RSS Feed

Pruning intimidates some gardeners. When to prune and when not to prune? It can be scary.
For trees and shrubs that are grown for their flowers, you must consider when they bloom before you decide when to prune them. Prune at the wrong time, and many of our spring-blooming shrubs and trees will not put on their much-anticipated spring flower show.
There is a large group of plants that can be pruned during the winter and in the early spring, but there are many flowering shrubs and trees that you want to avoid pruning during this time. Let’s distinguish what to prune and what not to prune in the winter and early spring.
What not to prune?: Spring-flowering trees and shrubs that bloom from January through April. If you were to prune them now, you prune the stems along with the soon-to-be flower buds. This means no spring flower show, or at least a very non-exciting flower show. Buds are set on last year’s growth on what’s dubbed the “old wood.”
Some of the most common spring-flowering trees and shrubs in Louisiana are azalea, banana shrub, camellia, deutzia, Indian hawthorn, Japanese magnolia, star magnolia, Taiwan flowering cherry, spirea, quince and wisteria.
There is that tricky group out there that always causes confusion and lots of phone calls and emails. These include the flowering shrubs that bloom on old wood much like our spring bloomers, but instead are late bloomers. By late bloomers, I mean those that wait until early summer rather than spring. These late bloomers will form next year’s flower buds in late summer or early fall when the days become shorter and the weather cools.
Some examples of shrubs that bloom on last year’s growth that are later bloomers are climbing roses, gardenias, hydrangeas (bigleaf and oakleaf) and garden roses (not the ever-blooming types). All of these shrubs bloom in the early summer and should be pruned shortly after they have completed their bloom in the summertime.
There is another group of bloomers to discuss. The repeat bloomers, such as Encore azaleas and Knock Out roses, bloom in the spring, again in the fall and sometimes in between. What do we do with these?
Well, here is a good rule of thumb to go by for all flowering plants: Prune shortly after they have completed their bloom. Whether the buds are set on new growth or old growth, if you prune right after the bloom and before new blooms set, you will be just fine.
What to prune?: Some plants that can be pruned now through early spring are non-flowering evergreen, and deciduous trees and shrubs. These can include foundation plantings as well as screens and hedges such as boxwoods, yaupons, yews, distylium, euonymus, junipers, hollies, cleyera, photinia, wax myrtle and the list goes on.
You may also prune ornamental grasses and tropical plants. If you are like me, you might feel an urge to prune dead things. However, I ask you to resist for two reasons ... hear me out.
First, tropical plants will undoubtedly be fooled by our weather. One week we are in the 40s; the next, we are in the 80s. You can trim now, but be aware that the next cold snap will zap the new tender growth encouraged by a brief warm spell. This can stress the plants, but they will survive.
Second, birds that once found protection in trees full of leaves now bare from winter dormancy need a place to nest. Birds and animals love dormant clumps of grass for eating, nesting and hiding. I understand that the idea of small animals hiding in your landscape is less than appealing to some — but that is better than in your house, right?
You also can prune summer-flowering shrubs and trees that set their flower buds on new plant growth that resumes in the spring and early summer. These plants can be pruned in the wintertime. Some summer-blooming plants are abelia, althea, cassia, crape myrtle, oleander and vitex. I recommend trimming these this time of year because the form is open and you can easily see the big picture.
Now that you know what you can prune, you need to consider the best way to prune. Pruning can simply be removing crossing branches. Some folks use the “heading back” technique — shortening shoots or branches to stimulate growth, control size, encourage fullness and maintain specific shapes. You also can thin out select branches at their point of origin.
Pruning at any time of year — whether it is the “best” time or not — likely will not kill or permanently damage your plants under most circumstances, even if you do something wrong when you prune.

In response to the Biden administration's suspension of new oil and gas leases on federal land for 60 days, oil and gas companies in the South and Southwest warned that doing so would impact hundreds of thousands of jobs and destroy the economy of some states.

Under the new Biden administration, the acting interior secretary signed a 60-day Temporary Suspension of Delegated Authority, which among other directives suspends the issuance of federal onshore and offshore oil and natural gas leasing permits.

“Should this action become permanent, it would be devastating to jobs, communities and economies nationwide and would set back tremendous environmental progress,” the Texas Oil & Gas Association said.

Power The Future-New Mexico called on New Mexican leaders to oppose the decision, arguing it was the first of many to ultimately implement a permanent ban.

