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WILLIAM “BILLY” SCHWING PATOUT III

Tue, 08/08/2017 - 10:12am

William “Billy” Schwing Patout III, 84, peacefully passed away Saturday, August 5th, 2017 surrounded by his loved ones. He leaves his wife of 46 years, Susan Crawford Patout; his sons William Patout IV, Rivers Patout, and Simeon Patout (Nina); his daughters Avrill Patout-Viator (Richard), Catherine Patout Pendergast, Hester Patout Bourdier (Paul), and Anne-Marie Patout Bradford (John); seventeen grandchildren; David Verret, Alysse Nereaux, Marianne, Danelle, Roddy, Anne Ruth, Jackson, and Brooklyn Patout, Hester “Missy”, Crawford, George and Susan Bourdier, Judy-Anne, James and Sammy Pendergast, and Mary Beth and John William Bradford; three great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and many close friends and employees he considered family.
Born in New Iberia and raised in Patoutville, Louisiana, he grew up the oldest son of William S. Patout Jr. and Hester Catherine Bernadas Patout.
While growing up on the sugar plantation, he developed an interest and passion for the sugar industry. However, Mr. Patout stepped away from his life in Louisiana to serve in the United States Navy from 1951 to 1955.
Upon returning from serving his country as a Navy Midshipmen in the Korean War, Billy’s career in the sugar industry began in 1959 when he began working at the Enterprise factory in a desperate effort to rebuild the factory after a devastating fire destroyed it in March of that year. He was only 26 years at the time and stories are told of how he could be seen in every area of the destroyed factory working feverishly to assure that it would be ready to operate in the upcoming harvest season.
After completion of his college career, Billy returned to the Enterprise Factory in 1956 working as an Assistant Engineer through 1959. Always seeking a challenge, he made the decision to leave the family business and move to Hawaii to become a sugar engineer for Brewer and Co. in Honolulu. He made several moves working for different sugar companies always thirsting for experience and knowledge that would ultimately serve him in his return to the family business.
In 1970, after working two years in Haiti for Haitian American Sugar, Billy received a letter from the President of the family business (James Patout Burns) to return home to Patoutville to lead the family business, M.A. Patout & Son, LTD., which he did until his retirement in 2001. For 31 years Billy led the company as President, C.E.O. and General Manager through many natural disasters, crop disease, residential intrusion on agricultural land, political concerns and other difficult times. Through it all he maintained his vision of “growth” for the company, believing and often saying, “that when a company stops growing it begins to die.” He along with his loyal and dedicated team of employees that he assembled, he moved forward to realize his vision for the company. Once a small company with limited capacity he grew the business to the largest sugar company in Louisiana, building the largest factory in the state, Enterprise Factory, with a daily capacity in excess of 24,000 tons of sugar cane per 24 hour period. In doing so, and after much research and consideration, he installed the only Cane Diffuser in North America at the Enterprise Factory which was the final install in reaching his ultimate goal that he had set in 1970.
Billy led the company to purchase two Louisiana sugar factories, acquiring Sterling Sugars and Raceland Raw Sugar in the 1990’s thereby solidly defining the company as a major raw sugar producer in the United States. During his tenure with the company, he was successful in increasing the land holding acres from 4,000 to in excess of 56,000 always believing that you must be a good steward of the land and respectful of those that farm the land. He often has been mentioned as the person that saved the Louisiana sugar industry.
Billy served the industry he loved in many capacities, being recognized by professional organizations for his service. He was a director and past President of the sugar trade organization in LA, The American Sugar Cane League, whose primary mission is national and state legislative matters and agricultural and manufacturing research. He also served as past President of Western Sugar Producers, Sugar Processors Research Institute and Agro-Flex all promoted the sugar industry. He was presented with the American Sugar Cane League Presidents’ Award in 2000 and in 2007 received the prestigious “Sugar Man of The Year” award as presented annually by Dyer Memorial in New York City. He has served as Director and Vice-Chairman of the First National Bank of Jeanerette, leading their recent expansion efforts.
Billy’s passions included sugar, sugar, sugar, history, Grand Isle, and mischief; as well as, spending time with his friends and family.
He was preceded in death by his close friend and partner in crime, Johnny Martin; as well as, his two parents and numerous aunts and uncles.
Visitation will be held at Pellerin Funeral Home in New Iberia on Tuesday Aug. 8, 2017 from 5 to 9 in the evening, with eulogies to be delivered at 7 p.m. Visitation prior to Mass will be held at Pellerin’s Funeral Home on Wednesday morning from 8 to 9:30.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday Aug. 9, 2017 at 10 in the morning at St. Peter’s Church in New Iberia. Rev. William C. Blanda will be the Celebrant.
Entombment will follow at St. Nicholas Cemetery in Patoutville, with military honors by the Iberia Honor Guard.
Pallbearers will be Wilson LeBlanc, Craig Caillier, Gerald Guiberteau, Clint Freyou, Paul Bourdier, and John Henry Bradford. Honorary Pallbearers are Sean Pendergast, Bernard Boudreaux, Rudy Hebert, Eddie Lamperez, and Donald Pavy.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made either to The Autism Research Institute, 4182 Adams Avenue, San Diego, Ca. 92116 or The Appoline and Simeon Patout Scholarship Foundation, 3512 J. Patout Burns Road, Jeanerette, LA. 70544.
To view on-line obituary, sign guest book, and view video tribute, please go to www.pellerinfuneralhome.com
Pellerin Funeral Home, 502 Jefferson Terrace Blvd, New Iberia, LA 70560, 337.365.3331, is in charge of the arrangements.

