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Nicholls Colonel Caravan returns to Morgan City on Thursday

Wed, 06/01/2022 - 3:24pm

Nicholls State head football coach Tim Rebowe is scheduled to be part of the Colonel Caravan when it comes to Morgan City on Thursday.

The Colonel Caravan will be at the Petroleum Club of Morgan City 5:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday. The public is invited.

It will be the Caravan's first Morgan City stop since 2019 because of the COVID pandemic.

Local Nicholls alumni sought a Caravan stop for Morgan City at a time when it appeared only at larger cities around the region. They succeeded in 2018, about the time the Colonels set about building the first of two consecutive nine-win football seasons.

Local alumni say the 2019 Caravan stop in Morgan City drew more attendees than any other that year.

Rebowe will soon start his eighth season as Nicholls head coach with a 44-35 record, making him the winningest coach in the program's history. His teams have twice won Southland Conference titles and earned FCS playoff berths 2017-19.

House speaker wants JBE testimony in Greene investigation

Wed, 06/01/2022 - 1:34pm

PIPER HUTCHINSON, LSU Manship School News Service

BATON ROUGE – The House committee investigating the response to the death of Ronald Greene on Wednesday requested that Gov. John Bel Edwards and two members of his legal counsel testify before the committee.

“The Special Committee to inquire into the Circumstances and Investigation of the Death of Ronald Greene was created to search for the truth,” House Speaker Clay Schexnayder said in a statement. “That search for truth has continually led us to serious questions that can only be answered by Governor John Bel Edwards and his executive staff.”

“This committee will do its job and see this through no matter where the evidence leads,” Schexnayder said in the statement.

Matthew Block, executive counsel to the governor, responded in a statement several hours later.

“We are confident that this testimony will demonstrate that neither the Governor nor anyone on his staff had any role in any attempt to cover up the facts related to Mr. Greene’s death,” Block wrote.

The statement confirmed that Edwards and his attorneys will appear before the committee.

The House special committee is charged with investigating the slow response to the death of Greene, a Black motorist, who died after a violent encounter with State Police officers in 2019.

The committee was started in March after an Associated Press report revealed that Edwards knew of Greene’s beating months before he publicly admitted.

One video, taken from Trooper John Clary’s body camera, is believed to be the most explicit in showing the violent treatment. This footage was not initially turned over to prosecutors, leading to allegations of a coverup.

Christina Stephens, a spokesperson for the governor, has repeatedly stated that Edwards and his staff had no way of knowing that the video was not included in the criminal file.

House Speaker Clay Schexnayder, R-Gonzales, alleged that Edwards told him months ago that there was no need for a legislative inquiry, as Greene died in a wreck. Edwards denied saying this.

LSU AgCenter: Beating the summer heat

Wed, 06/01/2022 - 10:23am

By CRAIG GAUTREAUX, LSU AgCenter

BATON ROUGE — While summer has not technically started, the thermometer for many says it has already arrived. Staying properly hydrated and doing a few easy things can help you avoid medical issues associated with the heat.
Working outdoors or simply exercising can become problematic. Jessica Stroope, an LSU AgCenter physical activity specialist, said if your schedule allows, try to take care of outdoor chores and exercise early in the morning or late in the day when the sun is lower in the sky and the heat is less oppressive.
If your schedule is not flexible, it is important to recognize the differences between heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
“If you are getting overheated, you’re getting toward heat exhaustion,” Stroope said. “You may feel dizzy. You may have excessive sweating, excessive fatigue. You want to slow down immediately and get to a cooler area — at least some shade, preferably inside with some air conditioning.”
Heat stroke is a much more dangerous condition, and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it leads to 700 deaths a year in the U.S.
“Confusion is a sign of heat stroke,” Stroope said. “So if you’ve got dizziness and the confusion element, you need to seek emergency medical attention now.”
Drinking fluids during the day is important to staying properly hydrated. Stroope said it’s best to start drinking fluids as soon as you rise in the morning.
“In Louisiana, when you wake up in the morning, you’re actually starting at a deficit with your hydration,” she said. “So you want to drink water first thing. Have your coffee, sure, but drink some water before you go out into the heat.”
Foods commonly grown in Louisiana can provide some relief from the heat and help with hydration. Watermelon, blueberries and cantaloupes are good sources of water and nutrients, and when chilled, help provide a break from the heat.
According to Stroope, sports drinks can provide some nutrients that are lost during heavy sweating, but water should be your primary source of hydration.
“If it’s really hot outside, you’re losing some sodium and minerals,” Stroope said. “A sports drink can help you rebalance. But make sure you are hydrated with water beforehand.”
Even though many people from Louisiana are somewhat accustomed to the heat and humidity, it doesn’t mean they cannot suffer heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
Stroope recommends wearing loose, light-colored clothing and sunscreen when exposed to the sun. Prolonged exposure to the sun can lead to health problems in the future.
According to the CDC, skin-related cancers are the most common, with 1 in 5 Americans expected to be diagnosed with some form of skin cancer.

