Around Town for Feb. 10
Fri, 02/10/2023 - 9:26am
Happy birthday Tuesday to Veronica Smith and Sade Watts from family, friends and Ira.
RSS Feed
Wheel House for Feb. 10: Black history, preacher's anniversary, egg hunt, color run
Fri, 02/10/2023 - 9:22am
BLACK HISTORY
Program at Good Hope Baptist Church, 908 Washington St., Patterson, 11 a.m. Feb. 19.
GOOD HOPE
Baptist Church, 908 Washington St., Patterson, celebrating the Rev. Patrick T. Jones Sr.’s anniversary at 11 a.m. Feb. 26. Guest speaker Jules Anderson.
EGG HUNT
Community Easter Egg Hunt 2-5 p.m. April 1 at Park Street Park, Patterson. School-aged children welcomed. Donations also accepted. For info call Allise Jennings, 985-992-0630.
COLOR RUN
Hosted by the City of Patterson at 8 a.m. May 6. Run begins and ends at Park Street Park. Early registration through April 15, $25, includes T-shirt. Late registration $25, no T-shirt guarantee. For entry form visit City Hall, 1314 Main St. For info call 985-992-0630.
25th annual Bayou Horseshoe Pitchers Association award
Fri, 02/10/2023 - 9:04am
The local organization recently named award-winners from its spring and fall leagues.
Submitted Photos
Locally written play wins regional awards
Fri, 02/10/2023 - 8:49am
CHRIS LANDRY, Banner-Tribune
The Teche Theatre for the Performing Arts production of The Quarters, which made its debut at the theater in March of 2022, swept all 10 awards for which it was nominated in the 2022 Broadway World Regional Awards.
It’s an honor that brings pride to playwright and director Ed “Tiger” Verdin, and the rest of the musical’s production staff and cast.
“It was an amazing day for myself, as well as the cast and crew and creative team,” Verdin said of finding out in January that the production had won the awards.
The musical play won the awards in the New Orleans region, which covers all of Louisiana as well as parts of Texas, Arkansas and Mississippi, Verdin said. The Broadway World Regional Awards are given out to productions in more than 100 cities/regions worldwide. BroadwayWorld.com is a theatre news website based in New York City covering Broadway, off-Broadway, regional and international theatre productions. Readers were allowed to vote on the awards for regional productions and touring shows which had their first performance between Oct. 1, 2021 and Sept. 30, 2022, with voting open
through Dec. 31, 2022. Winners were announced in January.
The awards that "The Quarters" won were:
--Best Musical — THE QUARTERS Musical
--Best Ensemble Performance — THE QUARTERS Musical
--Best Performer in a Musical — Adolph Davis
--Best Supporting Performer in a Musical — Jeneé Crowther
--Best Choregraphy of a Play or Musical— LaDaisha Bowles-Webber
--Best Costume Design of a Play or Musical — Tiffany Dupas
--Best Lighting Design of a Play or Musical — Mackenzie Burleigh
--Best Music Direction & Orchestra Performance — Kenneth Perry
--Best Direction of a Musical — Ed “Tiger” Verdin
-Best Scenic Design of a Play or Musical - Ed “Tiger” Verdin
The play was originally nominated for best new play or musical, but The Quarters was the only original production, so that category was eliminated.
Verdin said he wanted to make sure to utilize local talent for the play.
“I’ve been doing this for 30 years from high school to now, and 20 years with the Teche Theatre,” Verdin said. “It’s about local talent, it’s about local stories, it’s about utilizing all of the talent, which is amazing. I would put this talent up against anyone in the world.
“To be able to pull off an original show, an original production, with original music, using all local people, I don’t want to say it’s unheard of, but usually you’re looking for some type of guidance.”
There was some veteran talent involved, but also some green performers and Verdin said the first show, which was attended by people from New York, went off flawlessly.
“Winning best supporting actor, best ensemble performance, best lighting design, best costume design, best choreography, best orchestration, best scenic design, you name it, we couldn’t have asked for a better run,” Verdin said. “In my 30 years of doing theater, I have never done a more perfect show. You always have some type of snafu that’ll happen during a live performance. Our opening performance was perfect. That cast, the music, the lighting, there was not one missed cue on anything, no missed lines, no missed direction. I had never seen that in my life, and I was just blown away by the cast.”
Verdin said he grew up in the Oaklawn Quarters, and the African-Americans who lived there accepted him as family. He wanted to tell the story of slavery in the Deep South, in a way that nobody had told it before.
That includes history many people are not aware of, that the Emancipation Proclamation didn’t free slaves in St. Mary Parish. President Abraham Lincoln’s proclamation, issued on Sept. 22, 1862, freed slaves in Southern slave states, but 13 Louisiana parishes were exempt. An additional 48 counties in West Virginia and seven other Virginia counties were exempt from the proclamation as well.
