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Letter: Writer seeks info on local resident

Fri, 01/10/2025 - 6:00am

I’m writing in search of anyone who knew, or heard tell, of a late Berwick resident by the rather unforgettable name of Oral D. Graves.
At the time of his death in Morgan City’s Sweet Bay Lake, Graves was employed as a deck hand on shrimping boats, approximately 49 years old. 
Born in Missouri, Graves had a colorful past which included his on-again, off-again employment with the New Orleans Police Department and Orleans Parish Coroner’s Office in the 1950s-60s. He was arrested for theft in the 1950s and, in 1964, was shot in the leg while trying to prevent a hold-up at Nola’s Anyone’s Lounge. 
In 1954, Graves married, and later divorced, his second wife, Thelma Traub, and he may have had a daughter. 
Graves drowned in 1971. 
I am a Broadway and TV actor and author researching Graves as part of a project which chronicles events involving the New Orleans Police Department in the 1960s, and have had the pleasure of interviewing many retired members of the force. Graves’ name has come up on multiple occasions now, so I’m doing my best to gather context about his character. 
Did you or anyone you know happen to work with or know Graves? If so, feel free to contact me at 929-430-7589. You can also contact me through my website, at www.erikliberman.org.
Thanks very much,
Erik Liberman
New York

Coffee talk: A cup after dark may be bad for the heart

Fri, 01/10/2025 - 6:00am

Maybe think twice before reaching for that afternoon coffee or after-dinner espresso.
A new study from Tulane University found that those who limit coffee drinking to the morning have a lower risk of dying of heart disease and a lower overall mortality risk than those who drink coffee throughout the day
The study, published in European Heart Journal, also found that morning coffee drinkers had better heart health and lower mortality rates than those who skipped the joe altogether.
“Research so far suggests that drinking coffee doesn’t raise the risk of cardiovascular disease, and it seems to lower the risk of some chronic diseases, such as diabetes,” said lead author Dr. Lu Qi, HCA Regents Distinguished Chair and professor in the Celia Scott Weatherhead School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine at Tulane University. “Given the effects that caffeine has on our bodies, we wanted to see if the time of day when you drink coffee has any impact on heart health.”
The study included 40,725 adults taking part in the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 1999 and 2018. As part of this study, participants were surveyed about whether they drank coffee, how much and when. Researchers were able to link this information with records of deaths and cause of death over this period of time.
Around 36% of people in the study were morning coffee drinkers (they primarily drank coffee before midday), 16% drank coffee throughout the day (morning, afternoon and evening) and 48% were not coffee drinkers.
Compared with people who did not drink coffee, morning coffee drinkers were 16% less likely to die of any cause and 31% less likely to die of cardiovascular disease.
There was no reduction in risk for all-day coffee drinkers compared to non-coffee drinkers.
Morning coffee drinkers benefitted from the lower risks whether they were moderate drinkers (two to three cups) or heavy drinkers (more than three cups). Light morning drinkers (one cup or less) benefitted from a smaller decrease in risk.
Qi said further studies are needed to explain why limiting coffee to the morning is linked to greater heart health benefits, but he surmised that “consuming coffee in the afternoon or evening may disrupt circadian rhythms and levels of hormones such as melatonin.
"This, in turn, leads to changes in cardiovascular risk factors such as inflammation and blood pressure.”
“This is the first study testing coffee drinking timing patterns and health outcomes,” Qi said. “Our findings indicate it’s not just whether you drink coffee or how much you drink, but the time of day when you drink coffee that’s important. We don’t typically give advice about timing in our dietary guidance, but perhaps we should be thinking about this in the future.”

