RSS Feed

ERIN LaSALLE DRUMMOND

Wed, 10/14/2020 - 1:08pm

April 7, 1987 — October 9, 2020
Erin LaSalle Drummond, 33, a resident of Bayou Vista, passed away Friday, October 9, 2020, at Ochsner St. Mary.
Erin was born April 7, 1987, in Morgan City.
She will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her mother, Donna Ballance LaSalle of Bayou Vista; father, Matthew Deslattes of Bayou Vista; three daughters, Caroline Drawbaugh, Cheyenne Drummond and Addalyn Stansbury, all of Bayou Vista; siblings, Cherie Dupre and husband Dwayne of Patterson, Douglas LaSalle Jr. and wife Jessica of Bayou Vista; Eric LaSalle of Florida; niece, Alayna LaSalle; nephew, Landyn LaSalle; godchild, Eli LaSalle; and numerous friends and family.
Erin was preceded in death by her husband, Mi-chael Drummond.
Private services will be held at a later date.

Regions Bank offers fee break for hurricane victims

Wed, 10/14/2020 - 12:49pm

Regions Bank on Tuesday announced a series of financial services, including payment extensions and the waiving of certain fees, to help people and businesses in portions of Louisiana1 that were impacted by Hurricane Delta.

“In addition to the services we’re announcing today, Regions Bank is ready to offer financial advice and guidance based on our experience with disaster recovery,” said Steve Nivet, regional consumer banking executive for Regions Bank. “We encourage clients to visit our branches, consult Regions.com or give us a call to let us know about your individual needs. We have worked with clients through many natural disasters, including Hurricanes Laura and Sally. And we are here – ready to serve – as we recover from Hurricane Delta together.”

Disaster-recovery financial services available for a limited time in impacted areas1 include:

• No check-cashing fee will be assessed for FEMA-issued checks cashed at Regions branches in impacted areas.
• Regions will waive or refund fees charged by non-Regions ATMs for bank clients in impacted areas for 15 days beginning Tuesday, Oct. 13.
• Regions will waive ATM surcharge fees for non-Regions clients using the bank’s ATMs in impacted ar-eas for 15 days beginning Tuesday, Oct. 13.
• One penalty-free CD withdrawal is available.
• A 0.50% interest rate discount is available on new personal unsecured loans.
• Payment extensions are available for current credit card holders. People in affected areas can contact Regions to discuss individual needs.
• Regions Mortgage Disaster Relief purchase and renovation loan programs are available.
• Business loan payment deferrals will be available for up to 90 days beginning Tuesday, Oct. 13.
• Personal and business loan payment assistance is available.

Helpful recovery information is available through the Disaster Resource Center, linked here on Regions.com. Additionally, Regions maintains a year-round Customer Assistance Program. Through this program, bankers listen to the unique needs of individual clients and explore various options to help address financial challenges, such as those prompted by a natural disaster.

Also, for questions regarding a mortgage, clients may call Regions’ mortgage hotline at 1-800-986-2462. For assistance regarding home equity and other consumer loans, clients may call 1-866-298-1113. A dedicated team is available at 1-800-411-9393 to help with other questions and concerns regarding banking needs.

General account services are available at any time via regions.com and the updated Regions mobile app.

