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Theft, drug arrests reported in St. Mary

Mon, 04/01/2024 - 1:04pm
Staff Report

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

Morgan City police made three arrests on theft charges over the weekend, while authorities throughout the parish reported six arrests on drug charges.

Morgan City

Chief Chad M. Adams reported that the Morgan City Police Department responded to 136 calls for service over the holiday weekend and made these arrests:

--Ireaf L Mitchell, 19, Gen. Patton Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 2:05 p.m. Friday on a charge of theft (under $1,000).

--Stephanie M. Manjarrez, 30, La. 182, Morgan City, was arrested at 9:06 p.m. Saturday on charges of theft (under $1,000), possession of stolen things ($1,000-$5,000), possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

--Latasha T. Jones, 42, Nicole Lane, Berwick, was arrested at 12:22 p.m. Sunday on a charge of theft (under $1,000).

--Billy R. Greenwood, 55, North Everett Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 5:46 p.m. Thursday on a charge of simple battery.

--Sanford J. Robinson, 62, Bowman Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 7:51 p.m. Thursday on charges of disturbing the peace (language) and littering.

--Benito M. Hernandez, 43, Griffin Road, Youngsville, was arrested at 7 p.m. Friday on a warrant alleging failure to pay fines (6th Ward Morgan City Court).

--Luis Coban-Morales, 28, Mary Drive, New Orleans, was arrested at 10:14 p.m. Friday on charges of driving while intoxicated (first offense), driver must be licensed, possession of alcoholic beverages in a vehicle and improper lane usage.

--Eric S. Gaskins, 53, Duke Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 7:31 p.m. Sunday on charges of possession of synthetic marijuana, resisting an officer with force, obstruction of justice (tampering), possession of marijuana, battery on an officer and disturbing the peace (violent and tumultuous).

St. Mary

Sheriff Gary Driskell reported that over the last 96-hour reporting period, the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office responded to 129 complaints and made these arrest:

--Stephen Michael Fournier, 34, Houma, was arrested at 12:30 a.m. Friday on a warrant alleging failure to appear on charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated, emanation of excessive sound or noise, and operating a vehicle not covered by security. Bail has not been set at this time.

--Jeremy Joseph Olivier, 44, Patterson, was arrested at 7:11 p.m. Friday on charges of possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia, and on two warrants alleging failure to appear on charges of resisting arrest or officer and on two warrants alleging failure to appear on the charges of criminal neglect of family and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

Bail has not been set at this time.

--Damien Aurelius Hale, 34, Franklin, was arrested at 2:08 p.m. Saturday on charges of resisting an officer/simple assault, simple criminal damage to property and disturbing the peace (intoxicated). Bail has not been set at this time.

--Junior Gomez, 23, Amelia, was arrested at 2:14 p.m. Sunday on a charge of battery of a dating partner. Bail has not been set at this time.

Berwick

Chief David S. Leonard reported these arrests:

--Benjamin Cheramie, 53, Berwick, was arrested at 10:42 p.m. Friday on a charges of possession of marijuana (under 14 grams) and possession of drug paraphernalia and on a St. Mary Parish warrant alleging failure to appear on a charge of criminal neglect of family.

About 10:24 p.m. Friday, a traffic stop was conducted on a vehicle for a lane violation that was observed on U.S. 90. Officers made contact with the driver who was identified as Cheramie.

Through the course of the stop, it was learned that Cheramie had active warrants through the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office. Cheramie was placed under arrest, and a search of his person was conducted, at which time marijuana and items of drug paraphernalia were located.

Cheramie was transported to the Berwick Police Department where he was booked on the above charges.

--Riley Lodrigue, 18, Morgan City was arrested at 4:09 a.m. Saturday on charges of improper lane usage and possession of marijuana (under 14 grams).

About 3:44 a.m. Saturday, officers were in the area of U.S. 90 and observed a vehicle commit several lane violations. A traffic stop was conducted, and officers made contact with the driver, who was identified as Lodrigue.

During the course of the stop, an odor of marijuana was detected coming from the vehicle. A search was conducted, at which time marijuana was located. Lodrigue was placed under arrest and released on a summons to appear in court.

--Melissa Bundrick, 40, Berwick, was arrested at 7:32 p.m. Saturday on charges of reckless operation of a motor vehicle and no driver’s license, and on a hold for Texas on charges of theft and driving while intoxicated (second offense).

About 7:20 p.m. Saturday. an officer was flagged down in reference to a complaint of a reckless driver. A description of the vehicle was given, and the vehicle was located a short time later.

