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Mariah Millet, Nick Tramonte and Ryann Gros sold lemonade, cookies and other goodies last week when they were off of school. The three were raising money in order to be in the upcoming gala at Gramercy Elementary. Nick did not mind having his picture taken because he said having his picture in the newspaper will make him famous.

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By Pam Folse Contributing Writer

When he was in third grade, Charles Poché said he wanted to either be a lawyer or a cowboy. At least that’s what was written in his mom’s memory books from those early years growing up along the Mississippi River in St. James Parish.

He is the only son of Charles and Shirley Matherne Poché, the middle of three children. His sisters are Danette Becnel and Julie Poché. He was born in Lutcher, his mom is from Grand Point and the family lived in Paulina, making him a certified, genuine St. Jamesian. He attended grade school at Paulina Elementary where, Danette says, the late Principal Aimee Brady taught them patriotism and love for their country.

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By Pam Folse Contributing Writer

The St. James Parish Council last week passed resolutions beginning negotiations with three small electric companies, which may eventually allow parish residents to choose their electrical service provider. Prior to voting, those in attendance heard from two representatives of Entergy. Acting Vice-President of Customer Service Melanie Stewart asked why St. James Parish is looking for another provider. “Is there something Entergy isn’t doing?” she asked. Mark Kleehammer, Entergy Vice-President of Regulatory and Public Affairs, argued that their rates are some of the lowest in the state and in the country.

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By Pam Folse Contributing Writer

Although she’s only been at the job for less than two years, Principal Chakira Brown’s enthusiasm for the new St. Louis Academy is contagious. She will oversee the transition of Fifth Ward Elem. to the new St. Louis Reading and Math Academy by the time students arrive for class in the Fall.

“We want the children to be excited about reading and learning again,” said the east bank native. “We’re going to do fun things that will really keep them engaged and excited.”

Like Cypress Grove Montessori on the east bank, any child in prekindergarten through third grade living anywhere in the parish can register to attend St. Louis Reading and Math Academy.

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By Pam Folse Contributing Writer

Whether she’s working with grade schoolers teaching them about the dangers of drug and alcohol use or encouraging senior citizens to avoid the latest scam, St. James Parish Deputy Dee Batiste does so with a smile.

Raised by her grandmother and an aunt, Dee attended grade school in Gramercy, near her Golden Grove home, and in California. She attended Lutcher High before going on to the University of Southwestern Louisiana in Lafayette. She graduated in 1986 with a degree in finance and went on to work as an accountant for 20 years.

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Local officials toast Queen Kristina Harrison and King Damien Ursin of the Krewe of M.A.C. at the parade held on Tuesday, Mardi Gras Day, in Lutcher and Gramercy.

Pictured left to right are: State Representative, Ken Brass; Parish CAO, Michelle Octave; King Damien Ursin; Parish President, Timmy Roussel; Gramercy Mayor, Steve Nosacka; Queen, Kristina Harrison; Gramercy Chief of Police, Brent Dicharry; Lutcher Mayor, Patrick St. Pierre; Lutcher Council Alderwoman, Darlene Riley; Lutcher Alderman, R. J. St. Pierre; and Ambassador, Lydia Young. Mayor Patrick St. Pierre also presented a key to the Town of Lutcher to the Krewe of M.A.C.

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