running and passing games in 2017.
“If they’re playing well, then you’re able to open up the offense in a way that makes us very dangerous,” Brees said. “This group is one of the best we’ve had.”
Brees also has two of his top receivers back in Thomas and Ted Ginn Jr., along with two promising new targets in free-agent acquisition Cameron Meredith and rookie Tre’Quan Smith.
STAR TREATMENT: The Falcons have taken measures to make sure two key playmakers, wide receiver Julio Jones and running back Devonta Freeman, are healthy to start the season. Neither played in a preseason game.
Jones said he was focused on his health when he missed mandatory minicamp. He had minor surgery on his left foot after the 2016 season and had two ankle injuries, plus injuries to his back, ribs, thumb and knee last season. Even so, he had 88 catches for 1,444 yards and three touchdowns.
Last year, Freeman had two concussions and was slowed by a knee problem.
The Falcons led the NFL in scoring in their 2016 Super Bowl season but fell back to the middle of the pack last year.
Quarterback Matt Ryan doesn’t sound worried whether Jones or Freeman will be in form when it counts
“Not with those two,” Ryan said. “They both have played so much football and they both practice so much that I don’t really see them missing a beat.”
ANOTHER GEAR: The Panthers sought to get faster in the offseason to compete with the Saints, who beat them three times last season, including in the wild-card round. They’ve added speed at wide receiver, trading for Torrey Smith, signing free agent Jarius Wright and drafting D.J. Moore from Maryland in the first round. Coach Ron Rivera is also hoping 2017 second-round pick Curtis Samuel can stay healthy, unlike last season. Those receivers and versatile running back Christian McCaffrey could give QB Cam Newton a lot of reasons not to run himself.
Carolina also went in the Saints’ backyard to get help on defense, drafting LSU cornerback Donte Jackson — considered one of the fastest players in college a year ago — in the second round.
TAKING ON WATER: The Bucs lost 10 of 13 following a 2-1 start a year ago, missing the playoffs for the 10th consecutive season. Their chances of escaping the division cellar and ending the long drought will be impacted by how they play without QB Jameis Winston, who’ll miss the first three games while serving a suspension for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy.
After opening on the road at New Orleans, home games follow against defending Super Bowl champion Phila-delphia and Pittsburgh. An 0-3 start could be difficult to overcome, even if Winston plays well when he returns.
PREDICTED ORDER OF FINISH: Saints, Falcons, Panthers, Buccaneers.
—AP Sports Writers Fred Goodall, Charles Odum, Steve Reed contributed to this report.

Holiday closings; no Daily Review on Monday

Thu, 08/30/2018 - 11:19am

Area municipal and parish offices will be closed for the Labor Day holiday on Monday.
The Harold J. “Babe” Landry Landfill in Berwick will close at noon on Monday. Republic Services and Pelican Waste & Debris will run routes on Monday, but residents are asked to put receptacles by the road side Sunday night due to some routes being collected earlier than usual.
The Daily Review will not publish a paper on Monday due to the Labor Day holiday. News and advertising deadlines for Tuesday’s paper will be earlier than usual to accommodate the closing.

Setting the stage for Shrimp & Petroleum Festival

Thu, 08/30/2018 - 11:17am

Staff Report
Thursday’s the day for the kickoff of the Louisiana Shrimp & Petroleum Festival.
A ribbon-cutting at 5 p.m. will officially open the 83rd edition of the state’s oldest harvest festival, which will continue through Monday.
The youngest festival-goers probably will be more interested in the Mitchell Brothers carnival rides and games. The rides will be 5-9 p.m. Thursday. Ride bracelets will be available for $25. The bracelets will also be available noon-9 p.m. Monday.
The 55th Labor Day Art Show & Sale will start Thursday and continue through Saturday, Sept. 22 in the downtown Everett Street Gallery. Hours to view the exhibit during the festival are 1-4 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday through Monday.
Festival parking is available along Front Street, Railroad Avenue and Federal Avenue. No traffic will be allowed during the festival on Greenwood Street from Front Street to Federal Avenue, Front Street between Greenwood Street and Brashear Avenue, and Second Street and Third Street from Brashear Avenue to Freret Street.
Traffic will be one-way around Lawrence Park.
No motor homes or camping trailers are allowed in or around the park. No ice chests, glass, tents, barbecue pits, pets, golf carts or four-wheelers are allowed on festival grounds. No motorcycles or vehicles may be parked on or beyond public sidewalks.
Live music begins at 6 p.m. Friday in Lawrence Park and lasts through Monday.

