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Two more St. Mary COVID-19 cases; 129 La. deaths reported in a day

Tue, 04/14/2020 - 12:16pm

Two more St. Mary cases of COVID-19 were reported Tuesday by the Louisiana Office of Public Health.

The total number of positive tests for COVID-19 in the parish is now 129.

The parish death toll was still listed as two Tuesday, the same number of deaths reported since April 11. Coroner Eric Melancon said Monday that two additional deaths have occurred among residents of Franklin's Legacy Healthcare. The previous deaths occurred in New Orleans and Morgan City. Twenty-three residents and six employees have tested positive at Legacy, Melancon said.

Officials warn that the numbers reported for any 24-hour period may reflect positive tests from days earlier because of a backlog in commercial testing labs. Some cases have taken more than a day to show up in the OPH daily report.

A total of 480 St. Mary people have been tested.

In St. Martin, six new cases raised the total to 168. Another death was reported Tuesday, bringing the total to nine. A total of 551 tests have been performed.

Three new cases were reported Tuesday in Assumption, where 123 people have tested positive in 159 tests. One person has died there.

Statewide, 129 deaths were reported, the biggest one-day total yet. The death toll in Louisiana is now 1,013.

The number of COVID-19 patients grew by 502 to 21,518, but the number of hospitalized people dropped by 158 to 1,977. The number of people on ventilators also declined by 25 to 436.

“Today’s death count is the largest we have reported in a single day since this COVID-19 outbreak started and it brings the number of Louisianans we have lost to more than 1,000," Gov. John Bel Edwards said in a press release. "That’s 1,013 people who are someone’s mother, father, sister, or brother or child or aunt or uncle. They are our neighbors, friends and coworkers. They are more than just a number on a report or graph, and as our fellow Louisianans, we all grieve alongside their families.

"Our analysis shows that most deaths come 11.2 days after the onset of symptoms, which is why we must look at long-term data and trends. It is also why it is incumbent upon our people to follow the Stay at Home order, because just as the positive things we do now will save lives in the future, the negative things we do could threaten lives as well.”

ESSIE 'LOIS' YONGE PREMEAUX

Tue, 04/14/2020 - 11:53am

November 14, 1935 — April 9, 2020
Essie “Lois” Yonge Premeaux, 84, a resident of Morgan City, passed away Thursday, April 9, 2020, at Ochsner St. Mary in Morgan City.
Lois was born on November 14, 1935, the daughter of Merton Yonge Sr. and Essie Hardaway Yonge.
Lois was an active member of Pharr Chapel United Methodist Church all of her life. She was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star A.W. Connely Chapter No. 117.
She will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her husband, James J. Premeaux; three children, Catherine Lee and husband James, Cynthia Leger and husband Kenneth, and Christina Albert and husband Lianter; one daughter-in-law, Mona Carlos Premeaux; eight grandchildren, Brian Lee and wife Jill, Jason Leger, Kenneth Leger and wife Kelly, Michael Lee, Lianter Albert III, James Premeaux Albert, Valerie Lee and Lily Albert; 13 great-grandchildren that she was very proud of and adored; and one sister-in-law, Cinda Yonge.
Lois was preceded in death by her parents, Merton Sr. and Essie Hardaway Yonge; her son, James “Jimmy” Premeaux Jr.; and two brothers, Merton Yonge II and Arthur T. Yonge.
Due to the recent health concerns and the restrictions in accordance with the limited gatherings, the funeral services for Mrs. Lois will be held privately by the immediate family. Once the restrictions have been lifted, a public memorial service will be held to celebrate Mrs. Lois’ life at Pharr Chapel United Methodist Church. Friends are encouraged to view and leave a memory of Lois for the family on our website at www.twincityfh.com. The family thanks everyone for their understanding during this difficult time.

