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Morgan City lifesavers

Morgan City Council photo
At Tuesday's Morgan City Council meeting, members of the Morgan City Fire Department received the CPR Save award for their efforts to revive a patient who suffered a cardiac arrest Jan. 12. The award recipients are Capt. Heath Landry, Capt. Austin Ratcliff, Capt. Andrew Ratcliff III, Operator Kalen Hillen, and Operator Carlos Izaguirre.

JOHN WILSON

John Wilson, 88, a resident of Morgan City, died Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026.
Visitation will be Saturday from 10 a.m. until services at 1 p.m. at New Mt. Esther Baptist Church in Siracusaville.
He is survived by a son, John Cooper Sr. of Morgan City; daughters, Joan Wilson and Tracey Wilson, both of Morgan City; brothers, Clarence Wilson of Beaumont, Texas and Joseph Howard of Morgan City; sisters, Sarah Hebert of Mobile, Alabama, Loretta Watson of Pearland, Texas, Venita Adesanya of Houston, and Loretta Seals of Kenner; five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
He was preceded death by his wife, parents, a daughter, two grandchildren and seven siblings.
Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

DEBORAH DUHON CLARK

Deborah Duhon Clark, 70, a native of Crowley and resident of Berwick, died Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026, at her residence.
She is survived by children, Terri Clark and Shawn Clark; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and siblings, Linda Leboeuf, Cheryl Broussard, Barbara Young, Dorothy Young, Denise Young, Curleen Young, Curtis Young Jr., Kathy Thorton, Janie Brasher, Amos Young and Carol Young.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and sister.
Visitation will be Monday from 10 a.m. until services at 1 p.m. at Twin City Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Berwick cemetery.
Twin City Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

ExxonMobil ramps up carbon capture plans

ExxonMobil has begun transporting and storing carbon dioxide produced at an ammonia manufacturing complex in Louisiana and plans to expand the company’s low carbon solutions business on the Gulf Coast.
In December, the Houston-based company began using an existing pipeline to move up to 2 million metric tons of carbon produced annually at the CF Industries plant near Baton Rouge for burial about 7,500 feet underground at the company’s Rose Carbon Capture and Storage Hub in east Texas.
In October, the Environmental Protection Agency granted ExxonMobil the permit needed to inject carbon dioxide underground at the Rose Hub, which the company intends to use as a permanent storage center for carbon captured at industrial plants along its Gulf Coast pipeline network.
In 2026, ExxonMobil plans to start up three more carbon capture and sequestration projects in Louisiana, said Dominic Genetti, senior vice president of the company’s Low Carbon Solutions business unit, in an online post.
“In a time where energy demand is enormous and decarbonization goals are on the global clock, ExxonMobil’s Low Carbon Solutions business is taking big steps to expand and strengthen our CCS operations along the U.S. Gulf Coast – one of the world’s most crucial hubs for energy production and heavy industry,” said Genetti.
The company’s activities in carbon capture and storage span multiple industries including ammonia, natural gas processing, industrial gases and steel production, Genetti said in a post published Monday on ExxonMobil’s website.
In 2026, ExxonMobil is scheduled to begin transporting and storing 1 million metric tons of carbon dioxide annually at the New Generation Gas Gathering natural gas processing plant in Louisiana.
The partnership between Momentum Midstream and ExxonMobil represents the first large-scale carbon capture and storage agreement with a natural gas processor. It allows Momentum to sell “certified” or low-carbon natural gas by removing carbon during construction, a feature important to buyers in Europe and parts of Asia.
Through federal tax credits, developers of projects like the Rose Hub and the CF Industries carbon sequestration earn $85 per metric ton of carbon dioxide  stored. For more expensive technologies that extract carbon dioxide directly from the sky, the credit jumps to $180 per metric ton.
In the second half of 2026, ExxonMobil will begin capturing, transporting and sequestering a total of 3 million metric tons of carbon produced by two customers: Nucor, which produces steel at a facility near Baton Rouge, and Linde, a processor of industrial gases with a plant in Bayton, Texas.
ExxonMobil signed carbon dioxide service contracts in 2025 with AtmosClear, a bioenergy producer located near Baton Rouge, and Lake Charles Methanol II, both of which are expected to begin operations in 2027. In total, ExxonMobil’s low carbon solutions business has contracted with six customers to capture, transport and store approximately 9 million tons per year of carbon dioxide.
Genetti said ExxonMobil expects to reach a final investment decision by the end of the year on the company’s first Low Carbon Data Center. He said demand for data is growing exponentially and ExxonMobil is uniquely able to address it with a low-carbon solution using natural gas to generate power along with carbon dioxide capture and sequestration.
Exxon Mobil Chairman and CEO Darren Woods said in December the company would cut capital spending on low-carbon projects over the next five years from $30 billion to $20 billion, citing a lack of “committed customers” willing to pay the premium for low-carbon products like blue hydrogen and biofuels. As part of the spending cut, ExxonMobil indefinitely paused a $7 billion blue hydrogen plant the company was planning to build in Baytown, Texas.
Woods said ExxonMobil would reallocate $10 billion over the next five years from low-carbon projects to more profitable core assets in the Permian Basin, in Guyana, and to liquefied natural gas.
Critics of carbon capture and storage contend companies like ExxonMobil use it to justify continuing oil and gas production instead of phasing it out, and they say that it is prohibitively expensive without government subsidies.

