RSS Feed

Franklin has one of six new Cultural Districts

Fri, 10/14/2022 - 9:49am

Franklin has one of six newly created Cultural Districts announced Wednesday by Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser and the Office of Cultural Development’s Division of the Arts.

The new districts bring the statewide total to 124 in 77 municipalities and 44 parishes.

Certified Cultural Districts benefit from two targeted tax incentives: renovation projects on historic buildings may qualify for state historic tax credit, and qualifying works of original art are exempt from local sales tax. Created by Act 298 of the 2007 Regular Legislative Session, the program’s goal is to spark community revitalization based on cultural activity through tax incentives, technical assistance, and resources.

The new districts are:

—City of Crowley African American Cultural Historical District (Crowley, Acadia Parish)

—Divine Nine Cultural District (Monroe, Ouachita Parish)

—Franklin Cultural District (Franklin, St. Mary Parish)

—Gretna South Cultural District (Gretna, Jefferson Parish)

—Jean Lafitte Cultural District (Jean Lafitte, Jefferson Parish)

—Pointe-aux-Loups Cultural District (Iota, Acadia Parish)

Cultural Districts are a unique reflection of local heritage, history, and cultural development, the Lieutenant Governor’s Office said.
“Many are found in downtown areas, but they can be in suburban, rural, and neighborhood locations," Nungesser said.

Americans for the Arts define Cultural Districts as “a well-recognized, labeled, mixed-use area of the city in which a high concentration of arts and cultural facilities serve as the anchor attraction.”

The most recent economic impact data available for Cultural Districts in 2021 show:

—193,584 people attended 536 events

—398 new businesses opened

—649 commercial renovation projects began

Sales tax exemption on qualifying, original art sales directly benefitted:

—1,824 businesses
—526 artists
—184 events
—52 organizations

Boundary changes can be applied for after two years of certification.

Linares receives Terrebonne General award

Fri, 10/14/2022 - 9:46am

Terrebonne General Health System announced Dr. Hector A. Linares, physical medicine, and rehabilitation, as the recipient of the Golden Stethoscope Award.

The prominent Golden Stethoscope Award publicly recognizes Terrebonne General physicians for their exceptional level of professionalism, integrity, and teamwork in caring for patients and families, as well as interacting with hospital staff members and other physicians. Nominations can be made by physicians, employees, patients, and volunteers. Two physicians a year are recognized with this award.

Linares has been the director of rehabilitation services at Terrebonne General for 32 years. He completed medical school at Universidad De El Salvador in 1979 and completed his residency and internship at LSU New Orleans.
He has lifetime board certification through the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.

Linares served on several leadership committees including the Medical Staff Performance Improvement Committee, and Medical Executive Committee. He also served as chief of staff from 2009-2010 and vice chief of staff from 2007-2008.

“This is a surprise and an honor to be recognized for this award. I appreciate the medical staff and the hospital for this recognition,” said Linares.

Deere announces $29.8M, 180-job expansion in Lafourche

Fri, 10/14/2022 - 9:39am

Deere & Company, the global corporation that manufactures the iconic John Deere brand of agricultural, construction and forestry equipment, is investing $29.8 million to expand operations at its Thibodaux facility.

The company will create 70 new direct jobs with an average annual salary of $47,472, and will retain 311 existing jobs in Louisiana, including 284 jobs at the Lafourche Parish facility. Louisiana Economic Development estimates the project will result in 110 new indirect jobs, for a total of 180 new jobs in the Bayou Region.

The announcement coincides with Louisiana’s observation of Manufacturing Week, the 11th annual nationwide celebration of the sector’s continued growth and the career opportunities it has to offer.

“This investment by Deere & Company demonstrates not only the strength of Louisiana’s manufacturing sector, but the resilience and recovery of the Bayou Region,” Gov. John Bel Edwards said.

“Manufacturing has long played a vital role in Louisiana’s economy and never more so than today, supporting more than 178,000 Louisiana workers and their families through ongoing investments in every region of the state.

"Thanks to Deere & Company for its commitment to Lafourche Parish, and congratulations to the skilled workers whose dedication convinced this global manufacturer to expand its footprint in our state.”

The expansion involves the development and installation of a new production line and upgraded equipment, which will allow the Thibodaux facility to begin producing medium-chassis cotton harvesting models that will replace existing models currently built in China.

