Rain clouds threatened to spoil Sunday's Patterson Christmas Parade, but the weather held and the parade rolled down Main Street.
The event was marred by an injury sustained by a rider who fell from a float as the parade was getting underway at 2 p.m. The rider was taken by helicopter to an area hospital.
The Review/Bill Decker
A Baldwin man was killed late Saturday in a single-vehicle crash near La. 83 in Franklin, Louisiana State Police Troop I said.
Troopers identified the victim as Remus Tardy, 40.
State police were notified just before midnight Saturday and call to the eastbound U.S. 90 frontage road just west of La. 83. The preliminary investigation revealed that Tardy was driving a 2002 Lincoln Town Car east on the frontage road when, for reasons still under investigation, the Lincoln traveled off the roadway to the right, state police said.
The Lincoln traveled off the roadway to the right. Tardy attempted to regain control by steering left, but overcorrected causing the Lincoln to overturn.
Tardy, who was unrestrained at the time of the crash, was partially ejected, sustained fatal injuries. A passenger, who was also unrestrained, was transported to a nearby hospital with moderate injuries.
As part of the ongoing investigation, routine toxicology samples were obtained for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.
State police said that while not all crashes are survivable, wearing seat belts correctly can significantly improve your chances
of survival and reduce injury severity. Ensure that the seatbelt is correctly positioned across your hips and shoulders, and make sure that children are securely fastened in appropriate car seats.
Additionally, distracted and inattentive driving continues to be a leading cause of crashes in our state. By following these precautions and adhering to traffic laws, we can all contribute to safer roads.
The money raised by a new property tax for Hospital Service District No. 2 won’t start coming in until next year. But the district’s chairman says repairs at Ochsner St. Mary will begin sooner than that.
The district’s 9-mill property tax passed easily in a light turnout Saturday, a day that was friendly to tax propositions in St. Mary. New levies passed for public safety in Franklin and Baldwin, and millage renewals in each of the School Board’s three maintenance districts passed by big margins.
The Hospital Service District No. 2 tax, which will apply to property from the Calumet Cut east, was billed as needed to upgrade the Ochsner St. Mary building, which is operated by Ochsner Health but owned by the district. Proceeds will also be used for scholarships for local people who want to enter health care fields.
The $3.4 million the tax is expected to raise each year will allow the district to begin work on upgrades even before the actual revenue comes in, said Dr. William Cefalu, who practices at the Morgan City hospital and chairs the district’s board. The tax creates a revenue stream against which the district can borrow money.
“We plan on going to the (State) Bond Commission,” Cefalu said. “We have some urgent needs we have to take care of before next hurricane season.”
A hurricane that struck after the board decided to submit the tax proposition to voters underscored the point.
Hurricane Francine and its rapid 10-inch rain fall exposed the fact that the hospital isn’t sealed against weather. The wet walls closed the hospital to in-patient care for a few weeks after the Sept. 11 storm.
The hospital needs to be sealed against moisture, windows needupgrading, the roof needs work, and the building requires a new air-conditioning system that can maintain positive pressure, Cefalu said.
Voters agreed that the work is necessary, to judge by the returns. The tax passed 70%-30% in a turnout of just less than 16%.
“I am grateful that the citizens of the district see the value in our hospital,” Cefalu said.
“I’m also humbled and honored that they trust the HSD to implement the necessary improvements needed to ensure it is here for future generations.”
The scholarship language is designed to keep talented St. Mary young people here to work in health-related fields.
A lack of medical staff members was a factor cited by Ochsner when, in 2023, it closed the Morgan City hospital to nonemergency labor and delivery care in favor of a Bayou Region consolidation at Ochsner St. Anne in Raceland.
St. Mary results only
Hospital Service
District No. 2
9 Mills - BOC - 10 Yrs.
Early & Absentee Reporting - 1 of 1 parishes
Election Day Reporting - 24 of 24 precincts Votes
2,128 YES 70%
924 NO 30%
Total: 3,052
Unofficial Turnout: 15.9%
Law Enforcement Sub-District No. 1
10 Mills Renewal - Sheriff - 10 Yrs.
Early & Absentee Reporting - 1 of 1 parishes
Election Day Reporting - 1 of 1 precincts
17 YES 85%
3 NO 15%
Total: 20
Unofficial Turnout: 26.3%
Consolidated School District Number Two (2)
12.73 Mills Continuation - SB - 10 Yrs.
Early & Absentee Reporting - 1 of 1 parishes
Election Day Reporting - 13 of 13 precincts Votes
895 YES 58%
640 NO 42%
Total: 1,535
Unofficial Turnout: 14.0%
Consolidated School District Number Three (3)
12.42 Mills Continuation - SB - 10 Yrs.
Early & Absentee Reporting - 1 of 1 parishes
Election Day Reporting - 22 of 22 precincts
832 YES 59%
582 NO 41%
Total: 1,414
Unofficial Turnout: 11.0%
Sixth Ward Special School District No. 3
12.53 Mills Continuation - SB - 10 Yrs.
Early & Absentee Reporting - 1 of 1 parishes
Election Day Reporting - 12 of 12 precincts
870 YES 62%
531 NO 38%
Total: 1,401
Unofficial Turnout: 17.0%
Town of Baldwin
1% S&U Tax - M&BOA - In Perp.
Early & Absentee Reporting - 1 of 1 parishes
Election Day Reporting - 3 of 3 precincts
179 YES 77%
52 NO 23%
Total: 231
Unofficial Turnout: 16.0%
City of Franklin
1% S&U Tax - M&CC - In Perp.
Early & Absentee Reporting - 1 of 1 parishes
Election Day Reporting - 10 of 10 precincts Votes
393 YES 69%
177 NO 31%
Total: 570
Unofficial Turnout: 12.2%
Consolidated Gravity Drainage District No. 1
7.81 Mills Renewal - BOC - 10 Yrs.
Early & Absentee Reporting - 1 of 1 parishes
Election Day Reporting - 22 of 22 precincts Votes
936 YES 66%
478 NO 34%
Turnout: 26.3%
Consolidated School District Number Two (2)
12.73 Mills Continuation - SB - 10 Yrs.
Early & Absentee Reporting - 1 of 1 parishes
Election Day Reporting - 13 of 13 precincts Votes
895 YES 58%
640 NO 42%
Total: 1,535
Unofficial Turnout: 14.0%
Consolidated School District Number Three (3)
12.42 Mills Continuation - SB - 10 Yrs.
Early & Absentee Reporting - 1 of 1 parishes
Election Day Reporting - 22 of 22 precincts
832 YES 59%
582 NO 41%
Total: 1,414
Unofficial Turnout: 11.0%
Sixth Ward Special School District No. 3
12.53 Mills Continuation - SB - 10 Yrs.
Early & Absentee Reporting - 1 of 1 parishes
Election Day Reporting - 12 of 12 precincts
870 YES 62%
531 NO 38%
Total: 1,401
Unofficial Turnout: 17.0%
CA No. 1 (ACT No. 405, 2024 - SB 177)
Provides relative to the investigative authority and membership of the judiciary commission
Runs in multiple parishes
Early & Absentee Reporting - 1 of 1 parishes
Election Day Reporting - 46 of 46 precincts
2,698 YES 63%
1,608 NO 37%
Total: 4,306
Unofficial Turnout: 13.4%
CA No. 2 (ACT No. 406, 2024 - HB 48)
Provides relative to the timing of consideration and required information of appropriations bills
Runs in multiple parishes
Early & Absentee Reporting - 1 of 1 parishes
Election Day Reporting - 46 of 46 precincts
3,013 YES 70%
1,268 NO 30%
Total: 4,281
Unofficial Turnout: 13.3%
CA No. 3 (ACT No. 407, 2024 - HB 49)
Allows the legislature to extend a regular session for a limited time period for a specific purpose
Runs in multiple parishes
Early & Absentee Reporting - 1 of 1 parishes
Election Day Reporting - 46 of 46 precincts
2,771 YES 65%
1,510 NO 35%
Total: 4,281
Unofficial Turnout: 13.3%
CA No. 4 (ACT No. 409, 2024 - SB 119)
Provides relative to the administration of tax sales of immovable property
Runs in multiple parishes
Early & Absentee Reporting - 1 of 1 parishes
Election Day Reporting - 46 of 46 precincts
2,473 YES 58%
1,797 NO 42%
Total: 4,270
Unofficial Turnout: 13.3%
Back in October and November, the fall migration of all species of birds from songbirds to raptors, wading birds to waterfowl, seemingly got off to a slow start. But what a difference a few cold fronts make.
The woods, marshes, and agricultural fields are now teeming with birds of all kinds small and large.
I made my first birding trip in early November to Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge to see if any ducks were showing up prior to the West Zone duck season. The refuge is a good gauge to determine what the opener will look like in the surrounding marshes. Though there was plenty of year around resident, black-bellied whistling ducks, there were few puddle ducks. I was quite surprised.
