RSS Feed

Public notices for Sept. 6, 2024

Fri, 09/06/2024 - 6:00am

LEGAL NOTICE
ORDINANCE
NO. 2373
An Ordinance levying and imposing an adjusted rate of 5.68 mills for the purpose of maintaining and supporting the St. Mary Parish Public Library and its branches as directed by a special election in the Parish of St. Mary, excluding the municipality of Morgan City, for the year 2024.
BE IT OR- DAINED, by the St. Mary Parish Council of the Parish of St. Mary, Louisiana, in a public meeting held on July 24, 2024, which meeting was conducted in accordance with the Open Meetings Law and the additional requirements of Article VII, Section 23(C) of the Constitution and R.S. 47:1705(B), that the following ad- justed millage rates be and they are hereby levied upon the dollar of the assessed valuation of all property subject to ad valorem taxation within said Parish for the year 2024, for the purpose of raising revenue:
Library Tax (Maintaining and Supporting); Millage 5.68 mills
BE IT FURTHER RESOLV-ED that the Assessor of the Parish of St. Mary, shall extend upon the assessment roll for the year 2024 the taxes herein levied, and the tax collector of said Parish shall collect and remit the same to said taxing authority in accordance with law.
This ordinance shall become effective and be in full force upon publication in the official journal of the Parish.
This ordinance having been offer-ed and read on this the 12th day of June 2024, having been published in accordance with law and having been heard in a public meeting in Franklin, Louisiana on the 24th day of July 2024 was adopted by the following vote on the 24th day of July 2024:
AYES: Rev. Craig Mathews, J Ina., Patrick J. Hebert, James Davis, Jr., Mark A. Duhon, Dean S. Adams, Dr. Kristi P. Rink, and Gwendolyn L. Hidalgo.
NAYS: Rodney Olander and David Hill.
ABSTAIN: None.
ABSENT: Leslie Rulf, Jr.
APPROVED:
s/g Gwendolyn L. Hidalgo
GWENDOLYN L. HIDALGO,
CHAIRPERSON
ST. MARY PARISH COUNCIL
ATTEST:
s/g Lisa C.
Morgan
LISA C.
MORGAN,
CLERK
ST. MARY PARISH COUNCIL
This ordinance was submitted to the President of St. Mary Parish on this 30th day of July 2024, at the hour of 9:29 a.m.
APPROVED:
s/g Sam Jones
SAM JONES,
PRESIDENT
ST. MARY PARISH
This ordinance was returned to the Clerk of the Council on this the 31st day of July 2024, at the hour of 1:04 p.m.
Adv. Sept. 6, 2024

mmm

LEGAL NOTICE
ORDINANCE
NO. 2374
An Ordinance designating the adjusted millage rate after reassessment and in- creasing the millage back to a rate not to exceed the prior year’s maximum of 5.72 mills for the purpose of maintaining and supporting the St. Mary Parish Public Library and its branches as directed by a special election in the Parish of St. Mary, excluding the municipality of Morgan City, for the year 2024; and levying and imposing a forty-six hundredths (0.46) mills for the purpose of a general obligation bond on all the property subject to taxation in the Parish of St. Mary, State of Louisiana, excluding the City of Morgan City, for the year 2024.
BE IT OR- DAINED, by the St. Mary Parish Council of the Parish of St. Mary, Louisiana, in a public meeting held on July 24, 2024, which meeting was conducted in accordance with the Open Meetings Law and the additional requirements of Article VII, Section 23(C) of the Constitution and R.S. 47:1705(B), that the taxing district voted to increase the millage rate(s), 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, and when collected, the revenues from said taxes shall be used only for the specific purposes for which said taxes have been levied. Said millage rate(s) are:
Library Tax (Maintaining and Supporting): Ad- justed Rate 5.68; 2024 Levy 5.72
Library Tax (Debt Service): 2024 Levy 0.46
BE IT FURTHER RESOLV-ED that the Assessor of the Parish of St. Mary, shall extend upon the assessment roll for the year 2024 the taxes herein levied, and the tax collector of said Parish shall collect and remit the same to said taxing authority in accordance with law.
This ordinance shall become effective and be in full force upon publication in the official journal of the Parish.
This ordinance having been offer-ed and read on this the 12th day of June 2024, having been published in accordance with law and having been heard in a public meeting in Franklin, Louisiana on the 24th day of July 2024 was adopted by the following vote on the 24th day of July 2024:
AYES: Rev. Craig Mathews, J Ina., Patrick J. Hebert, James Davis, Jr., Mark A. Duhon, Dean S. Adams, Dr. Kristi P. Rink, and Gwendolyn L. Hidalgo.
NAYS: Rodney Olander and David Hill.
ABSTAIN: None.
ABSENT: Leslie Rulf, Jr.
APPROVED:
s/g Gwendolyn L. Hidalgo
GWENDOLYN L. HIDALGO,
CHAIRPERSON
ST. MARY PARISH COUNCIL
ATTEST:
s/g Lisa C.
Morgan
LISA C.
MORGAN,
CLERK
ST. MARY PARISH COUNCIL
This ordinance was submitted to the President of St. Mary Parish on this 30th day of July 2024, at the hour of 9:29 a.m.
APPROVED:
s/g Sam Jones
SAM JONES,
PRESIDENT
ST. MARY PARISH
This ordinance was returned to the Clerk of the Council on this the 31st day of July 2024, at the hour of 1:04 p.m.
Adv. Sept. 6, 2024

