Thursday, September 9, 2010
   
 
NEWS

Pet Food Drive.jpgPET EDUCATION PROJECT
Pet Education Project is hosting its final pet food distribution drive to assist families and pets impacted by the Gulf Oil spill. The drive will be this Saturday, September 11th, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Grand Isle Community Center. Families must bring proof of need such as oil company p ... click here for more on this story

LOCKPORT MAN LEADS DEPUTIES ON DANGEROUS CHASE
Around 2:30 Sunday morning deputies traveling north on Hwy. 1 observed an SUV enter the intersection of Hwys. 1 and 657 nearly hitting a concrete barrier. The vehicle sped away, leading deputies on a 5-mile long chase at speeds up to 90 MPH. During that time, deputies observed the vehicle cro ... click here for more on this story

GOOD FISHING, BUT TOUGH GOING FOR CHARTER CAPTAINS
By Kathrine Schmidt Daily Comet Staff Writer Published: Sunday, September 5, 2010 HOUMA — On April 6, Brook Angelette of Cut Off bought a boat with the intentions of starting a charter-fishing business. He had 14 trips booked. Fourteen days later, the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig exploded ... click here for more on this story

EXPLOSION COMPLICATES BID TO LIFT DRILLING BAN
By Kathrine Schmidt Daily Comet Staff Writer Published: Friday, September 3, 2010 HOUMA — Local advocates fighting to lift the federal ban on deepwater drilling acknowledge their effort is rooted at least somewhat in perception. No one was injured in last Thursday’s oil-platform fire off the ... click here for more on this story

BAYOU COUNTRY CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL SET FOR SEPT 11 IN CUT OFF
Thibodaux, LA - The Bayou Country Children’s Museum is hosting the Bayou Country Children’s Festival at the Cut Off Youth Center on Saturday, September 11, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Attendees can expect lots of fun activities and games for the children. There will be a hands-on area focusing on ... click here for more on this story

CôTE BLANCHE PONTOON BRIDGE SCHEDULE TO CHANGE FOR HOLIDAY WEEKEND
The Côte Blanche Pontoon Bridge in Cut Off will be closed to vehicular traffic beginning at 7 p.m. Friday evening and returning to normal limited operating hours on Tuesday, September 7, at 7:00 a.m. after the Labor Day holiday weekend, according to a press release from Lafourche Parish governme ... click here for more on this story

“NO REFUSAL” THIS LABOR DAY HOLIDAY
Louisiana State Police Troop C, Terrebonne, Lafourche, Assumption, St. James, and St. John the Baptist District Attorney’s Office’s and local law enforcement agencies, will participate once again in the “No Refusal” Labor Day holiday. During this Labor Day holiday, law enforcement agencies nat ... click here for more on this story

FRENCH FOOD FESTIVAL AWARDED AS ONE OF TOP 20 EVENTS
The Southeast Tourism Society’s Top 20 Events has announced its winners for 2010 and our own local French Food Festival is in that number. The Southeast Tourism Society Top 20 Events publication receives extensive exposure in print media, web, and television and radio in the U.S. and Canada. ... click here for more on this story

BP PROVIDES UPDATE ON GULF OF MEXICO OIL SPILL OPERATIONS
BP provided an update Thursday on developments in the response to the oil well incident in the Gulf of Mexico. The well has been shut-in since July 15. Following the completion of cementing operations on the well on August 5, pressure testing was performed which indicated there is an effective ... click here for more on this story

ANOTHER RIG EXPLODES OFF LA. COAST
Another oil rig exploded and caught fire in the Gulf of Mexico Thursday morning about 90 miles south of Vermilion Bay, just west of the site of BP's massive spill. All 13 of the rig’s crew members rescued were found floating in the water huddled together in survival outfits called "gumby suits ... click here for more on this story

ARRESTS OF NOTE: SEPTEMBER 1, 2010
Inmate cuts himself with razor Shortly before 8:30 a.m. Sunday, August 29th, inmates at the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office made correctional officers aware of a medical emergency inside one of the cells. Deputies found Tilton Hebert, 50, of 131 Linda Street, Lockport, sitting in a cell, ble ... click here for more on this story

Lockport Lower.jpgSUPPLYING OUR SCHOOLS...AGAIN
First Lady Supriya Jindal, wife of Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal, distributed school supplies to students at Lockport Lower Elementary Tuesday. The supplies were donated by various organizations to assist families who have been impacted by the oil spill and deepwater drilling moratorium. “I w ... click here for more on this story

LANDRY BARELY MISSES FIRST ROUND VICTORY
Vitter, Melancon win primaries and head to November election The Republican primary for the 3rd Congressional District seat was almost decided on Saturday when New Iberia businessman and attorney Jeff Landry fell just short of the 50 percent threshold to get a first round win. After all ... click here for more on this story

REDFISH RODEO, FREE CONCERT HIGHLIGHT THE LABOR DAY WEEKEND ON GRAND ISLE
The Grand Isle Redfish Rodeo, Bridge Side Marina and several musicians have come together to present the “Uplifting the Coast Concert” this Sunday, September 5, rain or shine, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Bridge Side Marina, Highway 1, Grand Isle. The event is a free concert open to the general pu ... click here for more on this story