Back-to-School at Broussard-Harris

Tue, 08/08/2017 - 10:12am

A back to school event was held at Broussard-Harris Recreation Center in Franklin on Monday. School children showed up for haircuts and received school supplies for their return to classes this week. More photos in Wednesday’s newspaper. Mayor Raymond Harris Jr., at center, was on hand for the opening along with volunteers and staff. From left are Ed “Tiger” Verdin, Takisha Welch, Ladsha Lofton, Falaisha Thomas, Dr. Kimberly Bibbins, Dawn Melancon, Mayor Harris, Carol Foulcard Hill, Alfred Hill Sr., Jarion Hill, Joseph McDaniel, A’myrie Foulcard, Christian Bell, Sarah Guilbeau and Kyla Williams.

Gym client vents her anger at bad-mouthing by trainer

Tue, 08/08/2017 - 10:05am

DEAR ABBY: My boyfriend and I work out at the same gym. Over the past several months it has gotten back to me that one of the trainers, “Bob,” has been talking negatively about me to some of the other members. My boyfriend works out with another trainer there, and during his workout, I approached him and his trainer and expressed my anger about what Bob was doing. I said I was fed up and that I wanted to confront him. My boyfriend told me to keep my mouth shut and say nothing. He said I shouldn’t take it personally,

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Councilman touts consolidation plan

Tue, 08/08/2017 - 8:51am

St. Mary Parish voters approved a proposal nearly a year ago to begin consolidating some taxing districts, and parish officials have plans to consolidate more districts while increasing efficiency during the next few years. Parish Councilman Gabriel Beadle, R-Berwick, spoke about the consolidation process during the St. Mary Industrial Group’s luncheon meeting Monday at The Petroleum Club of Morgan City. Beadle was elected in April to the At-Large District 10 council seat. He had previously been District 6 councilman since January 2016. Consolidation is a way for government to be more efficient and save taxpayer money, particularly during the economic ...

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Man charged with video voyeurism

Mon, 08/07/2017 - 2:30pm

Staff Report

A 34-year-old Morgan City man was booked on a Patterson police warrant Friday for allegedly taking photographs of someone without the person’s consent.