The TXOGA, the Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association and the American Petroleum Institute released an analysis last year warning that suspending leases would cost 200,000 jobs in the Gulf Coast region alone.

The offshore Gulf of Mexico accounts for over 15 percent of U.S. oil production, and researchers found that local economies in the Gulf Coast region would be among the hardest hit areas with more than 200,000 job losses by 2022 and millions of dollars in reduced revenue.

In New Mexico, roughly half of the state’s oil and gas production occurs on federal land. Banning it “would be nothing short of devastating to New Mexico’s energy workers and the state’s economy,” Power the Future says.

“If New Mexico’s leaders care about our jobs and our economy, they will immediately begin the process of seeking relief including securing a waiver, from President Biden’s anti-energy agenda,” Larry Behrens, Western States Director for Power The Future, said. “This decision is going to destroy jobs and erode revenue needed for our schools, police and infrastructure. New Mexico’s leaders need to stand up for our working families and protect them from disastrous decisions coming out of Washington.”

Last September, a spokeswoman for New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said it was “premature” to discuss a waiver from a potential Biden federal ban. Now, Power the Future argues the state must seek a waiver.

A recent study projected a ban would result in a loss of 62,000 jobs in New Mexico by the end of next year and jeopardize over $1 billion in state revenue.

According to a report published by The Hill, the order to establish a permanent moratorium would require the signature of New Mexican Congresswoman Deb Haaland, Biden’s pick to lead the Department of the Interior.

“Any action to restrict oil and gas activity in the United States only serves to reward other countries who do not share our commitment to environmental leadership and undercuts American energy security,” the New Mexico Oil and Gas Association told The Center Square.

“Oil and gas development on federal lands is a critical part of New Mexico’s economy, and restricting activity here risks the loss of more than 60,000 jobs and $800 million in support for our public schools, first responders, and healthcare services. New Mexico’s oil and gas producers are fully committed to fighting climate change and stand ready and willing to work with the Biden administration to drive environmental progress and keep responsible energy production moving forward across our country.”

Todd Staples, president of TXOGA, agrees, arguing that banning such development “not only threatens thousands of the best-paying jobs but needlessly erases much needed revenue that helps pay for schools and other essential services.”

He added, "American oil and natural gas is safe, clean and abundant, and misguided policies will only stifle our nation’s energy and environmental progress."

A TXOGA, LMOGA and API analysis found that banning leasing on federal land would costs states in the Gulf Coast region more than $223 million annually in revenue, including $65 million for Texas, $95 million for Louisiana, $31 million for Alabama and $32 million for Mississippi.

Texas, Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi could lose more than $22 million in funding from the Land and Water Conservation Fund, the report found.

Offshore production for natural gas would decrease by 68 percent and for oil by 44 percent and U.S. oil imports from foreign sources would increase by 2 million barrels a day, the report estimated.

Nearly one million American jobs would be lost by 2022, including more than 200,000 jobs in the Gulf Coast region, the groups estimate, including nearly 120,000 jobs lost in Texas, more than 48,000 jobs in Louisiana, nearly 21,000 jobs in Alabama, and 14,000 jobs in Mississippi.

"The oil and natural gas industry is producing energy in cleaner and more efficient ways than 10 to 15 years ago all while producing more affordable and reliable energy to power our daily lives," Staples added. "Increased use of natural gas is the number one reason U.S. power sector carbon dioxide emissions have fallen 33% since 2007. Innovations in oil and natural gas development will continue to lead the way in environmental progress and smart, science-based policies must be in place to ensure a cleaner, stronger and better energy future here and across the globe."

