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Busy weekend for area police agencies

Tue, 06/15/2021 - 9:49am

(Editor’s note: The charges listed here and the narratives that go with them are provided by the police agencies that made the arrests. Guilt or innocence has not been determined in court.)
St. Mary
St. Mary Parish Sheriff Blaise Smith advises that a 72-hour reporting period ending June 13, the Sheriff’s Office responded to 102 complaints and reports the following arrests:
—Sean William Hendrix, 42, Franklin, was arrested June 11 at 9:30 a.m. for resisting an officer by flight, possession of schedule I drugs, and general speed law. Bail has not been set.
—Ronnell Demond Williams Jr., 21, Morgan City, was arrested June 11 at 12:10 p.m. for prohibitions. Williams was released on a summons to appear.
—Constance Nicole Bert-rand, 33, Berwick, was arrested June 11 at 7:07 p.m. for attempted theft. Bertrand was released on a summons to appear.
—Kelton Javon Smith, 24, Amelia, was arrested June 12 at 11:11 p.m. for resisting arrest or officer and on a Morgan City Police Department warrant for failure to appear on the charges of false imprisonment-armed with a dangerous weapon, domestic abuse aggravated assault, battery-aggravated, and domestic abuse battery. Smith also held an active Assumption Parish Sheriff’s Office warrant for domestic abuse battery and theft.
Smith is being held for another agency.
—Chase Paul Bertrand, 35, Patterson, was arrested June 12 at 4 p.m. on a Patterson Police Department warrant for failure to appear on the charges of speeding, no driver’s license and no insurance. Bertrand was transferred to another agency.
—Leah Renee Bourgeois, 44, Patterson, was arrested June 12 at 4 p.m. for driving under suspension and violation of registration provisions. Bourgeois was released on a summons to appear.
—Rondell James Guy, 28, Morgan City, was arrested June 12 at 11:16 p.m. on a warrant for failure to appear on the charges of domestic abuse battery-strangulation, and possession of marijuana. Guy also held an active MCPD warrant on the charges of theft and contempt of court.
Bail was set at $11,200.
—Angela M. Johnson, 46, Franklin, was arrested June 13 at 11:54 a.m. for possession of marijuana. Johnson was released on a summons to appear.
SMPSO Narcotics Section reported:
—Quinton Trahan, 25, New Iberia, was arrested June 11 at 2:47 p.m. for improper lane usage, possession of schedule I (marijuana), possession of schedule I (MDMA), and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Trahan was released on a $5,250 bond.
—Kevin Clark, 39, Patterson, was arrested June 11 at 3:54 p.m. for improper lane usage, possession of schedule I with intent to distribute (marijuana), possession of schedule I (MDMA), failure to signal 100 feet prior to an intersection, resisting an officer, possession of schedule II with intent to distribute (crack cocaine), obstruction of justice, and transactions involving drug proceeds.
Clark was released on a $60,000 bond.
Berwick
Berwick Police Chief David Leonard reports the following arrest:
—Steven B. Harris, 31, of Locust Street, Thibodaux, was arrested June 13 at 12:34 a.m. on charges of DWI, improper lane usage, driving under suspension, introduction of contraband in a penal institution, possession of schedule I (marijuana) and possession of schedule II (morphine).
On June 12 at 11:57 p.m., officers observed a vehicle commit a traffic violation in the area of Bowman Street and La. 182 and conducted a traffic stop. The driver was identified as Harris and he exhibited signs of impairment on some type of medication and/or drugs.
Harris agreed to perform standardized field sobriety tests and he performed poorly on each test. A computer check revealed that his driver’s license was suspended. At that point, Harris was placed under arrest and transported to the Berwick Police Depar-tment.
During a search at the jail, Harris was found to be concealing a bag of marijuana and a bag of morphine pills on his person. Harris provided a proper breath sample of .000g%BAC and he consented for a sample of his blood and urine to be taken. He was brought to a local medical facility where the samples were obtained.
Harris was booked into the Berwick Jail where he remains with no bond set.
Assumption
Assumption Parish Sheriff Leland Falcon reports the arrests:
—Ashley Nicole Boudreaux, 36, Winder Road, Thibodaux, was arrested June 11 at a Labadieville business when deputies responded to a call relating to some type of disturbance.
Upon arrival, deputies interviewed the business manager who indicated that Boudreaux had been banned from all locations of this corporation due to previous issues involving shoplifting. When management requested that Boudreaux leave, she became angry and began using profanity and at some point, she entered the business.
At the conclusion of the investigation, Boudreaux was arrested and booked into the Assumption Parish Deten-tion Facility on charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, disturbing the peace, enter/remaining after being forbidden, and department of corrections probation hold.
Boudreaux remains incarcerated without bond.
—Chad Michael Joseph, 31, Veteran’s Boulevard, Donaldsonville.
—Gage Michael Blanchard, 25, Napoleon Avenue, Napoleonville.
—Raquel D. Donsereaux, 37, Railroad Avenue, Napoleonville.
—Devin Gerard Joseph, 21, 155 La. 1003, Belle Rose, (summons).
On June 12, an ICE assigned deputy observed a southbound vehicle commit a traffic violation and initiated a stop of that vehicle.
The deputy noted unusual movement by rear seat passengers. The deputy made contact with the driver, identified as Chad Joseph.
As the driver exited the vehicle, the deputy noticed him drop suspected drug paraphernalia on the ground. The deputy also noted a strong odor of suspected marijuana emitting from the vehicle.
It was determined that Chad Joseph was driving under a suspended driver’s license.

