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Police: Suspect’s blood alcohol content nearly triple legal limit

Fri, 12/22/2017 - 10:34am
Staff Report

A 57-year-old Houma man was arrested in Morgan City on a DWI second offense charge after registering a blood alcohol content of nearly three times the legal limit, Police Chief James Blair said in a news release.

—Todd J. Gautreaux, 57, of Vicari Street in Houma, was arrested at 3:57 p.m. Thursday on charges of DWI second offense and possession of open alcoholic beverage in a motor vehicle.

Patrol officers responded to the area of U.S. 90 in regard to a vehicle being operated in a reckless manner. A description of the vehicle was obtained and officers located the vehicle in question in the area of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.

Gautreaux, the driver, was in an intoxicated state, Blair said. Gautreaux performed poorly on a field sobriety test and also had an open alcoholic beverage in the vehicle, Blair said.

Gautreaux was arrested and transported to the Morgan City Police Department for chemical testing. Gautreaux submitted to a chemical test which resulted in 0.224 grams-percent blood alcohol content, Blair said. Gautreaux was jailed.

Blair reported officers responded to 35 calls and made the following arrests:

—Tommy L. Harding, 26, of Friendship Lane in Amelia, was arrested at 2:29 p.m. Thursday on a charge of possession of tobacco on jail premises.

Officers with the Morgan City jail conducted an investigation into the use of tobacco in the jail, which is prohibited. Officers searched a cell belonging to Harding and found him in possession of tobacco, Blair said. Harding was jailed.

—Bridget Brown, 46, of Aristile Road in Morgan City, was arrested at 11:57 p.m. Thursday on a warrant charging her with simple battery.

Brown was located and arrested in the area of Maple Street on a warrant. The warrant stems from a Sept. 10, 2015, investigation when officers responded to the area of Chennault Street in regard to a complaint of a battery that had been committed.

Officers arrived and learned that Brown allegedly committed a battery on the victim, Blair said. The investigation continued and warrants were prepared for Brown’s arrest. Brown was jailed.

St. Mary Parish Sheriff Mark Hebert reported that deputies responded to 36 complaints in the parish and reported the following arrests relating to east St. Mary Parish:

—Darnell Ayro Sr., 34, of Edward Lane in Jeanerette, was arrested at 1:34 p.m. Thursday on charges of careless operation, operating a vehicle with a suspended driver’s license and a warrant for failure to register as a sex offender or child predator.

A detective with the St. Mary Parish Sex Offender Compliance Section conducted a follow-up investigation into a complaint worked by patrol deputies in Berwick involving Ayro, Hebert said. The detective found that Ayro was living in St. Mary Parish but failed to register with the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office as a convicted sex offender.

In 2001, Ayro was convicted in Iberia Parish of contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile-sexually immoral acts. The detective obtained a warrant for his arrest.

On Thursday, a patrol deputy responded to a two-vehicle crash on La. 83 in Ashton and identified Ayro as one of the drivers involved, Hebert said.

The deputy located the active warrant for his arrest. The deputy also found that he had a suspended license and that he was operating the vehicle in a careless manner when he struck the back of another vehicle, the sheriff said. Ayro was jailed with no bail set.

—Nathan Mclain Jr., 36, of Palmer Lane in Centerville, was arrested at 9:11 a.m. Thursday on a warrant for failure to appear on charges of speeding and operating a vehicle without a driver’s license.

—Belinda Cox, 46, of Palmer Lane in Centerville, was arrested at 10:16 a.m. Thursday on charges of criminal trespass and criminal damage to property.

A deputy responded to a call for service regarding trespassers on the Verdunville levee. Upon arrival, the deputy observed an unoccupied pick-up truck stuck in the mud on the levee.

The deputy identified the owner of the vehicle as Cox and found that she and Mclain were driving on the levee when the truck got stuck. During the investigation, Mclain returned to the truck to remove it from the mud.

While speaking with Mclain, the deputy located the active warrant for his arrest. The deputy located Cox at her home, Hebert said. Cox was released on a summons to appear in court March 7. Mclain was jailed and then released on $500 bail.

—Alan Granger, 27, of Lee Street in Franklin, was arrested at 11:08 p.m. Thursday on charges of improper lane usage, possession of marijuana and a warrant for criminal damage to property.

A deputy observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed on U.S. 90 in Berwick. The deputy also observed the driver swerving onto the shoulder of the roadway and over the centerline multiple times, Hebert said.

The deputy conducted a traffic stop and identified the driver as Granger. While speaking with him, the deputy observed marijuana inside the vehicle, Hebert said.

The deputy also located the active warrant for Granger’s arrest. The warrant was issued in July 2014 after a correctional deputy at the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center observed Granger damage a window at the facility during a previous incarceration, the sheriff said. Following the traffic stop investigation, Granger was jailed with bail set at $2,750.