ARRESTS REPORT- SEPTEMBER 1
The following information is based on reports from the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office. Those individuals have been booked with, not convicted of, the offenses shown. All accused should be presumed innocent until proved guilty. AUGUST 25, 2010 Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office Richard Griff ... click here for more on this story

TWO CHARGED WITH POSSESSION OF SYNTHETIC MARIJUANA
Vigorous enforcement efforts by the Lafourche Drug Task Force have resulted in two people being charged so far with possession of synthetic marijuana. The first charge came Wednesday, August 25, during a traffic stop on Hwy. 182. Reggie Griffin, Jr., 27, of 2006 Hwy. 182, Raceland, was found ... click here for more on this story

Telethon.jpgA TELETHON SUCCESS..
Katherine Richardelle is shown with Ernest Boudreaux at the fishbowl during last weekend’s Cerebral Palsy Telethon at the Cut Off Youth Center. Katherine was donating $25 on behalf of her and her husband E.J. This year’s telethon took in over $70,000. ... click here for more on this story

Theodore Lamonica.jpgCONCERNED CITIZENS HELP STOP IMPAIRED DRIVER
According to the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office, astute citizens helped get an impaired driver off the road in lower Lafourche Parish. Thursday morning, August 26th, around 5:30 a.m., deputies were dispatched to a gas station in the 16000 block of Hwy. 1 in Cut Off where citizens reported ... click here for more on this story

The Ballard of Corey Robichaux.jpg"THE BALLAD OF COREY ROBICHAUX"
New book tells the tale of a teenager’s life on the bayou LAROSE, LA - Remember those guys in high school who were in a band? You know, the guys who wore black concert t-shirts, old jeans, and appeared with a guitar strapped around them, wailing into a microphone at parties. The Ballad ... click here for more on this story

Sareel Poindexter.jpgINMATE CHARGED WITH TAMPERING WITH SECURITY EQUIPMENT
An inmate has been charged with a law just passed in the last legislative session, making it illegal for anyone to tamper with surveillance equipment. Potential penalties are increased in this situation because the offense occurred inside a correctional facility. Sareel Poindexter, 35, of 5 ... click here for more on this story

PARISH GETS ACCESS TO COMPANY CANAL IN GHEENS
By Nate Monroe Daily Comet Staff Writer Published: Wednesday, August 25, 2010 MATHEWS — Despite a prolonged and heated debate Tuesday night, the Lafourche Council approved an agreement that would give the parish the access it needs to build a new pump station that aims to ease flooding in G ... click here for more on this story

ARREST REPORTS- AUGUST 29
The following information is based on reports from the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office. Those individuals have been booked with, not convicted of, the offenses shown. All accused should be presumed innocent until proved guilty. AUGUST 18, 2010 Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office Sareel Poinde ... click here for more on this story

LANDRIEU JOINS COALITION CALLING FOR MORE COASTAL FUNDING
Legislation introduced to lift moratorium and speed timeline of revenue sharing In a letter signed by all of the Louisiana congressional delegation as well as several state and community leaders, U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu this week urged President Obama and his administration to provide addi ... click here for more on this story

FOUR SLAYING SUSPECTS WILL FACE DEATH, DA SAYS
By Raymond Legendre Daily Comet Staff Writer Published: Wednesday, August 25, 2010 THIBODAUX — Prosecutors say they will seek the death penalty against four immigrant workers accused of raping and killing a south Lafourche woman earlier this year. As they took turns standing before Distric ... click here for more on this story

FINANCIAL GRANT PROGRAM FOR RIG WORKERS AFFECTED BY MORATORIUM TO BEGIN SEPT. 1
BATON ROUGE, La. — The Gulf Coast Restoration and Protection Foundation recently provided more details about a financial grant program for oil rig workers affected by the federally-imposed deepwater moratorium. BP is donating $100 million, the amount requested by President Obama, to GCRPF, whic ... click here for more on this story

PUBLIC’S HELP NEEDED IN LOCATING BEATING SUSPECT
The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in finding the person or persons responsible for beating a Raceland woman on Tuesday. Deputies were dispatched to the 100 block of Leonard Street shortly before 10:00 a.m. Tuesday after a friend found the woman suffering fr ... click here for more on this story

NEW ROAD CONSTRUCTION
Phase One of the LA 1 project has been completed with the construction of a new overpass in Leeville. The second portion of the first phase, an elevated roadway between Port Fourchon and the overpass, is over 60 percent complete and set to open in November 2011. ... click here for more on this story

ARREST REPORTS- AUGUST 25
The following information is based on reports from the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office. Those individuals have been booked with, not convicted of, the offenses shown. All accused should be presumed innocent until proved guilty. AUGUST 18, 2010 Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office Jessica Hodgk ... click here for more on this story

LA 1 PROJECT SEEKS MORE FUNDING
After being denied in its request earlier this year for $300 million of federal stimulus money to complete the elevated Fourchon to Golden Meadow highway project, LA 1 Coalition leaders are set to press the federal government again for funds to complete the project, or at least move it forward. ... click here for more on this story

