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PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE
Notice is hereby given that, in accordance with L.R.S. 3:1609 and LAC 7:XV.314 (A), the Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry, Louisiana Boll Weevil Eradication Commission, has established a boll weevil eradication zone, the Louisiana Eradication Zone, consisting of all the territory within the state of Louisiana.
Notice is further given that all producers of commercial cotton in Louisiana are required to participate in the boll weevil eradication program, including cost sharing, in accordance with the Boll Weevil Eradication Law and regulations. This includes, but is not limited to, reporting of cotton acreage and destruction of cotton plants and stalks by December 31 of each crop year. A copy of the law and rules and regulations may be obtained from the Boll Weevil Eradication Commission, 5825 Florida Blvd. Ste. 3002, Baton Rouge, La. 70806, telephone number (225) 922-1338.
Notice is also given that the planting of noncommercial cotton is PROHIBITED in Louisiana unless a written waiver is obtained from the Commissioner of Agriculture & Forestry in accordance with LAC 7:XV.319(C). To request a waiver, submit a written application to the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, at the address provided in this notice, stating the conditions under which such written waiver is requested.
Adv. Feb. 27, March 6 and 13, 2026

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PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE OF INTENTION TO ISSUE NOT EXCEEDING $2,500,000 OF TAXABLE UTILITIES REVENUE BONDS OF THE CITY OF MORGAN CITY, STATE OF LOUISIANA
As provided by a resolution adopted by the Morgan City Council (the “Governing Authority”), acting as the governing authority of the City of Morgan City, State of Louisiana (the “City”), on February 24, 2026, the City HEREBY DECLARES ITS INTENTION to issue up to Two Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($2,500,000) of Taxable Utilities Revenue Bonds (the “Bonds”) for the purpose of paying a portion of the costs of constructing and acquiring improvements, extensions, and replacements to the drinking water component of the City’s combined utility system comprised of the electric light and power plants and systems, the drinking water plants and systems, and the natural gas transmission and distribution plants and systems (collectively, the “System”).
The Bonds shall be limited and special revenue bonds of the City and shall be secured by and payable, equally with the City’s outstanding Utilities Revenue Bonds, Series 2009B and Taxable Utilities Revenue Bonds, Series 2024, solely from the income and revenues derived or to be derived from the operation of the System, after provision has been made for payment therefrom of all reasonable and necessary expenses of operating and maintaining the System. The Bonds will not be a charge on the other income and revenues of the City, nor shall they constitute an indebtedness or pledge of the general credit of the City. The Bonds will be issued pursuant to Part II of Chapter 4 of Subtitle II of Title 39 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended, and other constitutional and statutory authority (the “Act”).
The Bonds will be issued in one or more series as authorized by ordinance(s) adopted by the Governing Authority, will mature not later than 30 years from their date of issuance, will bear interest at rates not more than 2.45% per annum, and will be subject to prepayment anytime without penalty.
As provided by the Act, all of the other details of the Bonds will be set forth in the ordinance(s) authorizing their issuance, including the following: covenants relating to the management and operation of the System, the imposition and collection of rates and charges from the System’s customers, the expenditure of such rates and charges, the issuance of future bonds and the creation of future liens and encumbrances against the System and all other pertinent matters as may be necessary to the authorization and issuance of the Bonds.
The Bonds are expected to be sold at a private sale, as provided for in the Act, to the Drinking Water Revolving Loan Fund of the State of Louisiana, and the Bonds will also be approved by the State Bond Commission prior to their delivery.
THE PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED that the Governing Authority will meet in open and public session on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at six o’clock (6:00) p.m., at the City Court Building, 7261 Hwy. 182 East, Morgan City, Louisiana 70380, to hear any objections to the proposed issuance of the Bonds. If at such hearing a petition duly signed by electors of the City in a number not less than five percent (5%) of the number of such electors voting in the last election held in the City object to the issuance of the Bonds, then the Bonds shall not be issued until approved at an election held for that purpose. Any such petition must be accompanied by a certificate of the St. Mary Parish Registrar of Voters certifying that the signers of the petition(s) are registered electors of the City and the number of signers amounts to not less than five percent (5%) of the registered voters that voted in the last election held in the City, all as provided by the Act.
CITY OF MORGAN CITY, STATE OF LOUISIANA
Adv. Feb. 27, March 6, 13 and 20, 2026

