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Morgan City police radio logs for March 8-11

Mon, 03/11/2024 - 1:42pm

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.
Friday, March 8
5:11 a.m. 700 block of Fourth Street; Patrol.
7:05 a.m. 600 block of Terrebonne Street; Medical.
7:14 a.m. 900 block of Levee Road; Theft.
8:43 a.m. Mount Street/Railroad Avenue; Warrant.
9:29 a.m. Federal Avenue/Belanger Street; Suspicious subject.
9:40 a.m. 300 block of Wise Street; Civil matter.
10:02 a.m. 900 block of McDermott Drive; Utilities.
11:02 a.m. 500 block of Williams Street; Warrant.
11:38 a.m. 6300 block of La. 182; Road blockage.
12:21 p.m. 6000 block of block of La. 182; Shoplifting.
12:25 p.m. 500 block of Levee Road; Vehicle accident.
12:43 p.m. 700 block of Franklin Street; Suspicious subject.
1:07 p.m. 600 block of Cypremort Road; Assistance.
2:11 p.m. 1900 block of Victor II Boulevard; Vehicle accident.
2:19 p.m. 600 block of Bush Street; Animal complaint.
2:35 p.m. 1100 block of Marguerite Street; Narco violation.
2:43 p.m. 900 block of Spruce Street; 911 hang up.
2:57 p.m. Victor II Boulevard/Myrtle Street; Stalled vehicle.
3:03 p.m. 500 block of Federal Avenue; Alarm.
3:15 p.m. 2300 block of La. 70; Remove subject.
3:32 p.m. Federal Avenue/Orange Street; Loud music.
4:25 p.m. Front/Franklin streets; Disturbance.
5:23 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Arrest.
7:37 p.m. 7200 La. 182; Disturbance.
Saturday, March 9
12:28 a.m. 900 block of Short Street; Medical.
12:29 a.m. 300 block of Aucoin Street; Medical.
12:41 a.m. 800 block of Levee Road; Remove subject.
3:30 a.m. 1000 block of Myrtle Street; Suspicious subject.
3:51 a.m. 6300 block of La. 182; Medical.
3:34 a.m. 6300 block of La. 182; Medical.
5:06 a.m. 700 block of General McArthur Street; Medical.
5:55 a.m. 600 block of Freret Street; Suspicious subject.
6:12 a.m. 800 block of Levee Road; Disturbance.
8:08 a.m. 300 block of Patton Street; Medical.
8:22 a.m. 100 block of Chennault Street; Loud music.
8:35 a.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Arrest.
9:25 a.m. 1200 block of Greenwood Street; Alarm.
10:27 a.m. 2200 block of Hickory Street; Animal complaint.
11:29 a.m. 7400 block of La. 182; Juvenile problems.
11:30 a.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Medical.
11:42 a.m. 100 block of Montana Street; Civil matter.
11:57 a.m. 3000 block of Karen Drive; Animal complaint.
12:07 p.m. 300 block of South Railroad Avenue; Utilities.
12:10 p.m. 100 block of Glenwood Street; Medical.
12:20 p.m. 400 block of Kidd Street; Theft.
12:40 p.m. 2000 block of Keith Street; Theft.
12:57 p.m. 1200 block of Victor II Boulevard; Medical.
1:06 p.m. 1200 block of Victor II Boulevard; Suspicious subject.
1:56 p.m. 7400 block of La. 182; Complaint.
2:40 p.m. Front/Onstead streets; Welfare check.
3:02 p.m. 600 block of Brashear Avenue; Patrol request.
3:36 p.m. 2300 block of La. 70; Animal complaint.
4:15 p.m. 700 block of Leona Street; Alarm.
4:28 p.m. 700 block of David Drive; Assistance.
4:29 p.m. U.S. 90 West/Martin Luther King Boulevard Exit; Traffic incident.
4:43 p.m. Orange Street; Loud music.
4:58 p.m. 3200 block of Karen Drive; Medical.
6:42 p.m. 500 block of Orange Street; Welfare check.
7:08 p.m. 500 block of Orange Street; Suspicious person/vehicle.
8:26 p.m. Area of La. 182; Reckless driver.
8:39 p.m. 1500 block of North Third Street; Loud music.
10:05 p.m. 1100 block of Levee Road; Suspicious person/vehicle.
10:10 p.m. 3200 block of Roselawn Drive; Complaint.
10:40 p.m. Area Diane/McDermott drives; Loud music.
11:01 p.m. 300 block of Wise Street; Loud music.
11:01 p.m. 1400 block of Railroad Avenue; Vehicle accident.
12:25 a.m. 800 block of Victor II Boulevard; Alarm.
12:30 a.m. 1200 block of Brashear Avenue; Alarm.
1:22 a.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Alarm.
Sunday, March 10
6:43 a.m. 700 block of Terrebonne Street; Loud music.
7:55 a.m. 7200 block of La. 182; Welfare check.
8:17 a.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Medical.
9:53 a.m. 500 block of Fourth Street; Medical.
10:10 a.m. 900 block of Ninth Street; Alarm.
10:55 a.m. Port of Morgan City; Theft.
11:08 a.m. 7200 block of La. 182; Assistance.
11:18 a.m. Federal Avenue/Egle Street; Animal complaint.
11:20 a.m. 600 block of General McArthur Street; Complaint.
2:11 p.m. 7300 block of La. 182; Suspicious subject.
2:16 p.m. 500 block of Bowman Street; Theft.
3:19 p.m. 3000 block of Allison Street; Reckless driver.
3:37 p.m. U.S. 90 Bridge; Assistance.
4:56 p.m. 500 block of Roderick Street; Loud music.
5:11 p.m. 1100 block of Marguerite Street; Narco violation.
5:42 p.m. 1200 block of Prescott Drive; Disturbance.
6:04 p.m. 7th block of Glenwood Street; Alarm.
6:45 p.m. 500 block of Levee Road; Removal of subject.
7:06 p.m. 6600 block of La. 182; Removal of subject.
8:04 p.m. 7500 block of La. 182; Medical.
8:05 p.m. 400 block of Belanger Street; Loud music.
10:57 p.m. 6000 block of La. 182; Suspicious person/vehicle.
11:37 p.m. 600 block of Seventh Street; Medical.
Monday, March 11
2:49 a.m. 7200 block of La. 182; Disturbance.
3:59 a.m. 600 block of Brashear Avenue; Disturbance.

