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Local drug arrests result in heroin, gun charges

Thu, 01/20/2022 - 11:35am

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.)

St. Mary deputies made three drug arrests Wednesday, including one on heroin possession and gun charges.

St. Mary
Sheriff Blaise Smith advised that over the last 24-hour reporting period, the Sheriff’s Office responded to 33 complaints and made these arrests:
—Ashlee Allan Miller Sr., 41, Franklin, was arrested at 11:59 p.m. Wednesday on charges of possession of heroin, possession of a firearm by a felon, possession of a firearm in the presence of a controlled dangerous substance and resisting arrest or officer.
Bail was set at $75,000.
—John Thomas Blanchard Jr., 25, Patterson, was arrested at 2:57 p.m. Wednesday on charges of reckless operation (no accident), possession of marijuana, possession off methamphetamine and illegal use of a controlled dangerous substance in the presence of persons under 17.
Blanchard was released on a $5,000 bond.
—Carlos Wayne Joseph, 31, Jeanerette, was arrested at 7:59 a.m. Wednesday on charges of no headlights, possession of MDMA with intent to distribute and possession of a controlled dangerous substance in the presence of a person under 17. Bail was set at $15,000.
—King George Alexander Charles Sr., 61, Jeanerette, was arrested at 11:23 p.m. Wednesday on charges of switched license plate and driving under suspension. Charles was released on a summons to appear on April 21, 2022.

Morgan City
Police Chief James F. Blair reports that the Morgan City Police Department responded to 37 calls for service over the last 24-hour period and made this arrest:
—Jamie Thompson, 31, North Pineville Street, Winnfield, was arrested at 12:20 p.m. Wednesday on a warrant alleging theft ($1,000-$5,000).

Woman pleads guilty in 2020 drunk-driving fatality

Wed, 01/19/2022 - 4:12pm

A St. James woman accused in a fatal drunk-driving crash while she was out on bond after a third DWI arrest entered a guilty plea Wednesday in Assumption Parish.

Latasha Hicks, 46, Tribbet Street, St. James, pleaded guilty to vehicular homicide and third-offense driving while intoxicated in 23rd Judicial District court.

The plea was part of an agreement with the District Attorney's Office, the DA's Office said.

According to prosecutors:

On June 22, 2012, officers with the Gonzales Police Department came into contact with Latasha Hicks during the course of a DWI checkpoint in the Gonzales city limits. Officers detected a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage emitting from her person.

Hicks was given an opportunity to submit to a series of standardized field of sobriety tests, which she refused. Hicks admitted to officers that she had consumed multiple alcoholic beverages and prescription medication. Hicks was arrested and booked into the Ascension Parish Jail.

On March 15, 2020, Louisiana State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash along La. 70 in Belle Rose in Assumption Parish. Troopers determined that Hicks was traveling west on La. 70 in a 2007 Ford Edge, while Brian Gros Jr. of Pierre Part was traveling east in a 2003 Chevrolet Silverado.

Hicks’ vehicle crossed the centerline and struck the vehicle driven by Gros head on along the eastbound shoulder of La. 70. Both Gros and Hicks were transported to area hospitals for severe injuries. Gros ultimately succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased shortly after the crash.

Hicks had a blood alcohol content of .190 g% which is more than twice the legal limit. Upon being released from medical care, Hicks was arrested by Louisiana State Police and booked into the Assumption Parish Jail, where she subsequently posted bond.

Assistant District Attorney Kenneth Dupaty is the lead prosecutor on the DWI charge, and Assistant District Attorney Lana Chaney is the lead prosecutor on the vehicular homicide. Judge Alvin Turner Jr. is the presiding Judge over both matters.

Sentencing was deferred pending a pre-sentence Investigation. Hicks faces up to 30 years in state prison and remains out on a post-conviction bond awaiting sentencing.

