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Berwick High School will meet South Beauregard Thursday.

No. 3 Berwick High School enters its Class 3A semifinal contest Thursday against No. 7 South Beauregard with more than just a glowing fan base abuzz about the school’s success this year.
Just check out some of the team member’s hair. Some members of the team dyed their hair either partially or completely blonde following their quarterfinal series win against No. 6 Buckeye last weekend.
Berwick senior pitcher Cameron Wiley said the idea started in class when someone broached the idea about dying their hair blonde if they made it to Sulphur.
“It never set in (that we were actually doing this) until we’re actually sitting in the salon (Sunday) and we all have bleach in our hair,” he said.
Don’t expect any changes if they bring home a title this weekend, either.
“Just rock the blonde,” Wiley said.
Before the Panthers can worry about a state title, however, they must knock off the defending Class 3A runner-ups from a year ago in South Beauregard at 4:30 p.m. on Field 41 at McMurry Park in Sulphur Thursday in semifinal action.
“It’s going to be a very, very tough game,” Berwick Coach John Menard said.
South Beauregard’s roster is headlined by two University of Louisiana at Lafayette signees, left-handed pitcher Logan Savoy and centerfielder Jansen Fontenot.
Savoy was the state’s Louisiana Gatorade Player of the Year in 2016. A year ago, he finished the season 10-2 with a 1.71 ERA and 115 strikeouts while also batting 0.365 with five home runs, 16 doubles and 38 RBIs. He earned All-American honors from Louisville Slugger, MaxPreps and Perfect Game and was a second-team Louisville Slugger All-American in 2015. Entering his senior season, he was 25-2 on the mound with a 1.35 ERA with four saves and 255 strikeouts in his prep career.
“They have some talent,” Menard said. “They have some guys that are going play college (ball). They have some guys on the mound that are really, pretty good. (They have) some guys with some speed. They can swing it real well, so this is going to be one of the better teams that we’ve faced.”
Berwick has a large senior class this season with nine players who have been playing together since they were youngsters.
“It’s just been an awesome experience,” senior second baseman Cody Roberie said of this season with his fellow seniors. “Never get it back. Just blessed to be in the position we’re in, and (we’ll) remember this for life” Berwick is led on the mound this year by Wiley, who is 10-2 with a 1.46 ERA. In 67 innings, he has allowed 21 runs (14 earned) on 27 hits with 37 walks and fanned 96.
Roberie leads the Panthers at the plate with a 0.365 batting average. He has collected 27 hits, including two doubles, and has 18 RBIs. Roberie has scored 19 runs and stolen 10 bases.
Meanwhile, sophomore Mitchell Sanford is hitting 0.359 with 42 hits, including eight doubles and two triples. He has 23 RBIs, has scored 31 runs and has stolen 13 bases.
Senior Andrew Askew is batting 0.357 with 30 hits, including seven doubles, one triple and two home runs. He has 28 RBIs, 30 runs scored and has stolen eight bases.
Wiley is batting 0.355 with 38 hits, including nine doubles, two triples and three home runs. He has collected 24 RBIs, stolen 15 bases and scored 31 runs.
The winner of Thursday’s Berwick-South Beauregard game will face the winner of the contest between No. 1 Brusly and No. 5 Iowa Saturday. That second semifinal contest will be played Thursday at 7:30 p.m.

Law Enforcement Officer Appreciation Crawfish Boil hosted by Hargrave

Hargrave Funeral Home will be hosting a Law Enforcement Officers Appreciation Crawfish Boil from 12-3 p.m. on May 21 at Lake End Park at the north pavilion. Law enforcement officers and their families from St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office, Morgan City Police Department, Berwick Police Department, Patterson Police Department, and lower St. Martin Police Department are invited to participate in this event. Refreshments include boiled crawfish and drinks. Hamburgers and chips will also be included for participators who are allergic to shell fish. Outside activities for the event will include a climbing wall, obstacle course, and fun jump. For more information and to RSVP, please contact Candace Dinger at 985-384-8605.

