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Navigating the new normal: Hair dressers face decisions about Phase One

Tue, 05/26/2020 - 11:59am

GEOFF STOUTE

One local hair dresser has closed her doors, with COVID-19 playing a role, while two others said last week there have been challenges with new restrictions, but they are happy to be at work.
Bobbie Jo Scully, owner of A Cheveux Salon in Morgan City, said she hasn’t reopened with Phase One and is shutting her doors. She said the decision was due to multiple factors, but a big reason was because of COVID-19’s impact.
She said she plans to continue cutting hair, but she would like to travel more to do it.
“I’ll stay local when I can figure out exactly what I want to do,” Scully said Saturday. “I don’t have those answers right now. I do know that I want to work a little bit in the Lafayette area and just kind of travel doing it a little bit solo and not have all the overhead that I had and have someone else in control of my finances.”
Scully, a single mom who said she never felt it was right to use government assistance, said the current situation almost makes her question why she didn’t utilize it before.
“Why did I work so hard, 10 years of a business, and I’m shutting down?” she asked rhetorically.
Scully said she appreciates her customers and workers.
“I love ’em all,” she said.
Meanwhile, in Bayou Vista at Amelia’s for Hair, longtime owner Amelia Benavides has resumed operations, but with the new regulations, including masks for customers and employees, it’s anything but easy.
“Lots of stress,” she said.
Under new regulations, based on the percentage of capacity allowed per building, Benavides can have 11 people in her shop, including stylists. She said often times she would have many more.
Despite the challenges, she said business has been booming, and she said it’s good to be back working.
“It is,” she said. “It really is.”
Back in Morgan City at Cut’n Up Salon, owner Dana Matherne opened her shop after restrictions were lifted following six weeks of closure.
She said she only can have six people in her salon at one time, which means three hairdressers and one person in each of their chairs.
Matherne said it’s a challenge, because they are used to double booking clients.
“That’s how we make money,” she said. “We have one person processing, and then we go on and we do someone else, and then we go back to that person.”
Despite new restrictions, though, Matherne said that her customers have been understanding.
“They just want to get back to normal,” she said. “A couple of them have told us that we definitely are essential.”
The camaraderie among co-workers has been missed, too.
“We spend more time with each other than we do with our own family, so we were excited to get back to work,” Matherne said. “We get frustrated. That just comes with the new regulations and restrictions, but overall, generally speaking, it’s been really, really wonderful to get back to work.”

Salute

Tue, 05/26/2020 - 11:53am

Submitted Photos
VFW Post 4222 and its Auxiliary honored those who served in the military this Memorial Day. The Post Rifle Squad, above, did the rifle salute and Michael Swiber played taps. From left are Ken Hebert, Corey Williams, James Hadaway, Russell Fontenot, Commander Sherman Whiting, Frank Elliott, Raymond Rutledge and Trumpeter Michael Swiber. The Post 4222 Auxiliary, bottom photo, placed flowers at the Memorial Headstone that honors all those soldiers who are buried in the Morgan City Cemetery. Standing from left are Patricia Wiggins, Patricia Macey, Laurie Elliott, Mata Tellman and Darlene Porter, and kneeling are Andrea Rutledge and Auxiliary President Daisy Lodrigue.

