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December 31, 1936 — February 14, 2018
Tut passed away peacefully on Feb. 14, 2018, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. She was born in Morgan City on Dec. 31, 1936. She married her childhood sweetheart, Walter Theriot, and had four children.
Anyone who knew her, knew how much she loved the outdoors. She enjoyed playing tennis and golf, and she also enjoyed fishing and camping. But her greatest love was spending time with her family.
She is survived by her four children (and spouses): Karin Bertrand (Jeff), Kim Dardeau (Tony), Kelly Theriot, and Keith Theriot (Danielle); 10 grandchildren: Jeffrey Bertrand, James Bertrand and Kalyn Macaluso, Tabby Travis, Seth Dardeau and Matthew Dardeau, Kelsi Theriot and Kade Theriot, Sam Theriot and Ben Theriot; and seven great-grandchildren: Krislyn, Kady, Kanon, Sara Grace, Clay, Abigail and Taylor.
She is also survived by a brother, Garrett Topham Jr.; a sister, Barbara Topham; a sister-in-law, Rosie Theriot; and a brother-in-law, Joe Theriot.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Walter Theriot; her parents, Garrett and Ellen Topham; and a sister, Victoria Topham.
Services will be held Friday, Feb. 16, 2018, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Hargrave Funeral Home in Morgan City, Louisiana. In keeping with the family’s wishes, graveside services will be held privately.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Hargrave Funeral Home of Morgan City, Louisiana.
Louisiana DOTD workers are continuing to work on the new posts and signal lights at the intersection of Main Street and Willow Street. Crosswalk signals are also being installed. Similar work is taking place at Main Street and Iberia Street.
Randy Lovett, age 63, a resident of Jeanerette, La. passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 14, 2018 at 4:35 am at his residence.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, February 17, 2018 at 9:30 am at Jones Funeral Home Chapel in Jeanerette, La.
He is survived by his wife, Tina Lovett, his son, Christian Henderson; his father, Alex Lovett of Jeanerette, La.; stepmother, Bessie Lovett of Jeanerette, La., one brother, Allan Lovett and his wife Dr. Helen Lovett of Raleigh, NC; one sister, Reign Hudson of Bronx, NY; a step-sister, Cynthia Carter of New Iberia, La.; a niece, Penny Lovett of Raleigh, NC; two nephews, Allan Lovett II and his wife, Neil, Amir Theodile of Bronx, NY; a great-niece, Journey Lovett; a great-nephew, Allen Lovett III, along with a host of relatives and friends.
Jones Funeral Home of Morgan City-Franklin-Jeanerette-Houma in charge of arrangements.
Visit www.jones-funeral-home.com to send condolences to family.
December 31, 1936 — February 14, 2018
Tut passed away peacefully on Feb. 14, 2018, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. She was born in Morgan City on Dec. 31, 1936. She married her childhood sweetheart, Walter Theriot, and had four children.
Anyone who knew her, knew how much she loved the outdoors. She enjoyed playing tennis and golf, and she also enjoyed fishing and camping. But her greatest love was spending time with her family.
She is survived by her four children (and spouses): Karin Bertrand (Jeff), Kim Dardeau (Tony), Kelly Theriot, and Keith Theriot (Danielle); 10 grandchildren: Jeffrey Bertrand, James Bertrand and Kalyn Macaluso, Tabby Travis, Seth Dardeau and Matthew Dardeau, Kelsi Theriot and Kade Theriot, Sam Theriot and Ben Theriot; and seven great-grandchildren: Krislyn, Kady, Kanon, Sara Grace, Clay, Abigail and Taylor.
She is also survived by a brother, Garrett Topham Jr.; a sister, Barbara Topham; a sister-in-law, Rosie Theriot; and a brother-in-law, Joe Theriot.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Walter Theriot; her parents, Garrett and Ellen Topham; and a sister, Victoria Topham.
