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Early voting ends Saturday

Thu, 04/20/2017 - 10:31am

Staff Report

Over 1,200 St. Mary Parish voters have already cast their ballots for the April 29 parish council runoff election. Early voting began April 15 and continues through Saturday.

Hours for early voting are 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Early voting will be conducted at the registrar’s office on the third floor of the courthouse in Franklin and the registrar’s branch office in Morgan City located at 301 Third St. You may vote early in either office.

Through Wednesday, 1,207 parish voters had cast their ballots early. Daily voting totals were the following: Saturday, 377; Monday, 263; Tuesday, 220; and Wednesday, 297. Fifty voters mailed in ballots prior to the start of early voting April 15.

On the ballot is a run-off for the At-large, District 10 St. Mary Parish Council seat between Gabriel Beadle, R-Berwick and Reginald Weary, D-Patterson. Both candidates are vying to fill the seat vacated by Steve Bierhorst, who stepped down in September 2016 due to health reasons.

During the March 25 primary election, Beadle got 49 percent of the vote, while Weary received 43 percent. Third-place finisher Darryl Perry got 8 percent of the vote.

District 10 covers half of Berwick, extending west to Centerville and also includes Four Corners, but all voters in the parish are eligible to vote in the race.

Voters from Centerville to the Patterson area will be able to vote on millage proposition for the newly formed St. Mary Parish Water and Sewer Commission No. 3.

The parish council created the new commission in September 2016, consolidating Waterworks District 5 and Sewer Districts 5 and 8 into one commission.
Approving the proposition will allow the commission to levy an 8.60-mill property tax for 10 years to pay for maintenance and operations waterworks and sewer facilities.

If voters approve the proposal, Waterworks District 5 and Sewer Districts 5 and 8 will no longer levy their millages, which should reduce the overall millage that most residents in those areas pay, Parish Chief Administrative Officer Henry “Bo” LaGrange said.

Also on the ballot is a 10-year, 5-mill property tax renewal for Fire Protection District 7 in the Bayou Vista area.

PC race forum set Tues.

Thu, 04/20/2017 - 9:54am

The St. Mary Branch NAACP and Franklin-Jeanerette Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta will host a candidate forum for the St. Mary Parish Council at-large Dist. 10 race.
The forum will be held on Tuesday, April 25 at the Teche Theatre on Main Street in Franklin at 6:30 p.m.
Candidates are Reginald Weary and Gabriel Beadle.
The public is invited to attend.

Council approves pay hikes

Thu, 04/20/2017 - 9:54am

City council members Tuesday adopted three ordinances raising pay for councilmen and the mayor.
The ordinances do not take effect until the next term of office for all members and the mayor.
The ordinance increased the four single-member councilmen’s monthly pay from $500 to $650, and the at-large elected mayor pro-tempore to $750. The council receives $150 in expense funds authorized by a separate ordinance currently in effect.
—Ordinance #3356: An ordinance fixing the compensation of the councilmembers of the City of Franklin, St. Mary Parish, La., who represent Districts A, B, C and D and repealing all resolutions, ordinances or part of ordinances in conflict therewith.
—Ordinance #3357: An ordinance fixing the compensation of the at-large Mayor Pro Tempore councilmember of the City of Franklin, St. Mary Parish, La., and repealing all resolutions, ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict therewith.
—Ordinance #3358: An ordinance fixing the compensation of the mayor of the City of Franklin, St. Mary Parish, La., and repealing all resolutions, ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict therewith. The new annual pay is $60,000 per year.