La. unemployment hits 14.5% in April

Tue, 05/26/2020 - 11:46am

Staff Report
Louisiana’s mining and logging sector, which includes many oil and gas industry jobs, saw its biggest reduction in employment in April since the 1980s oil crash, according to figures from the Louisiana Workforce Commission.
And the state’s manufacturing sector shed more jobs than at any time since the month after World War II ended.
Preliminary data released Friday by the Bureau of Labor and Statistics show that Louisiana’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased to 14.5% in April, when COVID-19 restrictions led to a massive economic slowdown.
Louisiana’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased by 7.8 percentage points from March 2020’s revised seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 6.7%. For a comparison, the United States seasonally adjusted unemployment rate is at 14.7%.
Mining and logging shed 7.1% of all jobs in that sector. That was the most since the sector lost 11.6% of its jobs in April 1981.
Manufacturing was hit even more drastically. That sector’s employment dropped 1,330 jobs, or 10.4% of the total, in April.
That was the biggest drop since September 1945, when post-war layoffs took away 1,715 manufacturing jobs, or 12.1% of the total.
“The occurrence of COVID-19, has been unprecedented both for Louisiana and the United States at large,” said LWC Secretary Ava Dejoie. “However, the Louisiana Workforce Commission quickly mobilized and has paid over $1.9 billion to Louisiana residents to assist in their time of need.”
For the month of May, the LWC has awarded more than $5.6 million in Incumbent Worker Training Program grants which will create more than 410 jobs and train & retain 8,753.
For example, Weyer-haeuser, one of the largest sustainable forest product companies in the world, is taking advantage of an IWTP grant. The grant, once received from the LWC, will help train approximately 454 employees, with a projected average wage increase of 10.02%, and the creation of 46 jobs.
Louisiana’s seasonally adjusted civilian labor force, or the number of people who are employed in addition to those looking for work, decreased by 188,539 from 2,126,568 in March 2020 to 1,938,029 in April 2020.
The number of seasonally adjusted employed individuals decreased by 328,470 from 1,984,927 in March 2020 to 1,656,457 in April 2020. The number of seasonally adjusted unemployed individuals increased by 139,931 from 141,641 in March 2020 to 281,572 in April 2020.
Louisiana’s seasonally adjusted nonfarm employment decreased by 239,600 from 1,960,700 in March 2020 to 1,721,100 in April 2020. Louisiana’s seasonally adjusted private sector employment decreased by 228,900 from 1,628,300 in March 2020 to 1,399,400 in April 2020.
Among Louisiana’s metropolitan statistical areas in April 2020, seasonally adjusted data shows:
—Alexandria lost 5,900 jobs from April 2019 and 5,000 jobs from March 2020.
—Baton Rouge lost 52,900 jobs from April 2019 and 54,100 jobs from March 2020.
—Hammond lost 5,200 jobs from April 2019 and 4,900 jobs from March 2020.
—Houma lost 7,600 jobs from April 2019 and 6,000 jobs from March 2020.
—Lafayette lost 26,800 jobs from April 2019 and 21,800 jobs from March 2020.
—Lake Charles lost 23,400 jobs from April 2019 and 15,600 jobs from March 2020.
—Monroe lost 7,600 jobs from April 2019 and 6,900 jobs from March 2020.
—New Orleans lost 98,700 jobs from April 2019 and 85,600 jobs from March 2020.
—Shreveport lost 21,100 jobs from April 2019 and 18,700 jobs from March 2020.
“As Louisiana, like the rest of the nation, works to rebuild our economy, the unprecedented public health emergency brought on by COVID-19 is not only deeply impacting the health of our people but also the health of our economy,” said Gov. John Bel Edwards.
“However, as we battle this pandemic recession we know that we have come back before from such challenging times and we will again. We are committed to helping our people and our businesses get back on their feet in the safest way possible as soon as possible.”

DON FRANCIS LEVY

Tue, 05/26/2020 - 11:41am

September 17, 1942 — May 23, 2020
Don Francis Levy, 77, a resident of Berwick, passed away peacefully Saturday, May 23, 2020, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.
Don was born September 17, 1942, in Patterson, the son of Arthur I. Levy Sr. and Melba Watkins Levy.
Don proudly served in the United States Navy. He was a family man who loved his children. Don also had a special place in his heart for his long-time friends.
He will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his wife, Lelia Babin Levy; two sons, David Christopher Levy and wife Gena of Maryland, and Jonathan Miles Levy of Georgia; three daughters, Emily Elizabeth Smith and husband Jeff of Maryland, Catherine Marie Levy of New Jersey, and Victoria Ashley Heykens and husband Adam of Georgia; three step-children, Jerri Louise Bertrand and husband Kevin of Patterson, Todd Hoffpauir and wife Shannon of Morgan City, and Heidi Hoffpauir of Berwick; one sister, Glynn Levy Dupont of Ruston; and five grandchildren, Hannah Elizabeth, Elizabeth Catherine, Thomas William, Madeline Eva and Jackson Thomas.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Melba Levy; one brother, Arthur “Arty” Levy Jr.; and one sister, Jerry Marie Levy.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at noon, Wednesday, May 27, 2020, at St. Stephen Catholic Church with Monsignor Courville officiating. Visitation will be held Wednesday, May 27, 2020, at Twin City Funeral Home from 10 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. After Mass, Don will be laid to rest in the Morgan City Cemetery.
Due to recent health concerns and the restrictions in accordance with limited gatherings, current guidelines will only allow up to 75 family members and friends to be in attendance at the visitation and 77 for Mass. Those attending the visitation and Mass are encouraged to wear a mask, but not mandated to.