Baby shower for Sanctity of Life Month

Wed, 01/19/2022 - 12:40pm

January is Sanctity of Human Life month. First Baptist Church of Morgan City is hosting a baby shower all month to collect items for Hope Restored Pregnancy Crisis Center in Houma. Items include: diapers sizes 5/6, Nutramigen formula, new baby crib bedding, baby/toddler Bibles and books, devotional for moms and dads, small baby toys (3-9 months), pregnancy diary/journal, and baby keepsake books. Pick up a list or drop items off during normal office hours or regularly scheduled services. Office number is 985-384-5920. The church is located at 1915 Victor II Blvd.

Submitted Photo

Biddy Basketball tips off in Morgan City

Wed, 01/19/2022 - 12:27pm

Morgan City Mayor Lee Dragna, left, and City Councilman Tim Hymel go up for a tip to open the city's Biddy Basketball program Tuesday at the M.D. Shannon gym. The program has about 120 participants this year.

Virgie Percle Photo

Theft, domestic abuse, stalking charges result from local arrests

Wed, 01/19/2022 - 11:55am

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.)

Arrests on charges of theft, stalking and domestic abuse were among those reported Tuesday and early Wednesday by Morgan City police and St. Mary deputies.
St. Mary
Sheriff Blaise Smith advised that over the last 24-hour reporting period, the Sheriff’s Office responded to 33 complaints and made these arrests:
—Cotina Lana Walton, 39, Patterson, was arrested at 11:42 a.m. Tuesday on charges of stalking and criminal trespass. Bail has not been set.
—Willie James Hayes Jr., 42, Patterson, was arrested at 11:41 p.m. Tuesday on a charge of domestic abuse battery. Bail was set at $2,500.
—Dvonnte E. Matthews, 29, New Iberia, was arrested at 1:05 a.m. Wednesday on a charge of driving under suspension. Matthews was released on a summons to appear April 21.
Morgan City
Police Chief James F. Blair reported that the Morgan City Police Department responded to 54 calls for service over the last 24-hour reporting period and made these arrests:
—Tyler Joseph Aucoin, 33, Federal Avenue, Morgan City, was arrested at 2:40 p.m. Tuesday on a warrant alleging direct contempt of court.
—Garland Joseph Romero, 34, Bernice Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 2:46 p.m. on a warrant alleging theft ($1,000-$5,000).
—Brad Lee McPhail, 35, First Street, Norco, was arrested at 3:48 a.m. Wednesday on charges of disturbing the peace and criminal mischief.

