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Sheriff: Detectives investigating Bayou Vista vehicle burglaries
St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office detectives are currently investigating three vehicle burglaries in Bayou Vista. Two of the complaints came from Sun Road. The third incident occurred on Universe Street.
Sheriff Scott Anslum advises residents to be diligent in removing valuables from vehicles and locking doors. Taking those two steps can help prevent break-ins. Residents can also assist investigators and patrol deputies by reporting suspicious activity.
Sheriff: Teen wrote threatening statements at alternative school
A 14-year-old boy was arrested Thursday and charged with terrorizing after allegedly writing statements threatening violence at the St. Mary Parish Alternative Program school in Verdunville, Sheriff Scott Anslum said in a news release.
On Thursday afternoon, St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office School Resource Officers investigated a report from the St. Mary Alternative Program school. School resource officers found evidence that a 14-year-old juvenile wrote statements threatening violence at the school, Anslum said. The juvenile male was arrested on the charge of terrorizing. The juvenile was released to a guardian pending juvenile court proceedings. The investigation is ongoing.
Harris presents cautious, yet optimistic budget
Mayor Raymond Harris presented Franklin’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2018-2019 at the city council meeting Tuesday.
Harris stated the budget “reflects the changes that have occurred in our revenue stream as a result of the continued recession in the oil industry.
“On the bright side, the local economy is showing some improvement as evidenced by the slight three percent increase in total sales tax received in fiscal 2017-2018.”
Harris noted the budget projects a similar fluctuation in collected sales tax for the upcoming year.
In addition, and as a backdrop for the current budget proposal, a review of the 2016-2017 budget was set to contrast through its sales tax revenues showing to have decreased by four percent over the 2015-2016 fiscal year.
This seems to indicate growth since the 2015-2016 fiscal year, however small a percentage.
Harris said, “The city was able to maintain its operations through the diligence of the department heads in controlling costs of operation.
“The General Fund ended the fiscal year with a slight surplus of $7,500.”
The summary says the council’s increase of water rates in answer to losses in the Utility Department “resulted in that department having a much needed profit.”
It was reported the water rate increases coupled with the replacement of the old metering system “should ensure continued operation of the system.”
Along with the General Fund and the Utility Department, the Liquid and Solid Waste Facility ended its fiscal year in surplus, as well. After adjusting the chemical processes it used, the facility was reported to be $119,600 in the black.
In shifting focus back to the current budget proposal, Harris asserts that in creating the current proposal, adjustments were made to last year’s budget to reflect current expenditure trends resulting from “maintaining the highest level of service to the citizens while operating with the current revenue restrictions.”
He closed by saying, “This budget demonstrates the city’s resolve to respond to the changing economic conditions it and other cities are facing in this state. The task at hand is not easy and I ask all citizens and employees to assist the city in adhering to the budget so that the city can remain on solid financial footing this next year and in the years to follow no matter how challenging they may be.”
The latest: Mississippi Delta residents prepare for flooding
ELKHART, Ind. (AP) — The Latest on severe weather in the Midwest and other parts of the U.S. (all times local):
11:30 a.m.
Residents in Mississippi's Delta region are bracing for a flood threat that's expected to continue through Saturday night.
The National Weather Service said the area most at risk of flooding is along the western side of the state, near the Mississippi River.
The Delta Democrat-Times reports that city and county crews on Thursday were filling sandbags after heavy rain caused some flooding in parts of Washington County, home to the city of Greenville.
Anna Wolverton, a forecaster with the National Weather service in Jackson, said 3 inches (8 centimeters) of rain had fallen within a 24-hour period at Greenville's airport, which is about 100 miles (160 kilometers) northwest of Jackson, Mississippi.
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11:15 a.m.
Officials in northern Indiana's largest city were forced to shut down its wastewater treatment plant as it was swamped by flooding from a record-high river crest caused by heavy rain and melting snow in parts of the Midwest.
The city of South Bend says the treatment plant restarted at limited capacity Thursday morning after being shut down overnight. The plant shutdown forced it to release untreated sewage water into the St. Joseph River.
The National Weather Service says the river crested at 12.7 feet (3.87 meters) late Wednesday — nearly 2 feet (0.61 meters) higher than its previous record.
Mayor Pete Buttigieg (BOO'-tah-juhj) issued an emergency declaration for the city, allowing for tougher enforcement of numerous street closures. Officials haven't yet estimated the extent of building damage.
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7 a.m.
