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Patterson council OKs 2018-19 budget

The city council adopted a 2018-19 budget Tuesday that will maintain current levels of service and take a smaller bite out of the government’s accumulated fund balance. Accountant Reginald Weary told the council that revenues are expected to be up 2 percent in the budget year that begins July 1, while expenditures are budgeted to be 28 percent less than this year. Much of the reduction in expenditures results from construction of the new water plant, for which the city spent $5 million last year. The entire capital outlay budget for 2018-19 is $237,000. In all, the city expects to take in about ...

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GEORGE REBARDI JR.

September 1, 1932 - May 29, 2018
George Rebardi Jr., 85, a resident of Morgan City, passed away Tuesday, May 29, 2018 at Ochsner Foundation Hospital in Jefferson.
George was born on September 1, 1932 in Morgan City, the son of George Rebardi Sr. and Afema Lodrigue Rebardi.
George will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by 10 children, Wayne Stratton and wife Tina of Patterson, Ernest Stratton and wife Susie of Baldwin, Nathan Rebardi of Lafayette, Byron Rebardi and wife Edna of Brazil, Wade Rebardi and wife of Lafayette, Berlin Rebardi of Lafayette, Patricia “Patsy” Lombas of Ricohoc, Judy Leal of Patterson, Sibylla Perez and husband Carlos, and Catina Poche and spouse Michelle of Morgan City; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; two brothers, Harry “Put” Rebardi and wife Lillian of Amelia, and Larry Rebardi of Missouri; and two sisters, Anna Mae Lodrigue and husband Rodney of Morgan City and Joyce Ann Rebardi of Berwick.
George was preceded in death by his parents, George Rebardi Sr. and Afema Lodrigue Rebardi; lifetime companion, Enora Poche; and two daughters, Lisa Sons and Cindy Sue Stratton.
Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 7, 2018 in the Morgan City Cemetery.

Wheel House for June 6

MCHS CLASS OF ’68
Morgan City High School Class of 1968 50-year class reunion being held Friday-Sunday, June 8-10. Classmates interested in attending that have not been in contact should call Mary Lou Dyson Cutrera, 225-252-5641 or Kenny Alfred, 985-518-5210.

VACATION BIBLE
School at Morning Glory Ministries, 1323 Railroad Ave., Morgan City, 6-8 p.m. June 11-14. Theme: “Shipwrecked.” Transportation provided. For info call Maria C. Beltran, 504-782-9235.

SENIOR DINNER
Sponsored by St. Mary Parish Council and St. Mary Community Action Agency at St. Mary Senior Citizens Center, Chennault Street, Morgan City, 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 12. For info call Carla Dartez or Ruth Naverre, 985-384-7446.

VACATION BIBLE
School at Pilgrim Grove Baptist Church 5-7 p.m. June 25-29. Theme: “Jesus Makes a Way Every Day.” All ages invited. Meals daily. For info call 985-518-8242.

Kristina Theriot of Berwick is National Merit scholar

Kristina A. Theriot of Berwick High has won a National Merit Louisiana Tech scholarship. Theriot hopes to pursue a career in medicine.
Theriot is one of 3,500 winners of National Merit Scholarships financed by U.S. colleges and universities.
The awards provide scholarships of $500 to $2,000 annually for up to four years.
Semifinalists for the scholarships are selected according to their scores on the 2016 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.
Semifinalists were required to submit a lengthy application and write an essay. They were required to submit information about their extracurricular activities, awards and leadership activities.
Semifinalists also had to have an outstanding academic record, be endorsed and recommended by a high school official, and earn SAT® scores that confirmed the qualifying test performance.

A Day of Encounter scheduled for Saturday at Sacred Heart

Sacred Heart of Jesus: A Day of Encounter is scheduled for 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Saturday at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, 415 Union St. in Morgan City.
Mass will be celebrated at 9 a.m. by the Rev. Conley Bertrand, presenting his homily “A Call to the Highest Life.”
Bishop Sam Jacobs will present talks at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. The Divine Mercy Chaplet will be led by song at 3 p.m. at the church. A Vigil Mass will be celebrated at 4:30 p.m.
A free offering of $20 includes a morning coffee break and lunch.

