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(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 and St. Mary deputies reported five arrests Wednesday.

Morgan City

Chief Chad M. Adams reported that the Morgan City Police Department responded to 47 calls for service over the last 24-hour reporting period and made these arrests:

--Erna Celina Allen, 50, Fourth Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 9:39 a.m. Wednesday on a charge of failure to return leased merchandise.

--John Bergeron, 39, Rice Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 1:24 p.m. Wednesday as a fugitive from the Assumption Parish Sheriff’s Office.

--Alicia Woods, 21, Salem Street, Kenner, was arrested at 5:37 p.m. Wednesday on a charge of criminal damage to property.

St. Mary

Sheriff Blaise Smith reported that over the last 24-hour reporting period, the Sheriff’s Office responded to 27 complaints and made these arrests:

--Gerald Vaughn Dupas, 36, Franklin, was arrested at 11:52 a.m. Wednesday on a charge of battery of a corrections officer. Dupas continues to be incarcerated at the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center.

--Dylan Anthony Oubre, 33, Mandeville, was arrested at 5:17 p.m. Wednesday on three warrants alleging failure to appear on charges of resisting an officer, criminal mischief and possession of marijuana. Bail has not been set at this time.

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.
Monday, May 15
6:35 a.m. 700 block of Belanger Street; Medical.
6:36 a.m. 500 block of Roderick Street; Medical.
7:02 a.m. U.S. 90 Westbound bridge; Complaint.
7:15 a.m. 2200 block of Maple Street; Animal complaint.
7:44 a.m. Eleventh Street/Railroad Avenue; Found property.
8:27 a.m. 700 block of Kentucky Street; Traffic complaint.
9:29 a.m. 600 block of Aucoin Street; Animal complaint.
9:44 a.m. 800 block of Ditch Avenue; Complaint.
10:29 a.m. 1400 block of Federal Avenue; Animal complaint.
11:17 a.m. 3000 block of Leslie Drive; Investigation.
11:51 a.m. 100 block of Montana Street; Complaint.
12:23 p.m. 7200 block of La. 182; Criminal damage.
12:53 p.m. 7200 block of La. 182; Narcotics complaint.
1:06 p.m. 1000 block of Clothilde Street; Subject removal.
2:01 p.m. 900 block of Hickory Street; Animal complaint.
2:56 p.m. 800 block of Levee Road; Domestic.
3:35 p.m. 3100 block of Lake Palourde Drive; Reckless operation.
4:01 p.m. 500 block of Brashear Avenue; Disturbance.
6:07 p.m. 1000 block of Ninth Street, Patterson; Complaint.
6:24 p.m. 100 block of Egle Mill Road; Medical.
6:26 p.m. 600 block of General Patton Street; Complaint.
7:16 p.m. 700 block of Belanger Street; Medical.
8:21 p.m. 900 block of Duke Street; Domestic.
8:55 p.m. 1100 block of Marguerite Street; Complaint.
9:30 p.m. Sixth/Pine streets; Suspicious person.
9:40 p.m. 200 block of Arizona Street; Disturbance.
9:48 p.m. 1100 block of Marguerite Street; Assistance.
Tuesday, May 16
1:43 a.m. 2300 block of Elm Street; Disturbance.
5:14 a.m. Terrebonne/Sixth streets; Complaint.
5:36 a.m. 500 block of Roderick Street; Medical.
7:53 a.m. 2300 block of Elm Street; Complaint.
7:57 a.m. 900 block of Hickory Street; Animal complaint.
7:59 a.m. 2300 block of La. 70; Animal complaint.
8:48 a.m. 700 block of Belanger Street; Medical.
8:55 a.m. 200 block of Belanger Street; Complaint.
8:57 a.m. 900 block of Fig Street; Fire alarm.
9:21 a.m. 300 block of Fifth Street; Animal complaint.
9:28 a.m. 7900 block of La. 182; Civil matter.
10:19 a.m. 5000 block of Railroad Avenue; Animal complaint.
10:20 a.m. 1100 block of Brashear Avenue; Civil matter.
10:30 a.m. 200 block of Arkansas Street; Suspicious vehicle.
10:51 a.m. La. 70/U.S. 90 Junction; Complaint.
12:42 p.m. 800 block of Sacred Heart Drive; Assistance.
1:25 p.m. Federal Avenue off ramp U.S. 90 Eastbound; Accident.
1:54 p.m. 2300 block of La. 70; Animal complaint.
2:30 p.m. 900 block of Marguerite Street; Fight.
2:53 p.m. 1100 block of General Clark Street; Civil matter.
3:44 p.m. 200 block of Robin Street; Complaint.
6:36 p.m. 900 block of Chestnut Drive; Welfare check.
6:51 p.m. 600 block of General Patton Street; Medical.
9:14 a.m. 500 block of Brashear Avenue; Civil matter.
7:43 p.m. 800 block of South Everett Street; Complaint.
7:50 p.m. 100 block of Fifth Street; Disturbance.
8:22 p.m. 6000 block of La. 182; 911 hang up.
10:28 p.m. 3000 block of Diane Drive; Suspicious person.
10:36 p.m. 700 block of Belanger Street; Medical.
Wednesday, May 17
12:03 a.m. 6300 block of La. 182; Suspicious person.

