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Morgan City man arrested in Mardi Gras 'street takover'

Wed, 03/26/2025 - 6:54pm
Staff Report

A Morgan City man is among four people who have been arrested in what is being called a Mardi Gras “street takeover” in New Orleans.
Louisiana State Police Troop NOLA and media accounts say the takeover involved obstruction of roadways in the Chef Mentuer Highway area, high-speed pursuits through neighborhoods and an unsuccessful attempt to escape through a golf course.
Kane Benjamin Ryan Smith, 26, Morgan City, was arrested after troopers searched his home March 14. The New Orleans Advocate quotes police sources as saying Smith had posted videos on Instagram showing him driving his Chrysler 300 more than 100 mph on the Chef Menteur Highway.
The search also turned up two stolen auto engines and THC.
Smith was booked in New Orleans on charges of aggravated flight from an officer, obstruction of justice, aggravated obstruction of a highway of commerce, reckless operation of a vehicle and switched license plate.
Also arrested in the street takeover:
--Brody Gautreaux, 26, of Lockport, whose Cadillac CT4 was stopped on Mardi Gras night using spike strips. He faces charges of aggravated flight from an officer, aggravated obstruction of a highway and reckless operation.
--Deanta Belvin, 32, was arrested after police said he fled from the Chef Menteur area, leading pursuers in a 90 mph chase through residential neighborhoods. Belvin’s Infinity Q50 was disabled as he tried to cross a golf course.
Belvin was arrested after a short foot chase. He was booked into the Orleans Justice Center on March 4 on charges of negligent injuring, false certificate, vehicle must use lighted lamps, driving license suspended, no seat belt, hit and run driving, aggravated flight from an officer and flight from an officer,
--Adel Nasher, 23, allegedly fled in his gray Infinity Q50, leading troopers on a 90 mph chase through two residential neighborhoods. Police tracked him down after he posted video of his Cadillac CTS stunt-driving.
He was booked March 12 on charges of reckless operation and aggravated obstruction of a highway of commerce.

Morgan City police radio logs for March 25-26

Wed, 03/26/2025 - 1:34pm

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.
Tuesday, March 25
5:53 a.m. U.S. 90 East; Assistance.
6:55 a.m. U.S. 90 West; Stalled vehicle.
6:58 a.m. 1100 block of Seventh Street; Alarm.
7:39 a.m. 7000 block of Railroad Avenue; Animal complaint.
8:23 a.m. 800 block of Levee Road; Complaint.
8:25 a.m. 600 block of Kentucky Street; Assistance.
8:53 a.m. La. 70; Complaint.
9:18 a.m. 2400 block of Tiger Drive; Juvenile complaint.
9:42 a.m. 1700 block of La. 182; Hit and run.
10:33 a.m. Fifth Street; Arrest.
10:39 a.m. 600 block of Bush Street; Complaint.
11:00 a.m. 800 block of Brashear Avenue; Subject removal.
11:12 a.m. 700 block of Justa Street; Animal complaint.
11:51 a.m. 500 block of Aucoin Street; Medical.
11:55 a.m. 1100 block of Marguerite Street; Hit and run.
11:58 a.m. 1900 block of Federal Avenue; Loud music.
12:12 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Arrest.
12:26 p.m. 800 block of Marguerite Street; Welfare concern.
12:31 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Arrest.
12:55 p.m. 1400 block of Railroad Avenue; Complaint.
1:15 p.m. 2400 block of Tiger Drive; Crash.
1:20 p.m. 500 block of Roderick Street; Disturbance.
1:36 p.m. U.S. 90 East; Assistance.
2:11 p.m. 700 block of Duke Street; Complaint.
2:33 p.m. 600 block of Freret Street; Animal complaint.
2:37 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Animal complaint.
3:48 p.m. Front/Egle streets; Animal complaint.
4:12 p.m. 3000 block of Karen Drive; Complaint.
5:05 p.m. 7500 block of La. 182; Complaint.
5:13 p.m. 700 block of Duke Street; Subject removal.
5:17 p.m. 1100 block of Eighth Street; Complaint.
5:28 p.m. 100 block of Chennault Street; Loud music.
5:36 p.m. 900 block of Short Street; Medical.
6:24 p.m. 5000 block of Railroad Avenue; Welfare concern.
6:28 p.m. 900 block of Marguerite Street; Subject removal.
6:51 p.m. U.S. 90 West; Stalled vehicle.
7:48 p.m. 6600 block of La. 182; Complaint.
7:55 p.m. 5000 block of Railroad Avenue; Subject removal.
8:33 p.m. Sixth/Freret streets; Suspicious subject.
9:11 p.m. 100 block of Chennault Street; Suspicious subject.
9:19 p.m. Aycock/Chennault streets; Arrest.
9:29 p.m. 400 block of Ninth Street; Theft.
9:45 p.m. 1000 block of La. 70; Warrant.
Wednesday, March 26
12:58 a.m. U.S. 90 West; Traffic incident.
3:49 a.m. 1100 block of Brashear Avenue; Suspicious vehicle.

Despite funding uncertainty, key St. Mary broadband project nears completion

Wed, 03/26/2025 - 6:00am
Staff Report

A key federal program funding the expansion of broadband internet in St. Mary Parish is being held up for review after comments by the secretary of commerce.
Secretary Howard Lutnick, a long-time critic of the $42 billion federal Broadband, Equity, Access and Deployment program known as BEAD, blamed the Biden administration for “woke mandates, favoritism towards certain technologies, and burdensome regulations” for the program’s lack of results.
But Cajun Broadband owner Chris Disher, a Morgan City native, says the uncertainty surrounding federal funding for increased internet access isn’t affecting one of the areas most in need in his home parish.
That’s the Sorrel area, where 550 homes and businesses would have access to broadband internet when that project is complete, expected to be July 15.
“That whole end of the parish doesn’t have good internet,” Disher said Monday.
The project was funded through GUMBO 1.0 in July 2022. The total project cost is $888,000, funded with the GUMBO grant, a 25% match from Cajun Broadband and a 10% match by the parish government.
That project involves about 4 miles of underground fiber.
Another GUMBO 1.0 grant will lead to installation of 3.4 miles of fiber to serve an area along the Bayou Teche east of Baldwin. That will offer service to about 150 homes and businesses.
The project cost there is $425,000, of which Cajun Broadband is paying $106,000. The estimated completion date is Nov. 15.
The biggest Cajun Broadband project in St. Mary is to be funded by the GUMBO 2.0 BEAD program, the program in doubt after comments by Lutnick.
Disher said he’s heard more positive indications recently. The project is under federal review and “expected to proceed without delay,” he said.
Cajun Broadband’s West St. Mary project involves installing about 62 miles of fiber in the Cypremort Point-Four Corners-Glencoe area, offering service to 1,500 homes and businesses.
It would be funded by $6.5 million under the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment initiative. Cajun Broadband’s match is $1.63 million.
“As a Morgan City High School graduate (Class of 1988), I take great pride in helping my home parish and its residents gain access to critically needed high speed broadband,” Disher said in an email. “These investments represent a transformative upgrade to our region’s connectivity and economic opportunity.”
In all, Cajun Broadband secured $57.6 million in grants for 572 miles of fiber optic infrastructure serving 11,750 homes and businesses in St. Mary, Iberia, Vermilion, Assumption, St. Martin and Jefferson Davis parishes.

Wheel House for March 26

Wed, 03/26/2025 - 6:00am

SPECIAL
OLYMPICS
The 2025 Donna Adams Memorial St Mary Parish Special Olympics Track and Field Meet will begin at 10 a.m. Friday, April 4, at West St Mary High School.  Public invited.

Jim Brown: Justice is once again a matter of life or death

Wed, 03/26/2025 - 6:00am
JIM BROWN

(Editor's note: Derrick Todd Lee died of natural causes Jan. 21, 2016, while awaiting execution).

