RSS Feed

LEGAL NOTICE
ST. MARY PARISH 9-1-1 COMMUNICATIONS DISTRICT
Regular Board Meeting
1200 David Dr., Building B
Morgan City, LA 70380
March 26, 2026
1:00 P.M.
Chairman, Mr. Justin Martin opened the March 26, 2026, regular meeting with the roll call. Mr. Duval Arthur, III, Mr. Jimmy Broussard, Mr. Justin Martin, Mr. Travis M. Mayon, and Mr. Scott Verret were in attendance. Mr. Garrett Grogan and Ms. Brandi Leonard did not attend.
Guest: Centerville Fire Chief Brandon LeJeune was in attendance.
Public Comment: NONE
Mr. Broussard made a motion to dispense with the reading of and to accept the February 26, 2026, minutes. Mr. Arthur seconded the mo- tion. All members were in favor and the motion carried.
The income statement for February 2026 was $67,364.15. Mr. Arthur made a motion to accept the income statement. Mr. Mayon seconded the mo- tion. All members were in favor and the motion carried.
The expense statement for February 2026 was $69,413.11. Mr. Mayon made a motion to accept the expense statement. Mr. Arthur seconded the motion. All members were in favor and the motion carried.
A budget vs actual comparison was provided to the board for review.
Old Business: NONE
New Business: The 2026-2027 Motorola Radio Service Agreement was provided to members for review: Mr. Mayon made motion to accept the agreement. Mr. Broussard seconded the motion. All members were in favor and the motion carried.
Director Up- dates:
Ms. Randle up- dated members on the progress of the new call handling system.
Ms. Randle, Ms. Theriot, and Ms. Calloway attended the LLA workshop in Baton Rouge.
Telecommunicator’s Week is April 12-18, 2026.
General Discussion: Members inquired about 2 calls on the monthly call volume/answer time report. A statement of incidents involving multiple ring calls was relayed to members.
Adjournment: Mr. Broussard made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Verret seconded the motion. All members were in favor and the motion carried.
Approved:
———————
Mr. Justin Martin,
Chairman
Attest:
———————
Martha Randle,
Director
Adv. April 1, 2026

mmm

LEGAL NOTICE
ELECTRONICALLY FILED
2026 Mar 19
3:50 PM
00022614
St. Mary Parish
Greg Aucoin, Clerk of Court
SUCCESSION OF
WAYNE ANTHONY VIDOS
PROBATE NO. 22614
* * * * * *
16TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT
PARISH OF ST. MARY
STATE OF
LOUISIANA
* * * * * * * * *
NOTICE OF
FILING OF
TABLEAU OF
DISTRIBUTION AND
ACCOUNTING
NOTICE IS GIVEN to the creditors of this succession and to all other interested persons that a tableau of distribution has been filed by the Administratrix of this succession, with her petition praying for homologation of the tableau and for authority to pay the debts and charges of the succession listed thereon; and that the tableau of distribution and accounting can be homologated after the expiration of ten (10) days from the date of the publication of this notice. Any opposition to the petition and tableau of distribution must be filed prior to homologation.
BY ORDER OF THE COURT
(S) Lisa L. Landry
Deputy Clerk
March 23, 2026.
CLERK’S OFFICE,
FRANKLIN, LA
MAR 23 2026
A true copy of the original
Attest:
(S) Lisa L. Landry
Dy Clerk Of Court
(S E A L)
Adv. April 1, 2026

mmm

LEGAL NOTICE
St. Mary Parish Fire Protection
District No. 3
Post Office
Box 921
Amelia,
Louisiana 70340
March 16, 2026
The regular meeting was called to order by Mr. Foret at 6:00 pm
Members present: Denise Chaisson, Royal Young, Scott Singleton, Joey Foret, Clint Abshire
Members ab- sent: None
Guests in attendance: Jason Brown
Public Comment: None
A motion was made by Mr. Abshire and seconded by Mr. Young to accept the minutes from the February 2026 meeting. All were in favor. Motion carried.
A motion was made by Mr. Singleton and seconded by Mrs. Chaisson to approve the Treasurer’s Report from February 2026. All were in favor. Motion carried.
New Business: None
Old business: Mr. Foret will speak to Jason Akers, the bond attorney, to ask about proposing a sales tax
Other Business: None
A motion was made to pay the fire department bills by Mr. Singleton and 2nd by Mrs. Chaisson. All in favor. Motion carried.
A motion to adjourn was made by Ms. Singleton and seconded by Mrs. Chaisson, all were in favor.
Meeting ended 6:19pm
Adv. April 1, 2026

