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Planned Morgan City outage now midnight Friday

Tue, 06/28/2022 - 1:46pm

Staff Report

Morgan City officials say a planned citywide power outage early Friday is needed to repair damage that led to an unplanned citywide blackout in March.

The Morgan City government Facebook page announced that the planned outage will begin at midnight Friday -- the midnight at the beginning of Friday -- and will last four to five hours at the longest.

In his own Facebook post, Mayor Lee Dragna described the four- to five-hour estimate is the worst case.

A statement from Ochsner St. Mary said the hospital is prepared for the outage.

The city government said people with medical needs that require electricity, including oxygen therapy, should make preparations in advance.

The March blackout, which lasted for six hours, happened after trees fell on the main line that brings power into the city from Cleco. The damaged portion of the line is near Morgan City Cemetery.

Part of the damage was sustained by a ground wire that offers lightning protection.

The falling trees “caused the breakage of our static line (the little line way on top approximately 125’ off the ground),” Dragna said in his post. “The static line is our protection from lightning strikes.

“If our feed line gets hit by lightning, we will be down for a long time. We have to get this done before hurricanes or lightning storms come.”

Dragna said the beginning time for the outage, which was originally 10 p.m. Thursday, was chosen in order to be sure the work is done before businesses open Friday morning.

The work can’t be done when power is moving through the line because it carries 100,000 volts.

Contractors are coming in to do the work. “We will have everything set up a couple days before they get here and we will assist them to get this done quickly and efficiently,” Dragna wrote.

Ochsner St. Mary said in a statement that it will be business as usual during the upcoming power outage. The hospital will provide all services including emergency care if needed.

“The hospital strives to always be prepared for power outages and patient safety is our highest priority,” the hospital said. “We have two standby generators that are tested weekly. These generators will provide power to the emergency circuits in the hospital. These circuits include life support equipment, patient comfort equipment, lighting, and other necessities.”

Central Catholic honors graduates

Tue, 06/28/2022 - 1:42pm

Submitted Photos
These photos show the summa cum laude, magna cum laude and cum laude honors graduates at Central Catholic High School. Commencement ceremonies were conducted May 21. Photos of scholarship recipients and award-winners appeared in the June 22 and June 24 editions of the Review.

M C Bank is a festival sponsor

Tue, 06/28/2022 - 1:39pm

Submitted Photo
M C Bank recently presented the Louisiana Shrimp and Petroleum Festival with a sponsorship check. Pictured from left are Katie Case, assistant festival director; Martin Vasquez, director of loans and compliance; Harold Smith, senior commercial relationship manager; Hailee Thomas, festival executive director; and Travis Richard, chief operations officer.

Cleco tip: Unplug devices when you can

Tue, 06/28/2022 - 1:37pm

The Cleco Watt Matters energy-savings campaign continues with a third focus area: Unplug It!

To increase energy savings, Cleco customers are encouraged to Unplug It! when it comes to idle electronics, appliances and other miscellaneous devices consuming electricity around-the-clock, even when they are not being used.

Unplug It! is the third focus area of Cleco’s energy-savings campaign, Watt Matters, a five-part series on residential programs and individual actions customers can take to use less energy and lower their monthly bills. It follows the second focus area,

Turn It Off!, which encouraged customers to turn off lights and appliances when not in use, and the first focus area, Replace It!, which urged customers to replace outdated appliances and devices with energy efficient alternatives.

Each focus area is promoted in three-week increments.

Electric power consumed this way is known as “standby power,” and it accounts for 5 to 10% of residential energy use, costing the average American household up to $100 per year, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

“The most unassuming household items are the ones that drain our energy supply and increaseour bills,” said Andre Guillory, vice president and chief customer officer. “Cleco’s team of energy efficiency experts and customer experience representatives are excited to share more little-known details like this from our Watt Matters energy-saving campaign, as well as the benefits available through our Power Wise energy efficiency and Budget Billing programs.”

