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SLCC makes 'best of' list

Fri, 08/25/2023 - 12:31pm

South Louisiana Community College has claimed the top spot on BestColleges.com, a leading online resource for students.

BestColleges released their updated list for Best Community Colleges in Louisiana of 2023 and South Louisiana Community College has emerged as a standout for certificate training in high-need fields like aviation maintenance technology, medical laboratory science, and culinary arts and occupations.”

"South Louisiana Community College is deeply honored to be recognized as the top community college in Louisiana by BestColleges.com," the system says in a news release. "This acknowledgment is a testament to our commitment to preparing students for success in high-demand fields and empowering individuals to achieve their educational and career goals."

"From our affordability and campus locations close to our students’ homes to SLCC’s focus on providing support that students need to succeed, our college is proud of this top recognition,” said Dr. Vincent June, chancellor of South Louisiana Community College.

The BestColleges rankings are based on statistical data and consistent principles such as academic quality, affordability, and online competency. Since 2014, the site has published college rankings to provide an objective assessment of relative quality, considering academic outcomes, affordability, and the breadth and depth of online learning opportunities.

The site evaluates academic quality by examining the number of students graduating in specific majors, indicating a school’s commitment to those programs. The affordability score considers program cost, student loan rates, and post-graduation loan repayment ability. BestColleges also assesses the quality of online offerings based on program availability, student enrollment, and the school’s investment in remote learners.

Danos moves into coastal restoration work

Fri, 08/25/2023 - 12:29pm

Danos has expanded its portfolio to offer coastal restoration services to customers throughout the Gulf South, the company said in a press release.

In addition to providing the materials and workforce to restore or replace barriers in marine environments, the company is producing and installing artificial reefs tailored to the local habitat.

Most recently, Danos partnered with the Coastal Conservation Association to develop 128 3D-printed concrete modules installed at South Marsh Island 235 south of Cypremort Point.

A major driver of Danos’ investment in coastal restoration services is its partnership with Natrx, a Raleigh, NC-based technology firm developing bioengineering solutions for wetland conservation.

Danos is fabricating two Natrx innovations: the patented Oysterbreak pre-cast concrete modules and the 3D-printed ExoForm (nicknamed “Cajun Coral”) tailored concrete units. Both products represent significant improvements over existing options — such as riprap or bulkheading — saving time and money while offering greater protection and supporting the growth of landmass and marine habitats.

Danos can mass-produce and store both Oysterbreak and Cajun Coral at its Amelia fabrication facility. In addition, the company will deploy a second 3D printer serving as a mobile unit to locations around the world.

“Protecting vital wetlands is a priority for our customers and communities,” said Eric Danos, CEO of Danos Ventures, a Natrx investor. “By investing in this technology, we can maximize the impact of coastal restoration efforts — creating living shorelines and local jobs.”

Both Oysterbreak and Cajun Coral are designed and storm-tested to deliver maximum protection of coastal areas while also growing native oyster, coral and fish populations.

Volunteer Water Rangers monitor drought

Fri, 08/25/2023 - 12:25pm

OLIVIA McCLURE, LSU AgCenter

Everyone in Louisiana already knows rain has been hard to come by this summer.

But exactly how bad and widespread is the drought? Without enough data points, it can be hard to say — and that can prevent local farmers, ranchers and others from qualifying for assistance programs.

That’s where a group of volunteers, many of them youth, led by the LSU AgCenter and Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation are stepping in to help.

Called the Water Rangers and armed with rain gauges provided by Farm Bureau, the volunteers are logging rainfall — or lack thereof — through a weather-reporting network called the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network, or CoCoRaHS.

“The CoCoRahs reporting system is one of the four weather data reporting systems that plays a major role in drought detection to qualify for federal funding programs,” said Hannah Devall, animal science and agricultural literacy and awareness specialist with Louisiana 4-H.

Besides 4-H clubs, FFA groups, schools and Master Gardeners have joined the initiative.

“Those volunteers went through the official CoCoRaHS training, and we’re excited to have more than 100 additional weather reporters submitting their observations as of the beginning of July 2023,” said Jessica Lange, the Farm Bureau’s commodity, public policy and promotions boards coordinator.

