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$144,000 in grants headed to Harry P. Williams Memorial Airport

Fri, 04/21/2023 - 11:19am

Harry P. Williams Memorial Airport near Patterson will receive $144,000 for modernization under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-Baton Rouge, announced.

The two grants for the St. Mary Parish airport will come through the U.S. Department of Transportation to the parish government.

The $45,000 and $99,000 grants will “provide federal funding to improve and modernize” the airport, the senator said in a news release.

Another $304,000 will go to Jefferson Davis Airport Commission District No. 1 for improvements and modernization at the Jennings airport.

Morgan City police make arrest at massage parlor

Fri, 04/21/2023 - 10:56am

Morgan City police have arrested the operator of a Brashear Avenue-area massage parlor suspected of offering sex to customers

Yu Feng, 47, Brashear Avenue, Morgan City, was arrested at 12:54 p.m. Thursday on charges of prostitution-solicitation, promoting prostitution and prostitution by massage.

Investigators with the Morgan City Police Department Detectives and Narcotic Divisions began an investigation of a local massage parlor in the area of Brashear Avenue after information of suspicious activity was received in February.

According to reports, investigators learned that the business was listed on multiple websites commonly used for escorts, massage parlors and prostitution activity, the Police Department said.

Investigators learned of a similar massage parlor connected to the one in Morgan City was being operated in Thibodaux. Investigators collaborated with investigators from the Thibodaux Police Department.

On Thursday, investigators from the Morgan City Police Department conducted an undercover operation. An undercover officer was sent into the business, where a massage was negotiated with the operator-masseuse of the business.

Yu Feng was later identified as the target of the investigation. Reports indicate during the course of the massage, Feng negotiated and offered additional services of a sexual nature for an added cost, the Police Department said.

Investigators with the Morgan City Police Department, with assistance from the St. Mary Sheriff's Office, entered the business. A search warrant turned up ledgers and documents corroborating the illegal activity, the Police Department said. U.S. currency connected to this activity was located and seized.

The investigation into the activity of the massage parlor is ongoing and additional arresst may follow, Police said. Feng was transported to the Morgan City Jail, where she was booked and now awaits court proceedings.

A similar operation was conducted by the Thibodaux Police Department regarding the massage parlor in their area that netted one arrest.

Search for 88th S&P Festival queen has begun

Fri, 04/21/2023 - 9:50am

The Louisiana Shrimp and Petroleum Festival and Fair Association and the Past Queen’s Club have announced that the search for the new Louisiana Shrimp and Petroleum Festival queen has begun.
The association is looking for a special young woman to carry on the tradition of representing the oldest state-chartered harvest festival in Louisiana. She will be a goodwill ambassador for the Tri-City area and will represent the 88th Louisiana Shrimp and Petroleum Festival.
The deadline for submitting applications to the festival office will be 3:30 p.m. June 2.
Some of the requirements to be queen are:
—All candidates must be at least 18 years old and not more than 23 by Jan. 1, 2024. Candidates and their parents shall be residents of east St. Mary Parish and/or lower St. Martin and Assumption parishes.
—Each candidate should have attended at least their junior and senior year in an east St. Mary Parish high school. Candidates shall be high school graduates by not less than one year, shall never have been married, pregnant or given birth to a child.
—The queen is required to attend 11 festivals selected by the board. The new queen is encouraged to attend, when possible, all other festivals and any city functions to which she is invited. Required travel expenses are paid by the festival.
The queen must abide by all rules and regulations of her host festival when attending.
—She will also be required to attend the Mystick Krewe of Louisianians’ Mardi Gras Ball in Washington, D.C. Before embarking on her trip to Washington, D.C., she will be honored at a luncheon hosted by the governor and first lady of Louisiana in Baton Rouge.
—The queen will attend the Louisiana Association of Fairs and Festivals convention in Baton Rouge.
—If by some chance the parents of the queen should move from the area, the queen must maintain an area residence during the term of her reign.
—The queen must remain single during the year she represents the festival. In the event the queen should marry or something may cause her not to be able to represent the festival, the festival shall consider the crown vacated and all privileges and duties of the queen shall revert to one of the crown princesses, at the festival’s choice.
—The woman chosen to represent the festival must relinquish all other beauty titles, other than high school or college, and as a festival queen may not enter any beauty contest her year as queen.
—She must conform to all festival regulations as queen and must not conduct herself in any manner other than that befitting of a queen.
Information and applications may be obtained by emailing info@shrimpandpetroleum.org. Online information is available at www.shrimpandpetroleum.org/maids.
The Festival Executive Director Hailee Thomas is available at 985-385-0703 for further information.

