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School Board: Under Phase Three, students return to schools daily beginning Sept. 28

Tue, 09/15/2020 - 5:45pm

From the St. Mary Parish School Board

On September 11, Governor Edwards announced that the state would move to Phase 3. Schools are now able to make significant adjustments in overall operations and return all students to campus for daily instruction.

Under Phase 2 restrictions, St. Mary Schools developed virtual programming, a hybrid schedule for grades 6- 12, and adhered to strict classroom and bus capacity levels. With the movement to Phase 3, buses can now transport students at 75% capacity and classrooms can accommodate a few more students with social distancing measures in place.

Beginning on Monday, September 28, all students in grades K-5 and those in grades 6-12 will attend school on a daily basis. The use of a hybrid schedule will be discontinued for grades 6-12 as Phase 3 parameters support a daily instructional schedule. Further, parents who have chosen an all-virtual option should contact the school to discuss possible Phase 3 alternatives that would best promote their child’s continued learning.

The school system is highly considerate of special circumstances facing families during this extraordinary time and seeks to maintain instructional consistency throughout the various phases instituted in response to the pandemic. St. Mary Schools strictly follows all guidance issued by the Office of Public Health, Louisiana Department of Education, and Centers for Disease Control regarding wellness protocols throughout its schools and offices. The movement to Phase 3 still requires that students participate in a wellness screening each morning, wash hands throughout the day, and adhere to social distancing and face coverings.

The district is confident that with the expanded Phase 3 parameters, students will remain in a safe learning environment that affords a daily instructional schedule aligned to student needs. The challenges of educating children in a time of ongoing change is a formidable task, but worth every effort to ensure that all students receive an exceptional education in St. Mary Parish. We look forward to a return to a more traditional inperson learning environment on Monday, September 28, 2020.

Morgan City police look for runaway boy

Tue, 09/15/2020 - 2:01pm

Morgan City Police Department is currently seeking public assistance in locating a 14-year-old Logan Stevens of Morgan City. Logan has been reported as a runaway juvenile with the Morgan City Police Department.

He was last seen wearing a yellow T-shirt, gray shorts with a black stripe, and black tennis shoes at the intersection of Allison St. and Justa St. in Morgan City on September 14, 2020. Logan may have left Morgan City and may be in Patterson, LA.

Chief James F. Blair is requesting anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Logan Stevens call the Morgan City Police Department or call 9-1-1. Tipsters also can leave tips on our web page at www.morgancitypolice.org, or they can send a tip to our Facebook Messenger.

21 new COVID-19 cases, one death in three parishes

Tue, 09/15/2020 - 12:07pm

The death of an Assumption Parish resident is being attributed to COVID-19, and a total of 21 new COVID cases were reported in the 24 hours leading to midday Tuesday.

In St. Mary, seven new cases raise the total since March to 1,843, according to the Louisiana Office of Public Health.

St. Martin has nine new cases for a total of 2,051.

Assumption has five new COVID cases for a total of 734. The death reported Tuesday raised the parish's toll to 24.

The number of COVID-related deaths in St. Mary remains at 75, in St. Martin at 59.

Statewide:

--426 cases raised the pandemic total to 158,318.

--26 deaths raise the pandemic total to 5,108.

--3 more COVID-positive people are in hospitals for a total of 667.

--6 fewer people are on ventilators for a total of 99.

