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Morgan City Council meets Friday to declare state of emergency

Thu, 08/26/2021 - 12:36pm

The Morgan City Council will meet Friday to declare a state of emergency as the likelihood grows that a tropical storm or hurricane is approaching the Gulf Coast.

The council will meet at 11 a.m. Friday at Morgan City Municipal Auditorium, 725 Myrtle St.

A state of emergency can help make the city eligible for federal disaster relief funds as reimbursement for storm preparations and recovery.

One COVID death, 52 new cases in St. Mary

Thu, 08/26/2021 - 12:31pm

The Louisiana Office of Public Health reported one COVID-19 fatality in St. Mary for the 24 hours ending at midday Thursday and 52 new cases.

The death makes the COVID toll in St. Mary 185 since April 2020. Thirty-eight deaths have been recorded since Aug. 1, when the Delta variant of COVID-19 was pushing hospitalizations and infections to the highest levels of the pandemic.

The 52 new St. Mary cases raise the pandemic case count here to 7,754.

Statewide, the number of COVID patients in hospitals continues to fall. The OPH reported 2,720 hospitalizations Thursday, down 115 from Wednesday.

the OPH reported 5,131 new Louisiana cases and 72 deaths Thursday.

St. Martin announces locations for sandbags

Thu, 08/26/2021 - 11:29am

Commencing Friday, the sandbag distribution locations listed below will be activated from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Please be prepared to fill your own sandbags.

Also, the St. Martin Parish government asks that r the public limit the number of bags to 25 per vehicle. Normally, it takes only sixbags to secure a door.

Ruth Barn located at 1035 Ruth Bridge Highway

Paul Angelle Park located at 2458 Cecilia Sr. High School Road

South Barn located at 1011 Capritto 40 Arpent Road

Clayton Boudreaux Memorial Park located at 1028 Catahoula Highway

Lower St. Martin Parish at the Stephensville Park and at Belle River across the road from the Fire Station.

St. Martin Parish government will be meeting with the municipal leaders this afternoon to coordinate the implementation of additional measures.

Residents who cannot obtain sandbags because of any sort of disability should contact the Parish’s Office of Emergency Preparedness at 337-394-2808.

Domangue offers her farewell as S&P Festival queen

Thu, 08/26/2021 - 8:46am

The 84th Louisiana Shrimp and Petroleum Festival King and Queen William A. “Bill” Cefalu and Leah Domangue will relinquish their reign when the Louisiana Shrimp and Petroleum Festival Coronation is held Saturday at the Morgan City Municipal Auditorium.
This year’s coronation will not be open to the general public due to the resurgence of COVID-19. The Louisiana Shrimp and Petroleum Festival set for Labor Day weekend was canceled on Aug. 16 by the festival board as a precaution. The pandemic also caused the cancellation of the 2020 celebration.
As the queen, Domangue has served as the festival’s ambassador at pageants and festivals that were held in Louisiana. She also attended the Mystick Krewe of Louisianians’ Mardi Gras celebration in Washington, D.C.
Here is her farewell letter.
“Most people may see this crown and title as beauty and grace, which it is. However, many people do not see or get to experience the meaning and love behind it that I do. Being the Louisiana Shrimp & Petroleum Festival Queen may just be a title for some girls, but this title is so much more than just a title for me. It is the memories I have made, it is the knowledge I have gained, and it is the honor of representing this festival and my hometown.
“Due to COVID-19, I had my reign extended a year; however, I was not able to experience two years’ worth of events. When COVID shut down everything, that also included all festivals, so even though I may have physically had a two year reign, I still was only able to experience as much as any past queen has.
“With that being said, I have attended about 24 festival events and traveled over 5,000 miles. I rode on a tractor through a sugarcane field in New Iberia, picked some cotton in Ville Platte, saw how rice is harvested in Crowley, ate some gumbo in the Gumbo Capital of the World, picked some delicious oranges in Plaquemine’s Parish, watched the lighting of the bonfire in Lutcher, held a nutria rat and baby gator in Cameron Parish, picked the sweetest strawberries in Ponchatoula, ate way too many oysters in Amite, made some spicy boudin in Scott, went crawfishing in Breaux Bridge, and shot skeet in Geuydan.
“Aside from festivals, I was also able to attend the Louisiana Association of Fairs and Festivals convention in Baton Rouge. One of the most memorable events of all, though, was my time spent in Washington, D.C. for the Mystick Krewe of Louisianians Mardi Gras celebration. This event was even more special for me than it already is because the king of the Krewe was Mr. Greg Hamer from here in Morgan City, so there were many people from our community there. Nothing will ever compare to the feeling of hearing the loud roars from the crowd when my name was announced each night. Thank you to all who were there and made me feel so special.
“As I think back on all the amazing events I have been able to experience, I am overwhelmed by the amount of love and support I have received from this community. I think of every single person who has contributed to making this the best two years of my life, but unfortunately I was not given enough space to thank everyone. Just know that I am truly grateful for all of you.
“To the Festival Board: Thank you for giving me this opportunity to represent Morgan City and the Louisiana Shrimp and Petroleum Festival. I hope I represented the festival and this city well and was everything you look for in a queen and more.
“To my King Bill and the Cefalu family: Thank you for all of your love and support you have given me since the very moment I was crowned.
“Lastly, to my parents: Honestly, I would not have been able to do any of this without you. Thank you for coming to every single event with me and always finding a way to have just as much fun as me. I truly appreciate everything that you have done for me. Words will never express how thankful I am for you. I love you so much.”