Bear-ly there

Submitted Photo
This black bear was spotted Wednesday on the bayou side of Riverview Lane near Green Acres in the unincorporated parish and photographed by Lana Bailey. The bear was climbing the fence of the last house and didn’t cause any damage. It slipped away before animal control authorities could arrive.

Berwick High Seniors set to graduate

Berwick High School’s Class of 2017 will hold its commencement ceremony at 7 p.m. Thursday at Geisler Stadium. The Class of 2017 will be led by 13 honor graduates. Leading graduates, in alphabetical order, are:
Jaci Faye Arnold
Arnold, daughter of Jason and Gina Arnold, has been a member of National Beta Club and Student Council and has earned two- and four-year letters in volleyball and softball. She has enjoyed doing volunteer work for AARP, Teche Fest, St. Mary Outreach, Special Olympics, the Intergenerational Mixer, and the nursing home. She has been named All-District for three years in softball and is a member of the Academic All State Softball Team. After high school, Arnold will attend Nicholls State University to double major in accounting and finance.
Allie De’Naye’ Atkinson
Atkinson, daughter of Jolie Melancon and Dale Wilson, participated in Beta Club, Drama Club, Foreign Language Club, Yearbook Club and Key Club throughout high school. She was invited by the National Academy of Future Physicians and Medical Scientists to attend Congress, where she received the Award of Excellence for maintaining the highest-grade point average in Spanish 1. She plans to attend Northwestern State University of Louisiana.
Seth Thomas Chap-man
Chapman, son of Marie Michel and Torrey Chapman, participated in Army JROTC his high school years, where he attained the rank of cadet major and was assigned the position of battalion S-3, training and operations officer. He participated in volunteer work including conducting color guards throughout the parish, going to nursing homes and visiting with residents, and supervising elementary school fun-fairs. He has maintained a 4.0 gpa during all four years and scored a composite score of 33 on the ACT. Chapman has been accepted into LSU’s Ogden’s Honor College, where he plans to major in pre-veterinary medicine.
Bradley Charles Gray
Gray, son of Daniel and Karen Gray, is a four-year member of the baseball team, and was recognized as first-team All-District pitcher in 2016 and second-team All-District first baseman in 2015. He was a member of Beta Club and has maintained a 4.0 gpa since elementary school. Gray was an 8th-Degree Wise Cat as well as an 8th-Degree PowerCat. Gray was a member of the All-Academic Composite Baseball Team and has been awarded both academic- and athletic-based scholarships. He plans to attend Louisiana State University in the fall and will pursue a degree in engineering.
Olivia Claire Kraemer
Kraemer, daughter of Judy and Carl Kraemer, has been a four-year member of Key Club, serving as secretary for three years. As a member of the Sound of Pride Band, Kraemer served as head of the uniform crew her junior year and vice president and section leader her senior year. She has participated in community activities including youth group at church, Kiwanis service projects, wrapping and donating Christmas presents for foster kids in need, and attending monthly Bingo at the Patterson Healthcare Center. Major accomplishments include maintaining a 4.0 gpa throughout high school, earning 20-plus college credit hours through dual enrollment classes and the CLEP exam, earning an academic scholarship to Nicholls State University, and being awarded the “Out-standing Senior” award at the spring band con-cert. She plans to attend Nicholls State University to major in nursing.
Nicholas Dean Levergne
Levergne, son of Theresa and Dean Levergne, was a member of JROTC Rifle Team: Battalion S-5, and served as Tiger Battalion’s Charlie Company commander. Community volunteer work includes decorating and visiting the Morgan City Health Care Center & Rehabilitation Center, cleaning veteran statues and memorials, and working in the J.S. Aucoin and Maitland Elementary schools fun fests. Major accomplishments include being named Student of the Year at the school, parish, and regional levels and was one of seven finalists for Louisiana Student of the Year 2017. Levergne was recognized in “The Beacon Shines On,” and represented BHS as a “Shining Star” and WAFB Best of the Class 2017. JROTC awards include the MOAA Medal, Instructor Award, and Superior Junior Cadet Decoration. He scored above 30 on the ACT, and was named Boys State 2016 Most Outstanding Press Member. He has been accepted into LSU Ogden Honors College this fall where he will pursue a double major in physics and English. He hopes to have a career in the aerospace field.
