RSS Feed

Morgan City Council candidates make their case at Chamber forum

Tue, 10/13/2020 - 12:50pm

BILL DECKER

Morgan City voters got a look Monday at the five candidates for City Council in the Nov. 3 election, including two longtime incumbents and three people hoping to win elective office for the first time.
They appeared at a St. Mary Chamber forum at Morgan City Municipal Auditorium.
In District 3, incumbent Ron Bias is being challenged by Marcelle B. Hoskins and Julia “Blaze” Johnson. In District 5, Louis Tamporello Jr. is running for reelection against Jason Thomas Viator.
The other three incumbent councilmen, Mark Stephens, Tim Hymel and Steve Domangue, qualified without opposition.
They’ve signed up to guide Morgan City at a challenging time. The COVID-19 pandemic has added an economic burden to a parish already struggling because of the 6-year-old slump in energy prices. The 2020 Census is likely to show shrinking populations in municipalities across the parish.
Here are some highlights:
District 3
—Bias is nearing the end of his fourth term. Like the other candidates, he stressed the need for economic development.
“Basically we would need an overhaul of the whole city of Morgan City,” Bias said. “Can we do that? I don’t know.”
Bias came back repeatedly to the need for a larger tax base.
“Be mindful, I’m not saying raise taxes,” Bias said. “I’m saying grow taxes. …
“We need a bigger and better tax base. If we could solve that, a lot of these issues would fall in line.”
Bias said it’s important to communicate with local business people to see what their needs are. He said his work in the oil and gas industry as well as with the NAACP has made him able to talk with people “from the street level up to the Department of Justice.”
—Hoskins, who has served on the planning and zoning authority, stressed her ability to communicate.
She said she talks regularly with local residents, and “they want more here. They’re wanting places for people to go.”
Teens and families don’t have many places to go, she said.
“We’re lacking in all areas right now,” Hoskins said. “The blight in my area is devastating.”
The communication should extend to business people to see what their needs are, she said, including the need for affordable buildings.
She believes the city should begin to see to drainage needs during the winter so the city is ready for hurricane season.
Hoskins is a shop-local booster, and a booster generally, she said.
“Even after I leave the building,” Hoskins said, “I’m talking about Morgan City.”
—Johnson stressed the need to think outside the box.
She talked about a “perk” system that might provide incentives for shopping locally.
“I’d try something new, and a reward system always works …,” Johnson said.
“We have to make it more appealing to business. But we can’t let big chains step on the toes of local businesses.”
Asked about the qualities that would make her a good representative, Johnson said, “I like to challenge myself and others. … You have to know what you’re talking about. You have to be a fact-checker.”
District 5
—Tamporello, like Bias, is nearing the end of this fourth term.
Asked about the city’s biggest needs, he pointed to infrastructure, economic development and city revenue challenges.
“The biggest issue facing us right now is lack of revenue,” Tamporello said. “With money you can solve a lot of issues.”
In working with the council and other public service capacities, “I’ve learned how to negotiate with people to solve issues that come up in everyday life. …”
He said it’s important to keep in touch with the mayor and the city department heads to talk about problems with infrastructure, and to work with the mayor to obtain funding to fix the problems.
“I feel like I’m doing a good job,” Tamporello said. “I’ve learned it’s important to listen and to follow up. That’s the most important thing, following up.”
—Viator said it’s important to remember Morgan City’s advantages, its access to the water, a railroad, a nearby airport and a major highway.
“I think people have forgotten what Morgan City is all about,” said Viator, a high school teacher and soccer coach.
“The economy has been a big issue here for quite some time,” he said. “Families that have lived here forever are leaving.”
Local business needs support in the time of COVID-19, he said. “The best way to support local business here in Morgan City is to shop locally,” Viator said.
And “if 2020 has taught us anything, it’s that we have to start diversifying.”
He also pointed to the condition of local streets, which he said are in need of funding for repairs.