The idea for the Water Rangers came about last summer, when Louisiana experienced a drought that was milder than this year’s but nevertheless caused problems in agriculture.

“During the summer of 2022, parts of Louisiana were far drier than the Drought Monitor reflected,” Lange said, referring to the U.S. government’s weekly map of drought location and intensity. “This concern was fielded through Louisiana Farm Bureau’s Livestock Advisory Committee, which then began researching the various data collections that are included in the Drought Monitor, and found the number of weather reports throughout the state was woefully small.”

“With the dry weather that we have experienced in the past couple of years, Louisiana producers were lacking the data necessary to aid them in qualifying for monetary relief programs,” Devall added.

At www.cocorahs.org, visitors can see a map displaying data collected by the Water Rangers in Louisiana and their fellow citizen weather reporters across the country..

As Louisiana continues to deal with hot, dry weather, Devall said she is proud to see young people taking part in an important effort.

“We hope that more thorough data collection will aid our farmers and ranchers across the state,” she said.

For information on joining the Water Rangers, contact Devall HDevall@agcenter.lsu.edu.

Drought will mean losses for Louisiana farmers

Fri, 08/25/2023 - 12:21pm

KYLE PEVETO, LSU AgCenter

Extreme heat and periods of drought this summer will likely lead to losses in several of Louisiana’s agricultural sectors.

Economists from the LSU AgCenter expect the worst losses in the beef cattle sector as reduced hay production, the forced downsizing of cattle herds and other factors could lead to estimated losses of $135 million to $290 million.

“Certainly, the entire agricultural industry is going to have some impacts from excessive heat and drought, but with beef cattle, they’re getting hit on several fronts,” said AgCenter economist Kurt Guidry.

Guidry, the assistant director of the Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station, developed these estimates by consulting with AgCenter agriculture and natural resource agents who work in communities across the state.

While some cattle have died in the heat, Guidry expects the greatest losses to come from producers weaning their calves from their mothers earlier than normal and from ranchers selling their herds.

“A forced liquidation and early weaning are basically management strategies that producers are having to do to manage the amount of forage they have because grass is not growing,” Guidry said. “To limit the number of mouths they have to feed, they’re either selling cows, or they’ve weaned calves early, and then then have to turn around and sell them.”

Most Louisiana cattle raisers use a cow-calf model. They keep a permanent herd of cows that produce calves, which are then raised and sold.

Because of the drought, producers have faced a reduction in available forage to feed cattle. Fewer cattle can graze on a plot of land, and less hay is being produced to feed them later in the year. Reduced hay production caused by lack of rainfall is expected to cost cattle raisers $62 million to $108 million, Guidry found.

Guidry found that many cattle raisers weaned 10% to 20% of their calves from their mothers earlier than normal to reduce stress on the mothers and help the mothers maintain better body conditions and reproductive health. Early weaning leads to lower weight cattle at sale and less revenue, Guidry said.

Many producers have been forced to sell between 10% and 30+% of their permanent herds, Guidry said. This leads to future losses as ranchers will have fewer calves reared in coming years, and feeder steer prices are expected to rise 13% next year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service.

“If you sell cows this year, you don’t have those cows next year, and you don’t have a calf next year to sell,” Guidry said. “Reducing those numbers is really the big impact.”

Heat and drought also are affecting field crops grown in Louisiana, said Michael Deliberto, an AgCenter economist. The high price of fuel, especially diesel, leads to higher irrigation costs for farmers who use diesel-powered pumps to pull water from bayous, canals and ponds to water their fields.

“Especially cotton and soybeans, with the amount of acres that we have in the state under irrigation, every time they turn their pumps on, it’s more of a cost they’re having to incur,” Deliberto said. “They’re needing to irrigate because they don’t want to sacrifice the yield potential or the quality of their crop.”

While diesel prices had dropped earlier this year, as the heat and drought linger, diesel is also rising to almost $4 per gallon. Each 25-cent rise in diesel costs increases the price of irrigation via flexible field pipe by $2.14 per acre. A farmer using the center pivot irrigation method will see a $2.80 increase.

