LOCKPORT, La. (WVUE) – A museum in downtown Lockport was bustling with activity 12 years ago, with people teaching and learning the art of boat-building.

Historic boats were on display in the front, and new boats were being built in the workshop out back, as generations of Cajun families passed down their traditions and knowledge. But then, three years ago, it all was put on hold when Hurricane Ida severely damaged the museum.

Now, efforts are underway to relocate and relaunch the boat museum and workshop at Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, as Dave McNamara shows in the Heart of Louisiana.

For more, visit the Heart of Louisiana archive here.

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The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Lufkin Resident Agency in Lufkin, Texas, is seeking to identify potential victims of Matthew “Matt” Jess Thrash the agency said in a press release Tuesday night.

Thrash was recently indicted in the Eastern District of Texas on federal wire fraud and money laundering violations.

The FBI believes he primarily targeted individuals between 2012 and 2024 through several fraudulent investment schemes. These schemes included establishing a fake sports management company, a fake sports memorabilia store, and fraudulent stock sales in cannabis dispensaries. It is believed that Thrash targeted individuals in Las Vegas, NV; Shreveport, LA; Lake Charles, LA; Tampa, FL, and throughout Texas.

If someone is a victim of Thrash or has information relevant to this investigation and has not spoken with law enforcement in Lufkin, Texas, they can complete and submit this short form at https://www.fbi.gov.

“Mr. Thrash used and employed various fraudulent schemes to obtain money from others. A critical component of his schemes was presenting himself as a successful businessman with lucrative investment opportunities. Individuals should not be embarrassed if they invested in one of his schemes. We encourage you to come forward so that you can receive assistance and help us hold him accountable in a court of law,” said FBI Dallas Acting Special Agent in Charge P. J. O’Brien.

If you know of someone who Thrash has victimized, please encourage them to complete and submit the form on the webpage.

The FBI is legally mandated to identify victims of federal crimes it investigates. Victims may be eligible for certain services, restitution, and rights under federal and/or state law. Criminal charges are merely an allegation of criminal conduct, not evidence. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.