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Area births announced

Wed, 02/24/2021 - 8:29am

Born to Mr. and Mrs. Tre’Ve-on T. Francois (nee: Lily G. Robicheaux) of Morgan City, a girl, Auri’ella Leaye Francois, on Jan. 22 at Thibodaux Regional Medical Center. She weighed 6 pounds, 4 ounces and measured 18 inches.
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Born to Brandy J. Naverro and Christopher A. Sylvester of Morgan City, a girl, Ambri Ja’hnee Naverro, on Jan. 22 at Thibodaux Regional Medical Center. She weighed 8 pounds, 7 ounces and measured 21 inches.
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Born to Mr. and Mrs. Joshua P. Trimm (nee: Ashley N. Foret) of Morgan City, a girl, Harper Rae Trimm, on Jan. 25 at Thibodaux Regional Medical Center. She weighed 7 pounds, 6 ounces and measured 19½ inches.
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Born to Mckenna L. Doucet and Kane B. Smith of Patterson, a boy, Karson Joseph Smith, on Jan. 29 at Thibodaux Regional Medical Center. He weighed 6 pounds, 8 ounces and measured 18.5 inches.
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Born to Mr. and Mrs. Andre A. Barker (nee: Skyla Burt) of Morgan City, a girl, Landry Gail Barker, on Feb. 1 at Thibodaux Regional Medical Center. She weighed 8 pounds, 6 ounces and measured 21 inches.
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Born to Irianna Prater of Patterson, a girl, Nalani Faith Prater, on Feb. 8 at Ochsner St. Mary in Morgan City. She weighed 6 pounds, 6 ounces and measured 19.5 inches.
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Born to Andrenique Brown and Alexis Javier Melendez Davila of Morgan City, a boy, Alexis Javier Melendez Davila, on Feb. 9 at Ochsner St. Mary in Morgan City. He weighed 6 pounds, 15 ounces and measured 19 inches.
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Born to Mr. and Mrs. Randy Tisdale Jr. (nee: Sheremy Louviere) of Morgan City, a girl, Ellisyn Mercury Adalinda Tisdale, on Feb. 18 at Ochsner St. Mary in Morgan City. She weighed 8 pounds and measured 19.6 inches.

Tulane among researchers of why some are 'super-spreaders'

Wed, 02/24/2021 - 8:27am
From TULANE UNIVERSITY

Scientists and public health experts have long known that certain individuals, termed “super-spreaders,” can transmit COVID-19 with incredible efficiency and devastating consequences.
Now, researchers at Tulane University, Harvard University, MIT and Massachusetts General Hospital have learned that obesity, age and COVID-19 infection correlate with a propensity to breathe out more respiratory droplets — key spreaders of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Their findings were published in “Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.”
Using data from an observational study of 194 healthy people and an experimental study of nonhuman primates with COVID-19, researchers found that exhaled aerosol particles vary greatly between subjects. Those who were older with higher body mass indexes and an increasing degree of COVID-19 infection had three times the number of exhaled respiratory droplets as others in the study groups.
Researchers found that 18% of the human subjects accounted for 80% of the exhaled particles of the group, reflecting a distribution of exhaled aerosol particles that follows the 20/80 rule seen in other infectious disease epidemics — meaning 20% of infected individuals are responsible for 80% of transmissions.
Aerosol droplets in nonhuman primates increased as infection with COVID-19 progressed, reaching peak levels a week after infection before falling to normal after two weeks. Notably, as infection with COVID-19 progressed, viral particles got smaller, reaching the size of a single micron at the peak of infection.
Tiny particles are more likely to be expelled as people breathe, talk or cough. They can also stay afloat much longer, travel farther in the air and penetrate deeper into the lungs when inhaled.
The increase in exhaled aerosols occurred even among those with asymptomatic cases of COVID-19, said Chad Roy, PhD, corresponding author and director of infectious disease aerobiology at the Tulane National Primate Research Center.
“We’ve seen a similar increase in droplets during the acute infection stage with other infectious diseases like tuberculosis,” Roy said. “It seems likely that viral and bacterial infections of the airway can weaken airway mucus, which promotes the movement of infectious particles into this environment.”
The generation of respiratory drops in the airways varies between people depending on their body composition, said lead author David Edwards, PhD, professor of the practice of biomedical engineering at Harvard University.
“While our results show that the young and healthy tend to generate far fewer droplets than the older and less healthy, they also show that any of us, when infected by COVID-19, may be at risk of producing a large number of respiratory droplets,” Edwards said.

Punishment doesn’t fit crime after boy is caught with porn

Wed, 02/24/2021 - 8:20am
By Jeanne Phillips, ©United Features Syndicate

DEAR ABBY: When I stopped by my brother’s house a couple of weeks ago, he mentioned that his 9-year-old son was grounded in his bedroom. He was being punished for snooping in his dad’s vintage collection of porn.
At first I was upset with my brother and his wife, because it was their fault that the boy had access to it, and boys are naturally curious. But when I found out what his punishment was, I became enraged. Their “brilliant” idea was to make my nephew disgusted with porn by forcing him to look at the entire collection for three hours instead of playing outside.
Maybe this tactic works for cigarette smoking or chewing tobacco, but this seemed very wrong. I was so appalled, I overstepped; I went straight into my nephew’s room and told him he was allowed to go outside and play. Abby, what do you think? Am I being ridiculous? What should I have done?
APPALLED IN OHIO

DEAR APPALLED: The child’s punishment was extreme and inappropriate. What you SHOULD have done was point out to your brother and sister-in-law that their punishment may have been counterproductive. Rather than working as aversion therapy, it could result in whetting their son’s appetite for more.
You might also have suggested they consult a child psychologist for suggestions on how to deal with their son’s budding sexual curiosity, which is entirely normal, and urged that from now on they keep their collection under lock and key.

