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Secretary of state race turns sour before election

Tue, 11/06/2018 - 10:28am

BATON ROUGE (AP) — Republican candidates in the Louisiana secretary of state’s race ramped up attacks against their opponents heading into Election Day, in a competition expected to head to a December runoff to choose a winner.
Louisiana’s six incumbent U.S. House members, however, hoped to avoid such a scenario and simply win outright Tuesday against challengers who lagged them in fundraising and outreach capacity.
Six constitutional amendments — including a prominent proposal to end the use of non-unanimous juries to convict people of felony crimes — are on the ballot. Voters also will decide on a parish-by-parish basis whether to legalize online fantasy sports contests for cash prizes.
Polls in the state open Tuesday at 6 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. Unless a candidate tops 50 percent of the vote, the top two vote-getters in a race will advance to a Dec. 8 runoff.
About 10 percent of Louisiana’s nearly 3 million voters cast ballots early, but the secretary of state’s office still predicts total turnout won’t top 35 percent in a state with only one statewide office up for grabs.
Louisiana’s secretary of state oversees elections, state archives and business registrations. The winner of the special election will fill the remaining year of the term of former Secretary of State Tom Schedler, a Republican who resigned in May after one of his employees sued him for sexual harassment.
Many of the major candidates in the race campaigned this weekend at high-profile LSU and Saints football games. Among nine candidates vying for the job, several Republicans have spent the final days targeting their opponents in a race that has found difficulty drawing voters’ interest or donors’ money to mount major advertising efforts.
Interim Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin, Schedler’s top aide, accused Rep. Rick Edmonds of shady campaign tactics. On Facebook, Ardoin said Edmonds has “shown zero integrity” and consistently misled voters “about my positions, my words and my character.”
Edmonds has slammed Ardoin through much of the race, saying Ardoin mishandled work to replace the state’s voting machines. He’s suggested Ardoin was disingenuous for entering the race at all after repeatedly saying he didn’t intend to run.
Former Sen. A.G. Crowe is running an ad that hits Ardoin on the voting machine problems and strikes at Rep. Julie Stokes for supporting taxes and voting against a Republican in the House speaker’s race.
Also in the race are Republican Turkey Creek Mayor Heather Cloud; Democrat Renee Fontenot Free, who worked for two prior secretaries of state; and Democratic lawyer Gwen Collins-Greenup. Ardoin and Stokes are the top fundraisers in the competition.
Across the state, voters also will decide whether to return six congressional incumbents to Washington for another term: Republicans Steve Scalise in the 1st District, Clay Higgins in the 3rd District, Mike Johnson in the 4th District, Ralph Abraham in the 5th District, and Garret Graves in the 6th District and Democrat Cedric Richmond in the 2nd District.
Each has drawn opponents, but prognosticators don’t expect any of the state’s sitting congressmen to be ousted.
“Louisiana doesn’t have any particularly competitive districts this time around. All our incumbent members of Congress are safe. So they’re kind of staying apart from what we’re seeing nationally where things are quite a bit more competitive,” Michael Henderson, director of LSU’s Public Policy Research Lab, said in a statement.
Republican pollster Roy Fletcher agreed Monday, quipping to the Press Club of Baton Rouge that the races were so dull, “I want to go to sleep.”
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Follow Melinda Deslatte on Twitter at http://twitter.com/melindadeslatte
For AP’s complete coverage of the U.S. midterm elections: http://apne.ws/APPolitics