Bird flu's emergence calls for caution

Fri, 01/10/2025 - 6:00am

Louisiana has recorded the nation’s first severe human infection of H5N1, also known as highly pathogenic avian influenza or bird flu, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This development highlights the importance of vigilance in protecting both human health and the state’s animal industry as well as backyard flocks.
Dr. Christine Navarre, LSU AgCenter extension veterinarian, said highly pathogenic avian influenza, or HPAI, is a severe, highly contagious viral disease that affects both wild and domestic birds. It also has been spreading among dairy cattle.
“The virus can cause significant mortality in poultry, leading to substantial economic losses and posing a threat to food security,” she said. “The virus has been detected in more than 200 mammal species, including people.”
With a few exceptions, human cases are generally sporadic and cause only mild illness. However, HPAI viruses have the potential to mutate and acquire the ability to transmit efficiently between humans.
Domestic poultry such as chickens, turkeys, ducks and geese are highly susceptible to HPAI. taminated equipment, manure and clothing.
Some tips for producers:
•Limit contact with wild birds.
•Control access to your flock.
•Maintain cleanliness.
•Monitor flock health.
•Manage and store feed and water properly.
•Report suspicious cases to your local veterinarian or the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry Poultry Disease Diagnostic Laboratory if you suspect avian influenza.
•Protect people by avoiding direct contact with wild birds and unprotected exposure to infected live or dead animals or surfaces contaminated by them.

Dear Abby: Lonely widower badgers late wife’s friends

Fri, 01/10/2025 - 6:00am

DEAR ABBY: My friend of 30 years passed away two years ago. Her husband, with whom I had a cordial relationship, has been calling me and other friends of his wife nonstop. He usually calls with irrelevant nonsense.
One time, I decided not to answer any of his many calls per day. When I finally felt guilty and answered, he was furious. He demanded to know where I was that I was not able to answer the phone. I fabricated a story that I was out of state visiting family. Sometimes, I lie and say dinner is ready, someone is at my door or I’m just about to leave the house.
My initial reaction to his calls was that I am lucky I’m not so needy and lonely. I manage to cut the conversation to three to five minutes, and I’m never rude. This man is 80, lives by himself and has an adult child near his home. It is my unprofessional opinion that because of his many health issues and inability to drive and really care for himself, perhaps he should be in assisted living.
His constant calls are more than I can handle. Should I call his adult child or just not answer most of his calls? I think he may also be calling his children, and they may be aware of his behavior, but I don’t want to upset them more than they probably are. My friends and I have done our best to talk to him, but it has reached the point that these calls are invasive.
OVERWHELMED
IN NEW JERSEY
DEAR OVERWHELMED: You would be doing everyone a favor — yourself included — if you made that call to inform this poor man’s grown children what has been going on. Loneliness and isolation after the death of a spouse can eventually cause serious health problems, particularly in the elderly. Assisted living may be the solution he needs, not only for physical care but also for socialization. I’m glad you wrote.

DEAR ABBY: Being the least favorite is hurtful, yet my mom makes sure to convey how much she hates me every chance she gets. Mind you, she would never say that in front of my dad or my sisters. She says it standing behind me, rubbing it in. My sisters get text messages from her telling them how much she misses them. Me? I get comments like “I wish you were never born.” I have tried hard to please her, but nothing has worked. Sadly, my youngest sister is rude and hates me, too. Please advise.
UNLOVED
IN TENNESSEE
DEAR UNLOVED: Unfortunately, we cannot pick our parents. Your mother’s behavior is more than a little toxic, and now it has rubbed off on your little sister. This is why I am suggesting you see as little of your mother and younger sister as possible.
If you must see them, spend as little time alone with either of them as possible. Start developing relationships with people who are caring and supportive.
Many people form “chosen families” when they come from families that are as dysfunctional as yours.

***

To receive a collection of Abby’s most memorable — and most frequently requested — poems and essays, send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 to: Dear Abby — Keepers Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447.

