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Ag commissioner says it's time to protect against mosquitoes

Wed, 06/10/2020 - 12:37pm

Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain, D.V.M., is urging horse owners to vaccinate their animals for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile Virus (WNV).
“Between the heat and recent wet weather from Tropical Storm Cristobal, the conditions are perfect for mosquitoes,” said Strain. “Horses are infected the same way humans are infected – by being bitten by infected mosquitoes - so everyone needs to take extra precautionary measures at this time.”
At this time, there is one WNV case reported in a horse in St. Tammany Parish. If a mosquito bites an infected bird, EEE or WNV can be spread to horses, dogs, cats and humans. These mosquito-transmitted diseases can cause inflammation or swelling of the brain and spinal cord.
Clinical signs can include: fever, loss of appetite, weakness and loss of coordination.
The disease can often result in death.
EEE primarily causes disease in the equine species such as horses, mules, donkeys and zebras. However, a number of other animals such as pigs, llamas, bats, reptiles, amphibians, and rodents can also be infected.
WNV primarily affects birds, but can also infect bats, horses, cats, dogs, chipmunks, skunks, squirrels, domestic rabbits, alligators and humans.
Prevention includes removing standing water where mosquitoes breed and using mosquito repellents that are safe for animals and humans. Horses can also be vaccinated. So far, there is no vaccination approved for people. Horse owners should contact their
local veterinarian regarding proper vaccination protocols during this time of increased risk.
Veterinarians are required to call the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry if they suspect EEE or WNV in a horse as they are reportable diseases.

VICKIE ANN BLANCHARD TURNER

Wed, 06/10/2020 - 12:32pm

Vickie Ann Blanchard Turner, 57, died Sunday, June 7, 2020.
She is survived by her husband, Gary Turner; four children, Daniel, Jennifer, James and Rachel; four grandchildren; and her father, Linus Blanchard.
She was preceded in death by her mother, a sister and a son.
A private funeral service will be held at Twin City Funeral Home in Morgan City.