Wheel House for Aug. 30

Thu, 08/30/2018 - 11:12am

UNITY PRAYER
Area pastors host Community/Unity Prayer Service at 6 p.m. Tuesdays. Sept. 4 meeting at Living in the Light Ministries, Bayou Vista. Public invited.

LITTLE ZION
Baptist Church, Berwick, hosting Prince Hall Masons 116 at 8 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 9. Guest minister the Rev. Ronald McCoy. Communion served.

State officials say disadvantaged students doing better

Thu, 08/30/2018 - 11:10am

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Economically disadvantaged students, African-American students, students with disabilities and those who are learning the English language — all four groups showed strong progress in academic achievement this year, according to information released Wednesday by Louisiana’s Department of Education.
But the department says progress among those “historically disadvantaged” groups will have to be accelerated to close achievement gaps with their peers.
The data on student progress demonstrates how students in grades four through 12 are progressing toward fully mastering key concepts and skills in English language arts (ELA) and math.
The department says the release is part of the state’s commitment to develop a tool to provide a more comprehensive view of school performance, as it works to comply with the federal Every Student Succeeds Act.
The department said about 48 percent of students statewide demonstrated what it called “top growth” in English language arts, while about 43 percent demonstrated top growth in math.
Growth among the historically disadvantaged groups was close to the overall figures, the department’s news release said.
“However, because their overall achievement levels are lower, educators must support historically disadvantaged student groups to improve at a faster pace than their peers in order to close achievement gaps,” the release said.
The department said systems in Ascension and Lafourche parishes are among the top performing in student progress. In both school systems, more than half of all students, including those who are economically disadvantaged or those with disabilities, demonstrated top growth on English and math assessments.

Man charged with illegal discharge of firearm in Patterson

Thu, 08/30/2018 - 11:09am

Staff Report

A 28-year-old man was charged with illegal discharge of a firearm and caught with multiple drugs after Patterson police responded to a report of shots fired Wednesday night, a news release stated. No one was injured by the shots, police said.

—Kilo Neol White, 28, of First Street in Patterson, was arrested at 9:17 p.m. Wednesday on charges of illegal carrying and discharging weapons, criminal damage to property, possession of alprazolam and tramadol hydrochloride, prohibited acts Schedule II-crystal meth, possession of marijuana, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm in the presence of a controlled dangerous substance.

At 8:31 p.m. Wednesday, Patterson police received a call reporting shots fired in the 700 block of Gabriel Street with one shot entering into a neighboring apartment, Maj. Clyde Phillips said in the release. Officers responded to the call and found White in possession of two firearms along with illegal narcotics, Phillips said. White had no bail set yet.

Morgan City Police Chief James Blair reported that officers responded to 55 calls and reported the following arrests:

—David J. Allen, 28, of Bergeron Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 5:05 a.m. Wednesday on a warrant charging him with failure to appear for possession of methamphetamine and on charges of possession of marijuana second offense, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Allen was located on Cypress Street and arrested on a warrant for 16th Judicial District Court. Officers also located suspected marijuana and drug paraphernalia on Allen, Blair said. Allen was jailed.

—Anthony J. Harris, 22, of Arizona Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 8:59 a.m. Wednesday on a drug court warrant.

Harris was located on Mount Street and arrested on a warrant for 16th Judicial District Court. Harris was jailed.

—Abram M. Granger Jr., 19, of Apple Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 10:52 a.m. Wednesday on charges of possession of marijuana third offense and introduction of contraband into a penal institute.

