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JARMAINE THOMAS JR.

Fri, 08/05/2022 - 8:00am

Jarmaine Thomas Jr., 26, a native of Verdun-ville and resident of Orange, Texas, died Thursday, July 28, 2022, at Christus Hospital-St. Elizabeth in Beaumont, Texas.

Visitation will be Saturday from 11 a.m. until services at 2 p.m. at Greater St. Stephens Missionary Baptist Church in Franklin. Burial will follow at Little Zion Cemetery in Verdunville.

He is survived by his parents, Jarmaine Thomas Sr. of Patterson and Trisha Austin of New Iberia; five sisters, Jasmine Thomas of New Iberia, Makayla Austin of Franklin, Ladaisa Mingo of Baldwin, Quentel Mingo of Fort Worth, Texas and Har-mony Green of New Iberia; three brothers; Deandre Austin of St. Joseph, Lamonta Thomas of Houma and Kearias Austin of New Iberia; grandmother, Norma Thomas of Patterson; and a host of other relatives.

He was preceded in death by grandparents and a brother.

Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

TONY C. WEBB

Fri, 08/05/2022 - 7:57am

Tony C. Webb, 60, a native of Patterson and resident of Napoleonville, died Sunday, July 24, 2022, at Thibodaux Regional Medical Center.

Visitation will be Saturday from 11 a.m. until services at 1 p.m. at Jones Funeral Home in Morgan City. Burial will follow in New Salem Baptist Cemetery in Patterson.

He is survived by his wife, Loretta Henry Webb of Napoleonville; seven children; Tony Clark and Anthony Webb, both of Lafayette, Antoine Webb and Latoya Houston, Tyeka Webb of Seguin, Texas, Gerald Andrews of Morgan City, Tonneshika Webb of San Antonio; four stepchildren; Lloyd Henry, Tyrik Henry of Geismer, Tevin Henry and Ebony Henry, both of Napoleonville; sib-lings, Belva Webb, Kur-win Webb, Chris Webb, Mearyl Green of Patter-son, Jocelyn Webb of Breaux Bridge, Willie Webb of Carencro, Spor-nia Span, Lenora Webb-Jansen, Charles Webb, all of Morgan City, Rochella Williams of Alexandria, Latina Jackson of Verdunville, Daysha Francis of Dallas; 21 grand-children; one great-grandchild; and a host of other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers.

Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

UPDATED WITH STORY: Dinner is served when Berwick opens food truck court

Thu, 08/04/2022 - 7:20pm

BERWICK — Some of us whiled away the lockdowns ordering stuff from Amazon. Mike Jones cooked up recipes.

A couple of years later, Jones has his own food truck, one of five parked on First Street in Berwick on Thursday for the opening of the Lighthouse Food Truck Court.

The Jones Specialty Food truck was joined by FlamiNGuyen Vietnamese Cuisine, Body by Thomas, The Southern Spread and Lily Bea’s Snoballs.

The Berwick town government made the food truck court idea become reality on a piece of land it owns at 3278 First St. Officials are encouraging vendors to be at the court 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5-8 p.m. Thursday through Monday.

The early word is that Jones Specialty Foods will be one of the regulars.

The pandemic indirectly boosted Jones on his way toward being a food truck chef.

“COVID got started, and I was at home cooking,” Jones said. “Everything was shut down. I started creating recipes.”

He started selling pork and seafood rub under the Jones Specialty Foods label. Berwick residents may remember seeing his table at the monthly markets under the bridge.

Then, a year ago, he bought his food truck, mostly because he couldn’t find a brick-and-mortar home for his new business. Then he spent 10 months on the road.

His specialties are pulled pork and loaded fries, and Hog Totz, a pulled pork and tater tots combination.

“It’s been wonderful,” Jones said.

“Bringing the food culture here — that’s my biggest dream.”

The food truck court was officially opened Thursday when Berwick Town Councilwoman Colleen Asked cut a ceremonial ribbon, joined by council colleagues, parish officials, St. Mary Chamber representatives and the vendors.

Askew has been the leader of the effort to create the food truck.

“It’s been my baby, my passion,” Askew said. “Downtown is my passion.”

