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Morgan City police radio logs for Feb. 15-16

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, Feb. 15
6:39 a.m. 300 block of Arizona Street; Search warrant.
6:41 a.m. 100 block of Mount Street; Search warrant.
6:51 a.m. 2400 block of Maple Street; Hit and run.
7:04 a.m. 6600 block of La. 182; Remove subject.
8:30 a.m. 500 block of Roderick Street; Hit and run.
8:51 a.m. 1100 block of General Clark Street; Animal complaint.
9:02 a.m. 7400 block of La. 182; Animal complaint.
9:27 a.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Warrant.
10:30 a.m. 100 block of Mallard Street; Fire.
11:09 a.m. 1100 block of Marguerite Street; Warrant.
11:52 a.m. 700 block of David Drive; Medical.
11:56 a.m. 1900 block of Sixth Street; Lost and found property.
12:24 p.m. 1000 block of Hickory Street; Telephone harassment.
12:43 p.m. 400 block of Belanger Street; Lost and found property.
12:44 p.m. Garber Street; Animal complaint.
1:56 p.m. 1200 block of Victor II Boulevard; Vehicle accident.
3:06 p.m. 500 block of Roderick Street; Intel.
3:17 p.m. 7300 block of La. 182; Theft.
3:54 p.m. 800 block of Ninth Street; Animal complaint.
4:26 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Narco violation.
4:55 p.m. 7500 block of La. 182; Welfare concern.
5:08 p.m. 1000 block of Second Street; Open door.
8:40 p.m. Area of U.S. 90; Reckless driver.
9:40 p.m. 7500 block of La. 182; Complaint.
10:13 p.m. 2600 block of Fig Street; Suspicious person/vehicle.
10:13 p.m. 700 block of Brashear Avenue; Suspicious person/vehicle.
11:02 p.m. Federal Avenue/Lawrence Street; Complaint.
Friday, Feb. 16
2:02 a.m. 7500 block of La. 182; Suspicious person/vehicle.

Jeremy Alford and David Jacobs: La. party leadership in question

During Gov. Jeff Landry’s premier Washington Mardi Gras fundraiser last month, huddled together among hundreds in a packed ballroom at the Waldorf Astoria, state Democratic Party Chairwoman Katie Bernhardt and GOP Chair Louis Gurvich spoke privately for a few minutes over the political roar.
Only they know what was discussed that evening, but back home in Louisiana the rank-and-file members of their respective central committees aren’t yet convinced Bernhardt and Gurvich will return for subsequent terms. 
The re-election issue is timely for both, since Republicans and Democrats will vote next month for their state central committee members, who are in turn responsible for electing party leadership.
Asked about his plans, Gurvich said he has not ruled out seeking the post again, “but I am awaiting developments.”
He added, “One-third of the RSCC hasn’t even been elected yet, including some of the people who I do expect will be running for various offices.”
One of those people is Derek Babcock, who serves as secretary on the state GOP’s executive committee and plans to run for chair. He said he wants to build more respect for the party at the Capitol and attract more young people to the Republican cause.
Jude Savoie, who did not draw a challenger for his seat on the RSCC, is planning to run for chair against the party establishment, which he accuses of maintaining a “cloak of secrecy” and favoring certain consultants.
“It’s just time to clean up our party,” Savoie said.
Gurvich and Babcock say leadership has been transparent with members, who can get their questions answered by simply visiting the party office and asking.
“Nobody has had information withheld from them,” Babcock said.
As for the DSCC, current chair Bernhardt is facing a concerted effort to oust her. She said last week she intends to run, but politicos close to her wonder if she’ll actually stand as a candidate when the time comes.
Blue Reboot, a new organization of Democratic activists, says it has recruited and trained more than 100 DSCC candidates who want to see a change in leadership.
Former Rep. Randal Gaines in December announced plans to run for Democratic Party chair, and Public Service Commissioner Davante Lewis has been considering a run.
Party leaders have failed to recruit candidates in key raises and effectively support those who do step up, critics say.
“You can’t just blame one person for the state of the party,” said Lynda Woolard, an advisor to Blue Reboot who is not running for anything herself. “Katie is the person that most people know.”
The real action begins on March 23, when candidates run for the Democratic and Republican state central committees.
For more Louisiana political news, visit www. LaPolitics.com or follow Alford on Twitter @ LaPoliticsNow.

