ST MARY COUNCIL BLASTS SCHOOL BOARD

The St. Mary Parish Council agreed to give The Arc of St. Mary,
the Center of Hope, an additional $5,000 to feed their 21
students, due to an 18 percent budget cut by Medicaid, which is
funded by the federal government.

However, the award came after Bonita Peliter, the center's director,
told the council that St. Mary School Superitendent Donald
Aguillard refused to allow the students, all who have mental
disabilities, to eat lunch through the school system, with
the faculty and staff price of $2.50.

Currently, the standard lunch price in the school system is
$3.75 for adults, and 2.50 for faculty.

Peltier said that Aguillard told her that the Circle of Hope Students
could not eat at any school and pay $2.50 for their lunch,
"because it is not budgeted."

Furthermore, Peltier said most of the students are elderly.

She said most, which include men, bring a small lunchable to
eat, and "that's what they have all day from 7:30 am to
3:30 p.m."

CUTS COULD CUT ST MARY COUNCIL ON AGING

By: Howard J Castay, Jr.

Beverly Domengeaux who directs the St. Mary Parish Council on Aging, said any further state cuts could force her budget into the red by $125,000, and it could further shrink her services.

Speaking before the parish council, Domengeaux said one of the parish's senior citizens told her, "If you guys would close, we would just die."

Domengeaux spoke before parish leaders to request an additional $20,000 on top of the $30,000 the council funds her yearly. The council later granted her wish.

"What they did, will allow me to cut a waiting list of 435 more seniors in half, in order to serve them a hot meal daily with the Meals on Wheels program," she said. "But the word we got is that we're going to get more cuts from the state. The governor wants to make more cuts. And if we get cut anymore, we're going to have to make up that money with fundraisers."

"Things are going up. People aren't able to give us the contributions that they usual do," she said. "A lot of people are moving into the community, but they're moving in with family because they can't keep up their homes anymore. That's putting added pressure on everyone."

Last year, Domengeaux said she provided 113,233 meals to 919 people last year, the cost of which is shy $300,000.

"We ask our folks to donate $5 for a homemaker and $2 for a meal, and we're getting about half of that because people just don't' have the money, yet every day we're seeing more people that need the home delivered meals," Domengeaux said.

"The governor tells me that the senior programs are for the community and the family to take care of. 'Get the community involved and get the families more involved,' he says. Well I'm there to supplement the families, not to take the place of them," she said.

During her pitch to the St. Mary Parish Council, Council Chairman Albert Foulcard asked, "I always thought the government was family oriented?"

"I did too Mr. Foulcard," she answered. "And the Older Americans Act says specifically that we must have services for seniors. Well, what we get paid is roughly $1.25 for each senior in this parish, and we have a little over 6,000."

Councilman Craig Matthews asked, so what you're saying is that your deficit is likely to grow? He later poised a question to the council, "Well we help out the prisoners more than the elderly. What do we have to say about that?"

Councilman Gary Duhon averted that question, with this statement, "We might not be obligated to feed our seniors, but hey, I'm getting old myself. We need to comb our budget to find more ways we can help."

"Well how much did we allocate to the golf course," Matthews asked. "Helping this program out should not even be a debate."

Domengeaux said one of the parish's mayors, whom she did not name, asked her if her clients really needed most of her services. She said he is following his wish, and personally reviewing each individual situation.

She also said that the United Way cut their budget and told her they're not sure they are going to be able to met contractual obligations they have with St. Mary Parish.

However, she said that St. Mary Community Action Director Almetra Franklin has offered grant writers to find funds, in order to feed the seniors in the home.

"There is a new buzz word in other parts of the world called ageism, that is, when a person reaches a certain age, no one should have to take care of them anymore. I say remember, if it wasn't for us seniors, none of you would be here right now," she said.

In approving the additional money for Domengeaux, Councilman Matthews learned it could wipe out most of the balance that is located in the gaming fund from the Amelia Belle Casino.

Paul Governale, the parish's staff accountant, told the council that there "will be not too much, if anything left for seniors."

