Wednesday, March 1, 2017 The Lafourche Gazette

YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER LAROSE, LA thelafourchegazette.com

Wednesday, March 1, 2017

Edwards’ budget would leave TOPS short, trim most agencies

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

What a ride!

By MELINDA DESLATTE Associated Press

Lafourche Parish President Jimmy Cantrelle’s decision to ban employees from speaking with the council’s auditor could open the parish up to lawsuits, the district attorney has determined.

A parish compliance officer last Wednesday sent a letter to District Attorney Cam Morvant II saying she took sick leave because of “emotional distress” after a meeting with her supervisor, Public Works Director James Barnes. She said Barnes told her that Cantrelle had ordered her not to talk to Reggie Bagala or she would be fired.

The employee said Barnes told her Cantrelle had not authorized him to put that directive in writing. She told Morvant that she had the responsibility to communicate with Bagala as part of her position.

“I do believe that my civil rights and ability to do my job in a professional manner are being compromised,” she wrote.

In an opinion issued to Cantrelle, the Parish Council and Council Clerk Carleen Babin, Morvant said he’d also received a phone call from another employee regarding the same issue.

“It is my understanding based upon conversations with these employees that they, along with all of the parish employees in the Mathews Government Complex, were given the same directive described in the letter and threatened with termination if they failed or refused to comply,” Morvant wrote.

Bagala was previously director of community services and parish administrator.

See Budget Page 8-A

MEETINGS LAF. FIRE DISTRICT. #9 6:30 p.m.

Gheens Community Ctr. 1428 Hwy. 654 - Gheens

LAFOURCHE PARISH SCHOOL BOARD Regular Meeting 7:00 p.m.

805 E. 7th St. - Thibodaux

THURSDAY, MAR. 2 HUMANE SOCIETY OF LAFOURCHE 5:30 p.m.

Lockport Library Hwy. 1 (Crescent Ave.) Lockport

BAYOU FELLOWSHIP 7:00 p.m.

E. 93rd St. - Galliano

INSIDE

Arrests............................7-A Bid Notices......................8-A Calendar of Events.........2-A

Classifieds......................6-A

Legal Advertisement.......8-A

Lottery.............................2-A News In Brief...................3-A Obituaries........................6-A

Surfin’ The Net................7-A

Lafourche DA: Parish policy could lead to lawsuits

By Bridget Mire Daily Comet Staff Writer

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Fresh off a special session to close a deficit, Gov. John Bel Edwards on Thursday released his budget recommendations for next year, a plan that would leave the TOPS college program unable to cover full tuition costs and would trim most agencies’ spending.

The $29.7 billion operating budget proposal for the financial year that begins July 1 would leave gaps the Democratic governor hopes to fill, with as yet unidentified revenue sources.

“This is obviously not the budget we would like to propose to you. We think we have more needs in government that we all agree need to be funded,” said Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne, the governor’s chief budget adviser. “But unless and until new revenue is recognized, one way or the other, we have to live within our means.”

Edwards and lawmakers want to rewrite Louisiana’s tax laws in the

WEDNESDAY, MAR. 1

VOLUME 51 NUMBER 25

The weather could not have been more perfect this past weekend as area krewes rolled through the bayou area from Lockport to Golden Meadow.

Shown at the top is Le Krewe Du Bon Temps 2017 royalty Joy and Chad Bruce toasting before their ride in Larose.

Pictured above are happy revelers attending the Krewe of Athena parade in Golden Meadow, with Athena Queen Amber St. Pierre above right.

The streets of Lockport were full of parade go’ers also for the Krewe of Apollo parade Saturday. Photos by Babs

Law officers’ cross-country trek, on overtime, prompts probe

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Thousands of dollars in overtime was paid to Louisiana State Police officials to drive across the country and stay at a Las Vegas resort and casino and the Grand Canyon on their way to a law enforcement conference in California, records show.

The entourage went hundreds of miles out of their way at times for reasons that are under investigation, The Advocate reported.

Details of the October trip to the annual conference of the International Association of Chiefs of Police in San Diego came to light after the newspaper obtained travel records for the trip.

Col. Mike Edmonson, the State Police superintendent, said he had not authorized the troopers to charge overtime — three of the four did — or to take such an indirect route to the conference, the newspaper reported. He said on Saturday that he has ordered an internal review of the road trip, an inquiry that he said could result in disciplinary measures and changes to State Po-

lice travel policy.

“It’s embarrassing to me to say that I paid them to drive there, so I’m making them pay that back,” Edmonson said, referring to dozens of hours of overtime billed to taxpayers.

“These are all people who have respected positions in State Police,” he said. “I certainly trust them, but I’m disappointed in them claiming overtime hours and I’m disappointed in the side trip to Vegas.”

The entourage driving a State Police SUV from Baton Rouge to San Diego was made up of Lt. Rodney Hyatt, Senior Trooper Thurman Miller, Trooper Alexandr Nezgodinsky and Maj. Derrell Williams, the head of the Internal Affairs Division.

Hyatt charged for 63 hours of overtime that he attributed in accounting records to an “IACP special detail.” Nezgodinsky billed 42 hours of overtime for the week, while Miller charged 54 hours.

See Probe Page 8-A

See DA Page 8-A

College student works for senator, travels the world Tristan Bagala and LSU Coach “O”

By DAN BOURDREAUX The Houma Courier

CUT OFF, La. (AP) — Working for a U.S. senator, travelling to France to work for the Catholic Church after a semester at Oxford and serving dessert to the Canadian defense minister at the Canadian Embassy during a presidential inauguration.

Many people would consider these the accomplishments of a man about ready to retire, not the experiences of 21-year-old from Cut Off. But they are just some of the bullet points on the résumé of Tristan Bagala.

See Bagala Page 3-A

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Wednesday, March 1, 2017 THE LAFOURCHE GAZETTE

CALENDAR OF EVENTS NEWS TO USE!

Lunch benefit planned for accident victim

Lockport resident Cody Chiasson was badly injured in September 2016 while playing softball. He lost complete vision in his left eye and is still in recovery from two eye surgeries.

Any donation can help Cody keep himself and his family afloat amongst all his medical bills and inability to be back at work.

Join in helping at the benefit for Cody on Saturday, March 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the American Legion in Lockport.

Tickets for plate lunches will be sold in advance or pay at the door and hang out all day. Jambalaya will be sold for $5, spaghetti for $7, sweets will be sold and more. Half-and-half raffles available and music by Marty.

Call Bro at 985-8590525 for more information.

Lenten lunches begin Wed. at LaSalette

Parishioners of Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic Church will once

again serve a meal on Fridays in Lent beginning on March 3 in the LaSalette Center, located next to the church on LA 1.

Lunch each week will consist of shrimp gumbo, rice, potato salad and crackers for a donation of $7. Soft drinks and desserts will be available at an additional cost.

Dine-ins and take-outs will begin at 11 a.m. and end at 12:30 p.m. Proceeds from this activity will benefit Our Lady Helps Ministry which was formed to help parishioners with emergency needs. Deliveries may be made to certain areas.

To place an order on Friday morning, call the LaSalette Center at 4755886 by 9 a.m.

Everyone is invited to share food and fellowship on Fridays at the center.

Swamp Stomp to be held Saturday at LCC

The Boneyard Kreepers Car Club will host Swamp Stomp on Saturday, March 4. at the Larose Civic Center. Doors open at 8 a.m. A bike night and cruise in begins Friday.

There will be various types of vehicles, a drag strip, donut pit, door prizes, food, vendor booths and more. Proceeds benefit the Make a Wish Foundation.

FMI call Ryan at 985-6372414, Jesse at 985-6960219 or Bobby at 985-637-6320

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Six ways to save on your next car

Looking for an ecofriendly subcompact or the thrills that come with a sports car? Perhaps the practicality of a sedan or a spacious SUV better fits your needs?

No matter what type of vehicle is calling your name, planning your purchase can help you save as much money as possible.

Consider these six savings tips while shopping for your next car. Whether you’re concerned about upfront, monthly or long-term costs, there’s something here that can help you.

1. Look for a fuel-efficient car. Buying a hybrid or all-electric vehicle rather than a gas guzzler could help you save money on long-run fuel costs. Plus, state and federal tax credits might give you some additional upfront savings.

If you’re sticking to a fully gas-powered car, you can still save money by choosing a fuel-efficient model. Once you pick a class of car and determine your budget, use the Environmental Protection Agency’s miles-per-gallon rating for each vehicle to estimate and compare the monthly fuel costs.

2. Compare the longterm costs of different cars.

In addition to fuel, consider the long-term costs of maintenance, repairs, insurance, taxes, depreciation, fees and financing.

To help you with the calculations, Kelly Blue Book has a 5-Year Cost to Own tool that lets you compare long-term costs for 2015 and 2016 models. Edmunds’s True Cost to Own® tool does a similar thing for 2010 and newer models.

3. Buy a “new-to-you” car. Buying a used car rather than the equivalent brand-new model can usually save you money. However, you’ll want to look at each used car on an individual basis. Consider how it feels during a test drive and its history if you can access it.

You may be able to buy a warranty for your used car, or you could purchase a certified pre-owned (CPO) car from a dealership. Dealers inspect CPOs before selling them with a manufacturer’s warranty.

If you’re not buying a CPO, you could hire a mechanic to perform a prepurchase inspection. It’s not a guarantee, but the inspection can help ensure you

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won’t get caught off guard by any unexpected issues.

