April 10 St. Mary School Board agenda
Mon, 04/07/2025 - 12:28pm
Click on the link below to download a .pdf version of the agenda.
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April 9 St. Mary Parish Council agenda
Mon, 04/07/2025 - 12:25pm
Click on the link below to download a.pdf version of the agenda.
MELVIN J. VINNING
Mon, 04/07/2025 - 11:51am
Melvin J. Vinning, age 89, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, April 3, 2025.
He will be sadly missed and his memory cherished by his wife of 64 years, Myrna Gautreaux Vinning; four children, Brandon Vinning and his wife Suzanne of Alabama, Garnet Vinning Trevino and her husband Ruben Trevino, Jr. of New Jersey, Belynda Vinning of Patterson, and Gordon Vinning and his wife Rita, also of Patterson.
His grandchildren include Shaun Liner and wife Amanda of Franklin, Kevin Liner and wife Gracie of Alabama, Roman, Alejandro, Gianna, and MAT Trevino all of New Jersey, and Brenden, Bradley, Brayden and Braxton Vinning of Patterson. His great-grandchildren include Addison Liner of Franklin, and Lilou, Dimas, and Jozé Liner of Alabama.
He is also survived by his sister, Barbara Vinning of Patterson.
He was preceded in death by his parents Clarence and LouElla Vinning, birth mother, Frances Pennison Vinning, sisters, Sylvia Stansbury, Dolores Sons, Jeaneze Frentz, and Ruby Crappell, and brothers, Clarence Vinning, Jr. and Francis Vinning.
He was a devout Catholic and dedicated member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church community, starting out as a lector, then adding Eucharistic minister and choir member to his contributions. He often attended daily Mass and assisted Father with services at Patterson Healthcare Center.
As a result of his devotion, he was awarded the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Award in 2018 for his outstanding service to church and community by the Catholic Diocese of Lafayette.
He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus, achieving his 4th Degree Knight status and assisting with the many fundraising efforts of the organization. He was also a Lifetime Member and a past Grand Knight.
He worked in his family businesses, Vinning Lumber & Supply and Vinning Home Construction until they closed. From there he went to work for McDermott for thirty years, until he retired in 2002.
He was an avid sports fan and loved watching LSU and the Saints. He also enjoyed bowling and was inducted into the local Morgan City Bowling Association’s Hall of Fame for his dedicated service in 2002.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed on Sunday, April 6th; from 4 pm to 7 pm at Ibert’s Mortuary, located at 1111 Lia Street, Patterson. (985) 395-7873, with a wake service and rosary being held at 5 pm. Visiting will resume on Monday, April 7th, from 9 am to 10:30 am at the mortuary. The funeral Mass will be held at 11 am at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Father Hebert Bennerfield III will officiate the services. After Mass, Melvin will be laid to rest in the St. Joseph Cemetery Mausoleum located behind the church.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Shaun Liner, Kevin Liner, Roman Trevino, Alejandro Trevino, Brenden Vinning, and Bradley Vinning. Honorary pallbearers will be Gianna Trevino, MAT Trevino, Brayden Vinning, and Braxton Vinning.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1011 First Street, Patterson, LA 70392, (985) 395-3616.
Family and friends are invited to share their memories and condolences with the family by visiting his memorial page at www.iberts.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Ibert's Mortuary, Inc., 1111 Lia Street, Patterson, LA 70392, (985) 395-7873.
Morgan City police radio logs for April 3-4
Fri, 04/04/2025 - 11:28am
The following are the radio dispatch logs from the Morgan City Police Department. To report unlawful or suspicious activity, call the Police Department at 985-380-4605.
Thursday, April 3
5:24 a.m. 100 block of Youngswood Road; Animal complaint.
8:12 a.m. 1200 block of Kenneth Street; Assistance.
9:48 a.m. 500 block of Leona Street; Medical.
9:59 a.m. 600 block of Brashear Avenue; Animal complaint.
10:30 a.m. 1200 block of Kenneth Street; Medical.
10:45 a.m. 200 block of Arizona Street; Theft.
11:23 a.m. 100 block of Headland Street; Assistance.
11:38 a.m. 200 block of Aucoin Street; Hit and run.
11:56 a.m. 900 block of Clothilde Street; Complaint.
12:33 p.m. 900 block of Marguerite Street; Fight.
1:18 p.m. 1900 block of Elm Street; Complaint.
1:46 p.m. 2400 block of Tiger Drive; Complaint.
2:23 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Warrant.
2:33 p.m. 800 block of Victor II Boulevard; Medical.
2:53 p.m. 6400 block of La. 182; Complaint.
3:16 p.m. 300 block of Patton Street; Animal complaint.
4:04 p.m. Sixth/General Hodges streets; Vehicle accident.
6:18 p.m. 7300 block of La. 182; Crash.
8:07 p.m. 1400 block of Federal Avenue; Arrest.
8:59 p.m. 6400 block of La. 182; Medical.
9:42 p.m. 1000 block of Hilda Street; Complaint.
Friday, April 4
12:10 a.m. 200 block of Union Street; Complaint.
1:46 a.m. 600 block of Federal Avenue; Alarm.
3:22 a.m. 1500 block of North First Street; Disturbance.
JODY PAUL LEWIS
Fri, 04/04/2025 - 9:24am
Jody Paul Lewis, 57, a native of Morgan City and resident of Gibson, died Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at his residence.
