RSS Feed

'Coach Jimmy' Johnson gave of himself to the community

Tue, 09/01/2020 - 1:35pm

By GEOFF STOUTE

The Morgan City recreation community lost a long time contributor in its history Saturday as James Oneal “Coach Jimmy” Johnson passed away at his residence in Patterson. He was 91.
While Johnson may be remembered for his days with the Morgan City Recreation Department, his contributions extend even further as he helped provide athletic opportunities to black youth prior to integration.
“We didn’t have anything, because at that time you couldn’t play with the whites that were in junior high school or even in the elementary school,” said Joe Jones, a Morgan City Recreation Board member who was coached by Johnson as a youth.
Jones said Johnson was involved in football, basketball and baseball as well as an adult basketball league.
When sports were integrated, Johnson moved ahead without hesitation, Jones said. “He worked with everybody.”
Morgan City Mayor Frank “Boo” Grizzaffi said Johnson selflessly gave his time to coach the area’s youth.
“He has coached thousands of kids over the years, and not only about sports but about life,” said Grizzaffi, who was coached in Biddy Basketball all-stars by Johnson.
Morgan City Recreation Director Seth Thomas took it a step further, noting Johnson, who coached Biddy Basketball until his late 70s, probably impacted as many youngsters athletically in the community as anyone ever has.
“He really had an impact through all sports, and I think pretty much anybody who has ever played in some form of sport had him as a coach or an all-star coach,” said Thomas, who was coached by Johnson in Biddy Basketball all-stars.
Johnson also was credited by Jones and Thomas for being instrumental in starting the area’s Biddy Basketball program in the early 1970s.
“What he put into this area and the length of time that he put in, I don’t think that anyone will ever top what he has done for the community,” Jones said.
Johnson also held a summer basketball clinic for some time each year while health permitted, Jones said.
“Not only did he look out for these kids athletically, but personally,” Thomas said.
In advertising the camps, Johnson asked for donations to help with purchasing school supplies and school uniforms.
“What can you say about a man who spent his life (giving back) and never got paid for it? Never asked for anything for it. It tops anything,” Jones said.
According to his obituary, among Johnson’s survivors are his wife, Deloris Johnson of Patterson and his children, James O. Johnson Jr. of Opelousas, Rodney K. Johnson of New Orleans, Charles J. Charlot Sr. of Bayou Vista and Fredrick A. Charlot and Lynette M. Singleton, both of Patterson.
Jones Funeral Home in Morgan City is handling arrangements, which are incomplete.

CHARLES A. LODRIGUE JR.

Tue, 09/01/2020 - 1:32pm

July 1, 1956 — August 30, 2020
Charles A. Lodrigue Jr., 64, a resident of Morgan City, passed away peacefully Sunday, August 30, 2020, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.
Charles was born July 1, 1956, in Morgan City, the son of Charles A. Lodrigue Sr. and Cecelie Lombes.
He will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by one son, Charles A. Lodrigue III; two grandchildren, Drew and Madison Lodrigue; one brother, Joey Lodrigue Sr. and wife Rosalinda of Port Barre, Louisiana; one sister, Deborah Pittman and husband Lloyd Jr. of Bayou Vista; and his dog and best friend, Bob.
The family would like to thank Heart of Hospice for their great care of Charles and their compassion for the family.
Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Charles A. Lodrigue and Cecelie Lombes Lodrigue; and nephew, Kevin Charles Chaisson.
Private graveside services will be held at a later date.

ORA MAE BILLIOT

Tue, 09/01/2020 - 1:31pm

September 13, 1936 — August 16, 2020
Ora Mae Billiot, 83, a resident of Schriever, LA, passed away on August 16, 2020, in her home.
“Mae” was born to Ora and Sanders Billiot on September 13, 1936, in Morgan City.
Mae resided in Morgan City until her move to Schriever, LA, in September 1994 for what she thought of as “living in the country.” Mae was known for her love of animals, especially cats, and she made sure that any cat that came to call was given the attention, food and care it needed.
Mae is survived by her two daughters, Cheryl Pitre and Cynthia Gussman; her son, Darren Gussman and daughter-in-law Debra Gussman; her grandchildren, Erica Pitre, Erin Pitre Dore, Shane Carter, Jennifer Berthelot, Destanie Lovell, Danaie Verrett and Dalanie Gussman; 14 great-grandchildren; one sister, Linda Cortez; and one brother, Donald Billiot.
Mae was preceded in death by her parents, Ora and Sanders Billiot; her brother, Ken Billiot; her sister, Mary Crochet; her brother-in-law, Junius Crochet; her grandson, Glynn Carter; her son-in-law, Ray Pitre; and her great-granddaughter, Isabella Verrett.
A graveside service for Mae will be held at a future date in the Morgan City Cemetery where Mae will be placed on her mother’s grave per her wishes. She will be dearly missed.

