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PEGGY MARIE CHARLES

Thu, 02/04/2021 - 12:27pm

Peggy Marie Charles, 73, a native and resident of Morgan City, died Saturday, Jan. 30, 2021, at her residence.
Visitation will be Saturday from 8 a.m. until services at 10 a.m. at Jones Funeral Home in Morgan City. Masks and social distancing requiring. Services accessible on funeral home Facebook page. Burial will follow in Morgan City Cemetery.
She is survived by a son, Alvin Francois of Morgan City; three daughters, Marla Levine of Bayou Vista, Pebble Francois of Patterson and Pam Batist of Alexandria; two sisters, Lilla Charles of Patterson and Corrine Charles of Port Arthur, Texas; nine grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives.
She was preceded in death by her parents, two sons and three brothers.
Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

KEN J. SCHEXNAYDER

Thu, 02/04/2021 - 12:26pm

January 12, 1955 — January 31, 2021
Ken J. Schexnayder passed away unexpectedly at the age of 66 on Sunday, January 31, 2021, at Ochsner St. Mary in Morgan City. Ken was born in New Orleans on January 12, 1955 and was the youngest of three children born to the late Joseph Albert Schexnayder and the late Mary Ida Guidry Schexnayder.
Ken was a Certified Public Accountant for over 30 years. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and was an avid gardener who took great pride in his vegetable and flower gardens and landscaping. A quiet and humble man, Ken also loved to joke around. But most of all, Ken loved his children and grandchildren. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew and loved him.
Those he leaves to cherish his memory include his three children, Jay Schexnayder and his wife Dominique, Lexy Schexnayder and her partner Heather Parfait, and Madison Schexnayder; three grandchildren, Gabriel, Reed and Lily Schexnayder; his sister, Kay S. Greaud; his brother, Keith Schexnayder and his wife Debbie; his companion, Dianne Cremaldi; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
In addition to his parents, Ken was preceded in death by his nephew, Keith Schexnayder II.
Memorial services will be held Friday, February 5, 2021, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Centerville during a 2 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial with Monsignor J. Douglas Courville JCL as Celebrant for the Mass. A gathering of family and friends will be held at the church from noon until time of services. Inurnment will be held privately at a later date.
Family and friends may view the obituary online by visiting www.iberts.com and are encouraged to share their condolences, cherished memories, love, and support for the family.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Ibert’s Mortuary, Inc., 1007 Main Street, Franklin, LA 70538, (337) 828-5426.

JOHN SOUZA FARIAS JR.

Thu, 02/04/2021 - 12:25pm

March 8, 1959 — January 31, 2021
John Souza Farias Jr., 61, a resident of Morgan City, passed away peacefully Sunday, January 31, 2021, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.
John was born March 8, 1959, in Landstuhl, Germany, the son of John Farias Sr. and Elfriede Haberl.
John met no stranger; he enjoyed being in the company of everyone. He enjoyed traveling with his wife, Christine, and they traveled from the east coast to the west coast together. John was very adventurous and enjoyed hiking to Clingmans Dome in the Smoky Mountains. He had a love for fast cars and enjoyed going to car shows. John also enjoyed cooking and celebrating with his family and friends for holidays and special gatherings. John also loved the Red Dress Run in New Orleans, along with any other 5k race. You could often find John walking around town with his fur-baby, Meghan, training for a race. He loved spending all of his extra time with his grandchildren, who were his world.
He will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his wife, Christine Pillaro Farias of Morgan City; three daughters, Christi Lynn Farias of Morgan City, Jennifer Farias Mergist and husband Philip of Denham Springs, and Joni Leah Farias of Lafayette; one brother, Mike Farias and wife Jessica of Patterson; three sisters, Barbara Hubbell and husband John of California, Heidi Farias of Texas, and Melissa Farias of Texas; four grandchildren, Lily Farias, Cohen Mergist, Ayden Farias and Oliver Demarco; two nieces, Kimberly Brothers and Cecily Mitchell; and his 5k training partner and loving fur-baby, Meghan.
John was preceded in death by his parents, John Farias Sr. and Elfriede Haberl Farias; and two sisters, Debbie Barnes and Christina “Ki-Ki” Collins.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, February 6, 2021 at Twin City Funeral Home with Bobby Hines officiating. A memorial visitation will be held Saturday, February 6, 2021 at Twin City Funeral Home from 10 a.m. until the time of services.

