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State police: Man in courthouse shooting had self-inflicted wound

Fri, 12/16/2022 - 4:00pm

State police have identified the man killed Monday in a shooting at the St. Mary Parish Courthouse as Chad Williams, 34, of Berwick.

Williams suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head after getting control of a corrections deputy's handgun, state police said Friday.

Authorities had said earlier that the man shot to death, now identified as Williams, was an inmate who was in the courthouse for a legal proceeding. He gained control of the deputy's gun after a struggle, state police said Friday.

Williams was pronounced dead after being transported to a local hospital.

The shooting happened about 9 a.m. Monday and led to an hours-long lockdown at the courthouse.

The investigation continues and, when it's complete, will be turned over to the 16th Judicial District Attorney's Office, state police said.

State police detectives routinely investigate shootings in which a law enforcement officer is involved.

Knights of Columbus gifts

Fri, 12/16/2022 - 10:52am

The Bayou Vista Knights of Columbus made recent donations of winter jackets for children.

Theft, marijuana possession, unauthorized use among charges in recent arrests

Fri, 12/16/2022 - 10:35am

(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.)

Arrests on unauthorized use of a movable, theft and possession of marijuana charges were among those reported by local police agencies Thursday and Friday.

Morgan City

Police Chief Chad M. Adams reported that the Morgan City Police Department responded to 74 calls for service over the last 48-hour reporting period and made these arrests:

--Melinda Bray, 47, Jones Street, Berwick, was arrested at 9:27 a.m. Thursday on a charge of failure to appear for executory sentence (16th Judicial District Court).

--James Freifeld, 42, Brashear Avenue, Morgan City, was arrested at 9:27 a.m. Thursday on charges of theft (under $1,000) and failure to appear for trial (16th Judicial District Court).

--Charlotte Tonya Bracamontes Trahan, 34, Tiffany Street, Patterson, was arrested at 4:01 p.m. Thursday on two counts of failure to appear to pay fine (6th Ward Morgan City Court).

--Lawrenisha Idanique Darnell, 29, Cherry Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 7:11 a.m. Wednesday on charges of possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, littering and violation of uniform controlled dangerous substance law (drug-free zone).

--Ernest N. Mingo, 39, Federal Avenue, Morgan City, was arrested at 9:35 a.m. Wednesday on charges of failure to appear for trial (16th Judicial District Court), failure to appear for trial (6th Ward Morgan City Court) and possession of marijuana.

--Katherine Victoria Stoute, 30, Mallard Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 11:57 a.m. Wednesday on a charge of unauthorized use of a movable.

St. Mary

Sheriff Blaise Smith reported that the Sheriff’s Office responded to 63 complaints over the last 48-hour reporting period and made these arrests:

--David Wayne Boyd, 51, Houston, was arrested at 2:53 a.m. Thursday on a charge of entry on or remaining in places on land after being forbidden and disturbance. Bail has not been let.

--Travis Lomart Layne Jr., 36, New Iberia, was arrested at 3:02 p.m. Tuesday on a warrant alleging failure to appear on the charge of theft. Bail has not been set..

--Caden P. Gonzales, 19, Patterson, was arrested at 10:08 p.m. Wednesday on a charge of reckless operation with accident. Gonzales was released on a $500 bond.

Franklin

Police Chief Morris Beverly reported that the Franklin Police Department responded to eight complaints over the last 24-hour reporting period and made these arrests:

--Dwalyan Hurst, 23, Anderson Street, Franklin, was arrested at 1:39 p.m. Thursday on charges of theft, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a legend drug without a prescription. Hurst was booked, processed and held on a $9,000 bond.

--Stephanie Istre, 30, Teljean Road, Lafayette, was arrested at 11 p.m. Thursday on charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated, careless operation and resisting an officer by giving false information. Istre was booked, processed and held on a $6,250.

--Jordan Bordelon, 32, of Vet Memorial Drive, Abbeville, was arrested at 11:23 p.m. Thursday on charges of possession of Schedule I narcotics, possession of drug paraphernalia and resisting an officer by giving false information. Bordelon was booked, processed and held on a $5,000.00 bond.

