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Get It Growing: Jane Japanese Magnolia is La. Super Plant

Thu, 03/14/2024 - 1:18pm

HEATHER KIRK-BALLARD, LSU AgCenter Horticulturist

Japanese magnolias are completing their bloom and flushing out new, light green foliage. These beautiful trees are some of the first plants to signify that spring is just around the corner. With their pink-to-purple blooms, they’re one of the most strikingly beautiful trees.
As luck would have it, this is the perfect time of year to plant them! Local nurseries usually carry more than one variety, and there are many to choose from. One you might want to consider is the Jane Japanese magnolia, which is LSU AgCenter’s spring 2024 Louisiana Super Plant.
Jane is recognized for its vibrantly colored flowers. It’s a notable member of the distinguished Girls Series developed by the USDA National Arboretum in the late 1950s, making it a longstanding favorite in gardens. As its flowers unfurl, they expose a delicate white interior, adding to its beauty. Jane is a magnolia variety that blooms later in the season, reducing its risk of frost damage during the spring.
This tree is relatively slow growing and typically achieves a height and spread of about 15 feet, though it can occasionally reach up to 20 feet, positioning itself as a small-to-medium-sized tree for landscaping. Admired for its striking silvery bark and multiple trunks, Jane is ideal as a standalone feature. Its thick canopy and lush summer leaves also make it suitable for a dramatic hedge. Preferring conditions from full sun to partial shade, Jane is remarkably resilient to cold temperatures.
Jane is a hybrid of Magnolia liliiflora Nigra crossed with Magnolia stellata Rosea. Other members of the Girls Series come with adorable names such as Ann, Betty, Jane, Jon Jon, Judy, Pinkie, Randy, Ricki and Susan. Many of these varieties can be found at local nurseries.
What’s especially striking about these magnolias is that they flower before leaves emerge. Gorgeous blooms on barren stems are the quintessential image of spring in my mind. Large, fuzzy, gray buds break followed closely by gorgeous, tulip-shaped blooms that open into little saucer shapes of delicate pink to white colors.
Most Japanese magnolia varieties are relatively small trees, growing slowly to only 25 to 30 feet high by 20 feet wide. They are multi-trunked unless trained to one major trunk. They grow best in full to partial sun in well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Be sure to water in well after planting and follow up with routine watering in the first couple of weeks for best establishment. In the first year, make sure to water during drought. Skip fertilizer in year one, but begin fertilizing in the spring of year two.
Magnolias prefer a loamy soil with a lower pH of 5.0 to 6.5, but they can tolerate alkaline soils. Iron and manganese chlorosis can be an issue in soils with high pH, causing yellowing of the leaves. This issue can be corrected after soil tests confirm an iron or manganese deficiency with elemental sulfur to help lower the pH. Fertilize with ferrous (iron) sulfate if iron is deficient. You may apply a water-soluble, complete fertilizer with micronutrients at the recommended rates to combat manganese issues.
Trim branches up to keep the tree looking tidy, and keep the many trunks trained to either only one trunk or just two or three. It’s best to prune after flowering. Be sure to apply a 2-to-4-inch-thick layer of mulch. Magnolias are shallow rooted, and mulch helps moderate soil temperatures and conserve moisture.
Scale is the main insect problem for magnolias. Use horticultural oil in cool weather to help control. Once it heats up, use another type of organic spray to control. This is because placing oil on the leaves in intense sun can burn the plant.
These magnolias make a great accent specimen or foundation tree for framing your house. Be sure to plant a good 10 feet away from the house or awnings.
The flowers are extremely fragrant and make gorgeous cut flowers to bring in, arrange and enjoy. The room will be filled with spicy, sweet, invigorating scents, and the colors will warm your home.

GLEN ANTHONY GHIRARDI SR.