It’s been a number of years since the death penalty was carried out in Louisiana. A vicious rapist and killer, a fellow named Jesse Hoffman, was put to death at Angola state prison just two weeks ago.
I can look back 21 years ago, as I witnessed the highs and lows of life and death here in the Bayou State.
It was a cool Tuesday evening, and I was leaving a reception for former Congressman Billy Tauzin at the Old State Capitol in downtown Baton Rouge.
Billy and I had fought many battles together when we both served in the Louisiana Legislature back in the 1970s.
He had fought and won a separate confrontation with cancer, and a number of Billy’s friends turned out to celebrate a full life he had led.
I headed to my parked car about a block away across the street from the East Baton Rouge Courthouse.
It was 8 o’clock in the evening, and as I approached my car, I could see numerous television lights and a large crowd on the front steps of the courthouse.
“What’s going on?” I asked one of the reporters I knew.
“The jury’s still deliberating whether Derrick Todd Lee lives or dies,” he told me.
“Will they come up with the verdict tonight?” I asked. “It’s getting late.”
He nodded and said: “That’s what we hear. They’re supposed to push on till they make a decision. They’ll want to go home."
I walked into the courthouse and took the elevator up to the sixth floor to the courtroom of the presiding judge, Richard Anderson.
Sheriff’s deputies were everywhere and security was tight. I went through the metal detector and walked into a packed courtroom.
Col. Greg Phares was in charge of the numerous deputies surrounding the walls in the courtroom.
Angola prison warden Burl Cain and I talked for a while.
“Whatever happens, I’ve got a full night ahead of me. He will go to Angola tonight for the rest of his life, however long that is,” the warden mused.
About then, the bailiff quieted the courtroom and the jury filed in. The process was short.
A signed verdict was sent to the clerk, who read out the decision.
Derrick Todd Lee should be put to death, it said.
Then tears and sobs from the victims’ families, from Lee’s relatives, even the district attorney’s wife wiped away a few tears now that the ordeal was over.
So, should Derrick Todd Lee die?
There was an overwhelming community feeling that, yes, he should.
The guy was charged with killing seven women.
And there may be more. If you were looking for the right poster face for the death penalty, you can’t do better than Lee.
Putting aside the arguments for opposing the taking of anyone’s life, what possible reason would there be not to execute him?
One is money. It costs on average four to five times more to invoke capital punishment than it does to put him away for life.
The costs of appeal, including attorney’s fees that are almost always paid for the state, often run several million dollars.
It’s much cheaper to stick him in a cell and spend a few dollars a day to feed him.
And you can make a pretty good argument that if you want to put someone through hell, stick them in a maximum-security prison where he will either be brutalized by the prison population, or confined in solitary where he lives almost like an animal in total boredom.
Some would argue this punishment is worse than the death penalty.
But we demand an eye for an eye.
John McKeithen, Edwin Edwards and Buddy Roemer each told me the toughest decision they ever faced as governor was whether to let a condemned man die.
It was the first decision Roemer had to make the day he was sworn in.
But they always let it happen.
Two different people that night at two different events. One a celebration of a full and continuing life. The other, just a block away, a decision to take away a life.
The challenge, of course, is to live a life of dignity.
To see your own existence as a heightened example of universal experience, a life that is fulfilling in a way that is somehow larger-than-life.
On that day 21 years ago, I was a witness to the obvious. That one had succeeded and one failed.
Peace and Justice
Jim Brown
Jim Brown’s syndicated column appears each week in numerous newspapers throughout the nation and on websites worldwide. You can read all his past columns and see continuing updates at http://www.jimbrownla.com.

Jim Bradshaw: Did TonTon invent hats for women?

Wed, 03/26/2025 - 6:00am
JIM BRADSHAW

I’ve confessed before that I enjoy picking through old cookbooks, especially those about Louisiana cuisine.
Part of the reason I like them is that they are filled with interesting recipes, but I also like them because they can tell us something about the place and time that they come from.
That’s why I was intrigued when I came across “Creole Cooking Recipes,” a curious little pocket-sized paperback that must have been given away in the 1940s by the Evangeline Pepper & Food Products Co. of St. Martinville.
The company made the modest pledge that just one drop of Evangeline Hot Sauce “makes good food taste better.”
The book makes the slightly more grandiose claim that the hot sauce “made Louisiana French cooking famous.”
The company was owned and operated by the Buillard family, and it made more than hot sauce.
You could place an order directly to the factory for a 5½-ounce bottle of Steak Sauce (15 cents), a 5-ounce bottle of Worcestershire Sauce (15 cents), a 10½-ounce jar of Home Made Chili Sauce (a quarter), an 8-ounce jar of Creole Mustard (10 cents), a 12½-ounce jar of Salad Mustard (15 cents), or a 2½-ounce jar of Powdered Red Pepper (15 cents).
The company also offered Sausage Seasoning, Cut Okra in cans, canned Okra & Tomatoes, Distilled Vinegar, Home Made Okra Soup, and Old Tom Open Kettle Pure Ribbon Cane Syrup “made the old fashion way with direct fire under the kettles.”
The booklet contains recipes we might recognize — Chicken à la Sauce Piquant, Crab Gumbo à la Creole, Cannards Smothered with Turnips, Ail-Au-Lie Mayonnaise (probably coming from the Aioli Club in which south Louisiana chefs tried to outdo each other in preparing gourmet meals), Creole Rabbit, Creole Cabbage, Creole Cereal or “Kush-Kush,” and a half-dozen things to do with yams, all interspersed among “facts” about St. Martinville and the Evangeline Country.
The little book lists the local cemetery among places for visitors to see, pointing out that there are “more people buried in the cemetery than are alive in the town.” That’s probably true in a lot of little towns with long histories. It describes the Evangeline Oak as “America’s most famous tree” and St. Martinville as “America’s most interesting town” — and it also contains the amazing claim that the first women’s hats to be worn in the United States were created because of an accident that didn’t happen in St. Martinville in 1795.
“The originator was a belle of the olden days and a member of one of the oldest and distinguished families, the DeBlancs,” we are told. “Tonton DeBlanc was known for her beauty. Her complexion was unsurpassed. As was the custom for many centuries, she wore a sunbonnet. The hat was unknown in those days.
  “It seems strange that such a well-known fashion as women’s hats should be founded by accident, but that is how it originated. Tonton DeBlanc, who founded the fad, heard a commotion outside her door. Upon inquiry she was told that a child was crushed by a vehicle. Searching for her sunbonnet, she was unable to find it, so she took her brother’s hat and put it on her head.
“The accident proved to be a false alarm, but the little belle had found the hat becoming, so she entered a millinery shop and ordered a hat for her. She paid $5.00 for the hat and before too long everyone was wearing hats. This is how . . . the hat began in the historical old town of St. Martinville.”
Tonton may have set a fashion trend, but I have to raise a suspicious eyebrow over the claim of invention.
Women had been covering their heads with something each Sunday since the Middle Ages, when the Catholic Church decreed that women must cover their heads and men must uncover theirs. St. Martin de Tours church was established in St. Martinville in 1765, so it stands to reason that the ladies in “America’s most interesting town” must have been wearing something fancier than sunbonnets 30 years before the non-accident.
But the fatal flaw comes when we are told that she “entered a millinery shop and ordered a hat for her.” 
By definition, “millinery” means women’s headwear. If there was already a shop in town, I’d be willing to bet it offered more than a simple garde soleil.
You can contact Jim Bradshaw at jimbradshaw4321@gmail.com or P.O. Box 1121, Washington LA 70589.

