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Police: Man threatened victim with gun during break-in

Mon, 05/22/2017 - 10:49am
Staff Report

A 36-year-old Berwick man was accused Saturday of breaking into a Morgan City home and pointing a gun at a resident, Police Chief James Blair said in a news release.

—Jamon Bias, 36, of Second Street in Berwick, was arrested at 9:47 pm. Saturday on charges of aggravated assault with a firearm, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, home invasion and firearm free zone.

Officers responded to a home on Egle Street in regard to a disturbance. The victim stated that Bias forcefully entered his home and pointed a firearm at him.

The victim was able to flee the home and noticed that Bias leaving the area in a vehicle. A description of the vehicle was given to officers, and the vehicle and suspect were located on Aucoin Street.

Bias allegedly admitted to having the firearm and having an altercation with the victim. The location of the incident was within 2,000 feet of a church, which is considered a firearm free zone. Bias is also a convicted felon. Bias was jailed.

Blair reported responding to 108 calls and reported the following arrests:

—Jerroid J. Garrison, 24, of Federal Avenue in Morgan City, was arrested at 3:07 p.m. Saturday on charges of driving under suspension and unauthorized use of a moveable.

Officers responded to a home on Federal Avenue in regard to a vehicle being used without the owner’s permission. According to reports, the victim stated that Jerroid Garrison had taken her vehicle without her permission. Officers were given a description of the vehicle and it was located in the area of La. 182 and Ditch Avenue and stopped the vehicle.

Garrison, the driver, had a suspended driver’s license. Garrison was jailed.

—Robert E. Byrd, 41, of Houma, was arrested at 5:53 p.m. Saturday on charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, violation of uniform controlled dangerous substance law-drug free zone and on an Assumption Parish Sheriff’s Office warrant for two counts of failure to appear.

The narcotics division conducted a traffic stop in the area of Martin Luther King Boulevard and La. 182. Byrd was a passenger in the vehicle. Byrd gave officers consent to search him, and officers located suspected methamphetamine and marijuana in his possession.

The location of the traffic stop was within 2,000 feet of a church, which is a drug free zone. A warrants check determined that Byrd also held outstanding warrants for the Assumption Parish Sheriff’s Office. Byrd was jailed.

—Jorge Torres, 43, of Terrebonne Street in was arrested at 3:46 a.m. Sunday on charges of stop sign violation, no driver’s license, improper lane usage, DWI and possession of alcoholic Beverage in Motor Vehicle

A patrol officer in the area of Fifth and Ferret streets observed a vehicle run a stop at the intersection and stopped the vehicle. The driver was identified as Torres. While speaking with the Torres, the officer could smell a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage on his breath.

Torres performed poorly on a field sobriety test and did not have a valid driver’s license. Torres was placed under arrest and transported to the Morgan City Police Department. Once at the police department, Torres submitted to the chemical test for intoxication and registered 0.197 grams-percent blood alcohol content. Torres was jailed.

—Kyle Q. Rhett, 26, of Gen. McArthur Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 2:06 p.m. Sunday on warrants charging him with failure to pay fines for driving under suspension, failure to pay fines for speeding, failure to pay fines for contempt of court and on charges of driving under suspension, hit and run and careless operation.

Officers responded to the area of Marguerite Street and La. 70 in regard to a hit and run vehicle crash. Witnesses stated that a vehicle crashed into the rear of another and the vehicle continued north on Marguerite Street.

A description of the vehicle was given out and officers located the vehicle on Wren Street. The driver of the vehicle was identified as Rhett, who allegedly admitted to crashing into the other vehicle.

Rhett also had a suspended driver’s license and city court warrants for his arrest. Rhett was jailed.

—Randal W. McKee, 40, of Gretna, was arrested at 2:22 p.m. Sunday on a warrant charging him with contempt of court.

McKee was located at a business on Brashear Avenue and found to have an outstanding arrest warrant. McKee was jailed.

St. Mary Parish Sheriff Mark Hebert reported responding to 136 complaints in the parish and reported the following arrests in east St. Mary Parish:

—Carnell Pierre, 29, of Apricot Street in New Orleans, was arrested on May 19, 2017 at 6:05 pm for operating a vehicle with a suspended driver’s license.

A deputy investigating a vehicle crash on U.S. 90 Morgan City bridge learned that one of the drivers involved was operating the vehicle with a suspended license. Pierre was released on a summons to appear in court Aug. 15.

—Theresa Hebert, 38, of Fanny Street in Houma, was arrested at 9:22 p.m. Friday on charges of theft by shoplifting and resisting an officer.

