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Dorothy Percle Aucoin, 92, a resident of Morgan City, passed away Saturday, March 14, 2020, at Legacy Nursing and Rehabilitation.
Dorothy was born on October 14, 1927, in Morgan City, the daughter of Rudolph and Loraine Verret Percle.
She will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by five children, Al Aucoin Jr. and wife Katy, Wayne Aucoin and wife Ann, Carol Percle and husband Joe, Jackie Aucoin, Cathy L. Adams; 9 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, Rudolph and Loraine Verret Percle; husband Alfred M. Aucoin Sr.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, March 16, 2020 at Holy Cross Catholic Church with a visitation being held from 9:00 a.m. until Mass time. Following Mass Dorothy will be laid to rest in the Morgan City Cemetery Mausoleum.
A 53-year-old person who died in New Orleans is Louisiana's second COVID-19 related fatality, the Governor's Office said Sunday.
As of 5:30 p.m Sunday, the number of positive COVID-19 tests has grown to 103 in 10 parishes, and about three-quarters of the positive tests have been in the New Orleans area. No positive tests have been reported from St. Mary, St. Martin or Assumption. Two cases have been reported in Terrebonne, and one in Lafourche.
A total of 284 Louisiana people have been tested.
The Orleans Parish resident who died Sunday had underlying medical conditions and was being treated at Touro Infirmary in New Orleans.
Nola.com identified the first coronavirus victim, whose death was reported Saturday, as Ives Green, 58, a resident of a facility for the developmentally disabled.
“Ives had a lot more living to do,” Green’s family said in a prepared statement. “People need to take this virus seriously and follow CDC guidelines.”
"Sadly, we have lost our second Louisianan to COVID-19,” said Gov. John Bel Edwards Edwards. “We ask the state to join us in sending prayers to the family members and friends who are going through this difficult time. As the number of positive cases continues to rise, we need every person to take the necessary actions to help reduce the spread of this virus. It is an extremely serious situation that demands all of our attention. Our elderly and those with chronic health conditions are the most vulnerable, but we all need to act responsibly and look out for ourselves and our neighbors.”
While older individuals and those with underlying medical conditions are at greater risk, everyone can become exposed to COVID-19 and must be vigilant to protect their health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, some of the serious chronic health conditions include: heart disease, diabetes and lung disease.
The Louisiana Department of Health has reported 14 additional positive cases for coronavirus in Louisiana, which now brings the total to 91. Updates can be seen at ldh.la.gov/Coronavirus.
Everyone is warned to take the necessary precautions to help limit the spread of COVID-19 and stay safe and healthy.
These precautions include:
Washing your hands for at least 20 seconds and frequently
Covering your cough or sneeze with your arm
Avoiding touching your face
Routinely clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces
Avoiding close contact with others
And staying home if you are sick
A statement from the Louisiana High School Activities Association:
The LHSAA will adhere to the Louisiana Governor’s 30 day closure of the K-12 public schools by postponing remaining Winter and Spring athletic events to include, but not limited to Powerlifting, Bowling, and Bass Fishing State Championships. The LHSAA Executive Committee will meet April 7th and 8th at its regularly scheduled meeting to discuss the LHSAA’s direction after the April 13th mandate by the Governor of Louisiana.
Scheduling and participating in practices during the mandated time period (from March 16th to April 13th) will be left to the discretion of the administration and/or LEA of the schools involved. We will continue to monitor the situation and we encourage each member school to consult with their local health department and medical professionals to help with these decisions.
We realize that the situation is rapidly evolving and events around the country are influencing what discretion can or cannot be given to administrators or LEA. Please continue to review key planning considerations for events should you decide to allow regular season play this weekend and then after the April 13th mandate. If you plan to continue with regular schedule play through this weekend please adhere to the Governor’s restrictions limiting crowd capacity.
Key Planning Considerations for Athletic Events:
These are best practices schools should consider when preparing to host an athletic/activity event:
Emphasize that participants, staff and spectators should stay away from the event if they feel unwell (have fever and cough).
Prioritize that all frequently touched surfaces throughout the venue are properly cleaned prior to the event with approved disinfectants and that adequate cleaning supplies are available for use during the event.
Michael B. Williams passed away at the age of 57 in the early morning hours of Friday, March 13, 2020, at Ochsner St. Mary following a courageous and hard fought battle with cancer.
Mike, as he was affectionately known, was born in Morgan City on January 4, 1963 and was the first of five children born to Burr Williams Jr. and the late Cheryl Williams. Raised in Bayou Vista, Mike was a longtime resident of Morgan City where he spent most of his adult life. He worked as a senior auxiliary operator for LEPA where he dedicated 25 years of service, and also fulfilled his dream of owning and operating his own restaurant, Landry’s Seafood, which was located in Morgan City, as well as catering for almost 30 years. Cooking was definitely his passion in life.
