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Jeremy Alford: Last elections of 2020 didn't disappoint

By JEREMY ALFORD
No one was expecting a huge turnout last week for Louisiana’s runoff elections, which were the final races for this calendar year. In fact, Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin predicted turnout would be somewhere around 20 percent; it was actually a bit lower, with the only statewide ballot item — a constitutional amendment — drawing a turnout of 15 percent.
Louisiana is unique among U.S. states due to its December runoffs that send new members of Congress to Washington long after their counterparts are elected. Having elections so close to Christmas creates a competition for voters’ attention spans, too. It’s no wonder that Ardoin and others are starting to ponder aloud about the value of our end-of-the-year elections.
More times than not, our December runoffs end with a whimper rather than a bang, with the primary extracting all of the major surprises and trends. This go around, however, there were plenty of eye-openers and learning lessons.
EVERY VOTE COUNTS: In the Village of Tangipahoa, a victory was secured by just a single vote, with Sheila Martin edging out Dawn D. Gray. In the race for district attorney in Plaquemines Parish, incumbent Charles Ballay won by 14 votes over Leo Palazzo. It’s difficult to tell what turned the tide, but Ballay did loan his campaign $40,000 just a few days before the runoff. In Vermilion Parish’s 15th Judicial District Court election, Tommy Frederick bested Ricky LaFleur by 41 votes.
LETLOW’S LANDSLIDE: Congressman-elect Luke Letlow won every parish in the 5th Congressional, save state Rep. Lance Harris’ home parish of Rapides, which Letlow lost 59 percent to 41 percent. Of the 23 parishes that he did win, Letlow did so by 60 percent or more in 20 of them. That’s a huge win in northeast Louisiana for Letlow, whose election dispelled the notion that endorsements usually don’t matter. With the backing outgoing Congressman Ralph Abraham and endorsements from other former and current members of Congress, Letlow was able to run as a quasi-incumbent, which helped with him appeal to voters and raise money. 
A GOOD NIGHT FOR LEGISLATORS: While Harris lost his bid in the 5th Congressional District, his colleagues from the Louisiana Legislature who were also on the ballot in races for the Republican State Central Committee all won, including Reps. Ray Garofalo, Barry Ivey, Jack McFarland and Mark Wright and Sen. Stewart Cathey. (Lagniappe: Former Sen. Mike Walsworth won his RSCC race as well.)
AMENDMENT ANNIHILATION: Only 24 percent of voters favored a constitutional amendment to allow out of state residents to serve on Louisiana’s supervisory boards for colleges and universities. The failure of the ballot’s lone constitutional amendment immediately became a big story, with reporters and analysts noting the enabling legislation received all yea votes when it was debated by the Legislature. But historically, it takes more than that to shift Louisiana’s thinking on fundamental law. In 1970 voters rejected all 53 constitutional amendments that appeared on the ballot. Four years later we had a new Constitution.
WOMEN IN RUNOFFS: In another year that saw more women running for office, seven of our eight district court runoffs had women make it to the second ballot this past weekend, and three won: Valerie Garret in the 15th Judicial District Court, Eboni Johnson-Rose in the 19th JDC and Judi Abrusley in the 33rd JDC.
NOLA DA: A divisive race between New Orleans Councilman Jason Williams and attorney Keva Landrum ended with Williams winning by a larger margin than was thought possible. Landrum was the favorite of many local politicos heading into the runoff, but it looks like name recognition and turnout, as they usually do, were the determining factors.
A pro-Williams push poll taken the week before the election showed those participants who self-identified as hyper-chronic voters were solidly with Williams (in a low turnout election). Moreover, Williams’ ground game was said to be strong and a recent robocall from singer John Legend probably didn’t hurt.
BR MAYOR: The fundamentals were in the corner of incumbent Baton Rouge Mayor Sharon Weston Broome all along, and there was very little former state Rep. Steve Carter could do about that reality.
She won easily, with 57 percent of the vote and support from Gov. John Bel Edwards. Her seat on the bench with other high-ranking Louisiana Democrats is secure.
If you enjoyed this year’s elections, then you’ll love 2021. Because there is much more to come, like at least one special election for the Louisiana Legislature and another for the New Orleans-based congressional seat.
After all, politics never sleeps in Louisiana. Stay tuned!
For more Louisiana political news, visit www. LaPolitics. com or follow Alford on Twitter@ LaPoliticsNow