Services will be held Friday, Feb. 16, 2018, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Hargrave Funeral Home in Morgan City, Louisiana. In keeping with the family’s wishes, graveside services will be held privately.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Hargrave Funeral Home of Morgan City, Louisiana.
Franklin Police Chief Sabria McGuire reported the following arrests:
Joseph Nedd, 53, of Martin Luther King Blvd., Franklin, was arrested Friday at 5:28 p.m. on the charge of illegal possession of stolen things and theft by fraud. Nedd was booked, processed, and transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center.
Shane Scott, 34, of Myra Street, Franklin, was arrested Saturday at 1:55 a.m. on a warrant for the charge of domestic abuse battery with child endangerment. Scott was additionally charged with introduction of contraband into a penal institution and possession of Schedule IV narcotics. Scott was booked, processed, and transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center.
Draylen Green, 19, of Robertson Street, Franklin, was arrested Sunday at 12:25 a.m. on a warrant for the charge of simple battery. Green was booked processed and released on a $2,500 bond.
John Felton Jr., 53, of Ninth Street, Franklin, was arrested Sunday at 8:50 p.m. on charges of remaining where forbidden, disturbing the peace by intoxication and possession of drug paraphernalia—third offense. Felton was booked, processed, and transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center.
Adrienne Maze, 36, of Hamm Street, Franklin, was arrested Monday at 8:33 p.m. on a warrant for 16th Judicial District Court for failure to appear on charges of no insurance, following too close and expired driver’s license. Maze was booked, processed, and released on a $500 bond.
Charles Randle, 25, of Robertson Street, Franklin, was arrested Wednesday at 2:48 p.m. on charges of reckless operation, operating an off road motor vehicle on roadway and no driver’s license. Randle was booked, processed, and released to appear in Third Ward City Court.
Edward Parnell, 51, of Country Road, Mount Pleasant, was arrested Wednesday at 6:27 p.m. on charges of driving while intoxicated—fourth offense, driving under suspension and possession of alcoholic beverage in motor vehicle. Parnell was booked, processed, and transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center.
St. Mary Parish Sheriff Scott Anslum reported the following arrests:
Sierra Vincent, 28, of 121 Oak St., Morgan City, was arrested Sunday at 5:05 p.m. on the charge of obstruction of justice.
A deputy responded to a vehicle crash on US 90 in Bayou Vista. The deputy made contact with the owner of the vehicle, Vincent, and advised her that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. Vincent then drove the vehicle away from the crash scene while the deputy was conducting the investigation. The deputy located the vehicle and Vincent at a residence on Carol Road in Bayou Vista. Vincent was transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking. Vincent was released on a $1,500 bond.
Jed Brisson, 35, of 518 Emmeline St., New Iberia, was arrested Monday at 8:05 p.m. on charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated, stopping, standing, parking prohibited in specified places and possession of drug paraphernalia.
A deputy patrolling Baldwin observed a vehicle stopped in the middle of La. 182. The driver appeared to be sleeping. The deputy identified the driver as Brisson and observed several signs that he was operating the vehicle while impaired. The deputy also observed a syringe inside the vehicle. The deputy conducted a standardized field sobriety test. Brisson performed the test poorly. The deputy transported Brisson to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking. Bail is set at $4,250.
Michael Walker, 30, at 19021 Palmer Creek Drive, Saucier, Miss. was arrested Tuesday at 2:35 a.m. on a warrant for failure to appear on charges of general speed law violation and operating a vehicle with an expired driver’s license.
A deputy conducting a traffic stop on La. 182 in Bayou Vista identified an occupant of the vehicle as Walker and located the active warrant for his arrest. The deputy transported Walker to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking. Bail is set at $400.
Lovana Burrell, 29, of 1711 West Ibert St., Franklin, was arrested Monday at 11:05 p.m. on the charge of improper lane usage and on a warrant for the charge of criminal damage to property.
A deputy on Ralph Darden Memorial Parkway in Charenton observed a vehicle cross the fog line of the roadway. The deputy conducted a traffic stop, identified the driver as Burrell, and located the active warrant for her arrest. Burrell was transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking. Burrell was released on a $1,750 bond.