John K. Flores: The chill of the Christmas deer hunt

Fri, 12/16/2022 - 9:43am

JOHN K. FLORES

Whenever winter solstice rolls around, where the days are short, Christmas is just around the corner. And, “if” Old Man Winter decides to show up, the holidays are usually our coldest couple of weeks of the year.
If you’re a St. Mary Parish Area 7 deer hunter you’ve probably been hunting since early October when the weather was anything but cold. It’s likely you’ve also had a bit of luck by now and have plenty of venison and sausage in your freezer to be enjoyed in the days to come. Yet, diehard deer hunters are an addicted lot who simply can’t get enough of sitting in a deer stand.
Such was the case with me a number of years ago. I, too, was addicted.
One year, during Christmas week, I got up well before daylight and was greeted with a heavy frost. Everything had frost on it, the yard, my truck’s windshield, the boat — even the paddle and push-pole laying on its deck.
I had hooked my boat up the night before, so all I had to do was warm up my truck and scrape the windows. Even that became an ordeal as I wasn’t wearing gloves. I was using a piece of wallet-size plastic for my scraper that I had found thinking one day I could use it for this very thing in a pinch.
My fingers stung with wet frost, so I balled them up in a fist and blew into them to stop the sting. It was then I thought to myself, “Why am I doing this?”
Once in the truck the heater took away the notion as to why. All was good for the 35-minute ride to the boat landing down La. 317 and the worst was over. Or so I thought.
My wife had gotten my Thermos out and had the coffee maker ready for me to simply push the on button when I got up. While driving and sipping hot coffee, my thoughts for that woman were simply, “God, I married the right girl.”
I’ve never been able to get enough of the outdoors, whether hunting or fishing, but apparently, I leak. I’m generally planning my next outing before the one I’m on is over.
Christmas has always been the time of year when things slow down a bit and usually comes with a couple days off to squeeze in a hunt or two.
I was the only person at the launch and after making sure my plug was in place, I backed the boat and trailer down into the water. Once I got my boat tied off, I loaded up my gun and gear and went and parked my truck.
It was cold. I had my sweater cap on and pulled my balaclava over my head as I climbed into the boat.
I squeezed the gas tank ball to pump a little fuel, pulled the choke, and tugged on the rope to crank the boat. Nothing. So, I pulled again. Still nothing.
The little 25 horsepower Johnson always started on no less than two pulls. I repeated the process and pulled a couple more times.
“Maybe I flooded it,” I thought. So, I let it sit for several minutes.
I looked up at the stars and realized daylight was fast approaching and I went back to pulling on the rope.
Choke on — choke off — choke on — choke off, I was getting frustrated. “What could be wrong,” I thought.
I decided to sit in the truck and wait for daylight so I could see what I was doing.
I tried cranking it a few more times and still nothing. Not even a pop from the engine. So, I went back to the truck and grabbed some tools.
It was after 8 a.m. when a good friend of my father-in-law, Boogie LaCoste, showed up at the landing with his boat.
“Hey Podna,” Boogie said in his deep baritone voice, “you got trouble?”
“Yeah, I can’t get my engine cranked off. You’re running a little late aren’t you Boog?” I replied.
“Nawh, it’s too cold for them deer to be moving around. They ain’t gonna move until that sun comes out and it warms up. So, I just stayed in bed next to mamma, where it’s warm,” he said laughing.
After telling Boogie I didn’t need any help he took off to hunt.
It took me another 30 minutes to pull and clean my engine’s spark plugs. My fingers were so numb from touching cold tools and plugs everything took twice as long, like I was milking the job.
Finally, I got the engine started and I decided to just run up the bayou and come back to hunt another day. That’s when I ran into Boogie, who had a big smile on his face.
Lying on the deck of his boat was a big spike buck.
I don’t think 45 minutes had passed since he left the landing. We both stopped our boats alongside each other.
I said, “Boogie that was quick!”
“I told you Podna. You don’t have to get up early on these cold days. Them deer don’t like to move around in the cold. I climbed in the stand and sat for five minutes, and he came walking out. I’m going home and get back into bed next to mamma and warm up. That deer ain’t gonna spoil. I’ll skin it later,” he said with a great big grin on his face.
And off he went.
This coming Christmas week we’re supposed to get some of the coldest weather we’ve had since summer.
It’s been quite a while since I’ve deer hunted in the kind of weather they’re forecasting.
I think next week when it arrives, I’ll just stay in bed next to mamma where it’s warm and let the other fellows deal with the cold.
Have a very Merry Christmas y’all and see you next year!
John Flores is the Morgan City Review’s outdoor writer. He can be contacted at gowiththeflow@cox.net.

Around Town for Dec. 16

Fri, 12/16/2022 - 9:30am

Congratulations Sara Price on your graduation from Nicholls State University on Dec. 10, we are very proud of you, your family and friends.

