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VFW post's Memorial Day

Patterson Memorial Post 12182 and its Auxiliary placed about 400 flags on veterans' graves last week in observance of Memorial Day to honor veterans for their sacrifice for the United States. Some members also attended two Memorial Day services held May 31 to remember the many fallen veterans along with the Post 328 American Legion Riders. A "Poppy Drive" was held on Memorial Day to support the post Relief Funds, which help veterans and families in need.

Get It Growing: Daylilies varieties are vast

Daylilies are impressive this time of year. Why aren’t they in every landscape? These herbaceous perennials are one of the most carefree flowering plants you can plant in your garden.
The daylily is a member of the lily family (Liliaceae), and its Latin name Hemerocallis translates to “beauty for a day” because the flowers typically open for only one day. Even though blooms only last one day, they are followed in quick succession by bloom after bloom for an extended period through the summer and can go into the fall.
Flowers are trumpet shaped, and there are double and single forms that range in size from 2 to 6 inches. Daylily flowers first came in colors of burgundy, yellow and orange, but through breeding, there are many new colors to choose from such as gorgeous peach, creamy whites, purples, lavender, rose and even pinks. There are multi-colored selections as well.
Flowers form on single stalks that can contain several blooms that grow up to 36 inches, making them an excellent cut flower selection for the garden. The heirloom types make especially great cut flowers.
It is best to cut daylilies with buds that are just about to open. Remember, flowers will only be open for one day. There can be more than one bloom per stalk, and individual blooms will continue to open over a few days.
There are different types of daylilies. Some are evergreen or semi-evergreen in that their foliage will remain green in winter in mild climates, and many varieties go dormant and die back to the ground in winter regardless of the climate.
Many cultivars will rebloom, and most can be encouraged to produce new blooms by removing faded flowers. There also are compact varieties that sport smaller flower heads and are well suited for small areas and for use as a border plant.
The plant foliage is narrow and strap-like with thick blades similar to that of liriope but much softer, less glossy and a lighter shade of green. Once established, daylilies are drought tolerant.
Plants grow best in full sunlight in a fertile, moist and well-drained soil, but will also grow in partially shaded areas. The best time to plant them in the garden is fall and early spring. For containers, just about any time will work.
Daylilies tolerate a wide range of soil types and are easy-care with few disease or major pest problems. Aphids, spider mites and thrips can be a problem and prevent flower blooms from opening if heavily infested. Use a year-round horticulture oil spray to help control.
Overcrowding of plants can cause a decline in flower production. It is best to thin plants every three to five years in late fall or after plants have finished blooming. You can replant in other areas or share them with friends.
Plants are easily propagated by dividing clumps, or they can be grown from seeds. They produce three-celled pods with black seeds. Fertilize plants in late winter or early spring with a low-nitrogen fertilizer such as a 5-10-10 or 6-12-12 at a rate of ½ cup per square yard.
Some varieties recommended by AgCenter professor emeritus Allen Owings are the Joy of Living that is part of the Southern Living Plant Collection, Butterfly Bliss (lavender), Cele-bration (peach with rose coloring), Goldie Locks (ruffled golden yellow), Family Reunion (yellow), High Voltage (bright red). Some others include Catherine Woodberry (lavender- pink), Grape Ripple (purple-burgundy), Happy Returns (bright yellow), Pretty Woman (rosy pink), Ruby Stella (red) and Stella d’Oro (creamy yellow).
Check out local garden centers for their available selections. If you are close with neighbors, ask them to share a few when they thin their plants.

Vacation host has worries about her young guest

DEAR ABBY: I am an active 90-year-old grandmother who every year treats my family to a week’s vacation at a beach house. We have a lovely time together.
Two years ago, my grown son, “Robert,” brought his girlfriend, “Gennifer,” and her teenage son, “Jackson.” After the trip I was shocked to hear Jackson had killed the family kittens “to see how it felt.” I was horrified, but knowing he was in therapy, I eventually agreed to allow him to join us on the trip last year.
We are now looking forward to our trip this summer. However, it was recently mentioned that Jackson has been hearing voices instructing him to kill a human. While I am sympathetic to his mental illness, I am extremely frightened for myself and for other family members who are coming. I do not want Jackson to come this year.
I am concerned that if I approach the subject with Robert, he will be upset and I will lose all contact with him. Because he lives out of state, our visits are limited as it is. Please help me, because the trip is in about four weeks.
SLEEPLESS SEASIDE

DEAR SLEEPLESS: Clearly, Jackson is seriously disturbed. Because you are fearful that you or some other family member could be hurt — or worse — talk to your son about it. That boy’s mother should not take him anywhere without first clearing it with his psychiatrist. You should not be expected to entertain him as a houseguest unless you can be assured that he won’t present a danger to himself or to others.

