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NY governor rejects La. demand in abortion pill case

Fri, 02/14/2025 - 1:47pm
GREG LaROSE, Louisiana Illuminator

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has rejected Louisiana’s request to extradite a doctor from her state accused of prescribing and mailing abortion drugs to a woman in West Baton Rouge Parish.
Both were indicted on felony charges last month for allegedly violating a Louisiana law prohibiting the sale, prescription, delivery, dispensing and distribution of abortion-inducing medication.
According to Gov. Jeff Landry and Attorney General Liz Murrill, both Republicans, the West Baton Rouge woman forced her pregnant minor daughter to take the pills, though the woman hasn’t been charged with the crime of coerced abortion.
Landry signed an extradition request Wednesday from Murrill, who said she intends to personally prosecute Dr. Margaret Carpenter and the West Baton Rouge woman, who is not being identified to protect her daughter’s identity.
At a Thursday afternoon news conference in Manhattan, Hochul, a Democrat, referenced New York’s shield laws that protect reproductive health care providers from criminal prosecution in other states. Louisiana banned abortion almost entirely in 2022 after the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to reverse Roe v. Wade. The procedure remains legal in New York.
“Louisiana has changed their laws, but that has no bearing on the laws here in the state of New York,” Hochul said. “Doctors take an oath to protect their patients. I took an oath of office to protect all New Yorkers, and I will uphold not only our constitution, but also the laws of our land. And I will not be signing an extradition order that came from the governor of Louisiana. Not now, not ever.”
Landry criticized his New York counterpart after a video of Hochul’s announcement was posted to the social media platform X.
“So you’re telling me @GovKathyHochul is protecting criminals over victims?!” Landry wrote. “And they wonder why people and businesses are fleeing the state.”
U.S. Census Bureau estimates show more than 19.8 million people in the state of New York as of midyear 2024, down from 20.2 million in the 2020 count. Total employer establishments, the census term for businesses, actually increased in New York over the same period – from roughly 535,000 to more than 540,000.
Murrill also responded to Hochul’s video on X.
“This child was NOT this doctor’s patient,” Murril wrote. “She never met her, saw her, or knew anything about her. The child is a victim. @GovKathyHochul is protecting a drug dealer who victimized a child.”
The teen’s mother, who bonded out of jail after her Jan. 31 arrest, has never been charged with dealing drugs, based on a review of her court records.
Murrill has implied other Republican-led states would be willing to extradite Carpenter to Louisiana, saying previously the doctor should “be careful with her travel plans,”
“If New York won’t cooperate, there are other states that will,” the attorney general said.
Landry posted a video earlier Thursday explaining his reasons for seeking Carpenter’s extradition. The governor said the West Baton Rouge woman “conspired with a New York doctor” to order abortion pills in the mail and then “forced” her daughter to take them.
Tony Clayton, the Democratic district attorney for West Baton Rouge Parish, will prosecute the case alongside Murrill. He said the girl took the pills at home alone and called 911 to be taken to the hospital when she started bleeding.
“There’s only one right answer in this situation,” Landry said in the video. “It is that that doctor must face extradition to Louisiana, where she can stand trial and justice will be served.”

The politics of freedom: St. Mary played a role in an emancipation experiment

Fri, 02/14/2025 - 6:00am
BILL DECKER
bdecker@daily-review.com

When the congregation settles in for services at Morgan City’s Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church, the worshipers sit within yards of a monument to their own history.
A historical marker on the property notes that the church at one end of Federal Avenue was first built in 1865. The parishioners had only recently been emancipated from slavery.
The land for the had been donated by a man called Olympus Young. The church bell was donated by a former slaveholder named Lawrence.
It makes for an inspirational tale of reconciliation.
But it’s far from the only story about emancipation in St. Mary Parish. Other stories are about war and peace, cynical politics and noble aspirations, and freedom in a brutal world that long outlived the peculiar institution.
One scholar who studies slavery and emancipation, Assistant Professor John Bardes of LSU, says the enslaved people of St. Mary and elsewhere in Louisiana were part of an experiment in reconciliation, a method for bringing Louisiana and other states back into the Union.
“It was a test case that would establish a precedent,” Bardes said in a phone interview, “and they needed to get this right.”
The extent to which they succeeded is a matter for debate.
Slavery
in St. Mary
Any discussion of slavery here has to begin with sugar cane, although agriculture didn’t.
Indigo and cotton were raised in South Louisiana in the era between Spanish rule and early statehood. But many local farmers settled in the early 19th century on sugar cane, a profitable but labor-intensive crop. And as cane became more important to the local economy, so did slavery.
In a January 1949 article for Louisiana Historical Quarterly, Jewell Lynn de Grummond painted a relatively rosy view of St. Mary plantation life.
De Grummond acknowledged that the work was “arduous” during grinding season. But “despite the strenuous activity required during that period — black and white alike — seemed to thrive on the steamy atmosphere, and the hot syrup constantly available.”
Her accounts of life among enslaved people focused on kindhearted plantation owners who protected their investment with humane treatment.
But de Grummond also wrote that notices about runaways were frequent items in the press.
Bardes said stories suggest that sale to Louisiana plantations was a threat used elsewhere to keep enslaved people in line. And he relayed another story, which he couldn’t confirm, that the average working life of a work on a West Indian sugar plantation was seven years.
In any case, the system worked on an economic if not a humanitarian level. Before the secession winter of 1860, St. Mary was the state’s leading sugar producer eight years in 10, de Grummond wrote.
In the same 1850-60 period, the number of White St. Mary residents grew by fewer than 100 to 3,508. The number of enslaved people grew by more than 3,000 to 16,800, according to census records, or nearly 78% of the parish’s population. While most slaveholders held fewer than 100 enslaved people, most enslaved people were part of larger plantation holdings.
War
The economic success of sugar cane production may account for an odd fact cited by LSU’s Bardes: Louisiana had a significant number of slaveholders who were against secession.
And that may be the reason for another historical quirk: St. Mary Parish, along with 12 other parishes to the east and the city of New Orleans, was specifically excluded from President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation on Jan. 1, 1863.
The National Archives explanation for the exclusion is that Lincoln invoked his war powers to make the proclamation, so it purported to free enslaved people only in states in rebellion. Because the area near New Orleans, including St. Mary, St. Martin and Assumption, were under Union control by spring 1862, the proclamation didn’t apply to them.
Confederate troops apparently didn’t get the word about Union control. Two significant battles in St. Mary, Fort Bisland and Irish Bend, were fought in 1863, after the proclamation.
But according to Bardes’ account, one reason for the exclusion was more subtle. It was part of an effort to appeal to those anti-secession slaveholders, just as the federal government had sought accommodation with the border states to keep them in the Union.
Bardes called it a way the slaveholders could keep their human property.
“The decision excluding St. Mary and other parishes in Louisiana reflected the desire to create and maintain their support,” Bardes said.
Did it work?
“Not really,” Bardes said.
Enslaved people here weren’t legally freed until the 1864 state constitutional convention, which the federal government required as a prelude for re-entry into the Union.
So it can be argued that the proclamation freed not a single person — except that, in a way, it freed thousands.
Freedom
“Even if the Emancipation Proclamation didn’t apply to Louisiana,” Bardes said, “it signaled to the whole world that the policy was to end slavery.”
And that encouraged enslaved people to abandon the plantations and other workplaces in search of freedom.
“The Emancipation Proclamation made it difficult for the old slaveholders to maintain the status quo,” Bardes said. “Slaveholders would wake up and there would simply be no one left.”
The freedom-seekers generally went to two places of refuge: New Orleans and the nearest Union Army unit.
Although some Union soldiers embraced abolition, others didn’t, Bardes said. And the runaways were sometimes abused by soldiers.
As the war wore on, Bardes said, more soldiers began to favor the end of slavery and were more likely to protect African Americans.
The African American population of New Orleans increased by 30,000 between 1860 and 1870. Life wasn’t easy there, either, Bardes said. The newly freed people faced poverty, disease and a lack of work.
“It created a migrant crisis, which makes sense to us living in this century,” Bardes said. “It was a humanitarian crisis.”
As time went on, Louisiana continued to play a large role in the evolution of race relations.
In 1873 in the central Louisiana town of Colfax, a group of white supremacists attacked and killed at least 100 Black soldiers. A zealous federal prosecutor obtained convictions against some of the perpetrators.
But in its Cruikshank decision, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the convictions. The court ruled that the 14th Amendment’s equal protection clause could be applied to governments but not to individuals. And that left Blacks vulnerable to violence perpetrated by the Ku Klux Klan and other racists.
Then, in 1896, the court’s Plessy v. Ferguson decision, based on a New Orleans case, created the “separate but equal” doctrine and upheld segregation laws.
The work of emancipation would continue into the 1950s and 1960s, and maybe beyond.
Hope
Not all the conflicts over equality happen on battlefields, plantations or Supreme Court dockets.
J Ina is the principal at Franklin Junior High. He’s also one of two African Americans on the St. Mary Parish Council.
“I think a lot has changed since then,” Ina said in an interview for this story. “But in my lifetime, I’ve seen things that haven’t changed a lot. ... I see a lot of tolerance more than acceptance, if that makes sense.”
Ina has pushed for more Black representation on the 11-member council. He points to a parish population that is 32% Black while the 11-member council includes only two Blacks.
The council has eight traditional geographic districts and three at-large districts that have geographical boundaries, although the members in those districts are elected by parishwide votes.
Ina has asked the council to consider proposing a charter amendment to elect council members from 11 traditional districts. The School Board already uses that system and has four African-Americans among its 11 members.
He also proposed limiting the voting for at-large districts to people who live in those districts.
That would create a Black majority at-large district in West St. Mary.
The proposals don’t draw vocal opposition, Ina said. But they don’t go anywhere.
Still, “I’m very hopeful,” he said. “I’m very optimistic that things will change.
“It may be the person who takes my seat. It may be the person after that. I think delayed doesn’t necessarily mean denied."

