Quilts of Many Colors in Bayou Vista on Tuesday donated handmade quilts to the Berwick Police Department. Police Chief David Leonard and Town Council member James Richard were on hand, along with quilters Leslie Broussard, Tracey Matthews and Fannie Leonard.
The Daily Review/Bill Decker
By BILL DECKER
The Daily Review
BERWICK — After nearly 30 years, the town government faces a deadline in its effort to acquire the Ship Shoal Lighthouse.
So on Tuesday, the Town Council authorized Mayor Duval Arthur to execute a bill of sale that would protect Berwick’s claim to the lighthouse.
Berwick has plans to move the structure from the coast to the town’s riverfront, where the Southwest Pass Lighthouse already stands. Recently, it has served as the centerpiece for the International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend, the Lighthouse Festival and the Christmas lighting ceremony on Thanksgiving night.
The acquisition was made possible by legislation shepherded by then-U.S. Rep. Billy Tauzin in 1991, said former City Attorney Allen McElroy. He stepped down from his city attorney position but has continued to work on the lighthouse project.
Berwick has plans for the Ship Shoal Lighthouse, including a maritime museum. But McElroy said he has recommended against assuming ownership in the past because of liability concerns.
He said the lighthouse is in poor repair, and the Coast Guard is anxious to turn it over. Subsequent federal legislation set a deadline of Jan. 1, 2021, for Berwick’s decision.
Other jurisdictions, including Houma, will want the lighthouse if Berwick doesn’t, McElroy said.
There would be no cost to the town for acquiring the lighthouse. But getting it to Berwick is another challenge.
The Berry Brothers contracting company of Berwick offered to bring the lighthouse to the town by barge, but rough water halted that attempt, McElroy said. With winter coming, more rough water is likely.
Also Tuesday:
—The council gave Beacon Shines on Recognition to Brigitte Exnicious, who cooked for town workers during recent hurricanes and runs Berwick’s Toys for Tots program.
—The council approved a resolution updating its agreement with Waterworks District No. 2.
The Berwick-Bayou Vista Waterworks Commission provides water to both communities. The update creates a fund for repairs over $1,000. The fund will be supported by a charge of 20 cents per 1,000 gallons to be paid by the town and the district.
The update also adds an update requirement. The original agreement dates to 1974.
—The council authorized an agreement with South Central Planning and Development Commission. The commission will provide guidance and oversight when it comes to enforcing the Louisiana Uniform Construction Code.
The town would give the commission a share of permit fees.
The mayor said the agreement will free planning and zoning official Gary Beadle for other work.
—The council paid about $52,000 to Southern Constructors and about $4,600 to Miller Engineers and Associations for work on the Concrete Improvement Project for Belleview, Front and Gus streets.
—The council approved 2021 liquor licenses for St. Mary Golf and Country Club, Ganaway’s 84, Country Club Express, Woodie’s Lighthouse Lounge, Hollywood Truck Plaza, Hollywood Plaza Casino, Stazione’s Deli Market, Bayou Lagniappe Restaurant, Dollar General No. 13678, Cypress Lake Resort and The Old Building.
Council member Colleen Askew is an owner of The Old Building. The council voted on that license separately, and Askew didn’t participate in that vote.
John Lynch, the publisher of The Daily Review in the late 1960s and early 1970s, has died in North Carolina, where he had retired. He was 83.
Lynch was the publisher of The Daily Review from March 11, 1968, to Feb. 20, 1973, when Doyle “Red” Shirley acquired majority ownership of The Daily Review.
Lynch also served as president of the Louisiana Press Association.
Lynch went on to publish the Daily Comet in Thibodaux. Most recently, he served as publisher of the Wilmington, North Carolina, StarNews from 1987 to 2000.
The cause of Lynch's death was long-term pulmonary disease, said his son, Williams Brock Lynch of Wilmington, the StarNews reported.
