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No three-peat: Firefighters win Battle of the Badges

Sat, 03/18/2023 - 2:03pm

St. Mary Parish firefighters fought it out with law enforcement officers Saturday in the Bayou Horseshoe Pitchers Association Battle of the Badges tournament at Kemper Williams Park.

The law enforcement officers have won both previous Battle of the Badges events, and are in possession of the traveling trophy. On Saturday, both sides indulged in some good-natured trash talk.

“When the police lock the keys in the car at the donut shop,” said Bayou Vista Assistant Fire Chief Kevin Kinslow, “remember it’s the fire department they call to unlock it.”

And there's this from a St. Mary Parish Sheriff's Office Facebook post:

"Over the past year, Kinslow and his smoky-smelling counterparts in red have bought horseshoe kits, joined the Bayou Horseshoe Pitchers Association and have been very vocal about their year-long preparation to try to take this year's tournament championship." The law enforcement officers are looking for "dat three-peat."
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And so it went.

In the end, the firefighters came out on top, beating law enforcement two out of three 40-shoe games.

Birth announcements

Fri, 03/17/2023 - 8:46am

Born to Mr. and Mrs. Andy Morvant (nee: Hailey Foret) of Patterson, a girl, Skyler Marie Morvant, on Feb. 5 at Ochsner St. Mary in Morgan City. She weighed 8 pounds, 1 ounce and measured 20½ inches.
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Born to Jasmine Colegrove and Aivontray Louis of Morgan City, a boy, Javon Louis Colegrove, on Feb. 14 at Ochsner St. Mary in Morgan City. He weighed 6 pounds, 15 ounces and measured 2 ¼ inches.
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Born to Hailley Scully of Berwick and Daimen Gros of Lockport, a boy, Dailen Mykel Gros, on Feb. 19 at Ochsner St. Mary in Morgan City. He weighed 4 pounds, 15 ounces and measured 17½ inches.

Easter egg coloring tips

Fri, 03/17/2023 - 8:44am

Coloring Easter eggs is a time-honored tradition dating back more than 2,500 years. There is evidence that people living in the ancient settlement of Trypillia dyed eggs. Ancient Persians also were believed to paint eggs for Nowruz (Persian New Year).
Christians adopted similar traditions to symbolize aspects of the Easter story. Originally Christians dyed eggs red to represent the blood of Jesus Christ that was shed on the cross, according to Chase Oaks Church.
Good Housekeeping reports early Christian missionaries adapted the dying tradition to include more egg colors to represent different aspects of the Easter story. Yellow represented the resurrection, blue represented love and red remained a symbol of Christ’s blood.
Whether families dye eggs to symbolize the Easter miracle or simply for fun, the following are some coloring tips to enhance the process.
—Prevent cracked eggs. Most colored eggs are hard-boiled. To prevent cracking during the boiling process, add a teaspoon of vinegar and a tablespoon of salt to the boiling water.
Additional anti-cracking measures include rubbing half a lemon on each shell before boiling.
—Boil eggs and cool completely. It takes roughly 10 minutes to hard-boil an egg.
Fill a pot with enough water to submerge the eggs, then bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Gently lower the eggs into the water with a slotted spoon. Cover, reduce the heat to a simmer, and cook for 10 minutes. Drain the eggs and cool in a bowl of water or run under cold tap water.
—Don’t forget the vinegar. Whether you use colored dye tablets or drops of food coloring from the pantry, use a mix of water and vinegar in the coloring solution.
According to Education.com, food coloring is an acid dye and bonds using hydrogen. Thsis chemical process only works in an acidic environment. Vinegar is added to water to make it more acidic and help the dyes adhere more strongly to the eggs and produce brighter colors.
—Stick to white eggs. Stores sell both brown and white eggs. The species of chicken determines whether the eggs will be white or brown.
When coloring eggs, it might be better to purchase white eggs, as the dyes will show up more vividly on the white shells.
— Create distinctive designs. By covering portions of the bare eggs before dipping into color, people can create unique designs. Things like masking tape, rubber bands, wax (or crayons), and even twine can be used. The dye will only take on the uncovered areas, leaving white behind.
— Dyes are not the only way to color eggs. Everything from watercolor paint to acrylics to decoupage can be used to cover eggs in vivid colors. Egg decorators also can use colored yarns, fabric or stickers.
Search for creative materials to set Easter eggs apart this year.
Coloring eggs is a popular Easter tradition, and there are many ways to ensure this beloved activity produces beautiful results.