Producers have already picked much of the rice and corn crops, and heat helps the rice dry faster once harvested and placed in bins, one of the few “silver linings” to the heat, Deliberto said.

The full effect of the drought on cotton, soybeans and sugar cane will not be known until after harvest, Deliberto said.

Get It Growing: Nurture the late summer garden

Fri, 08/25/2023 - 9:24am

By HEATHER KIRK-BALLARD, LSU AgCenter Horticulturist

As we ride out this last stretch of summer, it’s time to start looking forward to fall gardening weather. There are some tasks to be handled this month. Here is a list of what to do in the garden and landscape this month and into September.
Watering: Help struggling plants survive drought stress by watering them early in the morning or late in the evening when temperatures are cooler. This reduces water loss due to evaporation and allows the plants to absorb water more effectively. Be sure to water deeply at the base of the plant. This encourages plants to develop deep root systems, making them more resilient to drought.
Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses to deliver water directly to the soil at the base of the plants. This minimizes evaporation and helps prevent wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases. Establish a watering schedule to keep track during extended drought periods. Lastly, avoid fertilizing during periods of drought and heat stress, as this can increase water demand and stress the plants even further.
Rose care: This is the time of year we typically recommend trimming ever-blooming roses by a third for new blooms in October and November. Pruning plants during a drought requires a more cautious approach. Pruning can have both positive and negative effects on plants during drought conditions, so it’s important to assess the situation carefully.
Pruning during drought can help reduce the water demand of the plant by decreasing the overall foliage and transpiration rate. Removing dead, damaged and nonessential growth allows the plant to allocate its limited resources more efficiently to the parts that matter most for its survival.
But pruning during a drought period can also exacerbate the stress plants are experiencing due to water scarcity. Pruning can temporarily slow down growth and recovery.
Some guidelines for pruning during drought conditions are to limit pruning to essential tasks such as removing dead, diseased and damaged canes.
Avoid heavy pruning or shaping cuts that can lead to significant water loss through wounds. If you decide to prune, do so early in the morning or late in the evening when temperatures are cooler to minimize stress on the plant.
Keep a close eye on the pruned plants and be sure to water them appropriately. Newly pruned plants may require extra attention and care to recover.
After removing canes from your roses, disinfect pruners to prevent disease spread. When removing diseased material, rinse your pruners in a 10% bleach solution and then in water before making any new cuts. This will help prevent the transfer of disease to other parts of the plant or other plants in the garden.
Do not prune once-blooming roses, as you may reduce the blooms for next year. You may remove any dead or diseased canes, however. Hold off fertilizing until temperatures and rain become more consistent.
Fungal disease prevention: Spray roses for blackspot and powdery mildew using appropriate fungicides. You may choose to use triforine, thiophanate methyl or copper oleate. Follow manufacturer’s directions carefully. Rake up and remove all fallen leaves to prevent further infection of rose bushes and dispose of them in the trash. Do not compost infected plant material.
Bed maintenance: Trim and stake tall plants and deadhead annuals, perennials and vines. Remove tired plants and think about replacements for cooler weather. Start selecting cool-season annuals and perennials for the landscape. This is also a great time to start thinking about what trees and shrubs to plant in the fall.
Lawn care: Watch for chinch bug damage, treating with insecticides if necessary. Fire ants are a problem on the lawn as well. Treat with granular baits if needed.
Transplanting and vegetables: We are not quite there with all of this heat, but the cooler daytime temperatures we’ve had this week are getting me excited for my fall vegetable garden. You can transfer fall tomato plants.
Be sure to monitor for pests and diseases. You’ll be able to replace spent summer crops with broccoli, cabbage, kale and more in the upcoming months. Consider keeping productive spring plants like eggplants and peppers.
Complete these tasks to ensure your garden thrives into the fall and remains resilient against drought and heat and the threat of hurricanes.

