Submitted Photo
Gulf States Wrestling came to Morgan City Municipal Auditorium on Nov. 28 for "Season's Beatings." The price of admission was a toy for the Marine Corps Reserve's Toys for Tots campaign. Shown in front above is Mustang Mike Beadle, posing with Mayor Lee Dragna, co-organizer Stephanie Smith, wrestler Stone Man and members of the local Marine Corps League detachment.
Danos has been honored for leading the way in its environmental, social and governance practices as a recipient of Hart Energy’s 2021 ESG Top Performers Award.
“There is a growing focus on ESG in our industry right now, but we’ve been a top performer in this area for a long time. We’re honored to be recognized as an industry leader in ESG,” said CEO Paul Danos.
Danos said its’ commitment to protecting, preserving and restoring the natural environment is evidenced in its partnership with Natrx. Together, the companies are impacting coastal resilience and restoration by installing nature-based infrastructure solutions that reduce carbon emissions. The companies’ first joint project involved the placement of “Cajun Coral,” an innovative 3D-printed infrastructure, to establish a new reef in the Golden Meadow marshland area. The installation will provide more substantial protection from erosion for this vital coastal wetland.
Danos has also expanded its portfolio of projects to include work in the renewable energy sector. Most recently the company has done this through maintaining, repairing and installing solar panels, with projects in Arizona, Utah and Texas.
In the area of social responsibility, Danos is charting a unique path through the Danos Foundation. Funded primarily through employee donations and Danos corporate contributions, the Foundation has given more than $600,000 to help 80 organizations and more than 400 employees in need since its launch in 2017.
“The work of the Foundation is a manifestation of our company’s purpose, ‘Honor God. Solve big challenges for our customers and communities,’” said Danos.
The Foundation leverages three programs to provide support for communities where Danos employees live and work: GIVES, a grant-giving component, WORKS, a volunteer initiative, and CARES, which aids employees who have needs arising from unexpected events.
Portier is energy
general manager
Shawn Portier has taken on the role of general manager of energy systems at Danos.
As general manager of energy systems, Portier will oversee Danos’ automation, instrumentation and electrical, mechanical maintenance, power generation, and valve and well head service lines. He will assume this leadership position while maintaining his current role as instrumentation and electrical (I&E) operations manager
“Shawn has shown himself to be a key asset with our I&E services group, bringing a proven track record of customer satisfaction,” said CEO Danos. “We’re confident he will lead our energy systems teams in continuing to deliver the quality service that our customers have come to expect.”
A 17-year industry veteran, Portier joined Danos in 2008. In 2019, he was named operations manager of Danos’ I&E service line. A 2002 graduate of South Terrebonne High School, Portier began his career through Terrebonne Vo-Tech, a technical training program for high school students.
Portier and his wife Tori live in Bourg with their three daughters, ages 13, 11 and 7.
Paramedic Nate Hardy and EMT Romell Steib, both of whom work in Acadian Ambulance’s Bayou Region, were finalists for the company’s Medic of the Year honor.
The service area encompasses Terrebonne, Lafourche, St. Mary, Assumption, St. James and St. John the Baptist parishes.
Hardy is a native of Indiana and has been with Acadian for more than four years. He maintains his Critical Care Transport certification and earned his flight paramedic certification on his own accord. He is on track to graduate in December with his nursing degree. Hardy is also a field training officer, serving as a mentor to new employees, and is a member of the Bayou Region’s safety, wellness and awareness team. He works with the National EMS Academy as an adjunct instructor. In addition to his excellent clinical skills, Hardy has outstanding bedside manners
Steib is a native of St. James Parish and has been with Acadian for almost six years. After serving in the military, he earned his EMT certification from National EMS Academy. Working in St. James Parish, Steib is a field training officer and serves on Acadian’s surge teams during hurricane season.
He aspires to become a paramedic and flight paramedic.
Acadian Ambulance is one of the largest ambulance services in the nation, offering emergency and non-emergency transportation to areas in Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi and Tennessee. They are employee-owned and accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services.
The time has come.
That much was clear earlier this month when House and Governmental Affairs Chairman John Stefanski made his way onto a stage for yet another panel discussion on redistricting, this one hosted by the Council for a Better Louisiana.