Hanson is small in numbers, but big on scoreboard against Morgan City High

Tue, 10/13/2020 - 12:47pm

GEOFF STOUTE

gstoute@daily-review.com

The Hanson Memorial Tigers, while not big in numbers, had plenty of firepower in their 58-6 victory against Morgan City in week 2 action in Morgan City Monday.
The young Morgan City squad, who was depleted by injuries, struggled to stop the Hanson ground game as well as the Tigers’ defense.
Morgan City High School coach Chris Stroud commended Hanson coach Bruce Hoffman and his team on their performance.
“They got a small squad,” Stroud said. “They don’t have great numbers. They’re not a very big team, physical-wise, and they just whipped our tails.”
While he said it wasn’t an excuse, Stroud said the Tigers have many injuries.
“We’re asking young freshmen, sophomores to step up, and they’re just not ready,” Stroud said after Monday’s game. “It falls on me. We got a Patterson game this Friday that’s going to be very tough again, so we got to get them in the treatment room tomorrow and see what we can come out with Friday.”
Morgan City (0-2) was limited to 31 yards offense (54 yards passing and minus-23 rushing).
Meanwhile, Hanson (2-0) had 280 yards of offense, 279 of those yards on the ground.
Eugene Foulcard led the Hanson ground game with 19 carries for 133 yards, while Donald Foulcard had five carries for 40 yards and three touchdowns.
Lawson St. Blanc added two touchdowns and Carson Doucet scored a touchdown on offense.
The Tigers also had touchdowns on defense and special teams as Loren Wells returned an interception nearly 30 yards for the Tigers’ first touchdown, while later in the first half, Hanson blocked a Morgan City punt, and Blake Miller recovered the loose football for a touchdown. Donald Foulcard’s 2-point run with 2:19 remaining in the half gave the Tigers a 22-0 lead. It was one of three two-point conversions for the Hanson Tiger Monday.
Hanson took a 30-0 lead into halftime, extended it to 45-0 at the end of the third quarter and led 51-0 in the fourth before Morgan City scored.
Morgan City’s touchdown came with 5:35 remaining, with Adrian Garrison connecting with Logan Linston on a 49-yard touchdown pass. Morgan City’s two-point conversion failed.
Hanson added one more touchdown on its ensuing drive as St. Blanc scored on a 7-yard run with 2:14 left, and St. Blanc made his second point-after attempt of the game.
For Morgan City, Garrison led the Tigers’ passing game as he completed 1 of 2 passes for 49 yards and a touchdown, while Linston was the team’s top receiver with one reception for 49 yards and a touchdown.
Morgan City will return to action Friday when it travels to face Patterson, while Hanson will return to action Friday when it hosts Thrive Academy.

House moves to limit fire marshal enforcement of COVID-19 rules

Tue, 10/13/2020 - 12:40pm

DAVID JACOBS, The Center Square

The Louisiana House of Representatives on Monday voted to suspend the state fire marshal’s ability to enforce restrictions imposed by Gov. John Bel Edwards’ administration intended to slow the spread of COVID-19.
House Concurrent Resolution 13 by Rep. Blake Miguez, who chairs his chamber’s Republican delegation, is one of several GOP-backed proposals to curb Edwards’ power to implement or enforce coronavirus mitigation rules, or to end the restrictions altogether.
Louisiana is currently in Phase 3 of the White House-approved restrictions meant to slow the spread of the new coronavirus. Under the order, many businesses are limited to 75% of their usual capacity, barrooms in many parts of the state are closed to on-premise service, and face coverings are required in public spaces.
The State Fire Marshal’s Office is responsible for enforcing those restrictions. HCR 13 would suspend those enforcement powers until the middle of next year, 60 days after the end of the regular session. Concurrent resolutions go into effect with a majority vote of the state House and Senate and do not require the governor’s signature.
Miguez said state officials and residents have “flattened the curve” of COVID-19 infections, so the restrictions no longer are necessary. He also said Edwards, a Democrat, has exceeded his proper emergency authority by, for example, instituting a mask mandate when no statute gives him the right to do so.
He said government’s proper role is to educate the public on how they can protect public health, not to dictate what people should do.
“Individuals are responsible for their own public health,” Miguez said.
Rep. Stephanie Hilferty, a Metairie Republican, said the Fire Marshal has worked to help businesses comply with the rules and has not shut anyone down. Other lawmakers said the restrictions helped Louisiana get the pandemic under control and worried about what will happen if the rules are lifted or watered down.
Similar measures target the enforcement powers of the state health department and the office of alcohol and tobacco control. The House Judiciary Committee on Monday advanced House Concurrent Resolution 8 that seeks to suspend the ATC office’s ability to enforce COVID-19 restrictions.
Matthew Block, Edwards’ executive counsel, said that while legislators have the ability to suspend the statute granting the ATC its enforcement powers, they don’t have the ability to amend their powers as it relates to one area.
“A law is either suspended or it’s not,” Block said.
But Rep. Alan Seabaugh, a Shreveport Republican, says the fact that the constitution does not explicitly say the legislature can’t partially suspend a law means they can. The committee advanced the resolution with an 8-4 vote.
The measure now moves to the state Senate.

