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SYLVANIA AUCOIN VERRET

Tue, 04/03/2018 - 11:38am

December 21, 1914 -April 1, 2018
Sylvania Aucoin Verret, 103, a resident of Amelia, passed away Sunday, April 1, 2018 at Morgan City Health Care Center surrounded by her loving family.
Sylvania was born on December 21, 1914 in Bayou Chene, the daughter of John Webster Aucoin and Eveline LaCoste Aucoin.
She was a homemaker, passionate about gardening and was also an excellent cook. Her homemade bread and pecan pie were always in demand. She loved playing bingo and the occasional night out at the casino, but her passion was taking care of her husband and family. Trapping and fishing at the camp in Turtle Bayou were wonderful times for her and her husband during their “Twilight” years and provided many delightful stories to share with their loved ones.
Sylvania was a lifelong member of St. Andrew Catholic Church in Amelia and at one time was a member of the Ladies Altar Society and the Ladies Auxiliary for the Amelia Fire Department.
She will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by two daughters, Theresia Allbritton and Nedra Tabor, both of Morgan City; five grandchildren, Cherie Rigaud, Sonya Johnson, Darin Tabor, Melanie Tabor and Loretta Landry; nine great-grandchildren, MSgt. Anthony Malbrough, Nichole Malbrough Nelkin, Brendan Guy Cloutier, Zoe Johnson, Ryan Budd, Lauren Budd, Tristan Budd, Logan Budd and Lindy Tabor; two great-great-grandchildren, Landry Malbrough and Carson Andrew Budd; one brother, Eugene Aucoin of Chicot, Louisiana; numerous nieces, nephews and a life time of friends.
Sylvania was preceded in death by her parents, John and Eveline LaCoste Aucoin; husband, Anthony R. Verret; one daughter, Linda Elizabeth Verret; one grandson, Anthony Malbrough Sr.; three brothers, Albert Aucoin, Cyrill Stanley Aucoin and August Aucoin; and one sister, Ena Aucoin Deslatte Mayfield.
The family would like to thank the staff of Morgan City Health Care Center for the care and compassion they gave to Ms. Sylvania and they would like to thank the community and residents of Amelia who cared for her over the years.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 5, 2018 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Father Wilfredo Decal serving as celebrant. A visitation will be held from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Wednesday, April 4, 2018 at Twin City Funeral Home with a rosary being prayed at 7 p.m. The visitation will resume from 9 a.m. until Mass time on Thursday at Sacred Heart Church. Following Mass, Sylvania will be laid to rest in the Morgan City Cemetery.

Off-duty deputy arrested on burglary charge

Tue, 04/03/2018 - 11:37am

Staff Report

An off-duty St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office deputy has been arrested in connection with a burglary in Franklin.

— Jera Pike, 32, of Franklin, was arrested at 1:12 a.m. Tuesday on a charge of simple burglary, Franklin Police Chief Sabria McGuire said in a news release. Pike was jailed with no bail set yet.

Pike was an off-duty St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office patrol deputy. Sheriff Scott Anslum said Tuesday that Pike is no longer employed with the sheriff’s office.

Anslum reported the following arrests in east St. Mary Parish:

—Dustin Fitch, 30, of U.S. 90 West in Bayou Vista, was arrested at 2:04 p.m. Monday on charges of possession of marijuana, possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

A narcotics section detective was assisting patrol with an unrelated complaint at the Plantation Inn in Bayou Vista when he smelled the odor of marijuana coming from a room. The detective located a person renting the room and identified him as Fitch. While speaking with Fitch, the deputy learned that there were illegal drugs in the room, Anslum said.

The detective obtained a search warrant and located a burnt marijuana cigarette, methamphetamine and several items of drug related paraphernalia, Anslum said. Fitch was transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking. The deputy identified the driver as Williams. Following the investigation, Williams was released on a summons to appear in court July 11. No bail is set.

—Brittany Gregorieff , 23, of Camille Drive in Patterson, was arrested at 3:18 p.m. Sunday on a City Court of Morgan City warrant for operating a vehicle with a suspended driver’s license.

A deputy patrolling Siracusa observed a vehicle fail to signal multiple turns and conducted a traffic stop. The deputy identified the driver as Gregorieff, located the active warrant for her arrest and transported her to parish jail for booking. Gregorieff was then transferred to the Morgan City Police Department jail for housing.

—A juvenile male, 16, of St. Martinville , was arrested at 11:53 a.m. March 28 on a charge of theft. A deputy responded to a report of shoplifting at a store in Bayou Vista.

The deputy learned from store security personnel that the juvenile attempted to leave the store without paying for an item, Anslum said. The juvenile was released to a guardian pending juvenile court proceedings.

— Therold James, 33, of Bayou Vista, was additionally charged at 12:45 p.m. March 28 with criminal damage to property. Correctional deputies at the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center found that James, an inmate, damaged a fire sprinkler in a cell. James remains incarcerated.

—Cathy Cross, 65, of Franklin, was arrested at 4:03 p.m. March 28 on a charge of theft. A deputy responded to a report of shoplifting at a store in Bayou Vista. The deputy learned from store security personnel that Cross concealed items in her purse and attempted to leave the store without paying for the items. Cross was released on a summons to appear in court May 30.