“The new cotton harvesters present a huge opportunity for John Deere Thibodaux to deliver innovative and technologically advanced solutions to our customers, which will increase their productivity and profitability,” said Mike Duplantis, factory manager at John Deere Thibodaux.

“This expansion is possible due to the tremendous amount of hard work and resiliency of the Thibodaux team.”

The Thibodaux site currently serves as a design center for sugar harvesting and earthmoving scraper equipment as well as a manufacturing facility for a variety of agriculture and construction products.

The company expects production of the new cotton harvesters to begin within the next two years and to reach full capacity by 2025.

“John Deere’s expansion is a huge win for Lafourche Parish,” Lafourche Parish President Archie Chaisson said.

“The addition of new manufacturing lines to John Deere Thibodaux shows how productive and efficient this facility is, which is a testament to the local workforce and management. The Thibodaux facility’s successful competition for these new cotton harvesters shows just how competitive Lafourche Parish can be.”

To secure the project in Thibodaux, the state offered Deere a competitive incentive package including a performance-based retention and modernization grant of up to $1 million, and the services of LED FastStart, Louisiana’s nationally acclaimed recruitment, customized training and workforce development program.

The company is also expected to participate in the Industrial Tax Exemption and Enterprise Zone programs.

“It’s always exciting for our community to experience new high-paying employment opportunities and a positive stimulus to our local economy,” Thibodaux Mayor Tommy Eschete said. “John Deere Thibodaux once again illustrates its history as an outstanding corporate citizen by diversifying its production capabilities so as to remain a viable manufacturing business in the Bayou Region.”

Deere & Company is a global leader in the delivery of agricultural, construction, and forestry equipment.
It helps customers push the boundaries of what’s possible in ways that are more productive and sustainable to help life leap forward.

The company’s technology-enabled products including John Deere Autonomous 8R Tractor, See & Spray™, and E-Power Backhoe are just some of the ways it helps meet the world’s increasing need for food, shelter, and infrastructure. Deere & Company also provides financial services through John Deere Financial. Learn more at Deere.com.

Jeremy Alford: Louisiana elections often beget elections

Fri, 10/14/2022 - 9:36am

JEREMY ALFORD

The headline on this opinion column was recycled. I used the caption in April of last year to explain the various electoral dominoes toppled by the resignation of former Congressman Cedric Richmond of New Orleans.

The resulting 2021 special election, which gave us now-Congressman Troy Carter, led to two other special elections because Carter was a member of the state Senate at the time and his Senate replacement, nephew Gary Carter, was a state representative.

With primary voting set to conclude in less than a month, both of the open state Senate seats on the fall ballot could — again — lead to other special elections on future ballots. Put another way, special elections in Louisiana beget special elections.

There are three state representatives running for these two competitive Senate seats, and neither contest has crystal clear frontrunners as of this hour.

Democrats will definitely maintain control of New Orleans’ Senate District 5, where a replacement politico is needed for former Sen. Karen Carter Peterson, who pleaded guilty to a federal wire charge in August.
In Senate District 17 in the Iberville-Pointe Coupee region, Republicans and the business lobby may have to fight to hold onto the seat vacated by term-limited Sen. Rick Ward of Maringouin — or wait until the district turns more conservative next term due to redistricting.

Of the two contests, the special election in New Orleans between Reps. Royce Duplessis and Mandie Landry is a real dogfight.

While the two Democrats agree on many policy issues, they offer more contrast on the political front.
Duplessis has a well-funded campaign stocked with seasoned consultants. His team is pushing out media with production value and buying airtime. Landry is managing her own campaign and a tight budget. She’s making her own videos and prioritizing things like door-knocking and canvassing.

Landry, in particular, has some natural advantages in this race, like her entire House district being inside the Senate district. She’s also well positioned to discuss abortion rights — easily the hottest issue in the district, which is home to some of the most progressive voters in the state. On this issue, Landry has both policy and professional experience.

Abortion can be a difficult issue to tackle gracefully for male candidates, but Duplessis’ campaign is searching for that avenue in its latest TV spot, which feature’s the representative’s mother discussing a family member’s “self induced coat hanger abortion.”