Berwick High has named its top graduates as the Class of 2023 prepares for commencement.

Graduation ceremonies are scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday at the Berwick High football stadium.

The top graduates are:

Alan Arias-Perez

Alan Arias-Perez, son of Octavio Arias and Dalia Perez, is a one-year powerlifting athlete and four-year track athlete.
Alan, a former altar server at St. Bernadette Catholic Church for a year and a half, is also a four-year member of the Sound of Pride. Before and during his time with the
Sound of Pride, Alan was a part of the St. Mary Parish Honor Band for the maximum amount of seven years and a part of the District Honor Band for one year.

After high school, Alan plans on attending Louisiana State University to study electrical engineering.

Alyssa Katherine Domangue

Alyssa Katherine Domangue, daughter of Steve and Karen Domangue, is a former volleyball and tennis athlete and has been a Berwick High cheerleader all four years of her attendance. Alyssa was also an active member of Interact, where she volunteered at monthly AARP meetings. Alyssa also has been a member of Beta Club, Key Club and Health Occupational Students of America.

Alyssa’s many dual enrollment courses have allowed her to earn 18 hours of college credit during her time in high school. Alyssa has been awarded the TOPS Performance Scholarship as well as scholarships from Northwestern State University, Valedictorian Award, Outstanding Student Award, Hattie M. Fincher Foundation, Presidential Ambassador, NSU Student Employment, Academic Excellence, and President’s Honor School Housing.

Alyssa will attend Northwestern in Natchitoches this fall to pursue a career in radiologic science.

Brooklyn Alexis Duay

Brooklyn Alexis Duay, daughter of Rachel and Kenny Duay, has served as vice president of HOSA, secretary of ARK, and was a member of BETA and Student Council.
Brooklyn was a multisport athlete playing in cross country, track, volleyball and cheerleading. She would then become cheer captain her senior year.

Brooklyn’s accomplishments include being voted homecoming queen and being chosen Student of the Year. She also volunteers at a local dog rescue called Aviary Creature Rescue.

After high school, Brooklyn plans to attend Louisiana State University and pursue a major in engineerin
Julian Michael Garner

Julian Michael Garner, son of Alicia Garner, spent two years playing alto saxophone for the Sound of Pride. He has received Talented music services throughout high school.

Julian will be attending Nicholls State University in the fall, where he will major in general studies until he decides on a concentration.

Kaylie Lynn Giroir

Kaylie Lynn Giroir, daughter of Lacey\Joe Cossey and Jimmy Giroir, has been a member of Key Club and Beta Club, while also being a volleyball athlete.

Kaylie has earned a 30 on her ACT and participated in the state literary rally her freshman and senior year.

Kaylie plans on attending the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

Chloe Marie Martin

Chloe Martin, daughter of Lonnie Martin and Lindsay Carline, is a member of Book Club, Key Club, Beta, Debate, Talented Arts, Student Council, 4-H, Yearbook and ARK.

Chloe is class Student Council secretary and voted most talented girl. For 4-H she serves as the vice president of St. Mary Parish Junior Leaders and is on the service-learning committee of the Louisiana State 4-H Citizenship Board. Outside of school, Chloe is a member of the Chitimacha Tribe of Louisiana and is highly involved in her tribe’s youth group, Huygi.

Her plans after high school are to attend LSU for architecture.

Juliet Madian Marcelino

Juliet Madian Marcelino, daughter of Samuel and Natividad Marcelino, is a member of the Book Club at Berwick High School and was previously a member of the Health
Occupations Students of America. She dedicates 30 to 50 hours a month teaching other about the Bible and directing Bible studies.

Juliet has participated in the state literary rallies for both journalism and English. She also has obtained word millionaire every year since fourth grade, reading over 2 million words each year. Since third grade, she has been named to the Principal’s List. Recently, Juliet has become a scholar and member of the Horatio Alger Association and attended the National Scholars Conference in Washington D.C, in which she met Mr. Donald T. Bollinger, chairman of Nicholls State University.

Juliet plans to obtain an associate degree in general studies at Nicholls State University and then apply to Louisiana State University Dental School to pursue a bachelors in dental hygiene.

