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Officials look at ways to track fines and fees

Tue, 12/15/2020 - 11:10am

DAVID JACOBS, The Center Square

Over the next year or so, Louisiana officials hope to figure out how much money in fines and fees is flowing through the state’s criminal justice system and how that money is being spent, a necessary step in deciding how to replace that funding stream.
“We need to be able to follow the money,” said Rep. Tanner Magee, the Houma Republican who chairs the Louisiana Commission on Justice System Funding.
Louisiana’s system, to an extent not seen in other states, relies on self-generated fines and fees to operate, which encourages local jurisdictions to focus on debt collection rather than helping victims and reducing recidivism, according to a commission report. The funding system is unfair to poor defendants, ripe for fraud because of the lack of transparency, and may be unconstitutional, critics say.
As part of the 2017 criminal justice overhaul, Louisiana lawmakers passed Act 260, which was meant to ensure fines and fees do not become a barrier to successful reentry into society. But enforcement has been pushed back amid concerns about the impact on court funding.
The commission says general government revenue primarily should fund the courts, not fines and fees. But lawmakers don’t know how much that would cost state government because the various local jurisdictions don’t all provide enough detail to show how much money they collect and how the money is disbursed. The inconsistent reporting also makes it impossible for state auditors to verify the money is spent as intended.
A new law Magee authored requires uniform reporting of all court costs, fines and fees. The Louisiana Legislative Auditor and the state Supreme Court have developed a uniform reporting template.
Bradley Cryer, who directs local government audit services for the Legislative Auditor, expects district attorneys and some courts and municipalities to submit reports in six months. Reports from sheriffs, public defenders, clerks of court and the rest of the courts and local governments are due in a year, he said.
Once the reports are available, the LLA will take a few months to compile the information. The timeline assumes no unforeseen delays caused by hurricanes or the pandemic, he notes.
“We’re looking at a little more than a year time frame before we have a complete picture of all the financial information from all these different agencies,” Cryer said.

