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Patterson police report four drug arrests

Mon, 12/29/2025 - 11:57am
Staff Report

Patterson police reported four arrests on drug charges in the last week, including two for possession with intent to distribute.

Patterson

Chief Garrett Grogan reported these arrests:
--James T. Kyle, 55, Easy Street, Patterson, was arrested at 7:34 a.m. Saturday on charges of possession of marijuana, possession of methamphetamine, possession of fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute a Schedule IV drug, possession of paraphernalia and violation of uniform controlled dangerous substance law.
Kyle is incarcerated at the Patterson PD Jail with no bond set.

--Summer E. Mensman, 33, Lydia Street, Patterson, was arrested at 10:46 p.m. Dec. 23 on charges of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, introduction of contraband into a penal institution and illegal use of a controlled dangerous substance in the presence of a person under 17.

Mensman is incarcerated at the Patterson PD Jail with no bond set.

--Alexis L. Williams, 30, La. 317, Franklin, was arrested at 10:46 p.m. Dec. 23 on charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, illegal use of a controlled dangerous substance in the presence of a person under 17 and resisting an officer. Williams is incarcerated at the Patterson PD Jail with no bond set.

--Zoe M. Rives, 26, East Street, Patterson, was arrested at 7:34 a.m. Sunday on charges of possession of marijuana, possession of methamphetamine, possession of fentanyl, possession of drug paraphernalia and violation of uniform controlled dangerous substance law.

Rives is incarcerated at the Patterson PD Jail with no bond set.

--Malcolm J. Smith, 39, Eighth Street, Patterson, was arrested at 4:14 a.m. Dec. 24 on a charge of resisting an officer by flight. Smith was released on a summons.

--Timothy R. Duval, 47, Eight and Park streets, Patterson, was arrested at 10:13 p.m. Saturday on charges of theft and resisting an officer. Duval is incarcerated at the Patterson PD Jail with no bond set.

Morgan City

Chief Chad M. Adams reported these arrests:

--Brealin Francis, 21, First Street, Morgan City, as arrested at 12:38 p.m. Friday on three counts of failure to appear to pay fine (6th Ward Morgan City Court).

--Jimmy Business, 66, Bush Street Morgan City, was arrested at 12:21 a.m. Saturday on a charge of battery of a dating partner.

--Haven Wiggins, 25, Sacred Heart Drive, Morgan City, was arrested at 8:05 a.m. Saturday on charges of resisting an officer and disturbing the peace. (Released on summons.)

--Haven Wiggins, 25, Sacred Heart Drive, Morgan City, was arrested at 11:02 a.m. Saturday on charges of possession of marijuana (first offense), taking contraband into a penal facility, resisting an officer and remaining where forbidden.

--Catalina Ajiataz-Tzunux, 32, West Erwin Street, Catersville, Texas, was arrested at 4:59 p.m. Saturday on a charge of resisting an officer (false information).

--Enyerdy Duran Perez, 20, Preston Oaks, Dallas, was arrested at 5:05 p.m. Saturday on charges of possession of marijuana (first offense), general speed law and no driver’s license.

--Charles Elmore, 50, 11th Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 10:18 p.m. Saturday on a charge of possession of marijuana (first offense). (Released on summons.)

--Jose Merida, 54, Roderick Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 1:14 a.m. Sunday on charges of driving while intoxicated (first offense), reckless operation of a motor vehicle and improper lane usage.

--Jeaneaux Kenner, 34, Grace Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 5:40 p.m. Sunday on charges of possession of synthetic marijuana (first offense), driving under suspension and window tint violation. (Released on summons.)

--Erica Boudreaux, 37, River Road, Berwick, was arrested at 10:02 p.m. Sunday on charges of possession of synthetic marijuana (first offense), possession of drug paraphernalia and lights required.

--Brian Fitter, 44, Kellie Drive, Patterson, was arrested at 1:48 a.m. Monday on charges of possession of clonazepam, driving while intoxicated (second offense), possession of drug paraphernalia, lights required and open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle.

--Terrence Johnson, 42, Terrebonne Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 1:56 p.m. Dec. 24 on a charge of theft (under $1,000).

--Kimiya Joseph, 32, Apple Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 4:06 p.m. Thursday on two counts of failure to appear for arraignment (6th Ward Morgan City Court).

Franklin

Chief Cedric Handy reported these arrests:

--Javontrae Levine, 32, Gum Street, Franklin, was arrested at 4:32 p.m. Thursday on a charge of domestic abuse battery (with child endangerment and violation of protective orders). Levine was additionally arrested on a warrant for 16th Judicial District Court alleging failure to appear on charges of operating a vehicle while license is suspended and resisting an officer, and on a warrant for the city of Patterson Mayor’s Court alleging failure to appear on a charge of no driver’s license. Levine
was booked, processed and held on a $27,548 bond.

--Carl Joseph Jr., 32, Curtis Drive, Franklin, was arrested at 6:40 p.m. Friday on a warrant alleging remaining where forbidden. Joseph was booked, processed and held on a $2,000 bond.

Assumption

Sheriff Leland Falcon reported these arrests:

–Benjamin David Vining, 29, Nevada Street, Morgan City, was arrested on warrants charging him with contempt of court (failure to appear) to serve a court-mandated sentence in Morgan City in St. Mary Parish.

A uniformed patrol deputy observed a westbound vehicle on La 70 in Pierre Part traveling at 64 miles per hour in a 45 zone. The deputy conducted a stop of that vehicle and made contact with the driver identified as Vining.

The deputy conducted a warrants check and determined that Vining was wanted by Morgan City police on a contempt of court warrant.

