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KATHLEEN MARY BERNARD ROMERO

Mon, 12/28/2020 - 1:31pm

6/29/68 — 12/21/20
Kathleen Mary Bernard Romero, age 52, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 21, 2020, with family by her side at Tacoma General Hospital in Tacoma, Washington.
Kathy was born in Morgan City, LA to Wayne and Diane (Hafer) Bernard on June 29, 1968. She went to high school in Berwick. She graduated from Baylor University in 1995 in Radiation Therapy, then graduated from Ottawa University in 2002 in Health Management & Administration and Health & Medical Admin Services.
After graduating from college, she worked as a Senior Dosimetrist and Chief Tech in several cities: Tyler, TX; Dallas, TX; North Beach, MD; Westminster, MD; and Tacoma, WA. Her final position was held at the Tacoma Valley Radiation Oncology. Kathy worked in this field 25+ years. She was dedicated to her craft and always had the patient’s treatments foremost in her mind.
Kathy is preceded in death by her parents, Wayne Anthony Bernard of Morgan City, LA and Kathy “Diane” Hafer Bernard of Lewisville, TX.
Kathy is survived by her husband, Michael Paul Romero, a former resident of Bayou Vista, LA.; her daughter, Jessica Joelle Bernard and son Allen Bernard and wife Chirley Crespo of Dallas, TX. Her three sisters: Sue Ellen Bernard of Morgan City, LA; Rebecca Ann Bernard of Lewisville, TX; and Christine Lemoine of Bayou Vista, LA; and one brother, Wayne Anthony Bernard II and wife Ami of Altamonte Springs, FL. Seven grandchildren: Gabriel, Michael, Ethan, Maddox, Tayleigh, Major and Easton. Six nieces/nephews: Ashley, Emiley, Haleih, Michael, Justin and Mitchel.
Kathy was one of a kind, loving soul with an infectious smile that would light up a room. She loved her grandbabies and nieces and nephews. Her generous kind nature will be truly missed by her family.
The family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the doctors and nurses in the ICU department of the Tacoma General Hospital.

CURTIS JOSEPH GAUTREAUX JR.

Mon, 12/28/2020 - 1:29pm

June 14, 1958 — December 25, 2020
Funeral services celebrating the life of Curtis Joseph Gautreaux Jr. will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church on Wednesday, December 30, 2020, during a 2 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial. Following the Mass he will be laid to rest in St. Joseph Cemetery. Monsignor J. Douglas Courville JCL will be the Celebrant for the Mass and conduct the services. The family requests that visiting hours be observed Wednesday at Ibert’s Mortuary in Patterson from 9 a.m. until dismissal at 1:30 p.m., with the Holy Rosary being prayed at 10:30 a.m., led by Ann Murray.
Curtis was born in Franklin on June 14, 1958 and passed away with his family at his side on Friday, December 25, 2020, at Ochsner St. Mary in Morgan City. He was 62. Curtis was the fourth of nine children born to Curtis Sr. and Euphemie Gautreaux. On November 7, 1981, he married the love of his life, Connie Myers, and was blessed with a son, Chas. In his early years he worked in carpentry but later made a lifelong career as a fitter welder in the fabrication industry, a job which he truly loved. Some of his favorite pastimes included fishing and home projects. Though, his true joy in life was his family whom he deeply loved. He was especially proud of his son who is currently serving in the United States Air Force. Curtis also had a deep love for the Lord and his Catholic faith. He loved attending Mass which he did regularly and also fostered his faith through prayer. His presence in this life will be deeply missed, but his family takes great comfort in knowing that he placed his trust in our Lord Jesus Christ and that one day they will see him again.
Those he leaves to cherish his memory include his wife of 39 years, Connie Myers Gautreaux; his son, Chas Gautreaux; five sisters, Betty Jordan, Mary Gautreaux, Verna Gautreaux, Pauline Miller and her husband John, and Anna Blanco and her husband Travis; his mother-in-law, Elaine LeBlanc Myers; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends, all of whom he loved dearly.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Curtis Joseph Gautreaux and Euphemie LaPointe Gautreaux; two brothers, Lawrence Gautreaux and Michael Gautreaux Sr.; one sister, Cathy Tedder; one brother-in-law, Robert Jordan; his godchild, Scott Allen LaPointe; and his father-in-law, Charles Myers.
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.

