Wednesday, January 18, 2017

YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER LAROSE, LA thelafourchegazette.com

Wednesday, January 18, 2017

Detectives investigating weekend shooting in Lockport

A reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest of the person or persons involved in a shooting in the Lockport area over the weekend.

At around 2 p.m. on Saturday, January 14, deputies received a report of a shooting on East Lafourche Street in Lockport.

Through investigation, they learned a male subject in his 20s had been shot in the left hip, and he had been airlifted to University Medical Center in New Orleans for treatment.

His injuries were not life-threatening.

As detectives continue their investigation, anyone with information on this incident is asked to submit a tip anonymously through Crime Stoppers Bayou Region by phone at 1-800743-7433 or online at www.crimestoppersbr.org.

Tips can also be submitted using the P3 Tips app on your mobile device.

Tipsters could be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000 in cash if the information leads to an arrest.

MEETINGS WEDNESDAY, JAN. 18 VFW POST 8538 & AUX. 7:00 p.m.

VFW Avenue - Larose (Behind LCO) THURSDAY, JAN. 19

LAFOURCHE RECREATION DISTRICT #1 7:00 p.m.

Lockport Town Hall 710 Church St. - Lockport SPECIAL ED. DIST. #1 12:00 noon 5510 W. 55th St. - Cut Off

VETERANS MEMORIAL DISTRICT, WARD 10 5:00 p.m.

16937 Hwy. 3235 - Galliano BAYOU FELLOWSHIP 7:00 p.m.

E. 93rd St. - Galliano

INSIDE

Arrests.............................7-A

Calendar of Events.........2-A Classifieds.......................6-A Legal Advertisement......8-A

Lottery.............................2-A

Memorials........................6-A

Obituaries.......................6-A

Surfin’ the Net.................7-A

SERVING: MATHEWS • GHEENS • LOCKPORT • VALENTINE • LAROSE CUT OFF • GALLIANO • GOLDEN MEADOW • LEEVILLE • GRAND ISLE

VOLUME 51 NUMBER 19

Edwards plans special session to close deficit topping $300M

By MELINDA DESLATTE Associated Press

$24M upgrades to West Larose Lift Bridge ongoing

Staff Photo

The West Larose Lift Bridge is ungoing a $24 million upgrade, a necessary endeavor to keep the bridge structurally sound.

By DAVID J. MITCHELL The Advocate

LAROSE, La. (AP) — In the fall of 1961, Gov. Jimmie Davis and his back-up vocal group, the Plainsmen, sang “You Are My Sunshine,” and “Peace in the Valley” to open the $1.5 million West Larose Vertical Lift Bridge on La. 1 in Lafourche Parish.

The people of Larose and nearby Cut Off so welcomed the bridge’s arrival in October 1961, that after the ribbon-cutting on the bridge’s deck, the towns held a parade from the bridge to a nearby high school stadium, news accounts from the day said.

High school bands led the way, and Davis and his wife rode along in an open-top convertible. Davis and others sang and gave speeches to mark the day, according to accounts in the Lafourche Comet and Lafourche Weekly Press.

For more than half a century, the lift bridge’s middle traffic span has been raised 73 feet in the air, stopping road traffic, when boat traffic must pass through on the east-west Intracoastal Waterway.

Now the once shiny new bridge located in the heart of south Louisiana’s coastal oil patch is in the middle of a major $24.2 million rehabilita-

tion, state highway officials said.

Begun in the summer of 2015, the repair job has led to numerous closures to car and truck traffic and more extended closures of weeks to months-long are coming this year as crews turn to rehabilitation of the mechanical and electronic equipment that raise and lower the bridge deck, highway officials said.

During that time, the bridge will have to remain open to water traffic and closed to cars and trucks, causing backups and forcing them to reroute to a nearby high-rise bridge on La. 308.

“You have to shut it down. Now all this work, it obviously takes a good bit of time, so that’s why in the specifications, the contractor was required to do this not during hurricane season.

So that’s why they’re getting this stuff started right now,” Christopher Rogers, a state Department of Transportation and Development project engineer, said in an interview last month.

While some local officials say the work is needed on this link in the La. 1 corridor that is so important to the nation’s oil and gas production and critical for hurricane evacuation, residents and other officials aren’t as excited as their predecessors were that October day 55 years ago.

See Bridge Page 7-A

Lafourche Parish reveals new tourism brand

One parish along Louisiana’s Gulf Coast kicked off the new year by rebranding itself. The Bayou Lafourche Area Convention & Visitors Bureau announced that the region’s new tourism identity is “Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou.”

But this isn’t a new identity so much as it’s the parish embracing what it’s always been.

“Visitors to our parish immediately recognize what makes us special, and much of that has to do with our Cajun culture and our distinct geography,” says Timothy P. Bush, president and CEO of the Bayou Lafourche Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Everything we do and have here is defined by the Bayou – our food, our festivals, our outdoor recreation and, most significantly, our culture.”

The new creative campaign will center on popular

local lingo that relates to Bayou Lafourche. Visitors can go anywhere in the parish and hear the phrases “up the Bayou” – which takes them to the parish seat of Thibodaux – and “down the Bayou,” which leads to fishing and other outdoor adventures in such towns as Golden Meadow and Leeville and all the way south to Port Fourchon.

Those traveling by car or motor coach follow Louisiana Highway 1 or Louisiana Highway 308, which run parallel to each other, from one end of the Bayou – and the parish – to the other.

Along the way they explore museums and historic sites, eat great seafood and Cajun delicacies, and participate in swamp tours and a full range of other outdoor activities.

See Tourism Page 3-A

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BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Gov. John Bel Edwards said Friday he intends to call a special legislative session to rebalance the state budget after Louisiana’s midyear deficit was projected to reach $313 million.

The state income forecasting panel, known as the Revenue Estimating Conference, downgraded Louisiana tax collection estimates to account for unemployment that is dragging income, business and sales taxes below expectations.

The Democratic governor said the action “clearly indicates the need for a special session,” expected sometime next month, to make cuts and consider using Louisiana’s “rainy day” fund to close the gap in the $27 billion state operating budget.

The session is expected to fall in mid-February, between Valentine’s Day and Mardi Gras.

Republican House Speaker Taylor Barras showed resistance to the idea, suggesting the budget could be rebalanced without the full Legislature returning to Baton Rouge.

“It’s not inevitable that we have a special session. We could accomplish the cuts without one,” said Barras, RNew Iberia. But he said if the governor calls the session as expected, “we will be there.”

Edwards said constitutional limits on the governor and the joint legislative budget committee’s ability to slash spending would make cuts fall too heavily on public colleges and health services for the poor, elderly and disabled. A special session, he said, would allow lawmakers to cut more broadly across programs and agencies.

See Session Page 5-A

Detectives recall warrant, release man who confessed to murder

Investigators have recalled a warrant for the arrest of a Golden Meadow man for Second Degree Murder after Cameron Sands no evidence was (Released) discovered against him in the death of 64-year-old Wayne Matherne.

Cameron Sands (age 25), who was arrested last November 6, was released from jail Friday. However, murder charges remain for Dayton Duet (age 20) in the case.

The investigation into Matherne’s death began on Friday, November 4, 2016, when a meal-delivery worker arrived at Matherne’s residence and found him to be unresponsive.

See Sands Page 3-A

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Wednesday, January 18, 2017 THE LAFOURCHE GAZETTE

4:30 p.m.

For more information call Bayou Council at 985446-0643.

course is a pre-requisite for those applying for a Concealed Handgun Permit from the State of Louisiana.

For more information, contact Captain Lafate Day at (985) 449-4485 or by email at lafate-day@lpso.net.

The South Connector Bridge Ramp from the JCT LA 1 (Mainline Bridge) to JCT “Old LA 1” in Leeville, will be closed to vehicular traffic from 12:30 - 4 p.m. on January 21 and 25 in order to allow Lafourche Parish Fire Dist. 3 personnel to conduct training exercises.

Alternate route around this ramp closure is as follows: LA 1 (Mainline Bridge) south to JCT LA 3090; north on “Old LA 1”.

Please drive with caution in the vicinity of the closure site and be on the lookout for work crews and their equipment.

Raffle to benefit local child with cancer

Old LA 1 ramp to close temporarily Jan. 21, 25

Hope Center to help with Medicaid apps.

The Hope Center will open on January 19, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., to help with applications for Medicaid. The Hope Center is located at 18100 East Main Street in Galliano, the former State Bank Building.

Alcohol education class to be held Jan. 21

The Bayou Council Behavioral Health Services is sponsoring an Alcohol Education Program, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, January 21. This is a 4hour class for offenders receiving citations for possession, purchase or consumption of alcohol under the age of 21.

To enroll into class, please report to Bayou Council Behavioral Health Services, 504 St. Lois St., Thibodaux with court paperwork/ citation, picture ID and $50 (money orders only). Hours of enrollment are Monday to Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. to

LPSO handgun class slated for Jan. 22

The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office will hold a Concealed Handgun Training Course on Sunday, January 22, at the LPSO Shooting Range Facility located at 3451 Hwy. 182 in Raceland.

The class will begin at 8 a.m. and last until approximately 5 p.m. with a break for lunch.

Cost for the course is $110, and advance registration is suggested. This

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Phone: (985) 693-7229 Fax: (985) 693-8282 www.TLGnewspaper.com www.facebook.com/thelafourchegazette General e-mail: news@TLGnewspaper.com

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Raffle tickets are being sold to raise funds for oneyear-old cancer patient Jace Guidry, son of Aaron Guidry and Shannon David.

For a $20 donation, the ticket will be entered into an auction for one of the following items: pink Cricket 22 long rifle with scope, black Cricket 22 long rifle with scope, Remington 770 243 with scope or a Escort Extreme black synthetic 3” 28” long 12 GA. Drawing dates will be on January 2, 9, 16 and 23. Winners need not be present.

