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VINCENT CHARLES LEBLANC

Fri, 09/08/2017 - 9:25am

October 2, 1965 - September 5, 2017
Vincent Charles LeBlanc, a native of Houston, TX and a resident of Patterson for the past 16 years, passed away at the young age of 51 on Tuesday morning, September 5, 2017, at Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans.
In Vincent’s early years he was employed in the oil industry working on crew boats and later in life worked for several years as a taxi cab driver in the Morgan City area until having to retire due to declining health. An amateur historian, Vincent’s passion was military history. He was an avid reader and collector of numerous military historical books. Vincent also enjoyed meeting new people, having robust conversations, as well as a good debate.
He will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by his father, Charles LeBlanc; his sister, Dottie LeBlanc-Overland and her husband Craig; his niece, Elizabeth Overland; his nephews, Elijah and Jonah Overland; as well as by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
Those that he is reunited with that have gone before him include his mother, Dorothy Marie Melancon LeBlanc; maternal grandparents, Cless Melancon and Estelle Stakes Melancon; and paternal grandparents, Almic LeBlanc and Marguerite Delicia Belanger LeBlanc.
A gathering of family and friends will be held Monday, September 11, 2017, at Ibert’s Mortuary in Franklin from 9:30 a.m. until time of funeral service at 1 p.m. Father Cedric Sonnier will conduct the service. Following local services in Franklin, Vincent will be laid to rest in Holy Rosary Cemetery in Kaplan.
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.
(Paid Notice)

Police Reports 9-8-10

Fri, 09/08/2017 - 9:25am

St. Mary Parish Sheriff Mark Hebert reported the following arrests:
Trevor Guillotte, 30, of 633 Moresi Road, Jeanerette, was arrested Thursday at 2:58 p.m. on a warrant for failure to appear on the charge of operating a motor vehicle without insurance. A deputy assigned to the Warrants Section located Guillotte at the St. Mary Parish Courthouse in Franklin on the warrant. Guillotte was transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking. Bail is set at $500.
Troy Dupre, 27, of 230 Cypress Court, Gray, was arrested Friday at 1:07 a.m. on charges of speeding and operating a vehicle with a suspended driver’s license. A deputy enforcing traffic safety on US 90 in Bayou Vista observed a vehicle traveling 60 miles per hour in a posted 45 miles per hour zone. The deputy made a traffic stop. While speaking with the driver—Dupre, the deputy found that he had a suspended license. Dupre was released on a summons.
Alfred Curstone, 41, of 298 Eves St., Jeanerette, was arrested Friday at 12:45 a.m. on charges of no motor vehicle insurance, expired inspection sticker, unsafe vehicle, projecting loads on vehicles violation, no driver’s license, temporary license plate expired and a warrant for the charge of simple assault.
A deputy responded to a call for service from a residence on Cypremort Road where a male subject was banging on a door stating that he ran out of gas and needed help. The deputy located the subject sitting inside a car near the residence. The deputy also observed a refrigerator protruding from the truck of the vehicle. During the investigation, the deputy found that Alfred was operating the vehicle with a shattered windshield, no rear-view mirror, no side mirrors, and no tail lights. Several other vehicle violations were noted. The refrigerator, which still contained cold food, was seized pending further investigation. The deputy also located an active warrant for Alfred’s arrest. The simple assault charge resulted from an investigation in which a deputy collected evidence that Alfred verbally threatened the life of a male victim. Alfred was transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking. No bail is set.
Kloey Cuvillier, 17, of 1004 B Front St., Morgan City, was arrested Thursday at 4:34 p.m. on charges of interfering with a law enforcement investigation and resisting an officer. Narcotics detectives were assisting Morgan City Police with an arrest on Front Street when Cuvillier approached law enforcement officers in an aggressive manner and began cursing. Detectives repeatedly ordered Cuvillier to leave the immediate area. Cuvillier refused to do so and continued cursing at deputies and police. Cuvillier was taken into custody and transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking. No bail is set.
Robert McDaniel, 35, of 410 Ninth St., Franklin, was arrested Thursday at 11:27 p.m. on charges of resisting an officer, possession of Schedule II cocaine and possession of drug paraphernalia. Narcotics detectives patrolling Franklin initiated a traffic stop. Detectives observed McDaniel exit the vehicle and flee on foot. After a brief foot pursuit, McDaniel was detained on Nora Street pending an investigation. Detectives located cocaine in a plastic bag and other plastic bags on McDaniel’s person. McDaniel was transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking. No bail is set.

IDELL CHARLES O'PRIEN

Thu, 09/07/2017 - 11:55am

Idell Charles O’Prien, 86, a native of Morgan City and resident of Gray, died Thursday, Aug. 31, 2017, at her residence.