City, parish authorities make theft arrests

Mon, 03/11/2024 - 1:40pm
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.)

St. Mary and Morgan City authorities reported arrests on theft charges in the last week, while Assumption deputies detained a Pierre Part woman on a heroin charge.

Morgan City

Chief Chad M. Adams reported that the Morgan City Police Department responded to 170 calls for service over the last 96-hour reporting period and made these arrests:

--Jody Ray Cubbedge Jr. 47, Uranus Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 9 a.m. Thursday on charges of forgery and theft (under $1,000).

--Gerald Jay Jones Sr., 49, Keith Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 8:49 a.m. Friday on two counts of failure to appear for arraignment (6th Ward Morgan City Court).

--Dylan Joshua Houck, 25, La. 182, Morgan City, was arrested at 6:30 a.m. Saturday on charges of criminal damage to property and resisting an officer.

--Kierra Castle, 33, Dora Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 8:35 a.m. Saturday on a charge of failure to appear to pay fine (6th Ward Morgan City Court).

--Keith Antoine Singleton, 56, Bowman Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 5:24 p.m. Saturday on charges of driving under suspension, no insurance and improper lane usage.

--Lawrence G. Francois, 53, Orange Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 5:24 p.m. Saturday on charges of disturbing the peace and loud music.

--Shawna Ruffin, 54, Organ Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 5:24 p.m. Saturday on charges of disturbing the peace and battery on a police officer.

--Urias Cardona-Molina, 30, Raine Court, Morgan City, was arrested at 1:23 a.m. Sunday on charges of driving while intoxicated (first offense), reckless operation of a motor vehicle and criminal damage to property.

--Tori Smith, 30, Brashear Avenue, Morgan City, was arrested at 10 a.m. Thursday on a charge of remaining after forbidden.

--Ronald James Winslow Jr., 33, Ciro Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 10 a.m. Thursday on three counts of failure to appear for arraignment (6th Ward Morgan City Court) and three counts of failure to appear for review (16th Judicial District Court).