Verdin said producing the play was a way of “trying to right a wrong, trying to put an emphasis on the correct history. We always hear about Juneteenth in Galveston, Texas, but that was pretty much the reason why. Everybody thinks that the Emancipation Proclamation freed all slaves at that time, and it didn’t.”
Jeremy Alford: Conservatives explore ways to gain legislative seats
Fri, 02/10/2023 - 8:44am
JEREMY ALFORD
As state lawmakers approach their final regular session of the term, outside players like donors, consultants and even other elected officials are plotting paths to gain more Republican seats in the House and Senate during the fall elections.
The effort in many ways begins and ends with the Louisiana Committee for a Conservative Majority, which was formed in 2007 to serve as a clearinghouse for most GOP efforts related to legislative elections.
Progress has been slow and steady for LCCM, culminating in 69 out of 105 House seats and 27 out of 39 Senate seats.
Donors and business lobbyists now jockey for posts on the LCCM board and candidates on the conservative spectrum aggressively seek the committee’s seal of approval.
For conservative diehards, however, the job isn’t complete. Republican boosters want to pick up enough seats during this year’s election cycle to create a supermajority in the House to match the one that exists in the Senate.
The next term of state government could be a heady one for Republicans if they elect one of their own as governor and hold supermajorities on both sides of the Capitol’s Memorial Hall.
Could it actually happen? LCCM and its board members will meet later this month for a retreat to begin the work of doing just that.
U.S. Sen. John Kennedy is now the lone chairman of LCCM, after Attorney General Jeff Landry relinquished his co-chair designation last year to run for governor. As he has done in the past, stakeholders expected Kennedy will be active not only in board meetings, but also in candidate interviews.
As for the governor’s race, LCCM is steering clear of the contest altogether.
In fact, the board plans to meet with other candidates for statewide office, but not those seeking the governorship.
While the board doesn’t want to get involved in other statewide races, either, candidates will be present at the retreat later this month for presentations.
Thus far there are conservative candidates on the agenda running for agriculture commissioner, attorney general, insurance commissioner, lieutenant governor, secretary of state and treasurer.
This will give individual board members the opportunity to meet with statewide candidates and — yes — donate to their campaigns individually and separately from LCCM. This new twist makes LCCM not only a clearinghouse for legislative strategy, but also (in a small way) a brokerage for GOP donations.
The retreat will also serve as an opportunity for the board to get together and discuss the exact races LCCM will target in the House and Senate this fall.
We’ll have to wait and see which contests make it into the crosshairs, but consultants see opportunities for House gains in Plaquemines, Pointe Coupee and Washington parishes, to name a few locales.
True believers think the GOP ranks in the House could jump from 69 currently to maybe 72 in the next term.
Back in the Legislature, Senate Republicans have already held their own retreat and their House counterparts will soon follow suit, according to House Majority Leader Blake Miguez of New Iberia. That upcoming meeting of the House GOP will focus more on policy, but will serve as a precursor to the Republican Delegation discussing its own spending strategy for this fall.
As for the Conservative Caucus, which maintains its own membership and related activities in the House, it has an upcoming planning session as well. Chairman Jack McFarland of Jonesboro said the Caucus is targeting a few different multi-day dates in March.
To be sure, Republicans are organized heading into the 2023 election year, particularly when it comes to House and Senate races. Democrats will likely to put up a good fight, but with the electorate and big dollar donations both trending Republican, good might not do the trick.
For more Louisiana political news, visit www. LaPolitics.com or follow Alford on Twitter @ LaPoliticsNow
Morgan City police make theft arrests
Thu, 02/09/2023 - 2:29pm
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.)
Morgan City police reported a pair of arrests on theft charges Wednesday.
Morgan City
Police Chief Chad M. Adams reported that the Morgan City Police Department responded to 37 calls for service over the last 24-hour reporting period and made these arrests:
--Carlos Peter Ramos, 20, Fourth Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 4:07 p.m. Wednesday on charges of theft (under $1,000), criminal trespassing, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, resisting an officer and battery on a police officer.
--Kendrick Verrett, 42, Weber Street, Franklin, was arrested at 10:11 a.m. Wednesday on a charge of theft (under $1,000).
--Trenton Terrell Hebert, 24, Wren Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 3:2607 p.m. Wednesday on a charge of cruelty to animals.
--Nathaniel Albert Rollins, 26, Brashear Avenue, Morgan City, was arrested at 9:22 p.m. Wednesday on two counts of failure to appear for arraignment (6th Ward Morgan City Court).
