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Council on Aging outlines services and hindrances

Thu, 08/24/2017 - 10:52am

St. Mary Council on Aging Executive Director Beverly Domengeaux cleared up a matter that she said parish council members likely received phone calls about.
“I understand that ya’ll have been getting phone calls from an individual about home-delivered meals,” Domengeaux said. “I have an agreement with the federal and state government that I am the only agency in St. Mary Parish that can deliver meals. We’re not Meals on Wheels. They (state and federal government) set the numbers that I can deliver 250 days a year, and I can deliver 152 home-delivered meals throughout the parish. I can feed 37 in my three sites, based on our senior population, so they say.”
With the state of the economy and younger individuals leaving the parish, many seniors “have no one to take care of them. Right now, for the first time in 15 years since I took over, I have 30 people on the waiting list, and 15 waiting to be assessed.”
Federal law mandates that a recipient cannot be able to cook for themselves and there is no one in their home or in their family that can help with meals. “I don’t take the place of the family, they have the priority to take care of their seniors,” she said. “But there’s a lot of them that don’t have any family left.”
The assessment form is 16 pages long, she said.
COA asks for a $2 donation for home-delivered meals. “We’re not getting that anymore,” Domengeaux said. “We’re doing good to get 35- or 50-cents. Some people can’t.”
Cost of a meal is $3.58.
The phone calls, she said, came from a couple who relocated from one municipality to another “where I didn’t have any space” for service. They have since moved back to their home, but on that route there is also no opening.
Domengeaux said she did speak to the former clients again and explained her situation.
Assessments include local and family environment. Demographics are also at play, she said, and meals must be delivered within two hours of leaving the sight to maintain temperature.
“We do look at the need, not the want,” Domengeaux said. “I even go out and look myself to see if they really don’t have any help.”
Domengeaux said all funds provided by parish government goes to the seniors, not the staff. COA gets $40,000 in funding from the parish; federal funds for the senior centers; and state money for services.
The council’s thrift store generates income that helps, and community support from fundraisers does as well. “We raised $30,000 to pay for extra (seniors),” Domengeaux said.
She said it would take another $22,000 to service those on the waiting list and those yet to be assessed.
Seniors who are still able to drive are required to go to the center for meals.
In other business, an ordinance was introduced by Councilman Dale Rogers that would set the annual salary of the parish president at $78,000 effective January, 2020. It also designates that the position is full-time.
Also Wednesday:
—Ordinances were introduced for two zoning map adjustments; amending the boundaris of Recreation Dist. 3; and abolishing Sewer Districts 5 and 8.
—Resolutions were adopted for a change order on shredder enhancements at the landfill in Berwick, as well as a substantial completion certificate on the same project; an agreement with Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries for the Burns Point Fishing Pier Project; a contract authorization to the parish president for drainage improvements in the Boudreaux and Gilmore streets area of Berwick; and requests for proposals for auditing services in a 2-year engagement. Council members Dale Rogers, Sterling Fryou and Paul Naquin voted against that measure.
—Jeremy Chesteen was appointed to the parish planning and zoning commission.
—An allocation of no more than $10,000 was approved for an engineer study regarding a boat ramp and dock at the end of Roseville Street in Franklin from the Wards 1, 2, 3, 4, 7 and 10 3/10 percent sales tax fund.