He is survived by half-brother, David Lewis; half-sisters, Christie, Dawn and Farrah; stepdaughter, Ashley Carbajal; mother, Suzanne Landry; and four step-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his father, maternal and paternal grandparents, brother and stepson.
Visitation will be Monday, 5-9 p.m. with services at 7 p.m., at Twin City Funeral Home. He will be cremated.
Twin City Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
John K. Flores: Louisiana's biggest birding month underway
Fri, 04/04/2025 - 9:13am
JOHN K. FLORES
If you love wild birds and pay attention to them as I do, the month of April is literally the equivalent of the NFL playoffs to birders. Neotropic songbirds are piling into the state along with raptors, and numerous other passerine species with colors that would make a Mardi Gras crew from Mamou jealous. Essentially, whether you’re a novice, seasoned, or backyard birder, the annual migration along the gulf coast can be as exciting as watching Taylor Swift celebrate a Travis Kelce touchdown on Super Bowl Sunday.
Believe me, I’ve been in Grand Isle during their birding festival that annually is held the third weekend in April. I practically got knocked over by an excited birder who wanted to see what I was looking at.
I swear the woman’s eyes were bulging through the ends of her binoculars, when she asked, “What are you looking at?”
Though irritated, I calmly replied, “Well, I’m not sure now. It flew off.”
Oh yeah. It can get crazy out there when a Magnolia, Blackburnian, or Cerulean warbler suddenly shows up on the scene and there are a bunch of birders along the same boardwalk or nature trail.
I highly recommend watching the comedy, “The Big Year,” starring Steve Martin, Jack Black and Owen Wilson. The 2011 movie over exaggerates birding stereotypes and has a lot of fun with them.
This past weekend, I decided to do a little birding here in St. Mary Parish. I saw quite a few Facebook posts by birders who were starting to see some neotropic migrants. The sightings and subsequent posts were enough to motivate me to get outside and do a little bird chasing.
I specifically targeted three species, the northern parula, prothonotary warbler, and yellow-throated warbler. From experience I’ve learned if these three particular birds are here in any numbers, it would mean the migration is in full swing.
Sure enough, I found all three species in the same location — Brownell Memorial Park & Carillon Tower near Lake End Park in Morgan City. In fact, there were multiple prothonotary Warblers and Northern Parulas, none of which were camera shy making my outing fun.
I also met Gabriel White from Patterson. The 24-year-old Nicholls State student is currently majoring in Environmental Biology and was checking nest boxes.
White had been helping and assisting Wildlife Conservation Coordinator Natalie Waters with a Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program Prothonotary Warbler Conservation and Monitoring Project. The project has been ongoing since 2016.
The BTNEP team put out 16 nest boxes back in February when it was still cold and prior to the migration. You just never know where you’ll find science and biology work happening, that’s for sure.
BTNEP literature says the Prothonotary Warbler population has declined 42% between 1966 and 2014. What’s more, Louisiana supports 25% of the species breeding population, but in the last 50 years the state’s breeding population has declined by 40%.
White only checked three of the 16 nest boxes, of which two had clutches of eggs inside. However, from the number of warblers I heard singing at the park and the number of nest boxes I saw available, occupancy will increase before spring is over. Moreover, it’s pretty clear this little spot of land along Lake Palourde has all the ingredients to help conservation efforts.
Another place to see migrating birds in St. Mary Parish is along Cotten Road in Patterson. This road runs parallel with Kemper Williams Park and Golf Course. I’ve seen Hooded Warblers, Prothonotary Warblers, Northern Parulas, Indigo Buntings, Painted Buntings, Carolina Wrens, Little Green Herons, Great Egrets, Screech Owls, Barred Owls, Bald Eagles, and Red-tailed and Red-shouldered Hawks along this road.
Bayou Teche National Wildlife Refuge has more birding opportunities than there are birders. In my opinion, the refuge is underutilized. The refuge is a mix of cypress-tupelo swamps, bottomland hardwoods, bayous, and marshes.
Along the Garden City Unit board walk and levee, I’ve seen Northern Parulas, Blue Birds, Carolina Chickadees, Carolina Wrens, Hermit Thrush, Swallowed-tailed Kites, Prothonotary Warblers, Yellow-throated Warblers, Painted Buntings, and during the April spring migration observed Baltimore Orioles and Rose-breasted Grosbeaks.
Cypremort Point State Park’s boardwalk is an excellent location to visit during the April migration. This part of the coastline is a “first stop” for migrants coming from across the gulf. During the migration I’ve seen Indigo Buntings, Painted Buntings, Baltimore Orioles, Orchard Orioles, Yellow Warblers, and Blue-winged Teal, to name a few.
All of these aforementioned locations are accessible by car or SUV. You don’t need any special clothing, but it is recommended to bring mosquito spray and sunscreen, and also to wear pants, shirts with long sleeves, and a ball cap. There’s always a chance of insect bites when birding.
If you’re looking to get into birding, any inexpensive pair of binoculars will do to start. If you decide you like it, there’s more expensive optics you can always purchase later.
With the biggest month in Louisiana birding upon us, now is the time to get your game plan together.
John Flores is the Morgan City Review’s outdoor writer. He can be contacted at gowiththeflo@cox.net.
JAMES WRIGHT
Fri, 04/04/2025 - 9:08am
James Wright, 92, of Patterson, died Tuesday, March 18, 2025.