Public notices for Feb. 16, 2024

PUBLIC NOTICE
Centerville,
Louisiana
January 11, 2024
The Regular School Board Meeting was called to order by Vice-President Moore.
Administer Oath of Office to School Board Member:
Judge Curtis Sigur and pastor Dr. Allen R. Randle, Sr. administered the Oath of Office to Ms. Guienzy M. Brent, District I School Board Member of the St. Mary Parish School Board. During the special ceremony, Ms. Brent was joined by her nephew Dallas McCarty Jr. and her cousin William Brent III.
Regular Session:
The St. Mary Parish School Board met in regular session on Thursday, January 11, 2024, at 5:30 p.m., in the Evans Medine Meeting Room at the Central Office Complex in Centerville, Louisiana, with the following members answering to roll call:
Roll Call.
Present: Ms. Guienzy M. Brent, Ms. Tammie L. Moore, Mrs. Lindsey T. Anslem, Ms. Debra R. Jones, Mrs. Ginger S. Griffin, Mr. Chad M. Paradee, Mr. Andrew V. Mancuso, and Mrs. Rhonda R. Dennis.
Absent: Mr. Murphy J. Pontiff Jr., Mrs. Alaina L. Black, and Ms. Marilyn P. LaSalle
Invocation:
Mr. Holmes gave the Invocation.
Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America.
Ms. Estay led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America. Introduction of Students and Employees of the Month:
B. Edward Boudreaux Middle School:
Principal Alexis Rack introduced 8th grade student Tyren Austin as Student of the Month at B. E. Boudreaux Middle School.
Principal Alexis Rack introduced Versana Polidore, JAG teacher as Employee of the Month at B. E. Boudreaux Middle School.
Hattie A. Watts Elementary School:
Assistant Principal Charles Foulcard introduced 4th grade student Sophia Paddle as Student of the Month at Hattie A. Watts Elementary School.
Assistant Principal Charles Foulcard introduced Dana Martin, 2nd grade teacher as Employee of the Month at Hattie A. Watts Elementary School.
Raintree Elementary School:
Principal Marie Cole introduced 5th grade student Sa’Niyah August as Student of the Month at Raintree Elementary School.
Principal Marie Cole introduced Shantay Womble, 5th grade teacher as Employee of the Month at Raintree Elementary School.
Approval of Amended Agenda.
No amended agenda.
Approval of Official School Board Minutes.
Mr. Mancuso offered the motion and Mrs. Dennis offered the second to approve the official school board minutes from the regular school board meeting held on December 14, 2023. All in favor and the motion carried.
Approval of Consent Agenda.
Vice-President Moore stated that Board Members can remove any of the items on the consent agenda for further discussion in the regular proceedings. Dr. Feg- enbush read aloud the items on the consent agenda as follows:
New Business
Personnel:
Item 3. *Set day, time, and place for Regular Monthly School Board Meeting.
Item 4. *Proclamations:
A. *Louisiana School Board Member Recognition Month (January 2024)
B. *National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day (January 9, 2024)
C. *African Am- erican History Month (February 2024)
D. *National School Counseling Week (February 5-9, 2024)
Item 5. *Permission to Advertise for Bids:
A. *Child Nutrition Department Items: Produce, milk, eggs, juice, small equipment,
Frozen foods, dry and canned foods, paper, and cleaning supplies.
Item 9. *Award bid for alligator tags.
Mr. Paradee made a motion to approve the re- maining consent agenda, excluding Items 1 A-H and Item 2 A-B, as presented by Dr. Feg- enbush. Ms. Jones made a second, all in favor and the motion carried.
Business Af- fairs:
Item 1. Review policies from Forethought Consulting as revised by Hammonds and Sill
A. Administrative Records (CN)
B. Grants (DFF)
C. Gifts and Donations (DFK)
D. Use of Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and Cardiac Emergency Plan (EBBH)
E. Probation (GBG)
F. Parent Conferences (IHAD)
G. School Wellness (JGB)
H. Student Health Services (JGC)
Mr. Mancuso recommended that the Board review policies and send comments to Superintendent Fegenbush before the February 8, 2024 regular school board meeting. No action was required from the Board for Item 1 A -H.
Item 2. Approval of policies from Forethought Consulting as revised by Hammonds and Sills.
A. *Sick Leave (GBRIB)
B. *Employee Sick Leave Bank (GBRIBB)
Mr. Mancuso made a motion to postpone approval of Item 2 A – B for a month, post policies on the school board’s website for employees to re- view and submit comments to be addressed at the February 8, 2024 regular school board meeting. Mr. Paradee made a second, all in favor and the motion carried.
Item 6. Discussion regarding timing and options for tax renewals and other funding requirements.
Mr. Jason Akers, Bond Council of Foley & Judell, L.L.P. explained the process of various taxes that are being levied by the school board and required to be renewed in the upcoming years as follows:
Ad Valorem Taxes (excluding bond millages)
•Consolidated School District No. 5 (Parishwide) – 11.82 mills last approved at election held on November 13, 2021 will expire tax year 2031.
•Consolidated School District No 2 – 12.73 mills last approved at election held on March 28, 2015 will ex- pire tax year 2025.
•Consolidated School District No. 3 -12.42 mills last approved at election held on March 28, 2015 will ex- pire tax year 2025.
Sales Taxes
•On July 1, 2021, the voters of the parish ap- proved a point four five percent (0.45%) sales and use tax to be levied by the School Board. The net proceeds of the tax are to be used to supplement salaries and benefits paid by the School Board for teachers and other personnel. This tax will expire on June 30, 2026.
The item was for informational purposes only and no action was re- quired from the Board.
Item 7. Approve acceptance of audit report for year ended June 30, 2023, as presented by the firm of Darnall, Sikes, Gardes, and Frederick.
