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The holiday season brings fun, food, and family, but for some, the travel it takes to get there can be chaotic and stressful. For pet owners hoping to include their furry friends in the festivities, a little extra planning can make all the difference in ensuring a smooth and happy trip.
Dr. Christine Rutter, a clinical associate professor at the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, offers helpful tips for pet owners to consider before hitting the road with their furry companions.
On the road again
Whether your pet is a confident “road dog” or a cautious “‘fraidy cat,” their comfort level with travel should guide how you plan and prepare.
According to Rutter, pets accompanying their owners on holiday trips should feel safe and not as if they are being uprooted from the normal routines that bring them comfort and security.
“Some pets are extremely anxious in new environments and won’t settle down, won’t eat or eliminate on a leash, or will bark at every noise or new animals in their environment,” she said. “Other pets are very chill about traveling, love a car ride, and are perfectly happy in new environments; this usually happens because owners have done ‘practice trips’ with the pet to let them know that changing environments is OK.”
When spending an extended amount of time in a vehicle, Rutter recommends offering your pet entertainment and treats as a distraction from the road bumps and swift turns.
“I usually bring familiar food, a few familiar toys, and any needed medications in a ‘go bag,’” Rutter said.
Owners can also help reduce pets’ anxiety during travel by getting them used to being in a crate, riding in a car, and being in crowded and noisy environments before the actual trip occurs.
“Acclimating your pet to their travel arrangements and new environments before the trip is key,” Rutter said. “The other precaution that I recommend is to look up emergency veterinary hospitals along your route and preemptively investigate ‘daycare’ or boarding options if you plan to visit a location during your trip that does not allow pets.”
When preparing for a road trip, Rutter’s priorities for owners include:
Restraining pets with a crate or barrier while riding in a car
Making sure pets are leash trained and comfortable eliminating while on a leash
Locating pet-friendly hotels
Never leaving pets unattended in a hotel room, as this can lead to barking and significant anxiety
Never leaving pets unattended in a car — no matter the time of year
In addition, owners should be mindful of their pet’s need for breaks. Similar to humans, dogs and cats need to stretch their legs after a few hours of being in the car; the frequency of these breaks will depend on the pet’s health status and normal activity levels of the pet — more active dogs may need to get out more often and walk around.
Key to all of this is identifying the particular needs of your furry friend to ensure they’re comfortable being away from home.
Flight travel pre-purr-ations
Preparation is also especially important for plane travel with pets because airlines may have different rules on paperwork and crate requirements. Owners set on bringing a furry friend on board should contact the airline well in advance to make sure they are informed on the rules and expectations that plane travel with pets entails.
Taking weight and breed restrictions into consideration is vital if you want your pet to travel in a carrier at your feet rather than the common cargo hold.
“Particularly, many airlines will also have breed limitations that exclude brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds from unattended travel,” Rutter said.
Owners should talk to the airline and their veterinarian ahead of time about potential health concerns for brachycephalic breeds.
“Travel is hard, even for people who know what is going on,” Rutter said. “Many flights are quite long, and the process of check-in, flight, landing, and reclaiming the pet can be stressful and complicated.”
Because complications of air travel are more and more common, managing the logistics of a pet through those complications can be extremely hard, Rutter said.
For this reason, the pet’s veterinarian may prescribe a sedative medication to help ease nerves. Rutter advises doing a trial run of the medication at home so that you can know what to expect.
Bringing a pet along for your holiday festivities can be a great idea; after all, for many of us, pets are an important part of the family. A little extra planning for their comfort will help ensure your trip is filled with calm rides, cozy cuddles, and cheerful memories.
Pet Talk is a service of the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University. Stories can be viewed on the web at vetmed.tamu.edu/news/ pet-talk. Suggestions for future topics may be directed to vmbs-editor@ tamu.edu.

