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Despite damage, Ochsner St. Mary is operational

Wed, 09/18/2024 - 12:28pm

Ochsner St. Mary administrator Jennifer Wise said Wednesday that while the hospital experienced significant damage from Hurricane Francine, the emergency room, medical laboratory, cardiopulmonary, wound care and infusion, and radiology units all remain open and fully operational.

In addition, Wise said Ochsner clinics in the Morgan City area are fully operational. Clinicians were seeing normal volumes of patients, and there was no need for Ochsner patients to travel outside the community.

Wise said that in the meantime, Ochsner is working closely with its community partners, local officials and elected leaders to ensure St. Mary returns to full operation as soon as possible.

The hospital can be reached at 985-384-2200, and online appointments are available through the MyOchsner patient portal.

For patients who need of care outside of the services available at Ochsner St. Mary, the hospital is facilitating transfers to other campuses in the Ochsner Bayou region. Wise said Ochsner St. Mary anticipates a return to full operation in the coming weeks, and the top priority is restoring services and keeping care local.

To schedule an appointment at any Ochsner location, call 866-624-7637 or visit www.ochsner.org/info.

Dear Abby: Some conversations seem like interrogations

Wed, 09/18/2024 - 6:00am

DEAR ABBY: I appreciate you offering your booklet “How to Be Popular” to people who are uncomfortable or uncertain in social situations. I don’t know if the following tips are included, but here’s what I do: When I meet someone for the first time, I say, “Tell me three things about yourself that you would like to share.” As I listen to the response, I think of the “W” words — who, what, when, where and why. Then, for elaboration, I ask one of those questions, or perhaps more, a few minutes later. I hope these suggestions are helpful.
BOB W. IN NORTH CAROLINA
DEAR BOB: Showing an interest in others is generally a good idea. However, some people might find your direct approach intimidating if it’s a conversation starter with no preamble. Asking who, what, when, where and why can be useful in conversation, as it also is when writing a news article.
Making social conversation doesn’t come naturally to everyone. Few individuals are adept at it because they are so focused on their own insecurities that it distracts them from reaching out. It can, however, be practiced and polished until it becomes second nature.
My booklet “How To Be Popular” contains many useful tips for accomplishing this. It can be ordered by sending your name and address, plus a check or money order for $8 to: Dear Abby Popularity Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. It is meant for people of all ages and covers a variety of situations.
The keys to being socially successful are: Be kind. Be honest. Be tactful. Offer a compliment if you think it is deserved. Be a good listener, and people will think you are a genius. (It’s true!)
And remember, a smile is an excellent icebreaker because it puts those around you at ease.

DEAR ABBY: I am in my late 20s. My mom and dad will soon have been married for 30 years. I accidentally found evidence recently that Mom is having an extramarital affair. When I confronted her, she said I should go to therapy to help deal with my overreaction to her “doing something I don’t like.” She totally ignored the fact that it’s not just a minor thing that I’m upset about, but something wrong, immoral, hurtful and disrespectful to my dad, my brother and me.
Mom and I were very close, but this has ruined our relationship. I feel like she is putting reconciliation all on me, which feels unfair. What do I do?
THROWN IN MARYLAND

DEAR THROWN: I am sure that what you discovered was a shock. However, you know nothing about the reason(s) your mother may be having an extramarital affair and whether your father knows about it. What’s going on has nothing to do with you and your brother. Please take your mother’s advice. Discuss this mess and your feelings about it with a licensed family therapist, and you may gain some insight.

Jim Brown: Is election fraud rampant in the U.S.?

Wed, 09/18/2024 - 6:00am
JIM BROWN

It’s a matter of weeks before the presidential election, and critics are hollering that the country is experiencing election fraud, both in states across the country as well as an infiltration by unfriendly nations in other parts of the world.
Is there any truth to these allegations? In a few instances, yes.
But by and large, despite allegations from critics of the 2020 results, the election system has run smoothly.
Now some readers will disagree, particularly because of the onslaught of highly partisan criticisms they have continued over the past four years.
I know a little about how the election system works, since I was Louisiana’s chief elections officer for eight years back in the 1980s.
Sure, we had the occasional allegations of vote buying in the Bayou State.
Who can forget Gov. Earl Long’s plea in his final days. “Oh Lord, when I die, please let me be buried in Louisiana, so I can stay active in politics.”
Is there any truth to recent charges that other countries, including Iran and Russia, have been meddling through the internet in the current U.S. election process?
Of course there is.
And surprise, surprise! Why should it be any new revelation? Our country’s national security apparatus, including the FBI, the Pentagon, the CIA and the NSA, have been interfering in the elections of other countries for the last half century.
The U.S. has been accused of attempting to sway the election results in a number of other countries, including Italy in 1948, the Philippines in 1953, Japan in the 1950s and 1960s Lebanon in 1957, Russia in 1996, and in a number of South American countries in recent years including Venezuela, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Haiti, Bolivia, Ecuador, Panama and Guatemala just to name a few.
So why should anyone be surprised that other countries might want to retaliate?
The Trump team’s charges, following the 2020 national election of voter fraud, have been exhaustively investigated and litigated with 86 legal challenges rejected by the federal courts, including the US Supreme Court.
Many of the federal judges who rejected the election irregularities were appointed by President Trump.
What about the individual state efforts to investigate voter fraud? In Texas, the governor there has formed an elections integrity unit as he alleges that over 1 million voters have been purged from the voter rolls since 2021.
But elections officials in Texas admit that the removals from the roles were overwhelming people who have died or who no longer live at the registry address.
Similar allegations were made in Georgia and North Carolina, but elections officials there found no evidence of illegal voter activity.
In Louisiana, there have been a handful of voter fraud convictions in the past 10 years, mostly involving vote buying in local elections.
Some of you readers may remember the 1979 gubernatorial election when Lt. Gov. Jimmy Fitz Morris, running for governor in the first primary, swore that he had been denied a runoff spot because of widespread voter fraud.
I had just been elected secretary of state, and I formed an elections integrity commission to fully investigate any such election irregularities. No such significant violations of the law were found.
Readers may wonder why in federal elections, particularly in the voting for president, should individual states have different elections procedures.
And yes, procedures do vary from state to state. In Louisiana, the secretary of state as the chief elections officer oversees the printing of the election ballots in every parish. In our neighboring state of Mississippi, ballots are printed and distributed by clerks of court in each individual county.
Hours when the polls are open can vary from state to state. In Louisiana, polls in federal elections open up at 6 a.m. In New Hampshire, some towns start voting at midnight.
Why are states allowed to control the elections process? Remember, you do not live in America.
You live in the United States of America. Congress, under the 14th amendment, has allowed each individual state to set the laws and run elections as they see fit, as long as there is no prejudice allowed in the process.
The election process across the country is not perfect. But for the time being, it is all we have. Whatever you think of it, just be sure you are registered to vote. There certainly is a lot at stake.
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.

Jeremy Alford and David Jacobs: New homeland chairs learned lessons from storm

Wed, 09/18/2024 - 6:00am
JEREMY ALFORD AND DAVID JACOBS

Before he was elected to House District 104 in the Mandeville area, and long before Hurricane Francine sent his legislative team scrambling to serve constituents and local government officials, freshman state Rep. Jay Gallé was a meteorologist for 13 years, including eight on WDSU-TV in New Orleans.
While it’s no longer his job to inform the public about the weather via television, Gallé has been able to put his experience to work as the new chairman of the House Select Committee on Homeland Security. As Francine approached the coast, for example, he attended Unified Command Group meetings and acted as the eyes and ears of his lower chamber colleagues.
As a Louisiana weatherman, the most memorable hurricane Gallé covered from a news desk was Isaac, which notably made two separate landfalls in Louisiana in August 2012. Isaac was only a Category 1 storm, but it was also slow. Really slow. There were moments Isaac barely moved at all, allowing the hurricane to deposit 10 to 20 inches of rain over a large swath of southeast Louisiana.
“This thing has stopped,” Gallé recalls thinking to himself at the time. “It took Lake Pontchartrain and dumped it into LaPlace.”
Across Memorial Hall, another new political personality is chairing the Senate Select Committee on Homeland Security. With only 21 months in office, Sen. Caleb Kleinpeter brings a military background to the position, like Gallé. They’re both former Marines.
Kleinpeter said Hurricane Francine pulled their chairmanships to the forefront, but before the storm the pair likewise worked together on a variety of issues that never made it into public view. They are often on text chains together about potential emergencies, most of which they choose not to share. No one wants to needlessly worry people.
“Once I feel like it’s time, then I share it with [Senate President Cameron Henry], and I ask him if he wants to forward it to the members,” Kleinpeter said. “For [early warnings about Francine], he said, ‘Yeah, let’s go ahead and send it out.’”
The House and Senate select committees both have the same mission, which is to “study and review homeland security issues and make recommendations” to safeguard against natural disasters and terrorist attacks. Funding for and coordination of local and state agencies fall under the oversight of the committees, too.
Both Gallé and Kleinpeter say they’ve worked hard to serve as resources for State Climatologist Jay Grymes and Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Director Jacques Thibodeaux, who are the top folks Gov. Jeff Landry leans on during weather emergencies.
The relationship being developed between the chairs and GOHSEP is an important one, since the two men work closely with the agency on funding needs, which of course go well beyond storm prep and response.
Looking beyond hurricane season, Gallé said two pressing needs involve making sure GOHSEP has what it needs to mitigate threats from cyber attacks and drones — and that will take money, either in the form of appropriations or grants. 
“They have our ear, so they can kind of sell us a little bit,” Gallé said.
Kleinpeter said the recent school shooting in Georgia has also caught the attention of the select committees. The shooting has led lawmakers to consider how schools can be better protected. He said AI gun detection technology possibly could be deployed at schools and high-crime areas to warn law enforcement of threats. 
“You go into any airport or courthouse or anything like that, you get searched,” Kleinpeter said. “But our kids are just sitting ducks over there.”
Back on the House side, committee members are planning a two-day hearing focused on the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Gallé laments the “detrimental effect” on small businesses, referencing closures and restrictions that were meant to slow the spread of the virus. 
“So let’s go over and review and decide what didn’t work, what do we not want to do again, and what do we do in lieu of those things that didn’t work as we move forward,” Gallé said. 
For now, however, with Francine already a memory, recovery will be the focus, according to Gallé and Kleinpeter — as well as keeping a wary eye out for the next possible storm.
For more Louisiana political news, visit www. LaPolitics.com or follow Alford on Twitter @ LaPoliticsNow.