House passes penalties for cutting police force funding

Wed, 10/14/2020 - 12:47pm

DAVID JACOBS, The Center Square

The Louisiana House of Representatives on Monday voted to allow state officials to punish local governments that reduce funding for their police departments.
Under House Bill 38 by Alexandria Republican Rep. Lance Harris, municipalities, parishes, colleges or universities that reduce law enforcement spending by 10 percent or more could be called to the Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget to justify the reduction. If JLCB determines the reductions will have a “significant and harmful effect” on public safety, the local entity could be deemed ineligible to apply for or receive funding for new capital outlay projects or receive sales tax dedications for the next fiscal year.
Harris said he didn’t know of any Louisiana municipalities that were slashing police budgets. But he pointed to other cities around the country that have seen rates of violent crime increase after "de-funding" law enforcement. He said local police funding isn’t only a local issue, because non-residents may have to enter the town or city for business or pleasure.
Opponents described the bill as a political stunt meant to promote Harris’ campaign for Congress. They said the change adds bureaucracy and puts state officials in the position of micromanaging local officials who answer directly to local taxpayers, only to solve an alleged problem that doesn’t necessarily exist.
Rep. Danny McCormick, an Oil City Republican, suggested the bill promotes bigger government by restricting officials’ ability to reduce spending.
Representatives amended HB 38 so that it doesn’t apply when a local government is facing an over-all revenue decrease. The House passed the measure 61-26.
The House also approved House Bill 67, a similar measure by Rep. Raymond Crews, a Bossier City Republican. The Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget would have the ability to recommend reductions of appropriations in the current fiscal year of sales tax dedications to a municipality, or the parish that contains the municipality, that reduces the annual operating budget of its municipal police department. Law enforcement leaders could trigger the process by complaining to JLCB.

Morgan City police radio logs for Oct. 12-13

Wed, 10/14/2020 - 12:44pm

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, Oct. 12
6:02 a.m. 1400 block of Federal Avenue; Hit and run.
7:10 a.m. Federal Avenue; Mentally unstable person.
7:30 a.m. 1700 block of Federal Avenue; Medical.
8:39 a.m. 1100 block of Victor II Boulevard; Alarm.
8:49 a.m. 500 block of Terrebonne Street; Animal.
9:02 a.m. 600 block of Leona Street; Animal.
9:25 a.m. Ellzey Street; Animal.
10:01 a.m. 1000 block of Fourth Street; Com-plaint.
11:19 a.m. Ochsner St. Mary; Complaint.
11:59 a.m. Morgan City Police Department; Harassment.
12:11 p.m. 500 block of Seventh Street; Lost/found property.
12:13 p.m. 3000 block of Carrol Street; Medical.
2:12 p.m. 400 block of Adams Street; Animal.
2:42 p.m. U.S. 90 West; Debris in road.
3:48 p.m. 1100 block of Fourth Street; Com-plaint.
4:14 p.m. Garber Street; Harassment.
4:47 p.m. La. 182; Reckless driver.
4:48 p.m. 7300 block of La. 182; Accident.
4:49 p.m. Morgan City Police Department; Complaint.
4:59 p.m. Old Bridge; Debris in road
5:46 p.m. 3100 block of Tammy Drive; Com-plaint.
6:25 p.m. La. 182 Eastbound; Accident.
6:43 p.m. 600 block of Freret Street; Complaint.
7 p.m. 1000 block of Cottonwood Street; Complaint.
9:26 p.m. 7200 block of La. 182 ; Warrant/arrest.
10:48 p.m. 500 block of Franklin Street; Disturbance.
10:49 p.m. 3000 block of Allison Street; Accident/arrest.
11:39 p.m. 200 block of Bowman Street; Disturbance.
Tuesday, Oct. 13
12:04 a.m. 1900 block of Railroad Avenue; Suspicious subject.
12:38 a.m. 300 block of Lawrence Street; Disturbance.

