RSS Feed

ADD CROSBY JR.

Mon, 01/20/2025 - 11:48am

Add Crosby Jr., 86, a native of Grand Cane and resident of Patterson, died Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025.
Services were Saturday at Good Hope Baptist Church in Patterson. Burial followed in Ibert’s Cemetery in Patterson.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Crosby; seven sons, Erving Crosby of Bossier City, Larry Crosby of New Iberia, James Crosby of Franklin, George Dewey III of Rockledge, Florida, Darrell Dewey Sr. and Ray Dewey Sr., both of Patterson, and Marvin Dewey Sr. of Zachary; four daughters, Gussie Boyd of Shreveport, Alma Oliver of Grand Marais, Rosa Crosby of Franklin, and Lisa Chambliss of Patterson; a stepchild, Kevin Kinchen; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, stepmother, stepfather, son, and three grandsons.
Jones Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

GEORGE BELL 'BUZZY' THOMSON JR.

Mon, 01/20/2025 - 11:47am

George Bell “Buzzy” Thomson, Jr., a native of Franklin and a resident of Lafayette, passed away Wednesday, January 15, 2025 at his residence surrounded by friends and family. He was 69.
He is survived by his wife, Constance Johnson Thomson; two sons, John William Thomson and his wife, Whitney, and Michael George Thomson, all of Lafayette; stepchildren, Matthew Edward Taylor and his wife, Heather, of Chattanooga, TN, and Constance Ann Taylor, of Lafayette; two grandchildren, William Hayes Thomson and Elizabeth Grace Thomson; and step grandchild, Lennon James Taylor. He is also survived by two brothers, Byron Craig Thomson and his wife, Janine, and Stephen Scull Thomson and his wife, Bonnie, all of Lafayette.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Beth Scull Thomson and George Bell Thomson, Sr., of Franklin, and stepson Myles William Taylor, of Lafayette.
Buzzy was born and raised in Franklin, LA where he grew up on his parents’ beautiful plantation, Oaklawn Manor. He was a member of the Hanson Memorial High School class of 1973. After high school, Buzzy moved to Baton Rouge where he attended Louisiana State University. Following school, he joined his brother Stephen at their company, Pelican Real Estate, which they successfully grew into Coldwell Banker Pelican Real Estate. Also in partnership with his brother Stephen, Buzzy established Thomson Brothers Construction Company and Custom Steel Erectors of LA, two well-respected commercial construction businesses. Under his 30-year leadership, the businesses successfully expanded and flourished, leaving a secure foundation upon his retirement. Buzzy was an active member of the Acadiana Home Builders Association, in which he served as President in 2000.
An avid outdoorsman, Buzzy found solace and excitement in hunting, fishing, and playing golf. He loved nothing more than being in a duck blind with his sons and grandson. He was a beloved member of the Salty Acres Hunting Club where one would often find him in the kitchen cooking up one of his delicious meals. Buzzy was also a lifelong fan of LSU sports. His passion for the Tigers was contagious and evident to those who were lucky enough to watch a game with him.
Buzzy’s constant companion was his yellow lab, Elle. Their bond was unbreakable, and Elle was often by his side during his many adventures.
While Buzzy had many interests, his greatest passion was his family. A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, his family was his greatest source of pride and joy.
Visitation will be observed on Thursday, January 23, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Martin & Castille’s St. Landry location, with a funeral Mass to follow at 1:30 p.m. at Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist. Reverend Monsignor Keith J. DeRouen will be the Celebrant of the Mass and will officiate at the services. Entombment will be held in St. John Catholic Cemetery Mausoleum in Lafayette.
Pallbearers will be John William Thomson, Michael George Thomson, Matthew Edward Taylor, Ryan Matthew Thomson, Scott Pierce Thomson, and Cooper Taylor Thomson.
Special thanks to Brad Broussard, MD, Philippe Prouet, MD, Kyle Russo, MD and Brian Etier, MD.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in honor of George Bell “Buzzy” Thomson, Jr. to Arc of Acadiana. https://arcofacadiana.org/donate-to-arc-of-acadiana/
View the obituary and guestbook online at www.mourning.com.
Martin & Castille - DOWNTOWN, 330 St. Landry Street Lafayette, LA. 70506 337-234-2311