Louisiana could change rules for felony juries

Tue, 11/06/2018 - 10:16am

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Voters will decide Tuesday whether Louisiana should join almost every other state in the nation where jury verdicts must be unanimous.
For decades jurors in felony trials — with the exception of death penalty cases — have been able to convict defendants with a 10-2 or 11-1 verdict.
Oregon is the only other state that allows split verdicts, and in Louisiana, support for joining the other 48 has been broad, with a rare coalition of conservatives and progressives calling for passage.
U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy, a Republican, and the only Democrat in the state congressional delegation, Rep. Cedric Richmond of New Orleans, supported it. So did groups as politically diverse as the Louisiana Family Forum and the Southern Poverty Law Center.
Backers derided split-verdict felonies as a vestige of Jim Crow-era polices promoting white supremacy, making it easier to convict non-white defendants even if one or two non-whites are on a jury. And they noted the possibility of a non-unanimous jury convicting innocent defendants.
While broad, support wasn’t unanimous.
Calcasieu Parish District Attorney John DeRosier was a vocal opponent as the amendment moved through the Legislature. Sabine Parish District Attorney Don Burkett also has publicly opposed it, saying it would thwart justice by enabling a single juror to block a conviction in a case where evidence is clearly beyond a reasonable doubt.
“Child molesters, drug dealers, murderers — it’s going to make it tougher than ever to convict them,” Burkett said in an interview.
The Louisiana District Attorneys Association stayed officially neutral. But, some prosecutors gave full-throated support.
District attorneys backing the measure included Hillar Moore III in Baton Rouge, James Stewart in Caddo Parish, Keith Stutes in Lafayette, and Paul Connick of Jefferson Parish in suburban New Orleans. New Orleans’ district attorney Leon Cannizzaro stayed neutral.
“Once you know the history of this law, then you have to vote to repeal it,” former Grant Parish District Attorney Ed Tarpley, a Republican, told the Press Club of Baton Rouge as he campaigned for the amendment. “This is something that is a stain on the legacy of our state.”
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For AP’s complete coverage of the U.S. midterm elections: http://apne.ws/APPolitics

Election Day: It's on

Tue, 11/06/2018 - 10:14am

Staff Report

St. Mary people have until 8 p.m. Tuesday to cast ballots for this year’s primary at their local precincts.
Bring your driver’s license, Louisiana state-issued ID “or some other generally recognized picture ID that contains your name and signature,” according to the Secretary of State’s Office.
Any runoffs necessary after Tuesday’s balloting will be Dec. 8. If you’re not registered and would like to vote in the Dec. 8 general election, Wednesday is the deadline to sign up in person. You can register electronically at geauxvote.com through Nov. 17.
On Tuesday’s primary ballot:
—The 3rd Congressional District race, where U.S. Rep. Clay Higgins, R-Port Barre, faces a field of six challengers.
—Incumbent Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin is being challenged by eight candidates.
—A judge for the 1st Circuit Court of Appeal, 1st District, Election Section 2, Division A.
—A successor for Sheriff Mark Hebert, who resigned in January because of an illness in the family. Five candidates are running, including interim Sheriff Scott Anslum.
—The parish coroner post after the resignation of Dr. Chip Metz earlier this year.
—School board members in the three contested districts — 7, 9 and 10.
—In Patterson, the mayor, city council and police chief.
—In Berwick, the mayor and town council.
—In Morgan City, a council member for District 4 to replace James Fontenot, who resigned this year.
—In Baldwin, the town council and police chief.
—Six state constitutional amendments, including No. 2, which would require a unanimous jury verdict for conviction in felony trials. Louisiana and Oregon are now the only states that will allow convictions on 10-2 or 11-1 jury votes.
—A proposition that would authorize fantasy sports gambling in St. Mary. All 64 Louisiana parishes will vote on the measure independently.
—A 5-mill, 10-year property tax renewal for Consolidated Gravity Drainage District No. 2 in the Morgan City area.
—A 10-mill, 10-year property tax renewal for Fire Protection District No. 3 in the Amelia area.

Boudreaux guest speaker at Patterson Garden Club meeting

Tue, 11/06/2018 - 10:07am

Patterson Garden Club held its monthly meeting Oct. 23 at the home of Iris Roy.
Guest speaker Nancy Boudreaux, business owner, presented a scarf-tying demonstration on various techniques for infinity, square and long scarves.
President Evelyn Estay thanked members who volunteered at the downtown historic walk Oct. 13 during the Patterson Main Street Festival and Walking Tour.
She announced the Blue Star Memorial Program will be held at 9 a.m. Nov. 8 at Patterson Junior High. Members and veterans are invited to attend.
The club will make Halloween treats to deliver to St. Mary Center of Hope.
Co-hostesses were Lisa Wilson and Donna Bates-Ruffin. Seeds donated by a friend were shared.
The next meeting will be Nov. 13.

HAROLD J. COLLINS JR.