Officers made contact with the driver, who was identified as Bundrick. Through the course of the stop, it was learned that Bundrick did not have a driver’s license and held several active warrants through the Fort Worth area. Bundrick was placed under arrest and transported to the Berwick Police Department where she was booked.

--Keith Pharagood, 58, Thibodaux, was arrested at 1:20 a.m. Sunday on charges of obstructing public passage, failure to secure registration, no insurance, reckless operation of a motor vehicle and driving while intoxicated, and on a hold for the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office on a domestic abuse warrant.

About 1:07 a.m. Sunday, officers patrolling the U.S. 90 area observed a vehicle operating in a reckless manner. Shortly after the vehicle passed the officers, it came to a complete stop in the roadway.

A traffic stop was conducted, and officers contacted Pharagood and detected impairment. Standardized field sobriety tests were conducted, and he performed poorly and was placed under arrest.

Pharagood was transported to the Berwick Police Department, where he provided a valid breath sample of 0.156G% BAC. It was learned that his driver’s license was suspended, and the vehicle had no insurance or proper registration.

A warrants check revealed that Pharagood had active warrants through the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office. Pharagood was then booked.

Patterson

Chief Garrett Grogan reported this arrest:

--Malcolm J. Smith Jr., 18, Eighth Street, Patterson, was arrested at 4:41 p.m. March 27 on a charge of disturbing the peace by fighting. Smith was incarcerated at the Patterson PD Jail with bail set at $1,000.

Franklin

Chief Cedric Handy reported that the Franklin Police Department responded to 22 complaints over the holiday weekend and made these arrests:

--Bridget Spain, 46, Easy Street, Franklin, was arrested at 4:42 p.m. Thursday on a warrant dated March 14 alleging telephone harassment. Spain was booked, processed and released to appear in 3rdWard City Court.

--Brenden Jenkins, 32, Iberia Street, Franklin, was arrested at 11:35 a.m. Friday on a warrant for 16th Judicial District Court alleging failure to appear on a charge of possession of marijuana. Jenkins was booked, processed and released on a $40 bond.

--Jacob Stewart, 27, Gibbs Road, Franklin, was arrested at 6:57 p.m. Friday on charges of stop sign violation, driving under suspension, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of Schedule I narcotics and possession of a controlled dangerous substance in the presence of a minor.

Stewart was booked processed and released on a $500 bond.

--Patricia Stewart, 57, St. Claude Place, Youngsville, was arrested at 8:35 p.m. Friday on charges of disturbing the peace, resisting an officer and interference with a law enforcement investigation. Stewart was booked, processed and released on a $500 bond.

--A juvenile was arrested at 12:30 p.m. Sunday as a runaway.

--Oscar Enamorado, 37, 169th Street, Galliano, was arrested at 3 p.m. Sunday on charges of stop sign violation and driver must be licensed. Enamorado was booked, processed and released on a $439 bond.

Bringing the community together

Fri, 03/29/2024 - 12:03pm

Pharr Chapel United Methodist Church hosted the annual Good Friday community fish fry at Morgan City's Lawrence Park.

The event was free and open to all. The Rev. Joy Comeaux of Pharr Chapel said 50 volunteers worked beginning at 5 a.m. to prepare 800 meals. The main course was 300 pounds of catfish donated by Garber Brothers Inc.

The fish fry, which followed a Stations of the Cross re-enactment at the park, was scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. By 10:45 a.m., more than 70 people were in line.

"We do this to reach out to our community and show God's love and bring the community together," Comeaux said.

Helping Hearts annual banquet set for April 27

Fri, 03/29/2024 - 11:20am

The Tri-City Helping Hearts Foundation will host its annual charity banquet at 4 p.m. Saturday, April 27, at the St. Mary Senior Citizens Center – the AARP building – at 4014 Chennault St., Morgan City.
The Tri-City Helping Hearts Foundation’s primary purpose is to serve the citizens of Morgan City, Berwick, Amelia and Patterson by offering financial assistance with the burial expenses for loved ones.
The proceeds from the banquet will enable the foundation to continue fulfilling its purpose.
As in the past, the foundation will honor a local citizen, and entertainment will be provided.
The foundation is seeking sponsors as well as donors to subsidize the cost of the event.
The tiers of sponsorship are:
—Diamond, eight tickets sponsored, $2,000.
—Gold, seven tickets sponsored, $1,500.
—Silver, six tickets sponsored, $1,000.
—Church (special rate), six tickets sponsored, $225.
For ticket or sponsorship information, call 985-518-9884.