Austin Ray, 22, of 114 Roussel St., Patterson, was arrested Friday at 11:49 a.m. on the charge of domestic abuse battery and on a Patterson Police Department warrant for domestic abuse battery.
A deputy conducted an investigation into a battery that occurred at a business in Bayou Vista. The deputy found evidence that Ray pushed and struck a female victim in a parking lot. The deputy and Patterson Police located Ray at a residence on Tiffany Street in the Patterson area. Following the investigation, the deputy transported Ray to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking. No bail is set.
Daanaa Richard, 26, of 207 Newman St., Baldwin, was arrested Tuesday at 4:27 p.m. on charges of operating a vehicle with a suspended driver’s license and stop signs and yield signs violation.
A deputy assisting Franklin Police with the Mardi Gras parade observed a vehicle fail to stop at a stop sign on Ninth Street. The deputy conducted a traffic stop, identified the driver as Richard, and found that she was driving with a suspended license. Richard was released on a summons.
Jeffrey Robinson, 35, of 180 Pine Bayou Circle, Monroe, was arrested Tuesday at 9:55 p.m. on a St. Charles Parish warrant for failure to appear for a court hearing.
A deputy monitoring traffic on US 90 observed a vehicle moving 81 miles per hour in a posted 70 miles per hour zone. The deputy conducted a traffic stop, identified the driver as Robinson, and located the active warrant for his arrest. Robinson was cited for the speeding violation and transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking on the warrant. No bail is set.
Hector Ruiz-Santos, 36, of 109 Shivers St., Patterson, was arrested Wednesday at 12:19 a.m. on charges of improper lane usage, possession of open alcoholic containers in motor vehicles and resisting an officer by flight.
A deputy on US 90 in Bayou Vista observed a vehicle cross the fog line and centerline of the roadway. The deputy initiated a traffic stop. The driver of the vehicle failed to stop continuing to drive into Morgan City before pulling over on the shoulder of the roadway. The deputy identified the driver as Ruiz-Santos and observed an open beer can inside the vehicle. Following the investigation, Ruiz-Santos was transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking. Ruiz-Santos was released on a $2,250 bond.
Aaron Robertson, 34, of 25850 Taylor St., Montgomery, Texas was arrested Wednesday at 3:16 a.m. on a warrant for failure to appear on the charge of speeding. Robertson turned himself in to correctional deputies at the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center. Robertson was released on a $1,000 bond.
Nikki Mayon, 36, of 1224 South Road, Bayou Vista, was arrested Saturday at 10:58 p.m. on a warrant for the charge of possession of drug paraphernalia.
Narcotics detectives located Mayon on the warrant at the address listed above. The warrant was issued following a Dec. 2017 investigation into illegal drug activity in the Patterson area. Mayon was released on a summons.
Devonte Colar, 24, of 900 Mississippi Road, New Iberia, was arrested Wednesday at 7:42 a.m. on a warrant for failure to appear on charges of possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and violation of a controlled dangerous substance law drug free zone.
A correctional deputy transported Colar from the Iberia Parish jail to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking. Bail is set at $2,500.
Loveless Willis, 33, of 212 South Marigny Circle D, Lafayette, was arrested Wednesday at 2:16 p.m. on a warrant for failure to appear on the charge of criminal neglect of family.
Willis was transported from another agency to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking on the warrant. No bail is set.
Curtis Gaudet Jr., 24, of 2211 Lake Palourde Road, Amelia, was arrested Wednesday at 9:15 p.m. on the charge of aggravated battery.
Deputies investigated a report of a fight in progress at a residence on Two Brothers Street in Amelia. While speaking with the subjects and witnesses involved, deputies found evidence that Gaudet threw a metal stool at a male victim. The victim was cut on the head. Gaudet was transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking. No bail is set.