DIANNE CARINHAS AUSTIN

Tue, 09/01/2020 - 1:29pm

January 9, 1947 — August 26, 2020
Dianne Carinhas Austin, 73, of Albemarle, North Carolina, passed away Wednesday, August 26, 2020, at her home surrounded by family.
Dianne was born January 9, 1947, in Patterson, Louisiana to the late John Santos Carinhas Sr. and Frances Tringali Carinhas. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband, Lloyd Austin, her brothers, John Santos Carinhas Jr. and Joseph Carinhas Sr., and her sister, Joyce Carinhas Hebert.
Dianne is survived by her daughters, Shelly Crotty (Dan), a nurse living in Holly Springs, North Carolina, Mimi Braunsberg, a speech language pathologist at Badin Elementary in Albemarle, North Carolina, and Mary Jo Lizotte (Jeremy), a physical therapist in Gray, Tennessee. Most dear to her heart were her seven grandchildren, Austin Braunsberg (18), Aaron Braunsberg (16), Zachary Crotty (16), Ryan Crotty (14), Isaac Lizotte (15), Caleb Lizotte (13), and Evie Lizotte (11). She’s also survived by her sister, Anne Carinhas Broussard of Patterson, Louisiana and multiple dearly cherished nieces and nephews.
Dianne will be remembered for many different contributions and attributes. She touched countless people throughout her life. She gave back to Stanly County as a teacher in the school system for 20 years and was the founder of Stanly County Gymnastics which she began in 1980.
Her legacy lives on at Stanly County Gymnastics through a memorial fund being established to help more local children experience the sport of gymnastics. To donate, please send contributions to the Gofundme: Dianne Austin Gymnastics For All Memorial Fund, organized by Jeremy Lizotte . In lieu of flowers and plants, please consider a donation in Dianne’s memory to her Memorial Fund or Hospice of Stanly and the Uwharries.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m., on Friday, September 4, 2020, at Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle. Mass will be held on Saturday, September 5, 2020, at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of the Annunciation Catholic Church in Albemarle, officiated by Father Peter L. Fitzgibbons. Burial will follow at Stanly Gardens of Memory, 2001 E. Main Street, Albemarle.
Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle is serving the Austin family. Online condolences may be made at www.hartsellfh.com

