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LEAP tests 'steady,' with challenges

Wed, 07/31/2024 - 6:00am

Staff report
The St. Mary Parish school system says the latest round of state LEAP testing shows steady proficiency with some challenges.
The LEAP 2025 Assessment results, covering the 2023-24 school year, were released last week.
The school system reported that the overall proficiency rate on tests for grades 3-8 remained steady at 31%.
The passing rates decreased slightly to 84% from 85%.
“The results showcase a mix of advancements and areas needing improvement across different grades and subjects,” said a school system Facebook post on Thursday.
Detailed information, including individual student results, is available through the Parent Command Center. Printed copies will be distributed on the first day of school.
Superintendent Dr. Buffy Fegenbush stressed the importance of transparency. The strategy is to use test data and progress monitoring to implement “targeted interventions and support systems.
“This open approach is crucial for building on our achievements and effectively addressing disparities.”
Statewide, the Department of Education said English language arts mastery was up by a percentage point, and students with disabilities improved their scores for the third straight year.
“Following consecutive years of improvement, these latest scores show students holding steady,” said Louisiana State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley. “With a need to see increased outcomes, however, these numbers substantiate our recent aggressive efforts to simply let teachers teach, provide students with high-dosage tutoring, refresh our school accountability model, and expand options for students to access high-quality schools.”
Results from the 2024 LEAP assessments show:
—In math, students in grades 3-8 maintained their previous overall mastery rate. Math mastery rates improved in grades 4 and 7, remained the same in grades 5 and 6, and declined in grades 3 and 8.
—In science, students in grades 3-8 maintained their previous overall mastery rate. Science mastery rates improved in grades 3, 5, and 6 and declined in 4, 7, and 8.
—The percent of students scoring “Unsatisfactory” — the lowest achievement level — decreased when compared to last year in grades 3-12.
—Third-graders grew two points in both ELA and science.
—Fourth-graders dipped three in ELA and two in science, while growing two in math.
—Fifth-graders grew three points in ELA and one in science.
—Sixth-graders grew two in ELA and three in science.
—Students in grades 4 and 7 grew in math for the third consecutive year. Fourth-graders improved by two points and seventh graders by one.
—Eighth graders dropped one in both ELA and math and three in science.
Louisiana’s overall mastery rate for students in grades 3-8 is 34, high school is 36, and the combined rate is 35. All of those percentages match totals from the previous year. The mastery rate measures the percentage of students who scored Mastery or above on LEAP and are considered proficient.
The Council for a Better Louisiana analyzed the numbers against the backdrop of a Washington Post investigation that found scores falling to pre-COVID levels across the country.
“The good news for Louisiana is that despite our clear challenges, that doesn’t seem to be the case,” said a CABL press release.
In 2019, just before the pandemic, 34% of students in grades 3-8 performed at the level of Mastery, the state goal, or above. Generally, this was across the four subjects where students are assessed: English, math, science and social studies.
In 2021 that dipped to 29%, but in both 2023 and 2024 returned to that earlier level of 34%. Currently, students do not appear to be growing, but they are not going backwards.

LEROY ANTHONY DOMINO SR.

