FREE COMMUNITY
FISH FRY
11 a.m.-1 p.m. Good Friday, April 3, Lawrence Park in downtown Morgan City. Stations of the Cross at 10 a.m. Public invited. One plate per person. In case of rain, the event will move under the bridge at Second and Greenwood. Hosted by Pharr Chapel UMC.
In an effort to bolster and grow a core of its overall business portfolio, the energy and process industries, Louisiana has overhauled and reorganized related regulatory departments and commissioned its first targeted strategic plan in two decades.
Louisiana Economic Development commissioned the strategic plan, which zeroed in on the energy and process industries as the most lucrative opportunities for the state, according to LED Secretary Susan Bourgeois.
But her team quickly realized that such opportunities take on different forms based upon geography; the needs and offerings of land-locked Shreveport, in the northern part of the state, contrast sharply against the Gulf-hugging, oil-anchored community of Terrebonne Parish.
“So we decided to do a deeper dive and create this energy strategy for Louisiana,” she said.
LED looped in the newly-transformed Department of Conservation and Energy, which regulates the industry, to help pave the way. The two departments are now leading what the administration calls its “Whole-of-Louisiana” energy strategy.
Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry restructured both departments – first LED and then C&E – during his first two years in office. The new strategy builds on these realignments, which were carried out through executive orders and legislation.
The first goal is to identify the assets across the state and the priorities of the communities where those assets are located. So if a project needs, for example, easy access to natural gas and a certain amount of open land, LED will be able to tell the company right away where such prospects can be found in Louisiana.
“From a global perspective, Louisiana is already very much on the radar [for foreign investment],” Bourgeois told LaPolitics. “This is making it more clear and concise: Here’s the most logical place for you, or here are the assets that a particular region can bring to bear. Here’s what both of these state departments will do to align to get your project to market quicker.”
State officials would certainly like to fast-track projects when possible and appropriate. But they also recognize the risk in moving too fast, before residents who live near the proposed project have a chance to understand and get comfortable with what’s approaching.
As such, first-ever C&E Secretary Dustin Davidson meets with a potential business operators and asks them if they’ve spoken with local leaders and residents. The last thing he wants is for his department to be working on permit applications for a project and find out that the company skipped this crucial step, which can sow distrust that can lead to opposition.
“If you don’t talk to them, you’re going to have a problem, and it’s not my job to help you,” Davidson said.
The strategy announcement calls for Louisiana to “drill, baby, drill,” an obvious reference to oil and gas. But Bourgeois and Davidson say the new approach also speaks to an “all of the above” approach to energy.
Sure, not everyone wants solar or wind farms in their backyards. But Louisiana still can manufacture the solar panels and the wind turbines, and its workers can build offshore wind facilities, Davidson said.
He noted the oil and gas sector has been shedding jobs for some time. Yet those workforce skills can transfer to other sectors that need welders and other folks who know how to manufacture.
“If it’s going to be built in the United States, why not build it here, right?” Davidson said. “As long as it’s safe, it’s environmentally friendly, and we can do it responsibly, we want to make sure that we can be home to that investment.”
As part of this transition, the Landry administration touts billions of dollars in projects either planned for the state or potentially in the pipeline. However, many of those investments include an element of carbon capture and sequestration, which is controversial in many parts of the state and will be a subject of hot debate during this year’s regular session in Louisiana.
That controversy adds a “unique wrinkle” to the overall strategy, Davidson added, even if many of the international investments on tap include a CCS component.
While some pockets of the state oppose carbon capture wells, the areas of the state that are used to heavy industry are mostly fine with them, he said.
“At the end of the day, it’s really a question of do those benefits outweigh the impact?” Davidson said “And for those [industrialized] parts of the state, they have decided yes.”
Multibillion dollar data center projects tied to AI also have grabbed headlines over the past several months, and more are expected to be on the way to Louisiana. But many well-informed observers don’t think the current level of investment in AI is sustainable.
So what happens if AI is a bubble that’s about to pop? Bourgeois said every potential project will be weighed carefully to ensure Louisiana is positioned to take advantage of the opportunity while not being burdened with the risks.
Those risks can include other ratepayers being forced to shoulder a project’s energy costs. Bourgeois said the data center boom happened in other states first, so Louisiana has a chance to learn from their mistakes.
“Are we going to announce more data centers? Of course we are,” Bourgeois said. “Are we going to announce an endless number of data centers? No.”
Last week, Gov. Landry, Bourgeois and legislative leaders announced 19 businesses that will get a total of $140 million from LED’s new FastSites revolving loan fund.
The idea is to build “a portfolio of development-ready sites positioned to compete nationally for transformative projects in advanced manufacturing, logistics, energy innovation and next-generation industries.”
Bourgeois said the announcement helps to demonstrate the “whole of Louisiana” approach. The 19 projects are scattered throughout the state, from small towns and rural districts to big cities, she said.
And every loan application required support from state lawmakers from the district, as well as the regional economic development organization, she said.
The entire process was built to make sure the local officials and partners were at the table.