Morgan City police radio logs for Dec. 11-14

Tue, 12/15/2020 - 11:05am

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, Dec. 11
6:17 a.m. 1000 block of Third Street; Suspicious person.
6:40 a.m. Brownell Homes; Complaint.
7:36 a.m. 7200 block of La. 182; Medical.
8:09 a.m. Fig Street; Suspicious person.
10:23 a.m. 3200 block of Wytchwood Drive; Animal.
10:28 a.m. 400 block of Bowman Street; Complaint.
10:33 a.m. Railroad Avenue and First Street; Arrest.
11:05 a.m. 7400 block of La. 182; Medical.
11:26 a.m. 600 block of Willow Street; Animal.
12:09 p.m. U.S. 90 East; Debris in road.
12:12 p.m. Orange Street; Medical.
1:04 p.m. Fifth and Maine streets; Fight.
1:07 p.m. 6400 block of La. 182; Intoxicated person.
1:16 p.m. 7300 block of La. 182; Forgery.
2:17 p.m. General McArthur Street; Animal.
2:37 p.m. 7500 block of La. 182; Theft.
3:20 p.m. Terrebonne Street and Federal Avenue; Harassment.
3:28 p.m. 1000 block of Third Street; Welfare check.
3:48 p.m. Brownell Homes; Harassment.
3:52 p.m. Morgan City Police Department; Arrest.
4:01 p.m. 400 block of First Street; Complaint.
4:09 p.m. 1000 block of Seventh Street; Frequent patrols.
4:44 p.m. La. 70 near Veterans Boulevard; Juvenile problem.
4:47 p.m. 6000 block of La. 182; Animal.
5:15 p.m. Union and Third streets; Civil matter.
6:19 p.m. 100 block of Glenwood Street; Disturbance.
6:34 p.m. U.S. 90 West; Stalled vehicle.
6:35 p.m. 7100 block of La. 182; Assistance.
6:46 p.m. 500 block of Roderick Street; Welfare concern.
6:48 p.m. 1100 block of Marguerite Street; Disturbance.
6:51 p.m. 1000 block of Front Street; Alarm.
8:05 p.m. 700 block of Freret Street; Civil.
8:23 p.m. Third Street; Juvenile problem.
8:48 p.m. Apple Street; 911 hang up.
10:01 p.m. Railroad Avenue and Fourth Street; Suspicious subject.
10:29 p.m. 2300 block of Clements Street; Complaint.
Saturday, Dec. 12
12:02 a.m. Florence and Fifth streets; Complaint.
12:45 a.m. 1400 block of Ellzey Street; Loud music.
2:52 a.m. Acorn and Orange streets; Arrest.
2:56 a.m. 300 block of Wren Street; Medical.
3:41 a.m. 7400 block of La. 182; Assistance.
8:28 a.m. 600 block of General Hodges; Animal.
10:03 a.m. La. 70; Medical.
10:35 a.m. 900 block of First Street; Animal.
11:37 a.m. 400 block of Fourth Street; Escort.
12:38 p.m. 7200 block of La. 182; Disturbance.
12:56 p.m. 900 block of Second Street; Animal.
1:04 p.m. 1100 block of Chester Bowles; Animal.
1:21 p.m. 100 block of 11 Street; Complaint.
1:35 p.m. 500 block of Terrebonne Street; Alarm.
2:50 p.m. 3100 block of Diane Drive; Alarm.
2:59 p.m. 100 block of Railroad Avenue; Complaint.
4:15 p.m. Brownell Homes; Medical.
5:05 p.m. 1000 block of Third Street; Mentally ill person.
5:30 p.m. 300 block of Louisa Street; Animal complaint.
5:38 p.m. 600 block of Fifth Street; Disturbance.
5:41 p.m. 600 block of Grove Street; Complaint.
6:16 p.m. Wytchwood and Walnut drives; Disturbance.
6:24 p.m. 500 block of Barrow Street; Disturbance.
6:33 p.m. 400 block of Louisa Street; Complaint.
6:41 p.m. 300 block of Patton Street; Disturbance.
7:59 p.m. 100 block of Headland Street; Complaint.
8:24 p.m. 1000 block of Third Street; Theft.
10:08 p.m. 200 block of Florida Street; Complaint.
10:31 p.m. 100 block of Chennault Street; Loud music.
10:44 p.m. 2300 block of Federal Avenue; Loud music.
11:47 p.m. 400 block of First Street; Removal of subject.
11:59 p.m. 300 block of Laurel Street; Animal complaint.
Sunday, Dec. 13
2:27 a.m. 1100 block of Marguerite Street; Animal complaint.
8:05 a.m. 1400 block of Railroad Avenue; Animal.
8:36 a.m. North Third Street; Disturbance.
9:58 a.m. 900 block of Second Street; Animal.
11:06 a.m. Ochsner St. Mary; 911 Hang up.
12:33 p.m. 2300 block of Tupelo Street; Medical.
12:55 p.m. 1900 block of Victor II Boulevard; Complaint.
12:56 p.m. 6400 block of La. 182; Medical.
1:17 p.m. 700 block of General Hodges; Harassment.
4:37 p.m. Maple Street and Shaw Drive; Suspicious vehicle.
4:52 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Suspicious subject.
5:35 p.m. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and La. 182; Crash.
6:02 p.m. 700 block of Florence Street; Complaint.
6:12 p.m. 1700 block of Dale Street; Loud music.
6:54 p.m. 7200 block of La. 182; Disturbance.
7:01 p.m. 1000 block of Clothilde Street; Alarm.
7:33 p.m. 1000 block of Seventh Street; Alarm.
7:48 p.m. 3100 block of Wytchwood Drive; Loud music.
9:08 p.m. 600 block of Brashear Avenue; Complaint.
9:08 p.m. 1000 block of Chennault Street; Alarm.
9:12 p.m. U.S. 90 West; Traffic incident.
10:16 p.m. 700 block of Sixth Street; Complaint.
10:22 p.m. 1400 block of Railroad Avenue; Disturbance.
11:41 p.m. 600 block of Freret Street; Medical.
Monday, Dec. 14
1:12 a.m. 7500 block of La. 182; Complaint.

Dear Abby: Man says machismo made him give in to divorce demand

Tue, 12/15/2020 - 11:02am

DEAR ABBY: I was married to my wife for 29 years, and I have now been divorced for two. I have tried to move on, but I can’t because I still love her. She initiated the divorce because she thought I cheated on her. I didn’t fight her because I was too macho.
I don’t know if I miss her or feel sorry for myself because I haven’t been with a woman in more than two years. I’m attracted to women who are at least 15 years younger than me or who are married.
I have been on two dating sites for almost a year and even moved back to the state where my ex-wife lives hoping that one day she will ask me out. I’ve been throwing hints her way and have even written her letters, but she still thinks I cheated. I ache for her. What should I do?
FIGHTING CHANCE IN THE EAST

DEAR FIGHTING CHANCE: Your marriage is history, and your “exaggerated masculinity” caused it. I am struck by the fact that nowhere in your letter did you deny that what your ex-wife thought was true. I don’t understand what being “macho” has to do with not denying you cheated. What you should do now is learn from it, grow from it and move on.

