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Schedules collide when mother and daughter share a car

Tue, 04/20/2021 - 3:17pm

By Jeanne Phillips, ©United Features Syndicate

DEAR ABBY: I am a 16-year-old girl, and I’m having a conflict with my mom over my car. Her car broke down and she needed to use mine, which is completely understandable, and I agreed. However, I have a work schedule I have to stick to, and I need my car to get to and from. I pay all the bills for it, and the title is in my grandfather’s name.
I asked her to let me use my car to get to and from work and for Valentine’s Day with my boyfriend. She seemed extremely upset by it, and now she and my stepdad continually tell me that should she EVER need the car, I have to give it to her.
While I understand she needs it to get to and from work, and I’m willing to be flexible so she can, her demand that I not use it the entire time hers is in the shop (majority of this time is on a weekend when she’s not working) is completely unacceptable because I also have responsibilities.
How do I help her understand that while she can use it for work because that is important, when I need it after her work hours, I should be able to use it because I pay for it? Must I just suck it up and let her continue using it (putting my relationship with my boyfriend at risk and possibly having to walk five miles to work in bad weather) or tell her the days I need it are absolute, and since it is my car, I will be using it?
CONFUSED IN MISSOURI

DEAR CONFUSED: While I agree with the concept of “yours” and “mine,” there are times when family has to pull together.
On the grand scale of things at this point, your mom’s responsibilities as an adult are more important than your love life. If your boyfriend thinks so little of you that your being carless on a special occasion will destroy your relationship, then that relationship isn’t destined to last forever.
If lacking access to your car means you would have to trudge five miles in bad weather to and from work, ask your stepdad or your grandfather if — in an emergency — one of them can transport you. But do not attempt to lay down the law to your mother, or I guarantee you will not like the consequences.

DEAR ABBY: There is this guy that I like a lot. I want to ask him out, but it recently came to my attention that we have a mutual ex-boyfriend.
Should I bring it up or let it go? He is friends with our shared ex on Facebook, and I don’t know what to do.
GUY WITH A CRUSH IN PENNSYLVANIA

DEAR GUY: Once the quarantine and social distancing are lifted, ask him out. When you do, I think it would be wise to disclose this information to your crush because it will become apparent soon enough. If things move forward, there will likely be pictures posted on Facebook.
If you try to sweep it under the carpet, he will think you are doing it because you have something to hide. Introduce the subject this way: “Small world, isn’t it?”
***
To order “How to Write Letters for All Occasions,” send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 to: Dear Abby — Letter Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447.

Two men arrested in drug overdose death

Tue, 04/20/2021 - 1:09pm

Two Acadiana men have been arrested in the drug overdose death of a third man, St. Martin Sheriff Becket Breaux said Tuesday.

Chance Thibodeaux, 29, Arnaudville, and Tory Phillips, 30, Lafayette, were arrested April 14 on charges of second-degree murder, criminal conspiracy to distribute heroin and fentanyl, and distribution of heroin and fentyl.

The Sheriff’s Office responded to a medical call June 19 to the 1000 block of Lee Gordon Road in Arnaudville.

Deputies found the third man, who was pronounced dead.

An investigation was initiated and, at the culmination of the investigation, it was determined that the victim died due to an overdose of illegal narcotics, the Sheriff’s Office said.

Arrest warrants were subsequently obtained for the individuals suspected of providing the illegal narcotics that led to his death.

Following their arrests, Thibodeaux and Phillips were both booked into the St. Martin Parish Correctional Center on the above charges.

The Sheriff’s Office thanked the Lafayette Police Department’s Tactical Narcotics Team for assistance with this investigation.

Please help us keep the streets of St. Martin Parish free of illegal drug activity by reporting suspected drug activity in your neighborhood by calling the St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Tip Line 337-394-2626.