McDermott gets subsea contract

Tue, 09/01/2020 - 1:18pm

McDermott International recently announced it has been awarded a contract by Delta Offshore Energy to provide front-end engineering design, or FEED services, for a subsea gas pipeline.
The pipeline will connect a regasification platform, located approximately 22 miles offshore, to the planned 3,200 MW power plant in Bac Lieu Province, Vietnam.
McDermott also has been awarded the pre-engineering geotechnical and geophysical survey services being carried out as a part of the FEED scope.
McDermott’s Houston office is leading engineering services — supported by its Kuala Lumpur office, which has a long track record of delivering solutions to customers in Vietnam. McDermott will perform project management, execution, planning and estimation services. Installation studies will be performed by McDermott’s marine operations.
“This award illustrates the confidence Delta Offshore Energy and its partners have in McDermott’s ability to deliver a turn-key EPCI solution for the subsea gas pipeline FEED scope for its Sisyphus project,” Mark Coscio, senior vice president for North, Central and South America, said in a news release. “We look forward to expanding our partnership and achieving a successful outcome.”
McDermott’s extensive experience in Vietnam and recent work for Delta Offshore Energy were key factors for this contract win. McDermott has more than 20 years of experience working in Vietnam and will leverage its relationship with local partners to smoothly execute the scope. Three months prior to the award, McDermott commenced a project feasibility study for the project, which was converted into the FEED.
McDermott anticipates the FEED contract will be converted into an EPCI contract in the first quarter of 2021.
HOUSTON/PRNewswire/ — McDermott International announced Andrew F. Gould, former chairman and chief executive officer of Schlumberger, has joined its Board of Directors, effective Thursday.
Gould has more than 40 years of experience in the global oil and gas industry.
Following his 37-year career with Schlumberger, Gould served as chairman of BG Group PLC, a multinational oil and gas company, from 2012 until its sale to Royal Dutch Shell in 2016. He previously was a member of the Board of Directors of Saudi Aramco, Rio Tinto PLC and Rio Tinto.
Gould currently serves on the Board of Directors of Occidental Petroleum and as a partner and chairman of the CSL Capital Management Energy Council.
“Andrew’s decades of experience in operations and financial leadership in the global oil and gas industry make him an invaluable addition to our Board of Directors,” McDermott President and CEO David Dickson said in a news release. “We look forward to leveraging his expertise leading multinational companies and extensive industry knowledge as we advance McDermott’s strategic direction.”
Gould said in the release, “I am very pleased to be joining the board at this critical moment in the company’s story. I have seen what McDermott can achieve in many parts of the world and look forward to contributing to their future success.”
Gould is a member of the Board of Trustees of The King Abdullah University of Science and Technology in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. He served on the United Kingdom Prime Minister’s Council for Science and Technology from 2004 to 2007.
He was vice-chairman of Technology for the U.S. National Petroleum Councils’ 2007 report “Facing the Hard Truths about Energy.” He was awarded the Charles F. Rand Memorial Gold Medal by the Society of Petroleum Engineers in 2014.
Gould has an undergraduate degree in economic history from the University of Wales at Cardiff. He holds an honorary doctorate in engineering from the Colorado School of Mines and is an honorary fellow at Cardiff University.

