ST. MARTINVILLE COUNCIL REPONDS TO VIOLENCE

In its June 15 meeting, the St. Martinville City Council discussed a response to Sunday morning’s fatal shooting. The incident occurred outside the Casino Lounge on South Main Street and resulted in the death of Bianca Davis, 23 and the wounding of club deejay Daijuan Stewart as well as a 14-year-old cousin of Davis. Twin brothers Jamir and Jakil Sophus, 18, were arrested for the shootings.
Police Chief Calder Hebert told the council that, even though the club is for minors and no alcohol is served, there have been many instances of violence there. Mayor Thomas Nelson said that stepped-up enforcement of loitering statutes in other area towns has brought a few trouble-prone people to St. Martinville on the weekends.
Hebert said that problems at the club have always occurred outside, where large crowds collect, causing traffic problems, resident complaints and, too often, violence.
District 2 Councilman Craig Prosper said that the club should not be allowed to have another function until a framework of requirements for security inside and outside the establishment are drawn up by the council and met by club management. Large gatherings outside, he said, need to be eliminated.
District 1 Councilman Mike Fuselier said that, with the club’s track record, the city needs to act to protect citizens.
In other city business – and on a more positive note – representatives of Geaux Throw Disc Golf Company came to the meeting to discuss the new course at Magnolia Park. Geaux Throw has helped the cause of bringing the course to Magnolia by donating the $7,000 required to purchase the 18 goals for the course. The group is interested in using the old pool building to locate a pro-shop and the organization’s home office.
Councilman Fuselier, a driving force behind development of the course, reported that Geaux Throw’s help and a good response from sponsors will allow upgrades like iron benches and magnolia trees around the course. Also being considered are coloring and graphic decorations on the concrete tees and other things that promise to make the Magnolia course one of the best in the area.
District 3 Councilman Dennis Paul Williams suggested that the course could also be used by schools and summer recreation programs.