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One lane open on La. 182 Bayou Ramos bridge

Mon, 01/10/2022 - 2:54pm

The state Department of Transportation and Development has set up portable stop lights at either end of the Bayou Ramos bridge on La. 182, allowing one lane of traffic at a time to cross the bridge.

The bridge had been closed since Dec. 23, when a barge broke free of its tow and struck the bridge about 3:20 a.m., causing significant damage. The barge strike is being investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board and the U.S. Coast Guard.

There is still no official word on when bridge repairs will be complete or when the both lanes will be open.

The photo is courtesy of Parish Councilman Mark Duhon.

State income tax filing begins Jan. 24

Mon, 01/10/2022 - 1:49pm

The Louisiana Department of Revenue sent this press release Monday:

The Louisiana Department of Revenue will begin accepting 2021 state individual income tax returns on Jan. 24, 2022. The date coincides with the date the IRS begins accepting 2021 federal income tax returns.

On Jan. 24, taxpayers can begin filing their state income tax returns electronically through Louisiana File Online, the state’s free web portal for individual tax filers. Louisiana File Online allows taxpayers to:
--File returns and pay taxes electronically
--Check the status of individual income tax refunds
--Amend current and prior-year tax returns
--Request a filing extension

Taxpayers may also submit their returns using commercially available tax preparation software, or with printed state returns available on the LDR website at www.revenue.louisiana.gov/Forms.

For returns submitted electronically, taxpayers due refunds can expect them within 45 days of the filing date. For paper returns, the refund processing time is 14 weeks.

Taxpayers can minimize delays in receiving their refunds by updating their contact information with LDR. If you have moved or changed your name since your last tax filing, update your contact information at www.revenue.louisiana.gov/AddressChange.

The deadline for filing 2021 Louisiana Individual income tax returns is Monday, May 16, 2022.

Louisiana income tax changes that went into effect on Jan. 1 have no impact on 2021 state income tax returns due May 16, 2022. However, tax time is a good opportunity to review withholding and deductions to avoid a surprise tax bill when filing 2022 returns next year.

Act 395 of the 2021 Regular Session of the Louisiana Legislature made the changes to Louisiana’s individual income tax rates shown in the chart above.

Due to the new state income tax rates and changes in the state’s withholding tables, many Louisiana individual taxpayers can expect less tax withheld from their wages per pay period.

Taxpayers are encouraged to review, and revise if needed, the Employee Withholding Exemption Certificate (Form L-4). Taxpayers with income from sources other than wages should consider decreasing the number of exemptions or dependents claimed, or increasing the amount of tax withheld each pay period.

Read Revenue Information Bulletin 21-032 for more information about income tax changes from Act 395, including important changes for two major income tax deductions – the federal income tax liability deduction and the excess federal itemized personal deduction – beginning with the 2022 tax year

City, parish authorities make arrests on drug and domestic abuse charges

Mon, 01/10/2022 - 11:41am
Staff Report

(Editor’s note: The charges listed here and the narratives that go with them are provided by the police agencies that made the arrests. Guilt or innocence has not been determined in court.)

Morgan City and St. Mary authorities made five arrests on drug-related charges over the weekend, including one alleging possession of psilocybin. Police in Morgan City and Franklin also reported domestic abuse arrests

Morgan City
Police Chief James F. Blair reported that over the last 72-hour reporting period, the Morgan City Police Department responded to 96 calls for service and made these arrests beginning Friday.
—Jimmy Bonvillian, 55, Second Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 3:43 a.m. Saturday on charges of aggravated assault on a dating partner, battery on a dating partner, violation of a protective order, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.
—Jonathon F. Hinds, 38, Second Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 12:02 p.m. Friday on 6th Ward Morgan City Court warrants alleging failure to appear to pay fine, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and violation of uniform controlled dangerous substance laws (drug-free zone).
—Darvin Perdo-Mochavez, 19, Richland Avenue, Metairie, was arrested at 3:54 a.m. Sunday on charges of improper lane usage, driver must be licensed, illegal use of a controlled dangerous substance in the presence of a juvenile, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.
—Channing C. Miller Jr., 19, Mallard Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 4 p.m. Friday on charges of simple burglary, theft of a firearm and theft ($5,000-$25,000).
—Ward H. Carlson, 61, Onstead Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 3:43 p.m. Friday on 6th Ward Morgan City Court warrants alleging failure to pay fines (four counts) and failure to pay probation fee.
—Oswaldo Lazaro-Gonzalez, 29, Point Street, Houma, was arrested at 12:58 a.m. Saturday as a fugitive from Lafourche Parish.