Two face multiple drug charges

Wed, 06/10/2020 - 12:26pm

Staff Report

Two people face a variety of drug charges after their arrest Monday at a local motel, Morgan City Police Chief James F. Blair said.
—Troy Scott Rosson, 40, Glenwood Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 4:59 a.m. Monday on charges of possession of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia and synthetic marijuana, and on warrants for possession of a Schedule 1 drug, paraphernalia, cocaine, heroin and a Schedule II drug with intent to distribute, plus resisting a police officer with force or violence, simple criminal damage to property and obstruction of justice.
—Christen Jeanette Brown, 39, La. 70, Pierre Part, was arrested at 4:59 a.m. Monday on charges of possession of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia and Subutex, plus a warrant for two counts of failure to appear.
Officers came into contact with Rosson and Brown at a local motel on La 182. Officers located suspected methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia and synthetic marijuana in Rosson’s possession. Officers also located suspected methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia and Subutex in Brown’s possession. A warrant check revealed the St. Mary Sheriff’s Office held outstanding warrants for both Brown and Rosson. They were placed under arrest and transported to the Morgan City Police Department for booking and incarceration.
—Tarmone Z Tillman, 20, Leo Street, Patterson, was arrested at 7:10 p.m. Monday on a warrant for three counts of failure to appear.
Officers were dispatched to an address on La. 182 for a disturbance. They came into contact with Tillman. A warrant check revealed the 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.
St. Mary Parish Sheriff Blaise Smith reported these arrests:
—Linda Gayle Franks, 66, Yellow Bayou Road, Franklin, was arrested by the K9 Section at 5:13 p.m. Monday on charges of possession of marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin and drug paraphernalia, plus illegal possession of stolen firearms, possession of a controlled dangerous substance in a drug-free zone, and possession of a firearm in the presence of a controlled dangerous substance.
No bail has been set.
—Zachary Allen Hebert, 23, Laura Drive, Patterson, was arrested at 1:41 a.m. Tuesday by the K9 Section on charges of possession of a Schedule I drug with intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia, resisting an officer, and turning movements and signal required.
No bail has been set.
—Bricelon Lamon Martin, 23, Prairie Road North, Franklin, was arrested at 2:31 p.m. Monday on a charge of driving under suspension. Martin was released on a summons to appear Sept. 24.
—Raymond Terry Chapman, 40, Elm Street, Centerville, was arrested at 4:15 p.m. Monday on a warrant for failure to appear on the charges of possession of a Schedule II drug, obstruction of justice-tampering, possession of drug paraphernalia and operating a vehicle while license is suspended. No bail has been set.
—Nicole Michelle Atkinson, 33, West Hale Street, Lake Charles, was arrested at 9:44 a.m. Monday on a warrant for theft. Atkinson was released on a $1,000 bond.
—Ravonte Hayes, 18, Martin Luther King, Patterson, was arrested at 11:08 p.m. Monday on charges of possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. Hayes was released on a summons to appear Sept. 24.
Berwick Police Chief David Leonard reported these arrests:
—Troy Perez, 55, Nassau Drive, Baton Rouge, was at arrested 11:01 p.m. Saturday on charges of possession of methamphetamine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia and general speed law.
About 10:50 p.m. Saturday an officer in the area of La. 182, observed a vehicle traveling at a higher rate of speed than the posted speed limit of 45 mph. A traffic stop was conducted and officers made contact with Perez.
During the course of the stop, Perez was found to be in possession of methamphetamine, marijuana, and items of drug paraphernalia. Perez was placed under arrest and transported to the Berwick Police pending a bond hearing.
—Kip Leblanc, 22, Talbot Avenue, Houma, was 4:11 p.m. Sunday on charges of first-offense driving while intoxicated, improper lane usage and general speed law.
On Sunday, an officer in the area of U.S. 90 West observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed. Once behind the vehicle, the officer observed the vehicle swerve several times almost leaving the roadway. A traffic stop was conducted on the vehicle and officers made contact with Leblanc.
While speaking with Leblanc, officers immediately noticed that Leblanc was impaired on some type of alcohol or drug. Leblanc was asked to perform a series of standardized field sobriety Tests which he agreed to do so and performed poorly on. Leblanc was placed under arrest and transported to the Berwick Police Department, where he provided a valid breath sample of .000g% BAC. Urine samples were collected from Leblanc.
Leblanc later posted a $3,000 bond.
Assumption Sheriff Leland Falcon reports these arrests:
— Kelly Don Papineau, 38, Vindez Road, Gonzales, was arrested Monday on charges of no liability insurance, resisting an officer, expired motor vehicle inspection tag and driving under suspension, and as a fugitive from Ascension.
—Crystal Gayle LeBlanc, 40, John Tullier Road, Gonzales, was arrested Monday on charges of possession of drug paraphernalia and resisting an officer and on an Assumption warrant for illegal possession of stolen goods.
—Darrin Joseph LeBlanc, 35, Conway Street, Sorrento, was arrested Monday as a fugitive from Mississippi.
An I.C.E. Unit on assignment observed a vehicle on the La. 70 Spur commit a traffic violation and proceeded to conduct a traffic stop. The deputy began to interview the driver, identified as Papineau. The deputy also made contact with the two passengers, Crystal and Darrin LeBlanc.
At the time of the initial interviews, none on the three suspects produced any forms of identification and gave fictitious names to the arresting officer.
As a result of those interviews, deputies requested and were granted permission to search the vehicle, resulting in drug paraphernalia being seized.
Deputies and communications officers were able to correctly identify all three suspects and determined they were all fugitives from various jurisdictions.
Papineau and Crystal LeBlanc were incarcerated pending bond proceedings.
Darrin LeBlanc will be returned to Mississippi following extradition proceedings.