Morgan City police radio logs for Oct. 12-13

Wed, 10/14/2020 - 12:38pm

Jim Brown: Gov. Foster left a legacy in La. insurance

Wed, 10/14/2020 - 12:29pm

JIM BROWN

"There is no place like Louisiana on this earth, and I think that when my days are over, I’ll find heaven to be no different from Louisiana – maybe a little bit cooler in the summer."
--Gov. Mike Foster
Gov. Foster passed away Oct. 4, leaving a legacy of numerous positive accomplishments during his time in public life.
I worked closely with the governor on a number of important issues during the time I served as Insurance Commissioner.
Fly fishing, and insurance problems involving Governor Foster converged one spring day when I was vacationing at our family home in the North Carolina mountains. Some years back, I went there over Mardi Gras.
One morning, I was at Faye’s General Store drinking coffee around 7:30 a.m. when the phone rang.
One of the locals picked it up and told me that Governor Mike Foster was calling.
Now, remember, it’s 6:30 a.m. in Louisiana, and it’s Mardi Gras. I thought it was wife Gladys playing a joke on me.
But, no, it was the governor on the line. “Jim, Mike Foster. Got a minute?”
“Morning, Governor. You sure know how to run a fellow down, don’t you?”
“I called Gladys, she told me you’d gotten out early. I don’t want to disturb your fishing, but I just want to talk a little insurance with you.”
My coffee drinking companions at Faye’s had a hard time believing that the Louisiana governor would call me up in the North Carolina Mountains at the crack of dawn on a state holiday to discuss insurance business.
While still in the state senate, Gov. Foster had created the Louisiana Worker’s Compensation Corp. to help small businesses that were having trouble finding insurance coverage for their employees.
Even as governor, he was concerned about a healthy insurance climate.
Let me share a story of how effective an aggressive governor can be.
Under the old system of setting automobile insurance rates, the governor appointed a six-member insurance rating commission.
Insurance companies had to appear before the commission and make their case for any rate increase.
As insurance commissioner, I served as chairman of the commission. The system provided a good check and balance.
State Farm Insurance Co. asked the commission for a major rate increase in December 1997.
Gov. Foster called me and asked that I convey to the members that he wasn’t for any rate increase, particularly as the holidays were approaching.
I told the commissioners of the governor’s concerns, but State Farm did a major lobbying job of wining and dining them.
In spite of joint objections from both the governor and me, the commission unanimously approved the State Farm rate increase.
The next morning around 6:30 a.m. my phone rang.
“Jim, Mike Foster. Sorry to bother you so early, but I have one question. Did you tell my appointed commissioners of my concern that no rate increase should be given to State Farm?”
I told him, yes, I had conveyed his message to each of the six commissioners.
“Thanks, that’s all I needed.”
Three hours later, Gov. Foster called a press conference and fired all six commissioners.
An insurance company needs to have a fair rate in order to stay in business.
But gouging the property owner without justification is not fair to the insured, and bad for economic growth in the state.
The Legislature, the governor and the insurance department could learn a good lesson from the Foster years.
Be fair, but don’t let rate increases take place at a company’s whim. Policyholders were better served under Mike Foster.
Peace and Justice
Jim Brown
Jim Brown’s syndicated column appears each week in numerous newspapers throughout the nation and on websites worldwide. You can read all his past columns and see continuing updates at http://www.jimbrownusa.com.