Visitation will be Saturday, 9-10:45 a.m., at Sacred Heart of Jesus Roman Catholic Church in Morgan City, with a Mass at 11 a.m. Burial will follow in Morgan City Cemetery.

She is survived by two sons, Larry O’Prien of Gray and Harry O’Prien Jr. of Baton Rouge; three daughters, Elizabeth Washington of Apple Valley, California, Kathy O’Prien of McDonough, Georgia and Mavis Windom of Houston; one sister, Margaret Gibson of Morgan City; 18 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives.

She was preceded in death by a son, her parents, five brothers and three sisters.

Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Wheel House for Sept. 7

Thu, 09/07/2017 - 11:48am

JEWELS FOR JESUS
Six-year anniversary at New Mt. Esther Baptist Church, 1211 James St., Siracusa, 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 9. Speaker Dorothy T. Stewart of New Salem Baptist Church, Patterson.

ST. LUKE BAPTIST
Church, 1709 Harry D. St., Patterson, celebrating the Rev. Keith F. Verrett Sr.’s five-year anniversary at 8 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 10. Guest speaker the Rev. Diondre Johnson, St. Stephen Baptist Church, Franklin. Public invited.

HARVEY HELP
Franklin High School FFA Chapter collecting donations for Hurricane Harvey victims. Items include cleaning products, baby items, animal supplies, food, household items, toiletries, etc. Bring to FHS Agriculture Department from 2:30-5 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. For info email nadams@stmaryk12.net or 337-828-0173, extension 1119.

Cypress Point Fresh Market participates in Harvey relief effort

Thu, 09/07/2017 - 11:44am

In an effort to support neighbors in Texas and southwest Louisiana who have been affected by Hurricane Harvey, shoppers can donate at the register for the Associated Food Stores campaign, Stuff A Truck! Fill A Need! at Cypress Point Fresh Market.

Money can be donated in increments of $1, $5 or $10, and will go towards food for those affected by the storm.

Through partnerships with Second Harvest of South Louisiana and Feeding Texas, the products and supplies will be distributed to those who need it the most.

Knight of the Month

Thu, 09/07/2017 - 11:42am

Submitted Photo
Brother Darrell Frederick Sr., right, was named Knight of the Month for July during the Bayou Vista Knights of Columbus Council 6211 monthly meeting held during August. Presenting the award is Past Grand Knight Patrick Hebert Sr.

Berwick, Centerville get literacy group awards

Thu, 09/07/2017 - 11:22am

Staff Report

Two St. Mary Parish schools, Centerville High School and Berwick High School, have received the 2017 Dollar General Literacy Foundation award.
Centerville received $4,000 and BHS received $1,500 in the youth literacy grant to help support teachers and individuals to increase literacy skills of all ages.
“Through our mission of Serving Others, we are excited to support literacy and education across the communities we call home,” Todd Vasos, Dollar General’s chief executive officer, said in a press release.
“We hope the Dollar General Literacy Foundation’s youth literacy grants help strengthen literacy programs, ex-pand library collections, inspire a love of reading in students and make a distinct impact to enhance the lives of children.”
The Dollar General Literacy Foundation grant has awarded an estimated $90,000 in youth literacy grants this year to schools across Louisiana and other nonprofit organizations. Over the last 25 years, the Dollar General Literacy Foundation has awarded over $140 million in grants to schools and nonprofit organizations across the nation with this year’s awards totaling over $4 million.
Grant funds are awarded each year to nonprofit organizations, schools and libraries within a 20-mile radius of a Dollar General store or distribution center to support adult, family, summer and youth literacy programs. Grant applications for the 2018 cycle will be available Jan. 2, 2018, at www.dgliteracy.org.

Radio Logs for September 7

Thu, 09/07/2017 - 11:20am

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.
Wednesday, Sept. 6
8:59 a.m. 300 block of Second Street; Welfare concern.
9:26 a.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Theft.
10:06 a.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Theft.
1:57 p.m. 1100 block of Marguerite Street; Aggravated assault.
2:09 p.m. U.S. 90 West; Reckless driver.
2:15 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Juvenile problems.
2:23 p.m. 7400 block of La. 182 East; Juvenile problems.
2:58 p.m. 1900 block of Federal Avenue; Vehicle accident.
3 p.m. 7200 block of La. 182 East; Domestic disturbance.
3:38 p.m. 900 block of Seventh Street; Shoplifter.
3:51 p.m. 1100 block of Brashear Avenue; Vehicle accident.
3:53 p.m. 1100 block of Marguerite Street; Assistance.
2:15 p.m. U.S. 90 West; Traffic incident.
6:19 p.m. David Drive; Traffic complaint.
6:20 p.m. 1200 block of Federal Avenue; Animal complaint.
7:08 p.m. 1100 block of Fourth Street; Civil matter.
7:09 p.m. 2900 block of Railroad Avenue; Traffic complaint.
7:20 p.m. Brashear Avenue; Suspicious subject.
7:21 p.m. 600 block of Willow Street; Alarm.
9:32 p.m. 500 block of Fifth Street; Medical.
10:01 p.m. 200 block of South Railroad Avenue; Complaint.
10:21 p.m. 700 block of Florence Street; Medical.
10:28 p.m. Berwick; Assistance.
11:28 p.m. 1000 block of Shaw Drive; Assistance.