Nearby, artists Lilly Leonard and Alyssa Muse are devoting their August weekends to completing an outdoor mural, weather permitting.

Patterson receives award for Outreach program

Thu, 08/04/2022 - 10:12am

Patterson's Outreach program, in which city government and faith-based organizations work together to offer senior citizens a take-away meal each Wednesday, received honorable mention in the Louisiana Municipal Association's Community Development Community Achievement category. Outreach recently served more than 400 meals in a single day. Franklin also received an honorable mention for its renovation of the City Hall's third floor for use as a museum. Shown from left are association Executive Director John Gallagher, Patterson Councilman Lee Condolle; Outreach Director Allise Jennings-Salazar; Mayor Rodney Grogan and outgoing association President Michael Chauffee.

Submitted Photo

Seven local arrests include shoplifting, battery on dating partner charges

Thu, 08/04/2022 - 9:54am

(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.)

Local authorities reported seven arrests Wednesday and early Thursday, including charges of domestic battery and shoplifting.

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:

--Rachelle Deanna Madison, 52, Franklin, was arrested at 7:28 a.m. Wednesday on a charge of theft by shoplifting and simple assault without a dangerous weapon. Bail has not yet been set.

--Chase Paul Bertrand, 36, Patterson, was arrested at 3:46 p.m. Wednesday on two warrants alleging failure to appear on charges of careless operation of a motor vehicle, operating a vehicle without a driver’s license, possession of heroin, possession of a Schedule IV drug and failing to honor a written promise to appear.

Bail has not been set.

Morgan City

Interim Police Chief Mark E. Griffin Jr. reported that the Morgan City Police Department responded to 40 calls for service over the last 24-hour reporting period and made these arrests:

--Gannon Troy Broussard Jr., 32, Railroad Avenue, Morgan City, was arrested at 9:14 p.m. Wednesday on two counts of failure to appear to pay fine (6th Ward Morgan City Court).

--Elton James Landry, 60, Federal Avenue, Morgan City, was arrested at 3:33 a.m. Thursday on a charge of disturbing the peace (intoxicated).

--Miranda Jean Topham, 41, Railroad Avenue, Morgan City, was arrested at 6:31 a.m. Thursday on a charge of failure to appear for revocation (16th Judicial District Court).

Berwick

Police Chief David S. Leonard reported these arrests:

--Nicholas Grimmett, 41, South Verrett, Morgan City, was arrested at 8:57 a.m. Wednesday on a warrant alleging battery of a dating partner (second offense).

At 8:57 a.m. Wednesday, Grimmett was transported to the Berwick Police Department from the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center. Grimmett had an active warrant through the Berwick Police Department.

The warrant stems from a complaint in January in which it was reported that Grimmett committed a battery on a female victim. Grimmett was booked on the outstanding warrant without incident.

--Rachel King, 38, First Street, Berwick, was arrested at 1:03 p.m. Wednesday on charges of remaining were forbidden and disturbing the peace.

About 12:57 p.m. Wednesday, the Berwick Police Department received a call of a female causing a disturbance at a local business and hollering at employees.

Officers made contact with King. During this time, it was learned that King had been previously told not to return to the business due to causing problems at the business in the recent past.

King was placed under arrest and transported to the Berwick Police Department where she was booked.

St. Mary students increase LEAP scores in math, science

Thu, 08/04/2022 - 9:29am

St. Mary public school students increased their math and science scores in LEAP testing during the 2021-22 school year.

The percentage of St. Mary students achieving “Basic or above” in math increased at all tested levels in grades 3 through 8, the school district said in a press release Thursday. The percentage of students scoring at the "Basic or above" level rose in four of six grade levels.

Overall, students attaining LEAP achievement levels of “Mastery+” remained the same at 28% for the total student population and increased from 28% to 29% for grades 3 through 8.

The school system is awaiting the release of summary data for ELPT (English Language Proficiency Test), which is the assessment administered to students whose primary language is not English, as well as official graduation rates for the Class of 2021. Both measures are part of a school’s performance score and associated letter grade.