Morgan City police radio logs for Aug. 28-31

Tue, 09/01/2020 - 1:16pm

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, Aug. 28
8:45 a.m. Marquis Manor area; Vehicle burglary.
8:51 a.m. 1900 block of Levee Road; Missing person.
9:15 a.m. Ditch Avenue area; Animal complaint.
9:55 a.m. 6300 block of La. 182; Hang up call.
10:30 a.m. 300 block of Patton Street; Welfare concern.
10:46 a.m. 7400 block of La. 182; Complaint.
11:06 a.m. 1200 block of Cedar Street; Complaint.
11:17 a.m. 100 block of South Railroad Avenue; Theft.
11:23 a.m. 1100 block of David Drive; Complaint.
11:39 a.m. 1000 block of Belanger Street; Telephone harassment.
1 p.m. 7400 block of La. 182; Animal complaint.
1:06 p.m. 7500 block of La. 182; Complaint.
1:24 p.m. 300 block of Lawrence Street; Disturbance.
1:48 p.m. 100 block of Youngs Road; Alarm.
2:52 p.m. 300 block of Wren Street; Telephone harassment.
3:28 p.m. 900 block of Martin Luther King Boulevard; Traffic stop/arrest.
5:03 p.m. Fifth and Main streets area; Disturbance.
6:06 p.m. 100 block of Eleventh Street; Disturbance.
6:35 p.m. Apple Street and Levee Road; Fireworks
6:47 p.m. 6300 block of La. 182; Stalled vehicle.
7:02 p.m. 600 block of Seventh Street; Disturbance.
7:07 p.m. 300 block of Egle Street; Frequent patrols.
7:44 p.m. 2300 block of La. 70; Theft.
7:57 p.m. Garber Street; Frequent patrols.
10:18 p.m. U.S. 90 East; Stalled vehicle.
Saturday, Aug. 29
2:44 a.m. 500 block of Brashear Avenue; Harassment.
8:58 a.m. 300 block of Franklin Street; Theft.
10:35 a.m. 1200 block of Victor II Boulevard ; Complaint.
11:26 a.m. 300 block of Egle Street; Criminal damage to property.
11:52 a.m. 200 block of Terrebonne Street; Suspicious vehicle.
12:59 p.m. 200 block of Aucoin Street; Complaint.
1:20 p.m. 500 block of Fifth Street; Open door.
1:56 p.m. 300 block of Franklin Street; Theft.
3:20 p.m. 500 block of Second Street; Theft.
3:29 p.m. 500 block of Brashear Avenue; Complaint.
5:07 p.m. Grizzaffi Trailer Park area; Stand by.
5:37 p.m. 300 block of Louisa Street; Animal.
5:57 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Complaint.
6:16 p.m. Brashear Avenue and Fourth Street; Suspicious person.
7:49 p.m. 5000 block of Railroad Avenue; Medical.
8:11 p.m. Glenwood and Halsey streets; Loud music.
8:36 p.m. 1400 block of Second Street; Disturbance.
8:43 p.m. 1000 block of Brashear Avenue; Alarm.
9:14 p.m. 600 block of Bowman Street; Loud music.
10:08 p.m. 6400 block of La. 182; Medical.
11:09 p.m. 300 block of Federal Avenue; Disturbance.
11:58 p.m. Sixth and Bowman streets; 911 hang up.
Sunday, Aug. 30
12:16 a.m. 200 block of Chennault Street; Loud music.
2:15 a.m. Fifth and Freret streets; Medical.
8:50 a.m. 600 block of Martin Luther King Boulevard; Assistance.
8:53 a.m. 300 block of Lawrence Street; Stand by.
9:16 a.m. 300 block of Fifth Street; Medical emergency.
9:54 a.m. 1000 block of Seventh Street; Complaint.
10:14 a.m. 600 block of Bowman Street; Complaint.
10:45 a.m. 1700 block of Federal Avenue; Medical emergency.
12:03 p.m. 300 block of Chennault Street; Animal complaint.
12:44 p.m. 600 block of Shannon Street; Assistance.
12:59 p.m. La. 70 Lake End Park area; Medical emergency.
1:27 p.m. 400 block of Duke Street; Complaint.
2:22 p.m. 900 block of Fourth Street; Complaint.
2:37 p.m. 100 block of Youngs Road; Alarm.
2:53 p.m. 1100 block of Marguerite Street; Stand by.
3:29 p.m. 6400 block of La. 182; Accident.
4:05 p.m. 7000 block of La. 182; Remove a subject.
4:18 p.m. La. 182 near Walgreens; Accident.
5 p.m. 500 block of Bush Street; Complaint.
5:34 p.m. 7200 block of La. 182; Welfare check.
6:13 p.m. 700 block of David Drive; Suspicious vehicle.
6:14 p.m. 1400 block of Ellzey Street; Animal.
7:14 p.m. 1000 block of Fourth Street; Complaint.
7:20 p.m. U.S. 90 East; Reckless driving.
7:37 p.m. 1200 block of David Drive; Alarm.
8:36 p.m. 600 block of Grove Street; Suspicious activity.
9:01 p.m. 600 block of Terrebonne Street; Hit and run.
9:35 p.m. 1600 block of North Second Street; Accident.
9:45 p.m. 100 block of Canary Street; Hit and run.
10:23 p.m. 1400 block of North Third Street; Disturbance.
10:54 p.m. 1400 block of Federal Avenue; Complaint.
11:07 p.m. 1400 block of Federal Avenue; Medical.
11:16 p.m. 700 block of Arizona Street; Removal of subject.
Monday, Aug. 31
5:12 a.m. 1100 block of Marguerite Street; Reckless driving.

St. Martin officials seek reports of hurricane damage

Tue, 09/01/2020 - 1:14pm

Staff Report

ST. MARTINVILLE — Any St. Martin Parish residents or business owners who suffered damages as a result of Hurricane Laura are asked to report it to the St. Martin Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness as soon as possible.
“We would like to stress the vital importance of reporting any and all damages sustained to homes and businesses,” the St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office said in a news release.
“You are not only helping yourself, but also your neighbors to receive assistance from FEMA."
In order to determine if St. Martin Parish will qualify for Federal Emergency Management Agency assistance, those who sustained storm damage should contact the St. Martin Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Office at 337-394-2808 or at ohsep@stmartinsheriff.org.
When contacting the office, the following information should be given:
1. Name and Address.
2. Contact Information (phone and email).
3. Pictures of all damages.
4.What damage was sustained to the home or business.
5. Whether you own or rent the property.
6. Whether or not you have homeowners or business insurance coverage.
The EOC Call Center will be open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to accept calls.

