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The latest on Tropical Depression Fred

Thu, 08/12/2021 - 10:40am

Tropical Depression Fred Discussion Number 12
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL AL062021
1100 AM EDT Thu Aug 12 2021

Fred is poorly organized this morning. Reports from Air Force
Reserve and NOAA Hurricane Hunter aircraft, along with 1-minute
imagery from GOES-16, indicate that the circulation is barely
closed. Dropsondes in the area reported surface pressures of
1013-1014 mb, and the maximum winds of near 30 kt are well to the
northeast of the center. In addition, there is currently no
organized convection anywhere near the center. Based on the
evidence of the closed circulation, the system will be maintained as
tropical depression for this advisory. However, the structure is
currently closer to that of an open wave than a normal tropical
cyclone.

The initial motion is now 300/12. The subtropical ridge over the
western Atlantic north of Fred should steer the cyclone
west-northwestward during the next 36 h or so. This motion should
take the depression away from the southeastern Bahamas and
bring it near the north coast of Cuba. After that time, Fred
should approach the western periphery of the ridge, which should
cause the cyclone to turn northwestward and slow its forward speed.
There remains some uncertainty as to the when and where of the
turn, with the track guidance models remaining spread across a
region from over Florida to the east-central Gulf of Mexico. The
new track forecast is little changed from the previous NHC track,
and it lies a little to the east of the consensus models for the
first 72 h or so.

Fred remains in an environment about 20 kt of westerly vertical
wind shear. This shear is expected to persist during the next day
or so, and this combined with the current disorganization should
prevent significant strengthening during this time. While
there is still disagreement between the global models on the
forecast upper-level winds over the Gulf of Mexico, the shear could
lessen after 36 h and allow some intensification as the cyclone
nears south Florida and moves into the eastern Gulf. The intensity
guidance has trended weaker since the last advisory, with none of
the guidance currently calling for Fred to reach hurricane
strength. The new intensity forecast is similar to the previous
one while Fred is over water, and it follows the overall trend of
the intensity guidance.

KEY MESSAGES:

1. Heavy rainfall today could lead to flash, urban, and small stream
flooding, along with possible rapid river rises and the potential
for mudslides in the Dominican Republic and Haiti.

2. Tropical storm conditions are possible in the southeastern
Bahamas and portions of Cuba today.

3. Beginning Friday, heavy rainfall could lead to areal, urban, and
small stream flooding, along with possible rapid river rises across
southern Florida. Heavy rainfall associated with Fred will impact
the remainder of Florida and parts of the Southeast this weekend and
into next week.

4. There is a risk of tropical storm conditions beginning early
Saturday in the Florida Keys and south Florida. This risk will
spread northward along portions of the Florida west coast and to the
Florida Panhandle through Monday. A Tropical Storm Watch will likely
be issued for portions of the Florida Keys and the southern Florida
Peninsula this afternoon.

FORECAST POSITIONS AND MAX WINDS

INIT 12/1500Z 20.9N 74.4W 30 KT 35 MPH
12H 13/0000Z 21.8N 76.2W 30 KT 35 MPH
24H 13/1200Z 22.8N 78.3W 30 KT 35 MPH
36H 14/0000Z 23.8N 79.9W 35 KT 40 MPH
48H 14/1200Z 24.8N 81.2W 35 KT 40 MPH
60H 15/0000Z 26.0N 82.4W 40 KT 45 MPH
72H 15/1200Z 27.5N 83.6W 45 KT 50 MPH
96H 16/1200Z 30.5N 85.0W 50 KT 60 MPH...INLAND
120H 17/1200Z 33.5N 85.0W 25 KT 30 MPH...INLAND