Mr. Chris Miller, CPA with the firm of Darnall, Sikes, Gardes, and Frederick reported that in the audit for financial statements, there was an unmodified clean opinion and the highest opinion that can be given by an independent auditor.
Regarding the performance of the audit procedures, there were no audit adjustments proposed to the financial statements. Information received from the St. Mary Parish School Board accounting staff was accurate and unchanged.
There were no reportable deficiencies or material weaknesses that were noted in the internal control structure and no instances of non- compliance regarding state laws.
The report for internal controls and compliance regarding two federal programs, were reviewed and tested in detail for specific requirements. There were no findings on internal controls and compliance with the federal programs. It was an unmodified clean opinion is- sued for the year.
It was noted that there were some differences this year in the data reporting to the Louisiana De- partment of Education. The information is being reviewed by the school board’s staff and will be resubmitted to the Louisiana Department of Education.
The Legislative Auditors have resumed a requirement that local governments are now again subjected to additional compliance testing in several operational areas. Re- garding the statewide agreed upon procedures, there were no items noted that were no significant findings or any reportable exceptions in that area.
In summary, the results of the audit in many testing procedures were positive.
Mr. Mancuso made a motion and seconded by Ms. Brent to approve the audit report for the year ended June 30, 2023, as presented by Mr. Chris Miller.
In conjunction with the audit, Chief Financial Officer, Alton Perry asked the Board to designate $3,000,000 for future technology and $3,000,000 for potential future self-funded group health plan.
Item will be added to the February 8, 2024 regular school board meeting agenda.
With no further discussion, all in favor and the motion carried.
Item 8. Award bid for lockers at Franklin Senior High School.
Ms. Jones made a motion and seconded by Mrs. Anslem to award the bid to Louisiana Equipment Company of Baton Rouge, Louisiana in the amount of $53,950 for lockers at Franklin Senior High School, as presented by Mr. Wiese. All in favor and the motion carried.
Item 10. Ap- prove Memorandum of Understanding between the St. Mary Parish School Board and 100 Black Men of St. Mary, Inc.
Mr. Mancuso made a motion and seconded by Ms. Jones to approve the Memorandum of Understanding between the St. Mary Parish School Board and 100 Black Men of St. Mary, Inc., as presented by Dr. Sanders.
Attorney Ed- ward B. Jones with 100 Black Men of St. Mary, Inc. provided a concise overview of the program’s operations and the support it offers to students in St. Mary Parish.
All in favor and the motion carried.
Item 11. Ap- prove vendor for E-Rate Category 2 equipment.
Mrs. Griffin made a motion and seconded by Mrs. Anslem to approve the 2024-2025 E-Rate Category 2 RFP to IConvergence, as presented by Mr. Vead. All in favor and the motion carried.
Reports
Staff Report:
Chief Financial Officer’s Re- port:
Sale Tax Up- date:
Mr. Perry re- ported that the sales tax collections for six months into the fiscal year collected $1,900,000 about $40,000 under budget.
Financial Statements (Major Funds Only):
The Board was provided financial statements for major funds only to review at their leisure.
Other Significant Items:
None
Superintendent’s Report:
Dr. Fegenbush reported that the new semester officially began January 8th for students.
In December, Carson Paradee of Berwick Elementary School, Tyren Austin of B. Edward Boudreaux Middle School, and Cherish Lewis of Berwick High School were recognized as St. Mary Parish’s Students of the Year. After a recent round of interviews, all three have been selected to complete on the regional level. Dr. Fegenbush wished each of them the best of luck as they progressed in the competition.
Dr. Fegenbush extends sincere gratitude to the St. Mary Parish law enforcement agencies for their daily contributions to safeguard St. Mary schools. As we honor National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day on January 9th, their dedicated service is deeply appreciated.
The public is cordially invited to attend the St. Mary parish junior and senior high schools’ honor band performance at Franklin High School on Saturday, January 20th at noon.
The St. Mary Parish School District declare appreciation to board members of the St. Mary Parish School Board and proclaim January 2024 as “School Board Recognition Month” in St. Mary Parish. Dr. Fegenbush commended board members for their outstanding efforts in the community and their positive impact on the students of St. Mary Parish.
Dr. Fegenbush concluded her report with a heartfelt dedication in memory of District I school board member Mr. Joseph C. Foulcard, Jr.
Closing:
Resolutions of Respect:
No Resolutions of Respect.
Executive Session:
Strategy session and/or action concerning pending litigation.
As authorized by La.R.S. 42:17(A)(2), there may be an executive session to discuss strategy in litigation entitled “Boudreaux, et al vs. School Board of St. Mary Parish,” bearing Civil Action No. 6:65-11351 on the docket of the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana.
Board Entered Executive Session:
With a motion from Mrs. Griffin and a second from Ms. Brent the Board entered the Executive Session. All in favor and the motion carried.
Adjournment:
With there being no further business to address, Mrs. Griffin made a motion to ad- journ the meeting at 7:19 p.m. Mr. Mancuso made a second, all in favor and the motion carried.
Adv. Feb. 16, 2024