—Erving L. Knight Jr., 34, of Garber Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 7:08 p.m. Friday on a charge of video voyeurism. Knight was accused of taking photographs of someone without the person’s permission, Detective Larry Jones said. Knight was released on $7,000 bail.

Patterson Police Chief Patrick LaSalle reported the following arrests:

—Ulyess John Boudreaux Jr., 37, of Kemper Street in Patterson, was arrested at 12:43 p.m. Sunday on a charge of simple battery-domestic. Boudreaux was jailed and later released on $2,500 bail.

—Courtney D. Norwood Illig, 23, of St. Lucy Street in Patterson, was arrested at 5:57 p.m. Sunday on charges of two counts of simple battery. Illig was transported to the Morgan City Police Department for housing. Bail was set at $5,000.

St. Mary Parish Sheriff Mark Hebert reported responding 132 complaints in the parish and reported the following arrests relating to east St. Mary Parish:

—Courtney Gauthier, 31, of Chauvin Drive in Morgan City, was arrested at 10:45 p.m. Friday on a warrant for failure to appear for contributing to the delinquency of juveniles.

A deputy responding to a report of a suspicious person on Irish Bend Road made contact with Gauthier who was walking near La. 182 and Sterling Road in Franklin. The deputy located the active warrant for Gauthier’s arrest and transported him to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking. Gauthier was released on a $200 bond.

—Alexander Perez, 44, of North Dog River Drive in Mobile, Alabama, was arrested at 11:08 p.m. Friday on a warrant for failure to appear for disturbing the peace by appearing in an intoxicated condition and criminal damage to property.

A deputy working in Amelia responded to a disturbance that occurred at the business on Lake Palourde Road. While investigating the complaint, the deputy came into contact with Perez and learned of an active warrant for his arrest. While being transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking, Perez kicked the window of the patrol unit causing damage to it. No bail is set.

—Jamie Gomez-Ramos, 42, of Lake Palourde Road in Amelia, was arrested at 10:45 p.m. Sunday on a charge of misdemeanor sexual battery. A deputy responded to a business in Amelia in reference to a possible sexual battery. While speaking with the subjects involved, the deputy found evidence that Gomez-Ramos grabbed a female victim. Gomez-Ramos was transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking. No bail is set.

Morgan City Police Chief James Blair reported responding to 109 calls and reported the following arrests:

—Erving Knight Jr., 33, of Garber Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 11:02 a.m. Friday on a Patterson police warrant charging him with video voyeurism.

Knight was placed under arrest at his home for an active warrant he held for the Patterson Police Department. Knight was jailed.

—Naomi Courville, 40, of Bush Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 9:12 a.m. Friday on charges of driving under suspension, no seat belt, expired inspection sticker and tail lamps required.

A patrol officer in the area of Brashear Avenue near Fifth Street observed a driver of a vehicle not wearing a seat belt.

A traffic stop was conducted and the driver was identified as Courville, who had a suspended driver’s license, Blair said. Courville was jailed.

—Chad E. Gros, 43, of Stephensville Road in Stephensville, was arrested at 4:36 pm. Friday on charges of DWI, improper lane usage and possession of oxycodone.

A patrol officer in the area of La. 182 near Roderick Street observed a vehicle cross the center line of traffic. A traffic stop was conducted and the driver was identified as Gros.

Gros appeared under the influence and performed poorly on a field sobriety test, Blair said. Officers also located pills inside the vehicle identified as oxycodone, Blair said.

Gros submitted to a chemical test for intoxication at the police department and registered 0.000 grams-percent blood alcohol content. Gros was then transported to a local hospital where blood was drawn, Blair said. Once returning to the police department, Gros was jailed.

—Jonathan P. Jacob, 32, of LaPlace, was arrested at 4:53 p.m. Friday on charges of no seat belt, speeding, possession of marijuana, possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia

An officer in the area of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard observed vehicle going faster than the posted speed limit. A traffic stop was conducted, and police located the driver, Jacob.

