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Floating an idea: Solar panels on the water

Wed, 04/10/2024 - 12:56pm

TOBIE BLANCHARD, LSU AgCenter

Solar panels can be found perched atop buildings and set out across fields where they work to harvest the energy of the sun. M.P. Hayes wants to see if non-economic bodies of water such as wastewater treatment, industrial oxidation or irrigation ponds can play a part in this process.
Hayes, an LSU AgCenter assistant professor in agricultural and industrial water quality, received a grant from the LSU Institute for Energy Innovation and LSU Office of Research and Economic Development to conduct this research. This is one of 10 Research for Energy Innovation grants LSU distributed.
An aim of the study is to see if this type of system could eventually help disadvantaged communities where water quality metrics and high energy prices are a burden for residents.
Hayes and his team, which includes Chao Wang with the LSU College of Engineering and Greg Upton with the LSU Center for Energy Studies, are in the design phase and said the initial two years of the study will look at the efficiencies of the floated panels.
“Current literature indicates floating solar panels may actually be more efficient from ambient water cooling than a standard land-based unit,” Hayes said.
In the initial year, Hayes will use one floating unit on a rural municipal wastewater pond. The unit will have eight panels on it and will be shaped like a triangle to catch the most daylight possible. The team will compare that with another unit set on land near the floating panel to test efficiency between the floating unit and a standard unit.
Hayes said an advantage to floating the panels is that it offers an alternative space from traditional avenues like agricultural land.
“With the floating units, we think that they can be hidden in resources that aren’t currently being utilized,” he said.
Hayes said the team plans to have a design that will be replicated and used in multiple stakeholder ponds across the state in the second year to gather additional data. He is working with community and industry partners on this project.
“There are many industrial manufacturers realizing that they might be in one of these burdened areas and are wanting to contribute to a positive change in this field,” he said. “Some are looking at floating solar as a possibility for their oxidation ponds so they can have a renewable power source and not take up as much energy from the grid.”
Hayes said wastewater treatment facilities and other municipal organizations are interested in the potential for solar energy to power facilities in the event of power outages following storms or other issues.
A study conducted by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory looked at the cost analysis of floating solar systems. The cost was about 26 cents more per watt than a standard system. Hayes said a lot of the costs had to do with maintenance and the type of water bodies they were in.
“The study was conducted for deep water like drinking water reservoirs, lakes and open water areas with tidal movement and wind,” Hayes said. “The maintenance associated with those is quite a bit because of the amount of wiring and the infrastructure you have to have in place to keep it in that location.”
Hayes thinks that the cost could be less in the smaller bodies of water that he is targeting with his study.
Being in Louisiana, Hayes said there is access to marine-grade supplies and an infrastructure that could assist with manufacturing floating solar panels.
“It’s kind of the perfect storm where if there is some traction with this, and if it does showcase a positive benefit for communities’ water quality metrics and potential energy generation, it could take off pretty quickly,” he said.

New generation offers ideas for St. Mary projects

Wed, 04/10/2024 - 12:50pm

Last month, the Rotary Club of Morgan City brought together teams from parish high schools – nine of them this year – to present ideas for school and community improvements.
It was the 30th year the Rotary has hosted the New Generation event. And public officials listen to what the young people have to say.
In the past, student ideas have become reality in the form of new recycling receptacles, a dog park, road and park improvements, and intergenerational mixers for high students and senior citizens.

Here are summaries of this year’s proposals, courtesy of Scott Melancon of the Rotary Club:

Morgan City High:
Covered area
Outside covered area to enhance school/student environment.
The school facility offers only interior space for students to interact; students noted the school has no outside space creating a closed-up atmosphere.
It is not conducive to their daily experience and may be a negative influence affecting the educational experience.
Students also noted that the School System has procedural requirements to obtain approvals that include idea approval, professional planning and funding.

Franklin Senior High
Sexual assault awareness
and prevention
Students noted all the negative aspects of this subject, along with the need to bring awareness to students about sexual assault and methods to prevent sexual assault, ultimately to develop formal communication to educate students and others about these subjects and how to get help.
Sheriff Gary Driskell took ownership with Franklin students.

Hanson Memorial
Fun in Franklin,
pickle ball courts
Students noted the need and suggested locations for the national sensation of pickle ball. They noted participation has a large range of age; many senior citizens participate. These courts are great gatherings places for many age groups that also cross over into a past topic, intergenerational mixers.
State Sen, Robert Allain took ownership with the students, announcing the Bayou Bend Wellness Center next phase includes pickle ball courts. But they should also take the idea to the Franklin City Council.

VG Glecoe
Gators, who are we?
The charter school was introduced to the audience and students.
Paul Naquin took ownership, then complimented them and welcomed them to the forum for the first time.

West St. Mary
Community health center
Students discussed the need in Baldwin proper for such a facility and its overall benefits to the Baldwin community.
Bart Folse, chief operating officer of Bayou Bend Health and Wellness Center, emailed to take ownership with the school information, as he would like to meet with the students.

Centerville High
Dog park and
Pickle ball courts
This seems to be a theme with the CHS students, asking for additions improvements to the community recreational park. Rodney Olander, parish councilman, took ownership with the students, offering them assistance with the parish government.

Central Catholic
Morgan City Youth Council
This council is an existing program that students Lucy Kincade and Addison Loupe introduced. Lucy, who currently is a member of a state council, led a very strong discussion about replicating in Morgan City and parishwide.
Allain took ownership, as he had already met in Baton Rouge with Lucy who has assisted with the drafting of a legislative bill.

Patterson
Make St. Mary Parish a
Work Keys Ready community
Students presented this as a continuation from the 2023 New Generation. The program is established to identify certain work skills and education opportunities within participating businesses and educationally identifying skill sets to high school and vocational students.
Beth Chaisson, president of the St. Mary Chamber of Commerce, took ownership with the students. The Chamber is currently involved in this established program that is also available statewide with other communities the students noted in their presentation.