Dear Abby: A fixation lasted too long

Mon, 01/20/2025 - 11:46am

DEAR ABBY: My younger sister and I were close growing up. We didn’t have many friends, but we were always willing to play games and have fun with each other. At one point, my sister said she wanted to marry me when we grew up. I didn’t think much of it because we were still kids, and I figured she didn’t know there were different types of love.
As we grew older, we did make our own friends, and today I’m engaged to my longtime girlfriend. My sister and my fiancée got along great during the years we were still just “boyfriend and girlfriend,” but after we announced our engagement, my sister became hostile.
As it turns out, my sister took her intention to marry me seriously, and even as we got older and she understood the difference between familial and romantic love, she carried a torch for me well into her teens.
I would like my little sister to be part of the wedding because of how important she’s been to me, but she stubbornly insists on “winning me back” from my fiancée. Is there a way to explain the reality of this situation, or are our sibling bonds done for good?
TERRIFIED SIBLING IN CALIFORNIA

DEAR TERRIFIED: Your sister is in need of the services of a mental health professional to rid herself of her fixation on you. She should NOT be part of your wedding because her presence under the circumstances could be disruptive. If she attends at all, someone should be assigned to remove her if she becomes disruptive. Perhaps your sibling bond can be reestablished later, but don’t bank on it.

DEAR ABBY: I am dating a man I’ll call Lionel. He’s living with me temporarily (and paying half the rent) while I get back on my feet because I was recently laid off.
Lionel was previously in an 18-year relationship that ended three years ago when his ex threw him out. She still asks him to pay for things, including an $1,800 credit card bill she ran up. He tells me he’s “obliged” to do it, which makes me suspect he’s still in love with her. Although Lionel claims he loves me, he still does things like this for her. I’m not sure what to think, and I’m no longer sure I should be with him. Am I wrong for being upset?
PERPLEXED
IN NEVADA

DEAR PERPLEXED: Lionel seems to be a generous person. If he is living with you to ease your financial burden since the layoff, I think you should be grateful. I don’t know why he feels obligated to pay off his ex’s credit card bill, and you didn’t mention the reason.
Calmly discuss this with him before deciding whether this is worth ending the relationship over. If it’s a one-time thing, let it slide at least until you find another job. However, if he is forever tied to the woman, find another roommate.

***

For everything you need to know about wedding planning, order “How to Have a Lovely Wedding.” Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 to: Dear Abby, Wedding Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447.

