RSS Feed

Police: More shots fired in Patterson

Thu, 08/10/2017 - 7:54am

Incident occurred Monday night

Staff Report

A week after Patterson Police Chief Patrick LaSalle said shootings had drastically increased in Patterson during the past month, police found evidence of more gunshots Monday night. But police say they are still having trouble getting information from the community.

The gunshots occurred in the area of Taft and Hickory streets. No one was reported to have been hit by the gunfire, police said.

At the Aug. 1 city council meeting, LaSalle said there had been over two dozen shootings in Patterson within the past month. No one had come forward “to communicate with the police department” about the alleged shootings, LaSalle said during the meeting.

LaSalle appealed “to the black community” during the council meeting for people to come forward with any information on the shootings.

Anyone with information on any of these incidents may call the Patterson Police Department at 985-395-6161.

LaSalle told The Daily Review Aug. 3 that there had been 30 reports of discharges of a firearm in Patterson during roughly the past month.

One person was confirmed to have been injured during a late-June shooting on Murphy Street. The victim is believed to have run from there to Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue where authorities located him, LaSalle said.

Tyrique Jones, 19, is wanted on a warrant charging him with aggravated second-degree battery requiring medical attention in connection with that shooting. Jones had previously been arrested on an attempted second-degree murder charge stemming from an October 2016 drive-by shooting in the area of Taft and Hickory streets.

Police later confirmed that there were two victims were later confirmed to have been injured in that shooting.

Sheriff: Two arrested after meth, syringes found in Bayou Vista home

Wed, 08/09/2017 - 8:05pm

Staff Report

Two people were booked into parish jail Tuesday after narcotics detectives searched a Bayou Vista home and found bags of methamphetamine and syringes in the presence of four children, St. Mary Parish Sheriff Mark Hebert said in a news release.

—John Jones Jr., 25, of Arcemont Lane in Bayou Vista, was arrested at 3:36 p.m. Tuesday on charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a controlled dangerous substance in the presence of a minor and violation of uniform controlled dangerous substance law-drug free zone.

—Janna Gilmore, 31, of Arcemont Lane in Bayou Vista, was arrested at 3:36 p.m. Tuesday on charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a controlled dangerous substance in the presence of a minor and violation of uniform controlled dangerous substance law-drug free zone.

Narcotics detectives investigating a report of illegal drug activity in the presence of children obtained a search warrant for Gilmore’s and Jones’ home. Detectives located bags of methamphetamine and several items of drug paraphernalia including several syringes and spoons used to inject illegal drugs, Hebert said.

Detectives spoke with four children who were at the residence at the time of the investigation. The children were placed in the care of a family member. Gilmore and Jones were jailed with no bail set.

Hebert reported responding to 40 complaints in the parish and reported the following arrests in east St. Mary Parish:

—Ramus Martin, 51, of Joshua Reed Drive in Houma, was arrested at 1:05 p.m. Tuesday on a warrant for failure to appear failure to appear on the charge of issuing worthless checks, a Lafayette Parish warrant for felony theft and a Jefferson Parish warrant for failure to appear on the charge of issuing worthless checks.

During a traffic stop on Village Lane in Amelia, a deputy found a passenger, Martin, was wanted on active warrants. Martin was jailed with no bail set.

—Gary Morgan Jr., 35, of Aucoin Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 8:11 p.m. Tuesday on a warrant for failure to appear on the charge of criminal neglect of family.

During booking at the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center, a correctional officer located the active warrant for Morgan’s arrest. Morgan was released on $850 bail.

—Kacy Norman, 32, of Nevada Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 9:46 p.m. Tuesday on charges of possession of stolen things, forgery and unauthorized use of an access card.

On Aug. 8, a deputy responded to a report of a vehicle burglary in Bayou Vista. A driver’s license and debit card were stolen from the vehicle, Hebert said. The deputy learned that the debit card was used at a business in Morgan City.

The deputy positively identified the person who used the stolen card as Norman and located her on Sandra Street in Morgan City, Hebert said.

While speaking with her about the case, the deputy received consent to search her purse and located the driver’s license that was reported stolen in the vehicle burglary, the sheriff said. Norman was jailed with no bail set.

—Joshua Smith, 22, of Lake Palourde Road in Amelia, was arrested at 9:05 p.m. Tuesday on two warrants for failure to appear on the charges of simple burglary of an inhabited dwelling, possession of synthetic cannabinoids and possession of marijuana.

While investigating a separate complaint on Village Lane in Amelia, deputies received information that Smith, who was wanted on active warrants, was in the area, Hebert said. Deputies located Smith at his home and jail with bail set at $28,000.