Glenn Louviere Jr., 35, of 1197 Fabacher Road #3, Iota, was arrested Thursday at 3:58 a.m. on charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated, improper lane usage, speeding and possession of open alcoholic beverages in motor vehicles.
A deputy traveling on US 90 in the Patterson area observed a vehicle moving at a high rate of speed and swerving onto the shoulder of the roadway. The deputy conducted a traffic stop and identified the driver as Louviere. The deputy smelled the odor of an alcoholic beverage on Louviere’s breath and observed other indicators of impairment. The deputy also observed an open beer bottle inside the vehicle Louviere was driving. The deputy conducted a standardized field sobriety test. Louviere performed the test poorly. Following the investigation, Louviere was transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking. Bail is set at $3,500.
Chitimacha Police Chief Hal Hutchinson reported the following arrests:
Brent Darden, 32, of Chitimacha Trail, Charenton, was arrested Monday on tribal charges of felony possession of drugs, methamphetamine, resisting a law enforcement officer and resisting arrest with force or violence.
He was transported to the parish jail. Officers responded to a suspicious vehicle in the area. During the investigation, illegal narcotics were located in the vehicle, and Darden was arrested.
Justin Capritto, 28, of Blake Drive, New Iberia, was arrested Monday on charges of possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia, and was subsequently released on a summons.
Officers responded to a tribal business in reference to suspicious activity in the parking lot. During the investigation, the Chitimacha K-9 Unit was deployed, which resulted in Capritto’s arrest.
Bryant Ruffin, 48, of Greene Street, Abbeville, was arrested Tuesday on charges of possession of cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana and a Chitimacha Police Department warrant for possession of marijuana.
Officers responded to a tribal business in reference to a subject that had an active warrant in reference to an investigation that occurred on Dec. 4, 2017.
When officers arrested Ruffin on the warrant, illegal narcotics were found, and he was arrested with additional charges.
A move by the parish administration to make mosquito control an in-house operation was defeated by the St. Mary Parish Council Wednesday.
The administration proposed applying for grant funding through a federal grant awarded by the state for five years; the funds would cover costs of set up and equipment, Parish President David Hanagriff said.
Councilman Craig Mathews said he didn’t have enough information to make a decision Wednesday night, and asked how switching the existing contract with Cajun Mosquito Control to parish control made sense. “Do we have information tonight abandoning that relationship because the current vendor is not doing a quality job?” Mathews asked.
He said the contractor, Jessie Boudreaux, has 25 years of experience in mosquito control, and that the newly-hired parish public works director Jean Paul Bourg has two years of experience. Hanagriff later corrected that Bourg has four years’ experience.
Mathews also questioned if there has been a cost comparison, present and future. He said neighboring parishes have seen large increases in costs over the years that mosquito control had been implemented.
Chief Administrative Officer Henry “Bo” LaGrange said that though the administration has never seriously considered an in-house program due to start-up costs, the $250,000 grant solves that issue. “The grant requires that we spend the money by June 30,” he said. “So we would have to order vehicles and equipment by then.”
LaGrange noted that over the years council members have asked the administration to consider taking on mosquito control. “So it’s not like the council should be shocked that we brought this proposal forward,” he said.
A $2 monthly fee charged to water bills in the unincorporated customers in the parish generates roughly $185,000, while contract costs for mosquito control are in the neighborhood of $250,000. The general fund has made up the difference.
The operating budget for an in-house program would be about $175,000, LaGrange said.
Bourg is certified in mosquito control; a certified person on the parish payroll is required by state law. Bourg ran Morgan City’s mosquito program when he was in the public works department there. Only St. Mary and one other parish have a certified person.
Hanagriff said he is tasked with balancing the parish budget, and this is one area of cost-savings. He said subsidizing the program has been going on for years, capped at $250,000. He said he had no issues with the current contractor’s performance.
“Do you want to raise the fees?” Hanagriff asked the council. “Tell the people we’ll charge you $3 instead of going forward with this?”
Current liability insurance covers the potential operation, Hanagriff said in answer to a question from Councilman Glenn Hidalgo.