PUBLIC NOTICE

OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF THE ST. MARY PARISH COUNCIL OF THE PARISH OF ST. MARY, STATE OF LOUISIANA
OCTOBER 22, 2025
FRANKLIN,
LOUISIANA
6:00 P.M.
The St. Mary Parish Council met on this date in Regular Session with Chairperson Gwendolyn L. Hidalgo presiding and the following members present: Rev. Craig Mat-hews, J Ina, Rodney Olander, David W. Hill, James “Jimmy” Davis, Jr., Mark Duhon, and Dean Adams. Absent were Leslie “Les” Rulf, Jr., Patrick Hebert, and Kristi Prejeant Rink, M.D.
The Invocation was pronounced by Mr. Olander and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mr. Adams.
Mr. Olander moved that the reading of the First Regular Meeting, October 8, 2025 be dispensed with and that the same be approved. Mr. Davis seconded the motion, which carried.
Mrs. Hidalgo recognized Rylie Dupuis, Ryan Caldwell, and Sarah Domingue, Nicholl’s State Nursing students in attendance.
Parish President, Sam Jones expounded on this past hurricane season, status of the old Morgan City bridge re- pairs, and completion date. He stated that he helped get funding for both bridge repairs and construction of the overpass in the Sorrell/Four Corners area while in office as State Representative.
Chief Administrative Officer, Paul J. Governale, submitted his re- port for a two (2) week period, ending October 22, 2025. He also submitted Departmental 3rd Quarterly Reports for Departments of Economic Development, Finance, Homeland Security, Personnel, Planning & Zoning, and Public Works. He also submitted a report from Tim Matte, St. Mary Parish Levee District Director, on the status of TE-168, Pump Station No. 4, Pump Station No. 9, Pump Station No. 8, Pump Station No. 6, and GIS.
Clerk of the Council, Lisa Morgan announced that St. Mary Parish Council will conduct a Public Hearing on its 2026 Budget on November 19, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. in the Parish Council meeting room, 5th Floor, Courthouse, Franklin.
Mr. Adams re- ported on the Duhon Boulevard lighting ceremony that was held last Sunday in Amelia and also reported on the status of the Bayou Ramos Bridge.
Mr. Duhon stated that he has been working on the Duhon Boulevard lighting project since November 2023. He thanked the new board for following/respecting his request and moving it forward in a quick manner.
Rev. Mathews publicly acknowledged and thanked Mr. Duhon for all of his hard work and dedication to help his community. He stated that a 3/10% Sales Tax Funding request is forth coming to fund and install lighting on Highway 318 in front of West St. Mary Civic Center.
Mr. Duhon stated for the record that matching funds are supposed to be used from the 3/10% Sales Tax Fund and that his father and the people of Amelia voted for this. He informed that this is the second time in 40 years that funding from the Amelia Recreation District has been used. He asked the new board members to use this money for capital projects and stated that he has requested the attorney to re- search the use of these funds. He discussed lighting on Joel Boulavard and stated that the money is for the people of Amelia.
Mr. Governale explained that Duhon Boulevard lights and monthly electricity bill will be paid for by the district. Mr. Duhon requested to keep the 3/10% Sales Tax and Ad Valorem Tax funds separate for his district.
Rev. Mathews introduced the following Ordinances:
ORDINANCE
NO.
An Ordinance adopting the 2026 Combined Budgets of Revenues and Expenditures for the Parish of St. Mary, State of Louisiana.
THIS ORDINANCE IS AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW IN THE PARISH COUNCIL’S OF- FICE
ORDINANCE
NO.
An Ordinance adopting the proposed Five-Year Capital Outlay Program for the Years 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029, and 2030.
THIS ORDINANCE IS AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW IN THE PARISH COUNCIL’S OF- FICE
Mr. Adams mov-ed that the following Ordinances be adopted. Mr. Davis seconded the motion, which carried by the following 8-0-0-3 Roll Call vote:
YEAS: Mathews, Ina, Olander, Hill, Davis, Duhon, Adams, and Hidalgo
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Rulf, Hebert, and Rink
ORDINANCE
NO. 2411
An Ordinance in compliance with Ordinance No. 1973, Chapter 5 Procedures, Division 5.4 General Procedures for Public Hearing, Section 5.4.2 Re- zonings (Zoning Map Amendments).
THIS ORDINANCE IS AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW IN THE PARISH COUNCIL’S OF- FICE
EXHIBIT “A”
Name: John Talbert
Address: 1544 Hwy. 90
Patterson, LA
Parcel Id# 2834321066.00 Lot 10 Land of Ledgerdom LTD Per Plat 20S 171990 Acq 469 346032
PURPOSE: Re- zone from General Commercial (GC) Zoned District to Existing Neighborhood (EN2) Zoned District to place a manufactured home on the property.
ORDINANCE
NO. 2412
An Ordinance authorizing the Parish of St. Mary to enter into a Predial Servitude Agreement bearing upon property presently owned by Cosmas Pellerin and Sandra Paul Pellerin
THIS ORDINANCE IS AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW IN THE PARISH COUNCIL’S OF- FICE
EXHIBIT “A”
STATE OF LOUISIANA
PARISH OF ST. MARY
PREDIAL
SERVITUDE AGREEMENT
BE IT KNOWN, that on the dates hereinafter indicated but effective as of ——————— (the “Effective Date”).
BEFORE the undersigned Notary(ies) Public, duly commissioned and qualified in and for the Parish of the State hereinafter indicated, and in the presence of the hereinafter identified undersigned witnesses, personally came and ap- peared:
ST. MARY PARISH GOVERNMENT, a subdivision of the State of Louisiana, domiciled in St. Mary Parish, Louisiana, represented herein by ——————, its ————— duly authorized by ——————, and whose present mailing address is ———————, Franklin, LA 70538 (hereinafter referred to as “Grantor”); and
————————, whose present mailing address is ———————, (hereinafter referred to as “Grantee”).
who declared that they hereby enter into this Predial Servitude Agreement (this “Agreement”), for themselves, their re- spective successors and assigns.
RECITALS
Whereas, Grantor is the owner of certain property in St. Mary Parish, Louisiana, hereafter sometimes re- ferred to as the “Servient Estate”, and more fully described as follows:
That certain tract or parcel of land together with all rights, ways, privileges, servitudes and appurtenances thereunto belonging or in anywise appertaining lying and being situated in Ward 4, Sec. 4, T15S-R10E, St. Mary Parish, Louisiana, being more particularly described as having a front of 30 feet, more or less on the South side of Parish Road 87 by a depth to Bayou Teche, bounded North by Parish Road 87, East by the Westernmost bank of the Verdunville Canal, South by Bayou Teche and West by Line B-C as is more fully shown on the Plan of Land showing property of Lucille Pellerin, prepared by Robert E. Miller, L.S. No. 2685, of Miller Engineers & Associates, dated June 6, 1984, bearing drawing No. 6939, which plan of land is recorded in St. Mary Parish COB 27-N, Entry No. 207790. The tract described herein being highlighted in pink on the attached copy of said plan of land.
Whereas, Grantee is the owner of certain properties in St. Mary Parish, Louisiana, hereafter sometimes re- ferred to as the “Dominant Estate”, which abut the Servient Estate, and are more fully described as follows:
Tract 1 of Dominant Estate: A certain lot belonging to Lucille Boudreaux Pellerin, formerly owned by Carl Bauer as shown on Property Map recorded in St. Mary Parish Courthouse.
This tract is labeled as “DCEF” situated in Sec. 4, T155S-RIOE, Ward 4, St. Mary Parish, Louisiana. Showing from D to C 80’ wide (North) C to E 333’ length (East), E to F 100’ wide (South) F to D 325’ length (West).
This tract is bounded on the North by properties belonging to Lucille Boudreaux Pellerin, to the West by Dennis Fleming, to the East by the Verdunville Canal and the South by Bayou Teche. That property has been surveyed by Miller Engineers.
Being the same property acquired by Cosmas Pellerin by Cash Deed recorded in Book 27-P, Page 667, Entry No. 208,136, and as corrected by Act of Correction recorded in Book 27-R, Page 668, Entry No. 208,572 all of the Conveyance Records of St. Mary Parish, Louisiana.
Tract 2 of Dominant Estate. That certain lot or parcel of land, together with all buildings and improvements thereon situated and all rights, ways, privileges, prescription and servitudes thereto belonging or in anywise appertaining and all appurtenances thereof, lying and being situated in the Fourth Ward, Section 4, Township 15 South, Range 10 East of St. Mary Parish, Louisiana and being a portion of Tract ABFEA” on that certain Plan of Land showing property of Lucille Pellerin, a copy of which is recorded in St. Mary Parish COB 30-L, Entry No. 219,576, said tract commencing at Point E on said Plan of Land, thence proceeding in a Southeasterly direction a distance of 79.84 feet to Point F, thence extending in a Northerly direction between slightly converging lines a distance of 187 feet from Point E and F on the said Plan of Land, with said tract being bounded on the North by re- maining property of Lucille Boudreaux Pellerin, or assigns, East by tract of land the Verdunville Canal, on the South by lands of Cosmas Pellerin or assigns, and on the West by property of Dennis Fleming, or assigns.