Public notices for March 26, 2025

Wed, 03/26/2025 - 6:00am

PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE OF
SPECIAL
ELECTION
Pursuant to the provisions of a resolution adopted by the Board of Commissioners of Consolidated Gravity Drainage District No. 2 of the Parish of St. Mary, State of Louisiana (the “Governing Auth- ority”), acting as the governing authority of Consolidated Gravity Drainage District No. 2 of the Parish of St. Mary, State of Louisiana (the “District”), on January 14, 2025, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a special election will be held within the District on SATURDAY, MAY 3, 2025, and that at the said election there will be submitted to all registered voters in the District qualified and entitled to vote at the said election under the Constitution and Laws of the State of Louisiana and the Constitution of the United States, the following proposition, to-wit:
PROPOSITION
(MILLAGE
CONTINUATION)
Shall Consolidated Gravity Drainage District No. 2 of the Parish of St. Mary, State of Louisiana (the “District”), continue to levy a tax not to exceed 2.79 mills (the “Tax”) on all the property subject to taxation in the District (an estimated $385,000 reasonably expected at this time to be collected from the levy of the Tax for an entire year), for a period of 10 years, beginning with the year 2026 and ending with the year 2035, for the purpose of acquiring, constructing, maintaining and operating gravity and forced drainage works within and for the District, said millage to represent a .29 mill increase (due to reappraisal) over the 2.50 mills tax authorized to be levied through the year 2025 pursuant to an election held March 28, 2015?
The said special election shall be held at the polling places for the following precincts, which polls will open at seven o’clock (7:00) a.m. and close at eight o’clock (8:00) p.m., in accordance with the provisions of La. R.S. 18:541, to-wit:
PRECINCTS
35
36(PART)
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44(PART)
The polling places for the precincts set forth above are hereby designated as the polling places at which to hold the said election, and the Commissioners-in-Charge and Commissioners, respectively, shall be those persons designated according to law.
The estimated cost of this election as determined by the Secretary of State based upon the provisions of Chapter 8-A of Title 18 and actual costs of similar elections is $26,200.
Notice is further given that a portion of the monies collected from the tax described in the Proposition shall be remitted to certain state and statewide re- tirement systems in the manner required by law.
The said special election will be held in accordance with the applicable provisions of Chapter 5 and Chapter 6-A of Title 18 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended, and other constitutional and statutory authority, and the officers appointed to hold the said election, as provided in this Notice of Special Election, or such substitutes therefor as may be selected and designated in accordance with La. R.S. 18:1287, will make due returns thereof to said Governing Authority, and NOTICE IS HEREBY FURTHER GIVEN that the Governing Authority will meet at its regular meeting place, the GOEC Port Building, 7327 Hwy. 182, Morgan City, Louisiana, on TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 2025, at 6:00 P.M., and shall then and there in open and public session proceed to examine and canvass the returns and declare the result of the said special election. All registered voters of the District are entitled to vote at said special election and voting machines will be used.
Adv. March 5, 12, 19 and 26, 2025

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PUBLIC NOTICE
Recreation
District No. 4 of the Parish of
St. Mary
Minutes of
Meeting
February 19, 2025
Members Present: William Miller, LaGenia Bradford, Vincent Byrd, Edward Austin, Terreance Johnson
Members Ab- sent: None
Others Present: Jerry Boyles, Gabrielle Gil, Barry Dufrene
Mr. Miller open-ed the regular meeting leading the Board in the pledge of allegiance.
The minutes of the regular meeting held on January 15, 2025, were reviewed. Mr. Austin made a motion to accept the minutes. Mr. Byrd seconded the motion. The motion passed.
Mr. Dufrene presented and review-ed the financial statements presented to the Board. A motion to accept the report and pay outstanding invoices was made by Mr. Byrd and seconded by Mr. Austin. The motion passed.
Under old business, the Board discussed a revision for deposits for rental of the District’s rooms and building. Up- on a motion by Mr. Byrd and a second by Mr. Johnson, the Board agreed to require a deposit of $100, refundable if cancelled outside of 90 days, nonrefundable if cancelled within 90 days, and rental should be paid in full within 5 days of the rental date. The motion passed.
Upon a motion by Mr. Johnson and a second by Mr. Austin, the Board agreed to set a rate of $100 for use of the District’s meeting room by a governmental unit for their meetings.
Mr. Boyles presented his report to the Board. Upon a motion by Mr. Bryd and a second by Mr. Austin, the Board agreed to repair and replace seat coverings on chairs the District owns. The motion passed. Upon a motion by Mr. Byrd and a second by Mrs. Bradford, the Board declared an auto scrubber and viper polisher as surplus. The Motion passed.
With there being no other business to discuss, a motion to adjourn was made by Mr. Byrd and seconded by Mr. Johnson. The motion passed.
———————
William Miller
Chairperson
———————
Gabrielle Gil
Secretary Treasurer
Adv. March 26, 2025

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PUBLIC NOTICE
ST. MARY
PARISH GOVERNMENT
MATERIAL SUPPLY
CONTRACT
NOTICE TO BIDDERS
NOTICE IS HEREBY given by St. Mary Parish Government that sealed bids will be received at the office of the St. Mary Parish Purchasing Department, Fifth Floor Courthouse, Franklin, Louisiana 70538, until 10:00 A.M. on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at which time bids will be publicly opened and read aloud for:
“CATIONIC EMULSIFIED ASPHALT”
“WIRE ROPE”
“LIMESTONE BY PARISH TRUCKS”
“LIMESTONE BY VENDOR TRUCK”
“LIMESTONE BY BARGE”
“ALTERNATE DAILY COVER”
Bids received after the above- specified time will not be considered.
Specifications and contract documents for the above can be ob- tained upon re- quest from the St. Mary Parish Purchasing Department, Fifth Floor Courthouse, Franklin, Louisiana 70538. Official bid documents can be downloaded from Central Bidding at www.centralbidding.com Electronic bids can be submitted at www.centralbidding.com. For any questions relating to the electronic bidding process, please call Central Bidding at 225-810-4814.
Envelopes must be marked as follows:
“BIDS FOR ASPHALT”
“BIDS FOR
WIRE ROPE”
“BIDS FOR LIMESTONE BY
VENDOR/PARISH TRUCK”
“BIDS FOR
LIMESTONE BY BARGE”
“BIDS FOR ALTERNATE COVER”
St. Mary Parish reserves the right to reject any and/or all bids to waive informalities in any and/or all bids, and to award the contract in the best interest of St. Mary Parish.
Thus, done and signed at Franklin, Parish of St. Mary, Louisiana on this 12th day of March 2025.
(S) Sam Jones
Sam Jones
Parish President
St. Mary Parish Government
Adv. March 12, 19 and 26, 2025

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PUBLIC NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
The St. Mary Parish Child Nu- trition Program Department is requesting bids for Dry and Canned Foods for the 2025-2026 school year. Sealed bids will be accepted at the St. Mary Parish School Board, Child Nutrition Department until 9:00 a.m., April 1, 2025 at which time they will be opened and read out loud. The public is invited to attend.
Specifications may be obtained from the St. Mary Parish School Board, Child Nu- trition Program Department, P.O. Box 170, 474 Hwy 317, Centerville, Louisiana 70522 or by calling (337) 836-6039. Information is available online at www.centralauctionhouse.com.
No pre-bid conference will be held. Questions should be emailed to dchaisson@stmaryk12.net by March 24, 2025. Responses will be provided by email to all potential vendors by March 25, 2025.
The St. Mary Parish School Board Child Nutrition Program is funded 92 percent with Federal funds for a total of approximately $6,445,000 per year.
Adv. March 12, 21 and 26, 2025

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PUBLIC NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
The St. Mary Parish Child Nu- trition Program is requesting bids for Produce for the 2025-2026 school year. Sealed bids will be accepted at the St. Mary Parish School Board, Child Nutrition Department until 10:30 a.m., April 4, 2025, at which time they will be opened and read out loud. The public is invited to attend.
A bid packet may be obtained from the St. Mary Parish School Board, Child Nu- trition Department, P.O. Box 170, 474 Hwy 317, Centerville, Louisiana 70522 or by calling (337) 836-6039. Information is available online at www.centralauctionhouse.com.
No pre-bid conference will be held. Questions should be emailed to dchaisson@stmaryk12.net by March 24, 2025. Responses will be provided by email to potential vendors by March 25, 2025.
The St. Mary Parish School Board Child Nutrition Program is funded 92 percent with Federal funds for a total of approximately $6,445,000 per year.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Adv. March 12, 21 and 26, 2025