CHARLOTTE DAVIS RABB JOLET

Thu, 02/04/2021 - 12:23pm

February 26, 1942 — January 28, 2021
Charlotte Davis Rabb Jolet, 78, a resident of Bayou Vista, passed away peacefully Thursday, January 28, 2021, at the Patterson Healthcare Center.
Charlotte was born February 26, 1942, in Morgan City, the daughter of Tarville John Davis and Olive Victoria Pennison Davis.
Charlotte was a star basketball player in college; she loved sports and enjoyed traveling with her husband, Johnny, and cheering him on at all of his softball games. Charlotte was a great, loving mother. She was a member of the choir for First United Methodist Church in Berwick; besides singing she also liked to dance. Charlotte was also an avid Saints fan.
She will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her son, Robert Rabb of Bayou Vista; three grandchildren, Mercedes, Allison and Gabrielle; three siblings, John Davis and wife Mary, Maria Hardee and husband Marvin, and Rosalind Gorton and husband Robert; and nieces and nephews, John Pat, Jennifer, Crystal, Kern, Kevin, Elaine, Christine, Robert and Catherine.
Charlotte was preceded in death by her parents, Tarville and Olive Davis; first husband, Wayne Rabb; second husband, John Jolet; great-granddaughter, baby Vining; and godchild, Kara.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, February 6, 2021 at First United Methodist Church in Berwick. Visitation will be held Saturday, February 6, 2021 from 9 a.m. until the time of services. After services, Charlotte will be laid to rest in the Berwick Cemetery.

LIONEL CHARLES LANDRY

Thu, 02/04/2021 - 12:21pm

March 31, 1944 — January 28, 2021
Lionel Landry passed from this life on January 28th, 2021. His heart was shaped by the bayous of his homeland, calling him to drop a line to fish for reds or head to the duck camp. He had a pure heart and a contagious laugh; his eyes were green and gold and filled with love. His hands were large, calloused, and always warm. They shaped driftwood into curved krakens and dinosaurs, and you knew he loved you if you got one. His knee was a favorite perch for his daughters and granddaughters, as well as the family’s chickens and the country squirrels.
In elementary school, he fell for his wife of 56 years; her smile still stops the room. He was a graduate of Louisiana College and the School of Social Work at Louisiana State University. After spending his early career in the mental health field, he worked in sales and marketing in the oil industry until his retirement. Once called the most fearsome salesman in the oilfield, he was known for his integrity. His word was like superglue.
His wanderlust led him to states across the South and eventually the Pacific Northwest. A nomad, ever-adventuring, swinging a machete in a two-piece suit, he never smelled after a full day outside — even his scent was clean and sweet. His love of the outdoors and his passion for sports afforded him an opportunity to bond those he loved closer to him. The purity of high school sports drew him to the bleachers, even in his later years.
His gift to the world was selflessness; always helping others, his Cajun mantra. He would drive across town or thousands of miles if he could do something to help one of his girls. He was a fierce defender should the rare threat arise to any one of them, a memorable tactic taken twice was a banana in the offender’s tailpipe. Most often, his spirit was soothing and one could often pass by and hear him softly singing Blue Bayou or whistling his favorite Neil Diamond tune. At church, he sang from his toes and the sound was clear and sweet. At Christmas, the season was complete when he joined a community sing-along group belting out the Messiah.
His nieces and nephews adored him, and his daughters boasted of having no greater father. He passionately loved his two granddaughters, building fires with them to roast hot dogs and marshmallows and taking them camping. He loved a good fire and would stoke it all day into the night. His love for his family anchored him. We will miss his “Hey, Shug!” — a favorite greeting to loved ones.
Over the last years, he lovingly restored his father’s pirogue that his parents used to gather pelts from their years of trapping. The pirogue rests at Berwick’s Heritage Museum (3326 Third Street, Berwick, Louisiana 70342). Lionel would want gifts in his memory sent to the museum to preserve his family’s beloved history and that of his hometown.