John Lynch was from Goldsboro, where he got his first newspaper job as a reporter trainee. He later went to work for United Press International, working as a reporter in Alabama and Virginia and later becoming state news manager in Richmond, where he met his wife, Gloria.
After his tenure as publisher at The Daily Review, he published papers in Thibodaux and Houma before moving on to Wilmington.
During his 13 years at the StarNews, the Wilmington paper was owned by the New York Times.
The StarNews quoted Sherry Rich, retired human relations manager, as saying he was a pragmatic businessman known for reinvesting the paper’s profits back into the business.
“He was old-school,” said Jamie Moncrief, who worked under Lynch as the StarNews photo department chief in the 1990s.
“You know the expression, ‘Walk softly and carry a big stick?’ That was Dad,” said Lynch’s son, Brock. “I think the saying is, ‘We have two ears and one mouth’” so that we can listen twice as much as we speak. “He wasn’t necessarily a quiet person, but when it came to politics and the more emotional topics, he did a lot of listening. And when he spoke, he usually had something worth listening to.”
Lynch said his father sometimes took fire from the community for stories or editorials that would run in the StarNews. But, even when he didn’t agree with the stories himself, he stood by the paper’s right and duty to print them.
“He never wavered,” his son said. “That man stood by his principles of what journalism was ... If you didn’t want it in the paper, he’d say it probably needed to be in there.”
Lynch beat cancer twice, his son said, first in 2006, when he was diagnosed with lung cancer, and again in 2015, when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Beating lung cancer allowed him time to get to know his granddaughters, Carter and Luci, who he doted on, Brock Lynch said.
In addition to his son and granddaughters, Lynch is survived by his wife, Gloria “Glo” Lynch.
Four southern governors pledged at a White House “vaccine summit” Tuesday that their states are ready to begin distributing COVID-19 vaccines as soon as the vaccines are made available.
“We’ve been in the business of doing this for a long time,” Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards said. “It’s not anything new, it’s just at a scale we don’t typically have to do it at.”
Edwards said officials in his state started preparing in the spring to distribute COV-19 vaccines. By June, the state had launched a collaboration that now includes 73 members from 36 different public and private organizations, Edwards said. Four work groups have been meeting each week, and LSU has held two tabletop exercises to help officials fill in the distribution gaps, he said.
“We want to make sure that we have a way to do this that is equitable, but also we want to be organized,” Edwards said.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said his state also began preparing in the spring and has signed up more than 7,200 providers ready to “put needles in arms” within 24-to-48 hours of getting the first round of vaccines. The first vaccines expected to be ready this week will require two doses, so recipients in Texas will get a card to remind them of their next appointment along with follow-up calls, emails and texts, Abbott said.
No one in Texas will be required to get the vaccine, he added. The governors emphasized the importance of an outreach effort to make sure people in underserved communities have the opportunity to be vaccinated, which may be a particular challenge in a big state like Texas, Abbott noted.
“We need to get back to normal,” Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said.
Though the federal government will be making recommendations, governors make the final decisions about prioritizing who gets vaccinated first. Governors nationwide generally are in agreement that nursing home residents and workers and health care workers will be first in line, officials say.
DeSantis said he believed everyone in his state’s 4,000 nursing homes can be vaccinated by the end of the month. That’s important not just for protecting the lives of nursing home residents from COVID-19 but for helping those residents combat loneliness and resume their normal interactions with friends and family, he said.
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee said his state has brought together advocates for older Americans, the disabled and other groups to help officials decide how to set priorities for vaccine distribution. He said the state’s annual vaccination days have helped officials prepare to respond to the current pandemic.
“For a few years, we’ve been preparing for it,” Lee said. “We have escalated that preparation this year.”
Lee said Tennessee could distribute 100,000 doses in 24 to 48 hours. Louisiana expects to get 39,000 doses the first week they’re available and 40,000 the next week, and Edwards said within 48 hours that second batch of vaccinations will be distributed.
