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By DAKOTA LASZLO
LSU Manship School News Service
BATON ROUGE – New Medicaid rules requiring recipients to work and reverify coverage every six months will disproportionately affect 85% of Native Americans living in Louisiana, tribal leaders and Indigenous experts say.
While the 4,000 Native Americans belonging to four tribes officially recognized by the federal government under longstanding covenants are not affected by the new Medicaid rules, roughly 24,000 members of 11 state-recognized tribes will be subject to the new regulations.
“Instead of investing the time and the energy to think of more efficient and impactful ways to create the infrastructure around the problem, the common decision has just been to run away from the problem,” said Devon Parfait, chief of the state-recognized Grand Caillou Dulac tribe.
The four federally recognized Native American tribes in Louisiana – which will be exempt from the new work requirements and more frequent re-enrollment rules – are the Chitimacha Tribe of Louisiana (based in Charenton), the Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana (Elton/Kinder), the Jena Band of Choctaw Indians (Jena), and the Tunica-Biloxi Indian Tribe of Louisiana (Marksville).
Federal recognition indicates that the U.S. government acknowledges the tribe as a sovereign nation, meaning the tribe has the right to govern itself under its own laws and access federal funding and resources not available to state-recognized counterparts.
State-recognized Native American tribes in Louisiana lack the established federal relationship with the government and the benefits it provides.
“You (only) get state recognition, and even that’s hard to come by,” said Shirrell Parfait-Dardar, a tribal elder from the state-recognized Grand Caillou Dulac tribe. “And, even when they get it to you, it’s a mess,”
Federal status is granted only to tribes that can prove continuous political authority and historical presence in an area. This is a lengthy process that many tribes in Louisiana have attempted for decades, but without success. Only 11 other states, including Alabama, have state-recognized tribes.
To be considered an American Indian for the purpose of federal law, a person must be enrolled in a federally recognized tribe. State recognition, while meaningful within Louisiana, does not coincide with sovereignty or federal rights. That means that state tribes are ineligible for the more robust healthcare protections given to the federal tribes.
Federally recognized tribes are exempt from the Medicaid cuts because Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski pushed to protect the tribal health care systems. She would not vote for the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which contained the Medicaid changes, without protecting the 227 federal tribes within her state. There are no state tribes in Alaska.
Murkowski and other tribal leaders argued that the changes would violate federal treaty obligations and harm the communities that rely so heavily on Medicaid to fill in the gaps of the Indian Health Service funding.
According to Indian Health Services, Louisiana relies on the tribally operated health programs on the four tribal lands that provide for the immediate care of its members. The four programs differ in the types of services they offer and to whom they offer services.
Since these programs are located inside tribal lands that are long distances from coastal Native American communities, access may be difficult, leaders say. For example, all of the state tribes located in the Lafourche Parish would have to drive to Charenton to receive care from the Chitimacha Health Clinic, the closest center, 98 minutes away.
Parfait-Dardar, tribal elder of the Grand Caillou Dulac tribe, said state tribes have access to the four Indian Health Service centers, but that the process is “just as complicated as Medicaid.”
Under the new Medicaid rules, adults must meet new work requirements and reverify coverage every six months instead of yearly. That may winnow the Medicaid rolls, but the new rules may force state-recognized tribes to carry the full burden of these cuts, despite a documented history of health disparities.
Around 60% of all Native Americans in Louisiana – both state-recognized and federal – rely on Medicaid, according to the National Council of Urban Indian Health. By contrast, about one-third of the state’s overall population uses Medicaid.
Losing Medicaid can mean losing access entirely. Private insurance rates can be unaffordable for many in these communities, considering many are on a fixed income and are elderly.
“That $400 a month can turn into several thousand depending on the costs,” said chief Parfait. “People are just going to go without health care. Instead of going to the doctor and getting their needs met early, it festers into a much worse problem that costs even more later.”
Chronic diseases, including diabetes, liver disease and heart disease, are significantly higher in Native American populations.
Robert Caldwell, a professor of Indigenous Studies at the University at Buffalo and a member of the Choctaw Apache community of Ybarb, said state-recognized tribes face significant poverty challenges.
“Those challenges are amplified because the state-recognized tribes often can’t access direct aid because of their lack of federal recognition,” Caldwell said.
Without federal protections, tribal leaders say families will face almost impossible budgetary decisions.
“It’s going to be either food or insurance, and I’m picking food,” tribal elder Parfait-Dardar said.
With many state tribes in Louisiana living in coastal areas, they face unique issues in contrast to their federal counterparts.
Many of the federal tribes remain inland, away from the coast and less likely being forced to move to other areas due to hurricanes and land loss.
Many state tribes have been pushed down to the bayou, where they are forced to fortify their roofs or elevate their houses, if they have the choice.
“We have homes that are still on the ground, like mine,” tribal elder Parfait-Dardar said. “There is no way that I could afford to have it elevated.”
With homes on the ground and medical clinics miles away, these communities are at risk of being washed away.
Louisiana’s state-recognized tribes, many located in Terrebonne, Lafourche and St. Mary parishes, live in some of the state’s highest poverty areas. The roads flood constantly, their houses are exposed to every hurricane, and their clinics are typically understaffed – if they exist at all, experts say.
“So, we typically rely on rural health clinics,” Caldwell, the University of Buffalo professor, said. “In that way, we are more similar to other impoverished communities of color than federally recognized tribes.”
For now, Louisiana state-recognized tribes are preparing for a wave of disenrollment that may reshape the health of their communities for years.
The path forward would require the unity of both state and federal tribes to fight for access to all.

