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The remains of six veterans, unclaimed at the St. Mary Parish Coroner’s Office, were taken Thursday to a veterans cemetery in Jennings.

Local veterans, police officers and firefighters gathered to honor the service of the veterans.

Each veteran’s remains were brought out of the office by Lt. Col. Cory Williams, who works with the Morgan City High JROTC, and saluted by members of the Morgan City Police Department, the St. Mary Parish Coroner’s Office, the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Patterson Police Department, the Franklin Police Department, and the Morgan City Fire Department.

Local veterans were also on hand for the ceremony.

The fallen veterans were identified as:
—Steve Edward Bihlmire, U.S. Navy.
— PO4 Dean Ira Hurst, U.S. Navy.
— Sgt. Edward Lee Hall, U.S. Army.
—-SP4 James Cecil Os-borne, U.S. Army.
—Pvt. Darryl Lowry, U.S. Army.
—PO4 Alton Eugene Claudle. U.S. Marines.

They were placed in a hearse by Chief Deputy Gary Driskill with the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office to be transported to the Southwest Louisiana Veterans’ Cemetery in Jennings, where they will be laid to rest with military honors.

In a Facebook post, Chief James F. Blair and the Morgan City Police Department thanked these men for their service to our country.

(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.)

Area law enforcement agencies reported six arrests on drug-related charges this week, including one of a woman accused of trying to slip away from the Berwick Police Department after her apprehension.

Berwick
Police Chief David Leonard Sr. reported these arrests:
—Amanda Soudelier, 44, Clarke Road, Morgan City, was arrested at 6:15 p.m. Tuesday on charges of possession of marijuana (under 14 grams), possession of amphetamine, possession of Xanax, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving while intoxicated (first offense), careless operation of a motor vehicle with crash and simple escape.
About 4:44 p.m. Tuesday, the Berwick Police Department responded to a two-vehicle crash on La. 182. Officers officers made contact with Soudelier, who showed signs of impairment. During the course of the investigation, it was learned that Soudelier had marijuana, amphetamine and Xanax pills inside the vehicle along with items of drug paraphernalia.
Soudelier performed poorly on field sobriety tests and was placed under arrest and transported to the Berwick Police Department. Soudelier provided a breath sample of 0.000G% BAC. A search warrant was obtained for her blood where samples were taken and sent to the crime lab for toxicology screening.
During booking, Soudelier managed to get out of the handcuffs and attempted to leave from the Police Department. Soudelier was booked and awaits a bond hearing.
—Jewroyal Williams, 50, Kirkglen Loop, Houma, was arrested at 7:05 p.m. Tuesday on charges of general speed law, driving under suspension and no insurance.
—Desmond Holden, 30, Overton Drive, Houma, was arrested at 7:14 p.m. Tuesday on charges of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a firearm in the presence of a controlled dangerous substance, possession of MDMA, possession of Lortab and transactions involving drug proceeds.
About 7:05 p.m. Tuesday, an officer in the area of Sixth Street observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed. A traffic stop was conducted on the vehicle, and officers made contact with the driver who was identified as Williams, and the passenger, who was identified as Holden.
During the course of the stop, it was learned that Williams’ driver’s license was suspended and his vehicle did not have insurance. While speaking with Williams, an odor of marijuana was detected coming from the vehicle. During a search of the vehicle, Holden fled on foot and was apprehended a short time later. Holden was found to be in possession of MDMA, Lortabs and U.S. currency that, through investigation, was learned to have come from the sales of illegal narcotics.
Holden had active warrants through Probation and Parole. Officers continued to search the vehicle and located a loaded handgun under the passenger seat, where Holden was seated. It was learned that he was a convicted felon, prohibiting him from possessing a firearm.
Williams was placed under arrest and was released on a summons to appear in court in May. Holden was transported to the Berwick Police Department, where he admitted that the firearm and narcotics belonged to him. Holden was then booked and awaits a bond hearing. He also has a hold through Probation and Parole.
—Brandon Grant, 39, Young Street, Berwick, was arrested at 9:07 p.m. Tuesday on a charge of disturbing the peace (intoxicated) (13th offense).
About 8:55 p.m. Tuesday, the Berwick Police Department responded to a possible disturbance at a local business. It was learned that Grant was involved in a verbal altercation with another member at the business and was causing a disturbance. Officers made contact with Grant and immediately detected a strong odor of alcohol coming from his breath and person.
Grant was placed under arrest and transported to the Berwick Police Department, where he was booked and remains incarcerated with a $321 cash bond.
—David Boyd, 40, Fifth Street, Berwick, was arrested at 1:08 a.m. Saturday on charges of modified exhaust and driving under suspension for a prior DWI offense.
About 1 a.m. Saturday, a traffic stop was conducted on a vehicle for having loud exhaust. Officers made contact with the driver, who was identified as Boyd. It was learned that Boyd’s driver’s license was suspended for a prior DWI offense. Boyd was placed under arrest and released on a summons to appear in court in June.
—Juvenile female, 16, was arrested at 7:58 a.m. Monday on a charge of simple battery.
On Monday, the Berwick Police Department was contacted by a local school in reference to a fight. It was learned that a female juvenile committed a battery on another student.
The juvenile was placed under arrest and transported to the Berwick Police Department, where she was booked and released to her parent pending a court hearing.

