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Feds predict so-so hurricane season

Fri, 06/02/2023 - 8:59am

Staff Report

As the hurricane season begins, a U.S. government forecast is for something like an average number of tropical weather events this year.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecast is for 12 to 17 named storms in the Atlantic Basin in 2023.

The NOAA forecast says five to nine of those storms will become hurricanes, reaching sustained winds of 74 mph. One to four of those hurricanes will be classified as
major, the prediction says, with winds of at least 111 mph.

An average year brings 14 named storms, according to NOAA, including seven hurricanes and three major hurricanes.

The officially recognized hurricane season runs June 1-Nov. 30.

Another closely watched forecast, this one from Colorado State University, predicted in April that the 2023 season will have below-average activity.

That prediction is for 13 named storms, including six hurricanes, two of them major.

Although the NOAA and Colorado State forecasts differ slightly, both point to the same underlying phenomenon: the El Niño weather pattern.

Warmer than average temperatures in the Pacific off the South American coast generate El Niño patterns, which create winds that tend to inhibit hurricane development.

The opposite is La Niña, a cold-water pattern that creates favorable conditions for tropical weather in the Atlantic, the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico.

The catastrophic 2020 hurricane season and Hurricane Ida, which slammed the southeast Louisiana coast in 2021, all occurred during periods dominated by La Niña.

But an El Niño is no guarantee of hurricane protection. Audrey in 1957 and Andrew in 1992 occurred during periods with an active El Niño pattern.

And, the NOAA said, “El Niño’s potential influence on storm development could be offset by favorable conditions local to the tropical Atlantic Basin.

“Those conditions include the potential for an above-normal west African monsoon, which produces African easterly waves and seeds some of the stronger and longer-lived Atlantic storms, and warmer-than-normal sea surface temperatures in the tropical Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea which creates more energy to fuel storm development.”

One business with a special interest in hurricanes, Cleco, is encouraging south Louisiana residents to prepare for the coming tropical weather season.

The electric utility is encouraging its customers to:

—Prepare a storm kit. Gather supplies you might need during a power outage, including flashlights, batteries, canned food, manual can opener, bottled water, medication and a first aid kit.

—Develop an evacuation plan.

—Have a battery-powered radio to receive updates from the media.

—Review your insurance policies.

—Take pictures or video of the inside and outside areas of your home or business for potential insurance needs.

—Plan ahead for medical or special needs, including your pets.

—Make provisions for a generator, if needed, and test the generator to ensure it works.

Agenda for June 6 Patterson City Council meeting

Fri, 06/02/2023 - 8:54am

Click on the link below to download a .pdf version of the agenda.

EUGENE JOSEPH FALCON

Fri, 06/02/2023 - 8:46am

Eugene Joseph Falcon, 80, a native and resident of Morgan City, died Sunday, May 28, 2023, at his residence.

He is survived by his wife, Audrey; a son, David Falcon; two daughters, Vickie Moresi and Bridget Falcon-Villa; five grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; three sisters; and three brothers.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and maternal and paternal grandparents.

Visitation will be Saturday, 9-11 a.m., at Twin City Funeral Home. A Mass will follow at 11:30 a.m. at Holy Cross Catholic Church, with burial in Morgan City Cemetery
Mausoleum with military honors.

Twin City Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

LOUIS JAMES SMITH

Fri, 06/02/2023 - 8:43am

Louis James Smith, age 73, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 28, 2023, surrounded by his loving family during his final hours. He was a resident of Thibodaux, LA, and previously lived in Elizabethtown, Kentucky.

A visitation was held from 10:00 a.m. until Mass of Christian Burial at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, June 2, 2023 at St. Joseph Co-Cathedral, Thibodaux, LA.

Louis moved to South Louisiana after graduating high school to pursue a career in the oilfield. It was there that he encountered the love of his life, Miriam Gil-Smith, who became his wife.

