Happy birthday Calvin Gros Jr. from family and friends … Belated happy seventh anniversary to our Mommy and Daddy, Rachel and Matt Kidder, love, Douglas and Wesley.
MAIN STREET
Committee of City of Morgan City meeting 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 7. Open to public.
DIVINE MERCY
Sunday held at 3 p.m. April 11 at St. Bernadette Catholic Church, Saturn Road, Bayou Vista. Includes confession, adoration, chaplet and benediction. No Mass.
FREE LUNCH
For senior citizens and disabled citizens 11:30 a.m. until on April 14 at 205 Park St., Patterson. Drive-by pickup. Sponsored by City of Patterson.
PETROLEUM LEAGUE
.....................................W L
Satchel of Richards ....73½ 34½
Johnny’s Wrecker....... 62 46
MISTRAS ...................59½ 48½
Roy’s Trucking ...........58 50
Coastwide Electric.....54 54
Chabill’s....................52½ 55½
A & M Dockside..........52 56
That’s How We Roll .......51 57
M.C. Paint & Body.......49½ 58½
Antebellum Renov........46½ 61½
Allen’s TV Cable ......46 62
Conrad Industries .....43½ 64½
Individual high scores: Gerald Colwart 257, 279, 205 games, (741) series; Thad Torres 237, 252, 239, (728); Kenny Keton 220, 246, 257, (723); Jeremy Dykes 256, 256, (708); Patrick Thibodeaux 205, 258, 235, (698); Hunter Boudreaux 263, 224, 210, (697); Anthony Falgout Jr. 237, 253, 205, (695); Larry Deslatte III 226, 208, 232; Eric Morrison 267, 225; Lawrence Simoneaux 257, 204; Jerry Pillaro 236, 247; Bobby Rotolo 205, 238; Eric Cortez 215, 229; Wally Arcemont 215, 211; Josh Mayon 215, 210; Rick Sartwell 278; Mark Corbin 234; Mike Kapp 214; Billy Parker 213; Damon Robinson 212; Johnny Lirette 209; Chris Thibodaux 208; and Alberto Bochas 201.
GUYS & DOLLS LEAGUE
Week 24 (April 1)
........................................W L
Satchel of Richards ........61½ 34½
Intl. Alignment ................56½ 39½
Fishing for Strikes...........53½ 42½
Naughty But Nice............51 45
Deep ..............................50 46
Johnny’s Wrecker ..........46 50
SNAFU...........................45 51
Jerry’s Kids ..................44½ 51½
Boss...............................44 52
Bach’s ...........................42 54
Hensgens Bros...............41 55
Moe’s Poboys.................36 60
Weekly high scores: (male) Jerry Pillaro 269, 234, 214 games, (717) series; Rick Sartwell 245, 221, 204; Patrick Thibodeaux 227, 201, 224; Adam Amador 225, 206, 211; Thad Torres 244, 237; Anthony Falgout Jr. 216, 232; Mark Corbin 209, 238; Chris Mayon 206, 228; Gerard Labit 215, 205; Kenny Keton 264; Sean Torgrimson Sr. 255; Brett Keton 234; James Chaisson 232; Jeremy Dykes 228; Kelvin Smith 227; Schaun Reed 213; David Laubach Sr. 204; and Johnny Lirette 200; and (women) Angela Fields 202, 224; Sandy Amador 201, 201; and Vickie Hebert 209.
A Berwick woman reported that someone stole her guns, even though she's a convicted felon prohibited by law from possessing firearms, the Police Department said. She was arrested Monday on weapons charges after a traffic stop.
Alyssa Ashmore, 31, River Road, Berwick, was arrested at 12:22 p.m. Tuesday on three counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and on a Berwick warrant for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
On Sunday, Berwick detectives began an investigation after Ashmore reported that her guns had been stolen. During the course of this investigation, Investigators determined that Ashmore was a convicted felon and was not able to possess firearms, the Police Department said.
After further investigation, an arrest warrant was prepared. At 12:22 p.m. Tuesday, Berwick officers spotted Ashmore on Berwick South Road and conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle. Ashmore was identified as the driver and was immediately taken into custody on the warrant.
During the course of the traffic stop, Ashmore alerted officers to other guns being in her vehicle. Consent to search her vehicle was given and officers located three loaded firearms, magazines and ammunition.
She was placed under arrest and transported to the Berwick Jail, where she was processed on the warrant and additionally charged on the three counts of possession of a firearm by a felon.
The investigation is ongoing and more arrest are possible.