—Tyler J. Sylvester, 19, of Versen Street in Berwick, was arrested at 10:52 a.m. Wednesday on charges of no tail lamps and possession of marijuana with intent to distribute.

A patrol officer on La. 182 near Martin Luther King Boulevard observed a vehicle with improper lighting. A traffic stop was conducted, and the driver was identified as Sylvester.

The officer could smell an odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle, Blair said. The passenger, Granger, was asked to exit the vehicle. Officers searched the vehicle and located suspected marijuana on the passenger side floorboard.

Officers located several baggies of suspected marijuana on Sylvester, Blair said. At the police department, police located suspected marijuana in Granger’s sock. Granger and Sylvester were both jailed.

—Colby T. Nicholas, 18, of Wren Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 4:02 p.m. Wednesday on a charge of remaining after being forbidden.

Nicholas was located on Wren Street and placed under arrest. Nicholas had previously been barred from all Morgan City Housing Authority property, Blair said. Nicholas was jailed.

—Penny L. Daigle, 43, of Second Street in Berwick, was arrested at 5:41 p.m. Wednesday on charges of possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and turning movement and required signal.

The narcotics division was patrolling the area of Federal and Brashear avenues when a vehicle was observed failing to use its turn signal. A traffic stop was conducted and the driver identified as Daigle.

Officers could smell an odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle, Blair said. A search of the vehicle was conducted. Suspected marijuana and drug paraphernalia were located. Daigle was jailed.

—John Gibson, 28, of Headland Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 9:13 p.m. Wednesday on a charge of possession of marijuana first offense.

A vehicle was pulled over while driving through the DWI checkpoint on La. 182. The driver was identified as Gibson. The smell of marijuana was coming from the vehicle, Blair said.

Police searched the vehicle and located suspected marijuana. Gibson was jailed.

—Sacarl G. Martin, 40, of New Iberia, was arrested at 9:14 p.m. Wednesday on a charge of DWI first offense.

Police pulled over a vehicle driven by Martin while driving through the DWI checkpoint on La. 182. Martin performed poorly on a field sobriety test and registered 0.081 grams-percent blood alcohol content on a chemical test, Blair said. Martin was jailed.

—Lorenzo C. Merritt, 30, of Hurst Street in Patterson, was arrested at 9:25 p.m. Wednesday on a charge of possession of marijuana first offense.

A vehicle driven by Martin was pulled over while driving through the DWI checkpoint on La. 182.

Officers could smell an odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle and located suspected marijuana, Blair said. Merritt was jailed.

—Justin L. Harris, 29, of Church Point, was arrested at 11:10 p.m. Wednesday on a charge of DWI first offense.

A vehicle driven by Harris was pulled over while driving through the DWI checkpoint on La. 182. Harris performed poorly on a field sobriety test and registered 0.117 grams-percent blood alcohol content on a chemical test, Blair said. Harris was jailed.

St. Mary Parish Sheriff Scott Anslum reported that deputies responded to 32 complaints in the parish and reported the following arrest in east St. Mary Parish:

—Nicholas Billiot, 35, of Franklin Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 10:12 p.m. Wednesday on charges of DWI, careless operation and expired license plate.

Deputies patrolling the area of Patterson were dispatched to a location on Zenor Road on a report of a vehicle in a ditch. Upon arrival at the scene, the deputies made contact with the driver of the vehicle, Billiot.

While speaking with Billiot, the deputy smelled a strong odor of alcoholic beverage coming from him. Billiot performed poorly on a field sobriety test, Anslum said.

Billiot was transported to the Berwick Police Department for chemical testing. Billiot’s blood alcohol concentration was 0.217 grams-percent on a chemical test. Billiot was booked into parish jail and then released on $5,750 bail.

Berwick Police Chief James Richard reported the following arrests:

—Chaz Rebardi, 23, of Francis Street in Berwick, was arrested at 12:20 a.m. Thursday on three 16th Judicial District Court warrants charging him with failure to appear for trial. No bail was set.