Sheriff: Gibson man faces gun and drug charges

Tue, 09/01/2020 - 1:07pm

Staff Report

A Gibson man was arrested on weapon charges and on a variety y of drug charges after a traffic stop Saturday in Amelia, St. Mary Sheriff Blaise Smith said.
—Leslie Soloman, 63, Bayou Black Drive, Gibson, was arrested at 3:14 a.m. Saturday by the K9 Section on charges of possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, two counts of possession of a Schedule II drug with intent to distribute, possession of Schedule I and Schedule IV drugs with intent to distribute, possession of marijuana, possession of a firearm by a felon, possession of a firearm in the presence of a controlled dangerous substance, and possession or dealing in an unregistered or illegally transferred weapon.
A K9 deputy patrolling the area of La. 182 in Amelia conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle and made contact with the driver and two passengers, one identified as Soloman. Through the investigation, K9 Duko was deployed to conduct an open-air sniff and showed a positive odor response on the vehicle.
A Gibson man faces weapons charges and a variety of drug charges after a traffic stop Saturday in Amelia, St. Mary Sheriff Blaise Smith said.
—Leslie Soloman, 63, Bayou Black Drive, Gibson, was arrested at 3:14 a.m. Saturday by the K9 Section on charges of possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, two counts of possession of a Schedule II drug with intent to distribute, possession of Schedule I and Schedule IV drugs with intent to distribute, possession of marijuana, possession of a firearm by a felon, possession of a firearm in the presence of a controlled dangerous substance, and possession or dealing in an unregistered or illegally transferred weapon.
A K9 deputy patrolling the area of La. 182 in Amelia conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle and made contact with the driver and two passengers, one identified as Soloman. Through the investigation, K9 Duko was deployed to conduct an open-air sniff and showed a positive odor response on the vehicle.
Subsequently, drugs (cocaine, meth, crack cocaine, MDMA, Xanax, Hydrocodone, and marijuana) were located as well as drug paraphernalia. A 12-gauge Stevens sawed-off shotgun was also located. It was learned that the drugs, drug paraphernalia, and shotgun all belonged to Soloman. Soloman was transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking. Bail was set at $50,000.
Smith also reported these arrests:
—Michael Ray Walker, 33, Parish Road 131, Franklin, was arrested at 12:16 p.m. Friday on a charge of for assault-simple and on two warrants for failure to appear on charges of general speed law, operating a vehicle with an expired driver’s license, improper backing, operating a vehicle without a driver’s license on person, improper turn and failure to honor written promise to appear.
No bail has been set.
—Juvenile male, 14, Bayou L’Ourse, was arrested at 8 p.m. Friday as a runaway juvenile. The juvenile male was released into the custody of a guardian pending juvenile court proceedings.
—Chad Michael Menard, 41, Two Sisters Court, Bayou Vista, was arrested at 10:34 a.m. Friday on charges of driving under suspension and turning movements/signals required. Menard was released on a summons to appear Nov. 2.
—Juvenile male, 17, Patterson, was arrested at 7:53 p.m. Saturday on two counts of illegal possession of stolen firearms. The juvenile male was released into the custody of a guardian pending juvenile court proceedings.
—Dylan Matherne, 24, La. 55, Montegut, was arrested at 7:22 p.m. Saturday on a charge of reckless operation with accident. Matherne was released on a summons to appear Nov. 2.
—Jami Marie Chappuis, 27, West Madison Street, Broussard, was arrested at 10:50 p.m. Saturday on charges of reckless operation with accident and driving under suspension. Chappuis was released on a summons to appear Nov. 2.
