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Wiley tosses no-hitter, Berwick clinches share of district crown

Fri, 04/21/2017 - 3:56pm

Staff Report

Berwick’s Cameron Wiley no-hit North Vermilion as the Panthers eased past their District 8-3A foes from Vermilion Parish, 10-0, in five innings in Berwick Tuesday and clinched a share of the District 8-3A crown in the process.
Wiley, one of nine Berwick seniors, fittingly recorded the no-no on Senior Day for the Panthers. In five innings, he surrendered four walks, hit two batters and fanned six.
Tuesday’s contest was a matchup of Class 3A’s No. 3- and No. 4-ranked squads, according to the latest Louisiana High S c h o o l A t h l e t i c Association power rankings. Berwick entered the game at No. 3 and North Vermilion at No. 4.
With one game remaining in league play, Berwick is 9-2 in district, while North Vermilion and E.D. White are 8-3. If the Panthers defeat North Vermilion on the road Thursday, the Panthers will win the district crown outright. If North Vermilion wins and E.D. White loses at home to Patterson Thursday, Berwick and North Vermilion will share the district crown.
If North Vermilion and E.D. White win Thursday, B e r w i c k , N o r t h Vermilion and E.D. White each will share the league crown.
In Tuesday’s win, Berwick scored a run in the first, three in the second, two in the fourth and four in the fifth. The game was called due to the mercy rule following Berwick senior Bradley Gray’s 2-RBI double to centerfield in the fifth.
Berwick stole 10 bases.
Offensively, senior Cody Roberie finished 2-for-3 with an RBI and two runs for Berwick, while Wiley was 2-for-3 with an RBI. Other top Berwick offensive contributors included Gray, 1-for-2 with a double, two RBIs, a stolen base and a run; senior Andrew Askew, 1-for-3, a double and two RBIs; senior Grant Oubre, 1-for-2, an RBI, a stolen base and two runs; and Mitchell Sanford, 1-for-2, an RBI, a stolen base and a run.
Berwick (20-8 overall, 9-2 in district) will return to action Thursday when it travels to meet North Vermilion at 4 p.m.
Patterson falls to E.D. White
E.D. White, Division II’s top-ranked squad, defeated Patterson, 4-0, in District 8-3A action at Patterson Tuesday.
The Cardinals scored two runs apiece in the second and fifth innings.
Patterson was held to just one hit, a 1-for-3 performance by Jamey Fabre.
Joel Singleton suffered the loss. In seven innings, he surrendered four runs (two earned) on seven hits with three walks and one strikeout.
Patterson (13-17, 4-7) will return to action Wednesday when it travels to face E.D. White in a 1 p.m. contest in Thibodaux.
Also, Patterson’s makeup game Friday with St. James has been cancelled, while the Lumberjacks will conclude their regular season at home Saturday at 11 against Episcopal School of Acadiana.

MCHS will host Assumption in 4A second round

Fri, 04/21/2017 - 3:51pm

The Class 4A second-round opponent for the No. 3-ranked Morgan City High School softball team has been determined as the Lady Tigers will face district foe and No. 19-ranked Assumption at 6 p.m. Friday in Morgan City. Morgan City (24-3) advanced to the second round after defeating No. 30 Pearl River, 9-0, Saturday, while Assumption (12-19) moved on to the second round after upsetting No. 14 seed Northwood-Shreveport, 6-4, on the road Tuesday. Look for a preview of the second-round matchup in Thursday’s newspaper.