Public notices for Sept. 18, 2024

Wed, 09/18/2024 - 6:00am

PUBLIC NOTICE
Public Notice
This is to certify that the Town of Berwick has complied with Louisiana Revised Statute 39:1307 relative to public participation in the budget process for the year ended September 30, 2025. Notice of availability for public inspection and public hearing was held in compliance with applicable statutes.
Adv. Sept. 18, 2024

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PUBLIC NOTICE
This ordinance was introduced with first reading on August 13, 2024. Published on August 16, 2024. Public hearing was held on September 10, 2024. Lud Henry offered the following ordinance, who moved for its adoption. Kevin Hebert seconded the motion.
Ordinance
Number 752
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF BERWICK, LOUISIANA, to appropriate funds and authorize expenditures, and to amend 2023-2024 budget.
BE IT ORDAIN-ED by the Mayor and Council, the governing authority of the municipal corporation of the Town of Berwick, Louisiana, that this appropriation and expenditure ordinance with amendments to 2023-2024 budget is enacted as follows:
1. For the fiscal year starting October 1, 2023 and ending September 30, 2024 the following appropriations, expenditures and budget amendments are now enacted, in addition to previous authorization:
a. Increase – Acadiana Crime Lab, $ 35,000
b. Increase Legal & Auditing General Fund - , , 50,000
c. Increase Transfer to Gas Revenue Fund – new truck, , 30,000,
d. Increase Capital Outlay General Fund – Edmund’s software, 50,000
e. Increase Liability/Property Insurance, - , 70,000,
f. Increase Brown House Addition - , 100,000,
g. Increase Salaries Police (Traffic control detail) - , 50,000
h. Increase Capital Outlay Fire - , 75,000
i. Increase Capital Outlay Streets – Knuckleboom Truck/Sixth Street, 250,000
j. Increase Capital Outlay Drainage – Gilmore Pumping Station, 50,000
k. Increase Salaries – Liquid & Solid Waste, 75,000
l. Increase Sew-er Treatment Fees, 150,000
m. Increase Health Insurance Expense – Liquid & Solid Waste, 25,000,
n. Increase Municipal Retirement – Liquid & Solid Waste, 25,000
o. Increase Capital Outlay – Liquid & Solid Waste, 100,000
p. Increase Transfers to Genera Fund from 1% Sales Tax Fund, 300,000
All other ordinances, or parts of ordinances, in conflict with this ordinance, are hereby repealed. Should any section, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase be declared unconstitutional, invalid, or repealed for any reason, the re- mainder of the ordinance shall not be affected. All provisions of this ordinance are declared to be severable and the invalidity of any part of this ordinance shall not affect other provisions, items or applications of this ordinance which can be given effect without the invalid provisions, items, or applications of this ordinance.
The vote thereon was as follows:
Ayes: James Richard, Kevin Hebert, Colleen Askew, Raymond Price, and Lud Henry
Nays: None
Absent: None
This ordinance was read and votes received for introduction on August 13, 2024. The proposed ordinance was ordered published in accordance with the requirements of the Charter of the Town of Berwick, Louisiana. A public hearing and vote on whether to adopt the ordinance will be held in accordance with requirements of the Charter of the Town of Berwick, Louisiana.
Certified, ap- proved and adopted on September 10, 2024
Delivered to Mayor Arthur on September 11, 2024 at 1:00 PM.
———————
Duval H. Arthur, Jr. –
Mayor
———————
Jamie Keith –
Town Clerk
Adv. Sept. 18, 2024

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PUBLIC NOTICE
This ordinance was introduced with first reading on August 13, 2024. Published on August 16, 2024. Public hearing was held on September 10, 2024. Kevin Hebert offered the following ordinance, who moved for its adoption. James Richard seconded the motion.
Ordinance
No. 753
AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING AN OPERATING BUDGET OF REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER
1, 2024 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2025.
BE IT ORDAIN-ED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL, the governing authority of the municipal corporation of the Town of Berwick, Louisiana, in regular session convened the 13th day of August, 2024, that:
SECTION 1: The estimate of Revenues for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2024 and ending September 30, 2025 be and the same is hereby introduced to serve as an Operating Budget of Revenues for the Town of Berwick during the same period.
SECTION 2: The estimate for Expenditures by departments for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2024 and ending September 30, 2025, be and the same is hereby introduced to serve as a budget of Expenditures for the Town of Berwick during the same period.
SECTION 3: The introduction of this Operating Budget of Expenditures is and the same is hereby declared to operate as an appropriation of the amount therein set forth within the terms of the budget classification.
All other ordinances, or parts of ordinances, in conflict with this ordinance, are hereby repealed.
Should any section, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase be declared unconstitutional, invalid, or repealed for any reason, the remainder of the ordinance shall not be affected. All provisions of this ordinance are declared to be severable and the invalidity of any part of this ordinance shall not affect other provisions, items or applications of this ordinance which can be given effect without the invalid provisions, items, or applications of this ordinance.
The votes thereon were as follows:
Ayes: James Richard, Kevin Hebert, Colleen Askew, Raymond Price, and Lud Henry
Nays: None
Absent: None
This ordinance was read and votes received for introduction on August 13, 2024. The proposed ordinance was ordered published in accordance with the requirements of the Charter of the Town of Berwick, Louisiana. A public hearing and vote on whether to adopt the ordinance will be held in accordance with requirements of the Charter of the Town of Berwick, Louisiana.
Certified, ap- proved and adopted on September 10, 2024
Delivered to Mayor Arthur on September 11, 2024 at 1:00 PM.
———————
Duval H. Arthur, Jr. –
Mayor
———————
Jamie Keith –
Town Clerk
Adv. Sept. 18, 2024

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PUBLIC NOTICE
The following ordinance was in- troduced with first reading on August 13, 2024.
Published on August 16, 2024. Public hearing held on September 10, 2024, at 6:30 PM
Raymond Price offered the following Ordinance, who moved for its adoption. Lud Henry seconded the motion.
Ordinance
No. 754
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF BERWICK, LOUISIANA, TO ACQUIRE REAL PROPERTY FROM BIG BEN LAND COMPANY, INC.
Big Ben Land Company, Inc. wishes to donate, to the Town of Berwick, the property described as:
That certain irregular shaped tract of land, to- gether with all buildings and im- provements thereon and thereunto belonging, and all rights, ways, privileges and servitudes thereunto appertaining, ly- ing and being Parcel No. 13-26, the remaining portion of Lot 10 of Block 16 situated in the City of Berwick, Section 32, Township 15 South, Range 12 East, St. Mary Parish, Louisiana, and containing approximately 1,288.33 square feet.
Being a portion of the same property acquired by Big Ben Land Company, Inc. from the Department of Transportation and Development of the State of Louisiana, by Act dated March 9, 1987 and March 19, 1987 and recorded March 19, 1987 in Conveyance Book 30-G, Entry No. 218,628 of the Conveyance Records of St. Mary Parish, Louisiana.
The property has no physical address but ad- joins the property of the Town of Berwick at the Brown House.
The Town of Berwick’s Home Rule Charter de- clares that for the Town of Berwick to acquire real property, an ordinance must be adopted by the council having the force of law.
The immovable property has an estimated value of $5,000.00.
BE IT ORDAIN-ED by the Mayor and Council, the governing authority of the municipal corporation of the Town of Berwick, Louisiana, that an ordinance is hereby enacted as follows:
The Council in- troduces and adopts this ordinance to acquire the ownership to real property.
The Council for the Town of Berwick does authorize Mayor Duval H. Arthur, Jr. to accept and execute an Act of Donation to acquire real property from as shown on the attached property description herein from Big Ben Land Company, Inc.
The purpose of this donation acknowledges that the Town of Berwick will be able to increase the size of the Brown House property based on the gracious assistance and donation of the Big Ben Land Company, Inc.
All other ordinances, or parts of ordinances, in conflict with this ordinance, are hereby repealed.
Should any section, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase be declared unconstitutional, invalid, or repealed for any reason, the remainder of the ordinance shall not be affected. All provisions of this ordinance are de- clared to be severable and the invalidity of any part of this ordinance shall not affect other provisions, items or applications of this ordinance that can be given effect without the invalid provisions, items, or applications of this ordinance.
The votes thereon were as follows:
Ayes: James Richard, Kevin Hebert, Colleen Askew, Raymond Price, and Lud Henry
Nayes: None
Absent: None
Certified, ap- proved and adopted on September 10, 2024.
Delivered to Mayor Arthur at 10:00 AM, on September 11, 2024.
———————
JAMIE KEITH
CLERK OF COUNCIL
APPROVED ———————.
———————
DUVAL H. ARTHUR, JR.
MAYOR
Adv. Sept. 18, 2024