Berwick High
Student advisers
Students wanted to identify or solicit upper classmen to monitor and meet with incoming freshman and sophomores to offer help and guidance in the daily activities in a high school.
One example was getting into a locker and organization of locker. We sometimes overlook the finer or little things that can create frustration unnecessarily.

St. Mary Excel reports on first-quarter actvities

Wed, 04/10/2024 - 12:49pm

(Editor’s note: St. Mary Excel, a local citizens group, submitted this report on its first quarter 2024 activities.)
St. Mary Excel continues to implement recommendations of the Urban Land Institute panel, “Morgan City and Berwick Louisiana: Building the Foundation for a New Economy Along the Atchafalaya River.” See attachment at StMaryNow.com.
St Mary Excel:
—Made a presentation on local efforts to secure the Atchafalaya National Estuarine Research Reserve to the Gulf of Mexico Coastal Zone Management (CZM) and National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERRA) Partners at a meeting in Baton Rouge on Jan. 9.
—Hosted a Local Interest Group at the South Louisiana Community College-Young Memorial Campus on Jan. 6 and posted the meeting on You Tube at: https://tinyurl.com/2ke5yh7x
—Worked with multiple university and public stakeholders to develop a plan to secure a resilience lab as recommended by the Urban Land Institute. The ULI panel visited and recommended that our area make “resilience a regional export.”
—Made a courtesy visit to ANERR state agency director Dr. Brian Roberts to share resilience lab initiative plans as the lab complements the ANERR, but is not directly connected.
—Made plans to join Dr. Brian Roberts on May 29 as the St. Mary Parish Chamber of Commerce hosts him for their monthly luncheon. Dr. Roberts will update the community on ANERR process progress.
—Supported the City of Morgan City submission of a grant application to assist in seeking grant funds for cataloging and preserving documents and artifacts held in the Morgan City archives. The support was made possible through an H & B Young Foundation appeal.
—Followed meetings with St. Mary Parish Levee District to connect St. Mary Parish area students with field trip opportunities within the coastal ecosystem.
—Released, in conjunction with the St. Mary Parish Chamber of Commerce, the “2023 St. Mary Parish Quality of Life Survey”. Input was received from nearly 500 respondents on: economic development, health and wellness, safety, education, recreation and leisure,
Atchafalaya National Estuarine Research Reserve (ANERR), and a maritime residential high school.
St. Mary Excel shared results with local leaders (mayors, school board and hospital leaders, and parish leaders.) Results were summarized and posted on the St. Mary Excel website. See the results at: https://www.stmaryexcel.com/projects
—Made and submitted comments to the US Army Corps of Engineers concerning its Lower Mississippi River Comprehensive Management Plan.
— Continued inquiries into current awarded bike/hiking trail grants: 1) placing pedestrian head crossings on three intersections identified as dangerous; 2) and placing trails from downtown Morgan City to South Louisiana Community College.

Progress on insurance reform remains uncertain

Wed, 04/10/2024 - 12:47pm

STEVE WILSON, The Center Square

Proposals involving surcharges by Louisiana’s insurer of last resort and insurance carriers expecting profit exceeding 10% have been deferred.
Lawmakers are grappling with insurance carriers leaving a state that is vulnerable to hurricanes, a primary driver on property rates.
The two bills in the Insurance Committee of the House of Representatives are in marked contrast to several bills passed by the Senate’s Insurance Committee last week. Those are championed by state Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple and seek a more free market view.
One of the bills considered by the committee on Wednesday was House Bill 524 by Rep. Matthew Willard, D-New Orleans. His initiative would have removed the 10% premium surcharge on policies administered by state’s insurer of last resort, the Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance Corporation. These surcharges are designed to compel property owners to find policies on the open market.
Rep. Joseph Stagni, R-Kenner, also voluntarily deferred his bill, House Bill 513. This proposal would have required the state insurance commissioner to conduct a financial analysis and hold a public hearing if a rate filing by an insurance carrier has a target rate of return or expected profit that exceeds 10%.
Willard said the market is not competitive. And without that, he said, “Many of our constituents can’t get a private company to write their policy. And because the state has failed to provide them with a competitive insurance market, they’re paying this 10% premium charge.”
Joe Sciortino, chief financial officer of Citizens, said the legislation would have a negative effect on the corporation’s ability to procure reinsurance. That means financial protection to insurance carriers. He also said one of the aspects that makes Louisiana attractive to reinsurance providers is lawmakers have never suppressed rates such as in Florida.
According to data from the Louisiana Department of Insurance, Citizens is the state’s fourth-largest carrier in terms of policies with $103 million in written premiums and has increased its premiums by 63% in 2023 due to rising reinsurance rates.
The cost of reinsurance, according to a report by investment banking group Jefferies, has increased 3% this year after a 37% hike in 2023.
Stagni told the committee the most recent campaign for he and all lawmakers was the insurance market.
He told the committee, “Some of the things that have happened so far will put our citizens, especially if you represent people below I-10 in serious jeopardy and it will hurt home ownership in the areas where I represent. I think a good faith effort should be placed in trying to get some transparency should be made in the process when you’ve lifted rate caps and an insurance company wants to receive more than a ten percent increase in profit.”
The state’s vulnerability to hurricanes is a primary driver on property insurance rates, as the state has been hit by four since 2020. Three of those, hurricanes Laura, Delta and Zeta, made landfall in 2020. A 2023 survey by LSU Reilly Center for Media & Public Affairs found serious issues with the state’s property insurance market among the 509 Louisiana residents surveyed online. Seventeen percent of homeowners said their provider canceled their policy, while 19% tried to get a new policy and 55% of them had difficulty securing one.
Sixty-three percent of policyholders said their coverage costs increased in the past year, with 54% of those with flood insurance saying that their premiums increased.
The Legislature held a special session last year to help deal with the state’s property insurance market, but lawmakers avoided large-scale reforms. Instead, they opted for an incentive program that provides insurance companies grants ranging from $2 million to $10 million to write policies in the state.

