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UPDATED: More than 40 COVID positives at Patterson Healthcare

Mon, 07/13/2020 - 12:08pm

Another 74 new COVID-19 positives were reported Monday in St. Mary, St. Martin and Assumption parishes, the same day parish Coroner Eric Melancon reported that the number of positives at Patterson Healthcare is now over 40.

Monday night, Melancon said results that came in earlier in the day indicate 35 residents and seven employees at the Patterson nursing have been infected with COVID-19. Two residents have been hospitalized.

There have been no fatalities, Melancon said.

The infected employees have been told to stay home. COVD-positive residents still at the nursing home have been isolated in a wing separated from the rest of the facility by a physical barrier.

An infection control plan is in place, Melancon said. His office has offered personal protective equipment to Patterson Healthcare, but the nursing home reports it has enough for now.

"It's being done right," Melancon said. "I was impressed."

The number of positives among St. Mary people since the pandemic began topped 800 Monday. Melancon spoke in favor of Gov. John Bel Edwards' decision to make face covering mandatory indoor and outdoor spaces where social distancing from people outside the wearer's immediate household isn't possible.

"The mask requirement should slow the overall spread," Melancon said.

He regrets that the wearing of masks as a COVID-19 precaution has become politicized.

"I'm sick and tired of politics," he said. "Do you want to take the risk of spreading it to a family member who may die?"

On Monday, the Louisiana Office of Public Health reported 39 new cases in St. Mary in the 24 hours ending at midday Monday. That brings the total number of positives to 801 since the pandemic began.

In St. Martin, 29 new cases raised the total to 1,050.

In Assumption, six new cases make the total 430.

No new local deaths were reported, although Melancon said test results are pending for three St. Mary fatalities. For now, the death toll stays at 39 in St. Mary, 27 in St. Martin and 16 in Assumption.

Statewide:

--1,705 new cases make the pandemic total 79,827.

--7 new deaths raise the toll to 3,315.

--The number of people hospitalized for COVID treatment grew by 65 to 1,308.

--The number of people on ventilators grew by eight to 142.

The words on the street

Mon, 07/13/2020 - 10:56am

The Daily Review/Diane Miller Fears
In a sign of the times, New York City
decided to paint a Black Lives Matter mural in front of Trump Tower. The Daily Review's
Diane Miller Fears shot this photo during a
vacation trip last week.

ANTHONY RENTROP BERGERON

Mon, 07/13/2020 - 10:53am

(September 3, 1932 — March 17, 2020)
Family and friends are invited to attend a Memorial and Funeral Service at St. Cletus Catholic Church, 3600 Claire Avenue, Gretna, LA 70053 on Saturday, July 18, 2020. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. with a Funeral Mass at 11 a.m. followed by a Military Honors Interment at Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery (Chapel of Faith), 1225 Whitney Avenue, Gretna, LA 70056.
Anthony Rentrop Bergeron, 87 years old, a native of Morgan City, Louisiana, and a resident of Gretna, Louisiana, passed away on Tuesday, March 17, 2020. He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Patricia Ann Boudreaux Bergeron, his children Derrin, Kirk, and Leslie, granddaughters Haley and Hannah, two brothers Patrick and Edwin of Morgan City, one brother-in-law CJ Michel of Kaplan, and two sisters-in-law Carol and Sharon, and a host of nieces and nephews.
Having completed a combined engineering and business program at Southwestern Louisiana Institute (University of Louisiana, Lafayette), he joined Sewart Seacraft as production engineer on the U.S. Navy’s Swift Program. He moved to Gretna and joined Camcraft, specializing in the design and fabrication of aluminum crew boats. At age 41, he founded Bergeron Boats, a Lafitte-based boat yard, specializing in the design and fabrication of steel and aluminum vessels for the U.S. Military, as well as the local petroleum and fishing industry. Twelve years later, having served as marketing and project consultant for Swiftships, he founded Total Marine Services in 1985 to satisfy the growing demand for repairs to lightering barges and other marine equipment.
He served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War and worked in the local marine industry for over 60 years. He was a member of the Gretna Sportsmen’s Club, Mark Twain Club, Marine Club of New Orleans, and three carnival clubs.
He loved people, life, and his church. He always wanted to know where the fish were biting, as he enjoyed fishing and hunting. His family was very important to him and enjoyed spending time with his children, granddaughters, and family pets.
He was preceded in death by his parents Oliver Sr. and Elizabeth Rentrop Bergeron. Four sisters; Elizabeth Bergquist, Catherine Kidd, Joyce Buford, and Joan Michel. Five brothers; Oliver Jr., Laurie, Sheldon, Robert, and Jason.
He will be deeply missed by all who had the honor of knowing him for his good nature and generous heart, may he rest in peace in God’s hands and in the hearts of his family. In lieu of flowers please make memorial donations to the charity of your choice. Mothe Funeral Homes is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends may view and sign the online guest book at mothefunerals.com.