Grandmother dislikes woman’s nose stud

Fri, 03/17/2023 - 8:41am

By Jeannie Phillips, ©United Features Syndicate

DEAR ABBY: My 20-year-old niece, “Andrea,” came to visit her grandmother wearing a nose stud. Andrea is quiet, is polite to her grandparents and aunt and is in her third year of college. Her grandmother is livid at her daughter for “allowing” the girl to do this. (It appears Andrea may be trying to rebel at this age.) Her grandmother is footing the bill for her college.
Who can help the grandmother to get her granddaughter to stop this behavior, and how? Andrea has never done anything like this before, and this is not like her. Her friends don’t look or act like Goths or punks. This is so out of character. She earns good grades, and she is usually a quiet girl who never speaks to anyone other than her mom or brothers. Please advise.
TAKEN ABACK IN NEW YORK

DEAR TAKEN ABACK: You keep referring to your niece as a “girl.” Allow me to enlighten you: This “girl” is a young WOMAN. If Granny has a bone to pick with Andrea about her choice of jewelry, she should discuss it with her instead of railing against her fashion choice behind her back. From my perspective, this is a tempest in a teapot. Let it blow over.

DEAR ABBY: I have two daughters, ages 29 and 24. Both are married and on their own. Recently, there was an issue between them. I always try to remain neutral in these situations because I love my girls equally.
The older one is hurt and angry and has every right to feel that way. She doesn’t want to even look at her sister at this point, and I completely understand. (By the way, this has nothing to do with a man; both are happily married.) The younger one is embarrassed and ashamed and doesn’t want to face her sister right now. Again, I understand.
On holidays and special occasions, I always cook a huge meal, and the girls come to my house. How do I handle this? I refuse to cook separate dinners or choose which one I eat my meal with.
CHALLENGED MOM IN TENNESSEE

DEAR MOM: Tell your younger daughter that regardless of her “embarrassment,” it’s time to offer her sister a sincere apology. Then explain that you have no intention of having holidays and special occasions ruined because of what she did and you want things patched up before those events start happening. Period. After that, proceed as usual and let the girls work things out between themselves.

TO MY READERS: Happy St. Patrick’s Day:
May there always be work for your hands to do.
May your purse always hold a coin or two.
May the sun always shine on your windowpane.
May a rainbow be certain to follow each rain.
May the hand of a friend always be near you.
May God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you.
LOVE, ABBY
***
What teens need to know about sex, drugs, AIDS and getting along with peers and parents is in “What Every Teen Should Know.” Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 to: Dear Abby, Teen Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447.

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Fri, 03/17/2023 - 6:55am

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Traffic stop turns up suspect in shooting

Thu, 03/16/2023 - 10:30pm

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.)

A traffic stop in Bayou L’Ourse early Thursday resulted in the arrest of a suspect in a Thibodaux shooting.

Assumption

Sheriff Leland Falcon reported this arrest:

--Trereante R. Pharagood, 26, West 10th Street, Thibodaux, was arrested Thursday on charges of resisting an officer, flight from an officer, operating a vehicle with a suspended driver’s license and illegal window tint, and on a Thibodaux Police Department fugitive warrant alleging illegal use of weapons or dangerous instrumentalities.

The arrest resulted from a traffic stop near U.S. 90 and La. 662 in Bayou L’Ourse early Thursday morning.

A uniformed patrol officer observed a vehicle commit a traffic violation and initiated a stop. The driver continued on for a distance before pulling over.

The deputy made contact with the driver, who was initially non-compliant. After an interview, the deputy determined that a fugitive warrant existed from Thibodaux City Police for Pharagood’s arrest. That warrant was in connection to a shooting incident.

Pharagood was was released on bond on the Assumption charges and was transferred to Thibodaux City Police to answer to those charges.