DEAR ABBY: I recently met a very nice woman online. During our first phone call, she told me about an injury she received a few months ago that has left her with a disability. I’m not bothered by it, and I’d like to get to know her better.
From the way she responded to a few things, I got the impression that she is still coming to terms with what has happened, as anyone would be. I have no experience with a situation like this, and I have no idea if, from the perspective of dating, it is the right thing to engage someone who is going through this. Any thoughts?
TENTATIVE IN INDIANA

DEAR TENTATIVE: Yes, it’s the right thing — but only if you can be supportive and patient during what has to be an extremely emotionally disruptive time in this woman’s life. I am sure she could use a supportive male friend right now, as long as you two can continue to have an open and honest dialogue with each other.

DEAR ABBY: My 30-year-old son lives with me for financial reasons, and I love him dearly. He helps with bills and works a full-time job. My only problem with him is he wears the same pair of pants for weeks without washing them and hasn’t washed his sheets in months. I didn’t raise him that way. He does take a shower every night.
He owns only one pair of pants, and I can’t get him to buy another pair. I have complained to him several times about the bad smell. How can I get him to change his ways?
FED-UP MOTHER IN TEXAS

DEAR FED UP: At this point in his life, that may not be possible. It seems strange to me that someone who smells bad could hold a full-time job, but I will take your word for it. The easiest solution to your problem might be for you to wash his bedding every few weeks. As to the fact that he has only one pair of pants, buy him a pair for his next birthday or for Christmas — whichever comes sooner.
***
For everything you need to know about wedding planning, order “How to Have a Lovely Wedding.” Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 to: Dear Abby, Wedding Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447.

Funds for Mr. Charlie? There's an app for that

Tue, 02/23/2021 - 1:05pm
GEOFF STOUTE
gstoute@daily-review.com

The International Petroleum Museum & Exposition, home of the “Mr. Charlie” rig, is conducting a virtual fundraiser for the museum.
The fundraiser involves an app called Shadow-Puzzle Game. The free app features about 4,800 puzzles. Of those, Virgil Allen, president of the Inter-national Petroleum Museum & Exposition, created about 4,700.
The way the app works is you scan a code provided by the museum or connect to it via this link:

https://wcf7v.app.link/F9NMy5hmj6?%243p=a_custom_785348350215425190

Then, you are given an initial pack of puzzles for free in which puzzles begin with one piece before building up to eight pieces.
From there, other packs are available in either a set of 100 puzzles for $1.99 or 750 puzzles for $9.99.
“We can create more if we get to the point where people use all that up,” Allen said.
No two puzzles are alike.
“All ages can do it,” Allen said.
While the app store receives 30% of the profits from purchases, the museum receives the other 70%.
Currently, the app is available only via Apple products, but Allen said eventually it will be extended to Android products.
The museum can help others through the fundraiser, too.
“What we’re looking to do and have started is working with other groups that also want to use this as a virtual fundraiser,” Allen said.
In the partnerships, the 70% profit is split in half between the museum and the partnering entity.
With a virtual fundraiser, the link to the game and to make in-app purchases can be passed via social media or email.
Since rolling out the app last March, the museum has seen sales, via word of mouth, internationally.
“We’re seeing people from all over the world playing the game,” Allen said, noting Columbia, Mexico, Brazil, Sri Lanka, China and Ireland as some places where the app has been accessed.
The app was developed over a multiyear process, and while it still is in its infancy, Allen said in time, it will generate more revenue for the museum.
Money will be used to benefit the museum in any way such as pay bills, new projects or renovations.
“We hope it goes viral, and it does afford us to do some expansion,” Allen said.
The “Mr. Charlie” museum is the world’s first offshore movable drilling rig, Allen said.
While it no longer is used in industry for oil drilling, it still is used for training by educational and industrial sectors.
It is found in Morgan City, the birthplace of offshore oil.
Tours are available Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., weather permitting. Admission is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors and $5 for students.
For more information on partnering with the museum in the fundraiser, call 985-384-3744.

What the Wellness Center will offer

Tue, 02/23/2021 - 12:49pm
Staff Report

Staff Report
Franklin Foundation Hospital has officially announced the beginning of construction on a 60,000-square-foot Wellness Center on the hospital campus.
The center is expected to handle 20,000 patient visits each year and will be the first institution in the parish to integrate physical and behavioral health services, the hospital said.
“We continually evaluate new services to best meet the health needs of our community and are pleased to offer this center close to home for patients and family members,” said Stephanie Guidry, CEO.
The site of the Wellness Center will be located between the Franklin Foundation Hospital Medical Office building and the railroad on Northwest Boulevard.
The facility will offer orthopedics; cardiology; physical, occupational and speech therapy; outpatient cardiac rehab; senior behavioral health; conference rooms; community education rooms; a wellness testing center; and a fitness facility.
“With the addition of this facility, Franklin Foundation Hospital will add new and much needed services to our community,” the hospital said.
One of the new services offered will be cardiopulmonary rehabilitation which assist cardiovascular, pulmonary and respiratory patients in restoring and maintaining optimal health through exercise conditioning, strength training, diet education and emotional support. Another new service offered will be a senior intensive outpatient behavioral health program, which provides treatment for seniors experiencing depression, anxiety and other behavioral symptoms.
The fitness center shall be a full-service fitness facility open to the public at reasonable membership rates and include an indoor walking track, exercise studio’s including cycling, mind, body and soul, group exercise room, an indoor lap pool and an exercise-therapy pool.
The community education room will be used by the hospital and healthcare provider to offer valuable education on topics such as arthritis, diabetes, hypertension, women’s health and much more. The banquet facility will be available for rent to host weddings, conferences, Mardi Gras balls and other events as needed.
Franklin Foundation Hospital will continue our partnership with OrthoLA and Dr. Brent Rochon, cardiologist, offering expanded treatment room availability for a more efficient treatment experience and shorter wait times for patients.
The growing physical-occupational-speech therapy services will move from within the hospital to a larger and more effective treatment environment with access to the indoor therapy pool, resulting in better outcomes.
The integration of physical and behavioral health services is an example of health reform taking shape on the local level by improving access to care, the hospital said.
“At Franklin Foundation Hospital, we are working together with state and local governments to assist Louisiana in becoming physically and mentally healthier, this is our contribution,” Guidry, said.
Franklin Foundation Hospital is a 22-bed critical access community hospital serving the residents of St. Mary Parish and surrounding communities.
To learn more about our services or for help in finding a physician, please visit www.franklinfoundation.org.