‘

 

Get It Growing: Now is a good time to plant pecan trees

Fri, 02/14/2025 - 6:00am
OLIVIA McCLURE, LSU AgCenter

There’s nothing quite like pecans. With their rich, buttery flavor, these nuts are a staple of Louisiana culture and cuisine.
If you’d like to produce your own pecans, November through March is an ideal time to plant these trees.
There are a few considerations to take into account first.
“Our main limitation to pecan production, especially in the residential setting, is a disease called pecan scab,” said Michael Polozola, LSU AgCenter fruit and nut specialist.
“The varieties I like to recommend for residential settings are the ones that have innate disease resistance.”
Scab causes black spots and streaks on pecan husks, and nuts from affected trees do not fill in well.
If you’ve ever noticed an older pecan tree that no longer yields good-quality nuts — or produces none at all — scab is likely the culprit.
To reduce the chances of dealing with a scab infection, Polozola suggests planting the Amling, Gafford, McMillian, Jackson, Kanza, Elliot and Woodman varieties.
“Those are going to be very disease resistant and have a proven track record of performing really well in those low-input settings where, if you just give them regular fertilizer and water, they’re going to produce pecans for you year to year,” Polozola said.
Elliot, sometimes spelled Elliott, is especially popular in south Louisiana. Nuts of this variety are tasty and high in oil content.
Another variety that’s common in Louisiana is Stuart. Like many older varieties, it is susceptible to scab.
And, of course, there are numerous types of native pecans (as opposed to what are called improved pecans, which have been bred to produce larger nuts).
Nuts from native pecan trees tend to be small, flavorful and have high oil content.
Some other things to keep in mind:
Pecan trees grow quite large, reaching up to 60 feet tall and 60 feet wide when mature. Because of their brittle wood, branches fall frequently — so you’ll want to plant pecan trees away from houses and other structures.
Pecans are pollinated by wind. Unless you are planting near an existing tree, you’ll need to plant at least two trees to facilitate nut production (ideally two different varieties).
But remember that it will take a while for a newly planted tree to get established.
This means it may be several years before they produce pecans.
You can purchase pecan trees in containers at your local garden center. To plant them, dig a hole two to three times the diameter of the root ball and as deep as the container.
Loosen the roots and prune off any damaged roots before gently lowering the tree into the hole.
Keep newly planted trees well watered for the first couple of weeks and during times of drought. Mulch around them to help retain moisture.
Don’t fertilize in the first year. Starting in the second year, fertilize annually in February.
Pecan trees can be a nice addition to your landscape.
Just be sure you have the proper space and select a variety — or varieties — that will work for your needs.
“It’s a long-term investment, and it’s definitely something you need to consult your local AgCenter agent on,” Polozola said.
“Or, if it’s a larger planting, feel free to reach out to me, and I can help you pick the variety that’s going to work best for you.”
And if you have an existing pecan tree and aren’t sure what variety it is, you can send samples and photos to Polozola. Contact him at MPolozola@agcenter.lsu.edu.

Dear Abby: Relationship with stepdad becomes uncomfortable

Fri, 02/14/2025 - 6:00am

DEAR ABBY: My mom and stepdad (“Hugh”) are divorcing after 20 years of marriage. Mom has been involved with scammers for the last two years, giving away money and her Social Security number. I no longer talk to her because of this. She actually expected me to drive her places to meet these men and lend them her money!
My stepdad and I started talking a lot about things involving my mom. We text each other good morning and goodnight. Hugh doesn’t have children, and my birth father is in Ohio, so I don’t see him often.
The problem is, my husband is saying my relationship with Hugh is “weird,” and he is feeling insecure. He says he thinks Hugh and I are attracted to each other. I’m a caregiver by profession, and I’m always there for people. I told Hugh how my husband feels, and now I feel bad about this situation. Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
COMPLICATED IN CAROLINA

DEAR COMPLICATED: If you value your marriage, look at this from your husband’s point of view. Checking in every morning and every night with the man your mother is divorcing IS unusual. However, if Hugh had a hand in raising you, commiserating with you is understandable. If your husband feels threatened, perhaps Hugh can explain it to him. Whether or not it allays his fears, it’s worth a try.

