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JOHN CHARLES McMINN

Wed, 01/03/2018 - 1:14pm

September 14, 1966- January 2, 2018
John Charles McMinn, 51, a resident of Ricohoc, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2018, at home surrounded by his loving family.
John was born Sept. 14, 1966, in Blytheville, Arkansas, the son of Homer Rush McMinn and Methel Isbell McMinn.
John was a very generous person; he would give you the shirt off his back if he needed to. He was a very loving and caring person, and his children and family were his world. John was a very hard worker, and on his off time he enjoyed fishing.
John will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his son, John McMinn of North Carolina; three daughters, Kelly McMinn of Houston, Christian Alexis Coffery of North Carolina, and Seava Lee McMinn of Gueydan, Louisiana; his mother, Methel McMinn; four brothers, Jody McMinn of Ricohoc, Louisiana, Sonny Hatley of Arkansas, Butch Hatley of Texas and Larry Hatley of Texas; six sisters, Peggy McMinn of Houma, Faye Friar of Patterson, Peggy Moore of Georgia, Nellie Spell of Texas, Wanda Gilbert of Texas and Patricia Killingsworth of Houma; three grandchildren; nephew, Frank McBride of Arkansas; niece, Pam Lemons of Arkansas; and numerous nieces and nephews.
John was preceded in death by his father, Homer McMinn; and five sisters.
Visitation will be held Thursday, Jan. 4, 2018, at Twin City Funeral Home from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Funeral services will begin at 2 p.m. with Michael Pellegrin officiating.

Wheel House for Jan. 3

Wed, 01/03/2018 - 1:12pm

BINGO NIGHT
Bayou Vista Volunteer Fire Department will not have bingo on Thursday nights for the month of January, due to remodeling of the building. Bingo will resume at 7 p.m. Feb. 1.

MLK PROGRAM
The Mid-Area Concerned Citizens Organization of Verdunville holding its annual Martin Luther King Jr. program 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 14, at Verdunville Alternative School, 131 Clausen Road South, Verdunville. Guest speaker is motivational speaker and author RaShad D. Bristo. Tri-City Gospel Singers will provide music. A march will proceed the program at 1 p.m. from the carwash in Verdunville to the alternative school. Public invited.

Banks, clubs join forces to teach kids about money

Wed, 01/03/2018 - 12:56pm

Staff Report
The Finance Park capstone simulation for all St. Mary Parish eighth-grade students was held Dec. 4-15 at Shannon Elementary’s gym.
Finance Park helps middle school students build a foundation of intelligent, personal financial decision-making skills through an experiential, real-life simulation. Students visit Finance Park after completing teacher-led course materials.
When they arrive on site, students are assigned a life scenario, including a job, salary and family situation, to use as the basis of their simulation experience. They learn how to construct and adhere to a personal budget, including paying their housing, food, savings, transportation, entertainment, health care and maintenance, utilities, clothing and education bills.
The program’s success would not have been possible without the mentorship of our community volunteers from Iberia Bank, Patterson State Bank, Regions Bank, Whitney Bank, Cabot Corporation, Chi Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma, Rotary Club of Morgan City, Kiwanis Club of East St. Mary, St. Mary Parish School Board staff, and teachers as well as the leadership of Emily Berry, marketing director of MC Bank and Trust, Gidget Everitt and Amber Monceaux, St. Mary Parish School Board, who served as volunteer instructors throughout the simulation.

Dupre finishes leadership program

Wed, 01/03/2018 - 12:51pm

Frances Dupre of M C Bank in Morgan City,successfully completed the 2017 Leadership School, Growing Our Next Generation of Leaders, a six-month program that included online course work and five instructor-led sessions focused on developing leadership skills and enhancing knowledge in various areas of banking.
The program provided by the Louisiana Bankers Association and held in Baton Rouge at The Bankers Center, hosts students from all over the state. Jeremy Callais, executive vice president, chief financial officer and chief operating officer at M C Bank, said “Fran Dupre is a shining example of the wonderful people we get to work with here at M C Bank. Her dedication and passion to her job, customers and her coworkers make Fran a critical piece of the puzzle. By continually pushing herself to learn more through programs such as the LBA Leadership School, Fran Dupre continues sharing the “Hometown Spirit.”

