RSS Feed

St. Mary schools will be closed Tuesday and Wednesday

St. Mary Parish schools will be closed Tuesday and Wednesday "due to anticipated extreme weather conditions from Arctic air," Superintendent Dr. Buffy Fegenbush said Friday in a press release.

"Based on advisories from state and local officials, and with concerns regarding the safety of travel for both students and employees, these closures are necessary.

All district schools and offices will be closed Tuesday and Wednesday. Any updates will be posted on district websites and communicated via communication portals.

"The safety of our students, staff and community is our primary concern," Fegenbush said. "We are making these decisions to ensure everyone's well-being during these extreme weather conditions. We encourage all families to stay informed and take the necessary precautions."

Predictions are for lows in the 20s next week with a chance of winter precipitation Tuesday and Wednesday.

Morgan City police radio logs for Jan. 16-17

The following are the radio dispatch logs from the Morgan City Police Department. To report unlawful or suspicious activity, call the Police Department at 985-380-4605.
Thursday, Jan. 16
7:58 a.m. 1400 block of Railroad Avenue; Telephone harassment.
8:58 a.m. 600 block of Willow Street; Remove subject.
9:03 a.m. 1600 block of Filmore Street; Medical.
9:33 a.m. Karen/Chestnut drives; Juvenile problems.
10:14 a.m. 800 block of Railroad Avenue; Civil matter.
10:21 a.m. Victor II Boulevard/Brashear Avenue; Vehicle accident.
11:05 a.m. 200 block of Utah Street; Suspicious vehicle.
11:08 a.m. 200 block of Everett Street; Theft.
11:17 a.m. 100 block of Headland Street; Medical.
12:20 p.m. 1100 block of Eighth Street; Complaint.
1:12 p.m. 7200 block of La. 182; Stand by.
1:38 p.m. 1200 block of David Drive; Alarm.
1:44 p.m. 500 block of Seventh Street; Animal complaint.
1:59 p.m. 400 block of Myrtle Street; Welfare concern.
2:05 p.m. Greenwood Street/Victor II Boulevard; Vehicle accident.
2:13 p.m. 900 block of Willard Street; Disturbance.
2:42 p.m. 1500 block of Victor II Boulevard; Welfare concern.
2:44 p.m. 2300 block of La. 70; Animal complaint.
2:52 p.m. Seventh/Freret streets; Suspicious vehicle.
3:20 p.m. Karen/Wytchwood drives; Juvenile problems.
3:45 p.m. 600 block of First Street; Complaint.
3:53 p.m. 100 block of Chennault Street; Loud music.
4:19 p.m. 800 block of Roderick Street; Complaint.
4:21 p.m. 1000 block of Florence Street; Disturbance.
4:51 p.m. Allison/Justa streets; Vehicle accident.
5:07 p.m. 900 block of Levee Road; Theft.
6:01 p.m. 1100 block of Marguerite Street; Vehicle accident.
6:48 p.m. 1600 block of Mayon Street; Disturbance.
7:12 p.m. Justa/Catherine; streets; Complaint.
7:30 p.m. Railroad Avenue; Suspicious person/vehicle.
8:35 p.m. 1100 block of Front Street; Disturbance.
8:40 p.m. 900 block of Willard Street; Disturbance.
9:16 p.m. 3000 block of Catherine Street; Suspicious person/vehicle.
11:11 p.m. 7700 block of La. 182; Suspicious person/vehicle.
Friday, Jan. 17
12:07 a.m. Francis Street; Suspicious person/vehicle.
1:28 a.m. 6400 block of La. 182; Alarm.
4:21 a.m. 1800 block of Sixth Street; Open door.
4:28 a.m. 7400 block of La. 182; Complaint.

Kidney donor sought for area woman

Relatives are seeking a kidney donor for Hannah Guarisco.
She has lost the function of both kidneys and currently has to have dialysis daily. She is 43 years old and is raising a 7-year-old son. She is on the list for a kidney transplant at the Ochsner Mult-Organ Transplant Institute located on 1514 Jefferson Highway in Jefferson.
More information and a questionnaire can be found at KidneyLivingDonor@Ochsner.org
Hannah Guarisco is the daughter of Gerald Guarisco.

John K. Flores: Cold weather cats

January is a great month for fishing blue catfish in the coastal marshes.
Within days, sometimes hours, after the calendar flips to the New Year, many folks do a deep dive into the resolutions they’ve established to make positive changes in their lives. I’m all for that sort of thing, especially when it includes fishing for winter blue catfish to start the year.
In fact, my wife and I happen to have an anniversary that we celebrate on the 14th of January. A number of years ago, when financially we were operating on lesser means while raising kids, we once went fishing on our anniversary for blue catfish to commemorate this important date in our lives.
The day was crisp and very cold, kind of like what we’ve been experiencing lately, and don’t you know the blue cats were biting. We had a great time, and it remains one of our more memorable anniversaries.
A few years later, I made a winter catfishing trip down the Atchafalaya River with good friend Joey Ratcliff from Patterson.
Ratcliff has a camp down river and at one time regularly fished the Lake Salve area. Essentially, catfish all along the Atchafalaya River and its tributaries is pretty much a tight lining affair, when it comes to rod and reel methodology. However, when Ratcliff fishes blue catfish, he does change up a few things.
Ratcliff, in describing the business end of his fishing rig, said, “I don’t like to use the store-bought rigs most people buy and use, with all that stuff on it. In my opinion, it makes noise and tends to be something the fish see that doesn’t look natural. I like to make a staging off my main line itself about 16 inches off the bottom.”
“On the bottom, I’ll use a one one-ounce weight,” Ratcliff continued. “I also use 1/0 Kahle hook. It’s a small hook and I find the smaller the better. It tends to go into their mouth really easy and it’s hard to miss them. It’s almost a definite hook set every time — it usually does the trick.”
Line weight runs the gambit when fishing catfish. Any durable line from 10- to 15-pound test is sufficient. Fifteen-pound test will handle large blue cats many times beyond the line’s rating even in heavy current and deep river waters. Additionally, catfish aren’t known for long, hard fights. In the winter they easily tire after a few initial runs that will bend most graphite rods to the brink.
Heavier blue catfish, like those Ratcliff and I flexed our muscles on, are fun to catch. Though most people prefer smaller 1-1/2- to 2-pound fish for eating, big blue cat meat is great for cutting into strips or even cubes for a fish courtbouillon.
Lake Salve is very shallow. Ratcliff typically starts probing for catfish in the shallows and progressively moves to deeper and deeper water in the locations he’s come to know that hold fish.
“I like to fish the shallows first,” Ratcliff said. “If the fish are on, I’ve got more time to fish. But, if it isn’t happening, I’ll move from 2 to 3 feet of water to 6 or 7. And if no luck there, I’ll go to deeper locations. You can’t always pinpoint how deep of water at first you need to go to catch fish. That’s why I like to start shallow and work my way to deeper water.”
Ratcliff also likes to fish eddies. An eddy will form a back flow of water because of some obstruction or bend in the bayou. In the case of the marshes south of the Intracoastal Canal, the obstruction is usually where the mouth of a canal meets a bayou or possibly convergent bayous.
One of the things Ratcliff looks for in a back water eddy is a slow-moving trash line.
Ratcliff said, “You don’t want a lot of current, because the fish can’t stay still in it. With a slow eddy, it gives the fish a place to get out of the current — out of the fast current. Usually, in a curve along the bayou you try to find backing up water. That water coming back around will form an eddy and usually will have a hole there. Catfish sit in those holes along the drop offs, where you can catch them.”
Ratcliff says during the winter he tends to catch a lot bigger catfish, but less numbers, where during the spring months he catches much smaller fish and higher numbers.
Winter catfish baits include saltwater shrimp, river shrimp “if” you can find them, and nightcrawlers. Nutria liver is a softer bait and doesn’t stay on the hook as long as other baits, but it is a bloody bait that catfish are drawn to.
Another stinky and bloody bait is duck guts. With duck season in full swing, there is always someone who can save a few duck guts for you. Duck guts stay on the hook and are stinky, thus making it a good choice for catfish in the winter.
January is typically a transition month for saltwater anglers and is a bit early for catching bass and bream. But for catfish, particularly coastal blue cats, it can be a whole lot of fun and a great way to spend your anniversary!
John Flores is the Morgan City Review’s outdoor writer. He can be contacted at gowiththeflo@cox.net.