Cassi Jean McQuilling
McQuilling, daughter of John and Christa Davidson, has participated in Drama Club, Science Club, ROV and Quiz Bowl. She has volunteered for many educational days at the elementary schools in the parish through 4-H Junior Leaders. Major accomplishments include earning a 34 on the ACT and winning first-place in the state 4-H competition. She plans to attend Northwestern State University where she will major in biology with a focus on forensics.
Mary Jordan Melancon
Melancon, daughter of Dr. Eric and Karen Melancon, has been a member of the volleyball, swim, basketball, softball and powerlifting teams throughout high school. Through athletics, she has earned various All-District honors. She was selected for All State Academic Honors and the All State Composite Teams in volley-ball, swim, basketball and softball. Melancon has participated in several clubs including Key Club, Insight, Student Council, Beta Club, Science Club, Foreign Language Club and Prom Committee. Volunteer activities include Beta functions, AARP meetings, Teche Fest, Christmas visits to nursing homes, Special Olympics, and tutoring in her free time. Major accomplishments include her All-State academic awards, earning a 32 ACT score, various highest gpa awards, and academic scholarships from LSU, Wendy's High School Heisman Award, and the LHSAA 2017 Fuzzy Brown Memorial Scholarship. She plans to attend Louisiana State University, where she will major in biology and continue on towards medical school.
Olivia Kate Orlando
Orlando, daughter of Peter and Jennifer Orlando, was involved in cheerleading, tennis, Acts of Random Kindness Club, Drama Club, Beta Club, New Generations Club, Foreign Language Club, Student Council, HOSA, and Key Club. Her volunteer work includes AARP meetings, Gabriel Beadle Parish Council Campaign, St. Mary Parish Special Olympics and AHEC of a Summer. Major accomplishments are maintaining a 4.0 gpa, Citizen of the Year, Academic All-State Tennis Team, All-American cheerleader, and Camp Champions at UCA Cheer Camp. She plans to attend Louisiana State University to pursue a degree in biological sciences. Following college, she plans to further her education in the field of medicine.
Grace Noelle Rentrop
Rentop, daughter of Laura and Dale Rentrop, has been involved in Insight, Key Club, Student Council, Beta Club, Robotics, and New Generation. She has done volunteer work for the Miles Liner Run and for the Berwick Housing Authority, and helped out at the Berwick Light House Festival. She has earned certification in Microsoft Word, Power-point and CPR. She will attend the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
Cody Paul Roberie
Roberie, son of Shaun and Brigget Roberie, was a member of the football, basketball and baseball teams for four years. He was also a member of BETA Club and Student Council. He has earned various all district honors in all three sports. Roberie is also a member of the football, baseball and basketball All State Academic Composite teams. He was a recipi-ent of the Wendy's High School Heisman Award. During this past year, he helped the flood victims recover in the Baton Rouge area. He plans to attend LSU in the fall to major in pre-medicine.
Payton Noelle Suire
Suire, daughter of Miles and Kathryn Suire, participated in cheerleading and volley-ball for one year, and Student Council and Beta Club for four years. She served as emcee and host for pep rallies her senior year. She volunteered at Tour du Teche, Miles Liner Run and Special Olympics. Major accomplishments include maintaining a 4.0 gpa throughout high school and receiving a scholarship to Nicholls State University. Suire will major in mass communication with a focus in broadcast journalism.
Lauren Verrett
Verret, daughter of Beth Dover and Aaron Verrett, was involved with Beta Club, Student Council, Key Club, and Drama Club. She completed volunteer work for the Intergenerational Mixers and at AARP meetings. Accomplishments include maintaining a 4.0 gpa throughout high school, being accepted for admission to Nicholls State University, and receiving two scholarships. Verrett plans to attend Nicholls to pursue a major in biology with a concentration in pre-physician assistant. After receiving a bachelor's degree at Nicholls, she will attend Our Lady of the Lake College to continue studies to become a physician assistant.