Duplessis, in a polished fashion, is selling himself to voters as a politician who has forged compromises in Baton Rouge on tough topics like criminal justice reform. But supporters add he can get it done on the neighborhood-level as well and he can work with the alphabet groups in New Orleans, some of which are lining up behind his bid.

Landry, meanwhile, gladly discusses not having the same establishment endorsements or in-demand consultants, which has in turn become part of her own political brand. She instead points to her community-level engagement, like being a volunteer attorney with the Pro Bono Project, and her grassroots approach to this race.

In the three-candidate field for Senate District 17, Rep. Jeremy LaCombe, a Democrat from New Roads, has garnered the most attention in Capitoland, as any sitting lawmaker would.

LaCombe will have the fundraising and campaign staff, led by consultant Trey Ourso, to mount a strong bid. He’ll need both to replace Ward in a district that twice backed former President Donald Trump.

There are two other candidates, both Republicans, making unmissable noise in this race, beginning with West Baton Rouge Parish Councilman Caleb Kleinpeter of Port Allen.

Conservatives and some corners of the business lobby find Kleinpeter’s candidacy attractive, and they like seeing consultant Jason Hebert of the Political Firm at the helm of the campaign.

But those same players also know this race is gong to be personal and intimate during the primary’s final weeks, and they want to see how all of the candidates perform when faced with fodder from opposition research books.

Republican-leaning groups also stand ready to spend in the district to weaken LaCombe’s standing as the quasi-incumbent in the race. That includes dredging up this term’s controversial votes on transgender athletes.
LaCombe, however, may have an ace in the hole with the high number of Democrat-versus-Democrat races slated on the municipal level in the district’s nine parishes. Should he find a way to tap into those elections in a meaningful way, LaCombe will have a powerful weapon.

The wild card in the race is Dr. Kirk Rousset of Oscar, an OBGYN at Woman’s Hospital. He’s running on health care and has a commercial on the air produced by media consultant Roy Fletcher.

Rousset may be in a position to either grab some dollars from the medical PACs or make sure they stay on the sidelines. Either way, he could also cut into LaCombe’s base in Pointe Coupee Parish.

This Iberville-Pointe Coupee race, as well as the contest over in New Orleans, may not stay as tight and competitive in the coming weeks. But right now they both look livelier than expected with a whole lot of voters in the undecided category.
For more Louisiana political news, visit www. LaPolitics.com.

Letter: You're invited to MCFD 150th anniversary

Fri, 10/14/2022 - 9:28am

Chief Alvin Cockerham, Assistant Chief Joe Marino, Assistant Chief John MacDougall, and the Morgan City Fire Department would like to extend an invitation to you and your family to attend our Fire Prevention Open House and 150th Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, Oct. 15, 2022, at the Central Station located at 1307 Victor II Blvd.

Our Fire Prevention Open House is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. It will include demonstrations by our firefighters, games, food, and drawings for the children in our community.

Our 150th Anniversary celebration will begin at 2:30 p.m. and will include presentation of badges to the members of our fire department to commemorate 150 years of service to the Morgan City community.

We would be honored to have you present for both events.

Please RSVP to Assistant Chief Joe Marino at 985-380-4617 or 985-518-1585.

Thank You and Stay Safe,

Joe Marino
Assistant Fire Chief
Fire Prevention Bureau
Morgan City Fire Department
Office 985-380-4617

LFGC District 3 meeting is Oct. 18

Fri, 10/14/2022 - 9:15am

Members of the Morgan City and Patterson garden clubs met recently to make final arrangements for the Louisiana Federation of Garden Clubs District 3 meeting Oct. 18 at NicoBella Event Center in Morgan City. The clubs are co-sponsoring the event. “Atchafalaya National Heritage, our Gateway to Conservation” will be the program by John Flores, photographer and author. From left are Gerri Bourgeois, Donna Bucci, Linda Thomas, Jo Ann Blanchard, Iris Roy and Judith Manfre. Also attending was Evelyn Estay.