For title see St. Mary Parish COB 302, Page 280, Entry No. 320026.
Being the same property acquired by Cosmas Pellerin, et ux, by Cash Deed recorded in Book 335, Page 319, Entry No. 324,807 of the Conveyance Records of St. Mary Parish, Louisiana.
Tract 3 of Dominant Estate. That certain tract or parcel of land, together with all buildings and improvements thereon situated, all rights, ways, privileges, servitudes and appurtenances thereunto belonging or in anywise appertaining, lying and being situated in Section 4, T14S, R10E, Ward 4, St. Mary Parish, Louisiana, known, designated and described as Tract “ABFEA”, all as more fully shown and depicted on that certain Plan of Land Showing Property of Lucille Pellerin, dated August 16, 1985, bearing Drawing No. 6839-1, prepared by Robert E. Miller, Jr., L.S. No. 2685, a copy of which is attached to deed recorded on June 22, 1987 in Conveyance Book 30-L, Page 728, Entry No. 219, 576 of the Conveyance Records of St. Mary
Parish, Louisiana, reference to which is hereby made for a greater particularity of description; said property commencing at Point A and extending in an Easterly direction a distance of Sixty (60’) feet to Point B, thence ex- tending in a Southerly direction a distance of Three Hundred Ninety One and 45/100 (391.45’) feet to Point F, thence extending in a Westerly direction a distance of Seventy Nine and 84/100 (79.84’) feet to Point E, thence extending in a Northerly direction a distance of Three Hundred Seventy Five and 10/100 (375.10’) feet to Point A, the point of beginning; said property be- ing bounded Northerly by Parish Highway 87, Westerly by property of Dennis Fleming and Southerly by Bayou Teche, all as more fully shown on said map.
LESS AND EX- CEPT: The same property described as Tract 2 of Dominant Estate above.
Being the same property acquired by Cosmas Pellerin by Donation Inter Vivos recorded in Book 69, Page 423, Entry No. 287,303 of the Conveyance Records of St. Mary Parish, Louisiana.
Whereas, Grantor and Grantee intend by this Agreement that there be created a non-exclusive predial servitude of passage over and across a portion of the Servient for the benefit of the Dominant Estate for ingress and egress to and from the Dominant Estate, and that there be a non-exclusive servitude of passage over the entire Servient Estate for the benefit of the Dominant Estate for purposes related to maintenance of the Servient Estate.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises contained herein and other valuable consideration, the re- ceipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:
SERVITUDE OF PASSAGE
Subject to the assumption of the obligations stated below, Grantor does hereby establish, grant and create a non-exclusive perpetual predial servitude of passage and right of way across that portion of the Servient Estate which presently includes an improved driveway (hereafter sometimes re- ferred to as the “Driveway”) that runs from Verdunville Road to Tract 3 of the Dominant Estate as described above, and over all of that portion of the Servient Estate which is situated between the said improved driveway and the Dominant Estate. This predial servitude of passage shall afford pedestrian and vehicular passage, way, ingress and egress from Verdunville Road to Tract 3 of the Dominant Estate.
This predial servitude of passage shall be for the benefit of the Dominant Estate, and the present and future owners and occupants of the Dominant Estate or any portions or tracts thereof, and their respective successors and as- signs, their respective tenants, em- ployees, contractors, deliverymen, agents, customers, invitees, licensees, and assigns (hereafter sometimes referred to as the “Favored Parties”).
The Favored Parties of this predial servitude of passage shall have the right to maintain, repair, re- move, and replace the Driveway, and the right to construct, maintain, improvements on the servitude area including, but not limited to, the right to pave the repair, and construct additional improved exits from the Driveway to any portion or tract of the Dominant Estate. Any such maintenance, repair, removal, replacement, or construction shall be at the sole cost and expense of the Favored Parties.
SERVITUDE OF ACCESS TO MAINTAIN SERVIENT ESTATE
Subject to the assumption of the obligations stated below, Grantor does hereby establish, grant and create a non-exclusive perpetual predial servitude of access over and across all of the Servient Estate for the purpose of ingress and egress related to the obligation as- sumed by Grantee to maintain the Servient Estate as provided below.
This predial servitude of passage shall be for the benefit of the Dominant Estate, and the present and future owners and occupants of the Dominant Estate or any portions or tracts thereof, and their respective successors and assigns.
OBLIGATIONS IN CONSIDERATION OF GRANT OF
SERVITUDE
In consideration of the predial servitude of passage granted by Grantor to Grantee as provided above, Grantee does hereby agree that any owner, present or future, of the Dominant Estate, or any portions or tracts thereof, who wish to exercise any of the rights granted to them under this predial servitude agreement, is obligated and fully responsible for the following:
1) To maintain the entire Servient Estate in a safe and sanitary condition at least to the degree as may be required by any applicable state or parish ordinance, rule or regulation.
2) To assume the use and occupancy of the Servient Estate, to the ex- tent provided above, at their own risk and hereby release Grantor, its employees, officers, agents and/or representatives (the “Released Parties”) from any claims, damages, losses and expenses, including but not limited to attorneys’ fees, made by any person against any or all of the Released Parties, by any persons relating to or sustained as a result of exercising any rights under this agreement, unless said claims are caused by the negligence of the Released Parties.
3) To hold harmless, defend and indemnify Grantor, its employees, officers, agents and/or representatives (the “Re- leased Parties”) from any claims, damages, losses and expenses, including but not limited to attorneys’ fees, made by any person against any or all of the Released Parties, relating to or sustained as a result of exercising any rights under this agreement, unless said claims are caused by the negligence of the Released Parties.
OTHER TERMS AND
CONDITIONS
Grantor retains all rights to the Servient Estate subject to the servitudes granted herein including, but not limited to the rights to: (1) maintain the Verdunville Canal, (2) operate and place personnel, vehicles and equipment on the Servient Estate reasonably necessary for such maintenance, and (3) construct, re- pair, maintain and replace any building, structure or improvement on the Servient Estate. It is agreed that if the exercise by Grantor of any of its rights in the Servient Estate obstructs or interferes with Grantee’s rights under this servitude agreement, then such obstruction or interference shall be for the shortest period of time that is reasonably required for the exercise of such rights. Grantor further agrees that no permanent building or structure shall be placed upon that portion of the Servient Estate upon which the driveway is located, but subsurface im- provements may be so constructed thereon.
The servitudes are granted “AS-IS”, “WHERE-IS”, “WITH ALL FAULTS” and without any warranties of title whatsoever or warranties as title, fitness or condition or the absence of defects, whether express or implied, and Grantees ex- pressly waives any warranty of title, fitness or guarantee against hidden or latent vices or defects which may be provided by law in Louisiana or otherwise. This provision has been called to the attention of Grantee and fully explained to Grantee, and Grantee acknowledges that Grantee has read and understands the waiver of all express or implied warranties and accepts the servitudes without any express or implied warranties.
The parties hereto do hereby exonerate any undersigned Notary(ies) from all liability in the premises. The parties acknowledge that the acts of any Notary(ies) in the preparation and execution hereof do not constitute the expression of any opinion as to the validity of the title to the property herein described and, unless otherwise separately certified in writing, no title examination of said property has been performed by any undersigned Notary(ies).
THUS, DONE AND SIGNED on the ——— day of ——————, 2025, in ——————, Louisiana, in the presence of the undersigned competent witnesses, who hereunto sign their names with the said appearers and me, Notary, after due reading of the whole.
ST. MARY PARISH GOVERNMENT
GRANTOR