DEAR ABBY: I’m pleased and proud that so many people fly our American flag. However, it makes me sad and angry when I see flags that are torn and tattered. People, please. If your flag is in bad shape, take it down and dispose of it properly. Many organizations, police departments, fire departments, Girl and Boy Scouts, the VFW and American Legion collect worn and damaged flags and hold proper disposal ceremonies. Abby, please remind your readers who are proud of our country to be respectful of our flag.
FLAG WAVER IN INDIANA

DEAR FLAG WAVER: There are rules for appropriately displaying and disposing of our American flag, some of which proud Americans either choose to break or are ignorant about. (One that comes to mind addresses wearing clothing such as T-shirts, bathing suits — and face masks — bearing the likeness of the flag.) Many American Legion posts hold ceremonies once a year so people can dispose of flags that have “seen better days.” For those who are interested in learning more, and there is plenty more to learn, go online and type in a search for “U.S. flag code.”

DEAR ABBY: Should a spouse stay in a marriage with minor children involved if they have fallen out of love and are no longer sexually attracted to their spouse?
JUST WONDERING IN CALIFORNIA

DEAR JUST WONDERING: I don’t think so, because under those circumstances, the relationship is likely at some point to implode. The important issue is that the children be provided for financially and co-parented by two loving, supportive adults who can function as a team, even if they are living apart.
***
Abby shares more than 100 of her favorite recipes in two booklets: “Abby’s Favorite Recipes” and “More Favorite Recipes by Dear Abby.” Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $16 (U.S. funds) to: Dear Abby, Cookbooklet Set, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447.

Suspect in 2020 Baldwin homicide returned to St. Mary

(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.)

The Baton Rouge woman accused in the 2020 shooting death of a Baldwin resident has been returned to St. Mary Parish from Baton Rouge, the Sheriff’s Office said.

Also in arrest reports, police say a man suspected of stealing a vehicle May 25 in Berwick has been arrested in Mississippi and returned to St. Mary. And Assumption Parish deputies investigating the distribution of heroin in the Amelia area made an arrest in that case.

St. Mary
Sheriff Blaise Smith advised that over the last 24-hour reporting period, the Sheriff's Office responded to 38 complaints and made these arrests:
—Andreniki Franklin, 29, Baton Rouge was booked in St. Mary at 2:54 p.m. Thursday on charges of second-degree murder and obstruction of justice (tampering).
Deputies responded to a call of a person injured and possible shooting at 12:31 a.m. May 30, 2020. Deputies discovered that a woman, identified as Karlnita Marks, 25, of Baldwin, had been shot and transported to a hospital. Marks later died as a result of the incident.
During the investigation, Franklin was developed as the suspect. In April 2021, the case went to the grand jury and an indictment was handed down.
On May 28, the Louisiana State Police Fugitive Apprehension Unit and East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office Warrants Division made contact with Franklin at the Mallard Crossing Apartments in Baton Rouge. Franklin was arrested on a warrant alleging second-degree murder and obstruction of justice-tampering.
On Thursday, corrections deputies transported Franklin to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking. Franklin was subsequently transported to the Morgan City Jail for incarceration.
Bail has been set at $600,000.
—Gordon Moses, 39, New Orleans, was arrested 7 p.m. Thursday on charges of speeding and driving under suspension. Moses was released on a summons to appear Sept. 1.
—Harry James Smith III, 28, Franklin, was arrested at 9:19 p.m. Thursday on charges of careless operation and driver must be licensed. Smith was released on a summons to appear on Sept. 1.
—Charles Joseph Berger, 31, Pierre Part, was arrested at 10:15 p.m. Thursday on a charge of speeding. Berger was released on a summons to appear Sept. 1.
—Jada Cook, 21, Houma, was arrested at 11:11 p.m. Thursday on a charge of possession of marijuana. Cook was released on a summons to appear Sept. 1.
—Arthur Geraldo Welsh Jr., 26, Morgan City, was arrested at 11:11 p.m. Thursday on a warrant for failure to appear on the charge of possession of marijuana. No bail has been set.
—Mason Carnley, 20, Morgan City, was arrested at 1:30 p.m. Thursday on charges of speeding and possession of marijuana. Carnley was released on a summons to appear Sept. 1.
Deondric Butler, 25, Franklin, was arrested at 11:57 a.m. Thursday on charges of possession of marijuana and possession of a controlled dangerous subtance in the presence of a minor. Butler was released on a summons to appear Sept. 1.