“As we prepare for what we hope will be a year with few interruptions to student learning, St. Mary Parish will continue to offer time within the school day for evidence-based interventions and acceleration of learning,” the district said in a press release. “Students will also have the opportunity to receive afterschool tutoring services that align to their academic needs as demonstrated by the LEAP data released. Most importantly, our schools will continue to provide students with daily instruction that encompasses standards-aligned lessons to lead to mastery of those standards.”

Upon a thorough analysis of the LEAP 2025 score release, Superintendent Dr. Teresa Bagwell congratulated students and teachers in persisting through the many challenges to remain vigilant in their academic growth. A special congratulations is extended to J.S. Aucoin Elementary, which was recognized by the Louisiana Department of Education as one of the

“Top Schools” in the state in one-year academic achievement growth as measured by the LEAP 2025 test.

THERESA ALCINA BLANCHARD

Wed, 08/03/2022 - 5:14pm

March 14, 1929 – August 3, 2022

Theresa Alcina Blanchard passed away peacefully August 3, 2022 surrounded by her loving family at the age of 93.

Theresa was loved and admired by so many. As a devoted Catholic, her Faith in God gave her strength throughout her life. She was happiest when her family was together sharing stories, dancing, and laughing. Her positive and joyful outlook on life was an encouragement to all. Known to many as Momma T, her smile was infectious and loved to dance the night away.

Theresa is preceded in death by her husband Adam Blanchard, her parents Joseph Cos and Anna Marie Alcina, and her siblings Stella Topham, Anna Marie Dupre, Joseph Andrew Alcina, Johnny Alcina, Evans Alcina, and James Alcina.

Theresa is survived by her sister, Lorena Lamar, of Morgan City; her children, AJ Blanchard and his wife Celina of Berwick; Ronnie Blanchard and his wife Cheryl of Morgan City; and Lynette Weber and her husband Ricky of Berwick; her five grandchildren, Jennifer Loupe and her husband Neil; Jeffrey Blanchard and his wife Kendal; Bryan Blanchard and his wife Stephanie; Brent Blanchard and his wife Bonnie; Paige Weber; Casey St Romain and his wife Shawn; Amie Francois and her husband Rhett; and her fourteen great-grandchildren, Taylor, Olivia, Blake, Addison, Meredith, Tanner, Nate, Elodie, Anneliese, Havolynne, Brandon, Caroline, Wyatt, and Stella.

Pall bearers will be Bryan Blanchard, Brent Blanchard, Jeffrey Blanchard, Taylor Blanchard, Ricky Weber and Neil Loupe.

A Visitation will be held Friday, August 5, 2022 at Twin City Funeral Home from 9:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Mass will be held at Sacred Heart Church in Morgan City at 1:00 p.m., Friday, August 5, 2022 with a grave side service immediately following at the Morgan City Cemetery.

Morgan City police radio logs for Aug. 2-3

Wed, 08/03/2022 - 2:11pm

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, Aug. 2
6 p.m. 1000 block of Victor II Boulevard; Accident.
6:11 p.m. 200 block of Leona Street; Assistance.
7:25 p.m. 600 block of General McArthur Street; Complaint.
7:48 p.m. 1400 block of Railroad Avenue; Criminal damage.
8:59 p.m. 300 block of Patton Street; Vehicle theft.
9:45 p.m. 400 block of Adams Street; Complaint.
9:56 p.m. 400 block of Adams Street; Complaint.
10:41 p.m. Railroad Avenue/Headland Street; Suspicious person.
Wednesday, Aug. 3
12:49 a.m. 1000 block of Fifth Street; Suspicious person.
2:15 a.m. Fifth Street/Brashear Avenue; Suspicious person.
4:28 a.m. 200 block of Chennault Street; Assistance.

Morgan City police arrest man on drug, gun charges

Wed, 08/03/2022 - 2:08pm

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 arrested a Franklin man on gun and drug charges Tuesday. Franklin police say a man turned himself in after being named in a warrant alleging attempted murder in July 23 shooting.

Morgan City

Interim Police Chief Mark E. Griffin Jr. reported that the Morgan City Police Department responded to 32 calls for service over the last 24-hour reporting period and made these arrests:

—Robert Carey Chapman, 36, Verdun Lane, Franklin, was arrested at 5:49 a.m. Tuesday on charges of possession of MDMA, possession of marijuana, possession firearm in the presence of a controlled dangerous substance, driving under suspension, no passing zone and two counts of failure to appear for arraignment (16th Judicial District Court).