With the right deal on a used car, you might be able to buy the car outright instead of financing the purchase. By paying cash, you avoid accruing interest, making monthly payments and worrying about loanorigination fees.

4. Negotiate the purchase. Most people don’t enjoy haggling with a car salesperson, but even nonconfrontational negotiating tactics can help you save money.

For example, once you pick a make and model, you could shop online for available vehicles at nearby dealerships. Reach out to each dealer’s internet sales team and ask for their best total cost, inclusive of taxes and fees.

Take the lowest offer and ask the other dealers if they can beat it. If one of them can, take your new lowest quote and again ask the rest of the dealers to go lower. Keep going until you get a price that works best for you.

You could use the same tactic with dealerships outside your area. However, you may have to travel and pick up the car or pay to transport it.

Another helpful resource is negotiation services like Authority Auto, which negotiates competitive prices on new and preowned cars. For a fee, the online service negotiates each part of the process to get you a better deal and take some of the stress out of the car-buying experience and only charge a percentage of what they save you.

5. Consider leasing instead of purchasing. Taking out a lease is similar to purchasing a long-term rental.

You’ll have to return or buy the car at the end of the lease, and you may have to pay fees if you drive too many miles or damage the vehicle.

The lease down payment and monthly payments will be lower than buying the same car outright. However, you can still save money by shopping around and negotiating because the down payment and monthly payments depend on the vehicle’s sale price.

If you like to drive a new car and always want to be under warranty, starting a new lease every few years could make sense. On the other hand, there’s more long-term value in buying if you tend to have a lot of wear and tear on your cars.

6.

Use alternative means of transportation.

Forgoing the purchase of a car altogether might not work for everyone, but it’s worth considering if you live in a city or don’t regularly drive long distances. Instead of owning a car, you could get around with a mix of carpooling, public transportation, walking and biking. You could also still have access to a car if you join a car-sharing program or use a ride-sharing app or taxi service.

Bottom line: There are many ways to save money on your next car, and you should almost certainly plan your purchase before signing any dotted lines.

Start by researching all your options, including living without a car, buying used and leasing.

If you decide to purchase a car, you can compare the long-term cost of different makes and models

and save money upfront by haggling with sellers.

Nathaniel Sillin directs Visa’s financial education programs. To follow Practical Money Skills on Twitter: www.twitter.com/PracticalMoney

The destructive life of a Mardi Gras bead David Redmon, University of Kent

(THE CONVERSATION) Shiny, colorful bead necklaces, also known as “throws,” are now synonymous with Mardi Gras.

Even if you’ve never been to the Carnival celebrations, you probably know the typical scene that plays out on New Orleans’ Bourbon Street every year: Revelers line up along the parade route to collect beads tossed from floats.

Many try to collect as many as possible, and some drunken revelers will even expose themselves in exchange for the plastic trinkets.

But the celebratory atmosphere couldn’t be more ffrom om different fr m the grim factories in the Fujian province hina, of China, eenage where teenage k around girls work k making the clock inging toand stringing he green, gether the and gold purple beads.

I’ve spent several years researching the circulation of these plastic beads, and their life doesn’t begin and end that one week in New Orleans. Beneath the sheen of the beads is a story that’s far more complex – one that takes place in the Middle East, China and the United States, and is symptomatic of a consumer culture built on waste, exploitation and toxic chemicals.

‘The same thing over and over’ - The Mardi Gras bead originates in Middle Eastern oil fields. There, under the protection of military forces, companies mine the oil and petroleum, before transforming them into polystyrene and polyethelene – the main ingredi-

ents in all plastics.

The plastic is then shipped to China to be fashioned into necklaces – to factories where American companies are able to take advantage of inexpensive labor, lax workplace regulations and a lack of environmental oversight.

I traveled to several Mardi Gras bead factories in China to witness the working conditions firsthand.

There, I met numerous teenagers, many of whom agreed to participate in the making of my documentary, “Mardi Gras: Made in China.”

Among them was 15year-old Qui Bia. When I interviewed her, she sat next to a three-foot-high pile of g at a coworker beads,, staring who sat acros across from her.

I asked h her what she was thinking about.

“Nothi “Nothing – just how I can work faster tha than her to make mo more money,” sh she replied, pointing to the young w woman across ffrom fr her.

“W “What is there to thin think about? I just do the same thing over and over again.”

I then asked her how many necklaces she was expected to make each day.

“The quota is 200, but I can only make close to 100.

If I make a mistake, then the boss will fine me. It’s important to concentrate because I don’t want to get fined.”

At that point the manager assured me, “They work hard. Our rules are in place so they can make more money. Otherwise, they won’t work as fast.”

It seemed as if the bead workers were treated as mules, with the forces of the market their masters.

See Bead page 7-A

SWAMP STOMP Boneyard Kreepers Car Club Presents South Louisiana’s 8th Annual

Saturday, March 4 • Doors Open at 8am

BIKE NIGHT & CRUISE IN FRIDAY, MARCH 3

• Rat Rods Larose Civic Center • Low Riders 307 East 5th Street • 18 Wheelers • Mini Bikes Proceeds to benefit the • Motorcycles Make a Wish Foundation • Dune Buggies • Grass Drag Strip • Grass Donut Pit • Mini Bike Races • Door Prizes • Cajun Cooking • Vendor Booths • All Show Cars & Trucks

FMI 985-637-2414 (Ryan) 985-696-0219 (Jesse) (985-637-6320 (Bobby) Boneyard Kreepers

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P.O. Drawer 1450 • 12958 E. Main St. Larose, LA 70373

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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Bagala From 1-A

Bagala is in his final semester at the University of Georgia where he’s double majoring in political science and marketing with a minor in French and is a member of the Honors Program. However, on top of that he is in Washington interning in the office Sen. Ben Sasse, R-Neb. “I work a 50-hour week, then I go home two nights a week and have classes,” Bagala said. “It’s my last semester, so I set things up so I can be up here working and possibly transition into a job, but I don’t think that’s the path for me.”

To Bagala, his experiences in our nation’s capital have been eye opening and informative.

“It’s a lot of work keeping everything in order,” Bagala said. “You watch CNN or Fox News and they’ve got the senator up there, and they speak or give an interview and just walk off, but it takes 15-20 people behind the scenes to make that happen and I never expected that.”

Bagala is a Chambliss Fellow at UGA, which not only provides him a full ride scholarship and room and board, but also a travel stipend for educational trips. During his college career, Bagala has studied at Oxford and in Nova Scotia, worked for the archdiocese in Tours, France, and will be going to Japan for two weeks to visit Buddhist temples and Tokyo Disneyland.

“I grew up going to Disney World with my family for vacations and I absolutely love it, so I’m planning on going to Tokyo Disneyland for a day or two,” Bagala said. “When I was in France, I spent a couple days at Disneyland Paris, so I want to go to Tokyo Disneyland, too.”

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To get this fellowship, Bagala seemed to be working toward it from the moment he entered school.

Not only did he get straight A’s throughout his primary school career, but he also upheld the Bagala family tradition of getting perfect attendance, a feat that his father and grandfather accomplished as well.

What’s even more impressive is that he accomplished this even after deciding to go to Vandebilt Catholic High School in Houma and commuting to class every day.

“He went to school where his mom was the principal from fourth grade to eighth grade at St. Mary’s,” said Reggie Bagala, Tristan’s father and the internal auditor for the Lafourche Parish Council. “When he was making good grades, some kids would say he only made good grades because his mom was the principal.

He really went to Vandebilt to become more independant and obscure.”

Yet, even with that added layer of obscurity, Tristan Bagala shined at Vandebilt. Not only did he continue his straight A’s while taking advance placement classes as a junior, he also led the school’s Quiz Bowl and French Rally teams to victory when he was a senior.

“I always pictured Tristan as an old soul. He’s wise beyond his years,” said Irma Colasurdo, his French teacher at Vandebilt. “It’s important to me for kids to be well-rounded and fun and he was both of those things. He’s one of the finest young men I’ve ever taught in my 49-year career.”

Tristan Bagala has a few potential career paths he is looking at. One way he could possible go is back home to Louisiana to either attend law school at Louisiana State University or Tulane University or perhaps taking a job.

Another option would be to return to Canada and work for Beavertails, the dessert company that he worked for one summer and returned to work catering for last month at the Canadian Embassy.

While in Nova Scotia, Bagala said he was amazed at how similar the people there were to those in Louisiana and how things like their food and boats seemed to evolve and develop in parallel to south Louisiana where Cajuns can trace their roots to Nova Scotia.

But for Bagala, the experiences and knowledge he’s gained while travelling and studying so far away from his bayou home have been invaluable.

“Never in a million

years would I have thought I’d have gone to Europe twice or I’d be going to Japan,” Bagala said. “The world was so small on the bayou. I love that part of the world and want to go back. But never would I have thought while I was at Vandebilt that I would be on a scholarship that has given me so many opportunities.” ___ Information from: The Courier, http://www.houmatoday.com

$9.5 million in penalties in platform blast, Gulf violations

By KEVIN McGILL Associated Press

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — An oil industry services company will pay $9.5 million in penalties for Gulf of Mexico safety violations and for pollution from a 2012 offshore platform fire that killed three workers.

The penalties against Houston-based Wood Group PSN were announced Thursday by the U.S. Justice Department in Washington and U.S. attorneys in New Orleans and Lafayette, Louisiana, where civil and criminal cases have been playing out. The penalties followed plea agreements.