Mike also knew that work was not all there was to living. A wonderful and selfless father, protective big brother, and a proud grandfather and son, he knew that family was most important. He was a family man through and through. Although taken from this life all too early, his family takes great comfort in knowing that he fought the fight, and though not healed in the view of this world, they know he is truly healed and can take his rest with all his loved ones that have gone before him. He will be missed, no doubt, but all the more remembered with a smile.
Those he leaves to cherish his memory include his children, Michael A. Williams and his wife Chantal, Jill Williams, and Jacob Williams; his grandchildren, Collin, Noah, and Alec; his father, Burr F. Williams, Jr.; his brothers and sisters, David Williams, Scott Williams, Misty Williams, and Tina Williams; his companion, Nancy Arnould; his dog, Sammy; nieces and nephews, Trent, Laini, Sarah, Scotty, Isabella, Tyler, Sydni, Hanno, Lauryn, and Julia; uncle and aunts, Dennis and Mary Etta Taylor, Janice Duay, and Lucille Bernadou; and numerous cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by his son, Nicholas Kyle Williams; his mother, Cheryl Owen Williams; his maternal grandparents, Charles Owen and Amy Robicheaux Owen; and his paternal grandparents, Burr F. Williams Sr. and Nora Dardar Williams.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 16, at 11:00 a.m. at Ibert’s Mortuary in Patterson, followed by interment in the Morgan City Cemetery. Father Garrett McIntyre will officiate the services.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Ibert’s Mortuary in Patterson on Sunday, March 15, from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. and again on Monday, March 16, from 9:00 a.m. until service time.
Serving as pallbearers will be his brothers, David and Scott Williams, nephews Trent Williams and Louis Wilson, and his best friends Jerry Brunet, Mack Mayfield, and Roland Delaune.
The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to Mike’s cousin, Dr. Carla Thurston, for her love and compassionate care given to Mike in his time of need.
Family and friends may view the obituary and express their condolences online by visiting www.iberts.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Ibert's Mortuary, Inc., 1111 Lia Street, Patterson, LA 70392, (985) 395-7873.
The first Louisiana death related to COVID-19 was reported Saturday by the Governor's Office.
The patient was an Orleans Parish resident, 58, who had underlying health conditions and was being treated at Touro Infirmary Hospital and Medical Center.
The number of positive tests for the virus in Louisiana was at 77 Saturday after a total of 210 tests. As of 4 p.m. Friday, 1,629 U.S. positive tests have been reported, and 41 people have died. Positive tests have been reported in 46 states and the District of Columbia.
"It is with heavy hearts that we announce the first Louisiana death related to COVID-19 today,” said Gov. John Bel Edwards. “I have spoken with Mayor LaToya Cantrell, and we send our prayers and condolences to the family of the deceased
"Now more than ever, we must remain vigilant against the spread of this illness by taking care of ourselves and each other, avoiding going into public areas if you are sick, practicing social distancing and washing your hands frequently with soap and water. This underscores the fact that those with underlying health issues are most at risk from the coronavirus. Those with compromised immune systems and are older should be taking extra precautions to avoid becoming affected with the coronavirus.”
Everyone is warned to take the necessary precautions to help limit the spread of COVID-19 and stay safe and healthy.
These precautions include:
Washing your hands for at least 20 seconds and frequently
Covering your cough or sneeze with your arm
Avoiding touching your face
Routinely clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces
Avoiding close contact with others
And staying home if you are sick
From SLCC Chancellor Natalie Harder:
In light of the recent announcement by Governor John Bel Edwards concerning statewide efforts in response to COVID-19 and a resulting directive by LCTCS, please be aware SLCC will be closed Monday, March 16; no classes will be held and no employees should report to work as Emergency Leave will be granted to ALL employees. LCTCS has indicated that essential personnel needs to report on Tuesday, March 17. All SLCC employees are considered essential in this time of adjustments and should report to work as usual on Tuesday, March 17 to maximize the time to plan, test, and implement alterations to instruction and operations. SLCC is canceling credit and non-credit (Corporate College, WRU/ABE) classes on Tuesday, March 17 and Wednesday, March 18 to implement alterations to instruction and operations. If the K-12 closures will affect your ability to report to work on Tuesday, please contact your supervisor to discuss your situation and appropriate procedures under SLCC’s leave policy.
While classes will be canceled next Tuesday and Wednesday, faculty, staff, and administration will actively be working to finalize plans for online delivery of instruction and alternate training schedules for unique programs of study to be used for the rest of the Spring semester. Therefore, on-line facilitation of instruction is expected to begin on Thursday, March 19. It is important to note, that all efforts to modify instructional delivery and college operations are centered on ensuring quality learning environments for students as well as safe work environments for faculty and staff. College personnel will continue to engage in all CDC recommended protocols.
