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Cali, longtime justice of the peace, dies at 82

Mon, 01/04/2021 - 1:30pm

Staff Report

Frank J. Cali Sr., who served in various governmental roles including a long stint as justice of the peace, passed away Saturday at his home. He was 82.
Cali was a justice of the peace for 42 years, according to his obituary. He also was special deputy clerk of court for Benny Blakeman from 1971-88 and deputy clerk of court for Cliff Dressel from 1988-2000.
Cali was an environmental officer for St. Mary Parish Government, too, and according to the city of Patterson’s Facebook post on his passing, he also served roles as a town alderman and a notary.
Extensive government work was just one of Cali’s roles as he also owned Cali Electrical Service, was a school bus driver and a real estate broker.
From 1956-58, Cali served in the U.S. Army.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Cali’s family will hold a private Mass of Christian Burial at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Patterson Wednesday, followed by a private committal service in St. Joseph Cemetery Mausoleum.
To view Cali’s full obituary, click on the Obituaries tab above.

FRANK CALI SR.

Mon, 01/04/2021 - 1:28pm

April 18, 1938 — January 2, 2021
Frank Cali Sr., 82, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on January 2, 2021. Even though a failing heart took him away from this world, his loving heart left a beacon of light for all in the community.
Frank is survived by his beautiful wife of 60 years, Wilda Decuir Cali. He was the proud father of his two children and their spouses, Tina Cali Leonard and husband Russell and Frank “Chip” Cali Jr. and wife Catherine Loupe Cali. He was also survived by one granddaughter, Mary Frances Cali, who was the apple of his eye.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Cosimo and Nola Robicheaux Cali; his only sister, Lorena Cali Ledoux; and his firstborn grandchild, Scott Joseph Leonard.
Mr. Cali proudly served in the United States Army from 1956 to 1958. He began working in the electrical field at the age of 16. He eventually opened his own business, Cali Electrical Service. He also served his community as a school bus driver, real estate broker, and Justice of the Peace for 42 years.
He served as the Special Deputy Clerk of Court for Benny Blakeman from 1971 – 1988 and then as Deputy Clerk of Court for Cliff Dressel from 1988 – 2000. Mr. Frank served as the Environmental Officer for St. Mary Parish Government until his multiple retirements.
Due to the current circumstances, the family has chosen to hold a private Mass of Christian Burial at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Patterson for immediate family followed by private committal service in St. Joseph Cemetery Mausoleum. Celebrant for the Mass will be Father Herb Bennerfield with Father Angelo Cremaldi and Father Oneil Landry concelebrating. The funeral will be live streamed for those who wish to participate virtually. To view the Funeral Mass live stream please visit Ibert’s Mortuary’s YouTube Channel beginning Wednesday, January 6, at 2 p.m.
Serving as pallbearers will be Frank “Chip” Cali Jr., Russell Leonard, Bryan Bordelon, George Michael, Gary Massico and Craig Ledoux. Honorary pallbearers will be Henry Bo LaGrange, Cliff Dressel, Fred Parchmont, Ray Rentrop, Iray Ledoux, Mike Accardo, Leve Revere and Carlton LaSalle.
The family extends a heartfelt thank you to Journey Hospice and all the wonderful caregivers.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1011 First Street, Patterson, LA 70392.
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., 1111 Lia Street, Patterson, LA 70392, (985) 395-7873.

DALTON JAMES CALLENDER

Mon, 01/04/2021 - 1:26pm

September 1, 1995 — December 29, 2020
Dalton James Callender, age 25, was called to his Heavenly home on December 29, 2020.
Dalton was born on September 1, 1995 to Malcolm and Christina Callender in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He worked at many jobs in his short lifetime and his latest was as a Deckhand on a boat in the Oilfield.
Those left to cherish his precious memory are his mother and stepfather, Christina and Kirk Bergeron Sr.; his father, Malcolm James Callender; his brother, Christian Callender; his stepbrothers, Kirk Bergeron Jr. and Dwayne Bergeron; and his sisters, Adaiha Bergeron, Breanna Bergeron and Ashlynn Bergeron. He also leaves his grandmother, Bettye Holliday; his stepgrandmother, Patricia Bergeron; his aunts, Christine Bergeron and Amber Callender; his uncle, Scott Moore and family, Jason and Carrie McKenzie and various family members.
He was welcomed into Heaven by his family members who preceded him, Malcolm Ray Callender, Ann Callender, Hazel Vines, Korey Bergeron, Cheryll Bergeron, Gervis Bergeron and David Davidson.
The family will be having a Memorial Service at a later date.