DEAR ABBY: My husband and his father had a falling out. My husband’s father now has hired a lawyer to get the pictures and Vietnam medals back that he had given my husband as a gift years ago. This is his only son.
We have two sons whom my husband would like to pass the medals down to. He knows if he gives the medals back that he may never see them again because his dad has a girlfriend now who wants them. She’s behind him pursuing the issue with a lawyer.
How can I help my husband? Should he give in to his father’s demands and return the medals and pictures, or should he fight to keep them?
MIDDLE OF A MESS

DEAR MIDDLE: How old are your sons? Because of this rift, do they still have a relationship with their grandfather? Would they appreciate the war medals and understand what they stand for?
My feeling is that you should stay out of the line of fire and allow your husband and his own lawyer to fight this battle. However, you MAY be able to sway the outcome if you or your sons write your father-in-law a warm letter telling him how sad you feel about the situation and that his medals are heirlooms they and THEIR children would treasure in the future. Then cross your fingers.

DEAR ABBY: At what age does a person stop calling an older neighbor “Mrs.” or “Mr.”? I was born next door and still live here, so I don’t know what to call my neighbors anymore.
GROWN UP NORTH

DEAR GROWN: Before children reach adulthood, it is considered respectful to call adults “Mr.” and “Mrs.” Not knowing your neighbors, I can’t guess how formal they may be. Because using their first names has not been your practice and you don’t want to risk offending them, ask THEM what they would like to be called in light of the fact that you are all adults. Erring on the side of respect will never be wrong.
***
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.

Here's how to prepare for dining outdoors year-round

Tue, 12/15/2020 - 10:59am

Al fresco dining is popular in spring and summer, and that popularity reached new heights in the summer of 2020. With much of the world still grappling with the outbreak of COVID-19 and government officials fearing rising case numbers if indoor gatherings were allowed, many restaurants were limited to offering only outdoor dining to patrons. Such restrictions reintroduced many people to the pleasure of outdoor dining.
Outdoor dining may be synonymous with summer, but there’s no reason why meals can’t be enjoyed outside year-round. That’s especially true when homeowners and hosts take stock of certain factors when planning outdoor dining spaces they intend to use all year long.
—Lighting: If you plan to keep outdoor dining going after summer, then some extra lighting may be necessary. The sun sets in late afternoon/early evening in fall and winter, so you won’t be able to rely on natural light to keep the dinner table aglow. Lighting also can make outdoor dining in summer more enjoyable. Outdoor string lights can add a relaxing vibe to a deck or patio. If you intend to string the lights up year-round, make sure poles are sturdy enough to withstand winds.
—Weather: Table cloths can add a touch of class to outdoor dining tables. But those table cloths are only effective if they remain on the table during a breeze. A simple set of table cloth clips can ensure the wind doesn’t blow table cloths around while people are eating or completely off the table when everyone is inside. Hurricane candle holders also can make it easy to maintain the ambiance candles provide without having to worry about the wind extinguishing the candles in one strong gust.
—Seating: Guests might have no problem dining on traditional summer barbecue fare like burgers and hot dogs while sitting in camping chairs. But hosts who want to serve meals that require the use of a knife and fork will need to make sure all guests have a seat at the table. A foldable picnic-style table that can be easily stored in a garage or shed can do the trick. In addition, some deck and patio tables are expandable, making them ideal options for hosts who may want to work around social distancing guidelines and serve holiday meals outside this year.
—Grill: Charcoal grill devotees may find it frustrating to keep coals lit long enough to get hot so they can keep enjoying grilled meals after summer and throughout fall, winter and spring. A hybrid charcoal/grill smoker that does not expose the fire to the elements as much as a traditional charcoal grill can do the trick, and such a grill also gives cooks the chance to slow cook and smoke foods all year long. For those with no special devotion to charcoal grills, a propane grill can light up in a matter of seconds regardless of the weather.
Outdoor dining can be enjoyed year-round, especially when hosts take steps to prepare their outdoor spaces for four seasons’ worth of gatherings.