Speed sign complaints aired before city council

Thu, 04/20/2017 - 9:53am

Franklin City Council conducted their April meeting on Tuesday evening.
Mayor Raymond Harris presented Almetra Franklin, CEO of the Mary Community Action Agency an award commemorating the agency’s 50 years of service.
“For the past 50 years, St. Mary Community Action Agency has been a shining example of what it means to serve,” said Harris. “(It) has affected…the quality of life of thousands upon thousands of St. Mary residents down through the years.”
The agency is hosting a celebration at Cypress Bayou Casino on May 5, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Third Ward Court Marshal David McCoy spoke in regards to the marshal and constable conference that will be hosted in Franklin. He asked that the council lift the ban on open alcoholic containers for the event, which will take place April 27-29.
The city council motioned to approve lifting the ban.
Larry Guilbeau approached the council as a concerned citizen.
“If you’re coming from Walmart and you’re passing The Forest restaurant, the speed limit says 45 miles an hour,” Guilbeau said. “As you turn on Joe Hoy Drive, and you make a sharp left turn to Barrow Street, there is a sign that says 25 miles an hour. But the sign is located past the Community Action Agency.”
“If you make that turn, it’s no way possible that you could be in the 25 miles an hour zone,” he continued. “I find that strange.”
According to Guilbeau, a driver would not know the speed zone until they pass Caffery Park. Guilbeau explained that the lack of a speed limit sign is dangerous, especially during baseball season when children are crossing Barrow Street.
Franklin Police Chief Sabria McGuire explained that “in 99 percent of the cities, they have ordinances.”
“We also have an ordinance that in the corporate city limits of Franklin, the speed limit is 25 miles an hour unless posted differently,” McGuire said.
This means that the default speed limit in Franklin is 25 mph unless there is a speed limit sign stating otherwise.
McGuire also said that the city of Franklin is limited to where they can place speed limit signs. For example, they cannot place signs on state highways, which include La. 3211, La. 182, Sterling Road and part of Willow Street.
“People don’t want speed limit signs in the middle or in front of their business,” she said. “They don’t want speed limit signs in the middle of their yard. That’s why cities all across the US – not just Louisiana – have these ordinances on the books that say the speed limit.”
McGuire agreed to conduct a traffic survey on Barrow Street with the assistance of Guilbeau.
Director of Finance Ed Hay discussed the decrease in sales tax revenue and how it is causing wage reductions for city employees.
“What’s been happening over the last three years is that there’s been a decrease of about 33 percent, which has a serious effect on the city’s ability to maintain its operations,” Hay said.
For example, Franklin’s police and fire departments, which used to receive $55,000, are now receiving $40,000 in sales taxes. The sales tax used to support the city’s sewage rates declined from $90,000 per month to $60,000.
Hay suggested to the council that the city of Franklin “curtail all non-mission critical activities and put those functions in a kind of suspended mode until we get some relief from the sales tax.”
At the same time, Hay said, the city should research grants that would permit government assistance.
Hay also suggested increasing garbage rates by $2 per month per customer and to increase sewer rates by $1 per month per customer.
“My real idea is that this is no fun for anybody,” Hay said. “It’s no fun for anybody…to have to do this, but I think we’re at a point where we need to do this and we need to do it before it gets too far out of hand.”
Ordinances that were introduced:
—Ordinance #3359: An ordinance amending Chapter 34, Section 34-29(a) of the Franklin City Code to provide for the assessment of fees and charges within the City of Franklin, La., for the collection of solid and/or bulky waste, garbage and trash material; and repealing all ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith.
—Ordinance #3360: An ordinance establishing the sewer user charge to all resident and customers receiving sewer services from the City of Franklin, St. Mary Parish, La., with said income to be utilized for construction, renovation and operation of the City of Franklin’s sewer system, or for any public purpose, defining the same; providing for billings to said residents and customers; and repealing all ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith.
The council adopted Ordinance #3355: An ordinance fixing the rates of tax to be assessed by the municipal corporation of the City of Franklin, St. Mary Parish, La., subject to taxation therein, for the year 2017.
Resolutions that were approved:
—A resolution lifting the open alcohol container law on Teche Drive and downtown Main Street for the Louisiana City Marshals and City Constables Association Conference to be held on April 28, 2017. No glass containers.
—A resolution authorizing the mayor to submit a pre-application, application and issue debt in the amount of $2 million in the Department of Environmental Quality on behalf of the City of Franklin.
—A resolution urging the United States Congress to pass destination rate-based legislation that would give the states the option to collect from remote online retailers the same that local brick-and-mortar merchants currently collect.
—A resolution in support of the application for grant funding of the Bayou Beaux Arts Summer Program.
—A resolution support of the application for Community Partnership Grant funding of the Summer Dance program.
—A resolution in support of adequate and stable state funding for the 16th Judicial District Public Defenders Office.