(Editor’s note: The charges listed here and the narratives that go with them are provided by the police agencies that made the arrests. Guilt or innocence has not been determined in court.)

A Morgan City man faces felony drug and weapon charges after a traffic stop Monday near Amelia.

Assumption

Sheriff Leland Falcon reported this arrest:
--Josiah A. Swan,23, Chester Bowles, Morgan City, was arrested Monday on charges of possession with intent to distribute synthetic marijuana, illegal carrying of weapons in the presence of persons under 17, failure to drive on right side of roadway, improper display or no license plate, driving under a suspended driver’s license, failure to secure registration, and no motor vehicle inspection tag.

A uniformed patrol deputy assigned to the I.C.E. detail observed a westbound vehicle on U.S. 90 with a licensing violation and initiated a stop of that vehicle.The deputy made contact with the driver, now identified as Swan, and conducted an interview. At some point, the suspect driver advised the deputy of a firearm that was positioned within the driver’s area of the vehicle.

The deputy attempted to secure the vehicle for safety considerations and in doing so, observed multiple containers of synthetic marijuana.

During the investigation stop, the deputy noted an infant child in the vehicle.

The deputy conducted a search of the vehicle and did seize multiple containers of illegal synthetic marijuana as well as a large caliber firearm.

Swan was arrested and booked into the Assumption Parish Detention Center with bond set at $125,000

Morgan City

Chief Chad M. Adams reported these arrests:

--Peter Washington, 25, Roderick Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 11:56 a.m. Tuesday on a charge of theft (under $1,000).

--Terrence Johnson, 42, Terrebonne Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 2:23 p.m. Tuesday on a charge of failure to appear for arraignment (6th Ward Morgan City Court).

--Tiearra Wilson, 40, 11th Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 2:34 p.m. Tuesday on two counts of failure to appear for arraignment (6th Ward Morgan City Court).

--Jeremie Paul Jr., 35, Railroad Avenue, Morgan City, was arrested at 7:14 p.m. Tuesday on a charge of domestic abuse battery (child endangerment law) and remaining where forbidden.

--Summer Chauvin, 45, Arizona Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 8:25 p.m. Tuesday as a fugitive from the Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office.

--Ke'Mone Darby, 18, Apple Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 1:10 p.m. Monday on charges of remaining where forbidden, criminal damage to property and disturbing the peace.

--Dominic Campbell, 47, Leo Street, Patterson, was arrested at 2:08 p.m. Monday on two counts of failure to appear for arraignment (6th Ward Morgan City Court).

--Kelsie Landry, 22, Aucoin Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 10:32 p.m. Monday on charges of domestic abuse battery.

St. Mary

Sheriff Gary Driskell reported this arrest:

--Michael Paul King, 49, Kaplan, was arrested at 10:56 p.m. Tuesday on a Department of Public Safety and Corrections warrant alleging failure to appear for probation violation. King is being held for another agency.

