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Morgan City police radio logs for Dec. 14-17

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, Dec. 14
6:15 a.m. 600 block of Freret Street; Medical.
6:45 a.m. Sixth/Onstead streets; Stalled vehicle.
6:54 a.m. 600 block of Egle Street; Juvenile problem.
8:55 a.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Complaint.
9:26 a.m. 3100 block of Jennie Drive; Medical.
9:52 a.m. 6500 block of La. 182; Suspicious person.
11:32 a.m. 6700 block of La. 182; Complaint.
11:40 a.m. 7900 block of La. 182; Complaint.
12:42 p.m. 100 block of Glenwood Street; Burglar alarm.
1:35 p.m. Seawall; Disturbance.
1:38 p.m. La. 182; Traffic incident.
1:55 p.m. U.S. 90 East; Reckless driver.
1:57 p.m. 900 block of Hilda Street; Medical.
2:38 p.m. 2200 block of Elm Street; Subject removal.
3:31 p.m. 600 block of Terrebonne Street; Disturbance.
4:21 p.m. 500 block of Terrebonne Street; Vehicle accident.
4:24 p.m. 1100 block of Marguerite Street; Drunk.
6:40 p.m. Area of La. 70/U.S. 90 Junction; Stalled vehicle.
7:29 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Complaint.
7:41 p.m. 1100 block of Marguerite Street; Complaint.
7:58 p.m. Area of Ditch/Railroad avenues; Stalled vehicle.
8:17 p.m. Area of Eleventh Street /La. 182; Suspicious person/vehicle.
8:48 p.m. 6300 block of La. 182; Complaint.
9:19 p.m. Area of Aycock Street; Assistance.
9:21 p.m. Area of Railroad Avenue/Fifth Street; Suspicious person/vehicle.
10:26 p.m. 1100 block of Marguerite Street; Removal of subject.
11:31 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Suspicious person/vehicle.
1:19 a.m. 1100 block of Victor II Boulevard; Alarm.
Friday, Dec. 15
6:48 a.m. 600 block of Louisa Street; Theft.
8:38 a.m. Pine Street; Crash.
10:03 a.m. Franklin/Maple streets; Traffic incident.
10:08 a.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Animal complaint.
10:53 a.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Complaint.
11:40 a.m. 1200 block of David Drive; Medical.
11:48 a.m. Garber Street/Federal Avenue; Crash.
12:15 p.m. 700 block of David Drive; Alarm.
12:48 p.m. 6400 block of La. 182; Disturbance.
1:33 p.m. 300 block of Terrebonne Street; Complaint.
2:21 p.m. 2400 block of Tupelo Street; Complaint.
2:48 p.m. 100 block of Mallard Street; Complaint.
3:31 p.m. Orange/Leona streets; Suspicious vehicle.
3:45 p.m. 200 block of Brashear Avenue; Welfare concern.
3:50 p.m. Fifth Street; Arrest.
4:13 p.m. 900 block of Seventh Street; Shoplifter.
4:54 p.m. 500 block of Hilda Street; Medical.
5:09 p.m. 3100 block of Susan Street; Welfare concern.
5:17 p.m. 6000 block of La. 182; Complaint.
5:33 p.m. 1200 block of Kenneth Street; Alarm.
5:49 p.m. 800 block of Sacred Heart Drive; Removal of subject.
7:14 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Arrest.
7:27 p.m. 300 block of Wren Street; Juvenile problems.
7:35 p.m. 6000 block of Railroad Avenue; Complaint.
7:54 p.m. Area of Railroad Avenue/Eleventh Street; Suspicious person/vehicle.
8:07 p.m. Area of Myrtle Street /La. 182; Suspicious person/vehicle.