"I'm not worried about the rainy days. Let's worry about them later. Let's feed our seniors," Matthews said.

 

St. Mary Sheriff’s Office 8/10

 

St. Mary Parish Sheriff's Office Press Release

 

 

Sheriff David A. Naquin advises that on last yesterday afternoon, they recovered the body of 60 yaer old Glenn Lemoine of Patterson, who was missing since early Saturday morning.

 

Sheriff Naquin advises that the body has been turned over to St. Mary Parish Corners Office pending investigation and Identification.  No further information Available at this time.

 

Also, according to Sheriff David Naquin during the last 24 hours the Sheriff's Office responded to 36 complaints and reports the following arrests:

 

Conley Jones 61, 1366 Joseph St., Amelia, was arrested on yesterday at on a warrant for Aggravated Battery.  Jones was located at his residence, placed under arrest on warrant and booked into the parish jail with no bond at this time.

 

Brandon Gaudet , 20, of 136 Parro Lane, Berwick was arrested last night on warrants for Failure to Appear on the charge of Possession of Marijuana and Failure to Appear for Contempt Hearing.  Gaudet was located at his residence, placed under arrest and booked into the parish jail with no bond at this time.

    
 

 

 

 
 

 

 

 

St. Mary Sheriff’s 8/9/10

According to Sheriff David Naquin, during the last 72 hours the Sheriff's Office responded to 102 complaints and reports the following arrests:

 

Nakeytra L. Richard, 22, of 1404 Cherry St., Patterson, was arrested Friday afternoon on warrants for Issuing Worthless Checks.  Richard Suspect was placed under arrest and issued a summons to appear in court this fall.

 

Eldridge L. Jones, 49, of 1028 Ciro St., Morgan City was arrested Friday afternoon, on a warrant for Issuing Worthless Checks.  Jones was placed under arrest and issued a summons to appear in court this fall.

 

Shaneka Webb, 25, of 508 Tab St. Lot # 11, Patterson was arrested Friday night, for Aggravated Assault, Disturbing the Peace by Fighting and a warrant for Failure to Appear on the charge of Monetary Instrument Abuse. 

 

Karen Meyerholtz, 38, and Travis Meyerholtz, 33, both of 2128 Hebert St. in Franklin were arrested Friday night for Domestic Abuse Battery with Karen Meyerholtz also being charged with Aggravated Battery.  A Deputy was called to above location in reference to a disturbance.  Upon his arrival to the area, he was met in driveway by Karen who advised that she and her husband were arguing when she was attempting to leave, when he committed a battery upon her.  Karen also advised she was trying to leave and Travis was leaning on the van and he fell to the ground.  The Deputy went inside the home and found Travis who said he and his wife got into an argument and Karen was leaving with their son, so when he tried to stop them, she hit him. Travis also said that when she was backing out in the vehicle, she struck him.  After the investigation both suspects were placed under arrest and booked into the parish jail with Karen having a $12,500.00 bond and Travis having a $2500.00 bond. Both were later released.

 

Virginia L. Jaques 52 yoa of 1605 Maple St., Franklin was arrested on Sunday afternoon at 1:48 pm for Livestock at Large. 

A Deputy was called to DeSonnier Road and Hwy 90 in reference to cows running loose.  Upon a Deputy's arrival, the animals were located running free.  Jacques was placed under arrest and issued a summons to appear in court this fall.

 

 

 
 

 

 

 

FRANKLIN POLICE DEPARTMENT 8/6/10

THE FRANKLIN POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORTS THE FOLLOWING ARRESTS OVER THE PAST 72 HOURS:

Daniel Williams, 30, of Prairie Road – Franklin, was arrested on warrants for Franklin Police Department for 2 counts of Theft. Mr. Williams is being held with no bond at the present time.

Bianca Prince, 19, of Willow St – Franklin, was arrested and charged with Theft. Ms. Prince was processed and released on a $1,000.00 bond to appear in 3rd Ward City Court.