Traffic stop, search lead to 2 arrests by Morgan City PD

Thu, 02/04/2021 - 12:19pm

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.)

Local police and deputies made eight arrests on drug charges this week, including two by Morgan City officers after a traffic stop led them to search a Pecos Street home.
Morgan City
Police Chief James F. Blair reports that over the last 24-hour period, the Morgan City Police Department responded to 37 calls for service. The following people were arrested:
—Emily Borel, 27, Pecos Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 1:26 p.m. Tuesday on charges of possession of cocaine, possession of methamphetamine, possession of alprazolam and possession of drug paraphernalia, and on a fugitive warrant from the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office.
—Thalassa Frickey, 43, Pecos Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 5:44 p.m. Tuesday on charges of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of alprazolam and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Detectives with the Morgan City Narcotics Division conducted a traffic stop on Pecos Street. The driver, Borel, was known to investigators to have an outstanding warrant in Lafourche.
During the traffic stop, investigators discovered Borel had suspected methamphetamine, alprazolam and drug paraphernalia in her possession.
Investigators obtained evidence during the traffic stop that led to a search warrant for a Pecos Street residence. Detectives found Frickey in possession of suspected methamphetamine, alprazolam and drug paraphernalia.
Investigators suspected the methamphetamine was for distribution in the Morgan City area.
Borel and Frickey were placed under arrest and transported to the Morgan City Police Department for booking and incarceration.
—Sherry H. Cooper, 35, Clothide Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 3:11 p.m. Tuesday on charges of possession of marijuana (second offense) and possession of drug paraphernalia.
—Christopher Jermaine Jenkins, 39, Egle Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 7:33 p.m. Tuesday on charges of domestic abuse battery and simple battery.
St. Mary
Sheriff Blaise Smith advises that over the last 24-hour reporting period, the Sheriff’s Office responded to 25 complaints and made these arrests:
—Juvenile male, 17, Franklin, was arrested at 9:59 p.m. Tuesday on charges of general speed law, driving on roadway laned for traffic, no licensed plate, turning movements and signals required, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
The boy was released into the custody of a guardian pending juvenile court proceedings.
—Carlin David Stelly, 43, Franklin, was arrested at 1:26 a.m. Wednesday on charges of driving under suspension, possession of methamphetamine, and possession of drug paraphernalia. No bail has been set.
—Anthony Ray Variet, 33, Patterson, was arrested at 7:33 p.m. Tuesday by the Narcotics Section on charges of possession of marijuana, possession of a controlled dangerous substance in a drug-free zone, possession of a controlled dangerous substance in the presence of persons under 17, possession of drug paraphernalia and transactions involving drug proceeds.
No bail has been set.
—Frank Clyde Small, Jr., 40, Franklin, was arrested at 9:37 p.m. Monday on charges of possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of Schedule II drugs, possession of Schedule I drugs, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving under suspension, improper lane usage, transactions involving drug proceeds, improper display of license plates and second or subsequent offense.
—Brittany Renee Kirt, 31, Franklin, was arrested at 9:42 a.m. Tuesday on a warrant for failure to appear on the charge of operating a vehicle without properly lit lamps for conditions. Kirt was released on a summons to appear May 24.
—Reginald James Foster, 50, Jeanerette, was arrested 7:07 p.m. Tuesday on charges obstruction of public passage, turning movements and required signals, and driving on roadway laned for traffic. Foster was released on a summons to appear May 24.
—Tina Michelle Berrios, 46, New Iberia, was arrested at 1:41 a.m. Wednesday on a warrant for failure to appear on the charges of forgery, monetary instrument abuse and theft of less than $1,000. No bail has been set.
Small was released on a $12,000 bond.
Assumption
Sheriff Leland Falcon reported this arrest:
—Lynsey Marie Templet, 37, La. 308, Napoleonville, was arrested Monday on charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of MDMA (ecstasy).
The arrest resulted from felony drug law violations dating back to April 2017.
At that time, narcotics agents and deputies conducted a traffic stop. As a result of that stop, a quantity of meth-amphetamine and MDMA was seized from Templet.
At the time, additional investigation was required. Following the completion of that investigation, warrants were issued for Templet’s arrest.
Since the incident, attempts were made to locate Templet to no avail.
On Monday, Lynsey Marie Templet was arrested in Iberville Parish.
Templet was transported to Assumption Parish on Monday and booked into parish detention center and released on a $10,000 bond.

