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Tumor registry publishes cancer statistics

Thu, 04/01/2021 - 3:29pm

LSU Health New Orleans Louisiana Tumor Registry has published the fourth report of statewide cancer incidence rates by census tract.

The release of cancer incidence data is governed by the federal patient privacy law and federal standards for producing valid data. To protect patient confidentiality, HIPAA prohibits publication of health information by geographic area when the underlying population is 20,000 or less. The United States Cancer Statistics standards for generating reliable cancer incidence rates require case counts of 16 or more to report. To increase the number of census tracts meeting the publication criteria, LTR combined 10 years of data – 2008-2017.

The cancer incidence rate is the number of newly diagnosed cancer cases in a specified population during the specified years, usually expressed as the number of cancers per 100,000 population.

Census tracts are small, relatively permanent statistical subdivisions of a parish. Census tracts generally have a population size between 1,200 and 8,000 people. Of the 1,148 census tracts in Louisiana, 932 met the publication criteria for all cancers combined. For specific cancer types, fewer census tracts met the criteria.

For all cancers combined, of the 932 census tracts meeting the publication criteria when 2008-2017 data were combined, 81 census tracts from 29 parishes had statistically significantly higher incidence rates as compared with Louisiana, and 98 census tracts had lower incidence rates.
The census tract with the highest incidence rate that is statistically significant for all cancers combined in Louisiana is 22115950707, which is Fort Polk South in Vernon Parish. The second and third statistically significantly higher rates are found in Orleans Parish – the Desire Neighborhood and the CBD/Warehouse District.

Regarding the so-called “Cancer Alley,” a commonly used term that has no scientific validity, results are mixed. In the industrial corridor, consisting of Ascension, East Baton Rouge, Iberville, St. Charles, St. James, St. John, and West Baton Rouge parishes, the report documents significantly higher cancer incidence, as well as significantly lower cancer incidence rates as compared with Louisiana, for some cancers in some individual census tracts.

Results:

Cancers of the Lung and Bronchus: Of the 846 census tracts meeting the publication criteria, 69 census tracts in 34 parishes had statistically significantly higher incidence rates than Louisiana, and 64 census tracts had lower rates.

Prostate Cancer: Of the 470 census tracts meeting the publication criteria, 37 census tracts in 17 parishes had statistically significantly higher incidence rates than Louisiana, and 39 had lower rates.

Female Breast Cancer: Of the 519 census tracts meeting the publication criteria, 23 census tracts in 10 parishes had statistically significantly higher incidence rates than Louisiana, and 28 census tracts had lower rates.

Colorectal Cancer: Of the 701 census tracts meeting the publication criteria, 55 census tracts in 29 parishes had statistically significantly higher incidence rates than Louisiana, and 24 census tracts had lower rates.

Cancers of the Kidney and Renal Pelvis: Of the 179 census tracts meeting the publication criteria, 22 census tracts in 10 parishes had statistically significantly higher incidence rates than Louisiana, and none had lower rates.

Findings for other cancer types include:

Bon-Hodgkin lymphoma: Of the 120 census tracts meeting the publication criteria, 14 census tracts in seven parishes had statistically significantly higher incidence rates than Louisiana, and none had lower rates.

Urinary Bladder Cancer: Of the 121 census tracts meeting the publication criteria, 26 census tracts in 16 parishes had statistically significantly higher incidence rates than Louisiana, and none had lower rates.

Melanoma of the Skin: Of the 122 census tracts meeting the publication criteria, 66 census tracts in 18 parishes had statistically significantly higher incidence rates than Louisiana, and none had lower rates.
Pancreas: Of the 26 census tracts meeting the publication criteria, 8 census tracts in six parishes had statistically significantly higher incidence rates than Louisiana, and none had lower rates.
Oral Cavity & Pharynx: Of the 21 census tracts meeting the publication criteria, 6 census tracts in sicx parishes had statistically significantly higher incidence rates than Louisiana, and none had lower rates.

