Living Here 2018

2018 Edition &

Thursday, January 25, 2018

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THE COURIER | DAILY COMET | Thursday, January 25, 201 1

Welcome to LIVING HERE LIVING HERE: YOUR GUIDE TO TERREBONNE AND LAFOURCHE

Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes are unique and fascinating places to live, whether you’ve grown up here or just moved to the area.

Travel the country and the world over, and you’ll never find anywhere quite like this piece of south Louisiana.

Welcome to the 2018 edition of Living Here, The Courier and Daily Comet’s guide to local recreation, entertainment, government, schools, industry, culture and food.

Are you an outdoors type keen to experience Louisiana’s Sportsman’s Paradise? You’ll find handy guides on where to launch your boat, how to enter one of the area’s numerous fishing rodeos or where to find some of the best roadside fishing spots.

If you’re eager for the spectacle of Mardi Gras, the local celebration is

widely regarded as the biggest in Louisiana outside New Orleans and one of the more family friendly. Here, you’ll find a parade schedule along with a history of how the local celebration got started.

Looking for something fun for the kids to do? You’ll find it here.

Helpful public services?

We’ve got you covered.

Local theater, music and museums? Check. Phone numbers of local government officials? Got those too.

Keep this guide handy and use it as a resource.

You can also find the information online at houmatoday.com and dailycomet.com. We hope you’ll find Living Here useful as you explore the piece of paradise we call home.

A shrimp boat is silhouetted by a setting sun along Bayou Grand Caillou in Dulac. Scenes like this make Living Here special. [The Courier and Daily Comet/File]

LIVING HERE STAFF Editor: Keith Magill.

Cover design: Shaun Hebert.

Reporters and correspondents: Julia Arenstam, Dan Copp, Holly Duchmann, Bill Ellzey, Kelly McElroy, Bridget Mire, Brent St. Germain, Teddy Renois, Chris Singleton.

Photographers: Chris Heller, Abby Tabor.

Want extra copies?

Extra copies of Living Here are available at The Courier’s office, 3030 Barrow St., Houma, or at the Daily Comet, 1629 St. Mary St. in Thibodaux. If you prefer to have it mailed, send your request to Living Here, P.O. Box 2717, Houma, LA 70361. Still have questions? Call 857-2200

-- Executive Editor Keith Magill

WHAT’S INSIDE 2. How life on the bayou all got started.

4. 5 things bayou residents can treasure.

6. Mardi Gras - A schedule of local parades along with a look at the celebration, past and present 7. Who we are, by the numbers.

8. Entertainment events on the horizon.

9. Where to find community theater and Cajun music.

10. Kids have plenty of choices when it comes to recreation.

11. Fun places to take the kids.

12. Business groups you can join. Local attractions offer something for everyone.

13. Museums offer a glimpse into local history and culture.

16. Higher education Nicholls State University and Fletcher Community College.

17. A glimpse into the schools that serve roughly 40,000 children in Terrebonne and Lafourche.

18. Test your skills at a local fishing rodeo. Or drop a line at one of our handpicked roadside fishing spots.

19. Charter guides are ready to make your fishing trip easy and productive.

20. Where to launch your boat.

22. How to connect with helpful public services.

23. How to contact your parish, city or town council member.

24. Like to play music?

A community band has a spot for you.

25. Check out our list of local parks and what they have to offer 26. A collection of photos offers a glimpse into what Living Here is all about.

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FROM THE BEGINNING

Bayous drew early settlers, connected communities

By Bill Ellzey Correspondent

The Mississippi River's earliest explorers knew it branched off at presentday Donaldsonville. They called the smaller outlet La Fourche de los Chetimaches, or the fork of the Chitimacha Indians.

The natives, the early settlers and the generations which followed, used Bayou Lafourche to access the rich lands along its banks and to establish communities and plantations.

Road access then was virtually impossible except on dirt tracks along the bayou banks or on ridges.

The rest of the country was impassable swamp or marsh.

Canoes, dugouts, skiffs and flatboats brought in goods and passengers, either from the Mississippi to the north or from bayous connected with the Gulf. Eventually, steamboats made scheduled runs between Thibodaux and New Orleans, but after railroads penetrated the low-lying interior about 1855, Bayou Lafourche was dammed off at Donaldsonville to end the threat of annual flooding.

Bayou Terrebonne similarly forked off Bayou Lafourche at Thibodaux, but its connection was allowed to close off naturally because of the expense of keeping it clear of silt and open to navigation.

Terrebonne is “good earth” in English, but the bayou was first named “Darbonne,”

A shrimp boat glides down Bayou Lafourche toward the old Leeville Bridge. THE COURIER AND DAILY COMET/FILE

after an early settler. It was renamed “Terrebonne” by Henry Schuyler Thibodaux when the present parish of the same name was being carved out of the larger Lafourche territory.

Bayou Lafourche and the highways that parallel it on either side have long served as a long “main street,” stretching from one end of the parish to the other, with population, business and industry clustered close by. This land-use pattern is essential for this region, built from millennia of flood-borne silt. The highest land is nearest the bayous, which delivered the annual layers of earth.

Highways and

communities seeming to have no central bayou are deceptive. Most are on ridges whose bayous gradually filled in and disappeared through natural or later agricultural practices.

Terrebonne had several bayous, smaller than Bayou Lafourche, radiating from a slightly elevated central area on which early settlers built the town of Houma.

Five main bayous extend from Houma toward the Gulf, like fingers from a palm. Indian natives and the earliest settlers used these sluggish streams for transportation.

Today, modern highways follow the same ancient routes; most construction, residential

and business, is along bayou corridors.

Bayous give their names to communities clinging to their banks. Someone whose mail is delivered through the Theriot post office is likely to say he lives in Dularge, one of the five Terrebonne Parish bayous. The others -- Terrebonne, Little Caillou, Grand Caillou and Pointe-aux-Chenes -- and others not usually considered among the five, like Bayou Blue and Bayou Black, were once distributaries of the silty Mississippi, when it was still permitted to overflow naturally every spring.

Older inland ridges, like Coteau and Chacahoula, have survived long

after the bayous that built them largely disappeared naturally. Coteau and Bull Run roads, along the Chacahoula ridge, remain important highway routes. The Bourg-Larose Highway follows ancient ridges to connect Terrebonne with Lafourche.

In “good earth” Terrebonne, where elevations rarely exceed 6 feet above sea level, a ridge may be evidenced more by its sturdy sandy soil than by discernible elevation.

In the 1920s, the annual delivery of silt and floodwaters was cut off. The Mississippi’s repeated destructive flooding of settlements and agricultural lands spurred the U.S. Corps of Engineers to complete the

levee systems that still protect south Louisiana from annual overflows.

Terrebonne and Lafourche's bayous remain water routes to the Gulf of Mexico, with roads and settlements as far down as the elevation permits. But these bayous, their ridges and the human development they support are threatened by coastal erosion, the result of natural forces on wetlands that have not been nourished by natural Mississippi flooding for nearly a century.

Newcomers to Terrebonne and Lafourche would do well to arm themselves with local or cellphone GPS maps and take leisurely exploratory drives into remote and threatened sections of the region. That includes places like Donner or Bowie, where cypress sawmills once roared; Chauvin, where “downthe-bayou” isolation kept Cajun French alive as a spoken language long after French speakers were assimilated elsewhere; and Isle de Jean Charles and Dulac, where remnants of coastal Indian populations have survived for generations. And there is also Cocodrie, Leeville and Fourchon, where the highways give way to docks and boat launches that connect fishermen, commercial and sport, to the tremendous seafood resources the area enjoys. Even locals can learn something by exploring the place we call home.

THE COURIER | DAILY COMET | Thursday, January 25, 2018 3

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4 Thursday, January 25, 2018 | THE COURIER | DAILY COMET

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Thursday, January 26, 2017

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THE COURIER | DAILY COMET

LIVING HERE: BORN ON THE BAYOU

Living Here: 5 things bayou residents can treasure

By Keith Magill

By Keith Magill Executive Editor

E

Executive Editor

xcept for a few years working at newspapers

Except for aelsewhere, few years working at newspapers elsewhere, I have spent my entire life in southI have spent my entire life in south Louisiana. andOrleans, raised inI New Louisiana.

Born and raised Born in New Orleans, I moved toto Houma 33 32 years ago and have lived and worked moved Houma years ago and have lived in both Terrebonne parishes.

As we consider and worked inand bothLafourche Terrebonne and Lafourche par- what Livingishes.

Here As means, let’s take stock of some ofmeans, the things we consider what Living Here let'sthat make our place in the of world special. is not exhaustive list, nor is it take stock some of the This things thatan make our place a ranking. simply a few random things I hope in theThese worldare special.

This is not an exhaustive list,will norresonate with you. to Living is it aHere’s ranking.

TheseHere. are simply a few random things

I hope will resonate with you. Here's to Living Here.

3. The flora Bald cypress and live oaks draped in Spanish moss. Bayous lined with lavender irises, white lilies or purple hyacinths. Fan-shaped palmetto waving amid the swamps. And those stunning, multicolored sunrises and sunsets over the marsh, a lake or the Gulf of Mexico. Anyone can savor the beauty of the bayou free of 2. The The fauna I didn’t knowfood a single person when I arrived fresh out of college,4. but charge. Just stop and look around. within a few weeks, someone invited me to a family boucherie in Monearliest settlers made the bestasofwe what they could Theon variety and breadth of wildlife that surrounds us is breathtaking, and you don’t have to take a boat trip to enjoy it. tegut.The I remember how carefree I felt danced to Cajun music from and in water around them, and theover the I’ve seen bald eagles soar over the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway near my house in Houma and roseate spoonbills lounge their gather carport, thethe sunland setting orange, pink and purple marsh. flavorful cuisineknew that resulted nowat considered some the roadside in Cocodrie. While driving, I’ve spotted turtles sunning themselves in Bayou Lafourche, great blue This family I hardly made meisfeel home, which is of what I along call this tastiest in the As children, learn how peelfor aheron placethe now.

You hear it world. from tourists who we come from alltoover tasteflying overhead and those opportunistic egrets walking in procession behind grass-cutters to snatch bugs in the crawfi shrimp crabs; weabout. know This whatway makes a -a tractors’ of thecrabs, jole de vivresh, they haveand only heard of life com- wakes. I’ve fed bread to an orange-toothed nutria that emerged from a canal in a friend’s back yard, waterwell-dressed po-boy; and ties the man of theand house is often skied among the alligators and waded past snakes and eels covering hurricanes that swamped the community. I don’t bination of hard work, strong to family place, and as joy despire a cook as and the woman We also that recommend that last one, but you get the picture. life’s good inevitable ups downs of - isthe so house. ubiquitous thatknow it sometimes takes authenticperspective Cajun cooking is less hot andhow spicy thanwe it are. an outsider’s to help usabout understand lucky 1. Each other

is about the holy trinity -- onions, bell pepper and celery.

3. The flora Bald cypress and live oaks draped in Spanish moss.

Bayous lined with lavender irises, white lilies or purple hyacinths. Fan-shaped palmetto waving amid the swamps. And those stunning, multicolored sunrises and sunsets over the marsh, a lake or the Gulf of Mexico.

Anyone can savor the beauty of the bayou free of charge.

2. The food Just stop and look around.

The earliest settlers made the best of what they could gather from the land and water around them, and the flavorful cuisine that resulted is now considered some of the tastiest in the world. As children, we learn how to peel shrimp, crabs and crawfish; we know what makes a well-dressed po-boy; and the man of the house is often as good a cook as the woman. We also know that authentic Cajun cooking is less about hot and spicy than it is about the holy trinity -- onions, bell pepper and celery.

5. The bayou Just look at this picture. Or go outside and gaze at the real thing.

This is our part of the world. This is the bayou.

4. The fauna The variety of wildlife that surrounds us is breathtaking, and you don’t have to take a boat trip to enjoy it.