Vining was arrested and booked into the Assumption Parish Detention Cener and remained incarcerated pending transfer to Morgan City police.

--Leonardo Hernandez, 21, Triple Court, Houma, was arrested Saturday on a warrant for Immigrations and Customs Enforcement following a traffic stop on U.S. 90 in Amelia.

A special operations unit observed a vehicle on U.S. 90 commit a traffic violation and executed a stop of that vehicle.

The deputy made contact with the driver eventually identified as Hernandez and engaged the driver in an interview.

During the investigative stop, the deputy determined that Hernandez was in possession of fraudulent documents, including a United States Social Security card and a Texas driver's license.

The deputy contacted Immigrations and Customs Enforcement and determined that Leonardo Hernandez was in the United States illegally with an order of removal in effect.

Hernandez was arrested and booked into the Assumption Parish Detention Center and will be released to the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement for removal from the United States.

Morgan City police radio logs Dec. 26-29

Mon, 12/29/2025 - 10:47am

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.
Friday, Dec. 26
8:59 a.m. 700 block of David Drive; Medical.
9:01 a.m. 700 block of David Drive; Complaint.
9:04 a.m. 900 block of Everett Street; Complaint.
9:11 a.m. 800 block of Sacred Heart Drive; Complaint.
9:28 a.m. 700 block of Belanger Street; Medical.
1:15 p.m. 900 block of Federal Avenue; Complaint.
2:42 p.m. 2300 block of La. 70; Complaint.
2:57 p.m. U.S. 90; Traffic incident.
4:07 p.m. Headland Street; Complaint.
5:57 p.m. U.S. 90 West before Martin Luther King Boulevard; Stalled vehicle
6:34 p.m. 5000 block of Railroad Avenue; Alarm.
7:45 p.m. U.S. 90 East Federal Avenue onramp area; Suspicious subject.
10:07 p.m. Fifth Street; Suspicious subject.
11:37 p.m. Tupelo Street ; Loud music.
11:54 p.m. 600 block of Bush Street; Disturbance.
Saturday, Dec. 27
12:08 a.m. 400 block of Third Street; Suspicious subject.
1:11 a.m. 1000 block of Brashear Avenue; Medical.
1:25 a.m. 900 block of Fig Street; Alarm.
2:27 a.m. 500 block of Federal Avenue; Alarm.
3:50 a.m. Marguerite/Seventh streets; Building check open door.
7:44 a.m. 800 block of Sacred Heart Drive; Removal of subject.
9:23 a.m. 600 block of Freret Street; Complaint.
10:56 a.m. 800 block of Sacred Heart Drive; Removal of subject.
11:13 a.m. 300 block of Mallard Street; Complaint.
12:57 p.m. U.S. 90; Complaint.
1:24 p.m. 200 block of Patton Street; Complaint.
4:33 p.m. Tupelo Street; Loud music.
5 p.m. 700 block of Martin Luther King Boulevard; Arrest.
5:48 p.m. 700 block of Belanger Street; Theft
6:58 p.m. Friendship Alley/Lake Palourde Road; Assistance.
8:20 p.m. 1000 block of Ellzey Street; Complaint.
8:28 p.m. 7000 block of La. 182 ; Suspicious subject.
9:08 p.m. Second Street; Suspicious subject.
11:10 p.m. 100 block of Brownell Street; Alarm.
Sunday, Dec. 28
12:19 a.m. Allison Street; Animal complaint.
4:16 a.m. U.S. 90 East; BOLO.
6:13 a.m. 700 block of Bush Street; Medical.
6:46 a.m. 1200 block of Brashear Avenue; Alarm.
7:18 a.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Complaint.
8:36 a.m. 3100 block of Lake Palourde Road; Welfare check.
9:53 a.m. 1300 block of Railroad Avenue; Alarm.
10:07 a.m. 1100 block of Marguerite Street; Complaint.
1:28 p.m. 900 block of Willard Street; Complaint.
2:18 p.m. 100 block of Montana Street; Telephone harassment.
4:04 p.m. U.S. 90; Stalled vehicle.
4:16 p.m. 6300 block of La. 182; Complaint.
4:26 p.m. Friendship Alley; Assistance.
5:37 p.m. 1400 block of Filmore Street; Juvenile problems.
5:47 p.m. La. 182/Eleventh Street; Arrest.
6:23 p.m. 1000 block of Brashear Avenue ; Assistance.
6:40 p.m. 1000 block of Siracusa Road; Assistance.
7:02 p.m. 500 block of Federal Avenue; Alarm.
7:30 p.m. 6000 block of La. 182 ; Alarm.
8:09 p.m. 1000 block of McDermott Drive; Fireworks.
8:38 p.m. 500 block of Aucoin Street; Welfare concern.
9:03 p.m. 500 block of Federal Avenue; Suspicious subject.
9:57 p.m. Fourth/Freret streets; Suspicious subject.
Monday, Dec. 29
4:33 a.m. 300 block of Patton Street; 911 hang up.

Positive Image award

Fri, 12/26/2025 - 6:00am

The Review/Bill Decker
The Morgan City Council on Dec. 16 gave Positive Image recognition to Morgan City Fire Department Assistant Chief Kristopher Price, front row center. Also on the front row are Fire Chief Alvin Cockerham and Mayor Lee Dragna. In the back row, from left, are council members Thomas Hutchinson, Steve Domangue, the Rev. Ron Bias, Bonnie Leonard and Tim Hymel.