9:23 p.m. Area of Short/Poncio streets; Complaint.
10:04 p.m. 800 block of Fig Street; Complaint.
10:29 p.m. 3200 block of Susan Street; Medical.
11:04 p.m. Area of Grizzaffi Street; Suspicious person/vehicle.
11:35 p.m. 500 block of Freret Street; Medical.
12:36 a.m. 2300 block of La. 70; Suspicious person/vehicle.
12:44 a.m. Area of Dove Street; Suspicious person/vehicle.
1:19 a.m. 800 block of North Everett Street; Suspicious person/vehicle.
1:56 a.m. Area of Seventh/Everett streets; Suspicious person/vehicle.
2:38 a.m. 7100 block of Park Street; Suspicious person/vehicle.
2:53 a.m. 7200 block of La. 182; Disturbance.
5:18 a.m. 1800 block of Filmore Street; Medical.
Saturday, Dec. 16
6:57 a.m. 900 block of Belanger Street; Medical.
7:40 a.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Complaint.
12:47 p.m. Third Street; Medical.
2:30 p.m. 1100 block of Fourth Street; Medical.
3:06 p.m. 600 block of Egle Street; 911 hang up call.
3:17 p.m. 600 block of Egle Street; 911 hang up call.
5:26 p.m. 6300 block of La. 182; Complaint.
6:19 p.m. 600 block of Shannon Street; Medical.
6:29 p.m. 1800 block of Elk Street; Complaint.
7:41 p.m. 100 block of Chennault Street; Loud music.
7:43 p.m. 6300 block of La. 182; Assistance.
7:51 p.m. Area of Colonial Plaza; Suspicious person/vehicle.
8:03 p.m. Area of La. 182; Suspicious person/vehicle.
9:23 p.m. Area of Ditch Avenue/Headland Street; Suspicious person/vehicle.
9:27 p.m. Area of Short/Cherry streets; Suspicious person/vehicle.
9:48 p.m. Area of Sixth/Belanger streets; Suspicious person/vehicle.
11:40 p.m. 2100 block of Cedar Street; Complaint.
12:29 a.m. 600 block of Brashear Avenue; Vehicle accident.
12:40 a.m. 3000 block of Lesley Drive; Loud music.
2:58 a.m. 1000 block of Greenwood Street; Suspicious person/vehicle.
Sunday, Dec. 17
9:39 a.m. 100 block of Glenwood Street; Disturbance.
Noon 300 block of Chennault Street; Animal complaint.
12:51 p.m. 100 block of Mallard Street; Removal of subject.
1:09 p.m. 1100 block of Federal Avenue; Loud music.
2:53 p.m. 1000 block of Hickory Street; Complaint.
3:37 p.m. 700 block of Belanger Street; Medical.
3:40 p.m. 6700 block of La. 182; Hit and run.
4:28 p.m. 800 block of Brashear Avenue; Loud music.
4:31 p.m. 500 block of Roderick Street; Suspicious vehicle.
4:36 p.m. 6300 block of La. 182; Disturbance.
5:04 p.m. 1100 block of Brashear Avenue; Disturbance.
5:13 p.m. 300 block of Terrebonne Street; Animal complaint.
5:29 p.m. 1200 block of Victor II Boulevard; Crash.
5:32 p.m. 800 block of Fig Street; Disturbance.
6:23 p.m. Area of Mount Street; Suspicious person/vehicle.
7:17 p.m. 1100 block of Ditch Avenue; Loud music.
7:20 p.m. 700 block of David Drive; Suspicious person/vehicle.
7:27 p.m. 3000 block of Allison Street; Animal complaint.
7:56 p.m. Area of Park Street; Suspicious person/vehicle.
9:39 p.m. 3000 block of Allison Street; Animal complaint.
10:23 p.m. 2300 block of La. 70; Alarm.
10:36 p.m. Area of U.S. 90; Assistance.
10:44 p.m. 2400 block of Cypress Street; Complaint.
12:45 a.m. 1200 block of Front Street; Removal of subject.

