Louis Joseph Menard Jr., 72, a native of Patterson and resident of Houston, died Dec. 19, 2019.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister and a brother.
He is interred at St. Joseph Cemetery in Patterson.
Charles Jones Sr., 88, a native and resident of Morgan City, died Friday, March 6, 2020, at Terrebonne General Hospital in Houma.
Visitation will be Saturday from 8 a.m. until services at 10 a.m. at Railroad Avenue Church of Christ in Morgan City. Burial will follow in the Greenwood Cemetery.
He is survived by a son, Charles Jones of Morgan City; a stepson, Robert Jacko; a brother, Clarence Jones Sr. of Morgan City; a sister, Geraldine Jones-Morse of Morgan City; a grandson; two step-grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, three sisters and a grandson.
Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Major health plans in Louisiana are not charging certain fees to their members as part of their efforts to help contain the spread of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, an industry representative said Wednesday.
“The health plans are exclusively focused on the COVID-19 right now,” Jeff Drozda, CEO of the Louisiana Association of Health Plans, told a state Senate committee.
Co-pays for coronavirus testing and for telemedicine plans are being waived, as is the need for prior authorization for the test, Drozda said. Plans also are lifting limits on 30-day refills of medicines, he said, adding that members are being encouraged to order their drugs by mail.
The state Office of Public Health as of Wednesday morning had conducted 43 tests, officials said. Six people, all from the New Orleans area, have tested positive.
State officials have sent the tests to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for confirmation. In the meantime, officials are treating all six cases as positives and working to identify people who came in close contact with those patients.
The state lab is not charging for tests, though private companies now are offering testing, state officials said.
Fever, coughing and shortness of breath are all symptoms that may appear within two to 14 days of exposure, the CDC says. People showing symptoms are asked to stay home.
People who have come in contact with a COVID-19 patient but are not showing symptoms are being asked to stay home for 14 days as a precaution against spreading the virus. However, other people in those households who are not showing symptoms don’t need to stay home, as long as they have taken precautions such as staying at least six feet away from the quarantined person and washing hands frequently and thoroughly, officials said.
People who are not in high-risk groups are being asked not to wear face masks in order to save the limited supply for those who are, such as the elderly and people with underlying respiratory problems. People are also being asked not to visit nursing homes or jails.
“The whole [goal] is to slow this thing down, because we’re at the peak of flu season,” State Health Officer Dr. Jimmy Guidry said.
Public health officials hope that, much like the flu, spread of the new coronavirus will slow down during the summer, though it could come back strong in the fall. A vaccine is likely at least a year to 18 months away.
New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell has canceled events scheduled for this weekend, such as the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade. Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser, who is the state’s top tourism official, has publicly criticized the mayor’s decision. Guidry said it was “not a bad idea,” though he worried about the impact in Baton Rouge if New Orleans residents decide to celebrate in the capital city instead.
Guidry also said Lafayette’s upcoming Festival International de Louisiane might be a concern, since it brings together people from so many countries. He said schools that haven’t had an outbreak probably don’t need to close.
“We want to incentivize the right people staying home,” Guidry said, meaning people who are sick or high-risk.
COVID-19 is the official name of the disease caused by the new coronavirus. There have been more than 1,100 confirmed cases in the United States and 32 deaths, according to the CDC, which says 39 states including the District of Columbia have reported cases.
Symptoms of COVID-19 can include fever, coughing and trouble breathing. Most people who have it develop only mild symptoms. But some people, usually the elderly and those with other medical complications, develop more severe symptoms, including pneumonia, which can be fatal.
Louisiana’s state school board is asking for an $80 million funding increase from state government for the 2020-2021 school year.
The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education on Wednesday unanimously approved requesting the increase, which is twice as large as what Gov. John Bel Edwards has asked for and represents the board’s first salvo in its negotiations with state lawmakers.
BESE crafts each year’s funding formula, which the legislature can approve or reject but cannot change. Rejection likely would trigger another BESE discussion about possibly tweaking the proposed spending plan and sending it back to the capitol before this year’s session ends June 1.
If the session ends without approval of a new formula, last year’s funding plan remains in place.
The approved Minimum Foundation Program formula includes a 2.75 percent increase to the statewide base per pupil allocation, from $4,015 to $4,125. The proposal would require schools and school districts where the average annual teacher salary is below the southern regional average to dedicate half of the increase to teacher raises.
“The teacher pay raise provision builds on the commitment expressed last year to ensure that the salaries of Louisiana teachers are brought up to the regional average,” BESE President Sandy Holloway said. “The formula sets a solid starting point in the funding process for 2020-21, and our Board looks forward to working with the Legislature to meet the financial needs of all Louisiana students and school districts.”
Last year, teachers received a $1,000 state-backed raise, while support personnel got an additional $500. Edwards described the pay bump as the first step toward raising teacher pay at least to the regional average.
Edwards’ current proposed state budget would add almost $40 million to K-12 education. While he initially didn’t stipulate the money should go to raises, drawing criticism from teachers who have been an important political constituency for the governor, he has since urged districts to use the money for that purpose.
