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Leah Shannon (nee: Thurber) Theiring

Fri, 11/18/2022 - 9:43am

Leah Shannon (nee: Thurber) Theiring—Shannon—ended an 88 years earthly journey to begin her infinite heavenly journey Tuesday, November 15, 2022. ( Date of birth: June 20,1934).
She is greeted in heaven by her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and her husband of 67 years, Rodrick Dewald Theiring, M.D. (d. 2022).
Family and friends are invited to attend the Visitation on Saturday, November 19, 2022 at Hargrave Funeral Home from 10am-11am with Funeral Services immediately following.
Shannon was preceded in death by parents Andrew Carnegie Thurber (d. 1996) and Dorothy Alice (nee Karmelink) Thurber (d. 2003) of Evansville, Indiana, and her brothers Gerald Andrew Thurber (d. 1996) and Leary Keith Thurber (d. 2017).
She leaves a legacy of love, kindness, giving, faithfulness, partnership, camaraderie, and joy in the wake of her lifetime.
Shannon attended nursing school after graduation from Bossie High School in Evansville, IN.
While there, she exchanged letters with Rod (in military service with the US Navy) and Maverick—her cat— whom her friend Maxine cared for while she was in school. (Maverick’s letters to Shannon were always signed with his paw print!) As a registered nurse, graduate of St. Mary’s College in Indiana (1955), and newly married in August of 1955, Shannon fondly recalled nursing while husband Rod was in medical school and during his internship and residency in New Orleans, Louisiana. She was especially appreciative of her time nursing at New Orleans VA hospital—she revered her military veterans.
Motherhood and a move to Morgan City, LA led her from the work world to homemaking, where Shannon’s legacy blossomed. Shannon was the quintessential wife, mother, friend, parishioner, cook, and most notably, giver. Giving was her spiritual gift. Through her giving there was elation, consolation, and blessing. Her words were honest, compassionate, and wise. Her gifts were thoughtful and representative. Her service was Spirit-led and pure.
Shannon was Rod’s co-pilot, figuratively and literally. With him, she adopted and raised four children and a grandchild, (and lots of pets); and fully celebrated a shared life as one. Marriage, parenting, homemaking (crafts, homeroom mother, cooking, baking—doll cakes, cheesecake!), vacationing, and church and bible study were her joys.
Shannon’s enduring memory will be closely held by many, notably her children Michele Theiring, Charles Theiring (m. Michelle), Nicole Theiring Wimberley (m. Lon), and Megan Theiring. Grandchildren with heartfelt memories are Joshua Milligan (m. Elizabeth), Rachel Milligan, Jacob Martin (m. Christa), Jade Martin, Dakota Cooley, Jordan Theiring, , Jacob Thevis (m. Laynie), Daniel Thevis, Aubrey Wimberley (m. Caitlin) Anna Wimberley, and youngest, Michael Theiring; along with seven great-grandchildren.
Serving as Pallbearers are Joshua Milligan, Jacob Martin, Jade Martin, Dakota Cooley, Jacob Thevis, Daniel Thevis, Michael Theiring.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hargravefuneralhome.com for the Theiring family.

Evelyn H. Barrilleaux

Fri, 11/18/2022 - 9:41am

March 4, 1946 — November 16, 2022
Evelyn H. Barrilleaux, 76, was born in Plauche-ville, La. on March 4, 1946 to the late Lance Harris and Lola Dozler Harris. She was a longtime resident of Patterson, La.
Evelyn passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on November 16, 2022.
Those left behind to cherish Evelyn’s memory are her two children, Jimmy J. Barrilleaux, Jr. (Trudi) and Kayrisha Freyoux (Harry); one sister, Carolyn Fontenot (Russell); one brother, Kevin Harris (Betty); nine grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.
Evelyn is preceded in death by her husband of 43 years, Jimmy Barrilleaux Sr.; her parents; one son, Floyd Boudreaux; and sister, Virginia Harris.
Family and friends are invited to attend the Visitation on Friday, November 18, 2022 at Hargrave Funeral Home from 5 p.m.-8 p.m. and will resume on Saturday, November 19, 2022 at Hargrave Funeral Home from 9 a.m.-11 a.m. with Funeral Services to immediately follow. Evelyn will be laid to rest in Ibert’s Memorial Park.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hargravefuneralhome.com for the Barrilleaux family.

