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Patterson City Councilman Travis Darnell and a host of men from the Patterson community hosted a teen summit July 7 in Patterson. The summit focused on a range of topics from college readiness to mental health.
Parker Felterman has been writing again.
Felterman, who attender Berwick High, published a crime novel and produced a play before he was out of high school.
Now, after completing his first year at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, he has a new novel and a new play, which will be on stage Thursday through Saturday at Café JoJo’s in Morgan City.
The play is called “Lucian Silvius: A Preventable Yet Warranted Tragedy in Two Acts.” Performances in The River Room at Café JoJo’s are scheduled for 7 p.m. each of the three nights, and there will be a 2 p.m. show Saturday. Tickets are $10 at the door.
The actors are Felterman, playing a wealthy writer who is mourning his murdered wife, and his butler, Ignacio, played by Marcos Checchini. The young actors were roommates at the Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts at Natchitoches.
“I wanted to see if I could write a two-person play,” Felterman said, “and I wanted to see if I could perform a Greek tragedy.”
There’s no Greek chorus in this sparsely populated tragedy.
Based on a quick look at a Tuesday rehearsal, the drama in “Lucian Silvanus” builds piece by piece during a conversation-turned-confrontation between the writer and his servant.
Felterman’s earlier works are the novels “Revolver” and, most recently, “The Game,” which was released this year.
He also wrote and directed “Shades of Shadowlawn,” a play that was performed in Morgan City.
Auditorium two years ago.
Brennan Daniels has been promoted to vice president at M C Bank, said Jeremy Callais, chief financial officer, chief operating officer and vice president.
In November 2017, Daniels earned his certified public accountant designation and served the bank as its compliance officer. He joined M C Bank in early 2016. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Louisiana and has completed studies at the American Bankers Association National Compliance School. He has served M C Bank as internal review analyst, credit analyst, loan processor, compliance officer and accounting specialist.
He and his wife, Ashlie have one daughter, Graycelyn, and are members of Crossing Place Church.
Offshore energy services firm Tidewater Inc. is buying Houston rival GulfMark Offshore in an all-stock deal that combines two struggling companies that emerged from bankruptcy last year.
Tidewater, which relocated from New Orleans to Houston earlier this year, will acquire GulfMark for about $340 million in stock, expanding its board from seven to 10 members to give GulfMark three seats.
The combination creates one of the largest fleets of offshore support vessels for the oil and gas sector. The offshore industry is still struggling to rebound since the recent oil bust despite higher crude prices because most of the new investments are focused on the onshore industry.
The expanded Tidewater will still be led by Chief Executive John Rynd, who took over the reins early this year. Rynd previously led the defunct Houston firm Hercules Offshore, which filed for bankruptcy twice during the bust.
Offshore energy services firm Tidewater Inc. is buying Houston rival GulfMark Offshore in an all-stock deal that combines two struggling companies that emerged from bankruptcy last year.
Tidewater, which relocated from New Orleans to Houston earlier this year, will acquire GulfMark for about $340 million in stock, expanding its board from seven to 10 members to give GulfMark three seats.
The combination creates one of the largest fleets of offshore support vessels for the oil and gas sector. The offshore industry is still struggling to rebound since the recent oil bust despite higher crude prices because most of the new investments are focused on the onshore industry.
The expanded Tidewater will still be led by CEO John Rynd, who took the reins early this year.
Rynd previously led the defunct Houston firm Hercules Offshore, which filed for bankruptcy twice during the bust.
Terrebonne General Medical Center honors Andrea Gaudet as Leader of the Quarter. Gaudet began working at TGMC while she was a high school student, and over her 20-year career, has grown in her career and currently serves as the pharmacy director.
In an effort to recognize outstanding leaders, TGMC implemented the Leader of the Quarter award. Recipients demonstrate outstanding and consistent commitment to the wellbeing of our patients, their extended families and staff. They also must fulfill TGMC’s mission of providing exceptional healthcare with compassion while serving as strong role models to their peers.
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TGMC wins safety award
Thibodaux Regional Medical Center was recently named one of three recipients of the 2018 Safety Star Award.
The Safety Star Award is presented by the Louisiana Hospital Association Trust Funds to health care facilities that have successfully implemented processes or developed innovative ideas that improve patient safety.
