Warren Smith and Mrs. Kolin Leonard will relinquish their titles as King and Queen Adonis XLIX during the men's Krewe of Adonis ball Saturday at Morgan City Municipal Auditorium. The theme of last year's ball was “Mythical Creatures of the Forest.” Smith was “The Forest King” and Leonard was “Queen of the Forest.”
Staff report
Hurricane Francine dumped silt in the Port of Morgan City in a day. Removing it took months.
But dredging succeeded quickly enough to make port Executive Director Raymond “Mac” Wade happy.
On Wednesday, Wade told the St. Mary Parish Council that the port’s channel is back at its authorized depth after rapid work by the area’s congressional delegation and the Army Corps of Engineers. And he said the open channel is good for a growing number of companies doing business along the Atchafalaya and the nearby bayous.
Francine’s landfall Sept. 11 near Morgan City threatened to undo years of work to restore the channel to its authorized depth of 20 feet. The federally authorized width is 400 feet.
Until about 2015, the port was prepared to handle transshipments from large vessels engaged in the import-export business, especially in Louisiana rice.
A series of floods, here and elsewhere, dumped millions of cubic yards of silt in the channel over the next six years. By federal law, 30% of the water flowing down the Mississippi River is diverted into the Atchafalaya at Old River, so even floods in the upper Midwest had an impact here.
But, especially after 2021’s Hurricane Ida damaged port facilities to the east, the federal government stepped up its dredging efforts in the port’s channel, at times putting four dredges to work at the same time.
One dredge stationed here for the long term is the Brice Civil Constructors dredge Arulak, designed to remove sticky “fluff” mud from the water where the river meets the Gulf. The Arulak concept — agitating water to allow the fluff to flow downstream — was untried four years ago, and a series of mechanical problems had to be overcome.
But now, Wade told the council, the dredge can do its work for a fraction of the cost incurred by conventional dredges.
For the first time in years, the port’s channel was at 23 feet. Then came Francine.
Beneath the surface, the hurricane moved massive amounts of silt into the channel, enough to reduce the depth to 13 feet.
“I couldn’t believe we lost 10 feet overnight,” Wade said. “But surveys don’t lie.”
Wade credited representatives in Washington and the Corps of Engineers, which handles dredging work in the federally authorized channel, with quick work. That included diverting the Weeks Marine dredge Capt. Frank to the Port of Morgan City channel.
“The Corps has been our savior, getting dredges over here,” Wade said.
And that is good news for businesses that rely on the channel to do their work or move their products by water.
Wade pointed to Conrad Shipyard, which is building multimillion-dollar vessels that will serve as temporary housing for sailors while their ships are being repaired or maintained; Performance Contractors Inc., which has employed up to 2,600 people to build equipment needed for liquefied natural gas systems; and LAD Services, which employs more than 300 as it converts barges for use in offshore wind energy development.
Some of the material removed by the dredges has been used to create artificial islands that are welcoming to vegetation, Wade said.
Councilman Rodney Olander of Franklin asked Wade if material dredged from the channel might be used to restore Marsh Island. The island, which stretches east to west between the Gulf and the entrance to Vermilion and West Cote Blanche bays, has lost nearly 8 square miles of land over the last century, according to the Governor’s Office.
Dredges can pipe the material that far, Wade said. But such work would be expensive, he said.
Clarence Griffin, 64, a native and resident of Patterson, died Monday, Jan. 13, 2025.
Visitation will be Friday from 11 a.m. until services at 1 p.m. at Jones Funeral Home in Morgan City. Burial will follow in New Salem Baptist Church Cemetery.
He is survived by his brother, Larry Griffin, and sister, Patricia Bennett, both of Patterson.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, and two brothers.
Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
M C Bank is marking its 70th anniversary, celebrating what the Morgan City bank calls “decades of exceptional, human-centered service to the communities of Louisiana.”
The company opened its doors Jan. 20 1955.