Two vaccines by Pfizer and Moderna are expected to get the first approvals while four more are in development, with hopes of immunizing about 20 million people by the end of the year, 30 million in January and 50 million in February, federal officials said.
Vice President Mike Pence says he expects the first COVID-19 vaccine to be approved for distribution within days. He urged residents to continue practicing mitigation methods like frequent hand washing, wearing masks, avoiding crowds and maintaining distance from people who are not part of their households.
“We all still have work to do,” Pence said, referencing his experience running a marathon and finding that the last few miles are the hardest. “The finish line is around the corner.”
April 4, 1938 — December 6, 2020
Edward Eugene Colee Sr. fell asleep in death on Sunday, December 6, 2020, at the age of 82. He was the loving husband of Catherine M. Colee.
Born in St. Augustine, Florida on April 4, 1938. He was the son of Bernard Colee Sr. and LaRue Paris. He graduated from Morgan City High School. He was employed at Tidewater Marine Inc. for 54 years.
He was a devoted family man who always gave his time and energy to the ones he loved. His reliability engendered a trust that no matter what was needed, he would provide. His happiest moments were the occasions that brought the whole family together. On countless road trips he never passed on the opportunity to take the scenic route. He appreciated nature and being outdoors. Hunting and fishing were hobbies that brought him great joy and peace. He was known for his quick wit and hard-working spirit. He had a great love of country music. He was the best husband, father, pawpaw, and great-pawpaw ever! He will truly be missed.
Edward was preceded in death by his father, Bernard Sr., his mother, LaRue, brother, Bernard Jr., sister, Francis, and sister Bonnie. He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Catherine, his three children, Tammy Hackney wife of Blake Hackney, Vicky Roberts wife of David Roberts and Edward Colee Jr. He was Pawpaw to six grandchildren, Kristy Hackney Jallans, wife of Jeremy Jallans, Alan Hackney, husband of Leah Hackney, Cayla Lynne Roberts, Derek Michael Roberts, Kaitlin Hackney Augustine, wife of Christian Augustine, and Amber Colee Freese wife of Devon Freese. He had five great-grandchildren, Tyler Clay Jallans, Emma Rose Jallans, Harper Lynne Lee, Isla Jane Killmer, and Ava Violet Augustine.
There will be a private visitation for immediate family members.
Public graveside will be Friday, December 11, 2020, at St. Andrew Cemetery in Amelia at 2:30 p.m. A memorial service via Zoom will follow at 7 p.m. (details upon request).
June 28, 1959 — December 5, 2020
Alfred “Dickey” Drake Clayton, 61, a resident of Lake Charles and former resident of Patterson, passed away on Saturday, December 5, 2020, at his home.
Dickey was born on June 28, 1959, in Pineville, Louisiana, the son of Herman Clayton Sr. and Mildred Prevot Clayton.
Dickey was a family man and cherished every moment that he was able to spend with his fiancé, children, and grandchildren. Every year he looked forward to his “Brother Man” camping trip with his son, brothers, sons-in-law, grandsons and nephews; this was truly the highlight of his year. He had a passion for sports and for coaching boys and girls in sports. Most importantly he loved teaching the life lessons that are learned through sports. Dickey was an avid Patterson Lumberjack fan and supporter. He was a Godly man with a strong faith, and his life was truly a testimony to his unwavering faith. To know him was to love him. When he wasn’t coaching, he loved to cook for his family and plan for the future with his beloved fiancé, Bernice. Early in his life he was married to Wendy Aucoin. From this union his three children, Chasity, Brandon and Danielle were born.