Public notices for Jan. 10, 2025

Fri, 01/10/2025 - 6:00am

PUBLIC NOTICE (GRID
RESILIENCE)
NOTICE is hereby given, pursuant to Article IV, Section 21(D)(1) of the Louisiana Constitution, that on December 30, 2024, Cleco Power LLC (“Cleco Power”), an electric public utility supplying retail electric service to approximately 295,000 customers in twenty-four (24) parishes in the State of Louisiana through its retail business and supplying wholesale power in the State of Louisiana, filed with the Louisiana Public Service Commission (the “LPSC”), its Application for: (I) Authorization of Phase I of the Comprehensive Hardening Plan; (II) Related Rate Recovery; and (III) Expedited Treatment (the “Application”). The Ap- plication requests LPSC authorization of Phase I of the Cleco Power Comprehensive Hardening Plan (“Resilience Plan”), which includes approximately $257.6 million in resilience projects proposed to be implemented in the first five (5) years (2026-2030) of the Resilience Plan, and the proposed Grid Resilience Cost Recovery Rider (“Grid Resilience Rider” or “Rider”). The Resilience Plan is a multi-year plan of capital projects intended to enhance the resiliency of Cleco Power’s transmission and distribution infrastructure by reducing future restoration costs and outage im- pacts to Cleco Power’s customers and communities. Cleco Power’s Resilience Plan will not result in a change in rates unless approved by the LPSC and implemented by Cleco Power. The twenty-four parishes in which Cleco Power provides service are: Acadia, Allen, Avoyelles, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Catahoula, Desoto, Evangeline, Grant, Iberia, Jefferson Davis, Lasalle, Natchitoches, Rapides, Red River, Sabine, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Mary, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Vermilion, Vernon, and Washington.
Cleco Power also seeks approval of the Grid Resilience Rider to permit timely recovery of the Resilience Plan’s revenue requirement. The proposed Rider would accomplish contemporaneous recovery of Resilience Plan costs through a forward-looking rate that would also include a true up after a prudence review.
Cleco Power also requests authorization to create a regulatory asset for the remaining net book value associated with assets that must be retired and replaced with new assets as part of the Resilience Plan. Cleco Power would include the regulatory asset in rate base and amortize such retired plant costs at a rate consistent with the associated depreciation expense effective in Cleco Power’s most recent rate case (see LPSC Docket No. U-36923). With this ratemaking treatment, customers would not see an incremental increase in base rates while Cleco Power recovers its prudently incurred resilience costs through the Grid Resilience Rider, all else being equal.
Lastly, Cleco Power requests LPSC acknowledgement of Cleco Power’s seeking a waiver from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (“FERC”) to allow Cleco Power to capitalize certain one-time asset transfer costs incurred in conjunction with its Resilience Plan that would otherwise be expensed in the year the work was performed, as re- quired by the FERC Uniform System of Ac- counts. This waiver would reduce the Resilience Plan’s immediate bill impacts to customers.
Notice of Cleco Power’s Application will be published in the January 17, 2025, Official Bulletin of the LPSC. The proposed rate change will affect all parishes served by Cleco Power.
Cleco Power’s Application (in- cluding its proposed rate schedules) may be viewed in the Office of the LPSC in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and on the LPSC’s website (www.lpsc.louisiana.gov). Additionally, the LPSC may be contacted regarding questions or comments at (800) 256-2397.
Adv. Jan. 10, 2025

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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 return 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 re- funded upon re- turn 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
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PUBLIC NOTICE
CITY OF
BERWICK,
LOUISIANA
NOTICE OF PUBLIC
MEETING
Public Meeting Date: January 14, 2025
Call to Order: 6:00 P.M.
Place: Council Meeting Room, 3225 Third Street, Berwick, LA 70342
Prayer
Pledge of Allegiance
Roll Call: James Richard, Kevin Hebert, Colleen Askew, Raymond Price & Lud Henry
Minutes from last meeting: De- cember 10, 2024
Treasurer’s Re- port
Guests:
The Beacon Shines on:
Berwick Elementary School Teacher of the year: Danielle Arcemont
Berwick Elementary School Student of the year: Ms. Mya La- salle
Police Report:
Fire Report
Public Works Report
Consulting En- gineers Report
Committee Re- ports
PUBLIC HEARING
1. None
ORDINANCES – INTRODUCE/ADOPT
1. Introduce Ordinance No 756 – Salary Increase – Mayor/Council
RESOLUTIONS/PROCLAMATIONS
1. Resolution No. 04-25 – Resolution of Respect for Mr. Reggie Guillot
NEW BUSINESS:
1. St. Mary Council on Aging – Beverly Domen-geaux will present their annual re- port.
2. Mayoral Appointment – Planning & Zoning Director – Carl Kraemer
3. Mac Wade – Port of Morgan City – Update
Adjournment
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance, please contact Jamie Keith, Town Clerk, at (985) 384-8858, P.O. Box 486, Berwick, LA 70342 describing the assistance that is necessary.
Adv. Jan. 10, 2025