He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Miriam, who resides in Thibodaux (formerly of Morgan City). He is also survived by his pride and joy, his cherished twins, Kade and Katelyn (James), two grandsons: Noah and Owen, his beloved dog, Oliver, three brothers-in-law: Jorge (Belinda) Gil, Carlos Gil, David (Ginger) Gil, and one sister-in-law, Martha Constant. He leaves behind numerous nephews and nieces who held a special place in his heart.

Louis was a true beacon of light, effortlessly forging connections and making everyone feel like an old friend, regardless of their background. His laughter was infectious, serving as a universal language that brought joy to those around him. Whenever he entered a room, he had a remarkable ability to uplift spirits and create an atmosphere of pure delight. The memories of his joyful presence will forever resonate in the hearts of those fortunate enough to have known him.

He understood the intrinsic value of hard work and believed that success was not merely a result of luck or talent but a product of consistent effort and tenacity. He was
never afraid to roll up his sleeves and dive headfirst into a task.

Louis was preceded in heaven by his mother, Edna, his brother Allen, and his beloved father-in-law and mother-in-law, Vicente and Yolanda Gil.

We would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Prejean and Dr. Singh from the Cardiovascular Institute of the South, as well as the compassionate nurses and staff of the CCU department at Terrebonne General Health System. Their exceptional care and unwavering support during our father’s final days brought immense comfort to our family.

Online condolences can be given at www.thibodauxfuneralhome.com

Thibodaux Funeral Home, Inc. was in charge of arrangements.

Wheel House for June 2: Bible school, hurricane drive

Fri, 06/02/2023 - 8:32am

VACATION BIBLE
School at New Zorah Baptist Church, 604 Julia St., Morgan City, 5-7 p.m. Monday-Thursday, June 5-8, for ages 4 years through high school. Adult class at 5:30 p.m. Theme: “Faith Builders.”

HURRICANE DRIVE
Sponsored by city of Patterson at Dollar General, 604 Catherine St., Patterson, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, June 10. Accepting donations of hurricane preparedness items that will be donated to senior citizens. For info or to donate, call Allise Salazar, 985-992-0630.

Around Town for June 2

Fri, 06/02/2023 - 8:29am

Happy anniversary Sunday to Brandon and Michelle Delco from family and friends.

Diseases on the rise in Louisiana vegetables

Fri, 06/02/2023 - 8:26am

By JOHNNY MORGAN, LSU AgCenter

BATON ROUGE — Vegetable growers all over Louisiana are facing Southern bacterial wilt and bacterial spot in tomatoes and pepper production.
LSU AgCenter plant doctor Raj Singh said Southern bacterial wilt is caused by the soil-borne bacterium, Ralstonia solanacearum.
“The pathogen is spread within fields by the movement of infested soil, in surface water and through the handling of infected plants,” he said.
In addition to vegetables of the nightshade family, the bacterium can cause disease in a wide range of ornamentals. Infected plants rapidly wilt due to loss of turgidity of leaves and stems, giving the plants a limp appearance.
“Initially, these plants may recover overnight,” Singh said. “But as the disease develops, rapid drying of the foliage occurs, leading to permanent wilting and death of the plant.”
Brown, sunken cankers are often visible at the base of the plant near the soil line. Symptomatic plants will exhibit discoloration of the vascular system and the pith.
“Managing southern bacterial wilt in soils previously infected with the bacterium presents a real challenge,” Singh said. “There are no effective chemicals registered for commercial or home growers.”
Disease prevention is the key in reducing the spread to uninfected sites. Soil fumigation may reduce the incidence of disease early in the season, but it has not provided long-term control.
Soil solarization of contaminated fields during summer may also help in reducing the initial population of bacterium in the soil.
“Cultural management of Southern bacterial wilt includes avoiding planting susceptible crops in infested fields, planting on raised beds, avoiding late plantings of tomatoes in areas known to be infested. Also, the use of long-term rotations with non-host crops, such as corn, beans and cabbage.
Commercial as well as home growers must follow good sanitation practices to reduce the spread of the disease including avoiding movement of infested soils, avoiding movement of stakes from known infested sites to other sites and proper cleaning of tools.
There are no commercially available resistant/tolerant varieties that we can recommend, Singh said.
“Bacterial leaf spot of bell and hot peppers caused by Xanthomonas species, is a damaging disease and can lead to severe yield losses,” he said. “The pathogen is known to infect all above-ground plant parts including fruits, leaves and stems.”
Symptoms start with small tan/brown spots, which become large dark brown in four to five days. Leaf spots are irregular in shape with water-soaked margins and appear greasy. Infected plants defoliate prematurely and rapidly.
The pathogen is seed-borne, and disease development is favored by warm and rainy weather. Water splashed from rain or overhead irrigation aids in disease spread to nearby plants.
“Management of bacterial leaf spot requires an integrated disease management approach,” he said. “Growers must purchase certified disease-free seeds from a reliable source.”
Scout transplants for any symptom development and avoid planting them in the field. Plant in sunny locations with good air circulation to reduce the length of time the leaves remain wet.
Avoid the use of overhead irrigation and water in the early morning hours to reduce the extended period of wetness.
Fixed copper sprays applied prior to the onset of rainy periods will provide some protection.