ST MARY CRIME REPORT 8/6/10

The St. Mary Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Task Force, consisting of the St. Mary Sheriff Dept., Morgan City Police Dept., Patterson Police Department Franklin Police Dept., Baldwin Police Dept., Berwick Police Dept., and Chitimacha Police Dept., report the following arrests:

 

Keron Daniels, 26, of 410 Canal Drive Franklin, was arrested yesterday, in the area of Zenor Road @ U.S. Highway 90 during a traffic stop.

 

Daniels had a suspended driver's license. During the stop cocaine and ecstasy were located. Daniels was arrested for Possession of Cocaine,  Possession of MDMA (Ecstasy), Driving Under Suspension, Failure to Signal Lane Change And Obstruction of Justice. Daniels was transported to the Lafayette Correctional Center for booking and incarceration.

 

Calvin Washington, 44, of 177 Georgetown Rd. Glencoe, was arrested yesterday afternoon, on Market lane in Glenco and charged with Poss. Of Marijuana and Drug Paraphernalia.

 

Wilfred Grimm, 33 of 131 Market Ln. Glencoe, was arrested yesterday afternoon on Market lane and charged with Poss. Of Marijuana W/I/T/D and Drug Paraphernalia

 

Freddie Carson, 55 of 1853 Hwy 83 Ashton, La. was arrested yesterday afternoon on Market lane and charged with Poss. Of Marijuana.

 

While speaking with the subjects; Calvin Washington (the driver of a vehicle) was found to be in possession of a bag of Marijuana, rolling papers, smoking pipe, and cigar.

 

Wilfred Grimm, the driver of another vehicle, was found to be in possession of a bag of Marijuana and rolling papers and cigar wrappers while the front passenger of Grimm's vehicle, Freddie Carson, was in possession of Marijuana.

 

All the subjects were placed under arrest for the said charges then transported to the parish jail for processing and incarceration.

 

 

According to Sheriff David Naquin during the past 24 hour period, the Sheriff's Office responded to 40 complaints and reports the following arrests:

 

Auther Neal Olivarez, 35 , 118 North Verrett St., Amelia, was arrested yesterday afternoon, on a warrant for Probation and Parole. He was transported to the parish jail for processing and incarceration.

 

James Dotherow, 54, 709 Boudreaux St, Berwick, was arrested last night on charge of Misuse of 911 Communication.

 

Deputies were dispatched to 629 Superior Lane in Bayou Vista, in reference to four 911 calls made by James. Upon deputies arrival it was learned that there was no emergency and the calls were fictitiously made. This resulted in his arrest. He was transported to the parish jail for processing and incarceration.

St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office 8/5/10

According to Sheriff David Naquin, during the past 24hour period, the St. Mary Parish Sheriff's Office responded to 30 complaints and reports the following arrests:

 

Brashayla Druilhet, 17, 243 Easy street and Denae Daggs, 17 245 Easy Street Franklin, were arrested yesterday afternoon on the charges of Disturbing the peace fighting on Easy Street in Franklin.

 

Deputies were dispatched to a report of two subjects fighting in the street. After investigation both were arrested and transported to the parish jail for processing and incarceration.

 

Yolanda T. Matthews, 38, 144 Yellow Bayou Road, Centerville, was arrested yesterday morning, on warrants for Issuing worthless checks. She was released on summons.

 

Phillip W. Williams, 38, 120 Glenwood St Morgan City, yesterday afternoon, on warrants for Failure to appear for speeding and Issuing Worthless Checks. He was and transported to the parish jail for processing and incarceration.

 

Wynn Candler Whitehurst, 34, 2748 Sixth Street Berwick, was arrested yesterday afternoon, on a warrant for Theft over $500.00 and Criminal damage to property. This stems from an investigation of theft of several tires and rims and a jack from the Morgan City area. He was transported to the parish jail for processing and incarceration.

 

David Whitehurst , 19 , 2748 Sixth Street Berwick, was arrested yesterday on a warrant for Theft over $500.00. This stems from an investigation of theft of several tires and rims and a jack from the Morgan City area. He was transported to the parish jail for processing and incarceration.