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Black Friday shopping tips

Fri, 11/17/2023 - 8:47am

Retail holidays now dot the consumer landscape throughout much of the year. That shift has made a day like Black Friday somewhat less unique than it was in years past.
However, Black Friday remains the unofficial kickoff to the holiday shopping season, and it’s still a major day for retailers big and small.
According to Adobe Analytics, in 2022 consumers spent $9.12 billion while online shopping on Black Friday. A separate report from the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics indicated a little less than 200 million consumers shopped online and in store between Thanksgiving Day and Cyber Monday, which is the Monday following Black Friday.
Such figures indicate that holiday shopping on the weekend of Thanksgiving might have changed, but it’s still wildly popular. This Black Friday, shoppers can consider these tips to ensure they find the right gifts at the right price.
—Do some research before the big day. The spirit of competition is alive and well on Black Friday. Consumers once flocked en masse to store parking lots in the wee hours of the morning in order to get sale items before shelves emptied.
Some still do, so shoppers may need to be willing to compete to find the best deals. But some pre-Black Friday research might prove the best way to land the best deals, and it may not require waking up in the middle of the night.
Much like shoppers compete with one another to grab sale items, retailers also compete to get shoppers in store or on their websites. As a result, it’s not uncommon for retailers big and small to advertise Black Friday sales weeks in advance. Shoppers can research these sales and plan when to visit certain stores in order to land the best deal.
—Know your prices. Shoppers who would do well on TV’s “The Price is Right” can save money. It’s important to have a general idea of what items cost, especially those that will be on holiday lists.
Shoppers can set up price alert notifications on the gifts they plan to buy to compare prices in advance of holiday sales. This way they will have a better idea if the Black Friday/Cyber Monday “deal” is just a markdown on an exaggerated price or if it’s a legitimate bargain.
—Wake up early. Shoppers may not need to get out of bed at 3 a.m. to land the best Black Friday deals, but the early bird still gets the worm on the day after Thanksgiving. Plan to shop early in the morning, which increases the chances of finding the right gift at the right price.
If an item you’ve earmarked is part of a doorbuster deal, plan to get to the store or onto the website as early as possible.
—Consider price- matching. Before shoppers run all over to a dozen stores in the name of saving a few bucks, learn about stores’ price-matching policies. For example, Best Buy may be willing to give the same price on a printer if you can prove that Staples is offering it for $30 cheaper.
Keep in mind that many stores are even willing to match Amazon’s prices.
—Think beyond the usual retailers. Lowe’s, Home Depot and even pharmacies have lesser-known, but advantageous deals as well. Don’t overlook these retailers for holiday decor or stocking stuffers.
—Establish a budget. It’s easy to go overboard when shopping deals on Black Friday. However, busting the budget on the first day of the holiday shopping season sets a bad precedent for the weeks to come.
A holiday debt survey from LendingTree found that 35% of shoppers took on debt to pay for their holiday purchases in 2022, with the average consumer accumulating more than $1,500 in debt. Savvy shoppers devise a budget prior to shopping and stick to that budget.
Black Friday remains a wildly popular retail holiday. A little research, a willingness to get up early and some determination to stay on budget is a formula for a successful Black Friday.

Emotionally abused friend has a network of support

Fri, 11/17/2023 - 8:46am
By Jeanne Phillips, ©United Features Syndicate

DEAR ABBY: My best friend “Owen’s” wife, “Shirley,” is a narcissist, and she’s driving everyone away from him. They have been married for 10 years.
I’ve known Owen since high school. He has always been a quiet, easygoing guy. Shirley is a nightmare. She has berated him at work and has left him by himself on holidays, including birthdays. She orders him around, and she runs everything without hardly paying for anything. I am divorced and I’ve been through it.
I don’t know how to tell Owen that there’s a safety net for him. I know telling him his wife is a crazy narcissist and he should leave isn’t the answer. She has berated me for “getting in their marriage.”
My friend is afraid he has no support if he leaves because Shirley has alienated him from all of his friends, and the only family he has are his parents and sister, who live many miles away. She has pushed me away from him as well.
What can I say to Owen to make him understand that there are people here who are just waiting for him to ask for help without his feeling I am pressuring him?
HAS HIS BACK IN FLORIDA

DEAR HAS HIS BACK: There is more than one kind of partner abuse. Although most people associate the term with physical violence, another is emotional. It appears Owen is the victim of many years of emotional battery.
Because he is scared, a group that might lend him emotional support is Stop Abuse for Everyone (stopabuseforeveryone.org). It’s a nonprofit that provides services for domestic violence victims of all ages, genders and sexual orientations and helps those who typically fall between the cracks of domestic violence services. Please mention it to Owen and remind him that he may not be as isolated as he fears, because his friends are waiting to support him when he is ready.

DEAR ABBY: My family doesn’t know I have cancer in my kidneys, and I don’t want to tell them. I feel that when the time comes, it comes, but my boyfriend keeps pushing me to tell them. I don’t want anybody to be worried about me or my health.
I’ve been the black sheep of the family since I was a child. Nobody was there for me except my grandmother, but she’s no longer living. I just feel my family doesn’t need to know anything. Am I being selfish about what I’m going through, wanting to keep my illness to myself and, when the time comes, let my boyfriend tell them what happened?
BLACK SHEEP IN NEW YORK

DEAR BLACK SHEEP: I’m sorry about your diagnosis. You are not being selfish. If your family hasn’t been there for you in the past, I understand your reluctance to court further rejection. While it might be nice to give them an opportunity to atone for their past behavior, there are no guarantees they will.
Your health status is YOUR business and no one else’s, so don’t allow your boyfriend (as well-meaning as he may be) to push you into anything you don’t want at this point.
***
For everything you need to know about wedding planning, order “How to Have a Lovely Wedding.” Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 to: Dear Abby, Wedding Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447.