Visitation will be Saturday from 1 p.m. until services at 2 p.m. at Jones Funeral Home Chapel in Morgan City. Burial will follow in New Salem Baptist Church Cemetery.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Wright of Patterson; son, James Sibley; daughter, Darlene Scott; brothers, Jimmie Wright and Benjamin Wright; and sisters, Flora Wright and Johnnie Dixon.
He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings.
Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Perfect ACT score? 'It's Duc'
Fri, 04/04/2025 - 9:04am
Happiness came to J.S. Aucoin, Morgan City Junior High and Morgan City High last week with the news that one of their own, Duc Bui, beat long odds by scoring a perfect 36 on the American College Test.
Happiness, but not a lot of surprise.
Susan Tregle, the St. Mary Parish school system’s gifted and talented liaison, was Bui’s teacher from first through sixth grade. She remembers that he quickly became a class leader after arriving at Aucoin for kindergarten, even though he was raised in a home in which his parents, Truc and Lien Vu Bui of Morgan City, didn’t speak English.
“When he was in the second grade he got an iPad for Christmas,” Tregle said. “The first thing he wanted to do is watch documentaries.”
They must have been great documentaries. The perfect 36, on a nearly three-hour test of English, reading, math and science ability, puts Bui among the top 2,660 of the 1.4 million students who take the ACT annually. He achieved his perfect score as an MCHS junior.
“I wasn’t surprised,” said Devon Williams, Bui’s teacher in the talented music program. “He’s a hard worker and determined to meet his goals.”
Bui, who plays the flute, has been named to the Louisiana All-State Symphonic Band and earned recognition for academic excellence at the recent Louisiana Music Educators Association conference. He’s also in teacher April Leonard’s talented art group and among 28 students in Stephanie Blanchard’s gifted group.
Even so, teachers say Bui tends to underestimate his own abilities.
“He’s an outstanding student …,” Blanchard said. “He doesn’t give himself enough credit.”
Bui said his friends showed some surprise.
“They were shocked,” he said. “But they were like, ‘So? It’s Duc.’”
One person was surprised. He took the test March 11 at Morgan City High and felt good about the English section. He’d done well in algebra and geometry on the annual LEAP tests.
He’d taken the ACT as a sophomore and got a score of 30, good enough to reach the 93rd percentile. “I knew I had to focus on science,” he said.
On the way home from band rehearsal March 27, he got the word that the ACT scores were out.
“I didn’t believe them,” Bui said. “When I saw MyACT.org, I about had a heart attack.”
It’s a happy time for his teachers.
Bui describes Leonard, the art teacher, as his cheerleader, and jokes that she should be a part-time counselor.
“The talented and gifted is unique in that we can give them more individual attention …,” Leonard said. “In here, I let them dream as big as they want to dream.”
Blanchard guides her group of 28 academically gifted students through enrichment activities.
“They’re very competitive …,” Blanchard said. “It’s a good competition. They motivate each other.”
His plan for now is to become a physician, a goal that has as much to do with his life away from home as with his academic achievements. He has been a translator for family members visiting the doctor.
“The health care realm in general is very appealing,” Bui said.
Public notices for April 4, 2025
Fri, 04/04/2025 - 6:00am
PUBLIC NOTICE
STATE OF
LOUISIANA
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT
OFFICE OF THE
GOVERNOR
PROCLAMATION NUMBER 30 JML 2025
———
SPECIAL
ELECTION – DISTRICT ATTORNEY, 16TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT, PARISHES OF
IBERIA, ST. MARTIN, AND ST. MARY
———
WHEREAS, a vacancy exists in the office of District Attorney, 16th Judicial District, Parishes of Iberia, St. Martin, and St. Mary due to the passing of the late Honorable M. Bofill Duhe’;
WHEREAS, R.S. 18:602 re- quires the Governor to call a special election to fill the vacancy in the office of district attorney when more than one year of the term remains unexpired in accordance with the provisions of R.S. 18:602 and/or the dates for elections set forth in R.S. 18:402.
NOW THEREFORE, I, JEFF LANDRY, Governor of the State of Louisiana, by virtue of the authority vested by the Constitution and laws of the State of Louisiana, do hereby order and direct as follows:
Section 1: A special primary and general election for the unexpired terms shall be held throughout the jurisdiction of District Attorney, 16th Judicial District, Parishes of Iberia, St. Martin, and St. Mary, for the purpose of electing a district attorney to fill the vacancy in the office.
Section 2: Any qualified person desiring to become a candidate for the office shall file a notice of candidacy, accompanied either by a qualifying fee or a nominating petition, as required or authorized by law, with the appropriate election official in the manner and form, and under the procedures and conditions, provided by R.S. 18:461 et seq., and all other applicable provisions of the Louisiana Election Code, R.S. 18:1 et seq., during the period commencing Wednesday, July 9, 2025 and ending Friday, July 11, 2025.
Section 3: The special election shall be held and conducted under the applicable provisions of the Louisiana Election Code, R.S. 18:1 et seq.
Section 4: The primary election shall be held Saturday, October 11, 2025, and the general election shall be held Saturday, November 15, 2025, at the times and places and in the manner, prescribed by law.