Morgan City Police Chief James Blair reported that officers responded to 59 calls and reported the following arrests:

—Robert W. Jones, 26, of Oakdale Street in Franklin, was arrested at 10:24 a.m. Monday on charges of possession of marijuana, violation of uniform controlled dangerous substance law-drug-free zone, obstruction of public passages and driving under suspension.

Narcotics division investigators observed a vehicle in the middle of Mallard Street blocking the road. A stop was initiated, and Jones was identified as the driver. Jones was in possession of suspected marijuana and had a suspended driver’s license, Blair said. The incident took place in a drug-free zone. Jones was jailed.

—Chantal T. Burke, 24, of Tiffany Street in Patterson, was arrested at 1:36 p.m. Monday on charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of Adderall, battery on a police officer, obstruction of justice, resisting an officer, illegal use of a controlled dangerous substance in the presence of juveniles, possession of drug paraphernalia, improper lighting and on a warrant charging her with failure to appear for trial.

Patrol officers observed a vehicle being operated in the area of Federal Avenue with improper lighting. A stop was initiated when Burke was identified as the driver. Burke had an active arrest warrant through the 16th Judicial District Court.

The St. Mary Parish K-9 Division assisted in the investigation when K-9 Buddy showed a positive alert to the presence of narcotics in the vehicle. Burke was found in possession of suspected methamphetamine, Adderall and drug paraphernalia, Blair said.

Authorities located suspected marijuana in a beverage in the vehicle. Burke was able to kick over the beverage, striking an officer in the process of destroying the evidence, Blair said. Burke was jailed.

— Andronique M. Lemons, 27, of Main Street in Patterson, was arrested at 8:42 p.m. Monday on charges of theft less than $1,000, resisting an officer and on a warrant charging her with failure to appear for arraignment.

Patrol officers responded to a local business in the area of La. 182 in regard to a shoplifter. Officers arrived when Lemons was identified. Lemons allegedly took items belonging to the merchant valued at $10.48 without paying for them, Blair said.

Lemons resisted officers while being taken into custody. Lemons also had an active arrest warrant through the 16th Judicial District Court. Lemons was jailed.

—Nicholas A. Breaux, 39, of Morgan City, was arrested at 9:06 p.m. Monday on a charge of theft less than $1,000.

Patrol officers responded to a local business in the area of La. 182 in regard to a shoplifter. Officers arrived when Breaux was identified. Allegedly Breaux took items from the merchant valued at $8.33 without paying for them. Breaux was arrested and transported to the Morgan City Jail where he was booked and incarcerated.

Berwick Police Chief James Richard reported no arrests.

Patterson police reported no arrests.

DENNIS 'MILL' MILLARD FONTENOT

Tue, 04/03/2018 - 11:35am

March 28, 1974-March 15, 2018
Dennis “Mill” Millard Fontenot Jr., a native of Bayou Vista and a resident of Visalia, California, was unexpectedly called to his heavenly home on Thursday, March 15, 2018 at the young but well lived age of 43.
Mill leaves to cherish his wonderful memory, his partner, Kerry Shannon; his loving parents, Judy and Dennis Fontenot Sr.; his adoring sister, Kimberly Dupre and her husband, Daniel; his nieces, Madison and Zoie; his nephew, Wyatt; his grandmothers, Cedar Fontenot and Aza Richard; and his fur babies, Suki, Jon and Ponch.
He was reunited in heaven with his grandfathers, Russell Fontenot and Onesime Richard.
Mill was a CVICU registered nurse which he enjoyed immensely. He also loved knitting, music, baking, writing, and especially spending time watching movies with his partner and fur babies. Mill was simply talented in so many ways. Mill loved his family and friends dearly.
The family requests that memorial visitation be observed on Saturday, April 7, 2018 from 1 to 5 p.m. at Hargrave Funeral Home with dismissal following the end of services.

Wheel House for April 3

Tue, 04/03/2018 - 11:33am

FEEDING PROGRAM
For needy and senior citizens at Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church, 113 Federal Ave., Morgan City, at noon Saturday, April 7. For info call 985-384-6800.

RUMMAGE SALE
At Patterson United Methodist Church, 1204 Main St., 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 7. Includes household goods, linens, books and toys.

FUNDRAISER
St. Mary Council on Aging selling meals 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturdays in April. Menu: April 7, burgers, hot dogs, etc. $5; April 14, jambalaya, etc. $8; April 21, red beans w/sausage link, etc. $8; April 28, pork chop, etc. $8. Tickets available in advance at Patterson Senior Center, 908 First St., 985-395-4800; and Morgan City Council on Aging, 301 Third St., 985-384-3324.

THRIFT STORE
Treasures Under the Oaks, 304 Iberia St., Franklin, open 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays in April. Benefits St. Mary Council on Aging.

FREE MOVIE
“Woodlawn” at 5 p.m. Sunday, April 29, at First Baptist Church, 1915 Victor II Blvd., Morgan City. For info call 985-384-5920.