DEAR READERS: On this day that celebrates love, I want you to know how much I value the relationship I have with you. Wishing you all a Happy Valentine’s Day!
WITH LOVE, ABBY

***

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.

Public notices for Feb. 14, 2025

Fri, 02/14/2025 - 6:00am

PUBLIC NOTICE
PROCEEDINGS OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE MORGAN CITY HARBOR AND TERMINAL
DISTRICT
January 13, 2025
The Board of Commissioners (“Board”) of the Morgan City Harbor and Terminal District (“District”) met in regular session at the District’s office at 7327 Highway 182, Morgan City, Louisiana on January 13, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. Ben Adams, President, convened the meeting with Commissioners, Deborah Garber, Joseph Cain, Adam Mayon, Steven Cornes, Matthew Glover, Matthew Tycer and Troy Lombardo in attendance. Also present in the meeting were Raymond Wade, Executive Director; Cindy Cutrera, Economic Development Manager; Tori Henry, Office Manager; Michael Knobloch, Special Projects Manager; Gerard Bourgeois, Board Attorney; Lt. Jenelle Piche, United States Coast Guard (“USCG”); Robert Karam, T. Baker Smith; Bill Blan-chard, GIS Engineering; Councilman Les Rulf, St. Mary Parish Council; Jeremy Meaux, Darnall, Sikes, Gardes & Frederick; and members of the general public.
The meeting was called to order and the presence of a quorum was noted. Raymond Wade led the invocation, and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
It was moved by Mr. Mayon and seconded by Mr. Lombardo that the minutes of the regular meeting of December 13, 2024 be approved and adopted, with said motion carrying unanimously.
It was moved by Mr. Mayon that the report of receipts and disbursements for the month of December, 2024 be re- ceived and accepted and that all invoices presented to the Board for the month of December, 2024 be paid. Mr. Glover seconded that motion, which carried unanimously.
Jeremy Meaux presented Darnall, Sikes, Gardes & Fredericks’ Audit Report to the Board for the year ending June 30, 2024 with an unmodified opinion on the District’s financial statements, the highest audit opinion. Also, since no exceptions were found during the Statewide Agreed- Upon procedures audit, no testing will be required next year. Mr. Cornes moved to accept said report, which was seconded by Mr. Glover and carried unanimously.
Tim Connell reported that: (i) Captain Frank worked the Berwick Harbor and is finishing up Wax Lake Outlet, which will complete its dredging operations; (ii) Mike Hooks dredging in Bayou Chene is under way and expected to be completed in November; (iii) an IDIQ solicitation is available and will be opened when needed; and (iv) we currently have $34 million of older funding and $15 million in FY25 funding to work with. Lt. Piche inquired about funding for Stouts Pass, but Mr. Connell noted there was none and surveys show no issues.
Lt. Piche reported that: (i) 2,243 total transits in December through the VTS zone; (ii) there broadcasted two (2) MSIB’s, including removing channel re- strictions from Hurricane Francine and current dredging in Bayou Chene; (iii) the railroad bridge is currently stuck in the down position and being worked on; (iv) we may move into “high water” restrictions within the next few week due to snow melt; and (v) they will be conducting a Ports and Waterways Assessment (PAWSA) in March since the last one was conducted in 2000. She noted she is working with Cindy and Mac on stakeholders to invite.
Charles Brittingham reported that: (i) we are currently operating on a continuing resolution that ex- pires on March 14th, so no budget will be passed until after that; and (ii) he is focusing on the FY26 president’s budget and Mac encouraged him to stay after it.
Michael Knobloch reported that: (i) AIC is currently installing all security cameras around the facility; (ii) we will be adding TITLE VI documents on our website soon; and (iii) we will be requesting funding from the Rebuilding American In- frastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant program, with the application due January 30th. It was moved by Mr. Mayon and seconded by Mr. Lombardo that the following resolution be submitted for $8,000,000 but because the project site is located Census Tract 403 (which is designated as a Rural Area, an Area of Persistent Poverty, and a Historically Disadvantaged Area), there will be no match for Phase 4 – Concrete Cargo Transloading Area and Rail Extension Project, which resolution was unanimously adopted.
RESOLUTION
BE IT RESOLV-ED, that the Board of Commissioners of the Morgan City Harbor and Terminal District does hereby authorize and support the submission of its proposed funding request entitled “Phase 4 – Concrete Cargo Transloading Area and Rail Extension Project” to the US Department of Transportation’s (USDOT’s) “FY 2025 Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity” (RAISE) Grant Program. In addition, since the project totals $8,000,000 and because the project site is located Census Tract 403 (which is designated as a Rural Area, an Area of Persistent Poverty and a Historically Disadvantaged Area), the MCHTD requests that the entire $8,000,000 come from the FY 2025 RAISE program. If fully- awarded, the project will complete Phase 4 of the port District’s informal “Port of Morgan City Terminal Facility Infrastructure Improvement Master Plan.”
Robert Karam reported that he met with Mr. Wade and Mr. Knobloch to get creative and strategize use of the current funding to submit the revised permit application and final response to the Corps on the West Dock project.
Bill Blanchard reported that: (i) they issued the Notice to Proceed to US Coatings last week and work immediately began with no issues; (ii) dredging plans and specs have been approved by Facility Planning and Control and they plan to begin advertising January 27th; and (iii) they continue to design the bulkhead project. Mr. Cornes moved to authorize Amendment No. 1 for additional surveying services for Disposal Area 1 in the amount of $20,000.00, which was seconded by Mr. Tycer and carried unanimously.
Cindy Cutrera reported that the next virtual quarterly update on the Lower Mississippi River Comprehensive Management Study will be on January 28th and she will send out the details when received; and (ii) we are working with a new client negotiating a lease of 30,000 square feet of property for $4500 per month for two years and annual options to renew. Mr. Mayon moved to authorize Mr. Wade to execute said lease, which was seconded by Mrs. Garber and carried unanimously.
Gerard Bourgeois reported that: (i) new election of officers requires approval of Whitney Bank and Patterson State Bank banking resolutions. It was moved by Mr. Tycer and seconded by Mr. Lombardo to adopt the following resolution authorizing Messrs. Adams, Glover, Cornes and Mrs. Garber to sign on both the Hancock Whitney and Patterson State Bank ac- counts; which mo- tion carried unanimously.
RESOLUTION
A resolution providing for the execution of certain account agreements for the Morgan City Harbor and Terminal District (“District”), with Patterson State Bank (PSB”) and Hancock Whitney Bank (“HWB”) (herein collectively, the “Banks”) .
WHEREAS, the MORGAN CITY HARBOR AND TERMINAL DISTRICT (“District”) is a political subdivision of the State of Louisiana, and is subject to the restrictions im- posed under the laws of the State of Louisiana with respect to the investment of funds of municipalities, parishes and other political subdivisions; and
WHEREAS, the District has re- ceived and re- viewed the Banks agreements and such other documents material to establishment and/or modification of accounts with said Banks; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that,
(1) PSB and HWB are designated as a depository(ies) for the funds of this District.
(2) This resolution shall continue to have effect until express written notice of its rescission or modification has been received and re- corded by such Banks.
(3) All transactions, if any, with respect to any deposits, withdrawals, rediscounts and borrowings by or on behalf of the District with Banks prior to the adoption of this resolution are hereby ratified, approved and confirmed.
(4) Any of the persons named below, so long as they act in a representative capacity as agents of this District, are authorized to make any and all other contracts, agreements, stipulations and orders which they may deem advisable for the effect exercise of the powers indicated below, from time to time with said Banks, concerning funds deposited in PSB and/or HWB, moneys borrowed from either Bank or any other business transacted by and between the District and PSB or HWB subject to any restrictions stated below.
(5) Any and all prior resolutions adopted by the District and certified to PSB and/or HWB as governing the operation of the District’s account(s), are in full force and effect, unless supplemented or modified by this authorization.
(6) The District agrees to the terms and conditions of any account agreement, properly opened by any authorized representative(s) of the District, and auth-orized PSB and HWB, at any time, to charge the District for all checks, drafts, or other orders, for the payment of money, that are drawn on the PSB or HWB, and contain the required number of signatures for this purpose.
(7) If indicated, any person listed below (subject to any expressed restrictions) is authorized to:
Name and Title
(A) Ben A. Adams, President
(B) Deborah B. Garber, Vice President
(C) Steven W. Cornes, Treasurer
(D) Matthew K. Glover, Secretary
Indicate A, B, C, and/or D
_A, B, C, D__ (1) Exercise all of the powers listed in (2) through (6).
_A, B, C, D__ (2) Open any deposit or checking ac- count(s) in the name of this association.
_A, B, C, D__ (3) Endorse checks and orders for the payment of money and withdraw funds on deposit with this Financial Institution. Number of authorized signatures re- quired for this purpose 2.
_A, B, C, D _ (4) Borrow money on behalf and in the name of this association, sign, execute and deliver promissory notes or other evidences of indebtedness. Number of authorized signatures required for this purpose 2.
_A, B, C, D_ (5) Endorse, assign, transfer, mortgage or pledge bills receivable, warehouse receipts, bills of lading, stocks, bonds, real estate or other property now own-ed or hereafter owned or acquired by this association as security for sums borrowed, and to discount the same, unconditionally guarantee payment of all bills received, negotiated or discounted and to waive demand, presentment, protest, notice of protest and notice of non- payment.
Number of auth-orized signatures required for this purpose 2.
_A, B, C, D__ (6) Enter into written lease for the purpose of renting and maintaining a Safe Deposit Box in this Financial Institution. Number of authorized persons required to gain access and to terminate the lease 2.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Steven W. Cornes, Treasurer, be authorized and directed to do any and all act and things necessary, proper, or that may be required to carry out and accomplish the transactions contemplated above.
Mr. Bourgeois also noted that Mr. Wade had appointed Pete Orlando to act as his unpaid advisor and assist with current and upcoming projects. So, while off the Board, Mr. Orlando will continue to assist the District.
With there being no further business to come before the Board, it was moved by Mr. Mayon and seconded by Mr. Lombardo that the meeting was adjourned.
Attest:
———————
Matthew K.
Glover,
Secretary
Adv. Feb. 14, 2025