The following are the radio dispatch logs from the Morgan City Police Department. To report unlawful or suspicious activity, call the Police Department at 985-380-4605.
Monday, March 23
7:40 a.m. 7200 block of La. 182; Complaint.
8:09 a.m. 2900 block of Railroad Avenue; Lost & found.
8:37 a.m. 300 block of Laurel Street; Complaint.
8:53 a.m. 1400 block of Second Street; Animal complaint.
9:31 a.m. 700 block of Belanger Street; Medical.
9:54 a.m. 700 block of David Drive; Medical.
9:58 a.m. 2400 block of Sixth Street; Complaint.
11:12 a.m. 900 block of Youngs Road; Medical.
12:40 p.m. 700 block of Duke Street; Juvenile complaint.
1:09 p.m. 1400 block of Federal Avenue; Arrest.
1:34 p.m. 1300 block of Second Street; Medical.
1:56 p.m. U.S. 90 East; Stalled vehicle.
2:06 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Arrest.
3:44 p.m. 400 block of Federal Avenue; Juvenile complaint.
4:48 p.m. 7100 block of La. 182; Theft.
6:15 p.m. 300 block of Everett Street; Complaint.
7:49 p.m. 600 block of Terrebonne Street; Stand by.
8:05 p.m. 800 block of Brashear Avenue; Suspicious subject.
8:12 p.m. 3300 block of Youngs Road; 911 hang up.
8:21 p.m. 700 block of Terrebonne Street; Disturbance.
8:27 p.m. 2400 block of Apple Street; Complaint.
8:35 p.m. 500 block of Greenwood Street; Reckless operation.
10:15 p.m. 300 block of Aucoin Street; Arrest.
10:30 p.m. 300 block of Arizona Street; Burglary.
Tuesday, March 24
12:33 a.m. 2300 block of La. 70; Medical.
7:53 a.m. 1400 block of Chatsworth Drive; Alarm.
8:17 a.m. 5000 block of Railroad Avenue; Animal complaint.
9:22 a.m. 200 block of Patton Street; Animal complaint.
9:31 a.m. 2300 block of La. 70; Burglary.
9:48 a.m. 7400 block of La. 182; Medical.
10:03 a.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Arrest.
10:38 a.m. 600 block of Arenz Street; Disturbance.
10:51 a.m. 900 block of Marguerite Street; Lost & found.
11:25 a.m. 400 block of Pecos Street; Theft.
11:48 a.m. 600 block of Railroad Avenue; Complaint.
12:05 p.m. 700 block of Duke Street; Medical.
1 p.m. 300 block of Oriole Street; Disturbance.
2:16 p.m. 7200 block of La. 182; Arrest.
2:20 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Arrest.
4:20 p.m. 1200 block of North Prescott Street; Patrol.
5:12 p.m. 6300 block of La. 182; Complaint.
7:01 p.m. 2300 block of La. 70; Disturbance.
7:06 p.m. 1100 block of Marguerite Street; Arrest.
7:22 p.m. 300 block of Arizona Street; Arrest.
7:56 p.m. 3000 block of Francis Street; Medical.
7:57 p.m. 500 block of Bowman Street; Animal complaint.
8:43 p.m. 7000 block of La. 182; Suspicious subject.
10 p.m. 7300 block of La. 182; Suspicious subject.