Berwick Police Chief James Richard reported no arrests.

New judge takes oath

Fri, 12/22/2017 - 10:32am

Submitted Photo
Suzanne de Mahy, elected to the 16th Judicial District Court bench July 14 without opposition to finish the term of retired Judge Paul de Mahy, was formally sworn in Dec. 15 at the St. Martin Parish Courthouse. Paul de Mahy presided over the half-hour ceremony. The administration of the oath was by retired Judge “Dicky” Haik. Paul de Mahy and Korey Kimball presented Suzanne de Mahy with the robe of office and gavel. Before her election, she worked with the Public Defender’s Offices in both the 16th Judicial District, which covers St. Mary, St. Martin and Iberia parishes, and the 15th Judicial District. She also maintained a private practice assisting with the legal needs of our community.

Patterson officer still employed after DWI arrest

Fri, 12/22/2017 - 10:26am
Staff Report

A Patterson police officer, who was arrested on a DWI charge earlier this month in Franklin, is still employed with the police department, according to the Patterson mayor.

Clyde Phillips, 60, of Mechanic Street in Franklin, was arrested Dec. 1 on charges of DWI and improper lane usage by a St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office deputy on La. 182 in Franklin, Sheriff Mark Hebert said in a news release.

Patterson Mayor Rodney Grogan confirmed Friday that Phillips is a captain with the Patterson Police Department and works in the patrol division.

The Daily Review attempted to reach Patterson Police Chief Patrick LaSalle for comment Friday by phone, but was unable to reach him.

Grogan said he has not received any letter of recommendation to suspend Phillips and hasn’t spoken to LaSalle about the incident. To Grogan’s knowledge, Phillips has been assigned to do office work since the arrest, he said.

Early on the morning of Dec. 1, a sheriff’s deputy patrolling the area of Franklin observed a vehicle cross the fog line and travel on the shoulder of La. 182, Hebert said. The deputy conducted a traffic stop and made contact with the driver who was identified as Phillips, the sheriff said.

While speaking with Phillips, the deputy smelled a strong odor of alcoholic beverage emitting from him and also noticed that he slurred his speech, the sheriff said. Phillips refused a field sobriety test, Hebert said. Phillips was transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking and then released on recognizance.

Jim Bradshaw: How is Santa possible? We do the math

Fri, 12/22/2017 - 10:08am
By JIM BRADSHAW

You have never seen a busier place than Santa’s workshop on Christmas Eve.
This year, like every other for centuries, his sleigh must take off precisely at First Star Twinkle, North Pole Time.
Somehow. his little helpers pull that off, year after year.
But it’s busy, busy, busy before they can watch him sail off into the sky, and then all collapse into a giggling heap.
It’s important that Santa gets away on time.
He’s got a lot of stops to make.
Astronomers and others who study that sort of thing say that he must visit 91.8 million homes within the 31 hours of Christmas Eve darkness provided by the Earth’s rotation.
That means his reindeer must fly for 72.5 million miles at a speed of 650 miles per second.
Besides punctuality, that requires a good bit of Christmas magic.
That also explains why he is seldom seen.
He can only visit each home for the wink of an eye, so you have to look quick to see him.
(Santa uses a sophisticated system of triangulation to get the right toys to each boy and girl. It uses the Star of Bethlehem, each chlld’s house, and his North Pole Beacon.)
It also takes a great deal of Christmas magic to fit everything into his tiny sleigh. Those scientists have also figured that on takeoff this year, Santa’s sleigh will be carrying 321,307 tons of presents, plus the not inconsiderable weight of Santa himself (and maybe a mischievous elf sneaking a ride).
Heading into the big day, Beedlebaum, the chief toymaker elf, reported that work on all but a handful of toys is finished and that the last ones will be rushed to the wrapping shop well in time for takeoff. He said most of the toys were already loaded on the sleigh and that worker elves were busy making sure the name tags were fixed on them securely.
“That’s one of the little things that is really important to remember,” he said. “You know, the sleigh rushes along to get everywhere on time. We have to be sure the tags are on tight, so they don’t blow off in the wind.”
Postmaster elf Gigigold said there has been a rush of new letters to the North Pole during the last week, but the toyshop has been able to keep up with them.
“We have a new computer that helps us check really, really quickly on who’s been naughty and who’s been nice, so we can rush the list to the toymakers,” she said. “And, of course, after you’ve done this for a couple of centuries you learn to cope with the final rush.”
Wizewhisker, the stablemaster elf, said all of the reindeer are in fine form for the journey. He said Prancer has a slight cold, but “that won’t slow him down one bit.”
“All of the reindeer get more and more excited as Christmas draws near,” he said. “Dasher and Dancer especially. They’re the youngest, after Rudolph, and Christmas magic really has an effect on them.”
Mrs. Claus has been busy at the ovens in the kitchen of their snug little cottage, pulling hot cookies from this one and that, splashing icing on this pan, frosting on that platter, her cheeks glowing red as the row of apples sitting in the window, waiting to be stuffed into stockings.
She said some of them will be used for a big apple pie that Santa will take with him.
“I always check to be sure his goose-down comforter is on the sleigh,” she said. “It keeps him warm during the trip. And I like to pack a little pie or something for him to snack on while he’s traveling.
“I really shouldn’t bake for him like that, I guess. He gets cookies and snacks from so many of the children, and comes home so stuffed that he hardly touches our Christmas turkey,” she said. “But Christmas comes just once a year. I’ll make him diet during the summer.”
A collection of Jim Bradshaw’s columns, Cajuns and Other Characters, is now available from Pelican Publishing. You can contact him at jimbradshaw4321@gmail.com or P.O. Box 1121, Washington LA 70589.

