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MCRD accepts flag football and cheer registration

Tue, 07/31/2018 - 12:43pm

Registration begins Aug. 1 for Morgan City Recreation Department sponsored Atchafalaya Football Conference Flag Football and Cheerleader.
Registration will take place from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 1:30 to 5 p.m. at the recreation department on weekdays.
Coaches are also being sought. Anyone interested in coaching should contact Seth Thomas at 985-380-4600 for information.
Flag football is open to children ages 7 (by Sept. 1) to 12 (will not turn 13 by Sept. 1). There is no weight requirement.
Physical exams by a doctor are required.
Cheerleading participants must meet the same age requirements as the flag football players.
Parents of flag football and cheerleading participants must provide a copy of the child’s birth certificate (not an original) and a non-refundable entry fee of $45 for the first child and $35 for a second child with a family limit of $110.

Cleco says it's toughening electric transmission with Amelia-to-Bayou-Vista line

Tue, 07/31/2018 - 12:40pm

Cleco said in a press release Tuesday that it will strengthen power service reliability for customers in southeast Louisiana by constructing a 12-mile, storm-hardened transmission line from Amelia to its Bayou Vista substation.

Construction begins this month, the utility said.

Following completion of construction and successful performance testing, the line and equipment are expected to be placed into service in mid-2019.

“This project is unique as the line is being built across 93 percent wetlands, meaning we’re relying extensively on helicopters and marsh equipment to minimize impact on the wetlands,” said Lance Speer, Cleco senior engineer and construction manager for the project, in the press release. “Included in that terrain are two islands, Avoca Island and Bateman Island, which have no road access.”

Cleco’s new line includes 101 new steel transmission structures with the majority of these struc-tures ranging in height from 80- to 110-feet, which is nearly triple the size of the average utility pole. The largest of Cleco’s structures will be approximately 239-feet tall, the equivalent of a 22-story building, in order for the line to cross the Atchafalaya River. The line also is crossing three other major waterways: Bayou Shaffer, Bayou Boeuf and the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway.

“There are currently 11 substations in the area where the line will be routed - seven belong to Cleco, and four to neighboring utilities. All 11 of these substations are currently served from two lines,” said Chris Thibodeaux, Cleco manager of transmission strategy and support. “This project adds a third source into that area midway between the 11 substations, therefore strengthening reliability along the Louisiana Gulf Coast region.”

“When the project is completed, the line will be able to withstand winds up to 120 mph," Cleco said.

Additionally, the new transmission line is designed to help protect the structures should debris fly or blow into the line which significantly lessens the potential for structural damage and speeds up the restoration process.

The project will cost approximately $62 million, which includes the construction of the line and power for lights on the water-crossing structures, as well as the expansion of Cleco’s Bayou Vista substation.

For more project updates, follow Cleco on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ClecoPower or on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/cleco.

Police: Two teens arrested for marijuana possession

Tue, 07/31/2018 - 12:01pm

Staff Report

Two teens, including one juvenile, were arrested on drug charges in Morgan City after police responded to a motel on La. 182, Police Chief James Blair said in a news release.

—Toby D. Everage, 19, of Fairview Drive in Berwick, was arrested at 2:33 a.m. Tuesday on charges of possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and illegal use of a controlled dangerous substance in the presence of a person under 17 years old.

—A male juvenile, 15, was arrested at 2:33 a.m. Tuesday on charges of possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Officers responded to a motel on La. 182 in regard to possible illegal drug activity. Officers arrived and made contact with two individuals identified as Everage and 15-year-old boy at one of the rooms. While speaking with the individuals, officers could smell an odor of marijuana coming from the room, Blair said.

Officers were given consent to search the room and located suspected marijuana and drug paraphernalia, Blair said. Both Everage and the 15-year-old boy were arrested. The juvenile was released to a guardian. Everage was jailed.

Blair reported that officers responded to 50 calls and reported the following arrests:

—Markita L. Turner, 28, of Terrebonne Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 6:11 p.m. Monday on a charge of theft less than $1,000.

Officers responded to a business on La. 70 in regard to a shoplifter. When officers arrived, management had detained Turner, who tried leaving the business with items she did not purchase, Blair said. Turner admitted to the theft of items totaling $46.75, Blair said. Turner was jailed.

—Frankie L. Tarver, 29, of Eleventh Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 6:29 a.m. Tuesday on a charge of criminal damage to property.

Officers responded to a home on Eleventh Street in regard to a disturbance. When officers arrived, the victim stated that Tarver had flattened one of the tires of her vehicle. Offices located Tarver, who admitted to damaging the tire, Blair said. Tarver was jailed.