Thibodaux Regional received the Safety Star Award for its patient safety initiative, “Fall Prevention.” Through a redesigned process utilizing new equipment and technology as well as improved and ongoing patient identification and education, patient falls have steadily declined to below the national standard.
When you can book every aspect of a trip online, in minutes, why would you use a travel agent? And how do you find a good one?
Erika Richter, communications director for the American Society of Travel Agents, joined this week’s episode of the AP Travel podcast “Get Outta Here!” to explain how travel agents work and how to find one. Here are some excerpts from the podcast, edited for brevity and clarity.
TRAVEL AGENTS, TRAVEL ADVISERS AND HOW TO FIND ONE
Richter says the term “travel agent” is being replaced by the term “travel adviser” because of a “shift in our industry ... Gone are the days where travel agents are just ticket bookers. Think of them as holistic advisers.”
The American Society of Travel Agents has a consumer-facing website, TravelSense.org, which allows you to search a database of vetted, qualified travel professionals who follow ASTA’s code of ethics. You can search by expertise or even location if you want an agent nearby.
BRICK-AND-MORTAR OR PHONE AND EMAIL?
Richter says 40 percent of travel advisers “work from home,” but some are “digital nomads” who travel while they work. “The world is their office,” she said.
One agent she knows “only sells destinations that he’s lived in for six months. ... Right now he’s in Southeast Asia because before he adds the destination to his list, he wants to know the ins and outs. He wants to know the people on the ground, to shake their hands. He wants to know the thread count on the sheets and the best cocktails on the menu.”
Other agents are geared to cultivating local customers and might even “meet a client for lunch” or visit them at home to get to know their family. Some customers simply shoot them a text when they need a flight booked.
Traditional brick-and-mortar locations still exist, too, but even those are changing. Richter says an agency called Departure Lounge in Austin, Texas, hosts events — like a tasting with a winery from a destination — to engage potential customers.
WHEN TO USE A TRAVEL AGENT
Are travelers wasting an agent’s time if all they need is a quick flight somewhere and they see a cheap fare online they can book themselves?
“If you’re just going on a routine visit to see grandma in New Orleans, you can probably handle that yourself. But what if grandma in New Orleans is on her deathbed and you’re stuck in Phoenix because you missed your connection?” Richter said. “It might help to have an advocate in your corner who can quickly fix that for you. ... No matter how short a trip or how small the budget, there are things that can be done to enhance the experience.”
She added that when things go wrong and you’ve booked your trip through a third-party website, “you are the last person anyone cares to assist,” Richter said. “You’ve chosen the price over guaranteeing the trip and customer service. When you book with a travel adviser, you’re getting personalized 24/7 support from a human, not a chat bot or website.”
HOW DO TRAVEL AGENTS MAKE THEIR MONEY?
Some charge planning fees — as little as $25, or more depending on the complexity of the trip. Others get commissions.
So what do you say to consumers who worry that an agent working on commission will upsell their trip — book them into more expensive accommodations than they would otherwise want — in order to increase their commission?
First of all, travelers should let agents know what their budget is at the beginning of any trip-planning consultation. But Richter says consumers should also realize that an agent’s suppliers — hotels, resorts, airlines, cruises — are “often giving them better deals on inventory, and that trickles back down” to the consumer, Richter said. “You’re going to get your money’s worth whether there’s a fee or no fee because you’re getting access that other consumers don’t get. You can get things like free breakfast or a room upgrade and that’s because the travel buyer has those personal relationships because they’re buying in bulk as a travel agency.”
Richter says travel professionals are also expert at making the most of your travel budget, whatever that budget might be. Typically travelers look to save money on hotels, “but what about dining and excursions and other activities that add up?” Richter said. “What if you could save big in those areas with free breakfasts or better rates on tours that come with the perks of booking with an agent? That impacts the overall budget and maybe brings the cost of the hotel into perspective. Maybe you find a cheap hotel but your travel agent says you’ll end up spending most your time in a taxi because the hotel is 30 miles away from anything you want to see or do.”
Agents can even help if you’re using points to book a chain hotel: “They know a whole heck of a lot when it comes to maximizing your points value.”
CUSTOMIZING TRIPS
What if you’re seeking a quirky itinerary with unique activities in offbeat destinations?