Healthy Halloween snack options given

Fri, 10/14/2022 - 9:11am

Halloween is a magical time of year. Homes are adorned with festive fall accoutrements, including hay bales, pumpkins and mums as well as the black, purple and orange decorations that are unique to a season of ghouls and goblins.
Although decorating is a large part of the fun of Halloween, the sweet treats that are distributed to trick-or-treaters and presented at Halloween parties are arguably the most popular component of this beloved holiday. Candy is everywhere come Halloween.
The National Conf-ectioners’ Association reports that Halloween is the largest confectionary holiday, followed by Easter and Christmas. The National Retail Federation and NCA indicate the average American consumes 3.4 pounds of candy around Halloween, and 600 million pounds of candy are purchased across the country for the holiday.
Is it possible to escape the Halloween sugar overload?
For those who want to enjoy some healthier options than candy corns and other sweet staples, these ideas are not so frightening.
—Pizza mummy: Use slices of toasted sandwich bread or English muffins to make some spooktacular fare. Coat the bread with pizza sauce. Then place thin vertical slices of mozzarella cheese in a haphazard pattern to replicate the look of gauze on a mummy. Two pieces of sliced black olives serve as the eyes.
—White, orange and yellow platter: Simulate the look of candy corns’ white, orange and yellow color palette with healthier offerings. Stack cauliflower, or another white food like monterey jack cheese, baby carrots and yellow bell peppers on a platter. Serve with your favorite dip.
—Deviled brains: Turn regular deviled eggs into something more sinister for Halloween buffet tables. Simply add food coloring to the filling to create a pinkish-brown hue that resembles a human brain. Then use a piping bag fitted with a thin icing tip to pipe the shape of brains onto the hardboiled egg halves.
—Veggie skeleton: Use assorted vegetable slices, cheese sticks, fruits, nuts, and more to inspire a Halloween-inspired charcuterie board. Arrange everything to resemble a skeleton on the platter.
—Ghostly bananas: Insert popsicle sticks into the bottoms of bananas and freeze until solid. Prepare white melting chocolate according to directions, then dip the frozen bananas into it. While wet, stick on two mini chocolate chips to make the eyes of the ghosts. Place in the refrigerator to harden.
—Spider crackers: Use buttery Ritz crackers or something similar for this recipe. Spread a relatively thick layer of cream cheese (or peanut butter if allergies are not a concern) on one cracker. Cut thin pretzel sticks in half and use four on each side to make spider legs, sticking them into the cream cheese. Top with another cracker and secure to the cream cheese. Raisins connected with more cream cheese complete the eyes of the spiders.
Anyone can use his or her imagination to make delectable and healthy Halloween offerings in lieu of more sweets.

Recovering addict believes past has ruined the present

Fri, 10/14/2022 - 8:42am

By Jeanne Phillips, ©United Features Syndicate

DEAR ABBY: I am in my 60s, single and childless. I was raised by parents who had issues, and I did not have a nurturing childhood. As a result, for decades I had a chaotic life and turned to alcohol and drugs to soothe my emotional pain.
I have been drug-free and sober for many years. Still, I’m troubled when I see how abnormal and dysfunctional my life was and what I have missed that normal people get to enjoy — like marriage, children and grandchildren. My sadness and loneliness are so overwhelming that some days I don’t want to get out of bed. I’m finding it very hard to discover a purpose.
Any suggestions?
WOUNDED IN CALIFORNIA

DEAR WOUNDED: You cannot change the past, but you can certainly change the future. The first step should be to consult a licensed mental health professional about your deep depression. With talk therapy and medication, you may finally be able to overcome it.
Once you are stable again, your therapist may also work with you to help you decide how to fill those empty spaces in your life. Please don’t wait to reach out.

DEAR ABBY: My son graduated from high school and won’t make a plan. He doesn’t help with anything around the house, won’t save money to buy his own car and refuses to share our extra car with his sister. We are in constant conflict.
I want him to move out. I want him to be working and saving money if I’m paying for his room and board. He sleeps until noon, works sporadically and spends his limited money on pre-workout supplements, shoes and guitars. He’s on his phone playing games in his bed most days until late into the night. Advice?
ENOUGH ALREADY IN VIRGINIA

DEAR ENOUGH: Your son isn’t making a plan to become independent because you have been such a generous parent, he has no incentive to leave the nest.
Quit letting him use the extra car and tell him that unless he starts doing his fair share around the house, finds a full-time job and can prove that he’s saving money, you want him OUT of there. Then give him a deadline, and if he hasn’t shown improvement by then, follow through. Sometimes a dose of tough love is what it takes to get a message across.