There are rarely earth-shattering surprises found atop our election ballots in Louisiana, but there are always eyebrow-raisers amongst our local contests.
Just a review of last month’s mayoral races in Bossier City, Lake Charles and Bastrop were proof enough of that.
In what may have been the biggest local upset of the 2021 cycle, longtime incumbent Bossier City Mayor Lo Walker lost to challenger Tommy Chandler, 56% to 44%.
Matt Kay of KDM Digital Solutions, who served as Chandler’s campaign manager, said the upset was made possible with a budget of just about $110,000.
But time spent planning and preparing were the real keys to victory for Chandler, said Kay.
Chandler began polling in October of 2020 and stayed mostly quiet until the very last moment.
“He qualified on the final day, with only a few hours left in the day,” said Kay.
Sometimes the best way to achieve a surprise victory is to sneak up on it, like Chandler did. But stealth was only one aspect of his successful formula.
Voters also embraced a theme of term limits, which is a campaign topic not often thrown about on the local level.
Chandler promised to implement a three-term cap for the mayor and city council, a vow that came to define Chandler’s entire bid.
Crime and traffic were secondary issues for Chandler, but only because the subject matter allowed him to turn the election into a referendum on the incumbent.
To his credit, Walker deserves a tip of the hat as well.
Instead of complaining about his loss and displaying the bitterness we’ve seen in other officials on the way out the door, Walker immediately kicked off the transition process so Chandler could hit the ground running.
Just like they did during qualifying, Chandler and Kay waited until the last minute to unleash what little spending capacity they had with a three-week TV and radio campaign.
hey knew once a campaign goes on the air, it has to stay on the air.
The campaign also saturated mailboxes and put a large focus on targeting absentee ballots.
In Lake Charles, incumbent Mayor Nic Hunter was re-elected with 74% of the vote against three Democrats.
Heading into his second term, Hunter is the first Republican mayor of Lake Charles and the youngest.
More than anything else, Hunter is living proof that Republicans in Louisiana can build coalitions across party lines and earn the support of black voters.
Hunter won 42 out of 57 precincts and received 90% or greater in 15 of those.
In fact, if you look at the 27 precincts Hunter lost in 2017, which are still predominantly Democrat and African-American precincts, Hunter improved his percentage of the vote in those precincts by an average of 36%.
Voters probably gave Hunter high marks for leading the city through not only a global pandemic, but also hurricanes Laura and Delta.
“What makes Nic a real rising star in the Republican Party is he gets back to the basic principles of honest and transparent leadership and lets the results, not the rhetoric, define his success,” said Jason Hebert of the Political Firm, who serves as Hunter’s campaign manager.
In yet another local upset, incumbent Bastrop Mayor Henry Charles Cotton was squeezed out of the runoff. It'll be Betty Alford-Olive (29%) versus Clarence W. Hawkins (21%).
The incumbent mayor missed the runoff by only 24 votes.
Just as with Bossier City, the mayoral race in Bastrop showed us that politicians cannot always count on their incumbency to make it past the finish line.
As Chandler and Hunter settle into their shared reality of being elected and re-elected, respectively, voters in Bastrop have to survive one more runoff, scheduled for April 24.
Technically, we’ll all have to survive it, since it’s the last remaining mayor’s race in Louisiana this spring.
Mayors have some of the toughest elected jobs around, so it’s only natural that the paths to getting elected shouldn’t be easy, either.
Luckily for the rest of us, there are always lessons to be learned from their victories and defeats — if we’re willing to look.
For more Louisiana political news, visit www.LaPolitics.comor follow Alford on Twitter @LaPoliticsNow.
FOOD DISTRIBUTION: Triune Church of God in Christ is hosting “Farmers to Families,” food boxes and milk will be distributed at Triune Church of God in Christ Monday, April 12 from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The church is located at 1126 Barrow St. in Franklin. The food will be distributed on a first come first served basis. For more information contact Pastor Benny J. Druilhet @ (337) 578-1266.
April 20, 1944 – April 2, 2021
Mark Ashton Bogan, the son of Gladys “Potsy” Verdun Bogan and Theodore “Dutch” Bogan, was born on April 20, 1944. He passed away on Friday, April 2, 2021 at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge, just 18 days shy of his 77th birthday. He fought a lengthy and courageous battle with lung cancer. Mark was a native of Verdunville, La. and lived there for many decades before becoming a resident of Geismar, La.