Wheel House for Jan. 17

COMMUNITY
JAMBALAYA
Meal and Clothing Giveaway, 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 1, at Church of Christ, 1105 Railroad Ave., Morgan City. Meal begins at noon.

PACK
THE PEWS
Community Family & Friends Fellowship at 10 a.m. worship service Sunday, Feb. 16, Church of Christ, 1105 Railroad Ave., Morgan City. Fellowship meal follows the service. Everyone is invited.

Public notices for Jan. 17, 2025

PUBLIC NOTICE
Centerville,
Louisiana
December 12, 2024
The St. Mary Parish School Board met in regular session on Thursday, December 12, 2024, at 5:30 p.m., in the Evans Medine Meeting Room at the Central Office Complex in Centerville, Louisiana, with the following members answering to roll call:
Present: Ms. Guienzy M. Brent, Mrs. Lindsey T. Anslem, Ms. Debra R. Jones, Mrs. Ginger S. Griffin, Mr. Lawrence A. Guillory, Mr. Chad M. Paradee, Mrs. Alaina L. Black, Mr. Andrew V. Mancuso, Mrs. Rhonda R. Dennis.
Absent: Ms. Tammie L. Moore, and Ms. Marilyn P. LaSalle.
Invocation:
Mr. Holmes gave the Invocation.
Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America.
President Black led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America.
Introduction of Students and Employees of the Month:
J. S. Aucoin Elementary School:
Principal Shantell Toups introduced, Sofia Alfred a 5th grader, as Student of the Month at J. S. Aucoin Elementary School.
Principal Shantell Toups introduced Gricelda Cerritos, an ESL Paraprofessional as Employee of the Month at J. S. Aucoin Elementary School.
LaGrange Elementary School:
Ms. Kendra Thomas, Dean of Students, introduced Samaya Moore, a 5th grader as Student of the Month at LaGrange Elementary School.
Ms. Kendra Thomas, Dean of Students, introduced Amanda Derouen, a Special Education Teacher as Employee of the Month at La- Grange Elementary School.
Franklin Senior High School:
Franklin Senior High School Students and Employees of the Month will be presented at the January regular school board meeting.
Appearances:
Recognition of St. Mary Parish School Board Christmas Card Artwork Winners:
Dr. Fegenbush recognized and introduced the Christmas Card Artwork Winners as follows:
•Grand Champion – Jalayiah Smith (Morgan City High School)
•K-5 winner – Parker Pisani (Berwick Elementary School)
•6-12 winner – Sara Sanchez (Morgan City High School)
Recognition of District Students of the Year:
On behalf of Ms. Estay in her absence, Dr. Sanders recognized and introduced the District Students of the Year as follows:
•5th grade: Mya Lasalle (Berwick Elementary School)
•8th grade: Isaac Price (Morgan City Junior High School)
Recognition of District Teachers of the Year:
On behalf of Ms. Estay in her absence, Dr. Sanders recognized and introduced the District Teachers of the Year as follows:
•Nicole Boudreaux (Hattie Watts Elementary)
•Tina Johnson (Patterson High School)
Recognition of District Principal of the Year:
The District Principal of the Year will be presented at the January regular school board meeting.
Approval of Amended Agenda.
No amended agenda.
Approval of Official School Board Minutes.
Mrs. Griffin offered the motion, and Ms. Jones offered the second to approve the official school board minutes from the regular school board meeting held on November 14, 2024. All in favor and the motion carried.
Approval of Consent Agenda.
President Black stated that Board Members can remove any of the items on the consent agenda for further discussion in the regular proceedings. Dr. Fegenbush read aloud the items on the consent agenda as follows:
New Business
Personnel:
Business Af- fairs:
4. *Field trip(s)
A. *Morgan City High School, Close Up travel to Washington, D.C. Metro Area February 2 2025 - February 7, 2025.
5. *Proclamation(s):
A. *Louisiana School Board Member Recognition Month (January 2025)
Mrs. Anslem requested to pull Item 1 Chief Financial Officer revised job description for further discussion.
Mr. Mancuso made a motion to approve the consent agenda with the exception of pulling Item 1 Chief Financial Officer revised job description for further discussion, as presented by Dr. Fegenbush. Mrs. Dennis made a second, all in favor and the motion carried.
Business Af- fairs:
Item 1. Approve revised job description:
A. Chief Financial Officer
Mrs. Anslem made a motion to revise the job description under “Qualifications” to update the wording to read: “Bachelor’s degree in the field of accounting, and MBA/CPA preferred.” Delete the phrase “is a certified public accountant” from the end of the sentence. Mrs. Griffin made a second. All in favor and the motion carried.
Item 2. Approve closeout change order for credits of unused allowances to Project Phase I Re-roofing at Franklin Senior High School.
Architect Jim Firmin reported that the deductive change order amount for Franklin Senior High School Phase I Roofing Project was $8,372.10, which will reduce the current amount of $885,000.00 to $876,627.90 for the final contract.
Item 2 will be combined with Item 3 for consideration and voted as a single action.
Item 3. Approve closeout change order for credits of unused allowances to Project Phase II Re-roofing at Franklin Senior High School.
The deductive change order amount for Franklin Senior High School Phase II Roofing Project was $138,882.25, which will reduce the current amount of $2,250,206.79 to $2,111,324.54 for the final contract.
Ms. Brent made a motion and seconded by Mrs. Anslem to approve Item 2 and Item 3 in globo for the Franklin Senior High School Project Phase I and II Reroofing change orders, as presented by Mr. Jim Firmin. All in favor and the mo- tion carried.
Reports
Committee:
1. The Maintenance District III Committee met on December 11, 2024 at 4:30 p.m. in the Evans Medine Meeting Room at the Central Office Complex in Centerville, Louisiana to discuss the following:
A. Discussion and make any recommendations regarding MCHS stadium track equipment.
Mr. Mancuso made a motion to approve the recommendations of the Maintenance District III Committee, to allocate up to $70,000 of Maintenance District III funds for the Morgan City High School equipment. All in favor and the motion carried.
B. Discuss and/or take action regarding District III Phase I Reroofing Change Order No. 2.