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PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING – ZONING VARIANCE REQUEST
Notice is hereby given that a Public Hearing will be held to consider a request for a zoning variance for the property located at 117 Bernard Street, Patterson, Louisiana.
The applicant is requesting approval to operate a C-1 Commercial Business (Pet Boarding Facility) on property currently zoned R-2 Mixed Residential.
The Public Hearing will take place on March 23, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at Patterson City Hall.
All interested persons are invited to attend and be heard.
Adv. Feb. 20, 27 and March 6, 2026

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PUBLIC NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
The St. Mary Parish Child Nutrition Program Department is requesting bids for Juice, fresh or frozen, for the 2026-2027 school year. Sealed bids will be accepted at the St. Mary Parish School Board, Child Nutrition Department until 9:30 a.m., April 17, 2026, at which time they will be opened and read out loud. The public is invited to attend.
Specifications may be obtained from the St. Mary Parish School Board, Child Nutrition Program Department, P.O. Box 170, 474 Hwy 317, Centerville, Louisiana 70522 or by calling (337) 836-6039. Information is available online at www.centralauctionhouse.com.
No pre-bid conference will be held. Questions should be emailed to dchaisson@stmaryk12.net by March 23, 2026. Responses will be provided by email to all potential vendors by March 26, 2026.
The St. Mary Parish School Board Child Nutrition Program is funded 91.5 percent with Federal funds for a total of approximately $5,969,000 per year.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Adv. March 6, 11 and 18, 2026

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PUBLIC NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
The St. Mary Parish Child Nutrition Program Department is requesting bids for Dry and Canned Foods for the 2026-2027 school year. Sealed bids will be accepted at the St. Mary Parish School Board, Child Nutrition Department until 9:00 a.m., April 14, 2026 at which time they will be opened and read out loud. The public is invited to attend.
Specifications may be obtained from the St. Mary Parish School Board, Child Nutrition Program Department, P.O. Box 170, 474 Hwy 317, Centerville, Louisiana 70522 or by calling (337) 836-6039. Information is available online at www.centralauctionhouse.com.
No pre-bid conference will be held. Questions should be emailed to dchaisson@stmaryk12.net by March 23, 2026. Responses will be provided by email to all potential vendors by March 26, 2026.
The St. Mary Parish School Board Child Nutrition Program is funded 91.5 percent with Federal funds for a total of approximately $5,969,000 per year.
Adv. March 6, 11 and 18, 2026

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PUBLIC NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
The St. Mary Parish Child Nutrition Program is requesting bids for Paper & Cleaning Supplies for the 2026-2027 school year. Sealed bids will be accepted at the St. Mary Parish School Board, Child Nutrition Department until 9:00 a.m., April 16, 2026, at which time they will be opened and read out loud. The public is invited to attend.
A bid packet may be obtained from the St. Mary Parish School Board, Child Nutrition Department, P.O. Box 170, 474 Hwy 317, Centerville, Louisiana 70522 or by calling (337) 836-6039. Information is available online at www.centralauctionhouse.com.
No pre-bid conference will be held. Questions should be emailed to dchaisson@stmaryk12.net by March 23, 2026. Responses will be provided by email to potential vendors by March 26, 2026.
The St. Mary Parish School Board Child Nutrition Program is funded 91.5% with Federal funds for a total of approximately $5,969,000 per year.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Adv. March 6, 11 and 18, 2026

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PUBLIC NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
The St. Mary Parish Child Nutrition Program Department is requesting bids for Small Kitchen Equipment for the 2026-2027 school year. Sealed bids will be accepted at the St. Mary Parish School Board, Child Nutrition Department until 9:00 a.m., April 23, 2026, at which time they will be opened and read out loud. The public is invited to attend.
Specifications may be obtained from the St. Mary Parish School Board, Child Nutrition Program Department, P.O. Box 170, 474 Hwy 317, Centerville, Louisiana 70522 or by calling (337) 836-6039. Information is available online at www.centralauctionhouse.com.
No pre-bid conference will be held. Questions should be emailed to dchaisson@stmaryk12.net by March 20, 2026. Responses will be provided by email to all potential vendors by March 27, 2026.
The St. Mary Parish School Board Child Nutrition Program is funded 91.5 percent with Federal funds for a total of approximately $5,969,000 per year.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Adv. March 6, 11 and 18, 2026