Gift for Bayou Vista Elementary School

Submitted Photo
Bayou Vista Knights of Columbus Council 6211 recently donated a United States flag to Bayou Vista Elementary. The fourth degree (principle) of the Knights of Columbus is patriotism. Representing the Knights of Columbus is Grand Knight John Trevino Sr., lieutenant colonel, U.S. Army, with Nathaniel Trevino, center, and Blaze Harrison. The boys serve on the daily flag detail at the school.

Police Report for May 10

A Morgan City resident was arrested in Patterson and accused of multiple violent and drug offenses.
Patterson Police Chief Patrick LaSalle reported that Dayshawn Short, 32, of James Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 3:02 p.m. Tuesday on Fork Street in Patterson. Short was charged on a Patterson warrant for simple battery (domestic violence with strangulation), cruelty towards a juvenile, and violation of a protective order. Short was also charged with possession of schedule II narcotics (crystal meth) with intent to distribute, possession of Schedule II narcotics (lisdexamfetamine) with intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia, resisting an officer by force and introduction of contraband into a penal institution, and for a warrant from St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office alleging failure to appear for domestic abuse. Short was jailed and no bond was set.
LaSalle reported the following arrests:
—Charlotte McNabb, 52, of McGee Drive in Patterson and Whitney Klein, 53, of Pecan Lane in Patterson, were arrested at 4:41 p.m. Tuesday at Cypress Point Supermarket. Both were charged with theft by shop-lifting. McNabb and Klein both have a bond set at $337.
—Freddie Sellers, 27, of Keith Street in Morgan City, was arrested on May 10 at 12:19 a.m. at Patterson Police Department. He was charged with disturbing the peace and was released on bond.
St. Mary Parish Sheriff Mark Hebert reported the following arrests:
—Frank Small, Jr., 37, of Third Street in Franklin was arrested at 2:40 p.m. Tuesday. Small was charged on a warrant for failure to appear on the charge of criminal neglect of family. A correctional officer transported Small from the Lafayette Parish jail to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center.
—Juvenile male, 12, of Patterson was arrested at 9:34 a.m. Tuesday for theft. A deputy responded to a report of a theft of a scooter valued at $300 from outside a residence in Bayou Vista. Through investigation, a detective with the Juvenile Services Section positively identified a juvenile male as the suspect who stole the item. The scooter was re-turned to the victim. The juvenile was released to a guardian pending juvenile court proceedings.
—Lamonta Thomas, 20, of Mill Road in Patterson, was arrested at 7:02 p.m. Tuesday. Thomas was charged with theft of goods. A deputy responded to a report of shoplifting at a store in Bayou Vista. The deputy spoke with store security personnel and learned that Thomas was seen concealing items and leaving the store without paying. Thomas was released on a summons to appear in court Aug. 15.
Morgan City Police Chief James Blair reported the following arrests:
—Harrison Short, 51, of Mallard Street in Morgan City was arrested at 8:24 p.m. Tuesday. Short was charged with theft under $750 and disturbing the peace while intoxicated. Officers responded to a business in the area of La. 182 and Short was identified. Officers found Short in the nearby area and discovered he was intoxicated, police said. Short was transported and jailed at Morgan City Jail.
—Esmin Suazo, 29, of Shrimpers Drive in Dulac, was arrested at 1:49 a.m. Wednesday. Suazo was charged with driving under suspension and no insurance. Officer conducted a traffic stop after observing a vehicle traveling in the area of Front Street disregarding a traffic control. During the traffic stop, Suazo was identified as the driver and it was discovered that Suazo’s driver’s license was suspended and the vehicle was not properly insured. Suazo was trans-ported and jailed.
Franklin Police Chief Sa-bria McGuire reported the following arrests:
—Cordell Falterman, 37, of Cayce Street in Franklin was arrested at 1:59 p.m. Tuesday. Falterman was charged with domestic abuse battery. Falterman was released on a $2,500 bond.
—Anthony Wells, 64, of Antigo Alley in Franklin, was arrested at 8:57 p.m. Tuesday. Wells was charged with driving under suspension. Wells was released on a $1,000 bond.
—Matthew Johnston, 32, of Tamar Lane in Austin, was arrested at 3:10 a.m. Wednesday. Johnston was charge with resisting an officer by giving false identification and possession of Schedule I narcotics (MDMA/ecstasy). Johnston was arrested and held with no bond set.
—Shquille Brooks, 23, of Canal Drive in Franklin, was arrested at 4:11 a.m. Wednesday. Brooks was charged on a warrant for 16th Judicial District Court for failure to appear on the charges on simple burglary and possession of Schedule I narcotics (synthetic marijuana). Brooks was arrested and held with no bond set.
—Barry Burney, 55, of Barrone Street of Baldwin, was arrested at 4:20 a.m. Wednesday. Burney was charged with driving while intoxicated. Officers observed a vehicle that was parked in the opposite lane of travel on Cedar Street. Officers made contact with the driver, Burney, and smelled a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage, police said. Burney allegedly did poorly on a field sobriety test with a blood alcohol content of .193g percent. Burney was arrested and released on a $2,500 bond.
Berwick Police Chief James Richard reported the following arrest:
—Freddie Seller, 27, of Keith Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 8:55 p.m. Tuesday. Sellers was charged with no turn signal and driving under suspension. Sellers posted bond. After bond was posted, Seller was held on a warrant from Patterson Police Department and transferred into their custody.