mmm

PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE
Proposed Constitutional Amendments to be voted on at the Party Primary/Municipal Primary Election May 16, 2026
Pursuant to Act 1 of the 2025 First Extraordinary Session, the election previously scheduled for April 18, 2026 has been rescheduled for May 16, 2026.
—————
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, 2025
————
ACT No. 223
————
SENATE BILL NO. 8
BY SENATOR MORRIS AND REPRESENTATIVE CHASSION
A JOINT RESOLUTION
Proposing to amend Article X, Section 2(B) of the Constitution of Louisiana, relative to state civil service; to authorize additional positions in the unclassified state civil service by law; to prohibit the removal of such positions except by law; and to specify an election for submission of the proposition to electors and provide a ballot proposition.
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, for their approval or rejection in the manner provided by law, a proposal to amend Article X, Section 2(B) of the Constitution of Louisiana, to read as follows:
§2. Classified and Unclassified Service
Section 2.(A)
* * *
(B) Unclassified Service. The unclassified service shall include the following
officers and employees in the state and city civil service:
(1) elected officials and persons appointed to fill vacancies in elective offices;
(2) the heads of each principal executive department appointed by the governor, the mayor, or the governing authority of a city;
(3) city attorneys;
(4) registrars of voters;
(5) members of state and city boards, authorities, and commissions;
(6) one private secretary to the president of each college or university;
(7) one person holding a confidential position and one principal assistant or deputy to any officer, board, commission, or authority mentioned in (1), (2), (4), or (5) above, except civil service departments;
(8) members of the military or naval forces;
(9) teaching and professional staffs, and administrative officers of schools, colleges, and universities of the state, and bona fide students of those institutions employed by any state, parochial, or municipal agency;
(10) employees, deputies, and officers of the legislature and of the offices of the governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, each mayor and city attorney, of police juries, school boards, assessors, and of all offices provided for in Article V of this constitution except the offices of clerk of the municipal and traffic courts in New Orleans;
(11) commissioners of elections, watchers, and custodians and deputy custodians of voting machines;
(12) railroad employees whose working conditions and retirement benefits are regulated by federal agencies in accordance with federal law; and
(13) the director, deputy director, and all employees of the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness.
Additional positions may be added to the unclassified service and those positions may be revoked by rules adopted by a commission. Additional officers, positions, and employees may be added to the unclassified service in the state civil service by law and such additional officers, positions, and employees may be removed from the unclassified service only by law.
Section 2. Be it further resolved that this proposed amendment shall be submitted to
the electors of the state of Louisiana at a statewide election to be held on April 18, 2026, if
House Bill No. 625 of the 2025 Regular Session of the Legislature of Louisiana becomes
effective. If House Bill No. 625 of the 2025 Regular Session of the Legislature of Louisiana
does not become effective, this proposed amendment shall be submitted to the electors of
the state of Louisiana at a statewide election to be held on November 3, 2026.
Section 3. Be it further resolved that on the official ballot to be used at said 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 allow the legislature to remove or add officers, positions, and employees to the unclassified state civil service?” (Amends Article X, Section 2(B))
Proposed Amendment No. 2
Regular Session, 2025
————
ACT No. 218
————
SENATE BILL NO. 25
BY SENATOR EDMONDS AND REPRESENTATIVE CHENEVERT
A JOINT RESOLUTION
Proposing to amend Article VIII, Section 13(D)(1) of the Constitution of Louisiana, relative to certain effects and purposes for the proposed St. George community school system in East Baton Rouge Parish which shall be regarded and treated as a parish and shall have the authority granted parishes with respect to operating a school system, including the purposes of certain funding and the raising of certain local revenues for the support of elementary and secondary schools; to provide for submission of the proposed amendment to the electors; to specify an election date for submission of the proposition to electors and to provide for a ballot proposition.
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, for their approval or rejection in the manner provided by law, a proposal to amend Article VIII, Section 13(D)(1) of the Constitution of Louisiana, to read as follows:
§13. Funding; Apportionment
Section 13.
* * *
(D)(1) Municipal and Other School Systems. For the effects and purposes of this Section, the Central community school system, the St. George community school system, and the Zachary community school system in East Baton Rouge Parish, and the municipalities of Baker in East Baton Rouge Parish, Monroe in Ouachita Parish, and Bogalusa in Washington Parish, and no others, shall be regarded and treated as parishes and shall have the authority granted parishes. Consistent with Article VIII of this constitution, relevant to equal educational opportunities, no state dollars shall be used to discriminate or to have the effect of discriminating in providing equal educational opportunity for all students.
* * *
Section 2. Be it further resolved that this proposed amendment shall be submitted to the electors of the state of Louisiana at a statewide election to be held on April 18, 2026, if House Bill No. 625 of the 2025 Regular Session of the Legislature of Louisiana becomes effective. If House Bill No. 625 of the 2025 Regular Session of the Legislature of Louisiana does not become effective, this proposed amendment shall be submitted to the electors of the state of Louisiana at a statewide election to be held on November 3, 2026.
Section 3. Be it further resolved that on the official ballot to be used at said 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 grant the St. George community school system in East Baton Rouge Parish the same authority granted parishes for purposes of Article VIII, Section 13 of the Constitution of Louisiana, including purposes related to the minimum foundation program, funding for certain school books and instructional materials, and the raising of certain local revenues for the support of elementary and secondary schools? (Amends Article VIII, Section 13(D)(1))
Proposed Amendment No. 3
Regular Session, 2025
————
ACT No. 222
————
HOUSE BILL NO. 473
BY REPRESENTATIVE EMERSON AND SENATOR EDMONDS
A JOINT RESOLUTION
Proposing to amend Article VII, Section 10.8(A)(1), (2), and (4), (B), and (C)(1) of the Constitution of Louisiana, to enact Article VII, Section 10.17, and to repeal Article VII, Sections 10(F)(4)(d), 10.1, 10.8(A)(3) and (C)(3), and 10.16(A)(9), relative to monies in the state treasury; to repeal the Education Excellence Fund within the Millennium Trust, the Louisiana Education Quality Trust Fund, and the Louisiana Quality Education Support Fund; to apply monies held in those funds to liabilities of the Teachers’ Retirement System of Louisiana and to require local public school systems to pay a teacher pay raise with savings realized from payment of those retirement system liabilities; to require additional state general fund expenditures for the Minimum Foundation Program relative to such pay raises; to direct the state treasurer to take certain actions with respect to monies in repealed funds; to provide for calculation and transfer of such monies to the Overcollections Fund for use by specified entities pursuant to outlined restrictions; to execute technical changes; 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 10.8(A)(1), (2), and (4), (B), and (C)(1) of the Constitution of Louisiana and to enact Article VII, Section 10.17 to read as follows:
§10.8. Millennium Trust
Section 10.8. Millennium Trust
(A) Creation. (1) There shall be established in the state treasury as a special permanent trust the “Millennium Trust”. After allocation of money to the Bond Security and Redemption Fund as provided in Article VII, Section 9(B) of this constitution, the treasurer shall deposit in and credit to the Millennium Trust certain monies received as a result of the Master Settlement Agreement, hereinafter the “Settlement Agreement”, executed November 23, 1998, and approved by Consent Decree and Final Judgment entered in the case “Richard P. Ieyoub, Attorney General, ex rel. State of Louisiana v. Philip Morris, Incorporated, et al.”, bearing Number 98-6473 on the docket of the Fourteenth Judicial District for the parish of Calcasieu, state of Louisiana; and all dividend and interest income and all realized capital gains on investment of the monies in the Millennium Trust. The treasurer shall deposit in and credit to the Millennium Trust the following amounts of monies received as a result of the Settlement Agreement:
(a) Fiscal Year 2000-2001, forty-five percent of the total monies received that year.
(b) Fiscal Year 2001-2002, sixty percent of the total monies received that year.
(c) Fiscal Year 2002-2003 and each fiscal year thereafter, seventy-five percent of the total monies received that year. each fiscal year as a result of the Settlement Agreement. However, beginning in Fiscal Year 2011-2012 after the balance in the Millennium Trust reaches a total of one billion three hundred eighty million dollars, the The monies deposited in and credited to the Millennium Trust, received as a result of the Settlement Agreement, shall be allocated to the various funds within the Millennium Trust as provided in Subsubparagraphs (2)(b), (3)(b), and (4)(b) and (c) of this Paragraph. TOPS Fund.
(d) For Fiscal Year 2000-2001, Fiscal Year 2001-2002, and Fiscal Year 2002-2003, ten percent of the total monies received in each of those years for credit to the Education Excellence Fund which, notwithstanding the provisions of Subparagraph (C)(1) of this Section, shall be appropriated for the purposes provided in Subsubparagraph (d) of Subparagraph (3) of Paragraph (C) of this Section.
(2)(a) The Health Excellence Fund shall be established as a special fund within the Millennium Trust. The treasurer shall credit to the Health Excellence Fund one-third of the Settlement Agreement proceeds deposited each year into the Millennium Trust, and one-third of all investment earnings on the investment of the Millennium Trust. The treasurer shall report annually to the legislature as to the amount of Millennium Trust investment earnings credited to the Health Excellence Fund.
(b) Beginning Fiscal Year 2011-2012, and each fiscal year thereafter, the The treasurer shall credit to the Health Excellence Fund one-third one-half of all investment earnings on the investment of the Millennium Trust. The treasurer shall report annually to the legislature as to the amount of Millennium Trust investment earnings credited to the Health Excellence Fund.
(c) (b) Beginning on July 1, 2012, after After allocation of money to the Bond Security and Redemption Fund as provided in Article VII, Section 9(B) of this constitution, the state treasurer shall deposit in and credit to the Health Excellence Fund an amount equal to the revenues derived from the tax levied pursuant to R.S. 47:841(B)(3).