DARREL JOSEPH LEGNON SR.

Tue, 05/26/2020 - 11:39am

Darrel Joseph Legnon Sr., 62, a native of Morgan City, died Thursday, May 21, 2020.
He is survived by three daughters, Jennifer Cross of Morgan City, Bridget Legnon of Rusk, Texas and Kelsey Brown of Raceland; his mother, Mary Legnon of Morgan City; six brothers; three sisters; 10 grandchildren; and a host of other relatives.
He was preceded in death by a son and his father.
Visitation will be Tuesday, 6-9 p.m., and Wednesday, 9-11 a.m., at Hargrave Funeral Home with up to 75 guests allowed. Private services will be held.
Hargrave Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

MILDRED HOWARD TOULSON

Tue, 05/26/2020 - 11:35am

Mildred Howard Toulson, 89, a resident of Morgan City, died Monday, May 25, 2020, at her residence.
Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements, which are incomplete at this time.

Wheel House for May 26

Tue, 05/26/2020 - 11:33am

BERWICK
Housing Authority taking applications for all units from 8:15-11 a.m. and 1:15-3 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, June 2, 4, 9 and 11. Must call 985-385-1546 to schedule an appointment. Must bring birth certificates and Social Security cards for all members of the household, picture ID for all members over 18 and current proof of income. For info call 985-385-1546.

Senate panel blocks spending limit

Tue, 05/26/2020 - 11:31am

By DAVID JACOBS, The Center Square

The Senate Finance Committee on Friday parked a bill meant to encourage lawmakers to only spend 98% of the general fund money the state expects to collect.
The bill still could be reconsidered, though the regular session must end June 1. Legislative leaders expect to call a special session immediately afterward.
Rep. Rick Edmonds, a Baton Rouge Republican, said his bill, which would go into effect next fiscal year, would force the governor to craft an executive budget that calls for spending no more than 98 percent of the money the Revenue Estimating Conference expects to flow into the general fund.
He said the change would lead to more responsible budgeting and lead to surpluses that can be used for one-time expenses.
Edmonds said it would not prevent the legislature from spending more if they saw fit.
“It is a different way to think about doing a budget,” he said.
Matthew Block, Gov. John Bel Edwards’ executive counsel, disputed Edmonds’ reading of the bill, saying it would in fact put a hard cap on spending that the legislature could not exceed unless it changed the law, potentially leading to unnecessary cuts to health care, higher education and other areas.
He pointed out that Edmonds, who sits on the House Appropriations Committee, on Thursday voted for a budget that would spend all of the available dollars.
“What this is really about is trying to tie the governor’s hands in the executive budget,” Block said. “We want to see what the governor would reduce.”
Sen. Heather Cloud, R-Turkey Creek, praised the bill and said she wished local governments would take a similar approach. But some committee members worried about the impact of the spending cuts it could lead to.
The Legislative Fiscal Office estimates it would keep about $200 million a year out of the general fund.
“We just have needs in this state,” said Sen. Ronnie Johns, R-Lake Charles. “I have a university back home, for example, that’s hanging by its fingernails.”
Also on Friday, Senate Finance approved House Bill 269 by Rep. Gary Carter, D-New Orleans, that would let lawmakers tap the Budget Stabilization Fund, better known as the “rainy day” fund, during a declared emergency. Currently, lawmakers with a two-thirds vote can access the fund only when there is a projected revenue shortfall.
Carter said he had hurricanes and floods in mind when he filed the bill.
“We can’t access our ‘rainy day’ fund when we have a true rainy day,” he said.
Voters would have to ratify the change through a state constitutional amendment, which the House of Representatives advanced Friday.