Full ballot awaits St. Mary voters Nov. 3

Tue, 09/15/2020 - 10:54am

Staff Report
While the presidential election will dominate conversation as Election Day on Nov. 3 inches closer, more than just candidates for the na-tion’s highest office and others will be on ballots for Louisiana citizens to select.
Louisiana voters will have seven amend ments to consider. Below is a list of them:
—No. 1: An amend ment declaring that, to protect human life, a right to abortion and the funding of abortion shall not be found in the Louisiana Constitution.
—No. 2: An amendment to permit the presence or production of oil or gas to be included in the methodology used to determine the fair mar-ket value of an oil or gas well for the purpose of property assessment.
—No. 3: An amendment to allow for the use of the Budget Stabilization Fund, also known as the Rainy Day Fund, for state costs associated with a disaster declared by the federal government.
—No. 4: An amendment to limit the growth of the expenditure limit for the State General Fund and dedicated funds and to remove the calculation of its growth factor from the Constitution.
—No. 5: An amendment to authorize local governments to enter into cooperative endeav-or ad valorem tax exemption agreements with new or expanding manufacturing establishments for payments in lieu of taxes.
—No. 6: An amendment to increase the maximum amount of income a person may receive and still qualify for the special assess-ment level for res-idential property receiving the homestead exemption.
—No. 7: An amend-ment to create the Louisiana Unclaimed Property Permanent Trust Fund to preserve the money that remains unclaimed by its owner or owners.
Early voting will be held Oct. 20-27 (but not on Sunday, Oct. 25) from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Those in line at 6 p.m. will be allowed to vote.
Those who wish to register to vote in person or via mail must do so by Oct. 5, while the deadline to register to vote via the GeauxVote Online Registration System is Oct. 13.
Those who wish to request an absentee by mail ballot must do so by 4:30 p.m. on Oct. 30. To do so, visit the Louisiana Secretary of State’s website (https://www.sos.la.gov) or send them notification in writing via your Registrar of Voters Office.
Voted mail ballots must be received by the registrar of voters office by Nov. 2 at 4:30 p.m.
On Nov. 3, voting hours will be from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Voters who are in line at 8 p.m. will be allowed to vote. To find your voting precinct, visit www.geauxvote.com or call your local Registrar of Voters office.
Voters need to bring a photo ID with them to the polls. Those who do not have a photo ID will be required to sign an affidavit and supply personal identification information.
Along with the amendments, voters will elect multiple officeholders.
Below is a list of the candidates that will appear on St. Mary Parish ballots:
—U.S. senator: Beryl Billiot, no party, Kent-wood; John Paul Bourgeois, no party, Gretna; “Bill” Cassidy, Republi-can, Baton Rouge; Reno Jean Darret III, no party, Metairie; Derrick “Champ” Edwards, Democrat, Harvey; “Xan” John, other, Lafayette; David Drew Knight, Democrat, New Orleans; M.V. “Vinny” Mendoza, Independent, Ponchatoula; Jamar Montgomery, no party, Shreveport; Dustin Murphy, Republican, Eros; Adrian Perkins, Democrat, Shreveport; Antoine Pierce, Democrat, Baton Rouge; Melinda Mary Prince, other, Luling; Aaron Sigler, Libertarian, Hammond; and Peter Wenstrup, Democrat, New Orleans.
—U.S. Representative (3rd Congressional District): “Rob” Anderson, Democrat, Sulphur; Clay Higgins, Republican, Lafayette; Braylon Harris, Democrat, Lake Charles; Brandon Leleux, Libertarian, Lake Charles.