mmm

LEGAL NOTICE
ORDINANCE
NO. 2375
An Ordinance levying and imposing an adjusted rate of 7.55 mills for the purpose of maintaining and supporting the Parish Tax (outside municipalities parochial purposes) and an adjusted rate of 3.77 mills for the purpose of maintaining the Criminal Justice System Tax (within the in- corporated municipalities and towns) on all the property subject to taxation in the Parish of St. Mary, State of Louisiana for the year 2024.
BE IT OR- DAINED, by the St. Mary Parish Council of the Parish of St. Mary, Louisiana, in a public meeting held on July 24, 2024, which meeting was conducted in accordance with the Open Meetings Law and the additional requirements of Article VII, Section 23(C) of the Constitution and R.S. 47:1705(B), that the following ad- justed millage rates be and they are hereby levied upon the dollar of the assessed valuation of all property subject to ad valorem taxation within said Parish for the year 2024, for the purpose of raising revenue:
Parish Tax (Outside Municipalities Parochial Purposes) Millage 7.55 mills
(Purpose of de- fraying the expenses of the Parochial Government, and for other legal purposes shown by the budget.)
Criminal Justice System Tax (Within the Incorporated Municipalities and Towns) Millage 3.77 mills
(Purpose of helping defray the expenses of the Criminal Justice System of the Parish.)
BE IT FURTHER RESOLV-ED that the Assessor of the Parish of St. Mary, shall extend upon the assessment roll for the year 2024 the taxes herein levied, and the tax collector of said Parish shall collect and remit the same to said taxing authority in accordance with law.
This ordinance shall become effective and be in full force upon publication in the official journal of the Parish.
This ordinance having been offer-ed and read on this the 12th day of June 2024, having been published in accordance with law and having been heard in a public meeting in Franklin, Louisiana on the 24th day of July 2024 was adopted by the following vote on the 24th day of July 2024:
AYES: Rev. Craig Mathews, J Ina., Patrick J. Hebert, James Davis, Jr., Mark A. Duhon, Dean S. Adams, Dr. Kristi P. Rink, and Gwendolyn L. Hidalgo.
NAYS: Rodney Olander and David Hill.
ABSTAIN: None.
ABSENT: Leslie Rulf, Jr.
APPROVED:
s/g Gwendolyn L. Hidalgo
GWENDOLYN L. HIDALGO,
CHAIRPERSON
ST. MARY PARISH COUNCIL
ATTEST:
s/g Lisa C.
Morgan
LISA C.
MORGAN,
CLERK
ST. MARY PARISH COUNCIL
This ordinance was submitted to the President of St. Mary Parish on this 30th day of July 2024, at the hour of 9:29 a.m.
APPROVED:
s/g Sam Jones
SAM JONES,
PRESIDENT
ST. MARY PARISH
This ordinance was returned to the Clerk of the Council on this the 31st day of July 2024, at the hour of 1:04 p.m.
Adv. Sept. 6, 2024

mmm

LEGAL NOTICE
ORDINANCE
NO. 2376
An Ordinance designating the adjusted millage rates after reassessment and in- creasing the millage rate back to a rate not to exceed the prior year’s maximum of 7.60 mills for the purpose of maintaining and supporting the parish tax (outside municipalities parochial purposes) and designating the ad- justed millage rate after reassessment and increasing the millage back to a rate not to exceed the prior year’s maximum of 3.80 mills for purpose of maintaining the criminal justice system tax (within the incorporated municipalities and towns) on all the property subject to taxation in the Parish St. Mary., State Louisiana for the year 2024.
BE IT OR- DAINED, by the St. Mary Parish Council of the Parish of St. Mary, Louisiana, in a public hearing held on July 24, 2024, which meeting was conducted in accordance with the Open Meetings Law and the additional requirements of Article VII, Section 23(C) of the Constitution and R.S. 47:1705(B), that the taxing authority voted to increase the millage rate(s), 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, and when collected, the revenues from said taxes shall be used only for the specific purposes for which said taxes have been levied. Said millage rate(s) are:
Parish Tax (Outside Municipalities Parochial Purposes): Adjusted Rate 7.55; 2024 Levy 7.6
(Purpose of de- fraying the expenses of the Parochial Government, and for other legal purposes shown by the budget.)
Criminal Justice System Tax (Within the Incorporated Municipalities and Towns: Ad- justed Rate 3.77; 2024 Levy 3.80
(Purpose of helping defray the expenses of the Criminal Justice System of the Parish.)
BE IT FURTHER RESOLV-ED that the Assessor of the Parish of St. Mary, shall extend upon the assessment roll for the year 2024 the taxes herein levied, and the tax collector of said Parish shall collect and remit the same to said taxing authority in accordance with law.
This ordinance shall become effective and be in full force upon publication in the official journal of the Parish.
This ordinance having been offer-ed and read on this the 12th day of June 2024, having been published in accordance with law and having been heard in a public meeting in Franklin, Louisiana on the 24th day of July 2024 was adopted by the following vote on the 24th day of July 2024:
AYES: Rev. Craig Mathews, J Ina., Patrick J. Hebert, James Davis, Jr., Mark A. Duhon, Dean S. Adams, Dr. Kristi P. Rink, and Gwendolyn L. Hidalgo.
NAYS: Rodney Olander and David Hill.
ABSTAIN: None.
ABSENT: Leslie Rulf, Jr.
APPROVED:
s/g Gwendolyn L. Hidalgo
GWENDOLYN L. HIDALGO,
CHAIRPERSON
ST. MARY PARISH COUNCIL
ATTEST:
s/g Lisa C.
Morgan
LISA C.
MORGAN,
CLERK
ST. MARY PARISH COUNCIL
This ordinance was submitted to the President of St. Mary Parish on this 30th day of July 2024, at the hour of 9:29 a.m.
APPROVED:
s/g Sam Jones
SAM JONES,
PRESIDENT
ST. MARY PARISH
This ordinance was returned to the Clerk of the Council on this the 31st day of July 2024, at the hour of 1:04 p.m.
Adv. Sept. 6, 2024

mmm

LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF
SPECIAL
ELECTION
Pursuant to the provisions of a resolution adopted by the Board of Commissioners of Recreation District No. 1 of the Parish of St. Mary, State of Louisiana (the “Governing Authority”), acting as the governing authority of Recreation District No. 1 of the Parish of St. Mary, State of Louisiana (the “District”), on May 21, 2024, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a special election will be held within the District on TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2024, and that at the said election there will be submitted to all registered voters in the District qualified and entitled to vote at the said election under the Constitution and Laws of the State of Louisiana and the Constitution of the United States, the following proposition, to-wit:
PROPOSITION
(MILLAGE
CONTINUATION)
Shall Recreation District No. 1 of the Parish of St. Mary, State of Louisiana (the “District”), continue to levy a tax of 3 mills on all the property subject to taxation in the District (an estimated $163,900 reasonably expected at this time to be collected from the levy of the tax for an entire year), for a period of 10 years, beginning with the year 2024 and ending with the year 2033, for the purpose of maintaining, operating and improving recreational facilities in the District?
The said special election shall be held at the polling places for the following precincts, which polls will open at six o’clock (6:00) a.m. and close at eight o’clock (8:00) p.m., in accordance with the provisions of La. R.S. 18:541, to-wit:
PRECINCTS
44(PART)
45(PART)
The polling places for the precincts set forth above are hereby designated as the polling places at which to hold the said election, and the Commissioners-in-Charge and Commissioners, respectively, shall be those persons designated according to law.
The estimated cost of this election as determined by the Secretary of State based upon the provisions of Chapter 8-A of Title 18 and actual costs of similar elections is $150.
Notice is further given that a portion of the monies collected from the tax described in the Proposition shall be remitted to certain state and statewide re- tirement systems in the manner required by law.
The said special election will be held in accordance with the applicable provisions of Chapter 5 and Chapter 6-A of Title 18 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended, and other constitutional and statutory authority, and the officers appointed to hold the said election, as provided in this Notice of Special Election, or such substitutes therefor as may be selected and designated in accordance with La. R.S. 18:1287, will make due returns thereof to said Governing Authority, and NOTICE IS HEREBY FURTHER GIVEN that the Governing Authority will meet at its regular meeting place, the Amelia Recreation Center, 2109 Du- hon Blvd., Amelia, Louisiana, on THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2024, at SIX O’CLOCK (6:00) P.M., and shall then and there in open and public session proceed to examine and canvass the returns and declare the result of the said special election. All registered voters of the District are entitled to vote at said special election and voting machines will be used.
Adv. Aug. 30, Sept. 6, 13 and 20, 2024