I’ve seen bald eagles soar over the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway near my house in Houma and roseate spoonbills lounge along the roadside in Cocodrie. While driving, I’ve spotted turtles sunning themselves in Bayou Lafourche, great blue heron flying overhead and those opportunistic egrets walking in procession behind grass-cutters to snatch bugs in the tractors’ wakes. I’ve fed bread to an orange-toothed nutria that emerged from a canal in a friend’s back yard, water-skied among the alligators and waded past snakes and eels covering hurricanes that swamped the community. I don’t recommend that last one, but you get the picture.

Just look at this picture. Or go outside and gaze at the real thing.

This is our part of 5. The bayou the world. This is Just look at this picture. Or go bayou. outsidethe and gaze at the real

THE COURIER | DAILY COMET | Thursday, January 25, 2018 5

thing. This is our part of the world. This is the bayou.

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6 Thursday, January 25, 2018 | THE COURIER | DAILY COMET

CARNIVAL TIME

Carnival 2018: How we got here

By Bill Ellzey Correspondant

Mardi Gras, “the greatest free show on Earth,” is here again, with parades in Terrebonne and Lafourche just around the corner.

Newcomers and locals alike will find themselves in the midst of the biggest celebration of Carnival outside greater New Orleans.

An estimated 40,00050,000 people will line the streets for Houma’s biggest parades, clamoring for beads and other trinkets tossed by float riders.

Some 30 parades are scheduled to roll through Fat Tuesday, Feb. 13.

The annual celebration originated in the calendar of the predominate Catholic Church. It was the last opportunity among the faithful to dance, party, feast and drink, before the restrictions of the 40-day Lenten season that starts on Ash Wednesday and ends with Easter.

The local Carnival tradition has roots well into the 1800s, when masked balls were common. Parades are mentioned in Houma and Thibodaux newspapers before the 1920s. In 1946, a group of Houma men planned the first parade of the Krewe of Houmas,

which rolled on Fat Tuesday 1947. In the years since, a succession of krewes joined the celebration.

That 1947 parade featured a convertible bearing farmer Filhuacon “Tecon” Duplantis, whose irregular homemade parades, beginning in the 1920s, were credited with keeping the tradition alive. Tecon’s unofficial assemblies of decorated cane wagons and farm animals are not well documented, but they reportedly grew from a few people on foot to some 200 floats drawn by oxen and horses.

In 1955, the Krewe of Chronos of Thibodaux, launched its first modern parade, with a nod to the very first Thibodaux parade, reportedly in 1914, though that date has not been firmly established.

One local Mardi Gras tradition is edible. The king cake, a ring of yeasty cinnamon bread iced in purple, gold and green Carnival colors, is available at bakeries and groceries. Some ship the desert, complete with a plastic baby. Traditionally, the baby was hidden inside the cake, and whoever got that slice bought the next king cake.

A float rider tosses beads to the crowds along the Houma parade route. [The Courier and Daily Comet/File]

Local Parade Schedule Jan. 28: Des Petite Lions children’s parade, 1 p.m., Golden Meadow.

Feb. 2: Hercules, 6 p.m., Houma.

Feb. 3: Tee Caillou, noon, Chauvin; Aquarius, 6:30 p.m., Houma; Le Krewe of Des T. Cajuns, noon, Larose.

Feb. 4: Hyacinthians, noon, Houma, followed by Titans; Versailles, noon, Larose; Shaka, 1:30 p.m., Thibodaux,

followed by Ambrosia, 2 p.m.

Feb. 9: Aphrodite, 6:30 p.m., Houma; Athena, 7 p.m., Golden Meadow.

Feb. 10: Mardi Gras, 6:30 p.m., Houma; Apollo, noon, Lockport; Bon Temps, 6:30 p.m., Larose; Atlantis, noon, Golden Meadow.

Feb. 11: Terreanians, 12:30 p.m., Houma; Montegut Children's Parade, 2 p.m., Montegut; Cleophas, 12:30 p.m., Thibodaux, followed by

Chronos at 1:30 p.m.; Nereids, 6 p.m., Golden Meadow.

Feb. 12: Cleopatra, 6:30 p.m., Houma.

Feb. 13: Gheens, 11 a.m., Gheens; Houmas, noon, Houma, followed by Kajuns; Choupic, 1 p.m., Chackbay; Ghana, 1 p.m., Thibodaux; Neptune, noon, Golden Meadow; Maasai, 2 p.m., Thibodaux; Bonne Terre, 4 p.m., Montegut parade.

THE COURIER | DAILY COMET | Thursday, January 25, 2018 7

THE COURIER | DAILY COMET | Thursday, January 26, 2017 7

BY THE NUMBERS

WHO WE ARE Terrebonne hadhad a population of Terrebonne's a population 113,220 as ofas July 1, 2016, accordof 113,972 of July 1, 2015, ingwhile to the latest U.S. Census 98,325 people lived in data.

That’s down by 752 people, less Lafourche, according to the latest than a percentage point, from the U.S. Census data. Here is a breakyear before. It’s up 1.5 percent down of some of the parishes' key from 2010. demographics.

Lafourche has 98,305 residents, down 20 from the year before and AGE since 2010. upOUR 1.8 percent Here is a breakdown of some of theTerrebonne parishes’ key demographics.

65 and older: 13 not percent Percentages may add up to 100 because of percent rounding.

18-64: 61 Under 18: 26 percent Lafourche OUR AGE 65 and older: 14 percent 18-64: 62 percent Terrebonne Under 18: 24 percent 65 and older: 13 percent 18-64: 61 percent OUR RACE Under 18: 26 percent Lafourche do not add up to 100 per65 Figures and older: 14 percent cent because of 18-64: 63 percent rounding.

Terrebonne Under 18: 23 percent White: 72 percent Black: 19 percent OUR RACE American Indian: 6 percent Hispanic: 5 percent Terrebonne Asian: percent White: 711percent Black: 19 percent Lafourche American Indian: 6 percent White: 80 percent Hispanic: 5 percent percent Black: 14 Asian: 1 percent American Indian: 3 percent Lafourche Hispanic: 5 percent White: 811percent Asian: percent Black: 14 percent American Indian: 3 percent GENDER Hispanic: 4 percent Asian: 1 percent Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes' populations are almost GENDER equally divided between male (49 percent) and (51 percent).

Terrebonne andfemale Lafourche parishes’ populations are almost equally OURbetween HOMESmale and female. divided Terrebonne OUR HOMES

Households: 40,086 Average persons per household: Terrebonne Households: 39,825 2.78

Averagehome persons per household: Median value: $137,000 2.81 Lafourche Median home value: $139,200 Households: 35,592 Median monthly rent: $871 Average persons per household: Lafourche 2.68 Households: 35,961 Median home value: $133,200 Average persons per household: 2.66 WHAT EARN Median WE home value: $138,200 Median monthly rent: $737 Terrebonne Median household income: $47,826 WHAT WE EARN Per-capita income: $23,626 Percent of population in poverty: Terrebonne 20 percent Median household income: $48,166 Lafourche Per-capita income: $24,069 Median income: $51,030 Percenthousehold of population in poverty: Per-capita 21 percentincome: $25,303 Percent of population in poverty: Lafourche 14 Median household income: $52,071 Per-capita income: $25,299 Percent of population in poverty: EDUCATION 17.1 Terrebonne EDUCATION Percent of residents 25 and older with a high school diploma: 77.1 Terrebonne Percent of residents 25 and older Percent of residents 25 or and older with a bachelor's degree with a high school diploma: 77.8 greater: 13.7 Percent of residents 25 and Lafourche older with a bachelor’s degree or Percent of residents 25 and older greater: 14.3 with a high school diploma: 74.5 Lafourche Percent and older Percentof ofresidents residents2525 and older with degree or 75.3 withaabachelor's high school diploma: greater: Percent 15.4 of residents 25 and older with a bachelor’s degree or

HEALTH greater: 16.2

Terrebonne HEALTH Percentage of residents under 65 with a disability: 11 Terrebonne Percentage of residents under6565with Percent of residents under who lack health insurance: 19 a disability: 10 Lafourche Percent of residents under 65 who Percentage residents 17.5 under 65 lack healthof insurance: with a disability: 12 Lafourche Percentage of residents under6565with Percent of residents under a disability: 12.3insurance: 18 who lack health Percent of residents under 65 who lack health insurance: 16.1

8 Thursday, January 25,2018 | THE COURIER | DAILY COMET

Lafourche Roping Club members practice in the Raceland Rodeo Arena. [Abby Tabor/Staff - The Courier and Daily Comet/File]

ENTERTAINMENT

Plenty of fun coming to Houma, Thibodaux

By Julia Arenstam Staff Writer

Lafourche Roping Club members practice in the Raceland Rodeo Arena. [Abby Tabor/Staff - The Courier and Daily Comet/File]

A LITTLE BIT OF COUNTRY

Saddle up and head to the rodeo

By Bridget Mire Staff Writer

Put on your cowboy boots and ride to a local rodeo or horse show.

The Terrebonne Livestock Agricultural Fair Association and Lafourche Roping Club hold rodeos each year at the Houma Airbase Arena on Moffet Road and the Raceland Rodeo Arena on American Legion Drive.

This year’s schedules

weren’t available as of mid-January, but check the organizations’ Facebook pages for updates.

The Lafourche Roping Club is also planning a barrel-racing series.

Both organizations also host horse shows at the arenas.

Shows typically start at 9 a.m. and are free to the public. Concessions are sold.

Houma’s shows will be held March 4, April 8, May

6, June 9, Aug. 4, Sept. 8, Oct. 7 and Nov. 4. The June, August and September shows will start at 3 p.m.

Raceland’s shows will be held Feb. 25, March 18, April 22, June 16, Aug. 26, Sept. 23, Oct. 14 and Nov. 3. Events include barrel race, arena race, poles and stakes. There are different age divisions ranging from children who can sit up to adults.

For information on the

Terrebonne Livestock Agricultural Fair Association, call Adrian Dufrene at 686-2512.

For information on the Lafourche Roping Club, call Veronica Songe at 665-1005, Kena Brumfield at 665-9740 or “Scooter” LeBouef at 209-3531.

-- Staff Writer Bridget Mire can be reached at 448-7639 or bridget. mire@dailycomet. com.

Looking for something fun to do? No need to leave town. Both the Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center, 346 Civic Center Blvd., and the Thibodaux Civic Center, 310 N. Canal Blvd., offer fun-filled events year-round.

They’re also places where the community gathers for Carnival balls, weddings, banquets and other functions.

To learn more, call the Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center at 850-4657 or the Thibodaux Civic Center at 446-7160.

Here’s the lineup of events scheduled as of mid-January. Events are added throughout the year: Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center March 3-4: Bayou Home show.

March 11: Houma Louisiana Wedding Expo.

April 13: The Streetz Dance Convention and Competition.

April 21: Southdown Bar’s Crawfish Boil-off and 5k benefiting CASA of Terrebonne April 28: Relay for Life Terrebonne Parish.

June 15 to 17: Steubenville on the Bayou.

Thibodaux Civic Center Feb. 8: Chackbay Elementary Cajun Carnival.

March 2 to 6: 8-year-old Biddy Basketball World Tournament.

March 10: E.D. White Drummin’ and Spinnin’ On the Bayou Percussion Competition.

March 17: Bayou Community Academy Annual Building Fund Gala.

April 21: Relay for Life of Thibodaux.

July 21: Hail Mary Animal Rescue “Who Let the Dogs Out” Fundraiser.

August 4: South Thibodaux Fire Department Dance.

Sept. 7 to 9: Ta Wa Si Antiques and Collectables Show.

Sept. 27: 2018 Carden Circus.

Nov. 28: Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office Benefit Fair.

Dec. 13: Senior Citizen Holiday luncheon.