A deputy responded to a report of shoplifting at a store in Bayou Vista. When the deputy arrived, he observed a woman matching the description of the suspected shoplifter running away from the store. The deputy pursued the subject and detained her pending the investigation.

The woman was identified as Hebert. The deputy collected evidence that Hebert concealed items in a backpack before leaving the store without paying for the goods. Hebert was jailed with bail set at $3,500.

Berwick Police Chief James Richard reported no arrests.

Patterson Police Chief Patrick LaSalle reported no arrests.

Junior Auxiliary members attend national conference

Mon, 05/22/2017 - 9:06am

Jennifer Gray and Ambre Wilson, Junior Auxiliary of East St. Mary Parish members, attended the National Association of Junior Auxiliaries Annual Education Conference May 5-6 at the Hilton Hotel in Memphis, Tennessee. They took part in seminars that focus on service to children and families to fulfill the organization’s mission and exemplify its slogan of “Care Today — Character Tomorrow.”
Training provided helps members of the Junior Auxiliary of East St. Mary Parish better perform hands-on service in the community.
“The Annual Meeting of our association is the time that members from our 93 chapters around the southeast come together for learning, motivation and a little business,” said NAJA Executive Director Merrill Greenlee.
Among the meeting’s featured speakers:
—Jimmy Wayne of Nashville, Tennessee, a former foster child turned country music singer/songwriter, whose songs, story and walk halfway across America in 2010 continue to bring awareness to kids who age out of the foster system and become homeless.
—Tina Meier of St. Louis is an internationally recognized expert on bullying, cyber bullying, Internet safety, conflict resolution, the roles of parents and educators, sexting, and suicide awareness and prevention. In 2006, Meier’s 13-year-old daughter, Megan, took her own life after being bullied online. Meier is making a difference through spreading Megan’s story and educating others on Internet and electronic communication dangers.
—Jody Urquhart of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, is a former stand-up comic and author of the best-selling book “All Work & No SAY.” Her mission is to help motivate people to derive more meaning, fun and satisfaction from their work.
“No JA member comes away from our AEC without a new idea or a degree of inspiration for a new project or a better way to manage their chapter,” said NAJA President Jeanne Hildebrandt of Slidell. “We offer workshops, inspirational speakers and training sessions to help our ladies in their volunteer efforts.
“Our awards banquet showcases some of our best chapter projects and serves not only to reward great effort, but to provide ideas to our chapters for expanding their work in their communities. Our organization continues to grow stronger because of the influence of our AEC.”
In 2016, the Junior Auxiliary of East St. Mary Parish performed a total of 424 hours of service impacting 1,119 people. Its signature service projects include Santa’s Workshop and Easter Eggstravaganza.
For more information on the Junior Auxiliary of East St. Mary go to jaofeaststmary.weebly.com or find the chapter on Facebook at facebook.com/JuniorAuxiliaryof EastStMary.
National Association of Junior Auxiliaries information can be found online at www.najanet.org.

Royal family at Middleton wedding

Mon, 05/22/2017 - 9:02am

ENGLEFIELD, England (AP) — There were hats and morning jackets and British royalty galore, all coming together to celebrate Pippa Middleton’s wedding.
The 33-year-old bride, sister of the Duchess of Cambridge, had two likely future British kings and other members of the royal family looking on Saturday as she married hedge fund manager James Matthews, 41, at a rural English church.
The wedding party included Prince George, a 3-year-old page boy, and 2-year-old Princess Charlotte, a bridesmaid — Kate’s children who are the bride’s nephew and niece.
Prince William and Prince Harry arrived together wearing formal morning suits. They seemed relaxed as they strolled into the church.
Pippa Middleton wore a custom wedding gown designed by Giles Deacon, a long veil by prominent hat-maker Stephen Jones, and a sparkly tiara.
Tennis star Roger Federer and his wife, Mirka, were among the guests, as was reality TV personality Spencer Matthews, the groom’s well-known brother and one of the stars of “Made in Chelsea.”
The guests were heading to a lavish private reception at the estate of the bride’s parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, in nearby Bucklebury. There is some speculation that Harry will bring his American girlfriend, actress Meghan Markle, to the reception.
The airspace above both villages has been closed to prevent intrusive press crews from flying overhead or launching drones to get video footage.
Here’s a look at some photos of the wedding.

Soap Opera Review: Heart hope on ‘DOOL’

Mon, 05/22/2017 - 9:00am

THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Ridge was upset as Brooke walked down the aisle and said her “I do’s” with Bill, despite Ridge begging her not to. Bill was unhappy that Brooke let Rick and Maya go on their honeymoon flight to Paris to do a photo shoot. DAYS OF OUR LIVES: In Greece, Eric put Holly on the plane he flew there in. Later, Nicole was able to get away from Xander and reunite with Holly. Marlena had an emotional reunion with John and told him that Brady is on a list for a heart transplant. GENERAL HOSPITAL: Franco returned from ...

