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South Louisiana Community College has announced its selection as one of the schools to join All Within My Hands Metallica Scholars Initiative.

The initiative continues its multimillion-dollar investment in critical workforce programs at community colleges nationwide. SLCC's inclusion signifies a significant step in providing transformative opportunities for students in the local community.

The Metallica Scholars Initiative, launched in 2019 by Metallica's foundation, AWMH, in partnership with the American Association of Community College, marks its fifth year with an ambitious expansion into new curricula.

With 42 community colleges now directly supported across 33 states, the initiative has already impacted over 6,000 students pursuing careers in the trades. To date, Metallica and AWMH have invested over $6 million in the American workforce, empowering individuals to fill essential jobs requiring specialized skills and training.

"The Metallica Scholars Initiative is so important to us because we are seeing results," said Lars Ulrich, Metallica's drummer. "Five years in, with the help of community colleges across the country, we are helping people fill these essential jobs which require skills and training.

"We are so proud and grateful that we can facilitate this program."

As part of this initiative, SLCC has been selected from a competitive pool of applicants to receive $100,000, enabling the college to strengthen its career and technical education offerings at the local level.

"We are honored and thrilled to join the prestigious Metallica Scholars Initiative," said Dr. Vincent June, chancellor of South Louisiana Community College.

"This generous investment reaffirms our commitment to career and technical education, providing incredible opportunities for more residents in Acadiana to move into high-demand, high-wage fields.

"We extend our deepest gratitude to Metallica's foundation, All Within My Hands, for their continued support and belief in the power of education to transform lives."

The Metallica Scholars Initiative has proven to be a strong and cooperative alliance of the nation's best community colleges, fostering a supportive climate for participants to communicate directly and share best practices. Peter Delgrosso, AWMH Executive Director, explains, "As a result, our Metallica Scholars leave the program well-trained and confident. Ultimately, the impact is felt locally and nationally as Metallica Scholars enter the workforce and fill in-demand technical positions."

(Editor’s Note: Louisiana Shrimp and Petroleum Festival Queen Jordan Ann Gallegos offered the below as her farewell address. She and King Gregory Hamer St. will relinquish their crowns Aug. 26 during a 7:30 p.m. coronation at the Morgan City Municipal Auditorium. Tickets, available at the door, are $8 for adults and $6 for children).
"As my time as queen quickly comes to a close, I look back on this past year with pride, honor and humility exuding from me. To me, this title was more than the crown, the pretty dresses, and seeing how many shrimp and oil related accessories I could find.
"When that crown was placed on my head a year ago, so was the responsibility of representing each and every single one of you. This was a job I did not take on lightly and I vowed to be the best ambassador I could possibly be.
"I stand before all of you today confidently saying that I did just that. For the last 365 days, my entire personality has been shrimp and petroleum, and I have no intention of changing that!
"I’ve had the opportunity to travel our beautiful state and bring my love for this festival, my festival, with me every step of the way. I’ve eaten gumbo in Bridge City, picked strawberries in Ponchatoula, shot skeet in Gueydan, built bonfires in Lutcher, gone crawfishing in Breaux Bridge, kissed frogs in Rayne, and so much more; all while sharing my love and knowledge of all things Shrimp and Petroleum with every person I encountered.
"I have learned so much about the commodities of our great state and how to protect our unique ecosystem here in Louisiana. I also had the opportunity of a lifetime riding in the 134th annual Rose Parade in Pasadena, California, and being able to attend the Mystick Krewe of Louisianians 74th Washington Mardi Gras Ball at our nation’s capital. Sharing my hometown from the west coast to the east coast was an opportunity I will cherish for the rest of my life.
"After traveling to over 70 events, I can truly (and proudly) say no one does it like Morgan City, Louisiana, during Labor Day weekend!
Having the opportunity to reign as the 87th Louisiana Shrimp and Petroleum Festival Queen has truly been a dream come true. I know that my younger self would be so proud of my accomplishments, and I am so delighted to see that her dreams have finally become reality.
"To my hometown, I cannot thank you enough for the endless support and encouragement. I pray that I have made all of you proud this year, and I thank you for making this festival as grand as it is. You all are the reason this festival is so rich in history and tradition and the reason it is adored by many."
Forever and always,
Queen 87 Jordan Ann Gallegos

Headlines across Louisiana blared out in recent weeks that automobile insurance rates in the state will see a huge increase. 