To commemorate this milestone, M C Bank recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for its new headquarters Jan. 15 at 1204 Greenwood St., Morgan City. The state-of-the-art facility represents a major step forward in the bank’s mission to provide innovative financial solutions while maintaining its signature hometown spirit, the company said in a press release.
“It’s not our goal to be the largest bank in Louisiana, but the best bank for our associates, clients, and communities,” said Chris LeBato, president and CEO of M C Bank. “This new headquarters is a symbol of our commitment to growth - not just for us, but for the businesses, families, and individuals we proudly serve.”
M C Bank says its approach transforms banking into a growth partnership. The bank empowers local businesses by delivering innovative financial solutions, enabling them to focus on their goals and build stronger communities. This dedication to collaboration and progress is evident in every interaction, ensuring clients receive exceptional, personalized service every day.
“Our brand of banking is about more than accounts and transactions -- it’s about investing in people,” LeBato continued. “We’re not just your local bank; we’re your neighbor, your partner, and your advocate for success.”
Looking ahead, M C Bank aims to continue building on its 70-year legacy by strengthening its partnerships with local businesses and delivering tailored financial solutions that foster community growth. This investment underscores M C Bank’s dedication to remaining a pillar of support in Morgan City and beyond, while advancing toward our goal of becoming Louisiana’s best bank.
For more information about M C Bank’s 70th anniversary or its services, visit www.mcbt.com.
M C Bank's headquarters are in Morgan City, and it operates nine banking centers and offices in Amelia, Bayou Vista, Covington, Houma, Lafayette, Metairie, Morgan City, New Orleans and Youngsville.
Miley Bruni of Morgan City was named to the University of Alabama Deans List for Fall Semester 2024.
A total of 14,631 students enrolled Fall Semester 2024 at the University of Alabama were named to the dean’s list with an academic record of 3.5 (or above) or the president’s list with an academic record of 4.0 (all A’s). These driven students are making waves across UA’s more than 70 undergraduate programs and 12 colleges and schools.
The UA dean’s and president’s lists recognize full-time undergraduate students. The lists do not apply to graduate students or undergraduate students who take less than a full course load.
The University of Alabama, part of The University of Alabama System, is the state’s flagship university. A leader in cutting-edge research, UA advances discovery, creative inquiry and knowledge through more than 30 research centers. As the state’s largest higher education institution, UA drives economic growth in Alabama and beyond.
Acadian Air Med, a division of Acadian Ambulance, recently administered its 1,000th unit of blood. Air Med began blood transfusions inflight in February 2018 through a partnership with a local blood provider.
“Due to an increased number of critical patients traveling long distances, Air Med can be highly impactful in patient outcomes. Because of this, we opted to invest in the vital service throughout the entire Air Med fleet in early 2018,” said Acadian Chief Medical Officer Dr. Charles Burnell.
All operational Air Med aircraft are equipped with two units of blood at all times. The average human body contains approximately 10 units of blood. For a patient who has lost a significant amount of blood, two units can make a big difference.
“The goal is to transport patients to centers with the highest appropriate level of care. When extra time means the difference between life and death, a blood transfusion can be a lifesaving treatment,” said Air Med Program Director Marc Creswell.
Acadian Air Med was founded in 1981 and currently operates a fleet of 13 medically configured helicopters and three fixed-wing aircraft from bases strategically located throughout Louisiana. It is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems, the gold standard for air ambulance services in the United States.
Louisiana has achieved its highest ever ranking in fourth-grade reading and made significant progress in math rankings, according to the latest National Assessment of Educational Progress report, commonly known as the Nation’s Report Card.
Gov. Jeff Landry and state education officials announced that Louisiana has moved from 43rd to 32nd in the national rankings, marking an 11-spot improvement.
The NAEP, widely considered the gold standard for assessing student achievement across states, measures proficiency in reading and math among fourth- and eighth-graders.
State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley highlighted the significance of the improvements, particularly in literacy, at a Wednesday news conference.
“For the second consecutive NAEP cycle, Louisiana led the nation in fourth-grade reading growth,” Brumley said. “We’ve achieved this by implementing the science of reading, using a phonics-based approach, integrating rich texts, and emphasizing high-dosage tutoring.”