Sports betting slow to get rolling in Louisiana

Tue, 02/23/2021 - 12:45pm
By RYAN NELSEN, MATTHEW BENNETT and MAHOGANI COUNTS, LSU Manship School News Service

(Editor's Note: This is the first in an occasional series of stories about issues that will come up in the 2021 legislative session.)

 BATON ROUGE — Voters in most parishes supported the legalization of sports gambling last Nov. 3, but it may be 2022 by the time bettors are legally allowed to wager in Louisiana on football and other games.
  With 55 of the 64 parishes voting in favor of the proposal, legislators will use this spring’s session to set tax rates and create a plan for betting on sporting events.
The Louisiana Gaming Control Board will then create a regulatory model for gamblers and bet takers to use. Mike Noel, the chairman of board, said he expects the rules to be similar to ones that the board recently approved for fantasy sports betting.
Noel said the State Police’s gaming enforcement division will begin taking applications from fantasy sports operators after the rules are published on Feb. 20.
  In 2018, voters in 47 parishes approved betting on daily fantasy games in which users create virtual rosters of real athletes and hope they record better statistics than the groups assembled by other players. The gaming board decided last year that it would levy an 8% tax on the net revenue from fantasy gambling to help fund early childhood education. Louisiana was one of only seven states that did not allow fantasy sports betting in 2020.
Louisianans eager to bet on real sports hope that legislators and the board will not take as long as long to create the rules for betting on real sports. Sen. Ronnie Johns, R- Lake Charles, sponsored the bill that legalized sports betting, and he expects lawmakers to have a plan before the Legislature gathers in April for a two-month session.
   “I will assure you that we will have an agreement between all parties before the legislature in April with the final proposal,” Johns said. “There is absolutely a lot of discussion going on right now, among all parties involved.”
   As Louisiana struggles to finance its operations given the economic effects of COVID-19, sports gambling could provide the state with extra revenue and jobs. While a legislative fiscal note written in 2018 estimated fantasy sports betting would generate $375,000 in tax money in the first year, sports gambling could create more.
One key decision will be whether to allow online gambling or limit betting to in-person gambling on casino grounds. If the legislators approve online gaming, the gaming board will have to set up geolocation borders, technology that would keep the apps from working in the nine parishes that did not approve the betting.
"I’ve personally looked at the mechanism of geofencing, and it’s a very safe way of regulating gaming and betting,” Johns said. “The technology has been proven in many other states.”
In the two-and-a-half years since the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a 1992 ruling against state-authorized sports gambling, 20 states have legalized sports betting. Louisiana and five other states have passed legislation and are working toward taking their first bet.
 Several states have had trouble opening books and trying to find the sweet spot of private, tribal and state-run gambling networks to earn tax revenue. There are success stories like Pennsylvania, which has earned more than $99 million in tax money since November 2018, according to Play Pennsylvania. But states like Delaware have had more modest success. It opened three retail sportsbooks and made $8 million in tax revenue in 2020.
Mississippi, which passed in-person betting in 2018, took in over $5.25 million in 2020 by taxing sports bets. This occurred over a 10-month period as the state closed its casinos in the spring due to the spread of COVID-19. An attempt to expand to online gambling in Mississippi died in a legislative committee.
Mississippi taxes casinos 12% for operating a sports book, and 4% of the money goes to local governments. In 2020, Mississippi also saw increases in tourism in towns with casinos and a $50 million increase in total revenue at its coastal casinos from two years earlier.
Ten states have opened online gambling to multiple providers, the two most notable being DraftKings and FanDuel, which allow users to play fantasy games and place bets. In December, CQ Holdings, a company that partners with DraftKings at a casino in Illinois, reached an agreement to buy the Belle of Baton Rouge riverboat casino.
    The early returns in other states have been mixed. The Oregon Lottery created a one-app system named Scoreboard, which allows bettors to place bets anywhere in the state. However, the app came at a steep initial cost.
Matt Shelby, a representative for the Oregon Lottery, said the state is in the black after accruing over $20 million in tax revenue since October 2019.
  While there is a way to go regarding specifications for Louisiana’s platforms for bettors, Sen. Johns said the Legislature knows that taxation will look a lot different than it does for the state lottery and casinos.
  “We tax the 15 riverboat licenses and the land-based casinos a 21 percent tax,” Johns said. “Sports betting won’t be taxed at that rate. We have to be very careful in not overtaxing sports betting because, if you do so, you’re going to severely limit the number of entities around the state that would be willing to inject into the sports betting business.”
But for now, any Louisiana citizens who are looking to gamble on upcoming 2021 sporting events: no dice. The luck may be better in 2022.