Survey: People are seeking new 'work spouses'

Fri, 03/29/2024 - 6:00am

In the ever-evolving landscape of office culture, there’s a trend that has subtly been emerging, without crossing any HR boundaries.
Enter the era of the work spouse – a term that’s been buzzing through cubicles and Zoom rooms since the early 2000s but truly finds its roots in the age-old tradition of finding that one colleague you vibe with on another level.
This isn’t about romance. It’s about partnership in its most platonic and powerful form.
According to a recent survey conducted by Wealth of Geeks, almost a fifth (18%) of employees who have returned to the office full time have found a new “work wife-work husband.”
In Louisiana, the survey found that almost 1-in-5 (19%) full-time office workers have found a new work spouse since returning to the office. This equates to a whopping 878,404 workers in the Pelican State. 
Meanwhile, Iowa is where it seems the office party is at – employees in the Hawkeye State are finding their office soulmate more than in any other state, with 28% of Iowans tying the platonic knot, forming work spouse relationships.
The survey also revealed that, going forward, almost half (43%) of workers do not intend to let little thing like changing jobs sever the bonds of work matrimony, maintaining relationships with their "work spouse’" even if one of them has left the job.
It appears many workers do not want to make the same mistake again, learning from the disconnected experiences of the pandemic.
Over a third (35%) admit to sweetening the deal with a pet name for their work spouse, because why keep things strictly professional when you can sprinkle a bit of personal charm? And 15% of respondents are breaking bread as well as barriers, having lunch with their work spouse every day, turning the lunch hour into the highlight of their workday camaraderie. 
So, what’s the big deal? At its core, the work spouse trend underscores a craving for connection and support that transcends job titles and to-do lists. It’s about finding that one colleague who doesn’t just share your love for coffee breaks but truly gets you. And in today’s fast-paced, sometimes impersonal work world, that’s not just nice to have; it’s essential.
“The resurgence of the work spouse phenomenon in our post-pandemic world shines a spotlight on the inherently social nature of work,” says Michael Dinich of Wealth of Geeks. “This revival goes beyond mere office trends, serving as a powerful reminder that at the core of every thriving organization are its people and the intricate web of relationships they weave together.’’

Get It Growing: Just a tinge of fringe

Fri, 03/29/2024 - 6:00am
HEATHER KIRK-BALLARD, LSU AgCenter Horticulturist

If you’ve caught sight of those stunning, petite, white-flowered trees this spring, you’re witnessing one of the most dazzling spectacles of the season: the fringe trees. Every spring, I receive a flurry of emails, phone calls and texts from folks asking about this beautiful tree that seems to pop up out of nowhere.
 The fringe tree is a deciduous, ornamental tree that is one of the earliest of the spring-blooming trees. Because flowers appear on barren limbs, they seem to appear out of nowhere. Throughout the year, you may not even take notice of this small tree. The plant gets its name from its fragrant, delicate clusters of white petals that hang gracefully. There are two varieties that can be found in the landscape: the American and the Chinese fringe trees.
 As the name suggests, the Chinese fringe (Chionanthus retusus) tree is native to China, Korea and Japan. It is an easy-to-grow, very hardy tree with beautiful, leathery foliage and unique bark in addition to its white flowers in spring. It makes an excellent foundation tree planting or accent feature in the landscape. These are small-to-medium-sized trees ranging in height from 10 to 20 feet with the potential of reaching 30 to 40 feet at full maturity. They grow well in full to partial sun in most any type of soil.
 The Chinese fringe tree’s lush, shiny leaves transform into a golden hue as autumn sets in. With the arrival of spring, new shoots and leaves sprout, adorning the branches with delightful, star-shaped blossoms emitting a sweet scent. The tree’s bark has captivating texture featuring corky ridges alternating between dark brown and light gray shades. Female trees bear blue-purple fruits from late September to October. Undoubtedly, it’s a tree of remarkable beauty.
 The American fringe tree (Chionanthus virginicus), also lovingly called Grancy greybeard or old man’s beard, is a small, deciduous tree native to the eastern United States from Canada to the Gulf Coast. Once established, the fringe tree has moderate water needs and tolerates both the heat and humidity well. It also has a low flammability rating.
 The American fringe tree doesn’t quite match the showiness of its Chinese cousin. Its blossoms are a bit more scattered and less consistent compared to the Chinese variety — but it makes up for it with its tough nature.
 As spring arrives, this native gem unfurls its delicate, fringelike blossoms, decorating the landscape with clusters of white petals. Its lush foliage tinged with hues of vibrant green provides a verdant backdrop that complements the purity of its blooms.
 The true beauty of the American fringe tree lies in its adaptability and resilience. It thrives in a variety of soil types and climates. Whether nestled along woodland borders, gracing urban streetscapes or standing proudly in suburban gardens, the American fringe tree fills its surroundings with a sense of grace and timeless beauty.
 The American fringe tree is an excellent choice as a specimen plant in lawns. It also thrives as a flowering tree in native gardens. Consider planting it in clusters along a border to create a striking visual effect.
 Both trees are stunning in the landscape and are great small-to-medium-sized trees that fit well in urban settings. They have very few issues, but under very dry conditions, both can be susceptible to scale insects and borers, including the emerald ash borer. However, robust trees are less vulnerable, so it’s important to give them extra attention during prolonged periods of drought.
 Whether you’re drawn to the delicate allure of the Chinese fringe tree or the hardy charm of its American cousin, these trees remind us of the wonderful diversity found in nature’s palette.