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PUBLIC NOTICE
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE OF INTRODUCTION OF
ORDINANCE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN in compliance with the provision of Section 2-10 of the Charter of the Town of Berwick, State of Louisiana, that the following entitled ordinance introduced at the regular meeting of the Council of the Town of Berwick, State of Louisiana, held on September 10, 2024 in my office complete in the form in which it will be offered for adoption by the Council of said Town, is open to public inspection and will so remain at least seven (7) days prior to the final adoption, which is scheduled for October 8, 2024
Proposed Or- dinance Number 748
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF BERWICK, LOUISIANA, TO SET MILLAGE RATE FOR 2024.
That the said ordinance, complete in the form in which it is to be finally passed, is on file with the Clerk of the Council for public inspection and that the said ordinance is to be taken up on final passage, after public hearing by the Council of the Town of Berwick, State of Louisiana, on October 8, 2024 at 6:15 P.M.
Jamie Keith
Town Clerk
Adv. Sept. 18, 2024

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PUBLIC NOTICE
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE OF INTRODUCTION OF
ORDINANCE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN in compliance with the provision of Section 2-10 of the Charter of the Town of Berwick, State of Louisiana, that the following entitled ordinance introduced at the regular meeting of the Council of the Town of Berwick, State of Louisiana, held on September 10, 2024 in my office complete in the form in which it will be offered for adoption by the Council of said Town, is open to public inspection and will so remain at least seven (7) days prior to the final adoption, which is scheduled for October 8, 2024
Proposed Or- dinance Number 749
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF BERWICK, LOUISIANA, TO INCREASE THE MILLAGE RATE(S) WITHOUT FURTHER VOTER AP- PROVAL, BUT NOT IN EXCESS OF THE PRIOR YEAR’S MAXIMUM RATE(S), ON ALL TAXABLE PROPERTY SHOWN ON THE OFFICIAL ASSESSMENT ROLL FOR THE YEAR 2024.
That the said ordinance, complete in the form in which it is to be finally passed, is on file with the Clerk of the Council for public inspection and that the said ordinance is to be taken up on final passage, after public hearing by the Council of the Town of Berwick, State of Louisiana, on October 8, 2024 at 6:15 P.M.
Jamie Keith
Town Clerk
Adv. Sept. 18, 2024

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PUBLIC NOTICE
Resolution
No. 10-24
WHEREAS, the Town of Berwick has received bids on August 28, 2024 at 10:00 A.M. on the State Project No. H.01479, Country Club Estates Drainage Improvements flood control project under the Statewide Flood Control Program; and
WHEREAS, Miller Engineers & Associates, Inc. has recommended that award of contract be made to the lowest qualified bidder; Byron E. Talbot Contractor, Inc.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RE- SOLVED, by the Town of Berwick in Regular session assembled on this 10th Day of September, 2024, acting pursuant to the recommendation of Miller Engineers & Associates, Inc. that the Base Bid in the Amount of $1,999,638.50 by Byron E. Talbot Contractor, Inc. be accepted and a contract be awarded to them.
———————
Duval H. Arthur, Jr. –
Mayor
———————
Jamie Keith –
Town Clerk
CERTIFICATE
I hereby certify that the above and foregoing is a true and correct copy of a resolution adopted at a regular meeting of the Town of Berwick held on the 10th Day of September, 2024, in which a quorum was present and voting and that the resolution adopted is still in effect and has not been rescinded or revoked.
Signed at 7:00 PM On the 10th Day of September, 2024.
———————
Jamie Keith –
Town Clerk
Adv. Sept. 18, 2024

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PUBLIC NOTICE
Resolution
No. 11-24
The following resolution was introduced by James Richard and seconded by Kevin Hebert at council meeting held September 10, 2024.
Resolution of Support of the Purchase of Gas from The City of Patterson
WHEREAS, Patterson and Berwick each currently own and operate a natural gas distribution system (the “Gas Systems”) contiguous to each other in the State of Louisiana as revenue- producing public utilities pursuant to Chapter 10 of Title 33 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes (the “Act”); and
WHEREAS, Berwick wishes to acquire gas from Patterson on an emergency basis, and Patterson wishes to supply gas to Berwick on an emergency basis; and
WHEREAS, in order for Patterson to supply gas to Berwick the Gas Systems of the Participating Authorities need to be interconnected; and
WHEREAS, the Act authorizes any political subdivision of the State of Louisiana (the “State”), including the parties, to construct, acquire, extend, or improve any revenue-producing public utility and property necessary thereto, either within or without its boundaries, and operate and maintain said utility in the interest of the public; and
WHEREAS, State law permits political subdivisions such as the parties to engage jointly in the construction, acquisition or improvement of any public project or improvement, the promotion and maintenance of any undertaking or the exercise of any power, provided at least one of the participants is authorized under a provision of general or special law to perform such activity or exercise such power as may be necessary for completion of the undertaking; and
WHEREAS, such arrangements may provide for the joint use of funds, facilities, personnel or property or any combination thereof necessary to accomplish the purposes of the agreement, and such agreements may include but are not limited to activities concerning health protection, public utility services and the construction or acquisition or improvement, and operation, repair and maintenance of public projects or improvements; and
WHEREAS, each of the parties has the power to operate, maintain, improve, extend, or dispose of gas distribution facilities; and
WHEREAS, the parties desire to set out the terms of their cooperation regarding the interconnection of their Gas Systems and the sale of gas by Patterson to Berwick, and
WHEREAS, during the term of this Agreement, each of the parties will mutually benefit from the interconnection of the Gas Systems and from the sale of gas by Patterson to Berwick, and each of the parties expressly reserves the right in the future to seek services independent of each other; and
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the Town of Berwick, that:
he mayor shall be authorized to enter into a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement on behalf of the Town of Berwick with the City of Patterson providing for the sale of gas by Patterson to Berwick in the general form and substance as that provided in the Cooperative Endeavor Agreement, a copy of which is at- tached as Exhibit “A”.
Duval Arthur, Jr., Mayor, be and is hereby authorized and directed to execute all in- struments necessary and proper to carry out the purpose of this resolution, including all terms and conditions which he deems advisable in his sole discretion.
A vote on this Resolution was as follows:
Ayes: James Richard, Kevin Hebert, Colleen Askew, Raymond Price, and Lud Henry
Nays: None
Absent: None
The Resolution was duly approved and adopted at a council meeting held on September 10, 2024. The Clerk of the Council certifies that the above Resolution is true and correct as adopted.
———————
Clerk of the
Council,
Jamie Keith
Date: ——————
APPROVED:
———————
Duval H. Arthur, Jr., MAYOR
Date: ——————
Adv. Sept. 18, 2024

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PUBLIC NOTICE
PUBLIC NOTICE
Recreation District No. 3 of the Parish of St. Mary will conduct a proposed budget hearing on Monday, September 23, 2024 at 5:15 pm at the Bayou Vista Community Center, Bayou Vista, Louisiana. The purpose of the hearing is to invite public comment in the budget process on the District’s operations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024.
The proposed budget is available for public inspection in the District’s offices at the Bayou Vista Community Center, 1333 Belleview Street Morgan City, LA 70380. Interested persons may examine the budget documents during regular office hours, Monday through Friday (8:00 am – 4:00 pm).
Brian Head,
President
Recreation District No. 3 of the Parish of St. Mary
Adv. Aug. 16, 21, 23, 28, 30, Sept. 4, 6, 11, 13 and 18, 2024

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PUBLIC NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
The St. Mary Parish School Board adopted the General Fund and Special Revenue Fund Budgets of the School Board for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2024, and ending June 30, 2025, on September 12, 2024, after a public hearing at 5:15 P.M. on the same date.
Alaina L. Black
President
Buffy S.
Fegenbush, Ed. D.
Superintendent
Adv. Sept. 18, 2024