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PUBLIC NOTICE
St. Mary Parish
Water & Sewer Comm. 2
P.O. Box 635
Patterson, La. 70392
January 13, 2025
The Board of Commissioners met in regular session at 5:30 p.m. at the district office with President, Chris Cooper presiding.
Present: Board Members – Chris Cooper- President, Tony Hensgens- Vice President, Thomas Philbrook- Sec. Treas., Raymond Beadle & Paul Tholen
Guests: Larry & Pam Fromenthal- Fromenthal Plumbing, Glenn Duncan and Murtada Mousa- Providence Engineers, David Hill – Parish Councilman, Employees- Alexis Hartman, Destinee DiMaggio, Jason Scott and Dakota Dupuy.
Chris Cooper called the meeting to order and roll call was taken.
December’s board minutes were accepted as circulated with a motion from Tony Hensgens and a second from Thomas Philbrook, motion carried.
Accounts Payable and Treasurer’s Report was accepted by motion from Thomas Philbrook and a second from Paul Tholen, motion carried.
Larry Fromenthal provided his maintenance report for the month. Larry re- placed pumps at the Barousse and Universe stations. There was a leak at the Pluto station and it has been repaired. He did some new meter change outs and also fixed a few meters with issues. Larry clear-ed up a stoppage on Southeast Blvd. He is finishing up the Arlington Project.
Jason Scott gave the monthly maintenance report, he has completed about 20 new meter change outs. He is continuing to do preventative maintenance on all of our sewer stations.
Tony Hensgens gave a joint plant update and said they are still waiting to receive ap- propriated funds.
Chris Cooper requested an estimate from Providence to survey our sewer system. Providence will continue gathering paperwork for Boy Blue. Chris said that Vepo will be returning soon to change out the larger commercial meters. Chris spoke to Reid with Miller Engineers, there is grant money that can be distributed to all water boards. If we receive, we plan to use this for two new pumps. The pumps that were approved for purchase last month were delivered to the warehouse and work great.
Chris welcomes a new employee, Dakota Dupuy.
Our field operator, Troy Theriot, has announced his retirement. We wish him all the best in his future endeavors.
Renewal of the medical insurance from Blue Cross Blue Shield was accepted by motion from Paul Tholen and a second from Thomas Philbrook, motion carried.
The board discussed their current per diem rate, with a motion from Tony Hensgens and a second from Raymond Beadle, all were in favor to increase to $250 monthly, motion passed.
A motion was made by Raymond Beadle to amend the agenda to add election of officers with a second from Thomas Philbrook, motion carried.
The board unanimously voted for all members to stay in their current positions with Chris Cooper as President, Tony Hensgens as Vice President, and Thomas Philbrook as Secretary Treasurer with a mo- tion from Thomas Philbrook and a second from Raymond Beadle, motion carried.
There being no further business to come before the board, a motion was made by Raymond Beadle to adjourn with a second from Tony Hensgens, all were in favor and motion passed.
———————
Chris Cooper-
President
———————
Destinee
DiMaggio –
Recording
Secretary
Adv. Feb. 14, 2025