D'Arabian tweaks Grandma's meatball recipe

Thu, 09/07/2017 - 10:43am

By MELISSA D’ARABIAN, The Associated Press

Spaghetti and meatballs was the classic dish I ate at Grandma’s house growing up: She had her all-day recipe that filled her creaky house with heady aromas that built anticipation as meatballs simmered in sauce on the stove.
The fact that she was 100 percent first-generation German — she emigrated at the age of 6 — never stopped me from making her recipe the benchmark by which every other meatball would be judged.
Tweaking her recipe to lighten it up a bit, and make it weekday-friendly by shortening the cook time, was a task I didn’t take lightly. And truth to be told: There is a special place in this rush-to-eat food world for the leisurely simmer of small orbs of meat in thick, tangy tomato sauce covered in a fine slick of co-mingled pork and beef fat that has gently floated to the top. But life is busy, and we need to get a healthy dinner on the table and move on. I get it. These meatballs are for those nights.
First to change: The fatty mix of pork and beef became simply lean (93 percent) beef. Feel free to mix in turkey, but our family preferred the beef. The next tweak: I added a half pound of mushrooms for every pound of beef to stretch the meat out and add in nutrients. I pulsed the mushrooms in a food processor, and then cooked them with another healthy meat stretcher — onions. (Here, you could add other veggies too: shredded zucchini, carrot, and chopped spinach work great.) I added the mushroom and onion mixture right in with the ground beef, and they added flavor, moisture and bulk, with nary an added calorie (nor a suspicious eye from any of my four kids). I used one egg white (no yolk), and used oats pulsed into a coarse flour instead of breadcrumbs.
Simmer these meatballs directly in a pot of a high-quality jarred marinara sauce (check for no added sugar), and in 20 minutes, they will be succulent, tender, and juicy.
Almost like Grandma’s.
LIGHTENED ITALIAN MEATBALLS
Start to finish: 40 minutes
8 oz. white mushrooms, sliced (about 2 cups)
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped, about ¾ cup
1 tsp. olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp. dried Italian herb blend
1 egg white, lightly beaten
1 lb. 93 percent lean ground beef
2 Tbsp. grated parmesan
2 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley
2 Tbs. chopped fresh basil
1/3 cup oats, pulsed or blended into a coarse powder
½ tsp. Kosher salt
¼ tsp. black pepper
4 cups jarred marinara sauce, with no sugar added
Place sliced mushrooms in a food processor and pulse 4 or 5 times, until mushrooms are the texture of coarse couscous. Do not over-process or it will become pasty. Heat a large nonstick sauté pan over medium heat and add olive oil, onion and mushrooms to the pan. Cook, stirring often, until onion and mushrooms are softened, and most of the liquid has evaporated, about 12 minutes.
Add garlic, Italian herb blend, salt and pepper, give it a quick stir, and then remove from heat and allow to cool a few minutes. In a large bowl, mix together egg white and cooled mushroom mixture. Add ground beef and mix together, using hands if necessary. Add parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, fresh basil and ground oats and mix together, just until blended.
Use a small ice cream scoop to portion out uniform meatballs, and roll them gently together in your hands. (You will have approximately 26 meatballs 1.5 inch in diameter.) Pour marinara sauce into a heavy sauce pan or small Dutch over. Gently place meatballs in the sauce. Cover and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce heat to low, and let simmer gently for 20 minutes, removing the cover about halfway through cooking time. Serve.
Servings: 6
—Chef’s Note: This recipe yields tender, juicy meatballs, but for caramelized, crustier meatballs, bake on a foil-lined baking sheet for 20-25 minutes at 375 F, and then toss in sauce.)
—Nutrition information per serving: 233 calories; 80 calories from fat; 9 g fat (3 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 49 mg cholesterol; 724 mg sodium; 17 g carbohydrate; 4 g fiber; 8 g sugar; 22 g protein.

Wife concerned about husband talking to neighborhood kids

Thu, 09/07/2017 - 10:41am

DEAR ABBY: I have been happily married to “Roger” for 20 years and have two kids still at home. They are pretty independent now, but my husband was very involved in coaching and volunteering when they were younger. Sometimes when Roger and I take walks, we run into children playing in a yard or biking up and down the block. If they initiate conversation, I’ll smile at them and respond with a quick “hi” or “nice bike” and keep walking, but my husband will stop to chat or listen to what they say. I have told him not to do ...

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