Retired man takes liking to neighbor across street

Wed, 06/01/2022 - 10:21am

By Jeanne Phillips, ©United Features Syndicate

DEAR ABBY: My husband and I are retired. A short while ago, a young couple moved in across the street. A few months later, my husband, who does yardwork for neighbors for extra money, started working in theirs. He never charged them for it, and even after they had the equipment to care for their yard, continued working there some of the time.
When “Cindy,” the wife, would be in the front yard, he frequently stopped his work to talk to her or stare at her. (He never stopped his work for anyone else.) Several times a week, I’d notice he was over at Cindy’s mowing the yards on each side of her house and would make excuses to check to see if anything else needed to be done. He confessed to me about looking through the fence one time, and I’m sure he has done it more.
One day, I caught him standing, fixated, watching her work in the front yard, completely oblivious to his surroundings. He has told me how pretty he thinks she is, and she IS attractive. She rarely starts a conversation or comes into our yard, but he goes into hers to talk at every opportunity. If I question him about it, he either lies to me, laughs at me or yells at me.
What should I do?
HUMILIATED IN TEXAS

DEAR HUMILIATED: Your husband obviously has a crush on this young, pretty neighbor. Fortunately, from what you have written, it doesn’t appear to be reciprocated.
If I were you, I’d develop a sense of humor about the situation. Tell him that if he’s planning to run away with her, you want advance notice so you can call your lawyer. Then bide your time because these kinds of crushes usually wane.

DEAR ABBY: A good friend of mine borrowed $5,000 because she said she was going to nursing school. I happily loaned it to her, but discovered later that she unenrolled several days after classes started. I asked her for the money back, but felt sorry for her because she was not working due to the pandemic.
Fast-forward a year: I have extensive dental work scheduled, so I finally asked her to repay me. I told her I would take payments, but I need a regular time of month, every month. She agreed to pay me back but made no mention of a timeline.
I am not sure how to approach her again. I’m not rich, and she knows it. We even shook hands on the agreement with her telling me she’d pay me back at a date that has now passed.
Advice?
TOO GENEROUS IN OREGON

DEAR TOO GENEROUS: You are learning a very expensive lesson. With “friends” like this woman, you do not need enemies. Do not count on getting ANY money from her.
Find another way to pay for that dental work because, without a repayment agreement IN WRITING, there’s no way you can force your “good friend” to do the right thing.
Something to keep in mind for the future: Do not give anyone any more money than you can afford to lose.
***
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Two from Bayou Region among finalists for Acadian award

Wed, 06/01/2022 - 10:20am

Each year, Acadian Ambulance recognizes its exceptional paramedics and EMTs for their tireless work ethic and dedication. From across the company’s four-state service area, 32 paramedic and EMT finalists were nominated by their peers for displaying exemplary attitudes and providing excellent patient care. The top winners are selected by a company-wide committee.

Acadian Ambulance is honoring the medics at a celebration held in Lafayette on Thursday.