BY: —————

———————
GRANTEE

————————
GRANTEE

WITNESSES:

———————
PRINT: —————

———————
PRINT: ————————————
NOTARY PUBLIC
OLD BUSINESS:
A. Referred from the September 24, 2025, Regular Meeting – Appointments to the following Boards and Commissions:
Fire Protection District No. 3 (Amelia Area) – 2 Vacancies
Joseph Foret – Present Member, Royal Young – Present Member, Cheryl Dugas
Mr. Duhon moved that Joseph Foret and Royal Young be reappointed to Fire Protection District No. 3. Mr. Adams seconded the motion, which carried.
NEW BUSINESS:
A. Discussion and action relative to certain administrative budgetary actions. (Rev. Mathews)
Rev. Mathews requested that this item be placed on the November 12, 2025 Advisory Budget Finance Committee agenda.
B. Ed Smith, former Chairman, St. Mary Parish 911 Advisory Board has written – “Please accept this letter as my formal resignation from the St. Mary Parish 911 Communication District Board. As I am no longer employed with Acadian Am- bulance. I am unable to continue serving as the representative for Emergency Medical Services in this capacity.”
Mr. Smith will be sent a letter thanking him for his service and the vacancy will be advertised.
C. Daisy Kimball, Operations Manager, Acadian Ambulance Service has written – “On behalf of Acadian Ambulance, I wish to inform you that Edward Smith is no longer employed by Acadiana Ambulance. We understand Mr. Smith has already re- signed from the board. We are grateful for his many years of service to the board and residents of St. Mary Parish. As a representative of EMS, we would like to recommend Ms. Brandi Leonard, a current employee of Acadian Ambulance, serving as the Quality Improvement Coordinator.”
D. Jenny R. Darce, Secretary/Treasurer of Water and Sewer Commission No. 4 has emailed “to request the Council’s ap- proval to hold our November and December board meetings on the currently scheduled dates: November 19, 2025, and December 17, 2025. Our Commission regularly meets on the third Wednesday of each month at 5:00 p.m. Please let me know if the Council re- quires any additional information. We appreciate your consideration and continued support.”
Mr. Adams mov-ed that the Water & Sewer Commission No. 4 meetings in November and December 2025 be approved to held on the same days as Parish Council’s meetings. Mr. Hill seconded the motion, which carried.
There being no further business, Mr. Olander moved for adjournment. Mr. Davis seconded the motion, which carried.
S/G
GWENDOLYN L. HIDALGO
Gwendolyn L. Hidalgo,
Chairperson
S/G LISA C.
MORGAN
Lisa C. Morgan,
Clerk
Adv. Dec. 10, 2025
Cost: $531.00
PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC HEARING REPORT
OCTOBER 22, 2025
FRANKLIN,
LOUISIANA
5:45 P.M.
The St. Mary Parish Council held a Public Hearing on this date with Chairperson Gwendolyn L. Hidalgo presiding and the following members present: Rodney Olan-der, David W. Hill, James “Jimmy” Davis, Jr., Mark Duhon, and Dean Adams. Absent were Rev. Craig Mathews, J Ina, Leslie Rulf, Jr., Patrick Hebert, and Kristi Prejeant Rink, M.D.
The purpose of the Public Hearing was to receive written and/or oral comments relative to the following Ordinances:
An Ordinance in compliance with Ordinance No. 1973, Chapter 5 Procedures, Division 5.4 General Procedures for Public Hearing, Section 5.4.2 Re- zonings (Zoning Map Amendments). (John Talbert)
An ordinance establishing a Predial Servitude Agreement with Cosmas Pellerin and Sandra Paul Pellerin regarding property owned by St. Mary Parish Government.
There were no written and/or oral comments received regarding the proposed ordinances.
In response to Mr. Adams’ inquiry, Clerk of the Council, Lisa Morgan, stated that the Planning & Zoning Commission approved the rezone for John Talbert.
There being no further business, Mr. Olander moved for adjournment. Mr. Davis seconded the motion, which carried.
s/g Gwendolyn L. Hidalgo
Gwendolyn L. Hidalgo,
Chairperson
s/g Lisa C. Morgan
Lisa C. Morgan,
Clerk
Adv. Dec. 10, 2025
Cost: $37.50
PUBLIC NOTICE