MARY LEE ADAMS WARD

Tue, 04/14/2020 - 11:51am

March 24, 1942 — April 11, 2020
Mary Lee Adams Ward, 78, a resident of Morgan City, passed away Saturday, April 11, 2020, at Ochsner St. Mary in Morgan City.
Mary was born on March 24, 1942, in Morgan City, the daughter of Nolden O. Adams and Wilda Effie Adams.
She will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her son, Wayne Ward and wife Theresa of Bayou Vista; three grandchildren, Savannah Ward Gay and husband Eddie VI, Aaron Joseph Ward and fianceé Aimee Businelle, and Dianne Marie Ward and fiancé Devin Domingue; one great-granddaughter, Madison Gay; three sisters, Carol Adams and husband Eulice of Morgan City, Shirley Anslem of Morgan City, and Tammy Adams of Morgan City; and three brothers, Douglas Adams and wife Ann of Morgan City, Faron Adams of Berwick, and Terry Adams of Patterson.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Nolden and Wilda Adams; husband, Joseph “J.W.” Ward; and one sister, Cornelia Anslem.
Due to the recent health concerns and the restrictions in accordance with the limited gatherings, the funeral services for Ms. Mary will be held privately by the immediate family. Friends are encouraged to view and leave a memory of Ms. Mary for the family on our website at www.twincityfh.com. The family thanks everyone for their understanding during this difficult time.

PHILIP JAMES CROCHET

Tue, 04/14/2020 - 11:49am

Philip James Crochet, 94, a native and resident of Pierre Part, passed away on Sunday, April 12, 2020.
Philip was a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. Philip was a hardworking, tough man who cherished spending time with his family. He served in World War II in the Philippine Islands as a medic, he was a member of the American Legion for 71 years and a member of the Knights of Columbus. Philip had a passion for his family, gardening, telling stories, teaching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren how to play the guitar and harmonica, holidays and dancing.
He is survived by his eight children, Gerald Crochet (Trudy), Ronald Crochet, Evelyn Berthelot (Dudley), Louise Andersen (Scott), Mildred Charlson (Alan), Dolores Gauthreaux (Feren), Vicky Crochet Dallmann and Veronica Ring (Craig); 18 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Lois Hebert Crochet; parents, Joseph and Angelle Theriot Crochet; and 10 siblings, Joseph Crochet Jr., John Crochet, Pierre Crochet, Estelle Richard, Martha Blanchard, Rita Landry, Jeanne LeBlanc, Alice Blanchard, Gertrude Metrejean and Edith Blanchard.
Due to present circumstances a private service will be held in honor of Philip.

EVA MAE FOLSE NINI

Tue, 04/14/2020 - 11:45am

October 6, 1918 — April 8, 2020
Eva Mae Folse Nini, 101, passed away Wednesday, April 8, 2020, at Ochsner St. Mary in Morgan City.
She was born October 6, 1918, the daughter of Albert Folse originally of Raceland and Emma Landry Folse originally of Breaux Bridge, who were lifelong residents of the Klingsville area of Morgan City. Eva Mae was a lifelong resident of Berwick. As a centenarian, she was the oldest citizen, receiving the Key to the Town of Berwick on her 100th birthday.
Eva Mae was a devoted and loving wife for 67 years and mother to four children for 82 years. With only a high school education, having attended Sacred Heart in Morgan City, she served as an assistant librarian and head librarian at the Berwick Branch of the St. Mary Parish Library System.
She instilled this quest for knowledge throughout the generations, and consequently her legacy is epitomized by their academic achievements. Her children earned undergraduate degrees in Electronic Engineering, Cytotechnology, and Physics, as well as a graduate degree in Technical Intelligence. The eldest son is the first-ever in the family to earn a Baccalaureate, as well as a Master’s degree. Her grandchildren earned undergraduate degrees in Physical Therapy, English, Social Studies, Fine Arts, and Performing Arts, as well as graduate degrees in Physical Therapy, Recreational Therapy, and Contracting/Logistics. The eldest granddaughter is the first-ever in the family to earn a Doctorate and the youngest granddaughter is the first-ever to earn a double Masters. Most of her great-grandchildren are currently still in matriculation; her eldest great-granddaughter earned an undergraduate degree in Psychology, as well as a graduate degree in Counseling.
Eva Mae will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by two sons, Jerry Nini and wife Sandra of Virginia, and Rand Nini of Berwick; five grandchildren, Selena Courtney Koro and husband Joseph of Michigan, Craig Courtney and wife Kathy Massucci of California, Mashane Nini of Virginia, Stephanie Courtney Highfill of New Orleans, and Melanie Nini and husband David Warehime of Virginia; seven great-grandchildren, Anthony, Calista, Carlton, Exie, Griffin, Ian and Teresa; four nieces and nephews, Toni Governale DeRouen of Morgan City, Russell Governale of Maryland, Kim Folse of Morgan City, and Jaimie Folse of Houma; numerous great- nieces and nephews led by Thomas Dwayne Barefoot of Morgan City; “adopted daughter” Marguerite Guarino of New Orleans; and dearest-friend, Debby Morella of Berwick.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Albert Sr. and Emma Folse; husband, Raymond “Croaker” Nini; both daughters, Madge Nini Courtney and Nila Nini; and all three siblings - two brothers, Albert Folse Jr. and Ray Folse and one sister, Angelle Folse Governale.
Eva Mae wished to live her entire life independently in her own home. She achieved that goal, never having set foot in a nursing home or assisted living other than to visit others. Eva Mae enjoyed watching and praying with EWTN, for which she attributes a key to her longevity. When asked - how are you doing / feeling, she would always reply, “OK, so far…”
Farewell Mom, as you embark on your eternal journey, joining with Dad, Madge and Nila. We love you and we thank you…
Due to the recent health concerns and the restrictions in accordance with limited gatherings, the graveside services for Eva Mae will be held privately by the immediate family, and there will be a Memorial Mass for everyone to attend at a later date. Friends are encouraged to view and leave a memory of Eva Mae on our website, www.twincityfh.com. The family thanks everyone for their understanding during this difficult time.