Berwick
Police Chief David Leonard reported this arrest:
—Elias Todd, 27, Shannon Street, Patterson, was booked Thursday on Berwick warrants alleging theft of a motor vehicle and theft under $1,000.
On Thursday, officers with the Berwick Police Department traveled to Harrison County Jail in Biloxi, Mississippi, in reference to Todd being held there for Berwick police warrants.
Berwick police were contacted by the Biloxi Police Department at 3:24 a.m. May 31 indicating that they had just recovered a vehicle that had been reported stolen through the Berwick department. They indicated that Todd was in custody after a vehicle pursuit in Mississippi in the stolen vehicle.
Berwick officers made contact with Todd at Harrison County Jail and took him into custody. He was transport-ed back to Berwick Jail, where he was booked on the Berwick warrants.
The warrants stem from an incident in which a vehicle was reported stolen May 25 from Berwick in the early morning hours. Todd was immediately developed as a suspect and warrants were prepared for his arrest. Todd is currently being housed at St. Mary Parish Jail.

Franklin
Police Chief Morris Beverly said the Police Department responded to six complaints over the 24-hour reporting period and made this arrests:
—Keith Navy, 57, of Willow Street, Franklin, was arrested at 6:47 p.m. Thursday on charges of possession of Tramadol), and possession of drug paraphernalia. Navy was booked, processed and held with no bond set at the time of press release.

Assumption
Sheriff Leland Falcon reported these arrests:
—Jason J. Matthews Sr., 39, Friendship Lane, Amelia, was arrested Tuesday on charges of illegal use of a con-trolled dangerous substance in the presence of a person under 17, possession with intent to distribute heroin, possession of drug paraphernalia and two counts of resisting an officer, and as a fugitive from St. Mary Parish.
Over the past several months, deputies investigated the sale of large quantities of heroin.
Agents established probable cause to apply for a search warrant at a Cecilia Street residence in Bayou L’Ourse, a second address used by Matthews.
On Tuesday, narcotics agents executed a search warrant at the address and seized drug paraphernalia and suspected heroin. Matthews is also accused of attempting to destroy evidence.
At the conclusion of the investigation, Matthews was arrested and booked. He remains incarcerated with bond set at $125,000.
—Lynn Francis Carrere Jr., 36, Roselawn Avenue, Houma, was arrested Wednesday on charges of illegal window tint, turning movements and signals required, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of methamphetamine, and on fugitive warrants from Terrebonne Parish.
—Jessie Ray Breaux, 31, Danos Court, Chauvin, was arrested Wednesday on charges of possession of meth-amphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.
The charges arose from a Wednesday evening traffic stop in Bayou L’Ourse.
An I.C.E. assigned deputy was conducting patrolling maneuvers in the Aristle Road area when he observed a vehicle commit a traffic violation.
The deputy made contact with the driver, identified as Carrere. The deputy initiated verbal dialogue exchange with Carrere and at some point, based on the actions and behavior of Carrere, the officer requested and was granted consent to search.
During the search process, deputies seized quantities of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia which was attributed to both suspects.
Carrere and Breaux were arrested and booked into the Assumption Parish Detention Center. Bond was set at $25,000 each.
—Felicia Thibodeaux Bourque, 34, Pauline Street, Pierre Part, was arrested Thursday on charges of possession of Adderall, illegal carrying of weapons in the presence of a controlled dangerous substance, possession of marijuana and possession of methamphetamine.
The arrest followed a traffic stop Thursday in Pierre Part.
An I.C.E. assigned uniformed patrol officer observed a vehicle commit a traffic violation and initiated a stop of the vehicle.
The deputy made contact with the driver, identified as Bourque. The deputy conducted an interview and found the driver to be acting in a nervous manner.
The deputy interviewed the passenger. As a result of the interview, deputies searched the suspect vehicle and recovered several types of controlled dangerous substances.
Bourque was arrested and booked into the Assumption Parish Detention Center
pending a bond hearing.
—Eric Scott Castagnetta, 35, Callais Lane, Golden Meadow, was arrested Wednesday on charges of prohibited acts (Schedule I), prohibited acts (Schedule II), possession of heroin, possession of methamphetamine, driving under suspension, driving on roadway laned for traffic and unauthorized use of a movable, and as a fugitive from Elayne Hunt Correctional Facility.
A uniformed patrol officer eastbound on U.S. 90 observed another eastbound vehicle ahead of him commit multiple traffic violations and initiated a stop of the vehicle.
The deputy made contact with the driver, now identified as Castagnetta, and engaged in an interview.
Deputies learned through a computer check that Castagnetta was a wanted fugitive from Elayne Hunt Correctional Facility with a violent offender status attached. The automobile Castagnetta was driving had been reported stolen earlier this year.
Castagnetta was detained while deputies conducted a walk-around for officer safety as well as inventory search.
During that process, deputies seized numerous types of illegal drugs as well as assorted paraphernalia.
Castagnetta was arrested and booked into the Assumption Parish Detention Center with a bond set at $140,000.