A couple of weeks later, on Nov. 20, I had a scheduled waterfowl hunt on Cameron Prairie NWR. After my hunt, before heading home, I decided to make a pass on the refuge’s Pintail Drive wildlife loop.
This loop is a photograper and nature lover’s dream. Birders from across the country and from around the world come to Pintail Drive in the winter to see literally thousands of ducks and geese. To my dismay, there was nary a duck or goose along the entire 3.1-mile loop.
Over the past two weeks a couple of major snowstorms have crossed the northern half of the U.S. and Canada leaving the northern prairie states, the Great Lakes states and much of New England covered in snow.
“It seems like overnight the kingfishers, kestrels, hawks, eagles, and ospreys have showed up in big numbers,” said Frank Garacci, a retired and award-winning nature photographer from New Iberia.
Garacci, regularly travels Southwest Louisiana photographing every species of birds he comes across. Garacci has a large local following on social media, where he not only shares his photography captures, but also the locations where people can also enjoy them too.
With the recent southerly push of birds from the north, Garacci said, “I can tell you the latest front brought a bunch of ducks and geese down. I was lucky enough to see and photograph a Harris hawk. I’ve been that way a couple – three times since and he’s nowhere in sight. It’s quite possible he was just passing through.”
“But our usual winter birds are also down,” Garacci continued. “I haven’t photographed them yet because they will be here all winter. The white pelicans are also down and hanging out in their usual places.
One of the birds Garacci has seen and photographed is the crested caracara. The crested caracara, also known as Audubon’s caracara, according to George H. Lowery, in his book Louisiana Birds, is predominantly a southwest Louisiana bird. However, this member of the falcon family has been seen locally this fall.
Paul Schaub, a resident of Bayou Vista and president of the Terrebonne Bird Club, said, “A newer bird to the parish is a pair of crested caracaras that have been hanging out near Cypremort Point State Park. They’re widely seen in Cameron and Vermillion parishes.
Cypremort Point State Park has an excellent above-marsh boardwalk that allows visitors a solid, flat, and comfortable surface to walk on with a couple of rest/observation stations. It’s also handicap accessible. I’ve been on this walkway on several occasions in both the spring and winter. Never, have I been disappointed when it comes to birding.
Schaub said, “The state park is also a good place to see several different species of gulls, terns, and brown pelicans.” Baton Rouge resident and avid birder Bob Long is also someone who travels the state watching and photographing birds. He regularly feeds birds in his backyard where quite a few species of songbirds have showed up over the past three years.Long said, “Winter species that have showed up in my yard are orange-crowned warblers, yellow-rumped warblers, ruby-crowned kinglets, eastern bluebirds, robins, gold finches, and dark-eyed juncos. The winter season, like the spring months, give many birders opportunities and a better chance to see the birds while feeding in the trees, because there’s less foliage.
More locally, Bayou Teche NWR literally winters a treasure trove of birds for people to see.
Schaub admits sparrows are some of his favorite species. During a recent expedition on Bayou Teche NWR, he found plenty.
“The Franklin Trail was really good the other day. I saw a hermit thrush, a Savanna sparrow, a white-throated sparrow, some swamp sparrows, and house wrens. Those were all good finds.
Schaub also mentioned that bald eagles are showing up around Lake Palourde in good numbers. Moreover, besides the lake, he also recommended checking out the Berwick Boat Landing, and Russo Boat Landing to see bald eagles.
With winter birding action heating up, the closer it is to this year’s Audubon Christmas Bird Count. The bird count is the nation’s longest-running community science bird project. This year’s count runs from Dec. 14 through Jan. 5.
Later in the winter you can also get involved in the Great Backyard Bird Count. For more information and how to participate in the Christmas Bird Count and the Great Backyard Bird Count go to the Audubon.org web page.
John Flores is the Morgan City Review’s outdoor writer. He can be contacted at gowiththeflo@cox.net
Tropics-watchers predicted an eerily active hurricane season for 2024. They got it.
And Morgan City sustained its worst hit from hurricane wind and rain in more than three decades, sustaining widespread street and structure flooding while still escaping the worst the season had to offer.
The hurricane season is considered to last from June 1 to Nov. 30.
The early predictions from sources such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and Colorado State University were for tropical storm and hurricane numbers half again as high as the average season.
The final count from NOAA was 18 named storms — sustained winds of at least 39 mph — and 11 hurricanes with winds of at least 74 mph.
That number included five hurricanes classified as major because of sustained wind of at least 111 mph. Two major hurricanes were among the five that made landfall in the United States.
Hurricane Francine, came ashore in Terrebonne Parish near Morgan City early in the evening of Sept. 11 as a Category 2 hurricane with winds of 100 mph and an official total of 10 inches of rain in half a day’s time.
Widespread but relatively brief street flooding afflicted Berwick and Patterson. In Morgan City, the system of pump stations designed to move water outside the levee system was overwhelmed.
An unofficial count of 350 Morgan City homes had some level of flooding, in addition to downed trees, damaged roofs and blackouts that for many lasted from Wednesday’s landfall into the weekend.
More than 6,000 people signed up for some form of Federal Emergency Management Agency assistance. FEMA set up points of distribution for water, food and other supplies in Morgan City and Franklin. The Small Business Administration, which offers low-interest loans to repair damaged homes as well as businesses, set up shop at the Chamber of Commerce.
Parish President Sam Jones later announced that Gov. Jeff Landry had ruled that money earmarked for coastal protection and restoration could be used to improve the pump system in Morgan City, a project expected to cost $4 million-$6 million.
The Gallagher Re reinsurance brokers estimated that Francine caused at least $1 billion in damage. And that turned out to be a small fraction of the damage caused by the 2024 season.
Some estimates go as high as $220 billion for all the storms of 2024. No fatalities were reported as a result of Francine, but the total for other storms topped 400.
Among those storms:
—Hurricane Beryl, which reached Category 5 strength as it approached the Caribbean, made landfall July 7 in Texas as a Category 1 hurricane.
—Hurricane Helene made landfall Sept. 26 near the Aucilla River in Florida with winds of 140 mph. The winds diminished rapidly, but the storm continued northward into Georgia, the Carolinas and eastern Tennessee, stalling to cause catastrophic flooding.
An unofficial total of 233 deaths have been linked to Helene, making it the second-deadliest hurricane in 50 years after Katrina in 2005.
—Hurricane Milton bounced between Categories 4 and 5 before coming ashore Oct. 9 at Siesta Key, Florida, as a Category 3 storm with winds of 120 mph. Milton spawned a string of tornadoes. Among the damaged structures was Tropicana Field, home of the Tampa Bay Rays.
It was 33 years ago this past week that perhaps the most consequential and controversial election in the nation’s history took place here in the Bayou State.
Edwin Edwards and David Duke squared off in a runoff election for governor. Not only were voters across the nation fascinated by what was taking place down in the deepest of the Deep South states, there was worldwide interest in a showdown between a controversial former governor and the former head of the Ku Klux Klan.
Incumbent Gov. Buddy Roemer was squeezed out of the runoff, as Edwards outflanked him to the left and Duke overwhelmed Roemer among conservative voters
Louisiana was the only state in America that has a convoluted election system where all candidates run against each other the same time, irrespective of political affiliation. It’s been called the “jungle primary,” and was the downfall of Roemer.
He tried to run as centrist, and you just can’t do that under Louisiana’s current system. I know this from personal experience as a candidate for governor, as I was cut out in the same convoluted system four years earlier.
Roemer was left on the sidelines as the showdown pitted conservative white Louisianans against populist southern democratic voters, with moderates stuck in the middle trying to figure out just what was the least offensive vote to cast.
I had an up-close view of the race as I was running myself statewide for insurance commissioner.
My path would cross with both candidates several times a week as we each crisscrossed Louisiana in our efforts to garner votes. It was retail politics at its best as all the statewide candidates “pressed the flesh” at fairs, parades, festivals and campaign rallies all over the state.
Today, candidates try to influence votes by raising money and going on TV. It’s a sad commentary on the current political atmosphere that those who hope to get elected generally ignore the chance to get out and visit with voters.
A surreal moment took place for me a week before the election.
My wife and I took a break from our own campaigning, and drove over to a large crawfish restaurant in Breaux Bridge with some friends.
I felt comfortable that I would win handily in my own race for insurance commissioner, and we just wanted to get away from all the campaigning. Some of the locals recognized me, but our group mostly stayed to ourselves in one of the corners and focused on enjoying the crawfish.
Just as we got settled, Edwin Edwards walked in the door. He made a beeline for our table, took a seat, ordered a tray of crawfish and, in typical Edwards fashion, began entertaining our group and surrounding tables with his Cajun humor.
Not 10 minutes later, in comes David Duke. Spotting our group, he too joined us as the whole restaurant focused on our table.
The banter and joking went on for a good while between the two candidates. Then they each went to their own separate tables.
In the next hour, patrons of the restaurant lined up at the tables of their chosen candidate, either Edwards or Duke, often leaving a cash donation. Just another night on the campaign trail.
Edwards went on to soundly defeat Duke receiving 61% of the vote, served out his fourth term as governor, went to jail, ran for Congress, had a new son at the age of 86, and passed away at the age of 93.
