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GAIL ANN SMITH

Wed, 03/18/2020 - 2:18pm

Gail Ann Smith, 72, a native and resident of Patterson, died Saturday, March 14, 2020, at her residence.
Visitation will be Thursday, 6:30-8:30 p.m. with a rosary at 7 p.m., at Jones Funeral Home in Franklin. Entombment will be in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery Mausoleum.
She was preceded in death by her first husband and her parents.
She is survived by her husband, Howard Smith Jr. of Patterson; two sons, Toby Collins of Verdunville and Jason Collins of Youngsville; stepchildren, Howard Smith III of Mansfield, Texas, Chavvon Smith of Colleyville, Texas, Kea Golden of Burleson, Texas, Chaunva LeCompte of Burleson, Texas, and Dwayne Jennings of Texas; 18 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; two sisters, Elaine Vining and Susan Murray, both of Patterson; and a host of other relatives.
Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

BERNARD FRANCOIS

Wed, 03/18/2020 - 2:16pm

Bernard Francois, 55, a resident of Morgan City, died Tuesday, March 17, 2020, at his residence.
Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements, which are incomplete at this time.

Trump to seek $500 billion in direct payments to Americans

Wed, 03/18/2020 - 2:11pm

By DAN McCALEB
The Center Square

Saying that "in a sense" he is "a wartime president," President Donald Trump wants Congress to approve $500 billion in new spending to send money directly to American households reeling from the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Details are still being worked out about how much each taxpayer would receive and who will be eligible, Trump said, but there's bipartisan support for the effort.

The payments, according to the New York Times, would be sent in two waves. The first would be April 6, the second on May 18. The amount of each payment would be dependent on each family's size and income.

The White House also wants Congress to approve $300 billion to help small businesses to pay their employees, $50 billion for airlines and $150 billion in loan guarantees to stabilize the economy.

Also on Wednesday, the U.S. and Canada will close their border to non-essential traffic to limit the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Jeremy Alford: Government relations requires adaptation

Wed, 03/18/2020 - 2:06pm

JEREMY ALFORD

As Gov. John Bel Edwards endorsed a sweeping proclamation last week that temporarily shuttered public schools and postponed elections, and as legislators voted to pause their ongoing regular session, government relations professionals and lobbyists — just like the rest of us — were left wondering what comes next.
In the age of COVID-19, it’s an appropriate use of one’s time. While the general public may have a low opinion of those in the GR (government relations) trade, according to polling that has journalists residing roughly in the same neighborhood of perception, the truth is you probably have a lobbyist representing you in Baton Rouge.
Nurses, convenience store owners, Catholic bishops, fishermen, pipe fitters, prisoners, the blind, teachers and, yes, even reporters have associations or lobbyists representing their interests at the Capitol. Lobbyists cut checks for campaigns, facilitate the distribution of information and generally have tremendous influence over the legislative. Like any other profession there are upstanding folks and bad apples alike.
That said, the political reality is that GR professionals, particularly those who have been around a while and maintain a big book of business, help make the Capitol tick. So I conducted eight interviews with those who fit into this category and largely focused on a single question: What are you telling your clients? (If you really want the political lowdown on the regular session, this group is an excellent starting point.)
These contract lobbyists, association directors and attorneys from firms large and small, all speaking on background and not for direct attribution, agreed that COVID-19 seems positioned to upend the regular session as we know it, which in truth has already happened. Lawmakers voted to take a break from legislative action until March 31, but implemented stringent guidelines before doing so that could lead to a new sort of culture at the Capitol.
Everyone who enters the Capitol building now must have their temperature checked, which in turn gets them a sticker proving as much. Access to committee rooms and the House and Senate chambers has been restricted; yellow caution tape has been used to seal chairs so every visitor has a space dividing them.
Despite the pause in the session and the strict standards implemented, almost every lobbyist interviewed made a similar observation — that the regular session wouldn’t truly to come to an end, that it would merely be replaced by a shadow session where the same issues and decisions would be discussed behind closed doors, over the phone and via text. “That’s actually the time our GR clients need us most,” said an attorney.
An association director added that the session was quickly becoming the least of his membership’s worries. “While we may not be at the Capitol in our usual session roles, a lot of us are going to have to start worrying about new emergency rules and regulations on the parish and municipal levels. Those changes are happening right now and it takes some time and effort to figure what it all means.”
While others may have experienced the same, only one lobbyist offered anecdotes about clients urging safety over politics. But that caution will only go so far if lawmakers decide to continuing meeting as the state braces for what is supposed to be the peak of this health care emergency. “I have a few clients who quarantined and others who have travel bans or just personally are not choosing to travel,” said a longtime lobbyist. “So that means I’ll be the one testifying.”
What the legislative process looks like moving forward is an unknown. Another long recess is completely possible, some say, or even an early adjournment depending on the crisis — in concert, of course, with the rapid passage of continuation or contingency budgets and emergency legislation.
In short, GR pros are ready for anything. “This situation is very fluid and I’m trying to stress that as I’m getting questions and calls,” said another lobbyist. “I’m telling them that the agendas have been loaded up (for the late March return) and we don’t want to be caught with our pants down. So the work continues.”
When the governor signed his first proclamation on COVID-19, the document included this language: “The Louisiana Legislature is hereby requested to consider a suspension resolution which would allow for the suspension of any legal requirements to ensure the continued operation of state and local government, including such legal issues as legal deadlines and quorum requirements for open meetings.”
How the Legislature ultimately interprets that language should become clearer sooner rather than later. “I’m confident that any changes to open meetings will be minimal if at all,” House Speaker Pro Tem Tanner Magee, R-Magee, said in a tweet last week after questions were raised by First Amendment attorney Scott Sternberg, general counsel to the Louisiana Press Association.
In the same vein, the is-sues that were supposed to define the regular session — like bills addressing coastal lawsuits, tort reform, insurance rates and land use — are shifting as well. “It’s difficult to see how they tackle these big, controversial bills while restricting access and making commonsense decisions about the health of lawmakers,” said a seasoned lobbyist. “If tort reform and coastal lawsuits (legislation) fizzle out, it won’t be for long. Those issues will be back, maybe in a general, broadly drawn special session. Who knows? Honestly, I don’t.”
For more Louisiana political news, visit www. LaPolitics.com or follow Alford on Twitter @LaPoliticsNow