Leukemia: Of the 29 census tracts meeting the publication criteria, 8 census tracts in seven parishes had statistically significantly higher incidence rates than Louisiana, and none had lower. rates.

Thyroid: Of the 39 census tracts meeting the publication criteria, 16 census tracts in 11 parishes had statistically significantly higher incidence rates than Louisiana, and none had lower rates.

Corpus Uterus: Of the 3 census tracts meeting the publication criteria, 1 census tract in 1 parish had a statistically significantly higher incidence rate than Louisiana, and none had lower rates.
Liver and Intrahepatic Bile Duct: Of the 7 census tracts meeting the publication criteria, 7 census tracts in 5 parishes had statistically significantly higher incidence rates than Louisiana, and none had lower rates.

Stomach: Of the 2 census tracts meeting the publication criteria, 1 census tract in 1 parish had a statistically significantly higher incidence rate than Louisiana, and none had lower rates.

Myeloma: Only 1 census tract met the publication criteria and the rate was statistically significantly higher than Louisiana.

The complete report, with maps, is available online at http://lsuh.sc/nr?a=2031.

Morgan City police radio logs for March 30-31

Thu, 04/01/2021 - 3:19pm

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.
Tuesday, March 30
6:14 a.m. 300 block of Bowman Street; Suspicious person.
6:48 a.m. 600 block of Onstead Street; Medical.
7:09 a.m. 1000 block of Brashear Avenue; Suspicious person.
7:21 a.m. 6800 block of La. 182; Medical.
8:03 a.m. 900 block of Hilda Street; Complaint.
8:50 a.m. 300 block of Egle Street; Mentally ill person.
9:17 a.m. 500 block of Leona Street; Complaint.
10:20 a.m. 500 block of Bowman Street; Burglary.
10:45 a.m. 500 block of Brashear Avenue; Complaint.
11:50 a.m. 1400 block of Sandra Street; 911 hang up.
12:07 p.m. Brownell Homes; Suspicious person.
12:16 p.m. 700 block of Fifth Street; Disturbance.
1:20 p.m. 7200 block of La. 182; Mentally ill person.
3:24 p.m. Clements Street and Levee Road; Arrest.
4:18 p.m. 7700 block of La. 182; Complaint.
4:21 p.m. 600 block of Onstead Street; Complaint.
4:38 p.m. 300 block of Aucoin Street; Disturbance.
5:18 p.m. Wren Street; Medical.
5:22 p.m. 1600 block of Mayon Street; Disturbance.
5:35 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Complaint.
5:49 p.m. 500 block of Brashear Avenue; Theft.
5:52 p.m. U.S. 90; Stalled vehicle.
6:21 p.m. 2400 block of Cypress Street; Complaint.
6:29 p.m. 1800 block of Filmore Street; Stand by.
6:57 p.m. 300 block of Wise Street; Removal of subject.
7:10 p.m. 700 block of Freret Street; Medical.
8:01 p.m. 300 block of Bowman Street; Arrest.
8:35 p.m. 6400 block of La. 182; Crash.
8:38 p.m. 7200 block of La. 182; Loud music.
9 p.m. 300 block of Bowman Street; Suspicious subject.
9 p.m. 300 block of Egle Street; Removal of subject.
9:23 p.m. 700 block of Terrebonne Street; Complaint.
9:33 p.m. 900 block of Hilda Street; Juvenile problem.
10:27 p.m. 600 block of Kentucky Street; Complaint.
10:58 p.m. 300 block of Union Street; Arrest.
11:05 p.m. Marquis Manor; Alarm.
Wednesday, March 31
12:27 a.m. 800 block of Brashear Avenue; Suspicious vehicle.
3:16 a.m. 300 block of Egle Street; Medical.
3:47 a.m. 1100 block of Marguerite Street; Complaint.

MDMA distribution charge, three arrests follow Berwick traffic stop

Thu, 04/01/2021 - 3:09pm

A traffic stop by Berwick police Wednesday resulted in three arrests and the seizure of large amounts of ecstasy and cash, Chief David Leonard said.