Jeremy Alford and David Jacobs: Will constitutional chatter dominate lawmakers' work flow?

Fri, 03/29/2024 - 6:00am
JEREMY ALFORD AND DAVID JACOBS

Larry Bagley was a young teacher fresh out of college in 1972, when Louisiana was preparing to hold the constitutional convention that produced our current charter.
Bagley, now a state representative, doesn’t remember the exact circumstances that led him to run for a delegate slot — elections were held across Louisiana by state House district — but he entered the fray nonetheless.
Bagley, along with several other candidates, ultimately lost to Buddy Roemer, the future congressman and governor who became an outspoken delegate during the convention that spanned 1973 and 1974. 
At a public forum prior to the delegate election, Bagley recognized he was outmatched. “I realized pretty quickly there were some people who were going to get elected, and nobody knew who I was,” Bagley said.
Fast-forward to today, more than half a century later: Bagley is an elected member of the state House of Representatives and on the cusp of becoming a delegate for another constitutional convention. 
While the enabling legislation hasn’t yet been filed, House and Governmental Affairs Chair Beau Beaullieu said he’s sponsoring the instrument and legislators — along with gubernatorial appointees — will likely be the proposed delegates.
Bagley, for his part, isn’t sure Louisiana needs another convention.
While it would mean missing his opportunity to become a delegate, finally, Bagley doesn’t want “change for the sake of change.” He worries about losing protections for state K-12 education funding.
“I hope we don’t shorten the session down and legislation doesn’t get passed trying to get this [convention] done,” Bagley said. 
To be certain, chatter about the anticipated convention is already sucking oxygen out of the Capitol’s hallways, even with a regular session in full swing. 
In fact, “big idea” policy proposals are being paused until the work and scope of the proposed constitutional convention comes into focus. Even constitutional amendments filed for the ongoing regular session face an uncertain future.
Senate Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Chair Franklin Foil said he wanted to file legislation regarding the centralization of sales tax payments, but decided against it after consulting with the legislative leadership and administration.
Foil, who serves on the governor’s transition council for constitutional reform, said, “One of the reasons I think we decided to hold off on that, and other tax reform measures, is the governor wants to do a constitutional convention.
"So I think he wants to see where that goes first before we start making specific changes in the constitution.”
Beaullieu said he expects to ask members not to try to move their constitutional amendments forward, “unless they think it would stand the test of the convention.”
The chairman added, “I haven’t seen a bill yet that I don’t think can wait.”
Moreover, tackling every constitutional amendment would make it difficult for convention boosters to end the regular session early — maybe as soon as May 20 — in order to convene the proposed con-con as soon as possible. 
We’ll have to wait and see on that expedited timeline for the regular session.
The Legislature already has a mandate to address insurance, and the usual must-pass spending bills must be passed.
The proposed convention’s goal would not include adding new provisions to the new constitution, said Beaullieu. Instead, the convention would be an exercise in reduction, whereby sections could be moved to statute, so that nothing changes right away.
Still, constitutional stakeholders are nervous. Who can blame them?
When it comes to policymaking, nothing is more important than the fundamental law found in a constitution.
That’s why the front-of-mind question for local government players, and many others, involves who else would serve as delegates aside from members of the House and Senate.
Gov. Jeff Landry has requested 27 appointments for CC24, according to Foil, similar to the input late Gov. Edwin Edwards had in CC73. (How the enabling legislation adjusts to this remains to be seen.
A bicameral or even tricameral approach in which representatives, senators and the governor’s appointees all vote separately is always possible.)
But exactly who will get a seat among the governor’s appointees? Every industry under the sun wants a seat at the table, from oil and gas to timber and tech.
“We think it could be a good thing,” said Guy Cormier, executive director of the Police Jury Association of Louisiana.
“Our fear is that we have little or no participation in the process, and we have a bunch of folks who have never been in our shoes rewriting a very important document that we have to live with for years to come.” 
So until we see some kind of structure and endgame for CC24, fear and speculation will serve in place of actual policymaking when it comes to big ideas and most constitutional amendments.
That’s quickly becoming a hard political truth as Landry and others push for a fall ratification vote of the public for the new constitution.
Such a tight timeline is a good reason to slow down a bit right now, while it’s still possible, said Bagley, the man who ran unsuccessfully for delegate in the 1970s and may now end up getting the job.
While he’s cautious about popping the hood on the constitution for a tuneup, Bagley knows it would be a once-in-a-generation opportunity.
“I don’t know,” Bagley said while reflecting on the course of his political career.
“Maybe all this stuff was meant to happen.”
For more Louisiana political news, visit www. LaPolitics.com or follow Alford on Twitter @ LaPoliticsNow.