mmm

LEGAL NOTICE
Sixteenth
Judicial District Court
——
PARISH OF
ST. MARY
——
STATE OF
LOUISIANA
Patterson State Bank
Vs. No. 138611 Div “H”
Kelly Fontenot Whittington
TAKE NOTICE, that by virtue of Order of Seizure and Sale issued out of the Honorable 16th Judicial District Court, in and for the Parish of St. Mary, and to me directed, in the above numbered and entitled suit, I have seized the following mentioned and described property, to wit:
That certain tract or parcel of land together with all buildings and improvements thereon situated and all rights, ways, privileges, privileges and servitudes thereto belonging or in anywise appertaining and all ap- purtenances thereof, lying and being situated in Morgan City, St. Mary Parish, Louisiana, being known, designated and des-cribed as Lot Six (6) and the North Five (5’) feet of Lot Five (5), Square Thirteen (13), Unit 1 of Lakeside Subdivision, as shown on plat of survey by J. J. Krebs & Sons, Civil Engineers and Surveyors dated July 30, 1963 attached to Act of Building Restrictions and Servitudes recorded in St. Mary Parish COB 12-x, Page 595, Entry No. 119,565.
Being the same property acquired by Kelly Lane Fontenot Whittington as follows: in part from Colleen Frances Terry Fontenot, et al by Act of Cash Deed recorded on January 12, 2007 in St. Mary Parish COB 123, Page 98 Entry No. 295,265; and in part from Daniel Ray Whittington by Act of Community Property Partition recorded on October 20, 2011 in St. Mary Parish COB 243, Page 238, Entry No. 311,763.
The hereinabove described property bears the municipal address of 3124 Lake Palourde Drive, Morgan City, Louisiana 70380.
to satisfy the sum of ONE HUNDRED TWENTY THOUSAND EIGHT HUNDRED SEVENTY NINE AND 22/100 ($120,879.22) plus interest at a rate of 5.60% per an- num from February 9, 2024, until paid, plus Parish and City taxes in the amount of $1,587.53, until paid, reasonable attorney fees in an amount not exceeding 25% percent of the unpaid principal balance and all costs of this proceedings, as well as all sheriff’s costs and commission
All successful bidders must have cash, cashier’s check or a verifiable letter of credit in favor of said bidder from a solvent bank, savings and loan association or other such financial institution authorized to do business in the state of Louisiana and full payment must be made on the date of sale. Letter must state that money is available on the date of sale.
I shall expose the same at public sale, for Cash, according to law WITH appraisement to the last and highest bidder, at the principal front door of the 1st floor lobby area of the Court House in the Parish of St. Mary, Town of Franklin, Louisiana, on Wednesday, the 9th day of October A.D., 2024, be- tween the legal hours commencing at 10 O’Clock A.M.
Sheriff’s Office
Parish of St. Mary, La.
Tuesday, the 23rd day of July A.D., 2024
GARY L.
DRISKELL,
SHERIFF
By: Heidi Rineholt
Deputy Sheriff
Adv. Sept. 6 and Oct. 2, 2024

mmm

LEGAL 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

mmm

LEGAL NOTICE
The proposed budget for the St. Mary Parish Tourist Commission for the year ending September 30, 2024, is available for public inspection. Interested persons may examine the budget documents during regular office hours, Monday through Friday (9:00 am – 5:00 pm) at 900 Dr. MLK Blvd., Morgan City, LA.
The St. Mary Parish Tourist Commission will conduct a proposed budget hearing on September 18, 2024, at 4:00 pm in (at) the Cajun Coast Tourism Office, Morgan City, Louisiana. The purpose of the hearing is to invite public comment in the budget process on the Commission’s operations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024.
Adv. Sept. 6, 2024

mmm

LEGAL NOTICE
PUBLIC NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR 5 YEAR AGENCY PLAN AND AMENDED ADMISSIONS AND
CONTINUED OCCUPANCY POLICY
BERWICK
HOUSING AUTHORITY
The Berwick Housing Authority will conduct a Public Hearing at 2:00 P.M., on Monday 21, 2024, in the Community Room of the Housing Authority, 2751 Fifth St, P O Box 231, Berwick LA, 70342.
The purpose of the hearing is to obtain citizen in- put on the following subjects:
*The Housing Authority’s 5-Year Agency Plan for 2025 - 2029; of which the Housing Authority has formulated in compliance with HUD requirements.
*Amendment of the Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policy to include but not limited to the revised Flat Rents, Utility Allowances, and other items to comply with HUD requirements.
The Amended Admissions and Occupancy Policy and Agency Plan are available for review at the Housing Authority Office at 2751 Fifth St, Berwick LA, 70342.
Those citizens unable to attend this hearing may submit their views in writing to:
Clarence Robinson, Executive Director
Berwick Housing Authority
2751 Fifth St,
P O Box 231
Berwick LA, 70342
Accommodations will be made for disabled and non English speaking individuals needing assistance, provided that the Housing Authority receives a three-day notice by calling the office at 985/385-1546.
Clarence
Robinson,
Executive Director
Adv. Sept. 6, 2024