Legislators: Progress on Bayou Chene, U.S. 90 projects successes of 2017

Fri, 12/22/2017 - 9:33am

Progress on a major flood protection project, highway construction and the announcement of a college merger were among the biggest successes for the Tri-City area during 2017, local legislators said. State Sen. Bret Allain, R-Franklin, pushed during the year to make sure state coastal leaders committed to funding the roughly $80 million permanent floodgate on Bayou Chene. Allain expects that up to $50 million in funding for the project may become available as early as the end of 2019 or start of 2020. Rep. Beryl Amedee, R-Houma, said she’s following Allain’s lead on the Bayou Chene project “because he’s doing ...

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Port moves to protect dredging project

Fri, 12/22/2017 - 9:24am

Good timing and commitment have worked in favor of the Morgan City Harbor and Terminal District Board. Another potential government shutdown will no longer threaten its sand dredging work. The port board approved the signing of a memorandum of agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at a special meeting Thursday and decided to give the Corps $1.25 million of its own funding to keep the sand dredging project going. The approval came just hours before Congress passed a stopgap bill to avoid a government shutdown that would have happened Friday. Tim Connell of the Corps said that the Borenquin ...

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Radio Logs for December 22

Fri, 12/22/2017 - 9:12am
Staff Report

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.
Thursday, Dec. 21
7:01 a.m. 1300 block of Chestnut Drive; Theft.
7:30 a.m. 3000 block of Keith Street; Theft.
9:27 a.m. 1000 block of Federal Avenue; Suspicious person.
9:58 a.m. 700 block of Justa Street; Medical.
10:36 a.m. 900 block of Spruce Street; Medical.
10:44 a.m. 3100 block of Vine Drive; Theft.
10:58 a.m. 700 block of Federal Avenue; Medical.
11:02 a.m. 1300 block of Chestnut Drive; Theft.
1:34 p.m. 7000 block of Railroad Avenue; Assistance.
1:50 p.m. 1100 block of Federal Avenue; Forgery.
2:04 p.m. 1000 block of La. 70; Accident.
3:29 p.m. U.S. 90 West; Reckless driving.
3:48 p.m. 5000 block of Railroad Avenue; Complaint.
4:29 p.m. 2900 block of Eastgate; Lost and found property.
5:14 p.m. 800 block of Brashear Avenue; Complaint.
6:38 p.m. 1000 block of La. 70; Criminal damage to property.
6:40 p.m. 1400 block of Federal Avenue; Complaint.
6:50 p.m. 800 block of Fourth Street; Medical.
7:02 p.m. 1000 block of Victor II Boulevard; Patrol request.
8:08 p.m. Morgan City; Assistance.
8:28 p.m. 200 block of Glenwood Street; Disturbance.
11:35 p.m. 2600 block of Maple Street; Arrest.
11:43 p.m. 1800 block of Dale Street; Patrol request.
11:48 p.m. 900 block of Poplar Street; Juvenile problem.
Friday, Dec. 22
1:12 a.m. 3000 block of Lake Palourde Drive; Alarm.
1:38 a.m. Morgan City; Assistance.
2:11 a.m. 1500 block of Federal Avenue; Animal complaint.
3:09 a.m. 500 block of Garber Street; Loud music.
4:13 a.m. 200 block of Robin Street; Disturbance.