Police Reports 4-20-17

Thu, 04/20/2017 - 9:51am

St. Mary Parish Sheriff Mark Hebert reported the following arrests:
James Parramoure, 58, 226 Sixth Street, St. Petersburg, Fla., was arrested on Wednesday at 6:36 p.m. for disturbing the peace. No bail is set.
Carey Jackson Jr., 19, 523 Big Four Corners Road, Jeanerette, was arrested on Tuesday at 8:54 a.m. for unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. No bail is set.
Jessica Bush, 31, 2029 Pinecrust Blvd., Covington, was arrested on Tuesday at 12:21 p.m. for domestic abuse battery. No bail is set.
Stacy Burnett, 33, 115 Cammie Lane, Cypremort Point, was arrested on Tuesday at 4:32 p.m. for simple assault. No bail is set.
Brian Jolivette, 52, 830½ Canal Street Apt. A3, Jeanerette, was arrested on Tuesday at 5:45 p.m. on two warrants for failure to appear on the charges of criminal neglect of family. Bail is set at $28,473.
April Lewis, 26, 1414 Cypremort Road, Jeanerette, was arrested on Tuesday at 5:41 p.m. on a warrant for simple battery. Bail is set at $2,500.
Jonathan W. Ashley, 28, 5711 La. 182, Franklin, was arrested on Tuesday at 6:29 p.m. for theft of goods and possession of drug paraphernalia. Ashley was released on a summons.
Tyrone Weber, 33, 115 Kerry Lane, Charenton, was arrested on Tuesday at 7:08 p.m. on a warrant for failure to appear on the charge of criminal neglect of family. Bail is set at $6,289.
Antoine Booker, 32, 1301 La. 83, Franklin, was arrested on Tuesday at 8:22 p.m. on a warrant for failure to appear on the charge of criminal neglect of family. Bail is set at $2,122.
Antoine Jones, 27, 136 Georgetown Road, Franklin, was arrested on Tuesday at 10:21 p.m. on a warrant for failure to appear on the charges of possession of synthetic cannabinoids and operating a vehicle without a driver’s license. Jones was also charged on another warrant for failure to appear careless operation of a motor vehicle and operating a vehicle without a driver’s license. Bail is set at $1,000.
Frederick J. Hryniewick, 43, 330 Tulsa Avenue, Houma, was arrested on Wednesday at 3:03 a.m. for operating a vehicle while intoxicated, traveling the wrong way on a one-way roadway and possession of open alcoholic beverages in motor vehicles. Bail is set at $2,750.
Franklin Police Chief Sabria McGuire reported the following arrest:
Tyrone Jackson, 33, Trowbridge Street, Franklin, was arrested on Wednesday at 7:46 p.m., on a warrant for the charge of simple battery. Jackson is held on a $2,500 bond.

BARARA NELL WESLEY POLLARD

Thu, 04/20/2017 - 9:51am

Barbara Nell Wesley Pollard, 52, a resident and native of Patterson, La. passed away Tuesday, April 18, 2017 at 6:04 p.m. at Teche Regional Medical Center in Morgan City, La.
Visitation will be observed on Saturday, April 22, 2017 at the St. Luke Baptist Church, 1709 Harry St., Patterson, La., from 9 a.m. until funeral services at 1:30 p.m., with Reverend Keith Verrett, Officiating. Burial will follow funeral services in the Patterson Memorial Park in Patterson, La.
Memories of Barbara Nell will forever remain in the hearts of her devoted husband, Kim Pollard of Patterson, La.; her son, Kurtis J. Wesley of New Iberia, La.; her daughter, Jeanell J. Wesley; her loving mother, Betty R. Wesley; four brothers, Alfred Wesley, III, Jessie L. Wesley, Billy R. Wesley and Brian J. Wesley; two sisters, Mrs. Calvin (Glenda M.) Jennings and Mrs. Wardell (Debra E.) Mulmorel; her mother and father-in-law, all of Patterson, La.; three brothers-in-law, three sisters-in-law and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Barbara Nell was preceded in death by her father; one brother, and her grandmothers.
Jones Funeral Home of Morgan City-Franklin-Jeanerette-Houma in charge of arrangements.
Visit www.jones-funeral-home.com to send condolences to family.