mmm

PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the St. Mary Parish Board of Adjustments will hold a PUBLIC HEARING on MONDAY, September 9, 2024 AT 5:45 P.M. in the Parish Council Meeting Room, Fifth Floor Courthouse, Franklin, Louisiana, for the following purposes:
Derek Broussard, represented by Matthew Fore with Miller Engineers & Associates, INC., Tract “ABCDEMA” for a Lot Area Variance to deviate from the required 10 acres to 0.437 acres and a Lot Depth Variance to deviate from 200 ft. to approximately 46 ft. in an Agricultural (AG) Zoned District. Tract “MEFLM” for a Lot Area Variance to deviate from the required 10 acres to 0.042 acres, a Lot Width Variance to deviate from 100 ft. to ap- proximately 40 ft., and a Lot Depth Variance to deviate from 200 ft. to approximately 45 ft. in an Agricultural (AG) Zoned District. Tract “LFGJKL” for a Lot Area Variance to deviate from the required 10 acres to 0.397 acres, and a Lot Depth Variance to deviate from 200 ft. to ap- proximately 45 ft. in an Agricultural (AG) Zoned District. Tract “JGHIJ” for a Lot Depth Variance to deviate from the required 100 ft. to approximately 49 ft. in a Single Family (SR) Zoned District located in Centerville LA- Sec.37 T15S R10E; Lot por Sennett Place Subd. and 20 ft. Alley per Plat ZZ 38087 Acq. 457 343915.
All persons are invited to this meeting to submit their approval or objections to the above VARIANCE REQUEST.
St. Mary Parish
Board of
Adjustments
John P. Davis, Chairman
Adv. Aug. 23, 30 and Sept. 6, 2024

mmm

LEGAL NOTICE
CITY OF
BERWICK,
LOUISIANA
NOTICE OF PUBLIC
MEETING
Public Meeting Date: September 10, 2024
Call to Order: 6:00 P.M.
Place: Council Meeting Room, 3225 Third Street, Berwick, LA 70342
A Public Hearing will be held as follows:
Date: September 10, 2024
Time: 6:15 P.M.
Place: Council Meeting Room, 3225 Third Street, Berwick, LA 70342
Close Public Hearing; AD- JOURN
Prayer
Pledge of Allegiance
Roll Call: James Richard, Kevin Hebert, Colleen Askew, Raymond Price & Lud Henry
Minutes from last meeting: August 13, 2024
Treasurer’s Re- port
Guests:
The Beacon Shines on:
Police Report:
Fire Report
Public Works Report
Consulting En- gineers Report
Committee Re- ports
PUBLIC HEARING
1. Ordinance No. 752 Amend 2023-24 Consolidated Budget
2. Ordinance No. 753 – 2024-25 Consolidated Budget
3. Ordinance No. 754 – Big Bend Land Company – Property Donation
4. Amend Zoning Map – Ehrlich & Francis Street
ORDINANCES – INTRODUCE/ADOPT
1. Introduce Or- dinance No. 748 – Set Millage Rate for 2024
2. Introduce Or- dinance No. 749 – Consider levying additional or in- creased millage rates without further voter approval or adopting the adjusted millage rates after reassessment and rolling forward to rates not to exceed the prior year’s maximum
3. Adopt Ordinance No. 752 – Amend 2023-24 Consolidated Budget
4. Adopt Ordinance No. 753 – 2024-25 Consolidated Budget
5. Adopt Ordinance No. 754 – Big Bend Land Company – Property Donation
RESOLUTIONS/PROCLAMATIONS
1. Adopt Resolution No. 10-24 to award contract to Byron Talbot Construction Company for Country Club Drainage Project, State Project No. H.01479.
2. Resolution No. 11-24 – Cooperative Endeavor Agreement be- tween the Town of Berwick and the City of Patterson for the Town of Berwick to acquire natural gas from the City of Patterson.
NEW BUSINESS:
1. Approve 2024-25 Holiday Schedule
2. Alvin Willis – Letter of Gratitude
Adjournment
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance, please contact Jamie Keith, Town Clerk, at (985) 384-8858, P.O. Box 486, Berwick, LA 70342 describing the assistance that is necessary.
Adv. Sept. 6, 2024

mmm

LEGAL NOTICE
OFFICIAL
PROCEEDINGS
WAX LAKE EAST DRAINAGE
DISTRICT
REGULAR
MEETING
August 6, 2024
PATTERSON, LOUISIANA
The Wax Lake East Drainage District (“WLEDD”) met on this date with Chairman Jeffery LaGrange presiding and the following members present: Bill Miller, Chris Cooper, William Hidalgo, Jr., and Chad Ross.
Absent: Wayne Cantrell and Raymond Beadle, Jr.
Also present: Corey Aucoin, Su- pervisor; Joel Miller, Miller Engineering and Associates; Barry Du- frene, District’s Accountant and Jason Akers, Foley & Judell, L.L.P.
Mr. Hidalgo moved that the reading of the minutes of the Regular Meeting, July 2, 2024, be dispensed with and that the same be approved. Mr. Cooper seconded the motion which carried.
Mr. Dufrene presented and discussed the prepared financial statements. Discussed actual re- sults vs budget for the current period and the year to date. Mr. Copper moved, and Mr. Ross seconded a motion, which was carried, to accept the financial re- ports, payables re- port, authorize the Chairman to sign all necessary re- ports and to make all necessary transfers to cover payables for the month of August 2024.
Mr. LaGrange then asked for Jason Akers from Foly & Judell, L.L.P. to cover agenda items un- der New Business at this time due to Mr. Aker’s travel time back to New Orleans. Mr. Akers gave a detailed explanation re- garding the process and results of bonding that was awarded to Sabine State Bank located in Manning Louisiana. The proposed bid from Sabine State Bank is 20 year fixed at 5.25%. Mr. Akers went on to explain that Patterson State Bank also submitted a competitive bid at 20 year fixed at 5.65%. Resolution was read aloud. There were 5 voting Board Members present, there were 2 Board Members absent, voted in agreement of Sabine State Bank as the awarded institution.
Mr. LaGrange moved onto Personnel Reports.
Mr. Aucoin gave the Supervisor’s report. Stated Pump 3 at Possum Bayou is back in service. The Stripper pump is still down. The motor is discontinued. Discussed pricing of rebuilding gas motor versus purchasing electric motor.
Mr. Miller gave a brief Engineering Report addressing the Calumet Pump Station Project stating the bidding process has been extended to August 27, 2024 due to questions from the interested Contractors with the majority of the questions being re- lated to access to construction site. He stated approval needed for setting up crane in flood gate fence to swing material across, then haul to site and who to contact for approval. Water level sensors are in and ready for installation. Mr. Aucoin and Mr. Miller discussed design for brackets to be fabricated for sensor placement.
Mr. Hidalgo made a motion, which was seconded by Mr. Cooper, to adopt the Resolution accepting the Offer to Purchase in connection with the issuance and sale of $2,500,000 General Obligations Bonds Series 2024, of Wax Lake East Drainage District of the Parish of St. Mary, State of Louisiana, and providing for other matters in connection therewith. Motion carried.
Mr. Cooper made a motion to accept the Personnel Policy for Wax Lake East Drainage District, effective September 1, 2024. Mr. Ross seconded the motion which carried.
There being no further business Mr. Cooper made a motion for adjournment. Mr. Ross seconded the motion which was carried.
Attest:
(S) Jeffery LaGrange,
Chairman
Wax Lake East Drainage District
(S) Rhonda
Patterson,
Secretary
Wax Lake East Drainage District
Adv. Sept. 6, 2024
'
mmm