Tue, 07/30/2024 - 9:28am

October 13, 1929 — July 24, 2024
Leroy Anthony Domino Sr., 94, a resident of Morgan City, passed away peacefully, Wednesday, July 24, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.
Leroy was born October 13, 1929, in Morgan City, the son of Lee Kelly Domino and Angelina Fiorella Domino.
He will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his wife of 70 years, Marjorie “Margie” Castalano Domino; children, Sarah Forgey and partner Heather Guarisco, Angela Domino Smith, Lisa Ledbetter and husband James, Leroy Domino Jr. and wife Monique, and Charles Domino; grandchildren, Christina Smith, Katie Louviere and husband Jason, Thomas Ledbetter and significant other Allison Talley, Nicholas Forgey and wife Erin, Olivia Domino, Isabella Domino, and Sophia Domino; great-grandchildren, Lylah Louviere, Luke Louviere, Owen Talley, Henley Forgey, Andersyn Forgey, and Nico Forgey; siblings, Emmanuel Domino, Carol Leader, and Virgina Bell.
Leroy was preceded in death by his parents, Kelly and Angelina Domino; brothers, Blaze Domino, Angelo Domino, and David Domino; sister, Lucille Forster.
Leroy proudly served in the Marines. He dedicated his entire life to his family, showcasing unwavering love and commitment as a provider and husband to his beloved wife, Margie, and being an excellent father, grandfather, great-grandfather and father-in-law. He had a passion for creating and building, giving testament to his great talent and creativity. He was owner of Domino’s Sac-n-Save and the Villa Apartments for many years.
The family would like to give special thanks to Dr. Metz and Dr. Solet for their compassionate care to Leroy throughout the years, as well as Vital Care Home Health and Hope Healthcare and Hospice for their great care during the last months.
The family would also like to thank Leroy’s special caregivers who went above and beyond for him; Chassidy Bailey, Tempest Jackson, Karlecia “Charlie” Jones, and Wilda Riles.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, July 27, 2024, at Holy Cross Catholic Church with Father Francis Kayaye officiating. Visitation was held Saturday, July 27, 2024, at Holy Cross Catholic Church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. After Mass, Leroy was laid to rest in the Morgan City Cemetery Mausoleum.
Pallbearers were Leroy Domino Jr., Charles Domino, James Ledbetter, Nicholas Forgey, Thomas Ledbetter, and Jason Louviere; honorary pallbearer, Luke Louviere.

STEPHANIE ASH ROCK

Tue, 07/30/2024 - 9:27am

Stephanie Ash Rock, 62, a native of Port Neches, Texas and resident of Morgan City, died Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at her residence.
She is survived by her husband, Robert Rock II.
She was preceded in death by her mother and brother.
She will be cremated and no services will be held.
Twin City Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Seven drug-related arrests reported across parish

Mon, 07/29/2024 - 8:07pm

Staff Report

(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.)

Law enforcement agencies in St. Mary reported seven arrests on drug-related charges over the weekend, including one in Morgan City resulting in possession with intent to distribute charges.

Berwick police reported two drunken-driving arrests involving allegations of blood alcohol content of more than twice the presumptive limit.

Morgan City

Chief Chad M. Adams reported that the Morgan City Police Department responded to 119 calls for service over the last 72-hour reporting period and made these arrests:

--Kevin Lyn Clark, 42, Grandwood Street, Patterson, was arrested at 10:47 a.m. Friday on charges of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, possession with intent to distribute synthetic marijuana, transactions involving proceeds from drug activity, violation of a drug-free zone, illegal used of a controlled dangerous substance in the presence of juveniles and possession of drug paraphernalia.

--Chauntelle Marie Johnson, 45, Arizona Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 11:11 a.m. Friday on charges of possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. (Released on summons.)

--Lance Cordelle Carbins, 49, Morgan City, was 0arrested at 10:30 p.m. Friday on charges of possession of marijuana and remaining after forbidden. (Released on summons.)

--Kerwing Benitez-Deleon, 24, Morgan City, was arrested at 10:30 p.m. Friday on charges of possession of marijuana and remaining after forbidden. (Released on summons.)

--Courtnie Linnea Chenevert, 42, Onstead Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 10:55 p.m. Friday on charges of failure to appear to pay fine, two counts of failure to appear for arraignment and contempt of court (all for 6th Ward Morgan City Court).

--Joey Francois, 43, Mallard Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 12:40 a.m. Saturday on charges of flight from an officer, driving under suspension, expired license plate, two counts of failure to appear to pay fine (6th Ward Morgan City Court) and two counts of failure to appear for trial (6th Ward Morgan City Court).

--Angela Duval, 63, Arenz Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 11:37 p.m. Saturday on a charge of allowing dogs to roam. (Released on summons.)

--Johnny Lee Ayro, 60, Short Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 12:59 p.m. Saturday on a charge of failure to appear to pay fine (6th Ward Morgan City Court).

--Dylan Deondre Robinson, 25, Chennault Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 2:18 a.m. Sunday on a charge of failure to appear for arraignment (6th Ward Morgan City Court).

Berwick

Chief David Leonard Sr. reported these arrest:

--Paris Bias, 33, Morgan City, was arrested at 6 p.m. Thursday on a Berwick warrant alleging theft.