For more Louisiana political news, visit www. LaPolitics.com or follow Alford on X @ LaPoliticsNow.
DEAR ABBY: My boyfriend, “Wade,” and I were expecting our first child and couldn’t wait to tell the news to our family and friends. But my boyfriend can’t keep a secret, and before we told our parents, he told his best friend and his wife. Wade told them to not tell anyone since we still hadn’t reached the 12-week mark.
A month later, I found out they told Wade’s ex-girlfriend I was pregnant. I was extremely upset, because it wasn’t their business to tell, ESPECIALLY to Wade’s ex. It doesn’t sit right with me that his ex found out I was pregnant before my parents did.
When Wade confronted them, they denied it, saying the ex already knew. But my sister-in-law confirmed that the ex also reached out to her and asked if we were expecting because the best friend’s wife had told her we were. I felt betrayed. Wade cut that couple off and uninvited them to the gender reveal/baby shower, which upset them, so they unfriended us on social media.
The situation continued to weigh heavy on my conscience. I mean, Wade’s ex was going to find out eventually. So I tried to be the peacemaker and messaged the couple asking if we could meet to clear up misunderstandings and told them their friendship means a lot to us. They didn’t respond. I left it at that and haven’t reached out again. It’s been six months. Did I overreact and destroy a friendship just because of my pregnancy hormones?
BRAND-NEW MOM
IN MISSOURI
DEAR MOM: I don’t think so. You reacted the way you did because someone you trusted spilled the beans about your pregnancy. Not only that, but she also leaked the news to your husband’s ex-girlfriend after being asked to keep her lip zipped. Then, when confronted about it, she lied to you about it. These are not the hallmarks of a good friend whose judgment (or word) you can trust. It shouldn’t have been your responsibility to be the peacemaker. She owes you and your husband an apology. You did not overreact because of your hormones; you reacted the way you did because you have good sense.
DEAR ABBY: I am a 30-year-old bisexual female who has been in a relationship with my 38-year-old boyfriend for a year. I am in love with him and ready to move forward in the relationship.
We have discussed moving in together and possibly marriage. However, I have a sneaking suspicion that he hasn’t been completely truthful about his sexuality. I believe he, too, is bisexual, which I’m OK with, but I don’t know how to approach the conversation without making him defensive or sounding insulting. What do I do?
OWNING IT IN OHIO
DEAR OWNING IT: Because bisexual individuals are attracted to both men and women doesn’t mean they cannot be monogamous. Since you suspect that your boyfriend may be bi, start a conversation by expressing that you are attracted to both sexes. Then ask if this may be something you have in common. His reaction will tell you what you need to know.
***
Good advice for everyone — teens to seniors — is in “The Anger in All of Us and How to Deal With It.” To order, send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 to: Dear Abby, Anger Booklet, P.O. Box 446, Kings Mills, OH 45034-0446.
Texas A&M photo
Owners can help dogs with physical challenges cope by maintaining a stable environment, keeping dogs at a healthy weight and putting in a little extra time.
Providing a safe, loving home for a dog is rewarding for many reasons, and it can sometimes be even more so for a canine companion with special needs. Dogs impacted by blindness, deafness, the loss of a limb, or a chronic medical or behavioral condition can live a full and happy life if its owners provide a bit of extra care and consideration.
Dr. Lori Teller, a clinical professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, gives advice on simple accommodations owners can make for dogs with special needs in order to maximize their safety and comfort.
Simple
accommodations
Special needs can include conditions that dogs are born with, those that arise due to a medical condition or natural changes as they age.
Generally, dogs with special needs are resilient and adapt well, especially with support and consideration for their individual needs. This is especially true for dogs that lose their sight, hearing, or one of their limbs.
“Dogs that have lost their vision are able to acclimate fairly quickly; they start to rely on their other senses to adjust,” Teller said.
Caring for a blind dog may include:
•Maintaining a stable environment where furniture and objects are not frequently rearranged
•Providing a clear path to their beds, food, water bowls, and other areas where they spend most of their time
•Being increasingly aware of their activity — especially around swimming pools
For pets that are hearing impaired, there are numerous methods owners can use to effectively communicate.
“Deaf dogs can learn sign language and be trained to sit, stay, lie down, come, heel, and more,” Teller said. “Since they cannot hear their name called, some owners benefit from using a flashing light to attract their attention, and they can be trained to respond to touch as well.”
Finally, most dogs that lose a leg adapt well to having three legs and are able to return to their prior exercise routines.
“Dogs are amazing,” Teller said. “I have seen so many three-legged dogs that take up walking, running, and most of their general activities very quickly.”
However, an unhealthy diet can hinder three-legged dogs’ ability to adjust to their new lifestyle and can also lead to further health struggles.
“While it is important to keep all dogs at a healthy weight, it is of the utmost importance for a dog that is three-legged, as additional weight puts extra stress on their remaining joints and can aggravate arthritis as the dog ages,” Teller said.
Being a source
of support
Behavioral challenges and chronic medical conditions may take a bit more effort to accommodate, but a veterinarian can help advise on the best ways to address your pet’s specific needs.