MARIE MAE GRIFFIN SWIBER

Mon, 07/13/2020 - 10:52am

September 20, 1927 — July 8, 2020
Marie Mae Griffin Swiber, 92, a resident of Morgan City, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 8, 2020, at Maison Jardin.
Marie was born on September 20, 1927, in Covington, the daughter of Joseph Griffin and Delphine Babin Griffin.
Marie was a devout Catholic and very involved in her faith, serving as an Eucharistic minister at Holy Cross Church, as well as being a member of the Catholic Daughters and Ladies Altar Society. Being a homemaker and raising her children, Marie volunteered her time as a scout leader as well as volunteering at the local schools, VFW, American Legion and Knights of Columbus. Later in life she enjoyed traveling with her husband. She also enjoyed fishing and playing bingo.
She will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by two sons, Michael Glynn Swiber, and wife Paula, and Dennis Joseph Swiber, both of Morgan City; four daughters, Patricia Ann Autrey, and husband Ray, Marie Mae Fromenthal, and husband Rodney Sr., Denise Ann Ritchie, all of Morgan City, and Barbara Ann Strader, and husband Tom of Stephensville; daughter-in-law, Carlene Swiber of Gray; 20 grandchildren; and 25 great-grandchildren.
Marie was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Delphine Babin Griffin; her husband, Henry A. Swiber Sr.; two sons, David Joseph Swiber and Henry A. Swiber Jr.; son-in-law, John Ritchie; and daughter-in-law, Dianne Vicknair Swiber. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Nora Schlenker and two brothers, Melvin and Paul Griffin.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers will be her grandsons.
The family would like to thank staff of Maison Jardin for the care, comfort, and compassion given to their mother.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 15, 2020, at Holy Cross Catholic Church with Father Brice Higginbotham celebrating Mass. A visitation will be held from 8:30 a.m. until 10 a.m. on Wednesday, July 15, 2020, at Twin City Funeral Home with a rosary being prayed at 9 a.m. Following Mass, Marie will be laid to rest in the Morgan City Cemetery.
Due to the health concerns and the restrictions with limited gatherings, current guidelines will only allow for up to 100 family members and friends for the visitation at the funeral home and 194 in attendance at the funeral Mass while still practicing social distancing. Masks will be required upon entering Holy Cross Church.