—District Judge 16th Judicial District Court, ES 1, Div. G: Curtis Sigur, Democrat, New Iberia.
—District Judge 16th Judicial District Court, ES 1, Div. H: “Alicia” Butler, Democrat, New Iberia; Roger P. Hamil-ton Jr., Independent, New Iberia; Thailund “Tai” Porter-Green, Democrat. New Iberia
—District Judge 16th Judicial District Court, ES 2, Div. A: Anthony “Tony” Thibodeaux, Republican, St. Martin-ville.
—District Judge 16th Judicial District Court, ES 2, Div. B: Suzanne De Mahy, Republican, New Iberia.
—District Judge 16th Judicial District Court, ES 2, Div. C: Vincent J. Borne, no party, Frank-lin.
—District Judge 16th Judicial District Court, ES 2, Div. D: Lewis Pitman Jr., no party, New Iberia.
—District Judge 16th Judicial District Court, ES 2, Div. E: Keith Comeaux, no party, New Iberia.
—District Judge 16th Judicial District Court ES 2, Div. F: Natalie Broussard, Republican, New Iberia; Anthony “Tony” Saleme, Republican, Morgan City; and Keith E. Thibodaux, Republican, St. Martinville.
—District Attorney 16th Judicial District Court: “Bo” Duhé, Re-publican, New Iberia; and Lori Landry, Demo-crat, Jeanerette.
—City Judge of City Court of Franklin: Mar-sha McNulty, Democrat, Franklin.
—City Judge of City Court of Morgan City: Kim P. Stansbury, Democrat, Morgan City.
—City Marshall of City Court in City of Franklin: Carla Bour-geois Weidenboerner, Independent, Franklin.
—City Marshall of City Court in City of Morgan City: Robert “Bobby” Darce, Republi-can, Morgan City.
—Justice of the Peace Ward 1: Benjamin C. Grimm, Democrat, Jeanerette.
—Justice of the Peace Ward 2: Norma J. Bouey, Democrat, Franklin; and Sommer N. Francis, no party, Franklin.
—Justice of the Peace Ward 4: Eric J. Gaudet, Democrat, Centerville.
—Justice of the Peace Ward 5: David W. Hill, Republican, Morgan City; and Michelle Dugar Schexnayder, Democrat, Patterson.
—Justice of the Peace Ward 7: Nekesia J. Bowie, Democrat, Franklin; and Clarence Matthews, Democrat, Franklin.
—Justice of the Peace Ward 8: Herbert “Herb” Mashburn, Republican, Berwick.
—Justice of the Peace Ward 9: Melanie Foret Butcher, Republican, Amelia.
—Justice of the Peace Ward 10: Monica M. Gibson, Democrat, Baldwin; and Cardell Bowser Ina, Democrat, Baldwin.
—Constable Justice of the Peace Ward 1: David K. Compton, Democrat, Jeanerette.
—Constable Justice of the Peace Ward 2: Wendy B. Landry, Democrat, Franklin; and Antoine Pierce, Democrat, Franklin.
—Constable Justice of the Peace Ward 4: Larry “Teddy” Deslatte III, no party, Garden City.
—Constable Justice of the Peace Ward 5: James P. Carinhas, Democrat, Patterson.
—Constable Justice of the Peace Ward 7: Edward “June” Patrick Jr., Democrat, Jeanerette.
—Constable Justice of the Peace Ward 8: Jonathan “J.P.” Henry, Republican, Berwick.
—Constable Justice of the Peace Ward 9: “Joey” Foret, Democrat, Amelia.
—Constable Justice of the Peace Ward 10: Elease G. Jackson, Democrat, Baldwin.
—Mayor of City of Morgan City: Lee Dragna, Republican, Morgan City; “Don” Hicks, Republican, Morgan City; and Kevin J. Voisin, no party, Morgan City.
—Councilman District 1, City of Morgan City: “Tim” T. Hymel, no party, Morgan City.
—Councilman District 2, City of Morgan City: Mark A. Stephens, Republican, Morgan City.
—Councilman District 3, City of Morgan City: “Ron” Bias, Democrat, Morgan City; Marcelle B. Hoskins, Democrat, Morgan City; and Julia “Blaze” Johnson, no party, Morgan City.
—Councilman District 4, City of Morgan City: “Steve” Domangue, Republican, Morgan City.
—Councilman District 5, City of Morgan City: Louis J. Tamporello Jr., no party, Morgan City; and Jason Thomas Viator, Republican, Morgan City.