Jeremy Alford: More government COVID response will require some patience

Wed, 10/14/2020 - 12:26pm

JEREMY ALFORD

If you’re waiting for Congress to approve another relief package to address the COVID-19 outbreak and the resulting economic downturn, you’re just going to have to wait a little longer.
Also, if you’re thinking the Louisiana Legislature is going to tackle the unemployment crisis with a permanent solution or offer conservatives a longterm fix for their anxiety over coronavirus restrictions, think again.
Congress is unlikely to approve a major relief package until after Election Day, as American families do their best to transition into the holiday season.
The Legislature, meanwhile, is position to pass a number of temporary suspension resolutions that will likely require more legislative work in the coming months and may not satisfy the growing appetite of Republican voters for a keener eye on individual rights during this health pandemic.
In short, a little bit of patience will be required on your part.
Those who know the party-torn landscapes of Baton Rouge and Washington aren’t too surprised, but like everyone else even the most jaded political observers are left scratching their heads at the current pace of government.
In Baton Rouge, representatives and senators were rolling along at a decent pace before word of Hurricane Delta escaped the Gulf of Mexico and prompted a pause in the special session last week.
Lawmakers returned to the Capitol Monday afternoon and hopes were high amongst lawmakers that they could continue to cooperate on suspending rules to keep instruments moving to the committees and floors.
It’s too soon to tell if the hurricane recess changed any developing strategies. On the issue of the Legislative Branch checking the Executive Branch on the implementation of emergency orders, many state lawmakers still want to see an actual bill passed, which would lead to a permanent change if it isn’t vetoed by the governor — and the governor would surely veto any such bill.
“We are going to accommodate where we can, but there are things that are non-negotiable,” Gov. John Bel Edwards said during an interview on WWL Radio last week, adding, “What I can’t do is surrender important tools…”
That said, life post-Delta may add some urgency to the emergency order debate and increase the legislative value of temporary suspension resolutions.
That wouldn’t be a huge win for Republicans, but a temporary suspension would allow conservative forces to grab a minor victory while gaining more time to figure out what to do next.
There was a bit of chatter last week about the House and Senate wrapping up its special session workload ahead of the scheduled Oct. 27 adjournment.
To be certain, legislators from southwest Louisiana, an area still reeling from Hurricane Laura and now Hurricane Delta, won’t want to stick around any longer than required.
Any which way you slice it, the pace around the Capitol is about to quicken significantly. With timelines condensing and veto-proof suspension resolutions on the move, this is no time to blink.
Up in Washington, the trade associations and lobbying shops that have worked the last few months to develop another COVID-19 relief package in Washington are feeling a bit of whiplash.
First President Donald Trump shut down negotiations last week, prompting flames to shoot out of the ears of the government relations teams for airports, hotels, restaurants and others.
Then the president reversed course and asked for $25 billion for the airlines, $135 billion for small business payroll protection and direct stimulus payments.
The finger-pointing started shortly thereafter, with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi claiming the White House asked for things that weren’t originally a part of the negotiations.
“Clearly, the White House is in complete disarray,” Pelosi told reporters.
House Republican Whip Steve Scalise countered on Fox News that Pelosi was obstructing the deal and that she had “moved the goalpost.”
Hospitality industry lobbyists aren’t optimistic as October nears its midpoint. Some small piece of what has been negotiated in recent months, like a new version of paycheck protection, may see the light of a day.
But a massive relief package will probably have to wait until after Election Day.
So it appears that patience is key for big policy actions on the state and federal levels. Watch-and-wait is the order of the day for now. How much longer that will be an acceptable formula for average citizens will be just as interesting to see as the final policy products forged by our policymakers.
For more Louisiana political news, visit www. LaPolitics.com or follow Alford on Twitter@ LaPoliticsNow.

16 more COVID cases, two deaths in local parishes

Wed, 10/14/2020 - 12:09pm

Sixteen new COVID-19 cases and two new fatalities were reported in three local parishes in the 24 hours leading up to midday Wednesday, according to the Louisiana Office of Public Health.

The two deaths were among residents of St. Mary, where the pandemic death toll is now 83. Three more COVID-19 positives raise the St. Mary case count to 1,982.

Nine new COVID cases were reported in St. Martin, where the case count is now 2,149.

In Assumption, four new cases raise the total to 778.

The death toll remains 61 for St. Martin and 24 for Assumption.

Statewide:

--331 new cases raise the pandemic total to 173,121.

--9 new fatalities raise the toll to 5,495.

--9 more COVID-positive people are in hospitals for a total of 582.

--4 fewer people are on ventilators for a total of 64.