A birthday celebration following his release from prison was a sell out at the grand ballroom of a New Orleans hotel, and a recent poll pegged him as the most popular governor in Louisiana’s last one hundred years.
Duke also went to jail, ran for U.S. senator in 2016, and continued to rant about white supremacy. He was a factor in Donald Trump’s first presidential election as Duke endorsed Trump, and Trump refused to disassociate himself from the former Klan leader.
Gubernatorial elections in Louisiana are never bland and boring. But it will be hard to top the Edwards-Duke knock-down-drag-out election of 1991 that will go down in history as “the Runoff from Hell.”
Peace and Justice
Jim Brown
Jim Brown’s syndicated column appears each week in numerous newspapers throughout the nation and on websites worldwide. You can read all his past columns and see continuing updates at http://www.jimbrownusa.com.
When the first cold front pushes into South Louisiana in late fall, the thoughts of right-thinking people naturally turn to gumbo.
Everyone agrees, or should, that cool weather and gumbo go together like, well, gumbo and rice.
But not everyone agrees about what some people say is a tradition and others say is an abomination: gumbo and potato salad.
Should potato salad be allowed anywhere near a good gumbo?
If it is, should it go in the gumbo or be served as a side dish?
Those questions have inspired healthy arguments over many a kitchen table, and will likely never be resolved.
Some cooks say you should never put potato salad in a bowl of gumbo. Gumbo is served over rice, they argue.
Why do you want to add another starch like potatoes? Especially if it will change the taste of something already tasty.
But plenty of others say potato salad does indeed add another flavor, and makes the gumbo better.
As one food writer put it, “The creamy, tangy potato salad balances out the spicy, aromatic gumbo, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.”
Baton Rouge newspaper writer Jan Risher suggested in a recent article that “potato salad and gumbo are as connected as peanut butter and jelly,” but also suggests that there may be divided opinion about that. She quotes restaurateurs who serve potato salad with their gumbo, and who say that about half of the diners put it into the gumbo and half eat it as a side dish, or not at all.
Is it traditional? That depends on when and where you look. It could be that both rice and potato salad are indeed traditional — but not Cajun or Creole.
C. Paige Guitierrez says in her book about Cajun cooking, “Gumbo is served by ladling it over a dish of rice, or by placing a scoop of rice into a dish of gumbo” (“Cajun Foodways,” University Press of Mississippi, 1992). The book has several extended passages about gumbo, but nowhere does she mention potato salad — suggesting, at least to my mind, that the potato salad idea came from someone other than a Cajun.
University of Louisiana-Lafayette cultural historian Michael Martin suggested to Risher that south Louisiana’s German settlers may have been the first to put potato salad in their gumbo. I know potato salad was a traditional and favored food among my German ancestors.
My mother’s mother was a Fitzenreiter, and made the best potato salad I’ve ever eaten. And it is worth noting that the Germans who enjoyed a good potato salad were also among the pioneers in large-scale rice production in South Louisiana.
“I wonder if the idea of mixing the rice and potato salad together didn’t originate with those Germans,” Martin told Risher. “‘Why mix potato salad in with gumbo?’ is a curious question. First off, there hasn’t historically been a lot of potato production in south Louisiana, but it does work well as a soup thickener.”
That goes along with the observation by others that rice and/or potatoes help make the gumbo go farther, and to Guiterrez’s observation that “gumbo is an economical dish … [that] allows the cook … to feed a large number of people with a small amount of meat or seafood.”
She also observes that “the main dishes which are most frequently described as Cajun consist of a spicy, multi-ingredient component (meat or seafood plus seasoning vegetables), combined with a relatively bland and simple staple, usually rice.”
According to my unscientific observation, that staple is still usually rice. But enough people now think of potato salad as a necessary bland, simple filler that restaurants feel compelled to offer it at least as a side dish.
It may be lost altogether in this grand debate that the choice may boil down to the simple question of how good the potato salad is.
To my mind, a dollop of good potato salad could go into the bowl without any great harm or trepidation.
But I have to ask: If the potato salad is really that good, why ruin it by soaking it in gumbo? And if it isn’t very good, why eat it all — in, out, or alongside?
You can contact Jim Bradshaw at jimbradshaw4321@gmail.com or P.O. Box 1121, Washington LA 70589.
You can winterize your car. You can winterize your boat.
And experts say it’s important to winterize your sleep routine, too.
The winter months can disrupt your routing because of the shorter days, colder temperatures and the transition to Daylight Savings Time.
Rosie Osmun, certified sleep science coach from Amerisleep, has shared how the winter months affect your sleep routine and some tips for ensuring a good night’s sleep throughout the season.
Daylight
Savings Time
While adjusting the time by one hour may not seem drastic, this transition interferes with your circadian rhythms. These are 24-hour cycles that regulate sleep and other vital bodily functions, such as appetite and mood, and are largely dependent on light exposure.
The difference in hours disrupts your sleep-wake cycle by changing the hours you are exposed to natural light. This may reduce your ability to feel energized in the morning and sleepy at night.
Reduced
daylight
When the shorter days kick in following daylight saving time, you may start your day before sunrise and then finish work when it is dark outside.
This change in daylight exposure reduces your vitamin D levels, which are important for serotonin production and, consequently, your sleep-wake cycles. This reduced intake can lead to daytime fatigue, and even feelings of depression, which are linked to the condition seasonal affective disorder.
Consider investing in a sunrise alarm clock if you struggle to wake up in the dark mornings. These clocks wake you up naturally by simulating a natural sunrise, gently waking you up rather than with a sudden alarm sound. Many sunrise alarms also have a sundown setting that gradually dims before bedtime and removes blue wavelengths that keep you awake.
Cold weather
Temperature plays a vital role in the onset of sleep and circadian rhythms. As your body prepares to relax and sleep, your internal temperature dips slightly and stays lower until a few hours before you wake up.
The ideal room temperature for good quality sleep is between 60 and 70 degrees, meaning that the cooler temperatures of winter support the body’s natural deep sleep process.
Therefore, instead of heating your bedroom up for long hours in the winter, you can enhance the temperature drop effect. This can be done by taking a warm bath one or two hours before bed, removing extra layers from the day or cuddling for a few minutes before sleeping in a cool bed.
Colds and flu
The winter always brings increases in colds and flu, which can make sleep incredibly uncomfortable through snoring, coughing, and elevated body temperatures.
Even medicines can impact deep sleep cycles, with drugs such as pseudoephedrine and diphenhydramine, which list sleep problems in their side effects. Even some cough syrups contain alcohol, which can impair deep sleep cycles.
Always check the ingredients of medicines and cough syrups to understand their potential side effects and how they may fit into your sleep-wake cycle.
Sleep routine
A consistent routine is essential for high quality sleep across the season, as well as adjusting to daylight saving time. While you may already wake up at the same time every day for work, maintain this time for the weekends too. You should also keep your bedtime regular to help support your natural circadian rhythms.
Be mindful of your caffeine and alcohol intake, as both can interfere with staying asleep. It is recommended that all caffeinated products are eliminated at least eight hours before bed and alcohol at least three hours.
Studies have also shown that two or more hours of screen time in the evening can disrupt the melatonin surge needed to fall asleep.
To prevent this, leave your devices at least one hour before bed and try another relaxing activity, such as reading, coloring or taking a bath.
“The winter months can bring challenges to our sleep schedule, with shorter daylight hours and potential colds and flu making an impact,” Osmun said.
“Next time you find yourself feeling fatigued on short winter days, it is important to work with factors you can control.
Stick to a regular sleep-wake schedule to help support your natural circadian rhythms, ensure your bedding is comfortable, and keep your bedroom at the ideal temperature.”
DEAR ABBY: I need advice about a new relationship. I am a 60-year-old man. I divorced last year and met a nice woman named “Eileen” shortly afterward, and things seemed to be going well. When my ex found out I was seeing Eileen (they didn’t know each other) she decided to call Eileen and try to cause issues by saying many things that are not true. She succeeded.
I tried to save my marriage but was unsuccessful and was trying to move on and be happy again. There was no abuse or anything like that, but my ex said I didn’t fulfill her needs well enough, so she moved on. I now feel Eileen doesn’t fully trust me even though she still sees me.
I want to have an open and honest relationship because I care for Eileen enough that someday in the future, I may want to make her my wife. How can I earn back the trust that was lost and get our relationship back on track? Things have definitely taken a big step backward, and I’m disappointed and saddened.
NERVOUS IN NEW HAMPSHIRE
DEAR NERVOUS: You have done nothing wrong and shouldn’t need to “earn back” Eileen’s trust. Have a face-to-face talk with Eileen. Tell her you care very much about her, but since your bitter ex-wife felt the need to have a woman-to-woman chat with her, you sense things may have changed between you. Ask if that’s true, and if it is, ask why. She needs to hear your side of the story to counteract what your ex said. However, if, indeed, she no longer trusts you, you may need to find another lady friend.