He will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by three children, Chasity Joseph and husband Ryan of Independence, Brandon Clayton of Carthage, Texas, and Danielle Courtney and husband Jonathan of Lake Charles; six grandchildren, Maya Joseph, Jillian Joseph, Benjamin Joseph, Reed Courtney, Jeramie Joseph and Landon Courtney; his fiancé, Bernice Delphin of Lake Charles and her children Ryan, Kristina and Erica; one sister, Elise Granger and husband Clarence of Patterson; five brothers, Herman Clayton Jr. and wife Yvonne of New Orleans, Michael Clayton and wife Natalie of Patterson, Antoine Clayton and wife Christia of Las Vegas, Nevada, Daniel Clayton and wife Kelly of Houma, and Dr. Marcus Clayton and wife Marianna of New Orleans.
Dickey is also survived by 13 nieces and nephews, Christian “Traye” Granger, Bethany Granger Waters, Joshua Clayton, Charmaine Clayton, Melissa Gaspar, Elijah Clayton, Jasmina Clayton, Kyra Clayton, Ashley Clayton, Christopher Clayton, Canaan Clayton, Mihley Clayton, Jacob Clayton and Morgan Clayton. Dickey will also be missed by his Cane River family who affectionately called him Mr. Al.
Dickey was preceded in death by his parents, Herman Sr. and Mildred Prevot Clayton; one brother, Dr. Bradford Clayton; and one nephew, Devin Clayton.
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 9 a.m. on Thursday, December 10, 2020, at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Father Herbert Bennerfield III celebrating Mass.
The Louisiana Office of Public Health reported a big increase in the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in St. Martin Parish for the 24 hours ending at midday Wednesday.
The OPH reported 97 new confirmed cases in St. Martin, raising the total since the pandemic began to 2,949. Those positives are based on molecular tests. The less sensitive antigen tests resulted in another 135 positives, which are listed as probable.
In St. Mary, two new cases raised the pandemic total to 2,385 confirmed cases plus 133 probables.
Assumption had 16 new confirmed cases for a pandemic total of 1,011, plus 113 probables.
No new local fatalities were reported Wednesday, so the death tolls remain at 91 confirmed plus six probables in St. Mary; 70 plus five probables in St. Martin; and 24 plus one probable in Assumption.
Statewide:
--4,339 new cases raise the pandemic total to 241,348 confirmed with 17,566 probables.
--32 fatalities were reported Wednesday, raising the pandemic toll to 6,393 confirmed with 291 probables.
--The number of COVID-positive people in hospitals rose by 21 to 1,537.
--12 more people are on ventilators for a total of 177.
GUYS & DOLLS LEAGUE
Week 9 – Dec. 3
.................................W L
Fishing for Strikes.....26 10
Satchel of Richards...25 11
Int’l Alignment...........23 13
Hensgens Bros.........19 17
Johnny’s Wrecker.....18 18
SNAFU.......................18 18
Naughty But Nice........17 19
Deep............................16 20
Boss..........................15½ 20½
Bach’s......................15½ 20½
Jerry’s Kids.................13 23
Moe’s Poboys.............10 26
Weekly high scores: (male) Kenny Keton 290, 257, 235 games and (782) series; Anthony Falgout Jr. 251, 266, 245, (762); Chris Mayon 202, 202, 234; Adam Amador 266, 212; Gerard Labit 258, 245; Jerry Pillaro 224, 215; Johnny Lirette 244; Murray Hebert 232; Sean Torgrimson Jr. 220; Rick Sartwell 216; Mark Hebert 213; Kelvin Smith 212; and Gerald Wiese Sr. 205; and (women) MacKenzie Amador 224 and Lisa Powell 200.