THE COURIER | DAILY COMET | Thursday, January 25, 2018 9

PLAY TIME

CAJUN MUSIC

Local theater groups provide Sing, dance or just listen creative outlet

By Julia Arenstam

Co-directors and actors in the play “An Acadian Thanksgiving” pose for a photo in November at the Thibodaux Playhouse. They are (from left) Carlotta Toups, Dean Bruno, Heather Keller, Kira Branscum, Hannah Branscum and Daisy Cheramie. [ABBY TABOR/STAFF - THE COURIER AND DAILY COMET/FILE]

By Julia Arenstam Staff Writer

Got a flair for the dramatic? There are plenty of opportunities for residents to catch the acting bug.

Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes each have community theater groups that are open to everyone and offer parts to fit nearly every age. Help is often needed backstage, as well as with lighting, props and costumes.

Here’s a look at each group and how you can get involved: Le Petit Theatre de Terrebonne Founded in 1938, the theater puts on four plays and one musical each season at its venue in downtown Houma, 7829 Main St. The season begins in the summer and ends in the spring.

Le Petit offers season tickets for $55 each. Individual play tickets cost $16. Call the box office at

876-4278 in advance, as shows often sell out.

To get involved, attend auditions, which are announced on the group’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ HoumaLittleTheatre.

Coming soon: “The Velocity of Autumn,” opening March 2, and “2 Across,” opening April 27.

Information: www. houmalittletheatre.com.

Bayou Playhouse The Bayou Playhouse is one of the area’s newest theater groups; it first opened to the public in 2008.

Since then, members have performed wellknown plays such as a “Confederacy of Dunces,” “Steel Magnolias” and “A Streetcar Named Desire” at the Lockport venue, 101 Main St. Most productions center on Louisiana culture, and its players are mainly locals or Louisiana natives.

Ticket prices are

$23-$30, and season memberships range from $89-$352. To buy tickets in advance, call 888-99-BAYOU. To get involved, stop by for auditions, which are announced on the group’s Facebook page: www. facebook.com/BayouPlayhouse or email volunteer@ bayou-playhouse.com.

Coming soon: “Suddenly Last Summer,” opening Feb. 23.

Information: www.bayouplayhouse.com.

Thibodaux Playhouse Formed in 1960, the Thibodaux Playhouse offers four plays each season and a children’s production each summer at its venue, 314 St. Mary St. Season tickets range from $45 to $75 and individual tickets range are $18 for adults or $13 for students. To purchase tickets, call 446-1896.

To get involved on stage, stop by one of the playhouse’s auditions at 1102 Caroline St. in Thibodaux.

Auditions are announced on the group’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ ThibodauxPlayhouse.

Coming soon: “Gladys in Wonderland” in January; “Madagascar: A Musical Adventure Jr.,” opening March 14; “Mama Won’t Fly,” opening April 20; “Mary Poppins Jr.,” opening June 19; and “Leader of the Pack -- The Ellie Greenwich Musical,” opening July 20.

Information: www. thibodauxplayhouse.com.

Staff Writer

There are plenty of places to cut a rug to Cajun music in Houma and Thibodaux. Several restaurants transform into dance halls at night and provide residents with some old-fashioned fun.

Call ahead to find out about cover charges and which band will play.

Area bars feature live music several nights a week, including indie rock at The Boxer and the Barrel, 7817 W. Main St., Houma, 262-0583, various acts at The Brickhouse, 7934 Main St., Houma, 879-2453, and acoustic and regional favorites at Venue 182, 2639 La. 182, Raceland.

Cajun Music Venues JOLLY INN CAJUN DANCE HALL Address: 1507 Barrow St., Houma.

Information: 872-6114.

A-BEAR’S CAFE Address: 809 Bayou Black

It’s not hard to find a local place to enjoy Cajun music, typified by a rhythmic accordian and a lively waltz that is great for dancing the two-step. [CHRIS HELLER/STAFF -HOUMATODAY/DAILY COMET]

Drive, Houma.

Information: 872-6306.

BAYOU DELIGHT RESTAURANT Address: 4038 Bayou Black Drive, Bayou Black.

Information: 876-4879.

BAYOU TERREBONNE WATERLIFE MUSEUM Address: 7910 W. Park Ave., Houma.

Information: 580-7200.

TERREBONNE FOLKLIFE CULTURE CENTER Address: 317 Goode St., Houma.

Information: 876-6545.

JEAN LAFITTE WETLANDS ACADIAN CULTURE CENTER Address: 314 St. Mary St., Thibodaux.

Information: 448-1375.

FOUNDRY ON THE BAYOU Address: 715 W. 1st St., Thibodaux.

Information: 387-4070.

THE VENETIAN FOOD AND SPIRITS Address: 401 Jackson St., Thibodaux.

Information: 492-2505.

Come see our new addition Vietnam-era F4 Phantom fighter jet

1154 Barrow St. • Houma, LA (985) 873-8200 Museum Hours: Monday – Friday 10:00am – 4:00pm Saturday 10:00am – 2:00pm www.regionalmilitarymuseum.com

10 Thursday, January 25, 2018 | THE COURIER | DAILY COMET

JUST FOR KIDS

Recreation programs help keep area youths active

By Chris Singleton Staff Writer

Houma-Thibodaux has plenty of recreation options for young athletes looking to score a touchdown, shoot a basketball or deliver a cheer.

Recreation programs help keep young athletes busy with programs throughout the year.

TERREBONNE ■Terrebonne Recreation, 1192 Barrow Street in Houma, offers football, cheerleading, volleyball, basketball, baseball and softball. Information: 873-6584.

■Houma’s Bayouland YMCA, 103 Valhi Blvd., offers soccer, flag football, cheerleading, swimming and basketball for children. Call 873-9622.

■The Houma-Terrebonne Soccer Association has leagues for kids ages 7-16. Call 868-3897 or visit www.houmasoccer.com.

■James Academy, 308 Venture Blvd., Houma, offers gymnastics for ages 3-18 and cheerleading for ages 5-18. Visit www. jamesacademy.com.

■Jennings Gymnastics, 114 Robin Lane in Schriever, offers gymnastics and cheerleading for ages 2-18. Call 446-0435.

■The Bayou Black Recreation Center holds registration for swimming lessons starting in April and other activities for kids of all ages throughout the year. Information: 876-4270. The Bayou Athletic Youth Association offers softball and baseball leagues during the summer and fall for ages 6-18.

Call 209-0733.

■The Louisiana Baseball Academy, 3007 W. Park Ave. in Gray, offers private instruction in hitting, pitching, arm care and other skills. The academy has travel baseball teams from ages 9-and-under to 14-and-under. Call 876-4494 or visit www. lbabaseball.com.

■XLR8 Sports Club offers a wide variety of services for athletes of all ages. Young athletes receive training in baseball and softball, as well as basic fundamental lessons in basketball and soccer. For information, visit www.xlr8sportsclub.com.

■The Louisiana Sports Gym, 544 S. Hollywood Road in Houma, offers cheerleading classes. Classes range from all-star

The Bayou Signs Mambas won the 11-year-old boys Thibodaux Biddy Basketball Championship on Dec. 23 at the Thibodaux Civic Center after a 42-38 victory over Bouterie Investments. Team members include (top row, from left) Michael Beck III, Cambryn McPherson, Reece Wiley, Griffin Angelloz and Cadence Batist and (bottom row, from left) Kobe Brown, Frederick “Boo-Jay” Young, Jumyri Noel, Jackson Hebert and Jarick Taylor. The team went 9-2 overall and was coached by assistant Kelly McElroy (top left) and head coach Thad Angelloz (top right). [THE COURIER AND DAILY COMET/FILE] cheerleading, elite cheer, tumbling, cheer tryout prep and private lessons. Call 5809746 or visit www.lasportsgym.com.

■The Houma Boxing Gym and Pro Athletic Performance Gym, 7021 Alma Street in Houma, conducts workout sessions for athletes and adults looking to stay in shape.

Call 232-3388.

■The Extreme MMA & Fitness Gym of Houma, 1226 Lafayette Street in Houma, offers various martial arts and boxing classes every week for kids and adults. For information, call 873-5722.

LAFOURCHE ■Lafourche Recreation, 1612 La. 182, Raceland, offers softball, baseball, football and

basketball. Call 537-7603.

■Lafourche Soccer, 4049 La. 1, Raceland, offers leagues for ages 7-16. Call 537-8909 or email lafourchesoccer@hotmail.com.

■Thibodaux Recreation, 151 Peltier Park Drive, offers baseball, basketball, bowling, football, golf, pool, soccer and volleyball.

Call 446-7235.

■Central Lafourche Baseball Association is looking for boys and girls ages 3-15 interested in baseball. Registration will be held Feb. 12-19 from 9 a.m. to noon. Cost is $60 for one child and $55 for additional children. For information, contact centrallafourchebaseball@gmail.com ■The Cut Off Youth Center, 205 W. 79th St. in Cut Off, offers youth basketball, swimming and other youth-related activities.

Call 632-7616 or visit www.cutoffyouthcenter.org.

■Nicholls State University’s Continuing Education Department offers summer camps, including baseball, basketball, cheerleading, fitness, karate, soccer, tennis, volleyball and more. Call 448-4444.

■Bayou Flag Football gives boys and girls ages 5-14 a chance to play on youth flag football leagues. Games are usually held during the fall, starting in September. Call 696-4889 or visit www.bayouflagfootball. com.

■The nonprofit Bayou Titans Youth Organization offers football and boys and girls basketball and will soon add baseball and softball. Call 226-0047 or 688-4701.

THE COURIER | DAILY COMET | Thursday, January 25, 2018 11

YOUNG AT HEART

5 fun places to take the kids

By Dan Copp Staff Writer

You don’t have to travel to some faraway amusement park in another state just to have a good time with the kids.

Sandy beaches, exciting museums and places for fishing are just a few of the fun-filled destinations close to home.

Here are five destinations in Terrebonne and Lafourche that are fun for the young and young at heart: 1. The Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium’s marine research center in Cocodrie offers a variety of programs that teach children about the area’s rich marshlands and swamps and the unique wildlife that inhabits them. They include field trips, boat rides and a summer camp.

Visit LUMCON at 8124 La. 56, call 851-2800 or check its website at cwc.lumcon.edu.

2. The Bayou Country Children’s Museum in Thibodaux offers camps, events and other activities guaranteed to delight.

Children can learn as they play on a fullsize sugar-cane harvester, spot waterfowl from a duck blind, toss Mardi Gras beads, experience a severe weather or fi re simulation or climb aboard a shrimp boat or oil derrick. Admission is $8 per person. The museum, 211 Rue Betancourt, hosts special events throughout the year and it’s a great place to have your child’s birthday party.

Information: call 446-2200 or visit www. bayoucountrychildrensmuseum.org.

3. Check out the beaches at Grand Isle, the summer spot for families near and far.

Many own or rent camps along the beach, but you don’t need to do that to have fun on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico. Grand Isle State Park has beach tent campsites available for $18 a night. The park has a 2to 5-mile nature trail, and it’s a great place to fish, swim or just relax upon the beach.

For information, call 1-888-787-2559 or visit the “parks” section of the state’s tourism website at www.crt.state.la.us.

4. Not much of an outdoorsman? Local libraries not only house some great works of literature, but they also offer familyfriendly events like story times, arts and crafts, computer lessons, trivia contests and book festivals. The Courier and Daily Comet publish regular columns and calendars that highlight coming library events.

Visit the library systems’ websites at mytpl.org or lafourche.org for more info.

5. With water all around us, south Louisiana doesn’t lack its share of fishing spots.

Kids younger than 16 don’t even need a license, though the adult accompanying them does, and there are plenty of places to cast your line even if you don’t have a boat. You’ll find a list of great fishing spots in this edition of Living Here.

The Bayou Country Children’s Museum is a fun spot for area kids.