Public notices for March 29, 2024

Fri, 03/29/2024 - 6:00am

PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE
Notice is hereby given that the following proposed ordinance has been submitted at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Patterson, Louisiana on the 5th day of March 2024.
INTRODUCTION OF
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 at- tached, 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 acquired by the City by Intergovernmental Agreement and Act of Exchange 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 re- lieve 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 ——————, and was offered by Councilmember ———————, who moved its adoption, seconded by Councilmember ———————, at the regular monthly meeting of the City Council on ———————, and being read and considered section by section, the Ordinance was submitted to vote with the results as follows:
YEAS:
NAYS:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
WHEREUPON the Ordinance was declared adopted on this ——— day of ———————, 2024.
———————
RODNEY A.
GROGAN, MAYOR
ATTEST:
———————
MIDGE
BOURGEOIS,
CITY CLERK
* * * * * * * *
Notice is further given that a public hearing on the aforesaid proposed ordinance is set for 6:00 p.m. on the 2nd day of April 2024, during the regular meeting of the Patterson City Council to be held at the City Hall in Patterson, 1314 Main Street, Patterson, Louisiana, on that date and at that time, and final action on said proposed ordinance shall be taken at said meeting.
———————
MIDGE
BOURGEOIS,
CITY CLERK
Adv. March 20, 22 and 29, 2024

mmm

PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE
Notice is hereby given that the following proposed ordinance has been submitted at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Patterson, Louisiana on the 5th day of March 2024.
INTRODUCTION OF
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 introduced 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 ——— day of ———————, 2024, and notice of such hearing was published in the official journal of the City of Patterson on —————————. The foregoing Ordinance was offered by Councilman ———————, who moved its adoption, seconded by Councilman ———————, and being read and considered section by section, the Ordinance was submitted to vote with the results as follows:
YEAS: ————
NAYS: ————
ABSENT: ———
WHEREUPON, the Ordinance was declared adopted on this ——— day of ———————, 2024.
———————
RODNEY A.
GROGAN,
MAYOR
ATTEST:
———————
MIDGE
BOURGEOIS,
CITY CLERK
* * * * * * * *
Notice is further given that a public hearing on the aforesaid proposed ordinance is set for 6:00 p.m. on the 2nd day of April 2024, during the regular meeting of the Patterson City Council to be held at the City Hall in Patterson, 1314 Main Street, Patterson, Louisiana, on that date and at that time, and final action on said proposed ordinance shall be taken at said meeting.
———————
MIDGE
BOURGEOIS,
CITY CLERK
Adv. March 20, 22 and 29, 2024