“I feel like I could do one of these panels in my sleep,” he said.
That’s probably not too far from the truth. Stefanski and his colleagues have spent the last couple of months touring the state and hearing from concerned citizens on the mapping process to come.
In fact, since October, the committees that will oversee the redistricting process have hosted meetings in Monroe, Shreveport, Lafayette, Alexandria, Baton Rouge, Covington and Lake Charles.
But as we head into the holiday break, lawmakers are transitioning from listening to legislating.
A petition is being circulated to call a 20-day special session beginning Feb. 1.
As expected, the call will include all of the state’s Supreme Court districts, which have gone untouched for more than two decades, in addition to the Legislature, Congress and more.
Lawmakers on the governmental affairs committees still have to conduct three more Redistricting Roadshow events next month:
--Jan. 5 at the University of New Orleans’ University Center at 5:30 p.m.
--Jan. 11 at the Nicholls State University Cotillion Ballroom at 5:30 p.m.
--Jan. 20: The State Capitol in Baton Rouge at 11 a.m.
The politics, meanwhile, have already started.
Gov. John Bel Edwards, who has so far been relatively quiet about how he will use his veto authority, finally stepped out on the topic in a big way last week.
While he’s not making any specific veto threats, he is being more specific about his preferences.
If lawmakers follow the U.S. Census data, that means two of Louisiana’s congressional districts should be drawn to ensure a majority vote for black residents, according to Edwards.
“I’m hopeful that we’re going to be able to get there,” the governor said during what was probably his final press conference of the year.
The NAACP and other groups believe the 5th Congressional District, currently occupied by Congresswoman Julia Letlow, would be the perfect target for a new minority seat.
Conservatives in the Legislature, however, seem to be more interested in preserving the state’s two north Louisiana districts and executing minor changes to the others.
To be certain, diehard Republicans have little to no interest in giving up a GOP seat in Congress.
If the Legislature is unwilling to send Edwards a map with a second minority district, then it’ll be up to the governor to decide how far he wants to push this issue.
When Edwards will actually receive the congressional maps is another important question.
With just 20 days to do their work, lawmakers may try to use the clock to their advantage.
Edwards hasn’t publicly expressed any preferences on legislative districts, and Stefanski said he has yet to meet with the governor. Since so many of the House and Senate fights pit Republicans against Republicans, it’s unlikely that Edwards will want to wade into the fray. But until the governor speaks or acts, we won’t know for sure.
The governor has a bit more freedom in how he can approach — via veto — judicial maps, and that may be another area where his influence will come into play.
Lawyers of all stripes will undoubtedly have something to say, and Edwards has always offered a sympathetic ear.
After being delayed for a year by the COVID-19 pandemic, the redistricting session is now only weeks away.
Our elected officials are ready.
They have maps, consultants and computer programs.
Moving forward, let’s hope they also have the political willpower make the right decisions — because it’ll be another decade before anyone is allowed to retool our election lines again.
For more Louisiana political news, visit www.LaPolitics.com or follow Alford on Twitter @LaPoliticsNow.
Traditionally Patterson Garden Club donates to Toys for Tots during its December meeting/social and this year was no exception. Members brought many toys which will be delivered to the Marine Corps League collection location in Morgan City.
During the meeting Sandra Marshall presented information on Christmas cacti which bloom at this time. Ginger Griffin led a question and answer session on Christmas songs and traditions. Members learned a lot from both presentations.
Members also swapped gifts in a white elephant game. The half and half winner was Sharon Larson. Iris Roy won the door prize.
Marshall and Griffin served as hostess.
The next meeting will be on Jan. 18, 2022.
“Winter Wonderland,” with its vivid cold weather imagery, seems like it was tailor-made to sing around Christmastime. But much like “Jingle Bells,” the song wasn’t actually written for the holiday season.
The lyrics were penned in the 1930s by Richard Bernhard Smith, who was suffering from tuberculosis at the time and holed up indoors.
Smith stared out his window observing kids playing innocently in the snow and wrote a poem evoking feelings of the carefree days he once knew.
Smith’s friend and musician Felix Bernard took the lyrics and composed a melody to go with them. Even though the song never specifically mentions Christmas, it quickly became a holiday standard.
