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St. Mary PPP borrowing topped $88 million

Thu, 12/10/2020 - 1:29pm

Staff Report

Businesses with St. Mary Parish addresses received more than $88 million under the federal Paycheck Protection Program, designed to provide forgivable loans to businesses that agreed to keep workers on their payrolls during the COVID-19 economic slump.
The number of jobs that the borrowers said they were supporting with the loans exceeds 7,100, a number equal to about one-third of the parish’s workforce before the pandemic.
The Daily Review reported in July that employers with St. Mary addresses had borrowed at least $50 million. That was based on a Small Business Administration data release that reported loans in ranges. We calculated the total based on the minimum amount in the range for each loan.
Last week, obeying a court ruling, the SBA released data with specific amounts for each loan of at least $150,000. The loans are forgivable under some circumstances that encourage employers to keep their employees at work.
The loans were administered through local banks. The program stopped taking applications in August.
At least 21 St. Mary businesses borrowed at least $1 million.
Gravois Aluminum Boats LLC of Franklin was the biggest single borrower. Gravois borrowed just less than $9.2 million through Regions Bank to protect 499 jobs.
Five corporate entities under the umbrella of B&G Food Enterprises Inc. of Morgan City, a major owner of restaurants on the Gulf Coast, together borrowed about $10.7 million from b1Bank. B&G Food Enterprises, B&G Food Enterprises of Texas and B&G Capital and Gulf Coast ventures each listed 500 as the number of jobs their loans will protect. B&G Lafayette Ventures and B&G Diversified Concepts together listed 193 jobs.
Other big names and big loans:
—Conrad Industries Inc. of Morgan City, which borrowed about $8 million through Whitney with 473 jobs on the line.
—Allison Marine Holdings of Morgan City borrowed $5.1 million through JD Bank. The number of jobs it sought to protect was not listed.
—Central Boat Rentals of Berwick borrowed $2.8 million through Hancock Whitney to protect 209 jobs.
—Gulf South Services of Morgan City borrowed $2.4 million through Lamar National Bank for 103 jobs.
—The Teche Action Board Inc., which oversees Teche Action Clinic, borrowed $2.1 million through Patterson State Bank for 198 jobs.
—LAD Services of Louisiana LLC, the company operated by Morgan City Mayor-elect Lee Dragna, borrowed $2.1 million through Patterson State Bank. The loan data doesn’t include the number of jobs involved, but Dragna said at a forum before the election that his company has grown to 200 employees.
The impact of the Paycheck Protection Program on St. Mary would be hard to estimate. The 7,100 jobs in the latest data release include employees who live outside the parish, and it doesn’t include St. Mary workers who have jobs in Houma or elsewhere outside the parish.
But the PPP was a lifeline when the parish needed it.
In February, the month before Gov. John Bel Edwards’ stay-at-home order and school closures, total nonfarm employment in St. Mary was just less than 21,000. By June, about 2,000 jobs had disappeared.
Unemployment hit 15% in May, was down to 9.2% by September but climbed to 10.5% again in October.
An analysis by the Business.org news website found that Louisiana’s gross domestic product shrank 13.4% between the fourth quarter of 2019 and the second quarter of 2020. The Louisiana mining sector, which includes oil and gas extraction, shrank by 56.5%, the website said.
The program has generated some controversy over the distribution of loans. The Washington Post analysis says much of the money went to big borrowers — so much so that 50% of the money went to 5% of the borrowers.
But the Hill newspaper describes the PPP as one of the few programs that appeals to congressional Democrats and Republicans alike. Amounts from $288 billion to $900 billion are under discussion.

