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GERALDINE HEBERT GROS

Fri, 10/06/2017 - 11:10am

Geraldine Hebert Gros, a native of Kaplan and resident of Pierre Part, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017. She was 57. She was an adoring wife and loving mother and grandmother. She absolutely loved spending time with her grandchildren. She loved her job as a crossing guard for Assumption Parish Sheriff’s Office and also did a great deal of charity work with St. Jude’s Hospital. She enjoyed Bingo and dancing to the music of Don Rich, especially Jitter Bugging.

She is survived by her loving husband of 21 years, Monty Gros; daughter, Ashley Gaspard and husband, Chet: two sons, Bronson Blanchard and wife, Ashley, and Joshua Hebert and wife, Heather; two sisters, Lisa White and Tina Hebert; two brothers, Elray “Bubba” Dumond and Anthony Hebert; five grandchildren, Dylan Blanchard, Gabe Blanchard, Scotty Turner Jr., Kailey Gaspar and Tanner Gaspard; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Junius Gros Sr. and Agnes Gros; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Betty Demette Hebert; sister, Emily Hebert; brother, Gene Hebert; and her grandparents that helped raise her, John Demett Sr. and Mercedes Demette.

Visiting will be at Ourso Funeral Home, Pierre Part on Sunday, Oct. 8, 2017, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and on Monday from 8 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be at St. Joseph the Worker Church, Pierre Part on Monday, Oct. 9, 2017, at 11 a.m. Burial will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Belle River.

Pallbearers will be Bronson Blanchard, Joshua Hebert, Chet Gaspard, Dylan Blanchard, Tommy Burns, Sydney Danos, Lonnie Mabile and Junius Gros Jr.

Bubba Hebert will serve as honorary pallbearer.

We want to thank her very special friends, Joanne and Sidney Danos, for their love and care. We also want to extend our thanks to Gayle Richard, Lonnie and Frannie Mabile, and her sitter, Christy Hue.

To offer your condolences, please visit www.OursoPierrePart.com.

FLOYD MIRE

Fri, 10/06/2017 - 11:08am

Floyd Mire, age 76, a native of Killboat Pass, Louisiana, and a resident of Morgan City, Louisiana, went to his heavenly home on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017, with his son at his side. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, but mostly spending time with his cherished friends and family. He is survived by his son, Shane P. Mire and his wife, Renee; son, Scott P. Mire and his wife, Margie; their children, Jordan and Addison Mire; and sister, Genevieve Michel. He was preceded in death by his wife, Marta Mire; parents, Fernest and Myra Mire; brother, Lonnie Mire; brother, Maxwell Mire; sister, Linda ...

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Burglary suspect arrested

Fri, 10/06/2017 - 10:32am

Staff Report

A 32-year-old Berwick man was arrested Thursday in connection with a September burglary in Morgan City, Police Chief James Blair said in a news release.

—Franklin D. Pearce III, 32, of River Road in Berwick, was arrested at 5:19 p.m. Thursday on warrants charging him with simple burglary, accessory after the fact to simple burglary and possession of stolen things.

Pearce was located at a Duke Street home in Morgan City and arrested on warrants. The warrants stem from a September investigation of a burglary of a business where Pearce is alleged to have stolen items from the business, Blair said. Pearce was jailed.

Blair reported responding to 36 calls and reported the following arrests:

—Patricia Savoie, 46, of Fourth Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 9:21 p.m. Thursday on a warrant charging her with telephone harassment. Officers located Savoie on Victor II Boulevard and found a warrant for her arrest. Savoie was jailed.

—Clarence Francois, 50, of Barrow Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 10:45 a.m. Thursday on a warrant charging him with failure to appear.

Francois was transported from Patterson Police Department to the Morgan City Police Department on a city court warrant. Francois was jailed.

—Kayla M. Francise, 19, of Keith Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 4:20 p.m. Thursday on a warrant charging her with contempt of court. Francise was arrested in city court and jailed.

—Tommy D. Morgan, 28, of Belanger Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 4:05 p.m. Thursday on warrants charging him with falsification of drug test, failure to appear for restitution and probation violation.

Morgan was arrested in city court on a police warrant. The warrant stems from a September incident where Morgan allegedly attempted to falsify a drug test. Morgan also held active warrants for the 6th Ward City Court. Morgan was jailed.

