RSS Feed

Alcohol, drug offenses keep local police busy

Mon, 09/25/2023 - 12:13pm

(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 and Berwick police reported 11 arrests over the weekend on charges related to drug possession or alcohol abuse.

Morgan City

Chief Chad M. Adams reported that the Morgan City Police Department responded to 115 calls for service over the last 72-hour reporting period and made these arrests:

--Kiet Dinh Huyng, 45, Greta Oaks Glen Drive, Houston, was arrested at 2:28 a.m. Saturday on a charge of driving while intoxicated (first offense).

--Natosha Lynn Brinlee, 45, North Prairie Road, Centerville, was arrested 2:43 a.m. Saturday on a charge of disturbing the peace (intoxicated).

--Craig Oneal Robinson, 35, First Street, Morgan City, wa arrested at 8:45 a.m. Saturday on charges of possession of cocaine and two counts of failure to appear to pay fine (6th Ward Morgan City Court).

--Robinson Castro-Aquino, 44, Glenwood Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 9:24 p.m. Saturday on charges of theft (under $1,000) and disturbing the peace (intoxicated).

--Roshine Allen, 25, Gary Court, Terrytown, was arrested at 3:08 p.m. Sunday on a charge of possession of marijuana.

--Roger Ivan Vasquez Flores, 29, La. 30 Prairieville, was arrested at 9:42 p.m. Sunday on charges of driving while intoxicated (first offense), reckless operation of a motor vehicle, no driver's license and resisting an officer.

--Terra Barrilleaux, 49, Lesley Drive, Morgan City, was arrested at 9:43 p.m. Sunday on a charge of disturbing the peace (intoxicated) and urinating in public.

Berwick

Chief David S. Leonard reported these arrests

--Kevin Flores, 24, Morgan City, was arrested at 12:51 a.m. Saturday on charges of driving while intoxicated, improper lane usage and no driver's license.

About 12:31 a.m. Saturday, a traffic stop was conducted on a vehicle after a lane violation was observed on U.S. 90. Officers made contact with the driver, Flores, and impairment was suspected.

Flores performed poorly on field sobriety testing and was placed under arrest. Flores was transported to the Berwick Police Department, where he provided a breath sample of 0.067 g% BAC. Samples of Flores blood were also collected. Flores was the booked.

--Michael Mcintyre, 43, Franklin, was arrested at 10:40 p.m. Saturday on a St. Mary Parish warrant alleging criminal neglect of family.

About 10:21 p.m. Saturday, a traffic stop was conducted on a vehicle for improper equipment. The driver was identified as Mcintyre.

During the course of the stop, it was learned that Mcintyre had active warrants through the St. Mary Parish Sheriff's Office. Mcintyre was placed under arrest and transported to the Berwick Police Department, where he was booked.

--Maria Ellis, 37, Baldwin, was arrested 2:03 a.m. Sunday on charges of driving while intoxicated, reckless operation and improper lane usage.

About 1:56 a.m. Sunday, while patrolling the area of U.S. 90, an officer observed a vehicle crossing over the center line, and operating in a reckless manner. A traffic stop was conducted, and officers made contact with Ellis.

During this time, Ellis showed obvious signs of impairment. Ellis was unable to perform field sobriety tests due to her condition and was placed under arrest. Ellis was transported to the Berwick Police Department, where a search warrant was obtained and blood samples were later collected pending toxicology. Ellis was booked.

--Rebecca Freer, 40, Morgan City, was arrested at 12:33 a.m. Monday on charges of possession of clonazepam, possession of a legend drug without a prescription and turn signals required.

About 11:30 p.m. Sunday, a traffic stop was conducted on a vehicle after it failed to signal on U.S. 90. The driver was identified as Freer.

While speaking with Freer, she consented to a search of the vehicle. During this time, clonazepam and other legend drugs were located. Freer was placed under arrest and transported to the Berwick Police Department where she was booked.

--Jesus Perez, 23, Berwick was arrested at 3:20 a.m. Monday on a charge of driving while intoxicated (second offense).

About 3:14 a.m. Monday, a vehicle was observed with its flashers on. Officers made contact with the driver, who was identified as Perez.

While speaking with Perez, impairment was detected. Perez performed poorly on field sobriety testing and was placed under arrest. Perez was transported to the Berwick Police Department where he provided a valid breath sample of 0.188g% BAC.

Patterson

Chief Garrett Grogan reported these arrests:

--Brian J. Fitter, 41, Kelli Drive, Patterson, was arrested at 12:36 p.m. Friday on charges of domestic abuse battery, improper backing (with accident) and no insurance. Fitter is incarcerated at the Patterson PD Jail with no bond set.

--Ratrnia R. Bean, 42, Ibert Street, Franklin, was arrested at 3:37 a.m. Sunday on charges of reckless operation, speeding 83 mph in a 55 mph zone, and driving with a suspended, revoked or canceled license. Bean was released on a summons.

St. Mary

Sheriff Blaise Smith reported that over the last 72-hour reporting period, the Sheriff’s Office responded to 83 complaints and made these arrests:

--Jason Glen Driskill, 51, Patterson, was arrested at 8:50 a.m. Friday on a warrant alleging theft. Driskill was released on a $1,500 bond.

--Shane Joseph Granger, 36, Morgan City, was arrested at 5:51 p.m. Friday on a charge of simple burglary. Bail was set at $15,000.

--Gabriel Brun Goulart, 41, Franklin, was arrested at 7:37 a.m. Sunday on a Franklin Police Department warrant alleging simple burglary and criminal trespassing. Goulart is being held for another agency.

Franklin

Chief Cedric Handy reported that the Franklin Police Department responded to 14 complaints over the last 72-hour reporting period and made this arrest:

--Hunter Boudreaux, 21, Bigler Street, Franklin, was arrested at 4:25 p.m. Saturday on charges of aggravated battery with medical attention and simple criminal damage to property. Boudreaux was booked, processed and transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center.

Morgan City police radio logs for Sept. 16-22

Mon, 09/25/2023 - 7:33am

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.