Tips on pairing beer with food

Thu, 08/12/2021 - 9:43am

The craft beer boom has inspired millions of people to look at beer through a new lens. Once relegated to backyard barbecues and ballgames, beer is now served alongside gourmet meals. Much like the right wine can make a meal taste even better, beer can bring out the flavors of food, making it an ideal complement to anything from steak to seafood to salad.
The Brewers Association is an American trade group whose membership consists of more than 5,400 brewers, suppliers and retailers. The group recommends beer lovers follow a three-pronged approach to matching beer and food.
It’s worth noting the Brewers Association does not view this approach as a 1-2-3 process, meaning beer lovers need not follow the steps in order to perfect their pairing skills.
1. Match strength with strength. The Brewers Association recommends pairing strongly flavored foods with assertive beers and delicate foods with delicate beers. For example, a relatively low alcohol witbier should pair well with light seafood like steamed mussels. Beer lovers who enjoy strong barley wines, which are typically 10% alcohol by volume or higher, should find that a strong cheese or dessert matches up well with this overpowering style.
2. Find harmonies. The Brewers Association notes that beer-food combinations typically resonate most effectively when they share some common flavor or aroma element. The association points to how the deep, roasted flavors of an imperial stout often pair nicely with chocolate truffles.
3. Consider sweetness, bitterness, carbonation, heat (spice) and richness. The association recommends that beer lovers look to take advantage of the specific and predictable ways that certain qualities of food and beer interact with each other. For example, malty sweetness can cool the heat, making a hoppy beer with plenty of malt a good choice to pair with spicy food.
Pairing the right beer with food can make any night out on the town that much better.
Want to pair your favorite craft beers like an old pro at home or at your local pub with an extensive tap list? Consider these pairing recommendations, courtesy of the Brewers Association.
—Witbier: Lighter seafood dishes like steamed mussels.
—Blonde ale: Light food, including chicken, salads and salmon.
—India Pale Ale: Strong spicy food and bold, sweet desserts like carrot cake.
—Double/Imperial IPA: Smoked beef brisket, grilled lamb and southern chicken-fried steak.
—Amber/red ale: Chicken, seafood, burgers, and spicy cuisine.
—Porter: Barbecue, sausages, roasted meat, and blackened fish.
—Sweet or Oatmeal stout: Rich, spicy food, including barbecued beef and Szechuan cuisine.
—Classic pilsner: Light food such as chicken, salads and salmon.
—American wheat ale: Very light food, including salads, sushi and vegetable dishes.
—Abbey Dubbel: Barbecue, meat stews, and a thick, hearty steak.

Father insists baby girl be kept a secret

Thu, 08/12/2021 - 9:38am

By Jeanne Phillips, ©United Features Syndicate

DEAR ABBY: My fiancé, “Nathan,” and I met in college 12 years ago. At the time, he was helping to raise a child he thought was his. He was crazy about his son, “Joey.” Everywhere we went, he would show him off, post pictures of them together on social media and talk about Joey nonstop.
When Joey turned 9, Joey’s mother finally told Nathan that Joey was not his son. When a DNA test proved it was true, the stuff hit the fan. Not only had the mom known from the beginning that Joey wasn’t Nathan’s, it turned out so did his family and all his friends.
It took a while for Nathan to overcome the shock. Once he did, he decided he wanted to start a family. He proposed to me, and we welcomed our baby girl. (I never cheated on him, but to avoid any doubts he might have, once she arrived, we did a DNA test.) Nathan has her spoiled rotten.
The problem is, he acts very peculiar where she is concerned. Before she was born, he wanted few people to know we were expecting. He said it was because he didn’t want to get everybody’s hopes up in case anything went wrong, which was understandable. Now our baby is 3 months old, and he’s still keeping her a secret.
He doesn’t want to take family pictures and doesn’t post her on social media like he did with Joey. He has asked his family and friends and even me not to tell anyone about the baby, and he gets mad if we do.
When I asked why he’s acting this way, he said it’s because our child is “nobody’s business.” I love Nathan, and I understand that he was hurt once, but I’m starting to wonder.
Is my fiancé ashamed of our child?
CAN’T FIGURE IT OUT

DEAR CAN’T: I don’t think Nathan is ashamed of his daughter. He may be being overly careful about news of his baby girl because he was so badly burned. He went overboard posting pictures and talking nonstop about his “son”; this time he has gone overboard in the opposite direction.
Could this have anything to do with a fear that Nathan’s ex will find out he has another child? You won’t know unless you ask him.
Between you and me, unless you’re willing to go along with this secrecy business — which I don’t think is healthy — your fiancé should be urged to consult a licensed psychotherapist who can help him regain his balance.