mmm

PUBLIC NOTICE
ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS
MORGAN CITY HIGH SCHOOL
STADIUM
RENOVATION
Morgan City, Louisiana
Sealed bids will be received by the St. Mary Parish School Board for MORGAN CITY HIGH SCHOOL, STADIUM RENOVATION until 2:00 PM, local time on Tuesday, April 9, 2024 at the St. Mary Parish School Board Central Office Complex, LA Hwy 317, Centerville, Louisiana, at which time and place said proposals will be publicly opened and read aloud. Electronic bids at www.centralbidding.com as allowed by Act 590 amended Title 38:2212 are acceptable. Any bids received after the above-mentioned time will be re- turned unopened.
Each bid shall be enclosed in a sealed envelope bearing the title of the work, the name of the Bidder, the address, date and hour of the bid opening, and the State Contractor’s License Number. The bid shall be addressed as follows:
BID: Morgan City High School
Stadium Renovation
Morgan City, Louisiana
St. Mary Parish School Board
Highway 317 · P. O. Box 170
Centerville, LA 70522
LICENSE NO. ————————
Failure to have the license number on the envelope will be result in the Bid being re- turned unopened.
Bid documents will be posted on www.centralbidding.com. To view, download, and re- ceive bid notices by e-mail, you will have to register with Central Auction House (CAH). Vendors/Contractors will have the option to submit their bids and bid bonds electronically or by paper copy. Contact Ted Fleming with Central Auction House at 1-866-570-9620 concerning any questions about this process.
PROJECT DES- CRIPTION: The project consists of the cleaning and painting , fence replacement, new track surfacing, lighting improvements, new field event improvements, and miscellaneous repairs to the Morgan City High School Stadium.
Prospective Contractors shall be licensed for Building Construction by the State of Louisiana and that license shall be in effect on the date of the bid.
Each proposal must be accompanied by a bid bond, a certified check, or cashier’s check in an amount equal to at least five percent (5%) of the amount bid, made payable without condition to the Owner as a guarantee that the bidder, if awarded the contract, will promptly execute the contract documents. Failure to do so will result in the bid/bids being declared nonresponsive and shall be cause for rejection. If a bid bond is provided it shall be on the attached form and only on the attached form and shall be dated on or before the bid date. The bid security of all bidders, except the three lowest, will be returned promptly after the canvas of bids.
A non-mandatory pre-bid conference, at which the scope of the project, contract time and other requirements can be discussed with prospective bidders, may be held at the project site. All bidders will be notified and are encouraged to at- tend.
Copies of the contract documents are on file in the St. Mary Parish School Board, Central Office Complex, Hwy 317, Centerville, Louisiana and the office of the Architect, Carl P. Blum AIA Architect, 900 David Drive, P. O. Box 2386, Morgan City, Louisiana 70381, and are open for inspection without charge.
Contractors may obtain contract documents from the Architect by paying a deposit of Thirty Dollars ($30.00). The full amount of the de- posit, on the first set, will be refunded to each contractor who submits a bona fide bid, upon return of the documents in good condition within ten (10) days after the receipt of bids. Contractors and Material Dealers may obtain additional sets of plans and specifications by making a deposit in the amount named above. Up- on return of these documents, in good condition, one half of the deposit will be refunded, the difference representing the cost of printing, assembling, and distributing the sets. No refund will be made on any set not returned in good condition within ten (10) days after the receipt of bids.
If someone other than a corporate officer signs for the Bidder/Contractor, a copy of a corporate resolution or other signature authorization shall be required for submission of bid. Failure to include a copy of the ap- propriate signature authorization, if required, may result in the rejection of the bid unless bidder has complied with LA R.S. 38:22:12(A)(1)(C) or LA R.S. 38:22:12(0).
A bid will be considered responsive if it conforms in all respects with the conditions and requirements of the Bidding Documents. In order to be considered re- sponsive, the Louisiana Uniform Public Works Bid Form must: (a) be fully completed, signed and be responsive in all respects to the Bidding Documents; (b) be made on the Bid Forms provided and submitted intact, (c) submitted in ink.
No bid may be withdrawn after the scheduled closing time for receipt of bids for thirty (30) days.
To the extent permitted by applicable state and federal laws and regulations, the St. Mary Parish School Board re- serves the right to reject any and/or proposals for just cause.
St. Mary Parish School Board
Mr. Michael
Taylor,
President
Adv. March 13, 22 and 29, 2024

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PUBLIC NOTICE
ST. MARY
PARISH
RECREATION DISTRICT NO. 1
PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF ST. MARY PARISH RECREATION DISTRICT NO. 1
The board of Commissioners of St. Mary Recreation District No. 1 met in regular session on Tuesday February 20, 2024.
The meeting was called to order by Mrs. Janice Aucoin at 6:00pm.
Roll was called and those present were Commissioners Mr. Steve Patureau, Mrs, Carla Gagliano, Manager Michael Beadle, Mr. Tyrone Richardson, Mrs. Janice Aucoin, Mr. Anthony Scully
A motion was made by Mr. Steve Patureau to accept the minutes as written. The motion received a second from Mr. Anthony Scully. All were in favor.
The monthly bills were review-ed. A motion was made by Mr. Steve Patureau to pay the bills. The motion received a second from Mr. Anthony Scully. All were in favor.
Mr. Mike Beadle presented the treasures report. A motion was made by Mr. Steve Patureau to accept the report as read. The motion re- ceived a second from Mrs. Carla Gagliano. All were in favor.
Agenda Items Discussed
Mike Beadle presented managers report. Ap- proved quote to purchase new electric snake machine for plumbng is- sues. Discussed need for more mulch for playground and was approved to purchase 80 cubic yards. Approval to buy one truckload of sand/dirt. Re- view Monthly bills report. All in favor to approve and pay. After all is- sued were addres-sed and no further matters were present, Mr. Steve Patureau made a motion to adjourn the meeting. All were in favor.
(S) Janice Aucoin
Board
Commissioner
(S) Mike Beadle
Mike Beadle,
Manager
Adv. March 29, 2024