“Winter Wonderland”
Sleigh bells ring, are you listening,
In the lane, snow is glistening,
A beautiful sight, we’re happy tonight,
Walking in a winter wonderland.
Gone away is the bluebird,
Here to stay is a new bird,
He sings a love song, as we go along,
Walking in a winter wonderland.
(Chorus)
In the meadow we can build a snowman,
Then pretend that he is Parson Brown,
He’ll say: Are you married? We’ll say: No man,
But you can do the job while you’re in town.
Later on, we’ll conspire,
As we dream by the fire,
To face unafraid, the plans that we’ve made,
Walking in a winter wonderland.
(Chorus)
When it snows, ain’t it thrilling,
Though your nose gets a chilling
We’ll frolic and play, the Eskimo way,
Walking in a winter wonderland.
Walking in a winter wonderland,
Walking in a winter wonderland.
Lyrics by Richard Bernhard Smith; melody by Felix Bernard
Lyrics courtesy of Christmassongs.net
DEAR ABBY: I am married to a wonderful man who has a teenage son, “Teddy,” from a previous relationship. I have no children of my own. I love them both and have no resentments about or issues with having stepped into the role of stepparent.
My issue is one of my relatives. This person will not stop questioning Teddy’s legitimacy. There was infidelity in the prior relationship, and a DNA test was never done. While it’s true the boy looks mostly like his mother, everyone else can see his resemblance to my husband — except this relative. They constantly harp on how they “just don’t see it,” how Teddy actually looks like a mutual friend, and that I should demand a DNA test or do one on the sly.
I have tried repeatedly to gently and firmly shut this down by stating that I do see the resemblance and that a DNA test at this point would be pointless because Teddy has been his son for over a decade and it will never change, but they still will not stop. I feel like they somehow think they are “helping” by attempting to relieve us of parental duties, but I SIGNED UP to be a stepmother.
I don’t know what this person is thinking or how to get through to them that this is extremely hurtful and damaging and needs to stop. They are starting to be less subtle about it and will say these things when my husband and stepson are in the next room. Help!
SAD STEPMOM IN ILLINOIS
DEAR STEPMOM: Gladly! Warn this toxic relative that if they mention this subject again, they will no longer be welcome in your home. And if the person persists in trying to cause doubt and pain, I URGE you to follow through!
DEAR ABBY: My question concerns my partner’s use of Facebook. He spends much of his time on it. He has it on his desk while he’s working, looks at it first thing in the morning and throughout the day when he’s home on weekends, and for up to 20 minutes before going to bed. I have told him it makes me feel left out and have asked if he can leave it off for a day, but he refuses. He accuses me of “monitoring” him and says it’s not my business and he only does it while not busy with something else. However, he will participate in holiday family dinners or when we are watching a movie two or three times a week.
What do others think or do about their partners spending inordinate amounts of time on FB? He’s very dismissive of me and my feelings in many other ways, but this is so devaluing. Should I pack my bags?
OVER SOCIAL MEDIA
DEAR OVER: Whether your partner is addicted to Facebook (it has happened to others), insensitive or self-centered, I can’t opine. But since you mentioned that he’s dismissive of your feelings in “many other ways” as well and unwilling to change, explain that you need more attention than he’s giving you, and if he cannot compromise, you will be leaving. After that, if nothing changes, act on your ultimatum.
***
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.
From the St. Mary Office of Homeland Security Facebook page:
Effective immediately, LA 182 (US 90 Business) at the Bayou Ramous Bridge, between Morgan City and Amelia, is closed until further notice due to a collision by a marine vessel.
The detour will consist of US 90, however, the Bayou Ramous Bridge on US 90 is posted 15-25.
[The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development] appreciates your patience and reminds you to please drive with caution and be on the lookout for work crews and their equipment.
At 3:07 p.m. Thursday, the St. Mary Parish Sheriff's Office confirmed that the Bayou Ramos bridge is closed. The office said an incident Wednesday night resulted in damage to the bridge and that it will be closed until further notice.
Frances Marino Jackson, 81, of Mount Sterling, OH, passed away on December 15th, 2021, surrounded by loving family members. She was born September 30, 1940 in Morgan City, LA.