Three arrested on resisting officer charges

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

Morgan City police and St. Mary deputies reported three arrests on charges of resisting an officer Thursday. One of the arrests included a battery on a police officer charge, another aggravated assault with a motor vehicle.

Morgan City

Chief Chad M. Adams reported that the Morgan City Police Department responded to 36 calls for service over the last 24-hour reporting period and made these arrests:

--Dwayne Anthony Skinner, 31, Railroad Avenue, Morgan City, was arrested at 9:24 p.m. Thursday on charges of reckless operation of a motor vehicle, battery on a police officer, two counts of resisting an officer, improper lane usage and driving under suspension.

--Alyssa Acosta, 31, Ditch Avenue, Morgan City, was arrested at 11:31 p.m. Thursday on a charge of resisting an officer.

--Richard Davis, 62, James Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 4:35 p.m. Thursday on charges of disturbing the peace (intoxicated) and failure to appear to pay fine (6th Ward Morgan City Court).

St. Mary

Sheriff Blaise Smith reported that over the last 24-hour reporting period, the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office responded to 39 complaints and made these arrests:

--Dajai Monice Green, 31, Baton Rouge, was arrested 6:02 p.m. Thursday on charges of possession of stolen things, aggravated flight from an officer, aggravated assault with a motor vehicle, aggravated obstruction of highway, theft by fraud and resisting an officer.

--Darrell Glen May, 47, Washington, was arrested at 11:35 a.m. Thursday on a warrant alleging failure to appear on acharge of disturbing the peace. May was released on a $500 bond.

--Devin Laborde, 27, Arnaudville, was arrested at 4:21 p.m. Thursday on an East Baton Rouge Parish warrant alleging failure to appear on the charge of larceny. Laborde is being held for another agency.

Bail has not been set at this time.

Patterson

Chief Garrett Grogan reported these arrests:

--Effie Wiltz, 39, Prairie Road, Franklin, was arrested Tuesday on charges of no seat belt, driver’s license suspended, expired license plate and no insurance, and on a warrant from another jurisdiction.

--Makayla J. Ruiz, 24, Park Street, Patterson, was arrested Thursday on a warrant from another jurisdiction.

Franklin

Chief Cedric Handy reported that the Franklin Police Department responded to nine complaints over the last 24-hour reporting period and made this arrest:

--Bre'Asia Richardson, 18, Oakdale Street, Franklin, was arrested at 2:56 p.m. Thursday on a charge of disturbing the peace (fighting). Richardson was booked, processed and released to appear in 3rdWard City Court.

Assumption

Sheriff Leland Falcon reported this arrest:

--Lones P. Guillot III, 45, La. 70 South, Pierre Part, was arrested Thursday on charges of possession of Adderall and possession of Suboxone.

The charges arise from a traffic stop on La. 308 near Napoleonville on Aug. 30.

On Aug. 30, a detective unit conducted a traffic stop and made contact with the driver, now identified Guillot.

The deputy conducted an interview and at the conclusion believed that additional investigation was warranted. The deputy requested and was granted consent to search the vehicle. Quantities of suspected narcotics were seized.

The suspect was not arrested at the time as deputies opted to conduct further analysis of the substances seized. Warrants were secured for the arrest of Guillot, resulting in his arrest on Thursday.

Guillot was booked into the Assumption Parish Detention Center ending a bond hearing.

Morgan City Christmas Parade

Floats, bicycle riders, a dance team and horses lined up at Second and Onstead on Friday night to roll their way to Lawrence Park in the Morgan City Christmas Parade. At the park, children were treated to a showing of "Shrek."