St. Mary
Sheriff Blaise Smith reported that over the last 24-hour reporting period, the Sheriff's Office responded to 35 complaints and made these arrests:
--Dennis James Driskill Jr., 50, Berwick, was arrested at 11:17 a.m. Wednesday on three warrants alleging failure to appear on charges of operating a vehicle with an expired driver's license; careless operation of a motor vehicle; expired motor vehicle inspection; operating a vehicle without proof of insurance; improper use of registration, license plates or license; criminal neglect of family; illegal possession of stolen things ($1,000-$5,000); and illegal possession of stolen things ($25,000 or more).
Bail has not been set at this time.
--Morris Joseph Charpentier Jr., 45, Jeanerette, was arrested at 11:51 a.m. Wednesday on three warrants alleging failure to appear on charges of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of oxycodone, possession of marijuana, resisting an officer and reckless operation of a vehicle.
Bail has not been set at this time.
--Tommy James Vidos, 47, Bayou Vista, was arrested at 3:04 p.m. Wednesday on two warrants alleging failure to appear on charges of resisting an officer, possession of marijuana and criminal neglect of family. Bail has not been set at this time.
Morgan City police radio logs for Feb. 7-8
Wed, 02/08/2023 - 5:14pm
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.
Tuesday, Feb. 7
7:58 a.m. 10 block of Glenwood Street; Animal complaint.
8:26 a.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Animal complaint.
8:43 a.m. 100 block of Eleventh Street; Complaint.
9:03 a.m. 900 block of Marguerite Street; Juvenile problems.
9:28 a.m. 1100 block of General Clark Street; Animal complaint.
9:31 a.m. 200 block of Onstead Street; Noise complaint.
10:02 a.m. Amber/Elm streets; Warrant.
11:04 a.m. 800 block of Victor II Boulevard; Disturbance.
11:24 a.m. 300 block of Chennault Street; Simple assault.
11:31 a.m. 1100 block of Marguerite Street; Animal complaint.
11:51 a.m. 1000 block of La. 70; Medical.
12:15 p.m. 500 block of Everett Street; Building check.
12:31 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Complaint.
1:34 p.m. 800 block of Levee Road; Animal complaint.
2:33 p.m. 300 block of Laurel Street; Medical.
2:46 p.m. 400 block of Canton Street; Warrant.
3:00 p.m. 500 block of Louisa Street; Fire.
3:43 p.m. 1400 block of Federal Avenue; Complaint.
3:51 p.m. U.S. 90 Offramp/Shoneys; Vehicle accident.
6:23 p.m. U.S. 90 West Federal Avenue Onramp Merge; Stalled vehicle.
6:34 p.m. 1100 block of Dora Street; Building check.
6:54 p.m. 600 block of General Patton Street; Medical.
7:18 p.m. 800 block of Levee Road; Juvenile problem.
7:40 p.m. 500 block of Brashear Avenue; Theft.
7:48 p.m. 6500 block La. 182; Traffic complaint.
8:14 p.m. Birch/Oak streets; Suspicious person.
8:21 p.m. 1100 block of Chester Bowles Street; Suspicious person.
9:55 p.m. 2400 block of Cypress Street; Disturbance.
10:39 p.m. 3000 block of Diane Drive; Disturbance.
11:17 p.m. Leona Street/Federal Avenue; Suspicious person.
11:21 p.m. 3000 block of Diane; Disturbance.
Wednesday, Feb. 8
12:08 a.m. 3000 block of Diane Drive; Disturbance.
1:48 a.m. 2400 block of Apple Street; Assistance.
2:52 a.m. 6300 block La. 182; Mental complaint.
3:16 a.m. 600 block of Kentucky Street; Patrol request.
Arrests on meth, drunken driving charges reported
Wed, 02/08/2023 - 1:04pm
(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 arrests on methamphetamine and drunken driving charges Tuesday.
Morgan City
Police Chief Chad M. Adams reported that the Morgan City Police Department responded to 60 calls for service over the last 24-hour reporting period and made these arrests:
--Ronald P. Picou, 57, Cottonwood Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 10:11 a.m. Tuesday on charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, resisting an officer, 12 counts failure to appear to pay fine (6th Ward Morgan City Court) and two counts of failure to appear to pay fine (6th Ward Morgan City Court).
--Michael James Lancon, 52, Marin Lane, Patterson, was arrested at 5:20 p.m. Tuesday by Franklin police on a Morgan City charge of menacing.
--A’Dontay Rayshashaun Owens, 24, Mallard Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 6:23 p.m. Tuesday on a charge of failure to appear for arraignment (6th Ward Morgan City Court).
--Randy L. Smith, 43, North Oaklawn Lane, Biloxi, Mississippi, was arrested at 11:33 p.m. Tuesday on a charge of driving while intoxicated (first offense) and improper lane usage.