Breaux completes Leadership St. Mary

Wed, 01/03/2018 - 12:42pm

Whitney Breaux of M C Bank in Morgan City successfully completed the 2017 Leadership St. Mary Program with the St. Mary Chamber of Commerce, a one-year program that includes monthly all-day sessions, which includes presentations on varied approaches to the issues facing every community.
Group members shared their ideas and learned from each other’s experiences, as well as participated in exercises, field trips, and presentations by local leaders. After completion of the all-day sessions, participants graduated from Leadership St. Mary.
The program provided by the St. Mary Chamber of Commerce is held in St. Mary Parish, hosting students from all over the parish. The 2017 session marked the sixth year of the program.
Travis Richard, operations vice president with M C Bank said, “Whitney is a perfect fit for M C Bank. Whitney’s ability to be leader inside the bank and in the community, shows her commitment to sharing the “Hometown Spirit.”

Jim Brown: What does the new year have in store for Americans?

Wed, 01/03/2018 - 12:32pm

By JIM BROWN

It would be an understatement to say that this past year has been controversial on the political scene. Three major stories dominated the news from my perspective. Obviously at the top of the list was the continuing saga of Donald Trump. Then there was he Alabama Senate race that became the nation’s number one soap opera. And we learned that the government spends millions of dollars running down rumors of UFOs.
And here’s the kicker. 2018 is potentially shaping up to be the most tumultuous political year in our lifetime. The control of congress, more unpredictable antics from our President, the possible reckless actions from that crazy guy in North Korea, America’s deteriorating role of leadership on the world stage, gridlock in Washington and in legislatures across the nation: Hey, what more could a political junkie ask for?
So far, President Trump has not followed in the paths of Reagan, Roosevelt and Kennedy in being forceful leaders who reached out to build working coalitions. Great leaders, in order to govern effectively, extended their tribal base by appealing to people’s hopes rather than their fears. There is a long history of presidents using their office as a bully pulpit to rally support. But do we now have a bully in the pulpit?
Whether you are a Trump supporter or not, he is viewed across the board as an aggressive, abusive, no holds barred president.
In the years to come, historians will look back to see if the presidency has changed Donald Trump, or if Donald Trump has changed the presidency.
The president is making a major effort to restructure the federal judiciary and has forwarded some three dozen nominations to the U.S. Senate for confirmation.
Only six have been confirmed so far, and for good reason. In a number of cases, Trump has selected grey mice. That’s the name given by court watchers to nominees who lack the scholarship, the temperament, and the learning to be federal judges.
We witnessed first hand several nominees who were over their heads and obviously unqualified for the federal bench in Senate judiciary committee confirmation hearings just a few weeks ago. Louisiana Senator John Kennedy has commendably hammered away at several nominees as to their knowledge of basic judicial terminology. Concepts any candidate for a judgeship should know.
As the Baton Rouge Advocate reported: “The questions highlighted (nominee) Matthew Peterson’s lack of courtroom experience. Pressed by Sen. Kennedy, Peterson acknowledged having never made arguments in a court room nor having tried a case– and then struggled to define a series of legal terms, several of which legal expert described as fairly basic.” As Kennedy appropriately observed: “Just because you’ve seen ‘My cousin Vinny’ doesn’t qualify you to be a federal judge.”
So to help out future nominees, I’m offering a few questions and answers that should be memorized before appearing at a Senate confirmation hearing.
Any future nominee should give me a call because, hey I’m a lawyer, and I’m admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court. So with the aid of Professor Garrett Epps at Baltimore University, I offer these suggested responses.
A Lawsuit: That’s what you wear in court.
Recusal: When the judge takes a brief judicial nap.
Sidebar: that’s of course the liquor kept near the courtroom.
Erie doctrine: the rule that testimony by ghosts is inadmissible.
Bench trial: Shopping for a new chair for the judge.
Judicial review: the number of “likes” on the judge’s twitter feed.
Res judicata: the judges once a year have a race around the courthouse.
Marbury v. Madison: the first matchup for the NCAA national football championship.
For all you judicial wannabes, gray mice or otherwise, I hope this helps in your quest to ascend to the federal bench. For all the rest of us, get ready for a knock down-drag out 2018. Happy New Year!
Peace and Justice
Jim Brown
Jim Brown’s syndicated column appears each week in numerous newspapers throughout the nation and on websites worldwide. You can read all his columns at www.jimbrownusa.com.