The Review/Bill Decker

John K. Flores: Christmas finches reveal a little surprise

By JThe day after Thanksgiving I found myself carrying out my traditional duties of getting the Christmas decorations down out of the shed and putting the lights up. In the process there’s humming, whistling, and occasionally singing if the words come to mind.
The holidays are special to me and my favorite time of year. The weather is cooler and people don’t seem so uptight about things as the year draws to a close.
It’s also the time of year we celebrate Advent and for the next four weeks leading up to Christmas Eve, we celebrate the Nativity of Christ.
My wife has several hanging ferns along our front patio. They’re beautiful and are no burden to string Christmas lights around.
It takes several hours to deck our halls. Christine generally takes the inside of the house and I take the outside. While stringing the lights, suddenly, a house finch burst from one of the hanging ferns.
My initial reaction was to pay it no mind. After all, birds have always attempted to nest in one or more of her hanging plants, particularly in the spring. And, house finches are welcomed guests. They’re colorful, eat at our bird feeder in the backyard and their song is sweet, cheery, and pleasant.
I got to thinking about the finches behavior and decided to take a look in the hanging plant. Sure enough, the little finch had built a nest and inside were four eggs.
“Can’t be,” I thought to myself.
Finches are prolific breeders and can lay 1 to 6 clutches of eggs each year. Only, their breeding and nesting season is March through August, not at the beginning of Advent.
I personally figured it was an anomaly and didn’t give the eggs much of a chance. House finches are common throughout the United States, but, along the Louisiana coastline they’re mostly a winter migrant.
Female house finches incubate the eggs, which takes about 13 to 14 days. This past week, I decided to take a peek in the nest, since I saw no activity from momma and poppa house finches. Lo and behold, there were four little fuzz balls all huddled together.
I contacted via social media, Erik Johnson, who is the director of Audubon Louisiana.
Johnson’s initial reaction was, “Wow, very interesting. ‘Winter’ breeding,” he said, “isn’t noted in the Cornell Birds of the World species account.”
Moreover, he let me know it would be great if I could track the success of this. Also, he thought it was worthy of a note as a valuable contribution to the Journal of Louisiana Ornithology.
Johnson said Audubon does its nest checks every 3 to 4 days to count eggs or chicks and they do it by taking just a quick peek. He also suggested I avoid early mornings and late evenings in cold weather.
Well, you can imagine now I’m worried about the little family that happens to be nesting less than 8 feet from my front door, not to mention about 6 feet off the ground. What about cats, heavy rains, cold temperatures, and what if there’s not a sufficient food source for the nestlings?
The theme of Advent is hope, peace, joy and love. All of those thoughts mean things as we celebrate the Nativity of Christ.
The world can be cruel sometimes and often appears there’s not enough of any of those Advent thoughts. But hope and love can overcome a multitude of things. Maybe even mixed-up birds that literally show up on your doorstep.
As I recall in the story of the Nativity, the young couple Mary and Joseph had to travel to a place where there was no room for them. A manger was all they could find. Surrounded by animals, Mary gave birth to the Savior of the World.
One of my “hopes” as the days draw nearer to Christmas is my little Advent house finches all fledge. And, in the days after fill my yard with cheery songs of “joy.” Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
John Flores is the Morgan City Review’s outdoor writer. He can be contacted at gowiththeflo@cox.net.

LOUIS 'NUE' MAYON, JR.

In loving memory of Louis “Nue” Mayon, Jr., born on February 2, 1941. Louis peacefully passed away on December 13, 2023 at his residence in Amelia, LA.
He was a fireman for 30 years with MCFD, and retired with the title Captain. He had very fond memories of his time with the department.
He is survived by his fiancée of 28 years, Doris Fryou; his son, Johnny Mayon and wife Lisa, Jeffery Mayon, Dawn Mayon Costa and husband Jonatas; his step-daughter, Sarah Arceneaux Briggs and husband Jared; his grandchildren, Morgan Splane who never left his side in his final days; Haley Stevens, Kaley Stevens, Allison Mayon, Paige Bergeron, Warden Briggs, and Luken Briggs; his great-granddaughter, Kennedy Rose; his brother, Larry “Butch” Mayon and wife Teresa; and his sister, Carol Mayon Domangue and husband Davis.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Eva Solar Mayon; his parents, Louis Mayon, Sr. and Celina Billiot Mayon; his grandson, Jordan Mayon; his granddaughter, Corrine Mayon; and his sisters, Betty Fruge and Pat Dupre.
Louis enjoyed being outdoors. He spent his time camping in his RV and riding his motorcycle. Louis will be dearly missed by those he left behind.
Visitation will be held Saturday, December 16, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Twin City Funeral Home followed by church services at Pharr Chapel United Methodist Church.