—Julio C. Perez, 35, of Lenny’s Lane in Morgan City, was arrested at 12:08 a.m. Friday on charges of DWI, no driver’s license and improper lane usage.

An officer in the area of La. 182 near Pecos Street observed a vehicle swerving in the roadway. A traffic stop was conducted and the driver, Perez, appeared intoxicated, Blair said.

Perez performed poorly on a field sobriety test and registered 0.110 grams-percent blood alcohol content on a chemical test, Blair said. Perez was jailed.

—Trey D. Elliott, 27, of Benton, was arrested at 2:06 a.m. Friday on charges of DWI second offense, possession of alcoholic beverage in a motor vehicle and improper lane usage.

A patrol officer in the area of La. 182 near Roderick Street observed a vehicle cross the center line of the roadway several times. A traffic stop was conducted and the driver was identified as Elliot.

Elliot appeared intoxicated and refused to take a field sobriety test, Blair said. He also refused a chemical test for intoxication, Blair said. Elliot was then jailed.

St. Mary Parish Sheriff Mark Hebert reported responding to 44 complaints and reported the following arrest:

—Wayne Demarco Jr., 28, of Marin Lane in Patterson, was arrested at 1:02 p.m. Thursday on a warrant for failure to appear on a charge of possession of marijuana.

A St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center corrections officer learned that Demarco held an active warrant, while booking him in on charges for another agency. Bail is set at $11,500.

Berwick Police Chief James Richard reported the following arrests:

—Koby Blair, 19, of Marcel Drive in Morgan City, was arrested at 5:05 p.m. Thursday on a charge of careless operation of a motor vehicle. He posted $1,500 bail.

—Leeann Jones, 31, of Jones Street in Berwick, was arrested at 9:02 p.m. Thursday on a warrant charging her with possession of drug paraphernalia. She was awaiting bail to be set.

Assumption Parish Sheriff Leland Falcon reported the following arrest relating to the Tri-City area:

—Thomas Wayne Hughes, 29, of Vivian Street in Bayou L’Ourse, was arrested Thursday on charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of
drug paraphernalia, resisting an officer and a warrant charging him with failure to appear.

Deputies arrived at a Bayou L’Ourse home and noticed Hughes mowing grass. Deputies were attempting to arrest Hughes on a failure to appear warrant,
Falcon said. As deputies approached Hughes, he began to run, Falcon said.

A deputy was able to subdue Hughes, and following his arrest, deputies noted the seizure of methamphetamine and assorted drug paraphernalia, Falcon said.

Hughes was arrested and transported to the Assumption Parish Detention Center.

Hughes, at the time of Thursday’s arrest, was out on bail for a June 29, 2016 arrest on charges of obstructing public passages, possession of narcotics and resisting arrest.

Hughes remains incarcerated pending a bail hearing.

Patterson Police Chief Patrick LaSalle reported no arrests.

Conrad will build components for San Francisco ferry project

Fri, 10/06/2017 - 10:31am

Conrad Shipyard of Morgan City has been awarded a contract by Power Engineering Construction Company of Alameda, California, to build several components for the Water Emergency Transportation Authority’s San Francisco Ferry Expansion Project, Conrad said in a news release.

The local shipbuilding in-dustry has helped boost the St. Mary economy during the slump related to depressed oil prices and the shift from offshore production to inland fracking.

Conrad recently announced the acquisition of a contract to build ocean-going tugboats for a Seattle company. Metal Shark in Jeanerette and Franklin said it has a deal to build patrol boats for the U.S. Navy.

Construction of the WETA components will be completed at Conrad’s Orange, Texas, shipyard. Johnny Conrad, chairman, president and CEO made the announcement:

“This new business is in addition to a barge that we currently have under con-struction for Power Engineering Construction and we appreciate their continued confidence. This project represents a key milestone in the build-out of WETA’s San Francisco Bay infrastructure, and we are proud to be a part of it. I want to thank our shipbuilding team for their uncompromising commitment to quality, craftsmanship, integrity and service, which makes new business like this possible.”

Power Engineering Con-struction Company builds complex marine construction and civil engineering projects. The company has a wide portfolio of successful completions for marine, civil and design-build applications.

The Downtown San Francisco Ferry Terminal Expansion Project, now underway, will increase the terminal’s capacity to serve current and future passengers and will improve the amenities around the terminal. The two-year construction project includes building two new ferry gates and the reconstruction of another. Beautification and other amenities include the addition of weather canopies, a new plaza area, and extended promenades in keeping with the historic Ferry Building.