Atchafalaya chairman gives report on golf course finances

Thu, 08/24/2017 - 10:50am

Before Tuesday’s meeting of the St. Mary Parish Council got into full swing, Council Chairman Paul Naquin relinquished his seat.
Naquin said that due to “personal reasons” he chose to step down as chairman.
Dist. 10 at-large Councilman Gabriel Beadle was elected to the chair. Only at-large council members may serve as chairman.
Rudy Sparks, chairman of the Atchafalaya Golf Course Commission, then presented the panel’s budget and rate schedule for council approval.
Fees are unchanged, Sparks said.
The Kemper-Williams Foundation donated Idlewild Foundation, a 290-acre tract of land in Patterson in 1979. A $1 million fund was created to help defray operation of Kemper-Williams Park.
The parish council then charged the advisory committee to develop a plan for the park, including a golf course, Sparks said.
Over the next 20 years, funding sources and plans were developed. In 2002, Sparks said the parish was able to obtain $5 million from the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources’ Atchafalaya Basin Program for the course.
Parish government was able to use the donated land as in-kind match to the grant.
The golf course commission was created then, and it was designed and constructed.
The foundation agreed to pay $1.2 million for the golf course clubhouse, which opened in 2007.
The entire facility is worth $12 million or more, Sparks said.
Shortfalls at the course have long been a topic of debate. Sparks said total income from 2014-2017 has declined “in large part due to the downturn in the economy…it’s just a tough business right now.”
Golf course-related revenue last year was $820,000, and is up a bit this year at $850,000.
Walk-up green-fee play has declined slightly from $290,000 to $270,000.
Pass-holder revenue dropped by $15,000, though “ad-link” revenue was up by $20,000. Tournament revenue was up from $106,000 to $120,000. Sparks said tournament play is looking good for the upcoming year.
Special packages are also doing well for players.
Sparks said inclement weather had had a significant effect on golf play, both last year and this year. “We actually had 84 inches of rain last year,” he said. “This year we’re already at 60 inches.”
He said the golf course is so well-designed it drains very quickly.
The restaurant has also been effected, from $1.2 million to $1 million and then $900,000 at current.
Net revenue from the restaurant, which is leased out and returns five percent to the commission, was $50,000. The lease is responsible for operation and maintenance.
Overall, the golf course has provided $73,000 in sales taxes last year, $70,000 expected for the next period.
In operating expenses, Sparks said managers have reduced spending from $1.3 million down to $1.075 million since 2013.
“To do any more would be detrimental to the facility,” he said.
Operation of the golf course has continued to decline, by more than $200,000.
Sixty percent of players are from St. Mary Parish; 36 percent from the region, and 4 percent from out-of state, Sparks said. There is a very active high school golf program that uses the course, including a golf field day for high-schoolers.
The Louisiana High School Athletic Association held two regional golf tournaments at Atchafalaya.
Nicholls State University uses Atchafalaya as its home course and utilizes the facility regularly.
Sparks said yearly direct economic impact for St. Mary Parish is approximately $950,000 as calculated by formulas from the golf industry; and $5 million annually overall.
New visitors are “wowed” by the course, Sparks said, and in 2016 the course was named the second best golf course to play in the state.
A course in Raceland that opened in 2008 closed last year because it could not show a profit; one in New Iberia has closed some holes; one in Belle Chase closed; and another in Alexandria closed. “That’s good news and bad news,” Sparks said. “But the reality of it is the golf course has contracted, but the good news is that we’ll see an uptick in play.”

Festival T-shirt Day proclaimed; Decal will conduct Mass, bless fleet

Thu, 08/24/2017 - 10:48am

Staff Report

The celebrant for the annual Mass in the Park and Blessing of the Fleet will be the Rev. Freddie Decal, pastor of Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

Decal, a native of the Philippines, his siblings came to this country in 1980. Decal entered the seminary when he was 15 years old. He studied theology at the Loyola School of Theology, Ateneo de Manila, a Jesuit University, and was ordained a priest Dec. 17, 1977.

Decal served as an associate pastor at Sacred Heart Church from 1984 through the end of 1990. He then served for almost 12 years at St. Gregory Church in Houma. He was assigned to Annunziata, and then assigned to Holy Family Church in Dulac. He served there for five years, and then was assigned Sacred
Church in Cut Off for the past seven years before being assigned to Sacred Heart, Morgan City.

Decal will be the celebrant during the Mass in the Park at 8:30 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 3, in Lawrence Park. Decal will also be presiding over the Annual Blessing of the Fleet at 10 a.m. Sept. 3 from the Morgan City docks.

For more information, contact the festival office at 985-385-0703, or visit the festival’s web site at www.shrimpandpetroleum.org.

Join the fleet
You’re invited to join in the blessing of the vessels for the upcoming season at 10 a.m. Sept. 3. Only vessels registered with the Festival Office are allowed in the water parade. All vessels are required to fly the registration flag provided by the festival.