WADE MICHAEL KULLMAN

Tue, 09/15/2020 - 10:46am

After a brave battle with cancer, Wade Michael Kullman, 59, a native and resident of Donner, LA, passed away on Tuesday, September 8, 2020.
There are no services planned at this time.
He is survived by his parents, Donald and Ruth Kullman; children, Kristi Lirette and husband Doug, Derek Kullman, and Leah Kullman; grandchildren, Benson Lirette and Layla Kullman; and brothers, Wayne Kullman and Blayne Kullman.
He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Ed-ward and Mollie Dugas, and Otto and Ollie Kullman; aunt, Joan Dugas; and uncles, Danny Kullman and Gary Kullman.
Wade was a dedicated brother, father and friend. His family is honored to carry on his legacy of strength, hard work, and his heart to help others. Wade was a simple man who was loved by everyone who met him. He enjoyed being outdoors. Wade loved spending time in Grand Isle, fishing, trapping, hunting, boiling seafood, and working in the yard.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers or donations, you plant a tree in his memory.
Samart Funeral Home of Houma (West Park) in Gray, LA is in charge of the arrangements.

Morgan City police radio logs for Sept. 11-14

Tue, 09/15/2020 - 10:43am

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.
Friday, Sept. 11
7:11 a.m. 1200 block of David Drive; Medical.
8:47 a.m. 300 block of Laurel Street; Animal.
9:27 a.m. 2400 block of Cedar Street; Medical.
9:57 a.m. 1100 block of Ditch Avenue; Animal.
10:42 a.m. 7400 block of La. 182; Assistance.
11:47 a.m. 1000 block of Brashear Avenue; Removal of subject.
11:56 a.m. 300 block of Barrow Street; Suspi-cious person.
12:20 p.m. 6400 block of La. 182; Theft.
1:18 p.m. 1600 block of North Second Street; Harassment.
3:24 p.m. 300 block of Fifth Street; Suspicious person.
4:08 p.m. 6000 block of Railroad Avenue; Alarm.
4:25 p.m. 700 block of Marshall Street; Officer stand by.
4:38 p.m. Lakewood Drive and Pine Street; Accident.
4:45 p.m. 500 block of Terrebonne Street; Forgery.
6:21 p.m. 200 block of Halsey Street; Remove subject.
6:25 p.m. 7400 block of La. 82; Stand by.
7:04 p.m. 2000 block of Railroad Avenue; Welfare concern.
7:32 p.m. Chennault Street area; Traffic stop/arrest.
7:46 p.m. 600 block of Freret Street; Complaint.
7:59 p.m. Second and Greenwood streets area; Reckless driver.
10:42 p.m. 1100 block of Chester Bowles Street; Assist Patterson Police Department.
10:51 p.m. 700 block of Arizona Street; Com-plaint.
11:17 p.m. 7300 block of La. 182; Alarm.
Saturday, Sept. 12
12:01 a.m. 600 block of Brashear Avenue; Disturbance.
2:57 a.m. 500 block of Roderick Street; Alarm.
5:09 a.m. Eastbound U.S. 90 ; Suspicious subject.
6:15 a.m. 500 block of Federal Avenue; Alarm.
6:41 a.m. 400 block of Fourth Street; Disturb-ance.
7:06 a.m. 600 block of Sixth Street; Disturb-ance.
8:31 a.m. 1200 block of Victor II Boulevard; Alarm.
9:25 a.m. 6400 block of La. 182; Alarm.
10:05 a.m. U.S.. 90 East; Traffic incident.
11:40 a.m. 800 block of Clothilde Street; Theft.
12:31 p.m. 700 block of Martin Luther King Boulevard; 911 hang up.
1:24 p.m. Brashear Avenue and Fourth Street; Reckless driving.
2:04 p.m. 500 block of Aucoin Street; Frequent patrols.
2:06 p.m. Redwood Street and Victor II Boulevard; Traffic inci-dent.
2:15 p.m. 400 block of Brashear Avenue; Suspicious person.
2:54 p.m. 600 block of Freret Street; Disturb-ance.
5:52 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Com-plaint.
6:11 p.m. Roderick Street Park area; Juve-niles.
6:29 p.m. 300 block of Fifth Street; Remove subject.
6:44 p.m. 100 block of Brownell Homes; Re-move subject.
7:03 p.m. 100 block of Glenwood Avenue; Complaint.
7:15 p.m. Garber Street ; Frequent patrols.
8:07 p.m. 6200 block of La. 182; Suspect narcotics.
9:35 p.m. 7200 block of La. 182; Civil complaint.
9:48 p.m. Aycock and Glenwood streets area; Loud music.
10:24 p.m. 1100 block of Marguerite Street; Assist Sheriff’s Office.
11:45 p.m. 500 block of Brashear Avenue; Narcotic investigation/two arrests.
Sunday, Sept. 13
3:51 a.m. 1100 block of Marguerite Street; Assistance.
6:34 a.m. 1500 block of North Third Street; Officer stand by.
7:16 a.m. 1100 block of Marguerite Street; 911 hang up.
8:02 a.m. 500 block of Roderick Street; Dis-turbance.
8:58 a.m. 1900 block of Cedar Street; Assistance.
9:55 a.m. 1100 block of Marguerite Street; Disturbance.
12:09 p.m. 1100 block of Marguerite Street; Assistance.
12:28 p.m. 700 block of Brashear Avenue; Suspicious person.
12:36 p.m. 1400 block of Federal Avenue; Theft.
12:38 p.m. 600 block of Seventh Street; Theft.
1:19 p.m. 1400 block of North Third Street; Disturbance.
2:24 p.m. 1100 block of Marguerite Street; Assistance.
3:16 p.m. 700 block of Everett Street; Complaint.
3:19 p.m. 7500 block of La. 182; Theft.
4:46 p.m. Roderick Street; Complaint.
5:46 p.m. 500 block of Florida Street; Tel-phone harassment.
7:03 p.m. 1400 block of North Third Street; Remove subject.
7:23 p.m. 300 block of Fifth Street; Suspicious subject.
8:23 p.m. 300 block of Garber Street; Complaint.
8:58 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Complaint.
9:14 p.m. 7100 block of Park Street; Suspicious vehicle.
9:31 p.m. 600 block of Sixth Street; Disturbance.
Monday, Sept. 14
1:41 a.m. 500 block of Aucoin Street; Possible suicide.
2:08 a.m. 2100 block of Sixth Street; Complaint.

