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Unstopping the big drains

Thu, 05/12/2022 - 1:54pm

Submitted Photo
District 8 St. Mary Parish Councilman Mark Duhon submitted this photo after discovering that these drains were stopped up. He contacted Joseph Espree, superintendent with the Department of Transportation and Larry Aucoin, vice chairman with Drainage District 2A to come out and clear them at the mouth of the culverts. Duhon said this is one of the main drains for Wyandotte that goes into the Siracusaville pump station .

Eligible households can save on Cleco fuel charge

Thu, 05/12/2022 - 1:51pm

Cleco customers who meet the income guidelines of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program are eligible to receive a 25% discount on the fuel portion of their electric utility bill through the Cleco Alternative Rate for Electricity (CARE) discount program.
“With rising fuel costs and higher U.S. inflation, we want to make sure customers who meet the income guidelines are aware of this Cleco benefit as well as remind customers who received the discount last year to re-apply,” said Kristi Moore, director of customer operations. “This program was created to help low-income customers, including the elderly and disabled. The discount lowers customers’ fuel charge during the three hottest months of the year.”
The discount is applied to eligible customers’ bills in July, August and September. The fuel charge on customer bills represents the cost of fuel needed to generate power and any purchased power. It’s passed directly through “at cost” to customers, meaning there is no markup.
To receive the 25% CARE discount on the fuel charge, customers must enroll through their local community action agency during the enrollment period which is Oct. 1 through May 30. A list of the agencies by parish is available on the Louisiana Housing Corp. at www.lhc.la.gov/energy-assistance under the LIHEAP provider directory.
Customers must re-apply each year for the discount. However, customers who receive LIHEAP benefits during the enrollment period are automatically enrolled in the CARE discount program and will receive the discount from Cleco. LIHEAP is a federally funded program that helps low-income households pay their home energy bills.
Download the .pdf from the link below to see income eligibility guidelines.

Terrebonne General offers Super Sitters program

Thu, 05/12/2022 - 1:45pm

Terrebonne General Health System will begin offering the Super Sitters Club, babysitting classes for youth ages 11-15 who are interested in becoming a certified babysitter. Participants will learn first aid/CPR, leadership, business, safety skills, and basic child care. The first series of classes begins Saturday.
The Super Sitters Club is a program that will prepare students to be better babysitters when caring for infants and children. It will teach them how to stay safe, what to do in an emergency, how to choose age-appropriate activities, and how to recognize and handle various behaviors. Students will also learn the basics of starting a babysitting business and skills in managing that business.
Upon completing the program, students will receive an American Red Cross Babysitter certification and a 2-year American Red Cross CPR/First Aid certification.
The cost of the Super Sitters Club class includes same-day certifications, Parent Meet & Greet with a pediatrician, lunch & snacks, Terrebonne General Health System Super Sitters Club Kit, emergency contact templates, emergency reference guide, activity books, course material, blank resume, and PDF versions of all forms.
To register for classes, call 985-850-6204 or visit tghealthsystem.com.

Jeremy Alford: Remapping can be a headache for locals, too

Thu, 05/12/2022 - 1:43pm

JEREMY ALFORD

Parish election officials don’t seem overly worried about the pending lawsuits targeting Louisiana’s proposed election maps for Congress and the Legislature.

But some registrars and clerks are losing sleep over local redistricting plans.

Already there has been one municipal-level election held, voided and rescheduled for June 4 due to the late arrival of a redistricting plan.

While most of us probably missed that development, local officials across the state certainly took notice — and silently hoped the same doesn’t happen to them.

Louisiana’s March ballot hosted a city council race in Sulphur that resulted in a 26-vote difference between the two candidates.

A challenge revealed voters in incorrect districts and Calcasieu Registrar of Voters Kim Fontenot told a judge she was presented with the new election lines just weeks before the primary.

Typically, her office has months to work with new data.

School boards, parish councils and other local bodies have until June 20 to submit their final redistricting plans

The law requires the new lines to be completed four weeks prior to qualifying for the fall ballot, which is scheduled to begin July 20.

Not all of these local bodies have elections on the fall ballot, but those that do are under the gun.

Based on interviews with local officials, association representatives and consultants, most parish councils, police juries and school boards, or roughly 85%, have concluded their redistricting work. The rest are making folks nervous.

“This could get a bit tricky, especially for the registrars,” said Calcasieu Clerk of Court Lynn Jones.

Baton Rouge attorney Dannie Garrett, who’s working with several school boards around the state on redistricting plans, said he expected plans to be approved in LaSalle Parish this week, in Grant next week and in Iberville over the next two weeks.

Garrett said he respects the job of local election officials and believes school boards have worked hard to make the upcoming deadline.