Central Catholic High awards and scholarships

The Central Catholic High students shown here received scholarships and awards at the school's recent Awards Breakfast. More pictures will appear in an upcoming edition. The photos are courtesy of Wade Gussman Photography.

Youth vaccinations off to slow start in St. Mary

Nearly a month into the effort to inoculate those ages 12-15 with the COVID-19 vaccine, numbers are low, but the Region 3 director of the Louisiana Department of Health said that the timing for the introductions plays a part in that.
According Dr. Chip Riggins, the state health agency’s director in Region 3, the Emergency Use Authorization granted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on May 10 coincided with the end of the school year, producing lower numbers thus far.
However, he said that age group is something the state and Region 3, which includes St. Mary Parish, will be increasing efforts in this summer.
“We do want to encourage folks with kids in that group to go ahead and not wait, come in,” Riggins said. “It’s a good time to get it started.”
This summer, he said the state would be working with businesses, churches and community groups to hold events to give the vaccine.
The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is the only one that has been granted approval thus far. Because only one company has been given approval of the vaccine, it is limited to the parish’s Public Health Unit in Morgan City and Ochsner St. Mary. Appointments can be made at either location to get kids the vaccine. Written parental consent is not required but strongly encouraged, Riggins said.
According to the Louisiana Department of Health, 1.92%, or 18,856, of all those who have begun the vaccine sequence are in the ages 5-17 group. A total of 0.84% of all those who have been fully vaccinated, or 12,017, come from this age group, too. There are 768,262 in this age group who have not received a vaccine.
While the age group is characterized as ages 5-17, it actually only includes those who are ages 12-17, Riggins said.
“We used the 5-17 age range early in the pandemic to capture school-age children in our case reporting, so for consistency, we have matched those categorizations for vaccinations,” Louisiana Department of Health Public Information Officer Mindy Faciane said.
Closer to home in Region 3, state data shows that 1.49% of all those who have begun the vaccination regime, or 1,031, come from the 5-17 age group.
In the region, 0.68% of all those fully vaccinated, or 777, come from this age group. There are 69,916 who have not been vaccinated in the 12-17 age range.
In St. Mary Parish, the state’s data shows that of those who have begun the vaccination sequence, 0.86% of that population, or 61 youngsters, come from the 12-17 age group. Of all that have completed the vaccine, 0.49%, or 65 total, come from this age group. The total who have not been vaccinated in this age group is 8,903.
Nationally and in the state, the American Academy of Pediatricians, as well as pediatricians, are joining government health professionals in the effort to encourage parents to have their children vaccinated.
“Because I think that’s where parents go for that information,” Riggins said. “That’s the trusted voice about childhood immunizations.”
Teche Action Clinic CEO Dr. Gary Wiltz noted that the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine has an effective rate of 100% in children.
“So you can’t get any better than that,” he said.
The longtime physician said the system in place for giving the vaccines Emergency Use Authorizations is a great one.
“That is, the clinical trials were done in accordance with all the FDA regulations, and that’s why they got the Emergency Use Auth-orization,” Wiltz said. “So it’s not like it hasn’t been tested. It has been tested, and the sample size that it was tested in was felt to be adequate and representative with confidence that it was granted the Emergency Use Authorization.”
Riggins said when the Moderna vaccine is approved for this age group, availability will expand to other locations.
Wiltz said his agency is surveying the parents of those eligible for the vaccine before even determining how much of it they will need to order. He said about 2,000 people his agency serves in St. Mary Parish would qualify in the 12-15 age group.
The shots youngsters will receive are the same one adults received, and the same flu-like type symptoms experienced in adults are expected in children.
“For the most part, kids tolerate the vaccine a little bit better,” Riggins said. “Of course, they don’t vocalize their symptoms maybe as well sometimes, but yes, the side-effect profile seems to be similar and tolerable.”
In referencing the 5-17 age group used on the state’s website, Faciane noted that the eligibility for vaccines has changed before and probably will change again.
Riggins said that’s where medicine is headed with the vaccine with studies first, and then after approval is given by the FDA, opening up the age group even further.
Wiltz said today’s youth are “probably the most vaccinated group that we’ve ever had in history.”
He and Riggins did recognize how parents will take a closer look at the vaccines because unlike themselves, it will be given to a loved one.
“You want to do what’s best for them, and you can only base it on science,” Wiltz said. However, he said the science has proven itself.
The recommended age to begin giving a flu shot is six months old, and further down the line, Riggins said he thinks that’s where medical professionals will go with the COVID-19 vaccine.
As of Thursday in all age groups, the state has begun nearly 1.66 million vaccine series and has concluded almost 1.48 million, according to state Department of Health data.
In Region 3, 28.82% of the population has been vaccinated, which is the fourth-best among the state’s nine regions. The number of people fully vaccinated in the region is 128,288, according to the state data.
In St. Mary Parish, 14,606 series have been started and 13,181 have been completed, according to the state.
Riggins said getting the younger age group vaccinated is important.
“If we can get a significant number of younger adults and of children, I think it’s going to bode much better for a normal school year, and we’re kind of minimizing the other mitigation measures that are necessary if we see more spikes due to the COVID,” he said.