[ABBY TABOR/STAFF - DAILYCOMET/HOUMATODAY]

12 Thursday, January 25, 2018 | THE COURIER | DAILY COMET

BUSINESS

Business groups offer development opportunities

By Dan Copp Staff Writer

Several organizations in Terrebonne and Lafourche provide business professionals and industry executives networking, development, lobbying and other opportunities.

The Bayou Industrial Group advocates for improving local roads and bridges, coastal restoration, education, economic development and public health initiatives. The organization’s members include businesses, nonprofits and public officials from Terrebonne, Lafourche, Assumption and St. Mary parishes.

The South Central Industrial

Association’s membership includes mostly oil and gas companies, the industry that supplies an estimated 40 percent of local jobs. It also includes public officials from Terrebonne, Lafourche and St. Mary parishes. Professional networking and government lobbying on local issues regarding health, infrastructure and the environment are the group’s key focus areas.

Small and large businesses have three chambers of commerce in Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes providing them with professional networking, training, and lobbying opportunities. The chambers are also involved with community

development initiatives.

Here is a rundown of local business groups: Bayou Industrial Group Address: 602 Clayton Ave., Houma.

Phone: 580-3901.

Website: bayouindustrialgroup. com.

Members: About 200.

President: Monique Crochet, Nicholls State University.

Executive vice president: Michael Duplantis, John Deere.

Membership: $275 to $440 based on number of employees.

Houma-Terrebonne Chamber of Commerce Address: 6133 La. 311, Houma.

Phone: 876-5600.

Website: houmachamber.com.

Members: 638.

Chairman: Jason Bergeron.

Dues: $200 for nonprofits, $250 or more for businesses based on number of employees.

Lafourche Chamber of Commerce Address: 107 W. 26th St., Larose.

Phone: 693-6700.

Website: lafourchechamber.com.

Members: About 730 Chairman: Eddie Callais.

Dues: $185 to $1,200 depending on number of employees.

Thibodaux Chamber of Commerce Address: 318 E. Bayou Road, Thibodaux.

Phone: 446-1187.

Website: thibodauxchamber.com.

Members: 620.

President: Tammy Ledet.

Dues: $165 to $795 depending on number of employees.

South Central Industrial Association Address: 1300 W. Tunnel Blvd., Suite 500B, Houma Phone: 851-2201 Website: sciaonline.net.

Members: 250.

President: Cory H. Kief, Crosby Tugs.

Executive vice president: Paul Danos.

Dues: $375 to $199 depending on the month joined.

THINGS TO DO

There’s always something to see or do

By Bridget Mire Staff Writer

Like wildlife? We’ve got it. History? Got that, too.

Fun times with friends?

We’ve got you covered.

Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes have a variety of attractions, so there’s something for everyone.

Whether you’re a newcomer or have lived here all your life, you’ll find a place that suits you.

GET OUT IN NATURE ■Hammonds Cajun Air Tours, 194 Aviation Road, Houma: 876-0584.

■Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium, 8124 La. 56, Chauvin: 851-2800.

■Mandalay National Wildlife Refuge, 3599 Bayou Black Drive: 860-6681.

■PAC Kayak Rentals, 179

Paw Paw Court, Montegut: 225-244-1547 or 225-573-4085.

■Pointe-aux-Chenes Wildlife Management Area, 2951 La. 665: 337-373-0032.

■Wildlife Gardens, 5306 N. Bayou Black Drive, Gibson: 575-3676.

GO HORSEBACK RIDING ■Circle P Horse Ranch, 188 Waterplant Road, Schriever: 804-2967.

■MKL Farms, 4434 Country Drive, Bourg: 594-9544.

JOURNEY INTO THE SWAMP ■A Cajun Man’s Swamp Tours, 251 Marina Drive, Gibson: 868-4625.

■Annie Miller’s Son’s Swamp and Marsh Tours, pickup at 4038 Bayou Black Drive: 856-8501.

■Atchafalaya Basin Backwater Tours, 240 Fandal St., Gibson: 804-4543.

■Bayou Black Airboat Swamp Tours, 251 Marina Drive, Gibson: 665-8571.

■Greenwood Gator Farm and Tours, 125 Gator Court, Gibson: 804-0744.

■Wetland Tours and Guide Service, pickup at 1868 Dr. Beatrous Road, Theriot: 851-7578.

■Zam’s Swamp Tours, 141 Kraemer Bayou Road: 633-7881.

RELIVE A PIECE OF HISTORY ■Ardoyne Plantation, 2678 La. 311, Schriever: 804-2271.

■E.D. White Historic Site, 2295 St. Mary St., Thibodaux: 447-0915.

■Laurel Valley Plantation, 595 La. 308, Thibodaux: 446-7456.

■Southdown Plantation, 1208 Museum Drive, Houma: 851-0154.

SUPPORT LOCAL FARMERS

Shoppers browse booths at the Southdown Marketplace in Houma.

[CHRIS HELLER/STAFF - HOUMATODAY/DAILYCOMET]

■Lafourche Central Market, 4484 La. 1, Raceland: 8050400. Open 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays year-round.

■Rienzi Market, Rienzi Drive, Thibodaux: 512-9240800. Open 3 p.m. to dark Thursdays year-round.

■South Louisiana Seed Market, 7591 W. Main St., Houma: 872-5916. Open 3-5

p.m. Tuesdays year-round.

■Thibodaux Main Street Farmers’ Market, 310 W. Second St.: 413-2936. Open 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays year-round.

TAKE AN ALCOHOL TOUR ■Donner-Peltier Distillers, 1635 St. Patrick Highway, Thibodaux: 446-0002.

■Mudbug Brewery, 1878 W. Thibodaux Bypass Road: 859-4899.

TRY SOMETHING NEW ■Breakin’ the Code escape room, 279 Enterprise Drive, Suite 102, Houma: 303-0172.

■Da Swamp trampoline park, 2764 Coteau Road, Houma: 333-3013.

THE COURIER | DAILY COMET | Thursday, January 25, 2018 13

Volunteering at the Laurel Valley store in Thibodaux in October 2016 are (from left) Essie and Marcie Cavalier, Cat Benoit and Annette Andras. [THE COURIER AND DAILY COMET/FILE]

HISTORY AND CULTURE

Local museums highlight culture and heritage

By Dan Copp Staff Writer

Museums are one-stop shops to gain knowledge and experience cultural history. Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes have an abundance of them.

Here are a few places to check out: 1. The Finding Our Roots museum, at 918 Roussell St. in Houma, showcases various periods of black history in Terrebonne, Lafourche and other area parishes

including slavery, the Civil Rights Movement, Reconstruction and contemporary times. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Admission is $7 or via a $40 museum membership.

2. Terrebonne Folklife Culture Center, 317 Goode St., Houma, 873-6406.

Activities, classes, workshops and exhibits about local life, art and culture, past and present.

3. Southdown Plantation House and

Terrebonne Museum,1208 Museum Drive, Houma, near La. 311 and St. Charles Street, 851-0154 or www.southdownmuseum.org. Daily tours, exhibits on Terrebonne Parish history and former plantation owners’ lives.

4. Edward Douglas White Historic Site, 2295 La. 1, Thibodaux, 447-0915. Exhibits on Gov. E.D. White and U.S. Chief Justice E.D. White II are inside the antebellum Creole cottage.

5. Bayou Lafourche

Folklife and Heritage Museum, 110 Main St., Lockport, 532-5909.

Housed in National Register of Historic Places building. The museum features artifacts of early life along Bayou Lafourche and other rotating exhibits.

6. Laurel Valley Plantation, 595 La. 308, Thibodaux, 446-7456.

The oldest standing sugar plantation in the country has a farm with various animals and an old store with various historical

artifacts.

7. The Center for Traditional Louisiana Boat Building, 202 Main St., Lockport, displays and works to preserve some of the boats that are intrinsic to our way of life in the swamps, marshes and bayous of Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes. It’s open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Call 532-5106 or visit the center’s Facebook page.

8. The Bayou Terrebonne Waterlife Museum offers displays

and interactive panels to introduce visitors to the industries, traditions and personal stories that collectively comprise the area’s unique culture.

The museum, 7910 West Park Ave. in downtown Houma, is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays and noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays. Admission is $3 for adults, $1 for kids ages 2-12 and $2.50 for seniors.

Group rates are available.

Call 580-7200 or visit the museum’s Facebook page.

14 Thursday, January 25, 2018 | THE COURIER | DAILY COMET

1888 to 2018 Of Successful Businesses and Professionals  113 YEARS 

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FOOD STORE

821 Canal Blvd Thibodaux, LA 985.447.9041 Email: office@landrysfuneralhome.com www.landrysfuneralhome.com

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SERVING ALL YOUR AIR CONDITIONING AND HEATING NEEDS NEW CONSTRUCTION 24 HOUR SERVICE RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL LICENSED We Service All Makes INSURED

308 Hickory St, Thibodaux, LA • (985) 447-2647

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RIVIERE

t’s

Clemen

Insurance Agency, Inc.

412 Canal Boulevard • P.O. Drawer 1238 Telephone: (985) 447-2625 Thibodaux, Louisiana 70302

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Southland

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drugS no. 2

Est. 1965

Your Professional Air Conditioning, Plumbing, and Electrical Contractor

117 Audubon Avenue • Thibodaux, La 985-447-5852

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“The Original American Supermarket”

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Pictured from left to from right left Dr. Sarah Pitre, Dr. Lane Breaux, Dr. Dawn Koetting, Dr.Koetting, Natali Robichaux.

Pictured to right Dr. Sarah Pitre, Dr. Lane Breaux, Dr. Dawn Dr. Natali Robichaux.

Not pictured, Dr.pictured, Kathryn Dr. Elliott and Dr. Christopher Stevens. Stevens.

Not Kathryn Elliott and Dr. Christopher

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Where Catfish is King & Our Bloody Mary’s are Made From Scratch!

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THE COURIER | DAILY COMET | Thursday, January 25, 2018 15

1888 to 2018 Of Successful Businesses and Professionals  38 YEARS 

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We proudly brew Community Coffee 300 Church Street Houma, LA 70360 • 985-346-6662

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CIVIC STOP Our Customers Are Our Friends & 3040 Barrow Street • Houma, LA 985-917-0504 • 985-917-0505

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16 Thursday, January 25, 2018 | THE COURIER | DAILY COMET

HIGHER EDUCATION

Nicholls State is the region’s university

By Holly Duchmann Staff Writer

Graduates march in the processional at Fletcher Technical Community College’s commencement last spring. [FILE PHOTO]

Community college boosts offerings

By Holly Duchmann Staff Writer

L.E. Fletcher Technical Community College offers local students traditional university classes as well as several vocational training options, including a new 16-week line worker program for those who want to become line workers for electric utility companies.

The program, sponsored by Entergy, which donated $50,000 to start it, will take in classes of 15 students and train them in the 16-week

program. Upon completion of the program, students will receive National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) certification, be qualified for employment as line helpers and receive job placement assistance.

It’s projected that over 500 new utility line workers will be be needed in Louisiana in the next five years, said Melonie Stewart, director of regional customer service for Entergy.

The college is led by Kristine Strickland.

Strickland, a former West Bank Camp executive dean at Delgado Community College, is entering her third year as chancellor having been appointed in January 2016.

Fletcher was founded in 1951 and is maintained by the louisiana Community and Technical College System.

The two-year college reports fall enrollment at 2,063, up from 2,054 in the previous year.

Students at Fletcher can study oilfield technology, marine

operations, medical programs, office systems and electrical and industrial technologies.

Fletcher also offers dual enrollment for high school students looking to earn college credits.

A full course load for in-state students costs $3,951 per semester in tuition and fees. Outof-state students can expect to pay $7,474.

Information about Fletcher can be found at fletcher.edu or by calling 448-7900.

Jay Clune, a Houma native who took over Jan. 1 as president of Nicholls State in Thibodaux, says he wants to enhance the university’s role as a cultural and educational hub for students and the community at large.

