Mathalee Ratcliff Deville, 79, a native of Berwick, died Nov. 30, 2020, in Milton, Florida.
She is survived by three children, Allen Deville, Karen Deville and Lelia Russo; eight grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; three sisters and one brother.
She was preceded in death by her husband, parents and many brothers and sisters.
Bearlyn Robinson Ash of Nashville, daughter of Oraline Robinson of Morgan City and the late Edward Robinson, completed her Doctor of Education in counselor education and supervision from Governors State University in University Park, Illinois, on Oct. 29. Ash is a 1981 graduate of Morgan City High, a 1998 graduate of the University of Southwestern Louisiana (now the University of Louisiana at Lafayette) and a 2008 graduate of Eastern Illinois University.
A Franklin woman was arrested Wednesday on charges, including three warrants.
Jasmeira Sade Jack, 21, was arrested at 1:15 a.m. and charged with three warrants for failure to appear on the following charges: disturbing the peace — offensive words, two counts of simple criminal damage to property, simple assault, aggravated battery and domestic abuse battery, St. Mary Parish Sheriff Blaise Smith said.
She also was charged with possession of marijuana, resisting an officer or office and entering contraband into a penal institution.
No bail has been set.
Smith also reported the following arrests:
—Bianca B. McDaniel, 29, of Franklin, was arrested Tuesday at 1:57 p.m. on a warrant for failure to appear on the charges of possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.
McDaniel was released on a summons to appear in court March 30.
—Brett Latray Marks, 48, of Jeanerette, was arrested Tuesday at 2:20 p.m. for possession of schedule I drug with intent to distribute, possession of firearm in presence of a controlled dangerous substance and possession of firearm — felon.
Bail was set at $30,000.
Berwick Police Chief David Leonard reports the following arrest:
—Ernest Watkins, 27, of Napoleonville, was arrested Monday at 8:23 a.m. and charged with violation of a protective order.
Officers responded to a Sixth Street residence after learning Watkins was at a residence with a victim who had an active protective order against him.
Upon arrival, officers confirmed the victim had an active protective order against Watkins.
Watkins was arrested and transported to Berwick Police Department where he was booked and remains incarcerated awaiting bail being set.
—Jodie Aucoin, 36, of Russo Street, Berwick, was arrested Wednesday at 6:25 a.m. and charged with unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling.
Wednesday at about 4:51 a.m., officers responded to a call of a subject gaining entry into a residence in Golden Farms subdivision.
Upon arrival, officers located Aucoin inside the residence where she was being held until police arrived.
She was impaired on some type of narcotic or medication, Leonard said.
Aucoin was transported to a local medical facility for minor injuries she sustained during the unauthorized entry of the residence, and after being released she was arrested and transported to Berwick Jail where she was booked. She remains incarcerated awaiting bail to be set.
Morgan City Police Chief James Blair reported these arrests:
—Tashib J. Guilbeau, 25, of Firmin Street, Franklin, was arrested Tuesday at 9:22 a.m. and charged with speeding, possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute and transactions involving proceeds from drug offenses.
An officer working traffic in the La. 70 area stopped a vehicle driven by Guilbeau for a traffic violation.
During the traffic stop, officers discovered Guilbeau was in possession of a vacuum-sealed bag of suspected marijuana and a large sum of money.
He was arrested and transported to Morgan City Police Department for booking and incarceration.
—Orrando Markith Guidry, 48, of Fifth Street, Morgan City, was arrested Tuesday at 2:16 p.m. on a warrant for failure to comply with terms and conditions of drug court.
Morgan City Police detectives came into contact with Guidry in the area of Fifth and Duke streets, and a warrant check revealed the 16th Judicial District Court held an active warrant.
He was arrested and transported to the Morgan City Police Department for booking and incarceration.
—Daryle M. Fairburn, 60, of Jennings, was arrested Tuesday at 9:38 p.m. and charged with driving while intoxicated.
Officers called to a La. 182 address about an intoxicated individual attempting to leave in a vehicle located the described individual and vehicle leaving the parking lot.
Following a traffic stop, officers observed the driver, Daryl Fairburn, was in an intoxicated condition, Blair said.