Lowering blood sugar may reduce Alzheimer’s risk

Fri, 04/21/2023 - 9:47am

Aging is associated with certain ailments, some of which concern seniors more than others. One of the conditions many older adults worry about is dementia, particularly in the form of Alzheimer’s disease.
Though there’s no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, recent research suggests reducing blood sugar may be associated with a lower risk.
Doctors and researchers have determined a link between high blood sugar levels and the formation of dementia, which includes a loss of memory and thinking skills that afflicts millions of older people.
A 2013 study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that, even when diabetes was not evident, there is a correlation between sugar and dementia. A blood sugar level above normal levels (depending on activity level and weight, among other factors) can contribute to an elevated risk of developing dementia. Furthermore, a longitudinal study published in 2018 in the journal Diabetologia, which followed 5,189 people over 10 years, found those with high blood sugar had a faster rate of cognitive decline than those with normal blood sugar — whether or not those blood sugar levels classified the people as being diabetic.
The link could be due to an enzyme that breaks down insulin. Insulin-degrading enzyme, a product of insulin that breaks down both insulin and amyloid proteins in the brain, which are the same proteins that can lead to Alzheimer’s disease, is a factor in the connection to dementia.
Melissa Schilling, a professor at New York University, reviewed studies and found that people who have type 1 diabetes and don’t produce enough insulin can’t break down the amyloid proteins naturally. Furthermore, those who take insulin to treat diabetes can end up with a surplus of insulin in the body. The insulin-degrading enzyme gets used up trying to break the surplus down. This doesn’t leave enough enzyme to tackle amyloid brain clumping proteins.
These same scenarios can occur in people if their blood sugar levels are elevated, even if they don’t have diabetes yet.
Data published by Harvard Health Publ-ishing indicates “any incremental increase in blood sugar was associated with an increased risk of dementia.” Individuals who have elevated blood sugar levels, or roughly 100 mg/dL or higher after a fast, can tame sugar levels by exercising, losing weight and shifting away from highly refined grains.
Individuals also may want to favor a Mediterranean style of eating, which focuses on fish, olive oil, fruits, vegetables, and beans over a processed carbohydrate- and sugar-laden diet.
High blood sugar is another factor linked to the formation of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Making lifestyle changes can keep seniors healthy throughout their golden years.

Grieving partner wrestles with loss and uncertainty

Fri, 04/21/2023 - 9:45am

By Jeanne Phillips, ©United Features Syndicate

DEAR ABBY: We were a male couple in our 70s, together for 21 years, before my husband, “Charles,” died of COPD three weeks ago. For more than four years, I watched his health and quality of life decline until he finally had had enough and chose hospice. In less than 24 hours, he was gone.
He chose his way out, and for his sake, I’m thankful, but the pain I’m feeling is incredible. Each person grieves in their own way in their own time, and my friends and family have been amazing. I know Charles would want me to live my best life, and to honor him, which is exactly what I plan to do. The amount of paper and legal work is suffocating, but we are all getting through it.
During this time, I had expected to lean on our precious dog for comfort, but now he also will be taken from me. The vet just diagnosed him with liver cancer, and he has maybe four months to live. I’m numb and feel like a stranger in my own body. I know I’m strong enough to grieve them both, but at the same time, I am scared to death of being single again (note I didn’t say alone, because I am not).
Please give me some guidance.
TOTALLY LOST RIGHT NOW

DEAR TOTALLY LOST: I am so sorry for the loss of your husband. That your dog you were depending upon for support through this difficult time is now terminally ill has only added to your pain. It’s understandable that you feel disoriented and numb. You WILL work your way through this. The passage of time helps.
That you are not alone now is a blessing. Be glad you have the estate to settle because it will help you stay busy and, for short periods of time, will keep you focused on something other than the ache you are feeling. Do NOT jump into a new romance because you are afraid of being single!
You will make your way through this by being patient with yourself and allowing your friends to step up until you are strong enough to stand by yourself. If you need extra support, ask your doctor to refer you to a grief support group.

DEAR ABBY: My fiancée and I are about to get married in another state. I have lived in multiple states over the years and have friends and family in some of them. Some of these people aren’t able to attend the wedding. We understand their reasons and have offered a livestream as an alternative.
We are now being asked to host additional wedding receptions in other states, and we’re getting a lot of pressure about it. We have no desire to have additional wedding receptions with all the planning and expense that goes along with them.
What’s a polite way to respond to these friends and family members?
NOT INTERESTED IN FLORIDA

DEAR NOT INTERESTED: Thank these friends and relatives for the suggestion and explain that although it’s a nice idea, it isn’t within your budget. That’s the truth. Then encourage them to come and visit when time permits.