PHILIP 'MAC' NOLAN McCARTY

Mon, 12/28/2020 - 1:28pm

December 17, 1936 — December 23, 2020
Philip “Mac” Nolan McCarty, 84, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family Wednesday, December 23, 2020 after a brief illness at American Legion Hospital in Jennings.
Philip was born December 17, 1936, in Jennings, the son of S.H. McCarty and Frances Sutter McCarty.
Philip graduated from Roanoke High School in Roanoke, La., in 1955 as part of the largest graduating class RHS ever had; he played basketball and ran track for the Wildcats. After high school, Philip attended and graduated from McNeese State College in 1959 with a degree in Education. His teaching career began in Acadia Parish in 1960 before moving to St. Mary Parish the following year. During this period, Philip served in the U.S. Army National Guard and taught and coached at Shannon Elementary. After teaching 8th grade math at Morgan City Junior High School for 20 years, Philip retired from the school system in 1990 with 30 years of service. Upon his retirement, he moved back to the family farm in Roanoke, La., where he enjoyed competing in the Senior Olympics, fishing, dove hunting, his weekly trip to “visit the Indians,” and helping solve the world’s problems each morning at the Waffle House in Jennings.
Philip will be fondly remembered by his son, William “Bill” McCarty and wife Julie (Cortez) of Morgan City; his granddaughter who was his world, Jill “Duggar” McCarty of Morgan City; brother, Edward McCarty and wife Frances of Houma; three sisters-in-law, Anna Lee Belaire of Morgan City, Pat Arboneaux of Lafayette, and Dorothy “Dot” McCarty of New Orleans; brother-in-law, Craig LaJaunie and wife Sue of Centerville; numerous nieces and nephews that he thought the world of especially, Susan B. LeBeouf of Broussard; and a special friend, Johanna Cormier of Welsh.
Philip was preceded in death by his parents, S.H. and Frances McCarty; the love of his life, his wife, Gloria LaJaunie McCarty; brother, Howard “Knobby” McCarty; and two brothers-in-law, Al Belaire and Warren “Jip” Arboneaux.
Pallbearers will be Bill McCarty, Dwight Barbier, Joe Pisani, Tony Saleme, P-nut Michel and Allen Meyer.
The family would like to thank the staff at American Legion Hospital for the outstanding care given to Philip.
Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, December 29, 2020, at Pharr Chapel United Methodist Church with Pastor Ann Sutton and Rev. Walter Parker of Roanoke UMC officiating. Masks are required upon entering Pharr Chapel. Visitation will be held Tuesday, December 29, 2020, at Twin City Funeral Home from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. After services, Philip will be laid to rest in the Morgan City Mausoleum.