Donation of Appreciation given by Bayou Vista Taco Bell

Representatives for the City of Patterson, Patterson Police Department, Patterson Fire Department, Berwick Police De-partment, Berwick Volunteer Fire Department, Bayou Vista Volunteer Fire Department, and Bayou Vista Taco Bell pose together for a group picture as they accept donations of appreciation from Bayou Vista’s Taco Bell.

HMS javelin title

HANSON MEMORIAL’S NOEL BAKER captured her third straight state title in the javelin Friday at LSU’s Bernie Moore Stadium in the LHSAA State Outdoor Track & Field Championships. Baker, who on Thursday signed a track scholarship with LSU, won her specialty on Friday to become a three-time state champion with a toss of 130 feet, 3 inches.

Police Reports 5-11-17

St. Mary Parish Sheriff Mark Hebert reported the following arrests:
Frank Small Jr., 37, 405 Third St., Franklin, was arrested on Tuesday at 2:40 p.m. on a warrant for failure to appear on the charge of criminal neglect of family. He was transported to St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking.
Teema Darby, 22, 104 Reynolds Lane A, New Iberia, was arrested on Tuesday at 5:09 p.m. on a warrant for failure to comply with the terms and conditions of probation. Darby was transported to St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking.
Juvenile male, 12, Patterson, was arrested on Tuesday at 9:34 a.m. for theft. The juvenile was released to a guardian.
Lamonta Thomas, 20, 140 Mill Road, Lot 40, Patterson, was arrested on Tuesday at 7:02 p.m. for theft of goods. Thomas was released on a summons.
Caswick Naverro, 22, of New Orelans, was arrested Wednesday at 6:46 p.m. on charges of turning movements and signal violations, and suspended license. He was released on a summons.
Glynn Wilson, 45, of 307 Myrtle St., Patterson, was arrested Wednesday at 7:16 p.m. on a warrant charging him with turning movements and required signals violation, possession of Schedule II (crack cocaine) and obstruction of justice. No bail is set.
Chris Cahee, 30, of Lake Charles, was arrested Wednesday at 8:03 p.m. on a failure to appear warrant on a charge of carrying illegal weapons and held with no bond set.
Charles Scott, 60, of Avondale, was arrested Wednesday at 11:19 p.m. on charges of speeding in a construction zone and suspended license. He was released on a summons.
Tam Lee, 35, of Thibodaux, was arrested Wednesday at 11:55 p.m. on charges of speeding (construction zone) and released on a summons.
Narcotics Section agents arrested Calvin Valentine Jr., 35, 313 Egle Street, Morgan City, was arrested on Wednesday at 8:06 p.m. for improper lane usage, possession of Schedule II (oxycodone) with intent to distribute and transactions involving proceeds from drug offenses. No bail is set.
Franklin Police Chief Sabria McGuire reported the arrest of Bernard Davis, 47, of Pickett Lane, Franklin, Wednesday at 3:58 p.m. on charges of driving under suspension for certain prior offenses. No bond was set.
Tory Pichoff, 26, of Jeanminette Road, Jeanerette, was arrested Wednesday at 5:59 p.m. on charges of no seat belt, no insurance, driving under suspension, possession of schedule I narcotics (MDMA/ecstasy) with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm in the presence of a controlled dangerous substance, violation of a controlled dangerous substance law in the drug-free zone, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Pichoff was also arrested on a warrant for 16th Judicial District Court for failure to appear on the charge no seat belt and operating a vehicle without a driver’s license. No bond was set.
Ananesia Jones, 18, of Seventh Street, Franklin, was arrested on Wednesday, at 9:33 p.m. on a charge of theft of goods. Officers responded to a local business in reference to a shoplifter. Jones allegedly put hygiene products in her bag, valued at $16.35, and attempted to exit the store. Jones was and held on a $1,500 bond.