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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

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PUBLIC NOTICE
ST. MARY
PARISH 911 COMMUNICATIONS
DISTRICT
1200 David Dr. Building B
Morgan City, LA 70380
Thursday, January 16, 2025
10:00 AM
Special Meeting
AGENDA
1. Meeting Called to Order
2. Roll Call
3. Motion and Vote to go into Executive Session:
Business to be conducted during the Executive Session: Discussion of the interview committee’s recommendations and the possible ap- pointment of a District Director.
4. Executive Session
5. Open Session: Appointment of a new District Director
6. Public Comment
7. Adjournment
Adv. Jan. 10, 2025

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PUBLIC NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
Sixteenth
Judicial District Court
——
PARISH OF
ST. MARY
——
STATE OF
LOUISIANA
Newrez LLC D/B/A Shellpoint Mortgage
Servicing
Vs. No. 138951 Div “B”
Kevin Brown and Shawanna Lewis A/K/A Shawanna Lewis Brown
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 tract or parcel of land together with all buildings and improvements thereon situated and the component parts thereof, and all rights, ways, privileges, servitudes, prescriptions and appurtenances thereunto belonging or in anywise appertaining, lying and being situated in Patterson, St. Mary Parish, Louisiana, being more particularly known, designated and described as LOT 2 OF BLOCK “B” OF SUCROSE ACRES SUBDIVISION as shown on a plan of land prepared by T. E. Petermann, dated June 1, 1981, bearing Job No. 81366-S, a copy of which is recorded in St. Mary Parish COB 24-1, Entry No. 191,908 and made a part hereof by reference thereto; said lot having a frontage of 60 feet on the Northerly side of Mike Drive; subject to restrictions, servitudes, rights-of-way and outstanding mineral rights of record affecting the property.
to satisfy the sum of ONE HUNDRED NINETY FOUR THOUSAND SIX AND 92/100 ($194,006.92) DOLLARS with interest thereon at 7.125% per annum from April 01, 2024, until paid; all expenses in- curred in enforcing the note and mortgage including reasonable attorney’s fees; if/as applicable, such other or additional amounts incurred or advanced for taxes, insurance premiums, special assessments, re- pairs to and/or maintenance of the property, for the protection, preservation, repair and recovery of the property, for the protection and preservation of the lien of the mortgage, for the protection and preservation of the mortgagee’s interest thereunder, and other amounts provided by the mortgage and ap- plicable law, such as late charges, escrow advances for the payment of taxes and insurance, corporate advances, property appraisals, inspection fees, prior attorney fees and expenses, abstract and title charges, NSF charges, at- torney fees and ex- penses, and other charges which plaintiff is permitted to prove by verified petition, verified supplemental petition, or affidavit filed or submitted before distribution by the sheriff of the proceeds of the judicial sale herein; and all law charges, fees and expenses incurred in connection or relating to this proceeding including without limitation sheriff’s commission, sheriff’s costs, court costs all as permitted by the note or mortgage being en- forced by this proceeding and all costs of this proceedings as well as all sheriff’s costs and commission
All successful bidders must have cash, cashier’s check or a verifiable letter of credit in favor of said bidder from a solvent bank, savings and loan association or other such financial institution authorized to do business in the state of Louisiana and full payment must be made on the date of sale. Letter must state that money is available on the date of sale.
I shall expose the same at public sale, for Cash, according to law WITH appraisement to the last and highest bidder, at the principal front door of the 1st floor lobby area of the Court House in the Parish of St. Mary, Town of Franklin, Louisiana, on Wednesday, the 12th 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.
Friday, the 15th day of November A.D., 2024
GARY L.
DRISKELL,
SHERIFF
By: Heidi Rineholt
Deputy Sheriff
Adv. Jan. 10 and Feb. 5, 2025