GOVERNOR JINDAL ANNOUNCES FUNDING FOR FISHERY RESOURCE MONITORING PROGRAM
CALLS ON BP TO FUND LONG-TERM SEAFOOD PLAN Thursday, Governor Bobby Jindal announced that BP has agreed to fund a three-year, $13 million fishery-resource monitoring plan and he also called on BP to fund the state's long-term comprehensive seafood certification and marketing plan that was su ... click here for more on this story

Welcome to Lockport.JPGWELCOME TO LOCKPORT
A new sign installed this week welcomes visitors to the town of Lockport. The sign is strategically placed just south of the Company Canal bridge greeting motorists as they enter the town. The back of the sign thanks visitors for visiting as they leave the town heading north on LA Hwy. 1. ... click here for more on this story

LEVEE IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS MOVING FORWARD
Several projects to upgrade the height and stability of the ring levee surrounding the south Lafourche area are currently underway while some have already been completed. The bulk of the upgrades have taken place since Hurricane Katrina and are being paid for through a combination of funding ... click here for more on this story

SHERIFF WARNS OF SCAMMERS PREYING ON ELDERLY
The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office is issuing a warning to the citizens of Lafourche Parish about the latest effort by scam artists to trick people out of their hard earned cash. This latest con came to the attention of the Sheriff’s Office after an elderly woman reported to us that she had ... click here for more on this story

Pet Food Drive.jpgPET DONATIONS
Cameron Etheridge Jr. and his mom Raven Etheridge, contribute to the Pet Education Project or PEP, pet food drive at Frank’s Supervalu in Larose. Donated pet food will go towards helping families with pets who were affected by the oil spill. Frank’s Supervalu is just one drop off location. For ... click here for more on this story

ARREST REPORTS- AUGUST 22
The following information is based on reports from the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office. Those individuals have been booked with, not convicted or, the offenses shown. All accused should be presumed innocent until proved guilty. AUGUST 15, 2010 Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office Jason Landry, ... click here for more on this story

OPERATION OF CôTE BLANCHE PONTOON BRIDGE TO BE LIMITED AFTER FIRE
The Côte Blanche Pontoon Bridge in Cut Off will open and close on a set schedule now, after a fire severely damaged the bridge control house early Tuesday, August 17. The bridge tender on duty was able to escape unharmed and there were no other reported injuries. Department of Public Works (DPW ... click here for more on this story

ARREST MADE IN THIBODAUX MURDER
The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office announced a Thibodaux man has been arrested and charged with murder of Patrick Batiste, 25, of 13287 Jake Gravois, Vacherie. Batiste was found shot in the head at Richland and Drew Court in Thibodaux shortly before 3:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 18. Detecti ... click here for more on this story

LA DOTD REMINDS GRAND ISLE RESIDENTS TO SIGN UP FOR EXEMPT TOLL TAG
NEW ORLEANS, La. – The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) reminds Grand Isle residents that per House Bill 636, permanent residents will be exempt from the payment of tolls when crossing the Tomey J. Doucet Bridge by purchasing the exempt sticker toll tag for $12.50, ... click here for more on this story

SBA APPROVES $10 MILLION IN DISASTER LOANS FOR LOUISIANA SMALL BUSINESSES IMPACTED BY THE OIL SPILL
SACRAMENTO – The U.S. Small Business Administration has approved 133 economic injury disaster loans totaling $10,146,300 for Louisiana small businesses, SBA’s Louisiana District Director Michael Ricks announced recently. Additionally, the agency has granted deferments on 280 existing SBA disa ... click here for more on this story

MORE REGULATIONS AHEAD FOR DEEPWATER DRILLING
Obama administration announces new review process Oil producers in the Gulf of Mexico, already under a stifling drilling moratorium that has idled or caused numerous rigs to leave the Gulf, will soon be faced with another obstacle to exploration and profitability. The Obama administration, ... click here for more on this story

ARREST REPORTS- AUGUST 18
The following information is based on reports from the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office. Those individuals have been booked with, not convicted of, the offenses shown. All accused should be presumed innocent until proved guilty. AUGUST 11, 2010 Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office Carl Jones, 2 ... click here for more on this story

LOUISIANA COMMERCIAL FISHING MOVES FORWARD WITH ADDITIONAL STATE WATER OPENINGS
LOUISIANA COMMERCIAL FISHING MOVES FORWARD WITH ADDITIONAL STATE WATER OPENINGS Several areas of Louisiana’s state waters were reopened Saturday to commercial fishing in Lafourche, Terrebonne, Plaquemines and Jefferson parishes, showing more progress for Louisiana’s fishing industry. The L ... click here for more on this story

IMPORTANT NEW CHANGES TO LOUISIANA LAWS TAKE EFFECT
BATON ROUGE- During the 2010 Legislative Session, Louisiana lawmakers addressed several key issues that directly affect public safety for Louisiana residents. Many of these laws went into effect Sunday, August 15. The Louisiana State Police will be focusing its efforts on educating the public ab ... click here for more on this story

GOVERNOR JINDAL, COASTAL PARISH LEADERS MEET WITH COAST GUARD & BP ON TRANSITION PLANS
Friday, Governor Bobby Jindal joined coastal parish presidents to meet with Retired Coast Guard Admiral Thad Allen, Coast Guard Admiral Paul Zukunft and BP Vice President Mike Utsler to discuss transition plans for oil spill response efforts. Said Governor Jindal in a press conference afterwar ... click here for more on this story