“For example, dogs that are paralyzed in the rear will need help getting up and moving around,” Teller said. “Carts or doggy wheelchairs can help with mobility and allow a dog to move freely around its environment.”
Nursing care is especially important for dogs with multiple chronic conditions or that need help with urination and defection; these pets tend to do best if the owner or another caretaker can be regularly available to help.
“Pets that cannot urinate on their own may require their bladders to be manually expressed multiple times each day and are prone to urinary tract infections,” Teller said. “If they also have trouble passing a bowel movement, they may need a special diet, stool softeners, and laxatives.
“These dogs may also need to wear diapers and will require extra time and attention for grooming to maintain adequate hygiene, and they are also at higher risk of skin infections that may require veterinary intervention,” Teller said.
Dogs with special needs may have an increased cost of care, but a veterinarian can discuss treatment options and cost-saving measures to ensure the pet maintains the highest possible quality of life.
Cultivating
a healthy lifestyle
Dogs with special needs of any kind may require extra time to maintain their mental stimulation through specialized toys, activities, and experiences.
“Blind or deaf dogs may enjoy puzzle toys where they can use their sense of smell to find treats,” Teller said. “These animals can also benefit from leash walks or safe places outdoors to explore the variety of smells and pleasant weather.”
When walking dogs with missing limbs, it is important to allow them to set the pace and determine how far they are comfortable going.
“Paralyzed dogs can be fitted with a dog cart or put in a doggy stroller and be walked around the neighborhood as well,” Teller said.
Despite the lifestyle changes a dog with special needs is experiencing, their excitement for what the day has to offer remains the same.
“The great thing about dogs is that they are just happy to be alive, and they embrace every moment,” Teller said.
“Once you make special accommodations, they do super well and can live a very happy and fulfilling life.”
Pet Talk is a service of the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University. Stories can be viewed on the web at vetmed.tamu.edu/news/pet-talk. Suggestions for future topics may be directed to vmbs-editor@tamu.edu.
Ivan J. Hebert, 94, a resident of Belle River, passed away peacefully, Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at Ochsner St. Mary.
Ivan was born October 14, 1931, in Stephensville, the son of Emile Hebert and Celina Comeaux Hebert.
Ivan was a proud Korean Veteran who served in the United States Air Force for four years. He was also a lifelong member of the Morgan City Masonic Lodge. Ivan was a lifelong mechanic and worked in the oil field industry.
He will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his son, Derhyl Hebert and wife Paula; 8 grandchildren, Nicole Thietje and husband Tobias, Lane Hebert, Rachel Herrington and husband Zach, Megan Gallagher, Jesse Doiron, Jr. and wife Sandy, Hayward Courville Jr. and wife Charity, Maggie Courville, and Christen Hebert Brown; 10 great-grandchildren, Jessica Doiron, Hailey Doiron Campo, Emily Doiron, Bailey Hebert Waguespack, Jude Thietje, Elijah Thietje, Audrey Thietje, Evie Herrington, M.J. White, and Emery Herrington; two nephews, Troy Lambert and Todd Lambert; two nieces, Michelle Lambert Gussman and Crystal Lambert Gomez.
Ivan was preceded in death by his parents, Emile and Celina Hebert; wife of 68 years, Carrie Lambert Hebert; daughter, Cheryl Hebert Courville; son, Eroy Hebert; in-laws, Calvin and Magnolia Lambert; two brothers, Kervis Hebert and wife Audrey, Uric Hebert and wife Mable.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, March 13, 2026, at Twin City Funeral Home. Visitation will be held Friday, March 13, 2026, at Twin City Funeral Home from 10 a.m. until the time of services. After services, Ivan will be laid to rest in the Church of God of Prophecy Cemetery in Belle River, where military honors will be rendered by the Patterson Memorial 12182 VFW and Fort Polk.
Alma Cecile Williams, 101, a native and resident of Morgan City, died Friday, March 6, 2026.
She is survived by four grandchildren and a great-grandchild.
She was preceded in death by her husband, and a son.
Private services will be held at a later date.
Hargrave Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
By JIM BRADSHAW
Get the fixin’s ready, Crawfish Season has officially begun.
As has happened on the first Tuesday after Mardi Gras since 2017, Lt. Gov. Billy Nunguesser and a host of seafood dignitaries gathered, this year at Tony Chachere’s Creole Foods in Opelousas, for the annual Pardoning of the Crawfish and celebration of the critters that have become a symbol of the life and culture of south Louisiana.
The lucky crustacean, named Tony after the Chachere company founder, was caught in a pond near Kaplan and brought to Opelousas, where Nungesser formally gave him a reprieve from the boiling pot.
Tony the Crawfish was then taken in a regal parade to Ville Plate, where he will live out his days burrowing in the mud at Chicot State Park, swimming in the bayou, and doing whatever it is that crawfish do for fun.