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Woman worries lazy fiancé will also be lazy husband

Mon, 05/22/2017 - 8:58am

DEAR ABBY: My fiancé, “David,” and I are getting married soon. We have been living together and engaged for a year, and together eight years. It takes him forever to get things done around the house or buy things we need. I have tried lists and constant reminders. David recently lost his job and is interviewing to find another one. He loves sports, so he plays softball with his friend in a league, which takes up an entire day of the weekend. When he comes home, he wants to watch sports on TV. The house is old (it was my grandfather’s),

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(Updated) La. 182 bridge reopened after crash, inspection

Mon, 05/22/2017 - 8:51am

The La. 182 bridge has been reopened after an SUV hit both sides of the bridge Monday morning.

The driver of a Chevy Tahoe, Charlene Morris, 48, of Berwick, was charged with careless operation with a crash in the incident. Morris was transported to the hospital to be treated for injuries.

A preliminary investigation determined that the SUV was traveling east, slid on the wet bridge and may have accelerated instead of braked.

The SUV allegedly struck the west guardrail, bounced off of that rail and then hit the east guardrail. The vehicle caused damage to both guardrails.

The bridge stayed closed until the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development gave approval to reopen it. DOTD officials found no significant damage during the inspection, and the bridge remains safe for the traveling public, Spokeswoman Deidra Druilhet said in an email.

LEONARD L. BATTAGLIA

Mon, 05/22/2017 - 7:29am

LEONARD L. BATTAGLIA

May 20, 1932 - May 19, 2017

Funeral services for Leonard L. Battaglia will be held Wednesday, May 24, 2017, at the Church of the Assumption in Franklin during a 3 p.m. Memorial Mass of Christian Burial. Inurnment will follow in the Franklin Cemetery. Father Cedric Sonnier will be the Celebrant for the Mass and conduct the services. A gathering of family and friends will be held Wednesday at the church from 1 p.m. until Mass time at 3 p.m.

Mr. Battaglia was a native and resident of Franklin who passed away at his home at the age of 84, just one day shy of his 85th birthday. He was a veteran of the United States Air Force having served from 1951 to 1959, part of which was overseas in England where he met the love of his life, Jean. Leonard began his career in Banking with Hibernia National Bank in New Orleans in 1960 and retired in 1995 from Hibernia in Franklin. He served for fifteen consecutive years on the Board of Directors of the SWLa. Chapter of the American Institute of Banking. He was Commodore of the Franklin Boat & Yacht Club in 1968 and was a member of the Krewe of Sucrose in Franklin (1977 Duke). Leonard was also a member of the Louisiana Preservation Alliance, served as President of the St. Mary Chapter Louisiana Landmarks Society from 1977 to 1979, as well as having served two separate three year terms on the Landmarks Board of Directors, and was a member and former board member of the Techland Arts Council.

Those he leaves to cherish his memory include his two children, Lynn B. O’Niell and her husband John R. O’Niell and Andrew M. “Drew” Battaglia and his wife Sally Owens Battaglia; four grandchildren, John Rogers O’Niell Jr. and his wife Aimee Dyson O’Niell, Michael Brereton O’Niell, Kevin Baker Battaglia, and Pearl Marie Battaglia; six great grandchildren, Lyla Kathleen O’Niell, Ella Claire O’Niell, Allyson Dyson O’Niell, Michael Brereton O’Niell Jr., Margaret Baker O’Niell, and Samuel Eugene Battaglia; his devoted friend, Robert G. LeCompte; and his devoted caregiver, Bessie Tugwell.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jean Baker Battaglia; an infant grandson, Drew Battaglia; his parents, Salvadore Vincent Battaglia and Vita Lombardo Battaglia; one brother, Vincent J. Battaglia and his wife Dorothy M. “Dot” Battaglia; and one sister, Rosemary Battaglia Shinn and her husband R.A. “Pete” Shinn.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary Chapter Louisiana Landmarks Society, PO Box 400, Franklin, La. 70538.

Family and friends may view the obituary and express their condolences online by visiting www.iberts.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Ibert’s Mortuary, Inc., 1007 Main Street, Franklin, La. 70538, (337) 828-5426.