Gun, synthetic cannabinoids seized in arrest

Tue, 09/15/2020 - 10:40am

Deputies arrested a New Iberia man early Monday for a traffic violation that turned into drug and gun charges, according to St. Mary Parish Sheriff Blaise Smith.
—Samuel Anthony Holmes, 28, East Dale Street, New Iberia, was arrested at 1:24 a.m. Monday on charges of no proper equipment, driver must be licensed, possession of synthetic cannabinoids, possession of a firearm in the presence of a controlled dangerous substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.
No bail has been set.
Smith also reported these arrests:
—Krystain Michael Provost, 18, Boudreaux Lane, Baldwin, was arrested at 12:08 a.m. Friday on a charge of careless operation-speeding. Provost was released on a summons to appear Dec. 11.
—Felicia Lanette Soto, 27, Morris Road, Morgan City,was arrested at 7:07 p.m. Saturday on three warrants for failure to appear on charges of possession of Schedule IV drugs, possession of drug paraphernalia, illegal use of a controlled dangerous substance in the presence of persons under 17, improper child restraing, possession of methamphetamine and battery of a dating party.
No bail has been set.
Morgan City Police Chief James F. Blair reportd these arrests:
—Gregory Irvin Johnson Jr., 60, La. 182, Morgan City, was arrested at 1:16 p.m. Friday on charges of improper lane usage, expired license plate and possession of a firearm by a person convicted of certain felonies and on a warrant for failure to appear.
—Harley Nicole Rentrop, 27, South Street, Bayou Vista, was arrested at 1:16 p.m. Friday on charges of possession of marijuana, possession of methamphetamine, possession of cocaine and possession of drug paraphernalia and on a warrant for theft under
$1,000.
Narcotics detectives with the Morgan City Police Department observed a traffic violation in the area of La. 70 and Veterans
Boulevard. The driver was identified as Gregory Johnson along with a passenger, Rentrop.
A warrant check revealed the City Court of Morgan City held an active warrant for Johnson and the Morgan City Police Department held an active warrant for Rentrop. Johnson was found in possession of a firearm, and a computer check revealed he had a felony conviction forbidden him from possessing the firearm.
Rentrop was found in possession of suspected marijuana, methamphetamine, cocaine, and drug paraphernalia. Johnson and Rentrop were placed under arrest and transported to the Morgan City Police Department for booking and incarceration.
—Terrance Germayne Wiggins, 41 Morgan Avenue, Broussard, was arrested at 7:32 p.m. Friday on charges of turning movements and signals required, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a firearm with obliterated serial numbers and possession of a firearm by a person convicted of certain felonies.
A K-9 Officer on patrol officer observed a traffic violation and conducted a traffic stop in the area of Halsey Street and Chennault Street. The driver was identified as Terrance Wiggins.
During the traffic stop, he was found in possession of drug paraphernalia and a firearm with an obliterated serial number. A computer check revealed he had a felony conviction forbidden him from possessing a firearm. He was placed under arrest and transported to the Morgan City Police Department for booking and incarceration.
—Brandon Londell Durkins, 30, Santa Monica Drive, Houma, was arrested at 8:37 a.m. Saturday on charges of modified exhaust violation and driving under suspension.
An officer on patrol observed a traffic violation on Federal Avenue and conducted a traffic stop. The driver was identified as Durkins. A computer check revealed his driver’s license was under suspension.
He was placed under arrest and transported to the Morgan City Police Department for booking and incarceration.
—Curtis Lee Ray, 30, Duke Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 10:47 a.m. Saturday on charges of motor vehicle inspection required and driving under suspension.
An officer on patrol observed a traffic violation in the area of Railroad Avenue and 11th Street. The driver was identified as Curtis Lee Ray.
A computer check revealed his driver’s license was under suspension. He was placed under arrest and transported to the Morgan City Police Department for booking and incarceration.
—Karen Hall, 49, Roderick Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 1:19 p.m. Saturday on charges of failure to yield and driving under suspension.