Two arrested in Morgan City on drug warrants

(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
On an otherwise slow day Monday, Morgan City police arrested two people on warrants alleging marijuana possession.
Morgan City Police Chief James F. Blair reported these arrests:
—Joshua Lewis, 35, Federal Avenue, Morgan City, was arrested at 12:20 p.m. Monday on warrants for possession of marijuana; possession of drug paraphernalia; failure to appear on a charge of contempt of court; failure to appear to pay fines for improper turning, driving under suspension, disturbing the peace, and two headlights required; failure to appear for arraignment; and failure to appear to pay probation fee.
 Lewis was transported from Terrebonne Parish Jail to the Morgan City Police Department and booked on warrants from City Court of Morgan City.  
—Betheny Mecom, 28, Lucy Street, Patterson, was arrested at 4:26 p.m. Monday on warrants for failure to appear on charges of possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia and on a warrant for failure to appear in the 16th Judicial District Court.
Officers saw Mecom in the area of La. 182 and knew of outstanding warrants for her arrest. Mecom was contacted by the officer, placed under arrest and transported to the Morgan City Police Department for booking.
—Seantelle Treto, 35, Belanger Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 3:55 p.m. Monday on a charge of driving under suspension.
Officers stopped Treto after observing her driving.  The officers were aware of Treto having a suspended driver’s license. 
The officer did a computer check on Treto and learned that her license was still suspended.  Treto was placed under arrest and transported to the Morgan City Police Department for booking.
St. Mary Parish Sheriff Blaise Smith reported these arrests:
—Eric Rogers, 43, Charenton, was arrested at 2:27 p.m. Monday on a charge of unauthorized use of a movable. Bail was set at $1,000.
—Wayne Armelin, 22, Baldwin, was arrested at 2:56 p.m. Monday on a charge of possession of marijuana. Armelin was released on a summons to appear March 30.
Assumption Parish Sheriff Leland Falcon reported these arrests:
— Brant Michael Percle, 42, Elm Street, Morgan City, was arrested Monday on charges of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia and turning movements and signals required.
—Mark Broussard Jr., 30, Vivian Street, Bayou L’Ourse, was arrested Monday on charges of obstruction of justice, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, littering and possession of drug paraphernalia.
An I.C.E. Unit deputy observed a vehicle commit a traffic violation on Aristle Road and initiated a stop of that vehicle. The deputy made contact with the driver, now identified as Percle. The deputy then made contact with the passenger, now identified Broussard.
The deputy noted both to be acting nervously and suspect of illegal drug activity.
Deputies requested and were granted consent to search the vehicle. As a result of that process, quantities of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia were located. Additionally, a quantity of methamphetamine was located outside the passenger side of the vehicle where Broussard exited.
At the conclusion of this investigation, Percle and Broussard were arrested and booked into the Assumption Parish Detention Center pending bond hearings.
—Sarah Rose White, 35, Seven Pines Drive, Baton Rouge, on charges of bank fraud, forgery of a certification of insurance or identification card, monetary instrument abuse and theft under $1,000, and on warrants for St. Landry Parish, Church Point and Gonzales authorities.
In early August, detectives initiated an investigation after a Pierre Part retail outlet reported what was to be an illegal check writing scheme.
Investigators determined that several individuals were illegally producing fraudulent checks written on local business accounts then directing payment to themselves as payroll and cashing them at a retail outlet in Pierre Part.
Detectives identified these individuals through various means including video surveillance and moved to arrest those violators.
One of the suspects, White, was arrested in East Baton Rough Parish Sept. 4.
On Monday, Sarah Rose White was transported to and booked into the Assumption Parish Detention pending a bond hearing.
—Corbin Yemani Butler, 28, Louise Street, Thibodaux, was arrested Monday on charges of simple burglary of an inhabited dwelling, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and felony theft of a firearm, and on a fugitive warrant from Lafourche Parish alleging armed robbery.
Butler was arrested during a traffic stop on Monday.
In June 2020, deputies responded to a complaint in reference to a homeowner reporting that his firearm, which had been stolen in a burglary, had been recovered by Thibodaux police.