Current projections indicate that 50 local districts and 40 charter schools would be required to dedicate funds to a pay raise, BESE says. The raises are expected to total $25 million of the estimated $80 million generated by the proposed 2.75 percent funding increase. All districts receive varying amounts for pay raises dependent on their unique situations, including student enrollment counts, the number of students qualifying for weighted categories, and local tax revenues, the board says.
Also on Wednesday, board members took turns praising outgoing Superintendent John White on his last official day on the job. Louisiana Department of Education Deputy Superintendent of Management and Finance Beth Scioneaux will serve as acting superintendent until BESE appoints White’s successor.
TECHE THEATRE
For the Performing Arts, 501 Main St., Franklin, presents “Driving Miss Daisy” at 7 p.m. March 12-14 and 3 p.m. March 15. Tickets, $10, available at Eventbrite.com.
Staff Report
A search warrant executed at a Berwick home resulted in an arrest on multiple drug charges Tuesday, Berwick Police Chief David S. Leonard said.
—Jamal Sparrow, 19 of Oregon Street, Berwick was arrested at 5:42 p.m. Tuesday on charges of possession with intent to distribute MDMA, or ecstasy; possession with intent to distribute marijuana; possession with intent to distribute to distribute methamphetamine; possession with intent to distribute Xanax; violation of the Controlled Dangerous Substance Law (drug-free zone); and possession of paraphernalia.
Berwick Police Department officers, with the help of the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office, executed a narcotics search warrant about 4 p.m. Tuesday at an Oregon Street home.
Sparrow was located inside and detained along with other occupants. During the search, methamphetamine, Xanax pills, MDMA pills, marijuana and items of drug paraphernalia belonging to Sparrow were located.
Through the course of the investigation, it was learned that the illegal narcotics were destined to be sold, the Police Department said.
The residence where the search warrant was executed is across the street from a church that is posted as being a drug-free zone.
Sparrow was placed under arrest and transported to the Berwick Police Department where he was booked on the charges.
Morgan City Police Chief James F. Blair reported 49 calls for service in the 24-hour reporting period and these arrests:
—Earl Perro, 38, of Cleveland Street, Patterson, was arrested at 12:17 p.m. Monday on a warrant for possession of Schedule II drugs.
Perro was incarcerated at the Morgan City Police Department Jail when he was booked on warrants from the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office.
—Curtis Gautreaux, 39, of Jenna Drive, Schriever, was arrested at 11:27 a.m. Tuesday on charges of improper lane use, driving under suspension and possession of drug paraphernalia, and as a fugitive wanted by the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Detectives in the area of Roderick Street and La. 182 saw a vehicle cross the centerline of the roadway several times. Detectives stopped the driver and identified him as Curtis Gautreaux.
Gautreaux was advised of the stop and officers learned that Gautreaux was wanted by the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office. Gautreaux was placed under arrest and during the stop detectives located drug paraphernalia in Gautreaux’s property.
Gautreaux was also found to have a suspended driver’s license. Gautreaux was booked into the Morgan City Police Department.
—Jerrold Arabie, 41, of Ditch Avenue, Morgan City, was arrested at 4:03 p.m. Tuesday on charges of careless operation and second-offense driving while intoxicated.
Officers were called to the area of La.182 and Aycock Street due to a reckless driver. Officers were able to locate the driver near the area and contacted him.
The officer observed the driver now identified as Arabie. Officers suspected Arabie of being intoxicated and gave him a field sobriety test which he failed.
Arabie was then transported to Morgan City Police Department where he was given a chemical test for intoxication with the results of 0267g%.
Arabie was booked into the Morgan City Police Department.
—Anthony Giordano, 60, Barrow Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 5:21 p.m. Tuesday on a charge of theft under $1,000.
Giordano was arrested after officers responded to a complaint from a local business.
Officers learned that Giordano was caught attempting to remove items from the business without paying for them. Giordano was placed under arrest and transported to the Morgan City Police Department for booking.
—Jeremy Godeaux, 38, of La. 662, Morgan City, was arrested at 1:34 a.m. Wednesday on a 16th Judicial District warrant for criminal neglect of family.
—Ethan Falgout, 20, of LaJaunie Court, Morgan City, was arrested at 1:34 a.m. Wednesday as a fugitive from the Assumption Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Officers stop a vehicle after a reckless driving complaint. During the investigation, officers spoke with Godeaux and Falgout and learned that both had warrants for their arrest. Both were transported to the Morgan City Police Department for booking.
St. Mary Parish Sheriff Blaise Smith reported to 24 complaints in the 24-hour reporting period and making these arrests:
—Keith Lamont Lucien, 45, Southeast Boulevard, Bayou Vista, was arrested at 9:42 p.m. Tuesday on a charge of driving under suspension. Lucien was released on a summons to appear on June 29.
—Troy Phillip Carnley, 39, Henry Street, Patterson, was arrested at 11:30 p.m. Tuesday on two warrants for the charge of criminal neglect of family. Bail was set at $8,412.