St. Mary may figure in search for National Estuary Research Reserve site

Thu, 12/10/2020 - 1:27pm

Staff Report

Louisiana has formally launched its search for a site to serve as a National Estuary Research Reserve, and the area near St. Mary is one of the zones under consideration.
The reserve system is a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration program operated in partnership with coastal and Great Lake states for long-term research, education, and restoration. The current system is made up of 29 designated estuaries representative of the distinct estuary types found across the nation.
Among coastal states from Maine to Texas, Louisiana is the only state outside New England that does not have a National Estuary Research Reserve.
The broadest definition of estuary is the mouth of a river at the point where it meets sea tides.
According to a Zoom presentation on Wednesday, the reserves are some combination of state, federal and private land, subject to an agreement between the state government and NOAA.
The reserve serves as a place to research and monitor the estuarine ecosystem and as an educational tool for students and the general public.
“It’s a place to get our K-12 students, our college students, field trips,” said Robert Twilley of Louisiana Sea Grant, the organization with a lead role in identifying a potential reserve site.
Six broad zones — each much bigger than the reserve would probably be — have been identified for study. They are:
—The Atchafalaya.
—Southern Calcasieu.
—Terrebonne.
—Barataria.
—Pontchartrain.
—The Mississippi River Delta.
NOAA pays for 70% of the reserves’ operation expenses, and the states pick up 30%.
One important point: The land use rules in effect in each state continue to apply in the reserves with no new federal regulations, said Kristin Ransom, a coastal management specialist with NOAA. The state is responsible for hiring reserve staff members and land management.
Gov. John Bel Edwards said in a press release that he’s glad to see the beginning of the process of selecting a reserve site.
“As the only Gulf coast state without a NERR, and thus the only Gulf state not sharing in the benefits of the system, I am delighted to bring the NERR program to Louisiana so we can showcase not only our unique deltaic system to the rest of the nation but also our determined and extensive efforts to restore and protect it,” Edwards said.
In July 2019, Edwards sent a letter of interest to NOAA announcing Louisiana’s intent to host a NERR and identified Louisiana Sea Grant as the agency to lead the search. In December of 2019, NOAA accepted the request.
“NERR sites bring the benefit of federal support to state driven applied science, monitoring, education and outreach activities,” Twilley said. “This also may include education and research facilities, public access improvements like nature trails, boat launches and overnight accommodations.”

LEONARD FANGUE SR.

Thu, 12/10/2020 - 1:25pm

Leonard Fangue Sr., 93, a native of Morgan City and resident of Bryan, Texas, died Nov. 29, 2020.
He is survived by his wife, Margie; sister, Genevieve; two children, Leonard Jr. and Alida; five grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.
Graveside service will be Friday at 10:30 a.m. at Morgan City Cemetery.
Hargrave Funeral Home is in charge of local arrangements.

LYNWOOD DARBY

Thu, 12/10/2020 - 1:22pm

Lynwood Darby, 75, a native of Franklin and resident of Patterson, died Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020, in Patterson.
Visitation will be Saturday, 8:30-10:30 a.m., at Jones Funeral Home in Franklin. Masks and social distancing required. Private funeral services can be viewed on the funeral home Facebook page at 11 a.m. Burial will follow in Golden Queen Cemetery in Centerville.
He is survived by his wife, Judy Ann Darby of Patterson; five sons, Lynwood Darby Jr. and Michael Darby, both of Patterson, Kevin Darby of Morgan City, and Don Freeman, Dewayne Freeman and Joseph Darby Sr., all of Franklin; six daughters, Linda Darby of Franklin, Sadie Darby of Morgan City, Pamela Streams of Houma, Lynetta Grogan of Patterson, Cheryl Mack of Sioux City, Iowa and Kendra Foster of Verdunville: one brother, Louis Darby of Franklin; 36 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a grandson and a brother.
Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Nicholls State professors will research the lowly gar

Thu, 12/10/2020 - 1:21pm

The National Science Foundation has awarded a trio of researchers, including two Nicholls State University professors, $1.6 million to study how the spotted gar can improve our understanding of vertebrate evolution.
An NSF Enabling Discovery through Genomics grant, will fund advancements in captive spawning of spotted gar, and provide resources for genetic experiments and the development of an accessible garfish genomics database. The money will also support two gar research conferences and two genome evolution and development workshops.
From Nicholls, Dr. Allyse Ferrara, distinguished service professor and co-principal investigator of the Bayousphere Research Lab, and Dr. Solomon David, assistant professor of biological sciences and principal investigator of the Gar Lab, will take the lead on spawning efforts. They will produce gar embryos for genomics research and help increase the availability of gar embryos for the greater scientific community.
“We have worked on the ecology and production of spotted gar and other gar species for many years and with colleagues from multiple institutions including the University of Oregon and Michigan State. Together, we have discovered that gar are genetically more similar to us – humans – than are other fishes that are more commonly used as biomedical models,” said Dr. Ferrara, who is also the Ledet Foundation Endowed Professor of Environmental Biology. ”We are lucky to have the opportunity to continue working with these ecologically important and unique native fishes.”
At Michigan State University, Dr. Ingo Braasch, assistant professor of integrative biology and principal investigator at the Braasch Fish Evo-Devo Geno Lab, will conduct the genomic research using CRISPR techniques.
As an ancient group of fishes dating back more than 150 million years, garfish could play a significant role in understanding the evolution of vertebrates. With a genome that resembles land vertebrates, such as humans, garfish may serve as a possible “Rosetta Stone” connecting and translating genetic information from more commonly used fishes for applications in biomedical research.
“We are using an abundant natural resource, right out of our local bayous, for cutting edge science, while also providing our students with valuable opportunities to work on NSF-funded research,” said Dr. David. “ Through continued conservation and biological research at Nicholls and evolutionary developmental studies at Michigan State, we can highlight the value of a fish that has long had an undeserved negative reputation.”
Among the project goals are to refine garfish husbandry and spawning techniques and develop models to test gar gene functions while making the spotted gar embryos and research outcomes available to vertebrate biologists worldwide.
Additionally, the project will train undergraduate and graduate students to take the lead as the next generation of vertebrate evolutionary biologists and fish conservationists and raise awareness about the ecological and biological significance of garfish.