Yvonne Anne Adams

Fri, 11/18/2022 - 9:40am

October 12, 1935 — November 16, 2022
Yvonne Anne Adams, age 87, of Patterson, LA passed away on Wednesday, November 16, 2022. Yvonne was born on October 12, 1935 in New Orleans, LA to the late Ovide and Ella Marie Veron Bourgeois.
A private family Mass of Christian Burial was held on Thursday, November 17, 2022 at Holy Cross Catholic Church. Yvonne was laid to rest in Morgan City Cemetery Mausoleum.
Yvonne leaves to cherish her memory her loving husband of 64 years, Byron “Red” A. Adams, Sr.; sons, Byron (Shannon) A. Adams, Jr. , Bruce (Jennifer) A. Adams, Sr., Burt (Jodi) A. Adams, Brad A. Adams and Ben (Dawn) A. Adams; grandchildren, Aubrey, Shay, Beau, Bruce Jr., Beth Ann, Colby, Rachel, Chelsea, Caroline, Benjamin and Lizzie; great-grandchildren, Larkin, Felicity, Madeline, Sabrina, Declan, Lucien, Preston, Marie and a host of other relatives and friends.
Serving as pallbearers were Bruce A. Adams, Jr., Colby Adams, Benjamin Adams, Beau Adams, David LaBrosse, Alan Schlanker, Jason Lin and Preston Beattie.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Central Catholic. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hargravefuneralhome.com for the Adams Family.

School scores slip; parish still rates a 'B'

Fri, 11/18/2022 - 9:01am

Staff Report

St. Mary Parish’s District Performance Score for 2022 is down from the previous year, but the district maintained its “B” letter grade and ranks 26th among 64 Louisiana school systems, the district said in a press release.
The three east St. Mary high schools and Franklin Senior High all received A grades in scores released Wednesday by the Louisiana Department of Education.
School report cards, which can be publicly viewed using the online Louisiana School Finder, communicate how well schools are preparing students for the next grade level by examining student performance measures, such as how students score on state assessments, how many students are graduating each year, or how many students are earning early college credit.
St. Mary’s District Performance Score for 2022 is 80.2, down from 82.3 in 2021. The statewide performance score is 77.1.
Superintendent Teresa Bagwell issued the following statement: “Annual test and other related performance measures clearly convey student growth and success across all school types in St. Mary Parish. In light of the state’s rising performance requirements, St. Mary has shown that our students are capable of meeting and exceeding prescribed achievement levels in ever increasing numbers.
“We will continue to invest in the state’s Tier I approved instructional resources and supports for students as the school system strives to offer an exceptional education for all kids. The released performance data exemplifies the deep commitment of St. Mary students, parents, teachers, and administrators in striving for academic excellence.”
Among the highlights from this year’s report, the St. Mary district said:
—12 schools earn Honor Roll status for overall performance. These schools received a letter grade of “A” or “B” for their overall School Performance Score.
—Eight schools earn Top Gains status. Schools receiving a letter grade of “A” for the Student Progress Index therefore earning the distinction of Top Gains Honorees include: J.S. Aucoin Elementary, Bayou Vista Elementary, Berwick Elementary, W.P. Foster Elementary, Franklin Junior High, Hattie Watts Elementary, Wyandotte Elementary and M.E. Norman Elementary.
—Four schools earn Opportunity Honoree status. Schools who outperform 90% of all schools across various student groups and receive no intervention labels earn this distinction. The schools include: J.S. Aucoin Elementary, Franklin High, Morgan City High and Patterson High.
These schools received “A” grades: Berwick High (97), Morgan City High (92.1), Patterson High (91.9) and Franklin High (90.2).
Eight “B” schools received Honor Roll status: J.S. Aucoin Elementary (85.6), Berwick Elementary (85.5), Bayou Vista Elementary (85.2), Hattie Watts Elementary (82.2), Centerville High (81.9), West St. Mary High (78.4), Wyandotte Elementary (77.4) and Berwick Junior High (76.3).
Further recognition is extended to five “C” schools: M.E. Norman Elementary (71.9), B. Edward Bou-dreaux Middle (70.9), Patterson Junior High (68.1), Franklin Junior High (61.8) and Morgan City Junior High (61.5).
The remaining schools, Raintree Elementary (59), Foster Elementary (56.8), Maitland Elementary (54), and LaGrange Elementary (42.4) are all part of a partnership with the Louisiana Department of Education, district staff, and curriculum coaches to refine instructional planning and implementation according to recent data releases in an effort to accelerate future academic growth, the district said.

