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Honoring Tri-City heroes

Mon, 11/13/2017 - 11:10am

Schools pay tribute in Veterans Day programs

By ZACHARY FITZGERALD
zfitzgerald@daily-review.com
and IVORY BIBBINS
ibibbins@daily-review.com
Tri-City area people — especially young people — came together over the Veterans Day weekend to honor those who served.
Morgan City High School
U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Bobby Stubbs didn’t know what he was getting into 34 years ago. But now he knows well what it means to serve his country.
MCHS Historical Society hosted its annual Veterans Day program Friday titled “Through the Eyes of a Veteran.”
Students led the pro-gram that covered U.S. involvement in military conflict from World War I through the Iraq War, while honoring local veterans for their service.
Stubbs, an instructor for the high school’s Junior ROTC program, was guest speaker during the program.
Stubbs said he was blessed to be able to stand before students and faculty as many of his fellow soldiers made the ultimate sacrifice by giving their lives serving their country.
“We cannot celebrate Veterans Day without thinking about the sacrifice that has been paid for us for enjoying our freedom,” Stubbs said. “These men and women ensure that we are able to enjoy our civil liberties.”
Stubbs grew up on a farm in southwest Georgia. In 1983, he missed his curfew one night after hanging out with a friend. Shortly after that incident, his father, a 1st sergeant in the National Guard, introduced him to a staff sergeant who showed him a bunch of papers and told him to sign the papers.
After doing so, Stubbs asked what he had signed up for.
The staff sergeant re-plied, “You just joined the National Guard.”
“I had no idea what the National Guard was about at that time,” Stubbs said.
He served in the National Guard for three years, and then decided to join the “regular Army” as a combat engineer.
His career included putting in obstacles and minefields, breaching enemy minefields, digging tank ditches, dealing with explosives and building bridges across rivers for “friendly forces” to cross, Stubbs said.
During his military career, Stubbs was stationed in Georgia, Germany, South Carolina, Texas and Missouri.
Many military service members have missed out on family milestones to protect the country, and persevere through the traumatic experiences of war, Stubbs said.
Some students may choose to serve their country, too, and join the military, he said.
“Someday, years down the road, you may find yourself back in this very school being recognized and honored for your service to this country,” he said to students.
Berwick Junior High School
The Tri-City area showed appreciation to veterans as several schools and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4222 hosted Veterans Day programs.
Berwick Elementary, Bayou Vista Elementary, Berwick High School and BJHS students presented various presentations of songs, gifts and certificates to the veterans that attended the BJHS Veterans Day program.
“I joined the military out of necessity, but I fell in love with this country when I served,” said retired Navy Cmdr. Edwin Taylor, who was guest speaker at the BJHS Veterans Day program.
Taylor, a Honduran immigrant who moved to Morgan City when he was 14, served in the Navy for over 20 years. He is currently a family physician in San Antonio.
“There is honor, history, tradition, and things that a traditional American cannot understand wearing a military uniform,” said Taylor. “I am not a hero. I am just an average American who served his country with honor, courage and commitment.”
Taylor said that being in the Navy gave him the skills to be a better man for his country and community and instilled pride in the United States.
Taylor applauds all servicemen of the area for the sacrifice they have made to build the strength and diversity of this nation.
Veterans Day programs were held at other schools around the area such as Morgan City Junior High School, Morgan City High School and Hattie Watts Elementary School in Patterson.

Morgan City's Scottie Metrejan signs with UAM

Mon, 11/13/2017 - 11:04am

Morgan City High School softball standout Scottie Metrejean signed a letter of intent at Morgan City Wednesday to continue her softball career at the University of Arkansas at Monticello. Metrejean said it’s special to sign a college scholarship because she has been playing softball her whole life. “It means a lot to me because now I can continue to grow and get better,” she said. Metrejean selected Arkansas at Monticello over offers from Alcorn State and Coastal Alabama “They’re very close over there, and their campus is way better than I expected,” she said of reasons she picked Arkansas at Monticello. Metrejean also said she ...