DEAR ABBY: I have been dating the most wonderful man I have ever met for more than a year, and we are planning to get married. One of the things we have bonded over is that we both want a multigenerational household. My boyfriend’s parents (who are in their 70s) have been living with him for the past two years, and this will continue for the foreseeable future.
As our wedding grows closer, I’m feeling increasingly anxious about the logistics of living with his parents. I like having minimal possessions, while they are borderline hoarders. My boyfriend knows I’m anxious about it and is willing to talk about the situation, but he also takes the position that he and his family are a package deal. I love him, but I don’t think I can sign up for 20 years of a cluttered house. What should I do?
CONCERNED ABOUT CLUTTER
DEAR CONCERNED: I’m glad your boyfriend is willing to talk about it, but what is he willing to DO about it? Your (and his parents’) lifestyles are very different. They feel most secure having all of their possessions around. At their ages, they are not likely to change.
The place to have a truth session would be in the office of a licensed family counselor to see if this can be mediated. But frankly, because they are a package deal, as all multigenerational households are, you might be better off finding someone to marry other than the three of them.
***
To order “How to Write Letters for All Occasions,” send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 to: Dear Abby — Letter Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447.
Nov. 19 Morgan City Council minutes
https://www.stmarynow.com/public-notices/nov-19-morgan-city-council-minutes
mmm
PUBLIC NOTICE
SECRETARY OF STATE
STATE OF
LOUISIANA
NANCY
LANDRY
SECRETARY OF STATE
P.O. BOX 94125
BATON ROUGE, LA 70804-9125
225.922.2880
ADVERTISEMENT FOR BID
The Department of State, Secretary of State Nancy Landry is proposing to contract for the drayage or hauling of voting machines and re- lated election material in and for the parishes of ST.MARY Parish, and will receive sealed bids thereon until Monday January 6, 2025 at 10:00 am, CST.
All interested parties may obtain a bid package by applying in writing to the Department of State, P.O. Box 94125, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70804-9125 or by applying in person at the Department’s Purchasing Office located at 3851 Essen Lane, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70809 or by calling Roxane Williams at (225) 372-6163. Otherwise, you may obtain a copy of the drayage bid documents electronically on the following links:
1. Office of State Purchasing: http://wwwprd.doa.louisiana.gov/osp/lapac/pubmain.asp, Search Bids by Department. Click on the link: State – Secretary of State. Find the parish bid you are searching and click there. You would print from this link.
2. Secretary of State home page: http://www.sos.la.gov/, under “Solicitations”.
Bid packages will be available beginning December 6th 2024.
Please be ad- vised of new language/terms contained within the bid solicitation.
The contract shall be for a primary term beginning on Date of Award through December 31, 2025 and shall contain an option to renew for two (2) additional 12-month periods at the same prices, terms and conditions, not to exceed thirty-six (36) months.
All bids must be submitted in writing on the forms provided by the Department in accordance with the Louisiana Procurement Code and Louisiana Ad- ministrative Code Title 31, Part III, Chapter 1, and should be either delivered by hand or courier service to the Purchasing Department located at 3851 Essen Lane, or sent by registered or certified mail with a return receipt requested to De- partment of State, Post Office Box 94125, Attention: Roxane Williams, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70804-9125. All bids must be signed in original ink. Bidder is solely responsible for ensuring that its courier service provider makes inside deliveries to our physical location. Bidder is solely responsible for the timely delivery of its bid. NO BIDS WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER THE DATE AND TIME SPECIFIED ABOVE. Failure to meet the bid opening date and time shall result in rejection of the bid.
If the bidder is an agency, corporation or partnership, evidence of authority to submit a bid shall be required in accordance with R.S. 39:1594(C)(4).
***There will be no public bid opening for emergency bids. ***
Bids will be publicly opened and read in the Archives Auditorium located in the State Ar- chives Building at 3851 Essen Lane, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70809 on January 6th 2025. Bids will be awarded to the lowest responsible and responsive bidder within ten (10) days of bid opening. The successful bidder will be required to comply fully with all contract specifications and re- quirements.
The Secretary of State reserves the right to refuse any and all bids and to waive any and all informalities. All contracts are subject to the availability of funds.
Dated and sign-ed in Baton Rouge, Louisiana this 6th day December, 2024.
NANCY LANDRY
SECRETARY OF STATE
Adv. Dec. 6, 2024
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PUBLIC NOTICE
St. Mary Parish Wards 5 & 8 Joint Sewer
Commission
P. O. Box 181
Berwick, La 70342
MINUTES
November 4, 2024
The meeting was called to order by Mr. Beadle at 6:00 PM.
Mr. Beadle ask-ed if anyone had a public comment. No one made comments.
Present: Calvin Sanders, Chris Cooper, Larry and Pam Fromenthal, Brandon Monceaux, Marcey Carmouche, Tim Kyle, Glen Duncan, Michael Stewart, Karen Sehon, and Gary Beadle.
The board went over the minutes of the previous month’s meeting. Mr. Cooper moved to disburse the reading of the minutes and accept. Mr. Monceaux seconded the motion. All in favor – I.
The board then went over the treasurer’s report. Mr. Cooper motioned to approve the treasurer’s report and sign checks if all are in order. Mr. Stewart seconded the motion. All in favor – I.
Mr. Duncan, with Providence engineering, thanked the board for trusting them with the well works. The well has substantial completion. Currently waiting for Mr. Murtada and Mr. Carmouche for the final inspection. For station 9 rehabilitation, the maintenance hole is currently located in the middle of the street. He recommends moving the manhole onto the property. Anytime there is work at the station, the street must be shut down. The line belongs to the Town of Berwick. Mr. Fromenthal gave more information on the manhole location and the area around it. The board agreed to get pricing on relocating the manhole. Mr. Duncan stated Mr. Murtada has the permit for the Dept. of Health. He is waiting on approval to see about relocating the manhole. Mr. Carmouche asked if the manhole job and rehabilitation of station 9 should be separate jobs. The consensus of the board is for Mr. Fromenthal to look at the area along with Mr. Murtada. A meeting will be arranged for Mr. Fromenthal, Mr. Carmouche, Mr. Sanders, and Mr. Murtada to get more information about the manhole relocation. They will set up the meeting for next Monday afternoon. The valves do not need anything from an engineering standpoint. The valves were previously in a dry well. It was used as a back up for the wet wells during any work being done. Mr. Beadle asked why we have valves. We have 2 wet wells per location. In the past, the dry well was converted into a wet well. They did not use valves just plugs when work needed to be done.
Mr. Carmouche reported the monthly maintenance for the month. Station 10 repairs had two transducers re- paired at the pit. It should be back in service within the next couple of weeks. Fromenthal Plumbing will replace the valve. Station 5 – chang-ed gearbox on motor. All working fine. All safety de- vices are working appropriately. They are not to be disconnected. There was also a new motor aerator installed. Station 1 – the pump was changed. All wiring is correct in the panels. All lab reports were sent for DMR’s. Station 4 – installed pressure switches. Oil pressure is not working properly on the gearbox. Mr. Morgan has been cleaning around the shop since the ground is too wet for cutting trees. He will be moving a couple of aerators to Berwick Pond and Patterson Pond. The gearboxes that are out of service need to be brought to MC Electric to be worked on. Station 6 – the support pipe needs to be anchored with bolts into the concrete. Station 5 – needs angle iron and welding work. There need holes drilled and welded into mounts to be secured better. The board ap- proves to be done- emergency level. The new radios are in and will be installed this month. Mr. Carmouche suggested a 10 ft and 16 ft utility trailer needs to be purchased. The board suggested pricing a trailer with brakes. Mr. Carmouche will have pricing for the next meeting. Mr. Carmouche asked about Joe’s Septic invoices. Mrs. Sehon will email him again. Mr. Carmouche will be out on vacation, November 18-22. Mr. Sanders will be out on vacation, November 25-29, along with December 2nd.
Mr. Sanders re- ported the Station 3 pump has been installed. This is a temporary repair that will be made permanent within the next couple of months.
Old/New business – Mr. Sanders asked about dental/vision insurance. He will need to look into individual policy. Our current policy does not include these. He would also like a copy of the em- ployee handbook that was agreed on to be used as a guide. Mr. Carmouche should al- ready have a copy for him. Mr. Fromenthal recently looked at the stations for working on door quotes. They will work together on for the next meeting.
The engagement letters and questionnaire were signed to accept the annual audit.
The fresh water at the stations will be completed this month.
Mrs. Sehon re- quested medical documents from Mr. Carmouche from his recent surgery and recovery for this year. He stated he will get before the next meeting.
Next meeting scheduled for Monday, December 2, 2024.
Having no further business, Mr. Cooper motioned to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Stewart seconded the motion.
________________
Chairperson
_________________
Secretary/
Treasurer
Adv. Dec. 6, 2024
mmm
PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice Posted
Friday November 8, 2024
TIME 9:00 A.M.
NOTICE OF
PUBLIC
MEETING
A public meeting will be held as follows:
Date November 14, 2024
Time 6:00 P.M.
