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Graves won't run for re-election to U.S. House

Sun, 06/16/2024 - 3:11pm

U.S. Rep. Garret Graves. whose district has covered Assumption Parish and touched eastern St. Mary since 2022, has announced that he won't run for re-election this year.'

Graves, R-Baton Rouge, was the odd man out in new Louisiana U.S. House districts made necessary by court rulings requiring creation of a second Black-majority district.

“This has been an amazing experience resulting in thousands of new friendships and unrivaled progress for the area we represent," Graves said in his announcement that he won't run.

He expressed confidence that the federal courts will strike down the latest House map but not in time for the 2024 House elections.

Graves, known as an ally of former U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, saw his district changed to stretch from Baton Rouge to Shreveport in an effort to find enough Black residents to make a majority.

Until Graves' announcement Friday, there was speculation that Graves might run in the newly altered 6th District or challenge another incumbent, Julia Letlow, R-Start, in the 5th District. Key state Republicans, including U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, let it be known they would favor Letlow in a matchup with Graves.

Louisiana's population is nearly 32% African American, but only one of its six House districts -- the New Orleans-area 2nd, represented by Democrat Troy Carter -- has a Black majority and is represented by a Black congressman.

Graves, 52, is a Baton Rouge native who had a long history of service as a congressional staffer before his own election. His work on Capitol Hill included stints as aide to U.S. Rep. Billy Tauzin and Sens. David Vitter and John Breaux.

Then Gov. Bobby Jindal appointed Graves in 2008 to chair the state Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority.

Graves first ran for Congress in 2014, finishing second to former Gov. Edwin Edwards in the primary but beating Edwards in the runoff.

The latest redistricting leaves all of St. Mary in the 3rd District represented by U.S. Rep. Clay Higgins, R-Lafayette. Assumption Parish is in Carter's 2nd District.

Longtime state legislator and one-time governor candidate Cleo Fields, D-Baton Rouge, is considered likely to run in the Black majority 6th District.

School Board votes to give teachers a raise

Sat, 06/15/2024 - 6:50pm
Staff Report

St. Mary Parish public school teachers are getting a raise.k

The board voted Thursday to raise the starting pay for teachers by $1,500 a year.

Also Thursday, the board heard that its districtwide re-enrollment is 70% complete, more than a month after the targeted completion date.And the board made preparations to call for tax renewal elections and to roll forward property tax rates.

The teacher pay raise was to be $1,200 a year before a work session earlier in the week, Superintendent Dr. Buffy Fegenbush told the board. But feedback from board members resulted in an increase to $1,500 in the proposal.

The raise increases the starting pay for teachers to $47,800, up from $46,300, a raise of 3.3%, almost exactly the inflation rate reported for the May 2023-May 2024 period.

School Board members will decide to raise their own pay to $800 per month at the July meeting.

The search for teachers to fill the needs of school districts has become more competitive in the post-COVD era. In 2023, USA Today reported that Louisiana fell 2,520 teachers short of filling all vacant teacher positions. Nationwide, the vacancies topped 55,000.

Louisiana had less than 2% of the nation's population and more than 4% of the teacher vacancies.

In 2021, St. Mary voters approved a 0.45% sales tax dedicated to teacher and staff pay, but only after the board knocked off 0.05 points off the proposal and eliminated a dedication to a technology fund. The tax was to raise $3.9 million a year for a $3,000 annual raise for teachers and a $1,500 raise for other staff members.

Also Thursday:

--Under the terms of a federal court order in the long-running desegregation lawsuit, the system system launched a re-enrollment of all income 2024-25 students except for those who will be seniors next school year.

The job, which required verifying the addresses of 7,000 students, is even tougher than it sounds.

Assistant Superintendent Dr. Rachel Sanders said the re-enrollment is 70% complete, thanks in part to administrators who set special hours during the school day, after-school hours and even weekend hours to help parents come in to provide proof of residence and other documentation. The process also included home-site verification visits by school resource officers.

But the has been complicated by the living arrangements of many students. The district must also rule on home-site verification for students living with someone other than a custodial parent, mainly grandparents, and students in foster care or otherwise in the custody of Children and Family Services.

School Board counsel Bob Hammonds said grandparents or other relatives can seek a court order giving them custody. But parents should know that such an order involves giving up rights to confidential information about grades, discipline and medical care, Hammond said.

--Chief Financial Officer Alton Perry announced the intention to call for a Dec. 7 election to renew the three property taxes supporting the three School Board maintenance districts.

The official call could come at the July 11 meeting.

Also at the July 11 meeting, the board will decide whether to roll forward five property tax rates based on the 2024 parishwide property reassessment.
Louisiana law requires that, when a reassessment finds an increase in property values, property tax rates must rolled back so that the government receives only the amount of revenue it got before the reassessment.

The local government's board can vote to return the rates to their previous levels. That's what the School Board could vote to do at its July 11 meeting.

None of the five millages -- two for general operations and three for the maintenance districts --would go up by more than 0.15 mill if the board decides to roll rates forward.

A mill is 1/10th of a cent of tax on each dollar of assessed valuation. Residential property is assessed on 10% of its market value. For property taxes other than city taxes, Louisiana's homestead exemption excludes the first $7,500 of assessed valuation -- theoretically, $75,000 of market value -- from property taxes.

Boomerang: Metal Shark exemption comes back to the School Board

Sat, 06/15/2024 - 6:44pm
Staff Report

The saga of the Metal Shark tax abatement continues.

The St. Mary Parish School Board heard Thursday that the shipbuilder didn't comply with its 2021 pledge to create two jobs with a modest expansion at its Franklin-area yard.
Metal Shark received the exemption despite a School Board vote in 2021. Now it's up to the state Board of Commerce and Industry to take any action over the failure to comply. The School Board voted narrowly to ask for its property taxes back.

The amounts involved are small: two jobs, a payroll of just over $70,000 and an exemption from about $10,000 in property taxes that would have been owed to the School Board over 10 years. But the exemption request landed the School Board in the middle of a bigger issue: How far should the state government go in exempting new and expanding industry from local taxes to encourage economic development?

Gravois Aluminum Boats LLC, doing business as Metal Shark, made its request for tax relief in 2021 under the Louisiana Industrial Tax Exemption Program.

From 2008-15, ITEP offered exemptions of 100% from local taxes for 10 years. The decision about whether ITEP applications were accepted was completely up to the Louisiana Board of Commerce and Industry.

Critics said the board passed out ITEP exemptions too easily, sometimes with little regard for how many jobs were actually being created or the impact on local governments, and sometimes for routine equipment purchases dressed up as expansion.

The Louisiana Department of Revenue says local governments gave up nearly $10 billion in tax income 2008-15 under those rules, assuming the exemptions would last the full 10 years.

Then, in 2016, then-Gov. John Bel Edwards signed an order creating new ITEP rules: Eligible industries could get local exemptions of up to 80% for five years, with an option for five more. Applicants were required to disclose and stick to their estimates of how many jobs would be created.

And, in the most controversial change, local governments that would be affected by the exemption could say yes or no to giving up the taxes they would otherwise be due.
It was under those rules that Metal Shark submitted its ITEP application in 2021.

The 2016 rules didn't do much to slow ITEP approvals. The Revenue Department said about $7 billion in local tax exemptions were approved 2016-2020, again counting the full 10-year term of the exemptions. That's about $1.4 billon approved each year, higher than the $1.25 billion a year under the 2008-15 rules.

