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Slow down, pay attention to sugar cane trucks

Fri, 09/30/2022 - 7:43am

By OLIVIA MCCLURE, LSU AgCenter

NAPOLEONVILLE — Sugar cane farmers have begun their harvest, and that means south Louisiana sugar mills have opened their gates to accept the first loads of this year’s crop.
It also means highways are becoming busy with tractors and trucks hauling cane to be processed.
LSU AgCenter experts and sugar cane farmers are urging everyone to be careful and patient when they encounter farm machinery, cane trucks and field debris on the road.
“Please give the farm equipment and trucks plenty of space on the road and be very cautious when trying to pass them,” said Renee Castro, an AgCenter area sugar cane agent. “We want everyone to stay safe during the harvest season. Remember, cane families care about your family.”
Sugar cane is grown on about 500,000 acres throughout south and parts of central Louis-iana. The industry contributes nearly $1 billion to the state’s economy annually.
In Assumption Parish, farmer Lance Gaudet is preparing for what he thinks will be a good harvest.
“The crop in the field looks promising, so it seems like it will be a 90-plus day harvest,” he said.
Both mills in his parish plan to open the week of Sept. 26 and expect to process about 2.1 million tons of sugar cane this year, he said. That equates to roughly 76,000 truckloads — about 840 loads per day of harvest season, which typically lasts into December.
Harvest season can bring many challenges for both farmers and the general public, especially when adverse weather conditions enter the picture. Rain muddies fields and makes it difficult to harvest the crop. When tractors need to cross to another field and trucks arrive to pick up loads of cane, mud sticks to their tires and can end up on highways.
Farmers do their best to clean mud off of roads and post signs warning of upcoming hazards, Gaudet said. But drivers still need to slow down and pay attention when they see harvest and loading activity ahead.
Fog can be a problem too, Gaudet said. Trucks travel at a much slower pace when it is foggy. Motorists should use caution, as they may not be able to see a slow-moving cane truck shrouded in fog right away.
Gaudet also said many farmers are having trouble with people riding ATVs in their fields without permission. Riding through tall sugar cane during the busy harvest season is dangerous.
“Do not ride where you are not permitted to ride because all it takes is a tractor, truck or even harvester to be coming out the field onto a road where an ATV is traveling and the two collide,” Gaudet said.
With some cooperation from the public, sugar cane farmers are looking forward to a fruitful harvest of a crop that has a rich history and a major economic impact in Louisiana. In his parish alone, Gaudet said, mills are projecting they will make about 500 million pounds of sugar this year — enough sugar for the entire population of Louisiana for a year.
“We have been growing sugar cane in this parish for over 100 years, and for us to continue to do so, we need to work with each other during this season and every harvest season to make it a safe and successful harvest,” Gaudet said. “Sometimes there will be mud on the highway and sometimes you will get stuck behind a slow cane truck or tractor traveling on the highway. Just remember that our sugar mills and farmers are doing the best they can to get this crop in so you can have sugar in your home and numerous other homes in the United States.”