FDA announces Sunshine Mills nationwide dog food recall

Wed, 10/14/2020 - 8:38am

From the Food and Drug Administration

The FDA is alerting pet owners and veterinary professionals about certain pet food products manufactured by Sunshine Mills under several brand names that may contain unsafe levels of aflatoxin. This is an expansion of a previously announced recall, according to the Food and Drug Adminis-tration’s website.
Aflatoxin is a toxin produced by the mold Aspergillus flavus, which can grow on corn and other grains used as ingredients in pet food. At high levels, aflatoxin can cause illness and death in pets.
Pet owners should stop feeding their pets the recalled products listed below and consult their veterinarian, especially if the pet is showing signs of illness.
What is the problem?
On Sept. 2, Sunshine Mills announced a recall of certain pet food products after a retail product sample was found by the Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry to contain an unsafe level of aflatoxin.
On Oct. 8, Sunshine Mills expanded its recall to include additional products. FDA is issuing this advisory to ensure the public is notified about all of these potentially unsafe products that may still be on the market or in pet owners’ homes.
What are the symptoms of Aflatoxin poisoning in pets?
Pets are highly susceptible to aflatoxin poisoning because, unlike people, who eat a varied diet, pets generally eat the same food continuously over extended periods of time. If a pet’s food contains aflatoxin, the toxin could accumulate in the pet’s system as they continue to eat the same food.
Pets with aflatoxin poisoning may experience symptoms such as sluggishness, loss of appetite, vomiting, jaundice and/or diarrhea. In some cases, this toxicity can cause long-term liver issues and/or death. Some pets suffer liver damage without showing any symptoms. Pet owners whose pets have been eating the recalled products should contact their veterinarians, especially if they are showing signs of illness.
There is no evidence to suggest that pet owners who handle products containing aflatoxin are at risk of aflatoxin poisoning. However, pet owners should always wash their hands after handling pet food.
What products are involved?
The list of recalled dry pet food products announced by Sunshine Mills on Sept. 2 is:
Family Pet Meaty Cuts Beef, Chicken & Cheese Premium Dog Food 4 lb. UPC 3225120694
Lot Code TD3 4/APRIL/2020
Lot Code TD1 5/APRIL/2020
Family Pet Meaty Cuts Beef, Chicken & Cheese Premium Dog Food 14 lb. UPC 3225118078
Lot Code TB1 4/APRIL/2020
Lot Code TB2 4/APRIL/2020
Lot Code TB3 3/APRIL/2020
Family Pet Meaty Cuts Beef, Chicken & Cheese Premium Dog Food 28 lb. UPC 3225120694
Lot Code TB3 3/APRIL/2020
Heartland Farms Grilled Favorites Beef Chicken & Cheese Flavor Dog Food 14 lb. UPC 7015514299
Lot Code TB1 4/APRIL/2020
Lot Code TB2 4/APRIL/2020
Heartland Farms Grilled Favorites Beef Chicken & Cheese Flavor Dog Food 31 lb. UPC 7015514301
Lot Code TA2 4/APRIL/2020
Lot Code TA3 4/APRIL/2020
Paws Happy Life Butcher’s Choice Dog Food 16 lb. UPC 3680035763
Lot Code TA1 4/APRIL/2020
Lot Code TA2 4/APRIL/2020
On Oct. 8, Sunshine Mills expanded the recall to include the following products:
Champ Mini Chunk Dog Food Beef and Chicken Flavor, 12 lb. bags, UPC 7328315416
Lot Code TC2 3/APRIL/2020
Field Trial Complete Nutrition Premium Dog Food, 16 lb. bags, UPC 7015514530
Lot Code TC2 4/APRIL/2020
Good Dog Brand Dog Food Hi-Energy Formula, 50 lb. bags, UPC 5216624165
Lot Code TA1 5/APRIL/2020
Hunter’s Special Dog Food Hi Energy Formula, 50 lb. bags, UPC 7015510145
Lot Code TA1 5/APRIL/2020
Lot Code TA2 5/APRIL/2020
Lot Code TA3 5/APRIL/2020
Hunter’s Special Dog Food Maintenance Formula, 50 lb. bags, UPC 7015510135