DEBORAH MARY STANSBURY JONES

March 31, 2021 — May 31, 2021
Deborah Mary Stansbury Jones, 72, of Hilliard, Ohio, passed away peacefully in the presence of her loving family on May 31, 2021, after a courageous battle with ovarian cancer.
Deborah was born March 31, 1949, in Morgan City, Louisiana. She was the valedictorian of the class of 1967 at Morgan City High School then graduated with a Biology major and Physics minor at Louisiana State University in 1971. A dedicated Air Force wife, Debbie was a teacher in numerous schools throughout the United States as she followed her husband’s career.
Debbie met her husband of 50 years, David Jones, at Louisiana State University in 1969 when he asked a friend “who is that girl and can I have a date with her,” the two most important questions he’s ever asked. They married June 5, 1971. Together they traveled throughout Europe, the Baltic, and St. Petersburg, Russia. After retiring, they settled and lived for many years in Beavercreek, Ohio.
Debbie had many accomplishments in her life, none more important than being a mother and grandmother. Throughout her illness, her greatest desire was that she would live long enough for her grandchildren to know her love. There is no question she succeeded.
A dedicated genealogist, Debbie brought to life thousands of ancestors through her meticulous research. Debbie served as a precinct captain of the Greene County Ohio GOP Central Committee. She also was a member of Noble Circle Sisters, a cancer support community, where she found many dear and supportive friends. She was a Court Appointed Special Advocate-Guardian ad litem (CASA) for six years, lending her voice on behalf of abused and neglected children.
Debbie is preceded in death by her parents Merlin Conrad Stansbury and Margaret Mary Cram and her stepfather Nicholas Paul Spinella. She is joyfully reuniting with them and her beloved grandparents Bruce and Mary Cram.
Debbie is survived by her husband, USAF Lt. Col. David K. Jones (ret), and her daughters Erin (Michael) Pettegrew of Hilliard, Ohio, and Courtney (Sean) Nealon of Jupiter, Florida, her brother Merlin “Chip” (Rena) Stansbury, her sister Maria (Robin) Preston, and grandchildren Samantha and Sydney Pettegrew and Conner and Claire Nealon and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins who were all precious to her.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance, or the Terrebonne Genealogical Society.
Family will welcome visitors at Tidd Family Funeral Home in Hilliard, Ohio from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, June 10, 2021. Her funeral will be held at Scioto Ridge United Methodist Church on Friday, June 11, 2021 at 11 a.m., Pastor Jason Wellman officiating. Debbie will be interred in Morgan City, Louisiana and a Celebration of Life will be held there later this year. www.tiddfuneralservice.com.
Tidd Family Funeral Home, 5265 Norwich St., Hilliard, Ohio 43026, is in charge of arrangements.

Wheel House for June 4

RUMMAGE SALE
Hosted by Patterson United Methodist Church, 1204 Main St., Patterson, from 8 a.m. to noon, Saturday, June 5. Features clothes, shoes, jewelry and household items.

LOSS OF SPOUSE
Luncheon meeting resumes 12:30 p.m. July 16, Atkinson Memorial Presbyterian Church hall, for fellowship for those who have lost a spouse. For info call 985-385-2772.

Around Town for June 4

Happy birthday Saturday to Nettie Ruth Valentine from family, friends and Ira … Happy anniversary Brandon and Michelle Delco from family and friends … Happy birthday Jody Carinhas from the gang at MC Rentals

Pages

ST. MARY NOW

Franklin Banner-Tribune
P.O. Box 566, Franklin, LA 70538
Phone: 337-828-3706
Fax: 337-828-2874

Morgan City Review
1014 Front Street, Morgan City, LA 70380
Phone: 985-384-8370
Fax: 985-384-4255