Two LSU coaches take analyst roles

Mon, 12/28/2020 - 1:26pm

LSU Sports
Information
Steve Ensminger, the offensive coordinator for the most successful team in LSU history, and defensive line coach Bill Johnson have both announced that they will retire from on field coaching duties and will transition into analyst roles on the Tiger staff.
Ensminger, who played quarterback for the Tigers under Charles McClendon in the 1970s, just completed his 11th year on the LSU coaching staff, the final three coming as offensive coordinator and quarterback coach. Ensminger joined the Tigers in 2010 as tight ends coach. Ensminger also served as offensive coordinator and quarterback coach for the final eight contests of the 2016 season when Ed Orgeron was elevated to head coach four games into the season.
“Steve gave everything he had to LSU and I will always cherish the time we spent coaching together,” LSU coach Ed Orgeron said. “Steve treated everyone on the staff and the players on our team like family. He bleeds purple and gold – I don’t know of a better LSU man."
In 46 games with Ensminger as offensive coordinator, the Tigers averaged 37.4 points and 474.1 total yards per game. LSU racked up over 500 yards of total offense 20 times under Ensminger which included 714 yards against Ole Miss in 2019. LSU also scored 40 or more points 23 times during that span. With Ensminger as offensive coordinator, the Tigers went 36-10, winning 26 of those games by double-figures.
Johnson joined Orgeron’s staff in 2019 as defensive line coach after a lengthy career in the NFL. Johnson is one of the few coaches that have won both a CFP National Championship and a Super Bowl. Johnson’s 2019 defensive line was instrumental during LSU’s undefeated national championship season. He won a Super Bowl as the Saints’ defensive line coach in 2009 and he helped lead the Rams to a Super Bowl appearance during the 2018 season.
“Bill is an outstanding football coach and a tremendous man,” Orgeron said. “I have great respect for Bill and the job he did teaching and developing our players. He stepped in and made an immediate impact with our defensive linemen two years ago and I will always appreciate his dedication to the LSU Tigers.”
In two years coaching the LSU defensive line, Johnson had a pair of players earn All-SEC honors in Rashard Lawrence and Ali Gaye.

Morgan City High's Mock Trial Team

Mon, 12/28/2020 - 1:24pm

Submitted Photos
Morgan City High and its mock trial team thanked the Ramsey, Skiles, Streva & Bourgeois law firm for supporting the team. The Morgan City High School Mock Trial team is a group of students who aspire to become lawyers. They work throughout the year, perfecting their courtroom procedures and knowledge and then competing with other regional mock trial teams for national standing. The bottom photo shows the team with Patrick Skiles.

154 new COVID cases locally over long holiday

Mon, 12/28/2020 - 1:13pm

The Louisiana Office of Public Health reported 154 new confirmed COVID cases in three local parishes between midday Wednesday and midday Monday.

St. Mary has 44 new confirmed COVID cases for a total of 2,657 since the pandemic began. Another 245 cases resulted from antigen tests and are listed as probable.

St. Martin had 86 cases over the five days for a pandemic total of 3,386 confirmed and 222 probable.

Assumption had 24 new cases for a total of 1,121 with 178 probable.

One new fatality was reported for Assumption, where there have been 26 confirmed deaths and one probable. St. Mary has had 95 deaths with six probable, and St. Martin has had 75 with six probable.

Statewide:

--5,797 new cases were reported for the five days, raising the number of confirmed cases to 274,781 with 25,758 probable.

--103 deaths were reported for a pandemic total of 6,980 with 357 probable.

--The number of COVID-positive people fell by 78 to 1,597.

--5 more people were on ventilators for a total of 201.

How to approach cat care while pregnant

Mon, 12/28/2020 - 10:31am

Pregnant women receive a lot of advice while they’re with child. Much of that guidance comes from their physicians and is offered in an effort to ensure expecting mothers have healthy pregnancies.
Expecting mothers may be surprised by some of the precautionary measures their physicians recommend, while others measures, such as abstaining from alcohol, are more widely known.
One recommendation that women may be surprised by is the need to be cautious around their pets. For example, the March of Dimes, an organization devoted to ensuring the health of expecting mothers and their babies, recommends that women be careful with pets during pregnancy.
Pregnant women with cats at home must be mindful of toxoplasmosis, a disease that the Mayo Clinic reports results from infection with the toxoplasma gondii parasite. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cats get infected with the toxoplasma parasite by eating infected rodents, birds or other small animals.
Cats also can get infected if they eat anything that is contaminated with the feces of another cat that is shedding the parasite through its fecal matter.
The CDC notes that infected cats can shed the parasite for up to two weeks.
Because of the way the disease is contracted, cats may only be vulnerable to toxoplasmosis if they go outside. While that may reassure pregnant women whose cats stay indoors at all times, expecting mothers should still be vigilant even if their cats are indoor cats.
Cats that escape or go outdoors by accident, even if they’re quickly retrieved, can still be exposed to the parasite that causes toxoplasmosis.
The March of Dimes also notes that toxoplasmosis can be spread by cleaning kitty litter of infected cats or by touching dirt, such as garden soil, where infected cats may have been. That means even women whose cats stay indoors can be infected if they aren’t careful.
Protection against toxoplasmosis
Thankfully, the March of Dimes notes that expecting mothers can take various steps to protect themselves from toxoplasmosis during their pregnancies.
—Ask a family member who isn’t pregnant to clean out the litter box every day.
—Wear disposable gloves and a face mask if you clean out the litter box. Wash your hands well with soap and water immediately after cleaning the litter box.
—Keep your cat inside. In addition, make sure all guests do their part to keep the cat indoors when visiting.
—Stay away from stray cats and new cats.
—Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water after touching cat feces or after gardening.
—Cover sandboxes to prevent cats from using them as a litter box.
—Feed your cat dry or canned foods. Don’t feed cats undercooked meat, which can make them vulnerable to infection with the parasite.
Pregnant women with cats at home must be especially careful when interacting with cats or when spending time outdoors where cats may have roamed.