Thu, 03/14/2024 - 12:04pm

June 8, 1933 — March 3, 2024
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Glen Ghirardi Sr., a beloved magician and cherished member of the Morgan City, LA community. Born on June 8, 1933, in Morgan City, LA, Glen lived a life filled with magic and wonder until his peaceful passing on March 3, 2024, at his residence in Morgan City, LA.
Glen was known for his captivating magic performances and endless talent as a magician, bringing joy and wonder to countless audiences over the years. Though his time on this earth has concluded, his memory will live on through the amazed faces and happy hearts he left in his wake.
Mr. Ghirardi was a dedicated family man who adored spending time with his loved ones. He had a special fondness for watching the Saints play, sharing moments of excitement and unity with his family over their favorite team.
Glen will be missed by his love of his life and best friend for 40 years Rena Gautreaux. He was a devoted father to his children, Jamie Bollhalter and husband Tim, Glen Ghirardi Jr. and wife Mary, Roland Ghirardi, and David Ghirardi. His grandchildren, Tammy Como and husband Enrico, Joab Jett and wife Dawn, Barbara Bollhalter, Bridget Provost and husband Brandon, Timothy Bollhalter, Sarah Ghirardi, Tabitha Lacouture and husband Matt, Katy Ghirardi, and Nicole Ghirardi. He also had 25 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren that brought him immense joy and pride. He is also survived by Barbara Williams, the mother of his children.
Glen was preceded in death by his parents, P.B. and Harriet Ghirardi; one brother, Roland Ghirardi; two sisters, Bonnie Horton and Harriet Helm; one grandson, Sammy Bollhalter and one great-grandson, Cody Lodrigue.
We will have a celebration of Life Friday, April 5, 2024, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Visitation will be at 9 with a Catholic Mass to begin at 12. Interment will be at the Morgan City Cemetery.

ELIZABETH J. ANGERON MASON

Thu, 03/14/2024 - 12:02pm

Elizabeth J. Angeron Mason, 69, a resident of Morgan City, died Wednesday, March 6, 2024, in Morgan City.
She is survived by a brother, Ward Angeron Jr., daughter, Esther Trahan, son, Elizie Mason, seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents and a daughter.

Jeremy Alford and David Jacobs: With presidential nominations settled, party posts remain on ballot

Thu, 03/14/2024 - 11:59am

JEREMY ALFORD AND DAVID JACOBS

The date of the March 23 ballot may very well match the turnout, with the Secretary of State’s Office forecasting voter engagement somewhere between 20% and 25%.
With a little over two weeks to go until election day, there doesn’t seem to be much interest in this spring’s exercise in politics and government.
The headlining presidential preference primary has become a dud, now that President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump have locked up the nominations of the nation’s mainline parties.
The leadership of our two major parties on the state level, meanwhile, could be at stake.
Republicans and Democrats will vote in the contested races for their State Central Committees, whose memberships will choose the officers for each party.
DSCC Chair Katie Bernhardt faces a challenge from Madeline Brumley Clavier for her seat on the state central committee, and if she wins, she will have to fight to hang on to her leadership position.
Former Rep. Randal Gaines in December announced plans to run for Democratic Party chair, and Public Service Commissioner Davante Lewis has been considering a run. Both drew challengers for their committee seats.
On the Republican side, Derek Babcock, secretary of the executive committee, plans to run for chair if he can hold committee his seat against Brad Crosby. Current chair Louis Gurvich is expected to support Babcock’s leadership bid if the latter holds his seat.
Gurvich did not confirm that scenario when LaPolitics asked earlier this year, but he did say he would wait and see the committee election results before deciding whether to run for chair again. Jude Savoie plans to run against the establishment for GOP party chair.
Also on the March ballot is the hotly contested race for district attorney on the Northshore. The 22nd Judicial District Attorney’s Office, which covers St. Tammany and Washington parishes, opened when Warren Montgomery died last year.
Interim DA Collin Sims, who led the office’s criminal division under Montgomery, takes on fellow Republican Vincent Wynne, who worked for former DA Walter Reed. The two men have questioned the other’s qualifications, as Wynne embraces his work in Reed’s office, while Sims paints his opponent as a relic of the past.
The Alliance for Good Government has endorsed Sims, though prominent figures in Slidell and in Washington Parish have endorsed Wynne, said Greg Buisson, Wynne’s campaign strategist.
Buisson said the election has the potential to be a close, low-turnout race.
The candidates have been dealing with an abbreviated campaign schedule and an expensive media market.
The election also features three judicial races. There could have been seven, but four candidates were unopposed.
At least one of the judicial candidates likely is familiar to LaPolitics readers: Loren Lampert, general counsel for the Louisiana District Attorneys Association.
The Republican is running against Allie Paige Nowlin, an Independent, for district judge in Rapides Parish’s 9th Judicial District Court. Former Judge John Davidson retired last fall, necessitating the special election.
As for the other judicial races, Jackie Maloney, Jerry Smith and Lindsey Valenti — all Republicans — are running for district judge at the 24th Judicial District Court in Jefferson Parish.
Another trio of Republicans — Caleb Kent Aguillard, Laura Rougeau Garcille and Jessica Wimberly Marchand — are running for the 27th Judicial District Court in St. Landry Parish.
This past Saturday was the first day of early voting for the March 23 election. Voting continues at designated locations through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. until 6 p.m.
For more Louisiana political news, visit www. LaPolitics.com or follow Alford on Twitter @ LaPoliticsNow.

