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West St. Mary principal arrested on theft charge

Fri, 02/25/2022 - 6:44am

West St. Mary High School Principal Donald Sanders III has been placed on administrative leave after his arrest Thursday on a theft charge.
Sanders, 41, of Franklin was arrested at 9:42 a.m. Thursday on a charge of theft between $1,000 and $5,000.
The St. Mary Sheriff's Office said in its daily arrest report that a detective answered a theft report at West S. Mary. "An investigation was opened, and Sanders was developed as the suspect in a theft of money at the school," the Sheriff's Office said.
Detectives obtained a warrant for Sanders’ arrest and made contact with him on Thursday morning. He was transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking. Bail has not been set.
The St. Mary school system issued this statement:
"St. Mary Parish Schools was made aware of the arrest of West St. Mary High School Principal Donald Sanders III by the St. Mary Parish Sherriff’s office earlier today. While the school system does not comment on personnel matters given the strict confidentiality associated with such matters, Superintendent Teresa Bagwell can confirm that Mr. Sanders has been placed on administrative leave with pay pending results of the investigation.
"Ms. Ashley Clark, who currently serves as the school’s assistant principal, will assume the position of 'acting' principal in the interim."

LINWOOD 'BLACKIE' MORGAN

Thu, 02/24/2022 - 2:44pm

June 15, 1937 – February 20, 2022

Linwood Morgan, affectionately known as Blackie, passed away at the age of 84 on Sunday, February 20, 2022, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Blackie was born on June 15, 1937 in Morgan City where he was raised. He was a veteran of the United States Army having served during peacetime in Germany. Following his time in the Army, Blackie returned to his first love, being on the water. He spent his entire life working on the water, first as a boat captain, but mostly as a commercial fisherman. To say he had a love of the outdoors was a huge understatement. Blackie also had a special place in his heart for children, having raised many children as though they were own. He also enjoyed hunting and loved to cook, which he was really good at. He was an active and supportive member of his church, Bayou Vista Community Fellowship. His presence on this side of eternity will be deeply missed by so many whose lives he touched.

His memory will forever be cherished in the hearts of his wife, Rose Maggert Morgan; 11 children, Gary Morgan, Jimmy Folks, Tonia Gaspard and husband Aaron, Tammy Wilson, Linwood “Woody” Morgan II and wife Jamie, Kevin Morgan and wife Misty, Dan Hanks and wife Vicky, Darci Graham, Denise Lassere, Darren Graham and wife Jessica, and Dustin Graham and wife Nicole; 35 grandchildren, a host of great grandchildren; and four siblings, Harvey Morgan and wife Barbara, Winston Morgan and fiancé Gwen, Sherry Morgan, and Randolph Morgan and wife Mona.

He was preceded in death by three children, Ramona Morgan Gregory, Mark Morgan, and Lenny Paul Folks; his parents, George Henry Morgan and Edna Rosalee Arbough Morgan; and three siblings, Lily Mae Stephens, Eddie Morgan, and Archie Morgan.

Memorial services will be held at 5:00 p.m. Sunday, March 6, 2022, at Bayou Vista Community Fellowship with a gathering of family and friends beginning at 3:30 p.m. Rev. Brian Head and Rev. Clyde Crappell will conduct the service.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that contributions be made to Bayou Vista Community Fellowship, 1316 Burke Place, Morgan City, LA 70380, marked for the Peruvian Orphanage Ministry, which Blackie held so close in his heart.

Family and friends may view the obituary online by visiting www.iberts.com and are encouraged to share their condolences, cherished memories, love, and support for the family.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Ibert's Mortuary, Inc., 1111 Lia Street, Patterson, LA 70392, (985) 395-7873.

