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Either census takers were too lazy to count them, or south Louisiana fishermen were too mean to be counted. Those were the conflicting claims after the 1890 census of Cameron and other parishes on the Gulf turned out to be wildly wrong.
A special agent of the census bureau with the unlikely name of R. M. Gopehevitch was sent to South Louisiana from San Francisco to try to sort things out when the numbers caused “great indignation” in coastal Louisiana.
He got the job partly because he was fluent in French, which the first census takers seemed not to be.
The Lake Charles Commercial reported in March 1891 that he’d spent “twenty-five days on a lugger in the bayous and lakes on the coast of Louisiana from the Mississippi river to the Texas line,” trying to get to the bottom of things, and that he’d discovered “very serious errors” in the counts.
  “For instance, in the parish of Calcasieu, the names of 160 persons were sent in as fishermen, but the closest search revealed only sixteen engaged in that occupation,” the newspaper said.
“In Cameron over 100 names were sent in, notwithstanding there are less than thirty men engaged in the work.”
The Commercial claimed that the census data for Calcasieu listed as fishermen “leading professional men, merchants, and parish officials, but not the name of a single man who really earns his livelihood by fishing.”
Gopehevitch told the press he suspected that the original census takers “made up their returns in a barroom without having looked into the matter at all.”
 The agents claimed otherwise, of course.
They reported to the bureau in Washington “that their work had been done with great effort and not a little danger, for the fishermen were a suspicious and a lawless set of men.”
That claim, Gopehevitch said, “is not true and does very worthy people great injustice.”
He said the fishermen were “honest and hardworking people who could make a great deal more money at any other business if they devoted the same energy and as much intelligence to it as they do fishing.”
The Commercial asked in an editorial for the census-takers to explain “why so many gentlemen who know nothing and care less about the fisherman’s trade should have been enumerated and classified as fishermen.”
  The newspaper also wanted to know why the census takers “pronounced the fishermen of this section such a dangerous set of people,” and “why is it that there is such an error in such a simple piece of work?”
The editor wrote, “We have been revolving this peculiar fishermen’s matter in our mind and we are no nearer a solution now than when we first discovered it, hence we are compelled to call upon our local census takers to rise and explain.” A search through later editions of the newspaper gives no clue of what the census counters rose and said, if they did rise and speak at all.
Whatever the answer, the hoopla seemed to bother Mr. Gopehevitch and the newspapers a lot more than it did the fishermen — who probably never even heard about the ruckus, or, if they did, had other things to worry about.
You can contact Jim Bradshaw at jimbradshaw4321@gmail.com or P.O. Box 1121, Washington LA 70589.

Staff report
The Krewe of Hera ball kicks off the formal Mardi Gras season Saturday at Morgan City Municipal Auditorium.
Unlike the jammed 2024 season, the 2025 Mardi Gras calendar gives local krewes five weeks of pre-carnival celebrations. This year’s Mardi Gras is Tuesday, March 4. The latest possible date for Mardi Gras is March 8.
Here are the east St. Mary balls and parades on this year’s schedule.
Hera
The Krewe of Hera’s ball will be Saturday at Morgan City Auditorium. The ball accommodates public viewing.
Parade
The Krewe of Hera Parade will begin at 7 p.m. Monday, March 3, in Morgan City. It begins on Second Street under the La. 182 bridge and proceeds to Onstead Street, continuing down Sixth Street to Marguerite Street, Ninth Street/La. 70, Clothilde onto Victor II Boulevard and ending at the Morgan City Auditorium on Myrtle Street.
Adonis
The Krewe of Adonis ball will be Feb. 1 at Morgan City Auditorium.
Parade
The Krewe of Adonis Parade will begin at 7 p.m. Feb. 28 in Morgan City. It begins on Second Street under the La. 182 bridge and proceeds to Onstead Street continuing down Sixth Street to Marguerite Street, Ninth Street/La. 70, Brashear Avenue onto Victor II Boulevard and ending at the Morgan City Auditorium on Myrtle Street.
Nike
The Nike children’s krewe ball will be at 7 p.m. Feb. 8 at Morgan City Auditorium. There will be no public viewing. Tickets are available from board members.
Parade
The Krewe of Nike Parade will follow the Galatea Parade at about 2:30 p.m. Sunday, March 2.
Galatea
The Krewe of Galatea ball will be at 8 p.m. Feb. 15 at Morgan City Auditorium. Attendance will be by invitation only.
Parade
The Krewe of Galatea Parade will be 2 p.m. Sunday, March 2, in Morgan City. It begins on Second Street under the La. 182 bridge and proceeds to Onstead Street continuing down Sixth Street to Marguerite Street, Ninth Street/La. 70, Brashear Avenue onto Victor II Boulevard and ending at the Morgan City Auditorium on Myrtle Street.