--Christine Ann Hart, 40, Aucoin Street, Bayou Vista, was arrested at 5:27 a.m. Thursday on charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Patterson

Chief Garrett Grogan reported this arrest:

--Joseph R. Rushing, 28, Robinhood Road, Dry Prong, was arrested at 2:46 a.m. Monday on charges of failure to maintain control, driver’s license suspended or revoked, expired motor vehicle inspection, no insurance, and child restraint violation. \

Rushing was incarcerated at the Patterson PD Jail with bail set at $1,182.

St. Mary

Sheriff Gary Driskell reported that over the last 96-hour reporting period, the Sheriff’s Office responded to 167 complaints and made these arrests:

--Spencer Augustus Aucoin II, 52, Amelia, was arrested at 12:44 p.m. Thursday on a warrant alleging felony theft. Bail has not been set at this time.

--Decator Jake Crochet Jr., 26, Morgan City, was arrested at 5:43 p.m. Saturday on charges of telephone calls (harassment), resisting arrest or officer and duty of offender to notify law enforcement about change of address. Bail has not been set at this time.

--Jeremiah Thomas Singleton, 22, Patterson, was arrested at 6:45 p.m. Sunday on a warrant alleging failure to appear on charges of possession of alprazolam, possession of MDMA, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, attempted second-degree feticide, domestic abuse battery (pregnant victim), and violation of a protective order with battery or crime of violence, Bail has not been set at this time.

--Olivia Rene Prado, 30, Thibodaux, was arrested at 11:49 a.m. Friday on a warrant alleging failure to appear for failure to comply with the conditions of a drug court treatment program for the charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia. Bail has not been set at this time.

--Jorge Coronado-Cool, 43, Patterson, was arrested at 12:21 a.m. Sunday on charges of unauthorized entry of inhabited dwelling and criminal trespass. Bail was set at $52,500.

--Shelby Rae Lee, 40, Bayou Vista, was arrested at 5:12 p.m. Sunday on an MCPD warrant alleging failure to appear on a charge of contempt of court. Bail was set at $557.50.

--David Lawrence Dupre, 46, Lafayette, was arrested, at 11:35 p.m. Sunday on charges of driving while intoxicated, speeding and open container. Bail was set at $3,000.

Franklin

Chief Cedric Handy reported that the Franklin Police Department responded to 23 complaints over the last 96-hour reporting period and made these arrests:

--Tandra Hebert, 44, Ida Street, Franklin, was arrested at 1:46 p.m. Saturday on a warrant dated Feb. 29 alleging disturbing the peace (language). Hebert was booked, processed and released to appear in 3rd Ward City Court.

--Joseph Hamilton Jr., 57, Railroad Avenue, Franklin, was arrested at 9:48 a.m. Sunday on a warrant dated March 8 alleging simple burglary. Hamilton was booked, processed and held with no bond set at the time of press release.

--Missy Alexander, 25, Joan Drive, Franklin, was arrested at 5:30 p.m. Sunday on a charge of battery of a dating partner. Alexander was booked, processed and held with no bond set at the time of press release.

--Mary Norris, 47, Main Street, Franklin, was arrested at 10:01 a.m. Thursday on charges of stop signs, driving under suspension and no insurance. Norris was booked, processed and released on an $811 bond.

--Jorge Baires, 23, Sweet Berry Lane, Tomball, Texas, was arrested 10:12 a.m. Thursday on charges of speeding and no driver's license. Baires was booked, processed and released on a $463.50 bond.

Assumption

Sheriff Leland Falcon reported this arrest:

--Jennifer Gail Krumholt, 32, La. 70, Pierre Part, was arrested Saturday on charges of possession with intent to distribute heroin; possession of Klonopin; possession of methamphetamine; sale, distribution, or possession of a legend drug without a prescription; and possession of drug paraphernalia, and as a fugitive from the Livingston and Ascension sheriff’s offices.

The charges result from a traffic stop in Pierre Part on Saturday evening.

A uniformed patrol deputy observed a westbound vehicle on La. 70 with an equipment violation.

The deputy made contact with the driver, now identified as Nicholas Lee Loupe, 43, Bayou Narcisse Road, Gonzales, and initiated an interview. The deputy noted that Loupe was driving under a suspended driver’s license.

The deputy noted that a female appeared to be moving within the vehicle. The deputy then engaged the passenger, now identified as Krumholt, in an interview. At the conclusion of those interviews, the deputy requested consent to search the
vehicle.