Lot Code TB3 4/APRIL/2020
Lot Code TB1 5/APRIL/2020
Hunter’s Special Farm & Ranch Recipe Super Chunks Dog Food, 50 lb. bags, UPC 70155 10182
Lot Code TC2 5/APRIL/2020
Lot Code TC3 5/APRIL/2020
Old Glory Hearty Beef & Chicken Flavor Dog Food, 4 lb. bags, UPC 7015514339
Lot Code TE3 3/APRIL/2020
Lot Code TE2 4/APRIL/2020
Old Glory Hearty Beef & Chicken Flavor Dog Food, 12.75 lb. bags, UPC 7015514298
Lot Code TA3 3/APRIL/2020
Lot Code TB1 3/APRIL/2020
Lot Code TC1 3/APRIL/2020
Lot Code TC2 3/APRIL/2020
Lot Code TC3 3/APRIL/2020
Lot Code TA1 4/APRIL/2020
Lot Code TC1 4/APRIL/2020
Lot Code TA2 4/APRIL/2020
Lot Code TB2 4/APRIL/2020
Lot Code TC2 4/APRIL/2020
Paws Happy Life Nutritionally Complete Dog Food, 17 lb. bags, UPC 3680042561
Lot Code TC2 4/APRIL/2020
Pet Expert Always Fit Formula, 50 lb. bags, UPC 5208887976
Lot Code TC2 5/APRIL/2020
Principle Super Premium Natural Dog Food Breeder Pack, 40 lb. bags, UPC 580179 586032
Lot Code TA3 4/APRIL/2020
Lot Code TA1 5/APRIL/2020
Retriever Bites & Bones Adult Complete Nutrition Savory Chicken Flavor, 52 lb. bags, UPC 4939422642
Lot Code TC3 4/APRIL/2020
Lot Code TC1 5/APRIL/2020
River Bend Dog Food Basic Nutrition, 40 lb. bags, No UPC
Lot Code TC1 5/APRIL/2020
River Bend Dog Food Basic Nutrition, 50 lb. bags, No UPC
Lot Code TC1 5/APRIL/2020
River Bend Dog Food Select, 50 lb. bags, No UPC
Lot Code TB3 4/APRIL/2020
Sportsman’s Pride Maintenance Adult Formula Dog Food, 20 lb. bags, UPC 7015510082
Lot Code TB1 5/APRIL/2020
Sportsman’s Pride Maintenance Adult Formula Dog Food, 50 lb. bags, UPC 7015510110
Lot Code TB1 5/APRIL/2020
Sprout Bites & Bones, 50 lb. bags, UPC 7015505091
Lot Code TC2 4/APRIL/2020
Sprout Hi-Protein (cat food), 20 lb. bags, UPC 70155505120
Lot Code TI2 4/APRIL/2020
Lot Code TI3 4/APRIL/2020
Sprout Hi-Protein (cat food), 40 lb. bags, UPC 7015505119
Lot Code TI3 4/APRIL/2020
Thrifty Adult Dog Food, 12 lb. bags, UPC 7015513096
Lot Code TI1 3/APRIL/2020
Lot Code TI2 3/APRIL/2020
Lot Code TI3 3/APRIL/2020
Lot Code TA2 4/APRIL/2020
Sprout Maintenance, 40 lb. bags, UPC 7015505096
Lot Code TB1 5/APRIL/2020
Sprout Puppy, 20 lb. bags, UPC 7015505095
Lot Code TA3 4/APRIL/2020
Lot Code TA1 5/APRIL/2020
Top Runner Premium Dog Food, 50 lb. bags, UPC 3540650070
Lot Code TB1 3/APRIL/2020
Whiskers & Tails Adult Recipe Complete Dog Food, 17 lb. bags, UPC 2114003022
Lot Code TC2 4/APRIL/2020
The affected products were distributed to retailers nationwide within the United States.
What do pet owners need to do?
If your pet has symptoms of aflatoxin poisoning, contact a veterinarian immediately. Even pets without symptoms may have suffered liver damage, so you may want to contact your veterinarian if your dog has eaten any of the recalled products. Provide a full diet history to your veterinarian. You may find it helpful to take a picture of the pet food label, including the lot number.
Don’t feed the recalled products to your pets or any other animal. Contact the company listed on the package for further instructions or throw the products away in a way that children, pets and wildlife cannot access them. Sanitize pet food bowls, scoops, and storage containers using bleach, rinsing well afterwards with water, and drying thoroughly.
You can report suspected illness to the FDA electronically through the Safety Reporting Portal at https://www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov/SRP2/en/Home.aspx?sid=89458ca7-2696-... or by calling your state’s FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinators. It’s most helpful if you can work with your veterinarian to submit your pet’s medical records as part of your report. For an explanation of the information and level of detail that would be helpful to include in a complaint to the FDA.