Krewe of
Amani Kids
The children’s krewe will have its ball Feb. 15 at the Patterson Area Civic Center, 116 Cotten Road, Patterson. Doors will open at 5:45 p.m., and the event begins at 6 p.m. The doors close at 6 p.m.
Hannibal
The Krewe of Hannibal ball will be at 8 p.m. Feb. 22 at Morgan City Auditorium. There will be no public viewing. Doors will close at 7:50 p.m.
Parade
Parade
The Krewe of Hannibal Parade will follow the Galatea and Nike parades in Morgan City about 3 p.m. Sunday, March 2.
Dionysus
The Krewe of Dionysus ball is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 22, at the Berwick Civic Center, 300 Pattie Drive.
Parade
The Krewe of Dionysus Parade will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 1, in Berwick.
The procession will line up on Gilmore Drive and turn on John Street, Robicheaux Street, Mount Street, Gilmore Drive, right on La. 182, Tournament Boulevard, Fairview Drive then to Pattie Drive, where it will disband at Berwick Junior High School.
Hephaestus
The Krewe of Hephaestus ball will be at 8 p.m. Saturday, March 1, at Morgan City Auditorium. There will be public viewing from the balcony. Admission is free.
Parade
The Krewe of Hephaestus Parade will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 4, in Morgan City. It begins on the corner of Sixth and Sycamore Street, proceeds on Sixth Street to Marguerite Street to Ninth Street/La. 70, to Clothilde, to Victor II Boulevard and ending at the Morgan City Auditorium on Myrtle Street.
Amani
The Krewe of Amani Ball will be 8 p.m. Saturday, March 1, at the Patterson Area Civic Center, 116 Cotten Drive, Patterson. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. and close at 7:55 p.m. Tickets are $50 through EZticket.com with a code available through board members.
Parade
The Krewe of Amani Parade will be at 2 p.m. Monday, March 3. It begins at Patterson High School on La. 182/Main Street and continues down La. 182/Main Street to Place Norman Shopping Center.
Siracusaville
Parade
Participants will line up on Siracusa Road at 1 p.m. Tuesday, March 4, and proceed to James Street and Grace Street before ending at the Siracusaville Recreation Center.

Dec. 17 Morgan City Council minutes
https://www.stmarynow.com/public-notices/dec-17-morgan-city-council-minutes

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CPRA public hearing notice
https://www.stmarynow.com/public-notices/cpra-public-hearing-notice

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PUBLIC NOTICE
OFFICIAL

PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF
MORGAN CITY
DECEMBER 17, 2024
The Mayor and City Council of Morgan City, Louisiana, met at 6:00 pm (local time) in regular session, this date, in the City Court Building, Highway 182 East, Morgan City, Louisiana.
There were present: Honorable Lee Dragna, Mayor; and Council Members Ron Bias, Steve Domangue, Tim Hymel, Bonnie Leonard and Louis J. Tamporello, Jr.
Absent: None
Also present were Mr. Charlie Solar, Jr., Chief Administrative Officer and Mr. Paul Landry, City Attorney.
The invocation was given by Reverend Wendell Howse.
There was no Positive Image recipient for the month of December.
Dr. Monica Mancuso and Mrs. Catherine Holcomb with St. Mary Excel addressed the council regarding a resolution of support for the Atchafalaya National Estuarine Research Reserve. She said that an ideal location had been located, and the seller had written a letter of interest regarding the sale of the property. St. Mary Excel felt that a resolution of support would be advantageous to the mission of connecting a willing seller with a state agency. Mr. Tamporello made a motion to place the resolution on the January agenda, seconded by Mr. Hymel, and voted unanimously in favor.
Mrs. Elisabeth Chaisson with St. Mary Chamber of Commerce requested permission to hold the 7th annual Basin Brew Fest on April 5, 2025. The footprint would remain the same as in previous years. A motion to approve the Basin Brew Fest was made by Mr. Domangue, seconded by Mrs. Leonard, and voted unanimously in favor.
Mr. Walter Shepherd with the Krewe of Dionysus requested permission to hold the annual Irish Italian Parade on March 15, 2025. It would be at Bourbon’s, travel down Second Street, and end at the Crazy Corner. It would consist of both walkers and golf carts. A motion to approve the Irish Italian Parade was made by Mr. Tamporello, seconded by Mr. Domangue, and voted unanimously in favor.
Mrs. Vanessa Spinella with Morgan City Main Street submitted a calendar of events for the year 2025 (copy on file). She was seeking approval to hold the events. A motion to approve the event calendar was made by Mrs. Leonard, seconded by Mr. Hymel, and voted unanimously in favor.