Employers may still pay higher taxes for jobless benefits

Tue, 02/23/2021 - 12:41pm
DAVID JACOBS, The Center Square

Louisiana hasn’t had to borrow as much money as was feared to keep the state’s unemployment benefits trust fund afloat, but employers still could face higher taxes if a revenue solution isn’t found during the legislative session, officials said Friday.
As with many states, unprecedented demand during the COVID-19 pandemic sapped the fund Louisiana uses to pay unemployment benefits, causing the Louisiana Workforce Commission to borrow money from the federal government.
State officials have borrowed $133 million and haven’t had to borrow since November because state lawmakers were able to find more than $90 million to bolster the fund, said Robert Wooley, assistant secretary with the LWC. The loan from the federal government is debt-free until next month, although Congress is considering pushing back the deadline.
Lawmakers suspended the solvency tax last year that otherwise would be imposed on businesses to pay off the debt. Companies eventually could face a new tax of up to 30% of their regular quarterly contribution to the unemployment trust fund, which the Legislative Fiscal Office calculated as a tax increase of up to $61.6 million on businesses statewide.
That doesn’t include increases to the amount of wages that are taxable, which normally kick in when the fund balance is low. Those measures also were suspended last year.
Officials are uncertain how many businesses survived the pandemic to make their first quarter payments this year. The LWC also is awaiting a bill from Texas, which is seeking payback for benefits paid to Louisiana residents who work in that state, Wooley said. Once that bill arrives, the state could be back in borrowing mode.
The trust fund balance is $16 million, down from more than $1 billion before the pandemic began. The payout rate for state benefits is about $6 million a week and fluctuates from week to week, Wooley said.
The LWC said it has paid more than $7 billion in unemployment benefits over the past year, mostly through federally funded programs. The state paid out $153 million all of last year and is trying to administer eight different programs through a system designed for two, Wooley said.
Wooley spoke during a meeting of a task force created to consider solutions to shore up the trust fund and look for ways to increase benefits. Benefits in Louisiana top out at $247 per week, among the lowest in the nation, and is equivalent to 27% of the state’s median wage, LWC Secretary Ava Dejoie said. By contrast, the $181 the state paid in the mid-1990s was equal to 42% of the state median.

TGMC wins Best Hospitals recognition

Tue, 02/23/2021 - 12:39pm

Terrebonne General Medical Center has been named one of America’s Best Hospitals for Outpatient Experience by the Women’s Choice Award, America’s trusted referral source for the best in healthcare.
This award recognizes TGMC for safe surgery practices and lower rates of complications and infections.
Hospitals aiming to provide the most appropriate and value-based care along with advances in technology such as minimally invasive techniques have shifted many patient cases to outpatient settings. As a result, hospitals have made significant strides in providing increased customer service to improve the outpatient experience, TGMC sad.
“Overnight stays in the hospital can be very stressful and costly. With the advancement of technology, hospitals are now able to offer more procedures on an outpatient basis which is much more convenient, more affordable, and less stressful,” said Delia Passi, founder and CEO of the Women’s Choice Award. “Women have demanding lifestyles with over 70% of moms employed so making it easy for her to find hospitals that provide the best outpatient experience helps simplify her life.”
The methodology used to select TGMC as one of America’s Best Hospitals for Outpatient Experience is exclusive in that it evaluates patient satisfaction measures with a hospital visit based on the criteria in the Outpatient and Ambulatory Surgery Survey (OAS-CAHPS). The evaluation process is the only national list that focuses on the opinion of females. It is the only award recognizing excellence in outpatient satisfaction based on robust criteria that consider the patient experience and clinical excellence.
To receive the award, the Joint Commission, The Healthcare Facilities Outpatient Program or Det Norske Veritas Healthcare must first accredit hospitals. Accredited facilities are continuously improving the safety and quality of patient care and this certification signifies the facility’s commitment to meeting regulations and best practices for the medical industry. The categories in the OAS-CAHPS survey are assigned weights based on the feedback received from the Women’s Choice Award Survey.
Only hospitals that achieve rankings higher or equal to the national average in communication and care by hospital staff, pre and post-surgical coordination, facility ratings, and patients’ recommendation are eligible for the outpatient experience award.
TGMC is one of 294 award recipients representing the hospitals that have met the highest standards for outpatient experience in the U.S. by the Women’s Choice Award and the only hospital in our region.
“TGMC is proud to be acknowledged as one of America’s Best Hospitals in American for Outpatient Experience by the Women’s Choice Award,” said Phyllis Peoples, TGMC President, and CEO. “I commend our physicians and staff for working diligently to provide amazing care to our patients daily and want to congratulate them for achieving this outstanding accomplishment.”
For more information about America’s Best Hospitals for Outpatient Experience, please visit https://womenschoiceaward.com/best-outpatient-experience.