He was arrested and transported to the Morgan City Police Department where he submitted a breath sample of 0.162g% on the intoxilyzer test.
Fairburn was booked and incarcerated at the Morgan City Police Department.
Patterson Police Chief Garrett Grogan released the following arrest:
—Dario M. Barahona Jr., 21, of Fourth Street, Morgan City, was arrested Tuesday at 8:40 p.m. and charged with no driver’s license and stop sign violation.
He remained incarcerated in the Patterson City Jail with bond set at $454.
The following are the radio dispatch logs from the Morgan City Police Department for Dec. 1-2.
To report unlawful or suspicious activity, call the police department at 985-380-4605.
Tuesday, Dec. 1
6:30 a.m. 1600 block of Victor II Boulevard; Stand by.
6:35 a.m. 300 block of Fifth Street; Medical.
7:30 a.m. 1000 block of Clothilde Street; Alarm.
8:36 a.m. 2000 block of Keith Street; Harassment.
9:16 a.m. La. 70; Arrest.
9:21 a.m. 7000 block of La. 182; Medical.
10:06 a.m. 1100 block of Ditch Avenue; Theft.
10:23 a.m. 500 block of Roderick Street; Assistance.
10:44 a.m. La. 182; Stalled vehicle.
11:59 a.m. 2400 block of Tiger Drive; Juvenile assistance.
12:20 p.m. 1000 block of Marguerite Street; Suspicious subject.
12:27 p.m. 1600 block of Willowbend Street; Medical.
12:29 p.m. 1000 block of La. 70; Theft.
12:42 p.m. 7000 block of Park Road; Criminal damage.
12:50 p.m. Chennault Street; Theft.
1:10 p.m. 400 block of Fifth Street; Removal of subject.
1:44 p.m. 900 block of Marguerite Street; Suspicious person.
2:08 p.m. 300 block of Egle Street; Removal of subject.
2:10 p.m. Ninth Street; Accident.
2:12 p.m. 400 block of Fifth Street; Arrest.
3 p.m. 6000 block of La. 182; Alarm.
3:09 p.m. 400 block of Fifth Street; Disturbance.
3:26 p.m. Railroad Avenue; Battery.
4 p.m. 800 block of Brashear Avenue; Assistance.
4:41 p.m. 1500 block of Victor II Boulevard; Assistance.
5:29 p.m. 7500 block of La. 182; Remove subject.
5:32 p.m. Apple Street area; Fight.
6:14 p.m. 5000 block of Railroad Avenue; Loud music.
7:47 p.m. 800 block of Brashear Avenue; Shoplifter.
7:59 p.m. 7500 block of La. 182; Remove subject/arrest.
9:26 p.m. 6300 block of La. 182; Drunk.
10:02 p.m. 900 block of First Street; Disturbance.
10:25 p.m. 500 block of Brashear Avenue; Assist.
11:30 p.m. 600 block of Shannon Street; Suspicious subject.
Wednesday, Dec. 2
12:40 a.m. 300 block of Egle Street; Medical.
1:01 a.m. 1900 block of Maple Street; Medical.
Chi Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Society extended a gesture of gratitude for the hard work and dedication to the local police departments recently. Chi members “Pizza for Police” project provided an opportunity to show support to those that work tirelessly to ensure the community’s families and schools are safe. Provided pizza were members of the Berwick, Patterson and Morgan City police departments. The local chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International is comprised of active and retired women educators whose mission is to promote professional and personal growth of women educators and excellence in education.
DEAR ABBY: My husband came down with COVID and has been having a hard time getting over it. When he first started showing the symptoms, I took him to a drive-through medical clinic and got him tested for COVID. The results were negative, so a couple of days later, I carpooled with a friend to another friend’s house where seven other friends had gathered. Several days later, when my husband still wasn’t improving, I took him to an ER where they did another COVID test. This time it came out positive.
I thought I owed it to whomever I was around at the get-together to tell them about my husband. At this get-together, we all wore masks. We took them off only to eat and then put them back on. It has been more than 14 days since my husband got sick, and although he is not yet over the virus, I haven’t come down with it.