Central Catholic students among H-T Diocese award-winners

Annually celebrated during Catholic Schools Week, the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux’s Student of the Year program honored its winners Wednesday. Three Central Catholic students were among the winners and nominees.
Student of the Year Awards honor outstanding fifth-, eighth- and 12th-grade students for academic excellence, leadership, service, and strong citizenship. Honorees maintain a 3.2+ GPA and make a difference in their school and community.
The winners for 2026 are:
12th: Shaylynn Dufrene (Vandebilt Catholic High School)
Eighth: Madison Naquin (Vandebilt Catholic High School)
Fifth: Aiden Boquet (St. Francis de Sales Cathedral School)
They will be representing the diocese at the regional level of competition.
Congratulations to the winners and all the nominees, including:
12th: Gabriella Morice (Central Catholic)
12th: Lucy Pearce (E. D. White Catholic High School)
Eighth: Mason Wisdom (Central Catholic)
Eighth: Iyron Cheramie (Holy Rosary Catholic School)
Eighth: Olivia Torres (St. Mary’s Nativity School)
Eighth: Eleanor Straney (E. D. White Catholic High School)
Fifth: Mary Margaret Montgomery (Central Catholic)
Fifth: Reid Dufrene (St. Bernadette Catholic School)
Fifth: Cecilia Hartman (St. Mary’s Nativity School)
Fifth: Brycsen Friel (Holy Rosary Catholic School)
Fifth: Taya Babin (St. Gregory Barbarigo Catholic School)
Fifth: Amelia Boudreaux (St. Joseph Catholic Elementary Thibodaux)
Fifth: Charlie Reynolds (St. Genevieve Catholic Elementary School)
“We had 16 of the best students in our diocese with us this morning to be recognized,” said Dr. Mark Williams, sSuperintendent for the Office of Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. “Bishop Simon Peter reminded the students of the importance of not being complacent. It’s the enemy of continued success. We want them to keep striving and to be role models for the other kids in the school.”
Williams added his thanks and congratulations to the parents as well.
“We give these parents a pat on the back because kids do not get this achievement without support from their parents at home.”
To learn more about the Student of the Year Program, visit www.htdiocese.org.

Bayou Horseshoe Pitchers Association awards

Submitted photos
The Bayou Horseshoe Pitchers Association held its annual banquet last weekend and presented awards for the past season. Among the award-winners was Rookie of the Year Donald Plessala, who wasn't present for these photos.

Sanfords host 2026 Hephaestus Kings Party

Submitted photos
King Hephaestus LXIV Joe Sanford and his wife Gina hosted the Hephaestus Kings Party on Jan. 16 in honor of King Hephaestus LXV John Hover. This year's Hephaestus ball and tableau will be on Valentine's Day, Feb. 14. The krewe's parade will be at 2 p.m. Feb. 17 in Morgan City.

