RSS Feed

Husband carried on an affair as wife cared for his mother

Wed, 03/25/2020 - 10:47am

By Jeanne Phillips, ©United Features Syndicate

DEAR ABBY: My husband of 30-plus years cheated on me several years ago with one of his young private students. In our state, she would have been underage, but she was living in an adjacent state with different laws. I had just finished six months of nursing his mom to heaven. She had Alzheimer’s, and he did very little to help.
We had one of the few fights in our marriage about his affair, but nothing was ever resolved. I suspect he’s still in contact with her, but I can’t prove it.
He has never apologized for his behavior. Otherwise, he has been a good husband. He is sick himself now, and I don’t feel right about leaving him.
Any thoughts?
NOT RIGHT IN NORTH CAROLINA

DEAR NOT RIGHT: Under the circumstances, you are a nicer woman than he deserves. If you feel you should stay with him until death — or recovery — I respect you for it.
However, if you are one of those caring individuals who expends so much time and energy that doing it could hurt your own health, I think you’re entitled to spend as much time as you need taking care of YOURSELF.

DEAR ABBY: A friend blew me off after a 35-year friendship. I’ve no idea why — just a very hurtful, nasty message. Over the years, we had many ups and downs, but we always made up. Now it has been almost two years since I heard from her.
Last week, for my birthday, she tried to contact me, but I have her blocked. She contacted my sister and said she wants to bury the hatchet. I said, “WHERE? IN THE BACK OF MY HEAD?”
I haven’t contacted her yet and am not sure I want to. She hurt me badly. I cried for so long. She was my best friend. I knew she wasn’t perfect. She is the original Drama Queen, but we were still closer than most sisters. I would at least like to know what made her blow us apart.
Should I contact her? My pastor gave a sermon on forgive and forget, but I don’t know if I can do either.
FOE OR FRIEND IN ILLINOIS

DEAR FOE OR FRIEND: Contact the woman and get your questions answered. After that, you can decide whether the estrangement is healthier for you than her drama.
As to your pastor’s sermon, I believe that while people should forgive, they should never forget.

DEAR ABBY: We’re a senior couple who have been together 20 years. My wife and I have a date night twice a week. I feel our physical intimacy melds our spirits and souls together. But lately my wife’s new rule is, “Don’t bother me while my TV programs are on!”
When I told her I feel her programs are more important to her than I am, she got upset. So did I. Nothing’s been the same since. What’s your take on this?
OLD GULF COAST LOVER

DEAR LOVER: My take is that you should reschedule your date nights to ones that don’t conflict with your wife’s favorite TV shows, or invest in a digital video recorder so your wife doesn’t miss her programs and you don’t miss a trick.
***
For everything you need to know about wedding planning, order “How to Have a Lovely Wedding.” Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 to: Dear Abby, Wedding Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447.

'Just going to take it day by day, and pray...'