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Cost: $96.00
PUBLIC NOTICE
OFFICIAL
PROCEEDINGS
WAX LAKE EAST DRAINAGE
DISTRICT
REGULAR MEETING
December 3, 2024
PATTERSON, LOUISIANA
The Wax Lake East Drainage District (“WLEDD”) met on this date with Vice Chairman Wayne Cantrell presiding and the following members present: Raymond Beadle, Jr., Bill Miller, William Hidalgo, Jr., and Chris Cooper.
Absent: Jeffery Lagrange and Chad Ross
Also present: Corey Aucoin, Supervisor, Barry Dufrene, District’s Accountant, Joel Miller, Miller En- gineering and Associates, Johnathan Miller, Giroir Mud Boats and Kim Aucoin, Su- pervisors spouse.
Mr. Hidalgo moved that the reading of the minutes of the Regular Meeting, November 5, 2024, be dispensed with and that the same be approved. Mr. Miller 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. Cooper 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 for the month of December 2024.
There being no public comment, Mr. Cantrell mov-ed to Supervisor’s report of which Mr. Corey Aucoin presented. Locations are ready for rain gauges to be in- stalled of which Mr. Joel Miller stated that they should be completed before the January meeting. The Board agreed to allow Mr. Aucoin to get a price on a new replacement generator for the Possum Bayou Pump Station.
Mr. Miller gave a brief Engineering Report addressing the Calumet Pump Station Project, recommending holding off on opening the bidding process until after the holidays. Mr. Miller also stated there is no change to the flood control structure near Wilson’s Landing.
Mr. Hidalgo made a motion, seconded by Mr. Cooper and carried by the Board to approve Miller Engineering to prepare a bid package for stripper pump engine re- build.
Mr. Hidalgo made a motion, seconded by Mr. Miller and carried by the Board to approve 2025 regular meeting calendar.
There being no further business Mr. Cooper made a motion for adjournment. Mr. Beadle seconded the motion which carried.
Attest:
/s/ Wayne Cantrell,
Vice Chairman
Wax Lake East Drainage District
/s/ Rhonda
Patterson,
Secretary
Wax Lake East Drainage District
Adv. Jan. 10, 2025