While talking to Jacob, the officer could smell an odor of suspected marijuana emitting from the vehicle, Blair said. Consent was given to search the vehicle and located drug paraphernalia, suspected marijuana, and methamphetamine inside the vehicle. Jacob was jailed.

—Christen Williams, 23, of Louisa Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 3:52 a.m. Saturday on charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Officers responded to a home on Louisa Street in regard to a disturbance. Officers arrived and spoke with Williams.

Williams had gotten into a verbal altercation with another individual, Blair said. During the investigation, police found suspected methamphetamine and items used for illegal narcotics in Williams’ possession, Blair said. Williams was jailed.

—Herman Jones, 51, of Arizona Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 8:48 a.m. Saturday on charges of no seat belt, no insurance, expired license plate and driving under suspension.

An officer in the area of Sixth and Marguerite streets observed a vehicle with the driver not wearing a seat belt. A traffic stop was conducted, and located the driver, Jones, who had a suspended driver’s license. His vehicle also didn’t have insurance, Blair said. Jones was jailed.

—Jeric J. Bias, 41, of Arkansas Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 1:39 p.m. Saturday on a warrant charging him with contempt of court for violating terms of probation.

Bias was located at his home and arrested on a city court warrant. Bias was jailed.

—Mariah W. Jackson, 27, of Bush Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 2:20 p.m. Saturday on an Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s Office warrant charging her with probation violation.

Mariah Jackson was located on La. 182 near Brashear Avenue and found the active warrant for her arrest. Jackson was jailed.

—Courtland Fullwood, 29, of Park Road in Morgan City, was arrested at 4:05 p.m. Saturday on a charge of possession of stolen property and warrants charging him with theft less than $1,000 and disturbing the peace by using offensive language

—Tracy Silva, 52, of Park Road in Morgan City, was arrested at 4:05 p.m. Saturday on a charge of possession of stolen property and warrants charging her with monetary instrument abuse and four counts of failure to pay fines.

Officers responded to a home on Park Road in regard to a burglary. Officers arrived and spoke with the victim who stated that items were stolen from his home.

During the investigation, police learned that Fullwood and Silva were in possession of the victim’s items, Blair said.

Fullwood also held an active warrant for the Morgan City Police Department for theft and disturbing the peace. The warrant stems from a July incident which alleges that Fullwood had stolen an item from a pharmacy, Blair said.

Silva held active warrants for the Morgan City Police Department and the 6th Ward City Court. The warrant stems from a July incident, in which Silva is alleged to have used a counterfeit $100 bill at a convenient store, Blair said. Fullwood and Silva were jailed.

—Katherine V. Stoute, 25, of La. 182 in Morgan City, was arrested at 10:36 p.m. Saturday on charges of driving under suspension and no turn signal.

A patrol officer in the area of La. 182 and Roderick Street observed a vehicle fail to use a turn signal while turning into the parking lot of a convenient store.

A traffic stop was conducted and the driver, Stoute, had a suspended driver’s license. Stoute was jailed.

—Erick Deleon, 23, of Duke Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 10:30 a.m. Sunday on warrants charging him with failure to appear for no driver’s license and failure to appear for possession of marijuana.

Deleon was located on Fifth Street and arrested on warrants. Deleon was jailed.

—Orlando Flores, 37, of Florence Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 12:43 p.m. Sunday on charges of no seat belt, no driver’s license and warrant for failure to pay probation fees.

A patrol officer in the area of Railroad Avenue near Federal Avenue, observed a vehicle with the driver not wearing a seat belt. A traffic stop was conducted and the driver, Flores, had a city court warrant for his arrest. Flores was jailed.

—Rebecca Sylvester, 25, of Short Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 1:45 p.m. Sunday on charges of domestic abuse battery and disturbing the peace intoxicated.

Officers responded to a residence on Short Street in regard to a domestic disturbance. The victim stated that he and his wife, Sylvester, had gotten into a verbal altercation which turned physical when Sylvester struck him in the facial area, Blair said.