Fourth-graders have made an impressive gain of 34 points in reading, now ranking 16th in the nation. Eighth-graders have improved 16 points, now ranking 29th in the nation.
Math education is also showing gains. Louisiana is now in the top five states for fourth-grade math growth, a jump attributed to renewed emphasis on core math skills, including the distribution of traditional flashcards to every elementary classroom in the state. Currently, the state ranks 38th, a six-point increase since 2022.
Eighth-grade students have improved by six points since 2019, now ranking 43rd.
“Never has our state ranked higher in fourth-grade reading, but also never has our state ranked higher in fourth-grade math or eighth-grade reading or eighth-grade math,” Brumley said.
Despite the gains, Louisiana remains two points below the national average in mathematics for fourth-grade students.
Brumley also pointed to gains made among disabled students.
“Students with disabilities in Louisiana are outperforming their national peers, and students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds are exceeding the national average,” he noted. “We are one of only two states where fourth-graders have surpassed pre-pandemic levels in both reading and math.”
State officials attribute these gains to collaborative efforts between the governor’s office, the legislature, the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, and educators across Louisiana. They credit policy changes such as improved teacher training, increased access to intervention programs, and a focus on tutoring.
Both Landry and Brumley acknowledged that more work remains.
“Unfortunately, today, too many kids in the state can’t read on level, can’t do math on level, or are in a school that’s failing them, and those are things that we have to change.” Brumley continued. “Improvement isn’t always linear. There are hills and valleys on the course to the peak.”
Louisiana’s students with disabilities and those from low-income backgrounds exceeded the national average in both academic performance and progress.
“These results demonstrate the power of a strong academic foundation and a relentless focus on academic excellence,” said Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education Vice President Stacey Melerine. “I’m especially encouraged to see students with disabilities and economically disadvantaged students outpacing their national peers for growth and achievement.”
(Editor’s note: The charges listed here and the narratives that go with them are provided by the police agencies that made the arrests. Guilt or innocence has not been determined in court.)
St. Mary Parish deputies made six arrests this week on drug possession charges, including two for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one involving a weapon.
St. Mary
Sheriff Gary Driskell reported these arrests:
--Durell Thomas, 47, Franklin, was arrested at 6:48 p.m. Tuesday on charges of turning movements and required signals, expired registration, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of a firearm in the presence of a controlled dangerous substance.
On Tuesday, a narcotics detective was patrolling the area of Franklin when he observed a vehicle fail to give a required signal while turning. The detective conducted a traffic stop and made contact with the driver, identified as Thomas.
Through the investigation, the detective located drugs, drug paraphernalia consistent with distribution; and a handgun with an extended magazine.
Thomas was transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking. Thomas was released on a $37,000 bond.
--John Polk, 46, Jeanerette, was arrested at 4:58 p.m. Tuesday on charges of possession of methamphetamine, obstruction of justice, possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine and possession of synthetic marijuana.
--Bail has not been set at this time.
--𝗔𝗹𝗲𝗰 𝗚𝗲𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗲 𝗥𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗝𝗿., 𝟱𝟰, Morgan City, was arrested at 10:51 p.m. Monday on charges of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute Schedule I drugs, possession of drug paraphernalia and a traffic incident.
--𝗗𝗲𝘇𝘇𝗶𝗲 𝗝𝗮𝗻𝗲 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝘁𝘆, 𝟰𝟱, Morgan City, was arrested at 10:51 p.m. Monday on charges of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute Schedule I drugs, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a legend drug without a prescription, and resisting arrest or officer.
On Monday, a detective observed a vehicle traveling on La. 182 with no rear lights. A traffic stop was initiated, and the detective, along with a K9 deputy, made contact with the driver, identified as Race, and a passenger, identified as Booty.
Through the investigation, drugs and drug paraphernalia were located inside the vehicle and seized. A scale and plastic bags were also discovered and seized.
Upon attempting to place Booty into custody, she jerked away from the deputies and had to be restrained to be placed into cuffs.