Even so, some officials worried that the need to go to multiple local government boards for an exemption would discourage potential employers. Then-St. Mary Parish President David Hanagiff's solution was to get approval from all the parish's local governments to make the decision on all spplications on his own, provided an economic analysis showed a positive benefit.

But the analysis for the Metal Shark expansion showed what was described as a slightly negative economic impact. Hanagriff nevertheless got approval from all the affected governments except the School Board.

There, at their December 2021 meeting, board members objected to the exemption for a relatively small expansion, and what some members felt was a lack of attention by the state to the number of jobs actually created through ITEP applications.

The board voted against the Metal Shark exemption.

Then came a new wrinkle. Before the month was out, the School Board learned that its vote came after the end of a 30-day deadline that both parish government and school officials
said they knew nothing about.

The state government ruled that Metal Shark would get the exemption in spite of the School Board vote.

Fast forward to Thursday. St. Mary Economic Development Director Evan Boudreaux reported that Metal Shark had not met its job and payroll goals in 2022.

The company cited a slowdown in its business in the Northeast and difficulty hiring workers, both related to the COVID pandemic, Boudreaux said.

The Board of Commerce and Industry can leave the exemption in place, reject it or send the issue back to the School Board and Metal Shark to work out a payment, Boudreaux said.

The announcement didn't sit well with board member Marilyn LaSalle of Patterson.

"I'm really tired of giving [businesses] an exemption," LaSalle said, "and there's always an excuse, and we let them go."

LaSalle moved to ask the Board of Commerce and Industry for a refund of the taxes it would have been due. The board approved the motion by a 6-5 vote.

Since the Metal Shark debate, the ITEP rules have changed again. Gov. Jeff Landry signed new rules that eliminate any job creation requirements and turn ITEP application requests over to boards created for that purpose in each parish.

But under those rules, the governor will get the final say on applications.

In February, Metal Shark reported that it sold its Alabama operations with plans to operate a third shipyard, this one in Iberia Parish. Its existing sites near Franklin and Jeanerette employ 400 people, according to the company website.

Public notices for June 14, 2024

Fri, 06/14/2024 - 6:00am

2023 Morgan City clean water report
https://www.stmarynow.com/public-notices/morgan-city-clean-water-report

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PUBLIC NOTICE
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION
MEETING OF THE HOSPITAL SERVICE DISTRICT #2 OF THE PARISH OF ST. MARY BOARD OF
COMMISSIONERS HELD ON
MAY 1, 2024
A regular monthly business meeting of the Board of Commissioners of Hospital Service District #2 of the Parish of St. Mary was held on Wednesday, May 1, 2024 at 6:00 P.M. in the Media Room of the Morgan City Harbor & Terminal District Building located at 7327 Highway 182, Morgan City, LA 70380.
PRESENT: Dr. William A. Cefalu, Jr., Kendra Thomas, Donald Stephens, Angelena Brocato, Jackie Cheramie and William McCarty
ABSENT: Gary Stansbury
Also present: William E. Bourgeois, Counsel for Hospital Service District #2
Dr. Cefalu called the meeting to order.
Dr. Cefalu lead in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Roll call was taken. Those Board Members present and those absent listed above.
Upon motion of Mrs. Thomas, second by Mr. Stephens and unanimously carried, the Board ap- proved and signed the Minutes of April 3, 2024.
Dr. Cefalu open-ed the floor for Guest/public comments, to which there were none. However, St. Mary Parish Council Member At Large District 11 Dean Adams, Raymond Pisani with Respiratory Therapy at Ochsner St. Mary (OSM) and Dr. Larry Nelson were present.
Mrs. Cheramie presented the Financial Report for the period ending March 31, 2024. Upon motion of Mrs. Thomas, second by Mrs. Brocato and unanimously carried, the Board ap- proved the financials/payables as presented.
Dr. Cefalu discussed the email packet received from Dwan Naverre, Community Outreach Coordinator for Ochsner St. Mary concerning recent and upcoming events. Discussions were also held regarding the St. Mary Parish Schools (Lydia Duval - Morgan City High School Allied Health Program) and obtaining in- formation to provide funding prior to the beginning of the next school term. Mrs. Cheramie will set up a meeting to obtain said information regarding funding prior to the next school term. Dr. Cefalu advised that the Board would be invited to meet at Morgan City High School to see the equipment previously purchased being utilized by the students to build a healthcare work force of the future.
Attorney Bourgeois stated there was nothing to report regarding the Capital Outlay Funding.
At this time Dr. Cefalu presented his Chairman’s Report. He stated the hospital was busy, that there was a statewide saturation of “people holding in the Emergency Room Departments,” and that all is being geared to- wards our current goal of moving forward with the millage proposition.
Dr. Cefalu stated to members of the Public present that the Board will be going into Executive Session and will report next month regarding moving forward with the potential millage.
Mrs. Brocato discussed the new mammography machine, that October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and that the HSD and possibly OSM could do an informational campaign, such as who to call and how to set up appointments. Mrs. Thomas will discuss with Dwan Naverre regarding a possible joint effort for Breast Cancer Awareness month. Dr. Cefalu stated that a new Urologist will be arriving and begin seeing patients. The promotion of said service line to benefit the community could be done as a joint effort also.
Upon motion of Mrs. Thomas, second by Mrs. Cheramie and unanimously carried, the Board voted to retire into Executive Session to discuss strategic planning pursuant to LA R.S. 46:1071, et seq.
Upon resuming from Executive Session, with no other business to come before the Board, on motion of Mrs. Thomas, second by Mrs. Cheramie and unanimously carried, the meeting was adjourned.
(S) William A. Cefalu, Jr., M.D.
William A. Cefalu, Jr., M.D.,
Chairman
(S) Jackie
Cheramie
Jackie Cheramie,
Secretary/
Treasurer
Adv. June 14, 2024

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PUBLIC NOTICE
Recreation
District No. 4 of the Parish of St. Mary
Minutes of
Meeting
May 15, 2024
Members Present: William Miller, LaGenia Bradford, Vincent Byrd, Edward Austin
Members Ab- sent: None
Others Present: Gabrielle Gil, Barry Dufrene, Jerry Boyles, Glynn Guarisco
Mr. Miller open-ed the regular meeting leading the Board in the pledge of allegiance.
Mr. Miller open-ed the meeting with a period for public comment. There being none, he closed the public comment period.
The minutes of the regular meeting held on April 17, 2024 were reviewed. Mrs. Bradford made a motion to accept the minutes. Mr. Austin seconded the motion. 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 Mrs. Bradford and seconded by Mr. Austin. The motion passed.
Mr. Austin made a motion to pay outstanding in- voices. Mrs. Bradford seconded the motion. Mr. Austin, Mrs. Bradford, and Mr. Miller voted yes. Mr. Byrd abstained. The motion passed.
Mr. Guarisco presented the in- surance renewal to the Board. He discussed the changes from last year. Upon a motion by Mr. Byrd and a second by Mrs. Bradford, the Board voted to renew the insurance policy with Frank’s Agency, Inc.
Mr. Boyles presented his report to the Board. The HVAC system for the gym is being repaired. The parts are under warranty, but the labor is not. He is waiting to receive a quote to replace some of the lights in the gym.
After a resolution was offered by Mr. Byrd and a second by Mr. Austin to levy the tax of 2.20 mills on all of the property for the year 2024 in the District was read aloud, Mr. Byrd, Mr. Austin, Mrs. Bradford, and Mr. Miller voted for the resolution. There were no nays, no abstentions, or no absences.
The Board decided to move the June meeting date to Monday, June 10, 2024 at 5:30 pm.
With there being no other business to discuss, a motion to adjourn was made by Mr. Byrd and seconded by Mrs. Bradford. The motion passed.
———————
William Miller
Chairperson
———————
Gabrielle Gil
Secretary Treasurer
Adv. June 14, 2024