OPEC deal may not be enough help for La. energy industry

Tue, 04/14/2020 - 11:40am

By DAVID JACOBS, The Center Square

A historic deal reached Sunday by some of the world’s leading oil-producing nations may “help move the needle in the right direction” for the domestic oil industry but it won’t be enough to help Louisiana producers survive, an industry leader said Monday.
Members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and other major producers including Russia, known as OPEC+, pledged to reduce global oil production by almost 10 million barrels a day, or close to 10 percent of world output, beginning next month, according to published reports.
Gifford Briggs, president of the Louisiana Oil & Gas Association, urged Congress to temporarily eliminate federal offshore royalties in the Gulf of Mexico “to prevent thousands of leases from being shut in.” LOGA also is asking Louisiana lawmakers to “provide immediate severance tax relief,” ease regulations, and find a way to address local government lawsuits against the industry alleging environmental damage to the state’s coastal region.
The domestic oil industry has been hit hard by low prices and the economic slowdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The industry’s struggles in turn create uncertainty in states like Louisiana where energy tax revenue is an important component of government budgets.
The Louisiana Oil & Gas Association recently surveyed its members, which the organization says includes 450 companies across the state. The survey shows that without some kind of emergency relief, energy producers may be forced to shut-in more than half of the wells they currently operate in Louisiana and potentially reduce their workforce by as much as 70 percent over the next 90 days, LOGA says.
According to the Department of Natural Resources, there are 33,650 oil and gas wells currently operating in Louisiana. LOGA says as many as 16,800 of those could be shut in, according to survey respondents.
The operation of these wells directly employs about 33,900 workers according to the Louisiana Workforce Commission’s most recent quarterly report. Based on survey projections, more than 23,000 jobs, which generate $2.2 billion dollars in earnings annually, are at immediate risk, LOGA says.
Briggs says “it’s going to be devastating” if oil prices don’t exceed $40 a barrel by June 1. West Texas Intermediate crude oil on Monday afternoon was priced at $22.40.
“Our members are doing everything they can to keep their doors open and protect their workers, whose livelihoods are at risk,” he said. “We cannot do this alone.”