Saturday, Sept. 16
10:04 a.m.: 500 block Bowman, complaint.
10:21 a.m.: 500 block Brashear, removal of subject.
10:51 a.m.: 1400 block Railroad, disturbance.
11:12 a.m.: 2300 block La. 70, fire.
12:21 p.m.: 1000 block Front, removal of subject.
12:42 p.m.: 7900 block La. 182,alarm.
12:44 p.m.:900 block Fourth ,complaint.
1 p.m.: 1100 block Federal, animal complaint.
1:52 p.m.:600 block Egle, medical.
2:18 p.m.: area of U.S. 90,reckless driver.
2:27 p.m.: 700 block Myrtle, complaint.
2:56 p.m.: 700 block Myrtle, complaint.
5:24 p.m.: 700 block David, complaint.
7:48 p.m.: 400 block Barrow, medical.
8:58 p.m.: Fifth, and Everett, suspicious subject.
10:37 p.m.: Front, suspicious subject.
10:53 p.m.: 6800 block La. 182,suspicious subject.
11:50 p.m.: 1600 block Willowbend, alarm.
Sunday, Sept. 17
12:19 a.m.:Onstead, and Maple, juvenile complaint.
12:48 a.m.:700 block Freret, suspicious vehicle.
1 a.m.:1300 block Oil Tank, assistance.
1:37 a.m.:6300 block La. 182, complaint.
3:13 a.m.:Pecos and Chennault, suspicious vehicle.
5:49 p.m.:1000 block La. 70, shoplifter..
6:38 p.m.:500 block Brashear, disturbance.
7:41 p.m.:Fifth, and Everett, suspicious subject.
8:22 p.m.:700 block Myrtle, assistance.
8:36 p.m.:1100 block Brashear, stalled vehicle.
9:02 p.m.:11th, suspicious subject.
9:26 p.m.:6600 block La. 182, alarm.
9:41 p.m.:300 block Mallard, complaint.
10:22 p.m.:Greenwood, assistance.
11:47 p.m.:700 block Duke, arrest.
Monday, Sept. 18,,
12:43 a.m.:500 block Brashear, disturbance.
2:17 a.m.:7100 block Park, disturbance.
3 a.m.:6400 block La. 182, alarm.
4:21 a.m.:800 block Youngs, complaint.
9:08 a.m.:500 block Willow, medical.
9:17 a.m.:7100 block Park, complaint.
9:30 a.m.:900 block Marguerite, civil matter.
10:01 a.m.: La. 70, assistance.
10:37 a.m.:700 block Myrtle, complaint.
11:17 a.m.:2400 block Apple,complaint.
12:48 p.m.:400 block Halsey, civil matter.
12:56 p.m.:700 block Myrtle, complaint.
1:06 p.m.:1100 block Seventh, 911 hang-up.
1:51 p.m.:1100 block Victor II, crash.
1:59 p.m.: Brashear, ,welfare concern.
2:14 p.m.: 2400 block Apple Street, complaint.
2:19 p.m.:1000 block La. 70,,crash.
2:26 p.m.:Brashear, assistance.
3:13 p.m.:700 block Myrtle, arrest.
4:09 p.m.:La. 70, reckless driving.
4:13 p.m.:500 block Front, disturbance.
4:51 p.m.:2300 block La. 70, complaint.
5:18 p.m.:700 block Myrtle, arrest.
6:05 p.m.:U.S. 90, assistance.
6:10 p.m.:700 block Onstead, complaint.
6:36 p.m.:500 block Leona, remove subject.
7 p.m.:300 block Union, remove subject.
7:26 p.m.:600 block MLK, traffic stop.
7:50 p.m.:300 block Aucoin, domestic.
7:53 p.m.:7300 block La. 182, traffic stop.
9:03 p.m.:1400 block James, assistance.
9:24 p.m.:7600 block La. 182, traffic stop.
10:35 p.m.:700 block Onstead, reckless driving.
11:01 p.m.:2400 block, frequent patrols.
11:50 p.m.: Sixth and Bowman, disturbance.
Tuesday, Sept. 19,
8:16 a.m.:Morgan City, bui.ding checks.
4:58 a.m.:900 block Ninth, alarm.
5:34 a.m.:300 block Franklin, domestic.
7:34 a.m.: Second Street, complaint.
8:14 a.m.:700 block Belanger, medical.
9:57 a.m.:300 block Egle, medical.
10:30 a.m.:1200 block Brashear, alarm.
10:43 a.m.:1200 block Victor II, stalled vehicle.
10:43 a.m.:1000 block Hilda, medical.
11:03 a.m.:700 block Myrtle, arrest.
1:08 p.m.:800 block Victor II, alarm.
1:40 p.m.: Sixth, traffic stop.
2 p.m.:1000 block Chennault,complaint.
2:27 p.m.:800 block Victor II, alarm.
2:38 p.m.:Federal exit, complaint.
3:01 p.m.:500 block Egle, medical.
3:48 p.m.:2300 block La. 70, suspicious person.
4:03 p.m.:1200 block Brashear, alarm.
4:13 p.m.:7100 block Park, complaint.
5:16 p.m.:900 block Youngs, 911 hang-up.
6:01 p.m.:700 block MLK, 911 hang-up.
7:06 p.m.:900 block Seventh, theft.
7:27 p.m.:500 block Greenwood, suspicious vehicle.
7:41 p.m.:900 block Seventh, traffic stop.
7:52 p.m.: Fourth, and Arenz, disturbance.
8:50 p.m.:1400 block Second, ,civil matter.
9:07 p.m.:700 block Fifth, fire.
10:11 p.m.:7300 block La. 182, suspicious person.
10:14 p.m.:500 block Roderick, medical.
11:11 p.m.:1700 block Elk, suspicious vehicle.
11:16 p.m.: Orange Street and Federal Avenue, suspicious person.
11:41 p.m.: Morgan City, building checks.
11:47 p.m. Federal Avenue and Kidd Street, traffic stop.
Wednesday, Sept. 20
7:12 a.m.:600 block Louisiana, warrant.
9:19 a.m.:500 block Roderick, welfare concern.
10:10 a.m.:700 block Myrtle, theft.
10:17 a.m.:Freret, complaint.
10:33 a.m.: Area of Franklin and Federal, suspicious person or vehicle.
10:44 a.m.:900 block Railroad, suspicious person or vehicle.
10:55 a.m.:7400 block La. 182, complaint.
10:57 a.m.: Area of Marshall and Maple, complaint.
11:32 a.m.:1300 block Sixth, complaint.
11:35 a.m.:700 block Myrtle, complaint.
12:07 p.m.:700 block Myrtle, narcotics violation.
12:23 p.m.:1100 block Marguerite, suspicious person or vehicle.
12:41 p.m.:2400 block Tiger, vehicle accident.
12:56 p.m.:1200 block Victor II, medical.
1:11 p.m.: Area of U.S. 90, complaint.
1:59 p.m.:2400 block Tiger, fight.
3 p.m.: Area of Shannon and Terrebonne, complaint.
5:03 p.m.:2300 block La. 70,,complaint.
5:04 p.m.:600 block Fifth, removal of subject.
5:27 p.m.:7400 block La. 182, medical.
5:43 p.m.:800 block Youngs, complaint.
6:20 p.m.:1000 block Greenwood, juvenile complaint.
6:22 p.m.:700 block MLK, complaint.
7:26 p.m.:400 block Belanger, disturbance.
7:47 p.m.: Federal and Brashear,,arrest.
8:35 p.m.:6300 block La. 182, arrest.
8:52 p.m.:70 / 90, stalled vehicle.
10:13 p.m.:200 block Mallard, medical.
10:20 p.m.:1300 block Sixth, fire.
11:39 p.m.:1200 block Victor II, removal of subject.
Thursday, Sept. 21
1 a.m.:7200 block La. 182, medical.
6:49 a.m.:700 block Duke, fire.
7:31 a.m.:7700 block La. 182,complaint.
9:08 a.m.: Area of Railroad and Headland, vehicle accident.
9:12 a.m.:6600 block La. 182, complaint.
10:13 a.m.:2300 block La. 70, fire.
10:38 a.m.:7200 block La. 182, removal of subject.
11:53 a.m.:1000 block Brashear, criminal damage to property.
11:59 a.m.: Area of U.S. 90, vehicle incident.
12:17 p.m.:1800 block Filmore, complaint.
12:52 p.m.:700 block Myrtle, complaint.
1:56 p.m.:700 block Myrtle, arrest.
2:09 p.m.: Area of First, complaint.
2:11 p.m.: Area of Leona and Acorn, suspicious person or vehicle.
2:19 p.m.:600 block First, complaint.
2:41 p.m.:700 block Myrtle, complaint.
4:51 p.m.:1000 block Brashear, removal of subject.
6:49 a.m.:700 block Duke, fire.
7:31 a.m.:7700 block La. 182, complaint.
9:08 a.m.: Area of Railroad and Headland, vehicle accident.
9:12 a.m.:6600 block La. 182, complaint.
10:13 a.m.:2300 block La. 70, fire.
10:38 a.m.:7200 block La. 182, removal of subject.
11:53 a.m.:1000 block Brashear,, criminal damage to property.
11:59 a.m.: Area of U.S. 90, vehicle accident.
12:17 p.m.:1800 block Filmore, complaint.
12:52 p.m.:700 block Myrtle, complaint.
1:56 p.m.:700 block Myrtle, arrest.
2:09 p.m.:area of First, complaint.
2:11 p.m.:area of Leona and Acorn, suspicious person or vehicle.
2:19 p.m.:600 block First, complaint.
2:41 p.m.:700 block Myrtle, complaint.
4:51 p.m.:1000 block Brashear, removal of subject.
6:20 p.m.:7300 block La. 182, juvenile complaint.
6:23 p.m.:700 block Onstead, juvenile complaint.
6:37 p.m.:800 block Palm, animal complaint.
6:45 p.m.:700 block David, alarm.
7:20 p.m.:7100 block Park, complaint.
8:05 p.m.:7100 block Park, crash.
8:14 p.m.:600 block Fifth, disturbance.
8:42 p.m.:1600 block Front, medical.
9:24 p.m.:100 block Oak, complaint.
10:03 p.m.:1400 block North Third, complaint.
10:40 p.m.:6000 block Railroad, telephone harassment.
10:45 p.m.:6400 block La. 182, suspicious vehicle.
11:04 p.m.:700 block Myrtle, alarm.
11:05 p.m.:700 block Arizona,burglary.
Friday, Sept. 22
4:38 a.m.:First and Freret, alarm.
5:05 a.m.:6300 block La. 182, complaint.
5:22 a.m.:500 block Bowman, theft.
7:59 a.m.:500 block Eighth Street, fire.
8:21 a.m.:1900 block Federal, complaint.
9 a.m.:Grizzaffi, animal complaint.
9:48 a.m.:300 block Franklin, officer standby.
10:12 a.m.: Sixth and Maine, patrol request.
11:02 a.m.:1400 block Sandra, alarm.
12 p.m.: Roderick and La. 182, traffic signal.
12:01 p.m.:1100 block Marguerite, civil matter.
1:38 p.m.: Front, fight.
1:52 p.m.:Onstead and Federal, traffic incident.
1:57 p.m.:6600 La. 182, traffic stop.
2:03 p.m.:7100 block Park, drunk driver.
2:14 p.m.:1100 block Marguerite, complaint.
2:55 p.m.:1708 Sixth, animal complaint.
3:02 p.m.:300 block Egle, medical.
3:10 p.m.:500 block Roderick, medical.
3:14 p.m.:900 block Marguerite, crash.
4 p.m.:1000 block Hilda, complaint.
4:23 p.m.:1400 block Federal, crash.
5:15 p.m.:200 block Brashear, complaint.
10:29 p.m.:700 block Belanger, medical.
12:35 a.m.:Freret and Arizona, assistance.
12:57 a.m.:500 block First, complaint.
1:15 a.m.:7700 block La. 182, disturbance.
2:13 a.m.:7500 block La. 182, arrest.
2:42 a.m.:6300 block La. 182, arrest.

Friday night prep football scores

Sat, 09/23/2023 - 9:00am

Morgan City 27, Ellender 0

Central Catholic 34, Covenant Christian 33, OT

Northside 28, Berwick 14

Chalmette 45, Patterson 6

Franklin 30, Central Lafourche 28

Hanson 53, Highland Baptist 26

Jeanerette 22, Centerville 0

St. John 48, West St. Mary 8

Suspects in vehicle theft, resisting by flight taken back to Berwick

Fri, 09/22/2023 - 12:02pm

(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.)

Jefferson Parish authorities arrested a man who fled a traffic stop in Berwick, and St. Charles deputies arrested a man on a Berwick vehicle theft charge, police said.

Berwick

Chief David S. Leonard reported these arrests:

--Curtis Mitchell, 30, New Orleans, was arrested at 7:40 p.m. Thursday on Berwick warrants alleging aggravated flight from an officer, resisting an officer, aggravated obstruction of a highway, improper lane usage, general speed law and no insurance.

On July 21, Berwick police conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle after it was observed traveling at a high rate of speed, and a lane violation was committed. Officers met with Mitchell and advised him of the reason of the stop.

During the course of the stop, Mitchell fled the area at a high rate of speed, at which time officers lost sight of him, and warrants were issued for his arrest. On Thursday, it was learned that Mitchell had been arrested in Jefferson Parish.

Officers traveled to the Jefferson Parish Jail and located Mitchell. Mitchell was transported to the Berwick Police Department, where he was booked.

--Benjamin Pittman, 21, Morgan City, was arrested at 4:10 p.m. Wednesday on a Berwick warrant alleging theft of a motor vehicle.

On Wednesday, officers traveled to the St. Charles Parish Jail and located Pittman, who had active warrants through the Berwick Police Department. The warrant stems from a complaint in June in which it was reported that Pittman had the victim’s vehicle for several weeks and refused to return the vehicle.

Through the course of the investigation and with the assistance of the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office, Pittman was located with the vehicle. Pittman was arrested by St. Charles.

Once he was finished with their charges, the Berwick Police Department was contacted and advised he was ready for pick-up. Pittman was transported to the Berwick Police Department, where he was booked.

Morgan City

Chief Chad M. Adams reported that the Morgan City Police Department responded to 88 calls for service over the last 48-hour reporting period and made these arrests:

--Shina Short, 40, Arizona Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 10:50 a.m. Thursday on charges of remaining where forbidden and failure to appear to pay fine (6th Ward Morgan City Court).

--Donna Jean Thomas, 58, La. 182, Morgan City, was arrested at 1:57 p.m. Thursday on charges of theft (under $1,000) and possession of Subutex.

--Shane Michael Vedol, 50, Garber Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 2:41 p.m. Thursday on charges of distribution of marijuana, two counts of violation of uniform controlled dangerous substance law (drug-free zone), possession with intent to distribute marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm in the presence of a controlled dangerous substance.

--Santamaria Junes Vedol, 46, Garber Street, was arrested at 2:42 p.m. Thursday on charges of possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and violation of uniform controlled dangerous substance law (drug-free zone).