CGI COMMUNICATIONS RAISING MONEY FOR OIL SPILL DISASTER
Employees hope to raise $2,000 for client communities and businesses ROCHESTER, NY - Employees of CGI Communications are on a mission to do what they can to help those affected by the oil spill disaster. CGI Communications, based in Rochester, NY, is an internet marketing company that is pro ... click here for more on this story

BP PROVIDING $15 MILLION TO FUND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SUPPORT FOR LOUISIANA RESIDENTS
BP announced Monday that it’s providing $15 million to the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals to support its efforts to help Louisiana residents in the coastal communities access appropriate behavioral health services. The funding will help residents link up with support that is ava ... click here for more on this story

BOARD APPROVES TASERS FOR PORT POLICE
At its monthly meeting Wednesday in Galliano, the board of commissioners of the Greater Lafourche Port Commission approved the carrying of tasers for the Port Fourchon Harbor Police Force. The vote was 7-0. Harbor Police Chief Jon Callais requested the approval because of the increasing case ... click here for more on this story

THIBODAUX REGIONAL COMPLETES MULTI-PHASE HOSPITAL EXPANSION
Thibodaux Regional Medical Center recently completed the South Hospital Project, the third phase of a five-year $100 million, 281,000 square foot, multi-phase expansion and renovation project, which includes $30 million of additional new technology. Preceded by construction of the Medical Offic ... click here for more on this story

LPSO, AUG. 11
The following information is based on reports from the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office. Those individuals have been booked with, not convicted of, the offenses shown. All accused should be presumed innocent until proved guilty. AUGUST 11, 2010 Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office Juan Sanez-Ad ... click here for more on this story

David Lewellen 2.jpgSHERIFF REACTS TO DEPUTY’S ARREST
At a news conference Wednesday in Lockport, Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre expressed disappointment in having to announce one of Lafourche Parish’s own had been arrested. “It’s with much dismay and a heavy heart that I announce a (Lafourche) deputy was arrested and charged with aggravat ... click here for more on this story

THOUSANDS WORTH OF CRACK AND CASH SEIZED IN DUO’S ARREST
An recent undercover sting resulted in the arrest of two drug dealers and the seizure of thousands of dollars worth of illegal narcotics and cash. Lafourche Parish Drug Task Force and Thibodaux Police Department Narcotics Agents, working in the southern part of the parish, arrested Keitha Gabri ... click here for more on this story

DETECTIVES INVESTIGATE BOMB THREAT
The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office announced detectives are investigating a bomb threat called in to a Thibodaux fast food restaurant on Thursday, August 12. Deputies were dispatched to the restaurant and convenience store at the corner of Hwy 3185 and St. Mary Street in Thibodaux around 3:4 ... click here for more on this story

TOWN OF GOLDEN MEADOW RECEIVES HONOR
NEW ORLEANS – The Town of Golden Meadow was one of several Louisiana municipal governments that took home Louisiana Municipal Association’s (LMA) awards for outstanding municipal improvements and accomplishments. Bossier City, Crowley, DeRidder, Gretna, Jean Lafitte, Monroe, New Iberia, Pearl R ... click here for more on this story

Tanner Prestenbach.jpg TEEN CHARGED WITH RAPING TWO GIRLS
A Houma teenager is being held in the Lafourche Parish Detention Center and charged with the aggravated rape of two twelve-year old girls. The incident which occurred in Gray was reported to the Sheriff’s Office July 31st by an adult relative of one of the victims. An investigation by detec ... click here for more on this story

SUSPECT SOUGHT IN SEXUAL ATTACK
The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in finding a man suspected of sexually assaulting a 30-year old female in Raceland Sunday, August 8. Around 4:30 early Sundaymorning, the victim contacted the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office stating she had been raped whi ... click here for more on this story

blue crabs.jpgSCIENTISTS WATCHING BLUE CRABS FOR EVIDENCE OF OIL TAINTING GULF FOOD CHAIN
Researchers are closely watching the blue crab to assess just how heavy a blow the BP oil spill has dealt the Gulf of Mexico seafood industry. Weeks ago scientists began finding specks of oil in crab larvae plucked from waters across the Gulf coast. But while the government said last week that ... click here for more on this story

ARREST REPORTS- AUGUST 11
The following information is based on reports from the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office. Those individuals have been booked with, not convicted of, the offenses shown. All accused should be presumed innocent until proved guilty. AUGUST 3, 2010 Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office Timmy Lejune, ... click here for more on this story

Kaysie Hodges.jpgARREST OF NOTE: AUGUST 5, 2010
Raceland woman’s arrest gives no leads on missing Jennings woman On Thursday, August 5th at approximately 1:15 a.m., deputies patrolling the central part of the parish observed a vehicle similar to one reportedly being driven by a person reported missing by the Jennings Police Department near a ... click here for more on this story

GRAND ISLE BEACH REOPENS
A section of beach at Grand Isle has finally reopened Monday for the first time since the oil washed ashore in May. Beaches closed May 21, about a month after the Deepwater Horizon offshore rig explosion killed 11 workers and set off an underwater oil gusher a mile below the surface. On Monday, ... click here for more on this story