* * *
(4)(a) The TOPS Fund shall be established as a special fund within the Millennium Trust. The treasurer shall deposit in and credit to the TOPS Fund one- third of the Settlement Agreement proceeds deposited into the Millennium Trust, and one-third of all investment earnings on the investment of the Millennium Trust. The treasurer shall report annually to the legislature as to the amount of Millennium Trust investment earnings credited to the TOPS Fund.
(b) Beginning Fiscal Year 2011-2012, and each fiscal year thereafter, the The treasurer shall credit to the TOPS Fund one hundred percent of the Settlement Agreement proceeds deposited into the Millennium Trust, and one-third one-half of all investment earnings on the investment of the Millennium Trust. The treasurer shall report annually to the legislature as to the amount of Millennium Trust Settlement Agreement proceeds and investment earnings credited to the TOPS Fund.
(c) Upon the effective date of this Subsubparagraph, the state treasurer shall deposit, transfer, or otherwise credit funds in an amount equal to such Settlement Agreement proceeds deposited in and credited to the Millennium Trust received by the state between April 1, 2011 and the effective date of this Subsubparagraph to the TOPS Fund.
* * *
(B) Investment. Monies credited to the Millennium Trust pursuant to Paragraph (A) of this Section shall be invested by the treasurer with the same authority and subject to the same restrictions as the Louisiana Education Quality Trust Fund. as provided by law. However, the portion of monies in the Millennium Trust which may be invested in stock may be increased to no more than fifty percent by a specific legislative instrument which receives a favorable vote of two-thirds of the elected members of each house of the legislature. The legislature shall provide for procedures for the investment of such monies by law. The treasurer may contract, subject to the approval of the State Bond Commission, for the management of such investments and, if a contract is entered into, amounts necessary to pay the costs of the contract shall be appropriated from the Millennium Trust.
(C) Appropriations. (1)(a) Appropriations from the Education Excellence Fund shall be limited to an annual amount not to exceed the estimated aggregate annual earnings from interest, dividends, and realized capital gains on investment of the trust allocated as provided by Paragraph (A) of this Section and as recognized by the Revenue Estimating Conference. Amounts determined to be available for appropriation shall be those aggregate investment earnings which are in excess of an inflation factor as determined by the Revenue Estimating Conference. The amount of realized capital gains on investment which may be included in the aggregate earnings available for appropriation in any year shall not exceed the aggregate of earnings from interest and dividends for that year.
(b)(i) For Fiscal Year 2011-2012, appropriations from the Health Excellence Fund shall be limited to an annual amount not to exceed the estimated aggregate annual earnings from interest, dividends, and realized capital gains on investment of the trust and credited to the Health Excellence Fund as provided by Subsubparagraph (A)(2)(b) of this Section and as recognized by the Revenue Estimating Conference.
(ii) For Fiscal Year 2012-2013, and each fiscal year thereafter, appropriations Appropriations from the Health Excellence Fund shall be limited to an annual amount not to exceed the estimated aggregate annual earnings from interest, dividends, and realized capital gains on investment of the trust and credited to the Health Excellence Fund as provided by Subsubparagraph (A)(2)(b) (A)(2)(a) of this Section and as recognized by the Revenue Estimating Conference and the amount of proceeds credited to and deposited into the Health Excellence Fund as provided by Subsubparagraph (A)(2)(c) (A)(2)(b) of this Section.
(c)(i) For Fiscal Year 2011-2012, appropriations from the TOPS Fund shall be limited to the amount of Settlement Agreement proceeds credited to and deposited into the TOPS Fund as provided by Subsubparagraphs (A)(4)(b) and (c) of this Section, and an annual amount not to exceed the estimated aggregate annual earnings from interest, dividends, and realized capital gains on investment of the trust and credited to the TOPS Fund as provided by Subsubparagraph (A)(4)(b) of this Section and as recognized by the Revenue Estimating Conference.
(ii) (b)(i) For Fiscal Year 2012-2013, and each fiscal year thereafter, appropriations Appropriations from the TOPS Fund shall be limited to the amount of annual Settlement Agreement proceeds credited to and deposited into the TOPS Fund as provided in Subsubparagraph (A)(4)(b) Subparagraph (A)(4) of this Section, and an annual amount not to exceed the estimated aggregate annual earnings from interest, dividends, and realized capital gains on investment of the trust and credited to the TOPS Fund as provided in Subsubparagraph (A)(4)(b) Subparagraph (A)(4) of this Section and as recognized by the Revenue Estimating Conference.
(iii) (ii) Further, for Fiscal Year 2011-2012, and each fiscal year thereafter, amounts Amounts determined to be available for appropriation from the TOPS Fund from interest earnings shall be those aggregate investment earnings which are in excess of an inflation factor as determined by the Revenue Estimating Conference. The amount of realized capital gains on investment which may be included in the aggregate earnings available for appropriation in any year shall not exceed the aggregate of earnings from interest and dividends for that year.
* * *
§10.17. Payment of State Retirement Debt
Section 10.17.(A)(1) Notwithstanding any other provision of this constitution to the contrary, no later than May 31, 2026, the state treasurer shall transfer to the Teachers’ Retirement System of Louisiana the liquidated fair market value of each of the following:
(a) The Education Excellence Fund.
(b) The Louisiana Education Quality Trust Fund.
(c) The Louisiana Quality Education Support Fund.
(2) The Teachers’ Retirement System of Louisiana shall apply monies received pursuant to Subparagraph (1) of this Paragraph to its oldest outstanding positive amortization base. After liquidation of such base, any remaining monies shall be applied to the next-oldest outstanding positive amortization base, until all such monies have been applied. If application of monies pursuant to the provisions of this Subparagraph are insufficient to fully liquidate an amortization base, after application of such monies the net remaining liability of such amortization base shall be reamortized with annual level-dollar payments calculated in the same manner as other system amortization payments and over the remainder of the amortization period originally established for that base.
(B)(1) Any net savings attributable to the payments made pursuant to Paragraph (A) of this Section shall be used by each public school system that participates in the Teachers’ Retirement System of Louisiana to provide a permanent salary increase, plus any related benefits, of two thousand two hundred fifty dollars for certificated personnel and one thousand one hundred twenty-five dollars for noncertificated personnel, as provided by law.
(2)(a) Notwithstanding any provision of this constitution or law to the contrary, the minimum foundation program formula effective for the 2026-2027 school year shall include both of the following:
(i) A permanent salary increase and related benefits for public school system personnel whose employers do not participate in the Teachers’ Retirement System of Louisiana equivalent to the permanent salary increase and related benefits provided pursuant to the provisions of Subparagraph (1) of this Paragraph.
(ii) A calculation of the total amount necessary to complete funding of the permanent salary increase and related benefits granted pursuant to Subparagraph (1) of this Paragraph for each public school system that participates in the Teachers’ Retirement System of Louisiana that did not realize net savings for the 2026-2027 school year attributable to the payments made pursuant to Paragraph (A) of this Section sufficient to fund such permanent salary increase and related benefits.
(b)(i) Until the legislature approves a formula pursuant to Article VIII, Section 13 of this Constitution that includes the funding and permanent salary increase and related benefits required pursuant to Subsubparagraph (a) of this Subparagraph, they are deemed part of the formula most recently adopted by the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education and approved by the legislature.
(ii) The provisions of this Subparagraph shall not be construed to infringe on the authority granted to the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education pursuant to Article VIII, Sections 3(A) and 13(B) of this Constitution and shall cease to apply when a new minimum foundation program formula that includes the funding and permanent salary increase required pursuant to Subsubparagraph (a) of this Subparagraph is adopted by the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education or its successor and is approved by the legislature in conformity with the provisions of Article VIII, Section 13(B).
(c) Funding amounts required pursuant to the provisions of Item (a)(ii) of this Subparagraph shall be maintained for each public school system at the level established for that system for the 2026-2027 school year until a new minimum foundation program formula that includes the funding and permanent salary increase required pursuant to Subsubparagraph (a) of this Subparagraph is adopted by the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education or its successor and is approved by the legislature in conformity with the provisions of Article VIII, Section 13(B).
(3) For the purposes of this Paragraph, the following terms shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
(a) “Personnel” shall mean persons employed in the positions for which an across-the-board pay raise was proposed in the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 minimum foundation program formula for that fiscal year and for which a stipend was provided for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 in Act No. 4 of the 2024 Regular Session of the Legislature.
(b) “Public school system” shall mean any city, parish, or other local public school board; charter school; and any other elementary or secondary school governing authority.
Section 2. 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 repeal Article VII, Sections 10(F)(4)(d), 10.1, 10.8(A)(3) and (C)(3), and 10.16(A)(9).
Section 3. Within two weeks of the effective date of this Act, the Department of Education shall coordinate with the Department of Treasury to certify amounts maintained in the Education Excellence Fund held to the credit of a political subdivision or school. The state treasurer is hereby authorized and directed to transfer to the Overcollections Fund an amount equal to the total certified balance. Notwithstanding any provision of constitution or law to the contrary, monies held in the Overcollections Fund pursuant to the provisions of this Section may be withdrawn by the Department of Education without appropriation in order to remit to each entity its certified amount prior to the end of fiscal year 2026-2027. Use of monies received pursuant to the provisions of this Section shall be restricted to expenditure for pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade instructional enhancement for students, including early childhood education programs focused on enhancing the preparation of at-risk children for school, remedial instruction, and assistance to children who fail to achieve the required scores on any tests passage of which are required pursuant to state law or rule for advancement to a succeeding grade or other educational programs approved by the legislature. Expenditures for maintenance or renovation of buildings, capital improvements, and increases in employee salaries are prohibited.