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PUBLIC NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
The St. Mary Parish Child Nu- trition Program is requesting bids for Paper & Cleaning Supplies for the 2025-2026 school year. Sealed bids will be accepted at the St. Mary Parish School Board, Child Nutrition Department until 9:00 a.m., April 3, 2025, at which time they will be opened and read out loud. The public is invited to attend.
A bid packet may be obtained from the St. Mary Parish School Board, Child Nu- trition Department, P.O. Box 170, 474 Hwy 317, Centerville, Louisiana 70522 or by calling (337) 836-6039. Information is available online at www.centralauctionhouse.com.
No pre-bid conference will be held. Questions should be emailed to dchaisson@stmaryk12.net by March 24, 2025. Responses will be provided by email to potential vendors by March 25, 2025.
The St. Mary Parish School Board Child Nutrition Program is funded 92 percent with Federal funds for a total of approximately $6,445,000 per year.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Adv. March 12, 21 and 26, 2025

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PUBLIC NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
The St. Mary Parish Child Nu- trition Program Department is requesting bids for Small Kitchen Equipment for the 2025-2026 school year. Sealed bids will be accepted at the St. Mary Parish School Board, Child Nutrition Department until 9:00 a.m., April 8, 2025, at which time they will be opened and read out loud. The public is invited to attend.
Specifications may be obtained from the St. Mary Parish School Board, Child Nu- trition Program Department, P.O. Box 170, 474 Hwy 317, Centerville, Louisiana 70522 or by calling (337) 836-6039. Information is available online at www.centralauctionhouse.com.
No pre-bid conference will be held. Questions should be emailed to dchaisson@stmaryk12.net by March 14, 2025. Responses will be provided by email to all potential vendors by March 17, 2025.
The St. Mary Parish School Board Child Nutrition Program is funded 92 percent with Federal funds for a total of approximately $6,445,000 per year.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Adv. March 12, 21 and 26, 2025

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PUBLIC NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
The St. Mary Parish Child Nu-
trition Program Department is requesting bids for Milk for the 2025-2026 school year. Sealed bids will be accepted at the St. Mary Parish School Board, Child Nutrition Department until 9:00 a.m., April 4, 2025, at which time they will be opened and read out loud. The public is invited to attend.
Specifications may be obtained from the St. Mary Parish School Board, Child Nu- trition Program Department, P.O. Box 170, 474 Hwy 317, Centerville, Louisiana 70522 or by calling (337) 836-6039. Information is available online at www.centralauctionhouse.com.
No pre-bid conference will be held. Questions should be emailed to dchaisson@stmaryk12.net by March 24, 2025. Responses will be provided by email to all potential vendors by March 25, 2025.
The St. Mary Parish School Board Child Nutrition Program is funded 92 percent with Federal funds for a total of approximately $6,445,000 per year.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Adv. March 12, 21 and 26, 2025

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PUBLIC NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
The St. Mary Parish Child Nu- trition Program Department is requesting bids for Frozen Foods and Meat for the 2025-2026 school year. Sealed bids will be accepted at the St. Mary Parish School Board, Child Nutrition Department until 9:00 a.m., April 2, 2025, at which time they will be opened and read out loud. The public is invited to attend.
Specifications may be obtained from the St. Mary Parish School Board, Child Nu- trition Program Department, P.O. Box 170, 474 Hwy 317, Centerville, Louisiana 70522 or by calling (337) 836-6039. Information is available online at www.centralauctionhouse.com.
No pre-bid conference will be held. Questions should be emailed to dchaisson@stmaryk12.net by March 24, 2025. Responses will be provided by email to all potential vendors by March 25, 2025.
The St. Mary Parish School Board Child Nutrition Program is funded 92 percent with Federal funds for a total of approximately $6,445,00 per year.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Adv. March 12, 21 and 26, 2025

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PUBLIC NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
The St. Mary Parish Child Nu- trition Program Department is requesting bids for Juice, fresh or frozen, for the 2025-2026 school year. Sealed bids will be accepted at the St. Mary Parish School Board, Child Nutrition Department until 10:00 a.m., April 4, 2025, at which time they will be opened and read out loud. The public is invited to attend.
Specifications may be obtained from the St. Mary Parish School Board, Child Nu- trition Program Department, P.O. Box 170, 474 Hwy 317, Centerville, Louisiana 70522 or by calling (337) 836-6039. Information is available online at www.centralauctionhouse.com.
No pre-bid conference will be held. Questions should be emailed to dchaisson@stmaryk12.net by March 24, 2025. Responses will be provided by email to all potential vendors by March 25, 2025.
The St. Mary Parish School Board Child Nutrition Program is funded 92 percent with Federal funds for a total of ap- proximately $6,445,000 per year.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Adv. March 12, 21 and 26, 2025

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PUBLIC NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
The St. Mary Parish Child Nu- trition Program Department is requesting bids for Fresh Shell Eggs for the 2025-2026 school year. Sealed bids will be accepted at the St. Mary Parish School Board, Child Nu- trition Department until 9:30 a.m., April 4, 2025, at which time they will be opened and read out loud. The public is invited to attend.
Specifications may be obtained from the St. Mary Parish School Board, Child Nutrition Program Department, P.O. Box 170, 474 Hwy 317, Centerville, Louisiana 70522 or by calling (337) 836-6039. Information is available online at www.centralauctionhouse.com.
No pre-bid conference will be held. Questions should be emailed to dchaisson@stmaryk12.net by March 24, 2025. Responses will be provided by email to all potential vendors by March 25, 2025.
The St. Mary Parish School Board Child Nutrition Program is funded 92 percent with Federal funds for a total of approximately $6,445,000 per year.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Adv. March 12, 21 and 26, 2025

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PUBLIC NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
Sixteenth
Judicial District Court
——
PARISH OF
ST. MARY
——
STATE OF
LOUISIANA
Rocket Mortgage, LLC
F/K/A Quicken Loans, LLC
F/K/A Quicken Loans Inc.
Vs. No. 138382 Div “B”
David C. Reid A/K/A David Reid and Mary Beth Zabka A/K/A Mary Beth Zabka-Reid A/K/A Mary B. Zabka A/K/A Mary Zabka A/K/A Mary Beth Reid A/K/A Mary B. Reid A/K/A Mary Reid A/K/A Mary Zabka-Reid A/K/A Mary Z. Reid
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 tract or parcel of land lying and being situated in the City of Morgan City, Parish of St. Mary, State of Louisiana, fronting on Onstead Street of said city and being more particularly des- cribed as lots numbers six, and eight, square number sixteen of the Elliot Subdivision of Morgan City, Louisiana, as per map or plat recorded in Book 8-Y, entry number 91497 of the conveyance records of St. Mary, Louisiana.
Together with all the buildings and improvements thereon situated, rights, ways, privileges and servitudes thereunto belonging or in anywise appertaining.
to satisfy the sum of ONE HUNDRED EIGHTY TWO THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED SIXTY-FIVE AND 63/100 ($182,665.63) DOLLARS, balance due on principal of fixed rate note, interest from April 1, 2023, until paid, at 3.99% per annum; to be computed, reasonable attorney’s fees; to be computed, 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 WITHOUT ap- praisement 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 2nd day of April A.D., 2025, be- tween the legal hours commencing at 10 O’Clock A.M.
Sheriff’s Office
Parish of St. Mary, La.
Friday, the 14th day of February A.D., 2025.
GARY L.
DRISKELL,
SHERIFF
By: Heidi Rineholt
Deputy Sheriff
Adv. Feb. 28 and March 26, 2025

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PUBLIC NOTICE
Public Notice – Annual Stockholders’ Meeting
The annual meeting of the stockholders of MC Bancshares, Inc. for the purpose of electing directors for the ensuing year and for all other matters which may properly come before said meeting will be held at the Main Office of M C Bank & Trust Company, 1201 Brashear Avenue, Morgan City, LA 70380 on Wednesday, April 16, 2025 at 10:00 AM.
Kenneth Nelkin,
Chairman of the Board
Adv. March 12, 19, 26, April 2 and 9, 2025