Jim Brown: Put nutria back on Louisiana's menu

Fri, 11/17/2023 - 8:33am
JIM BROWN

Guess what! Nutria are back in the news. Recent press reports indicate that these pesky rodents are moving inland to gnaw away at our swamplands. 
These little critters are taking over the state. With so many problems on Louisiana’s plate, add to the list what we can do about the onslaught and continuing invasion of nutria. That’s right. 
And we even have U.S. senators from both parties in Washington joining forces in trying to stop this assault on the Bayou State. 
Now remember, that there is almost no cooperation among each political party in Washington.  But the nutria blitz has brought together both sides of the normally partisan spectrum. Louisiana’s own Sen. John Kennedy has reached across the aisle joined by Democratic senators to offer bipartisan legislation that will fund a more aggressive effort to wipe out these swamp-like beavers. 
“Nutria have devoured miles of our marshes, and some areas have no chance of growing back. This bill would help prevent these invasive swamp rats from further destroying Louisiana’s marshland,” said Sen. Kennedy.
This ongoing effort to eliminate nutria is nothing new down here in bayou country.  Efforts have been going on for years to try and keep these pesky varmints out of Louisiana.  The state even pays $6 a hide to hunters who bring in nutria pelts.  But so far to little avail. 
So let me put forth another idea.  Now don’t roll your eyes or hold on to your stomach.  How about skinning, roasting or pan searing, then (gulp!) eating these invaders out of our marshland?
Now slow down and don’t get your dander up.  Remember that we eat about anything down here in the deepest of the deep southern states.  Some folks might even feel that if we could stick a bike tire in fried batter, we just might eat it.
As a sole attorney practitioner in Ferriday back in the Seventies, I took about any case that walked in the door. Often, my clients were slow paying, or could not pay anything at all. Hunting has always been quite prevalent in northeast Louisiana, and clients would drop off an array of creatures from the wild. I was never short of deer meat, ducks, wild geese, doves, squirrels, raccoons, frogs, catfish; the assortment of outdoor delicacies seemed endless. And yes, even nutria. 
Luckily, we had a large freezer in which to pack my culinary acquisitions.
My home back then was a mile off the highway with access by a dirt road that turned to mud in the winter. Often it was hard to get out of the house, even with my winch-loaded truck.
So on rainy weekends, we experimented with creating a variety of recipes using our varied meat collection.
Nutria weren’t around back then in any significant numbers. A backyard garden added to the flavors, and weekend cookery became a de rigueur ritual.
Out of all this gastronomic adventure came my cookbook, “Jim Brown’s World-Famous Squirrel Stew and other Country Recipes,” available at www.TheLisburnPress.com.
 So how about them nutria? They only eat plants. Can you believe that famous New Orleans chefs like Suzanne Spicer and John Besh argue that nutria meat is very high in protein, low in fat and actually healthy to eat?
There are a number of ways these chefs and many others prepare the meat.  You can try ragondin salad.  ("Ragondin" is French for nutria.  Sounds a bit more agreeable to eat.) Soupe au ragondin, hearte-healthy “crock-pot” nutria, nutria jambalaya, even nutria fettuccini.  And of course you could stir up nutria in sauce piquante, etouffee, and bisque.
So I say you should break out the barbecue tongs and give this exotic dish a try.  And such a gastronomic effort will help wipe out these critters from out marshlands.  Over nine million nutria have been taken in the state over the past 15 years. But there are still plenty to go around.
And I can even suggest a Louisiana state slogan to go along with the new campaign.  “If you can’t beat ‘em, eat ‘em!”
Peace and Justice
Jim Brown
Jim Brown’s syndicated column appears each week in numerous newspapers throughout the nation and on websites worldwide. You can read all his past columns and see continuing updates at http://www.jimbrownla.com. You can also listen to his regular podcast at www.datelinelouisiana.com.