During the ensuing search, deputies seized assorted drug paraphernalia off the person of Loupe. Additionally, quantities of assorted controlled dangerous substances and drug paraphernalia were seized from the interior of the vehicle, which were attributed to Krumholt.

At the conclusion of investigation, Loupe was issued a misdemeanor summons on charges of driving under a suspended driver’s license, improper equipment and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Loupe was issued a court date and released.

Krumholt was arrested and booked into the Assumption Parish Detention Center pending a bond hearing.

6th annual Basin Brew Fest is April 13

Fri, 03/08/2024 - 11:14am
Staff Report

The 6th annual Basin Brew Fest is set April 13 in downtown Morgan City. Early VIP entry is at 2 p.m. and general entry begins at 3 p.m. Event festivities end at 6 p.m.
The event prides itself in showcasing Louisiana Craft beer since its inaugural event in 2017.
“Our purpose is simple: give everyone who visits a little taste of what The Boot has to offer in the craft beer world,” states the event’s website. “With homebrewers and new breweries popping up across the state, we are continuing to expand our festival.”
The festival also has a goal to raise funds to complete renovations to historic Lawrence Park in the heart of downtown Morgan City.
Since 2017, Basin Brew Fest has helped raise more than $60,000 in funds to help renovate the playground first, and now the historic gazebo and fountain.
Admission to the Basin Brew Fest is only for people 21 years or older. But a neighboring Food Court is open to the public.
Tickets are available online at www.basinbrewfestmc.com or at the gate on April 13.
VIP ticket sales, $65, will end March 15 and are online only. The VIP ticket also includes early entry at 2 p.m., unlimited 2-ounce samples, an on tap trailer ticket, a drawstring backpack swag bag, event T-shirt and koozie, a 2024 commemorative glass and additional promotional items.
General admission tickets are $40 until March 31. Entry tickets at the gate will be $50.
General admission begins at 3 p.m.
All guests must purchase a ticket to enter. Bring proper ID for entry so it can be scanned (no entry without ID).

Gina Guzzino Crooks

Fri, 03/08/2024 - 11:11am

Gina Guzzino Crooks passed away at her home on the Crooks Family Farm in Parke County, Indiana on March 6, 2024 at the age of 65. She was born in Patterson, Louisiana, to Lula and Leonard Guzzino. Gina is survived by Jon David Crooks, her devoted and “handsome husband” as she would so lovingly introduce him to everyone she met, her sister, Vickie Guarisco (Steve), Angel Dugas (Carl), and Christi Armato (Carl), her brother-in-law, Greg Crooks (Jane); her children, Matthew Crooks (Starrla), and Tara Crooks Bennett (Alex), one granddaughter, Thea Naomi Bennett, their beloved golden retriever, Hank, and 3 grand dogs. Gina was a fun and enthusiastic aunt to Brock, Cody, Ross, Nick, Elizabeth, Dana, Carly, John Michael, Logan, Hunter, Tyler, and their families.
As a proud graduate of the Patterson High School Class of 1976, she had a fervent love of her “Girls of 76” and would text them every day. Her relationship with these best friends were the highlight of these last few years. It would be remiss to not include the “Bros of 76” as well.
Gina’s greatest pleasure was spending time with her family and extended family. She spearheaded numerous vacations and get-togethers and especially loved introducing her family to Disney World. Gina was a lover of all things “Disney”. As a member of Annunciation Parish, her Catholic faith was deep and beautiful and willingly shared with all she knew. Gina lived her faith by her work and commitment to St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry.
Gina received her teaching degree at Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, Louisiana, and went on to teach at several Louisiana schools before moving to Indiana, following Jon’s ascent as Head Basketball Coach at Northview High School in Clay County. For most of her career she taught high school at Northview where she helped begin the “The Excalibur’s” and was sponsor of the DECA Business Club. It would also not surprise anyone who knew her that she was in charge of her fellow teacher’s lip sync dances performed for the student body. In addition to Disney, she had a passion for sunsets and sunrises, blue water and white sands, pickleball and the Louisiana Youth Seminar.
Jon and Gina own and operate Coach’s Timeout, where she would share her love of Cajun food and Mardi Gras. She was proud of the Crooks Family Farm and beautiful Raccoon Lake where she made lasting memories with Jon, Matt, and Tara, and all the Crooks crew. Those times will forever be remembered and cherished by her family.
Gina was a cheerleader and confidence builder for her family and her friends. If she knew you, she was in your court making sure you knew that you were wonderful and valued. We will miss the sparkle and loyal devotion that was Gina Guzzino Crooks.
Visitation will be held at Lawson Miller Chapel, 1702 East National Avenue in Brazil, Indiana on Sunday, March 10, 2024, from 4:00 PM until 7:30 PM. Rosary will begin at 7:30 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Annunciation Catholic Church, on Monday, beginning at 1:00 PM, with burial to follow at Rockville Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers please consider making donations to one of her favorite charities: The Louisiana Youth Seminar, P.O. Box 14241, Baton Rouge, LA 70898 or St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry, 399 E. Church Street, Brazil, IN 47834.

