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UNA HEBERT SINITIERE

Wed, 09/20/2017 - 9:49am

March 4, 1924 - September 18, 2017
Funeral services will be held Friday, September 22, 2017, at 1 p.m. at Ibert’s Mortuary in Franklin for Una Hebert Sinitiere, who passed away peacefully at the age of 93 in the evening hours on Monday, September 18, 2017. Following the service, Una will be laid to rest with her husband in the Franklin Cemetery Mausoleum. Father Billy Ruskoski will conduct the services. Serving as pallbearers will be Mark Burgess, Bobby Viator, Christian LeBlanc, Julien LeBlanc, Mike Broussard, and Warren Guidry. Honorary pallbearers will be Johnny Suire and Eli Viator. A gathering of family and friends will be held Friday at Ibert’s from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m., with the Holy Rosary being prayed at 11 a.m.
Una was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She was born in Jeanerette on March 4, 1924, one of six children born to the late Nicholas Hebert and the late Clemence Hebert. She was a former longtime resident of Franklin and has resided in Opelousas for the past nine years. Many will remember Ms. Una from her numerous years working in the men’s department of Wormser’s Clothing Store in Franklin. She will be dearly missed.
Those she leaves to cherish her memory include her daughter, Jody Sinitiere Suire and her husband Johnny; two grandchildren, Mark Burgess and Shawn Burgess Viator and her husband Bobby; two step-granddaughters, Cindy Guidry and Melanie Suire; nine great grandchildren, Kasie, Christian, Julien, Eli, Brittney, Morghan, Jadyn, Lane, and Kathleen; and a host of nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, A. J. Sinitiere Jr.; two brothers, Septembre “Seppe” Hebert and Ardie Hebert; and three sisters, Bertha Pesson, Ruby Moore, and Gertrude Barrilleaux.
Family and friends may view the obituary and express their condolences online by visiting www.iberts.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Ibert’s Mortuary, Inc., 1007 Main Street, Franklin, La. 70538, (337) 828-5426.

DENNIE ELLIS GENTRY

Wed, 09/20/2017 - 9:48am

Dennie Ellis Gentry, 86, of Franklin, Louisiana passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2017 surrounded by his wife, daughters and members of his extended family. He was born February 26, 1931 in Blytheville, Arkansas to the late Hugh and Lucille (Juden) Gentry. He was a great husband, father, and grandfather and loved his family dearly. Dennie was known by all as a kind and funny gentleman. He was of Christian faith and a Mason.
Dennie (Buddy) was a football All-American at Blytheville High School where he received the honors of being named to the Associated Press’ 29th annual All-Southern team. He also played in the annual All-American East-West game in Corpus Christie, Texas. Upon graduation in 1949, he was considered by sports writers and high school coaches as one of the states’ most outstanding pass receivers. He was recruited by numerous top colleges that included Alabama and LSU, but ended up following a friend and teammate to play football for the University of Tulsa under scholarship. He was also a member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity.
He enlisted in the United States Army in 1955 and served until 1957. He met his first wife in Long Beach, Calif. during his enlistment. His love for football followed him his entire life, as he passed away watching the game play.
Dennie retired from a career at Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company after 35+ years of service. After retirement, Dennie and Anna Lee enjoyed traveling full-time in their motor home and he became president of the Arkansas Traveler Motor Home Association. They were also members of the Cruisin’ Cajuns. After Anna Lee’s passing, he met Martha at an RV gathering at the Valley in South Texas.
He was preceded in death by his, parents; his first wife of 49 years, Anna Lee (Firestone) Gentry.
He is survived by his wife of 13 years, Martha (Olivier) Gentry of Franklin, La.; his two daughters, Deneen White and her husband, Larry White of Benton, Arkansas and Tina Hilton Carter and her husband, Larry Carter of Maumelle, Arkansas; his three step sons, Edward Olivier III of Franklin, La., Lorrie Olivier (Carmen) of Houston, Texas and Brant Olivier (Marj) of Atlanta, Georgia; his grandchildren, Mandy (Ben) Thompkins, Brian Baker, Stephen (Christy) Baker, Greg (Kim) White, Grant (Catie) Hilton, and Taylor Leslie; and many great-grandchildren; his two brothers, Bennie Gentry (Shirley) of Blytheville, Arkansas and Donald Gentry (Jane) of Maricopa, Arizona; along with loving nieces, nephews, and in-laws.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations may be made to the UAMS Donald W. Reynolds Institute on Aging at aging.uams.edu
To sign the online guestbook go to www.pinecrestmemorialpark.com