Section 4. Within two weeks of the effective date of this Act, the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Board of Regents shall each coordinate with the Department of Treasury to certify amounts maintained in the Louisiana Quality Education Support Fund held to the agency’s credit within the fund. The state treasurer is hereby authorized and directed to transfer to the Overcollections Fund an amount equal to the certified balances of each agency. Monies held in the Overcollections Fund for each agency shall be appropriated and used in accordance with the following:
(A) Higher Education. Monies attributable to the certified balance of the Board of Regents shall be appropriated to the Board of Regents and allocated for any or all of the following higher educational purposes to enhance economic development:
(1) The carefully defined research efforts of public and private universities in Louisiana.
(2) The endowment of chairs for eminent scholars.
(3) The enhancement of the quality of academic, research, or agricultural departments or units within a community college, college, or university. These funds shall not be used for athletic purposes or programs.
(4) The recruitment of superior graduate students.
(B) Elementary and Secondary Education. Monies attributable to the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education shall be appropriated to the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education and allocated for any or all of the following purposes:
(1) To provide compensation to city or parish school board professional instructional employees.
(2) To insure an adequate supply of superior textbooks, library books, equipment, and other instructional materials.
(3) To fund exemplary programs in elementary and secondary schools designed to improve elementary or secondary student academic achievement or vocational-technical skill.
(4) To fund carefully defined research efforts, including pilot programs, designed to improve elementary and secondary student academic achievement.
(5) To fund school remediation programs and preschool programs.
(6) To fund the teaching of foreign languages in elementary and secondary schools.
(7) To fund an adequate supply of teachers by providing scholarships or stipends to prospective teachers in academic or vocational-technical areas where there is a critical teacher shortage.
Section 5.(A) Notwithstanding any provision of this Act to the contrary, any transfer to the Teachers’ Retirement System of Louisiana pursuant to the provisions of this Act shall be net of amounts needed to satisfy the requirements of Sections 3 and 4 of this Act and amounts needed to satisfy 2025-2026 fiscal year appropriations from the following funds:
(1) Louisiana Education Quality Trust Fund.
(2) Louisiana Quality Education Support Fund.
(3) Education Excellence Fund.
(B) Unexpended monies in each of the funds listed in Paragraph (A) of this Section shall be transferred to the state general fund on July 1, 2026. No appropriation from any such fund from the 2025-2026 fiscal year shall be carried forward to next fiscal year.
Section 6. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, after the effective date of this Act, unless or until directed otherwise by law the treasurer shall deposit into the state general fund any monies that would have been deposited in or credited to the following funds:
(A) Louisiana Education Quality Trust Fund.
(B) Louisiana Quality Education Support Fund.
(C) Education Excellence Fund.
Section 7. To the extent any additional funding is needed for the minimum foundation program formula for Fiscal Year 2026-2027 because of the provisions of this Act, the total amount of such funding shall be submitted by the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to the legislature for inclusion in the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 general appropriation bill no later than May 15, 2026.
Section 8. 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 April 18, 2026.
Section 9. 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 fund a $2,250 teacher pay raise and $1,125 support staff pay raise by utilizing the remaining savings from paying down the debt of the Teachers’ Retirement System of Louisiana with monies from certain constitutional funds?
(Effective January 1, 2027) (Amends Article VII, Section 10.8(A)(1), (2), and (4), (B), and (C)(1); Adds Article VII, Section 10.17; Repeals Article VII, Sections 10(F)(4)(d), 10.1, 10.8(A)(3) and (C)(3), and 10.16(A)(9))
Proposed Amendment No. 4
Regular Session, 2025
————
ACT No. 221
————
HOUSE BILL NO. 366
BY REPRESENTATIVE DESHOTEL
A JOINT RESOLUTION
Proposing to amend Article VII, Sections 10.15(F)(1) and 18(A) and (B) and to add Article 3 VII, Sections 20.1, 20.2, and 21(P) of the Constitution of Louisiana, relative to ad valorem taxes; to authorize certain payments to certain parishes; to provide for the classification of certain property; to authorize the exemption of certain property under certain circumstances; to provide for effectiveness; 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, Sections 10.15(F)(1) and 18(A) and (B) and to add Article VII, Sections 20.1, 20.2, and 21(P) of the Constitution of Louisiana, to read as follows:
§10.15. Revenue Stabilization Trust Fund
Section 10.15. Revenue Stabilization Trust Fund. (A) The Revenue Stabilization Trust Fund is hereby established in the state treasury as a special trust fund, hereinafter referred to as the “fund”.
* * *
(F)(1) Except as otherwise provided in this constitution and in Subparagraphs (2) and (3) of this Paragraph, no appropriations shall be made from the Revenue Stabilization Trust Fund.
* * *
§18. Ad Valorem Taxes
Section 18.(A) Assessments. Property subject to ad valorem taxation shall be listed on the assessment rolls at its assessed valuation, which, except as provided in Paragraphs (C), (F), and (G) of this Section and Article VII, Section 21(P) of this Constitution, shall be a percentage of its fair market value. The percentage of fair market value shall be uniform throughout the state upon the same class of property.
(B) Classification. (1) The classifications of property subject to ad valorem taxation and the percentage of fair market value applicable to each classification for the purpose of determining assessed valuation are as follows:
Classifications, Percentages
1.(a) Land, 10%
2.(b) Improvements for residential purposes, 10%
3.(c) Electric cooperative properties, excluding land, 15%
4.(d) Public service properties, excluding land, 25%
(e) Public Service property, excluding land, owned by a railroad company, 15%
(f) Business inventory, 15%
5.(g) Other Property, 15%
(2) The legislature may enact laws defining electric cooperative properties and public service properties.
* * *
§20.1. Ad valorem tax; Business inventory tax exemption prohibition
Section 20.1. Notwithstanding any provision of this constitution to the contrary, the legislature shall not enact any law mandating any taxing authority to exempt business inventory from ad valorem tax. For purposes of this Section, “business inventory” means the aggregate of those items of tangible personal property that are held for sale in the ordinary course of business, are currently in the process of production for subsequent sale, or are to physically become a part of the production of such goods.
§20.2. Ad Valorem Tax Exemption Funding
Section 20.2. There shall be a one-time payment from the Revenue Stabilization Trust Fund to each parish that elects to irrevocably exempt, in accordance with law, all business inventory within its boundaries from ad valorem tax. Any payment made pursuant to this Section shall be disbursed by the treasurer to the tax collector of the parish. The tax collector shall distribute the monies pro rata to each taxing authority that levies an ad valorem tax within the parish. The amount of the payment shall be calculated as provided by law and certified by the Department of Revenue. Notwithstanding any provision of this constitution to the contrary, monies shall be disbursed by the treasurer to the collector within thirty days of receipt of a certification from the secretary of the Department of Revenue that the parish has irrevocably elected to exempt business inventory from ad valorem tax.
§21. Other Property Exemptions
Section 21. In addition to the homestead exemption provided for in Section 20 of this Article, the following property and no other shall be exempt from ad valorem taxation:
* * *
(P)(1) There shall be an optional ad valorem tax exemption on items constituting business inventory, as defined in Article VII, Section 20.1 of this Constitution. The optional exemption shall only be effective in parishes in which the sheriff, school board, and the parish governing authority all elect to exempt business inventory from ad valorem taxation.
(2) A parish may elect to exempt all property constituting business inventory or may elect to provide for a partial exemption of property constituting business inventory by reducing the percentage of fair market value applicable to such property only if all of the following agree to the election: the sheriff, the school board, and the parish governing authority.
Section 2. Be it further resolved that the provisions of the amendment contained in this Joint Resolution shall be applicable to tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2026.
Section 3. 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 April 18, 2026.
Section 4. 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 allow a parish to reduce or exempt property tax on property held as business inventory and to provide for the classification of Public Service Property? (Amends Article VII, Sections 10.15(F)(1) and 18(A) and (B); Adds Article VII, Sections 20.1, 20.2, and 21(P))
Proposed Amendment No. 5
Regular Session, 2025
————
ACT No. 219
————
HOUSE BILL NO. 63
BY REPRESENTATIVES GREEN AND HUGHES
A JOINT RESOLUTION
Proposing to amend Article V, Section 23(B) of the Constitution of Louisiana, relative to the mandatory retirement of judges; to provide that a judge shall not remain in office beyond his seventy-fifth birthday; 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 V, Section 23(B) of the Constitution of Louisiana, to read as follows:
§23. Judges; Retirement
Section 23.
* * *
(B) Mandatory Retirement. Except as otherwise provided in this Section, a judge shall not remain in office beyond his seventieth birthday seventy-fifth birthday. A judge who attains seventy-five years of age A judge who attains seventy years of age while serving a term of office shall be allowed to complete that term of office.
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 April 18, 2026.
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 change the mandatory retirement age for judges from seventy to seventy-five, provided that a judge may continue to serve to complete a term of office? (Amends Article V, Section 23(B))
Pursuant to Act 1 of the 2025 First Extraordinary Session, the election previously scheduled for April 18, 2026 has been rescheduled for May 16, 2026.
Adv. April 1, 2026