Tyren Austin named a La. Student of the Year finalist

Fri, 03/08/2024 - 11:09am

Tyren Austin, an eighth grader at B. Edward Boudreaux Middle School in Franklin has been named one of 24 finalists by the Louisiana Department of Education in its Louisiana Students of the Year competition.
St. Mary Parish Public Schools stated in a news release, “Tyren Austin, a phenomenal eighth-grade student at B. Edward Boudreaux Middle School, has been selected as one of only eight middle school students as a finalist for Louisiana Middle School Student of the Year.”
He is the son of Damier and Tekesha Austin. At school, he is a Principal’s List student, Gifted and Talented student, and student athlete. He is a member of the Boys to Men organization, BETA Club, Talent Search, Del-Kaps, Insight and 4-H.
He is a West St. Mary Health Ambassador and a first-chair musician in Honor Band. He loves playing community travel ball.
“St. Mary Parish Public Schools is proud to have Tyren represent our community,” the news release stated. “Let us cheer him on, as he continues to make waves, inspire others and secure the title of Louisiana Middle School Student of the Year.”
Honorees include a fifth, eighth and 12th grader from each of the state’s eight BESE regions. Finalists will convene April 10 at the River Center Branch Library in Baton Rouge for an awards ceremony and the announcement of the Louisiana Students of the Year winners from each grade.
“Congratulations to each of these young leaders. This honor is a testament to their commitment to academic excellence,” said Louisiana State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley. “As we celebrate the achievement of these remarkable students, we also recognize the unwavering support of their parents and educators.”
Students are selected based on criteria that measure academic achievement, leadership skills, character and service to their schools and communities. Regional selection committees also use electronic portfolios of accomplishments, along with student writing samples and interviews to assess the communications and critical thinking skills of each candidate.
Finalists were selected among student of the year winners from schools across the state. All Louisiana schools were eligible to submit one candidate. Students compete with their peers at the school system level and may advance to the zone and regional competitions.
Prior to selecting the three state winners, the state selection committee will conduct interviews and review a writing sample from each of the finalists as well as their portfolios.