Morgan City police radio logs for Feb. 19-22

Tue, 02/23/2021 - 12:35pm

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.
Friday, Feb. 19
5:10 a.m. Orange Street; 911 hang up.
5:48 a.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Complaint.
8:36 a.m. 300 block of Third Street; Medical.
9:27 a.m. 500 block of Brashear Avenue; Stand by.
10:08 a.m. 400 block of Brashear Avenue; Complaint.
10:29 a.m. Railroad Avenue and East Boulevard; Arrest.
10:55 a.m. 1600 block of Glenmont Street; Animal complaint.
11:05 a.m. 7200 block of La. 182; Arrest.
11:54 a.m. 100 block of Mallard Street; Disturbance.
12:01 p.m. 200 block of South Railroad Avenue; Complaint.
2:02 p.m. 700 block of Maine Street; Complaint.
2:22 p.m. 600 block of Fifth Street; Arrest.
2:30 p.m. 300 block of Lawrence Street; Stand by.
4:01 p.m. 700 block of Fourth Street; Assistance.
4:19 p.m. Greenwood Street; Stalled vehicle.
4:20 p.m. 7300 block of La. 182; Complaint.
4:21 p.m. Sixth and Onstead streets; Utility.
4:27 p.m. 900 block of Second; Alarm.
4:53 p.m. 2600 block of Hemlock Street; Complaint.
5:37 p.m. 100 block of Oak Street; Disturbance.
5:42 p.m. Sixth and Onstead streets; Utilities.
5:55 p.m. 1200 block of Brashear Avenue; Alarm.
6:05 p.m. North First Street; Animal.
6:09 p.m. 300 block of Adams Street; Theft.
6:22 p.m. 1800 block of Filmore; Complaint.
6:34 p.m. 300 block of Grizzaffi Street; Alarm.
7:03 p.m. Brownell Homes; Removal of subject.
7:43 p.m. Morgan City Police Department; Mentally ill person.
8:40 p.m. Hilda and Mayon streets; Suspicious person.
11:35 p.m. Bowman Street; Animal.
11:46 p.m. 300 block of Chennault Street; Removal of subject.
Saturday, Feb. 20
12:16 a.m. U.S. 90 West; Complaint.
1:15 a.m. 1400 block of Bernice Street; Medical.
1:59 a.m. Federal Avenue and Levee Road; Loud music.
2:42 a.m. 200 block of Brashear Avenue; Drug activity.
7:58 a.m. U.S. 90 West; Complaint.
8:11 a.m. U.S. 90 West; Traffic incident.
10:03 a.m. 1600 block of Chatsworth Drive; Assistance.
10:10 a.m. 500 block of Brashear Avenue; Complaint.
10:36 a.m. 1400 block of Bernice Street; Assistance.
11:07 a.m. 300 block of Julia Street; Alarm.
11:51 a.m. 600 block of Front Street; Alarm.
12:10 p.m. 6700 block of La. 182; Alarm.
1:04 p.m. 300 block of Lawrence Street; Disturbance.
1:07 p.m. 600 block of Brashear Avenue; Civil.
2:07 p.m. La. 182 and Myrtle Street; Disturbance.
2:25 p.m. 7400 block of La. 182; Theft.
4:36 p.m. Bush Street; Complaint.
5:33 p.m. Lake End Park; Assistance.
5:35 p.m. 300 block of Lawrence Street; Stand by.
7:35 p.m. 500 block of Brashear Avenue; Complaint.
8:51 p.m. 300 block of Aucoin Street; Animal.
9:45 p.m. U.S. 90 East; Reckless driver.
9:53 p.m. 700 block of Federal Avenue; Alarm.
10:12 p.m. 7200 block of La. 182; Stand by.
10:19 p.m. 100 block of Oak Street; Complaint.
10:50 p.m. 600 block of Brashear Avenue; Fight.
11:15 p.m. Fifth and Greenwood streets; Loud music.
11:31 p.m. 900 block of Federal Avenue; Theft.
11:38 p.m. 7200 block of La. 182; Suspicious person.
Sunday, Feb. 21
1:07 a.m. Brownell Homes; Medical.
1:30 a.m. 600 block of Brashear Avenue; Disturbance.
3:42 a.m. U.S. 90 East; Wreck.
8:59 a.m. 100 block of First Street; 911 hang up.
9:41 a.m. 1400 block of North First Street; Animal complaint.
10:22 a.m. 2400 block of Cypress Street; Complaint.
10:43 a.m. Amber and Dale streets; Arrest.
10:51 a.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Complaint.
11:05 a.m. 1400 block of Federal Avenue; Complaint.
12:37 p.m. 400 block of Brashear Avenue; Stalled vehicle.
12:37 p.m. 2300 block of La. 70; Animal complaint.
12:41 p.m. 100 block of First Street; 911 hang up.
1:48 p.m. 2100 block of Federal Avenue; Complaint.
1:49 p.m. 500 block of Terrebonne Street; Disturbance.
2:09 p.m. 500 block of Federal Avenue; Arrest.
2:32 p.m. 500 block of Brashear Avenue; Disturbance.
2:42 p.m. La. 70; Crash.
2:43 p.m. 100 block of Oak Street; Removal of subject.
3:25 p.m. 300 block of Lawrence Street; Complaint.
4:06 p.m. 2100 block of Federal Avenue; Arrest.
4:10 p.m. 500 block of Bowman Street; Complaint.
4:18 p.m. 6500 block of La. 182; Crash.
4:42 p.m. Apple Street; Disturbance.
7:28 p.m. Fifth and Louisiana streets; Loud music.
9:13 p.m. Bernice Street; Suspicious person.
9:17 p.m. Barrow and First streets; Loud music.
Monday, Feb. 22
2:36 a.m. 600 block of Terrebonne Street; Open door.

Heroin and guns seized in local arrests

Tue, 02/23/2021 - 12:22pm
Staff Report

(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.)

Berwick officers made a heroin possession arrest after a traffic stop Friday, and St. Martin deputies seized drugs and stolen weapons the same dsay.
Berwick
Police Chief David Leonard reported this arrest:
—Justin D. Adams, 42, Glenhaven Drive, Baton Rouge, was arrested at 2:52 p.m. Friday on charges of possession of heroin, possession of a legend drug (duloxetine hydrochloride), possession of drug paraphernalia, violation of the Uniform Controlled Dangerous Substance Law (drug-free zone), improper lane use, switched license plate and driving under suspension. Adams was also booked on St. Mary Sheriff’s Office warrants for failure to appear for drug court and disturbing the peace.
On Friday, an officer was traveling on La. 182 when he observed a vehicle swerve onto the shoulder numerous times. A traffic stop was conducted, and Adams was identified as the driver.
Throughout the course of the stop, a bag of heroin, prescription pills and numerous items of drug paraphernalia were located inside of the vehicle.
A computer check revealed that the license plate on the truck was switched. and it also revealed that Adams’ driver’s license was suspended. Adams was also found to have two outstanding warrants through the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office. He was placed under arrest and booked into the Berwick Jail where he remains with no bond set. 