Area's latest births announced

Fri, 12/16/2022 - 9:29am

Born to Mr. and Mrs. Thomas James Gardella Jr. (nee: April Ann Sons) of Patterson, a boy, Luke James Gardella, on Nov. 11 at Thibodaux Regional Health System. He weighed 6 pounds, 5 ounces and measured 20 inches.
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Born to Madison N. Pennison and Ryan P. Stratton of Patterson, a boy, Jax James Stratton, on Nov. 13 at Thibodaux Regional Health System. He weighed 5 pounds and measured 18¼ inches.
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Born to Kortney L. Freyoux and Cade N. Osburn of Morgan City, a boy, Caden James Osburn, on Nov. 14 at Thibodaux Regional Health System. He weighed 9 pounds, 5 ounces and measured 20 inches.
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Born to Mr. and Mrs. Adam M. Guillot (nee: Megan L. Labowe) of Berwick, a boy, Asher Thomas Guillot, on Nov. 15 at Thibodaux Regional Health System. He weighed 7 pounds, 14 ounces and measured 19 inches.
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Born to Ashley A. Fontenot and Hector Tolento Jr. of Patterson, a girl, Nevaeh Angelle Fontenot, on Nov. 23 at Thibodaux Regional Health System. She weighed 7 pounds, 5 ounces and measured 20 inches.
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Born to Destiny Young of Morgan City, a girl, Kyleigh Dior Young, on Nov. 17 at Ochsner St. Mary in Morgan City. She weighed 6 pounds, 5.9 ounces and measured 18½ inches.
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Born to Keiarra Paddio of Morgan City and Lamar Joseph of Franklin, a girl, Kay’Lani E’Mari Joseph, on Nov. 25 at Ochsner St. Mary in Morgan City. She weighed 5 pounds, 15 ounces and measured 18½ inches.
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Born to Breanna Bourgeois and Robert Scully III of Morgan City, a boy, Brooks Dale Scully, on Nov. 28 at Ochsner St. Mary in Morgan City. He weighed 8 pounds, 2 ounces and measured 20¾ inches.
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Born to Kayla Boudreaux and Carlo Griffin of Bayou Vista, a girl, Carliah Marie Griffin, on Dec. 1 at Ochsner St. Mary in Morgan City. She weighed 6 pounds, 9 ounces and measured 19 inches.
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Born to Stephanie Flenner and Bryan Dinger of Morgan City, a boy, Landon Parker Dinger, on Dec. 5 at Ochsner St. Mary in Morgan City. He weighed 7 pounds, 9.6 ounces and measured 20 inches.

Easy holiday centerpieces to create

Fri, 12/16/2022 - 9:25am

The holiday season is a great time to make any home a bit more merry and bright. Most individuals let their personalities show through their home decor, and holiday decorating is just as personal as decorating throughout the rest of the year.
The main living areas of a home get the most decorating attention, with a Christmas tree or menorah taking a prominent position in the front window. Garlands, candles and other accoutrements also may dress up spaces. However, when it comes to holiday hosting, attention also should be given to the dining table — which can benefit from a festive centerpiece.
Premade centerpieces are undeniably attractive, but adding a homespun touch can be a fun creative pursuit and become a family tradition.
Explore these simple ideas to dress up the holiday table.
—Frosted pine cones: Take advantage of a crisp winter’s day to venture into a forest or park that is rich with evergreen trees. Gather pine cones from the forest floor and, if possible, a few evergreen boughs.
Give the pine cones a touch of winter whimsy with a little faux snow in a can or even white paint. Nestle the boughs and pine cones into a wide-mouthed vase or bowl in the center of the table. Individual pine cones can later be turned into place cards for seating guests.
—Holiday thanks: Cut many strips of paper roughly 6 inches in length from various colored pieces of paper to match the holiday theme. When guests arrive, ask them to write a favorite holiday memory or two, or what they’re thankful for. Twirl the paper strips around a pencil to curl them, and then place the curlicues into a decorative bowl in the center of the table.
Later in the evening, the host or hostess can read some of the sentiments.
—Magical forest: Use green and silver conical party hats to turn a table or sideboard into a veritable evergreen forest. Arrange them on a blanket of faux snow or white confetti.
—Freshly cut: Select attractive flowers in vibrant holiday hues from a florist, the supermarket floral section or your garden. Cut the stems and place them into an unusual display container, such as holiday themed mugs or a punch bowl.
—Glass baubles: Who says ornaments should be exclusive to the tree? A crystal or glass cake stand can be transformed into an icy delight when topped with silver and clear glass ornaments.
— Birch wood: The crisp white coloring of birch bark is right at home with holiday decor. Go stark with pieces of the cut wood in varying heights intermingled with white candles that mimic the shapes and scale of the wood.
—Fruit and vegetables: If guests are coming over and the race is on for a fast centerpiece, look no further than the kitchen. Lemons, artichokes, pears or pomegranates look festive in a bowl interspersed with some greenery and baby’s breath.
—Cornucopia: The horn of plenty can be customized to any holiday. Purchase a horn in wicker or woven grapevine and fill with flowers, fruit and greenery, or even painted gourds or miniature pumpkins.
Holiday hosts and hostesses should not neglect the dining table when they decorate. Festive centerpieces can be handmade without much effort on the part of hosts.