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PUBLIC NOTICE
OFFICIAL
PROCEEDINGS
ST. MARY LEVEE DISTRICT
REGULAR MEETING
December 21, 2023
Morgan City, LA
The St. Mary Levee District (“SMLD”) met on this date with President William Hidalgo, Sr., presiding and the following board members present: Will Terry, J.P. Hebert, Norris Crappell, Andrew Mancuso and with Mike Ortiz and Kenny Arceneaux absent.
Also present: Tim Matte, Executive Director; Michael Brocato, Operations Manager; Bill Bourgeois and Gerard Bourgeois; Robert Karam, T. Baker Smith; Reid Miller, Miller Engineers, Nicole Buranzon, APTIM; David Hill and members of the public.
Mr. Mancuso moved to dispense with the reading and to approve the Nov 16 regular monthly minutes. After a second by Mr. Crappell, the motion carried un- animously.
Mr. Hidalgo presented the payables report, which Mr. Terry moved to approve. Following Mr. Mancuso second, the motion carried unanimously.
Mr. David Hill newly elect St. Mary Parish Council Member District IV introduced himself and is looking to work with the SMLD in the future.
Mr. Robert Karam with T. Baker Smith re- ported the meeting his office had with the residents for the West of Charenton Drainage Canal Drainage Study went well.
Mr. Karam re- ported the contractor will install the pumps for the Morgan City Pump Station by the end of January.
Mr. Brocato re- ported the levee was sprayed on Avoca. Mr. Brocato stated the limestone will be moved off of the Calumet area property by the end of January.
Mr. Matte re- ported the low water levels continue to cause is- sues along the Mississippi River, the low stage is expected to reach 3.5’ at Baton Rouge. The Atchafalaya River at Morgan City did hit .65’ with the passage of the recent cold front.
Mr. Matte discussed the amended budget for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023, and the proposed budget for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024. Mr. Hidalgo invited public comment.
Mr. Crappell motioned to adopt the district’s amended budget for FY 2023 and to adopt the FY 2024 budget, which was followed by Mr. Mancuso’s second, it carried unanimously.
Mr. Terry motioned to adopt the 2024 meeting schedule. After a second by Mr. Mancuso, the motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Crappell motioned to authorize the removal of the remaining limestone and pipe pile stored at the Wax Outlet site. After a second by Mr. Hebert the motion passed un- animously.
Mr. Hidalgo ask-ed for further comments and did not receive any. Mr. Terry moved for adjournment, which was seconded by Mr. Mancuso carried unanimously.
Attest:
———————
Kenneth
Arceneaux Jr.,
Secretary
Treasurer
St. Mary Levee District
Adv. Feb. 16, 2024

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PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the St. Mary Parish Board of Adjustments will hold a PUBLIC HEARING on MONDAY, MARCH 4, 2024, AT 5:45 P.M. in the Parish Council Meeting Room, Fifth Floor Courthouse, Franklin, Louisiana, for the following purposes:
Greenleaf Dispensary represented by Omar Pe- cantte for a Front Yard Setback Variance to deviate from the required 50 ft. to 12 ft. in a Highway Commercial (HC) Zoned District at 174 Arlington Street, Bayou Vista, LA- Sec. 14 T16S R12E; -Parcel Id# 3014301260.00-1.92 AC Rem Por Parcel V Tract ABCDEFA Per Plat 11U 111841 Lying West of Mc- donalds Corp fronting Hwy 90 Acq. 32A 225392.
All persons are invited to this meeting to submit their approval or objections to the above VARIANCE REQUEST.
St. Mary Parish
Board of Adjustments
Barry Druilhet, Chairman
Adv. Feb. 9, 16 and 23, 2024