Jim Bradshaw: Franklin traveler reveled in Louisiana April

Wed, 04/10/2024 - 12:43pm

JIM BRADSHAW

The little steamer Fairy carried the mail from Franklin to Lake Verret near Napoleonville in the 1850s, holding the contract because it could make the trip in only six hours when the wind blew wrong and a lot faster on a nice, quiet day.
The steamer met a mail coach that ran to the lake from Donaldsonville, putting Franklin within only 20 hours of New Orleans.
Spring was bursting out in April 1853, when the editor of the Planters’ Banner took “a quick and pleasurable trip on this little steamer” through “scenery in vestments of the richest verdure,”
“During our run thither, the wind was very high, and the firewood of poor quality, being water-soaked and otherwise objectionable for the purpose of raising steam, consequently we could form no correct estimate of her capabilities for traveling, as it took about six hours to make the run,” he reported.
“The following day, however, being fair, with but little wind stirring, and a plentiful supply of excellent wood having been procured … we had a fair opportunity to judge of what she can do in the way of traveling.”
He said the boat was “skillfully commanded, ably officered, and neatly furnished,” and that “nothing has been left undone … that could in the slightest degree add to the comfort and convenience of travelers by this route.” The boat’s “machinery worked admirably,” he said and it “glided through the water so smoothly as to create scarcely any perceptible motion.”
At Lake Verret the steamer’s owners had built “at considerable expense … a wharf from 500 to 600 feet in length, crossing the marsh … and running into the lake, so as to afford a good and secure landing at all stages of the water.”
On the return to Franklin, the Fairy started from Lake Verrett after a coach from Donaldsonville delivered the mail just after noon, and arrived at Patterson about 2:30 — “traveling a distance of some thirty miles in two hours and twenty minutes!”
The boat took on wood at Patterson, “so that it was five o’clock when she reached Franklin — making the whole trip from Lake Verret to Franklin in four hours and forty-five minutes, including the necessary stoppages for delivering and receiving the mail.”
This, in the editor’s opinion, was “first-rate running, the distances between the two places being in the neighborhood of fifty miles,”
The editor said he was well pleased with his little excursion. “The scenery … was beautiful; the lakes and bayous … presented an unobstructed path over their glassy surface, no unsightly snags being visible to … offend the eye while scanning Nature in all her loveliness. To add to all this, the day was as fine as could be desired, and on every hand a luxuriant vegetation … welcomed the joyous Spring.
“With such rejoicing scenes before us, who could fail to feel thankful and contented! There is something inspiring in such scenes, where all around appears harmonious, which makes one not only think well of himself, but all of mankind. So it was with us — and thus we felt quite at home in the ‘Fairy.’”
He predicted “ considerably increased travel by this route” during the coming summer.
“To those who place a proper value on time it must recommend itself as being more expeditious than any other, bringing Franklin within eighteen or twenty hours of New Orleans, and being the most economical at that season,” he wrote. “ The rates of passage by this route are at present $8 to New Orleans, $3 of which is the fare from Donaldsonville to the city, which in all probability will soon be reduced to $2 for all passengers by this line.”
Speed, economy, comfort, and lovely scenery — what more could a traveler want?
You can contact Jim Bradshaw at jimbradshaw4321@gmail.com or P.O. Box 1121, Washington LA 70589.