Public notices for Nov. 17, 2023

Fri, 11/17/2023 - 6:00am

PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS
Nine Sewer Lift Station Upgrades
Sealed proposals for the rehabilitation of sewer lift stations will be received by the City of Patterson until 10:00 a.m., local time on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, at the City of Patterson’s City Hall Complex, 1314 Main Street, Patterson, Louisiana, 70392, at which time and place said proposals will be publicly opened and read aloud. Any proposal received after the announced closing time will be returned unopened.
Electronic Access/Bids: The City of Patterson has opted to allow all contractors the opportunity to receive bid information, and to bid, electronically. Electronic bid submission and/or access to bid information/documentation is through LaMATS e-Auction Services, https://lamats.eauctionservices.com. Electronic bid submissions will be submitted prior to the bidding deadline and will be secured until bid opening. There is no charge to register, to access the electronic bid requirements or to submit electronic bids and documentation. Contractors who register to access bid documents electronically will receive electronic notification of any changes or addendums to the solicitation. Questions related to electronic bidding or accessing information/documents electronically should be directed to Paul Holmes, paul@lamats.net, (225) 678-6107.
An electronic access/processing fee of $800 will be paid by the awarded contractor only, whether having submitted its bid by mail, courier, or electronically and must be payable/forwarded to La- MATS e-Auction Services after the awarded contractor is chosen, by mailing to 700 North Tenth Street, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 70802, Attention: LaMATS e-Auction Services, within five (5) business days of contract award. Failure to forward payment promptly may result in withholding of funds by the City.
Bids received prior to the time of the scheduled bid opening will be securely kept unopened. No bid received after the scheduled time for opening will be considered. Failure of the U.S. Mail or of any express carrier or delivery service to deliver the bids timely shall not be considered due cause for the scheduled time of the bid opening to be extended.
All proposals must be submitted in a sealed envelope bearing the Bidder’s name, address and State Contractor’s license number and must be addressed as follows:
PROPOSAL: Nine Sewer Lift Station Upgrades
City of Patterson
P.O. Box 367
Patterson, Louisiana 70392
LICENSE NO. ————————
Failure to have the license number on the envelope will be cause for not opening the proposal.
Base Bid: Work on which Base Bid proposals are invited consists of the cleaning and coating of wet wells and the replacement of pumps, appurtenances, and controls at nine sewer lift stations within the City of Patterson.
Proposals must be submitted on the Louisiana Uniform Public Work Bid Form furnished with the contract documents. Proposal sheets will be issued only to contractors and/or subcontractors licensed in accordance with the provisions of R.S. 37:2150 through 2173 of the Louisiana Legislature. Contractors desiring to bid shall submit to the Engineer evidence that they hold license for HIGHWAY, STREET AND BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION AND/OR MUNICIPAL AND PUBLIC WORKS CONSTRUCTION that is in full force and effect.
Every bid submitted shall be accompanied by a proposal guaranty in the form of a certified check, cashier’s check or bid bond in an amount of not less than five percent (5%) of the total amount bid and shall be made payable to City of Patterson. All bid bonds shall be accompanied by a duly authorized power of attorney and shall be guaranteed by a surety or insurance company currently on the U. S. Department of Treasury Financial Management Service list of approved bonding companies or by a Louisiana domiciled insurance company with at least an A- rating in the latest printing of the A. M. Best’s Key Rating Guide or by an insurance company in good standing licensed to write bid bonds which is either domiciled in Louisiana or owned by Louisiana residents. If bidding electronically, a clear copy of the original bid security must be included with your electronic bid. If an electronic bidder is the apparent low bidder, then the bidder will be required to deliver the original bid security to the City of Patterson within 48 hours of the opening of bids.
A Prebid Conference at which the scope of the project, subsurface investigation data (if applicable), contract time, minority business enterprise requirements (if applicable), and other requirements of the bidding and contract documents may be discussed, or any other special re- quirements for the project which may be discussed with prospective bidders, will be held at the office of City of Patterson, City Hall Complex, 1314 Main Street, Patterson, Louisiana, 70392, on Tuesday, November 28, 2023, at 10:00 a.m., local time. A tour of the project site will be conducted following the Prebid Conference. All bidders are encouraged to attend the Prebid Conference and if requested, the project tour.
If you have any questions regarding this project, please send them to ChelseaLambert@ProvidenceEng.com. All questions should be sent by 5:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 29, 2023, and will be answered by addendum.
Written evidence of the authority of the person signing the bid for public works shall be submitted at the time of bidding. The authority of the signature of the person submitting the bid shall be deemed sufficient and acceptable if any of the conditions in LA R.S. 38:2212(B)(5) are met.
A Bid will be considered responsive if it conforms in all respects with the conditions and requirements of the Bidding Documents. In order to be considered responsive, the Louisiana Uniform Public Works Bid Form must; (a) be fully completed, signed and be responsive in all respects to the Bidding Documents; (b) be made on the Bid Forms provided and submitted intact.
The plans, specifications, and proposal forms may be obtained from Providence Engineering and Environmental Group LLC, 1297 St. Charles Street, Suite H, Houma, Louisiana, 70360. In accordance with Louisiana Public Bid Law, prime bidders shall be charged a deposit of $80.00 and, upon return of the plans and specifications in good condition within ten (10) days from the bid date, shall be refunded the full deposit. All other persons requesting plans and specifications shall pay a deposit of $80.00 and shall be refunded the remainder from the cost of reproduction ($40.00) upon return of the plans and specifications in good condition within ten (10) days from the bid date. The cost of mailing, if required, shall be billed separately for an additional non-refundable $15.00 charge.
To the extent permitted by applicable state and federal laws and regulations, the OWNER reserves the right to reject any and/or all proposals for just cause.
/s/ Rodney Grogan
Rodney Grogan,
Mayor
Adv. Nov. 10, 17 and 24, 2023