State Farm, whose rate request was rubber stamped by the Department of Insurance, will increase its rates by an average of 17.3%. Progressive Insurance Co. will increase just over 10% while Allstate will jump up 18%, GEICO by more than 19% and, get this, USAA will increase its rates by nearly 34%.

So what happened to all those reductions that Louisiana policyholders were promised when the legislature took away many policyholder rights several years ago?  The reductions were supposed to be really big.  By 25%, said the insurance commissioner.

But when political courage wanes and politicians search for a quick fix to age-old problems, they often seek out a scapegoat to blame. “Passing the buck” on someone else is standard operating procedure at the state legislature in Baton Rouge.  A number of new laws, all proposed by the insurance industry, made it more difficult for policyholders to sue in court.
 
It must be all the lawsuits, say the insurance companies.  But a recent study by the U.S Chamber of Commerce’s Institute of Legal Reform showed that Louisiana is within the national average when it comes to per capita cost of lawsuits involving auto accidents. So lawsuits are a minor part of why Louisiana has such high insurance rates. 

Anderson Cooper on CNN has done a series of reports (all available online) about how the nation’s top auto insurance companies deliberately drag out jury trials in an effort to wear down — financially and physically — those damaged in auto accidents.  Many insurance departments turn the other way to this calculated effort by the insurance industry to lessen the amount it has to pay out.

And here’s what really should concern policy-holders across the state.  The cost of insurance actually doesn’t have a lot to do with how one drives a car.  A whole list of non-driving factors figure into just what a driver is charged for car insurance.  Many of the factors are ridiculous. A number of other states, with much lower insurance costs, prohibit the use of non-driving factors.

Consumer Reports released a study of what a driver with a DWI conviction is paying for auto insurance. With good credit, the driver with a DWI is charged as much as $900 less than a Louisiana driver with a perfect driving record but with poor credit rating. A driver who is a blue-collar worker pays more for insurance than a driver with a college degree. And how about this? A widow pays more than someone who is married. In fact, with some companies, just being a woman gets a driver paying more. Go figure.

So how did the Legislature respond to efforts to lower insurance costs in this past legislative session?  Legislation was introduced that would have banned the use of credit scores and occupation in rate-setting. But with strong opposition from the insurance industry and the Louisiana Insurance Department, this progressive change that would have helped Louisiana policyholders who were good drivers didn’t have a chance.

There are a barrel of reasons why Louisiana leads the nation in high auto insurance rates.  It’s going to take a concentrated effort by legislators, the Governor and insurance
officials to put a comprehensive program in place that will cause auto rates to go down.  Looking for quick fixes by blaming lawyers, judges or any one group is disingenuous and will do little to address what has become a financial crisis for many drivers in Louisiana.

Don’t count on any premium reductions soon on the Bayou State.  Much more needs to be done. 

Peace and Justice
Jim Brown

Jim Brown’s syndicated column appears each week in numerous newspapers throughout the nation and on websites worldwide. You can read all his past columns and see continuing updates at http://www.jimbrownla.com. You can also listen to his regular podcast at www.datelinelouisiana.com.

PUBLIC 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 accordance 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
RECREATION DISTRICT #2 ST MARY PARISH
1110 GRACE STREET
PO BOX 922
MORGAN CITY, LA. 70380
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
RECREATION DISTRICT #2
1110 GRACE STREET
MORGAN CITY, LA. 70380 6:00 PM
July 13th, 2023
Meeting of the Board of Commissioners of Recreation District #2 was called to order by Chairman Oscar Toups, at 6 o’clock in the evening. Invocation was led by Norma Skinner. Members present were, Ann Poole, Norma Skinner, Nelda Dural and Oscar Toups. Absent~ Sandra Wilkerson. Others present was Leroy Trim. Guest~ Alicia Brown of Pitts & Matte, LLC, CPAs of Morgan City, Louisiana.
Alicia Brown presented the audit packet for the year ending September 30th, 2022, agreed up- on procedures acquired by the legislative auditor, and the audit for the current year. Upon a thorough explanation of each, Ms. Brown stated that there were no findings for internal control of operation and maintenance, and she will answer any questions, if any. However, there was a non- compliance with budget monitoring. There are procedures in place, and the budget will be monitored on a monthly basis, while adjustments will be made when budget exceeds the percentage as specified in the state statue. A motion was made by Ann Poole and second by Norma Skinner, to ac- cept the audit report as stated with any necessary corrections, if any; the mo- tion was approv-ed by all board members present.
In further discussion of the year ending audit re- port 2022, a motion was made by Ann Poole and second by Norma Skinner to give Mr. Trim and Mr. Toups permission to review the report with all employees and others. The motion was approved un- animously.
Minutes from June 08th, 2023, regular monthly meeting was read by Ann Poole. A motion to approve the minutes of the previous meeting was made by Norma Skinner and second by Ann Poole with any necessary corrections, if any. The motion was ap- proved by all board members present.
Nays: None Abstain: None Absent: Sandra Wilkerson
Financial report was given by Leroy Trim. A motion to approve the financial report as read, with any necessary corrections, was made by Norma Skinner and second by Ann Poole, with all in favor. Nays: None Abstain: None Absent: Sandra Wilkerson
OLD BUSINESS: None
NEW BUSINESS: Mr. Leroy Trim informed the Board of Commissioners that the 2023 summer program was a great success. Thereafter, he stated that DelCon, LLC was awarded the contract as the lowest bidder for renovations and improvements in the main building at the facility.
In further related new business, Mr. Trim presented to the board, the quote received from Classic Business on a new Ricoh Copier.
Bills were submitted for payment, after being reviewed by all board members present, a mo- tion to pay all bills was made by Nonna Skinner, and second by Ann Poole with all in favor. The motion was approved without opposition. Nays: None Ab- stain: None Ab- sent: Sandra Wilkerson
With nothing further to discuss, a motion to adjourn was made by Ann Poole, and second by Norma Skinner with all in favor. The motion was approved un- animously.
(S) Oscar Toups
Oscar Toups,
Chairman
Adv. Aug. 18, 2023