An officer on patrol observed a traffic violation and conducted a traffic stop on Catherine Street The driver was identified as Hall. A computer check revealed her driver’s license was under suspension. She was placed under arrest and transported to the Morgan City Police Department for booking and incarceration.
—Raymon John Miller III, 30, Vivian Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 2:51 p.m. Saturday on charges of proper equipment required and driving under suspension.
An officer on patrol observed a traffic violation and conducted a traffic stop on Martin Luther King Boulevard. The driver was identified as Miller. A computer check revealed his driver’s license was under suspension. He was placed under arrest and transported to the Morgan City Police Department for booking and incarceration.
—Sonia Marie Todd, 42, Shannon Street, Patterson, was arrested at 3:41 p.m. Saturday on a charge of theft under $1,000.
An officer was called to an address on La. 82 about a theft. They learned Todd had committed a theft valued at $4.35 at the address. She was placed under arrest and transported to the Morgan City Police Department for booking and incarceration.
—Desmond Jerrod Richard, 39, Mike Drive, Patterson, was arrested at 12:41 a.m. Sunday on warrants for 11 counts of failure to appear.
—Kimberly Bonnette, 33, Brashear Avenue, Morgan City, was arrested at 12:41 a.m. Sunday on a charge of possession of marijuana (second offense).
A K-9 officer acting on a complaint received utilized his K-9 partner (K-9 Lady) to confirm the presence of illegal narcotics presence in a motel room on La. 182. During the investigation, the officer made contact with the two occupants, Richard and Bonnette.
A warrant check revealed City Court of Morgan City held active warrants for Desmond Richard. Bonnette was found in possession of suspected marijuana. They were both placed under arrest and transported to the Morgan City Police Department for booking and incarceration.
—Brain Harris, 31, Chicago, was arrested at 12:01 p.m. Sunday on charges of possession of marijuana (first offense) and resisting an officer.
A K-9 officer was called to an address on Roderick Street about several individuals using illegal narcotics at the address. They came into contact with Harris. He was found in possession of suspected marijuana. When officers attempted to arrest Harris, he pulled away from officers. He was handcuffed and placed under arrest. He was transported to the Morgan City Police Department for booking and incarceration.
Assumption Parish Sheriff Leland Falcon reported these arrests:
—Kathleen Ann Lodrigue, 35, Rodrigue Street, Thibodaux, was arrested Sunday on charges of violation of a protective order and identity theft.
On Sunday, deputies responded to a complaint in reference to Lodrigue being in a particular location which violated the terms of an active protective order.
Deputies located Lodrigue and determined that she was at a location which violated the active order. Lodrigue was arrested accordingly.
Additionally, Lodrigue was charged in connection with an outstanding warrant in Assumption Parish for identify theft.
In that case, deputies investigated a complaint Sept. 2. In that matter, the complainant alleged that Lodrigue had used his identity to obtain unemployment benefits from June 21 through Aug. 15 totaling $4,401. Based on that investigation, deputies obtained an arrest warrant for Lodrigue.
Following her arrest on Sunday afternoon, deputies booked Lodrigue into the Assumption Parish Detention Center pending a bond hearing.
— William Ward, 56, Cancienne Road, Napoleonville, was arrested Saturday on a charge of aggravated battery with a dangerous weapon.
Deputies were dispatched to the aforementioned address relative to a disturbance.
Deputies interviewed the complainant who indicated that as she tried to speak to the suspect, he became enraged. The suspect then allegedly struck the victim three times with dangerous instrumentalities. The suspect, Ward, had left the scene prior to the deputy’s arrival.
Based upon the information provided by the victim as well as physical evidence at the scene, deputies obtained an arrest warrant for Ward.
On Saturday morning, Ward was arrested at the address where the incident occurred.
Ward was booked into the Assumption Parish Detention Center and released on a $25,000 bond.