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PUBLIC NOTICE
ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS
ST. MARY PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
District 3, 2023 Reroofing, Phase 1
J. S. Aucoin Elementary School, Morgan City High School, Morgan City Junior High School,
Sealed bids will be received by St. Mary Parish School Board, LA Hwy 317, Centerville, Louisiana for ST. MARY PARISH SCHOOL BOARD District 3, 2023 Reroofing, Phase 1, until 2:00 PM, local time on Wednesday December 13, 2023, at the St. Mary Parish School Board Central Office Complex, Maintenance Office, LA Hwy 317, Centerville, Louisiana 70380, at which time and place said proposals will be publicly opened and read aloud. Electronic bids at www.centralbidding.com as allowed by Act 590 amended Title 38:2212 are acceptable. Any bids received after the above-mentioned time will be returned unopen-ed.
Each bid shall be enclosed in a sealed envelope bearing the title of the work, the name of the Bidder, the address, date and hour of the bid opening, and the State Contractor’s License Number. The bid shall be addressed as follows:
BID: ST. MARY PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
District 3, 2023 Reroofing, Phase 1
J. S. Aucoin Elementary School, Morgan City High School, Morgan City Junior High School
To: the St. Mary Parish School Board Central Office Complex, LA Hwy 317, Centerville, Louisiana
LICENSE NO. ————————
Failure to have the license number on the envelope will be result in the Bid being returned unopen-ed.
Bid documents will be posted on www.centralbidding.com. To view, download, and receive bid notices by e-mail, you will have to register with Central Auction House (CAH). Vendors/Contractors will have the option to submit their bids and bid bonds electronically or by paper copy. Contact Central Auction House at 1-866-570-9620 concerning any questions about this process.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The project consists of St. Mary Parish School Board, District 3, 2023 Reroofing, Phase 1. The estimated construction cost for the Base Bid for this project is $2,400,000.00.
Prospective Contractors shall be licensed for Building Construction or Roofing Construction by the State of Louisiana and that license shall be in effect on the date of the bid.
Each proposal must be accompanied by a bid bond, a certified check, or cashier’s check in an amount equal to at least five percent (5%) of the amount bid, made payable without condition to the Owner as a guarantee that the bidder, if awarded the contract, will promptly execute the contract documents. Failure to do so will result in the bid/bids being declared nonresponsive and shall be cause for rejection. If a bid bond is provided it shall be on the attached form and only on the attached form and shall be dated on or before the bid date. The bid security of all bidders, except the three lowest, will be returned promptly after the canvas of bids.
A non-mandatory pre-bid conference, at which the scope of the project, contract time and other requirements can be discussed with prospective bidders, may be held at the project site. All bidders will be notified and are encouraged to attend.
Copies of the contract documents are on file for St. Mary Parish School Board, District 3, 2023 Reroofing, Phase 1 at the St. Mary Parish School Board Central Office Complex, Maintenance Office, and at the office of the Architect, Carl P. Blum AIA Architect, 900 David Drive, Morgan City, Louisiana, and are open for inspection without charge.
Contractors may obtain contract documents from the Architect by paying a deposit of One Hundred Dollars ($100.00). The full amount of the deposit, on the first set, will be refunded to each contractor who submits a bona fide bid, upon return of the documents in good condition within ten (10) days after the receipt of bids. Contractors and Material Dealers may obtain additional sets of plans and specifications by making a deposit in the amount named above. Upon return of these documents, in good condition, one half of the deposit will be refunded, the difference representing the cost of printing, assembling, and distributing the sets. No refund will be made on any set not returned in good condition within ten (10) days after the receipt of bids.
If someone other than a corporate officer signs for the Bidder/Contractor, a copy of a corporate resolution or other signature authorization shall be required for submission of bid. Failure to include a copy of the appropriate signature authorization, if required, may result in the rejection of the bid unless bidder has complied with LA R.S. 38:22:12(A)(1)(C) or LA R.S. 38:22:12(0).
A bid will be considered responsive if it conforms in all respects with the conditions and requirements of the Bidding Documents. In order to be considered responsive, the Louisiana Uniform Public Works Bid Form must: (a) be fully completed, signed and be responsive in all respects to the Bidding Documents; (b) be made on the Bid Forms provided and submitted intact, (c) submitted in ink.
No bid may be withdrawn after the scheduled closing time for receipt of bids for thirty (30) days.
To the extent permitted by applicable state and federal laws and regulations, St. Mary Parish School Board re- serves the right to reject any and/or proposals for just cause.
St. Mary Parish School Board.
Adv. Nov. 17, 24 and Dec. 1, 2023