St. Martin
Sheriff Becket Breaux reported these arrests:
—Crystal Brown, 32, Roy J. Melancon Road, Breaux Bridge, was arrested Friday on charges of illegal use of a controlled dangerous substance in the presence of a minor (five counts); criminal conspiracy (four counts), possession of a firearm in committing or attempting a crime (five counts); cruelty to juveniles (clandestine lab, five counts); illegal possession of stolen firearms; transactions involving proceeds from drug offenses; clandestine lab; manufacture, distribution or possession with intent to distribute Schedule II narcotics; and manufacture or distribution of Schedule IV narcotics.
—Jokoda Henry, 27, Breaux Bridge, was arrested on charges of illegal use of a controlled dangerous substance in the present of a minor (five counts); criminal conspiracy (four counts), possession of a firearm in committing or attempting a crime (five counts); cruelty to juveniles (clandestine lab, five counts); illegal possession of stolen firearms; transactions involving proceeds from drug offenses; clandestine lab; manufacture, distribution or possession with intent to distribute Schedule II narcotics; and manufacture or distribution of Schedule IV narcotics.
The arrests followed a report of suspected illegal drug activity at a residence in the 1000 block of Roy J. Melancon Road, Breaux Bridge. Deputies with the St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office initiated an investigation.
At the culmination of the investigation, a narcotics search warrant was obtained, and on Friday, following the execution of the warrant, deputies located four firearms, suspected Alprazolam tablets, suspected cocaine, several Suboxone sublingual strips, drug paraphernalia, U.S. Currency, a digital scale, brass knuckles, and materials indicative of the manufacturing of crack cocaine. Deputies learned that one of the firearms recovered was a stolen firearm.
Following their arrests, they were both booked into the St. Martin Parish Correctional Center on the above charges and their bonds were set at $75,000 each.
—James Blanchard, 45, Badger Trail, Lafayette, was arrested Sunday on charges of possession of Schedule IV drugs and possession of drug paraphernalia,
—Dustin Didier, 35, Avenue C, Port Allen, was arrested Sunday on a charge of unauthorized use of a movable.
—Toby Boutte, 25, Hypolite Miller Road, Sunset, was arrested Saturday on charges of possession with intent to distribute of Schedule II narcotics, illegal use of a controlled dangerous substance in the presence of a minor and resisting an officer.
—Brittney Degeyter, 28, Eunice Road, St. Martinville, was arrested Saturday on charges of possession of Schedule II narcotics; possession of paraphernalia; sale, distribution or possession of a legend drug; and illegal use of a controlled dangerous substance in the presence of a minor.
—Francine Allemond, 55, Quail Run Road, Breaux Bridge, was arrested Friday on a charge of domestic abuse aggravated assault.
—Preston Murray, 34, La Nina Avenue, Breaux Bridge, was arrested on a charge of resisting a police officer with force or violence, simple possession of marijuana and illegal use of a weapon.
—Denzel Thomas, 24, Cypress Island Highway, was arrested Friday by the St. Martinville Police Department on a charge of unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling.
St. Mary
Sheriff Blaise Smith advises that over the last 72-hour reporting period, the Sheriff’s Office responded to 93 complaints and made these arrests:
—Trent A. Gilbert, 37, Franklin, was arrested at 10:46 a.m. Friday on charges of driving on roadway laned for traffic, driving under suspension, and possession of marijuana.
Gilbert was released on a summons to appear May 24.
—Gage Allen, 18, Franklin, was arrested at 3:41 p.m. Friday on a warrant for failure to appear on the charge of possession of drug paraphernalia. No bail has been set.
—Eternity Bass, 23, Jeanerette, was arrested Friday on a warrant for negligent injuring (first-degree vehicular). Bass was released on a $10,000 surety bond.
—Willie Joseph Johnlouis Jr., 33, Jeanerette, was arrested at 12:46 p.m. Saturday on a charge of driving under suspension. Johnlouis was released on a summons to appear May 24.
—Devin Benoit, 24, Thibodaux, was arrested at 5:31 p.m. Saturday on a charge of no insurance. Benoit was released on a summons to appear May 24.
—Anthony Wayne Bonner, 55, Patterson, was arrested at 8:06 a.m. Saturday on a warrant for failure to appear on charges of turning movements and signals required, driving under suspension, possession of marijuana and possession of Schedule IV drugs. Bonner was released on a summons to appear May 24.
—Brandon Joseph Eues, 31, Stephensville, was arrested at 10 p.m. Sunday on a charge of second-degree battery. Eues was released on a $3,000 bond.
—Tiffani Lynn Remedies, 31, Patterson, was arrested at 6:31 a.m. Sunday on a warrant for failure to appear on the charge of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.
No bail has been set.
—Anthony Wayne Bonner, 55, Patterson, was arrested at 3:00 p.m. Saturday on a warrant for failure to appear on the charge of aggravated assault.
Bonner was released on a summons to appear May 24.
—Ronald J. Winslow, 61, Siracusa, was arrested at 2:44 p.m. Friday on a charge of possession of drug paraphernalia. Winslow was released on a summons to appear May 24.
Morgan City
Police Chief James F. Blair reports that over the last 72-hour period, the Morgan City Police Department responded to 122 calls for service. The following people were arrested beginning Friday:
—Summer Gaudet, 26, Lake Palourde Road., Amelia, was arrested at 2:20 a.m. Friday on a warrant for access device fraud and two counts of failure to appear to pay fines in 6th Ward Court.
—Chance Boudreaux, 26, Railroad Avenue, Patterson, was arrested at 4:08 a.m. Friday on a charge of
illegal possession of sto-
(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.)
Staff Report
Berwick officers made a heroin possession arrest after a traffic stop Friday, and St. Martin deputies and detectives seized drugs and stolen weapons Friday.
Berwick
Police Chief David Leonard reported this arrest:
—Justin D. Adams, 42, Glenhaven Drive, Baton Rouge, was arrested at 2:52 p.m. Friday on charges of possession of heroin, possession of a legend drug (duloxetine hydrochloride), possession of drug paraphernalia, violation of the Uniform Controlled Dangerous Substance Law (drug-free zone), improper lane use, switched license plate and driving under suspension. Adams was also booked on St. Mary Sheriff’s Office warrants for failure to appear for drug court and disturbing the peace.
On Friday, an officer was traveling on La. 182 when he observed a vehicle swerve onto the shoulder numerous times. A traffic stop was conducted, and Adams was identified as the driver.
Throughout the course of the stop, a bag of heroin, prescription pills and numerous items of drug paraphernalia were located inside of the vehicle.
A computer check revealed that the license plate on the truck was switched and it also revealed that Adams’ driver’s license was suspended. Adams was also found to have two outstanding warrants through the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office. He was placed under arrest and booked into the Berwick Jail where he remains with no bond set. 