Canal structure: What it can and can't accomplish

How the Franklin Canal flood control structure operates in tidal surges as opposed to rain events remains a work in progress.
That’s how St. Mary Levee District Executive Director Tim Matte explained it to the parish council Wednesday. He was asked to address the panel by Councilman Dale Rogers, in response to last week’s deluge of rainstorms.
“When the floodgate was originally envisioned there was no pump station involved,” Matte said. “The intention was to keep storm water, primarily, from entering the Franklin Canal, which would then spill over and cause flooding throughout the Franklin area.”
Pumps were later added when initial bids came in lower than expected and there was money left over. Two of the four designed pumps are in place, he said.
Matte said the levee district is authorized to operate and maintain the structure, but also has an agreement with the City of Franklin to do actual operation and maintenance in a joint effort. The district pays costs.
In a hurricane approach, with days’ notice in advance, procedures in place to give notice, close the structure, drain the canal via the pumps, and prevent storm surge, Matte said. “There have been a couple of occasions where we have operated the gates in response to high tides. Most recently that was in October, 2015.”
The week the first two pumps were installed, a notice of high tides was issued. There were people out at the beginning of hunting season. The district used social media, handbills on cars at the boat launch to notify people that the gate would be closed at a certain time.
Matte said in that event it was learned that there was a limit to the amount of water that can be pumped with only two pumps, which were unable to pump out water from the backside of the structure fast enough.
“You can’t just open the gate” at that point, he said. “There’s a certain differential between the inside and outside water that allows you to safely opening the gate, otherwise you have a risk of damage or just not being able to do it.”
He said a 40-foot opening in the gate will “move a tremendous amount of water compared to what you can do with the pumps.”
Installation of the last two pumps is ongoing now, Matte said.
The lowest section along the canal is at the old boat landing on Willow Street at 3.8 feet, highest is about 4.5 feet. In the recent storms, three days of high winds pushed water inland, then the rain came.
“We’re pretty confident that closing the gate would not have helped, it would have harmed that situation,” he said. “We would not have been able to get rid of that water fast enough.”
That’s why the gate was not closed, he said. “It’s based on our experience that there’s a limited amount of water we can move out with those pumps. It will still work with a storm surge.”
Rogers asked who makes the decision to open or close the gate. Matte said all decisions are made in conjunction with the City of Franklin by intergovernmental agreement.
There is signage at the boat landing, Matte said, used when issuing warnings that the structure will be closed. Shrimp boat owners inside the canal are also notified.
The district is considering modifications to the structure to relieve excess water behind the gate or in front of, depending on the circumstances.
“We’re probably going to learn more as the years go on,” he said. “It takes about an hour and a half to open or close the gate.”
In response to a question from Councilman Glenn Hidalgo, Matte said there is a Bayou Teche floodgate project which has been permitted by both federal and state authorities, but has not yet been funded. “We’re trying to secure the land rights,” he said.
The district could possibly close off the section of Bayou Teche north of the Baldwin Bridge behind what’s known as Victory Island. Then levees could be constructed and some form of structure put in place, Matte said.

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Franklin Banner-Tribune
P.O. Box 566, Franklin, LA 70538
Phone: 337-828-3706
Fax: 337-828-2874

Morgan City Review
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Phone: 985-384-8370
Fax: 985-384-4255