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Madison Jones places third at state

Fri, 04/21/2017 - 3:48pm

(Photo above)

Landry qualifies for national gymnastic competition

Fri, 04/21/2017 - 3:46pm

(Photo above)

JIM BRADSHAW: Acadian prairies good for health, wealth

Fri, 04/21/2017 - 11:44am

By JIM BRADSHAW

When mapmaker William Darby toured south Louisiana in 1816, he was impressed with our mild climate, rich soils, and the huge potential of the prairies of the Attakapas and Opelousas districts which included practically all of southwest Louisiana.
The Attakapas district included what is now Lafayette, St. Martin, Iberia, St. Mary and Vermilion parishes. The Opelousas district included present day St. Landry, Evangeline, Acadia, Cameron, Calcasieu, Allen, Jefferson Davis and Beauregard parishes.
On the prairies in the Opelousas district, Darby wrote, “You behold those vast herds of cattle which afford subsistence to the natives, and the inhabitants of the city of New Orleans. It is certainly one of the most agreeable views in nature, to behold from a point of elevation thousands of horses and cows, of all sizes, scattered over the interminable mead, intermingled in wild confusion.
The mind feels a glow of correspondingly innocent enjoyment, with those useful and inoffensive animals grazing in a sea of plenty. If the active horsemen that guard them would keep their distance, fancy would transport us backwards into pastoral ages.”
He called this “ground that must forever remain covered with grass” one of the “great meadows of America.”
That didn’t happen. Today, Darby’s great meadow has been replaced by cultivated crops, and there are only a hundred acres or so of the pristine prairie that he described, and that is still here largely because of the efforts of the Cajun Prairie Habitat Preservation Society. The society was officially founded on May 22, 1989, to preserve a piece of prairie near Eunice.
Most of the old prairie now supports a rice industry that is the mainstay of the southwest Louisiana agricultural economy. Darby saw it as an incredible grazing land for livestock.
“Allowing ten animals to be produced annually from each five acres,” he said, “more than two hundred and twenty thousand can be reared and transported from this prairie alone, which at an average of ten dollars per head would exceed two million four hundred thousand dollars.”
That was a lot of money in 1816, but he said it was no exaggeration.
“This calculation will, I know, appear extravagant,” Darby wrote, “but it is certainly not exaggerated beyond practicability, so much has nature done for a country where even sterile lands are the source of wealth, ease, and human happiness. The time is not remote when the bacon and flour of the western states will be repaid by the sugar, cotton, beef, and hides of Louisiana.”
Just as important, according to Henry Brackenridge, who traveled through the countryside a few years before Darby, the prairies could bring health as well as wealth.
“Free from stagnant waters, with the exception of a few ponds,” he wrote, “the atmosphere (on the prairies) is not poisoned by noxious vapors, and open to the breezes from the gulf.” They “enjoy a cool and refreshing temperature, while the rest of the state is suffering from the effects of a close and sultry air. Without fear of contradiction, I may pronounce (this) to be by far the most healthy part of the state.”
Brackenridge found a subtle beauty to the wide expanse of prairie.
“There is nothing wild or savage, yet the scenery is not tame or monotonous; there is sufficient variety and succession of … scenes, which may soothe the mind, or inspire it with lively and pleasing emotions.”
As he rode across the prairieland on a late spring day, he said, “the distance of my journey was forgotten while I gazed with delight upon the waving surface of these meadows now covered with deep green … in some places bounded only by the horizon, in others by skirts of wood, dimly appearing as … some distant isle of the sea; while a thousand brilliant … flowers shed their perfume upon the air.”
Sounds like home to me.
A collection of Jim Bradshaw’s columns, Cajuns and Other Characters, is now available from Pelican Publishing. You can contact him at jimbradshaw4321@gmail.com or P.O. Box 1121, Washington LA 70589.