Mr. Bryce Merrill with the Oilfield Divers Monument said that there was interest expressed in building a ROV monument, but the city would need to provide space, possibly near the existing monument. Mayor Dragna suggested that it be put on the January agenda so that the issue could be voted on. Mr. Merrill also stated that the 2nd Annual Oilfield Divers Rally Weekend would be held on April 25, 2025 - April 27, 2025, and include an unveiling of the granite wall and a crawfish boil.
Mrs. Ingrid Dixon, mother of Mrs. Hettie Carries expressed that her mother’s extreme distress over the noise from Table 5 had taken a toll on her. She stated that she had studied law, and urged the Council to make the right decision regarding the liquor license for Table 5.
Mrs. Shannon Zerangue, a bartender and patron of Table 5, asked what could be done by the establishment to allow them to remain open. She said they had always tried to follow the rules and did not know what else they could do.
Pastor Bias stated that he wanted to go on record that South Central Planning & Development were terrible to work with during the redistricting process. He said that they had changed the colors of each district on the maps, the maps were hard to read, and did not return repeated phone calls regarding these issues. He urged the Council not to work with them on any future projects.
The minutes of the November 19, 2024 meeting were submitted. Pastor Bias asked that the minutes be amended by adding the transcript of the Table 5 public hearing to the file, seconded by Mrs. Leonard, and voted unanimously in favor.
Mrs. Deborah Garber, Finance Director, submitted the following financial statement for the period ending November 30, 2024.
MONTHLY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DATE: December 17, 2024
TO: Mayor and Council
FROM: Deborah Garber
RE: Comments related to summary of revenues and expenses compared to budget for the period ended November 30, 2024.
Attached is a summary that compares our actual revenues and expenses to our operational budget for our major funds subject to budgetary control for the period ending November 30, 2024. The following comments are related thereto:
General and Ancillary Funds: Revenues are over budget by $3. In General Fund, sales taxes are now over budget by $307,400. Operating expenses are under budget $1,304,597. The net income of $562,549 is a positive variance of $1,659,842 as compared to the adopted budget.
Utility Fund: Actual revenues are under budget at $1,769,319. Electric revenues alone are under budget $1,830,000 which is a direct result of the Purchased Power Expense being under budget $1,556,000. Overall, the utility operational expenses are under budget $1,978,665. The net income, after transfers, of $754,402 creates a positive variance compared to the budget of $293,602.
Sanitation and Sewer Fund: The operating revenues are $122,619 over budget, with total operating expenses over budget $22,060. The net income, after transfers, of $44,899 results in a positive variance of $178,677.
Respectfully submitted,
/s/ Deborah Garber
Deborah Garber
Finance Director

A motion to accept the financial statement was made by Mr. Hymel, seconded by Mrs. Leonard, and voted unanimously in favor.
The next matter on the agenda was the bid tabulation for the Water Treatment Plant Improvements, Phase II. Mr. Charlie Solar said that this contract could not be awarded until LDHH had reviewed and approved the bids.
Mayor Dragna said that the ordinance for the 2024 Budget Amendment would be taken up at the January meeting when the numbers were more precise.
The Class “A” Liquor and Beer application for The Cigarette Store d/b/a Smoke’ N Go #415 was the next matter on the agenda. A motion to approve the application was made by Mr. Domangue, seconded by Mrs. Leonard, and voted unanimously in favor.
Mayor Dragna submitted the name of Sadie Rankin for appointment to the Hotel Motel Corridor Economic Development District and the Economic Development District. A motion to concur in the appointment was made by Mr. Hymel, seconded by Mr. Domangue, and voted unanimously in favor.
Mr. Hymel stated that this was Mr. Tamporello’s last council meeting and he congratulated him for his 20 years of service to the citizens of Morgan City.
There being no further business, a motion to adjourn was made by Mr. Tamporello, seconded by Mr. Hymel and voted unanimously in favor.
/s/ Lee Dragna
Lee Dragna
Mayor
/s/ Debbie
Harrington
Debbie Harrington
Clerk
Adv. Jan. 22, 2025

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Cost: $234.00
PUBLIC NOTICE
PROCEEDINGS OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF BERWICK, STATE OF
LOUISIANA TAKEN AT A REGULAR MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY
January 14, 2025
The Mayor and Council of the Town of Berwick, State of Louisiana, met in regular session at their regular meeting place, the Town Hall, Berwick, Louisiana, Tuesday January 14, 2025, at six (6:00) o’clock p.m.
There were present: Council members Colleen Askew, Kevin He- bert, James Richard, Raymond Price, and Lud Henry.
Absent: None
Brother Steve Manville from Bethel Pentecostal Fellowship led the prayer.