Morgan City police radio logs for Feb. 23-24

Thu, 02/24/2022 - 12:34pm

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, Feb. 23
7:23 a.m. 7200 block of La. 182; Alarm.
8:43 a.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Disturbance.
9:30 a.m. Old Bridge; Assistance.
9:41 a.m. 1100 block of Seventh Street; 911 hang up.
10:08 a.m. 700 block of Fifth Street; Theft.
10 p.m. 1400 block of Federal Avenue; Animal complaint.
1:10 p.m. 5700 block of La. 182; Animal complaint.
1:47 p.m. 600 block of Kentucky Street; Complaint.
3:59 p.m. 400 block of Union Street; Complaint.
4:02 p.m. 1000 block of Levee Road; Runaway juvenile.
5:23 p.m. Belanger Street; Frequent patrol request.
5:26 p.m. 3000 block of Keith Street; Frequent patrol request.
7:13 p.m. La. 182; Missing juvenile.
7:21 p.m. 700 block of Onstead Street; Com-plaint.
7:41 p.m. 1200 block of David Drive; Alarm.
7:59 p.m. 900 block of Willard Street; Welfare concern.
8:01 p.m. Brashear Avenue; Suspicious person.
8:50 p.m. La. 182; Alarm.
9 p.m. La. 182; Stalled vehicle.
9:38 p.m. 600 block of Kentucky Street; Warrant arrest.
11:06 p.m. Egle Street; Suspicious person.
Thursday, Feb. 24
12:24 a.m. 6500 block of La. 182; Suspicious person.
12:56 a.m. 600 block of Kentucky Street; Complaint.
1:03 a.m. 1900 block of Sixth Street; Assistance.
2:15 a.m. 1100 block of Marguerite Street; Complaint.

Bollinger-built cutter commissioned by Coast Guard

Thu, 02/24/2022 - 12:30pm

Bollinger Shipyards President and CEO Ben Bordelon joined senior U.S. Coast Guard officials at the Port of Tampa on Wednesday for the commissioning of one of the newest Sentinel-class fast response cutters USCGC John Scheuerman.

The cutter is the fifth of six FRCs to be home-ported in Manama, Bahrain, which will replace the aging 110-foot Island Class Patrol Boats, built by Bollinger Shipyards 30 years ago, supporting the Patrol Forces Southwest Asia, the U.S. Coast Guard’s largest overseas presence outside the United States.

“While every commissioning is special, this particular vessel – especially when and how it was delivered – means a great deal to our team,” said Bordelon in his remarks during the ceremony. “As you know, this past August Hurricane Ida made landfall at Port Fourchon, Louisiana with winds just short of a Category 5 hurricane, clocking in at 150 miles per hour. … Despite the odds stacked against us, our team persevered and the USCGC John Scheuerman was delivered on October 21st, a full week ahead of schedule. This vessel and this commissioning represent a major win that our team needed and deserved. It reflects the resilience, commitment and tenacity of the 650 skilled men and women that built it. With the exception of my family, I've never been more proud of anything that I've ever been a part of.”

Present at the ceremony was Admiral Karl Schultz, the 26th Commandant of the United States Coast Guard. Admiral Schultz lauded Bordelon and the “Cajun toughness” of Bollinger’s employees necessary to complete the Scheuerman build ahead of schedule following Hurricane Ida, saying, “We know what your men and women did and we know how you inspire them to come to work, to have something to rally around, and this product behind us is a testament to the Cajun toughness of Bollinger Shipyards and its employees.”

Admiral Schultz continued, “I could not sleep better at night knowing our men and women of the Navy and the Coast Guard in that challenging region of the world are aboard highly-capable, Bollinger-built ships…These ships are truly technologically sophisticated and ready to stand their duties...This is one of those places where we are truly living and embodying the Tri-Service Maritime Strategy where our Navy, our Coasties and our Marines are working side by side to protect our national defense interests.”

The U.S. Coast Guard took delivery of the 154-foot USCGC John Scheuerman in Key West, Florida in October of last year. The cutter is the 169th vessel Bollinger has delivered to the Coast Guard over a 35-year period and the 46th FRC delivered under the current program. Notably, the USCGC John Scheuerman was delivered nearly one week ahead of schedule despite a three-week shutdown due to the significant damage sustained to Bollinger’s facilities during Hurricane Ida. The storm made landfall in late August near Port Fourchon, Louisiana as a powerful Category 4 storm. Bollinger’s facilities in Port Fourchon, Lockport, Houma and Larose suffered significant damage as a result of Hurricane Ida, which tied with last year’s Hurricane Laura and the Last Island Hurricane of 1856 as the strongest on record in Louisiana.