St. Mary students earn honors at Nicholls

Mon, 01/20/2025 - 11:32am

St. Mary students were among 2,715 Nicholls students named to honors lists for the fall 2024 semester.
Undergraduate students enrolled full-time at Nicholls State University during the fall 2024 semester who maintained a scholastic grade point average of 3.5 or higher have been named to the President’s List to recognize their academic achievements.
Full-time undergraduate students who maintained a scholastic grade point average between 3.2 and 3.499 have been named to the Dean’s List, and those who maintained a scholastic grade point average between 3.0 and 3.199 have been named to the Honor Roll to recognize their academic achievements.
Dean's List
Adams, Emily, NU-BSN-NURS
Babin, Ashlyn, BA-BS-MKTG
Bailey, Faith, NU-BSN-NURS
Barrilleaux, Tanner, ED-BA-PSYC
Blanchard,. Dorthy, LA-BIS-IDSX
Bourgeois, Matthew, ST-BS-MATC
Bourgeois, ,Sariayah, LA-BA-SOWK
Bowie, D’Marcus, ST-AS-PSAX
Cavalier, Andrew, ST-BS-AHPA
Compton, M Shaelyn, NU-BSN-NURS
Conrad. Mary. NU-BSN-NURS
Cranche, Halee, ED-BA-PSYC
Dewey, Mackenzie, ED-BA-PSYC
Domingue, Sarah, NU-BSN-NURS
Driskill. Gabriella, ED-BS-SESS
Dupuis, Abbie, ED-BA-PSPC
Dupuis, Rylie, NU-BSN-NURS
Duval, Isabella, NU-BSN-NURS
Ebbecke, Hannah, ST-BS-AHPR
Fontenot, Hailey. ED-BA-PSYC
Francis, Nott, ST-BS-BIOE
Griffin, Zane, BA-BS-CISC
Harris, Reggie. ED-BA-PSPX
Harrison, Blaze, ST-BS-SMGT
Hayes, Arieana, NU-BSN-NURS
Hebert, Landon, BA-BS-CISY
Hoffpauir, Bodie, BA-BS-BABS
Jamand, Amanda, NU-BSN-NURS
Johnson, Christian, ST-BS-AHPA
Jones, Ra’Myre, NU-BSN-NURS
Kidder, Brendan, BA-BS-MNGH
Lafleur, Ruth, BA-BS-ACCT
Leblanc, Ethan, BA-BS-BABS
Lewis, Alilana, NU-BSN-NURS
Maldonado, Juan, NU-BSN-NURS
Mayea, Sterlyn, NU-BSN-NURS
Nguyen, Justin, ED-BA-PSPC
Nguyen, Truongduy, BA-BS-ACCT
Ordoyne, Tabitha, NU-BSN-NURS
Phillips, Raquel, ST-BS-BIOV
Ratcliff, Rhett, BA-BS-BABS
Richard, Lex, ED-BA-PSPC
Rieve, Sophia, NU-BSN-NURS
Robertson, Tramaya, JF-AS-CAAS
Romaire, Ethan, LA-BA-MCJO
Seymour, Ethan, BA-BS-FINC
Simmons, Tanner, BA-BS-BABS
Tarver, Luke, ST-AS-STAS
Taylor, Kathryn, LA-BA-POLX
Thibodeaux, Sara, LA-BFA-ARTW
Toups, Jolie, NU-BSN-NURS
West, Amba, ED-BS-BFED
Williams, Carter, BA-BS-BAMB
Williams, Sampson, BA-BS-BABS

Honor Roll
Alleman, Ashley, ED-BA-PSPC
Askew, Aaron, BA-BS-BABS
Blanchard, Reece, ST-NON-PDHY
Clinton, Ariana, BA-BS-BABX
Cradeur, Emily, NU-BSN-NURS
Dufrene, Alexandra, NU-BSN-NURS
Falzarano, David, BA-BS-BABX
Fendley, James, LA-AGS-GSAS
Fraley, Jenna, NU-BSN-NURS
Fuhrer, Mya, ED-BA-PSPC
Goulas, Cody. LA-BA-HISX
Guillot, Eric, BA-BS-ACCT
Guillot. Eric, BA-BS-FINC
Jones, Kayla, ST-BS-AHCD
Knapp. Shelby, NU-BSN-NURS
Lagarde, Makenna, ED-BS-SEEN
Larson, Joseph, BA-BS-CISC
Lewis. Alexis, NU-BSN-NURS
Lipari, Emily, NU-BSN-NURS
Loredo, Chelsea. BA-BS-CISD
Marcel, Gabrielle, BA-BS-BABS
Milton, Jayden, LA-BIS-IDST
Orlando, Anne-Marie, BA-BS-MNGH
Pham, Trish, ST-BS-BIOA
Ramirez-Mondragon, Guadalupe, NU-BSN-NURS
San Juan-Zavala, David, ST-NON-PDHY
Scully, Abbie, BA-BS-ACCT
Smith, Brett, BA-BS-BABS
Taylor, Ravyn, BA-BS-BABX
Thorguson, Jackson, BA-BS-CISY
Trevino, Nathaniel, BA-BS-CISY
Washington, Yasmine. ED-BS-15ED