TO MY MUSLIM READERS: At sundown, it is time for the breaking of the Ramadan fast. Happy Eid al-Fitr, everyone.
LOVE, ABBY
***
For everything you need to know about wedding planning, order “How to Have a Lovely Wedding.” Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 to: Dear Abby, Wedding Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447.

Agenda for April 26 911 communications board meeting

Fri, 04/21/2023 - 9:07am

Click on the link below to download a .pdf version of the agenda.

Man booked in Tuesday vehicle burglaries in Patterson

Fri, 04/21/2023 - 7:35am

A Houma man has been arrested on more than 50 counts of vehicle burglary after a series of incidents Tuesday night in Patterson, the St. Mary Parish Sheriff's Office said.

Collin Caden Tribe, 20, Houma, was arrested at 3:25 p.m. Wednesday on 57 counts of burglary from a vehicle. Bail was set at $570,000.

Another suspect was arrested and charged in Terrebonne Parish.

Fegenbush will be St. Mary superintendent

Thu, 04/20/2023 - 10:58pm

BILL DECKER

bdecker@daily-review.com

CENTERVILLE -- The St. Mary Parish School Board on Thursday voted to appoint Dr. Buffy Fegenbush, a former Berwick High principal, as its new superintendent.

The board interviewed six candidates Tuesday and Wednesday. On Thursday, members talked about the candidates in a 55-minute closed-door session. Then they approved a plan to winnow the candidates on successive votes until one received the six votes needed to be approved by the 11-member board.

In the end, they didn't need the procedure. Only the two candidates with strong St. Mary ties received any votes.

On the first vote, with each member casting a paper ballot, Fegenbush got votes from Ginger Griffin of Patterson, Lindsey Anslem of Bayou Vista, Chad Paradee of Berwick and Rhonda Dennis, Andrew Mancuso and Alaina Black of Morgan City.

Board members and the audience broke out in applause after Black, the board president, cast the clinching sixth vote for Fegenbush.

"I'm deeply humbled by the opportunity to serve the St. Mary Parish School Board," Fegenbush said after the voting.

J Ina, the Franklin Junior High principal who also serves as a Parish Council member, got the remaining five votes from Debra Jones, Joseph Foulcard and Murphy Pontiff of Franklin, Marilyn LaSalle of Patterson and Tammie Moore of Four Corners.

Feganbush was Berwick High's principal 2005-17. She is currently district director of academic intervention for the Lafayette Parish School Board.

The other candidates were Margaret Cage, director of special education for Assumption Parish schools; Hamilton Brock, principal at Baker’s K-12 Alternative Learning Center; C. Michael Robinson, chief academic officer for East Baton Rouge Parish schools; and Curt Green, director of human resources for St. John the Baptist schools.

Fegenbush will succeed Dr. Teresa Bagwell, who announced late last year that she wouldn't seek renewal of her contract when it expires in June. Bagwell is finishing her term as superintendent on medical leave. Dr. Rachel Sanders has served as interim superintendent.'

The new superintendent will join a School Board on which seven of the 11 members have served for less than two years.

Together, they'll decide whether and how to return St. Mary high schools to block scheduling, a system that was abandoned in favor of a traditional seven-period day as a cost-cutting move before the 2017-18 school year. In a block schedule system, the day is divided into four periods of about 90 minutes each, and new classes begin at the start of each semester.

Beyond block scheduling, the 7,800-student district will try to cope with declining enrollment, a statewide teacher shortage and the fallout from the COVID-19 shutdowns.

Also Thursday, the board voted to move up the last day of 2022-23 classes for students to May 22 from May 26.

Sanders told the board that when forecasters predicted an active 2022 hurricane season, Bagwell added an additional 10 instructional minutes to school schedules as a precaution against days lost to storms.

But the schools lost no time to hurricanes in 2022, so the district had accumulated enough instructional minutes to meet state requirements without the additional four days.

Valeau will speak at Helping Hearts banquet

Thu, 04/20/2023 - 2:31pm

Dr. Edward J. Valeau, a Patterson native who has worked for more than 35 years in higher and secondary education, will be honored at the Tri-City Helping Hearts Foundation Gospel Banquet at 4 p.m. April 29 at the St. Mary Senior Citizens Center, 4041 Chennault St., Morgan City.

The foundation is a nonprofit organization established to serve citizens of Morgan City, Berwick, Amelia and Patterson. The primary purpose is to help people who need financial help with the burial expenses for a loved one. Banquet proceeds will go for that purpose.

For ticket information, call Herman Hartman, 985-384-3095, or contact any foundation member.

Valeau was born in the home at 615 First St., Patterson, and delivered by Dr. Jacquet, who may have been the first black physician in St. Mary Parish. Valeau graduated
from Hattie A. Watts, then a segregated high school, in 1963.