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PUBLIC NOTICE
Post on Door
CITY OF
PATTERSON
NOTICE OF PUBLIC
MEETING
April 2, 2024
A Public Meeting will be held as follows:
DATE: April 2, 2024
TIME: 6:00 PM
PLACE OF MEETING: City Hall, Council Meeting Room, 1314 Main Street, Patterson, Louisiana 70392
AGENDA
**********
6:00 PUBLIC HEARING
•Discussion of Ordinance No. 2024-03 to authorize the city to lease the Old Field House Building, including the term of Lease, consideration, and other terms and conditions
•Discussion of Ordinance #2024-03A to amend the “Side depth” provision of Subsection 4.101 of Zoning Code to reduce the required side depth from 10’ to 5’.
**********
1) MEETING CALLED TO ORDER BY THE MAYOR
2) INVOCATION
3) PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
4) ROLL CALL
5) APPROVAL OF THE March 5, 2024 MINUTES.
6) SUBMISSION OF MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORT
7) PUBLIC COMMENT
8) GUEST
1) Brianna Comeaux – Hattie Watts Elementary – approval for Family Glow Fun Run
2) Beverly Domengeaux – St. Mary Council of Aging – annual report
9) UNFINISHED BUSINESS
1) ) Adoption of Ordinance No. 2024-03 to authorize the city to lease the Old Field House Building, including term of Lease, consideration, and other terms and conditions.
2) Adoption of Ordinance #2024-03A to amend the “Side depth” provision of Subsection 4.101 of Zoning Code to reduce the required side depth from 10’ to 5’.
3) Approval to merge commissioners of Patterson Community Center Board with Patterson Recreation Board (basically obsolete) into one board
10) NEW BUSINESS
1) Introduction of 2024 – 2025 Budget
2) Contract for Special Legal Counsel
3) Resolution of Respect for Sheriff Blaise Smith
4) Resolution of Respect for Mr. Joseph Landry
11) ANNOUNCEMENTS
12) ENGINEERS REPORT
13) LEGAL MATTERS
14) ADJOURN
ANY AND ALL BUSINESS TO COME BEFORE THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL WITH THEIR UNANIMOUS CONSENT ADJOURN
Midge Bourgeois,
City Clerk
City of Patterson
1314 Main Street
Patterson, LA 70392
985-395-5205
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance, please contact Midge Bourgeois at 985-395-5205 or email: midge.bourgeois@cityofpattersonla.gov describing the necessary assistance.
“City of Patterson is an Equal Opportunity
Provider and Employer”
Adv. March 29, 2024

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PUBLIC NOTICE
St. Mary Parish Consolidated Gravity Drainage District No. 2A
Regular Monthly Meeting
Wednesday, February 21st, 2023
Call to order 6:01 P. M.
Roll Call: Tim Matthews, Larry Aucoin, Don Hicks, Charlie Solar Jr., Leroy Trim(absent)
Guests: Glen Thibodeaux, Sid Moffett, Joel Miller, John Armato
Pledge of Alle-giance by Mr. Solar
Public Com-ment: None
Motion for ap- proval of minutes from the January 9, 2024 meeting was made by Mr. Aucoin. Second by Mr. Matthews. All were in favor. Motion carried.
Mr. Armato presented the Board with a budget comparison.
Motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report for DD6, DD2, and DD2A was made by Mr. Hicks. Second by Mr. Matthews. All were in favor. Motion carried.
Guests: Mr. Miller addressed the Board and said they had finished the survey work and topographic work. They also started drafting. In about (2) weeks they will start speaking to landowners about accessing their properties.
Agenda item 8 regarding Execu-tive Session was tabled.
Maintenance re- ports were given by Sid Moffett and Glen Thibodaux. Chuck Billodeau was absent.
New Business: A motion to hire Pro Pump & Equip-ment to maintenance the Morgan City area pumps at a cost of $1000/week was made by Mr. Hicks. Second by Mr. Matthews. All were in favor. Motion carried.
Old Business: Mr. Solar said he waiting to hear back from the Parish about the pump at the Amelia Belle Casino. A motion to table the election of officers was made by Mr. Aucoin and seconded by Mr. Hicks. All were in favor. Motion carried.
Motion to Ad- journ was made by Mr. Aucoin. Second by Mr. Hicks. All were in favor. Motion carried. Meeting ended at 6:22 pm.
Adv. March 29, 2024