Baseball roundup: Central Catholic is on a hot streak

Tue, 04/20/2021 - 11:44am

Staff Report

Central Catholic is 11-5 in its last 16 games, winning its most recent contest at East Ascen-sion April 12.
The Eagles defeated the Class 5A school 2-1.
Recently, Central Catholic fell to Ascension Catholic 11-3 on April 6 before defeating Chalmette 7-5 on April 8 at Nicholls State University in Thibodaux. The squad fell on April 9 to Sacred Heart on the road by an 8-4 count.
Other wins during the last 16 games include a 3-0 mark at the Central Catholic tournament last month and a 2-1 record at Lutcher’s tournament, also in March.
At the Central Catholic tournament, the Eagles defeated H.L. Bourgeois, topped Central Lafourche and were victorious against Thibodaux.
After a victory against Delcambre on the road, Central Catholic defeated Ponchatoula, fell to Lakeshore and beat Oak Grove. The Ponchatoula, Lakeshore and Oak Grove contests were at Lutcher’s tournament.
Other wins have come against Plaquemine on the road and versus Erath at home.
During the 16-game stretch, the Eagles also have fallen on the road to Opelousas Catholic and St. Thomas More.
Central Catholic is 15-8 overall and ranked No. 6 in Division IV in the latest Louisiana High School Athletic Association power rank-ings.
Patterson wins four
of last five
The Patterson Lum-berjacks have won four of their last five contests, including two wins on April 12.
Patterson defeated St. James 6-0 on April 12 in District 9-3A action after defeating West St. Mary 14-0 earlier in the afternoon in nondistrict action.
On April 6, Patterson swept a doubleheader from Donaldsonville in district play by identical 15-0 scores, but the squad fell to Vandebilt Catholic 7-3 on the road April 7 in nondistrict action.
From its appearance in the Central Catholic tournament last month to the present, Patterson is 8-8 overall and 4-3 in District 9-3A action.
At Central Catholic’s tournament, Patterson defeated Assumption before falling to Covenant Christian and losing to South Terre-bonne.
Patterson then went 2-1 in Lafayette Christian’s tournament the following weekend. After falling to Lafayette Christian, Patterson defeated David Thibodaux and topped Lake Charles College Prep.
The Lumberjacks split their district series with Berwick, winning their matchup at home and falling on the road.
Patterson dropped its home and away district contests with E.D. White and a nondistrict contest against Central Private at home.
Patterson is ranked No. 18 in the latest Louisiana High School Athletic Association Class 3A power rankings. The Lumberjacks are 14-12 overall and 4-3 in dis-trict.
Berwick wins
three straight
The Berwick Panthers have won three straight, taking a District 9-3A series from St. James and a nondistrict victory from Erath.
Berwick defeated St. James 12-0 at home on April 6 and topped the Wildcats 3-2 on the road April 8. On April 9, the squad routed Erath 13-3.
After starting the sea-son 8-1, the squad is 6-7 in its last 13 games for a 14-8 mark. Berwick also is 3-3 in district action.
At Central Catholic’s tournament, Berwick won two of three games, defeating Hanson Memorial and Erath but falling to Ascension Catholic.
After the Erath win, Berwick lost three straight, falling to New Iberia, St. Thomas Aquinas and Lakeshore. The latter two losses were in the Lutcher tournament.
After closing the Lutcher tournament with a victory against Riverside, Berwick split its district games with Patterson. The squad then dropped two straight games to Lutcher in league play.
Berwick is ranked No. 7 in the latest Class 3A power rankings.
MCHS struggles
continue
The Morgan City High School Tigers’ struggles have continued this season as the squad has dropped its last four games.
However, the squad did split a District 8-4A contest with Ellender, defeating the Patriots at home after falling on the road.
Since then, the squad has fallen to Westgate 9-4 on the road April 5, lost to Assumption 12-2 on the road April 6 and fell 12-0 at home April 7 and dropped a 10-0 contest to South Lafourche on the road on April 9.
Earlier this season, Morgan City fell to Thibodaux, Highland Baptist and H.L. Bourgeois in Central Catholic’s tournament and lost to Comeaux.
Morgan City is ranked No. 35 in the latest Class 4A power rankings. The Tigers have a record of 1-18 and a district mark of 1-4.