2 speeding stops result in 2 arrests in Berwick

Tue, 12/15/2020 - 10:56am

Staff Report

Berwick police stopped two men for speeding Friday and wound up arresting both on drug charges, Chief David Leonard said.
—Murray Bridget Jr. , 42, Patterson, was arrested at 4:02 p.m. Friday on charges of speeding 76 in a 55 mph zone, flight from an officer (on foot), aggravated flight from an officer (in vehicle), aggravated obstruction of a highway of commerce, obstruction of justice, possession of Adderall, possession of marijuana (second offense), possession of drug paraphernalia and driving under suspension.
About 3:33 p.m. Friday, officers were patrolling the area of U.S. 90 when they observed a vehicle to be traveling 76 mph in a 55 mph speed zone. Officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop on U.S. 90 by activating the overhead lights and sirens, and the vehicle refused to stop.
It eventually came to a stop in the parking lot of a local business. Officers attempted to make contact with the driver, who was identified as Bridget, and he resisted officers. A Taser was deployed.
Bridget was then able to flee again from officers in his vehicle at a high rate of speed and returned back to the highway with no regard to oncoming traffic. Officers pursued, and Bridget eventually exited his vehicle and fled on foot near Jupiter Street. An off duty officer was able to intervene and assist in taking Bridget into custody with no further incidents.
Bridget was observed discarding something during the foot chase. Officers conducted a search of the area, where they located marijuana and Adderall pills.
Bridget was placed under arrest and later transported to the Berwick Jail.
—Sean Hester Jr., Monroe, was arrested at 2:53 a.m. Friday on charges of speeding 84 mph in a 60 mph zone and possession of heroin.
About 2:09 a.m. Friday, officers with Berwick Police were working radar enforcement on U.S. 90 when they clocked a vehicle traveling at 84 mph in a 60 mph zone. A traffic stop was conducted, and the driver was identified as Hester.
During the course of the traffic stop, Hester was observed to be acting in a nervous manner and officers tried to gain consent, but Hester refused. A K-9 unit from the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office was deployed and alerted to the presence of narcotics being in the vehicle.
A search of the vehicle revealed a small amount of heroin. Hester was placed under arrest. Hester was later transported to Berwick Jail where he later posted a bond of $2,500.