Area births announced

Tue, 06/15/2021 - 7:37am

Born to Mr. and Mrs. Dat Tan Nguyen (nee: Rebecca Domangue) of Morgan City, a girl, Kate Elizabeth Nguyen, on May 28 at Thibodaux Regional Medical Center. She weighed 6 pounds, 10 ounces and measured 19.5 inches.
——
Born to Christine Vinluan and Dennis Norwood of Berwick, a girl, Sofia Denise Vinluan Norwood, on June 2 at Ochsner St. Mary in Morgan City. She weighed 6 pounds, 6 ounces and measured 19 inches.
——
Born to Caitlyn R. Fontenot of Morgan City, a girl, Alanna Jolie Fontenot, on June 2 at Thibodaux Regional Medical Center. She weighed 5 pounds, 12 ounces and measured 17¾ inches.
——
Born to Larquanda M. Williams of Morgan City, a boy, Kameron Marquise Williams, on June 3 at Thibodaux Regional Medical Center. He weighed 10 pounds, 5 ounces and measured 21 inches.
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Born to Mr. and Mrs. Allan Dole (nee: Janny Duran Herrera) of Morgan City, a boy, Luka Benjamin Dole, on June 8 at Ochsner St. Mary in Morgan City. He weighed 7 pounds, 5 ounces and measured 19.5 inches.
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Born to Silvia Lopez and Ciro Lopez of Patterson, a boy, Ciro Oliver Lopez Lopez, on June 8 at Ochsner St. Mary in Morgan City. He weighed 8 pounds, 3 ounces and measured 20 inches.
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Born to Eusebia Zepeda and Jorge Alberto Cordova of Morgan City, a boy, Jericho Jared Cordova, on June 10 at Ochsner St. Mary in Morgan City. He weighed 8 pounds, 4 ounces and measured 20.5 inches.

Are smokers an ideal gift for dad?