Berwick wins big in playoff opener

Tue, 04/20/2021 - 11:41am

GEOFF STOUTE

gstoute@daily-review.com

The fifth inning was the pivotal point of No. 14 Berwick’s first-round contest with No. 19 Kenner Discovery Health Sciences Academy.
While Berwick held a comfortable 7-0 lead, the Lady Swamp Owls scored three runs in the top of the fifth inning to make the score much more manageable.
However, Berwick (16-10) erupted for five runs in the bottom of the fifth, and added a run an inning later for a 13-3 run-rule victory in six innings.
In the top of the fifth inning with two outs and the bases loaded, Camryn Johnson hit a bases-clearing double to left field to cut the deficit to 7-3.
In the bottom of the frame, Bronwyn Colbert tripled to lead off the inning, while Lily Eues followed with a double to score Colbert. Eues scored later in the inning, while Bryleigh Dehart’s infield single scored another run for a 10-3 advantage.
Mikah Ortiz’s double off the left field fence and Ashlynn Fitter’s infield single each brought home another run for a 12-3 lead.
In the bottom of the sixth, the game ended via run-rule when Berwick’s Anna Vaccarella laid down a bunt with two strikes on a squeeze play that scored Maggie Lemoine from third.
“We had three shots at it, and normally people back off with two strikes and we didn’t,” Berwick Coach Joe Russo said adding it is something they practice and will bunt whenever they need to, regardless of the count.
Berwick had 10 hits. Ortiz led the squad with three hits, including two doubles. Colbert had a triple, Eues and Vaccarella each had a double and Fitter had two hits.
Colbert earned the win as she surrendered three runs on five hits with six strikeouts.
Colbert is “just such a good competitor,” Russo said.
“I am just so proud of that kid,” he said.
Russo also credited the defensive play of Ortiz.
“Hats off to her and a lot of the other ones who made great plays today,” he said.
Berwick will continue postseason play Wednesday when it travels to face No. 3 Jena at 4 p.m. Jena advanced after run-ruling No. 30 Carroll 16-0 in three innings in other first-round action Monday.
Patterson falls
The Patterson Lumberjills’ season came to an end as the squad fell on the road to No. 8 South Beauregard 14-3 in five innings Monday in Class 3A Bi-district softball action.
“Last night was a tough loss,” Patterson coach Chasity Toups said. “This season was tough, period. Our schedule was one of the most challenging schedules I’ve ever had as a coach. It takes a toll on the players, mentally, and that was our biggest issue. Softball is more mental than it is anything else. It’s a game of failure. You will fail more than you succeed. Any player willing to play softball has to be mentally tough.”
Toups said her team is heading in a more positive direction, though.
“My pitcher, Rylie Chaisson, is a sophomore, and she gave all of these teams a run for their money,” the coach said. “I’m looking forward to her future along with those coming back with her. We have a lot of work to do this off season, for sure. You get what you work for, not what you wish for.”
No individual stats were available from Monday’s contest.
Patterson finishes its season with a 6-15 mark.
South Beauregard improves to 19-14. The squad will continue postseason play Wednesday when it hosts No. 9 Brusly. Brusly advanced after defeating No. 24 St. James 9-4 Monday.
Tigers fall
The Morgan City Lady Tigers’ season came to an end as the squad fell to No. 10 Belle Chasse 16-1 in four innings on the road Monday in Class 4A Bi-district playoff softball action.
No individual stats were available.
Morgan City finished its season with a 5-17 mark.
Belle Chasse improves to 11-12. The squad advances to the regional round where it will travel to face No. 7 Eunice Wednesday at 5 p.m. Eunice advanced to the second-round after defeating No. 26 Eleanor McMain 18-0 in three innings in other first-round action Monday.