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Schools pay tribute with Veterans Day programs

Mon, 11/13/2017 - 11:01am

By ZACHARY FITZGERALD and IVORY BIBBINS

Tri-City area people — especially young people — came together over the Veterans Day weekend to honor those who served.

Morgan City High School
U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Bobby Stubbs didn’t know what he was getting into 34 years ago. But now he knows well what it means to serve his country.

MCHS Historical Society hosted its annual Veterans Day program Friday titled “Through the Eyes of a Veteran.”
Students led the program that covered U.S. involvement in military conflict from World War I through the Iraq War, while honoring local veterans for their service.

Stubbs, an instructor for the high school’s Junior ROTC program, was guest speaker during the program.
Stubbs said he was blessed to be able to stand before students and faculty as many of his fellow soldiers made the ultimate sacrifice by giving their lives serving their country.

“We cannot celebrate Veterans Day without thinking about the sacrifice that has been paid for us for enjoying our freedom,” Stubbs said. “These men and women ensure that we are able to enjoy our civil liberties.”

Stubbs grew up on a farm in southwest Georgia. In 1983, he missed his curfew one night after hanging out with a friend. Shortly after that incident, his father, a 1st sergeant in the National Guard, introduced him to a staff sergeant who showed him a bunch of papers and told him to sign the papers.

After doing so, Stubbs asked what he had signed up for.

The staff sergeant replied, “You just joined the National Guard.”

“I had no idea what the National Guard was about at that time,” Stubbs said.

He served in the National Guard for three years, and then decided to join the “regular Army” as a combat engineer.

His career included putting in obstacles and minefields, breaching enemy minefields, digging tank ditches, dealing with explosives and building bridges across rivers for “friendly forces” to cross, Stubbs said.

During his military career, Stubbs was stationed in Georgia, Germany, South Carolina, Texas and Missouri.

Many military service members have missed out on family milestones to protect the country, and persevere through the traumatic experiences of war, Stubbs said.

Some students may choose to serve their country, too, and join the military, he said.

“Someday, years down the road, you may find yourself back in this very school being recognized and honored for your service to this country,” he said to students.

Berwick Junior High School
The Tri-City area showed appreciation to veterans as several schools and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4222 hosted Veterans Day programs.
Berwick Elementary, Bayou Vista Elementary, Berwick High School and BJHS students presented various presentations of songs, gifts and certificates to the veterans that attended the BJHS Veterans Day program.

“I joined the military out of necessity, but I fell in love with this country when I served,” said retired Navy Cmdr. Edwin Taylor, who was guest speaker at the BJHS Veterans Day program.

Taylor, a Honduran immigrant who moved to Morgan City when he was 14, served in the Navy for over 20 years. He is currently a family physician in San Antonio.

“There is honor, history, tradition, and things that a traditional American cannot understand wearing a military uniform,” said Taylor. “I am not a hero. I am just an average American who served his country with honor, courage and commitment.”

Taylor said that being in the Navy gave him the skills to be a better man for his country and community and instilled pride in the United States.

Taylor applauds all servicemen of the area for the sacrifice they have made to build the strength and diversity of this nation.

Veterans Day programs were held at other schools around the area such as Morgan City Junior High School, Morgan City High School and Hattie Watts Elementary School in Patterson.

ELIZABETH ANN 'BETTY' VAUGHAN

Mon, 11/13/2017 - 10:56am

Elizabeth Ann “Betty” Vaughan, 93, of Lake Charles, passed away Thursday, Nov. 9, 2017, at her residence.

Betty always had a smile for everyone. She nourished everyone around her with love and faith. She was born in Morgan City, Louisiana, to Joseph Lionel Roy and Elizabeth (Wise) Roy. Betty graduated from Ursuline Academy in New Orleans and attended Ursuline College. During World War II she was a member of the Aircraft Warning Service (AWS) on the lookout for enemy aircraft.