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PUBLIC NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
Sixteenth J
udicial District Court
——
PARISH OF
ST. MARY
——
STATE OF
LOUISIANA
GMFS LLC
VS. NO. 138916 DIV “B”
James A. Butler and Tanya S.
Butler AKA Tanya Segree Butler
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 tract or parcel of land together with all buildings and improvements thereon situated and the component parts thereof, and all rights, ways, prescriptions, privileges, servitudes and appurtenances thereunto belonging or in anywise appertaining, lying and being situated in St. Mary Parish, Louisiana within the corporate limits of Patterson, being known, designated and des-cribed as TRACT “A-B-C-D-E-A” as per the map of plat of survey prepared by Paul N. Fontenot, RLS #314 dated March 3, 1999, a copy of which is recorded in St. Mary Parish COB 43-X, page 136, Entry No. 272631; subject to restrictions, servitudes, rights-of-way and outstanding mineral rights of record affecting the property.
to satisfy the sum of TWO HUNDRED NINE THOUSAND FOUR HUNDRED EIGHTY-ONE AND 80/100 ($209,481.80) DOLLARS, with interest thereon at 4.25% per annum from March 01, 2024, until paid; all expenses in- curred in enforcing the note and mortgage including reasonable attorney’s fees; if/as applicable, such other or additional amounts incurred or advanced for taxes, insurance premiums, special assessments, re- pairs to and/or maintenance of the property, for the protection, preservation, re- pair and recovery of the property, for the protection and preservation of the lien of the mortgage, for the protection and preservation of the mortgagee’s interest thereunder, and other amounts provided by the mortgage and ap- plicable law, such as late charges, escrow advances for the payment of taxes and insurance, corporate advances, property appraisals, inspection fees, prior attorney fees and expenses, abstract and title charges, NSF charges, attorney fees and expenses, and other charges which plaintiff is permitted to prove by verified petition, verified supplemental petition, or affidavit filed or submitted before distribution by the sheriff of the proceeds of the judicial sale herein; and all law charges, fees and expenses incurred in connection or relating to this proceeding including without limitation sheriff’s commission, sheriff’s costs, court costs all as permitted by the note or mortgage being en- forced by this proceeding 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 2nd day of April A.D., 2025, be- tween the legal hours commencing at 10 O’Clock A.M.
Sheriff’s Office
Parish of St. Mary, La.
Friday, the 14th day of February A.D., 2025
GARY L.
DRISKELL,
SHERIFF
By: Heidi Rineholt
Deputy Sheriff
Adv. Feb. 28 and March 26, 2025

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PUBLIC NOTICE
PUBLIC HEARING REPORT
FEBRUARY 26, 2025
FRANKLIN, LOUISIANA
5:45 P.M.
The St. Mary Parish Council held a Public Hearing on this date with Chairperson Gwendolyn L. Hidalgo presiding and the following members present: Rodney Olan-der, David W. Hill, James “Jimmy” Davis, Jr., Mark Duhon, and Dean Adams. Absent were Rev. Craig Mathews, J Ina, Leslie Rulf, Jr., Patrick Hebert, and Kristi Prejeant Rink, M.D.
The purpose of the Public Hearing was to receive written and/or oral comments relative to the following Ordinances:
An Ordinance declaring multiple tax adjudicated properties as surplus property and authorize the Parish to proceed with the process for ad- vertising and sale of such adjudicated properties.
An Ordinance in compliance with Ordinance No. 1973, Chapter 5 Procedures, Division 5.4 General Procedures for Public Hearing, Section 5.4.2 Re- zonings (Zoning Map Amendments). (Randy Tisdale)
There were no written and/or oral comments received regarding the proposed ordinances.
There being no further business, Mr. Olander moved for adjournment. Mr. Davis seconded the motion, which carried.
s/g Gwendolyn L. Hidalgo
Gwendolyn L. Hidalgo,
Chairperson
s/g Lisa C. Morgan
Lisa C. Morgan,
Clerk
Adv. March 26, 2025