President's List
Ackman, Emily, ED-BS-SEEN
Adams, Jeremy, ST-BS-SMGT
Adams, Kaitlyn, BA-BS-ACCT
Albritton, Madeline, ED-BS-15ED
Aucoin, Lily. LA-BFA-ARTM
Bailey, Hannah. ST-BS-AHPR
Bailey, Kate, NU-BSN-NURS
Baio, Olivia, ST-BS-AHPR
Beadle, Hannah, ED-BS-15ED
Beals, Michelle, ST-BS-BIOL
Bellard, Kennedy, ST-BS-AHHX
Blakeman, Madison, ED-BS-15ED
Blanco, Jase, LA-BS-CJUS
Boston, Korhoree, LA-AGS-GSAS
Boston, Korhoree, LA-BIS-IDS
Bourgeois, Kaylee, NU-BSN-NURS
Calderon, Eulises, ST-BS-MATC
Caldwell, Ryan, NU-BSN-NURS
Cali, Mary, LA-BA-ENCW
Carello, Breauna, NU-BSN-NURS
Carmichael, Ian, ST-BS-GEOM
Cerritos, Bruno, NU-BSN-NURS
Chasson, Brannan, BA-BS-MKTA
Chauvin, Jaleigh, BA-BS-MKTA
Chauvin, Lauren, ED-BS-BFED
Chauvin, Tyler, LA-BA-ENWR
Clements, Jake, ED-BA-PSPC
Clinton, Dacie, NU-BSN-NURS
Colgin, Emily, BA-BS-BABS
Coomer, Jude, LA-BA-HIST
Cordero, Brandon, ED-BA-PSYC
Crooks, Mia, LA-BFA-ARTM
Dang, Vy,. NU-BSN-NURS
Davila Rodriguez, Idalys, NU-BSN-NURS
De Lira, Evelyn, NU-BSN-NURS
DeRouen, Faith, JF-BS-CAPC
Dehart, Bryleigh, NU-BSN-NURS
Devillier, Allie, ST-BS-BIOD
Dotson, Justin, NU-BSN-NURS
Doucet, Ella, NU-BSN-NURS
Dreyer, Bailey, BA-BS-ACCT
Dudoussat, Ella, BA-BS-ACCT
Dugas, Kade, JF-BS-CAPR
Dupuy, Jamie, LA-BS-CJUS
Eguizabal, Nelson, ST-BS-BIOD
Elliott, Emily, ST-BS-DIET
Eues, Lily, ED-BS-HPED
Fabre, Carsyn, ED-BA-PSPC
Falgout, Chloe, ED-BS-BFED
Foret, Trey, LA-BIS-IDST
Francis, Jamari, ED-BA-PSPC
Francis, Kamiah, LA-BS-CJUS
Garner, Julian, ED-BA-PSYC
Garnica, Jolette, NU-BSN-NURS
Gibson, Gisele, ED-BA-PSPX
Gonzales, Reed, ST-BS-AHPR
Gowan, Micah, LA-BA-POLX
Griffin, Keaunca, NU-BSN-NURS
Gros, Dru. LA-AGS-GSAS
Gros, Dru. ST-BS-AHHX
Guidry, Paris, LA-BFA-ARTD
Guillot, Breanna, ST-BS-BIOO
Harden. Keatyn, ST-BS-AHRX
Harris, Kailani, BA-BS-ACCT
Harris, Madisyn, NU-BSN-NURS
Hartman, Elizabeth, LA-AGS-GSAS
Hartman, Elizabeth, LA-BIS-IDST