LEGAL NOTICE
ORDINANCE
NO. 2024-08
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PATTERSON, LOUISIANA, ADOPTING UTILITY FEES AND PUBLIC WORKS
SERVICE FEES
BE IT OR- DAINED by the Mayor and City Council of the City of Patterson, Louisiana, in regular session assembled that those Utility Fees and Public Works Service Fees shown on the attached schedule are hereby established and amended as shown on the attached schedule>
The foregoing Ordinance was introduced by Councilmember Mamie Perry and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Lee Condolle at the regularly scheduled meeting of the City Council of the City of Patterson on the 6th day of August 2024, and notice of such hearing was published in the office journal of the City of Patterson on August 9th, August 16th, August 23rd, 2024. The foregoing Or- dinance was offered by Councilmember Ray Dewey, who moved its adoption, seconded by Councilmember Miranda Weinbach, and being read and considered section by section, the Ordinance was submitted to vote with the results as follows:
YEAS: DeMale Bowden, Lee Condolle, Ray Dewey, Mamie Perry, Miranda Weinbach
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
WHEREUPON, the Ordinance was declared adopted on this 3rd day of September, 2024.
———————
RODNEY A.
GROGAN,
MAYOR
ATTEST:
———————
MIDGE
BOURGEOIS,
CITY CLERK
Adv. Sept. 6, 2024

mmm

LEGAL NOTICE
INTRODUCTION OF
ORDINANCE NO. 2024-08A
AN ORDINANCE TO AUTHORIZE THE CITY TO ENTER INTO A COOPERATIVE ENDEAVOR AGREEMENT FOR THE SALE OF GAS TO BERWICK, RATE AND OTHER TERMS AND
CONDITIONS
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, ex- tend, 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 un- dertaking 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 im- provement, 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
WHEREAS, any further interconnection of gas distribution services in the future, other than those ex- pressly set forth herein, will be subject to a vote of and approval of the Mayor and City Council of Patterson and the Mayor and Town Council of Berwick.
WHEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Mayor and Council of the City of Patterson, Louisiana, that:
Section 1:
The Mayor shall be authorized to enter into a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement on be- half of the City of Patterson with the Town of Berwick 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 attached as Exhibit “A”.
Section 2:
RODNEY GROGAN, Mayor, be and is hereby authorized and directed to execute all instruments necessary and proper to carry out the purpose of this ordinance, including all terms and conditions which he deems advisable in his sole discretion.
The foregoing Ordinance was introduced Councilmember Ray Dewey at the regular monthly meeting of the City Council held on August 6, 2024, and notice of which was published in the official journal of the City on August 9th, August 16th and August 23rd, and was offered by Councilmember Mamie Perry who moved its adoption, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Lee Condolle, at the regular monthly meeting of the City Council on September 3, 2024, and being read and considered section by section, the Ordinance was submitted to vote with the results as follows:
YEAS: DeMale Bowden, Lee Condolle, Ray Dewey, Mamie Perry, Miranda Weinbach
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
WHEREUPON, the Ordinance was declared adopted on this 3rd day of September, 2024.
———————
RODNEY A.
GROGAN,
MAYOR
ATTEST:
———————
MIDGE
BOURGEOIS,
CITY CLERK
Adv. Sept. 6, 2024

mmm

Jim Brown: Forget the calendar -- Happy New Year!

Fri, 09/06/2024 - 6:00am
JIM BROWN

OK, OK, I know it’s just early September. But to me, autumn is in the air. Sure it’s still hot in the Deep South. But there is a tinge of lower temperatures, leaves are slightly turning and we are witnessing a finality of harvest. Yes, fall is close at hand. And that means we have a whole host of new beginnings.
It’s a new school year for our kids and grandkids where we can share their excitement of new schools, new school books, new teachers, and new discoveries. What a thrill as a grandparent to witness my grandkids making new encounters and growing in their relationships with both old and new friends. Even though I feel I was a pretty good father to my four children, grandkids give us a second chance.
And some brand new beginnings for football, football and football. We all have high hopes for our favorite teams as the season kicks off. Unfortunately, our LSU Tigers are off to a rough start with a close loss in its opening game. But there are many more Saturday nights in Tiger Stadium.
Yes, college football is special both here in Louisiana and all over the country. Every school is often unique, with its own pageantry, traditions, cheers and songs, and the rivalries that often go back many years. No matter how bad the season was for your favorite team last year, it’s a new start and a fresh beginning with high hopes.
As a side note, let me tell you how insane and money grubbing college football has become. This is a real first too. Do you know that some colleges outfit all of the players’ helmets with a QR code where you can point your phone camera at the helmet, click a link, and then send money to a special NIL fund? So you can sit in a restaurant 1,000 miles away, and support your team’s players by pouring in the dollars. Just a new year and a new way to money grub for these players who are no longer amateurs, but have become just as much a pro as the players in the NFL. Ah, the new world we live in.
One thing I miss is the turning of the leaves and the beautiful fall colors you see in other parts of the country. We have a family home up in the North Carolina mountains, and changing of the colors is just spectacular. It’s almost like a painter who takes his brush and paints each leaf a different color all over the mountains, surrounding us by a natural carpet of oranges, purples, yellows and browns.
I must admit I’m cold natured, and wear sweaters all year round. But it’s a special treat to put on heavier sweaters and warmer clothes. And open fires. Can you beat curling up in front of a roaring fire with a cup of hot chocolate, maybe apple cider or a hot toddy while the young ones roast marshmallows?
How about the special seasonal foods? Now, I’m a pie guy. I like blueberry, cherry, and most any other kind of pies. But hands-down, at the top of the list, is pumpkin pie. My favorite is baked by my sister-in-law, but I have to admit the pumpkin pies at Costco’s are a close second. Their tasty pumpkin pie is simply orange heaven on a plate.
September arrives and a full, new season begins, I always anticipate the upcoming holidays with our families where we can often spend more time together. I love Halloween, seeing all the kids dressing up in their favorite costumes, and the bobbing of caramel apples. I just cannot back away from those caramelized goodies.
Then we come head long into the trilogy of holidays beginning with Thanksgiving, then reaching the Christmas milestone and culminating in New Year’s. So much crammed into the few short months of autumn. This week, a special time begins. It’s a Southerner’s reward for having survived summer. I sure hope you are ready to soak it all in. So Happy New Year!
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: Do voters get anything from political conventions?