Pet Talk: Homemade dog diet may not be a treat

Fri, 12/26/2025 - 6:00am

Over the last two decades, homemade diets have seen a rise in popularity among dog owners. However, new research from the Dog Aging Project reveals that most homemade diets are missing important nutrients that dogs need to lead healthy lives.
In the study, published in the American Journal of Veterinary Research, the team assessed the nutritional completeness of 1,726 homemade diets based on ingredients and preparation methods provided by dog owners.
“We found that only 6% of homemade diets had the potential to be nutritionally complete,” said Dr. Janice O’Brien, a doctoral researcher at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech. “Since our study didn’t include exact ingredient amounts, it’s possible that a smaller percentage than 6% were nutritionally complete.”
Diet information was gathered from open-ended survey responses from owners participating in the DAP, a collaborative initiative led by the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (VMBS) and other institutions that studies the effects of aging and what makes a healthy canine life.
Through the DAP, owners of the more than 50,000 dogs from all backgrounds enrolled in the study complete surveys, including on diets. For this study, the diet information was entered into an online tool called Balance It that helps owners create nutritionally complete homemade diets for their pets.
“Balance It is compliant with both the United States Food and Drug Administration and the Association of American Feed Control Officials’ recommendations for canine nutrition,” O’Brien said.
“By entering the list of ingredients in each recipe into Balance It, we determined if there were nutrients missing.”
The importance of a complete meal
Based on the results of the study, dog owners should be aware that choosing to prepare a pet’s meals at home comes with responsibility, according to Dr. Katie Tolbert, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist, small animal internist, and associate professor in VMBS’ Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences.
“There is a temptation for a lot of dog owners to go off script when preparing meals at home,” said Tolbert, who also is one of the study’s authors.
“If you decide to formulate your dog’s food at home, be sure to work with a board-certified veterinary nutritionist and stick to the diet exactly as prescribed. Nothing is considered a ‘filler’ that you can leave out.”
For example, substituting different types of oil can change the nutritional completeness of the diet, and something as simple as a calcium supplement — a common addition in homemade dog food recipes — can cause serious problems if omitted.
“If your dog’s calcium and phosphate levels get out of balance, they can develop bone health problems, including a condition nicknamed ‘rubber jaw’ where the bone starts to become soft, like cartilage,” Tolbert said.
“It can also cause problems in the kidneys.”
For dogs with existing illnesses, the stakes of good nutrition are even higher.
“Dogs that are not already in good health can have exacerbated symptoms if they do not receive a balanced diet that is specifically formulated to treat their disease,” Tolbert said.
Tolbert also recommends avoiding adding ingredients that are not safe for dogs, like whole bones or grapes.
“Grapes can be toxic to dogs,” she said. “Whole bones, on the other hand, are risky because dogs can end up with sharp pieces of bone in their stomach.”
Bringing nutritional completeness home
For owners interested in feeding their dogs a homemade meal, the first step is to talk with your local veterinarian about your pet’s specific dietary needs. Then, work with a board-certified veterinary nutritionist to create a healthy diet tailored to your pet.
Board certification ensures that the nutritionist has received advanced training from an accredited program.
If you plan to keep your dog on a homemade diet long-term, Tolbert recommends sending a sample to a food testing laboratory to make sure that the diet is the same in practice as it is on paper.
“It can be helpful to know exactly what is in the food you’re feeding your pet to make sure the recipe is as precise as possible,” Tolbert said.
By Courtney Price, Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.