Coast Guard statement on Tropical Storm Nate

Fri, 10/06/2017 - 10:19am

From the U.S. Coast Guard

SET PORT CONDITION X-RAY

Hurricane Information: The Captain of the Port (COTP) Houma is hereby setting Pon Condition X-RAY for Port Fourchon, Louisiana OITshorc Oi l Port, Jlouma Navigation Canal, Port of Morgan City, Port of I beria, I ntracoastal City, the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, and all tenninals, faciltllcs, and waterways in the Captain of the Port (COTP) l louma area of responsibi l ity at 0800 Friday, October 6,
201 7, in preparation for what is now Tropical Stonn Nate. Based on current stonn track projections, this tropical stonn is predicted to make landfall late Saturday night or early Sunday morning. l lowever, at this time there remains a large amount of uncertainty of the track with the possibility that hurricane force winds could be experienced anywhere within the COTP Zone. A Hurricane watch has been set. The COTP will continue to closely monitor weather conditions and may modify requi rements under this condition or change the condition as predictions change. Questions can be
directed to the Houma 000 at (985) 665-2437.

Port Condition X-RAY: Gale force winds arc predicted to arrive within 48 hours. In addition to direction given by COTP Houma under Port Condition WHISKEY, the following actions must be implemented:

• Vessels not intending to remain in port shall either make preparations for getting underway immediately for storn1 evasion or ensure mooring plans previously submitted to COTP Houma have been approved.

• From MM 63 to MM 47 on the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway. mooring and/or movement of red nag barges is prohibited.

• Make preparations for storm arrivaL

Port Waterwav Status: All ports and waterways in the Houma COTP zone are currently open. COTP Houma will issue additional MSIB's as the stonn approaches and port conditions change, including bridge or waterway closures. Mariners throughout the Houma COTP zone are encouraged to use all means available to monitor the path of the stonn and remain prepared to take action as the system progresses.

Post Storm Considera tions: Once the stonn passes. U1e U. S. Coast Guard will be focused on search and rescue, port security. pollution response and the restoration of commercial operations. Should the port be closed, before reopening the port. COTP Houma must consider the possibility of shoal ing and other navigational hazards, the status of aids to navigation. the status of port security and the readiness of port infrastructure to receive vessels. Based on these factors, COTP Houma will work closely with entities to detennine the ability to resume operations and the priority for reopening waterways. Post-storm port and waterways status will be delivered via MSIBs, Broadcast Notice to Mariners and Homeport. Additionally, the COTP may organize if necessary a post-stonn Port Coordination Team conference call with senior representatives from other federal, state, and local government agencies and industry stakeholders to assess. outline, and prioritize the recovery cfTort for the COTP Zone:

Radio Logs for October 6

Fri, 10/06/2017 - 10:12am

Staff Report

The following are the radio dispatch logs from the Morgan City Police Department. To report unlawful or suspicious activity, call the police department at 985-380-4605.
Thursday, Oct. 5
6:12 a.m. 800 Florida Alley; Complaint.
7:05 a.m. Filmore Street and Victor II Boulevard; Assistance.
7:21 a.m. 1000 block of Belanger Street; Complaint.
7:52 a.m. U.S. 90 and La. 70; Stalled vehicle.
8:16 a.m. 3200 block of Roselawn Drive; Animal complaint.
9:10 a.m. 500 block of Orange Street; Disturbance.
11:19 a.m. 800 block of Brashear Avenue; Fire.
12:05 p.m. 900 block of Youngs Road; 911 hang up.
12:24 p.m. 300 block of Aycock Street; Complaint.
1:53 p.m. 1800 block of Maple Street; Medical.
3:25 p.m. Glenwood and Roderick streets; Disturbance.
3:27 p.m. 900 block of Marguerite Street; Complaint.
3:41 p.m. 900 block of Duke Street; Complaint.
3:57 p.m. 600 block of Bush Street; Suspicious person.
4:50 p.m. La. 70; Reckless driver.
7:39 p.m. 500 block of Fifth Street; Domestic disturbance.
8:45 p.m. 1200 block of Victor II Boulevard; Complaint.
10:31 p.m. 800 block of Brashear Avenue; Complaint.
10:38 p.m. 6400 block of La. 182 East; Complaint.
10:46 p.m. 2400 block of Hemlock Street; Assistance.
Friday, Oct. 6
3:50 a.m. 7400 block of La. 182 East; Patrol request.
4:15 a.m. 1200 block of Brashear Avenue; Alarm.