—Leobardo Pineda-Hernandez, 19, of Texas Street in Berwick, was arrested at 1:24 a.m. Wednesday on a charge of unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling.

Deputies responded to a report of a disturbance at a home on Arcemont Lane in Bayou Vista. Deputies learned that when the victim opened the door to the residence, Pineda-Hernandez pushed the door causing the female victim to fall onto a nearby couch.

Deputies located Pineda-Hernandez at his home. Through investigation, deputies found that Pineda-Hernandez was involved in an argument on social media with another man and went to the home in Bayou Vista to confront him, Hebert said. Pineda-Hernandez was jailed with no bail set.

Morgan City Police Chief James Blair reported responding to 36 calls and reported the following arrests:

—German S. Funes, 36, of Laurel Street in New Orleans, was arrested at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday on charges of no driver’s license, no insurance and expired inspection sticker.

A patrol officer responded to the area of Park Road in regard to a vehicle driving recklessly. The officer conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle fitting the description. The driver, Funes, did not have valid driver’s license, and the vehicle had an expired inspection sticker and no valid insurance, Blair said. Funes was jailed.

—Kayla M. Francise, 19, of Egle Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 6:02 p.m. Tuesday on a warrant charging her with failure to appear for trial.

A traffic stop was conducted in the area of La. 182 near Everett Street. Francise was a passenger in the vehicle. A warrant check revealed that there was an active warrant for her arrest through city court. Francise was jailed.

—Matthew A. Tabor, 32, of Shady Grove in Patterson, was arrested at 7:14 p.m. Tuesday on charges of no turn signal and driving under suspension.

An officer patrolling the area of La. 182 near Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard observed a vehicle fail to use a turn signal while changing lanes. A traffic stop was conducted and the driver, Tabor, had a suspended driver’s license, Blair said. Tabor was jailed.

Patterson Police Chief Patrick LaSalle reported the following arrests:

—Aaron Jacob Ross, 22, of Lia Street in Patterson, was arrested at 12:29 a.m. Wednesday on charges of possession marijuana and drug paraphernalia. No bail is set yet.

—Casey Alan Cruz, 18, of Emy Lane in Patterson, was arrested at 12:29 a.m. Wednesday on charges of possession of marijuana with intent to distribute. No bail is set yet.

Berwick Police Chief James Richard reported the following arrest:

—Trey Simoneaux, 34, of Jones Street in Berwick, was arrested at 10 a.m. Tuesday on charges for two counts of domestic abuse battery-child endangerment. He posted $7,000 bail.

Patterson's Singleton, Fabre sign with Southwest Tennessee Community College

Wed, 08/09/2017 - 6:41pm

By CORWIN MURRAY

Former Patterson baseball standouts Joel Singleton and Jamey Fabre set their sights on baseball scholarships as freshmen.
The longtime friends achieved that goal, signing letters of intent to play college baseball at Southwest Tennessee Community College in Memphis.
“They knew what they wanted and wasn’t afraid to say it,” former Patterson Baseball Coach Ryan Jensen said at a signing ceremony Tuesday. “But they embraced the hard work it takes to get scholarship offers. Southwest was first to offer them, and they stuck with the school after a coaching change and other schools offered them.”
Southwest is a two-year school, and its athletic teams are affiliated with the National Junior College Athletic Association.
Singleton, a left-handed pitcher, was the Lumberjacks’ ace the last two seasons.
“It feels good to know that all the hard work I put in paid off,” he said. “I’m excited and ready to get there.”
The duo has packed up and will leave for Tennessee and freshman orientation Friday.
“They are going to start me on a pitching program as soon I arrive to get my velocity up, and I will work on hitting my locations,” Singleton said. “I’m looking forward to going in and putting in some more work.”
Fabre was a corner infielder, pitcher and solid hitter at Patterson, and he’s slated to do the same at Southwest.
“I’m very excited to have this opportunity to play college ball,” Fabre said. “I’ve been wanting this since I was little.”
Fabre was also a solid football player at Patterson before realizing that his baseball dream demanded more attention.
“I didn’t play football my senior year, so I played summer and fall ball,” he said. “I got to face much better competition and play in front a lot of college coaches.”
The Southwest Tennessee Community College roster is made up of mostly Memphis area players.
“I think that I’m blessed to have my best friend going to the same school,” Fabre said. “It takes off some of the anxiety.”
The Saluqis’ first game is a doubleheader against Itawamba Sept. 9 at the University of Memphis.

DANIELLE NICOLE CALLAWAY

Wed, 08/09/2017 - 12:19pm

Danielle Nicole Callaway, 33, a resident of Morgan City, passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2017.