Jeremy Alford: Landry inauguration will be big-ticket affair

On Monday, Jan. 8, Gov.-elect Jeff Landry will become Gov. Jeff Landry and all of his supporters — from lobbyists and donors to business executives and hangers-on — will jockey for access and proximity.
After all, nothing floats all boats in Louisiana like a new governor riding the crest of a strong electoral victory. Favors and friends go hand-in-hand when building an administration, and Inauguration Day will be the official launch pad for a multitude of political hopes and dreams. 
As those in Capitoland are wont to do, Inauguration Day has gone from a full day’s worth of ceremony and celebration to several days of costly pomp and romp. The big day includes not only a swearing-in ceremony, but also a Catholic Mass that prior Sunday, a ball that evening and other outside events that morning and during the previous week, which will be the first week of January.
Landry will get the month kicked off by hosting receptions to honor House members (on Thursday Jan. 4) and senators (on Friday, Jan. 5) while raising money for his Protect Louisiana Values organization. The new 501(c)(4) is expected to support the policy priorities of the governor-elect, much like a similar nonprofit did for outgoing Gov. John Bel Edwards.
If you want to get into one of those receptions, slated for the Hilton in downtown Baton Rouge, you’ll need to be part of a sponsorship package ranging from $10,000 to $50,000. 
After a long election cycle, donors and lobbyists bristled at those figures, but those who want to keep working for a living already know the cost of government relations is on the upswing — with no end in sight.
The politicos closest to Landry will get a chance to repent on Sunday, Jan. 7, when they join the governor-elect and his family at an invitation-only Mass at St. Martin de Tours Catholic Church in St. Martinville. First Lady-elect Sharon Landry will also be in attendance. 
There are also a couple of high-caliber receptions scheduled for that Sunday evening in Baton Rouge, sandwiched squarely between mass and the actual inauguration.
The House Republican delegation will host one of those evening receptions with GOP legislators and statewide elected officials at the Old Governor’s Mansion. Ten sponsors are expected to pony up $5,000 each in exchange for 10 tickets to the event. 
Alton Ashy of Advanced Strategies is hosting his sixth pre-inauguration event the same evening, in support of the incoming governor. Like others, Ashy and his organizers decided to increase this year’s sponsorship for their event to $10,000 for a package of 10 tickets. 
And just like the other events on tap in January, demand is high. “We’re not having any problems filling sponsorships,” said Ashy. “It’s a pretty good warmup for Washington Mardi Gras.”
The fundraising train continues the next morning, on the big day, with a breakfast fundraiser and open house featuring Reps. Julie Emerson and Jack McFarland. Hosted by Top Drawer Strategies in the Lobdell House in Spanish Town, the event has a suggested donation range of $500 to $2,500. 
A few hours later, at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 8., invited guests and dignitaries will witness the swearing in of Louisiana’s next governor on the Capitol steps, along with other statewide elected officials.
Bud Courson of Courson Nickel is the inauguration organizer, serving as the tip of the spear for the swearing-in ceremony — as he has nine other times for 5 other governors.
“I’ve been friends with Jeff for more than 25 years, so this one is special,” said Courson. “We’re going to be doing a few things a little bit different, and the Capitol grounds are going to look amazing. The renovations they’re doing to the grounds are going to be ready in time.”
Later that evening, at 7 p.m. at the Raising Canes River Center, the Landry family will attend the “People’s Party” — a 5,000-ticket black-tie ball that is open to the public via www.OneTeam.La
Gov.-elect Landry is promising an “unbelievable celebration” and — believe it or not — the cheapest ticket of the entire week. Going to the ball (if you can make the cut) will only set you back $100 per ticket.
For more Louisiana political news, visit www. LaPolitics.com or follow Alford on Twitter @ LaPoliticsNow.