PUBLIC NOTICE
UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT
EASTERN
DISTRICT OF LOUISIANA
In re The Roman Catholic Church of the Archdiocese of
New Orleans,
Chapter 11 Case No. 20-10846
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE, that on March 13, 2026, Donald C. Massey, in his capacity as the settlement trustee (the “Settlement Trustee”) of the Settlement Trust (the “Trust”) in the matter of the Roman Catholic Church of the Archdiocese of New Orleans, as debtor and debtor-in-possession and as reorganized pursuant to and under the Joint Plan (the “Debtor”) in this chapter 11 case (the “Chapter 11 Case”) by and through his counsel, filed the Motion for Entry of an Order to Enforce the Terms of Confirmation Order of the Seventh Amended Modified Joint Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization Approving Settlement Agreement and Policy Buy-Backs with United States Fidelity & Guaranty Company and Granting Related Relief (the “Settlement Motion”) with the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana (the “Court”). 1
PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE, that pursuant to the Settlement Motion, the Settlement Trustee is seeking entry of an order approving the proposed settlement agreement (the “Settlement Agreement”) with United States Fidelity & Guaranty Company (“USF&G”), pursuant to which USF&G will (i) purchase all rights, title and interests (including Subject Interests) in and to the Travelers Policies and the Related Insurance Claims and Coverage Claims (collectively, the “Purchased Property”) (other than for Preserved Claims with respect to Preserved Coverage relating to claims for Abuse against the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux SD, as provided in the Settlement Agreement), and/or all or substantially all coverage under such Travelers Policies in exchange for a settlement payment in the aggregate amount of $75,000,000.00 and (ii) become a Settling Insurer under the confirmed Seventh Amended Modified Joint Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization for The Roman Catholic Church of the Archdiocese of New Orleans and Additional Debtors, Dated as of December 8, 2025 [ECF 4762] (the “Joint Plan”).
PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE, that in connection with the Settlement Motion, the Settlement Trustee is seeking approval of the settlement and sale of the Purchased Property, free and clear of all liens, claims, interest, charges and encumbrances. This “free and clear” sale of the Purchased Property contains certain releases, injunctions, and other protective provisions in favor of USF&G. The sale proposes Injunctions that permanently enjoin all persons who have held or asserted, or may in the future hold or assert, any Claims from taking any action, directly or indirectly, for purposes of asserting, enforcing, or attempting to assert or enforce any Claim against USF&G or the Insurer Released Parties (as defined in the Settlement Agreement) or the property or assets of each (all as defined in the Settlement Agreement). The Settlement Trustee is seeking to fully release any Claims against USF&G or the Insurer Released Parties arising from or related in any way to the Travelers Policies. There are additional provisions in the Settlement Agreement – beyond those set forth in the preceding sentences – which should be reviewed to understand completely the Settlement Agreement and its effect on your rights.
PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE, that the Settlement Agreement preserves rights of certain parties for Preserved Claims with respect to Preserved Coverage, which relate to claims for Abuse asserted against the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux SD (i.e. the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux as it existed on and after June 5, 1977). Specifically, the Settlement Agreement provides that Preserved Claims include those claims for Abuse which have been asserted or in the future may be asserted solely against the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux SD, for which coverage under the Travelers Policies is preserved, subject to all limits, declarations, terms and conditions of such policies.
PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE, that Preserved Claims also include claims alleging Abuse asserted in a proof of claim filed in the Bankruptcy Case (such proof of claim filed on or before December 2, 2025) containing allegations of Abuse against the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux SD or implicating a priest within the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux SD. If any such claimant intends to maintain their right to file a claim or lawsuit against the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux SD and/or USF&G (but solely in its capacity as an insurer of, and only for Abuse allegedly committed by, Houma-Thibodaux SD) under any policy in which the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux SD is an additional named insured, such claimant shall provide notice of intent to file such claim or lawsuit not later than April 16, 2026 in writing to the below counsel to the Settlement Trustee, otherwise such claim shall be waived and extinguished.
Iain A.W. Nasatir
Pachulski Stang Zeihl & Jones LLP
10100 Santa Monica Blvd., Ste. 1300
Los Angeles, CA 90067
Telephone (310) 277-6910
Email: inasatir@pszjlaw.com
PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that a hearing on the Settlement Motion will be held before the Honorable Judge Meredith S. Grabill of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana, Section A, on April 23, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. CT.
PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that, pursuant to General Order 2021-2, parties in interest and their counsel may attend the hearing either IN PERSON, in Courtroom B-709, 500 Poydras Street, New Orleans, LA 70130, or VIA TELEPHONE. The dial-in information for Section A is 1-504-517-1385; Access Code 129611.
PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that if you object to the relief requested in the Settlement Motion, you must file a written objection no later than April 16, 2026. You must serve a copy of your response on the person who sent you this notice. Otherwise, the Court may treat the Motion as unopposed and grant the relief requested.
PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE, that the Settlement Trustee may file supplements to the Settlement Motion not included in the initial filing of the Settlement Motion, as well as any revisions or additions to the Settlement Agreement. Notice of any supplements will be served only upon those parties who have formally appeared in this Chapter 11 Case and requested notice in accordance with Rule 2002 of the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure.
PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE, that a copy of the Settlement Motion and any supplements may be obtained from the Clerk’s Office, United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana, via the Court’s electronic case management system at https://ecf.laeb.uscourts.gov, by visiting https://bankruptcy.angeiongroup.com/Clients/rcano/Dockets, by calling (877) 476-4389, or by written request to undersigned counsel.
PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE, IF YOU HAVE (1) A CLAIM AGAINST THE SETTLEMENT TRUSTEE OR ARCHDIOCESE (AS APPLICABLE) AS TO WHICH INSURANCE COVERAGE IS OR MAY BE AVAILABLE, (2) AN INTEREST IN ANY OF THE USF&G INSURANCE POLICIES, OR (3) ANY CLAIMS AGAINST USF&G RELATING TO THE FOREGOING, YOUR RIGHTS MAY BE AFFECTED.
1 Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein have the meanings ascribed to them in the Settlement Motion.
Adv. March 25, 2026