Joseph Jones will be honored at banquet

Fri, 04/21/2017 - 11:42am

By IVORY BIBBINS

ibibbins @daily-review.com

The Tri-City Helping Hearts Foundation will host its annual benefit gospel banquet fundraiser April 22 at 4 p.m.
The event will take place at St. Mary Senior Citizens Center, 4014 Chennault St. in Morgan City.
This is the 14th benefit banquet for the foundation and proceeds go to help in its primary purpose of burial assistance.
“This benefit is very important. It is one of the ways to provide to those in need who have lost a loved one,” said Herman Hartman, president of Tri-City Helping Hearts Foundation.
Every year the banquet honors a local citizen. This year’s honoree is Joseph Jones, who is being honored for his commitment in the community and youth mentorship.
Jones has served on Morgan City’s Recreations Board, the Brothers’ Organization, and coaches AAU and Biddy basketball. Guest speaker for the banquet is John K. Pierre, Chancellor of Southern University Law Center. Pierre has been on the law faculty at Southern University since 1990 in which he has overseen several lawyers that are established in the Tri-City area.
Entertainment will showcase local youth groups of Morgan City and Marcus Davis of Jennings.
The Tri-City Helping Hearts Foundation is a nonprofit organization that started 15 years ago as a community project that saw a financial need. The foundation provides services to fund burial services to the citizens of Morgan City, Amelia, Berwick and Patterson.

DOUGLAS JOSEPH BERGERON SR.

Fri, 04/21/2017 - 11:39am

Arnaudville — A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 22, 2017, at St. John Francis Regis Catholic Church in Arnaudville for Douglas Joseph Bergeron Sr., 78, who passed away Thursday, April 20, 2017, at his residence.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed at the funeral home from 11:30 a.m. until 10 p.m. Friday, April 21, 2017, and continue Saturday at 8 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.
A rosary will be prayed at 7 p.m. Friday.
The Rev. Brian Taylor will officiate at the Mass of Christian Burial.
Interment will follow at St. John Francis Regis Cemetery in Arnaudville.
Douglas worked for Patterson Trucking for 47 years. He was a member of CFMA, the Krewe De Canallie and the Don Begnaud Hunting Club. He loved to hunt, fish, cook, dance, and spend time with his family and friends.
He is survived by his son, Douglas Joseph Bergeron Jr. and wife Jessica of Lockport, Louisiana; daughters, Linda Gros and husband Kirk of Bayou Vista, Belinda Credeur and husband Glenn of Lockport, and Lisa Carpenter and husband Dudley of Pierre Part; stepdaughter, Kristie Thompson and spouse Terrance of Patterson; companion, Grace Seaux of Carencro; brother, Ronald Bergeron and wife Hazel of Breaux Bridge; sisters, Ethel Robin of Pierre Part, Jane Taylor and husband Reo of Arnaudville, and Rose Bergeron of Cecilia; and a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his father, Aldus Joseph Bergeron Sr.; mother, Marie Guilbeaux Bergeron; sisters, Joycelyn Lalonde and Lydia LeBlanc; and his brother, Aldus Bergeron Jr.
Pallbearers will be Douglas Joseph Bergeron Jr., Ronald Bergeron, Rusty Credeur, Blake Credeur, Cory Carpenter and Kirk Gros.
Honorary pallbearers will be Rives Verret, Kenneth Taylor and Paul Arnaud.
Pellerin Funeral Home of Arnaudville, 314 St. Landry St., Arnaudville, LA 70512, (337-332-2111) is in charge of arrangements.

Police: Man cut victim during fight

Fri, 04/21/2017 - 11:34am

Staff Report

A 60-year-old Patterson man has been charged with aggravated battery after a victim sustained a minor knife cut to the forehead during a physical altercation, Patterson Police Chief Patrick LaSalle said in a news release.

—Pablo C. Fonte, 60, of Veterans Boulevard in Patterson, was arrested at 9:47 p.m. Thursday on a charge of aggravated battery. Fonte allegedly cut another man with a steak knife during a fight. The victim sustained a minor cut to the forehead, LaSalle said. Fonte was jailed with no bail set yet.

St. Mary Parish Sheriff Mark Hebert reported responding to 32 complaints in the parish and reported the following arrests in east St. Mary Parish:

—Jeremy W. McAdams, 33, of Long Leaf Street in Collinsville, Mississippi, was arrested at 6:05 a.m. Thursday on a charge of disturbing the peace intoxicated.

A deputy responded to a report of an unresponsive person lying in the parking lot of a business on Duhon Boulevard in Amelia. The deputy located the person, attempted to communicate with him, and smelled the strong odor of an alcoholic beverage on his breath and body.