Most people are unaware of the challenges involved in implementing new election lines, he added. “It’s both a simple and a complex process,” said Garrett.

Then there’s the Jefferson Parish School Board, which voted last week to begin work on an entirely new redistricting plan that includes two additional members.

While that decision is cutting it close in terms of the approaching deadline, school board members there believe they can will have a revised plan ready for their regular June 1 meeting, if not earlier.

As for the legal challenges launched against the latest congressional map, a status hearing was held Monday in the Middle District for the case filed by the the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, ACLU of Louisiana and the law firm of Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton and Garrison.

U.S. District Judge Shelly Dick is being asked to reject the congressional map drawn by the Legislature because it includes only one district out of six led by Black voters.

In Louisiana, two out of every six residents are Black, the plaintiffs argue, and our congressional districts should match that ratio.

Qualifying for the fall ballot, which begins July 20, plays an important role in this case as well. Election officials need to know which map to use — whether it be the map with two majority-Black districts proposed by plaintiffs; the current congressional map, which courts have defaulted to in other states; or something else.

The congressional map in question has been through hell and back.

Lawmakers approved new election lines in a special session earlier this year, only to see them vetoed by Gov. John Bel Edwards, who declared the House- and Senate-passed map a violation of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

The Legislature, however, voted to override his veto in March.

The plaintiffs filed their lawsuit not long after the override vote, and now the fate of our next congressional map is wrapped up in a court battle that is far from over.

Like parish election officials looking for their own local redistricting plans, there’s nothing we can do but wait on the courts.

Yet with redistricting right around the corner, we won’t have to wait long for a temporary fix to address the fall election cycle. The real fix, in contrast, is going to take much longer and may lead all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court.

For more Louisiana political news, visit www. LaPolitics.com or follow Alford on Twitter @ LaPoliticsNow.

Sheriff's Office Narcotics Section makes five arrests

Thu, 05/12/2022 - 1:11pm

(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.)

The Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Section reported five arrests Tuesday on charges that include possession of prescription drugs, cocaine and ecstasy.

St. Mary

Sheriff Blaise Smith reported that in a 24-hour reporting period, the Sheriff’s Office responded to 40 complaints and made these arrests:

—Tariq Perry, 22, Franklin, was arrested at 6:31 p.m. Tuesday by the Narcotics Section on charges of possession with intent to distribute marijuana, obstruction of justice and possession of drug paraphernalia. Bail was set at $75,000.

—Rayona Butts, 44, Jeanerette, was arrested at 8:50 p.m. Tuesday by the Narcotics Section on charges of possession of marijuana, possession of crack cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, improper lane usage and possession of a firearm in the presence of a controlled dangerous substance.

Bail was set at $25,000.

—Desmond Francis, 33, Franklin, was arrested at 4:40 p.m. Tuesday by the Narcotics Section on charges of window tint violation, possession of Adderall and possession of a firearm in the presence of a controlled dangerous substance. Francis was released on a $6,000 bond.

—Mai Francis, 22, Franklin, was arrested at 6:37 p.m. Tuesday by the Narcotics Section on charges of possession with intent to distribute marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of a firearm in the presence of a controlled dangerous substance. Bail was set at $10,000.

—Brandon Davis, 43, Franklin, was arrested at 4:40 p.m. Tuesday by the Narcotics Section on a charge of possession of MDMA and obstruction of justice (tampering with evidence). Bail was set at $5,000.

—Tina Michelle Berrios, 47, Charenton, was arrested at 10:49 a.m. Tuesday on two warrants alleging failure to appear on the charges of exploitation of the infirm, forgery, monetary instrument abuse and theft. Bail has not been set.

—Jamie Marie Estis Boudreaux, 59, Morgan City, was arrested at 10:49 a.m. Tuesday on two warrants alleging failure to appear on the charges of theft of the assets of an aged or disabled person, operating a vehicle while license is suspended, revoked or canceled, and improper lane usage. Bail has not been set.

—Juvenile female, 15, Franklin, was arrested at 2:09 p.m. Tuesday on a charge of for disturbing the peace (fighting). The juvenile female was released into the custody of a guardian pending juvenile court proceedings.

—Niketa Jean Fisher, 24, Marrero, was arrested at 2:31 p.m. Tuesday on two warrants alleging failure to appear on the charges of possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. Bail has not been set.

—Brandon Stratton, 22, Franklin, was arrested at 6:02 p.m. Tuesday on two warrants alleging failure to appear on domestic abuse battery, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, violation of uniform controlled dangerous substance laws (drug-free zone) and illegal carrying of concealed weapons.

Bail was set at $500.