EVADELL LaCOSTE TABOR

Mon, 01/04/2021 - 1:25pm

August 16, 1934 — December 30, 2020
EvaDell LaCoste Tabor, 86, a resident of Amelia, passed away peacefully Wednesday, December 30, 2020 at her home, surrounded by her loving family.
EvaDell was born August 16, 1934, the daughter of Richard LaCoste Sr. and Mary Billiot LaCoste.
She will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her son, Errol Tabor of Amelia; daughter, Erica Duplantis of Amelia; sister, Florence Breaux of Franklin; four grandchildren, Faith Allison Kornacki, Braelyn Duplantis, Carson Duplantis and Colton Duplantis; and three great-grandchildren, Alexis, Michael and Molly Kornacki.
EvaDell was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Mary LaCoste; husband, Wilbur “Pistol” Tabor; daughter, Diane Tabor; two brothers; and four sisters.
The family would like to give a special thanks to Jenny Britt for all of her loving care and help during EvaDell’s illness. And also, a special thanks to the Journey Hospice nurses for their great care of their mother.
A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, January 4, 2021 at St. Andrew Catholic Cemetery with Pastor Ann Sutton officiating.

BRIAN KEITH MILLER

Mon, 01/04/2021 - 1:24pm

August 1, 1966 — December 29, 2020
On Tuesday, December 29th, 2020, Brian Keith Miller passed away suddenly at the age of 54.
Brian was born on August 1st, 1966 in Beckley, WV. He resided in Bon Aqua before taking a job as an X-ray Technician in Morgan City, LA. He planned to return to TN after retiring.
His father (Dencil Miller) and his stepmother (Doris Miller) are devastated as is the whole family at the loss of Brian.
Although he put on the front of being hard and tough, he was a big teddy bear. He was a very kind and generous person who was always there if anyone in his family needed him. He loved children and they loved him. Although the family lives in different states, he kept up with the news about everyone young and old.
In his youth, Brian was the pitcher for his little league team but switched to football when he attended Dickson County High School. He loved football and was a huge fan of the TN Volunteers and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Brian also loved to play games online, sometimes going without sleep when he played with others.
Brian was preceded in death by his mother, Virginia Miller; two sisters, Karra Kay Willis and Nancy DeLoach; as well as one great-niece, Tinsley Chandler.
He leaves behind one brother, Victor (Joyce) Halliwell, and two sisters, Jenorra (Gary) Morgan and Karla (Charles) Chandler. Nine nieces, Karra Kay Hester, Tammy Halliwell, Amber (Andy) Ryan, Kacey (Nathan) Joachim, Emily Flores, Brittany DeLoach, Michelle Thoey, Melody (Casey) Nelson, and Katherine Chandler (Katie). Four nephews, Damon (Rosie) Moore Sr., Daniel Morgan, William Earl Lowe III (Billy), Charles Douglas Chandler II (Chuck). Five great-nieces, Nicole Williams (Nikki), Norri Moore, Aliyah Follis, Jasmine Thoey and Caitlyn Nelson. Thirteen great-nephews, Thomas Hill Williams IV (Tommy), Damon Anthony Moore Jr. (D.J.), David Keen, Mathew Clark, Austin Follis, Landon Vargas, Jacob Flores, Bryson DeLoach, Levi Mangrum, William Earl Lowe IV, Dillan Thoey, Jay’Vaen Johnson and Kealan Curry. One great-great-niece, Aria Williams. One great-great-nephew, Finn Hansen. Various aunts, uncles and cousins.
Visitation for Brian will be at the Taylor Funeral Home in Dickson, TN on Tuesday, January 5th, 2021 beginning at 10 a.m. followed by a service at 2 p.m. and officiated by Pastor Jamie Allen. Burial will be at the Dickson Union Cemetery. Brian was deeply loved and will be greatly missed.

Sheriff: Man arrested in assault on his fiancé

Mon, 01/04/2021 - 1:08pm

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.)

