SACRED HEART
Thrift Store, 304 South Railroad, Morgan City, open 8:30-11 a.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays for sales and to receive donations.
5K COLOR RUN
Sponsored by City of Patterson 8 a.m. Saturday, May 1. Cost $25. Forms at City Hall, Patterson Police Department and Patterson Community Center. Starts at Hattie Watts Elementary. Registration also accepted day of event.
Welsh
Class A
First place, Bert Logston (tournament champion), Pleasantville, Iowa, 5 wins-0 losses, 63.5 ringer percentage; second place, Ricky Richard, Church Point, 3-2, 42.5; and third place, Tim Gilmore, Bayou Vista, 3-2, 54.0.
Class B
First, Dale Pearce, Bayou Vista, 4-1, 26.5; second, Alois Habetz, Sulphur, 3-2, 32.0; and third, Charles Savoy, Jennings, 2½-2½, 34.5.
Class C
First, Mack Thibodeaux, Lake Arthur, 4-1, 29.0; second, Glenn Miller, Belle River, 2½-1½, 29.0 and third, Clyde Landry, Pierre Part, 3-2, 29.0.
Class D
First, Benita Williams (class champion), Sulphur, 5-1, 5.4; second, Gaylin Habetz, Sulphur, 5-2, 17.5; and third, Clay Weaver, Lacassine, 4-2, 15.0.
Habetz defeated Weaver in a 40-shoe playoff game after a three-way tie in regulation, then dropped the next game to Williams.
Class E
First, Joe Primeaux, Broussard, 4½-½, 7.9; second, Pactrick Thibodeaux, Lake Arthur, 4-2, 7.9; and third, Charlie Benoit, Lake Arthur, 2-4, 5.0.
New research examines how Louisiana organizations and college centers working in the area of violence against women leveraged technology to adapt their services and outreach efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lead investigator and LSU Assistant Professor of Media Law Fanny Ramirez found that digital media were a vital and effective tool in helping organizations stay connected to current clients and reaching community members through education and health campaigns.
Rising domestic abuse and sexual violence rates worldwide, coupled with Louisiana’s stay-at-home order during COVID-19, presented unique challenges for those working to combat violence against women during the pandemic.
How would such organizations engage in outreach efforts and offer services to women at risk with in-person interactions highly limited?
To understand how Louisiana organizations adapted, Ramirez, an LSU Reilly Center Research affiliate who holds a joint appointment with the Manship School of Mass Communication and LSU’s interdisciplinary Center for Computation and Technology, interviewed 20 participants working in the area of violence against women in Louisiana: eight upper-level administrators from sexual violence prevention, support and education programs at higher education institutions and 12 from state-level accredited sexual assault and domestic violence centers.
Findings suggest that organizations had to rethink on-the-ground initiatives, reconstruct their media strategies and adapt their direct care services to best serve women at risk of sexual and domestic violence during COVID.
Remote work and the shift to virtual client services called for expansion and enhancement of digital communication means.
“Both organization types, accredited centers and higher education-based organizations, faced individual challenges due to the pandemic’s restrictions on in-person interactions, yet they were able to expand and enhance digital communication means to help women in need,” Ramirez said.
“Centers quickly transitioned current clients to virtual services like telephone counseling, and university-based programs revised their social media messaging to be more empathetic and remind students of the services available to them during the pandemic.”
“The Reilly Center strives to connect the expertise of faculty and staff with real-world challenges in the pursuit of identifying solutions and best practices,” said Jenée Slocum, Reilly Center director.
“This project does just that by leveraging Dr. Ramirez’s expertise to explore the utilization of technology in continuing to serve women experiencing violence during the unprecedented pandemic.”
Key Findings:
University programs combated pandemic challenges, such as the loss of personal connection, by thinking outside the box and developing new online engagement opportunities as well as changing their online messaging to be more compassionate and include pandemic-related health information.
Accredited centers experienced challenges advocating in hospitals and establishing connections with new clients due to pandemic restrictions but were very successful at quickly transitioning existing clients to virtual services.