Miss USA, Miss Teen USA events set

Fri, 09/30/2022 - 7:15am

NEW YORK — The Miss USA Organization, under the leadership of Crystle Stewart, will hold the 71st Miss USA live from Grand Sierra Resort and Casino in Resort in Reno, Nevada, on Monday.
World-renowned entertainment host, producer and actress Zuri Hall will host the competition. Hall’s sideline hosts will be TV hosts Julissa Bermudez and Micah Jesse.
Miss Teen USA will be streamed live on www.missteenusa.com and hosted by Miss USA 2021 Elle Smith and FYI’s correspondent Christian Murphy; who will also be part of the Miss USA telecast.
The judging panel is fashion designer Aaron Potts, Tony-Award winning producer and owner of NitroC Group Ashlee Clarke, founder of Dogpound Kirk Myers, fashion designer and model Nicole Williams-English, serial entrepreneur and Sports Illustrated social media-at-large Olivia Ponton, and international South Korean table tennis champion and model Soo Yeon Lee.
This year’s performance will be by accomplished pianist, composer and producer Chloe Flower. Flower will be bringing her coined “Popsical” performance to the stage as she embodies Stewart’s mission of “pageantry reimagined” and female empowerment.
Crystle Stewart, former Miss USA 2008 and the first African-American female president of the Miss USA franchise, acquired the franchise in late 2020. Stewart’s plan brings Miss USA and Miss Teen USA to the forefront of pop culture.
“It is an honor to be the first African American female franchise owner of the highly recognized Miss USA and Miss Teen USA brands. The new ownership is about pageantry reimagined, which redefines views of the pageant system,” she said. “The Miss USA Organization seeks to continually elevate the narrative of inclusivity and diversity of young females nationwide. To amplify the success of these new trailblazing influencers, the organization focuses on leveraging their platforms for social good while inspiring the need for strong female leadership.
“My goal is to provide them with a unique experience that prepares them for success that translates beyond the pageant stage, so these young women can have the confidence to feel beautiful, powerful and know what they can attain is limitless.”
The two-hour Miss USA event will feature women representing all 50 states and the District of Columbia in multiple categories, including private interview, swimsuit, evening gown, and onstage question, ending with Kentucky’s Elle Smith, who was the first biracial woman to represent and win her state, crowning her successor.
The 90-minute Miss Teen USA streamed event will feature teens representing all 50 states and District of Columbia in multiple categories, including private interview, fitness, evening gown, and onstage question, ending with Florida’s Breanna Myles crowning her successor.
Live telecast are available on A&E’s FYI and Hulu Live TV at 7 p.m.

Woman hid her cheating while cheating boyfriend was jailed

Fri, 09/30/2022 - 7:00am

By Jeanne Phillips, ©United Features Syndicate

DEAR ABBY: My boyfriend and I have been involved for five years. He was sentenced to prison for 3½ years. Before he left, we had a really rocky relationship. He cheated on me with multiple women, some of whom he continued on with during his prison sentence. I was pregnant when he went away, so I am now raising our child alone.
Fast-forward to the present: He and I are doing extremely well. I see major changes, and we truly believe we can make it work when he’s released at the end of next year. My problem is, I have done some things that are eating away at me. I have had numerous relations while he has been away, all the while letting him think I’m this perfect stay-at-home fiancée and mother.
Although none of my affairs have been serious, I’m sure if he finds out, it would be the end of us. I’m scared and confused about what to do. I love him dearly and truly want to spend eternity with him. What should my next step be?
IMPERFECT, TOO, IN FLORIDA

DEAR IMPERFECT: Your next step should be to tell your boyfriend the truth. While you’re at it, tell him you didn’t reveal it before because you weren’t proud of it and didn’t want to worry him while he was locked up. You really have no other option because someone who knows you may let it slip, which would be worse than his hearing from you.
From your description, your baby’s father is no angel — and he should not expect you to be one, either. By the way, your telling him will not be the “end of you.” You are the mother of his child, and he is legally obligated to support that child until he or she is no longer a minor.
P.S. Because you and your boyfriend have been sexually active with multiple partners, you should both be checked for STDs.

DEAR ABBY: I would like to address this to parents who have abandoned an LGBTQ child:
I have met your children through my transgender son, and I’m happy to report they are doing fine. They are the nicest, most caring people I know. Instead of being bitter and angry about your rejection, they are welcoming of everyone they meet.
I marvel at their dedication to love. They have taught me by their example that unconditional love is the foundation of the LGBTQ fellowship. It reminds me of a man born in Bethlehem long ago, who taught unconditional love of all people.
Sadly, it seems His message has been diluted, distorted and rewritten. If He were around today, I believe He would really like your child.
So, in closing, let me congratulate you for having raised a wonderful, loving child who is filled with joy and generosity. And please remember: It’s never too late to learn how to love.
PROUD DAD OF A WONDERFUL SON

DEAR PROUD DAD: Your letter carries a strong, positive message. We are all God’s children. While I hope your letter will open those parents’ hearts, if it doesn’t do that, take comfort in the knowledge that many LGBTQ individuals who have been rejected by their parents have learned to build chosen families — with people like YOU.
***
Abby shares more than 100 of her favorite recipes in two booklets: “Abby’s Favorite Recipes” and “More Favorite Recipes by Dear Abby.” Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $16 to: Dear Abby, Cookbooklet Set, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447.

