CHILI DINNERS
Sponsored by St. John Baptist Church, 508 Utah St., Berwick, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, March 19. Menu: 16-ounce cup of homemade chili, corn chips and drink. Cost: $7. Advance orders call 985-518-1183 or day of call 985-384-0673.
Frank Percy Jones, 61, a native and resident of Patterson, died Tuesday, March 9, 2021, at his residence.
Visitation will be Monday, 5-7 p.m., at Jones Funeral Home in Morgan City, and will resume Tuesday from 8 a.m. until services at 11 a.m. at Patterson Area Civic Center. Masks and social distancing required. Entombment will follow in St. Joseph Catholic Church Cemetery.
He is survived by his wife, Monica Madise Jones of Patterson; three children, Kerwin Jones and LaTora Madise, both of Patterson, and Cedric Gant of Monroe; four brothers, Floyd Jones and Larry Jones, both of Patterson, Jeff Jones of Larose, and Charles Jones of Lake Charles; four sisters, Matilda Ray and Catherine Jones, both of Patterson, Marion Johnson of Baton Rouge and Ann Adams of Meridian, Mississippi; eight grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, and maternal and paternal grandparents.
Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Steven Floyd Rudolph, 53, a resident of Franklin, died Monday, March 8, 2021, at Franklin Foundation Hospital.
No public services will be held.
He is survived by four children, Summon Rudolph and Summer Rudolph both of Houston, Marshayla Wesley of Baldwin, and Jaydrick De’Clouet of Patterson; siblings, Belinda Joseph, Tammy Rudolph, Joycelyn Williams, Franklin Rudolph and Cheryl Lewis, all of Franklin, Karen Rudolph of Las Vegas, Callie Rudolph and Patricia Rudolph, both of Houston, Alice Rudolph of Port Arthur, Texas, Melissa Lovely of Lake Charles, Donovan Rudolph of Sacramento, California and Jerome Rudolph of Patterson; three grandchildren; and a host of other relatives.
He was preceded in death by parents, and his maternal and paternal grandparents.
Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Roussell Joseph Gant, 77, a native and resident of Patterson, died Monday, Feb. 15, 2021.
Visitation will be Saturday from 9 a.m. until services at 11 a.m. at Jones Funeral Home in Morgan City. Masks and social distancing required. Burial will follow in New Salem Cemetery in Patterson.
He is survived by a son, Russell Thomas; two sisters, Iris Butler and Doris Gant; and a host of other relatives.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, two brothers and two sisters.
(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 police made two arrests in property crime cases Wednesday, including one in a January burglary, police reports say.
Morgan City
Police Chief James F. Blair reports that over the last 24-hour period, the Morgan City Police Department responded to 44 calls for service. The following people were arrested beginning Wednesday:
—Donnie James Daigle, 30, Jefferson Street, Napoleonville, was arrested at 12:39 p.m. Wednesday on a warrant for simple burglary and theft ($1,000-$5,000).
The Morgan City Police Department was called to investigate a burglary Jan. 3. Investigators with the Morgan City Police Department, working with investigators from Gonzales Police Department and Assumption Parish Sheriff’s Office, identified Daigle as a suspect.
During the course of the investigation, detectives with the Morgan City Police Department obtained an arrest warrant for Daigle. The investigation into other suspects continues.
—Titus Cornelius Trimm, 36, Patton Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 9:14 p.m. Wednesday on warrants for failure to appear and pay fine and theft under $1,000 in 6th Ward Court and failure to appear for criminal neglect of family for 16th Judicial District Court.
—Evan K Womack, 33, Richsmith Lane, Hammond, was arrested at 2:21 a.m. Wednesday on charges of tail lamps, possession of marijuana, possession of MDMA and possession of Alprazolam.
An officer on patrol observed a traffic violation in the area of La. 182 and David Drive. A traffic stop was conducted, and the driver was identified as Womack.
Officers detected an odor of raw marijuana emitting from the vehicle. Womack was found in possession of marijuana, MDMA and Alprazolam. He was placed under arrested and transported to the Morgan City Police Department for booking and incarceration.
—Randy Medine, 63, Donaldsonville, was arrested at 8:35 p.m. Wednesday on charges of driving while intoxicated (second offense) and possession of an alcoholic beverage in a motor vehicle.
St. Mary
Sheriff Blaise Smith advised that over the last 24-hour reporting period, the Sheriff’s Office responded to 34 complaints and made these arrests:
—-Jace Paul Lodrigue, 22, Berwick, was arrested at 10:55 a.m. Wednesday on charges of driving under suspension and improper lane usage, and on a warrant for failure to appear on the charges of failure to honor a written promise to appear and general speed law.
