Submitted Photo
The East St. Mary Kiwanis Club recently adopted Central Catholic High School. Pictured are, front row: Christopher Templet, Tyler Longman, Principal Vic Bonnaffee, Aly Burton, Kerrilyn Luc and Gavin Wisdom. Back row: Jodi Grizzaffi, Gwen Luc, Casey Shannon and Donna F. Meyer.
Louisiana’s current crop of state representatives can’t go anywhere these days without hearing about the dreaded “fiscal cliff,” which is code for the more than $1 billion budget deficit slated for next fiscal year.
So they figured they may as well get together this week and talk about it amongst themselves. A bipartisan group of House members are expected to gather on Thursday, Oct. 12, for what is being billed as an “educational retreat.”
Rep. Lance Harris of Alexandria, the chairman of the House Republican Delegation, said there will be budget reports delivered by legislative staffers and the lower chamber’s leadership about what the state is facing next year in terms of a shortfall.
“We’re looking for a possible way forward,” Harris told LaPolitics. “This starts a new chapter for everyone and hopefully something bubbles to the surface. At the very least everyone can kind of see where their peers are on all of this.”
Also taking part will be Rep. Gene Reynolds, the chairman of the House Democratic Caucus.
“There are already a bunch of small groups working on ideas and it’s a move in the right direction to pull in everyone we can — and I believe there will be a good turnout — to see what’s doable,” said Reynolds. “The best case scenario is that we walk away with something that we can take to the governor that makes him comfortable with calling a special session.”
Reynolds added that he would like to see the House move toward some sort of consensus before Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne is “forced to come up with a doomsday budget.”
Dardenne is the chief budget architect for Gov. John Bel Edwards, who started warning lawmakers about the “fiscal cliff” last year when a set of temporary taxes were adopted.
Those temporary taxes — mostly in the form of an increase to the state sales tax structure — will expire at the end of the current fiscal year, on June 30, 2018.
Hall of Fame hits the road
The induction ceremony and banquet next year for the Louisiana Political Hall of Fame will once again stray — rather far — from its geographic roots in Winn Parish.
The 2018 shindig is slated for March 10 at the National WWII Museum in New Orleans.
The annual ceremony for the Louisiana Political Hall of Fame has long been marked — at least for attendees from south Louisiana — by a long drive north to Winnfield, a town that was once home to three Bayou State governors.
In 2016, however, the ceremony hit the road and was held in Lafayette, with the goal of trying to move it around to different cities every other year or so. The party was held again in Winnfield this year, but organizers are clearly sticking to their touring strategy, based on the choice of New Orleans.
The event always features memorable speeches by political players; a reception in the museum, when its in Winnfield; and an evening-ending, group singalong to “You Are My Sunshine.”
The museum, which has received some state funding in the past, is also home to Earl Long’s original campaign vehicle and Huey Long’s dining room set.
Political History:
From France to Spain
Last month marked the 253rd anniversary (September 30, 1764) of France’s decision to officially unload the Louisiana territory to Spain.
It was a secretive kind of a deal, with French officials keeping the colonists living here in the dark for two years.
When France finally sent representatives to Louisiana to begin the process in 1762 they found a government that was described as understaffed and corrupt. The treasury, in fact, was nearly empty at the time.
In “Louisiana: The Land and its People,” author Manie Culbertson explains that Spain wasn’t in a big hurry to claim its prize: “The Louisiana colony went through a period when it was treated as though it belonged to no one. Neither country — France nor Spain — felt responsible for the colony. The Spanish had a policy of mañana [Spanish for ‘tomorrow’], that they would take the colony over when they got around to it.”
Spain, of course, did eventually take ownership and it was up to French Governor Jean Jacques d’Abbadie to break the news to the locals. It didn’t go over too well, according to Culbertson: “The people reacted in horror to the news. They were French! They did not want to lose their mother country that they loved so dearly. The idea of changing their flag, laws, language, and customs made them furious.”
The upset colonists didn’t have to spend too much time under that Spanish flag, though. By 1803 Louisiana was back in French hands — for a few weeks, at least, before it was transferred to the United States.