St. Mary
Sheriff Blaise Smith advised that over the last 72-hour reporting period, the Sheriff’s Office responded to 87 complaints and made these arrests:
—Curtis Williams, 39, Franklin, was arrested at 12:12 a.m. Saturday by the Narcotics Section on charges of red light violation, improper lane violation, driving under suspension, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Williams was released on a summons to appear April 21.
—Jude Fonseca, 19, Patterson, was arrested at 9:06 a.m. Friday by the Narcotics Section on a warrant on the charges of possession of psilocybin and possession of drug paraphernalia. Fonseca was released on a $3,500 bond.
—Yolanda Faye Baker, 47, Franklin, was arrested at 2:43 p.m. Sunday on charges of license plate lights required, driving must be licensed, no insurance and possession of drug paraphernalia, and on warrants alleging failure to appear on the charges of criminal neglect of family and possession of Schedule IV drugs.
—Desmond Young, 22, Morgan City, was arrested 12:33 p.m. Friday on a warrant alleging failure to appear on the charge of theft. Bail has not been set on the SMPSO warrant.
—Tommy Dion Carson Sr., 50, Franklin, was arrested at 9:30 a.m. Saturday on a warrant alleging failure to appear on the charge of criminal neglect of family. Bail has been set at $592.
Bail has not been set.
—Raymond Deszone Depass, 20, Baldwin, was arrested at 12:39 a.m. Monday on two warrants alleging failure to appear on the charges of speeding, operating a vehicle without a driver’s license and failing to honor a written promise to appear. Bail has been set at $750.

Franklin
Police Chief Morris Beverly reported that the Franklin Police Department responded to 21 complaints over the past weekend and made these arrests:
—Justin Richardson, 33, St. Charles Street, Franklin, was arrested at 12:25 p.m. Sunday on a charge of domestic abuse battery with strangulation. Richardson was booked, processed and held on a $20,000 bond.

St. Mary administration names Students of the Year

Mon, 01/10/2022 - 11:23am

A press release received Monday from the St. Mary Parish school system:

St. Mary Parish Public School students participated in the Students of the Year competition. The Students of the Year Award Program is designed to recognize outstanding elementary, middle/junior, and high school students. This program is an excellent opportunity to recognize students from each parish who have demonstrated excellent leadership ability, citizenship, and academic achievement. The Students of the Year Award Program is sponsored by the Louisiana State Superintendent through the State Department of Education and the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education.

The Students of the Year representing St Mary Parish in the regional competition are:

FIFTH GRADE: Lynkon Kitchen, Bayou Vista Elementary School
EIGHTH GRADE: Jude Tarver, Berwick Junior High School
TWELFTH GRADE: Alyssa Perkins, Patterson Senior High School

Other participants were:
FIFTH GRADE:
Brock Diaz, Aucoin Elementary School
Rylee Fryou, Berwick Elementary School
Brooklyn Comeaux, Centerville Elementary School
Evelyn Hernandez, Foster Elementary School
J’laysiah Polidore, Lagrange Elementary School
Raegan Miller, Maitland Elementary School
Chasity Williams, Norman Elementary School
Lainey Taylor, Patterson Junior High School
Cielor Smith, Raintree Elementary School
Hudson Gorman, Wyandotte Elementary School

EIGHTH GRADE:
Amyrie’ Barabin, B. E. Boudreaux Middle School
Ka’leigh Moore, Centerville High School
Caliss Williams, Franklin Junior High School
Lily Viator, Morgan City Jr. High School
Gracie Durapau, Patterson Jr. High School

TWELFTH GRADE:
Gabriela Utra, Berwick High School
Tristan Freeman, Centerville High School
Sheccid Alamo-Hernandez, Franklin Senior High School
Janaa Coulon, Morgan City High School
A’niya Gibson, West St. Mary High School

"We congratulate all participants who were chosen as Students of the Year at his/her school and wish the best of luck to our District Students of the Year at Regional competitions," the press release from the school district said.

District Students of the Year will participate in the regional competition to be hosted in St. Mary Parish (5th grade), Jefferson Parish (8th grade), and St. Bernard Parish (12th grade) between Jan. 24 and Feb. 25.