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LEGAL NOTICE
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION MEETING OF THE HOSPITAL SERVICE DISTRICT #2 OF THE PARISH OF ST. MARY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS HELD ON
AUGUST 7, 2024
A regular monthly business meeting of the Board of Commissioners of Hospital Service District #2 of the Parish of St. Mary was held on Wednesday, August 7, 2024 at 6:00 P.M. in the Media Room of the Morgan City Harbor & Terminal District Building located at 7327 Highway 182, Morgan City, LA 70380.
PRESENT: Dr. William A. Cefalu, Jr., Donald Stephens, Kendra Thomas, Jackie Cheramie, Angelena Brocato, William McCarty and Thane Aucoin
Also present: William E. Bourgeois, Counsel for Hospital Service District #2
Dr. Cefalu called the meeting to order.
Dr. Cefalu lead in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Dr. Cefalu welcomed the new Board Member, Thane Aucoin. Roll call was then taken. Those Board Members present and those absent listed above.
Upon motion of Mrs. Thomas, second by Mr. Stephens and unanimously carried, the Board approv-ed and signed the Minutes of July 3, 2024.
Dr. Cefalu open-ed the floor for Guest/public comments, to which there were none.
Mrs. Cheramie presented the Financial Report for the period ending June 30, 2024. Upon motion of Mrs. Thomas, second by Mrs. Brocato and unanimously carried, the Board approved the financials/payables as presented.
Dr. Cefalu called for discussion/action on Community Outreach from Ochsner St. Mary and St. Mary Parish School Board. Dr. Cefalu stated there were no new updates. Attorney Bourgeois informed the Board of a transfer of an EKG Machine (surplus equipment) to Berwick High School.
Dr. Cefalu called for discussion/action on transferring HSD’s financial accounts to Robison Wealth Management. At- torney Bourgeois stated the prior facts regarding the financial accounts having previously being transferred to a local entity, Coastline Wealth Group, which has now moved to the State of Texas under the name of Woodforest Wealth Group. Attorney Bourgeois stated recommendations were made to transfer the current Raymond James accounts to the local entity of Robison Wealth Management with Dane Robison. He stated that the transfer/management of the accounts will be at the same rate and abidance with the HSD’s Investment Policy. He also stated that the Investment Policy will need to be updated to which the old policy and the updated one was attached to their meeting packets for review. He further stated that the Investment Policy (old/new) will be discussed in dept at next month’s meeting. Upon motion of Mrs. Brocato, second by Mrs. Cheramie and yeas by Dr. Cefalu, Mrs. Cheramie, Mrs. Thomas, Mrs. Brocato, Mr. Mc- Carty and Mr. Aucoin and with Mr. Stephens ab- staining, the following Resolution was adopted by the Board, to-wit:
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Hospital Service District No. 2 of the Parish of St. Mary (“DISTRICT”) exits as a political subdivision of the State of Louisiana originally created in 1952 via Ordinance No. 572 by the St. Mary Parish Government pursuant to La. R.S. 46:1051 et. seq., qualifies as a tax-exempt organization under State and Federal Laws, and is domiciled in Morgan City, Louisiana.
WHEREAS, District is a “public entity,” and is subject to the re- strictions imposed under the laws of the State of Louisiana, including La. R.S. 33:2955, with respect to the investment of funds of municipalities, parishes and other political subdivisions (a “Public Entity”);
WHEREAS, District has determined that a transfer of its funds to Commonwealth Financial Network managed locally by Dane B. Robison of Robison Wealth Management is consistent with its investment authority, including any limitations imposed under the laws of the State of Louisiana, and such District now desires, from time to time, to invest its funds therein.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that District is hereby authorized and empowered to transfer all of its financial accounts from Raymond James to Commonwealth Financial Network for the purpose of maintaining its accounts for in- vestment purposes in La. R.S. 33:2955; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLV-ED that the individuals named below, in their capacities as auth-orized officers or agents of the District, are hereby authorized and empowered to in- vest and transfer, in their sole discretion, funds from any such account established for the benefit of the District; to issue letters of instruction related to any such account or investments thereunder; and to take any and all other actions which they, in their discretion, deem necessary or appropriate in connection with the establishment of one or more accounts and the investment of funds thereunder:
1) Board of Commissioner’s Chairman, William A. Cefalu, Jr., M.D.
2) Board of Commissioner’s Treasurer, Jackie Cheramie
* * * * * * * *
Dr. Cefalu called for discussion/action on election on December 7, 2024, the application to the State Bond Commission and providing for other matters in connection therewith. Attorney Bourgeois stated that he had nothing additional to report on these matters.
At this time Dr. Cefalu presented his Chairman’s Report. He stated that the hospital was at capacity for the last few weeks as were other hospitals around the state. He also stated that he had viewed areas of the hospital to get a better perspective on the damages in/around the hospital and he found it was significant, which is more verification that the road we are going down is a necessary one.
Upon motion of Mrs. Cheramie, second by Mrs. Thomas and unanimously carried the Board retired into Executive Session to discuss strategic planning pursuant to LA R.S. 46:1071, et. seq.
Upon resuming from Executive Session, with no other business to come before the Board, on motion of Mrs. Thomas, second by Mrs. Cheramie and unanimously carried, the meeting was adjourned.
———————
William A. Cefalu, Jr., M.D.,
Chairman
———————
Jackie Cheramie,
Secretary/Treasurer
Adv. Sept. 18, 2024

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LEGAL NOTICE
OFFICIAL
PROCEEDINGS
ST. MARY LEVEE DISTRICT
REGULAR MEETING
July 18, 2024
Morgan City, LA
The St. Mary Levee District (“SMLD”) met on this date with President William Hidalgo, Sr., presiding and the following board members present: Will Terry, J.P. Hebert, Norris Crappell, Kenny Arceneaux, Andrew Mancuso, and Mike Ortiz absent.
Also present: Tim Matte, Executive Director; Michael Brocato, Operations Manager; Bill Bourgeois; Nicole Bur- anzon, APTIM; Nick Molaison, Miller Engineers; Robert Karam, T. Baker Smith; and members of the public.
Mr. Mancuso moved to dispense with the reading and to approve the June 20 regular monthly minutes. After a second by Mr. Terry, the motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Arceneaux presented the payables report, which Mr. Crappell mov-ed to approve. Following Mr. He- bert’s second, the motion was carried unanimously.
Mr. Matte also presented the Statement of Revenues by sources and Summary of Expenditures of the St. Mary Levee District.
Ms. Alyssa Cart with Darnell, Sikes, & Frederick presented the audit report for the year 2023. Ms. Cart stated an unmodified opinion was issued which is the best possible that can be given. Mr. Arceneaux moved to accept the 2023 audit, which was seconded by Mr. Crappell and carried unanimously.
Mr. Robert Karam with T. Baker Smith re- ported his office has submitted their proposal for Phase 2 of the West of Charenton Drainage Study to SMLD for review and comments. Mr. Karam stated Phase 2 is the modeling phase for the Kelly Canal and Bayou Chou-pique watersheds and will include conceptual design for proposed levees and water control structures.
Mr. Karam also reported the contractors for the Morgan City Earthen Plug project has begun installing earthen material this week.
Mr. Brocato re- ported some gauges are down and he is currently working to get them back online. Mr. Brocato stated that the parish is currently moving the limestone from Cotten Road to Wax Lake East pump station for levee crown re- pairs.
Mr. Matte re- ported the Mississippi River Commission low water reception is scheduled for August 22 and the meeting will be held August 23 at the Port of Morgan City Terminal dock.
Mr. Mancuso motioned to authorize a transfer of $5,000,000 from the money market account and $5,000,000 from the capital project account to a CD for one year at Patterson State Bank. With a second by Mr. Crappell, the motion was carried unanimously.
Mr. Mancuso motioned to authorize to engage a modeler to make recommendations on storm operations for the Bayou Chene structure. After a second by Mr. Terry, the motion was carried unanimously.
Mr. Terry mo- tioned to authorize Mr. Hidalgo to sign the CEA with Morganza to Gulf Action Coalition. After a second by Mr. Mancuso, the motion was carried unanimously.
Mr. Hidalgo asked for further comments and did not receive any. Mr. Terry moved for adjournment, which was seconded by Mr. Crappell and was carried unanimously.
Attest:
———————
Kenneth
Arceneaux Jr.,
Secretary/Treasurer
St. Mary Levee District
Adv. Sept. 18, 2024