—Leonard Keith Johnson, 54, Sherwood Meadow Drive, Baton Rouge, was arrested at 4:54 a.m. Sunday on a charge of possession of marijuana. Johnson was released on a summons to appear Nov. 2.
—Jason Glen Driskill, 49, Casa Blanca Road, Patterson, was arrested at 11:14 p.m. Sunday on a warrant for theft-larceny. Driskill was released on a summons to appear Nov. 2.
Morgan City Police Chief James F. Blair reported these arrests:
—Ryan Oneal Cox, 22, Aucoin Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 11:47 a.m. Friday on a warrant for tail lamps and a charge of possession of heroin.
Officers came into contact with Cox on La. 182. A warrant check revealed the St. Mary Sheriff’s Office held an active warrant for his arrest. He was placed under arrest and transported to the Morgan City Police Department for booking and incarceration.
—Brittany Morgan, 29, Saint Claire Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 1:29 p.m. Saturday on a charge of theft under $1,000 and a warrant for failure to appear.
Officers were called to an address on La. 182 for a theft complaint. They learned Brittany Morgan committed a theft valued at $23.15. A warrant check revealed the City Court of Morgan City held an active warrant for her arrest. She was placed under arrest and transported to the Morgan City Police Department for booking and incarceration.
—Kevin Paul Tauriac Jr., 26, Zan Alley, New Iberia, was arrested at 4:11 p.m. Friday on charges of turning movements and required signals and driving under suspension.
An officer observed a traffic violation in the area of Martin Luther King Boulevard and Allison Street. A traffic stop was conducted, and the driver was identified as Tauriac. 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.
—Brock Elix Williams, 41, Oak Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 8:44 p.m. Friday on warrants for five counts of failure to appear.
Officers came into contact with Williams in the area of Hickory Street A warrant check revealed with City Court of Morgan City held active warrants for his arrest. He was placed under arrest and transported to the Morgan City Police Department for booking and incarceration.
—Harpreet Singh, 40. Victor II Boulevard, Morgan City, was arrested at 5:15 p.m. Sunday on a charge of disturbing the peace while intoxicated.
Officers were called to an La. 182 address for an intoxicated individual causing a disturbance. They came into contact with Singh. Officers observed that he was in an intoxicated condition. He was placed under arrest and transported to the Morgan City Police Department for booking and incarceration.
Assumption Parish Sheriff Leland Falcon reported these arrests:
— Carlin Lewis, 36, Narrow Street, Thibodaux, was arrested Aug. 25 on charges of simple burglary of a motor vehicle and felony theft.
On Aug. 24, detectives initiated an investigation of a stolen vehicle near Jefferson Street in Napoleonville.
During the investigative process, Lewis was developed as a potential suspect.
On Aug. 25, Lewis turned himself in to detectives and was later arrested and booked into the Assumption Parish Detention Facility and later released after posting a $5,000 bond.
—Tess Marie Bergeron, 49, Virginia Street, Belle Rose, was arrested Thursday on charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving on a roadway laned for traffic, expired motor vehicle inspection tag and driving under suspension.
A K-9 deputy patrolling the Plattenville area observed a vehicle commit a traffic violation. The deputy initiated a stop of the vehicle and made contact with the driver identified as Bergeron.
The deputy noted the vehicle to have an expired motor vehicle inspection tag and Tess Bergeron’s license to be under suspension.
The K-9 officer made several personal observations of Bergeron consistent with illegal drug activity.
The deputy requested and was granted permission to search the vehicle. During the search, a quantity of methamphetamine was seized as well as assorted drug paraphernalia.
Bergeron was arrested and booked into the Assumption Parish Detention Center pending a bond hearing.