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PUBLIC NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
Sixteenth
Judicial District Court
——
PARISH OF
ST. MARY
——
STATE OF
LOUISIANA
ARCPE 1 LLC
Vs. No. 135903 Div “A”
Justin P Askew
TAKE NOTICE, that by virtue of Writ of Fi Fa 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 tract or parcel of land lying and being situated in the City of Morgan City, Parish of St. Mary, State of Louisiana, being more particularly des-cribed as the Easterly 37.5 feet of Lot 7 and the Westerly 25 feet of Lot 9 of Square 9 of Sacred Heart Park Addition to Elliot Subdivision, as shown on a plat of said subdivision made by Lee B. Delaune, dated August 3, 1961, recorded April 23, 1962, in Book 12-D, Entry No. 114,305 of the Conveyance Records of St. Mary Parish, Louisiana; the foregoing des- cription des- cribed one tract of land having a frontage of 62.5 feet on the North side of Hickory Street by a depth between parallel lines of 125 feet; subject to re- striction, servitudes, rights-of-way and outstanding mineral rights of record affecting the property.
to satisfy the sum of (a) SIXTEEN THOUSAND, EIGHT HUNDRED FIFTEEN AND 72/100 ($16,815.72) DOLLARS with interest of $6,922.34 through February 1, 2022 and thereon at variable rates until paid; (b) the following amounts accrued through February 1, 2022; late charges of $45.23, property preservation/inspections $84.00, and any such additional amounts accruing thereafter through the date of sale; (c) all expenses in- curred in enforcing the note and mortgage including reasonable attorney’s fees as provided for by the note and mortgage (d) all law charges, costs, fees and expenses including sheriff’s commission as well as your own costs and charges; 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 WITH appraisement 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 20th 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.
Thursday, the 6th day of July A.D., 2023
BLAISE W. SMITH,
SHERIFF
By: Heidi Rineholt
Deputy Sheriff
Adv. Aug. 18 and Sept. 13, 2023