MELANIE JOHNSON-BIAS

Thu, 08/26/2021 - 8:45am

Melanie Johnson-Bias, 54, a resident of Patterson, La. and native of Berwick, La., passed away peacefully on Sunday August 1, 2021 at 12:54 a.m. at her residence.
Visitation will be observed on Saturday, August 28, 2021 from 9 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. at Jones Funeral Home 715 Sixth Street Morgan City, La. 70380. (All visitors are asked to adhere to the CDC-local regulations by wearing masks and practicing social distancing). A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. in Berwick Cemetery in Berwick.
Memories of Melanie will forever remain in the hearts of her chil-dren, LaTisha Johnson-Smith of Patterson, La. and Ronald R. Taylor, Jr. of Morgan City, La.; a companion, David Triggs, Jr. of Patterson, La.; step-mother, Cheryl Johnson of Berwick, La.; two step-siblings, Sharelle Garrison of Thibodaux, La. and Greg Davis of Lafayette, La.; four grandchildren and and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Melanie was preceded in death by her husband, parents, a sister, and both her maternal & paternal grandparents.
Arrangements en-trusted to Jones Funeral Home of Morgan City-Franklin-Jeanerette-Houma. Visit www.jones-funeral-home.com to send condolences to family.

MARJORIE MAE KINCHEN GOLDEN

Thu, 08/26/2021 - 8:42am

Marjorie Mae Kinchen Golden, 74, a resident and native of Franklin, La., passed away peacefully on Sunday August 8, 2021 at Iberia Medical Center.
Visitation will be observed on Saturday, August 28, 2021 from 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM at Greater St. Stephens Missionary Baptist Church, 305 6th St., Franklin, LA., (All visitors are asked to adhere to the CDC/local regulations by wearing mask and practicing social distancing). Burial will be in the St. John Cemetery in Franklin, LA.
Memories of Marjorie will forever remain in the hearts of her chil-dren, Richmond (Theresa Lopez) Golden of Franklin, La., Blaine (Julia Lee) Golden of Houston, TX, and Tisha Golden of Franklin, La.; sister, Charity Small of Houston, TX and a host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews., other relatives and friends.
Marjorie was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and a brother.
Arrangements en-trusted to Jones Funeral Home of Franklin-Morgan City-Jeanerette and Houma. Visit www.jones-funeral-home.com to send condolences to family.

Woman plants thick roots in married son’s home

Thu, 08/26/2021 - 8:41am

By Jeanne Phillips, ©United Features Syndicate

DEAR ABBY: Ten years ago, my friend “Maureen” suffered a breakup that emotionally and financially devastated her and moved in with her son and his young family. Since then, she has recovered in both areas.
Maureen inserts herself into every aspect of their lives — vacations, entertaining, etc. When they go out to eat, she always joins them. Her daughter-in-law, “Eve,” has routinely given her hints that it’s time to move on. Maureen then goes to her son and tells him what Eve said, and it causes problems in their marriage. After dinner each night, Eve goes into her room, closes the door and stays there.
Maureen is capable of living on her own, but she said she might get lonely and that’s why she won’t leave. The grandkids are pretty much grown now, and there’s no need for Maureen to stay. Her friends have been encouraging her to make a life of her own. Eve and her husband plan to move out of state in 10 years, and Maureen plans on moving with them. I think she is putting her son’s marriage at risk for her own selfish reason. Maureen isn’t old and infirm. She could possibly meet a nice gentleman if she moved out. All her friends have suggested this. What are your thoughts?
BYSTANDER IN FLORIDA

DEAR BYSTANDER: If Maureen were unwell or destitute, the situation would be different. She is neither. My thoughts are that until Eve is angry enough to assert herself and tell her husband the current living conditions are intolerable, nothing will change.