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PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the St. Mary Parish Planning Commission will hold a PUBLIC HEARING on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 AT 5:45 P.M. in the Parish Council Meeting Room, Fifth Floor Courthouse, Franklin, Louisiana, for the following purposes:
REZONE RE- QUEST:
Rezoning of property by John Darden from Single Family Residential (SR) Zoned District to Agricultural (AG) Zoned District located at 3850 Chitimacha Trail., Charenton, LA -Sec.27 T13S R9E;
-Parcel Id# 2145021013.00-1.25 Ac BD Teche – Grevemberg – Road – R Darden being Por No. 2 Joseph Armelin Et Al part per Plat CC 21066 Acq. 253 313259.
All persons are invited to this meeting to submit their approval or objections to the above Rezone Re- quest.
St. Mary Parish Planning & Zoning Commission
Barry Druilhet,
Chairman
Adv. Feb. 2, 9 and 16, 2024

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PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the St. Mary Parish Planning & Zoning Commission will hold a PUBLIC HEARING on TUESDAY, February 27, 2024 AT 5:45 P.M. in the Parish Council Meeting Room, Fifth Floor Courthouse, Franklin, Louisiana, for the following purposes:
Specific Use Request
Specific Use Re- quest for Mark Patout to increase the depth and size of an existing pond in an Agricultural (AG) Zoned District located at 1545 Hwy. 668, Jeanerette, LA; Sec.67 T13S R8E; 4.00 AC Tract BD Public Road - Monnot - D C Roane - Monnot Acq 158 300211
All persons are invited to this meeting to submit their approval or objections to the above SPECIFIC USE REQUEST.
St. Mary Parish
Planning & Zoning Board
Barry Druilhet,
Chairman
Adv. Feb. 2, 9, and 16, 2024

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PUBLIC NOTICE
The Patterson Housing Authority Board of Commissioners will conduct its monthly meeting on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at 5:30 pm. The meeting will be held at the Housing office at 409 Grout St., Patterson, La.
Adv. Feb. 16, 2024

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PUBLIC NOTICE
CITY OF
BERWICK,
LOUISIANA
NOTICE OF PUBLIC
MEETING
Public Meeting Date: February 20, 2024
Call to Order: 6:00 P.M.
Place: Council Meeting Room, 3225 Third Street, Berwick, LA 70342
Prayer
Pledge of Allegiance
Roll Call: James Richard, Kevin Hebert, Colleen Askew, Raymond Price & Lud Henry
Minutes from last meeting: January 9, 2024
Treasurer’s Re- port
Guests:
The Beacon Shines on:
Police Report:
Fire Report
Public Works Report
Consulting En- gineers Report
Committee Re- ports
PUBLIC HEARING
1. None
ORDINANCES – INTRODUCE/ADOPT
1. None
RESOLUTIONS/PROCLAMATIONS
1. 05-24 – 2032-24 – LGAP – $35,000
2. 06-24 – 2023-24 – CWEF – $35,000
3. Proclamation No. 01-24 – Gloria Nini Day – March 24th
4. 07-24 - Re- adopting Residential Anti-displacement and Relocation Assistance Plan for LCDBG Grant
NEW BUSINESS:
1. Approve Payment No. 14871 #3 to Miller Engineers & Associates, Inc. for $3,008.59 for Roadway Improvements to 6th Street
2. Miranda Brown – Hope for HIE 5K - Walking Trail
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. Feb. 16, 2024

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PUBLIC NOTICE
AGENDA
ST. MARY
PARISH 911 COMMUNICATIONS
DISTRICT
1200 David Dr. Building B
Morgan City, LA 70380
February 22, 2024
1:00 P.M.
1. Meeting Called to Order
2. Roll Call
3. Minutes: January 2024
4. Public Comment
5. Income Statement: January 2024
6. Expenses Statement: January 2024
7. Old Business: None
8. New Business: Policy & Procedure Manual
9. Director Up- dates
10. General Discussion
11. Adjournment

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Wheel House for Feb. 16

FREE CONCERT
A night of worship with “We R Called” at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 21, at First Baptist Church, 1915 Victor II Blvd., Morgan City. For info call 985-384-5920.