Ribbon-cutting for Angel Notary and Public Tag Service

Fri, 06/02/2023 - 8:22am

St. Mary Chamber
A May 12 ribbon-cutting celebrated the new location of St. Mary Chamber member Angels Notary and Public Tag Service. The business is owned and operated by Letitia Griffin. Angels Notary and Public Tag Service is now located at 6447 Highway 182 East, Morgan City. Angels is a multiservice center that has been providing its service for nearly a decade. Some of the services are: notaries, Office of Motor Vehicles services, and Wildlife & Fisheries services. Shown are Griffin, employees and Chamber President Beth Chiasson.

Boy’s sensitive nature worries his grandmother

Fri, 06/02/2023 - 8:22am

By Jeanne Phillips, ©United Features Syndicate

DEAR ABBY: My grandson is 6 and very sensitive, maybe too sensitive. He’s also lovable, super scientific-minded, good-hearted and generous with his little sister. However, he still uses a diaper at night and has CVS (cyclical vomiting syndrome). It’s heartbreaking. For that reason, he’s on a special gluten-free, no flour, no chocolate diet.
The other day at school (he is in kindergarten), they had a presentation with a magician about the danger of drugs and alcohol. Just to let you know, his parents are very much into teaching their kids morals and values, and they only let him watch cartoons like “Paw Patrol” and similar programs. No movies and no TV in general. (Abby, isn’t this too early to introduce the subject of drugs and alcohol to children in school?) My grandson asked, “What are drugs and what is alcohol?” Long story short, he was super scared and started to cry in class.
The school called his parents and he came home devastated. We reassured him that in our homes there are no drugs, and alcohol is in a special cabinet only for adults who use it in moderation and only occasionally because it can hurt your body and mind.
Finally, he fell asleep still crying and took a short nap. He woke up still worried about the presentation, but Mom and Dad explained there was nothing to worry about, that he was living in a safe house and nobody would hurt him or Mom or Dad and no one in his family would be hurt by drugs or alcohol.
What is your opinion on this matter of super sensitivity? I love him so much.
CONCERNED GRANDMA

DEAR CONCERNED: There are many super-sensitive adults who began life as super-sensitive children. It’s not necessarily a bad thing, but children must learn to exist in and to navigate the increasingly complicated world in which they live.
Your grandson’s parents should have his pediatrician recommend a licensed child psychologist who can help the boy and his parents address the challenges ahead.

DEAR ABBY: My 34-year-old daughter is the youngest of three. She has never married and has no kids. Her friends, her older sister and both female cousins are all married. She has been seeing a guy for about three years, but it’s a long-distance relationship. She lives in Washington state; he’s in California.
During this time, they split up once after he told her he didn’t think she was The One. After six months apart, they started seeing each other again. It has been a year now. When he asks, she flies down to see him. My question is, how long should she stay in this relationship before getting engaged?
CLOCK-WATCHING DAD

DEAR DAD: How long your 34-year-old daughter should stay in a relationship that appears to be headed nowhere is not for you or for me to decide. She’s an adult who appears to have settled for a friends-with-benefits arrangement, or a “situationship.”
If and when she finally concludes that it isn’t going to become anything more, she will move on.
***
For an excellent guide to becoming a better conversationalist and a more sociable person, order “How to Be Popular.” Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 to: Dear Abby, Popularity Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447.