—Kaleb Jett, 28, Field Road, Bayou Vista, was arrested at 11:12 p.m. Tuesday on a charge of simple battery. Jett was released on a $2,500 bond.
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.
Tuesday, March 10
7:59 a.m. 1100 block of Fourth Street; Animal.
8:13 a.m. 3000 block of Allison Street; Complaint.
9:01 a.m. Solar Apartments; Medical.
9:06 a.m. Solar Apartments; Harassment.
9:29 a.m. Ochsner St. Mary; Battery.
9:48 a.m. MCPD; Complaint.
9:53 a.m. 1900 block of Federal Avenue; Fight.
10:09 a.m. Walmart; Harassment.
11:06 a.m. La. 182 East; Arrest.
11:12 a.m. 900 block of Youngs Road; Complaint.
11:15 a.m. Willard Street; Complaint.
12:40 p.m. Old Bridge; Animal.
1:11 p.m. Solar Apartments; Animal.
1:29 p.m. 100 block of South Railroad Avenue; Animal.
1:37 p.m. 7500 block of La. 182; Bad check.
1:45 p.m. MCHS; Juvenile problem.
2:47 p.m. Second Street and Railroad Avenue; Juvenile problem.
2:50 p.m. 800 block of Victor II Boulevard; Stand by.
2:57 p.m. MCJHS; Counterfeit.
3:47 p.m. Aycock Street and La. 182; Arrest.
4:23 p.m. 500 block of Levee Road; Lost/found property.
4:30 p.m. 500 block of Duke Street; Theft.
4:52 p.m. 1400 block of Federal Avenue; Counterfeit.
5:02 p.m. 300 block of Iowa Street; Search warrant.
5:10 p.m. Apple Street; Juvenile problem.
5:44 p.m. 300 block of Aucoin Street; Complaint.
6:04 p.m. 1000 block of La. 70; Complaint.
7:34 p.m. Railroad Avenue and Myrtle Street; Traffic incident.
7:43 p.m. 3200 block of Vine Street; Loud music.
8:44 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Frequent patrol.
9:44 p.m. 100 block of South Railroad Avenue; Removal of subject.
10:48 p.m. 300 block of Iowa Street; Loud music.
Wednesday, March 11
1:24 a.m. Louisiana and Fifth streets; Loud music.
1:43 a.m. 1000 block of Hilda Street; Suspicious person.
2:22 a.m. 6000 block of La. 182; Alarm.
The St. Mary Parish Student Art Show is presented during March at the Artists Guild Unlimited Everett Street Gallery in Morgan City. Students in grades pre-K through high school show their creativity and love for sketch, paint or sculpt at the show.
Artwork will remain on display for public viewing throughout March from 1-4 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays.
Winners are chosen and honored at an awards reception on March 24 at the gallery.
Mary Frances Aucoin was the honoree at the annual social of the Cervus-Hephaestus Queens’ Club held Feb. 22 at Café Jo Jo’s in Morgan City.
The focus of the social was to honor Queen Hephaestus LIX Mary Frances Aucoin and her mother Michelle Trapp. Mary Ellen Ruiz Stegall presented Aucoin with a Cervus-Hephaestus Queens’ Flag.
King Hephaestus LIX Chris Price and Captain Lisa Hebert toasted the honored queen, past queens and their mothers. Mothers of the past queens are invited by their daughters to join in the celebration of reminiscing about their reigns and past courts.
The Cervus-Hephaestus Queens’ Club was established to recognize the female monarchs who ruled over the Cervus and Hephaestus organizations’ Mardi Gras celebrations.
BATON ROUGE — Signature cocktails and cuisine made by local chefs and mixologists with the local flavors of Louisiana will be featured during the seventh annual Gourmet in the Garden at the LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens at Burden from 6 to 9 p.m. on April 23.
The evening will include food creations from local restaurants prepared with locally grown products along with samplings of beverages from Louisiana distilleries and local mixologists. The event will culminate with presentations of the People’s Choice food and cocktail awards.
“This is a unique event in which both local chefs and mixologists provide the best of what they have to offer, often pairing the cocktail and the food so that they enhance each other on your palate,” said Jeff Kuehny, director of the Botanic Gardens.
The event is presented by the LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens and the Louisiana Culinary Institute Foundation and sponsored in part by Republic National Distributing Company, Subaru of Baton Rouge, Acura of Baton Rouge, Olinde Event Rentals, Lamar Advertising and Imahara’s Landscape Co.
Proceeds benefit educational programs at the Botanic Gardens at Burden and the Louisiana Culinary Institute Foundation.
Tickets include samplings of food and cocktails along with live music. Admission is limited to individuals 21 years old or older. The cost is $60 per person until April 19 and $70 thereafter. Tickets are available online at www.gig2020.eventbrite.com.
More information is available by calling Katie Guitreau at 225-763-3990, ext. 2.
The LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens at Burden is located at 4560 Essen Lane near Interstate 10.
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