BANDS TO ROCK THIS WEEKEND AT CUT OFF YOUTH CENTER
By Larry D. Weidel Contributing Writer This weekend, from about 6:00 p.m. Friday night to 8:00 p.m. Sunday night, the Cut Off Youth Center will be rocking with one of the largest Battle of the Bands that has ever been held in the region. A total of 37 bands from Louisiana and Mississippi wil ... click here for more on this story

STORE OWNERS PUT ON NOTICE ABOUT SO-CALLED SYNTHETIC MARIJUANA
The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office announced members of the Lafourche Parish Drug Task Force, in conjunction with the Thibodaux Police Department, are in the process of circulating letters to store owners across the parish about popular products they may be selling that will become illegal t ... click here for more on this story

ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE FOR LOUISIANA SHRIMP HARVESTERS
Qualified Louisiana shrimp fishermen may receive up to $12,000 in cash benefits and obtain technical training under the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) for Farmers Program. This program is designed to help shrimpers in the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic ad ... click here for more on this story

School's In.jpgSCHOOL'S IN
Ian Wake is pictured getting on the school bus headed to Larose Lower Elementary as the start of the public school year began Friday. ... click here for more on this story

MAN DIES FOLLOWING SHOCK FROM POLICE TASER
A 49-year-old Galliano native died Sunday in Houma after being shocked by a Taser during a struggle with arresting officers, Houma police said. Dennis C. Sandras died shortly after being handcuffed, but his cause of death remains undetermined pending results of a Jefferson Parish autopsy. Offi ... click here for more on this story

ARREST REPORTS- AUGUST 8
Correction: The Jose Gonzales listed in the Arrest Reports in the August 4th edition of the Gazette, arrested by the Louisiana State Police on July 29, 2010, charged with second-offense DWI, should have read Jose L. Gonzales, 34-years-old. This Jose L. Gonzales does NOT reside at 125 Cheramie L ... click here for more on this story

LAFOURCHE PARISH TO BENEFIT FROM ICE STRATEGY TO ENHANCE THE IDENTIFICATION, REMOVAL OF CRIMINAL ALIENS
Uses biometrics to prioritize immigration enforcement actions against convicted criminal aliens NEW ORLEANS, LA — On Tuesday, August 3rd, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) began using a new biometric information sharing capability in Lafourche Parish that helps federal immigration ... click here for more on this story

Erica Callais.jpgHELP NEEDED FOR PET FOOD DRIVE DISTRIBUTION
By Larry Weidel Contributing Writer Erica Callais, who is originally from the bayou, now lives in Shreveport but lately her heart and mind have been focused on the struggles of families living along the Gulf Coast whose lives have been impacted by the BP oil spill. Specifically, she is co ... click here for more on this story

FALL SHRIMP SEASON OPENING ANNOUNCED
Some areas of Barataria and Terrebonne Basins to remain closed The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries announced the fall inshore shrimp season will open in Zones 1, 2 and 3 at 6 a.m., Monday, August 16. Season dates were approved Thursday by the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries ... click here for more on this story

CELL PHONE USE LIMITS BEGIN AUGUST 15
Provisions to limit use while driving take effect Beginning August 15, texting on a cell phone by any age driver and either texting, reading or talking on a cell phone by drivers under the age of 18 while driving will be a primary offense in Louisiana. While the offenses have been illegal ... click here for more on this story

Ohana members.jpgNEW BUSINESS IN LOCKPORT A FAMILY AFFAIR
By: Beau Bronson Contributing Writer If this story had a sound track, you would probably be hearing the song “Blue Hawaii”. The OHANA FITNESS CENTER, located at 507 Crescent Ave. (Hwy. 1), in Lockport, held its grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony Saturday, July 31st. Since “Ohana” i ... click here for more on this story

Scott Faulk.jpgSTRING OF VEHICLE BURGLARIES SOLVED
A recent rash of vehicle burglaries in local business parking lots have been solved with the arrest of a Larose man. Scott “Scotty J” Faulk, 21, of 280 W. 32nd Street, Larose, was booked in the Lafourche Parish Detention Center around 11:00 p.m. last Thursday, July 29th. Last month, employees ... click here for more on this story

First Lady.jpgSUPPLYING OUR SCHOOLS...
Staff Photo by Babs Louisiana’s First Lady, Supriya Jindal, visited south Lafourche Tuesday to help distribute school supplies to students whose families have been impacted by the oil spill and moratorium. She visited Galliano Elementary School and Golden Meadow Lower Elementary School. “I w ... click here for more on this story

ARREST REPORTS- AUGUST 4
The following information is based on reports from the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office. Those individuals have been booked with, not convicted of, the offenses shown. All accused should be presumed innocent until proved guilty. JULY 27, 2010 Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office Margarita Mende ... click here for more on this story

SHOPPERS AWAITING SALES TAX HOLIDAY THIS WEEKEND
Save back to school receipts for school expense tax deduction BATON ROUGE - The 2010 Louisiana Annual Sales Tax Holiday takes place Friday, August 6, and Saturday, August 7. On these two days, most retail purchases are exempt from the four-percent state sales tax. The sales tax holiday begin ... click here for more on this story