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PUBLIC NOTICE
St. Mary Parish Wards 5 & 8 Joint Sewer Commission
P. O. Box 181
Berwick, La 70342
MINUTES
December 2, 2024
The meeting was called to order by Mr. Beadle at 6:00 PM.
Mr. Beadle ask-ed if anyone had a public comment. No one made comments.
Present: Michael Stewart, Karen Sehon, David Hill, Chris Cooper, Marcey Carmouche, Tim Kyle, Larry and Pam Fromenthal, Brandon Monceaux, and Gary Beadle.
The board went over the minutes of the previous month’s meeting. Mr. Cooper moved to disburse the reading of the minutes and accept. Mr. Kyle seconded the motion. All in favor – I.
The board then went over the treasurer’s report. Mr. Cooper motioned to approve the treasurer’s report and sign checks if all are in order. Mr. Stewart seconded the motion. All in favor – I. Mrs. Sehon mentioned about lost checks in the mail in November. The board approved to place stop payment, and issue new checks.
No representative in attendance from Providence Engineering.
Mr. Carmouche reported the monthly maintenance for the month. Mr. Cooper asked about the pump on rental from United Rentals from the hurricane. Mr. Carmouche will get set to have them picked up this week. Mrs. Sehon will also need the rental invoices. Station 10 had electrical issues in the main breaker. Mr. Cooper asked him to get the in- formation to him. Station 11 will need to replace the pump soon. This station also needs door repair. Station 4 had the aerator replaced with wiring. He has received pricing on doors for Station 10, he is awaiting another quote. These will be swing doors not roll up doors. Mr. Stewart asked about the removal of the generator that is not in operation or service. Mr. Monceaux ask-ed about the possibility of using 2 smaller generators with a panel vs. a larger generator at the stations. It would be easier to switch it out when needed. Mr. Carmouche had a meeting with the salesperson, general manager, and service technician from Joe’s Septic. There was nothing profitable from the meeting. Mr. Carmouche will contact them to have the portable toilet picked up so the rental will end. He was able to spray, cut, and weed eat around 6 stations. Mr. Stewart suggested the grass- cutting job get quotes each year with specifications to make sure pricing is within range. Mr. Carmouche will get a list of what the monthly grass cutting includes to obtain quotes. Station 5 has a new cable pressure switch to the bank for the aerator. He changed 2 check valves. At Stations 1, 2, 3, and 12 the backflow preventors are being installed. Stations 4, 5, and 6 need the foundation for the pumps repair-ed to secure the pumps. Station 11 and 3 had the pumps changed out. Station 4 is on the list for fence repair, if possible, this month. After January, I need to hire someone to cut trees 5-10 ft off the fence lines at the stations. He will get with the board before starting. Mr. Carmouche is going to the doctor tomorrow and will ask about the paperwork needed for documentation on surgery and time off.
Old/New business – Mr. Beadle notified the board of his resignation letter he turned into the parish in November. This may be his last meeting. The board will need to elect a new president and vice president upon his leaving. Mr. Kidder is a potential replacement for board members.
Next meeting scheduled for Monday, January 6, 2024.
Having no further business, Mr. Stewart motioned to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Kyle seconded the motion.
——————
Chairperson
———————
Secretary/
Treasurer
Adv. Jan. 10, 2025

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New Patterson budget cuts employee salaries

Thu, 01/09/2025 - 10:18am
Staff Report

Tuesday was the night when the pain inflicted by a year of budget-scrubbing hit home.
The Patterson City Council passed a 2025 operating budget that calls for a 5% city employee pay cut across the board. The city government also has plans to stop paying its 50% share of health insurance for the families of city employees in November.
Also Tuesday, the council passed an ordinance that passes the cost of street-lighting on to households and businesses.
The two ordinances broke with the unanimity that is the rule in City Council votes.
Patterson’s budget problems became apparent earlier this year, when then-City Accountant Reginald Weary said unexpected expenses related to capital projects had to be paid.
Another development: the federal COVID tap stopped flowing. Mayor Rodney Grogan told a police officer Tuesday that the federal government had provided for either a one-time stipend or a 6% yearly pay increase during the pandemic.
That funding has ended.
“That’s what happened,” said Councilwoman Mamie Perry. “We could not afford that increase. ..
“The ultimate bottom line is we have to do something for the city to survive.”
Councilman Ray Dewey Sr. saw the pay cut as the lesser evil.
“It was lay some people off and some lucky people get to keep the 18% raise,” Dewey said, “or cut employees 5%.”
The city will continue to pay 50% of family coverage for current employees until November, giving them a chance to look for other coverage. But the city won’t pick up any of the cost for family coverage for new employees.
Dewey, Perry and colleagues Lee Condolle and Miranda Weinbach voted for the budget. Councilman R. DeMale Bowden, who has complained recently that the council wasn’t getting enough information about city finances, voted against.
The street light ordinance is another measure design to reduce costs. In this case, the cost is the money the city pays for street lighting. Bowden said the cost to the city is about $121,000 a year.
The ordinance sets a $4 monthly fee for every home and business, including each unit in a multifamily apartment building.
The rate can be reduced or raised based on changes the rates the city pays for street lighting.
Grogan said the fee applies only to people who live within the Patterson city limits, not to utility customers who live outside the city.
Weinbach, Perry and Condolle voted for the ordinance creating the street-lighting fee. Bowden and Dewey voted against it.