Deputies followed up on the matter and through investigation, were able to connect the stolen gun to Butler. As a result, charges were filed on Butler.
It was further determined that Butler had been previously convicted of felony drug charges and is currently on probation.
Butler was booked into the Assumption Parish Detention Center pending a bond hearing.
—Eugleena Marie Fredericks, 22, La. 70 North, Paincourtville, was arrested Monday on a charge of theft valued at over $8,400.
On Monday evening, deputies were called to the establishment and made contact with management.
It was reported to deputies that Fredericks, an employee at the business, had been observed on video surveillance footage engaging in a known practice of skip scanning items over a period of approximately four weeks.
During the relevant period, Fredericks allegedly skip scanned items at no charge to specific customers at a cumulative value of over $8,400.
Deputies were able to view that footage.
As a result of that evidence as well as the suspect interview process, deputies charged Fredericks.
She remains incarcerated pending a bond hearing.
The investigation is ongoing and more arrests are possible.
–Charleston D. Hammond, 23, South Burnside Avenue, Gonzales, was arrested Sunday on charges of obstruction of justice, possession of marijuana (third offense, felony), possession of a firearm in the presence of controlled dangerous substances and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
A uniformed patrol officer observed a vehicle commit a traffic violation on La. 70 near Paincourtville and conducted an investigative stop of that vehicle.
The deputy interviewed the driver, then the passenger, who was identified as Hammond. During the interview, Hammond provided information suggestive of illegal drug activity.
At some point, the deputy requested and was granted consent to search the violator vehicle.
As a result of that search, a quantity of marijuana and a firearm was recovered, which were both attributed to Hammond.
During a computer inquiry, it was determined that Hammond was a prior convicted felon.
Hammond was arrested and booked into the Assumption Parish Detention Center.
The driver, Gloria Dandridge Anderson, 44, South Burnside Avenue, Gonzales, was cited for speeding 85 mph in a 55 mph and no driver’s license.
—Tate Joseph Mouret, 27, La. 1 South, Donaldsonville, was arrested Monday on charges of driving while intoxicated (felony), possession of alcoholic beverages in a motor vehicle, driving on a roadway laned for traffic, careless operation of a motor vehicle, two counts of resisting an officer, aggravated flight from an officer, speeding, and driving under a suspended or revoked driver’s license.
A uniformed patrol officer observed a vehicle commit a traffic violation and attempted to initiate a stop of that vehicle.
The driver fled northbound into Ascension Parish, driving into the opposing lane numerous times and forcing vehicles off of the roadway.
The deputy was able to successfully end the pursuit without incident and arrested the suspect driver, Mouret.
The deputy booked Mouret into the Ascension Parish Jail as a fugitive from Assumption Parish. Mouret was then transported to Assumption Parish and booked into the detention facility with a bond set at $26,000.
Franklin Police Chief Morris Beverly reported these arrests:
—Lee Butler, 53, of St. Joseph Lane, Franklin, was arrested while incarcerated at 9 a.m. Monday on a warrant for parole violation.
Butler was booked, processed, and held with no bond.
—Abdul Tate, 26, Cypremort Road, Franklin, was arrested at 2:38 p.m. Monday on warrants for 16th Judicial District Court for failure to appear on the charges of operating a vehicle while under suspension and aggravated assault.
Tate was booked, processed and held with no bond set.
—Jeremy Butler, 33, St. Martin Street, St. Martinville, was arrested at 10:30 p.m. Monday on charges of possession of a firearm by convicted felon, resisting an officer with force, battery of a police office (five counts), simple criminal damage to property and threatening a law enforcement officer (three counts). Butler was booked, processed, and transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center.
St. Martin Parish Sheriff Becket Breaux reported these arrests:
—Denorris Andrews, 44, Cander Road, Decatur, Georgia, was arrested Monday on a charge of monetary instrument abuse.
—Harley Duplechain, 24, Elm Street, Eunice, was arrested Monday by the Louisiana State Police on charges of speeding, possession of Schedule II narcotics, simple possession of marijuana and distribution of drug paraphernalia.
—Dontae Jones, 43, Ridgeview Drive, Broussard, was arrested Monday on charges of aggravated flight from an officer, possession of Schedule I narcotics, turning movement and required signals, and improper lane usage.