Awards will be given to first, second and third place in each division. Divisions include: shrimp, petroleum and pleasure craft.

A door prize will be given for attending the blessing and water parade. The prize will be two tickets for the Sept. 30 LSU vs. Troy game. The winner must be 18 years or older. One entry is allowed per person, and you must be present to win. The drawing will be at noon. The door prize has been donated by Gulf South Dental Lab.

If you are interested in registering your vessel to be a part of the Blessing of the Fleet visit the Festival Office, 715 Second St. in Morgan City. For more information, contact the festival office at 985-385-0703.

DANIEL ANTHONY OLDFATHER

Thu, 08/24/2017 - 10:46am

September 24, 1957 - August 21, 2017
Daniel Anthony Oldfather started life in Spokane, Washington, in what he would always describe as a “good year,” 1957. He was the second of four children. As a child, his family relocated to Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He often shared childhood memories of playing the Cello, his Mustang fastback, and family vacations. His great work ethic started young with a job as a paperboy and later through work at Hy-Vee. While at Jefferson High, he was introduced to scuba diving which sparked the pursuit of a career as a commercial diver. He trained at Ocean Corporation in Houston and upon graduation moved to Morgan City, Louisiana, to work for a dive company. Once in Louisiana his affinity for the water lead to a passion for water sports where he displayed his trick and slalom waterskiing abilities.
Upon starting a family, Daniel transitioned to work in oil and gas working on platforms in the Gulf of Mexico for the duration of his 34-year career. He always spoke highly of his co-workers and held many in high regard. When he wasn’t offshore he worked on many household improvement projects and was a very creative craftsman.
Daniel took pride in volunteering time to enrich his children, often traveling to dancing competitions, chaperoning Boy Scout trips, and pulling the camper to various national parks, amusement destinations, and beaches. He was a motorcycle enthusiast and took many multi-week trips across the country and into Canada. On these trips, he began acquiring Harley Davidson shirts and unique soda and spirit bottles, ultimately amassing a large collection which he proudly displayed.
Daniel was known for his sense of humor and often joked around to diffuse stressful or mundane situations. It was impossible to go to a restaurant without him attempting to order a “Dr. Budweiser” or “flied shrimp;” there was never an inappropriate time for a joke. He didn’t let a cancer diagnosis change his outlook, dampen his spirits, or get in the way of his goals. He hand-built his waterfront home, learned to wakeboard, and traveled the country and seas while undergoing treatments. His humor carried through all the way to his final days.
Daniel always communicated candidly, took a path less traveled, and always accepted opportunities or invitations for fun while using ingenuity, humor, and shear willpower to enrich his and the lives of everyone he met. After a lengthy battle with cancer, he passed away at his home in Stephensville, Louisiana, at the age of 59 on Monday, Aug. 21, 2017.
Daniel leaves behind to cherish his memory his sons, Jaret A. Oldfather and his wife Hannah, and Cory A. Oldfather and his wife Megan; his daughter, Hanna A. Oldfather; his parents, Paul Oldfather and Jeanette Paggett Oldfather; his sister, Cynthia McCollough and her husband Kirk; his granddaughter, Jolie B. Oldfather; many nieces, nephews, and cousins; and his former wife and mother of his children, Marilyn Martin Oldfather.
In keeping with Daniel’s wishes, he will be laid to rest with his precious baby girl, Brook Alane Oldfather, during a private inurnment with family in Ibert’s Memorial Park Cemetery. Others that have gone on before him include his sister, Lori Oldfather; and his brother and sister-in-law, David and Stephanie Oldfather.
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., 1111 Lia Street, Patterson, LA 70392, (985) 395-7873.

Wheel House for Aug. 24

Thu, 08/24/2017 - 10:45am

PURCHASE AWARD
Artists Guild Unlimited has Purchase Award Patron Program available for its Artists Guild Unlimited Show held Aug. 30-Sept. 21 at AGU Everett Street Gallery, 201 Everett St., Morgan City. Patrons may donate a minimum of $50 toward purchase of artwork or make a donation to AGU. Patrons invited to a reception to choose artwork prior to opening of show. Proceeds go toward annual scholarship award, and promotion and education of the arts in this area. To participate call an AGU member or 985-385-9945.