Lodrigue also held a Lafourche Parish warrant for failure to appear on the charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated, improper lane usage, failure to pay fines and court costs. No bail has been set.
—Melissa Ann Adams, 42, New Orleans, was arrested at 4:08 p.m. on a warrant for failure to appear on the charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia. No bail has been set.
Berwick
Police Chief David Leonard reported the following arrests:
Juvenile, 15, Berwick, was arrested at 4:45 p.m. Wednesday on a charge of domestic abuse battery.
Juvenile, 17, Berwick, was arrested at 4:45 p.m. Wednesday on a charge of domestic abuse battery.
—Shawn C. Lovell, 43, River Road, Berwick, was arrested at 5:18 p.m. Wednesday on a charge of domestic abuse battery.
At 4:21 p.m. Wednesday, officers responded to a residence on River Road in reference to a large domestic disturbance. Through investigation, officers learned that a verbal altercation turned into a physical altercation, which led to Lovell and the two juveniles to engage in several fistic encounters at the residence.
At the conclusion of the investigation, all subjects were placed under arrest and booked into the Berwick Jail. The two juveniles were released to a guardian pending juvenile court proceedings and Lovell remains in the Berwick Jail with no bond set.
St. Martin
Sheriff Beckett Breaux reported these arrests:
—Joshua Batiste, 24, Martin Street, St. Martinville, was arrested Wednesday on an extradition warrant.
—Heidi Louviere, 31, Coteau Holmes Lane, St. Martinville, was arrested on a warrant for failure to appear on charges of theft ($1-$999) and simple burglary of an inhabited dwelling.
—Roddy Magnon, 46, Moss Street, Lafayette, was arrested Wednesday by the Henderson Police Department on a charge of violation of a protective order.
—Jamie Skipper, 37, La. 14, New Iberia, was arrested Wednesday by the St. Martinville Police Department on charges of home invasion, child endangerment-domestic abuse, misrepresentation during book, battery of a police officer and resisting an officer.
—Hubert Wiltz, 60, Steven Wiltz Road, was arrested Wednesday on charges of possession with intent to distribute Schedule II narcotics; manufacture, distribution or possession with intent to distribute Schedule II narcotics; possession of Schedule II narcotics; possession of Schedule IV narcotics; manufacture or distribution of Schedule V narcotics; sale, distribution or possession of a legend drug; transactions involving proceeds from drug offenses; improper lane usage; and creation or operation of a clandestine laboratory.
METAIRIE — More than one year since the COVID-19 pandemic upended nearly all travel plans, many Americans are eagerly awaiting their next chance to get out once again and explore. Whether planning a trip for spring or summer, or dreaming of a trip later on, AAA Travel Advisors recognize travel is a personal choice and advise would-be travelers that things will look very different than the last time many took a vacation.
“The entire travel experience has been transformed by COVID-19. If you’re considering travel sometime this year, it’s more important than ever to do your due diligence ahead of any trip to ensure it is safe and enjoyable,” said Paula Twidale, senior vice president, AAA Travel. “As vaccines help boost consumer confidence to begin traveling again, we have to remember that wearing masks and social distancing are still a requirement in most places.”
AAA offers this advice:
WHAT TRAVELERS CAN EXPECT
—Masks: Face coverings are required on planes, buses, trains and other forms of public transportation traveling into, within or out of the United States, and in U.S. transportation hubs such as airports and stations. Outside of these transportation requirements, most states — and some establishments — have mandates and/or restrictions on where and when masks must be worn.
—Auto: Road trips to domestic destinations continue to be the preferred way for many to travel, but even these trips require additional planning and preparation. Those who make the decision to travel by car can refer to AAA’s COVID-19 Travel Restrictions Map and TripTik.AAA.com for the latest state and local travel restrictions, and to identify which rest stops, gas stations, restaurants and hotels are open along their route.
If renting a car, ask what has been done to clean the vehicle. For extra peace of mind, use disinfecting wipes to wipe down door handles, steering wheels, shifters and control panels.
—Hotels: Prior to any hotel stay, call ahead to ensure your hotel is open and ask what precautions they are taking to protect guests. Ask about social distancing protocols like capacity reductions, hotel staff requirements to wear masks at all times and if all amenities are available, like restaurant dining.
—Air: AAA cautions air travelers that in-flight amenities, including food and beverage services, may be limited or unavailable. Some airlines continue to limit flight capacities or block middle seats to allow for social distancing. Due to COVID-19, TSA is allowing one oversized liquid hand sanitizer container, up to 12 ounces per passenger, in carry-on bags, rather than limiting those to 3.4 ounces. Masks are also required at airports and on planes.