In March, the Berwick Police Department received a complaint about the theft of a wallet and debit card. Through the course of the investigation, evidence was gathered linking Bias to the theft.

It was also learned that Bias made several transactions with the victim’s debit card while in Berwick. Warrants were prepared for her arrest. On Thursday, Bias was located at the Berwick Police Department. and it was learned of the active warrant. Bias was placed under arrest and booked.

--Mark Broussard Jr., 34, Morgan City, was arrested at 6:32 p.m. Saturday on charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

About 6:18 p.m. Saturday, the Berwick Police Department received a call of a disturbance between two individuals. Officers made contact with Broussard.

While speaking with Broussard, he dropped drug paraphernalia on the ground. Broussard was placed under arrest and upon a search of his person, suspected methamphetamine was located. Broussard was transported to the Berwick Police Department where he was booked.

--Victor Diaz Sanchez, 54, Baton Rouge, was arrested at 9 p.m. Saturday on charges of driving while intoxicated (first offense), reckless operation of a motor vehicle and no driver’s license.

About 8:43 p.m. Saturday, officers in the area of U.S. 90 observed a vehicle traveling east in the westbound lane

A short time later, officers were able to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle. Officers made contact with the driver, who was identified as Diaz Sanchez. While speaking with him, signs of impairment were detected.

Diaz Sanchez performed poorly on field sobriety testing and was placed under arrest. He was transported to the Berwick Police Department, where he submitted a valid breath sample of 0.224G% BAC and was booked.

--Ron Abshire, 55, Patterson was arrested at 11:12 p.m. Saturday on charges of driving while intoxicated (first offense) and reckless operation of a motor vehicle.

--About 11:05 p.m. Saturday, a vehicle was observed traveling west on U.S. 90 in a reckless manner. A traffic stop was conducted, and officers made contact with the driver, who was identified as Abshire.

While speaking with Abshire, impairment was detected. Abshire refused field sobriety testing and was placed under arrest. Abshire was transported to the Berwick Police Department, where he submitted a valid breath sample of 0.202G% BAC and was booked.

--Herman Delco, 42, Morgan City, was arrested at 1:13 a.m. Sunday on a St. Mary Parish warrant alleging failure to appear.

About 1 a.m. Sunday, a traffic stop was conducted on a vehicle after it was observed speeding on U.S. 90. Officers made contact with Delco and learned that he had active warrants through the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Delco was placed under arrest and transported to the Berwick Police Department, where he was booked on the outstanding warrant.

St. Mary

Sheriff Gary Driskell reported that over the last 72-hour reporting period, the Sheriff’s Office responded to 88 complaints and made these arrests:

--Ricky Wayne Naron Jr., 42, Simsboro, was arrested at 10:55 p.m. Friday on charges of introduction of contraband into a penal institution, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of Schedule II drugs.

Naron was also named in two MCPD warrants alleging failure to appear on charges of driving under suspension and failure to yield/stop sign or yield sign.

Bail has not been set at this time.

--Jose Manuel Bibian Jr., 19, Morgan City, was arrested at 7:14 p.m. Saturday on a charge of simple battery. Bail was set at $6,000.

--Kylan Nigel Peters, 21, Franklin, was arrested at 7:05 p.m. Saturday on a warrant alleging failure to appear on a charge of aggravated assault with a firearm. Peters was released on a $30,000 bond.

--Harry James Smith III, 32, Franklin, was arrested at 3:45 a.m. Sunday on charges of driving while intoxicated, driving on roadway laned for traffic, driving under suspension and resisting an arrest.

Smith was released on a $8,750 bond.

Franklin

Chief Cedric Handy reported that the Franklin Police Department responded to 17 complaints last weekend and made these arrests:

--Curtis Williams, 41, Fox Lane, Franklin, was arrested at 8:59 p.m. Sunday on a warrant dated Aug. 2, 2021, alleging four counts of stop signs and yield signs, flight from an officer, possession of Schedule I drugs and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Williams was booked, processed and released on a $6,000 bond.