St. Mary Parish Sheriff Scott Anslum reported that deputies responded to 47 complaints in the parish and reported the following arrest in east St. Mary Parish:

—Tammy Nice, 50, of Miller Lane in Bayou Vista, was arrested at 11:35 p.m. Monday on a charge of theft. A deputy patrolling Bayou Vista responded to a business for a theft complaint. The deputy found evidence that Nice removed items from the business, on more than one occasion, without paying for them, Anslum said. Nice was released on a summons to appear in court Oct. 5.

Berwick Police Chief James Richard reported no arrests.

Patterson Police Chief Janis Merritt reported no arrests.

2018 Election: Split-jury move picks up support

Tue, 07/31/2018 - 11:33am

BATON ROUGE (AP) — An unlikely, bipartisan coalition is working to win voter support for a proposal ending Louisiana’s Jim Crow-era law that allows split juries to convict people of serious felony crimes, a former district attorney said Monday.
Voters will decide the fate of the constitutional change on the Nov. 6 ballot.
Currently, serious felony trials in Louisiana, including some murder cases, can be resolved when 10 out of 12 jurors agree on a person’s guilt. Louisiana and Oregon are the only two states that allow non-unanimous verdicts in felony cases. But even Oregon requires a unanimous verdict in murder trials.
Former Grant Parish District Attorney Ed Tarpley said that organizations across the political spectrum, from conservative and religious groups to liberal activists, plan a coordinated effort to pass Louisiana’s unanimous jury provision.
Tarpley, an outspoken backer of the measure during the session, said the groups will finance websites, a digital media campaign and other outreach efforts to educate voters about Constitutional Amendment 2.
“This is an issue that takes a few moments to explain,” Tarpley said at a luncheon speech to the Press Club of Baton Rouge. “The history of this law is really important.”
The constitutional amendment required two-thirds support of lawmakers to reach the November ballot.
When Sen. J.P. Morrell, a New Orleans Democrat, first proposed the idea, passage during the regular legislative session was seen as a long-shot.
But the legislation became the surprise measure of the session, reaching a public vote with widespread support from Democrats and Republicans, picking up steam each step of the process.
Tarpley credited work done to highlight the split-jury policy’s enactment in 1880 as part of efforts to maintain white supremacy after the Civil War, by making it easier to convict non-white defendants.
Before 1880, Louisiana required unanimous jury verdicts, Tarpley said.
“Once you know the history of this law, then you have to vote to repeal it,” he said. “This is something that is a stain on the legacy of our state.”
During debate, the proposal faced opposition from some district attorneys who argued the difficulty to get all 12 jurors to agree on a conviction and said no data showed the current split-jury system results in injustice.
Since the measure reached the ballot, however, no organized public opposition has emerged to work against passage. Tarpley said he doesn’t know of any such campaign so far.
If passed by voters, a unanimous, 12-person jury decision would be required to convict anyone for a felony offense committed on or after Jan. 1.

MYRTLE C. DRISKELL

Tue, 07/31/2018 - 11:31am

August 13, 1923 - July 28, 2018
Myrtle C. Driskill, age 94, of Salem, passed away Saturday, July 28, 2018, at her home. She was a radio operator with an answering service. Myrtle grew up in the Christian church and later was a member of the Methodist Church in Berwick, Louisiana.
Funeral services for Myrtle Driskill will be held on Saturday, August 4, 2018, at 11 a.m. at the Rogers-Atkins Funeral Home in Salem, with Calvin Jean officiating. Burial in the Martin Cemetery in Alma. Visitation will be from six to eight Friday evening at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the SSM Hospice or the Salem Apostolic Church.
Myrtle was born on August 13, 1923, to James E. Campbell and Bertha (Skidmore) Campbell in Alma. She married Ira Driskill on December 26, 1941, in Charles, Missouri. Her parents and husband all preceded her in death.
Myrtle Driskill is survived by her children, Jamie Driskill and wife Carolyn of Mt. Vernon, Norma Ehrhardt of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Mary Ellen Beckham and husband Mike of Houma, Louisiana, Patrick Driskill of Ashland, Kentucky, Melissa Dyson and husband James Allen of Gonzales, Louisiana, Jeanie Driskill-Hawthorne of Lafayette, Louisiana, and Tricia Welch and husband Timothy of Salem; brothers, Jack Smith of Salem, and Roger Sullens and wife Marilyn of Salem; sister-in-law, Sharon Sullens of Salem; niece, Rosie Rose and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her son, Roger Driskill; brother, Earl Sullens; sisters, Mary DeMain and Wanda Schooly; and sisters-in-law, Pat Sullens and Mickey Smith.

