RSS Feed

60 new COVID positives, three deaths Thursday in three local parishes

Sixty new COVID-19 positives were reported for three local parishes Thursday along with three new fatalities in St. Mary and St. Martin.

Statewide, nearly 2,300 new positives were reported for the 24 hours leading up to midday Thursday.

Twenty-six new COVID cases were reported for St. Mary, raising the total since the pandemic began to 1,215.

St. Martin has 20 new positives for a total of 1,353.

Assumption has 14 new positives for a total of 477.

Two deaths were reported Thursday in St. Martin for a total of 34.

A newly reported St. Mary death raises the total here to 40.

Assumption's death toll remains at 18.

Statewide:

--2,296 new positives pushed the total above 100,000 to 101,650.

--16 new deaths raise the statewide toll to 3,574.

--The number of people hospitalized for COVID-19 treatment rose by four to 1,585.

--An additional nine people are on ventilators for a total of 197.

Central Catholic High students go back to school week of Aug. 10-14; elementary resumes Aug. 14

Catholic high schools in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, including Central Catholic High, will open during the week of Aug. 10-14. Elementary schools, including Central Catholic, will open Aug. 14, according to the diocese.

Here's a statement issued by the diocese Thursday:

Suzanne Troxclair, Superintendent of Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Houma-
Thibodaux, announced today the dates for the safe return to classroom instruction
for the 2020-2021 school year. As outlined in a video released this morning,
Troxclair said the diocesan high schools would return the week of August 10-14
for orientation (with specific dates announced by those schools to their respective
parents), and the elementary schools returning to class on Friday, August 14th.
Troxclair reiterated that the diocesan priorities as we return to school include
safety, presence, and growth:
--SAFETY – Committed to utilizing all appropriate measures to maintain a
safe environment for students and staff
--PRESENCE – Committed to a return of our students and teachers to our
school campuses
--GROWTH – Allowing our children to continue their academic progress in a
safe, secure, and Christ-centered environment
She also noted that all school calendars were reviewed by the Catholic Schools
Office and all principals to ensure there would be very minimal changes, all in
light of new BESE mandates, CDC guidance, latest COVID-19 statistics, and
consistency with the diocesan return to school task force plan.
The superintendent reminds all parents to monitor the websites, parent
communications protocols, and social media of their children’s respective schools
for updates in the coming days and weeks. “The diocese is grateful for the deep
commitment of its school families to the ministry of Catholic education and looks
forward to welcoming it students back to school in the next few weeks,” she said.