Tue, 06/15/2021 - 7:35am

Father’s Day is a great time to show dads how much they’re appreciated. That Father’s Day occurs each June may not be a coincidence, as the end of spring and the start of summer is when many dads kick their grilling game into high gear.
Dads once had few options in regard to how cook their favorite foods outdoors. Thankfully, grills have emerged from their dark ages and entered what must be viewed as their very own renaissance period. A stroll through the outdoor cooking section of a local home improvement retailer will reveal an assortment of grills for sale, each with its own advantages.
In recent years, many outdoor cooking enthusiasts have taken to smoking, a “slow and low” way of cooking that aims to impart smoky flavors to anything from brisket to Thanksgiving turkeys. Foods cooked on a smoker are cooked at low temperatures for long periods of time. Smokers come in many varieties, which reflects their growing popularity. But that variety can make it especially difficult to determine which smoker to purchase, especially for people looking to surprise the special men in their life this Father’s Day.
The following are some popular types of smokers that may delight dads this Father’s Day.
—Kamado grills: Kamado is the Japanese word for “stove” or “cooking range.” The Big Green Egg is perhaps the most widely recognizable brand of Kamado grill on the market, though there are plenty of alternatives now available as well.
Kamado grills employ vents at the top and bottom to control temperatures, as users can open and close these vents to maintain the appropriate temperatures. Charcoal, typically lump charcoal, is placed in the bottom of the grill and food and water pans are placed on grates above the fire. The oval shape of a Kamado grill directs the smoke and heat over the food, which helps to create the smoky flavor people love.
Many people also use Kamado grills to cook more traditional backyard barbecue fare, like hot dogs and hamburgers, which does not require the slow and low method, and some even use theirs to bake desserts or cook pizzas.
—Drum smokers: Drum smokers won’t offer the aesthetic appeal of Kamado grills, but some grilling fans like them because of the build-your-own kits that make the entire grilling experience more hands-on.
Build-your-own drum smokers won’t cost nearly as much as more expensive smokers, but Father’s Day shoppers should make sure that dad will enjoy building the smoker from scratch. Modifications to drum smokers that make it possible to cook with a water pan might be worthwhile, as cooking without such an accessory can make it easy to dry out foods.
—Electric smoker: Electric smokers may be an ideal choice for the father who loves the taste of smoked foods but doesn’t want to spend all day worrying about temperatures and fiddling with vents. Electric smoker users can set the temperature, sometimes via their smartphones, and then spend the rest of their days as they please.
A computer within the smoker controls the temperature throughout the day while wood and water pans at the bottom of the device impart a smoky flavor to dad’s favorite foods.
—Propane smoker: A propane smoker employs gas, typically propane, and utilizes a bottom burner and vents to cook foods placed in the cooking chamber. However, propane smokers do not produce smoke on their own, so users typically place wood chips near the burner for that signature smoky flavor.
Much like with electric smokers, it tends to be easier to control temperatures with propane smokers than with Kamado grills or drum smokers.

Wife devastated to learn of husband’s prior conquests

Tue, 06/15/2021 - 7:25am

By Jeanne Phillips, ©United Features Syndicate

DEAR ABBY: I met my husband on the job when we were one year out of school. We are both 36. We dated for three years and were compatible in every way. Ten years later, we have two kids (7 and 5), own a home and are financially secure.
When we dated, we discussed our “history,” and he told me that he’d had five prior girlfriends. I had three boyfriends in college. Well, I learned a few months ago — at his reunion — that he completely “forgot” the part about his competitive frat-boy past with hook-ups and one-night stands. He now estimates that he was with over 50 different girls during college, but says it “shouldn’t bother me” because it was meaningless sex and in the past. He said he told me “five” because they were the ones he counted as relationships.
Now I see women on his social media who went to the same school and I obsess about how they fit into his past. It’s driving me crazy, and I feel like just a number now. I know if this situation were reversed, he’d flip out about it.
I wish I had never found this out because I see him differently now, and no longer want to be close to him. He’s a good father and husband, but I’m struggling with how to accept this new information, and I need some guidance.
WISH I DIDN’T KNOW

DEAR WISH: People usually lie because they aren’t proud of the truth. You say he has been a good husband and father. This is why you need to find it in your heart to forgive him. If you have caught him in lies since then, you have a reason to be reacting the way you have. However, if you haven’t, please consider talking with a licensed marriage and family therapist until you have worked it through. The resentment you feel could destroy your marriage. Please do not let that happen.

DEAR ABBY: My husband and I recently moved in with my grandmother, partly to help out and partly because I lost my job due to underlying health conditions that made dealing with COVID incredibly difficult. Now that we’re close to family again, some of them think they need to dictate what we do. The biggest topic is whether I should try going back to work now.
My husband is adamant that he wants me home until it’s safer for me to go out again, but my father thinks it’s not a good idea, and insists that my husband doesn’t understand “everything.” I don’t want to make either of them angry, but I feel like I need to stick with my husband, and I don’t know how to get my father to understand because he’s stubborn.
Any advice?
TORN, AND TIRED OF IT

DEAR TORN: Your husband is protective, and for that I applaud him. If you can’t work because an underlying health condition makes you more vulnerable to COVID, then as much as your father would like you out of the house and working during the day, you cannot do it. Your life could be at risk. What does your doctor have to say about this?
You are no longer a little girl. It’s time for a family discussion to iron this out, including what your father meant when he said your husband doesn’t “understand.” If it can’t be resolved in a mature and respectful manner, you and your husband may need to make other living arrangements.
***
For everything you need to know about wedding planning, order “How to Have a Lovely Wedding.” Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 to: Dear Abby, Wedding Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447.

