RSS Feed

A thousand or more people lined the banks of the Atchafalaya River on a hot, sultry day in July 1933 to watch the installation of the first big segment of the first automobile bridge to span the river between Morgan City and Berwick.
The Long-Allen bridge, named for governors Huey Long and O.K. Allen, was a big deal. The spectators came out to watch as one of the longest spans ever seen in Louisiana was floated into position between piers that had been set to a world-record depth. The span was then lifted 60 feet above the water and fitted into niches that, engineers prayed, would hold them safely for as long as engineers could imagine.
It was also a big deal because the bridge was sorely needed to speed traffic along the Old Spanish Trail (later to become U.S. 90, today La. 182), the most important highway in south Louisiana, and probably the most important in the southern United States.
The OST was conceived in the early 1900s as a modern highway along the Gulf Coast that would eventually stretch to California. It was substantially completed by the 1920s, but there were two big bottlenecks in Louisiana. There was no bridge across the Mississippi at New Orleans, nor was there one across the Atchafalaya at Morgan City.
A railroad bridge had crossed the river about 1915, but cars had to use a toll ferry until Huey began a road building project in 1928 that included bridges in both places. The Huey P. Long Bridge was opened in December 1935 in Jefferson Parish, the first Mississippi River span built in Louisiana. But the bridge over the swirling Atchafalaya was finished first and was deemed to be a pretty remarkable achievement.
In June 1933, according to news accounts, workers from the Mt. Vernon (Ohio) Bridge Co “burrowed to a record depth into the muddy bottom of the … river in sinking a pier for … near where the broad stream pours its flood water into the Gulf of Mexico.” This was the last of the four major piers for the bridge, and it was sunk more than 175 feet below the low water level. That broke a record held by a bridge in Australia. It led the list until 1937, when piers were sunk more than 200 feet for the Golden Gate bridge in San Francisco.
The massive Atchafalaya piers were the primary support for pre-constructed spans for the bridge’s roadbed. Those also involved some remarkable engineering. The Associated Press reported on July 7 that “the first of three great spans for the Berwick Bay bridge … was successfully floated out and placed on its piers sixty feet above water level within a space of two hours while thousands lined the shore to see the engineering feat.” It was not an easy lift. Each 608-foot span weighed 1,400 tons, not including the concrete roadway itself.
The third and final span of the bridge was floated into position September 28, 1933, causing Louisiana Tourist Bureau writer Agathine H. Goldstein to wax probably as poetic as possible over parts of a truss bridge.
“Gliding through space like the phantom-skeleton of some giant dragon of ancient lore,” she wrote, “the third and final large span of the Atchafalaya river bridge at Morgan City was swung into its intended resting place and another feat of modern engineering was accomplished.
“In the present era of advanced mechanics,” she continued in 1933, “the building of an ordinary bridge entails small recognition. But when the spans rest on the deepest pier in the world, and when the longest individual spans ever floated are put into their particular niches without mishap or error, the situation takes on a different aspect, and makes of that bridge an edifice apart from others.”
Goldstein had predicted that “when completed, [the bridge] will be one of the outstanding achievements of the Highway Commission in Louisiana, removing a gap in the Old Spanish Trail, one of the most traveled roads in the state, and providing a free bridge where a toll ferry had been in operation for the greater part of a century.”
When U.S. 90 was upgraded through Morgan City in the 1970s, the road across the Long-Allen bridge became part of La. 182, which is commonly called “old 90” in much of south Louisiana. The four-lane E. J. “Lionel” Grizzaffi Bridge opened in 1975 as part of the updated U.S. 90.
A collection of Jim Bradshaw’s columns, "Cajuns and Other Characters," is now available from Pelican Publishing. You can contact him at jimbradshaw4321@gmail.com or P.O. Box 1121, Washington LA 70589.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Would you want to know if you harbor a gene linked to Alzheimer’s or another incurable disease? A new poll finds most Americans would.
Some 17 percent of Americans already have undergone at least one kind of DNA test, and 52 percent of the remainder say they’d like to, according to the poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research released Thursday.
Curiosity about ancestry is the main reason. But large segments of the public also want to know if they’re at risk for various medical conditions — even if they can’t do anything about it. In fact, 60 percent of people say they’d want to know if they carried a gene associated with a disease that’s currently incurable, the AP-NORC poll found.
The question is how they’d handle that information. For most diseases, whether you get sick depends on a mix of genetics, lifestyle and other factors.
“It’s really important for people to understand that it is a risk, not a destiny,” said Erica Ramos, president of the National Society of Genetic Counselors.
LOTS OF TESTS TO CHOOSE FROM
Genealogy buffs can get clues about ancestry. DNA testing can help diagnose symptoms, predict risk of later health problems, or tell if prospective parents might pass on diseases such as cystic fibrosis. Doctors can tell if certain medicines are more or less likely to work based on genetics, what’s called precision medicine.
Some gene tests require just a credit card and mailing in a saliva sample, while others need a doctor’s order — and there are important differences.
WHAT PEOPLE WANT TO KNOW
Younger adults especially want to know what health conditions might lie ahead. Among those under 30, more than two-thirds are interested in genetic testing and of those, 65 percent say one reason is to learn if they might pass a disease to their children.
If they’re at risk for an incurable disease, 78 percent of the younger crowd would want to know.
And if they got that bad news, 8 in 10 people of all ages would tell siblings and children, family members who might harbor the same gene.
WHO GETS TESTED
Those living in households making $100,000 a year or more are most likely to have had a gene test. Direct-to-consumer tests are paid for out-of-pocket, but insurance may cover DNA tests deemed medically necessary.
TRUSTING THE RESULTS
Most people think genetic testing is at least somewhat reliable, but less than half call it very or extremely reliable, the poll found.
DNA testing isn’t foolproof, said Ramos, the genetic counselor. There can be false alarms, the reason medical labs and the most popular direct-to-consumer companies must meet strict testing rules. But there are loopholes: Say after ancestry testing, you download the “raw” genetic data generated to analyze your heritage and send the file to a second company to interpret whatever health information is inside. Those companies may not be certified for medical diagnosis — meaning it’s important for a doctor to verify any scary result.
The flip side: False reassurance. Direct-to-consumer tests for breast cancer risk, for example, only look for a few mutations. If cancer runs in the family, you may need a doctor-ordered test that examines a variety of genes and mutations, Ramos said.
A genetic counselor can help explain the different tests and what results mean.
PRIVACY IS COMPLICATED, TOO
Half of Americans are very or extremely concerned about companies sharing their genetic data without their knowledge, and roughly a third have the same concerns about medical researchers and doctors, the poll found.
Remember how investigators used a free genealogy website to track down a suspected California serial killer? Half of people think genetic data should be used to help solve crimes only with the consent of the person tested, a third think it’s OK without that consent — and 13 percent don’t think law enforcement should use it at all.
Crime aside, federal law offers some privacy protections for DNA testing in medical settings — but check privacy policies on direct-to-consumer websites.
—The AP-NORC poll of 1,109 adults was conducted June 13-18 using a sample drawn from NORC’s probability-based AmeriSpeak Panel, which is designed to be representative of the U.S. population. The margin of sampling error for all respondents is plus or minus 4.1 percentage points. Respondents were first selected randomly using address-based sampling methods, and later interviewed online or by phone.