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PUBLIC NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
The St. Mary Parish Child Nutrition Program Department is requesting bids for Frozen Foods and Meat for the 2026-2027 school year. Sealed bids will be accepted at the St. Mary Parish School Board, Child Nutrition Department until 9:00 a.m., April 15, 2026, at which time they will be opened and read out loud. The public is invited to attend.
Specifications may be obtained from the St. Mary Parish School Board, Child Nutrition Program Department, P.O. Box 170, 474 Hwy 317, Centerville, Louisiana 70522 or by calling (337) 836-6039. Information is available online at www.centralauctionhouse.com.
No pre-bid conference will be held. Questions should be emailed to dchaisson@stmaryk12.net by March 23, 2026. Responses will be provided by email to all potential vendors by March 26, 2026.
The St. Mary Parish School Board Child Nutrition Program is funded 91.5 percent with Federal funds for a total of approximately $5,969,000 per year.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Adv. March 6, 11 and 18, 2026

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PUBLIC NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
The St. Mary Parish Child Nutrition Program Department is requesting bids for Milk for the 2026-2027 school year. Sealed bids will be accepted at the St. Mary Parish School Board, Child Nutrition Department until 9:00 a.m., April 17, 2026, at which time they will be opened and read out loud. The public is invited to attend.
Specifications may be obtained from the St. Mary Parish School Board, Child Nutrition Program Department, P.O. Box 170, 474 Hwy 317, Centerville, Louisiana 70522 or by calling (337) 836-6039. Information is available online at www.centralauctionhouse.com.
No pre-bid conference will be held. Questions should be emailed to dchaisson@stmaryk12.net by March 23, 2026. Responses will be provided by email to all potential vendors by March 26, 2026.
The St. Mary Parish School Board Child Nutrition Program is funded 91.5% with Federal funds for a total of approximately $5,969,000 per year.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Adv. March 6, 11 and 18, 2026

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PUBLIC NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
The St. Mary Parish Child Nutrition Program is requesting bids for Produce for the 2026-2027 school year. Sealed bids will be accepted at the St. Mary Parish School Board, Child Nutrition Department until 10:00 a.m., April 17, 2026, at which time they will be opened and read out loud. The public is invited to attend.
A bid packet may be obtained from the St. Mary Parish School Board, Child Nutrition Department, P.O. Box 170, 474 Hwy 317, Centerville, Louisiana 70522 or by calling (337) 836-6039. Information is available online at www.centralauctionhouse.com.
No pre-bid conference will be held. Questions should be emailed to dchaisson@stmaryk12.net by March 23, 2026. Responses will be provided by email to potential vendors by March 26, 2026.
The St. Mary Parish School Board Child Nutrition Program is funded 91.5 percent with Federal funds for a total of approximately $5,969,000 per year.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Adv. March 6, 11 and 18, 2026