Councilman Raymond Price led the Pledge of Allegiance.
The Mayor and Council of the Town of Berwick, State of Louisiana were duly convened as the governing authority of said Town, led by the Honorable Duval Arthur Jr, Mayor, who then stated that the Mayor and Council were ready for the transaction of business.
The minutes of the previous meeting were approved without reading upon motion James Richard and seconded by Colleen Askew.
The Treasurer’s report, having been reviewed, was approved without reading upon motion by James Richard and seconded by Lud Henry.
The Beacon was shining on 2 Teachers and a Student for January 2025. The Beacon Shines on recipients were:
Berwick Elementary School Teacher of the year: Danielle Arcemont
Berwick Jr. High School Teacher of the year: Kelly Sumrall
Berwick Jr. High School Student of the year: Levi Carline
There were no guests for the January 2025 meeting.
Police Chief David Leonard presented the police report for December, 2024. Chief Leonard presented the Officer of the Year Award to Officer Courtney Samaroo for her hard work and dedication to the department. After no comments, the mayor moved on to the next item on the agenda, Fire report.
Fire Chief Jody Acosta presented the fire report for December, 2024. Chief Acosta stated that the fire department re- sponded to 8 emergency calls. There were 5 motor vehicle accidents, 1 structure fire, 1 mutual aid, and 1 medical alert. After no further comments, the mayor moved on to the next item on the agenda, the Public Works re- port.
Public Works Director Rafael Lopez presented the public works report for December, 2024. Mr. Lopez stated that town crews are working on many projects at this time. Crews are repairing streets, repairing water leaks, repairing drainage issues, and cutting grass on the highways. After no further comments, the mayor moved on to the next item on the agenda, consulting engineer’s report.
Town Engineer Mr. Reid Miller stated that the Country Club Estates Drainage Project is ongoing and seems to be running smoothly. Construction crews will try to make contact with residents to make sure they are aware of any work that may affect their homes. Funds were re- leased for the 6th Street road project and there will be advertisements published for requests of bids. The Water Meter Replacement Project no. 14985 received 2 bids on December 19, 2024 and was awarded to the lowest bid submitted by Core & Main. After no further comments, the mayor moved on to the next item on the agenda, committee reports.
Economic Development, Recreation, and Public Safety Committees had nothing to report.
The Planning and Zoning Commission was asked if the town is currently issuing permits for gas generators to be in- stalled and Mr. Kraemer stated that permits are being issued. The town believes that the pressure shortage issue should be resolved with the recent connection to the City of Patterson’s gas line.
The Historical Committee reported that they re- ceived their cultural district grant and will now be opened 4 days per week: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturdays from 10:00am to 3:00pm. After no further committee reports, the mayor moved on to the next item on the agenda, Ordinances.
Item No. 1 under Ordinances Introduce/Adopt – In- troduce Ordinance No. 756 – Salary Increase - Mayor/Council. Upon motion by James Richard and seconded by Kevin Hebert, the ordinance was introduced by a unanimous roll call vote.
Item No. 1 under Resolutions/Proclamations – Resolution No. 04-25 – Resolution of Respect for Mr. Reggie Guillot. Upon motion by Lud Henry and seconded by Colleen Askew, the resolution was approved unanimously.
Item No. 1 under New Business – St. Mary Council on Aging – Beverly Domingeaux will present their annual report. Ms. Domingeaux stated that the council on aging recently went through 3 audits in which there were no finding to report. She also stated that in 2024 they were able to provide over 9,502 meals, 74 fans, and 24 heaters for Berwick seniors. She would like to thank everyone that has made that possible.
Item No. 2 Under New Business – Mayoral Appointment – Planning & Zoning Director – Carl Kraemer. Mr. Kraemer will take the place of Mr. Gary Beadle, who recently retired. Upon motion by Raymond Price and seconded by Kevin Hebert, the appointment was approved unanimously.
Item No. 3 under New Business – Mac Wade – Port of Morgan City – Update. Mr. Wade was unable to attend.
Item No. 4 under New Business – Approve payment No. 14398 #2 to Byron E Talbot Contractors, Inc. for $281,183.92 for the Country Club Estates Drainage Improvement Project. Upon motion by Lud Henry and seconded by Raymond Price, the payment was ap- proved by a unanimous roll call vote.
Item No. 5 under New Business - Approve payment for payment No. 14398 #8 to Miller Engineers & Associates, Inc. for $10,153.16 for the Country Club Estates Drainage Improvement Project. Upon motion by Kevin Hebert and seconded by Raymond Price, the payment was approved by a unanimous roll call vote.