--Demetrius Roy Green, 24, Mike Drive, Patterson, was arrested at 8:26 p.m. Wednesday on charges of general speed law, no driver's license, possession of an alcoholic beverage in a motor vehicle and window tint violation.

--Nicholas Anthony Feliciano, 28, Allison Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 8:46 p.m. Wednesday on charges of driving while intoxicated (second offense), resisting an officer, improper lighting and improper lane usage.

St. Mary

Sheriff Blaise Smith reported that over the last 48-hour reporting period, the Sheriff's Office responded to 62 complaints and made these arrests:

--Troyd Deville Drexler, 53, Baldwin, was arrested at 11:41 p.m. Thursday on charges of driving while intoxicated, speeding, driving left of center, turning movements and required signals, and open container.

Bail was set at $2,5000.

--Alton Michael Kemp Jr., 36, Franklin, was arrested at 2:15 p.m. Thursday on a charge of introduction of contraband into a penal institution. Kemp continues to be incarcerated at the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center.

--Martin Humberto Montes-Dimas, 40, Amelia, was arrested at 2:15 p.m. Thursday on a charge of introduction of contraband into a penal institution. Montes-Dimas continues to be incarcerated at the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center.

--Loi Phuoc Lam, 71, Morgan City, was arrested at 5:36 p.m. Wednesday on a charge of aggravated battery.

Franklin

Chief Cedric Handy reported that the Franklin Police Department responded to five complaints over the last 24-hour reporting period and made these arrests:

--Edwin Portillo, 33, Gulino Street, Opelousas, was arrested on at 6:27 a.m. Thursday on charges of speeding, no driver's license and no insurance. Portillo was booked, processed and released on a $488 bond.

--Marissa Bouton, 33, Sanders Street, Franklin, was arrested at 12:22 a.m. Thursday on a charge of simple burglary. Bouton was booked, processed and transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center.

--Daeon Johnson, 33, Iberia Street, Franklin, was arrested at 12:22 p.m. Thursday on a charge of simple burglary. Johnson was booked, processed and held with no bond set at the time of press release.

--David Loustalot, 39, Mechanic Street, Franklin, was arrested at 3:10 p.m. Thursday on charges of careless operation, excessive acceleration, failure to yield to emergency vehicle and driving under suspension. Loustalot was booked, processed and released on a $2,500 bond

Assumption

Sheriff Leland Falcon reported this arrest:

--Daryl Jerome Tillman Jr., 28, Melpomene Drive, Baker, was arrested Thursday on charges of possession of Xanax, possession of Suboxone, possession of marijuana and speeding 74 mph in a 55 mph zone.

The charges arise from a traffic stop on La. 70 in Pierre Part.

A uniformed patrol deputy observed a westbound vehicle in the vicinity of La. 70 and Lee Drive commit a traffic violation and initiated a stop of that vehicle. The deputy made contact with the driver, identified as Tillman, and conducted an interview.

The deputy noted a pungent odor of suspected marijuana emitting from the person of Tillman. At the conclusion of the interview, the deputy believed that additional investigation was warranted.

A K-9 was summoned to the location. The K-9 conducted an open-air sniff of the suspect vehicle and alerted positive for the presence of illegal substances. A search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of Xanax (alprazolam), Suboxone and marijuana.

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

Sheriff, president candidates meet in NAACP forum

Fri, 09/22/2023 - 10:34am

Staff Report

Staff Report
Voters got a look at candidates for parish president and sheriff at a St. Mary NAACP forum Tuesday at the Patterson Area Civic Center.
The incumbents in both positions, Parish President David Hanagriff and Sheriff Blaise Smith, are leaving office in January.
Timothy “Tim” LeBlanc of Franklin is taking on former state Rep. Sam Jones, also of Franklin, in the race for parish president.
Running for sheriff are Gary Driskell of Morgan City; Jason Granger and Kenny P. Scelfo Sr., both of Franklin; and Cody J. Thibodaux of Patterson.
The primary will be Oct. 14. Early voting runs Sept. 30-Oct. 7, excluding Sunday. If a runoff is necessary for parish president, it will be Nov. 18.
Parish president
LeBlanc and Jones, with very different backgrounds, have come to at least one common conclusion: The parish government needs change.
LeBlanc, a political newcomer, studied electronics at Young Memorial and worked in the energy industry for 23 years. That experience, in budgeting, project management and team-building, leads him to focus on reaching out to municipalities and potential employers looking at coming to St. Mary, he said.
“I think it’s important to get on the same page,” LeBlanc said. “There’s too much discrepancy. There should be one mind, one focus going forward.”
And that’s the key for growing St. Mary’s economy, he said.
Jones’ life experience includes more than 40 years split almost equally between service as Franklin’s mayor and as a state representative. During his time in Baton Rouge, he said, he helped bring $950 million in state funding to St. Mary.
Jones wants to serve one four-year term as parish president, and during that term turn the post into a full-time job.
He also found fault with the parish government’s finances, saying the parish has borrowed to the limit.
LeBlanc’s goals for the office are “integrity, transparency and resolve,” he said.
He talked about being fair to every community, educating people about government policies, serving as a spokesperson for economic development, offering quality service efficiently and bringing “excitement and new energy to the St. Mary Parish office.”
He promised to develop a list of businesses that might come to St. Mary and reach out to the leaders.
He named St. Mary’s population loss before the last census, the loss of business and education as his priorities.
But Jones argued that a part-time parish president can’t tackle all those things. A part-time president can only appoint a chief administrative officer and drop by occasionally to sign checks, he said.
“That’s not leadership,” Jones said.
As a state official, Jones came to the parish with state grant opportunities, only to find that the parish didn’t have the money for its matching portion, he said.
“You have to know how to take it,” Jones said. “You have to know how to match it. You have to be committed. You have to know how to do it.”
Sheriff
The four candidates for sheriff also come into the race with different life experiences.
Driskell has worked for the SMPSO for the 33 years since he left the Army. He’s currently the chief deputy.
Driskell talked about an office that has turned a $500,000 shortfall a few years ago into a budget that’s $1.3 million in the black, enough to build a new sheriff’s office, he said.
To combat turnover, the office has created recruitment bonuses and college tuition assistance. A proactive approach to combat gun violence resulted in decreases in homicides, burglaries, battery and armed robbery in areas patrolled by the Sheriff’s Office, he said.
Deputies also receive training in dealing with people who suffer from mental health problems, a key issue for all the candidates.
“I love what I do,” Driskell said. “I love being a public servant. I love helping people.”
Scelfo, who has worked in the energy industry, also served 16 years on the Franklin City Council and 18 as a reserve police officer.
He focused on the need to be frugal and took issue with the Sheriff’s Office building plans.
“Why would we spend money on buildings when we already have buildings?” Scelfo said.
He said the office needs to spend money wisely and put more money into deputy pay, putting more officers on the road.
“My job [as sheriff] is to protect them so they can protect the public,” Scelfo.
He also believes a get-tough policy is the key to fighting violent crime.
“I feel people should live their lives in joy, not in fear,” Scelfo said. “We have several places where people are living in fear. I want to get that turned around.”
Scelfo stressed the need for everyone to be treated equally.
Thibodaux has worked in law enforcement for 16 years. He talked about a need for more honesty among public officials.
He said he has worked under two sheriffs who pledged to put more deputies on the road.
“No one has delivered that …,” Thibodaux said.
“I feel a new administration would bring a great deal of better leadership and knowledge than any previous administration,” Thibodaux said.
The biggest issue for St. Mary Parish is “little to no integrity in our elected officials. … If I say I’m going to do something, I’ll do it.”
Granger, who works for a fuel company, is a self-described working man, a veteran who could point to no law enforcement experience.
But his experience has involved sending dozens of trucks to take fuel to facilities such as hospitals during storms, he said.
And Granger made it clear he wants to improve the plight of crime victims.
The problem is communication between law enforcement and victims, he said. People who have been hurt by crime should be able to find out if their attackers are getting out of jail.
“There’s a break in the line right there,” Granger said. “They need to get … more as a victim. They shouldn’t be swept under the rug.”
The Sheriff’s Office needs better pay, more training in mental health and improved morale, he said.

House speaker wouldn't trade eventful tenure 'for anything'

Fri, 09/22/2023 - 10:27am

BILL DECKER

bdecker@daily-review.com

FRANKLIN – Clay Schexnayder became Louisiana House speaker in January 2020, a brief period of calm between fiscal uncertainty and the COVID pandemic lock-downs.
“All that being said,” Schexnayder told a St. Mary Chamber Business Luncheon audience Wednesday at The Forest, “I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”
The last year of three House terms for Schexnayder, R-Gonzeles, began with a $2.1 billion influx of cash from unexpectedly high tax collections.
That was quite a change from the second term of Gov. Bobby Jindal and the first term of Gov. John Bel Edwards, when the state had little money to spread around, Schexnayder said.
In 2023, the debate was over whether to use the unanticipated money to pay down debt or to spend on infrastructure and other projects. On Wednesday, Schexnayder said the Legislature managed to do some of both.
In the 2023 session, the Legislature paid down state debt by $700 million, Schexnayder said.
“I think the future will be a much better place because we don’t have that debt,” he said.
But he said it was also important to send some of the extra money to communities. So lawmakers:
—Put $2.3 million into state supplemental pay for local deputies and police officers.
—Added $44 million to $300 million from three existing funds to finance early childhood education after a federal funding program was terminated.
—Put $125 million into higher education operations in addition to $72 million in capital outlay funding.
—Found $7.5 million to help entice insurance companies continue to write homeowners policies in Louisiana after years of high claims had driven many companies away.
—Put $20 million in the FORTIFIED roofing program, which offers grants to homeowners to strengthen their roofs against storms.
—Appropriated $53 million for cyber security.
—Earmarked $20 million for voting technology.
While claims of fraud caused turmoil after the 2020 presidential election, Louisiana was no part of it, Schexnayder said. The state’s voting equipment is simply too old to allow for direct connection to the internet.
“They cannot be manipulated or miscounted,” Schexnayder said.
Schexnayder is term-limited. He’s currently running against seven opponents for secretary of state, the office that will guide Louisiana’s acquisition of new voting machines.
“We do need to upgrade,” Schexnayder said. “We need new machines.”

Night Out Against Crime

Fri, 09/22/2023 - 10:17am

Submitted Photo
The Patterson Police Department will host a Night Out Against Crime on Wednesday, Oct. 14. PSB's Bill Marin presents a donation for the event to Patterson Chief Garrett Grogan.