Tickets are being sold at Tom’s Texaco Station, AM Supply, Moran’s Convenience Store, Cajun Pecan House, Just for Him Galliano, Mama’s Kitchen and Renovations.

For more information email Ben Autin at autinben@hotmail.com or via www.facebook.com/ben.aut in.9.

Lunch benefit slated for child with cancer

A plate lunch fundraiser to benefit Keith Pitre, son of Otis (Opie) Jr. and Reanna Pitre will be held on Friday, January 27.

Keith is currently at St. Jude’s Hospital for a bone marrow transplant because his Leukemia has returned.

For a $10 donation, the plate lunch will include fried fish, jambalaya, bread and dessert. Pick ups can be made at the Storage Depot (old A1 building) at 16854 West Main St. in Galliano between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Delivery available for orders of five or more from G.M. Floodgates to North Larose Elementary.

Contact Jamie Kiger at 258-7464 to purchase tickets. Deadline is January 23 for orders.

Energy assistance program taking apps.

The Lafourche Parish Council Office of Community Action is now accepting applications for Low Income Home Energy Program (LIHEAP).

Applications will be taken Tuesdays and Thursday from 8 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m. on a first come, first serve basis.

Applicants must provide the following information: proof of income for 2017 (award letter and/or last 4 check stubs), driver’s license or ID card, social security cards for everyone in the household. Applicants must have proper documen-

CALENDAR OF EVENTS / NEWS TO USE GUIDELINES

Due to limited space, community events submitted for publication will be published under the Calendar of Events / News to Use column for free twice ONLY. Any organization or club wishing to have their event published more than twice will have to pay a $10 fee each time the event is published after the two-time limit.

tation.

Any questions, please contact the Thibodaux Outreach Office, 2535 Veterans Blvd., 985-446-6731; Galliano Outreach Office, 16241 E. Main St. Suite 13B, Cut Off, 985-632-3989; or the Mathews Govt. Complex, 4876 Hwy. 1, Mathews, 985-537-7603.

Senior commodities to be given out Jan. 25, 26

The Lafourche Council on Aging and Catholic Charities will give out monthly commodities for qualifying seniors 60 years of age or older between 7 and 9 a.m. on Wednesday, January 25 at Cut Off Youth Center and Thursday, January 26 at Raceland Recreation Center.

Masquerade fundraiser slated for February 11

The Holy Savior Catholic School parent/teacher committee is hosting its first Mardi Gras Masquerade fundraiser on Saturday, February 11 from 7 – 11 p.m. at the Royal Villa reception hall in Raceland.

The event will feature music, food, an open bar (age 18 allowed for entry, 21 to drink) and a silent and live auction. Attire is dressy (mask optional).

Tickets are $50 through January 23 and $65 afterwards, and can be purchased through Holy Savior Catholic School. For more information about the event or to purchase tickets, contact Holy Savior School (985-532-2536) or Bonnie Matassa (985-5320113).

Nominations being taken for LA Young Heroes

Louisiana Public Broadcasting and the Rotary Club of Baton Rouge are looking for their 2017 Louisiana Young Heroes.

Now in its 22nd year, these awards spotlight students who are inspirational to those around them.

No two Young Heroes have the same story. Some Young Heroes have battled various diseases and handicaps. There have been Young Heroes who have saved lives, Young Heroes who have bounced back from horrific events in their young lives, Young Heroes who have tirelessly worked for various charities, and Young Heroes who have shared their amazing talents with others.

Almost every one of the Young Heroes have something in common – they have gone through “make it or break it” episodes in their lives. These students faced

their challenges and dealt with them – some overcame them. Some people would let these same obstacles beat them, allowing themselves to wallow in self-pity.

These young people picked themselves up, moved forward, and inspired everyone around them.

Students in grades 7 through 12 and up to the age of 19 can be nominated.

Students must be enrolled in a Louisiana school or home-schooled.

Previous winners are not eligible.

Nomination deadline is February 1, 2017.

To read more about the Louisiana Young Heroes awards, or to download a nomination form or use the online nomination form, go to lpb.org/heroes.

For more information, call Margaret Schlaudecker at (800) 272-8161, ext.

4276 or (225) 767-4276 or email heroes@lpb.org.

births.

Treasure Renee Dixon, daughter of Skye and Travis Dixon, born on November 15, 2016.

Birth Announcements Ochsner St. Anne reports recent births

Ochsner St. Anne General Hospital in Raceland announce their recent

To submit a birth announcement to The Lafourche Gazette, email news@TLGnewspaper.com, or call 985693-7229 for more information.

Birth announcements should be submitted in a timely manner and will be published when space is available. Parents residing within distribution boundaries from Raceland to Grand Isle can submit birth information for publication.

Versailles to host Mardi Gras party Feb. 3

The Krewe of Versailles will have a Mardi Gras Party open to the public on Friday, February 3 at the Larose Civic Center. The band, Good Feelings, will start at 8 p.m. with the door opening at 7 p.m. Casual attire.

Tickets are $15 advanced and $20 at the door.

Must be 18 years or older to attend. The Civic Center will have a cash bar with drinks to purchase, but you are welcomed to bring your own drinks.

To purchase tickets, contact Roxanne Rogers, Versailles secretary, at 985691-1912.

Krewe of Bon Temps seeking new riders

The Krewe of Bon Temps is looking for new riders. The parade will roll on Saturday, February 25 at 6:30 p.m.

If interested, please call 985-258-0857.

Versailles announces new parade route

The Larose-based Krewe of Versailles Mardi Gras parade will roll on Sunday, February 19 at noon.

The new route this year will begin at the Larose Civic Center on East 5th Street, head south on Hwy. 308 to the new Larose Lift Connection Bridge, then turn south on LA 1 and end at West 55th St., (Cut Off Elementary School).

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Tourism

From 1-A

Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou is easily accessible from New Orleans, only 45 minutes from Louis Armstrong International Airport.

Visitors regularly comment on the Cajun hospitality they experience in Lafourche Parish, which is always accented by a good dose of Southern charm.

Museums and historic sites throughout the parish celebrate everything from the Cajun experience to the sugar industry to boat building, and outdoors activities include fishing, boating and swamp tours.

The CVB officially launched its brand recently at a meeting that brought together tourism partners, community leaders and the state’s top tourism promoter, Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser.

Attendees were reminded of the impact of the tourism industry to the entire region while learning how the CVB and its external partner, Chandlerthinks, arrived at the new brand over the course of eight months of research with the collaboration of Graham Group for creative development.

For more information about Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou, visit www.lacajunbayou.com.

Sands

From 1-A

Deputies and other emergency responders pro-

ceeded to the scene w h e r e Mather ne was later p r o nounced dead. Investigators Dayton Duet discovered (Charged) Mather ne to have head trauma, including several lacerations on the top of his head.

On Friday, November 6, Sands met with detectives who questioned him about Matherne’s death, and he told detectives he was responsible for striking Matherne which resulted in his death.

The following day, detectives began investigating the death of another man, 78-year-old Stanley Gisclair, and developed Dayton Duet as a suspect.

During questioning, Duet confessed to the murder of both Gisclair and Matherne.

Through further investigation, detectives proved Sands was not involved in Matherne’s murder.

They found no physical evidence nor any evidence to support Sands’ confession.

Detectives recalled Sands’ warrant for Second Degree Murder, and he was released from the Lafourche Parish Detention Center on Friday, January 13.

Dayton Duet remains in jail and is charged with Second Degree Murder in the death of Wayne Matherne, and First Degree Murder in the death of Stanley Gisclair.

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Wednesday, January 18, 2017 THE LAFOURCHE GAZETTE

State Police report drop in holiday season crashes

Louisiana cane farmers record successful harvest

By JANET McCONNAUGHEY Associated Press

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Louisiana farmers set a record this year for the amount of sugar per ton of cane harvested, but it’s not a record harvest, says LSU AgCenter sugar specialist Kenneth Gravois.

Louisiana mills produced nearly 1.6 million tons of sugar in 2016 — up from the previous year’s 1.4 million tons, but below the 2012 record of 1.7 million, he said.

Each ton of sugar cane produced a record 246 pounds of sugar, beating the 2012 mark of 232 pounds per ton.

“We’re right about where the market expects us in sugar production. So it’s a pretty good crop,” Gravois said in an interview.

Louisiana generally has the nation’s secondlargest sugar crop, behind Florida, with Hawaii and Texas far behind. Hawaii’s last sugar plantation expects to wind up its final harvest next week. Gravois said Florida and Texas probably won’t finish harvesting their 2016 crops until April.

“Florida’s got a little bit less acreage, but their peracre yield is higher,” Gravois said. “Florida may produce close to 2 million tons.”

Louisiana’s record mark for sugar per ton of cane more than offset a drop from 2015 of nearly 2 tons per acre in the weight of cane produced, Gravois said.

He said last year’s crop averaged 31.5 tons per acre, compared to 33.2 tons in 2015.

Prices remained steady, at about 26 cents a pound, Gravois said.

Gravois said future crops might suffer because planting was delayed by heavy rain in August, followed by months of dry weather.

About 6.5 percent of each year’s acreage is used as seed cane, he said. If seed cane is straight and tall, each acre harvested can plant 5 to 8 acres of land. And each planting of the giant grass can be harvested for three to five years.

“We’re going to have some spotty stands of plant cane,” Gravois said.

Though there was a slight increase in fatalities, State Police Troop C saw a significant drop in crashes during the holiday season.

The troop’s annual Zero for December campaign ran from Nov. 24 through Jan. 1.

During that time, Troop C reported 219 crashes without injuries, 117 with injuries and four with fatalities.

For the 2015 campaign, the troop reported 362 crashes without injuries, 131 with injuries and two with fatalities.

Troopers also made 91 DWI arrests during the most recent Zero for December campaign. That’s compared to 61 for the 2015 campaign.