ST.MARY
PARISH
RECREATION
DISTRICT NO.1
PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF ST. MARY PARISH RECREATION DISTRICT NO.1
The board of Commissioners of St. Mary Recreation District No.1 met in regular session on Wednesday, NOVEMBER 17, 2025.
The meeting was called to order by Mrs. Melanie Butcher at 6:05pm.
Roll was called and those present were Commissioners, Mr. Timothy Aucoin, Mr. Shannon Boykin, Mrs. Melanie Butcher, Mr. Royal Young, Also in attendance was Manager Michael Beadle absent was Mr. Miguel Perez
One guest was in attendance Andrew Gros but no comments directed at any agenda items
Approval of meeting minutes from October 15, 2025 regular session meeting. A motion to accept minutes as written was made by Mr. Shannon Boykin. A second was made by Mr. Royal Young. No discussion. All were in favor. Motion passed.
Treasury report and review of monthly bills. After discussion Mr. Timothy Aucoin made a motion to pay bills. Mr. Shannon Boykin made a second. All were in favor. Motion passed.
Old Business
Roofing issues. After discussion on several roofing issues, two quotes were presented to repair a damaged section of roof and soffit area. After discussion on damages and pricing a motion was made by Mr. Timothy Aucoin to approve Peak Roofing quote at a cost of $5,700. A second was made by Mr. Shannon Boykin. All were in favor. No opposed. Motion carried.
CCHS contract Discussion on op- tions on fees and terms were generally discussed. A motion was made to allow CCHS current agreed contract rights to play upcoming season but to table official fees and stipulations by Mr. Shannon Boykin, a second was made by Mr. Timothy Aucoin. All were in favor to table.
Hiring of Board Secretary. General discussion of potential candidates of filling position. Will continue to look for someone to fill open position and keep manager Mike Beadle temporarily in place to handle until able to hire someone. A motion was made by Mr. Timothy Aucoin to table ans received a second by Mr. Shannon Boykin. All were in favor.
Discussion on Rec District #1 Procedure manual.. Presented all board members a copy to review and a motion was made to table any changes by Mr. Timothy Aucoin. A second was made by Mr. Royal Young. All were in favor
20 ton AC unit was brought up for discussion to see expenses vs potential need to replace in the future. No need to take any actions at this time and Mr. Timothy Aucoin made a motion to decline and new purchase at this time. Mr. Royal Young made a second. No further discussion. All in Favor.
3/10 millage tax discussion on general expenses, previous and future expenses and bills that 3/10 covers. A copy of 3/10 statute was given to all board members for review. No actions were taken and after discussion the topic was closed.
Employee Policy/Procedure Manual was briefly discussed and a mo- tion to table was made by Mr. Timothy Aucoin. A second was made by Mr. Shannon Boykin. All were in favor. Motion to table carried.
New business
Engagement letter for Kolder to be approved for Rec #1 yearly upcoming review/audit. Motion to approve Kolder to continue to do this upcoming review/audit made by Mr. Timothy Aucoin. Second was made by Mr. Royal Young. No further discussion. All in Favor. Mo- tion passed.
Rec Employee evaluation. After discussion a mo- tion was made to table till next meeting by Mr. Timothy Aucoin. A second was made by Mr. Shannon Boykin. All in Favor
Managers Re- port. Michael Beadle gave update on projects, floor waxing, equipment, grass cutting and personnel.
Electrical panel fencing quotes. After reviewing three quotes and discussion Mr. Timothy Aucoin mad a motion to approve a quote of $2,960 by Hanko fencing an award the job. A second was made by Mr. Royal Young. No further discussion. All in Favor. Motion passed.
Time clocks for rec employees. Discussion was brought up on time clocks to be in- stalled. The facial recognition/ fingerprint time clock was previously purchased and as request by Mrs. Melanie Butcher to be put in place by December 1, 2025. A motion was made by Mr. Timothy Aucoin. A second was made by Mr. Royal Young. No further Discussion. All was in favor. Motion passed.
Facility Security discussion was brought up on continual vandalism to outside bathrooms. Mrs. Melanie Butcher made a motion to have Manager Mike Beadle make ar- rangements to lock after hours as needed. A second was made by Mr. Timothy Aucoin. All in Favor. Mo- tion passed.
Mr. Young made motion to adjourn. Mr. Aucoin made a Second . All in Favor Meeting Ad- journed.