Junior Auxiliary Week proclaimed

Tue, 04/03/2018 - 11:15am

The Daily Review/Zachary Fitzgerald
Tri-City area mayors held a proclamation signing Tuesday designating April 1-7 as Junior Auxiliary Week. Front row, from left, are Patterson Mayor Rodney Grogan, Morgan City Mayor Frank “Boo” Grizzaffi and Berwick Mayor Louis Ratcliff. Back row, representing the Junior Auxiliary of East St. Mary, are Laine Mayon, Amy Isham, Sarah Mayon, Jackie Blakeman and Darby Ratcliff.

Suspects sought in Berwick bank card theft

Tue, 04/03/2018 - 10:42am

The Berwick police and the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office are asking for the public’s help in finding two men suspected of making fraudulent charges on a victim’s bank account.
On Thursday, the Berwick Police Department received a report of fraudulent charges. The officer assigned to case found evidence that the victim’s bank card number was used March 13 at the Dollar General in Berwick. The officer gathered video footage of the two male subjects suspected of working together to use the card to purchase over $900 in gift cards and other items, the sheriff’s office said.
If you have information regarding their identity or the case, please contact the Berwick Police Department at 985-384-7710 or the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office at 985-384-1622. Tips can also be submitted anonymously to crimewatch@stmaryso.com or through the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office app.

Radio logs for April 3

Tue, 04/03/2018 - 10:23am

The following are the radio dispatch logs from the Morgan City Police Department. To report unlawful or suspicious activity, call the police department at 985-380-4605.

Monday, April 2

10:54 a.m. 1100 block of Chestnut Drive; Medical.

12:25 p.m. 1200 block of Brashear Avenue; Suspicious person.

12:27 p.m. 1200 block of Spruce Street; Welfare check.

1:18 p.m. 900 block of Palm Street; Alarm.

3:44 p.m. 100 block of South Railroad Avenue; Medical.

4:05 p.m. 800 block of Belanger Street; Officer stand by.

4:08 p.m. 7300 block of La. 182; Alarm.

5:05 p.m. Patton and Pecos streets; Utilities.

6:09 p.m. 200 block of Louisa Street; Civil complaint.

7:34 p.m. 1200 block of Victor II Boulevard; Complaint.

8:36 p.m. 6400 block of La. 182 East; Shoplifting.

9:01 p.m. 6300 block of La. 182 East; Complaint.

9:05 p.m. 6400 block of La. 182 East; Shoplifting.

Tuesday, April 3

12:08 a.m. Fourth and Arenz streets; Suspicious person.

12:33 a.m. Third and Freret streets; Suspicious person.

12:57 a.m. Eighth Street; Suspicious vehicle.

1:08 a.m. Fifth and Duke streets; Suspicious person.

1:16 a.m. 1100 block of Marguerite Street; Complaint.

1:28 a.m. 1100 block of Seventh Street; Building check.

1:34 a.m. 1000 block of Brashear Avenue; Building check.

1:41 a.m. Seventh and Willard streets; Suspicious person.

2:39 a.m. La. 182 and Halsey Street; Building check.

4:47 a.m. La. 182 East; Building check.

Patterson Garden Club tours yards

Tue, 04/03/2018 - 10:13am

The Patterson Garden Club welcomed spring with a March 24 meeting that included tours of homes.
Members toured the blooming backyards of Joy and Frank Guarisco, and Emma and Floyd Estay.
Yards were accented with colorful blossoms of amaryllis, Knockout roses, snapdragons, irises, verbena and more.
Homeowners also shared with club members their knowledge and love of gardening.
At the conclusion of the home tours, members convened for an ice cream snack at the home of fellow Patterson Garden Club member Iris Roy while enjoying a view of her backyard along the Lower Atchafalaya River.
The next regular club meeting will be April 24.

Newest births announced

Tue, 04/03/2018 - 10:11am

Born to Jordan Thomassie and John Johnson of Berwick, a girl, Olivia Marie Thomassie, on March 11 at Teche Regional Medical Center in Morgan City. She weighed 6 pounds, 6 ounces and measured 18 inches. —— Born to Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Michael Gunner Jr. (nee: Kiante Francis) of Patterson, a girl, Kaci Ryan Gunner, on March 16 at Thibodaux Regional Medical Center. She weighed 7 pounds, 2.7 ounces and measured 20 inches. —— Born to Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin James Dewey (nee: Tina Louise Louis) of Patterson, a boy, King Benjamin James Dewey, on March 20 at Thibodaux Regional Medical Center. He weighed ...

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Suspicion, deception surround elderly father’s younger wife

Tue, 04/03/2018 - 10:08am

DEAR ABBY: My elderly father remarried after my mother died two years ago. He married an acquaintance who is 30 years younger at the courthouse with no friends or family in attendance. He told this woman beforehand that there was a large widow’s pension he’d paid into for decades that he wanted to give to her by marrying her. She claimed to be in an “unhappy” marriage at the time, and promptly got a divorce. Well, she and her now-ex have “suddenly started getting along just great,” so she decided to continue to live with her ex after her marriage ...