Wood Group will pay $7 million for falsely reporting that safety inspections were performed on Gulf of Mexico facilities over several years. Another $1.8 million in penalties are for discharging oil into the gulf in the November 2012 explosion that killed three workers on a platform owned by Black Elk Energy Offshore Operations LLC. Wood Group also will pay $700,000 for community service projects.

“We deeply regret these incidents occurred and we cooperated fully with the government and relevant regulatory bodies throughout both investigations,” Wood Group said in an emailed statement.

The November 2012 explosion killed three workers on a platform owned by Black Elk Energy Offshore Operations LLC. A 2013 report by federal regulators identified a string of safety lapses that led to the blast, which killed Ellroy Corporal, Jerome Malagapo and Avelino Tajonera.

Black Elk Energy’s platform was about 17 miles (27 kilometers) from Grand Isle, Louisiana, in about 52 feet (15 meters) of water. It had been “shut in” and wasn’t producing oil at the time of the explosion.

Workers were on the platform preparing to resume production. On the morning of Nov. 16, 2012, a worker ignited oil vapors while welding pipe, triggering a chain reaction that caused oil tanks to explode.

In 2015, a grand jury indicted Black Elk, Wood Group, Grand Isle Shipyards and some of the people who worked on the platform on a variety of charges. A judge threw out some of the most serious charges last April but prosecutors’ appeals of that decision are pending.

Black Elk and Grand Isle Shipyards remain charged with manslaughter. Black Elk also faces charges involving regulatory violations of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act.

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Wednesday, March 1, 2017 THE LAFOURCHE GAZETTE

US rig count increases 3 this week to 754; Texas up 8

HOUSTON (AP) — The number of rigs exploring for oil and natural gas in the U.S. increased by three this week to 754.

A year ago, 502 rigs were active.

Houston oilfield services company Baker Hughes Inc. said Friday that 602 rigs sought oil and 151 explored for natural gas this week. One was listed as miscellaneous.

Texas increased by eight rigs and Wyoming gained one.

Alaska and Louisiana each lost two rigs and North Dakota declined by one.

Arkansas, California, Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, 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. ___

Proposal to toughen TOPS requirements shelved by Regents

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — A proposal to toughen academic requirements for students in the TOPS college tuition program isn’t being suggested by the Board of Regents.

The higher education board decided Friday to delete the proposed change from a set of recommendations going to the Louisiana Legislature for consideration.

Regents’ staff in January recommended increasing the yearly academic credit requirements to 30 hours, up from 24 now, for those who get TOPS awards. Supporters said the change would improve chances for students to graduate in four years.

But Charles McDonald, a member of the board

and a former state lawmaker, pushed to remove the change from the 52page study.

The Advocate reports McDonald and others said the idea needs more study.

The Board of Regents adopted the report without the TOPS revision proposal.

Information from: The Advocate, http://theadvocate.com

___

Police say drunk driver caused Mardi Gras crash that hurt 28

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Authorities on Sunday identified the man who allegedly plowed into a crowd enjoying a Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans while intoxicated.

The New Orleans Police Department issued a statement identifying the man as 25-year-old Neilson Rizzuto. Online jail records showed Rizzuto was arrested on a number of charges and was being held at the city’s jail.

The accident happened Saturday during one of the busiest nights of Mardi Gras when thousands of people throng the streets of Mid-City for the parades.

Twenty-one people were hospitalized after the crash with five victims taken to the trauma center in guarded condition. However, their conditions did not seem to be life-threatening, said Dr. Jeff Elder, city emergency services director.

Seven others declined to be hospitalized, he said.

The victims range in age from as young as 3 or 4 to adults in their 30s and 40s.

Among the injured was one New Orleans police officer. ___

Louisiana state park entrance fees, cabin costs edging up

3-A

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — The cost to enjoy Louisiana’s state parks is going up a bit.

The Office of State Parks announced it is raising entrance fees and camping and cabin charges on March 1. Also, sales taxes now will be charged on the fees.

Among the changes, the entrance charge for state parks will increase from $2 per person to $3.

Entrance will remain free for anyone 62 years or older and children 3 years old and under.

Increases for cabin, lodge and camping site rentals vary depending on type and day. The price hikes don’t affect existing reservations for overnight stays already booked.

A list of all the changes can be found at www.LaStateParks.com .

The Office of State Parks estimates it eventually will raise $3 million annually from the price hikes. ___

Governor’s Rome trip cost state $15,000 for security detail

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Gov. John Bel Edwards’ trip to meet the Pope in Rome cost taxpayers $15,000 for his state police security detail.

Edwards personally paid travel costs for him and his wife for the weeklong trip in January. But the travel expenses for the governor’s bodyguards were billed to the Louisiana State Police.

See News In Brief Page 5-A

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For

Coke Family Products

3 12

12 Oz., 12-Pack Cans (All Flavors) OR 12 Oz., 8-Pack Bottles, All Flavors

$

For

2

$ 99

Purex Liquid Laundry Detergent 50 Oz., Select Varieties

Tilapia Fillets....................Lb.

1 Lb., Pontchartrain Seasoned Crab Claws..........................Lb.

2

1 Lb., Pontchartrain Gumbo Crabs.....................Lb.

$ 99

Awesome

Catfish Fillets...................Lb.

1 Lb., (31-40 Count) Big Easy Peeled Shrimp..................Lb. 8 Oz.

Washington State Sweet and Tart

8 to 12 Oz. Select Varieties

1

$ 99

1

1

Fresh Express

Honey Crisp Apples

Lb:

$ 99 Salad Blends

Red Ripe

$ 89

2 5

Lb.

Lay’s Potato Chips

9 to 10 Oz. Bags, Select Varieties

2 5

For

$

Heinz Ketchup 38 Oz. bottle

For

1

59

¢

Starkist Chunk Tuna

5 Oz., In Spring Water or Oil

4

Ea:

$ 99

Shurfine Sugar 10 Lb. Bag

6

$ 99

Crawfish Tails..............Lb.

7 to 10 Oz., All Varieties Salad of the Sea Dips.........................................

For

Gumbos, Etoufees or Stews.....................................

For

12 Oz., All Varieties, Big Easy

Lb.

4

$ 99

Shurfine Canned Tomatoes

2 1 14.5 Oz. Cans Select Varieties

$

For

3

$ 99

Bryan Cotto Salami Lb.

Sara Lee Sliced Ham (Brown Sugar, Honey or Low-Sodium Honey)

$ 99

Grapes

14 to 15 Oz. Cans Whole Kernel or Crean Style Corn, Cut or French Style Green Beans

For

Claw Crab Meat................Lb.

1 Lb., Beiber

Seedless

Valu Time Canned Vegetables

2 88¢

Prestige Oysters.............Pk.

1 Lb., Pontchartrain

Sweet Red

Cluster Tomatoes

$

199 $ 99 2 $ 99 2 $ 99 3 $ 99 3 $ 99 6 $ 99 6 $ 99 9 $ 1299 2 $5 2 $5 $

Guidry’s Hush Puppies..Lb.

Sliced Bacon

Yellow Onions

Bag

4

1

3 Lb. Bag, U.S. #1

Cauliflower

$ 79 Boneless Beef 7-Steaks....Lb. 4 $ 99 Select T-Bone Steaks.....Lb. 5 BEEF FAMILY PACK SPECIALS:

1 Lb., (Original or Jalapeno)

Lykes

Mushrooms

Smoked Broccoli Ham or

2

$ 99

Lb.

Pork Spare Ribs

12 Oz., Reg. or Thick

Pk.

Monterey Sliced Whole or Baby Bella

Bryan Farm Fresh Crisp

3

$ 49 Boneless Beef

Lb.

1 Lb., Seabest

Bryan All Meat Weiners

2

Ground Chuck

Shoulder Roast

Seaboard Loin Back

Lb.

12 Oz. Pack

Little Sizzlers

¢

Asst. Pork Chops

Whole Cut Up Fryers

Hormel, 12 Oz., Reg. or Maple

Lb.

$ 49

(Family Pack) Fresh Lean

Pork Picnics

(Family Pack) Sanderson Farms

Lb.

99 Fresh

Whole Leg Qtrs.

Lb.

IN OUR BEEF DEPARTMENT

IN OUR PORK DEPARTMENT

4

Sweet P

2 $6

Cafe Valley

Frosted Cookies

Cream Cakes 26 Oz. Select Varieties

Ea:

Lb.

$ 99

15 Oz., Select Varieties For

10 10

FROZEN FOOD SPECIALS

$

Pictsweet Frozen Vegetables 10 to 16 Oz. Select Varieties

2 7 10 $10 For

$

Kemps Ice Cream

48 Oz. Select Varieties

5

Lou-Ana Canola or Vegetable Oil

$ 99 128 Oz. Jug

Ea:

2 5 Shurfine Drinking Water

$

1/2 Liter Bottles 24-Pack Case

For

Charmin Double Roll Bathroom Tissue 12-Roll Pack, Select Varieties

For

Totino’s Pizza

9 to 10 Oz. Select Varieties

For

2 $4

DAIRY DEPT. SPECIALS Borden’s Shredded Cheese

10 $10

8 Oz. Select Varieties

For

Grands Biscuits, Crescent or Cinnamon Rolls 4 to 10.5 Oz. Select Varieties

1 2 $4 For

$ 19

Sunny Delight Drink

64 Oz. Citrus or California Style

Each:

Jell-O Pudding or Gelatin 4-Pack Select Varieties

Hi Folks … Although we have many specials featured in this ad, we want to remind you that throughout our entire store we also have many other specials that are not listed or advertised here! Just look for these and many other additional items offered in every department. They’re easy to find, just look for the BIG RED “AS ADVERTISED” signs posted throughout the store. Thanks for shopping with us and have a great week! Sam J. Burregi

For

News In Brief From 3-A

The tally for those trooper costs — released Friday to The Associated Press in response to a public records request — was just under $15,000.