Mr. Mancuso made a motion to approve the recommendations of the Maintenance District III Committee and to ap- prove Phase I Re- roofing Change Order No. 2, as presented by Architect Carl Blum. All in favor and the motion carried.
C. Discuss and/or take action regarding District III Phase I Reroofing Substantial Completion.
Mr. Mancuso made a motion to approve the recommendations of the Maintenance District III Committee and to approve District III Phase I Reroofing change order no. 2. All in favor and the motion carried.
2. The Hi-Tech Committee met on December 11, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. in the Evans Medine
Meeting Room at the Central Office Complex in Centerville, Louisiana to discuss the
following:
A. Receive up- dates concerning program funding
B. Receive up- dates concerning student device transitioning
C. Provide up- dates on student computer usage
D. Any comments or questions from the committee
On behalf of Ms. LaSalle in her absence, President Black reported that the Hi-Tech Committee re- ceived updates on all items as described above.
3. The Policy Committee met on December 11, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. in the Evans Medine
Meeting Room at the Central Office Complex in Centerville, Louisiana to discuss the
Following:
1. Receive up- dates regarding the Simbli Policy Portal.
Dr. Janet Pope with Louisiana School Board Association briefly ex- plain to the Board the process for the new Simbli Policy Portal.
2. Approve policies from Forethought Consulting as revised by Hammonds and Sill and
recommendations of the Policy Review Committee:
A. Notification of School Board Meetings (BCBB)
B. School Board Meeting News Coverage and Broadcasting (BCBJ)
C. Employment of Superintendent (CED)
D. Personnel Records (GAK)
E. Use of pronouns and Given Names (GAMK)
F. Recruitment (GBC)
G. Sex Education (IDBA)
H. Health Education (IDB)
I. Education of Students with Ex- ceptionalities (IDDF)
J. Student Health Services (JGC)
K. Employee Sick Leave Bank (GBRIBB)
L. Gifts and Donations (DFK)
Mr. Mancuso made a motion to approve policies in globo as described in Item 2 A-J, with suggested revisions by the Board’s attorney and the recommendations of the Policy Committee. All in favor and the motion carried.
Items 2 K-L, previously tabled by the Policy Committee, were discussed and revised. Following the discussion, the committee recommended sending the policies for legal review, with potential approval scheduled for January 9, 2025, regular school board meeting.
Staff Report:
Chief Financial Officer’s Re- port:
Sale Tax Up- date
Mr. Perry re- ported that the sales tax collections for five months into the fiscal year collected $2,080,830 versus a budget of $2,058,333, with a favorable variance of $22,496.
Financial Statements (Major Funds Only):
The Board was provided financial statements for major funds only to review at their leisure.
Other Significant Items:
None
Superintendent’s Report:
Dr. Fegenbush reported that all three of the maintenance millages tax renewals for St. Mary Parish Consolidated School Districts were successfully passed. She ex- pressed gratitude to stakeholders for their support.
The Louisiana Department of Education has re- leased the official district and school performance scores. The St. Mary Parish district score im- proved by two points, achieving a score of 82.6 earning a “B” letter grade. Fourteen of twenty-one of St. Mary schools showed growth in their School Performance Score (SPS), and 95.7 percent of St. Mary schools achieved an “A” or “B” rating in student progress. Julia B. Maitland Elementary School saw the highest growth with a 15-point increase. Additionally, ten schools earned the prestigious Top Gains designation for exceptional growth in state assessments. Franklin Senior High School, Patterson High School, and West St. Mary High School were recognized as Opportunity Honorees.
The last day of the semester is Friday, December 20, 2024 with Christmas break starting December 23, 2024 and ending January 6, 2025. Students return on January 7, 2025, and report cards will be distributed January 8th.
In closing, Dr. Fegenbush wished students, families, and staff a peaceful and joyful holiday season.
Closing:
Resolutions of Respect
Dr. Sanders read the Resolutions of Respect for the late Gail Lancon (retired School Chapter I Reading and EL Instructional Specialist).
Strategy session and/or action concerning pending litigation*
*As authorized by La.R.S. 42:17(A)(2), there may be an executive session to discuss strategy in litigation entitled “Boudreaux, et al vs. School Board of St. Mary Parish,” bearing Civil Action No. 6:65-11351 on the docket of the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana.
Executive Session:
Mr. Mancuso made a motion and seconded by Ms. Jones to enter into closed session. All in favor and the motion carried.
Return to Regular Session:
Ms. Jones made a motion and seconded by Mr. Mancuso to return to Regular Session. All in favor and the motion carried.
Adjournment:
With there being no further business to address, Mr. Mancuso made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:45 p.m. Ms. Moore made a second, all in favor and the motion carried.
RESOLUTION
IN MEMORIAM OF
Gail Lancon
WHEREAS, Al- mighty God, in His infinite wisdom, has taken from our midst Gail Lancon, and
WHEREAS, her untimely death has deprived the St. Mary Parish School System of a retired School Chapter I Reading and EL Instructinal Specialist and a fine citizen;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the St. Mary Parish School Board and the people attending this Board meeting, rise and bow our heads in silent prayer out of respect for the late Gail Lancon, and extend to her bereaved family our sincere condolences in this, their hour of sorrow; and in these inadequate words, en- deavor to express the high regard in which we held her in life and honor her memory in death.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLV-ED that a copy of this resolution be inscribed on a separate page of the official proceedings of this meeting; that a copy of this resolution be sent to the be- reaved family of Gail Lancon, and that this meeting adjourns out of respect for her.
This Resolution was therefore declared approved and adopted this 12th of December, 2024.
(S) Alaina L. Black
ALAINA L. BLACK,
PRESIDENT
ATTEST:
(S) Buffy
Fegenbush
BUFFY
FEGENBUSH, Ed.D.,
SECRETARY
Adv. Jan. 17, 2025