Arrested at 5:56 p.m. Wednesday:

--Timothy Allen Jr., 42, Baker, on charges of possession with intent to distribute MDMA (ecstasy), driving under suspension and proper vehicle equipment required.

--Samuel Lewis, 48, New Orleans, on charges of distribution of MDMA, possession of drug paraphernalia and obstruction of justice.

--Eloise Hampton, 34, Chalmette, on charges of possession with intent to distribute MDMA, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, transactions involving drug proceeds, resisting an officer and possession of drug paraphernalia.

An officer in the area of US 90 observed a vehicle traveling east with only one operable taillight, according to the Berwick Police Department.

The officer also observed that the license plate view was obstructed. A traffic stop was conducted on the vehicle, and officers made contact with Allen and the other occupants

During the course of the stop, officers detected a strong odor of marijuana from the vehicle. Officers conducted a search of the vehicle and occupants.

During this time, Allen was found to have MDMA pills in his pocket, the Police Department said. A computer check revealed that his driver’s license was suspended as well. Continuing the investigation, officers spoke with Lewis, who too had MDMA pills on his person as well as a bag of marijuana. It was learned that Lewis discarded some marijuana before being stopped by police.

Officers lastly spoke with Hampton, who originally gave a false name because outstanding warrants that she had, the Police Department said. While searching the vehicle, officers located a large quantity of different MDMA pills as well as a large amount of currency. It was learned that Lewis had given some MDMA pills to Hampton, and that they were destined to be sold, the Police Department said.

Allen, Lewis, and Hampton were all placed under arrest and transported to the Berwick Police Department, where they await a bond hearing.

Slow roast lamb for Easter dinner

Thu, 04/01/2021 - 8:29am

Easter Sunday dinners are a tradition in many families.
Though this Easter might again feel unusual, families can still lean on their favorite dishes when serving Easter dinner. Perhaps no food is more closely associated with Easter than lamb.
This recipe for “Slow-roasted Shoulder of Lamb With Cumin Seeds” from Darina Allen’s “Easy Entertaining” (Kyle Cathie Limited) can make for a delicious Easter dinner.
SLOW-ROASTED SHOULDER OF LAMB WITH CUMIN SEEDS
2 Tbsp. cumin seeds
1 whole shoulder of lamb on the bone (7-8 lbs.)
Salt and freshly ground pepper
Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
For the cumin gravy:
1 pint homemade lamb or chicken stock (see below)
1 to 2 tsp. cumin seeds, toasted and powdered roux (optional)
Warm cumin seeds lightly in a pan, then crush them using a pestle and mortar. Score the skin of the meat in a diamond pattern with a sharp knife. Transfer to a roasting tin. Sprinkle meat with salt, pepper and ground cumin seeds, and drizzle with olive oil.
Roast for 6-7 hours at 275 F — this gives a delicious, juicy, succulent texture. (Alternatively, preheat the oven to 320 F and roast for 2-2½ hours.) Transfer to a serving dish and leave in a warm place while you make the gravy.
To make the cumin gravy, spoon the fat off the roasting tin. Add stock to the remaining cooking juice. Boil for a few minutes on top of the stove, stirring and scraping the tin well to dissolve the caramelized meat juices (a small whisk is typically ideal for this).
Add the ground toasted cumin. Thicken with a little roux if you like. Add salt and pepper to taste. Pass through a sieve and transfer to a gravy boat.
Carve the meat into thick slices so that everybody gets some crushed cumin seeds. Serve with cumin gravy and crusty roast potatoes.
Note: For LAMB ROAST WITH CORI-ANDER: Substitute coriander seeds for the cumin seeds, both for roasting the lamb and flavoring the gravy. Alter-natively, use a mix of cumin and coriander seeds.
Note: A shoulder of lamb is much trickier to carve than a leg, but it’s so sweet and juicy that is certainly worth the struggle.
HOMEMADE CHICKEN STOCK
2 to 3 raw or cooked chicken carcasses or a mixture of both
1 onion, sliced
1 leek, split in two
1 outside stick of celery (not the heart, the coarser outside stalks) or 1 lovage leaf
1 carrot, sliced
6 peppercorns
6 pints cold water
Sprig of thyme
Giblets from the chicken, i.e. neck, heart, gizzard (save the liver for another dish)
Few parsley stalks
Chop up the carcasses as much as possible. Put all the ingredients into a saucepan and cover with cold water.
Bring to a boil and skim fat off the top with a large spoon. Simmer for 3-5 hours. Strain and remove any remaining fat. If you need a stronger flavor, boil down the liquid in an open pan to reduce the volume by one-third or one-half. Do not add salt.
Serves 8 to 10