'Storm Clouds' return in local author's latest

Fri, 09/22/2023 - 9:53am

ABBEVILLE — Local author Chris Landry, his wife Jade, and daughter Camryn, introduced their latest achievement in children’s fiction, “Storm Clouds,” during a book-signing event held recently at the Vermilion Parish Library, Main Branch.
Landry is the author of the chapter book series, “Cajun Kids Adventures,” targeted for readers 8 and older. His newest book, “Storm Clouds, Vol. 4,” features the young characters embracing more responsibilities.
In this adventure, as a powerful hurricane approaches Willow Hammock, the Cajun Kids and their parents decide to delay evacuation for a daring search and rescue operation, despite rising tides and relentless winds.
Landry is a lifelong resident of south Louisiana and a descendant of the original French Acadians. His wife Jade shares a similar heritage, having grown up hunting, trapping, and fishing the marshes of the Atchafalaya River Basin, they explained.
The author’s favorite quiet place for writing is at his camp. “The only way to get there is 35 minutes by boat,” he said.
The Cajun Kids Adventures series is based on the Landry family’s experiences, chronicling the challenges and shenanigans of their five children’s upbringing.
Last year, the Landrys launched the book series to the delight of readers. The Landrys have won the Silver Mom’s Choice Award. C. P. Landry was also an American Writing Awards finalist for children’s book author in three categories: fiction, adventure, and chapter series.
The other books in this series are “Mystery at Indian Point (Vol. 1),” “Adventure in the Wild (Vol. 2)” and “The Cup, the Cap, and the Ring-Tailed Monkey (Vol. 3).”
The Landrys plan to continue with “Vol. 5, The Watchmen,” and “Vol. 6, The Legend of Awful Art.”
The first four volumes are available at area gift shops and can be ordered online at cajunkids.com and amazon.com. Cover illustrations are by Steve Shaumburger of Baton Rouge. The publisher is Excaliber Publishing Services.
This year, the Landrys will further promote their “Cajun Kids Adventures” at Tinsels and Treasures, Cajundome, through Sept. 23; Lafayette Farmers Market, Moncous Park, Sept. 30; A Very Merry Market, Alexandria, Oct. 13-14; American Association of School Libraries, Tampa Bay, Oct. 19-21; and Louisiana Book Festival, Downtown Baton Rouge, Oct. 28.
The Landrys also plan to promote their book series next year at several conventions across America.

LSU leads project to put high-tech radar on La. coast

Fri, 09/22/2023 - 9:51am

From energy production to recreational fishing, Louisiana’s coastal waters are a busy place. Having reliable data about oceanic conditions can be critical to safe operations for those who work and play in coastal waters.
Until now, Louisiana’s Gulf Coast has been hampered by a lack of high-quality information about currents, waves and other important factors.
A new, LSU-led high frequency radar project will change that.
This $5 million project, funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, will install up to eight high frequency radar, or HF radar, systems along the Louisiana coastline. Spearheaded by the LSU Department of Oceanography & Coastal Sciences, or DOCS, Professor Kevin Xu and LSU Department of Geology and Geophysics Professor Sam Bentley, this HF radar system will allow near-real-time monitoring of the speed and direction of ocean surface currents in coastal water.
“We’re home to one of the largest river systems and some of the top global port facilities,” said U.S. Rep. Garret Graves, R-Baton Rouge. “We have abundant fisheries and energy resources. These reasons and more make our state worth protecting.
“Today’s investment will improve our monitoring of coastal conditions, including weather predictions, water conditions and Mississippi River sediment. It will be an important tool to inform future investments and provide more accurate weather conditions. This is a great win for LSU and all of Louisiana.”
“Louisiana’s coast is a working coast that provides services and resources valuable to the entire nation, and it is also a coastal region that is changing environmentally due to a range of factors,” Bentley said. “This HF radar network will provide valuable information to help us track and better understand oceanic and meteorological events. We are deeply grateful for the support we are receiving from NOAA with the assistance of Congressman Garret Graves, and we look forward to getting this going!”
HF radar is widely used on the coasts around the United States.
Xu, who also serves as the director of LSU’s Coastal Studies Institute, said once they are built, the radar systems will provide crucial information about Louisiana’s coastal conditions.
“We have a large observational gap in the Gulf of Mexico, so this is very much needed.
"There is a huge potential to use these data in hurricane forecasts, navigation, marine safety, energy production, coastal restoration, and other efforts,” Xu said.
HF radar systems measure currents over a large area of coastal ocean and can operate under different conditions.
They offer more granular, accurate information than other techniques, such as numerical models, or satellite data.
Once Louisiana’s HF radar systems are built, they will contribute data to NOAA’s Integrated Ocean Observing System, or IOOS, a national network of such systems on all coasts. LSU will be participating in the GCOOS, or the Gulf of Mexico Coastal Observing System, the IOOS’s regional partner.
Brian Zelenke of IOOS noted the technology used in HF radar will make a substantial contribution to [the] measurement of surface currents and waves across the Louisiana coast.
“It will provide thousands of readings updated hourly that cover the ocean out to 100+ miles offshore.”
He added, “By live streaming the readings from this project’s CODAR SeaSonde sensors to the IOOS High Frequency Radar National Network, these oceanographic data from LSU will be made available by NOAA to the public and partners including the U.S. Coast Guard for search-and-rescue, NOAA’s Emergency Response Division for oil and other hazardous chemical spill response, and to NOAA’s National Weather Service for marine forecasts — helping to protect lives and property, and enhance the economy of Louisiana and the nation.”
Louisiana’s HF radar system will be fully operational in about five years, Xu said.
DOCS Professor Chunyan Li, as well as Associate Professor Z. “George” Xue — who holds a joint appointment with the Center for Computation and Technology—and Assistant Professor Paul Miller, are also investigators on the project.
Also collaborating on the creation and installation of the radar systems will be Steven DiMarco, a professor of Oceanography and Ocean Engineering of Texas A&M University and Jorge Brenner, the Executive Director of GCOOS.
“This is the opportunity we have been waiting for,” said Li. “This project will add a new dimension to our capability for the monitoring and understanding of the coastal ocean environment.”
Chris D’Elia, DOCS Professor and former dean of the College of the Coast & Environment, agreed that the benefits of HF Radar to the Louisiana coast are significant. “The new HF Radar capability will help save lives, livelihoods, and property in Louisiana.”