Morgan City Police Chief James F. Blair reported these arrests:
—Colby Tyrese Nicholas, 20, Wren Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 6:49 a.m. Friday on charges of resisting an officer and possession of marijuana, and on a warrant for nine counts of failure to pay fine.
Officers were called to a Wren Street address for a disturbance. They learned Nicholas was involved in the disturbance. Officers attempted to stop Nicholas in the area.
He fled on foot but was apprehended by officers and placed under arrest. He was found in possession of suspected marijuana.
A warrant check revealed the City Court of Morgan City held active warrants for his arrest. He was transported to the Morgan City Police for booking and incarceration.
—Joshua Mitchell Aucoin, 34, Arlington Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 10:38 p.m. Friday on charges of improper lane usage, careless operation, no driver’s license on person, aggravated assault on a police officer and resisting arrest.
An officer observed a vehicle committing a traffic violation and conducted a traffic stop in the area of Federal Avenue. The driver, Aucoin, exited his vehicle, walked to the rear of the vehicle and retrieved a large wooden walking staff.
Aucoin aggressively held the walking staff as if he was going to strike the officer. The officer was able to remove the staff from Aucoin’s possession, and after a brief struggle, placed him under arrest. He was transported to the Morgan City Police for booking and incarceration.
—Rebecca Ann Corbett, 44, First Street, Patterson, was arrested at 1:16 p.m. Friday on a charge of disturbing the peace-intoxicated.
Officers were called to an address on La. 182 for an intoxicated individual causing a disturbance. They came into contact with Corbett, who was in an intoxicated condition. She was placed under arrest and transported to the Morgan City Police Department for booking and incarceration.
—Ronell Comeaux, 24, Donaldsonville, was arrested at 3:40 a.m. Saturday on charges of disturbing the peace, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Officers were called to the area of Acorn Street about an intoxicated subject. They came into contact with Comeaux and observed he was in an intoxicated condition. He was placed under arrest.
During the arrest, officers located suspected marijuana and drug paraphernalia in his possession. He was transported to the Morgan City Police Department for booking and incarceration.
—Johnathan Joshua Humphrey, 39, La. 182, Morgan City, was arrested at 12:46 p.m. Saturday on a warrant for contempt of court (failure to pay fine).
Officers were called to an address on La. 182 for a disturbance. They came into contact with Humphrey. A warrant check revealed the City Court of Morgan City held an active warrant for his arrest. He was transported to the Morgan City Police for booking and incarceration.
—Terri Lynn Landry, 39, Main Street, Patterson, was arrested at 09:05 a.m. Sunday on a warrant for domestic abuse battery.
—Robert Paul Stansbury Jr., 37, North Third Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 09:05 a.m. Sunday oon a warrant for two counts of failure to appear to pay fines.
Officers were called to the area of North Third Street and Belanger for a disturbance. They came into contact with Landry and Stansbury.
A warrant check revealed City Court of Morgan City held active warrants for their arrest. Landy and Stansbury were placed under arrest and transported to the Morgan City Police for booking and incarceration.
—Magan Renee Gaudet, 29, Parro Lane, Berwick, was arrested 3:45 p. m. Sunday on a warrant for two counts of contempt of court (failure to pay fine).
Gaudet was located at the Morgan City Police Department want and placed under active warrants held by the City Court of Morgan City. She was booked and incarcerated at the Morgan City Police Department.
—Joshua Donell Robertson, Sr., 29, Grizzaffi Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 6:01 p.m. Sunday on charges of driving with a suspended driver’s license and failure to yield while turning left.
Officers were called to Martin Luther King Boulevard to investigate a vehicle crash. During the traffic investigation, it was learned a vehicle driven by Robertson, failed to yield while turning left.
A computer check 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 Parish Sheriff Blaise Smith reported these arrests:
—Darrell Riggins Jr., 31, Bayou Vista, was arrested at 9:31 p.m. Saturday on charges of for domestic abuse child endangerment law (aggravated), domestic abuse battery and possession of marijuana. No bail has been set.
—Brendan James Comeaux, 27, Franklin, was arrested at 1:42 a.m. Saturday on charges of domestic abuse battery, attempted unauthorized entry of a dwelling and simple criminal damage to property.
No bail has been set.
—Jose Manual Bibian Sr., 33, Amelia, was arrested at 7:36 p.m. Friday for violation of protective orders and on a charge of unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling. No bail has been set.
—Magan Renee Gaudet, 29, Morgan City, was arrested at 1:01 p.m. Sunday on two Morgan City Police Department warrants for failure to appear and on one Assumption parish warrant for failure to appear on the charge of aggravated battery with a dangerous weapon. Gaudet is being held for another agency.
—Dimple Ceaser, 43, New Iberia, was arrested at 11:10 p.m. Sunday on a charge of possession of stolen things.
Ceaser is being held for another agency.

Assumption Parish Sheriff Leland Falcon reported these arrests:
—Eric L. Wiggins, 56, La. 662, Morgan City, was arrested Saturday as a fugitive parole violator from Texas.
—Bernetta Bee Pennison, 51, La. 662, Morgan City, was arrested Saturday on a charge of failure to appear in Assumption Parish.
Deputies were dispatched to the La. 662 address in Bayou L’Ourse late Saturday in connection with a fight and a disturbance.
During the course of the investigation, deputies determined that the two parties related to the disturbance call were wanted on unrelated charges.
Wiggins was determined to be wanted as a fugitive parole violator out of Texas.
It was further determined that Pennison was wanted.
Her bond was set at $439, cash only. She was booked into the Assumption Parish Detention Center.
Wiggins was incarcerated without bond, and authorities will begin extradition proceedings to return Wiggins to Texas.
—Mandy Haydell, 36, Robbie Lee Drive, Denham Springs, was arrested Thursday on charges of obstruction of justice and public bribery.
—Anthony Vega, 36, Tannehill Drive, Walker, was arrested Friday on charges of obstruction of justice and public bribery.
—Garret Hopwood, 26, Brittney Renee, Zachary, was arrested Friday on a charge of perjury.
Vega and Hopwood have been incarcerated since their arrests on rior charges after the suspects were charged with defrauding a Pierre Part merchant in a scheme that costs the business thousands of dollars.
During the investigation, detectives determined that Vega and his female acquaintance, Haydell, executed a plan that would cause Vega to be released from custody after Hopwood would accept responsibility in its entirety in exchange for a sum of cash that he would receive.
At some point, Hopwood agreed to the terms of the proposal and signed a sworn affidavit knowing that its contents were false.
As a result of the investigation, the three suspects were all arrested and charged.
All three suspects remain incarcerated pending bond hearings.
—Jermain Lekeith Flowers, 36, Bowie Street, White Castle, was arrested on warrants for aggravated battery and domestic abuse related to a May 16, 2017, incident, and aggravated battery and domestic abuse child endangerment related a March 5, 2018, incident.
The 2017 first incident occurred at a Klotzville residence involving a female accomplice and her children.
The 2018 incident involved the same female and her children.
In both incidents, deputies observed physical evidence that Flowers had accosted the female acquaintance and caused noticeable injury to her. On one of the occasions, a child was injured.
Following both incidents, the suspect had left the area prior to the deputies’ arrival, resulting in warrants being filed.
On Monday morning, Flowers was involved in a single vehicle crash near Belle Rose and left the scene. Deputies located him a short time later and arrested him.
Flowers remains incarcerated pending a bond hearing.