May 17, 1931 — January 21, 2021
Anna Lee LaJaunie Belaire, 89, a resident of Morgan City, passed away Thursday, January 21, 2021 at Ochsner St. Mary in Morgan City.
Anna Lee was born on May 17, 1931 in Donner, Louisiana, the daughter of Willie LaJaunie and Beatrice Roger LaJaunie.
Anna Lee had a long career working in banking, where she enjoyed her customers and employees. She worked for Citizens Bank, First National Bank and eventually Whitney Bank where she worked her way up to Berwick Branch Manager. She loved her family and cherished all the time she was able to spend with them, but she especially loved spoiling her grandchildren. She loved to cook and was a wonderful cook who loved feeding everyone.
She will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by three daughters, Karen Belaire of Bayou Vista, Donna Cheramie and husband Tommie of Morgan City, and Susan LeBouef and husband Jeffery of Broussard; William “Bill” McCarty, who was like a son to Anna Lee; seven grandchildren, Jamie Mallet, Colin Mallet, Jada Bernadou, Amanda Mallet, Ryan Cheramie, Sissy Daigle and Aiden LeBouef; Jill McCarty, who was like a granddaughter to Anna Lee; 11 great-grandchildren, Alexis, Landon, Logan and Jordyn Bernadou; Addison and Asher Mallet; Henry and George Mallet; Rylee and Rose Cheramie; and Hazel Daigle; one sister, Patricia Arboneaux of Lafayette; and one brother, Craig LaJaunie and wife Sue of Centerville.
Anna Lee was preceded in death by parents, Willie and Beatrice Rogers LaJaunie; her husband of 66 years, Al Jewett Belaire; two sisters, Gloria McCarty and Gail Bergeron; and two brothers, J.V. LaJaunie and Robert J. LaJaunie.
Pallbearers will be David Arboneaux, Justin Bernadou, Tommie Cheramie, Ryan Cheramie, Dane Daigle, Craig LaJaunie, Jeffery LeBouef, Jamie Mallet, Colin Mallet and William “Bill” McCarty. Honorary Pallbearers are Landon Bernadou and Aiden LeBouef.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at noon on Thursday, January 28, 2021 at Holy Cross Catholic Church with Very Rev. Jay Baker celebrating Mass. A visitation will be held from 9 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. at Twin City Funeral Home with a rosary being prayed at 11 a.m. Following Mass Anna Lee will be laid to rest in the Morgan City Cemetery.

(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

Local authorities across three parishes made a combined dozen arrests on drug charges late last week. They seized heroin, cocaine, marijuana, methamphetamine as well as a firearm.

St. Mary
Sheriff Blaise Smith said that over a 24-hour period Thursday and Friday, the Sheriff’s Office responded to 36 complaints and made these arrests:
—Brad Derouen, 30, Bayou Vista, was arrested at 2:56 p.m. Thursday by the Narcotics Section on charges of possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, violation of the Uniform Controlled Dangerous Substance law (drug-free zone, church), and second or subsequent offenses.
No bail has been set.
—Brian Derouen, 33, Bayou Vista, was arrested at 2:56 p.m. Saturday on charges of possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia, violation of the Uniform Controlled Dangerous Substance law (drug-free zone, church) and second or subsequent offenses.
No bail has been set.
—Sarah Bran, 34, Bayou Vista, was arrested at 2:56 p.m. Thursday on a charge of possession of marijuana. Bran was released on a summons to appear April 27.
—Niketa Fisher, 23, Bayou Vista, was arrested 2:56 p.m. Thursday on a charge of possession of marijuana. Fisher was released on a summons to appear April 27.
—Frederick Huguet, 34, Bayou Vista, was arrested at 2:56 p.m. Thursday on a charge of possession of marijuana. Huguet was released on a summons to appear April 27.
—Lavonne M. Johns, 27, Larose, was arrested at 5:47 p.m. Thursday on a charge of possession of heroin. Bail was set at $4,000.
—Marcus Battle, 45, Bayou Vista, was arrested at 5:47 p.m. Thursday on a charge of possession of synthetic marijuana. Battle was released on a summons to appear April 27.
—Crystal Lynne Mejia, 43, Berwick, , was arrested at 11:37 p.m. Thursday on a charge of possession marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of a controlled dangerous substance in the presence of a minor. No bail has been set.