Get It Growing: Fighting the fire ants

Wed, 04/10/2024 - 12:35pm

HEATHER KIRK-BALLARD, LSU AgCenter Horticulturist

By HEATHER KIRK-BALLARD
LSU AgCenter
Horticulturist
Fire ants are formidable pests in gardens and landscapes. They’re known for their painful bites and stings due to venom. When disturbed, fire ant mounds can unleash swarms of sterile female worker ants that sting and inject venom within seconds, potentially causing severe allergic reactions or dangerous medical issues in some individuals.
Fire ant colonies, which can contain up to 200,000 ants, consist mainly of female workers and a queen capable of laying up to 1,600 eggs daily. These colonies create extensive underground tunnels and can take months to grow visible mounds.
Originally introduced to the U.S. via South American cargo ships, fire ants have spread extensively in warmer southern and southeastern regions thanks to their resilience. Their diet includes pests like flea larvae and cockroach eggs, but they’re also drawn to electrical equipment, posing a dilemma for control efforts.
As the weather warms in the spring and the ground begins to dry, mounds are more evident when they emerge from their dormancy and begin their tyranny. There are a variety of products and methods at your disposal to help control their population and rid your landscape of nuisance ant mounds. Always read labels carefully before purchasing products and make sure you understand the directions before using them.
Be aware that ant baits can pose a risk to birds. Organophosphate and carbamate insecticides can cause respiratory failure and death in birds. Some safer alternatives are insect growth regulators (IGRs) that interfere with egg development, preventing immature stages from reaching adulthood. Methoprene used in ant baits is much safer for our feathered friends.
Diatomaceous earth, an organic, nontoxic powder, can be used as a perimeter treatment to control ants. Other organic options include insecticides with boric acid, pyrethrin or rotenone labeled for ant control. Boiling hot water can be used but hardly ever penetrates the entire mound. A second application in the following days will be needed to eliminate the remainder of the mound.
There are other chemical controls you can use; however, they can be toxic to birds and other small mammals. Retired AgCenter entomology specialist Dale Pollet recommends using baits. They should go out starting now in April and again in October for best control. He says it is crucial to apply baits when a couple days of dry weather is expected so they don’t wash away.
Baits are safe for use around pets, but if you have chickens, he recommends putting the birds up for a few days when applying. Never apply baits near water systems such as ponds and lakes.
Baits consist of an insecticide combined with a food material that the fire ants will eat. They then bring the bait back to the colony and feed it to other ants, including the queen. Mounds can be treated individually, but it is best to broadcast it over an entire yard at a rate of 1 to 2 pounds per acre.
For small lots, a 1/2-to-3/4-pound application is sufficient to treat the entire yard. Want to be even more effective? Coordinate with your neighbors or work with your homeowners’ association. Treating your yard along with surrounding ones will offer the best control.
Some additional options are dusts that typically contain acephate. Apply the dust to the mound and it will pass through the entire colony, killing them within days.
Mound drenches are liquid concentrates mixed with water to create 1 gallon of diluted mixture. Apply to the top of the mound when the ground is dry, and ants should die within a day. If the ground is already saturated with water, you will not get movement of the insecticide to penetrate underground to the entire nest.
Granules are another method, usually used to treat mounds by sprinkling the recommended amount on the top of the mound without disturbing it. Make sure to completely penetrate the mound, or ants will move to a different site through underground foraging tunnels to avoid the insecticide.
Now, let’s dispel some myths. Grits do not work to kill ants. In fact, you will just be feeding them because, much like us southerners, ants love them! Also, a shovel from one mound on top of another to make ant colonies fight a gauntlet to the death is an exciting notion (imagine tiny ants in gladiator suits), but again, there is no merit to this myth. In fact, colonies can spread up to 25 feet. Different mounds are probably part of the same colony, so avoid the colony reunion and save your back.
You can consult the LSU AgCenter’s free publications, including the “Louisiana Home Lawn Series: Red Imported Fire Ant” and “Managing Imported Fire Ants in Urban Areas,” for additional guidance. Search for these titles at www.LSUAgCenter.com.
By HEATHER KIRK-BALLARD
LSU AgCenter
Horticulturist
Fire ants are formidable pests in gardens and landscapes. They’re known for their painful bites and stings due to venom. When disturbed, fire ant mounds can unleash swarms of sterile female worker ants that sting and inject venom within seconds, potentially causing severe allergic reactions or dangerous medical issues in some individuals.
Fire ant colonies, which can contain up to 200,000 ants, consist mainly of female workers and a queen capable of laying up to 1,600 eggs daily. These colonies create extensive underground tunnels and can take months to grow visible mounds.
Originally introduced to the U.S. via South American cargo ships, fire ants have spread extensively in warmer southern and southeastern regions thanks to their resilience. Their diet includes pests like flea larvae and cockroach eggs, but they’re also drawn to electrical equipment, posing a dilemma for control efforts.
As the weather warms in the spring and the ground begins to dry, mounds are more evident when they emerge from their dormancy and begin their tyranny. There are a variety of products and methods at your disposal to help control their population and rid your landscape of nuisance ant mounds. Always read labels carefully before purchasing products and make sure you understand the directions before using them.
Be aware that ant baits can pose a risk to birds. Organophosphate and carbamate insecticides can cause respiratory failure and death in birds. Some safer alternatives are insect growth regulators (IGRs) that interfere with egg development, preventing immature stages from reaching adulthood. Methoprene used in ant baits is much safer for our feathered friends.
Diatomaceous earth, an organic, nontoxic powder, can be used as a perimeter treatment to control ants. Other organic options include insecticides with boric acid, pyrethrin or rotenone labeled for ant control. Boiling hot water can be used but hardly ever penetrates the entire mound. A second application in the following days will be needed to eliminate the remainder of the mound.
There are other chemical controls you can use; however, they can be toxic to birds and other small mammals. Retired AgCenter entomology specialist Dale Pollet recommends using baits. They should go out starting now in April and again in October for best control. He says it is crucial to apply baits when a couple days of dry weather is expected so they don’t wash away.
Baits are safe for use around pets, but if you have chickens, he recommends putting the birds up for a few days when applying. Never apply baits near water systems such as ponds and lakes.
Baits consist of an insecticide combined with a food material that the fire ants will eat. They then bring the bait back to the colony and feed it to other ants, including the queen. Mounds can be treated individually, but it is best to broadcast it over an entire yard at a rate of 1 to 2 pounds per acre.
For small lots, a 1/2-to-3/4-pound application is sufficient to treat the entire yard. Want to be even more effective? Coordinate with your neighbors or work with your homeowners’ association. Treating your yard along with surrounding ones will offer the best control.
Some additional options are dusts that typically contain acephate. Apply the dust to the mound and it will pass through the entire colony, killing them within days.
Mound drenches are liquid concentrates mixed with water to create 1 gallon of diluted mixture. Apply to the top of the mound when the ground is dry, and ants should die within a day. If the ground is already saturated with water, you will not get movement of the insecticide to penetrate underground to the entire nest.
Granules are another method, usually used to treat mounds by sprinkling the recommended amount on the top of the mound without disturbing it. Make sure to completely penetrate the mound, or ants will move to a different site through underground foraging tunnels to avoid the insecticide.
Now, let’s dispel some myths. Grits do not work to kill ants. In fact, you will just be feeding them because, much like us southerners, ants love them! Also, a shovel from one mound on top of another to make ant colonies fight a gauntlet to the death is an exciting notion (imagine tiny ants in gladiator suits), but again, there is no merit to this myth. In fact, colonies can spread up to 25 feet. Different mounds are probably part of the same colony, so avoid the colony reunion and save your back.
You can consult the LSU AgCenter’s free publications, including the “Louisiana Home Lawn Series: Red Imported Fire Ant” and “Managing Imported Fire Ants in Urban Areas,” for additional guidance. Search for these titles at www.LSUAgCenter.com.