In his first speech to faculty and students Jan. 19, he said administrative changes have already begun. He added listening and learning will be a big part of his first year, which will help him set the agenda for what the curriculum should look like in five years, what new programs the school should have, where can the university can partner with industries and what the campus should look like in five to 10 years.

“When you look at our vision, it is to be the intellectual, cultural and economic heart of the bayou region, and that means we expand educational attainment, we enhance our communities across the entire region and we provide the talent for our business and industries that need to compete on a global scale,” Clune said.

He said he hopes Nicholls can begin developing a campus master plan, which will map physical growth of the university, as well as forming a development plan, which outlines university needs for potential donors.

Current enrollment, 6,366 students, is up from 6,267 last school year. But Clune said enrollment should be 10,000 to 12,000 given the region’s size and needs.

The four-year university is one

Bree Daigle raises her diploma in the air after receiving it Dec. 17 during fall commencement. [FILE PHOTO]

of nine that make up the University of Louisiana system. It offers bachelor’s degrees in nursing, criminal justice and several other fields.

The school also offers the only four-year culinary arts bachelor’s program in the state.

For graduate students, Nicholls offers studies in education, biology, business and nursing.

Non-degree programs are available at the university, but former two-year programs the university once offered have either been canceled or transferred to L.E. Fletcher Technical Community College.

Nicholls was started in 1948 as the Francis T. Nicholls Junior College of LSU. In 1956, the state Legislature separated Nicholls from LSU, and May 1958 saw the institution grant its first degree.

Full-time students from Louisiana can expect to pay about $3,943 per semester in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay about $4,490.

Information about the university can be found at nicholls.edu or by calling 1-877-NICHOLLS.

THE COURIER | DAILY COMET | Thursday, January 25, 2018 17

Terrebonne and Lafourche public school systems

By Holly Duchmann Staff Writer

Terrebonne and Lafourche each operate about 30 public schools, and combined, the two parishes enroll more than 32,000 students.

In addition, the Catholic Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux enrolls about 5,500 students at 13 schools, and several other religious and private schools serve students in the area.

Here’s a quick look at the two parishes’ public school systems, based on data from local school boards and the state Education Department.

TERREBONNE Enrollment 17,906 students 2017-18 Budget Revenue: $184.2 million State sources: $95.8 million (52 percent) Local: $63.7 million (35 percent) Federal: $24.6 million (13 percent) Spending: $183.4 million Instruction and support: $139.3 million (76 percent) Debt: $1 million School Board members District 1: Roosevelt Thomas, 876-7612

District 2: Gregory Harding, 876-0393 District 3: Richard “Dicky” Jackson, 686-1657 District 4: Debi Benoit, 493-2563 District 5: Brenda Leroux Babin, 876-7947 District 6: L.P. Bordelon, 876-3305 District 7: Roger Dale DeHart, 879-1329 District 8: Donald Duplantis, 873-8239 District 9: Vicki Bonvillain, 381-1501 Superintendent: Philip Martin, 876-7400 School Board Office: 201 Stadium Drive, Houma

LAFOURCHE PARISH Enrollment 14,662 students 2017-18 Budget Revenue: $165.3 million State sources: 68.4 million (47.5 percent) Local: $78.5 million (41.4 percent) Federal: $18.2 million (11.1 percent) Spending: $168.9 million Instruction: $70 million Support: $60 million Debt Services: $13.7 million Charter schools: $8.9 million School Board members District 1: Louis Thibodaux, 447-9407 District 2: Brooke Huddleston, 227-0075

SCHOOLS

District 3: Richmond Boyd, 447-6691 District 4: Marian Fertitta, 447-6691 District 5: Mary Breaud, 447-1534 District 6: Gregg Stall, 441-2019 District 7: Gary Foret, 537-3433 District 8: Raymond Toups, 537-6958 District 9: Julie Breaux, 532-6283 District 10: Dennis Jean Chaisson, 532-5758 District 11: Clyde Duplantis III, 857-9143 District 12: Ann Sanamo, 693-3082 District 13: Al Archer, 632-3094 District 14: Ray Bernard, 632-2312 District 15: Calvin Duet, 475-5524 Superintendent: Jo Ann Matthews, 446-5631 School Board Office: 805 E. Seventh St., Thibodaux

Terrebonne and Lafourche’s public, parochial and private schools enroll roughly 40,000 students combined. [FILE PHOTO]

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18 Thursday, January 25, 2018 | THE COURIER | DAILY COMET

SPORTSMAN’S PARADISE

Test your skills at a fishing rodeo Brent St. Germain Sports Editor

One of these popular sports competitions is held in Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes nearly every weekend when the water is warm.

Here are a few to choose from: TERREBONNE ■24th Annual Houma Oilman’s Fishing Invitational, May 31-June 2, Harbor Light Marina in Cocodrie.

■Terrebonne Sportsman League’s 66th Annual Fishing Rodeo, Aug. 3-5, East Park Recreation Center in Houma.

■Krewe of Hercules Festival on the Bayou Annual Redfish Rodeo, Aug. 10-12, Agricultural Building on the Houma Air

Base ■Third Annual Diva Fishing Rodeo, Oct. 13-14, TradeWinds Marina in Cocodrie.

LAFOURCHE ■60th Annual Golden MeadowFourchon International Tarpon Rodeo, July 5-7, Moran’s Marina in Fourchon.

■2018 Fourchon Oilman’s Association Fishing Rodeo, July 12-14, Moran’s Marina in Fourchon.

GRAND ISLE ■Stan Brock’s Black and Gold Classic, Bast and Cast Sainst Rodeo, May 18-19, Bridge Side Marina.

■21st Annual Grand Isle Speckled Trout Rodeo, May 25-27, Bridge Side Marina.

■34th Annual Creole Classic

Fishing Tournament, June 22-23, Bridge Side Marina.

■90th Annual International Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo, July 26-28, Tarpon Rodeo Pavilion.

■Ninth Annual “Ride the Bull” Extreme kayak Fishing Tournament, Aug. 25, Bridge Side Marina.

■57h Annual Grand Isle Original Redfish Rodeo, Aug. 31-Sept. 2, Bridge Side Marina.

STATEWIDE ■24th Annual Coastal Conservation Association Statewide Tournament and Angler’s Rodeo (STAR) tournament, May 26-Sept. 3, various locations throughout the state.

For information, visit www. ccastar.com.

J.J. Tabor (second from top right) caught a 383-pound, 2-ounce warsaw grouper to that set a new state and rodeo record during the 89th Annual International Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo. Pictured are Josh Soignet (clockwise from top left), Tabor, Andrew LeBlanc, Matthew Stone and Cole Placek. [FILE – HOUMATODAY/DAILYCOMET]

ROADSIDE FISHING SPOTS

No boat? No problem

By Kelly McElroy Staff Writer

Who says you need a boat to catch fish? From canals along area highways to surf fishing at the beach, local anglers have many fishing opportunities where a boat is not even needed.

Here are some of the top local shoreline fishing spots: TERREBONNE PARISH DULARGE Fishing Bayou Dularge Road no farther south than Falgout Canal can produce some nice catches, and Falgout Canal Road between Dularge is also a good spot for redfish, With a pirogue or kayak, fishing weirs and dams can also be productive. The pontoon bridge over the

Houma Navigation Canal is also a popular spot for redfish and other species of fish. La. 57 between Cocodrie and Dulac also has many fishing spots for anglers, but rubber boots may be needed to reach some of the marshy areas.

CHAUVIN/COCODRIE Without a doubt, the most popular shoreline locations in this region are Boudreaux and Robinson canals.

Both are along La. 56 and can get crowded in the winter months. Lake Boudreaux is a hot spot for speckled trout in the winter, and Boudreaux Canal provides a migration route for the fish to and from the lake. Finding areas of moving water in these regions can prove fruitful.

LAFOURCHE PARISH

THIBODAUX Freshwater fishing is popular in Bayou Lafourche near Nicholls State University and the Jean Lafitte Historical Park and Preserve Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center in Thibodaux.

The Adley Landry Water Reservoir is also a popular spot for bass fishing.

LEEVILLE Deep water near the site of the old Leeville lift bridge off La. 1 provides warmth for redfish, sheepshead and black drum during the winter. There are many shell parking spots along the highway for people to access these popular fishing spots.

Fishermen have more options now, as the Leeville Boat Launch and Fishing Pier, located under the Gateway to the Gulf

Expressway along La. 1, opened in 2017. It includes a handicap-accessible aluminum fishing pier and a pavilion and has lights for nighttime fishing.

PORT FOURCHON During the summer months, nice catches of speckled trout can be found in the surf of area beaches.

GOLDEN MEADOW Oakridge Park’s levee canal is a prime spot for some freshwater fishing in the south Lafourche area.

Sac-a-lait and other perch are traditionally the top catches in the area.

SOUTH LAFOURCHE Roadside fishing along La. 1 is popular for many local saltwater anglers, as Bayou Lafourche can provide an abundance of speckled

Kevin Matherne of Lockport casts his line during a Nov. 4 fishing trip at the Leeville Boat Launch and Fishing Pier, located under the Gateway to the Gulf Expressway along La. 1. [THE COURIER AND DAILY COMET/FILE] trout and redfish especially in the winter and fall.

Fishing in Bayou Lafourche provides good catches from Larose to Leeville.

LOCKPORT Bayou Side Park is a popular fishing spot for many Central Lafourche residents, as people can reel in freshwater catches in Bayou Lafourche and Old Company Canal.

JEFFERSON PARISH GRAND ISLE

Anglers are often found fishing off the pier near the Grand Isle Bridge and in other spots off La. 1, especially in the winter months when the fish are stacked up in area canals and marshes. It also includes lights for nighttime fishing.

For those looking to a bit more adventurous, surf fishing is popular along the Grand Isle beaches. The most popular catches are traditionally speckled trout, redfish, white trout and flounder.

THE COURIER | DAILY COMET | Thursday, January 25, 2018 19

GO FISH

Area has wealth of fishing charters for weekend warriors Staff Writer

If you are just visiting, or don’t own a boat, one of the easiest ways to enjoy the great fishing in Lafourche and Terrebonne parishes and the Grand Isle area is to book a charter trip.

A number of charter fishermen will take into the area’s bayous, canals and lakes, where your catch might include speckled trout, redfish, bass and sac-a-lait.

For those looking for some bigger catches, there are several deepsea fishing charters that will take you into the Gulf of Mexico. Those fishermen are typically looking for red snapper (when in season), cobia, yellowfin tuna, marlin and the “silver king” tarpon.