The biggest charge was nearly $8,600 spent on overtime.

Flights and transportation cost $3,000. Meals and lodging charges were about $1,700 each.

Edwards, Louisiana State Police Col. Mike Edmonson and two state lawmakers were among those on the trip, to meet with an order of nuns working to combat human trafficking, the Hospitaler Sisters of Mercy, and talk about the effort with Pope Francis.

The Hospitaler Sisters of Mercy are building a shelter in Baton Rouge for juvenile victims of human trafficking. The governor’s office said Edwards and his wife Donna, devout Catholics, wanted to assist in the effort to stop human trafficking and encourage such collaborations between churches and states.

Only the state trooper bodyguard expenses were billed to the state, according to the trip’s participants. ___

No decision made on $4M sitting in Louisiana escrow account

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — As they wrapped up their special legislative session, Louisiana lawmakers didn’t resolve a disagreement between Gov. John Bel Edwards and Attorney General Jeff Landry.

At issue was $4 million sitting in an escrow account.

The Democratic governor wanted to move the money elsewhere to fill gaps in the state’s budget.

The Republican attorney general said that money is part of his budget and would damage his office’s ability to function if taken.

Lawmakers decided against taking the dollars.

The Senate wanted to shift the money, but the House didn’t agree.

The final budget-rebalancing compromise didn’t touch the fund — but it also didn’t decide whether Landry has the ability to spend the money, which remains under the control of the Edwards administration.

The dollars are from a 2014 pharmaceutical settlement.

Analysis: Relations frayed heading into tax overhaul debate

By MELINDA DESLATTE Associated Press

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — That was supposed to be the easy part.

The just-ended special legislative session, called to close a more than $300 million deficit, had so many teeth-gnashing, meltdownthreatening moments that it raises questions about the possibility of success heading into the far trickier legislative session that begins in April.

In that upcoming session, Gov. John Bel Edwards and lawmakers want to tackle one of the most difficult of legislative subjects: redesigning the state’s tax structure.

Filtered through the lens of the 10-day special session, it seems an even tougher task than expected.

Distrust still remains between the House and Senate, and it appears that nearly every big debate threatens to become a partisan clash between the conservative Republicans who lead the House and the Democratic governor who was once a member of the chamber.

When the House, Senate and Edwards reached a deficit-closing deal in the final hours of the special session, legislative leaders and the governor hailed the compromise. They said the agreement showed challenging tasks can be accomplished in the Legislature.

Edwards said the task was “harder I think than it needed to be.” But he added: “At the end of the day, the process worked, and we can all be proud of that because there was some reason to doubt coming in whether we’d all be able to work together.”

House Speaker Taylor Barras, R-New Iberia, said he thought the session ended well: “I look forward to a great start in April.”

Senate President John

Alario, R-Westwego, talked of democracy proving to work: “In a good compromise, nobody feels 100 percent comfortable.”

They glossed over the tensions.

That doesn’t mean the rifts are mended.

Lawmakers agreed to use $99 million from Louisiana’s “rainy day” fund, to tap into other available financing and to cut $82 million in agencies’ spending for the remaining four months of the budget year, to erase the deficit.

Deep cuts had been avoided. Lawmakers even managed to wrap up a few hours early.

Over the course of the deal-making, however, Senate leaders questioned with whom they should haggle since the House had so many competing factions that it seemed no leader represented the votes needed to pass legislation. House Republicans accused the Edwards administration of being disrespectful and flippant. The governor’s office at one point briefly cut off negotiations with the House.

The strained relationship between GOP leaders in the House and the Democratic governor stems from more than a year ago, when lawmakers bucked Edwards’ wishes and picked their own House speaker. Louisiana governors typically had a heavy say in the decision-making.

“He’s at a disadvantage unlike previous governors who probably had a stronger hand over what happens in the House. I think at times that probably frustrates him, which I can appreciate,” said House Appropriations Chairman Cameron Henry, R-Metairie, who regularly clashes with the governor.

Still, Henry said: “We’re going to try to continue to work well together.”

Edwards said he be-

Lunch benefit planned for accident victim

Lockport resident Cody Chiasson was badly injured in September 2016 while playing softball. He lost complete vision in his left eye and is still in recovery from two eye surgeries.

Any donation can help Cody keep himself and his family afloat amongst all his medical bills and in-

ability to be back at work.

Join in helping at the benefit for Cody on Saturday, March 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the American Legion in Lockport.

Tickets for plate lunches will be sold in advance or pay at the door and hang out all day. Jambalaya will be sold for $5, spaghetti for $7, sweets will be sold and more. Halfand-half raffles available and music by Marty.

Call Bro at 985-8590525 for more information.

lieved his relationship with the House improved, but that seemed to be mainly because he got much of what he wanted out of the session.

Rep. Walt Leger, D-New Orleans, the House’s highest-ranking Democrat, didn’t think the special session’s tensions made the next session any trickier.

“I think the tax reform issue is challenging to begin with. I don’t think anything that’s happened here has changed the complexity of that,” Leger said.

A true tax overhaul, if it happens, will involve picking winners and losers, as laws are rewritten to determine who pays more and who pays less. Some changes require a hefty two-thirds vote to pass.

While the governor and the moderate Senate are often of similar mindsets, Edwards and the House seem diametrically opposed. Ideas about what constitutes “tax reform” could be wildly different from the competing sides.

Edwards said he’s optimistic he and lawmakers can cobble together a more stabilizing tax structure that ends repeated cycles of financial uncertainty.

But he acknowledged it will be harder to reach a deal in the next session.

“I’m optimistic, but I’m certainly not delusional,” he said. ___ EDITOR’S NOTE: Melinda Deslatte has covered Louisiana politics for The Associated Press since 2000.

Follow her at http://twitter.com/melindadeslatte

Wednesday, March 1, 2017 THE LAFOURCHE GAZETTE

5-A

Registration open for BTNEP’s annual Paddle Bayou Lafourche

Registration is now open for the Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program (BTNEP) 2017 Paddle Bayou Lafourche event. BTNEP wants to invite residents and visitors from all over the country to travel down the waters of Bayou Lafourche and learn about the culture and heritage that goes along with it.

The 52-mile, four-day paddling trip down the bayou begins Thursday, March 23rd, in Donaldsonville, and ends in Lockport on Sunday, March 26th. Paddlers can participate from one day to all four days of the trip.

They will be treated not only to scenic natural vistas, but also to a fascinating backyard view of the bayou from the water’s perspective while enjoying camaraderie, food, music, and fun. Paddlers will get a firsthand look at the restoration work being conducted along the bayou, along with a taste of local cuisine, and entertainment every night in a campsite setting. Participants will also receive a souvenir t-shirt, water, and healthy snacks throughout the day. Canoe rentals are available in a limited supply. The trip cost is $40.00 per day, or $150.00 for all four days without a canoe rental. The cost for paddlers renting a canoe is $60.00 per day, or $225.00 for all four days. Preregistration is required.

Local residents not wanting to paddle can also

join in the experience by supporting the event from the banks of Bayou Lafourche. Locals are invited to decorate their bayou side and provide signs of encouragement and welcome to our bayou visitors. In the past, visitors have been greeted with local music and cheers as the paddlers coasted down the bayou.

Paddlers can register by completing the registration form at www.BTNEP.org, call 985447-0868 or email Kristy Monier at Kristy@BTNEP.org for registration instructions.

Please visit the website for more information.

BTNEP is one of the 28 national estuary programs in the United States. All or parts of sixteen Louisiana parishes are located in the Barataria-Terrebonne Estuary system. The organization was established under the EPA Clean Water Act to protect coastal resources. BTNEP is a partnership of government, businesses, scientists, conservation organizations, agricultural interests and individuals for the preservation, protection, and restoration for the Barataria Terrebonne National Estuary in southeast Louisiana. For more information on BTNEP, visit our website page at www.BTNEP.org or like us on Facebook.

26th Annual

NEW ORLEANS

RV SHOW

MARCH 3-5

Pontchartrain Center

NewOrleansSpringRVShow.com

CLASSIFIED ADS

6-A

Wednesday, March 1, 2017 THE LAFOURCHE GAZETTE

HOMES

House For Sale with bayouside 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 By Owner: 251 West 25th Street in Larose.

1710 sq.ft.; 3 bedrooms; 2 full baths; 2 car garage; landscaped front yard; fenced in back yard; updated and totally move in ready; Call 985-691-3360 for more details. _________________ Home for Sale in Golden Meadow: 145 N. 2nd St., 3BR, 2ba.

1400 sqft.

Fenced-in yard with shed. Priced below appraisal at $99,500.

985-696-6016, leave message. _________________

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., $2000/mth, $1000/ dep. Serious inquiries only. Call 985-6657375 or 985-6936533. _________________ 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. _________________

CAMPS

Grand Isle Camp For Sale: 2BR, 1ba., Central A/C and heat, washer/dryer, 2 sofa beds, 2 rocker recliners and more. Front screened porch, back deck, move-in-ready.

Call 985-691-3242. _________________

LAND

Lot For Sale: 2 lots side by side, 80’x119’; restricted; located in Lockport; $25,700 each, negotiable. Call 985-855-2332. _________________

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: 3 bedroom, 1.5 bath.