Deputies make arrests on fighting, drug charges

Thu, 09/29/2022 - 4:58pm

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.)

Parish deputies arrested three juveniles on charges of fighting or battery Tuesday and Wednesday and detained two adults on drug-related charges.

St. Mary

Sheriff Blaise Smith reported that over the last 48-hour reporting period, the Sheriff’s Office responded to 79 complaints and made these arrests:

—Juvenile male, 14, Franklin, was arrested at 1:52 p.m. Wednesday on charges of simple battery and possession of marijuana. The juvenile male was released into the custody of a guardian pending juvenile court proceedings.

—Juvenile female, 16, Patterson, was arrested at 3:35 p.m. Tuesday on a charge of disturbing the peace (fighting). The juvenile female was released into the custody of a guardian pending juvenile court proceedings.

—Juvenile female, 15, Patterson, was arrested at 3:35 p.m. Tuesday on a charge of disturbing the peace (fighting). The juvenile female was released into the custody of a guardian pending juvenile court proceedings.

—Nathaniel Rollins, 26, Patterson, was arrested at 4:38 p.m. Tuesday by the Narcotics Section on a warrant alleging possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. Bail was set at $1,500.

—Jamerie Gash, 19, Morgan City, was arrested at 5:06 p.m. Tuesday by the Narcotics Section on charges of possession with intent to distribute marijuana, possession of suboxone, resisting an officer and obstruction of justice.

Bail has not been set at this time.

—Lues Aviles, 45, Fontana, California, was arrested at 4:15 p.m. Tuesday on a charge of violation of protective orders. Bail has not been set.

—Michael Scott Dodd, 49, Bayou Vista, was arrested at 2:07 p.m. Tuesday on a warrant alleging failure to appear on the charge of possession of synthetic cannabinoids.
Bail has not been set at this time.

—Terrence Da’Vaughn Key Jr., 28, Abbeville, was arrested at 2:34 p.m. Tuesday on two warrants alleging failure to appear on charges of possession with intent to distribute marijuana or synthetic cannabinoids; illegal use, possession or control of weapons in the presence of a crime of violence or controlled dangerous substance; possession of drug paraphernalia; and possession of firearms or dealing in firearms with an obliterated number.

Bail was set at $60,000.

—John Francis Gautreaux, 59, Lockport, was arrested 7:40 p.m. Tuesday on a warrant alleging failure to appear on a charge of domestic abuse battery. Bail has not been set at this time.

—Williebaldo Flores, 36, Morgan City, was arrested at 2:32 a.m. Wednesday on a charge of disturbing the peace (intoxicated) and entry or remaining on premises after being forbidden. Bail has not been set.

Morgan City

Interim Police Chief Mark E. Griffin Jr. reported that the Morgan City Police Department responded to 65 calls over the last 24-hour reporting period and made these arrests:

—Nicholas Stephen Rock, 43, Cedar Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 1:20 p.m. Wednesday on a charge of simple battery.

--Derek Michael Granier, 28, Oak Alley Drive, Port Allen, was arrested at 2:31 p.m. Wednesday as a fugitive from the Wilkerson County Sheriff’s Office.

--Kristie L. Blanchard, 44, River Road, Berwick was arrested on a charge of theft (under $1,000).

--Stephanie Monique Manjarrez, 29, Railroad Avenue, Morgan City, was arrested at 6:32 p.m. Wednesday on a charge of theft (under $1,000).

--Chase Olivier, 35, Simoon Valarie Street, St. Martinville, was arrested at 1:29 a.m. Thursday on charges of driving while intoxicated (second offense), reckless operation of a vehicle, improper lane usage and disregard of traffic controls.

Berwick

Police Chief David Leonard Sr. reported these arrests:

--Geisler Ibert, 26, John Street, Berwick, was arrested at 2:52 p.m. Wednesday on warrants alleging domestic abuse battery (child endangerment law) and simple criminal damage to property (under $1,000).

About 2:52 p.m. Wednesday, Ibert walked into the Berwick Police Department to turn himself in on active warrants held through the Berwick Police Department. Ibert was booked.

The warrants stem from an investigation Sept. 23 where it was reported that Ibert committed a battery on a female victim. During the course of the altercation, it was reported that Ibert damaged the victim’s phone as well.