mmm

Cost $327.00
PUBLIC NOTICE
ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS
The St. Mary Parish Government, St. Mary Parish, Louisiana, acting through its President, Sam Jones, will receive sealed bids for the Renovations to Quintana Canal Boat Launch project, at the St. Mary Parish Courthouse Council Meeting Room, Fifth Floor, Franklin, Louisiana 70538, until January 30, 2025, at 10:00 A.M., local time, at which time and place, they will be publicly opened and read aloud. Bids re- ceived after the time set forth above for opening of bids will not be considered and will be returned unopened.
The Contract Documents (Plans, Information for Bidders, Bid Form, Specifications, and other pertinent documents) may be examined at the following locations:
•Miller Engineers & Associates, Inc. – 601 Main Street; Franklin, Louisiana 70538
•St. Mary Parish Purchasing Agent’s Office – Fifth Floor, Courthouse Building; Franklin, Louisiana 70538
Copies of the bidding documents may be obtained from the office of Miller Engineers and Associates, Inc. upon receipt of $80.00 for each set during normal business hours (7:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. Monday – Thursday and 7:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. Friday). Checks for Bidding Documents shall be made payable to “Miller Engineers & Associates, Inc.”. In accordance with La. R.S. 38§2212.D, deposits on the first set of documents furnished prime bidders shall be fully refunded upon re- turn of the documents no later than ten days after receipt of bids. On other sets of documents furnished to bidders, the deposit less the actual cost of reproduction shall be refunded upon return of the documents no later than ten days after receipt of bids. Refunds will be made upon return of the documents unmarked and in good condition if within ten days after receipt of bids.
Official bid documents can be downloaded from Central Bidding at www.centralbidding.com. Electronic bids can be submitted to www.centralbidding.com. For any questions relating to the electronic bidding process, please call Central Bidding at (225) 810-4814.
There will be no pre-bid conference for this project. Bidders are re- sponsible for making site visitations in preparation of their bids.
To qualify to bid, each bidder shall be a properly licensed Contractor in accordance with La. R.S. 37:2150 – 2163 for the classification of HEAVY CONSTRUCTION or related classification.
The Owner re- serves the right to reject any and all bids in accordance with Title 38 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes.
Each bidder must deposit with his/her bid, security in the amount, form and subject to the conditions provided in the Information for Bidders. Sureties used for obtaining bonds must appear as acceptable on the U.S. Department of Treasury Circular 570.
A bidder may withdraw their bid within forty-eight (48) hours of the bid opening, ex- cluding Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays as governed by La. R.S. 38:2214 (C).
Any questions or clarifications shall be submitted to the Project Engineer in writing a minimum of five (5) days prior to the bid opening date. Addenda will be issued to all prospective bidders a minimum of 72 hours prior to the bid opening date. Only information provided within written addenda issued by the Project Engineer shall be considered binding.
Any person with disabilities requiring special accommodations must contact the St. Mary Parish Government no later than seven (7) days prior to the bid opening.
/s/ Sam Jones
Sam Jones,
President
St. Mary Parish Government
Adv. Jan. 3, 10 and 17, 2025

mmm

Cost: $88.50
PUBLIC NOTICE
BERWICK-
BAYOU VISTA JOINT WATERWORKS
COMMISSION
POST OFFICE BOX 322
BERWICK, LA 70342
(985) 384-8990
Chairman – Herb Mashburn, Vice Chairman – N.A. Hensgens, Jr., Vice Chairman – Troy Lombardo, Vice Chairman – Paul T. Tholen
A regular meeting of the Berwick – Bayou Vista Joint Waterworks Commission was called at the Berwick Civic Center, 300 Patti Drive, Berwick, La. At 5:30 P.M., December 13, 2024.
Board Members Present: Herb Mashburn, Paul Tholen, Troy Lombardo, N.A. Hensgens, Jr.
Others Present: Jacob Dupuy, Joel Miller and Tori Henry.
The meeting was called to order by Herb Mashburn.
It was moved by N.A. Hensgens, Jr., seconded by Paul Tholen and unanimously agreed to accept the minutes from the November meeting.
It was moved by N.A. Hensgens, Jr., seconded by Paul Tholen and unanimously agreed to accept accounts payable & treasurer’s re- port for the month of November.
Joel Miller re- ported that he and Jacob Dupuy created an online account for Louisiana Infrastructure Technical Assistance Corporation (LITAC) and submitted a letter of intent in order to find the best grant that fits the project.
Herb Mashburn reported there were new defendants added to the PFAS litigation so expects funding to be delayed.
There being no further business to come before the Board, it was moved by Troy Lombardo, seconded by N.A. Hensgens, Jr. and unanimously agreed that the meeting be adjourned.
———————
Chairman
Adv. Jan. 17, 2025

mmm

PUBLIC NOTICE
TOWN OF
BERWICK
BOARD OF ZONING ADJUSTMENTS
PUBLIC
MEETING NOTICE
Date: Wednesday January 22, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM
Place: Council Meeting Room, Berwick Town Hall, 3225 Third St
Public Meeting:
The Berwick Board of Zoning Adjustments will conduct its regular meeting on Wednesday January 22, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Meeting Room, Berwick Town Hall. Copies of the agenda may be obtained by contacting the Town Hall at (985) 384-8858.
A Variance has been applied for:
Case # 1; Mr. Jeff & Mrs. Lori Russo, Requesting a 3.5’ (three and half feet) reduction from required 15’(fifteen feet) side setback of the side yard abutting street (corner lot), (to 11.5’) along Victoria Drive to build a Boat Garage.
Persons requiring reasonable accommodation to attend the public hearing and meeting are requested to contact the Office of Director of Planning at (985) 384-8858 prior to the meeting to discuss their particular needs.
Adv. Jan. 10, 15 and 17, 2025