Choose the right time for sharing words of sympathy

Fri, 12/16/2022 - 9:22am

By Jeannie Phillips, ©United Features Syndicate

DEAR ABBY: My father passed away a couple of years ago, and my mother passed on recently. I have noticed something that I would like to share with your readers. When I came back to work after the funeral, many well-meaning friends and co-workers approached me to express their sympathy.
Instead of a short message or a hug, the majority shared stories about the deaths of their loved ones. Many of them were fairly long. I believe they shared with me to emphasize that they understood what I was going through. What they didn’t understand was that I didn’t have the energy to listen to their stories after what I had just been through.
After Mom died, seven people came to me and did this. I was so drained afterward that I had to go home. The next day, one of my dear friends came into my office, handed me a thermos of homemade soup, told me she loved me and was here for me, hugged me and left. It was the most uplifting moment I had experienced since my mother’s passing.
Please tell your readers that while they have been through trials, and these trials enable them to empathize with grieving survivors, so soon after that death is not the time to share these stories.
TIRED IN TOPEKA

DEAR TIRED: Many people don’t know what to say when someone dies. While the individuals who offered their “extended” condolences meant well, I’m sure they would have been shocked had they been told it left you unable to function. Not everyone grieves in the same way.
Readers, it is important to take your cues from the person who is grieving. I am sharing this letter with you because the writer has a point. Sometimes the most effective message is a short one.

DEAR ABBY: My sister doesn’t want children. I fully support her decision, and I’m happy she knows herself well enough to make it. She does, however, have what she refers to as her “fur babies.” She has a wonderful, generous heart and is very charitable. My children have been blessed by their aunt’s generosity.
My issue is: Lately, she has made a few comments about how I don’t bring holiday gifts for her dogs. It’s remarks like, “Well, my fur babies don’t get gifts from their aunt.” Am I missing something here? Should I feel guilty for not adding her pets to my gift list because she considers them equal in value to human children? I can’t think of her dogs like I do my nieces and nephews. Am I wrong?
AUNT OF FUR BABIES?

DEAR AUNT: You may not consider your sister’s dogs as equal to human children, but she does. Gift-giving is supposed to be reciprocal. Your sister has been generous with your children, and you now know it bothers her that her “fur babies” have been overlooked. When the next gift-giving cycle rolls around (I hear there are great sales going on now) drop by a pet store. It is the kind thing to do, and it shouldn’t break the bank.
***
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.

Grant will fund repairs to Nicholls sculpture garden

Fri, 12/16/2022 - 8:52am

The Nicholls State University Foundation is a recipient of $75,000 from the Ruth DeYoung Kohler Legacy Fund to repair the Chauvin Sculpture Garden.

The landmark was damaged during Hurricane Ida with gusts as high as 150 miles per hour sweeping through the Chauvin area. The RDK Legacy Fund will help support the Garden’s restoration efforts.

“We are delighted to receive support from Ruth Arts with their generous and substantial donation. We plan to use the funds in on-going efforts to repair and restore the garden to its original state before it suffered damage due to Hurricane Ida. The funds will also be used for our continuous commitment to keep the garden open for visitors with alternating exhibits on display every weekend, and of course our annual Chauvin Folk Art Festival in April,” said R.E. Miller Endowed Professor of Honors Studies and director of the Center for Bayou Studies Dr. Gary LaFleur.

“This generous donation is a fervent reminder that Nicholls has an international reputation for helping rescue, restore and maintain the world-renown visionary art of Kenny Hill that can be viewed at the Chauvin Sculpture Garden.

The Chauvin Sculpture Garden has helped to put Nicholls on the map within Louisiana, across the nation and across the globe as a university that is committed to conservation and interpretation of visionary folk art.”