New wife can’t stop thinking about husband’s old girlfriend

Thu, 04/01/2021 - 8:28am
By Jeanne Phillips, ©United Features Syndicate

DEAR ABBY: I’m a young wife. I married after three months of dating my military husband. He was previously in an on-again/off-again relationship that lasted about eight years, during which she had a baby with another man, etc.
I believe my husband is still in love with her. After constantly asking him, he says he just wishes her well and he doesn’t have any romantic feelings. I’m not sure what to do, and I just keep overthinking it. Any thoughts?
HATES HUSBAND’S HISTORY

DEAR H.H.H.: Stop torturing your husband — and yourself — by constantly asking him about his feelings for his unfaithful ex-girlfriend.
Get to work building your self-esteem, and you will have less to worry about. Your husband’s history (baggage) is his own. You are making a mistake by dragging it into your marriage. If you concentrate on the positive, you will have a happier marriage, and so will your husband.

DEAR ABBY: Shortly after a retired, not-so-close friend moved to another city, he began sending emails about events he had read about in social media, news outlets and magazines. At first there were only a few a day, but as the days increased, so did his emails.
I responded to some of them, but he never commented on them. He just sent more and more to the point that his daily emails are more than I can — or want to — read. I am spending too much time deleting them.
What should I do? Should I ask him not to send them anymore, or should I stay quiet so as not to hurt his feelings?
INBOX FULL IN MISSOURI

DEAR INBOX FULL: Your friend may be sending these items because, as a retiree, he has little to do but cruise the internet for entertainment. It would not be rude to tell this not-so-close friend you don’t have time to review all of the emails he has been sending and ask him to send fewer. It’s the truth.
However, if he doesn’t comply and the barrage continues, feel free to block them or create a filter for these emails that sends them to a folder where they can be easily scanned and deleted.

DEAR ABBY: My husband of 32 years often tells me women compliment him on his looks or the way he dresses. I compliment him often, but I think it’s his way of telling me that he’s still “got it” and I should be proud to have a husband who’s hot and good-looking.
Am I crazy for not enjoying hearing what other women think? If anything, it has caused some insecurity on my part. I have asked him to stop sharing these comments and told him I’m tired of hearing them — especially since I have told him repeatedly what I think of him, his looks and his way of dressing.
Am I wrong?
LOVES HIM INSIDE AND OUT

DEAR LOVES HIM: I don’t think you’re wrong. But has it occurred to you that your husband may do this not out of ego but because HE is insecure?
People who are secure within themselves do not feel the need to continually toot their own horns the way your handsome, stylish husband does. Try this: The next time he does it, smile, nod in agreement and tell him you agree with his admirer. And repeat as necessary.
***
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 to: Dear Abby, Cookbooklet Set, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447.