mmm

PUBLIC NOTICE
OFFICIAL
PROCEEDINGS
WAX LAKE EAST DRAINAGE
DISTRICT
REGULAR MEETING
MAY 07, 2024
PATTERSON, LOUISIANA
The Wax Lake East Drainage District (“WLEDD”) met on this date with Chairman Jeffery LaGrange presiding and the following members present: Wayne Can-trell, Raymond Beadle, Jr., Bill Miller, Chris Cooper and Chad Ross.
Absent: William Hidalgo, Jr.
Also present: Corey Aucoin, Supervisor; Joel Miller, Miller En- gineering and Associates; Johnathan Miller, Giroir Mudboats; and Barry Dufrene, District’s Accountant
Mr. Cooper mov-ed that the reading of the minutes of the Regular Meeting, April 02, 2024, be dispensed with and that the same be approved. Mr. Ross seconded the motion which carried.
Mr. Dufrene presented and discussed the prepared financial statements. Discussed actual re- sults vs budget for the current period and the year to date. Mr. Cantrell moved, and Mr. Beadle seconded a motion, which was carried, to accept the financial re- ports, payables report, authorize the Chairman to sign all necessary reports and to make all necessary transfers to cover payables.
There being no public comment, Mr. LaGrange moved onto Personnel Reports.
Mr. Aucoin gave the Supervisor’s report.
Mr. Miller gave a brief Engineering Report addressing the Calumet Pump Station Project stating that the project was ready to move forward when bond funds were available. In regard to the permits for Wilson’s Landing project no updates have been received. Mr. Miller reported that Mr. Aucoin was close to completion of the work at Hedgerow East Ditch.
Under Old Business, Mr. La- Grange announced that there were still no updates regarding Policy and Procedures to the Open Meeting Laws.
Mr. LaGrange stated that more time for review by the board members was required regarding the investment policy for the District.
Mr. Ross offered the following Resolution, that was seconded by Mr. Beadle, which states that:
BE IT RESOLV-ED that the following millage(s) are hereby levied on the 2024 tax roll on all property subject to taxation by Wax Lake East Drainage District:
(Name of taxing district)
MILLAGE
Maintenance/Operations: 3.260 mills
Construction/Maintenance: 2.030 mills
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the proper administrative officials of the Parish of Saint Mary, State of Louisiana, be and they are hereby empowered, authorized, and directed to spread said taxes, as hereinabove set forth, upon the assessment roll of said Parish for the year 2024, and to make the collection of the taxes imposed for and on behalf of the taxing authority, according to law, and that the taxes herein levied shall become a permanent lien and privilege on all property subject to taxation as herein set forth, and collection thereof shall be enforceable in the manner provided by law.
The foregoing resolution was read in full; the roll was called on the adoption thereof, and the resolution was adopted by the following votes:
YEAS: Jeffery LaGrange, Wayne Cantrell, Bill miller, Chad Ross, Raymond Beadle Jr., and Chris Cooper
NAYS: none
ABSTAINED: none
ABSENT: William Hidalgo, Jr.
The following resolution was offered by Mr. Beadle and seconded by Mr. Ross:
RESOLUTION
A resolution providing for canvassing the returns and declaring the results of the special election held in Wax Lake East Drainage District of the Parish of St. Mary, State of Louisiana, on Saturday, April 27, 2024, to authorize the continuation of a special tax and the issuance of general obligation bonds therein.
BE IT RESOLV-ED by the Board of Commissioners of Wax Lake East Drainage District of the Parish of St. Mary, State of Louisiana (the “Governing Auth- ority”), acting as the governing authority of Wax Lake East Drainage District of the Parish of St. Mary, State of Louisiana (the “District”), that:
SECTION 1. Canvass. This Governing Authority does now proceed in open and public session to examine the official tabulations of votes cast at the special election held in the District on SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 2024 (the “Election “), to authorize the continuation of a special tax and the issuance of general obligation bonds therein pursuant to the following propositions (the “Propositions”):
PROPOSITION NO. 1 OF 2
(TAX
CONTINUATION)
Shall Wax Lake East Drainage District of the Parish of St. Mary, Louisiana (the “District”), continue to levy a 3.26 mills tax on all the property subject to taxation in the District (an estimated $521,658 reasonably expected at this time to be collected from the levy of the tax for an entire year), for a period of 10 years, beginning with the year 2025 and ending with the year 2034, for the purpose of maintaining, operating and improving the drainage facilities in the District, said millage to represent a .06 mills increase (due to reappraisal) over the 3.2 mills tax authorized to be levied through the year 2024 pursuant to an election held on October 19, 2013?
PROPOSITION NO. 2 OF 2
(BOND)
Shall Wax Lake East Drainage District of the Parish of St. Mary, Louisiana (the “District”), incur debt and issue bonds in an amount not to exceed $2,500,000, in one or more series, to run not exceeding 20 years from the date thereof, with interest at a rate of not exceeding 7% per annum, for the purpose of paying the cost of constructing, equipping and improving levees and drainage works within and for the District, and ac- quiring the necessary equipment and furnishings therefor, title to which shall be in the public, which bonds will be general obligations of the District and will be payable from ad valorem taxes to be levied and collected in the manner provided by Article VI, Section 33 of the Constitution of the State of Louisiana of 1974 and statutory authority supplemental thereto, an estimated 1.45 mills to be levied in the first year of issue to pay said Bonds?
This Governing Authority does further proceed to examine and canvass the returns of the Election thereof.
SECTION 2. Election Results. According to the official certified tabulation of votes cast at said Election, (i) there was a total of 225 votes cast IN FAVOR OF Proposition No. 1 and a total of 85 votes cast AGAINST Proposition No. 1, resulting in a majority of 140 votes cast IN FAVOR OF Proposition No. 1; and (ii) there was a total of 187 votes cast IN FAVOR OF Proposition No. 2 and a total of 118 votes cast AGAINST Proposition No. 2, resulting in a majority of 69 votes cast IN FAVOR OF Proposition No. 2.
The Propositions were therefore duly CARRIED by a majority of the votes cast by the qualified electors voting at the Election.
SECTION 3. Promulgation of Election Result. The results of said election shall be promulgated by publication in the manner provided by law, after re- ceipt from the Secretary of State’s office of the actual costs of the election, as required §18:1292 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended.
SECTION 4. Declaration. The foregoing results of the Election are hereby declared by this Governing Authority and shall be published as required by law.
SECTION 5. Procès Verbal. A Procès Verbal of the canvass of the returns of the Election shall be made and a certified copy thereof shall be forwarded to the Secretary of State, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, who shall record the same in her office; another certified copy thereof shall be forwarded to the Clerk of Court and Ex-Officio Recorder of Mortgages in and for the Parish of St. Mary, who shall record the same in the Mortgage Records of said Parish; and another copy thereof shall be retained in the archives of this Governing Authority.
This resolution having been submitted to a vote, the vote thereon was as follows:
YEAS: Jeffery LaGrange, Wayne Cantrell, Bill Miller, Chad Ross, Raymond Beadle, Jr., and Chris Cooper
NAYS: none
ABSENT: William Hidalgo, Jr.
There being no further business Mr. Cooper made a motion for adjournment. Mr. Beadle seconded the motion which carried.
Attest:
/s/ Jeffery LaGrange,
Chairman
Wax Lake East Drainage District
/s/ Catherine
Siracusa,
Secretary
Wax Lake East Drainage District
Adv. Jan. 16, 2025

mmm

PUBLIC NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
Sixteenth
Judicial District Court
——
PARISH OF
ST. MARY
——
STATE OF
LOUISIANA
US Bank Trust National Association, Not In Its Individual Capacity But Solely As Owner Trustee For VRMTG Asset Trust
Vs. No. 138970 Div “H”
Ramon Coler and The Unopened Succession of Virginia Floyd Coler (A/K/A Virginia Floyd Godette Coler)
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 im- provements thereon and thereunto belonging, and all rights, ways, privileges and servitudes thereunto appertaining, situated in Patterson, St. Mary Parish, Louisiana, being more particularly known, designated and described as LOT 39 OF BLOCK 6 OF SUGAR RIDGE DEVELOPMENT, PHASE 1, all as more fully shown and described on the plat of land prepared by Gulf South Engineers, Houma, Louisiana, being a Re-Subdivision of Blocks 4 & 6, Sugar Ridge De- velopment, recorded August 29, 1984 in St. Mary Parish COB 27-L, page-238, Entry No. 207,341.
Which has the address of 339 Camille Drive, Patterson, LA 70392
to satisfy the sum of FORTY THOUSAND EIGHT HUNDRED SIX AND 54/100 ($40,806.54) DOLLARS, with interest thereon at the rate of 5.25% per annum from April 1, 2024, together with accrued late charges in accordance with the note and mortgage, together with late charges on additional de- linquent installments and any additional amounts which petitioner has advanced or hereafter advances, as permitted by the Note and Mortgage, for taxes, assessments, re- pairs to and maintenance and preservation of the mortgaged property, together with reasonable attorney’s fees of all sums due, owing and unpaid 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 19th day of February A.D., 2025, between the legal hours commencing at 10 O’Clock A.M.
Sheriff’s Office
Parish of St. Mary, La.
Tuesday, the 19th day of November A.D., 2024
GARY L.
DRISKELL,
SHERIFF
By: Heidi Rineholt
Deputy Sheriff
Adv. Jan. 17 and Feb. 12, 2025