BOOK DISCUSSION
Area author Cornel Keeler will discuss his book, “Beads, Basketball, and a Baby” at Morgan City Public Library, Everett Street, at 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 1. Free and public invited. For info call 985-380-4646.

S&P Festival 'Best Seats' entry form

Thu, 08/24/2017 - 10:42am

Print out this form and return it to the Festival Office.

Big gift to Young Memorial

Thu, 08/24/2017 - 10:33am

The Daily Review/Zachary Fitzgerald
The Morgan City Open Fishing Rodeo presented South Central Louisiana Technical College’s Young Memorial Campus with an $8,000 donation for scholarships from monies collected at the fifth annual fishing rodeo. From left are, Young Memorial Campus Administrator Anthony Baham, Earl Bouton, Jo Anne Bergeron, SCLTC Interim Director Willie Smith, Fishing Rodeo Representative Spring Aucoin, Tammie Moore, Katelyn Alvarez, Cassie Adams and Sheila Hue.

Drainage district will close Walnut St. barge

Thu, 08/24/2017 - 10:21am

Because of the threat of heavy rain, Drainage District 2 No. 2 will close the Walnut Canal barge Friday.

The barge will remain closed unto water recedes. The district will monitor water levels daily.

“Our concern is for the welfare of all who live within the Lakeside area making every effort to consider the needs , safety and enjoyment of all residents,” the district said in its 24-hour notice release.

Comments and concerns may be directed to the district office at 985-380-5511.