St. Mary
Sheriff Blaise Smith reported these arrests:
—Derick Damond Jackson, 35, Jeanerette, was arrested at 7:40 p.m. Monday on charges of possession of marijuana, driver must be licensed, turning movements and required signals, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a controlled dangerous substance in the presence of a person under 17.
Jackson was released on a summons to appear June 24.
—Joshua Jermaine Hopes, 38, Jeanerette, was arrested at 12:16 a.m. Tuesday on charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Hopes was also named in two warrants alleging failure to appear on charges of possession of MDMA, flight from an officer, possession of drug paraphernalia, operating a vehicle without a driver’s license, improper lane usage and improper driving left of center.
Bail has not been set.
—-George B. Knight, 61, Raceland, was arrested at 6:48 a.m. Monday on a charge of possession of marijuana.
—Michelle Marie Hayes, 42, Jeanerette, was arrested at 12:16 a.m. Tuesday on charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, driver must be licensed and proper equipment required on vehicles, and on a warrant alleging failure to appear.
Bail has not been set
—Catrina Druilhet Stewart, 43, Baldwin, was arrested at 12:22 p.m. Monday on two warrants alleging failure to appear on the charges of resisting an officer and criminal trespassing. Bail has not been set.
—Johnisha Lashay Ayers, 27, Patterson, was arrested Monday on charges of stalking and simple battery.. Bail has not been set.
—Destiny Stefhnon Pharr, 21, Patterson, was arrested Monday on charges of stalking and aggravated battery. Bail has not been set.
—Ricky Anthony Dupre Jr., 42, Morgan City, was arrested at 10:55 p.m. Monday on a warrant alleging failure to appear on the charge of theft of $750 or less. Bail was set at $1,000.
—Christopher Joseph Dixon, 38, Pritcher, Alabama, was arrested at 12:34 p.m. Tuesday on a Dothan Police Department warrant alleging failure to appear. Dixon is being held for another agency.
—Nolan Lee McNabb, 18, Bayou Vista, was arrested at 2:42 p.m. Tuesday on a charge of simple battery. McNabb continues to be incarcerated at the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center.
—Michael Jerome Williams Jr., 25, Berwick, was arrested at 2:42 p.m. Tuesday on a charge of simple battery. Williams continues to be incarcerated at the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center.
—Lena Chambers, 58, Raceland, was arrested at 12:38 p.m. Tuesday on charges of criminal mischief (false report) and careless operation. Chambers was released on a summons June 24.
—Eutimio Hernandez, 58, Berwick, was arrested at 10:49 p.m. Tuesday on charges of stopping, standing or parking prohibited in specific areas and no insurance. Hernandez was released on a summons June 24.
—Ryan Joab Ledet, 29, Amelia, was arrested at 11:42 p.m. Tuesday on a warrant alleging failure to appear on the charge of operating a vehicle while intoxicated. Bail has not been set.
—Cecelia Bonilla Cruz, 32, Amelia, was arrested, at 4:12 p.m. Tuesday on a warrant alleging theft of a motor vehicle, resisting arrest or officer, battery on a police officer, battery of emergency room personnel, reckless operation with accident, and obscenity.
Bail has not been set.

Morgan City
Police Chief James F. Blair reported these arrests:
—Alexis Robertson, 37, Fifth Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday on a warrant alleging illegal possession of stolen things.
—James Thomas Rowell, 70, Seventh Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 9:08 p.m. Monday on charges of driving while intoxicated (second offense), reckless operation of a motor vehicle and operating a vehicle while under suspension for a prior offense.
—Brooke C. Spencer, 32, Egle Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 9:37 p.m. Monday on a 6th Ward Morgan City Court warrant alleging failure to appear for arraignment (three counts)