Danielle is survived by her husband, Shawn Paul Francois, Sr.; mother, Dorene Riley Jones; children ,Shawn Paul Francois, Jr. and Camyshia Tashawn Francois; sister, Monique Marie Lambert.

Memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, August 12, 2017 at Hargrave Funeral Home from 2pm - 4pm. Memorial Services will be held at 4 p.m. on Saturday, August 12, 2017, at Hargrave Funeral Home.

ELIZABETH A. McGURK

Wed, 08/09/2017 - 12:17pm

JEANERETTE — A Celebration of Life will be conducted for Elizabeth A. McGurk, 62, at 11 a.m. Saturday, August 12, 2017, at Pellerin Funeral Home in New Iberia, with Bishop Drew Rouse and Pastor Wanda Rouse officiating. Elizabeth passed away at her home on Monday, August 7, 2017.

Visitation will be held at Pellerin Funeral Home in New Iberia on Friday from 4 p.m. until 9 p.m., and will continue on Saturday from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m.

Elizabeth is survived by her husband of 34 years, James W. McGurk of Jeanerette; daughter, Amanda E. Louviere and husband Dustin of New Iberia; mother, Yvonne Joyce Bennette; brothers, David and Michael Martin, all of Cape Town, South Africa; brother-in-law, Bill Kerry and wife Betty of Lake Charles; sister-in-law, Alice Kerry of Patterson; brother-in-law, Eldridge Humble of Iowa; and numerous nieces, nephews and many friends she has made throughout the years.

Elizabeth was preceded in death by her father, Garth Holmes Martin of Cape Town, South Africa; mother-in-law, Mary Mable Cheramie of Gorum; brother-in-law, Merrick “Buddy” Oliver Kerry of Patterson; and sister-in-law, Mary Francis Humble of Iowa.

A resident of Jeanerette, Louisiana, Elizabeth was born December 16, 1954, to Garth Holmes Martin and Yvonne Joyce Bennette Martin in Ceres, Cape, Republic of South Africa. Elizabeth attended The Rustenburg School for Girls in Cape Town before attending the Trinity College of

Music in London where she minored in music and speech, majoring in the art of pianist. She then moved back to Cape Town and received an Associate’s Degree in Business and Interior Design. After working for a local interior design studio in Cape Town and helping her family manage their hotel in Blouberg, South Africa, she met the love of her life James “Jim” McGurk. On April 12, 1983, Elizabeth and James were married in Cape Town and celebrated their new marriage at her families’ hotel The Blue Peter.

Elizabeth moved to the United States with her husband on May 5, 1983. She started her new journey in the United States as a sales representative in the jewelry industry. After a few short years, Liz moved on to her then passion, interior design, and became the manager of Lafitte Furniture in New Iberia, where she worked for over nine years. Although she loved making others feel at home with her skill of interior design, Liz had a bigger passion. In 1997, Liz left the furniture business to pursue her dream of landscaping. For eight years, Liz worked effortlessly and from her heart by landscaping some of the most beautiful homes and businesses in the Acadiana area. She accepted each project she was given and created something she knew her customers would love and enjoy for years to come. In 2004 Liz made the decision to leave landscaping. Afterwards, Liz and her husband built their dream home on the banks of the Bayou Teche. Liz made sure she was a part of every aspect and design of her new home and took it on as a task she would forever be grateful and proud of. Liz was a loving wife, mother, and friend who will be deeply missed.

The family wishes to acknowledge deep appreciation to her best friend Jeannie Savoie and Nursing Specialties Home Health/Hospice for their loving support and assistance in taking care of Liz during her last moments with us.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1942.

Pellerin Funeral Home, 502 Jefferson Terrace Blvd., New Iberia, LA 70560 (337-365-3331) is in charge of arrangements.

(UPDATED) JULIE ROCK MARTIN WALDEN

Wed, 08/09/2017 - 12:11pm

Julie Rock Martin Walden, 87, of Orlando, Florida, passed away peacefully in her sleep on August 2nd, 2017.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, September 16th, 2017, for the immediate family in Orlando, Florida.

Julie’s final resting place will be at sea to fulfill her wishes and memorialize her free spirit.

Julie was born in Morgan City, Louisiana, on September 15th, 1929. She attended Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, Louisiana. Julie enjoyed acting, traveling and reading.

Julie was married to Ralph Walden from 1979 to 1989.

Julie is survived by her brother Mitchell Rock; her son, Reid (Eileen) Martin; her daughter, Suzanne (Lawrence) Evans; grandchildren, Dawn Martin, Seth Martin, Eli Johnson, Eve (Chad) DeGroot, Brian (Andrea) Martin, Korrine (Tracy) Johnson and Kyle (Julie) Johnson; eight great-grandchildren; and ex-husband, Herverd Martin.