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PUBLIC NOTICE
RECREATION DISTRICT #2 ST MARY PARISH
1110 GRACES ST * P.O. BOX 922
MORGAN CITY, LA. 70381
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
RECREATION DISTRICT #2
1110 GRACE ST
MORGAN CITY, LA. 70330
6:00 P.M.
January 08th, 2026
Meeting of The Board of Commissioners of Recreation District was called to order by Ms. Ann Poole, Chairperson. Invocation was given by Ms. Norma Skinner and Nelda Du- ral. Members present were Nelda Dural, Norma Skinner, Tracey Wilson, and Ann Poole. Others present were Mr. Leroy Trim, Director and Kimberlin McPherson, Administrative Assistant. Ab- sent David Mc- Guire
Minutes from December 11th, 2025 monthly board meeting, and December 22nd, 2025 special call meeting was submitted for re- view by all board members present. After a brief discussion, a motion was made by Norma Skinner and second by Tracey Wilson, that the minutes from December 11th, 2025 monthly meeting be re- ceived and adopted with any necessary corrections; if’ any. The motion was approved un- animously.
Yeas: Ann Poole, Nelda Dural, Norma Skinner, Tracy Wilson
Nays: None
Absent: David McGuire
Thereafter, a motion was made by Tracey Wilson and seconded by Nelda Dural, to receive and adopt the minutes from the December 22nd, 2025, special call meeting with any necessary corrections, if any. The motion was approved with all in favor.
Yeas: Ann Poole, Nelda Dural, Norma Skinner, Tracy Wilson
Nays: None
Absent: David McGuire
The Districts’ financial report was submitted by Mr. Leroy Trim. In discussion of financials, after a brief discussion and review of said financials, a mo- tion was made by Norma Skinner and second by Tracey Wilson to approved the financial report, with any necessary correction if there be any. The motion was ap- proved unanimously without opposition. Yeas: Ann Poole, Nelda Dural, Norma Skinner, Tracy Wilson
Nays: None
Absent: David McGuire
In lieu of the financials, Mr. Trim submitted to the board a copy of the bank reconciliation and electronic transfer sheets for review. After discussion, a mo- tion was made by Norma Skinner and second by Ann Poole to approve the financial re- port, with any necessary corrections; if any. The motion was approved un- animously without opposition.
Yeas: Ann Poole, Nelda Dural, Norma Skinner, Tracy Wilson
Nays: None
Absent: David McGuire
OLD BUSINESS:
Mr. Trim inform-ed the board that the new truck for said District, had been purchased from AJ Dohman to date. Ms. Skinner inquired about the final grant payment. In discussion, she also stated ,the Board of Commissioners are in need of an updated “Asset and Depreciation” list, showing items on the 9/30/2024 “Building and Site Improvement” list, that was provided by the director, has been added to in- ventory. However, Ms. Dural ask that Mr. Trim put to- gether a list of other items that could be purchased with the proceeds from the capital funds and submit to the board ac- cordingly. Mr. Trim informed the board that he would begin working on the list per their request.
NEW BUSINESS:
In further related new business, upon discussion of major purchases for the district, Mr. Trim informed the board that the sound system in the gym is in need of being upgraded. In further discussion, he also in- formed Board of Commissioners of Recreation District No. 2 of St. Mary Parish, State of Louisiana that a few items are in need of replacement, such as the stage curtains and dirt for the baseball fields.
Bills were re- viewed, compare to budget, and submitted for payment. A motion was made by Norma Skinner and second by Tracey Wilson to pay all bills that has been submitted for payment. The motion was approved unanimously.
Yeas: Ann Poole, Nelda Dural, Norma Skinner, Tracy Wilson
Nays: None
Absent: David McGuire
With no further business to discuss, a motion was made by Norma Skinner and second by Nelda Dural that meeting be adjourn.
Ann W. Poole
/S/: Ann Poole,
Chairperson
Adv. March 6, 2026

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PUBLIC NOTICE
OFFICIAL
PROCEEDINGS
WAX LAKE EAST DRAINAGE
DISTRICT
REGULAR MEETING
February 3, 2026
6:00 p.m.
PATTERSON, LOUISIANA
The Wax Lake East Drainage District (“WLEDD”) met on this date at 6:00 p.m. with Chairman Wayne Cantrell presiding and the following members present: Chad Ross, William Hidalgo Jr., Bill Miller, Raymond Beadle, Chris Cooper and Chris Begnaud.
Absent: N/A
Also present: Corey Aucoin, Supervisor, Barry Dufrene, Board Accountant, Jonathan Miller, Giroir Mud Boats, and Joel Miller, Miller Engineering and Associates.
Mr. Hidalgo moved that the reading of the minutes of the Regular Meeting, January 6, 2026, be dispensed with and that the same be approved. Mr. Beadle seconded the motion which carried.
Board reviewed prepared financial statements. Mr. Ross moved, and Mr. Beadle seconded a motion, which was carried, to accept the financial reports, payables report, authorize the Chairman to sign all necessary reports and to make all necessary transfers to cover payables for the month of February 2026.
Mr. Cooper made a motion to approve insurance renewal from Frank’s Agency, seconded by Mr. Beadle, which was carried by the Board.
Mr. Ross made a motion, seconded by Mr. Beadle, to increase the Capitalization Policy to $10,000, which was carried by the Board.
There being no further business Mr. Ross made a motion for adjournment. Mr. Beadle seconded the motion which carried.
Attest:
/s/ Wayne Cantrell,
Chairman
Wax Lake East Drainage District
/s/ Rhonda
Patterson,
Secretary
Wax Lake East Drainage District