“Crawfish [aren’t] just a meal in Louisiana,” Nungesser said. “[They are] a way of life and a cornerstone of our economy. That’s true. We harvest about 150 million pounds each year. They provide jobs and money for lots of people, and about this time each year also provide fun for even more folks at fairs, festivals, and backyard boils.
“Sparing one lucky crawfish and officially pardoning Tony before he could end up on someone’s tray [ls] a fun Louisiana tradition,” Nungesser said, “but it also highlights the pride we have in an industry that helps feed our people, fuel our economy, and showcase our culture to the world.”
We’ve been cultivating and enjoying them a lot longer than you might expect. English cartographer Philip Pittman visited Louisiana in 1770 and wrote, “The craw-fish abound in this country; they are in every part of the earth, and when the inhabitants chuse [sic] a dish of them, they send to their gardens, where they have a small pond for that purpose, and are sure of getting as many as they have occasion for.” (The Present State of the European Settlements ln the Mississippi, 1770).
Those little ponds were probably in New Orleans, not Breaux Bridge, where we celebrate not only crawfish caught in the Atchafalaya Basin, but those from the big ponds that now supply most of our harvest.
The first record of a commercial crawfish harvest in the entire United States was in 1880, when 23,400 pounds with a value of $2,140 were taken from the Basin.
In those early times harvesting them was too much work for too little money. In 1908, a U.S. Census report listed Louisiana’s production at 88,000 pounds with a value of $3,600, That’s less than a half-penny per pound, and prices didn’t get much higher for a good while.
In the years following the Great Depression, crawfish on the hoof were up to only 4 cents a pound, according to a study by the LSU AgCenter, but things were about to get better. Improved roads and the development of cold storage began to expand the market.
Quick delivery opened markets in Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and eventually introduced Louisiana crawfish to other places that were farther away.
Until then, most of the crawfish had been consumed in smaller communities close to where they were caught, and there weren’t many places outside of south Louisiana interested in, or even aware of the little critters that would one day become famous.
In lots of places where people did know about them, crawfish were denigrated as a lowly “mudbug” that was good for nothing but “poor man’s food.” The idea of pond-raise crawfish first got a bit of attention in the 1930s, but it was the 1950s before farmers and processors began to realize that crawfish farming was a good way to have a supply practically all year long. By the middle 1960s south Louisiana sported some 10,000 acres of managed ponds.
They produced enough crawfish for a fledgling picking and packing industry to begin, and that led to more aggressive marketing both inside and outside the state.
More restaurants began featuring them in their menus, dishes such as crawfish étouffée became known worldwide, and all of that reinforced the renaissance of a dying culture that began to gather steam in the 1970s.
According to the Louisiana Crawfish Promotion and Research Board, crawfish farming has developed into the largest freshwater crustacean aquaculture industry in the United States.
Today, if Tony had not been pardoned he could have ended up on a tray halfway around the world and considered a delicacy.
Crazy winter weather and a few other things cut into last year’s crop, but I am told by a crawfish-farming friend that warmer weather this year is promising a good season with plenty of not-too-pricey crawfish just in time for Good Friday, when lots of folk “fast” by feasting on them.
You can contact Jim Bradshaw at jimbradshaw4321@gmail.com or P.O. Box 1121, Washington LA 70589.
(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.)
An investigation by the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office into allegations of sexual assault against a juvenile resulted in 10 criminal counts against a Centerville man, including five alleging rape.
St. Mary
Sheriff Gary Driskell reported these arrests:
--Matthew Bryan, 39, Centerville, was arrested at 9:56 p.m. March 4 on five counts of third-degree rape and five counts of crime against nature.
On March 4, detectives with the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division received a complaint regarding the sexual assault of a juvenile. The incident was reported to have occurred March 3.
During the investigation, Bryan was identified as the suspect. Detectives applied for and obtained a search warrant for a residence in Centerville.
Detectives, assisted by narcotics detectives and uniformed patrol deputies, executed the warrant to collect evidence related to the investigation.
As the investigation progressed, detectives made contact with Bryan and transported him to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking. Bail has not been set at this time.
--Tyrusha Ronada Charles, 34, Charenton, was arrested at 7:32 p.m. Sunday on a charge of telephone calls (harassment). Charles was released on a $500 bond.
--Nolan Polidore Jr., 45, Jeanerette, was arrested at 1:53 p.m. Friday on charges of roadway laned for traffic, open container, driving while intoxicated, no insurance, operating a vehicle under suspension, switched or stolen license plate, no seat belt
and resisting arrest or officer.
Bail has not been set at this time.
--Wallace Estay Jr., 63, Patterson, was arrested at 11:57 p.m. Saturday on a warrant alleging theft. Bail has not been set at this time.
--Diana Lynn Simmons, 62, Amelia, was arrested at 8:18 a.m. Sunday on a warrant alleging failure to appear on charges of speeding and possession of marijuana. Bail has not been set at this time.
--Pablo Enrique Maldonado-Navarro, 27, Morgan City, was arrested at 11:54 p.m. Thursday on a charge of disturbing the peace (intoxicated). Bail has not been set at this time.