mmm

PUBLIC NOTICE
A PUBLIC
AUCTION
THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2026 AT 1:00PM
SURPLUS MOVABLE PROPERTY FROM ST MARY PARISH SHERIFF’S OFFICE
LOCATION: Manheim
Lafayette
1611 St. Mary Street
Scott, LA 70583
The St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office is desiring to sell surplus movable property at a public auction. All items are sold “as is” and the seller reserves the right to reject any and all bids and remove said item of movable property from sale.
For more information, contact Cpt. Bart Lange, Fleet Manager @ (985) 509-0010 or
Louis Ashley @.337-578-3932
Auction conducted by:
MANHEIM LAFAYETTE
1611 St. Mary Street, Scott, LA 70583
(337) 237-5620
LISTING: www.stmaryso.com & https://www.manheim.com/publicauctions/sales.do
INSPECTION: Public Buyers can inspect the inventory beginning the morning of the sale up until sale time.
TERMS: Cash, Cashier’s Checks, Money Order. No personal or company checks without a Bank Letter of Guarantee valid for 15 banking days after the auction
Items to be auctioned; Minimum Bid
2015 Ford Interceptor, 1FM5K8 AR1FGB32627; $200
2017 Ford Explorer, 1FM5K8 ARXHGB64916; $200
2016 Ford Fusion 2.5l, 3FA6P0G73GR1 76212; $200
2017 Ford Explorer, 1FM5K8AR1HGB64917; $200
2016 Ford Explorer, 1FM5K8 AR3HGB64918; $200
2023 Ford Police Utility, 1FM5K8AB9PGB68439; $ 75
2016 Ford Explorer, 1FM5K8 AR4GG B53991; $200
2016 Ford Explorer, 1FM5K8 AR6GG B53992; $200
2016 Ford Explorer, 1FM5K8 AR8GG B53993; $200
2012 Chevrolet Tahoe 4x2 5.3L, 1GNLC2E00CR2 34512; $200
2007 Dodge Durango 4x4c, 1D8HB38P57F5 70584; $200
2014 Chev Tahoe, 1GNLC2E04ER205923; $200
Fork Lift, Clark, Model C20d 4000 lifting capacity; $200
Adv. April 1 and 15, 2026