St. Mary administrators outline what school schedule will look like

CENTERVILLE — St. Mary Parish high school students will return to classes this fall in a four-period day, while middle school students will be using a six-period day.
Those were some of the details outlined in the second “Welcome Back to School Forum” the school system hosted Wednesday to outline what instruction will look like when students return to school Aug. 7.
Buffy Fegenbush, the district’s supervisor of high schools and career and tech development instruction, said that for this year, high school students will be using a flex-hybrid schedule that will feature four classes in the fall and then four new classes in the spring.
Student populations will be divided in half with one group of students attending classes on Mondays and Thursdays and the second group going to school on Tuesdays and Fridays. On the other days, students will work virtually from home using district-issued laptops.
“The beauty of this is they will have four classes before Chris-tmas,” Fegenbush said. “They will complete those courses, and then they will have four classes after Christmas.”
The schedule will allow for students to graduate and earn the credits they need, Fegenbush said.
Seniors still will be able to leave school early, as they had in year’s past, but they must attend three periods of instruction for each in-person session per semester.
The classes from the traditional seven-period schedule that students had planned for the upcoming school year still will be followed, and the eighth class will be added during the first semester in fourth period, Fegenbush said.
“That class will be determined in conjunction with the parents and students and the school administration, so that students will be able to get continued support, so they will be able to maybe earn more dual enrollment credits or more industry-based certifications,” Fegen-bush said, adding it also could be used for remediation for students who need extra help.
The schedule will allow for the roughly 50% of the students in the district who graduate in the technical college track to complete their requirements, too.
In middle school, students also will be divided with half of the students attending classes on Monday and Thursday and the other half on Tuesday and Friday. When they are away from the classroom, students will complete course work via district-issued laptops.
By switching to a six-period day from eight periods per day, students will have more time for instruction and will necessitate less cleaning of surfaces between classes, said Niki Fryou, district supervisor of instruction for elementary and middle schools.
In the elementary school setting, students will attend school daily but will be in static groups, she said.
“So yes, we are compartmentalized, but the same group of students is going to move together,” Fryou said.
Among the recommendations that Fryou gave for how parents can help in the transition back to school are to keep a positive attitude about the changes that will be taking place.
“Children pick up from you,” she said. “If you’re negative and you’re talking about how bad the masks are, guess what? Your kids do, too, but if you make it a positive aspect, your kids are not going to mind near as much wearing those face masks.”
Fryou also said stressing frequent handwashing now is key for when the students return to school where handwashing will be done often and hand sanitizer will be found in classrooms.
“That is the big thing, keeping our hands clean. … That’s going to be a key in our elementary schools because our hands touch everything,” she said.
As for students who are enrolled in special education, students in grades kindergarten through fifth grade will attend school daily and follow a traditional schedule, said Debra McClarity, supervisor of special services. She said those in grades sixth through 12th grades will follow the guidelines for high school. However, students may attend school daily if they wish.
The differences between virtual learning and homeschooling also were discussed during Wednesday’s forum.
Fegenbush said those students who participate in virtual learning still are part of the school system at their home campus even though they are not attending in-person instruction.
“They will be able to participate in extra-curricular activities if they choose to do so,” Fegenbush said. “Attendance will still be required and monitored and recorded just as if they were attending school daily. They will be expected to attend school virtually.”
In the virtual program, students will be given assignments and will be checked in on each Monday to make sure they still are on course to complete the class.
“Again, students will be assisted by district teachers, and I think that’s very important,” Fegenbush said. “The teachers who will be assisting students in the virtual learning program will know the students. They will know the parents, so they will have direct contact with you. In the virtual learning program, you will not be speaking to someone that you’ve never seen before or who’s on the other end of the computer who may not respond to your needs.”
In homeschool, however, students will no longer be St. Mary Parish school students and also will not be able to participate in district extracurricular activities.
“Families will be responsible for purchasing and providing curriculum for your children, for purchasing and providing laptops and technology that will be needed for that curriculum,” Fegenbush said. “Parents must register with the Louisiana Department of Education.”
The district will hold its third forum Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. to discuss in more detail technology that will be available for virtual as well as in-class learning.

NEVILLE ZACHARY 'N.J.' JR.

April 11, 1941 — July 21, 2020
Neville Zachary “N.J.” Hebert Jr., 79, a resident of Bayou Vista, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 21, 2020 at his home.
N.J. was born on April 11, 1941 in Jeanerette, the son of Neville Z. Hebert Sr. and Lillian Clement Hebert.
N.J. was an avid outdoorsman who loved to be fishing, hunting or spending time at the camp. He also loved to garden and this year taught his wife how to tend to a successful garden. He loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren who brought true joy to his life and a smile to his face.
He will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his wife of 38 years, Betty Quebedeaux Hebert of Bayou Vista; seven children, Lori Hebert Eisenman of Lafayette, Randy Hebert and wife Shantell of Erath, Wayne Hebert Sr. and wife Brandy of Morgan City, Charlene Zerangue of Patterson, Shelia Smith and husband Phillip of Cypress, Texas, Mark Zerangue of Berwick, and Scottie Zerangue and wife Kelli of Bayou Vista; 18 grandchildren, Christen Hebert, Bryce Hebert, Maddy Hebert, Jacob Guillot, Julian Guillot, Kayla Eisenman, Carly Eisenman, Wayne Hebert Jr., Derek Hebert, Kelli Hebert, Logan Eschete, Taylor Brown, Brennan Cubbedge, Ryan Smith, Drew Smith, Trey Smith, Luke Zerangue and Addison Zerangue; and eight great-grandchildren. N.J. is also survived by seven siblings, Lucille Wray and husband Harold of New Iberia, Elton Hebert and wife Carol of Jeanerette, Agnes Hebert of Franklin, Rachael Trahan of Centerville, Jane Lancon and husband Lionel of Jeanerette, Daniel Hebert and wife Linda of Jayess, Mississippi and Angela Hughes and husband James of Thibodaux.
N.J. was preceded in death by his parents, Neville Sr. and Lillian Clement Hebert; two brothers, Dave Hebert and Roy Hebert; and one brother-in-law, Nelson Trahan.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers will be Bryce Hebert, Wayne Hebert Jr., Mark Zerangue, Scottie Zerangue, Daniel Hebert Jr., Luke Zerangue, Trey Smith and Jacob Guillot.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 2 p.m. on Friday, July 24, 2020 at St. Bernadette Catholic Church with Father Thainese Alphonse celebrating Mass. A visitation will be held from 9 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. on Friday, July 24, 2020 at Twin City Funeral Home with a rosary being prayed at 1 p.m. Following Mass mausoleum entombment will take place in the Berwick Cemetery.
Due to the health concerns and the restrictions with limited gatherings, current guidelines will only allow for 250 people in attendance at the funeral Mass and 100 people for the visitation at the funeral home, while still practicing social distancing. Masks will be required upon entering the funeral home and St. Bernadette Church.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be given to St. Bernadette Catholic Church.