Booty and Race were transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking. Bail has not been set at this time.
--Leo Kimber III, 22, Sorrento, was arrested at 10:34 p.m. Tuesday on a Terrebonne Parish Sheriff's Office warrant alleging failure to appear. Kimber is being held for another agency.
--Samuel James Minix, 24, Rayne, was arrested at 9:28 p.m. Tuesday on a Rayne Police Department warrant for an animal complaint. Kimber is being held for another agency.
--Jamon Clayborn Bias, 44, Bayou Vista, was arrested at 2:25 p.m. Monday on a charge of aggravated battery. Bail has not been set at this time.
--Daniel Rideaux, 47, Jeanerette, was arrested at 11:19 a.m. Monday on a warrant alleging failure to appear on charges of criminal trespassing and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Bail has not been set at this time.
--John Anthony Boyd Sr., 55, Franklin, was arrested at 11:04 a.m. Monday on a charge of domestic abuse battery and on a warrant alleging failure to appear on charges of operating a vehicle while license is suspended, revoked, or canceled and improper lane usage. Bail has not been set at this time.
--Lydia Mary Boudreaux, 34, Patterson, was arrested at 1:38 a.m. Tuesday on a warrant alleging failure to appear on a charge of possession of marijuana. Bail has not been set at this time.
--Kylon M. Garrison, 20, Berwick, was arrested at 10:21 p.m. Monday on charges of improper lane use, possession of Vyvanese, possession with intent to distribute marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Bail was set at $15,000.
Morgan City
Chief Chad M. Adams reported these arrests:
--Haiden Hebert, 17, Second Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 11:48 p.m. Tuesday on a charge of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.
--Anthony Javonte Harris, 29, Arizona Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 1:19 p.m. Monday on a charge of failure to appear to pay fines (6th Ward Morgan City Court).
--Jeremie A. Hanks, 47, Brownell Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 12:23 p.m. Monday on a charge of failure to appear to pay fines (6th Ward Morgan City Court).
--Courtney Jerome Smith, 36, La. 182, Morgan City, was arrested at 2:36 p.m. Monday on charges of domestic abuse battery and self-mutilation by a prisoner.
Assumption
Sheriff Leland Falcon reported these arrests:
--Gabriel Francis Randle, 22, Andras Street, Bayou L’Ourse, was arrested Monday on charges of possession with intent to distribute marijuana, possession of a firearm in the presence of controlled dangerous substances, possession of drug paraphernalia and vehicle illegally parked in roadway.
--Katie Leigh Breaux, 39, Andras Street, was issued a misdemeanor traffic citation alleging vehicle illegally parked in a roadway.
The charges result from a traffic incident Monday near Andras Street.
Narcotics officers on assignment responded to a complaint of vehicles obstructing traffic in the area. Deputies and agents arrived on scene and observed a vehicle to be parked on the roadway causing an undue risk to traffic attempting to navigate the area.
Deputies made contact with a male subject now identified as Randle, who acknowledged ownership of one of the vehicles. As Randle retrieved paperwork pertaining to the vehicle, deputies observed multiple containers holding suspected marijuana as well as other forms of suspected marijuana.
Deputies observed assorted drug paraphernalia and a handgun in plain view. Randle was arrested.
Deputies then made contact with the owner of the second vehicle improperly parked, who is now identified as Breaux.
Upon interviewing Breaux, deputies and agents determined that Randle was an occupant residing in Breaux’s home. During a consent search of an open area floor plan room, agents and deputies located additional firearms.
Randle was booked into the Assumption Parish Detention Center pending a bond hearing.
--Christopher Dwaine Woods, 33, 11th Street, Morgan City, was booked Monday on charges of failure to appear on counts of production, manufacturing, distribution, dispensing, or possession of Schedule I drugs and obstruction of justice, and failure to appear on one count of possession with intent to distribute a Schedule I drug.
Woods was previously arrested on multiple occasions in Assumption Parish on drug law and obstruction of justice crimes. As a result of those arrests, Woods was ordered to appear in court in Assumption Parish on Jan. 22 and failed to do so. As a result, warrants were issued for the arrest of Woods..