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PUBLIC NOTICE
ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS
The Wax Lake East Drainage District of the Parish of St. Mary, St. Mary Parish, Louisiana, will receive sealed bids for the Proposed Pump Station and Discharge Pipe Over the West Atchafalaya Basin Protection Levee Near Calumet project, at the St. Mary Parish Courthouse Council Meeting Room, Fifth Floor, Franklin, LA 70538, until February 27, 2025, at 10 A.M., local time, at which time and place, they will be publicly opened and read aloud. Bids received after the time set forth above for opening of bids will not be considered and will be returned unopened.
The Contract Documents (Plans, Information for Bidders, Bid Form, Specifications and other pertinent documents) may be examined at the following locations:
•Miller Engineers & Associates, Inc. – 601 Main Street; Franklin, Louisiana 70538
Copies of the bidding documents may be obtained from the office of Miller Engineers and Associates, Inc. upon receipt of $250.00 for each set during normal business hours (7:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. Monday – Thursday and 7:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. Friday). Checks for Bidding Documents shall be made payable to “Miller Engineers & Associates, Inc.”. In accordance with La. R.S. 38:2212 A (1) (e), deposits on the first set of documents furnished bona fide prime bidders will be fully refunded upon return of the documents and deposits on any additional sets will be refunded less the actual cost of reproduction. Re- funds will be made upon return of the documents un- marked and in good condition if within ten days after receipt of bids.
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.
There will be no pre-bid conference for this project. Bidders are re- sponsible for making site visitations in preparation of their bids.
To qualify to bid, each bidder shall be a properly licensed Contractor in accordance with La. R.S. 37:2150 – 2163 for the classification of HEAVY CONSTRUCTION or related classification.
The Owner re- serves the right to reject any and all bids in accordance with Title 38 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes.
Each bidder must deposit with his/her bid, security in the amount, form and subject to the conditions provided in the Information for Bidders. Sureties used for obtaining bonds must appear as acceptable on the U.S. Department of Treasury Circular 570.
No bidder may withdraw their bid within forty-eight (48) hours after the actual date of the opening thereof.
Any questions or clarifications shall be submitted to the Project Engineer, Joel J. Miller, in writing a minimum of five (5) days prior to the bid opening date. Addenda will be issued to all prospective bidders a minimum of 48 hours prior to the bid opening date. Only information provided within written addenda issued by the Project Engineer shall be considered binding.
Any person with disabilities requiring special accommodations must contact the Wax Lake East Drainage District of the Parish of St. Mary no later than seven (7) days prior to the bid opening.
/s/ Wayne Cantrell, Jr.
Chairman
Wax Lake East Drainage District of the Parish of St. Mary
Adv. Jan. 31, Feb. 7 and 14, 2025

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PUBLIC NOTICE
To: All Interested Agencies, Groups, and Individuals
This is to give notice that the Teche Action Board, Inc d/b/a Teche Health has applied for a FY25 Expanded Hours Program grant from Health Re- sources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the Department of Health and Hu- man Services (HHS). Teche Health proposes conducting interior renovations within the facility located at 1124 7th Street, Morgan City, Louisiana 70380.
The purpose of this notice is to inform the public of this proposed action within the floodplain as re- quired by Section 2(a)(4) of Executive Order 11988 for Floodplain Management as the proposed action is within and/or affects a floodplain.
Additional information may be obtained by contacting:
Teche Health
Attn: Berryl Thompson-Broussard, J.D., LL.M., CHC
General Counsel/Chief Legal Officer
Email: legal@tabhealth.org
Written comments on the proposed action and potential impacts to floodplains must be submitted to the following address on or before Thursday, February 27, 2025 [15 Days after publication in the newspaper]):
Teche Health
Attn: Berryl Thompson-Broussard, J.D., LL.M., CHC
General Counsel/Chief Legal Officer
1115 Weber St.
Franklin, LA 70538
Adv. Feb. 12, 14, 19, 21, 26 & 28, 2025

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PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE
Notice is hereby given that, in accordance with L.R.S. 3:1609 and LAC 7:XV.314 (A), the Louisiana De- partment of Agriculture & Forestry, Louisiana Boll Weevil Eradication Commission, has established a boll weevil eradication zone, the Louisiana Eradication Zone, consisting of all the territory within the state of Louisiana.
Notice is further given that all producers of commercial cotton in Louisiana are required to participate in the boll weevil eradication program, including cost sharing, in accordance with the Boll Weevil Eradication Law and regulations. This includes, but is not limited to, reporting of cotton acreage and de- struction of cotton plants and stalks by December 31 of each crop year. A copy of the law and rules and regulations may be ob- tained from the Boll Weevil Eradication Commission, 5825 Florida Blvd. Ste. 3002, Baton Rouge, La. 70806, telephone number (225) 922-1338.
Notice is also given that the planting of noncommercial cotton is PROHIBITED in Louisiana un- less a written waiver is obtained from the Commissioner of Agriculture & Forestry in accordance with LAC 7:XV.319(C). To request a waiver, submit a written application to the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, at the address provided in this notice, stating the conditions under which such written waiver is requested.
Adv. Feb. 14, 21 and 28, 2025