It was learned through the course of the investigation that there were two small children present during the time of the incident. Ibert was released on a $2,500 bond.

--Darren Boggan, 45, Main Street, Patterson, was arrested at 8:54 p.m. Wednesday on a Morgan City warrant alleging contempt of court.

About 8:54 p.m. Wednesday, the Berwick Police Department responded to a suspicious person complaint at a local business. Officers made contact with Boggan.

During this time, it was learned that Boggan had active warrants through the Morgan City Police Department. Boggan was booked on the warrant for Morgan City warrant for contempt of court and transported to the Morgan City Police Department.

St. Mary Chamber's Business, Assistant of the Month

Thu, 09/29/2022 - 3:56pm

The St. Mary Chamber named its Business of the Month and Administrative Assistant of the Month at its Wednesday luncheon at the Petroleum Club of Morgan City.

Storms put more pressure on La. insurance market

Thu, 09/29/2022 - 3:51pm

BILL DECKER

bdecker@daily-review.com

As Hurricane Ian targeted southwest Florida’s people, property and that state’s already shaky insurance market Wednesday, Louisiana has taken steps that made coverage here, the state’s insurance commissioner said.

But another Ida-sized hurricane would probably make the state’s insurer of last resort, state-run Citizens Property Insurance Inc., seek an assessment from private insurers and ultimately to property owners, Commissioner Jim Donelon told a St. Mary Chamber luncheon at the Petroleum Club of Louisiana.

The Advocate reported Sept. 13 that Citizens is asking the Louisiana Department of Insurance, which Donelon heads, for a 63% increase in homeowner premiums. That
follows a 74% increase in commercial property premiums that takes effect Nov. 1.

“Lots going on in my world,” Donelon said.

Louisiana had made some progress in attracting small, regional insurance companies to the state since Katrina’s catastrophic property damage, he said.
Katrina losses also led Louisiana Citizens management to seek funds from private insurers, the last time the corporation used that remedy.

Louisiana persuaded Wall Street to buy into a $1 billion bond issue for Citizens. To offset the exodus of major insurers from Louisiana, then-Gov. Kathleen Blanco pushed for $100 million from the post-Katrina influx of federal money to be available for an incentive program, Donelon said.

The program offered $6 million in capital to small, regional insurers who agreed to match the state money with $6 million of their own. The companies were also required to commit to writing $24 million in Louisiana property insurance, including property in the 17 most vulnerable coastal parishes and property covered by Citizens. The incentives attracted five companies, Donelon said.

Louisiana raised the capital requirement for companies covering Louisiana residential property from $3 million to $10 million.
Donelon said the idea was to make the insurers more conservative as they buy “reinsurance” — essentially insurance bought by insurers to protect themselves against large losses. Reinsurance is purchased through a market that is largely offshore and unregulated.
In all, 30 companies were recruited to cover property in Louisiana.

The idea was to move homeowners out of Citizens coverage and into the private market, Donelon said. The number of property owners covered by Citizens fell from 173,000, or 10% the Louisiana market, to 35,000.

Then came Laura, Delta and Zeta in 2020 and Ida in 2021. Donelon said the storms resulted in 800,000 claims and $23 billion in damage.

The number of Citizens policy-holders is back at 100,000 and is rising by about 500 a day, the commissioner said.

After five straight years with 1% annual increases in homeowner premiums, premiums went up an average of 6.5% this year, Donelon said. Ida led to the closure of six of the regional insurers, eight in all, and the departure of others from the state.

On top of the problems with conventional homeowner coverage, the state also faces rising National Flood Insurance rates under the new assessment system called Risk Rating 2.0.

The federally backed system changed the way it assesses risk. Instead of identifying risk, and setting premiums, for all property in a ZIP Code, the new system rates the risk for properties individually.

The result has been sharp premium increases for some, although an 18% cap on annual premium increases remains in place.

On Wednesday, U.S. Rep. Clay Higgins, R-Lafayette, announced that he is introducing legislation to “allow insurers to deduct the cost of providing homeowners insurance and policy payouts following a federally declared disaster.”

“My bill would incentivize property insurance providers to remain in the state after a major disaster,” Higgins said in a press release.