Section 5: The Secretary of State, Commissioner of Elections, Parish Board of Election Supervisors, Clerk of Court, Registrar of Voters, and all other persons charged with any power, function, right, duty or responsibility in conducting elections in the jurisdiction of District Attorney, 16th Judicial District, Parishes of Iberia, St. Martin, and St. Mary, are hereby authorized, re- quested, directed and empowered to exercise every lawful function and to do every act necessary to conduct the special election, to cause the returns to be made, to canvass and promulgate the results, and to perform all related and incidental functions.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have set my hand officially and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of the State of Louisiana in the City of Baton Rouge, on this 28th day of March 2025.
———————
Jeff Landry
GOVERNOR OF LOUISIANA
ATTEST BY THE
SECRETARY OF STATE
———————
Nancy Landry
SECRETARY OF STATE
Adv. April 4, 2025
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Cost: $79.50
PUBLIC NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
Sixteenth
Judicial District Court
——
PARISH OF
ST. MARY
——
STATE OF
LOUISIANA
Carrington Mortgage
Services, LLC
Vs. No. 139144 Div “F”
Bryce T.
Beaubouef
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:
THAT CERTAIN LOT OR PARCEL OF LAND, situated in Morgan City, St. Mary Parish, Louisiana, being des-cribed as the West 37.5 feet of that certain tract of land commencing at a point 50 feet west of the northwest corner of the property now or formerly of Felician Coulon, on the South side of Bowman Street thence extending Westerly on the South side of Bowman Street a distance of 75 feet, being the width of the property herein described by a depth between parallel lines of 94.6 feet to the property formerly of Davis Egle, now Derrick Jarret; bounded North by Bowman Street, East by property formerly of Andre Adams, now Tyler Marcel, South by property formerly of Davis Egle, now Derrick Jarret and West by property formerly of Davis Egle, now Derrick Jarret.
to satisfy the sum of SEVENTY SIX THOUSAND EIGHT HUNDRED ONE AND 59/100 ($76,801.59) DOLLARS, with 2.75% percent interest thereon from July 1, 2024, until paid, together with ac- cumulated late charges, any additional amounts which petitioner has advanced or hereafter advances, as permitted by the Note and Mortgage, for taxes, insurance, assessments, repairs to and maintenance and preservation of the mortgaged property, together with reasonable attorney’s fees on the total amount of principal, interest and all current and future advances, 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 7th day of May A.D., 2025, between the legal hours commencing at 10 O’Clock A.M.
Sheriff’s Office
Parish of St. Mary, La.
Monday, the 10th day of February A.D., 2025
GARY L.
DRISKELL,
SHERIFF
By: Heidi Rineholt
Deputy Sheriff
Adv. April 4 and 20, 2025
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PUBLIC NOTICE
Minutes
Cajun Coast Tourism
March 19, 2025
The Cajun Coast Tourism held a business meeting on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at 4 pm at the Cajun Coast Office. The members were Kim Walden, Sandra Marshall, Dwight Smith, Herman Hartman, Patsy Powell, and Alfredia Edwards. The members ab- sent were Ed “Tiger” Verdin, Keith Leonard and LaQuanda Gray. Also, present were Carrie Stansbury, and Christal Carter.
Ms. Marshall made a motion to accept the February minutes as written. Mr. Smith seconded the motion. With all members favoring, the motion passed.
Mr. Smith made a motion to accept the February fin- ancials. Mr. Hartman seconded the motion. With all members favoring, the motion passed.
Ms. Stansbury gave an overview of the bureau’s activities.
Ms. Marshall made a motion to enter into a Cooperative Endeavor with Bayou Vista Community Center. Ms. Edwards seconded the motion. With all members favoring, the motion passed.
Ms. Marshall made a motion to sign the Memorial Resolution for Ms. Alice C Foster, First Lady of Louisiana. Ms. Ed- wards seconded the motion. With all members favoring, the motion passed.
Ms. Marshall made a motion to sign the Memorial Resolution for Mr. Bofill Duhe. Ms. Edwards seconded the motion. With all members favoring, the motion passed.
The Tourist Commission’s next board meeting is scheduled for April 16, 2025, at 4:00 pm at the Cajun Coast Office.
There being no further business to discuss, Ms. Marshall made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Smith seconded the motion. With all members favoring, the meeting was adjourned.
———————
Herman Hartman,
Secretary
Adv. April 4, 2025
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PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice to
Bidders
HUNTING AND TRAPPING BIDS IIXIX/ITED
Notice is hereby given that the St. Mary Parish School Board, in accordance with the provisions of Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, Title 41, Section 1211, will receive sealed bids until 10:00 A.M., Friday, May 2, 2025 at the Central Office Complex in Centerville, Louisiana, when the sealed bids will be opened in public session for the hunting and trapping on the following Section land:
Sweetbay Paradise: Section 16, Township 17 South, Range 12 East - Approx. 635 Acres
Specifications may be obtained by contacting the Maintenance Director, Mr. Brad Wiese at (337)836-9661 or electronically at www.centralauctionhouse.com
The St. Mary Parish School Board reserves the right to reject any and all bids and to waive any informalities. Lease does not include hunting alligators or harvesting alligator eggs.