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PUBLIC NOTICE
ORDINANCE
NO. 2424
An Ordinance declaring multiple tax adjudicated properties as surplus property and authorize the Parish to proceed with the process for advertising and sale of such adjudicated properties.
WHEREAS, the St. Mary Parish Government owns multiple properties described on the attached Ex- hibit “A”; said properties have been adjudicated to the Parish for unpaid property taxes; and
WHEREAS, the requisite time has passed for the owners of the above-referenced properties to redeem the property, as per Louisiana Revised Statute 47:2122(11) and the Louisiana Constitution Article 7, Section 25; and
WHEREAS, the St. Mary Parish Government seeks to initiate a sale of the tax adjudicated properties listed on Exhibit “A” through Archon Information Systems, LLC d/b/a CivicSource.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, that pursuant to all applicable provisions of law, the Parish Administration is directed and authorized to assess, deem, designate, and determine that such immovable properties included on the attached Exhibit “A” are surplus.
BE IT FURTHER ORDAIN-ED, that the properties listed on the attached Exhibit “A” are surplus property to be advertised and sold to the highest bidder at online auction or to a qualifying, adjoining lot owner at private sale.
BE IT FURTHER ORDAIN-ED, that the Parish Administration is authorized to proceed with the advertising and selling of these surplus properties through Archon Information Systems, LLC d/b/a CivicSource to the highest qualifying bidder at online auction or to a qualifying, adjoining lot owner at private sale, on such dates and times as designated by Parish Ad- ministration.
BE IT FURTHER ORDAIN-ED, that the Parish President is authorized to execute all forms, documents, affidavits, and acts of sales related thereto.
BE IT FURTHER ORDAIN-ED, that any and all actions previously taken by Parish Administration in furtherance of the actions contemplated herein are ratified and accepted accordingly.
All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed.
This ordinance shall become effective upon adoption.
This ordinance having been offer-ed and read on this 28th day of January 2026; having been published in accordance with law; having been heard in a public hearing held at Franklin, Louisiana on the 25th day of February 2026; was adopted by the following vote on the 25th day of February 2026.
AYES: David Hill, James Davis, Jr., Mark A. Duhon, Dean S. Adams, Dr. Kristi P. Rink, Gwendolyn L. Hidalgo, Rev. Craig Mathews. J Ina, and Rodney Olan-der.
NAYS: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
ABSENT: Leslie Rulf, Jr. and Patrick J. Hebert.
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 the 2nd day of March 2026, at the hour of 8:54 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 3rd day of March 2026, at the hour of 1:50 p.m.
The Exhibits to this ordinance have not been published. Said Exhibits are on file with the minutes of the St. Mary Parish Council, State of Louisiana, Courthouse, 5th Floor, Franklin Louisiana 70538, and are available for inspection during regular business hours weekdays, Monday through Friday.

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PUBLIC NOTICE
ORDINANCE
NO. 2425
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.
WHEREAS, on March 12, 2014, the St. Mary Parish Council adopted Ordinance No. 1973 – St. Mary Parish Unified Development Code, and
WHEREAS, DIVISION 5.4 General Procedures for Public Hearings, Section 5.4.3 Specific Use Permits provides a process for the granting of a specific use, and
THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAIN-ED by the Parish Council of the Parish of St. Mary, State of Louisiana, acting as the governing authority of the Parish of St. Mary, State of Louisiana:
SECTION I - That certain tract of land described in Exhibit “A” is hereby approved and granted a specific use to allow for a Recreational Vehicle (RV) in a Single Family Residential Zoned District.
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 28th day of January 2026; having been published in accordance with law; having been heard in a public hearing held at Franklin, Louisiana on the 25th day of February 2026; was adopted by the following vote on the 25th day of February 2026.
AYES: David Hill, James Davis, Jr., Mark A. Duhon, Dean S. Adams, Dr. Kristi P. Rink, Gwendolyn L. Hidalgo, Rev. Craig Mathews. J Ina, and Rodney Olan-der.
NAYS: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
ABSENT: Leslie Rulf, Jr. and Patrick J. Hebert.
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 the 2nd day of March 2026 at the hour of 8:54 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 3rd day of March 2026 at the hour 1:50 p.m.
EXHIBIT “A”
Name: Freddie DeCourt
Address: 3411 Hwy. 319
Franklin, LA
Parcel Id# 1034364295.00 -Lot Por No 68-C Moresi Estates Part 9 Per Plat 96 291386 lying South of Hwy. 319 Acq. 422 338186; Sec.20 T15S R6E
Currently Zon-ed: Single Family Residential (SR) Zoned District
Specific Use purpose: to allow for a Recreational Vehicle (RV) in a Single Family Residential (SR) Zoned District.
Adv. March 25, 2026