ANDREW F. 'ANDY' RATCLIFF SR.

Tue, 10/13/2020 - 12:38pm

April 7, 1944 — October 12, 2020
Andrew F. “Andy” Ratcliff Sr., 76, a resident of Morgan City, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 12, 2020, at Ochsner St. Mary in Morgan City, surrounded by his loving family.
Andy was born on April 7, 1944, in Berwick, the son of Alfred Ratcliff and Ada Adams Ratcliff.
Andy worked for Mobil Oil for many years as a crane operator and yard foreman. When Andy wasn’t working, he enjoyed going hunting or fishing. He loved his family and cherished every moment that he was able to spend with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his wife of 55 years, Diana LaCoste Ratcliff of Morgan City; three sons, Andrew “Andy” Ratcliff Jr. and companion Donna Bernier, Jesse “Alfie” Ratcliff, and Paul Ratcliff and wife Michelle, all of Morgan City; five grandchildren, Jessica Leger and husband Stephen, Austin Ratcliff and wife Carlie, Andrew Ratcliff III and wife Courtney, Kayla Aucoin and husband Devin, and Chase Boudreaux and wife Stacy; eight great-grandchildren, Preslie, Aleya, Brenlie, Ryut, Rylan, McKinley, Havyn and Aurora; and numerous sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews.
Andy was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Ada Adams Ratcliff; daughter-in-law, Brenda Vandenberg Ratcliff; godchild, Herbert LaCoste; and mother- and father-in-law, Mamie and Jesse LaCoste.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers will be Andrew Ratcliff Jr., Alfie Ratcliff, Paul Ratcliff, Austin Ratcliff, Andrew Ratcliff III and Stephen Leger.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, October 14, 2020, at Pharr Chapel United Methodist Church with Pastor Ann Sutton officiating. A visitation will be held from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Tuesday, October 13, 2020, at Twin City Funeral Home with the visitation resuming from 9 a.m. until the time of the service on Wednesday at Pharr Chapel Church. Following the services Andy will be laid to rest in the Morgan City Cemetery.

Wheel House for Oct. 13

Tue, 10/13/2020 - 12:35pm

SACRED HEART
Thrift Store, corner of Second Street and South Railroad, Morgan City, open 8:30 to 11 a.m. Wednesday and Thursday, through October, with all clothing and shoes 10 cents; other items half-priced or 25 cents; and all Halloween items individually priced. After closing Oct. 29 for cleaning and restocking, store will have fall and winter clothing at regular prices. All proceeds benefit people in need.

16 COVID cases, no deaths in local parishes

Tue, 10/13/2020 - 12:32pm

Sixteen new COVID-19 cases were reported at midday Tuesday for St. Mary and St. Martin parishes by the Louisiana Office of Public Health. No new fatalities were reported locally.

Seven new COVID-19 cases in St. Mary raise the total to 1,979 since the pandemic began.

Nine new cases were reported in St. Martin, where the pandemic case total is now 2,140.

Assumption's case count was adjusted downward by two to 774.

The death tolls remain the same: 81 in St. Mary, 61 in St. Martin and 24 in Assumption:

Statewide:

--653 new cases raise the pandemic case count to 172,801.

--10 newly reported deaths raise the toll to 5,486.

--4 fewer COVID-positive people were in hospitals for a total of 573.

--2 fewer people are on ventilators for a total of 68.