Governor signs 11 anti-crime bills into law

Thu, 03/14/2024 - 11:40am

STEVE WILSON, The Center Square

Louisianans can carry concealed weapons without a permit and the state will have new methods of execution after Gov. Jeff Landry signed 11 bills into law this week from the recent special session.
More crime-related bills could be coming from lawmakers as the regular session starts Monday.
The bills Landry signed on Tuesday included:
—House Bill 4 limits the number of post-conviction appeals.
— Senate Bill 1 allows Louisiana residents to carry firearms concealed without a permit, known as constitutional carry. Louisiana will be the 28th state with that law on the books.
— Senate Bill 2 provides legal immunity in some situations to those with concealed carry permits.
—House Bill 10 ends the practice of sentence reduction that exceeds 15% of the sentence imposed by a court. Sex offenders and habitual felons would be prohibited from earning any reductions in their sentences.
—Senate Bill 5 changes parole procedures and what circumstances lead to the revocation of parole for an offender.
—Senate Bill 7 increases the penalties for driving while intoxicated in Louisiana.
—House Bill 6 provides nitrogen hypoxia and electrocution to the approved methods of execution in Louisiana. The last execution was in 2014.
—House Bill 3 requires pretrial drug testing and provides more avenues for those with addiction issues to be redirected to drug courts.
— Senate Bill 9 allows the prosecution of any sex crime to be initiated outside of the current time limitations when newly discovered photographic or video evidence is discovered.
—House Bill 9 eliminates parole for many offenders. At present, violent offenders can be eligible for parole if they serve 25% of their sentence.
—House Bill 11 allows probation periods to be extended to no more than three years in some instances and five years in others. It also ends the practice of compliance credits toward completion of probation and mandates prison for 90 days or less for technical violations of probation
Most of the bills go into effect on Aug. 1.
“Today, we made good on our promise to deliver sweeping reforms to our criminal justice system,” Landry said in a news release. “Reforms that put the interests of victims before the interests of criminals. Reforms that uplift and support our police officers. Reforms that deliver true justice to the victims of crime. Reforms that make our streets and communities safer for all.
“I am proud of the work we have accomplished, and I am thankful to the victims of crime, the Legislature, and all those involved in this special session. This is just the beginning of our work for a safer Louisiana.”

Impact of broadband funds may be felt soon in La.

Thu, 03/14/2024 - 11:30am

STEVE WILSON, The Center Square

Officials and providers said Louisiana residents living in underserved or unserved areas will likely start to see results soon from a nearly $1.36 billion federal grant.
The Louisiana House Commerce Committee conducted a hearing on the state’s broadband program, financed primarily with federal grants from the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment Program and American Rescue Plan Act.
Committtee Chairman and state Rep. Daryl DeShotel, R-Marksville, told the committee that the state received the eighth-largest allocation of the states. Louisiana has a deadline of Dec. 31, 2028, to spend those funds.
Veneeth Iyengar is the executive director of ConnectLA, which is the state’s broadband office. It was created by the second of two laws passed by the Legislature and signed into law by then-Gov. John Bel Edwards creating the Granting Unserved Municipalities Broadband Opportunities program, commonly referred to as GUMBO.
He said he’s visited 105 Louisiana communities in need of high-speed internet access.
“In 2020,” Iyengar said, “we clearly saw the need to addressing the broadband challenge and whether you’re a small business owner, whether you’re a farmer, whether you’re in public whether you’re a teacher or a student, the lack of broadband impacted every one of those constituents.”
Iyengar said $131 million of those funds have been used to connect 66,000 households and small businesses and the state has a deadline of Dec. 31, 2026, to spend the ARPA money or return it to the federal government.
Louisiana is also participating in other programs designed to bridge the digital divide and provide at least 25 megabits per second downloads and 3 Mbps upload speed.
The state, under the Federal Communication Commission’s Rural Digital Opportunity Fund, has received $342 million in the last six years to extend service to 175,000 locations.
Providers bid on the commission’s fund projects through a reverse auction process, which differs from a conventional one since it has one buyer and many potential sellers that compete for the lowest bid.
From the U.S Department of the Treasury’s Capital Projects Fund, the state received $176 million in 2020 to extend service to 80,000 locations. The first round of GUMBO grants were funded by these grants.
The biggest one is the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment program, with nearly $1.36 billion committed that will be administered by ConnectLA. Iyengar says that with a 25% match, that total will be closer to $1.7 billion.
He said construction of these networks, many of which will be high-speed fiber optic cable, will create 5,000 jobs to build and maintain them.
Also, he said that health care outcomes will improve as increased access to telehealth will help rural Louisianans, many of whom suffer from a dearth of primary care physicians.
House Speaker Pro Tem Mike Johnson, R-East Pineville, told the committee that his constituents constantly ask him about broadband service. The reason of one constituent, Johnson said with a laugh, was to be able watch their favorite soap opera on the streaming service Peacock.
“That person has the same vote as the one who wants to work on his doctorate degree from home,” Johnson said.
Ed Serna, the associate vice president for Government Affairs for Charter Communications, told the committee that his company was awarded funding for 25,000 locations in Louisiana. He said the company has met its Dec. 31, 2025, deadline to provide service to 40% of those locations two years early. He also said the company’s goal is have its program complete by the end of 2026.
Robert Rieger, an attorney with Adams & Reese representing Allens Communications, said his client has built 54 miles of fiber reaching about 383 of roughly 1,600 locations and are “within their construction timelines and they hit the milestones according to the program.”