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PUBLIC NOTICE
ST MARY
PARISH WATER & SEWER COMM. 2
P.O. BOX 635
PATTERSON, LA 70392-0635
985-395-2747
85-395-9530 fax
stmarywatersewer2@att.net
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
I. A public hearing will be held as follows:
DATE: Monday, July 8, 2024
TIME: 5:30 p.m.
PLACE: St. Mary Parish Water & Sewer Comm. #2 Office, 530 Southeast Blvd. Morgan City, LA 70380
1. To consider levying additional or increased millage rates without further voter ap- proval or adopting the adjusted millage rate after reassessment and rolling forward to a rate not to exceed the prior year’s maximum. The estimated amount of tax revenues to be collected in the next tax year from the increased millage is $994,856.82 and the amount of increase in taxes attributable to the millage increase is $5,836.68.
Adv. June 12 and 14, 2024

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PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE OF PUBLIC
HEARING/MEETING
I. A public hearing will be held as follows:
DATE: Wednesday, July 3, 2024
TIME: 5:45 p.m.
PLACE: St. Mary Parish Water & Sewer Commission No. 1 Board Room, 834 Waterworks Road, Amelia, LA 70340
1. To consider levying additional or increased millage rates without further voter ap- proval or adopting the adjusted millage rate after reassessment and rolling forward to rates not to exceed the prior year’s maximum. The estimated amount of tax revenues to be collected in the next year from the increased millage is $640,916.60, and the amount of increase in taxes attributable to the millage increase is $3,108.86.
II. A public meeting will be held as follows:
DATE: Wednesday, July 3, 2024
TIME: 6:00 p.m. or immediately following the public hearing
PLACE OF MEETING: St. Mary Parish Water & Sewer Commission No. 1 Board Room, 834 Waterworks Road, Amelia, LA 70340
Adv. June 14, 2024

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PUBLIC NOTICE
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the St. Mary Parish Board of Adjustments will hold a PUBLIC HEARING on MONDAY, July 1, 2024 AT 5:45 P.M. in the Parish Council Meeting Room, Fifth Floor Courthouse, Franklin, Louisiana, for the following purposes:
Lynn Landry represented by Matthew Fore with Miller Engineers & Associates, Inc. for a Lot Area Variance to deviate from the required 10 acres to 3.98 acres in an Agricultural Zoned District located at 854 Hwy 318., Jeanerette, LA-Sec. 5 T14S R8E; -Parcel Id# 1814921028.00-16.15 Ac Tract Bd Lockett - Sorrel - Taylor - Jones (now Hwy 318) Acq 392 333679.
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. June 14, 21 and 28, 2024

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PUBLIC NOTICE
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the St. Mary Parish Board of Adjustments will hold a PUBLIC HEARING on MONDAY, July 1, 2024 AT 5:45 P.M. in the Parish Council Meeting Room, Fifth Floor Courthouse, Franklin, Louisiana, for the following purposes:
Elizabeth Bourgeois Children’s Trust represented by Aaron Hoffpauir for a Front Yard Setback Variance to deviate from the required 40 ft. to 15 ft., a Rear Yard Setback Variance to deviate from the required 25 ft. to five (5) ft., and a Side Yard Setback Variance to deviate from the required 10 ft. to five (5) ft. in a Conservation (CN) Zoned District located at 111 Campgrounds Ln. Lot #1, Cypremort Point, LA-Sec.15 T15S R6E; -Parcel #1154444300.00-Lot 1 Cypremort Point Camp Grounds Acq. 287 317905.
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. June 14, 21

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LEGAL NOTICE
ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS
EXTERIOR REPAIR AND PAINTING – BROWNELL HOMES
MORGAN CITY HOUSING AUTHORITY
Bids for construction of the “Exterior Repair and Painting – Brownell Homes” at the Morgan City Housing Authority, Morgan City, LA., will be re- ceived until 10:30 AM, local time, on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, at the at the Community Room of the Housing Authority Martin Luther King Center, 338 Wren St, Brownell Homes, Morgan City LA, 70380, at which time and place all bids will be publicly read aloud. This project is funded under the Capital Fund Program of the U.S. Dept. of Housing and Ur- ban Development.
The general scope of work for this project in- cludes repair and painting of exterior stucco, porch trim, facing panes, vinyl siding, and associated work at various apartment buildings at Brownell Homes of the Morgan City Housing Authority. Bids will be received for a Base Bid and Additive Alternate Bids. Contractors desiring to bid on this project shall obtain a paper copy of the plans and specifications from the Architect to facilitate dissemination of Addenda and other pertinent information to bidders. Contractors must also visit the Site and shall attend a Mandatory Pre-Bid Meeting noted below.
Copies of the plans and specifications and related contract documents are on file at the office of the Housing Authority Office at the Martin Luther King Center, 338 Wren St, Brownell Homes, Morgan City LA, 70380, and the office of Firmin Architects Ltd, 530 Third Street, P.O. Box 972, Morgan City, Louisiana, (985/384-3094) and are open for inspection at each of these offices without charge. Contractors may obtain plans and specifications from the Architect by making a fully refundable deposit of $100 which will be refunded upon return of the plans in good condition. Plans and Specifications will also be provided electronically.
Attention is called to the insurance requirements and to the provisions for equal employment op- portunity, and payment of not less than the minimum wages that must be paid on this project, as noted in the Specifications.
EMPLOYMENT OF FEMALE AND/OR MINORITY INDIVIDUALS AND SUB-CONTRACTORS:
The attention of the Contractor(s) proposing to submit a bid on this project is expressly called to the interest and desire of the Housing Auth- ority, that female and minority individuals, particularly those residing in or near the housing developments of the Authority, be given preference for positions of new employment.
All bids shall be accompanied by a bid bond or certified check equal to at least five percent (5%) of the amount bid for the Base Bid and made payable without condition to the Owner as a guarantee that the bidder, if awarded the contract, will promptly enter in- to a contract for the project. The form of this security shall be as stated in the Instructions to Bidders included in the Bid Documents for this project. The successful Bidder shall be required to furnish a Performance and Payment Bond or Irrevocable Bank Letter of Credit written as described in the in the Bid Documents for this project.
A MANDATORY PRE-BID MEETING WILL BE HELD at 2:30 PM on June 25, 2024 at Comm Center - 338 Wren St, Brownell Homes, Morgan City LA
Bids shall be accepted from Contractors who are licensed under LA. R.S. 37:2150-2192 for the classification of Building Construction. Bidder is required to comply with provisions and requirements of LA R.S. 38:2212(B)(5). No bid may be withdrawn for a period of forty-five (45) days after re- ceipt of bids, except under the provisions of LA. R.S. 38:2214. Any contractor and/or sub-contractor whose bid exceeds $50,000.00 shall be licensed in accordance with current statutes of Louisiana Law.
The Owner re- serves the right to reject any and all bids for just cause. In accordance with La. R.S. 38:2212(B)(1), the provisions and requirements of this Section; and those stated in the bidding documents shall not be waived by any entity.
Housing Authority of the City of Morgan City, LA
By: Clarence
Robinson Jr.,
Exec Director
Adv. June 7, 14 and 21, 2024