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PUBLIC NOTICE
OFFICIAL
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ST. MARY PARISH COUNCIL OF THE PARISH OF ST. MARY, STATE OF LOUISIANA
FEBRUARY 26, 2025
FRANKLIN, LOUISIANA
The St. Mary Parish Council met on this date in Regular Session with Chairperson Gwendolyn L. Hidalgo presiding and the following members present: Rev. Craig Mathews, J Ina, Rodney Olander, David W. Hill, James “Jimmy” Davis, Jr., Mark Duhon, Dean Adams, and Kristi Prejeant Rink, M.D. Absent were Leslie “Les” Rulf, Jr. and Patrick Hebert.
The Invocation was pronounced by Mr. Davis and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mr. Duhon.
Mr. Olander moved that the reading of February 11, 2025 Special Meeting – 5:00 p.m. and Regular Meeting – 6:00 p.m. be dispensed with and that the same be approved. Mr. Davis seconded the motion, which carried.
Randy Tisdale appeared before the Council to ask for their support to approve his rezone request.
President Sam Jones expounded on drainage issues in Morgan City relative to 2024 Hurricane Francine. He stated that repairs to pumps in Morgan City and Siracusaville will begin soon. He thanked the State for helping and will hopefully sign an agreement next week. He informed that when the Mississippi River overflows, 30% of the water is redirected to the Atchafalaya River in Morgan City, Wax Lake Outlet, and Bayou Teche in Franklin. He stated that water is not directed to any other parish, other than St. Mary Parish. He also ex- pounded on drainage issues in Bayou Vista and stated that the cause needs to be verified.
Chief Administrative Officer, Paul J. Governale, submitted his report for a two (2) week period, ending February 26, 2025.
Rev. Mathews stated that he has spoken with CLECO executives regarding a feasibility study to determine the cost to install streetlights from West St. Mary Civic Center on Highway 318 to Highway 90 Frontage Road in Sorrell. He stated that CLECO requires a written request from the Parish and requests a meeting with them to review details.
Mr. Governale explained the street light study/survey and re- quested Rev. Mathews email him information on the area.
Mr. Duhon stated that he has been working on the same project with SLECA for the Amelia area and the cost is $84,000. He stated that he will forward that information to Rev. Mathews.
In response to Mr. Duhon’s inquiry relative to digging ditches in Siracusaville, Mr. Governale stated that a date has not been scheduled. Mr. Duhon stated that some ditches have been dug at Englewood Park.
In response to Mr. Olander’s inquiry relative to upgrading the Council Chamber’s recording system, Mr. Governale stated that a company is coming tomorrow morning to look at the current system and that he and Lisa Morgan have a zoom meeting scheduled that afternoon with an- other company.
Mr. Olander re- ported on the Police Jury Association of Louisiana (PJAL) Conference that he attended last week. He informed that the Gulf State Counties & Parishes Caucus Conference will be held on March 27-29, 2025.
Mr. Olander moved that the following Ordinance be adopted. Dr. Rink seconded the motion, which carried by the following 9-0-0-2 Roll Call vote:
YEAS: Mathews, Ina, Olander, Hill, Davis, Duhon, Adams, Rink, and Hidalgo
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Rulf and Hebert
ORDINANCE
NO. 2386
An Ordinance declaring multiple tax adjudicated properties as surplus property and authorizing the Parish to proceed with the process for advertising and sale of such adjudicated properties.
THIS ORDINANCE IS AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW IN THE PARISH COUNCIL’S OF- FICE
Exhibit “A”
PARCEL NUMBER(S), PROPERTY ADDRESS, TAX ASSESSMENT NUMBER
1) 2264721139.00, 1207 FORT ST, 2017-57
2) 1844941070.00, 109 EDWARD LN, 2018-23808
3) 2864321087.00, 1109 FRANCIS ST, 2018-6594
4) 2894341084.00, 1206 SECOND ST, 2018-18567
5) 2894361125.00, 122 MUGGAH ST, 2018-21915
6) 2054821008.00 & 2054821009.00, 203 LABAU ST, 2018-81082
7) 2114821078.00, 213 LINCOLN ST, 2018-78694
8) 1874861006.00, 2736 HWY 83, 2018-14826
9) 2234681073.00, 505 SIXTH ST, 2018-80102
10) 2234661004.00, 506 PARK AVE, 2018-17635
11) 3524261044.00, 759 MAGNOLIA ST, 2018-79968
12) 1727950, 999 N/A, 2018-9381
Dr. Rink moved that the following Ordinance be adopted. Mr. Davis seconded the motion, which carried by the following 9-0-0-2 Roll Call vote:
YEAS: Ina, Olander, Hill, Davis, Duhon, Adams, Rink, Hidalgo, and Mathews
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Rulf and Hebert
ORDINANCE
NO. 2387
An Ordinance in compliance with Ordinance No. 1973, Chapter 5 Procedures, Division 5.4 General Procedures for Public Hearing, Section 5.4.2 Re- zonings (Zoning Map Amendments).
THIS ORDINANCE IS AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW IN THE PARISH COUNCIL’S OFFICE
EXHIBIT “A”
Name: Randy Tisdale
Address: 1092 Lake Palourde Rd.
Amelia, LA.
Parcel Id# 3524261015.00 - Lot B Templet - Bayou Boeuf - Giroir and Au- coin - Shell Road Acq. 334 324674
PURPOSE: to rezone from Heavy Industrial (HI) Zoned District to Existing Neighborhood (EN2) Zon-ed District to place one (1) manufactured home on the property.
Mr. Adams mov-ed that the following Proclamation be adopted. The Council seconded the motion, which carried by the following 9-0-0-2 Roll Call vote:
YEAS: Olander, Hill, Davis, Duhon, Adams, Rink, Hidalgo, Mathews, and Ina
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Rulf and Hebert
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, problem gambling is a public health concern affecting millions of Americans of all ages, races, and ethnic backgrounds in all communities causing a significant societal and economic cost; and
WHEREAS, promoting awareness provides individuals in the problem gambling community an opportunity to educate the public and policymakers about the social and financial effectiveness of services available for problem gambling; and
WHEREAS, problem gambling is treatable, and treatment is effective in minimizing the harm to both individuals and society as a whole; and
WHEREAS, the state offers a myriad of services aimed at treating problem gambling, including; educational prevention programs, residential treatment, outpatient counseling, and aftercare programs throughout the state, a toll-free Louisiana Problem Gamblers Helpline 1-877-770-STOP that answers calls from people seeking help with gambling problems and a website aimed at the prevention of problem gambling; www.helpforgambling.org; and
WHEREAS, Louisiana was one of the first states to have numerous state funded programs such as, residential treatment facility, Center of Recovery- CORE in Shreveport, for problem gamblers; and
WHEREAS, numerous organizations, such as the Louisiana Association on Compulsive Gambling, the Louisiana Lottery, the Louisiana Casino Association, the Louisiana Gaming Industry, the office of the Attorney General, the State Police Gaming Division, and the Gaming Control Board all work together with the Louisiana Department of Health and all statewide Districts to address problem gambling; and
WHEREAS, numerous individuals, professionals, and organizations have dedicated their efforts to the education of the public about problem gambling, prevention about problem gambling along with the availability and effectiveness of treatment services.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the St. Mary Parish Council and the Parish President, on behalf of the entire St. Mary Parish Government, do hereby proclaim March 2025 as:
“PROBLEM GAMBLING AWARENESS MONTH”
ADOPTED AND APPROV-ED by the St. Mary Parish Council in regular session convened on this the 26th day of February 2025.
———————
Sam Jones,
Parish President
———————
Gwendolyn L. Hidalgo,
Chairperson
Rev. Mathews moved that the following Resolutions be adopted. Mr. Adams seconded the motion, which carried by the following 9-0-0-2 Roll Call vote:
YEAS: Hill, Davis, Duhon, Adams, Rink, Hidalgo, Mathews, Ina, and Olander
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Rulf and Hebert
RESOLUTION
BE IT RESOLV-ED that the St. Mary Parish Council does hereby adopt and approve the Louisiana Compliance Questionnaire for St. Mary Parish as completed for year ending December 31, 2024.
ADOPTED AND APPROV-ED by the St. Mary Parish Council in regular session convened on this the 26th day of February 2025.
APPROVED:
S/G
GWENDOLYN L. HIDALGO
GWENDOLYN L. HIDALGO,
CHAIRPERSON
ST. MARY PARISH COUNCIL
ATTEST:
S/G LISA C. MORGAN
LISA C.
MORGAN,
CLERK
ST. MARY PARISH COUNCIL
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION INDICATING THE INTENTION OF PARISH OF ST. MARY, STATE OF LOUISIANA, TO AP- PROVE THE TWO (2) YEAR AP- POINTMENT OF PAUL J. GOVERNALE AS A DIRECTOR TO THE BOARD OF THE LOUISIANA LOCAL GOVERNMENT ENVIRONMENTAL FACILITIES AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (THE “AUTHORITY”) AS PROVIDED BY CHAPTER 10-D OF TITLE 33 OF THE LOUISIANA REVISED STATUTES OF 1950, AS AMENDED.
WHEREAS, Chapter 10-D of Title 33 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended, comprised of R.S. 33:4548.1 through 4548.16 is known as the Louisiana Local Government Environmental Facilities and Community Development Authority Act (the “Act”); and
WHEREAS, the Act creates the Louisiana Local Government Environmental Facilities and Community Development Authority (the “Authority”) for the purpose of assisting political subdivisions, as defined in the Act, and other designated entities in acquiring, financing and constructing certain facilities, including en- vironmental, public infrastructure, community and economic development purposes, and to otherwise establish programs to aid in the financing of local government and economic development projects; and
WHEREAS, the Parish of St. Mary, State of Louisiana, previously passed a resolution to become a participating political subdivision of the Authority in accordance with the Act.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RE- SOLVED, by the governing authority of the St. Mary Parish, State of Louisiana, acting in such capacity: Section 1. Approve the appointment of Paul J. Governale to serve as a Director of the Authority for a term of two (2) years from the date hereof.
Section 2. This resolution shall take effect immediately and a certified copy hereof shall be forwarded to the offices of the Authority.
ADOPTED AND APPROV-ED by the St. Mary Parish Council in regular session convened on this the 26th day of February 2025.
APPROVED:
S/G
GWENDOLYN L. HIDALGO
GWENDOLYN L. HIDALGO,
CHAIRPERSON
ST. MARY PARISH COUNCIL
ATTEST:
S/G LISA C. MORGAN
LISA C.
MORGAN,
CLERK
ST. MARY PARISH COUNCIL
RESOLUTION
A Resolution authorizing Gwendolyn L. Hidalgo, the Chairperson of the St. Mary Parish Council, to execute the Parish’s Audit engagement letter for the periods ending December 31, 2024, and December 31, 2025, and Agreed Upon Procedures engagement letter for the period ending December 31, 2024, and December 31, 2025, with the firm of Pitts & Matte.
BE IT RESOLV-ED, that Gwendolyn L. Hidalgo, Chairperson of the St. Mary Parish Council, be and he is hereby authorized and directed, for and on behalf of the Parish, to execute the Parish’s Audit engagement letter for the periods ending December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2025 and Agreed Upon Procedures engagement letter for the period ending December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2025 with the firm of Pitts & Matte, with said engagement letters to contain such terms, conditions and stipulations as she may best see fit, she being fully authorized in the premises.
ADOPTED AND APPROV-ED by the St. Mary Parish Council in regular session convened on this the 26th day of February 2025.
APPROVED:
S/G
GWENDOLYN L. HIDALGO
GWENDOLYN L. HIDALGO,
CHAIRPERSON
ST. MARY PARISH COUNCIL
ATTEST:
S/G LISA C. MORGAN
LISA C.
MORGAN,
CLERK
ST. MARY PARISH COUNCIL
NEW BUSINESS:
A. Appointments to the following Boards and Commissions:
Morgan City Habor & Terminal District– 1 Vacancy
Michael S. Wise
Mr. Davis moved that Michael S. Wise be appointed to Morgan City Habor & Terminal District. Mr. Du- hon seconded the motion, which carried.
Recreation District No. 1 (Amelia) – 5 Vacancies
Timothy J. Aucoin, Jr., Randy J. Bijeaux, Andrew Gros, Sr., Cheryl Dugas, Russell Blanchard, Tyrone Richardson, Denise Chaisson, Scott Singleton
Mr. Duhon mov-ed that Andrew Gros, Sr., Russell Blanchard, Denise Chaisson, Cheryl Dugas, and Tyrone Richardson be ap- pointed to Recreation District No. 1. Mr. Adams seconded the motion, which carried.
Wax Lake East Drainage District – 1 Vacancy
Chris Begnaud
Dr. Rink moved that Chris Begnaud be appointed to Wax Lake East Drainage District. Mr. Davis seconded the motion, which carried.
There being no further business, Mr. Olander moved for adjournment. Mr. Adams seconded the motion, which carried.
S/G
GWENDOLYN L. HIDALGO
Gwendolyn L. Hidalgo,
Chairperson
S/G LISA C.
MORGAN
Lisa C. Morgan,
Clerk
Adv. March 26, 2025