Betty married William Floyd Vaughan in 1946. During their 64-year marriage, Betty and Bill raised five children with a great love and affection. She always had time for others, teaching catechism, a member of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas, assisting in a restaurant startup, and her greatest love was being office manager/receptionist in her youngest son’s dental practice, where she got to meet, greet, and befriend many people. Mrs. Vaughan was a longtime member of St. Margaret Catholic Church in Lake Charles.

While she raised her family in Lake Charles, she always considered Morgan City “home.”

She is survived by one brother, Charles Lionel Roy II; three sons, Geoffrey Vaughan and wife Maxie, Frank Vaughan, and Dr. Roy Vaughan and wife Kim: two daughters, Lucie Duplachan and husband Paul, and Susie Vaughan Mudd: along with nine grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews in Morgan City and Lafayette.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Bill Vaughan; and brothers, Charles Lionel Roy I and Joseph Leonard Roy.

Visitation will be from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Johnson Funeral Home on Monday, with a Rosary being recited at 6 p.m. Her Funeral Mass will be Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2017, at 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Morgan City, Louisiana. Fr. Noas Kerketta will officiate. Burial will be in Morgan City Cemetery in Morgan City, Louisiana, under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home. Visitation on Tuesday will be from 10 a.m. until time of service at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Morgan City.

Words of comfort to the family may be expressed at www.johnsonfuneralhome.net.

Johnson Funeral Home of Lake Charles is in charge of arrangements.

JAMES ROY (JIM) ODOM

Mon, 11/13/2017 - 10:54am

April 29, 1935- November 9, 2017

James Roy (Jim) Odom, 82, resident of Morgan City, passed away Nov. 9, 2017, at the Summit Retirement Center in Alexandria, Louisiana.

Born April 29, 1935, in Altus, Oklahoma to Jesse and Eula Mae Odom, Jim was the fourth of nine children. He grew up in Brownfield, Texas, and resided the majority of his adult life in Morgan City, Louisiana.

Jim was married to Peggy Jean Rankin for 41 years, raising three children together. As a young couple, they lived in several places — Raceland, Houma, and Perth, Australia — before settling down in Morgan City, Louisiana.

Jim worked in the oilfield and trucking business, leasing trucks to Acme Truck Line for more than 25 years. As a young man, he proudly served in the US Air Force, being stationed in Ashiya, Japan, during the Korean War. His passion for sports, and especially football, lasted throughout his life. He was a long-time Saints fan, even during the lean years. Jim was a friend to everyone he met, offering all he had to help others in need.

Jim is survived by his children, Kathleen Moore, Russell (Linda) Earles and Laura (Dale Verret) Odom; grandchildren, Jessica (Kenney Patureau) Moore, Dustin (Dawn) Earles, Ryan Earles and Russell Earles II; great-grandchildren, Kameron and Ezra Patureau, Russell III, EmmaKate, Andrew, Eve and Deckard Earles; brothers, Bobby (Susan) Odom and Arlan (Ruth Ann) Odom; and sisters, Laura Mae Clark, Kay Jeffries and Linda Odom.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse and Eula Mae Odom; wife, Peggy Jean Rankin Odom; and brothers, Jesse “Junior” Odom, Troy Bryan Odom and Winston Odom.

The family would like to thank the staff of the Summit Retirement Center for their loving care and support during the last years. Jim often commented that he was well taken care of by them.

Visitation will be from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m.on Monday, Nov. 3, at Twin City Funeral Home, with the visitation resuming from 9 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday. Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 14, at Atkinson Memorial Presbyterian Church.

Following the service, Jim will be laid to rest in the Morgan City Mausoleum with Military Honors rendered by Keesler Air Force Base Honor Guard and the East St. Mary Veterans Funeral Squad. The family would like to invite everyone to join them in a celebration of Jim’s life at the Atkinson Memorial Presbyterian Church hall immediately following graveside service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or the American Cancer Society.