Dear Abby: Man feels trapped in marriage without intimacy

Wed, 04/10/2024 - 12:28pm

DEAR ABBY: I’m in a sexless 25-year marriage. It was not always this way, but any intimacy has been over for more than a decade. My wife’s libido has waned, which I understand.
What she does do is continually bring up issues about me from years ago as if they were yesterday.
I have my faults, like lack of communication and shutting down, which I have objectively thought about a great deal and tried to make things right. I’m not violent, I don’t use drugs or abuse alcohol. She remains adamant in her distrust of me and punishes me by withholding all forms of intimacy.
We attended marriage counseling, where I listened to her and acknowledged my issues for redress. She, on the other hand, justifies her actions and behaviors. She has her own failings but doesn’t want to hear how much her actions have hurt me. She also didn’t listen to the counselor and will not hold herself accountable.
I feel so lonely. She thinks a lack of intimacy is fine for a marriage, and this is frustrating to me.
I have brought this up to her numerous times, but she will not be moved. I could use your counsel on this.
LONELY MAN IN GEORGIA
DEAR LONELY MAN: You tried counseling; counseling failed. Lack of intimacy (of any kind) is not “fine” for a marriage. Call an attorney and set yourself free.

DEAR ABBY: During my 30s (I am now mid-70s), I did some nude modeling for several reputable photographers, which resulted in some lovely portraits. A few of them have been framed and hang on my bedroom wall.
My family members are aware of them, but they are very religious (which I am not), so I don’t know how to dispose of them. Should I try to sell them, and if so, how? Should I bequeath them to someone, or should they be left for my estate executor to deal with? What to do?
PORTRAITS IN THE SOUTH

DEAR PORTRAITS: Definitely discuss this with your executor well before the need arises. If the photographers are well-known, go online and find out if there’s a market for their work. Offer the portraits for sale and see if there is any interest. You could also bequeath them to an “open-minded” relative or friend. I wish you luck.

DEAR ABBY: In a response to “Ganged Up On” (Dec. 23), you stated that it is against the law to hit a child in California. It was in response to a woman whose mother-in-law spanked her grandchild. I was born in California and lived there more than 50 years, and I believe you misinterpreted the penal code.
It is not illegal to spank in California. It IS illegal to use excessive force, or to cause traumatic injury when doing it. I don’t personally believe that a child should be hit, but it is not “illegal.” In fact, corporal punishment, not abuse, is legal in every state in the U.S.
DENISE E. IN NEVADA

DEAR DENISE: Mea culpa. I stand corrected. You are not the only reader I heard from after printing that answer. Thank you for straightening me out about this.

***
For an excellent guide to becoming a better conversationalist and a more sociable person, order “How to Be Popular.” Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 to: Dear Abby, Popularity Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447.

St. Mary public schools will be closed Wednesday

Wed, 04/10/2024 - 6:00am

From the St. Mary schools Facebook page:

Dear SMP Public School Families:

Weather predicted for our area has arrived earlier than expected and will be passing during morning intake. Out of precaution, all St. Mary Parish Public Schools and Facilities will be closed for Wednesday, April 10, 2024. Superintendent Fegenbush apologies for any inconvenience this decision may cause.

Public notices for April 10, 2024

Wed, 04/10/2024 - 6:00am

ORDINANCE
NO. 2024-3
AN ORDINANCE TO AUTHORIZE THE CITY TO LEASE OLD FIELD HOUSE BUILDING, IN- CLUDING TERM OF LEASE, CONSIDERATION, AND OTHER TERMS AND CONDITIONS
WHEREAS, CITY OF PATTERSON, LOUISIANA (the “City”) is the owner of a building located at or near 1105 Church Street in Patterson, Louisiana 70392, generally referred to as the “Old Field House” (THE “Old Field House”), which is situated on a tract of land more fully des-cribed as follows:
That certain tract or parcel of land situated in the City of Patterson, Louisiana, shown, designated, and described as Tract “LL-N-M-KK-LL”, on that survey plat entitled RE-DIVISION SHOWING LAND SWAP BETWEEN CITY OF PATTERSON AND SCHOOL BOARD, dated March 12, 2015, and prepared by Providence/GSE Associates, LLC, a copy of which is attached, containing 0.687 acres; said tract being bounded on the North by property of the City of Patterson, on the East by property of the St. Mary Parish
School Board, on the South by Church Street, and the West by Twin Street.
Being the same tract of land ac- quired by the City by Intergovernmental Agreement and Act of Ex- change recorded in Book 353, Page 270, Entry No. 327,623 of the Conveyance Records of St. Mary Parish, Louisiana.
WHEREAS, the City has no public use for the Old Field House at the present time or in the foreseeable future; and
WHEREAS, a privately owned Louisiana limited liability company, namely, All Clean Laundry, LLC, (“All Clean”) wishes to lease the Old Field House from which to operate a self-service laundromat business; and
WHEREAS, the City wishes to lease the Old Field House to All Clean under the minimum terms and conditions shown below; and
WHEREAS, such a lease would be of benefit to the City in that it would produce revenue to the City, and it would relieve the City of some of its maintenance to the building.
WHEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Mayor and Council of the City of Patterson, Louisiana, that:
Section 1. The City shall lease to All Clean the Old Field House. The Lease shall contain the following minimum terms and conditions:
1. Term:
The original term of this lease shall be for one year, beginning on the 1st day of the month first following adoption of the ordinance by the Mayor and City Council of Patterson authorizing the City to enter into this lease. The original term of this lease shall end on the last day of the twelfth month following the adoption of said ordinance (the termination date”).
All Clean shall have the right and option, at its discretion, to extend the term of the lease once for either one or two years beyond the termination date, upon giving the City written notice no later than thirty (30) days prior to the termination date, of its intent to so extend the term of the lease.
2. Rental:
All Clean shall pay a monthly rental amount of $300.00 commencing on the fifth day of the first month following the adoption of this ordinance, and payable in that same amount on the fifth day of each month thereafter during the entire term of the lease.
In the event All Clean takes all action required to extend the term of the lease, then the rental amount and all other terms and conditions of the lease in effect during the primary term of the lease shall remain in full force and effect during the extended term of the lease.
Section 2:
RODNEY GROGAN, Mayor, be and is hereby authorized to execute all instruments necessary and proper to carry out the purpose of this ordinance, including all other terms and conditions which he deems advisable in his sole discretion.
The foregoing Ordinance was introduced by Councilmember Ray Dewey and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Lee Condolle at the regular monthly meeting of the City Council held on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, and notice of which was published in the official journal of the City on March 20th, March 22nd, and March 29th, 2024, and was offered by Councilmember Ray Dewey who moved its adoption, seconded by Councilmember Mamie Perry, at the regular monthly meeting of the City Council on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, and being read and considered section by section, the Ordinance was submitted to vote with the results as follows:
YEAS: DeMale Bowden, Lee Condolle, Ray Dewey, Mamie Perry, Miranda Weinbach
NAYS: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
WHEREUPON the Ordinance was declared adopted on this 2nd day of April, 2024.
———————
RODNEY A.
GROGAN,
MAYOR
ATTEST:
———————
MIDGE
BOURGEOIS,
CITY CLERK
Adv. April 10, 2024