Like university programs, they also worked on continuing community outreach efforts using digital media and updating their messaging to remind Louisianans that services are still available.
Creating technology-focused partnerships between accredited centers and universities across Louisiana could enhance centers’ virtual outreach and social media presence.
In addition to increased staffing for social media efforts, identifying policy adjustments and requesting funds for operational means in emergency situations or otherwise could alleviate the burdening financial aspect of limited social media campaign funding.
Digital auditing via feedback from clients is also a great tool to strengthen university programs and centers’ digital media engagement.
Emotionally driven communication may reassure potential clients that it is safe to seek help from these centers.
This would include communicating pandemic safety measures and promoting an environment of inclusivity.
Both centers and university programs can benefit from emphasizing pandemic readiness and judgment-free services.
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, April 22
6:26 a.m. 600 block of Grove Street; Complaint.
7:25 a.m. 400 block of Garber Street; Medical.
9 a.m. 2300 block of La. 70; Alarm.
9:09 a.m. Fig Street and Veterans Boulevard; Lost and found.
9:14 a.m. 3100 block of Jennie Drive; Animal complaint.
9:47 a.m. Apple Street; Disturbance.
9:57 a.m. 500 block of Orange Street; Complaint.
10:24 a.m. 500 block of Barrow Street; Arrest.
11:11 a.m. 1100 block of Federal Avenue; Welfare concern.
12:05 p.m. 7100 block of Park Street; Complaint.
12:07 p.m. La. 182; Complaint.
1:21 p.m. 1100 block of Marguerite Street; Animal complaint.
1:36 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Arrest.
2:19 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Complaint.
3:04 p.m. Greenwood Street; Assistance.
3:10 p.m. 700 block of Brashear Avenue; Theft.
4:33 p.m. Arizona Street; Complaint.
4:34 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Lost and found.
4:45 p.m. La. 182; Assistance.
5:05 p.m. 1800 block of Maple Street; Complaint.
5:45 p.m. 1800 block of Maple Street; Remove subject.
5:52 p.m. 100 block of Wren Street; Complaint.
6:21 p.m. 600 block of Patton Street; Complaint.
6:28 p.m. 600 block of Grove Street; Complaint.
6:42 p.m. 300 block of Egle Street; Complaint.
8:59 p.m. 700 block of Fifth Street; Remove subject.
9:10 p.m. 7200 block of La. 182; Loud music.
9:27 p.m. 1100 block of Federal Avenue; Disturbance.
10:14 p.m. 1400 block of Railroad Avenue; Loud music.
10:25 p.m. 500 block of Brashear Avenue; Complaint.
11:57 p.m. 200 block of Headland Street; Disturbance.
April is such a busy time in the garden. It’s also when we celebrate Earth Day which was held April 22. What better time to reflect on how we as gardeners can help preserve our planet for future generations than now?
We can do many things to help minimize our impacts to the environment in the way that we care for our landscapes.
According to the Pesticide Action Network of North America, each year, an estimated 1 billion pounds of pesticides are applied to U.S. farms, forests, lawns and golf courses, with more than 17,000 pesticide products currently on the market. Worldwide, 5.6 billion pounds of pesticides are used each year.
In general, landscapes that use highly cultivated plants require more chemical inputs such as fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides.
As an example, lawns of highly cultivated grasses such as hybrid Bermuda require six times the recommended amount of nitrogen fertilizer when compared to low-input options such as carpetgrass. Roses — along with many other highly cultivated and non-native plants — can require extensive spray programs to reduce disease, and they often require heavy fertilizer use for their best performance.
There are risks associated with high pesticide concentrations found in water in urban and suburban areas. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, these areas have higher concentrations of pesticides than agricultural areas in water quality monitoring data.
Nonpoint source pollution is how drinking water and ecosystems can become contaminated from rain that moves over both residential and agricultural land, picking up and carrying away excess fertilizers, herbicides and pesticide pollutants to water sources. The exponential increase in urban populations and non-permeable surfaces has made storm water runoff one the fastest growing sources of pollution.
Not only is our water a concern, but so are pollinators, beneficial insects and honeybees in addition to human pesticide exposure incidents.