Energy saving tips:

--Make an inventory of all electrical appliances and devices in each room of your living space.

Then, unplug all equipment that is not used regularly. This strategy will help you reduce your standby power energy usage and save money.

--Use energy-saving devices such as advanced power strips and smart sockets to shut off energy to devices that are not in use. Visit www.cleco.com/wattmatters for more suggestions.

You can take Cleco’s quick online home energy audit to see where you can cut energy waste, www.cleco.com/homeenergyaudit.

KATHERINE 'KATHY' LACOSTE OUBRE

Tue, 06/28/2022 - 1:35pm

August 10, 1948 — June 26, 2022

Katherine “Kathy” Lacoste Oubre, 73, a resident of Morgan City, passed away peacefully, Sunday, June 26, 2022 at Audubon Health and Rehabilitation in Thibodaux.

Kathy was born August 10, 1948, the daughter of Joseph Lacoste and Florence “Teelee” Rulf Lacoste.

Kathy retired from the Bayou L’Ourse Primary School as a teacher’s aide. She took great pride in her job and was blessed to make some wonderful, long-lasting friendships along the way. Kathy enjoyed cooking, baking, and playing Pokeno with her friends. Her grandchildren meant the world to her.

Kathy will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her husband of 40 years, Woodrow P. Oubre Jr. of Morgan City; two daughters, Sheila Oubre (Theresa Brignac) of Paulina, LA and Dawn Hebert (Eric) of Prairieville, LA; two sons, Darron Oubre (Stacey) of Port Allen, LA and Shane Oubre (Melanie Tabor) of Seattle, WA; brother, Carl Lacoste (Jan); seven grandchildren, Ashton Leger (Brianna), Jacob Oubre, Samantha Stevens (Joe), Jordan Oubre (Brandi), Mason Oubre (Kaitlyn), Finley Hebert, Liam Hebert; five great-grandchildren, Freya Leger, Nathanial Stevens, Ryder Oubre, Aurora Oubre, and Andromeda Stevens.

Kathy was preceded in death by her father, Joseph Lacoste.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, June 30, 2022 at Holy Cross Catholic Church with Father Francis Kayaye. Visitation will be held Thursday, June 30, 2022 from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. After Mass, Kathy will be laid to rest in the Morgan City Cemetery Mausoleum.

RONALD LESTAGE

Tue, 06/28/2022 - 1:32pm

Ronald Lestage, a resident of Bayou Vista, passed away after a lengthy illness.
He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 50 years, Monica; son, Kris Lestage and wife Kristen; daughter, Ashley and husband Grant Sherman; honorary daughter, Cherie Lestage; grandchildren, Nicholas and Abby Lestage, Sophia Sherman; sister, Sherry Picou and husband Rousell, Sandra Hill, Linda Lestage, and Pam Chelette; brothers, Kevin Mitchell and wife Nancy, Jeff Guilliotte and wife Cheryl; Jason Lestage; step-mother, Faye.
He will be welcomed in heaven by his dad, Joseph Gilmer Lestage Jr.; mom, Elaine Mitchell; sister, Charlotte Graham; two brothers, Harrison Lestage and Chuck Mitchell.
The family wishes to thank Joe Mayon, Thayer Pisani, and Daryl Plaisance who always made time to visit Ronald.
Private graveside services were held Saturday, June 25, 2022 at Morgan City Cemetery.