Tue, 11/06/2018 - 10:04am

April 18, 1937 -November 3, 2018
Harold J. Collins Jr., 81, a resident of Bayou Vista, passed away Saturday, November 3, 2018, at Teche Regional Medical Center.
Harold was born on April 18, 1937, in Houma, the son of Harold J. Collins Sr. and Josephine Traina Collins.
Harold played saxophone and sang with a local band around Morgan City and the surrounding area in the 60’s and 70’s. He enjoyed the outdoors and absolutely loved to go fishing. He loved to go fishing with his father-in-law in Oyster Bayou and the Collins Canal. When he wasn’t fishing he loved to spend time with his family, but cherished the time he got to spend playing with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his wife of 64 years, Bennie Jo Wallace Collins of Bayou Vista; two children, Leslye Blanchard of Destrehan and Robert “Bob” Collins Sr. and wife Anne of Augusta, Kansas, and daughter-in-law Judy Collins of Atlanta, Georgia; 11 grandchildren, Shantelle Prihoda and husband Matt, Ashely Muras and husband Mark, Blake Collins and wife Stacie, Adam Blanchard and wife Alicia, Amy Cunningham and husband Jason, Brandon Blanchard, Justin Blanchard, Robert Collins II and wife Jennifer, Sarah Nickel and husband Hans, Charlie Collins and wife Stephanie, and Jason Collins and wife Megan; and 14 great-grandchildren, B.J., Nick, Isaac, Chase, Cade, Skyler, Abigail, Allie, Ava, Robbie, Madison, Ehli, Jonathan and Sydney.
Harold was preceded in death by his parents, Harold J. Collins Sr. and Josephine Traina Collins; two sons, LCDR Harold J. Collins III, and Bryan Collins and wife Tonya; and one son-in-law, Mert Blanchard.
The family would like to thank the sixth floor and ICU Nurses at Teche Regional Medical Center as well as Dr. Francis Metz III for going above and beyond for the special care they gave to Harold.
Private family services will be held at a later date in the Carriere First Baptist Church Cemetery in Carriere, Mississippi.

Eating leftovers becomes bone of contention

Tue, 11/06/2018 - 10:04am

DEAR ABBY: My wife and I have three teenagers — 18, 16 and 14. My wife cooks for them every day or buys them fast food. I always eat leftovers, which the fridge is full of. Our children refuse to eat leftovers or cook for themselves, and they insist on having a freshly cooked meal every day. Occasionally, my wife needs to work late and asks me to buy fast food for the children. I respond that I’ll gladly cook for them or buy them fast food, but first they have to finish the leftovers in the fridge. My wife gets ...

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MARVIN EARL ELLIS SR.

Tue, 11/06/2018 - 10:03am

February 8, 1957-November 4, 2018
Marvin Earl Ellis Sr., 61, a native of Houma and resident of Bayou L’Ourse, passed away peacefully on November 4, 2018, with his family by his side.
Marvin was born February 8, 1957, in Houma, the son of Marvin Lee Ellis and Bessie Parker Ellis.
Marvin was employed at Major Equipment. He was Vice President and Operations Manager for almost 29 years. He loved spending time with his family and sitting out on his back patio. Marvin also loved deer hunting and playing golf on Saturday mornings with his golfing buddies. He was an avid Alabama and Dallas Cowboys fan. Marvin was a loving devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and truly a great friend.
He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Danette Clements Ellis; his children, Kerry Cruz and her husband Albert, Kathy Gamble, Marvin Ellis Jr., Brittany Foster and husband Hayden, and Bryce Clements; grandchildren, Taylor, Trey, Hayley, Caitlyn, Ryleigh, Mackenzie, Brooke, Carlie, Braxton, Melody, Jace and Jaxen; his fur babies, Rayne, Cowboy and Bella; brother and sister-in-law, Gary and Lisa Ellis; sister and brother-in-law, Audrey Dale and Russell Adams; mother and father-in-law, Martha “Pooch” and Gerald Clements; brothers-in-law, David and wife Sue Clements, Dale and wife Sonia Clements, Dean Clements, and Derrin and wife Brenda Clements; two sisters-in-law, Denise and husband Floyd Gaspard, and Dana and husband Gerald Frey; godchild, Rikki Gaspard Zerangue; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Marvin was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Bessie Ellis; brother, Jimmy Ellis; sister, Paula Ellis; and grandson, Hayden Ellis.
Pallbearers are Gary Ellis Sr., Marvin Ellis Jr., Bryce Clements, Albert Cruz, Gary Ellis Jr. and Shane Cook.
Honorary pallbearers are Gerald Clements, Russell Adams, David Clements, Dale Clements, Dean Clements, Derrin Clements, Bob Miller, Ray Autrey, Gerard Frey and Floyd Gaspard.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital and the American Cancer Society.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, November 6, 2018, at Twin City Funeral Home from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. Visitation will resume Wednesday, November 7, 2018, at Crossing Place Church in Bayou Vista from 9 a.m. until the time of service. Services will be held at 11 a.m. at Crossing Place Church with Pastor Matt Marcantonio officiating. After services, Marvin will be laid to rest in the Morgan City Mausoleum.
GO COWBOYS!
ROLL TIDE!

