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ROSA MARY SAM JOHNSON

Thu, 05/17/2018 - 10:27am

Rosa Mary Sam Johnson, age 74, a native of Katy, La. and a resident of Franklin, La., passed away on Friday, May 11, 2018 at her residence in Franklin, La.
Visitation will be observed on Saturday, May 19, 2018 at Otis Mortuary Chapel (501 Willow Street-Franklin, La.) from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. with Funeral Services also Saturday, May 19, 2018 at Otis Mortuary Chapel 11 a.m. Interment will take place in Special Providence Baptist Church Cemetery, Baldwin, La.
Ms. Johnson is survived by (2) daughters: Cheryl (Keith) Shetlon and Takara (Jeremy) Johnson, both of Lafayette, La.; (3) Grandchildren: Todras Sam, Tyler Henderson, and Talia Shelton all of Lafayette, La.; (5) brothers: John D. (Caroline) Sam Mathews, Shedrick Sam, and Edward Delaune all of Franklin, La.; Alfred (Ursla) Sam of Sorrell, La.; and Wallace (Lois) Sam of Houston, Texas; (6) Sisters: Alva Mae Burrell, Consuelo (Paul) Jones, Phyllis (Troy) Mitchell, Madeline (Arthur) Edwards, Pamela Sam Casteal, and Zelma Sam all of Franklin, La. A host of nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews. A devoted sister in law Doretha Sam. Two close family friends Ester Hawkins and Gloria Jones. She was preceded in death by her Parents Dalton & Ophelia Sam, five brothers, her grandparents.
Officiating: Minister Gary Eave.
The Otis Mortuary, Inc., is in charge of arrangements.

Arrest Reports 5-17-18

Thu, 05/17/2018 - 10:26am

Franklin Third Ward Marshal Carla B. Weidenboerner reported the following arrests:
Rodrick Jules, 34, of 1110 Plantation Teche Drive # 33, was arrested at his residence by a Franklin deputy marshal on a Franklin City Court warrant for charges of speeding 11-15 mph over limit and no insurance on vehicle. Jules was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Franklin Police Department for booking. He was held on a $450 cash bond.
Colbianta Spain, 18, of 1827 Rena Street, Lake Charles, was detained by the Lake Charles Marshal’s Office after assistance was requested by the Franklin Third Ward Marshal’s Office. Spain was arrested on a Franklin City Court warrant for a failure to appear for arraignment on charges of careless operation with an accident and driving without a license. Spain was picked up in Lake Charles by Franklin Deputy Marshals and transported to Franklin Police Department for booking. Spain was held on a $450 cash bond.
St. Mary Parish Sheriff Scott Anslum reported the following arrests:
Jason Adams, 42, of 1013 Malcolm St., Franklin, was arrested Tuesday at 8:17 p.m. on the charge of violation of the parish leash law.
A deputy responded to a call for service on Evia Lane in Franklin in reference to an animal complaint. The deputy found evidence that Adams was the owner of a pit bull dog that was loose in a yard without a leash. Adams was released on a summons.
Tyrese Fontenot, 18, of 201 Trevino St., Apt. #6, Berwick, was arrested Tuesday at 2:36 p.m. on the charge of possession of Schedule I marijuana.
Narcotics detectives responded to a complaint of illegal drug activity at a residence on Trevino Street. Detectives arrived, smelled the odor of marijuana coming from the location, and made contact with Fontenot who was in the area. While speaking with Fontenot, detectives found that he was in possession of a marijuana cigarette. Following the investigation, Fontenot was released on a summons.
Corey Mire, 30, of 108 Southeast Blvd., Bayou Vista, was arrested on two warrants for failure to appear on the charge of criminal neglect of family and on a Narcotics Section warrant for charges of possession of Schedule II methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a controlled dangerous substance in the presence of a juvenile and violation of a controlled dangerous substance law drug free zone.
The drug charges were the result of an April investigation into illegal drug activity at a residence on South Road in Bayou Vista. Detectives made contact with Mire near the residence, detained him, and located a bag of methamphetamine and a piece of a straw on his person during the subsequent investigation. The straw had been used to ingest illegal drugs. Detectives continued the investigation and later obtained a warrant for his arrest. Detectives located Mire at his residence on the warrant and transported him to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking. No bail is set.
Bernard Charles Jr., 28, of 429 Big Four Corners Road, Jeanerette, was arrested Wednesday at 12:09 p.m. on a warrant for failure to appear on the charge of simple battery.
A correctional deputy transported Charles from the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking on the warrant. Bail on the warrant is set at $4,500.
Raynell Lynette, 31, of 1005 Chess Broussard Road, Breaux Bridge, was arrested Wednesday at 12:25 p.m. on a warrant for failure to appear on charges of direct contempt of court and speeding.
A correctional deputy transported Lynette from the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking on the warrant. Bail on the warrant is set at $314.
Al Jackson, 33, 702 Anderson St., Franklin, was arrested Wednesday at 12:44 p.m. on a warrant for failure to appear on the charge of violation of a protective order.
A correctional deputy transported Jackson from the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking on the warrant. Jackson was released on a $7,500 bond.
Amanda Hottle-Smith, 42, of 279 Hilda St., Morgan City, was arrested Thursday at 2:58 a.m. on a Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections warrant for probation violation.
Hottle-Smith was transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center from another jail facility for booking on the warrant. No bail is set.
Franklin Police Chief Sabria McGuire reported the following arrest:
Tashalyn Foster, 19, of St. Joseph Lane, Franklin, was arrested Tuesday at 8:07 p.m. on a warrant for simple battery. Foster was booked, processed, and released on a $2,500 bond.
Kendrick Madison, 41, of Anderson Street, Franklin, was arrested Thursday at 12:28 a.m. on a warrant for 16th Judicial District Court for failure to appear on the charge of criminal neglect of family. Madison was booked, processed, and held on a $13,613 bond.
Daniel Alvarez, 50, of Irish Bend Road, Franklin, was arrested Thursday at 1:19 a.m. on the charge of simple battery. Alvarez was booked, processed, and held on a $2,500 bond.