—Steven Davis, 42, of Murial Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 6:27 p.m. Wednesday on a 16th Judicial District Court warrant charging him with failure to appear for trial, a warrant charging him with violation of a protective order and a charge of violation of a protective order. No bail was set.

Miller's gifts make Nicholls Honors Abroad possible

Thu, 08/30/2018 - 10:54am

THIBODAUX — Many future Nicholls State University Honors Program students looking to study abroad are set to benefit from a new endowment created by the donations of Nicholls alum R.E. “Bob” Miller.
The University Honors Program was created in 1998 and the program began enabling its students to study abroad in 2000. Destinations have been to the United Kingdom’s University of Plymouth and several locations in Costa Rica.
“Through the generosity of Bob Miller and others. we are able to send students overseas to study with Nicholls professors in England and Costa Rica, at our expense,” said John P. Doucet, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and director of the University Honors Program. “Many of our students are first generation college students, and to provide such extraordinary opportunities like international study and travel is, as the students tell us, life-changing.”
Miller, who was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Commerce from Nicholls, is the founder and owner of Major Equipment and Remediation Services Inc., in Amelia.
“I fell in love with the program when those students came back,” Miller said.
“You can look in their eyes and tell how much they have changed and appreciate the experience. They come back as wide-awake adults. I think it is the best thing in the world.”
The Nicholls Foundation is using $115,000 previously donated by Miller to create an endowment, so that the interest can be used to send students to study abroad indefinitely.
If someone is interested in contributing to this endowment, or in creating their own endowment, please contact Jeremy Becker with the Nicholls Foundation at 985-448-4005.

Arrest Reports 8-30-18

Thu, 08/30/2018 - 10:25am

St. Mary Parish Sheriff Scott Anslum reported the following arrests:
Dawn Height, 49, of 161 Carriage Cove, Franklin, was arrested Tuesday at 1:09 p.m. on a warrant for failure to appear on charges of stop sign violation and failure to carry registration in vehicle.
Deputies patrolling the Morgan City area responded to a shoplifting complaint at a local business. During the investigation, the deputies made contact with Height. The deputies learned of an active warrant for Height’s arrest. Height was transported to the St. Mary Law Enforcement Center for booking. Height was released to another agency.
Melissa Adams, 39, of 1018 Bonnabel Blvd., Metairie, was arrested Tuesday at 6:08 p.m. on two warrants for failure to appear on charges of possession of methamphetamine and two counts of possession of drug paraphernalia.
A transportation deputy transported Adams to the St. Mary Law Enforcement Center for booking from another agency. Adams was arrested on said warrants and released on a $12,250 bond.
Kingsley Shearron, 33, of 468 North Branch St., Baldwin, was arrested Wednesday at 11:16 a.m. on a warrant for failure to appear on charges of failure to register and notify as a sex offender, failure to pay annual registration fee and failure to possess a special sex offender ID card.
A deputy working at the St. Mary Parish Courthouse was informed of an active warrant for Shearron. The deputy made contact with Shearron and informed Shearron of the warrant. Sherman was transported to the St. Mary Law Enforcement Center for booking. Shearron was released on a $3,000 bond.
Nicholas Billiot, 35, of 300 Franklin St., Morgan City, was arrested Thursday at 10:12 p.m. on charges of driving while intoxicated, careless operation and expired license plate.
Deputies patrolling the area of Patterson were dispatched to a location on Zenor Road for a report of a vehicle in a ditch. Upon arrival at the scene, the deputies made contact with the driver of the vehicle, Billiot. While speaking with Billiot, the deputy smelled a strong odor of alcoholic beverage coming from his person. The deputy conducted field sobriety and Billiot performed poorly. Billiot was transported to the Berwick Police Department for chemical testing. Billiot’s blood alcohol concentration was 0.217g percent on the Intoxilizer 9000. Billiot was transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking. Billiot was released on a $5,750 bond.
Asia Do, 23, of 107 Pearl Lane, Charenton, was arrested Wednesday at 3:55 p.m. on charges of possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a controlled dangerous substance in the presence of a minor, resisting an officer with force and on a warrant for arrest for the charge of possession of crack cocaine.
A St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office narcotics detective went to a residence on Pearl Lane to make contact with Do in reference to an active warrant for her arrest. The detective made contact with Do sitting in a car in front of the residence. The detective informed Do of the warrant and Do attempted to pull away from the detective. Through the investigation, the detective found drugs and drug paraphernalia in Do’s possession. Do was transported to the St. Mary Law Enforcement Center for booking. No bail was set.
Franklin Police Chief Tina Thibodeaux reported the following arrests:
Jenny Rink, 30, of Onstead Street, Morgan City, was arrested Tuesday at 6:30 a.m. on the charge of simple battery.
Rink was booked, processed, and held on a $2,500 bond.
Blainedreale Golden, 23, of Willow Street, Franklin, was arrested Tuesday at 1:24 p.m. on a warrant for the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office for simple battery.
Golden was booked, processed, and released on a $2,500 bond.
Destiny Jones, 18, of Ninth Street, Franklin, was arrested Tuesday at 6:53 p.m. on a warrant dated for the charge of disturbing the peace by fighting.
Jones was booked, processed, and released on a $1,000 bond.
Wayneisha Shaw, 27, of Hogan Lane, Franklin, was arrested Wednesday at 8:14 p.m. on a warrant for the charge of disturbing the peace by fighting. Shaw was booked, processed, and released on a $1,000 bond.