Item No. 6 under New Business – Approve Water Meter Replacement Project No. 14985. Upon motion by James Richard and seconded by Raymond Price, the project was approved by a unanimous roll call vote.
There being no further business to come before the Council, upon motion by Lud Henry and seconded by Raymond Price the motion to adjourn was ap- proved unanimously.
———————
Duval H. Arthur Jr –
Mayor
———————
Jamie Keith –
Town Clerk
Adv. Jan. 22, 2025

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Cost: $162.00
PUBLIC NOTICE
Resolution of Respect
Resolution
No. 04-25
Whereas, Reggie Guillot has dedicated many years of exemplary service to the Town of Berwick, Louisiana; and
Whereas, throughout his tenure, Mr. Guillot has demonstrated unwavering commitment, professionalism, and integrity in his duties; and
Whereas, his contributions have significantly im- pacted the community, fostering growth, development, and a spirit of cooperation among residents; and
Whereas, Mr. Guillot’s leadership and vision have inspired many to strive for excellence and community in- volvement; and
Whereas, Reggie Guillot’s service has set a standard of excellence for future generations of public servants in Berwick;
Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved, that the Town Council of Berwick, Louisiana, hereby honors and recognizes Reggie Guillot for his outstanding service and dedication to the community;
Be It Further Resolved, that a copy of this resolution be presented to Mr. Guillot’s family as a token of appreciation for his years of service and commitment to the Town of Berwick.
Adopted this 14th day of January, 2025.
APPROVED:
———————
DUVAL H. ARTHUR, JR.,
MAYOR
ATTEST:
———————
JAMIE KEITH,
CLERK
Adv. Jan. 22, 2025

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PUBLIC NOTICE
Public Hearings: Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority
Fiscal Year 2026 Draft Annual Plan
The Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA) will hold the following public hear-ings to receive public comments on Louisiana’s “Fiscal Year 2026 Draft Annual Plan.”
CPRA will re- ceive written comments and recommendations on the Fiscal Year 2026 Draft Annual Plan until March 22, 2025. Written comments should be mailed (to arrive no later than March 22, 2025) to the following address:
Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority
Public Comments
150 Terrace Avenue
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
If, because of a disability, you re- quire special assistance to participate, please contact the CPRA at 150 Terrace Avenue, Baton Rouge, LA 70802 or by telephone at (225) 342-7308 at least five working days prior to the hearing.
Interpretation and translation services can also be provided upon request by contacting coastal@la.gov.
Please visit coastal.la.gov/calendar/ for more detailed information and copies of the Fiscal Year 2026 Draft Annual Plan which will be posted prior to the public hearings.
For questions regarding the hearings, please contact Ryan Shaw at Ryan.Shaw@la.gov or (225) 342-1357.
Adv. Jan. 22,2025

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LEGAL NOTICE
PROCEEDINGS OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE MORGAN CITY HARBOR AND TERMINAL
DISTRICT
December 9, 2024
The Board of Commissioners (“Board”) of the Morgan City Harbor and Terminal District (“District”) met in regular session at the District’s office at 7327 Highway 182, Morgan City, Louisiana on December 9, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. Ben Adams, Vice-President, convened the meeting with Commissioners Deborah Garber, Adam Mayon, Steven Cornes, Matthew Glover and Troy Lombardo in attendance. Joseph Cain and Matthew Tycer were absent. Also present in the meeting were Raymond Wade, Executive Director; Cindy Cutrera, Economic Development Manager; Tori Henry, Office Manager; Michael Knobloch, Special Projects Manager; Gerard Bourgeois, Board Attorney; Lt. Jenelle Piche, LCDR Laura McDonald and Timothy Veach, United States Coast Guard (“USCG”); Robert Karam, T. Baker Smith; Bill Blan-chard, GIS Engineering; Councilman Louis Tamporello, City of Morgan City; Councilmen Les Rulf, St. Mary Parish Council; Carl Blum, Architect; and members of the general public.
The meeting was called to order and the presence of a quorum was noted. Raymond Wade led the invocation, and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
It was moved by Mr. Lombardo and seconded by Mr. Cornes that the minutes of the regular meeting of November 11, 2024 be approved and adopted, with said motion carrying unanimously.
Mr. Bourgeois reported that some in industry re- quested the Port’s assistance with removal of an abandoned barge in the slack water area adjacent to the Bayou Boeuf Locks. The resolution for payment towards removal was moved by Mr. Cornes, seconded by Mrs. Garber and carried unanimously that the District enter into Cooperative En- deavor Agreements with Electra Shipyard Services, LLC, Halimar Shipyard, LLC, InterMoor, Inc., New Industries, LLC and Atchafalaya Intercoastal Coalition to assist with the $100,000 no cure/no pay contract with Atchafalaya Marine Regulatory Compliance, LLC. Mr. Wade thanked each industry partner for their participation in the barge removal.