Man’s lack of concern for health worries his spouse

Fri, 08/25/2023 - 9:22am

By Jeanne Phillips, ©United Features Syndicate

DEAR ABBY: My husband and I are in our 30s. I love him, and I’m worried because he has a “laissez-faire” attitude about everything — especially his health. He has had high cholesterol for five years and has done little to nothing about it. He found out only because I kept hounding him for a year to get a physical.
To say I’m “concerned” is an understatement. When I asked him how he can be so complacent about something so dangerous, I got this blank stare and “I don’t know what you want me to say.” Or he says I’m being rude. I can’t understand why this doesn’t scare him. Should I try to force him to go back to the doctor and deal with this, or must I sit and wait for the consequences of him ignoring his health to happen?
WIFE WHO CARES IN IOWA

DEAR WIFE: Try this: “I love you. But I’m worried sick about the state of your health. I need US to start being more health conscious because WE are still young enough to do something about it if our lifestyle needs improving. This is why I am making appointments for physical exams for both of us every year, and I expect you to come with me.”
Cookbooks have been written on the subject of heart-healthy diets. It may be time to incorporate some of these guidelines into your menu planning. If you do, you may feel less frustrated, and your husband may not even realize you are helping him.

DEAR ABBY: Last night, my husband and I were eating at a popular restaurant when the owner started talking to the diners at the next table.
The topic was bathrooms — what people leave behind and cleaning up after them. The people he was talking to had finished their dinner by the time we sat down, so this subject didn’t bother them. I got up, tapped the owner on the shoulder and asked if he could please talk about something else because people within earshot were eating. He took offense and said it shouldn’t bother anyone. Then he ordered me to go get my money back and leave.
I sat back down to try to finish eating when he came over, THREW money on our table, told us to leave immediately and not to come back! My husband and I were dumbfounded. We stared at each other for a moment, then left our plates and walked out.
Was I wrong? Was I overly sensitive or rude? We were brought up not to discuss bodily functions at the dinner table. If I had been the owner, I would have apologized and changed the subject. I am so offended by this. If I was wrong, I will send the owner a written apology.
HEARD TOO MUCH IN INDIANA

DEAR HEARD: You do not owe the restaurant owner an apology. The man’s reaction was over the top.
Discussing what people leave behind in the restroom that needs cleaning up is definitely not a subject for public consumption in a restaurant dining room. I cannot imagine why you would want to set foot in that establishment again.

DEAR ABBY: I sent a fruit basket to a neighbor across the street after her brother’s death, but I never heard from her. Should I ask if she got it?
PONDERING IN PENNSYLVANIA

DEAR PONDERING: You were thoughtful to send food. But give your neighbor a few weeks before asking that question. She may be grieving and not yet organized enough to begin thanking people for their thoughtfulness. If the eventual answer is no, contact the VENDOR and ask for a refund.
***
What teens need to know about sex, drugs, AIDS and getting along with peers and parents is in “What Every Teen Should Know.” Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 to: Dear Abby, Teen Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447.

Public notices for Aug. 25, 2023

Fri, 08/25/2023 - 6:00am

PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE OF
SPECIAL
ELECTION
Pursuant to the provisions of a resolution adopted by the Morgan City Council (the “Governing Authority”), acting as the governing authority of the City of Morgan City, State of Louisiana (the “City”), on April 25, 2023, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a special election will be held within the City on SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2023, and that at the said election there will be submitted to all registered voters in the City qualified and entitled to vote at the said election under the Constitution and Laws of the State of Louisiana and the Constitution of the United States, the following proposition, to-wit:
PROPOSITION
(CHARTER AMENDMENT)
Shall Section 2-01(a) of the Home Rule Charter for the City of Morgan City be amended to read as follows:
(a) The legislative power of the city government shall be vested in a council consisting of five (5) members elected from single-member districts for four-year terms?
The said special election shall be held at the polling places for the following precincts, which polls will open at seven o’clock (7:00) a.m. and close at eight o’clock (8:00) p.m., in ac- cordance with the provisions of La. R.S. 18:541, to wit:
PRECINCTS
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42(PART)
43(PART)
The polling places for the precincts set forth above are hereby designated as the polling places at which to hold the said election, and the Commissioners-in-Charge and Commissioners, respectively, shall be those persons designated according to law.
The estimated cost of this election as determined by the Secretary of State based upon the provisions of Chapter 8-A of Title 18 and actual costs of similar elections is $2,100.
The said special election will be held in accordance with the applicable provisions of Chapter 5 and Chapter 6-A of Title 18 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended, and other constitutional and statutory authority, and the officers appointed to hold the said election, as provided in this Notice of Special Election, or such substitutes therefor as may be selected and designated in accordance with La. R.S. 18:1287, will make due returns thereof to said Governing Authority, and NOTICE IS HEREBY FURTHER GIVEN that the Governing Authority will meet at its regular meeting place, the City Court Building, 7261 Hwy. 182 East, Morgan City, Louisiana, on TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2023, at SIX O’CLOCK (6:00) P.M., and shall then and there in open and public session proceed to examine and canvass the returns and declare the result of the said special election. All registered voters of the City are entitled to vote at said special election and voting machines will be used.
Adv. Aug. 4, 11, 18 and 25, 2023