Business burglary suspects arrested

Thu, 08/30/2018 - 10:15am

According to St. Mary Parish Sheriff Scott Anslum, two arrests were made Wednesday in connection with a recent business burglary in Baldwin.
Tris Madison, 25, of 116 Kaylie Lane, Baldwin, was arrested Wednesday at 11:04 a.m. on the charge of theft.
Tyler Dantin, 25, 116 Kaylie Lane, Baldwin, was arrested Wednesday at 11:04 a.m. on the charge of principal to theft.
The St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted a joint investigation with the Baldwin Police Department regarding the theft of a large amount of aluminum conduit, copper wiring and other items from a business in the Baldwin area. Through the investigation it was learned that Madison and Dantin went onto the property and removed items from the business.
On Wednesday, Madison and Dantin came into the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office to turn themselves in on arrest warrants. Madison and Dantin were transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking. Dantin was released on a $5,000 bond. Bail was set at $18,000 for Madison.

Accused ATV thief arrested by SO

Thu, 08/30/2018 - 10:14am

St. Mary Parish Scott Anslum reported the apprehension and arrest of a suspect in a recent ATV theft.
Dustin Frederick, 35, of 712 Fulton St., New Iberia, was arrested Tuesday at 2:30 p.m. on the charge of possession of stolen things.
On June 30, a resident in Charenton made a complaint to the St. Mary Sheriff’s Office in regards to an ATV that had been stolen from his residence.
No leads had been developed in the case until Tuesday, when deputies patrolling the Baldwin area were dispatched to a complaint of three 4-wheelers being ridden in cane fields on Penn Road. The riders were found to be riding with bandanas covering their faces.
Lately, thefts in the Baldwin area have been committed by perpetrators riding on 4-wheelers, Anslum reported.
Responding deputies were able to locate the 4-wheelers and gave chase, as they would not stop.
Two of the riders abandoned their 4-wheelers and fled on foot.
Both abandoned 4-wheelers were recovered and transported to the St. Mary Parish Motor Pool, and deputies learned that both had been reported stolen.
A short time later, deputies and detectives with the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office made contact with male and a female at the area on Penn Road. The female had an injured ankle and was transported to a local hospital for medical treatment. An officer identified the male as one of the persons operating one of the stolen ATV’s from the initial complaint reported earlier during the day.
The male was identified as Frederick. Frederick was questioned by detectives and ultimately transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking. Bail is set at $5,000.
St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office detectives consulted with detectives of the Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office, leading to them locating additional stolen property at Fredricks’ residence.
The investigation is related to theft investigations in the Baldwin area and is ongoing. Additional arrests are expected.