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La. will get up to $113M for small business

Thu, 12/08/2022 - 1:52pm

On Tuesday, the U.S Treasury announced it has approved Louisiana’s application for up to $113 million in federal support for small business owners and entrepreneurs as part of the $10 billion State Small Business Credit Initiative.

SSBCI was first established in 2010 as a way for the federal government to help states support small businesses that were credit-worthy but unable to access capital they need to expand and create jobs. The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 reauthorized and expanded SSBCI to promote entrepreneurship, especially in traditionally underserved communities as they emerge from the pandemic.

“This award of up to $113 million is significant news for our entrepreneurs and small business owners in Louisiana, especially in communities that have historically struggled to attract business capital and investment,” Gov. John Bel Edwards said. Louisiana Economic Development will work with participating equity funds and financial institutions to disburse SSBCI funds via Louisiana’s five small business support programs:

--Venture Capital (LVCP) and Seed Capital (LSCP), which provide equity support for small businesses by investing as a limited partner to create and grow start-up businesses.

--Micro Lending (MLP), which establishes a revolving loan fund with qualifying lenders to assist very small businesses with start-up or expansion financing needs.

--Collateral Support (CSP) and Small Business Loan Guaranty (SBLGP) programs, which establish pledged collateral accounts where a shortfall may exist, or provide a state guarantee to reduce risk for business development or expansion financing.

St. Mary Excel takes part in flood risk meeting

Thu, 12/08/2022 - 1:50pm

(Editor's note: The St. Mary Excel citizens group submitted this report on its fourth-quarter activities, which included a meeting on the flood risk in the region.)

St. Mary Excel continues its work to implement recommendations of the Urban Land Institute panel, Morgan City and Berwick Louisiana: Building the Foundation for a New Economy Along the Atchafalaya River.

Download a copy of the report in .pdf format from a link on this story at StMaryNow.com.

St Mary Excel:

--Met with Morgan City administration to discuss progress on Bike Morgan City. Current awarded bike grants include: 1) placing pedestrian head crossings on intersections identified as dangerous; 2) placing trails from downtown Morgan City to South Louisiana Community College, and 3) continuation of trail from the Cajun Coast Visitors and Convention Bureau to David Drive.

--Applauded the parish for its work in resilience lab planning involving plans for a contract with The Water Institute of the Gulf to involve stakeholders in resilience lab details.

--Met with industry leaders to share information and received industry endorsement on a maritime residential high school proposal requiring legislation requests and continued meeting with legislator liaisons.

--Participated in a National Academy of Sciences – Gulf Research Program advisory follow-up committee meeting on Oct. 23.

The Water Institute of the Gulf (TWIG) and Purdue University researchers were in the area in late September to hear from focus group stakeholders. Stakeholders provided input on nonstructural flood mitigation strategies.

Attendees included Stephensville property owners, Berwick Mayor Duval Arthur, Mike Brocato from the St. Mary Parish Levee District, Jean Paul Bourg from St. Mary Parish government, St. Mary Parish Councilman Mark Duhon, Charlie Solar and Lou Tamporello from the city of Morgan City, Cindy Cutrera from the Port of Morgan City, and Morgan City residents.

St. Tammany Parish and Cameron Parish are also participating in the project Incorporating Equity and Social Vulnerability into the Design of Flood Risk Mitigation Strategies.

--Met with industry leaders to share information on development of LANERR management plan and to prepare for LANERR public meeting at auditorium on Nov. 2.

--Provided multiple documents to the LANERR writing team detailing the area’s 30-year involvement to advance research and interpretive needs of the Atchafalaya area. A listing of the documents shared was made in St. Mary Excel public comments at the LANERR auditorium meeting on Nov.2

--Planned to Participate in a meeting on Dec. 15 with the LANERR Coastal Training Program team to provide input on a draft Atchafalaya NERR training program.

--Submitted a proposal in collaboration with the St. Mary Parish economic development office, Atchafalaya National Heritage Area, and Port of Morgan City, for funding two floating classrooms for student learning. The proposal was a 2024 Atchafalaya Basin Plan submission.

--Continued inquiry into the process for resurfacing Hwy 182 (making ADA sidewalks and turning lanes) as appropriate to local priorities.