I thought my friends would be supportive of me and what my husband is going through. However, I learned from one of these “friends” of more than 20 years that they formed a private Facebook group to discuss how each one has been doing on a daily basis, and I was not invited to participate.
I feel betrayed by these paranoid friends. At this point, I don’t think I can ever look at any of them the same way. I have been contemplating ending my friendship with all of them.
What do you think?
KICKED WHEN DOWN IN OKLAHOMA
DEAR KICKED: I think you should ask the friend who told you about the private Facebook group whether any of the women got sick after that get-together. If the answer is yes, make an appointment and have yourself COVID-tested — twice, if necessary — to ensure that you are not a symptomless carrier. If it turns out that you are positive, tell your friends.
If you test negative, your first priority should be to help your husband get well and protect yourself from getting the virus.
As to whether you should end your relationship with these “distanced” friends, from the way they are behaving, it appears they may have ended their relationship with YOU, and for that you have my sympathy.
DEAR ABBY: I recently had my hair dyed by my brother-in-law who is a great hairstylist. I have seen his work on other clients, and he knows what he’s doing. I have received a lot of compliments on my new “do.”
Problem is, I didn’t get what I ASKED for. I was a coward at the time and didn’t speak up. Now my roots are starting to show, and I’ll be needing a touch-up soon.
How do I go about going to another salon for what I want without hurting his feelings or causing hard feelings with my sister-in-law?
COWARD IN KANSAS
DEAR COWARD IN KANSAS: Make the appointment and have your hair done the way you prefer. If your sister- or brother-in-law asks about it, say you know he is terrific and how busy he is and didn’t want to “impose” further. If he’s as good as you say he is, he will notice that the color is different from what he used on you.
You’re not a coward for wanting to spare your brother-in-law’s feelings. You do a disservice to him, however, as a professional for not being truthful about your opinion of his work on you. If he mentions it, explain that this is a color you are more comfortable with. Your head, your choice.
***
To receive a collection of Abby’s most memorable — and most frequently requested — poems and essays, send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 to: Dear Abby — Keepers Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447.
Medical services for all ages could be coming to the City of Patterson in 2021.
While details have not been worked out, talks are ongoing for Mary LeBlanc, a family nurse practitioner who runs a rural healthcare center for another provider in Franklin, to open a practice at the city’s Community Center (the old Patterson Junior High School). The office would be located behind the St. Mary Community Action Agency and Head Start, also inside the Community Center.
LeBlanc said she knew of a need in the community as 90% of her patients come from Patterson and Morgan City because their insurance is not accepted locally or the wait is too long.
She said she is willing to fund the renovation of her office space.
“I don’t want the people from this town going to any other town for healthcare,” LeBlanc said.
LeBlanc said she plans to begin by herself and is hoping by the end of the first year to have a second provider. By the end of the second year, she hopes to have a third provider.
She said she could add a second provider sooner based on the demand, though, as she doesn’t want patients waiting.
City attorney Russel Cremaldi said he will begin the work needed to draw up a lease for LeBlanc to begin her services.
“This project is going to be my baby. I don’t plan on putting someone here and me collecting money, and I’m off somewhere else,” LeBlanc said, saying she will provide the medical services.
In other action, the council:
—Accepted a proposal from Pelican Waste & Debris as addendums to the current contract. In the plan, 2,300 households from Shady Grove to Park Street will receive bear-proof garbage cans. The price negotiated is $19.56 per household, an increase from $17.69 per household. That payment also will include a regular pickup of up to 2 cubic feet of trash, not including items such as trees, during residents’ normal days of pickup.
—Learned from city accountant Reginald Weary and Paul Holmes of LMATS that the city received initial offers from about five companies for water meters south of the railroad track. The list will be pared down and further negotiation will be forthcoming before a company is selected to do the work. The city has $250,000 in capital outlay to do one phase of the work. That will cover 750 to 800 meters, which will be read using drive-by technology. City engineer Melanie Caillouet is working on a grant to secure additional capital outlay funding.
—Learned from Mayor Rodney Grogan the city has received an $89,000 land and conservation grant for Morey Park that it will use for the walking trail improvements at the park. The city also received $20,000 in hotel-motel tax money that will be used at Morey Park for cameras and LED lights on the wharf and bricked signage for the parking lot.