Three suspects were arrested on multiple drug charges after Morgan City police found methamphetamine at a home and caught one of the suspects delivering a large amount of the drug, Police Chief James Blair said in a news release.

—Lance M. Narcisse, 31, of Lafayette Road in Clarksville, Tennessee, was arrested at 6:30 p.m. Thursday on charges of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, transactions involving proceeds from controlled dangerous substance activity, battery on a police officer, resisting an officer, obstruction of justice, violation of uniform controlled dangerous substance law-drug-free zone.

—Anna V. Concienne, 35, of General Patton Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 6:31 p.m. Thursday on charges of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia and violation of uniform controlled dangerous substance law-drug-free zone.

—Trey M. Simoneaux, 35, of Red Cypress Road in Patterson, was arrested at 6:31 p.m. Thursday on charges of possession of methamphetamine, violation of uniform controlled dangerous substance law-drug-free zone, a 16th Judicial District Court warrant charging him with criminal neglect of family, a Berwick police warrant charging him with two counts of domestic abuse battery-child endangerment law, a Patterson police warrant charging him with domestic abuse battery and Patterson police warrant charging him with criminal damage to property.

Investigators with the Morgan City Police Department Narcotics Division responded to the area of General Patton Street in regard to Simoneaux being at a home and held active arrest warrants through the 16th Judicial District Court and the Patterson and Berwick police departments.

Investigators arrived when Simoneaux was located inside of the home. While Simoneaux was being placed into custody, investigators observed suspected methamphetamine, Blair said. A search warrant was secured for the home. Concienne was also identified. Simoneaux and Concienne were in possession of suspected methamphetamine, Blair said.

Concienne was further found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia, and police found evidence that the drugs were destined to be sold in illicit sales, Blair said. During the investigation, police learned that a person was to arrive at the home with a large amount of suspected methamphetamine. Narcisse was identified as the person who was to make that delivery, Blair said.

Narcisse arrived shortly after when he was approached by an officer. Narcisse allegedly struck the officer and attempted to push the officer down a stairwell and fled on foot, Blair said. He was apprehended a short time later. A search of the area where Narcisse fled yielded discovered of a large amount of suspected methamphetamine that Narcisse had discarded to avoid detection by police, Blair said.

Narcisse was further found to be in possession of a large amount of cash believed to be derived from illicit sales, Blair said. The area where these incidents took place are within a drug-free zone. Narcisse, Concienne and Simoneaux were jailed.

Blair reported that officers responded to 32 calls and reported the following arrests:

—John May, 28, of West Park Road in Morgan City, was arrested at 9:22 a.m. Friday on a warrant charging him with two counts of failure to appear to pay a fine. May was located and arrested at the Patterson Police Department on a Morgan City Court warrant. May was jailed.

—Chris J. Boudreaux, 51, of McDermott Drive in Morgan City, was arrested at 3:15 p.m. Thursday on a warrant charging him with direct contempt of court. Boudreaux was brought over from the Morgan City Court on a warrant. Boudreaux was jailed.