Perfect guy on the outside becomes abusive at home

Wed, 10/14/2020 - 8:36am

By Jeanne Phillips, ©United Features Syndicate

DEAR ABBY: I have been with “Dylan” for three years, engaged for two. I have a lot of insecurities about it.
We met right after my husband’s death. Dylan was the perfect guy in the beginning. Looking back, I realize there were a lot of red flags.
He spends most of his time on Facebook or talking about his high school years. He is also secretive. He acts like the world’s nicest guy around others, but when we’re alone, he calls me stupid and insecure. I never knew what a narcissist was before, but I believe he is one.
I built a business, which has done very well. I’m liked by everyone but him. People have told me to run. Why do I torture myself? Last week he broke my windshield because I asked him about his phone, which he is always using to text someone. I want to be happy, and I feel like a loser right now. My kids don’t like him at all.
Help me, please.
UNHAPPY IN THE MIDWEST

DEAR UNHAPPY: I am concerned about you. Because you now feel that your verbally abusive fiancé could become violent (Exhibit A: your broken windshield), place a call to the National Domestic Violence Hotline (800-799-7233) and ask someone to help you craft an escape plan. Your next call should be to the police to file a report about that broken windshield. Your third should be to your family to find out if you and your kids can stay with one of your relatives.
It is important you get safely out of there, so do NOT disclose to this man any of the preparations you are making. It goes without saying that this engagement should be broken.

DEAR ABBY: I have an issue that I can’t be the only one with, especially as our parents age. My mother has never been the cleanest or most sanitary of housekeepers. Everything “looks” neat and straight, but look closer and you’ll realize her place is unsanitary and filthy.
When I visit, I am near tears the entire time. My husband tells me to stay in a hotel, but I don’t know how to tell my mother I don’t feel comfortable staying with her. I bring along my own towels and washcloths. I take us out for meals so we don’t have to use her dishes.
I’m not a clean freak, and this is not my imagination. A friend of hers contacted me to tell me she was concerned about Mom because she doesn’t seem to notice how dirty her house is or that her food is spoiled. I’m embarrassed for her.
I’ve tried to talk to my mother about this many times in the past, but she just doesn’t get it. I have had her carpets shampooed and brought in professionals to do deep cleaning. How can I tell her I can’t stay with her any longer?
GROSSED-OUT DAUGHTER IN MARYLAND

DEAR DAUGHTER: Tell your mother that you love her, and you have been concerned for years about her living conditions, which is why you hired professional cleaners periodically to help her. Delivering the message that you will be staying in a hotel when you visit is the least of your problems. Clearly, she needs more help than you can give her.
I, too, am concerned about the fact she doesn’t know the food in her refrigerator has spoiled, and for that reason, I’m suggesting you discuss this with a social worker in the town where your mother resides. She may need someone to check on her regularly, ensure that her kitchen and fridge are kept clean and grocery shop for her. Believe me, you and your mother both have my sympathy.
***
Good advice for everyone — teens to seniors — is in “The Anger in All of Us and How to Deal With It.” To order, send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 to: Dear Abby, Anger Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447.

RSS Feed

ERIN LaSALLE DRUMMOND

Regions Bank offers fee break for hurricane victims

House passes penalties for cutting police force funding

Morgan City police radio logs for Oct. 12-13

Morgan City police radio logs for Oct. 12-13

Jim Brown: Gov. Foster left a legacy in La. insurance

Jeremy Alford: More government COVID response will require some patience

16 more COVID cases, two deaths in local parishes

FDA announces Sunshine Mills nationwide dog food recall

Perfect guy on the outside becomes abusive at home

Pages

ST. MARY NOW

Site Links