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PUBLIC NOTICE
ORDINANCE
NO. 2024-3A
Ordinance to Amend “Side depth” provision of Subsection 4.101 of Zoning Code to reduce required side depth from 10’ to 5’”.
BE IT ORDAIN-ED that the portion of Section 4.101 of Appendix A Zoning of the Code of Ordinances, City of Patterson, Louisiana, is hereby amended to read as follows:
Side depth - 5 feet
All sections, articles, chapters or provisions of said Code in conflict herewith be and the same are hereby repealed.
The foregoing Ordinance was in- troduced by Councilmember DeMale Bowden and seconded by Councilmember Mamie Perry, at the regularly scheduled meeting of the City Council of the City of Patterson on the 5th day of March 2024. A public hearing by the City Council of the City of Patterson was held on the 2nd day of April, 2024, and notice of such hearing was published in the official journal of the City of Patterson on March 20th, March 22nd, and March 29th, 2024. The foregoing Ordinance was offered by Councilmember Ray Dewey, who moved its adoption, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Lee Condolle and being read and considered section by section, the Ordinance was submitted to vote with the results as follows:
YEAS: DeMale Bowden, Lee Condolle, Ray Dewey, Mamie Perry, and Miranda Weinbach.
NAYS: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
WHEREUPON, the Ordinance was declared adopted on this 2nd day of April, 2024.
———————
RODNEY A.
GROGAN,
MAYOR
ATTEST:
———————
MIDGE
BOURGEOIS,
CITY CLERK
Adv. April 10, 2024

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PUBLIC NOTICE
ST. MARY
PARISH WATER & SEWER
COMMISSION NO. 1
834 WATERWORKS ROAD
P.O. BOX 309
AMELIA, LOUISIANA 70340
MARCH 6, 2024
The Board of Commissioners of St. Mary Parish Water & Sewer Commission No. 1 met in regular session on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, and was held at the office in Amelia, Louisiana at 6:00 P. M.
The President, Carlo Gagliano, Jr. called the meeting to order.
The Office Manager performed a roll call, all commissioners were present.
Board members present: Kenneth Mire, Leroy Trim, Oscar Toups, Carla Gagliano and
Carlo Gagliano, Jr.
Absent: None
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all present.
Others Present: Brian Tabor, Larry Barras, Jane Au- coin
Public Comment/Appearances: Brendon Gaspard representative of Pan American Engineers, LLC
Peyton Forester of Pan American Engineers, LLC
Gwen Hidalgo, Parish Council Member
Approval of minutes of the meeting held on February 7, 2024.
A motion was made by Leroy Trim and seconded by Kenneth Mire to approve and dispense with the reading of the minutes of the February 7, 2024, regular meeting. All voted aye. Motion carried.
Executive Session (if necessary): Discussion of pending litigation captioned “In the Matter of the Complaint for Exoneration from or Limitation of Liability of Deloach Marine Services, LLC, as Owner Pro-Hac Vice and Operator of M/V Miss Mollye D,” bearing Civil Action No. 3:22-cv-00416 in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana in- volving Deloach, LA DOTD and the Commission regarding the allision into the Bayou Ramos Bridge and the damaged water line.
Unfinished Business:
A. Discussion and action on notifying customers by text for district’s alerts and emergencies.
Allowed for public comment: None
Eldorado has a notification on the program to send emails. More information will be obtained for next month’s meeting.
New Business:
A. Discussion and any action on matters discussed in executive session.
Allowed for public comment: None
There was no discussion concerning the executive session.
B. Discussion and any action on the filter re- habilitation project.
Allowed for public comment: None
There was an update by Brendon Gaspard concerning the filter rehabilitation project.
A discussion followed.
The Board made a motion for Pintail to start cleanup on the filter rehabilitation project.
C. Discussion and action on a truck for the sewer collection field.
Allowed for public comment: None
The Plant Manager discussed the situation on this matter concerning the accident with the truck.
The insurance company has totaled the vehicle and will pay $13,000.
There was no action, there was a decision to commission a spare truck the district has, and delay purchasing a new replacement.
D. Discussion and action on the proposed 2024 budget.
Allowed for public comment: None
The Plant Manager reviewed the Proposed 2024 Budget. A discussion followed.
A motion was made by Kenneh Mire and seconded by Oscar Toups to table the 2024 Proposed Budget to next meeting for purposes of review and acquire re- quested additional information.
REPORTS
Engineering Report – None
Managers’ Re- port – None
Outstanding Bills
Allowed for public comment: None
A motion was made by Kenneth Mire and seconded by Leroy Trim to approve the payment of the outstanding monthly bills. All voted aye. Motion carried.
Other Business allowed under Act 861
Allowed for public comment: None
A motion was made by Leroy Trim and seconded by Carla Gagliano to adjourn the meeting at 7:44 P.M. All voted aye. Motion to adjourn carried.
(S) Carlo Gagliano, Jr.
Carlo Gagliano, Jr.,
President
(S) Kenneth Mire
Kenneth Mire,
Secretary/
Treasurer
Adv. April 10, 2024