Place Siracusa Recreation Building, 1110 Grace Street, Morgan City, La. 70380
AGENDA:
Call to order
Invocation
Roll call
Guest
Approval of Minutes
Financial Report
OLD BUSINESS
Secretary
NEW BUSINESS
Christmas
Dinner date
Approval of bills for payment
Adjournment
Oscar Toups,
Chairman
St. Mary Parish Recreation
District #2
1110 Grace Street, Morgan City, La. 70380
In accordance with the America Disabilities Act. If you need special assistance please contact Leroy Trim at (985-385-4224) describing the assistance that is necessary.
————
RECREATION DISTRICT #2 ST MARY PARISH
1110 GRACE STREET
P.O. BOX 922
MORGAN CITY, LA. 70380
BOARD OF COMMISSIONER
RECREATION DISTRICT #2
1110 GRACE ST
MORGAN CITY, LA. 70380
OCTOBER 10, 2024
Meeting of the Board of Commissioners of Recreation District #2 was called to order by Chairman Os- car Toups. Invocation was led by Norman Skinner. Member present were Nelda Dural, Ann Poole, Norman Skinner and Oscar Toups. Other present were Leroy Trim and Tarnisha Thomas.
A Resolution were read and presented to the family (Tarnisha Thomas) of our Board Member Sandra Wilkerson on her passing, and a copy will be place in our office file.
OLD BUSINESS
None
NEW BUSINESS
Secretary job description
Bills was submitted for payment after review-ed, a motion to pay all bills by Nelda Dural and second by Norman Skinner with all in favor.
With nothing further to discuss a motion to ad- journ by Ann Poole and second by Nelda Dural with all in favor.
(S) Oscar Toups
Oscar Toups,
Chairman
Adv. Dec. 6, 2024
mmm
PUBLIC NOTICE
Patterson Housing
Authority Board of
Commissioners
Regular Meeting
Tuesday,
December 17,
2024
@ 5:30pm
@ Housing office
@ 409 Grout St.
Patterson, LA
70392
AGENDA
Call to Order
Commissioner Breaux
Pledge
Commissioner Williams
Prayer
Commissioner McKinley
Roll Call
Commissioner Breaux
Public Comment
Approval of Agenda
Acceptance of Previous Minutes
Old business
Discussion of $25 gift card/gas card
Discussion of social for housing authorities
Discussion of covers from the weather
Discussion of tenant participation/grievance committee
Discussion of re- naming sites
Discussion of leaving the Civil Service
New Business
HUD Notices
Approval of scheduled regular meetings during 2025
Financial Re- view
Update from Executive Director Jones
Closing Prayer
Commissioner Jackson
Adjournment
Public invited.
Adv. Dec. 6, 2024
mmm
PUBLIC NOTICE
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the St. Mary Parish Planning Commission will hold a PUBLIC HEARING on Monday, December 16, 2024 AT 5:45 P.M. in the Parish Council Meeting Room, Fifth Floor Courthouse, Franklin, Louisiana, for the following purposes:
REZONE RE- QUEST:
Rezoning of property by Randy Tisdale Jr. from Heavy Industrial (HI) Zoned District to Existing Neighborhood (EN2) Zoned District located at 1092 Lake Palourde Rd., Amelia, LA – Sec.14 T16S R13E; - Parcel Id# 3524261015.00 - Lot B Templet - Bayou Boeuf - Giroir and Aucoin - Shell Road Acq. 334 324674.
All persons are invited to this meeting to submit their approval or objections to the above Rezone Re- quest.
St. Mary Parish Planning & Zoning Commission
Barry Druilhet,
Chairman
Adv. Nov. 29, Dec. 6 and 13, 2024
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PUBLIC NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
Sixteenth
Judicial District Court
——
PARISH OF
ST. MARY
——
STATE OF
LOUISIANA
Newrez LLC D/B/A Shellpoint Mortgage
Servicing
Vs. No. 138744 Div “A”
Larry Guillory and Katina
Guillory
TAKE NOTICE, that by virtue of Order or Seizure and Sale issued out of the Honorable 16th Judicial District Court, in and for the Parish of St. Mary, and to me directed, in the above numbered and entitled suit, I have seized the following mentioned and described property, to wit:
That certain lot or parcel of ground, together with all improvements thereon and thereunto belonging, situated in St. Mary Parish, Louisiana, being known and designated LOT TWENTY (20) of BLOCK ONE (1), OF SHADY GROVE SUBDIVISION, said property having a frontage of 50.0 feet, more or less, on Shady Grove Drive, with the further dimensions, boundaries, shape, form, location and configuration as shown on that certain plat of survey of said subdivision dated August 24, 1980, prepared by Theta-II Enterprises, Inc. attached to that act recorded under Entry No. 189278, of the records of St. Mary Parish Clerk of Court.
Together with all the buildings and improvements thereon located including one (1) 2007 Southern Energy manufactured home 32’ x 48’, bearing serial number DSETX10336A/B, which manufactured home was immobilized pursuant to La. R.S. 9:1149.4, by Declaration of Immobilization recorded on June 5, 2007, as File Number: 296549, Book: 131, Page: 742, St. Mary Parish, Louisiana.
Petitioner an- nexes a copy of the Declaration of Immobilization as an Exhibit.
(the “Property”)
to satisfy the sum of THIRTY THREE THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED AND 01/100 ($33,200.01) DOLLARS, principal plus interest at the rate of 6.125 percent per annum from February 1, 2024, until paid and reasonable attorney’s fees; all costs and expenses in enforcing the Note and Mortgage, and all ad- vances for taxes, insurance premiums, and all other charges and ex- pense permitted by the Note and Mortgage including pre-payment penalty, if any, and all costs of this proceedings, as well as all sheriff’s costs and commission
All successful bidders must have cash, cashier’s check or a verifiable letter of credit in favor of said bidder from a solvent bank, savings and loan association or other such financial institution authorized to do business in the state of Louisiana and full payment must be made on the date of sale. Letter must state that money is available on the date of sale.
I shall expose the same at public sale, for Cash, according to law WITHOUT ap- praisement to the last and highest bidder, at the principal front door of the 1st floor lobby area of the Court House in the Parish of St. Mary, Town of Franklin, Louisiana, on Wednesday, the 8th day of January A.D., 2025, be- tween the legal hours commencing at 10 O’Clock A.M.
Sheriff’s Office
Parish of St. Mary, La.
Tuesday, the 8th day of October A.D., 2024
GARY L.
DRISKELL,
SHERIFF
By: Heidi Rineholt
Deputy Sheriff
Adv. Dec. 6, 2024 and Jan. 1, 2025
mmm
PUBLIC NOTICE
WATER
DEPARTMENT
DECEMBER 3, 2024
FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Town of Berwick Water System has experienced problems with our water supply system.
There was PRESSURE LOSS below 20psi due to a water break.
Because of these problems, the water produced by our water supply system is of questionable microbiological quality.
Therefore, as a precaution, the Town of Berwick Water System is issuing a BOIL ADVISORY effective immediately. This BOIL AD- VISORY is to remain in effect until rescinded by the Water System.
It is recommended that all consumers disinfect their water before consuming it (in- cluding fountaindrinks), making ice, brushing teeth, or using it for food preparation or rinsing of foods by the following means:
Boil water for one (1) full minute in a clean container. The one minute starts after the water has been brought to a rolling boil. (The flat taste can be eliminated by shaking the water in a clean bottle, pouring it from one clean container to another, or by adding a small pinch of salt to each quart of water that is boiled.)
Again, please be sure to disinfect your own water prior to consumption until you have been advised otherwise.
The Town of Berwick Water System will re- scind this Boil Advisory upon notification from the Louisiana De- partment of Health - Office of Public Health that additional water samples collected from our water supply system have shown our water to be safe.
Adv. Dec. 6, 2024
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PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE OF PUBLIC
MEETING
Public Meeting Date: December 10, 2024
Call to Order: 6:00 P.M.
Place: Council Meeting Room 3225 Third Street
Berwick, LA 70342
Prayer
Pledge of Alle-giance
Roll Call: James Richard, Kevin Hebert, Colleen Askew, Raymond Price & Lud Henry
Minutes from last meeting: No- vember 12, 2024
Treasurer’s Re- port
Guests:
The Beacon Shines on:
Police Report:
Fire Report
Public Works Re- port
Consulting En- gineers Report
Committee Re- ports
PUBLIC
HEARING
1. None
ORDINANCES – INTRODUCE/ADOPT
1. None
RESOLUTIONS/PROCLAMA-TIONS
1. None.
NEW BUSINESS:
1. Re-Appoint Vanessa Romero to the Berwick Housing Authority Board
2.. Re-Appoint Ruth Black to the Berwick Housing Authority Board
3. Re-Appoint David Leonard, Sr. to the Berwick Housing Authority Board
4. Approve payment for $24,702.00 to Miller Engineers & Associates, Inc. for Inv# 26634 – Water Meter Project
5. Declare Surplus Property:
2016 Black Dodge Charger
VIN#
2C3CDXHG1GH20
5624
6. Approve Liquor Licenses for 2025:
a. St. Mary Golf & Country Club
b. Ganaway’s #4
c. Country Club Express
d.One 80 Down-town
e. Hollywood Truck Plaza (Cash Magic)
f. Hollywood Plaza Casino (Cash Magic)
g. Stazione’s Deli Market
h. Bayou Lag-niappe Restaurant
i. Dollar General #13678
j. Cypress Lake Resort
k. The Old Building
Adjournment
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance, please contact Jamie Keith, Town Clerk, at (985) 384-8858, P.O. Box 486, Berwick, LA 70342 describing the as- sistance that is necessary.