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PUBLIC NOTICE
ST. MARY
PARISH
RECREATION DISTRICT NO. 1
PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF ST MARY PARISH RECREATION DISTRICT NO 1
The board of Commissioners of St. Mary Recreation District No. 1 met in regular session on Tuesday, July 18, 2023.
The meeting was called to order by Mrs. Janice Aucoin at 6:00 pm.
Roll was called and those present were Commissioners Mr. Steve Patureau, Mrs. Carla Gagliano, Manager Michael Beadle, Mr. Tyrone Richarson, Mrs. Janice Aucoin, Mr. Anthony Scully
A motion was made by Mr. Steve Patureau to accept the minutes as written. The mo- tion received a second from Mr. Anthony Scully. All were in favor.
The monthly bills were review-ed. A motion was made by Mr. Steve Patureau to pay the bills. The motion received a second from Mr. Anthony Scully. All were in favor.
Mr. Mike Beadle presented the treasures report. A motion was made by Mr. Steve Patureau to accept the report as read. The motion receiv-ed a second from Mrs. Carla Gagliano. All were in favor.
Agenda Items Discussed
Mike Beadle presented managers report. Discussed possible renovations to concession stand. Discussed getting more quotes for floor scrubber. Approved getting new outdoor basketball goals. Awaiting quote for playground cover. Review Monthly bills report. All in favor to approve and pay. After all issued were addressed and no further matters were present, Mrs Carla Gagliano made a motion to adjourn the meeting. All were in favor.
(S) Janice Aucoin
Board Commissioner
(S) Mike Beadle
Mike Beadle
Manager
Adv. Aug. 25, 2023

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PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE TO BIDDERS
Notice is hereby given that sealed bid will be received by the St. Mary Parish Government Purchasing Department until, Thursday, Au- gust 31, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. on the Fifth Floor Courthouse, 500 Main St. Franklin, LA 70538 for the following:
“MOSQUITO CONTROL CHEMICALS CONTRACT”
Then and their 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 obtained upon request from the St. Mary Parish Purchasing De- partment 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 MOSQUITO CONTROL CHEMICALS”
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 16th day of August, 2023
(S) David
Hanagriff
David Hanagriff
Parish President
St. Mary Parish Government
Adv. Aug. 16, 18, 23 and 25, 2023

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PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice To The Public
Notice is hereby given that the Parish Council of St. Mary Parish will meet on the 13th day of September, 2023 at 5:30 p.m. for the purpose of receiving protests and hearing complaints on values of property for assessment purposes in the parish fixed by the Assessor of St. Mary Parish. All taxpayers desiring to protest values fixed by the St. Mary Parish Assessor must file their protest in writing or verbally with the Clerk of the Council seven (7) days before the date of the said meeting. PLEASE NOTE: You must submit all information concerning the value of your property to your assessor before the deadline for filing an appeal with the Board of Review. The failure to submit such information may prevent you from relying on that information should you protest your value.
LISA C.
MORGAN,
CLERK
ST. MARY PARISH COUNCIL
Adv. Aug. 23 and 25, 2023