Traffic stop results in arrest on drug charges

Wed, 03/18/2020 - 1:59pm

Staff Report

Morgan City police arrested a man on marijuana and ecstasy possession charges after an early Tuesday traffic stop on Victor II Bouelvard, Morgan City Police Chief James F. Blair said.
—Shane Keith Scott, 36, Gabriel Street, Patterson, was arrested at 12:55 a.m. Tuesday on charges of improper lane usage, driving under suspension, possession of an alcoholic beverage in a motor vehicle, first-offense possession of marijuana and possession of 2-28 grams of MDMA.
An officer on patrol observed a traffic violation in the area of Victor II Boulevard and Myrtle Street.
A traffic stop was conducted, and the driver was identified as Scott. During the traffic stop, the officers observed an open alcoholic beverage and suspected marijuana in the vehicle.
A computer check revealed his driver’s license was under suspension. Scott was placed under arrest. During the arrest, officers located 67 pills of suspected MDMA (ecstasy) on his person. He was transported to the Morgan City Police Department for booking and incarceration.
Blair reported 36 calls for service in the 24-hour reporting period and these arrests:
—Travon Montrelle Landry, 21, South St. Valerie, Abbeville, was arrested at 7:02 p.m. Monday on a charge of discharge of a firearm in the city limits.
Officers were called to the area near David Drive near U.S. 90 about several gunshots in being fired. An officer arrived in the area and located Landry.
He was located in the possession of a handgun. Landry admitted to firing several rounds from his handgun into a large dirt pile located under the U.S. 90 overpass. He was placed under arrest and transported to the Morgan City Police Department.
—Alexandria Rochelle Walker, 30, Adams Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 12:41 p.m. Monday on a warrant for aggravated battery.
Walker was located at the Morgan City Police Department and placed under arrest on an active warrant held by the Morgan City Police Department. She was booked and incarcerated at the Morgan City Police Department.
St. Mary Parish Sheriff Blaise Smith said his office responded to 23 complaints and made these arrests:
—Sylvester Louis Lee Francois Jr., 22, Taft Street, Patterson, was arrested at 10:55 p.m. on charges of no license plate light and possession of marijuana. Francois was released on a summons to appear June 29.
—Keenze Howard Sr., 54, Ninth Street, Franklin, was arrested at 11:29 p.m. Monday for on a Franklin Police Department warrant for failure to appear on the charges of driving under suspension, speeding, no insurance, and expired license plate. Howard is being held for another agency.
Patterson Police Chief Garrett Grogan reported no arrests
Berwick Police Chief David S. Leonard reported no arrests.