Radio logs for Jan. 3

Wed, 01/03/2018 - 11:03am

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.

Friday, Dec. 29

5:43 a.m. 1200 block of Victor II Boulevard; Alarm.

6:55 a.m. 7600 block of La. 182; Alarm.

8:16 a.m. 800 block of Victor II Boulevard; Assistance.

8:43 a.m. 1000 block of Belanger Street; Medical.

8:51 a.m. 600 block of Leona Street; Medical.

8:56 a.m. 1600 block of Maple Street; Telephone harassment.

8:57 a.m. 900 block of First Street; Medical.

9:09 a.m. 200 block of Aycock Street; Animal complaint.

9:19 a.m. 700 block of Hilda Street; Complaint.

10:36 a.m. Front Street and Brashear Avenue; Complaint.

10:52 a.m. 1100 block of Second Street; Complaint.

10:54 a.m. 2700 block of Shaw Street; Theft.

10:56 a.m. 6700 block of La. 182; Arrest.

11:22 a.m. 100 block of Mallard Street; Complaint.

12:14 p.m. 600 block of Brashear Avenue; Disturbance.

2:20 p.m. 800 block of Alabama Street; Theft.

2:36 p.m. 200 block of Louisa Street; Vehicle burglary.

2:59 p.m. 1100 block of Fourth Street; Complaint.

3:11 p.m. 300 block of Adams Street; Complaint.

3:12 p.m. 1300 block of McDermott Drive; Theft.

3:47 p.m. Morgan City; Be on the lookout.

4:17 p.m. 1100 block of Marguerite Street; Assistance.

4:29 p.m. 600 block of Bush Street; Complaint.

4:31 p.m. 2400 block of Hemlock Street; Juvenile problems.

4:58 p.m. Fifth Street; Firework complaint.

5:06 p.m. 900 block of Seventh Street; Complaint.

6:07 p.m. 6500 block of La. 182; Complaint.

7:40 p.m. 800 block of Brashear Avenue; Theft.

7:55 p.m. 1600 block of North Second Street; Medical.

9:36 p.m. 1000 block of Duke Street; Alarm.

9:46 p.m. 2900 block of Eastgate ; Medical.

10:55 p.m. 200 block of Second Street; Utilities.

11:37 p.m. 1500 block of Bernice Street; Suspicious person.

Saturday, Dec. 30

12:07 a.m. U.S. 90 West; Reckless driving.

3:39 a.m. 500 block of Roderick Street; Suspicious vehicle.

6:28 a.m. 700 block of Onstead Street; Arrest.

7:34 a.m. 100 block of Mallard Street; Arrest.

9:26 a.m. 1000 block of Levee Road; Medical.

9:59 a.m. 1100 block of Marguerite Street; Alarm.

10:07 a.m. 900 block of First Street; Theft.

10:17 a.m. 3100 block of Jennie Drive; Alarm.

10:27 a.m. 600 block of Grove Street; Assistance.

10:47 a.m. 1600 block of Chestnut Drive; Burglary.

10:54 a.m. 7500 block of La. 182; Complaint.

1:03 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Arrest.

1:07 p.m. Onstead Street and Federal Avenue; Complaint.

1:36 p.m. 700 block of Freret Street; Arrest.

2:35 p.m. 1200 block of Victor II Boulevard; Arrest.

4:37 p.m. 800 block of Brashear Avenue; Arrest.

6:02 p.m. 400 block of Federal Avenue; Alarm.