They said it
“It’s just heartbreaking to me, man. And it pi**es me off. … My Sundays have a lot more Harley Davidson time now.”
—Congressman Clay Higgins, on the National Football League
“The president’s tweets are attention-grabbing. Who is going to be treasurer is not very compelling by comparison. It’s boring.”
—UL -Lafayette political scientist Pearson Cross, on projected low voter turnout and the treasurer’s race, in The Advocate
For more Louisiana political news, visit www.LaPolitics.com or follow Jeremy Alford on Twitter @LaPoliticsNow.
M C Bank & Trust Marketing Director Emily Berry is among a select number of bankers in Louisiana who have been chosen to participate in a program offered by the Federal Reserve, the bank said in a news release.
The program acronym, BOLT, stands for Banking On the Leaders of Tomorrow.
In this role, Berry will gather with her peer group of approximately 50 bankers in Louisiana in early October addressing The Federal Reserve System and federal monetary policy.
Berry was nominated to be a participant by agencies other than M C Bank, based in part on her success in Louisiana Bankers Association Leadership School.
“This is quite an honor for Emily and for the bank," said Jeremy Callais, executive vice president, chief financial officer and chief operating officer at M C Bank, said.
"Anytime one of our employees here at M C Bank is recognized as a leader in the industry, it is a clear representation of the hard work that has been put in by that employee.”
The Hanson Memorial Tigers will host Highland Baptist Thursday at McCloskey Field while the West St. Mary Wolfpack, Franklin Hornets and Centerville Bulldogs will all play on Friday in Week 7 of the high school football season.
Hanson Memorial will host Highland Baptist on Thursday at McCloskey Field in District 7A action.
The West St. Mary Wolfpack will play host to long-time rivals the Jeanerette Tigers on in District 7-2A action while the Franklin Hornets will travel to face the Ascension Episcopal Blue Gators on Friday in District 7-2A action.
Also on Friday, the Centerville Bulldogs will take to the road Friday to battle the Lafayette Christian Academy Knights in District 7-A action.
HIGHLAND at HANSON
Hanson (2-4, 1-2) will host Highland Baptist (2-4, 0-2) Thursday in District 7-A action at McCloskey Field at 7 p.m.
The Hanson Memorial Tigers are scheduled to host the Highland Baptist Lions in District 7-A action Thursday at 7 p.m. at McCloskey Field.
JEANERETTE at WSM
West St. Mary and Jeanerette will renew their long-time rivalry on Friday in a District 7-2A matchup at Wolfpack Stadium in Baldwin.
West St. Mary (2-4, 2-1) will play host to Jeanerette (2-4, 0-3) in District 7-2A battle on Friday at Wolfpack Stadium at 7 p.m.
FRANKLIN at AES
The Franklin Hornets (1-5, 1-2) set their sights on a road District 7-2A contest against the highly-regarded Ascension Episcopal Blue Gators (5-1, 3-0) on Friday.
Franklin returns to action Friday after its first game of the season and its first district game of the season during last week’s 36-6 win over the Delcambre Panthers.
Franklin (1-5, 1-2) will travel to take on AES (5-1, 3-0) Friday in District 7-2A action.
CHS at LCA
The Centerville Bulldogs (4-2, 0-2) will travel to play the Lafayette Christian Academy Knights (6-0, 3-0) Friday in District 7-A action.
Centerville will be looking for its first league win of the season on Friday while eyeing the LCA Knights in District 7-A play.
CHS will travel to do battle with undefeated LCA on Friday at 7 p.m. in District 7-A action.
St. Mary Parish Sheriff Mark Hebert reported the following arrests:
Joseph Robertson, 53, of 258 Jones Road #1, Four Corners, was arrested Monday at 9:00 p.m. on charges of possession of Schedule II crack cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia and three warrants for the charge of simple burglary.