JEANNETTE THEALL

Tue, 11/06/2018 - 10:01am

Jeannette Theall, 84, died Friday, Nov. 2, 2018.
She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers.
She is survived by her children Dianne Oliver, Douglas Theall, Donald Theall, David Theall and Dan Theall; a sister, Karen Whiting; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives.
Services will be Saturday at Bethany Funeral Home in La Vista, Nebraska.

Wheel House for Nov. 6

Tue, 11/06/2018 - 10:00am

VETERANS DAY
Dinner hosted by St. Mary Parish Council and St. Mary Community Action Agency at 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 8, at St. Mary Senior Citizens Center, Chennault Street, Morgan City. All veterans invited. For info call Carla Dartez, 985-984-7446.

VETERANS DAY
Berwick Junior High’s Veterans Day ceremony is 9 a.m. Friday, Nov. 9. All veterans and their families invited. Brunch follows.

THANKSGIVING
A Thanksgiving Fellowship Dinner served at New Mt. Esther Baptist Church, 1211 James St., Siracusa Subdivision, at 10 a.m. Nov. 11. Everyone invited.

SENIOR DINNERS
Thanksgiving dinner for senior citizens hosted by St. Mary Parish Council and St. Mary Community Action Agency at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 13, at St. Mary Senior Citizens Center, Chennault Street, Morgan City. Bingo for early birds at 10 a.m., and door prizes. For info call Carla Dartez or Ruth Naverre, 985-384-7446.

COMMODITIES
Distributed by St. Mary Community Action Agency and Food for Families Program Friday, Nov. 16. Given on first-come, first-serve basis. An authorized representative my pick up commodities for those unable. Sites and times: Berwick Civic Complex, 7-10 a.m. and applications taken; and Amelia Recreational Center, 8:30 a.m. to noon. For info call 337-828-5703/5705.

THANKSGIVING
A free Thanksgiving dinner presented by Pharr Chapel United Methodist Church, 517 Federal Ave., Morgan City, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 17. Take-out plates at 12:30 p.m. with a limit of two plates per person. Everyone invited.

Radio logs for Nov. 6

Tue, 11/06/2018 - 9:27am

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.

Monday, Nov. 5

8:15 a.m. 300 block of Third Street; Alarm.

9:45 p.m. U.S. 90 West; Traffic incident.

9:45 a.m. 1200 block of Victor II Boulevard; Suspicious vehicle.

9:49 a.m. Federal Avenue and Onstead Street; Suspicious person.

10:01 a.m. Federal Avenue and Everett Street; Assistance.

10:11 a.m. 7300 block of La. 182; Complaint.

10:28 a.m. La. 70; Reckless driving.

11:13 a.m. 7500 block of La. 182; Theft.

12:46 p.m. U.S. 90 East; Assistance.

12:47 p.m. 6300 block of La. 182; Complaint.

12:51 p.m. 800 block of Brashear Avenue; Medical.

1:01 p.m. 400 block of Louisa Street; Fire.

1:41 p.m. 500 block of Justa Street; Theft.

3:39 p.m. Industrial and La. 182; Traffic incident.

6:27 p.m. 1000 block of Brashear Avenue; Officer stand by.

7:02 p.m. 200 block of Halsey Street; Phone harassment.

7:38 p.m. 600 block of Maine Street; Removal of subject.

7:47 p.m. 700 block of Fourth Street; Patrol request.

8:16 p.m. 1000 block of Ditch Avenue; Medical emergency.

10:16 p.m. 2100 block of Sixth Street; Suspicious vehicle.

10:17 p.m. General Clark Street; Loud music.

10:55 p.m. 7500 block of La. 182 East; Disturbance.

10:57 p.m. 200 block of Halsey Street; Suspicious person.

10:58 p.m. 800 block of Brashear Avenue; Alarm.

11:12 p.m. 1000 block of Brashear Avenue; Alarm.