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BALDWIN — The medical man behind community health in St. Mary Parish is concerned with changes to health care emanating from the nation’s capital.
Dr. Gary Wiltz, M.D., CEO of Teche Health, formerly Teche Action Clinic, was the featured speaker Monday at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. tribute in Baldwin.
“What’s going on in America right now is wrong. The beginning of the Declaration of Independence states that ‘all men are created equal ... with certain unalienable rights’, well, that phrase is quickly being unraveled.
“And justice for all? Not anymore. Justice for some, but not all. I’m afraid Dr. King’s words, ‘Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in health care is the most shocking and inhumane’ still ring true today.”
Wiltz said there is a slow dismantling of everything that progressed health in the country, like reductions in food inspections, changes in vaccination requirements: measles, chicken pox, polio, other ideas like removing fluoride from water, “could spark an outbreak of diseases that we have managed to eradicate over the past four decades. “Y’all saw what COVID did in this country, right? Just wait.”
Wiltz, a native of New Orleans, said he was born in Charity Hospital in the 1960s, when there were separate areas for black and white babies, even for black and white blood donations. A graduate of Tulane Medical School, he said his alma mater had a period of racial history as in its beginnings, the school refused to admit African American students.
He said that when Teche opened its doors in Franklin in the summer of 1974, a group of Tulane Medical Students arrived to treat 250 or so farm workers and of that group, only 10 were in perfect health.
He joined Teche in 1982 as its medical director and today, is CEO over eight clinics, two school-based clinics and three health care mobile units.
Teche is Louisiana’s first community health center. The nonprofit corporation receives part of its funding from the federal government, and it operates by treating their patients on a sliding fee scale basis.
In 2025, Teche clinics had a total of over 60,000 patient encounters. Its goal is to become the primary medical home for its patients, while teaching them preventable medicine.
“That ole saying an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure still holds true today,” he said. “I hope folks are getting good information about their health from reliable trusted sources, and not the internet or TikTok or listening to craziness. The flu shot cannot give you the flu. The shot to combat shingles will not give you shingles. These vaccines have all been tested by science.”
The community health doc believes when it comes to health, everyone should pick up the mantra, “No one is going to save us but us.”
He encouraged attendees to monitor their blood pressure and if they’re diabetic or on cholesterol medicine, to check those readings.
“The correct way to take your blood pressure is to sit down with both feet planted on the floor, no talking, and no coffee ... and hopefully it will read 120/80, or close to these numbers, which are now considered the new norm.”
He said the hemoglobin A1C test can tell you just how well you are controlling your diabetes. An A1C reading of 7.0 or less indicates that your blood sugar control is probably quite good.
The Baldwin Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Committee was in charge of the program that featured Wiltz. Elder Leroy Willis of Hines Memorial Temple Church in Baldwin is the chairman. He said having Wiltz as this year’s speaker was crucial.
“Sixty-one years ago Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. set out to address the issue of the inequalities of health care. Decades later, President Obama passed the Affordable Health Care Act, which leveled the playing field for health care in America, and it gave millions of Americans access to coverage for a core set of needed health benefits, designed to provide access to comprehensive care,” Wiltz said.
“But after President Obama left office, the federal government has tried numerous times to repeal it, which if it occurs, will set America back in the ability to provide quality comprehensive health care.”
Wiltz said that nationwide, community health centers like Teche care for 52 million patients annually at over 17,000 locations nationwide.
He said the government has tried to repeal the Affordable Health Care Act at least 100 times. He also noted that while Obama passed the Affordable Health Care Act in 2010, Louisiana didn’t accept its Medicaid expansion until 2016, when John Bel Edwards became governor, because his predecessor, Bobby Jindal, refused to allow the law to be legal in the state.
“During the first years of having the ACH in Louisiana, Teche saw incredible results. Eighty percent of our uninsured patient load went down to less than 10. And we were able to screen folks for all types of cancer, saving many lives,” Wiltz said.
After this past year of a new presidential administration, Wiltz believes he will not see the changes in health care that America needs in order for health care for all to occur.
“Health care needs to be recognized as a human right, and not a privilege. Whom you elect to office matters, it really matters. Our federal and state leaders have a lot to answer for. Policy matters. They need to ask themselves, am I really doing everything that I can do as an individual? In my community?”