Here is a list of area fishing charters, including Grand Isle: LAFOURCHE PARISH ■Aaron Pierce Charters, (985) 637-9720 ■Arthur Matherne Charter Fishing, (985) 758-5531 ■Bay Coast Charters, (985) 7872067 or (985) 475-6598

■Between the Banks, (504) 458-9451 ■Big Dog Bowfishing, (985) 637-6074 ■Bobby’s Charters, (985) 396-2678 ■Bobby Lynn’s Marina, (225) 673-4210 ■Boneyard Bow Fishing, (985) 637-4471 ■Cajun Made Charters, (985) 396-2728 ■Capt. T-Man’s Charters, (985) 693-6828 ■Cast and Catch Charters, (985) 637-5760 ■Charlie Hardison and Sons, (888) 463-4747 ■Don Dee’s Bayou Coastal Guide Service, (985) 632-3336 ■Fishtales Guide Service, (985) 696-1801 ■Hawk Eye Fishing Charters, (985) 632-6988 ■Marsh Masters Bow Fishing, (985) 285-7332 ■Marsh Masters Guide Service, (985) 637-6076 ■Marsh Rat Fishing Guide, (985) 637-5058 ■Marshland Guide Service, (985) 475-6397 ■Moran’s Marina, (985) 369-2728 ■Night Time Fishing, (225) 673-4210 ■Plaisance Tidewater Charters, (985) 475-7471 ■Reelin Good Charters, (985) 858-8167

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■Rippin Lip Guide Service, (985) 632-5846 ■Saltwater Guide Service, (985) 696-4621 ■Southern Moon Charters, (985) 870-3315 ■Speck-Tackler Charters, (985) 475-5871 ■Spots & Specks Charters, (985) 637-3177 ■Steve Tomeny Charters, (985) 396-2613 ■Top Water Marina, (985) 396-4620 ■Tuna Time Charters, (985) 665-3769 ■Zutie’s Baycoast Charters, (985) 637-3692

TERREBONNE PARISH ■Absolute Fishing Charters, (985) 856-4477 ■Airboat Charters, (985) 872-0989 ■Avid Angler Fishing Charters, (985) 855-5909 ■Bayou Black Marina, (985) 575-2315 ■Beachcomber Guide Service, (985) 855-6150 ■Bill Lake Bayou Guide Service and Charters, (985) 851-6015 or (985) 637-3712 ■Boudreaux’s Marina, (985) 594-4568 ■C&B Charter Fishing, (985) 594-2414 ■Cajun Fishing and Hunting Charters, (985) 857-8552 ■Captain André Boudreaux,

(985) 594-4568 ■Captain Cody Esponge, (985) 804-1518 ■Captain Gene Foret, (888) 648-2626 ■Coco Marina, (888) 648-2626 ■Captain Joe Schouest Charters, (985) 876-4317 ■Captain Lance “Lil Coon” Schouest Jr., (985) 856-7063 ■Captain Lee Schouest, (985) 594-6626 ■Captain Mike Ledet’s Charters, (985) 594-6773 ■Captain Ryan Folse, (888) 648-2626 ■Captain Tanna Persac, (225) 610-7336 ■Coastal Charter Service, (985) 856-6494 ■Cocodrie Anglers, (985) 856-0700 ■Cocodrie Charters, (985) 594-6200 ■Cocodrie Inside Charters, (800) 906-5484 ■Cododrie Fishing Charters, LLC, (985) 991-3152 ■Coon Pop, Inc., (985) 688-7633 ■Crawdaddy, (985) 209-4386 ■Custom Charters, (985) 851-3304 ■Double Down Charters, (985) 856-9008 ■Downtown Marina, (985) 873-6428 ■Dulac Charters, (985) 563-2843 ■Falgout Canal Landing, (985) 872-1636

■Fightin Minnow Fishing Charters, (985) 790-0771 ■Four Point Landing, (985) 563-2878 ■Harbor Light Marina, (985) 594-7208 ■Haydel’s Charter Inc., (985) 226-0113 ■Impulse Fishing Charters, (225) 776-9820 ■Inshore Addiction Guide Service, (225) 278-4189 ■Jug’s Seafood, (985) 876-1413 ■Laid Back Charter, (225) 2022584 or (225) 756-2342 ■Lil’ Ross Charters, (985) 293-7933 ■Marsh Madness, (985) 688-4495 ■Millertime Fishing Charters, (985) 981-6434 Pac Kayak Rentals, (225) 573-4085 ■Pointe-aux-Chenes Marina, (985) 594-4654 ■Reelin Good Charters (985) 856-8167 ■Salt Charters, (985) 648-2626 ■Sea Creatures Fishing Charters, (985) 563-2531 ■Seeber Charter Service, (985) 804-7637 ■Shoreline Charter, (985) 688-2772 ■Silver Fox Charters, (985) 665-2657 ■Southern Nights Bowfishing Charters, (985) 688-3486 ■Sportsman’s Paradise, (985) 594-2414 ■T-Irv’s Marina, (985) 563-4295

■Top Waters Charter, (985) 594-9074 ■Tradewinds Marina, (985) 466-3838

GRAND ISLE ■A Day in Paradise, (504) 382-0174 ■Bent Rod Offshore, (985) 817-0017 ■Bon Chance Fishing, (985) 637-3979 ■Bridge Side Marina, (985) 787-2419 ■Brooks-Hooks Fishing Charters, (225) 485-7931 ■Calmwater Charters and Tours, (225) 921-8459 ■Cast and Catch, (985) 665-0745 ■Capt. John’s Fin-tastic Charters, (985) 665-4586 ■Dream Catcher Guide Service, (225) 572-8927 ■Fish-N-Tell, (225) 938-2419 ■Epic Fishing Charters, (225) 733-6080 ■Fish Commander Guide Service, (225) 445-1005 ■Fish on Charters, (318) 623-6500 ■Flaming Hooks, (318) 623-2759 ■Follow Me Charters, (504) 610-9639 ■H&M Fishing Charters, (985) 258-3632 ■Pair-of-dice Charters of Grand Isle, (985) 860-7855

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234018

By Teddy Renois

20 Thursday, January 25, 2018 | THE COURIER | DAILY COMET

BOAT LAUNCHES

You’ll find plenty of places to hit the water

By Kelly McElroy Staff Writer

Here is a list of area marinas and boat launches in Assumption, Terrebonne and Lafourche Parishes and in Grand Isle.

Launching fees may apply and availability is subject to change: ASSUMPTION PARISH ■Alligator Bayou Boat Launch, La. 398.

■Attakapas Landing, end of La. 401.

■Bayou Lafourche Boat Launch, La. 398.

■Belle River Boat Launch, La. 1016-2.

■Himalaya Canal Boat Launch, La. 1012.

■Lake Verret Boat Launch, La. 1016-1.

■Little Grand Bayou Boat Launch, end of La. 402.

LAFOURCHE PARISH ■Amerada Launch to Bayou Lafourche in Raceland.

■Bason’s Marina, La. 3235 in Cut Off. ■Bayou Lafourche Launch at Bayouside Park, La. 1 in Thibodaux.

■Bayou Lafourche Launch in Golden Meadow.

■Bayou Lafourche Launch in Raceland.

■Belle Pass Marina, La. 1 in Golden Meadow.

■Big Bayou Blue Marina, La. 24 in Larose.

■Bill Taylor Boat Launch, La. 611 in Chackbay.

■Boudreaux’s Waterfront Motel in Leeville.

■Breton Canal Launch. East 73rd St. Galliano.

■Butch Hill Ramp Boat Launch, Bayou Cut Off, La. 652, Raceland.

■Choctaw Road Boat Launch to Grand Bayou.

■Chris Moran’s Marina in Port Fourchon.

■Clovelly Farms Boat Launch into Scully Canal, La. 308 in Cut Off. ■Company Canal Boat Launch, Bayouside Park, Lockport.

■Company Canal Boat Launch, La. 654 near Gheens.

■Ed’s Boat Launch and Trailer Park in Leeville.

■Intracoastal Waterway Launch, across from VFW Hall in Larose.

■Intracoastal Waterway Launch, via Delta Farms La. 657 in Larose.

■Irwin P. Melancon Recreational Boat Launch in Port Fourchon.

■Josh’s Boat Launch, La. 3235 in Golden Meadow.

■Lafourche Beach Launch in Port Fourchon.

■Larousse Boat Launch in Kraemer.

■Leeville Boat Launch and Fishing Pier, under the Gateway to the Gulf Expressway.

■Oakridge Community Boat Launch, La. 3235 in Golden Meadow.

■Percle’s Camp Launch to Grand Bayou.

■Port Fourchon Boat Launch, La. 3090.

■Port Fourchon Marina in Leeville.

■Roadside Launch on La. 1 east of Port Fourchon.

■Roadside Launch on La. 1 in Leesville.

■Somme’s Marina at Somme’s Lucky 7 Truck Plaza, U.S. 90 in Des Allemands.

■Terry’s Live Bait, 24202 La. 1 in Golden Meadow.

■Texas Gulf Boat Launch, La. 24 Bayou Blue.

■Theriot Canal Boat Launch, La. 308 in Raceland.

■TYDs Marina, La. 1 between Golden Meadow and Leeville.

Brad Taylor (left) of Baton Rouge offers guidance as Eric Teasley of Baton Rouge drives the boat up the trailer on Nov. 4 at the Leeville Boat Launch and Fishing Pier along La. 1. [FILE -HOUMATODAY/DAILYCOMET]

TERREBONNE PARISH ■Bayou Petite Caillou Boat Launch, two miles north of Cocodrie off La. 56.

■Bayou Petite Caillou Boat Launch, eight miles north of Cocodrie off La. 56.

■Bayou Terrebonne Boat Launch, La. 55 in Montegut.

■Bayou Bait and Tackle in Chauvin.

■Boat Launch north of Cocodrie Clubhouse on Redfish Street.

■Boudreaux Canal Boat Launch in Chauvin.

■Boudreaux’s Marina, at the end of Four Point Road off La. 3011.

■Boudreaux’s Landing in Dulac.

■Bob’s Bayou Black Marina, four miles off La. 182 in Gibson.

■Canal St. Jean Charles Boat Launch.

■Chauvin recreation area, near library and central fire station.

■CoCo Marina, near the end of La. 56 in Cocodrie.

■Cocodrie Clubhouse Boat Launch, six miles south of Robinson Canal.

■Defelice Marina and Seafood Co., 163 Old Bridge Road in Dulac.

■Dularge Sporting Goods, La. 315 in Bayou Dularge Road.

■Falgout Canal Landing 1868 Dr. Beatrous Road in Theriot.

■Falgout Canal Road in Dulac.

■Forrest Cannon Memorial Boat Launch near Waterproof Bridge off Southdown Mandalay Road in Bayou Black.

■Grand Bayou Unit Public Launch in Pointe-aux-Chenes.

■Half-mile east of the U.S. 90 Chacahoula-Thibodaux exit about four ½ miles west of La. 20 and La. 311 intersections.

■Harbor Light Marina, near the end of La. 56 in Cocodrie.

■Houma Canal Boat Launch, La. 315.

■Houma Navigation Canal, La. 3011.

■Isle de Charles Road Boat Launch.

■Isle de Jean Charles Marina.

■Kozy Kampers in Cocodrie.

■Jammie’s Boat Landing in Dularge.

■La. 20 one mile west of U.S. 90 Chacahoula-Thibodaux exit, four miles west of La. 20 and La. 311 intersection.

■La. 315, south of Houma to just north of Falgout Canal Road, turn west and cross Bayou Dularge.

■Lapeyrouse Seafood, Robinson Canal and La. 56 in Chauvin.

■Launch across from Little

Caillou Fire Station on La. 56 in Chauvin.

■Launch at 1017 La. 55 in Montegut.

■Launch at end of La. 3197 behind Bayou Black Fire Station.

■Launch behind Ashland Landfill, off La. 57 in Houma.

■Launch across from Little Caillou Fire Station on La. 56, Chauvin.

■Lizzie’s Landing at Boudreaux Canal and Bayou Little Caillou.

■Madison Canal Boat Launch, La. 55.

■Marina under Twin Spans in downtown Houma off La. 20.

■Marmande Canal in Theriot La. 315.

■Montegut Marina in Montegut.

■Old Spanish Trail off La. 182 in Gibson.

■Pat’s Bayouside Marina, 251 Marina Road in Montegut.

■Pointe-aux-Chenes Marina, 1650 La. 665.

■Pointe-aux-Chenes Wildlife Management Area on Isle de Jean Charles Road, Montegut.

■Point Barre Road Boat Launch near Pointe-aux-Chenes.

■Pointe Barre Ramp in Montegut.

■Pointe Cocodrie Inn, guests only.

■Pump station off La. 20, 11 ½ miles west of La. 20 and La. 311 intersection or 3 ½ miles east of U.S. 90 and Chacahoula-Thibodaux exit.

■Sandpiper Inn Bait Shop, 7312 Shoreline Drive in Cocodrie.

■Sea Breeze Marina in Montegut.

■Sharkey’s Boat Landing in Chauvin.

■Sportsman’s Paradise, 6830 La. 56 in Chauvin.