Forcing bulbs for indoor winter flowers

Fri, 11/18/2022 - 8:52am

By HEATHER KIRK-BALLARD, LSU AgCenter Horticulturist

The late winter months may lack color in the landscape, but with proper planning and a little effort, you can create an early spring indoors or make a beautiful gift by forcing your own succession of hardy bulbs.
Bulbs are perennial plants that overwinter as fleshy, underground structures. These types of plant structures gather carbohydrates from the leaves during photosynthesis and are stored as nutrients for future growth.
There are many plant types that use this specialized energy storage. Loosely grouped in with bulbs are corms such as crocus and gladiolus, tubers such as caladiums and Irish potatoes, tuberous roots such as dahlias and sweet potatoes, and rhizomes such as irises and cannas.
True bulbs are compressed, underground stems (basal plate) with a modified flower bud surrounded by modified fleshy leaves called scales. Two of the best-known examples of true bulbs are onions and garlic. When thinking of flowering bulbs, the most commonly known are tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, lilies, Dutch iris, paper whites and amaryllises.
Bulbs can be planted from mid-September to December, depending on the desired flowering date and the length of storage required. In general, early-spring bloomers need eight to 12 weeks of chill time in 30 to 35 degrees Fahrenheit. Mid-spring bloomers require 12 to 14 weeks of chill time, and late-spring bloomers need 16 weeks on average.
A refrigerator is the perfect place to chill bulbs, as it will maintain the necessary temperatures at a steady rate for the required period. Crisper drawers are often used.
It is fun to trick spring-flowering bulbs into blooming indoors. We can encourage many bulb types to bloom early by providing the correct environmental conditions and chilling temperatures.
Force bulbs by placing them in dark, cool locations. They can be forced bare or in soil planted in containers and placed in refrigerators. Some can be chilled and then placed in bulb vases that provide support needed for growth and develop roots and shoots.
Some of the most common hardy bulbs used for forcing are crocuses, daffodils, hyacinths and tulips. Some others are dwarf iris (Iris reticulata), Dutch Iris (Iris x hollandica), grape hyacinth (Muscari spp.), glory of the snow (Chionodoxa luciliae), snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis) and summer snowflake (Leucojum aestivum).
Chilling is the most important part of successful bulb forcing. All bulbs except amaryllis need a cold period before they will bloom. Because they are native to the tropics, amaryllis bulbs do not require a chilling period.
Amaryllis takes six to eight weeks to bloom once planted, and paper whites take three to five weeks once planted. If you wish to give either as holiday gifts, start them now!
Once the chilling period has been reached, it takes about two to three weeks for the stem to elongate and blooms to open.
Crocus and grape hyacinth takes eight to 15 weeks of chilling. Daffodils, hyacinth and iris reticulate take 13 to 15 weeks. Tulips take 10 to 16 weeks, and snowdrops take 15 weeks.
In general, for blooms in January, bulbs should be chilled in September. For blooms in February, chill in October, and so on.
At the end of the cooling period, check the pots for roots protruding from the drainage holes. This signals they are ready. Bring the bulbs out of cold storage at this point and transfer to a cool room of 60 to 65 degrees. Higher temperatures will speed up the process of growth and flowering. Lower temperatures encourage compact growth.
Pot deep enough for there to be a couple of inches of soil below the bulbs, and cover up to the bulb necks. You can pack as many bulbs as the media will allow and crowd them. If you are looking to grow for cut flowers, force them in flats. Be sure all the bulbs require the same amount of cooling period.
Once planted, be sure to keep the soil damp, not wet. You can “wake” the bulbs by giving them a few weeks of warmer temperatures and indirect sunlight. Once the bulbs shoot up and are a couple inches tall, give them more sun and a warmer spot. This will bring the bulbs into bloom.
Pro tips: You can prolong the bloom period by moving pots into indirect light and place them in a cool area at night or in the refrigerator. In addition, to keep stems straight, rotate the pots regularly. You can also buy bulbs that have already been chilled.

Beau maintains presence on multiple dating sites

Fri, 11/18/2022 - 8:50am

By Jeanne Phillips, ©United Features Syndicate

DEAR ABBY: I am a widowed woman who met a gentleman online two years ago. We met in person and get along really great.
Everything seems perfect, but my girlfriends keep telling me they see his profile on numerous dating sites. When I asked him about it, he said he had closed the accounts. Well, close friends say they are concerned because he is on a lot of those sites even now.
I’m at a crossroads with this. I’m not sure if he’s casually looking to see if there is anyone better, or if he’s stroking his ego with contacts from these dating sites.
What should I take away from this?
PERPLEXED IN FLORIDA

DEAR PERPLEXED: The first thing to pay attention to is that you don’t feel you can trust him at his word. Ask some of your vigilant girlfriends to reach out to him on some of those sites they see him on.
If they receive a response, end the romance if what you want is an exclusive relationship.