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PUBLIC NOTICE
PUBLIC NOTICE (GO CLECO RIDER)
NOTICE is hereby given, pursuant to Article IV, Section 21(D)(1) of the Louisiana Constitution, that on March 26, 2024, Cleco Power LLC (“Cleco Power”), an electric public utility supplying retail electric service to approximately 295,000 customers in twenty-four (24) parishes in the State of Louisiana through its retail business and supplying wholesale power in the State of Louisiana, filed with the Louisiana Public Service Commission (the “LPSC”), its Ap- plication for (i) Approval of the First Amended and Restated Power Purchase Agreement be- tween Cleco Power, as purchaser, and Dolet Hills Solar, LLC (“Dolet Hills Solar”), as seller, dated as of February 23, 2024, as amended by a Second Amend-ment thereof dated as of March 7, 2024 (the “Amend-ed and Restated Solar PPA”); (ii) Approval of Cleco Power’s Rate Schedule Green Option Cleco (“GO Cleco Rider”); (iii) Approval to construct an approximately seven (7) mile 345 kV transmission tie line connecting the solar facility to Cleco Power’s substation (the “Tie Line”); and (iv) Related Relief (the “Application”). The Application re- quests LPSC ap- proval for Cleco Power to purchase power, pursuant to the terms of the Amended and Restated Solar PPA, that would be generated by a solar photovoltaic electric generation project having an expected nameplate capacity of 240 MW that Dolet Hills Solar will develop, design, construct, own, and operate in De- Soto Parish, Loui-siana (the “Solar Facility”), and that will connect to Cleco Power’s Dolet Hills Trans-mission Substation in DeSoto Parish, Louisiana, via the Tie Line. The Solar Facility and the Tie Line would be constructed upon the LPSC’s approval of the Ap- plication. Cleco Power’s Application also requests implementation of the GO Cleco Rider, which is a voluntary rate schedule that allows eligible customers to subscribe to the Solar Facility capacity on a first come, first served basis, subject to certain limitations.
Notice of Cleco Power’s Applica-tion has been published in the March 28, 2024, Official Bulletin of the LPSC. The Application was filed in LPSC Docket No. U-36502. The proposed rate change will affect all parishes served by Cleco Power.
Cleco Power’s Application may be viewed in the Office of the LPSC in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and on the LPSC’s website (www.lpsc.louisiana.gov), under Docket No. U-36502. Addi-tionally, the LPSC may be contacted regarding questions or comments at (800) 256-2397.
Adv. April 10, 2024

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PUBLIC NOTICE
A PUBLIC
AUCTION
THURSDAY, MAY 2, 2024 AT 1:00PM
SURPLUS
MOVABLE PROPERTY FROM ST MARY PARISH SHERIFF’S OFFICE
LOCATION: Manheim
Lafayette
1611 St. Mary Street
Scott, LA 70583
The St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office is desiring to sell surplus movable property at a public auction. All items are sold “as is” and the seller reserves the right to reject any and all bids and remove said item of movable property from sale.
For more information, contact Cpt. Bart Lange, Fleet Manager @ (985) 509-0010 or Louis Ashley @.337-578-3932
Auction conducted by:
MANHEIM LAFAYETTE
1611 St. Mary Street, Scott, LA 70583
(337) 237-5620
LISTING: www.stmaryso.com & https://www.manheim.com/publicauctions/sales.do
INSPECTION: Public Buyers can inspect the inventory beginning the morning of the sale up until sale time.
TERMS: Cash, Cashier’s Checks, Money Order. No personal or company checks without a Bank Letter of Guarantee valid for 15 banking days after the auction
Items to be auctioned: Minimum Bid
2009 Ford Crown Vic, 2FAHP71V89X139069: $200
2009 Ford C/V 4.6L, 2FAHP71V89X144305: $200
2010 Ford C/V 4.6L, 2FABP7BVXAX132486: $200
2011 Ford C/V 4.6L, 2FABP7BV6BX122443: $200
2010 Ford C/V 4.6L, 2FABP7BV9AX109877: $200
2011 Ford C/V 4.6L, 2FABP7BV5BX128976: $200
2008 Ford C/V 4.6L, 2FAFP71V18X172890: $200
2008 Ford C/V 4.6L, 2FAFP71V08X151058: $200
2008 Ford Crown Vic, 2FAFP71V18X145138: $200
2008 Ford C/V 4.6L, 2FAFP71V28X154737: $200
2011 Ford Crown Vic, 2FABP7BV2BX148893: $200
2006 Chev Trailblazer, 1GNDT13S56214 4885: $200
2006 Ford Crown Vic, 2FAFP71W76X124963: $200
Adv. April 10 and 17, 2024