Domestic battery complaint leads to marijuana charge

Tue, 04/14/2020 - 11:33am

Staff Report
A Morgan City woman was arrested on a marijuana charge after police responded to a domestic battery complaint Wednesday, Police Chief James F. Blair said.
—June Alcina, 52, Dale Street, Morgan City, was arrested 9:35 a.m. Wednesday on charges of domestic abuse battery and first-offense possession of marijuana.
Officers were called to a Dale Street residence for a domestic disturbance. They located a victim with physical injuries that were sustained during the domestic disturbance.
Alcina was identified as the individual who committed the battery. She was placed under arrest and transported to the Morgan City Police Department for booking and incarceration
Blair reports that over the last 24-hour period the Morgan City Police Department responded to 23 calls of service. The following person was arrested as the result beginning Wednesday:
—Jamon Bias, 39, Second Street, Berwick, was arrested at 8:25 pm. Wednesday on charges of peeping Tom, criminal trespassing and resisting an officer.
Officers were called to a Fourth Street residence about an individual peeping into a neighbors window. Upon officer’s arrival, they located Bias, who matched the description given to officers.
Bias fled from officers on foot when officers attempted to stop him. Officers eventually captured and placed Bias under arrest. He was handcuffed and transported to the Morgan City Police Department for booking and incarceration.
St. Mary Parish Sheriff Blaise Smith a reported the following arrests:
—Wynn Candler Whitehurst, 44, Joey Street, Patterson, was arrested 6:06 p.m. Wednesday on a charge of resisting arrest or officer. Whitehurst was released on a summons to appear July 27.
—Shawn Boudreaux, 40, Martin Road, Franklin, was arrested at 9:30 p.m. Friday on charges of disturbing the peace, criminal damage to property, domestic abuse simple battery, simple robbery and simply battery of the infirm.
No bail has been set.
—Dalton James Callender, 24, Saturn Road, Bayou Vista, was arrested at 5:58 p.m. Saturday on a charge of driving under suspension. Callender was released on a summons to appear June 27.
—Selena Percle, 22, Stephensville, was arrested at 1:23 a.m. on a charge of possession of marijuana. Percle was released on a summons to appear June 27.
—Sylvester Louis Lee Francois, 22, Grandwood Drive, Patterson, was arrested at 10:42 a.m. Saturday on a charge of domestic abuse battery by strangulation. No bail has been set.
—Lacey Nicole Yates, 36, Willowbend Lane, Patterson, was arrested at 5:41 p.m. Sunday on charges of domestic abuse battery and disturbing the peace by fighting. Yates was released on a $2,750 bond.
—Juvenile female, 15, Patterson, was arrested at 6:16 p.m. Sunday on a charge of disturbing the peace by fighting. The juvenile was released to a guardian pending juvenile court proceedings.
—Jeremie Martin Paul, Jr., 29, Wren Street, Morgan City, was arrested on at 4:40 p.m. Sunday on a charge of disturbing the peace-intoxicated. Paul was released on a summons to appear June 27.

Morgan City police radio logs for April 12-13

Tue, 04/14/2020 - 11:30am

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.
Sunday, April 12
6:18 a.m. 200 block of Brownell Homes; Medical emergency.
6:28 a.m. Old Bridge to Brashear Avenue; Reckless driver.
7:46 a.m. 1200 block of Victor II Boulevard; Alarm.
8:27 a.m. 900 block of Seventh Street; Complaint.
9:51 a.m. 7200 block of La. 182; Criminal damage to property.
10:16 a.m. 800 block of Sacred Heart Drive; Remove subject.
10:52 a.m. 500 block of Brashear Avenue; Remove subject.
11:43 a.m. 900 block of Poplar Street; Civil matter.
12:05 p.m. 300 block of Franklin Street; Fire alarm.
12:09 p.m. 6400 block of La. 182; Alarm.
1:02 p.m. 7600 block of La. 182; Alarm.
2:17 p.m. 1300 block of Oil Tank Alley; Domestic disturbance.
4:34 p.m. 1200 block of Fig Street; Animal complaint.
6:40 p.m. Marquis Manor; Alarm.
7:25 p.m. 3000 block of Allison Street; Officer stand by.
7:28 p.m. 1000 block of Brashear Avenue; Alarm.
8:18 p.m. 1000 block of Brashear Avenue; Theft.
8:36 p.m. 1000 block of Ditch Avenue; Frequent patrols.
8:47 p.m. Leona Street and Federal Avenue; Frequent patrols.
8:57 p.m. 300 block of Railroad Avenue; Medical.
Monday, April 13
12:59 a.m. 3000 block of Allison Street; Complaint.
2:39 a.m. 6400 block of La. 182; Alarm.
3:15 a.m. 7400 block of La. 182; Complaint.
4:18 a.m. 3000 block of Allison Street; Disturbance.
4:20 a.m. 6400 block of La. 182; Alarm.
4:43 a.m. 1000 block of First Street; Assistance.