Allain: Tax reform needed to make La. competitive

Wed, 03/31/2021 - 6:44pm
GEOFF STOUTE
gstoute@daily-review.com

FRANKLIN — State legislators will consider what state Sen. Bret Allain, R-Franklin, considers “the most ambitious tax reform plan” ever offered in Louisiana when the 2021 session opens April 12 in Baton Rouge.
Allain, who is the chairman of the Senate Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Committee, told the audience during Wednesday’s St. Mary Chamber of Commerce legislative breakfast that plans include decreasing personal and corporate income taxes and at least reducing the franchise tax.
After taking over as chairman last year, Allain said, he met with tax rating commissions in Washington, D.C.
“I asked them all the same question: ‘Why have you rated Louisiana so poorly?’” Allain said.
The state is ranked in the 40s nationally among states by the Tax Foundation, while the Council on State Taxation gave the state a D-minus grade. Despite being “fairly competitive” among states in the impact of taxes on its citizens and businesses, Allain said, an outdated tax system and tax practices are what hurts Louisiana.
“They’re not going to reward us for having bad tax policy,” Allain said. “It’s a detriment to attracting capital, and business and people to come to Louisiana.”
And people are on the move, too.
According to the U.S. Census data, Allain said, many people are leaving other states but are going to Florida, Texas and Tennessee.
“They’re moving to the South, but they’re not coming here,” he said.
Until there are changes in taxing practices, Allain said he thinks they won’t come here, either.
With some tax reform changes, Allain said the state could jump to a grade of B from the Council on State Taxation, while they also could see a jump from in the 40s to the mid-20s in the Tax Foundation’s ratings if tax reforms are successful.
“We’re going to attempt to do it,” Allain said. “We’re going to need your support. Four of the bills are going to be constitutional amendments. I’ve got to get two-thirds of the majority in both houses. Very high bar.”
Then, the people will have to vote on the bills.
Allain and Rep. Stuart Bishop, R-Lafayette, are working together on tax reform. Bishop is in charge of the House Ways and Means Committee.
The St. Mary Parish senator said a reduction in personal income taxes would make the state a more favorable destination for others. Eliminating the federal income tax deductions are a goal, too.
“We’re going to get off the rollercoaster of the federal income tax deduction and do away with that, because every time the feds up the tax and down the tax, we lose or gain revenue,” Allain said. “We can’t be on this rollercoaster anymore.”
For those who used the federal tax deduction, they would receive breaks in their taxes under the legislation instead, Allain said.
“We’re going to try to keep it revenue neutral for now, and the plan is into the future, let’s drive it down even further with triggers to see if we can’t reduce it all the way down,” he said.
The goal is the same changes to corporate income taxes as personal income taxes in order to draw businesses here.
The senator also addressed other taxes, including franchise taxes and centralized sales tax collection.
“I can’t think of anything that’s more detrimental to attracting people to invest capital in the state of Louisiana, (because) once you bring the capital here, you tax the capital. … We’re going to reduce or eliminate that,” Allain said of franchise taxes.
Centralized tax collections to collect internet sales taxes are proposed in a bill by another legislator. Allain said it is critical to collect these, because it will help Louisiana. He said it also will level the playing field between companies like Amazon and those who have “brick and mortar” businesses.
Allain cited Mississippi, which was received about $5 million in sales taxes from the internet two years ago before adopting the practice of collecting these taxes. At the time, Louisiana brought in $7 million in these collections.
“Now that they fully implemented their plan, they’re projecting this year they’ll collect $400 million worth of sales taxes from the internet,” Allain said of Mississippi. “Guys, we’ve got to get on the bandwagon, we’ve got to get this done.”

Murder suspect now faces sex crime charge

Wed, 03/31/2021 - 3:07pm
Staff Report

The teenager already facing a first-degree murder charge in last week’s Patterson-area shooting death now faces a sex crime charge as well.

Cameron Jaron Schrod Hogan, 18, Patterson, was booked on a charge of unlawful carnal knowledge of a juvenile. He remains in the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center. His bond has been set at $750,000.

A 16-year-old has also been charged with first-degree murder in the death of Keiondre Onell Allridge, 21, who lived in the Thibodaux area.

The Sheriff’s Office provided no additional details about the sex crime charge against Hogan.