Officers observed a laceration on the victim’s face, Blair said. Police located Sylvester inside of the home, and she appeared to be intoxicated, Blair said. Sylvester was jailed.

—Billie Driskill, 41, of Park Road in Morgan City, was arrested at 8 p.m. Sunday on a warrant for probation violation.

Driskill was located and arrested on Park Road on a city court warrant. Driskill was jailed.

—Dillion P. Burgess, 23, of First Street in Patterson, was arrested at 11 p.m. Sunday on a St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office warrant charging him with failure to comply with drug court. Burgess turned himself into the Morgan City Police Department on the warrant. Burgess was jailed.

—Susette M. Anslum, 42, of Two Sisters Court in Morgan City, was arrested at 2:34 a.m. Monday on a warrant charging her with two counts of failure to appear for arraignment.

Anslum was transported from the Berwick Police Department to the Morgan City Police Department on a Morgan City Court warrant. Anslum was jailed.

Berwick Police Chief James Richard reported the following arrests:

—Janelle Martin, 49, of Honey Lane in Bayou L’Ourse, was arrested at 1:06 a.m. Saturday on charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated and speeding 62 mph in a 45 mph zone. Martin posted $3,000 bail.

—Brent Dalton, 36, of Sydney Jo Lane in Berwick, was arrested at 12:07 p.m. Sunday on charges of possession of methamphetamine, Xanax and marijuana and violation of uniform controlled dangerous substance law-drug free zone. Bail was set at $3,500.

—Gail Rogers, 66, of Sydney Jo Lane in Berwick, was arrested at 5:11 p.m. Sunday on a warrant charging her with obstruction of justice. Rogers posted $1,500 bail.

—Susette Anslum, 42, of Carol Road in Bayou Vista, was arrested at 1:40 a.m. Monday on Morgan City police warrants charging her with contempt of court and disturbing the peace. Anslum was transferred to the Morgan City Police Department.

World's Best! Patterson wins 12U Babe Ruth World Series

Mon, 08/07/2017 - 12:49pm

By GEOFF STOUTE

gstoute@daily-review.com

JENSEN BEACH — For a team that has fought through adversity at times throughout the postseason, it only was fitting that Patterson make things a little more difficult for themselves in Friday’s 6-4 victory against Jefferson Parish Recreation Department East for the Babe Ruth Softball 12U World Series title.

While Jefferson Parish slowly had begun to gain the momentum, turning a 6-1 deficit at one point into a 6-4 Patterson lead, it really turned up the heat in the top of the sixth inning.

After Patterson recorded the first two outs, Jefferson Parish pitcher Delaney Walker, facing an 0-2 count from Patterson pitcher Olivia Black, singled to centerfield.

The next batter, Alexis Yuratich, reached base on an error by Patterson shortstop Mikah Ortiz and Walker’s courtesy runner, Brenna Scardino, advanced to third base on the play, bringing the go-ahead run to the plate.

However, instead of panicking in the moment, Patterson simply fought through the adversity as it had much of this postseason as Black induced a ground ball from the next batter, Lawren DiBella, which was fielded by Ortiz and thrown to first for the game’s final out.

“We were made for “We were made for this,” Ortiz said of the team’s ability to keep their composure when things got tough in the sixth inning. “We were used to pressure because travel ball, it’s all pressure, and even at practice when coaches are yelling at us, it all prepares us for this, and so I don’t think we were nervous at all. this,” Ortiz said of the team’s ability to keep their composure when things got tough in the sixth inning. “We were used to pressure because travel ball, it’s all pressure, and even at practice when coaches are yelling at us, it all prepares us for this, and so I don’t think we were nervous at all. We knew that if we could hold them, we were going to win.”

Patterson clinched the 12U World Series for Patterson after a heartbreaking 3-2 defeat in the 10U semifinals a year ago.

So what is it like to win a World Series?