Adv. April 4, 11 and 25, 2025
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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 5, 2025, AT 5:45 P.M. in the Parish Council Meeting Room, Fifth Floor Courthouse, Franklin, Louisiana, for the following purposes:
Jennifer Perez for a Front Yard Setback Variance to deviate from the required 15 ft to 5 ft in an Existing Neighborhood (EN2) zoned district located at 1404 James Street, Morgan City, LA - Sec. 8 T16SR13E; - Parcel Id# 3374321068.00 - Lot 2 Siracusa Subd Sq 8 Acq 46A 282102. (ZON-1454)
All persons are invited to this meeting to submit their approval or objections to the above VARIANCE REQUEST.
St. Mary Parish
Board of
Adjustments
Barry Druilhet,
Chairman
Adv. April 4, 11 and 25, 2025
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PUBLIC NOTICE
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the St. Mary Parish Planning Commission will hold a PUBLIC HEARING on Monday, April 21, 2025 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 Annie Viator from Single Family Residential (SR) Zoned District to Existing Neighborhood (EN2) Zoned District located at 19545 Highway 182, Jeanerette, LA – Sec.68 T13S R8E; - Parcel Id# 1905041004.00 7.00 AC Tract BD Road - Stouff - R R - Sorrel Ln Acq 436 340517
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 4, 11 and 16, 2025
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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 21, 2025 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 Annie Viator from Single Family Residential (SR) Zoned District to Existing Neighborhood (EN2) Zoned District located at 19546 Highway 182, Jeanerette, LA – Sec.68 T13S R8E; - Parcel Id# 1905041005.00 Lot BD Teche - Stouff - Road - Est Hardy Acq 436 340517
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
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PUBLIC NOTICE
TOWN OF
BERWICK,
LOUISIANA
NOTICE OF PUBLIC
MEETING
Public Meeting Date: April 8, 2025
Call to Order: 6:00 P.M.
Place: Council Meeting Room
3225 Third Street
Berwick, LA 70342
A Public Hearing will be held as follows:
Date: April 8, 2025
Time: 6:15 P.M.
Place: Council Meeting Room
3225 Third Street
Berwick, LA 70342
Prayer
Pledge of Allegiance
Roll Call: Lud Henry, Raymond Price, James Richard, Kevin Hebert & Colleen Askew
Minutes from last meeting: March 11, 2025
Treasurer’s Re- port
Guests:
The Beacon Shines on:
Police Report:
Fire Report
Public Works Report
Consulting En- gineers Report
Committee Re- ports
PUBLIC HEARING
1. Ordinance No. 758 - Set Drainage Fee for 2025
2. Ordinance No. 759 – Set Millage Rates for 2025
ORDINANCES – INTRODUCE/ADOPT
1. Adopt Ordinance No. 758 - Set Drainage Fee for 2025
1. Adopt Ordinance No. 759 – Set Millage Rates for 2025
RESOLUTIONS/PROCLAMATIONS
1. None
NEW BUSINESS:
1. Check presentation from the Berwick Housing Authority - 2024 Payment in Lieu of Taxes
Adjournment
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance, please contact Jamie Keith, Town Clerk, at (985) 384-8858, P.O. Box 486, Berwick, LA 70342 describing the assistance that is necessary.
Adv. April 4, 2025
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PUBLIC NOTICE
SECTION A
INVITATION TO BIDDERS
Sealed bids for the equipment procurement of the following project will be received by St. Mary Levee District at their office located at 7327 Hwy 182 E, Morgan City, LA 70380 until Monday, April 28, 2025, at 2:00 P.M. Bids will be publicly opened and read aloud in the media room on the first floor at their office.
PROJECT NAME: Pump Station No. 4 Equipment Procurement, Delivery & Testing Package
LOCATED IN: St. Mary Parish, Louisiana
CONTRACTING AGENCY: St. Mary Levee District
7327 Hwy 182 E
Morgan City, LA 70380
PROPOSAL GUARANTY: 5% of the Amount of Bid
Payable to St. Mary Levee District
ENGINEER: GIS Engineering, LLC
Coastal Design & Infrastructure Division
197 Elysian Drive
Houma LA, 70363
Phone: (985) 219-1000
Contact: Ann Schouest
Email: bidquestions@gisy.com
SCOPE OF WORK: The scope of work for this procurement package is to furnish all the equipment necessary to refurbish pump station number 4 for the St. Mary Levee District. This equipment in- cludes, but is not limited to, all necessary pumps, motors, right angle gear drives, and all appurtenances required to refurbish pumps number one, two, three, four and five as further detailed in the enclosed technical specifications.
Bid forms are available from the Engineer and will not be issued later than 24 hours prior to the time set for opening the bids. Each bid shall include a proposal guaranty in an amount not less than specified above.
The contract will be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder without discrimination on grounds of race, color, sex or national origin. Disadvantaged businesses will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids.
Plans and specifications may be seen at the Engineer’s office. Plans may be obtained from the Engineer upon payment of $75.00. In accordance with R.S. 38:2212 (D), deposits on the first set of documents furnished bona fide prime bidders will be fully refunded upon return of the documents, deposits on any additional sets will be refunded less the actual costs of reproduction. Re- funds will be made upon return of the documents if within ten days after receipt of bids.
Bid documents are also posted on https://www.centralauctionhouse.com/Category/10279/StMaryLeveeDistrict. To view these, download, and receive bid notices by e-mail, you must register with Central Auction House (CAH). Vendors/Contractors have the option to submit their bids electronically or by paper copy. For information about the electronic submittal process, contact Central Auction House at 225-810-4814.