Grants are available for work on Main Street restoration

Morgan City Main Street is soliciting Main Street Restoration Grant applications from downtown commercial building and business owners. The Louisiana Main Street program is able to offer two types of competitive grants – a $10,000 grant for major projects and a $2,500 grant for minor projects. Grants are available for either interior or exterior rehabilitation.
Applications received from Morgan City Main Street building or business owners will compete statewide for funding with other Main Street communities. Over the years, Morgan City Main Street businesses have been awarded multiple competitive redevelopment grant funds from the Louisiana Main Street program.
To be eligible for Main Street Restoration Grant funds, a building must be located within the downtown Main Street district, be used for commercial purposes, and be at least 50 years old. In addition, the proposed work must be approved by the local Historic District Commission and the Louisiana Main Street office, while also conforming to the guidelines set forth by the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation.
The Main Street Restoration Grant applications, details and deadlines are available from:
Beth Portero, Main Street Director, 728 Myrtle St., Morgan City LA, 985-380-4639, b.price@cityofmc.com.

DAISY Award for nurse

Submitted Photo
Terrebonne General Medical Center presented Mary Orgeron, RN, with the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses. Orgeron is an Emergency Room nurse at TGMC, and is recognized by her team for providing patients with compassionate care. Pictured from left are Laura Poole, assistant vice president of nursing; Orgeron; and Teresita McNabb, vice president of nursing.

Harold Smith becomes senior vice president

Larry Callais, president and CEO at M C Bank, announced that Harold R. Smith Jr. has been promoted to senior vice president. In his new role, Smith will also serve as Loan Department supervisor.
With more than a quarter century of banking experience, Smith has most recently served as vice president and commercial loan officer.
He is a native of Morgan City and a graduate of Morgan City High School. He earned his bachelor’s degree in finance from Nicholls State University and is active in a host of civic and economic development endeavors.
He is a member of Kiwanis and serves on the Convention, Tourism and Cultural Commission of Morgan City. Smith is a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
Barton Blanco, Smith’s supervisor, said, “Harold has proven himself over the years as an exceptional commercial lender.
Our customers will continue to be well served by his presence, and this promotion is well-deserved.”

Sheriff: Woman arrested on drug charges at business

A 28-year-old Morgan City woman was booked into jail on multiple drug charges after authorities received information about drug activity at a business, St. Mary Parish Sheriff Scott Anslum said in a news release.

—Sierra Vincent, 28, of Oak Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 11:20 p.m. Tuesday on charges of possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of MDMA with intent to distribute, transactions involving drug proceeds, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of controlled dangerous substance in the presence of a minor, possession of controlled dangerous substance in a drug-free zone, possession of oxycodone, possession of Xanax and possession of temazepam.

St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office narcotics detectives received information about drug activity at a business in Morgan City. While attempting to locate Vincent, a juvenile child answered the door. Detectives noticed a strong odor of marijuana emitting from the room and observed Vincent conceal items before speaking with them, Anslum said.

With consent to search the room, detectives located a marijuana cigarette, a plastic baggie containing marijuana, MDMA pills, oxycodone, Xanax, temazepam, drug paraphernalia and $320, Anslum said. Detectives found that the business was located within 2,000 feet of a church. Vincent was jailed with no bail set.

Anslum reported that deputies responded to 43 complaints in the parish and reported the following arrests in east St. Mary Parish:

—Jonathan Beadle, 28, of Pecan Drive in Franklin, was arrested at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday on a Patterson Police Department warrant charging him with simple assault.

A deputy patrolling Bayou Vista came into contact with Beadle while responding to an unrelated call for service. The deputy learned that Beadle held an active warrant for his arrest. Beadle was jailed and then released on $1,000 bail.

—Scott Chaisson, 47, of Uranus Street in Bayou Vista, was arrested at 4:42 a.m. Wednesday on charges of disturbing the peace intoxicated, resisting an officer, public intimidation and possession of marijuana.

Deputies patrolling Bayou Vista responded to a call for service at a business. Deputies found evidence that Chaisson became irate at the business, Anslum said. Deputies located Chaisson on Main Street in Patterson where he became aggressive and threatened deputies, the sheriff said.

With the assistance of K9 buddy, Chaisson was apprehended. During a search of Chaisson, deputies located marijuana, Anslum said. Chaisson was jailed with no bail set.

—Demarcus McNeal, 21, of Carolyn Road in Bayou Vista, was arrested at 9:11 p.m. Tuesday on charges of possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of Xanax, possession of a controlled dangerous substance in the presence of a minor, possession of drug paraphernalia and obstruction of justice.

—Heather Guidry, 34, of Carolyn Road in Bayou Vista, was arrested at 9:11 p.m. Tuesday on charges of possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and a warrant for failure to appear on a charge of operating a vehicle without a license.

—Ciara Williams, 29, of Third Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 9:11 p.m. Tuesday on a warrant for failure to appear on a charge of operating a vehicle with an expired motor vehicle inspection, operating a vehicle without a driver’s license, no child restraint and failure to honor written promise, on three Morgan City warrants charging her with contempt of court and Morgan City warrants charging her with theft, theft by shoplifting, flight from an officer and driving under suspension.