Morgan City police radio logs for Dec. 7-8

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.
Monday, Dec. 7
5:49 p.m. 300 block of Egle Street; Medical.
6:14 p.m. 700 block of Onstead Street; Animal complaint.
6:36 p.m. 1100 block of Marguerite Street; Assistance.
8:17 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Arrest.
8:28 p.m. 1000 block of Sixth Street; Complaint.
9:04 p.m. 500 block of Belanger Street; Welfare concern.
9:45 p.m. 400 block of Seventh Street; Medical.
9:57 p.m. 600 block of Fourth Street; Animal complaint.
10:59 p.m. 7200 block of La. 182; Disturbance.
11:17 p.m. 300 block of Chennault Street; Complaint.
Tuesday, Dec. 8
12:07 a.m. Aucoin and Second streets; Complaint.
12:19 a.m. 300 block of Bowman Street; Complaint.
1:56 a.m. 2400 block of Apple Street; Medical.
2:30 a.m. 1400 block of Federal Avenue; Disturbance.

BARBARA L. NAVY

Mrs. Barbara L. Navy, age 56, a resident and native of Franklin, Louisiana, passed away peacefully at her residence surrounded by her loving family and friends in Franklin, Louisiana on Monday, November 30, 2020.
Visitation will be observed on Saturday, December 12, 2020 at Otis Mortuary Chapel, 501 Willow Street-Franklin, La., from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. with funeral service commencing at 1 p.m.
Mrs. Navy, is survived by her Husband: Donald Ray Navy, Sr. of Franklin, La.; 2 sons: Donald Ray Olasumbo Navy, Jr. of Arlington, Texas; and Brennan Navy of Rayne, La.; 1 step daughter; and she raised: Mrs. Shecawhanayki Charles Matthews of Baton Rouge, La.; 1 niece, she raised A’ Mya Barras of Franklin, La.; 2 brothers, Gailyn Charles Myrna Small of Winter Springs, Florida; & Frank C. Small, Jr. of Franklin, La.; 2 sisters: Aqueline Denise Small and Tomeka Renna Small both of Franklin, La.; and 1 grandchild. She was preceded in death by her parents: Frank and Mary C. Small, Sr.
Officiating Minister: Rev. Ricky Simmons
Mask or face covering are required for all Attendees!
The OTIS MORTUARY, Inc. of Franklin, La. is in charge of arrangements.

MR. FREDDIE CONLEY, III

Mr. Freddie Conley, III, age 52, he was a native and resident of Franklin, Louisiana. He passed away on Friday, December 4, 2020 at 11:50 a.m. Visitation will be observed on Friday, December 11, 2020 at Otis Mortuary Chapel, 501 Willow St. Franklin, from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. and funeral service commencing at Otis Mortuary Chapel on Saturday, December 12, 2020 at 3:30 p.m. The Interment will take place on Monday, December 14, 2020 at 11 a.m., Oaklawn Cemetery, Oaklawn, Louisiana.
Mr. Conley was survived by his lifelong companion, Sandra Diane B. Davis of Franklin, La.; 2 step sons: Rodney Davis Denver, Colorado.; and Tron Davis Lake Charles, La.; 1 step daughter, Casandra Claude Charlot of Franklin, La.; 1 brother: Anthony James Conley of Atlanta, Georgia; 3 sisters: Cheryl Hartman of Patterson, La.; Melissa Conley, Bella Conley and Antonitte Conley all of Franklin, La.
Mask or face covering are required for all attendees. The OTIS MORTUARY, Inc. of Franklin, Louisiana is in charge of final preparations.