Hebb, Nathan, LA-BA-HIST
Hebert, Gavin, LA-BA-ENFS
Hebert, Jaci, LA-BA-ENCW
Hill, Kennedy, ST-BS-AHCD
Holifield, Angel. ED-BA-PSYC
Huynh, Thai, BA-BS-CISD
Ibert, Daniel. BA-BS-FINC
John, Jasmine, JF-BS-CAPC
Jones, Tyler. LA-BIS-IDSX
Kemp. Gregory, ST-BS-PETC
Kennedy, Christi, ST-BS-AHHX
Kinchen, Samantha, ST-BS-AHHW
Koen, Anna, ST-BS-AHHW
Lanclos. Chloe, ST-BS-BIOV
Landry, Mackenley, ST-BS-MATE
Levy, De’Angela, ED-BA-PSPC, President’s List
Lewis, Brianna, ED-BS-SEEN
Lindsey, Reagan, BA-BS-ACCT
Lodrigue, Madison, NU-BSN-NURS
Lousteau, Katy, ST-BS-AHPA
Madise, Hailee, ED-BA-PSPC
Marcelino, Juliet, ST-NON-PDHY
Marcotte, Kaitlyn, ED-BA-PSYC
Martin, Marlee. ST-BS-AHHW
Martinez, Leslie. ST-BS-BIOA
Martinez Cisneros, Deyna, BA-BS-BAPL
Mayon. Allie, NU-BSN-NURS
Mayon. Fallyn. NU-BSN-NURS
Mayon. Tylor. ED-BS-15ED
Miguez, Bryce, ST-BS-AHPR
Miller, Ben, JF-BS-CAPR
Mollet Rodriguez. Alexa, ST-BS-AHPR
Navarro, Katie. LA-BFA-ARTO
Nguyen, Dao, NU-BSN-NURS
Nguyen. Dillon. BA-BS-ACCT
Nguyen, Lac, BA-BS-CISC
Nguyen. Truonggiang. BA-BS-ACCT
Notto. Dante. LA-BFA-ARTD
Partain, Kailey. LA-BFA-ARTM
Pellerin. Kristen. NU-BSN-NURS
Perot, Emilena, BA-BS-MKTG
Ramirez, Nicole, BA-BS-BABX
Ramirez, Nicole, LA-AGS-GSAX
Ratcliff, Reise. BA-BS-FINC
Richard, Aidan, NU-BSN-NURS
Riley, Alayna. LA-BS-CJUS
Russo, Tyler. NU-BSN-NURS
Scully, Noah. NU-BSN-NURS
Seymour, Mylan, BA-BS-MKTG
Singletary, Cobin. ST-BS-MATC
Sloane. Natalie. NU-BSN-NURS
Soileau. Zane. ST-BS-AHPA
Spitale. Giuliana. ST-BS-BIOD
Spitale. Nicolas. NU-BSN-NURS
Spitale, Santo. BA-BS-MNGH
Tabor, Ashley. JF-BS-CABE
Terrebonne, Emily. NU-BSN-NURS
Theriot. Katelyn. NU-BSN-NURS
Thomas. Kaeden. ST-AS-STAS
Toups. Rachel. LA-BA-ENYX
Vaccarella. Anna. ST-BS-AHHW
Vincent, Mary Frances. LA-BIS-IDST
Wesley. Keilan. ST-BS-AHHX
Wiggins. Symone, ED-BA-PSPC
Wise. Emily. LA-BA-POLS
Zavala. Ana. NU-BSN-NURS