Adv. Dec. 6, 2024
mmm
PUBLIC NOTICE
OFFICIAL
PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF
MORGAN CITY
NOVEMBER 19, 2024
The Mayor and City Council of Morgan City, Louisiana, met at 6:00 pm (local time) in regular session, this date, in the City Court Building, Highway 182 East, Morgan City, Louisiana.
There were present: Honorable Lee Dragna, Mayor; and Council Members Ron Bias, Steve Domangue, Tim Hymel, Bonnie Leonard and Louis J. Tamporello, Jr.
Absent: None
Also present were Mr. Charlie Solar, Jr., Chief Administrative Officer and Mr. Paul Landry, City Attorney.
The invocation was given by Pastor Bias.
The Positive Image recipient for the month of November was the Morgan City Junior High School Football Team. Mayor Dragna stated the team had been back-to-back champions for the parish, but there was a schedule conflict and the team could not be present, but he would present the certificates to them at school. Mr. Hymel recognized Pastor Bias as being the Defensive Specialist Coach for the team and congratulated him for their success.
Mr. Clarence Robinson with the Morgan City Housing Authority presented the City with the 2024 PILOT payment. He stated that the relationship be- tween the Housing Authority and the City had been going on for 12 years, and the partnership was a benefit to both agencies.
Mr. Bill Bourgeois with St. Mary Hospital District 2 gave a brief presentation on the upcoming 10-year, 9-mill assessment tax that would be on the December 7, 2024 ballot(copy on file). He said that this tax would generate $3.4 million per year for the St. Mary Hospital District 2 to allow for renovations to the hospital. He urged all citizens to vote in favor of the tax.
The public hearing for Table 5 lounge was opened. Mr. David Ardoin, the attorney for Table 5 argued that the loud music ordinance for the City was not specific and could not be en- forced as written. He said that he felt Table 5 was being singled out. He asked if other bars in the area were treated the same way, if all other bars had to call and notify the Police that they were opening. Po- lice Chief Chad Adams presented 46 complaints in- volving Table 5, including complaints of people drinking outside of the bar, loud music, and vehicles parked in yards. He said when he became Chief, he met with the owners and told them that they were responsible for keeping their customers inside the bar. He told them if they advised him of when they would be open, he would try to have reserve officers out to help patrol the area. There were also two complaints of a bullet hole in a vehicle at another establishment be- lieved to have come from Table 5, and casings found in the Table 5 parking lot. Mrs. Hettie Carries, owner of a neighboring house, said that she had called in many noise complaints and that she asked that something be done about the situation. Lt. Richard Briscoe said that he had responded to one of the complaints of people partying in the parking lot and only tried to de-escalate the situation and get the patrons inside the building because he had no available backup. Mrs. Cherie LeBeouf, Table 5 owner produced letters written and signed by neighbors stating that the bar was not a problem in their opinion. Mr. John Gibson also spoke in favor of Table 5, and said he would do anything he could to help control the crowds if they were allowed to stay open. After lengthy discussion, Pastor Bias made a motion to table the issue until the December 17, 2024 meeting and give the City Attorney as well as the Table 5 Attorney time to work on a solution possibly by measuring decibel levels, seconded by Mr. Hymel, and voted unanimously in favor.
For the Mayor’s Update Councilwoman Leonard advised that the wharf area was going to be getting new tables and chairs.
The minutes of the October 22, 2024 and November 1, 2024 meetings were submitted. There being no corrections, additions, or deletions, a motion to approve the minutes was made by Pastor Bias, seconded by Mrs. Leonard, and vot-ed unanimously in favor.
Mrs. Deborah Garber, Finance Director, submitted the following financial statement for the period ending October 31, 2024.
MONTHLY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DATE: November 19, 2024
TO: Mayor and Council
FROM: Deborah Garber
RE: Comments related to summary of revenues and expenses compared to budget for the period ended October 31, 2024.
Attached is a summary that compares our actual revenues and expenses to our operational budget for our major funds subject to budgetary control for the period ending October 31, 2024. The following comments are related thereto:
General and Ancillary Funds: Revenues are over budget by $298,591. In General Fund, sales taxes are now over budget by $295,850 due to some recent sales tax audits that brought in some back taxes. Operating expenses are under budget $1,042,526. The net loss of $1,927,847 is a positive variance of $1,346,117 as compared to the adopted budget.
Utility Fund: Actual revenues are under budget at $1,660,825. Electric revenues alone are under budget $1,778,000 which is a direct result of the Purchased Power Ex- pense being under budget $1,220,500. Overall, the utility operational ex- penses are under budget $1515,913. The net income, after transfers, of $297,783 creates a negative variance compared to the budget of $65,025.
Sanitation and Sewer Fund: The operating revenues are $119,620 over budget, with total operating expenses under budget $57,708. The net income, after transfers, of $512,526 results in a positive variance of $131,657.
Respectfully
submitted,
/s/ Deborah
Garber
Deborah Garber
Finance Director
A motion to accept the financial statement was made by Mr. Do- mangue, seconded by Pastor Bias, and voted unanimously in favor.
The next matter on the agenda was the surplus equipment; whereupon,
Mr. Hymel offer-ed the following Resolution, who moved for its adoption.
RESOLUTION NO. R: 24-37
BE IT RESOLV-ED, by the City Council, the governing authority of the City of Morgan City, that the item shown below are hereby declared surplus and no longer needed:
1. ERMCO Pad Mount 112.5 KVA Transformer, Serial #C2313480283 Elec. Dept.
2. ERMCO Pad Mount 112.5 KVA Transformer, Serial #C2313480284 Elec. Dept
3. ERMCO Pad Mount 112.5 KVA Transformer, Serial #C2313480285 Elec. Dept
4. ERMCO Pad Mount 112.5 KVA Transformer, Serial #12413537188 Elec. Dept
5. ERMCO Pad Mount 112.5 KVA Transformer, Serial #12413537189 Elec. Dept
6. ERMCO Pad Mount 112.5 KVA Transformer, Serial #12413537302 Elec. Dept
7. ERMCO Pad Mount 112.5 KVA Transformer, Serial #12413537303 Elec. Dept
8. Howard Pad Mount 500 KVA Transformer, Serial #1400930910 Elec. Dept
9. Howard Poletop 50 KVA Transformer, Serial #2489292694 Elec. Dept
10. ABB Poletop 50 KVA Transformer, Serial #01A200040 Elec. Dept
11. RTE Poletop 75 VA Transformer, Serial #801119410 Elec. Dept
12. Howard Poletop 167KVA Transformer, Serial #3618243005 Elec. Dept
13. Allis-Chalmers Poletop 100 KVA Transformer, Serial #7417-6341652 Elec. Dept
14. Central Ma- loney Poletop 100 KVA Transformer, Serial #188363302 Elec. Dept
15. Howard Poletop 100 KVA Transformer, Serial #2799924293 Elec. Dept
16. Allis-Chalmers Poletop 100 KVA Transformer, Serial #7417-6341653 Elec. Dept
17. Howard Poletop 167 KVA Transformer, Serial #225241107 Elec. Dept
18. Westinghouse Poletop 75 KVA Transformer, Serial #79A502156 Elec. Dept
19. ABB Poletop 50 KVA Transformer, Serial #01A200039 Elec. Dept
20. Howard Poletop 50 KVA Transformer, Serial #2820304298 Elec. Dept
21. Howard Poletop 50 KVA Transformer, Serial #2489272694 Elec. Dept
22. Howard Poletop 50 KVA Transformer, Serial #2489282694 Elec. Dept
23. RTE Poletop 75 KVA Transformer, Serial #801119421 Elec. Dept
24. McGraw-Edison 75 KVA Transformer, Serial #79ZH117003 Elec. Dept
25. ABB Poletop 250 KVA Transformer, Serial #95A214587 Elec. Dept
26. ABB Poletop 250 KVA Transformer, Serial #98A214586 Elec. Dept
27. Magnet Poletop 250 KVA Transformer, Serial #ID00602 Elec. Dept
28. ABB Poletop 250 KVA Transformer, Serial #95A214585 Elec. Dept
29. Westinghouse Poletop 167 KVA Transformer, Serial #66AK10273 Elec. Dept
30. RTE Poletop 167 KVA Transformer, Serial #791120266 Elec. Dept
31. Cooper Poletop 37 KVA Transformer, Serial #931089217 Elec. Dept
32. Cooper Poletop 37 KVA Transformer, Serial #931089220 Elec. Dept
33. Howard Poletop 37.5 KVA Transformer, Serial #1360190795 Elec. Dept
34. Howard Poletop 37.5 KVA Transformer, Serial #136080795 Elec. Dept
35. Howard Poletop 50 KVA Transformer, Serial #2820314293 Elec. Dept
36. Allis-Chalmers 37.5 KVA Transformer, Serial #7441-6431919 Elec. Dept
37. Allis Chalmers 37.5 KVA Transformer, Serial #7439-6426213 Elec. Dept
38. WTS Poletop 37.5 KVA Transformer, Serial #99011602 Elec. Dept
39. WTS Poletop 37.5KVA Transformer, Serial #99011603 Elec. Dept
40. ABB Poletop 37.5 KVA Transformer, Serial #05A230344 Elec. Dept
41. ABB Poletop 15 KVA Transformer, Serial #03A311728 Elec. Dept
42. ABB Poletop 15 KVA Transformer, Serial #03A311729 Elec. Dept
43. ABB Poletop 15 KVA Transformer, Serial #05A230461 Elec. Dept
44. ABB Poletop 15 KVA Transformer, Serial #05A230469 Elec. Dept
45. ABB Poletop 15 KVA Transformer, Serial #05A230460 Elec. Dept
46. WTS Poletop 15 KVA Transformer, Serial #96060720 Elec. Dept
BE IT FURTHER RESOLV-ED, etc., that said items be sold either by auction, on GovDeal.com, or by receiving bids.