PHILIP J. CLEMENTS II

On Saturday, July 11, 2020, Colonel (Ret) Philip J Clements II, loving husband, father of four, grandfather of six, and great grandfather of seven, passed away at the age of 87.
Phil was born on September 15, 1932 in New Orleans, LA. He grew up in Morgan City, LA, where he met his future wife of 65 years, Charlene Ann Bonner. They were married on Aug 22, 1954. Phil and Charlene raised three daughters and one son.
Phil graduated from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, LA, in 1954, where he earned his Commission through the Army ROTC Program. During his 30 years of service, his extensive career included such highlights as becoming a member of the US Army Rangers, two combat tours in Vietnam, earning a Master’s Degree, attending the Army War College, an assignment to the Pentagon, commanding a battalion, as well as two overseas tours.
Phil’s Army career culminated as a G-3 Staff Officer at Ft. Polk, LA. He retired in Oct of 1985. Phil then earned a second Master’s degree in Education and was the principal of St. Joseph’s Elementary School in Killeen, TX. He ended his working years as an NCO Academy instructor on Fort Hood, TX. In his retirement years Phil became a member of the Knights of Columbus at St. Paul’s in Harker Heights, TX, becoming a 4th degree Knight.
Phil was preceded in death by his son, Michael, his father, Ervin, and his mother, Flavia. He is survived by his wife, Charlene, his daughters, Mary, Marcia, and Marlene, his brothers, Ervin and Charles, his grandchildren, and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Due to Covid 19, immediate family only will attend a Requiem Mass on July 28,2020 at St. Paul Chong Hasang Catholic Church in Harker Heights, TX. Burial with honors will follow at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen, TX. Flowers may be sent to Crawford Bowers Funeral Home in Killeen, TX. 254-634-2638

CONNIE LEE ALBERTA FABRE GUIDROZ

November 9, 1940 — July 22, 2020
Connie Lee Alberta Fabre Guidroz, 79, a resident of Patterson, passed away peacefully Tuesday, July 21, 2020, surrounded by her loving family, after a long battle with cancer.
Connie was born November 9, 1940 in Berwick, the daughter of Morris Fabre and Azema “Petite” Fabre.
Connie married her high school sweetheart, the love of her life, Russell J. Guidroz Sr. and they lived a loving, happy life together. Connie worked for (BEMS), as a special needs assistant, where she helped the handicapped. She enjoyed her job until the day she retired, helping several people over the years. Connie was an artist; a lot of her work was displayed throughout Louisiana, including paintings in the State Capital in Baton Rouge.
She will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her husband of 65.5 years, Russell Guidroz Sr.; three children, Ramona Guinn, Cindy Clemons and husband Mark, Rusty Guidroz and wife Michelle, and Christine Guidroz; brother, Irwin Fabre Sr. and wife Judy (life-long friend); sister, Rita MaVea and her husband Paul; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Betty and Jerry Chesness; 10 grandchildren, Casey Stark, Caitlin Guinn, Daniel Clemons, Alysse Fetty, Zachary Guidroz, Shalie Fangue, Miya Guidroz, Clay Lovett, Christopher Lovett and Michael Joseph; and 12 great-grandchildren.
Connie was preceded in death by her parents, Morris and Azema Fabre; brother, Kurt Fabre; mother-in-law, Odile Guidroz Ohmer; and father-in-law, Walton Guidroz.
Funeral services will be held at noon Saturday, July 25, 2020 at Twin City Funeral Home with Father Cremaldi officiating. Visitation will be held Saturday, July 25, 2020 at Twin City Funeral Home from 9 a.m. until the time of service. After services, Connie will be laid to rest in Morgan City Cemetery.
Due to health concerns and the restrictions with limited gatherings, current guidelines will only allow for up to 50 family members and friends for the visitation and funeral service, while still practicing social distancing. Masks will be required upon entering the funeral home.