Public notices for Dec. 26, 2025

Fri, 12/26/2025 - 6:00am

PUBLIC NOTICE
SECTION 001000 - LEGAL NOTICE
ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS
Sealed bids will be received by the St. Mary Parish Government until 2:00 p.m. (CST) on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at its office located at 500 Main St. Courthouse Building, 5th Floor, Franklin, Louisiana 70538, and shall at that time and place publicly open the bids and read them aloud for the:
ST. MARY PARISH GOVERNMENT
WIND RETROFIT & RE-ROOFING
911 CALL CENTER
ARCHITECT’S PROJECT NO. 15-183
Owner’s Information:
St. Mary Parish Government
500 Main St.
Franklin, LA 70538
Phone: (337) 828-4092
Architect’s Information:
Duplantis De- sign Group, PC
314 East Bayou Road
Thibodaux, LA 70301
Phone: (985) 447-0090
All bids shall be submitted in a sealed envelope bearing legibly on the exterior, the following:
1. Job name and owner
2. Architect
3. Date
4. Contractor’s name, address, and license number
Bids can be submitted electronically at www.centralbidding.com.
Bid prices shall specifically EX- CLUDE any and all taxes whatsoever. Act 1029 of 1991 exempts’ local governments from state and local tax effective September 1, 1991. Bid prices shall include any shipping charges, if applicable. The appropriate tax exempt forms shall be provided to the successful bidder upon contract execution.
Each bid shall be accompanied by a bid security of NOT less than five (5%) percent of the total bid amount. Said amount shall be in the form of a Bid Bond, Certified Check, or Cashier’s check drawn on a bank insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation payable to the Terrebonne Port Commission. Failure to do so shall result in the bid/bids being de- clared nonresponsive and shall be cause for rejection. All bid bonds shall be accompanied by a duly authorized Power of Attorney. Any surety bond written for a public works project shall be written by a surety of insurance company currently on the U.S. Department of the Treasury Financial Management Service list of ap- proved bonding companies which is published annually in the Federal Register, or by a Louisiana domiciled insurance company with at least an A- rating in the latest printing of the A.M. Best’s Key Rating Guide to write individual Bonds up to 10% of policy holders’ surplus as shown in the A.M. Best’s Key Rating Guide, or by an insurance company that is either domiciled in Louisiana or owned by Louisiana residents and is licens-ed to write surety bonds.
The successful bidder shall be required to furnish the owner with a performance and payment bond for 100% of the contract amount prior to the issuance of a contract to perform the work. No bid maybe withdrawn for a period of 30 days after receipt of bids. The time of completion of this project is prime importance. All of the work required shall be completed within ninety (90) calendar days from the Notice to Proceed. Should the Contractor neglect, refuse to complete the work or obtain approval from the State Fire Marshal’s Office for occupancy on the date above, the Owner shall have the right to deduct from and retain out of such moneys which may be due or which may be- come due and payable to the Contractor, the sum of $500.00 per calendar day for each and every day that such completion of the work is delayed beyond the prescribed dates, as liquidated damages and not as a penalty. If the amount due and to become due from the Owner to the Contractor is insufficient to pay in full any such liquidated damages, the Contractor shall pay the Owner the amount necessary to the effect such payment in full. Provided, however, that the Owner shall promptly notify the Contractor in writing of the manner the amount retained, deducted, or claim-ed as liquidated damages was computed.
A MANDATORY Pre-bid Conference will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at the project site located at 1200 David Dr., Morgan City, Louisiana 70380. The architect shall pass around a sign-in sheet prior to beginning the formal presentation. The sign-in sheet shall have an area to fill in the name, company represented, email address, and indication of prime bidder for contractor bidding. The sign-in sheet shall be collected by the architect prior to the commencement of the presentation and shall announce that the contractors shall be expected to stay for the entire meeting. Contractors shall not be allowed to sign the sign-in sheet after it is collected by the architect. Contractors who did not attend the entire pre-bid conference shall not be allowed to bid on bid day.
Bids must be submitted on the Louisiana Uniform Public Works Bid Form furnished with the Bidding Documents. All drawings, specifications and other Bidding Documents for the project are available on the internet at www.centralbidding.com. In accordance with L.R.S. 38:2212(D), Prime Bidders shall obtain an original set of electronic bidding documents from this web site in order to ensure proper receipt of addenda.
Complete Bid Documents are also available on compact disc at no charge for the bidding General Contractor at the office of the Architect. All bidding General Contractors must register as a plan holder at the Architect’s office in order to receive this free CD. The bidding General Contractors will receive the addenda from the Architect with the normal distribution process.
The Attention of Bidders is called particularly to the requirements for condition of em- ployment to be observed and minimum wage rates to be paid under the Contract, Section 3, Segregated Facilities, Section 109, Executive Order 11246, and all applicable laws and regulations of the Federal government and State of Louisiana and bonding and insurance requirements.
Bids shall be ac- cepted from Contractors who are licensed under LA. R.S. 37:2150-2163 for the classification of BUILDING CONSTRUCTION.
A political subdivision upon receipt of bids for the undertaking of any public works contract shall act within forty-five (45) calendar days of such receipt to award said contract to the lowest responsible bidder or reject all bids in accordance with Louisiana Public Bid Law.
Adv. Dec. 26, 2025, Jan. 2, 7 and 14, 2026

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PUBLIC NOTICE
SECTION A
INVITATION TO BIDDERS
Sealed bids for procurement of pumping equipment for the following project will be received by St. Mary Levee District at their office located at 7327 Hwy 182 E, Morgan City, LA 70380 until January 9, 2026, at 10:00 A.M. Bids will be publicly opened and read aloud in the media room on the first floor at their office.
PROJECT NAME: CPRA Project No TE 168
Pump Station No. 9 Phase 1
Equipment Procurement, Delivery & Testing
LOCATED IN: St. Mary Parish, Louisiana
CONTRACTING AGENCY: St. Mary Levee District
7327 Hwy 182 E
Morgan City, LA 70380
PROPOSAL GUARANTY: 5% of the Amount of Bid
Payable to St. Mary Levee District
ENGINEER: GIS Engineering, LLC
Coastal Design & Infrastructure Division
197 Elysian Drive
Houma LA, 70363
Phone: (985) 219-1000
Contact: Ann Schouest
Email: bidquestions@gisy.com
SCOPE OF WORK: The scope of work for this project is to procure, deliver, and test all specified pumping equipment, electrical equipment, and appurtenances necessary to up- grade the pumping capacity at the existing Pump Station No. 9 for the St. Mary Levee District. This equipment in- cludes, but is not limited to, all submersible propeller pump units (pumps, motors, formed suction intakes, level transducers, junction boxes, dresser couplings & other requirements), pump controller, variable frequency drives, identification and labeling of electrical systems as specified, automatic transfer switches, switchboards, and all other specified electrical gear, analysis and studies as detailed in the technical specifications. All work must be performed in accordance with the contract documents.
Bid forms are available from the Engineer and will not be issued later than 24 hours prior to the time set for opening the bids. Each bid shall include a proposal guaranty in an amount not less than specified above.
The contract will be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder without discrimination on grounds of race, color, sex or national origin. Disadvantaged businesses will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids.
Plans and specifications may be seen at the Engineer’s office. Plans may be obtained from the Engineer upon payment of $75.00. In accordance with R.S. 38:2212 (D), deposits on the first set of documents furnished bona fide prime bidders will be fully refunded upon return of the documents, deposits on any additional sets will be refunded less the actual costs of re- production. Re- funds will be made upon return of the documents if within ten days after receipt of bids.
Bid documents are also posted on https://www.centralauctionhouse.com/Category/10279/StMaryLeveeDistrict. To view these, download, and receive bid notices by e-mail, you must register with Central Auction House (CAH). Vendors/Contractors have the option to submit their bids electronically or by paper copy. For information about the electronic submittal process, contact Central Auction House at 225-810-4814.
A Non-Mandatory Pre-Bid meeting will be held on Thursday, December 18, 2025 at 2:00 P.M. at the St. Mary Levee District Office, located at 7327 Hwy 182 E, Morgan City, LA. Site inspection trips for perspective Bidders are to be arranged through the office of the Engineer.
The award of a contract, if awarded, will be made to the lowest qualified bidder whose proposal complies with all requirements prescribed within 45 calendar days after opening proposals. However, when the contract is to be fin-anced by bonds which are required to be sold after receipts of bids, or when the contract is to be financed in whole or part by federal or other funds not available at the time bids are received, the time will not start until receipt of federal and/or state concurrence or concurrence of the other funding source. Award will be within 30 calendar days after the sale of bonds or receipt of concurrence in award from federal and/or state agency or other funding source. The successful bidder will be notified by letter mailed to the address shown in the proposal that the bidder is awarded the contract.
On projects in- volving State funds the award of contract will also be contingent upon concurrence by the appropriate State agency, the Coastal Protection and Restoration Auth- ority (CPRA).
The right is re- served to reject bids and waive formalities.
Adv. Dec. 12, 19 and 26, 2025