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PUBLIC NOTICE
St. Mary Parish Fire Protection District No. 3
Post Office
Box 921
Amelia, Louisiana 70340
Notice Posted: August 22, 2023 at 4:00 pm
NOTICE BUDGET MEETING
A public meeting will be held as follows:
DATE: September 19, 2023
TIME: 6:00pm
PLACE OF MEETING: 609 Lake Palourde Rd., Amelia, LA 70340
AGENDA:
Call to Order
Roll Call
Public Comment
New Business
1. Amend the operating budget of revenues and expenditures for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2022 and ending September 30, 2023
2. Approve and adopt an operating budget of revenues and expenditures for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2023 and ending September 30, 2024.
Old Business
1. None
Other Business
Adjournment
Adv. Aug. 25, 2023

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PUBLIC NOTICE
ST. MARY FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT NO. 3
NOTICE OF PUBLIC
HEARING
Sept. 19, 2021
6:00 p.m.
609 Lake Palourde Rd., Amelia, LA 70340 – Amelia Volunteer Fire Dept.
The amended budget for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2023 and the proposed budget for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024 are being prepared by the St. Mary Parish Fire Protection District No. 3 and are available for public inspection at the Fire Station. Notice is given that a public hearing will be held at 6:00 p.m., at a Regular Meeting of the Board of Commissioners of the St. Mary Parish Fire Protection District No. 3, (“District”), at 609 Lake Palourde Rd., Amelia, Louisiana on Tuesday, September 19, 2023 to hold a public hearing upon the District’s (a) amended budget for its fiscal year ending September 30, 2023, and (b) proposed budget for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024.
St. Mary Parish Fire Protection District No. 3
Larry Aucoin,
Chairman
Adv. Aug. 25, 2023

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PUBLIC NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
Sixteenth
Judicial District Court
——
PARISH OF
ST. MARY
——
STATE OF
LOUISIANA
Lakeview Loan Servicing, LLC
Vs. No. 137620 Div “H”
Anthony Vernon Henagin A/K/A Anthony V. Henagin A/K/A Anthony Henagin and Aleta Bennett Henagin A/K/A Aleta B. Henagin A/K/A Aleta Henagin
TAKE NOTICE, that by virtue of Order of Seizure and Sale issued out of the Honorable 16th Judicial District Court, in and for the Parish of St. Mary, and to me directed, in the above numbered and entitled suit, I have seized the following mentioned and described property, to wit:
That certain lot or parcel of land, together with all buildings and im- provements thereon and thereunto belonging and all rights, ways, privileges and servitudes thereunto appertaining, lying and being situated in Section 32, T15S, R12E, Town of Berwick, St. Mary Parish, Louisiana, being more particularly known and described as the westernmost fifty (50’) feet of lot seven (7) of square fifty four (54) according to the Fields Map of the Town of Berwick, as shown on reference to a map and plat of survey made by A. L. Fields, drawn by A. Villars, re- corded on April 13, 1981 in COB 23-P, Page 688, Entry No. 188,327 of the public records of St. Mary Parish, Louisiana. The said parcel of land described herein has a frontage of fifty (50’) feet on the easterly side of Sixth Street (also known as the extension of Sixth Street), with a depth along its northerly boundary line of fifty (50’) feet, with a depth along its southerly boundary line of fifty (50’) feet and with a width across the rear or easterly boundary line of fifty (50’) feet and with a width across the rear or easterly boundary line of fifty (50’) feet; and is bounded northerly by Lot Six (6) of square fifty four (54), southerly by lot eight (8) of square fifty four (54), easterly by the remaining portion of lot seven (7) of square fifty four (54) and westerly by Sixth Street (also known as the extension of Sixth Street).
to satisfy the sum of EIGHTY THREE THOUSAND NINE HUNDRED EIGHTY AND 49/100 ($83,980.49) DOLLARS, subject to any credits, interest from January 1, 2023, until paid, at 3.5% per an- num; reasonable attorney’s fees and all costs of this proceedings, as well as all sheriff’s costs and commission
All successful bidders must have cash, cashier’s check or a verifiable letter of credit in favor of said bidder from a solvent bank, savings and loan association or other such financial institution authorized to do business in the state of Louisiana and full payment must be made on the date of sale. Letter must state that money is available on the date of sale.
I shall expose the same at public sale, for Cash, according to law WITHOUT ap- praisement to the last and highest bidder, at the principal front door of the 1st floor lobby area of the Court House in the Parish of St. Mary, Town of Franklin, Louisiana, on Wednesday, the 27th day of September A.D., 2023, between the legal hours commencing at 10 O’Clock A.M.
Sheriff’s Office
Parish of St. Mary, La.
Tuesday, the 18th day of July A.D., 2023
BLAISE W. SMITH,
SHERIFF
By: Heidi Rineholt
Deputy Sheriff
Adv. Aug. 25 and Sept. 20, 2023

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Cyberstalking, theft, domestic abuse arrests reported

Thu, 08/24/2023 - 4:39pm

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.)