Ceramic tile flooring and countertops. Utilities paid. $1100 /month and $1100/ deposit. 131 West 191st St. in Galliano.

No pets. No smoking.

985-637-7273. _________________ Brick House For Rent: 4 bedroom in Cut Off. $900/ month; $900/deposit.

6917078. _________________ For Rent: one bedroom, one bath apartment on Hwy 3235 in Golden Meadow offering appliances, washer and dryer.

Water is included. Six month lease required then month to month afterwards. $500/ month; $500/deposit.

FMI: call 985-7987433 or 985-6376258. _________________ House to rent in Galliano area: Good for 1 to 2 people, $500/mo. and $200/dep. Serious inquiries only. Call 985859-3655. _________________ 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

REDUCED PRICE!

MLS: 118021 This 4,400 sqft building in

the heart of Lockport sits on a 37’x235’ tract of land and offers lots of parking space.

Trailer For Rent: 3 bedroom/ 2 bath; fully furnished; washer/ dryer; central A/C and heat; covered carport; located in Cut Off; no smoking inside; no pets; $800 a month/ $500 deposit; utilities not included. Call 985691-8110. _________________ Home For Rent: 1 bedroom; 1 ½ bath; ready to move in; great condition; Larose area; $600/month; $500/ deposit.

985-2782301. _________________ 1 Bedroom Apt. For Rent: 12 month lease; unfurnished; preferably single person; no pets; no smoking; Apt located on LA 308 near GM bridge. $480/month plus deposit. Call 985-2586277. _________________ Apartments for rent in Galliano. Call to see our 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments.

By appointment only.

475-5898. _________________ Furnished Apt. For Rent: 1 bedroom/ 1 bath located at 102 West 4th Street, Westside Apts. Apt #1 is available for $600/month and $610 damage deposit. By application only. Call 985-691-3104. _________________ Apt. For Rent: 1 bedroom, 1 bath, all major appliances included; water paid; 203A West 45th St., Cut Off. $625/month and $550/deposit.

Call 985-291-0220. _________________ Trailer For Rent: 2 bedroom down West 64th Street. $500/ month. 632-3045. _________________ Trailer For Rent: 3 bedroom, 1 bath in Larose area. No smoking; no pets. $ 8 0 0 / m o n t h $400/damage deposit. Appliances included.

Call 985-696-2270. _________________ 1BR, 1ba. House for Rent in Larose area: No smoking, no pets. $550/mo. with $400/ damage deposit. Appliances included.

985-696-2270. _________________ Trailer For Rent: 3 bedroom in Cut Off. $600/month and $600/deposit.

No pets. Unfurnished. No smoking.

985-6961611. _________________ Large Apt. for Rent: 3BR, 1ba., water paid. $750/mo, $750/dep.

Larose area. 985-6652548. _________________

For Rent: 3BR, 2ba. spacious mobile home, $750/mo and $750/dep. No pets, no smoking inside. 152 E. 58th in Cut Off. 985-637-7273. _________________ Apt. For Rent: 1 bedroom; almost completely furnished; all utilities paid; no pets; $650/month; $400/deposit. Call 985-5336212. _________________ 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. _________________ 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. _________________ 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. _________________ Apt For Rent: 1 bedroom; Lockport area; $300/deposit; $650 /rent. We pay electric and water. Access to free washer and dryer.

985-232-8409. _________________ 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. _________________

CAMPERS

Camper For Sale: 2006 Jayco Talon toy hauler; 28 ft; sleeps 6 comfortable with private queen bedroom; private queen loft; sofa sleeper; and dinette; self contained with 5k generator and fueling station; set up for 1 motorcycle but easily converted to carry 2 motorcycles; great condition; $10,000. Call Johnny at 985-637-0652. _________________

BOATS

50 ft. steel hull shrimp boat for sale with aluminum double rigs. V8-71 power and 271 Detroit generator.

Asking $75,000 OBO. 985-991-8321. _________________

UNITS AVAILABLE NOW!

The motivated seller has reduced the price to $115,000.

MOTIVATED SELLER!

Call Addy Legendre for a showing!

1984 17’ Boston Whaler Montauk and Trailer for Sale: 2010 90 HP Mercury Optimax; less than 20 hours running time; like new, well maintained, kept in closed garage; 985-5375205 or 985-5375281, Raceland, LA. _________________

MERCHANDISE

55 Gallon Food Grade Plastic Drums with lids for sale.

Please call (985) 2919490 for more information. _________________ For Sale: Fig and Peach Trees; 412 East 73rd Place, Cut Off, LA; 985-691-9466 or 985-632-2602. _________________ Moveable Barn For Sale: 16’W x 24’L x 13’H with loft and floor. $8,000 obo considered. Call 985-6911367, leave voicemail. _________________

LOOKING TO BUY

We Buy Gold, Silver and Diamonds. Bayouside Flea Market, 14567 Hwy 1, Cut Off. Call Dallas at 985677-1061 or Tom at 985-227-2470. _________________

GARAGE SALES

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

Open every Thursday!

(985)278-2221. _________________ Garage Sale: Thursday, March 2 from 8 am - 6pm at 314 E. 74th St. in Cut Off. Dishes - old and new, cedar chest, baker’s rack, vintage glassware, good pans, baby boy’s quilts, twin mattresses in good condition, decor, Disney toys, Playstation stuff, old and new baskets, etc. _________________ Garage Sale: March 2 from 8am - 1pm at 143 West 136th St. Dishes, men’s jeans size 36x29, ladies clothes and more. _________________ Garage Sale: 243 West 111th St. in Cut Off on March 2, 4 and 5 from 8am - 5pm.

Women and men’s clothing, decorations, bobcat and deer mount, knick-knacks and dishes. _________________ Garage Sale: 185 E. 74th Pl. 9am - 4pm March 2, 3 and 4.

New spring & summer clothes in all sizes, speakers, purses, jewelry, toys, lots of misc. _________________

WE NEED

YOU!

985-691-3873 Since 1916

200 Hwy. 3161 Suite #1, Cut Off 985-325-7107

Daily Comet

Warehouse For Sale in Golden Meadow

Located just north of Golden Meadow bridge on Hwy 308. 4925 total square footage. Lots of parking available plus 75 ft. water frontage with bulkhead. Living space available in warehouse.

REDUCED PRICE. READY TO SELL! $95,000!

Call Addy Legendre or Angela Gisclair for a showing!

985-691-3873 985-691-3773 Since 1916

200 Hwy. 3161 Suite #1, Cut Off 985-325-7107

MLS 123859: This Acadian style home located along Hwy. 308 in Lockport sits amongst gorgeous oak trees on over 2 acres of land. The 3BR, 3ba. home has fabulous crown molding and detail throughout.

It’s priced to sell at $425,000!

Call Addy Legendre for a showing!

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

HELP WANTED

Edward Jones, a financial services industry leader is seeking an On-Call Branch Team Associate to support our offices. This position provides administrative assistance for our branches on a temporary basis. The ideal candidate must enjoy customer contact; have excellent client service and communication skills, be wellorganized, and accurate with details.

Join Edward Jones and see why we’ve been ranked among FORTUNE magazine’s list of the “100 Best Companies to Work For” in America for 13 years. Equal Opportunity Employer.

To be considered for this position send your resume to: Edward Jones, 14046 W Main ST. Suite A, Cut Off, LA 70345. _________________ Grand Isle Shipyard is currently accepting applications for local, experienced Pneumatic Bulk Hauling Drivers with Class A CDL License. Must have reliable transportation and the ability to pass a pre-employment drug/alcohol screening. Apply online at www.GISY.com We offer competitive pay and a complete benefits package to all our employees. EOE. _________________ Grand Isle Shipyard is currently accepting applications for local, experienced Dump Truck Drivers with Class A or Class B CDL License. Must have reliable transportation and the ability to pass a pre-employment drug/alcohol screening. Apply online at www.GISY.com We offer competitive pay and a complete benefits package to all our employees. EOE. _________________ Joe’s Septic Contractors, Inc. has an immediate opening for an experienced backhoe/ excavator operator with CDL and also has an immediate opening for a Class A CDL driver with X endorsement for oilfield transportation. Great pay and benefits including health insurance, retirement, and paid vacation. Must submit to a drug screening.

Apply in person between the hours of 9am and 2pm, Monday thru Thursday at 15360 Hwy 3235, Cut Off, LA 70345. _________________ Southern Guard Service, Inc. is now accepting applications for Security Guard positions. Apply at 109 W. 12 th St., Larose. Call 985-6934316. _________________

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

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

Dufrene Building Materials is accepting applications for experienced mechanic in industrial equipment, forklifts and truck fleet.

Must supply basic tools. Offers hospitlization, paid vacation, 401K. Apply at 14502 West Main St., Cut Off, LA. _________________ The Grand Isle Police Department is seeking qualified individuals who are interested in a law enforcement career that provides professional and personal challenges and rewards. Grow with a Police Department that is moving forward in terms of community involvement, use of technology, and professional growth opportunities. Minim-um Requirements: Be at least 21-years of age; Possess and maintain a valid Louisiana Driver’s License; Be P.O.S.T. certified and within 5 years of last full-time police officer position; Live within 30 miles of the city limits of Grand Isle.

Preferred candidates will live within the city limits of Grand Isle.