Wed, 03/25/2020 - 6:00am

For local restaurants, state dining regulations means improvising

By CASEY COLLIER

With Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards having closed dine-in restaurants across the state last week in response to elevating numbers of positive cases of COVID-19 statewide, local restaurants are being forced to function under strained circumstances these days.
“More aggressive steps are necessary to fight the spread of COVID-19 across Louisiana,” Edwards said this week. “These limitations were difficult to make, but they are necessary to slow the spread of COVID-19, protect the health of Louisianans, and flatten the curve.”
Two local restaurants among many that are feeling the pressure of the new restaurant guidelines are The Forest Restaurant in Franklin, and Chick’s Burgers in Baldwin.
Forest owner Al Kuhlman said, “The effect of this virus has caused the governor to force the closure of all dining rooms due to not wanting people to congregate where they could pass the virus on to somebody else.
“Naturally, that means my buffet business is gone and my dine-in business is gone. So, we are at over half-off, volume-wise.”
He added that The Forest continues to stay open for carry-out service, with breakfast being served at 5:30 a.m. and anything on the menu available to-go.
“You call in ahead,” Kuhlman said, “and we’ve even added an additional service of curbside pick-up.
“If somebody doesn’t want to come in to pick up, we’ll bring it out to you at your car, as long as you call ahead and give us your credit card, we can do it that way.”
Kuhlman went on to say that all of his servers at the restaurant have been relieved of duties, with state COVID-19 unemployment compensation a sole possibility for income in most cases.
“We just hope this blows over rather quickly,” he said. “Hopefully it will not go on as long as the predictions from our government have said it might.
“We are just going to take it day by day, and pray to the Lord to make it better, sooner (than later).”
As for Chick’s Burgers, owner Tricia Mestayer said they are only providing curbside pickup orders for the general public, with a stipulation for their local elderly patrons, that home delivery services are available with drop off points for the food and for payment purposes, to avoid personal contact.
“We still have all our staff coming in as of now,” Mestayer said, “but I will adjust accordingly if I need to.”
As for financial impacts of statewide dining room closures, Mestayer said she expects a negative effect on her restaurant business, but to what extent remains to be seen, adding, “However, I know it will be substantial.”
“We are going to continue to serve all of our menu items,” she continued, “including plate lunches Monday through Friday, with some specials thrown in, as well.
“As far as adjusting hours of operation or closing entirely, I am not going to do that at this time.”
She said in closing, “I would encourage people to support their local ‘Mom and Pop’ shops and not think of franchises and corporations first, but support the people that are going to be here through the long haul.
“By supporting these (local) businesses they are truly supporting their community and all of the people who live here.”

Teche Theatre marquis lit up

Wed, 03/25/2020 - 6:00am

Top, from left, Franklin Mayor Eugene Foulcard, Noah Yarber, Germaine Yarber, Franklin Bicentennial Committee Co-Chairs Ed “Tiger” Verdin and Diane Wiltz pose outside the Teche Theatre for the Performing Arts with its newly illuminated marquee. Bottom, Germain Yarber and Noah Yarber flip the switch to illuminate the marquee their late husband and father, Tyra Yarber was instrumental in bringing to fruition.
The Banner-Tribune/CASEY COLLIER

UPDATE: Wreck near Bayou Vista Burger King results in injuries

Tue, 03/24/2020 - 6:21pm

A two-vehicle crash occurred on U.S. 90 West at Delmar Avenue Tuesday afternoon at approximately 5 p.m. According to Louisiana State Police Trooper First Class Thomas Gossen, a 2011 Ford Explorer driven by Martha Pozo, 31, was crossing U.S. 90 to Delmar when she collided with the westbound 1993 Harley Davidson motorcycle. The motorcycle driver was airlifted to a Baton Rouge hospital. Other injuries were treated locally.

Hospital Service District board will meet Wednesday

Tue, 03/24/2020 - 2:54pm

St. Mary Hospital Service District No. 2's board will meet at 5 p.m. Tuesday by teleconference to talk about matters related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The district owns Ochsner St. Mary in Morgan City. The hospital is operated under a lease by the Ochsner Health Systems.

The agenda says the meeting will include "discussion and any action the passage of a resolution declaring a 'State of Emergency' and authorizing any expenditures and/or contracts deemed necessary in response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic threat."

The board will also talk about and may take action on a resolution giving board Chairman Dr. William Cefalu the power to execute a cooperative endeavor agreement with
Ochsner Clinic Foundation "to facilitate the funding of supplemental ventilatory equipment for use at Ochsner St. Mary from the HSD’s restricted funds account."

The board will talk about "anticipatory supplemental support for the operations of Ochsner St. Mary."

Second St. Mary COVID-19 case reported

Tue, 03/24/2020 - 1:35pm

The noon Tuesday update contained a second positive test for COVID-19 in St. Mary, and the first for St. Martin.

The first case of a positive for the pandemic virus in St. Mary was reported Saturday night.

Among nearby parishes, only Vermilion has not logged a case. Iberia and Assumption have two each, Lafourche has 16 and Terrebonne has 14.

Statewide, the number of positive tests grew by more than 200 to 1,388 as of noon Tuesday after more than 8,000 tests. Forty-three of 64 parishes now have positive tests.

The one-day death toll was 12, bringing the number of Louisiana fatalities to 46.