“It was amazing, everything I’d imagined it to be,” Black said. Always dreamed about doing this, and it finally came true, so I’m just really happy that it happened this way.”

Black earned the win Friday as she pitched a complete game and surrendered four runs (three earned) on 10 hits with one walk and one strikeout.

Friday’s meeting was the seventh this postseason between Patterson and Jefferson Parish as the teams had split their previous six matchups, three games apiece.

Patterson’s (15-3 in nonexhibition games at the Louisiana tournament, Southwest Regional and World Series) three losses this post season all came to Jefferson Parish. After falling at state to the New Orleans-area squad, Patterson climbed its way through the loser’s bracket and defeated Jefferson Parish once before falling in a winner-take-all game that was shortened due to weather.

At the Southwest Regional, Patterson again fell to Jefferson Parish before winning three games on the tournament’s final day — the final two against Jefferson Parish — to win the Southwest Regional crown.

At the World Series, Patterson was the lone 12U squad to finish the event undefeated.

Both Patterson coach Harris DeHart and Jefferson Parish coach Dawn Benoit agreed Friday’s Jefferson Parish-Patterson game simply was another classic between the two teams.

Jefferson Parish took its lone lead in the top of the first inning when Yuratich, who doubled to the centerfield wall to lead off the game, scored on a passed ball for a 1-0 lead.

Patterson countered with three runs in the bottom of the first inning, two of those on Amaya Williams’ single to centerfield for a 2-1 Patterson lead.

“It felt good, because I’ve been battling that same pitcher since state, and I could never get a square hit on her, and when I finally did that, I felt like I accomplished something,” Williams said.

The local squad’s third run came home on a sacrifice fly by Hilary Pillaro.

Patterson added three more runs in the bottom of the third for a 6-1 advantage and seemed in control of the game.

However, Jefferson Parish made things interesting the remainder of the way as it scored two runs in the fourth and one in the fifth.

Lillian Hernandez’s groundout to third base and Walker’s single to centerfield accounted for both Jefferson Parish runs in the fourth.

Aubrie Claverie’s single scored Mykail Lusco in the fifth inning. Lusco led off the inning with a double that dropped near the leftfield wall.

While Patterson had success early, Walker, who relieved starter Carley Koch in the third inning, kept Patterson off the scoreboard. In 2.1 innings, she surrendered one hit and struck out five.

“Delaney is a lefthander, just like Carley was, and she hides the ball very well, so you can’t see exactly how it comes out of her (glove) when she releases it, so she did a very good job on the mound,” Benoit said.

Koch suffered the loss. In 2.2 innings, she surrendered six runs (six earned) on seven hits with three walks and three strikeouts.

Claverie led the Jefferson Parish offense with a 3-for-3 performance with a double and an RBI. Other top Jefferson Parish offensive contributors included Walker, 2-for-2 with an RBI; Allie Domangue, 2-for-3, a run scored; Lusco, 1-for-3, a double and a run scored; Gabrielle Perl, 1-for-3; DiBella, 1-for-4; and Hernandez, an RBI.

Ortiz led Patterson with a 2-for-2 performance with two runs scored. Other top Patterson offensive contributors included Abbie Scully, 2-for-3; Williams and Pillaro, each 1-for-2 with two RBIs and a run scored; Laila Dugar, 1-for-3, a double and an RBI; and Hailey Skiles, 1-for-3.

NOTES: Patterson received several honors following the series. Williams was named to the 12U All-Defensive Team and the 12U World Series team. Ortiz and Skiles also were named to the 12U World Series Team. Ortiz was named the 12U Batting Champion, while Black was named the 12U Most Outstanding Player. Maggie Lemoine was named the top player from the championship game. DeHart thanked the team’s sponsors and all those who supported the team in person or at home.

Fire destroys Patterson-area mobile home

Mon, 08/07/2017 - 10:49am

The Daily Review/Bill Decker

The state fire marshal is investigating a possible arson in the fire that destroyed this mobile home at midday Friday on Natalie Lane near Patterson. The home was vacant and had no electricity. Members of the Patterson Volunteer Fire Department with assistance from Centerville, Bayou Vista and Franklin fought the fire. No injuries were reported.