Fri, 09/06/2024 - 6:00am
JEREMY ALFORD AND DAVID JACOBS

When New Orleans consultant James Carville sat for an interview with LaPolitics during the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, he said he often wondered how much longer these grand political spectacles would last.
Several square miles of downtown Chicago were locked down for Democrats, and the same treatment was afforded to Republicans in Milwaukee this summer, creating logistical nightmares for commuters and significantly less foot traffic for mom-and-pop businesses.
“These things have become a form of security theater,” said Carville. “There’s a lot of rigmarole, more rigmarole than anything else.” 
Then there’s the money involved. Twenty years ago, the U.S. Justice Department began awarding host cities $50 million grants to cover security needs.
Ahead of this year’s conventions, however, the tally was increased to $75 million per host city, at the request of officials in Chicago, Milwaukee and Houston, where the 2028 Republican National Convention will be held, according to Jeff Fleming, who directs communications for the city of Milwaukee.
Combined, that means taxpayers on the federal level footed a security bill of $150 million this year.
“That covered our costs,” Fleming said. “There were other activities not eligible for grant funding, but those were modest and absorbed within existing city budgets.”While tourism officials in Milwaukee are still working on an economic impact estimate, they are hopeful they met their pre-convention target of $200 million, said Claire Koenig with Visit Milwaukee, the city’s tourism bureau. Isaac Reichman , director of corporate communications for Choose Chicago, the Windy City’s tourism arm, said officials are working with the DNC Host Committee on an economic impact analysis, but it will not be completed until later this year.
“We can say that previous political conventions have had an economic impact of $150 million to $200 million on the host city,” said Reichman.
Fortunately for both cities, their taxpayers aren’t on the hook. The RNC Host Committee raised north of $85 million for the Milwaukee convention, well above its initial $70 million goal. Chicago’s DNC Host Committee raised a record $94 million, making this year’s convention the most expensive on record for Dems.
Of course, the irony is Democrats spent an unprecedented amount of cash to hold a convention where delegates didn’t even carry out their core duty, which was nominating a presidential candidate. Instead, Vice President Kamala Harris was added to the top of the ballot using a pre-convention Zoom meeting of delegates.
Republicans, meanwhile, championed economic development while cheering on former President Donald Trump. Some businesses in downtown Milwaukee, by comparison, haven’t done much cheering in the wake of a week of incredibly slow commerce. A pop
ular restaurant, Lupis and Iris, even shut its doors during the convention’s peak because conventioneers were nowhere to be found.
Derek Babcock, the chair of the Louisiana GOP and a delegate to this year’s RNC, admitted modern conventions are “more of a formality” these days. A convention just offers an opportunity to discuss the party’s values and vision.
“It’s really a stage show,” he said. 
As for security, the safety needs are what they are, added Babcock. But it’s probably time to ask whether taxpayers should foot a $150 million bill, especially with the parties conducting their own fundraising, he said.
“At the end of the day, it’s a private party,” Babcock said. 
Public Service Commissioner Davante Lewis, a Louisiana delegate to this year’s DNC, said the value of a convention goes well beyond the few hours of primetime television that most people see. Convention-goers have a chance to meet, learn from and strategize with their party colleagues in other states.
Lewis argued paying for convention security is an appropriate federal expense, noting the wide array of federal officials on hand, including members of Congress and current and former presidents. 
“What happens if the United Center had a terrorist attack?” Lewis asked. “We would say, ‘Where was the federal response?’”
While Republicans have already selected Houston for their next convention in 2028, Democrats are still searching for a host city. Officials in Chicago, for their part, are making a hard push to host again in four years.
For more Louisiana political news, visit www. LaPolitics.com or follow Alford on Twitter @ LaPoliticsNow.

Branley joins Thibodaux Regional staff

Fri, 09/06/2024 - 6:00am

Thibodaux Regional Health System announced the addition of Dr. Nicole Branley, pediatrician, to the active medical staff.
Branley is available to care for patients at Thibodaux Regional Pediatric Clinic located 602 North Acadia Road, Suite 100, Thibodaux, 985-447-9045.
A native of Thibodaux, Branley earned her undergraduate degree from LSU in Baton Rouge, and received her medical degree from LSU Health Sciences Center in New Orleans. She completed her residency in pediatrics in the Stanford Pediatrics Residency Program in California.
Branley also earned a master’s degree in public health from LSU Health Sciences Center in New Orleans.
Specializing in health and wellness care for children from birth to age 18, Dr. Branley is trained in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of a broad range of illnesses and conditions including preventative care, common childhood illnesses and conditions, well care visits/checkups, health screenings, developmental assessments, nutrition guidance and newborn care.
Thibodaux Regional Health System is an award-winning health system nationally recognized for excellence in clinical quality, patient experience, innovation and vision and leadership.
The Health System has been recognized as a 5-Star hospital by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Thibodaux Regional has more than 100 physician specialists, a premier, 80,000-square-foot cancer institute, a nationally acclaimed 250,000-square-foot Wellness Center and Sports Complex, and many other clinical services.
Thibodaux Regional provides highly specialized services including heart and vascular surgery, medical and radiation oncology, neurology, neurosurgery, orthopedic surgery, s0ports medicine, plastic and reconstructive surgery, general, laparoscopic, and bariatric surgery, pulmonology, rheumatology, women’s services, sleep disorders, wound care, inpatient and outpatient physical rehabilitation, and wellness services.

Wheel House for Sept. 6: Rummage sale

Fri, 09/06/2024 - 6:00am

RUMMAGE
SALE
8 a.m.-noon Saturday, Sept. 14, Patterson United Methodist Church, 1204 Main St. Items for sale: lots of winter and summer clothes, small appliances, lamps, bookshelf, televisions,
household items, shoes, toys, jackets, rugs, bassinet.