Dear Abby: Relatives enter woman’s life after ignoring her for years

DEAR ABBY: I am a 38-year-old woman with a 21-year-old daughter, “Penny.” I got pregnant at 16 and was very much alone, with little help from those around me. For a variety of reasons, I decided not to involve the father or his family. They knew I was pregnant but chose to remain uninvolved and haven’t helped in any way. I worked hard to build a life for Penny and myself, and I have remained single all this time. Her father has since passed away, but he had several other children, and his parents still live in our same small town.
I thought my secret (and right to privacy) had been respected, but I recently found out that someone told Penny about her “other family” several years ago. On my daughter’s 21st birthday, her paternal grandma called her and told her she had a birthday gift for her. This “birthday gift” was a paternity test. Come to find out, Grandma is in poor health, and her other granddaughter was her primary caregiver, but the young woman has now moved across the country. I suspect Grandma wants Penny to assume this role.
Penny is angry with me for not being honest about her history and angry that her grandmother, who has known about her for many years, is choosing to acknowledge a relationship only now. I am furious that they are putting my daughter in this situation. Am I wrong? How can I smooth this over?
SECRET’S OUT
IN COLORADO
DEAR SECRET’S OUT: Apologize to Penny for keeping the information about her father from her. Explain that you did it because the story is ugly and you hoped to spare her the pain you experienced as a teenager.
Because you live in a small town, it was unrealistic to think that this kind of secret would not come to light one day. That Penny’s grandmother would introduce herself in this way was selfish and cruel, and I hope your daughter will not allow herself to become ensnared.

DEAR ABBY: I am in multiple online groups (such as academia, work, etc.) that insist on using my full first name. They require my full first name for legal reasons and do not offer an area to input the name I actually use. I know many people have far worse problems, but it gets on my nerves that everyone I interact with calls me by a formal name I have never used.
Even when I sign my emails and texts with the correct name (which is simply cutting six letters off the end of the formal name), people still call me by my whole name. I have tried emailing, “You can just call me XXX,” but it is often ignored. It really gets under my skin.
Is there a polite way to correct them, or must I try harder not to care? I have considered changing my name legally, but it is far more trouble than it’s worth.
MISNOMER IN CALIFORNIA

DEAR MISNOMER: Because being called by a name you don’t like bothers you to the extent that you would write about it to me, my advice is to stop grinning and bearing it and MAKE the time to have your name legally changed.

***

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 446, Kings Mills, OH 45034-0446.

UPDATED: CAROL ANN ACKERMAN

Carol Ann Ackerman, 91, a native and resident of Morgan City, died Monday, Jan. 19, 2026,
She is survived by children, Felicia Fontan, Nichole Cheramie, Al Ackerman III and Terence Ackerman; 11 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and siblings, Frances Price, David DeVillier and Curt DeVillier.
Services were Friday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
She was preceded in death by her husband, son and brother.
The public viewing will take place 5-9 p.m. Thursday at Twin City Funeral Home and again at 8 a.m. Friday. A Mass will be conducted at 11 a.m. Friday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, followed by burial at 12:30 p.m.
Twin City Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Health Department: La.'s storm death toll rises to eight

The Louisiana Department of Health is confirming an additional winter storm-related death and providing an update to a previously reported death.

The Jackson Parish coroner has confirmed the death of a 65-year-old male who died from hypothermia at his home following an extended power outage. The coroner has confirmed this death as storm-related.

The Sabine Parish coroner has updated the classification of the death of a 62-year-old male, whom the department previously reported as storm-related. After further investigation, the death is not considered storm-related.

The total number of winter storm-related deaths in Louisiana is eight.

During extreme winter weather, LDH urges residents to stay safe:

Know the signs of cold-related illness

See a doctor immediately or go to the emergency department if you or someone you know has these symptoms:
Hypothermia
Shivering or fumbling hands
Exhaustion or drowsiness
Confusion or memory loss
Slurred speech
Bright red, cold skin or very low energy in infants
Frostbite
Redness or pain in any skin area
White or grayish-yellow skin area
Skin that feels unusually firm or waxy
Numbness
Carbon monoxide poisoning
Headache
Dizziness
Weakness
Upset stomach
Vomiting
Chest pain
Confusion

Warming Centers
There are currently 67 open warming centers across Louisiana, with 16 planned to open.
For a list of warming centers in your area, or to contact your local Office of Emergency Preparedness (OEP), visit getagameplan.org.