■Sunshine Acres Marina in Dulac.

■Sunshine Marina off Four Point Road.

■Sunshine Trading Post, 113 Sunshine West Street in Dulac.

■T-Irv’s Marina in Dulac.

■Texas Gulf Road Boat Launch off La. 55 in Bourg on Company Canal.

■TradeWinds Marina, 7681 La. 56 in Chauvin.

■Wine Island Pass Marina in Cocodrie.

GRAND ISLE ■Bridge Side Marina, foot of the Grand Isle Bridge, beach side.

■Camardelle’s Seafood, ½ mile before Grand Isle bridge on LA. 1, bay side.

■Cheramie’s Landing.

■Coastal Bait, along La. 1.

■Cypress Cove Marina.

■Gulf Stream Marina, ½ mile from Grand Isle Bridge on La. 1.

■Hurricane Hole, La. 1 between Carmen Lane and Tahiti Lane.

■Sand Dollar Marina, end of La. 1.

■Pirate’s Cove Marina, 122 Smith Lane.

■Ricky’s Fishing Tackle,

along La. 1.

■Santiny’s Bait, along La. 1.

■Wake Side Marina, 1615 La. 1.

THE COURIER | DAILY COMET | Thursday, January 25, 2018 21

22 Thursday, January 25, 2018 | THE COURIER | DAILY COMET

HELPFUL TIPS

Public services you’ll find useful

By Keith Magill Executive Editor

POLICE Terrebonne: Terrebonne Sheriff’s Office, Courthouse Annex, 7856 Main St., Suite 121, Houma, 876-2500.

Houma Police, 500 Honduras St., Houma, 873-6371.

State Police Troop C, 4047 W. Park Ave., Gray, 857-3680.

Terrebonne jail, 3123 Grand Caillou Road, Houma, 857-0361.

Lafourche: Lafourche Sheriff’s Office, 200 Canal Blvd.

Thibodaux, 532-2808.

South Lafourche substation, 102 W. 91st St., Galliano, 632-5843.

Lafourche jail, 952 La. 3185, Thibodaux, 449-4458.

Thibodaux Police, 1309 Canal Blvd., 446-5021.

Nicholls State University Police, 906 E. First St., Thibodaux, 448-4746.

Golden Meadow Police, 313 N. Bayou Drive, 475-5213.

Lockport Police, 710 Church St., 532-9799.

ANIMAL CONTROL Terrebonne: If you find a stray dog or cat, contact the Terrebonne Animal Shelter at 873-6709. Stray or unwanted pets can be taken to the shelter, 100 Government St. in Gray, at no cost. Learn more about the shelter, and view photos of adopted pets, by visiting its Facebook page.

Lafourche: Lafourche’s animal shelter houses dogs and cats. The shelter, 934 La. 3185, is next to the Lafourche jail, 952 La. 3185,

Thibodaux. Call 446-3532.

Stray dogs and cats are handled by the Lafourche Sheriff’s Office, 449-2255. In Thibodaux, Golden Meadow and Lockport, call the local police department. The numbers are 446-5021, 4755213 and 532-9799.

DRIVER’S LICENSES New state residents should obtain a Louisiana driver’s license within 30 days of establishing residency. Two forms of ID, such as a birth certificate or a Social Security card, are required. To renew a license online, visit www.express-lane.org.

Terrebonne: New licenses and permits are issued at the Office of Motor Vehicles, 108 Capitol Blvd., in Houma. Call 877-368-5463.

The office is open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays.

Lafourche: Offices are in Golden Meadow, 500 N. Alex Plaisance Blvd., 877368-5463, and in Thibodaux, 1424 Tiger Drive, 447-0911.

Both are open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays.

PUBLIC TRANSIT Good Earth Transit offers bus rides for $1 a person. A day pass costs $2.50. Children under 4 ride free. The system’s routes cut across Houma and make multiple trips into Thibodaux daily.

The buses start running at 6 a.m. on weekdays and stop by 7 p.m. The service is operated by Terrebonne Parish government. For detailed routes or information, visit tpcg.org, click on “visitors” at the top of the

page, then select “public transportation.”

MARRIAGE LICENSES Licenses can be obtained from the clerk of court’s office in your respective parish. Offices are open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays.

Terrebonne: The office is in the Houma Courthouse, 7856 Main St. Call 868-5660, ext. 56. A marriage license costs $40 in Terrebonne.

Lafourche: The office is in the courthouse annex, 309 W. Third St., in Thibodaux.

The number is 447-4841.

The cost is $35.

PASSPORTS There are a number of places in both parishes where you can apply for a passport. You can also apply online at usps.com/ passport. You’ll need to bring identification that proves you are a U.S. citizen and verifies your identity, like a driver’s license or Social Security card. You’ll also have to provide two 2-inch-by-2-inch photos depicting your current appearance. If you’re 16 or older, passport fees are usually $135. If you’re younger than 16, passport fees are usually $105. If you want to renew your passport, it will cost $110.

Here are a few places where you can apply for a passport: Bourg Post Office, 3806 Country Drive, 851-2372.

Gray Post Office, 4442 W.

Terrebonne Parish Animal Shelter Manager Valerie Robinson prepares to take Snow out for some exercise last January. [THE COURIER AND DAILY COMET/FILE] Main St., 876-7424.

Raceland Post Office, 109 Raceland St., 537-8957.

Terrebonne Clerk of Court’s Office, 7856 Main St., Houma, 868-5660.

Lafourche Clerk of Court’s Office, 303 W. Third St., Thibodaux, 447-4841.

Galliano Post Office, 17599 La. 3235, 325-2652.

POST OFFICES Some of the post offices in Terrebonne: Houma, 425 Lafayette St., 223-1722.

Bourg, 3806 Country Drive, 851-2372.

Chauvin, 5106 La. 56, 594-9473.

Dulac, 7661 Grand Caillou Road, 563-7329.

Gibson, 6353 S. Bayou Black Drive, 575-3601.

Gray, 4442 W. Main St., 872-7424.

Montegut, 1225 La. 55, 594-2216.

Schriever, 201 La. 659, 446-1318.

Here are some in

Lafourche: Thibodaux, 910 Canal Blvd.,447-3738.

Galliano, 17599 La. 3235, 325-2652.

Cut Off, 16130 W. Main St., 632-2353.

Golden Meadow, 300 S. Alex Plaisance Blvd., 475-4909.

Grand Isle, 3393 La. 1, 787-2317.

Kraemer, 4030 La. 307, 633-2781.

Larose, 123 W. 17th St., 693-3349.

Raceland, 109 Raceland St., 537-8957.

POWER OUT? If your power goes out, contact your utility company.

Entergy can be reached at 800-368-3749; the South Louisiana Electric Cooperative Association is at 800-256-8836 or 876-6880; and Terrebonne Parish utilities, which serves the city of Houma, is at 873-6465.

STREET LIGHTS OUT?

To report a broken street light in Terrebonne, fill out the form at www.tpcg.org and search “street light” in the search bar in the upper right corner of the screen.

In Lafourche, call parish government at 446-8427.

WATER PROBLEMS? If you need to have your water service turned on, contact your local waterworks district. Terrebonne Waterworks District No. 1, 8814 Main St., is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.

The number is 879-2495.

To report an emergency, such as a waterline break, the number is 879-2497 or 446-5541.

Lafourche Water District No. 1 can be reached at 800-344-1580.

THE COURIER | DAILY COMET | Thursday, January 25, 2018 23

GOVERNMENT

How to contact your elected officials

By Bridget Mire Staff Writer

Here’s how you can contact representatives of the Terrebonne and Lafourche parish governments.

Also included is information for the city of Thibodaux and towns of Lockport and Golden Meadow.

Terrebonne Parish has a consolidated government, which includes the city of Houma.

TERREBONNE PARISH Government Tower: 8026 Main St., Houma, 868-5050.

Parish President Gordon Dove: 873-6401, gdove@tpcg.org.

Parish Council ■John Navy, District 1: 873-6427, jnavy@ tpcg.org.

■Arlanda Williams, District 2: 873-6433, ajwilliams@tpcg.org.

■Gerald Michel, District 3: 873-6419, gmichel@tpcg.org.

■Scotty Dryden, District 4: 873-6425, sdryden@tpcg.org.

■Christa Duplantis-Prather, District 5: 8736426, cduplantis@tpcg.org.

■Darrin Guidry, District 6: 873-6412, dwguidry@tpcg.org.

■Al Marmande, District 7: 873-6422, amarmande@tpcg.org.

■Dirk Guidry, District 8: 873-6415, djguidry@tpcg.org.

■Steve Trosclair, District 9: 873-6424, strosclair@tpcg.org.

LAFOURCHE PARISH Galliano Government Complex: 16241 E. Main St., Suite B, 632-4666.

Mathews Government Complex: 4876 La. 1., 537-7603.

Thibodaux Government Complex: 402 Green St., 446-8427.

Parish President James “Jimmy” Cantrelle: 446-8427, cantrellejb@lafourchegov.org.

Parish Council ■Jerry Jones, District 1: 387-2312, councildist1@lafourchegov.org.

■Luci Sposito, District 2: 438-4112, councildist2@ lafourchegov.org.

■Michael Gros, District 3: 805-0196, councildist3@ lafourchegov.org.

■Aaron “Bo” Melvin, District 4: 805-0024, councildist4@ lafourchegov.org.

■James Bourgeois, District 5: 805-0724, councildist5@lafourchegov.org.

■Corey Perrillioux, District 6: 805-0391,

councildist6@ lafourchegov.org.

■Armand Autin, District 7: 805-0201, councildist7@lafourchegov.org.

■Jerry LaFont, District 8: 570-3127, councildist8@ lafourchegov.org.

■Daniel Lorraine, District 9: 438-4122, councildist9@ lafourchegov.org.

THIBODAUX City Hall: 310 W. Second St., 446-7218.

Mayor Tommy Eschete: 446-7218, teschete@ci.thibodaux.la.us.

City Council ■Eric Tabor, District A: 227-8878, councilman@ericjtabor.com.

■Gene Richard, District B: 446-1831, ejrich001@msn.com.

■Constance Johnson, District C: 637-3434, madison1724@charter.net.

■Lloyd “Chip” Badeaux, District D: 4466875, chipbadeaux@hotmail.com.

■Chad Mire, District E: 446-7200, councilmane@hotmail.com.

LOCKPORT Town Hall: 710 Church St., 532-3117.

Mayor Ed Reinhardt: mayoredreinhardt@ townoflockport.com.

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GOLDEN MEADOW Town Hall: 107 Jervis Drive, 475-7942.

Mayor Joey Bouziga: 475-5163, joey@ townofgoldenmeadow-la.gov.

Town Council ■Ashton Cheramie, sanitation: 258-0415, ashtonuc@gmail.com.

■Jody Cheramie, sewerage: 475-4529, jodycheramie@gmail.com.

■Laci Latiolais, parks: 637-2407, laci.latiolais@gmail.com ■Lindberg Lorraine, drainage: 258-4688, lorrainebap@gmail.com.

■Willis Toups, streets: 475-5253, wtoups@ viscom.net.

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Town Council ■Stephen Baudoin, Division A: sbaudoin@ townoflockport.com.

■Sharon Robichaux Guidry, Division B: srguidry@townoflockport.com.

■Bobbie M. Galjour, Division C: bmgaljour@townoflockport.com.

■Rodney Hartman, Division D: rhartman@ townoflockport.com.

■Wayne Bourgeois Jr., Division E: wbourgeois@townoflockport.com.

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The Bayou Community Band has 50-60 members and meets to practice at Nicholls State University every other Friday. [BAND PHOTO]

By Julia Arenstam Staff Writer

Houma and Thibodaux’s three community bands are always looking for members.

The Bayou Community Band in Thibodaux, the Houma-Terrebonne Community Band in Houma and the South Louisiana Community Orchestra each offer residents a chance to flex their musical muscles.