Berwick girls swimmers win district crown; boys place 2nd

Mon, 11/13/2017 - 10:53am

The Berwick High School girls swim team won the 2017 Southwest Louisiana 3A District meet Nov. 1 at the Robicheaux Center in Lafayette, while its combined boys’ and girls’ team scores were enough for the group to win the overall team title for the second-straight season. Berwick’s girls totaled 415 points to easily defeat second-place David Thibodeaux, who had 244 points. The Panthers scored 401.50 points for a second-place finish behind district champion St. Louis, who had 456 points. Berwick cruised to the combined team title with 816.5 points compared to second-place David Thibodeaux, which scored 589.5 points. Berwick had three girls swimmers earn ...

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LARRY J. DUVAL SR.

Mon, 11/13/2017 - 10:49am

January 18, 1946-November 10, 2017

Larry J. Duval Sr., 71, a resident of Amelia, passed away Friday, Nov. 10, 2017, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Larry was born Jan. 18, 1946, in Morgan City, the son of James Duval Sr. and Dorothy Pisani Duval.

Larry will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his wife, Tracy Verret Duval of Amelia; one son, Larry J. Duval Jr. and wife Penny of Stephensville; two daughters, Melinda Duval McCurry and husband Hoyt Jr. of Long Beach, Mississippi, and Tammy Duval Albritton and husband Herman Jr. of Morgan City; three stepsons, Noble Benoit and wife Lisa of Destrehan, Trevor Benoit and companion Angela of Amelia, and Vincent Benoit of Amelia; one stepdaughter, Adele Gotham and husband Kevin of New Orleans; eight grandchildren, Nathaniel Duval, Cody Duval, Chelsea Blanchard, Anna Blanchard, Kristen Blanchard, Andrew Albritton, Ross Albritton and Madeline Albritton; four step-grandchildren, Jordan Benoit, Raleigh Poche, Audrey Gotham and Alexandra “Alex” Gotham; four great-grandchildren; three brothers, James “Butch” Duval of Patterson, Russel “Buz” Duval of Long Beach, Mississippi, and Tommy Duval and wife Judy of Morgan City; two sisters-in-law, Betty Duval of Morgan City and Amanda Rodrigue of Bayou Vista; one brother-in-law, Ronald East Sr. and wife Cathy of Berwick; numerous nieces and nephews; and his beloved cat, GG.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Dorothy Pisani Duval; his first wife, Anna Belle East Duval; and one brother, Jerry Duval Sr.

Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017, at St. Andrew Catholic Church with Father Noas Kerketta celebrating Mass. A visitation was held from 9 a.m. until the time of Mass; following Mass, Larry was laid to rest in the Morgan City Cemetery.

Low turnout boosts case for fewer elections

Mon, 11/13/2017 - 10:46am

By MELINDA DESLATTE, Associated Press

BATON ROUGE — Secretary of State Tom Schedler has complained for years that Louisiana holds too many unnecessary elections, making it harder to draw interest from voters tired of repeatedly trekking to the polls. This fall’s statewide election cycle is emboldening his criticism and may help his push for change.

The October election drew a dismal 14 percent participation rate statewide from voters asked to select a new state treasurer and determine whether to tweak tax language in the Louisiana Constitution. That was the lowest turnout for a statewide election in at least 35 years.
Schedler, the state’s chief elections officer since 2010, anticipates voter turnout for the Nov. 18 statewide runoff for treasurer will fall even lower, to about 12 percent or 13 percent.

If the shockingly low turnout isn’t enough to make lawmakers consider Schedler’s drive to shrink the slate of electoral contests, there’s this tidbit: Louisiana, awash in financial problems, is spending $6 million to hold those elections in which few people are bothering to cast ballots.

“You think the rank-and-file voter out there really cares who the treasurer is, as evidenced by the turnout? It’s not motivating anybody to do anything,” Schedler said. “I think this election probably is making my case.”