mmm

LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF INTRODUCTION
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the following entitled ordinances were introduced at a regular meeting of the St. Mary Parish Council, State of Louisiana (the “Parish Council”), on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, and laid over for publication of notice:
An Ordinance in compliance with Ordinance No. 1973, Chapter 5 Procedures, Division 5.4 General Procedures for Public Hearing, Section 5.4.2 Re- zonings (Zoning Map Amendments). (Karin Bertrand)
An Ordinance in compliance with Ordinance No. 1973, Chapter 5 Procedures, Division 5.4 General Procedures for Public Hearing, Section 5.4.2 Re- zonings (Zoning Map Amendments). (Bruce Saucier)
An Ordinance in compliance with Ordinance No. 1973, Chapter 5 Procedures, Division 5.4 General Procedures for Public Hearing, Section 5.4.2 Re- zonings (Zoning Map Amendments). (Darla Lanie & Patrick Prados)
NOTICE IS HEREBY FURTHER GIVEN that the St. Mary Parish Council will meet on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at five-forty-five (5:45) o’clock p.m. at the Parish Council Room of the Courthouse, Franklin, Louisiana, at which time there will be a public hearing on the adoption of the aforesaid ordinances.
/s/ GWENDOLYN L. HIDALGO
CHAIRPERSON OF THE COUNCIL
ST. MARY PARISH COUNCIL
/s/ Lisa C. Morgan
CLERK OF THE COUNCIL
ST. MARY PARISH COUNCIL
Adv. April 1, 2026

mmm

LEGAL NOTICE
March 26, 2026
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, April 8, 2026, 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, DIVISION 5.4 General Procedures for Public Hearings, Section 5.4.3 Specific Use Permits granting a Specific Use. (4C Christian Committing – The Community to Christ)
An Ordinance in compliance with Ordinance No. 1973, Chapter 5 Procedures, Division 5.4 General Procedures for Public Hearing, Section 5.4.2 Re- zonings (Zoning Map Amendments). (St. Mary Parish Government for Columbus Ave.)
In accordance with Act 393 of 2023 and the Am- ericans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance, please contact Lisa C. Morgan, Clerk of the Council at 337-828-4100, Ext. 5050, describing the assistance that is necessary.
Your attendance will be appreciated.
Sincerely,
GWENDOLYN L. HIDALGO,
CHAIRPERSON
ST. MARY PARISH COUNCIL
Adv. April 1, 2026

mmm

LEGAL NOTICE
ST. MARY
PARISH
RECREATION
DISTRICT #3
BAYOU VISTA COMMUNITY CENTER
1333 BELLVIEW STREET
P.O. BOX 635
PATTERSON, LA 70392
985-395-6552
The Board of Commissioners of the St. Mary Parish Recreation District #3 met in regular session on Monday, February 23, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. in the meeting room at the Bayou Vista Community Center.
Members Present: Brian Head – Chairman, Lane Boudreaux – Vice Chairman, Dr. Jeffery Fitter, Cody Fontenot, Calvin Johnson, and Fontenot seconded the motion. All present in Eddie Gay
Members Ab- sent: Rachel Kidder
Guest: Jessie Broussard
Employees of the District Present: Mark Richard – Operations Manager, Angie Guillotte – Office Manager, Lori Marcantonio – Activities Director
Secretary: Dianna Bourgeois
Mr. Head called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. Everyone present stood for the pledge of allegiance.
Mr. Head brought to the floor a motion to discuss Ms. Broussard’s need first that she not have to sit through the whole meeting. Motion was made by Mr. Gay. Mr. Fontenot seconded the motion. All present in agreement. Motion carried.
Ms. Broussard is seeking to rent the gym for a dance recital for Cajun Sass, a dance recital for the underprivileged girls in St, Mary Parish. There is no cost to the girls and their recital would be free to the public. The recital would be on Friday, April 4th. Motion was made by Dr, Fitter for four hours at a fee of $10.00. Mr. Fontenot seconded the motion, All were in favor and the motion carried.
Board members reviewed the minutes of the January meeting. Mr. Gay motioned to accept the minutes as written. Mr. Johnson made a second to the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried.
Board members reviewed the ac- counts payable re- port and the monthly budget comparison report. Dr. Fitter made a motion to accept the report as is and pay the bills. Mr. Gay made a second to the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried.
Office Manager, Angie Guillotte, presented the Community Center report and updated the board on the rental activity for the month of January.
Operations Manager, Mark Richard, presented the manager/maintenance report. The fire inspection has been done.
In old business two gym lights have been replac-ed. Lights have been working well.
The revised Em- ployee Handbook was presented by Mrs. Guillotte. Motion made by Mr. Fontenot to accept and Dr. Fitter seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried.
In new business , the commercial insurance is up for renewal with the rates pretty much locked in. There is an increase of $4188.00 for the year. Motion was made by Mr. Gay to accept renewal with Petterson Agency. Motion seconded by Mr. Johnson. All were in favor and the motion carried.
As per Mr. Richard, the lights at the Skate Park are not working properly. Currently the park is being closed at dark because of the lights.
Mr. Richard got separate bids and the least expensive bid is from Cajun Breakers at $315.00 per light for a total of $2685.00. David Eastling, electrician, with the lift is $1025.00. Mo- tion was made by Mr. Boudreaux to go with Cajun Breakers and David Eastling to replace the lights. Motioned seconded by Mr. Fontenot. All were in favor and the motion carried.
Setting up to do a nine week all day eight-to-five summer camp this year. There will be an option of all day or half day. Half day would be 8-12 or 1-5. The rate for all day will be $125.00 per week or $25.00 per day. The half day rate will be $60.00 per week. Motion to accept rates was made by Dr. Fitter and seconded by Mr. Fontenot. All in were in favor and the motion carried.
Having Mrs. Marcantonio as Supervisor for summer camp only would add 10 hours of overtime. The overtime would be the least expensive route. Motion to accept was made by Mr. Fontenot and seconded by Mr. Johnson. All were in favor and the motion carried.
The purchase of a 12-passenger van with high mileage from Higher Ground for $2000.00 was brought to the floor. It was agreed that it was best to not purchase this van. Decided to take time and look for a van in good condition that doesn’t have as much mileage. Motion to table the purchase of a van at this time was made by Mr. Fontenot and seconded by Mr. Boudreaux. All were in favor and the motion carried.
With no further business to discuss, a motion to adjourn was made by Mr. Boudreaux. A second was made by Mr. Gay. All were in favor. The motion carried and the meeting was adjourned.
(s) Brian Head
Brian Head,
Chairman
(s) Dianna
Bourgeios
Dianna Bourgeois,
Secretary
Adv. April 1, 2026

mmm,

LEGAL NOTICE
This ordinance was introduced with a first reading on February 24, 2026. Published by title on March 4, 2026.
Mrs. Leonard offered the following ordinance, who moved for its adoption.
ORDINANCE
NO. 26-03
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MORGAN CITY, LOUISIANA, TO AMEND AND RE-ENACT SECTION 18-5 TO PROVIDE FOR KEEPING OF DOMESTIC POULTRY, CHICKENS, DUCKS, FOWL, SHEEP, AND RABBITS.
SECTION 1
BE IT ORDAIN-ED by the Mayor and Council, the governing authority of the City of Morgan City, Louisiana, that Article I, In General, Section , Grills and Outdoor Cooking/ Heating Appliances, be enacted by adding thereto, the following paragraph.
**********
Chapter 18 –
Animals
Article I –
In General
**********
Sec. 18-5. Keeping of Domestic Poultry, chickens, ducks, fowl, sheep, and rabbits; limitations.
Domestic Poultry, chickens, ducks, fowl, sheep, and rabbits may be kept in the city limits, but only in accordance with the following:
(1) Such animals and fowl shall be securely confined within the owner’s or keeper’s yard a minimum of 30 feet distance from the nearest residence.
(2) No more than ten (10) poultry birds in total may be kept on any single residential property within the city limits.
(3) No Roosters, Cockerels, or Capons are allowed.
(4) All regulations of the State Sanitary Code shall be strictly complied with; violations of the State Sanitary Code which result in offensive odors, unsanitary ground conditions or any other public health violations shall be declared to be a nuisance in addition to being a violation of the code. Every owner, lessee or keeper shall comply strictly with state regulations pertaining to stable refuse in- cluding its removal, disposal and transportation.
(5) Any violation of this ordinance shall be subject to a fine not to exceed:
First offense … $500 and/or up to 30 days imprisonment
Second offense … $750 and/or up to 60 days imprisonment
Third offense … $1000 and/or up to 90 days imprisonment
**********
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. Domangue seconded the mo- tion.
The vote thereon was as follows:
AYES: Leonard Domangue, Hutch- inson, Hymel
NAYS: Bias
ABSENT: None
Certified, ap- proved and adopted this 24th day of March, 2026.
Delivered to Mayor Dragna at ——— am/pm, this ——— day of ——————, 2026.
——————
Harrington,
Clerk
Approved this ——— day of ———————.
———————
Lee Dragna,
Mayor
Received from Mayor at ——— am/pm on ———————.
———————
Debbie
Harrington,
Clerk
Adv. April 1, 2026