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PUBLIC NOTICE
ST. MARY PARISH 9-1-1 COMMUNICATIONS DISTRICT
Regular Board Meeting
1200 David Dr., Building B
Morgan City, LA 70380
February 26, 2026
1:00 P.M.
Chairman, Mr. Justin Martin opened the February 26, 2026, regular meeting with the roll call. Mr. Duval Arthur, III, Mr. Jimmy Broussard, Mr. Garrett Grogan, Ms. Brandi Leonard, Mr. Justin Martin, Mr. Travis M. Mayon, and Mr. Scott Verret were in attendance.
Mr. Mayon made a motion to dispense with the reading of and to accept the January 22, 2025, minutes. Mr. Grogan seconded the motion. All members were in favor and the motion carried.
Guest: Ms. Janet Marcotte, administrative manager for OHESP, was in attendance.
Public Comment: NONE
The income statement for January 2025 was $119,824.31. Mr. Mayon made a motion to accept the income statement. Mr. Grogan seconded the motion. All members were in favor and the motion carried.
The expense statement for January 2025 was $133,587.62. Mr. Grogan made a motion to accept the expense statement. Mr. Mayon seconded the motion. All members were in favor and the motion carried.
A budget vs actual comparison was provided to the board for review.
Old Business: NONE
New Business: NONE
Director Up- dates:
Ms. Randle ad- vised that the plaque has been updated to include Ms. Brandi Leonard’s name and start date and Mr. Smith’s service dates.
An Eaton technician came last month to fix the issue with the UPS battery backup. He came back this morning and re- placed the batteries.
Last month, funds were moved from the LAMP - 911 equipment fund to pay the annual CAD lease; and from the LAMP -Fire Association fund for annual CAD maintenance.
We received a $443.26 refund for overpayment of the T1 line service.
Implementation of the new Intrado call handling system is in progress. An Intrado representative completed the site survey last week. Our initial bi-weekly re- view was conducted this morning. The project timeline remains on schedule: equipment is slated for shipment next week, with installation beginning in late April.
Our night CTO/Supervisor made a request to step down from her position by re- questing a voluntary demotion to become a call taker/dispatcher on a day shift. We have experienced several unexpected absences this week, with four staff members out due to unforeseen personal emergencies. We have re- lied heavily on Ms. Calloway to cover shifts. It was also necessary to auth-orize some employees to work overtime.
There was a major structure fire on Delmar Ave. in Bayou Vista. The home was destroyed, but no one was hurt.
Ms. Randle ad- vised that she, Ms. Theriot, and Ms. Calloway plan to attend the Legislative Auditor’s workshop in Baton Rouge next month.
General Discussion:
Mr. Broussard informed members that the wind retrofit and roofing project is underway. It should be completed in June. The Centerville/Bayou Teche bridge will be closed from March 2nd through April 27th, 2026.
Adjournment: Mr. Grogan made a motion to ad- journ the meeting. Mr. Arthur seconded the motion. All members were in favor and the motion carried.
Approved:
———————
Mr. Justin Martin,
Chairman
Attest:
———————
Martha Randle,
Director
Adv. March 6, 2026