ELLA L. MAHANNAH

Mrs. Ella L. Mahannah, age 84, a resident of Berwick, Louisiana. She slept away peacefully and ascended into Glory on Saturday, December 5, 2020 at Oschsner St. Mary Medical Center in Morgan City, Louisiana.
Visitation will be observed on Friday, December 11, 2020 at the Siracusaville Recreation Center, 111 Grace Street, Morgan City, La., from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and funeral service commencing at 11 a.m. The Interment will take place in the Berwick Cemetery, Berwick, Louisiana.
Mrs. Mahannah is survived by 1 sister, Joyce Thomas of Morgan City, La.; 3 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, 1 daughter, 1 brother, 3 sisters and 1 Godchild.
Officiating Minister: Rev. Norman Stovall.
The OTIS MORTUARY, Inc. of Franklin, La. is in charge of arrangements.

Burden Museum and Gardens to open birding trails Dec. 12

BATON ROUGE — Burden Museum and Gardens will celebrate the dedication and official opening of the Birding Loops at Burden on Dec. 12 at the LSU Rural Life Museum.
The birding trail system consists of six loops that wind through a variety of habitats and ecosystems that include a wide range of bird watching opportunities designed for both the beginner and advanced bird enthusiasts.
The day’s events will start with registration at 7:30 a.m. with guided bird watching along the loops stepping off at 8 a.m. The dedication ceremony will be held at 9:30 a.m., followed by a series of short presentations on birds and bird watching.
Presenters will include Katie Percy, avian biologist for Audubon Louisiana, speaking on Audubon Louisiana conservation programs; Kevin Ringelman, assistant professor in LSU School of Renewable and Natural Resources, speaking on waterfowl ecology; and Sabrina Taylor, associate professor in the LSU School of Renewable and Natural Resources, speaking on barred owls in urban habitats.
Admission is free and open to the public, but attendees must register on Eventbrite at https://birdingatburden.event brite.com.
Masks and social distancing are required.
The LSU Rural Life Museum is located in Burden Museum and Gardens at 4560 Essen Lane just off I-10 in Baton Rouge.
For information, visit www.discoverburden.com or call 225-763-3990.

Secure furniture, TVs to protect kids

Parents go to great lengths to protect their children. Much of those efforts may be directed at potential threats outside the home, but it’s equally important that parents prioritize safety inside their homes as well.
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, a child in the United States is injured in a television or furniture tip-over incident about every 43 minutes.
Tip-over incidents are preventable, and the CPSC offers the following tips to protect children.
—Use sturdy furniture. When choosing furniture to hold a television, be sure to read product descriptions to ensure you’re only buying furniture designed to hold a television. Items described as “television stands” or “media centers” are designed to hold televisions, but size and weight restrictions also must be considered when buying such products. TV stands and media centers are only safe if they are designed to hold televisions that are the size of your TV.
—Secure the television. The CPSC recommends that all televisions be secured by mounting or anchoring them to the wall. Properly mounted televisions likely won’t come off the wall no matter how curious kids are, but no item should be lower than 27 inches from the ground. Parents who can’t or don’t want to mount their televisions can purchases anchoring kits, which the CPSC notes cost as little as $5 and take as few as five minutes to install.
—Secure top-heavy furniture. Top-heavy furniture also should be secured to prevent tip-overs. Anti-tip brackets are inexpensive and can be used to secure dressers, bookshelves and other pieces that pose a threat to curious youngsters. Anchoring furniture secures items to the wall, and the CPSC notes that a lot of newly built furniture is sold with anti-tip devices. These devices should be installed immediately so children are safe from the moment a new piece is brought into the home.
—Remove tempting objects. Curious kids may try to climb furniture if they see toys, remote controls or other enticing items on top of televisions, dressers or bookshelves. Keep such items low or stored in low drawers to remove the temptation to climb.
Tip-over incidents are deadly but preventable. Parents who recognize this threat to their youngsters’ safety can ensure that their homes remain safe environments for curious kids.