CAROLYN JEAN STANSBURY DARCE

Tue, 07/31/2018 - 11:30am

A devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Carolyn Jean Stansbury Darce passed away on Saturday, July 28, 2018, at the age of 79. Carol was a native of Morgan City, Louisiana, and a longtime resident of Baton Rouge.
She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Robert Henry Darce; sons, Noel Darce and wife Lisa, and Kenneth Darce and wife Elizabeth; daughter, Susan Thibodeaux and husband David; grandchildren, Nathan Darce and wife Elisabeth, Matthew Darce, Melissa Darce, Brandon Darce, Brittany Simmons and husband Eric, Alex Thibodeaux and fiancée Dominique, and Ryan Thibodeaux; great-grandchildren, Bailey Simmons and Harrison Simmons; and brothers, Dickie Stansbury and Jack Stansbury.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Rita Stansbury; brothers, William Stansbury, Merlin Stansbury, Owen Stansbury and Huey Stansbury; and sisters, Rita Stansbury, Ella Ruth Mensman, Rose Ann Williams, Becky Aucoin and Wanzie Cousin.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 31, 2018, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and on Wednesday, August 1, 2018, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Resthaven Gardens of Memory & Funeral Home in Baton Rouge. Memorial service will be held on Wednesday, August 1, 2018, at 11:00 a.m. at Resthaven, with burial following.

Wheel House for July 31

Tue, 07/31/2018 - 11:28am

PRESSURE TEST
Morgan City Fire Department begins pressure testing and fire hydrant maintenance throughout the city and Siracusa Subdivision beginning Aug. 6 and continuing for about a month.

LUNCH
Plate lunch fundraiser to defray funeral expenses of Rose Leonard DeHart is 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Aug. 10, at Restaurant Supply, 107 Roderick St., Morgan City. Menu: baked barbecue chicken, baked beans, salad, bread and dessert. Cost $8. Will deliver orders of five or more. To order call 985-498-0426.

Radio logs for July 31

Tue, 07/31/2018 - 11:26am

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.

Monday, July 30

6:49 a.m. 2000 block of Allison Street; Disturbance.

6:55 a.m. 1500 block of Sixth Street; Alarm.

8:03 a.m. 2000 block of Allison Street; Loud music.

8:14 a.m. Federal Avenue and Greenwood Street; Suspicious vehicle.

9:33 a.m. 500 block of Orange Street; Theft.

10:14 a.m. 700 block of Everett Street; Assistance.

10:26 a.m. 600 block of Louisa Street; Criminal damage to property.

10:30 a.m. 300 block of Fifth Street; Complaint.

10:36 a.m. 6000 block of La. 182; Theft.

12:07 p.m. 1100 block of General Clark Street; Assistance.

12:13 p.m. 2300 block of La. 70; Alarm.

12:37 p.m. Victor II Boulevard and Brashear Avenue; Accident.

12:40 p.m. 100 block of Mallard Street; Theft.

12:48 p.m. 700 block of Onstead Street; Disturbance.

12:51 p.m. 1600 block of North Second Street; Animal.

12:53 p.m. 1100 block of Marguerite Street; Assistance.

2:04 p.m. 3000 block of Diane Drive; Medical.

4:19 p.m. 900 block of Willard Street; Disturbance.

4:37 p.m. U.S. 90 West; Traffic incident.

6:04 p.m. 500 block of Franklin Street; Suspicious person.

6:40 p.m. 6400 block of La. 182 East; Animal complaint.

6:41 p.m. 500 block of Roderick Street; Complaint.

6:44 p.m. 400 block of Louisa Street; Complaint.

6:58 p.m. 1500 block of Ohio Street; Complaint.

7:50 p.m. 700 block of Onstead Street; Medical emergency.

7:52 p.m. 100 block of Mount Street; Complaint.

8:49 p.m. Roderick Street; Domestic disturbance.

9:46 p.m. U.S. 90 East; Vehicle accident.

10:45 p.m. 6700 block of La. 182 East; Suspicious person.

11:33 p.m. 600 block of Arenz Street; Suspicious person.

Tuesday, July 31

1:10 a.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Complaint.

1:37 a.m. 1000 block of Brashear Avenue; Alarm.

2:12 a.m. 7400 block of La. 182 East; Complaint.

5:05 a.m. 6300 block of La. 182 East; Medical emergency.

Jobless rate, jobs increase in June

Tue, 07/31/2018 - 11:23am

St. Mary Parish’s jobless rate climbed over 1 percentage point in June, but the number of jobs in the parish also increased for the first time since February. The unemployment rate rose to 8 percent during June compared to May’s 6.8 percent unemployment rate. However, the amount of employed residents increased, too, in June to 18,608 people, a 68-person increase from the 18,540 residents employed during May. That rise in the number of employed residents was the first such monthly increase since February, when the parish gained 24 jobs compared to January. But the number of unemployed rose by 281 ...

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43rd year for Our Lady Star of the Sea

Tue, 07/31/2018 - 11:12am

The Daily Review/Bill Decker'
Members of the Confraternity of Our Lady Star of the Sea met at the Lady Star of the Sea Statue in the Brashear Avenue median Sunday night to pray for protection from hurricanes. The Rev. Freddie Decal led the prayers. This marked the 43rd anniversary of the confraternity.