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LEGAL NOTICE
Ordinance
Number 747
This ordinance introduced with first reading on May 14, 2024. Published on May 22, 2024. Public hearing held on June 11, 2024. Raymond Price offered the following Ordinance, who moved for its adoption. Lud Henry seconded the motion.
AN ORDINANCE LEVYING WITHIN THE TOWN OF BERWICK, STATE OF
LOUISIANA, AN ANNUAL CHARGE OF $25.00 FOR THE YEAR 2024 IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE
PROVISIONS OF SECTION 1680.2 OF TITLE 38 OF THE LOUISIANA REVISED STATUTES OF 1950, AS AMENDED, PROVIDING FOR THE COLLECTION OF SAID ANNUAL CHARGE AND PROVIDING FOR OTHER
MATTERS IN
CONNECTION
HEREWITH.
BE IT ORDAIN-ED, by the governing authority of the Town of Berwick, Louisiana, that the code of ordinances is en- acted to read as follows:
WHEREAS, under the provisions of Section 1680.2 of Title 38 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended (the “Act”), and other constitutional and statutory authority, the Mayor and Council of the Town of Berwick, State of Louisiana, the governing authority thereof, is authorized, by voter approval, to levy and collect within the boundaries of the Town of Berwick, State of Louisiana, (the “Town”), an annual charge on a pro-rata basis on each acre of land or portion of an acre within the boundaries of the Town, as the same may now or hereafter exist, for the purpose of constructing, acquiring, maintaining, operating or improving drains, drainage facilities, drainage systems or drainage networks within its boundaries; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the requirements of the Act and other constitutional and statutory authority, a special election was held in the Town on Saturday, October 24, 2015, to authorize the levy and collection of an annual charge of Twenty-Five and No/100 Dollars ($25.00) beginning with the year 2016 for a period of twenty (20) years, and said proposition was duly approved by a majority of the qualified electors voting in said election; and
WHEREAS, in compliance with the aforesaid statutory authority and the said special election, it is the desire this Mayor and Council to levy said annual charge in said Town in an amount of $25.00 per acre or portion of an acre for the year 2024 and provide for the collection of said annual charge and other matters in connection therewith as hereinafter provided in this ordinance;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT OR- DAINED by the Mayor and Council of the Town of Berwick, State of Louisiana, that:
SECTION 1. Pursuant to the provisions of the Act and the proposition set forth in a special election held on October 24, 2015, there is hereby levied an annual charge of Twenty -Five and No/100 Dollars ($25.00) for the year 2024, on pro-rata basis on each acre of land or portion of an acre the boundaries of the Town, as the same may now or hereafter exist, for the purpose of constructing, ac- quiring, maintaining, operating or improving drains, drainage, facilities, drainage systems or drainage networks within its boundaries.
SECTION 2. Pursuant to the provisions of the Act, the Town is authorized to use any necessary and proper means to collect and enforce the collection of the annual charge. The Clerk be and he is hereby authorized, empowered and directed to carry into effect the provisions of this ordinance to appoint deputies, assistants or agents to assist him in the performance of his duties, and in pursuance thereof to take any and all lawful action in connection with the collection of the annual charge.
SECTION 3. A copy of the ordinance shall be promptly furnished to the As- sessor of St. Mary Parish and the tax collector of the Town of Berwick so they may perform their functions in connection with the annual charge as provided in R.S. 38:1680.2.
SECTION 4. This ordinance shall be published in the official journal of this Town in the manner provided by law and shall be effective upon adoption.
All other ordinances, or parts of ordinances, in conflict with this ordinance, are hereby repealed. Should any section, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase be declared unconstitutional, invalid, or repealed for any reason, the re- mainder of the ordinance shall not be affected. All provisions of this ordinance are declared to be severable and the invalidity of any part of this ordinance shall not affect other provisions, items or applications of this ordinance that can be given effect without the invalid provisions, items, or applications of this ordinance.
The votes on adoption thereon were as follows:
Ayes: Kevin Hebert, Raymond Price, and Lud Henry
Nays: None
Absent: Colleen Askew and James Richard
Abstain: None
Certified, ap- proved and adopted on June 11, 2024.
Delivered to Mayor Arthur at 1PM, on June 12, 2024.
————————.Jamie Keith –
Town Clerk
APPROVED
————————
————————.
Duval H. Arthur, Jr. –
Mayor
Adv. June 14, 2024

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LEGAL NOTICE
Ordinance
No. 748
This ordinance introduced with first reading on May 14, 2024. Published on May 22, 2024. Public hearing held on June 11, 2024. Lud Henry offered the following Ordinance, who moved for its adoption. Raymond Price seconded the motion.
THE FOLLOWING ADJUSTED MILLAGE RATE(S) 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.
BE IT RESOLV-ED, by the Town of Berwick of the Parish of St. Mary, Louisiana, in a public hearing held on June 11, 2024, which hearing was conducted in accordance with the open meetings law and the additional requirements of Article VII, Section 23(C) of the Constitution, the following adjusted millage rate(s) 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:
General Alimony, 12.66 mills
Public Improvements, 5.90 mills
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED 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.
The foregoing ordinance was read in full, the roll was called on the adoption thereof, and the ordinance was adopted by the following votes:
Yeas: Kevin Hebert, Raymond Price, and Lud Henry
Nays: None
Abstained: None
Absent: Colleen Askew and James Richard
Certified, ap- proved and adopted on June 11, 2024.
Delivered to Mayor Duval H. Arthur, Jr. at 2:00 PM, on June 12, 2024.
————————.
Jamie Keith –
Town Clerk
APPROVED
————————
————————.
Duval H. Arthur, Jr. –
Mayor
Adv. June 14, 2024

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LEGAL NOTICE
Ordinance
No. 749
This ordinance introduced with first reading on May 14, 2024. Published on May 22, 2024. Public hearing held on June 11, 2024. Raymond Price offered the following Ordinance, who moved for its adoption. Kevin Hebert seconded the motion.
THE TAXING AUTHORITY, THE TOWN OF BERWICK, VOTED TO INCREASE THE MILLAGE RATE(S) WITHOUT FURTHER VOTER APPROVAL, 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 12.88 MILLS FOR THE GENERAL FUND FOR THE PURPOSE OF ORDINARY MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS AND THE
LEVYING OF 6.00 MILLS FOR MAINTENANCE AND IMPROVEMENTS OF ALL DEPARTMENTS OF THE TOWN.
BE IT RESOLV-ED, by the Town of Berwick of the Parish of St. Mary, Louisiana, in a public hearing held on June 11, 2024, which hearing was conducted in accordance with the open meetings law and the additional requirements of Article VII, Section 23(C) of the Constitution, that the taxing authority voted to increase the millage rate(s)without voter ap- proval, but not in excess of the prior year’s maximum rate(s), on all taxable property shown on the official assessment roll for the year 2024, 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:
General Alimony — Adjusted Rate 12.66; 2024 Levy 12.88
Maintenance & Improvements — Adjusted Rate 5.90; 2024 Levy 6.00
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED 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.
The foregoing ordinance was read in full; the roll was called on the adoption thereof, and the ordinance was adopted by no less than two-thirds of the total membership of the taxing authority voting in favor as required by Article VII, Section 23(C) of the Louisiana Constitution and R.S. 47:1705(B). The votes were:
Yeas: Kevin Hebert, Raymond Price, and Lud Henry
Nays: None
Abstained: None
Absent: Colleen Askew and James Richard
Certified, ap- proved and adopted on June 11, 2024
Delivered to Mayor Duval H. Arthur, Jr. at 2:00 PM, on June 12, 2024.
————————.
Jamie Keith –
Town Clerk
APPROVED ————————.
————————.
Duval H. Arthur, Jr. –
Mayor
Adv. June 14, 2024