Morgan City police radio logs for June 8-9

Wed, 06/10/2020 - 12:19pm

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, June 8
7:19 a.m. 1200 block of David Drive; Suspicious vehicle.
7:22 a.m. Third and Greenwood streets; Complaint.
7:55 a.m. 1000 block of Eighth Street; Civil.
8:11 a.m. Idaho Street and Railroad Avenue; Utility.
9:05 a.m. 1000 block of Brashear Avenue; Complaint.
9:49 a.m. 500 block of Barrow Street; Medical.
10:23 a.m. 700 block of Justa Street; Removal of subject.
12:41 p.m. 7400 block of La. 182; Complaint.
12:42 p.m. 1000 block of Brashear Avenue; Complaint.
1:39 p.m. 400 block of Garber Street; Arrest.
1:40 p.m. 500 block of Sixth Street; Complaint.
2:37 p.m. 1000 block of Florence Street; Complaint.
2:38 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Civil.
2:51 p.m. U.S. 90 West; Traffic incident.
4:10 p.m. 6300 block of La. 182; Crash.
4:41 p.m. 700 block of Franklin Street; Disturbance.
4:49 p.m. 600 block of Martin Luther King Boulevard; Traffic incident.
6:37 p.m. 500 block of Duke Street; Animal complaint.
7:01 p.m. 7500 block of La. 182; Suspicious subject.
7:50 p.m. 600 block of Brashear Avenue; Complaint.
8:12 p.m. 300 block of Aucoin Street; Complaint.
8:18 p.m. 300 block of Laurel Street; Complaint.
8:43 p.m. 1100 block of Marguerite Street; Medical.
8:59 p.m. 300 block of Second Street; Welfare check.
9:25 p.m. 300 block of Second Street; Disturbance.
9:27 p.m. Bowman Street area; Disturbance.
9:38 p.m. Sycamore Street; Patrol.
9:47 p.m. 2400 block of Apple Street; Theft.
9:48 p.m. 600 block of Greenwood Street; 911 hang up.
9:55 p.m. Martin Luther King and Victor II boulevards area; Animal complaint.
10:45 p.m. 600 block of Brashear Avenue; Disturbance.
Tuesday, June 9
1:55 a.m. 300 block of Barrow Street; Telephone harassment.
2:20 a.m. 6300 block of La. 182; Disturbance.
2:54 a.m. 800 block of Sixth Street; Disturbance.
4:38 a.m. 7200 block of La. 182; Medical.

Task force: Louisiana needs tax cuts, deregulation

Wed, 06/10/2020 - 12:16pm

DAVID JACOBS, The Center Square

A business task force assembled by Louisiana legislative leaders recommends tax cuts and incentives, legal protections, and deregulation as part of an effort to stimulate the state’s economy amid the fallout from COVID-19.
The policy wish list includes many changes business interests were seeking before the pandemic began, many of which were addressed by legislation during the regular session completed Monday or are on the agenda of this month’s special session.
“While we continue to work on slowing the spread of COVID-19, we must simultaneously work on getting Louisiana’s economy running again,” Senate President Page Cortez and House Speaker Clay Schexnayder said in an introductory letter to the report.
In broad terms, the report’s recommendations include providing direct financial assistance to small businesses and broadening eligibility for certain tax incentives, along with simplifying the tax code, investing in workforce training, and boosting tourism marketing.
Democrats raised alarms about giving out tax breaks during the regular session, noting the revenue crunch for state and local governments. But Republicans said they wanted to help the businesses that provide so much of Louisiana’s tax base, many of which were ordered by government to shut down or limit operations to help contain the spread of the new coronavirus.
“Absent having a good business climate and a good tax base we can’t provide the needed services,” Cortez said during a task force meeting.
Jan Moller, executive director of the Louisiana Budget Project, said he understands the desire to stimulate the economy, and he hopes there is more relief from the federal government, which can run deficits. Louisiana, on the other hand, must balance its budget.
“This is what you get when you only ask business, corporations and lobbyists for advice,” he said, referring to the business-dominated legislative task force. “When you start giving away tax credits, you are cutting revenue that should be helping to support people.”
Moller is part of Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards’ Resilient Louisiana Task Force. It has the same goal as the legislative task force ¬– helping the economy recover and positioning the state for long-term growth – but is more diverse in terms of the background and political orientation of its members.
Moller points to House Bill 846, a measure the legislative task force supported that already has been sent to the governor’s desk, as possibly the “worst bill of the entire [regular] session.” The bill provides rebates worth 6 percent of new payroll for restaurants, hotels and retailers impacted by COVID-19 for adding jobs over the next three years.
The benefit is limited to businesses with 50 or fewer employees, and businesses would not have to pay above minimum wage to qualify for the subsidy.
“What this bill is trying to say is, ‘Keep your doors open [and] hire people back,’” said Joel Robideaux, the legislative task force’s vice chairman who testified for the bill in committee.
But the cost to the state is open-ended, and the program will subsidize hires businesses likely would have made anyway based on their needs, said Greg Albrecht, the legislature’s chief economist.
Gov. John Bel Edwards called the business tax breaks “well-intentioned,” but said he was concerned about the impact on state revenue during a budget crunch.
“These are all things that we would like to do,” Edwards said, adding that he was shooting for “creating the right balance.”

