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Glenda and Earl Hasley Sr. celebrate 50th anniversary

Thu, 06/22/2023 - 1:45pm

Glenda Howard and Earl T. Hasley Sr. of Morgan City celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary June 23. They were married June 23, 1973, at Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church by the late Rev. Dr. Chrispin F. Smith. Earl Hasley Sr. is a retired operations supervisor having worked offshore for more than 40 years. Glenda Hasley is a retired lieutenant with the Morgan City Police Department where she served for about 20 years. They are the parents of four children, Earl T. Hasley Jr. of Baton Rouge; Jasmine Hasley Paul of Prairieville; Jeremy Hasley of Augusta, Georgia; and Amber Hasley Thomas of Hockley, Texas. They also have seven grandchildren.

Morgan City arrests include domestic battery charge

Thu, 06/22/2023 - 1:30pm

(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 five arrests Wednesday, including charges of domestic abuse battery and violation of a protective order.

Morgan City

Chief Chad M. Adams reported that over the last 24-hour reporting period, the Morgan City Police Department responded to 48 calls for service and made these arrests:

--Keithen K. Humphrey, 34, Sixth Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 5:25 a.m. Wednesday on charges of domestic abuse battery (strangulation) and violation of a protective order.

--Seantelle M. Treto, 37, Belanger Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 6:45 a.m. Wednesday on a warrant for drug court (16th Judicial District Court).

--Jacob N. Klenert, 29, Front Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 1:58 p.m. Wednesday on a warrant alleging failure to appear for trial (6th Ward Morgan City Court).

--Jonathan Perou Jr., 19, Federal Avenue, Morgan City, was arrested at 7:43 p.m. Wednesday on a warrant alleging two counts of failure to pay fine (6th Ward Morgan City Court).

--Ronald J. Winslow Jr., 32, Ciro Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 9:36 p.m. Wednesday on a warrant alleging three counts of criminal neglect of family (16th Judicial District Court).

Beverly Domengeaux is Rotary Citizen of the Year

Thu, 06/22/2023 - 1:03pm

Beverly D. Domengeaux, executive director of the St. Mary Council on Aging, has been named the Morgan City Rotary’s Citizen of the Year.

Also at a banquet Wednesday, Scott Melancon was named Rotarian of the Year, and the Morgan City club named its new officers.

Domengeaux, a native of Texas, worked as a registered nurse during her marriage to Louisianian Noe Domengeaux, a Navy man.

They traveled during his Navy career and even more after he entered the civilian workforce as a watchmaker.

Domengeaux eventually became CEO of an Atlanta hospital. When her husband retired, the couple moved to Franklin. At age 70, Domengeaux began working with the Council on Aging.

“Most days, you can see Mrs. Beverly driving the little white van, personally delivering meals, consoling seniors and their families, and every municipality and parish council meeting,” said outgoing Rotary President Carrie Stansbury.

Domgeaux’s work with the Council on Aging continues at age 88.

“Mrs. Beverly knows the names of her seniors and their life experiences; She knows what makes them happy and afraid,” Stansbury said. “She knows their needs and wants. Mrs. Beverly is not your typical executive director who does not have cherished relationships with the people her agency serves.”

Domengeaux was also named a Paul Harris Fellow, an honor given to a person who “offers tangible and significant assistance in furthering the understanding and friendly relations to all people in the world.”

Melancon was recognized contributions to the club, including his work with the pancake breakfast at the Louisiana Shrimp & Petroleum Festival; recommending financial assistance with the Christmas decorations in Lawrence Park; obtaining speakers at Rotary meetings throughout the year; the New Generations event with high school students; serving as treasurer; and working with the Morgan City Allied Health Department and Morgan City Medical Society on much-needed funding for the allied health department at Morgan City High School.

The theme for this year's Rotary is Create Hope in the World. The Rotary International president is asking members to focus on mental health issues in the world today.

Coast Guard rescues fishing vessel crew member

Thu, 06/22/2023 - 12:45pm

The Coast Guard medevaced a commercial fishing vessel crewmember Thursday near Pass a Loutre in the Venice area.

Coast Guard Sector New Orleans watch-standers received a call via VHF-FM channel 16 at 4:30 a.m. from the commercial fishing vessel Danna B, stating a crewmember was experiencing suspected drug withdrawals symptoms.

Watch-standers diverted a Coast Guard Station Venice Response Boat-Medium rescue crew to assist.

The rescue crew arrived on scene, transported the crewmember and transferred him to awaiting emergency medical services personnel back at Station Venice.

The crewmember was last reported to be in stable condition.

Man booked on attempted murder charge in Bayou Vista shooting

Thu, 06/22/2023 - 11:59am

A Morgan City man has been booked on an attempted murder charge after gunshots hit a vehicle and home Sunday in Bayou Vista.

Juan Alejandro Espinoza-Barrow, 29, was arrested at 3:56 p.m. Sunday on charges of attempted second-degree murder, criminal damage to property, and illegal use of weapons or dangerous instrument, the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office said Thursday.