Franklin Police Chief Morris Beverly reported this arrest:
—Charleston Willis Sr., 40, of Marigny Circle, Duson, was arrested at 5:47 p.m. Friday , on a warrant for 16th Judicial District Court for failure to appear on the charge of criminal neglect of family. Willis was booked, processed and held on a $16,521.55 bond.

Jimmy Glynn Campbell

Tue, 12/15/2020 - 7:22am

October 12, 1950 - December 11, 2020
Jimmy Glynn Campbell, a seven year resident of Ricohoc, passed away at home at the age of 70 on Friday, December 11, 2020.
Jimmy was born in Franklin on October 12, 1950, the youngest of seven children born to Samuel and Ophelia Campbell. He was a veteran of the United States Army having honorably served during the Vietnam War. Jimmy worked for the majority of his life as a boat skipper and then driving hotshot trucks. He loved fishing and crabbing and was his happiest on the water. If he wasn’t in his boat you could find him at home tending to his chickens, watching westerns, and honing his marksman skills target shooting. He will be dearly missed and fondly remembered.
Those he leaves to cherish his memory include two children, Sean Campbell and his fiancée Ann Horst and Taylor C. Sauce and her husband Brody; three grandchildren, Sawaya Campbell, Ronin Campbell, and Maddox Sauce; brothers, Sherman “Pete” Campbell and his wife Melanie and Lonnie Campbell and his wife Wonderlon; niece, Chantelle C. Perez and her husband Heath and their children, Heath Perez Jr., Cole Perez, and Coleen Perez; as well as many other nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.
He was preceded in death by parents, Samuel Luther Campbell and Ophelia Hancock Campbell; two brothers, H.C. Campbell and Harold Campbell; and two sisters, Dorothy C. Ware and Cloria “Jennie” Charpentier.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 19, 2020, at 1:00 p.m. at Ibert’s Mortuary in Franklin. The family asks that visiting hours be observed from 10:00 a.m. until service time. In keeping with his wishes, following funeral services Jimmy will be cremated.
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.

Dear Abby: Man lets special anniversary pass without celebration

Mon, 12/14/2020 - 2:28pm

DEAR ABBY: I have been married to my husband 25 years as of today. (We’ve been a couple for 32 years.) He has done absolutely nothing to commemorate this. I reminded him months ago to save for something because it was very important to me. My friends would have happily helped him do something.
Every year it’s the same old nothing. He asked me to remind him and I did, but it made no difference. Same with my birthday. Yes, we have been in better positions financially than now. But if something was important to him, he always saved for it. I have money put away we could have used, and he knew this. Yet nothing.
The only time he shows me any kind of emotion or love/sex is when he’s drunk. But he swears he loves me. I don’t suspect cheating. He doesn’t care what he looks like when we go places. I always try to look my best.
I’m at the end of my rope. This 25th anniversary really hurt me. He said we’ll do something when he can. I can’t take it anymore. I feel worthy of nothing, like I don’t matter. What do I do?
ANNIVERSARY
SADNESS
DEAR ANNIVERSARY SADNESS: If the only time your husband shows you any kind of affectionate attention is when he is drunk, you have bigger problems than the fact that he “forgets” special occasions. Is this the way you want to spend the next 25 years of your life?
Receiving gifts does not make a person “worthy.” You need to work on your level of self-esteem. As expensive as a celebration might have been, a gift you could both benefit from would be couples counseling.