An Air Force Veteran, Mark served his country during the Vietnam War. Reluctant to share the atrocities he witnessed during his days in Vietnam, he suffered silently with PTSD. His service, as well as his struggles, became the catalyst for his work as an advocate for Veterans. He could be found at parish council meetings, speaking up for Veterans and taking a stand against those things that would adversely affect them. He worked tirelessly for years and with the help of various government agencies was instrumental in Franklin establishing a VA Clinic to assist its local Veterans. In 2015, the St. Mary Parish Council recognized Mark for his outstanding work in the community.
In addition to the Veterans, Mark saw the need to support the senior citizens of the community. He organized an annual Senior Citizens Holiday Extravaganza, where the senior citizens were treated to a holiday feast, musical entertainment and prizes. This event was held for many years, until his failing health made him unable to continue.
In his early years, Mark was a member of the Verdunville Braves baseball team. He was quite the athlete and enjoyed the camaraderie of playing alongside his brothers and friends. Mark was an avid gardener and loved sharing his bountiful harvests. He grew some of the best vegetables and the sweetest citrus fruits. His love for the land was passed from his father and shared by his brothers. He had a green thumb and could grow just about anything. Mark was also a great cook, who loved to entertain and spend time with his family and friends.
Many of his work years were spent as a welder at McDermott Fabricators in Amelia. After retirement, he enjoyed greeting customers at Walmart SuperCenter in Bayou Vista.
Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Uceta DeRouen Bogan, who provided excellent care, love and support; children, Terence and Marty Bogan, Christian Bogan-Senigal (James), Ashton and Blake Bogan, Blair Bogan Milton (Isaac), Markquelyn Vital-Ursin (Wil), and Blake Vital; stepson, Kaleb DeRouen; grandchildren, Maiya Ka’Trell, Addyson Olivia, Ahrie Simone, Blaise Ashton, Jorrie Claudette, Mila Jane, Brenn Logan and Blair Loryn; great grandchildren, Aubrey Michelle and Aurielle A’Lise; sisters, Carmencita, Ruth and Shiri Bogan; sisters-in-law, Emma Harding, Kathy DeRouen, Dinetta DeRouen, Brenda Cox (Randy), and Danna Bogan; brother-in-law, Arthur DeRouen III, father-in-law, Lester Johnson and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.
Mark was preceded in death by his parents, Gladys and Theodore Bogan; brothers, Ray, McDonald, Bert, Kendall, Theo, Gene and Wayne Bogan; sisters, Greta Bogan, Aline Paul and Laqueta Raffray; and grandson, Lance Corporal Marques Bogan.
A gathering of family and friends will begin at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Verdunville on Saturday, April 10, 2021 at 9a.m. until the time of service at 11a.m. All visitors are asked to adhere to the CDC-local regulations by wearing masks and practicing social distancing.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Ibert’s Mortuary, Inc.
Born to Mr. and Mrs. Jeremy Chaisson (nee: Ashleigh Minter) of Morgan City, a boy, Luke Joseph Chaisson, on March 9 at Thibodaux Regional Medical Center. He weighed 7 pounds, 2 ounces and measured 18 inches.
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Born to Katie Sykes Adams of Patterson and Kenneth Perez of Morgan City, a boy, Dylan Craig Adams, on March 14 at Ochsner St. Mary in Morgan City. He weighed 5 pounds, 7 ounces and measured 17.8 inches.
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Born to Kennedy E. Ashley of Morgan City, a girl, Adley Jane Ashley, on March 18 at Thibodaux Regional Medical Center. She weighed 6 pounds, 7 ounces and measured 19 inches.
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Born to Tyrika D. Jackson and Johnel Jennings Jr. of Patterson, a boy, Ty’jae John Jennings, on March 19 at Thibodaux Regional Medical Center. He weighed 6 pounds, 9 ounces and measured 19.5 inches.
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Born to Yasmin Carolina Redondo Mejia and Cristian Mejia Vega of Morgan City, a boy, Christian Fernando Mejia Vega, on March 24 at Ochsner St. Mary in Morgan City. He weighed 8 pounds, 13 ounces and measured 21 inches.
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Born to Mr. and Mrs. Brent Daigle (nee: Bree Becnel) of Morgan City, twin boys, Elliot Matthew Daigle and Benjamin Joseph Daigle, on March 29 at Ochsner St. Mary in Morgan City. Elliot weighed 4 pounds, 12 ounces and Benjamin weighed 4 pounds, 5 ounces.
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Born to Eternity Bass of Patterson, a girl, Ivery Izabella Bass, on March 30 at Ochsner St. Mary in Morgan City. She weighed 8 pounds, 3 ounces and measured 19 inches.