AG offers guidance on Ten Commandments law

Thu, 01/09/2025 - 10:17am
PIPER HUTCHINSON, Louisiana Illuminator

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill issued guidance last week to public K-12 schools, colleges and universities on how to comply with a new law requiring the Ten Commandments to be posted in classrooms. 
The law is currently blocked in five K-12 school districts as a lawsuit challenging the its constitutionality plays out. The law, originally House Bill 71 by Rep. Dodie Horton, R-Haughton, took effect Jan. 1. 
“As I have repeatedly said, H.B. 71 is plainly constitutional because there are constitutionally sound ways to implement it,” Murrill said in a news release. 
Murrill’s guidance calls on schools to post one of four posters she selected in each classroom.
She advised they should not be posted behind teachers’ desks or podiums to avoid the impression the displays are attributable to individual instructors. 
The posters should be between 11 inches by 14 inches, the minimum size, and 18 inches by 24 inches, to ensure readability, Murrill advised.
The posters should only be put up if they are donated or privately funded, the attorney general’s guidance continues. 
She also recommends the Ten Commandments poster be displayed among other educational displays, including those recommended in the legislation. They include the text of the Mayflower Compact, the Declaration of Independence and the Northwest Ordinance, which established laws in the U.S. territory in the late 18th century. 
The new law does not include any punishment for not posting the display in classrooms. 
A federal judge is expected to hear arguments later this month in the lawsuit from nine parents of Louisiana students who insist the new law violates the First Amendment’s prohibition against state-sponsored religion.

Mark of respect

Thu, 01/09/2025 - 10:16am

The Review/Bill Decker
Flags at government buildings, including this one at Patterson City Hall, are at half-staff in memory of former President Jimmy Carter, who died Dec. 29 at age 100. Carter was buried Thursday in his hometown of Plains, Georgia.

Mahady will go into band teacher Hall of Fame

Thu, 01/09/2025 - 10:14am

Longtime Morgan City and Berwick band director Frances Robicheaux Mahady will be inducted into the District VII Band Directors Association Hall of Fame on Saturday at H.L. Bourgeois High School.
Mahady served as band director at Morgan City High School for 18 years. She also taught at Berwick Elementary, Berwick Junior High, Central Catholic High and Holy Cross Elementary.
During her 40-year career, her bands consistently received Superior ratings in district and state marching, concert, and solo and ensemble festivals.
A native of Jacksonville, Florida, she received her Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of Miami (Florida). She began her 40-year teaching career at Jefferson Davis High School in Jacksonville, where she also played bassoon with that city’s symphony orchestra.
After moving to Louisiana, she began her 18 years at Morgan City High. Later, she moved again, this time to St. Charles Parish, where she taught at Lakewood and R.J. Vial elementary schools and E.J. Landry and J.B. Martin middle schools.
Returning to St. Mary, she taught at Berwick, Central Catholic and Holy Cross.
Mahady served as conductor of the Louisiana Band Masters All Star Marching Band and on the staff of the Louisiana Tech Summer Band Camp.
Her Morgan City High School Band performed at the International Festival of American Bands in Mexico, in the inaugural parade for Gov. Edwin Edwards, at the 1985 World’s Fair in New Orleans and at half-time of a New Orleans Saints regular season game.
Mahady is a member of many district, state and national organizations and has served as president for a number of them.
She has been selected as Band Director of the Year by Phi Beta Mu, a national bandmaster’s fraternity, the Louisiana Bandmasters Association, and the District Band Directors Association, an honor she won twice.
Mahady was named Teacher of the Year at MCHS and J.B. Martin. She served as an adjudicator and clinician throughout Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama.
She is a member of Sigma Alpha Iota, a women’s national music fraternity, and served for eight years as president of the Lafayette alumnae chapter.
In addition, she played bassoon with the University of Louisiana Symphony Orchestra for 10 years, is a member of the Lafayette Concert Band, and sings in the choir at St. Pius Catholic Church. She teaches double reeds at Comeaux High, Lafayette High and Edgar Martin Middle School, and has private bassoon students.
Mahady lives in Lafayette with husband Barry. She is the mother of three children and two step-children, the grandmother of 15 and great-grandmother of one.

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