———————
MIKE BEADLE
MANAGER

———————
Board
Chairperson
Adv. Dec. 10, 2025
Cost: $118.50
PUBLIC NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE
Sixteenth
Judicial District Court
——
PARISH OF ST. MARY
——
STATE OF
LOUISIANA
LeBlanc &
Associates, LLC
Vs. No. 139765 Div “G”
Swiftships, LLC
TAKE NOTICE, that by virtue of Writ of Fifa 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:

Non-exempt movable property: M/V RISEN SUN
United States Coast Guard Official No.: 1255897
Hull Identification No.: 9773105
Vessel Owner: Swiftships, LLC
Hailing Port: Morgan City, LA
Length: 182.9 feet
Breadth: 34 feet
Depth: 14.6 feet
Vessel Location: The Seacraft Shipyard, LLC, 3820 Lake Palourde Road, Amelia, LA 70340
to satisfy the sum of NINE HUNDRED SEVENTY-FOUR THOUSAND NINE HUNDRED TEN AND 97/100 ($974,910.97) DOLLARS, $194,431.73 in service charges of 1.5% per month on the outstanding amount, $50,000 in attorney’s fees and costs, for a total Judgment of $1,219,342.70 including post judgment interest at the rate of 4.25 percent per annum which will continue to accrue until the full judgment is collected and also, all costs, 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 WITH appraisement 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 17th day of December A.D., 2025, between the legal hours commencing at 10 O’Clock A.M.
Sheriff’s Office
Parish of St. Mary, La.
Friday, the 21st day of November A.D., 2025
GARY L. DRISKELL,
SHERIFF
By: Heidi Rineholt
Deputy Sheriff
Adv. Dec. 3, 5, 10 and 12, 2025
Cost: $58.50
PUBLIC NOTICE

OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF ST. MARY PARISH FIRE
PROTECTION DISCTICT NO. 7
November 4, 2025
Bayou Vista,
Louisiana
The Board of Commissioners of St. Mary Parish Fire Protection District No. 7, State of Louisiana, met on this date at 6:00 p.m. at the Bayou Vista Volunteer Fire De- partment, 1519 Hwy. 182 East, Bayou Vista, Louisiana for a public meeting.
Meeting was called to order by Chairman Jeremy Price
Members Present:
• Andros Williams
• Martin DeHart
• Jeremy Price
• Joseph Adyden
• Alvin Metrejean
Guest Present:
• Gerald Price (Fire Chief)
• Jennifer Mc- Donald
• David Hill (Parish Council)
• Gwen Hidalgo (Parish Council)
• Jeff Lacoste
Approval of minutes from October 2025 meeting. Motion by Joseph Adyden seconded by Martin DeHart all in favor. Motion Passed.
Public Comment:
None
Treasure Report:
• Gave print out of Financials to board members. Motion by Martin Dehart seconded by Alvin Metrejean all in favor. Motion passed.
Report for the Chief:
• Chief Gerald Price gave monthly report which included the PIAL report and stated that the BVVFD PIAL rating changed from class 6 to a class 4.
Old Business:
• Discussed closing in front ditch and heard from Cleavland Billiot construction on proposed bid. Board agreed to table discission till all bids could be reviewed at a later meeting.
• Fire Chief Gerald Price presented a detailed budget for 2025- 2026 after it was noted at last month meeting that the board did document in the motion on the dollar amount for this year’s budget. Mo- tion by Joe Adydan seconded by Jermey Price to ap- prove the 2025-2026 budget. Roll Call Vote Andros yes, Martin yes, Jeremy yes, Joseph yes, Alvin yes. Motion passed.
New Business:
• Purchase of Service truck. Board discussed the purchase a 2003 Ford 550 with 12-foot EOne service body VIN # IFDAF56PX3ED07618 at a cost of $25,000.00 from West Terrebonne Fire District #8. Motion by Martin second by Joseph to purchase the service truck from west Terrebonne Fire District#8. Roll Call Vote Andros yes, Martin yes, Jeremy yes, Joseph yes, Alvin yes. Motion passed.
• Board discussed to move the funds from the operations, and Bond accounts from First Horizon Bank to Patterson State Bank. A mo- tion was made by Joe seconded by Alvin to move ac- counts from First Horizon with a deposit from operations account of $1,000.00 and the entire amount in account from the bond account to Patterson State Bank and to add Jeremy Price, Joseph Adyden, Alvin Metrejean, and Martin De- Hart to members approved to sign checks, and also add Fire Chief Gerald Price to the account with ap- proval to view accounts without ability to sign checks. Roll Call Vote Andros yes, Martin yes, Jeremy yes, Joseph yes, Alvin yes. Motion passed.
• Board discussed of hiring of secretary to re- place Glen after his resignation. A discussion of what the job duties, hours, and pay were. Motion was made by Jermey seconded by Joseph to develop a policy of job duties, hours re- quired, and pay for the next meeting to vote on before hiring anyone. Motion passed.
Motion to ad- journ the meeting by Martin Dehart, seconded by Jeremy. Motin passed Meeting adjourned at 7: 12 pm.
Next Meeting date is December 2, 2025 @ 6:00p.m.