Troop C covers Lafourche, Terrebonne and Assumption parishes and the west banks of St. James and St. John. Two of the fatal crashes for this campaign were in Assumption, and Lafourche and Terrebonne had one each. ___

3-parish AfricanAmerican museum opening Feb 4 in Houma

HOUMA, La. (AP) — A segregation-era high school for black students will reopen next month as a museum celebrating African-American history in Terrebonne, Lafourche and St. Mary parishes.

The Courier reports that the Finding Our Roots African American Museum in Houma will be dedicated Feb. 4.

The 9 a.m. ceremony will be followed by a book fair and entertainment at the building once called The Academy.

The museum will open Monday through Saturday

from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Admission is $7.

Galleries will focus on topics such as the Reconstruction era, slavery, segregation and the Civil Rights Movement.

Information from: The Courier, http://www.houmatoday.com

___

Groups celebrate 10-year mark of La. restaurant smoking ban

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Anti-smoking groups are touting the 10-year anniversary of Louisiana’s law banning smoking in restaurants, schools and workplaces.

The law, known as the Louisiana Smoke-Free Air Act, took effect in January 2007. It has exemptions that continue today for smoking in bars and casinos, but allowed local municipalities to enact tougher policies.

The Louisiana Campaign for Tobacco-Free Living continues to seek a statewide ban on smoking in bars and casinos.

The Kaiser Family Foundation says 21.9 percent of Louisiana adults smoke, compared to a national average of 16.8 percent. ___

US rig count down 6 this week to 659

HOUSTON (AP) — The number of rigs exploring for oil and natural gas in the U.S. declined by six this week to 659.

A year ago, 650 rigs were active. Depressed energy prices have curtailed exploration, although the rig count has been rebounding in recent months.

Houston oilfield services company Baker Hughes Inc. said Friday that 522 rigs sought oil and 136 explored for natural gas this week. One was listed as miscellaneous.

Wyoming increased by two rigs and Louisiana by one.

Oklahoma and Texas each declined by two rigs.

Colorado, North Dakota, Ohio and Pennsylvania fell by one each.

Alaska, Arkansas, California, Kansas, New Mexico, Utah and West Virginia were all unchanged.

The U.S. rig count peaked at 4,530 in 1981. It bottomed out in May at 404. ___

AgCenter: OK strawberry season likely despite bad weather

AMITE CITY, La. (AP) — The LSU AgCenter says some strawberry growers were hit by floods, wind and freezing temperatures, but others are optimistic about the season.

AgCenter agent Whitney Wallace in Tangipahoa Parish says that overall, the damage is not too bad.

Most growers use cloth covers to keep the heat around the plants to avoid extensive damage to the crop.

The number of strawberry farmers in the state has decreased from about 200 in 2005 to just over 80 now. ___

No pocket change: Man delivers 300,000 pennies to DMV

LEBANON, Va. (AP) — Now, that’s a lot of change. A Virginia man used 300,000 pennies to pay sales tax on two cars at the Department of Motor Vehicles.

The Bristol Herald Courier reports that Nick Stafford delivered five wheelbarrows full of change, mostly pennies, at the DMW office in Lebanon, Virginia, on Wednesday.

The coins weighed in at 1,600 pounds.

Stafford said he paid in coins to “inconvenience” the DMV. Stafford was upset because he was unable to find out the direct number to the Lebanon DMV until filing a Freedom of Information Act request. He later sued the state because he says he was denied direct phone numbers to other DMV offices in his area.

Stafford ended up filing three lawsuits, which were dismissed Tuesday.

Information from: Bristol Herald Courier, http://www.bristolnews.com

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¢

64 Oz. All Flavors

Borden’s Shredded Cheese

$

8 Oz. Select Varieties

Shurfresh Crescent or Cinnamon Rolls 8 to 12 Oz. Select Varieties

6

Scott Bathroom Tissue

$ 99

1.2 Liter Bottles, 24-Pack

For

Blue Bunny Ice Cream

14.5 to 15 Oz., Whole or Cream Style Corn, or Cut or French Style Green Beans

15 Oz., Select Varieties

Ozarka Spring Waater

For

Banquet Frozen Entrees

Libby’s Can Vegetables

For

For

Pictsweet Frozen Vegetables

Hormel Can Chili

11 Oz., Select Varieties

12 to 16 Oz. Select Varieties

Half Gallon All Flavors

For

69

2 11 $ 10 10 10 $10 $ 99 2 $

Blue Bell Ice Cream

4 $10

4 5

$

Nabisco Nilla Wafers

Ea.

FROZEN FOOD SPECIALS

$ 88

Each:

2 5

Nabisco Graham Crackers

3

¢

Toufayan Pita Bread

For

1/2 Liter, 6-Pack Bottles, All Flavors, or 7.5 Oz., 8-Pack Cans All Flavors

48 Oz.

Hamburger Helper, Tuna Helper or Chicken Helper

28 Oz., Original or Honey

Sweet P Mini Cupcakes

Coke Family Products

Lou-Ana Canola or Vegetable Oil

14 to 24 Oz. Select Varieties

32-Count Box

For

3 4

$

1

4 Lb. Bag

99

2 4

12 Oz., White or Wheat

10 Oz., Vanilla or Chocolate

Navel Oranges

2 Liter Bottles, Select Varieties

Prego Spaghetti Sauce

Frito Lay Multi-Pack Box Chips

Lb.

$ 99

Fried Chicken

Sweet, Juicy California

Coke Family Products

7 to 8 Oz., Select Varieties For

1

2

5

Lb.

8-Piece Mixed, Fresh

Apples

Red Ripe

Lb.

6

$ 99

$ 88

Lb.

$ 99

Manda Roast Beef

$ 88

Yellow Onions

$ 88

Lay’s Potato Chips or Kettle Cooked Chips

$

Boneless Bottom Round Steak....Lb.

Sweet, Delicious Washington Honey Crisp

Cluster Tomatoes

Gala Apples

Russet Potatoes Smoked Ham Lb.

88

Crisp, Premium Washington State

Lb.

3 Lb. Bag, U.S. #1

Cantaloupes

10 Lb. Bag, U.S. #1

3

4 $ 99 Boneless Stew Meat...........Lb. 4 $ 99 T-Bone Steaks...........Lb. 5 Beef Family Pack Specials:

Big Easy Peeled Shrimp

For

Sweet, Ripe Jumbo

Ea.

Lb.

1 Lb., (150-Up Count)

Oscar Mayer Bologna

Armour Lunch Makers Pk.

$ 49

Rump Roast

$ 99

12 Oz., Reg. or Jalapeno

2.6 Oz., All Varieties

3

Lb.

(Sold Whole) Boneless Beef

Boneless Ham Lb.

$ 49

Ground Beef

(Original or Brown Sugar) Smithfield Quarter Sliced

Fryer Drumsticks Lb.

IN OUR BEEF DEPARTMENT

(Family Pack) Fresh Lean

$ 99

Lb.

2

Good Thursday, Jan. 19 through Saturday, Jan. 21

Pork Chops or Roast

Whole Leg Qtrs.

Lb.

1

IN OUR PORK DEPARTMENT Bone-In Center Cut

Crazy 8 Sale!

Along with these specials …

Check out our

For

Shurfresh Spread

12-Roll Pack

45 Oz. Bowl

CRAZY “8” SALE! THURS., JAN. 19 THRU SAT., JAN. 21 Each:

88

Shurfine Crackers

¢

16 Oz., Select Varieties

Kraft Deluxe Mac & Cheese Dinner

1

$ 88

14 Oz.

Case:

Kool-Aid Bursts Drinks

88

6-Pack

¢

Select Varieties

1

Eggo

Frozen Waffles 10 to 12 Oz. Select Varieties

$ 88

Each:

Pillsbury Cake Mix

88

15.2 Oz. Select Varieties

¢

Gold Peak Tea

1

1.75 Liter Select Varieties

$ 88

Crisp Red Bell Peppers

88¢ Ea:

3

Shurfine Sugar

$ 88 10 Lb. Bag

1

$ 38

Boneless Fryer Breast Lb.

Shurfine Canola or Vegetable Oil

4

$ 88 128 Oz. Jug

1

$ 88

Manda Smoked Sausage Links 12 Oz., Reg. or Hot

8

$ 00

Old Fashion 5-Flavor Pound Cake 48 Oz.

Each:

1

Lykes Sliced Bacon

$ 88

12 Oz., Reg. or Thick Each:

8

$ 88

Louisiana Crawfish Tails 12 Oz.

Tarpons, Trojans get key district wins

Wednesday, January 18, 2017 THE LAFOURCHE GAZETTE

Session From 1-A

Gazette Sports Reports

Thrilling things tend to happen on Friday the 13th.

The South Lafourche High School boys’ basketball team found that out first hand this past weekend in Morgan City.

The Tarpons and Tigers played a thriller on Friday night in St. Mary Parish – a back and forth contest that wasn’t decided until the final seconds.

The Tigers went up one late after a basket and a foul, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.

But on the free throw, Morgan City went over the back, sending junior Luke Chiasson to the line for two shots. He made them both, and the Tarpons never trailed again, earning a hard-fought, thrilling 4643 victory over Morgan City.

With the win, the Tarpons improved to 7-10 on the season, but they’re now 1-0 in district play.

Coach Brian Callais said he loves the fight in his team.

“We left everything we had out on the court in the end of that game. That’s what I’m most proud of for our team,” Callais said on Monday night at the Tarpon basketball weekly radio show. “Our guys battled. We played so hard. It was a big win for us.”

The Tarpons trailed early on. Morgan City rolled to a 9-2 lead and was controlling tempo throughout the early portions of the game.

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But a quick timeout by Callais changed the pace and moved the game in the Tarpons favor.

South Lafourche ended the quarter on a 5-2 run, trailing 11-7 through eight minutes.

In the second quarter, they kept that going, using a giant surge to push ahead 26-19 at halftime – a surge sparked by several 3-pointers from Matt Bellanger.