Here’s the good news: You can make choices that make a difference. By using sustainable landscaping practices, you can still design an attractive landscape that is functional, low maintenance, cost efficient and environmentally friendly.
A sustainable landscape finds balance with the local climate; reduces inputs such as chemical fertilizers, herbicides, fungicides and pesticides; and promotes energy and water management for a healthier environment that can help improve both air and water quality.
Sustainable landscapes reduce inputs that can also save consumers time and money in contrast to traditional landscapes that rely heavily on highly cultivated plants. The focus of sustainable landscaping is the mindful choices of low-input plants, environmentally friendly hardscapes and gardening techniques that maximize the value of your home as well as the environment.
Planning is the first rule of sustainable landscaping. Plant selection is the first stop. Choosing plants that are native and highly adapted to our climate is key.
Once established, these plants will have reduced water, fertilizer, pesticide and time requirements. Adapted plants such as drought-tolerant plants require less water and those that are insect- and disease-resistant will require less spraying. Native plants naturally thrive in local ecosystems.
Use annuals and turfgrass in small areas, and maintain with them minimal inputs. Walkways should be constructed of water-permeable surfaces such as crushed granite, pea gravel or other types of gravel or water-permeable materials.
Keep up with weeding. By ensuring your plants are healthy and vigorously growing, they easily outcompete the weeds. Replace mulch seasonally and as needed to reduce weeds. In addition, groundcovers can be used for effective weed control. Lastly, hand pull weeds often.
Reduce the amount of turfgrass you have. Lawns require mowing, fertilizing and more water than most other landscape plants. In addition, many lawns suffer from fungal diseases such as large patch and gray leaf spot that require fungicide treatment.
Moreover, if you remember the sod webworm problem last year, you understand how lawns require a great deal of inputs such as time and chemicals that can be very expensive and are not environmentally friendly.
If you just love the lawn, help reduce your impact by raising your lawn mower blade to prevent the need for more water. Mowing your lawn too short promotes vigorous new growth that requires more water. Longer grass promotes deeper root growth and a more drought resistant lawn. In addition, it prevents the growth of weeds.
Groundcovers can be used to replace turfgrass lawns. They require a lot less upkeep. Some groundcovers such as monkey or mondo grass (Ophiopogon japonicas), creeping lily-turf (Liriope spicata) and Asian jasmine (Trachelospermum asiaticum) have been used to replace turfgrass lawns. There are also native options such as wild strawberry (Fragaria virginiana), common blue violet (Viola sororia) and creeping phlox (Phlox stolonifera).
With proper plant selection, mowing, responsible use of chemicals and good weed management, you can help reduce environmental pollution and help preserve the Earth for future generations.
DEAR ABBY: My husband recently started a new job. He works with a bunch of women, which is a switch from what I’m used to since all his previous jobs were with all men.
These women “adore” him, and I don’t think most are a threat, but two of them are very flirtatious, although he’s not one to notice that stuff. He says they act like that with everyone, but I have tried to explain there are boundaries of what’s acceptable for how a woman acts toward a married man. He thinks I’m overreacting and they don’t mean anything, but they treat me differently when he’s not around.
I am confident he wouldn’t flirt back, but they seem to take his kindness as “accepting” their behavior. I don’t want them to think he thinks it’s OK, but he doesn’t want to be rude since they all work together. What can be done, and how can I get him to see what I see?
Am I overreacting?
STUCK BETWEEN QUIET OR CONFRONTING
DEAR STUCK: You and your husband will be a lot happier if you stop obsessing about his work environment. Nowhere in your letter did you state that your husband has been unfaithful.
It would be extremely inappropriate for you to confront his co-workers. If their “adoration” gets to the point where he becomes uncomfortable, he can either tell them enough is enough or enlist the help of his supervisor or his boss.
DEAR ABBY: I was lunching with a group of women when the waiter walked up and addressed us as “you guys.” Men would be highly offended if a waiter approached a table of men and referred to them as “you ladies.” To me, there needs to be another way of addressing women that does not insult them and expect it to be accepted. It would have been just as easy to say, “What can I do for you ladies today?” or something of that nature.
