RSS Feed

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.
Monday, July 20
9 a.m. 300 block of Barrow Street; 911 hang up.
9:12 a.m. 3200 block of Roselawn Drive; Reckless driving.
9:20 a.m. 500 block of Greenwood Street; Medical.
9:47 a.m. 300 block of Glenwood Street; Criminal damage to property.
10:40 a.m. 1100 block of Marguerite Street; Assistance.
10:56 a.m. 900 block of Ninth Street; Complaint.
11:54 a.m. 6400 block of La. 182; Accident.
12:31 p.m. La. 182; Accident.
12:55 p.m. 1500 block of North Third Street; Assistance.
1:02 p.m. 500 block of Arenz Street; Welfare check.
1:40 p.m. 900 block of Belanger Street; 911 hang up.
4:22 p.m. La. 182/La. 70 Junction; Accident.
4:23 p.m. 900 block of Fourth Street; Frequent patrol.
4:25 p.m. 1100 block of Victor II Boulevard; Theft.
6 p.m. 1000 block of Ditch Avenue; Complaint.
7:36 p.m. U.S. 90 West; Reckless operation.
7:36 p.m. 1300 block of Front Street; Complaint.
8:51 p.m. 600 block of Fourth Street; Animal complaint.
9:19 p.m. 1400 block of North Third Street; Medical.
9:36 p.m. 600 block of Duke Street; Civil.
Tuesday, July 21
12:46 a.m. U.S. 90 East; Stalled vehicle.
12:58 a.m. 700 block of Arizona Street; Disturbance.
1:16 a.m. U.S. 90 East; Stalled vehicle.

The past few months have been bittersweet for business interests in Louisiana, especially when it comes to politics.
Put another way, this has been a banner year — and year of hell.
Practically every corner of business and industry has been impacted by the economic downturn of late, which followed on the heels of a global pandemic.
That turn of bad fortune, however, has also collided with notable public policy successes and shrewd political maneuvers.
Barely a year goes by in Baton Rouge where groups like the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry don’t put a dent in the state’s political process.
But 2020 feels a little different.
After putting considerable resources into last cycle’s legislative elections, LABI seized an enhanced position at the policymaking table this year on issues ranging from tort reform to taxes.
There’s simply no doubting LABI’s influence now over the Louisiana Legislature.
It even helped draft the agenda for the first special session of the year.
Thing is, this year, much like this term of state government, isn’t quite over. LABi and its allies have much more in store, according to the association’s president, Stephen Waguespack.
Rather than speculate on what those next moves might look like, I asked Waguespack to help us get a better look at that organizational roadmap, starting with politics.
1.) What are the key fall races LABI will be targeting?
“Given the number of judicial races on the ballot this fall, we’ll have ample opportunities to get involved at all levels of the judiciary,” Waguespack said. “Obviously, the big races are for the open Supreme Court seats in northeast Louisiana and New Orleans, but we’ll also be looking at courts of appeal and district courts. Plus, we’ll be looking at the Public Service Commission races as well.”
2.) What are your thoughts on the possibility of a fall special session?
“Well, I think it is highly likely we will have one to tackle challenges with the budget, economy or both,” Waguespack said. “COVID-19 has been a public health emergency, challenge for government revenue estimates and an unprecedented economic crisis.
"The oil crash, while not as thoroughly discussed, has been just as much of an economic punch to the gut.
"If you go to any community anywhere in the state, you’ll look around and see that Louisiana workers and employers of all shapes and sizes are suffering.
"The Federal assistance many of them received through programs such as the Paycheck Protection Program is about to run out. Louisiana’s GDP is down 20%, unemployment claims are still high and a potential second wave of layoffs is possible if we don’t get the economy cranking again soon.”
3.) Some associations and government relations team will steer clear of redistricting next year, when election lines are redrawn to match the latest U.S. Census data. Does LABI care about much about that process and will it be involved?
“You bet,” LABI’s chief responded. “We’re looking at some maps already and we’ll be keeping an eye out as the Legislature works through this process.
"We’re hoping our members get involved in redistricting and we want to serve as a resource and information hub for them.”
4.) What do you think will be on tap for the regular session of 2021?
“That’s really going to depend on what our economy looks like next year, but my guess is the focus will be on tax reform that eases compliance, encourages growth and reduces rates for everyone,” said Waguespack. “
I also think infrastructure will be a hot issue next year as well that must be addressed. Those two issues, along with the need to continue improving our legal climate and increasing our ability to train educated, qualified workers, will be critical steps to meet the needs of our people.
"Louisiana’s economy is not built like New York or California, rather, we are a service-based economy focused on industries like energy, hospitality, construction, agriculture, manufacturing and retail. These industries are the types hit hardest by the pandemic and oil crash.
"Considering the fact most economists expect a slow recovery well into 2021, the focus in the Capitol next year needs to be laser focused on economic solutions that work, save our way of life and prioritize people over politics.”
As the Legislature and the rest of state governments moves closer to these benchmarks — a second special session in 2020 and neat year’s regular session — Waguespack said he knows lawmakers will need a mix of new ideas and better handles on the “same obstacles to growth and investment we have debated for decades.”
To be certain, LABI’s team will be there to let lawmakers know what business and industry wants out of such an approach, even as it continues battling Gov. John Bel Edwards and Democrats along the way.
The real question is whether a majority of lawmakers will continue to listen and hang on every word.
For more Louisiana political news, visit www. LaPolitics.com or follow Alford on Twitter @LaPoliticsNow.