mmm

PUBLIC NOTICE
St. Mary Parish
Water & Sewer Comm. 2
P.O. Box 635
Patterson, La. 70392
December 9, 2024
The Board of Commissioners met in regular session at 5:30 p.m. at the district office with President, Chris Cooper presiding.
Present: Board Members – Chris Cooper - President, Tony Hensgens - Vice President, Thomas Philbrook - Sec. Treas., Raymond Beadle & Paul Tholen
Guests: Larry & Pam Fromenthal - Fromenthal Plumbing, Reid Miller - Miller Engineers, David Hill – Parish Councilman, Employees - Alexis Hartman, Destinee DiMaggio, and Jason Scott.
Chris Cooper called the meeting to order and roll call was taken.
November’s board minutes were accepted as circulated. With a motion from Tony Hensgens and a second from Paul Tholen, motion carried.
Accounts Payable and Treasurer’s Report was accepted by motion from Thomas Philbrook and a second from Raymond Beadle. With all in favor, motion carried.
Larry Fromenthal provided his maintenance re- port for the month. Larry is working on the last tie-in for the Arlington Project, then he will place a hy- drant. There were a few minor re- pairs that he took care of after the meter crew in- stalled the new meters. Cash Magic paid for another tap for their fire main, so he took care of installing that. There is a sewer line manhole on Arlington that was abandoned and needed to be capped off.
Chris Cooper introduced the new field employee, Jason Scott.
The board discussed the purchase of two additional 4in – 6in pumps for Fangue Station.
Chris Cooper gave the board quotes from United Rentals. The board approved the purchase of two used 6” pumps from with a motion from Tony Hensgens and a second from Raymond Beadle, motion carried.
Tony Hensgens gave a joint plant update and said they have purchased a truck. Engineers are still working on getting appropriated funds.
Reid Miller stated he will confer with Gulf South to check their records for more information on when the Boy Blue Station was acquired.
The board members discussed employee role re- assignments as well as salaries.
Raymond Beadle made a motion for Destinee Di- Maggio to move into the role of Administrative As- sistant along with her new rate of pay, second by Thomas Philbrook, motion carried.
Paul Tholen made a motion for Alexis Hartman to move into the role of Operations Manager along with her new rate of pay, second by Thomas Philbrook, motion carried.
The board gave Troy Theriot an annual pay raise with a motion from Thomas Philbrook and a second from Paul Tholen, motion carried.
There being no further business to come before the board, a motion was made by Raymond Beadle to adjourn with a second from Tony Hensgens, all were in favor and motion passed.
———————
Chris Cooper-
President
———————
Alexis Hartman-
Recording
Secretary
Adv. Jan. 17, 2025

mmm

Cost: $75.00
PUBLIC NOTICE
OFFICIAL
PROCEEDINGS
GRAVITY SUB-DRAINAGE DISTRICT NO. 1 OF GRAVITY DRAINAGE
DISTRICT NO. 2
REGULAR MEETING
DECEMBER 10, 2024
BAYOU VISTA, LOUISIANA
The Gravity Sub-Drainage District No. 1 of Gravity Drainage District No. 2 (“GSDD1ofGDD2”) met on this date with Chairman Wayne Cantrell presiding with Raymond Beadle, Jr., Chad Ross, and Mark Gowan present.
Absent: Gerald Hotard
Also present: Barry Dufrene, District Accountant, Jules Darden, Miller Engineering and David Hill, St. Mary Parish Council Member.
Mr. Ross moved, and Mr. Beadle seconded that the reading of the minutes of the Regular Meeting, November 12, 2024, be dispensed with and that the same be approved. The motion carried.
Mr. Cantrell called for the Fin- ances and Payables Report. Mr. Dufrene presented the reports on the payables due for December 2024. Mr. Ross moved, and Mr. Beadle seconded a motion, which was carried, to make the necessary transfers, to accept the payables report and pay all invoices.
Mr. Cantrell moved to old business with no additional discussion on Personnel Re- port.
Mr. Cantrell stated he will be signing certified letter regarding action on engine rebuild at Lance- Donahoe pump station.
Mr. Jules Dar-den with Miller Engineering stated there is no update on Teche Road Drainage Ditch Project.
Mr. Cantrell made a motion which was seconded by Mr. Beadle to elect Mr. Ross as Gravity-Drainage District No. 1 of Gravity Drainage District No. 2 Chairperson.
Mr. Ross made a motion which was seconded by Mr. Beadle to elect Mr. Cantrell as Gravity-Drainage District No. 1 of Gravity Drainage District No. 2 Vice Chairperson.
Mr. Billa District Employee is now eligible to receive health insurance benefits through the District.
Mr. Beadle made a motion which was seconded by Mr. Ross to accept the 2025 regular meeting calendar with the exception of the November 11, 2024 meeting. It was agreed to move it to November 13, 2024 due to observance of Veteran’s Day.
Mr. Ross also expressed sincere gratitude to Mr. Cantrell for his many years of service dedicated to the District in serving as Board Chairperson.
With there being no other business, a motion to ad- journ was made by Mr. Beadle and seconded by Mr. Ross. The motion passed.
Attest:
/s/ Wayne Cantrell,
Chairman
Gravity Sub- Drainage District No. 1 of Gravity Drainage District No. 2
/s/ Rhonda Patterson,
Secretary
Gravity Sub- Drainage District No. 1 of Gravity Drainage District No. 2
Adv. Jan. 17, 2025

mmm

PUBLIC NOTICE
The following resolution was adopted by Councilmember Ray Dewey and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Lee Condolle at the council meeting held December 3, 2024.
Resolution to Increase Service Fee For Collection and Disposal of Garbage and Trash
WHEREAS: City of Patterson’s Code of Ordinances, Chapter 22 Health and Sanitation, Article 11. Collection of Garbage and Trash, Section 22-49 Minimum Charges for Collection and Disposal of Garbage and Trash. Authorizes establishment of service fee amounts for garbage collection and disposal by resolution adopted by the council and approved by the mayor;
WHEREAS: As of February 1, 2024, the service charge for garbage collection and disposal was twenty-two dollars and 50/100 ($22.52) per unit;
WHEREAS: The City of Patterson, through the St. Mary Parish Government, has a non-exclusive franchise agreement with Pelican Waste & Debris, LLC for the collection and disposal of residential solid waste;
WHEREAS: At this time, there exist no other viable options for the collection and disposal of garbage, and,
WHEREAS: The mayor and council members of the City of Patterson do not decide the garbage collection and disposal service charge, nor can they control increases.
THEREFORE, be it resolved that starting January 1, 2025, the service charge for collection and disposal of garbage will be Twenty-Four Dollars and 50/100 ($24.52) per unit.
This service charge shall be assessed against the owner or occupant of each dwelling unit and against each business or commercial unit as provided in City of Patterson Ordinances, Chapter 22 Health and Sanitation, Article 11. Collection of Garbage and Trash, Section 22-49 Minimum Charges for Collection and Disposal of Garbage and Trash.
A vote on this Resolution was as follows:
Ayes: DeMale Bowden, Jr., Lee Condolle, Ray Dewey, Mamie Perry, Miranda Weinbach
Nays: None
Absent: None
The Resolution was duly approved and adopted at a council meeting held on December 3, 2024. The Clerk of the Council certifies that the above Resolution is true and correct as adopted.
———————
Midge Bourgeois –
City Clerk
Date: —————
APPROVED:
———————
Rodney A. Grogan
Mayor
Date: —————
Adv. Jan. 17, 2025