DEAR ABBY: My husband and I have been married for 13 years. He is a kind of optimist.
After a night of arguing and distancing, the next day he acts as though nothing has happened. He texts me from work, “Hey Babe! Good morning. I love you.” Our arguments are not screaming matches but little spats that bother me a lot.
Am I just a nagging wife?
FIGHTING MAD IN NEW YORK

DEAR FIGHTING MAD: Not necessarily. Your husband may get past these fights faster and more completely than you do. However, if his way of dealing with unresolved issues is to pretend they don’t exist, I can understand your frustration. If this happens often, a text the next morning isn’t going to improve the situation.
Your communication problem won’t improve until you both agree to talk about this with a marriage and family therapist. If he is not willing to do that, you might find a few sessions for yourself helpful.
***
What teens need to know about sex, drugs, AIDS and getting along with peers and parents is in “What Every Teen Should Know.” Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 to: Dear Abby, Teen Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447.

UPDATED: Third person arrested in animal cruelty cases

Wed, 08/11/2021 - 1:32pm

Staff Report
A nearly year-long St. Mary Sheriff’s Office investigation into drug trafficking and animal cruelty has resulted in three arrests on charges that include cruelty and cockfighting, Sheriff Blaise Smith said.
The third arrest, on Wednesday afternoon, resulted in the booking of Jesus Fernandez, 61, of Morgan City. He was named in a warrant alleging 147 counts of cockfighting and 151 counts of animal cruelty.
Smith said Fernadez has been under investigation for possible drug sales and cockfighting since September.
On Saturday, a detective with the St. Mary Parish Narcotics Section conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle and made contact with the driver, Fernandez. During the stop, a K-9 deputy deployed K-9 Doerak to conduct an open-air sniff of the area around the vehicle.
K-9 Doerak showed a positive odor response and subsequently, drugs, drug paraphernalia and cash were located.
During the investigation, detectives also found caged chickens that appeared to have been used in cockfighting.
Fernandez was arrested and transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking on charges of improper lane usage, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia and transactions involving drug proceeds.
He was later released on a $31,750 bond.
As the investigation progressed, a search warrant was executed Tuesday at a residence in Amelia with the assistance of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Toney Wade with the Cruelty Investigation Task Force.
Chickens, sheep and other animals were found to be in poor condition and were without proper food and water. Dead chickens were also found on the property.
A total of 166 chickens and 16 sheep and goats were seized.
Artemio Rodriguez, 43, Amelia, and Maria Ortiz, 44, Amelia, were arrested Tuesday afternoon on warrants alleging animal cruelty.
Rodriguez and Ortiz were released on a summons to appear Nov. 2.
“Animal cruelty will not be tolerated in St. Mary Parish, “ Smith said.
“My message is simple: If you know something, say something. Contact us with any information you have concerning this.”

NELSON (JUNE) WILSON JR.

Wed, 08/11/2021 - 1:15pm

Kin’s Funeral Home, located at 1611 Hwy. 14, Lake Charles, La., an-nounced the death of Nelson (June) Wilson Jr., age 75, on Sunday, August 8, 2021 in Lake Charles, La.
Nelson was a native of Baldwin and a resident of Lake Charles for 56 years.
Funeral services for Nelson will be observed on Saturday, August 14, 2021 at 12 p.m. at Spe-cial Providence Baptist Church, 814 Martin Lu-ther King Boulevard, Baldwin, La. A viewing will be conducted at 10 a.m. until the time of service. Masks and social distancing will be enforced due to the COVID-19 epidemic.
Nelson is survived by his wife, Patricia Scott Wilson of Lake Charles, La.; one daughter, De-sirea Scott, of Beaumont, Texas; one stepson, Desmond Scott, Lake Charles, La.; two grandchildren, Kendall Sweet and baby Kash of Beaumont, Texas; three sisters, Mary Pickney (Mervine), Debra Wilson (Curtis), both of Baldwin, La., Edna Bellard of Sorrell, La.; one brother, Lynel Wilson (Sandra) of Baldwin, La.; one uncle, Leonard Colbert (Lucille) of Houston, Texas; and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.
Nelson was preceded in death by his parents, Nelson Wilson Sr., and Clynel Colbert Wilson; one grandchild, Sevion Cryer; one nephew, An-thony (Push) Wilson, and one brother-in-law, James (Jelly) Bellard Jr.

Two more COVID deaths in St. Mary

Wed, 08/11/2021 - 12:12pm

Two more COVID-related deaths in St. Mary were reported Wednesday by the Louisiana Office of Public Health.