Couple with bright future get on each other’s nerves

Mon, 12/28/2020 - 10:29am

By Jeanne Phillips, ©United Features Syndicate

DEAR ABBY: I know every relationship is different, but how do you know when to stop trying and let go? My boyfriend and I have been dating for a year and a half. Lately all we seem to do is fight or upset each other. I don’t want to call it quits, but I’m tired of being angry or sad all the time.
We have been trying to fix our relationship for a while now, but nothing seems to stick. We haven’t been able to get professional help due to our financial situation and COVID, but I don’t know what else to do.
We have so much potential for having an amazing life and family in the future that I don’t want to give up on what could be just because we can’t get along right now. Is love enough to help us through this rough patch? Or am I just fooling myself into thinking we can survive together?
LOST IN LOVE IN KANSAS

DEAR LOST: Many couples — married and not — have been having relationship problems related to the pandemic and the social isolation it has brought. Add financial issues into the mix, and the result has been anxiety, depression and disrupted relationships.
These are difficult times, and I hope you and your boyfriend can weather the storm by giving each other the gift of patience and understanding. The answer to your dilemma may be as simple as returning to normal once the pandemic gets under control.
DEAR ABBY: I am a 68-year-old man. Yesterday, my girlfriend and I were in a small gift shop. A young couple was there with a 6-month-old baby in a stroller. I bent down, smiled, winked, waved at the baby and said, “Hi there!” I then told the mother that her baby was beautiful and that I love little kids.
My girlfriend said I was being creepy. I was shocked. I said that she knew I liked kids, and she said yes, she knew that, but that I was still being creepy.
Abby, I have two wonderful, successful adult daughters and always enjoyed having their friends over to our house, which was the place to be back then. I am still stunned at the accusation, but I now wonder. Was I out of line and being “creepy”?
STUNNED IN WASHINGTON

DEAR STUNNED: There’s a double standard for men interacting with children that women don’t face. But admiring someone’s baby and telling the mother her child is beautiful isn’t “creepy.”
Neither is mentioning that you love kids. Countless people say the same thing in passing, and there’s nothing untoward about it.

DEAR ABBY: Is there a respectful way to dispose of funeral memory books that no one is interested in keeping?
CURIOUS DOWNSIZER

DEAR CURIOUS: Funeral memory books are similar to guest books. Mourners sign them so the grieving family will know who attended the service.
If you’re familiar with whatever messages were left, there is no need to hang on to them. If you don’t wish to keep them, offer them to your local genealogical society, historical society or local archives to see if they would be welcomed.
***
Good advice for everyone — teens to seniors — is in “The Anger in All of Us and How to Deal With It.” To order, send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 to: Dear Abby, Anger Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447.

President signs bill with $600 aid checks

Mon, 12/28/2020 - 6:46am

Staff Report

President Donald Trump on Sunday signed a bill that will send $600-per-person stimulus payments to most American households, add $300 a week to unemployment benefits and fund additional Paycheck Protection Program loans.