Jim Bradshaw: Veteran of Napoleon's army fought to save New Orleans

Wed, 01/19/2022 - 10:45am

JIM BRADSHAW

Jean Lafitte was probably the most famous French-speaker at the Battle of New Orleans, fought Jan. 8, 1815. But there were some others — mostly former Napoleonic soldiers — who made a good account of themselves.
One of the most noted of them was Joseph Paul Antoine Garrigues de Flaugeac, who returned to his home in St. Landry Parish after the fight with the rank of brigadier general in the state militia and, as a souvenir, the field glasses of the fallen British leader, Maj. Gen. Edward Pakenham.
De Flaugeac was born in 1780 into an aristocratic family in southern France. He became captivated by Napoleon’s grand schemes as a young man and joined the army when he was only 17 years old.
He fought during a victorious Italian campaign, then volunteered to join an ill-fated expedition sent to San Domingo to try to put down a slave rebellion there.
He survived the yellow fever that decimated Napoleon’s troops in the Caribbean, but was wounded, captured by a British landing force, and jailed in Cuba.
He thought his troubles were over when he and two companions — Van Hill and DeBaillon — were released and set sail for France in 180. But there was more adventure in store.
Their ship sank early in its voyage back to France and the three were half-dead, floating on a makeshift raft, when they were rescued by a merchant ship bound for New Orleans.
De Flaugeac and his companions were working as longshoremen on the New Orleans levee when they met Grand Louis Fontenot, a man of some distinction in St. Landry Parish. Fontenot invited them to St. Landry Parish. They accepted the invitation and liked what they saw — particularly the three Fontenot daughters.
De Flaugeac married Marie Louise Fontenot and settled near Opelousas, becoming a trusted surveyor.
By December 1814, Garrigues and Marie Louise were the proud parents of two daughters, Celeste and Claire, and of a newborn son, Adolphe.
He had been elected to the state senate when Louisiana became a state and the legislature was in session when news came that the British were about to attack New Orleans and that Gen. Andrew Jackson was desperate for fighting men to make a defense.
De Flaugeac, then in his middle 30s, could have evaded service because legislators were exempt from fighting. Further, Gen. Jackson didn’t trust Louisiana’s French Creoles. De Flaugeac took neither excuse. He volunteered for the fight, in which he was placed in command of an artillery.
The venerable historian Charles Gayarre. described de Flaugeac’s role.
“A little before daybreak … as soon as there was sufficient light for observation,” Gayarre wrote, “a rocket went up. It was the signal for attack. The British, giving three cheers, formed into [a] close column of about sixty men in front and advanced in splendid order, chiefly on the battery commanded by Garrigues de Flaugeac, which consisted of a brass twelve-pounder, supported on its left by an insignificant battery. … On the right was a battery commanded by United States officers. An oblique movement was made to avoid the terrible fire of the de Flaugeac battery, from which every discharge seemed to tear open the column, and sweep away whole files.”
An obituary in the Opelousas Patriot on July 31, 1845, put it this way:
“Disdaining to shield himself behind his legislative robe, he at once entered the ranks under Gen. Jackson to do battle for our soil. He was gladly received, and given a post of honor — the command of ordnance.
"If history rightly informs us, Gen. F. was not idle in that contest. It is said that the cannon under his command dealt death and destruction to the foe — for with such precision was it aimed, that its range was constantly kept open.”
After the battle, Jackson commended the gallant Frenchman for refusing the legislative exemption and “rendering essential service to his country.”
Gayerre says the flattery didn’t turn his head. Rather, “after the battle he disappeared from the city and merged his interests again in the life of his plantation.”
De Flaugeac served in the senate for 18 years, retired from public office, and was sent back to the legislature, where he was serving as a state representative at the time of his death on June 25, 1845.
He is buried in the St. Landry Church Cemetery.
A collection of Jim Bradshaw’s columns, "Cajuns and Other Characters, " is available from Pelican Publishing. You can contact him at jimbradshaw4321@gmail.com or P.O. Box 1121, Washington LA 70589.