(Paid Notice)

St. Mary students get Burger King scholarships

Mon, 05/22/2017 - 7:21am

GPS Hospitality, one of the nation’s largest Burger King franchisees, today proudly announces that it has awarded 337 scholarships to students in eleven states this graduation season through the Burger King McLamore Foundation.
Funded by local restaurants through their guests’ donations, students named Burger King Scholars receive $1,000 scholarships to further their educational advancement – joining more than 3,200 other recipients throughout North America that were awarded a collective $3.5 million in 2017.
The scholars selected for the 2017 program from St. Mary Parish include:
Taylor Quatkemeyer, Berwick High School
Da’jia Phillips, Central Catholic High School
Noel Baker, Hanson Memorial High School
Baylee Young, Hanson Memorial High School
Shane Segura, Hanson Memorial High School
“We are honored to recognize the achievements of this year’s McLamore scholarship recipients. We believe in their capacity to succeed through hard work, and we wish them well with their continued academic pursuits,” said Tom Garrett, CEO of GPS Hospitality. “We would also like to thank the members of our restaurant teams for helping fund these grants, which wouldn’t be possible without their support. These scholarships truly make an impact on the lives they touch and in the communities they serve.”
GPS Hospitality restaurants participated in both the spring and fall McLamore Foundation fundraisers in 2016, which generated $337,000 in $1 donations. Since its inception in 2000, the Foundation has awarded more than 30,000 scholarships to high school seniors, Burger King employees, their spouses/domestic partners and children across the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico, resulting in $31.8 million in grants to students in local communities.
This year’s recipients were selected by the Burger King McLamoreFoundation based on their grade point average, extracurricular activities, community service and work experience.
“Investing in thousands of students each year is our way of advancing education,” said Amanda Israel, executive director, Burger King McLamore Foundation. “These regional awards represent the top students across the nation who are working towards creating a brighter future for everyone.”
The BURGER KING Scholars program is the Burger King McLamore Foundation’s flagship program, established to honor the legacy of co-founder James W. McLamore, whose commitment to philanthropy and education made him a pillar of community service throughout his lifetime.
For more information on the program, including instructions for 2018 scholarship applications, please visit www.bkmclamorefoundation.org.

Is an Asian insect the latest threat to La. coast?

Mon, 05/22/2017 - 7:20am

By ANTHONY EMMONS
The Roseau Cane Mealy Bug poses a threat to coastal rebuilding efforts in Louisiana, according to Rodrigo Diaz, Assistant Professor of Entomology at LSU.
Diaz says this non-native species has been located extensively in Plaquemines Parish and is a threat to Roseau Cane.
“Roseau Cane is one of the best plants for preventing erosion as it has a strong root system,” Diaz reported to CPRA (the Coastal Protection Restoration Authority) at Wednesday’s meeting in Baton Rouge.
Diaz, who specializes in Invasive Species Ecology and Biology Control, said, “The insect is commonly referred to as Phragmites Scale or Roseau Cane Mealy Bug. It is native to China and Japan and has had severe effects on vegetation of the Mississippi River Delta, especially wetland grass that help protect our coastline against coastal erosion.”
No one knows how this insect, Nipponaclerda biwakoensis, has arrived on the shores of Louisiana, Rodriguez said, but research is ongoing.
Roseau cane grows well in deep water and currently there is no other indigenous plant which can help retard the wave erosion as well. This plant has proven critical in some regions of the state and especially in the building of barrier islands which depend on healthy vegetation. Roseau plants are part of the answer.
Louisiana state biologists have found that tiny scales, which are a result of the insect, are attacking various locations and most have been located in Plaquemines Parish. The insect has also been located at Lafitte and Grand Isle. Researchers have found that where there should have been rows and rows of Roseau cane, all that remains is open water with some patches of Roseau stems remaining.
Research is being conducted to determine if salinity is attributing to the deterioration of Roseau cane and it has been found that in depths of water of three feet or less, it appears to be affected more by the insect. The deterioration of the Roseau plants occurs rapidly and it only takes a few months and the scales are already on the regrowth.
Diaz noted that in one area it only took a month for the brownish scales to damage the area. The scales feed on sap of the plant and reduce plant reserves. Baby scales are tiny, the length of tip of a needle, and as they grow they form large colonies. Research is ongoing to attempt to identify if this insect will attack other plants which are essential to fighting the deterioration of our coastline, such as Wheat Grass and Rush.
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries officials and the LSU AgCenter have warned residents and boaters not to transport or transplant Roseau cane into other parts of the state.
“Insecticides may solve the problem,” Diaz said, but he added that some insecticides may hurt speckled trout, redfish, oysters and shrimp and an insecticide plan should not be implemented until they can analyze the effect of the insecticide on these fisheries.
“We do know that healthy Roseau cane is essential to fighting coastal erosion,” he said.

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