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LEGAL NOTICE
OFFICIAL
PROCEEDINGS
GRAVITY SUB-DRAINAGE DISTRICT
NO. 1 OF
GRAVITY DRAINAGE DISTRICT NO. 2
REGULAR MEETING
MAY 14, 2024
BAYOU VISTA, LOUISIANA
The Gravity Sub-Drainage District No. 1 of Gravity Drainage District No. 2 (“GSDD1ofGDD2”) met on this date with Chairman Wayne Cantrell presiding with Raymond Beadle, Jr., Gerald Hotard and Mark Gowan present.
Absent: Chad Ross
Also present: Barry Dufrene and Rhonda Patterson
Mr. Gowan mov-ed, and Mr. Beadle seconded that the reading of the minutes of the Regular Meeting, April 09, 2024, be dispensed with and that the same be approved. The motion carried.
Mr. Cantrell called for the Finances and Payables Report. Mr. Dufrene presented the reports on the payables due for May 2024. Mr. Gowman moved, and Mr. Beadle seconded a motion, which carried, to make the necessary transfers, to accept the payables report and pay all invoices.
Mr. Lodrigue is currently compiling reports to submit to the insurance company for reimbursement for damages caused from a lightning strike at Lance Donahoe Pump Station.
Mr. Darden was not present to present the Teche Road Project re- ports.
Mr. Cantrell discussed raising the hourly payrate for hourly employees of the District. Upon motion by Mr. Beadle and second by Mr. Hotard, the Board increased the hourly rate by $3.00 per hour effective May 12, 2024. The motion passes.
A motion made by Mr. Gowan, seconded by Mr. Beadle, to hire 1 part time employee after June, 2024 with their performance evaluated at the end of 3 months and again at 9 months. The motion passed.
Mr. Beadle offer-ed the following Resolution, that was seconded by Mr. Gowan, what states that:
BE IT RESOLV-ED by the Board of Commissioners of Gravity Sub- Drainage District No. 1 of the Gravity Drainage District No. 2 of the Parish of St. Mary, Louisiana (the “Governing Auth- ority”), acting as the governing authority of Gravity Sub-Drainage District No. 1 of the Gravity Drainage District No. 2 of the Parish of St. Mary, Louisiana (the “District”), that:
SECTION 1. Canvass. This Governing Authority does now proceed in open and public session to examine the official tabulations of votes cast at the special election held in the District on SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 2024 (the “Election”), to authorize the continuation of a special tax therein pursuant to the following proposition (the “Proposition”):
PROPOSITION
(TAX
CONTINUATION)
Shall Gravity Sub-Drainage District No. 1 of the Gravity Drainage District No. 2 of the Parish of St. Mary, Louisiana (the “District”), continue to levy a 12.63 mills tax on all the property subject to taxation in the District (an estimated $298,000 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 2025 and ending with the year 2034, for the purpose of maintaining, operating and improving the drainage facilities in the District, said millage to represent a 2.68 mills increase (due to reappraisal) over the 9.95 mills tax authorized to be levied through the year 2024 pursuant to an election held October 19, 2013?
This Governing Authority does further proceed to examine and canvass the returns of the Election thereof.
SECTION 2. Election Results. According to the official certified tabulation of votes cast at said Election, there was a total of 40 votes cast IN FAVOR OF the Proposition and a total of 11 votes cast AGAINST the Proposition, re- sulting in a majority of 29 votes cast IN FAVOR OF the Proposition. The Proposition was therefore duly CARRIED by a majority of the votes cast by the qualified electors voting at the Election.
SECTION 3. Promulgation of Election Result. The results of said election shall be promulgated by publication in the manner provided by law, after re- ceipt from the Secretary of State’s office of the actual costs of the election, as required by §18:1292 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended.
SECTION 4. Declaration. The foregoing results of the Election are hereby declared by this Governing Authority and shall be published as required by law.
SECTION 5. Procès Verbal. A Procès Verbal of the canvass of the returns of the Election shall be made and a certified copy thereof shall be forwarded to the Secretary of State, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, who shall record the same in her office; another certified copy thereof shall be forwarded to the Clerk of Court and Ex-Officio Recorder of Mortgages in and for the Parish of St. Mary, who shall record the same in the Mortgage Records of said Parish; and another copy thereof shall be retained in the archives of this Governing Authority.
This resolution having been submitted to a vote, the vote thereon was as follows:
YEAS: Wayne Cantrell, Gerald Hotard, Raymond Beadle Jr. and Mark Gowan
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Chad Ross
With there being no other business to discuss, a motion to adjourn was made by Mr. Beadle and seconded by Mr. Gowan. The mo- tion passed.
Attest:
(S) Wayne Cantrell,
Chairman Gravity Sub-Drainage District No. 1 of Gravity Drainage District No. 2
(S) Catherine
Siracusa,
Secretary
Gravity Sub--Drainage District No. 1 of Gravity Drainage District No. 2
Adv. June 14, 2024