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LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE
Proposed Constitutional Amendments to be voted on at the Open Primary/Presidential/Congressional Election November 5, 2024
—————
CODING: Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law; words in boldface type and/or underscored are additions.
Proposed
Amendment No. 1
Regular Session, 2024
————
ACT No. 408
————
HOUSE BILL
NO. 300
BY REPRESENTATIVE
ORGERON
A JOINT
RESOLUTION
Proposing to amend Article VII, Section 10.2(E)(1) of the Constitution of Louisiana, relative to federal proceeds from alternative energy production on the Outer Continental Shelf; to provide for the disposition of revenues; to provide for submission of the proposed amendment to the electors; and to provide for related matters.
Section 1. Be it resolved by the Legislature of Louisiana, two-thirds of the members elected to each house concurring, that there shall be submitted to the electors of the state of Louisiana, for their approval or rejection in the manner provided by law, a proposal to amend Article VII, Section 10.2(E)(1) of the Constitution of Louisiana, to read as follows:
§10.2. Coastal Protection and Restoration Fund
Section 10.2
* * *
(E)(1) Subject to Article VII, Sections 9(B) and 10.1 of this constitution, in each fiscal year, the federal revenues that are received by the state generated from Outer Continental Shelf energy production, including but not limited to oil and gas activity, wind energy, solar energy, tidal energy, wave energy, geothermal energy, and other alternative or renewable energy production or sources, and eligible, as provided by federal law, to be used for the purposes of this Paragraph shall be deposited and credited by the treasurer to the Coastal Protection and Restoration Fund.
* * *
Section 2. Be it further resolved that this proposed amendment shall be submitted to the electors of the state of Louisiana at the statewide election to be held on November 5, 2024.
Section 3. Be it further resolved that on the official ballot to be used at the election, there shall be printed a proposition, upon which the electors of the state shall be permitted to vote YES or NO, to amend the Constitution of Louisiana, which proposition shall read as follows:
Do you support an amendment to require that federal revenues re- ceived by the state generated from Outer Continental Shelf alternative or renewable energy production be deposited into the Coastal Protection and Restoration Fund? (Amends Article VII, Section 10.2(E)(1))
Adv. Sept. 18, 2024

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LEGAL NOTICE
OFFICIAL
PROCEEDINGS
GRAVITY SUB-DRAINAGE DISTRICT NO. 1 OF GRAVITY DRAINAGE
DISTRICT NO. 2
REGULAR MEETING
AUGUST 13, 2024
BAYOU VISTA, LOUISIANA
The Gravity Sub-Drainage District No. 1 of Gravity Drainage District No. 2 (“GSDD1ofGDD2”) met on this date with Chairman Wayne Cantrell presiding with Raymond Beadle, Jr., and Mark Gowan present.
Absent: Gerald Hotard
Also present: Alvin Lodrigue, District Supervisor; Barry Dufrene, District Accountant, Jules Darden, Miller Engineering and William Bourgeois, District Attorney.
Mr. Ross moved, and Mr. Beadle seconded that the reading of the minutes of the Regular Meeting, July 9, 2024, be dispensed with and that the same be approved. The motion carried.
Mr. Cantrell called for the Finances and Payables Report. Mr. Dufrene presented the reports on the payables due for August 2024. Mr. Gowan moved, and Mr. Ross seconded a motion, which carried, to make the necessary transfers, to accept the payables report and pay all invoices.
There being no public comment, Mr. Cantrell moved onto Personnel Reports.
Mr. Lodrigue stated he is in the process of gathering documents needed to submit a claim for reimbursement on repairs for the engine that was damaged during a major weather event at Lance-Donahoe pump station. Waiting on quote from M & L to repair turret frame on tractor that keeps failing.
Mr. Darden stated no update on Teche Road project. He plans to have more information available for September 2024 meeting regarding State Flood Control Program.
Mr. Ross made a motion to accept the Personnel Policy for Gravity Sub-Drainage District No. 1 of Gravity Drainage District No. 2. Mr. Beadle seconded the motion which carried.
Mr. Ross made a motion, which was seconded by Mr. Beadle and carried by the board inviting Mr. Lodrigue and Mr. William Bourgeois to remain present for executive session to discuss litigation status: Gravity Sub-Drainage District No. 1 of Gravity Drainage District No. 2 of the Parish of St. Mary And St. Mary Parish Government vs. Providence Engineering And Design, LLC., Docket No. 133832 Div. “G” in 16th JDC, Parish of St. Mary.
Mr. Ross made a motion to return to regular session. Mr. Beadle seconded the motion which carried.
With there being no other business to discuss, a motion to adjourn was made by Mr. Ross and seconded by Mr. Beadle. The motion passed.
Attest:
(S) Wayne Cantrell,
Chairman
Gravity Sub- Drainage District No. 1 of Gravity Drainage District No. 2
(S) Rhonda
Patterson,
Secretary
Gravity Sub- Drainage District No. 1 of Gravity Drainage District No. 2
Adv. Sept. 18, 2024

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LEGAL NOTICE
A MEETING OF THE LEPA BOARD WILL BE HELD AT THE LEPA MAIN OFFICE LOCATED AT 210 VENTURE WAY, LAFAYETTE, LOUISIANA 70507, ON THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2024 AT 10:30 A.M.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
AGENDA
MEETING DATE: September 19, 2024
MEETING PLACE: LEPA Main Office, 210 Venture Way, Lafayette, LA
TIME: 10:30 A. M.
ITEM 1 Call to Order
ITEM 2 Pledge of Allegiance
ITEM 3 Roll Call
ITEM 4 Ratification of the final actions authorized by the Operating Committee at the Meetings of such Committee held on June 27, 2024
ITEM 5 Approval of the Minutes of the July 17, 2024 Board Meeting
ITEM 6 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
1) Update on the amicus brief filed by LEPA in support of LCG – Pat Wartelle
2) Report on the LEPA AMI Workshop held in August
3) Report on Hurricane Francine
4) Report on LEPA Lineman Training – Session 2
ITEM 7 NEW BUSINESS
(a) Distribution of the Proposed 2024 LEPA Budgets:
1) Rodemacher Unit No. 2
2) Full Requirements
(b) Discussion on APPA 2025 National Convention
ITEM 8 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. Sept. 18, 2024

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LEGAL NOTICE
September 13, 2024
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the St. Mary Parish Council will hold a Public Hearing at 5:50 p.m. and will meet in Regular Session at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, in the Parish Council Meeting Room, Fifth Floor Courthouse, Franklin, Louisiana.
The purpose of the Public Meeting will be to receive written and/or oral comments and to adopt the following ordinances:
An ordinance proposing an amendment to Section 7-08(A) of the Home Rule Charter for St. Mary Parish.
An ordinance proposing an amendment to Section 2-01(B) of the Home Rule Charter for St. Mary Parish.
An ordinance proposing an amendment to Section 2-03 of the Home Rule Charter for St. Mary Parish.
An ordinance proposing an amendment to Section 2-04(B) & (C) of the Home Rule Charter for St. Mary Parish.
An ordinance proposing an amendment to Section 2-05(B) of the Home Rule Charter for St. Mary Parish.
An ordinance proposing an amendment to Section 2-07(C) of the Home Rule Charter for St. Mary Parish.
An ordinance proposing an amendment to Section 3-05 of the Home Rule Charter for St. Mary Parish.
An ordinance proposing an amendment to Section 3-06(B) & (C) of the Home Rule Charter for St. Mary Parish.
An ordinance proposing an amendment to Section 3-10(A) of the Home Rule Charter for St. Mary Parish.
An ordinance proposing an amendment to Section 5-05(E) of the Home Rule Charter for St. Mary Parish.
Your attendance will be appreciated.
Sincerely,
GWENDOLYN L. HIDALGO,
CHAIRPERSON
ST. MARY PARISH COUNCIL
Adv. Sept. 18, 2024

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LEGAL NOTICE
September 13, 2024
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the St. Mary Parish Council will hold a Public Hearing at 5:45 p.m. and will meet in Regular Session at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, in the Parish Council Meeting Room, Fifth Floor Courthouse, Franklin, Louisiana.
The purpose of the Public Meeting will be to receive written and/or oral comments and to adopt the following ordinances:
An Ordinance in compliance with Ordinance No. 1973, Chapter 5 Procedures, Division 5.4 General Procedures for Public Hearing, Section 5.4.2 Rezonings (Zoning Map Amendments).
An Ordinance in compliance with Ordinance No. 1973, DIVISION 5.4 General Procedures for Public Hearings, Section 5.4.3 Specific Use Permits granting a Specific Use. (Jordy Bernard)
An ordinance proposing an amendment to Section 2-12(B) of the Home Rule Charter for St. Mary Parish.
Your attendance will be appreciated.
Sincerely,
GWENDOLYN L. HIDALGO,
CHAIRPERSON
ST. MARY PARISH COUNCIL
Adv. Sept. 18, 2024