Morgan City police radio logs for Jan. 7-9

Mon, 01/10/2022 - 10:38am

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.
Friday, Jan. 7
8:24 a.m. 500 block of Second Street; Found property.
9:08 a.m. 6400 block of La. 182; Alarm.
9:11 a.m. 1000 block of Marguerite Street; Accident.
9:45 a.m. 300 block of Fifth Street; Complaint.
10:07 a.m. U.S. 90 Westbound Up ramp; Complaint.
10:35 a.m. 1200 block of David Drive; Fire alarm.
11:07 a.m. Chennault Street; Animal com-plaint.
11:37 a.m. 300 block of Canton Street; Warrant/arrest.
12:28 p.m. 6300 block of La. 182; Suspicious vehicle.
1:12 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Warrant/arrest.
1:27 p.m. Brashear Avenue and Seventh Street; Accident.
2:42 p.m. Fifth and Maine streets area; Loud music.
3:24 p.m. Under the U.S. 90 bridge area; Suspicious subjects.
4:22 p.m. 200 block of Mallard Street; Medical.
6:37 p.m. 500 block of Brashear Avenue; Medical.
7:25 p.m. 700 block of Marshall Street; Medical.
7:38 p.m. Hickory and Elm streets; Fire.
7:40 p.m. 500 block of First Street; Narcotics investigation.
8:11 p.m. 1200 block of Clothilde Street; Alarm.
10:17 p.m. Federal Avenue; Complaint.
11:33 p.m. Railroad Avenue; Loud music.
11:40 p.m. 2700 block of La. 182; Warrant/arrest.
11:54 p.m. Brashear Avenue; Foot pursuit.
Saturday, Jan. 8
12:48 a.m. Fisher-man’s Wharf; Warrant/arrest.
1:53 a.m. 200 block of Mallard Street; Com-plaint.
3:03 a.m. 300 block of Second Street; Domestic.
7:40 a.m. Ellzey Street area; Animal complaint.
10:13 a.m. 200 block of Belanger Street; Assistance.
10:28 a.m. Marquis Manor; Animal com-plaint.
11:37 a.m. 6400 block of La. 182; Complaint.
12:41 p.m. 1000 block of Eighth Street; Suspicious subject.
2:27 p.m. 600 block of General Patton Street; Complaint.
2:39 p.m. 6400 block of La. 182; Accident.
2:44 p.m. Siracusa High Rise U.S. 90 West-bound; Assistance.
3:09 p.m. 6300 block of La. 182; Theft.
4:24 p.m. 600 block of General MacArthur Street; Suspicious subject.
4:28 p.m. 200 block of Chennault Street; Fire-works.
6:02 p.m. 7100 block of Park Road; Burglary.
6:22 p.m. 7200 block of La. 182; Child custody.
8:15 p.m. 1100 block of Chester Bowles Street; Suspicious subject.
9:01 p.m. 800 block of Brashear Avenue; Theft.
9:14 p.m. 2300 block of La. 70; Complaint.
10:27 p.m. 500 block of Seventh Street; Noise complaint.
11:26 p.m. 6400 block of La. 182; Vandalism complaint.
Sunday, Jan. 9
1:35 a.m. 500 block of Roderick Street; Frequent patrol.
2:05 a.m. 7200 block of La. 182; Complaint.
2:42 a.m. 1000 block of Seventh Street; Alarm.
3:05 a.m. 500 block of General MacArthur Street; Complaint.
3:33 a.m. 1100 block of Victor II Boulevard; Alarm.

Bollinger gets more work connected to new missile submarines

Mon, 01/10/2022 - 10:33am

Bollinger Shipyards LLC announced that it will construct a new pontoon launcher for General Dynamics Electric Boat to support the construction and launching of the United States’ Columbia Class ballistic missile submarines, which will replace the aging Ohio Class ballistic missile submarines and is a top strategic defense priority for the United States.

“Bollinger Shipyards is excited to expand our ongoing relationship with Electric Boat and to continue to support the capitalization and infrastructure improvements that Electric Boat has undertaken in reshaping and modernizing its Groton shipyard,” said Bollinger Shipyards President and CEO. Ben Bordelon.

“We’re honored to have been selected to build this Pontoon Launcher with the quality craftsmanship of the hardworking men and women of Bollinger Shipyard and we continue to be laser-focused and committed to being a leader in pushing our industry forward and ensuring that the U.S. Industrial Base is fully self-sufficient.”

“Electric Boat continues to expand and upgrade its infrastructure to support construction of the Columbia class, the nation’s top strategic defense priority,” said Joe Drake, vice president, real estate and facilities, General Dynamics Electric Boat. “Our partnership with Bollinger is an important part of that strategy.”

The concept and contract design for the 496-by-95 foot pontoon launcher was performed by the Bristol Harbor Group in Rhode Island. The detail design engineering will be performed at the Bollinger facility in Lockport. The launcher is scheduled to be delivered to Electric Boat’s Groton Connecticut shipyard in 2024.

Electric Boat is the prime contractor on the design and build of the of the Columbia Class submarine.

This is Bollinger Shipyards’ third contract awarded with Electric Boat. In late 2019, Bollinger Shipyards was selected to construct the 400-by-100-foot ocean transport barge for Electric Boat, which was delivered in 2021. In late 2020, Bollinger was selected to construct a 618-by-140-foot state-of-the-art floating dry dock. Both those projects supported the construction and maintenance of the Columbia Class ballistic missile submarines

Suspects in Morgan City burglary arrested in Tennessee

Mon, 01/10/2022 - 10:18am
Staff Report

Two of the four suspects in a Jan. 5 burglary in Morgan City have been arrested in Tennessee, the Police Department reported Sunday.