Morgan City police radio logs for Feb. 2-3

Thu, 02/04/2021 - 12:17pm

The following are the radio dispatch logs from the Morgan City Police Department. To report unlawful or suspicious activity, call the police department at 985-380-4605.
Tuesday, Feb. 2
6:37 a.m. U.S. 90 East; Reckless driver.
7:10 a.m. North Third Street; Drug activity.
7:27 a.m. 7200 block of La. 182; Alarm.
8:07 a.m. U.S. 90 East; Complaint.
8:08 a.m. 100 block of Chennault Street; Complaint.
9:12 a.m. 500 block of Egle Street; Animal.
9:19 a.m. 5000 block of Railroad Avenue; Animal.
10:39 a.m. 500 block of Aucoin Street; Complaint.
11:10 a.m. 1100 block of Marguerite Street; 911 hang up.
11:30 a.m. 300 block of Second Street; Medical.
11:53 a.m. 7200 block of La. 182; Complaint.
12:14 p.m. 1000 block of Palm Street; Hit and run.
12:22 p.m. U.S. 90 West; Stalled vehicle.
1:23 p.m. 400 block of Pecos Street; Arrest.
2:07 p.m. 300 block of Garber Street; Animal.
2:32 p.m. 800 block of Clothilde Street; Drug activity.
2:35 p.m. Brownell Homes; Medical.
3:22 p.m. 1000 block of Brashear Avenue; Alarm.
3:47 p.m. 700 block of Duke Street; Disturbance.
6:33 p.m. 1200 block of Brashear Avenue; Alarm.
6:35 p.m. 700 block of Bush Street; Disturbance.
6:59 p.m. 700 block of Sixth Street; Complaint.
7:20 p.m. 600 block of Egle Street; Arrest.
8:09 p.m. 600 block of Barrow Street; Complaint.
8:42 p.m. 600 block of Martin Luther King Boulevard; Complaint.
9:03 p.m. 7500 block of La. 182; Complaint.
Wednesday, Feb. 3
1:27 a.m. 600 block of Terrebonne Street; Medical.
4:18 a.m. 100 block of Roderick Street; Alarm.
4:38 a.m. 400 block of Belanger Street; Medical.

Danos gets contract for offshore production

Thu, 02/04/2021 - 12:15pm

Danos has been awarded a multi-year contract for production operations with a major oil and gas producer in the Gulf of Mexico. As a result, Danos has transitioned 107 personnel to the company’s employment over a 30-day period with zero safety or operational issues. The contract began in October, and the employee transition was completed on November 9.
Danos will be providing traditional production service operations and maintenance personnel, such as operators, shipping and receiving clerks, and electricians. Many of the positions are located offshore in the Gulf of Mexico, as well as at the customer’s Lafayette warehouse.
“Our production services team is second to none,” said Owner Paul Danos. “In the last few years, we have successfully completed over 10 contract transitions, representing over 1,300 people.
"I am proud of our team and their ability to remain in lockstep with our customers’ needs.”
Danos has over 2,100 employees working in the Gulf of Mexico, South Louisiana, the Permian and Delaware Basins, the Eagle Ford Shale and the Marcellus Shale.