—International air travel: All air passengers coming to the United States, including U.S. citizens, are required to have a negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery from COVID‑19 before they board a flight to the United States. Travelers who don’t provide this to their airline will be denied boarding. There are no test requirements for domestic travel at this time.
—Cruise: Even with the CDC’s no-sail order lifted, many cruise lines have voluntarily extended their suspension of sailing operations further into 2021. Anyone considering a future cruise vacation should talk to the cruise line or a travel adviser about the ship’s cancellation policy and to understand what you can expect on a cruise when they start sailing again.
“Vacations are an investment in memory making. COVID-19 reminded us that safeguarding those investments, where possible, is important. We recommend anyone considering making a trip seek the expertise of a trusted travel adviser,” said Twidale. “They are an invaluable resource for travelers navigating evolving travel and public health guidelines.”
Travel advisers are more important than ever during a pandemic. They serve as an advocate before, during and after a trip, and can answer questions related to:
—Travel insurance options.
—What destinations and attractions are open both domestically and internationally.
—Destination-specific testing and quarantine requirements.
—What to do if you need to make last-minute changes to a trip, and much more.
In addition to trusted travel advisers, travelers have a new resource in the AAA Digital TourBook guides, now available for destinations across the U.S., Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean at TourBook.AAA.com. Available on smartphone, tablet or desktop, the new interactive guides feature detailed destination information, must-see attractions, sample itineraries and more.
TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS REMAIN IN PLACE —PLAN AHEAD
The CDC continues to urge Americans to delay traveling, warning that doing so increases your chance of getting and spreading COVID-19. For those who choose to travel, current guidelines and requirements include the following:
—Travel restrictions: State and local governments may have travel restrictions in place, including testing requirements, stay-at-home orders and quarantine requirements upon arrival. Check the state and local health department where you are, along your route, and where you are going. Prepare to be flexible, as restrictions and policies may change during your trip.
—COVID-19 vaccines: If you are eligible, consider getting vaccinated for COVID-19. The CDC says to wait two weeks after getting your second dose to travel for your body to build protection after vaccination. Even if you’ve been vaccinated, continue to follow all official travel requirements and guidelines.
—Testing: The CDC recommends taking a viral COVID-19 test 1-3 days before your trip. Do not travel if you test positive. Keep a copy of your negative test results with you during your trip and make plans to get tested again with a viral test 3-5 days after you return. Self-quarantine for a full 7 days after trip, even if your test is negative. If you don’t get tested, the CDC advises staying home and self-quarantining for 10 days.
DEAR ABBY: I recently got into a huge fight with my boyfriend, which caused us to break up and me to move two hours away to stay with my mom. We have a beautiful 6-month-old daughter, and I still love him very much. He has begged me to move back and has shown me he still has feelings for me.
Because of past abuse from family and previous partners, I find it very hard to trust. I would love to go back, but I keep being told that it would be a mistake. I want to be a family again, but I don’t want the people who tell me it’s a mistake to be mad at me. Must I give in and stay away or follow my heart and go back?
MIXED UP IN MISSOURI
DEAR MIXED UP: I wish you had disclosed more about the fight that caused you to move away and take the baby. It must have been a doozy. Was he cheating? Physically or emotionally abusive? If it was any of those, I don’t think it is advisable to reconcile.
Why are “people” advising you not to go back with him? Are their reasons valid? If they aren’t, perhaps you should worry less about pleasing them and more about accepting responsibility for your own choices.
Should you follow your heart? Yes, if it leads you and this man to a licensed couples counselor for help in resolving your problems before they get out of hand again, and deciding what would be in the best interest of your child.
DEAR ABBY: My husband and I just got married. We have only one problem: his ex-girlfriend. She used to be my best friend, but we fell out years ago.
She hadn’t contacted him in a long time, but since she found out we got married, she has been texting him begging to meet up. She messaged me once asking for all of us to get together, but she messages him to meet her alone and “talk.” He ignores her and shows me the messages.
Should I step in and tell her to back off or ignore her as he is doing?
I trust and love my husband, but she’s becoming a pest and starting to annoy me and him.
TROUBLED IN TENNESSEE
DEAR TROUBLED: Because silence hasn’t successfully conveyed the message that you and your husband aren’t interested in renewing the relationship, HE should be the one to tell her — in plain English. If he doesn’t do that, then you should.
DEAR ABBY: Last year was a tough one for me and my family. In addition to the COVID mess, I lost my best friend of 30 years, and one of my sisters-in-law lost her best friend of 50 years.