LSU AGCENTER NEWS- NEW HELP AVAILABLE FOR UNEMPLOYED HOMEOWNERS
Starting in August, a new federal program provides help for homeowners who have become unemployed so they can temporarily reduce or suspend their mortgage payments while they seek employment, according to Gloria Nye, LSU AgCenter extension family economist. Through the national Making Home Af ... click here for more on this story

Big Tar Ball.jpgMORE OIL WASHES UP
While various news outlets may report that oil from the Deepwater Horizon spill is increasingly less visible in the Gulf of Mexico, the same could not be said for the different forms of crude washing up on Fourchon Beach and Elmer’s Island last week. Media reports were filled with news that the ... click here for more on this story

Larose Lift Span Bridge.jpgANOTHER ONE?
The West Larose Vertical Lift Bridge spanning the Intracoastal Canal on Hwy. 1 will be closed to vehicular traffic Tuesday, August 3rd, from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. so Department of Transportation contractors can conduct electrical work on the bridge. The bridge will revert back to normal operati ... click here for more on this story

ARREST REPORTS- AUGUST 1
The following information based on reports from the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office. Those individuals have been booked with, not convicted of, the offenses shown. All accused should be presumed innocent until proved guilty. JULY 27, 2010 Probation & Parole Troy Leray, 42, 1827 Badt Ave., T ... click here for more on this story

FUNDS SECURED FOR NEW ROAD AT PORT FOURCHON
The Greater Lafourche Port Commission (GLPC) was notified on July 21 that it will receive a U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant for construction of a new road at Port Fourchon. The South Central Planning and Development Commission (SCDPC) assisted the GLPC in preparing the succe ... click here for more on this story

MISSISSIPPI MAN ARRESTED FOR RAPE
Last Friday, Louisiana State Police (LSP) Region II and I Criminal Investigative Division. with the assistance of the Immigration Customs Enforcement, executed arrest warrants for Celestino Garcia, 56 of Brookhaven, Mississippi. Garcia was charged with Aggravated Rape, Molestation of a Juvenil ... click here for more on this story

ARREST REPORTS- JULY 28
The following information is based on reports from the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office. Those individuals have been booked with, not convicted of, the offenses shown. All accused should be presumed innocent until proved guilty. JULY 22, 2010 Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office Lionel Royal, ... click here for more on this story

Justin Chauvin, Jr..jpgHEROIN FOUND IN UNUSUAL “WRAPPER”
The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of a Houma man on heroin charges. Lafourche and Terrebonne Parish deputies working together on Thursday, July 22nd initiated a traffic stop of a vehicle driven by Justin Chauvin, Jr., 27, of 217 St. Pius Street, Houma, on Hwy 90 in Des ... click here for more on this story

Island Aid Concert Pic.jpgCONCERT BOOSTS BELEAGUERED ISLAND’S MORALE
By: Perry Pitre Daily Comet Correspondent Published: Monday, July 26, 2010 GRAND ISLE — Grand Isle is alive again. That was the message island leaders wanted to get out at the Island Aid concert Saturday on the beach at Grand Isle. A crowd estimated at 5,000 to 6,000 gathered to listen to ... click here for more on this story

FILING EXTENSION OF FEDERAL UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS GOES INTO EFFECT
BATON ROUGE – Letters were sent out Monday, July 26 to more than 15,000 Louisianans who may be eligible for extended unemployment benefits and are not now getting them, the Louisiana Workforce Commission (LWC) said. The letters will give eligible claimants instructions on when and how to file. ... click here for more on this story

Jory Pitre.JPGTEEN GETS TRUCK CUSTOMIZED, RECEIVES CONCERT TICKETS
By Naomi King Daily Comet Staff Writer Published: Thursday, July 22, 2010 HOUMA — It was tall and loud and everything Jory Pitre had hoped for. The 18-year-old from Larose said he cried when he saw his white 2001 Chevrolet Silverado, jacked up and fitted with new rims, tires and a stereo sy ... click here for more on this story

Robert Smith, Jr..jpgINVESTIGATION INTO COUNTERFEIT MONEY WIDENS
The investigation into counterfeit money being passed in Lafourche Parish businesses has resulted in another arrest. Robert Smith, Jr., 43, of 215 Morristown Road, Raceland, turned himself in Friday afternoon, July 16th shortly before 5:00 p.m. to Lafourche Parish deputies. Judge John Le ... click here for more on this story

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES SUPPORTS LIMITING DRILLING MORATORIUM TO 30 DAYS
Three key steering committees of the National Association of Counties (NACo) on Saturday, July 17, overwhelmingly approved a resolution to request the Obama administration to limit the deepwater drilling moratorium to no more than 30 days. The entire NACo membership unanimously agreed to suppo ... click here for more on this story

ARREST REPORTS- JULY 25
The following information is based on reports from the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office. Those individuals have been booked with, not convicted of, the offenses shown. All accused should be presumed innocent until proved guilty. JULY 15, 2010 Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office Robert Hollowel ... click here for more on this story

HELP NEEDED IN SOLVING CASE OF INJURED WOMAN
The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in finding the person or persons responsible for injuring a Cut Off woman who may end up losing her eye. On Sunday, July 18th, detectives were dispatched to a local hospital shortly before 6:00 p.m. following a hit and ru ... click here for more on this story