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LEGAL NOTICE
Centerville,
Louisiana
August 8, 2024
The St. Mary Parish School Board met in regular session on Thursday, August 8, 2024, at 5:30 p.m., in the Evans Medine Meeting Room at the Central Office Complex in Centerville, Louisiana, with the following members answering to roll call:
Present: Ms. Guienzy M. Brent, Ms. Tammie L. Moore, Mrs. Lindsey T. Anslem, Ms. Debra R. Jones, Mrs. Ginger S. Griffin, Ms. Marilyn P. LaSalle, Mr. Murphy J. Pontiff Jr., Mr. Chad M. Paradee, Mrs. Alaina L. Black, Mr. Andrew V. Mancuso, and Mrs. Rhonda R. Dennis.
Invocation
Mr. Holmes gave the Invocation.
Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America.
President Black led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America.
Appearances:
Recognition of newly appointed positions:
Ms. Estay recognized and congratulated the new appointees as follows:
•John Campbell (West St. Mary High School Assistant Principal)
•Suzette Charpentier (West St. Mary High School Principal)
•Ashley Clark (Secondary Supervisor and Parish Athletic Director)
•Monique Estay (Dean of Students, W. P. Foster Elementary School)
•Charles Foulcard (Patterson Junior High School Assistant Principal)
•Janet Francois (Dean of Students, Wyandotte Elementary School)
•Almetra Pierce-Stanbury (Coordinator of Secondary Special Services)
•Helen Salmon (Hattie A. Watts Elementary Assistant Principal)
•Jill Tamporello (McKinney-Vento Liaison)
Recognition of VAM 4 Educators:
Ms. Estay recognized and congratulated the VAM 4 Educators as follows:
•Rachel Aucoin (Berwick Elementary School)
•Michele Colley (B. Edward Boudreaux Middle School)
•Amy Gilliam (Franklin Junior High School)
•Maybelle Klein (Wyandotte Elementary School)
Provide information on school-based health clinics in St. Mary Parish Schools.
Dr. Gary Wiltz was not in attendance at the meeting. As a result, his presentation will be rescheduled for the regular school board meeting on September 12, 2024.
Approval of Amended Agenda.
Mrs. Dennis made a motion and seconded by Ms. Brent to amend the agenda to include a legal discussion regarding litigation that the Board had voted for prior to the meeting. All in favor and the motion carried un- animously.
Approval of Official School Board Minutes.
Mr. Mancuso offered the motion and Ms. Moore offered the second to approve the official school board minutes from the regular school board meeting held on July 11, 2024, and minutes from the Budget Workshop held on July 30, 2024. All in favor and the motion carried.
Approval of Consent Agenda.
President Black stated that Board Members can re- move any of the items on the consent agenda for further discussion in the regular proceedings. Dr. Fegenbush read aloud the items on the consent agenda as follows:
New Business
Personnel:
Item 2. *Ap- prove revised 180-day Bus Driver Calendar for 2024-2025 school year.
Item 3. *Ap- prove revisions of the St. Mary Parish School Board Comprehensive Salary and Classification 2024-2025 (Goldbook).
A. *EL and Title I Liaison index correction (page 10)
Item 5. *Ap- prove engagement of auditors to perform new agreed upon procedures as mandated by the Louisiana Legislative Auditor for the years ended June 30, 2024, 2025, and 2026.
Item 6. *Proclamation(s):
A. *Suicide Prevention Awareness Month (September).
Item 8. *Ap- prove Intergovernmental Agreement between St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office and St. Mary Parish School Board for School Resource Officers (K-9 Services).
Ms. Moore made a motion to ap- prove the remaining items on the consent agenda, with the exception of pulling Item 3 C and Item 7 for further discussion. Mr. Mancuso made a second, all in favor and the motion carried.
New Business:
Personnel:
Item 1. Approval of policies from Forethought Consulting as revised by Hammonds and Sill and reviewed by the St. Mary Parish School Board Policy Committee.
Mr. Mancuso reported that the Policy Committee met on July 30, 2024 at 4:00 p.m., at the Central Office Complex in Centerville, Louisiana to discuss the following policies. There was one revision made to policy Interscholastic Athletics (IDFA).
A. Buildings and Grounds Management (EB)
B. Employee Smoking, Tobacco, and Marijuana Use (GAMA)
C. Home Study Program (IDCH)
D. Co-Curricular Activities and Extracurricular Activities (IDE)
E. Interscholastic Athletics (IDFA)
F. Grading System (IHA)
G. Truancy (JBE)
H. Student Smoking, Tobacco and Marijuana Use (JCDAA)
I. Student Use of Electronic Telecommunication Devices (JCDAE)
J. Discipline (JD)
K. Suspension (JDD)
L. Expulsion (JDE)
M. Child Abuse (JGCE)
N. Behavioral Health Support for Students (JGCF) NEW POLICY
O. Behavioral Health Services for Students (JGCFA)
Mr. Mancuso made a motion and seconded by Ms. Jones to approve all policies as described in Item 1 A - 1 O. All in favor and the motion carried.
Item 3. Approve revisions of the St. Mary Parish School Board Comprehensive Salary and Classification 2024-2025 (Goldbook).
B. Salary Schedule Milestone recognition at step 10, 20, 30 (page 3, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21).
Mr. Paradee made a motion and seconded by Ms. Moore to approve the Salary Schedule Milestone recognition at step 10, 20, 30 (page 3, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21) of the St. Mary Parish School Board Comprehensive Salary and Classification 2024-2025 (Goldbook).
During discussion on the salary schedule milestone recognition at step 10, 20, and 30, Ms. LaSalle requested that the amount being approved for this item be placed on record in the minutes.
Dr. Fegenbush stated that the amount being ap- proved for this item is $291,000 with an estimated amount of $260,000 or $261,000 from the General Fund and the remaining amount from the Maintenance and School Food Service Funds.
All in favor and the motion carried, with Mr. Mancuso abstaining to vote due to an immediate family being employed by the St. Mary Parish School Board.
Item 3. Approve revisions of the St. Mary Parish School Board Comprehensive Salary and Classification 2024-2025 (Goldbook).
C. Louisiana De- partment of Education (LDOE) certified and Support Staff Stipends (page 4)
Ms. LaSalle made a motion and seconded by Ms. Moore to approve revisions for the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) certified and Support Staff Stipends. All in favor and the motion carried.
Business Af- fairs
Item 4. Discuss and/or take action regarding a resolution to provide for the selection of the St. Mary Parish School Board’s representative to the St. Mary Parish Industrial Tax Exemption Program (ITEP) committee (“committee”) according to Executive Order JML 23-24; to provide for an alternate representative; to provide for reporting.
Mr. Evan Boudreaux, the Director of St. Mary Economic Development, briefly ex- plained the new procedures of the St. Mary Parish Industrial Tax Exemption Program (ITEP), which applies to ITEP applications pursued after the Governor’s Executive Order in February 2024. It was recommended that the Board approve a resolution to provide for the selection of the St. Mary Parish School Board’s representative to the St. Mary Parish Industrial Tax Exemption Program (ITEP) committee (“committee”) according to Executive Order JML 23-24; and to provide an alternate representative.
Mr. Mancuso made a motion and seconded by Ms. Moore to approve the resolution authorizing the Superintendent of St. Mary Parish schools as the School Board’s representative on the Local Industrial Tax Exemption Program (ITEP) Committee and designate the current School Board President as an alternate representative, should the Superintendent be unable to attend the Local Industrial Tax Exemption Program (ITEP) Committee meetings. All in favor and the motion carried.
Item 7. Approve Increase of Visitor Meal Cost.
Ms. LaSalle stated that she pulled Item 7 from the consent agenda to inform the public about the increased cost of visitor meals.
Ms. LaSalle made a motion and seconded by Mr. Mancuso to ap- prove the increase of the visitor lunch meal price from $4.75 to $5.25 and the breakfast meal price to remain at $3.50. All in favor and the motion carried.
Added Agenda Item Regarding Opioid Settlement
Attorney Bob Hammonds stated the reason for the added agenda item was due to participation in a new proposed national opioid settlement, which has a submission deadline of August 12, 2024.
Several months ago, the St. Mary Parish School Board voted to participate in a class action lawsuit regarding opioid related issues. A new proposed national opioids settlement has been reached with Kroger. The settlement requires Kroger to pay $1,200,000,000 to participating states and political subdivisions of the states. Any funds received would be primarily for the purpose of opioid education programs.
Ms. LaSalle made a motion and seconded by Ms. Brent to participate in the opioid settlement and to authorize the Board President to sign the agreement. All in favor and the motion carried.
Reports
Committees:
Staff Report:
Chief Financial Officer’s Re- port:
Sale Tax Up- date
Mr. Perry re- ported that the sales tax collections for the first month into the new year and July’s collections were $2,046,323 versus a budget of $2,058,333.
Financial Statements (Major Funds Only):
The Board was provided financial statements for major funds only to review at their leisure.
Other Significant Items:
Mr. Perry stated that a public hearing will be held on Thursday, September 12, 2024, at 5:15 p.m., in the Evans Medine Meeting Room at the Central Office Complex in Centerville, Louisiana, to allow for public input and to officially adopt the St. Mary Parish School Board Operating Budget of Revenues and Expenditures for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2024 and ending June 30, 2025.
Superintendent’s Report:
Dr. Fegenbush reported that Wednesday, August 7th was the first day of the 2024-2025 school year.
As of today, only 240 students out of 7223 students have not completed reenrollment for the 2024-2025 school year.
As previously reported, seventeen of St. Mary Parish school sites received safety grants totaling over $1,000,000 from the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness. The five remaining schools are in the second round of consideration for budget. As a result, schools this week began receiving open gate walkthrough security systems that will enhance the daily operations in school events.
Lastly, she ex- pressed gratitude to the members of the Ministerial Alliance and everyone who participated in a prayer tour for St. Mary schools for this new school year.
Closing:
Resolutions of Respect
Ms. Estay read the Resolutions of Respect for the late Lois Hawkins (retired home economics schoolteacher), Joyce Madison Jones (re- tired school paraprofessional), Barbara Thibodeaux (retired school cafeteria technician), and Minns Robertson, Jr. (retired high school math teacher).
Adjournment:
With there being no further business to address, Mrs. Griffin made a motion to ad- journ the meeting at 6:12 p.m. Ms. Moore made a second, all in favor and the motion carried.
RESOLUTION
IN MEMORIAM OF
Lois Hawkins
WHEREAS, Al- mighty God, in His infinite wisdom, has taken from our midst Lois Hawkins, and
WHEREAS, her untimely death has deprived the St. Mary Parish School System of a retired home economics teacher and a fine citizen;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the St. Mary Parish School Board and the people attending this Board meeting, rise and bow our heads in silent prayer out of re- spect for the late Lois Hawkins, and extend to her bereaved family our sincere condolences in this, their hour of sorrow; and in these inadequate words, en- deavor to express the high regard in which we held her in life and honor her memory in death.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLV-ED that a copy of this resolution be inscribed on a separate page of the official proceedings of this meeting; that a copy of this resolution be sent to the be- reaved family of Lois Hawkins, and that this meeting adjourns out of respect for her.
This Resolution was therefore de- clared approved and adopted this 8th of August, 2024.
(S) Alaina L. Black
ALAINA L. BLACK,
PRESIDENT
ATTEST:
(S) Buffy
Fegenbush
BUFFY
FEGENBUSH, Ed.D.,
SECRETARY
RESOLUTION
IN MEMORIAM OF
Joyce Madison Jones
WHEREAS, Almighty God, in His infinite wisdom, has taken from our midst Joyce Madison Jones, and
WHEREAS, her untimely death has deprived the St. Mary Parish School System of a retired school paraprofessional and a fine citizen;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the St. Mary Parish School Board and the people attending this Board meeting, rise and bow our heads in silent prayer out of respect for the late Joyce Madison Jones, and extend to her bereaved family our sincere condolences in this, their hour of sorrow; and in these inadequate words, endeavor to express the high regard in which we held her in life and honor her memory in death.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLV-ED that a copy of this resolution be inscribed on a separate page of the official proceedings of this meeting; that a copy of this resolution be sent to the be- reaved family of Joyce Madison Jones, and that this meeting ad- journs out of re- spect for her.
This Resolution was therefore de- clared approved and adopted this 8th of August, 2024.
(S) Alaina L. Black
ALAINA L. BLACK,
PRESIDENT
ATTEST:
(S) Buffy
Fegenbush
BUFFY
FEGENBUSH, Ed.D.,
SECRETARY
RESOLUTION
IN MEMORIAM OF
Minns
Robertson, Jr.
WHEREAS, Almighty God, in His infinite wisdom, has taken from our midst Minns Robertson, Jr., and
WHEREAS, his untimely death has deprived the St. Mary Parish School System of a retired high school math teacher and a fine citizen;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the St. Mary Parish School Board and the people attending this Board meeting, rise and bow our heads in silent prayer out of re- spect for the late Minns Robertson, Jr., and ex- tend to his be- reaved family our sincere condolences in this, their hour of sorrow; and in these inadequate words, en- deavor to express the high regard in which we held him in life and honor his memory in death.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLV-ED that a copy of this resolution be inscribed on a separate page of the official proceedings of this meeting; that a copy of this resolution be sent to the be- reaved family of Minns Robertson, Jr., and that this meeting ad- journs out of re- spect for him.
This Resolution was therefore de- clared approved and adopted this 8th of August, 2024.
(S) Alaina L. Black
ALAINA L. BLACK,
PRESIDENT
ATTEST:
(S) Buffy
Fegenbush
BUFFY
FEGENBUSH, Ed.D.,
SECRETARY
RESOLUTION
IN MEMORIAM OF
Barbara
Thibodeaux
WHEREAS, Al- mighty God, in His infinite wisdom, has taken from our midst Barbara Thibodeaux, and
WHEREAS, her untimely death has deprived the St. Mary Parish School System of a retired school cafeteria technician and a fine citizen;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the St. Mary Parish School Board and the people attending this Board meeting, rise and bow our heads in silent prayer out of re- spect for the late Barbara Thibodeaux, and extend to her bereaved family our sincere condolences in this, their hour of sorrow; and in these inadequate words, endeavor to express the high regard in which we held her in life and honor her memory in death.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLV-ED that a copy of this resolution be inscribed on a separate page of the official proceedings of this meeting; that a copy of this resolution be sent to the be- reaved family of Barbara Thibodeaux, and that this meeting ad- journs out of re- spect for her.
This Resolution was therefore de- clared approved and adopted this 8th of August, 2024.
(S) Alaina L. Black
ALAINA L. BLACK,
PRESIDENT
ATTEST:
(S) Buffy
Fegenbush
BUFFY
FEGENBUSH, Ed.D.,
SECRETARY
Adv. Sept. 18, 2024