With the help of teacher Dolores Henderson, he enrolled in Southern University and went on to teach at McKinley Junior High in Baton Rouge.

Valeau earned a master’s degree from California State in Hayward and his doctorate from the University of California at Berkeley.

He is an American Council on Education fellow, a Fulbright scholar, winner of a Harry Buttimer Award for outstanding leadership as a CEO in California community colleges, a California State University Monterey Bay Fellow and a Rotary Paul Harris fellow.

He is also the recipient of a commendation from the Louisiana governor and Legislature for his work on Hurricane Katrina relief via California community colleges.
Valeau has published several books, including “A Practical Guide to Becoming a Community College President” and “Shaping A Humane World Through Global High Education: Pre Challenges and Post Opportunities During A Pandemic.”

He co-edited “A Handbook for Comparative Studies on Community College & Global Counterparts,” which received a 2008 honorable mention for Best Book Award from the Comparative and International Education Society. Valeau and his co-editor won the society’s Best Book Award in 2010 for “Community College Models, Globalization and High Education Reform.”

He is currently working on a photo book, “Our World of Work in Photographs,” a compilation of photos from over 25 years across 72 countries.
Valeau has served as a coach for CEOs and community college presidents.

He is also the founding director of the Association of California Community Colleges Mentor Program.
Valeau is married to Vera Valeau, an honor graduate of Southern University and a secondary education teacher for more than 30 years.

Two arrests in Berwick after drug activity report

Wed, 04/19/2023 - 4:03pm

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.)

Berwick police said a complaint about drug activity led to two arrests on marijuana and THC charges.

Berwick

Chief David S. Leonard reported these arrests:

--Ryan Aucoin, 31, Trevino Street, Berwick, was arrested at 11:19 a.m. Tuesday on charges of possession of marijuana (over 28 grams), possession of THC, possession of drug paraphernalia and violation of controlled dangerous substance law (drug-free zone).

--Sarah Colgin, 25, Trevino Street, Berwick, was arrested at 11:19 a.m. Tuesday on charges of possession of THC and possession of drug paraphernalia.

About 10:45 a.m. Tuesday, officers with the Berwick Police Department responded to a narcotics complaint at a residence on Trevino Street.

Officers made contact with Aucoin and Colgin. Both were advised of the complaint and allowed officers inside.

About 4 ounces of marijuana along with approximately 400 grams of THC gummies, edibles and items of paraphernalia belonging to Aucoin were located. There were also items of paraphernalia belonging to Colgin located inside.

The residence in which the investigation was conducted is within 2,000 feet of a church. Both were placed under arrest.

Colgin was released on a summons. Aucoin was transported to the Berwick Police Department, where he was booked.

Morgan City

Chief M. Adams reported that the Morgan City Police Department responded to 36 calls for service over the last 24-hour reporting period and made these arrests:

--Melvin Adalid Galeas-Canizales, 37, Franklin Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 2 p.m. Tuesday on a charge of failure to appear for arraignment (16th Judicial District Court).

--Patrick Marcus Mullins, 55, La. 182, Morgan City, was arrested at 4:49 p.m. Tuesday on a charge of remaining after being forbidden.

--Dylan Joseph Theriot, 22, Belle River Road, Pierre Part, was arrested at 7:44 p.m. Tuesday on charges of driving under suspension and failure to appear to pay fine (6th Ward Morgan City Court).

Patterson

Chief Garrett Grogan reported this arrest:

--Kioshin M. Johnson, 38, Live Oak Drive, Patterson, was arrested at 4:01 p.m. Tuesday o a charge of simple assault. Johnson was released on his own recognizance.

St. Mary

Sheriff Blaise Smith reported that over the last 24-hour reporting period, the Sheriff’s Office responded to 30 complaints and made this arrest:

--Jim Businelle, 63, Morgan City, was arrested at 6 p.m. Tuesday on a warrant alleging failure to appear on a charge of unauthorized use of a movable. Bail was set at $500.

Franklin

Interim Chief Tina Thibodeaux reported that the Franklin Police Department responded to 10 complaints over the last 24-hour reporting period and made these arrests:

--Titus Johnson, 18, Sansue Street, Baldwin, was arrested at 3:01 p.m. Tuesday on charges of possession of marijuana and contributing to the delinquency of juveniles. Johnson was booked, processed, and released on a $3,000 bond.

--Shavon Kinchen, 19, Canal Drive, Franklin, was arrested at 3:01 p.m. Tuesday on a charge of disturbing the peace. Kinchen was booked, processed and released on a $1,000 bond.

--Erinn Landry, 18, Eisenhower Drive, Franklin, was arrested at 3:01 p.m. Tuesday on charges of marijuana and contributing to the delinquency of juveniles. Landry was booked, processed, and released on a $3,000 bond.