A report of gunshots brought deputies to a residence on Lonely Oak Lane in Bayou Vista, the Sheriff’s Office said.

The complainant said a man pulled up behind the complainant’s vehicle and fired a gun several times, hitting the vehicle and residence.

Deputies gathered evidence and developed Espinoza-Barrow as a suspect, the Sheriff’s Office said.

The Patrol Division was brief with a description of the suspect’s vehicle. About 9 a.m. Sunday, a deputy patrolling Bayou Vista stopped a vehicle matching the description on La. 182.

Espinoza-Barrow was arrested and taken to the St. Mary Law Enforcement Center for booking. Bond was set at $160,000.

Public gets look at plans for subdivision on Shannon property

Thu, 06/22/2023 - 11:44am

BILL DECKER

bdecker@daily-review.com

Nobody got everything they wanted.

But at the Morgan City Planning & Zoning Commission’s meeting Tuesday, members of the public got their most detailed look yet at the city government’s still incomplete plans for a residential development on the M.D. Shannon school property.

As plans move forward, Mayor Lee Dragna and Chief Administrative Officer Charlie Solar were hoping to have the 1.6 acres where 15 lots would be located rezoned to R-1E Residential. That would limit the property to single-family dwellings, prohibiting mobile and manufactured homes, containerized homes, accessory buildings, temporary portable covers and detached garages.

But commission Chairman Frank Judycki sought advice from legal counsel Paul Landry on whether the legal advertising for the agenda was specific enough about the rezoning proposal. Based on that advice, the proposal will be resubmitted at a future meeting.

In the meantime, Solar and Dragna had the opportunity to describe their vision for the project. Neighborhood residents had the chance to express their concerns about traffic, the financial viability of the development and the fate of the historic school, which once housed Morgan City High.

The St. Mary Parish School Board closed what was by then an elementary school in 2015. Dragna, hoping to keep the Shannon gym available for activities such as Biddy Basketball with plans for more, proposed the purchase of the school property by the city for $100,000 with plans for the residential development.

The 15 lots in the current plan would be owned and then sold by the city’s development district, which would also be in charge of developing detailed plans.

The income from the lot sales would be used to pay for the upkeep on the Shannon school building.

“By saving it,” Dragna said, “we said we could build a neighborhood.”

He and Solar described the development as progress for Morgan City.

“We have to move the city on,” Solar said. “We don’t have a choice.”

Neighborhood resident Greig Chauvin said she likes the idea.

“I think the mayor and Charlie are trying to make things happen,” Chauvin said.

The minimum size of the lots would be 3,500 square feet — 47 feet by 75 feet — laid out in two rows parallel to Wise Street.

A common area would run between the two rows with artificial turf, a walking path and, possibly, playground equipment.

The price of the lots would be in the $35,000 to $50,000 range.

Requirements for the homes aren’t finalized, but Solar said there would be no metal roofs, and rules would be in place for siding.

The homes would be 1,200 to 2,000 square feet, which Solar said is an attractive size for people whose children are grown or are looking for a place that’s easy to maintain. He’d like to see plans for five or six homes from which lot-buyers would be required to choose.

“These garden-type homes are springing up across the country,” Solar said.

Objections from members of the public included concern about the loss of use of the Shannon playground.

“If you save the gym to play,” asked resident Virgil Allen, “why don’t you save the playground to play?”

Residents noted that Morgan City no longer has a public pool. Drake Stansbury of Second Street spoke in favor of a recreational use for the property.

“I find it a little upsetting …,” Stansbury said. “I think it would be better for a recreation complex.”

Paul Rappmundt, a Cedar Street resident, owns apartments in Morgan City.

He said the occupancy rate is currently 70%, so housing is already available in Morgan City.

The lots may be a tough sell, Rappmundt said. He said in an email Friday that buyers may feel they won’t be able to get wind and hail damage insurance, or the price of the insurance will be more than their mortgage payments.

“Is it going to be a white elephant when we could do what Drake’s talking about?” Rappmundt said.

Dragna said the city has no recreation tax to support expensive projects like operating a pool, he said.

Carrie Stansbury said she’s concerned about traffic on Wise Street, which she said frequently includes people speeding through the neighborhood.

This story originally put Paul Rappmundt's comments about insurance affordability in the context of rising flood insurance costs. He wrote us to say that his comments actually referred to the potential inability to obtain wind and hail damage coverage, or that homeowners might be asked to pay premiums for that coverage that are higher than their mortgage payments.

Tributes to Elton John, Garth Brooks will be part of Community Concert Association season

Thu, 06/22/2023 - 11:36am

Staff Report

Tributes to Elton John and Garth Brooks, a cappella vocals, folk, jazz and classical are on the playbill for the Community Concert Association of Morgan City’s 2023-24 season.

The season opens Sept. 11 with a tribute to country star Garth Brooks. The season runs through April 2024.

Adult season tickets are $40, or $10 for K-12 students.

Individual tickets are $25 for adults and $5 for students.

Patron subscriptions are also available. For more information, go to www.morgancitylive.com.