Mardi Gras will roll; here's your guide

Wed, 01/19/2022 - 10:35am

DIANE MILLER FEARS

dfears@daily-review.com

Parade Summaries
—Feb. 25, 7 p.m., Krewe of Adonis, Morgan City.
—Feb. 26, 2 p.m., Krewe of Dionysus, Berwick.
—Feb. 27, 2 p.m., Krewe of Galatea, Morgan City.
—Feb. 28, 1 p.m., Krewe of Amani, Patterson.
—Feb. 28, 7 p.m., Krewe of Hera, Morgan City.
—March 1, 2 p.m., Krewe of Hephaestus, Morgan City.
—March 1, 2 p.m., Siracusa/Greenwood Community, Siracusa Subdivision.
***
Mardi Gras season began on Jan. 6, Twelfth Night, and area krewes have announced plans for this year. No balls were held in 2021 due to COVID-19 restrictions.
New to this year’s lineup will be the women’s Krewe of Hera. Hera will take the lead with the first ball on Saturday and will introduce a second local nighttime parade on Lundi Gras.
The children’s Krewe of Nike will hold not one, but two, balls this season. The second ball will celebrate the krewe’s 50th anniversary.
Three area krewes are not hosting a traditional ball this season.
Ball patrons are reminded that tableaus begin promptly and everyone should be seated 10 minutes prior to the krewe’s stated start time.
Krewe of Hera
The Krewe of Hera will hold the area’s first ball of the season and its inaugural ball at 8 p.m. Saturday at the Morgan City Municipal Auditorium where Queen and King of Hera I will be crowned. Floor seating is invitation only.
Balcony viewing is available to the public, but Sunday’s best (no jeans) is required for entry.
Hera will add a nighttime parade to the area’s lineup on Lundi Gras, Feb. 28, at 7 p.m. in Morgan City.
Participants will line up on Second Street at Brashear Avenue, continue down Second before taking a right on Onstead Street, right on Sixth Street, left at Marguerite Street, right on Ninth Street (La. 70), left at Clothilde Street and a right on Victor II Boulevard and end at the auditorium on Myrtle Street.
Krewe of Adonis
The men’s Krewe of Adonis will hold its ball at 8 p.m. Jan. 29 at the auditorium. Floor seating is invitation only.
Bidding farewell will be King and Queen Adonis XLV Dean Adams and Mrs. Darren Mayon.
Adonis will hold its nighttime parade at 7 p.m. Feb. 25 in Morgan City. The procession will start at the corner of Brashear Avenue and Second Street and proceed down Second to Onstead Street, Sixth Street, Marguerite Street, Ninth Street, Brashear Avenue, Victor II Boulevard and ending at the auditorium.
Krewe of Nike
The children’s Krewe of Nike will hold two balls this year. At 7 p.m. on Feb. 4 the krewe will hold its 2021 tableau and ball at the auditorium. Then at 7 p.m. Feb. 5 the krewe’s 2022 tableau and ball will be present at the auditorium and will feature its 50th anniversary celebration.
Both balls are by invitation only.
Making a farewell appearance will be King and Queen Nike XLVIII Ethan Toups and Mary-Alice Dohmann. Toups is the son of Bliss Landry and Chad Toups. Dohmann is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joey Dohmann.
Krewe members will parade behind the Krewe of Galatea parade at 2 p.m. on Feb. 27 in Morgan City.
Krewe of Galatea
The mystick women’s Krewe of Galatea will hold its ball at 7:50 p.m. Feb. 12 at the auditorium. This is an invitation-only event.
Bidding adieu will be Queen and King of Galatea LI Mrs. Kenneth C. Cefalu and Bryan Belle.
Galatea will hold its parade at 2 p.m. Feb. 27 in Morgan City. The procession will organize on Second Street under the U.S. 90 Grizzaffi Bridge and proceed to Onstead Street, Sixth Street, Marguerite Street, Ninth Street, Clothilde Street, Victor II Boulevard and end at the auditorium on Myrtle Street.
Krewe of Amani
The Krewe of Amani will not hold a traditional ball this year and no royalty will be crowned. Krewe members do plan to have a Sneakers Ball from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Feb. 26 at the Patterson Area Civic Center. This is an invitation-only event.
Amani will hold its Lundi Gras parade at 1 p.m. Feb. 28 in Patterson. Participants will line up at Patterson High School and proceed down La. 182 (Main Street) towards Patterson where the procession will end at the Place Norman Shopping Center.
An after-parade Block Party will be held along Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue in Patterson.
Krewe of Hephaestus
The area’s oldest-chartered krewe, the Krewe of Hephaestus will hold its tableau at 8 p.m. Feb. 26 at the auditorium. Floor seating is by invitation only.
Making a farewell appearance will be King and Queen Hephaestus LX Allie “Al” Adams and Madeleine Margaret Hover.
Hephaestus will hold its parade at 2 p.m. on Fat Tuesday in Morgan City. The procession will organize on Sixth and Sycamore streets and proceed down Sixth Street to Marguerite Street, Ninth Street, Clothilde Street, and Victor II Boulevard, ending at the auditorium on Myrtle Street.
Krewe of Dionysus
The Krewe of Dionysus has opted not to hold a tableau and ball this year.
However, the krewe will host its Mardi Gras parade at 2 p.m. Feb. 26 in Berwick. The procession will line up on Gilmore Drive and turn on John Street, Robichaux Street, Mount Street, Gilmore Drive, right on La. 182, Tournament Boulevard, Fairview Drive then to Pattie Drive, where it will disband at Berwick Junior High School.
Members of the Krewe of Hannibal plan to parade at the end of Dionysus.
Dionysus will hold its After Parade Dance at the Berwick Civic Complex. Tickets are $15 and available from any krewe board member.
Krewe of Hannibal
The Krewe of Hannibal has also elected not to hold a tableau and ball.
Members of the krewe plan to parade at the end of Dionysus at 2 p.m. Feb. 26 in Berwick.
Siracusa/Greenwood
The Siracusa/Greenwood Community Mardi Gras Parade will be held at 2 p.m. Fat Tuesday.
Participants will line up on Siracusa Road at 1:30 p.m. then proceed to James Street and Grace Street before ending at the Siracusaville Recreation Center.
Anyone wishing to participate or needing information may call Leroy Trim or Kimberlin McPherson at 985-385-4224, or Mary Jones at 985-519-6971.