LSU medical school involved in hydroxychloroquine trial

Tue, 04/14/2020 - 11:13am

LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine has enrolled its first patient in a randomized clinical trial to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of hydroxychloroquine alone, and in combination, as a treatment for COVID-19.
“We may enroll up to 600 patients with moderate to severe COVID-19,” says Meredith Clement, M.D., assistant professor in the Section of Infectious Diseases at LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine and the trial’s principal investigator.
Hospitalized patients at University Medical Center, one of LSU Health New Orleans’ teaching hospitals, will be enrolled in one of the study’s three arms – treatment with hydroxychloroquine alone, treatment with hydroxychloroquine + azithromycin, or supportive care, which is currently the standard of care.
There is currently no approved treatment for COVID-19. Neither hydroxychloroquine nor azithromycin are approved by the FDA for treatment of COVID-19 in the United States. Hydroxychloroquine is a medication currently approved for the treatment of malaria, certain forms of lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Azithromycin is an antibiotic currently approved for the treatment of many bacterial infections.
“There is some limited evidence that these medications hold promise in shortening the disease course and decreasing the viral load – the amount of virus in respiratory samples,” adds Clement. “But we haven’t really had any reliable data to date.”
“We will closely monitor the participants,” says Yussef Bennani, M.D., assistant professor in the Section of Infectious Diseases at LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine, and co-principal investigator. “The patients’ well-being is paramount. If treating them requires any adjustments to their care, which could include removing the patient from the study, we will work to provide them with the highest-quality care. Participants can also withdraw at any point.”
Possible benefits to participants include an improvement in their symptoms of COVID-19 infection and a shorter recovery time. But there may be no benefit to an individual participant. Risks to participants include some known side effects of the medications that will be explained before the patients consent to participate.
“We’ll be looking at side effects and outcomes,” Clement explains, “and we’ll be doing regular interim analyses. If it looks like the supportive care arm is not equivalently effective to medication, we’ll drop that arm, so patients won’t receive supportive care only."
We’re really trying to find an answer as to how to best treat our patients.”
The research team also includes Jyotsna Fuloria, MD., at University Medical Center.
“Rigorous scientific research will provide the data we need to make appropriate treatment decisions for COVID-19,” notes Steve Nelson, M.D., dean of LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine.
“We are so grateful to Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry and Sen.Fred Mills, Jr. for obtaining the medications we need to conduct this vital clinical trial,” says Larry Hollier, M.D., chancellor of LSU Health New Orleans.

AgCenter: Play it safe with takeout

Tue, 04/14/2020 - 8:27am

By KAROL OSBORNE, LSU AgCenter

ALEXANDRIA — Opting for takeout meals and food delivery can still be a healthy and convenient way to feed the family while supporting local businesses that are being hard hit during the coronavirus outbreak. However, following safe food handling guidelines remains important.
There is no evidence to support COVID-19 transmission associated with food consumption, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But it may be possible for a person to contract the virus by touching a surface or object that has the living virus on it and then touching their mouth, nose or eyes, said LSU AgCenter nutrition agent Quincy Vidrine.
“It’s important for consumers to take extra precautions in the wake of this outbreak and be hypervigilant in taking every measure to ensure the safety of their families,” Vidrine said.
These extreme measures are creating an increased awareness for food safety and instilling greater diligence in proper handwashing and sanitation in day-to-day activities, she said.
Vidrine offers the following recommendations to keep family members safe when ordering meals from restaurants.
—Choose contactless delivery services. Once the carrier has walked away, leave the outermost delivery bag or container on the doorstep and use gloves to discard it later. Only the actual food containers should be brought into the home.
—Before handling the food, wash hands with soap and water following the 20-second rule. Food should then be transferred from the takeout containers to storage or serving dishes so the disposable containers can be discarded immediately.
—Wash hands again. Just to be safe, reheat food to an internal temperature of 165 Fahrenheit and sanitize any surfaces that came into contact with food containers.
—Pay by credit card online or by phone if possible to avoid handling cash.
—For curbside pickup, ask the server to place items in the trunk or back seat or set food down at least three feet from the vehicle where it can be retrieved once the carrier has left the area. Use hand sanitizer after handling food containers and follow previously mentioned food safety and sanitation steps upon returning home.
—Sanitize touched surfaces such as the doorbell, doorknobs and vehicle handles after deliveries, even if the carrier was wearing gloves. Remember, gloves do not guarantee that germs are not passed around and can give a false sense of security.
—Sanitize the sink faucet and handles as well as other kitchen surfaces that were touched during the meal preparation.
“In all situations, hand-washing remains the first line of defense in preventing the spread of germs and bacteria,” Vidrine said.
The key to proper hand-washing is to use enough soap and water together with friction to create a good lather to encapsulate any germs and remove them from the skin, she said.
“Don’t be fooled by the anti-bacterial soap myth — any soap will do,” she said.
“Use a nail brush if you have one, and dry with a single-use paper towel,” she added. “Use the paper towel to turn off the water before discarding it.”