St. Mary Soil and Water Conservation District and several volunteers were at Burns Point July 14 engaged in their annual planting of marsh grass.
This year, instead of bulrush, SMSWCD planted soft cord grass, working back from the wave-breaks of the bulrush, toward the banks of the marshes, filling-in the gaps with the soft cord grass.
Kaleb McDade, district vegetative technician with Gulf Coast Soil and Water Conservation District in Lake Charles, explained, “The bulrush can take a little deeper water, but the soft cord grass needs it to be a bit more shallow.
“Basically, what we do is… about a year-and-a-half out (from planting time) we (GCSWCD) will write a proposal for our site plan.
“What we are doing today was written and figured out in the winter of 2018.
“So, this winter, I’ll come here and check to see if there are some areas here that need more plants in 2022.”
He added that the particular plan at the Burns Point planting site is to stop silt and mud borne on/in breaking waves at the line of bulrush, create there a mud bank/wave-break, and allow the receding bank of the marsh, to “hopefully” pull forward with the help of the soft cord grass and the mud deposits it traps.
“Smooth cord (grass) is versatile,” McDade said. “It can handle being on a beach, it can handle being in water at about knee-height depths, whereas bulrush can be planted deeper because it grows tall, and it grows like a fingerling.
“There is a lot of science that goes into figuring out the type of plants we are going to use and the best ways to use them.”
According to McDade, this year’s plants, the soft cord grass, grows in thick clumps, and for that reason will be suited to stop whatever wave erosion potential makes it through the bulrush.
As for being able to see the dividends of the planting project, McDade said it is evident that progress is being made at the Burns Point site one only needs to look at the growth as planned, where the goal is to “fill in, and fill out.”
To volunteer for “much needed” assistance with next year’s planting, or any other SMSWCD projects taking place this year, visit https://www.facebook.com/StMarySWCD/, or call (337) 828-1461.

DEAR ABBY: My boyfriend and I are middle-aged. We have been together for 2½ years. I love him, and I’m grateful for such a wonderful man at this point in my life. My problem is, he calls me “Sweet Baby” every single time he addresses me. (“Sweet Baby, what do you need help with?” “Sweet Baby, I am on my way.” “What did you say, Sweet Baby?”) Even when it comes to trying to be affectionate, he’ll say, “You’re my sweet baby, aren’t you?” He asks this over and over and over, and then says, “You’re my sweet baby.”
Abby, I could probably take it occasionally, but his continuous use of it now makes me cringe. I hate it! I have told him how much I’d prefer for him to use my name, but he won’t. He continues with the “Sweet Baby” in texts, calls, in person — constantly. I’m starting to wonder if he’s doing it deliberately.
He, in turn, likes being called “Big Daddy,” but I won’t do it. He’s not my daddy, and I don’t care for pet names.
How can one little thing like that be so annoying, to the point that I’m beginning to avoid him and visit him less? It breaks my heart because we can have such a good time together, but he is ruining it. I’m trying not to end a wonderful relationship. I feel that by ignoring my request, he is being rude. Your advice?
CRINGING IN THE SOUTH

DEAR CRINGING: Your boyfriend may be following a script he has written in his head. Has it occurred to you that “Sweet Baby” may be what he has called ALL the women in his life — which would make it less a term of endearment than rote recitation?
After two years of this, you should have made clear to him that “Sweet Baby” is not only not having the desired effect, but it’s making you cringe. While you are at it, tell him plainly that you have an aversion to pet names like “Big Daddy” because one daddy was enough for you, and you neither want nor need another one.
If you can’t communicate what you really feel, then indeed this romance isn’t going to last, so you might as well speak up.

DEAR ABBY: My 14-year-old son and I recently went to visit family a few hours away. We stayed at my mother’s home. My mother overheard him talking to his male friend about engaging in sexual activity with him. He thought everyone was asleep when she overheard the conversation.
I never suspected that my son might be gay or bi. She told me in private the next day. Should I say something to him about what she heard? I don’t want to embarrass him, and my mother doesn’t want him knowing what she heard. Should I keep quiet?
CAUGHT BY SURPRISE IN TEXAS

DEAR CAUGHT: Your mother may have misinterpreted what she heard. Your son is at an age when he is trying to figure out who he is. I don’t think it would be constructive to talk to him about what she told you, so bide your time. Let him know you love him and are always available to listen and talk with him about anything that might concern him. But the topic of his sexual orientation should be raised by him, not you.
***
What teens need to know about sex, drugs, AIDS and getting along with peers and parents is in “What Every Teen Should Know.” Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 to: Dear Abby, Teen Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447.