A Non-Mandatory Pre-Bid meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at 10:00 A.M. at the St. Mary Levee District Office, located at 7327 Hwy 182 E, Morgan City, LA. Site inspection trips for perspective Bidders are to be arranged through the office of the Engineer.
The award of a contract, if awarded, will be made to the lowest qualified bidder whose proposal complies with all requirements prescribed within 45 calendar days after opening proposals. However, when the contract is to be financed by bonds which are required to be sold after receipts of bids, or when the contract is to be financed in whole or part by federal or other funds not available at the time bids are received, the time will not start until receipt of federal and/or state concurrence or concurrence of the other funding source. Award will be within 30 calendar days after the sale of bonds or receipt of concurrence in award from federal and/or state agency or other funding source. The successful bidder will be notified by letter mailed to the address shown in the proposal that the bidder is awarded the contract.
On projects involving State funds the award of contract will also be contingent upon concurrence by the appropriate State agency, the Coastal Protection and Restoration Auth- ority (CPRA).
The right is reserved to reject bids and waive formalities.
Adv. April 4, 11 and 23, 2025
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PUBLIC NOTICE
OFFICIAL
PROCEEDINGS
WAX LAKE EAST DRAINAGE
DISTRICT
REGULAR MEETING
March 6, 2025
PATTERSON, LOUISIANA
The Wax Lake East Drainage District (“WLEDD”) met on this date with Vice Chairman Chad Ross presiding and the following members present: Raymond Beadle, Jr., Bill Miller, and Chris Cooper.
Absent: Wayne Cantrell and William Hidalgo, Jr.
Also present: Mr. Sam Jones, Parish President, Corey Aucoin, Supervisor, Barry Dufrene, District’s Accountant, Joel Miller, Miller En- gineering and Associates and Johnathan Miller, Giroir Mud Boats.
Mr. Cooper mov-ed that the reading of the minutes of the Regular Meeting, February 4, 2025, be dispensed with and that the same be approved. Mr. Beadle seconded the motion which carried.
Mr. Dufrene presented and discussed the prepared financial statements. Discussed actual re- sults vs budget for the current period and the year to date. Mr. Cooper moved, and Mr. Beadle seconded a motion, which was carried, to accept the financial re- ports, payables re- port, authorize the Chairman to sign all necessary re- ports and to make all necessary transfers to cover payables for the month of March 2025.
There being no public comment Mr. Ross moved to Supervisor’s report of which Mr. Aucoin presented.
Mr. Beadle made a motion to table purchase of vehicle for District Em- ployee, Mr. Cooper seconded, motion carried.
Mr. Cooper made a motion to approve the contract for Barry Dufrene, District Accountant. Mr. Beadle seconded which was carried by the Board.
There being no further business Mr. Beadle made a motion for adjournment. Mr. Cooper seconded the motion which carried.
Attest:
/s/ Chad Ross,
Vice Chairman
Wax Lake East Drainage District
/s/ Rhonda
Patterson,
Secretary
Wax Lake East Drainage District
Adv. April 4, 2025
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PUBLIC NOTICE
OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF
RECREATION DISTRICT NO. 1
March 18, 2025
Amelia, Louisiana
The Board of Commissioners of Recreation District No. 1, State of Louisiana, met on this date at 6:00 p.m. at the Amelia Recreation Center, 2109 Duhon Blvd., Amelia, Louisiana.
The Board of Commissioners in attendance were Andrew Gros, Sr., Denise Chaisson, Tyrone L. Richardson, Cheryl Dugas, and Russell Blanchard.
Mr. Paul Governale, Chief Administrative Officer, St. Mary Parish Government open- ed the meeting and introduced himself, Lisa C. Morgan, Clerk of the Council, Desiree Gros, Finance Director, and Mike Beadle, Recreation District No. 1 Supervisor. Also in attendance was Gwendolyn L. Hidalgo, Council At Large District No. 10, Mark Du- hon, Councilman District No. 8, and Jasmine Bartho- lomew.
In the absence of Assistant District Attorney Eric Du- plantis, Lisa Morgan, Clerk of the Council, read from the outline on various issues for parish Board/Commissioners.
There was discussion on the secretary’s position and filing of the minutes in the newspaper within 20 days. Revised Statue 33:4564 states that the “board of commissioners shall also select one person as secretary-treasurer who shall not be a member of the board but shall be a qualified voter and resident of the district.”
Mr. Governale explained that once the Chairperson is appointed to the position, that person will take over the agenda and proceed with the meeting.
Nominations were open for the Chairperson: Mrs. Chaisson nominated Andrew Gros, Sr., seconded by Mr. Blanchard, motion carried. Mr. Richardson was absent.
Nominations were open for the Vice Chairperson: Mrs. Chaisson nominated Cheryl Dugas, seconded by Mr. Gros, motion carried.
Mr. Gros introduced Jasmine Bartholomew, and she commented on her work history and her current residence. Mr. Gros motioned to appoint Jasmine Bartholomew, seconded by Mrs. Dugas, motion carried.
Mr. Gros ex- plained that Ms. Bartholomew will help relieve Mr. Beadle of his duties with the Board of Commissioners.
Mrs. Chaisson motioned to give Mr. Gros the ability to authorize her salary, discuss duties and whether she will be an employee or contractor, seconded by Mrs. Dugas, motion carried.
Mr. Gros asked for additional in- formation in reference to setting her salary. He also handed Mr. Beadle a list of questions that he would like answered in a week.