Hospital district prepares push for property tax

Fri, 09/06/2024 - 6:00am
BILL DECKER
bdecker@daily-review.com

Hospital Service District No. 2 board members are making plans to make their case.
Board members on Wednesday previewed video spots supporting a 9-mill property tax that will be used to repair and keep up the building that houses Ochsner St. Mary in Morgan City. Messages for print and radio are also in the works.
Voters in east St. Mary will be asked to support the 9-mill tax at the Dec. 7 election.
The district owns the hospital, which is operated under lease by Ochsner Health. That was a central point in the videos previewed Wednesday: The hospital is a publicly owned asset that should be properly kept up.
The videos feature Lea Hebert, head of the hospital auxiliary, and Dr. William Cefalu Jr., who practices at Ochsner St. Mary and chairs the district board.
The tax would raise an estimated $3.4 million a year for 10 years. The money, according to the district, would be used for projects including sealing the 44-year-old building to keep out moisture; installing insulated and storm-resistant windows; upgrading the heating and air conditioning; renovating patient rooms and waiting areas; and improving equipment.
The funds would also be used for scholarships for local people pursuing careers in health care, a way to deal with what is reportedly an industrywide shortage of skilled health care providers.
The district has been levied in the past but has not been for several years.
A mill is 1/10th cent of tax on each dollar of assessed valuation.
Residential property is assessed on 10% of its market value as determined by the assessor.
Louisiana’s homestead exemption will apply, so the owner of a $100,000 primary residence would pay an extra $22.50 a year if the 9-mill tax passes.
The owner of a $200,000 home would pay an additional $112.50.
Other hospital service districts rely on property taxes, the district has said. Bayou Bend Health System in Franklin imposes a 13.1 mill tax.
The tax doesn’t directly address the biggest recent controversy involving the hospital: Ochsner’s decision in 2023 to end nonemergency labor and delivery services at the Morgan City hospital. Those services in Ochsner’s Bayou Region were consolidated at Ochsner St. Anne in Raceland.
But “obstetrics care in our community remains a priority,” Cefalu told the Review in June, when the tax proposal was announced.

John K. Flores: Officials lobby for expanded duck hunt

Fri, 09/06/2024 - 6:00am
JOHN K. FLORES

In a press release issued by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries on Aug. 19, the department sighted a letter sent to the United States Fish and Wildlife Service by Gov. Jeff Landry and LDWF Secretary Madison Sheahan. The letter requests the expansion of harvest opportunities for black-bellied whistling ducks (BBWD) for the sportsmen of Louisiana.
The letter addressed to Martha Williams, Director of the USF&WS in Washington D.C., says, “The increasing presence of BBWDs throughout the Sportsman’s Paradise presents a variety of agricultural, nuisance, health, and management challenges that we firmly believe additional harvest opportunities could solve.”
The letter also opines, “that expanded harvest opportunities would be most desirable and effective if done in conjunction with the long-established teal season.” It goes on to note that additional species included in the daily bag limit authorized in other states were approved contingent upon a reduced season length. What’s more, the letter makes the case for additional BBWD harvest by pointing out a two-decade exponential growth in population, particularly in agricultural areas where the species has caused losses, especially newly planted rice fields.
Lastly, the letter points out that the most recent 5-year (2020-24) mid-winter survey estimate to be 140,275 BBWDs, up 4000% from the 2015-19 estimate of 3,005, which they conclude is undoubtedly an underestimate.
The press release was extremely well received across all media, but particularly on social platforms like FACEBOOK and Instagram. For waterfowl hunters, the idea of additional harvest opportunity is like a kid receiving an extra present under the tree for Christmas.
In reaching out to Taylor Brazan, Communications Director for the Department of Wildlife & Fisheries, I had several questions for Sheahan pertaining to the press release and subsequent letter sent to the USFWS. Brazan referred me to Jason Olszak, Waterfowl Program Manager for the LDWF.
My first question was when the regulatory change was being considered was the fact that BBWDs are still nesting into September considered and noted there are also cases of them nesting well into October.
Olszak replied, “Yes, this is something that the department has taken into consideration. Although BBWD will nest into October, the majority of BBWD nesting occurs prior to September. Other species, such as mourning doves, also continue to nest past the opening of hunting season, but due to the fact that the number of young added to the population is minimal after the peak breeding it is believed that any harvest of breeding birds has little to no impact on the population.”
Olszak mentioned that an ongoing research project may give insight into the proportion of BBWD nests, and hence young, that are vulnerable during a September harvest.
My second question to Olszak was, has there been any data or studies showing BBWDs can withstand additional harvest that includes the early teal season and regular waterfowl season that may have contributed to making this announcement?
Olszak said, “There are ongoing studies looking into harvest rates and potential. A study published in 2019 in the Journal of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies found that in the Southeast (Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, Texas, and Louisiana) survival rates of BBWDs were comparable to or higher than other waterfowl species. They also found that recovery rates (harvest of banded birds) were low.”
One of the things there’s no doubt about concerning BBWD is they have a high tolerance for human activity and therefore are comfortable in urban settings like Audubon and Lefreniere parks, where they are known to spend the winter. A trip to Westwego across the Mississippi River from New Orleans is an eye opener. Literally thousands of BBWD roost on the Cargill grain elevators and rest during the day on the walking trails around the facility.
Olszak went on to say that there are certain behaviors that BBWD have that may make them less vulnerable to harvest than other waterfowl species.
Olszak said, “BBWDs often forage at night, making them less likely to encounter hunters. BBWD also commonly occupy urban and suburban areas where hunter access may be limited. In addition to low recapture/return/harvest rate estimates of BBWD, growing abundance and density of BBWD in urban and suburban areas suggests little harvest pressure and potential for increased take.”
A third question I asked Olszak was that the letter to the USFWS notes the winter survey notes a 4000% population increase and is it possible that what we’re seeing is not necessarily BBWD migration, but an actual easterly shift in population due to habitat loss from its historic range of Mexico and South Texas?
Olszak responded by saying, “Although studies haven’t conclusively determined why BBWD numbers have increased dramatically, in the winter surveys, the same 2019 BBWD study did conclude that the BBWD population has expanded eastward. We know that by the early 2000s, breeding populations had been established in Louisiana, Arkansas, Florida, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and South Carolina.”
“And since then,” Olszak continued, “BBWD have been documented breeding as far north as Wisconsin and Nebraska. All of this suggests that although the population increase may be due in part to the range expansion undoubtedly the increase in breeding range has likely resulted in an increase in the BBWD populations.”
Olszak noted that the LDWF is currently funding a project to examine the extent of long-range migrants in BBWDs captured in Louisiana.
Finally, I noted to Olszak we have four species of year-round duck species in our state that includes wood ducks, mottled ducks, fulvous whistling ducks, and black-bellied whistling ducks. During the early teal season in September many wood ducks are mistakenly identified and subsequently killed. Fulvous whistling ducks (FWD) are a duck species that has been on the decline for quite some time. I asked if any thought was taken into consideration that in the 30-minutes before sunrise, where it’s legal to shoot, FWDs could be easily mistaken for BBWDs.
Olszak said, “Currently, FWD harvest is minimal at best. They do not show up in the harvest reports. We know that FWD breed in Louisiana in the spring and by December they have migrated southward. We do not see them on our winter waterfowl surveys. If BBWD are allowed to be taken during early teal season, we realize that it is likely that some FWD may be harvested as well. We believe that the harvest will be minimal but is something that we are prepared to investigate.”
Olszak went on to say that if opportunities to harvest BBWD are expanded, an evaluation of the effects on non-target species will be a prerequisite to continuation of such a season.
With the opening of the 2024 September teal season only one week away, there’s no chance of a last-minute change in regulation being approved by the USFWS this year, but clearly the wheels are in motion for future consideration.
However, for the harvest of an additional species of migratory game bird to happen, the scientific data will have to be there to convince the federal government to allow it. And we all know how fast the federal government moves.
John Flores is the Morgan City Review’s outdoor writer. He can be contacted at gowiththeflo@cox.net.