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PUBLIC NOTICE
ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS
The St. Mary Parish Gravity Sub-Drainage District No. 1 of Gravity Drainage District No. 2, acting through its Chairman, Chad Ross, will receive sealed bids for the Engine & Gear Box Replacements for 3, 48-inch Pumps at the Bertrand- Vinning Pump Station project, which consists of removal and re- placement of three (3) engines, gear reducers, and drives shafts for 48-inch vertical propeller pumps at the Bertrand-Vinning Pump Station, at the St. Mary Parish Courthouse, 5th Floor, Franklin, Louisiana 70538, until April 9, 2026 at 10:00 A.M., local time, at which time and place, they will be publicly opened and read aloud. Bids re- ceived after the time set forth above for opening of bids will not be considered and will be returned unopened.
The Contract Documents (Plans, Information for Bidders, Bid Form, Specifications and other pertinent documents) may be examined at the following locations:
• Miller Engineers & Associates, Inc. – 601 Main Street; Franklin, Louisiana 70538
Copies of the bidding documents may be obtained from the office of Miller Engineers and Associates, Inc. upon receipt of $70.00 for each set during normal business hours (7:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. Monday – Thursday and 7:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. Friday). Checks for Bidding Documents shall be made payable to “Miller Engineers & Associates, Inc.”. In accordance with La. R.S. 38:2212 A (1) (e), deposits on the first set of documents furnished bona fide prime bidders will be fully refunded up- on return of the documents, deposits on any additional sets will be refunded less the actual cost of re- production. Re- funds will be made upon return of the documents un- marked and in good condition if within ten days after receipt of bids.
Official bid documents can be downloaded from Central Bidding at www.centralbidding.com. Electronic bids can be submitted at www.centralbidding.com. For any questions relating to the electronic bidding process, please call Central Bidding at (225) 810-4814.
A mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held at the Bertrand-Vinning Pump Station; 124 Opperman Lane, Morgan City, Louisiana 70380; on March 26, 2026 at 10:00 AM. In ac- cordance with La. R.S. 38:2212 (I), “all prospective bidders shall be present at the be- ginning of the pre-bid conference and shall remain in attendance for the duration of the conference. Any prospective bidder who fails to attend the conference or remain for the duration shall be prohibited from submitting a bid for the project”.
To qualify to bid, each bidder shall be a properly licensed Contractor in accordance with La. R.S. 37:2150 – 2163 for the classification of HEAVY CONSTRUCTION. Contractors desiring to bid shall submit evidence that they hold license of proper classification that is effective at the time the bidding documents are requested.
The Owner re- serves the right to reject any and all bids in accordance with Title 38 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes.
Each bidder must deposit with his/her bid, security in the amount, form and subject to the conditions provided in the Information for Bidders. Sureties used for obtaining bonds must appear as acceptable on the U.S. Department of Treasury Circular 570.
A bidder may withdraw their bid within forty-eight (48) hours of the bid opening, ex- cluding Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays as governed by La. R.S. 38:2214 (C).
Any person with disabilities requiring special accommodations must contact the St. Mary Parish Government no later than seven (7) days prior to the bid opening.
/s/ Chad Ross
Chad Ross,
Chairman
St. Mary Parish Gravity Sub- Drainage District No. 1 of Gravity Drainage District No. 2
Adv. March 11, 18 and 25, 2026

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PUBLIC NOTICE
ST. MARY
PARISH GOVERNMENT
MATERIAL SUPPLY
CONTRACT
NOTICE TO BIDDERS
NOTICE IS HEREBY given by St. Mary Parish Government that sealed bids will be received at the office of the St. Mary Parish Purchasing Department, Fifth Floor Courthouse, Franklin, Louisiana 70538, until 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at which time bids will be publicly opened and read aloud for:
“CATIONIC EMULSIFIED ASPHALT”
“WIRE ROPE”
“LIMESTONE BY PARISH TRUCKS”
“LIMESTONE BY VENDOR TRUCK”
“LIMESTONE BY BARGE”
“ALTERNATE DAILY COVER”
Bids received after the above- specified time will not be considered.
Specifications and contract documents for the above can be ob- tained upon re- quest from the St. Mary Parish Purchasing Department, Fifth Floor Courthouse, Franklin, Louisiana 70538. Official bid documents can be downloaded from Central Bidding at www.centralbidding.com Electronic bids can be submitted at www.centralbidding.com. For any questions relating to the electronic bidding process, please call Central Bidding at 225-810-4814.
Envelopes must be marked as follows:
“BIDS FOR ASPHALT”
“BIDS FOR WIRE ROPE”
“BIDS FOR LIMESTONE BY
VENDOR/PARISH TRUCK”
“BIDS FOR
LIMESTONE BY BARGE”
“BIDS FOR ALTERNATE COVER”
St. Mary Parish reserves the right to reject any and/or all bids to waive informalities in any and/or all bids, and to award the contract in the best interest of St. Mary Parish.
Thus, done and signed at Franklin, Parish of St. Mary, Louisiana on this 18th day of March 2026.
(S) Sam Jones
Sam Jones
Parish President
St. Mary Parish Government
Adv. March 18, 20, 25 and 27, 2026