“He shot the ball with confidence,” Callais said.

“He was huge for us.”

In the fourth quarter, both teams gave it everything they had – one of the most physical, highly contested quarters of the season.

After Chiasson’s free throws put South Lafourche up 44-43, the Tarpons got a defensive stop, which put the ball in Chiasson’s hands again.

The Tigers intentionally fouled him, and the junior again calmly made two foul shots to seal the three-point win, which earned the Tarpons valuable power points in the playoff chase.

South Lafourche took on Vandebilt Tuesday. No score was available at press-time on Monday night. They will be home against Ellender on Friday. ___

Lady Tarpons roll over Morgan City

The South Lafourche girls’ didn’t have a repeat of 2016 against Morgan City.

Last year when South Lafourche traveled to Morgan City, the game was eerily close, and the Lady Tarpons had to rally to victory in the final seconds of the game.

But this time, South Lafourche left no doubt, rolling to a 60-37 victory to improve to 21-2 on the season.

“We talked about last year’s game at practice, and we wanted to set the tempo early and play Lady Tarpons basketball,” South Lafourche girls’ basketball coach Rainie Terrebonne said. “I think it was a good performance for our team.”

The Lady Tarpons set the tone from the opening tip, using tough defense to stymie the Lady Tigers.

With possession, junior guard Traya Bruce took over, scoring 24 points in the win.

Kyzha Jackson also pitched in 10 points for South Lafourche, which improved to 3-0 in district play. ___

Trojans roll in hard-fought contest

It wasn’t always pretty.

Heck, sometimes, it was downright ugly. But the Central Lafourche boys’ basketball team found a way to gut out a win last Friday against Destrehan.

The Trojans beat the

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South Lafourche’s Matt Bellanger takes it down court during the Tarpons’ contest with Morgan City last Friday.

Wildcats 48-38, using timely defense and efficient interior offense to secure the win.

In victory, the Trojans improved to 14-5 on the season and 2-1 in District 7-5A play.

Coach Mark Sanders said the victory was one of the team’s best this season.

“We made some mistakes, but we found a way late in the game to get it to go our way,” Sanders said.

“In our district, every, single game is a challenge and a battle and tonight was just another one of those many nights.”

Friday night’s game was a gritty, physical nail biter. The Trojans won all four quarters, leading 1211 after the first quarter and then 25-22 at halftime, but they were never able to pull away, because of the tough Destrehan squad.

In the second half, the Wildcats made runs at the Trojans, but Central Lafourche always answered, thanks largely to 20 points from David Robinson and 10 a piece from Kenneth Poindexter and Nelton Allen.

With the win, the Trojans remain in prime position in the race for a District Title. The team’s only loss came two weeks ago against H.L. Bourgeois, who is still undefeated in district play.

Lady Trojans fall to state power ___

The Central Lafourche girls’ basketball team played one of the best teams in Louisiana, if not in the country on Friday night – a home date with Destrehan.

The Lady Trojans struggled to keep the pace throughout the game, falling 79-8 against the powerful foe, which improved to 22-0 on the season.

With the loss, Central Lafourche is now 5-19 on the season and 0-5 in district play.

They will travel to play at Terrebonne on Friday night.

“I am not willing to place the burden of this budget crisis only on the backs of our hardworking families, students or our most vulnerable citizens,” said Edwards, who was leaving Friday for a weeklong trip to Rome.

If lawmakers agree to use the rainy day fund, that could provide $119 million to offset a portion of the gap, but a $194 million gap would remain.

“The entirety of the state’s budget must be opened up in order to make these cuts, otherwise they will be concentrated in a few areas and the impact would be too painful for our people to bear,” Edwards said in a statement.

Senate President John Alario, R-Westwego, said he also prefers a special session to lessen the cuts that fall on higher education and health programs.

Even with the ability to spread the slashing, Alario said of the cuts: “I think there’s going to be a lot of pain.”

The four-member Revenue Estimating Conference dropped the state’s official income forecast by $340 million for the current budget year that ends June 30. With other financial adjustments, the deficit is expected to be about $313 million.

It’s the state’s 15th midyear budget gap in nine years. Last month, Ed-

5-A

wards and lawmakers closed a more than $300 million deficit from the last financial year with savings from hiring and spending freezes, postponed Medicaid payments and cuts to colleges.

Economists said the latest shortfall stems from a downturn in Louisiana’s economy and an unemployment rate that is third in the nation. Even an uptick in oil prices, which means more severance tax revenue for the state, isn’t enough to offset the worsening forecast for personal income, business and sales taxes.

“We are still losing jobs on a monthly basis,” said the Legislature’s chief economist, Greg Albrecht.

Louisiana has seen declining employment since August 2015, according to data presented to the conference, with the greatest job losses coming in the oil and gas, manufacturing and other high-wage sectors.

Against the wishes of the Edwards administration, the estimating conference delayed its official shrinking of the state’s income forecast last month.

Barras said he hoped the state’s tax collections would show improvement.

Instead, the projections worsened over the period.

The forecasting panel dropped income estimates for the upcoming budget year as well. ___ Follow Melinda Deslatte on Twitter at http://twitter.com/melindadeslatte

CLASSIFIED ADS

6-A

Wednesday, January 18, 2017 THE LAFOURCHE GAZETTE

HOMES

House For Sale with bayou side property. 3 bedroom, 1 bath, office, 2 car garage, 1750 sq.ft., huge partially fenced yard, 125’x288’. 14617 East Main, Cut Off. 985691-9475. _________________ House For Sale: 4 bedroom; 2 bath; large lot; located at 113 West 211th St., Galliano. FMI call 225-603-3472. _________________ Home For Sale: 2 bedroom; 1 bath; 1350 sq.ft. living; 2385 sq.ft. under roof; great starter home; located in Galliano area; Lox, 85; x 136’; please call 985-4139456. _________________ House For Sale: 3 Bedroom; 2 1/2 bath; open living/ kitchen area; sunroom; extra living room; 2 car garage, plus double carport; back patio; lots of closet and storage space; 2 AC units; tankless gas water heater; corner lot is 200’x107’; 2,500 sq. ft. living. Belle Vue Drive in Lockport.

Asking $245,000. Call 985-258-9225 or 985278-0201. _________________

BUSINESSES

Restaurant Building For Lease: Great location/move in ready, 13025 Hwy. 1, Larose.

Fully equipped/addt’l b-b-q room attached.

Approx. 3,000 sq ft., $3000/mth, $1000/ dep. Serious inquiries only. Call 985-6657375. _________________ Commercial Property For Lease: Top location in South Lafourche.

1,100 square feet. Located at 16258 West Main St., Cut Off. Call 985991-1669 for more info. _________________

LAND

Lot For Sale: 90x186 on Leona Drive in Mathews (down Peytral Drive); underground utilities; asking $32,000. Call 985665-1449. _________________

FOR RENT

Home For Rent: 4 bedroom, 2 bath homel ready to move in; spacious and updated; large yard; Cut Off area, off Hwy 1; $1,000/ month; $850/ deposit.

985-6936533/985-728-2620 FMI. _________________

Large Apt. for Rent: 3BR, 1ba., water paid. $750/mo, $750/dep.

Larose area. 985-6652548. _________________ Apartments for rent in the Cut Off area: 2BR, 1ba., $575/mo. and $500/dep. NO PETS. 985-258-7510. _________________

Home For rent: Large 2,400 sq.ft.; 3-4 bedrooms; 2 baths; large den and laundry room; attached storage; central air/heat; stove, refrigerator, dishwasher; $1200 /month; $850 /deposit.

Call (985) 637-5567. _________________ Mobile Home For Rent: 3 bedroom, 2 bath. Camper For Rent: 1 bedroom with kitchen. 213 East 22nd St., in Larose.

Call 693-4104 or 6916312. _________________ For Rent: 4 bedroom, 2 bath, unfurnished double wide in Lockport; large front yard; non smoking; available soon. $1200/ month; $600/deposit.

Call 985-258-5666. _________________ Efficiency House For Rent: in Cut Off; 1 bedroom; furnished; washer/ dryer and AC; $625/month; utilities paid; no lease; $300/ deposit; Call 337-2750733. _________________ Apt. For Rent: 1 bedroom; almost completely furnished; all utilities paid; no pets; $650/month; $400/deposit. Call 985-5336212. _________________ Rento Casa en Larose: completamente remodelado; 4 dormitorios; A.C. central; 547 East 2nd St., Larose. llamar: 985381-6808. _________________ FOR RENT 1 bd., 2 bd., 3 bd., mobile homes. Cemented camper spots. day-weekmonth. Nice quiet neighborhood. Long term discounts. Rent starts at $300/mth.

Laundromat on site24/7-7days a week.

Utility included in rent.Store on site.

Fish cleaning station coming. Perfect for individuals, families, companies, fisherman. Come be another one of our satisfied customers.

Call 985-637-4133, asks for Tommy. We appreciate our customers and it shows!

De Renta: Trailas solares y campers con Lavenderia y tienda Hispana para servirles mejor.

108 Peterson Lane, Galliano 985-637-4133

Beautiful Apt. In Cut Off: 2 bedroom, 1 bath. Completely remodeled, new central heat and cool, hardwood floors, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, large back yard shaded with trees, cemented parking, very quiet and secure. Luxury apartments; must see to appreciate! For an appointment, please call 985-6378399. _________________ House For Rent: 232 East 2nd St., Larose.

3 bedroom/ 1 bath; no smoking or pets; lawncare provided; $900/month, plus deposit. Call (985) 6323984 or (985) 696-0825. _________________

FREE RENT! Half Off First Months Rent with New Lease!

LARGE 2BR, 1BA. apt. in Cut Off For Rent: Pets welcome.

Unfurnished unit $795/mo. with 6 month lease, $750 security deposit. Unit has washer and dryer.