'Guitars 4 Vets' to give instruments to PTSD victims

Mon, 06/14/2021 - 1:20pm

A local business in Franklin has teamed up with the “Guitars 4 Vets” initiative.
FIFOLET Candle Makers has teamed up with the organization and will be the official guitar drop-off location for this region. People may donate their unused acoustic guitars and FIFOLET will assure that the guitars get to the National Headquarters.
In partnership with “Guitars 4 Vets”, FIFO-LET is the official guitar drop-off location along the Cajun Coast. Guitar donations will be accepted Tuesday through Sundays from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., located at 906 1/2 Main Street in Franklin directly behind the Shadowlawn Mansion.
“On March 1 of this year, my brother Blair ended his life and his battle with PTSD and depression,” organizer Chad Boutte said. “It’s only been after his sui-cide that I have become aware of this disorder and the devastating ef-fects it has on individu-als and family members.”
Boutte said that “near the end of my brother’s life, he invited me and my siblings to get to-gether weekly and begin to learn to play the guitar. Blair found great comfort and peace in music, and really enjoyed the time spent with his brothers. It was indeed an escape from the battle he was fighting, and a very special time for all of us
“After his passing, I discovered Guitars for Vets and thought it would be the perfect organization to team up with and to share that moment of peace through the power of music with others.”
FIFOLET Candle Makers is proud to part-ner with Guitars for Vets as an official guitar drop-off location. They will receive the guitars and assure they are delivered to the Guitars for Vets home base in WI.
“Acoustic” guitars can be dropped off at the shop located at 906 1/2 Main Street, directly behind the Shadowlawn mansion. We are open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and rest on Mon-days.
Guitars for Vets, Inc. (G4V) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that strives to enhance the lives of wounded Veter-ans by providing them with free guitars and music instruction. Through self-expression and the healing power of music, it is our intent to restore the feelings of joy and purpose that can be lost after suffering trauma.
In 2007 Patrick Nettesheim, a Milwau-kee-area guitar instruc-tor, was introduced to Vietnam Era Marine, Dan Van Buskirk. Dan wanted to play guitar, but felt that the effects of Post-Traumatic Stress (PTSD) had left him with the inability to coordinate the hands and the mind. What Dan soon discovered was that the same strong heart and spirit that got him through Vietnam was all that he needed to make music and learn guitar. The lessons that Patrick and Dan shared together were enlightening for them both. Patrick’s success as a teacher was not simply about his ability to play guitar, it had much more to do with the teacher/student bond: patience, acceptance, gratitude and empathy, or being on the same PAGE, as Patrick describes it. When these human qualities are in place, valuable learning begins. “The guitar is a catalyst for positive human interaction,” Patrick explains. “It is medita-tion in motion.”
After a few months in lessons, Dan suggested the two of them bring this modality to the Vet-erans at the VAMC in Milwaukee. The idea was born, and Patrick coined the name and slogan: GUITARS FOR VETS, The healing power of music in the hands of heroes. Since 2007, Guitars for Vets has provided over 5,000 new guitars and 50,000 lessons to our Nation’s Veterans. More than 110 chapters have been established in over 40 states and 500 volunteers assure the mission is successful.
The primary focus is using the healing power of music to aid veterans. Whether we agree or disagree with the decision to go to war, one thing is for certain: These are men and women who bravely fight for and honorably represent our country. As a consequence of war, many of our soldiers come home with physical and emo-tional injuries and need support.
Guitars for Vets pro-vides 10 free private lessons to military Veterans; all qualifying Veterans are referred to the program by their VA case worker. Lessons, taught by one of more than 500 volunteer instructors are given primarily at VA facilities, and supply a loaner guitar and accessories. Individual lessons are sup-plemented by group ses-sions that offer an addi-tional forum for the Vets to talk and play music with like- minded individuals, many of whom have had the same experiences, emotions and traumas. These music sessions provide a communal atmosphere which fosters teamwork and camaraderie; in many cases, joy and inspiration returns to their lives.
Upon graduation, the Veteran is awarded a guitar, gig bag, picks, strap, tuner, stand, method book, capo and a certificate of completion. The testimonials throughout the website, www.guitarsforvets.org capture what it has meant to some of the Vets participating in the program.
For help and support with PTSD issues, please contact:
Get Help in Crisis - PTSD: National Center for PTSD (va.gov)
Or
Lifeline (suicidepre-ventionlifeline.org)