———————
Jeremy Price,
Chairman
Adv. Dec. 10, 2025
Cost: $88.50
PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS
PROFESSIONAL AVIATION PLANNING, CIVIL ENGINEERING, and RELATED
SERVICES
Notice is hereby given that the St. Mary Parish Government is re- questing qualification statements from professional planning and engineering firms in- terested in performing certified planning and professional civil and related engineering services at the Harry P. Williams Memorial Airport in Patterson, Louisiana. If funded, projects will be limited to Rehabilitation of Runway/Taxiway, Parking Lot Improvements, Rehabilitation of the North Apron, Edits to the Airport Layout Plan, and General Ad- ministration Services. Design and Implementation are generally de- pendent upon FAA and/or DOTD funding.
The selection process will be in accordance with FAA Advisory Circular 150/5100-14E and DOTD standards. In the execution of the work, the firm may be required to provide administrative services, ALP updates, cost estimates, grant management services, preliminary plans, final construction plans and specifications as well as to assist with construction administration. Firms interested in performing these services shall furnish a statement of qualifications on Federal Standard Form 330 (SF 330). A separate SF 330 shall be submitted by the prime for each sub consultant. Copies of FAA AC 150/5100-14E and SF 330 are attached to the RFQ Package and electronic versions are available from the FAA and DOTD Division of Aviation.
You may request the RFQ Package from Kaitlan Rivere, Federal & State Grants Administrator or Gary Hebert, Purchasing Agent by sending your company info and your contact info to krivere@stmaryparishla.gov or ghebert@stmaryparishla.gov.
The criteria and weighting factors to be used by the Sponsor in evaluating responses will be as follows:
1. Staff familiarity with current DOTD and FAA aviation planning, pavement, drainage, electrical, lighting, navaid, obstruction, air space, construction at public airports, and other applicable standards as well as experience in typical General Aviation projects with a value of 1 – 5 points.
2. Aviation planning, civil engineering, other related staff experience (e.g., surveyors, inspectors, etc.), and grant acquisition and administration capabilities of key personnel to be assigned to the project with a value of 1 – 10 points. This experience should include master planning; property and topographical surveys; runway, taxiway, and apron restriping; and/or other miscellaneous pavement improvements. Principals of firms with only administrative experience on aviation projects will not be counted as staff design experience and should not submit as such. Planners shall be AICP certified. Engineers and surveyors shall have relevant professional licenses issued by the State of Louisiana.
3. Key personnel’s professional qualifications and experience and availability for the proposed project; their reputation and professional integrity and competence; and their knowledge of FAA regulations, policies, and procedures with a value of 1 – 5 points.
4. Familiarity with the development concerns of the Harry P. Williams Airport, the environs of the site, compliance issues, and an understanding of potential problems, and the sponsor’s special concerns with a value of 1 – 10 points.
5. History of assisting with the acquisition of FAA and DOTD aviation grant funds as well as other sources of funding for airfield im- provements (list airports, grant projects, and grant amounts) and the administration of same with a value of 1 – 10 points.
6. Firm size relative to the magnitude of typical general aviation projects similar to those listed, demonstrated ability to meet schedules and deadlines, and evidence to make good faith efforts to meet airport DBE goals with a value of 1 – 5 points.
7. Location of firm relative to airport with a value of 1 – 5 points.
8. Responsiveness to Request For Qualifications with a value of 1 – 5 points.
9. Maximum possible points are 55.
Firms with demonstrated experience, competence, and qualifications pertinent to the requirements noted having sufficient technical, supervisory, and administrative personnel to ensure expeditious prosecution of work are desired for consideration. In re- sponding to the items listed, it is important to be specific and concise and to assure that planning and de- sign projects which are referred to as having been accomplished by your staff are projects which were accomplished by your personnel included in the SF 330.
The successful firm will be re- quired to execute a project specific agreement and, if a project is funded, a standard DOTD engineering services agreement in conformance with all Parish, DOTD, and FAA guidelines, standards, and assurances. The St. Mary Parish Government encourages participation by disadvantaged business enterprises in all bids and proposals to the extent possible. The Parish affords minority and women owned business enterprises full opportunity to submit an indication of interest in response to this invitation and will not discriminate against a firm on the basis of race, creed, color, sex, age, or national origin in awarding a contract.
The SF 330 (one original and three copies) shall be delivered to the office of the St. Mary Parish Government which is located at 500 Main St., 5th Floor Courthouse Bldg, Franklin, Louisiana 70538. Firms wishing to apply must submit a fully completed SF 330 as failure to provide all information requested may result in the submission being considered non-responsive, and the firm will not be given a total score in the evaluation process.
Statements of qualifications will be accepted until 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 8, 2026.
Questions regarding this project should be presented to Mr. Gary Hebert, Purchasing Agent, at 337-828-4100, ext. 5010 or ghebert@stmaryparishla.gov
St. Mary Parish Government
Sam Jones
Parish President
Adv. Dec. 10 and 27, 2025 and Jan. 7, 2026
Cost: $147.00