“Further, because insurance is largely regulated at the state level, I am hopeful that our bill can also serve as a model for similar legislation in the Louisiana State Legislature.”

State auditor: Storm claim process can be improved

Thu, 09/29/2022 - 3:48pm

VICTOR SKINNER, The Center Square

The Louisiana Department of Insurance could do more to improve claims handling, though the department is complying with the law to ensure companies are handling claims in a fair and timely manner, according to a Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s report.

Louisiana Legislative Auditor Mike Wagues-pack issued an audit report last week on the regulation of residential property insurance by LDI that included highlights from 2020 and 2021, as well as recommendations for changes by the department and Legislature.

“Overall, we found that LDI has procedures and practices to ensure that insurance companies follow the law and handle claims in a fair and timely manner,” Waguespack wrote to lawmakers. “However, we identified additional ways LDI could strengthen these activities, as well as a revision to Louisiana’s insurance code the Legislature may wish to consider.”

Auditors found most adjusters working hurricanes in recent years were licensed, though catastrophe adjusters were not required to be licensed in 2020 or 2021.

The majority of complaints to LDI for those two years centered on claims handling issues and the department’s response was not as quick as years past, according to the report.

“While LDI exceeded its goal of completing 70% of complaint investigations within 42 days during calendar years 2017 through 2019, that percentage dropped to 55.9% in the wake of the calendar year 2020 and 2021 hurricanes,” Waguespack wrote. “LDI also did not always report accurate information related to complaints, including the outcome of investigations and the amount recovered as a result of its investigations.”

The declining percentage came as residential property complaints increased 1,094% between 2019 and 2021 to 5,264. The inaccurate reporting included the miscalculation of $22.6 million in recovered funds in 2020 and 2021, according to the report.

LDI’s market conduct monitoring complied with state law and best practices, though auditors found revising the law to include more time frame requirements could help claims handling. Auditors pointed to requirements outlined in last session’s House Bill 936.

“LDI conducted a total of 196 market conduct investigations covering all lines of insurance during calendar years 2019 through 2021,” according to the report. “Of the 196 investigations, 56 (28.6%) were related to homeowners insurance companies and included issues related to business practices and claims handling.”
LDI issued a total of 25 actions against homeowners insurance companies and 1,902 actions against adjusters between 2017 and 2021, with the vast majority related to administrative issues and inaccurate addresses.

LDI officials agreed with all of major findings in the LLA report and have taken some steps to address them. The department is resume a quality assurance process that was shut down during the pandemic due to a deluge of hurricane related complaints, and is also stepping up efforts to ensure catastrophe adjusters are licensed.

LDI also implemented a new procedure to identify companies with potential claims handling issues during its annual market conduct analysis, according to the report.

LEONARD THOMAS ESCORT JR.

Thu, 09/29/2022 - 3:40pm

Leonard Thomas Escort Jr., 66, a native and resident of Morgan City, died Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2022, at Iberia Medical Center.

Visitation will be Fri-dy from 11 a.m. until services at noon at Church of Christ in Morgan City. Burial will follow in Morgan City Cemetery.

He is survived by his mother, Juanita Escort of Morgan City; three sons, Leonard Escort III of Fort Worth, Texas, Lance Escort of Centerville and Larry Chester of Morgan City; a daughter, Erica Warren of Lafayette; three brothers, Clifton Escort Sr. and Allen Escort, both of Morgan City, and Andrew Escort of Birmingham, Alabama; five sisters, Mary Prejean of Marrero, Juanita Escort of Houston, Ruth Escort, Caroline Green and Deatrel Escort, all of Morgan City, and Lillie Escort of Berwick; nine grandchildren; six
great-grandchildren; and a host of relatives.

He was preceded in death by his father, a grandson and two brothers.

Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Patterson police make armed robbery arrest

Wed, 09/28/2022 - 9:24am

(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.)

Patterson police arrested an 18-year-old Tuesday on armed robbery and home invasion charges.

Patterson

Police Chief Garrett Grogan reported these arrests:

--De’arius A. Williams, 18, Blakesly, Franklin, was arrested at 5:40 p.m. Tuesday on a charge of armed robbery, contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile and home invasion. Williams is incarcerated at the Patterson PD Jail with no bond set.