Jeremy Alford: Both sides dig in as session's end nears

Fri, 06/02/2023 - 8:19am

JEREMY ALFORD

A conservative-leaning coalition has doubled down on its request to lawmakers that they stay under the state spending cap while advancing a plan to lower individual income and corporate franchise taxes.

With just 14 days remaining in the regular session, the extra push is coming from Americans for Prosperity, Associated Builders and Contractors, Louisiana Association of Business and Industry, Louisiana Committee for a Conservative Majority, Louisiana Family Forum, National Federation of Independent Business and the Pelican Institute.

The conservative-leaning coalition released a letter to lawmakers and the media last week, and its membership is spending money on digital advertisements.

“While lawmakers will decide the details and specifics, it is possible to pass a budget that funds significant infrastructure investments now and in the future, provides a state-funded teacher pay raise and pays down retirement debt, all while staying under the expenditure limit,” the letter reads.

The coalition wants the House and Senate to fully fund the Rainy Day account, pass a reasonable budget with money freed up from paying down retirement debt and assign all surplus dollars to one-time infrastructure needs.

Boosting the Rainy Day Fund, which serves as the state’s primary savings account, will trigger reductions in tax rates through a mechanism the Legislature created in 2021.

The corporate franchise rate, for instance, would nearly vanish, dropping from 2.75% to 0.28%.

Personal income tax rates would decreases as well, but only minimally.

There is, of course, an alternative approach that involves busting the expenditure cap.

With just days remaining until the Legislature must adjourn at 6 p.m. June 8, lawmakers can’t seem to agree on a spending plan.

In fact, the House and the Senate seemed to be moving in opposite directions coming out of the Memorial Day holiday.

Senators are now threatening to pass two budgets — one that lives below the spending cap and one that busts the cap.

If House members refuse to budge on resisting a breach in the expenditure limit, senators are also promising to cut prized projects from the annual capital outlay bill.

The battle lines remain the same at this hour.

On one side you have the full Senate, Edwards administration, local government groups, higher education leaders and others calling for $2.2 billion in extra money to be spent in the current fiscal year and in the next.

On the other side, this coalition is providing cover for members of the House, who want to bank the extra money. There are said to be roughly 36 conservative representatives unwilling to even consider busting the cap.

We’ll have to see if that holds.

There is a new argument emerging in relation to how much in new construction the state can handle if the cap were busted. Here’s an excerpt from the letter released by the conservative-leaning coalition:

This coalition fully supports making appropriate investments in our state’s infrastructure.

Roads, bridges, water systems, and other infrastructure needs are critical to our state’s future.

However, a consensus among experts (many of whom are members of some of the coalition organizations) is clear: attempting to rush spending on the magnitude of projects represented by a cap-busting budget would drive up prices substantially due to workforce and material constraints.

Furthermore, especially when combined with current federal government projects, these actions would largely push execution of projects that could be done to out-of-state operations instead of our local contractors.

A more responsible approach is to set money aside for future shovel-ready projects to be accomplished at less cost later.

It is also worth noting the expenditures already funded and in progress through a combination of federal and state taxpayer dollars, just in the last two fiscal years, totals nearly $3 billion, above and beyond the annual operation appropriation (and related federal funds) to the Department of Transportation and Development.

Short of a compromise over the next week and a half or so, lawmakers may be looking at another summertime special session.

I hope the threat of additional time at the Capitol will be enough to steer the regular session across the finish line.

For more Louisiana political news, visit www. LaPolitics.com or follow Alford on Twitter @ LaPoliticsNow.