Boil water advisory in Franklin

Fri, 12/22/2017 - 7:22am

The Franklin Water System has experienced problems with our water supply system.
Because of these problems, the water produced by our water supply system is of questionable microbiological quality.
Therefore, as a precaution, the Water System is issuing a BOIL ADVISORY effective immediately. This BOIL ADVISORY is to remain in effect until rescinded by the Franklin Water System.
It is recommended that all consumers disinfect their water before consuming it (including fountain drinks), making ice, brushing teeth, or using it for food preparation or rinsing of foods by the following means:
Boil water for one (1) full minute in a clean container. The one minute starts after the water has been brought to a rolling boil. (The flat taste can be eliminated by shaking the water in a clean bottle, pouring it from one clean container to another, or by adding a small pinch of salt to each quart of water that is boiled.)
Again, please be sure to disinfect your own water prior to consumption until you have been advised otherwise.
The Franklin Water System will rescind this Boil Advisory upon notification from the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals - Office of Public Health that additional water samples collected from our water supply system have shown our water to be safe.
Questions should be directed to the Franklin Water Plant Manager, Granderson Hamilton, at 337-828-6340.

Teen charged in Belle River burglaries

Thu, 12/21/2017 - 1:32pm
Staff Report

A Morgan City teen has been arrested in connection with a string of burglaries in the Belle River area. A Bayou L’Ourse teen is still sought in the case, Assumption Parish Sheriff Leland Falcon said in a news release.

Kaleb Williams Smith, 17, of Maple Street in Morgan City, was arrested Wednesday on charges of four counts of simple burglary of an inhabited dwelling and two counts of simple burglary. Smith was awaiting bail to be set.

On Oct. 17, Assumption Parish sheriff’s deputies responded to multiple residential and vehicle burglaries in the Belle River area.

Detectives, with the assistance of St. Martin and Bienville Parish Sheriff’s investigators, initiated an extensive and ongoing investigation and were able to identify at least four suspects, Falcon said.

Community involvement, video surveillance, witness interviews and assistance from other agencies led to the suspects’ identities, the sheriff said.

Detectives are searching for Austin Williams 18, of Aristle Road in Bayou L’Ourse, on multiple charges related to this case.

Anyone with information on Williams’ whereabouts should contact detectives at 985-526-1627 or 985-369-2912.

Previous arrests in the case include Krislyn Claire Vining, 23, of Bayou Vista, and Tager Rosson, 20, of Denham Springs.

Morgan City Police Chief James Blair reported that officers responded to 33 calls and reported the following arrests:

A 35-year-old Texas man was charged with DWI Wednesday in Morgan City after officers saw a vehicle swerving from lane to lane on Brashear Avenue, Police Chief James Blair said in a news release.

—Scott R. Barr, 35, of Highway 71 in Bay City, Texas, was arrested at 3:01 a.m. Wednesday on charges of DWI first offense and improper lane usage.

Patrol officers observed a vehicle being operated in the area of Brashear Avenue in an erratic manner swerving from lane to lane. A stop was initiated and Barr was identified as the operator of the vehicle. Barr was in an intoxicated state and performed poorly on a field sobriety test, Blair said.

Barr registered 0.107 grams-percent blood alcohol content on a chemical test, Blair said. Barr was jailed.

—Ronda K. Baines, 50, of La. 182 in Morgan City, was arrested at 3:41 p.m. Wednesday on a warrant charging her with failure to appear to pay a fine. Baines was located and arrested in the area of Front Street on a Morgan City Court warrant. Baines was jailed.

—Mia Amador, 35, of Marshall Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 4:06 p.m. Wednesday on a charge of theft less than $1,000.

Patrol officers responded to a business in the area of La. 182 in regard to a theft. Officers arrived and Amador was identified as the suspect involved. Amador allegedly admitted to taking $92.35 from the business, Blair said. Amador was jailed.

St. Mary Parish Sheriff Mark Hebert reported that deputies responded to 39 complaints in the parish and reported the following arrests in east St. Mary Parish:

—Tayler Davis, 19, of Allain Street in Jeanerette, was arrested at 8:22 p.m. Wednesday on a charge of remaining where forbidden.

A deputy responded to a call for service regarding trespassing on a property in the Patterson area. The deputy spoke with the people involved and found that Davis went into a home after being told by a deputy that he was not to return to the location, Hebert said. Davis was jailed with bail set at $500.

—Devin Toups, 19, of Oregon Street in Berwick, was arrested at 9:29 p.m. Wednesday on a charge of violation of a protective order.

A deputy investigated a possible violation of a protective order. The deputy collected evidence that Toups attempted to contact a woman in violation of active court orders, Hebert said. Toups was jailed with no bail set.

—Chad Toups, 43, of Doris Street in Amelia, was arrested at 2:06 a.m. Thursday on charges of vagrancy and criminal trespass. Deputies conducting patrols on foot in the early morning hours in Amelia observed Toups outside of a home. Deputies found that Toups was trespassing on the property, Hebert said. Toups was jailed with bail set at $1,250.

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