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PUBLIC NOTICE
Recreation
District No. 4 of the Parish of
St. Mary
Minutes of
Meeting
February 18, 2026
Members Present: LaGenia Bradford, William Miller, Edward Austin, Vincent Byrd
Members Ab- sent: None
Others Present: Barry Dufrene, Andrew Bienvenu, Jerry Boyles
Mrs. Bradford opened the regular meeting leading the Board in the pledge of allegiance.
The minutes of the regular meeting held on January 21, 2026, were reviewed. Mr. Miller made a motion to accept the minutes. Mr. Austin seconded the mo- tion. The motion passed.
Mr. Dufrene presented and re- viewed the financial statements presented to the Board. A motion to accept the report was made by Mr. Austin and seconded by Mr. Byrd. The motion passed.
Mr. Miller made a motion to pay outstanding in- voices. Mr. Austin seconded the motion. Mr. Miller, Mr. Austin, and Mrs. Bradford vot-ed yes. Mr. Byrd abstained. The motion passed.
Mr. Dufrene presented the auditors’ report of the District’s financial records. The District’s financial statements were reviewed. There were no changes to the financial statements. Mr. Du- frene did point out, this is the second year expenditures exceeded receipts. The decision by the Parish and the City of Patterson to stop contributing to the District aiding in the operating expenses is being felt financially.
Mr. Boyles presented his report. The sprinkler system in the District’s building will be repaired. He also reported dur-ing the cooler winter season, there is an infiltration of wasps into the building. When the weather warms up, the wasps leave. This has been occurring for several years.
Mr. Bienvenu gave a report on the recreation leagues. Upon a motion by Mr. Byrd and a second by Mr. Miller, the Board authorized Mrs. Bradford to sign a cooperative endeavor agreement with Recreation District No. 3 for the use of their gym for Biddy Basketball. The motion passed. He reported registration for baseball and softball have begun.
Upon a motion by Mr. Miller and a second by Mr. Byrd, the Board entered into an agreement with Mr. Dufrene for accounting services for the period ending December 31, 2026.
Upon a motion by Mr. Byrd and a second by Mr. Austin, the Board entered into an agreement with Mr. Boyles to continue as the Director of the District.
Upon a motion by Mr. Miller and a second by Mr. Byrd, the Board reappointed Gabrielle Gil as the secretary treasurer of the Board for the period ending December 31, 2026.
With there being no other business to discuss, a mo- tion to adjourn was made by Mr. Miller and seconded by Mr. Byrd. The motion passed.
———————
LaGenia Bradford
Chairperson
———————
Gabrielle Gil
Secretary Treasurer
Adv. March 25, 2026

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PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE
Notice is hereby given that the following proposed ordinance has been submitted at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Patterson, Louisiana, on the 3rd day of March 2026.
INTRODUCTION OF
ORDINANCE NO. 2026-03
AN ORDINANCE levying a GENERAL ALIMONY TAX of 8.10 Mills for the tax year 2026 of all property situated in the CITY OF PATTERSON, LOUISIANA, subjected to taxation therein, and auth- orizing extension by the Assessor of St. Mary Parish, Louisiana.
BE IT ORDAIN-ED, by the Mayor and Council of the City of Patterson, Louisiana, in regular session assembled that:
SECTION I: That there be assessed, levied, and collected for the year 2026, a GENERAL ALIMONY TAX of 8.10 Mills on the dollar assessed valuation on all property situated in the City of Patterson and taxable thereby:
SECTION II: The Assessor of the Parish of St. Mary is hereby authorized to ex- tend the aforementioned Tax on the 2026 Assessment Roll of the City of Patterson, Louisiana.
THE FOREGOING ORDINANCE was offered by ——————— who moved for its adoption, seconded by ———————, and upon roll call vote, the following vote was recorded.
YEAS:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAINED:
WHEREUPON THE MAYOR declared the ORDINANCE ADOPTED on this ——— day of ———————, 2026 at which a quorum was present and voting.
Attest:
———————
Rodney A. Grogan,
Mayor
———————
Midge Bourgeois,
City Clerk,
Notice is further given that a public hearing on the aforesaid proposed ordinance is set for 6:00 p.m. on the 3rd day of March, 2026, during the regular meeting of the Patterson City Council to be held at the City Hall in Patterson, 1314 Main Street, Patterson, Louisiana, on that date and at that time, and final action on said proposed ordinance shall be taken at said meeting.
———————
MIDGE
BOURGEOIS,
CITY CLERK
Adv. March 11, 18 and 25, 2026