A Bayou L’Ourse man faces assault charges after what deputies say was an attack on his fiancé, Assumption Parish Sheriff Leland Falcon said.
Assumption
Falcon reported this arrest:
—Blaine Edward Parfait, 53, Aristle Road, Bayou L’Ourse, was arrested Dec. 28 on charges of false imprisonment (offender armed with a dangerous weapon), aggravated assault with a firearm, domestic abuse battery, domestic abuse aggravated assault and interfering with emergency communications.
On Dec. 26, deputies responded to a call for assistance related to a domestic disturbance at a residence on Aristle Road.
Deputies made contact with the suspect’s fiancé. Deputies were advised that Parfait had become violent, repeatedly striking the victim and accosting her with a knife and a gun.
Deputies identified injuries to the victim consistent with her description of events. Those injuries required medical treatment.
Additionally, Parfait hampered the ability of the victim to call for emergency assistance by disabling a telecommunications device.
Deputies recovered a firearm at the scene. Parfait had already left the area before deputies arrived.
As a result of this incident, warrants were obtained for the arrest of Parfait.
Parfait surrendered on Monday evening and was booked into the Assumption Parish Detention Center pending a bond hearing.
Morgan City
Police Chief James F. Blair reported these arrests:
—David M. Mire, 44, Velma Court, Morgan City, was arrested at 10:35 a.m. Tuesday on charges of view outward or inward through windshield, switched license plate and operating a vehicle with a suspended driver’s license, and on a warrant for neglect of family.
—Meghan Lynn Cheramie, 29, Park Road, Morgan City, was arrested at 10:35 a.m. Tuesday on charges of possession of marijuana and Pregabalin, and on a warrant for failure to comply with the terms and conditions of drug court and contempt of court.
An officer on patrol observed a traffic violation in the area of Railroad Avenue and Halsey Street. The officer conducted a traffic stop and identified the driver as Mire along with his passenger, Cheramie. A computer check revealed the vehicle’s license plate was not the proper license plate displayed on the vehicle and Mires driver’s license was under suspension.
During the traffic stop, officers located suspected marijuana and Pregabalin, a pain medication, in Cheramie’s possession. A warrant check revealed the 16th District Court held active warrants for Cheramie and Mire.
City Court of Morgan City also held a warrant for Cheramie. Mire and Cheramie were placed under arrest and transported to the Morgan City Police Department for booking and incarceration.
—Matthew Jordan Graces, 30, Carter Street, Berwick, was arrested at 4:21 p.m. Tuesday on charges of failure to appear to pay fines and contempt of court.
Garces was located at St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center and placed under arrest on warrants held by the City Court of Morgan City. He was transported to the Morgan City Police Department for booking and incarceration.
—Marc Justin Rhodes, 45, Tupelo Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 8:58 p.m. Tuesday on a warrant for speeding, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.
An officer conducted a traffic stop in the area of Sixth Street and Willow Street for a traffic violation. The driver was identified as Rhodes.
A warrant check revealed the Morgan City Police Department held an active warrant for his arrest. He was placed under arrest and transported to the Morgan City Police Department for booking and incarceration.
—Joseph Matthew Atkins, 36, Missouri Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 12:14 a.m. Wednesday on charges of turning movements required and operation a vehicle with a suspended driver’s license.
An officer conducted a traffic stop in the area of Sixth Street and Brashear Avenue for a traffic violation. The driver was identified as Atkins.
A computer checked revealed his driver’s license was under suspension. He was placed under arrest and transported to the Morgan City Police Department for booking and incarceration.
St. Mary
Sheriff Blaise Smith reported this arrest:
—Janice Renee Carrington, 27, Morgan City, was arrested at 3:49 p.m. Tuesday on a charge of vehicle entering highway from a private road, driveway, alley, and no insurance. Carrington was released on a summons to appear March 30.
St. Martin
Sheriff Beckett Breaux reported these arrests:
—Jarica Butler, 20, Margaret Street, Breaux Bridge, was arrested Thursday by the Breaux Bridge Police Department on a charge of domestic abuse battery.
—Kirk Robinson, 48, Portage Road, Arnaudville, was arrested Thursday by the Henderson Police Department on charges of manufacture, distribution of Schedule II narcotics; possession of a firearm in committing or attempting a crime; and transactions involving proceeds from drug offenses.
—Chelsy Champagne, 34, Raymond Street, Parks, was arrested Friday on a charge of aggravated battery.