Public notices for Sept. 22, 2023

Fri, 09/22/2023 - 6:00am

PUBLIC NOTICE
OFFICIAL
PROCEEDINGS OF
THE ST. MARY PARISH COUNCIL OF THE
PARISH OF ST. MARY, STATE OF LOUISIANA
AUGUST 23, 2023
FRANKLIN,
LOUISIANA
The St. Mary Parish Council met on this date in Regular Session with Chairperson Gwendolyn L. Hidalgo presiding and the following members present: Craig A. Mathews, J Ina, Rodney Olander, Leslie “Les” Rulf, Jr., Patrick J. Hebert, James W. Bennett, Jr., Mark A. Duhon, Dean S. Adams, and Kristi Prejeant Rink, M.D. Absent was Scott Ramsey.
The Invocation was pronounced by Rev. Mathews and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mr. Ina.
Mr. Olander moved that the reading of the First Regular Meeting, August 9, 2023, be dispensed with and that the same be approved. Mr. Bennett seconded the motion, which carried.
Peter Soprano appeared before the Council to announce his candidacy for St. Mary Parish Council Single District No. 3.
Carlo Gagliano, Jr. appeared before Council to an- nounce his candidacy for St. Mary Parish Council Single District No. 8.
Theresa Boykin, Mrs. Pelican State Plus appeared before the Council to discuss the up- coming event for the 12th Annual “Rock the Runway Fashion and Talent Show” on November 11, 2023 at 6:00 p.m., at the Bayou Bend Health Center. She informed that general seating tickets are $10.00 each and table seating tickets range from $120.00 to $180.00 and can be purchased by calling 337-578-1618.
Rev. Mathews pledged $50.00, Mr. Duhon pledged $100.00, and Mrs. Hidalgo informed that she has re- served a table.
Legal Counsel, Morgan Guillory Bodin informed Council Members that they can announce their candidacy for re- election under Public Comment at this time.
The following Council Members announced their candidacy for re- lection: District 1 Craig Mathews; District 2 J Ina (unopposed); District 3 Rodney Olander; District 5 Leslie “Les” Rulf, Jr.; District 6 Patrick J. Hebert; District 7 James W. Bennett, Jr.; District 8 Mark A. Duhon; At-Large District 9 Kristi Prejeant Rink, M.D. (unopposed); At-Large District 11 Dean S. Adams (unopposed); At- Large District 10 Gwendolyn L. Hidalgo; and ab- sent is District 4 Scott Ramsey, who is not running for re-election.
Parish President David Hanagriff informed that he will be attending the Joint Chamber Luncheon on August 24, 2023 where the guest speaker will be Senator John Neely Kennedy.
President Hanagriff also in- formed that the Annual Shrimp and Petroleum Festival will be held in Morgan City on Labor Day Weekend.
President Hanagriff congratulated every one that has qualified for election or re-election of Public Office that will be held on October 14, 2023.
Chief Administrative Officer, Jean Paul Bourg, submitted his re- port for a two (2) week period ending August 23, 2023.
Several Council Members and Mr. Bourg discussed issues with parish owned buildings specifically the old Whitney Bank Building and the Sales Tax & Use Building in Morgan City, concerns relative to the old Plantation Inn in Patterson, Pump Station No. 9 status, bear issues in Bayou Vista, bear can contract with Pelican Waste, and recent shoulder work on Duhon Bypass Road and Degravelle Road that was completed in Amelia.
Several Council Members and Mr. Bourg discussed the Personnel Policy Committee, board member selection, and payroll concerns and costs for boards and commissions. Discussion was also had relative to state compliance regulations for fire districts.
Rev. Mathews requested to place discussion relative to procedures and functions of ad- ministration re- garding boards and commissions on the next agenda.
Mr. Ina moved that the following Ordinance be adopted. Rev. Mathews seconded the motion, which carried by the following 10-0-0-1 Roll Call vote:
YEAS: Mathews, Ina, Olander, Rulf, Hebert, Bennett, Duhon, Adams, Rink, and Hidalgo
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Ramsey
ORDINANCE NO. 2344
An Ordinance amending Ordinance No. 2079 to rename the Save Our Children Mentoring Center and repealing all ordinances in conflict herewith.
THIS ORDINANCE IS AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW IN THE PARISH COUNCIL’S OFFICE
Mr. Olander moved that the following Resolution be adopted. The Council seconded the motion, which carried by the following 10-0-0-1 Roll Call vote:
YEAS: Ina, Olan-der, Rulf, Hebert, Bennett, Duhon, Adams, Rink, Hidalgo, and Mathews
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Ramsey
RESOLUTION OF RESPECT
WHEREAS, the Lord Almighty in His Infinite mercy and goodness has seen fit to remove from our midst, Mrs. Lisa Dantin LeBlanc, and
WHEREAS, Mrs. LeBlanc was a lifelong resident of St. Mary Parish who worked for St. Mary Parish Government, Office of Veterans Affairs, and switchboard substitute, for 20 years, and
WHEREAS, August 8th mark-ed the one-year death anniversary dedication to Mrs. LeBlanc, and
WHEREAS, Mrs. LeBlanc’s ab- sence has left a void at the Courthouse, especially seeing her every day on the front steps, and
WHEREAS, Mrs. LeBlanc was a devoted Saints fan, joke teller, loved cooking, home decorating, tending to her plants, and caring for her birds, and
WHEREAS, Mrs. LeBlanc was a loving and devoted wife to her first love “Buddy”, sister, mother, and grandmother, and
WHEREAS, the members of the St. Mary Parish Council wish to ac- knowledge publicly their sorrow and sympathy to the family of Mrs. Le- Blanc, and
WHEREAS, the St. Mary Parish Council hopes that her family will find comfort in the thought that their grief and sorrow are shared by their friends.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the St. Mary Parish Council through the unanimous adoption of this resolution that they solemnly deliberate with sincere condolences, sympathy, and understanding during this time of grief.
ADOPTED AND APPROV-ED by the St. Mary Parish Council in regular session convened on this the 23rd day of August 2023.
APPROVED:
S/G
GWENDOLYN L.
HIDALGO
_________________
GWENDOLYN L. HIDALGO CHAIRPERSON
ST. MARY PARISH COUNCIL
ATTEST:
S/G LISA C. MORGAN
_________________
LISA C.
MORGAN, CLERK
ST. MARY PARISH COUNCIL
Mr. Olander moved that the following Resolution be adopted. Mr. Hebert seconded the motion, which carried by the following 10-0-0-1 Roll Call vote:
YEAS: Olander, Rulf, Hebert, Bennett, Duhon, Adams, Rink, Hidalgo, Mathews, and Ina
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Ramsey
RESOLUTION
RESOLUTION URGING THE U.S. SECRETARY OF COMMERCE AND THE U.S. TRADE REPRESENTATIVE TO IMPLEMENT THE EXISTING MEASURES TO LIMIT THE OVERALL VOLUME OF IMPORTED SHRIMP IN AMERICA IN ORDER TO IN- SURE THE SURVIVAL OF OUR DOMESTIC WILD CAUGHT SHRIMP HARVESTERS AND AMERICA’S ACCESS TO WILD HARVESTED SHRIMP FROM DOMESTIC WATERS; AND URGING THE COMMISSIONERS OF THE INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION, WHEN CONSIDERING IMPORTS TO INCLUDE ALL FORMS OF SHRIMP FROM ALL COUNTRIES; AND OTHERWISE TO PROVIDE WITH RE- SPECT THERETO.
WHEREAS, the influx of imported shrimp into America has resulted in the catastrophic collapse of the domestic shrimp industry, and
WHEREAS, many boat owners/operators have been docked thereby creating significant challenges to our local economy and the countless individuals who rely on this sector, and
WHEREAS, the Northern Gulf of Mexico has historically been a thriving hub for shrimp production, with rich waters and a favorable climate creating optimal conditions for shrimp stocks and harvest, and
WHEREAS, imported shrimp now dominates cold storage, distribution hubs and the American market at a level that voids the margin of the market the domestic harvesters are able to fulfill, and
WHEREAS, if action is not taken, not only will small family fishing business owners go under but, also businesses with which we conduct commerce with will go under. Furthermore, working waterfront and land-based fishery infrastructure will be lost, thereby loosing access to this wild caught food source, and
WHEREAS, the consequences of the inundation of imported shrimp into our markets has caused im- mense disruption and economic in- stability for our local shrimp producers, including risk of closure or already being shut down. The loss also extends to the loss of livelihoods and the socioeconomic well-being of the communities reliant of this in- dustry.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the St. Mary Parish Council, the governing authority, urges the U.S. Secretary of Commerce and the U.S. Trade Representative to implement the existing measures to limit the overall volume of imported shrimp in America in order to insure the survival of our domestic wild caught shrimp harvesters and America’s access to wild harvested shrimp from do- mestic waters; and urging the Commissioners of the International Trade Commission, when considering imports, to include all forms of shrimp from all countries.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLV-ED, that this Resolution be forwarded to all the following:
• All Commissioners of the International Trade Commission
• The U.S. Secretary of Commerce, The Honorable Gina Raimondo
• The U.S. Trade Representative, The Honorable Katherine Tai
• U.S. Senator John Kennedy
• U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy
• U.S. Representative Steve Scalise
• Governor John Bel Edwards
BE IT FURTHER RESOLV-ED THAT the Secretary of this Council is hereby authorized and directed to immediately certify and release this Resolution and that Parish officials and employees are authorized to carry out the purposes of this Resolution, both without further reading and approval by the St. Mary Parish Council.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the St. Mary Parish Council through the unanimous adoption of this resolution that they solemnly deliberate with sincere condolences, sympathy, and understanding during this time of grief.
ADOPTED AND APPROV-ED by the St. Mary Parish Council in regular session convened on this the 23rd day of August 2023.
APPROVED:
S/G
GWENDOLYN L.
HIDALGO
________________GWENDOLYN L. HIDALGO CHAIRPERSON
ST. MARY PARISH COUNCIL
ATTEST:
S/G LISA C. MORGAN
________________
LISA C.
MORGAN, CLERK
ST. MARY PARISH COUNCIL
Mr. Olander ex- pounded on the importance of supporting this resolution that will limit the amount of imported shrimp coming into America and affecting the local industry. He also informed that St. Bernard Parish has an ordinance banning the sale and distribution of imported shrimp.
Per Rev. Mathews’ inquiry relative to imported shrimp being sold at the Shrimp and Petroleum Festival, several Council Members stated that nothing is in place because too many places sell it, including restaurants and grocery stores.
President Hanagriff informed that the Shrimp and Petroleum Festival is a separate entity that may not allow im- ported shrimp and suggested Rev. Mathews meet with the committee to discuss concerns.
Mr. Olander moved that the following Resolutions be adopted. Mr. Adams seconded the motion, which carried by the following 10-0-0-1 Roll Call vote:
YEAS: Rulf, Hebert, Bennett, Duhon, Adams, Rink, Hidalgo, Mathews, Ina, and Olander
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Ramsey
RESOLUTION
A Resolution providing for the approval and authorization for Change Order No. 2 relative to the Asphaltic Concrete Roadway & Drainage Improvements to East Martin Luther King Road project.
WHEREAS, a certain contract has been entered into between the St. Mary Parish Council and Glenn Lege Construction, LLC, 1339 Fortune Road, Youngsville, Louisiana 70592, relative to the Asphaltic Concrete Roadway & Drainage Improvements to East Martin Luther King Road Project, and
WHEREAS, the items as shown on Change Order No. 2 will result in an increase of 99.5 working days in the contract time.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the St. Mary Parish Council does hereby approve the issuance of Change Order No. 2 covering an in- crease of 99.5 working days in the contract time for the Asphaltic Concrete Roadway & Drainage Im- provements to East Martin Luth-er King Road project.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLV-ED, that the President of St. Mary Parish, David Hanagriff, be and he is hereby authorized to execute Change Order No. 2 on behalf of the St. Mary Parish Council.