October Senior Feeding

Tue, 10/13/2020 - 12:03pm

Horns honked loudly as cars, trucks, jeeps turned onto the corner of 1440 Chenault St. in Morgan City. Old friends began to greet each other with smiling hellos. A
total of 220 meals were served to the seniors of Morgan City and surrounding areas.
Residents continuously drove by for their dinners and to say hello to the familiar faces they know so well. The meals were prepared, served, and distributed by St. Mary Community Action Agency staff members, and volunteers (Mikel Clark, Henry Davis, Ms. Sarah, Lou Campos, Alisha Robicheaux, Loretta Hatcher, Marcelle B. Hoskins, and Donald Nichols).
]Each of the individuals made the “Drive By” process smooth and flawless. Seniors receiving their meals were grateful despite not socializing due to COVID-19. restrictions. Almetra J. Franklin, CEO, said, “ I think every client is important and special. Each of them makes a thread in the cloth that comprises St. Mary Parish and surrounding areas.” She said, “ I have a special place in my heart for our children and our seniors because they need the most love and just want to know they are still loved. Franklin added, it is joyful to provide our seniors an outlet to “ get away” even if it is only for a short time

Traffic stop leads to arrest on meth charges

Tue, 10/13/2020 - 11:51am

Morgan City police made a traffic stop Saturday that resulted in the seizure of methamphetamine ready for sale and marijuana, Chief James F. Blair said.
--Jeremy Olivier, 41, Railroad Avenue, Morgan City, was arrested at 4:44 p.m. Saturday on charges of no turn sig-nal, driving under suspension, possession of marijuana and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

Olivier was stopped after he was seen by officers not using a turn signal. Officers spoke with Olivier and could smell marijuana coming from the vehicle.

Olivier admitted that he did have marijuana in the car. Officers searched the vehicle located the suspected mariju-ana along with suspected methamphetamine, which was packaged for sale.

Olivier was placed under arrest and transported to the Morgan City Police Department for booing. Olivier was also found to have a suspended driver's license.

Blair also reported these arrests:

—Harpreet Singh, 40, Victor II Boulevard, Morgan City, was arrested at 4:09 p.m. Thursday on a charge of re-maining after forbidden.

Singh was arrested after officers were called to a local business where Singh has been barred. Singh was placed under arrest and transported to the Morgan City Police Department for booking.

—Nicholas Levison, 30, Willow Street, Lafayette, was arrested at 8:28 p.m. Thursday on charges of possession of marijuana (first offense), possession of drug paraphernalia and obstructing public passages.

Officers were in the area of Front Street when they saw a vehicle sitting in the travel lane. Officers made contact with the driver identified as Levison.

During the investigation officers located suspected marijuana and drug paraphernalia in the vehicle. Levison was placed under arrest and transported to the Morgan City Police Department for booking.

—Gordon Helman, 50, Belanger Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 12:30 p.m. Friday on a warrant for failure to appear to pay probation fee, a warrant for theft under $1,000 and a charge of domestic abuse battery.

Officers were called to Federal Avenue due to a man and woman fighting. Officer located the subjects and during the investigation learned that Helman had struck the woman.

Helman was placed under arrest and officers learned of additional warrants for failure to appear in City Court and theft. The theft charge stemmed from an investigation into the theft of utilities at an Aucoin St. residence. Helman was transported to the Morgan City Police Department for booking.

—Terry Garrett, 64, Bowman Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 9:19 a.m. Saturday on a charge of driving under suspension.

An officer observed a driver commit a traffic violation in the area of Terrebonne Street. Upon stopping the vehicle and speaking with the driver it was learned that Garrett had a suspended driver’s license. Garrett was placed un-der arrest and transported to the Morgan City Police Department for booking.

—Andrew Leger, 18, Henry Street, Patterson, was arrested at 5:55 p.m. Saturday on a charge of simple battery.

—Prism Lopez, 23, Shelby Road, Pierre Part, was arrested at 5:55 p.m. Saturday on two counts of simple battery.

—Donavon Davis, 18, Short Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 5:55 p.m. Saturday on a charge of simple battery.

Officers were called to Cypress Street due to a physical altercation. During the investigation, it was learned that after a verbal disagreement between neighbors, Leger attacked the other subject. That subject pushed Leger back and attempted to get away from him.

Leger attacked a second time, during which the victim was able to pin him to the ground. Davis then attempted to pull the victim from holding Leger down, at which time Lopez stuck the victim and another subject who was attempting to help.

Leger, Davis, and Lopez were placed under arrest and transported to the Morgan City Police Department for book-ing.

St. Mary Parish Sheriff Blaise Smith reported these arrests:

—Fernando Rosales III, 21, Eureka Drive, Gray, was arrested at 8:53 p.m. Saturday on charges of possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. Rosales was released on a summons to appear Jan. 7.

