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Several incidents in Morgan City that occurred during the past couple of days, allegedly related to unsanctioned homecoming activities, have caused police to increase patrols in the affected areas and the police chief to issue a letter in regard to the incidents.

On Sunday, four people were injured in Morgan City by “those who chose to act irresponsibly and place others at risk and serious injuries,” Morgan City Police Chief James Blair said in a statement.

Two teens were criminally charged in an incident where they allegedly fired BB-guns out of a vehicle in Lakeside Subdivision and injured four people.

“That random act, instead of being a wake-up call to some, fell on deaf ears,” Blair said.

The Morgan City Police Department increased police presence in various neighborhoods to discourage any unwanted behavior, while allowing students some freedom to celebrate and enjoy the activities associated with homecoming week.

“However, the following night activities led to more victims notifying the Morgan City Police Department of more malicious behavior,” Blair said.

Vehicles and other property were spray painted causing damages, the chief said.

There were more reports of reckless driving, placing, not only people who wished to celebrate at risk of death or bodily injury, but those who reside in the affected neighborhoods, Blair said.

Police received reports of trespassers, damage to fences and flowerbeds. There were reports of residents being harassed, bullied and threatened because they asked some students to leave their property and not engage in activity which could result in damage, Blair said.

These complaints have been supported by video evidence, photographs, and statements, the chief said.

On Monday morning, after the numerous reports of incidents, an officer made an attempt to post information to keep parents and students informed about what is actually taking place to give them the information necessary to make a decision on what activities in which children should participate.

The term “cancelled” was used and led some to applaud such actions but caused confusion and misunderstanding, Blair said.

That post indicated that police or other officials sponsor, endorse or support such activity, but that is not the case, Blair said.

“We do not interfere with the free movement of persons who lawfully do so. We support anything and any activity that is a healthy display of support for our schools,” Blair said.

St. Mary Parish Schools Superintendent Leonard Armato said the school-sanctioned homecoming activities are “well-planned,” and no problems have occurred with those activities.

“The problems occur after hours, after the school-sanctioned activities,” Armato said. “We encourage parents to know where their kids are going at night (and) understand that if they break the law, area police departments will arrest them.”

But we do not support the victimization of others and their property on the basis of “tradition.” The tradition of innocent toilet paper pranks has evolved into activities that are “unnecessary and hurtful,” Blair said.

Blair asks parents to sit and speak with their teenagers. Incidents that involve bullying, damage, trespassing, among other things, cannot be tolerated in a community for any reason, he said.

Toilet paper and related activities with the owner’s permission are encouraged and supported, Blair said. Community and school pride are welcome, the chief said.

Area schools continue to schedule events meant to allow students to interact with classmates and friends, Blair said. “Parents can follow suit,” Blair said. “In time, these events can return back to the clean, harmless fun it once was.”

Anyone with questions should contact the Morgan City Police Department at 985-380-4605.

The first case of West Nile virus in the region this year has been confirmed.
Acadiana ABC affiliate KATC reported that the Iberia Parish Mosquito Abatement District was recently notified by the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals about an occurrence of human West Nile Virus in the parish.
District officials said this is the first incidence of the virus in humans in Iberia Parish since 2012. Abatement operations for the parish have been in effect throughout the summer to target mosquito populations which will remain active until early November.
In 2017, West Nile infected animals have been found in St. Mary, Iberia, St. Martin and Lafayette parishes. A bird in Patterson tested positive for West Nile in August.
St. Mary Parish has not had a human case of West Nile since 2003.
Many people who are infected with West Nile don’t show any symptoms as the body naturally fights off the virus. However, some people do develop symptoms such as fever, headaches, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. A few people might develop severe symptoms for which hospitalization is required. Most people with West Nile recover completely but fatigue and weakness can last for weeks to months.
Jessie Boudreaux, owner of Cajun Mosquito Control, said that his company is following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Expanded Transmission Protocol for the area and that increased spraying will happen until weekly lab tests come back negative.
“We will continue the increased spraying, probably through the end of December,” said Boudreaux.
To prevent the likelihood of contracting the virus, Boudreaux said people should stay inside when mosquitos are most active, around dusk or dawn, but if a person must go outside, he or she should wear long sleeves and long pants with repellant.
“Wear bug repellant, drain bird baths, remove any standing water around the house, empty pet water bowls and rain gutters,” said Boudreaux.
Other tips include not wearing cologne or perfume for long periods of time, and wear light-colored long sleeve clothing.
For more information on tips and prevention, visit Cajun Mosquito Control’s website at cajunmosquitocontrol.com or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website at cdc.gov.

Wade Rhodes, 55, a native and resident of Morgan City, died Saturday, Sept. 23, 2017, at Teche Regional Medical Center in Morgan City.

He is survived by a wife, Florence Rhodes; two children, Benny Rhodes of Opelousas and Heidi Rhodes of Pollock; two stepchildren, Jason Hall of Dickerson, Texas and Haley Provost of Spring, Texas; eight grandchildren; and three sisters, Amy Rhodes of Lafayette, Ann Aucoin of
Patterson and Tabitha Rhodes of Carencro.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date.

MEN AND WOMEN
Day Program at Golden Hand Ministries, 345 Southeast Blvd., Bayou Vista, 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 15. Guest speakers the Rev. Richelle Castine, Zion Chapel AME, and Apostle Sherman Ledet, Living in the Light Ministries. Public invited.