ADOPTED AND APPROV-ED by the St. Mary Parish Council in regular session convened on this the 23rd day of August 2023.
APPROVED:
S/G
GWENDOLYN L.
HIDALGO
________________GWENDOLYN L. HIDALGO, CHAIRPERSON
ST. MARY PARISH COUNCIL
ATTEST:
S/G LISA C. MORGAN
________________
LISA C.
MORGAN, CLERK
ST. MARY PARISH COUNCIL
RESOLUTION
Resolution ap- proving and authorizing the Parish President to execute Amendment No. 1 to Task Order No. 1 of the MSA with Aptim dated January 5, 2023, relative to Administrative Services at the Harry P. Williams Memorial Airport.
BE IT RESOLV-ED, that David Hanagriff, President of the Parish of St. Mary, be and he is hereby authorized and directed, for and on behalf of the Parish Council, to execute Amendment No. 1 to Task Order No. 1 of the MSA with Aptim dated January 5, 2023, relative to Administrative Services at the Harry P. Williams Memorial Airport, with said task order to contain such terms, conditions, and stipulations as he may best see fit, he being fully authorized in the premises.
ADOPTED AND APPROV-ED by the St. Mary Parish Council in regular session convened on this the 23rd day of August 2023.
APPROVED:
S/G
GWENDOLYN L.
HIDALGO
_______________
GWENDOLYN L. HIDALGO, CHAIRPERSON
ST. MARY PARISH COUNCIL
ATTEST:
S/G LISA C. MORGAN
________________
LISA C.
MORGAN, CLERK
ST. MARY PARISH COUNCIL
RESOLUTION
Resolution ap- proving and authorizing the Parish President to execute Amendment No. 2 to the Professional Services Agreement with Aptim relative to Disaster Assistance Services re- lated to the Hurricane Laura (DR4559) and Hurricane Delta (DR4570).
BE IT RESOLV-ED, that David Hanagriff, President of the Parish of St. Mary, be and he is hereby authorized and directed, for and on behalf of the Parish Council, to execute Amendment No. 2 to the Professional Services Agreement with Aptim relative to Disaster Assistance Services related to the Hurricane Laura (DR4559) and Hurricane Delta (DR4570), with said agreement to contain such terms, conditions, and stipulations as he may best see fit, he being fully authorized in the premises.
ADOPTED AND APPROV-ED by the St. Mary Parish Council in regular session convened on this the 23rd day of August 2023.
APPROVED:
S/G
GWENDOLYN L.
HIDALGO
________________GWENDOLYN L. HIDALGO, CHAIRPERSON
ST. MARY PARISH COUNCIL
ATTEST:
S/G LISA C. MORGAN
________________
LISA C.
MORGAN, CLERK
ST. MARY PARISH COUNCIL
RESOLUTION
Resolution ap- proving and authorizing the Parish President to execute Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Agreement with Duplantis Design Group, PC dated March 24, 2015, relative to the St. Mary Parish 911 Center Wind Retrofit & Safe Room project.
BE IT RESOLV-ED, that David Hanagriff, President of the Parish of St. Mary, be and he is hereby authorized and directed, for and on behalf of the Parish Council, to execute Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Agreement with Duplantis Design Group, PC dated March 24, 2015, relative to the St. Mary Parish 911 Center Wind Retrofit & Safe Room project, with said agreement to contain such terms, conditions, and stipulations as he may best see fit, he being fully authorized in the premises.
ADOPTED AND APPROV-ED by the St. Mary Parish Council in regular session convened on this the 23rd day of August 2023.
APPROVED:
S/G
GWENDOLYN L.
HIDALGO
________________GWENDOLYN L. HIDALGO, CHAIRPERSON
ST. MARY PARISH COUNCIL
ATTEST:
S/G LISA C. MORGAN
________________
LISA C.
MORGAN, CLERK
ST. MARY PARISH COUNCIL
Mr. Adams mov-ed to expand the agenda to ask South Central Planning & Development Commission to submit the maps before the Council adopts the amended ordinance. Mr. Bennett seconded the motion, which carried.
In response to Mr. Ina’s inquiry, Mr. Adams ex- plained that the lines for Districts 9 and 10 were chang-ed. Dr. Rink ex- plained that when the precincts changed, there was confusion due to lockouts on precincts in the single districts. She stated that At-Large Precincts do not have lockouts because everyone in the Parish votes for all three At- Large Districts. Mr. Peter Soprano’s precinct was no longer in District No. 10, therefore, he had to qualify in Single District No. 3. She further explained that this needs to be corrected before the Council can adopt the amended ordinance to correct the verbiage for the At- Large Districts.
Per Rev. Mathews’ inquiry relative to once the correction is made, will it put Mr. Soprano back in District 10, Dr. Rink stated that at the time, the Registrar of Voters Office and Secretary of State’s legal description for his district had him recorded in District 9, which is where he would have had to qualify for the at-large district.
Mr. Duhon re- minded the Council that at the Council Meeting, he requested to see the new map with the At-Large Districts from Josh Manning, South Central Planning, and was told that he did not bring it with him.
After lengthy discussion, Mr. Adams requested that South Central Planning be on the agenda to submit the maps for re- view and discussion.
Mr. Peter Soprano requested that he be placed as a guest on the agenda to discuss the redistricting maps.
Rev. Mathews requested that Registrar of Voter Terri Foulcard be placed on the agenda to discuss the redistricting maps.
NEW
BUSINESS:
A. St. Mary Community Action Agency has submitted their Pre- Application re- questing funds for Program Year 2024. Funding Re- quest $69,500.00. (Transportation Funds - $45,500.00 and Elderly Nutrition - $24,000.00)
Mr. Duhon re- ferred this item to the Budget Fin-ance Committee.
B. Rev. Mathews to request an allocation of $5,000 from Wards 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, & 10 3/10% Sales Tax Fund to the Fire Protection District No. 11 relative to fire hydrant testing and inspections.
Rev. Mathews moved that funds from Wards 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, & 10 3/10% Sales Tax Fund in the amount of $5,000 be allocated to Fire Protection District No. 11 for fire hydrant testing and inspections. Mr. Adams seconded the motion, which carried.
C. Appointments to the following Boards and Commissions:
Fire Protection District No. 3 (Amelia) – 5 Vacancies
Larry J. Aucoin – Present Member Joseph Foret, Jr.
Randy Bijeaux Royal Young
Denise Chaisson Clint Abshire – Present Member
Tom Nguyen - Present Member
Mr. Duhon mov-ed that Larry J.Aucoin, and Clint Abshire be reappointed and Denise Chaisson, Joseph Foret, Jr., and Royal Young be appointed to Fire Protection District No. 3. Dr. Rink seconded the motion, which carried
St. Mary Parish Personnel Board – 5 Vacancies
Donna Bogan – Present MemberCarla A. Davis
Mr. Ina moved that Donna Bogan be reappointed and Carla A. Davis be appointed to the St. Mary Parish Personnel Board. Rev. Mathews seconded the motion, which carried.
St. Mary Parish Planning & Zoning Commission – 2 Vacancies
Barry C. Druilhet, Sr. – Present Member
Daniel Lipari – Present Member
Mr. Olander moved that Barry C. Druilhet, Sr. and Daniel Lipari be reappointed to the St. Mary Parish Planning & Zoning Commission. Mr. Hebert seconded the motion, which carried.
Recreation District No. 6 (Baldwin, Jeanerette, and Charenton) – 5 Vacancies
Kimberly Caesar – Present MemberIris Collins-Tillman – Present Member
Jimmy Gibson
Lisa Morgan informed that late applications were received and will be placed on the next agenda.
Rev. Mathews moved that Kimberly Caesar and Iris Collins-Tillman be reappointed and Jimmy Gibson be appointed to Recreation District No. 6. Mr. Ina seconded the motion, which carried.
Recreation District No. 7 (Centerville/Verdunville) – 1 Vacancy
No applications received.
Sorrell Community Park Advisory Committee – 3 Vacancies
No applications received.
There being no further business, Dr. Rink moved for adjournment. Mr. Olander seconded the motion, which carried.
S/G
GWENDOLYN L. HIDALGO
________________
Gwendolyn L.
Hidalgo
Chairperson
S/LISA C.
MORGAN
_____________
Lisa C. Morgan,
Clerk
Adv. Sept. 22, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE
PUBLIC
HEARING REPORT
AUGUST 23, 2023
FRANKLIN,
LOUISIANA
The St. Mary Parish Council held a Public Hearing on this date with Chairperson Gwendolyn L. Hidalgo presiding and the following members present: Craig A. Mathews, J Ina, Rodney Olander, Leslie “Les” Rulf, Jr., Patrick J. Hebert, Mark A. Duhon, and Dean S. Adams. Absent were and Scott Ramsey, James W. Bennett, Jr., and Kristi Prejeant Rink, M.D.
The purpose of the Public Meeting will be to receive written and/or oral comments and to adopt the following ordinance:
An Ordinance amending Ordinance No. 2079 to rename the “Save Our Children Mentoring Center” to the “Will ‘Reggie’ Harrell – Charles ‘Butch’ Middleton Save Our Children Mentoring Center”.
There were no written and/or oral comments received regarding this ordinance.
There being no further business, Mr. Olander moved for adjournment. Mr. Hebert seconded the motion, which carried.
s/g Gwendolyn L.
Hidalgo
________________
Gwendolyn L.
Hidalgo,
Chairperson
s/g Lisa C.
Morgan
________________
Lisa C. Morgan, Clerk
Adv. Sept. 22, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE
Centerville,
Louisiana
August 10, 2023
The St. Mary Parish School Board met in regular session on Thursday, August 10, 2023, 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:
Present: Mr. Joseph C. Foulcard Jr., Ms. Tammie L. Moore, Mrs. Lindsey T. Anslem, Mrs. Ginger S. Griffin, Ms. Marilyn P. LaSalle, Mr. Murphy J. Pontiff Jr., Mr. Chad M. Paradee, Mrs. Alaina L. Black, Mr. Andrew V. Mancuso and Mrs. Rhonda R. Dennis.
Absent: Ms. Debra R. Jones.
Invocation
Ms. Estay gave the Invocation.
Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America.
President Black led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America.
Appearances:
Recognition of newly appointed positions:
Ms. Estay recognized and congratulated the new appointees as follows:
• Mrs. Kimberly Caesar – St. Mary Parish K-2 In- structional Specialist
• Mr. Larry Hartman- Asst. Principal of Morgan City High School
• Mrs. Angela Comeaux – Asst. Principal of Morgan City High School
• Mr. Gary Aucoin- Asst. Principal of Morgan City Junior High School
• Mrs. Kimberly Dupre – Asst. Principal of Centerville High School
• Ms. Laquanda Gray – Asst. Principal of Franklin Junior High School
• Ms. Amy Vaccarella- Principal of Patterson High School
• Mr. Kaylum Vead – St. Mary Parish Public Schools Chief Technology Officer
Approval of Amended Agenda.
No amended agenda.
Approval of Official School Board Minutes.
Mrs. Dennis offered the motion and Mrs. Anslem offered the second to approve the official school board minutes from the regular school board meeting held on July 13, 2023. All in favor and the motion carried.
Approval of Consent Agenda.
President Black stated that Board Members can re- move any of the items on the consent agenda for further discussion in the regular proceedings. Dr. Fegenbush read aloud the items on the consent agenda as follows:
New Business
Personnel:
Item 1. *Ap- proval of policies from Forethought Consulting as revised by Hammonds and Sills
B. Public Participation in School Board Meetings (BCBI)
C. School and Student Safety (EBBB)
D. Carpool and Bus Line Safety (EDCC) NEW
E. Continuous Learning (IDCJ) NEW
H. Corporal Punishment (JDA)
I. Administration of Medication (JGCD)
Item 2. *Approval of revised job description for:
A. *Special Education Gifted and Talented Liaison
B. *Federal/Special Programs Liaison
Item 6. *Ap- prove banking resolutions authorizing signatories at various schools as a result of recent appointments.
Item 7. *Re- quest permission to obtain proposals for health insurance for the year commencing
January 1, 2024.
Item 8. *Re- quest permission to obtain proposals for vision insurance for the year commencing
January 1, 2024.
Item 9. *Re- quest permission to obtain proposals for dental insurance for the year commencing January 1, 2024.
Item 10. *Proclamation(s):
A. *Suicide Prevention Awareness Month (September)
Item 11. *Permission to sale surplus vehicles and buses to highest bidder.