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PUBLIC NOTICE
TOWN OF
BERWICK,
LOUISIANA
NOTICE OF PUBLIC
MEETING
Public Meeting Date: March 10, 2026
Call to Order: 6:00 P.M.
Place: Council Meeting Room
3225 Third Street
Berwick, LA 70342
St. Mary Parish
Prayer
Pledge of Allegiance
Roll Call: James Richard, Kevin Hebert, Colleen Askew, Raymond Price & Lud Henry
Minutes from last meeting: February 10, 2026
Treasurer’s Re- port
Guests:
The Beacon Shines on:
Police Report:
Fire Report
Public Works Re- port
Consulting En- gineers Report
Committee Re- ports
PUBLIC HEARING
1. None
ORDINANCES – INTRODUCE/ADOPT
1. Introduce Or- dinance No. 763 – Set Drainage Fee for 2026
2. Introduce Or- dinance No. 764 – Set Millage Rates for 2026
RESOLUTIONS/PROCLAMATIONS
1. Resolution No. 08-26 – Help fund outreach programs
NEW BUSINESS:
1. Approve Project 14985 Change Order No. 3 for Water Meter Re- placement Grant - Core & Main, LLC
2. Declare Surplus Property:
2010 White F250 Ford Pick-Up - VIN# 1FTNF2A52AE39879
2007 White F150 Ford Pick-Up – VIN# 1FTMF1CW2AKA37921
2007 White F150 Ford Pick-Up – VIN# 1FTRF12267NA46844
2008 White F150 Ford Pick-Up – VIN# 1FTRF12228KC 27393
3. Amanda Kapp – Stray Cat Problem
4. Taylor Robison – Hearts of Hope
Adjournment
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance, please contact Jamie Keith, Town Clerk, at (985) 384-8858, P.O. Box 486, Berwick, LA 70342 describing the assistance that is necessary.
Adv. March 6, 2026

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The House Appropriations Committee began holding budget hearings this week, and Chair Jack McFarland will be looking for cuts. 
That’s not because Louisiana is facing a revenue crunch. In fact, state government is running a surplus of close to $900 million, if you add up the extra cash from last fiscal year and the current one. 
But state economists are projecting shortfalls in future years, federal spending cuts are creating higher costs for the state, and lawmakers are itching to slash the state income tax rate even further during next year’s fiscal session. Senate President Cameron Henry said his goal is to get the current flat rate of 3 percent down to 2.5 percent next year, which would cost about $500 million.
Gov. Jeff Landry has proposed a largely “standstill” $47 billion budget, thanks in part to hundreds of millions of dollars in savings he credited to his administration’s efficiency efforts. But McFarland and other key lawmakers hope to figure out a way to spend a little less than the governor has asked for to prepare for the future. 
“The last thing we want to do is to create or increase recurring expenditures,” McFarland said.
This year’s most contentious spending debate is likely to center around Landry’s proposed $44 million increase for the LA GATOR voucher program. Senate Finance Chair Glen Womack said he was less worried about the initial expense than about how costs could grow over time. 
“What’s it going to look like in five years, ten years for our state?” Womack said. “How’s it going to be funded?”
Landry also is asking for an additional $82 million for the Department of Corrections. McFarland is fielding requests to spend more on early childhood education and community-based waivers that support in-home health care, and he also expects to pay off some judgments against the state this year. 
Unless they reverse course, this will be the first year that lawmakers will not be able to use vehicle sales tax dollars for general fund spending, noted Rep. Jerome Zeringue, who replaced now-New Orleans City Councilmember Jason Hughes as Appropriations vice chair. He expects legislators to stand by that decision, but it’s one more factor to keep in mind. 
Sen. Heather Cloud, who is vice chair of Finance, is planning legislation that would codify the $3 bump to the per diems sheriffs get for housing state prisoners that lawmakers have provided in recent years. Funding to provide the $3 boost again this year is in the governor’s budget proposal, McFarland said, so that’s one thing he wouldn’t need to find additional money for. 
“There would be legislative appetite to be able to offer them a little bit more if they’re offering more educational services,” Cloud added. “Outside of God himself, the best way to reduce recidivism is to equip and educate these people with workforce and skills training.” 
One familiar item they won’t be looking to pay for this year is the teacher stipend that costs about $200 million. Instead, they’re hoping a constitutional amendment that would lock in the stipend amount permanently passes in May. 
The tax overhaul lawmakers approved in Gov. Landry’s 2024 tax special session will save the typical middle-class family almost $500, while the average working individual will save about $261, Landry told reporters on Wednesday. 
“When people file taxes this year, they are going to get a bigger refund,” he said.
Since this year’s session is non-fiscal, “we can’t really do any additional tax reform,” Landry said. “We’re focused on the budget, trying to make sure we keep a tight ship.”
Legislative leaders generally would like to invest about the same amount in infrastructure as they have during the past couple years, if not a little more. The state’s current bonding capacity is about $574 million, said new House Ways and Means Chair Tony Bacala, noting that it’s typically safe to go a little above that number since some projects always get delayed. 
Now that he has replaced Landry’s new Chief of Staff Julie Emerson as leader of the House tax committee, it will be his job to shepherd the capital outlay bill through the process. He expects to get the administration’s capital outlay budget, which lays the foundation for HB 2, about a week into session. 
As always, Ways and Means will take up bills that could reduce state funding, which Bacala will approach with caution.
Senate Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Chair Franklin Foil said he’s hoping there will be at least “a couple hundred million” in surplus dollars for infrastructure. He also raised the possibility of tapping the rainy day fund again, though he noted that no decisions have been made. 
While he doesn’t expect to debate tax policy much this session, there could be some procedural tweaks. Foil plans to bring a Department of Revenue bill that would make it easier to notify people electronically versus by mail, and he is working on a bill that would change the amount of time a business would have to appeal a past due tax from 60 to 90 days. 
At least a few lawmakers would like to give parish governments the ability to raise the homestead exemption through a constitutional amendment. Senate Rev and Fisc Vice Chair Sam Jenkins said he had not reviewed any specific proposals, but cautioned that the committee generally resists the idea of messing with the homestead exemption. 
The regular session convenes at noon Monday and is scheduled to end on June 1.
For more Louisiana political news, visit www. LaPolitics.com or follow Alford on X @ LaPoliticsNow.