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PUBLIC NOTICE
Public Hearings: Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority
Fiscal Year 2027 Draft Annual Plan
The Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA) will hold the following public hearings to receive public comments on Louisiana’s “Fiscal Year 2027 Draft Annual Plan.”
Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026, 5:30 PM — The Coastal Center at Nicholls University, 426 NSU Ardoyne Drive, Thibodaux, LA 70301
Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, 5:30 PM — Joseph S. Yenni Building, Second Floor Council Chambers, 1221 Elmwood Park Blvd, Jefferson, LA 70123
Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, 5:30 PM — LSU AgCenter, 1105 West Port Street, Abbeville, LA 70510
CPRA will re- ceive written comments and recommendations on the Fiscal Year 2027 Draft Annual Plan until February 17, 2026. Written comments should be mailed (to arrive no later than February 17, 2026) to the following address:
Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority
Public Comments
150 Terrace Avenue
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
If, because of a disability, you re- quire special assistance to participate, please contact the CPRA at 150 Terrace Avenue, Baton Rouge, LA 70802 or by telephone at (225) 342-1357 at least five working days prior to the hearing.
Interpretation and translation services can also be provided upon request by contacting coastal@la.gov.
Please visit coastal.la.gov/calendar/ for more detailed information and copies of the Fiscal Year 2027 Draft Annual Plan which will be posted prior to the public hearings.
For questions regarding the hearings, please contact Ryan Shaw at Ryan.Shaw@la.gov or (225) 342-1357.
Adv. Dec. 26, 2025

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PUBLIC NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
The St. Mary Parish Child Nu- trition Program Department is requesting bids for a Tilting Skillet Braising Pan (Gas). Sealed bids will be accepted at the St. Mary Parish School Board, Child Nutrition Department until 9:00 a.m. January 16, 2026 at which time they will be opened and read out loud. The public is invited to attend.
Specifications may be obtained from the St. Mary Parish School Board, Child Nu- trition Program Department, P.O. Box 170, 474 Hwy 317, Centerville, Louisiana 70522 or by calling (337) 836-6039. Information is available online at www.centralauctionhouse.com.
No pre-bid conference will be held. Questions should be emailed to dchaisson@stmaryk12.net by January 6, 2026. Responses will be provided via email by January 9, 2026.
The St. Mary Parish School Board Child Nutrition Program is funded 92 percent with Federal funds for a total of approximately $6,445,000 per year.
Adv. Dec. 17, 19 and 26, 2025

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PUBLIC NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
Sixteenth
Judicial District Court
——
PARISH OF
ST. MARY
——
STATE OF
LOUISIANA
U.S. Bank National Association, Not In Its Individual Capacity But Solely As Trustee For The RMAC Trust, Series 2016-CTT
Vs. No. 139366 Div “F”
Walton Joseph Billiot A/K/A Walton J. Billiot A/K/A Walton Billiot, Elaine Billiot Scheffsky A/K/A Elaine B. Scheffsky A/K/A Elaine Scheffsky, Tiffany Billiot, Randall Billiot, Ryan Billiot, Jarrett Billiot, Shawn Lowell And Ronald Stanley Billiot, Jr. A/K/A Ronald S. Billiot, Jr. A/K/A Ronald Billiot, Jr., Heirs of Madeline Bobo Jones Billiot A/K/A Madeline Bobo Jones A/K/A Madeline B. Jones A/K/A Madeline Jones A/K/A Madeline Bobo Billiot A/K/A Madeline B. Billiot A/K/A Madeline Billiot A/K/A Madeline Bobo Billiot A/K/A Madeline B.
Billiot
TAKE NOTICE, that by virtue of Order of Seizure and Sale issued out of the Honorable 16th Judicial District Court, in and for the Parish of St. Mary, and to me directed, in the above numbered and entitled suit, I have seized the following mentioned and described property, to wit:
That certain parcel of land together with all buildings and im- provements thereon situated and all rights, ways, privileges, prescriptions and servitudes thereto be- longing or in anywise appertaining and all appurtenances thereof ly- ing and being situated in St. Mary Parish, Louisiana, being known and designated and described as Lot “W” on a map or plat prepared by E. E. Opitz, C. E., dated January 18, 1965, which map or plat is recorded in St. Mary Parish COB 13-Q, page 199, entry no. 124,815 and which map is made a part hereof by reference. Subject to a five foot utility easement in favor of South Central Bell Telephone Company.
to satisfy the sum of FIFTEEN THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED THIRTY FIVE AND 78/100 ($15,235.78) DOLLARS, balance due on principal of note, interest from September 24, 2022, until paid, at 12.35% per annum, to be computed; reasonable attorney’s fees; to be computed, and all costs of this proceedings, as well as all sheriff’s costs and commission
All successful bidders must have cash, cashier’s check or a verifiable letter of credit in favor of said bidder from a solvent bank, savings and loan association or other such financial institution authorized to do business in the state of Louisiana and full payment must be made on the date of sale. Letter must state that money is available on the date of sale.
I shall expose the same at public sale, for Cash, according to law WITHOUT ap- praisement to the last and highest bidder, at the principal front door of the 1st floor lobby area of the Court House in the Parish of St. Mary, Town of Franklin, Louisiana, on Wednesday, the 28th day of January A.D., 2026, between the legal hours commencing at 10 O’Clock A.M.
Sheriff’s Office
Parish of St. Mary, La.
Wednesday, the 17th day of December, A.D., 2025
GARY L.
DRISKELL,
SHERIFF
By: Heidi Rineholt
Deputy Sheriff
Adv. Dec. 26, 2025 and Jan. 23, 2026