The state wouldn’t have saved every dollar of that amount if the special election for treasurer hadn’t been held. Some municipalities still would have had their regularly scheduled local elections.

But local election costs are split with local governments, so the secretary of state’s office estimates it would have spent less than $1 million if the treasurer’s race hadn’t been on the ballot. (Schedler believes lawmakers wouldn’t have put the constitutional amendments before voters this fall if the special election wasn’t already set.)

“What would you do with that money? You could put it to TOPS (the free college tuition program). You could fix a bridge or road,” Schedler said.

The special statewide election will fill the remaining two years of the treasurer’s current term after Republican John Kennedy was elected to the U.S. Senate.

On Saturday, voters will choose between Democrat Derrick Edwards, a New Orleans area lawyer with an accounting degree, and Republican John Schroder, an ex-state lawmaker, former law enforcement official and businessman from Covington.

Louisiana has long had a tradition of calling special elections outside the scheduled March, April, October and November dates, with supporters saying elected jobs should not be left vacant for risk of depriving people of representation.

For the 60-month period from January 2005 through December 2010, Louisiana held 70 elections. Not all were statewide. Schedler called that number “absurd,” saying it was more than double the elections held by other Southern states.

He’s already has had some success lessening the number of elections held annually across Louisiana, first by drawing attention to his concerns and then by persuading lawmakers to toughen the rules for holding special elections, such as to fill vacant state legislative seats.

In the 60-month period from January 2011 through December 2015, Louisiana was down to 31 elections, instead of 70.

The special election for state treasurer may build traction to go further.

Melinda Deslatte has covered Louisiana politics for The Associated Press since 2000. Follow her at http://twitter.com/melindadeslatte

Wheel House for Nov. 13

Mon, 11/13/2017 - 10:44am

SENIOR DINNER
St. Mary Community Action Agency hosting Senior Thanksgiving Dinner 10 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 14 at Morgan City Neighborhood Service Center. For more info, Carmencita Bogan or Delores Stewart, 337-828-5703.

COMMODITIES
St. Mary Community Action Agency and Food for Families Program distributing commodities Friday, Nov. 17. Anyone who has not submitted their 2017 proof of income and ID must do so now for recertification. Certification required to receive commodities. For info call 337-828-5703. Distribution on a first come, first serve basis. Anyone unable to attend should send their authorized representative. Locations and times: Berwick Civic Complex, 7-10 a.m.; Amelia Recreational Center, 8:30 a.m. to noon.

COPING WITH LOSS
A “Breezing Through the Holidays Program” for anyone coping with the loss of a loved one during the holiday season is at 8 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 26, at St. Luke Baptist Church, 1709 Harry D St., Patterson.