Boyfriend shows true colors after lung cancer diagnosis

DEAR ABBY: I need your opinion. I have been with the same guy for 27 years. We never married because we were both married before, and I wasn’t into doing it again. I have stuck by him through sickness, hard times and whatever else.
Four months ago I was diagnosed with small cell lung cancer. I stopped by his house this week to pick up a rug scrubber and walked in on him having sex with some woman. I feel hurt, angry, mad, sad. It’s like, WHY? Do you think he has been doing this and he just got caught or what?
I didn’t say anything. I just left. He called me later and said it was over between us because I’m sick and “can’t do anything.” I’m in shock. I don’t know what to think. I have always been there for him.
So why, now that I’m sick and I need him the most, has he turned his back on me?
BLINDSIDED IN OHIO

DEAR BLINDSIDED: I am so, so sorry that you had to find out this way — when the chips are down — that the man you have been involved with for 27 years isn’t much of a man after all. I DO think he has been doing this all these years.
Now it is time to marshal your friends and family and let them know what’s going on. If you have been a caring and supportive friend or relative, they should be supportive during this challenging time.
The American Cancer Society has support groups for people with cancer if you need someone to talk to. Its website is cancer.org. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers for both a spiritual and physical recovery.

DEAR ABBY: My family is getting torn apart by my older brother’s issue with me. It has become worse over the years, even after his marriage.
He seems to be upset with how my life is progressing, and to upset me, he has been copying everything I do. He got engaged and married around the same time I did. He also got a dog right after I did, bought a car right after me and decided he wanted to start a family as soon as my wife and I announced we are having a baby.
My parents constantly make excuses about why his actions are justified. I no longer know what to do. I tried to reconcile with him, but he rebuffed me and says he hates me. It has reached the point that I don’t want to be around any of my family anymore because they defend him on everything, despite the facts. What should I do? I seem to be the only person trying to reconcile the relationship and fix/reunite my family.
SAD SIBLING IN NEW JERSEY

DEAR SIBLING: I find it hard to believe that your family would side with a sibling who declares he “hates” his brother and refuses attempts to reconcile. It’s important for your mental health that you separate emotionally from your brother. By that I mean dial back the resentment, live your life with your wife and child and stop obsessing about what your brother does. That he literally follows in your footsteps shows he either admires the choices you make, or that he has no imagination of his own. Neither of these should be a problem for YOU.
***
Abby shares more than 100 of her favorite recipes in two booklets: “Abby’s Favorite Recipes” and “More Favorite Recipes by Dear Abby.” Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $16 to: Dear Abby, Cookbooklet Set, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447.

93 more COVID hospitalizations in La.; 56 more COVID-positives locally

Fifty-six confirmed COVID-19 positives were reported in St. Mary, St. Martin and Assumption for the 24 hours ending at midday Tuesday, according to the Louisiana Office of Public Health.

Across Louisiana, meanwhile, the number of COVID-positive people in hospitals jumped by 93 in a single day, and 45 new fatalities were reported.

St. Mary has 19 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, raising the total since the pandemic began to 2,383. Those cases were detected with molecular tests. Another 132 positives resulted from the less sensitive antigen tests and are considered probable.

St. Martin has 33 new confirmed cases for a total of 2,852 with 109 probables. One new fatality was reported in St. Martin, raising the toll there to 70 confirmed with five probables.

Assumption has four new confirmed cases for a total of 995, plus 111 probables.

Ninety-one confirmed COVID fatalities have been recorded in St. Mary with six probables. Assumption has had 24 confirmed COVID fatalities with one probable.

Statewide:

--2,429 cases raise the confirmed total to 238,676 confirmed with 15,886 probables.

--The 45 fatalities raise the statewide toll to 6,363 confirmed with 289 probables.

--93 more COVID-positive people are hospitalized for a total of 1,516.

--4 more people are on ventilators for a total of 165.

Pages

ST. MARY NOW

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