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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.”

Mom tires of chauffeuring unlicensed daughter

Tue, 04/14/2020 - 8:24am

By Jeanne Phillips, ©United Features Syndicate

DEAR ABBY: My 20-year-old daughter refuses to get her driver’s license. She took the learner’s permit test four times when she was 16, failed it each time and gave up. She goes to college online and has a job at the local store. Next week she is going to be promoted to assistant manager.
I don’t work, but I’m tired of driving her around.
We live in a small town that has no public transportation. Every time her father or I mention getting her license, she says, “Don’t start” or, “I don’t want to talk about it!”
She doesn’t date, but is very involved in church. She has her own phone, which she pays for, and also pays for gas. She’s responsible in every way — she just REFUSES to drive!
HELP! TIRED OF BEING A TAXI MOM

DEAR TIRED: Your 20-year-old daughter is a smart cookie. Unlike you, she doesn’t have to worry about car payments, insurance premiums or the cost of parking.
As long as you agree to chauffeur her around, she isn’t going to provide her own transportation. I suggest you encourage her to get a bicycle.
And after four years, it’s time for her to take the driver’s test again.

DEAR ABBY: My husband and I have been married nine years and have two major issues in our marriage:
1. He feels I spend too much money.
2. I think he spends too much time away from home doing things he wants to do.
We have fallen into this cycle of him being away from home, so I spend money, which results in him spending more time away from home.
Should we have separate bank accounts? Should I make him cancel some of his weekly activities?
STRUGGLING IN ST. LOUIS

DEAR STRUGGLING: Separate bank accounts might be a good idea, provided you don’t use yours to mask the fact that you’re spending more than you should.
As to “making” your husband cancel some of his weekly activities, I don’t think it would work to your benefit.
A better solution/investment would be for the two of you to talk this out in the office of a licensed marriage and family counselor, because it appears you’re spending as a way to punish your husband for his absence, which is not only not constructive but destructive.
Doing activities outside the home TOGETHER might also be helpful.

DEAR ABBY: My former spouse, the father of our adult daughters, recently passed. He will be cremated.
Although he did not remarry, I did. Our youngest daughter has made all the burial arrangements.
My ex and I did not communicate much after the divorce.
What is my role as mother? Do I send flowers, greet attendees, as if we were still together?
We were married almost 30 years.
WHAT SHOULD I DO?

DEAR WHAT SHOULD I DO: Your role as the mother is to support your daughters and the rest of the family. If your daughters want you there, be there for them.
Greet anyone you know politely and thank them for being there for “the family.”
If you wish to send flowers, by all means do so. But beyond that, nothing more is required of you.
***
Abby shares more than 100 of her favorite recipes in two booklets: “Abby’s Favorite Recipes” and “More Favorite Recipes by Dear Abby.” Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $16 to: Dear Abby, Cookbooklet Set, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447.

Coroner: Two Legacy residents die from COVID-19

Mon, 04/13/2020 - 7:36pm

Two residents of Franklin's Legacy nursing facility have died from COVID-19-related illness, Coroner Eric Melancon said Monday night.

The parish's death toll is four, although Melancon said one of the victims was already in hospice care.

Legacy now has 23 residents who are COVID-19-positive, Melancon said.

Six employees have also tested positive.

"They also have numerous tests pending but the exact number cannot be quantified as outside physicians may have done the testing," Melancon said in a text message.

"Legacy of Franklin has been diligent in containment efforts and Parish officials have worked with me and input from Region 3 [Department of Public Health]."

Melancon urged St. Mary people to continue their isolation efforts and wash hands frequently to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19.

The first COVID-19 case at Legacy was reported Wednesday by Melancon. By the Easter weekend, at least 15 residents and five employees were known to have tested positive for the disease.

Monday's noon update from the Louisiana Office of Public Health said St. Mary has 127 cases of COVID-19.

Melancon said over the weekend that Legacy was the only St. Mary nursing facility where a resident had tested positive for the coronavirus. Media accounts say that more than 3,600 COVID-19 deaths have occurred at the nation's nursing homes and long-term care facilities.

Governor ready to say Tuesday that in-person classes are done for the year

Mon, 04/13/2020 - 5:27pm

Gov. John Bel Edwards expects to announce Tuesday that school campuses will remain closed through the remainder of the school year.

The long-awaited announcement will be followed by more information from the Louisiana Department of Education and then by information from local school boards, he said.

"Education continues," Edwards said Monday during his daily COVID-19 press conference. "School will continue. But students won't go back to campuses."

Classes have been suspended since Edwards issued an executive order March 13 to close schools through April 13. A subsequent order closed schools through April 30.

School districts have turned to home materials and online learning to keep students working through the suspension of classes.