ALCIDE THOMAS BOUDREAUX, SR.

Thu, 04/20/2017 - 9:50am

A Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted for Mr. Alcide Thomas Boudreaux Sr., age 78, at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 22, 2017 at Nativity of Our Lady Catholic Church with Fr. Mario Romero officiating. Interment will follow at Beau Pre Mausoleum with military graveside services conducted by Iberia Veterans Honor Guard.
Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Friday with a Rosary at 7 p.m. The funeral home will reopen at 8 am until 12:30 p.m. on Saturday.
Alcide was born and raised in Franklin to the late Alvin M. Boudreaux Sr. and Louise Dupre Boudreaux and passed away at 11:30 p.m. on Tuesday April 18, 2017 at Iberia Medical Center.
In his childhood years, his family and friends lovingly called him “Tex” and that name followed him many years. But during his 20 years working with Cajun Sugar Co-op, his coworkers gave him another nickname, “Al”. And he would answer to either with a smile.
He served his country honorably in both the United States Navy and the Army National Guard. Some of his favorite pastimes were woodworking, hunting and fishing.
He is survived by his sons, Kenny Boudreaux of New Iberia, Karl Boudreaux Sr. and wife Sarah of New Iberia, and Tommy Boudreaux and wife Sarah of Jeanerette; eight grandchildren, Torrie, Karl Jr., Katie, Kimberlee, Christina, Chris and Corey Boudreaux, and Dean Bourque; three great grandchildren, Malachi, Arianna and Carson Bourque; one brother, Alvin Morris Boudreaux Jr. and wife Joyce of Franklin; two sisters, Theresa B. Landry and husband Mitch of New Iberia and Elise B. Boswroth of Scott; sister in law, Judy Boudreaux of Jeanerette and brother in law, Clifton “Kippy” Martin of Centerville.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Charpentier Boudreaux; parents, Alvin Morris Boudreaux Sr. and Louise Dupre Boudreaux; three brothers, Joseph Boudreaux Sr., Edward Boudreaux and Charles Boudreaux and three sisters, Sidney Boudreaux, Victoria Boudreaux and Geraldine “Jerri” B. Martin.
Pallbearers will be Kenny Boudreaux, Karl Boudreaux Sr., Tommy Boudreaux, Karl Boudreaux Jr., Christopher Boudreaux and Nick Theriot.
To view on-line obituary, video tribute and sign the guest register, please visit www.evangelinefuneralhome.com.
Evangeline Funeral Homes, Inc. of New Iberia is in charge of arrangements.

Early termite swarms not new to south Louisiana

Thu, 04/20/2017 - 9:23am

By JOHNNY MORGAN, LSU AgCenter

BATON ROUGE — Many south Louisiana residents expect to see the first major termite swarm around Mother’s Day, but an LSU AgCenter expert says earlier swarms are not unusual.
Dennis Ring, AgCenter entomologist, said he has been receiving calls from homeowners concerned about seeing Formosan subterranean termites swarming.
“What you are seeing is termites in the process of forming new colonies,” Ring said. “If you see a few termites in your house, you shouldn’t worry too much.”
Termites have to have a water source. “If you’re not seeing mud tunnels, there is not much to worry about because they will die,” Ring said.
Formosan subterranean termites are believed to have entered the U.S. on ships returning after World War II.
“Pretty much every parish south of Alexandria has infestations of these termites,” Ring said. “Monroe is probably about the northernmost boundary for these pests because they are unable to survive the colder temperatures in areas north of there.”
Ring said native termites can start to swarm as early as January. Formosan termites usually show up in the spring and swarm through late summer.
“If you are seeing termites swarming at night, the best thing to do is to turn your outside lights off and the termites will leave,” Ring said.
Ring said residents who see termites swarming around their homes can avoid potential damage by having their structure treated.
“You should contact your LSU AgCenter agent to identify what type of termites you have, and then contact an exterminator to treat your structure,” Ring said.