St. Mary COA among agencies getting Hancock Whitney donations

Tue, 05/26/2020 - 11:28am

Hancock Whitney has pledged a $45,000 investment to local food pantries as part of the bank’s COVID-19 community relief efforts.
This announcement comes on the heels of Hancock Whitney committing $2.5 million to help people in some of the Gulf South’s most vulnerable neighborhoods during the COVID-19 pandemic. That investment helps stock local food pantries, provide cloth face masks to protect residents and first responders, fund community health centers, and aid in housing relief and legal services for individuals fighting illegal evictions in local communities across Hancock Whitney’s banking footprint.
“Our communities aren’t just places; they’re the people who make up the hearts of our hometowns,” said Hancock Whitney President and CEO John M. Hairston. “Together with the people we serve, we at Hancock Whitney celebrate in times of joy and support each another in times of challenges. We have very deep roots in the region we serve, and we hope this support serves as a reminder of all the good in our communities and the opportunities we can create together.”
Locally, the investment will support four organizations, including:
—St. Mary Council on Aging
$9,000 to the St. Mary Council on Aging will help provide three meals a day to seniors in need. The organization provides social services to individuals who are frail, homebound by reason of illness or incapacitating disability or otherwise isolated, and older individuals with the greatest social or economic need (with particular attention to low-income minority individuals) who reside in Morgan City.
—Terrebonne Chur-ches United/Good Samaritan Food Bank
$9,000 to Terrebonne Churches United/Good Samaritan Food Bank will provide food to families who are in need. The organization’s mission is to feed the hungry in Terrebonne Parish, as well as to unite and engage the community in the fight against hunger.
—The Good Samaritan Food Bank in Thibodaux
$9,000 to The Good Samaritan Food Bank – Thibodaux will fund emergency food through drive-through distribution for those in need. The organization provides food, household items, and personal hygiene supplies to individuals and families experiencing financial difficulties or life events that impact their ability to secure basic necessities.
—Terrebonne Council on Aging
$9,000 to Terrebonne Council on Aging will provide an estimated 639 meals to seniors in need. The organization provides social services to individuals who are frail, homebound by reason of illness or incapacitating disability or otherwise isolated, and older individuals with the greatest social or economic need (with particular attention to low-income minority individuals) who reside in Terrebonne Parish.
—Lafourche Council on Aging
$9,000 to Lafourche Council on Aging will provide a hot, nutritious meal, five days a week to persons 60 and older who are home bound or in need of food. The Lafourche Council on Aging serves the Lafourche Parish area by providing leadership on a parish wide basis in planning, coordination, and stimulation of resources for community-based programs for older persons.
Hancock Whitney Market President Josh Jones said the bank’s $2.5 million investment in communities and other relief efforts comes at a critical time as the novel coronavirus continues to impact lives and livelihoods across Louisiana, the nation, and the global community.
“We’re honored to partner with these organizations and support their missions to bring meals and the necessary resources to our community during these challenging times,” said Jones. “Hancock Whitney is built on the foundation of service, and today we continue to build upon that legacy by helping care those who need it most – our neighbors.”
A special page at www.hancockwhitney.com/covid19 offers timely updates on Hancock Whitney’s locations and operations, resources, fraud prevention tips, and ongoing direct assistance available for people and businesses suffering financial impacts from the pandemic, including fee waivers, loan payment deferrals, and SBA loans.

