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Hurricane Delta's track shifts further west

Thu, 10/08/2020 - 1:00pm

GEOFF STOUTE

Hurricane Delta has shifted further west and now is projected to make landfall Friday evening near Grand Cheniere in Cameron Parish as a Category 2 hurricane
As of 10 a.m. Thursday, it was moving northwest at 14 mph with maximum sustained winds of 105 mph.
While it is expected to strengthen to a Category 3 storm either late Thursday or early Friday, it still is anticipated to make landfall as a Category 2 hurricane, Roger Erickson of the National Weather Service said Thursday.
In St. Mary Parish, storm surge issues on the west end of the parish still is expected to be at least as bad at Laura, while residents were urged to remain cautious.
“A tornado can drop out of any of these things and wipe you out, so y’all need to be mindful of that,” St. Mary Parish Office of Emergency Preparedness Director David Naquin said.
Mandatory evacuations are in effect, as of noon Thursday, for areas south of the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, west of the Wax Lake Outlet to the Iberia Parish line. This includes the Cypremort and Burns Point areas. A voluntary evacuation also has been issued for the parish’s west side beginning at noon.
If residents elect to leave in areas where mandatory evacuations have not been called, they are urged to do so Thursday.
However, Naquin said if residents can handle power outages for a few days, then they should be OK to stay.
“If you stay home, stay home,” Naquin said. “Don’t be driving the roads, doing your sightseeing so you can get on CNN with your phone. OK? That’s what’s going to happen. I know it, and it just gets in everybody’s way.”
St. Mary and St. Martin parishes are expected to receive tropical storm force winds beginning midday Friday and continuing until Friday evening.
Erickson said in his Thursday morning update that not as much emphasis is being placed on spot flooding on U.S. 90 now as it was Wednesday afternoon, but areas south or west of U.S. 90 in St. Mary Parish such as Burns and Cypremort points still are areas of concern.
As for flood protection enhancements, St. Mary Parish Levee District Operations Manager Mike Brocato Jr. said all emergency projects would be complete by day’s end. He said Bayou Teche is sealed with sheet pilings at the site of the future flood protection structure, while levee protection on Industrial Road has been raised to a 7 foot elevation. The levee district also is closing the north and south ends of Bayou Sale, Brocato said.
Brocato said the high-water peak will be sometime late Friday or early Saturday.

Voluntary evacuation for large part of west St. Mary

Thu, 10/08/2020 - 12:46pm

St. Mary Parish authorities are calling for a voluntary evacuation for the parish west of the Calumet Cut to the Iberia Parish.

Hurricane Delta is expected to bring a storm surge of 7-11 feet to this area Friday.

The St. Mary Levee District has taken two extraordinary steps to deal with west end storm surge flooding since Tuesday. The district declared an emergency Tuesday and authorized $118,000 for work designed to keep water from moving out of the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway and into the Bayou Sale area southwest of Centerville.

The district also moved to install sheet piles at the unfinished Bayou Teche Flood Control Project near Baldwin.

The project is designed to allow a barge to be moved into a 70-foot opening in a new flood wall, blocking storm surge moving up the Charenton Canal from entering the bayou. But the barge isn't in place yet. The piles are being used to fill the opening.

26 new COVID cases, one death in Thursday report

Thu, 10/08/2020 - 12:19pm

Three local parishes had 26 newly reported COVID-19 cases and one fatality in the 24 hours leading to midday Thursday, according to the Louisiana Office of Public Health.

Meanwhile, state hospitalizations rose for the third time in four days.

St. Mary has four new cases for a total of 1,962 since the pandemic began. The death reported Thursday was a St. Mary resident. Seventy-nine St. Mary people have died from COVID-related causes.

St. Martin has 15 new cases Thursday for a total of 2,131. Assumption has seven new cases for a total of 774.

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

Statewide:

--526 new cases raise the pandemic total to 170,621.

--5 newly reported fatalities raise the toll to 5,416.

--17 more COVID-positive people are hospitalized for a total of 564.

--8 more people are on ventilators for a total of 79.