La. hunters make kills where Teddy Roosevelt hunted

Mon, 01/20/2025 - 11:31am

The recently concluded Louisiana black bear hunting season, administered by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, produced an impressive harvest by 10 hunters in northeast Louisiana.
For two of those hunters, Fisher Brown and Perry Pitre Jr., it also was a chance to relive an event experienced more than 100 years ago by one of the nation’s greatest ever conservationists, Teddy Roosevelt.
Brown and Pitre Jr. harvested male bears in north Madison Parish in roughly the same area that Roosevelt, serving in his second term as President at the time, took a female bear in October of 1907 while hunting in East Carroll and Madison parishes.
“The bear that Brown harvested is near that property (in north Madison Parish near Bear Lake) where Roosevelt took his bear,’’ LDWF Large Carnivore Program Manager John Hanks said. “And Pitre harvested his bear on an adjacent property. While we don’t know exactly where Roosevelt took the bear, we know it was in that area and that Brown and Pitre Jr. were on the property where Roosevelt camped.’’
The success of the season, which ran from Dec. 7-22, illustrates how well the habitat in Bear Management Area 4, made up of Tensas, Madison, East Carroll and West Carroll parishes along with portions of Richland, Franklin and Catahoula parishes, supports the population of Louisiana black bears there. It was true when Roosevelt hunted there and, because of the work of LDWF and many other partners in restoring Louisiana black bear habitat, is true now. A total of 10 bears – eight male and two female – were harvested during the special season.
“It’s really cool when you can see a historic piece of Louisiana’s past combine with the present, especially when it comes to hunting,” LDWF Secretary Madison Sheahan said. “A healthy habitat is the key to supporting and growing populations for wildlife, which is evident in the area of our recent black bear season.
"Thanks to our many partners, both public and private, the habitat in that area has improved greatly and is attributed to the success of these two hunters in harvesting a bear on the historic land were Teddy Roosevelt hunted.”
The Louisiana black bear is one of the state’s most recent conservation success stories. The animal was listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act in 1992. But thanks to the collaborative efforts of many stakeholders to monitor black bear population numbers, restore habitat and protect the bear for the long term, it was removed from the list in 2016.
All black bear lottery fees and license revenue from the special season will be reinvested directly into the Louisiana Black Bear Program. These funds will assist LDWF biologists in continuing to conduct bear management operations such as annual live trapping and radio-collaring of bears, winter den checks to monitor reproductive rates, and non-invasive hair sampling to monitor range expansion.
For more information on the management of the Louisiana black bear, go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OB_oXGkwDUA.
For more information on the Louisiana black bear, go to https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/subhome/louisiana-black-bear. And for more information on the black bear hunting lottery, go to https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/black-bear-hunting-lottery.
 

MLK Jr. Day observance in Patterson

Mon, 01/20/2025 - 11:11am

The New Age Patterson Civic organization marked Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday with an event at Patterson's Good Hope Baptist Church. Courtney Long and Pastor Patrick T. Jones were the speakers. Musical performers were by the Good Hope Baptist Church Youth Ministry, the Good Hope Men of Hope and the Butler Sisters. Also taking part in the event were Minister Cynathia Hillard, Deacon Ray Dewey, Mary G. Howard, Pastor Mark Gowan, Latrina Benjamin, Tenisha Thompson, Tamberlynn Brown, Del Leaders, Regenia Leonard of Zion Chapel, Nastassia Smith, Anajee Williams, Staff Sergeant Austin and the Junior Soldiers, Allise J. Salazar, Holden Murray, Danika Long, Pastor Richelle Castine of Zion Chapel Methodist Church, Pastor Lee Condolle of Our Faith Fellowship Church and Pastor Samuel Calhoun of New Salem Baptist Church.