The deaths bring the parish's pandemic total to 157.

The OPH reported 82 new COVID cases here since Tuesday, raising the total to 6,993. Since Friday, 358 new COVID cases have been reported for St. Mary.

Statewide, 5,408 new cases and 55 deaths were reported Wednesday. The number of COVID hospitalizations rose by 175 to 2,895.

Subdivision gets preliminary OK in Berwick

Wed, 08/11/2021 - 11:57am

BILL DECKER

bdecker@daily-review.com

BERWICK — The Town Council on Tuesday took the first steps toward approving a new 10-lot residential development and providing for key town services.
Also Tuesday, the council introduced ordinances adopting a proposed budget for 2021-22 and amending the current year’s budget; gave its OK to plans for the Louisiana Shrimp and Petroleum Festival Blessing of the Fleet; delayed approval of a contract for a remodeling of the Town Hall; and signed on to the St. Mary Parish governments hazard mitigation plan.
Subdivision
The council gave preliminary approval to plans for the residential development. Berwick LLC has plans for a 10-lot subdivision on about 17 acres on Pattie Drive and Fairview Drive. The Planning & Zoning Commission had recommended approval.
The project will require further approval from the town government, but the preliminary OK gives Berwick LLC what it needs to move ahead with more detailed engineering plans, Planning & Zoning Director Gary Beadle said.
The council also introduced an ordinance entering a cooperative endeavor agreement with Berwick LLC related to the project. Under the agreement, the town government would provide labor and materials to bring gas, water and sewer service to the subdivision. Berwick LLC would build a sewer system lift station on the property and transfer the land containing the lift station to the town government.
Berwick LLC’s incorporation documents list Kyna N. Smith of the Hancock Whitney Bank legal department in New Orleans and Patrick Loupe as agents. Its managers are listed as Hancock Whitney, Joseph Exnicios and Steven Barnett, according to the Louisiana Secretary of State’s Office.
In other planning and zoning matters, the council approved a conditional use permit for plans by Moffett Rentals to build a pond on land near the Berwick Civic Center. The pond would offer fishing as a recreational opportunity and serve as a borrow pit from which Moffett could take dirt from use in other development.
The council also approved a request from a Country Club Estates resident to use his home to sell firearms and ammunition online. The guns and ammo would not be stored at the house, although guns to be sold at gun local gun shows would be kept there. The resident has a federal firearms license.
The council’s approval is contingent on the resident’s home being protected by an alarm system and notification to the Berwick Police Department.
Budget
The council introduced the proposed 2021-22 budget that is leaner than the current fiscal year’s spending plan. But the proposal maintains staffing and services at current levels, Chief Administrative Office Newell “Bubba” Slaughter said after the meeting.
The proposed consolidated budget anticipates revenue of $5.7 million next year, down from the $6.2 million in the current year. Income from taxes and franchise fees is expected to be up by about 1.6%, while less money is expected from fines and forfeitures, licenses and permits, and intergovernmental transfers.
Expenditures are anticipated to be $4.2 million next year, down from $5.4 million this year. After an operating transfer of about $1.3 million, the budget will be left with a surplus of about $132,000.
The budget amendment for 2020-21 accounts for $1.69 million in spending, much of it funded through grants. The amendment includes $900,000 for street overlays, $150,000 for a new excavator, $150,000 for a new pumping station and $350,000 for the new roof at the Town Hall.
“We’ve done a lot of things,” Mayor Duval Arthur said. “We’ve accomplished a lot. We’ve spent a lot of money.”
The ordinances will come up for public hearings and a passage vote at the Sept. 14 council meeting.
Festival
The council OK’d a request by Debra Lodrigue to host the Blessing of the Fleet during the Shrimp and Petroleum Festival during Labor Day weekend.
Last year’s festival was canceled because of COVID-19, and this year’s festival approaches as coronavirus cases are rising again. Lodrigue told the council that organizers are in touch with the office of Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser, the state’s top tourism official, in advance of a meeting next week.
Project delayed
A local contractor, Mike Delatte, objected to the process by which proposals were sought for a remodeling of the Town Hall.
The remodeling is being done in part to provide windows at which people can pay bills in a way that’s safe for the public and for town employees.
The project is too small to require a formal advertisement for bids. Consulting engineer George Mikhael received proposals from three contractors, the lowest of which was a quote of Cedar Construction & Management of Lafayette for $70,475.
Other proposals came from J&J Electrical Construction of Duson ($72,000) and MSL Homebuilders of Metairie ($73,482).
Delatte said he believes local contractors who work and pay taxes locally should be considered for such projects. And, Delatte said, Cedar Construction & Management is connected to Mikhael’s son, Mark Mikhael.
State incorporation records show Mark Mikhael as an agent and officer in Cedar Construction & Management.
The council delayed action on the project until it can learn whether Delatte’s claims are justified.
Mitigation
The council approved a resolution endorsed the St. Mary Parish government’s hazard mitigation plan.
The federal Stafford Act has been amended to require local governments to take steps to reduce the risk of damage from natural disasters if they want to be eligible for mitigation grants and disaster assistance.
The parish’s draft plan can be download at a link on this story at StMaryNow.com.