To see pics go to www.coteblancheapartments.com. Call Bill at 985-325-5626 for more info. _________________

Studio Cottage For Rent: single occupancy (1 person). $600/month; $300/ damage deposit. All utilities paid; lawn service provided; private laundry mat on site; located in Larose. 985-665-9618 or 985-859-3953. _________________ NEW LISTING! For Rent: 3 bedroom, 1.5 bath in Golden Meadow. Includes loft, cathedral ceilings, concrete countertops, wood floors, large porch. $950/ month; $950/deposit.

153 Nichols St. Call 985232-1948. _________________ Furnished Apt. For Rent: 1 bedroom; 1 bath located at 102 West 4th St; Westside Apt.; Apt. #1 is available for $600/month and a $610 damage deposit. By application only. Call 985691-3104. _________________ 6 room Office Building for Rent: Hwy 1, bayou side in Cut off; 14899 West Main; $520/month, includes water bill. 985-7723258 or 985-4130791. _________________ For Rent: 3 bedroom, 1 bath home; completely renovated; additional office/ bedroom; large yard; Cut Off area, off Hwy 1; Ready to move in; $1,200/ month; $850/ deposit.

985-6936533/ 985-728-2620 FMI. _________________

3BR, 2ba. Home for Rent: with extra storage room, located on LA 1 in Cut Off. Approximately 1500 sqft. $950/mo. Call Diane at 985-691-1367, leave voicemail. _________________ Apartment for Rent: in Cut Off, West 64th St. 2 bedroom, 1 bath; stove, fridge, washer/dryer; rent, $750/monh, $500 deposit. FMI 985-6657621. No answer, leave message. _________________ New Luxury Condos for Rent: in Thibodaux. 2 bedroom; 2 bath; with all appliances provided; quality units at the best rate in town; Call 985859-5983 for pricing and availability. _________________

MERCHANDISE

55 Gallon Food Grade Plastic Drums with lids for sale.

Please call (985) 2919490 for more information. _________________ Furniture For Sale: 1 double bed with frame, box spring and mattress, $50; end table, $10; large sofa chair, $15; wooden chairs, $3 each. Call 985-291-3580. _________________

GARAGE SALES

Trash and Treasure Sale: Antiques, Collectables, Depression Glass, Furniture, too much to list. 1288 N. Alex Plaisance Blvd. (new highway), Golden Meadow.

Open every Thursday.

(985) 278-2221. _________________ Garage Sale: Friday, January 20 at West 103rd Street. 2nd house on right. Queen size bed; barstools; etc. _________________ Garage Sale: 245 East 54th St., January 19 and 20, Thursday and Friday from 8am to 4pm. apartment stove; baby bed; dewing machine; bar-bque pit; rocker; clothes; purses; knick knacks; and more. _________________ Yard Sale at 113 North Bayou Drive in Golden Meadow.

South of True Value.

Starting now till…. _________________

HELP WANTED

Southern Guard Service, Inc. is now accepting applications for Security Guard positions. Apply at 109 W. 12th St., Larose. Call 985-6934316. _________________

UNITS AVAILABLE NOW!

123 E. 95th St., Cut Off

Todd M. LeBlanc,

REALTOR® MLS MUMBER 121878: Unique 4BR, 3ba. home boasts a large kitchen and dining area, game room and large backyard with a beautiful 100 year old oak tree. A great home for entertaining, it's ready for new owners! Offered at $199,900.

Cell / Text 985-381-9545 Bayou Region Office: 985.492.1155 206 Green Street, Suite 106 Thibodaux, Louisiana 70301 Licensed by the Louisiana Real Estate Commission

Mane Attraction Salon and Spa of Cut Off is looking for a full time Stylist to join their Aveda Concept Salon. All Cosmetology Education accepted. We offer continued education on color and cuts.

Choose between % or booth rent. Call Kim at 985-632-6955 to schedule your interview. _________________ Help Wanted. Clerical/ sales person to work in insurance, sales and service.

Having or obtaining insurance licenses will be required. Submit resume to PO Box 390, Larose, LA 70373. _________________ Lafourche Arc is looking for energetic, compassionate individuals to work flexible hrs. and days w / individuals w / disabilities who live in the lower Lafourche area.

Assistance with transportation, personal hygiene & household tasks is needed.

Agency will train. High school diploma, GED or 5 yrs paid related exp. required. Scheduling flexibility required. FMI contact Meka Williams at 985447-6214 ext. 120 or Gina Gaudet at ext.

115. Applications may be completed at Lafourche Arc, 100 W. Main St., Thibodaux.

EOE, M/F/V/H. _________________ K-Mar Supply, Fourchon location is now accepting applications for ALL POSITIONS. Full time and Part Time. Candidate must be a fast learner, can multi-task, and selfmotivated. Apply in person at 654 A.O. Rappelet Road, Fourchon, LA 70357.

NAPA, next door to Kajun Truck Stop. No phone calls please.

MUST SPEAK ENGLISH. Must have valid drivers license. Must meet TWIC card requirements.

Some transportation available (to and from work). _________________ Special Education District No. 1 “The Center is seeking a full time cook for its facility in Cut off, Louisiana. Successful candidates must be at least 18 years old, possess a GED or High School Diploma, possess a valid Louisiana Driver’s License, pass a Criminal Background Check, Physical, Drug Test and Agility/Ability Test. Interested parties should call Rose Grabert at 985-6325671 for an appointment. Applications will be accepted from January 4, 2017 through January 20, 2017 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. _________________ Salon U is looking for an experienced hairstylist and nail technician. FMI call Rosalyn Chiasson at 696-4540 or 532-2305. _________________

WE NEED

YOU!

Daily Comet

MLS 121017: This newly renovated 2BR, 2ba. cottage boasts 1,885 total sqft of space and sits on an 80’ x 221’ lot. It includes a two-car carport and a storage shed, has central A/C and heat, a window unit and an attic fan. It’s priced to sell at $129,800!

Call Addy Legendre for a showing!

985-691-3873 200 Hwy. 3161 Suite #1, Cut Off 985-325-7107 Since 1916

Special Education District No. 1 is seeking a responsible, energetic, self-motivated team player to fill the position of Executive Director. Excellent communication skills and initiative a must.

Degree Required. Advance Degree Helpful.

Management Experience in Services for People with Disabilities Preferred.

Involvement in local community preferred.

References required.

Interested persons should submit a Letter of Interest and Resume to: Mr. Peter Louviere, President, Board of Commissioners, Special Education District No. 1, P. O. Box 405, Cut Off, Louisiana 70345. Letters of Interest and Resumes will be accepted until Friday, January 27, 2017 at 9:00 a.m. _________________ Southern Home Furnishings now taking applications for Delivery/ Warehouse person. Must be 21 or older to apply; have presentable appearance; clean driving record; able to lift heavy merchandise; reliable; must have good customer service skills. Apply in person at Southern Home Furnishings, 14814 West Main St., Cut Off. No phone calls. _________________ The Lafourche Council on Aging, Inc. has a job opening for a housekeeper in the Larose/ Cut off areas. This job is for 20 hours per week and $9.91 per hour.

Mileage is reimbursed at $.51 per mile. Must have clean driving record. Must be able to pass pre-employment drug test. And must be able to pass nationwide background check. Must provide proof of liability insurance. Applications will be accepted at the Lafourche Council on Aging office 4876 Hwy. 1 Raceland, LA 70394.

Deadline to apply is Friday, January 20, 2017 at 12:00 noon. _________________

SERVICES

J & P’s Tree Service & Sawmill, LLC Land Clearing, Dozer & Excavator, Tree Removal, Trimming, Stump Grinding, Demolition, Lumber cut to order, For Sale: Firewood, Mulch and Dirt. State Arbor’s License & Insured. Call 985-632-2540 or 985696-5174. _________________ Tim Harris Flooring Installation Services Carpet, vinyl, laminate, wood, ceramic, custom showers, painting, carpentry, sheet rock. Purchase floor anywhere, we will install. Manufactures warranty floors, not flooring stores.

Free estimates. Call 985-677-0474 or 985677-2526. _________________

The Daily Comet has openings in Lafourche Parish for newspaper route carriers!!!

Routes are a good second income for stay at home moms / dads, retirees or anyone else with a few hours of extra time daily.

Reliable transportation and a pleasant attitude for dealing with the public.

Call Linda or Penny for details:

448-7623

Off The Bone Processing Smoked sausage, jerky, burritos, tamales, and 15 types of sausage. Vacuum packing. 10% off first month. 985-291-1579. _________________ Can Do Brick, Block & Stone Work.

Call for free estimates. Keith Thayer at 985-637-3569. _________________ Cajun Roofing & Carpentry, LLC Best Prices on the Bayou. Sha! I Guarantee! Metal, shingle and patch jobs, vinyl siding, cement board siding, painting, pressure washing, remodeling, wood, ceramic & laminate floors, cabinets, windows, doors, porches, decks, patios, custom shutters, additions, new construction and more!

Metal roof prices that can’t be beat. No job too big or too small.

20 yrs. exp. Free estimate. Call Curtis at 985-397-6254 or email curtisorgeron @gmail.com _________________ Curry’s Tree Service Tree cutting and trimming; any size; reasonable rates; free estimates; licensed.

Call 985-258-0465. _________________ Evans Concrete Construction House slabs, driveways, sidewalks, etc.

No job too big or too small. Call Leonard Evans at 985-6772959. _________________ We Do Redo Remodeling, Inc. Total Renovation & Add Ons! Kitchen & bathroom remodel, tile, vinyl siding, decking, etc, plumbing & electric wiring. Call Marvin Thibodaux, Sr. at 985-291-0953. _________________ Brock’s Car Washing Inside and Out; on site available; prices start at $50. 985-258-7645. _________________ LABOVE PLUMBING Professional Plumbing Service. Gas, water, sewer. Ask about our payment options.

16844 West Main St., Cut Off, LA 70345.

LMP 7038.