STEPHON “BIRDMAN” LANCE BYRD

Wed, 09/20/2017 - 9:47am

Stephon “Birdman” Lance Byrd, 57, a native of Terrebonne Parish and a resident of Houma, passed away peacefully at 4:50 a.m. on Friday, September 15, 2017.
Visitation will be from 12 noon until funeral time at 2 p.m. on Saturday, September 23, 2017 at New Rising Sun Baptist Church, 230 St. Charles Street in Houma. Burial will follow in Southdown Cemetery.
He is survived by his wife, Ruby McGuire Byrd; sons, Johnell Verrett, Zamir, Zarius and Stephon Lance Byrd, II. all of Houma; daughter, Jazzmine Byrd of Franklin; four grandchildren; father, James Byrd, Jr. (Octavia) of Houma; brother, Fabian D. Byrd Morgan City; sisters, Yeka Byrd, Mrs. Aaron (Aja) Thibodeaux and Kenya Stewart of Houma; mother-in-law, (5) godchildren, and a host of relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his mother, paternal grandparents, maternal grandparents, and father-in-law.
Jones Funeral Home of Morgan City-Franklin-Houma-Jeanerette in charge of arrangements.
Visit www.jones-funeral-home.com to send condolences to family

ANN MARIE HARRIS ALEXANDER

Wed, 09/20/2017 - 9:47am

Ann Marie Harris Alexander, 73, a resident of Patterson, La. and native of New Orleans, La., passed away Monday, September 18, 2017 at 6:36 a.m. at her residence.
Visitation will be observed on Wednesday, September 27 2017 from 8 a.m. until 10 a.m. at the Corpus Christi Church 2022 Saint Bernard Ave. New Orleans, La. 70116, with a rosary being recited at 9:15 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10 A.M, with Fr. Henry Davis, S.S.J, serving as the Celebrant . Burial will follow in the Resthaven Memorial Park in New Orleans, La.
Memories of Ann Marie will forever remain in the hearts of her two sons, Christopher Alexander of Patterson, La. and Dwight Alexander of New Orleans, La.; one brother, Felton Harris; one sister, Jane Brown and a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Ann Marie was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and seven brothers.
Jones Funeral Home of Morgan City-Franklin-Houma-Jeanerette in charge of arrangements.
Visit www.jones-funeral-home.com to send condolences to family.

Community Action to distribute commodities

Wed, 09/20/2017 - 9:46am

St. Mary community action agency and Food for families program Distributing commodities
Almetra J. Franklin, CEO, announced that St. Mary Community Action Agency and Food for Families Program will be distributing commodities on Friday.
For those who have not submitted a 2017 proof of income and I.D. do so at this time for recertification. Remember, everyone must be certified to receive a food box. For questions, contact the St. Mary CAA office at 337-828-5703.
Distribution will be on a first-come, first-served basis. If you are receiving the food boxes at Sager Brown, don’t apply, this is the same program.
Please send an authorized representative to pick up commodities if you are unable.
Distribution will be at the following locations:
Berwick Civic Center: 7-10 a.m.
Amelia Recreational Center: 8:30 a.m.-12 noon
St. Mary CAA Office Building: 8:00 a.m.-12 noon
St. Mary Community Action Agency is an Equal Employment Opportunity Agency and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, age, sex or sexual orientation.

CASA deadline for Poker Run, cookoff is Oct. 1

Wed, 09/20/2017 - 9:45am

CASA’s annual Poker Run is set for Oct. 21, and includes a chili cook-off.
Early registration is available until Oct. 1, at $20 for the first rider and $5 for the second.
Register online at:
www.casa16jdc.org/pokerrun
The schedule is:
10-10:45 a.m.: Registration and check-in at Candy’s Bar, near the Baldwin Bridge on La. 182.
11:15 a.m. to noon: Quarter Tavern, New Iberia, for food and an auction.
12:30-1:15 p.m.: The Back Stop, St. Martinville, for an auction.
1:45-2:30 p.m.: The Teche Lounge in Parks.
3 p.m. – until: Whiskey River Landing, Breaux Bridge, food music and awards.
There will be a chili cook-off for the fire departments in the three parish area, which includes St Mary parish. Fire departments from St. Martin, Iberia and St. Mary will challenge each other in a chili cook-off at the last stop at Whiskey River in Henderson and will begin at 10 a.m.
Music at Whiskey River will begin at 11 a.m. with:
Moonshine (classic Rock) 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Kevin Naquin 1 - 3 p.m.
Geno Delafoase 3:30 - 5:30 p.m.