St. Mary Parish Sheriff Scott Anslum reported that deputies responded to 35 complaints and reported the following arrests:

—Ryan Hall, 31, of Grandwood Drive in Patterson, was arrested at 9:12 p.m. Thursday on charges of possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia, violation of a controlled dangerous substance in a drug-free zone and obstruction of justice.

—Matthew Green, 23, of Grandwood Drive in Patterson, was arrested at 9:12 p.m. Thursday on charges of possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia, transactions involving drug proceeds and violation of a controlled dangerous substance in a drug-free zone.

—Blaine Mitchell, 21, of Paula Drive in Delcambre, was arrested at 9:09 p.m. Thursday on charges of distribution of marijuana, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, transactions involving drug proceeds and possession of drug paraphernalia.

—Cody Simmons, 26, of Grandwood Drive in Patterson, was arrested at 9:09 p.m. Thursday on charges of possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

While working an investigation into the sale of marijuana in the area, narcotics section detectives conducted a traffic stop with a vehicle for improper lane usage. During the stop, detectives made contact with Hall and found evidence that he attempted to conceal marijuana on him, Anslum said. Detectives obtained and executed a search warrant at a unit in Grandwood Apartments, the home occupied by Hall and Green. During the search, detectives located a large amount of marijuana, pipes, baggies, a digital scale, a bong, and rolling papers. Detectives also found evidence that Green sold marijuana, Anslum said.

As the investigation continued, detectives found additional evidence leading them to conduct an investigation into another apartment. Detectives located Simmons and Mitchell. During the search, detectives located marijuana, glass pipes, and a grinder. Detectives also found evidence that Mitchell sold marijuana, the sheriff said.

Both apartments are located within 2,000 feet of a church. Hall, Green and Mitchell were jailed with no bail set. Simmons was released on a summons to appear in court Oct. 5.

—Tanner Aucoin, 22, of Aucoin Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 6:20 p.m. Thursday on warrants charging him with failure to appear on a charge of possession of marijuana or synthetic cannabinoids, failure to appear on a charge of unauthorized use of an access card, failure to appear on a charge of possession of legend drugs without a prescription, failure to appear on a charge of entry or remaining where forbidden and failure to appear on a charge of possession of marijuana or synthetic cannabinoids.

Aucoin was transported from the Lasalle Parish Jail to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking. No bail was set.

—Shantelle Freyou, 30, of South Road in Bayou Vista, was arrested at 7:09 p.m. Thursday on a warrant for failure to appear on a charge of conspiracy to commit possession of marijuana with intent to distribute. Freyou turned herself in at the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office in Morgan City. Freyou was transported to parish jail with no bail set.

—Yailen Blanco, 37, of Russo Street in Berwick, was arrested at 10:56 p.m. Thursday on a charge of theft. A deputy patrolling Bayou Vista responded to a business for a theft complaint. The deputy found evidence that Blanco exited the business, on several occasions, with items not paid for, Blair said. Blanco was jailed with no bail set.

Berwick Police Chief James Richard reported the following arrest:

—Brooke Vincent, 40, of Marshall Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 5:25 p.m. Thursday on a charge of felony theft. Vincent posted $2,500 bail.

Patterson Police Chief Janis Merritt reported no arrests.

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, July 19

6:33 a.m. 200 block of Union Street; Medical.

8:30 a.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Arrest.

8:48 a.m. Justa and Allison streets; Medical.

8:52 a.m. 3000 block of Diane Drive; Burglary.

9:07 a.m. 1100 block of Fourth Street; Juvenile problem.

10:42 a.m. 700 block of Terrebonne Street; Burglary.

11:16 a.m. 100 block of Mallard Street; Medical.

12:06 p.m. 700 block of Everett Street; Complaint.

12:56 p.m. 700 block of Willow Street; Complaint.

1:57 p.m. 100 block of Third Street; Removal of subject.

2:11 p.m. 900 block of Federal Avenue; Alarm.

3:03 p.m. U.S. 90 West; Reckless driver.

3:09 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Arrest.

3:35 p.m. 2300 block of La. 70; Animal complaint.

3:59 p.m. 1000 block of La. 70; Crash.

4:03 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Arrest.

4:09 p.m. 600 block of General Patton Street; Complaint.

4:45 p.m. 400 block of Belanger Street; Telephone harassment.

5:41 p.m. 3000 block of Mark Drive; Suspicious person.

6:12 p.m. 900 block of Onstead Street; Animal complaint.

6:32 p.m. 800 block of Sycamore Street; Complaint.

7:26 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Medical.

7:57 p.m. 3100 block of Roselawn Drive; Animal complaint.

7:57 p.m. 2600 block of Maple Street; Found property.

8:05 p.m. 500 block of Roderick Street; Animal complaint.

8:11 p.m. U.S. 90 East; Traffic incident.

8:47 p.m. 500 block of Railroad Avenue; Civil complaint.

9:37 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Arrest.

Friday, July 20

4:01 a.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Arrest.

4:04 a.m. 300 block of Laurel Street; Investigation.