Full-time officers start at $14.00/hour with overtime, continued training and education, vacation and sick leave, health insurance, and a take home unit. Please send resumes to the Grand Isle Police Department, P.O. Box 880, Grand Isle, LA 70358, or apply in person at the Grand Isle Police Department located at 170 Ludwig Lane, Grand Isle, LA. _________________ Help Wanted: Looking for part time and full time maintenance help. Carpentry experience is a plus. Duties include; repairs on rental units (plumbing, carpentry, sheet rock, etc.). Using a shovel, cleaning, helping in store. We are looking for someone w/energy & enjoys staying busy. Pay & hours depends on ability. 40-60 hour work week for qualified persons. Call Tommy at 985-6374133 if you believe you are what we are looking for and/or capable of some or all of the above. Must have transportation and cell phone. _________________ Se busca hombre responsable para trabajar en Galliano.

Que no fume que tenga transportacion.

Llame para mas info.

985-637-4133 _________________ 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. _________________ Now Hiring all positions at C Morans Marina: Cashier, Deli, Waitress, Housekeeping, Clerical, Bartender, Motel desk clerk, Accounting, Cook, Management, Maintenance, Bait Shop. Apply within.

Ask for Chris or Kristin Moran. _________________ 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. _________________

THIS COULD BE YOUR SPOT! Classified ads start at $5.50.

985-693-7229

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

www.thelafourchegazette.com SBL Construction is hiring a CDL driver and dependable operator/ roustabout. Must have own transportation, pass drug screening and hard worker. Call Frank at 985-665-1220 FMI. _________________

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. _________________ Can Do Brick, Block & Stone Work.

Call for free estimates. Keith Thayer at 985-637-3569. _________________ 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. _________________ Evans Concrete Construction House slabs, driveways, sidewalks, etc.

No job too big or too small.

Call Leonard Evans at 985-677-2959. _________________ 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 _________________ 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. _________________ Tony’s Carpentry: Friendly service. Honest trademan. 15 years experience.

Need carpentry, plumbing, painting, pressure washing, call 985-278-7188, ask for Tony. Blessings. _________________ Double J Roofing Specialize in re-roofs, metal roofs, aluminum roofs, patio enclosures and repairs. 20 years experience and doing business in all parishes. Get the best for less! One call we do it all! Free estimates and senior discounts and financing available.

Office: 985-722-3129, Cell: 985-870-6911.

Off The Bone Processing Smoked sausage, jerky, burritos, tamales, and 15 types of sausage. Vacuum packing. 10% off first month. 985-291-1579. _________________ Concrete Construction Patios.

Driveways.

Houses. Metal Buildings. Free Estimates.

No job too large or too small. Call Glenn Hughes, Jr. at (985) 209-5552 or (985) 258-6047. _________________ Kerry Chiasson Carpentry For all your carpentry needs. Call 985-6376279. _________________ Curry’s Tree Service Tree cutting and trimming, any size, reasonable rates, free estimates, licensed.

Call 985-258-0465. _________________ Opening Wednesday for the Lenten season and throughout the year!

Bayou Bites, near Pop’s Seafood.

985-278-9477 or 985-325-4006.

18076 Hwy. 3235 in Galliano (near Airgas, 3 miles south of Wal-Mart).

Crawfish & Shrimp! _________________ Earl’s Yard & Pressure Washing Service., Earl P. Duet, owner. Call 985-6917570. _________________ Brock’s Car Washing Inside and Out; on site available; prices start at $50. 985-258-7645. _________________ Dog Grooming at Pitre’s Feed & Seed. Call JoAnn Pitre at 696-2321. _________________

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. _________________ Using The Lafourche Gazette’s dumpster located near the East Side Food Store building across from the office is not allowed! Violators will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Also, do not dump seafood peelings or other items into the bayou behind The Lafourche Gazette’s property, 12958 East Main, Larose. _________________ Public Auction: Persuant to LA R.S., 9:47569 & 7460. Galliano & Golden Meadow Mini Storage, 219 Hwy. 3162, Cut Off, LA 70345.

985-325-8888.

3/13/2017 at 10:30 a.m. Unit #126 Amber Webb - furniture, speaker boxes, totes and more. Unit #238 - Billie Jo Barrios - Boxes, ice chest, baby dolls and more. _________________

OBITUARIES

KATHY HEBERT

Kathy L. Hebert, 48, a native of Larose and resident of Cut Off passed away on February 23, 2017. Visitation will take place on March 2 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church from 10 a.m. until service time. Funeral Mass will begin at 12 noon with burial following in the Church cemetery.

Mrs. Kathy is survived by her husband of 25 years, Jeff Hebert; parents, Rafton and Beverly R. Lefort; brothers, Charles Lefort and Toby Lefort; sister, Christine Lefort; and godchildren, Chelsey Steward and Cynthia Collins.

Samart-Mothe Funeral Home of Cut Off entrusted with arrangements. ______________________________

Bead

from 2-A

Hidden dangers - In America, the necklaces appear innocent enough, and Mardi Gras revelers seem to love them; in fact, 25 million pounds get distributed each year. Yet they pose a danger to people and the environment.

In the 1970s, an environmental scientist named Dr. Howard Mielke was directly involved in the legal efforts to phase out lead in gasoline. Today, at Tulane University’s Department of Pharmacology, he researches the links between lead, the environment and skin absorption in New Orleans.

Howard mapped the levels of lead in various parts of the city, and discovered that the majority of lead in the soil is located directly alongside the Mardi Gras parade routes, where krewes (the revelers who ride on the floats) toss plastic beads into the crowds.

Howard’s concern is the collective impact of the beads thrown each carnival season, which translates to almost 4,000 pounds of lead hitting the streets.

“If children pick up the beads, they will become exposed to a fine dusting of lead,” Howard told me.

“Beads obviously attract people, and they’re designed to be touched, coveted.”

And then there are the beads that don’t get taken home. By the time Mardi Gras is over, thousands of shiny necklaces litter the streets, and partiers have collectively produced roughly 150 tons of waste – a concoction of puke, toxins and trash.

Independent research on beads collected from New Orleans parades has found toxic levels of lead, bromine, arsenic, phthalate plasticizers, halogens, cadmium, chromium, mercury and chlorine on and inside the beads. It’s estimated that up to 920,000 pounds of mixed chlorinated and brominated flame retardants were in the beads.

A thriving waste culture. How did we get to the point where 25 million pounds of toxic beads get dumped on a city’s streets every year? Sure, Mardi Gras is a celebration ingrained in New Orleans’ culture. But plastic beads weren’t always a part of Mardi Gras; they were introduced only in the late 1970s.

From a sociological perspective, leisure, consumption and desire all interact to create a complex ecology of social behavior. During the 1960s and 1970s in the United States, self-expression became the rage, with more and more people using their bodies to experience or communicate pleasure. Revelers in New Orleans started flashing each other in return for Mardi Gras beads at the same time the free love movement became popular in the U.S. The culture of consumption and ethos of selfexpression merged perfectly with the production of cheap plastic in China, which was used to manufacture disposable commodities. Americans could now instantly (and cheaply) express themselves, discard the objects and later replace them with new ones.

When looking at the entire story – from the Middle East, to China, to New Orleans – a new picture comes into focus: a cycle of environmental degradation, worker exploitation and irreparable health consequences. No one is spared; the child on the streets of New Orleans innocently sucking on his new necklace and young factory workers like Qui Bia are both exposed to the same neurotoxic chemicals.

How can this cycle be broken? Is there any way out?

In recent years, a company called Zombeads have created throws with organic, biodegradable ingredients – some of which are designed and manufactured locally in Louisiana. That’s one step in the right direction.

What about going a step further and rewarding the factories that make these beads with tax breaks and federal and state subsidies,

which would give them incentives to sustain operations, hire more people, pay them fair living wages, all while limiting environmental degradation? A scenario like this could reduce the rates of cancers caused by styrene, significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions, and help create local manufacturing jobs in Louisiana.

Unfortunately, as Dr. Mielke explained to me, many are either unaware – or refuse to admit – that there’s a problem that needs to be dealt with.

“It’s part of the waste culture we have where materials pass briefly through our lives and then are dumped some place,” he said. In other words: out of sight, out of mind.

So why do so many of us eagerly participate in waste culture without care or concern? Dr. Mielke sees a parallel in the fantasy told to the Chinese factory worker and the fantasy of the American consumer.

“The people in China are told these beads are valuable and given to important Americans, that beads are given to royalty. And of course [this narrative] all evaporates when you realize, ‘Oh yes, there’s royalty in Mardi Gras parades, there’s kings and queens, but it’s made up and it’s fictitious.’

Yet we carry on with these crazy events that we know are harmful.”

In other words, most people, it seems, would rather retreat into the power of myth and fantasy than confront the consequences of hard truth.

This article was originally published on The Conversation.

Read the original article here: http://theconversation.com /the-destructive-life-of-a-mardigras-bead-71657.

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 presume innocent until proved guilty.

FEBRUARY 24, 2017 Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office Percy Calloway, 26, Raceland.

Contempt of court.

Reynault Danos, 38, Thibodaux. Contempt of court (3 cts); disarming of a peace officer; sexual battery; self mutilation by a prisoner; 2nd degree battery; indecent behavior with juveniles; molestation of a juvenile; simple battery (2 cts).

Jared Larose, 36, Thibodaux.

Violation of probation/ parole.

Desi Meely, 57, Raceland. Revocation of parole for violation of condition.

Dudley Primeaux, 32, Galliano.

Simple criminal damage to property.

Anzlie Naquin, 29, Thibodaux.

Vehicular homicide, driving under the influence.

Clarence Turner, 35, Gibson.

Contempt of court (3 cts).

Jekeisha Westley, 20, Thibodaux. Contempt of court.