DEAR ABBY: My son took out a couple of education loans, which I cosigned when he was starting college 10 years ago. A couple of years ago, I found out (from someone else) that he never finished college. When I confronted him, he mentioned that he “intends” to finish college and is working toward it. He did not mention how many credits he has completed, what made him quit or why he didn’t consult me before dropping out. Shortly after that conversation, he stopped talking to or visiting me for a different reason. We haven’t seen each other in two years.
Recently, I received a notice from a debt collector regarding the loan. I tried to contact my son to figure out what he plans to do about the payments, but to no avail. He has always had terrible money habits. Until he stopped talking to me, he relied on me to rescue him whenever he got into money trouble. I had to pay off another of his education loans when he started defaulting a few years back.
Because of all of this, he owes me a significant amount of money. I am at an age where it is important that I build a retirement fund. If I have to pay off this loan, it will put a big dent into my savings. A few people have recommended I take legal action against him. I am, however, reluctant to do so for fear of severing my relationship with him forever. Is there a less aggressive way to have him take accountability for this loan?
MOM ON THE HOOK
DEAR MOM: Face it, Mom. The son you have bailed out repeatedly is a deadbeat. He is avoiding you because he has no intention of paying back the money for which you so caringly cosigned 10 years ago. Contact an attorney and see what your options may be. Doing that is not aggressive or punitive. It may give you a road map to pull yourself out of this hole.

DEAR ABBY: I recently saw a TV commercial in which a family of four was sitting at a table in a restaurant. The two kids were watching their parents text on their phones instead of socializing with each other and making pleasant conversation. It made me furious. Why? I was taught that it’s disrespectful not to give people your exclusive, undivided attention and that there is a time and a place for everything. I think it’s one of the reasons why so many people today lack appropriate social skills. Do you agree?
PRESENT IN RHODE ISLAND

DEAR PRESENT: I agree with you 100%. What you saw in that commercial was a textbook example of lazy parenting. You cannot teach young people communication skills without modeling them. This has been a subject of concern for educators and behavioral specialists for at least 30 years. The result has been two generations of adults who have trouble making eye contact when trying to relate with others.