Festival maids vie for queen's title Aug. 26

Thu, 08/24/2017 - 10:02am

Coronation-only tickets available at the door

Seventeen young women are vying for the title of Louisiana Shrimp and Petroleum Festival Queen on Aug 26. They will be presented at 7:30 p.m. during the 82nd Louisiana Shrimp and Petroleum Festival Coronation and Ball in the Paul Schreier Theatre at the Morgan City Municipal Auditorium.
Vying to wear the crown are: Reagan Barbier, Corrine Benandi, Lindsee Case, Michaela Dupont, Kayla Falgout, Sara Gaudet, Loreal Johnson, Macy Landry, Ashton Morales, Whitney Patterson, Taylor Perry, Victoria Rice, Hannah Roy, Emma Thomas, Michelle Topham, Chelsea Vining and Mamie Winters. The young woman chosen will travel the state promoting the festival and the Tre-City area.
Coronation tickets will be available at the door; however, no ball tickets are available. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact the festival office at 985-385-0703.
A brief biography of the contestants follows:
Reagan Barbier, 19, is the daughter of Holly and Dwight Barbier of Morgan City. The Morgan City High School graduate is studying surgical technologies at Fletcher Technical Community College. While in high school, she was a member of Beta and Key Club, cheerleading, bowling, art club and insight.
Her hobbies are swimming, fishing and hunting.
Corrine Benandi, 19, is the daughter of Stacy and Donea Benandi of Berwick. She is a Berwick High School graduate and attends the University of Louisiana at Lafayette majoring in mass communications with a concentration in broadcast journalism. At ULL, she is a member of the orchestra, as well as a founding member of the ULL Gymnastics Club.
She enjoys meeting new people and traveling to new places.
Lindsee Case, 19, is the daughter of Angel and Ree Case of Morgan City. She graduated as valedictorian from Central Catholic High School and majors in biology at ULL with plans to attend medical school. At ULL she is a member of the orientation staff welcoming new freshmen and has been on the President’s list.
Her hobbies are drawing and painting.
Michaela Dupont, 18, is the daughter of Terry Dupont of Bayou Vista and the late Michael Dupont. The BHS graduate attends South Louisiana Community College where she is studying hospitality and business. At her church, she has been a retreat team member and volunteered with vacation bible school.
She enjoys dancing, working, fishing, cooking and venturing to new places.
Kayla Falgout, 19, is the daughter of John Falgout Jr. and Brooke Marcel Falgout of Morgan City. She is a BHS graduate and attends Nicholls State University where she is majoring in psychology with a minor in English. She is on the NSU orientation team staff.
While in high school, she was FBLA vice president and junior class vice president, a member of Key Club and Drama Club. Her hobbies are painting, yoga, traveling, reading and outdoor activities.
Sara Gaudet, 19, is the daughter of Maria Governale Gaudet and Gerald Gaudet Jr. of Stephensville. She was a 4.0 MCHS graduate and attends NSU studying nursing and health promotion. She is a member of Nicholls Honors Program, National Association of School Nurses and the NSU Nursing Program.
At MCHS, she was a member of Key Club, Beta and Historical Society. She also was a Tiger Track Ambassador and participated in AHEC of a Summer and Sacred Heart Youth Group.
She enjoys anything medicine related, creative writing, fitness and health.
Loreal Johnson, 20, is the daughter of Jason Henry, Brandi Favors and Vonda Johnson of Patterson. She is a 4.0 graduate of Patterson High School and is majoring in mass communications with a concentration in advertising and minors in visual art and anthropology. She is a two-time LSU black scholar.
Her hobby is creating YouTube videos.
Macy Landry, 19, is the daughter of Holly Aucoin of Morgan City. Landry is a graduate of BHS and is in pre-nursing at LSU. She is a member of Delta Zeta sorority serving on the Academics Committee. She volunteers at St. Lillian’s Academy, as well as attending numerous other philanthropic events through LSU’s Greek Life.
While in high school, she was a member of Beta, Key Club, homecoming court, prom court, Student Council vice president and School of Pride band president.
She enjoys counseling/mentoring teenagers, painting, arts and crafts, and fishing.
Ashton Morales, 19, is the daughter of Nicole and Jason Cline of Berwick. The BHS graduate is studying pre-dentistry at LSU where she is a member of Phi Mu Sorority and Pre-Dental Society.
While in high school, she was awarded Citizen of the Year Award, Athlete of the Year, Volleyball All District and Who’s Who.
Her hobbies are volleyball, golf and dance.
Whitney Patterson, 19, is the daughter of Kellye Jo and David Patterson of Berwick. She is a magna cum laude graduate of BHS and completed the Aveda Cosmetology Institute. While in BHS, she was a member of the homecoming court, prom committee, St. Mary Parish Talented Art, St. Mary Parish Talented Acting, Beta, Student Council, ARK Club, Drama Club, Wisecat and Powercat. She was also voted Most Spirited and received the Mason’s Honesty and Integrity Award.
She enjoys traveling, painting, acting, cooking and reading.
Taylor Perry, 18, is the daughter of Mamie and Doug Perry of Patterson. The Berwick High graduate attends LSU in pre-dental studies. She was Miss Harvest Moon VIII.
Her interests are dancing, traveling, working church retreats, volunteering at PHS band camp, dance team, photography and sisterhood events with her sorority sisters.
Victoria Rice, 19, is the daughter of Patti and Gordon Rice of Morgan City. She is a graduate of MCHS and is majoring in nursing at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. While in high school, she played volleyball and soccer. She was also a member of Key Club and Beta. She was an Atchafalaya Bit and Bridle Club Princess.
Her interests include outdoor activities, traveling, exercising and competing with her horses.
Hannah Roy, 18, is the daughter of Christel and Harry Hicks of Berwick and the late Kenny Roy. The BHS graduate is majoring in Child and Family Studies with a minor in sociology at LSU. Upon graduation, she plans to attend LSU Law School. She is a member of Zeta Tau Alpha, LSU Relay for Life, Relay for Life Morgan City and is a 14-year volunteer for the annual Kenny Roy Baseball Tournament.
Her hobby is making various crafts with her silhouette machine.
Emma Thomas, 19, is the daughter of Christy and Ruben Thomas of Morgan City. She is a graduate of CCHS and is majoring in kinesiology with a concentration in occupational therapy at LSU. She is a member of Alpha Delta Pi, Pre-Occupational Therapy Club, Student Medical Christian Association and Christ the King Catholic Church (LSU).
Her interests are photography, tennis and reading.
Michelle Topham, 19, is the daughter of Andrea Topham and Michael Topham of Patterson. The BHS graduate is studying diagnostic medical sonography at Baton Rouge Community College. While at BHS, she was a member of Beta Club, Student Council, ARK, Science Club, Powercat and Wisecat.
She enjoys gymnastics, hunting, fishing and swimming.
Chelsea Vining, 18, is the daughter of Angela and Ronnie Vining of Berwick. She is a graduate of BHS and is majoring in nursing at Nicholls. She was a BHS 4.0 graduate, a member of homecoming court, HOSA, Student Council and track.
Her interests are baking and traveling.
Mamie Winters, 18, is the daughter of Shane and Daniel Winters of Patterson. She is a graduate of Corpus Christi Homeschool. She has had 32 theatrical stage performances, was first runner-up in the Miss Franklin contest, made it to the second round of “The Voice,” and was a regional Country Music Showdown winner.
She enjoys singing, acting, cosplay, drawing and writing short stories.
—Photos provided by Peter Bello Photography, except Whitney Patterson’s photo by Photo Express.