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PUBLIC NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
Sixteenth
Judicial District Court
——
PARISH OF ST. MARY
——
STATE OF LOUISIANA
Bravo Securities With Union Bank As Secured Party d/b/a Bravo
Securities
Vs. No. 137987 Div “A”
The Estate of George Rebardi, Jr., Et Al
TAKE NOTICE, that by a virtue of a Partition by Licitation issued out of the Honorable 16th Judicial District Court, in and for the Parish of St. Mary, and to me directed, in the above numbered and entitled suit, I have seized the following mentioned and described property, to wit:
UNDIVIDED INTEREST OF: 100% IN: LOT 10 LAKESIDE SUBD SQ 22 ACQ 297 319437 IMPROVEMENTS, being further described as:
That certain lot or parcel of land together with all buildings and im- provements thereon situated and all rights, ways, privileges, servitudes and appurtenances thereon belonging or in anywise appertaining, lying and being situated in Morgan City, St. Mary Parish, Louisiana, being more particularly known, designated and des-cribed as LOT NO. TEN (10) IN SQUARE TWENTY-TWO (22) OF UNIT NO. TWO (2) OF LAKESIDE SUBDIVISION as shown on the plat of survey made by J. J. Krebs & Sons, Civil Engineers and Surveyors, a copy of which plat was recorded on December 16, 1964 in St. Mary Parish COB 13-M, Entry No. 123,718. According to said map the said lot fronts Forty-four and 61/100 (44.61’) feet on the North side of Jennie Drive, a depth on the West boundary of Eighty-two and 38/100 (82.38’) feet, a depth on the East Boundary of One Hundred Twenty and 29/100 (120.29’) feet and a width across the rear, or North line, of One Hundred Thirty-five (135’) feet.
ALL SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS MUST HAVE CASH, CASHIER’S CHECK, OR A VERIFIABLE LETTER OF CREDIT IN FAVOR OF SAID BIDDER FROM A SOLVENT BANK, SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATION OR OTHER SUCH FINANCIAL INSTITUTION AUTHORIZED TO DO BUSINESS IN THE STATE OF LOUISIANA AND FULL PAYMENT MUST BE MADE ON THE DATE OF SALE. LETTER MUST STATE THAT MONEY IS AVAILABLE ON THE DATE OF SALE.
I shall expose the same at public sale, for Cash, according to law WITHOUT ap- praisement to the last and highest bidder, at the principal front door lobby area of the Court House in the Parish of St. Mary, Town of Franklin, Louisiana, on Wednesday, the 28th day of January A.D., 2026, between the legal hours commencing at 10 O’Clock A.M.
Sheriff’s Office,
Parish of St. Mary, LA.
Tuesday, the 7th day of October A.D., 2025
GARY L.
DRISKELL,
SHERIFF
By: Heidi Rineholt
Deputy Sheriff
Adv. Dec. 26, 2025 and Jan. 21, 2026

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PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE OF
CHANGE OF
BUSINESS
NAME
To Whom It May
Concern,
Please take notice
that the business
entity Teche
Action Board, Inc.,
doing business as
Teche Action
Clinic, has
changed its assumed
business
name to Teche
Health.
This change is
effective as of
December 2024.
The reason for
this change is:
Aligning the name
with a comprehensive
service provided.
All business and
legal matters previously
conducted
under the old
name are now
handled under the
new name. The
company will continue
to honor all
existing contracts
and commitments.
Previous name:
Teche Action
Board, Inc.
Previous Assumed
Business Name:
Teche Action Clinic
New Assumed
Business Name:
Teche Health
Adv. Dec. 17, 19,
24, 26 and 31,
2025, and Jan. 2,
2026

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Dear Abby: Loss of son has grown even harder to bear