One of the women at our table informed the waiter that we were a group of women, not men. Was she right to correct him?
PATSY IN ALABAMA
DEAR PATSY: The use of the word “guys” is decidedly casual. I’m sure your server — who I’ll bet was a young person — didn’t intend to insult anyone when he addressed your group as “you guys.” While I would not have been offended, clearly your tablemate was. And because she was offended, she was right to speak up — as long as she did it in a way that didn’t embarrass the server.
DEAR ABBY: My boyfriend of 11 years has a 16-year-old son from a previous relationship. Yesterday his son had a job interview, and not only did my boyfriend accompany him into the interview, he also answered the questions for his son. I tried to explain to him that parents don’t do that, but he thinks I am just being critical. Doesn’t it look bad if parents go along into interviews?
BAFFLED IN THE EAST
DEAR BAFFLED: It not only looks bad, it IS bad. It looks terrible! Your boyfriend is a helicopter parent, and as well-meaning as he may be, he is doing his son no favors. I would be shocked if the boy was hired after that interview.
***
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.
The four Tri-City area prep baseball teams qualified for the postseason when brackets were announced Sunday.
Central Catholic and Berwick are the area’s highest seeds. The Eagles are the No. 6 seed in Division IV, while Berwick is the No. 8 seed in Class 3A. Patterson is Class 3A’s No. 17 seed, and Morgan City is Class 4A’s No. 31 seed.
Morgan City (1-21) will begin the postseason first as it travels Monday at 6 p.m. to face No. 2 North Desoto (29-4) in bi-district action.
Tuesday, Berwick (17-10) will host No. 25 Lake Charles College Prep (8-18) at 6 p.m., while Patterson (15-15) will take the long trip to face No. 16 North Webster (14-15) in north Louisiana at 6 p.m.
Central Catholic (19-9) will host No. 11 Central Private (15-13) in Divi-sion IV playoffs this weekend. Division IV playoffs begin in the regional round with a best-of-three series.
Morgan City
The Morgan City Tigers finished the final week of the regular season with an 0-4 mark, all against District 8-4A opponents.
Morgan City fell to South Lafourche 15-4 at home on April 19, was routed by Vandebilt Catholic 23-0 on the road Tuesday, lost to South Terrebonne 13-3 on the road Wednesday and dropped an 18-7 decision to Vandebilt Catholic at home Thursday.
Heading into the playoffs, Morgan City and North DeSoto have no common opponents.
Morgan City will be trying to pull a huge upset on the road Mon-day and in the process snap an eight-game losing streak that began with a 9-4 loss to West-gate on April 5.
North DeSoto had won 26 straight before falling to Minden 4-3 Wednesday in District 1-4A play. The squad defeated Minden 7-2 the next evening to close the regular season.
Berwick
The Berwick Panthers finished the final week of the regular season with a 3-2 mark.
Berwick fell to E.D. White in Thibodaux on April 19 in District 9-3A action 12-2, swept a district doubleheader from Donaldsonville by scores of 15-0 and 16-1 at home Wednesday, fell to E.D. White 13-3 at home Thursday and closed the regular season with a 9-6 nondistrict victory against South Lafourche on the road Friday.
Lake Charles College Prep and Berwick played Patterson this season.
Lake Charles College Prep fell to Patterson 8-2.
Meanwhile, Berwick split with Patterson as it defeated the squad 3-2 after falling to the Lum-berjacks 5-4.
Lake Charles College Prep won three straight to end the season as it defeated Hamilton Christian, topped LaGrange and was victorious against Warren Easton.
Patterson
The Patterson Lum-berjacks finished the final week of the regular season with three losses, including two in District 9-3A action.
Patterson fell on the road to Lutcher 13-2 in district play Tuesday, lost to Metairie Park Country Day 16-7 on the road Wednesday and dropped a 5-2 contest to Lutcher at home Thursday.
Patterson and North Webster will be looking to snap losing streaks in the first round of the playoffs. Patterson has dropped three straight, while North Webster has dropped two straight, falling to Northwood Shreveport and Lakeside.