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PUBLIC NOTICE
PROCEEDINGS OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE MORGAN CITY HARBOR AND TERMINAL
DISTRICT
May 13, 2024
The Board of Commissioners (“Board”) of the Morgan City Harbor and Terminal District (“District”) met in regular session at the District’s office at 7327 Highway 182, Morgan City, Louisiana on May 13, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. Pete Orlando, President, convened the meeting with Commissioners, Joseph Cain, Steven Cornes, Troy Lombardo, Adam Mayon and Matthew Glover in attendance. Deborah Garber, Ben Adams and Matthew Tycer were absent. Also present in the meeting were Raymond Wade, Executive Director; Tori Henry, Office Manager; Cindy Cutrera, Economic Development Manager; Michael Knobloch, Knobloch Professional Services; Gerard Bourgeois, Board Attorney; Lieutenant Jenelle Piche, Lieutenant Stephanie Alvarez, and Timothy Spence, United States Coast Guard (“USCG”); Robert Karam, T. Baker Smith; Bill Blan-chard, GIS Engineering; Councilman Louis Tamporello, City of Morgan City; Rob Cowan, Alliant Insurance Services; Caleb Ma- yard, EMR; and members of the general public.
The meeting was called to order and the presence of a quorum was noted. Raymond Wade led the invocation, and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
It was moved by Mr. Glover and seconded by Mr. Mayon that the minutes of the regular meeting of April 8, 2024 be approved and adopted, with said motion carrying unanimously.
It was moved by Mr. Mayon that the report of receipts and disbursements for the month of April, 2024 be received and accepted and that all invoices presented to the Board for the month of April, 2024 be paid. Mr. Glover seconded that motion, which carried unanimously.
Rob Cowan presented Alliant In- surance Services’ proposal for the District through their Ports Program. Mr. Wade noted the savings and added coverage of this program. After discussions, Mr. Cain moved to accept the insurance proposal from Alliant Insurance Services for the District up to the proposed amount, with Mr. Cornes seconding and motion carrying.
Timothy Connell reported via teleconference that: (i) looking at the surveys from Crew Boat Cut all the way down looks really good, but we have contracts secured if the need arises; (ii) Brice’s contract will continue to be used as needed with task orders; (iii) a new IDIQ solicitation should be re-released shortly for Berwick Harbor and Stouts Pass, with an award scheduled in July; (iv) the new contract for Bayou Chene is to full Project dimensions and is scheduled to be awarded September 15th; and (iv) Bayou Boeuf Lock gate repairs will begin June 11th, continuing for one month.
Lieutenant Piche reported: (i) 1,851 total transits in April through the VTS zone, at an average of 62 per day; (ii) the VTS area of the Atchafalaya River is currently in high-water restrictions; and (iii) Mr. Spence will be moving on to Washington, DC and Lt. Stephanie Alvarez will be acting VTS Director until a civilian is hired. Mr. Wade thanked Mr. Spence for his service to our area and wished him well in his next endeavor.
Robert Karam reported that: (i) they are continuing the progress on the West dock design and met with Mr. Wade today on cost saving measures to afford full dock extension; and (ii) they are finalizing the O&M manual to submit to DOTD on the East dock.
Bill Blanchard reported that: (i) they are still awaiting the contract approval from DOTD; and (ii) they are still pursuing a permit for Disposal Area 1.
Michael Knobloch reported that: (i) we have pursued seven grants in the last five weeks with Mr. Cain noting a great job of the Port team; and (ii) he met with the Cuban Embassy officials while in Washington DC, who are excited to establish trade between the Port and Havanna, Cuba in the near future. He also presented a cooperative agreement between the District and State of Louisiana Department of Transportation for the development and implementation of program in connection with port security operations. Mr. Lombardo moved to authorize Mr. Orlando to execute said agreement, which was seconded by Mr. Mayon and carried unanimously.
RESOLUTION
A Resolution authorizing the Morgan City Harbor and Terminal District to enter into an agreement with the State of Louisiana, Department of Transportation and Development for the transfer of funds Legislatively ap- propriated under ACT 447 of the 2023 Regular Session of the Louisiana Legislature.
WHEREAS, the Morgan City Harbor and Terminal District has a need for port security; and
WHEREAS, the Morgan City Harbor and Terminal District has re- viewed the related intergovernmental cooperative en- deavor agreement, the agreement for implementation, and agrees to enter into said agreement; and
WHEREAS, the Morgan City Harbor and Terminal District has ap- plied for State to implement a project(s) to improve its port security and Morgan City Harbor and Terminal District is fully aware of its obligations relating thereto; and
WHEREAS, the Morgan City Harbor and Terminal District is a political body duly organized and existing under the laws of the State of Louisiana and is eligible to apply for funds; and
WHEREAS, the State has made funds available pursuant to said act to said Port; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RE- SOLVED by the Morgan City Harbor and Terminal District as follows:
Section 1. That at the appropriate time and upon approval of funding and prior to commencement of work on the project the Morgan City Harbor and Terminal District agrees to execute a Project Agreement and a Statement of Sponsorship pursuant to the Statute and hereby authorizes and empowers Pete J. Orlando, President to enter into and execute said agreement with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development.
Section 2. That Pete J. Orlando is hereby designated Authorized Representative for Morgan City Harbor and Terminal District to represent the port with regards to the receipt of funds from the State of Louisiana, Louisiana Department of Transportation for a port security project(s).
Section 3. That said Authorized Representative shall have the authority to sign and approve all documents that are necessary under the circumstances to accomplish the above project.
Cindy Cutrera reported that: (i) we received a re- quest from DOTD to report any unmet dredging needs with the Corps, so we re- ported the need to dredge the GIWW to its authorized dimensions; (ii) on April 17th we hosted our annual hurricane preparedness meeting with close to 100 people in attendance; (iii) she and Mac attended the IPF partnering tour for Oceanic Network and we also hosted a tour of our facility, InterMoor and Oceaneering; and (iv) we continue working with Guarisco Marketing on a video of the Port District and our local industry.
Caleb Mayard reported that EMR is pursuing scrap metal from Texas and reiterated the need of the GIWW to be dredged in order for them to receive these ships.
Gerard Bourgeois: (i) presented Ordinance No. 62 for adoption of the 2024 millage by the District at 4.45 mills, which is slightly lower tax rate because of it being a reassessment year. It was moved by Mr. Mayon and seconded by Mr. Cornes that the following ordinance providing a rate of 4.45 mills be adopted, which motion carried un- animously.
ORDINANCE
NO. 62
An Ordinance levying and imposing a tax on all the property subject to taxation in the Morgan City Harbor and Terminal District, State of Louisiana, for the year 2024 for the purpose of paying the administrative, operative and maintenance ex- penses of the Board in said District.
SECTION 1, BE IT ORDAIN-ED, by the Board of Commissioners of the Morgan City Harbor and Terminal District, a political subdivision of the State of Louisiana, acting as the governing authority of said Harbor and Terminal District; in regular session convened, that under and by virtue of the Authority of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950 LSA-R.S. 34:329, as amended and Art. 7, Sec. 23 of the Louisiana Constitution of 1974, that the following millage(s) are hereby levied on the 2024 tax roll on all property subject to taxation by the Morgan City Harbor and Terminal District:
MILLAGE
administrative, operative, and maintenance expenses — 4.45 mills
(Tax for: e.g. General Alimony, Library, Maintenance)
SECTION 2, BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that the proper administrative officials of the Parish of St. Mary, State of Louisiana, be and they are hereby empowered, authorized, and directed to spread said taxes, as hereinabove set forth, upon the assessment roll of said Parish for the year 2024, and to make the collection of the taxes imposed for and on behalf of the taxing authority, according to law, and that the taxes herein levied shall become a permanent lien and privilege on all property subject to taxation as herein set forth, and collection thereof shall be enforceable in the manner provided by law.
SECTION 3, BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that all Ordinance or parts of Ordinance in conflict herewith be and the same are hereby repealed, and this Ordinance shall take effect upon its adoption, the public welfare so de- manding.
And (ii) an agreement with Cassidy & Associates, Inc. at current amount of $10,000 per month plus expenses incurred. Mr. Cornes moved to authorize execution of said agreement, which was seconded by Mr. Cain and carried unanimously.
RESOLUTION
A resolution providing for the execution of a consulting agreement for the Morgan City Harbor and Terminal District (“District”), designating the terms and conditions of the contract, and granting the authorization therefor.
WHEREAS, this Board of Commissioners (“Board”) is authorized by the provisions of LSA-R.S. 34:324 to “contract with the employ attorneys, clerks, engineers, deputy commissioners, superintendents, stevedores and other agents and em- ployees and shall fix their compensation and terms of office or employments,” and,
WHEREAS, this Board, after due deliberation, deems it necessary that a real and genuine necessity exist therefor to contract with Cassidy & Associates, Inc. in connection with governmental affairs representation before the federal government to assist the District in assuring the dependability of the existing navigation Channel, being the Lower Atchafalaya River, Bayous Chene, Bouef, and Black; to provide assistance and advice to the District on how best to achieve a dependable Channel that would enable the District to provide support and infrastructure associated with current and future activities in the Gulf of Mexico, transportation of commodities; and for other commerce and facilitation of various maritime interests.
BE IT RESOLV-ED, that the President, Peter J. Orlando, is hereby authorized and directed to execute on behalf of the District, a consulting agreement with Cassidy & Associates, Inc., for the necessary service relative to the District, substantially in accordance with the terms and conditions of the consulting agreement presented this day.
He also reported that: (i) DOTD approved Mr. Blum’s contract for the Warehouse Fire Suppression system, and we will be submitting plans and specs for approval shortly; (ii) we sent the funds to Baker Hughes sub-lessors as approved last month and submitted the invoices for reimbursement but have not received payment as of yet.
With there being no further business to come before the Board, it was moved by Mr. Lombardo and seconded by Mr. Mayon that the meeting was adjourned.
Attest:
———————
Steven W. Cornes,
Secretary
Adv. June 14, 2024
'
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Dear Abby: Should aging couple make a faraway move?