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PUBLIC NOTICE
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION MEETING OF THE HOSPITAL SERVICE DISTRICT #2 OF THE PARISH OF ST. MARY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS HELD ON
JANUARY 15, 2025
A regular monthly business meeting of the Board of Commissioners of Hospital Service District #2 of the Parish of St. Mary was held on Wednesday, January 15, 2025 at 6:00 P.M. in the Media Room of the Morgan City Harbor & Terminal District Building located at 7327 Highway 182, Morgan City, LA 70380.
PRESENT: Dr. William A. Cefalu, Jr., Donald Stephens, Jackie Cheramie, William McCarty and Thane Aucoin
ABSENT: Angelena Brocato
Also present: William E. Bourgeois, Counsel for Hospital Service District #2
Dr. Cefalu called the meeting to order.
Dr. Cefalu lead in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Roll call was taken. Those Board Members present and those absent listed above.
On motion of Mr. Stephens, second by Mr. McCarty and unanimously carried, the Board approved and signed the Minutes of December 4, 2024.
Dr. Cefalu open-ed the floor for Guest/public comments, to which there were none. Raymond Pisani with Respiratory Therapy at Ochsner St. Mary (OSM) and Dr. Larry Nelson were present.
Attorney Bourgeois advised the Board that the transfer of the accounts to Robison Wealth Management were in- complete at this time and a brief discussion was held. Mrs. Cheramie presented the Financial Report for the period ending November 30, 2024. Upon motion of Mrs. Cheramie, second by Mr. Aucoin and unanimously carried, the Board approv-ed the financials/payables as presented.
Attorney Bourgeois discussed the Letter of Resignation received from Kendra Thomas and a brief discussion was held. On motion of Mr. Stephens, second by Mrs. Cheramie and unanimously carried, the Board accepted the resignation of Mrs. Thomas. Dr. Cefalu stated that a letter of gratitude will be sent to Mrs. Thomas for her service on the Board.
At this time the biannual Election of Officers was held. On motion of Mr. Aucoin and second by Mr. Stephens, Dr. Cefalu was nominated/recommended to remain as Chairman of the Hospital Service District #2 Board. The nominations were closed. On motion of Mr. McCarty, second by Mr. Stephens and unanimously carried, the Board voted to keep Dr. Cefalu as Chairman. On motion of Mrs. Cheramie, second by Mr. McCarty and unanimously carried, the Board elected Mrs. Brocato to serve as Vice Chairperson. On motion of Mr. McCarty, second by Mr. Stephens and unanimously carried, the Board voted to keep Mrs. Cheramie as Secretary/Treasurer.
Attorney Bourgeois discussed the retaining of Pitts & Matte for CPA services and the reasons thereof. Mr. Tim Matte with Pitts & Matte made a brief presentation and a brief discussion was held. On motion of Mrs. Cheramie, second by Mr. Stephens and unanimously carried, the Board voted to retain Pitts & Matte for CPA services and further authorized Dr. William A. Cefalu, Jr. to sign the Engagement Letter.
Dr. Cefalu called for discussion and action on retaining Trinity Capital Resources for Municipal Advisory Services. Attorney Bourgeois made a brief statement/recommendation and discussions were held. On motion of Mr. Stephens, second by Mrs. Cheramie and unanimously carried, the Board voted to retain the services of Trinity Capital Resources and authorized Dr. Cefalu to sign the Agreement for Services. Mr. Steve Nosaka made a brief statement to the Board.
Dr. Cefalu called for discussion and action on The Communication Institute (TCI) proposal for continued communication services. Dr. Cefalu and Attorney Bourgeois briefly addressed the Board concerning this proposal and the need to update the public concerning the status of the repairs to the hospital and/or spending of the tax funds for various other ap- proved items. After discussions, on motion of Mrs. Cheramie, second by Mr. Stephens and unanimously carried, the Board voted to table this matter until the February 5 meeting for further discussions and/or actions.
Dr. Cefalu called for discussion and action on Community Outreach. Dr. Cefalu stated that he had not received a full calendar of the upcoming events and at the next meeting (February 5) Jennifer Wise, Chief Nursing Officer and CEO of Ochsner St. Mary (OSM) would be present to give an update as to community outreach events and the status of repairs at OSM. Discussions were held as to the status of repairs as given by Dr. Cefalu.
Dr. Cefalu called for discussion and action on FEMA Reimbursement/Capital Outlay Re- quest process. Attorney Bourgeois stated that there had been several meetings with FEMA and all concerned and a brief discussion was held as to the status of these matters. He stated that work is in progress, no definite amount of funds needed has been provided and no apportionment has been decided on who is claiming what. Attorney Bourgeois stated that the Board will be kept informed with any updates.
Dr. Cefalu called for discussion and action on Fox-Nesbit Engineering, LLC’s assessment and contracting with Shamrock Construction re- garding the en- trance overhang at OSM. Attorney Bourgeois gave the Board an update and discussed the quote for costs provided in their packets regarding the overhang. After a brief discussion, on motion of Mr. Acuoin, second by Mr. Stephens and unanimously carried, the Board voted to accept/proceed with the proposal submitted by Shamrock Construction regarding the “canopy/overhang” at OSM.
At this time Dr. Cefalu gave his Chairman’s Re- port. He stated that it’s flu season and the hospital is “rocking and rolling”. He thanked the community and members of the District who voted for the tax millage and stated there was an overwhelming support for said millage. He stated that the community has “stepped up” and they will need to see growth, im- provements to the hospital/services and recruitment within the next ten (10) years. Discussions were held as to possible ex- pansion of services and the vibe of the OSM Staff now that the tax has passed. Attorney Bourgeois stated that the Board will hear more regarding scholarships at the February 5th meeting.
Mrs. Cheramie suggested that the high schools be contacted and promoted regarding scholarships. Further discussions were held as to this matter. Dr. Cefalu was thank-ed for the extra time he had devoted towards to the passage of the millage.
Dr. Cefalu stated that there were no matters to be taken up in Executive Session this date.
With no other business to come before the Board, on motion of Mrs. Cheramie, second by Mr. Stephens and unanimously carried, the meeting was adjourned.
———————
William A. Cefalu, Jr., M.D.,
Chairman
———————
Jackie Cheramie,
Secretary/Treasurer
Adv. Feb. 14, 2025

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PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE OF INTRODUCTION OF
ORDINANCE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN in compliance with the provision of Section 2-10 of the Charter of the Town of Berwick, State of Louisiana, that the following entitled ordinance introduced at the regular meeting of the Council of the Town of Berwick, State of Louisiana, held on January 14, 2025 in my office complete in the form in which it will be offered for adoption by the Council of said Town, is open to public inspection and will so remain at least seven (7) days prior to the final adoption, which is scheduled for March 11, 2025.
Proposed Or- dinance Number 756
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF BERWICK, LOUISIANA, TO AUTHORIZE AN RE-ENACT SECTION 2-7 (a) & (b) AND ADD (c) & (d) TO IN- CREASE THE SALARY OF BOTH MAYOR AND COUNCIL.
That the said ordinance, complete in the form in which it is to be finally passed, is on file with the Clerk of the Council for public inspection and that the said ordinance is to be taken up on final passage, after public hearing by the Council of the Town of Berwick, State of Louisiana, on March 11, 2025 at 6:15 P.M.
Jamie Keith
Town Clerk
Adv. Feb. 14, 2025

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PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE OF INTRODUCTION OF
ORDINANCE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN in compliance with the provision of Section 2-10 of the Charter of the Town of Berwick, State of Louisiana, that the following entitled ordinance introduced at the regular meeting of the Council of the Town of Berwick, State of Louisiana, held on February 11, 2025 in my office complete in the form in which it will be offered for adoption by the Council of said Town, is open to public inspection and will so remain at least seven (7) days prior to the final adoption, which is scheduled for March 11, 2025.
Proposed Or- dinance Number 757
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF BERWICK, LOUISIANA, TO AMEND THE 2024-2025 CONSOLIDATED BUDGET.
That the said ordinance, complete in the form in which it is to be finally passed, is on file with the Clerk of the Council for public inspection and that the said ordinance is to be taken up on final passage, after public hearing by the Council of the Town of Berwick, State of Louisiana, on March 11, 2025 at 6:15 P.M.
Jamie Keith
Town Clerk
Adv. Feb. 14, 2025