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.
Tuesday, March 22
7:59 a.m. 3000 block of Keith Street; Animal complaint.
8:17 a.m. 700 block of Arkansas Street; Welfare check.
8:33 a.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Inmate transport.
8:41 a.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Inmate pick up.
8:45 a.m. 900 block of Hickory Street; Complaint.
10:21 a.m. Area of Fifth Street; Complaint.
10:25 a.m. 7300 block of La. 182; 911 hang up.
11:40 a.m. 800 block of Victor II Boulevard; Alarm.
11:45 a.m. 2900 block of Railroad Avenue; Complaint.
1:05 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Complaint.
1:38 p.m. Area of Morgan City Nursing Home ; Welfare check.
2:15 p.m. 700 block of Brashear Avenue; Alarm.
2:33 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Com-plaint.
2:54 p.m. 800 block of Ditch Avenue; Animal complaint.
3:06 p.m. 1200 block of Brashear Avenue; Patrol request.
3:26 p.m. Area of U.S. 90 and La. 182; Complaint.
3:51 p.m. Area of Adams Street; Disturbance.
4:27 p.m. 700 block of General Hodges Street; Complaint.
4:59 p.m. 6400 block of La. 182; Stalled vehicle.
5:05 p.m. 100 block of Wren Street; Complaint.
6:07 p.m. 1500 block of Sandra Street; Alarm.
7:08 p.m. 2300 Clements Street; Complaint.
7:16 p.m. Third and Union streets; Suspicious person.
10:40 p.m. 1600 block of Cedar Street; Fire.
Wednesday, March 23
12:57 a.m. 1600 block of Cedar Street; Complaint.

Fertilizer prices spiked in U.S. markets in late 2021. Now, as we are getting ready for spring planting, the price of fertilizer continues to skyrocket. Farmers and even home gardeners are feeling the pinch and looking for alternative ways to provide nutrients for their gardens.
It is possible to provide nutrients to your plants affordably. Scraps from your kitchen, waste from your yard and byproducts of grazing animals can provide free, natural fertilizers for your plants.
In addition to being economical, organic and do-it-yourself fertilizers play a critical role in environmental stewardship. Leaves and grass clippings are two examples of waste that can be recycled and used in your garden for nutrients. They’re rich in nitrogen, an important source of energy needed for plant growth and part of the chlorophyll molecule that gives plants their green color.
Leaves are another excellent source of nutrients. Live oaks are shedding leaves right now. If you have them, collect leaves for a rich source of trace minerals. They can be tilled into your soil or used as a mulch. As the leaves break down, they provide organic matter that attracts earthworms, which provide castings and additional nutrients. This can improve the tilth of the soil. Tilth is the physical condition of soil and refers to the ease of tillage. Good tilth benefits and promotes seedling emergence and root penetration.
You can use kitchen waste to make compost. Combine scraps with grass clippings and leaves, and you’ve got one rich source of natural fertilizers. Coffee grounds, eggshells and fruit and vegetable peelings are great choices for composting. Sadly, in many homes, we hold produce beyond its useful shelf life. No need to feel guilty about that when you can use those items in your compost and continue the nutrient cycle for your plants.
Coffee grounds are a great source of nutrients that include low levels of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium along with other trace elements. They also can potentially help lower soil pH due to coffee’s acidity.
Eggshells provide calcium carbonate, also known as lime, and can help raise the pH of soils. Calcium is needed for healthy plant growth and is key to normal root system development in addition to making plants more resistant to insects and disease.
Just as bananas are an excellent source of potassium for us, the peels of bananas provide a source of potassium to plants. Potassium, along with nitrogen and phosphorus, is one of the three essential plant macronutrients. Potassium increases yields and improves the quality of fruits and vegetables while also helping plants resist diseases, insect attacks and cold and drought stresses.
You can also use manure from a variety of sources, including cows, horses and chickens. Each type of manure is high in nitrogen and other nutrients.
There are some risks with using manure if it is not properly aged or composted. First, raw manures can carry bacteria that can be harmful to humans if used in vegetable beds with food that will be eaten. Manure also can carry weed seeds that can be a nuisance in the garden. Raw manure also has high levels of nitrogen, ammonium and salts that can burn plants. Avoid all these problems by composting raw manure before using it.
To be safe, raw manure should be composted for a minimum of 30 days. Ensure it stays at a consistent temperature of 131 degrees Fahrenheit. Turn the compost frequently. Manures purchased at garden centers are safe for use and already have been properly composted.
Another source of nutrients can be from weeds, but do not use them directly in your garden. You don’t want weed seeds germinating and making more of a headache for you. Make a weed “tea” by placing pulled weeds in a 5-gallon bucket. Fill the bucket until it is about one-fourth to one-third full, then add enough water to fill the bucket. Let it sit for a week or two, and once the water turns brown, you can strain the water and pour it over your garden. Be careful not to pour the weeds and their seeds into the garden, as the seeds may still be viable.
By using yard, kitchen and animal wastes, we can add nutrients to our gardens that don’t cost us a dime and help make a positive impact on our environment.