Call 985-991-1881. _________________ Earl’s Yard & Pressure Washing Service., 985-691-7570. _________________

Concrete Construction

Patios.

Driveways.

Houses. Metal Buildings. Free Estimates.

No job too large or small. Call Glenn Hughes, Jr. at (985) 209-5552 or (985) 258-6047. _________________ Dog Grooming at Pitre’s Feed & Seed. Call JoAnn Pitre at 696-2321. _________________ Tony’s Carpentry: Friendly service. Honest trademan. 15 years experience.

Need carpentry, plumbing, painting, pressure washing, call 985-278-7188, ask for Tony. Blessings. _________________

Office: 985-693-7229 Fax: 985-693-8282

www.thelafourchegazette.com DG LOUISIANA, LLC is applying to the Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control of the State of Louisiana for a permit to sell beverages of high and low alcohol content at retail in the parish of Lafourche at the following location: Dollar General Store #14432, (13894 W Main Street (Hwy 1), Larose, LA 703733016) Officers of DG LOUISIANA, LLC are: STEVEN RAY DECKARD, JOHN WILLIAM GARRATT, II, and JAMES WILLIAM THORPE _________________ DG LOUISIANA, LLC is applying to the Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control of the State of Louisiana for a permit to sell beverages of high and low alcohol content at retail in the parish of Lafourche at the following location: Dollar General Store #11473, (18210 West Main St., Suite 1, Galliano, LA 703543736).

Officers of DG LOUISIANA, LLC are: STEVEN RAY DECKARD, JOHN WILLIAM GARRATT, II, and JAMES WILLIAM THORPE _________________

MEMORIALS

In Memory Of

NICKY MAUCELE

Sunrise: 12/3/1955 Sunset: 1/19/2000 Memories of You I remember everything about you; your voice, your smile, your touch, the way you walked, the way you talked, the way you looked at me, meant so much.

I remember all the words you said to me; some funny, some kind, some wise, some sad, all of the things you did for me, I see now with different eyes.

I remember every moment we shared, seems like only yesterday; or maybe it was eons ago, it’s really hard to say.

You are gone from me now, but one they can’t take away, your memory resides inside my heart, and lights up my darkest days.

-Anonymous ________________

OBITUARIES

AUDREY GUIDRY

Audrey “Maw Maw” Guidry, 78, a native of Thibodaux and resident of Cut Off passed away on December 26. Visitation took place on Thursday, December 29 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Cut Off from 10 a.m. until service time.

Funeral Mass began at 11 a.m. and burial followed in the Church cemetery.

Mrs. Audrey is survived by her children, Vickie Delgrandile and Leroy “Joey” Delgrandile Jr. (Liz); grandchildren, Luke Bellanger, Travis Bellanger, Craig Delgrandile, Amy Guidry and Samantha Johnfroe; her great grandchildren; sister, Sherry Guidry; godchild, Tammy Zeringue; and close friends, Faye Autin and Betty.

Mrs. Guidry was preceded in death by her first husband, Leroy Delgrandile Sr.; second husband, Larry Guidry; and parents, Sidney and Enola A. Hebert.

Samart-Mothe Funeral Home of Cut Off entrusted with arrangements, please visit their online guestbook at www.samartmothe.com/. ______________________________

The Month of Maurice on his

50 th Bir

irthday!

From the Golden Motors Staff

NOTICES

POSTED: No Trespassing, Hunting, Trapping or Fishing on all properties owned by Louisiana Delta Farms - I.P. Farm’s, Inc. in Lafourche Parish. Violators will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. _________________

YOU ARE THE

SOLUTION.

EPS LOGISTICS

Crane Operators, Forklift Operators, Cargo Handlers (Riggers)

Immediate openings for onshore crane operators, forklift operators, and cargo handlers (riggers).

Experience necessary, long term work in Fourchon, 14&7 rotation.

Competitive pay & medical benefits available.

Items needed: All certifications including diploma, valid drivers license, valid references with phone numbers, reliable transportation, able to pass drug screen and physical.

Applications accepted Monday - Friday, 8 - 11 a.m. & 1 - 4 p.m.

Apply at EPS LOGISTICS 206 Magnate Drive, Lafayette, LA 70508, online at www.epsteam.com or email resume to hr@epsteam.com

Bridge From 1-A

A lifetime of always seeming to catch the bridge when the deck is up, with barges and tugboats inching by and drivers waiting to get to school or the grocery store, hasn’t endeared the venerable bridge to Larose residents, some of them said.

“The bridge is a pain in the ass. We try not to think about that bridge,” an only half-joking Lafourche Parish Councilman Jerry LaFont, who lives on the south side of the bridge, said.

Rising 110 feet in the air, the metal girder bridge’s twin towers, with their tear-drop tops, form part of a familiar, industrial backdrop in this part of Louisiana.

Bridges must make way for the fishing and offshore supply and crew vessels plying local waters on their way to the Gulf of Mexico. Lift bridges have often been the answer.

In fact, the heart of Larose could be said to be water — the intersection of Bayou Lafourche and the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway. The four corners of town are divided by those two waterways and are tied together with three lift bridges, including the West Larose bridge, and the high-rise overpass east of Bayou Lafourche on nearby La. 308.

For some, the West Larose Vertical Lift Bridge doesn’t hold a place in their hearts as a town landmark as the Larose Civic Center, Double D restaurant or Elaine’s snoball stand do.

“I just use it to get on the other side of the Intracoastal. Ha. To me, it ain’t no sentimental (thing). You have no choice,” said Edward Lambas, 69, who lives in the shadow of the bridge near its northern approach. “That’s a bridge, and it’s always open for boat traffic.”

The bridge, which was the topic of state highway

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planning going back at least to the late 1940s, had faced opposition from shipping interests in the early 1950s because it would have put a vertical limit on the height of ships in the Intracoastal.

But the funding came through after a push from Lafourche Parish state Sen. A.O. Rappelet in late 1950s and construction began in mid-1959 under then-Gov. Earl K. Long. It was finished under Gov. Davis two years later and replaced an old pontoon bridge.

By 2015, the bridge had severe rust spots on its superstructure and had been rated as structurally deficient by the state, federal bridge data show.

Bambi Hall, a DOTD spokeswoman, said the rating was due to “advanced corrosion on key structural steel components of the superstructure.”

She said the state had originally intended only to paint the bridge and upgrade its mechanical and electrical components, which is work movable bridges need every 40 to 50 years. Structural repairs were added once DOTD inspectors found deficiencies that would have required the bridge to be weightlimited in the future, Hall said.

On a recent chilly December morning, as the wire ropes that raise the bridge deck rattled together in high winds, Rogers, the DOTD project engineer, led a tour of the bridge with its new beige paint job.

Rogers showed how the state replaced old steel girders and rivets with new bolts. Contractors have also replaced timber fenders that protect the base of the bridge with new concrete ones that are far stronger and more able to withstand strikes from barges and vessels, Rogers said.

Workers were preparing, he said, to refurbish the electric motors, large circular gears called sheaves and other equipment that raise the bridge deck with the help of massive counterweights hanging inside each bridge tower. Additional girder repairs and replacements are also planned, as well as a complete upgrade of the controls and electronic brains that actually direct the bridge deck’s movements.

Some Larose residents, like Lambas and others, pointed out that several years ago, local leaders had talked about a new high rise bridge over the Intracoastal on the west side of Bayou Lafourche that would replace the West Larose bridge. They wondered why the state wasn’t building that bridge instead of rehabilitating the lift bridge.

Henri Boulet, executive

Carver

had in the past during mechanical failures.

“We are in favor of them maintaining that structure to a reliable state,” Boulet said.

He pointed out that a lot of 18-wheeler traffic has already switched from La. 1 to nearby La. 308 with the construction of a new $33 million lift bridge over Bayou Lafourche just south of Intracoastal Waterway in Larose.

Hall, the DOTD spokeswoman, said there are no current plans for a new bridge in Larose over the Intracoastal. ___ Information from: The Advocate, http://theadvocate.com

Pictured centered, is Golden Meadow Upper Elementary School Student of the Year, Morgan Lafont, along with Lafourche Parish School Board Superintendent Jo Ann Matthews, at left, and School Board Member Julie Breaux.

Romantic Poem Washington organized a competition of two-line poems in which the first line must be the most romantic, but the second line should be the least romantic. This is the winner: My darling, my lover, my beautiful wife, Marrying you screwed up my life.

I see your face when I am dreaming, That’s why I always

wake up screaming.

Kind, intelligent, loving and hot, This describes everything you are not.

I love your smile, your face and your eyes.

Damn, I’m good at telling lies!

My feelings for you, no words can tell, Except for maybe ‘You’re not so swell.’

What inspired this amazing rhyme? Two parts tequila, one part lime!

Arrest reports

The following information is based on reports from the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Those individuals have been booked with, not convicted of, the offenses shown. All accused should be presumed innocent until proved guilty.

JANUARY 11, 2017 Lafourche Sheriff’s Office Kimberly Crochet, 33, Morgan City. Contempt of court.

Treven Ford, 25, Napoleonville. Simple battery.

Devin Ingram, 25, Raceland.

Contempt of court (6 cts); violation of probation/ parole.

Bobby Nelton, 40, Houma.

Fugitve (2 cts).

Shawn Pitre, 30, Bayou Blue.

Contempt of court (3 cts).

Golden Meadow Police Dept.

Brooke Thronhill, 36, Galliano.

Contempt of court.

JANUARY 12, 2017 Lafourche Sheriff’s Office Orion Allen, 25, Thibodaux.

Contempt of court.

Keith Benoit, 62, Thibodaux.

Contempt of court.

James Dominique, 45, Gheens. Contempt of court (2 cts).

Jane Elliot, 42, Thibodaux.

DWI (4th); operating a vehicle while under suspension for certain prior offenses; headlamps for motor vehicles and motorcycles.

Travis Guidroz, 33, Lockport.

Contempt of court.