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'Sounds of Silence Tribute' takes stage here April 11

Fri, 03/29/2024 - 6:00am

Johnny Phillips and Steven Delopoulos, original members of Burlap to Cashmere, will perform their brand-new show “The Sounds of Silence Tribute” April 11 at Morgan City Municipal Auditorium.
This will be the last concert in the Morgan City Live Community Concert Association 2023-24 season.
The show begins at 7 p.m. Single concert tickets are $25 for adults and $5 for students K-12. Tickets, subscription or single concert, are available online at  www.morgancitylive.com or at the door.
 “The Sounds of Silence Tribute” is described in promotional material as a throwback to the early 1970s Greenwich Village folk music scene.
Taking audiences on a journey back to a time when lyrics and melody meant something more, their show features the music of Simon & Garfunkel, Bob Dylan, John Denver, Harry Chapin, Cat Stevens, Don McLain and more.
Morgan City Live Community Concert Association of Morgan City Inc., formed in 1947, continues to bring world-class entertainment to the tri-city area of Morgan City, Berwick and Patterson, as well as the rest of St. Mary Parish and surrounding parishes.
Thanks to the generosity of patrons and donors, this series is offered at affordable, family-friendly prices.

Parish Council stalls on interim CAO, budget fix

Fri, 03/29/2024 - 6:00am
Staff Report

The St. Mary Parish Council emerged from contentious back-to-back meetings Wednesday without an interim chief administrative officer and without additional progress toward solving a looming budget shortfall.
CAO Jean Paul Bourg, whose office is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the parish government, submitted his resignation earlier this month, effective Thursday. Meanwhile, the administration and council are looking for ways to avoid a $2.5 million budget shortfall later this year after making large debt repayments this summer.
Finance Director Paul Governale appears likely to become interim CAO, and he said he’s willing to fill in provided that he can return to the finance director post when a permanent CAO is appointed.
“This is not the kind of can we can kick down the road,” Councilman the Rev. Craig Mathews said.
But Parish President Sam Jones, who must appoint either a permanent or an interim CAO with council approval, pushed back against an attempt to appoint Governale on Wednesday, saying he wanted to talk with him about the appointment first.
The interim CAO will have work to do on the budget. At a budget committee meeting before the regular council meeting, the council voted 6-5 against accepting the administration’s latest round of proposed cuts.
The administration had identified revenue enhancements — but no tax increases — and cuts that officials said would come within $300,000 of the $2.5 million goal. Now it’s unclear which reductions and how much the council is willing to accept.
The proposed cuts included 50% cut in allocations to nongovernmental agencies, festivals and local fire departments.
Mathews, who chairs the budget committee, suggested that the administration will have to go back to the drawing board on the budget.
“There is no drawing board,” Jones replied. “This is it.”
But Bourg said other ways to fix the budget can be found.
“I told Sam we can come up with some other proposals,” Bourg said, although the other ideas are likely to be more painful than those already put forward.
Representatives of some of the agencies that would see the 50% cuts talked about the pain at Wednesday’s budget committee meeting.
Almetra Franklin, CEO of the St. Mary Community Action Agency, said the parish allocation is used to match a federal grant for a transportation program that serves, among others, dialysis patients.
“The council should be looking out for the elderly, the disabled and the children,” Franklin said.
Chuck Autin spoke against the cut on behalf of a program that provides $80,000 worth of food to residents of west St. Mary.
Morgan City Assistant Fire Chief John MacDougall said cutting aid to fire departments could force his department to divert money that could be used to hire new firefighters to other needs.
“These cuts are going to be detrimental to the provision of service,” MacDougall said.
Also at Wednesday’s meeting:
—The council welcomed members of the Franklin Senior High boys basketball team, which won the LHSAA Non-Select Division IV state championship earlier this month.
Each of the athletes introduced himself to the council. Pictures from the team’s Sunday parade and celebration appear on Page 12.
—Bourg gave what turned out to be a sometimes tearful farewell during the budget discussion.
Bourg, who served 11 months as CAO, rejected the ideas that former President David Hanagriff and former CAO Henry “Bo” LaGrange left the parish in a budget mess or that Jones lacks good ideas for moving forward.
“If he conveys his plan to you, you’ll go along with you if it makes sense to you,” Bourg said.
“It’s been difficult, but I’ve learned a lot.”
The council and the audience stood and applauded Bourg’s remarks.

Pages

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