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PUBLIC NOTICE
It was moved by James Richard and seconded by Colleen Askew, that the following Resolution be adopted.
RESOLUTION
No. 05-25
A Resolution providing certifications to the Office of Community De- velopment.
WHEREAS, the Town of Berwick is desirous of purchasing additional 150 water meters to connect customers to as existing 12” water line in an older section of the town, and;
WHEREAS, the proposed budget for said improvements based upon the estimates, is $35,000.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RE- SOLVED by the Mayor and the Town Council of the Town of Berwick, that the Town of Berwick hereby certifies to the Office of Community Development that existing funding is insufficient to cover the cost of purchasing these water meters and that additional funding is not otherwise available to the Town of Berwick.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that sufficient funds, other than the currently re- quested State general obligation bond funding, are currently available to the Town, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all reasonable local options for additional financing have been exhausted, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that no funds are available in the Town’s current budget for nonrecurring appropriations for this project, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the total amount of surplus funds in the Town is $744,612, which was generated through the general taxes and utility revenues of the Town.
WHEREUPON the motion was put to a vote and the vote thereon was as follows:
Yeas: James Richard, Kevin Hebert, Colleen Askew, Raymond Price and Lud Henry
Nays: None
Absent: None
And the Resolution was declared adopted on this 11th day of February 2025.
———————
Duval H. Arthur, Jr.,
Mayor
* * * * * * *
I, Jamie Keith, Clerk of the Town of Berwick, do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of a Resolution adopted by the Mayor and Town Council of the Town of Berwick, at a meeting held on the 11th day of February, 2025 said Resolution is now in full force and effect.
WITNESS MY HAND AND SIGNATURE this 11th day of February, 2025.
———————
Jamie Keith –
Town Clerk
Town of Berwick
Adv. Feb. 14, 2025

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PUBLIC NOTICE
It was moved by Lud Henry and seconded by James Richard, that the following Resolution be adopted.
RESOLUTION
No. 06-25
A Resolution providing certifications to the Office of Community De- velopment.
WHEREAS, the Town of Berwick is desirous of purchasing additional 150 water meters to connect customers to as existing 12” water line in an older section of the town, and;
WHEREAS, the proposed budget for said improvements based upon the estimates, is $35,000.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RE- SOLVED by the Mayor and the Town Council of the Town of Berwick, that the Town of Berwick hereby certifies to the Office of Community Development that existing funding is insufficient to cover the cost of purchasing these water meters and that additional funding is not otherwise available to the Town of Berwick.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that sufficient funds, other than the currently re- quested State general obligation bond funding, are currently available to the Town, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all reasonable local options for additional financing have been exhausted, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that no funds are available in the Town’s current budget for nonrecurring appropriations for this project, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the total amount of surplus funds in the Town is $744,612, which was generated through the general taxes and utility revenues of the Town.
WHEREUPON the motion was put to a vote and the vote thereon was as follows:
Yeas: James Richard, Kevin Hebert, Colleen Askew, Raymond Price and Lud Henry
Nays: None
Absent: None
And the Resolution was declared adopted on this 11th day of February 2025.
———————
Duval H. Arthur, Jr.,
Mayor
* * * * * * *
I, Jamie Keith, Clerk of the Town of Berwick, do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of a Resolution adopted by the Mayor and Town Council of the Town of Berwick, at a meeting held on the 11th day of February, 2025 said Resolution is now in full force and effect.
WITNESS MY HAND AND SIGNATURE this 11th day of February, 2025.
———————
Jamie Keith –
Town Clerk
Town of Berwick
Adv. Feb. 14, 2025

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PUBLIC NOTICE
16TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT
PARISH OF
ST. MARY
STATE OF
LOUISIANA
SUCCESSION OF WILLIAM R. STEVENS
AND
SUSAN STEADAM STEVENS
PROBATE NO. ———
NOTICE
NOTICE IS GIVEN that the administrator of this Succession applying for authority to sell at private sale, on terms $47,500.00 cash, the immovable property own-ed by the Succession described be- low.
1596 Prairie Road, Lot 3-S Diane Like Nugent et al, per plat recorded Book 27H, No. 206574, acquired by act recorded in St. Mary Conveyance Book 79 No. 288819, St. Mary Parish Assessor Parcel # 2474521051.00.
An order authorizing the sale may be issued after seven days from the date of second publication of this notice. An opposition to the application may be filed at any time prior to the issuance of such an order.
Edward M. Leonard, Jr.
Attorney- at- Law
711 First Street
Morgan City, LA 70380
Adv. Feb. 14 and March 12, 2025

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Higgins calls for big tariffs on imported seafood

Thu, 02/13/2025 - 10:39am
Staff Report

Another shot has been fired in the Shrimp Wars.
U.S. Rep. Clay Higgins, St. Mary’s congressman, has asked President Donald J. Trump for tariffs and increased trade enforcement for seafood imports from Asia and South America.
Shrimpers in particular, members of an industry with deep economic and cultural roots in St. Mary, say they’re being devastated by high costs here and low-cost imports
Higgins delivered an official letter to the president seeking sanctions against imports from China, Ecuador, India, Indonesia and Vietnam.
“Domestic shrimpers, fishermen and crawfish producers in Louisiana and across the country face significant challenges competing against foreign seafood industries that are heavily subsidized and engage in illegal dumping into the United States,” Higgins wrote. “These unrighteous trade practices artificially drive down prices, disrupt fair market conditions, and threaten the livelihoods of hardworking American seafood producers. Without strong and consistent intervention, our seafood industry will remain vulnerable to these illegal trade tactics that erode the competitive market.”
Higgins, R-Lafayette, asked Trump to use all available tools, including antidumping and countervailing duties stricter testing protocols, tariffs up to 100% and the destruction of imported seafood that fails to meet U.S. health standards.
The use of antibiotics in pond-raised seafood has been a major issue for the U.S. industry. Critics said the government tests too little seafood for the presence of antibiotics that can be unhealthy for human consumers.
“Representative Higgins has led the fight to get the [Food and Drug Administration] to destroy shrimp imports that violate our health standards,” said John Williams, executive director of the Southern Shrimp Alliance. “American shrimpers are grateful to him for bringing the issue to President Trump’s attention and for proposing additional tariffs of up to 100 percent. We welcome Representative Higgins’s call to utilize tariffs and trade enforcement actions to level the playing field.”
The U.S. shrimp industry is facing a financial crisis, the alliance said. It quotes the federal fisheries officials as saying the total value of shrimp fishermen’s catch fell from $522 million in 2021 to $268 million in 2023 and remained close to this level in 2024.
“With nearly half of the value of the fishery wiped out in a short time frame, many multigenerational, family-owned small fishing businesses are failing,” the alliance said in a press release.
In 2024, the UFDA refused 81 entry lines of shrimp because of antibiotics, the most since 2016. A majority of these entry-line refusals involved shrimp exported from India (31) or Vietnam (18). Combined, India and Vietnam supplied about half of all U.S. shrimp imports (42.3% and 7.2% respectively). Farm-raised imported shrimp supply more than 90% of the total U.S. shrimp market, the alliance said.
Both the European Union and Japan also find India and Vietnam to be the largest offenders, the alliance said. But the volume of findings are less because the EU addresses the enhanced risk presented by shipments of contaminated Indian shrimp by requiring that 100% of all shipments be tested prior to exportation and that 50% of all shipments be tested at importation, which is destroyed if contaminated. The FDA tests 0.1% of seafood for contamination.