Louisiana Spotlight: New flood recovery snag? Getting people to sign up

Mon, 08/07/2017 - 10:46am

By MELINDA DESLATTE, Associated Press

BATON ROUGE — With tens of thousands of Louisiana homes damaged by floodwaters last year, you might expect a mad dash from homeowners scrambling to seek the $1.3 billion in federal recovery aid available for repairs and rebuilding.

Instead, state officials still are trying to persuade people to sign up across the 51 parishes damaged by the March and August 2016 floods now that Congress has provided the cash, and that’s going to make it harder to pressure Washington for another round of recovery dollars.

Louisiana’s flood rebuilding program is emailing, sending text messages, running ads, hosting outreach events and even going door-to-door to try to track down homeowners who might be eligible for aid, along with locating those who could stand to receive assistance if the state gets more federal money.

“We still have thousands of homeowners out there who we know are eligible for assistance and the funds are now available, but we do need them to sign up,” Edwards said, standing outside a home repaired through the state’s Restore Louisiana program.

Asked about the difficulty getting flood victims’ attention, the Democratic governor said: “Certainly it’s been a little harder than I wanted it to be.”

Pat Forbes, Edwards’ disaster recovery chief, said the $1.3 billion earmarked for homeowners will provide rebuilding aid to an estimated 37,000 people, those who had major or severe flood damage and mainly those who didn’t have flood insurance coverage. Homeowners who meet the criteria can get partial reimbursement for repair and rebuilding work they’ve already completed, and some lower-income, elderly homeowners could get full reimbursement.

The first step to get in the pipeline for homeowner aid is a short survey posted at www.restore.la.gov or available at various housing assistance centers.

Restore Louisiana is using the survey responses to help determine if people are eligible for existing aid — and also to tally what unmet needs still exist for homeowners as Louisiana continues to lobby Washington for more help.

More than 36,000 people have filled out the survey since it went online in April. About 21,000 are expected to be eligible for the available aid, short of the people expected to qualify and only a fraction of the 112,000 homes estimated to have been damaged by the floods.

Forbes listed an array of roadblocks in getting people to take the survey.

Some homeowners assume Louisiana will run out of money before getting to them. Some incorrectly think only low-income homeowners are eligible. Others believe they can’t get a dime because they finished rebuilding. People don’t trust government programs. Some see an advertisement and think it’s a scam. And some simply haven’t heard about the aid.

“I continue to be surprised that there are people who say they didn’t know the program existed. It’s hard for me to imagine that scenario, but it’s out there,” Forbes said.

Response levels are far lower in north Louisiana and Acadiana than in the Baton Rouge region. Forbes expects interest in the survey to build as more people get assistance — and their neighbors hear about it.

Fewer than three dozen grants have been awarded so far through Restore Louisiana, representing less than $1 million in homeowner aid. The Edwards administration expects the pace to pick up in the coming weeks.

Hoping to draw attention to available assistance, Edwards toured one of the first homes repaired through the program with 63-year-old homeowner Lillie Gumm.

Gumm wiped away tears as she showed Edwards and his wife Donna the rebuilt kitchen, where workers still were installing light switch covers. After staying with friends and now living in a FEMA trailer, Gumm was days away from moving back into her home, which was ravaged by nearly 3 feet of floodwater.

She anticipates being home by next weekend’s anniversary of the flooding.

“It has been a very depressing, frustrating ordeal that we all have gone through. And I really do appreciate this program. It’s a lot better than what I expected,” Gumm said.

But others in her Park Forest neighborhood still are working to rebuild. Front lawns are dotted with FEMA trailers, and some homes still had the distinctive piles of debris indicating flood repairs.