Morgan City

Police Chief James F. Blair reported that the Morgan City Police Department responded to 43 calls for service over the last 24-hour reporting period and made these arrests:

--April Naquin Voisin, 37, Sixth Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 3 p.m. Wednesday on a charge of direct contempt of court (6th Ward Morgan City Court).

--Edward Ulyesee Giroir, 27, Egle Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 12:50 a.m. Thursday on a charge of battery of a dating partner (strangulation).

Morgan City police radio logs for May 11-12

Thu, 05/12/2022 - 12:59pm

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.

Wednesday, May 11
7:24 a.m. 2400 block of Tiger Drive; Complaint.
10:28 a.m. 500 block of Roderick Street; Complaint.
10:31 a.m. 1100 block of Brashear Avenue; 911 hang up.
10:41 a.m. 900 block of Seventh Street; Fire.
11:50 a.m. 1300 block of Sixth Street; Com-plaint.
12:58 p.m. Apple Street; Fire.
1:06 p.m. 1600 block of Mayon Street; Disturbance.
2:21 p.m. 900 block of Fourth Street; Theft.
2:29 p.m. 200 block of Robin Street; Complaint.
3:47 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Complaint.
4:25 p.m. 7300 block of La. 182; Alarm.
4:36 p.m. 200 block of Robin Street; Assistance.
4:40 p.m. 300 block of Egle Street; Complaint.
4:56 p.m. Area of Eleventh Street and Railroad Avenue; Complaint.
5:29 p.m. 1300 block of Sixth Street; Alarm.
5:40 p.m. 1000 block of Mallard Street; Complaint.
5:46 p.m. 7200 block of La. 182; Subject removal.
5:50 p.m. 6300 block of La. 182; Vehicle accident.
6:14 p.m. Area of Bowman Street; Frequent patrols.
7:15 p.m. 1500 block of Cedar Street; Medical.
7:19 p.m. 1200 block of David Drive; Alarm.
8:14 p.m. 1000 block of Levee Road; Complaint.
9:03 p.m. Area of Louisiana Alley; Frequent patrols.
9:51 p.m. 600 block of Egle Street; Suspicious vehicle.
10:37 p.m. 1400 block of Railroad Avenue; Disturbance.
11:38 p.m. Area of Railroad Avenue and Oak Street; Foot pursuit.
11:58 p.m. 1400 block of Railroad Avenue; Complaint/arrest.
11:58 p.m. 7100 block of Park Road; Suspicious vehicle.
Thursday, May 12
12:02 a.m. 100 block of Eleventh Street; Suspicious person.

Genevieve Mire Michel

Thu, 05/12/2022 - 12:00pm

October 14, 1938 — May 10, 2022
Genevieve Mire Michel, age 83, of Morgan City, Louisiana passed away on Tuesday, May 10, 2022 at home. Genevieve was born October 14, 1938.
Genevieve “Gen” was married to Leroy Michel for 67 years. She was a wonderful seamstress, mother and grandmother. She and Leroy loved their children and grandchildren and enjoyed spending time with them.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Leroy Joseph Michel; parents, Fernest and Myra Blankenship Mire; sisters, Linda Mire Guilbeau and Peggy Mire Conniff; and brothers, Floyd Mire, Lonnie Mire and Maxwell “Mac” Mire.
Gen leaves to cherish her memory her children, Kenneth J. Michel and wife Cindy, Tammie M. Michel, and Mark J. Michel; grandchildren, Sonia Nicole Guillory, Kerry J. Michel and wife Jamie, and Matthew Michel; great-grandchild, Isla Michel; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Friends and family were invited to attend the visitation on Friday, May 13, 2022 at First Baptist Church of Morgan City, LA, 1915 Victor II Blvd. from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. with funeral services immediately following. Interment was in the Morgan City Cemetery.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hargravefuneralhome.com for the Michel family.

Morgan City police report arrest on heroin, meth charges

Wed, 05/11/2022 - 1:48pm

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 an arrest Tuesday on heroin and methamphetamine charges.

Morgan City

Police Chief James F. Blair reported that the Morgan City Police Department responded to 34 calls for service over the last 24-hour reporting period and made these arrests:

--Shawn Paul Francois, 44, Duke Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 8:46 a.m. Tuesday on charges of possession with intent to distribute heroin, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

--Patrick E. Arabie, 52, Egle Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 6:35 p.m. Tuesday on a warrant alleging violation of a protective order (third offense).

Berwick council resolutions back crime lab, repaving for La. 182

Wed, 05/11/2022 - 1:34pm

BILL DECKER

bdecker@daily-review.com

BERWICK — The Town Council on Tuesday expressed its support for a new Acadiana Crime Lab and for a smoother ride on La. 182.

