RSS Feed

Staff Report
Louisiana’s U.S. senators condemned President Joe Biden’s call for increased OPEC production “instead of putting Americans back to work,” they said in a letter.
U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy and John Kennedy, both Republicans, joined 22 GOP colleagues in signing the letter this week.
“It is astonishing that your Administration is now seeking assistance from an international oil cartel when America has sufficient domestic supply and reserves to increase output which would reduce gasoline prices,” wrote the senators.
The president issued his call for greater OPEC production as a means to reduce gas prices, which in south Louisiana have risen from below $2 per gallon to $2.50-$3 since Biden took office in January.
At the same time, the president has tried to block offshore lease auctions even as thousands of Louisiana residents have lost energy-related jobs since the fracking boom began more than a decade ago.
St. Mary Parish employment has fallen by about 9,000 jobs since oil prices began their plunge from more than $110 per barrel in autumn 2014.
The Biden administration has portrayed delays in offshore leasing as a way to reduce carbon emissions and slow climate change. The argument for emission controls has grown in strength in recent years as widespread wildfires in the West, unusually active hurricane seasons, and dramatic extremes in hot and cold weather have strengthened the argument for the human contribution to climate change.
The senators’ letter focused on the impact on jobs.
“We agree with your intent to reduce the cost of gas for hardworking Americans, but your domestic policy agenda has proven to have the opposite effect and continues to threaten American jobs and family budgets,” the senators.
“Last month, gas prices reached a seven year high and are forty-percent higher than they were on January 1, 2021,” they wrote.
“It is no surprise how we got here. Your Administration’s approach to domestic oil and gas development has been contrary to an ‘America First’ energy agenda and reinforces a reliance on foreign oil.
“For example, you have rejoined America into the radical, job-killing Paris Climate Agreement, cancelled the Keystone XL pipeline and its associated 10,000 jobs, imposed an apparently indefinite pause on oil and gas drilling leases on federal lands and waters, and proposed increasing taxes on those engaged in oil and gas development.
“These policies, in conjunction with runaway inflation, are increasing the price of gas and do not serve American interests. On the contrary, these policies threaten our energy and national security by making us more reliant on foreign nations for our energy needs.”
In addition to Cassidy and Kennedy, the letter was signed by U.S. Sens. John Cornyn and Ted Cruz of Texas, Mike Braun and Todd Young of Indiana, Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia, Tom Cotton of Arkansas, Kevin Cramer and John Hoeven of North Dakota, Steve Daines of Montana, Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, Cindy Hyde-Smith and Roger Wicker of Mississippi, Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, Jim Imhoff and James Lankford of Oklahoma, Mike Lee of Utah, Cynthia Lummis of Wyoming, Roger Marshall and Jerry Moran of Kansas, Mike Rounds of South Dakota, Dan Sullivan of Alabama and Thom Tillis of North Carolina.

The Louisiana Office of Public Health reported 45 new COVID cases in St. Mary for the 24 hours ending at midday Tuesday. Another COVID-related death was also reported.
Meanwhile, Ochsner Health System and Terrebonne General are prepared to provide third vaccine doses under new Centers for Disease Control guidance.
St. Mary's COVID death toll is now at 165, which is up from 147 Aug. 1. Coroner Eric Melancon said Monday that 20 COVID victims have died this month, so two deaths have yet to appear in the OPH statistics.
The parish’s pandemic case count is now at 7,282.
Statewide, 3,691 new cases and 122 deaths were reported Tuesday.
The number of COVID patients in Louisiana hospitals rose by 56 in the previous 24 hours and is now at 3,012.
In Louisiana Health Department’s Region 3, which covers the area from St. Mary to St. John the Baptist Parish, 87 of 93 intensive care beds were in use Tuesday. The region’s hospitals have 629 total beds, 518 of which were occupied.
Third shots
Ochsner Health System and Terrebonne General both said they’re ready to administer third doses under new CDC guidance.
Fully vaccinated immunocompromised people have accounted for a large proportion of hospitalized “breakthrough cases,” and that suggests immunocompromised people are more likely to transmit the virus to household contacts, Ochsner said.
People who are moderately to severely immunocompromised make up about 3% of the adult population and are especially vulnerable to COVID-19 because they are more at risk of serious, prolonged illness. This includes people who have:
—Been receiving active cancer treatment for tumors or cancers of the blood.
—Received an organ transplant and are taking medicine to suppress the immune system.
—Received a stem cell transplant within the last 2 years or are taking medicine to suppress the immune system.
—Moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency (such as DiGeorge syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome).
—Advanced or untreated HIV infection;
—Active treatment with high-dose corticosteroids or other drugs that may suppress your immune response
People with one of the listed conditions who wish to receive an additional dose of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine may self-attest to their condition by completing and signing a risk factor attestation form. The form can be downloaded from a link on this story at StMaryNow.com
Eligible individuals can schedule appointments through MyOchsner or by calling 844-888-2772.