Governor seeks federal disaster aid

Tue, 03/24/2020 - 11:34am

Gov. John Bel Edwards is requesting a major disaster declaration for Louisiana as the number of cases of COVID-19 grows and the state’s efforts to combat the spread of illness intensifies.
The declaration would allow the federal government to provide additional support for state and local agencies in dealing with this growing public health threat.
“It is still impossible to know exactly how long the COVID-19 pandemic will impact Louisiana, but what we do know is that we have more cases per capita than every state, except for New York and Washington,” Edwards said in a news release Tuesday morning.
“Sadly, 34 people have died in Louisiana and our case count continues to rise, which is why we need additional federal aid.
“We have overwhelmed our stocks of key resources needed for our hospitals, first responders and emergency managers. There will be a long-lasting impact on the state of Louisiana, and we have taken aggressive mitigation measures to fight the spread of COVID-19. I have been appreciative of the support of the federal government, especially Vice President Mike Pence’s COVID-19 task force, and I am hopeful FEMA will quickly approve our request as we continue our response and work towards recovery.”
Edwards previously issued a Public Health Emergency on March 11 in response to the spread of COVID-19 in Louisiana. So far, COVID-19 has affected 1,172 Louisiana people.

ARTHUR I. 'ARTY' LEVY

Tue, 03/24/2020 - 11:32am

February 20, 1934 — March 22, 2020
Arthur I. “Arty” Levy Jr., 86, a resident of Baton Rouge and former resident of Morgan City, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 22, 2020, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Arty was born on February 20, 1934, in Patterson, the son of Arthur I. Levy Sr. and Melba Watkins Levy. Arty lived in Morgan City, Louisiana, for the majority of his life before retiring to Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He was a graduate of Morgan City High School and the University of Southwestern Louisiana. While in Morgan City he owned and operated Point Marine Inc. Upon retiring he spent his days traveling the world, collecting antiques and taking care of his home and yard.
Arty will be remembered for his gentle nature, genuine smile, and great business mind. He was often seen by his neighbors walking and sharing a “good morning” to all those that passed.
Arty was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur I. Levy Sr. and Melba Watkins Levy of Morgan City; his sister, Jerry Marie Levy of Austin, Texas; and grandson, Wolfe Jacob Levy II of Morgan City.
He will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his three children, daughter Kim Levy Russo and husband Gary Russo, son Arthur I. Levy III and his wife Lisa Levy, son Damon Paul Levy and his wife Stacy Levy and step-daughter Rhonda Kay McRae; six grandchildren, Jacqueline LaCoste and husband Jason LaCoste, Dustin Levy and wife Brandie Levy, Catherine Hales and husband William Hales, Nick Russo and wife Marissa Russo, Lauren Russo and Elizabeth Levy; eight great grandchildren, Catherine “CeCe” Hales, John “Jack” Hales, Madison Levy, Landyn LaCoste, Brileigh LaCoste, Jace LaCoste, Addilyn Levy and Ian Levy; one sister, Glyn Levy Dupont; and one brother, Don Francis Levy and wife Lelia Babin Levy.
Due to the recent health concerns and the restrictions in accordance with limited gatherings, the funeral services for Mr. Arthur Levy Jr. will be held privately by the immediate family. Friends are encouraged to view and leave a memory of Mr. Levy for the family on our website, https://www.twincityfh.com. The family thanks everyone for their understanding during this difficult time.