(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 and Franklin police reported four arrests on drug charges Tuesday and Wednesday.
Morgan City
Chief Chad M. Adams reported that the Morgan City Police Department responded to 28 calls for service over the last 24-hour reporting period and made these arrests:
•Morris Garrison, 31, Rizzo Street, Patterson, was arrested at 8:24 p.m. Tuesday on charges of possession of marijuana, possession of an alcoholic beverage in a motor vehicle and improper turning. (Released on summons.)
•Julia Ann Glynn, 34, Fourth Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 8:43 p.m. Tuesday on charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and improper lighting.
•Phillip Joseph Aucoin, 52, Leona Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 8:43 p.m. Tuesday on charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana and possession of a legend drug (gabapentin).
•Cedric Benjamin Gant, 28, Grace Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 9:37 a.m. Tuesday on two counts of failure to appear for trial (6th Ward Morgan City Court).
•Nomad Hoots, 48, Hamilton Street, Gretna, was arrested at 9:37 a.m. Tuesday on a charge of simple battery.
•Anthony Mark Rieder, 38, North Jefferson Avenue, Mount Pleasant, Texas, was arrested 12:55 p.m. Tuesday on a charge of obscenity.
Assumption
Sheriff Leland Falcon reported his arrest:
•Kevin Renard Lightell, 29, Andras Street, Bayou L’Ourse, was arrested Wednesday on a warrant charging him with failure to appear in court in Assumption Parish on a count of simple burglary of an inhabited dwelling as well as a warrant for a probation violation.
Lightell was convicted of the crime of simple burglary of an inhabited dwelling Sept. 23 in Assumption Parish. As a result of that conviction, Lightell was sentenced to three years of supervised probation and ordered to comply with specific conditions.
Lightell violated those conditions, resulting in a warrant being issued for his arrest Nov. 18.
Lightell was arrested Wednesday in Bayou L’Ourse and booked into the Assumption Parish Detention Center. Lightell remains incarcerated with bond set at $1,631.50, cash only, on the failure to appear warrant. He was ordered held without bond on the probation violation.
Franklin
Chief Cedric Handy reported that the Franklin Police Department responded to 15 calls for service over the last 24-hour reporting period and made this arrest:
•Jordan Freeman, 23, Pickett Lane, Franklin, was arrested at 3:03 p.m. Wednesday on charges of failure to register, careless operation, no insurance, driving under suspension, and possession of marijuana. Freeman was booked, processed and released on a $3,000 bond.

(Editor’s note: This is the first in an occasional series about the origin and work of service organizations in St. Mary Parish. We start with the East St. Mary Kiwanis Club, which submitted this story.)
In 1989, the Kiwanis Club was given the opportunity to operate the only hard alcohol booth for the Shrimp & Petroleum Festival by the Board of Directors.
We first were located on the corner of First Street and Greenwood until around 2005. In the beginning we made the beverage using Pat O’Brian’s powdered Hurricane mix, water and run to our modified recipe in 40 5-gallon jugs, equaling 200 gallons.
The legal drinking age was 18 until 1995, when it changed to 21.
In 1992, due to Hurricane Andrew, the festival was canceled. The city was friendly with Sheriff Harry Lee of Jefferson Parish, who put on a small festival to assist the Shrimp & Petroleum Festival organization with some funding toward the next festival in 1993.
The Kiwanis Club Board of Directors decided to add the Hurricane Booth to Sheriff Lee’s festival, so we made some 100 gallons of Hurricanes, loaded them into a U-Haul and set up at the little fair.
Sales were a lot slower than at our local festival. However, we had some great promoters join us. One was Steven Seagal! He came and joined us in our booth in selling our beverage. We sold the small batch of Hurricanes over the weekend in 1992.
At first, we wore our regular Kiwanis shirts for several years. However, as the club membership grew and with sales growing, we started making special “Hurricane Shirts” to promote our club and attract new members.
Each year was a new design for the shirt, and it was modified in later years to add our new drinks, Margaritas and the Tropical Storm!
Sometime in the mid-1990s, we changed from making the Hurricane mix from the powder and storing it in 5-gallon jugs to using a pumping system from 55-gallon drums, as our motto was to be faster than the line of customers!
We kept discussing with the festival board to move from Greenwood Street, where the Street Fair was located and where children were mostly, to Lawrence Park, where the bands entertained adults. They finally agreed sometime around 2005.
When we moved from the first location to Lawarence Park, we incorporated using 250-gallong totes to replace the 55-gallon drums.
Sometime after 2010, we started selling Margaritas with the Hurricanes, and shortly thereafter we added a drink called the Tropical Storm!
The funds that the booth earned are used to aid the Shrimp & Petroleum Festival organization as well as being used for projects such as scholarships awarded to Key Club member at all our area high schools – Patterson, Berwick, Morgan City High and Central Catholic – as well as other projects the club supports.
They include the annual Kids Fishing Rodeo, assisting the Key clubs, the food bank, bingo at the area elderly health facilities, and many other organizations and projects that our club supports locally, regionally and with the national Kiwanis organization in national and international projects.
The club currently has 87 members, among them Secretary Debbie Stevens, who is also lieutenant governor of Division 17 of the Louisiana-Mississippi-West Tennessee District.
Annual fundraisers:
--Kiwanis Trivia Night each year in March. About 600 people attend.
--Porchfest in Lawrence Park in April, although the event was postponed in 2024 and 2025.
--Hurricane Drink Booth at the Shrimp & Petroleum Festival each Labor Day weekend.
--Wild Game Dinner in late September. About 1,200 tickets are sold.
Annual projects:
--Kids Fishing Rodeo in May at Lake End Park, totally free for the kids. About 300 usually participate.
--Sponsoring Terrific Kids and BUGS (Bring Up Grades) at all local elementary schools.
--Sponsoring four local Key Clubs at Morgan City High, Central Catholic, Berwick High and Morgan City High.
--Scholarships for Key Club members at the four local high schools.
--School “closets” at elementary and junior high schools with uniforms, belts, shoes, underwear, socks, etc., for days when a teacher feels a student may need something.
--Recognizing all teachers at Amelia, Morgan City, Berwick and Patterson schools during Teacher Appreciation Week by sending a food tray to each school.
--Rotating bingo games at Patterson and Morgan City nursing homes and Maison Jardin, usually on the third Thursday of each month.
--A birthday cake for each of the nursing homes and Maison Jardin for their monthly resident birthday parties.
--For the last two years, the mobile snowball stand is sent to each nursing home and Maison Jardin. We hope to continue this event.
--Annual donations to all 17 schools from the success of the annual Trivia Night.