--Diego Maldonado, 27, Morgan City, was arrested at 11:50 p.m. Saturday on charges of disturbing the peace (intoxicated) and illegal use of weapons or dangerous instrumentalities. Bail has not been set at this time.
--Hope Lynn Delgado, 41, Morgan City, was arrested at 9:38 a.m. Sunday on a warrant alleging failure to appear on charges of speeding, operating a vehicle while license is suspended, revoked, or canceled, and operating a motor vehicle not covered by security. Delgado was released on a $2,500 bond.
--Sherman Deshun Thompkins, 41, Morgan City, was arrested at 12:06 p.m. Sunday on a failure to appear warrant for child support. Bail has not been set at this time.
--Dejuan Quanyell Washington Sr., 39, Franklin, was arrested at 4:20 p.m. Sunday on charges of criminal trespass, possession of marijuana, criminal damage to property and burglary of an inhabited dwelling.
Bail has not been set at this time.
--Michael Roy Steadman Jr., 41, New Iberia, was arrested at 2:59 p.m. Thursday on a warrant alleging indecent behavior with juveniles. Bail has not been set at this time.
--Divone Jared Davis, 35, Paincourtville, was arrested at 12:39 p.m. Thursday on a charge of possession of stolen things and on two warrants alleging failure to appear on charges of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; obstruction of justice (tampering); operating a vehicle while license is suspended, revoked, or canceled; improper turn or failure to give required signal, speeding, and failing to honor a written promise to appear.
Bail has not been set at this time.
--Cameron Treshawn Hawkins, 21, Baldwin, was arrested at 12:35 p.m. Thursday on two warrants alleging unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling, contributing to the delinquency of juveniles, simple robbery and second-degree battery.
Bail has not been set at this time.
--Tom Nguyen, 68, Amelia, was arrested at 7:35 a.m. March 3 on a Morgan City Police Department warrant on charges of failure to appear for simple battery, sexual battery and criminal damage to property. Bail has not been set at this time.
Morgan City
Chief Chad M. Adams reported these arrests:
--Natosha Hillebran-Brinlee, 47, Prairie Road, Franklin, was arrested at 2:39 p.m. Thursday on charges of failure to appear for arraignment and two counts of failure to appear to pay fine.
--Craig Robinson, 38, First Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 10:57 p.m. Thursday on charges of possession of fentanyl, possession of drug paraphernalia, resisting an officer (false information), simple battery and failure to appear to pay fine (6th Ward Morgan City Court), and as a fugitive from the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office.
--Sharina Dixon, 20, Bowman Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 11:36 p.m. Thursday on a charge of failure to appear for trial.
--Immanuel Gary, 36, Orange Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 11:44 p.m. Thursday on charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and failure to appear for arraignment.
--Trent Duhon, 31, St.Luke Street, Patterson, was arrested at midnight Thursday on a charge of simple burglary.
--Terrance Mcclendon, 17, Shannon Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 2:38 p.m. March 4 on a charge of obstruction of justice (evidence tampering).
--Eris Robinson Jr., 21, Oleander Street, Patterson, was arrested at 3:21 p.m. March 4 on a charge of failure to appear for trial.
--Laqwajhia Bourgeois, 28, Federal Avenue, Morgan City, was arrested at 5:24 p.m. March 4 on charges of failure to appear for arraignment and probation violation.
--Cade Neill, 31, First Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 7:10 p.m. March 4 on charges of domestic abuse battery (child endangerment) and false imprisonment, and as a fugitive from the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office.
--Matthew Miller, 32, Marshall Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 8:21 p.m. March 4 on charges of possession of Schedule IV drugs and failure to signal.
--Ashley Jennies, 38, La. 182, Morgan City, was arrested at 8:22 p.m. March 4 on charges of possession of synthetic cannabinoids, possession of drug paraphernalia, probation violation and four counts of failure to appear for arraignment (6th Ward
Morgan City Court).
--Shantay Simpson, 35, Egle Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 10:08 p.m. March 4 on three counts of failure to appear for trial (6th Ward Morgan City Court).
--Denisica Starling, 44, Railroad Avenue, Morgan City, was arrested at 11:06 p.m. March 4 on charges of possession of fentanyl, possession of cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia, battery on a police officer and theft under $1,000.
Patterson
Chief Garrett Grogan reported these arrests:
--Zacolby L. Granger, 34, Leona Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 9:05 a.m. March 3 on charges of stop sign violation and driver’s license suspended or revoked. Granger was incarcerated at the Patterson PD Jail with bond set at $674.
--Lyric S. Lemon, 18, Sixth Street, Patterson, was arrested at 11:22 p.m. March 4 on a charge of simple assault. Lemon was incarcerated at the Patterson PD Jail with bond set at $342.
--Mohammad Mousa Mohammah Alowqaily, 34, Catherine Street, Patterson, was arrested at 3:55 p.m. Thursday on a charge of selling food without proper license. Aloqaily was incarcerated at the Patterson PD Jail with bond set at $486.