The Review/Bill Decker

Bollinger settles charges it used illegal workers

Fri, 01/17/2025 - 4:58pm
GREG LaROSE, Louisiana Illuminator

The family-owned company of President-elect Donald Trump’s campaign co-chair in Louisiana has agreed to pay $1.025 million to resolve allegations that it hired workers ineligible to work in the United States, the U.S. Department of Justice announced this week.
Bollinger Shipyard LLC of Lockport was accused of violating the False Claims Act for knowingly billing the U.S. Coast Guard for the labor the illegal workers performed. The company’s settlement with the federal government is not an admission of guilt but effectively brings the matter to a close.
Bollinger is a longtime military contractor that manufactures the Coast Guard’s fast response cutter (FRC) vessel. The Justice Department alleged the shipbuilder’s violations took place from 2015-20 under its FRC contracts.
Bollinger Shipyard’s Lockport office directed a reporter’s call with questions to executive vice president Geoffrey Green, who has not yet responded.
The federal government requires contractors to confirm their employees are eligible to work in the United States, and officials alleged Bollinger failed to comply with this requirement. As a result, “several ineligible employees worked on the contract,” according to the Justice Department, and the company was paid for the work they performed.
“Companies that conduct business with the United States are required to do so in a legitimate manner,” U.S Attorney Duane Evans said in a news release.
President Joe Biden appointed Evans to lead federal prosecutions in the Eastern District of Louisiana.
As of November, Bollinger delivered 58 of the 67 fast response cutters the Coast Guard has ordered from the company at a cost of about $2 billion.
The former chairman and CEO of Bollinger Shipyard, Donald “Boysie” Bollinger Jr., has served as co-chair of the Trump campaign in Louisiana for the past three elections. Bollinger’s nephew, Ben Bordelon, took over as company leader in 2014, marking the third generation of family leadership at the 79-year-old business.
Bollinger has served as treasurer of the Republican Party of Louisiana and chaired the Louisiana presidential campaigns for George H.W. Bush, George W. Bush, John McCain and Mitt Romney.
Since 2016, Bollinger has donated more than $1.13 million to Republican candidates through Bollinger Enterprises, his separate investment company, based on numbers from OpenSecrets.org.
Over the same period, Bollinger’s donations to Democrats totaled $5,600, though he notably backed Democratic U.S. Sen. Mary Landrieu in her re-election loss to Bill Cassidy in 2014.
Bollinger’s largest political contributions in 2024 were $113,000 to the Republican National Committee and $100,000 to Make America Great Again Inc.
Last June, Bollinger hosted a $3,300-a-person fundraiser at his New Orleans home for Trump. The event raised $5 million, The Times-Picayune reported.
Efforts to reach Bollinger for comment were unsuccessful.

JOHN DESHOTEL

Fri, 01/17/2025 - 4:50pm

John “Mike” Deshotel, 79, a resident of Morgan City, Louisiana, passed away peacefully, Friday, January 17, 2025, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

Mike was born on June 14, 1945, in Ville Platte, Louisiana, the son of Isaac Deshotel and Rosabell Veillon Deshotel.

A proud veteran of the United States Army, Mike embodied the values of service, integrity, and commitment throughout his life. As the proud owner of Qualitech Services, he dedicated himself to his business, which became his lifelong passion and a testament to his strong work ethic. Mike’s leadership and vision were instrumental in shaping the success of his company, earning him the respect and admiration of many colleagues and clients who then became friends.

Mike was a passionate outdoorsman who found joy in the serenity of nature and the excitement of outdoor pursuits. He loved hunting, golfing, and especially fishing, a pastime close to his heart. Each year, he eagerly participated in the Oyster Bayou Fishing Rodeo, where he made cherished memories on the water with his friends, son and grandsons. With a warm and social nature, he also enjoyed frequently playing cards with his closest friends at the Petroleum Club.

Family was at the core of Mike’s life. He took great joy in spending time with his beloved wife, Sundra, as well as his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Whether gathered around the table or out on the water in the boat, Mike treasured every moment with his family. His legacy of love and support will live on through the generations he nurtured.

He will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his wife of 58 years, Sundra Martin Deshotel; son, Sonny Deshotel and wife Christy; daughter, Sonia Prince and husband Stephen; sister-in-law, Janelle Deshotel; brother-in-law, Louis Douget; six grandchildren, Jacob Prince and wife Brittany, Taylor Domangue and husband Kenneth, Alaina Tarver-Lecoq and husband William, Caylee Deshotel and fiancé Yancy LeGrande, Austin Deshotel, and Garrett Deshotel; and three great-grandchildren, Kensley and Kate Domangue, and Justin Prince.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Isaac and Rosabell Deshotel; brother, Jay Deshotel; sister, Roxanne Douget.

A Mass in celebration of Mike’s life will be held on January 18, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Morgan City, Louisiana, with Father Francis Kayaye officiating. A visitation will be held Saturday, January 18, 2025, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of Mass. After Mass, Mike will be laid to rest in the Morgan City Cemetery Mausoleum, where military honors will be rendered by the East St. Mary Honor Guard. Friends and family are invited to gather to honor and remember a remarkable man who touched the lives of so many with his kindness, dedication, and love.