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PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE OF
FINDING OF NO
SIGNFICANT
IMPACT AND
NOTICE OF
INTENT TO
REQUEST
RELEASE OF
FUNDS
March 21, 2025
City of Franklin
300 Iberia Street
Franklin, LA
70538
337-828-6350
These notices
shall satisfy two
separate but related
procedural requirements
for
activities to be undertaken
by the
City of Franklin.
REQUEST FOR
RELEASE OF
FUNDS
On or about
April 30, 2025 for
this article published
March 26,
2025 the city of
Franklin will submit
a request to
the Louisiana Division
of Administration’s
Office of
Community Development
for the
release of Louisiana
Community
D e v e l o p m e n t
Block Grant
(LCDBG) funds
under Section
105(a) of Title I of
the Housing and
Community Development
Act of
1974, as amended,
current law 42
USC 5305 (a)},to
undertake a project
known as the
City of Franklin’s
FY 2023 Clearance
Grant for the purpose
of engaging in
demolition services
for approximately
37 properties
that have
undergone condemnation
proceedings
creating
a safer, healthier,
and more economically
appealing
environment for
both residents and
future investors.
The properties are
primarily located
within North and
Central Franklin
and have undergone
the city’s official
condemnation
and notification
process. They are
bordered in general
by Foster Avenue
to the south,
Chatsworth Road
to the west, Bayou
Tech to the east,
and Caffery and
City Park to the
north. The Division
of Administration
has awarded
Franklin $380,648
to complete the
demolition process.
These properties
are all in areas
that are drained
by public pump
stations. The properties
range in
their condition but
fall within one or
more categories:
blighted, unsafe,
dilapidated, dangerous,
unlawful,
public nuisance,
and unfit for human
occupancy.
Since part of the
project area is in a
100-Year Floodplain,
an 8-step
process was completed.
It has been
determined that
there is no actionable
alternative
for the location of
this project and
given the demolition
entails removing
hazards, will
improve the project
areas and surrounding
residences
in the event of
storm and inclement
weather conditions.
Homeowners
and business
owners may, as a
result of the removal
of this debris,
not need to
file as many insurance
claims once
the project locations
are cleaned
and brought up to
code.
The City of
Franklin has considered
the following
alternatives
and mitigation
measures to be
taken to minimize
adverse impacts
and to restore and
preserve natural
and beneficial values:
erosion and
sediment control,
limited access and
staging areas, and
debris management.
For restoration
methods:
revegetation and
landscaping, soil
restoration, and
hydrological restoration.
For reservation
methods:
buffer zones, floodplain
management
plans, and monitoring
and maintenance.
All measures
necessary to
minimize adverse
impacts and to
preserve the natural
and beneficial
values of the area
after installation
are complete including
best management
practices
and compliance
with all local,
state, and federal
floodplain and
wetland protection
regulations will be
followed.
FINDING OF NO
SIGNIFICANT
IMPACT
ii. The City of
Franklin has determined
that the
project will have no
significant im- pact
on the human environment.
Therefore,
an Environmental
Impact
Statement under
the National Environmental
Policy
Act of 1969 (NEPA)
is not required.
Additional project
information is contained
in the Environmental
Review
Record (ERR) on
file at the City of
Franklin at 300
Iberia Street,
Franklin, LA
70538 and may be
examined or copied
weekdays 8:00
A.M. to 4:00 P.M.,
Friday 8:00 A.M.
to 12:00 P.M.
PUBLIC
COMMENTS
Any individual,
group, or agency
may submit written
comments on
the ERR to the
South Central
Planning and Development
Commission
on behalf
of the City of
Franklin at 5058
West Main Street,
Houma, LA 70360.
All comments
received by April
11, 2025 will be
considered by the
City of Franklin
prior to authorizing
submission of a
request for release
of funds. Comments
should specify
which Notice
they are addressing.
ENVIRONMENTAL
CERTIFICATION
The City of
Franklin certifies
to the Louisiana
Office of Community
Development
that Mayor Eugene
Foulcard in his
capacity as Mayor
consents to accept
the jurisdiction of
the Federal Courts
if an action is
brought to enforce
responsibilities in
relation to the environmental
review
process and
that these responsibilities
have been
satisfied. The Louisiana
Office of
Community Development’s
approval
of the certification
satisfies its responsibilities
under
NEPA and related
laws and authorities
and allows the
City of Franklin to
use Program funds.
OBJECTIONS TO
RELEASE OF
FUNDS
Louisiana Office
of Community Development
will accept
objections to
its release of funds
and the City of
Franklin certification
for a period of
fifteen days following
the anticipated
submission date or
its actual receipt of
the request (whichever
is later) only
if they are on one
of the following
bases: (a) the certification
was not
executed by the
Certifying Officer
of the City of
Franklin (b) the
City of Franklin
has omitted a step
or failed to make a
decision or finding
required by HUD
regulations at 24
CFR part 58; (c)
the grant recipient
or other participants
in the development
process
have committed
funds, incurred
costs or undertaken
activities not
authorized by 24
CFR Part 58 before
approval of a release
of funds by
Louisiana Office of
Community Development;
or (d)
another Federal
agency acting pursuant
to 40 CFR
Part 1504 has submitted
a written
finding that the
project is unsatisfactory
from the
standpoint of environmental
quality.
Objections must be
prepared and submitted
in accordance
with the required
procedures
(24 CFR Part 58,
Sec. 58.76) and
shall be addressed
to the Louisiana
Office of Community
Development
at P.O. Box 94095
Baton Rouge, LA
70804. Potential
objectors should
contact the Louisiana
Office of Community
Development
to verify the
actual last day of
the objection period.
Eugene Foulcard,
Mayor
City of Franklin
Adv. March 26,
2025