DEAR ABBY: My sister-in-law and I used to be close, closer even than I was to my actual sister. Three years ago, we were on a trip and had an argument and didn’t speak for more than a year. We have since made up, but our relationship isn’t the same.
We are friends with a close group of women and have fun in a group, but anytime I invite her to do something, she will accept and then cancel at the last minute or tell me she can’t go when I contact her asking what time we should meet. Her answers to my texts are cold and short.
I’m tired of being constantly hurt by the rejection. Should I just quit trying and accept that this is our new dynamic?
TO TRY OR NOT TO TRY?

DEAR TRY OR NOT: Your sister-in-law is either extremely rude or still trying to punish you for that argument you had three years ago. It’s time to step back and accept the new dynamic, because pushing for more isn’t working.

DEAR ABBY: Our daughter is being married soon. She has invited our best friends of 30 years to her wedding, but she refuses to invite their adult daughter because she has treated her parents very disrespectfully throughout the years. (Our friends tolerate this because she’s their only child.) I understand my daughter’s reasoning, but I told her I’m afraid we will lose their friendship if she does this. Our friends’ feelings get hurt very easily. How do we deal with this?
CONFLICTED MAMA IN TEXAS

DEAR MAMA: If your friendship with this couple depends upon how your daughter treats her daughter, that relationship is already fragile. This is your daughter’s special day. I do not think she should be strong-armed into inviting someone because you’re afraid your friendship with this couple will end if her daughter isn’t included. Deal with this by not involving yourself.
***
Abby shares more than 100 of her favorite recipes in two booklets: “Abby’s Favorite Recipes” and “More Favorite Recipes by Dear Abby.” Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $16 to: Dear Abby, Cookbooklet Set, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447.

ROOSEVELT GRANT

Thu, 11/17/2022 - 4:24pm

Roosevelt Grant, 65, a native and resident of Berwick, passed away at 10:59 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 3, 2022, at Ochsner St. Mary Hospital.

Visitation will be held Saturday, Nov. 19, at Jones Funeral Home Chapel, 715 Sixth St., Morgan City, from 9 a.m. until the funeral at 11 a.m.

He is survived by his wife Pamela Grant of Patterson; his sons, Johnny Perry and Jarvis Jackson Jr., both of Patterson, three brothers, Johnny Brown of Patterson, Darrell Sanders Sr. of San Antonio, Texas, and James Bingham Sr. of Houma; three sisters, Faith Bartley of Patterson, Charlene Morris of Berwick, and Charlie Howard of Houma; two godchildren; and a host of relatives and friends

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, and a daughter.

Jones Funeral Home of Morgan City is in charge of arrangements.

Deputies arrest man wanted on attempted murder, weapon charges

Thu, 11/17/2022 - 3:12pm

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 man wanted on attempted murder, weapon and drug charges was arrested Wednesday by the St. Mary Parish Sheriff's Office Narcotics Section.

Morgan City police also reported two arrests on methamphetamine possession charges.

St. Mary

Sheriff Blaise Smith reported that over the last 24-hour reporting period, the Sheriff's Office responded to 22 complaints and made this arrest:

--Herman Jamauud Butler, 35, Patterson, was arrested 6:43 p.m. Wednesday on a charge of resisting an officer. Butler held a Patterson Police Department warrant alleging attempted second-degree murder, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and illegal use of weapons or dangerous instrumentalities.

Butler also held an SMPSO warrant alleging possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, possession of marijuana and transactions involving drug proceeds

On Wednesday, detectives with the St. Mary Parish Sheriff's Office Narcotics Section were patrolling the area of Patterson when they observed a vehicle fail to give a proper signal when making a turn. The detectives conducted a traffic stop and as the vehicle came to a stop, a passenger, identified as Butler, fled the vehicle.

Butler was quickly apprehended and warrants for his arrest were verified through dispatch. Butler was transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking.

Bail has not been set.

Morgan City

Police Chief Chad M. Adams reported that the Morgan City Police Department responded to 59 calls for service over the last 24-hour reporting period and made these arrests:

--Kelly Raymond, 21, Hwy. 401, Napoleonville, was arrested at 3:42 p.m. Wednesday as a fugitive from the Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office and the Thibodaux Police Department.