Item 12. *Award bid for walk – through metal detectors.
Ms. LaSalle made a motion to approve the consent agenda, with the exception of pulling Item 1-A, 1-F and 1-G for further discussion. Ms. Moore made a second, all in favor and the motion carried.
Business Af- fairs:
Item 1. *Approval of policies from Forethought Consulting as revised by Hammonds and Sills (Moved from Consent)
A. Teleconference/Remote Participation in School Board Meetings (BCAD)
Ms. LaSalle made a motion and seconded by Mrs. Dennis to approve the policy for Teleconference/Remote Participation in School Board Meetings (BCAD), as presented by Ms. Estay. All in favor and the motion carried.
F. Attendance (JB)
Ms. LaSalle made a motion and seconded by Mrs. Anslem to approve the policy for Attendance (JB), as presented by Ms. Estay. All in favor and the motion carried.
G. Student Ab- sences and Excuses (JBD)
Ms. LaSalle made a motion and seconded by Ms. Moore to approve the policy for Student Absences and Excuses (JBD), as presented by Ms. Estay. All in favor and the motion carried.
Item 3. Approve revisions of the St. Mary Parish School Board Comprehensive Salary and
Classification (Goldbook)
A. Administrative Salary Schedule (page 9)
Mr. Mancuso made a motion and seconded by Mrs. Dennis to approve the Administrative Salary Schedule on page 9 of the St. Mary Parish School Board Comprehensive Salary and Classification Goldbook, as presented. The motion carried with Ms. Griffin and Ms. LaSalle voting nay.
B. School Clerical Staffing Formula (page 10)
Mrs. Griffin made a motion to approve the School Clerical Staffing Formula on page 10 of the St. Mary Parish School Board Comprehensive Salary and Classification Goldbook, as presented.
Mr. Paradee made a substitute motion to revise elementary and middle school’s student count from 0-600 to 0-500 and approve remaining revisions of Item 3 B (School Clerical Staffing Formula) as written. Mr. Pontiff made a second, all in favor and the motion carried.
C. St. Mary Parish School Board Recap of Stipend Pay (page 29)
Mr. Mancuso made a motion and seconded by Ms. LaSalle to approve the St. Mary Parish School Board Recap of Stipend Pay on page 29 of the Comprehensive Salary and Classification Goldbook, as presented. All in favor and the motion carried.
Item 4. Approval of the 2023-2024 St. Mary Parish School Board Comprehensive Salary and
Classification Goldbook.
Ms. Moore made a motion and seconded by Mr. Paradee to approve the 2023-2024 St. Mary Parish School Board Comprehensive Salary and Classification Goldbook, as presented by Ms. Estay. All in favor and the motion carried.
Item 5. Receive Group Health In- surance update.
Mr. James Perez with DJW Insurance Agency provided a claims summary updated through July 2023 for the Group Health Insurance Plan. In July there was a loss ratio of 119 percent, with $1,100,000 in claims compared to $935,000 of premiums collected. Year to date, the simple loss ratio was 110 percent, and 121 percent after expense ad- justments. Year-to-date, there were 45 large claims over $25,000. Six additional large claims hit in the month of July, and two of those claims exceeded $95,000 and one exceeded $215,000. The increase in large claims for July compared to June was $645,000. Of the 45 large claims, 44 are still active. Another area of concern was the cost of prescription drugs, especially the medications Ozempic and Mounjaro. Just in the month of July, there was an additional spending of $50,000 on medications Ozempic and Mounjaro. Mr. Perez will present the renewal information on the fully insured plan and also an option for a self-funded plan at the September 14, 2023 regular school board meeting.
Item 13. Discuss and take necessary action on bids received for Franklin Jr. High School roofing project using Essers Funds.
Mr. Pontiff made a motion and seconded by Mrs. Anslem to award the Reroofing project at Franklin Junior High School to Roof Technologies Inc., of Harvey, Louisiana, for the amount of $994,640, which included the base bid plus alternate bids #1 and #2, as presented by Mr. Wiese. All in favor and the motion carried.
Item 14. Discuss and take necessary action on bids received for the St. Mary Alternative Program roofing project using Essers Funds.
Mr. Mancuso made a motion and seconded by Mrs. Anslem to award the Reroofing project at the St. Mary Alternative Program to Partin Roofing of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, for the amount of $347,800, which included the base bid plus alternative bid #1, as presented by Mr. Wiese. All in favor and the motion carried.
Item 15. Discuss and take necessary action on bids received for Patterson High School roofing project using Essers Funds.
Item 16. Discuss and take necessary action on bids received for Berwick Jr. High School roofing project using Essers Funds.
Item 17. Discuss and take necessary action on bids received for Berwick High School roofing project using Essers Funds.
Mr. Pontiff made a motion and seconded by Ms. LaSalle to vote on Item 15, 16, and 17 in Globo. All in favor and the motion carried.
Mr. Wiese recommended that the Board reject all bids as defined in Item 15, 16, and 17 and allow to readvertise projects with some cost reduction measures.
Mr. Paradee made a motion and seconded by Mrs. Anslem to reject all bids and readvertise projects for Item 15, 16, and 17. All in favor and the motion carried.
Item 18. Permission to purchase double classroom building with restrooms for Norman Elementary School with an estimated cost of $175,000.00 funded by District III Maintenance Funds.
Mr. Wiese indicated that the cost of the double classroom increased by $20,000 from the original estimated cost. He’s requesting $195,000.00 funded by Maintenance District III to purchase a double classroom building with restrooms for Norman Elementary School.
Mr. Mancuso made a motion and seconded by Mrs. Dennis to approve purchase for a double classroom building with restrooms for Norman Elementary School for an estimated cost of $195,000.00 funded by District III Maintenance Funds, as presented by Mr. Wiese. All in favor and the motion carried.
Item 19. Ap- prove Intergovernmental Agreement between St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office and St. Mary Parish School Board for School Resource Officers (K-9 Services).
Ms. LaSalle made a motion and seconded by Ms. Moore to approve Intergovernmental Agreement be- tween the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office and the St. Mary Parish School Board for School Resource Officers (K-9 Services), as presented by Dr. Sanders. All in favor and the motion carried.
Item 20. Discuss and take action on uniform shirt color shortage at West St. Mary High School.
President Black allowed for public comment as re- quested by B. Edward Boudreaux Middle School Principal Alexis Rack.
Principal Rack indicated that West St. Mary High School and B. Edward Boudreaux Middle School shares a school campus. She asked the Board to consider removing white shirts from B. Edward Boudreaux Middle School if the shirt color gets approve for West St. Mary High School. This would help to differentiate between the two schools and also help with safety issues.
After discussion, Attorney Evan Al- varez suggested that Board address B. Edward Boudreaux Middle School at a future meeting, due to the fact that it was not on the agenda, and it is a completely different school.
Ms. Moore made a motion and seconded by Ms. LaSalle to accept the color exception of white shirts in addition to the Carolina blue shirts for West St. Mary high School due to the color shortage. All in favor and the motion carried.
Reports
Committees:
Staff Report:
Chief Financial Officer’s Report:
Sale Tax Update
Mr. Perry re- ported that the sales tax collections for the first month into the new year estimated at $2,200,000, which was a slight difference from last year’s collections for the first month into the new year.
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 on August 3rd, the annual districtwide first day teacher in-service was held at Franklin Senior High School.
This summer, St. Mary Parish Schools had three students to complete their graduation requirements and they were also honored at a graduation ceremony.
Tuesday, August 8th was the first day of school. Students were greeted with smiles and warm welcomes. Faculty and staff have been preparing for the return of St. Mary’s children all summer, and it was evident.
On August 19th, a School Board Member Retreat will be held at the Central Office Complex in Centerville, Louisiana from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The retreat facilitated by the Louisiana School Board Association, will focus on effective governance for school boards and their roles and responsibilities of school board members and their Superintendent, along with best practices.
In closing, Dr. Fegenbush invited the public to at- tend the St. Mary Parish School Board special session for the annual budget review scheduled for Wednesday, August 16th at 3:00 p.m., in the Evans Medine Meeting Room at the Central Office Complex in Centerville, Louisiana.
Closing:
Resolutions of Respect
Ms. Estay read the Resolutions of Respect for the late Wineva Acosta (retired school food service technician)
RESOULTION
IN MEMORIAM OF
Wineva
Acosta
WHEREAS, Al- mighty God, in His infinite wisdom, has taken from our midst Wineva Acosta, and
WHEREAS, her untimely death has de prived the St. Mary Parish School System of a retired school board member and a fine citizen;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the St. Mary Parish School Board and the people attending this Board meeting, rise and bow our heads in silent prayer out of respect for the late Wineva Acosta, and extend to her bereaved family our sincere condolences in this, their hour of sorrow; and in these inadequate words, endeavor to express the high regard in which we held her in life and honor her memory in death.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLV-ED that a copy of this resolution be inscribed on a separate page of the official proceedings of this meeting; that a copy of this resolution be sent to the be- reaved family of Wineva Acosta, and that this meeting adjourns out of respect for her.
This Resolution was therefore declared approved and adopted this 13th of July, 2023.
(S) Alaina L. Black
ALAINA L. BLACK,
PRESIDENT
ATTEST:
(S) Buffy
Fegenbush
BUFFY
FEGENUSH, Ed.D.,
SECRETARY
Adjournment:
With there being no further business to address, Mr. Pontiff made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:09 p.m. Mrs. Anslem made a second, all in favor and the motion carried.
Adv. Sept. 22, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE TO
BIDDERS
Notice is hereby given by St. Mary Parish Drainage District No. 1 that sealed bid will be received by the St. Mary Parish Government Purchasing Department until, Thursday, October 5, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. on the Fifth Floor Courthouse, 500 Main St. Franklin, LA 70538 for the following:
“USED HYDRAULIC CRAWLER EXCAVATOR”
Then and there bids will be opened and read aloud. Bids received after the specified time and date will not be opened or recognized. Specifications and contract documents for the above can be ob- tained upon re- quest from the St. Mary Parish Purchasing Department on the Fifth Floor Courthouse, Franklin, LA 70538 and can be downloaded from Central Bidding at www.centralbidding.com Bids may be submitted electronically at Central Bidding or mailed to the office of St. Mary Parish Government Purchasing Department.
ENVELOPES MUST BE MARKED AS FOLLOWS:
“BIDS FOR USED HYDRAULIC CRAWLER EXCAVATOR”
ST. MARY PARISH GOVERNMENT PURCHASING DEPARTMENT
500 MAIN ST. FIFTH FLOOR COURTHOUSE
FRANKLIN, LA 70538
St. Mary Parish Government re- serves the right to reject any and/or all bids to wave informalities in any/or all bids, and to award the contract in the best interest of St. Mary Parish.
Thus Done and signed at Franklin, Parish of St. Mary, Louisiana on this 20th day of September, 2023
s/n Chad
Gianfala
_______________
Chad Gianfala
President
St. Mary Parish Consolidated Gravity Drainage District