Shelters are open to assist people forced from their homes by flooding as rivers swollen by heavy rain and melting snow rise in Indiana, Michigan and other parts of the Midwest.
Flood warnings are in effect for parts of several states Thursday, from Wisconsin, Illinois and Ohio to Texas and Louisiana.
The American Red Cross says it has opened eight shelters in northern Indiana, where crews used boats to help residents evacuate their homes. Indiana University-South Bend canceled Thursday classes, and residents of a student apartment complex were encouraged to leave.
In Michigan, states of emergency were declared in the Lansing area as officials recommended the evacuations of several neighborhoods. Flooding also hit nearby Michigan State University.
JERRY PATRICK AUCOIN
2/17/40 — 2/20/18
Jerry Patrick Aucoin, age 78, a native of Morgan City and resident of Lafayette, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, February 20, 2018, surrounded by his loving family at Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center in Lafayette.
Jerry was a hard worker and was THE General Superintendent of McDermott International until his retirement. Jerry enjoyed spending his time with his family and friends and his adoring grandchildren.
Those left to cherish Jerry’s memory are his loving wife of 57 years, Betty Aucoin of Lafayette; three sons, Gregg Aucoin of Lafayette, Brent Aucoin of Atlanta, Georgia, and Chris Aucoin of Lafayette; his two adorable grandchildren, Hailey Aucoin and Caleb Aucoin; two sisters, Patsy Vidos of Patterson and Judy Steelman of Morgan City; a sister-in-law, Zona Lee-Pietrogallo; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Nathan and Edmay Aucoin.
The family requests that a time of visitation be observed on Friday, February 23, 2018, from 10:30 a.m. until time of services at 1 p.m. at Hargrave Funeral Home in Morgan City. Graveside services will immediately follow at the Morgan City Cemetery.
FLOYD LeBLANC
BNew Iberia — A Celebration of Life Memorial Mass will be conducted for Floyd J. LeBlanc, 80, on Friday, Feb. 23, 2018, at 10 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Fr. Keith Landry as Celebrant.
Visitation will be held Friday, Feb. 23, 2018, from 9 a.m. until time of Memorial Mass.
A native and resident of New Iberia, Floyd went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, Feb. 10, 2018, at 7:30 p.m. at his residence with his family comforting him.
Floyd had a lifelong career in the oilfield industry and related services beginning as a teenager for Wm. Helis Oil Company. After serving three years in the U. S. Army, he completed studies at the University of Southwest Louisiana and lived and worked in Port Sulphur for Freeport Sulphur Company, moving to Morgan City and working for Seahorse Boat Service and Data-Comm Communication Company. After living in Morgan City for 35, he returned to New Iberia. He enjoyed playing golf and fishing as well as a good domino game. The stories and jokes which he told will be long remembered by his friends. Floyd was also a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
He is survived by his wife of 54½ years, Sandra Brasher LeBlanc of New Iberia; son, John Todd Leblanc and wife Nicole Delcambre; daughter, Teri L. Maraist and husband Leonard; granddaughters, Ariana LeBlanc, Jaylen Maraist and Alexa Maraist; brother, Francis LeBlanc and wife Jackie; and nephew, Aaron LeBlanc.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Francis LeBlanc Sr. and Mildred Stein LeBlanc of New Iberia; brother, Kerry LeBlanc; and in-laws, Frank and Margaret Brasher.
The family would like to express their appreciation to the doctor and nurses of Bridgeway Hospice for the love and care given to Floyd.
You may sign the guest register book and/or send condolences at www.davidfuneralhome.org.
David Funeral Home of New Iberia is in charge of the arrangements.
GLORIA MAYEUX FIRMIN
=Gloria Mayeux Firmin, 85, a native of Marksville and resident of Morgan City, died Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2018 at Maison Jardin.
She is survived by a host of relatives.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and a sister.
Visitation will be Friday from 10 a.m. until 12:45 p.m. at Hixson Brothers Funeral Home in Marksville, followed by a Mass at 1 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Marksville.
Following Mass, she will be laid to rest in St. Joseph Cemetery Mausoleum No. 2.
Twin City Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
GRACE BOUDREAUX
Grace Boudreaux, 78, a native of Morgan City and resident of Breaux Bridge, died Thursday, Feb. 8, 2018.
She is survived by a daughter, Jocelynn Boudreaux; two sisters, Edith Polaski and Annabelle Scully; a brother, Autrey Mayon; a grandson; a great-granddaughter; and a host of other relatives.
She was preceded in death by her husband, a son, her parents, a brother and a sister.
Hargrave Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements, which are pending.