A good travel agent should be able to “recommend everything down to the best markets and local restaurants, to give you a mix of highlights and other off-the-beaten path sides of things. The whole itinerary should and will be customized based on the feedback and interest that you provide,” Richter said. “Sometimes you just want to do things that you simply can’t Google. You want something that’s highly specialized and unique and that’s what we’re here for.”
—Listen to the AP Travel podcast “Get Outta Here!” interview with Erika Richter of the American Society of Travel Agents at http://apple.co/2s2ruHY
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Every now and then, it is important to take the time to reflect on those who deserve some recognition and appreciation.
I for one feel blessed that I have a loving family, supportive friends and am surrounded daily by hardworking and talented coworkers. I want each of them to know how grateful I am for all that they do.
The last several months, we at the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry have worked daily with an army of elected officials and other dedicated public servants to try and solve the state’s policy challenges affecting Louisiana’s business community. While we agree with some and disagree with others, I want to say thank you to all of them for their commitment to Louisiana and their willingness to offer themselves up for public service.
I am honored to serve on a few non-profit boards that oversee organizations that focus each day on providing services in our community. The Emerge Center is a nationally recognized facility in Baton Rouge that provides cutting-edge ABA therapy to children on the autism spectrum and will soon add elementary education to that roster of services. Baton Rouge Cristo Rey Franciscan High School is meeting the need for college preparatory curriculum and real-world internship options for children in North Baton Rouge. I express my heartfelt appreciation to the faculty, students and parents involved in each facility for their efforts to make a difference in so many lives.
My neighbors are good people who are welcoming, kind to my family and work hard to raise their children the right way. Quite a few coaches and mentors have donated time and energy to help shape the skills and develop the work ethic my sons will need to be successful in life.
he priests and my fellow parishioners at St. Aloysius Church have created a spiritual environment that inspires me and helps my family grow in our collective journey for a well-rounded life focused on God’s teachings. I thank them all for their presence and many efforts big and small.
That is my list. I am sure you have your own.
I am equally sure your list would appreciate hearing a thank you every now and then just as much as my list probably does.
In the business world, we at LABI started an annual effort a few years ago to recognize and say thank you to those employers and business partners that demonstrate exemplary commitment and make positive contributions to Louisiana’s business climate and their local communities. This effort is known as the Free Enterprise Awards and the nomination process for these awards is now officially open. To make a nomination, please go to https://labi.formstack.com/forms/free_enterprise_awards_2018 and let us know who should be considered.
Categories for these awards include:
--The Ed Steimel Achievement Award, honoring long-standing membership in and service to LABI and recog-nizes individuals who have committed extraordinary time and effort to improve the quality of life in Louisiana.
--Free Enterprise Champions, honoring individuals who demonstrate exemplary commitment and contributions to the state’s business climate and their local communities. This category includes recognitions for businessperson and young businessperson (under age 40) of the year.
--Companies of the year, recognizing outstanding achievement among Louisiana companies. Categories in-clude companies with less than 100 employees and separately those with more than 100 employees.
--Economic Development Partner(s) of the year, recognizing exceptional leadership by an economic develop-ment or business organization.
--Workforce Innovator(s) of the Year, honoring individuals or organizations that have excelled in creating, im-plementing or supporting a high-caliber education and/or workforce development initiative aimed at closing the employment gap.
--Manufacturers of the Year, recognizing manufacturer growth and community contributions in Louisiana. Categories include manufacturers with less than 100 employees and separately those with more than 100 employees.
Nominations will remain open until Oct. 15, and the winners in each category will be recognized at the third annual LABI Free Enterprise Awards Reception in Baton Rouge on Nov. 15.
Please consider nominating someone deserving of consideration and then plan on joining us to celebrate their accomplishments at the reception later this year.
Maybe it is a simple word of thanks to someone who has long deserved it. Either way, summer is a perfect time for that reflection and for taking the time to let them know you appreciate all that they do.
Stephen Waguespack is president of the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry.
Chitimacha Police Chief Hal Hutchinson reported the following arrests:
James Thomas, 34, of Fairlane Drive, Gray, was arrested July 3 on the charge of domestic abuse battery, and was transported to the parish jail.
Officers responded to a tribal business in reference to a battery. During the investigation, it was learned that Thomas allegedly committed the battery, and he was arrested.
Ronal Wesley, 35, of La. 182 West, Jeanerette, was arrested July 4 on charges of criminal mischief, terrorizing, simple assault, possession of methamphetamine, possession of a legend drug without a prescription, violation of a protective order and introduction of contraband into a penal institution. He was transported to the parish jail.