Morgan City police reported arrests this week on theft and bad check charges, while St. Mary deputies made arrests in cyberstalking and sexual battery cases.

Morgan City

Chief Chad M. Adams reported that the Morgan City Police Department responded to 51 calls for service over the last 24-hour reporting period and made these arrests:

--Kristie Renee’ Rulf Ribardi, 45, Second Street, Berwick, was arrested at 1:34 p.m. Wednesday on a charge of issuing worthless checks.

--Jeremy Sentel Blackburn, 44, Bowman Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 3:53 a.m. Thursday on two counts of theft (under $1,000).

--Garrett Daigle, 38, Roderick Street, Morgan City, was arrested 9:09 p.m. Wednesday on a charge of disturbing the peace (intoxicated).

St. Mary

Parish Sheriff Blaise Smith reported that over the last 48-hour reporting period, the Sheriff's Office responded to 42 complaints and made these arrests:

--Gilbert R. Lacombe, 54, Patterson, was arrested at 9:29 p.m. Wednesday on charges of sexual battery (rubbing, touching) and indecent behavior with juveniles. Bail has not been set at this time.

--Albert Stadium, 31, Houma, was arrested at 2:57 a.m. Wednesday on charges of criminal mischief (false report), cyberstalking electronic mail, domestic abuse battery (strangulation), domestic abuse battery (child endangerment law) and domestic abuse battery.

--Rodney Nixon Bowie Jr., 45, Franklin, was arrested at 3:02 a.m. Thursday on two warrants alleging failure to appear on charges of criminal neglect of family and battery of a dating partner. Bail has not been set at this time.

Bail was set at $47,000.

Berwick

Chief David S. Leonard reported these arrests over the last 72 hours:

--Joseph Estay III, 53, Berwick, was arrested at 7:25 p.m. Monday on a Berwick warrant alleging unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling and a St. Mary warrant alleging simple criminal damage to property.

About 7:25 p.m. Monday, officers observed Estay and knew him to have active warrants. Officers made contact with Estay and advised him of the outstanding warrants.

Estay was placed under arrest and transported to the Berwick Police Department. The Berwick warrant stems from a complaint received Aug. 3, in which Estay entered a residence without permission.

--Matthew Garces, 32, Morgan City, was arrested at 7:20 p.m. Tuesday on a St. Mary warrant alleging failure to appear.

About 7:16 p.m. Tuesday, a traffic stop was conducted on a vehicle for traffic violations. Garces was identified as the driver, and it was learned that he had active warrants for his arrest. Garces was placed under arrest and transported to the Berwick Police Department, where he was booked on the outstanding warrants for the St. Mary Parish Sheriffs Office.

--Robert Chamberlain, 39, Richmond, Texas, was arrested at 9:55 p.m. Tuesday on charges of driving while intoxicated and improper lane usage.

About 9:37 p.m. Tuesday, the Berwick Police Department received a call about a reckless driver traveling on U.S. 90.

Officers responded to the area and were able to locate the described vehicle. They observed it to cross the center line several times. A traffic stop was conducted, and contact was made with the driver, who was identified as Chamberlain.

While speaking with Chamberlain, he showed signs of impairment. Field sobriety tests were conducted, and he performed poorly. Chamberlain was placed under arrest and transported to the Berwick Police Department, where he refused to provide a valid breath sample. Chamberlain was booked.

--Bradley Kinkle, 29, Berwick, was arrested at 2:34 p.m. Wednesday on a Berwick warrant alleging battery of a dating partner (second offense), violation of a protective order (second offense) and remaining where forbidden.