Morgan City police radio logs for June 27

Tue, 06/28/2022 - 12:37pm

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.
Monday, June 27
6:26 a.m. 7000 block of La. 182; 911 hang up.
6:28 a.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Arrest.
8:41 a.m. 400 block of Adams Street; Burglary.
9:30 a.m. 2100 block of Cedar Street; Theft.
9:41 a.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Arrest.
10:45 a.m. 1100 block of Levee Road; Theft.
12:31 p.m. 800 block of S Everett Street; Complaint.
12:44 p.m. 7200 block of La. 182; Complaint.
12:45 p.m. 6300 block of La. 182; 911 hang up.
1:22 p.m. 800 block of Brashear Avenue; Complaint.
2:15 p.m. Federal Avenue; Complaint.
3:37 p.m. 7700 block of La. 182; Subject removal.
4:11 p.m. 500 block of First Street; Complaint.
4:41 p.m. 900 block of Belanger Street; Medical.
4:44 p.m. 200 block of Everett Street; Carnal knowledge of a juvenile.
5:50 p.m. 1100 block of Sixth Street; Complaint.
7:40 p.m. Federal Avenue and Everett Street; Complaint.
9:15 p.m. 1000 block of Greenwood Street; Complaint.
9:35 p.m. 7700 block of La. 182; Complaint.
9:37 p.m. Idaho near Kentucky streets; Traffic stop/arrest.
9:48 p.m. 900 block of Short Street; Animal complaint.
9:56 p.m. 600 block of Fourth Street; Noise complaint.
10:44 p.m. 7300 block of La. 182; Assistance.

Aggravated assault, aggravated battery arrests in Morgan City; stolen weapon charge in Patterson

Tue, 06/28/2022 - 12:35pm

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 reported arrests on aggravated assault and aggravated battery charges. Patterson police made an arrest on a stolen weapon charge.

Morgan City

Interim Police Chief Mark Griffin Jr. reported that over the last 96-hour reporting period, the Morgan City Police Department responded to 146 calls for service and made these arrests:

—Stephen Guarisco, 53, Florence Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 5:59 a.m. Saturday on charges of aggravated battery, possession of methamphetamine, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, illegal possession of a firearm in the presence of a controlled dangerous substance, possession of marijuana and false imprisonment.

—Robert W. Wilkerson, 43, South Road, Morgan City, was arrested at 6:30 a.m. Monday on a warrant alleging aggravated assault with a firearm.

—Lauryssa LaCoste, 28, La. 182, Morgan City, was arrested at 10:30 a.m. Monday on warrants alleging simple battery, disturbing the peace (language) and criminal mischief (filing false police report).

—Mekhi P. Branton, 18, Greenwood Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 9:49 p.m. Monday on charges of wrong way on a one-way roadway, possession of marijuana (first offense) and possession of drug paraphernalia.

—Amanda R. Thibodeaux, 31, Roderick Street, Morgan City, was arrested 11:01 p.m. June 24 warrants alleging red light violation and driver must be licensed (6th Ward City Court) and criminal neglect of family (16th Judicial District Court).

—Bridget Pojar, 43, Egle Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 10:03 a.m. Saturday on a charge of disturbing the peace (language).

—Derrick Singleton, 46, Louisiana Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 10:17 a.m. Saturday on a charge of theft under $1,000.

—Mario Garcia-Ordonez, 40, Glenwood Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 12:46 a.m. Sunday on charges of stop sign violation, driver must be licensed, no registration, no insurance, driving while intoxicated (first offense) and reckless operation of a motor vehicle.

—Kellie Boudreaux, 39, Willowbend Lane, Patterson, was arrested at 8:33 p.m. Sunday on warrants alleging unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and driver must be licensed (St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office) and failure to appear (16th Judicial District Court).

—Brice Kemp, 35, Joseph Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 3:31 a.m. Sunday on charges of possession of marijuana (first offense), driver must be licensed, improper lane usage and speeding.

—Erik W. Songe, 27, Arizona Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 8:25 p.m. Sunday on charges of driving while intoxicated (second offense), reckless operation of a vehicle, child endangerment law, improper lane usage and no child restraint system.

—Michael J. Credeur, 60, Oregon Street, Berwick, was arrested at 8:36 p.m. Sunday as a fugitive from the Louisiana Office of Probation & Parole.

—Katrina G. Courville, 39, Azelea Drive, Donner, was arrested at 9:22 a.m. Saturday on a 16th Judicial Court warrant on a charge of failure to appear.