Ian Guidry, 34, Galliano. Contempt of court (4 cts).

Trales Lewis, 27, Donaldsonville. Contempt of court (5 cts).

Lance Melancon, 39, Cut Off. Violation of protective orders.

Dyrion Patterson, 22, Houma.

Contempt of court (4 cts).

Chester Lawson, 25, Lockport.

Driving on roadway laned for traffic; possession or distribution of drug paraphernalia; possession of hydrocodone; possession of alcoholic beverages in motor vehicle.

Toby Tabor, 43, Thibodaux.

Theft; criminal trespass.

Lacey Thibodaux, 34, Thibodaux. Theft; criminal trespass.

JANUARY 13, 2017 Lafourche Sheriff’s Office Michael Callais, 58, Cut Off. Aggravated assault.

Kendell Evans, 19, Larose.

Possession of crack cocaine; stopping, standing, or parking prohibited in specified places; possession or distribution of drug paraphernalia; possession of marijuana (1st).

Timothy Kappel, 26, Cut Off. Operating a vehicle while intoxicated.

Deree Kendrick, 29, Gibson.

Contempt of court (2 cts).

Derek Lagraize, 27, Thibodaux. Unauthorized entry of inhabited dwelling; disturbing the peace.

Anthony Ledet, 20, Thibodaux.

Contempt of court.

Brian Ray, 19, Thibodaux. Violation of probation/ parole.

Cynthia Snyder, 58, Raceland.

Criminal trespass.

Glenn Thompkins, 41, Race-

99 79¢

Prices Prices starting starting at at /lf /lf

Lafourche Parish Assessor’s Office Wendy L. Thibodeaux, Assessor Increased Exemption for Veterans with a 100% Service-Connected Disability



Only veterans with a service-connected disability rating of 100% by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs shall be eligible for this additional exemption.

 41st year.

“I enjoy passing on information and tips to anyone interested in carving. Our group is great for those just starting out, those looking to improve their work or even those of us who have been doing it for many years,” said Ray.

Cajun Heritage Festival

June 3-4, 2017 • Larose Civic Center

www.cajunheritagefestival.com

7-A

land. Obscenity; sexual battery; simple battery; distribution/ manufacture crack cocaine; distribution/ manufacture cocaine; fugitive; battery of a police officer.

Brenta Tillman, 29, Raceland.

Enter/ remain after being forbidden; resisting an officer.

Chris Wheaton, 50, Raceland.

Contempt of court (2 cts).

Jared Benoit, 26, Thibodaux.

Possession of methamphetamine; possession or distribution of drug paraphernalia; simple burglary of inhabited dwelling; possession of marijuana (1st).

Christian Chauvin, 43, Houma.

Creation or operating of a clandestine lab for the unlawful manufacture of controlled dangerous substance.

Nicholas Chauvin, 35, Houma.

Distribution of methamphetamine (2 cts); creation or operating of a clandestine lab for the unlawful manufacture of controlled dangerous substance.

Shane Leblanc, 47, Larose.

Contempt of court.

Matthew Mcallister, 27, Cut Off. Domestic abuse battery.

Desmond Rainey, 25, Gray.

Fugitive (2 cts).

Javonte Thompkins, 22, Raceland. Contempt of court.

Louisiana State Police Eve Mceleveen, 35, Golden Meadow. DWI (1st).

Jose Munoz, 40, Thibodaux.

Contempt of court (6 cts); failure to drive on right side of road; hit and run with no personal injury; driver must be licensed; DWI (1st).

Lockport Police Department Jacob Danos, 27, Lockport.

Contempt of court (2 cts); possession or distribution of drug paraphernalia; possession of marijuana (1st).

JANUARY 14, 2017 Lafourche Sheriff’s Office Ashley Bradley, 33, Raceland.

Fugitive.

John Dugan, 33, Thibodaux.

Operating a vehicle while under suspension for certain prior offenses.

Michael Falgout, 17, Galliano.

Simple burglary of inhabited dwelling.

Tiffany Hotard, 32, Larose.

Contempt of court.

Jade Stevens, 25, Larose.

Contempt of court (3 cts).

Cory Truxillo, 40, Thibodaux.

Operating a vehicle while under suspension for certain prior offenses.

Lori Guidry, 29, Cut off. Violation of probation/ parole (3 cts); contempt of court.

JANUARY 15, 2017 Lafourche Sheriff’s Office Jaquan Cooper, 18, Raceland.

Illegal possession of stolen things.

Ryan Gaubert, 41, Larose.

Revocation of parole for violation of condition.

Luis Hernandez, 30, Cut Off. Driver must be licensed; DWI (2nd).

Louisiana State Police Katelyn Crosby, 21, Golden Meadow. Driving on roadway laned for traffic; DWI (1st).

Norberto Garcia, 26, Larose.

DWI (1st); possession of alcoholic beverages in motor vehicle; driver must be licensed; driving on roadway laned for traffic.

The homestead exemption would increase from $75,000 to $150,000 of fair market value. The following conditions apply:

Meet Ray Gold

Ray Gold of Houma has been carving for about 30 years. He enjoys carving all types works in a decorative style, many of which he sells to collectors.

“I am proud to have seen how my carving has changed and improved over the last 30 years and to have finally achieved a professional level of carving,” he said.

Ray is part of a group of carvers that promotes Cajun heritage, decoys, carving and keeping the age-old tradition thriving. The group also sponsors the Cajun Heritage Festival, which is entering its

director of the La. 1 Coalition, a group of business interests pushing to improve access to Port Fourchon, said the long-term goal has always been to link La. 3235 south of Larose with U.S. 90 with a four-lane highway. A new bridge over the Intracoastal would be part of that linkup.

But he said with subsiding land father south on La. 1, the coalition is focused on the lower stretch of La. 1 first, a big undertaking in its own right.

Boulet said his group favored DOTD upgrading the lift bridge at this point to avoid the backups that the West Larose Lift Bridge has

Wednesday, January 18, 2017 THE LAFOURCHE GAZETTE

The veteran must apply in person and furnish proof of serviceconnected disability from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs

Apply in person at the Lafourche Parish Assessor’s Office 403 St. Louis Street, Thibodaux (447-7242) 16241 East Main Street, Ste. B, Cut Off (632-6933) 710 Church Street, Lockport (532-0011)

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Wednesday, January 18, 2017 THE LAFOURCHE GAZETTE

OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF THE GREATER LAFOURCHE PORT COMMISSION December 14, 2016

The Board of Commissioners of the Greater Lafourche Port Commission met in regular session on Wednesday, December 14, 2016 at 10:30 AM at the Administration Building 16829 East Main Street, Galliano, LA. President Gisclair called the meeting to order and Secretary Cheramie called roll.

ATTENDED: Chuckie Cheramie, Perry Gisclair, Kris Gaudet, Rodney Gisclair, Wilbert Collins, Larry Griffin, John Melancon Jr., and Ervin Bruce ABSENT: Jimmy Guidry Upon motion by Griffin second by Collins, with no public comment, the board unanimously approved minutes for November 14, 2016 regular meeting.

Executive Director’s Report Northern Expansion – Engineer Larry Picciola reported Blanchard Contractors is making progress on the Slip C 950 LF West Bulkhead project. All steel sheet piles, deadman, and tie rods are installed. The bulkhead has been painted and they are installing lightweight aggregate and drainage wedges.

The remaining work is to finish installing the lightweight aggregate, limestone, and the wood cap. Melancon ques-

tioned if the lightweight aggregate is being barged in, which Picciola replied trucked in. Engineer Picciola reported Slip C 950 LF West Sweep Dredge project is scheduled to open bids on December 20 th at 2pm. The pre-bid meeting was held yesterday with only Crosby Dredging in attendance however the meeting was not mandatory.

Airport Projects – Davie Breaux reported Duplantis Design Group presented to the board on Monday the final plan for the Storm Water Management and the Taxiway Lighting Design.

Breaux then reported the airport passenger count exceeded 100,000 for the year with 24,147 operations. Melancon stated it is a great milestone of exceeding 100,000 of passengers at the airport.

Executive Director Chiasson replied we didn’t expect it but with Chevron kicking off their operations brought our number up through November to that milestone.

Melancon congratulated Richard and the staff at the airport for the great job.

Other Projects – Dustin Malbrough with GIS Engineering reported the team is making progress for the Section 203 Feasibility Study. They met with the Corps last week to prepare for the first scoping meeting scheduled for January 12th at the Government Complex in Mathews. At that meeting, we will present the project to stakeholders and get feedback to incorporate in the study.