John K. Flores: Bald eagle's increasing numbers are reason to celebrate

Early in the spring of 2023, I received a call from Patterson local Clark Givens. Givens is an avid bicycler and at the time of his call he and his bike club members were on a road trip to Burns Point.
The reason for his call was to let me know he had passed by a dead bald eagle lying on the side of the road and wanted to know what to do. As the local outdoor writer, I get these calls regularly.
Calls typically go something like, “Mr. John, when does the primitive weapon season open in Deer Hunting Area 7?” or, “I caught a stingray that might place second or third in the state record book. How do I go about getting it registered?”
My all-time favorite calls came annually from the late Frank Guarisco, who was a board member for the Evangeline Area Boy Scout Council.
Frank was one of the organizers for the annual Boy Scout steak dinner fund raiser that took place in December.
It never failed, Frank would call and say, “Hey John, when does the first split of duck season end this year and the second split start?”
Frank always wanted to make his reservation well in advance to secure the banquet hall before all the Christmas party folks did. Additionally, he once told me the attendance was better between the splits when the duck season was closed.
Getting back to Givens’ dead bald eagle, I suggested he call the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and report it, which he subsequently did.
Several days later, Givens called me again. On his next bike ride, he noticed the bird was still there. This time I called one of our local LDWF Enforcement Agents, Lt. Scott Dupre.
Dupre let me know the department knew about it and said there was a federal wildlife organization who would be out to collect the eagle.
It is unlawful for citizens to possess a dead eagle or any of its feathers or body parts. Eagle remains typically go to the National Eagle Repository, National Wildlife Center, or other Federal institution, where they are processed and eventually go to native American tribes for use in religious ceremonies.
This past week, Hunter Marcel, an outdoor content creator, producer, videographer and nature photographer from Bayou Blue, decided to check his kids out of school early to go on a boat ride. They were about to have a short week with Mardi Gras coming up, so Marcel thought, why not?
While running along the Hollywood Canal that runs parallel with Bayou Blue Road in Houma, they noticed something floundering in the water along the bank. Initially the crew thought it was a fish. When they got close enough to see, it turned out to be a bald eagle caught in a fishing line.
Marcel says the eagle happened to be in an area where they pass regularly and have seen a pair there for perhaps 10 years.
Marcel called the proper enforcement authorities to make sure he was able to handle and rescue the eagle before it drowned or died from exhaustion. The authorities gave him instructions to untangle the bird and let it dry out, then followed up by saying try and see if it can be released unharmed. If not, then to call the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine’s emergency department.
Unfortunately, the bird was too exhausted to fly, so the Marcel family made the 1-1/2-hour drive to LSU in Baton Rouge.
After examination by hospital staff, they determined the bird looked fine, but needed fluids to rehydrate and time to recover. Thank goodness Marcel and his family came by when they did.
The crux of this article is there was a time in the not-so-distant past, when few bald eagles were seen around these parts, and pretty much all of Louisiana, for that matter. Moreover, there were scarcely any human-eagle encounters except perhaps those that were related to the energy industry that required strict work arounds before they could operate near an eagle’s nest.
Since delisting and removal from the list of threatened and endangered species in June 2007, the bald eagle has rebounded to the point where we celebrate them here in Morgan City with the Annual Eagle Expo.
Perhaps more importantly, they are now part of our everyday lives. We see them soaring in the sky on the way to work. We see them perched along the highways and waterways. We see them at the land fill in Berwick. We see them while hunting and fishing. We see them everywhere, it seems.
True, some of these encounters are unfortunate, where bald eagles become a casualty of an accident or human negligence. The good news is their numbers are such today where an occasional mortality won’t disrupt the progress that has been made.
So why not celebrate what we’ve accomplished here along the upper Gulf Coast? There’s no better way than by registering for Eagle Expo 2024 that runs Feb. 22-24 in Morgan City.
Thursday evening features the popular “Wings to Soar” presentation at 6:30 p.m. at the Patterson Area Civic Center. This event is free to the public.
Friday evening will consist of a sunset social and dinner at Bay City Bistro. Speakers talking about birds include Delaina LeBlanc, a biologist with Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program, author Mary Beth Lima, and Jane Patterson, President and Education Coordinator of the Baton Rouge Audubon Society.
There’s also plenty of tours you can sign up for, where you’ll see plenty of eagles in the beautiful settings of our Atchafalaya Basin.
With a growing bald eagle population, there no doubt will be more human-eagle interactions that probably won’t go well for the eagles. But, as long as these encounters are kept rare and infrequent, we should be able to continue celebrating these majestic birds for generations to come.
John Flores is the Morgan City Review’s outdoor writer. He can be contacted at gowiththeflo@cox.net.

Morgan City police make arrest in armed robbery

A man accused of robbing another while armed with a firearm has been arrested by Morgan City police.
Javonte Harris, 28, Arizona Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 3:19 p.m. Wednesday on charges of armed robbery, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and illegal carrying of weapons.
Morgan City officers answered the armed robbery call Sunday in the area of La. 182. Officers learned that the victim had allegedly been robbed of U.S. currency by Harris, who was armed with a firearm, the Morgan City Police Departmeht said. After the robbery occurred, Harris fled the area.
According to reports, officers were unable to located Harris in the area. The investigation continued, and information was obtained that corroborated what the victim alleged. Upon review of Harris' criminal history, it indicated that he had been convicted of certain felonies that prohibit him from possessing a firearm.
The investigation was concluded by the Morgan City Police Department Detectives Division when warrants were prepared for Harris' arrest.
On Wednesday, Harris was located and arrested in the area of Mount Street on the active arrest warrants held by the Morgan City Police Department. Harris was transported to the Morgan City Jail, where he now awaits court proceedings.