Julie was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph Walden; her son, James Martin; her brothers, Edward Rock, Robert Rock Sr. and Herbert Rock Jr.; her mother, Ailene Rock; and father, Herbert Rock Sr.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to Alzheimer’s Association.

ODEAL MARSH

Wed, 08/09/2017 - 12:10pm

Odeal Marsh, 77, a native of Ashton and resident of Morgan City, died Sunday, Aug. 6, 2017, at Teche Regional Medical Center.

Visitation will be Friday from 9 a.m. until services at 11 a.m. at Pilgrim Grove Baptist Church in Morgan City. Burial will follow in the Special Providence Baptist Church Cemetery in Baldwin.

She is survived by two daughters, Yvonne Marsh of Morgan City and Gina B. Thomas of Houma; and four grandchildren.

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

Otis Mortuary Inc. is in charge of arrangements.

App challenge open to St. Mary students

Wed, 08/09/2017 - 11:57am

U.S. Rep. Clay Higgins, R-Port Barre, has announced that the 3rd Congressional District, which includes St. Mary, will participate in the 2017 Congressional App Challenge, an app development competition for students in high school and below.

The challenge will run through Nov. 1, and students can apply through Higgins’ website. The competition is open to all students who meet the eligibility requirements, regardless of coding experience.

For more information visit: CongrCongressionalAppChallenge.us.

Supply, uniform drive set by CAA

Wed, 08/09/2017 - 11:54am

The St. Mary Community Action Agency announces the agency’s first “Stuff the Bus” School Supply and Uniform drive.

The event is sponsored by St. Mary CAA and the Franklin City Marshal’s Office. It will be 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, Aug. 19, at the Family Dollar Store, 1814-A Main St. in Franklin.

Free hot dogs and drinks will be provided. The CAA is asking for community support in collecting school supplies and uniforms for our Head Start children.

Requested supplies include: construction paper, boxes of colors, scissors, liquid hand soap, washable markers, wide- ruled tablets, glue, Kleenex, paper towels, book packs, and kinder mats.

In conjunction with the school supply drive, Franklin City Marshal Corey Burgess and his office will be collecting school uniforms through Sept. 1. Drop-off points for the uniforms are the City Marshall’s Office, 317 Willow St., or St. Mary CAA, 1407 Barrow St. in Fraklin.

Uniforms consist of navy blue pants, shorts, dresses, or skorts and white (Polo style) shirts with short or long sleeves.

For more information, contact Delores Stewart, events coordinator, at 337-828-5703, or City Marshal Corey Burgess or Chief Deputy Charles Parker at 337-828-6600.

Girl Scouts invite families to GIRL info nights

Wed, 08/09/2017 - 10:51am

NEW ORLEANS — As families prepare for the new school year and the array of activities from which to choose, they’ll find that joining and volunteering for the local Girl Scout organization a much easier and faster process, thanks to new technology which includes a digital platform for volunteers, the Girl Scouts Louisiana East news release stated.
The volunteer toolkit, along with the recent launch of 23 new badges in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) and the outdoors, areas that girls are not typically encouraged to explore outside of Girl Scouting, are just two of the offerings Girl Scouts has available to families.
Girl Scouts Louisiana East, which serves girls, grades K-12, and adults in St. Mary Parish and 22 other parishes in southeast Louisiana, will be holding information nights throughout August and September, for families who may not be familiar with the Girl Scouts.
“While some people still think of Girl Scouts as just cookies, campfires and friendship bracelets, Girl Scouts is about so much more,” said Debbie McDowell-Tate, membership director. “Participating in Girl Scouts helps girls develop key leadership skills they need to be successful in life.”
According to McDowell-Tate, Girl Scouts practice four key leadership skills through a variety of girl-led activities and experiences grounded in Girl Scouts’ program pillars of STEM, the outdoors, life skills and entrepreneurship. These skills are: Goal setting and grit (Go-getter); problem solving (Innovator); trying new things and decision making (Risk-taker); leading others with empathy (Leader), which spell out GIRL.
The digital Volunteer Toolkit simplifies troop management, meeting planning and program experiences, with a link to program resources, and a parent portal that allows families to communicate with troop leaders, manage their daughter’s schedule, and stay involved in her Girl Scout experience.
Girl Scout membership is $25 per year for girls and adults, making it a positive and affordable option for today’s busy families, the release stated.
More information about the Girl Scout Leadership Experience is available at www.gsle.org/join or by calling the council office at 504-733-8220.