6:06 p.m. La. 70/U.S. 90 Junction; Accident.

6:23 p.m. 2300 block of La. 70; Phone harassment.

7:21 p.m. 1700 block of Filmore Street; Harassment.

10:58 p.m. U.S. 90 East; Traffic incident.

11:21 p.m. Federal Avenue and Everett Street; Animal.

11:58 p.m. 1100 block of Marguerite Street; Assistance.

Sunday, Dec. 31

12:29 a.m. 7400 block of La. 182; Complaint.

12:34 a.m. 500 block of Hilda Street; Medical.

2:06 a.m. 100 block of St. Clair Street; Theft.

2:48 a.m. 2400 block of Apple Street; Theft.

5:16 a.m. 1000 block of Florence Street; Suspicious subject.

7:07 a.m. Ditch Avenue and Eighth Street; Arrest.

8:10 a.m. U.S. 90 East; Traffic incident.

9:36 a.m. 3100 block of Wytchwood Drive; Medical.

10:44 a.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Theft.

11:02 a.m. 600 block of Bowman Street; Alarm.

3:03 p.m. 2300 block of Clements Street; Complaint.

3:22 p.m. 7700 block of La. 182; Theft.

5:49 p.m. 1600 block of Front Street; Complaint.

6:47 p.m. 1100 block of Ditch Avenue; Disturbance.

7:38 p.m. 1000 block of Fifth Street; Alarm.

Monday, Jan. 1

12:46 a.m. La. 182; Traffic incident.

2:44 a.m. Ninth and Everett streets; Disturbance.

3:33 a.m. 600 block of Michigan Street; Alarm.

3:54 a.m. 1000 block of Greenwood Street; Alarm.

12:33 p.m. 7600 block of La. 182; Alarm.

12:35 p.m. 600 block of Martin Luther King Boulevard; Warrant arrest.

1:07 p.m. 1100 block of General Clark Street; Animal complaint.

5:55 p.m. 500 block of Roderick Street; Theft.

8:01 p.m. Headland Street; Suspicious person.

9:41 p.m. 1600 block of Elm Street; Loud noise.

Tuesday, Jan. 2

12:33 a.m. 6300 block of La. 182; Disturbance.

2:53 a.m. 600 block of Michigan Street; Alarm.

4:57 a.m. 1200 block of David Drive; Disturbance.

10:53 a.m. 900 block of Youngs Road; 911 hang up.

11:01 a.m. 2200 block of Elm Street; Animal complaint.

11:26 a.m. 700 block of Hilda Street; Disturbance.

11:36 a.m. 400 block of Brashear Avenue; Disturbance.

12:06 p.m. 2300 block of Clements Street; Complaint.

12:26 p.m. 1500 block of North Third Street; Unauthorized use of a vehicle.

12:27 p.m. 100 block of Poncio Street; Suspicious subject.

1:48 p.m. Garber and Orange streets; Suspicious subject.

2:32 p.m. 1000 block of La. 70; Theft.

2:54 p.m. 100 block of Headland Street; Alarm.

3:11 p.m. 1600 block of Chestnut Drive; Medical.

3:30 p.m. 300 block of Wise Street; Alarm.

4:09 p.m. 1100 block of McDermott Drive; Welfare concern.

4:37 p.m. 300 block of Chennault Street; Fireworks.

6:40 p.m. 700 block of Everett Street; Domestic disturbance.

6:44 p.m. 100 block of Poncio Street; Suspicious person.

7:09 p.m. 1500 block of Sandra Street; Stolen vehicle.

8:28 p.m. 900 block of Short Street; Complaint.

8:51 p.m. 100 block of Mount Street; Complaint.

10:04 p.m. 400 block of Ninth Street; Complaint.

Wednesday, Jan. 3

1:57 a.m. 200 block of Robin Street; Loud noise.

2:16 a.m. 7300 block of La. 182 East; Alarm.