Last year, Bollinger submitted its proposal to the United States Coast Guard to build Stage 2 of the Heritage-class Offshore Patrol Cutter (OPC) program. If chosen, Bollinger would construct and deliver a total of 11 vessels to the U.S. Coast Guard over the next decade, helping to sustain the Bollinger workforce through 2031. The OPCs will provide the majority of offshore presence for the Coast Guard’s cutter fleet, bridging the capabilities of the 418-foot national security cutters, which patrol the open ocean, and the Bollinger-built 154-foot FRCs, which serve closer to shore. The OPCs will conduct missions including law enforcement, drug and migrant interdiction, search and rescue, and other homeland security and defense operations.

Parish Council takes on payroll processing for districts; votes down traffic sign ordinance

Thu, 02/24/2022 - 12:19pm

BILL DECKER

bdecker@daily-review.com

FRANKLIN – The St. Mary Parish Council on Wednesday settled, at least for now, a pair of issues that had caused controversy.
The parish government will assume responsibility for payroll processing for special-purpose districts. But the council voted down an ordinance that would change the way decisions are made about the placement of traffic control devices.
Also Wednesday, council heard that parish government will receive a $1.68 million grant hazard mitigation grant through the state.

Payday
The parish administration has discussed assuming payroll processing duties and responsibilities for districts devoted to drainage, fire protection, waterworks and other purposes at the districts’ expense. On Wednesday, Parish President David Hanagriff described the move as a fraud prevention measure to prevent abuse.
“This is not meant to hurt a board,” Hanagriff said.
Some district officials objected to the costs originally proposed. Councilman James Bennett said the Consolidated Gravity District 2A in the Morgan City-Amelia area could have seen its cost for a two-week pay period go to $250 from $48 with the commercially available software the district has used .
The administration came back with a different formula Wednesday: $15 per employee per payroll for districts with up to five employees; $7.50 each for districts with six to 15 employees; and $5 each for districts with more than 20 employees.
Under that formula, for example, District 2A would pay the parish $4,680 for 26 payrolls.
Even with the new formula, Councilman Dean Adams objected, saying the payroll spending amounts to using district tax revenue on purposes other than those for which they were intended.
The measure passed 6-5. Voting for it were members Gwen Hidalgo, Patrick Hebert, Rodney Olander, J Ina, Craig Mathews and Scott Ramsey. Voting against were Adams, Bennett, Kristi Prejeant Rink, Les Rulf and Mark Duhon.

Stopped
The council voted down the proposal to require a report from the parish public works director before an ordinance making a traffic signal change could be introduced.
Ramsey, the bill’s author, had tried to have a handful of stop signs removed from the Saturn-Jupiter area of Bayou Vista. That move failed after opponents argued that the signs were needed to protect neighborhood residents, particularly children and the elderly.
Ramsey cited state and federal guidance that says stop signs are not a good way to control speed, and that too many stop signs lead to noncompliance by drivers. When his attempt to remove the signs failed, he talked about proposing an ordinance requiring an engineer’s report before make a traffic signal change.
He came back with the ordinance that was under consideration Wednesday, which he said would bring the parish in line with state law and protect the parish government from liability.
The ordinance would have required a report by the public works director, in consultation with a traffic engineer if necessary, before the introduction of any traffic signal ordinance. If the report finds the signal change to be appropriate and in agreement with the state handbook, the ordinance could be introduced.
A council member who disagrees with the report could seek a public hearing, after which a two-thirds council would be required to introduce the ordinance.
The super-majority requirement was a problem for Duhon and Hebert. An amendment to require only a simple majority passed unanimously, but the ordinance failed 6-3. Ramsey, Hebert and Ina were the yes votes. Duhon, Rink, Hidalgo, Adams, Bennett and Rulf voted against it. Olander and Mathews left the meeting before the vote because of prior commitments.

Grant
Chief Administrative Officer Henry C. “Bo” LaGrange announced that the parish will receive the grant through the state to support “recovery and mitigation projects … related to Hurricane Zeta, the severe winter weather event in 2021, the May 2021 flooding event and Hurricane Ida," according to a press release from the Governor’s Office.
The money could be used for the elevation of homes, localized drainage improvements, saferoom construction, rebuilding or acquiring flood-prone structures, and converting land to green space.
“Hazard mitigation is the only phase of emergency management specifically dedicated to breaking the cycle of damage, reconstruction and repeat damage,” the press release said.