Morgan City police radio logs for March 16-17

Wed, 03/18/2020 - 1:55pm

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. 6:56 a.m., 700 block of Myrtle; Complaint
Monday, March 16
8:55 a.m., 200 block of Franklin; Standby
11:03 a.m., 300 block of Egle, Juvenile problem
11:40 a.m., 2100 block of Cedar; Escort
12:02 p.m., 300 block of Third; Theft
12:07 p.m., 800 block of Brashear; Crash
12:35 p.m., 700 block of Myrtle; Arrest
12:49 p.m. , 10 block of Chennault; Civil
12:49 p.m., 6000 block of La. 182; Complaint
1:55 p.m., La. 182; Stalled vehicle
2:19 p.m., 300 block of Egle; Complaint
3:01 p.m., 7200 block of La. 182; Complaint
3:26 p.m., Adams and Third; Animal complaint
3:52 p.m., 1900 block of Federal; Complaint
3:53 p.m., Veterans and La. 70; Assistance.
5:59 p.m., Railroad near Oak; Reckless driver
6:39 p.m., Levee behind David; Gunshots
7:06 p.m., 600 block of Maine; Harassment
7:45 p.m., 1000 block of Onstead; Animal
8:12 p.m., 6400 block of La. 182; Complaint
8:56 p.m., 700 block of Aucoin; Removal of subject
10:32 p.m., MCPD; Complaint
11:21 p.m., Cottonwood and Victor II; Arrest
Tuesday, March 17
12:16 a.m., 500 block of First; Frequent patrols
12:54 a.m., 600 block of Terrebonne; Removal of subject
3:53 a.m., Ochsner; Medical

Speaking at API

Wed, 03/18/2020 - 1:46pm

Submitted Photo
Oceaneering International Diving Operations Manager Patrick Jeffries was the guest speaker for the March 9 meeting of the American Petroleum Institute Atchafalaya Chapter. Pictured from leff are Monsignor Douglas Courville, chaplain; Herbie Kimble, scholarship chairman; Burt Adams, chairman; Jeffries; and Ray Autrey, program chairman.

Two from Tri-City area earn honors at Louisiana Tech

Wed, 03/18/2020 - 1:38pm

Two Tri-City area students made the Louisiana Tech University winter 2019-20 quarter president’s and dean’s honor lists.
Students whose names are followed by an asterisk earned recognition as members of the president’s honor list.
That distinction signifies achievement of at least a 3.8 academic grade point average on a minimum of nine semester hours completed (100-level or higher), with no grade lower than a B.
To be eligible for the dean’s honor lists, a student is required to earn at least a 3.5 academic grade point average with no grade lower than a C on a minimum of nine semester hours completed (100-level or higher).
Courses yielding satisfactory/failure grades and courses audited do not count toward eligibility for either recognition. Only undergraduates with no incomplete grades are eligible to make either list.
St. Mary students are:
—Berwick: Kristina Ann Theriot
—Morgan City: Tyler James Ocon

La. 4-H offers tips to keep kids safe at home alone

Wed, 03/18/2020 - 10:43am

By OLIVIA MCCLURE, LSU AgCenter

BATON ROUGE— With Louisiana schools shuttered for the next few weeks in an effort to stem the spread of the novel coronavirus, many children may find themselves at home alone.
“Parents should decide if their children are mature enough and are able to take on this responsibility,” said Renee Castro, 4-H coordinator for the LSU AgCenter Southeast Region. “If this is the only option, each family should have a ‘home alone plan’ in place to ensure the safety of their children.”
Taking time to make a plan that kids can follow when they’re home without adult supervision can help keep them safe and put parents’ minds at ease.
The 4-H agents with the LSU AgCenter offer these tips:
—Set rules and procedures for how children should behave while home alone. What activities are they allowed to do, and what is off limits?
—Plan for how kids will handle meals. Are they old enough to safely cook for themselves, or would it be better to leave prepared foods they can eat while they’re alone?
—Talk to kids about what to do if someone knocks on the door or calls the home phone. They should not let strangers come inside, give out their name, say that they are home alone or provide other information about their family. They should keep these principles in mind in interactions on social media, too.
—Make sure children understand the importance of keeping doors and windows locked. Consider leaving a spare key with a trusted neighbor in case of an emergency.
—Make a list of important contact information. Include phone numbers of parents, other relatives and neighbors who could help if needed.
—Explain how to call 911 for emergency assistance and provide information that will help first responders, such as a clear description of the situation and their name, street address and phone number. Also, help children understand what is and is not an emergency.
—Think of productive ways kids can use their time, such as completing educational activities.
The AgCenter will be sharing daily activities aimed at keeping kids’ minds and bodies active during school closures. Check the AgCenter Facebook and Instagram channels for this and more information.