Morgan City police radio logs for Dec. 8-9

Thu, 12/10/2020 - 1:01pm

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. 8
6:10 a.m. 1000 block of Willard Street; 911 hang up.
8:23 a.m. 1000 block of Clothilde Street; Alarm.
9:21 a.m. 300 block of Chennault Street; Animal.
9:38 a.m. 1100 block of Railroad Avenue; Frequent patrols.
9:44 a.m. 900 block of Marguerite Street; Juvenile problem.
9:56 a.m. 7000 block of La. 182; Alarm.
10:30 a.m. Roselawn Drive; Animal.
10:42 a.m. Ochsner St. Mary; Complaint.
11 a.m. Park Road; Sound of gunshots.
11:06 a.m. 1600 block of Chatsworth Drive; Alarm.
11:08 a.m. 400 block of Bush Street; Theft.
11:18 a.m. 300 block of Sixth Street; Accident.
11:37 a.m. La. 182; Reckless driver.
11:53 a.m. Maple and Hickory streets; Loud music.
12:05 p.m. Wren Street; Complaint.
12:51 p.m. 1300 block of Federal Avenue; Alarm.
1:02 p.m. 1400 block of Federal Avenue; Animal.
1:26 p.m. Federal Avenue and Duke Street; Animal.
1:59 p.m. Iowa Street; Juvenile problem.
2:15 p.m. U.S. 90 West; Arrest.
3:08 p.m. 1100 block of Second Street; Animal.
3:23 p.m. Mallard Street; Loud music.
3:41 p.m. Wren Street; Complaint.
4:17 p.m. U.S. 90 East; Debris in road.
4:25 p.m. U.S. 90 East; Assistance.
5:10 a.m. 800 block of Fig Street; Animal.
5:31 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Lost and found.
6:34 p.m. 6600 block of La. 182; Reckless operation.
7:19 p.m. 700 block of Federal Avenue; Arrest.
7:51 p.m. 7200 block of La. 182; Criminal damage to property.
8:21 p.m. 1100 block of Chester Bowles Street; Complaint.
8:54 p.m. La. 182 and Aycock Street; Loud music.
10:41 p.m. 900 block of Federal Avenue; Animal complaint.
11:02 p.m. 300 block of South Railroad Avenue; Juvenile problem.
Wednesday, Dec. 9
1:02 a.m. 1000 block of Third Street; Complaint.