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PUBLIC NOTICE
St. Mary Parish
Water & Sewer Comm. 2
P.O. Box 635
Patterson, La. 70392
October 16th, 2023
The Board of Commissioners met in regular session at 5:30 p.m. at the district office with President, Chris Cooper presiding.
Present: Chris Cooper-President, Tony Hensgens- Vice President, Thomas Philbrook- Secretary/Treasurer, Board Members – Raymond Beadle, & Paul Tholen.
Guests: Larry & Pam Fromenthal - Fromenthal Plumbing, David Hill, Employees – TJ Gardella, & Alexis Hartman.
Chris Cooper called the meeting to order and roll call was taken.
September’s board minutes were accepted as circulated. With a motion from Thomas Philbrook and a second from Tony Hensgens, motion carried.
Accounts Payable and Treasurer’s Report was accepted by motion from Paul Tholen, and a second by Raymond Beadle. With all in favor, motion passed.
Larry Fromenthal gave his maintenance report for the month. A new sample station was installed near the Patterson valve. Larry repaired a split line underneath a driveway on Carol Rd. and capped off a leaking meter at the old car wash in St. Mary Plaza. The concrete repair was completed at St. Bernadette Church. Larry also cleaned a clogged sewer line on Hwy 182.
T.J. Gardella gave his maintenance report for the month. Patterson received water from us multiple times during the past month. DHH took monthly Bac-T samples. We are still having an issue with the meter warranty replacements. Chris Cooper, stated he has been speaking with other districts and LRWA on possibly getting new software.
Tony Hensgens reported that a new employee was hired at the water plant. The Repair and Replacement Fund is increasing from .002 to .003, which is roughly $1,000.00 a month.
The proposed budget for the year ending in 2024 was approved. With a motion from Thomas Philbrook and a second from Raymond Beadle, motion carried.
The board discussed moving money from MC Bank Depre & Cont. Fund, to Lamp Depre & Cont. Fund for better interest rates. With a motion from Raymond Beadle and a second from Paul Tholen, motion carried.
There is a fence at our Middle Rd. Sewer Station, that needs to be repaired. One quote was received and we are currently waiting for two more to come in. With a motion from Raymond Beadle, and a second from Tony Hensgens, a motion was carried to move forward with the lowest quote.
There is also an old building at the Middle Rd. property that is falling down, and the board would like for it to be demolished. We are currently waiting for three quotes to come in, and a decision will be made at the next meeting.
Larry Fromenthal discussed the water line from Southeast Blvd to Jupiter St. He is currently waiting on more quotes for materials. Once all quotes are received and reviewed, the board agreed to move forward. Raymond Beadle made a motion to proceed and a second from Tony Hensgens, motion carried.
There being no further business to come before the board, motion was made by Raymond Beadle to adjourn. With a second from Tony Hensgens, all were in favor and motion passed.
———————
Chris Cooper-
President
———————
Alexis Hartman
Recording Secretary
Adv. Nov. 17, 2023

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PUBLIC NOTICE
A PUBLIC
AUCTION
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023 AT 1:00PM
SURPLUS MOVABLE PROPERTY FROM ST MARY PARISH SHERIFF’S OFFICE
LOCATION: Manheim
Lafayette
1611 St. Mary Street
Scott, LA 70583
The St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office is desiring to sell surplus movable property at a public auction. All items are sold “as is” and the seller reserves the right to reject any and all bids and remove said item of movable property from sale.
For more information, contact Cpt. Bart Lange, Fleet Manager @ (985) 509-0010 or
Louis Ashley @.337-578-3932
Auction conducted by: MANHEIM LAFAYETTE
1611 St. Mary Street, Scott, LA 70583 (337) 237-5620
LISTING: www.stmaryso.com & https://www.manheim.com/publicauctions/sales.do
INSPECTION: Public Buyers can inspect the inventory beginning the morning of the sale up until sale time.
TERMS: Cashier’s Checks, Money Order. No personal or company checks without a Bank Letter of Guarantee valid for 15 banking days after the auction
Items to be auctioned: / Minimum Bid
1. 1989 International Dump Truck Vin# 1HTLKZ2R7KH654752, $2,000
2. 2013 Ford E-350 12 person van Vin# 1FBSS3BL4DDB08295, $1,500
3. Triple Axle Equipment Trailer, $1,500
4. 25 KW Generator, $200
5. 2007 Ford Crown Victoria Vin# 2FAFP71W57X113977, $500
6. Crown Victoria Parts car Vin# 2FAFP71V28X160991, $200
7. 2 Post Car Lift, $250
8. Pallet of Honda Generators, $50
9. 2013 Chev Tahoe Vin# 1GNLC2E04DR341595, $200
10. 2008 Ford Crown Victoria Vin# 2FAFP71V18X172890, $200
Adv. Nov. 17 and 22, 2023

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PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the St. Mary Parish Planning Commission will hold a PUBLIC HEARING on Monday, November 20, 2023 AT 5:45 P.M. in the Parish Council Meeting Room, Fifth Floor Courthouse, Franklin, Louisiana, for the following purposes:
REZONE REQUEST:
Rezoning of property by AKL Holdings, LLC from Single Family Residential (SR) Zoned District to General Commercial (GC) Zoned District located at 19466 & 19476 Hwy. 182, Jeanerette, LA-Sec. 68 T13S R8E; -Parcel Id# 1935041011.00-Lot Tract “ABCDEA” per Plat 22V 184246 BD G Binick & A Roberts et al – G Binick – LA Hwy. 182 – A Roberts et al Acq. 446 342213.
All persons are invited to this meeting to submit their approval or objections to the above Rezone Request.
St. Mary Parish Planning & Zoning Commission
Barry Druilhet, Chairman
Adv. Nov. 3, 10 and 17, 2023

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PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the St. Mary Parish Planning Commission will hold a PUBLIC HEARING on Monday, November 20, 2023, 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 Request by ibV Energy for a Solar Farm in an Agricultural (AG) Zoned District located in Franklin, LA; Sec. 46 T14S R10E; -Parcel Id# 2114844001.00-350.59 ac por 493.09 ac Tract situated in Sec. 46 T14S R9E lying North of Hwy. 87 Acq. 85 289653,
-Parcel Id# 2174821013.00-66.11 ac por Rem 493.09 ac tract situated in Sec 46 T14S R9E lying between Hwy. 87 and Bayou Tecge Acq. 85 289653. Improvement on the land of D T Caffery LLC acq. 85 289653, &
-Parcel Id# 2174821014.00-72.64 ac por Rem 493.09 ac tract situated in Sec 46 T14S R9E lying between Hwy. 87 and Bayou Teche Acq. 85 289653. Improvement on the land of D T Caffery LLC Acq. 85 289653.
All persons are invited to this meeting to submit their approval or objections to the above Rezone Request.
St. Mary Parish Planning & Zoning Commission
Barry Druilhet,
Chairman
Adv. Nov. 3, 10 and 17, 2023