Morgan City logs for June 10-11

Mon, 06/14/2021 - 1:15pm

The following are the radio dispatch logs from the Morgan City Police Department. To report unlawful or suspicious activity, call the police department at 985-380-4605.
Thursday, June 10
6:25 a.m. 600 block of Freret Street; Fire alarm.
7:24 a.m. 300 block of Garber Street; Medical emergency.
9:54 a.m. Brashear Avenue; BOLO/St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office.
11:17 a.m. 300 block of Terrebonne Street; Complaint.
11:44 a.m. 1400 block of Federal Avenue; Complaint.
12:31 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Warrant/arrest.
1:22 p.m. 400 block of Brashear Avenue; Fire alarm.
4:30 p.m. Sixth and Fig streets area ; Medical emergency.
5:10 p.m. 800 block of Brashear Avenue; Theft.
6:02 p.m. Veterans Boulevard; Animal.
6:46 p.m. 400 block of Belanger Street; Theft.
9:44 p.m. 3100 block of Karen Drive; Officer stand by.
Friday, June 11
1:44 a.m. 100 block of Railroad Avenue; Theft.
3:13 a.m. 1500 block of Chestnut Drive; Loud noise.
4:14 a.m. 200 block of Wren Street; Suspicious person.

Man accused of possessing cocaine, meth, marijuana

Mon, 06/14/2021 - 1:12pm

(Editor’s note: The charges listed here and the narratives that go with them are provided by the police agencies that made the arrests. Guilt or innocence has not been determined in court.)
Staff Report
A Jeanerette man is accused of possessing three kinds of drugs and of traffic violations after a Thursday arrest by the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Section, according to arrest reports.
St. Mary
Sheriff Blaise Smith advised that over the last 24-hour reporting period, the Sheriff’s Office responded to 49 complaints and made these arrests:
—Darrell Traylor, 25, Jeanerette, was arrested at 4:59 p.m. Thursday on charges of improper display of license plate, improper lane usage, possession of marijuana, possession of MDMA (ecstasy) possession of cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a firearm in the presence of a controlled dangerous substance.
—Jondre Jaman Wesley, 38, Franklin, was arrested at 1:35 p.m. Thursday on a warrant alleging failure to appear on the charge of for domestic abuse battery. Bail has not been set.
—Andrew William Kovac Jr., 39, Amelia, was arrested at 1:35 p.m. Thursday on a warrant alleging failure to appear on the charge of simple criminal damage to property. Bail was set at $2,500.
—Varice Kevin Richardson, 27, Amelia, was arrested at 3:05 p.m. Thursday on charges of criminal trespass, simple battery and probation violation. Richardson is being held for another agency.
—Damien Kane Keller, 37, Bayou Vista, was arrested at 2:35 p.m. Thursday on two warrants alleging failure to appear on the charges of theft (two counts) and criminal trespassing. Keller also held an active warrant through the Alabama Department of Corrections for probation violation.
Bail was set at $5,000 on the SMPSO warrants, and Keller is being held for another agency.
—Chad Toups, 47, Amelia, was arrested at 6:37 p.m. Thursday on a charge of forgery. No bail has been set.
—Johnny Derouen, 58, New Iberia, was arrested at 1:46 a.m. Friday on charges of driving under suspension and improper lane usage. Derouen was released on a summons to appear Sept. 21.
Traylor was released on a $15,250 bond.
—Paul Marks, 29, Jeanerette, was arrested at 4:35 p.m. Thursday by the Narcotics Section on charges of improper lane usage, possession of alcoholic beverages in motor vehicles and possession of marijuana. Marks was released on a summons to appear Sept. 1.
Morgan City
Police Chief James F. Blair reported that over the last 24-hour period, the Morgan City Police Department responded to 28 calls for service and made these arrests:
—Laniya Grogan, 21, Cardinal Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 12:01 p.m. Thursday on a 6th Ward Court warrant alleging contempt of court (two counts of violating terms on probation).
—Carlette Singleton, 58, Bush Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 6:12 p.m. Thursday on a warrant alleging simple battery.
Assumption
Sheriff Leland Falcon reported these arrests:
—Oscar Joseph Davis, 45, Pugh Street, Paincourtville, was arrested Thursday on charges of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, driving on a roadway laned for traffic, speeding and flight from an officer.
Davis was arrested Thursday afternoon in connection with an incident May 15.
On May 15, deputies were dispatched to the Gilbert Dupaty Memorial Park in Paincourtville in connection with a possible stolen automobile.
The complainant-victim reported that earlier that day, she attended a party in Napoleonville with Davis. At some point, Davis drove off in her car and was in an intoxicated condition. When the car was located, there was significant damage to it.
Davis allegedly admitted to the victim that he had taken and wrecked her vehicle.
Investigating deputies requested and were granted arrest warrants for Davis.
Davis was arrested on Thursday afternoon on the automobile theft charge, plus charges in warrants related to a second case from April 24.
A detainer from Probation and Parole was placed on Davis due to prior convictions.
His bond is set at $17,000 for the new charges, but he is being held without bond on the Department of Corrections detainer.
—Lynell Chivon Allen, 39, Park Avenue, Thibodaux, was arrested Tuesday on charges of aggravated assault upon a dating partner, disturbing the peace and two counts of resisting an officer.
The charges grew out of a disturbance at a Cody Street address in Labadieville on Tuesday.
Deputies were dispatched to the location and made contact with the complainant. He advised that he and Allen were engaged in an argument when she obtained a knife and threatened him with it.
Deputies then interviewed the suspect.
Based on facts obtained through the interviews, Allen was arrested and booked into the Assumption Parish Detention Facility. He remains incarcerated in lieu of $31,000 bond.
St. Martin
Sheriff Becket Breaux reported these arrests:
—Andrew Kovac, 39, Wise Street, Patterson, was arrested on an extradition warrant.
—Don Provost, 47, Zin Zin Road, Breaux Bridge, was arrested Thursday on a warrant alleging failure to appear.
—Jarred Sam, 30, Hebert Avenue, Breaux Bridge, was arrested Thursday by the Breaux Bridge Police Department on a charge of third-degree rape.