PETROLEUM LEAGUE
Week 10 – Dec. 2
.................................W L
Satchel of Richards..30 10
MISTRAS................24 16
Johnny’s Wrecker....24 16
A & M Dockside.... ...23 17
MC Paint & Body......20 20
That’s How we Roll....20 20
Antebellum Renov....18½ 20½
Chabill’s,,,,...............17 23
Coastwide Electric....17 23
Roy’s Trucking.........16 24
Conrad Industries...14½ 25½
Allen’s TV Cable....14 26
Individual high scores: Gerard Labit 248, 264, 257 games and (769) series; Kenny Keton 242, 278, 223, (743); Anthony Falgout Jr. 267, 212, 262, (741); Hunter Boudreaux 246, 258, 229, (733); Lawrence Simoneaux 245, 231, 226, (702); Seth Hebert 223, 236, 224; Tamara Aucoin 213, 236, 224; Jon Reynaud 201, 200, 234; Gerald Colwart 258, 234; Thad Torres 260, 223; Jerry Pillaro 228, 227; Lisa Powell 212, 234; Eric Morrison 215, 224; Dustin Fuselier 204, 237; Bobby Rotolo 215, 233; Larry Deslatte III 213, 215; Collin Deslatte 236; David Boudreaux 234; Mark Corbin 229; Tyronne Hasley 224; MacKenzie Amador 220; Benny Lampo 209; Murray Hebert 205; Gretchen Corbin 203 and Johnny Lirette 202.
Submitted Photo
Patterson Memorial Post 12182 and Auxiliary donated an American flag recently to M.E. Norman Elementary. Shown, front row from left: the Norman Flag Crew, Zaelynn Voisin, Pavali Passi, Christopher Howard, Gerardo Ramos, Ayden Palmature and Sarah Kaai. Back row: Lisa Hampton, Norman Color Guard coordinator; Bobbi Boudreaux, Post 12182 president; Claudia Boudreaux, Post 12182 Auxiliary president; Kendra Thomas, Norman librarian, testing coordinator and Auxiliary member; and Christina Aucoin, Auxiliary secretary.
Thirteen broadband providers in Louisiana will share $342.2 million in federal dollars meant to promote high-speed internet access in areas where it’s not currently available.
The program is meant to subsidize development of internet infrastructure in areas where there aren’t enough potential customers to otherwise justify the investment.
A total of $9.2 billion was doled out nationwide to 180 bidders, the Federal Communications Commission says. Providers must meet periodic buildout requirements that will require them to reach all assigned locations within six years.
“We aimed for maximum leverage of taxpayer dollars and for networks that would meet consumers’ increasing broadband needs, and the results show that our strategy worked,” FCC Chairman Ajit Pai said in a prepared statement. “This auction was the single largest step ever taken to bridge the digital divide and is another key success for the Commission in its ongoing commitment to universal service.”
Segnem Egere Consortium bid $142.4 million to serve 22 parishes, the most of any of the Louisiana winners. Rural Electric Cooperative Consortium qualified for $113.7 million of support to invest in 22 parishes.
Space Exploration Technologies, led by SpaceX and Tesla CEO Elon Musk, received $26.6 million to invest in 57 parishes, including St. Mary and St. Martin.
The bidders competed in a “reverse auction” format, stating in each round whether they would be able to provide service in a given area for a given amount. The auction was open to new providers and prioritized the ability to offer higher speeds.
The Rural Digital Opportunity Fund is a $20.4 billion fund designed to close the digital divide by funding high-speed broadband network deployment in underserved rural areas in the United States, according to a summary from U.S. Sen. John Kennedy, chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government, which has jurisdiction over the FCC.
The FCC set aside $16 billion for Phase I of the auction, of which $9.2 billion was allocated. The remaining $6.8 billion will roll over into the future Phase II auction, which can now have a budget of $11.2 billion to target those areas that did not receive funding in the first phase as well as partially served areas, Kennedy said.
“Louisianians without broadband access deserve the same educational and work opportunities that Americans who have high-speed internet already enjoy,” Kennedy said. “The pandemic has made it more urgent than ever to bridge the digital divide in underserved rural areas — telehealth, telework, and online classes demand broadband expansion.
Franklin Banner-Tribune
P.O. Box 566, Franklin, LA 70538
Phone: 337-828-3706
Fax: 337-828-2874
Morgan City Review
1014 Front Street, Morgan City, LA 70380
Phone: 985-384-8370
Fax: 985-384-4255