We were talking about each of our losses recently, and she mentioned that she has no pictures of her and her friend together. I said the same about my friend. Right then I decided that no matter how bad my hair, makeup, etc. looked, I wouldn’t shy away from having my photo taken. Sometimes we don’t realize how much a candid snapshot can mean until it is too late.
Do you agree?
MOMENT IN TIME IN TEXAS
DEAR MOMENT: Yes, as a matter of fact, I do. I have been guilty of photo-dodging, and I am sure many others have been, too. After reading your letter, I am resolving to do better in the future. Thank you!
***
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.
The Long-Allen La. 182 Bridge will be closed during the day Monday due to routine bridge inspections.
The state Department of Transportation and Development announced the closures are expected to last from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.
The detour will be U.S. 90.
Meanwhile, Tuesday, the Charenton Bridge at the Baldwin Canal on La. 182 between Yokley Road and Newman Street will be closed for routine bridge inspections.
The closure is expected to last from 8 a.m. until 11 a.m., with the detour being La. 83, U.S. 90 and La. 3211.
Both closures are weather permitting.
Fourteen confirmed COVID-19 cases, 10 of them in St. Mary, were reported for three local parishes in the 24 hours ending at midday Thursday. St. Martin had one confirmed COVID-related fatality, according to the Louisiana Office of Public Health.
The 10 new confirmed cases raise St. Mary's pandemic total to 3,391 confirmed with 843 probable.
St. Martin's case count was adjusted downward by six, reducing its count to 4,461 with 422 probable. The confirmed COVID fatality was the parish's 103rd with 11 probable.
Assumption has four new confirmed cases for a total of 1,544 confirmed with 567 probable.
The death tolls remain at 109 confirmed with 14 probable in St. Mary and 29 with five probable in Assumption.
Statewide:
--441 new cases raise the pandemic total to 373,972 confirmed with 61,963 probable.
--16 newly reported fatalities raise the toll to 9,094 confirmed with 734 probable.
--16 fewer COVID-positive people are in Louisiana hospitals, lowering the total to 514.
--5 fewer people are on ventilators for a total of 64.
St. Mary’s representative in the U.S. House of Representatives voted against final approval of the $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package that passed Wednesday.
“Democrats are ramming through wasteful spending and liberal wish list items that have nothing to do with COVID relief,” Higgins said in a Facebook statement.
Higgins had voted against the original House-passed measure that included a hike in the minimum wage to $15 an hour. The Senate stripped the minimum wage increase from the legislation and trimmed spending for stimulus checks and enhanced unemployment benefits.
The House approved the Senate changes Wednesday on a largely party-line vote.
The act includes:
—A $1,400 stimulus check for qualifying individuals, or $2,800 for married couples who file joint federal income tax returns. Adult dependents may also receive $1,400 checks if they’re otherwise eligible.
Individuals with an adjusted gross income of $75,000 or less, or married couples filing jointly with incomes of $150,000 or less, would get the full stimulus payment. The Senate version phases down the payments until taxpayers with incomes of over $80,000 individually and $160,000 for joint filers are no longer eligible.
—The Senate’s bill will extend the federal unemployment enhancement of $300 per week through Sept. 6, and shield the first $10,200 in unemployment benefits in 2020 from federal income taxes.
—The act would provide $350 billion in assistance to state and local governments.
—K-12 schools would get $10 billion in aid.
—$14 billion is earmarked for COVID-19 vaccination.
—$12 billion would go to nutrition assistance.
—The child tax credit would be expanded by $300 per child 5 and under and $250 per child 6-17.
—$45 billion would go for mortgage, rental and utility assistance.
“Over 90% of this $1.9 trillion spending bill is unrelated to COVID public health response efforts,” Higgins said. “There is over $1 trillion in already appropriated relief funding that has not yet been spent. We should be repurposing those funds and directing them to areas of need rather than spending another $1.9 trillion that we don’t have.
“This bill enables prolonged government-mandated lockdowns when states should be ending oppressive restrictions. The greatest stimulus we can provide is to fully reopen America’s economy and restore individual freedoms.”
Earlier this week, Higgins sent a letter to Gov. John Bel Edwards urging him to reopen Louisiana’s economy fully.
“I respectfully request that you officially end all state-level COVID-19 restrictions,” Higgins wrote. “Infection rates are down. We cannot delay restoration of freedoms. Our people cannot make it under continued restrictions.
“The Trump Admin-istration’s Operation Warp Speed has been an amazing success. Several FDA-approved vaccines have been developed and made available to the public. We have begun to see several other states end their mandates, including our neighbors Texas and Mississippi.
“Louisiana already struggles to compete against Texas’ pro-business laws. If you continue to mandate that businesses may only operate at a limited capacity, we will continue to lose residents and economic drivers to our western neighbors.”
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