Golden Meadow Police Department Eric Matherne, 24, Golden Meadow. Unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling.

Louisiana State Police Denise Sneeze, 30, Raceland.

DWI (2nd); vehicle license required; careless operation.

Thibodaux Police Department Tammie Donsereaux, 43, Thibodaux. Fugitive; issuing worthless checks.

Kim Ellis, 54, Thibodaux. Possession of marijuana; possession with intent to distribute cocaine; possession of mdma; possession or distribution of drug paraphernalia.

Damein Parker, 37, Thibodaux.

Possession or distribution of drug paraphernalia; possession of marijuana (3rd); possession of MDMA; possession with intent to distribute cocaine.

Jeanne Thibodeaux, 39, Thibodaux. Issuing worthless checks (3 cts).

FEBRUARY 25, 2017 Golden Meadow Police Department Norbert Bouzigar, 40, Golden Meadow. Possession of heroin; possession or distribution of drug paraphernalia; possession of methamphetamine, less than 28 grams.

FEBRUARY 26, 2017 Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office Anthony Boudreaux, 28, Houma. Violation of protective orders.

Trey Cheramie, 20, Golden Meadow. Driving on roadway laned for traffic; possession or distribution of drug paraphernalia; possession of xanax.

Duane Dugas, 26, Thibodaux.

Urinating in public; resisting an officer.

Valerie Gaubert, 25, Lockport.

Contempt of court.

Michael Head, 48, Raceland.

Contempt of court.

Jason Thibodaux, 36, Thibodaux. Domestic abuse Battery.

Louisiana State Police Teddy Eymard, 54, Cut Off. Operating a vehicle while intoxicated; driving on roadway laned for traffic.

Wednesday, March 1, 2017 THE LAFOURCHE GAZETTE

Pictured are the Lockport Knights of Columbus Council 3054 members who assisted the Lockport Branch Library in distributing food items collected during the September Fine Free Month.

Pictured are: Larry Bonvillain, Ralph Sapia (Grand Knight Council 3054), Brooke Savoie (Librarian), Leah Dardar (Lockport Library Branch Manager), Sue Darda, Tanya Loupe, Doyle Rogers, and Dennis Savoie.

Pictured are area Veterans who attended the Lockport Branch Library’s Celebrating Our Veterans program and social held on November 10 at the Lockport Branch Library. All Veterans in attendance were 1st row, Henry Cancienne, Raymond Birdsall, Arthur Dufrene, Hudson Foret, and Earl Boudreaux; 2nd row, Noah Walker, Eugene Thomassie, Ronnie Rogers, Roland LeCompte, Gary Acosta, and Pamela Matherne; 3rd row, Gene Breaux, Rodney Hebert, Leopold Scioneaux; and 4th row, Leroy Foret, Robert Rome, Daniel Legendre, and Dennis Savoie.

Cholesterol and its relation to heart disease

High cholesterol levels have long been directly linked to heart disease. But as more research into cholesterol and its relation to heart disease is conducted, some doctors are shifting their views on the relationship between the two.

Statistics from the American Heart Association indicate that 75 million Americans currently suffer from heart disease. And even though one-quarter of the population takes cholesterol-lowering medication and have reduced the fat content of their diets, the AHA estimates that more Americans will die of heart disease than ever before.

More revelations are coming to the forefront regarding cholesterol and heart disease. New research has shown that statin drugs are ineffective at reducing mortality rates in most populations. Furthermore, according to the Framingham Heart Study, which is the longest-running and most comprehensive study on heart disease to date, it was demonstrated that cholesterol intake in the diet had no correlation with heart disease. The study found that men and women with above average cholesterol levels had nearly identical rates of heart disease compared to those with below average cholesterol rates.

Another potential eye opener is that, in addition to cholesterol not affecting heart disease risk, eating high-cholesterol foods does not elevate blood-cholesterol levels as doctors once thought. Ancel Keys, who is considered the “father” of the theory that cholesterol contributes to heart disease, now says that there’s no connection between cholesterol in food and cholesterol in the blood.

If not cholesterol levels and the foods one eats, what, then is responsible for heart disease? Many medical professionals and researchers now believe the primary causes of heart disease are inflammation and oxidative stress.

According to Dr. Dwight Lundell, a heart surgeon and author of the book, “The Great Cholesterol Lie,” foods like refined sugars and vegetable oils used to preserve processed foods may lead to the inflammation that ultimately causes heart disease. Inflammation is the body’s immune response to a foreign invader. Foods high in sugar and saturated fat can exacerbate inflammation.

Bacteria and other unwanted substances in the body also contribute to inflammation.

To combat inflammation, people can adopt a healthy eating style. Fatty fish, whole grains, leafy greens, fiber, and nuts can help reduce inflammation.

Exercise also can reduce inflammation. Research from Mark Hamer, PhD, an epidemiologist at University College London, found that, regardless of BMI or weight, study participants who completed 2.5 hours of moderate exercise each week - about 20 minutes a day - lowered

their markers of inflammation by at least 12 percent.

When a person exercises, muscle tissue releases a protein molecule called cytokine, which likely prompts an inflammation

drop. Just about any type of workout that raises heart rate is effective in helping with inflammation.

The public may have been misinformed about just how vital it is to reduce

Surfin’ the Net is comprised of cute, funny and at times heartwarming stories that are found circulating the internet. Oftentimes there are no known authors of the material.

The Lafourche Gazette does not take credit for the writings in this column. We’re publishing it to simply put a smile on our readers’ faces.

Bad news

A father passing by his son’s bedroom was astonished to see that his bed was nicely made and everything was picked up. Then he saw an Envelope, propped up prominently on the pillow that was addressed to ‘Dad.’ With the worst premonition he opened the envelope with trembling hands and read the letter.

Dear Dad: It is with great regret and sorrow that I’m writing you. I had to elope with my new girlfriend because I wanted to avoid a scene with Mom and you.

I have been finding real passion with Stacy and she is so nice.

7-A

But I knew you would not approve of her because of all her piercing, tattoos, tight motorcycle clothes and the fact that she is much older than I am. But it’s not only the passion...Dad she’s pregnant. Stacy said that we will be very happy.

She owns a trailer in the woods and has a stack of firewood for the whole winter. We share a dream of having many more children.

Stacy has opened my eyes to the fact that marijuana doesn’t really hurt anyone.

We’ll be growing it for ourselves and trading it with the other people that live nearby for cocaine and ecstasy.

In the meantime we will

A Law Firm Focused On Maritime Law

cholesterol levels. Contrary to popular belief, high cholesterol may not have the same connection to heart disease as doctors once thought. In fact, inflammation may be the bigger component in heart disease risk.

pray that science will find a cure for AIDS so Stacy can get better. She deserves it.

Don’t worry Dad. I’m 15 and I know how to take care of myself.

Someday I’m sure that we will be back to visit so that you can get to know your grandchildren. Love, Your Son John PS. Dad, none of the above is true. I’m over at Tommy’s house.

I Just wanted to remind you that there are worse things in life than a Report card that’s in my center desk drawer.

I love you. Call me when it’s safe to come home.

Congrats to the Carters from Covington on the purchase of your F250 … Marcie Dufrene

15101 Hwy. 3235 • Cut Off • 325-1000

8-A

Wednesday, March 1, 2017 THE LAFOURCHE GAZETTE

Probe

From 1-A

Williams took just 16 hours of comp time for the weekend days he spent at the conference.

The troopers left Baton Rouge on Oct. 10, four days before the start of the conference, driving 12 hours a day. By the second evening, they had reached the Grand Canyon, where they checked into a Holiday Inn Express that charged more than $250 a night per room.

Rather than driving about 330 miles from there to San Diego, they took a significant detour to Las Vegas and, the following night, checked into two suites at the Palazzo resort and casino in Las Vegas. The Las Vegas stay cost more than $500 in taxpayer dollars, counting resort fees, according to State Police records.

The troopers took a far more direct route back to Baton Rouge after the conference and also chose cheaper accommodations, records show. One night, they stopped at a Quality Inn in Deming, New Mexico, and rented two rooms at $62 apiece. The following night, however, they were back to pricier lodging, staying at a Hyatt Regency in San Antonio for more than $200 a night.

Their expenses were on top of tens of thousands of dollars the State Police spent otherwise to send at least 15 people to the four-day conference.

The decision to send such a large entourage drew sharp criticism from one watchdog organization, which last week accused the agency of squandering money at a time when state lawmakers are struggling to fix a dire financial crisis. ___ Information from: The Advocate, http://theadvocate.com

D.A.

From 1-A

According to interviews Morvant conducted with parish officials, Cantrelle told Bagala in November to call council members and say Cantrelle would propose certain health insurance provisions if they would support raises for two employees and a change in two employee assign-

ments.

Bagala called two council members but said it made him uncomfortable and refused to call any others.

Cantrelle fired Bagala on Jan. 31, but the Parish Council hired him as legislative internal auditor in a Feb. 2 special meeting.

Morvant also said the administration has tried to limit legislative branch employees’ access to parish buildings and equipment. He warned that employees who feel threatened might take legal action.

“As was stated in earlier opinions, the parish president, as chief executive officer, is responsible for providing reasonable work space for all parish employees,” he wrote.

“Previous administrations understood this basic concept and as a result, work areas were constructed and/or designated in Thibodaux, Mathews and Galliano specifically for the Legislative Branch to meet with constituents and/or house the employees that the (Home Rule) Charter provides they can hire.