--Tanya Nicole, 46h, Egle Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 5:12 p.m. Wednesday on charges of child desertion, failure to appear for juvenile court (6th Ward Morgan City Court) and failure to pay fine (6th Ward Morgan City Court).

--Jeremy S. Chambers, 42, Pinder Lane, Dequincy, was arrested at 5:09 a.m. Thursday on charges of possession of marijuana, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a firearm in the presence of a firearm in the presence of a controlled dangerous substance.

--Olivia Hopson, 30, Pinder Lane, Dequincy, was arrested at 5:09 a.m. Thursday on charges of possession of marijuana, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a firearm in the presence of a firearm in the presence of a controlled dangerous substance.

Sultans of String will perform in MC Thursday

Wed, 11/16/2022 - 3:44pm

From the Morgan City Live Community Concert Association

Multi-genre string quartet, Sultans of String, will be performing their one-of-a-kind concert at Morgan City Municipal Auditorium in Morgan City, Louisiana on Thursday, November 17, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. Single concert tickets are $25 for Adults and $5 for Students K-12. Season tickets are now on sale for the 2022-2023 Concert Season. All tickets, subscription or single concert, are available online at www.morgancitylive.com or at the door.

Sultans of String is a genre-hopping passport of Spanish Flamenco, Cuban, Gypsy-jazz and Arabic folk rhythms that celebrates musical fusion with warmth and virtuosity. Fiery violin dances with rumba-flamenco guitar while bass lays down unstoppable grooves and acoustic strings meet with electronic wizardry to create layers of depth and sound.

The multi-award-winning Canadian string super-group and their unique blend of global music have captivated audiences and garnered critical acclaim all around the world. The high-energy, highly entertaining show excites audiences, bringing them to their feet with the irresistible need to dance the night away.

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 and Patterson - as well as the rest of St. Mary Parish and surrounding parishes. Thanks to the generosity of patrons and donors, this series is offered at affordable, family-friendly prices.

Arrests include hit-and-run, domestic abuse charges

Wed, 11/16/2022 - 12:38pm

(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.)

Police arrested a Morgan City man Tuesday on a hit-and-run charge, and deputies booked two people who had been arrested in Assumption Parish on simple kidnapping charges.

Parish deputies and Franklin police reported domestic abuse arrests.

Morgan City

Police Chief Chad M. Adams reported that the Morgan City Police Department responded to 42 calls for service over the last 24-hour reporting period and made these arrests:

--John Brunet, 32, Park Road, Morgan City, was arrested at 9:46 p.m. Tuesday on a charge of hit and run (St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office).

--Shane Joseph Granger, 35, Chetta Lane, Morgan City, was arrested at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday on a charge of direct contempt of court (6th Ward Morgan City Court).

--Lawrence Alex Garrett, 26, Willow Bend Lane, Patterson, was arrested at 3:40 p.m. Tuesday on a charge of direct contempt of court (6th Ward Morgan City Court).

--Brian Justilian, 55, Glenwood Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 9:35 p.m. Tuesday on charges of failure to appear for arraignment (6th Ward Morgan City Court) and seat belt required.

--Isidro Maravillas III, 29, Filmore Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 7:17 a.m. Wednesday on a charge of failure to appear for review (6th Ward Morgan City Court).

St. Mary
Sheriff Blaise Smith reported that over the last 24-hour reporting period, the Sheriff’s Office responded to 25 complaints and made these arrests:

--Candice Nicole Ashley, 33, Ricohoc, was arrested at 12:15 p.m. Tuesday on a charge of simple kidnapping. Bail has not been set.

--Chadwick Michael Landry, 49, Morgan City, arrested at 2:25 p.m. Tuesday on a charge of simple kidnapping. Bail has not been set.\

--Justin Lovell, 29, Franklin, was arrested at 8:57 a.m. Tuesday on a warrant alleging failure to appear on a charge of domestic abuse (strangulation). Lovell was released on a $15,000 bond.

Franklin

Police Chief Morris Beverly reported that the Franklin Police Department responded to eight complaints over the past 24 hours and made this arrest:

--Shaquille Conner, 31, Willowwood Drive, Franklin, was arrested at 6:48 p.m. Tuesday on a warrant for the Berwick Police Department on a charge of domestic abuse battery (child endangerment).

Conner was additionally arrested on a warrant for 3rd Ward City Court alleging failure to appear on the charge of driving under suspension. Conner was booked, processed and held with no bond set at time of press release.