Rainfall of 6-10 inches from Harvey projected for Tri-City area

Thu, 08/24/2017 - 9:53am

Storm projected to make landfall near Corpus Christi late-Friday or early Saturday

Staff and Wire Reports

Miami, Fla.

Harvey regained tropical storm strength as it drifted in the Gulf of Mexico toward Texas early Thursday and forecasters said it could become a hurricane.

The biggest threat that the Morgan City area will probably see from Harvey is rain, with 6 inches to 10 inches projected for the Acadiana region and higher totals possible in some areas, said Seth Warthen, meteorologist at the National Weather Service’s Lake Charles office.

Rain from Harvey could show up as early as Friday in the Morgan City area, with rain probably becoming more widespread by Saturday, especially if the storm drifts farther north and strengthens more than anticipated, Warthen said.

The region further east toward the lower Mississippi River Valley is expected to see 4 to 6 inches of rainfall, he said.

Landfall could occur near Corpus Christi, Texas, Friday night or Saturday morning “potentially as a Category 1 hurricane,” Warthen said.

After making landfall, Harvey is projected to stall in the Corpus Christi area for a few days, he said.

“What it does after that is kind of up in the air,” Warthen said.

St. Mary Parish shouldn’t see the brunt of the winds from the storm, but the region may see coastal storm surge 1 to 2 feet above the predicted tides from Cameron to the mouth of the Atchafalaya River, Warthen said.

“We might see a little of extra wind gust but nothing too intense, not anything like what they’re going to get down in Corpus Christi,” Warthen said, referring to the Tri-City area.

A hurricane warning was issued for the Texas coast Thursday morning, covering an area from Port Mansfield to Matagorda.

The storm’s maximum sustained winds had increased to near 60 mph (95 kph). The U.S. National Hurricane Center said additional strengthening was expected and Harvey could become a hurricane by Friday, when it’s expected to approach the southern Texas coast.

But the intensity forecast is somewhat uncertain, Warthen said.

As of 7 a.m. CDT, the storm was centered about 335 miles (540 kilometers) southeast of Port Mansfield and was moving north-northwest near 10 mph (17 kph).

In Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott has ordered the State Operations Center to elevate its readiness level, making state resources available for possible rescue and recovery actions. Abbott also pre-emptively declared a state of disaster for 30 counties on or near the coast to speed deployment of state resources to any areas affected.

Emergency officials Wednesday asked residents along the upper Texas coastline to move or prepare to move inland. Those in low-lying areas were urged to seek higher ground, and those elsewhere were told to monitor official announcements closely.

On South Padre Island, people filled sandbags and loaded them into cars and vans Wednesday to take to protect exposed homes and businesses. Others in the forecast path of the storm sought out generators, plywood and other goods from hardware stores. Meanwhile, rice farmers in coastal Matagorda County moved quickly to harvest their crops.