Paramedic Devin Atkins and EMT Bryce Poincon represent the company’s Bayou service area and were finalists for the top honors. The service area encompasses Terrebonne, Lafourche, St. Mary, Assumption, St. James, and St. John the Baptist parishes.

Atkins is a native of Thibodaux and joined Acadian as an EMT in 2017. She soon earned her paramedic and Critical Care Transport certifications. She currently works out of Houma.

A press release from Acadian said She comes to work with a smile on her face and a determination to make the day a good one. She effectively manages any patient scene with her clinical skills and knowledge. She aspires to be part of Acadian’s leadership team. Atkins follows two simple rules: live your best life and respect everyone. “Devin is very confident in her skills and knowledge, and I am confident that she will achieve her goals,” said Operations Manager Teddy Crochet.

Poincon is also a native of Thibodaux. He joined Acadian after earning his EMT certification in 2016, and works out of Thibodaux. Acadian said he enjoys being able to help his home community. He is competent in his skills and has a strong work ethic. He is a field training officer for new hires and EMT students, guiding them in the right direction. During the past few years, Poincon has proven himself to be a dependable asset to the Bayou Region team. He plans to advance his career by earning his paramedic certification.

“Bryce’s easygoing attitude, humor and warm demeanor make him a popular EMT to work with,” said Crochet.

Acadian Ambulance is one of the largest ambulance services in the nation, offering emergency and non-emergency transportation to areas in Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi and Tennessee. They are employee-owned and accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services.

Assumption sheriff: Stop for 100 mph near Amelia leads to drug, gun charges

Wed, 06/01/2022 - 9:48am

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.)

A Morgan City man was arrested on marijuana and gun charges Sunday near Amelia after driving 100 mph in a 70 mph zone, the Assumption Parish Sheriff’s Office said.

Assumption

Sheriff Leland Falcon reported these arrests:

—Corey Dashawn Givens, 21, Fourth Street, Morgan City, was arrested Sunday on charges of speeding 100 mph in a 70 mph zone, prohibited acts (Schedule I, marijuana, marijuana derivatives), illegal carrying of weapons in the presence of controlled dangerous substances and careless operation of a motor vehicle.

A uniformed patrol deputy observed an eastbound vehicle commit a traffic violation near Amelia and initiated a stop. The deputy made contact with the driver, identified as Givens.

The deputy conducted an interview. The deputy noted a strong odor of suspected marijuana from the vehicle. At the conclusion of the interview, the deputy decided that further investigation was warranted.

A K-9 unit was summoned to the location and conducted an open-air sniff of the suspect vehicle. The K-9 alerted positive for the presence of controlled dangerous substances.

A search of the vehicle was conducted and during that process, a quantity of suspected marijuana and derivatives was seized. A large-caliber handgun was also seized.

Givens was arrested and booked into the Assumption Parish Detention Center pending a bond hearing.

—Stanley Leroy Ledet, 46, Audubon Drive, Hammond, was arrested Saturday on charges of obstruction of justice, driving under suspension, failure to drive on right side of roadway, littering and speeding 94 mph in a 55 mph zone.

The charges result from a Saturday afternoon traffic stop on U.S. 90 east of Amelia.

A uniformed patrol deputy observed a vehicle eastbound on U.S. 90 commit a traffic violation and initiated a stop. The suspect continued on but was eventually stopped.

The deputy made contact with the driver, now identified as Ledet. The deputy noted that the driver and lone occupant, Ledet, disposed of evidence by throwing suspected contraband from the vehicle.

After an interview, Ledet was arrested and booked into the Assumption Parish Detention Center pending a bond hearing.

—Carlin Peter Gaudet, 41, Belle River, was arrested Monday on charges of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, two counts of illegal carrying of weapons in the presence of controlled dangerous substances, insurance required, expired motor vehicle inspection tag, obstruction to driver’s view or driving mechanisms, no seat belt, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

The charges result from a traffic stop Monday near Pierre Part.

A uniformed patrol deputy observed a vehicle with an equipment violation and initiated a stop of that vehicle. The deputy made contact with the driver, identified as Gaudet.