Mr. Tamporello seconded the mo- tion.
The vote thereon was as follows:
AYES: Hymel, Tamporello, Bias, Domangue, Leonard
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
The Resolution was therefore de- clared approved and adopted this 19th day of November, 2024.
/s/ Lee Dragna
Lee Dragna, Mayor
ATTEST:
/s/ Debbie
Harrington
Debbie
Harrington, Clerk
Mayor Dragna said that the Capital Outlay request needed to be submitted; whereupon,
Pastor Bias of- fered the following Resolution, who moved for its adoption.
RESOLUTION NO. R: 24-38
WHEREAS, the Mayor submitted to the council, the following projects for re-submission to the State requesting Capital Outlay funding:
Sewer Rehabilitation $6,965,000
Morgan City Lake End Parkway Pier Development $13,110,000
Pavement Preservation Program $6,160,000
Morgan City Wellness Center $23,180,550
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council, the governing authority of the City of Morgan City, Louisiana that it hereby supports the Mayor’s request, to the state, for Capital Outlay Funds to complete these projects.
Mr. Domangue seconded the mo- tion.
The vote thereon was as follows:
AYES: Bias, Do- mangue, Hymel, Leonard, Tamporello
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
The resolution was therefore declared approved and adopted this 19th day of
November, 2024.
/s/ Lee Dragna
Lee Dragna
Mayor
ATTEST:
/s/ Debbie
Harrington
Debbie Harrington
Clerk
The next matter on the agenda was the Cadre Services management agreement; whereupon,
Mrs. Leonard offered the following Resolution, who moved for its adoption.
RESOLUTION NO. R: 24-39
WHEREAS, the City of Morgan City is interested in entering into a contract with a firm to provide Grant Administration and Management of the Natural Gas Distribution Infrastructure Safety and Modernization Grant Program – FY 2022; and
WHEREAS, the firm of Cadre Management Resources, LLC has submitted a proposal to accomplish this.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that Cadre Management Resources, LLC is hereby selected by the City of Morgan City to provide grant administration for Notice of Funding Opportunity for Natural Gas Distribution Infrastructure Safety and Modernization Grant Program – FY 2022.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLV-ED, that the Mayor is hereby authorized to execute a contract for the above services.
Mr. Hymel seconded the motion.
The vote thereon was as follows:
AYES: Leonard, Hymel, Bias, Do- mangue, Tamporello
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
The resolution was therefore declared approved and adopted this 19th day of
November, 2024.
/s/ Lee Dragna
Lee Dragna
Mayor
ATTEST:
/s/ Debbie
Harrington
Debbie Harrington
Clerk
Mayor Dragna said that the St. Mary Parish School Board wanted a memorandum of understanding in effect if any area schools needed to be evacuated to the Municipal Auditorium; whereupon,
Pastor Bias of- fered the following Resolution, who moved for its adoption.
RESOLUTION NO. R: 24-40
WHEREAS, the St. Mary Parish Public Schools is in need of a facility to serve as a reunification site in the event of an emergency evacuation of the students and staff of any St. Mary Parish Public Schools; and
WHEREAS, the Municipal Auditorium has the space to accommodate the students and staff of the schools, and
WHEREAS, a Memorandum of Understanding with St. Mary Parish Public Schools needs to be signed to establish the terms of use.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council, the governing authority of the City of Morgan City, that the Mayor be and he is hereby authorized, empowered, and directed to execute a Memorandum of Understanding with the St. Mary Parish Public Schools.
Mrs. Leonard seconded the mo- tion.
The vote thereon was as follows:
AYES: Bias, Leonard, Do- mangue, Hymel, Tamporello
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
The resolution was therefore de- clared approved and adopted this 19th day of
November, 2024.
/s/ Lee Dragna
Lee Dragna
Mayor
ATTEST:
/s/ Debbie
Harrington
Debbie Harrington
Clerk
Mayor Dragna said that the agenda needed to be expanded to discuss a bid tabulation of Request for Qualifications for consulting services for Hurricane Francine. A motion to expand the agenda to discuss consulting services was made by Mr. Hymel, seconded by Mrs. Leonard, and voted unanimously in favor.
Mr. Charlie So- lar, CAO, proposed that the top two companies from the Request for Qualifications be accepted; whereupon,
Mr. Hymel offer-ed the following Resolution, who moved for its adoption.
RESOLUTION NO. R: 24-41
WHEREAS, on September 11, 2024, Hurricane Francine caused devastating and catastrophic damages to the City, including critical infrastructure as- sets, utilities, and other city asset; and
WHEREAS, the City requires professional expertise in disaster recovery project and grants management with established experience in assessment, re- pair, and restoration; and
WHEREAS, re- quests for proposals were received on November 18, 2024; and
WHEREAS, af- ter grading the proposals, Charlie Solar, Jr., CAO, has recommended entering into an agreement with the firms of Royal Engineers and Consultants, LLC and Metric Consulting, LLC for assistance in the disaster recovery project.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council, the governing authority of the City of Morgan City, that the Mayor be, and he is hereby authorized, empowered, and directed to execute a contract with Royal Engineers and Consultants, LLC and Metric Consulting, LLC, for the ad- ministration of disaster recovery and grants management project.
Mrs. Leonard seconded the mo- tion.
The vote thereon was as follows:
AYES: Hymel, Leonard, Bias, Domangue, Tamporello
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
The resolution was therefore de- clared approved and adopted this 19th day of November, 2024.
/s/ Lee Dragna
Lee Dragna
Mayor
ATTEST:
/s/ Debbie
Harrington
Debbie Harrington
Clerk
The first reading of the 2024 Budget Amendment was the next matter on the agenda. No definitive action was necessary.
The public hearing for the 2025 Budget was open-ed. No one ap- peared for or against said ordinance; whereupon,
This Ordinance introduced with first reading on September 24, 2024 and a second reading on October 22, 2024. Published by title on October 2, 2024.
Mr. Tamporello offered the following Ordinance, who moved for its adoption.
ORDINANCE
NO. 24-15
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF MORGAN CITY, LOUISIANA ADOPTING AN OPERATING BUDGET OF REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JANUARY 1, 2025, AND ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2025.
SECTION 1
BE IT ORDAIN-ED, by the City Council, the governing authority of the City of Morgan City, Louisiana, that:
Section 1
The attached detailed estimate of revenues as reflected in the consolidated statement, the supporting line item budget, and other such fiscal exhibits and information as required by the Louisiana Local Government Budget Act are ready for approval and adoption to serve as the Budget of Revenues for theCity for the Fiscal Year January 1 to December 31, 2025.
Section 2
The attached detailed statement of expenditures as reflected in the consolidated statement, the supporting line item budget and other such fiscal exhibits and information as required by the Louisiana Local Government Budget Act are ready for approval and adoption to serve as the Budget of Expenditures for the City for Fiscal Year January 1 to December 31, 2025.
Section 3
The adoption of the Budget of Expenditures as reflected in the attached line item budget containing account object of expenditure classifications shall be declared to be the appropriation of the amounts set therein as established in each budget classification by object of expenditure.
Section 4
The amounts appropriated for all accounts shall not exceed the amounts fixed therefore in the Budget of Expenditures; however, nothing contained in this section shall be construed to prohibit the governing authority from amending or making an appropriation to and for a contingent fund to be used in cases of emergency.
BE IT FURTHER ORDAIN-ED, etc., that the budget for fiscal year January 1 to December 31, 2025, as attached hereto and made a part hereof be and the same is hereby approved.