BABY NEVAEH LEE LOPEZ

Baby Nevaeh Lee Lopez, born June 15, 2020, at Thibodaux Regional Medical Center, died Monday, July 20, 2020.
She is survived by her parents, Zacharieth Lopez and Jaida Weatherford; maternal grandparents, Bobbie LeBlanc and Terri LeBlanc; and paternal grandparents, Cody Landry and Charles Weatherford.
She was preceded in death by her maternal and paternal great-grandparents.
Visitation will be Saturday from 10 a.m. until services at 2 p.m. at Twin City Funeral Home. Burial will follow in St. Andrews Cemetery in Amelia.
Due to CDC recommendations, up to 50 people are allowed while practicing social distancing. Masks are required.
Twin City Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Update from the NHC on Gonzalo, Tropical Depression 8

From the National Hurricane Center:

Tropical Storm Gonzalo
Recently-obtained GCOM and WindSat microwave data from overnight
shows that Gonzalo's center is a little farther south than
previously estimated. In addition, the storm's structure has
become a little disheveled since yesterday, with the deep
convection losing some organization. SAB's data-T number responded
to this by falling to 2.5, but overall the CI numbers and SATCON
support maintaining 55 kt for now.

There is still an incredible amount of uncertainty in Gonzalo's
intensity forecast. Sea surface temperatures to the east of the
Windward Islands are warm--close to 29C--and the storm is likely to
be moving through an environment of relatively light shear at least
for the next 48 hours or so. The ambient environment is not
particularly moist, however, with mid-level relative humidity
generally around 50 percent, and it already appears that this dry
air is affecting Gonzalo. Small cyclones like Gonzalo tend to
succumb to any type of adverse environmental conditions quite
easily, and it's possible that the system could struggle during the
next couple of days. This is the solution shown by some of the
global models, particularly the ECMWF and UKMET. On the other
hand, the hurricane statistical and dynamical models, as well as
the GFS, continue to show Gonzalo strengthening to a hurricane
before it reaches the Windward Islands. Out of an abundance of
caution, the official forecast continues to show Gonzalo becoming a
hurricane in about 24 hours, but the uncertainty in this scenario
cannot be stressed enough. There is a higher degree of certainty
that Gonzalo would weaken once it moves over the eastern and
central Caribbean Sea, where even the GFS shows it opening up into
a wave.

Even with the southward adjustment of the initial position, Gonzalo
still appears to be moving westward, or 270/12 kt. The subtropical
ridge to the north is forecast to push Gonzalo toward the west or
west-northwest, with an increase in forward speed, for the entire
5-day forecast period. Much of the track uncertainty hinges on
exactly how strong Gonzalo gets, with the stronger model
representations showing the storm making more poleward process.
Models such as the ECMWF and UKMET, which keep Gonzalo weak or open
it up into a trough, are along the southern side of the guidance
envelope. The updated NHC track forecast has been shifted
southward some, to account for the new initial position and to be a
little closer to the intensity consensus, HCCA, and the Florida
State Superensemble.