Cast Iron Cookoff is Saturday at CHS

Thu, 05/17/2018 - 10:26am

Centerville High School will hold its second annual Cast Iron Cookoff, Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the area behind CHS in Centerville.
Organizers are reportedly expecting twice as many participants as last year and first place will award $100.
There will be a 5K fun run and the Cast Iron Queen will present awards.
Kids are welcome and will find games to play such as a basketball shoot, skeeball, dart throw, goony golf, dunk booth, ring-a-pop, Angry Bird catapult, Thor’s hammer, bounce game, frog throw, duck pond, fish pond and TP throw.

Bayou Horseshoe Pitchers Association members place at Harahan Classic

Thu, 05/17/2018 - 10:25am

(Photos below)

Morgan City High School Class of 1958 holds 60-year reunion

Thu, 05/17/2018 - 9:18am

The Morgan City High School Class of 1958 celebrated its 60-year reunion April 13-15.
Activities included a seafood buffet at the Clarion Inn on April 13, breakfasts on April 14 and 15, and the main event on April 15 at the Petroleum Club of Morgan City.
Classmates who attended came from across Louisiana and from New York, Florida, Mississippi, California and Washington.
For entertainment at the Petroleum Club, the Morgan City High School band, under the direction Michael Swiber, treated those in attendance a rendition of Tiger Rag, as well as a performance of the MCHS alma mater.
Highlights of the reunion on April 15 included a welcome speech by class president Carole Webster Arcemont; a blessing and invocation by Gaynell Topham; remarks by master of ceremonies Dr. Whybra Duay; a financial report by Flavia Verrett Lancon; and a memorial ceremony of deceased classmates by Jerry Cunningham and Duay.
Classmates were led in a rendition of the Star Spangled Banner by Sandra Voss Guarisco, wife of Dr. Charles Guarisco. Linda Guidry Stanley gave a tribute to the late Calvin Bourgeois, former band director.
The souvenir reunion booklet contained accounts of military service by class members.
Music for the night, songs from the ’50s, was provided by Hubert Francis.
Table centerpieces, donated Kathryn Andrews Dreher, of other school memorabilia were given as door prizes.
Special guest Oswald Melancon, the class’ former guidance counselor, was recognized.