Officers responded to a tribal business in reference to a suspicious person tampering with a parked vehicle. During the investigation, Wesley was arrested for all charges.
Kelsar Daggs, 38, of La. 1, Labadieville, was arrested July 5 on the charge of theft of a motor vehicle. He was transported to the parish jail. On May 12, officers responded to a tribal business in reference to a stolen vehicle. During the investigation, it was learned that Daggs allegedly committed the theft, and a warrant was issued for him. Daggs was arrested by Assumption Parish Sheriff’s Office on other charges, as well as the Chitimacha Police Department warrant. Daggs was released to the Chitimacha Police Department where he was booked on the charge.
Joey Polito, 57, of La. 87, Jeanerette, was arrested July 6 on charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated, possession of alcoholic beverage in motor vehicle and turning movements and required signals.
Officers observed a traffic violation and performed a traffic stop. During the investigation, Polito was arrested.
David Tate, 62, of Cedar Tree, Thibodaux, was arrested July 12 on the charge of sexual battery. He was transported to the parish jail.
Officers responded to a tribal business in reference to a battery. During the investigation, it was learned that Tate allegedly committed sexual battery, and was arrested.
Brent Darden, 32, of Chitimacha Trail, Charenton, was arrested Wednesday for a Chitimacha Tribal Court warrant for failure to appear on charges of status conference and arraignments, resisting a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest with force or violence, unlawful possession of drugs methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and violation of a drug free zone.
Officers responded to a tribal residence in reference to executing a warrant for Darden’s arrest. Officers made contact with Darden and while attempting to arrest Darden, a struggle ensued, after which, he was detained and arrested. During the investigation and additional evidence was obtained, the Chitimacha Narcotics K-9 Unit was deployed which resulted in additional charges for Darden. The investigation is ongoing with possible additional charges pending.
St. Mary Parish Sheriff Scott Anslum reported the following arrests:
Jimmy Daigle, 44, of 106 Lenny Court, Schriever, was arrested Tuesday at 8:57 a.m. on a warrant for failure to appear on charges of possession of methamphetamine, improper lane usage, operating a vehicle without insurance and no driver’s license.
A deputy patrolling Amelia responded to an unrelated call for service on Beadle Street. The deputy made contact with Daigle and learned of an active warrant for his arrest. Daigle was transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking. No bail is set.
Russell Pugh, 60, of 1424 Victoria Riverside Road, Patterson, was arrested Tuesday at 9:06 a.m. on the charge of a leash law violation.
A deputy patrolling Patterson responded to the area of Victoria Riverside Road for a loose dog harming chickens. The deputy found evidence that a dog, belonging to Pugh, killed several of the victim’s chickens. Pugh was released on a summons.
Beau Gaubert, 38, of 116 Oak Forest Drive, Gibson, was arrested Tuesday at 11:38 a.m. on a warrant for failure to appear on the charge of criminal neglect of family.
Gaubert was transported from the Lafourche Parish Jail to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking. Bail is set at $7,861.
Megan Ciriello, 30, of 4578 Golden Avenue, Mobile, Ala. was arrested Tuesday at 12:24 p.m. on charges of possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana, possession of prescription pills without prescription, possession of alprazolam, possession of Suboxone strips, possession of a controlled dangerous substance in the presence of a minor and contributing to the endangerment of a minor.
A deputy patrolling Amelia responded to a local hotel in regard to a welfare concern. Through the investigation, the deputy made contact with Ciriello and two minor children and learned that they were locked out of their room. The deputy retrieved a key and escorted Ciriello back to her room. Upon arrival, the deputy observed several items scattered throughout the room, including burnt marijuana cigarettes and a glass pipe. During a search, the deputy located marijuana, several Chantix pills, Suboxone strips, and alprazolam. Ciriello was transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking. No bail is set.
Courtnie Chenevert, 36, of 710 Onstead Street, Morgan City, was arrested Tuesday at 3:11 p.m. on a warrant for failure to appear on the charge of possession of hydrocodone, possession of benzphetamine, resisting an officer by providing false information and operating a vehicle with a suspended driver’s license.
Chenevert turned himself in at the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center. No bail is set.
Melvin Richard III, 34, of 509 Signe Lane, Patterson, was arrested Tuesday at 9:31 a.m. on a warrant for the charge of theft.