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PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE
Notice is hereby given that the following proposed ordinance has been submitted at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Patterson, Louisiana, on the 3rd day of March 2026.
INTRODUCTION OF
ORDINANCE
NO. 2026-03A
AN ORDINANCE providing for the Tax of 9.4 Mills for the year 2026 on all property situated in the City of Patterson, Louisiana, subject to taxation to pay for PUBLIC IM- PROVEMENT BOND FOR WATERWORKS ISSUES of the City of Patterson, Louisiana, and authorizing extension by the Assessor of St. Mary Parish, Louisiana.
BE IT ORDAIN-ED by the Mayor and Council of the City of Patterson, Louisiana, in regular session assembled, that:
SECTION 1: That there be assessed, levied, and collected for the year 2026 a Tax of 9.4 Mills on the dollar of assessed valuation on all property for paying PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT BOND FOR WATERWORKS ISSUES of the City of Patterson, Louisiana.
SECTION II: The Assessor of the Parish of St. Mary is hereby authorized to extend the aforementioned Tax on the 2026 Assessment Roll of the City of Patterson, Louisiana.
THE FOREGOING ORDINANCE was offered by Councilmember ———————, who moved for its adoption, seconded by Councilmember ———————, and upon roll call vote, the following vote was recorded:
Yeas:
Nays:
Absent:
Abstained:
WHEREUPON THE MAYOR declared the ORDINANCE ADOPTED on this ——- day of ——————, 2026 at which a quorum was present and voting.
Attest:
———————
Rodney A. Grogan,
Mayor
———————
Midge Bourgeois,
City Clerk,
Notice is further given that a public hearing on the aforesaid proposed ordinance is set for 6:00 p.m. on the 3rd day of March, 2026, during the regular meeting of the Patterson City Council to be held at the City Hall in Patterson, 1314 Main Street, Patterson, Louisiana, on that date and at that time, and final action on said proposed ordinance shall be taken at said meeting.
———————
MIDGE
BOURGEOIS,
CITY CLERK
Adv. March 11, 18 and 25, 2026

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PUBLIC 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 ex- amined and ob- tained 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

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PUBLIC 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 examined or ob- tained 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

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PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the St. Mary Parish Council in accordance with law that a vacancy exists on the Board of Adjustments for the Parish of St. Mary.
The St. Mary Parish Council will receive applications for the filling of this vacancy from this date until April 2, 2026, at Noon.
Qualifications for submitting of an application will be in compliance with Ordinance No. 1738 – Section 5.3 Board of Adjustment – A. Composition and Appointment.
Applications may be mailed or personally submitted Monday- Thursday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. till noon on Friday to Lisa C. Morgan, Clerk of the Council, Fifth Floor Courthouse, Franklin, Louisiana 70538.
The St. Mary Parish Council will meet in regular session on April 8, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Meeting Room, Fifth Floor Courthouse, Franklin, Louisiana to fill this vacancy.
Adv. March 11 and 25, 2026

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PUBLIC NOTICE
OFFICIAL
PROCEEDINGS
ST. MARY LEVEE
DISTRICT
REGULAR MEETING
February 19, 2026
Morgan City, LA
The St. Mary Levee District (“SMLD”) met on this date with, William Hidalgo Sr. presiding and the following board members present: JP Hebert, Kenny Arceneaux, Mike Thomason, Will Terry, Mike Ortiz, Andrew Mancuso and Carla Davis.
Also present: Michael Brocato, Executive Director; Tucker Manuel, O&M Technician; Gerard Bourgeois, Bill Bourgeois; Reid Miller, Miller Engineers, Robert Karam and Denton Graham, T. Baker Smith; and members of the public.
Mr. Mancuso moved to dispense with the reading and to approve the Jan 15 minutes. After a second by Ms. Davis, the motion was carried unanimously.
Mr. Arceneaux presented the payables report, which Ms. Davis moved to approve. Following Mr. Hebert second, the motion was carried unanimously.
Mr. Arceneaux moved to authorize a membership at the Petroleum Club for the Executive Director. After a second by Mr. Mancuso the mo- tion carried unanimously.
Mr. Hebert mov-ed to authorize amendment 2 with Olsson for the Bayou Teche study. After a second by Mr. Thomason, the motion carried un- animously.
Mr. Mancuso moved to authorize signing the IGA with Bayou Chene partners. After a second by Mr. Terry the motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Arceneaux moved to approve Change Order 4 for TE168 Station 4 project. After a second by Mr. Mancuso, the mo- tion was carried unanimously.
Mr. Mancuso moved to approve moving forward on the Avoca Tie-In project. After a second by Ms. Davis the motion was carried unanimously.
Mr. Arceneaux moved to surplus office equipment. After a second by Mr. Ortiz, the motion was carried unanimously.
Mr. Mancuso moved to authorize signing a CEA with St. Mary Excel to advertise for an engineering firm to complete a Preliminary Engineering Report for a grant. After a second by Ms. Davis, the motion was carried unanimously.
Mr. Arceneaux moved to authorize the purchase of map cabinets. After a second by Ms. Davis, the motion was carried unanimously.
Mr. Hidalgo ask-ed for further comments and did not receive any. Mr. Terry moved for adjournment, which was seconded by Mr. Mancuso and was carried unanimously.
Attest:
———————
Kenneth
Arceneaux Jr.,
Secretary/Treasurer
St. Mary Levee District
Adv. March 25, 2026

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PUBLIC NOTICE
The City of Patterson Housing Authority monthly board meeting will be tuesday March 31st at 5:30 pm, 409 Grout Street Patterson, La. 70392 Public welcome. No agenda at this time.

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