Should any section, paragraph, sentence, clause, or phrase be de- clared unconstitutional or repealed for any reason, the remainder of the ordinance shall not be affected hereby. That all laws or parts of laws in conflict with this ordinance be and the same are hereby repealed. This ordinance shall take effect immediately after its passage within the time prescribed by law.
Mr. Domangue seconded the mo- tion.
The vote thereon was as follows:
AYES: Tamporello, Domangue, Bias, Hymel, Leonard
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
Certified ap- proved and adopted this 19th day of November, 2024.
Delivered to Mayor Dragna at 2:30 PM, this 21st day of November, 2024.
/s/ Debbie
Harrington
Debbie
Harrington, Clerk
Approved this 21st day of November, 2024.
/s/ Lee Dragna
Lee Dragna, Mayor
Received from Mayor Dragna at 2:45 PM on November 21, 2024.
/s/ Debbie
Harrington
Debbie Harrington, Clerk
Published: November 29, 2024
Mayor Dragna said the 2025 Class “A” and “B” Liquor License Renewals were the next matter on the agenda:
ATCHAFALAYA CAFÉ LLC, 7310 HIGHWAY 182 E
BAY CITY BISTRO INC, 618 FRONT ST
BOURBON’S LLC, 501 FIRST ST
CAFÉ JOJO’S LLC, 624 FRONT ST
CAJUN COUNTRY LOUNGE, 1226 VICTOR II BLVD
CANNATA’S SUPERMARKET INC, 6010 LA-182
CIRCLE K #4640, 7700 US-90
CIRCLE K #2706821, 6383 HIGHWAY 182 E
COU-YONS BAR LLC, 117 RAILROAD AVE
THE CROOKED CORNER, 1400 SECOND ST
LOUISIANA CVS PHARMACY, 6502 HIGHWAY 182
DAIQUIRIS & COMPANY, 7550 HIGHWAY 182
DON JOSE OF MORGAN CITY LLC, 605 MLK BLVD
FIFTH STREET STORE LLC, 701 EVERETT ST
FRIEND’S TAVERN, 6815 HIGHWAY 182 E
G AND J LAND & MARINE FOOD DIST., 506 FRONT ST
GANAWAY’S #1, 1409 FEDERAL AVE
HAMPTON INN MORGAN CITY
KILPATRICK HOTELS #4, 6365 HIGHWAY 182 E
LAS BRISAS LLC, 7418 HIGHWAY 182
LINKS CAFÉ, 1118 VICTOR II BLVD
MAMA G’S, 7540 HIGHWAY 90
ONE STOP, 7028 HIGHWAY 182 E
PARADISE VALLEY CASINO, 1118 VICTOR II BLVD
PARADISE VALLEY DAIQUIRIS, 1114 VICTOR II BLVD
PETROLEUM CLUB OF MORGAN CITY, 500 RODERICK ST
POOL DO’S SPORTS BAR LLC, 615 BRAS-HEAR AVE
QUICK GENERAL MINI MARKET, 2407 SIXTH ST
ROUSE’S SU- PERMARKET #10, 6403 HIGHWAY 90
SAAS HOTELS LLC, 520 RODERICK ST
SPORTS BAR, 7419 HIGHWAY 182
STAZIONE DELI #2, 6602 HIGHWAY 90
SUSHIRO STEAK HOUSE, 6214 HIGHWAY 182
TABLE FIVE, 702 FIFTH ST
TAMPICO RES- TAURANT & LOUNGE, 1025 VICTOR II BLVD
TRI CITY LIQUOR & WINE LLC, 500 BRAS-HEAR AVE
THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY, 319 SECOND ST
THE GALLEY, 7409 HIGHWAY 182 E
VICTOR II DELI, 1220 VICTOR II BLVD
WALGREEN’S #10975, 815 BRASHEAR AVE
WAL-MART MARKET #7099, 1002 HIGHWAY 182
A motion to ap- prove the renewals was made by Mr. Tamporello, and seconded by Mrs. Leonard. The vote thereon was as follows: Yeas: Tamporello, Leonard, Bias, Hymel, Nays: None, and Abstain: Domangue.
Mayor Dragna informed the Council that al- though Joe Cavalier was appointed to the Civil Service Board at the October meeting, the board had already sworn in Lonnie Gray for one more term, so Mr. Cavalier would not be appointed to the Civil Service Board.
There being no further business, a motion to adjourn was made by Mr. Hymel, seconded by Pastor Bias and voted unanimously in favor.
/s/ Lee Dragna
Lee Dragna
Mayor
/s/ Debbie
Harrington
Debbie Harrington
Clerk
Adv. Dec. 6, 2024
mmm
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE
Notice is hereby given that the following proposed ordinance has been submitted at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Patterson, Loui-siana on the 3rd day of December 2024.
INTRODUC-TION OF
ORDINANCE
NO. 2024-12
AN ORDIN-ANCE INCREAS-ING THE RATE TO BE ASSESSED AS A MONTHLY CHARGE FOR STREET LIGHT SERVICES TO ALL RESIDEN-TIAL AND COM-MERCIAL CUS-TOMERS TO FOUR ($4.00) DOLLARS PER MONTH
BE IT ORDAIN-ED by the Mayor and Council of the City of Patterson, Louisiana:
WHEREAS, the City of Patterson operates a street lighting system for the benefit of all residents and businesses located within the City of Patterson; and,
WHEREAS, in order to continue providing street lighting for the residents and commercial establishments in the City, the cost of electric service provided to the City of Patter-son for the street lighting system must be charged to the residents and businesses located therein and must be increased due to the increased cost of electric service to the City:
SECTION 1:
(a) Beginning ______________, the City of Patter-son shall bill, or cause to be billed, each residential customer located within the City the sum of FOUR ( $4.00) DOLLARS per month for street lighting services provided by the City of Patter-son. The monthly fee shall be charg-ed to each commercial or residential customer located in the City, including each separate unit of a multi-family housing building or apartment building.
(b) The rate of fees and charges to the residential and commercial units and establishments for each year subsequent to the enactment of the ordinance from which this section is derived shall be adjusted upward or downward to reflect any change in the rates charg-ed to the city under and in accordance with any contract documents and agreements executed by the city for street lighting.
SECTION 2:
All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict with this ordinance are hereby repealed.
This ordinance having been submitted to a vote, the vote thereon was as follows:
YEAS:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
THIS ordinance having been introduced at a meeting of the Mayor and Council of the City of Patterson at a meeting held on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, and the same having been published, and seven (7) days having elapsed since the date of publication, the said Ordinance was ADOPTED by the Mayor and Council of the City of Pat-terson, Louisiana, in regular session convened on the ______ day of _______________.
CITY OF
PATTERSON,
LOUISIANA
_______________
RODNEY A. GROGAN, MAYOR
ATTEST:
_______________
Midge Bourgeois
Clerk of the
Council
* * * * * * * * * *
Notice is further given that a public hearing on the aforesaid proposed ordinance is set for 6:00 p.m. on the 3rd day of De- cember 2024, dur-ing the regular meeting of the Patterson City Council to be held at the City Hall in Patterson, 1314 Main Street, Pat-terson, Louisiana, on that date and at that time, and final action on said proposed ordinance shall be taken at said meeting.
________________
MIDGE BOURGEOIS,
CITY CLERK
Adv. Dec. 6, 13, &
20, 2024
mmm
PUBLIC NOTICE
A MEETING OF THE LEPA OPERATING COMMITTEE WILL BE HELD AT THE LEPA MAIN OF- FICE LOCATED AT 210 VENTURE WAY, LAFAYETTE, LOUISIANA 70507, ON TUESDAY, DE- CEMBER 10, 2024 AT 10:30 A.M.
OPERATING COMMITTEE MEETING
AGENDA
MEETING DATE: December 10, 2024
MEETING PLACE: LEPA Main Office, 210 Venture Way
Lafayette, LA 70507
TIME: 10:30 A. M.
ITEM 1 Call to Order
ITEM 2 Pledge of Allegiance
ITEM 3 Roll Call
ITEM 4 Approval of the Minutes of the October 17, 2024 Operating Committee Meeting
ITEM 5 OLD BUSINESS
(a) Report on Wholesale Power Costs and Residential Retail Rates
(b) Update on Rodemacher Unit No. 2
(c) Discussion on any other outstanding items of Old Business
ITEM 6 NEW BUSINESS
(a) Report on Louisiana Legislature 2024 Tax Reform Special Session
(b) Consideration for approval to authorize LEPA staff and general counsel to file an amicus brief supporting the position of Lafayette Consolidated Government and its expropriation litigation
ITEM 7 AD- JOURNMENT
Individuals with a disability that falls under the Americans with Disabilities Act who wish to participate electronically in the meetings, please call (337) 269-4046 at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting in order for us to accommodate you.
Adv. Dec. 6, 2024
mmm
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Phone: 337-828-3706
Fax: 337-828-2874
Morgan City Review
1014 Front Street, Morgan City, LA 70380
Phone: 985-384-8370
Fax: 985-384-4255