Narcotics detectives along with officers with the Berwick Police Department executed a no knock search warrant at a home in the 100 block of Carolyn Road. The warrant stemmed from an investigation launched after receiving complaints of drug activity from the community.

Detectives located McNeal, Williams and Guidry. Detectives observed McNeal attempt to conceal items on him, Anslum said. During a search, detectives located marijuana, methamphetamine, Xanax, several zip lock bags and a digital scale.

Detectives learned that Guidry held an active warrant for her arrest. During a search of Guidry, detectives located marijuana, and also located items of paraphernalia inside her home, Anslum said. Detectives also found evidence that Guidry purchased marijuana from McNeal. Detectives also located Williams who was seated inside a vehicle with four children, Anslum said.

Detectives learned that Williams held several active warrants for her arrest. McNeal, Guidry and Williams were jailed with no bail set.

Morgan City Police Chief James Blair reported that officers responded to 54 calls and reported the following arrests:

—Brittan M. Boudreaux, 33, of Lizabeth Drive in Morgan City, was arrested at 5:58 a.m. Tuesday on a charge of no driver’s license.

Patrol officers initiated a stop on a vehicle in the area of La. 182 in regard to a narcotics investigation. Boudreaux, the driver, did not have a valid driver’s license, Blair said. Boudreaux was jailed.

—Tammy L. Wilson, 46, of Mendoza Street in Franklin, was arrested at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday on a warrant charging her with probation violation. Wilson was located and arrested at the police department on a city court warrant. Wilson was jailed.

—Francis L. Boudreaux, 33, of Pond Drive in Morgan City, was arrested at 10:05 p.m. Tuesday on charges of driving under suspension and improper lane usage.

—Grant Walker, 22, of Murial Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 10:05 p.m. Tuesday on a charge of possession of drug paraphernalia.

Patrol officers observed a vehicle being operated in the area of La. 182 in an erratic manner. A stop was initiated when Boudreaux was identified as the driver. Walker was identified as an occupant. Boudreaux had a suspended driver’s license, and Walker was in possession of drug paraphernalia, Blair said. Boudreaux and Walker were jailed.

—Austin J. Courville, 20, of Ditch Avenue in Morgan City, was arrested at 11:31 p.m. Tuesday on a warrant charging him with domestic abuse battery.

Courville was located and arrested in the area of Bush Street on a warrant. The warrant stems from a May 5 incidentwhen police learned that Courville allegedly committed a battery on a victim, Blair said. A warrant was prepared for Courville’s arrest. Courville was jailed.

Berwick Police Chief James Richard reported no arrests.

Patterson Police Chief Janis Merritt reported no arrests.

Small business center expands services here

The Small Business Development Center will increase its presence in St. Mary Parish, according to the St. Mary Chamber of Commerce.
Business consultants, Phillip Russo and Lauren Titus visited the St. Mary Parish Chamber office to share services available to area residents. They were hosted by Economic Development Director Frank Fink, who facilitated their attendance in a meeting with Chamber officials, community college officials, and local business owners.
The consultants presented an overview of available services and resources to Mr. Baham of the South Louisiana Community College, Donna Meyer of the Chamber along with Ruby Maize, who represented small-business owners in the area
The services available from the center include informational sessions and individual business consulting. For example, sessions such as website development, using social media, government contracting, business marketing, women owned small business certification, training your employees, new tax law impacts, and accounting practices will soon be offered routinely at the college site.
The Chamber will survey business owners’ interest for specific topics. Meyer indicates that some sessions will be a lunch-and-learn and others will be stand-alone sessions.
Baham, workforce development coordinator at the soon-to-be South Louisiana Community College, welcomed the center resources available to local residents. He looks forward to the business development that can take place because of servicing St. Mary Parish residents by the organization at the college site.
Also available to local residents will be individual counseling sessions. In these 1-1- ½ hour sessions, residents can receive specific and confidential guidance in how to access resources available for aspiring and growing businesses. The sessions are specific to each business and the questions that owners have in navigating business planning, financing, and paperwork.
Consultants Russo and Titus will set up counseling sessions at the college site and then guide aspiring and existing business owners in best practices to maximize business success.
Chamber Director Donna Meyer said she looks forward to the additional support she can offer the community through facilitation of these free services offered through the Louisiana Economic Development Council. Previously, residents had to travel to Lafayette or Thibodaux for these services and they may continue to do so, but Myer recognizes the community college as an easily accessed asset for residents who are starting and growing a business. By partnering the Chamber and community college with the Small Business Development Center, travel to receive free business consulting services is no longer needed.

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