GOV. BLASTS DRILLING MORATORIUM AT RALLY FOR ECONOMIC SURVIVAL
LAFAYETTE – Governor Bobby Jindal addressed the Rally for Economic Survival Wednesday in Lafayette, where he blasted the President’s deepwater drilling moratorium and called on the rally-goers to send a clear message to Washington, D.C. – end the arbitrary moratorium so thousands of Louisiani ... click here for more on this story

VEHICLE BURGLARS HIT BUSINESS PARKING LOTS
The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office is putting area businesses on alert that thieves are targeting vehicles in parking lots for access to items of value. Detectives are currently working three cases in the southern part of the parish where more than two dozen vehicles have been hit. On Thur ... click here for more on this story

Tray Howard.jpgHELP NEEDED IN LOCATING PURSE SNATCHER
The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in finding a man who stole purses from two women who minister to local residents. The Jehovah Witnesses were visiting a woman on Williams Street in late June when Tray “Mouse” Howard, 17, of 215 Williams Street, Raceland, a ... click here for more on this story

COUNCIL DEALS WITH OIL AND BRIDGES
Cut Off Bridge may be ready in early August At their last meeting, the Parish Council received good news on the Côte Blanche Bridge and considered two resolutions dealing with the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The first oil measure, which passed unanimously, was a resolution requested by Distri ... click here for more on this story

Mary Curole.JPGCUROLE CANDIDATE FOR DISTRICT 13 SCHOOL BOARD SEAT
Recently retired educator, Mary Gautreaux Curole, announces her decision to run for Lafourche Parish School Board, District 13. Curole, a lifelong member of south Lafourche has 33 years of experience with the Lafourche Parish School Board. Having served on parish committees such as Pupil Pr ... click here for more on this story

ARREST REPORTS- JULY 21
The following information is based on reports from the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office. Those individuals have been booked with, not convicted of, the offenses shown. All accused should be presumed innocent until proved guilty. JULY 14, 2010 Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office Eugene Bradley, ... click here for more on this story

Island Aid Pavillion.jpgISLAND AID CONCERT SATURDAY
Benefit to take place of Tarpon Rodeo For the first time in 82 years, competitive fishing won’t be occurring on Louisiana’s only inhabited barrier island due to the cancellation of the annual Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo. However, in true south Louisiana style, the party won’t stop. This Satur ... click here for more on this story

GRAND ISLE POLICE REPORT
Listed are the Grand Isle arrests for May 2010: MAY 6 Jared Duplantis, 20, 167 Neptune Lane, Grand Isle. Disturbing the peace by fighting. Wade Scioneaux, 18, 128 Cypress Lane, Grand Isle. Disturbing the peace by fighting. MAY 13 Tammy Trahan, 36, Melon Lane, Grand Isle. Aggravated assault, cri ... click here for more on this story

SHERIFF WARNS DUMPSTERS DON’T ALWAYS HOLD “GARBAGE”
Two men have been arrested and charged with stealing hundreds of pounds of metal from a local fabrication shop. The theft was first reported on July 7th at M & M Fabrication on Talbot Avenue in Thibodaux. Employees had noticed a dumpster, used to store scrap metal from jobs, was being empt ... click here for more on this story

Real & fake twenties.jpgCOUNTERFEITER GAMBLES WITH ‘FUNNY MONEY’ AT LOCAL CASINOS
A Houma man was arrested for gambling with counterfeit money in at least two Lafourche Parish truck stop casinos. Carl Eschete, 29, of 225 Santa Monica Drive, Houma, was arrested Thursday evening following an investigation that began on July 4th. Employees with the Jester’s Walk Casino in M ... click here for more on this story

CLOSED PRIMARIES – POTENTIAL FOR VOTER SURPRISE
Voters in the Third Congressional District have an important upcoming election on November 2 that will decide who will represent our citizens in Washington, D.C. in the U.S. House of Representatives and as one of our U.S. Senators. Many voters may not be aware that the first primary, which d ... click here for more on this story

Claude Richardel.jpgRICHARDEL ANNOUNCES INTENTION TO RUN FOR DISTRICT 10 SCHOOL BOARD SEAT
Claude Richardel has announced his candidacy for the Lafourche Parish School Board, District 10. “Being born in Lafourche, having lived here for 60 years, and having attended schools in Lafourche, (first grade to Nicholls), gives me great understanding of the people and educational system of thi ... click here for more on this story

Ann Sanamo.jpgSANAMO ANNOUNCES CANDIDACY FOR SCHOOL BOARD, DISTRICT 12
Ann Bouvier Sanamo has announced her candidacy for representative of District 12 of the Lafourche Parish School Board. District 12 boundaries are from Apache Road south to the north side of East 23rd St. on LA 308 side of Bayou Lafourche, from Ledet Lane, north of the Intracoastal Canal, to the ... click here for more on this story

OIL FLOW IS STOPPED … FOR NOW
After more than 80 days of oil flow from it’s ruptured well in the Gulf of Mexico, British Petroleum (BP) was able to gain a measure of success Thursday when it stopped the oil flow in the early afternoon hours. Engineers were able to stanch the flow by capping the well with an 18-foot tall, ... click here for more on this story