Jeremy Alford: So begins the 2020 election season for Louisiana voters

Wed, 06/10/2020 - 12:11pm

You may have missed it, what with the COVID-19 pandemic, business closures, record unemployment, protests, the start of hurricane season and lawmakers in session in Baton Rouge seemingly non-stop. But 2020 is indeed an election year, and an important one at that.
The first round of voting, in fact, takes place in roughly a month, on July 11, with primary elections for presidential preference, state party posts and municipal positions and a few other notable races. (If you want to participate, June 10 is the final day to register to vote in these elections.) Runoffs, as needed, are slated for Aug. 15.
Then there are our fall primary elections on Nov. 3, which will feature the presidential race and the re-election bids for all six of our U.S. House members as well as U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy, among many other contests. (State lawmakers recently passed legislation moving qualifying for these elections to July 22-24.)
The July 11 ballot features a sobering reminder of the early legacy of COVID-19, with a special legislative election down in Lafourche Parish’s House District 54, to replace late Rep. Reggie Bagala, whose life was taken but he disease.
Dr. Joseph Orgeron, in particular, seems to have a head start among the large slate of candidates. Last week he was endorsed by the Jefferson Parish Republican Party and held a well-attended fundraiser yesterday that was hosted by a group of local politicos like Hank Danos and O’Neil Malbrough. He’s running in a packed field, so a runoff is possible, but some observers expect the business lobby to get involved sooner rather than later. Also running are James Cantrelle, Dave Carskadon, Kevin Duet, Phil Gilligan and Donny Lerille.
That July 11 ballot will likewise host a court of appeal race in the Covington area and a judicial district court seat that’s up for grabs in Baton Rouge.
In November, the robe and gavel set with be just as busy with several judgeships on the big ballot alongside races for district attorney. Typically, spending on such elections begins in early September, somewhere around Labor Day, but candidates are already digging deep to grab the attention of voters. Who can blame them? Between the COVID-19 threat and the ongoing protests over police violence and racial equality, this election cycle could be somewhat unpredictable.
There are two open seats on the state Supreme Court on the fall ballot, in the 4th and 7th districts, and the former is already starting to see some decent expenditures. That’s the seat being vacated by Justice Marcus Clark.
Court of Appeal Judge Shannon Gremillion recently reported more than $300,000 in cash on hand and he’s already putting some of that money into TV. According to a campaign spokesperson, Gremillion placed ads on both the Weather Channel and FOX News this weekend as Tropical Storm Cristobal collided with the coast.
Another five people were said to be looking to run in the northeast Louisiana district, but those plans may have changed since the spread of COVID-19 and the economic downturn. Those who were said to be eyeing the race when Clark initially announced his retirement included former Grant Parish District Attorney Ed Tarpley, Fourth Judicial District Court Judge Danny Ellender, Fourth Judicial District Court Judge Wendell Manning, Second Circuit Court of Appeal Judge Jay McCallum and Second Circuit Court of Appeal Judge Jimbo Stephens.
There are also two state legislators looking to dip into another corner of law and order. Rep. Joe Marino has launched a bid for 2nd Parish Court judge in Jefferson Parish. Should he win and his post become vacant, former Rep. Bryan Adams said recently he’s seriously considering running for his old seat.
Not to be outdone, Rep. Stephen Dwight could prompt a special election as well if he’s successful in his run for district attorney in the 14th Judicial District. Rick Bryant, a former assistant district attorney, intends to be on the ballot as well. As for Dwight’s House seat, should it become available, former Rep. Brett Geymann is likely to become a candidate for his old seat.
But the action doesn’t stop there. The fall ballot will see incumbent congressmen defending their seats; a pair of Public Service Commission elections; constitutional amendments to ponder; and tax questions in many cities and parishes. In other words, there’s a little something for everyone.
If you haven’t found a reason to exercise your right to vote yet, you may not be trying hard enough.
For more Louisiana political news, visit
www. LaPolitics.com or follow Alford on Twitter @LaPoliticsNow