—Learned from Caillouet that the Patterson Streets Phase 2 project has been awarded to Barriere Construction Co. of Boutte. If work can begin by the beginning of January 2021, the 90-day project should be complete by the beginning of April 2021. She also reported that she has made the necessary changes for the plans and specifications for the Community Development Block Grant streets project and is awaiting notice on them for approval, so the project then can be bid.
—Heard from human resource director Holden Murray that the Unity for the Community Christmas Bike Ride, in partnership with Cajun Coast Visitors and Convention Bureau, will be held Saturday at 5:30 p.m. It will start and end at Morey Park. Registration will be on the day of the event from 4:50 to 5:25 p.m. There also will be a meal served. On Dec. 12, a Movie in the Park event will be held at Park Street Park, with the movie “Frozen” being shown. There will be a costume contest. More information is forthcoming. On Dec. 13, there will be an event to support local vendors from 10 a.m. to about 12:45 p.m. in Morey Park while the Christmas Parade will be held that afternoon with the theme being “A Salute to Small Businesses.” Anybody who has a small business and would like to register to participate in the parade can call Murray at City Hall.
—Learned from Grogan that the city will bury a time capsule in January 2021 that will be opened in 50 years.
—Renewed contract with Cajun Mosquito Control for services for two years with no increases. The contract will be through Dec. 31, 2022.
Area residents can learn their COVID-19 status and help researchers learn more about the virus by participating in a monthlong study of St. Mary Parish residents.
Teche Action Clinic, the Louisiana Healthcare Connections and the Louisiana Department of Public Health, is enrolling 1,000 St. Mary Parish residents, ages 18 and older, in a national research study to better understand the virus’ impact on racial minorities and underserved communities.
“It’s really important that they do get the screening done, so that we can try to get as much information about this virus as we can because of the impact that it has had on our community,” said Charlene Williams, Teche Action Clinic laboratory manager and site administrator of the study.
The free screenings are being held this week at the Patterson Volunteer Fire Station on Main Street next to City Hall. Wednesday and Thursday, patients are being seen from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m., while on Friday, patients will be seen from 8 a.m. to noon.
The testing is part of a bigger research study that Centene Corp., the parent company of Louisiana Healthcare Connections, is doing along with the National Minority Quality Forum. This forum works to make excellent healthcare available to high-risk racial and ethnic populations.
The study’s stop in Patterson is the second of three stops for the monthlong study.
The first was held at the Franklin Recreation Center, while the third public screening will be held Dec. 7-18 at Ochsner St. Mary in Morgan City.
The study also is being completed at Teche Action Clinic’s offices at 1115 Weber St. in Franklin and at 1124 7th St. in Morgan City.
During the study, patients can receive a nasal swab and a blood test.
The test results for the swab will come in 3-5 days, while the antibody blood test will enable residents to learn if they previously were exposed to the virus and if they have enough antibodies to it, Williams said.
The study also will produce such benefits as baseline lab results like levels of Vitamin D, glucose, etc.
Study participants who test positive will receive monitoring kits and will be called each day by a study nurse for the first 14 days to monitor their progress.
Participants also will be contacted weekly for a follow-up call for a month, while check-ins will occur periodically during the five-year study.
So far, about 400 have been enrolled in the study, while in Patterson after the first day, nearly 30 had enrolled.
While it is encouraged, Williams said that patients can just be tested and not participate in the survey.
Through research, it has been determined that there is a disproportionate effect on racial and ethnic minorities from COVID-19.
Race and ethnicity have been identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as two risk factors for underlying conditions affecting health, such as socioeconomic status, healthcare access and increased exposure to COVID-19 because of their job.
Black, Hispanic Americans and Native Americans are twice as likely to contract COVID-19 as white Americans.
“Longitudinal studies of the health of survivors are going to give us vital information about this disease and the disparities that it exposes,” Dr. Chip Riggins, Medical Director for Region 3 of the Louisiana Office of Public Health, said in a news release. “I know the citizens of St. Mary Parish are eager to step up and share their experience over the next five years as their contribution to what we will know about COVID, and we’re proud to serve alongside them.”
The data will determine COVID-19’s impact on minorities and underserved populations not just in Louisiana but nationwide.