Narcotics detectives located Robertson at his residence on the warrants. The warrants stem from an investigation into three burglaries of the same location on La. 318, in Four Corners. The detective assigned to the case positively identified Robertson as the suspect seen in surveillance video taking items from the building. Based on this evidence, the detective obtained the warrants. During his arrest, narcotics detectives observed a piece of crack cocaine and a pipe used to smoke crack cocaine in Robertson’s bedroom. Detectives also recovered some stolen items from a vehicle at Robertson’s residence. Robertson was transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking. No bail is set.
Jeremy Butler, 30, of 4076 Chitimacha Trail, Charenton, was arrested Monday at 11:19 p.m. on charges of disturbing the peace, resisting an officer, illegal carrying of weapons, public intimidation, terrorizing and a Chitimacha Tribal Police Department warrant for disturbing the peace.
Deputies and narcotics detectives responded to a call for service about a male subject walking down the road waving a gun on Martin Luther King Road and Chitimacha Trail in Charenton. When detectives arrived, they observed several residents outside their homes because of the suspicious subject. Detectives made contact with the man. He then produced a shotgun and fled on foot. A detective pursued the subject on foot. The man then dropped a large sword and continued to flee. K-9 Buddy was deployed and apprehended the subject who was identified as Butler. Detectives also located an active warrant for his arrest. During the subsequent investigation, Butler made multiple threats against the lives of the deputies and their families. Butler was transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking. No bail is set.
Brandy Martin, 43, of 137 Houma Drive, Charenton, was arrested Monday at 10:50 a.m. on charges of vehicle turning left at intersection violation and no motor vehicle insurance. A deputy investigating a two vehicle crash on Chitimacha Trail at La. 324 found that one of the drivers, Martin, failed to yield. The deputy also learned that Martin was driving the vehicle without insurance. Martin was released on a summons.
Logan Charpentier, 25, of Franklin, was additionally charged Friday at 10:55 a.m. on a warrant for charges of simple burglary and criminal damage to property. Charpentier was already incarcerated at the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center. No bail is set.
Terrel Williams, IV, 24, of 204 Picket Lane, Franklin, was arrested Saturday at 10:01 a.m. on a warrant for failure to appear on the charges of battery of a police officer, resisting an officer and criminal damage to property, as well as a warrant for failure to appear on the charge of resisting an officer by providing false information.
While booking Williams at the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center, a correctional deputy located the active warrants for his arrest. Williams was transported to another agency for housing.
Oscar Torres-Prodencio, 33, of 903 Duke St., Morgan City, was arrested Saturday at 1:03 p.m. on a warrant for failure to appear on the charge of criminal neglect of family.
While booking Prodencio at the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center, a correctional deputy located the active warrants for his arrest. Bail on the warrant is set for $6,728.
Jarrette Babineaux, 30, of 2413 Headgon Court, Covington, was arrested Sunday at 7:54 a.m. on a warrant for probation violation. Babineaux was transported to the St. Mary parish Law Enforcement Center on the warrant. No bail is set.
Blake Lambert, 23, of 606 Pacific St., Berwick, was arrested Tuesday at 2:25 p.m. on warrants for charges of failure to pay annual registration fee as a registered sex offender, failure to notify law enforcement of a change of address as a sex offender, failure to obtain a special identification card as a sex offender, failure to appear on the charge of operating a vehicle with an obstructed windshield and failure to appear on the charge of theft.
Lambert was convicted of carnal knowledge of a juvenile and two counts indecent behavior with juveniles in St. Mary Parish in March of 2015. A detective of the Sex Offender Compliance Section conducting a compliance check on Lambert found that he was in violation of state requirements and obtained warrants for his arrest. A deputy transported Lambert from the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking on the warrants. No bail is set.
Terrance Washington, 43, of 312 Brandywine Blvd., Thibodaux, was arrested on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. on the charge of simple assault.
While patrolling the Baldwin area, a deputy was flagged down by a subject about an assault. The deputy spoke with the subject involved and collected evidence that Washington approached a female victim in an aggressive manner and raised his fist as if to strike her. Washington was transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking. He was later released on a $1,000 bond.