Morgan City police radio logs for Feb. 13-14

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.
Tuesday, Feb. 13
5:10 a.m. 7300 block of La. 182; Alarm.
6:34 a.m. 1100 block of Marguerite Street; Animal complaint.
8:08 a.m. Clements Street; Tree in road.
8:25 a.m. 700 block of Maine Street; Complaint.
9:13 a.m. 1200 block of Onstead Street; Welfare check.
9:46 a.m. 1000 block of Railroad Avenue; Theft.
11:47 a.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Complaint.
1:39 p.m. La. 70; Assistance.
2:13 p.m. 2300 block of La. 70; Civil matter.
3:51 p.m. 2300 block of Clements Street; Telephone harassment.
4:22 p.m. U.S. 90 Westbound; Reckless driver.
4:40 p.m. Martin Luther King Boulevard Exit; Reckless driver.
6:03 p.m. 700 block of Belanger Street; Complaint.
6:44 p.m. 900 block of Federal Avenue; Fire.
7:22 p.m. 7400 block of La. 182; Reckless operation.
7:23 p.m. 800 block of Brashear Avenue; Shoplifter.
7:24 p.m. Ditch/Railroad avenues; Reckless operation.
7:50 p.m. 4000 block of Railroad Avenue; Alarm.
9:08 p.m. 7200 block of La. 182; Complaint.
9:28 p.m. 1000 block of La. 70; Theft.
9:28 p.m. 7300 block of La. 182; Suspicious subject.
9:39 p.m. 1400 block of North Third Street; Welfare concern.
9:45 p.m. 7500 block of La. 182; Suspicious subject.
Wednesday, Feb. 14
12:27 a.m. 600 block of Brashear Avenue; Complaint.
12:30 a.m. 7800 block of La. 182; Suspicious subject.
2:07 a.m. 7800 block of La. 182; Open door.
4:16 a.m. Front/Greenwood streets; Complaint.
7:39 a.m. Fifth/Maine streets; Frequent patrols.
7:40 a.m. Marguerite Street/La. 70; Traffic light.
7:54 a.m. 200 block of Federal Avenue; Animal complaint.
8:05 a.m. 2300 block of La. 70; Remove subject.
8:18 a.m. 1000 block of Poplar Street; Alarm.
9:14 a.m. 6400 block of La. 182; Remove subject.
9:25 a.m. 1000 block of Stephensville Road; Complaint.
9:26 a.m. 200 block of Patton Street; Civil matter.
11:28 a.m. 1600 block of Sixth Street; Suspicious subjects.
11:30 a.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Theft.
12:10 p.m. 600 block of Railroad Avenue; Civil matter.
12:15 p.m. 6400 block of La. 182; Disturbance.
12:51 p.m. 300 block of Third Street; Medical.
12:57 p.m. 1100 block of Fourth Street; Complaint.
1:29 p.m. 500 block of First Street; Theft.
2:38 p.m. 600 block of Freret Street; Medical.
2:41 p.m. 1400 block of Chatsworth Drive; Theft.
2:48 p.m. 6400 block of La. 182; Disturbance.
3:24 p.m. 500 block of Orange Street; Disturbance.
3:58 p.m. 900 block of Railroad Avenue; Warrant.
4:38 p.m. 500 block of Roderick Street; Remove subject.
5:16 p.m. 800 block of Onstead Street; Hit and run.
6:29 p.m. 700 block of Hilda Street; Complaint.
6:32 p.m. 100 block of Chennault Street; Loud music.
7:04 p.m. 1100 block of Marguerite Street; Complaint.
7:22 p.m. 200 block of Canary Street; Removal of subject.
9:32 p.m. Terrebonne/Egle streets; Suspicious person/vehicle.
9:59 p.m. Railroad Avenue/Eleventh Street; Suspicious person/vehicle.
10:11 p.m. 600 block of Marshall Street; Animal complaint.
10:13 p.m. 700 block of Fourth Street; Medical.
12:23 a.m. 1000 block of Eighth Street; Complaint.
1:05 a.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Arrest.
4:44 a.m. Ninth/Greenwood streets; Vehicle accident.