Where applicable, faculty will move to a remote learning delivery model for courses effective Thursday, March 19. For programs associated with occupational competencies and clinical experiences, faculty will communicate to students by program as information and plans are finalized. Being sensitive to the lack of broadband in some areas, the College will ensure those students in need will have access at all college locations to dedicated computer labs for online learning and assessment with proper precautions taken for the health and wellness of students per CDC recommendations.
Preparing for alternative modes of instructional delivery and operations must be done so with a focus on the future and recovery post-event. Academic instruction continuity plans and information will be forthcoming. To be clear, SLCC intends to sustain operations at each location. College leadership is working closely to determine essential support services specific to instruction, workforce training, student services, finance, and administration and sustaining commitments to external stakeholders. Departmental leaders are finalizing plans for operations and will communicate directly with personnel regarding the staffing of essential services.
In summary:
March 16: College closed and no classes held.
March 17: All employees report to work and no classes held.
March 18: All employees report to work and no classes held.
March 19th through the end of the Spring semester: All employees report and classes resume (many classes resume on-line.)
The college leadership team has and will continue to meet regularly throughout this unprecedented event and we have formed a COVID-19 taskforce. Information will regularly come from the Chancellor’s Office inclusive of updates from Academic Affairs, Finance and Administration, Student Services, and Corporate College. Communication of timely and accurate information is paramount to deliver on the mission of our college. Our college family is committed to working tirelessly, innovatively, flexibly, and creatively to meet the needs of students, faculty, staff, and stakeholders. Please continue to visit our COVID-19/Coronavirus web page for important updates and information from the CDC. I sincerely appreciate all of those working tirelessly behind the scenes over the last few days to help us be as prepared as possible for our changing Spring semester. Notifications will be sent to students, the media, and other stakeholders as appropriate.
Thank you very much for your patience and flexibility as we try to manage aspects of the outbreak as it continues; I know that by working together we will come out on the other side better than ever. Please take care of yourself and your loved ones!
Here are recent developments and announced closures related to the coronavirus:
--The LHSAA has suspended the remaining winter and spring high schools sports. Practices are left to the individual schools.
--The South Louisiana Community College system has canceled classes Monday-Wednesday. The office will be closed Monday and reopen Tuesday. See related story.
--Saturday's Irish/Italian Parade in Morgan City has been postponed. No date has been set.
— St Mary public schools and Morgan City’s Central Catholic and Immanuel Christian School, along with K-12 schools across the state, will be closed starting Monday and until at least April 13.
—The same declaration by Gov. John Bel Edwards prohibits public gatherings of more than 250 people, including worship services with congregations of that size.
—Public four-year colleges and universities are instituting online classes in place of lectures, and two-year schools, including SLCC’s Young Memorial Campus, are preparing to follow their lead.
—The Legislature is “open for business,” House Speaker Clay Schexnayder and Senate President Page Cortez said in a press release.
There are no plans to curtail the current session, but the leadership is preparing ways to get constitutionally mandated legislation passed if the Legislature’s work is interrupted.
—The March 17 Community Concert Association performance by Celtic Angels has been postponed, the association said.
Currently, the concert has not been rescheduled, but the staff at CCA of Morgan City will evaluate all available options after the threat has passed.
CCA of Morgan City and Live On Stage will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as new information becomes available.
— The Southern University Ag Center’s 10th Annual Louisiana Small Farmers Conference has been canceled.
The conference was scheduled for March 18-21 at the Felton G. Clark Activity Center and included a Hemp Summit and a book signing with Natalie Baszile, author of the Louisiana based novel “Queen Sugar.”
—The April 4 presidential preference primary, during which local Republican offices and local and state Democratic offices are to be filled, has been postponed for at least two months, the Secretary of State’s Office said.
— Out of an abundance of caution concerning COVID-19, effective immediately, all parole, pardon, revocation and administra-tive hearings are suspended for the next 30 days, the state said Friday.
—Head Start programs in St. Mary and Vermilion will suspend classes beginning Monday and will resume April 20, after the scheduled Easter break.
—Nursing homes and other health-care facilities are implementing strict limits on visits.
—The Morgan City and St. Mary Parish jails are banning visits. Morgan City police are suspending finger-printing as well.
—The Community Action Agency has suspended senior citizen dinners in Franklin and Morgan City.
—The Community Action Agency has canceled this year’s volunteer VITA help with income tax returns.
—The Songs on the Bayou songwriting contest in Morgan City has been postponed until October.
--The Acadiana Amateur Radio Association's annual hamfest in Rayne, billed as the largest gathering of radio amateurs and equipment vendors on the Gulf Coast, was forced to cancel Saturday's event by the state government's ban on large gatherings.
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Franklin Banner-Tribune
P.O. Box 566, Franklin, LA 70538
Phone: 337-828-3706
Fax: 337-828-2874
Morgan City Review
1014 Front Street, Morgan City, LA 70380
Phone: 985-384-8370
Fax: 985-384-4255