Mrs. Chaisson motioned to ap- prove January 27, 2025, minutes, seconded by Mrs. Dugas, motion carried.
Mr. Gros moved up old business item number four from the agenda to discuss old business discussion on the CCHS rental contract options and lighting.
Mr. Gros ex- plained that the board would like to be as fair as possible, however, the Recreation District is having increased utilities fees and concession issues.
Mr. Beadle ex- plained that CCHS has a contract with Recreation District No. 1 charging a rental fee of $250.00 a year. Mr. Gros stated that the lighting, dirt work and the concessions are costing the Recreation District way more than the rental fee. He explained to the representatives of CCHS that the contract will be reviewed and re-addressed. He further explained that the batting cages are sufficient for what is needed in this area.
Mr. Governale explained that a contract is currently in place and the legality of the contract will have to be reviewed before any changes are made.
Mr. Beadle in- formed that the contract used to be $2,500 but changes were made with the previous board. Mr. Duhon stated that the attorney should have been here tonight, and Mr. Governale ex- plained that neither Mr. Duplantis nor Mrs. Bodin could be in attendance tonight.
Mrs. Dugas motioned to table the CCHS contract discussion until contracts can be read and legal could review the documents, seconded by Mr. Richardson, motion carried.
Mr. Beadle ex- pounded on the St. Mary Parish Recreation District No. 1 comparative financial statements for 1 month and 5 months ending through February 28, 2025.
Mrs. Dugas motioned to table the review of quotes on drainage dirt work, review parking area cement repair quotes and discussion on covered area gutters op- tions until the next month’s meeting, seconded by Mrs. Chaisson, motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS:
Mrs. Chaisson moved to authorize 2 of the 3 board members, Andrew Gros, Cheryl Dugas, and Russell Blanchard to sign on the bank accounts and re- move Mike Beadle and Paul Governale from the current account, seconded by Mr. Blanchard, motion carried.
Mr. Gros deviated from the agenda to discuss and take action related to the installation of streetlights on Duhon Boulevard with no objections. Mr. Gros and Mr. Duhon compiled information on the getting streetlights erected in the median of the Duhon Boulevard. The quote came in at $82,959.69 for a total of 36 lights to be erected.
here was discussion on the average of the monthly electricity fees for the new lights that will be erected. There was also discussion on grass cutting on the main boulevard.
Mr. Gros motion-ed to approve the bid for the installation of the streetlights on Duhon Boulevard subject to in accordance with the public bid law, seconded by Mrs. Chaisson, motion carried.
Mr. Gros discussed amending the budget to pay for the streetlights. Mr. Governale explained that the current budget is allocated at $292,485 for expenses and Mr. Beadle stated the capital outlay has a balance.
Mr. Duhon stated that the previous board allocated $125,000 for the walking Trail. Mr. Governale ex- plained the proper budgeting process.
Mrs. Chaisson motioned that Mr. Gros, Chairperson has the authority to discuss the contract with Sleca in reference to the streetlights, seconded by Mr. Richardson, motion carried
Mr. Beadle presented his managers’ monthly report. He express-ed his desire to serve with the new board members. He expounded on the storm damage repairs (except for one pole needing electricity ran to it) recreation baseball, tractor re- pairs, monthly audit reports, new signage on fences in reference to security cameras, emergency generator and the tennis court project. He stated that CCHS is on their 3rd game of the year and the concessions are being handled/sold by the Recreation Center which is documented and deposited with details. He ex- plained that he is a personal trainer, his duties as the manager and commitment to the Recreation District.
Mr. Gros questioned the number of baseball applicants and Mr. Beadle stated only two. Mr. Gros would like to place on the next agenda to establish soccer teams for younger people and get another soccer field.
Mrs. Hidalgo ex- plained that the Bayou Vista Recreation District is working on a multi-purpose court to enhance the area. Mr. Governale said that there is a new fitness court that can include several opportunities for different recreation sports.
Mr. Duhon discussed the recreation grants that are not being utilized.
Guest Mr. Blanchard questioned who is in control of the prices for the rental of the facility. Mr. Gros explained that the board will be working on that.
There being no other business before the commission, Mr. Gros made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded Mrs. Chaisson, which carried.
———————
Andrew Gros, Sr.,
Chairperson
———————
Lisa C. Morgan,
Secretary/
Treasurer
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PUBLIC NOTICE
OFFICIAL
PROCEEDINGS
WAX LAKE EAST DRAINAGE
DISTRICT
SPECIAL
MEETING
MARCH 20, 2025
PATTERSON, LOUISIANA
The Wax Lake East Drainage District (“WLEDD”) met on this date with Chairman Wayne Cantrell presiding and the following members present: Chad Ross, Raymond Beadle, Jr., Bill Miller, and William Hidalgo, Jr.
Absent: Chris Cooper and Chris Begnaud
Also present: Mr. Joel Miller, Miller Engineering and Associates
Mr. Cantrell moved on to New Business. A motion was made by Chad Ross to accept the bid for the new pump station submitted by Southern Constructors LLC, Mr. Ray Beadle seconded the motion which was carried by the Board.
There being no further business Mr. Beadle made a motion for adjournment. Mr. Ross seconded the motion which carried.