Morgan City police radio logs for May 21-23

Tue, 05/26/2020 - 11:25am

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, May 21
6:58 a.m. 7400 block of La. 182; Disturbance.
8:08 a.m. 1100 block of Ninth Street; Complaint.
8:24 a.m. 200 block of Everett Street; Alarm.
9:15 a.m. 2400 block of Tiger Drive; Juvenile problem.
9:46 a.m. 600 block of Greenwood Street; 911 hang up.
10:02 a.m. 1100 block of Levee Road; Medical.
10:36 a.m. 300 block of Lawrence Street; Complaint.
10:44 a.m. 7400 block of La. 182; Burglary.
10:53 a.m. 700 block of Brashear Avenue; Medical.
11:13 a.m. 1000 block of Clothilde Street; Removal of subject.
11:21 a.m. 600 block of Brashear Avenue; Theft.
11:24 a.m. 900 block of Seventh Street; Theft.
11:29 a.m. 400 block of Fourth Street; Complaint.
1:29 p.m. 200 block of Belanger Street; Medical.
1:29 p.m. 2300 block of La. 70; Theft.
1:38 p.m. 500 block of Fifth Street; Patrol request.
2:19 p.m. 1000 block of Brashear Avenue; Complaint.
2:32 p.m. La. 70; Complaint.
2:44 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Complaint
2:55 p.m. 500 block of Roderick Street; Patrol request.
3:07 p.m. 900 block of Third Street; Complaint.
3:29 p.m. 400 block of Fourth Street; 911 hang up.
4:30 p.m. 600 block of Freret Street; Animal complaint.
5:23 p.m. 7500 block of La. 182; Fight.
5:48 p.m. 1200 block of Brashear Avenue; Alarm.
7:12 p.m. 7200 block of La. 182; Theft.
7:43 p.m. 300 block of Chennault Street; Complaint.
7:45 p.m. 7200 block of La. 82; Complaint.
8:38 p.m. 200 block of Belanger Street; Disturbance.
8:38 p.m. 200 block of Headland Street; Disturbance.
9:21 p.m. 1000 block of Franklin Street; Medical.
9:24 p.m. 300 block of Wise Street; Assistance.
9:46 p.m. 3200 block of Youngs Road; Medical.
9:55 p.m. Eleventh Street; Suspicious vehicle.
10:33 p.m. 300 block of Franklin Street; Complaint.
10:37 p.m. 200 block of Halsey Street; Complaint.
11:36 p.m. 700 block of Federal Avenue; Harassment.
Friday, May 22
2:42 a.m. 200 block of Headland Street; Complaint.
6:10 a.m. 300 block Bowman; Traffic incident.
8:02 a.m. 800 block Victor II; Officer stand by.
8:04 a.m. 2400 block Apple; Theft.
8:28 a.m. 1700 block Federal; Theft.
10:52 a.m. 3200 block Wytchwood; Complaint.
11:35 a.m. Victor II; Accident.
11:37 a.m. 2100 block Cedar; Escort.
11:49 a.m. 600 block Belanger; Complaint.
1:23 p.m. 200 block Onstead; Welfare check.
4:36 p.m. 500 block Aucoin; Frequent patrols.
4:56 p.m. 700 block MLK; Complaint.
6:49 p.m. Fifth and Everett area; Accident.
7:02 p.m. Lake End Park; Patrols.
9:07 p.m., 7200 block La. 182; Assist.
10:05 p.m.600 block Freret; Medical emergency.
10:36 p.m. 2000 block Keith; Loud music.
Saturday, May 23
12:31 a.m. 600 block Seventh; Disturbance.
1:25 a.m. 500 block Brashear; Traffic stop.
2:08 a.m. 1000 block Brashear; Medical emergency.
2:58 a.m. 6400 La. 182; Suspicious vehicle.
8:14 a.m. 100 block Wren; Disturbance.
1:16 p.m. 7200 block La. 182; Complaint.
2:12 p.m. 200 block Belanger; Disturbance.
3:45 p.m. La. 182/U.S. 90 junction; Accident.
5:51 p.m. 400 block Bowman; Medical emergency.
8:27 p.m., 300 block Louisa; Welfare concern.
9:09 p.m. 300 block Seventh; Domestic disturbance.
9:21 p.m. 6300 La. 182; Vehicle theft.
9:54 p.m. Sixth and Bowman; Domestic disturbance.
11:08 p.m. 1100 block Marguerite; Telephone harassment.