Restore for more than before with energy-saving repairs

Thu, 10/08/2020 - 8:26am

By CLAUDETTE REICHEL, LSU AgCenter Housing Specialist

If your home is damaged by a hurricane this season, the tremendous work, expense and stress can mean a daunting and difficult ordeal ahead. But it is possible to extract a silver lining from this disaster. If you restore for more than before, you can return to a better home.
Take control of your future by making your home more resilient for the next hurricane and more comfortable while saving money on utility bills with energy-saving home improvements. It’s a great investment to upgrade when restoring, even if your insurance won’t cover the incremental cost.
—Restore gutted walls, ceilings and floors with higher-R value insulation installed with no gaps, voids or compression. If rebuilding, consider adding exterior continuous insulation panels.
—Air seal the entire enclosure of your living space, especially at the ceiling, to stop air leaks. Uncontrolled air leaks can cause discomfort, higher energy costs and moisture problems, and sometimes draw in pollutants from attics or crawl spaces.
—If you have central air conditioning and/or heat, have your ductwork leak-tested and sealed as airtight as possible. Or locate all the ductwork and equipment within the conditioned space. A properly executed, unvented (sealed) attic with spray foam insulation at the roofline is one way to do that. And it offers the fringe benefits of no risk of wind-driven rain during a storm and tends to result in less home air leakage.
—Replace any damaged or worn out cooling and heating systems, windows, doors, appliances, electronics and lighting with Energy Star-labeled models. Compare the yellow Energy Guide labels on appliances before buying.
—Include sun control strategies to cut summer heat gain, such as shade landscaping, new windows with an SHGC rating of 0.25 or lower, solar film or screens on older windows, awnings and light exterior colors. Consider installing a radiant barrier under the rafters of a vented attic with the shiny side down, or replace damaged roof decking with foil-faced decking.
See the www.LSUAgCenter.com/LaHouse publications link to find “Improve Your Home and Prosper” for more energy saving home improvement information and “Building Your High Performance Home: Gulf Region Homeowners Guide” if you are rebuilding. Both are tailored to our climate. Also see www.energystar.gov and basc.pnnl.gov for more guidance, especially to create an energy-efficient home without causing moisture or health problems.
Learn about resilient, high-performance home construction and restoration by exploring the LSU AgCenter LaHouse Resource Center demonstration home on the LSU campus in Baton Rouge. It is an educational showcase of solutions for the Southern climate and natural hazards. It is temporarily closed due to the pandemic, but you can see tour videos, building system videos and home improvement videos on its website and YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/myLaHouse).

Man’s internet addiction makes woman a social media widow

Thu, 10/08/2020 - 8:19am

By Jeanne Phillips, ©United Features Syndicate

DEAR ABBY: I realize that social media is a big part of today’s world, and I have no problem with someone using it to stay in contact with family and friends. But at what point is it deemed an addiction?
My significant other spends hours every day scrolling through his Facebook and Twitter pages. I have tried discussing it with him, but it becomes an argument. Now I just sit in the same room with him, silent and waiting until it’s my turn for his attention. How can I get him to realize how isolated from him it makes me feel and that my presence doesn’t seem to be needed? Should I just accept that he’s an addict and move on?
OFFLINE IN FLORIDA

DEAR OFFLINE: Something becomes an addiction when it causes a disruption in one’s life. Your significant other isn’t the first person to have been seduced by the internet. He may argue with you because he doesn’t realize the amount of time he spends glued to his screen.
Try this: Quietly clock the time he’s on FB and Twitter for one week. Afterward, ask him if he realizes how much time he is spending there. He may be shocked when you read him the number of hours. That’s the time to express how isolated and unneeded this has made you feel. He may be willing to install an app that signals when the time limit he has allotted himself is up.
Discuss making a “date” for the two of you to get out of the house as a couple on a regular basis — without devices — to take a walk, go to the park or have socially distanced coffee somewhere, which may interrupt his habit and enable you to enjoy some time together when you are both fully present. But if he isn’t interested, you may have to decide if you want to continue being his lady-in-waiting.