21 COVID cases, one death in three local parishes

Tue, 09/01/2020 - 12:26pm

Twenty-one new COVID-19 cases in the three local parishes were reported Tuesday by the Louisiana Office of Public Health. Thirteen of the new cases and one death were recorded for St. Martin Parish.

In St. Mary, six new cases raised the total since the pandemic began to 1,768.

St. Martin's 13 Tuesday cases raised the parish total to 1,975. The newly reported fatality makes the death toll 57.

Assumption had two new cases for a total of 669.

St. Mary's death toll remained at 70, Assumption's at 22.

Statewide:

--667 new cases Tuesday raised the pandemic total to 148,882.

--34 deaths raised the pandemic toll to 4,821.

--28 more COVID-positive people are in hospitals Tuesday for a total of 910.

--4 fewer people are on ventilators for a total of 128.

Blereau reminds it is time for the flu vaccine

Tue, 09/01/2020 - 10:17am

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is an article by local Centers for Disease Control Sentinel Physician Dr. Robert P. Blereau of Morgan City.
With the expectation of both the flu and coronavirus circulating this fall and winter the need to get the flu vaccine is more important than ever to prevent illness and death.
According to the CDC, between 30 and 59 million cases of the flu occurred in the United States this past flu season with 26 million medical office visits, 740,000 hospitalizations and 62,000 deaths.
The flu vaccine is the most preventative thing one can do to prevent flu illness and death and is usually 40-60% effective.
Since the start of the flu season is unpredictable the sooner you get the flu vaccine the better. It takes 2 weeks to develop protection.
From year to year there are usually different strains expected to circulate in the United States, not just one virus, necessitating a new flu vaccine to be formulated.
Most flu vaccines contain four flu virus strains — two type A and two type B.
The vaccine viruses are dead and cannot give one the flu after a shot.
A small percent of people develop flu-like symptoms which is a reaction to the shot material, but is not the flu and is still protective.
The flu shot is recommended yearly for ages 6 months and older unless one has contradictions.
Children 6 months through 8 years of age should receive two flu shots, 28 days or greater apart.
All pregnant women should receive the flu shot as soon as possible during the pregnancy, even the first trimester, because flu in pregnancy can be devastating, the benefits far outweigh the risks.
The live flu virus nasal vaccine is contraindicated in pregnancy, as are live vaccines in general.
A live flu virus nasal vaccine is available for those 2 through 49 years who do not have contraindications.
An egg-free flu vaccine is available for those with severe egg allergy including throat swelling and respiratory distress.
A high dose flu vaccine with four times the amount of dead virus to give more immunity is indicated for those 65 years and older.
The flu vaccines can be given with any other indicated vaccines, including pneumonia and tetanus.
A 15-minute seated or supine post vaccination observation period is recommended for all vaccines.
Side effects of the flu vaccine are mainly soreness of the arm at the injection site and fever, which are usually mild and resolve within hours to one day.
Guillain-Barre Syndrome, a neurologic muscle weakening condition, has occurred in less than two cases per million doses of flu vaccine.
Studies have shown the risk of Guillain-Barre Syndrome is higher after an infection, such as the flu, compared to getting the vaccine.
One with a history of Guillain-Barre Syndrome within 6 weeks of receiving any type flu vaccine generally should not receive another flu vaccine unless they are at a higher risk of severe complications from the flu.
Consult your vaccine provider for the appropriate flu vaccine for you.

FLU VACCINE ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT FOR CERTAIN GROUPS OF PEOPLE
The flu vaccine is more important for certain groups of people who are at higher risk of medical complications, such as pneumonia and death.
Those at higher risk of complications from contracting the flu are:
—All children ages 6-59 months.
—All persons aged 50 years and older.
—Adults and children who have chronic pulmonary (including asthma), cardiovascular (excluding isolated hypertension), renal, hepatic, neurologic, hematologic, or metabolic disorders (including diabetes mellitus).
—Persons who are immunocompromised due to any cause (including but not limited to immunosuppression caused by medications or human immunodeficiency virus infection).
—Women who are or will be pregnant during the influenza season.
—Children and adolescents (ages 6 months through 18 years) who are receiving aspirin- or salicylate-containing medication and who might be at risk for experiencing Reye syndrome after influenza virus infection.
—Residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities.
—American Indians/Alaska Natives.
—Persons who are extremely obese (body mass index greater than 40 for adults).

CONTRADICTIONS TO THE NASAL FLU VACCINE
Anyone with contradictions to the live-virus nasal flu vaccine should not take it. They include:
—Severe allergic reaction to any component of the vaccine or to a previous dose of any flu vaccine.
—Children and adolescents receiving concomitant aspirin- or salicylate-containing medications because of the potential risk of Reye syndrome.
—Children ages 2-4 years who have received a diagnosis of asthma or whose parents or caregivers report that a healthcare provider has told them during the past 12 months that their child had wheezing or asthma or whose medical record indicates a wheezing episode that occurred during the preceding 12 months
—Children and adults who are immunocompromised due to any cause, including but not limited to immunosuppression caused by medications, congenital or acquired immunodeficiency states, HIV infection, anatomic asplenia, or functional asplenia (such as that due to sickle cell anemia).
—Close contacts and caregivers of severely immunosuppressed persons who require a protected environment.
—Pregnancy.
—Persons with active communication between the cerebrospinal fluid and the oropharynx, nasopharynx, nose or ears or any other cranial CSF leak.
—Persons with cochlear implants, because of the potential for CSF leak, which might exist for some period after implantation.
—Receipt of influenza antiviral medication the previous 48 hours for oseltamivir and zanamivir, previous 5 days for peramivir, and previous 17 days for baloxavir.
Precautions for use also include the following:
—Moderate or severe acute illness with or without fever.
—History of Guillain-Barre Syndrome within 6 weeks of receipt of any influenza vaccine.
—Asthma in persons aged 5 years or older.
—Other underlying medical condition (other than those listed under contradictions) that might predispose to complications after wild-type influenza virus infection (e.g. chronic pulmonary, cardiovascular [except isolated hypertension], renal, hepatic, neurologic, hematologic, or metabolic disorders [including diabetes mellitus]).