—Demarcus Tramaine Skipper, 25, Fifth Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 7:31 p.m. Sunday on a charge of violation of protective orders. Bail was set at $2,500.

—Zachary Allen Hebert, 23, Laura Drive, Patterson, was arrested at 10:31 p.m. Sunday on charges of possession of Schedule II drugs, resisting an officer, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of Schedule II drugs.

Hebert was also arrested on two warrants for failure to appear on the charges of possession of buprenorphine hydrochloride and possession of Schedule I (heroin) with intent to distribute. No bail has been set.

—Gregg Anthony Vesh, 59, Moon Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 10:31 p.m. for possession of Schedule II drugs and resisting arrest or officer. No bail has been set.

Morgan City police radio logs for Oct. 8-12

Tue, 10/13/2020 - 11:46am

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.
Thursday, Oct. 8
7:10 a.m. 1700 block of Federal Avenue; Disturbance.
8:07 a.m. 300 block of Garber Street; Disturb-ance.
8:18 a.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Alarm.
8:39 a.m. 1100 block of Marguerite Street; Removal of subject.
8:54 a.m. 100 block of Youngswood Road; Alarm.
9:09 a.m. 300 block of Garber Street; Com-plaint.
9:19 a.m. 200 block of Wren Street; Animal complaint.
10:45 a.m. 400 block of Brashear Avenue; Complaint.
11:13 a.m. 1000 block of Brashear Avenue; Removal of subject.
11:35 a.m. 1300 block of Federal Avenue; Alarm.
11:55 a.m. 800 block of North Everett Street; Theft.
11:58 a.m. 500 block of Roderick Street; Removal of subject.
1:18 p.m. 1300 block of Walnut Drive; Welfare concern.
1:18 p.m. 700 block of General Hodges Street; Criminal damage to property.
1:35 p.m. 200 block of Wren Street; Juvenile problem.
2:44 p.m. 900 block of Duke Street; Theft.
3:10 p.m. La. 182; Crash.
4:05 p.m. 7200 block of La. 182; Arrest.
6:21 p.m. Arizona and Greenwood streets; Animal complaint.
6:58 p.m. 500 block of Terrebonne Street; Animal complaint.
7:09 p.m. 900 block of Second Street; Arrest.
7:27 p.m. Lakeside Subdivision; Juvenile problem.
8:06 p.m. 1000 block of Brashear Avenue; Suspicious person.
8:30 p.m. 1400 block of Railroad Avenue; Medical.
9:01 p.m. 300 block of Egle Street; Intoxicated people.
9:30 p.m. Morgan City Police Department; Lost/found property.
9:56 p.m. 1200 block of Victor II Boulevard; Suspicious person.
10:51 p.m. U.S. 90 West; Assistance.
11 p.m. 1000 block of Second Street; Suspi-cious person.
11:18 p.m. Garber and Apple streets; Suspicious activity.
Friday, Oct. 9
1:28 a.m. 1500 block of North First Street; Medical.
8:18 a.m. 6400 block of La. 182; 911 hang up.
9:16 a.m. 1000 block of Palm Street; Animal.
11:07 a.m. 7200 block of La. 182; Disturbance.
11:31 a.m. 500 block of Bowman Street; Complaint.
11:33 a.m. 600 block of Brashear Avenue; Complaint.
11:47 a.m. 1100 block of Marguerite Street; Alarm.
11:55 a.m. 7400 block of La. 182; Complaint.
12:02 p.m. 1100 block of Marguerite Street; 911 hang up.
12:16 p.m. Federal Avenue and Aucoin Street; Disturbance.
1:20 p.m. 1600 block of Chatsworth Drive; Animal.
1:58 p.m. 2400 block of Apple Street; Medical.
2:28 p.m. Federal and Railroad avenues; Traffic incident.
3:59 p.m. 1000 block of La. 70; Disturbance.
4:20 p.m. 400 block of Fourth Street; Frequent Patrols.
6:38 p.m. 1000 block of Belanger Street; Theft.
7:02 p.m. 7300 block of La. 182; Alarm.
9:26 p.m. 600 block of Shannon Street; Resi-dential burglary.
10:50 p.m. 1400 block of Federal Avenue; Complaint.
Saturday, Oct. 10
7:46 a.m. 3000 block of Diane Drive; Utilities.