She is survived by sons, Thomas Riggins of Morgan City, Erin Riggins and wife Michele of Kenner, Patrick Riggins and wife Kim of Morgan City, Lyle Jackson of Mount Sterling, OH, and Lawrence Jackson and wife Kelly of Acworth, GA; daughter, Michelle Slavik and husband Frank of Mount Sterling, OH; 12 grandchildren, Courtney, Jamie, Joey, Nikki, Cory, Lauren, William, Nicholas, Olivia, Luke, Daniel and Matthew; five great-grandchildren, Kade, Callie, Marcus, Payton and Riley; brothers, Benny Marino and wife Gloria of Morgan City and Joe Marino Sr. and wife Cindy of Berwick.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Rose (Glorioso) and Ben Marino; and husband, William (Bill) Jackson.
Visitation will be Friday, December 31, 2021, from 8 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, with a Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at 11 a.m. at Morgan City Cemetery.
(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.)
Nine people were arrested Wednesday and early Thursday by Morgan City and Berwick police and St. Mary deputies on charges that include domestic abuse, drunken driving and marijuana possession.
Morgan City
Police Chief James F. Blair reported that over the last 48-hour period, the Morgan City Police Department responded to 64 calls for service and made these arrests:
—Jon Patrick Scott, 61, Stephensville Road, Stephensville, was arrested at 10:35 a.m. Tuesday on a warrant alleging domestic abuse battery.
—Dayton Deshaun Clark, 24, Apple Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 10:45 a.m. Wednesday on charges of possession of marijuana (under 14 grams) and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Berwick
Police Chief David Leonard reported this arrest:
—Brian Stansbury, 39, Cypress Court, Gray, was arrested at 11:52 p.m. Wednesday on charges of driving while intoxicated (first offense), possession of marijuana (under 14 grams), driving under suspension and two headlights required.
At 11:17 p.m. Wednesday, an officer in the area of U.S. 90 observed a vehicle with only one functioning headlight. A traffic stop was conducted on the vehicle, and officers made contact with Stansbury.
While officers spoke with Stansbury, an odor of an alcoholic beverage was detected as well as marijuana. Stansbury admitted to drinking and was asked to perform a series of standardized field sobriety tests, which he agreed to do. He performed poorly..
Stansbury was placed under arrest and transported to the Berwick Police Department. Upon arrival, Stansbury was found to be in possession of a small amount of marijuana. Stansbury pro-vided a valid breath sample of 0.098G% BAC.
Stansbury was booked and later posted a $5,750 bond.
St. Mary
Sheriff Blaise Smith ad-vised that over the last 24-hour reporting period, the Sheriff’s Office responded to 44 complaints and reported these arrests:
—Bryce Jonal Tabor, 26, Houma, was arrested at 7:02 a.m. Wednesday on charges of reckless operation (no accident) and open container. Tabor was released on a summons to appear March 17.
—Dylan Thomas Allen, 24, Franklin, was arrested at 4:16 p.m. Wednesday on a charge of domestic abuse battery. Allen was released on a $2,500 bond.
—Julio Agredaro, 31, Morgan City, was arrested at 5:19 p.m. Wednesday on charges of speeding, driver must be licensed, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Agredaro was released on a summons to appear March 17.
—Jerwone C. Kiel, 32, Franklin, was arrested at 6:51 p.m. Wednesday on charges of turning movements/required signals, license plate lights required and driving under suspension. Kiel was released on a summons to appear March 17.
—Gerald Joseph Druilhet Sr., 45, Baldwin, was arrested at at 10:06 p.m. Wednesday on a charge of open container and on a warrant for failure to appear on the charges of criminal neglect of family. Bail was set at $14,260 for the SMPSO charges.
-—Baisden Q. Michael, 20, Jeanerette, was arrested at 2:10 a.m. Thursday on charges of driving on right side of the road/exceptions and illegal carrying of a weapon. Michael was released on a summons to appear March 17.
Franklin Banner-Tribune
P.O. Box 566, Franklin, LA 70538
Phone: 337-828-3706
Fax: 337-828-2874
Morgan City Review
1014 Front Street, Morgan City, LA 70380
Phone: 985-384-8370
Fax: 985-384-4255