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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, December 4, 2023 AT 5:45 P.M. in the Parish Council Meeting Room, Fifth Floor Courthouse, Franklin, Louisiana, for the following purposes:
Myron Bourque for a Side yard setback variance to deviate from the required 25’ to 10’ located in an Agricultural (AG) Zoned District at 1138 Victoria Riverside Road., Patterson, LA-Sec. 25 T15S R12E; -Parcel Id# 2954364036.00 Lot 6 Per Plat 37I 246738 The resub of lots 10-A 10-B 10-C Riverside Est Per Plat 30Q 220249 Acq. 404 335614.
All persons are invited to this meeting to submit their approval or objections to the above VARIANCE REQUEST.
St. Mary Parish
Board of Adjustments
John P. Davis,
Chairman
Adv. Nov. 17, 24 and Dec. 1, 2023

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PUBLIC NOTICE
Housing Board Meeting
The Patterson Housing Board will meet on Monday November 20, 2023 at 5:30 pm. The meeting will be held at the Housing Authority office located at 409 Grout St. in Patterson, LA. The purpose of the meeting will be the procedure/protocol for hiring the Executive Director.
Adv. Nov. 17. 2023

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PUBLIC NOTICE
Housing Board Meeting
The Patterson Housing Board will conduct its monthly meeting on Tuesday, November 28, 2023 at 5:30pm. The meeting will be held at the Housing office at 409 Grout St. Patterson, LA.
Adv. Nov. 17, 2023

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MCPD looking for missing child

Thu, 11/16/2023 - 5:22am

Froom the Morgan City Police Department:

The Morgan City Police Department is attempting to locate the whereabouts of Jabarie Ruffin, 11-year-old, black male, who left with his Non-Custodial Parent, Jamie Ruffin from a residence on Canary St in Morgan City, LA on Wednesday November 15, 2023, in the late evening hours.

Jabarie Ruffin is 4’ 5 in height and weighs approximately 90 lbs., with black hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a dark grey M.E Norman Elementary sweatshirt and khaki pants.

Jamie Ruffin is a black female, 47 years old, 5’7” in height and weighs approximately 190 lbs. with black hair and brown eyes. Unknown clothing description for Jamie or type of vehicle she maybe driving.

If anyone has information concerning this matter, please contact the Morgan City Police Department at 985-380-4605

Drug, domestic abuse arrests reported by local agencies

Wed, 11/15/2023 - 6:14pm
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 law enforcement agencies reported arrests on drug and domestic abuse charges this week.

St. Mary

Sheriff Blaise Smith reported that over the last 24-hour reporting period, the Sheriff’s Office responded to 26 complaints and reported this arrest:

--Dwayne Jamon Provost, 40, Jeanerette, was arrested at 11:48 a.m. Tuesday on three warrants alleging failure to appear on charges of criminal neglect of family, aggravated flight from an officer, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession of marijuana and improper turn.

Bail has not been set at this time.

Morgan City

Chief Chad M. Adams reported that over the last 24-hour reporting period, the Morgan City Police Department responded to 29 calls for service and made this arrest:

--Cory Louque, 28, La. 182, Morgan City, was arrested at 10:56 a.m. Tuesday for domestic abuse battery, criminal damage to property ($1,000-$5,000) and criminal damage to property ($100).

Patterson

Chief Garrett Grogan reported these arrests:

--Dean J. Beranek, 37, Burchfield Lane, Berwick, was arrested at 12:02 p.m. Nov. 4 on charges of possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of illegal narcotics, resisting an officer (failure to comply), resisting an officer with force and disturbing the peace. Beranek was incarcerated at the Patterson PD Jail with no bond set.

--Faith M. Bartley, 58, Catherine Street, Patterson, was arrested at 2:58 a.m. Nov. 5 on a charge of simple battery. Bartley was incarcerated at the Patterson PD Jail with no bond set.

--Donshea A. Amos, 35, La. 1, Labadieville, was arrested at 9:45 p.m. Nov. 5 on a charge of theft. Amos was released on a summons.

Franklin

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

--Denzel Williams, 33, Hanson Street, Franklin, was arrested at 2:01 p.m. Tuesday on a warrant dated Nov. 8 alleging battery of a dating partner (strangulation). Williams was booked, processed and held with no bond set at the time of press release.

Chitimacha

Chief B.C. Trahan reported this arrest:

--Patrenella Victor, 61, St. Benjamin Drive, Lafayette; was arrested on an outstanding warrant alleging felony theft (over $1,000). She was transported to the St Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center.