One new COVID-19 case in three local parishes

Wed, 06/10/2020 - 12:06pm

One new COVID-19 case was reported in Assumption Parish at noon Wednesday, the only new case in three local parishes. No deaths were reported here by the Louisiana Office of Public Health for the period from noon Tuesday to noon Wednesday.

The case raises Assumption's total to 259 with 13 deaths.

St. Mary's case count remains at 342 with 32 deaths.

St. Martin's count remains at 295 with 25 deaths.

Statewide:

--418 new cases make the total 44,030.

-11 newly reported deaths bring the toll to 2,855.

--19 fewer people are hospitalized with COVID-19 for a total of 549.

--5 more people are on ventilators for a total of 72.

Jim Brown: Half a century of political conventions

Wed, 06/10/2020 - 11:53am

JIM BROWN

Assuming that in this strange day and age, we still have political conventions this year, no one at this stage is sure just how the process will work.
The old process of picking national candidates in the proverbialsmoke-filled room has gone by the wayside in favor of party primaries.
In the old days, candidates would spend years wooing state party leaders, who would then select delegates and tell them whom to support.
This time-worn system produced Presidents Dwight Eisenhower and John F. Kennedy. The current process gave us George Bush and Barack Obama along with either Donald Trump or Joe Biden this year. You be the judge as to which process has worked out better for the country.
My first Democratic convention was in Atlantic City back in 1964.
On a summer break from Tulane Law School, I was driving my fifteen-year-old Volkswagen convertible up to New York for a summer job, and I stopped in Atlantic City on the way.
The Democrats were gathering in the old civic auditorium on the boardwalk, which for many years was the site of the Miss America pageant.
I was able to park my car about half a block from the auditorium and walk right up to the front door. A guard asked me where I was going, and I said I wanted to join the Louisiana delegation.
“Are you supposed to be with them?” he asked. “I sure am,” I said. I might have exaggerated a bit, but I really wanted to get in the door. “Well, then, welcome to Atlantic City, go right in.”
I stood about 50 feet away from the stage where President Lyndon Johnson kept the crowd in suspense until he announced that Sen. Hubert Humphrey would be his running mate. Johnson was a cinch to be re-elected, and the Democrats pulled together as one big happy family. What a contrast to what happened four years later.
The next Democratic convention was held in Chicago. I was living in Ferriday, Louisiana at the time with my wife and our two-month-old daughter, Campbell. On the spur of the moment, we decided to travel to Chicago and visit old friends, so we packed up the car and headed north.
The main party headquarters was at the Sheraton Hotel, which faces Lake Michigan in downtown Chicago.
Major opposition to the Vietnam War was building, and a large number of protesters had gathered in Grant Park across from the Sheraton.
I knew I could get a better view from the top of the Sheraton, so I headed for the elevator in the lobby. When the doors opened, there were two people inside: Sen. Russell Long and Louisiana Gov. John McKeithen.
Sticking my hand out, I introduced myself. “Governor, I’m Jim Brown from Ferriday.” McKeithen smiled. He was visibly surprised.
“Why Jim, what are you doing up here?” he asked.
“Governor,” I said, “I came all the way up here to support you for vice-president.”
McKeithen laughed, slapped me on the back, and told me he could not be more pleased.
I later learned that the senator and the governor had been on their way up to Vice President Humphrey’s suite to urge him to put McKeithen on the ticket.
When he was not tapped for the job, the governor left in a huff and headed back to Louisiana.
Subsequent conventions produced numerous additional Louisiana antidotes. I attended seven conventions in all, both Republican and Democrat. I
’ll fill you in on more political yarns next week. Stay tuned.
Peace and Justice
Jim Brown
Jim Brown’s syndicated column appears in numerous newspapers throughout the state and on websites worldwide. You can read all his past columns and see continuing updates at http://www.jimbrownusa.com.