Tropical development chance at 60%

Mon, 06/14/2021 - 10:56am

The National Hurricane Center has increased the chance for tropical development in the Gulf of Mexico to a medium 60%. A broad low pressure system in the Bay of Campeche will slowly drift north this week. By the end of the week it could be a tropical depression in the central Gulf.
Because of its close proximity to our region by next weekend, rain chances will be going up. In addition, tides will run above normal, according to NHC..
More specific details will come into focus as we head through this week, so be sure to keep up with updates from the National Hurricane Center and the National Weather Service in Lake Charles.
There are two other systems NHC is monitoring. A low pressure system has a high 70% chance for development off the coast of North Carolina. That system will not be a threat to the U.S. A tropical wave coming off the coast of Africa has a low 20% chance for development, but it will run into an unfavorable environment later this week.

Tennessee defeats LSU, Mainieri bids farewell

Mon, 06/14/2021 - 10:00am

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee belted six home runs Sunday as the Volunteers defeated LSU 15-6 to win the Knoxville Super Regional and advance to the College World Series. LSU lost the first game in the series Saturday, 4-2.
Tennessee improved to 50-16 with its fifth straight NCAA Tourn-ament win. LSU completed its season with a 38-25 record.
Sunday’s game marked the end of the career of LSU coach Paul Mainieri, who announced on May 28 that he would retire at the end of the Tigers’ 2021 season.
Mainieri completed his 39-season coaching career with a 1,505-777-8 record, including a 641-285-3 mark in 15 seasons at LSU.
LSU won 31 team championships during Mainieri’s tenure, including the 2009 national championship, nine NCAA Regional championships, five NCAA Super Regional championships, four SEC regular-season titles, six SEC Tournament titles and six SEC Western Division crowns.
Mainieri completed his career No. 7 among NCAA Baseball Division I coaches in wins, and he is one of only five coaches in NCAA Division I Baseball history to earn 1,500 victories and a national championship.
In Sunday’s win, Tennessee right-hander Blade Tidwell (10-3) earned the win as he worked seven innings and allowed six runs on seven hits with no walks and seven strikeouts.
LSU starter Landon Marceaux (7-7) suffered the loss as he gave up three runs — two earned — on three hits in three innings with one walk and four strikeouts.
“We felt good going into the game,” Mainieri said in a news release. “Landon has so much courage and guts, and he was unbelievable in pitching twice in the regional last weekend, but I could tell early on he didn’t have his usual stuff. His slider didn’t have the kind of bite that it normally does, and his velocity was down. It just shows you what kind of competitor he is. He gritted his teeth and battled through three innings.”
Tennessee, the visiting team for Sunday’s game, grabbed a 2-0 lead in the top of the first inning when third baseman Jake Rucker unloaded a two-run homer, his eighth of the season.
LSU responded in the bottom of the first with a run as right fielder Dylan Crews led off the frame with his 17th homer of the season.
Rucker hit a solo homer with one out in the third to extend Tennessee’s lead to 3-1, but Crews again responded with a two-out solo homer in the bottom of the inning to narrow the gap to 3-2.