--Mitchell L. Yeager, 65, Rizzo Street, Patterson, was arrested by the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office and booked by Patterson officers at 8:15 p.m. Saturday on charges of theft and simple cruelty to animals. Yeager was incarcerated at the Patterson
PD Jail with no bond set.
--Melvin Rafael Rosales-Romero, 41, William Street, Patterson, was arrested at 6:59 p.m. Sunday on charges of driving while intoxicated (first offense) and no driver’s license. Rosales-Romero was incarcerated at the Patterson PD Jail with no bond set.
--Billy J. Murphy, 42, Antoine Street, Houma, was arrested at 3:03 a.m. Monday on charges of possession of Schedule II drugs, possession of drug paraphernalia and speeding 70 mph in a 55 mph zone. Murphy was incarcerated at the Patterson PD Jail with no bond set.
Berwick
Chief JP Henry reported these arrests:
--Kaitlyn Kapp, 20, Berwick, was arrested at 1:45 p.m. Friday on a warrant alleging criminal trespass.
--Joh Diaz, 33, Bayou Vista, was arrested at 5:10 p.m. Friday on charges of reckless operation of a motor vehicle, hit and run, open container, child restraint, alteration of VIN numbers, failure to register vehicle, no driver’s license, possession of fraudulent documents cruelty to juveniles and negligent injuring.
--Gauge Brown, 19, Patterson, was arrested at 12:33 a.m. Saturday on charges of driving while intoxicated (first offense) and vehicle modifications prohibited.
Assumption
Sheriff Leland Falcon reported these arrests:
--Tronea Rochelle Jones, 33, La. 182, Berwick, was arrested Friday on a fugitive warrant from the Franklin Police Department on a charge of aggravated battery.
The charge followed a traffic stop in Pierre Part on Friday evening.
A uniformed patrol deputy observed a vehicle commit a traffic violation and executed a stop of that vehicle. The deputy made contact with the driver, now identified as Jones, and engaged Jones in an interview.
The deputy conducted a warrants check and determined that Jones was wanted on a fugitive warrant from the Franklin Police Department. Jones was arrested and booked into the Assumption Parish Detention Center. She was later released and
directed to the Franklin Police Department.
--Lazerick D. Seymour, 24, Colfax Drive, Baker, was arrested March 4 on charges of failure to drive on right side of roadway, flight from an officer and resisting an officer.
--Aileen Niknami, 38, who provided an address on East Rees Street, Breaux Bridge, was arrested March 4 on a charge of resisting an officer and on a detainer from Immigration and Customs Enforcment.
The arrests arose from a traffic stop March 4 on U.S. 90 near Amelia.
A uniformed patrol deputy assigned to the sheriff’s I.C.E. detail observed a westbound vehicle commit a traffic violation and attempted a stop of that vehicle. The suspect vehicle continued on and attempted evasive maneuvers in an attempt to avoid the stop. A second Sheriff’s Office unit assisted and deputies were able to safely effect the stop.
Deputies made contact with the driver, now identified as Seymour, and engaged the driver in an interview. Seymour was arrested.
Deputies made contact with the passenger now identified as Niknami and attempted to interview her. Niknami was evasive and would not follow instructions. Niknami was arrested.
Deputies were able to determine that Niknami was illegally in the United States.
Niknami was booked into the Assumption Parish Detention Center. Bond was set at $2,500 on the resisting charge and was held without bond on the immigration detainer pending deportation.
Lazerick D. Seymour was booked into the Assumption Paish Detention Center and released after posting a $7,500 bond.
Franklin
Chief Cedric Handy reported these arrests:
--Kevin James, 40, Iberia Street, Franklin, was arrested at 6:13 a.m. Thursday on charges of remaining where forbidden and simple criminal damage to property. James was booked, processed and held on a $1,500 bond.
--Carl Joseph, Jr., 32, Curtis Drive, Franklin, was arrested at 11:41 a.m. Saturday on a warrant dated March 4 alleging remaining where forbidden and criminal mischief. Joseph was additionally arrested on charges of criminal mischief and criminal trespassing. Joseph was booked, processed and held on a $2,000 bond.
The following are the radio dispatch logs from the Morgan City Police Department. To report unlawful or suspicious activity, call the Police Department at 985-380-4605.
Thursday, March 5
7:42 a.m. 1100 block of Victor II Boulevard; Animal complaint.
8 a.m. 300 block of Garber Street; Animal complaint.
8:37 a.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Complaint.
9:13 a.m. 700 block of Willow Street; Medical.
10:14 a.m. 700 block of Belanger Street; Complaint.
10:27 a.m. 900 block of Willard Street; Assistance.
10:48 a.m. 900 block of Everett Street; Medical.
10:57 a.m. 7500 block of La. 182; Phone harassment.
12:11 p.m. 200 block of Chennault Street; Assistance.
12:21 p.m. 2900 block of Railroad Avenue; Complaint.
12:29 p.m. 300 block of Bush Street; Stalled vehicle.
1:29 p.m. 2300 block of Cypress Street; Complaint.
1:31 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Assistance.
1:35 p.m. 300 block of Union Street; Animal complaint.