U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow’s primary challenge against U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy set off a Republican scramble for the congressional seat she holds and widened the field of candidates looking to unseat him.
At least five state legislators have signaled interest in the race for the 5th Congressional District that Letlow has represented since 2021. Cassidy, seeking a third term, faces at least six challengers in the May 16 primary. Qualifying begins on Feb. 11.
Lutlow announced her bid on Tuesday, days after she was endorsed by President Donald Trump, who has criticized Cassidy for voting to convict him on impeachment charges following the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot. Cassidy, a physician, has also clashed with the Trump administration over health care.
“Louisiana deserves a conservative Senator who will not waver,” Letlow posted on X. “I am honored to have President Trump’s endorsement and trust.”
Cassidy, backed by Senate GOP leaders, said Letlow called him Tuesday to notify him of her decision.
“She said she respected me and that I had done a good job. I will continue to do a good job when I win re-election,” he posted on X. “I am a conservative who wakes up every morning thinking about how to make Louisiana and the United States a better place to live.” 
Letlow joins a list of Republican challengers that includes former congressman and current State Treasurer John Fleming and two state legislators: Sen. Blake Miguez of New Iberia and Rep. Julie Emerson of Carencro. Public Service Commissioner Eric Skrmetta and St. Tammany Parish Council member Kathy Seiden also are in the race. 
A number of other Republicans are considering the congressional seat that Letlow won in a special election following the Covid-19 death of her husband, Rep-elect Luke Letlow. The district stretches from the Baton Rouge area north and east toward Monroe and the Mississippi line.
The field could be narrowed significantly if former U.S. Rep. Garret Graves enters the race. Graves served in Congress until 2024, when his district was redrawn and he decided to not seek re-election. 
State Rep. Dixon McMakin told The Center Square that Graves’ decision in the 5th District race would affect his. 
“I hope Congressman Graves will run and be our voice in Congress again but if he stays out, I will most likely be running for the open seat to be a candidate for all of District 5,” McMakin said.
Rep. Kim Carver, R-Mandeville, said several other state legislators have privately expressed interest, including Sen. Stewart Cathey, R-Monroe, Rep. Jack McFarland, R-Jonesboro, Rep. Daryl Deshotel, R-Marksville and Rep. Michael Echols, R-Monroe. 
“Yes, I am definitely considering running,” Deshotel told The Center Square.
The winner of the primary will advance to the November general election. Members of Congress serve two-year terms and are paid $174,000 annually.

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.
Wednesday, Jan. 21
7:49 a.m. 7300 block of La. 182; Alarm.
8:50 a.m. 1000 block of Eighth Street ; Medical.
9:48 a.m. La. 70; Arrest.
10:07 a.m. 2300 block of La. 70; Welfare concern.
10:12 a.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Complaint.
10:51 a.m. U.S. 90 West; Crash.
11:22 a.m. 200 block of Aucoin Street; Medical.
12:16 p.m. 900 block of Seventh Street; Medical.
12:50 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Suspicious person.
1:05 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Complaint.
1:36 p.m. 1400 block of Sixth Street; Animal complaint.
4:04 p.m. Cottonwood Street/Victor II Boulevard; Complaint.
4:09 p.m. 200 block of Aucoin Street; Medical.
4:36 p.m. 100 block of St. Clair Street; Complaint.
5:24 p.m. 500 block of Roderick Street; Loud music.
5:29 p.m. U.S. 90 West; Complaint.
5:45 p.m. La. 70; Complaint.
5:55 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Arrest.
7:31 p.m. 6400 block of La. 182; Alarm.
7:32 p.m. 600 block of Terrebonne Street; Medical.
9:19 p.m. La. 70/U.S. 90 Junction; Stalled vehicle.
9:38 p.m. 3000 block of Lake Palourde Drive; Complaint.
10:18 p.m. 100 block of Egle Mill; Suspicious subject.

(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.)

An investigation that began with a drug arrest has resulted in sexual battery and video voyeurism charges against a Morgan City man.
Parish deputies made arrests on burglary and aggravated battery charges, while two men arrested in Patterson are accused of possessing drugs in distribution quantities.

Morgan City

Chief Chad M. Adams reported these arrests:

--Michael Anthony Noel, 53, Birch Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 1:49 p.m. Tuesday on charges of sexual battery and two counts of video voyeurism.

On Sept. 30, investigators with the Morgan City Police Department Narcotics Division arrested Noel on several narcotics-related charges. As the case developed, the Criminal Investigations Division uncovered evidence linking Noel to multiple sexual offenses.

In October 2025, arrest warrants resulted in additional charges, including multiple counts of rape, sexual battery and voyeurism.

The investigation continued, and on Tuesday, Noel was charged with one count of sexual battery and two counts of video voyeurism related to another victim.

Adams stated that the case remains active and ongoing. Additional charges may be filed as investigators identify more victims.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Morgan City Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at 985-380-4605.

--Blaine Joseph Sylvester, 22, Maxine Drive, Baton Rouge, was arrested at 12:09 p.m. Tuesday on three counts of unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling and three counts of computer tampering.