The garden was originally owned by Kenny Hill who began transforming his home’s bayou environment into a garden, housing more than 100 concrete sculptures with one of the most prominent pieces being a 45-foot-tall lighthouse composed of 7,000 bricks.

Hill never publicized his work and eventually abandoned his work in early 2000.

The site was then gifted to Nicholls.

Owned by Nicholls State University and open to the public since 2002, the Chauvin Sculpture Garden is home to the Nicholls State University Art Studio, gifted by the Kohler Foundation.

The studio and site preserves and protects the creative works of Kenny Hill and displays the work of contemporary artists in the 1,000 square foot exhibition space. Permanent collections of the Nicholls Art Studio include paintings, photographs, sculpture and pottery created by local artists. The studio also contains a functioning darkroom. Books, local artwork and other souvenirs are for sale on site.

The Chauvin Sculpture Garden is open Monday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Nicholls Art Studio is free and open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. or by appointment. If you would like to make a donation, please contact the Nicholls State University Division of Art at (985) 448-4597. To learn more, visit https://www.nicholls.edu/folkartcenter/park.html.

Ruth Arts announced a new grant introducing the Ruth DeYoung Kohler Legacy Fund, mirroring the support Ruth DeYoung Kohler made to arts institutions throughout her lifetime. Ruth DeYoung Kohler II (1941-2020) was deeply committed to artists and consequently, broke down hierarchies and categories within the art world to center artists, support communities and engage with overlooked art forms.

Audit report could guide effort to change La. tax system

Fri, 12/16/2022 - 8:43am

VICTOR SKINNER, The Center Square

The Louisiana Legislative Auditor issued a report Tuesday comparing tax structures in Louisiana with other states for lawmakers considering changes in the 2023 legislative session.

The report was spawned by House Resolution 178 from the 2022 Regular Legislative Session to provide information to the House Ways and Means Committee studying Louisiana’s tax structure.

The analysis shows Louisiana is one of 42 states including the District of Columbia that impose an individual income tax and one of 46 that levy a corporation income tax. Combined, those taxes accounted for 35.5% of the $14.4 billion in taxes, licenses and fees included in the state’s official revenue forecast for fiscal year 2022, with $4.4 billion from the individual income tax and $672.8 million from the corporate income tax."Louisiana’s $5.1 billion in IIT and CIT revenues in FY 2022 represented 60% of the potential $8.5 billion in potential revenues from these sources, before accounting for $3.4 billion in exemptions, deductions, credits, abatements and rebates," auditors wrote.

Louisiana’s individual income and corporate income taxes accounted for 15.3% of state and local general revenues in fiscal year 2019, after excluding hospital revenues.

"Without the IIT and CIT, Louisiana would go from the sixteenth-lowest to the second-lowest among states in terms of state and local government revenues as a prcentage of personal income," according to the report.

The LLA found states without individual income taxes rely more on sales taxes, but generally receive less revenue overall as a percentage of personal income. The average revenues as a percentage of personal income in states without individual income taxes is 11.8%, compared to an average of 14.1% in states with income taxes, the LLA reports.

The report also noted Louisiana has relatively low property taxes and relatively high sales taxes, ranked 46th and 5th among states respectively.

"In both cases, Louisiana’s status as an outlier is driven by its local governments, which had the second highest sales taxes as a percentage of personal income (ranked behind the District of Columbia) and had the 42nd lowest property taxes in fiscal year 2019," according to the LLA.

"Louisiana’s state sales tax collections of 1.7% of personal income in FY 2019 put the state in 30th place among states and were below the national average of 1.8% and only 0.1 percentage points above the average for IIT states of 1.6%."

State governments that levy IIT take a larger share of state and local revenues than states without IITs — 57.2% versus 50.2% — with Louisiana state government taking 57.3%, or the 35th highest percentage among states, according to the report.

The LLA also found local governments in Louisiana are less reliant on the state for financial support than local governments in states with individual income taxes and were roughly the same pre-pandemic as in states without income taxes.

"In fiscal year 2019, the 42 states with IITs provided 31.9% of the general revenues received by their local governments on average, versus 31.9% in the nine states without IITs," the report read. "Louisiana local governments received 25.9% of their general revenues from state-to-local-government transfers, putting Louisiana in line with states without IITs."

The LLA report also included a detailed breakdown of tax revenues in 10 states: Alaska, Florida, Louisiana, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and Wyoming.