Police: Man asleep in car had heroin

Mon, 07/13/2020 - 10:46am

Staff Report

A Florida man whom Morgan City police found sleeping in a car has been arrested on charges alleging possession of a variety of drugs, including heroin, Police Chief James F. Blair said.
—Cory Logan Chavis, 30, Willow Street, Freeport, Florida, was arrested at 6:45 a.m. Thursday on charges of possession of Gabapentin, Pregabalin, methamphetamine and heroin.
Officers were called to an address on La. 182 about an individual asleep in a vehicle. They came into contact with Chavis.
During the officer’s investigation, Chavis was found in possession of suspected Gabapentin, Pregabalin, methamphetamine, and heroin. He was placed under arrest and transported to the Morgan City Police Department for booking and incarceration.
Blair also reported these arrests:
—Kenneth Allridge, 55, Oil Tank Alley, Morgan City, was arrested at 2:50 p.m. Thursday on a warrant for tail lamps-license plate light, driving under suspension and possession of crack cocaine with intent to distribute.
Narcotics detectives came into contact with Kenneth Allridge in the area of Julia Street.
A warrant check revealed the Morgan City Police Department held an active warrant for his arrest. He was placed under arrest and transported to the Morgan City Police Department for booking and incarceration.
—Cody J. Legnon, 41, Legnon Court, Bayou L’ourse, was arrested at 6:52 p.m. Thursday on a fugitive warrant from Assumption Parish.
An officer conducted a traffic stop in the area of Second Street for a traffic violation. During the traffic stop, Legnon was identified as a passenger in the vehicle.
A warrant check revealed the Assumption Sheriff’s Office held an active warrant for probation violation. He was placed under arrest and transported to the Morgan City Police Department for booking and incarceration.
—Ronald Lenell Johnson, 57, Victor II Boulevard, Morgan City, was arrested at 8:38 p.m. Thursday on a charge of possession of crack cocaine with the intent to distribute and a warrant for failure to appear.
Narcotic detectives came into contact with Johnson in the area of Railroad Ave. A warrant check revealed the City Court of Morgan City held an active warrant for his arrest.
During the arrest, Detectives located suspected crack cocaine. During the investigation, it was learned the suspected crack cocaine was for sales in the Morgan City area. Johnson was transported to the Morgan City Police Department for booking and incarceration.
St. Mary Parish Sheriff Blaise Smith reported these arrests:
—Curtis Paul Gaudet Sr., 47, Lake Palourde Road, Amelia, was at 6:56 a.m. Thursday on charges of proper equipment on vehicle/inspection, expired license plate, driving under suspension and no insurance, and on an active Assumption Parish Sheriff’s Office warrant for simple burglary.
Gaudet was transferred to another agency.
—Matthew Joseph Suydam, 28, Willis Drive, Opelousas, was arrested at 8:04 a.m. Thursday on a warrant for failure to appear on the charges of operating a vehicle while license is suspended/revoked/canceled, expired motor vehicle inspection, and failure to obey a traffic device. Suydam was released on a summons to appear Oct. 22.
—Tommy Lee Hamilton Jr., 29, Barrow Street, Franklin, was arrested on at 3:10 p.m. Thursday on charges of failure to obtain special identification card (sex offender), failure to pay annual registration fee, failure to register as a sex offender or child predator, and duty of offender to notify law enforcement of change of address
No bail has been set.
Berwick Police Chief David Leonard reported this arrest:
—Lennis Ross Paray (Duke), 35, Fourth Street, Berwick, was arrested at 12:15 p.m. Thursday on charges of domestic abuse battery (child endangerment) and simple battery.
At about 11:01 a.m. Thursday, the Berwick Police Department received a call from a Fourth Street address stating there was a disturbance where someone was attacked a family member and someone was injured.
Officers responded to the area and upon arriving was informed that the person responsible was Lennis Ross Paray aka “Duke" Paray. Officers indicated that Paray fled the area before officers arrived and they began speaking to witnesses. It was learned that Paray was intoxicated had committed a battery upon a family member and another person in the residence before fleeing the scene. Officers conducted a search of the area and was unable to locate Paray.
Approximately 45 minutes later, a tip was received that Paray was observed getting into a vehicle nearby at which time officers responded to that area.
The vehicle that was described was located and a traffic stop was conducted on the vehicle on U.S. 90 westbound. Paray was located in the rear passenger seat and taken into custody without incident. Paray was placed under arrest and transported to Berwick Police Department, where he was booked on the charges. Paray remains incarcerated on a $100,000.