Fri, 12/26/2025 - 6:00am

DEAR ABBY: My son died of cancer at 33. It was heartbreaking. My daughter-in-law, “Belinda,” had grown distant before his death, and although they had a son through artificial insemination, I have almost never seen him. I helped with the weeding in my son’s yard, but any time I came, Belinda always had the baby at the park or someplace else.
Now that my son is gone, she won’t answer any phone calls or texts. We do have some contact with her family. They have asked her why she won’t contact us, and she has no explanation. My theory is that Belinda was uncomfortable sharing our son, and it has transferred to the grandchildren.
I say “grandchildren” because she used his sperm to have another child. We found out by accident that a baby girl was born. We were never notified. While I doubt this plays a big part in this, Belinda is bipolar.
As it stands, I no longer make an effort to have a relationship with my grandchildren. They are so young, and I anticipate difficulty in pursuing grandparents’ rights because of their ages and their mother’s attitude toward us. This is painful, as they are the only part of my son that remains. I feel helpless and have pretty much blocked out the fact that I have grandchildren. Do you have any advice?
BLOCKED IN OHIO

DEAR BLOCKED: What a sad letter. I do have some thoughts about your situation. The first is that because your son’s sperm was used to conceive the children, you might benefit from discussing this with an attorney and asking if your state is one in which there are grandparents’ rights. The second is, because you are hurting, ask your doctor for a referral to a licensed family therapist to help you accept what you cannot change. You have my sympathy.

DEAR ABBY: My mother took care of her mother-in-law with Alzheimer’s for nine years. My father had two sisters who had nothing to do with their mother during that time. Now, the younger sister is having health problems and wants my parents, who are 78, to take her to appointments that are more than an hour away.
She also tried to move in with them. Abby, this sister has two grown children who live with her. Neither one works. One is on Social Security; the other has a spouse living there. (He has a job.) All of them have vehicles and an income to help her.
My parents have their own health issues and really are not able to do what she wants or expects.
She has always been selfish and childish. She’s constantly calling and giving my mother some sob story. I’d like to tell my aunt they aren’t able to do what she wants, but I don’t want to put my parents in an awkward position. What should I do?
WARY IN
WEST VIRGINIA
DEAR WARY: In what way would telling your aunt that your parents really aren’t able to do the things she’s asking put them in an awkward position? If it’s the truth, then TELL her
***
Good advice for everyone — teens to seniors — is in “The Anger in All of Us and How to Deal With It.” To order, send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 to: Dear Abby, Anger Booklet, P.O. Box 446, Kings Mills, OH 45034-0446.

TOMMYE JEAN 'TJ' McMANUS BUSBICE

Wed, 12/24/2025 - 9:03am

Tommye Jean “TJ” McManus Busbice, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, went to be with the Lord surrounded by His promise and peace. A devoted Christian, Tommye lived her life as a cheerful giver and faithfully led many to the Lord through her words, actions, and loving spirit.
Tommye was a member of the West Monroe City Farmer’s Market and worked alongside her partner, Louis “Louie” Thompson Jr., helping to operate Thompson’s Peach Farm. She found joy in serving others and had a special gift for bringing happiness to those around her.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Billy A. Busbice Sr.; her parents, W.A. McManus and Edna Sanderson; her brothers, Troy McManus and Timothy McManus; her son, Troy Busbice; and her grandson, Jason Busbice.
Those left to cherish her memory include her partner, Louis Thompson Jr.; her sons, Billy Busbice and wife Beth, and Joey Busbice Sr. and wife Mona; her grandchildren, Ryan Busbice and wife Laura, Matthew Busbice and wife Bre, Sarah Dickerson and husband Jesse, Crystal Busbice, Joey Busbice Jr. and wife Dominique, Jorden McCollough and husband Kade, Jessa Lavigne and husband Caleb, and Jacey Fitzpatrick and husband Brian; along with 19 great-grandchildren.
Tommye’s legacy of faith, generosity, and love will live on through her family and all who were blessed to know her. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.
Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on December 30, 2025, at Indian Village Community Church, Calhoun, Louisiana, with Larry Walter officiating.

Holiday closures

Wed, 12/24/2025 - 9:02am

St. Mary Parish and local municipal governments have announced amended hours for New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day and Friday, Jan. 2.
Parish President Sam Jones has added Friday, Jan. 2, to the list of holidays for 2026. Parish government offices will be closed Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
The Harold J. “Babe” Landry Landfill in Berwick and the West End Solid Waste Pick-Up Station will close at noon Wednesday and remain closed Thursday.
Morgan City Hall will close at noon Wednesday, remain closed Thursday and reopen at 8 a.m. Friday.
Berwick Town Hall will be closed Thursday and Friday.
There was no word as of Wednesday on Patterson holiday hours or the pickup schedule for Pelican Waste and Debris. Waste Pro will not pick up trash Thursday in Morgan City.
The Morgan City Review office will be closed Thursday and Friday.
The deadline for obituaries for the Friday, Jan. 2, edition will be 8 a.m. Wednesday.
The deadline for legal advertising for both the Wednesday, Dec. 31, and Friday, Jan. 2 editions will be 10 a.m. Monday, Dec. 29.