DEAR ABBY: I have a wonderful mother-in-law who recently turned 92. For the past five or so years, she has struggled with urinary incontinence and uses adult diapers. However, her urine really stinks. I don’t think she changes her diaper often enough, and the smell is really strong throughout the day. I’m also afraid that by not changing often enough, she may get an infection.
Her children refuse to discuss the issue with her, so nothing is being done to change the situation. I find myself distancing from her since I can’t stand the smell. I have researched the topic, and I don’t think there’s anything that can be done to address the incontinence issue due to her age and other medical issues. However, I think if she drank more fluids so her urine wouldn’t be so concentrated, the smell wouldn’t be so bad. I have talked to her about drinking more water for other reasons, but she doesn’t want to because then she would need to urinate more.
I really love my MIL, but I can’t stand to be near her. I feel like I’m only the daughter-in-law and that any discussions should come from her children, but they don’t want to bring it up with her.
What can be done?
KEEPING
MY DISTANCE

DEAR KEEPING: Has your mother-in-law seen a urologist and been told nothing can be done about her incontinence problem, or is she so embarrassed she hasn’t seen one? Because her children refuse to discuss this with their mother, the ball is in your court. Please talk to her and urge her to see a doctor. Because when people age their sense of smell can diminish, she may not be aware that she has the problem you’re describing.
She does need to drink more water and change her diaper more often than she’s doing. Her mental and physical health could depend upon it. But she also needs to see a urologist.

***

For an excellent guide to becoming a better conversationalist and a more sociable person, order “How to Be Popular.” Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 to: Dear Abby, Popularity Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447.

Get It Growing: Caring for holiday plants

Mon, 12/14/2020 - 2:25pm

HEATHER KIRK-BALLARD, LSU AgCenter Horticulturist

If you struggle to keep your holiday plants and live decorations looking great, you’re not alone. Here are some pointers to keep them looking beautiful for the remainder of the holiday season.
Poinsettias and Than-ksgiving and Christmas cactuses are the most colorful plants we will bring indoors this season.
Poinsettias provide that traditional red and green color to the home. Although poinsettias come in a wide variety of colors these days from hot pink to orange to white, the go-to holiday favorite of red still remains.
Thanksgiving and Christmas cactuses also come in a range of colors, including fuchsia, red, white and orange. Both plants are short-day plants, meaning they come into bloom as the day length shortens. Chrysanthemums are also short-day plants, hence their use in the fall. As the days shorten in fall into wintertime, all of these plants go into their flowering stage.
A fun fact about poinsettias: The modified leaves called bracts are what provide all the spectacular color on the plant. The flowers are very inconspicuous and can be found clustered at the center of the bracts.
Both poinsettias and holiday cactuses are native to Central and South America, so that means they both need to be kept indoors or in protected areas during cold weather because they are not cold hardy.
How do you keep those plants looking fresh for the holidays? First, be sure they are well drained. If a plant comes with a sleeve around the pot, be sure to remove it when watering or poke holes in the bottom of the sleeve to allow for drainage.
Overwatering is the No. 1 killer of indoor plants because it leads to fungal diseases, root rot and fungus gnats. Wait until the soil dries out in between watering times. Indoor plants do well with once-a-week watering, depending on the amount of light they are getting.
Light is also very important for the longevity of these plants. Be sure plants are located in a bright light location or in windows. If you are using the plants in an area to make an attractive display, be sure to move them to higher-light locations throughout the week to ensure adequate sunshine.
Place plants away from drafts or heat sources such as fireplaces and central heat air ducts. Humidity is greatly reduced indoors in the winter with the use of heaters that can dry plants out. Remember, these plants are native to tropical, high-humidity areas, so they will not do well in areas of dry heat.
Christmas cactus is notorious for dropping buds when stressed. Limiting the amount of times you move the plant along with adequate watering and light will help keep them looking great for the remainder of the season. Once they have done their job indoors, these plants can be moved out onto patios and out of direct sun in protected areas. But they should be brought in during cold weather. This plant is extremely simple to propagate and share. Simply break off one of the segmented leaf pieces and place in water to encourage new root growth, or stick it into moist potting soils and share it with friends and family.
Proper live Christmas tree and garland care includes sufficient watering. Live garlands should be misted or sprayed with water several times a week to keep it looking green and healthy.
The majority of our live-cut Christmas trees come long distances from farms across the United States. They become dehydrated if kept out of water for too long. When selecting a tree, be sure to shake the tree or branches and check for excessive needle drop. Bend the tips of some of the branches to see how pliable they are. If a branch bounces back quickly, it is healthy. If it snaps, you’ve got a dead tree on your hands. Yes, these cut trees will ultimately die, but there are varying degrees of life and death in trees.
Additionally, check the trunk of the tree. Look for fresh sap and a sticky feeling. This is an indicator of a healthier tree. If you want your Christmas tree to last as long as possible, be sure you regularly replace water in your tree stand. When you pick out your living tree, have the folks at the nursery remove ½ inch off the bottom of the trunk and place the tree in water as quickly as possible when you get it home. Moreover, recycle your tree. Most cities offer a curbside pickup of trees the first two weeks of January. Trees are used to stop coastal erosion or are made into mulch or compost and used throughout the state. Keep that tree going.
Finally, some coniferous plants are sold as living plants and resemble tiny Christmas trees. These can be kept indoors during the holidays but really require a great deal more sunlight than traditional houseplants. Norfolk Island pine is susceptible to freezing temperatures.