River may go below 2 feet

Wed, 08/11/2021 - 11:54am

Staff Report

Hard as it is to believe in this rainy year, the Atchafalaya River at Morgan City is on its way down, possibly to a stage below 2 feet.
Port of Morgan City Director Raymond “Mac” Wade told the port board Monday that predictions call for the river to fall to 1.5 feet later this month.
At 7:15 a.m. Wednesday, the National Weather Service reported that the river stage was at 2.72 feet, more than 3 feet below the stage at which minor flooding occurs outside the Morgan City and Berwick flood walls.
The river will drop to 2.1 feet by Aug. 24, according to the service’s forecast.
That’s far above the record low. The National Weather Service’s records say the river dropped to -5.4 feet on Aug. 28, 1926, the year before the great Mississippi River flood.
Expect to see visible sandbars in Berwick Bay soon, Wade said Tuesday.
The buildup of sediment has been a headache for vessel traffic and the port since a series of high water events began in 2016. Six of the 15 highest crests ever recorded for the Atchafalaya at Morgan City have happened since then.
The combination of sediment deposited by high water followed by low water could be a challenge for vessel traffic. But Wade said recent dredging is expected to prevent problems, even near the Morgan City side from the city dock to Conrad Shipyard, where businesses rely on access to the water.

THEIRING JEROME CHARLES

Wed, 08/11/2021 - 11:50am

Theiring Jerome Charles, 53, a native of Morgan City, passed away peacefully Friday, July 30, 2021, at 2:25 a.m.
Visitation will be observed Thursday, Aug. 12, from noon until funeral services at 2 p.m. at Jones Funeral Home, 715 Sixth St., Morgan City. (All visitors are asked to adhere to the CDC/local regulations by wearing masks and practicing social distancing). Funeral services will be accessible by viewing the Jones Funeral Home Facebook page at 2 p.m. Thursday.
He is survived by his children, Shaqita (fiance Deron) Thomas of Shreveport, Jeremy (fiancee Latoya) James of Georgia, and Jaterrel Butler of Morgan City; his mother, Constance Marie Roberson of Morgan City; siblings Elliott Broussard of Morgan City, Jerry (Leticia) Charles Jr. of Patterson, Eric (Cokeisha) Roberson of Houston, Glen Jones of Lafayette, and Charles Jones of Morgan City; paternal aunt Margaret Gibson; seven grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, a sister, and his grandparents.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Jones Funeral Home of Morgan City, Franklin. Jeanerette and Houma.

JOHN K. ELDREDGE

Wed, 08/11/2021 - 11:48am

John K. Eldredge, 75, a native of Willington, Connecticut, and resident of Morgan City, passed away Aug. 7, 2021.
Private services will be held.
He is survived by his wife, Lanell Moxley Eldredge; sons Matthew (Amanda) and John (Laura) Eldredge; daughters Tina Eldredge and Rachel (Ryan) Levesque; stepchildren Jayson (Sarah) Anslum, Deric’ (Kera) Anslum, and Janada Anslum; and grandchildren Zachary, Taylor, Dakota, Dominic, and Jaci Layne.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Clifford and Corrine Kilburn Eldredge; brother Michael Eldredge; and grandchildren Alex Eldredge and Aiden Price.
Online condolences can be given at www.samartfuneralhome.com Samart Funeral Home of Houma, LLC is in charge of arrangements.