The deputy identified the person as McAdams. Acadian Ambulance Services transported McAdams to Teche Regional Medical Center. According to Morgan City police officers, they received information that McAdams became combative towards EMTs while en route to the hospital.

McAdams refused treatment and was released from the medical facility. Following the investigation, the deputy took McAdams into custody on the above listed charge.

Before booking, McAdams was transported to Franklin Foundation Hospital for evaluation where he refused medical treatment a second time. McAdams was booked into the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center and released on $1,000 bail.

—John Navarre, 38, of Henning Road in Scott, was arrested at 6:42 a.m. Thursday on charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated and reckless operation.

A deputy responded to a complaint of a reckless driver on U.S. 90 in the Patterson area. The deputy located the suspect vehicle that had been stopped by a Patterson police officer and identified the suspect driver as Naverre.

The deputy spoke with multiple witnesses who gave accounts that Naverre was traveling at a high rate of speed, struck orange traffic cones in the construction area, and served off the roadway into a grassy area before re-entering the highway.

While speaking with Naverre, the deputy observed several signs of impairment. Naverre was swaying back and forth, had difficulty keeping his balance, and was slurring his words as he spoke.

Through investigation, the deputy found evidence that Navarre got behind the wheel of the pick-up truck after taking prescribed medication that has a label warning against driving under certain side effects of the drug. Navarre did poorly on a field sobriety test. He was booked into parish jail and released on $3,000 bail.

—Victor Mendoza Galindo, 32, of Goodwood Boulevard in Baton Rouge, was arrested at 9:05 p.m. Thursday on charges of tail lamps required, no driver’s license, no insurance and no registration.

A deputy observed a vehicle traveling with no working tail lights on La. 182 in Morgan City and conducted a traffic stop. The deputy spoke with the driver and identified him as Galindo. The deputy found that he was driving the SUV without a license, insurance, or registration. Galindo was released on a summons to appear in court July 10.

—Christopher Adams, 42, of Clines Lane in Amelia, was arrested at 7:15 p.m. Thursday on charges of possession of marijuana and possession of methamphetamine.

A detective with the St. Mary Parish Narcotics Section investigating suspected illegal drug activity in Amelia encountered Adams on Clines Lane. The detective smelled the odor of marijuana coming from Adams’ body.

While speaking with him, the detective learned that Adams had marijuana on his person. Adams turned the illegal substance over to the detective.

During a search of Adams, the detective also located two bags containing methamphetamine. Adams was jailed with no bail set.

Morgan City Police James Blair reported responding to 38 complaints in the city and reported the following arrests:

—Devante Frank, 25, of Aucoin Street in Morgan City, arrested at 9:54 a.m. Thursday on charges of disturbing the peace intoxicated, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving under suspension and violation of uniform controlled dangerous substance law-drug free zone.

Patrol officers responded to a business on La. 182 in regard to an intoxicated person. Officers arrived and located Frank sleeping in the driver’s seat of the vehicle.

Frank was found to be in an intoxicated state. Investigation officers located suspected marijuana and drug paraphernalia. Frank allegedly admitted to driving the vehicle to the business, and his driver’s license was found to be suspended.

The area where the incident took place was in a drug free zone. Frank was jailed.

—Erica Alexander, 34, of Guzetta Drive in Marrero, arrested at 11:09 p.m. Thursday on charges of driving under suspension, resisting an officer by giving false information and no turn signal and a warrant for two counts of failure to appear for drug court.

Patrol officers observed a vehicle in the area of U.S. 90 that failed to signal while negotiating a turn and initiated a stop. The operator of the vehicle identified herself as Alexander. The officer was familiar with the female who knew her as Erica Alexander.

When confronted with this fact, she allegedly admitted that her name was Alexander. Alexander was found to have active arrest warrants held by the 16th Judicial District Court. Her driver’s license was also found to be suspended. Alexander was jailed.