All concerts will be at 7 p.m. in the Schreier Theatre at Morgan City Municipal Auditorium.

The new season’s performers, with information taken from promotional material:

Sept. 11
Key of G!

By age 8, AJ Bisto was already a veteran wedding singer and the lead for a band performing at a local American Legion post.

As an adult, he was inspired to create Key of G! when he was hired by a cruise line to perform as Garth Brooks in variety shows.

Since then, he has performed his musical tribute to the No. 1-selling solo artist of all time.

Oct. 5
Vox Fortura

The classical crossover group from the United Kingdom reached the semifinals of “Britain’s Got Talent” by bringing classical vocals back to the mainstream.

Their repertoire includes music from Elgar and Bizet’s “Pearl Fishers” but also David Bowie, John Legend and Ed Sheeran.

Nov. 6
Backtrack Vocals

The five-person a cappella singing group transforms familiar pop, funk, Motown, standards and Broadway tunes with new arrangements.

Backtrack Vocals recently won “New York’s Got Talent” for season six to go with TV appearances on NBC, Fox and PBS.

Jan. 29
Jason Fabus Trio

Jason Fabus leads the jazz combo, a staple in the budding jazz and swing dancing scene in Los Angeles.

The group focuses on tight and swinging arrangements, including jazz from the 1920-50s era. Their stylings have been compared to the Nat King Cole Trio and Paul Desmond.

March 11
Bennie & the Jets

Greg Ransom’s interest in the piano led him to study theory, harmony and madrigal.

At age 21, he was playing in a hotel when the owner requested an Elton John song. Ransom responded with “I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Blues.”

By 1995, he had formed Bennie & the Jets, an Elton John tribute band, and began touring the world.

April 11
Sounds of
Silence Tribute

Stephen Delepoulos and Johnny Phillips of the band Burlap to Cashmere evoke memories of the 1970s Greenwich Village folk scene.

You’ll hear songs by Simon and Garfunkel as well as other singer-songwriters of that time, including Bob Dylan, John Denver, Harry Chapin and Cat Stevens.

Wheel House for June 23

Thu, 06/22/2023 - 11:32am

PASTOR, CHURCH ANNIVERSARY
Is scheduled for 2 p.m. Sunday, June 25, at God of a Second Chance Outreach Ministries (Pastor Mitchell Williams III), 7714 La. 182 East, Morgan City. Bishop Doreen Francis of Golden Hands Ministries will be guest speaker.

FRANCIS 'SLIM' BOULANGER

Thu, 06/22/2023 - 11:22am

June 13, 1953 — June 19, 2023

Francis Joseph Boulanger, known by friends and relatives as Slim, passed away on Monday, June 19, 2023 at 10:30 p.m. at Ochsner of Kenner, LA. He was a native of Morganza, LA and resident of Patterson, LA for 48 years.

Family and friends are invited to attend the Visitation for Slim on Monday, June 26, 2023 at Good Hope Baptist Church, 908 Washington St. Patterson, LA, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. with the Funeral Services immediately following. He will be laid to rest in Home Industrial Cemetery of Patterson, LA.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 41 years, Paulette Dugar Boulanger; one son, Darius Grogan; two sisters, Minister, St. Teresa Boulanger of Baton Rouge, LA and Gwedolyn (Pete) Derozan of New Roads, LA; three brothers, J.C. (Joanne) Boulanger and Arthur (Stephanie) Boulanger of New Roads, LA and Antione Boulanger, Jr. of Morganza, LA.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lou Ida Smith Boulanger and Antione Boulanger, Sr.; two brothers and two sisters.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared for the Boulanger family at www.jones-funeral-home.com

KATHERINE VERRET HEILMAN

Thu, 06/22/2023 - 11:17am

Katherine Verret Heilman, 77, a native of Morgan City, La. and resident of Many, La., passed away at home on June 14, 2023.

Katherine enjoyed baking, sewing and especially writing and sending cards and notes to family and friends. She also loved living surrounded by nature.

Katherine is survived by her husband, William “Bill” Heilman; a son, Louis “Al” Hebert Jr. and his wife Lauren of Morgan City; two granddaughters, Eden Carter Brantley and her husband Jay of Denver, Co. and Emily Carter of Alexandria, La.; a great-grandson, Audie Dean Brantley; three stepchildren, Teresa Tilley, William Heilman Jr. and Karen Dore; three brothers, J. Irvin Verret and wife Jo of Norfolk, England, Louis Verret and wife Lisa of Baytown, Texas, and Mark W. Verret and wife Patricia of
Morgan City; four sisters, Janice Verret, Pam Mayon and husband Darren Sr., Jenny Verret Colgin and Cindy Verret, all of Morgan City; 14 nieces and nephews; 17 great- nieces and nephews; and one great-great-niece.

Katherine was preceded in death by her parents, Irvin and Helen Brown Verret, and her daughter, Heidi Hebert.

Katherine, a woman of Faith, is now resting in the arms of Jesus, her Lord and Savior.

Services are pending.