Monday was frustrating day for U.S. 90 drivers

Tue, 04/20/2021 - 11:35am

Staff Report

Drivers struggled with traffic in both directions Monday on U.S. 90 after accidents delivered a 1-2-3 punch.
At 11:27 p.m., the Sheriff's Office reported that westbound U.S. 90 traffic would be diverted onto La. 182 after an excavator overturned between Thorguson Road and Bayou Vista.
The westbound lanes were reopened about 45 minutes later.
Then, in the early afternoon, the Sheriff's Office reported that the eastbound lanes of the U.S. 90 bridge were being closed after a pair of crashes involving seven vehicles happened on the bridge.
Again, traffic was diverted to La. 182, but cars and tracks backed up on U.S. 90 before the lanes were reopened in mid-afternoon.
No injuries were reported in the accidents.

State announces plans for $216M in infrastructure aid

Tue, 04/20/2021 - 11:33am

DAVID JACOBS, The Center Square

Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards announced Monday how the state will use $216 million in federal dollars for road and infrastructure projects.
As part of the 2020 Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, the state of Louisiana received about $216 million for road and infrastructure projects throughout the state. Congress passed the $1.4 trillion relief package last year.
“We will certainly use these funds to replace funds that were lost as a result of the coronavirus and apply them to some of the most-needed projects in all regions of Louisiana,” Department of Transportation and Development Secretary Shawn Wilson said in a prepared statement. “Unlike previous federal bills, these funds can be used for operating costs. While none will be used for DOTD salaries, supplies or travel, we will replace some of our heavy equipment used by District forces in maintaining our state-owned highways and bridges.”
The act allocated $155 million to be used at the state’s discretion, $30 million specifically for bridge repair and replacement, $20 million for the state’s large metro areas and $11 million for electric vehi-cle charging infrastructures. DOTD selected projects from needs identified through technical anal-yses and through legislative and public input gathered at recent and past hearings on the Highway Priority Program, officials said.
The selected projects are as follows, according to the governor’s office:
Preservation
--La. 308: From Theriot Canal to St. Charles Bridge, Lafourche Parish, milling and overlay, $1.9 mil-lion;
--La. 648: From LA 20 to LA 1, Lafourche and Terrebonne parishes, milling and overlay, $1.7 million;
--La.18: From Barataria Boulevard to Louisiana Street, Jefferson Parish, milling and overlay, $2 mil-lion;
--La. 406: Left turn lane at Green Trails, Plaquemines Parish, $450,000;
--La. 31: From St. Martinville to LA 92-1, St. Martin Parish, patching and overlay, $2 million;
--La. 173: From LA 1 to U.S. 71, Caddo Parish, asphalt overlay, $900,000;
--La.: From West Carroll Parish line to U.S. 65, East Carroll Parish, overlay, $2.1 million;
--La. 15: From U.S. 425 to Ouachita Parish line, Richland Parish, asphalt overlay, $3.3 million;
--La.108: From I-10 to LA 1256, Calcasieu Parish, patching, cold planing and overlay, $4.1 million;
--La. 99 and LA 102: From LA 3086 to LA 26, Jefferson Davis Parish, milling and overlay, $1.7 mil-lion;
--U.S. 71: Turn lanes for emergency staging area, Rapides Parish, $1 million;
--La. 119: Embankment slide repairs, Natchitoches Parish, $5 million;
-La.- 914, LA 915 and LA 916: Catahoula Parish, patching and overlay, $2.1 million;
--La. 68: From U.S. 61 to LA 964, East Feliciana Parish, stabilize and overlay, $2.9 million;
--La. 78: From U.S. 190 to LA 1, Pointe Coupee Parish, patching, thinning and overlay, $1.5 million;
--La. 441: From LA 42 to I-12, Livingston Parish, milling and overlay, $900,000;
--La. 16: From Livingston Parish line to LA 63, St. Helena Parish, milling and overlay, $3 million.
Major Investment
--I-49: Work TBD, Lafayette Parish, $50 million;
--I-20: Widening from U.S. 165 to approximately 2 miles eastward, Ouachita Parish $20 million;
--U.S. 190 utility relocation: St. Landry Parish, $8 million.
Direct Category Expenditure
--Bridge replacement and rehabilitation, Calcasieu Parish, $29.4 million;
--Electric vehicle charging infrastructure, statewide, $11.3 million;
--Allocations for greater than 200,000 population, metropolitan planning organizations, $19.9 million.
District Priorities
--$26 million to the district offices for regional congestion relief and equipment replacement.
Surplus
--The administration is requesting TTF match Highway Priority Program, statewide, $35 million.