Fri, 06/14/2024 - 6:00am

DEAR ABBY: My husband and I are contemplating moving across the country to be near our daughters. We have lived in our home for 45 years. We are both active and in very good health, but unlike many of our friends, we have no relatives anywhere near us.
We have friends and neighbors who are like family. We are also active in our church and community. Basically, our whole life is here. But we are very close to both of our daughters. We visit two to three times a year and Facetime often. They would be delighted to have us closer.
While we want to be more involved in their lives (we have four grandchildren), we always said the one of us left would be the one to move. However, as we age, we are thinking we might need to be near them. It has been hard watching all our friends be involved with their families, and we know we have missed a lot of seeing our grandkids growing up. We would welcome any wisdom from you as we try to make this difficult decision.
UNDECIDED IN THE SOUTH
DEAR UNDECIDED: Not every move of the kind you describe is successful. I have heard from many readers expressing that when they arrived in the new community, they discovered that the grandchildren were living full lives with their contemporaries, and the adult children were busy managing their own lives and couldn’t give them the attention they had envisioned.
You have lived happily as part of your community for nearly half a century. Because you feel you are missing out on your grandchildren’s lives, visit them a little more often. But do not expect to suddenly become the center of their and their parents’ lives or you risk sacrificing the happy life you currently enjoy and becoming isolated and disappointed.
A final thought: Before making a hard-and-fast decision about this life-changing scenario, consider RENTING an apartment in the new community for a year so you can see how well you would integrate into it before selling your home. It could save you a world of regret.
DEAR ABBY: I’ve been dating a divorced man, “Mitch,” for nine years. We’ve been living together for the last two. He has a daughter and a grandson. Recently, while I was out of town for a week, he participated in the annual “family photo shoot” with his arm around his ex-wife as if they were one big happy family.
I feel betrayed by Mitch and his daughter. The ex recently dumped the man she cheated on Mitch with, so her intentions might be questionable. Should I ask him to move out?
IN OR OUT OF THE PICTURE
DEAR IN OR OUT: Do NOT ask your boyfriend of nine years to move out based on a photo that was taken one weekend while you were out of town!
However, DO examine why, after nine years, the two of you haven’t tied the knot, and how one photoshoot has made you feel so threatened.
Then talk to him about it.

***

To order “How to Write Letters for All Occasions,” send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 to: Dear Abby — Letter Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447.

Pet Talk: Special dogs need special treatment

Fri, 06/14/2024 - 6:00am

Special-needs dogs exist on a spectrum that may include those with physical impairments — such as missing, deformed, or paralyzed limbs; blindness; or deafness — with behavioral issues such as separation anxiety or situational fears, or with medical diagnoses like chronic illnesses, diabetes, or allergies.
While incredibly rewarding companions, dogs with special needs require a level of commitment and understanding that differs from caring for other pets.
Before welcoming a special-needs dog into a home, Dr. Rachel Melvin, a surgery intern at the Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, offers insights that prospective owners should know before fostering or adopting so they are well-informed and prepared for the responsibilities ahead.
First questions
There are several important questions owners should ask themselves to ensure they are able to provide a happy and safe home environment for a new, special-needs family member.
Does your current lifestyle fit with the dog’s needs?
Are you able to meet the dog’s medical care requirements?
“Dogs with special needs are a lot of work, and people really need to know what they’re signing up for,” Melvin said. “One thing you should be sure of is that your current lifestyle fits with that specific dog’s needs, because you’re more likely to succeed if what you already do every day works for them versus having to change your entire life.
“For example, if you work long hours away from home, it will be more challenging to care for a dog that needs frequent potty breaks,” she said. “Also, if your home is known to have toys out in different places each day, then a dog that is blind or uses a wheelchair will have trouble navigating the daily changes in their path.
“Personally, I don’t have a good setup for giving dogs baths, so it would be hard for me to care for a dog that requires additional skin care.”
In addition to ensuring your lifestyle meets the physical space demands of a pet’s needs, Melvin said it’s also important to address questions about the dog’s medical requirements, including ongoing treatments, medications, and veterinary care.
“If someone is going to care for a special-needs dog, they should ask whether the condition can be comfortably managed by their general practitioner or if a specialist or behaviorist will be required,” Melvin said. “Additionally, how often are medical care and rechecks needed? It’s really important that owners understand the frequency of getting checkups to manage the condition and make sure nothing progresses.”
Financial implications of caring for a special-needs dog also should be considered, as medical requirements can be costly. This can help owners ensure they are prepared to provide the necessary care without placing undue strain on their finances.
“Potential owners need to have an idea of what the long-term cost could be, particularly if the animal’s condition were to worsen in the future,” Melvin said. “Asking relevant questions can be useful, such as how likely it is that the condition will progress, what it could look like if it does, and what owners will need to do to support the animal.”
Extra care
The goal of any responsible pet owner is to create the best possible environment for their animal to thrive and succeed. For those considering caring for a special-needs dog, this can include providing necessary equipment or changes to the home that improve the pet’s quality of life.
“Owners might need to consider if the animal will require special food, elevated bowls for food and water, and a designated area that is blocked off for them to eat and drink,” Melvin explained. “If the animal has urinary or fecal incontinence issues, what does going potty look like? It could mean using diapers or simply cleaning up a designated area after they do their business.
“They might also benefit from ramps; wide, wheelchair compatible pathways; or soft cushioning on corners,” Melvin continued. “For those who are blind, fences should be placed around stairs, especially if the dog is kept upstairs so they don’t accidentally fall.”
For any pet with mobility issues, Melvin suggests owners place yoga mats, carpet runners, or pieces of carpet on top of slick surfaces, allowing the dog to gain traction when getting up and moving around.
Quality of life
Enrichment activities also are beneficial for a special-needs dog’s mental and physical well-being, but owners need to prepare for the time required for day-to-day care and activities.
“I once had a foster dog that couldn’t walk well, and I was able to care for him rather easily until he got bigger and wanted to move around more, which took more time and was harder for me to manage on top of our normal morning routine,” Melvin said.
“Owners may need to consider if the dog needs a yard to walk around in or if leashed walks will always work,” Melvin said. “Also, what kind of toys can they play with? Do they like snuggling? Do they like getting on the couch? All these things can affect how they live their life, and the goal is to make it easy for them.”
Fostering or adopting a special-needs dog can be immensely fulfilling, but it comes with its own set of challenges when preparing for the long-term commitment of providing a loving and supportive home. With the right knowledge and preparation, owners can make a profound difference in the lives of these dogs, giving them the care and love they deserve.
Pet Talk is a service of the School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University. Stories can be viewed on the web at vetmed.tamu.edu/news/pet-talk. Suggestions for future topics may be directed to vmbs-editor@tamu.edu.