DEAR ABBY: Is it rude or disrespectful for someone to change their first name? I’m in my early 30s and have wanted to change mine my whole life. I changed the spelling of my name when I was 12, and my parents legally changed it for me when I was a teenager. But I still don’t like the name, and I cringe whenever I hear it.
Because it’s a common name for someone my age, I’m sure most people won’t understand if I change it. While I respect the effort my parents put into selecting a name for me, I don’t want to be stuck with this one for the rest of my life. I don’t want to cause hurt feelings. However, I’m ultimately the one who has to live with it.
Should I do what feels right for me, or must I accept the negative feelings and the disconnect I have toward the name to spare my family’s feelings?
DISCONNECTED OUT WEST

DEAR DISCONNECTED: Many people change their name(s) for various reasons. If you feel the need to do it in order to be a more authentic version of yourself, go for it. Assuming you have told your parents how you feel about your first name, I doubt they’ll be any more upset about it than they were when they helped you change its spelling as a teenager.
A word of caution, however. The process may take more time than you would like because the pandemic has slowed the court system considerably. Also, once you change your name, you will need to change it on all official identifying documents, such as your driver’s license, insurance documents, passport, etc., which can be time-consuming.
***
For everything you need to know about wedding planning, order “How to Have a Lovely Wedding.” Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 to: Dear Abby, Wedding Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447.

ELTON 'GULLEY' TAYLOR

Thu, 10/08/2020 - 4:57am

July 21, 1938 - October 4, 2020

Elton “Gulley” Taylor, a longtime resident of Patterson, passed away at the age of 82 in the evening hours of Sunday, October 4, 2020, at his home following a lengthy illness.

Gulley was born in Farmerville in Union Parish on July 21, 1938, the first of five children born to Prentice and Virginia Taylor. He was a veteran of the United States Army having honorably served his country from 1961 to 1963. A man of few words, Gulley had a quiet nature and forged a lifelong career nurturing children as an educator and coach. He taught at Berwick High from 1963 until 1976 at which time he became Principal of Berwick Jr. High, serving for twelve years. In 1988 he went to Patterson Jr. High until retiring from teaching in 1998. Being a coach, it was no doubt that Gulley was an avid sports fan. That love of sports drove him as a dedicated supporter of all the local school sporting events, rarely missing a game. Not one to be idle, following retirement for the school system Gulley went to work for the Atchafalaya Golf Course and Kemper Williams Park until retiring once again due to health reasons. Aside from school, Gulley was also an active member of the Knights of Columbus Patterson Council 1710, of which he served as a past Grand Knight, as well as being an active supporter of the Boy Scouts Patterson Troop 41. He was also a longtime parishioner of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Patterson and enjoyed assisting with the Bereavement Committee. A man accustomed to serving others in whatever way he could, his presence on this side of eternity will surely be missed.

Those he leaves to cherish his memory include four sons, Alan Taylor and his wife Jennifer of Patterson, Dean Taylor and his wife Jennifer of Youngsville, Brad Taylor and his wife Karen of Lafayette, and Ryan Taylor and his wife Michelle of Berwick; seven grandchildren, Amanda, Rebecca, Kendal, Lauren, Blake, Shelby, and Ivy; Three sisters, Hope Alford and her husband Wayne of Farmerville, Nelwyn Morris and her husband Michael of Pride, and Jenny Griffin and her husband Edward of Roanoke, VA; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 49 years, Anna Ruth Guillot Taylor; his parents, Theron Prentice Taylor and Eunice Virginia Aulds Taylor; and one brother, Jord Gray Taylor.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, October 13, 2020, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Patterson during an 11:00 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial. Following the Mass, Gulley will be laid to rest in the St. Joseph Cemetery Mausoleum. Father Michael Russo will be the Celebrant for the Mass and conduct the services. Serving as pallbearers will be his four sons, Alan, Dean, Brad, and Ryan Taylor, his brother-in-law, Michael Morris, and his nephew, David Allelo. Honorary pallbearers will be his grandsons, Kendal and Blake Taylor, and his brothers-in-law, Wayne Alford and Edward Griffin.