3 drug-related arrests reported by Morgan City, St. Mary authorities

Thu, 02/24/2022 - 10:19am

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.)

The recent upswing in the number of drug-related cases continued this week with methamphetamine and marijuana possession arrests by Morgan City and St. Mary Parish authorities.

Morgan City
Police Chief James F. Blair reported the Morgan City Police Department responded to 39 calls for service over the last 24-hour reporting period and made these arrests beginning Tuesday:
—Napolian Dwayne Webb, 26, Kentucky Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 9:49 p.m. Wednesday on charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia, on a 6th Ward Morgan City Court warrant alleging failure to appear to pay fine and a St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office warrant alleging failure to provide notice as a sex offender.
—Sanna A. Khan, 33, Halsey Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 8:22 a.m. Tuesday on charges of disturbing the peace (intoxicated), criminal trespassing and resisting an officer.
—Eddie Lee Brown IV, 48, Joseph Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday on a 6th Ward Morgan City Court warrant alleging eight counts of failure to appear for trial.
—Charles Bilkey, 63, Carol Road, Morgan City, was arrested at 5:38 p.m. Tuesday on a 6th Ward Morgan City Court warrant alleging two counts of failure to appear to pay fine.

St. Mary
Sheriff Blaise Smith advised that over the last 24-hour reporting period, the Sheriff’s Office responded to 31 complaints and made these arrests:
—Scott Vicknair, 66, Pierre Part, was arrested at 12:29 p.m. Tuesday on a charge of driving under suspension. Vicknair was released on a summons to appear May 10.
—Bryson Skinner Sr., 27, Siracusaville, was arrested at 12:40 p.m. Tuesday by the Narcotics Section on charges of view outward or inward through windshield or windows/obscuring prohibited and possession of marijuana, and on a warrant alleging possession of a firearm or carrying a concealed weapon by person convicted of certain felonies.
Bail has not been set.

Franklin
Police Chief Morris Beverly reported that the Franklin Police Department Police Department responded to 11 complaints over the past 24 hours and made this arrest:
—Tkiyah Harrison, 27, Mitchell St., Franklin, was arrested at 8:43 a.m. Tuesday on a warrant dated June 21, 2018, and alleging disturbing the peace. Harrison was booked, processed and released to appear in 3rd Ward City Court.

Fire in Berwick

Wed, 02/23/2022 - 6:26pm

A fire has been reported in Berwick on Todd Street.
Residents are asked to avoid the area while emergency personnel, including the Berwick Volunteer Fire Department, work the scene.