Morgan City
Police Chief James F. Blair reports that over the last 24-hour period the Morgan City Police Department responded to 38 calls of service. The following people were arrested beginning Thursday:
—Chance Tyler King, 25, Lake Long Drive, Houma, was arrested at 6:52 p.m. Thursday on charges of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of more than 14 grams of marijuana, illegal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, illegal possession of a firearm in the presence of a controlled dangerous substance and illegal possession of a controlled dangerous substance in the presence of a minor.
—Samantha Marie Corbin, 28, Lake Long Drive, Houma, was arrested at 7:43 p.m. Thursday on charges of turning movements and required signals, driving under suspension, possession of methamphetamine and illegal possession of a controlled dangerous substance in the presence of a minor.
—Courtland Watts, 29 years of age, La. 182, Morgan City, was arrested at 6:52 p.m. Thursday on a warrant for probation or parole violation.
A K-9 officer with the Morgan City Police Department observed a traffic violation in the area of La. 182 and Aycock Street. The officer conducted a traffic stop and identified the driver as Corbin, along with three passengers, King, Watt and a 2-year-old child.
While the officer was conducting a traffic stop, the officer detected the odor of marijuana emitting from the vehicle. During the traffic stop, Corbin was found in possession of suspected marijuana. King was found in possession of a large amount of suspected methamphetamine, marijuana and a handgun.
A computer check revealed Corbin’s driver’s license was under suspension. A warrant check revealed Louisiana Probation and Parole held an active warrant for Watts. Corbin, King, and Watts were placed under arrest and transported to the Morgan City Police Department for booking and incarceration.
—Meghan Rebekah Scarbrough, 32, Franklin Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 12:33 p.m. Friday on warrants for unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling, and entry on or remaining in places or on land after forbidden.
Officers came into contact with Scarbrough on La. 182. A warrant check revealed the Morgan City Police Department held an active warrant for her arrest.
She was placed under arrest and transported to the Morgan City Police Department for booking and incarceration.
—Aisha Delean Davis, 41, Taft Street, Patterson, was arrested at 2:43 a.m. Thursday on a warrant for failure to appear.
A patrol officer conducted a traffic stop in the area of Marguerite Street and Sixth Street. The driver was identified as Davis. A warrant check revealed the 16th judicial District Court held and an active warrant for her arrest.
She was placed under arrested and transported to the Morgan City Police Department for booking and incarceration.

Berwick
Police Chief David Leonard reported these arrests:
—Jeaneaux Kenner, 29, Grace Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 02:26 a.m. Friday on charges of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and two headlights required.
An officer in the area of Sixth Street observed a vehicle with only one functioning headlight. A traffic stop was conducted and contact was made with Kenner.
During the course of the stop, a K-9 was deployed and alerted to the presence of narcotic odor in the vehicle. A search of the vehicle was conducted at which time a 9mm handgun was located. A computer check revealed that Kenner had been previously convicted for felony gun and narcotics violations, prohibiting him from possessing a firearm.
Kenner was placed under arrest and transported to the Berwick Police Department. Kenner remains incarcerated awaiting bond.

Franklin
Police Chief Morris Beverly said the Franklin Police Department responded to five complaints in a 24-hour period and made this arrest:
—Andrew Johnson, 22, of Norman Bauer, Franklin, was arrested at 6:27 p.m. Thursday on charges of possession of marijuana, possession of cannabis-infused gummies, possession of drug paraphernalia (first offense) and violation of controlled dangerous substance laws (drug-free zone). Johnson was booked, processed, and released on a $5,000 bond.

Assumption
Sheriff Leland Falcon reported this arrest:
—Casey Drew Arthur, 30, Isle of Cuba Road, Schriever, was arrested Thursday on charges of possession of methamphetamine, no seat belt and expired inspection sticker.
An I.C.E.-assigned special operations deputy observed a vehicle near La. 662 and La. 663 in the Bayou L’Ourse area commit a traffic violation and initiated a stop. The deputy made contact with the driver, identified as Arthur.
During the interview process, the deputy observed activity and conditions consistent with illegal drug activity.
As part of the process, the suspect vehicle was searched, and a quantity of methamphetamine was seized.
Arthur was arrested and booked into the Assumption Parish Detention Center pending a bond hearing.
St. Martin

Sheriff Becket Breaux reported these arrests:
—Warren Smothers, 55, St. Martinville, was arrested Thursday on three counts of possession with intent to distribute synthetic cannabinoids, possession of cocaine, possession of hydrocordone, violations of drug-free zones (school zone, place of worship), two counts of transactions involving proceeds from drug offenses and possession of drug paraphernalia.
About 6:51 a.m. Friday, deputies initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle that was traveling on Main Street in St. Martinville, after observing the vehicle driving left of the center line. The driver of the vehicle was identified as Smothers.
During the traffic stop, deputies observed suspected marijuana in the vehicle. A subsequent probable cause search of the vehicle was conducted, and deputies located a large bucket with suspected cannabinoids, several hand-rolled cigarettes containing suspected cannabinoids, and one hydrocodone pill. A narcotics search warrant was obtained for Smothers’ residence, and following the execution of the warrant, deputies located cocaine, synthetic cannabinoids, drug paraphernalia and U.S. currency.
Following his arrest, he was booked into the St. Martin Parish Correctional Center. As of Friday, no bond had been set.
—Shawn White, 44, Semien Lane, Eunice, was arrested Thursday on a hold for the U.S. Marshals Service.