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MORGAN CITY — A stretch of Railroad Avenue in one of Morgan City’s oldest neighborhoods looks different these days. Where there was once only a weathered retaining wall of old railroad ties, there is now a bold, colorful mural — hand-woven one strip at a time by a high school student who happens to live a few blocks away.
Ja’Mariah Steele, a senior at Morgan City High School, created the mural by cutting strips of colorful parachute-style ripstop material and weaving them by hand through plastic mesh temporary fencing. The artwork features images of community life in the Coal Chute neighborhood — a boat, a shrimp, an oil derrick — named for the railroad coal chute that once stood along Railroad Avenue. When sections didn’t meet her standards, she pulled the strips out and started over.
“I wanted to make a positive difference of putting art over an eyesore that has been overlooked time and time again,” Steele said. “I wanted to help create something that represented Morgan City’s traditions. Volunteering for this project showed me how creativity can inspire people and make a community feel more connected and vibrant.”
“Ja’mariah completed this mural with tireless dedication, countless hours, and meticulous attention to detail — all with a smile on her face,” said Christine Myers, Steele’s teacher at Morgan City High School.
The project began last year in a hallway at the back of the school, where Steele and fellow student Lexi Thibodaux started cutting and weaving strips of ripstop material into the plastic mesh fencing. Thibodaux helped at the start, but for roughly four of the five-and-a-half months the mural was in progress, Steele worked on it alone, perfecting the designs as she went.
In January, volunteer Tommy Gegenheimer built a movable wooden frame on location, and additional volunteers helped him install it along the railroad tie wall. The finished mural was then opened up and attached to the frame, which can be repositioned if needed.
The project was funded by St. Mary Excel, the nonprofit economic development organization that has been working to strengthen Morgan City’s neighborhoods from the ground up. The mural grew out of the organization’s neighborhood signage program, which placed custom signs at neighborhood entrances throughout Morgan City and Berwick. Those signs were funded through an Atchafalaya National Heritage Area grant.
Some neighborhoods had already funded their own signs independently. The entire effort was designed to encourage residents to pull together around beautification in their own communities. Several neighborhoods have embraced the idea wholeheartedly — community members in some areas decorate their signs for holidays, and both the city of Morgan City and the town of Berwick have taken on landscaping maintenance around their neighborhood signs. The Lakeside subdivision went a step further, protecting their sign landscaping through a recent hard freeze.
The mural idea itself traces back more than two years, when Letitia “Sunshine” Butler, owner of Angel’s Notary on Railroad Avenue, contacted St. Mary Excel to express her interest in cleaning up the area around her home. That conversation led to the concept of a community mural that would transform a neglected stretch of the street into something worth noticing.
For Steele, the project was personal. She lives in the neighborhood and wanted to create something that represented the community she calls home. Marcelle Hoskins, who grew up in the Coal Chute neighborhood and now lives in the adjacent “Across the Tracks” area, is also excited about what the mural represents for the community.
Hoskins personally decorated two neighborhood signs — the Coal Chute sign, which was funded through the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area grant, and the Across the Tracks sign, for which she spearheaded fundraising among her neighbors.
“I grew up in Coal Chute, and I’ve always been proud of where I come from. When I saw what Ja’mariah was creating, it just confirmed what I already knew-this neighborhood has heart. That’s why I take care of those signs. If we show we care about where we live, other people will too.”
The beautification efforts along Railroad Avenue and across Morgan City’s neighborhoods come at a meaningful time. St. Mary Parish is poised to become the site of Louisiana’s only Atchafalaya National Estuarine Research Reserve, a federal designation that will bring increased attention, investment, and visitors to the region.
Organizers say all of St. Mary Parish needs to be ready for that designation, and the neighborhood improvements are part of a broader effort to call attention to keeping the area clean and attractive as the parish steps onto a larger stage.
Catherine Holcomb, president of St. Mary Excel, said the mural is an example of what happens when a community member speaks up and young people step forward with talent and determination. “Every strip Ja’mariah wove into that mural was a choice to make her own neighborhood more beautiful. We’re seeing that kind of pride start to spread — one neighborhood, one sign, one project at a time — and that’s how real change happens.”