INFANT THOMAS THIBODAUX

Mon, 12/14/2020 - 2:23pm

Infant Thomas Thibodaux became an angel in God's army on December 10,2020.

Those to cherish his Precious memory are, his Mother, Sheridon Ball, his Father Richard Thibodaux, grandparents; Allen and Cynthia Ball, Terry and Allison Thibodaux, Uncle Cebron Andrews and aunt Tyanna Andrews . He also leaves great grandmothers; Patsy Thibodaux, Sheryl Goodwin, and Marie Mullins; great aunts Donna Hotard and Gwendolyn Goodwin and great uncle Ernest Hotard. They would also like to acknowledge their families at O'Reilly's and Waffle House.

A time of visitation will be on Monday December 14,2020 at 1:00PM until Service time at 2:00 PM . Services will start at 2:00PM at Hargrave Funeral Home with Brother Herb Stanley Officiating.

Following the services Thomas will be laid to rest in the Morgan City Cemetery.

Some officials consider ending jungle primaries in La.

Mon, 12/14/2020 - 2:21pm

DAVID JACOBS The Center Square

Louisiana’s unique election system puts the state’s new members of Congress, and therefore the state as a whole, at a disadvantage, U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise said Friday.
Scalise addressed a task force the Louisiana Legislature created to consider whether the state should move to closed primaries and what the new system would look like if changes are made.
Currently, Louisiana does not hold party primaries. Instead, the state holds open primaries in which every candidate runs regardless of party.
If one candidate gets more than half of the votes in the first round, they win outright. If not, the top two move on to a runoff.
There was a time when Louisiana would hold congressional primaries in October and the runoff if needed on the national Election Day in November. The problem was that incumbents usually won outright in the first round, and the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that congressional elections generally should not be resolved prior to Election Day.
Now, the state holds the first round in November with a runoff a month later. This year, every incumbent was reelected in the first round, though U.S. Rep. Cedric Richmond is stepping down to join President-elect Joe Biden’s administration.
But Luke Letlow, who won an open seat vacated by Ralph Abraham, had to go to a runoff, which means he was elected a month after every other member of Congress.
Scalise said that month is critical. Letlow missed leadership elections, orientation meetings, and the opportunity to hire staff that have been snapped up by other members. He is also a month behind on building relationships with his colleagues and making his case for desired committee assignments.
Scalise said he was confident Letlow would figure things out and be an effective representative. And as Abraham’s former chief of staff, Letlow already is familiar with Congress.
But it’s a consistent problem, and whether Louisiana moves to closed primaries or not, lawmakers ought to ensure the election is resolved in November, Scalise argued.
U.S. Rep. Clay Higgins agreed a November resolution would be for the best. But he raised concerns about closed party primaries while stressing that he was keeping an open mind.
Higgins said he was worried that closed primaries would extend the campaign season and force incumbents to take time away from the job. He said the change might increase the influence of party leaders and require raising more money, which could put an outsider candidate at a disadvantage.
State Sen. Sharon Hewitt countered that closed primaries actually cost less because the candidate only has to target their message to members of one party.
Hewitt and Attorney General Jeff Landry said voters and candidates would benefit from having more than a month between the primary and general election. Landry said voters would have a chance to “reset” and focus on the winners. Those winners would have time to “mend fences” with other candidates and raise money, Hewitt said.
Melissa Henry, who represents the state’s clerks of court on the task force, said her association took a vote and found that most members opposed moving to closed primaries.
“It disenfranchises voters,” she said. “People do not understand why they can’t vote for who they want to vote for.”