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PUBLIC NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
Sixteenth
Judicial District Court
———
PARISH OF
ST. MARY
———
STATE OF
LOUISIANA
PHH Mortgage Corporation
Vs. No. 136822 Div “E”
The Unopened Succession of Sylvia Jean Belcher Mizell A/K/A Sylvia Jean Belcher Mizell A/K/A Sylvia Jean Belcher A/K/A Sylvia J. Belcher A/K/A Sylvia Belcher A/K/A Sylvia Jean Mizell A/K/A Sylvia J. Mizell A/K/A Sylvia Mizell A/K/A Sylvia Belcher Mizell A/K/A Sylvia B. Mizell
TAKE NOTICE, that by virtue of Writ of FiFa issued out of the Honorable 16th Judicial District Court, in and for the Parish of St. Mary, and to me directed, in the above numbered and entitled suit, I have seized the following mentioned and described property, to wit:
That certain tract or parcel of land, together with all improvements (if any) thereon, and all rights, ways, privileges, appurtenances and prescriptions thereunto belonging or in anywise appertaining and being more particularly described as follows:
Lot 22 of Square 25 of Unit No. 2 of Lakeside Subdivision, St. Mary Parish, Louisiana, as shown on plat of survey of J.J. Krebs & Sons, Civil Engineers and Surveyors, a copy of which is recorded in Book 13-M, under Entry No. 123,718, of the Conveyance of St. Mary Parish, Louisiana, and according to which survey said property measures 55 feet front on Chestnut Drive, with a width in the rear and depth as shown on said survey.
the sum of SIXTY-SEVEN THOUSAND THREE HUNDRED SEVENTY-ONE AND 61/100 ($67,371.61), together with interest thereon and any applicable amounts provided for by the Act of Mortgage and ap- plicable law such as late charges, escrow advances, corporate advances, and other fees, together with reasonable attorney’s fees actually in- curred by the Plaintiff, if/as ap- plicable, such other or additional amounts incurred or hereafter and proves according to law for taxes, assessments, re- pairs to and maintenance of the property, and other charges which the Plaintiff is permitted to prove by affidavits filed or submitted before judicial sale herein as well as all sheriff’s costs and commission.
All successful bidders must have cash, cashier’s check or a verifiable letter of credit in favor of said bidder from a solvent bank, savings and loan association or other such financial institution authorized to do business in the state of Louisiana and full payment must be made on the date of sale. Letter must state that money is available on the date of sale.
I shall expose the same at public sale, for Cash, according to law WITHOUT ap- praisement to the last and highest bidder, at the principal front door of the 1st floor lobby area of the Court House in the Parish of St. Mary, Town of Franklin, Louisiana, on Wednesday, the 17th day of April A.D., 2024, be- tween the legal hours commencing at 10 O’Clock A.M.
Sheriff’s Office
Parish of St. Mary, La.
BLAISE W. SMITH,
SHERIFF
By: Heidi Rineholt
Deputy Sheriff
Adv. March 15 and April 10, 2024

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PUBLIC NOTICE
Public Notice –
Stockholder’s Annual Meeting
The annual meeting of the stockholders of MC Bancshares, Inc., Morgan City, Louisiana, for the purpose of electing directors for the ensuing year and for all other matters which may properly come be- fore said meeting will be held at the Main Office of M C Bank & Trust Company, 1201 Brashear Avenue, Morgan City, LA 70380 on Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at 10:00 a.m.
Kenneth I. Nelkin,
Chairman of the Board
Adv. March 13, 20, 27, April 3 and 10, 2024

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PUBLIC NOTICE
ADVERTISEMENT FOR RFP
The Louisiana Energy & Power Authority located at 210 Venture Way, Lafayette, LA 70507 will be accepting RFPs until 5PM on May 6, 2024 for the decommissioning cost study of LEPA Unit No. 1 Combined Cycle plant in Morgan City, LA. For a copy of the RFP, please call the LEPA office at (337) 269-4046 or email David Bergeron at dbergeron@lepa.com.
Adv. April 10, 2024

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Drug, theft, domestic abuse arrests reported locally

Tue, 04/09/2024 - 2:11pm

(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.)

Morgan City police made theft and marijuana arrests Monday, while St. Mary deputies accused a woman of domestic violence with child endangerment.

Morgan City

Chief Chad M. Adams reported that the Morgan City Police Department responded to 45 calls for service over the last 24-hour reporting period and made these arrests:

--Ashley Nicole Aucoin Jennies, 36, Two Sisters Lane, Morgan City, was arrested at 9:32 p.m. Monday on charges of theft (under $1,000) and possession of synthetic marijuana.

--Shawn Casey Lovell Sr., 46, Sixth Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 10:58 p.m. Monday on a charge of theft (under $1,000).

--Lillian Lardaisha McDaniel, 37, Irish Bend, Franklin, was arrested at 11:15 p.m. Monday on charges of possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

St. Mary

Sheriff Gary Driskell reported that over the last 24-hour reporting period, the Sheriff’s Office responded to 96 complaints and made these arrests:

--Amy Ponce-Mata, 46, Amelia, was arrested at 11:09 p.m. Monday on a charge of domestic abuse (child endangerment).

--David Lenes Aucoin Sr., 46, Morgan City, was arrested at 7:41 p.m. Monday on a warrant alleging failure to appear on a charge of criminal neglect of family. Bail was set at $6,626.64.

--Jonisha Jshay Yelling, 32, Baldwin, was arrested at 6:36 p.m. Monday on three warrants alleging failure to appear through the Baldwin Police Department. Bail was set at $1,438.

--James Duhon III, 50, Franklin, was arrested at 11:22 p.m. Saturday on two warrants alleging failure to appear on charges of possession of methamphetamine and theft by shoplifting. Bail was set at $6,000.

Franklin

Chief Cedric Handy reported that the Franklin Police Department responded to eight complaints over the last 24-hour reporting period and made this arrest:

--Bryan Dubon, 19, Royal Crest Drive, Austin, Texas, was arrested at 5:40 p.m. on charges of speeding and no driver's license. Dubon was booked, processed and released on a $478.50 bond.