LNG exports could lead to higher electricity prices

Wed, 12/24/2025 - 9:01am
ELISE PLUNK, Louisiana Illuminator

Prices have steadily risen for natural gas throughout 2025, for residents and industry alike, and Louisiana finds itself at the center of the boom.
A nation-leading three liquified natural gas export facilities operate along its coast, and five more are in the construction or planning phases. 
But more LNG exports will mean higher domestic utility prices, according to a new report from the consumer advocacy group, Public Citizen.  
Public Citizen analyzed documents from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and determined natural gas prices are increasing for American households as gas companies in the U.S. export more of the commodity to meet global demand.
From January through September, Americans paid $12 billion more for natural gas than the same period last year. That comes to about $124 per family in higher utility bills, a 22% increase directly related to higher natural gas prices, the report notes. 
Natural gas prices for consumers are expected to increase another 16% in 2026, according to Public Citizen, which cited U.S. Energy Information Administration predictions.
Analysts attribute growing global demand for natural gas to political, industrial and environmental factors. 
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has led other countries, mostly European, to seek other sources of the fuel, which is widely preferred as a cleaner alternative to coal. 
The rise of artificial intelligence has caused a surge in the construction of data centers that require vast amounts of electricity that is most likely to come from power plants that run on natural gas. 
An LSU Center for Energy Studies outlook for 2026 credits much of the state’s growth in natural gas exports to executive orders from the Trump administration that lifted a Biden-era moratorium on expansion of LNG export facilities.   
The United States exported 11.9 billion cubic feet per day of LNG around the globe in 2024, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Louisiana handled around 61% of those shipments. 
LNG exports are expected to “more than double by 2037, with nearly all new export capacity located on the Gulf Coast,” according to the LSU report’s analysis of Energy Information Administration predictions.  
“As we continue to see more production, more capacity for exports, particularly in the LNG space, that’s going to mean more jobs,” said Tommy Faucheux, president of the Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association. “Somebody is going to supply that gas. Louisiana gets to benefit from the investments in the export capacity.”
But with increased exports comes the tradeoff of higher domestic prices for residents, according to the Public Citizen report. 
The majority of Louisiana’s electricity, around 70%, is generated from natural gas, according to the most recent numbers from the Energy Information Administration. It costs about 12 cents per kilowatt hour of electricity for residential, natural gas-fueled power in Louisiana, compared with the 18-cent national average.  
Utilities pass along the increased cost of electricity generation to their customers, often through what’s called a fuel adjustment charge on their utility bills. They also include charges to recoup the costs of any losses or investments such as new power lines or infrastructure upgrades. Although Louisiana has low rates for its electricity, it hasn’t translated to low power bills because of these pass-along costs to customers.
“Whatever amount of gas they’re using to generate the electricity that’s being used in your home, the cost of that gas is being charged directly to you,” said Jesse George, policy lead for the Alliance for Affordable Energy. 
In some areas such as New Orleans, an area with older, less energy-efficient homes, residents will feel the higher prices in 2026, George said.  
Colder temperatures create more power demand, and natural gas prices tend to increase when utilities need more fuel to increase their generation. The Energy Information Administration predicts a 22% increase in natural gas prices for the winter heating season that runs through March.
Though heightened winter electricity demand in Louisiana typically ends by March, customers could see additional fuel surcharges on their utility bills for months if there is a severe cold snap. The same situation arises during intense summer heat,
“About 20% of households cannot pay their utility bills already,” George said, citing the most recent numbers available from Entergy New Orleans’ disconnection rates. “Couple that with these increased fuel prices, and that certainly will only exacerbate the problems and the challenges that people are facing already.”

State considers slashing energy royalties

Wed, 12/24/2025 - 8:59am
ALTON WALLACE, The Center Square

Oil and gas producers in Louisiana could pay lower royalties to drill on state lands under a new plan released by the Louisiana Department of Conservation and Energy.
Under the 2026 State Lease Investment Program, royalty payments on new and existing mineral leases on state lands could be cut in half. The period for public comment is open through Jan. 28.
The program was developed to fulfill directives in an executive order signed by Gov. Jeff Landry in June that aims to increase production. In south Louisiana and the state’s offshore areas, total annual oil production fell from 58 million barrels in 2013 to 26 million barrels in 2023, or by 58% in 10 years, according to the executive order.
By incentivizing exploration and production through targeted royalty adjustments and severance tax reforms, Louisiana will stimulate increased investment and activity in the oil and gas sector, leading to higher production volumes that ultimately generate greater overall revenues despite initial rate reductions, Landry said in the executive order.
“Our staff have proposed a way to prime the pump on investing here by giving companies a financial decision that is easier to make in favor of drilling and producing here,” Louisiana Conservation and Energy Secretary Dustin Davidson said. 
Typically, companies drilling on state lands in recent years have paid royalties of between 20% and 25%.
The proposal would establish a process that allows the State Mineral and Energy Board to reduce royalties on existing leases by up to 8%, but never to a rate below the statutory floor of 12.5%. Over the next five years, the Board could reduce royalties by up to 8% for new wells, wells inactive for more than six months and wells classified as orphaned by the Department of Conservation and Energy.
Additionally, the Board “will give substantial consideration to the ideals” of the governor’s executive order “when evaluating bonus, rental, and royalty bids for tracts nominated at its monthly mineral lease sales, including consideration of bids below traditional rates,” under the proposal.
The royalty reduction incentives provide a promising foundation for the legislature’s severance reform package passed during the 2025 session, according to Conservation and Energy Office of Natural Resources Executive Director Andrew Young. The legislation reduced the severance tax rate paid for production on state lands from 12.5% to 6.5%, beginning last July.
“This was an opportunity for policy alignment between the Board and the Legislature, sending a combined signal welcoming investment in Louisiana’s proven oil and gas fields” Young said. “The goal is to stimulate new activity by reducing economic barriers to entry.”
The move follows a decline in revenue collections. In the 2024 fiscal year, Louisiana’s mineral revenue collection, consisting of $828 million in severance taxes and $132 million in royalties, totaled $960 million. In the 2025 fiscal year that ended June 30, the collection dropped to $445 million, largely due to a significant decline in oil prices, according to data provided at the Louisiana Revenue Estimating Conference.
The initial forecast for total mineral revenues in the 2026 fiscal year was approximately $715.5 million, though recent data indicates current collections are running higher than initially expected.

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