Get It Growing: Think pink — flowers

Tue, 09/15/2020 - 8:09am

By HEATHER KIRK-BALLARD, LSU AgCenter Horticulturist

October is all about pink in support of breast cancer awareness. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, one in eight women in the United States will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. Men also can get breast cancer. In 2020, hundreds of thousands of cases will be reported.
Are you asking yourself, what does this have to do with gardening and why are we talking about it in September? Here’s what I’m thinking: Our landscapes are an extension of our homes and a statement to those around us.
Why not honor breast cancer patients and survivors by going pink in your flower beds and getting a head start this month? You can show your support and bring awareness to this devastating disease. It’s not just public landscapes, hospitals and cancer centers that can make an impact. So can you.
Luckily, when it comes to pink, we have many options to choose from. If you are not keen on flowers in general, you can use plants with pink foliage. I think many of us have some shade of pink in the landscape, whether it be a very delicate, light pink or a vibrant, hot pink. Go with what you like.
If you don’t want to make the long commitment, plant in small containers or try planting annuals that can be changed out in the summertime. Many Louisiana Super Plant selections have shades of pink to choose from.
Both Amazon and Jolt dianthus are excellent Louisiana Super Plant selections for fall that come in an array of pink colors. Amazon comes in Amazon Rose Magic and Amazon Neon Cherry, and Jolt comes in various shades of pink with Cherry, Pink and Pink Magic. Ranging from delicate pink to hot pink, both can make quite a statement.
They both also have excellent dark green foliage, perform best in full to part sun and are great for attracting butterflies in late fall and early spring. They make great cut flowers that you can share with friends or family members fighting the disease and to help celebrate survivors.
Do you want to go all in and show your support? Try a real impactful choice — another Louisiana Super Plant with bright, prolific, pink flowers called Supertunia Vista Bubblegum. This mighty petunia is known for its long-lasting flower bloom in the landscape. It has a mounding, spreading habit that can grow up to 3 feet in all directions, with a height of 16 to 24 inches. It prefers full sun to produce the maximum amount of blooms.
If you want something more permanent, try shrubs. Three fall-blooming Louisiana Super Plants with pink flowers are Conversation Piece azalea, Aphrodite althea (rose of Sharon) and Luna hibiscus. All three make excellent shrubs for sunny areas in the lawn and will bloom in the fall, year after year.
Dream roses and Belinda’s Dream roses are both Louisiana Super Plant selections that have pink blooms that are open in the fall. The Belinda’s Dream can be another superb cut flower choice to share with family and friends.
Penny Mac hydrangea is another Louisiana Super Plant. It’s a repeat-blooming hydrangea that can produce large flower clusters of pink or blue beginning in late spring and will continue to bloom on new growth into the summer and fall. To influence flower color, you can treat the soil around the bushes with lime and superphosphate in March and again in October each year. Your soil should be a pH of 7-8.5 to help achieve the pink color. It may take years for the shift to pink to occur if your plant typically blooms blue.
Many warm-season flowers planted in late spring and during the summer are still blooming and going strong in October. Some Louisiana Super Plants that come in shades of pink are Lucky Star and Butterfly pentas, Intenz Classic celosia, Baby Wing begonias, Senorita Rosalita cleome, Sunpatiens, Bandana lantanas and Kauai torenia. Nearly every Louisiana Super Plant selection comes in some shade of pink.
Other cool-season flowers displaying various shades of pink include pansies, violas, dianthus, snapdragons, garden mums, calendula, ornamental kale and cabbage. Perennial flowers like gaillardia, verbena, Mexican petunias, cupheas, guara, salvias, coneflowers and rudbeckias can also be found in various shades of pink. They establish well when planted in fall and will perform better next year if they’re planted now.
One plant that really gives back to help breast cancer research is called the Invincibelle Spirit II hydrangea II. One dollar from each Invincibelle Spirit II sold is donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Although it’s difficult to find in Louisiana, some nurseries may carry this hydrangea. Plants can also be purchased online. More than $1 million has been donated from sales of this plant.
Whether it’s delicate pink, hot pink or any shade in between, show your support for breast cancer awareness this October with plants.

Sobering up changes dynamics of wife’s closest relationships

Tue, 09/15/2020 - 8:08am

By Jeanne Phillips, ©United Features Syndicate

DEAR ABBY: I know I have been blessed with wonderful relationships in my life. I have been married to the same lovely man for 25 years. I am also fortunate to have had the same best friend for 40 years. The problem? They drink.
Because of past behavior, I decided to get sober two years ago. I know I won’t be able to drink socially again. I changed; they didn’t.
We are all very high-functioning alcoholics. We never miss work and lead, for the most part, productive lives. I love them both so much. My husband is supportive and adoring. My best friend and I have gone through everything together. But Abby, I can’t stand them after 8 p.m. after which they both repeat the same things over and over, and tell me how much they love me (in a slurry, sloppy way).
My life isn’t bad, but this is making me miserable. I’m not asking that they quit drinking entirely, but for the sake of our relationship, I wish they’d just slow down some. Am I wrong to ask something of them that will change what was a big part of all of our lives for so long? I’m not willing to throw away long-term relationships, but I am truly at my wits’ end.
ODD ONE OUT IN WASHINGTON

DEAR ODD ONE OUT: Because you can’t control the behavior of anyone else, you have two choices — change the way you react to the person(s) or end the relationship(s). In this case, I vote for the former. Because your husband and your good friend are so drunk after 8 p.m. that they can no longer clearly pronounce their declarations of affection, plan some socially distanced visits with other sober individuals a few nights a week, including support group meetings for yourself, if you’re not already attending them.