--Continued inquiry into a neighborhood recognition challenge whereby homeowner/ business owners are recognized for revitalization efforts. Currently signage has been installed to recognize neighborhoods. Landscaping around the signs will take place in the next couple of months for neighbors to enjoy and maintain.

The next meeting for the Local Interest Group is planned for late January or early February 2023.

Jeremy Alford: Looking ahead to the year's last election

Thu, 12/08/2022 - 1:39pm
JEREMY ALFORD

The final ballot of 2022, slated for Saturday, will probably produce a few strong political storylines, but not a whole lot of dramatics. Most of the fall’s high-profile races are already settled and the contests of note remaining are strictly local affairs.

Maybe that’s why election officials anticipate a statewide turnout in the neighborhood of 12% to 15%.

Still, for anyone with at least a passing interest in Louisiana politics, this final election day of 2022 should be able to capture and hold your attention.

Here are some suggestions of what to keep tabs on this Saturday.

Amendment mania

The only statewide action on the ballot comes courtesy of three constitutional amendments. Two politicos in particular have skin in the game, beginning with Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin, who’s publicly backing the first proposed amendment on voting and citizenship. As the author of the second and third amendments addressing civil service and state police oversight, state Sen. Cleo Fields of Baton Rouge is the other driving personality. (These proposed amendments will be the only items on the ballot in 11 parishes, including Allen, Beauregard, Caldwell, Cameron, East Carroll, Grant, Jackson, Madison, Red River, Tensas and Vermilion.)

The Big One

Turnout in the Shreveport mayor’s race will easily surpass the statewide average and one wonders what locals will have to talk about when it’s concluded. Outside spending has moved into the city and has been aimed equally at Democratic state Sen. Greg Tarver and Republican Tom Arceneaux. Local election patterns and regional fundamentals favor a Democrat in this contest, but there has been so much cross-party support for both candidates that the race looks incredibly close to those on the ground.

A lifetime in Louisiana politics has worked for and against Tarver, energizing longtime enemies (like current and former mayors) and staunch supporters (like Gov. John Bel Edwards). With margins likely tightening, the closing days will undoubtedly be nasty for both Arceneaux ($73,000 in the bank as of last week) and Tarver ($410,000 cash on hand).

The other Big One

Two days before Thanksgiving, Public Service Commissioner Lambert Boissiere loaned his campaign $20,000. A week later, the incumbent did the same thing, taking another $20,000 out of his own pockets. That alone should tell you how the state’s lone PSC race is going. Boissiere is taking the challenge from policy hawk Davante Lewis seriously. Rightfully so — Lewis is out-raising and outspending the incumbent. “High electric bills — largely a result of high prices for natural gas, a key fuel for utilities in Louisiana — have raised the profile of the PSC race, usually a sleepy affair that garners little attention from voters and the media,” reported The Advocate’s Sam Karlin, adding, “And environmental advocates have taken much greater interest in the PSC of late, as the state seeks to meet carbon-emission goals and climate change increasingly exposes the electric grid as outdated.”

Down in Plaquemines

Former Parish Councilman Keith Hinkley led Parish Councilman Benny Rousselle into the runoff by just 152 votes, but the fundraising since then hasn’t been as close. Hinkley had $72,000 in the bank as of last week. Rousselle had about $22,000. (For more, check out this candidate forum from earlier this week with WDSU's Travers Mackel.)

The courts

The robe-and-gavel folks in Baton Rouge are watching two important elections. Judge Hunter Greene, a Republican, is facing Democratic Judge Don Johnson for a seat on the Court of Appeal. In the 19th Judicial District Court, Republican Steve Myers loaned his campaign $10,000 a couple weeks ago, while his opponent, Democrat Gail Horne Ray, underwrote her own $5,000 loan in November.

Tax votes

If you want a quick and dirty snapshot of public sentiment on local taxes, especially ahead of the 2023 fiscal session of the Louisiana Legislature, we’ll get samples from 28 parishes on Election Day. That’s how many parishes are hosting local propositions, which are mostly tax questions (but not in St. Mary, where Parish Council leadership posts are on the ballot). Those parishes include Ascension, Assumption, Bienville, Calcasieu, DeSoto, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Evangeline, Jefferson, Jefferson Davis, Lafourche, LaSalle, Livingston, Morehouse, Rapides, Richland, St. Bernard, St. Helena, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Mary, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Union, Vernon, Washington, West Carroll and West Feliciana.