To be a city, Berwick challenges census count again

Wed, 11/15/2023 - 2:40pm
BILL DECKER
bdecker@daily-review.com

By BILL DECKER
bdecker@daily-review.com
BERWICK — The agenda for Tuesday’s Town Council meeting was printed beneath a logo showing the iconic lighthouse and the words “City of Berwick Louisiana.”
Legally, that designation continues to be an exaggeration. But the council hopes that a new LSU estimate will push the population above 5,000, persuading the governor to turn Berwick from a town into a city.
The council passed a resolution Tuesday formally asking an LSU professor to conduct “a census on behalf of the Town of Berwick.” A positive result could be used as ammunition in a request to have the governor give Berwick the promotion in municipal status.
Mayor Duval Arthur challenged the town population as determined by the 2020 Census almost as soon as the results were released in 2021.
The 2010 Census had put Berwick’s population at 4,946, just 54 people short of the 5,000 threshold at which a town becomes a city in Louisiana. State law sets out how governments are constituted for villages (municipalities with a population of 1,000 or fewer), towns (1,001-5,000) and cities.
But, although Berwick has a home-rule charter that basically defines its own rights and responsibilities, there is still a matter of municipal pride.
That pride took a hit when the 2020 Census, which was hindered by the COVID pandemic, showed a Berwick population decline to 4,768. Arthur has appealed the result to the U.S. Census Bureau, but the bureau hasn’t responded, he said Tuesday.
The annual estimates produced by the Census Bureau, based on “births, deaths, and migration,” according to the bureau website, show Berwick’s population dropping to 4,602 by July 2022, the latest available estimate.
The source from whom Berwick is seeking its own census tells a different story.
Louisiana’s population estimate program, operated by LSU’s AgCenter and the university’s Sociology Department, estimated Berwick’s July 2022 population at exactly 400 more than the Census Bureau said: 5,002.
Dr. J. Matthew Fannin is an assistant professor in LSU’s Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Department. He’s the man whom the Berwick resolution asks to conduct the town’s census.
Fannin said the state program conducts yearly population estimates for parishes and municipalities anyway, providing numbers that the Louisiana Treasurer’s Office uses to disburse money from the Parish Transportation Trust Fund and the Fire Insurance Fund for cities.
The state program bases its estimates on a different data set than the Census Bureau uses, including utility hook-ups and building permits.
“The reality is the type of data they have to submit is going to vary because of their resources,” Fannin said.
The state population estimates for July in any particular year are generally released in April the following year.
Also at Tuesday’s meeting:
—The council passed two resolutions asking for a total of about $2.9 million in state capital outlay funding for infrastructure projects.
One resolution seeks $2.3 million for upgraded water lines on James, Hebert, Palmer, Hogan, Trevino, Nicklaus, Jacobs, Canton, Fourth, Pacific, Oregon, Watkins, Russo, Young, Todd, Erlich and Versen streets.
The other resolution asks for $540,000 for sewer system rehabilitation on Fourth, Sixth, Texas, Francis and Utah streets.
—The council heard that the Berwick and Patterson governments have agreed to connect their natural gas systems so that Patterson gas could be used when pressure in west Berwick is low. The main gas line into Berwick enters from the east.

Beginning to look a lot like Christmas

Wed, 11/15/2023 - 12:09pm

Santa Claus may be in charge of presents on Christmas Eve, but on Wednesday, it was Parks Director Dwayne Babier who stacked the big boxes on the Spirit of Morgan City shrimp boat. The boat will again be the site for this year's Christmas lighting event on Thanksgiving night. During the holiday season, the boat becomes a south Louisiana sleigh drawn by white alligators. The holiday tableau was created and donated by Morgan City native and professional designer Lee Romaire.