The warrant stemmed from an investigation initiated on April 11, in which a deputy found evidence that Richard had stolen an item from a local business in Bayou Vista. Richard turned himself in at the St Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center. No bail is set.
Michael Gonzales, 30, of 1110 Ditch Avenue, Morgan City, was arrested Tuesday at 7 p.m. on a warrant for failure to appear on the charge of criminal damage to property and a warrant for failure to appear on the charge of resisting an officer and disturbing the peace by language. Gonzales turned himself in at the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center. No bail is set.
Nicole Molitor, 42, of 114 D Marigny Circle, Duson, was arrested Tuesday at 9:05 p.m. on a warrant for failure to appear on charges of possession of methamphetamine, two counts of possession of legend drug without prescription and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Molitor turned herself in at the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center. No bail is set.
Lazon McDaniel, 20, of 236 Easy St., Franklin, was arrested Wednesday at 12:59 a.m. on a warrant for the charge of disturbing the peace.
A deputy patrolling the Franklin area made contact with McDaniel during a traffic stop. The warrant stemmed from an investigation initiated on January 1, during which detectives found evidence that McDaniel was involved in a physical altercation with the victim. McDaniel was transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking. McDaniel was released on a $1,000 bond.
Edmond Thornton, 22, of 303 First St., Duson, was arrested Wednesday at 8:16 a.m. on a warrant for failure to appear on charges of failure to use seatbelts and operating a vehicle with an expired motor inspection.
A deputy patrolling the Baldwin area assisted Baldwin Police Department officers with a fight on Orphan Home Road. The deputy made contact with Thorton and learned of the active warrant for his arrest. Thornton was transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking. Thornton was released on a $370 bond.
Scott Authement, 42, of 1222 Main St., Patterson, was arrested Wednesday at 10:16 p.m. on a warrant for failure to appear on the charge of possession of methamphetamine.
A deputy patrolling Amelia responded to a disturbance on Lake Palourde Road. Through the investigation, the deputy made contact with Authement and learned of the active warrant for his arrest. Authement was transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking. No bail is set.
Emilie Pittman, 25, of 602 Superior Lane, Bayou Vista, was arrested Wednesday at 10:29 p.m. on a warrant for failure to appear on the charge of operating a vehicle while intoxicated and a warrant for failure to appear on the charge of possession of marijuana.
Pittman turned herself in at the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center. No bail is set.
Huey Comeaux III, 31, of 812 Ditch Avenue, Morgan City, was arrested Wednesday at 6:41 p.m. on a warrant for charges of possession of methamphetamine and obstruction of justice.
The warrant stemmed from an investigation initiated on July 13, during which the Narcotics Section detectives found evidence that Comeaux discarded methamphetamine during an unrelated incident.
Detectives made contact with Comeaux at his residence. Comeaux was transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking. Bail is set at $10,000.
The St. Mary Parish Clerk of Courts Office registered the first round of qualifying candidates running in upcoming local elections Wednesday morning. Qualifiers from the left are Wayne Deslatte running for St. Mary Parish School Board (District 7), Blaise W. Smith running for St. Mary Parish Sheriff, Dr. Francis Scott Sicard running for Berwick Town Council, Michael “Mike” Taylor running for St. Mary Parish School Board (District 8), Jarrod J. Wiggins running for Morgan City Council, Scott Babin running for Berwick Town Council, Craig A. Verdine Sr. running for Patterson Chief of Police, Frank “Boo” Grizzaffi running for St. Mary Parish Sheriff, James P. Carinhas running for Patterson Chief of Police, St. Mary Parish Clerk of Courts Cliff Dressel, James Richard running for Berwick Town Council, Scott Anslum running for St. Mary Parish Sheriff, Raymond P. Price running for Berwick Town Council, Duval H. Arthur Jr. running for Mayor of the Town of Berwick, Kevin P. Hebert running for Berwick Town Council, “Lud” Henry running for Berwick Town Council and Carl J. Thornton running for St. Mary Parish Sheriff.
Franklin Banner-Tribune
P.O. Box 566, Franklin, LA 70538
Phone: 337-828-3706
Fax: 337-828-2874
Morgan City Review
1014 Front Street, Morgan City, LA 70380
Phone: 985-384-8370
Fax: 985-384-4255