A gathering of family and friends will be held Monday, October 12, at Ibert’s Mortuary in Patterson from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m., with the Holy Rosary being prayed at 7:00 p.m., led by the Knights of Columbus Patterson Council 1710.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that you please consider contributions to Knights of Columbus Patterson Council 1710, PO Box 1017, Patterson, LA 70392, or to St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1011 First Street, Patterson, LA 70392, or to a favorite charity of your choice.

Family and friends may view the obituary online by visiting www.iberts.com and are encouraged to share their condolences, cherished memories, love, and support for the family.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Ibert's Mortuary, Inc., 1111 Lia St., Patterson, LA 70392, (985) 395-7873.

4 P.M. FRIDAY: Hurricane Delta approaches La. coast

Thu, 10/08/2020 - 4:36am

BULLETIN
Hurricane Delta Advisory Number 21
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL AL262020
400 PM CDT Fri Oct 09 2020

...DELTA TO MAKE LANDFALL ON THE SOUTHWESTERN LOUISIANA COAST
DURING THE NEXT FEW HOURS...
...HURRICANE CONDITIONS AND A LIFE-THREATENING STORM SURGE EXPECTED
IN THE LANDFALL AREA...

SUMMARY OF 400 PM CDT...2100 UTC...INFORMATION
----------------------------------------------
LOCATION...29.3N 93.2W
ABOUT 35 MI...55 KM S OF CAMERON LOUISIANA
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...105 MPH...165 KM/H
PRESENT MOVEMENT...NNE OR 15 DEGREES AT 14 MPH...22 KM/H
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...966 MB...28.53 INCHES

WATCHES AND WARNINGS
--------------------
CHANGES WITH THIS ADVISORY:

None.

SUMMARY OF WATCHES AND WARNINGS IN EFFECT:

A Storm Surge Warning is in effect for...
* High Island Texas to the Mouth of the Pearl River including
Calcasieu Lake, Vermilion Bay, and Lake Borgne

A Hurricane Warning is in effect for...
* High Island Texas to Morgan City Louisiana

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for...
* West of High Island to Sargent Texas
* East of Morgan City Louisiana to the mouth of the Pearl River,
including New Orleans
* Lake Pontchartrain and Lake Maurepas

A Storm Surge Warning means there is a danger of life-threatening
inundation, from rising water moving inland from the coastline,
during the next 36 hours in the indicated locations. For a depiction
of areas at risk, please see the National Weather Service Storm
Surge Watch/Warning Graphic, available at hurricanes.gov. This is a
life-threatening situation. Persons located within these areas
should take all necessary actions to protect life and property from
rising water and the potential for other dangerous conditions.
Promptly follow evacuation and other instructions from local
officials.

A Hurricane Warning means that hurricane conditions are expected
somewhere within the warning area. A warning is typically issued 36
hours before the anticipated first occurrence of tropical-storm-
force winds, conditions that make outside preparations difficult or
dangerous. Preparations to protect life and property should be
rushed to completion.

A Tropical Storm Warning means that tropical storm conditions are
expected somewhere within the warning area.

For storm information specific to your area, including possible
inland watches and warnings, please monitor products issued by your
local National Weather Service forecast office.

DISCUSSION AND OUTLOOK
----------------------
At 400 PM CDT (2100 UTC), the center of Hurricane Delta was located
near latitude 29.3 North, longitude 93.2 West. Delta is moving
toward the north-northeast near 14 mph (22 km/h), and this motion is
expected to continue through Saturday morning. A motion toward the
northeast is then expected through Sunday night. On the forecast
track, the center of Delta should make landfall along the coast of
southwestern Louisiana during the next few hours, and then move
across central and northeastern Louisiana tonight and Saturday
morning. After that time, the system is forecast to moves across
northern Mississippi into the Tennessee Valley.

Maximum sustained winds are near 105 mph (165 km/h) with higher
gusts. Some weakening is possible before landfall, with rapid
weakening expected after landfall. Delta is forecast to weaken to
a tropical storm tonight and to a tropical depression on Saturday.

Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 40 miles (65 km) from the
center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 160 miles
(260 km). The Texas Coastal Ocean Observation Network station at
Texas Point recently reported sustained winds of 62 mph (100 km/h)
and a wind gust of 78 mph (126 km/h). The National Ocean Service
station at Calcasieu Pass, Louisiana, recently reported sustained
winds of 53 mph (85 km/h) and a wind gust of 64 mph (104 km/h).

The estimated minimum central pressure is 966 mb (28.53 inches).
The National Ocean Service station at Calcasieu Pass recently
reported a pressure of 983.8 mb (29.05 inches).

HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND
----------------------
Key messages for Delta can be found in the Tropical Cyclone
Discussion under AWIPS header MIATCDAT1, WMO header WTNT41
KNHC, and on the web at www.hurricanes.gov/text/MIATCDAT1.shtml.

STORM SURGE: The combination of a dangerous storm surge and the
tide will cause normally dry areas near the coast to be flooded by
rising waters moving inland from the shoreline. The water could
reach the following heights above ground somewhere in the indicated
areas if the peak surge occurs at the time of high tide...

Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge, LA to Morgan City, LA including
Vermilion Bay...7-11 ft
Holly Beach, LA to Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge, LA...5-8 ft
Morgan City, LA to Port Fourchon, LA...4-6 ft
Sabine Pass to Holly Beach, LA...3-5 ft
Calcasieu Lake...2-4 ft
High Island, TX to Sabine Pass...2-4 ft
Port Fourchon, LA to the Mouth of the Pearl River...2-4 ft
Lake Borgne...2-4 ft
Lake Pontchartrain and Lake Maurepas...1-3 ft
Mouth of the Pearl River, LA to the AL/FL border including Mobile
Bay...1-3 ft
Sabine Lake...1-3 ft
Port O'Connor, TX to High Island, TX including Galveston Bay...
1-3 ft

The deepest water will occur along the immediate coast near and to
the east of the landfall location, where the surge will be
accompanied by large and dangerous waves. Surge-related flooding
depends on the relative timing of the surge and the tidal cycle,
and can vary greatly over short distances. For information
specific to your area, please see products issued by your local
National Weather Service forecast office.

WIND: Hurricane conditions are expected within the hurricane
warning area during the next few hours, with tropical storm
conditions already occuring. Tropical storm conditions will
continue to spread onshore within portions of the tropical storm
warning areas during the next several hours.

RAINFALL: Today through Saturday, Delta is expected to produce 5 to
10 inches of rain, with isolated maximum totals of 15 inches, from
southwest into central Louisiana. These rainfall amounts will lead
to significant flash, urban, small stream flooding, along with minor
to major river flooding.

For extreme east Texas into northern Louisiana, southern Arkansas,
and western Mississippi, Delta is expected to produce 3 to 6 inches
of rain, with isolated maximum totals of 10 inches. These rainfall
amounts will lead to flash, urban, small stream, and isolated minor
river flooding.

As the remnants of Delta move farther inland, 1 to 3 inches of rain,
with locally higher amounts, are expected in the Tennessee Valley
and Mid Atlantic this weekend. There is a potential for 3 to 6
inches in the Southern Appalachians, which could lead to isolated
flash, urban, and small stream flooding.

TORNADOES: A few tornadoes are possible this afternoon through
tonight over southern portions of Louisiana and Mississippi.

SURF: Swells from Delta are affecting portions of the northern and
western Gulf coast. These swells are likely to cause life-
threatening surf and rip current conditions. Please consult
products from your local weather office.

NEXT ADVISORY
-------------
Next intermediate advisory at 700 PM CDT.

Assumption homicide suspect arrested in Houston

Wed, 10/07/2020 - 8:41pm

The suspect in an Assumption Parish shooting that killed one man and wounded an 11-year-old has been arrested in Houston, Sheriff Leland Falcon reported Wednesday.