St. Martin
Sheriff Becket Breaux reported these arrests:
—Crystal Brown, 32, Roy J. Melancon Road, Breaux Bridge, was arrested Friday on charges of illegal use of a controlled dangerous substance in the present of a minor (five counts); criminal conspiracy (four counts), possession of a firearm in committing or attempt a crime (five counts); cruelty to juveniles (clandestine lab, five counts); illegal possession of stolen firearms; transactions involving proceeds from drug offense; clandestine lab; manufacture, distribution or possession with intent to distribute Schedule II narcotics; and manufacture or distribution of Schedule IV narcotics.
— Jokoda Henry, 27, Breaux Bridge, was arrested on charges of illegal use of a controlled dangerous substance in the present of a minor (five counts); criminal conspiracy (four counts), possession of a firearm in committing or attempt a crime (five counts); cruelty to juveniles (clandestine lab, five counts); illegal possession of stolen firearms; transactions involving proceeds from drug offense; clandestine lab; manufacture, distribution or possession with intent to distribute Schedule II narcotics; and manufacture or distribution of Schedule IV narcotics.
The arrests followed a report of suspected illegal drug activity at a residence in the 1000 block of Roy J. Melancon Road, Breaux Bridge. Deputies with the St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office, initiated an investigation.
At the culmination of the investigation a narcotics search warrant was obtained, and on Friday, following the execution of the warrant, deputies located four firearms, suspected Alprazolam tablets, suspected cocaine, several Suboxone sublingual strips, drug paraphernalia, U.S. Currency, a digital scale, brass knuckles, and materials indicative of the manufacturing of crack cocaine. Deputies learned that one of the firearms recovered was a stolen firearm.
. Following their arrests, they were both booked into the St. Martin Parish Correctional Center on the above charges and their bonds were set at $75,000 each.
—James Blanchard, 45, Badger Trail, Lafayette, was arrested Sunday on charges of possession of Schedule IV drugs and possession of drug paraphernalia,
—Dustin Didier, 35, Avenue C, Port Allen, was arrested Sunday on a charge of unauthorized use of a movable.
—Toby Boutte, 25, Hypolite Miller Road, Sunset, was arrested Saturday on charges of possession with intent to distribute of Schedule II narcotics, illegal use of a controlled dangerous substance in the presence of a minor and resisting an officer.
--Brittney Degeyter, 28, Eunice Road, St. Martinville, was arrested Saturday on charges of possession of Schedule II narcotics; possession of paraphernalia; sale, distribution or possession of a legend drug; and illegal use of a controlled dangerous substance in the presence of a minor.
—Francine Allemond, 55, Quail Run Road, Breaux Bridge, was arrested Friday on a charge of domestic abuse aggravated assault.
—Preston Murray, 34, La Nina Avenue, Breaux Bridge, was arrested on a charge of resisting a police officer with force or violence, simple possession of marijuana and illegal use of a weapon.
—Denzel Thomas, 24, Cypress Island Highway, was arrested Friday by the St. Martinville Police Department on a charge of unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling.
St. Mary
Sheriff Blaise Smith advises that over the last 72-hour reporting period, the Sheriff’s Office responded to 93 complaints and made these arrests:
—Trent A. Gilbert, 37, Franklin, was arrested at 10:46 a.m. Friday on charges of driving on roadway laned for traffic, driving under suspension, and possession of marijuana. Gilbert was released on a summons to appear May 24.
—Gage Allen, 18, Franklin, was arrested at 3:41 p.m. Friday on a warrant for failure to appear on the charge of possession of drug paraphernalia. No bail has been set.
—Eternity Bass, 23, Jeanerette, was arrested Friday on a warrant for negligent injuring (first-degree vehicular). Bass was released on a $10,000 surety bond.
—Willie Joseph Johnlouis Jr., 33, Jeanerette, was arrested at 12:46 p.m. Saturday on a charge of driving under suspension. Johnlouis was released on a summons to appear May 24.
—Devin Benoit, 24, Thibodaux, was arrested at 5:31 p.m. Saturday on a charge of no insurance. Benoit was released on a summons to appear May 24.
—Anthony Wayne Bonner, 55, Patterson, was arrested at 8:06 a.m. Saturday on a warrant for failure to appear on charges of turning movements and signals required, driving under suspension, possession of marijuana and possession of Schedule IV drugs. Bonner was released on a summons to appear May 24.
—Brandon Joseph Eues, 31, Stephensville, was arrested at 10 p.m. Sunday on a charge of second-degree battery. Eues was released on a $3,000 bond.
—Tiffani Lynn Remedies, 31, Patterson, was arrested at 6:31 a.m. Sunday on a warrant for failure to appear on the charge of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. No bail has been set.
—Anthony Wayne Bonner, 55, Patterson, was arrested at 3:00 p.m. Saturday on a warrant for failure to appear on the charge of aggravated assault. Bonner was released on a summons to appear May 24.
—Ronald J. Winslow, 61, Siracusa, was arrested at at 2:44 p.m. Friday on a charge of possession of drug paraphernalia. Winslow was released on a summons to appear May 24.