Morgan City

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

--Alexis Williams, 27, La. 317, Franklin, was arrested at 8:32 p.m. Wednesday on charges of possession of marijuana, improper lighting and failure to appear to pay fine (6th Ward Morgan City Court).

Patterson

Chief Garrett Grogan reported this arrest:

--Allen S. Alcina, 53, Main Street, Patterson, was arrested at 12:12 a.m. Wednesday on charges of two headlights required and driver’s license suspended or revoked. Alcina was released with a citation.

Franklin

Interim Chief Tina Thibodeaux reported that the Franklin Police Department responded to one complaint over the past 24 hours and made this arrest:

--LeVar Variet, 21, of Pine Street, Franklin, was arrested at 6:01 p.m. Wednesday on a warrant dated Feb. 24, for disturbing the peace, criminal street gangs, and inciting to riot. Variet was additionally arrested on a warrant for 3rd Ward City Court alleging failure to appear on the charge of theft. Variet was booked, processed, and held on a $160,368 bond.

At meeting, speakers want to keep OB services at Ochsner St. Mary

Thu, 03/16/2023 - 9:46pm

BILL DECKER

bdecker@daily-review.com

Public officials on Wednesday challenged the data on which Ochsner based its decision to end labor and delivery services at Ochsner St. Mary. And two women told harrowing stories about labor complications that threatened mother and child before they were rushed to the Morgan City hospital.

Eliminating those services doesn’t mean that expectant mothers undergoing life-threatening emergencies won’t show up at Ochsner St. Mary, said emergency room nurse Mary Loupe.

“The worst-case scenario — I want to know how we’re going to handle that case,” Loupe said, speaking at a meeting of the Hospital Service District No. 2 board, which owns the hospital that Ochsner operates under lease.

Also Wednesday, Ochsner Bayou Region CEO Fernis LeBlanc, a former Ochsner St. Mary CEO, repeated the health care system’s argument for the change: The hospital is shifting its resources to provide care for a growing number of seniors while the number of women of child-bearing age is shrinking.

The hospital announced March 1 that it will end labor and delivery services at Ochsner St. Mary on April 1. Ochsner is consolidating those services in this region at Ochsner St. Anne in Raceland. Twenty-three hospital employees affected by the change will be offered other positions in the company, the hospital said.

The number of St. Mary people over 65 is expected to grow by 10.9% in coming years, LeBlanc told the board, while the number of women of child-bearing age declines 6.2%.

The hospital handles only about 7% of the births in the region, or about 16 births each month, he said. The hospital delivered only four babies in each of two recent months.

“With so few deliveries, it’s difficult for doctors and nurses to maintain the standard of excellence mothers deserve,” LeBlanc said.

“While this was a difficult decision,” he told the board, “it was in the best interest of the mothers and the babies. ... It is vital to look at the needs of our patients and realize how to make changes over time.”

Ochsner St. Mary will continue to offer gynecological services, 3D mammography and bone-density scans, LeBlanc said.

Among the responses during a public comment period:

—Former state Rep. Sam Jones, who now works in the administration of Gov. John Bel Edwards, said he talked with Edwards on Tuesday about the end of labor and delivery services at the hospital.

“We’re in support of continuing to have babies born here,” Jones said.

Edwards’ intervention helped bring Ochsner into the Morgan City hospital after LifePoint announced its decision to abandon its lease in 2019.

—Morgan City Mayor Lee Dragna said he believes the numbers on which Ochsner based its decision are “just not true.” Utility hook-ups and participation in youth sports programs indicate that Morgan City’s population is growing, not shrinking, he said.

Dragna said that if the hospital needs advertising, the city government can help. He floated the idea of bringing back a Hospital Service District No. 2 tax that could raise money for the effort.

“If that thing shuts down,” Dragna said, “I don’t think it’ll be possible to open it back up.”

—State Sen. Bret Allain, R-Franklin, also disputed Ochsner’s numbers.

Allain chairs the board of Hospital Service District No. 1, which owns Bayou Bend Health System, formerly Franklin Foundation Hospital. That hospital delivers six to eight babies a month, fewer than Ochsner St. Mary.