Melinda Deslatte has covered Louisiana politics for The Associated Press since 2000. Follow her at http://twitter.com/melindadeslatte

BILLIE JEWEL LASSEIGNE CASSO

Mon, 08/07/2017 - 10:44am

Billie Jewel Lasseigne Casso, 86, a resident of Bayou Vista, passed away Sunday, August 6, 2017, at Teche Regional Medical Center, surrounded by her loving daughters.

Billie was born on April 9, 1931, in Berwick, the daughter of Joseph Lester Lasseigne and Azema Acosta Lasseigne.

“Ma Billie,” as she was known to many, was a true caregiver who loved taking care of people. She loved to cook and spend time with her family while they ate the meal she prepared. She was a member of the St. Bernadette Catholic Church Ladies Altar Society as well as a member of the Ladies Auxiliary at Teche Regional Medical Center, where her true care-giving heart shined.

She will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by two daughters, Brownie Taylor and husband Mark of Morgan City, and Phyllis Jensen and husband Robert of Berwick; five grandchildren, Ryan Jensen and wife Natalie, Erin Taylor, Brittany Bogan and husband Kevin, Meredith Taylor, Tyler Jensen and wife Katie; and three great-grandchildren, Emily Jensen, Brady Jensen and one more arriving in February 2018. She is also survived by “Me Too” and numerous other nieces and nephews.

Billie was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Azema Acosta Lasseigne; husband, Perry Joseph Casso; one daughter, Gina Casso; one sister, Marlbrie Goff; eight brothers, Aubrey, Berlin, Jay, Jessie, Fonston, Everett, Joffery and Lester Lasseigne.

Pallbearers will be Ryan Jensen, Tyler Jensen, Kevin Bogan, Paul Johnson, Nels Offerdahl and Don Lasseigne.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Tuesday, August 8, 2017, at Holy Cross Catholic Church with Father Clyde Mahler and Father Angelo Cremaldi celebrating the Mass. A wake will be held from 9 a.m. until the time of Mass, and, following, Mass Billie will be laid to rest in the Berwick Cemetery Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Holy Cross Elementary School, 2100 Cedar St. Unit 2, Morgan City LA 70380.

ROBERT THOMAS 'TOMMY' HUGHES

Mon, 08/07/2017 - 10:42am

Robert Thomas “Tommy” Hughes, 68, a resident of Bayou Vista; passed away Saturday, August 5, 2017, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Tommy was born on January 7, 1949, in Longview, Texas, the son of Robert Tilden Hughes and Vivian Jean Clark.

Tommy was a true proud son of Texas; a 1967 graduate of MacArthur High School in Irving (Go Big Mac!) and a three-plus-year student at Texas Tech. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed deer hunting, fishing and playing golf. Being from Texas, he loved his westerns and anything John Wayne. Tommy never met a stranger no matter where he would go. He had a world class gift of gab and was always quick with a joke for anyone who would listen. Tommy loved his country and proudly served in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War, having participated in battles for Hue City and Khe Sahn. He was a beloved father and grandfather and life of the party who will be missed by all who knew him.

He will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by four children, Robin Myers and husband Artie of Bayou Vista, Tammy Como and husband Enrico of Crowley, Jariett Hughes and wife Shannon of Orlando, Florida, and Jacob Hughes and wife Stephanie of Glasgow, Montana; 12 grandchildren, Lauren, Ryan, Cody, McKinley, Dillan, Austin, Madison, Dillon, Megan, Addison, Maelyn and Trevor; and two brothers, Jerry Hughes and wife Kim of Llano, Texas, and Larry Hughes and wife Susanna of Kellar, Texas. Tommy is also survived by Jeremy Hughes, his hunting buddy and close nephew, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Tommy was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Jean Clark Hughes; one son, Robert Thomas Hughes II.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 8, 2017, at Twin City Funeral Home with a short visitation being held from 12:30 p.m. until the time of the service. At the conclusion of the funeral services, Military Honors will be rendered by the United States Marine Corps.