--Shawn Scully, 49, Cedar Street, Franklin, was arrested at 7:58 p.m. Friday on a warrant dated Aug. 10, 2022, alleging simple assault (domestic) and violation of protective orders, and a warrant for 16th Judicial District Court alleging failure to appear on charges of speeding and operating a vehicle while license is suspended. Scully was additionally arrested on a charge of violation of protective order. Scully was booked, processed and held with no bond set at the time of press release.

--Jonisha Yelling, 32, Baptiste Street, Baldwin, was arrested at 2:33 a.m. Sunday on a warrant for 3rd Ward City Court alleging failure to appear on a charge of speeding. Yelling was booked, processed and released on a $300 bond.

UPDATED WITH KIDS Q RESULTS: Bayou BBQ Bash winners

Mon, 07/29/2024 - 1:42pm

Here are the first-place winners and champions in last weekend's Bayou BBQ Bash under the bridge in Morgan City.

Winners are shown with Richard LaCoste of the Marine Corps League's St Mary Parish Detachment, which ran the annual barbecue competition. Steve Domangue of Cannata's appears in the photos of the Cannata's Kids Que winners.

The Review/Bill Decker

Morgan City police radio logs for July 26-29

Mon, 07/29/2024 - 1:29pm

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.
Friday, July 26
8:56 a.m. 1100 block of Levee Road; Removal.
10:04 a.m. 3000 block of Roderick Street; Complaint.
10:20 a.m. 7400 block of La. 182; Welfare concern.
10:25 a.m. U.S. 90/Brashear Avenue; Traffic incident.
10:27 a.m. Arizona Street; Search warrant.
10:55 a.m. 6700 block of La. 182; Traffic incident.
11:46 a.m. 1900 block of Cedar Street; Intel.
11:51 a.m. 200 block of Everett Street; Medical.
12:14 p.m. Marguerite Street; Complaint.
12:43 p.m. 2100 block of Cedar Street; Alarm.
12:49 p.m. 700 block of Florence Street; Animal complaint.
2:15 p.m. 2900 block of Railroad Avenue; Complaint.
2:23 p.m. 1600 block of Chatsworth Drive; Medical..
3:48 p.m. 600 block of General Patton Street St; Stand by
5:39 p.m. 300 block of Greenwood Street; 911 hang up.
6:23 p.m. U.S. 90; Complaint
6:37 p.m. 400 block of Fourth Street; Vehicle accident.
7:01 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Arrest.
7:28 p.m. 800 block of Railroad Avenue; Open door.
8:13 p.m. 300 block of Leona Street; Medical.
9:18 p.m. Elm/Pine streets; Suspicious person/vehicle.
9:20 p.m. 2300 block of Clements Street; Removal of subject.
9:58 p.m. Fourth/General McArthur streets; Suspicious person/vehicle.
10:19 p.m. Front Street; Suspicious person/vehicle.
11:49 p.m. Lawrence Park; Suspicious person/vehicle.
Saturday, July 27
2:18 a.m. 6400 block of La. 182; Suspicious person/vehicle.
2:20 a.m. 300 block of Chennault Street; Complaint.
2:45 a.m. 900 block of Marguerite Street; Suspicious person/vehicle.
5:10 a.m. 2300 block of La. 70; Alarm.
8:53 a.m. 1100 block of Birch Street; Criminal trespassing.
11:23 a.m. 600 block of Arenz Street; Animal complaint.
12:09 p.m. 800 block of Fourth Street; Stand by.
1:15 p.m. 1100 block of Marguerite Street; Criminal damage.
2:43 p.m. 900 block of Willard Street; Animal complaint.
8:42 p.m. U.S. 90; Vehicle accident.
9:16 p.m. 1000 block of Victor II Boulevard; Suspicious person/vehicle.
9:21 p.m. 300 block of Barrow Street; Medical.
10:14 p.m. 2300 block of La. 70; Loud music.
10:43 p.m. Freret/Fourth streets; Assistance.
10:57 p.m. 500 block of Roderick Street; Complaint.
11:19 p.m. 700 block of Fifth Street; Loud music.
11:55 p.m. Railroad Avenue/Mount Street; Suspicious person/vehicle.
Sunday, July 27
12:27 a.m. Fourth/Arenz streets; Suspicious person/vehicle.
1:47 a.m. 50th block of Aycock Street; 911 hang up.
1:49 a.m. 6300 block of La. 182; Complaint.
2:01 a.m. 500 block of Orange Street; Complaint.
3:01 a.m. 1000 block of Victor II Boulevard; Open door.
5:10 a.m. Brownell Homes; Discharging firearms.
8:32 a.m. 500 block of Roderick Street; Complaint.
10:33 a.m. 900 block of Duke Street; Welfare check.
12:04 p.m. 2300 block of Clements Street; Stand by.
12:27 p.m. 1200 block of Walnut Drive; Medical.
12:52 p.m. 7300 block of La. 182; Complaint.
1:05 p.m. 500 block of Roderick Street; Complaint.
2:54 p.m. 300 block of Onstead Street; Subject removal.
3:44 p.m. 1600 block of Front Street; Medical.
7:01 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Complaint.
7:43 p.m. Roderick Street; Suspicious person/vehicle.
8:56 p.m. 50th block of Aycock Street; 911 hang up.
9:06 p.m. 2300 block of Federal Avenue; Complaint.
9:18 p.m. Eighth/Duke streets; Suspicious person/vehicle.
10:58 p.m. La. 70; Reckless driver.
11:26 p.m. 300 block of Union Street; Loud music.
Monday, July 29
12:03 a.m. 800 block of Levee Road; Medical.
3:36 a.m. 800 block of Front Street; Alarm.