Central Catholic
The Central Catholic Eagles finished the final week of the regular season with a 4-1 mark in five district games. Central Catholic de-feated Centerville 6-3 at home on April 19, topped Covenant Chris-tian 4-1 on the road later on April 19, was routed by Hanson Memorial 16-3 on the road Tuesday, defeated Vermilion Catholic 5-1 on the road Thursday and concluded the week with a 9-0 victory against Highland Baptist at home.
More on Central Catholic’s regional matchup will be in Thursday’s newspaper.
(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.)
Morgan City and St. Martin Parish authorities made arrests involving sexual assaults against juveniles, arrest reports say. The suspect in the Morgan City case was already a registered sex offender.
In Assumption Parish, the Sheriff’s Office made arrests in a Bayou L’Ourse business burglary and a heroin possession case.
Morgan City
Police Chief James F. Blair reported that over the last 24-hour period, the Morgan City Police Department responded to 42 calls for service and made these arrests:
--Danny P. Savoie, 43, Barrow Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 10:26 a.m. Thursday on a warrant for molestation of a juvenile, indecent behavior with a juvenile and registration of sex offenders.
On March 14, the Morgan City Police Department received a complaint about Savoie having improper contact with a juvenile victim. Investigators with the Morgan City Police Department began an investigation and learned Savoie was a convicted sex offender and failed to register with the Morgan City Police Department.
During the investigation, investigators obtained an arrest warrant.
On Thursday, investigators were able to locate Savoie on Barrow Street and place him under arrest. He was booked and incarcerated at the Morgan City Police Department.
—Quintin Dewayne Douglas, 29, Tiffany Street, Morgan City, was arrested on at 1:36 p.m. Thursday on a warrant for failure to appear for trial in 6th Ward Court.
St. Martin
Sheriff Becket Breaux reported these arrests:
—Frederick Johnson, 40, Breaux Bridge, was arrested on two counts of first-degree rape and three counts of third-degree rape.
—Crystal Owen, 41, Breaux Bridge, was arrested on two counts of accessory after the fact to first-degree rape and three counts of accessory after the fact to third-degree rape.
On March 30, deputies with the St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office received a report regarding the alleged sexual assault of a juvenile.
An investigation into the allegations was initiated, and following the culmination of the investigation, Warrants of arrest were obtained for Johnson and Owen.
Following their arrests, they were both booked into the St. Martin Parish Correctional Center. Johnson’s bond was set at $290,000 and Owen’s bond was set at $80,000.
The sheriff thanked the Louisiana State Police for assistance with the investigation.
—Jude Johnson, 30, St. Rita Road, St. Martinville, was arrested Thursday on charges of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and resisting an officer.
—Ranee Reed, 24, Sun Valley Drive, Slidell, was arrested Thursday by the Henderson Police Department on charges of possession with intent to distribute marijuana, flight from an officer and aggravated criminal damage to property.
Assumption
Sheriff Leland Falcon reported these arrests:
—Jacob Valentino Turner, 32, Belle Point Lane, Napoleonville, was arrested Wednesday on charges of simple burglary and simple criminal damage to property, and an Assumption warrant for failure to appear.
The charges resulted from a commercial burglary Jan. 9 in Bayou L’Ourse .
Deputies responded to the complaint and determined that forced entry had been made into the business. The unknown subjects attempted to access an ATM machine inside the business and attempted to steal goods before they activated the alarm system.
Detectives initiated an investigation and determined that the same suspects may have been responsible for simi-lar crimes in other jurisdictions.
At some point, detectives were able to identify Turner as a suspect along with Donnie Daigle, 30, Jefferson Street, Napoleonville, Daigle was arrested Feb. 17 on identical charges.
Daigle also faced similar charges in Gonzales. Turner remained at large.
On Wednesday, Turner was arrested and booked into the Assumption Parish Detention Center. He remains incarcerated in lieu of $100,000 bond.
—Cody John Theriot, 41, Shell Beach Road, Pierre Part, was arrested Thursday on charges of speeding and possession of heroin.