Three confirmed COVID fatalities, 21 new cases in local parishes

Thu, 02/04/2021 - 12:03pm

Three new COVID-related fatalities were reported in St. Mary and Assumption parishes in the 24 hours ending at midday Thursday. Those parishes plus St. Martin accounted for 21 new confirmed COVID-19 cases.

The Louisiana Office of Public Health also reported Thursday that hospitalizations due to COVID continue to fall.

St. Mary has two new confirmed COVID fatalities, raising the toll here to 104 confirmed with 11 probable. Ten new confirmed COVID-19 cases were reported in the parish, raising the pandemic total to 3,214 confirmed with 690 probable.

Another confirmed COVID-19 fatality was reported in Assumption, where the number of confirmed deaths is now 29 with three probable. Three more confirmed COVID cases were reported Thursday to bring the confirmed total to 1,485 with 520 probable.

St. Martin has eight new confirmed cases for a pandemic total of 4,283 with 388 probable. The death toll there remains at 98 confirmed with eight probable.

Statewide:

--2,758 new cases raise the pandemic total to 354,788 confirmed with 54,207 probable. The daily count Thursday included a backlog of 844 cases from urgent care centers that are new to reporting, the Office of Public Health said.

--38 new fatalities raise the toll to 8,453 confirmed with 591 probable.

--91 fewer COVID-positive people are in Louisiana hospitals, lowering the total to 1,295.

--18 fewer people are on ventilators for a total of 162.

Herbs and spices that can promote healthy hearts

Thu, 02/04/2021 - 8:22am

A nutritious diet is a key component of a healthy lifestyle. When paired with regular physical activity, a nutritious diet can help people dramatically reduce their risk for various diseases, including heart disease.
According to the World Health Organization, ischaemic heart disease and stroke claim more lives each year than any other disease, annually accounting for roughly 15% of all deaths across the globe. Many deaths caused by heart disease can be prevented, and eating a healthy diet is a great preventive measure that anyone can take.
Though some people may associate healthy diets with bland foods that lack flavor, people can incorporate various heart-healthy herbs and spices into their favorite dishes to make them more nutritious and flavorful.
—Garlic: Garlic has long since earned its place on the kitchen spice rack. However, botanically, garlic is neither an herb or a spice but a vegetable.
Regardless of how it’s classified, garlic is loaded with flavor and can be used to improve just about any recipe, all the while benefitting heart health. The United States-based health services provider Mercy Health notes that garlic can help lower blood pressure and reduce bad cholesterol levels.
—Cayenne pepper: Few ingredients may change a recipe as quickly as cayenne pepper. The addition of cayenne pepper can instantly make dishes more spicy. But cayenne pepper brings more than a little extra kick to the dinner table.
Healthline notes that various studies have shown that capsaicin, the active ingredient in cayenne pepper, can provide a host of health benefits. One such study published in the British Journal of Nutrition found that adding capsaicin to a high-carbohydrate breakfast significantly reduced hunger and the desire to eat before lunch. Eating less can help people more effectively control their body weight, which in turn reduces their risk for heart disease.
—Turmeric: Garlic and even cayenne pepper may already be staples in many people’s kitchens, but that’s not necessarily so with turmeric.
A yellow spice often used when preparing Indian foods, turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties thanks to curcumin, the part of turmeric responsible for giving it its yellow color. Experts acknowledge that turmeric needs to be studied more to definitively conclude its effects on heart health, but WebMD notes that one small study indicated that turmeric can help ward off heart attacks in people who have had bypass surgery.
—Coriander: A popular herb made from the seeds of the plant and used across the globe. Cilantro comes from the same plant but refers to the leaves and stems. Coriander in recipes typically refers to the seeds. Mercy Health notes that coriander seeds may help reduce bad cholesterol and high blood pressure, both of which are significant risk factors for heart disease.
Heart-healthy herbs and spices can be added to various recipes, proving that nutritious meals need not be void of flavor.