Woods had been arrested May 20 by the Morgan City Police Department on local charges.
On Monday, Woods was transported to the Assumption Parish Detention Center and ordered held without bond and returned to the St. Mary Parish Correctional Complex.
Franklin
Chief Cedric Handy reported this arrest:
--Eric Vincent, 57, Robertson Street, Franklin, was arrested at 8:15 p.m. Tuesday on a charge of driving under suspension. Vincent was additionally arrested on a warrant for St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office alleging turning movements and required signals, possession of Schedule II drugs, obstruction of justice, operating a vehicle while license is suspended, and resisting an officer, and on warrants for 16th Judicial District Court alleging failure to appear on the charges of criminal neglect of family, speeding, operating a vehicle while license is suspended, operating a vehicle with an expired license plate , and operating a vehicle without an inspection certificate.
Vincent was booked, processed and held on a $10,860 bond.
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.
Monday, Jan. 27
6:54 a.m. 2000 block of Keith Street; Complaint.
8:40 a.m. 1200 block of David Drive; Medical.
8:53 a.m. 800 block of Brashear Avenue; Complaint.
9:01 a.m. 500 block of Brashear Avenue; Subject removal.
9:10 a.m. 1000 block of Federal Avenue; Suspicious person.
10:02 a.m. 3100 block of Jennie Drive; Juvenile complaint.
10:08 a.m. 600 block of Bush Street; Animal complaint.
10:18 a.m. 600 block of Bush Street; Complaint.
11:03 a.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Arrest.
12:04 p.m. 500 block of Brashear Avenue; Welfare concern.
12:46 p.m. 500 block of Roderick Street; Theft.
1:18 p.m. Railroad Avenue/Poncio Street; Arrest.
1:42 p.m. 3000 block of Catherine Street; Patrol.
2:10 p.m. Wise/Second streets; Arrest.
2:15 p.m. 3000 block of Mark Drive; Complaint.
2:22 p.m. 7200 block of La. 182; Arrest.
2:31 p.m. Sixth/Belanger streets; Suspicious vehicle.
3:39 p.m. 900 block of Willard Street; Juvenile complaint.
5:51 p.m. 1400 block of Mayon Street; Lost and found.
6:20 p.m. 600 block of Terrebonne Street; Juvenile complaint.
6:35 p.m. Federal Avenue/Everett Street; Suspicious subject.
6:43 p.m. 7400 block of La. 182; Subject removal.
10:07 p.m. Onstead Street/Federal Avenue; Suspicious subject.
10:25 p.m. Aucoin Street/Federal Avenue; Suspicious subject.
Tuesday, Jan. 28
1:50 a.m. 500 block of Orange Street; Medical.
8:46 a.m. 1100 block of General Clark Street; Animal complaint.
9:33 a.m. Victor II Boulevard/Myrtle Street; Crash.
11:35 a.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Juvenile complaint.
11:39 a.m. 1000 block of Brashear Avenue; Complaint.
12:08 p.m. 1200 block of David Drive; Crash.
12:09 p.m. 300 block of Chennault Street; Animal complaint.
12:41 p.m. 900 block of Willard Street; Complaint.
1:09 p.m. La. 70/U.S. 90; Stalled vehicle.
1:28 p.m. U.S. 90; Reckless operation.
1:30 p.m. 500 block of Leona Street; Theft.
1:47 p.m. 3000 block of Keith Street; Telephone harassment.
2:07 p.m. 600 block of Franklin Street; Animal complaint.
2:09 p.m. 100 block of Glenwood Street; Suspicious vehicle.
2:24 p.m. 400 block of First Street; Suspicious subject.
3:36 p.m. 700 block of Justa Street; Animal complaint.
3:37 p.m. 1600 block of Elm Street; Juvenile complaint.
3:44 p.m. 500 block of Seventh Street; Arrest.
3:59 p.m. 7200 block of La. 182; Loud music.