Councilman Ken Singleton said while equipment is state-certified and calibrated, not all drivers are, and that the council needs to be accountable for its funding if there is an opportunity to save money.
Boudreaux said he understood there are financial savings issues, but asked Hanagriff if their work has been acceptable, and if he had offered to meet the same level of service at the projected savings. Hanagriff agreed that Cajun’s work was good, but indicated he did not think Boudreaux could meet the same level of service at that price.
But Boudreaux said he could, mostly through the use of sentinel chickens and monitoring which he said are not being fully utilized by the parish. “What price do you put on one life?” he asked.
“I don’t put a price on that,” Hanagriff said. “I’m not going to do that…I am pushing this solely as parish president, my name’s attached to this.”
Mathews pointed out that the parish is also subsidizing operation of the golf course, the animal control shelter “and every other entity that we’re subsidizing.” Hanagriff said all those issues are being studied.
The council refused the administration’s proposal on a vote of six against, three in favor, and two absent.
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.
Wednesday, Feb. 14
7:04 a.m. Justa and Keith streets; Disturbance.
7:19 a.m. 200 block of Fourth Street; Welfare check.
7:59 a.m. 1100 block of Hickory Street; Criminal damage to property.
8:34 a.m. 1500 block of Filmore Street; Assistance.
10:22 a.m. 1000 block of Third Street; Criminal damage to property.
10:22 a.m. 2400 block of Tiger Drive; Complaint.
11:43 a.m. 1100 block of Marguerite Street; Assistance.
12:02 p.m. 200 block of Mallard Street; Complaint.
2:51 p.m. Elk and Myrtle streets; Suspicious vehicle.
3:07 p.m. 700 block of Sixth Street; Lost and found.
3:08 p.m. 200 block of Wren Street; Complaint.
3:28 p.m. 800 block of General Patton Street; Medical.
3:31 p.m. 1100 block of Eighth Street; Medical.
4:32 p.m. 300 block of Fifth Street; Medical.
5:25 p.m. 1700 block of Federal Avenue; Complaint.
5:42 p.m. 800 block of Ditch Avenue; Arrest.
5:53 p.m. Ellzey Street and Federal Avenue; Animal complaint.
6:01 p.m. 100 block of South Railroad Avenue; Complaint.
6:03 p.m. Myrtle Street and Victor II Boulevard; Complaint.
7:42 p.m. 200 block of Wren Street; Assistance.
7:52 p.m. 7400 block of La. 182; Medical.
8:18 p.m. 3100 block of Wytchwood Drive; Complaint.
9:02 p.m. Sixth and Everett streets; Arrest.
9:05 p.m. 1000 block of Hickory Street; Assistance.
9:22 p.m. 500 block of Third Street; Complaint.
9:40 p.m. 7200 block of La. 182; Medical.
11:30 p.m. 3200 block of Lake Palourde Drive; Alarm.
11:34 p.m. 1100 block of Sixth Street; Medical.
11:41 p.m. 3000 block of Keith Street; Loud music.
Thursday, Feb. 15
1:17 a.m. 900 block of Duke Street; Patrol request.
1:56 a.m. 6400 block of La. 182; Alarm.
3:24 a.m. 1100 block of Victor II Boulevard; Arrest.
The Krewe of Galatea Charter Members Luncheon was held Jan. 31 at the home of Carolyn Fondren in Morgan City. In attendance were, seated from left, Ellen Ruiz, Marina Lee, Beverly Hamer and Mary Catherine Gray. Standing from left are Galatea Captain (traditionally unnamed), Dez Kapp, Fondren, Katherine Distefano, Honorine Abel and Rosemarie Vining.
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Franklin Banner-Tribune
P.O. Box 566, Franklin, LA 70538
Phone: 337-828-3706
Fax: 337-828-2874
Morgan City Review
1014 Front Street, Morgan City, LA 70380
Phone: 985-384-8370
Fax: 985-384-4255