Dawson Onesime Richard

Dawson Onesime Richard, son of Joey and Rebecca Richard, is a four-year member of the varsity baseball team, and was recognized as District 9-3A first-team All-District catcher in 2022 and 3A LBCA All-State and All Region utility player in 2022. Dawson is also a recipient of the 2022-2023 LHSAA Academic All-State Award for baseball and was awarded outstanding Most Valuable Player at the State championship game.

Over the past three years, he has enjoyed helping officiate both junior high baseball and little league football in Berwick.

After high school, Richard will attend Southwest Mississippi Community College to play baseball and earn an associate’s degree in business and marketing Management Technology.

Abigail Anne Watson

Abigail Anne Watson, daughter of Jason and Chontay Watson, is a four-year member Student Council, BETA Club, Interact Club, Key Club, Drama Club, HOSA, ARK Club, Sound of Pride band and Bowling team, on which she received LHSAA All-Academic award.

Abigail is a two-year member of FBLA, Hope Squad and Debate Club, which she founded and served as captain. She helps the Kiwanis Club in various events as well. \

Abigail has attended several summer camps including HOBY, a day with the doc at LSU, Envision held at University of North Carolina and pre college programs at Yale and Harvard. She is also a member of the Society of Torch and Laurel and a member of the National Society of High School Scholars.

Abigail plans to attend Louisiana State University to pursue an undergraduate degree, then continue on to medical school to become a cardiothoracic surgeon.

Evan Patrick White

Evan Patrick White, son of Brett and Mary White, is a four-year member of the baseball team, a 3-year member of Beta Club, a two-year member of Key Club, and a BHS Hope Squad ambassador.

Evan was named a National Merit Finalist and earned the College Board National Rural and Small Town Recognition. He earned first place at the state literary rally in calculus. Evan is also a recipient of the 2022-2023 LHSAA Academic all-state award for baseball. Evan has earned the highest GPA awards in math, English, and history. He is a fourth-degree Wisecat and an eighth-degree Powercat at BHS.

Evan plans to attend Louisiana State University and major in biological engineering. He plans to pursue a medical degree and specialize in radiology.

BATON ROUGE — High schoolers often worry about prom and exams. But a growing number fear being shot in school, students testified at the Capitol.

A bill aiming to address those concerns, called the School Safety Act of 2023, advanced Monday through the Senate Committee on Finance.

The proposal would establish the Center for Safe Schools within the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness. It would provide panic emergency notification and anonymous reporting systems for schools.

The bill also would require schools to hold shooting drills during high traffic or passing times in the hallways, have blood control kits and training to use them in school, and create district threat assessment teams.

Sen. Barry S. Milligan, R-Shreveport, brought the legislation after consulting with the Legislative Youth Advisory Council, made up of high school students from around the state who engage with the legislative process.

The proposal addresses a growing American problem and fears felt by students nationwide.

There have been more than 380 school shootings in the United States since 1999, with 88 in the last two years alone, according to The Washington Post. The violence has left at least 199 dead and another 428 injured.

The Post found that the violence has been rising significantly since 2018, with an exception during school closings in 2020.

“This country has truly become numb to school shootings,” said Clayton Baden, a senior at Buckeye High School in Rapides Parish and a member of the youth council.

For these students, school shootings have been a lifelong worry.

“It is our solution to add extra protection to keep our schools safe and more prepared to truly keep our youth safe at school, where they shouldn’t have to think of problems
as horrible as school shootings,” Baden said.

Daniel Price, a senior at McKinley High School in Baton Rouge and a youth council member, said he did not feel safe with the current system in place for shooting drills. He said teachers are often in the dark during drills, not knowing the severity of the situation and unable to calm student fears.

“Due to the lack of practice in school drills and miscommunication with teachers and students, students are not confident in the school’s ability to counter active school threats,” Price said. “And this has left me, and this has left the entire school community, in the mindset of helping themselves and no one else.”

Crimestoppers of Great New Orleans, which has an app that allows students to make safety reports, has received more than 1,200 tips since its contract with the state first began in 2020, according to its president and CEO Darlene Cusanza.

Crimestoppers is in 500 schools across 40 parishes, with another 122 schools in the onboarding process, Cusanza said, adding that she hopes its reach can grow if this bill makes its way through the Legislature.

And those hundreds of tips have already had an effect, Cusanza said.

The night before she spoke in front of the Senate Committee on Education last week, Crimestoppers helped solve a planned school shooting, from which an arrest was made, she said. Other arrests regarding abuse, weapons and drugs have been made from the tips, she said.

Students hope expanded preparedness and resources will allow them to focus on school.

“Only when students feel truly safe in their schools are they able to learn and grow,” said Holly Phan, a junior at Baton Rouge Magnet High School and a youth council member. “Unnecessary uncertainty about what to do when an active shooter comes on campus is not a burden that should fall on these children.”