Patterson
Police Chief Garrett Grogan reported these arrests:

—Dontre L.Q. Nicholas, 23, Tall Timbers Drive, Patterson, was arrested at 5:20 p.m. Monday on a charge of illegal possession of a stolen firearm. No bond has been set.

—Dwayne A. Blackburn, 43, Cherry Street, Patterson, was arrested at 9:59 p.m. Monday on a charge of remaining in forbidden place or entry. Bond has been set at $320.

St. Mary

Sheriff Blaise Smith advises that over the last 24-hour reporting period, the Sheriff's Office responded to 35 complaints and made these arrests:

--Gabriel Elizabeth Mayon, 22, Bayou L'Ourse, was arrested at 1:49 p.m. Monday on charges of domestic abuse battery (child endangerment law), failure of owner to secure registration, expired license plate and failure to yield. Bond has not bee set.

--Israel Joseph Washington III, 21, Abbeville, was arrested at 2:54 p.m. Monday on charges of window tint violation, improper lane usage, turning movements and required signals, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, transactions involving proceeds from drug offenses and possession of a firearm in the presence of a controlled dangerous substance.

Washington was released on an $80,000 bond.

UPDATED: Cooks will compete once more at BBQ Bash July 15-16

Tue, 06/28/2022 - 11:07am

Barbecue cooks from St. Mary and around the region will come to Morgan City July 15-16 for the annual Bayou BBQ Bash under the bridge.

The defending St. Mary Parish champion team is Sewart Supply, with members Billy Waguespack, Paul E. Cheramie, Paul A. Cheramie and Carl Beecher.

Organizers are hoping to attract more St. Mary teams this year, said Bill Goessl of the St. Mary Detachment Marine Corps League, which runs the event.

Cooks will compete by barbecuing half a chicken, pork spare ribs or brisket, or some combination.

There will be classes for Competitive Cooking Teams, Corporate Teams and Local St. Mary Teams.

Youngsters will also compete in a separate class.

Sponsors are also being sought: $1,000 for Filet Mignon sponsors, $750 for Porter House sponsors, $500 for Ribeye sponsors and $100 for T-shirt sponsors.

Organizers are adding arts and crafts tables to the event this year.

Food will be available from East Gate Barbecue, Central Catholic barbecue, the Asian Cajun food truck, Mama G’s food truck and Snow on the Go. On Saturday, the Krewe of Adonis will offer beer and soft drinks.

Cliff Hillebran will perform Friday, July 15, and Jus Cuz will perform July 16.

The event will be 5-10 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday.

For more information, call Goessl at 985-384-3446 or 985-372-8880.