Attest:
/s/ Wayne Cantrell,
Chairman
Wax Lake East Drainage District
/s/ Rhonda
Patterson,
Secretary
Wax Lake East Drainage District
Adv. April 4, 2025
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Jeremy Alford and David Jacobs: Lobbyist spending, registrations hit new highs after 2023 election
Fri, 04/04/2025 - 6:00am
JEREMY ALFORD AND DAVID JACOBS
As a new governor and Legislature took office at the Capitol last year, both lobbyist registrations and overall related spending hit record highs in Louisiana, a land that elevates politics as a sport and a profession.
The supporting data, compiled by the Ethics Administration, covers executive, legislative and local government filings, but the growth area can definitely be found among those seeking influence over the House and Senate.
During calendar year 2024, total lobbying expenditures reached nearly $670,000, a new state record, with most, about $568,000, going toward legislative lobbying.
Registrations followed the same trend line, with 728 lobbyists signing up with the Ethics Administration in 2024, marking a 10-year high.
How much the growth seen over the past two decades reflects actual growth of the lobbying sector is debatable. The spending totals in particular have a lot to do with inflation, since the spending limits are indexed.
But looking back even further, the overall trend of a larger, savvier lobbying corps is unmissable, even if the core group at the state Capitol remains mostly composed of familiar faces.
“We have watched governmental affairs nationwide explode and grow in the statehouses,” lobbyist Randy Haynie said. “You now have to have somebody in the Capitol reading every word that’s introduced, reading and staying up with every amendment to bills, because they can change rapidly in a hearing.”
When Haynie started in 1980, there were fewer than 50 registered lobbyists, he recalled. One person represented all of local government, one stood for doctors and hospitals, one represented all the railroads and so on, he said.
“Competitors realized sometimes they weren’t on the same page and ended up hiring separate lobbyists to take care of their individual business versus letting a trade group do it for them,” Haynie said.
Jesse McCormick, board president for the Association of Louisiana Lobbyists, said the low barrier to entry makes lobbying an appealing profession for someone who is interested in politics, is good at building relationships and has an entrepreneurial spirit.
He said term limits, leading to more churn among legislators, have been good for his career. Veteran lawmakers with multi-decade relationships with his competitors probably wouldn’t be eager to hear from a 25-year-old newly minted lobbyist.
“It’s the greatest job in the world,” McCormick said. “You’ve just got to find somebody to pay you to do it,” .
There can be an uptick in lobbying in the first and second years of an administration around procurement, as the new group puts things out to bid, said lobbyist Mary-Patricia Wray. New board and commission appointments mean new people to educate and persuade, she added.
And special sessions create more work. As you probably recall, last year featured three specials and a regular, not to mention the organizational session that kicked off the term.
It’s also worth noting that it’s impossible to tell, based on the raw numbers, how many of those folks actually would be considered full-time or even part-time lobbyists. As Wray and others note, many people likely register out of an abundance of caution.
“Due to the likelihood that complaints could be filed against you for failure to disclose and register, people are cautious, and therefore more likely to register as a lobbyist when they have only approached what the definition is,” she said.
Ty Bromell, the immediate past president of the state lobbyist association board, attributes basically all of the growth in the numbers to that “just to be on the safe side” CYA factor.
“The number of people who are actually lobbying, who are at the Capitol, I haven’t seen that number grow at all,” he said, noting that some of the “elder statesmen” have retired. “I’m thinking lobbying is declining, as far as those you see at the Capitol on a regular basis.”
Bromell dates the registration explosion back to the “gold standard of ethics” implemented during Gov. Bobby Jindal’s administration.
“We went up to like 550 registered lobbyists overnight, and we were all laughing about that,” veteran lobbyist Joe Mapes recalled. “They had to register because the law was very specific: If you do A, B and C, you shall register.”
Many were not people who were making their living off of the process, or even necessarily understood the process; they might have been just monitoring and reporting back to their association or employer, he said. Even today, he numbers the core group at around 20 or so.
But at the same time, competition for lawmakers’ attention can be fierce, Mapes said.
“It’s not that easy to get on their schedule,” he said.
House Natural Resources and Environment Chair Brett Geymann is at the epicenter of much of the recent lobbying activity. His committee is dealing with several issues that are controversial and highly technical, and often have a lot of money at stake, including carbon capture, wind and solar development.
“We have all these new things coming,” he said. “These companies are hiring more and more lobbyists to make sure they’re represented.”
Many are people from out of state that he hasn’t met until recently. He said knowledgeable lobbyists are a useful resource for himself and his committee.
“Whether you agree with them or not, you can learn from them,” Geymann said.
Rep. Neil Riser, like Geymann a highly experienced lawmaker, hasn’t seen an increase in the sheer amount of lobbyists at the Capitol. But he has noticed an uptick in the number of “hired gun” lobbyists from out of state who may lack the trust factor that is earned over time.
Riser said he won’t lie to the advocates, and he expects the same from them.
“If not, that doesn’t mean we can’t be friends, but that means we can’t work together,” he said.
Rep. Francis Thompson, the longest serving state legislator in Louisiana history, certainly has seen a lot of change over his five decades of service. For one, technology enables both lawmakers and lobbyists to be better informed on the issues, he said.
But one thing that hasn’t changed about the dynamics between the two groups is the importance of relationships.
“I need the lobbyists to tell me the good, the bad and the ugly, as they see it,” Thompson said.
For more Louisiana political news, visit www. LaPolitics.com or follow Alford on X @ LaPoliticsNow.