Louisiana gets more good news about school achievement

Thu, 02/13/2025 - 10:37am

Less than two weeks after Louisiana students achieved their highest rankings on The Nation’s Report Card, a prominent national study from Harvard and Stanford shows Louisiana is leading the nation for academic recovery after the pandemic, the Louisiana Department of Education said.
The Education Recovery Scorecard ranks Louisiana first in the nation for reading and second for math. Louisiana is the only state where the average student has completed their recovery.
In its third year of reporting on the pace of academic recovery measures in districts nationwide, the Education Recovery Scorecard is an annual report on school system-level student growth in reading and math. Some items of note for Louisiana:
—Louisiana ranked first among the states in terms of recovery in reading and second in math between 2019 and 2024.
—Between 2019 and 2024, students in Louisiana earned gains in reading and math at a time when many states continued to fall further behind.
Louisiana is the only state where the average student has completed their recovery.
—An analysis suggests Louisiana’s investment in pandemic funding did contribute to the academic recovery, especially when targeted at academic efforts such as summer learning and tutoring.
—Growth in chronic absenteeism (students missing more than 10% of a school year) is slowing the recovery in many school systems in Louisiana.
“Louisiana’s academic progress reflects a focus on fundamental skills and strong educator support,” said Louisiana State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley. “There is a lot to be proud of in this latest report, and our work continues. There are still too many Louisiana students who can’t read on grade level, can’t do basic math, and who don’t attend school on a regular basis.”
The Education Recovery Scorecard is a collaboration between the Center for Education Policy Research at Harvard University and the Educational Opportunity Project at Stanford University. The latest report provides the first high resolution picture of where Louisiana students’ academic recovery stood in spring 2024.
While The Nation’s Report Card described changes in average achievement by state, the Education Recovery Scorecard combines those scores with school system scores on state assessments to describe the change in local communities throughout Louisiana.
Louisiana also earned positive marks on the 2023 Education Recovery Scorecard. That report found that Louisiana was one of three states where average reading achievement in 2023 was above 2019 levels. Louisiana students recovered nearly half of their original loss in math, which was referred to in the study as “a remarkable achievement” given that students nationally had only made up one third of the original loss.

Signing on to online safety task force

Thu, 02/13/2025 - 10:34am

Submitted photo
St. Mary Parish law enforcement agencies have joined the Louisiana Department of Justice Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The officials here include Berwick Police Chief David S. Leonard, Chitimacha Police Chief B.C. Trahan, Morgan City Chief Chad M. Adams and St. Mary Sheriff Gary Driskell. The task force will participate in interdiction of child sexual exploitation and abuse, online enticement, human trafficking, unlawful image sharing, and inappropriate contact and grooming. Adams encouraged parents to monitor and supervise online activity, educate children about online safety, set clear rules, recognize warning signs and report suspicious activities.

Acosta receives reserve police award

Thu, 02/13/2025 - 10:32am

Submitted photo
Berwick Fire Chief Jody Acosta, who also serves as a reserve police officer, received the Hilton Rebardi Reserve Officer Award at Tuesday's Berwick Town Council meeting. Acosta has also served with the Morgan City Fire Department. Shown with Acosta are wife Kristin, daughter Lucy and son Luca.

Power authority signs deal with new La. city

Thu, 02/13/2025 - 10:30am

The Louisiana Energy & Power Authority will soon provide wholesale electrical power to the city of Natchitoches, making it the 12th member city to receive its wholesale electrical power from LEPA.
The contract could be good for Morgan City, which is an LEPA member and would benefit from a stronger authority.
The LEPA Board of Directors unanimously approved the contract between LEPA and Natchitoches at its January meeting. The Natchitoches City Council also approved the wholesale electricity contract with LEPA. The city will begin receiving its wholesale electricity from LEPA in June 2025.
“We are excited to have Natchitoches join the 11 other LEPA member towns and cities that receive reliable and stable electricity directly from the organization created for them and their citizens,” said LEPA General Manager Bihm. “This not only helps to strengthen the LEPA organization, but also lowers electrical costs for all of these cities in the process.”
“As mayor of the great city of Natchitoches, I understand that the responsibility of my administration is not just to ensure power continues to flow throughout our city, but to do so in a way that benefits all residents and businesses," said Natchitoches Mayor Ronnie Williams Jr.
"This is a decision that not only affects us at present, but also well into the future. We knew we were not just selecting a provider. We needed to select a partner who would share in our vision for a sustainable, equitable, and resilient community.
"We were seeking a supplier that not only prioritizes affordability, but also customer service. In selecting LEPA as our energy partner, we are confident that in addition to meeting our energy needs of today, we are embarking on a journey together to meet our energy needs for future generations to come.”
Created by the Legislature in 1979, LEPA has a membership of 20 cities and towns in Louisiana that own their municipal power systems. As a joint action agency, LEPA works to provide its member communities with firm, stable sources of electricity at the lowest possible cost.
The 12 full requirements cities are Abbeville, Gueydan, Jonesville, Morgan City, New Roads, Plaquemine, Rayne, St. Martinville, Vidalia, Welsh, Winnfield and Natchitoches. Other member cities in LEPA include Abbeville, Alexandria, Erath, Gueydan, Houma, Kaplan, Lafayette, Minden, Ruston, and Vinton.
Stewart
honored
Jeffery Stewart was recognized by the LEPA board for his service as chairman of in 2024.
“The organization had three major accomplishments in 2024 under Mr. Stewart’s leadership,” said Bihm.
“LEPA made history by welcoming the city of Ruston as its 20th member; Abbeville and Gueydan began receiving wholesale electricity from LEPA in June; and LEPA introduced state legislation to modify its 1979 enabling act.”
Rayne Mayor Chuck Robichaux has been named the Chairman of the Board of Directors for 2025. Robichaux has been on the board for 10 years, and previously served in officer positions, including serving as chairman in 2017, 2018 and 2021.
“Chuck is a proven leader not only in the community of Rayne, but he has been a positive influence on municipal government in the state of Louisiana and we are fortunate to have him as Chairman of the LEPA Board once again," Bihn said.
Other officers include Mayor Jason Willis of St. Martinville, vice chairman; and Mayor Rosalyn White of Abbeville, secretary-treasurer. The remaining LEPA Operating Committee members for 2025 include Mayor Buz Craft of Vidalia and Mayor Mike Kloesel of Kaplan.

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