Morgan City
Police Chief James F. Blair reports that over the last 72-hour period, the Morgan City Police Department responded to 122 calls for service. The following people were arrested beginning Friday:
—Summer Gaudet, 26, Lake Palourde Road., Amelia, was arrested at 2:20 a.m. Friday on a warrant for access device fraud and two counts of failure to appear to pay fines in 6th Ward Court.
—Chance Boudreaux, 26, Railroad Avenue, Patterson, was arrested at 4:08 a.m. Friday on a charge of illegal possession of stolen things over $25,000 and on a warrant for failure to appear in 16th Judicial District Court.
An officer recognized Boudreaux in a parking lot in the area of Eighth Street and had knowledge the 16th Judicial District Court held active warrants for his arrest. Officers verified the warrant and placed him under arrest.
A computer check revealed the vehicle Boudreaux was in possession of had been reported stolen in Baton Rouge. He was additionally charged and transported to the Morgan City Police Department for booking and incarceration.
—Tory Jude Landry, 41, La. 75 Plaquemine, was arrested at 10:44 a.m. Friday on charges of proper equipment required on vehicle, no motor vehicle insurance and operating a vehicle with a suspended driver’s license.
—Cedric Sapp, 26, La. 182, Morgan City, was arrested at 11:23 a.m. Saturday on a charge of domestic abuse battery.
—Aldwin Renee Cox, 55, Union Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 2:39 p.m. Friday on a charge of disturbing the peace.
—Paul Miguel Navarez, 58, Fifth Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 2:39 p.m. on a charge of disturbing the peace.
—Margaret Bergeron, 33, Filmore Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 6:29 p.m. Friday on a warrant for operating a vehicle with a suspended driver’s license.
—Jeramie James Toups, 40 La. 182, Morgan City, was arrested at 11:50 a.m. Saturday on a charge of criminal damage to property under $1,000.
—Kim James Butler Jr., 39, Railroad Avenue, Morgan City, was arrested at 4:32 a.m. Sunday on a charge of report following an accident and careless operation.
—Tiffany Lynn Remedies, 31, Canary Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 8:42 a.m. Sunday on a warrant for two counts of failure to pay fines in 6th Ward Court and two counts of contempt of court in 6th Ward Court.
—Demetris Owens, 28, Orange Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 4:14 p.m. Sunday on charges of aggravated assault and entry on or remaining in places or on land after forbidden.

Franklin
Police Chief Morris Beverly said his department responded to 17 complaints over the past weekend and made the following arrests:
 —Desmond Parker, 18, of Eckart Drive, New Iberia, was arrested at 5:23 a.m. Friday on the charges of possession of Schedule I narcotics, obstruction of justice, contributing to the delinquency of juveniles and principal to attempted second-degree murder (five counts). Parker was booked, processed and held with no bond set at time of press release.
 —Kearney Jackson, Jr., 31, of West Ibert Street, Franklin, was arrested at 10:44 a.m. Saturday on the charge of simple criminal damage to property. Jackson was booked, processed and held on a $1,000 bond.
 —Meagan Glover, 31, Sterling Road, Franklin, was arrested at 6:17 p.m. Saturday on the charge of domestic abuse battery. Glover was booked, processed and held on a $2,500 bond.
—Taeleisha Jackson, 27, Sterling Road, Franklin, was arrested at 6:28 p.m. Saturday on the charge of domestic abuse battery. Jackson was booked, processed and held on a $2,500 bond.
—Agnus Lightner-White, 31, Joan Drive, Franklin, was arrested at 10:38 p.m. Sunday on the charges of possession of marijuana, possession of Suboxone and possession of drug paraphernalia. Lightner-White was booked, processed and held with no bond set at time of press release.

Assumption
Sheriff Leland Falcon reported these arrests:
—Michael J. Lewis was arrested Wednesday on charges of illegal use of weapons or dangerous instrumentalities, aggravated assault with a firearm, aggravated criminal damage to property and failure to appear, and on an Ascension Parish fugitive warrant.
Lewis was arrested in connection with a shooting incident near Daggs Street in Paincourtville on Oct. 23, 2020.
On that date, deputies and detectives responded to a call in which an unknown individual had opened fire on a parked car and during the process also struck a home with gunfire.
Detectives initiated an investigation and were able to identify Lewis as a suspect.
Following additional investigation, detectives applied for and were granted arrest warrants for Lewis.
Because Lewis left the jurisdiction, the warrants were entered into the National Crime Database.
On Wednesday, Lewis was arrested by Louisiana State Police Troop A.
On Friday, Michael J. Lewis was transported to the Assumption Parish Detention Center and incarcerated with bond set at $145,000.
—Roger Lee Ross, 38, La. 40, Napoleonville, was arrested Sunday on charges of aggravated flight from an officer, possession of marijuana (third offense, felony), possession of Schedule II drugs, obstruction of justice, driving on roadway laned for traffic, driving under a suspended license and no seat belt.
Ross was arrested after an attempted traffic stop in Labadieville on Sunday afternoon.
A uniformed patrol officer observed a vehicle commit a traffic violation on La. 1 and attempted to conduct a stop.
The suspect vehicle fled southbound on La. 1 into Lafourche Parish and eventually crossed onto La. 308 at high speeds.
The deputy was eventually able to stop the vehicle north of Thibodaux and immediately took Ross into custody.
During the pursuit, Ross allegedly tossed items of evidence from the suspect vehicle.
During a search of the vehicle, a quantity of controlled dangerous substances was recovered as well a suspected marijuana.
Ross was booked into the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex as a fugitive from Assumption Parish.
Roger Lee Ross was then returned to Assumption Parish where he was booked into the parish detention facility pending a bond hearing.

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