March is busy month for community offered events

Fri, 03/08/2024 - 11:05am
Staff Report

March is a busy month for area events.
Here is a listing of some of the events planned:
—An Elton John tribute show, “Bennie & the Jets,” will perform at the Morgan City Municipal Auditorium at 7 p.m. Monday.
Tickets for the show, part of the Morgan City Live Community Concert 2023-24 season, are $25 for adults and $5 for K-12 students. Season tickets are also available.
All tickets, subscription or single concert, are available online at www.morgancitylive.com or at the door.
Greg Ransom began playing the piano at age 10 and has been playing music and performing ever since.
In 1995, Ransom (piano, vocals), Dan Moraski (guitar, vocals), Bob Lija (drums, vocals) and Ken Walpurgis (bass) formed Bennie & the Jets – a group dedicated to honoring the life and music of the Elton John.
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.
—The Krewe of Dionysus will hold its 8th annual Irish and Italian Parade at 1 p.m. March 16 in downtown Morgan City.
This year, the krewe has decided to reverse its route. Participants will line up at the corner of Second and Everett streets and parade down Second Street to Belanger Street where it will disband.
This is a walking parade although golf carts are allowed.
An entry fee of $20 is needed and entrants must be at least 21. Registration and social hours are 10 a.m. to noon at Bourbon’s at the corner of First Street and Railroad Avenue.
—Junior Auxiliary of East St. Mary is holding a fundraiser, “St. Mary Denim & Diamonds Casino Night and Silent Auction,” March 16 at Nico Bella, 722 Front St., Morgan City. All funds raised are to continue to fund and expand numerous service projects, which benefit community children, with special focus on the most vulnerable of the population.
Event times are 6:30-7 p.m., cocktails; 7-10 p.m., event festivities including small plates and pass arounds; wine and beer, music, photo booth, table games, slot machines, silent auction and 50/50 raffle.
Tickets, $75, are online at givebutter.com/c/denim-diamonds-casino-night. Additional chip buy-in and cash bar available. Attendants must be 21 or over.
Junior Auxiliary is also seeking sponsors and donations for the fundraiser. Sponsorships available are Radiant — $1,500, eight tickets/150 chips per person, a reserved table, and sponsor signage/advertisements, etc.; Marquis — $1,000, six tickets/150 chips per person, sponsor signage/ads, etc.; Flare — $500, four tickets,150 chips per person, sponsor signage/ads, etc.; Bootcut — $250, two tickets/150 chips per person, sponsor ads. Also collecting monetary sponsorships and auction items.
For full sponsorship benefits contact JA. Donations are tax deductible. Donor’s names displayed on signs, brochures, social media and on auction items, if applicable. For information call 985-312-4489 or 985-221-3382.
—The public is invited to St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1011 First St., Patterson, for its St. Joseph Altar adorned with decorative cakes, cookies and specialty breads hand made by volunteers and derived from donated ingredients.
Blessing of the Altar is 6:30 p.m. March 18 with viewing until 8:30 p.m. March 19 festivities are opening Mass 9 a.m. with Bishop J. Douglas Deshotel; 10-11 a.m. procession of the saints for the meal; 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. public meal served (until all food has been served); until 4 p.m. altar viewing. Any remaining cakes and cookies donated to the needy of the area in keeping with spirit of the St. Joseph Altar.
—Pharr Chapel United Methodist Church in Morgan City is hosting a Free Community Fish Fry 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 29 in Lawrence Park in Morgan City.
In the event of rain, the distribution will take place under the U.S. 90 bridge between Second and Greenwood streets.
For information call 985-384-7984.
A story ran in the March 6 edition of the Morgan City Review with a list of Easter Egg Hunts. It can also be found online at StMaryNow.com.

Change clocks and batteries

Fri, 03/08/2024 - 11:00am

BATON ROUGE — State Fire Marshal Chief Bryan J Adams is encouraging Louisianans to check the status of the life-saving devices in their homes, like smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms, when changing their clocks ahead one hour for Daylight Saving Time at 2 a.m. Sunday.
“The practice of changing your smoke and CO alarm batteries when you change your clocks should be second nature to all of us,” said Adams. “These days, as many clocks spring forward automatically, it’s especially important for this reminder to reach every household in Louisiana. Take a moment right now to put ‘change your clocks, change your batteries’ on your to-do list for this weekend.”
When checking the status of these devices to determine whether a new battery is needed, also take note of their age.
“If you know, or suspect, that your smoke or CO alarms are older than 10 years, we highly recommend upgrading to the 10-year, sealed battery alarms, that don’t require any battery replacement,” he said.

Wheel House for March 8

Fri, 03/08/2024 - 10:47am

HORSESHOES
Bayou Horseshoe Pitchers Association 4th annual “Battle of The Badges Horseshoe Tournament” is 9 a.m. March 16, Kemper Williams Park, near Patterson. Event pits St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement vs the St. Mary Parish Fire Departments for a “Traveling Plaque.” Fireman, police officer, auxiliary, retiree, spouse or board member of either department, are all welcome to pitch (recruiting is allowed). Members of the local city and parish councils are also invited to pitch with any team. For info, call Craig, 504-270-7166 or Hilton, 985-519-5771

BREW FEST
The 6th annual Basin Brew Fest is April 13, along U.S. 90 bridge, downtown Morgan City. Early VIP entry, 2 p.m.; general entry, 3 p.m. and event ends at 6 p.m. Showcases Louisiana craft beer. VIP ticket sales, $65, end March 15 and are online only. General admission tickets, $40, until March 31; gate entry is $50. Advance tickets online at www.basinbrewfestmc.com. Must be 21 or older and bring proper ID.