It also will help close these gaps.
While it’s not part of the study, the Office of Public Health is offering screening for children, too, at the Patterson site.
U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy on Tuesday joined a “bipartisan, bicameral coalition” of lawmakers to announce a $908 billion COVID-19 aid package they hope can pass both chambers before the end of the year.
The proposal faces long odds because Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell supports a smaller package that he says outgoing President Donald Trump would be more likely to sign.
“Republicans and Democrats in both chambers got much of what we wanted, and neither got everything we wanted,” Cassidy said. “That combination reflects what Congress is supposed to do: reconcile priorities and deliver for the American people.”
The proposal would fund emergency relief efforts from Dec. 1 through March 31, lawmakers said. Of the $908 billion total, more than $500 billion is repurposed from previously allocated funding from the CARES Act, including $160 billion for state and local governments, $180 billion to give workers $300 per week in additional unemployment benefits, and $288 billion for small businesses through the Paycheck Protection Program and specific provisions for restaurants and music venues.
The coalition also wants to spend $16 billion for vaccine distribution, testing and contact tracing, distribute $82 billion to education and put $45 billion into transportation. It would allocate $25 billion for rental assistance, $10 billion for child care and $10 billion for rural broadband.
The proposal would not include another direct payment to most Americans similar to the $1,200 checks distributed earlier this year.
Senators Joe Manchin (D-West Virginia), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Angus King (I-Maine) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) all are on board, according to Cassidy’s office. U.S. Representatives Tom Reed (R-NY) and Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) are leading efforts in the House of Representatives.
Programs meant to prop up the economy during the COVID-19 pandemic and response, including extended unemployment benefits and eviction protections, expire at the end of the year, creating urgency among lawmakers to act during the lame-duck session.
But the new proposal may not even get a vote. Leaders of the Democrat-majority House of Representatives and Republican-controlled Senate reportedly have not met since the presidential election ended Nov. 3. McConnell supports an aid package worth about $500 million, while House Speaker Nancy Pelosi backs a $2.2 trillion aid bill.
The proposal Cassidy backs reportedly includes COVID-19 liability protections for businesses that Democrats do not support. Some Repub-licans have balked at sending more money to state and local governments.
The text of the bipartisan bill was not immediately available Tuesday afternoon. The list of spending proposals, according to Cassidy’s office, includes:
—$160 billion for state, local and tribal governments.
—$180 billion for additional unemployment insurance ($300 per week).
—$288 billion for small business support through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and specific provisions for restaurants and music venues.
—$12 billion in community lender support.
—$45 billion for transportation (airlines, airports, buses, transit and Amtrak).
—$16 billion for vaccine development and distribution, testing and contact tracing.
—$35 billion for the Health Care Provider Relief Fund.
—$82 billion for education.
—$4 billion for student loans.
—$25 billion for housing/rental assistance.
—$26 billion for nutrition and agriculture, including support for fisheries.
—$10 billion for the U.S. Postal Service.
—$10 billion for child care.
—$10 billion for rural broadband Internet.
—$5 billion for opioid treatment.
SACRED HEART
Thrift Store, South Railroad, Morgan City, has changed its days of operation. Open 8:30-11 a.m. Wednesday for drop off only (no shopping) and 8:30-11 a.m. Thur-sday for shoppers.
FOOD FOR FAMILIES
Food Drive set 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10, at St. Mary Outreach, 608 First Street, Morgan City. Outreach asks for the public’s help in donating non-perishable food items (including dry food, canned goods, condiments and meats), personal hygiene and household items such as toilet paper, bath soap, deodorant, razors, shaving cream, toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo, paper towels, garbage bags, facial tissue, foils, all-purpose cleaner, dish soap, floor cleaner, bleach and laundry soap, and baby items, such as diapers, wipes, formula, baby food and cereal.
SENIOR DINNER
Sponsored by St. Mary Parish Government and St Mary Community Action Agency 11 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Dec. 8, at St. Mary Senior Citizens Center, home of St. Mary AARP, 1404 Chennault St., Morgan City. Seniors 60 and older welcomed. Drive up pickup only, no indoor socializing due to COVID-19. For info call 337-828-5703.
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