Tennessee catcher Connor Pavolony blasted a two-run homer in the fourth against reliever Garrett Edwards, giving the Vols a 5-2 advantage.
The Vols erupted for six runs in the fifth, which was highlighted by right fielder Jordan Beck’s three-run homer.
LSU reduced the deficit to 11-4 in the sixth on a two-run homer by first baseman Tre’ Morgan, and the Tigers trailed 11-6 when designated hitter Brody Drost launched a two-run homer in the seventh.
However, Tennessee leftfielder Evan Russell hit a two-run homer in the eighth, and the Vols added two runs in the ninth for the final.
“Our kids battled like crazy all year,” Mainieri said in the release. “We were counted out a lot of times during the course of this year, and our guys never gave up. They’re a resilient bunch, and I love them. I’ll always remember them. They’re my last team.
“I don’t want people to be sad for me,” Mainieri added. “I’m the luckiest guy in the world. Thirty-nine years of being able to live out a childhood dream of being a college baseball coach. I got to do what I wanted to do with my life. Who could ask for more?”
Tennessee 4, LSU 2
Tennessee erased a 2-1 deficit with three runs in the bottom of the sixth inning Saturday night, and the Volunteers defeated LSU 4-2 in Game 1 of the NCAA Super Regional at Lindsey Nelson Stadium.
Tennessee starting pitcher Chad Dallas (11-1) earned the win, limiting the Tigers to two runs — one earned — on five hits in six innings with a career-high 12 strikeouts.
“It was a great ball game,” Mainieri said in a news release. “Dallas threw an awful lot of sliders, and we just didn’t have an answer for them. We just had a tough time making contact against him.”
LSU reliever Javen Coleman (3-2) suffered the loss as he allowed three runs on three hits in three innings with three walks and five strikeouts.
Right-hander Ma’Khail Hilliard started for the Tigers and limited Tennessee to one run on three hits in five innings with six strikeouts.
“Ma’Khail and Javen were both terrific tonight,” Mainieri said in the release. “There was that one crazy inning where there was only one hard-hit ball, but Tennessee was able to scratch across three runs.”
Tennessee reliever Sean Hunley earned his ninth save of the year as he fired three shutout innings and surrendered three hits and recorded four strikeouts.
LSU opened the scoring in the top of the second inning when third baseman Cade Doughty launched a solo homer, his 13th of the year.
Tennessee tied the game in the bottom of the third when Beck doubled, moved to third on a groundout by designated hitter Pete Derkay and scored on Pavolony’s RBI grounder.
LSU regained the lead in the fifth when centerfielder Drew Bianco scored when Pavolony’s errant throw to third skipped into left field.
The Volunteers, however, scored three runs in the sixth against Coleman as centerfielder Drew Gilbert and first baseman Luc Lipcius provided RBI groundouts, and Beck delivered a run-scoring single.
LSU threatened in the ninth with runners at second and third with two outs, but Hunley struck out shortstop Jordan Thompson to end the game.
“We had a chance there in the ninth,” Mainieri said, in the release, “but we just couldn’t get the hit to tie the ball game.”

La. legislators took on big issues

Mon, 06/14/2021 - 9:56am

By MATTHEW BENNETT, ADRIAN DUBOSE and RYAN NELSEN, LSU Manship School News Service