Humane Society praises Patterson authorities in animal cruelty case

The Humane Society of Louisiana is praising the Patterson Police Department, the Patterson Animal Control Department and the efforts of a local rescue group for rescuing two neglected pit bull terriers and more than a dozen chickens.
After receiving a tip of suspected animal neglect, Rob Darce, a humane investigator for the Humane Society of Louisiana, forwarded the information to the Patterson Police Department. On Jan. 26, Darce and a team, including Patterson police officers, the town animal control warden, and Nadia Breaux, a volunteer with Deep South Dog Rescue and Advocacy, visited the residence and evaluated the health of the animals.
They observed two American pit bull terriers housed in small kennels that had standing water and dilapidated plastic carriers for shelter. They also noticed more than a dozen chickens also housed in squalid conditions. The dogs appeared in poor shape and underweight, the Human Society said.
The team returned a few days later and removed all the animals and charged Ashley Rawlins of Patterson with two counts of cruelty to animals. The animals are currently being housed at the St. Mary Parish Animal Shelter, but they're hoping that a rescue group will accept custody of them. Rawlins was later released on a $2,000 bond.
"We think that this is a great example of teamwork," Humane Society Director Jeff Dorson said. "We have humane organizations, rescue groups, police, and animal control personnel all working side-by-side to rescue mistreated animals and work to bring a suspected animal abuser to justice.
“Everyone did their part on this case, and we're grateful for the leadership provided by the Patterson Chief of Police Garret Grogan, who took a personal interest in this case and the welfare of these animals.
"I'm also glad that we were able to rescue and comfort these two dogs," Darce said. "We fed them, and they ate like they had missed several meals. They were extremely hungry."

Woman arrested after dog bites two people

(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.)

A Franklin woman was arrested Tuesday night after two people told deputies that her dog bit them.

St. Mary

Sheriff Blaise Smith reported that over the last 48-hour reporting period, the Sheriff’s Office responded to 115 complaints and made these arrests:

--Kasha Lynn Cordova, 56, Franklin, was arrested at 8:34 p.m. on charges of vicious animals (third offense) and leash law (third offense).

On Tuesday, a deputy was dispatched to a residence in Centerville in reference to a loose and vicious dog that bit a juvenile.

The deputy made contact with a juvenile who stated he was jogging in the area when a dog approached him and bit him. Another person stated that the same dog had bitten him over the weekend.

The deputy learned that Cordova had been given a citation.

The deputy made contact with Cordova and advised her that she was being arrested. She was transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking. Bail has not been set at this time.

--Jordan Madison, 22, Franklin, was arrested at 7:31 p.m. Monday on a warrant alleging probation violation. Bail has not been set at this time.

Morgan City

Police Chief Chad M. Adams reported that the Morgan City Police Department responded to 59 calls over the 48-hour reporting period and made these arrests:

--James Oneal Johnson Jr., 68, Fourth Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 11:04 p.m. Monday on a charge of remaining after forbidden.

--Dearius Deshawn Kenner, 36, Grace Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 11:09 p.m. Tuesday on charges of stalking and simple assault.

Assumption

Sheriff Leland Falcon reported this arrest:

--Ricky James Foret Jr., 45, Bayou L’Ourse, was arrested Sunday on charges of unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling and criminal trespass of a moveable structure.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence in the 200 block of Vivian Street and made contact with the complainant, who advised that an individual now identified as Foret was utilizing and damaging a mobile home in the area without permission.

Foret had left the location when deputies arrived. Foret was located a short time later.

At the conclusion of the investigation, Foret was arrested and booked into the Assumption Parish Detention Center pending a bond hearing

Franklin

Chief Cedric Handy reported that the Franklin Police Department responded to 19 complaints over the last 48-hour reporting period and made these arrests:

--Vernija Loston, 25, Talbot Street, Franklin, was arrested at 7:57 p.m. Monday on a charge of domestic abuse battery (child endangerment). Loston was booked, processed and held on a $5,000 bond.

--Jake Burke, 30, Lucy Lane, Centerville, was arrested at 9:11 a.m. Tuesday on a warrant dated Jan. 21 alleging three counts of theft. Burke was booked, processed and released on a $4,500 bond.

--Trinity Gedward, 21, Jacquet Road, Cade, was arrested at 5:13 p.m. Tuesday on a charge of disturbing the peace (fighting). Gedward was booked, processed and released on a $468 bond.

--Ashlynn Stevenson, 19, Martin Luther King Drive, Jeanerette, was arrested at at 5:13 p.m. Tuesday on a charge of disturbing the peace (fighting). Stevenson was booked, processed and released on a $468 bond.

--A juvenile was arrested at 5:13 p.m. Tuesday on a charge of disturbing the peace (fighting).

--Tyrus Anderson, 24, B Street, Franklin, was arrested at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday on a charge of disturbing the peace. Anderson was booked, processed and released on a $368 bond.

--Antoinazia Jack, 19, La. 83, Franklin, was arrested at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday on a charge of disturbing the peace. Jack was booked, processed and released on a $368 bond.

--Tyler Guilbeau, 24, St. Joseph Lane, Franklin, was arrested at 6:06 p.m. Tuesday on charges of disturbing the peace and illegal possession of stolen firearms. Guilbeau was booked, processed and held with no bond set at the time of press release.

--Kenneth Polidore, 39, 12th Street, Franklin, was arrested on at 6:48 p.m. Tuesday on a charge of disturbing the peace (loud music, second offense). Polidore was booked, processed and released on a $693 bond.

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ST. MARY NOW

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