About 8:35 p.m. March 25, deputies responded to a call about shots fired in the Zenor Road area of Patterson and an additional call about a possible wounded man at a business in Patterson. At the business, deputies made contact with three occupants in a vehicle, the Sheriff's Office said in a press release.

One of the occupants, identified as Allridge, was later pronounced dead by the St. Mary Parish Coroner’s Office.

The Sheriff’s Office said the investigation showed that Allridge and the occupants of the vehicle had traveled to a residence in Patterson to meet someone. While sitting in the vehicle, they were approached by two males, who subsequently fired at them, the Sheriff's Office said.

The driver of the vehicle drove the occupants to a truck stop at 1902 U.S. 90.

Later, two persons were developed as suspects in the murder. Detectives obtained and executed a search warrant at the home of one of the suspects, identified as Hogan, which led to drugs and weapons being seized.

The 16-year-old was booked on charges of first-degree murder and illegal possession of stolen firearms.

Berwick chief sends message to parents about juvenile incidents

Wed, 03/31/2021 - 2:43pm
Staff Report

Berwick police are handling lots of incidents involving juveniles during the Spring Fling carnival on the riverfront, including at least one that resulted in the arrest of an 11-year-old.
Police Chief David Leonard asked parents to help reduce that load.
“These events such as the Carnival are being put together to give our citizens an opportunity to bring their families out during this spring break holiday to have safe family fun,” Leonard said in a press release. “We will not tolerate the behavior of a few to ruin this.”
If you see any suspicious activity while enjoying the carnival or any other area of town, please call Berwick Police Department at 985-384-7710
Here’s the Berwick police report from Wednesday, with narratives provided by the Police Department:
—Juvenile female, 13, of Morgan City, was arrested at 8:24 p.m. Monday on a charge of disturbing the peace (fighting).
—Juvenile female, 11, of Morgan City, was arrested at 8:24 p.m. Monday on a charge of disturbing the peace (fighting).
—Juvenile female, 17, of Patterson, was arrested at 8:24 p.m. Monday on a charge of disturbing the peace (fighting).
At 8:09 p.m. Monday, officers were patrolling Oregon Street when they observed a very large crowd of juveniles in the street arguing. They were all warned to disperse from the area or they would be subject to arrest.
While they were dispersing, a fight broke out in the street and the three juveniles were identified as being involved in the fight. At the conclusion of the investigation, they were all placed under arrest and booked at the Berwick Police Department. The juveniles were released to their parents pending juvenile court proceedings. 
 --Juvenile male, 17, of Berwick was arrested at 9:20 p.m. Tuesday on a Berwick Police Department warrant for simple battery.
 At 9:20 p.m. Tuesday, officers observed a juvenile on Bellview Front Street who held warrants through the Berwick Police Department for simple battery. The warrant stems from a complaint of a fight that occurred March 13 in which the juvenile committed a battery on another juvenile.
He was unable to be located and a warrant for his arrest was prepared. The juvenile was placed under arrest and booked at the Berwick Police Department. He was released to a parent pending juvenile court proceedings. 
 —Juvenile, 17, of Baldwin was arrested at 10:23 p.m. Tuesday on a charge of disturbing the peace.
—Juvenile, 14, of Morgan City was arrested at 10:23 p.m. Tuesday on a charge of disturbing the peace.
At 10 p.m. Tuesday, officers were clearing out Bellview Front Street after the carnival ended. They encountered a very large group of unruly juveniles on First Street.
The juveniles, who were all unaccompanied by parents or guardians, were blocking the streets, shouting profanities, and at times were challenging the police officers.
Several residents exited their homes because of the disturbances being caused by the juveniles.
They were all warned numerous times to quit yelling profanities and to get out of the road while waiting for their rides to pick them up. Officers came into contact with two juveniles, who continued yelling profanities at the police officers, so they were placed under arrest. They were both booked at the Berwick Police Department and were both released to their parents pending juvenile court proceedings. 
 

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