Key Messages

1. There is an increasing risk of wind and rain impacts from
Gonzalo in portions of the southern Windward Islands this weekend,
however there is significant uncertainty in how strong Gonzalo will
be when it moves across the islands.

2. Despite the uncertainty in Gonzalo's future intensity, hurricane
conditions are possible across portions of the southern Windward
Islands. Hurricane Watches are currently in effect for Barbados
and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and additional watches for
other islands could be required later today. Interests in the
southern Windward Islands should monitor the progress of Gonzalo and
follow any advice given by local officials.

FORECAST POSITIONS AND MAX WINDS

INIT 23/1500Z 9.6N 48.3W 55 KT 65 MPH
12H 24/0000Z 9.8N 50.0W 60 KT 70 MPH
24H 24/1200Z 10.1N 52.7W 65 KT 75 MPH
36H 25/0000Z 10.5N 55.7W 70 KT 80 MPH
48H 25/1200Z 11.2N 59.0W 70 KT 80 MPH
60H 26/0000Z 11.9N 62.3W 70 KT 80 MPH
72H 26/1200Z 12.6N 65.4W 65 KT 75 MPH
96H 27/1200Z 14.0N 71.4W 50 KT 60 MPH
120H 28/1200Z 15.5N 77.5W 40 KT 45 MPH

Tropical Depression 8
Satellite imagery indicates that the depression is getting better
organized, with a better-defined center located near the
northeastern end of a broadly curved convective band. Satellite
intensity estimates from TAFB and SAB have increased to 30 kt, and
that will be the initial intensity for this advisory. An Air Force
Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircraft is currently enroute to
investigate the depression.

The initial motion is west-northwestward or 285/8 kt. A mid-level
ridge over the central United States is the predominant steering
influence, and the global models forecast this ridge to build
during the several days. This should cause the depression to turn
more westward by 48-60 h and south of west after about 72 h. The
track guidance is in good agreement with that scenario, and the new
NHC forecast track, which has only minor adjustments from the
previous track, lies near the various consensus models. The new
forecast track has the center making landfall along the Texas coast
between 48-60 h.

The depression is in an environment of light shear and over warm
sea surface temperatures, so at least slow strengthening is
expected until landfall. The new intensity forecast, which lies a
little below the intensity consensus, now calls for a peak
intensity of 45 kt before landfall. Data from the Hurricane Hunter
will give more details on whether the structure of the cyclone has
improved or not, which will be incorporated into the next forecast
cycle.

Key Messages

1. The depression is expected to strengthen and it could bring
tropical-storm-force winds to portions of the Texas coast, where a
tropical storm watch is in effect.

2. The depression is expected to produce heavy rains along the Gulf
Coast from Louisiana to the Lower Texas Coast. These rains could
result in flash flooding and minor river flooding.

FORECAST POSITIONS AND MAX WINDS

INIT 23/1500Z 26.3N 90.7W 30 KT 35 MPH
12H 24/0000Z 26.7N 91.8W 30 KT 35 MPH
24H 24/1200Z 27.4N 93.4W 35 KT 40 MPH
36H 25/0000Z 27.8N 94.9W 40 KT 45 MPH
48H 25/1200Z 28.0N 96.5W 45 KT 50 MPH
60H 26/0000Z 28.0N 98.0W 40 KT 45 MPH...INLAND
72H 26/1200Z 27.9N 99.3W 30 KT 35 MPH...INLAND
96H 27/1200Z 27.5N 101.0W 20 KT 25 MPH...POST-TROP/INLAND
120H 28/1200Z 27.0N 103.0W 15 KT 15 MPH...POST-TROP/INLAND

Wheel House for July 23

AUCOIN GARDEN
J.S. Aucoin Elementary, Amelia, needs empty 2-liter soda bottles for garden projects. To donate, call 985-519-1628, leave message.