Radio Logs for November 13

Mon, 11/13/2017 - 10:40am

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.
Friday, Nov. 10
7:14 a.m. 600 block of Aucoin Street; Complaint.
7:46 a.m. 3000 block of Francis Street; Complaint.
8:29 a.m. Lafayette Street; Arrest.
8:41 a.m. 900 block of Marguerite Street; Civil matter.
10:22 a.m. 1000 block of Railroad Avenue; Complaint.
11:01 a.m. Marquis Manor; Found property.
11:18 a.m. 2300 block of Sixth Street; Alarm.
12:02 p.m. 7200 block of La. 182; Civil matter.
2:41 p.m. Maple Street; Disturbance.
3:38 p.m. Poplar Street; Complaint.
3:53 p.m. Front and Onstead streets; Disturbance.
4:13 p.m. 1400 block of Federal Avenue; Crash.
4:17 p.m. Acorn and Leona streets; Complaint.
4:47 p.m. 600 block of Leona Street; Medical.
6:08 p.m. 1500 block of Filmore Street; Officer stand by.
7:10 p.m. 800 block of Fourth Street; Suspicious vehicle.
7:21 p.m. La. 182 and Cottonwood Street; Vehicle accident.
8:26 p.m. U.S. 90 West; Stalled vehicle.
8:46 p.m. 1600 block of Front Street; Complaint.
8:57 p.m. 500 block of Freret Street; Suspicious vehicle.
10:07 p.m. Railroad Avenue and Union Street; Assistance.
10:22 p.m. La. 70/U.S. 90 Junction; Vehicle accident.
11:45 p.m. La. 182; Assistance.
Saturday, Nov. 11
1:10 a.m. 400 block of Bush Street; Assistance.
1:12 a.m. Second and Dugas streets; Patrol request.
1:29 a.m. 6300 block of La. 182; Disturbance.
1:49 a.m. 1200 block of Front Street; Loud music.
1:58 a.m. 7200 block of La. 182; Patrol request.
3:20 a.m. 2300 block of Maple Street; Alarm.
3:36 a.m. 1100 block of Marguerite Street; Complaint.
4:40 a.m. 600 block of Kentucky Street; Suspicious vehicle.
8:38 a.m. Railroad and Ditch avenues; Animal complaint.
8:56 a.m. 600 block of Everett Street; Alarm.
9:57 a.m. 7500 block of La. 182; Civil matter.
10:57 a.m. 7700 block of La. 182; Theft.
2:23 p.m. La. 182 and Myrtle Street; Complaint.
3:21 p.m. 1700 block of Dale Street; Animal complaint.
3:26 p.m. 6400 block of La. 182; Theft.
3:30 p.m. 900 block of Marguerite Street; Complaint.
4:03 p.m. 1100 block of Marguerite Street; Disturbance.
5:29 p.m. 7200 block of La. 182; Complaint.
6 p.m. 700 block of Everett Street; Theft.
6:07 p.m. Wren Street; Complaint.
6:38 p.m. Egle Street; Loud music.
6:42 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Complaint.
7:15 p.m. Terrebonne Street; Juvenile problems.
7:32 p.m. 3200 block of Lake Palourde Road; Alarm.
7:46 p.m. 500 block of Brashear Avenue; Suspicious person(s).
8:07 p.m. 7400 block of La. 182 East; Loud music.
8:14 p.m. 700 block of Everett Street; Alarm.
9:12 p.m. 800 block of General Patton Street; Medical emergency.
Sunday, Nov. 12
1:56 a.m. 2300 block of La. 70; Suspicious person.
2:13 a.m. 600 block of Terrebonne Street; Assistance.
5:14 a.m. 700 block of Onstead Street; Medical emergency.
9:50 a.m. 500 block of Federal Avenue; Alarm.
10:08 a.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Disturbance.
10:14 a.m. 7500 block of La. 182; Disturbance.
11:17 a.m. Fourth Street; Complaint.
11:44 a.m. 200 block of Mallard Street; Intoxicated subject.
12:53 p.m. 500 block of Aucoin Street; Complaint.
1:16 p.m. 1900 block of Elm Street; Complaint.
2:41 p.m. 1200 block of Victor II Boulevard; Crash.
2:48 p.m. 200 block of Second Street; Disturbance.
3:09 p.m. First Street and Brashear Avenue; Complaint.
4:11 p.m. 100 block of Eleventh Street; Assistance.
4:26 p.m. 3000 block of Lake Palourde; Assistance.
5:26 p.m. Fifth and Freret streets; Theft.
8:06 p.m. 600 block of General Patton Street; Loud music.
8:28 p.m. 600 block of Florida Street; Complaint.
8:36 p.m. 1500 block of Sandra Street; Disturbance.
9:32 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Theft.
10:44 p.m. La. 182 East; Complaint.
10:54 p.m. 800 block of Brashear Avenue; Alarm.
11:27 p.m. David Drive; Suspicious person.
Monday, Nov. 13
1:53 a.m. 1100 block of Brashear Avenue; Suspicious person.
2:12 a.m. 7200 block of La. 182 East; Suspicious person.