Deputies make arrest in Patterson-area vehicle burglaries

Fri, 01/17/2025 - 4:30pm
Staff Report

(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 deputies made another arrest Thursday in a string of Patterson-area vehicle burglaries.

St. Mary

Sheriff Gary Driskell reported these arrests:

--Tyjon Zari Antwain Folse, 19, Patterson, was arrested at 8:09 p.m. Thursday on seven counts of simple burglary.

On Jan. 11, deputies were dispatched to Patterson in reference to several vehicle burglaries in the area. Patrol deputies opened an investigation and made an arrest in reference to the burglaries on one suspect.

SMPSO detectives continued the investigation and obtained a search warrant for a residence on Natalie Lane. On Thursday, detectives executed the search warrant and subsequently located a stolen firearm.

The suspect, Folse, was taken in for questioning and through the investigation was linked to the vehicle burglaries in the area. He was transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking.

--Milton Burley Green Jr., 38, Franklin, was arrested at 4:25 p.m. Thursday on a charge of entry on or remaining on premises after forbidden. Bail has not been set at this time.

--Eddie Tyrone Mayfield, 39, Morgan City, was arrested at 1:26 p.m. Thursday on a parole violation. Bail has not been set at this time.

--Megan Marie Businelle, 34, Morgan City, was arrested at 8:18 p.m. Thursday on charges of expired driver's license and resisting an officer by giving false information. Businelle was released on a $2,750 bond.

Morgan City

Chief Chad M. Adams reported these arrests:

--Ira Grow Jr., 68, Wytchwood Drive, Morgan City, was arrested on 4:02 a.m. Thursday on a charge of child desertion. (Released on summons.)

--Reinerio Gaverrete Guillan, 36, Chennault Street Morgan City, was arrested at 4:15 a.m. Thursday on a charge of loud music from vehicle. (Released on summons.)

--Jacob Gabriel Fernandez, 37, Second Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 11:13 p.m. Thursday on a charge of contempt of court (violating terms of probation) (6th Ward Morgan City Court).

--Joseph Antyhony Acosta, 32, Sacred Heart Drive, Morgan City, was arrested 9:25 a.m. Jan. 15 on charges of possession of methamphetamine and resisting an officer.

--Robert Paul Stansbury Jr., 41, Franklin Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 1:49 a.m. Thursday on three counts of failure to appear for trial (6th Ward Morgan City Court).

Patterson

Chief Garrett Grogan reported these arrests:

--George Favors III, 57, Park Street, Patterson, was arrested at 1:17 p.m. Thursday on a charge of stalking. Favors was incarcerated at the Patterson PD Jail with bond set at $476.

--Jimmy H. McGraw, 46, Red Cypress Road, Patterson, was arrested at 7:53 p.m. Thursday on a St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office warrant alleging criminal neglect of family and a charge of violation of a protective order. McGraw was incarcerated at the Patterson PD Jail with no bond set.

Assumption

Sheriff Leland Falcon reported this arrest:

--Rudy J. Bazare Jr., 54, Moffett Court, Bayou L’Ourse, was arrested Jan. 15 on charges of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana and illegal window tint.

The charges result from a traffic stop on LA 662 near Bayou L’Ourse.

Narcotics officers on assignment observed a vehicle with an equipment violation and initiated a stop of that vehicle. Officers made contact with the driver now identified as Bazare. During the investigative stop, Bazare was found to possess on his person, quantities of methamphetamine and marijuana.

Bazare was arrested and booked into the Assumption Parish Detention Center pending a bond hearing.

Franklin

Chief Cedric Handy reported this arrest:

--Milton Green, 38, Iberia Street, Franklin, was arrested at 12:41 p.m. Jan. 15 on charge of remaining where forbidden. Green was booked, processed and held on a $500 bond.

Pages

ST. MARY 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

St Mary Now Copyright  © 2026