IRIS CRAPPELL FRY

Tue, 04/20/2021 - 11:27am

May 18, 1944 — April 9, 2021
Iris Crappell Fry, 76, a resident of Morgan City, passed away on Friday, April 9, 2021 after a long illness surrounded by her loving family.
Iris was born on May 18, 1944 in Morgan City, the daughter of Preston and Narcess Fabre Crappell.
Iris was a tremendously, hard worker that was gifted with many talents; however, her greatest gift was being the best mom and mawmaw “in the world”. She was a very creative licensed florist that enjoyed many years working in the floral industry. Iris was a solid rock for her family and so many others. Everyone depended on her for love, support and sound advice. Usually, her advice would simply be ‘Pray and Trust God!’ She was a natural nurturer and loved taking care of others. She spoiled all her children and grandchildren by cooking them special meals that they requested. She was a wonderful cook and loved feeding everyone! Although everything she cooked was delicious, she was especially known for her homemade biscuits, blackberry dumpling, and sweet potato pies. She was a selfless, considerate and Godly person that truly impacted and blessed the lives of everyone that knew her.
Iris’ dad named her appropriately because she truly loved flowers and gardening. She often joked that she had “green fingers’, instead of a ‘green thumb’. She and her husband Jimmy spent much of their time working in their garden together. Each year she would grow sweet peas and many other beautiful flowers that she would often make into arrangements to give away to people, because she believed that flowers should always be shared. She had so many gifts and she used them to bless others. She also loved playing card and board games with her family. She was very competitive and loved a good victory against anyone she played, even her young grandchildren! She had such a young, fun-loving heart, which made her the perfect playmate for all of her grandkids. Selling mistletoe in her front yard during Christmas, shooting cans with a BB gun in her back yard and having dance parties while listening to 50’s music were just a few of their favorite memorable activities with her.
She will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by five children: Cyrilla Fry of Morgan City, William “Jimmy” Fry Jr. and wife Lisa of Berwick, Glenda Fry LaGreca and husband Chuck of Schriever, Shelby Theriot and husband Jason of Berwick, and Evelyn Ortiz and husband Mike of Patterson; 15 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; four brothers, Larry Crappell and wife Louann of Morgan City, Herbert Crappell and wife Lynn of Stephensville, Lawrence Crappell and wife Jane of Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Wade Crappell and wife Brenda of Morgan City; and one sister, Ruby Crappell of Gautier, Mississippi.
Iris was preceded in death by her parents, Preston and Narcess Fabre Crappell; her husband, William “Jimmy” Fry Sr.; and two brothers, Roland Crappell and his wife Ruby and Junius Crappell and his wife Claudette.
There will be a memorial service held at 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 24, 2021 at 127 LaShade Court in Schriever, LA. Friends and family are encouraged to join as we honor her beautiful life.