Morgan city police radio logs for Feb. 19-23

Wed, 02/23/2022 - 3:49pm

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.
Saturday, Feb. 19
6:53 a.m. 600 block of Greenwood Street; Alarm.
8:39 a.m. 7300 block of La. 182; Alarm.
10:05 a.m. Chest-nut/Walnut drives; Building check.
10:43 a.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Com-plaint.
11:18 a.m. 1400 block of Chatsworth Drive; Animal call.
11:33 a.m. 200 block of Bowman Street; Accident.
12:37 p.m. 100 block of Eleventh Street; Theft.
1:42 p.m. 800 block of Brashear Avenue; Com-plaint.
1:44 p.m. 7500 block of La. 182; Theft.
2:26 p.m. Veterans Drive; Patrol request.
3:12 p.m. 7400 block of La. 182; Complaint.
3:25 p.m. 1000 block of La. 70; Complaint.
5:47 p.m. 2300 block of La. 70; Animal com-plaint.
6:25 p.m. 6400 block of La. 182; Subject removal.
7:01 p.m. Siracusaville; Assistance.
9:20 p.m. 900 block of Seventh Street; Noise complaint.
9:30 p.m. 600 block of Kentucky Street; Com-plaint.
9:34 p.m. 3000 block of Keith Street; Disturb-ance/arrest.
10:24 p.m. 2600 block of Sixth Street; Noise complaint.
Sunday, Feb. 20
1:37 a.m. 300 block of Second Street; Disturb-ance.
2:06 a.m. Area of Cot-tonwood Street; Patrol request.
2:28 a.m. 6800 block of La. 182; Com-plaint/arrest.
3:45 a.m. 300 block of Greenwood Street; Alarm.
2000 block of Allison Street; Medical.
700 block of Myrtle Street; Assistance.
500 block of Fourth Street; Disturbance.
3200 block of Jennie Drive; Alarm.
700 block of Duke Street; Complaint.
Area of Railroad Avenue; Reckless driver.
600 block of Green-wood Street; Hang up call.
1000 block of Green-wood Street; Complaint.
3000 block of Keith Street; Assistance.
2300 block of La. 70; Medical.
200 block of Brashear Avenue; Complaint.
400 block of Adams Street; Disturbance.
Area of Brashear Avenue and Front Street; Death.
P.M.
300 block of Terre-bonne Street; Complaint.
700 block of Myrtle Street; Theft.
2300 block of La. 70; Noise complaint.
300 block of Glenwood Street; Noise complaint.
700 block of Hilda Street; Noise complaint.
Area of Sixth and General Patton streets; Traffic stop/arrest.
Area of Wise Street; Complaint.
500 block of Roderick Street; Alarm.
1000 block of Third Street; Complaint.
300 block of Aycock Street; Complaint.
6400 block of La. 182; Alarm.
700 block of Myrtle Street; Complaint.
Monday, Feb. 21
60 a.m. 500 block of Sixth Street; Loud mu-sic.
6:52 a.m. 500 block of Egle Street; Alarm.
7:12 a.m. 6300 block of La. 182; Removal of subject.
8:12 a.m. 200 block of Franklin Street; Fight.
8:52 a.m. 200 block of Chennault Street; Medi-cal.
9:01 a.m. Fifth and Everett streets; Com-plaint.
9:08 a.m. 100 block of Oak Street; Complaint.
9:25 a.m. 2900 block of Railroad Avenue; Complaint.
9:28 a.m. 3100 block of Wytchwood Drive; Medical.
10 a.m. 1600 block of Glenmont Street; Dis-turbance.
10:20 a.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Com-plaint.
10:50 a.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Com-plaint.
10:53 a.m. 1700 block of South Prescott Street; Suspicious person.
11:17 a.m. 300 block of Leona Street; Complaint.
11:23 a.m. Martin Luther King Boulevard; Fire.
11:40 a.m. Sacred Heart Church; Com-plaint.
11:59 a.m. 3200 block of Jennie Drive; Animal complaint.
11:59 a.m. 300 block of Bowman Street; Disturbance.
12:32 p.m. 400 block of Adams Street; Medical.
12:34 p.m. 500 block of First Street; Alarm.
12:48 p.m. Glenwood Street; Complaint.
12:52 p.m. 1000 block of Front Street; Com-plaint.
12:53 p.m. 700 block of David Drive; Animal complaint.
12:56 p.m. 900 block of Railroad Avenue; Disturbance.
1:17 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Found property.
1:32 p.m. U.S. 90 East Bound; Reckless driver.
1:41 p.m. 800 block of Ditch Avenue; Animal complaint.
2:06 p.m. 400 block of Belanger Street; Animal complaint.
3:36 p.m. 6400 block of La. 182; Disturbance.
4:32 p.m. Old Bridge; Traffic incident.
4:41 p.m. 600 block of Willow Street; Traffic incident.
4:53 p.m. 300 block of Franklin Street; Traffic incident.
5:11 p.m. 100 block of Poncio Street; Com-plaint.
6:23 p.m. U.S. 90 East; Traffic incident.
6:37 p.m. Wal-nut/Chestnut drives; Complaint.
7:16 p.m. Railroad Avenue; Complaint.
7:20 p.m. Roderick Street; Complaint.
7:37 p.m. 200 block of Wren Street; Medical.
7:56 p.m. Sixth and Terrebonne streets; Complaint.
8:22 p.m. 2300 block of La. 70; Complaint.
8:46 p.m. 500 block of Bowmen Street; Medical.
9:24 p.m. Halsey and Glenwood streets; Fire.
10:04 p.m. 300 block of Patton Street; Hit and run.
11:04 p.m. 2300 La. 182; Complaint.
Tuesday, Feb. 22
2:13 a.m. 1000 block of Birch Street; Complaint.
3:51 a.m. 1200 block of David Drive; 911 hang up call.
6:50 a.m. 6300 block of La. 182; Vehicle burglary.
7:13 a.m. 6300 block of La. 182; Vehicle burglary.
8:14 a.m. 1000 block of Ditch Avenue; Medical/arrest.
8:33 a.m. 100 block of Poncio Street; Com-plaint.
9:14 a.m. 700 block of Bush Street; Suspicious person/arrest.
9:50 a.m. 400 block of Louisa Street; Theft.
11:19 a.m. 600 block of Kentucky Street; Patrol request.
11:59 a.m. U.S. 90 West Bound; Reckless driver.
12:50 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Civil issue.
2:48 p.m. 400 block of Lawrence Street; Disturbance.
2:52 p.m. 1100 block of Marguerite Street; Battery.
2:57 p.m. 300 block of Chennault Street; Removal of subject.
3:44 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Arrest.
4:49 p.m. 300 block of Sixth Street; Animal complaint.
5:20 p.m. 7200 block of La. 182; Disturbance.
6:22 p.m. 100 block of Wren Street; Assistance.
7:48 p.m. 100 block of Mallard Street; Complaint.
8:18 p.m. Roderick Street; Complaint.
8:27 p.m. 6300 block of La. 182; Complaint.
8:28 p.m. 2300 block of Tupelo Street; Medical.
8:42 p.m. 800 block of Levee Road; Medical.
9:10 p.m. 500 block of Seventh Street; Com-plaint.
10:11 p.m. La. 182; Disturbance.
10:26 p.m. 2300 block of Clements Street; Complaint.
11:11 p.m. 500 block of Egle Street; Complaint.
Wednesday, Feb. 23
1:20 a.m. Onstead Street; Suspicious vehicle.