AP-NORC Poll: Young adults feel stress of long-term care

Thu, 05/17/2018 - 9:16am

By EMILY SWANSON, The Associated Press

WASHINGTON — Most young adults haven’t given much thought to their own needs as they get older, but a significant number are already providing long-term care for older loved ones, according to a new poll by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.
And while those who have caregiving experience put in fewer hours than their older counterparts, they’re more likely to feel stressed out by the experience.
According to the poll, a third of American adults under age 40 have already provided care for an older relative or friend, and another third expect to be called upon to do so within the next five years.
YOUNG CAREGIVERS
According to the survey, 17 percent of young adults are currently providing long-term care to an older loved one, and another 19 percent have done so in the past.
Three-quarters of younger caregivers spend less than 10 hours a week providing care, compared to most caregivers over age 40 who provide at least 10 hours of unpaid care a week. But despite putting in fewer hours of unpaid work, younger caregivers are more likely than older caregivers to say their care responsibilities are at least moderately stressful, 80 percent to 67 percent.
At the same time, most caregivers — younger and older — say they’re getting most or all of the support they need, with young caregivers especially likely to say they receive that support from family members. Younger caregivers are also more likely than older ones to rely at least in part on social media for the support they need, 45 percent to 25 percent.
FEELING UNPREPARED
In addition to the 35 percent who already have experience providing care, another 34 percent of adults under 40 expect to become caregivers at some point in the next five years.
Younger prospective caregivers are more likely than those age 40 and older to say they feel unprepared to take on that role, 53 percent to 37 percent. Still, most say they expect to share caregiving responsibilities rather than take them on alone.
Among all young adults, less than half say they’ve done any planning for the potential care of an older relative.
LACKING CONFIDENCE IN GOVERNMENT
Most young adults have little confidence that government safety-net programs will be there for them as they get older, and they’re not too sure about their own financial situation, either.
Only 16 percent of younger adults are very confident that they’ll have the financial resources to deal with their own care needs when they get older.
At the same time, only about 1 in 10 expect Social Security, Medicare or Medicaid to provide at least the same level of benefits when they need them, and majorities say they have little to no confidence in that being the case.
Although about 7 in 10 Americans will need some type of long-term care as they get older, just 22 percent of young adults think it’s very likely that they’ll need those types of services themselves someday. And those under age 40 are more likely than older adults to underestimate the percentage of Americans age 65 and older who will need care, 64 percent to 54 percent.
—The long-term care poll was conducted March 13 to April 5 by NORC, with funding from the SCAN Foundation. It involved interviews in English and Spanish with 1,945 adults, including 423 adults under 40 and 1,522 adults age 40 and older. Interviews were conducted online or by phone among members of NORC’s probability-based AmeriSpeak panel, which is designed to be representative of the U.S. population.
The margin of error for all adults is plus or minus 3.3 percentage points and the margin of error for adults under 40 is plus or minus 6.7 percentage points.
—Online:
longtermcarepoll.org

Tension mounts for tired mom who gets little help from dad

Thu, 05/17/2018 - 9:10am

DEAR ABBY: I am a working mother of three who may be battling postpartum depression. I feel like I am parenting alone. I get the kids out of the house by myself in the morning before my husband even drags himself out of bed. I drop the kids off. I go to work. I teach, so my day is spent dealing with other people’s kids, and then I pick my own kids up. I have no time to decompress or devote to myself. When there are school functions, my husband makes me feel guilty that I’m not spending time with ...

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Sacred Heart Academy Class of 1958 gathers

Wed, 05/16/2018 - 1:09pm

Sacred Heart Academy’s Class of 1958 held its 60-year reunion recently with a Mass at Sacred Heart Church in Morgan City and an evening of food and fellowship. Seated from left are Karen Theriot Spinella, Brenda Saleme Bourgeois, Carolyn Bergeron Chaisson, Pat Henry Broussard and Laura Belle Simoneaux. Standing from left are Larry Bergeron, Thaddeus Marcell, Larry Pennison and Jules Hebert.