Area road work continues

Fri, 03/08/2024 - 10:44am

Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development has announced lane closures for St. Mary Parish.
Approximately 2.5 miles of La. 182 east of U.S. 90 in Morgan City will have alternating lane closures from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, weather permitting.
This closure is necessary to allow crews to perform routine bridge inspections.
Emergency vehicles will have access to the area but may encounter delays.
The road will be open to regular traffic without any width restrictions on oversize loads passing through the work zone.
La. 317 at the Intracoastal Waterway Bridge (Bayou Sale) will be reduced to one lane from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, weather permitting.
This closure is necessary to allow for crews to perform routine bridge inspections.
Emergency vehicles will have access to the area but may encounter delays.
The road will be open to regular traffic with 16-foot lane restrictions on oversized loads passing through the work zone.
DOTD asks drivers’ patience and reminds everyone to drive with caution and be on the lookout for work crews and their equipment.

Where’re you going in such a hurry?

Fri, 03/08/2024 - 10:41am
By JOHN K. FLORES

Under the pressure of 70 mph speed, my face contorted like one of those astronauts going up into space. Only, this wasn’t a space capsule fastened like a spearhead onto a rocket launched from Cape Canaveral. This was a bass boat leaving the Amelia Public Boat Launch.
I should have realized something was up when my close friend and Patterson resident Gerald Foulcard donned a motorcycle helmet with a clear visor just before putting the boat’s shift lever into gear.
In the next instant we literally took off and I didn’t get a “T-Minus” launch countdown. I was sure, as I gripped in fear, the fingers of my white-knuckled left hand had dug into the boat’s fiberglass gunnel while my right hand squeezed the stuffing out of the seat cushion I was setting on. It was horrible and uncomfortable at the same time.
I couldn’t enjoy the cypress trees along the bank with their fresh spring greenery, nor the soaring bald eagles and osprey in search of a fish for breakfast.
The thing was, my bass tournament-angler friend wasn’t fishing in a competition. No. We were just out to do a little fishing on a Saturday morning in March, hoping to catch a few bass. So, what was the hurry? Dang man! Fishing isn’t supposed to be that intense.
Come to find out, like a NASCAR driver, speed is just ingrained in the tournament bass angler’s psyche. It’s not in their DNA, whether a practice day or not, to just leave the landing to leisurely fish bass. It’s pretty much get to where you’re going and make casts.
Local business owner and tournament fisherman Howard Hartley does a little speeding on the water himself.
Hartley, a BASS Nation Nationals Finalist, explained, “I believe it’s about maximizing your fishing time during the day. In typical bass tournaments you’re given an average of eight hours to fish. If you could actually be casting in high percentage areas for most of that time, then your chances of catching fish — if you have scouted enough — generally would increase.”
According to Foulcard, speed in some cases allows you to play a little defense.
Strategically speaking, Foulcard said, “The reason for the high speed is to try and beat your opponent to the best spots and try and get the early morning bite. We’re also trying to fish as many spots as possible from safe daylight to 3 p.m. weigh in. So, sometimes, speed can be an advantage to accomplish fishing a few more spots.”
Essentially, the month of March is one of the best times of year to fish largemouth bass because the spawn is in full swing. Moreover, as a result, there are tournaments galore being held across the state. Locally, there are seven tournaments being held out of Doiron’s Landing in Stephensville alone.
Foulcard said, “The big girls are on the nest and it’s not so much they like to eat, but rather are protecting the nest. So, anything that’s close to the nest, they will move or try and kill it and if hungry they will eat it. A lot of those bass are caught because while moving the bait they get hooked.”
Stephensville is one of the top locations to catch bass during March. There is an abundance of food resources like crawfish, shad and bluegill. Foulcard says the key is finding clear water.
The marshes below Bayou Black are excellent during the month of March. The Copasaw, Turtle Bayou, Bluebird Canal and 7-Mile are all top bass locations worth checking out.
Good catches of bass can be had in the Atchafalaya Basin when the conditions are right. Water level, clarity and temperature all play a role as to whether a winning stringer can be caught in this vast region. One thing for sure, crawfish and small perch are abundant and top food sources for largemouth bass.
With tournament season in full swing, there’ll be a lot of bass boats on the water this month. And, no doubt, many of them will be running like someone with their hair caught on fire trying to catch a fish or two. I’m sure, like me, you’ll be wondering, “Where’re they going in such a hurry?”
John Flores is the Morgan City Review’s outdoor writer. He can be contacted at gowiththeflo@cox.net.

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