mmm

PUBLIC NOTICE
ORDINANCE
NO. 2024-12
AN ORDINANCE INCREASING THE RATE TO BE ASSESSED AS A MONTHLY CHARGE FOR STREET LIGHT SERVICES TO ALL RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL CUSTOMERS TO FOUR ($4.00) DOLLARS PER MONTH
BE IT ORDAIN-ED by the Mayor and Council of the City of Patterson, Louisiana:
WHEREAS, the City of Patterson operates a street lighting system for the benefit of all residents and businesses located within the City of Patterson; and,
WHEREAS, in order to continue providing street lighting for the residents and commercial establishments in the City, the cost of electric service provided to the City of Patterson for the street lighting system must be charged to the residents and businesses located therein and must be increased due to the increased cost of electric service to the City:
SECTION 1:
(a) Beginning February 1, 2025, the City of Patterson shall bill, or cause to be billed, each residential customer located within the City the sum of FOUR ( $4.00) DOLLARS per month for street lighting services provided by the City of Patterson. The monthly fee shall be charg-ed to each commercial or residential customer located in the City, including each separate unit of a multi-family housing building or apartment building.
(b) The rate of fees and charges to the residential and commercial units and establishments for each year subsequent to the enactment of the ordinance from which this section is derived shall be adjusted upward or downward to reflect any change in the rates charged to the city under and in accordance with any contract documents and agreements executed by the city for street lighting.
SECTION 2:
All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict with this ordinance are hereby repealed.
This ordinance having been submitted to a vote, the vote thereon was as follows:
YEAS: Lee Condolle, Ray Dewey, Mamie Perry, Miranda Weinbach
NAYS: DeMale Bowden
ABSENT:
THIS ordinance having been introduced at a meeting of the Mayor and Council of the City of Patterson at a meeting held on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, and the same having been published, and seven (7) days having elapsed since the date of publication, the said Ordinance was ADOPTED by the Mayor and Council of the City of Patterson, Louisiana, in a regular session convened on the 7th day of January 2025.
CITY OF PATTERSON, LOUISIANA
———————
RODNEY A.
GROGAN,
MAYOR
ATTEST:
———————
Midge Bourgeois
Clerk of the Council
Adv. Jan. 17, 2025

mmm

PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice Posted Monday
January 6, 2025
9:00 A.M.
NOTICE OF
PUBLIC
MEETING
A public meeting will be held as follows:
Date: January 9, 2025
Time: 6:00 P.M.
Place: Siracusa Recreation Center, 1110 Grace Street, Morgan City, La. 70380
AGENDA:
Call to order
Invocation
Roll Call
Guest
Approval of minutes
Financial Report
OLD BUSINESS
Advertise for secretary
NEW BUSINESS
Amend budget
Approval of Bill for payment
adjournment
Oscar Toups,
Chairman
St Mary Parish Recreation
District #2
1110 Grace St., Morgan City, La. 70380
In accordance with the America Disabilities Act if you need special assistance please contact Leroy Trim at (985) 385-4224 describing the assistance that is necessary
———
RECREATION DISTRICT #2
ST MARY
PARISH
1110 GRACE ST
MORGAN CITY, LA. 70380
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
RECREATION DISTRICT #2
1110 GRACE ST
MORGAN CITY, LA. 70380
6:00 P.M.
DECEMBER 12, 2024
Meeting of the Board of Commissioners of Recreation District #2 was call to order by commissioner Nelda Dural. Member present were Ann Poole, Norman Skinner and Nelda Dural. Other present were Leroy Trim Director. Invocation by Norman Skinner.
Minutes were read, a motion to approved the minutes by Ann Poole and second by Norman Skinner with all in favor.
Financial report was given by Leroy Trim, a motion to accept the report by Norman Skinner and second by Ann Poole with all in favor.
OLD BUSINESS:
Report on advertising for secretary
NEW BUSINESS
None
Bills submitted for payment, after review a motion to pay all bills by Ann Poole and second by Norman Skinner with all in favor.
With nothing further to discuss a motion to adjourn by Nelda Dural and second by Norman Skinner with all in favor.
(S) Oscar Toups
Oscar Toups,
Chairman 1/9/2025
Cost: $54.00
PUBLIC 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: December 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: None
9. Old Business: None
10. Director Updates
11. General Discussion
12. Adjournment
Adv. Jan. 17, 2025

mmm

PUBLIC NOTICE
ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS
Sealed bids will be received on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, by the Morgan City Harbor and Terminal District (MCHTD), at the District’s 7327 Highway 182 1st Floor Media Room, in Morgan City, Louisiana until 12:00 P.M, and MCHTD shall at that time and place publically open the bids and read them aloud.
ANY PERSON REQUIRING SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS SHALL NOTIFY FACILITY PLANNING AND CONTROL OF THE TYPE(S) OF ACCOMMODATION RE- QUIRED NOT LESS THAN SEVEN (7) DAYS BEFORE THE BID OPENING.
FOR: Dock Ex- pansion – Bulkheading, State Drydock & related Dredging
Slip Maintenance Dredging at Bollinger Morgan City
PROJECT NUMBER: 36-P15-23-01
Complete Bid Documents may be obtained from:
GIS Engineering LLC
197 Elysian Dr., Houma, Louisiana, 70363
985-219-1000
Ann Schouest
bidquestions@gisy.com
upon deposit of $ 125.00 for each set of documents. Deposit on the first set is fully refundable to all Prime Bidders up- on return of the documents, in good condition, no later than ten (10) days after receipt of bids. Fifty percent of the deposit of all other sets of documents will be refunded upon re- turn of documents as stated above.
All bids shall be accompanied by bid security in an amount of five percent (5.0%) of the sum of the base bid and all alternates. The form of this security shall be as stated in the In- structions to Bidders included in the Bid Documents for this project.
The successful Bidder shall be required to furnish a Performance and Payment Bond written as des-cribed in the In- structions to Bidders included in the Bid Documents for this project.
A PRE-BID CONFERENCE WILL BE HELD
at 10:30 AM on Thursday, January 30, 2025 at the Morgan City Harbor and Terminal District (MCHTD), at the District’s 7327 Highway 182 1st Floor Media Room, in
Morgan City, Louisiana.
Bids shall be accepted from Contractors who are licensed under LA. R.S. 37:2150-2192 for the classification of Heavy Construction. Bidder is required to comply with provisions and requirements of LA R.S. 38:2212(B)(5). No bid may be withdrawn for a period of forty-five (45) days after receipt of bids, except under the provisions of LA. R.S. 38:2214.
The Owner re- serves the right to reject any and all bids for just cause. In accordance with La. R.S. 38:2212(B)(1), the provisions and requirements of this Section; and those stated in the bidding documents shall not be waived by any entity.
Bid documents are posted on http://www.centralauctionhouse.com. To view these, download, and receive bid notices by e-mail, you must register with Central Auction House (CAH). Vendors/Contractors have the op- tion to submit their bids electronically or by paper copy. For information about the electronic submittal process, contact Ted Fleming with Central Auction House at 1-866-570-9620.
Each bid shall be either hand delivered by the bidder or his agent, or such bid shall be sent by United States Postal Service registered or certified mail with a return receipt requested, or shall be submitted electronically with Central Auction House (CAH). Bids shall not be accepted or taken, including receiving any hand delivered bids, on days which are recognized as holidays by the United States Postal Service.
The mailing address for bids is: Port of Morgan City Admin Office
7327 Highway 182
Morgan City, Louisiana 70381
No bid received after the scheduled time for opening will be considered. Failure of the U.S. Mail to deliver the bids timely shall not be considered due cause for the scheduled time of the bid opening to be ex- tended.
Bids must be submitted on the Louisiana Uniform Public Works Bid Form furnished with the Bidding Documents. A single set of Bidding Documents shall be issued at the cost of reproduction to contractors who are licensed by the Licensing Board of Contractors.
Adv. Jan. 17, 24 and 31, 2025