RESOLUTION
A resolution providing for the Morgan City Harbor and Terminal District (“District”), approval of a joint cooperative agreement for the purposes of sharing a portion of the tasks necessary for the removal of an abandoned barge in the slackwater area adjacent to the Intracoastal Locks, south of Morgan City, would be a help to navigation.
WHEREAS, pursuant to the provisions of LSA-Const. Article 6 Section 20, Const. Art. 7 Section 14(c), and LSA R.S. 34:321 et. seq.,. the said District has the authority to enter into cooperative agreements in order to accomplish their respective statutory duties, functions and/or purposes.
WHEREAS, the District and various local industry leaders, namely, Electra Shipyard Services, LLC, Halimar Shipyard, LLC., InterMoor, Inc. & New Industries, LLC and also the Atchafalaya Industrial Coalition (collectively “Industry Leaders”) have determined that it is in the best interest of the public that the parties cooperate with regards to the removal of said abandoned barge; and
BE IT RESOLV-ED, that the President, Ben Adams, is hereby authorized and directed to execute on behalf of the District, a Cooperative Agreement substantially in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Cooperative Agreement presented this day.
It was moved by Mr. Glover that the report of re- ceipts and disbursements for the month of November, 2024 be re- ceived and accepted and that all invoices presented to the Board for the month of November, 2024 be paid. Mr. Mayon seconded that motion, which carried unanimously.
Tim Connell reported that: (i) Captain Frank will continue with some clean up, followed by some sweeping in the S-curves and then to the GIWW area or the 1st curve of Bayou Chene; (ii) Mike Hooks is on the way and expected to arrive mid-December to work on the Bayous Boeuf, Chene and Black projects; and (iii) we are still in good shape with funding but are pursuing reimbursement from Hurricane Francine cleanup.
Lt. Piche reported that: (i) 2,281 total transits in November through the VTS zone; and (ii) there are two (2) active MSIB’s including dredging in the Atchafalaya Bar Channel and sunken barge in the slack water area adjacent to Bayou Boeuf locks. She also re-introduced Timothy Veach, who has returned to Louisiana as the VTS Director.
Carl Blum re- ported that the warehouse fire suppression system bid was held, with the lowest of the two bidders being Del-Con in the amount of $218,000. Mr. Mayon moved to authorize the award of said contract, subject to Facility Planning and Control approval, which was seconded by Mr. Cornes and carried unanimously.
RESOLUTION FOR AWARD OF PROJECT
WHEREAS, the Morgan City Harbor and Terminal District (“District”) has received bids on November 22, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. for its Warehouse Infrastructure Im- provements (Fire Suppression System), Planning and Construction (St. Mary) project, which is identified by Louisiana Facility Planning and Control under Project No. 36-P15-23-02; and
WHEREAS, Carl P. Blum AIA Architect, the District’s architect on this project, has recommended the award of the contract for this project to the lowest qualified bidder: Del-Con, LLC.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Morgan City Harbor and Terminal District at a Regular Meeting, as- sembled on this 9th day of December, 2024, that the Base Bid in the Amount of $218,000.00 by Del-Con, LLC. be accepted, a contract be awarded to Del-Con, LLC. and the District provide all appropriate funding needed to award the base bid and any change orders for said Warehouse Infrastructure Im- provements (Fire Suppression System), Planning and Construction (St. Mary) project.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Raymond M. Wade, Executive Director be and is hereby authorized and directed to do any and all acts and things on behalf and in the name of the District that he deems necessary, proper, or that may be required in regards for the award and execution of said contract and approval of any or all alternates and any related change order.
Mr. Mayon mov-ed to authorize the resolution certifying public bid law, which was seconded by Mr. Cornes and carried unanimously.
RESOLUTION CERTIFYING COMPLIANCE WITH THE
PUBLIC
BID LAWS
Whereas, the Morgan City Harbor and Terminal District (“District”) has solicited bids for its Warehouse Infrastructure Im- provements (Fire Suppression System), Planning and Construction (St. Mary) project, which is identified by Louisiana Facility Planning and Control under Project No. 36-P15-23-02 in accordance with the current bid laws of the state of Louisiana, including, but not limited to R.S. 38:2211 et. seq.; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Morgan City Harbor and Terminal District, in Regular session, assembled on this 9th day of December, 2024, do hereby certify that the bidding procedures comply with Louisiana Revised Statutes 38:2211, et. seq.
BE IT FURTHUR RESOLV-ED that Raymond M. Wade, Executive Director be and is hereby authorized and directed to do any and all acts and things on behalf and in the name of the District that he deems necessary, proper, or that may be re- quired in regards to the certification of said bidding.