MADELYN FONTENOT

Mon, 07/29/2024 - 11:25am

Madelyn Fontenot, 82, a native of Mamou and resident of Morgan City, died Saturday, July 27, 2024.
She is survived by three sons, Neil Fontenot of Youngsville, Christopher Fontenot of Gonzales and Phillip Fontenot of Morgan City; nine grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and one sister, Cynthia Marcantel.
She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, granddaughter and brother.
Visitation will be Tuesday, 9 a.m.-noon, at Hargrave Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian burial will be at 12:30 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Morgan City with graveside services following in the Morgan City Mausoleum.
Hargrave Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Two die in U.S. 90 crash in Patterson

Sat, 07/27/2024 - 5:54pm

Staff Report

The Thursday night crash that closed U.S. 90 in Patterson killed two people, including a Franklin man, state police say.

The fatalities were identified by Louisiana State Police Troop I as Anthony Peck, 77, Franklin, and Betty Hester, 58, Benton, Kentucky.

The Troop I account said that just before 10 p.m. Thursday, Marcela Yepes-Restrepo of Texas was eastbound on U.S. 90 in a 2019 Kenworth 18-wheeler and attempting to make a U-turn from a center turn lane near Lori Lane.

A 2019 Kia Sorento driven by Peck, and in which Hester was a passenger, was traveling east on U.S. 90 and struck the right side of the 18-wheeler for reasons yet to be determined.

Peck and Hester, who was in the front passenger seat, sustained fatal injuries and were pronounced dead at the scene. Two juvenile passengers in the rear of the Kia were transported to nearby hospitals with moderate to severe injuries. Yepes-Restrepo was uninjured in
the crash. All occupants involved were properly restrained. 

Although Yepes-Restrepo was determined not to be impaired, she provided a voluntary breath sample, which showed no alcohol present. A standard toxicology sample was collected from Peck and submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation and potential
charges are pending. 

While the cause of this crash remains under investigation, distracted and inattentive driving continues to be a leading cause of crashes in the state, troopers said. Louisiana State Police troopers urge all motorists to stay alert while driving. A lapse in one’s awareness can have
deadly consequences. 

Troop I has investigated 22 fatal crashes resulting in 24 fatalities in 2024. 

UPDATED WITH STORY: In barbecue competition, you only get one bite

Sat, 07/27/2024 - 1:28pm

BILL DECKER

bdecker@daily-review.com

Bob Zannini found that, as the years went, barbecue cooking looked better as a hobby.

“It’s an old man’s sport,” said Zannini, 69, of Lafayette. “A lot of athletic things I used to do I don’t do anymore.

“At least with this I can eat,” Zannini said as he basted chicken on a grill Saturday at the Bayou BBQ Bash under the bridge in Morgan City. “My family loves my leftovers.”