5:16 p.m. 1400 block of Sandra Street; Stand by.
5:19 p.m. 700 block of David Drive; Utility.
5:21 p.m. 3000 block of Lake Palourde Road; Patrol.
5:35 p.m. 6300 block of La. 182; Disturbance.
5:37 p.m. 2400 block of Cypress Street; Stand by.
5:47 p.m. 7200 block of La. 182; Stand by.
8:46 a.m. 1100 block of General Clark Street; Animal complaint.
9:33 a.m. Victor II Boulevard/Myrtle Street; Crash.
9:25 p.m. Federal/Railroad avenues; Suspicious subject.
9:35 p.m. 300 block of Eighth Street; Fire.
11:16 p.m. 500 block of Aucoin Street; Arrest.
Wednesday, Jan. 29
1:09 a.m. Sixth Street/Levee Road; Complaint.
1:46 a.m. Federal/Brashear avenues; Assistance
After a three-year battle with colon cancer which Dianne fought fiercely till the end, she passed away peacefully Monday, January 27, 2025.
Dianne was born September 7, 1951, in Morgan City, the daughter of Lionel “Blackie” Arceneaux and Mildred Blanchard Arceneaux.
Dianne was the embodiment of joy and warmth, a magnetic force that drew friends and family closer. She was a radiant presence in any gathering, a true life of the party, and proudly cherished the title of “Dancing Queen.” A talented cook and an exceptional decorator, her home was always a welcoming haven filled with creativity and spirit. Her ability to bring people together, especially through her home-cooked meals, brought happiness to all who knew her.
For 36 years, Dianne dedicated her career to the St. Mary Parish School Board, serving as the steadfast secretary at J.S. Aucoin. Her commitment to her work was as profound as her devotion to her family. She found immense joy in spending time with her husband, Carl McAllister, her beloved grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Family gatherings, especially at Island View in Mississippi, became treasured moments filled with laughter and love, a reflection of the deep family bonds she nurtured.
Dianne was also a pillar of faith, inspiring those around her with her unwavering belief. Her spirituality remained resolute throughout her life, guiding her actions and comforting those who sought her wisdom.
She will be sadly missed an lovingly remembered by her husband of 54 years, Carl McAllister; son, Lance McAllister and wife Tricia; daughter, Melanie Belle and husband Bryan; nine grandchildren, Alexis Palmature and husband Ryan, Mallory McAllister and fiancé Noah Martin, Sean Torgrimson Jr., Grant Torgrimson, Erin Rhodes and husband Jay, Layne Reynaud and fiancé Alex Osburn, Mason Belle and fiancé Cara Winter, Lynze Rodrigue and husband Elliot, Noah Belle; Grammy to seven great-grandchildren, Ava, Alora and Adaline Palmature, Emmie and Ellie Rhodes, Edie and Graham Rodrigue; siblings, Brenda Thompson, Carol Ryan and husband Jim, Kent Arceneaux and wife Dawn; sisters-in-law, Faye Arceneaux, Regina Sellers, Lisa Charpentier; brother-in-law, Wesley McAllister; numerous nieces and nephews and cousins.
Dianne was preceded in death by her parents, Lionel “Blackie” and Mildred Arceneaux; brother, Ricky Arceneaux; in-laws, Richard “Mack” and Alice McAllister.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, January 31, 2025, at St. Andrew Catholic Church in Amelia with Father Joey Pilola officiating. Visitation will be held Thursday, January 30, 2025, at Twin City Funeral Home from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m., with a rosary being recited at 6:30 p.m., and again Friday, January 31, 2025, at St. Andrew Catholic Church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. After Mass, Dianne will be laid to rest in St. Andrew Catholic Cemetery Mausoleum.
Ava said it best, “Life will just never be the same now.”
Franklin Banner-Tribune
P.O. Box 566, Franklin, LA 70538
Phone: 337-828-3706
Fax: 337-828-2874
Morgan City Review
1014 Front Street, Morgan City, LA 70380
Phone: 985-384-8370
Fax: 985-384-4255