Sheriff: Drugs and gun lead to arrest

Thu, 12/10/2020 - 12:59pm

(Editor’s Note: The charges listed here and the narratives that go with them are provided by the police agencies that made the arrests. The cases have not been settled in court.)
Staff Report
A Patterson resident was arrested by the St. Mary Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Section on Tuesday and accused of possessing cocaine, marijuana and a firearm, Sheriff Blaise Smith said.
—Shaljaup Williams, 30, Patterson, was arrested at 6:03 p.m. Tuesday on charges of possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a firearm or carrying a concealed weapon by a person convicted of a felony, resisting a police officer with force or violence, resisting an officer by failure to identify, possession of crack cocaine, transactions involving drug proceeds, violation of the controlled dangerous substance law (drug-free zone), and bringing contraband into a penal institution.
Bail was set at $100,000.
Smith also reported these arrests:
—James Patrick Freifeld, 40, Berwick, was arrested at 3:09 p.m. Tuesday on charges of view outward or inward through windshield obstruction, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of Schedule II drugs. No bail has been set.
—Megan Elise Soulet, 30, Bayou Vista, was arrested at 12:45 p.m. Tuesday on a leash law charge. Soulet was released on a summons to appear March 30.
—Micky Dewayne Collins, 40, Charenton, was arrested at 3:53 p.m. Tuesday on a warrant for possession of Schedule I drugs. No bail has been set.
—Verelyn Benjamin Cannon, 61, Siracusaville, was arrested at 5:21 p.m. Tuesday on charges of resisting an officer, obstruction of justice, possession of crack cocaine with intent to distribute, transactions involving drug proceeds, and violation of the uniform controlled dangerous substances law (drug-free zone).
Cannon was released on a $5,000 bond.
—Conley T. Jones, 71, Siracusaville, was arrested 5:21 p.m. Tuesday on a charge of possession of drug paraphernalia. Jones was released on a summons to appear March 30.
Morgan City Police Chief James F. Blair reported these arrests:
—Kadesha Nicole Scott, 26, Barrow Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 2:46 p.m. Tuesday on charges of turning movements and required signal, child passenger restraint system, operating a vehicle with a suspended driver’s license, no motor vehicle insurance, switched license plate and possession of drug paraphernalia.
An officer on patrol observed a traffic violation in the area of La. 182. The officer conducted a traffic stop and identified the driver as Scott.
A computer check revealed her driver’s license was under suspension, and her vehicle was uninsured. Officers also learned the license plate displayed on her vehicle was a switched license plate.
During the traffic stop, Scott was found in possession of drug paraphernalia. She was placed under arrest and transported to the Morgan City Police Department for booking and incarceration.
—Justice Perou, 18, Federal Avenue, Morgan City, was arrested at 8:25 p.m. Tuesday on a charge of contributing to the delinquency of juveniles.
The Morgan City Police Department received a complaint of a 17-year-old runaway juvenile. Investigating officers located the runaway juvenile in the company of Perou on Chester Bowels Street.
Perou and the 17-year-old runaway juvenile were placed under arrest and transported to the Morgan City Police Department for booking and incarceration.
—Nicholas Anthony Feliciano, 25, Saint Clair St., Morgan City, was arrested at 8:25 p.m. Tuesday on charges of illuminating devices required and possession of marijuana (first offense).
Officers observed a vehicle commit a traffic violation on Chester Bowles Street Officers conducted a traffic stop and identified the driver as Feliciano.
During the traffic stop, he was found in possession of suspected marijuana. He was placed under arrest and transported to the Morgan City Police Department for booking and incarceration.
Franklin Police Chief Morris Beverly reported these arrests:
—Tasha Soprano, 40, Harpers Drive, Richmond, Texas, was arrested at 8:39 a.m. Tuesday on warrants for the 16th Judicial District Court for failure to appear on the charges of battery of a dating partner, simple criminal damage to property, and theft. Soprano was booked, processed, and released on a $1,500 bond.
—Lazin McDaniel Jr., 25, of Joseph Street, Franklin, was arrested at 9:39 p.m. Tuesday, on the charges of resisting an officer by flight, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and illegal use of controlled dangerous substance in the presence of a juvenile.
McDaniel was booked, processed, and held on a $10,000 bond.
St. Martin Sheriff Becket Breaux reported these arrests:
—Bernabe Calzoncit, 21, 28th Street, Fort Worth, Texas, was arrested Tuesday on charges of following too closely and possession with intent to distribute Schedule I narcotics.
—Celestine, Donald, 25, Sheila Drive, Lafayette, was arrested Tuesday on a charge of simple burglary.

45 new COVID cases in three local parishes

Thu, 12/10/2020 - 12:42pm

Forty-five new confirmed COVID-19 cases were reported in St. Mary, St. Martin and Assumption for the 24 hours ending at midday Thursday by the Louisiana Office of Public Health.

The number of COVID-positive people in hospitals across Louisiana, which has soared since early November, fell in the latest report.

St. Mary has 25 new confirmed cases in the Thursday report for a total of 2,410. Those positives resulted from molecular tests. Another 134 cases were detected with the less sensitive antigen tests and are listed as probable.

St. Martin has 16 new confirmed cases for a total of 2,965, plus 140 probables.

Assumption has four new confirmed cases for a total of 1,015 with four probables.

No local fatalities were reported Thursday, so the death tolls remain at 91 confirmed with six probables in St. Mary; 70 confirmed with five probables in St. Martin; and 24 confirmed with one probable in Assumption.

Statewide:

--2,542 new cases raise the confirmed count to 243,435 with 17,894 probables.

--40 fatalities were reported for a confirmed pandemic total of 6,426, plus 298 probables.

--8 fewer COVID-positive people were hospitalized Thursday, lowering the total to 1,529.

--3 more people are on ventilators for a total of 180.