Other items the team is working on are cross sections with alternative alignments and calculating dredging quanti-

LAFOURCHE PARISH GOVERNMENT BOARD & COMMISSION VACANCIES Board

Vacancies

Residency Requirements

Commission for Women

1

Lafourche Parish Resident

Drainage District No. 6

3

Resident or Representative for a corporation owning land within Drainage No. 6 district

Fifth Ward Gravity Drainage District No. 5

4

Property owner or representative of a corporation owning land in Ward 5

Fire Protection District No. 6

2

Property taxpayer residing in the boundaries of Fire Protection No. 6 district

Fire Protection District No. 8-A

1

Property taxpayer residing in the boundaries of Fire Protection No. 8-A district

Fire Protection District No. 8-C

1

Property taxpayer residing in the boundaries of Fire Protection No. 8-C district

Fire Protection District No. 9

2

Property taxpayer residing in the boundaries of Fire Protection No. 9 district

Head Start Policy Council

1

Lafourche Parish resident who is familiar with resources and services for low-income children and families

Heroes Monument Commission

1

Commission Police Officer employed for a minimum of 5 years, qualified voter domiciled outside of Ward 10

Heroes Monument Commisssion

2

Fireman that has served for a minimum of five years, qualified voter domiciled outside of Ward 10

Heroes Monument Commisssion

1

Discharged veteran of a branch of the U.S. Armed Forces and qualified voter domiciled outside of Ward 10

Recreation District No. 11

1

Resident domiciled within Recreation No. 11 district

Sewerage District No. 1

3

Resident residing in the boundaries of Sewerage No. 1 district

South Lafourche Beachfront Development District

1

Qualified voter and resident of District 1, 2, 3, or 4

South Lafourche Beachfront Development District

1

Qualified voter and resident of District 5, 6, or 7

Tourist Commission

1

Lafourche Parish resident of Ward 11

The deadline for these positions will be Tuesday, January 31, 2017 @ 1:00 PM Applications are available at 402 Green Street, Thibodaux, LA 70301 or downloaded from the Lafourche Parish Government website at http://38.106.5.169/home/showdocument?id=278 Applications can be delivered to the attention of Kelli Toups at 402 Green Street, Thibodaux, LA 70301; or mailed to Kelli Toups, P.O. Drawer 5548, Thibodaux, LA 70302.

ties to incorporate in the study. In regards to the Geotube Beach Repair project, Chiasson reported we are working on the permit application, with the landowners, and putting together information to send to FEMA for the project worksheet. Engineer John Plaisance reported the contractor continues to make slow but continued progress on the Town of Golden Meadow Floodwall Improvements/Bulkhead. The contractor should be finished with installing the sheets later this week then will start installing the whaler beams and backfill material. Davie Breaux reported SBL Construction is waiting on the treated timber for the wood cap to complete the Nerby Collins Marina west loading zone bulkhead repairs. Breaux reported all the material is in and the section over the pipeline is complete for the Connector Road Base. We did place stone over the pipeline area as required and will place stone on the rest of the road once material has settled. Engineer Joe Picciola reported he received the contracts back from Thomassie Construction for the Airport Maintenance Shop Addition and will be scheduling the preconstruction meeting.

Update from LA 1 Coalition – Henri Boulet reported the Coalition has had several meetings with LA DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson on the LA 1 Project’s path forward. Both DOTD and the Commissioner of Administration’s Office is looking at options of how it can move the project forward within the coming months. In anticipation that the hold on new projects receiving bond commission approval remains intact, Boulet asked Secretary Wilson to consider other funding measures to get some segments of the project moving. He indicated that this may be an option, and Boulet hopes to receive a reply in the next two-three weeks. CPRA Chairman Johnny Bradberry confirmed this morning that GOMESA Infrastructure applications received November 1st remain under staff review, and he should have an update at January’s CPRA meeting.

Because the CPRA application award decision will not be made until next year, LA DOTD Secretary advised the Coalition not to apply to the Nationally Significant Freight and Highway Projects Program, simply because the state cannot meet the requirement of formally identifying where the remainder of the $360M will come from. Secretary Wilson suggested the state apply in the next round, when GOMESA funding awards and funds from other state sources can formally be committed. Speaking of funds from other state sources, the Governor’s Transportation Infrastructure Investment Task Force passed several resolutions yesterday that will be included in their formal report to the Governor by January 1st. Recommendations in the report will include funding $700 million per year for multimodal transportation projects, including capacity projects on the A and B Mega-Project list outlined in the Louisiana Statewide Transportation Plan, which the LA 1 Project is on. The next state legislative session, the legislature will play a critical role in approving funding measures that the Governor is likely to present. Finally, the project’s largest remaining segment to be designed, the middle 6 miles between Golden Meadow and Leeville, is now under contract for final design.

Gisclair questioned if the gas and diesel tax will be addressed in the figures of next year or would those change, which Boulet replied it all depends on what legislature approves of what the Governor is asking. We don’t know what they will approve. Gisclair questioned if the $700 million is pending on what the Governor request, which Boulet replied that is pending on the Governor requesting 20 cents on the gasoline tax. Director Chiasson stated that for every 1 cent a year in taxes it is $30 million so it is about 27 cents or 28 cents that gets to $750 million. We don’t know if the legislature will send to the people for that much of an increase, however Chiasson thinks it will be more of 10 cents or 15 cents markup to get $450 million which would be better than zero. It will just take longer to fund some of these projects. We will really have to work hard during this legislative session

to make sure that whatever funding is raised that LA 1 continues to be on the list. Chiasson stated that the diesel tax was not part of this groups resolutions but it will come up in this session someone will write legislation on a diesel tax that would actually bring funds to ports for dredging and other activities. The other thing part of the resolution was the increase in aviation fuel tax. It was a small number but would generate more revenue for airports to apply for funding.

Boulet stated that even if legislature does not authorize what the Governor is asking it is still based on A and B projects that are shovel ready because some of the projects on the list have not even done their EIS. We are shovel ready.

Gisclair opened the floor for public comment. Parish Councilman Daniel Lorraine thanked the board for the help with the Leeville Public Boat Launch a $1.2 million project with the Port contribution of $200,000, Parish Government $450,000, and the State Wallop-Breaux fund of $500,000. He also thanked the Port on the next phase of the Leeville Fishing Pier contribution of $166,000.

He reported that in December the Hobie Fishing World Championship was held in Leeville, LA with over 16 countries participating. They also held some events at Moran’s Marina in Port Fourchon. These people spent a week here spending money, fishing, and having a good time. The Leeville Public Boat Launch will bring more rodeos down here and he thanked the board again for participating and the good working relationship the Port and Parish have over the years.

Breaux stated the Fourchon Oilman’s Association presented their grant award ceremony to give back to the community and gave $38,000 to 11 different groups such as: schools, charitable organizations, Shriners, and coastal restoration groups. In the past six years, the FOA has given back to the community in grant awards a total of $530,000.

Committee Reports Executive Committee - The committee met on December 1st in Galliano present was P. Gisclair, Cheramie, Griffin, and Melancon. They also met on December 12th in Galliano with all present.

Upon motion by Melancon second

by Cheramie, with no public comment, the board unanimously approved the Intergovernmental Agreement with the Lafourche Parish Government to fund $100,000 toward Phase I of the Lafourche Parish Airport Access Corridor to design and construct improvements in the vicinity of LA 308 at its intersection with Airport Road. Chiasson stated that the Parish received an EDA Grant of $740,000 with the Parish’s cost share of $434,829.

Permits & Waterways Committee - The committee met on December 1st in Galliano present was Cheramie, Griffin, P. Gisclair, and Collins. They also met on December 12th in Galliano with all present.

Chairman Cheramie presented for the board’s review permits from Badger Energy and Shell Pipeline Company.

Construction & Development Committee - The committee met on December 1st in Galliano present was Griffin, P. Gisclair, and Bruce with R. Gisclair absent. They also met on December 12th in Galliano with all present.

Upon motion by Gaudet second

by Collins, with no public comment, the board unanimously approved the Payment Direction Agreement with Blanchard Contractors to make all future payments to an escrow agent for Slip C 950 LF West Bulkhead project.

Finance Committee - The committee met on December 1st in Galliano present was Melancon, P. Gisclair, and Gaudet with Guidry absent. They also met on December 12th in Galliano with all present.

Upon motion by Melancon second

by R. Gisclair, with no public comment, the board unanimously approved payment of November 2016 invoices and recognized expenditures over $10,000 which total $1,442,415.91.

Upon motion by Melancon second

by Collins, with no public comment, the board unanimously approved the November 2016 unaudited financial state-

ments.

Upon motion by Melancon second

by Gaudet, with no public comment, the board unanimously approved the 2016 Budget Amendment reduction of ($1,287,938) due to the 20% discount on rentals for seaport tenants from April 2016 to December 2016 and changes to the expensed projects and grants. A lease revenue decrease of ($2,745,519), a savings of landowner expenses of $613,478, along with a few project classification changes of $844,103.

Chairman Melancon presented for the board’s consideration approving the 2017 Budget of $59,249,449. Finance Director Miranda Parker presented the highlights of the budget. The Port revenues of $26.1 million includes the 20% discount in lease revenues for 2017 less direct cost of $8.5 million equals the gross profit of $17.5 million less operating expense of $17.3 million equals operating profit of $218,000 plus non-operating revenues of $11.9 million includes advalorem and capital and maintenance grants equals the net income of $12.1 million. After taking all the revenues and expenses into account, we are in a position to reserve $50 million for Fourchon Island development and $31 million for other future projects at the airport and seaport. The overall operating budget $25,901,866, capital budget $30,322,003, non-operating budget $3,025,580 totals the 2017 Budget of $59,249,449.

Chiasson presented highlights of the proposed projects for 2017 which are as follows: Seaport projects are the Northern Expansion Slip C 950’ West Bulkhead $6.5 million and Slip C 950’

Sweep Dredge $475,000 which are port funded, Slip C East 871’ Bulkhead of $6 million with $5 million funded from Port Priority Program, Highway Embankment & Bayou Cleanup $100,000 each, Section 203 Deep Draft Study $1.3 million, Mitigation of Slip D $2.5 million, and Flotation Canal and Slip D Hydraulic Dredge of $8.7 million which would develop the landside of Slip D. Airport projects are SL Industrial Park limestone and waterline development $124,000, Runway Lighting upgrades $50,000, Approach Easement $60,000, Terminal Design $200,000 with DOTD funding $150,000, and Taxiway Lighting Improvements $792,000 with DOTD funding $147,251 and FAA funding $565,550. Upon motion by Melancon second by Collins, with no public comment, the board unanimously accepted the 2017 Budget of $59,249,449.00.

President Gisclair opened the floor for any other business. Mr. Roland Guidry stated that last week the federal government passed the WRDA bill and there is funding available for deep water ports of 45’ to 55’. Chiasson stated at 45’ we are not eligible. Chiasson stated we are preparing ourselves for the next WRDA bill to have verbiage in there for our new development.

The Commissioners then wished each and every one a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

Upon motion by Cheramie second

by Griffin, the board adjourned the meeting at 11:12 am.

ATTEST: Kris Gaudet, Vice President Harris “Chuckie” Cheramie, Jr., Secretary 1/18/2017

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