Edward Trimm, Jr., 42, of 201 Prescott Blvd., Younsgville, was arrested Tuesday at 9:16 a.m. on a warrant for the charge of distribution of cocaine. Trimm turned himself in at the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center. The warrant charge resulted from an undercover investigation conducted by the Narcotics Section. Trimm was released on a $10,000 bond.
Deandre Wardsworth, 32, of 128 Reba St., Natchitoches, was arrested Tuesday at 10:05 p.m. on a warrant for failure to appear on the charge of criminal neglect of family. While booking Wardsworth at the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center, a correctional deputy located the active warrant for his arrest. Bail is set at $20,013.
Juvenile male, 16, Bayou Vista, was arrested Tuesday at 8:32 p.m. for possession of Schedule I marijuana.
Narcotics detectives observed a vehicle traveling without headlights or brake lights on Pacific Street in Berwick, and conducted a traffic stop. Detectives smelled the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle and observed a marijuana cigar on the passenger side where the juvenile male was seated. Detectives also located marijuana inside a pill bottle in the juvenile’s pocket. The juvenile was released to a guardian pending juvenile court proceedings.
Franklin Police Chief Sabria McGuire reported the following arrests:
Mario Williams, 18, of Myra Street, Franklin, was arrested Monday at 1:20 p.m. on charges of disturbing the peace, possession of schedule I narcotics - marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. Williams was booked, processed, and released on a $3,750 bond.
Clarence Williams, 50, of Robert Street, Franklin, was arrested Monday for allowing dogs to bark. Williams was released to appear in Third Ward City Court.
Georgia Mae Vincent, 89, a native and resident of Franklin, La., died Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017 at Franklin Health Care Center.
Visitation will be Saturday, Oct. 14, from 9-11 a.m. at the Otis Mortuary Chapel, with burial rites read at 11 a.m. at the chapel. Interment will be in the St. John Cemetery, Franklin.
She is survived by five sons, Abe Lovely III and his wife Stacey, of Taylor, Michigan, Edward J. Vincent of Dallas, Texas, Eric L. Vincent of Fort Worth, Texas, Ray A Vincent of New Iberia, La., and Gregory W. Vincent of Ypsilanti, Miciagna; three daughters, Eleanor Small and her husband Alvin of Franklin, Elaine Jones of New Iberia, La., and Patricia A. Young of Baton Rouge, La.; a sister, Areline Theriot of Lake Charles, La.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Rev. Octave and Elnora Vincent, two children, Georgia Ann Vincent and Darrell Lovely, two sisters, Hazel Willis and Elouise Johnson, two brothers, Rev. Mack E. Vincent and Octave Vincent Jr. and a number of grandchildren, great- grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.
Rev. James F. Otis officating.
Rev. Blaine Clay, 85, a native of Terrebonne Parish and a resident of Houma, La., passed away peacefully at 10:32 p.m. on Sunday, October 8, 2017.
Visitation will be from 5 p.m. until wake services at 7 p.m. on Friday, October 20, 2017 at New Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 922 Goode Street in Houma, La. Visitation will resume on Saturday, October 21, 2017 at 9 a.m. until funeral service time at 11 a.m. at New Rising Sun Baptist Church, 230 St. Charles St. in Houma. Burial will follow in New Zion Baptist Cemetery.
He is survived by his sons, Blaine Linus of Franklin and Dwayne Clay of Houma; daughter, Angel Clay of Houma; five grandchildren, one great grandchild, a brother, Walter Clay of Raceland; and a host of other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, brother, and a sister.
Arrangements entrusted to Jones Funeral Home of Houma-Morgan City-Franklin-Jeanerette.
Visit www.jones-funeral-home.com to send condolences to family.
Joseph “Joe Boy” Griffin, 79, a resident of Patterson, La. and native of Idlewild, La., passed away on Saturday October 7, 2017 at the Patterson Healthcare Center at 4:20 a.m.
Visitation will be observed on Saturday, October 14, 2017 at the Good Hope Baptist Church in Patterson, La., from 9 a.m. until funeral services beginning at 11 a.m., with Pastor Patrick Jones Sr. officiating. Burial will follow funeral services in the Shields Cemetery in Patterson, La.