During the interview, the deputy identified multiple other vehicle violations. The deputy also noted Gaudet to be very nervous. Out of an abundance of caution, the deputy conducted a protective pat down search of Gaudet’s person. During that process, the deputy seized methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. Gaudet was arrested.

During an inventory search of the vehicle, the deputy seized two rifles.

Gaudet was booked into the Assumption Parish Detention Center pending a bond hearing.

Morgan City

Interim Police Chief Mark Griffin reported that over the last 24-hour reporting period, the Morgan City Police Department responded to 44 calls for service and made these arrests:

—Bryson L. Pitre, 21, La. 182, Morgan City, was arrested at 10:44 a.m. Tuesday on warrants for failure to appear for trial and failure to appear to pay fine.

—Tyler J. Aucoin, 33, Federal Avenue, Morgan City, was arrested at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday on a charge of direct contempt of court.

Franklin

Police Chief Morris Beverly reported that the Franklin Police Department responded to 10 complaints over the last 24-hour period and made these arrests:

—Milton Green, 35, Willow Street, Franklin, was arrested at 3:03 p.m. Tuesday on charges of remaining where forbidden, disturbing the peace (intoxication) and obscenity. Green was booked, processed and transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center.

—Angel Estrada, 43, Clark Street, Franklin, was arrested at 7:43 p.m. Tuesday on a warrant dated May 4 alleging theft. Estrada was booked, processed and released on a $1,500 bond.

St. Mary

Sheriff Blaise Smith reported that over the last 24-hour reporting period, the Sheriff’s Office responded to 27 complaints and made this arrest:

--Earl John Jones, Jr., 44, Franklin, was arrested at 2:34 p.m. Tuesday two warrants alleging failure to appear on the charges of criminal neglect of family, possession of marijuana and possession of synthetic cannabinoids. Bail has not been set.

Morgan City police radio logs for May 31-June 1

Wed, 06/01/2022 - 8:55am

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.

May 31
11:38 a.m.: 1100 block of Marguerite; hit and run.
12:22 p.m.: 1000 block of Ditch; complaint.
1:09 p.m.: 200 block of Leona; complaint.
1:46 p.m.: Auditorium; suspicious vehicle.
2:35 p.m.: 500 block of Roderick; attempted suicide.
2:38 p.m.: 700 block of Fourth; assistance.
3:21 p.m.: 2400 block of Elm; animal complaint.
3:26 p.m.: 300 block of Sixth; alarm.
4:47 p.m.: 1800 block of Victor II; complaint.
4:52 p.m.: Area of Cedar; frequent patrols.
5:17 p.m.: 400 block of Duke; complaint.
5:56 p.m.: 1000 block of La. 70; complaint.
8:04 p.m.: 700 block of Myrtle; inmate transport.
9:10 p.m.: 100 block of Mallard; disturbance.
9:13 p.m.: 1300 block of Sixth; alarm.

June 1
12:32 a.m.: Area of Wren; frequent patrols.
12:39 a.m.: 7200 block of La. 182; complaint.

Bayou Vista Elementary's positive behavior winner

Wed, 06/01/2022 - 8:31am

Bayou Vista Elementary third-grader Jayla Salvador is the winner for the fourth nine weeks in the school's Positive Behavior Program. She wins a bike donated by A-Bear's Home Improvement. Jayla is shown with Flo Hebert of A-Bear's.

Submitted Photo

Morgan City High senior award-winners

Wed, 06/01/2022 - 7:39am

At commencement ceremonies May 13, Morgan City High School graduates received scholarships and awards, including recognition for achieving the highest grade point averages by seniors in each of the school's academic departments.

Photos of scholarship recipients and more award-winners will appear in upcoming editions of the Review.

Wheel House for June 1

Wed, 06/01/2022 - 7:31am

HURRICANE
Patterson Outreach Hurricane Preparedness Drive 8 a.m. to noon, June 4, at Dollar General, 716 Catherine St., Patterson. Needed items: flashlights, batteries, water, canned foods, first aid kits, toiletries and crackers. For info call Allise J. Salazar, 985-992-0630.