Morgan City, Berwick police team up after shots fired on bridge

Thu, 09/05/2024 - 6:08pm

An Arkansas man has been arrested after Morgan City and Berwick police responded to shots fired on the U.S. 90 bridge.

Jordan Alexander Renfroe, 20, Mountain Pine Road, Hot Springs, Arkansas, was arrested at 3:02 p.m. Thursday on a charge of illegal use of weapons or dangerous instrumentalities.

From the Morgan City Police Department:

About 9:25 a.m. Thursday, officers with the Morgan City Police Department responded to Brashear Avenue near Fifth Street regarding gun shots being fired in the area. Officers arrived and were unable to locate anything.

According to reports, witnesses observed grey Honda Accord traveling on US 90 and an occupant fire several gunshots out of the window, which was reported to the Berwick Police Department.

Investigators with the Morgan City Police Department Detectives Division collaborated with investigators with the Berwick Police Department in a joint investigation. Investigators were able to locate the vehicle in question in the area of Jones Street in Berwick. A search warrant was executed on the residence, and when Renfroe was developed as a suspect.

Reports indicate that evidence was uncovered linking Renfroe as the subject who had fired the weapon out of the vehicle. The firearm in question was also recovered and seized by investigators.

An arrest warrant was obtained for Renfroe's arrest related to the incident. Renfroe was transported to the Berwick Police Department, where he was booked on the active arrest warrant and later transported to the Morgan City Jail where he was charged accordingly and incarcerated and now awaits court proceedings.

Chief Chad M. Adams would like to commend the investigators from the Morgan City and Berwick Police Departments on this collaborative effort in bringing this incident to a quick resolution. "Thank You to the witnesses for their quick reports of this incident that led investigators in the right direction that led to the solving of this case," Adams said in a Facebook post."A true testament of if you 'See Something Say Something.'"

Fishing rodeo funds go to Nicholls State

Thu, 09/05/2024 - 10:01am

The Morgan City Open Fishing Rodeo and Golf Scramble has donated $10,000 to Nicholls State University Department of Petroleum Engineering Technology and Safety Management and $2,500 to support Nicholls Veterans Services.
This is MCOFR’s 12th year donating to the university’s PETSM program and the fourth year donating to Nicholls Veterans. 
The donations have been used to renovate and expand classrooms, improve technology and build a state-of-the-art well-control simulation lab, the university said in a press release.
The portion donated to Nicholls Veterans, many of whom are PETSM students, will help supplement vets whose monetary benefits for education have ended, with a panel to select the candidates based on criteria like GPA. 
“Since South Louisiana has such a wonderful landscape for outdoor activities, MCOFR was created to foster a community-spirited fishing rodeo in support of higher education and other noteworthy causes that surround our community,” said Joey Cannata, vice president at Tanks-A-Lot.
“We are pleased that this annual event has held the support of the community for more than a decade and has grown to also include an annual golf tournament held at Atchafalaya at Idlewild in Patterson. On behalf of Morgan City Open Fishing Rodeo, we’re happy to present Nicholls with $12,500 this year, bringing our total contributions to Nicholls since 2013 to $111,500.”
“MCOFR values the Nicholls PETSM program for providing the energy industry with skilled personnel to drive our domestic energy needs into the future which is great for our local economy.
"We expect next year to be a great year as we look forward to growing the Rodeo with an offshore fishing division for 2025.”
MCOFR is a nonprofit corporation founded in 2013 by Tanks-A-Lot, a deepwater container specialist, for the purpose of promoting community spirit in the local oil and gas industry while benefiting notable organizations for future growth within the community. The corporation seeks to provide a family-oriented environment where the community can gather and enjoy the camaraderie and sport of fishing and golf, making the event best representative of the Morgan City area. 
The 2024 Morgan City Open Fishing Rodeo was held in June, with proceeds from the events donated to Nicholls PETSM, South Louisiana Community College and other charitable causes to enrich the tri-parish area and encourage the pursuit of higher education. MCOFR has donated over $200,000 to its tri-parish area and seeks to contribute more. For more information on MCOFR, click here. 
Nicholls’ unique PETSM program caters to non-traditional working students in the energy industry, particularly for Gulf of Mexico operations and beyond, offering flexible courses that accommodate rotational work schedules including 7-days-on, 7-days-off or 14-days-on, 14-days-off. For more information on the Department of Petroleum Engineering Technology and Safety Management, visit www.nicholls.edu/petsm. 

CAROLYN RODRIGUE

Thu, 09/05/2024 - 9:58am

Carolyn Rodrigue was born February 23, 1944, in Morgan City. She died Monday, September 2, 2024. She was the daughter of Wilfred Sauce and Bernadette “Rose” Berthelot Sauce.
Carolyn was a very simple, faith-oriented woman who was very caring and compassionate. She loved her family dearly. Carolyn will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her two daughters, Tammy Naquin and husband Leroy of Humble, Texas, and Cheryl Crochet and husband Dale of Morgan City; son, Randy Rodrigue and wife Autum of Houma; 10 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren; sister, Dorothy Solar of Bayou Vista; and brother, Darcy Sauce and wife Julie of Patterson.
Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Lawrence Rodrigue; son, Richard Rodrigue; grandson, Joshua Naquin; great-granddaughter, Alayah Rodrigue; five brothers and four sisters.
Visitation will be held Saturday, September 7, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. until 12:45 p.m. at Twin City Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian burial will be held Saturday, September 7, 2024 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church commencing at 1:00 p.m. Burial will follow in the Morgan City Cemetery.

Pages

ST. MARY NOW

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

Morgan City Review
1014 Front Street, Morgan City, LA 70380
Phone: 985-384-8370
Fax: 985-384-4255

St Mary Now Copyright  © 2026