No. 1
Adv. Sept. 20, 22, 27 & 29, 2023
PUBLIC NOTICE
The Chitimacha Tribe of Louisiana is seeking Requests for Proposals for a Fiber Optics Expansion Project. Interested firms may visit the Chitimacha Tribe of Louisiana’s website at http://www.chitimacha.gov/announcements to download the published RFP. The deadline for submissions is Friday, October 6, 2023, by 4:30 p.m., Central Time.
Adv. Sept. 13, 15, 20, 22, 27 and 29, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE
Centerville,
Louisiana
August 16, 2023
The St. Mary Parish School Board met in special session for a budget workshop on Wednesday, Au- gust 16, 2023, at 3:00 p.m., in the Evans Medine Meeting Room at the Central Office Complex in Centerville, Louisiana, with the following members answering to roll call:
Present: Mr. Joseph C. Foulcard Jr., Ms. Tammie L. Moore, Mrs. Lindsey T. Anslem, Ms. Debra R. Jones, Mrs. Ginger S. Griffin, Ms. Marilyn P. LaSalle, Mr. Murphy J. Pontiff Jr., Mr. Chad M. Paradee, Mrs. Alaina L. Black, Mr. Andrew V. Mancuso and Mrs. Rhonda R. Dennis.
Absent: None
Invocation
Ms. Estay gave the Invocation.
Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America.
President Black led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America.
Business Af- fairs:
Item 1. Receive information relative to the upcoming group health insurance renewal.
Mr. James Perez of DJW Insurance provided the Board with a handout explaining the financial impact on the 2024 insurance renewal for the Medicare Advantage plan and Commercial plan.
The Medicare Advantage plan, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana has requested a rate adjustment from $222 to $227 per year, which would be a $42,000 increase compared to the current premium. Extra benefit enhancements for the 2024 renewal includes: the dental benefit will increase from $1,200 basic plan to $2,000 comprehensive plan with $0 out of pocket for members. The vision plan in- creased from $225 to $300 for glasses/contact benefit. The hearing benefit has a large increase from $500 to $1,000. The over-the-counter benefit increased from $50 a quarter to $100 a quarter.
The 2024 projected premium for the fully insured Commercial Group Health plan is $13,053,507.28, which represents a $1,713,507.28 or 15 percent increase of the current premium.
The total projected annual in- crease to the St. Mary Parish School Board budget is estimated at $1,755,507, which included the Medicare Advantage plan of $42,000, and the Commercial Group Health Plan estimated total of $1,713,507.
The self-funded proposal from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana will probably be available early October. If the Board decided to move to self-funded it would be an additional estimate of $3,200,000, to be allocated to the reserve account, which is 25 percent of anticipated claims.
A Health Insurance Renewal Workshop has been scheduled for Thursday, September 14, 2023 at 4:00 p.m., in the Evans Medine Meeting Room at the Central Office Complex in Centerville, Louisiana to receive group health insurance renewal proposals.
Item 2. Receive information relative to the Differentiated Compensation Plan re- quired by the Louisiana Department of Education.
Dr. Fegenbush provided the Board with a handout received at the end of July 2023 from the Louisiana Department of Education for the St. Mary Parish School Board to create a plan for the Differentiated Compensation Allocation. She briefly explained how the Differentiated Compensation funds can be used. The Board will receive the plan to review prior to the September 14th regular school board meeting.
Item 3. Review General Funds, Maintenance District Funds, and School Food Service Funds of the Consolidated Budget for the year ending June 30, 2023.
Chief Financial Officer Alton Perry and Chief Accountant Becky Voisin provided the Board with a Budget Workshop booklet and other supporting documents for the 2023-2024 budget projections on the General Funds, Maintenance District Funds, and School Food Service Funds.
The General Fund revenues for the proposed 2023-2024 budget estimated at $88,505,070 compared to 2022-2023 budget of $85,583,888.
The General Fund expenditures were reviewed on an account-by-account basis and amended in some instances as follows:
• Allocate $10,000 to the St. Mary Parish Alternative Program.
• Increase board members travel from $55,000 to $66,000.
• Allocate $100,000 to the Superintendent’s Discretionary Funds.
• Increase Hu- man Resource travel from $5,000 to $10,000.
Mr. Perry briefly explained the budget summary of the Maintenance Districts for the period July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024 as follows:
• Maintenance District I projected fund balance for June 30, 2024 after revenues and expenditures estimated at $384,237.
• Maintenance District II projected fund balance for June 30, 2024 after revenues and expenditures estimated at $1,451,600.
• Maintenance District III projected fund balance for June 30, 2024 after revenues and expenditures estimated at $2,730,488.
School Food Service projected fund balance for June 30, 2024 after revenues and expenditures estimated at $3,318,757.
The formal adoption of the St. Mary Parish School Board Consolidated Budget will be approved at the Thursday, September 14, 2023 regular school board meeting at 5:30 p.m., at the Central Office Complex in Centerville, Louisiana.
A public hearing will be held on Thursday, September 14, 2023 at 5:15 p.m., prior to the regular school board meeting of the St. Mary Parish School Board, at the Central Office Complex in Centerville, Louisiana for the purpose of review and input from the general public on the Consolidated Budget (General Fund, Special Revenue Funds and all other Funds of the St. Mary Parish School Board) for the year ending June 30, 2024.
The Consolidated Budget will be available for public inspection at the Central Office Complex located at 474 Hwy 317, Centerville, Louisiana.
Mr. Mancuso made a motion and seconded by Mrs. Anslem to adjourn the meeting at 6:13 p.m. All in favor and the motion carried.
Adv. Sept. 22, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE
ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS
The City of Morgan City hereby advertises bids for construction of WATER TREATMENT PLANT IMPROVEMENTS PHASE I, MORGAN CITY, LOUISIANA
as follows:
Owner: THE CITY OF MORGAN CITY
Project Title: WATER TREATMENT PLANT IMPROVEMENTS PHASE I MORGAN CITY, LOUISIANA
Sealed bids marked “Sealed Bid – Water Treatment Plant Improvements Phase I, Morgan City, Louisiana” will be received at the City of Morgan City Hall, 512 1st Street, Morgan City, LA 70380. Electronic bids should be submitted to www.centralbidding.com.
Bids shall be addressed to the City of Morgan City and delivered to the City of Morgan City Hall located at 512 1st Street, Morgan City, LA 70380 or electronically submitted at www.centralbidding.com no later than 2:00 P.M. local time on Friday, October 20, 2023.
Any bid re- ceived after the specified time and date will not be considered. The sealed bids will be publicly opened and read aloud at 2:00 P.M. local time on Friday, October 20, 2023, at the City of Morgan City Hall located at 512 1st Street, Morgan City, LA 70380.
The information for Bidders, Form of Bid Proposal, Form of Contract, Plans, Specifications, and Forms of Bid Bond, Performance Bond and Payment Bond, and other contract documents may be examined at the office of Professional Engineering and Environmental Consultants, Inc. at 46148 LA Highway 445, Robert, LA 70455. If you would like to examine a set of plans or pick up a set, please contact Jeff Meyers at (225) 268-6925 or jeff@peecinc.com to set up a time. A set of such documents may be obtained from the Engineers by prospective bidders upon payment of ONE HUNDRED FIFTY DOLLARS ($150.00) deposit. This deposit will be refunded upon request in accordance with R.S. 38:2212. An electronic set of Contract Documents, Technical Specifications and Drawings may be obtained by submitting a request to james@peecinc.com and is available on www.centralbidding.com.
All questions must be submitted in writing by email to james@peecinc.com.
Each Bidder must deposit with his/her bid, security in the amount, form and subject to the conditions provided in the Information for Bidders. Sureties used for obtaining bonds must appear as acceptable on the U.S. Department of Treasury Circular 570.
No bid may be withdrawn for at least forty-five (45) days after scheduled closing time for receipt of bids.
The Owner re- serves the right to reject any and all bids for just cause. Such actions will be in accordance with Title 38 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes. All bidders must sign: (1) the Bid; (2) Certificate of Corporate Principal and Surety; (3) any Addenda issued; and (4) Bid Bond which MUST al- ways accompany the bid in the correct amount.
A Corporate Resolution authorizing a representative of the corporation to sign the bid MUST accompany the bid if the bidder is a corporation.
A Mandatory Pre-Bid Conference will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Tuesday, October 10, 2023, at the City of Morgan City Water Treatment Plant located at 1617 Federal Avenue, Morgan City, LA 70380.
The Contractor shall begin mobilization and procurement of materials within ten (10) working days of receipt of the Notice to Proceed.
The successful bidder will be required to execute the OWNER’S Standard Form of Agreement/Contract for construction together with the Performance and Payment Bonds within ten (10) working days after normal award of contract.
Any person with disabilities requiring special accommodations must contact the City of Morgan City Mayor’s Office at (985) 385-1770 no later than seven (7) days prior to bid opening.
The OWNER hereby notifies all bidders that in regard to any contract entered into pursuant to this Advertisement, that Minority Business Enterprises will be afforded equal opportunity to submit offers in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, sex, national origin or disability in consideration for an award.
IN PARTICULAR, BIDDERS SHOULD NOTE THE REQUIRED ATTACHMENTS AND CERTIFICATIONS TO BE EXECUTED AND SUBMITTED WITH THE BID PROPOSAL.
Adv. Sept. 22, 29 and Oct. 6, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the St. Mary Parish Board of Adjustments will hold a PUBLIC HEARING on MONDAY, October 2, 2023 AT 5:45 P.M. in the Parish Council Meeting Room, Fifth Floor Courthouse, Franklin, Louisiana, for the following purposes:
Shane Cook for a Variance to deviate from Div. 1.6 Agricultural and Residential Standards; Sec 1.6.2 Residential Accessory Uses, Building, and Structures; Table 1.6.2. Detached Accessory Building Standards- Setbacks-Front, Generally- behind the principle building and a Side yard setback variance to deviate from the required 25’ to 10’ located in an Agricultural (AG) Zoned District at 1120 Victoria Riverside Road., Patterson, LA-Sec. 3 T15S R12E; -Parcel Id# 2954364090.00 Lot 9C-2B Resub No 9C Riverside Est Per Plat 425 338593 Acq 426 338658..
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. Sept. 15, 22 and 29, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE
As mandated by the by-laws of the Louisiana Shrimp and Petroleum Festival and Fair
Association, a general membership meeting has been scheduled for Monday, October 23, 2023 at 5:00pm in the Festival Office, located at 715 Second St, Morgan City, Louisiana. This will be a joint Membership and Board Meeting. This meeting has the purpose of accepting nominations and elections of members to the Festival Board of Directors. This is an annual meeting
Adv. Sept. 22, 29 &
Oct. 6, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE
AGENDA
ST. MARY PARISH 911 COMMUNICATIONS
DISTRICT
1200 David Dr. Building B
Morgan City, LA 70380
September 27, 2023
1:00 P.M.
1. Meeting Called to Order
1. Roll Call
1. Minutes: August 2023
1. Public Comment
1. Income Statement: August 2023
2. Expenses Statement: August 2023
7. Old Business: None
8. New Business: None
9. Director Up-dates
10. General Discussion
11. Adjournment
Adv. Sept. 22, 2023