MR. RIDLEY JOSEPH 'BLACK' BLANCHARD

Tue, 04/20/2021 - 11:25am

December 21, 1932 — April 17, 2021
Mr. Ridley Joseph “Black” Blanchard, 88, a resident of Morgan City, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 17, 2021 at Ochsner St. Mary, surrounded by his loving family.
Black was born on December 21, 1932 in Lower Texas, Louisiana, the son of Ivy Blanchard Sr. and Lydia Landry Blanchard.
Black loved being around his family and friends, but especially enjoyed drinking coffee with his friends at McDonalds for many years. He loved to play cards with his family and friends. Black served his country proudly in the United States Army.
He will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by three daughters, Marcia Bergeron and husband Craig of Morgan City, Gayle Simoneaux and husband John of Pineville and Janet Taquino and husband Audie of Morgan City; seven grandchildren, Brooke Blanco, Lori Blanco Gonzales, Bret Blanco, Steven Simoneaux, Byron Simoneaux, Tyler Taquino and Michelle Taquino Alcina; nine great-grandchildren; one brother, Gerald “Blimp” Blanchard and wife Virgie of Thibodaux; and one sister, Marguerite Naquin of Labadieville.
Black was preceded in death by his parents, Ivy Sr. and Lydia Landry Blanchard; his wife of 65 years, Rena Bergeron Blanchard; two brothers, Ivy Blanchard Jr. and Donald Blanchard; and four sisters, Doris Lirette, Audrey Jordan, Vivian Daigle and Vertha Landry.
Graveside services will be held at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, April 21, 2021 in the Morgan City Cemetery with services being officiated by Father Freddie Decal. Military Honors will be provided by the East St. Mary Veterans Funeral Squad.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

EDGAR OVERTON BAROUSSE JR.

Tue, 04/20/2021 - 11:23am

December 18, 1930 — April 18, 2021
Edgar Overton Barousse Jr., 90, a life-long resident of Morgan City, passed away peacefully Sunday, April 18, 2021, at Ochsner St. Mary, surrounded by his loving family.
Edgar was born December 18, 1930, in New Iberia, the son of Edgar Overton Barousse Sr. and Agatha Oubre Barousse.
Edgar was the owner of Barousse Furniture Store for over 45 years. He started out working under his father before taking over the business in 1965.
To serve his country, Edgar joined the LA National Guard at a young age and served for 19 years. He achieved the rank of Captain and was still known by many as “Captain Barousse.”
Being retired for the past 20 years, Edgar enjoyed traveling with his wife, making memories and friends along the way.
Edgar was an avid member of the Morgan City Rotary Club and had many other achievements in his life.
Not only running a successful business for over 45 years, his biggest achievement was raising a loving family.
Edgar made it a point of his daily life to be involved with all of his children by reaching out and calling them to see how they were doing.
He was an amazing and loving husband, father, and grandfather.
He will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his loving wife of 69 years, Myrl Watkins Barousse of Morgan City; four children, David E. Barousse Sr. and wife Gloria of Pensacola, FL, Karen Goolsby and husband Kenneth of Portland, TX, Ed Barousse III and wife Suzanne of Morgan City, and Julie Andolsek and husband Andy of Thibodaux; sister, Joyce Barousse of Bayou Vista; eight grandchildren, Beth Bearb, Dave Barousse Jr., Jennifer Lancaster, Heather Rombs, Dr. Corey Goolsby, Jared Barousse, Ashton Bonvillain and Michael Andolsek; and 18 great-grandchildren.
Edgar was preceded in death by his parents, Edgar Overton Barousse Sr. and Agatha Oubre Barousse.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 21, 2021 at Holy Cross Catholic Church with Father Brice Higginbotham officiating. Visitation will be held Wednesday, April 21, 2021 at Twin City Funeral Home from 9 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. After Mass, Edgar will be laid to rest in the Morgan City Cemetery Mausoleum.

JOSEPH DOUGLASS HEBERT

Tue, 04/20/2021 - 11:18am

Joseph Douglass Hebert, 53, a native of Morgan City and resident of Patterson, died Sunday, April 18, 2021.
He is survived by his wife, Katharine Studdard Hebert; three children, Joshua Hebert, Alyssa Ashmore and Jeremie Harrison; seven grandchildren; a brother, David Hebert; a sister, Bonnie Reyes; and a host of other relatives.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Visitation will be Wednesday from 9 a.m. until services at 11 a.m. at Hargrave Funeral Home. Burial will follow in in Morgan City Cemetery.
Hargrave Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.