Nicholls students will receive diplomas at three Saturday ceremonies

Nicholls Fall 2023 Commencement Ceremonies are set for Saturday, Dec. 16, in Stopher Gymnasium.
Each session will feature all summer and fall 2023 degree program candidates from the academic departments across our five colleges and a keynote speaker. 
Session I begins at 9 a.m. and features the Colleges of Business Administration and Nursing. The keynote speaker is Dr. Karen Lyon, CEO of the Louisiana State Board of Nursing. Lyon is a RN and an APRN Adult CNS in the state of Louisiana and an APRN Adult CNS in the state of Texas.
Lyon received a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing from the University of Texas System School of Nursing in El Paso, Texas, and a Master’s of Science in Nursing from the University of Texas at El Paso where she studied Medical Surgical Nursing. 
Lyon went on to obtain her PhD from New Mexico State University as well as an MBA from New Mexico State University. She is involved in the American Nurses Association as well as her participation in community service boards. Dr. Lyon has several professional and creative publications and has funded multiple grants for medical institutions. 
Session II at noon will feature the College of Liberal Arts, including the Chef John Folse Culinary Institute. The keynote speaker is Henry J. Lafont Jr., owner and attorney at law for Henry J. Lafont, Jr. Attorney at Law. Lafont is a former assistant and adjunct professor for Nicholls’ Department of Social Sciences.
Lafont has held numerous positions in public office, committees and boards while also being part of several professional and civic organizations. Lafont was named “Mr. Nicholls,” and inducted into the Nicholls Hall of Fame in 1976.
He was also named Nicholls’ College of Arts and Sciences Outstanding Alumnus in 2014, awarded the Lafourche Chamber of Commerce Community Hero Award in 2021, and most recently, presented Nicholls’ honorary doctorate at last fall’s commencement ceremony. 
Session III begins at 3 p.m. and features the Colleges of Educational and Behavioral Sciences and Sciences and Technology. The keynote speaker is Nicholls alumna Susan Testroet-Bergeron, retired director of the Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program.
Testroet-Bergeron has worked in the wetlands community for over 20 years, spearheading education and outreach on a host of Louisiana environmental issues and working with the federal Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection and Restoration Act’s Public Outreach Committee as a media specialist, technical writer and public outreach coordinator.  
Testroet-Bergeron taught grades 7 through 12 science and math for over ten years and has been an active member of the Louisiana Science Teachers Association since the early 1990s, and most recently, was honored with the 2023 LSTA Claudia Fowler Distinguished Service to Science Education Award.
As the Louisiana Systemic Initiative Program Math and Science Coordinator at Northwestern State University, Testroet-Bergeron advocated for professional development opportunities for teachers and encouraged growth in content and instructional skills. Testroet-Bergeron is also a former member of the Governor’s Environmental Education Commission where she served two terms– one as its president