On May 9, millions of people will celebrate the special women in their lives, particularly the mothers, grandmothers and stepmothers who often tirelessly care for those they love.
Created by Anna Jarvis in the early 20th century and designated an official United States holiday in 1914, Mother’s Day is a special day in many families.
Apart from birthdays, primary female caregivers may not always get the recognition they deserve, nor be entitled to a day to kick back and relax and let others take the helm. Mother’s Day entitles them to something special.
Even though the way people have been living has changed during the COVID-19 pandemic, Mother’s Day may be the first holiday on the calendar when the world can finally regain some sense of normalcy. But caution should still prevail during Mother’s Day celebrations.
Thankfully, there are plenty of creative ways to celebrate mothers and mother figures this year.
—Dine truly “al fresco.” Outdoor dining has become commonplace, and even before it was a safety measure, enjoying a meal on a sun-soaked patio or overlooking a body of water was popular.
If you’re worried about limited restaurant space or crowds, plan a picnic at a scenic location, such as a botanical garden or county park. Include Mom’s favorite foods and enjoy the fresh air and delicious foods together.
—Create a photo slideshow. Digital photos have eclipsed prints in many people’s hearts. But too often digital photos never get seen after they’re initially taken. That can change when you compile a slideshow of favorite photos from childhood and even present-day photos that Mom is sure to appreciate.
Use sentimental music or Mom’s favorite songs as the soundtrack, and include some inspirational quotations or personal voiceovers. This is one gift that can be shared in person or over group meeting apps.
—Get involved together. An especially meaningful way to honor a mother who is always giving her time and love is to become involved in a difference-making organization. Joint volunteerism is a great way to spend more time together working toward a worthy goal.
—Enjoy her hobbies and interests. Devote a day or more to trying Mom’s interests and hobbies, whether they include hitting the links, knitting, singing in the church choir or digging in her garden.
—Send an edible gift. If you can’t be there to celebrate with Mom in person, have a special meal delivered to her door. Then enjoy the same foods with her via Google Meet, Facetime or Zoom. Don’t forget a tasty cocktail so you can toast the special woman in your life.
Mother’s Day celebrations can be unique, heartfelt and customized based on family needs.
DEAR ABBY: I recently met a man, and I have fallen in love with him. He says he feels the same way and tells me often that I treat him better than anybody ever has.
Unfortunately, when the time came to move our relationship to an intimate level, I found my attraction to him was one-sided. When I asked him why, he said he did not find me desirable because of my weight. He also mentioned that in the past he had always dated “Barbie dolls” who did him wrong, so he decided to look for something different, and that’s when he found me.
I don’t understand how you can love someone and not desire them. What are your thoughts?
ONE-SIDED IN TEXAS
DEAR ONE-SIDED: This man may love your many attributes — intelligence, honesty, sense of humor, etc. — but he is not IN love. If you want a romantic relationship, you need to find someone who values you for YOURSELF — inside and out. Give him marks for honesty and send him back to his Barbie dolls because you deserve better, and he deserves more of the same.
DEAR ABBY: While I was battling cancer, my husband vanished into thin air with all our money. It has been years now, and we finally were divorced, but I have never been able to get over what he did to me. Talking to professionals helped some, but I still wonder what happened.
We were together for 20 years. I was left in a remote part of Alaska to fend for myself when I could hardly get around after the surgery and radiation treatments. It’s like he wanted me dead. How can I possibly get over what I thought was the love of my life?
CAN’T LET GO
DEAR CAN’T LET GO: Your husband may have been the love of your life, but the love of HIS life was ... him. That he not only ran when the chips were down but cleaned out the bank account, leaving you battling a life-threatening illness, was beyond the pale. Why he did it was fear, weakness and lack of character.
Having prevailed over cancer and poverty, getting over your ex should be a cinch. However, finding the ability to trust again may be another matter, and no one would blame you if you couldn’t do it. An important step forward might be more counseling to help you cope.
DEAR ABBY: My friend has an adult child with a drug addiction. Sometimes when we are together, this child will call begging for money. My friend gives in every time. She feels terrible about doing it but can’t seem to say no. She has attended several Nar-Anon meetings, but no longer wants to go because she says it’s depressing.
As a friend, what’s the best way to support her?
HER CARING FRIEND
DEAR FRIEND: Although those meetings may be “depressing,” they can also be enlightening if someone is open to it. Point out to your friend that even MORE depressing would be losing a child to addiction and knowing that she was the enabler.
Then volunteer to attend meetings with your friend until she gains the strength to act responsibly.
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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.
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