Lake Charles man arrested by FPD on terrorism charge

Wed, 06/10/2020 - 9:59am

Franklin Police Chief Morris Beverly reported the arrest of a suspect on terror charges.
Donald Derouen, Jr., 29, of Gulf Highway, Lake Charles, was arrested on June 3 at 10:46 p.m. on a warrant dated June 1 for terrorizing, communication of false information of planned arson, and inciting a riot.
Derouen was additionally arrested on a warrant for 16th Judicial District Court for failure to appear on the charges of unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling and simple battery, and a warrant for probation violation.
Derouen was booked, processed, and held with no bond set at the time of press release.

The Good in Our Hearts

Wed, 06/10/2020 - 9:58am

Again and again over the last few months, we show who we are. Here's but one example.

By CASEY COLLIER

For the last month, Michel “Skip” Hebert Jr. has been coordinating with volunteers, using only donations, to prepare and deliver hot lunches weekly to medical personnel and medical facilities in and around Franklin.
Last week, it was chicken, coleslaw, and beans prepared at the Knights of Columbus Baldwin/Charenton Council 6873 building in Baldwin, for 347 medical personnel across the city.
It all started when Hebert had the idea, in March, that he would spend the financial stimulus money he was expecting, on putting a meal together for the medical staff at Franklin Foundation Hospital, as well as Legacy Nursing and Rehabilitation of Franklin (formerly Franklin Health Care Center).
Hebert said he prayed on the matter over a weekend, and when he woke up Sunday morning, he knew that God wanted him to carry out his humanitarian endeavor.
“So, I put it on Facebook that I was not only going to feed the hospital, but was going to include the nursing home, and was asking for donations,” Hebert said. “And within about fifteen minutes, God let me know this was a good thing. So, it just went crazy and we started getting hundreds of donations. Then, I knew it was a good thing; and we’ve been feeding them every week since.
“My original idea was to feed 150 employees. We are now up to 347.”
Hebert said that since the lunch program started, on May 17, he, Al Kuhlman, and their weekly volunteer forces have served and delivered 2,101 meals to healthcare workers.
“That little, small idea wound up being a good one,” Hebert chuckled. “After 74 years, I finally had a good idea.”
He set up an account: Michel Hebert Jr. C19 Special, at First National Bank of Jeanerette, Franklin Branch for the collection of donations, and it is still active.
“I had no idea it was going to go off as good as it did, nor that we would be feeding them as long as we are,” he added. “And I intend to feed them for the rest of this month, and probably part of next month with the donations I have.
“So, it has been amazing. It’s a good program and has been very well appreciated by both sides. This was a win-win situation for all involved, especially me, because I get to have done the city some good on both ends.”
Hebert thanked the public at large, for their response to let healthcare workers know they appreciate what’s going on, and the healthcare workers for the work they are doing during the COVID-19 crisis, and the difficulties their families endure because of their tireless efforts to keep the city of Franklin’s citizens healthy.