Local authorities make arrests for meth possession

Staff Report
Morgan City, St. Mary Parish and Assumption Parish authorities all made arrests Tuesday on methamphetamine possession charges.
Morgan City Police Chief James F. Blair reported these arrests:
—Francis Lee Boudreaux, 35, Legnon Court, Morgan City, was arrested at 11:08 p.m. Tuesday on charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and illegal use of a controlled dangerous substance in the presence of a person under 17, and on a warrant for failure to appear.
Investigators with the Morgan City Narcotics Division conducted an investigation at an address on La. 182. During the investigation, they came into contact with Boudreaux.
She was found in possession of suspected methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia in the presence of a person under the age of 17.
A computer check revealed 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
—Eric Spencer Gaskins, 49, Apple Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 4:08 p.m. Tuesday on a warrant for resisting an officer.
Officers came into contact with Gaskins in the area of Brashear Avenue and Fourth Street. During the investigation, Gaskins fled from officers on foot, but was apprehended a short time later.
He was placed under arrest and transported to the Morgan City Police Department for booking and incarceration.
—Andrew Joseph Paul Hebert, 28, Utah Steet., Berwick, was arrested at 6:59 p.m. Tuesday on charges of obstruction of justice and disturbing the peace-intoxicated.
Officers came into contact with Hebert on La.182. He was intoxicated. Officers observed he was in possession of suspected illegal narcotics. When the officer attempted to recover the illegal narcotics,
Hebert consumed the suspected illegal narcotics. He was placed under arrest and transported to the Morgan City Police Department for booking and incarceration.
St. Mary Parish Sheriff Blaise Smith reported these arrests:
—Steve Berryhill, 49, Kelli Drive, Patterson, was arrested by the Narcotics Section at 4:10 p.m. Tuesday on charges of improper lane use, possession of marijuana and possession of methamphetamine over 28 grams with intent to distribute. No bail has been set.
—Lilly Touchet, 28, Chris Lane, Verdunville, was arrested at 4:01 p.m. Tuesday on a charge of forgery. Touchet was released on a summons to appear Oct. 22.
—Kurt Anthony Chapman, 33, Magnolia Street, Franklin, was arrested at 4:04 p.m. Tuesday on a charge of theft. Chapman was released on a summons to appear Oct. 22.
—Haley Danielle Rogers, 29, Russo Street, Berwick, was arrested at 8:38 p.m. Tuesday on a charge of theft.
Rogers was released on a summons to appear Oct. 22.
—Shannon Gail Wright, 29, Pecan Street, Patterson, was arrested at 10:24 p.m. Tuesday on a charge of simple battery.
Wright was released on a summons to appear Oct. 22.
—Collin Evan Hatfield, 25, Harvard Avenue, Metairie, was arrested at 11:51 p.m. for disturbing the peace-intoxicated. Bail has been set at $1,000.
—Tyronn Charles, 33, 5624 Tullahoma Drive, Baton Rouge, was arrested at 5:45 a.m. Wednesday on a charge of criminal damage to property-simple.
Charles was released on a summons to appear Oct. 22.
Patterson Police Chief Garrett Grogan reported these arrests:
—Lacoryer D. Nicholas, 34, La. 400, Napoleonoville, was charged at 12:27 p.m. Wednesday with battery on a dating partner and held on a warrant for failure to appear for a traffic violation
Nicholas was incarcerated at the Patterson Police Department. He posted a $77 bond.
Assumption Parish Sheriff Leland Falcon reported this arrest:
— Chelsie L. Breaux, 28, La. 70 South, Pierre Part, was arrested Tuesday on charges of possession of methamphetamine, heroin, Apidex and drug paraphernalia, illegal window tint, careless operation of a motor vehicle, and during under suspension.
Deputies and narcotics agents executed a stop relative to traffic violations east of Pierre Part and made contact with the driver, identified as Breaux.
The suspect exhibited signs and behavior consistent with illegal drug activity. Deputies opted to have a K-9 conduct an open-air sniff of the vehicle. The K-9 alerted to areas of the vehicle indicating the presence of illegal narcotics.
A subsequent search of the vehicle yielded the seizure of numerous controlled dangerous substances.
Breaux was incarcerated pending a bond hearing.

Pages

ST. MARY NOW

Franklin Banner-Tribune
P.O. Box 566, Franklin, LA 70538
Phone: 337-828-3706
Fax: 337-828-2874

Morgan City Review
1014 Front Street, Morgan City, LA 70380
Phone: 985-384-8370
Fax: 985-384-4255