mmm

Jim Brown: January has been a bad month for America

A number of current and former public officials took it on the chin this month.
Much of the criticism was justified, but there was overkill in several of the high-profile cases.
We witnessed continuing political ineptness from coast to coast, as well as an insurance calamity that happened 1,000 miles away from Louisiana, but still will have a direct bearing on what policyholders here pay.
First to take place was the trauma in New Orleans. A U.S. Army veteran, who had been radicalized by his views of Islam, zeroed in on New Year’s Eve crowds on Bourbon Street killing 15 revelers at 3:15 in the morning.
Could this terrorist attack have been prevented? Many, including this writer, believe so.
Few cities in America have a concentration of revelers in one area that draws millions of people in a month’s time, a Sugar Bowl, the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras.
If there was ever an area that should be protected with drones, extensive surveillance cameras monitoring 24 hours a day, and street barriers that were supposed to be installed and working in the French Quarter streets, New Orleans was the place.
Yet the city and no detailed plan dealing with known threats. There were a few temporary barriers that easily could have been (and were) driven around. City officials from the Mayor on down really dropped the ball.
Next came the devastating California fires. When early warnings of possible major wildfires might spread to Los Angeles, Mayor Karen Bass took immediate action. She flew to Ghana to attend the inauguration of the new president there.
She also had slashed $23 million from the Los Angeles Fire Department’s budget just a few months earlier.
A petition to recall her for her gross management has already garnered 56,000 signatures.
She will spend the next year dealing with investigations and lawsuits over her poor performance operating the city.
The governor and the California Legislature did no better. A total of $150 million was recently cut from the California wildfire prevention budget.
Numerous wildfire prevention proposals made by firefighting experts were ignored. 
Several major reservoirs needed repairs and had been left empty. It would seem that New Orleans and Los Angeles have a lot in common when it comes to ineptitude.
The insurance claims due to the California destroyed houses will reach well over $100 billion.
This will not be just a problem for California property owners.
An insurance company needs to “spread the risk,” wherever they are operating.
Therefore, what happens in California will directly affect the cost of insurance in the Bayou State.
So will the massive flooding that took place in North Carolina.
It doesn’t seem fair, but that’s the way insurance works.
We will not see any property insurance premium reduction here in Louisiana, at least for the immediate future.  Perhaps even more increases.
And how about New York’s former U.S. Attorney and Mayor Rudy Giuliani?
It wasn’t that long ago where he was referred to by just about everyone as “America’s Mayor.”
As a lawyer for Donald Trump, he verbally attacked two Georgia elections workers, charging that they were complicit in Georgia election voter fraud. 
But then the jury ordered Giuliani to pay these two workers $148 million for defaming them.
Maybe Giuliani should pay something, but this seems like a ridiculous amount of money. I wonder how many of you readers would let the former mayor make false accusations against you if you could receive a $148 million return?  I would.
And finally, there is the criminal case in New York City of President-elect Trump. I’ve written several articles saying how the charges were bogus and never should have been brought. As a lawyer, I see perhaps some misdemeanor under New York law at best.
The verdict will certainly be overturned on appeal. But he was convicted as a felon on 34 accounts. The judge sentenced Trump to “unconditional discharge.” What that means is he was sentenced to nothing at all. 
So the system sticks it to Rudy Giuliani, but lets Trump just smile at how he was treated. Lady Justice covered up her eyes. There is certainly no equal justice in the American court system today.
One week of  ineptitude  and questionable decisions throughout America. Coast to coast. Here’s hoping we can put recent days behind us and pray for better weeks to come.
Peace and Justice
Jim Brown

Jim Brown’s syndicated column appears each week in numerous newspapers throughout the nation and on websites worldwide. You can read all his past columns and see continuing updates at http://www.jimbrownla.com.

Get It Growing: Here's a plant to stand up to winter's gloom

Trying to find plants that bloom profusely in the shade during the dreary wintertime can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Your options are few and far between: Most flowers need lots of sunlight, and many plants simply do not bloom in the colder months.
But camellia japonicas step up to the plate year after year, brightening shady spots with white, pink, red and multicolored flowers from December to February — and sometimes even later — in Louisiana.
They do double duty as an evergreen landscape shrub, keeping their glossy green leaves year-round. And, once established, they’re easy to care for and will live for many years.
“They’re the ultimate low-maintenance shrub,” said Michael Polozola, of the LSU AgCenter. “And winter is the perfect time to plant them.”
Polozola currently serves as the AgCenter’s statewide fruit and nut specialist, but he has plenty of experience with camellias.
He previously was a horticulture agent in central Louisiana, which is home to numerous nurseries.
Camellias, in fact, are the plant that sparked Polozola’s interest in horticulture. His grandparents were fond of growing and propagating camellias — a passion they passed down to Polozola.
“Camellias are how I learned how to graft, which I’ve carried on into other fields,” he said.
Camellia japonicas are slow-growing, shade-loving shrubs that can reach heights of 6 to 12 feet when mature. These are the plants most people associate with the word camellia — so they’re often simply called camellias.
But they are just one of the more than 200 known species in the Camellia genus.
You may have heard of sasanquas, a camellia species that tends to bloom earlier, grow faster and be more tolerant of direct sun than japonicas.
Other widely grown species include Camellia hiemalis, a more compact shrub whose most famous cultivar is ShiShi Gashira, and Camellia sinensis, the leaves of which are used to make tea.
Camellia japonicas are so named because they, like most camellias, are native to Japan and other portions of Asia. They’ve been grown in the United States since the early 1800s, and they’re especially beloved in the South, where they thrive through our mild winters in the shade and acidic soils of piney woods.
One of Polozola’s favorite things about these plants is the many colors, variegations and shapes of their blooms.
Some are solid colors while others have contrasting stripes, which usually are due to genetic variations, and spots, which typically are caused by harmless plant viruses.
Flowers, which range from 2 to 6 inches in diameter, can be found in single, semidouble and double forms.
“What I love about camellias is whatever your preference is flower wise, you can find one that lines up,” Polozola said.
Another defining characteristic of camellias is their long-lived nature.
“If they are happy in that spot, they will be there for your great-grandchildren, if not further along,” Polozola said.
So how do you make a camellia happy? A couple of things are critical, Polozola said: Partial to full shade and slightly acidic, well-draining soil.
 Plants will do best in locations that get four to six hours of morning sunlight and dappled shade the rest of the day.
Avoid planting in areas that hold water after it rains, and be sure to test the pH of your soil. Amend it, if needed, to reach a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. Be sure to apply mulch to retain moisture and insulate the roots from extreme temperatures.
Although we normally think of shrubs as something planted directly into the ground, camellias also can be grown successfully in containers.
Newly planted camellias should be watered regularly.
Fertilize in March or April before plants begin pushing out new growth.
Camellias sometimes experience infestations of an insect called tea scale; several products are available to treat this problem, Polozola said.
But overall, they have few maintenance needs, making them an easy way to bring sought-after color to gray winter days and shady places where it can be difficult to achieve blooms on other plants.
“They are a great, durable shrub for our landscape here in the South,” Polozola said.
“They can really fill that niche and give you that interesting color when it’s dreary outside otherwise.”
 

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