Padrons earn Patterson Garden Club yard award

Fri, 10/06/2017 - 9:42am

Carlos and Mary Butler Padron have been presented one of Patterson Garden Club’s Yard of the Month awards for October. The Padrons’ yard is landscaped with hibiscus, crotons, fern, Mexican heather, potato vine and more.

LaHouse lead-safe certification, mold remediation classes set

Fri, 10/06/2017 - 9:40am

By TOBIE BLANCHARD, LSU AgCenter

BATON ROUGE — The LSU AgCenter LaHouse Resource Center will hold a lead-safe certified renovator course on Oct. 17, and a mold control and remediation course from Oct. 18-20. LaHouse offers these classes for contractors in support of its “healthy homes” educational program and goal.
“What contractors learn in these courses is even more important and greatly needed in the aftermath of Louisiana’s 2016 floods and now hurricanes Harvey and Irma,” said Claudette Hanks Reichel, LSU AgCenter extension housing specialist. “Improper deconstruction, clean-up and repair methods can cause serious health hazards — and liability — from lead-paint dust and mold contamination.”
Reichel pointed out that very low levels of lead in children can cause irreversible damage to developing brains and other organs. It can lead to learning and behavior disorders, impaired hearing and other developmental health effects without any symptoms of poisoning. Lead exposure can also worsen high blood pressure in adults.
Contractors who work on pre-1978 homes and child-occupied facilities are required by the Environmental Protection Agency Renovation, Repair and Painting rule to be certified and use lead-safe work practices. LaHouse Resource Center is an approved trainer through EnviroEd, a nationwide EPA-accredited RRP training provider.
Mold growth begins on materials that stay wet for two to three days and can multiply quickly, Reichel said. Rapid and safe cleaning and drying methods are needed to prevent a mold population explosion and the health hazards of high exposure. People with asthma, allergies or compromised immunity are at greatest risk.
In Louisiana, any mold remediation project with a value of $1 or more requires a Louisiana Mold Remediation Contractor license. The LaHouse mold control and remediation course meets the educational requirement for a Louisiana license and provides both the technical how-to nationally recognized protocols of remediation as well as an understanding of moisture dynamics and mold characteristics to help ensure effective and safe solutions.
Both courses qualify for continuing education unit hours for Louisiana residential contractors and home inspectors. Further information, course fees and links to register are available at www.lsuagcenter.com/LaHouse. For additional questions, email lahouse@agcenter.lsu.edu.
LaHouse is a research-based showcase of solutions for sustainable, high-performance housing for the Southern climate and conditions. The mission of LaHouse is to shape the future with homes that offer more comfort, durability, value, convenience, environmental quality, safety and better health with less energy, water, pollution, waste, damage and loss.

South Dakota St. Bernard has record-longest tongue for a dog

Fri, 10/06/2017 - 9:38am

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — A St. Bernard in South Dakota has set a new, slobbery world record.
Mochi, also known as Mo, holds the Guinness World Records title for having the longest tongue on a dog.
According to Guinness World Records, Mochi’s tongue measures in at 7.31 inches.
Mochi’s owner, Carla Rickert of Sioux Falls, says her dog is happy, but also has some breathing problems because of her long tongue and slobbers more than usual when she’s nervous. Mochi also needs to be given treats in a certain way and has problems picking items up from the floor.
The 8-year-old Mochi broke the previous record held by a male Pekingese, whose tongue was 4.5 inches.
Mochi is listed in the new Guinness World Records: Amazing Animals book.

Moving away isn’t answer to kids’ early morning mayhem

Fri, 10/06/2017 - 9:29am

DEAR ABBY: Suggesting that an older couple (“Upset in Washington,” June 13) move to a community for people over age 55 because they’re bothered by the neighbors’ children playing outside early in the morning is just one more example of how we have ended up living in a world of intolerance and division. I’m the mother of a lively 6-year-old boy, and I would suggest that what really needs to happen is a kind and thoughtful discussion about how the kids can be taught to respect their neighbors and play more quietly in the mornings. There’s no reason why a ...