Siracusa/Greenwood Community Parade canceled

Wed, 02/23/2022 - 12:18pm

Officials with the Siracusa/Greenwood Community Parade have announced its cancellation.
The parade was scheduled for 2 p.m. Fat Tuesday in Siracusa Subdivision.
Officials did not provide a reason for the parade being canceled.

Morgan City kicks around youth sports ideas

Wed, 02/23/2022 - 10:58am

By BILL DECKER

bdecker@daily-review.com

The Morgan City Council returned to its home field Tuesday for a discussion about youth sports.

The council also signed on to deals that would sell land that New Zorah Baptist Church wants to use for classrooms and turn part of the old power plant into a marina at Lake End Park.

The council returned to its usual meeting place, the Morgan City Court chambers, for the first time since COVID-19 restrictions went in place in spring 2020. Since then, the council has met either in the Morgan City Municipal Auditorium theater or its lobby to accommodate social distancing.

“I’d say we were back home,” said Mayor Lee Dragna, who took office in January 2021, “but this is my first day here.”

The discussion on youth sports grew out of a question from Councilman Ron Bias about the possibility of putting Pop Warner football back in the field.

That led to a discussion among Bias, Dragna, Councilman and Morgan City High Principal Tim Hymel, Recreation Director Dwayne Barbier and Barry Walker, a resident who hopes to make baseball available to youngsters of junior high age.

Attracting youngsters is one problem. Barbier said a recent attempt to bring older kids into Biddy Basketball failed even though athletes were allowed to sign up with no fee obligation unless enough signed up to play.

Dragna said that if kids want to play youth sports, a way can be found to make it work for those who legitimately can’t afford the fees.

Nothing firm came out of the discussion except for a consensus around looking for ways to bring more kids into sports and to find the money for it.

Also Tuesday, the council agreed in principle to sell just more than half an acre of land adjacent to New Zorah Baptist Church, 604 Julia St., to the church.

“We’ve grown … and we’re trying to stretch out,” New Zorah Pastor Terry Joseph told the council.

The church is looking for space to build classrooms, he said.

The ordinance authorizing the sale, pending an appraisal, passed 5-0.

The council also gave its OK to a change in its contract with Bean Excavating & Dirt of Mississippi, which has a $401,000 contract connected with the demolition of the old power plant that dates back to the 1940s.

The change authorizes Bean take tons of concrete from the project to Lake End Park, where it will be used to create a marina.

The council:

--Hired Kolder, Campagne, Slaven and Co. to perform the city government’s annual audit.

--Appointed Utilities Director William Cefalu to represent Morgan City on the Louisiana Municipal Natural Gas Purchasing and Distribution Authority board. Dragna is the alternate.

--Declared property at the Swimming Pool Complex to be surplus.