Mayoral runoff watch list
--HAMMOND: Mayor Peter Panepinto (Republican) vs. Tracy Washington Wells (Democrat)
--KENTWOOD: Mayor Rochell D. Bates (Democrat) vs. Irma T. Gordon (Democrat)
--CROWLEY: Chad Monceaux (Republican) vs. Mayor Tim Monceaux (Republican)
--DELHI: J. Lynn Lewis (Democrat) vs. Mayor Jesse Washington
--OPELOUSAS: Mayor Julius Alsandor (Democrat) vs. Charlee Renaud Lear (Democrat)
--WESTLAKE: Michael T. Bergeron (Republican) vs. Hal McMillin (Republican)
--ZACHARY: David McDavid (Republican) vs. Francis Nezianya (No Party)
For results at the end of Election Day, visit the Secretary of State’s website at www.sos.la.gov.
For more results and analysis Saturday evening, follow @LaPoliticsNow on Twitter.

Morgan City police radio logs for Dec. 7

Thu, 12/08/2022 - 1:34pm

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, Dec. 7
5:29 a.m. Garber and Apple streets; Disturbance.
7:05 a.m. 300 block of Sixth Street; Medical.
7:12 a.m. 700 block of Greenwood Street; Hit and run.
7:38 a.m. 1100 block of Marguerite Street; 911 hang-up.
8:05 a.m. 900 block of Fourth Street; Summons.
8:16 a.m. 900 block of Marguerite Street; Complaint.
8:16 a.m. 7200 block of La. 182; Complaint.
8:33 a.m. La. 182 Bridge; Debris.
8:50 a.m. 2400 block of Tiger Drive; Complaint.
9:32 a.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Complaint.
10:05 a.m. Fields/Amelia; Complaint.
10:14 a.m. 100 block of Eleventh Street; Animal complaint.
10:16 a.m. 100 block of Lennys Lane; Summons.
10:25 a.m. 1000 block of Joseph Street; Summons.
10:38 a.m. 700 block of Willow Street; Summons.
10:43 a.m. 500 block of Orange Street; Summons.
10:48 a.m. 500 block of Garber Street; Summons.
10:52 a.m. 200 block of Levee Road; Summons.
10:57 a.m. Redwood Street/Victor II Boulevard; Animal complaint.
11:29 a.m. 1600 block of Willowbend Drive; Summons.
11:38 a.m. 1100 block of Seventh Street; 911 hang up.
12:03 p.m. 900 block of Duke Street; Complaint.
12:08 p.m. 300 block of Grizzaffi Street; Complaint.
12:12 p.m. 2700 block of Shaw Street; Medical.
12:36 p.m. 500 block of Hilda Street; Remove subject.
12:58 p.m. Pine/Maple streets; Suspicious persons.
1:35 p.m. 7200 block of La. 182; Civil matter.
2:48 p.m. 600 block of Fourth Street; Harassment.
2:52 p.m. 900 block of Fig Street; Traffic incident.
2:59 p.m. La. 182 East/Bowling Alley; Traffic incident.
3:09 p.m. 1000 block of Third Street; Remove subject.
3:13 p.m. 300 block of Garber Street; Damage to property.
3:31 p.m. 300 block of Louisa Street; Repo notification.
3:37 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Harassment.
3:39 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Warrant.
4:04 p.m. 300 block of Eighth Street; Complaint.
16:45 p.m. 6400 block of La. 182; Welfare check.
16:56 p.m. 7300 block of La. 182; Vehicle accident.
7:39 p.m. 1200 block of David Drive; Alarm.
8:00 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Assistance.
9:03 p.m. 700 block of General Hodges Street; Suspicious person.
9:53 p.m. 100 block of Wren Street; Welfare check.
11:32 p.m. 1000 block of Brashear Avenue; Alarm.

Hit-and-run victim rides again; 3rd teen arrested in church burglaries

Thu, 12/08/2022 - 1:05pm

(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.)

A Patterson man was arrested Wednesday on a hit and run charge, accused of driving away after hitting a woman’s bicycle as she rode on Main Street.

But the victim wasn’t injured, Police Chief Garrett Grogan said, and she has a new bike.