Morgan City police radio logs for Dec. 29-30

Mon, 01/04/2021 - 1:06pm

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, Dec. 29
8:32 a.m. 300 block of Fourth Street; Disturbance.
9:01 a.m. 1100 block of Eighth Street; Traffic incident.
9:31 a.m. 500 block of Federal Avenue; Medical.
10:08 a.m. 400 block of Louisa Street; Medical.
11 a.m. 500 block of Brashear Avenue; Medical.
11:37 a.m. 300 block of Egle Street; Complaint.
11:42 a.m. La. 182 and Myrtle Street; Accident.
12:58 p.m. 1100 block of Marguerite Street; 911 hang up.
2:01 p.m. 7700 block of La. 182; Disturbance.
2:15 p.m. 7200 block of La. 182; Criminal damage to property.
2:39 p.m. 700 block of Freret Street; Medical.
4:11 p.m. 400 block of Kidd Street; Complaint.
5:17 p.m. Second Street and Railroad Avenue area; Medical emergency.
5:23 p.m. 2400 block of Maple Street; Disturbance.
8:05 p.m. Mallard Street area; Fireworks.
8:20 p.m. 600 block of Fourth Street; Medical emergency.
8:52 p.m. 2600 block of Sixth Street; Traffic stop/warrant/arrest.
9:09 p.m. 1000 block of Ninth Street; Battery.
9:21 p.m. 400 block of Garber Street; Disturbance.
9:32 p.m. 400 block of Myrtle Street; Complaint.
11:49 p.m. Missouri Street area; Traffic stop/arrest.
Wednesday, Dec. 30
12:27 a.m. 2300 block of Clements Street; Suspicious subject.
12:41 a.m. 700 block of Sixth Street; Complaint.
1:27 a.m. 200 block of Aucoin Street; Complaint.
3 a.m. 1100 block of General Clark Street; Juvenile problems.
4:22 a.m. 400 block of Halsey Street; Welfare concern.

26 new COVID cases, one confirmed death in local parishes

Mon, 01/04/2021 - 12:56pm

Another confirmed COVID-related fatality and two more deaths probably related to the pandemic were reported in three local parishes for the 24 hours ending at midday Monday.

St. Mary has nine new confirmed COVID-19 cases for a pandemic total of 2,776 with nine more probable. The parish has had 96 COVID-related fatalities and seven probable, including one probable reported Monday.

In St. Martin, 13 confirmed cases raise the total to 3,587 with 264 probable. One new confirmed death raised that total to 78, and another probable COVID fatality was the parish's seventh.

Assumption has four new cases for a total of 1,167 with 241 probable. The confirmed death toll is now 27 with one probable.

Statewide:

--1,190 new cases raise the confirmed count to 292,184 with 29,997 probable.

--48 deaths raise the toll to 7,198 with 387.

--58 more COVID-positive people are in hospitals for a total of 1,891.

--3 more people are on ventilators for a total of 207.

'Pocket Park' gets wrought iron installed

Mon, 01/04/2021 - 10:53am

The anticipation of the grand gated entrance “Gateway to the Bayou Teche” of the Historic Downtown Franklin Pocket Park is almost complete.
The grounds work will begin shortly thereafter. Hanagriff's Machine Shop donated the gate at no charge.
The City of Franklin created a fully community funded project and the community responded.
“I would like to thank everyone that has purchased a brick, brick array or became a corporate sponsor thus far,” Mayor Eugene Foulcard said. “Many families and businesses have already purchased bricks to ensure their family legacy will be told for the next 200 years of Franklin history. Some have chosen to capture significant moments in their family history, business or event to ensure those memories live well beyond their present mark on Franklin. After the holidays we will begin spotlighting the individuals, families and businesses that have purchased bricks.”
There is still time to purchase, design bricks online. Anyone needing help to design a brick may contact City Inspector Glenn Todd at (337) 828-6358.