Is homegrown food safer? Only if gardeners take needed precautions

Wed, 05/16/2018 - 1:07pm

By DEAN FOSDICK, The Associated Press

Food safety often is cited as the primary reason why people grow their own edibles, but that’s frequently an illusion. Food-borne illnesses are almost as likely to be caused by homegrown produce as by fresh foods acquired elsewhere.
“The odds are better there won’t be any contamination from the things we grow ourselves, but no fresh foods are safe,” said Jeanne Brandt, a family and community health specialist with Oregon State University Extension. “Gardening and cooking are a food safety continuum. Safety must be considered with every step in the process, from pre-planting to placing meals on the table.”
Surveys have shown that home gardeners don’t understand that soil, compost, human and animal manure, and water are potential sources of disease-causing bacteria that can contaminate produce. Instead, “they were most concerned about chemical contamination,” Brandt said.
Food safety starts with the right vegetable-garden location.
“You want to know what’s been on that (planting) space,” Brandt said. “Did the previous owner have a lawn there that could have been exposed to lots of chemicals? Was there any runoff from roads or driveways? Was it a place where people walked their dogs? Those questions also apply to community gardens.”
Many novice gardeners haven’t embraced routines aimed at keeping their garden spaces orderly and their hands and tools cleaned, Brandt said.
Almost half of all food illness outbreaks in the United States are caused by fresh produce. That largely means greens, lettuces and row-crop vegetables eaten raw. Children, the elderly and pregnant women are most at risk.
But some simple practices can be used to reduce the risks of produce contamination, and prevent food-borne illnesses in the garden as well as the kitchen. Consider:
—Soil amendments. “Composted or aged manure or other soil amendments containing any animal components such as manure, meat, egg shells or bones are not recommended for gardens as they may not be thoroughly processed and thus contain food-borne pathogens,” said Sanja Ilic, an assistant professor and food-safety specialist with Ohio State University Extension. Compost prepared from grass clippings or plant trimmings are good alternatives.
—Irrigating. City water is safest because it’s usually treated. “Drip irrigation is the safest way to apply the irrigation water because there is no direct contact with the edible portion of the produce,” Ilic said.
—Restricting wildlife, poultry and pets, whose feces carry food-borne pathogens.
—Preventing cross-contamination from dirty tools and table surfaces when harvesting. “Always wash your hands before entering the garden or harvesting; after handling compost, plant debris or garbage; after touching a pet or farm animal; and after using the toilet,” Ilic said.
—Storage. “Washed produce should be dried before storage,” Ilic said. “Berries, broccoli and similar should be washed only prior to serving, to avoid mold development.
“Cooking is a highly effective step in destroying bacteria that might be there,” Brandt said.
Public health officials say there isn’t much you can do to treat food-borne disorders, but it’s important to replace lost fluids and electrolytes. Stay hydrated until the ailment passes. Some over-the-counter meds may help stop diarrhea.
—Online:
For more about reducing the risk of contaminating the food grown in your garden, see this University of California Master Gardener tip sheet: http://anrcatalog.ucanr.edu/pdf/8366.pdf

More U.S. adults try vaping but current use is down, data show

Wed, 05/16/2018 - 1:05pm

By LINDSEY TANNER, AP Medical Writer

CHICAGO — New research shows 1 in 7 U.S. adults have tried electronic cigarettes. That’s an increase but it’s offset by a small decline in the number currently using the devices.
About 3 percent of adults were current users in 2016, down from almost 4 percent in 2014, the study found. Adults who said they have tried vaping at least once reached just over 15 percent in 2016, versus 12.6 percent in 2014. That means an estimated 33 million U.S. adults have tried e-cigarettes, said University of Iowa researcher Dr. Wei Bao, the lead author.
The decline in e-cigarette use among current smokers and increased use among former smokers suggests that some adults are using them to quit smoking tobacco. But a rise in use among adults who never smoked tobacco is concerning, Bao said.
The study was published Tuesday in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
E-cigarettes are battery-powered devices that turn liquid often containing nicotine into an inhalable vapor. They have been sold in the United States for about a decade.
The devices have been touted as a way to help smokers quit traditional tobacco products but solid evidence of that is lacking, and uncertainty over their long-term health effects has raised concerns about their use, especially by teens. Under federal law, sales are banned to those under 18.
Previous data show recent use among U.S. teens declined in 2016 after rising in previous years. In 2016, 11 percent of U.S. high school students and 4 percent of middle schoolers said they’d used the devices during the previous month.
In the new study, researchers analyzed annual U.S. government in-person surveys for 2014 through 2016 that asked Americans aged 18 and older questions about health-related habits. About 100,000 adults were involved.
Current use included adults who use e-cigarettes daily or just some days; ever-use included those who frequently used the devices in the past and adults who have only tried them once.