Click here to go to the attestation form.

The Terrebonne General Drive-Thru Center is now offering the third-dose Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. It is located at 8200 Main St. at the corner of Main and Liberty Streets adjacent to the Terrebonne General campus in Houma.
In addition, first- and second-dose vaccines are available. Getting vaccinated is a valuable prevention tool that can keep you out of the hospital and avoid possible death from COVID-19, the hospital said. The Delta variant is affecting all age groups in our population. The vaccine is free, easy and convenient.
Appointments are preferred, but drive-up spots are available. Please call 985-873-HOUMA (4686) to schedule.

Edward “Ed” Joseph Schubert, a native of New Orleans, and a resident of Stephensville, passed away Monday, August 16, 2021 at Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans.
Ed was born January 11, 1946, in New Orleans, the son of Kirdes Schubert Sr. and Florence Silva Schubert.
Ed proudly served in the Army as an engineer during the Vietnam era. Ed worked for McDermont as a mechanical engineer for several years, and many people knew him by his career. He was an avid outdoor sportsman, enjoying hunting and fishing. Ed was also a loyal Saints fan, as well as a LSU fan. He had a huge heart and was the kindest man you would ever meet.
He will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his wife of 8 years, Ramona “Mona” Milligan Schubert of Stephensville, daughter, Stacy Barnes; step-son, Jake Christopher “Chris” Butler and Jena Lewis of Columbia, LA; brother, Kirdes Schubert Jr. of Texas; three grandchildren; three step grandchildren; one step great grandchild; his puppy, Harley.
Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Kirdes and Florence Schubert.
Mona would like to give a special thanks to her and Ed’s neighbors, Bob Landry and wife Shelia, Nicole and Ish, Let Vicknair and Vic Mitchell, for all of their loving care and help throughout Ed’s journey. Also, a special thanks to all of Ed and Mona’s friends that have reached out during this time.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, August 20, 2021 at Twin City Funeral Home with Father Henry Sebastian officiating. Visitation will be held, Friday, August 20, 2021 at Twin City Funeral Home from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services.

Ronald “Ronnie” Eugene Streetman, born February 10, 1965, went to his heavenly home on August 16, 2021, surrounded by his loving family.
Ronald loved life, his grandchildren, and spending time with his family. Ronald loved sports, especially football. Ronald was a die heart Saints and LSU fan and was their number one fan. Ronald never missed a game and enjoyed his time watching his favorite teams play. Ronald will forever be remembered by his loving wife, Martha Ann Streetman of Bayou Vista.
Ronald is survived by his wife Martha Ann Streetman of Bayou Vista; 6 children including, Christian McGee of Bayou Vista, Jessica Turner of Bayou Vista, Dennis Turner and wife Kirsten Turner of Patterson, Arthur Streetman and wife Leah Wiggins of Delta Colorado and Thomas Streetman and wife Penny Streetman of Morgan City and Michelle Goodman of Shreveport; one brother, Roger Streetman of Bayou Vista; 2 sisters, Vickie Streetman of Bayou Vista and Kay McDanial of Tomball, Texas; 8 grandchildren including, Lily Turner, Ayda Turner, Evalia Streetman, Makayla Streetman, Dalton LeBlanc, Violet Streetman, Raylene Streetman, and Breanna Goodman; numerous nieces and nephews.
Ronald is proceeded in death by his parents, Norma Jean Streetman and Harold Thomas Streetman; one sister, Susan Diane Mote and husband Bobby Mote.
Ronald Will be forever loved and missed by all who knew him and his memory will forever live in their hearts.
A graveside service will be held Thursday August 19, 2021 at 2:00 PM with Rev. Charlie Driskill officiating, where Ronald will be laid to rest in the Morgan City Cemetery.
Honorary Pallbearers include Joshua LaCoste, Joseph Boudoin, Thomas Streetman, Arthur Streetman, Dennis Turner, Wesley Newcomb, and Roger Streetman.