--Jonette Lange, 46, Second Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 12:36 a.m. Wednesday on charges of failure to appear for arraignment, failure to appear for probation review and failure to appear for revocation hearing (16th Judicial District Court).

--Meagen Alexandria Fisher, 37, Railroad Avenue, Morgan City, was arrested at 10:34 a.m. Jan. 16 on a charge of failure to return leased merchandise.

--Shawn Casey Lovell Sr., 48, Sixth Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 12:05 p.m. Jan. 16 on two counts of failure to appear to pay fine (6th Ward Morgan City Court).

--Earl Leonard Garrison, 61, La. 182, Morgan City, was arrested at 5:11 p.m. Jan. 16 on two counts of aggravated cruelty to animals.

--Sergio Garcia, 36, Malcolm Street, Navasota, Texas, was arrested at 12:41 a.m. Sunday on charges of disturbing the peace (intoxicated) and possession of an alcoholic beverage in a motor vehicle.

--Christina Marie Istre, 46, Prairie Road, Franklin, was arrested at 3:23 p.m. Sunday on a charge of hit-and-run driving. (Released on summons.)

--Meagen Alexandria Fisher, 37, Railroad Avene, Morgan City, was arrested at 1:23 a.m. Tuesday on charges of possession of synthetic marijuana (two counts) and improper lighting.

St. Mary

Sheriff Gary Driskell reported these arrests:

--Michelle Hayes, 47, Jeanerette, was arrested at 5:40 p.m. Tuesday on a warrant alleging failure to appear on a charge of criminal neglect of family. Bail was set at $500.

--Tommy R. Killingsworth, 54, Centerville, was arrested at 2:55 p.m. Tuesday on a charge of aggravated domestic abuse battery. Bail has not been set at this time.

--Crystal Todd Billiot, 47, Patterson, was arrested at 2:17 p.m. Monday on a charge of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. Bail was set at $10,000.

--Senovia Isaiah Washington, 26, New Iberia, was arrested at 12:02 a.m. Saturday on charges of improper lane usage, driving while intoxicated and introduction of contraband into a penal institution. Bail was set at $5,500.

--Ryan Emmanuel Chaisson, 44, New Iberia, was arrested at 12:48 a.m. Saturday on a charge of simple burglary. Chaisson was released on a $6,000 bond.

--Jordan Lamar Madison, 24, Baldwin, was arrested at 3:31 p.m. Monday on a charge of simple burglary. Bail has not been set at this time.

--Tyasia Nautyjua Wilson, 22, Franklin, was arrested at 3:46 p.m. Monday on charges of view outward and inward of window, proper equipment required on vehicles, driving while intoxicated, and no seat belt.

Bail was set at $3,250.

Patterson

Chief Garrett Grogan reported these arrests:

--Dwight P. Blackburn, 46, Prairie Road North, Franklin, was arrested at 8:29 p.m. Tuesday on charges of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, speeding 44 mph in a 35 mph zone, driver’s license suspended or revoked, and open container.

Blackburn is incarcerated in the Patterson PD Jail with no bond set.

--Dayshawn D. Short, 41, James Street, Siracusaville, was arrested at 8:29 p.m. Tuesday on charges of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and resisting an officer (false information).

Short was incarcerated at the Patterson PD Jail with no bond set.

Franklin

Chief Cedric Handy reported these arrests:

--Juvenile was arrested at 5:04 p.m. Friday on charges of resisting an officer, illegal possession of a handgun by a juvenile, possession of a machine gun and firearm-free zone.

--Carl Joseph Jr., 32, Curtis Drive, Franklin, was arrested at 5:30 p.m. Saturday on a charge of remaining where forbidden. Joseph was booked, processed and held on a $500 bond.

Assumption

Sheriff Leland Falcon reported this arrest:

--Joshua Lee Holbert, 36, Cecelia Street, Bayou L’Ourse, was arrested Tuesday on a charge of felony theft.

The charge is related to the theft of an I-Pad Pro from the suspect’s former employer.

On Monday, deputies responded to a complaint from a local contractor, who reported that Holbert had been an employee and as such was issued the I-Pad as an employment tool. Upon termination of employment, Holbert failed to return the I-Pad upon demand.

It was further determined that Joshua Lee Holbert was attempting to sell the I-Pad on Facebook.

The I-Pad was valued at $2,500.

At the conclusion of the investigation, deputies secured an arrest warrant charging Holbert with felony theft.

Holbert was arrested in Bayou L’Ourse on Tuesday evening and booked into the Assumption Parish Detention Center. He remains incarcerated pending a bond hearing.