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LEGAL NOTICE
This emergency ordinance was in- troduced on September 9, 2024
Mr. Tamporello offered the following ordinance, who moved for its adoption.
ORDINANCE
NUMBER 24-12
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MORGAN CITY DE- CLARING A “STATE OF EM- ERGENCY” AND AUTHORIZING ANY EXPENDITURES AND/OR CONTRACTS DEEMED NECESSARY IN CONNECTION WITH TROPICAL STORM FRANCINE.
WHEREAS, the current forecast of Tropical Storm Francine indicates a definite threat to the coast of Louisiana, and
WHEREAS, the City of Morgan City is a coastal City and exposed to high winds, tidal surges, and heavy rain creating a threat to the health and safety of the Citizens of Morgan City.
SECTION 1
BE IT ORDAIN-ED, by the City Council, the governing authority of the City of Morgan City, Louisiana, that:
(1) A state of emergency is hereby declared.
(2) Any expenditures necessary in connection with expenses incurred due to Tropical Storm Francine are hereby authorized.
(3) The Mayor is hereby authorized and directed to negotiate and execute any contracts deemed necessary, in carrying out the intent and purpose of this ordinance.
(4) That this ordinance shall take effect immediately and remain in effect for as long as necessary in lieu of the sixty (60) days provided for in Section 2-12, sub-section (c) of the Charter.
SECTION 2
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 or- dinance shall take effect immediately after its passage within the time prescribed by law.
Mr. Hymel seconded the motion.
The vote thereon was as follows:
AYES: Tamporello, Hymel, Bias, Leonard
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Do- mangue
Certified ap- proved and adopted this 9th day of September, 2024.
Delivered to Mayor Dragna at 4 PM, this 9th day of September, 2024.
/s/ Debbie
Harrington
Debbie
Harrington,
Clerk
Approved this 9th day of September, 2024.
/s/ Lee Dragna
Lee Dragna,
Mayor
Received from Mayor Dragna at 4:05 PM on September 9, 2024.
/s/ Debbie
Harrington
Debbie
Harrington,
Clerk
Adv. Sept. 18, 2024

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Learn what storm aid is available

Tue, 09/17/2024 - 8:47am

Staff report
Local officials are encouraging residents who sustained damage from Hurricane Francine to report their losses to a state website, www.damage.la.gov.
By registering, you can help make sure local people can receive all the government aid for which they’re eligible.
You can find a QR code at our Facebook page that will take you directly to the site.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency can help direct you to a variety of resources and assistance.
Much of the aid is dependent on a federal disaster declaration, which the White House issued Monday for St. Mary, Assumption, Ascension, Lafourche, St. Charles, St. James, St. John the Baptist and Terrebonne.
As of Tuesday morning, the FEMA website was not yet recognizing that St. Mary Parish is covered by a disaster declaration. But here are ways to apply:
—Online: Apply at DisasterAssistance.gov
—FEMA app: Download the free app from your phone’s app store
—By phone: Call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362 (TTY: 1-800-462-7585)
—In person: Visit a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) 
Assistance can include:
—Temporary housing, such as rental assistance or reimbursement for hotel costs
—Money to help repair or replace a primary residence
—Money to help with hazard mitigation measures 
If you have insurance, you should contact your insurance company to file a claim as soon as possible. FEMA can only provide money after you receive your insurance settlement. 
To be eligible for FEMA assistance, you’ll need to provide a valid Social Security number to verify your identity. 
You must live in a presidentially declared disaster area to receive financial assistance from FEMA. Not everyone qualifies for all the assistance programs in an area. FEMA offers an anonymous tool to help you check your eligibility.
Information you will need to apply for disaster assistance:
—Your Social Security number 
—Insurance information 
—A description of the damage caused 
—Your annual household income 
—Contact information
—Bank account information for direct deposit
You can check the status of your application if you provided your email address and contact information when you applied for assistance. There are three ways to check your application: 
—Check your application status at DisasterAssistance.gov if you created an account. 
—Look for the “Check Status” button. Check the status by calling 1-800-621-3362 (TTY: 1-800-462-7585). 
—Check the status of your application in person at a DRC. Find a DRC near you.
Legal help is available:
Disaster Legal Services provides free legal help to individuals who earn a low income and live in a federally declared disaster area. Legal advice is limited to cases that will not produce a fee. Cases that may generate a fee are turned over to a local lawyer referral service. 
DLS may be able to help you with: 
—Insurance claims for doctor and hospital bills, loss of property, or loss of life 
—New wills, powers of attorney, and other legal documents lost in the disaster 
—Home repair contracts and contractors 
—Problems with landlords 