Krewe of Hephaestus celebrates Twelfth Night

Wed, 01/19/2022 - 10:08am

The Krewe of Hephaestus celebrated the start of Mardi Gras season with a Twelfth Night Toast on Jan. 6 at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Charles “Jay” LeBlanc. From left are 2020 Hephaestus Captain Gregory Hamer Jr. and his wife, Shannon Hamer; John B. and Tracie Hover, parents of Queen Hephaestus LX; Queen Hephaestus LX Madeleine Hover and King Hephaestus LX Allie “Al” Adams, and his wife Shelly Adams.

Fiancé’s lady friends pose problem for his intended

Wed, 01/19/2022 - 10:05am

By Jeanne Phillips, ©United Features Syndicate

DEAR ABBY: My fiancé, “Peter,” has a number of female friends I’m not comfortable with, primarily because they are women he “had” interest in before we started dating. He says he has told them he’s taken now and they can’t be more than friends, but I don’t think they got the message. He recently told me one of them told him a guy had proposed to her but she’s delaying accepting in case Peter becomes available. This is the second time something like this has happened.
I believe it’s because of the way he relates to these girls. I mean, if he has really made clear in words and actions that he’s not interested in them romantically, they wouldn’t base their life decisions on the hope that they may still have a chance with him.
Peter may tell me these things because he wants me to know lots of women are willing to have him. But I’m confused at this point about whether he’s truly committed to me. Could it be he just likes “talking” to women even though it leads them on? And is this behavior healthy for a future marriage?
SECOND THOUGHTS

DEAR SECOND THOUGHTS: You are asking intelligent questions. Unfortunately, not knowing your fiancé, I can’t answer them. I can, however, offer this: When couples become serious, they stop playing games. If your fiancé thinks that causing you to feel jealous or insecure at this point is constructive, he is making a mistake because it won’t stop after the wedding. Peter appears to be immature, and that’s a red flag. Premarital counseling may help to clear the air.

DEAR ABBY: I have been married for 28 years. I thought we were very happy for the first 25. The change came when our children all left home. We sold our large house, which I was more than willing to do. But the house we have moved into causes me a lot of anxiety because of the traffic noise. My husband is very forceful about his “right” to choose where we live. He has insisted that the next move is also his choice and has already purchased the land. He claims he has provided for others all these years, and now it’s his turn to get what he wants.
Abby, I raised the children, I still have a job and I contribute to every aspect of home life. Although I love him with all my heart, I wonder if I’d be better off throwing in the towel. He refuses to go to counseling, but I have gone, to help with my anxiety. After three years in this new home, I don’t see any sign he will change his ways. I have tried talking to him about choosing something different together and moving, but he won’t do it. Help!
BACK UP AGAINST THE WALL

DEAR BACK: I can’t change your husband’s attitude and, apparently, neither can you. I’m glad you have been seeing a therapist, because it’s time to schedule more appointments. Your therapist will help you to decide whether you can continue living with someone who refuses to recognize your contributions to the marriage and who has such a controlling, authoritarian attitude.
You have decisions to make that should not be taken lightly or decided while you are emotional. You deserve peace of mind and an equal voice about where you choose to live.
***
To receive a collection of Abby’s most memorable — and most frequently requested — poems and essays, send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 to: Dear Abby — Keepers Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447.

Wheel House for Jan. 19

Wed, 01/19/2022 - 9:00am

LOSS OF SPOUSE
Meeting for Jan. 21 is canceled due to COVID.

VACCINATION
Clinic sponsored by City of Patterson Outreach Department is 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 5, at 1101 First St., Patterson. All vaccines, boosters, children vaccines and flu shots to be administered.