Patterson
Police Chief Garrett Grogan reported these arrests:
--Morris Garrison, 28, Egle Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 12:12 a.m. Wednesday by Morgan City police on a warrant alleging failure to appear on charges of expired motor vehicle inspection sticker, no registration and license plate expired. Garrison is incarcerated at the Patterson PD Jail with bond set at $952.
--Mark P. Hannie, 52, Jean Lafitte, Baton Rouge, was arrested at 4:25 a.m. Wednesday on charges of driver’s license suspended or revoked and speeding 77 mph in a 55 mph zone. Hannie is incarcerated at the Patterson PD Jail with bond set at $702.
St. Mary
Sheriff Blaise Smith reported that over the last 24-hour reporting period, the Sheriff’s Office responded to 26 complaints and made this arrest:
--Joseph Charles Nedd, 57, Franklin, was arrested at 3:05 p.m. Tuesday on a warrant alleging failure to appear on charges of aggravated battery and theft. Bail has not been set for the additional charges.
Around Town for Feb. 8
Wed, 02/08/2023 - 12:22pm
Happy birthday Edith Stevenson and Mary Hunter, and happy birthday Thursday to Elerary Simmons from family, friends and Ira.
Hannibal, Dionysus next up on Mardi Gras schedule
Wed, 02/08/2023 - 12:20pm
DIANE MILLER FEARS
Only four Mardi Gras balls remain as the local Carnival season hits its peak.
Two balls will take place Saturday. The Krewe of Dionysus and the Krewe of Hannibal will each present their courts.
Two more balls will follow on Mardi Gras weekend before Fat Tuesday brings an end to festivities.
Seven area Mardi Gras parades will be held in the Tri-City area beginning Feb. 17 and ending on Mardi Gras day.
Ball patrons are reminded that tableaus begin promptly and everyone should be seated prior to the krewe’s stated start time.
Krewe of Dionysus
The Krewe of Dionysus will host its coronation at 8 p.m. on Saturday at the Berwick Civic Complex. Floor seating is invitation only.
Public viewing is available in the balcony.
A farewell appearance will be made by King and Queen Dionysus XLI Steve Kennedy and Laura Kennedy.
Dionysus’ parade in Berwick will begin at 2 p.m. Feb. 18.
The procession will line up on Gilmore Drive and turn on John Street, Robichaux Street, Mount Street, Gilmore Drive, right on La. 182, Tournament Boulevard, Fairview Drive then to Pattie Drive, where it
will disband at Berwick Junior High School.
Krewe of Hannibal
The Krewe of Hannibal will celebrate with a ball at 8 p.m. Saturday at the Morgan City Municipal Auditorium. This is an invitation-only event.
Bidding adieu will be royalty XL — King Hannibal Cornelius “C.C.” Stewart Jr. and Queen Cleopatra Thetis Dural.
Krewe members will parade with Dionysus on Feb. 18 and the Krewe of Amani on Feb. 20.
Krewe of Amani
The Krewe of Amani’s coronation is 8 p.m. Feb. 18 at the Patterson Area Civic Center. Floor seating is invitation only.
Amani patrons are reminded that doors to view the tableau will close at 7:45 p.m. and not reopen until the presentation is complete.
Making a farewell appearance will be King and Queen Amani XXIII Renwick McPherson and Eartha Lewis.
Amani will hold its Lundi Gras parade at 2 p.m. Feb. 20 in Patterson. The procession will line up at Patterson High School and proceed down La. 182 (Main Street) and end at the Place Norman Shopping Center.
Following the parade, a block party will be held on Martin Luther King Avenue.
Krewe of Hephaestus
The oldest area krewe, the Krewe of Hephaestus, will hold its carnival court at 8 p.m. Feb. 18 at the auditorium. Floor seating is invitation only.
Public viewing is available from the balcony.
Taking to the stage for a final appearance will be King and Queen Hephaestus LXI Gerard Bourgeois and Emma Levert Aucoin.
Krewe members will parade at 2 p.m. Fat Tuesday in Morgan City. The procession will organize on Sixth and Sycamore streets and proceed down Sixth Street to Marguerite Street, Ninth Street, Clothilde Street, and Victor II Boulevard, ending at the auditorium on Myrtle Street.
Siracusa/
Greenwood
The Siracusa/Greenwood Community has been canceled.
Parade Summaries
—Krewe of Adonis: Friday, Feb. 17, 7 p.m., Morgan City.
—Krewe of Dionysus: Saturday, Feb. 18, 2 p.m., Berwick.
—Krewe of Galatea: Sunday, Feb. 19, 2 p.m., Morgan City.
—Krewe of Amani: Monday, Feb. 20, 2 p.m., Patterson.
—Krewe of Hera: Monday, Feb. 20, 7 p.m., Morgan City.
—Siracusa/Greenwood: Siracusaville, canceled
—Krewe of Hephaestus: Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2 p.m., Morgan City.