Berwick police have also arrested a third teen in Thanksgiving night’s church burglary, and a Morgan City man faces drug and gun charges after an arrest by city police.

Patterson

Grogan reported this arrest:

—Deandre P. Jackson, 22, Main Street, Patterson, was arrested at 12:49 p.m. Wednesday on a charge of hit and run involving a pedestrian. Jackson was incarcerated the Patterson PD Jail with bond set at $461.

After arresting Jackson, officers suggested that he buy the victim a new bicycle, Grogan said. Jackson agreed.

Berwick

Police Chief David Leonard Sr. reported this arrest:

—Juvenile male, 14, Patterson, was arrested at 2:34 p.m. Wednesday on two counts of simple burglary, institutional vandalism (under $500) and simple criminal damage to property (under $1,000).

The Berwick Police Department continued the investigation into the burglaries that occurred at a local church on Gilmore Drive on Thanksgiving evening as well as the damages to the Christmas decorations at Pharr Park.

The investigation had resulted in the arrests of a 13-year-old and a 14-year-old. Through that investigation, evidence was uncovered that linked a third juvenile to the crimes.

Additional interviews were conducted, and after reviewing the new evidence, investigators secured arrest warrants for the juvenile’s arrest. He was arrested and processed at the Berwick Police Department and released to his guardian pending juvenile court proceedings.

St. Mary

Sheriff Blaise Smith reported over the last 24-hour reporting period, the Sheriff’s Office responded to 32 complaints and made these arrests:

—Arissa Nicole Guidry, 25, Morgan City, was arrested at 11:25 a.m. Wednesday on a warrant alleging failure to appear on the charge of battery of a dating partner. Guidry was released on a $6,000 bond.

—Devon Cardell Londo, 23, New Iberia, was arrested at 12:22 p.m. Wednesday on two warrants alleging failure to appear the charges of battery of armed robbery and domestic abuse battery with child endangerment. Bail has not been set.

Morgan City

Police Chief Chad M. Adams reported that the Morgan City Police Department responded to 52 calls for service over the last 24-hour reporting period and made these arrests:

—Aiden Paul Ashley, 19, Poplar Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 8:21 p.m. Wednesday on charges of possession with intent to distribute THC; turning movements and required signals; prohibited acts (drug paraphernalia); unlawful sale, purchase or possession of tobacco; transactions involving proceeds from illegal drug activity; possession of Schedule IV drugs; possession of a firearm in the presence of a controlled dangerous substance and violation of uniform controlled dangerous substance law (drug-free zone.)

—Lisa Ann Willis, 56, Railroad Avenue, Morgan City, was arrested at 9:13 p.m. Wednesday on five warrants alleging failure to pay fine (6th Ward Morgan City Court).

—Joselin Fernandez, 19, Chennault Street, Morgan city, was arrested at 10:16 p.m. Wednesday on charges of possession of marijuana (first offense) and stop signs and yield signs.

Franklin

Police Chief Morris Beverly reported that the Franklin Police Department responded to six complaints over the last 24-hour reporting period and made this arrest:

—Gary Jones, 55, Ibert Street, Franklin, was arrested at 12:03 a.m. Thursday on the charges of criminal trespassing, theft, criminal damage to property and possession of burglary tools. Jones was booked, processed and held with no bond set at the time of press release.

Patterson Garden Club holds November meeting

Thu, 12/08/2022 - 8:36am

Patterson Garden Club held its Nov. 15 meeting at the home of Iris Roy. President Ginger Griffin led the business meeting which was followed by a program by Reagan Beaubouef.
The business portion of the meeting included a discussion of October’s Louisiana Garden Club Federation District 3 meeting successfully cohosted with the Morgan City Garden Club in Morgan City. Plans were made for the Christmas meeting and social Dec. 13 at the Pilant office, where members will bring toys to donate to Toys for Tots.
Members celebrated Veterans Day by attending the City of Patterson’s program at city hall. The club also displayed wreaths at the Blue Star Marker at U.S. 90 and the Byway Marker at city hall.
Beaubouef presented a program featuring an activity where each member made a Christmas decoupage on an oyster shell.
Sandra Marshall was the hostess serving soup, salad and cheese cake.