John Robert Hymel, 18, and Alyssa Jolie Landry, 21, are awaiting extradition to Louisiana from McNairy County, Tennessee, where the sheriff’s office located the suspects.

They were named in Morgan City warrant alleging simple burglary, theft of a firearm and theft ($5,000-$25,000).

Two other suspects, Frederick Calloway and Channing Miller Jr., had already been arrested.

The burglary occurred in the Cypress Gardens area.

Police Chief James F. Blair thanked the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Nicholls State Police Department and the McNairy County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance in the investigation.

Texas man hit by vehicle on frontage road in St. Mary

Sun, 01/09/2022 - 11:39am

A Houston man died Saturday night when he walked on the U.S. 90 north Frontage Road and was hit by an SUV, Louisiana State Police said.

The fatality is identified as Everado Perez, 19.

Perez was walking in the middle of the westbound lane of the frontage road near La. 317 shortly before 6:30 p.m., when he was hit by a westbound 2017 GMC Acadia, troopers said.

St. Mary Parish Coroner’s Office pronounced him dead at the scene.

107 new COVID cases in St. Mary on Friday; state cases set another record

Fri, 01/07/2022 - 5:20pm

New COVID infections set another record Friday in Louisiana, while another 107 cases were reported in St. Mary Parish.

The new cases reported here raise the parish's pandemic case count to 9,949. No St. Mary deaths were reported Friday, so the pandemic death toll remains at 233.

Statewide, 14,802 new cases were reported Friday, breaking the one-day record for at least the fourth time in two weeks. Sixteen deaths were also reported Friday.

Also in the Louisiana Office of Public Health's Friday report, 1,521 COVID-positive people were in Louisiana hospitals, up by 109 from Thursday.

Public health officials are urging people to get a COVID vaccination and to get booster shots when eligible.

Dec. 23-29, 66% of new COVID cases and 74% of deaths were among those who had not completed their vaccination series. Among people currently hospitalized, 78% are unvaccinated, the OPH said.

La. Supreme Court rejects challenge to Ochsner vaccine requirement

Fri, 01/07/2022 - 4:19pm
Staff Report

The Louisiana Supreme Court ruled Friday that Ochsner Health can require its employees to receive COVID vaccinations or be fired.

In two lawsuits, filed by 47 employees of Ochsner Lafayette General and 39 employees at two Ochsner facilities in Shreveport, the plaintiffs had argued that Ochsner's vaccination requirement violates the right to privacy enshrined in the Louisiana Constitution and the right to refuse medical care found in state statutes.

Ochsner Health operates Ochsner St. Mary in Morgan City.

Ochsner announced in August that its employees would be required to be vaccinated by Oct. 29 or face disciplinary action, including termination. The requirement made room for valid religious and health-related exemptions.

District court judges dismissed both lawsuits. But in the Caddo Parish lawsuit, the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeal in Shreveport ordered the district court to issue a temporary restraining order prohibiting disciplinary action under Ochsner's requirement. The ruling also ordered the trial court to conduct a hearing on whether a preliminary injunction should be granted.

The 2nd Circuit ruling said the employees had stated a cause of action and "the exception of no cause of action is not the appropriate procedure to dispose of this important constitutional issue."

Ochsner then asked the state Supreme Court to intervene.

Friday's Supreme Court opinion, written by Chief Justice John L. Weimer, noted that Louisiana is by law an "at-will" state in which employers are free to hire or fire at will, and employees are free to seek employment elsewhere. Weimer wrote that the plaintiffs' allegations don't fall within established legal exceptions, such as discrimination based on race or sex.

The claim that the Ochsner requirement violates the right to refuse medical treatment also fails, Weimer wrote. The chief justice said the informed consent statute on which the plaintiffs based their right to refuse a medical procedure applies to the relationship between a health care provider and a patient, or the patient's representative.

The plaintiffs are challenging Ochsner as an employer, not a health care provider, Weimer said.

The privacy claim is based on Article 1 Section 5 of the Louisiana Constitution: "Every person shall be secure in his person, property, communications, houses, papers, and effects against unreasonable searches, seizures, or invasions of privacy."

The courts have consistently ruled that the limits in the privacy provision apply only to state actors, not private entities, Weimer wrote. And in a 1990 case in which the court ruled that the privacy rule can be applied to private actors, "that dicta is rejected by this court," he wrote.

"This court declines the invitation to extend the scope of La. Const. art. I, § 5 to restrict private actors," Weimer wrote.

In the Lafayette lawsuit ruling, Weimer said the district court's dismissal is upheld for the reasons set out in the Shreveport ruling.

The lawsuits are captioned Hayes et al v. University Health Shreveport LLC and Nelson et al v. Ochsner Lafayette General.

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