--Desmond J. Richard, 41, Second Street, Patterson, was arrested at 2:58 p.m. Tuesday on charges of criminal trespass, resisting an officer by flight and possession of marijuana (under 14 grams). Richard is incarcerated at the Patterson PD Jail with no bond set.

--Chastity K. Butler, 42, M Street, Patterson, was arrested at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday on a charge of theft. Butler is incarcerated at the Patterson PD Jail with no bond set.

--Dietesha L. Butler, 33, Taft Street, Patterson, was arrested at 12:50 p.m. Tuesday on a charge of theft. Butler is incarcerated at the Patterson PD Jail with no bond set.

Morgan City

Interim Police Chief Mark E. Griffin Jr. reported that the Morgan City Police Department responded to 42 calls for service over the last 24-hour reporting period and made these arrests:

--Sasha Millet Kenieczka, 32, Glenwood Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 9:47 a.m. Tuesday on a charge of domestic abuse battery.

--Jose Marvin Licona-Acosta, 33, Roper Drive, Scott, was arrested at 12:10 a.m. Wednesday as a fugitive from the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office.

--Traylon Anthony Grogan, 30, Wren Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 9:30 p.m. Tuesday on charges of failure to appear for arraignment, failure to appear for revocation and failure to appear for hearing (16th Judicial District Court).

--Monika Marie Faulk, 56, Main Street, Franklin, was arrested at 7:23 a.m. Wednesday on a charge of unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling.

Berwick

Police Chief David Leonard Sr. reported this arrest:

--Juvenile male, 14, Berwick, was arrested at 7:49 p.m. Tuesday on a charge of simple criminal damage to property.

At 6:35 p.m. Tuesday, the Berwick Police Department responded to the Berwick Civic Center in reference to a damage to property complaint. Officers met with management, who stated that a juvenile caused damage to a sink in the restroom and intentionally flooded the restroom.

The suspect was identified as a 14-year-old juvenile from Berwick, and he admitted to damaging the restroom. Following the investigation, he was placed under arrest and processed at the Berwick Police Department. He was released to the custody of his guardian pending juvenile court proceedings.

Franklin

Police Chief Morris Beverly reported that the Franklin Police Department responded to 13 complaints over the last 24-hour reporting period and made this arrest:

--Renarda Loston, 42, Talbot Street, Franklin, was arrested at 2:23 p.m. Tuesday on a warrant dated Aug. 25 alleging for theft. Loston was booked, processed and released on a $1,500 bond.

Trey Richoux is new VP at MC Bank

Wed, 09/28/2022 - 8:54am

M C Bank has hired Trey Richoux as senior vice president, innovation director.

Richoux will develop and oversee M C Bank’s new products, services, and vendor management.

Most recently, Richoux was the chief operating officer at ROAM Destinations Inc., a venture-backed network of boutique RV parks and campgrounds. Prior to ROAM Destinations, Inc.
Richoux was the president of Scale Workspace, an advanced manufacturing focused co-working space in downtown New Orleans.

Richoux graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg with a Master of Business Administration and Bachelor of Science in Business Admin-istration with a
finance major. Upon graduating, he worked at The First, a National Banking Association as a credit officer and commercial lender, and then Capital One as a business banker.

“I am thrilled to be joining such an accomplished team at M C Bank and looking forward to enhancing our suite of products and services to better serve our clients and communities,” Richoux said.

Christopher LeBato, M C Bank’s CEO, said,, “Trey’s entrepreneurial nature and his success with several start-ups will bring both creative and data-driven solutions as we look to expand our offerings. We are excited that he has joined the M C Bank team and know this will benefit our clients tremendously.”

Morgan City Bank was established in 1954 and opened its doors in 1955. On April 1, 1991, MC Bancshares was formed as a one-bank holding company with its solely owned subsidiary being Morgan City Bank & Trust Co.

Simultaneously with the merger of the bank into the holding company, the bank’s name changed to M C Bank & Trust Co. The bank’s headquarters are in Morgan City, and they have eight branches in Louisiana: Amelia, Bayou Vista, Houma, Lafayette, Morgan City, New Orleans and Youngsville.