Memories of “Joe Boy,” as he was known to many, will forever remain in the hearts of his son, Joseph Favors of Eunice, La.; two daughters, Mrs. David (Dorothy) Dougles of Patterson, La. and Mrs. Harold (Ruby) Guillory of Welsh, La.; four brothers, Frank Griffin and James Griffin of Patterson, La., Jessie Griffin of Bayou Vista, La. and Charles Ray Griffin of Houston, La.; five sisters, Josie “Pete” Ingleton of Berwick, La., Mrs. Clarence (Dorothy) Gray and Mrs. Marvin (Muriel) Johnson both of Patterson, La., Daisy Griffin and Mrs. Calvin (Sally) Graves both of Houston, TX; a daughter-in-law, four sisters-in-law, seventeen grandchildren, thirty-one great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Joe Boy was preceded in death by his wife, a daughter, his parents, two brothers, and two sisters.
Jones Funeral Home of Morgan City-Franklin-Jeanerette-Houma in charge of arrangements.
Visit www.jones-funeral-home.com to send condolences to family.
A Celebration of Life for Joseph Webber, Jr. will be Saturday, October 14, 2017, 1 p.m., MK DIXON Funeral Home, 211 Main Street, Baldwin, La. Rev. Willie Jackson will officiate the service.
The family has requested that visitation be Saturday, October 14, 2017, from 11 a.m. until the time of service at MK DIXON Funeral Home
Joseph Webber Jr. was born November 1, 1952, in Franklin, La., to the late Rhoda Mae Phillips Webber, and Joseph Webber Sr. He came from a family of 7 siblings. Joe was baptized at an early age. Joseph Webber Jr. met and married Shirley McClain and to this union three children were born.
He departed this life on Wednesday, October 4, 2017, at his home where you could catch him sitting on the ramp, listening to his music maybe even dancing all of which he loved to do. Joe Webber was a kind, very energetic, and fun loving person. Everyone who came into contact with Joe Webber “THE MAN” was very entertained in some sort of way.
He leaves to cherish his memories, his wife, Shirley McClain-Webber; two sons, Joseph Webber III, Tony Webber; one daughter, Dorothy Jefferson (Michael) all of Franklin, La.; seven sisters and brothers; Raymond Webber, Patterson, La., Joyce Webber Baldwin, La., Patricia Labeau (Daryl), New Orleans, La., Judy Johnson (Donald) Baldwin, La.; Floyd Webber (Jackie) Baldwin, La., Phil Webber (Yvonne), Lafayette, La. and Phyllis Webber, Baldwin, La. Also left to cherish his memories are eleven grandchildren and a host of relatives, friends, nieces, and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
MK Dixon Funeral Home is in charge of final arrangements, 211 Main Street, Baldwin, La. 70514, (337) 940-9253, www.mkdixonfh.com
Loma Lee Wheeler Robertson born on October 21, 1930 in Beaumont, Texas passed away on Thursday, October 5, 2017 at the age of 86 in Hattiesburg, Mississippi after a lengthy illness.
Born and raised in Kountze, Texas, she married her high school sweetheart, Bill Robertson in 1948. Loma lived in Jasper, Texas prior to moving to Hattiesburg 7 years ago. She loved to work with her hands whether it be sewing for her children and grandchildren or turning an old piece of furniture into a work of art.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bill Robertson; son-in-law Earl Ashley; parents Henry and Stella Wheeler; sister Mary Richardson; and brothers Edwin, Raymond, Bill, and Mike Wheeler.
She is survived by her daughter Kay Ashley of Petal, Mississippi; son George Robertson (Debra) of Carencro, Louisiana; daughter Julia Clay (JR) of Ellisville, Mississippi; 8 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Loma will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
Visitation will be held at Farmer Funeral Home in Silsbee, Texas on Tuesday, October 10, 2017 from 9 am-12 pm followed by services at noon. Interment will be in Old Hardin Cemetery in Kountze, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to your local Alzheimer’s Association.
Farmer Funeral Home
Condolences will be accepted at:
http://www.timeformemory.com/farmer
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