Allocation to study Roseville St. boat ramp

Wed, 09/20/2017 - 9:44am

Dist. 3 St. Mary Parish Councilman Dale Rogers addressed the Franklin City Council at their monthly meeting Tuesday, concerning the resolution to perform a Roseville Street Boat Landing Repairs Study, and the plans for the parish council allocated funding of the study.
“First up, I called Reid Miller,” Rogers said, of the President of Miller Engineers and Associates. “Before I called the mayor, I called Reid Miller to ask Reid what it would take to do a study of the boat landing down at the end of Roseville Street. Reid said that it would take no more than $10,000. It could take $6,000, and that it would be a comprehensive study of the different options of what the money that it would take, would build.”
Rogers explained that it was obvious to all who use the current Willow Street boat landing that it had fallen into disrepair. The proposed study would investigate the terms of building a new landing where an old one used to be, at the end of Roseville Street.
After speaking with Miller, Rogers called Mayor Raymond Harris, who said he thought it was a good idea.
Rogers procured the funding for the project from the parish council, and presented as a guest at the Franklin council meeting, to enlighten the council members on the nature of the proposed study and its origins.
“It’s going to be a comprehensive study,” Rogers said. “(Miller) is going to be able to give you different options on what you would like to build, what it would cost for each of these different scenarios, which, I think is good. Unless we do that, it’s going to be up to the city of Franklin to go around and find the money, depending on what your budget would be. I think it’s going to be good. I appreciate the parish getting on board, with all the councilmen voting unanimous on this.”
Mayor Harris commended Rogers for the work he had thus far put into the procurement of the funding and acquisition of the services of MEA for the study.
“I like the way you’ve gone about it. And I’m hoping for several things. I’m hoping that it’s not too expensive, and the second thing I’m hoping for is to get some money from the state and that with our matching share, it would be doable; because it’s a needed project, and I thank you for taking the initiative to look into it.”
The council voted, and the resolution was approved.

Baldwin inaugural Fall Fest Saturday near fire station

Wed, 09/20/2017 - 9:43am

Baldwin will celebrate the coming of autumn this year with Fall Fest 2017, to be held Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at and around the Baldwin Fire Department, on Main Street.
“We have a lot to offer anyone from surrounding areas, or from far away,” said Sherise Henry, festival organizer.
Among the attractions, will be vendors’ booths, arts and crafts, food, music and pageantry. In particular, the festival will include a Royal Court comprised of local children. For a nominal fee, there will be available to the children, their official, royal titles, attendance of a public gala held Friday night with Mayor Donna Lanceslin, and the opportunity to march in the Children’s Parade on Saturday, as “Baldwin Royalty.”
As for Saturday’s festivities, “We have booths with everything from jambalaya and boudin, to shrimp and grits, funnel cakes, candied apples and popcorn balls,” said Henry. “We also have face painting from our local library. We have health information that’s going to be passed out by Teche Action Clinic volunteers. We also have a volunteer organizing a gospel celebration that starts at noon and will last ‘til 2 p.m., and it will have a variety of choirs and soloists from our surrounding area churches.”
The Children’s Parade will take place at 3 p.m., and the day will be closed out with a live performance at 5 p.m. by local act, Vibe.
“What we want people to do, is just come out, walk Main Street, fellowship with one another, and support our vendors,” said Henry. “Our town has been in dire straits, financially. This is a way to help our mayor raise funds for the town’s infrastructure and maintenance costs. What we are doing is trying to have fun while supporting a good cause.”
When asked what the festival meant to her, Mayor Lanceslin said, “It means coming together in the town of Baldwin and having a great time together as a family.”
Tickets for Friday night’s Mayoral Gala at the community center are $20, and are still available. For more information on Baldwin Fall Fest, or to purchase tickets, contact Sherise Henry at 337-940-2041.

Water and Sewer 4 tax renewal on October ballot

Wed, 09/20/2017 - 9:42am

St. Mary Parish Water and Sewer District 4 will ask voters for renewal of its property tax on Oct. 14.
If approved, the proposition will renew the ad valorem tax for an additional 10 years.
Commission President Thomas Ducote stressed that the ballot proposition is a renewal, not a new tax, and the millage rate is less than in the past.
“The district will use the tax revenues for continued operation and maintenance of its waterworks and sewer systems,” Ducote said. “Revenues are used to pay many of the fixed costs associated with the operation of the waterworks and sewer systems.”
Because these costs are fixed and do not vary, if the tax is not renewed, Ducote said that will likely mean an increase in service fees to customers.
The Oct. 14 ballot is the last opportunity to renew the tax before it expires, Ducote concluded.