9:57 a.m. 7300 block of La. 182; 911 hang up.
10:21 a.m. 100 block of Railroad Avenue; Theft.
10:31 a.m. 7500 block of La. 182; Disturbance.
10:48 a.m. 600 block of Martin Luther King Boulevard; Disturbance.
11:01 a.m. 100 block of Youngswood Road; Alarm.
12:13 p.m. 500 block of Brashear Avenue; Theft.
12:16 p.m. 800 block of Ditch Avenue; Animal.
12:37 p.m. 1400 block of Federal Avenue; Disturbance.
1:19 p.m. 2000 block of Keith Street; Loud music.
2:13 p.m. 500 block of Garber Street; Disturb-ance.
2:20 p.m. 900 block of Seventh Street; Com-plaint.
3:23 p.m. 700 block of General Hodges Street; Criminal damage to property.
3:45 p.m. 1100 block of Marguerite Street; Assistance.
5:57 p.m. 600 block of Martin Luther King Boulevard; Suspicious subject.
6:07 p.m. 600 block of Freret Street; Medical emergency/deceased.
7:16 p.m. 1000 block of Third Street; Lost/found property.
7:43 p.m. Sixth and General Hodges streets area; Assist.
8:39 p.m. 6200 block of La. 182; Stand by St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office.
8:58 p.m. 500 block of Aucoin Street; Loud music.
9:20 p.m. 900 block of Sixth Street; Complaint.
10:44 p.m. 700 block of Duke Street; Suspicious subject.
11 p.m. 500 block of Bowman Street; Com-plaint.
11:14 p.m. James Street/Siracusa; Be on the lookout.
11:43 p.m. 500 block of Sixth Street; Disturb-ance.
Sunday, Oct. 11
12:40 a.m. 1200 block of David Drive; Hang up call.
1:32 a.m. 1000 block of Brashear Avenue; Fire alarm.
3:20 a.m. 800 block of Ditch Avenue; Assist.
4:40 a.m. 6400 block of La. 182; Alarm.
8:46 a.m. Fifth and Grove streets; Traffic hazard.
10:23 a.m. 1000 block of Third Street; Theft.
10:57 a.m. 700 block of Everett Street; Disturbance.
10:58 a.m. 700 block of First Street; Medical.
12:07 p.m. 300 block of Aycock Street; Alarm.
12:24 p.m. 7200 block of La. 182; Disturbance.
12:58 p.m. 7900 block of La. 182; Alarm.
1:12 p.m. 1100 block of Ninth Street; Alarm.
2:36 p.m. 7000 block of La. 182; Suspicious person.
3:26 p.m. 700 block of Fifth Street; Disturb-ance.
5:01 p.m. 2400 block of Cypress Street; Disturbance.
5:44 p.m. 7200 block of La. 182; Complaint.
5:57 p.m. 200 block of Belanger Street; Medical emergency.
6:45 p.m. Redwood Street and Victor II Boulevard area; Juve-niles.
6:47 p.m. Brashear Avenue near Shannon; Complaint.
8:17 p.m. Front Street area ; Dog found.
8:21 p.m. 6300 block of La. 182; Complaint.
8:50 p.m. 300 block of Bush Street; Animal complaint.
9:52 p.m. Joseph Street/Siracusa; Disturbance.
10:26 p.m. 200 block of Belanger Street; Disturbance.
Monday, Oct. 12
1:02 a.m. 600 block of General Patton Street; Remove a subject.
2:05 a.m. Myrtle Street and U.S. 90 area; Check building.

14 new COVID cases, one death since Friday in local parishes

Mon, 10/12/2020 - 3:28pm

Fourteen new COVID-19 cases and one death were reported between midday Friday and midday Monday in St. Mary and Assumption parishes. St. Martin's case count was adjusted downward by one.

St. Mary had 10 new COVID-19 cases in the three days, raising its total since the pandemic began to 1,972. The one death reported for St. Mary raised the toll here to 81.

Assumption had four new cases for a total of 776.

St. Martin's case count was reduced by one to 2,131.

Twenty-four Assumption people have died of COVID-related causes during the pandemic, and 61 have died in St. Martin.

Statewide since Friday:

--1,241 new cases raised the total to 172,119.

--34 newly reported deaths raised the toll to 5,476.

--5 fewer COVID-positive people are in hospitals for a total of 577.

--8 fewer people are on ventilators for a total of 70.