Shontun Joseph,21, Freetown Lane, Belle Rose, was arrested as the result of a combined effort of the Assumption Parish Sheriff's Office and the U.S. Marshal's Office.

Joseph was wanted in connection with a shooting near Belle Rose on Sept. 24 that resulted in the death of Cameron R. Brooks, 21, Sumrall Drive, Baton Rouge.

As a result of this incident, the 11-year-old child and a man, 51, also received non-life-threatening gunshot wounds.

The Sheriff's Office will be engaged with local prosecutors and the state of Texas to return Joseph to this jurisdiction.

On his return to return to Assumption Parish, Joseph will be charged with second-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder, aggravated second-degree battery, aggravated criminal damage to property, aggravated assault with a firearm and illegal use of weapons or dangerous instrumentalities, Falcon said.

Falcon thanked the Marshal's Office for its assistance in apprehending Joseph.

Virtual learning only at Central Catholic on Thursday and Friday

Wed, 10/07/2020 - 8:30pm

Due to the current projected westward track of Hurricane Delta, Central Catholic School in Morgan City (PK3-12) will conduct classes via virtual learning Thursday and Friday.

Parents and students are to refer to the school’s communication system for specific information on adapted learning assignments, as well as for any other changes to scheduling, should changes be necessary, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux said in a press release.

In alignment with civil authorities in Lafourche and Terrebonne, Catholic schools in those parishes will conduct regular classroom instruction on Thursday, with a decision regarding Friday to be determined on Thursday.

School families should also monitor the diocesan website, social media and local news for additional information while monitoring the approaching storm.

JAMES LAWRENCE VINING

Wed, 10/07/2020 - 8:11pm

December 12, 1937 – October 3, 2020
James Lawrence Vining, a longtime resident of Garden City in St. Mary Parish, passed away at the age of 82 in the afternoon hours of Saturday, October 3, 2020.
James was born on December 12, 1937 in Grove, TX, and was the third of four children born to Rev. Lawrence and Leanore Vining. He was a man of faith with a resolve for compassion, loyalty and commitment to all. He loved and respected his parents very much and their positive influence was apparent in his 82 years which showed at every level with everyone whether you were family, friend or a new acquaintance. He retired from Southern Natural Gas with 37 years of service, held positions on the St. Mary Parish Waterworks District No. 5, and chaired several positions with the American Power Board Association (APBA).
Those he leaves to cherish his memory include his wife of 43 years, Roberta Robicheaux Vining; three children, David Vining and his wife Diane, Jimmy Vining and his wife Melanie, and Dawn V. Rentrop and her husband John; step-son, Randy Hollier and his wife Barbara; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Brenda and Junior Young; nine grandchildren, Heath Jones, Kayla Krell, Jonathan Vining, Haley Masterson, Emily Vining, Jimmy Vining II, Maxwell Vining, John Eric Rentrop, and Erin R. Albert; three step-grandchildren, Allen Hollier, Katie Hollier, and Christine Zaner; as well as numerous great grandchildren, step-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.
He was preceded in death by one son, Lyn Michael Vining; his children’s mother, Audree Lynn Fonteneau; his parents, Rev. Lawrence A. Vining and Leanore Hohensee Vining; and three siblings, Laverne V. Pennison, Betty V. Olivier, and Gary Vining.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, October 14, 2020, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Centerville during an 11:30 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial. Following the Mass, he will be laid to rest in the Franklin Cemetery. Father Joel Faulk will be the Celebrant for the Mass and conduct the services. A gathering of family and friends will be held in the church from 9:30 a.m. until time of service. Serving as pallbearers will be Heath Jones, John Eric Rentrop, Allen Hollier, Jonathan Vining, Jimmy Vining II, and Maxwell Vining.
For those wishing to make memorial contributions the family asks that you please consider St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, online at https:—www.stjude.org, by mail at 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or by phone at (800) 805-5856.
Family and friends may view the obituary online by visiting www.iberts.com and are encouraged to share their condolences, cherished memories, love, and support for the family.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Ibert’s Mortuary, Inc., 1007 Main Street, Franklin, La. 70538, (337) 828-5426.