Jobless rates up across the area

Thu, 03/14/2024 - 10:50am

Staff Report

Unemployment rates across the region jumped upward in January, according to the latest figures from the Louisiana Workforce Commission.
In St. Mary, the January unemployment rate was 4.8%, up from 4.2% in December and from 4.1% in January 2023.
The commission reported that 17,765 people were employed in St. Mary in January, down by 313 from December and by 766 from January 2023.
The number of unemployed people here was 904 in January, up 118 from December.
Assumption Parish’s jobless rate was 4.8% in January, up from 4.2% in December and from 4.6% in January 2023. Employment was at 8,395, down 62 from December. The number of unemployed was up 45 month over month to 420.
In St. Martin, January joblessness was at 4.3%, up from 3.8% in December. Employment was at 20,978, down 84 from December. The number of unemployed people was up 154 to 947.
Unemployment in the Houma-Thibodaux region was also up but remains below 4%. Lafourche’s unemployment rate in January was 3.8% in January, up from 3.3% in December, while Terrebonne’s jobless rate rose from 3.5% to 3.9%.
Statewide, the unemployment rate was 4.1% in January.
Total nonfarm employment was at 1.96 million, up 7,600 from December. Private sector employment rose by 6,400.
The big growth was in construction, where the state added 2,400 jobs in January, and in professional and business services, which added 1,200 jobs.

Morgan City police radio logs for March 13

Thu, 03/14/2024 - 10:47am

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.
Wednesday, March 13
7:01 a.m. Railroad Avenue/Pecos Street; Traffic incident.
7:08 a.m. 900 block of Marguerite Street; 911 hang up.
7:35 a.m. 2400 block of Tiger Drive; Disturbance.
8:05 a.m. 400 block of Bush Street; Warrant.
8:13 a.m. 900 block of Levee Road; Suspicious subject.
8:56 a.m. 2300 block of Elm Street; Warrant.
9:27 a.m. 900 block of Fourth Street; Complaint.
10:19 a.m. 300 block of Wren Street; Arrest.
10:31 a.m. 7800 block of La. 182; Suspicious subject.
10:45 a.m. 500 block of Orange Street; Warrant.
11:11 a.m. 7400 block of La. 182; Medical.
12:11 p.m. 400 block of Lawrence Street; Animal complaint.
12:38 p.m. 10 block of Glenwood Street; Juvenile problems.
1:10 p.m. Veterans Boulevard/Wren Street; Stalled vehicle.
1:12 p.m. 7400 block of La. 182; Alarm.
1:12 p.m. 1000 block of Greenwood Street; Disturbance.
1:35 p.m. 1200 block of Brashear Avenue; Vehicle accident.
2:47 p.m. 300 block of Garber Street; Animal complaint.
4 p.m. 500 block of Railroad Avenue; Assistance.
4:33 p.m. 2400 block of Cypress Street; Animal complaint.
4:57 p.m. 100 block of Bergeron Street/Bayou Vista; Theft.
5:38 p.m. 1800 block of Elk Street; Complaint.
7:13 p.m. 1100 block of Marguerite Street; Complaint.
7:23 p.m. 1200 block of David Drive; Alarm.
7:25 p.m. 1800 block of Filmore Street; Disturbance.
7:54 p.m. 100 block of Poncio Street; Complaint.
8:28 p.m. 2400 block of Apple Street; Medical.
10:17 p.m. 200 block of Mallard Street; Death.
11:48 p.m. 800 block of Levee Road; Disturbance.
1:32 a.m. 100 block of Eleventh Street; Complaint.
2:44 a.m. 500 block of Egle Street; Removal of subject.
5:19 a.m. 500 block of Brashear Avenue; Complaint.