Bayou Community Band The Thibodaux band, comprised of 50-60 volunteer musicians from Lafourche, Terrebonne and surrounding parishes, performs several times a year.

The band practices every

other Friday at Nicholls State University.

Its spring performance is scheduled for 3 p.m.

April 29 at Nicholls’ Peltier Auditorium. You can find its calendar at www.bayoucommunityband.org.

Information: 446-8860.

Houma-Terrebonne Community Band The band is made up of about 40 members and performs regularly throughout the Houma area. Several of its performances are annual events, like the Patriotic, Spring and Christmas concerts.

The group will hold a 34th Anniversary Concert at 6:30 p.m. April 14 at the Houma Christian School.

It also has scheduled performances June 30, time to be decided, at the Houma

Civic Center, at 2 p.m. July 1 and at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 15 at the Houma Christian School and two Christmas performances. For a full schedule, visit htcb.org.

Information: 855-7565 or info@htcb.org.

South Louisiana Community Orchestra The South Louisiana Community Orchestra, also based in Houma, performs several times a year.

The group was formed in 1997 and became the South Louisiana Community Orchestra in 2003.

For information on scheduled performances, visit the group’s website: www.lncb.tripod.com. To join, call 637-4926.

THE COURIER | DAILY COMET | Thursday, January 25, 2018 25

PARKS AND RECREATION

Area features numerous parks for residents to enjoy

By Kelly McElroy Staff Writer

If you are looking for any variety of outdoor or indoor activities to participate in, the area offers numerous parks and gyms for residents to use.

From splash parks to dog parks to bike trails to ole-fashioned swing sets, Terrebonne and Lafourche have their share of outdoor activities for residents.

Here is a look at area parks and recreation centers that area residents can enjoy: TERREBONNE PARISH ■Authement Street Park, 311 Authement St.: walking track, gazebo, picnic tables, softball field.

■Andrew Price Gym, 1829 La. 24 Gray.

■Bourg Gym, 4411 Eldred Street, Bourg: gym, tennis courts, softball fields.

■Barrios Park, Willard Avenue Houma: playground equipment ■Bayou Black Gym, 3888, Southdown Mandalay Road: gym, basketball courts, playground equipment, football, baseball, softball and soccer fields, walking track, splash park in summer, gazebo, picnic tables.

■Bayou Country Sports Park, between La. 311 and Valhi Blvd. Ext., Houma (under construction): softball, baseball, soccer fields, tennis courts, dog park, walking and bike trail and community lawn.

■City Park, 201 Moffet Road: gym, walking track, playground equipment, gazebo, picnic tables, softball field, baseball field.

■Coteau Park, 2321 Coteau Road: bathrooms, swings, softball field.

■Da Swamp Trampoline Park, 2764 Coteau Road: Open daily for play and working out, prices vary.

■Darcey Street Park, 8379 Tupelo St.: walking track, playground equipment, swings, softball fields.

■Donner Gym, 381 Azalea Drive: gym, golf course.

■Dularge Gym, 1330 Dr. Beatrous Road, Theriot: gym, swimming pool.

■Dumas Park, 301 Tunnel Blvd., Houma: basketball courts, playground equipment ■Friends of Fireman’s Park – Skate and Bike Park, 161 Library Drive: quarter pipe,

rails.

■Gibson Gym, 5575 Bayou Black Drive.

•Grand Bois Park, 470 Bourg-Larose Highway: RV hook-ups, bathrooms, picnic tables.

■Grand Caillou Gym, 106 Badou Drive.

■Gray Park, 3289 W. Park Ave in Gray: playground equipment, baseball/softball fields.

•■Jim Bowie Park, 940 Bayou Black Drive: gazebo, picnic tables.

■Lee Avenue Park, 1226 Lee Ave.: walking track, gazebo, picnic tables, basketball court.

■Lisa Park Gym, 6669 Lisa Park Avenue in Houma.

■Little Caillou Gym, 215 Angel St., Chauvin.

■Mahler Park, 419 Mahler St.: benches, tables.

■Maple Avenue Park, 404 Maple Ave.: walking track, tables, benches, swing set, walking track.

■Mechanicville Gym, 2814 Senator Circle.

■Montegut Gym, 107 Recreation Drive: gym, baseball field.

■Mulberry Park, 203 Winnfield Blvd.: playground equipment, swings, two softball fields, workout equipment, walking track.

■Oakshire Gym, 5457 Vicari Drive: gym, baseball field.

■Presque Isle Park in Presque Isle subdivision: swings, picnic tables.

■Rio Vista Park, 704 Rio Vista Ave.: walking track, playground equipment, swings.

■Rozands Memorial Park, 514 Levron St.: walking track, playground equipment, swings.

■Shady Oak Park, 877 High St.: playground equipment, gazebo, picnic tables, swings.

■Southdown Bike Trail, Valhi Boulevard: five-and-a-half mile Southdown On-Road Loop, two-mile Blackwater Outer Loop and one-mile Leland Robichaux Inner Loop. The trail starts on Valhi Boulevard between the Summerfield and Mandalay Wood subdivisions. It serves as the entrance point for the three trails and includes a parking lot, bike racks and concrete pads for picnic tables.

■Southdown West Park in Southdown West subdivision: playground equipment, tennis courts.

■Summerfield Park, 713 San Antonio Blvd.: playground equipment, gazebo, picnic tables.

■Twin Span Park, located beneath Houma

Twins Spans: walking track, playground equipment.

■West Houma Gym and Parks, 900 Williams Ave: gym, football fields, tennis courts, baseball fields.

■Glenn F. Polk Memorial Park Walking Track at Williams Ave (near St. Gregory Church at 1009 Williams Ave in Houma) ■Smithridge Gym, 4924 Bayouside Drive, Chauvin.

LAFOURCHE PARISH ■Bayou Blue Gym Recreation District 11, 200 Mazerac St. Houma: gym, walking track, splash park.

■Chackbay, Choctaw, Kramer and Bayou Boeuf, Recreation District No. 5, 2345 La. 307 in Thibodaux.

■Choctaw Walking track: Choctaw Road: baseball fields, walking track.

■Cut Off Youth Center, 205 West 79th St.: swimming pool, walking track, basketball court.

■Larose Regional Park and Civic Center, 307 E. Fifth St.walking track, baseball fields, football field, basketball courts, tennis courts, swimming pool, walking track, picnic tables, gazebo, playground equipment.

■Gheens Recreation District No. 8, 2121 La. 645 in Gheens: rec center, park.

■Lockport Bayouside Park, Canal Street, Lockport: walking track.

■Lockport Recreation District 1, Lockport, baseball fields, playground equipment, swimming pool.

■Oakridge Park, Oakridge Drive in Golden Meadow: Oakridge Park, tennis courts, swimming pool, basketball court, baseball fields, playground equipment, picnic tables.

■Golden Meadow Recreation District No. 3, rec center, park.

■Raceland Community Center, 206 Senior Citizen Drive: Community, recreation and emergency center, walking track, soccer fields, football fields.

■Raceland Recreation Center, District No. 2, 241 Recreation Drive, Raceland: Rec Center, baseball, softball and soccer fields.

■Schneider Park, Schneider Lane, Chackbay: football field, baseball field, playground equipment, walking trail.

■Lafourche Parish Tourist Commission, 4484 La. 1 Raceland: Walking Track, football/soccer field.

■Vacherie-Gheens Community Center, 1783 La. 654, Gheens: walking track,community center.

THIBODAUX ■Adley Landry Water Reservoir, 310 N. Canal Blvd.: walking path, park benches, picnic tables, covered pavilions, life trail, restroom. No pets, skateboards or skates are allowed at the water reservoir.

■Andolsek Park, 1200 N. Canal Blvd.: soccer fields.

■Thibodaux Civic Center, 310 North Canal Blvd.: baseball fields, softball fields, basketball courts, picnic area, playground equipment, pavilion, tennis court, walking track.

■Captain Wayne Daigle Memorial Park, 310 N. Canal Blvd.: covered pavilion, playground equipment, tennis courts, basketball court, softball fields, restroom area.

■Eagle Drive Park: basketball court, walking track.

■Edwin H. Chiasson Sr. MemorialPark, 1000 Jackson St.: playground equipment, walking track.

■Hero’s Park, Veterans Boulevard: baseball/softball fields.

■Martin Luther King Jr. Park, 1445 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.: baseball field, softball field, basketball court, multipurpose fields, playground equipment, pavilion, soccer field, walking track.

■Midland Park, Midland Drive: playground equipment, walking track.

■Peltier Park, 151 Peltier Park Drive: baseball fields, softball fields, basketball court, workout equipment, playground equipment, picnic area, pavilion, tennis courts, walking track.

■Thibodaux Municipal Pool, 700 Goode St. ■Norman Swanner Dog Park, adjacent to Thibodaux Civic Center: fencing, water and waste stations for dogs, park benches and a concrete sidewalk.

Notice something missing? If your favorite park is not on this list email sports writer Kelly McElroy at Kelly.mcelroy@houmatoday.com to add it.

26 Thursday, January 25, 2018 | THE COURIER | DAILY COMET

Scenes like this make the area one of the most exotic places in the country. Swamps, marshes, fish and wildlife are incorporated deeply into the area’s culture. [ABBY TABOR/STAFF --

Visions of Living Here HOUMATODAY/DAILYCOMET]

C

ourier and Daily Comet staff photographers Abby Tabor and Chris Heller chose some of their favorite photos from 2017 and offer observations that help explain what Living Here is all about.

THE COURIER | DAILY COMET | Thursday, January 25, 2018 27

Mardi Gras is one of the most unique cultural highlights of Living Here. With 30 parades and dozens of balls, called tableaux, it’s the largest Mardi Gras celebration in the U.S. oustide the greater New Orleans area. [ABBY TABOR/STAFF -- DAILYCOMET/HOUMATODAY]

Festivals are a big part of the culture, and the Thibodaux Firemen’s Fair (pictured), which benefits the volunteer department, is one of the biggest. [ABBY TABOR/STAFF -DAILYCOMET/HOUMATODAY]

Shrimp boats line Bayou Lafourche south of the Gulf Intracostal Waterway. Thousands of local fishermen make their living in the waters of Terrebonne and Lafourche and offshore in the Gulf of Mexico, a way of life that goes back generations. [ABBY TABOR/STAFF -- DAILYCOMET/ HOUMATODAY]

Every time you travel through the marshes of south Lafourche, there is something new to see. [ABBY TABOR/STAFF -- DAILYCOMET/ HOUMATODAY]

Honoring family and tradition is important to residents, many of whom take great care in cleaning and preserving their loved ones’ gravesites. Such activities are especially prevalent on and around All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, Nov. 1 and 2. That’s when the Catholic Church, the area’s predominant religion, and other Christian faiths honor saints and deceased loved ones. [CHRIS HELLER/STAFF HOUMATODAY/DAILYCOMET]

28 Thursday, January 25, 2018 | THE COURIER | DAILY COMET

Our region is blessed with a wealth of local artists such as Loreli Bergeron, who paints her own works as well as gives tours and helps maintain statues at the Chauvin Sculpture Garden along Bayou Little Caillou. [CHRIS HELLER/STAFF -- HOUMATODAY/

Religion and faith are strong throughout our culture, even during the uproarious Carnival season. [CHRIS HELLER/STAFF - HOUMATODAY/DAILYCOMET]

DAILYCOMET]

Music lovers have plenty of chances to enjoy home-grown music from such artists as Tab Benoit (left), a Houma blues singer and guitarist who tours the country. [CHRIS HELLER/STAFF -HOUMATODAY/DAILYCOMET]

The bayous that wind through Terrebonne and Lafourche offer lots of opportunities for fun -- like feeding turtles. [CHRIS HELLER/STAFF - HOUMATODAY/DAILYCOMET]

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