Zannini was one of an expected 40 competitors in the Bash, a competition sanctioned by the Barbeque Competitors Alliance. The St. Mary Chamber event, run by the Marine Corps League’s St. Mary Detachment. Along with the barbecue competition, the Bash offered food and drink, live music, arts and crafts, and, for the first time, a car show.

Zannini took his hobby to the next level by entering competitions. He’s won a grand championship and some reserve championships along the way.

And he’s learned a lesson.

“Competition barbecue and backyard barbecue are two different things,” Zannini said. “With competition barbecue, you get one bite.”

That’s the bite a judge, probably a volunteer judge, gets in order to grade a chef’s work. So the chef has to wow the judge with the chicken’s taste and texture.

“It’s finding a happy balance,” Zannini said. “You hope that an everyday person is going to like it.”

Not long after finishing his leg quarter, Zannini packed up it up and took it across the street to the Trinity Episcopal church hall, where the chicken judging was about to begin.

Local volunteer judges were getting instruction from Brian Lipps, a Barbeque Competitors Alliance judge.

The first rule of chicken judge club is don’t talk about chicken at the table. Don’t do anything that might influence other judges, like make an obvious gesture of approval or disapproval after taking a bite.

Take small bites, Lipps advised, especially those volunteers who will go on to judge ribs or brisket later. Big bites fill you up, and that can influence the scores you give.

And if you think your first bite is a perfect 10, but you want to hold off until you taste some more chicken before giving a top grade, don’t, Lipps said. If your sheet contains all 10s, Lipps said, “it’s my job to figure it out.”

A preliminary judging narrowed the field in each category to 10. The final 10 go to another set of judges, seven in the case of the chicken judging, who pick the winners.

UPDATED WITH STORY: Conrad celebrates completion of first home-away-from-home for the Navy

Fri, 07/26/2024 - 1:09pm

BILL DECKER

AMELIA -- It was a first for the U.S. Navy, the first in a new class of vessels designed to house sailors while their ships are being repaired or maintained.

It was a first for Conrad Shipyard, a big military contract and a footprint in an increasingly important sector of the local industry.

For longtime Conrad CEO Johnny Conrad, it was something more.

“I can’t put it in words,” Conrad said Friday, after a ceremony at Conrad’s Amelia yard marked delivery of the new YRBM. “This is a dream come true.”

The ceremony drew U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy , U.S. Reps. Garret Graves and Troy Carter, and other dignitaries to Amelia with the 151-foot-long, 61-foot-high vessel looming in the background.

YRBM stands for yard, repair, berthing, messing. The first of its kind, YRBM-57 can house 300 sailors at time. Its enlisted mess can feed 60 sailors in a single shift, and the vessel has a conference room, laundry, classrooms, lounges and a medical facility.

YRBM-57 is the first of as many as eight vessels in the class that are part of a contract with the Navy worth a reported $140 million.

Conrad celebrated the event in style. YRBM-57 was decorated with red, white and blue bunting. Morgan City High’s JROTC sent a color guard, and MCHS band members played the national anthem.

Capt. Gregory Mitchell said the vessel performed well during a builder’s trial that is notoriously strict for first-time contractors.

The vessel is bound for San Diego and then to Japan, where the United States has a naval presence. The warships there keep an eye on potential trouble spots including the Taiwan Strait and the waters off the Korean Peninsula.

“What you guys do out here matters,” Mitchell said.

Cassidy, R-Baton Rouge, gave a shout-out to the workers who built the craft.

“Let me start by thanking the guys in the hardhats,” Cassidy said. “They’re participating and protecting the United States of America.”

And they’re “making Morgan City part of the way we defend our country.”

Graves offered thanks to what he called the “hardhats and the hard heads.”

The latter were needed to get an appropriation of $23 million-$25 million in 2023 and $30 million in 2024, Graves said.

Carter noted that the vessels built by Conrad will replace craft that in some cases go back to World War II.

The military has become an important customer for local shipyards. Bollinger, which also has an Amelia facility, as well as Metal Shark and Swiftships all have performed work for the Navy, the Marines or the Coast Guard.

A contract dispute led to the loss of a contract for Swiftships earlier this year and the loss of about 100 jobs.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 704 people were employed in St. Mary Parish ship construction or repair at 13 employers at the end of 2023.