—Mark Maulden, 53, of Iberia Street in Franklin, arrested at 2:57 a.m. Friday on charges of DWI first offense and no turn signal.

Patrol officers observed a vehicle traveling in the area of La. 182 and observed the vehicle negotiate a turn onto U.S. 90 in an erratic manner failing to use its turn signal.

A stop was initiated and the operator of the vehicle was identified as Maulden. According to reports the officer detected the odor of an alcoholic beverage when speaking with Maulden.

A standardized field sobriety test was conducted on which Maulden performed poorly. Maulden allegedly refused to submit to a chemical test for intoxication at Morgan City jail. Maulden was jailed.

Berwick Police Chief James Richard reported the following arrest:

—Tyler Voisin, 25, of St. Lucie Street in Patterson, was arrested at 6:02 p.m. Thursday on a warrant charging him with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute. No bail is set.

DENISE BLANCHARD GROS

Fri, 04/21/2017 - 11:30am

January 15, 1929-April 18, 2017
Denise Blanchard Gros, 88, a resident of Amelia, was called home to her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, April 18, 2017, at her home surrounded by her loving family.
Denise was born Jan. 15, 1929, in Napoleonville, the daughter of Meliza Blanchard and Ursula Mabile Blanchard.
She was a faithful parishioner of St. Andrew Catholic Church for over 50 years. Denise dedicated her life raising her children as a loving housewife. Her heart beat for every one of her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. She was the true matriarch of her family.
She will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by six daughters, Sherryl Doiron and husband Brent of Amelia, Gloria Landry of Pierre Part, Nancy Aucoin and husband William “Nitty” of Amelia, Dorothy Gros and husband Jean Jr. of Labadieville, LeeAnn Gros and husband Albert of Morgan City, and Mary Espinal of Amelia; three sons, Andrew Gros Jr. and wife Ethyl of Amelia, David Gros and wife Leisha of Pierre Part, and Tommy Gros of Amelia; 31 grandchildren; 57 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren. Denise is also survived by one brother, Diny Blanchard and wife Lucille of Amelia; and three sisters, Rita Blanchard of Amelia, Mildred Arceneaux of Stephensville and Flavia Barras of Amelia.
Denise was preceded in death by her parents, Meliza and Ursula Mabile Blanchard; husband, Andrew Gros Sr.; grandson, David Gros Jr.; two great-grandsons, Hunter Bertrand and Brent Doiron III; one daughter-in-law, Denise Gros; two sons-in-law, Henry Landry and Donnie Espinal Sr.; three brothers, Gustav Blanchard, Linwood Blanchard and Lloyd Blanchard; and three sisters, Doris Alleman, Audrey Revere and LeeAnn Blanchard.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Friday, April 21, 2017, at St. Andrew Catholic Church. A visitation will be held from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. Thursday, April 20, 2017, at Twin City Funeral Home with the visitation resuming from 8 a.m. until 11 a.m. on Friday at St. Andrew Catholic Church. Following Mass, Denise will be laid to rest in the Morgan City Cemetery.

EDWARD CHARLES JR.

Fri, 04/21/2017 - 11:28am

Edward Charles Jr., 81, a native and resident of Four Corners, died Tuesday, April 11, 2017, at his residence.
Visitation will be Saturday from 8 a.m. until services at 11 a.m. at St. John Baptist Church in Four Corners.
Burial with military honors will follow in the Sorrel Community Cemetery.
He is survived by two sons, Aaron Perkins of Midlothian, Illinois and Darryl Gilton of Country Club Hill, Illinois; two daughters, Caryl Maxwell of Chicago and Shartina Bridges of Morgan City; three brothers, Roland Charles Sr. and King Charles Sr., both of Four Corners, and Leonard Charles of Dallas; five sisters, Martha Charles, Evelyn Simpson, Doretha Turner and Ellen Lewis, all of Houston, and Verna Jennings of Chicago; eight grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and a host of other relatives.
He was preceded in death by his wife, his parents, four brothers and two sisters.
Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.