Michael Knobloch reported that: (i) AIC has had all of the security equipment delivered and will begin installation tomorrow, beginning in the warehouse; (ii) the RAISE grant application is due at the end of January and he will request a resolution in support next month, but there will be no local match due to the area being a rural, of persistent poverty, and historically disadvantaged. And (iii) he and Gerard will be meeting to discuss the TITLE VI documents that need to be added to our website and will ask for approval of those next month.
Robert Karam presented: (i) Eustis Engineering services amendment in the amount of $26,450 for additional geotechnical services required as a value engineering effort to look at some design changes that would reduce overall construction costs, determine a preferred design alternative utilizing deep soil mixing for the transit and storage areas, and to most importantly address any settlement concerns for the existing USACE Flood Protection system that is adjacent to the project; and (ii) MCA electrical and engineering services in the amount of $26,650 for electrical/mechanical systems for the proposed bathrooms, electrical/mechanical rooms, guard shack, additional shore power stations, and for future generator power connections. Mr. Cornes moved to authorize the additional services, which was seconded by Mrs. Garber and carried unanimously.
Bill Blanchard reported that: (i) Facility Planning and Control ap- proved the bid for the Mr. Brett Drydock project from US Coatings in the amount of $5,288,937 and he is hoping to have a pre-construction meeting as early as this Thursday; and (ii) dredging plans and specs have been delivered to Facility Planning and Control for approval so Mrs. Garber mov-ed to authorize advertising of the project, subject to their approval, which was seconded by Mr. Lombardo and carried unanimously; and (iii) they continue to design the bulkhead project.
Cindy Cutrera reported that we have been working with Paul Dittman of GICA on letters of support from his members for dredging of Stouts Pass since there is no funding for MR&T, however we may get supplemental funding from Hurricane Francine; and (ii) ethics and sexual harassment trainings are due by the end of the year.
Gerard Bourgeois presented an agreement be- tween the District and NOAA for the Port’s meteorological stations so Mr. Lombardo moved for approval of said agreement, which was seconded by Mr. Cornes and carried unanimously. He also reported that the state land office sent the renewal of our water bottom lease for $2658.63.
Mr. Cornes nominated Ben Adams President, which was seconded by Mrs. Garber; Mr. Lombardo nominated Deborah Garber Vice-President and Matthew Glover Secretary, which was seconded by Mr. Mayon; Mrs. Garber nominated Steven Cornes Treasurer, which was seconded by Mr. Lombardo. With no further nominations, the nominations were accepted unanimously.
With there being no further business to come before the Board, it was moved by Mr. Mayon and seconded by Mr. Lombardo that the meeting was adjourned.
Attest:
———————
Matthew K.
Glover,
Secretary
Adv. Jan. 22, 2025

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Cost: $264..00
LEGAL NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
Sixteenth
Judicial District Court
——
PARISH OF
ST. MARY
——
STATE OF
LOUISIANA
Amos Financial LLC
Vs. No. 138934
Natatia Paul
TAKE NOTICE, that by virtue of Order of Seizure and Sale issued out of the Honorable 16th Judicial District Court, in and for the Parish of St. Mary, and to me directed, in the above numbered and entitled suit, I have seized the following mentioned and described property, to wit:
THAT CERTAIN LOT OR PARCEL OF LAND TOGETHER WITH ALL BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON SITUATED AND ALL RIGHTS, WAYS, PRIVILEGES, PRESCRIPTIONS AND SERVITUDES THEREUNTO APPERTAINING, SITUATED IN PATTERSON, ST. MARY PARISH, LOUISIANA, BEING MORE PARTICULARLY KNOWN, DESIGNATED AND DESCRIBED AS LOT 28 OF BLOCK 4 OF ADDENDUM IA OF THE TIFFANY PLACE SUBDIVISION, AS SHOWN ON A PLAT MADE BY ARTHUR A. DEFRAITES, JR. A LOUISIANA REGISTERED PROFESSIONAL LAND SURVEYOR, DATED SEPTEMBER 10, 2004 AND WHICH PLAT IS RECORDED IN ST. MARY PARISH COB 67, PAGE 651, ENTRY NO. 287051; subject to restrictions, servitudes, rights-of-way and outstanding mineral rights of record affecting the property.