ARREST REPORTS- JULY 18
The following information is based on reports from the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office. Those individuals have been booked with, not convicted of, the offenses shown. All accused should be presumed innocent until proved guilty. JULY 12, 2010 Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office Andrew Scott, 3 ... click here for more on this story

School Buses.jpgLAFOURCHE PARISH SCHOOLS ALTER SCHEDULES TO CUT COSTS
Many Lafourche schools will have different take-in and dismissal times when classes resume because administrators reworked bus schedules to cut costs. The school system faced $7 million in across-the-board cuts. Among them, the number of buses and bus drivers will be decreased by 15-20, said sp ... click here for more on this story

NATIONAL COMMISSION HEARS FROM LOCAL LEADERS
The National Commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and Offshore Drilling held their initial series of hearings in New Orleans this week and commission members heard an earful from local officials. Testifying before the commission were Lafourche Parish President Charlotte Randolph, ... click here for more on this story

Sandy Bellanger.jpgBELLANGER BOOKED FOR FAILING TO APPEAR ON CHILD DESERTION CHARGES
Monday, July 12th shortly before 12:30 p.m., Sandy Bellanger, 38, of 133 W. 225th Street, Golden Meadow, was booked in the Lafourche Parish Detention Center on two warrants issued by Judge John Leblanc. Judge Leblanc issued the warrants after Bellanger failed to appear on charges of improper ... click here for more on this story

ARRESTS OF NOTE: JULY 18
Elvis Richard: On Tuesday, July 13th shortly before 9:00 p.m., deputies initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Elvis Richard, 30, of 170 W. 163rd Street, Galliano after observing the vehicle travelling southbound on Hwy 308 with a burned out tail lamp. As they approached the vehicle, ... click here for more on this story

COUNCIL LEARNS OUR AIR AND WATER ARE OKAY
By Alces P. Adams Freelance writer At their last meeting, the Parish Council heard from experts regarding potential dangers to the health of Lafourche citizens caused by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The report on our water was given in the hopes of killing false rumors, but citizens’ co ... click here for more on this story

Drilling rig.jpgNEW DRILLING MORATORIUM SLAPPED ON INDUSTRY
New ban set to run through November 30 Court challenges expected In the wake of two resounding court rulings that slapped down their initial drilling moratorium, the Obama administration announced late Monday the issuance of a second moratorium on drilling in the Gulf of Mexico. The secon ... click here for more on this story

ARREST REPORTS- JULY 14
The following information is based on reports from the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office. Those individuals have been booked with, not convicted of, the offenses shown. All accused should be presumed innocent until proved guilty. JULY 4, 2010 Thibodaux Police Department Carl Guidry, 45, 2098 ... click here for more on this story

CONTAIMNMENT CAP LOWERED OVER SPEWING WELL
Officials hopeful that oil flow will be stopped After more than 80 days of oil flowing into the Gulf of Mexico, British Petroleum (BP) reported some success on Monday evening when a new containment cap was placed over its ruptured well in the Gulf of Mexico. Initial indications appear that ... click here for more on this story

CANDIDATES QUALIFY FOR FALL ELECTIONS
Candidates signed up recently for a slew of electoral races this fall including contests for a United States Senate seat as well as the 3rd Congressional District seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. Incumbent Republican U.S. Senator David Vitter will face a challenge from within his own ... click here for more on this story

CANINE INJURED DURING ATTEMPT TO SERVE ACCUSED DRUG DEALER
Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s deputies shot at a charging pit bull last Thursday afternoon, July 8th as an attempt was made to serve the dog’s owner with asset forfeiture notification. Shortly before 2:00 p.m. agents of the Lafourche Drug Task Force went to the home of Albert Bell, 17, of 327 ... click here for more on this story

Stephanie, Sheriff Webre, Johnnie.jpgSHERIFF’S OFFICE RALLIES TO HELP ONE OF THEIR OWN
The men and women of the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office, led by Sheriff Craig Webre, are reaching out to help one of their own recently diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor. Correctional Officer Johnnie Campbell, Jr. has been with the agency since March of 2009. His wife Stephanie, who ... click here for more on this story

Jon Callais.jpgCALLAIS SEEKS RE-ELECTION
Jon C. Callais is announcing his intention to seek a third term as the representative of District 12 of the Lafourche Parish School Board. District 12’s boundaries are from Apache Road south to the north side of East 23rd Street on the LA 308 side of Bayou Lafourche and from the Intracoastal Can ... click here for more on this story

LOCKPORT MAN CHARGED WITH INAPPROPRIATE SEXUAL BEVHAVIOR
A 23-year old Lockport man was booked on charges of engaged inappropriate, sexual behavior in the presence of a 5-year old child. The child’s mother reported the incident shortly before 1:00 p.m. on, Monday, August 16th to Lockport Police officers. The woman had left her three children with ... click here for more on this story

Pet Food Drive.jpgPET EDUCATION PROJECT
Pet Education Project is hosting its final pet food distribution drive to assist families and pets impacted by the Gulf Oil spill. The drive will be this Saturday, September 11th, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Grand Isle Community Center. Families must bring proof of need such as oil company p ... click here for more on this story

 

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