Newlywed divides time with wife and mistress

Thu, 12/08/2022 - 8:34am
By Jeannie Phillips, United Features Syndicate

DEAR ABBY: I have been married to my wife for a little over a year. I love her. However, right before our wedding, I met a co-worker I’ll call “Alexis.” We hit it off, and I consider her a close friend.
Alexis and I hooked up a few times before and after my wedding. We never discuss the encounters after they happen. After we’ve had a few drinks, we both say things about being together, but usually, we’re just best friends. While my friends believe this is odd, it’s almost a blessing that the awkward conversation doesn’t happen after a night of something happening.
There have been instances when I have ditched my wife to hang out with Alexis — not to do anything, but just to hang out with her and her mother. My wife says I spend too much time with Alexis between work and after work, but she’s fun to be with. My wife is kind of a homebody. She doesn’t like to go out and have a good time.
My wife doesn’t trust Alexis, and while I can’t blame her, I’m conflicted about what my next step should be. I love my wife, but I also love Alexis as more than a friend, and I know she feels the same. What should I do next?
LOVES THEM BOTH

DEAR LOVES: You may love both of these women, but you are being fair to neither one. Your wife doesn’t trust Alexis because she senses something is wrong — and she’s right. You and Alexis aren’t buddies; you are lovers. That you have confided it to friends “who think this is odd” (in your words) means it is just a matter of time until your wife is in on the secret. Your first loyalty should be to your wife. At the very least, you owe it to her to have an honest discussion with her and figure out WITH HER what the next steps should be.

DEAR ABBY: My husband and I have been going to the same dentist for 20 years. We have always had the same dental hygienist. There’s a computer in the room where she works, and she always schedules our next six-month cleaning with her before we leave. Over the years, we have noticed that she’s not very clean. She is sometimes very unkempt — with greasy hair and body odor. Her treatment room is also very messy. The last time I was there, she opened her cupboard, and I was appalled at the junk crammed in there. We are concerned that this is unsanitary and we no longer want to see her.
We love our dentist and the office staff. They are the nicest, most considerate and professional people. I would like to call and ask the front desk to reschedule our appointments with the other hygienist and include in our files that we only want to see that one. My husband thinks we should switch dentists. To be honest, I’m shocked the dentist would tolerate this, but he is a kind individual, and maybe that’s the problem. Any advice would be appreciated.
DENTAL DRAMA IN THE EAST

DEAR DRAMA: You should have discussed this with your dentist years ago. Your concerns are valid. It is your right to be treated by another hygienist for the reasons you have stated. However, for your dentist’s sake, as well as your own, tell him exactly why you felt it was necessary to make the change. It will be doing the practice a favor.
***
What teens need to know about sex, drugs, AIDS and getting along with peers and parents is in “What Every Teen Should Know.” Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 to: Dear Abby, Teen Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447.

Morgan City senior dinner set for Dec. 14

Wed, 12/07/2022 - 2:13pm

After two years of grab-and-go meals, Ametra J. Franklin, CEO of St. Mary CAA, is excited to announce that the December Christmas Senior Dinner for Morgan City and surrounding areas will be Wednesday, Dec. 14, inside the St. Mary Parish Senior Center (4014 Chenault St., Morgan City).

Socializing and playing bingo for prizes are among the event’s highlights.

Serving begins at 11:30 a.m. and ends at 12:30 p.m. Meals are intended for seniors 60 and older.

St. Mary Parish government and St. Mary CAA sponsor the senior dinners. If you have any questions, please call 337-828-5703.

Wheel House for Dec. 7: Ordination, anniversary

Wed, 12/07/2022 - 12:16pm

PILGRIM GROVE
Baptist Church, 398 Greenwood St., Morgan City, holding an ordination and installation service for the Rev. Brian Morris at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9. Officiating is the Rev. Vincent Fuselier of St. Matthew Baptist Church, Houma. Public invited.

NEW SALEM
Baptist Church, 1412 Cherry St., Patterson, celebrating the Rev. Samuel Calhoun’s 27-year anniversary at noon Sunday, Dec. 11. Guest speaker the Rev. Paul J. Godfrey, Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, Franklin and Teche United Church of Christ, New Iberia. Public invited.

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Phone: 337-828-3706
Fax: 337-828-2874

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Phone: 985-384-8370
Fax: 985-384-4255

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