—Jewel Anne Ross, 37, North Verret Street, Morgan City, was arrested Thursday on a charge of possession of heroin.
A uniformed patrol officer observed a vehicle commit a traffic violation in the 1200 block of La. 70 in Pierre Part.
The deputy initiated a stop of the vehicle and made contact with both occupants, now identified as Theriot and Ross. Both subjects displayed activity consistent with illicit drug use.
The deputy requested and obtained consent to search the vehicle. As a result of that search, a quantity of heroin was seized.
Both Theriot and Ross were arrested and booked into the Assumption Parish Detention and remain incarcerated pending bond hearings.
St. Mary
Sheriff Blaise Smith advised that over the last 24-hour reporting period, the Sheriff's Office responded to 36 complaints and made these arrests:
—Gregory Johnson, 61, Franklin, was arrested at 11:09 a.m. Thursday on charges of driving on roadway laned for traffic and two counts of possession of marijuana. Johnson was released on a summons to appear July 22.
—Nelson Lacoste Jr., 44, Berwick, was arrested at 12:29 p.m. Thursday on charges of theft, entry on or re\maining on places or land after begin forbidden, burglary from a vehicle and simple criminal damage to property.
Lacoste also held a warrant for failure to appear on the charge of theft of goods. Lacoste was released on a $1,500 bond.
—Nikolas James Morris II, 33, Thibodaux, was arrested at 11:41 a.m. Thursday on three warrants for criminal neglect of family, violation of protective orders and theft. Bail has not been set.
—Armand Joseph Thomas, 22, Baldwin, was arrested at 1:07 p.m. Thursday on charges of no license plate, no insurance, failure of owner to secure registration and driving under suspension.
Thomas was released on a summons to appear July 22.
—Jaandre K. Willis, 21, New Iberia, was arrested at 9:44 p.m. Thursday on charges of no insurance, switched or stolen license plate and improper lane usage. Willis was released on a summons to appear July 22.
Franklin
Police Chief Morris Beverly said the Police Department responded to 13 complaints over the past 24 hours and made these arrests:
—Ash Miller, Jr., 19, Moss Oaks Drive, New Iberia, was arrested at 1 p.m. Thursday on charges of establishing of speed zone, possession of marijuana and illegal carrying of weapons. Miller was booked, processed and released on a $3,750 bond.
—Clayton Holland, 41, Malcolm Street, Franklin, was arrested at 5:55 p.m. Thursday on a warrant dated April 16 for monetary instrument abuse. Holland was booked, processed and released on a $2,000 bond
Enhancements are coming to Lake End Park in Morgan City, beginning May 1, as Lake End Rentals will offer a variety of activities for visitors to the park.
Owner Jonathan Scully said he had reached out to former Mayor Boo Grizzaffi about the idea, but then COVID-19 came and put things on hold.
With a new administration, he talked to Mayor Lee Dragna, who he said supported the idea. He credited the work of the mayor and Chief Administrative Officer Charlie Solar Jr. in helping to make this happen.
The idea has grown from its original concept, too.
“Since we started working on this, it’s continued to just get bigger and bigger,” Scully said. “When we went into it, at first, we thought about maybe a little tent on the beach and just having some small rentals, one employee.”
To date, items that will be offered include umbrellas, chairs, kayaks, paddleboards, canoes, scooters, electric bicycles, speakers and corn hole.
“Everything you can think about for the beach,” Scully said.
City Recreation and Culture Director Dwayne Barbier said the addition is a positive for the park because the city can show the public they have things to offer them.
“It gives people that come a better opportunity to use the lake itself,” he said. “I think it’ll be a good thing for the lake to add those amenities.”
While Scully said the rental service will begin May 1, he was unsure if all of their inventory would be available immediately, as COVID-19 has caused some disruptions.
Scully said there are other additions in the works that he can’t disclose at the moment.
“We’re working with the city right now, and they want to see it, too,” Scully said. “We really want to make this not only just something for everybody in St. Mary Parish to come out and do. We want to bring people in from all over Louisiana and out of the state. … We want people to really see how much we want this to happen and make this the coolest park around.”