1:45 p.m. 100 block of Poncio Street; Medical.
1:49 p.m. 300 block of Second Street; Subject removal.
2:19 p.m. 500 block of Marshall Street; Stand by.
2:30 p.m. 3300 block of Youngs Road; 911 hang up.
2:34 p.m. 7300 block of La. 182; 911 hang up.
2:37 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Arrest.
3:26 p.m. 600 block of Arenz Street; Complaint.
3:56 p.m. McDermott Drive; Patrol.
5:55 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Arrest.
6:03 p.m. 1500 block of North Third Street; Alarm.
6:08 p.m. 1100 block of Florence Street; Complaint.
6:16 p.m. Marshall Street; Complaint.
7:17 p.m. 1000 block of Marguerite Street; Juvenile complaint.
7:23 p.m. 2300 block of Cypress Street; Subject removal.
7:37 p.m. 1700 block of Filmore Street; Medical.
9:29 p.m. 900 block of Everett Street; Medical.
9:38 p.m. Freret/Fourth streets; Assistance.
10:02 p.m. Pecos/Chennault streets; Arrest.
11:14 p.m. Onstead Street/Federal Avenue; Arrest.
11:44 p.m. Federal Avenue/Julia Street; Arrest.
11:53 p.m. First Street/South Railroad Avenue; Arrest.
Friday, March 6
12:19 a.m. 800 block of Victor II Boulevard; Alarm.
2:41 a.m. 6300 block of La. 182; Complaint.
5:47 a.m. U.S. 90 East; Traffic incident.
6:19 a.m. 7000 block of La. 182; 911 hang up.
9:04 a.m. La. 182/U.S. 90 Junction; Stalled vehicle.
11:08 a.m. 200 block of Brashear Avenue; Warrant.
11:10 a.m. 7000 block of La. 182; Complaint.
11:13 a.m. 1000 block of Garden Street; Suspicious vehicle.
11:52 a.m. 100 block of Polaris Street; Assistance.
11:47 a.m. 300 block of Fifth Street; Suspicious subject.
12:09 p.m. 1000 block of Marguerite Street; Complaint.
12:56 p.m. 900 block of Spruce Street; Assistance.
1:09 p.m. 1000 block of Walnut Drive; Welfare concern.
1:19 p.m. 800 block of Ditch Avenue; Complaint.
2:08 p.m. 800 block of Ninth Street; Utility.
3:06 p.m. 2000 block of Pecan Street; Complaint.
3:06 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Complaint.
3:30 p.m. 200 block of Onstead Street; Complaint.
3:36 p.m. La. 70/U.S. 90 Junction near Cannatas; Stalled vehicle.
3:44 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Complaint.
4:48 p.m. Joe Ruffin Homes; Frequent patrols.
4:50 p.m. 1000 block of Seventh Street; Assistance.
5:14 p.m. 6000 block of La. 182; Hit/run.
6 p.m. 1800/1900 block of Maple Street; Loud music.
6 p.m. Maple Street; Loud music.
6:35 p.m. Florence/Ninth streets; Suspicious person/vehicle.
6:52 p.m. 500 block of Marshall Street; Disturbance.
7:41 p.m. Federal Avenue; Complaint.
9:06 p.m. U.S. 90; Reckless driver.
9:51 p.m. 1200 block of Brashear Avenue; Alarm.
9:58 p.m. 7200 block of La. 182; Complaint.
10:09 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Complaint.
11:56 p.m. Eighth Street; Stalled vehicle.
Saturday, March 7
12:29 a.m. 600 block of Martin Luther King Boulevard; Disturbance.
4:12 a.m. Fourth Street/Brashear Avenue; Suspicious person/vehicle.
5:37 a.m. 1200 block of Brashear Avenue; Alarm.
6:01 a.m. 7000 block of La. 182; Complaint.
6:26 a.m. 1000 block of Marguerite Street; Subject removal.
7:52 a.m. 500 block of Federal Avenue; Alarm.
8:09 a.m. 1000 block of Eighth Street; Suspicious subject.
8:25 a.m. 300 block of Mallard Street; Complaint.
9:35 a.m. 1000 block of Florence Street; Medical.
9:52 a.m. 1000 block of Seventh Street; Welfare concern.
10:22 a.m. 100 block of Chennault Street; Complaint.
10:30 a.m. Victor II Boulevard/Greenwood Street; Suspicious subject.
10:39 a.m. 1000 block of Brashear Avenue; Alarm.
11:10 a.m. 300 block of Fourth Street; Animal complaint.
11:17 a.m. 900 block of Ditch Avenue; Medical.
11:33 a.m. 1000 block of Eighth Street; Subject removal.
11:38 a.m. 700 block of Franklin Street; Utility.
12:38 p.m. La. 70/U.S. 90 Junction; Vehicle Accident.
12:48 p.m. Federal Avenue/Freret Street; Assistance.
5:06 p.m. U.S. 90 West near Brashear Avenue/Martin Luther King Boulevard On Ramp; Vehicle accident.