mmm

LEGAL NOTICE
OFFICIAL
PROCEEDINGS
ST. MARY LEVEE DISTRICT
REGULAR MEETING
March 19, 2026
Franklin, LA
The St. Mary Levee District (“SMLD”) met on this date with JP Hebert presiding and the following board members present: Kenny Arceneaux, Mike Thomason, Will Terry, Mike Ortiz, and with William Hidalgo Sr., Andrew Mancuso and Carla Davis absent.
Also present: Michael Brocato, Executive Director; Tucker Manuel, O&M Technician; Bill Bourgeois; Denton Graham, T. Baker Smith; and members of the public.
Mr. Thomason moved to dispense with the reading and to approve the Feb 19 minutes. After a second by Mr. Arceneaux, the motion was carried unanimously.
Mr. Arceneaux presented the payables report, which Mr. Ortiz moved to approve. Following Mr. Thomason second, the motion was carried unanimously.
Mr. Arceneaux moved to approve the pre-application to the Statewide Flood Control Program. After a second by Mr. Thomason the motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Terry moved to approve Change Order 2 for Phase 1 of pump station 4 for the TE168 project. After a second by Mr. Ortiz, the motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Terry moved to approve Change Order 4 for Phase 2 of pump station 4 for the TE168 project. After a second by Mr. Arceneaux the motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Arceneaux moved to approve the partial substantial completion on equipment installation and building refurbishment for TE168 Station 4 project. After a second by Mr. Thomason, the motion was carried unanimously.
Mr. Terry moved to approve the in- curring of debt and issuance of $2,730,000 of limited tax refunding bonds. After a second by Mr. Arceneaux the motion was carried unanimously.
Mr. Terry moved to approve Amendment 1 to Task Order 12 with APTIM for the Yokely Levee removable floodwall. After a second by Mr. Ortiz, the motion was carried unanimously.
Mr. Hebert asked for further comments and did not receive any. Mr. Terry moved for adjournment, which was seconded by Mr. Arceneaux and was carried unanimously.
Attest:
———————
Kenneth
Arceneaux Jr.,
Secretary/
Treasurer
St. Mary Levee District
Adv. April 1, 2026

mmm

LEGAL NOTICE
Notice is hereby given that St. Mary Levee District has applied for a 401 Water Quality Certification to clear, grade, excavate, and place fill to install a weir gate in/near the Walnut Canal Levee near Walnut Drive in Morgan City, St. Mary Parish. St. Mary Levee District is applying to the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality, Office of Environmental Services for a Water Quality Certification in accordance with statutory authority contained in the LAC 33:IX.1507.A-E and provisions of Section 401 of the Clean Water Act.
Comments concerning this application can be filed with the Water Permits Division within ten days of this notice by referencing WQC 260302-01, AI 198268 to the following address:
Louisiana De- partment of Environmental Quality
Water Permits Division
P.O. Box 4313
Baton Rouge, LA 70821-4313
Attn: Water Quality Certifications
Comments may be submitted by email to DEQ-WaterQualityCerifications@la.gov.
A copy of the application is available for in- spection and re- view at the LDEQ Public Records Center at 602 North Fifth Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802, from 8:00am to 4:30p.m. The available information can also be accessed electronically on the Electronic Document Management System (EDMS) on the LDEQ public website at www.deq.louisiana.gov
Adv. April 1, 2026

mmm

LEGAL NOTICE
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)
Notice is hereby given that Proposals will be received by the Purchasing Department, Parish of St. Mary, State of Louisiana, until 10:00 A.M., Central Time, on Thursday, the 23rd day of April 2026, at the office of the Purchasing Agent, Fifth Floor – Courthouse Bldg., Franklin, Louisiana 70538, for:
DISASTER MANAGEMENT AND RECOVERY MONITORING SERVICES
The RFP documents may be examined and obtained on all business days at the following location during the specified hours: St. Mary Parish Government, Purchasing Department, Courthouse Bldg. 5th Floor, Franklin, Louisiana, 70538, 8:00 A.M. to 12:00 Noon and 1:00 P.M. to 4:30 P.M. (337) 828-4100 extension 5010. RFP documents can also be reviewed at and obtained from the office of the Engineer: Fourrier & de Abreu Engineers, LLC, (225) 677-7950 or email: jon@fdaengineers.com and RFP documents can be obtained online at www.centralbidding.com.
Proposal envelopes should be marked:
RFP SUBMITTAL
DISASTER MANAGEMENT AND RECOVERY MONITORING SERVICES
St. Mary Parish reserves the right to reject any and/or all statements, to waive informalities in any and/or all procedures, and to award the Contract in the best interest of the Parish.
Adv. March 25, April 1 and 8, 2026

mmm

LEGAL NOTICE
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)
Notice is hereby given that Proposals will be received by the Purchasing Department, Parish of St. Mary, State of Louisiana, until 10:00 A.M., Central Time, on Thursday, the 23rd day of April, 2026, at the office of the Purchasing Agent, Fifth Floor – Courthouse Bldg., Franklin, Louisiana 70538, for:
PROFESSIONAL DEBRIS REMOVAL
SERVICES
The RFP documents may be ex- amined or obtained on all business days at the following location during the specified hours: St. Mary Parish Government, Purchasing Department, Courthouse Bldg. 5th Floor, Franklin, Louisiana, 70538, 8:00 A.M. to 12:00 Noon and 1:00 P.M. to 4:30 P.M. (337) 828-4100 extension 5010. RFP documents can also be reviewed at and obtained from the office of the Engineer: Fourrier & de Abreu Engineers, LLC, (225) 677-7950 or email: jon@fdaengineers.com, and RFP documents can be obtained online at www.centralbidding.com.
Proposal envelopes should be marked:
RFP SUBMITTAL
PROFESSIONAL DEBRIS REMOVAL SERVICES
St. Mary Parish reserves the right to reject any and/or all statements, to waive informalities in any and/or all procedures, and to award the Contract in the best interest of the Parish.
Adv. March 25, April 1 and 8, 2026