DHH creates work group for fraud

Thu, 12/10/2020 - 8:22am

The Department of Health and Human Services announces the creation of a False Claims Act Working Group that enhances its partnership with the Department of Justice and the HHS Office of Inspector General to combat fraud and abuse by identifying and focusing resources on those who seek to defraud American taxpayers, according to the Department of Health and Human Services news release.
HHS regulates more than a third of the U.S. economy. In 2020, the department provided more than $1.5 trillion in grants and other payments to public and private recipients, including for healthcare items and services, the news release states.
In addition, HHS is one of the largest government contractors, paying more than $170 billion in 2020 to thousands of contractors. In combating COVID-19, HHS has administered unprecedented levels of taxpayer support for private individuals and organizations.
“Fraud on the federal government is not a victimless crime,” said HHS Secretary Alex Azar. “Every dollar that goes to fraudsters is a dollar not being used for the important work that HHS programs do for the American people, including to fight COVID-19.
“This working group strengthens our partnership with DOJ and OIG on using the False Claims Act to pursue bad actors and protect taxpayer funds. Ensuring that resources are focused on bad actors will deter would-be fraudsters and avoid burdening those working in good faith to comply with the law.”
Originally enacted in response to defense contractor fraud during the American Civil War, the False Claims Act is now one of the government’s most potent tools to pursue those who defraud government payment programs.
Under the False Claims Act, those who knowingly submit false claims to the government may be liable for treble damages plus penalties, which may range from approximately $11,000 to $23,000 per false claim. The United States may pursue such actions on its own, or a private citizen may file a False Claims Act suit on behalf of the government and receive a portion of the recovery.
As the agency administering various programs involving the payment of significant amounts of money to private parties, HHS is in a unique position to work with the Department of Justice to identify and assess potentially fraudulent activities.
The HHS Office of the General Counsel created the False Claims Act Working Group to strengthen the working relationship with the justice department. The group is comprised of former DOJ False Claims Act and healthcare fraud prosecutors, former private counsel for healthcare and life sciences companies, and HHS attorneys with extensive experience with HHS’ most vulnerable payment programs.

Man wonders if larger house could signal bigger problem

Thu, 12/10/2020 - 8:21am

By Jeanne Phillips, ©United Features Syndicate

DEAR ABBY: My fiancée, “Diane,” and her two sons live in a nice home. I also have a nice home, newly constructed. It’s located 1,200 miles away, near my parents, my son and my job. Diane currently has no job nor family within 500 miles of her town. Her boys’ father (whom she shares custody with) lives within 50 miles of me. My job and the custody arrangement for my son preclude me from living where Diane does.
Together, she and I would have three sons. The spacious five-bedroom house I own is more than adequate. Diane has made clear that if I sell my home and buy my neighbor’s, which is a larger seven-bedroom manor, she will be on the next flight. If not, she won’t leave. We could buy the manor with cash if I sell my home and she sold hers and put her savings into the purchase, but she doesn’t want to use her savings.
Diane is my everything, but it feels like I may just be chasing a dream. I worry that if I’m not enough, will I be enough when I own a manor?
IT’S COMPLICATED

DEAR IT’S COMPLICATED: I’m proud of you. You are seeing things clearly, which is unusual when emotions are involved.
It appears your dream girl, the fair Diane, is attempting to blackmail you. If she can’t be the “lady of the manor,” she’s not interested in uprooting her life. If you give in to her now, do not do it without an ironclad prenuptial agreement. Please stay strong, because if you don’t, you may regret it for a long time.

DEAR ABBY: My sisters and I are beside ourselves trying to deal with our 90-year-old mother. She doesn’t live in the same state as any relatives. She needs help paying bills, managing money, personal hygiene, taking medication and understanding things she reads. She refuses to give anyone power of attorney over her finances or to create a health care directive. She claims she’s not going to die.
At the very least, she likely has some form of dementia. We want nothing more than to protect her interests, but our hands are tied. We have all spoken to her about the situation, but she insists that no one is going to tell her what to do. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
JUST TRYING TO HELP HER

DEAR JUST TRYING: Believe me, you have my sympathy. Instead of telling your mother what to do, perhaps it’s time to reframe the conversation.
Ask her what she would like done in the event of an emergency. Does she want “extraordinary measures” taken, such as CPR, and exactly what that means — a defibrillator, dialysis, treatment in an intensive care unit. Explain what all of them entail in detail. You should also ask, in a separate conversation, if she wants “the state” to take a chunk of her assets and decide FOR her to whom they should be distributed, or whether she would prefer to make her wishes clear while she’s still able. Point out that NO ONE lives forever.
If your mother is really as demented as you fear she is, you may need the help of a social worker to ensure that she’s getting proper care. Failure to do that could be considered elder abuse.

TO MY READERS: The eight days of Hanukkah begin at sundown. (A bit early this year!) Happy Hanukkah, everyone! A joyous Festival of Lights to all of us.
Love, ABBY
***
For everything you need to know about wedding planning, order “How to Have a Lovely Wedding.” Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 to: Dear Abby, Wedding Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447.