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PUBLIC NOTICE
TOWN OF
BERWICK
PLANNING AND
ZONING COMMISSION
PUBLIC HEARING
NOTICE
Date: Wednesday
April 2, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM
Place: Council
Meeting Room
Berwick Town
Hall
3225 Third St
A•G•E•N•D•A
Public Hearing(
s);
Case #1; Application
for Minor
Subdivision by
Carline Land Investments
LLC to
subdivide 36.53
acres into two parcels,
first is 5.337
acres (listed as
Tract “A”) To Be
Sold to Lajaunie
Property (Mr /Mrs
Steve Lajaunie)
and used as R-1
Residential; and
second is 31.412
acres to remain
with current property
owner and
remain as R-1 Residential
use.
Carline Land
Investments &
Lajaunie Property-
Applicants; Greg
Plaisance Engineer.
P r o p e r t y
address is 540
Patti Dr, Parcel
#3074364007.00,
Section 24; Township
15; Range 12.
Persons requiring
reasonable
accommodation to
attend the public
hearing and meeting
are requested
to contact the
Office of Director
of Planning at
(985) 384-8858
prior to the meeting
to discuss their
particular needs.
Adv. March 26, 28
and April 2, 2025

mmm

Get It Growing: Pull up weeds now to avoid trouble later

Wed, 03/26/2025 - 6:00am
OLIVIA McCLURE, LSU AgCenter

Louisiana gardeners just never seem to catch a break from weeds. While one season’s weeds are maturing and preparing to drop seeds, the next season’s weeds have already started germinating.
And that’s where we find ourselves now. In March, many of our warm-season weeds are beginning to crop up, and cool-season weeds are flowering and setting seeds.
If you’re willing to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty, there’s something you can do to prevent having as many weeds next winter: Simply pull them up.
Remove all the top growth that has seeds on it now before warmer temperatures hasten seed maturity and dying of top growth. If the seeds drop into your landscape beds or lawns, they will lie dormant over the summer and start germinating again as early as September.
Hand pulling this late in the season is the most effective method, as seeds can still drop from plants killed with post-emergent herbicide. If the weeds haven’t set seed yet, then it’s safe to spray and forget.
Whatever you do, don’t throw the weeds in a compost pile or leave them on top of the bed or lawn. That defeats the purpose! Dispose of them in a garbage bag.
If you’re curious about what kinds of weeds are sprouting in your landscape, read on. Below are descriptions of five broadleaf plants that are the usual suspects for winter weeds that produce an abundance of seeds. But they’re just a tiny sample of all the winter weeds we have in Louisiana.
•Cleaver: Cleaver is sometimes referred to as bedstraw, and its appearance is somewhat like green straw climbing and covering your desirable plants. The bright green weed grows quickly once February gets here. It is very fuzzy and clingy, almost like hook-and-loop fasteners. It produces tiny white flowers that mature into fuzzy seed capsules that attach to seemingly everything.
•Vetch: Vetch adds nitrogen to the soil, so it can be beneficial in some settings, including pastures. But in our landscape beds, it can be a mess! Vetch is a legume, and it likes to vine and climb. It has small lavender-to-purple flowers that mature into recognizable pea-pod shapes.
•Wild geranium: Just as common in lawns as turfgrass, wild geraniums produce deeply lobed leaves and grow in a rounded or mounding shape. They’re also sometimes called Carolina geraniums. They have small pink flowers that produce seed capsules that end in a distinct point that resembles a crane or stork’s bill.
•Chickweed: Small leaves and small white flowers are found on this weed that grows like a low mat. It’s notorious for popping at the soil surface when pulled. Make sure you get under all the stems and get a good grip on the center point of the plant. This plant loves to grow in between desirable winter annual flowers, making it a tedious weeding task. It produces many seeds.
•Thistles: Winter in Louisiana allows us to observe numerous species of plants commonly called thistles. These weeds appear as a uniform rosette of ground-level leaves for much of the winter and will send up a tall bloom spike as the season wears on. After the flowers have faded, the seeds mature and are carried far and wide by the wind, so it’s important to pull your thistles before you notice the white cottony tips of mature seeds emerging where the flowers were.
Be careful not to shake the plant because it might release some of the seeds. Wear gloves and be careful — most thistle species have thorns on the leaves!

Dear Abby: Grandfather isn't looking forward to awkward conversation

Wed, 03/26/2025 - 6:00am

DEAR ABBY: My son just told me his daughter, age 26, is getting breast enhancement surgery. My question is, how do I address that when next I see her, probably in several months? It’s not like commenting on a new hair color or hairdo. Old men commenting on female anatomy, particularly that part, are not looked upon favorably.
As I see it, there are two ways that this goes. One, she mentions it to me — probably not likely to happen. So, since she got the surgery to make a visible difference, how should I react? Two, she does not mention it. Without an introduction to the subject, I’m not sure I should make any response. Could my silence be perceived as a negative or as a lack of approval? I’d appreciate your help in formulating a response before it becomes necessary.
COOL GRANDPA
IN TEXAS
DEAR GRANDPA: If your granddaughter mentions it — and she very well may — tell her she looks terrific. Look her in the EYE when you say it. If she does NOT raise the subject, play it cool and keep your lips zipped.
DEAR ABBY: For two years, I’ve been having an affair with my married neighbor, “Reed.” All of a sudden, his stepdaughter broke up with her boyfriend because he cheated on her, and now Reed has broken it off with me — saying he needs to be a role model to his kids. I’m sorry his daughter is hurting, but if she hadn’t broken up with her boyfriend, Reed would still want this between us. Please tell me what I should do to get over him.
CUT OFF
IN FLORIDA
DEAR CUT OFF: Look inward. Examine the reason you started an affair with someone who was unavailable. While it may have been fun in the short term, if you wanted anything more, it was a sad waste of time. When Reed saw the pain his daughter’s boyfriend’s cheating caused her, I suspect he realized how much his behavior could affect his family. Or, he was tired of sneaking around. By ending this affair, he has done you both a favor. Once you recognize it, you can move on.
DEAR ABBY: Keith and I met online close to a year and a half ago. We live 400 miles apart and have visited each other a couple of times since. I’m a single mom in my mid-30s and live close to family. Keith’s around the same age and lives very close to extended family of mine.
I have recently realized that I may be in love with him. I would like to confess my feelings and move to where he is if my feelings are reciprocated. How do I approach this subject? I’m tired of going through the motions. I need something good and constant in my life. I don’t want to always wonder “what if?”
READY TO TAKE
A STEP
DEAR READY: Has Keith ever told you that he misses you after these visits? If he has, it would be an indication that your feelings are reciprocated. If he hasn’t, start by telling him how much you have enjoyed your visits and that you miss HIM. How he responds is important because it may open the door to where you want to take your friendship.
***
For everything you need to know about wedding planning, order “How to Have a Lovely Wedding.” Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 to: Dear Abby, Wedding Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447.

Five arrested on failure to appear charges

Tue, 03/25/2025 - 3:02pm
Staff Report

(Editor’s note: The charges listed here and the narratives that go with them are provided by the police agencies that made the arrests. Guilt or innocence has not been determined in court.)

Area police agencies reported six arrests Monday and early Tuesday, five of them on charges of failure to appear in court.

St. Mary

Sheriff Gary Driskell reported that over the last 24-hour reporting period, the Sheriff's Office responded to 54 complaints and made this arrest:

--Amber Brooke Fendley, 40, Berwick, was arrested at 9:19 p.m. Monday on a warrant alleging failure to appear on charges of simple criminal damage to property, criminal trespass and theft. Bail has not been set at this time.

Morgan City

Chief Chad M. Adams reported that the Morgan City Police Department responded to 44 calls for service over the last 24-hour reporting period and made these arrests:

--Keshay Julien, 31, Federal Avenue, Morgan City, was arrested at 11:28 a.m. on charges of failure to appear to pay fine, failure to appear to pay probation fee and failure to appear fee (6th Ward Morgan City Court).

--Kenleigh Angeron, 21, Aucoin Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 5:09 a.m. Tuesday on a charge of allowing dogs to roam. (Released on summons.)

Franklin

Chief Cedric Handy reported that the Franklin Police Department responded to six calls for service over the last 24-hour and made these arrests:

--Ashlee Miller Jr., 23, Moss Oaks Drive, New Iberia, was arrested at 9:12 p.m. Monday on a warrant for 3rd Ward City Court alleging failure to appear on a charge of speeding. Miller was booked, processed and released on a $338 bond.

--Logan Parker, 27, Ninth Street, Franklin, was arrested at 9:45 p.m. Monday on a warrant for 16th Judicial District Court alleging failure to appear on charges of possession of marijuana (14 grams or less), failure to yield to emergency vehicle and operating a vehicle while license suspended. Parker was booked, processed and released on a $140 bond.

--Ben Sanchez 20, Mary Garrett Road, Baldwin, while incarcerated at the Franklin Police Department, was arrested at 11:18 p.m. on a warrant for 16th Judicial District Court alleging failure to appear on a charge of possession with intent to distribute a Schedule II controlled dangerous substance. Sanchez was booked, processed and held with no bond set at time of press prelease.

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