Also Tuesday, the council passed a resolution honoring a longtime town employee, recognized a pair of police officers for service and paid tribute to a Berwick High junior who brought a mental health and suicide prevention pro-gram to the community.

Crime lab
The council unanimously passed a resolution supporting the construction of a new Acadiana Crime Lab.

District attorneys representing the eight parishes served by the lab, including St. Mary, are making the rounds of local government boards seeking support for the new lab. Officials hope to use that support to obtain state funding.

Sixteenth Judicial District Attorney Bo Duhé told the council about plans for a new 40,000-square-foot lab near the current site near Acadiana Regional Airport in northwest Iberia Parish.

The lab analyzes evidence, including ballistics and DNA, for law enforcement and courts throughout the eight parishes. But Duhé told the council that the current lab, occupied since 1989, is too small and has a leaky roof. It’s also in an area vulnerable to hurricane damage.

If evidence is destroyed, Duhé said, so are prosecutions.

“I think it’s definitely needed,” said Councilman James Richard, a former Berwick police chief. “I’ve been there many times.”

The new lab is expected to cost $25 million. Lab board members, including Duhé, are hoping to receive capital funding from the Legislature, but that would require a $5 million match.

They’ve developed a formula for which agencies pay how much based on the number of evidence samples submitted in 2019, the last year before COVID. The formula would require about $140,000 based on Berwick’s 174 cases in 2019.

But Duhé wasn’t ask-ing for an actual appropriation. He said legislators involved in the capital funding process, including state Sen. Bret Allain, R-Franklin, and Rep. Stuart Bishop, R-Lafayette, have told him they want to see a commitment of support toward meeting the $5 million match.

The match needn’t require a direct appropriation for the full amount, Duhé said. Other possible alternatives are phil-anthropic donations; federal funding through the offices of U.S. Sen. John Kennedy and U.S. Rep. Clay Higgins; and an emergency waiver from the Division of Administration, eliminating the need for the match.

La. 182

The council also passed a resolution asking Allain and state Rep. Vincent St. Blanc, R-Franklin, to seek state funding for an overlay of La. 182 in Berwick.

The resolution says the condition of the highway creates public safety concerns, especially since both Berwick High and Berwick Junior High are on La. 182.

The last overlay and patching was in 1999, the resolution said.
The resolution passed unanimously.

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development recently began an over-lay of La. 182 between La. 3069 at Franklin to a point just east of La. 317. The 4.8 miles of overlay, scheduled for completion this summer, is expected to cost just more than $3 million. Huey Stockstill LLC is the contractor.

Beacon

The council presented its monthly Beacon Shines On award to Berwick High junior Ella Hover, who won praise for taking a leadership role in bringing the “My Ascension” suicide prevention movie and pro-gram to the town.

Berwick High Principal Paul Broussard described the student as friendly but persistent as she, along with a group of teachers, put the spotlight on the mental health needs of her school mates.

“Not often do students take a stand such as this,” Broussard said.

Employee honored
The council passed a resolution honoring the memory of David Duhon II who died April 8.

Duhon worked for the Public Works Department and as a police officer for 10 years. He was also a Berwick volunteer firefighter.

He stayed on as a re-serve officer after leaving the Police Department in 2008 and worked overseas for a year with the U.S. Army Corps of En-gineers.

A copy of the resolution and an American flag were presented to Duhon’s wife Stephanie, daughter Addison and mother Karen Lopez.

Officers
The council recognized police Sgt. Quentin Menard for 10 years of service.

Officer Josh Hudson received a commendation.

On April 5, not long after he completed drug enforcement training, Hudson stopped a minivan on U.S. 90 for a traffic violation and wound up seizing 46 pounds of marijuana.

Superintendent: Foster Elementary student brought weapon to school

Wed, 05/11/2022 - 1:23pm

A student at Foster Elementary School in Franklin was arrested Wednesday after officials discovered that the student brought a weapon onto the campus, Superintendent Dr. Teresa Bagwell said in a press release.

"School officials acted promptly to isolate the student and maintain the safety of all students and staff during the discovery and investigation process," Bagwell said.

Local law enforcement and the St. Mary Parish School Board’s school resource officer assisted in investigating the incident and verified the authenticity of the
weapon in the student’s possession. Parents were immediately informed through the school system’s JCampus communication system.

"Additionally, school officials will continue to employ all safety measures that ensure a secure campus each day," Bagwell said.

A press release from Franklin Police Chief Morris Beverly identified the weapon as a handgun and said the student, who is an 11-year-old male, was arrested at 10:13 a.m. Wednesday on the charge of illegal carrying of a weapon, illegal possession of a handgun by a juvenile and disturbing the peace (alarming the public). The juvenile was booked, processed and released pending juvenile court.