He also objected to the decision to end labor and delivery services in only a month.

“We were given no heads up, no time to prepare, no notice,” Allain said.

—Parish Councilman James Bennett, whose district includes Ochsner St. Mary, said he supports Dragna’s comments.

—Parish Councilman Dean Adams said a 40-minute trip for emergency obstetrical care is too long.

“We have a great staff here, and we want to keep them here,” Adams said.

—Paige Tang said the trip to Franklin takes 28 minutes, 43 minutes to Terrebonne General or Thibodaux Regional, and 48 minutes to St. Anne.
Some women have a hard time getting to other hospitals, Tang said, and many are Medicaid recipients.

And time can be precious.

Tang said read a statement from an unnamed friend who had planned to give birth at an out-of- town hospital. When complications developed, she was rushed to Ochsner St. Mary,. She lost her child, but she survived.

"This is a real person," said Tang, "a person who would no longer be here, no longer would be around for her children. A wife, a daughter, an aunt, a friend.

"This is what we need to think about when we're making the choice to close our local obstetrics floor."

—Emily Deroucher said that two years ago, she began hemorrhaging late in her pregnancy. Deroucher called her obstetrician in Thibodaux and was told to go to Ochsner St. Mary immediately.

The trip took five minutes, she said.

“Ochsner saved my life and my daughter’s life and I’ll always be grateful ...,” Deroucher said. “If it hadn’t been for Ochsner, I don’t know if I or my daughter would be here.”

John K. Flores: Redfish numbers are down; expect changes soon

Thu, 03/16/2023 - 9:39pm

JOHN K. FLORES

During the 1980s, Cajun cuisine became all the rage across America, with much of it led by New Orleans Chef, the late Paul Prudhomme. One particular dish that Prudhomme was noted for was his blackened redfish.

Subsequently, commercial red fish (also known as red drum) landings for Florida, Louisiana and Texas reached upwards of 4 to 5 million pounds annually. It wasn’t long after when the recreational fishing political machine went into motion that commercial fishing of red drum was banned in Federal waters. What’s more, also banned in state waters by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. The death knell for commercial fishing perhaps came once and for all with the banning of gill nets in 1995.

What’s interesting is an LSU AG Center Sea Grant report indicated from 1980 through 1988 that 28 percent of all red drum harvested were caught commercially. By contrast, 72 percent of red drum were taken recreationally. One must bear in mind that both commercial and recreational activities took place in the very same estuaries.

In those years prior to the 80s there were no red drum regulations. The fishery essentially went unregulated. Then, in 1977 the recreational possession limit was set at 50 red drum with no more than two allowed to be over 36 inches long.

Seven years later, in 1984, the possession limit became the daily limit with a saltwater fishing license required. And, in 1987 the recreational length was set, requiring red drum to be a minimum of 14 inches in length in order to keep.

In 1988 things radically changed. The creel limit was reduced to 5 red drum with a slot limit of 16 to 27 inches of which only one of the keepers could be over 27 inches in order to protect the fishery.

For the past 35 years, Louisiana redfish anglers have enjoyed this limit to the envy of surrounding states along the Gulf of Mexico whose regulations are more restrictive.

The problem is, red drum stocks have been declining since 2005. When red drum larvae move into the quiet bays of coastal estuaries they grow quite rapidly. A one-year-old red drum will grow on the average to be approximately 10 to 17 inches in length. A two-year-old red drum will reach an average size of 18 to 24 inches and a three-year-old will reach 20 to 28 inches.

Red drum are estuary dependent. In general, redfish anglers typically catch fish in the three-year-old range. The problem with that is once these fish reach 26 inches, they are ready to move offshore, where they can begin to spawn. According to the LDWF, 97 percent of red drum harvested are juveniles. In short, fish under 27 inches in length brings us to “escapement rate.”

Escapement rate by LDWF definition is the percentage of red drum that pass through the recreational fishery from inshore waters to offshore waters as fish that can spawn. That escapement rate is set at 30 percent by the department where currently the rate is approximately 20 percent and not enough to maintain the fishery.