State officials look at rules for police pursuits

Members of a legislative task force are mulling several potential reforms for high-speed police pursuits following the death of two teens in December.
The Task Force on Safety for Law Enforcement Officers Involved in High-Speed Chases on Friday heard from Jim Craft, executive director of the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement, and Tim Morgan with Pursuit Alert, a technology to alert drivers of high-speed pursuits.
The task force was created through a Senate resolution approved in the 2023 legislative session in response to a New Year’s Eve crash that killed two teens and injured a third. Maggie Dunn, 17, and Caroline Gill, 15, cheerleaders at Brusly High School, died; Liam Dunn, Maggie’s brother, was injured.
The chase involved Baton Rouge and Addis Police officers’ pursuit of a stolen vehicle. Officer David Couthron crashed into the vehicle with the teens. Both Couthron, who worked for the police department in Addis, and the driver who initiated the chase, Tyquel Zanders, 24, were charged with crimes in the incident.
Couthron resigned in January and faces six charges at trial scheduled for March 18.
Craft discussed the benefits and drawbacks of various programs, technologies, policies and training to reduce accidents and injuries related to officer-involved high-speed vehicle pursuits in Louisiana.
“Police academies are required in this state to present a minimum of four hours of training on emergency driving,” he said, adding that annual in-service training of 20 hours per year can also include driving. “That should be a part of their in-service training.”
While agencies have discretion over 12 hours of in-service training, many are priced out of hands-on training on aggravated flight.
“That training is so expensive,” he said. “You beat up the tires, you beat up the cars.”
Craft suggests all law enforcement agencies should have restrictive pursuit policies, with limits on pursuits for certain circumstances and provisions for when they should be terminated.
While Craft said the policies “should be limited to the most serious of crimes,” he acknowledged that “what we’ve seen is the people being pursued have been more and more reckless.
“They can really put the public safety of a community at risk,” he said.
Spike strips, “arrest mats,” and devices to change traffic signals are also available but require funds and training to use effectively, Craft said.
Task force members noted that funding for law enforcement training is on the decline and noted that there currently is no required training for supervisors, who play a critical role in high-speed pursuits.
Task force Chair Sen. Caleb Kleinpeter, R-Port Allen, also pointed to the current penalty for aggravated flight that some argue is insufficient.
“Today the max is five years for aggravated flight, and I don’t think that’s enough,” he said. “It should match the penalties of why you are running.”
Morgan with Pursuit Alert explained how the company’s product, which is installed in police cruisers can alert drivers in the vicinity of high-speed chases to clear traffic and prevent collisions, technology that’s currently in place in numerous police departments in multiple states.
Parents of the teens killed in December testified to their frustrating experience in the aftermath. They stressed the need for more accountability and more training to avoid similar outcomes in the future.
“To me the biggest part is accountability, and that’s zero funding,” said Maggie’s mother, Erin Martin. “I just want to make sure no other mom gets a call like I got that day.”
The task force will review potential reforms and compile recommendations for lawmakers to consider in the 2024 legislative session.

La. economy shows signs of strength and weakness

Louisiana’s gross domestic product jumped 3.2% in the second quarter of 2023, faster than 40 other states, though experts contend the data doesn’t tell the whole story.
Figures released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis on Tuesday show Louisiana’s gross domestic product 3.2% bump in the second quarter outpaced 40 other states, including all states east of the Mississippi River except West Virginia at 3.6%.The growth in Louisiana compared to declines in neighboring Mississippi of 1.8% and Arkansas at negative 0.4%, while Texas was up 4.9%.
The national average GDP growth was 2.1%. The rate increased in 46 states and the District of Columbia in the second quarter, ranging from 8.3% in Kansas to negative 4.3% in North Dakota.
Gov. John Bel Edwards touted Louisiana’s top-10 growth rate as “yet another sign that our hard work is paying off.”
“We have the lowest unemployment rate in state history. We have increased capital investment every year since 2017, including three consecutive years of more than $20 billion for the first time in our state’s history,” he said in a . “And our economic growth is expected to continue. Economist Loren Scott recently predicted that Louisiana will add 80,000 more jobs in 2024 and 2025 thanks to our success positioning Louisiana as a leader in the global energy transition.”
Vance Ginn, economist with the Pelican Institute, told The Center Square there is more to the numbers in Louisiana that’s not obvious in the bureau data.
“When you look into the contributions of real GDP … the government portion increased by 0.1%, so if you subtract that off because government really is just a redistribution of money from the private sector, the real private economy increased by 3.1%,” he said.
“That shows there’s still some weakness out there, but the economy was growing,” Ginn said. “The contributions really were from oil and gas activity, mining activity, durable goods in the manufacturing sector and professional business services, while there were a lot of other industries and sectors that declined in the second quarter.”
Ginn said those declines are a “cause for concern” that became apparent in October, when “there were job losses across Louisiana.
“That’s something we really need to be watching moving forward,” he said. “There’s a lot more room for better policies to support more economic growth of less government spending, … putting income taxes on a path to elimination, and reducing regulations.”
“That’s the way to really make sure we have a comeback story in Louisiana that is sustainable,” Ginn said.

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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