Morgan City radio logs for June 24-27

Mon, 06/27/2022 - 5:31pm

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, June 24
8:52 a.m. 1200 block of North Prescott Street; Animal complaint.
9:24 a.m. 300 block of Egle Street; Stand by.
10:02 a.m. Marguerite Street; Theft.
12:08 p.m. 500 block of Roderick Street; Assistance.
12:40 p.m. 500 block of Roderick Street; Subject removal.
12:44 p.m. 1000 block of Marguerite Street; Subject removal.
12:58 p.m. 100 block of Wren Street; Criminal damage to property.
3:03 p.m. 1000 block of La. 70; Accident.
4:04 p.m. U.S. 90 Eastbound onramp Brashear Avenue; Stalled vehicle.
4:18 p.m. 7700 block of La. 182; Accident.
4:37 p.m. 300 block of Egle Street; Complaint.
4:40 p.m. La. 182 Bridge; Traffic incident.
4:55 p.m. 800 block of South Everett Street; Animal complaint.
5:17 p.m. 2300 block of La. 70; Medical call.
7 p.m. 1400 block of Railroad Avenue; Animal complaint.
7:35 p.m. 900 block of Willard Street; Com-plaint.
7:53 p.m. U.S. 90 East; Stalled vehicle.
8:36 p.m. 500 block of First Street; Trespassing.
9:14 p.m. Aucoin Street; Patrol.
9:26 p.m. 500 block of Aucoin Street; Patrol.
9:27 p.m. 900 block of Short Street; Complaint.
9:46 p.m. 500 block of Levee Road; Arrest.
10:50 p.m. 7200 block of La. 182; Arrest.
11:48 p.m. Greenwood and Freret streets; Stalled vehicle.
Saturday, June 25
12:38 a.m. 400 block of Second Street; Com-plaint.
5:06 a.m. 1000 block of Florence Street; Disturbance.
7:31 a.m. 1000 block of Seventh Street; Complaint.
9:41 a.m. La. 182 Eastbound Greenwood Overpass; Reckless operation.
9:46 a.m. 300 block of Egle Street; Disturbance.
9:50 a.m. 6000 block of La. 182; Theft.
9:54 a.m. 900 block of First Street; Complaint.
10:12 a.m. U.S. 90 Westbound Construction Zone; Traffic complaint.
10:48 a.m. 1500 block of North First Street; Disturbance.
11:22 a.m. 1400 block of Sandra Street; Alarm.
11:29 a.m. 1500 block of North First Street; Disturbance.
12:02 p.m. 600 block of Egle Street; Theft.
12:25 p.m. Marquis Manor; Assistance.
12:55 p.m. 100 block of Chennault Street; Subject removal.
2:53 p.m. 1100 block of Marguerite Street; Complaint.
3:28 p.m. 300 block of Eighth Street; Medical.
3:56 p.m. 400 block of Songe Street; Theft.
4:12 p.m. 2300 block of La. 70; Medical.
4:32 p.m. 400 block of Songe Street; Complaint.
4:55 p.m. 300 block of Second Street; Aggravated battery.
4:56 p.m. 100 block of Chennault Street; Complaint.
6:45 p.m. 600 block of Arenz Street; Medical.
6:57 p.m. 2600 block of Elm Street; Complaint.
7:59 p.m. Youngs Road; Complaint.
8:05 p.m. 300 block of Second Street; Medical.
8:31 p.m. 3200 block of Lake Palourde Road; Alarm.
9:24 p.m. 2300 block of La. 70; Arrest.
10:29 p.m. 1000 block of Third Street; Disturbance.
Sunday, June 26
12:31 a.m. Aycock Street and La. 182; Arrest.
1 a.m. 500 block of Fifth Street; Disturbance.
1:32 a.m. 600 block of Louisiana Street; Removal of subject.
1:38 a.m. 600 block of Brashear Avenue; Complaint.
2:09 a.m. 300 block of Wise Street; Complaint.
2:15 a.m. 1000 block of Florence Street; Theft.
2:28 a.m. Martin Lu-ther King and Victor II boulevards; Assistance.
3:11 a.m. La. 182 and Myrtle Street; Arrest.
3:20 a.m. Fifth and Louisiana streets; Arrest.
3:35 a.m. Sixth and Marguerite streets; Juvenile complaint.
8:34 a.m. 300 block of Second Street; Assistance.
11:09 a.m. Under U.S. 90 Bridge; Assistance.
11:10 a.m. 600 block of Brashear Avenue; Simple battery.
12:11 p.m. 2100 block of Federal Avenue; Phone harassment.
12:50 p.m. 7200 block of La. 182; Disturbance.
3:03 p.m. Berwick; Complaint.
3:10 p.m. 7400 block of La. 182; Subject removal.
6:18 p.m. 1100 block of Victor II Boulevard; Complaint.
6:36 p.m. 1600 block of Victor II Boulevard; Alarm.
6:52 p.m. 7500 block of La. 182; Animal com-plaint.
7:20 p.m. U.S. 90 East; Stalled vehicle.
8:10 p.m. Brashear Avenue; Arrest.
8:15 p.m. 7400 block of La. 182; Arrest.
Monday, June 27
4:13 a.m. 800 block of Clothilde Street; Medical.
4:39 a.m. 300 block of Onstead Street; Medical.
4:41 a.m. 3200 block of Lake Palourde Road; Complaint.