mmm

LEGAL NOTICE
TOWN OF
BERWICK
PLANNING AND ZONING
COMMISSION
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
Date of Hearing: Wednesday April 8, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM
Place: Council Meeting Room
Berwick Town Hall
3225 Third St
A•G•E•N•D•A
Public Hearing:
Case #1: Application by Michael Smith, for Re-Division of Tract A – Creating Tracts 1, 2, 3, 4, & 5. Property being owned by Southern Equestrian Stables, LLC, c/o Michael J. Smith; Site is currently addressed as 3402 Hwy 182 (as per SMP Assessor), located in Section 22, T15S-R12E Town of Berwick, La, St Mary Parish. All lots will Front Old Spanish Trail, and are currently and will remain zoned as R-1 Residential. Applicant; Michael Smith; Terral J. Martin, Jr, PLS – Surveyor.
Persons requiring reasonable accommodation to attend the public hearing and meeting are requested to contact the Office of Director of Planning at (985) 384-8858 prior to the meeting to discuss their particular needs.
Adv. March 27, April 1 and 3, 2026

mmm

LEGAL NOTICE
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a proposed ordinance has been introduced for enactment by the City Council of Morgan City, Louisiana.
Said proposed ordinance provides for Fixing the Rates of Tax to be Assessed by the Municipal Corporation of Morgan City, Louisiana, for the Calendar Year 2026.
Copies of the proposed ordinance are available for inspection at City Hall and may be obtained by contacting the Administrative Secretary at 385-1770.
Notice is further given that a public hearing has been called for 6:00 PM, local time, on April 28, 2026, in the Court Room, City Court Building, Highway 182 East at Myrtle Street, Morgan City, Louisiana to receive and consider public input concerning said proposed ordinance.
/s/ Genie G.
Bonner
Genie G. Bonner
Administrative Secretary
Adv. April 1, 2026

mmm

Louisiana’s capital is among the U.S. cities that love practical jokes the most.
Tell us something we don’t know.
A survey of internet searches from the nation’s largest cities, conducted by the DuelBits website and timed to coincide with April Fool’s Day, found that Baton Rouge averages 5,490 prank-related searches per month, the 24th largest total.
New Orleans ranks 15th with 11,710.
Washington, D.C., didn’t make the list. No fooling.
With mischief, practical jokes, and tricks expected across the nation this week for April Fools’ Day, a new study has revealed that Louisiana is home to two of the biggest prankster cities in America.
The research from DuelBits analyzed Google searches made from people living in the 100 most populous cities for 50 common jokes and pranks, revealing which cities had the most searches per 100,000 people over the past year and, therefore, are more likely to see mischief.
Across America, 23.8 million searches have been made in the past year about pranks.
From office antics to family-friendly tricks, people in New Orleans are the 15th most likely to be pranked, as residents are warned to keep their wits about them this April Fools’ Day.
The Big Easy has seen residents generate 36,594 prank-related searches per 100,000 people in the last 12 months.
This is almost 50% higher than the average across all American cities, which is 24,915 searches annually.
In the last year, New Orleanians have made a total of 140,520 searches, which is the 32nd most of all cities. In comparison, Chicagoans made the most prank-related searches at 763,440, but with a higher population, the Windy City only ranks 27th for escapade searches made per 100,000 people (27,798).
Some of the most popularly searched-for pranks in New Orleans include prank calls (29,160), fake tattoos (12,960), and fake blood (6,240), as well as classics such as silly string (4,440), fake lottery tickets (3,600), and whoopee cushions (3,120).
Locals in the Red Stick have made 28,962 prank-related searches per 100,000 people, above the national average, but 7,632 fewer than those living in New Orleans.
In total, Baton Rouge recorded 65,880 searches over the past year, which is the 60th most, and 74,640 fewer than those in the Big Easy.
The most popular joke in Baton Rouge is also prank calls, with 17,040 annual searches. In second place is using fake blood (7,200), with fake tattoos in third (6,120).
The full study crowns Orlando as the prank capital of America, as locals have made 108,969 prank-related searches per 100,000 people in the last 12 months.
Residents in the City Beautiful have made a total of 335,160 searches in that time.
A spokesperson for DuelBits commented: “Our research shows that pranksters are running rampant ahead of April Fools’ Day, and people all over the country can expect to see jump scares and hoaxes from family, friends, and work colleagues.
“The Pelican State stands out for the high number of people looking to fool their friends with fake tattoos or play prank calls.
"However, the big question is, will they go for a large stunt or an old classic?”

St. Mary Parish schools have two reasons to celebrate.
The system learned Friday that Morgan City High senior Duc Bui has been named a National Merit Scholarship recipient, one of 7,000-8,500 across the country.
And Patterson Junior High Principal Lauren Rentrop is a semifinalist in the state Principal of the Year program.
A National Merit Scholar “is a high-achieving high school student who earns top scores on the PSAT/NMSQT (top [about] 0.5% per state) and meets rigorous academic requirements to win a scholarship,” according to the program’s website.
“Roughly 1.6 million juniors enter annually, with 15,000–16,000 becoming Finalists and about 8,500 winning scholarships, making it a highly prestigious award for college admissions and funding.”
Bui, raised in a home where English was not spoken, made news last year when he scored a perfect 36 on his ACT. 
“Duc’s dedication, perseverance, and commitment to excellence exemplify the very best of St. Mary Parish students,” the school system said in a Facebook post. “His success is a shining example of what can be achieved through hard work, focus, and a passion for learning.”
The School Board named Rentrop to be principal at Patterson Junior High in 2019. She had served as assistant principal at both Patterson Junior High and Hattie Watts Elementary.
The state Department of Education “recognizes Louisiana’s most exceptional teachers and principals through the Teacher and Principal of the Year programs,” according to the department website. “These programs celebrate educators who make extraordinary gains with students and serve as models of excellence in their communities.”
“This incredible achievement is a reflection of Mrs. Rentrop’s unwavering dedication, visionary leadership, and deep commitment to the success and well-being of every student she serves!” the school system said in a Facebook post. “Her passion for education, her support of teachers and staff, and her meaningful connections with students and families truly exemplify what it means to lead with excellence and heart!”
Rentrop is one of 24 Principal of the Year semifinalists and one of three from the Bayou Region. The others are Melanie Bellamy of Labadieville Elementary School in Assumption Parish and Terez LeBlanc of Houma Junior High School in Terrebonne Parish.
Patterson High School paid tribute to another principal Sunday.
Boosters put a permanent stadium seat and plaque at the school’s football field in memory of Michael Brocato, who was Patterson High’s principal 1988-2008. Brocato died March 10.

St. Mary Parish offices and municipal offices in Morgan City, Berwick and Patterson will be closed on Good Friday, April 3.
The Harold J. “Babe” Landry Landfill in Berwick and the West End Solid Waste Pick-Up Station in Franklin will close at noon Friday and will be closed all day Easter Sunday.
Waste Pro in Morgan City and Pelican Waste and Debris in the rest of the parish will pick up residential trash on their regular schedules. Pelican recommends setting out trash cans early so trucks can run earlier to accommodate landfill closures.
The Morgan City Review Office will be closed Friday. Deadlines for advertising and obituaries will not be affected.