Toss veggies with hummus and roast

Thu, 04/20/2017 - 9:21am

By MELISSA D’ARABIAN, The Associated Press

I remember being told in marketing class back in graduate school that the fastest growing food category in America was hummus. Hummus, our professor insisted to us disbelieving students, would soon be ubiquitous. I should have heeded his advice and leveraged that bit of 1991 foresight in some way.
Chances are that if you have been to any kind of gathering lately, you have partaken in a hummus and veggie platter. Stores are filled with endless varieties of premade hummus, and homemade recipes flood the internet. With protein and fiber-filled garbanzo beans leading the ingredient list, it’s a filling dip that turns baby carrots and bell pepper slices into a worthy snack that will actually fill you up a bit. Both kids and adults seem to like hummus, so it is equally comfortable at a cocktail hour as it is at a kids’ soccer field.
The problem is: You always have leftovers. At least we do. Usually, I serve a couple of varieties, along with a triple-sized stock of veggies, because you never really know if the crowd skews more broccoli than carrots, so having veg backup seems wise.
After one of those occasions, I had the idea to toss the leftover veggies into the hummus and roast them. The hummus clung to the veggies just enough to give it a caramelized and tasty crust, and with one recipe, two leftovers were used up to create a whole new side dish or appetizer: Hummus-Crusted Roasted Vegetables.
The key is to roast at high heat, and to preheat the baking sheet, which will accelerate the caramelization of the veggies. Usually, I just toss the vegetables with the hummus in a large bowl with my hands. But, I’ve also thinned out hummus with a few tablespoons of lemon juice or water to make a batter to coat the veggies more completely, like a hummus tempura. Either way works.
Flavored hummus, like roasted garlic or red pepper, doesn’t usually need a boost, but feel free to stir in extra garlic, herbs or spices (a spoonful of pesto is delish). Even plain hummus works great, and takes about a minute to put together. After baking, sprinkle on a pinch of salt and squeeze of lemon, and your hummus-crudite platter will have found new life.
HUMMUS-CRUSTED ROASTED VEGGIES
Start to finish: 30 minutes
1 cup baby carrots
1 cup broccoli florets
1 cup cauliflower florets
1 cup bell pepper slices (red or yellow preferred)
1 small onion or fennel bulb, peeled and quartered
1 cup prepared hummus
Garlic or spices, if desired (optional)
¼ tsp. kosher salt
Lemons for squeezing
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and place inside the oven. Preheat oven to 425 F, with the sheet pan in the oven. In a large bowl, toss vegetables with hummus, (and any optional garlic or spices if using), using your hands to coat the veggies. Do not worry if the mixture is a little clumpy or uneven.
Once the oven is hot, remove sheet pan, and carefully lay out coated vegetables on the pan. Return to the oven and roast for 10 minutes. Remove vegetables and quickly turn the vegetables over. Return the vegetables to the oven and roast until desired tenderness, about 10-15 more minutes. Remove from heat, sprinkle with salt and lemon juice, and serve.
Chef’s note: Feel free to swap out vegetables for 4-5 cups of your favorites — a great way to use up hummus-crudite platter leftovers! Another version: stir enough lemon juice or water just until the hummus is smooth and creamy, like a thick batter, before tossing in the vegetables.
Servings: 6 servings
Nutrition information per serving: 101 calories; 36 calories from fat; 4 g fat (1 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 0 mg cholesterol; 270 mg sodium; 13 g carbohydrate; 5 g fiber; 4 g sugar; 5 g protein.
—Online: www.melissadarabian.net

Ex-wife’s anger at her friend’s betrayal spills over to daughter

Thu, 04/20/2017 - 9:19am

DEAR ABBY: My ex-husband had an affair with a woman who was one of my dearest friends. My heart is broken; my marriage is over. I have lost my home and my friend. It has been a struggle for me to recover. My daughter, with whom I am very close, continues to have a relationship with this woman. While I know it’s not my place to tell her who to be friends with (she’s 22), I can’t help but feel betrayed. My daughter is pregnant, and this woman seems to be attempting to play mother and push her way into every ...

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