to satisfy the sum of ONE HUNDRED FOURTEEN THOUSAND AND 00/100 ($114,000.00) with interest thereon at 7.00% per annum from March 22, 2024, until paid; all expenses in- curred in enforcing the note and mortgage including reasonable attorney’s fees; if/as applicable, such other or additional amounts incurred or advanced for taxes, insurance premiums, special assessments, re- pairs to and/or maintenance of the property, for the protection, preservation, re- pair and recovery of the property, for the protection and preservation of the lien of the mortgage, for the protection and preservation of the mortgagee’s interest thereunder, and other amounts provided by the mortgage and ap- plicable law, such as late charges, escrow advances for the payment of taxes and insurance, corporate advances, property appraisals, inspection fees, prior attorney fees and expenses, abstract and title charges, NSF charges, attorney fees and expenses, and other charges which plaintiff is permitted to prove by verified petition, verified supplemental petition, or affidavit filed or submitted before distribution by the sheriff of the proceeds of the judicial sale herein; and all law charges, fees and expenses incurred in connection or relating to this proceeding including without limitation sheriff’s commission, sheriff’s costs, court costs all as permitted by the note or mortgage being enforced by this proceeding and all costs of this proceedings, as well as all sheriff’s costs and commission
All successful bidders must have cash, cashier’s check or a verifiable letter of credit in favor of said bidder from a solvent bank, savings and loan association or other such financial institution authorized to do business in the state of Louisiana and full payment must be made on the date of sale. Letter must state that money is available on the date of sale.
I shall expose the same at public sale, for Cash, according to law WITH appraisement to the last and highest bidder, at the principal front door of the 1st floor lobby area of the Court House in the Parish of St. Mary, Town of Franklin, Louisiana, on Wednesday, the 29th day of January A.D., 2025, between the legal hours commencing at 10 O’Clock A.M.
Sheriff’s Office
Parish of St. Mary, La.
Thursday, the 7th day of November A.D., 2024
GARY L.
DRISKELL,
SHERIFF
By: Heidi Rineholt
Deputy Sheriff
Adv. Dec. 27, 2024 and Jan. 22, 2025

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LEGAL NOTICE
Recreation District No. 4 of the Parish of St. Mary
Minutes of
Meeting
December 18, 2024
Members Present: William Miller, LaGenia Bradford, Vincent Byrd, Edward Austin, Terreance Johnson
Members Ab- sent: None
Others Present: Jerry Boyles, Barry Dufrene, Gabrille Gil, An- drew Bienvenu
Mr. Miller open-ed the regular meeting leading the Board in the pledge of allegiance.
Mr. Miller welcomed Andrew Bienvenu to the meeting. He up- dated the Board on the Biddy Basketball program.
The minutes of the regular meeting held on November 19, 2024 were reviewed. Mr. Byrd made a motion to accept the minutes. Mr. Austin seconded the mo- tion. The motion passed.
Mr. Dufrene presented and re- viewed the financial statements presented to the Board. A motion to accept the report was made by Mrs. Bradford and seconded by Mr. Austin. The motion passed.
Mr. Austin made a motion to pay outstanding in- voices. Mr. Johnson seconded the motion. Mr. Austin, Mr. Johnson, Mrs. Bradford, and Mr. Miller voted yes. Mr. Byrd abstained. The motion passed.
Mr. Boyles presented his report to the Board. There were 21 separate rentals for the District’s building last month. Upon a motion by Mr. Byrd and a second by Mrs. Bradford, the Board voted to refund the registration for a rental due to cancellation. Mr. Boyles reported the lights in the parking lot that needed to be repaired would be this month. He reported the Biddy Basketball program was running smoothly with no issues.
Since funding by the Parish and City of Patterson has been discontinued, the Board discussed the rental rates for use of the District’s building by other governmental units. Action will be taken at next month’s meeting.
Upon a motion by Mr. Byrd and a second by Mrs. Bradford, the Board reappointed Gabrielle Gil as the secretary treasurer of the Board for the period ending December 31, 2025.
With there being no other business to discuss, a mo- tion to adjourn was made by Mr. Byrd and seconded by Mrs. Bradford. The motion passed.
———————
William Miller
Chairperson
———————
Gabrielle Gil
Secretary Treasurer
Adv. Jan. 22, 2025

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Cost: $57.00
LEGAL NOTICE
AGENDA
ST. MARY PARISH 911 COMMUNICATIONS DISTRICT
1200 David Dr. Building B
Morgan City, LA 70380
Thursday,
January 23, 2025
1:00 P.M.
1. Meeting Called to Order
2. Roll Call
3. Minutes: De- cember 2024 (Regular Meeting)
4. Minutes: January 16, 2025 (Special Meeting)
5. Public Comment
6. Income Statement: December 2024
7. Expense Statement: December 2024
8. New Business: Executive Session for the purpose of discussing the salary of the newly appointed District Director.
9. Old Business: None
10. Director Updates
11. General Discussion
12. Adjournment
Adv. Jan. 22, 2025

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Click on the link below to download a .pdf version of the minutes.