About 4:10 a.m. Aug. 17, the Berwick Police Department received reports of a domestic altercation that took place at a residence in Berwick. Officers met with the victim and observed
physical evidence of a battery that took place.

Through the course of the investigation, it was learned that Kinkle committed the battery on the victim, and currently had an active protective order against him for the victim. It was also learned that Kinkle was previously warned not to return to the residence. At the time of the complaint, Kinkle had fled the area, and warrants were obtained for his arrest.

About 2:34 p.m. Wednesday, officers observed Kinkle in the area of Sixth Street. Contact was made with Kinkle, and he was advised of the active warrants. Kinkle was placed under arrest and transported to the Berwick Police Department, where he was booked.

--Scott Bailey, 55, Stephensville was arrested at 7:25 p.m. Wednesday on a charge of simple battery.

About 6:48 p.m. Wednesday, the Berwick Police Department received a complaint about a battery that occurred at a local business. Officers spoke with the complainant, who stated Bailey committed a battery on him.

Officers were able to locate Bailey and spoke with him as well, and he admitted to the battery. Bailey was placed under arrest and transported to the Berwick Police Department, where he was booked.

Franklin

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

--Tra'Antray James, 25, Kaliste Saloom Road, Lafayette, was arrested at 4:45 p.m. Wednesday on charge of theft. James was booked, processed and released on a $15,000 bond.

Norwood finishes fourth in World Track Championships 400 meters final

Thu, 08/24/2023 - 3:21pm

Morgan City High grad Vernon Norwood finished fourth Thursday in the World Track and Field Championships men's 400 meters. The race was in Budapest.

Norwood posted a time of 44.39 seconds, 0.17 second off the pace set by winner Antonio Watson of Jamaica (44.22) in a field of eight athletes.

Matthew Hudson-Smith of Great Britain, who won the Sunday semifinal heat where Norwood finished second, was second in the finals with a 44.31. American Quincy Hall was third at 44.37.

Norwood's time was 0.13 off his personal best of 44.26, set in the semifinal heat Sunday.

Norwood lived in the New Orleans area until his family came to Morgan City after Hurricane Katrina in 2005. He graduated from Morgan City High in 2011.

Norwood became a hometown hero when, at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, he was part of two USA medalist relay teams: the men's 4x400 relay team that won the gold medal, and the mixed 4x400 team that won a bronze medal.

The track at Morgan City High's stadium was renamed in Norwood's honor.

Berwick plans DWI checkpoint Aug. 25

Wed, 08/23/2023 - 8:13pm

Berwick Police Chief David Leonard, Sr. announced plans for a DWI checkpoint during the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” national campaign, which runs Aug. 18-Sept. 4.
The campaign is coordinated and funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission. The objective is to reduce the number of DWI-related crashes through public education initiatives and enforcement efforts, making the roadways safer to travel.

On Friday evening, Aug. 25, a checkpoint has been planned to take place within the city limits of Berwick and will continue into the early morning hours of Saturday. Additional law enforcement officers from agencies throughout the parish and including the Lafayette Police Department will be on hand to assist. They will also be looking for other traffic safety violations, including but not limited to seat belt usage, child restraint violations and distracted driving.

A common question posed to law enforcement is, “Why do you announce the plans for these checkpoints instead of just surprising the drivers?” The answer is simple, the Police Department said.

The Louisiana Supreme Court has previously set forth guidelines for checkpoints, and “public notice” is a requirement. Regardless, the purpose of any checkpoint is not to “entrap” violators, but to bring awareness to driving laws, the dangers of impaired driving, and to help curb violations. You will notice that we do not give out the specific location of the checkpoint other than, “in the city limits of Berwick.” Therefore, in order for someone to avoid a checkpoint, they would have to refrain from driving impaired altogether, which is the ultimate goal of these efforts.

Leonard urges everyone to plan ahead and never drive after consuming alcohol, marijuana, or other drugs. Instead, designate a sober driver, or call a ride hailing service or cab to make sure you get home safely. Leonard also asks for patience and cooperation when passing through this checkpoint and for recognizing the importance of raising awareness for these safety efforts.