5:31 p.m. 100 block of Eleventh Street; Disturbance.
5:43 p.m. 1000 block of Belanger Street; Complaint.
6:32 p.m. Clothilde Street; Open door.
6:39 p.m. 600 block of Brashear Avenue; Reckless driver.
7:45 p.m. 6300 block of La. 182; Stalled vehicle.
7:48 p.m. 1200 block of Brashear Avenue; Frequent patrol.
8:08 p.m. 1100 block of Front Street; Animal complaint.
8:29 p.m. 500 block of Brashear Avenue; Theft.
8:30 p.m. 1900 block of Maple Street; Suspicious person/vehicle.
8:55 p.m. Brashear Avenue/Seventh Street; Suspicious person/vehicle.
9:15 p.m. 6400 block of La. 182; Alarm.
9:20 p.m. 900 block of Seventh Street; Suspicious person/vehicle.
10:12 p.m. 1000 block of Hickory Street; Animal complaint.
10:45 p.m. Freret Street/Federal Avenue; Assistance.
11:24 p.m. 100 block of Guzzetta Street; Assistance.
11:52 p.m. 600 block of Railroad Avenue; Disturbance.
Sunday, March 8
5:59 a.m. 500 block of Federal Avenue; Alarm.
5:59 a.m. 500 block of Federal Avenue; Alarm.
6:31 a.m. 6000 block of La. 182; Suspicious subject.
9:25 a.m. Franklin/Front streets; Animal complaint.
11:49 a.m. 200 block of Aucoin Street; Medical.
Noon 700 block of First Street; Medical.
12:54 p.m. 300 block of Egle Street; Medical.
1:51 p.m. Marguerite/Sixth streets; Welfare concern.
2:24 p.m. 2000 block of La. 70; Complaint.
3:19 p.m. 7000 block of La. 182; Suspicious subject.
4:44 p.m. Laurel Street; Animal complaint.
6:12 p.m. Greenwood Overpass; Reckless driver.
6:13 p.m. 2400 block of Apple Street; Complaint.
6:31 p.m. 500 block of Brashear Avenue; Theft.
7:43 p.m. 7200 block of La. 182; Complaint.
8:19 p.m. Fifth/ Maryland streets; Vehicle accident.
8:31 p.m. 900 block of Sycamore Street; Alarm.
9:21 p.m. 800 block of Youngs Road; Frequent patrols.
9:33 p.m. 700 block of Martin Luther King Boulevard; Suspicious person/vehicle.
9:44 p.m. 1800 block of Front Street; Disturbance.
10:42 p.m. 1200 block of Brashear Avenue; Alarm.
10:47 p.m. 1000 block of Victor II Boulevard; Suspicious person/vehicle.
11:17 p.m. Aucoin Street; Complaint.
Monday, March 9
12:21 a.m. 1200 block of Brashear Avenue; Alarm.
2:57 a.m. 1200 block of Onstead Street; Complaint.
4:22 a.m. La. 70; Stalled vehicle.
South Louisiana Community College and the Foundation for SoLAcc recognized the Morgan City Oilfield Fishing Rodeo as the 2026 Benefactor of the Year during the College’s annual Chancellor’s Breakfast.
The Benefactor of the Year Award honors organizations whose sustained generosity and partnership have made a meaningful impact on student success and community advancement.
Founded in 2013, the Morgan City Oilfield Fishing Rodeo is a nonprofit community event that hosts an annual fishing rodeo and golf tournament to bring people together around outdoor recreation while raising funds to support higher education and charitable causes in the Tri-Parish region of St. Mary, Lafourche, and Terrebonne Parishes.
Since its founding, MCOFR has donated more than $259,850 to educational institutions and civic organizations across the region.
A significant portion of that support has directly benefited SoLAcc’s Morgan City Campus. Since 2017, the organization has contributed approximately $90,000 to fund student scholarships. Through this ongoing partnership, nearly 100 students have received tuition assistance for credit-based programs and short-term workforce training, helping open doors to high-demand careers and economic opportunity.
“The Morgan City Oilfield Fishing Rodeo exemplifies what it means to invest in community,” said Lana Fontenot, Vice Chancellor for Institutional Advancement and Executive Director of the Foundation for SoLAcc. “Their commitment to higher education is not a one-time contribution, it is a sustained partnership that continues to create opportunity for students in the Tri-Parish region.”
The rodeo organization designates annual proceeds to support post-secondary institutions, including SoLAcc’s Morgan City Campus and Nicholls State University programs, as well as other charitable initiatives that strengthen the region.
Representatives of the Morgan City Oilfield Fishing Rodeo accepted the award during the Chancellor’s Breakfast on behalf of the organization.
To learn more about the Foundation for SoLAcc or to support student scholarships, visit www.solacc.edu/foundation.
Franklin Banner-Tribune
P.O. Box 566, Franklin, LA 70538
Phone: 337-828-3706
Fax: 337-828-2874
Morgan City Review
1014 Front Street, Morgan City, LA 70380
Phone: 985-384-8370
Fax: 985-384-4255