Experts examine cane, bean crops for damage

Tue, 09/17/2024 - 8:45am
OLIVIA McCLURE, LSU AgCenter

Sugar cane growers in south Louisiana were making preparations for the upcoming harvest season when Hurricane Francine came ashore last week, bringing winds that knocked their crop over and heavy rains that flooded fields that were already saturated from recent rainfall.
Now, farmers in several parishes of Louisiana’s cane belt are waiting for things to dry out and for the crop to stand itself back up. With a few days of sunny weather in the forecast, they’re optimistic they will soon be back on track.
“What we need is sunshine,” said LSU AgCenter sugarcane specialist Kenneth Gravois. “We need a good north wind to knock the water levels down. And the sunshine will allow these tops to curve back up and start reaching for the sky.”
Gravois and others at the AgCenter are in the early stages of assessing Francine’s damage to agriculture. The cane crop was a healthy one prior to the storm, he said, which bodes well for its recovery.
 “I don’t see a lot of leaf shredding, which is a good sign,” he said.
 Instead, he has mostly seen lodging, an industry term that refers to plants that have been blown over by wind. Some degree of lodging happens nearly every growing season, and sugarcane can usually upright itself to a degree within a week or so.
 Outside of crop damage, the biggest problem growers are facing is flooding. The hurricane dumped several inches of rain on parishes in the cane belt and points south. Because the water levels are high throughout the area, there’s nowhere for fields to drain.
 “There’s a lot of water in the backs of places where growers can’t even begin to pump off yet,” Gravois said. “The water level has to go down a little bit before you can even consider turning the pumps on.”
 Between the lodging and the floodwaters, farmers are waiting for conditions to improve so they can get in their fields to apply ripener to get the crop ready for harvest. The ripener slows the plant’s growth, allowing it to concentrate its energy on sugar production.
 As long as growers can resume ripener applications soon, Gravois doesn’t expect a major negative impact on the crop, even though the recovery process may result in lower tonnage — or less plant material — at harvest.
 “When this crop is trying to erect itself and those tops start turning back up, it kind of pauses the maturation process,” Gravois said. “We have the tonnage from the previous growth. We’re going to miss out on a little bit of tonnage because of that timeout in growth, but right now, we want to put sugar in the crop and not a lot of tons.”
Most farmers had finished planting next year’s crop by the time Francine rolled into Louisiana. A few acres still need to be planted, Gravois said.
“People were waiting for a bean crop to come off,” he said, referring to the soybeans that are commonly grown as a rotation crop on sugarcane farms. “It seems like the bean crop is toast at this point, probably almost a complete loss.”
Statewide, 40% to 50% of Louisiana’s soybean crop had been harvested before the hurricane. Another 20% to 30% is at or near maturity, with some of those acres located in the sugarcane-growing region.
“We’re likely to get some seed damage there,” said AgCenter soybean specialist David Moseley. “We could also get some lodging, and that will make it a little bit harder to harvest.”
Rainfall can make mature soybean seeds swell, sprout, mold or turn brown — problems that had already arisen in some places because of heavy rains in late August and early September. For later-planted beans that are still actively growing, the seeds are safe, as their composition is about 70% moisture, Moseley said.
 “It’s when the seed detaches from the inside of the pod that the seed is no longer protected by the plant,” he explained. “That’s when you’re going to get the most damage.”

LILA MAE 'WENDY' LOMBAS-KASH

Tue, 09/17/2024 - 8:43am

Lila Mae “Wendy” Lombas-Kash was born October 26, 1950 on a house boat in Berwick, Louisiana. She passed peacefully, at 7:27 p.m. in Madison Hospital, Madison, Alabama on August 28, 2024 at the age of 73.
Lila was a Berwick, Louisiana High School graduate, class of 1968, top 10 in her class with a full scholarship to LSU New Orleans School of Nursing. She was only able to complete one semester there before having to return home due to her father’s ill health.
A licensed commercial insurance agent in multiple states for many years, she later changed careers, working for Wal-Mart Stores Inc., in store management and as a Special Projects Store Coordinator for nearly 17 years.
Besides her abundant love for her family, she loved to spend her time cooking, gardening, traveling, reading books and learning new things. Reading was the way she discovered and learned that there was more to the world into which she had been born. However, she never lost her first love for all things Louisiana.
She is preceded in death by her Father, Frank Bartholomew Lombas, her Mother, Lorena Marie Lodrigue Lombas, her siblings, Frank “Bud” Lombas III, Ella Mae “Mynan” Cobbs, Delores “Duttie” Bertrand and Sandra “Nuni” Aucoin.
She is survived by her husband, Steven Bruce Kash, to whom she was married for 51 years, her siblings Gary “Pug” Lombas, Lawrence “Titi” Lombas, James “Jimbo” Lombas, and her children and their families; daughter Heather Kash Bergsten (49), Bret Bergsten (59), Neil Bergsten (10), son Travis Kash (49), Maria Kash (46), Kelly Kash (23), Levi Hyatt (1), Brooklyn Kash Tuten (21), Nate Tuten (22), Alexandria Kash (19), Joshua Kash (17), Harrison Kash (15), daughter Kristi Kash (47), Kiersten Grove (27), Alex Grove (31), Ashton Grove (4), Nolan Grove (3), Michael Moskowitz (23), daughter Erin Kash Howard (44), Caitlin Howard (20), Samuel Howard (9), son Sean Kash (36) and Sharon Kash (36).
Lila’s “Celebration of Life Service” was held in Madison, Alabama on Saturday, August 31, 2024 at Legacy Chapel Funeral Home followed by her burial in Madison at Madison Memory Gardens Cemetery.
Pallbearers for Lila were her son, Sean Kash, son-in-law, Bret Bergsten, grand-son-in-law, Alex Grove and grandchildren, Michael Moskowitz, Brooklyn Kash Tuten, Caitlin Howard, Joshua Kash and Harrison Kash.

CHERIE PATRICIA LaSALLE DUPRE

Tue, 09/17/2024 - 8:42am

Cherie Patricia LaSalle Dupre, 40, a resident of Berwick, died Monday, Sept. 9, 2024, at Terrebonne General in Houma.
She is survived by her husband, Dwayne Dupre; mother, Donna LaSalle; fathers, Matthew Deslattes and Douglas Lasalle Sr.; siblings, Douglas LaSalle Jr., Eric LaSalle, Jason Dupre, Nicole Sanders and Christopher Patterson; adopted daughter, Ninna Sidani; four adopted grandchildren, maternal grandparents, Patrica Lombas, Donald Balance, Jannett Cancella and Celeste Inman; and paternal grandparents, Diane and Bryan Sanders.
She was preceded in death by a sister, great-grandmother and two grandfathers.
Visitation will be Wednesday, 5-9 p.m., and again Thursday from 10 a.m. until services at 2 p.m. at Twin City Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Berwick Cemetery.
Twin City Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

STELLA V. ROBICHEAUX

Tue, 09/17/2024 - 8:40am

Stella V. Robicheaux of Stephensville died Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024, at her residence.
She was preceded in death by her parents, three husbands, sister, daughter, and four stepchildren.
She is survived by her children, Debra Boudreaux, Johnny LaCoste, Ramona Brizzard, Doreen Wiggins, Karen Hamilton, Josephine Crabtree and Monroe LaCoste III; stepchildren, Mary Cowart, Raymond Miller Jr., Debra Roy, Chris LaCoste, Tammy Fontenot, Gwenn Keith, Paula Tardiff and Paddy Boudreaux; sisters, Mary LaCoste, Isabelle Lee and Judy Gussman; brother, George Vining Jr.; 53 grandchildren; and a host of great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be Friday, 5-9 p.m., at Twin City Funeral Home, with a rosary a 7 p.m., and will resume Saturday from 9-10:30 a.m. A Mass will be Saturday at 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Burial will follow in Morgan City Cemetery. After graveside services, a reception will follow at Twin City Funeral Home’s reception room.
Twin City Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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