It’s bewildering as to why the occupation of a legislative office space by a legislative employee has devolved into such a spectacle, but here we are. It is troubling to witness the divisiveness that has manifested and grown within our parish government.”

Cantrelle could not be reached for comment.

Barnes declined to comment, and Bagala did not respond to a Facebook message.

— Staff Writer Bridget Mire can be reached at 4487639 or bridget.mire@dailycomet.com. Follow her on Twitter @bridget_mire.

Budget

From 1-A

legislative session that begins in April. The governor is expected to seek more money for the treasury as part of the overhaul, though he’s likely to see pushback from the majority-Republican Legislature.

Even without new income, spending would rise in Edwards’ budget plan. Most of the increase would come from a $1.7 billion boost in federal dollars for Louisiana’s

Medicaid program, tied to new enrollees and services offered through the state’s Medicaid expansion.

Almost half the budget, $14.2 billion, would be spent on health programs, much of it federal financing. Education would account for 26 percent of spending.

Besides the health department, most agencies would take cuts.

Nearly all departments would be hit with a 2 percent across-the-board reduction in the general state tax dollars they receive. Many cuts made in the just-ended special session would become permanent. Rural hospitals and the privatized charity hospitals and services for the poor would get less money.

A new juvenile lockup facility in Bunkie would remain unused.

The transportation department would be short of the money it needs to draw down available federal dollars for roadwork, leaving $173 million unclaimed even amid a multibilliondollar backlog of road and bridge projects.

The TOPS program would only pay for about 70 percent of students’ tuition, just like this year. It would be the second time since the program’s start it wouldn’t completely cover tuition.

Dardenne said TOPS is the first gap Edwards wants to fill “in the event that new revenue is recognized.” The administration included that $82 million shortfall in the college tuition program on a $440 million wish list of sorts, outlining items recommended for additional spending if Louisiana has more money than currently expected.

Also on Edwards’ wish list are dollars to pay for state worker raises, boost payments to private prison operators, increase the K12 public school financing formula and bump up spending on aid for low-income college students.

Republicans questioned the spending increases.

Rep. John Schroder, R-Covington, asked whether it wouldn’t be wise to spend below Louisiana’s income forecast after nine years of continued budget shortfalls.

Democrats worried that cuts have carved too

deeply in recent years.

“Government’s role is to help its citizens. I hope we get to continue to do that,” said Sen. Regina Barrow, D-Baton Rouge.

Release of Edwards’ budget proposals kicks off

Bid notice

Sealed bids for the sale of the following surplus equipment may be delivered to the Greater Lafourche Port Commission at its office at 16829 East Main, Galliano, Louisiana, or mailed to P.O. Box 490, Galliano, LA 70354 by Friday, March 24, 2017 no later than 2:00 PM, at which time all bids will be opened and read aloud: Galliano Surplus Equipment 16829 East Main, Galliano, LA 2006 Dodge RAM 2500 Quad Cab 4WD Truck (Mileage 152,614) 2006 Dodge RAM 2500 Quad Cab Truck (Mileage 138,184) 2004 Ford Expedition XLT (Mileage 182,685) 2012 Yamaha 300 HP Outboard Engine (Port) 2012 Yamaha 300 HP Outboard Engine (Starboard) Fourchon Surplus Equipment 108 A.O. Rappelet Road, Port Fourchon, LA 2005 Caterpillar 325 CL Pontoon Mounted Excavator (Minimum Bid $75,000.00) 1 Cypress Tree (cut into 31’, 40’, 36’, 46’, and 31’ sections but sold all together) Inspection of equipment shall be by appointment with viewing on Wednesday or Friday from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM ONLY. To schedule an appointment to view Surplus Equipment at Galliano call 985-691-1006 and to view Surplus Equipment at Fourchon call 985-696-6720, or you can call the Administrative office at 985-632-6701, between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM Monday through Friday. Said surplus equipment will be sold “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Copies of listing may be examined and bids submitted online at https://www.centralauctionhouse.com or obtained from the Greater Lafourche Port Commission in person or by calling 985-632-6701.

The Commission reserves the right to waive any informality or to reject any and all bids. In the event of a tie, the proposal resulting in the lowest administration expense to the GLPC will be selected.

2/22/17 3/1/17 3/8/17

Legal advertisement TOWN OF GRAND ISLE REGULARLY SCHEDULED TOWN MEETING TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2017 6:00 P.M.

The meeting was called to order

by Mayor David Camardelle who led the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag. Council Member Bladsacker then followed with a prayer. Roll call was as follows: PRESENT: Council Members – Ray Santiny, Kelly Besson, Jr., Clifford Santiny, Jr., Brian Barthelemy, Leoda Bladsacker; Police Chief Laine Landry ABSENT: 0 Diane Frances representing Building Coastal Community Capacity through Innovative Citizen Science Training for Oil Spill Planning and Response was recognized and addressed the Council concerning on developing a community-based shoreline data collection program focused on creating and understanding of shoreline environment and training local Citizen Scientist and Subject Matter Experts who could take leadership in the community to improve oil spill preparedness and response.

spending and tax negotiations for the upcoming legislative session. The release came a day after lawmakers ended a special session to rebalance this year’s budget, to erase a $304 million deficit, the second

deficit of this year.

“Unfortunately, there’s no rest for the weary,” Dardenne said. ___

After a brief discussion a motion was made by Council Member Barthelemy and seconded by Council Member Bladsacker and unanimously agreed to request Dr. Mark Kupl from the University of New Orleans to attend the next Council meeting to answer more questions about the grant-funded project.

Motion by Council Member Brian Barthelemy seconded by Council Member Leoda Bladsacker and unanimously agreed to accept the minutes of the January 24, 2017 town meeting as written.

ORDINANCE NO. ___ An ordinance allowing golf carts on the Grand Isle Beach and setting regulations for the types and operation of the Golf Carts.

Motion by Council Member Brian Barthelemy seconded by Council Member Leoda Bladsacker and unanimously agreed to table the ordinance until the next regular meeting.

Police Chief Laine Landry was recognized and gave the following police report: For the period of January 25 thru February 13, 2017 there were 144 total calls, 10 arrest, 47 traffic tickets issued, 76 traffic stops and 17 EMS runs; fines collected through the Mayor’s office were as follows, traffic $5,456.00, fines $86.00 for a total of $5,542.00; fines collected from the beginning of July were as follows – traffic $48,768.00, fines $9,622.00 for a total of $58,390.00.

Collected $2,068.98 from Derek Barthe for unit repairs.

Motion by Council Member Kelly Besson, Jr. seconded by Council Member Leoda Bladsacker and unanimously agreed to transfer funds from the General Department to the Police Department for the hiring of a new Police Officer.

Joseph Chauvin with GIS Engineering was recognized and reported on the Hurricane Protection Levee erosion.

Forty one hundred yards of sand are left in the stock pile. He reported that he met with GOSHEP officials concerning the Town Hall repairs and the Community Center repairs. He also reported on the Park Lighting Project funded by Jefferson Parish. He then requested the town approve a General Services Contract with GIS to permit them to continue doing various work for the Town. A joint motion was unanimously agreed upon to approve a General Services Agreement with GIS Engineering.

Street Supervisor Chris Hernandez was recognized and requested the Council appropriate $2,200.00 for 20 port-o-lets for the Mardi-Gras Parade.

He also reported that the Mardi-Gras Float will be picked up on Thursday.

Grand Isle Independent Levee

District Report: The Washington DC staff is looking at all proposed projects especially the Rock Project.

A joint motion by the Council was unanimously agreed upon to cancel the February 28, 2017 town meeting in observance of the town Mardi-Gras Holiday.

Council Member Kelly Besson, Jr., requests/reports: 1. Asked if the boom tractor was working and would like the secondary levee on the beach to be leveled.

Council Member Brian Barthelemy requests/reports: 1. Asked if Chuck Guidry’s yard had been cleaned up.

Nora Combel reported that it had and was accepted by the Judge. 2. Mr. Pitre on Redfish Lane thanked the town for getting a water line fixed. 3. Requested that a speed bump on East Central be repaired. 4. Acknowledged Mayor Camardelle for bringing Council Member to Washington, D.C. and commended his hard and effective work in representing Grand Isle.

Council Member Leoda Bladsacker requests/reports: 1. Made a motion which was seconded by Council Member Kelly Besson, Jr. to convene into executive session after the Mayor’s report.

Mayor’s report: 1. The meetings in Washington, D.C. with Representative Steve Scalise, Senator John Kennedy and Representative Garrett Graves to discuss town projects went very well.

The Mayor and Council Members were very well received by the officials. 2.

Thanked Jefferson Parish Councilman Ricky Templet for the Senior Citizen’s “King Cake Social”.

A joint motion by the Council was unanimously agreed upon to grant the request of the Grand Isle Community Development Team to co-sponsor a “Fish Print” workshop for the Grand Isle High School Art Department and general public during the week of March 20-25, 2017 by providing the use of the Community Center.

The Council convened into executive session at 6:50 p.m.

Motion by Council Member Leoda Bladsacker seconded by Council Member Brian Barthelemy and unanimously agreed to re-convene the meeting at 7:10 p.m.

Motion by Council Member Ray Santiny seconded by Council Member Kelly Besson, Jr. and unanimously agreed to adjourn the meeting at 7:10 p.m.

Follow Melinda Deslatte on Twitter at http://twitter.com/melindadeslatte

David J. Camardelle, Mayor Town of Grand Isle ATTESTED: Ray A. Santiny, Town Clerk Town of Grand Isle