—Joshua Dale Repp. 34, Oak Lane, Pierre Part, was arrested at 2:35 p.m. Tuesday on a charge of probation violation (6th Ward Morgan City Court).

—Christopher Joseph Adams Jr., 41, Leona Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 7:15 p.m. Tuesday as a fugitive from the St. Marin Parish Sheriff’s Office.

St. Mary

Sheriff Blaise Smith reported that over the last 24-hour reporting period, the Sheriff’s Office responded to 25 complaints and made these arrests:

—-David Wayne Mire, 46, Morgan City, was at 4:34 p.m. Tuesday on a warrant alleging failure to appear on the charge of criminal neglect of family. Bail was set at $50,855.21.

—Amanda Faye Brown, 35, Houma, was arrested at 3:48 a.m. Wednesday on a warrant alleging failure to appear on the charge of possession of drug paraphernalia. Bail has not been set.

Assumption

Sheriff Leland Falcon reported this arrest:

—David M. Mire, 46, Velma Court, Bayou L’Ourse, was arrested Sunday on charges of failure to dim headlights, driving under suspension and expired motor vehicle inspection tag, and as a fugitive from St. Mary Parish (non-support).

A uniformed patrol deputy observed a vehicle commit a traffic violation on La. 398 and initiated a stop of that vehicle. The deputy made contact with the driver, identified as Mire.

During the interview process, the deputy inquired with the Communications Division and was advised that Mire was wanted on a fugitive warrant from St. Mary Parish.

Mire was arrested and booked into the Assumption Parish Detention Center and released to St. Mary Parish to answer to charges in that jurisdiction.

Franklin

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

--Terran Ballet, 19, Bud Street, Franklin, turned himself into the Franklin Police Department at 1:56 p.m. Tuesday on a warrant dated July 28 alleging five counts of attempted second-degree murder, illegal carrying of weapons, illegal use of weapons or dangerous instrumentalities, firearm-free zone, criminal street gang activity, aggravated criminal damage to property, and five counts of principal to attempted second-degree murder. Ballet was booked, processed and held on a $1,075,000 bond.

Ballet is one of five suspects wanted in connection with a July 23 shooting in the area of Seventh Street and Martin Luther King Boulevard.

Patterson socked with gas bill that triples rate from 2020

Wed, 08/03/2022 - 1:12pm

BILL DECKER

bdecker@daily-review.com

PATTERSON — Another city government is feeling the sting of inflation, particularly rising energy costs, so another city’s residents are feeling the sting, too.

The Patterson City Council learned Tuesday that the July bill for the natural gas Patterson distributes to its municipal customers was triple the amount it paid in July 2020.

Billing Clerk Kim Guarisco and Assistant Billing Clerk Kelly Jennings presented the council with the paperwork.

In July 2020, the Louisiana Municipal Gas Authority billed Patterson $7,010.33 for the gas the city distributes to its customers in Patterson and Bayou Vista. In July 2021, the monthly bill was $8,457.53.

Last month, the July bill from the authority was $23,159.33, more than triple the amount the city paid for the same month two years ago.

The July cost of natural gas has already shown up in the bills for individual households.

“The bills are so big that the customers think it’s something we’ve done,” Guarisco told the council. “It’s not.”

“A lot of people call and say, ‘You’re ripping us off,’” Mayor Rodney Grogan said. “No, no, no.”

Patterson also ties utility charges to the Consumer Price Index, which has been rising at the fastest pace in 40 years. The June 2022 CPI was 9.1% higher than in June 2021.

“We’re dealing with inflation,” Grogan said, “and we’re dealing with maybe heading into a recession.”

Natural gas peaked at $8.99 per thousand cubic feet July 26 and fell to $7.66 Tuesday on the New York Mercantile Exchange.

At its July 26 meeting, the Morgan City Council learned its bill from the Louisiana Energy and Power Authority for June was $1.25 million, the highest monthly bill in eight years.

Morgan City buys electricity from the authority for distribution to its residential and business customers.