Morgan City police radio logs for July 9-11

Mon, 07/13/2020 - 10:44am

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.
Thursday, July 9
6:45 a.m., 7400 block of 182; Suspicious person.
6:57 a.m., 5000 block of Railroad; Alarm.
9:08 a.m., 200 block of Belanger; Medical.
9:17 a.m., 700 block of Brashear; Fire Alarm.
9:19 a.m., 7500 block of 182; Removal of subject.
9:23 a.m., La. 182; Escort.
10:07 a.m., 400 block of Fourth; Escort.
10:17 a.m., 700 block of Federal; Medical.
10:25 a.m., 1900 block of Sixth; Medical.
10:51 a.m., 200 block of Belanger; Theft.
11:23 a.m., 700 block of Willow; Alarm.
11:30 a.m., 200 block of Glenwood; Complaint.
12:24 p.m. 7500 block of La. 182; Theft.
1:02 p.m., 7500 block of La. 182; Theft.
1:25 p.m., Federal Avenue; Firearm discharge.
2:39 p.m., 300 block of Garber; Removal of subject.
2:48 p.m., 300 block of Julia; Arrest.
3:08 p.m., 7200 block of a. 182 Medical.
5:35 p.m., 900 block of Birch; Disturbance.
6:03 p.m., 600 block of Belanger; Found item.
6:24 p.m., 2400 block of Tupelo; Reckless driving.
7:20 p.m., 800 block of Roderick; Fire
8:36 p.m., 6600 block of La. 182; Complaint.
9:17 p.m., 2300 block of La. 70; Frequent patrols.
9:39 p.m., 900 block of Chestnut; Alarm.
10:59 p.m., 7400 block of La. 182; Suspicious vehicle.
11:32 p.m., Halsey and Glenwood; Loud music.
11:59 p.m., 7500 block of La. 182; Theft.
Friday, July 10
5:51 a.m., U.S. 90 E. Assistance.
6:54 a.m., Brashear & Federal; Stalled vehicle.
11:14 a.m., 300 block of Wren; Complaint.
11:21 a.m., 100 block of Roderick; 911 hang up.
12:13 p.m., 1000 block of Onstead; Hit and run.
12:36 p.m., 500 block of Roderick; Complaint.
12:45 p.m., MLK and La. 182; Stalled vehicle.
1:16 p.m., 100 block of Roderick; 911 hang up.
1:27 p.m., 700 block of Louisiana; Medical.
2:04 p.m., 1000 block of Victor II; Escort.
2:42 p.m., 300 block of Lawrence; Complaint.
3:10 p.m., 600 block of Fourth; Juvenile problems.
3:17 p.m., Onstead and Second; Reckless operation.
3:27 p.m., 1000 block of Front; Complaint.
3:36 p.m., 300 block of Third; Escort.
3:45 p.m., 600 block of Fourth; Juvenile problems.
3:58 p.m., 100 block of Roderick; 911 hang up.
4:24 p.m., 1200 block of Fig; Theft.
4:45 p.m., 2000 block of Allison; Complaint.
7:22 p.m., 1300 block of Walnut; Juvenile problems.
8:15 p.m., U.S. 90 W.; Reckless driver.
8:20 p.m., 6000 block of 182; Arrest.
8:31 p.m., 3100 block of Lake Palourde; Fire Alarm.
9:51 p.m., 300 block of Second; Disturbance.
11:08 p.m., 800 block of Ditch; Firearm discharge.
Saturday, July 11
1:09 a.m., 300 block of Laurel; Medical.
2:13 a.m., 400 block of Laurel; Fight.
3:16 a.m., MCPD; Arrest.
3:44 a.m., 7400 block of 182; Removal of subject.
8:47 a.m., 300 block of Egle; Animal complaint.
8:55 a.m., 700 block of Myrtle; Complaint.
9:30 a.m., 500 block of Barrow; Medical.
10:14 a.m., 200 block of Louisa; Complaint.
10:50 a.m., 900 block of Belanger; Telephone harassment.
11:21 a.m., 400 block of Belanger; Disturbance.
11:22 a.m., 600 block of Terrebonne; Disturbance.
11:42 a.m., 7700 block of La. 182; Disturbance.
12:07 p.m., 800 block of Freret; Welfare concern.
12:23 p.m., 200 block of Onstread; Disturbance.
1:21 p.m., 100 block of Montana; Complaint.
1:21 p.m., 600 block of Freret; Medical.
2:04 p.m., Terrebonne and Shannon; Accident.
3:44 p.m., U.S. 90 W.; Crash
3:52 p.m., 1200 block of David; Complaint.
4:16 p.m., 1000 block of Third; Patrol request.
4:41 p.m., U.S. 90 E.; Complaint.
8:15 p.m., MCPD; Harassment.
8:21 p.m., 7900 block of 182;Alarm.
8:30 p.m., Marquis Manor; Alarm.
8:36 p.m., 700 block of Brashear; Accident.
8:51 p.m., 5000 block of Railroad; Loud music.
9:50 p.m., Halsey Street; Suspicious people.
10:50 p.m., 7400 block of 182; Medical.
12:48 a.m., 300 block of Wren; Disturbance.
1:44 a.m., MCPD; Complaint.
2:06 a.m., 700 block of Greenwood; Drunk man.
2:29 a.m., 6300 block of La. 182; Welfare check.
2:43 a.m., 300 block of Second; Complaint.