Initially, the rentals will be available on the weekend from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., but that will change if the need arises to offer it on more days or hours.
“I won’t have everybody calling saying, ‘Hey, that place is never open,’” Scully said. “So if the people want it to be open, it’s going to be open. If it needs to be open seven days a week until 9 o’clock at night, because that’s when the sun goes down, that’s when we will be open.”
Regardless of the hours offered, Scully said arrangements will be made for those who need products whenever they need them.
The rentals will be in a roped off area on the beach, and can be paid for through Venmo, a card reader or cash.
“So we’ll have everything right here,” Scully said. “They’ll be able to take payments on the beach right here.”
Scully said he has received interest from hotels about offering packages for those coming to down, and he said the Cajun Coast Visitors and Convention Bureau has discussed with him about building on the activities being offered.
“There’s a lot of stuff I won’t just kind of tell everybody,” Scully said. “I don’t want to get them too excited until it happens, but we are working on it. We really want to see it come.”
The additions are a win for the city and Scully as it will hopefully attract more visitors while Scully will offer a service.
“It is a good thing for the campers, but it also lets the public come out and enjoy it, because he will be renting to both the RV users and the general public,” Barbier said.
Sleeves Up vaccination events are planned throughout Louisiana this weekend as public health officials target people who, for whatever reason, have put off inoculating themselves against COVID-19.
The next Sleeves Up event in St. Mary Parish will be 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, May 8, at the Cypress Bayou Casino Pavilion, 832 Martin Luther King in Charenton.
Call the Louisiana vaccine hotline at 855-453-0774 to schedule an appointment or visit covidvacinne.la.gov.
The state’s latest push for vaccination comes as COVID-19 statistics are showing a small uptick in Louisiana and about a third of new Louisiana cases result from the UK variant, Gov. John Bel Edwards and Public Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter said at a press conference Thursday.
The UK variant hasn’t yet become the dominant form of the virus in Louisiana, which modeling indicated might happen as early as March. No confirmed cases of the Brazilian or South African variants have been confirmed in Louisiana.
But the number of COVID-positive people in hospitals grew slightly to 334 Thursday, and 41 of them were on ventilators.
The success of a mass vaccination site in Baton Rouge has been less than public health officials had hoped. The site was established with hours tailored to the convenience of working people: 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays, and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sundays.
“We’re going into a critical phase now where we need to target Louisianans who have been waiting and seeing what’s going to happen,” Kanter said.
The United States is also showing signs that vaccination programs are going after people who are harder to reach. Nationwide vaccinations are down 11% from the previous week, Kanter said.
“We should avail ourselves of vaccine because the supply is good,” he said.
Next week’s allocation of vaccine to Louisiana will be about the same as this week’s: about 69,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine and about 51,000 doses of the Moderna vaccine. That doesn’t count another 60,000 doses headed for Louisiana’s retail pharmacy providers.
The one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine was suspended after reports of a link to a blood-clotting condition.
But Edwards said the concern is based on only six cases among more than 219 million doses administered in the United States.
Kanter pointed to a recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine showing no connection between vaccination and miscarriages or other ill effects in pregnant women.
COVID-19 is known to be linked to problems during pregnancy, Kanter said.
Despite vaccine hesitancy, the numbers continue to grow in Louisiana.
More than 1.4 million Louisiana people have received at least one shot, according to the Louisiana Department of Public Health. About 1.2 million have completed their vaccination series.
In St. Mary, the vaccination rate is 20.13% according to the latest OPH report. The rate in St. Martin is 16.98%, and in Assumption 19.9%.
Also according to the OPH:
—3,617 COVID positives have been confirmed in St. Mary since the pandemic began and another 1,009 probable cases have been reported. The death toll is at 117 confirmed and 17 probable.
—4,693 confirmed cases have been reported in St. Martin with 463 probable. The number of confirmed deaths is at 104 with 11 probable.
—1,566 confirmed cases and 593 probable cases have been reported in Assumption, where 29 COVID-related deaths have been confirmed with seven probable.
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