The Review/Bill Decker

Get It Growing: Fragrant fall citrus

Wed, 11/15/2023 - 10:43am
By HEATHER KIRK-BALLARD, LSU AgCenter Horticulturist

It’s satsuma time in Louisiana. Some plants began ripening in late September while other varieties will continue to mature through late November on into early December. As one of the best cold-hardy citrus types we can grow in the South, satsumas are a great option for home growers in Louisiana. And boy are they delicious!
Sadly, some of our established citrus trees are not producing well this year after last year’s Christmas freeze followed by drought this summer. But if you’re looking to start growing citrus for the first time, don’t be discouraged by this. Try growing in containers, which makes it easier to protect the trees from weather extremes.
Let’s go over some basics and history of satsumas and other types of citrus first.
Originally known as the satsuma mandarin (Citrus unshiu), we have shortened the name to satsumas. The fruit is native to China and Japan, and they are grown in cool, subtropical regions around the world. Satsumas are heavily cultivated in Japan, with production concentrated in the southern part of the country.
According to Peter Anderson at the University of Florida, the first record of satsumas in the United States was in Florida in 1876. The tree was named satsuma by the wife of General Van Valkenberg, a United States minister to Japan who sent the trees from Satsuma province on Japan’s Kyushu Island.
In the early 1900s, a million Owari satsuma trees were imported from Japan and planted throughout the southern Gulf Coast states from northern Florida to Texas. It has become the major commercial citrus type grown in the south.
Satsumas are small-to-medium-sized, evergreen trees with low-hanging, drooping branches. The branches commonly spread with an open growth habit, and the low-lying limbs should be supported or pruned to prevent fruit from touching the ground. Leaves are dark green and glossy, and the gorgeous white blossoms are fragrant when they appear in early spring from March to April. The fruit are small and globe-shaped at a size of 3 to 4 inches. They turn from green in August to a bright orange in late September through early December, depending on the cultivar.
There are roughly 100 cultivars that vary slightly in their maturity dates, color, shape, size and quality. It is good to have satsumas that mature at different times; this allows you to harvest and eat the fruit for a longer period. Some of the most popular cultivars for Louisiana are Owari, Armstrong, Brown’s Select, Kimbrough, Louisiana Early and Early St. Ann.
Owari is the most widely grown satsuma, and it is a vigorous grower. The trees grow best in well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral, loamy soils with lots of organic matter and lots of sun. The more sun, the more flowers and fruit. Flowers have both male and female parts and will pollinate themselves to produce fruit. And they smell great!
The use of citrus and citrus flower extracts in perfumes and essential oils has a long and rich history. The scents were valued in ancient civilizations for their pleasant aroma and perceived therapeutic properties. The use of citrus and floral extracts in perfumes can be traced back to ancient Egypt and Rome.
Citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, limes and grapefruit along with their blossoms contribute unique and lively scents to fragrances. The blossoms of the bitter orange tree are used to produce neroli essential oil. This oil has a sweet, floral, citrusy scent. Neroli has been a cherished ingredient in perfumery for centuries and is known for its calming properties.
Petitgrain is another essential oil used for its fragrance. It is extracted from the leaves and twigs of the bitter orange tree. Petitgrain has a woody, fresh, slightly floral aroma. It has been used both in perfumes and as a flavoring agent.
Essential oils extracted from lemon and orange peels have been used for their bright and refreshing fragrance. The process often involves cold pressing the outer peel to capture the oil.
Bergamot is another common fragrance used. It is derived from the peel of the bergamot orange. Bergamot essential oil has a distinctive, sweet, slightly spicy aroma. It gained popularity in the fragrance industry, especially in the production of colognes and perfumes. It also is used to provide the unique flavor in Earl Gray tea.
Citrus blossoms smell amazing. The fragrance is divine. Surely someone smelled this and thought to themselves, “I must find a way to bottle this scent so I can smell it year-round.”
Citrus and citrus flower notes remain popular in modern perfumery. They are often used to provide freshness, lightness and a hint of zest to a wide range of fragrances from colognes to floral perfumes.
The use of citrus and its blossoms in perfumery and essential oils continue with these scents appreciated for their versatility and ability to evoke a sense of freshness and vitality. I have an essential oil I use in my diffuser at home called “Cheerful” that is a mixture of citrus essential oils. It really does raise my spirits.
Back to the subject of citrus trees — container-grown citrus can be very productive, and because you can move containers, these trees can be protected from cold temperatures. Citrus grown on dwarfed rootstocks is a standard practice these days, making container growing an attractive option. Local retail garden centers carry many different species and varieties.
A great resource for home growers is the Louisiana Home Citrus Production Guide, publication No. 1234, which can be found at www.lsuagcenter.com.

Boyfriend’s behavior pushes woman’s boundaries

Wed, 11/15/2023 - 10:41am
By Jeanne Phillips, ©United Features Syndicate

DEAR ABBY: I have been with my live-in boyfriend for eight years. During the last five months, he has started staying out until daylight, choosing his friends over me, snapping at me when he talks at all and doesn’t want to be around me. We have always gone everywhere together and shared our friendships with each other. There’s an age gap of 16 years, but it has never been a problem.
I left for a month last year when I caught him talking to another woman through messaging (not platonic talk). That month I did a lot of soul-searching and set boundaries I will no longer allow to be broken. Because of past failed relationships, I have learned how to stand up and voice my opinion and care for myself emotionally.
I guess my question is, should I be concerned, keep trying to communicate my feelings to him or move on with my life? I always put him ahead of anyone other than my children and God, but he doesn’t give me the same respect.
LOST FOR ANSWERS IN ARKANSAS

DEAR LOST: Is your boyfriend the person who is 16 years younger? I ask because his behavior is certainly immature.
In light of what you have written, it should be clear to you that he is no longer as committed to your relationship as you have been.
You stated that you have established boundaries that you will no longer allow to be broken. GOOD FOR YOU. It is time to REESTABLISH them because the treatment you have been receiving is not only disrespectful, but also cruel. You may have devoted years to the relationship, but from my perspective, you have invested enough.
Tell him you can see that he is not happy and ASK him if he wants to break up. I have a strong feeling that the answer will be yes.

DEAR ABBY: I am a 20-year-old gay man. I recently started a new job in which I thought I’d be replacing an aging co-worker who is supposed to be retiring “in a year.” Every time I have mentioned anything to her about her retiring, she has corrected me, saying she’s only going to cut back to a day or two a week.
When I was hired, I was told she’d be gone in a month. I’m uncomfortable because she is politically conservative, deeply religious and sometimes moody, which makes her difficult to be around.
I have kept my mouth shut since I have been here only a month, whereas she has been here more than 20 years. I recently found out two other people had been hired for my role before I was, and both quit within six months.
Should I stay and wait it out or follow the possibility of happiness elsewhere?
HOT AND BOTHERED IN INDIANA

DEAR HOT AND BOTHERED: Talk with your employer about the circumstances under which you were hired. You were told you would replace this woman and she’d be gone in one month. Exercise a little patience for another month or so and, if she’s still there, ask your employer if something has changed because she’s telling you she’s not quitting.
You deserve a straight answer if circumstances have changed. If that’s the case and the job is no longer what you thought it was going to be, then “follow the possibility of happiness elsewhere” AFTER you have found a new job.
***
To receive a collection of Abby’s most memorable — and most frequently requested — poems and essays, send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 to: Dear Abby — Keepers Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447.

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