Another important measurement the LDWF is watching closely is the Spawning Potential Ratio. This ratio is the number of red drum available to spawn as it relates to the population if they were not fished. Put another way, it is the percentage of red drum that pass through the fishery from inshore waters as juveniles and make it to become spawning stock offshore. The SPR is currently above the 20 percent limit set by the department, but as mentioned, has been declining.

Besides overfishing, there are a number of other factors that influence fish stocks. The LSU Ag Center says besides recreational fishing, red drum can be affected by water temperatures, sea level, cold fronts, pollution, river discharge, salinity, tide combinations, habitat loss, and even climate change.

The LDWF sent out a press release in February seeking public input by inviting saltwater anglers to take an online survey with recommended management options to reduce creel limits that will help restore red drum stocks both inshore and offshore.

Bill Lake, owner/operator of Bayou Guide Service based out of Bayou Dularge south of Houma, for the past four years has seen a decline in slot reds — those red drum in the 16-to-27-inch range.

Lake said, “I take people out 150 to 160 days a year. I have 6 boats and 6 Captains. We’re seeing so many fish 27 to 30 inches and up, it’s unbelievable. Some of the holes I go to, there’s no more 16 to 27 inch slot reds to be caught.

“Are we catching them all?” Lake continued. “I don’t think we are, but something is going on. I honestly don’t know what’s going on with them, but there’s definitely not the numbers we’re used to seeing. During Thanksgiving last year we caught 37 redfish in one hole and 31 of them were over 27 inches long.”

According to the LDWF press release the department must take action to rebuild the population to the minimum escapement level. Therefore, the department is considering several management change options to reduce harvest levels in order to allow red drum stocks to recover.

For more information on red drum status and management changes go to www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/hot-topic-red-drum to learn more.

Hi Tide will perform here March 30

Thu, 03/16/2023 - 9:33pm

The duo Hi Tide will bring pop infused with the sounds of the Caribbean to Morgan City in a March 30 concert at Morgan City Municipal Auditorium.

The Morgan City Live Community Concert Association performance will begin at 7 p.m. Single concert tickets are $25 for adults and $5 for students K-12.

Season tickets are now on sale.

All tickets, subscription or single concert, are available online at www.morgancitylive.com or at the door.

Shane Allenger and Sean Hennings are the voices behind Hi Tide.

Straight from the Cayman Islands, where they are regular performers and can frequently be heard on the radio, Hi Tide is known for their classic covers of contemporary pop songs, sprinkled with island flair and influence, according to promotional material.

The duo has performed their popular show to crowds all around the world, including in Canada, Europe, South America, and, of course, the Carribbean.

The group was recently signed to BMG Records, and has been featured on Kenny Chesney’s No Shoes Radio.

Morgan City Live Community Concert Association of Morgan City Inc., formed in 1947, continues to bring world-class entertainment to the tri-city area of Morgan City, Berwick, Patterson and the rest of St. Mary and surrounding parishes. Patrons and donors make it possible to offer the concert series at family-friendly prices.

SCOTT JOHN LeBLANC

Thu, 03/16/2023 - 9:31pm

Scott John LeBlanc, 53, passed away on Monday, March 13, 2023 at 11:51 p.m. Scott was a native of Morgan City, LA and a resident of Houma, LA.

Family and friends are invited to a visitation at St. Francis de Sales Cathedral in Houma, LA on Monday, March 20, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. until service time. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow visitation at St. Francis Cathedral at 10:00 a.m. with burial in St. Eloi Church Cemetery.

Scott is survived by his loving family; his wife, Mandy Vauclin LeBlanc; his mother, Janice Chaisson LeBlanc; daughters, Elizabeth Marie LeBlanc, Alayna Claire LeBlanc, Kirsty Michelle Richard; siblings, Michael LeBlanc, Michelle LeBlanc Porth; granddaughter, Laiken Rose Gros.

Scott is preceded in passing by his father, Gerard “Jerry” LeBlanc.

Scott was a proud and loving husband and father.

He was an avid LSU fan who enjoyed golf, fishing, hunting, and cooking for family and friends.

Scott will be missed by all; he is loved dearly and will forever be remembered.

Chauvin Funeral Home, Inc. is in charge of arrangements.