Higgins: Judge by voting record, and his faith

Wed, 09/20/2017 - 9:41am

US Congressman for Louisiana’s Third District Clay Higgins, said Tuesday that he intends to be judged by his constituency on the merit of his voting record, and the nature of his faith and political affiliations.
All of which, he affirmed are unapologetically founded in Christian ideals and constitutional patriotism.
“Last year, when I came before you Rotarians, and I met a couple of you here in this crowd, I asked you to measure me as a potential candidate, as a congressman candidate,” Higgins reminisced. “Now I stand before you, nine months in office, and I ask you to measure me as your representative.”
Higgins was the guest at the weekly Franklin Rotary Club luncheon at the Forest Restaurant, where he spoke about his call to federal office and the significant role his and his family’s faith played in his seeking a congressional seat.
“I believe that our lives are reflective of our nation,” Higgins said, “and the struggles and challenges that we face as a nation, are reflective of the journey of each of us, as we learn and grow, and do our best to become the best people that we can, and the best Christians that we are capable of becoming.”
Higgins was born in New Orleans, the seventh of eight children.
When he was young, his father moved the family out of New Orleans, to a big house in St. Tammany Parish with a big barn, where the family raised and trained horses.
Higgins described his parents as “two powerful Americans” and his childhood as “wonderful.”
However, he noted that despite having been taught life lessons by his parents and the experiences of his young life, Higgins says he was stuck. “You know, the lessons that we learn during the course of our lives, sometimes we hear the lessons, but we don’t learn the lessons. Sometimes it takes many, many years of long trials and tribulations, and my life was no exception,” Higgins said.
Though he became very successful in his young adult life, both professionally and financially, he said that he was unfulfilled as a husband, father and as a person.
In 2002, he moved to Acadiana after living overseas for a while, and said that for the first time in his life, he felt at home.
In 2004, he became a police officer, admittedly in order to change his life from one of luxury, to one of austerity and service, to connect more completely with Christian principles.
He served in law enforcement in various forms after 2004, and when he resigned as a captain in 2016, he said it was to retain his principals to the detriment of his career.
Higgins said that following his resignation, he and his wife sequestered themselves in prayer, to confirm what next step his career path should afford. He said that when he returned, after a few days of rumination, he had received messages of support from a myriad of people reaching out to him and his family with encouragement, encouragement that he should run for federal office. So, he did, and he won.
Since arriving in Washington, DC, Higgins’ office has authored 12 bills, passed four bills, cosponsored 62 bills and completed 406 constituent cases.
In reference to getting a bill passed to repeal the Affordable Care Act, and replace it, Higgins said, “Listen, this is crucial that the Senate pass some healthcare reform legislation. We just need them to pass virtually any bill.” Higgins says the House of Representatives has done their job by passing the American Healthcare Act back in May, and that now, with only 11 days remaining to sell the “Sessions and Cassidy healthcare plan” to 50 members of the Senate, Higgins has placed the responsibility squarely on the shoulders of the same body which voted down the AHA. But, Higgins also said that he has faith that with the current bill before the Senate made to work in concert with the AHA, Americans may finally see the relief from the ACA that they so sorely need.
When asked what, if any, advice he had for the law enforcement community in their facing attacks of violence across the nation, from the very communities they police, he said, “Well, wanton violence, and serious attacks on law enforcement started after Ferguson,” Higgins said, referring to the riots and civil unrest that took place in Missouri after Michael Brown was shot by police in 2014. “They had been existent prior, but after Ferguson, ‘hands up don’t shoot’ was heavily investigated by the Obama Department of Justice, and was found to be a false narrative; and yet, it is quite pervasive, the belief that that is what happened, and all the violence that has manifested, ruthless and wanton violence, cops in their patrol cars just get walked up to and shot, it rarely ever happened prior to Ferguson. Now, it has become quite a regular event, and I think it is the responsibility of us as a nation to recognize that this is intolerable behavior, and you have to draw a strong line against it.”
In a brief interview with the media after the presentation, he added, “They’re not going to catch me,” lifting back his jacket to reveal his concealed .45 caliber, holstered weapon.
Higgins closed by saying, “I carry two things on me at all times—my King James version (holy bible), and my .45, and God tells me which one to use.”