Congress was to take up a measure Monday that would increase the stimulus payments to $2,000 per person.

The $900 billion coronavirus relief package also extends the moratorium on evictions and foreclosures into the spring.

The president had threatened to veto the bill including the $600 payments, a compromise between Democrats who had wanted something closer to $2,000 and Republicans who balked at the size of the spending measure. Trump said he wanted the payments to be $2,000 and called the bill containing the smaller payments "a disgrace."

"I am signing this bill to restore unemployment benefits, stop evictions, provide rental assistance, add money for PPP, return our airline workers back to work," Trump said Sunday, "add substantially more money for vaccine distribution, and much more."

The original bill had included new criminal penalties for copyright violations related to online streaming.

"Additionally," Trump said, "Congress has promised that Section 230, which so unfairly benefits Big Tech at the expense of the American people, will be reviewed and either be terminated or substantially reformed."

Monday's debate will test a lame duck Republican president's power in a duel with members of his own party. It comes less than two weeks before pivotal Georgia runoffs for the U.S. Senate, which could decide which party controls the upper chamber for at least the first two years of the Joe Biden presidency.

The payments to individuals are for the full $600 per adult and dependents up to age 16 in households making up to $75,000 per year. Beyond $75,000, recipients will see the aid reduced.

The $300 unemployment enhancement comes just as earlier jobless pay support was ending. As of October, more than 2,100 St. Mary people were unemployed, according to the Louisiana Workforce Commission.

The bill signed Sunday also includes another $280 billion to reopen the Paycheck Protection Program, which offers forgivable loans through local banks to companies that keep workers on their payrolls.

Employers in St. Mary borrowed more than $88 million in the first round of PPP and identified more than 7,000 jobs that were protected.

Bowling scores

Sun, 12/27/2020 - 2:52pm

PETROLEUM LEAGUE
Week 12 – Dec. 16
..................................W L
Satchel of Richards...33 15
Johnny’s Wrecker......32 16
A&M Dockside..........28 20
MISTRAS.................27 21
Antebellum Renov....2½ 22½
That’s How We Roll..24 24
MC Paint & Body......23 25
Coastwide Elect.......22 26
Conrad....................21½ 26½
Chabill’s...................18 30
Roy’s Trucking.........17 31
Allen’s TV Cable......16 32
Individual high scores: Eric Morrison 228, 235, 300 games, (763) series; Hunter Boudreaux 278, 226, 201, (705); Larry Deslatte III 209, 222, 221; Anthony Falgout Jr. 220, 267; Dustin Fuselier 218, 211; Joshua Thomas 246; Lawrence Simoneaux 237; Kenny Keton 226; Bobby Rotolo 223; Gretchen Corbin 218; Mark Hebert 212; Patrick Thibodeaux 212; Mike Batson 210; and Marcus Jones 203.

GUYS & DOLLS LEAGUE
Week 11 – Dec. 17
.................................. W L
Satchel of Richards....30½ 13½
Fishing for Strikes.....27½ 16½
Deep........................24 20
Int’l Alignment..........24 20
Naughty But Nice.....23 21
Boss........................21½ 22½
Hensgens Bros......20 24
Bach’s...................19½ 24½
SNAFU..................19 25
Johnny’s Wrecker...18 26
Jerry’s Kids............17 27
Moe’s Poboys.......16 28
Weekly high scores: (male) Kenny Keton 255, 228, 268 games, (751) series; Rick Sartwell 243, 262, 245, (750); Anthony Falgout Jr. 219, 230, 236; Hunter Boudreaux 246, 220; Marcus Jones 210, 207; Chris Mayon 231; Adam Amador 228; Kelvin Smith 223; Patrick Thibodeaux 223; David Boudreaux 223; Gerard Labit 211; Sean Torgrimson Sr. 207; Devin Hidalgo 202; and Kelvin Naverre 202; and (women) Pam Hensgens 212 and Lisa Powell 209.