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PUBLIC NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
Sixteenth
Judicial District Court
——
PARISH OF
ST. MARY
——
STATE OF
LOUISIANA
Forethought Life Insurance
Company
Vs. No. 136548 Div “A”
The Unopened Succession of Jewel Elaina Templet A/K/A Jewel Elaina Templet, A/K/A Jewel E. Templet, A/K/A Jewel Templet
TAKE NOTICE, that by virtue of Writ of Fi Fa 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 tract or parcel of ground, together with all buildings and improvements thereon and all rights, ways, privileges and servitudes thereto ap- pertaining and all appurtenances thereof, situated in Morgan City, St. Mary Parish, Louisiana being known, designated and described as lots 15 and 16 in square letter “A” of “B”. Giordano Subdivision” according to a map and plan of land of said subdivision dated February 25, 1949 and attached to an act filed for record May 3, 1949 in St. Mary Parish COB 7-H, page 684, Entry No. 79,024.
to satisfy the sum of ONE HUNDRED TWENTY-ONE THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED FIFTY-FIVE AND 04/100 ($121,655.04), together with in- terest thereon and any applicable amounts provided for by the Act of Mortgage and applicable law such as late charges, escrow advances, corporate advances, and other fees, together with reasonable attorney’s fees actually incurred by the Plaintiff, if/as applicable, such other or additional amounts incurred or hereafter ad- vances and proves according to law for taxes, assessments, repairs to and maintenance of the property, and other charges which the Plaintiff is permitted to prove by affidavits filed or submitted before judicial sale herein. Also in- cluded in the above amounts are clerk’s cost, 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 20th 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. 18 and Sept. 13, 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 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 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
INVITATION FOR BIDS
COMPLETE LAWN SERVICE
SOLICITATION NUMBER
2023-08-21
August 9, 2023
The Housing Authority of the City of Morgan City is accepting bids for contract lawn service for its scattered site units located in Morgan City, LA. Contract period is October 1, 2023 through September 30, 2024 with option to renew for a one (1) year period. Bidding documents may be obtained at the Housing Authority Administrative Office at 336 Wren Street, Morgan City, LA Monday-Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. You may request an electronic copy of the bid packet by contacting: Mr.Crobinson@att.net. Office Telephone Number is (985) 384-5118. All requests must be in writing. The Housing Authority of Morgan City re- serves the right to reject any or all bids. Deadline for all bids to be turned in is for Monday, August 21, 2023 at 2:00pm. Award will be made on Thursday, Au- gust 24, 2023 at the agency monthly board meeting.
Adv. Aug. 16 and 18, 2023

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PUBLIC NOTICE
Recreation District No. 3 of the Parish of St. Mary will conduct a proposed budget hearing on Monday, August 28, 2023 at 5:15 pm at the Bayou Vista Community Center, Bayou Vista, Louisiana. The purpose of the hearing is to invite public comment in the budget process on the District’s operations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024.
The proposed budget is available for public inspection in the District’s offices at the Bayou Vista Community Center, 1333 Bellview Street, Morgan City, LA 70380. Interested persons may examine the budget documents during regular office hours, Monday through Friday (9:00 am – 3:00 pm).
Brian Head,
President
Recreation District No. 3 of the Parish of St. Mary
Adv. July 21, 26, 28, Aug. 2, 4, 9, 11, 16, 18 and 23, 2023

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PUBLIC NOTICE
AGENDA
ST. MARY
PARISH 911 COMMUNICATIONS
DISTRICT
1200 David Dr. Building B
Morgan City, LA 70380
August 23, 2023
1:00 P.M.
1. Meeting Called to Order
2. Roll Call
3. Minutes: July 2023
4. Public Comment
5. Income Statement: July 2023
6. Expenses Statement: July 2023
7. New Business: None
8. Old Business: None
9. Director Up- dates
11. Adjournment
Adv. Aug. 18, 2023

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PUBLIC NOTICE
St. Mary Parish Consolidated Gravity Drainage District No. 2A
Regular Monthly Meeting
Tuesday, July 11th, 2023
Call to order 6:00 P. M.
Roll Call: Leroy Trim, Charlie Solar Jr., Tim Matthews, Larry Aucoin, and Don Hicks
Guests: Glen Thibodeaux, Chuck Billodeau, Bill Bourgeois, Greg Aucoin, Robert Karam, Tim Tregle.
Pledge of Allegiance by Mr. Trim
Motion for ap- proval of minutes from the June 13, 2023 meeting made by Mr. Trim. Second by Mr. Aucoin. All were in favor. Motion carried.
Public Comment: None
Motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report for DD6 area, DD2 area and DD2A was made by Mr. Aucoin. Second by Mr. Hicks. All were in favor, motion carried. Ms. Senette presented the Board with AUP information to look over for the next meeting.
Guests: Robert Karam gave an update on Station 9. He discussed with the Board the Certificate of Substantial Completion and the associated punch list. The Board decided they would hold a special meeting to sign the certificate.
Maintenance re- ports were given by Chuck Billodeau, and Glen Thibodaux.
New Business: Mr. Solar said the sinkhole on Hwy 70 will be fixed by the DOTD.
Old Business: Regarding the capital outlay grant for the generators in Amelia: generators were received and the Amelia area drainage will be responsible for $100,000. An up- date on the 12 inch emergency pump was also given, the pump is in.
Motion to Ad- journ was made by Mr. Aucoin. Second by Mr. Trim. All were in favor. Motion carried. Meeting ended at 6:19 pm.
Adv. Aug. 18, 2023

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