New jobless benefit claims grew by 10K in Louisiana

Mon, 07/13/2020 - 10:42am

DAVID JACOBS, The Center Square

The number of Louisiana residents making new claims for unemployment benefits increased by almost 10,000 the week ending July 4, the federal government reported Thursday.
The U.S. Department of Labor says 31,907 advance claims were made in the state during the week ending July 4, compared to 21,976 the prior week. Another 9,089 people applied for pandemic unemployment assistance, which is for freelancers, gig workers and others not usually eligible for unemployment; that total was down by 1,118.
By comparison, state residents made close to 2,000 new claims during a typical week before the COVID-19 pandemic. There were 306,089 people in the state receiving benefits the week ending June 27, state and federal numbers show.
Nationally, about 1.3 million workers filed new claims for unemployment benefits, down from the heights of March and April but still high compared to past recessions.
As of July 7, Louisiana’s unemployment trust fund contained $471.6 million, compared to more than $1 billion before the beginning of the pandemic and the business restrictions imposed to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
Employers pay taxes to sustain the fund. When it falls below $750 million, the amount of employee wages that are taxed increases, effectively raising taxes on employers, and weekly benefits for recipients are reduced.
However, those changes don’t kick in automatically. When the Revenue Estimating Conference meets in the fall, adjustments to benefits and the wage base could be made based on the trust fund balance.

McDonald's scholarship recipient

Mon, 07/13/2020 - 10:39am

Submitted Photo
The McDonald’s local scholarship winner for 2020 is Aymie Lynn Pearce from Morgan City High. The McDonald’s Scholarship Program recognizes the accomplishments of students who excel in their studies as well as in service to their school and the community. Terry and Carita Wilburn, local owner-operators of McDonald’s, congratulated Pierce on her scholarship.

Area births announced

Mon, 07/13/2020 - 8:46am

Born to Mr. and Mrs. Gary Allen Graham (nee: Brandie Landry) of Berwick, a girl, Annalyse Kate Graham, on June 29 at Thibodaux Regional Medical Center. She weighed 7 pounds, 6.52 ounces and measured 19 inches.
——
Born to Mr. and Mrs. Brian Keith Louviere II (nee: Bailey Leblanc) of Morgan City, a boy, Knox William Louviere, on June 30 at Thibodaux Regional Medical Center. He weighed 7 pounds, 5.07 ounces and measured 18.5 inches.
——
Born to Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Paul Pennison (nee: Jesalyn Mitchell) of Morgan City, a girl, Lilly Rae Pennison, on June 30 at Thibodaux Regional Medical Center. She weighed 6 pounds, 13.91 ounces and measured 20.25 inches.
——
Born to Jaycee Marie Rentrop and Sean Thomas Canty of Morgan City, a boy, Sean Thomas Canty Jr., on July 1 at Thibodaux Regional Medical Center. He weighed 8 pounds, .4 ounces and measured 21 inches.

Clever ways to use leftovers

Mon, 07/13/2020 - 8:42am

The spread of COVID-19 has upended many people’s lives. As with other virulent health crises, the practice of social distancing has been recommended to flatten the curve of the COVID-19 outbreak.
One way to socially distance is to avoid unnecessary trips to places where the public may congregate, such as grocery stores.
Some people visit supermarkets and other food stores every day, especially if they don’t meal plan or shop for the week. According to the Time Use Institute, the average shopping trip takes 41 minutes and people go food shopping an average of 1.5 times per week. Any additional time spent at the grocery store increase the likelihood of contact with others, potentially increasing shoppers’ risk of contracting coronavirus as well. Therefore, people taking steps to stay at home may have to rethink the way they purchase and use food.
Being more mindful of food waste and putting leftovers and ingredients to use in new ways can help stretch food further and reduce the need to make frequent trips to the grocery store. Consider these ideas to make use of leftovers.
—Save those vegetables. It’s easy to scrape a half-portion of uneaten vegetables into the trash thinking it can’t be used. Instead, combine it with other vegetables accumulated throughout the week. Many play well together and can be mixed into casseroles, omelets, soups and stir-fry recipes.
—Create new meals. Using leftovers does not mean eating the same exact meal a second time. Ingredients can be utilized in new ways. For example, a roast chicken can be broken down and the meat can be used for fajitas on another night. Leftover tomato sauce and meatballs from a Sunday dinner can be turned into an impromptu chili with the addition of beans and peppers.
—Think beyond dinner. Leftovers can be collected at any time of day and used later on. Cold cuts can be chopped and used to make a stromboli with some refrigerated pizza dough. Save Belgian waffles from breakfast and top with breaded chicken fingers for a delicious chicken-and-waffles meal for lunch or dinner. Leftover roasted potatoes and scraps of ham can be used in a breakfast hash.
—Stuck on starches. Turn extra rice from dinner into arancini (rice balls) for a snack on another day. A leftover sweet potato or two can be mixed with butternut squash to make a sweet and healthy mashed side dish. Mashed potatoes can be transformed into potato croquettes or potato pancakes.
Finding new ways to use leftovers means minimal waste and fewer trips to the supermarket.