Annual Report shows decline in cancer rates

Wed, 03/18/2020 - 10:41am

The Annual Report to the Nation on the Status of Cancer finds that cancer death rates continued to decline from 200-17 in the United States for all cancer sites combined, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The report is published in the journal Cancer.
These decreases were seen in all major racial and ethnic groups, and among men, women, adolescents, young adults and children. Rates of new cancers (cancer incidence) for all cancers combined leveled off among men and increased slightly for women during 2012-16.
In a companion paper to the report, researchers looked at progress toward Healthy People 2020 objectives for four common cancers: lung, prostate, female breast and colorectal.
The annual report is a collaborative effort among the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; the National Cancer Institute, part of the National Institutes of Health; the American Cancer Society; and the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries.
This year’s report showed that overall cancer death rates decreased 1.5% on average per year from 2001-17, decreasing more rapidly among men (by 1.8% per year) than among women (1.4% per year). The report found that overall cancer death rates decreased in every racial and ethnic group during 2013-17.
“The United States continues to make significant progress in cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment,” said CDC Director Robert R. Redfield, M.D. “While we are encouraged that overall cancer death rates have decreased, there is still much more we can do to prevent new cancers and support communities, families, and cancer survivors in this ongoing battle.”
National Status of Cancer Report Findings
The data analyzed in the report combines cancer incidence data collected by CDC’s National Program of Cancer Registries and NCI’s Surveillance, Epidemi-ology and End Results Program, as well as mortality data from CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics.
The report found that from 2013-17:
—Among men, death rates decreased for 11 of the 19 most common cancers, were stable for four cancers (including prostate), and increased for four cancers (oral cavity and pharynx, soft tissue including heart, brain and other nervous system, and pancreas).
—Among women, death rates decreased for 14 of the 20 most common cancers, including the three most common cancers (lung and bronchus, breast, and colorectal), but increased for cancers of the uterus, liver, brain and other nervous system, soft tissue including heart, and pancreas. Rates were stable for oral cavity and pharynx cancer.
—Overall cancer death rates among children ages 0 to 14 years decreased an average of 1.4% per year. Among adolescents and young adults ages 15 to 39 years, overall cancer death rates decreased an average of 1% per year.
—Melanoma death rates decreased 6.1% per year among men and 6.3% per year among women.
—Lung cancer death rates decreased 4.8% per year among men and 3.7% per year among women. However, lung cancer continues to be the leading cause of cancer death, accounting for about one-fourth of all cancer deaths.
“The drops in mortality we’re seeing are real, sustained, and a strong indication of what we can do when we work to prevent and treat cancer,” said William G. Cance, M.D., ACS Chief Medical and Scientific Officer. “But we can and must do more, particularly to ensure everyone in the United States has access to the resources that are all too often benefiting only the most fortunate.”
For cancer incidence, notable findings include that from 2012-16, incidence rates for all cancers combined were stable in men and increased slightly in women. In addition, rates of new cancers were stable among white men and decreased among black, Asian/Pacific Islander, American Indian/Alaska Native and Hispanic men.
“Thanks to advances brought about by basic research, we are making remarkable progress against cancer,” said NCI Director Norman E. “Ned” Sharpless, M.D. “This report provides further evidence that cancer death rates continue to decline. But we must not be complacent. The cancer incidence data — especially the increase in cancer among women — is a clear reminder that there is more work ahead.”
For the first time, the report provided rates and trends for the most common cancers among children (younger than 15 years) and among adolescents and young adults ages 15-39 years. Among children, overall cancer incidence rates increased an average of 0.8% per year during 2012-16. The most common cancer types among children were leukemia, brain and other nervous system cancers, and lymphoma, with increasing incidence trends for each of these cancers during 2012-16.
Among adolescents and young adults, overall cancer incidence rates increased an average of 0.9% per year from 2012-16. The most common cancer among adolescents and young adults was female breast cancer; rates were highest among young black women.
“We look forward to improving surveillance of childhood cancers in the future by establishing specific databases for children to study these rare cancers. There are many unanswered questions in the realm of pediatric cancer and improving our tools to study them is essential to their ultimate prevention,” said NAACCR Director Betsy Kohler.
Progress Toward Cancer-Reduction Targets
In a companion paper to the report, researchers measured progress toward the federal government’s 10-year national objectives for improving Americans’ health, an effort known as Healthy People 2020. Specifically, researchers examined progress in four common cancers: lung, prostate, female breast and colorectal.
Healthy People 2020 targets for reducing death rates were met for all cancers combined as well as for lung, prostate, female breast, and colorectal cancers overall¾although not in all individual sociodemographic groups. Despite some progress over the past decade, the report shows the need to address disparities in cancer screening and in certain risk behaviors.
Healthy People 2020 targets were not met for adults to decrease cigarette smoking; to increase smoking cessation success; to reduce excessive alcohol use; or to reduce obesity prevalence¾all behaviors linked to cancer risk.
Other findings on Healthy People 2020 targets include:
From 2008 to 2015, breast cancer screening rates increased slightly among Hispanic women but dropped among other groups, particularly Asian women, women in rural areas, and women with public or no health insurance.
The target for breast cancer screening of 81.1% was not met in any group except those with advanced educational degrees. Breast cancer screening rates were lowest among uninsured women.
There was some improvement in colorectal cancer screening rates, which increased about 20% overall between 2008-17 but did not reach the target of 70.5%, except among those with advanced educational degrees.
Colorectal cancer screening increased by 35% or more in some groups, including AI/AN and Hispanic men and women, and men and women without health insurance.