BATON ROUGE — Buoyed by billions of dollars in federal COVID-19 relief aid, Louisiana legislators took on several big issues this spring and made progress in simplifying the tax code, supporting education and expanding criminal-justice reform.
Some public-interest groups praised the tax changes as important steps toward strengthening Louisiana’s economy, while others expressed concern that some of the changes could lead to a budget crunch down the road.
The Council for a Better Louisiana viewed the main changes — lowering state income tax rates for individuals and corporations and eliminating deductions for what they pay in federal income taxes — as “a positive step forward,” while noting that it was only the beginning of righting a complicated, messy system.
Gov. John Bel Edwards indicated after the legislative session ended that he would support this swap in the source of state tax revenues as long as it does not cost the state much in the short run. The changes would require adjustments to the state Constitution, and if he signs the bills, residents will have to vote on them in October.
The Public Affairs Research Council said that if voters approve, the state’s tax structure will become “simpler, fairer, more competitive, and better-ranked nationally.”
But the Louisiana Budget Project, which researches how state policies affect the poor and the working class, issued a statement warning that lawmakers were relying too heavily on federal relief dollars that will soon be gone.
The group’s executive director, Jan Moller, supported the “excellent premise” of the tax swap, but bemoaned the way it was executed.
“Unfortunately, our lawmakers missed an historic opportunity to fix Louisiana’s broken tax system,” Moller said. “Legislators could have used the revenue gained by eliminating this deduction to make new investments, or to reduce racial disparities in our tax system by reducing the state sales tax. Instead, they used the revenue to cut income-tax rates for individuals and corporations.”
Moller also questioned a bill that was passed late in the session to gradually raise up to $300 million a year to improve roads and bridges.
The bill dedicates an existing tax on the sale and lease of motor vehicles to a state construction fund. But in doing so, it would shift $300 million out of the state’s general fund, and that could lead to reductions in spending on health care and higher education if the state runs into another budget crunch, Moller said.
Edwards said he shared that worry. He said he would examine the bill carefully before deciding whether to sign or veto it.
Edwards has already signed a $38 billion state budget bill. Given all the federal aid, and higher-than-expected state tax collections, it represented what the governor called “one of the best budgets in 15 years” and “a far cry from past years” when the state faced a financial crisis.
Here are some of the highlights from the budget and other bills passed during the session:
Unemployment Checks
The Legislature voted to raise the state’s unemployment wage by $28, to $275 a week, starting next year, if Edwards ends temporary federal unemployment benefits, which equate to $300, by July 31.
Edwards indicated he would make that deal to help raise the overall state benefit level, which, he said, is among the lowest in the country.
K-12 Education
K-12 public-school teachers will each receive an $800 pay raise, and school support workers will receive $400, inching them toward the Southern regional pay average. Kindergarten will become mandatory for 5 year olds with some exceptions.
Higher Education
Public universities and colleges will share in additional monies, with $19.8 million pay increases for professors that could average 2% to 2.5% or more.
Edwards also touted an $11.1 million increase in GO Grant funding for needy students and the creation of the M.J. Foster Promise Program to provide workforce training for Louisiana adults. He said total need-based need had increased four times, to $40 million, since he became governor.
Sexual Assault Reporting
After a scandal involving LSU football players, legislators created new regulations for how colleges deal with allegations of sexual assault, harassment and other misconduct, including a requirement to fire employees who fail to properly report the allegations.
Sports Gambling
Legislators passed three bills that structure how the state will welcome gambling on sports events. Bets can be placed online, in casinos or on kiosks at restaurants and bars.
Part of the funds collected from the taxation will go to the Early Education Fund. The state hopes to begin taking bets before the upcoming football season.
Marijuana Decriminalization
Edwards said he is “interested” in signing Rep. Cedric Glover’s bill that decriminalizes marijuana.
Glover, a Shreveport Democrat, authored the bill that makes possession of a half-ounce of the plant a misdemeanor summons without the threat of arrest. The fine could be as much as $100.
Currently, the state fines an individual $300, or 15 days in jail, for the first offense. Upon a second conviction, the person can be jailed for six months, and the penalties get more significant for each bust.
Policing Practices
In the wake of the killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer, the Legislature voted to ban choke holds unless an officer reasonably believes he or she is in grave danger, limit the use of no-knock search warrants and require that dashboard cameras in police cars be automatically activated when the car’s emergency lights go on.
But a measure to limit the qualified immunity that police officers have from civil lawsuits if they kill or injure while acting unreasonably died in a Senate committee.
“Pink Tax”
Rep. Aimee Freeman, D-New Orleans, was able to narrowly pass a bill that would “end the pink tax.” The measure would eliminate the state sales tax on feminine hygiene products and all diapers.
Likely Vetoes
Edwards has said he will veto two pieces of legislation, the ban on transgender athletes and a concealed handgun bill. He also seemed skeptical about a bill that would prohibit state agencies from discriminating against individuals based on their COVID-19 vaccination status.
The concealed-carry bill would allow any eligible person over 21 to carry a handgun without a permit or training. Edwards favors the current system that requires training and background checks.
Supporters of the ban on transgender youths playing on sports teams opposite their gender assigned at birth said the measure would protect girls from harm and from losing scholarships.
The NCAA has said it will not host championship games in states that pass “anti-trans” bills.
Under the bill that passed the Legislature, a ban on discrimination based on COVID-19 vaccination status would remain in place until the vaccines received full authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
The bill’s passage came after hundreds of LSU faculty members called on the university to require students to get the vaccines before coming to campus in the fall. The resolution passed 570-37 at a Faculty Council meeting.