ANTHONY RENTROP BERGERON

Tue, 03/24/2020 - 11:30am

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

Verdunville man accused of violating protective orders

Tue, 03/24/2020 - 11:27am

Staff Report
Berwick police on Monday arrested a Verdunville man who is accused of violating a protective order by entering a Guzzetta Drive home, damaging property, and then returning to the same apartment to threaten a woman while officers were preparing warrants for the first offense.
—Brandon M. Scott, 32, Verdun Lane, Verdunville, was arrested at 12:36 a.m. Monday on a Berwick Police Department warrant for unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling, violation of a protective order, simple criminal damage to property and remaining where forbidden, and on a second warrant for unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling, violation of protective orders, simple assault and remaining where forbidden.
Berwick officers, with help from the Morgan City Police Department, made the arrest at a motel on La. 182 in Morgan City.
The warrants stem from an incident that occurred Saturday on Guzzetta Drive.
The complainant advised that Scott entered her apartment and damaged a gaming console, then fled the area prior to the officers’ arrival. The complainant has an active protective order against Scott.
Furthermore, the incident occurred within the Berwick Housing Authority property and Scott was previously barred from the property.
Scott was unable to be located and warrants were prepared for his arrest.
Several hours later, the complainant called and reported that Scott entered her residence again and verbally threatened her before fleeing the residence.
Berwick officers, along with the assistance of the Morgan City Police Department and the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office, set up a perimeter in the area and summoned a Sheriff’s Office K9 team to assist with searching for Scott.
After an extensive search, Scott was not located. Additional arrest warrants were prepared.
Through investigative means, officers determined that Scott was at a motel in Morgan City.
He was located at the motel, placed under arrest, and booked into the Berwick Jail on the aforementioned warrants. No bond has been set.
St. Mary Parish Sheriff Blaise Smith advises that over the last 72-hour reporting period, the Sheriff’s Office responded to 89 complaints and reports the following arrests:
—Francois Salvadore, Jr., 22, Judy Lane, Patterson, was arrested at 9:43 a.m. Friday after an animal complaint. Salvadore was released on a summons to appear June 29.
—Mya Keshal Simmons, 21, T. Leigh Drive, Houma, was arrested at 1:43 p.m. Saturday on a charge of speeding over 25 mph. Simmons was released on a summons to appear June 29.
—Cole Sephrien Fruge, 28, Saturn Road, Bayou Vista, was arrested at 7:55 p.m. Saturday on a charge of disturbing the peace by language.
Fruge was released on a summons to appear June 29.
—Rena Kathleen Wilson, 41, Nini Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 7:41 p.m. Saturday on a charge of theft.
Wilson was released on a summons to appear June 29.
—Tayler James Davis, 21, Natalie Lane, Patterson, was arrested at 11:16 p.m. on charges of disturbing the peace by language and two counts of resisting an officer with force. Davis was released on a summons to appear June 29.
Morgan City Police Chief Chief James F. Blair reports that over the last 24-hour period the Morgan City Police Department responded to 80 calls of service. The following person(s) were arrested beginning Friday:
—Jasmine Marie Dupont, 21, Bayou Black Drive, Gibson, was arrested at 3:50 p.m. Friday on charges of stop sign violation, view outward or inward through windshield, turn signal violation, first-offense possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession at Alprazolam, possession with intent to distribute heroin, and transactions involving proceeds from controlled dangerous substance activity.
An officer observed a traffic violation in the area of U.S. 90 and Martin Luther King Boulevard.
The officer conducted a traffic stop and identified the driver as Dupont.
During the traffic stop, the officer detected the odor of marijuana emitting from her vehicle. K-9 Dally was deployed around the exterior of the vehicle and indicated the presence of illegal narcotics in the vehicle.
Upon officers searching the vehicle officers located suspected marijuana, drug paraphernalia, heroin and $341. The suspected heroin had a street value of approximately $1,050.
Dupont was placed under arrest and transported to the Morgan City Police Department for booking and incarceration.
—Jonathan Jermaine Motte, 36, of Oak Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 1:37 p.m. Wednesday on charges of view outward or inward through windshield, expired driver’s license, second-offense possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and violation of the Uniform Controlled Dangerous Substance laws-drug free zone.
Narcotics detectives were patrolling the area of Railroad Avenue and Headland Street when they observed a vehicle commit a traffic violation.
Investigators conducted a traffic stop and identified the driver as Motte.
A computer check revealed his driver’s license was under suspension.
During the traffic investigation, Matte was found in possession of suspected marijuana and drug paraphernalia.
He was placed under arrest and transported to the Morgan City Police Department for booking and incarceration.
—Georgianna Jacqulin Sweetser, 52, Stacy Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 4:25 p.m. Wednesday on charges of first-offense possession of marijuana, possession of clonazepam and possession of less than 2 grams of methamphetamine.
Morgan City Police Department narcotic detectives were patrolling the area of Fifth Street and Florence Street when they observed a vehicle commit a traffic violation.
During the traffic investigation, detectives came in contact with the passenger, Sweetser.
She was found in possession of suspected marijuana, methamphetamine and Clonazepam. She was placed under arrest and transported to the Morgan City Police Department for booking and incarceration.
Patterson Police Chief Garrett Grogan reported no arrests.