DEAR ABBY: I’m 16, and I feel as though my mother (a single parent) does not respect that I have differing political opinions. She is very liberal and is a registered Democrat. I am very conservative and, as of a few weeks ago, a registered Republican.
When I want to leave the house, if I’m wearing any of my conservative slogan apparel, she yells at me and tells me I’m not allowed to represent “us” like “that.” I always do my best to be respectful of her beliefs and to have a civil conversation with her about politics, but she just ends up yelling at me and telling me I’m never going to get a girlfriend or find a job with my beliefs. At the same time, she’s the most loving, supportive person I know when it comes to anything BUT politics. What can I do to get her to respect who I am and what I stand for?
FREE-THINKING GUY IN D.C.

DEAR GUY: Be patient with her and remain respectful. Because you understand that your mother is the most loving and supportive person you know (except when it comes to politics), try to accept that she’s being protective in the only way she knows how — warning that in this current environment, expressing political beliefs can have lasting consequences. No matter what your political leanings are, as you mature I’m confident you will find a girlfriend and job that are compatible.
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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.

Edwards: State prepares for big hit from Sally

Mon, 09/14/2020 - 4:58pm

Sally, the storm that became a Category 2 hurricane Monday, could make landfall Tuesday morning in Plaquemines Parish, which juts into the Gulf like a long, skinny target. Or it might land in Mississippi on Wednesday morning.

"I guess it could be both," Gov. John Bel Edwards said at a press conference.

Either way, the state is likely to feel the effects of Sally, possibly including slow-moving rain bands that flood southeast Louisiana with 12 inches of rain or even more.

St. Mary Parish is expected to escape the worst of Sally, which is still forecast to come ashore as a Category 2 hurricane with winds of at least 100 mph, a speed the wind reached Monday afternoon. At 4 p.m., the tropical storm warning for Morgan City to Intracoastal City was discontinued.

But Morgan City is on the western edge of the hurricane warning area that stretches east to the Florida Panhandle. Tropical storm-force winds extended 125 miles from Sally's center at 4 p.m.

In addition to the rain and wind, areas of extreme southeast Louisiana and Mississippi may see life-threatening storm surge of 7-11 feet.

The storm's center is irregular, making it hard to predict, Edwards said at Monday's press conference. Sally's projected track moved to the east earlier Monday, and one-third of tropical systems make landfall outside the National Hurricane Center's "cone" prediction. He urged people all along the coast to keep up with the storm's movements.

Sally would be the second hurricane to hit Louisiana in three weeks. Nearly 12,000 evacuees remain in Louisiana hotels, most in the New Orleans area, the governor said. There are no plans to move them before the storm.

President Donald Trump has signed an emergency declaration that will provide federal help with storm preparations, Edwards said.

The State Fire Marshal's Office and the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries have more than 200 boats ready for rescue work.

Louisiana officials have talked with Mississippi counterparts to see how they can help each other, the way Texas has helped Louisiana by putting up more than 5,000 Hurricane Laura evacuees, Edwards said.

Also Monday, the governor said the state's request for money to pay for the last week of $300-a-week federal unemployment assistance has yet to be approved by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The last round of federal unemployment enhancement would be for the week ending Sept. 5.

An executive order by the president in late July created the $300 enhancement, which, beginning in early August, was paid to workers idled because of COVID-19.. That was after a $600 enhancement approved by Congress expired July 31.

The money has been paid to unemployed workers on top of state benefits of up to $247 a week.

Meanwhile, the state unemployment trust fund, which contained about $1 billion when the pandemic began in March, is down to $143 million. By law, Edwards said, the state must borrow federal funds to replenish the fund when it reaches $100 million.

"I don't want to mislead people by saying the trust fund might go below $100 million," Edwards said. "It's going to drop below $100 million."

A possible renewal of the federal enhancement is caught in Washington politics. The Democratic-controlled House has passed a $3.5 trillion package that includes a new $600-a-week benefit. Senate Republicans put up a smaller package, reported variously at $300 million-$500 million, that needed 60 votes to pass and was rejected last week.

"That's another reason Congress needs to go work," Edwards said, "because we have all these unemployed people, not just in Louisiana but around the country."