Jim Brown: Modern electoral system gives us another Biden vs. Trump matchup

Fri, 06/14/2024 - 6:00am
JIM BROWN

The county is just weeks away from our two national conventions. The Republicans meet in Milwaukee in the middle of July and the Democrats convene in Chicago several weeks later. We all know it will be Trump vs Biden.
I wonder what candidates would be picked if the selections were like the old days where party bosses selected the party candidates.
This time-worn system produced Presidents Dwight Eisenhower and John F. Kennedy.
The current process gave us George Bush and Barack Obama along with either Donald Trump or Joe Biden this year. You be the judge as to which process has worked out better for the country.
My first Democratic convention was in Atlantic City back in 1964.
On a summer break from Tulane Law School, I was driving my fifteen-year-old Volkswagen convertible up to New York for a summer job, and I stopped in Atlantic City on the way.
The Democrats were gathering in the old civic auditorium on the boardwalk, which for many years was the site of the Miss America pageant.
I was able to park my car about half a block from the auditorium and walk right up to the front door.
A guard asked me where I was going, and I said I wanted to join the Louisiana delegation.
“Are you supposed to be with them?” he asked. 
“I sure am,” I said.
I might have exaggerated a bit, but I really wanted to get in the door. “Well then, welcome to Atlantic City. Go right on in.”
I stood about 50 feet away from the stage where President Lyndon Johnson kept the crowd in suspense until he announced that Sen. Hubert Humphrey would be his running mate.
Johnson was a cinch to be re-elected, and the Democrats pulled together as one big happy family. What a contrast to what happened four years later.
The next Democratic convention was held in Chicago. I was living in Ferriday at the time with my wife and our 2-month-old daughter Campbell. On the spur of the moment, we decided to travel to Chicago and visit old friends, so we packed up the car and headed north.
The main party headquarters was at the Sheraton Hotel, which faces Lake Michigan in downtown Chicago.
Major opposition to the Vietnam War was building, and a large number of protesters had gathered in Grant Park across from the Sheraton. 
I knew I could get a better view from the top of the Sheraton, so I headed for the elevator in the lobby.
When the doors opened, there were two people inside: Sen. Russell Long, and Louisiana Gov. John McKeithen.
Sticking my hand out, I introduced myself. “Governor, I’m Jim Brown from Ferriday.”
McKeithen smiled. He was visibly surprised.
“Why Jim, what are you doing up here?” he asked.
“Governor,” I said, “I came all the way up here to support you for vice-president.”
McKeithen laughed, slapped me on the back, and told me he could not be more pleased. 
I later learned that the senator and the governor had been on their way up to Vice President Humphrey’s suite to urge him to put McKeithen on the ticket.
When he was not tapped for the job, the governor left in a huff and headed back to Louisiana.
Both Trump and Biden will no doubt stir up plenty of animosity in the host cities, and we can look forward to a rancorous outpouring of support by delegates and major protests by onlookers at both party gatherings.
As a side antidote, can you believe that Trump will be traveling to New Orleans in just a few weeks for a fundraiser?
And guess who is also performing in the Crecent City for two nights at a local nightclub about the same time as Trump’s appearance? Our Louisiana gal from Baton Rouge-Stormy Daniels. You just can’t make this kind of stuff up.
Subsequent conventions produced numerous additional Louisiana anecdotes.
I attended seven conventions in all, both Republican and Democratic.
I’ll fill you in on more political yarns next week.  Stay tuned.
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: La.'s secretary of state faces first big election cycle

Fri, 06/14/2024 - 6:00am
JEREMY ALFORD AND DAVID JACOBS

During her first statewide campaign last year, Secretary of State Nancy Landry was sometimes asked if she was related to the gubernatorial frontrunner, or if she was the candidate named Landry running for governor.
While it’s possible she has some relation to Gov. Jeff Landry — they’re both Landrys from southwest Louisiana, after all — it’s a distant connection, if any.
”We didn’t grow up as cousins or anything,” said the secretary of state. 
Approaching the first half-year of her inaugural term, the Landry who oversees Louisiana’s elections keeps a schedule like she has already been on the job for much longer.
The recent regular session was a long grind, but Secretary Landry managed to go 11-for-11 with her legislative package. And with a presidential ballot coming into focus, she and her staff won’t have the luxury of halting the grind.
The office did get a bit of a reprieve recently when the U.S. Supreme Court settled — for this year, at least — the legal drama over our congressional map in time for the secretary’s May 15 deadline. That means notices about district changes can finally be sent to voters. 
“Since they respected our deadline, it’s not a huge concern,” Secretary Landry said of the map change. “It would have been if they had violated the deadline that we gave them.” 
Presidential elections always have the highest turnout, and this year’s Joe Biden-Donald Trump rematch is likely to be just as highly charged as last go around. She knows there will be questions no matter who wins; she just hopes the public will trust her office to provide accurate information.
(In case you’re wondering, Landry’s position as the state’s elections chief precludes her from publicly supporting Trump or any other candidate.)
The conspiracy theories of Trump supporters that bedeviled Landry’s predecessor continue to make life more difficult for her office. For instance, falling short of passage during the regular session was HB 856, which would have removed some of the so-called bureaucratic red tape slowing down the replacement of Louisiana’s antiquated voting system.
The secretary said these bureaucratic hurdles, implemented in 2021, added about two years to the procurement process for a new system. As such, Secretary Landry said her office will revisit the conversation next year to see “if there are some things we can roll back, so that we’re treated like any other state agency in the procurement process.”
She added, “Two years is too long to add to an already long process.”
Setting aside election system concerns, Secretary Landry’s office had a notable session, with all 11 bills in the SOS legislative package achieving final passage.
She said the bills, covering everything from ballot harvesting and ranked-choice voting to new oversight and canvassing, were spurred by “anecdotal evidence we heard” or “investigations that we had.”
“We wanted to make sure that we would be able to pursue people who are doing these things and charge them with election violations,” Secretary Landry said. 
Her 2024 legislative package, as adopted by the Legislature, included:
— HB 114 by Rep. Les Farnum: Enacts an expanded voter canvass 
— HB 285 by Rep. Mark Wright: Creates the Division of Election Integrity within the Department of State 
— HB 449 by Rep. Michael Melerine: Requires court judgments of interdiction be delivered to the Registrar of Voters in the parish in which the interdicted individual is registered
— HB 476 by Rep. Josh Carlson: Cracks down on absentee “ballot harvesting”
— HB 506 by Rep. Polly Thomas: Requires that those conducting voter registration drives register with the Secretary of State’s office, which is meant to ensure that voter registrations are timely submitted and that voters’ personal information is protected
— HB 581 by Thomas: Provides for more specific penalties for those witnessing more than one absentee ballot of a non-family member; requires that those signing as a witness on an absentee ballot be at least 18 years of age; and requires the witness to provide their address
— SB 101 by Sen. Blake Miguez: Bans ranked-choice voting in Louisiana elections
— SB 155 by Sen. Caleb Kleinpeter: Prohibits people from assisting with more than one absentee ballot except for immediate family members
— SB 218 by Kleinpeter: Restricts the unsolicited distribution of absentee ballot applications
— SB 226 by Sen. Heather Cloud: Creates uniform standards for tabulating absentee ballots 
— SB 436 by Sen. Mike Fesi: Allows the Secretary of State to require proof of United States citizenship when registering to vote. The office has broad authority to decide what proof is necessary. 
For more Louisiana political news, visit www. LaPolitics.com or follow Alford on Twitter @ LaPoliticsNow.

Around Town for June 14

Fri, 06/14/2024 - 6:00am

Happy birthday to Troy Carpenter who celebrated on the 12th, to Gloria Minor who celebrated on the 13th, to Martine Minor who is celebrating on the 15th, Debra Eugene on the 16th, Boelissia Campbell on the 17th, and Vicki Lightfoot on the 19th, from Ira, family and friends.

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