Get It Growing: Crape myrtle controversies

Mon, 01/04/2021 - 10:38am

By HEATHER KIRK-BALLARD, LSU AgCenter Horticulturist

Crape myrtles (Lagerstroemia indica) are one of the most controversial and often-discussed ornamental plants among gardeners, landscapers, conservationists, naturalists, growers, researchers and educators. How did the crape myrtle become such a hot topic for discussion?
First things first — is it crepe or is it crape? Check any number of references and you are likely to find it spelled either way. Crape is the preferred name and what we most commonly use here in Louisiana.
The topic that always gets horticulturists riled up is the pruning practices. You have likely seen a crape myrtle hacked back to just a trunk in landscapes across the South. We have given it the name “crape murder.” Do not be ashamed if you have committed crape murder in the past. Plenty of bad gardening practices are out there, and this is just one of them. It comes from misinformation in most instances and practicing what we see. Fortunately, trees take this abuse and generally come back each spring.
However, this excessive pruning can lead to structurally weak wood. It stresses the trees and makes them more susceptible to both insects and disease. Continuous pruning like this can also cause unsightly knobbing at the cut site, giving the trees a gnarly look.
According to retired LSU AgCenter horticulturist Allen Owings, crape myrtles require little if any pruning. Some reasons to prune are to remove dead or damaged limbs; to remove low-hanging limbs that shade out lawns and garden beds or are in the way of mowing paths; and to obtain a specific landscape look.
Winter is the best time to prune. This will allow you to see the form of the tree, and disposing limbs will be easier and less heavy without foliage.
Another issue with crape myrtles is the bark scale that has become a real problem here in the Gulf South. Crape myrtle bark scale is an introduced insect pest from Asia, and it has a great affinity for crape myrtle trees. The problem usually goes unnoticed until plants begin turning black with a fungus called sooty mold when it begins to grow on insect droppings.
The disease has spread from the early 2000s throughout the South, affecting more and more trees. The management practices sometimes call for chemicals that can be harmful to the environment and ecosystems if not used properly, and this can be controversial for conservationists and naturalists.
Another controversy surrounding crape myrtles is that they are not native to the United States. They are actually native to China and other Asian countries. These trees first made their way to England and from there to the United States by way of Charleston, South Carolina, in 1786. Since then, they have become a staple in the Southern landscape.
Recorded history and early folklore show that the first crape myrtles were grown by the French botanist and explorer Andre Michaux. He was said to have sent trees from his nursery to the gardens of Thomas Jefferson at Monticello and George Washington at Mount Vernon.
One issue with crape myrtles is they easily reseed themselves. Many non-native species that reproduce prolifically like crape myrtles are oftentimes considered invasive. If left unchecked, these plants can outcompete native species, tipping the balance of nature in an unfavorable position.
Non-native species compete with native plants, often winning outright and decreasing the biodiversity and the balance that is so important to our environment and fragile ecosystems.
All controversy aside, crape myrtles are beautiful plants and highly prized here in the South. Crape myrtles come in many varieties with different flower colors, beautiful arching branches and varying degrees of peeling bark. In addition to their summer bloom interest, crape myrtles are among some of the best plants for fall foliage color.
Like so many other exceptional things that have happened this year, crape myrtle fall foliage change has been phenomenal. People all over town are taking notice and asking what type of tree that is. Many are shocked to find when they ask that it is a crape myrtle. With some luck, we have had fair rainfall, a few cold snaps and light freezes that have led to one of the most memorable fall color changes here in Louisiana in quite some time.
Vibrant colors of red and orange coupled with peeling bark that gives way to smooth tan and cinnamon-colored trunk brings not only winter interest but also visual interest all year round. The hybrid cultivars are what give us such great color this year — particularly the Lagerstroemia indica x fauriei varieties, such as Acoma, Muskogee and Natchez.
Some other redeeming qualities of crape myrtles are that they love heat and humidity, tolerate drought and grow quickly, making them ideal for our climates in the South. For these reasons, crape myrtles are ranked as one of the South’s most popular ornamental trees.
Crape myrtles are, botanically speaking, a tall-growing deciduous shrub that can be trained to look like a tree with one or two main trunks. Trees can reach heights of up to 30 feet, depending on the cultivar. Like everything in life, there are pros and cons to its use as a landscape plant. It is up to us to strike the balance and to be good stewards of the Earth. If there is one thing we can agree on, crape myrtles are beautiful plants.