DEAR ABBY: I recently had to say goodbye to my precious dog, Wendy Darling. She was a sweet old girl with bad kidneys and severe joint pain. During the last few weeks of her life, she could barely eat, and not at all in the last days. I know in my head that ending her suffering was the right thing to do. I have supported friends and family who helped their pets this way.
It’s my heart that is having trouble. I keep thinking that I didn’t have the right to make that decision; that life is too precious to deliberately steal even a single day. While her body was declining, her mind and spirit danced, and she looked at me with complete trust. I miss her so much and find myself crying throughout the day. Can you tell me how to reconcile my head and my heart? I have this huge weight on my chest and more than a little bit of guilt.
MISSING WENDY IN OREGON

DEAR MISSING WENDY: Please accept my sympathy for the loss of your precious canine companion. You gave Wendy Darling a wonderful life, filled with love. Dogs were meant to run and play, to love and be loved, not to suffer. I am sure you miss her, but please stop beating yourself up for making a rational decision about what was best for her. If your grief continues to overwhelm you, talk with your veterinarian about joining a grief support group. I am sure he or she will reassure you. Your loss is recent. That you are emotional is understandable. Try to remember that tears are healing.
***
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KYLE STEPHEN “STEVE” SMITH SR.

Thu, 08/26/2021 - 8:40am

Kyle Stephen “Steve” Smith Sr., 57, a native and resident of Patter-son, La. passed away peacefully on Sunday August 22, 2021 at 12:04 p.m. at Ochsner St. Mary.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a memorial service will be scheduled for a later date.
Memories of Kyle Sr., will forever remain in the hearts of his wife, Chailon Smith of Patterson, La.; children, Aleceia Durand of Opelousas, La., Kyle (Asia) Smith, Jr. of Lafayette, La.; step-children, Camry (Collin) Lockett of Napoleonville, La.; Kaitlyn Ausama and Patrick Watkins both of Patterson, La.; siblings, Kenny L. Smith (Polly) both of Patterson, La., Kim M. Smith-Williams (Lindsey Mukti) of Oakland, CA and Mrs. George (Katrina D. Smith) Thomas of Houma, La.; one step-grandchild, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Kyle Sr. was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, father and mother-in-law, and both his maternal and pater-nal grandparents.
Arrangements en-trusted to Jones Funeral Home of Morgan City-Franklin-Jeanerette and Houma. please visit;www.jones-funeral-home.com to send condolences to family.

UPDATED: Storm strengthens as it heads toward Gulf

Thu, 08/26/2021 - 7:44am

Meteorologist says it has potential to be Category 3 hurricane

Staff Report

The National Hurricane Center is giving a storm system a 90% chance of development is it heads toward the Gulf of Mexico and possibly toward the Texas or Louisiana coast.
“This system will reach the Gulf of Mexico by Friday night, and could reach the Texas or Louisiana coast by Sunday or Monday,” said Roger Erickson of the Na-tional Weather Service in Lake Charles on Thursday morning. “It has the potential to be a major hurricane (Category 3 or stronger).”
The NHC was expected to begin issuing advisories, possibly as early as Thursday morning.
“Unfortunately, this system is tricky because it has not formed yet, and it could make landfall within 72 to 96 hours,” Erickson said. “There may be limited lead time for people to evacuate. Stay tuned to reliable weather sources, especially the National Hurricane Center and your local National Weather Service offices.”
Showers and thunderstorms continued to show signs of organization in association with a broad area of low pressure located over the west-central Caribbean Sea about 150 miles south-southwest of Jamaica, the NHC said.
“Environmental conditions remain conducive for additional development, and a tropical depression or tropical storm is
expected to form later to-day or tonight while the system moves northwestward over the northwestern Caribbean Sea, reaching the Cayman Islands tonight and western Cuba and the Yucatan Channel Friday and Friday night.”
Given the recent develop-mental trends, the center said, tropical storm warnings for the Cayman Islands and western Cuba could be required, and an Air Force Reserve
reconnaissance aircraft was scheduled to investigate the system Thursday afternoon.
Regardless of development, locally heavy rainfall and flooding are possible over portions of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands Thursday, and will likely spread across Cuba
and the Yucatan Peninsula on Friday.

Berwick police seek drug suspect

Wed, 08/25/2021 - 1:50pm

Berwick police are asking for the public's help in locating Brian Henry Henderson.

Henderson is wanted on these charges:

--Possession with intent to distribute heroin.
--Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
--Possession of Suboxone.
--Possession of marijuana.
--Monetary instrument abuse.
--Possession of drug paraphernalia.

Berwick police ask that If you have information on the whereabouts of Henderson, please call the Berwick Police Department at 985-384-7710 or 911. He is considered to be armed and dangerous.

All calls can remain anonymous.