(Updated) Police: Three injured in seven-vehicle crash

Wed, 01/03/2018 - 10:50am

At 9:50 a.m. Wednesday, authorities responded to a seven-vehicle crash on U.S. 90 just west of the eastbound ramp onto the bridge over Berwick Bay. Five people were issued citations for careless driving, Berwick Police Chief James Richard said. Police determined that one vehicle struck the back of another vehicle, and then four more vehicles to hit the back of the vehicle in front of them, he said. Three people were taken to the hospital to be treated for moderate injuries.

The Daily Review/Bill Decker

Franklin residents asked to conserve water

Wed, 01/03/2018 - 10:25am

The Franklin Water System is asking customers to conserve water. Several main breaks and increased usage has lowered pressure city-wide. The water plant has been operating around the clock to ensure supply. Please refrain from leaving your faucets running and limit household use until conditions improve. Please contact Granderson Hamilton, Water Plant Manager, at 337-828-6340 with any questions.

Police Reports 1-3-18

Wed, 01/03/2018 - 9:42am

Franklin Sheriff Sabria McGuire reported the following arrests:
Dequellin Antoine, 18, of Samuel Street, Franklin, was arrested Thursday at 5:02 p.m. on the charge of vehicle burglary.
Officers responded to the area of Josephine Street in reference to a suspicious male subject that was digging in a van. Upon arrival, officers located the subject, later identified as Antoine, who after questioning admitted that he went into the vehicle. Antoine was booked, processed, and released on a $2,500 bond.
Jamord Harris, 30, of La. 182, Franklin, was arrested Saturday at 1:29 a.m. on the charges of no insurance, operating a vehicle while license is suspended, flight from an officer and establishing of speed zones.
Harris was booked, processed, and released on a $4,000 bond.
Robin Ayon-Chaveri, 42, of 26th Street, Port Arthur, Texas was arrested Saturday at 11:51 a.m. on the charge of theft of goods and was additionally charged on a warrant for Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office for criminal neglect of family.
Ayon-Chaveri was booked, processed, and held pending transport to Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Erika LaGrange, 37, of La. 182, Franklin, was arrested Saturday at 10:28 p.m. on the charge of resisting an officer by giving false information. LaGrange was additionally charged on a warrant for 16th Judicial District Court for failure to appear on the charges of illegal possession of stolen things over $1,500.00 and contributing to the delinquency of juveniles.
LaGrange was booked, processed, and held with no bond set at the time of press release.
Marjorie Ruffin, 28, of O’Neal Chube Street, Franklin, was arrested Sunday at 2:29 p.m. on a warrant for the charge of simple battery and was additionally charged with disturbing the peace by loud and profane language.
Ruffin was booked, processed, and released on a $3,000 bond.
Ayla Hurt, 26, of Seventh Street, Franklin, was arrested Sunday at 2:36 p.m. on the charge of disturbing the peace by fighting.
Hurt was booked, processed, and released on a $1,000 bond.
Brandy Maxie, 30, of Van Buren Drive, Lafayette, was arrested Sunday at 4:33 p.m. on the charge of disturbing the peace by fighting.
Maxie was booked, processed, and released on a $1,000 bond.
Officers were in the area of Seventh Street and Martin Luther King Boulevard in reference to a complaint. Upon arrival, officers observed two subjects fighting. They were Hurt and Maxie
Charmel Laviolette, 32, of Snapper Road, New Iberia, was arrested Sunday at 3:28 p.m. on the charge of felony theft over $5,000.
Officers responded to a local business on La. 3211 in reference to an employee theft. Upon arrival, officers spoke with Asset Protection who advised they received a complaint of an employee theft on Dec. 22, from the store manager. After investigation, Laviolette allegedly admitted that over the last few months, she loaded gift cards for different amounts and then conducted returns to different gift cards to offset the cash accountability. The total amount of money allegedly taken was $14,778. Laviolette was booked, processed, and released on a $5,000 bond.
Joseph Williams, 57, of Eighth Street, Franklin, was arrested Wednesday at 3:55 a.m. on charges of simple battery and battery of a dating partner.
Williams was booked, processed, and held with no bond set at the time of press release.