Carbon monoxide (CO)
Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas.
CO is present when fuel is burned in engines, furnaces, and open fires.
Fuels that can produce CO when burned include gasoline, wood, coal, natural gas, propane, oil, and methane.
Breathing high levels of CO causes CO poisoning, which can cause severe illness or even death in just minutes. For this reason, CO is often referred to as an invisible killer.
The primary risk of carbon monoxide poisoning comes from home and garage use of gas generators and from malfunctioning fuel-burning appliances such as home stoves, water heaters, and space heaters.
Operating such engines and appliances in a confined space can cause CO to accumulate to toxic concentrations very quickly.
Everyone is at risk for CO poisoning. Infants, the elderly, and people with chronic heart disease, anemia, or breathing problems are more likely to get sick from CO.
People who are sleeping or drunk can die from CO poisoning before they have symptoms.
Have a CO alarm. Combination smoke and CO detectors can alert people to CO and save lives.
See a doctor immediately or go to the emergency department if you or someone you know has these symptoms:
The most common symptoms of CO poisoning are:
Headache
Dizziness
Weakness
Upset stomach
Vomiting
Chest pain
Confusion
CO symptoms are often described as “flu-like”

Generator safety
Never use portable generators indoors. This includes a garage, carport, basement, crawl space, or other enclosed or partially enclosed area, even those with ventilation.
Gas-powered generators produce carbon monoxide, which is odorless and colorless. Inhaling carbon monoxide can very quickly lead to full incapacitation or death.
Opening windows or doors or using fans will not prevent the buildup of carbon monoxide.
If you start to feel sick, dizzy or weak while using a generator, get to fresh air immediately.
Place generators outside, more than 20 feet away from the home, doors, windows and vents that could allow carbon monoxide to come indoors. Do not refuel when hot.
Keep the generator dry and do not use it in wet conditions.

Heating safety
Ensure that you have a working smoke detector and a carbon monoxide detector.
Have a fire extinguisher and know how to use it.
Ensure your heating system has been properly serviced and is clean, functioning correctly, and properly ventilated to the exterior. If you use a fireplace or chimney, have them inspected and cleaned as well.
Do not use gas or electric ovens or stoves for heating. Gas ovens may go out or burn inefficiently, leading to carbon monoxide poisoning. Electric ovens are not designed for space heating.
Do not burn outdoor barbecue materials indoors, even in a fireplace.
Plug space heaters directly into the wall socket, not into extension cords. Do not use the heater if the cords are frayed or splitting.
Place space heaters 3 to 5 feet away from bedding or other flammable materials.
Never allow children to play with or around the heater.
Unplug the heater when not in use.
Never leave the heater unattended.

BBQ grill safety
Never use charcoal grills, propane grills, or portable gas camp stoves indoors, in a garage, or on a screened-in porch.
Grills produce high levels of carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless, and deadly gas.
If using a grill outdoors, position the grill in a well-ventilated, outdoor, sheltered area away from snow, ice, and most importantly, away from siding or flammable materials.

Alcohol and hypothermia
Alcohol consumption can increase the risk of hypothermia both physiologically and through impaired decision-making. It causes blood vessels to dilate (vasodilation), making the skin feel warm while increasing heat loss. \
Alcohol also:
Reduces the shivering response, which is the body’s natural way of producing heat, keeping the body warm.
Causes our brainstem to lower our core body temperature.
Impairs judgment, which can lead to risky behaviors such as not dressing appropriately in very cold weather and not responding appropriately to signs of hypothermia such as shivering, slurred speech, or mumbling.

Drink responsibly and limit the amount of time you spend outside when the temperature is near or below freezing.

Additional tips
Wear warm clothes and go to a public place like a library, recreation center, or mall for temporary relief.
Protect outdoor pipes, bring in plants or pets, and take other necessary precautions.

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Franklin Banner-Tribune
P.O. Box 566, Franklin, LA 70538
Phone: 337-828-3706
Fax: 337-828-2874

Morgan City Review
1014 Front Street, Morgan City, LA 70380
Phone: 985-384-8370
Fax: 985-384-4255