Three domestic abuse arrests reported in Morgan City

Thu, 03/14/2024 - 10:26am

Staff Report

(Editor’s note: The charges listed here and the narratives that go with them are provided by the police agencies that made the arrests. Guilt or innocence has not been determined in court.)

Morgan City police made three arrests on domestic abuse charges Wednesday and early Thursday.

Morgan City

Chief Chad M. Adams reported that the Morgan City Police Department responded to 41 calls for service over the last 24-hour reporting period and made these arrests:

--Isidro Maravillas III, 30, Filmore Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 7:40 p.m. Wednesday on a charge of domestic abuse battery.

--Brayan Alejandro Maravillas, 22, Filmore Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 7:40 p.m. Wednesday on a charge of domestic abuse battery.

--Erlin Rolando Hernandez, 44, Egle Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 3:09 a.m. Thursday on a charge of domestic abuse battery.

--Darlena Dixon, 34, Wren Street, Morgan city, was arrested at 10:20 a.m. Wednesday on a charge of failure to appear for arraignment (6th Ward Morgan City Court).

--Kelsey Francois, 28, Orange Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 10:52 a.m. Wednesday on charges of interfering with a law enforcement officer and resisting an officer.

--Phillip Brahm Ohlinger, 41, Henry Shubert Road, Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, was arrested at 2:29 a.m. Wednesday on a charge of unauthorized entry into an inhabited dwelling.

St. Mary

Sheriff Gary Driskell reported that over the last 24-hour reporting period, the Sheriff’s Office responded to 46 complaints and made these arrests:

--Zhane Jatasha Pool, 30, New Iberia, was arrested at 9:18 p.m. Wednesday on a warrant alleging failure to appear on charges of possession of marijuana; illegal use, consumption, possession, or distribution of a controlled dangerous substances in the presence of persons under 18; and improper lane usage. Bail has not been set at this time.

--Kuit Gerard Chargois, 55, Maurice, was arrested at 12:01 a.m. Thursday on a warrant alleging failure to appear on the charge of battery of a dating partner. Bail has not been set at this time.

--Tai Vu Bui, 34, Sulphur, was arrested at 12:07 a.m. Thursday on a warrant alleging failure to appear on the charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated; general speed law; and operating a vehicle while license is suspended, revoked, or canceled. Bail has not been set at this time.

Franklin

Chief Cedric Handy reported that the Franklin Police Department responded to four complaints over the last 24-hour reporting and made this arrest:

--Asija Watson, 26, Pine Street, Franklin, was arrested at 12:51 p.m. Wednesday on a warrant dated Jan. 16 alleging battery of a dating partner and simple criminal damage to property. Watson was booked, processed, and held with no bond set at the time of press release.

Coming events: New Generation, Weddell-Williams egg hunt, Battle of the Badges, Irish and Italian Parade

Thu, 03/14/2024 - 9:42am

Here are upcoming events beginning Thursday:
--The Morgan City Rotary’s annual New Generation event will be at 6 p.m. Thursday at the Morgan City High field house.
The event challenges teams from the parish’s public and private high schools to present plans for civic improvements. Past New Generation ideas have resulted in intergenerational mixers for young people and senior citizens, more recycling receptacles and other civic projects.
--The 24th Annual Weddell-Williams Aviation and Cypress Sawmill Museum Easter Egg Hunt and Spring Festival will be 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday at Kemper Williams Park.
The $5 admission includes on entry to the Easter egg hunt, a souvenir photo with the Easter Bunny and a goodie bag. Four start times begin at 11 a.m. for different age groups. Two winners from each age group will win bicycles.
--The annual Battle of the Badges, a horseshoe contest between St. Mary firefighters and law enforcement officers, begins at 9 a.m. Saturday at Kemper Williams.
The winning team will get possession of the traveling trophy now in the hands of the firefighters.
--The Krewe of Dionysus’ Irish and Italian Parade begins at 1 p.m. Saturday at Second and Everett and ends at Second and Belanger. This is a walking parade, although golf cars are allowed. The entry fee is $20.
There will be a Best Dress judging at noon. Walkers and riders must be 21 to participate.