DEAR ABBY: My husband and I have been married for 17 years and live in an older house we are slowly trying to update and remodel. One of my major issues is that every Sunday he likes to go to flea markets, where he spends at least $100 for “art,” which I might describe as junk. It’s all over the house we are trying to fix. How do I get him to stop wasting money on this?
UP TO MY ELBOWS IN ILLINOIS

DEAR UP: There are flea markets, and then there are estate sales. They are not the same thing.
Some real treasures can be found at estate sales because the sellers (often the next generation) do not realize the value of what they are getting rid of. It might be worth your while to ask your husband if the two of you can go to a few estate sales together, and buy only items you both can agree on.
It’s worth a try.
***
For everything you need to know about wedding planning, order “How to Have a Lovely Wedding.” Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 to: Dear Abby, Wedding Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447.

Berwick police arrest man accused of 4th DWI

Thu, 10/13/2022 - 11:16am

(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.)

Berwick police on Thursday arrested a man accused of drunken driving for the fourth time.

Berwick

Police Chief David S. Leonard reported this arrest:

—Adrian Angeron, 62, Parro Lane, Berwick, was arrested at 12:24 a.m. Thursday on charges of driving while intoxicated (fourth
offense, refusal), unlawful refusal to submit to chemical test on two or more occasions, operating a vehicle with a license suspended from prior driving while intoxicated offenses and improper lane usage.

About 12:15 a.m. Thursday, officers in the area of La. 182 observed a vehicle traveling well below the posted speed limit. The vehicle was observed to stay stationary at a green light and turned sometime later.

Officers got behind the vehicle and observed it to cross over the center line and fog lines several times. A traffic stop was conducted on the vehicle, and officers made contact with Angeron.

While speaking with Angeron he showed signs of impairment. Angeron was asked to perform field sobriety tests, which he refused. It was learned that Angeron’s license was suspended from a prior DWI arrest. Angeron was placed under arrest and transported to the Berwick Police Department, where he refused to submit to a breath sample.

It was learned that Angeron had previously refused to submit to a chemical test for intoxication on multiple occasions in the past and that he was convicted on DWI third offense in 2018. A search warrant was obtained and blood samples were collected from Angeron.

Angeron was booked. No bond has been set.

—Reaven Kerner, 20, Tournament Boulevard, Berwick, was arrested at 9:12 p.. Wednesday on a charge of disturbing the peace.

—On Thursday, the Berwick Police Department responded to a residence on Tournament Boulevard in reference to a loud noise complaint. Officers met with Kerner.

It was learned that several similar complaints have been received on Kerner recently. Kerner was placed under arrest and released on a summons to appear in court.

Morgan City

Interim Police Chief Mark E. Griffin Jr. reported that the Morgan City Police Department responded to 48 calls for service over the last 24-hour reporting period and made this arrest:

—Gary Wayne Sykes, 45, Gen. Patton Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 11:44 a.m. Wednesday on a charge of cruelty to animals.

St. Mary

Sheriff Blaise Smith reported that over the last 24-hour reporting period, the Sheriff’s Office responded to 27 complaints and made these arrests:

—Tytianna Charles, 25, Franklin, was arrested at 2:55 p.m. Wednesday on a warrant alleging failure to appear on the charges of direct contempt, speeding and failing to honor written promise to appear. Bail has not been set.

—Dwayne Joseph Broussard, 60, Patterson, was arrested at 11:47 p.m. Wednesday on charges of driving while intoxicated and improper lane usage. Broussard was released on a $2,750 bond.

—Dwayne Jamon Provost, 38, Jeanerette, was arrested at 4:19 a.m. Thursday on a warrant alleging failure to appear on the charge of criminal neglect of family. Bail was set at $12,390.

Franklin

Police Chief Morris Beverly reported that the Franklin Police Department responded to 11 complaints over the last 24-hour period and made these arrests:

—Geraldinde Sifuentes, 56, Lacey Street, Franklin, was arrested at 12:55 p.m. Wednesday on a charge of theft. Sifuentes was booked, processed and released on a $1,500 bond.

—Damenn Stansbury, 54, SJ Lane, Franklin, was arrested at 3:46 p.m. Wednesday on charges of possession with intent to distribute marijuana, possession of Schedule II narcotics, possession of drug paraphernalia, resisting an officer and violation of controlled dangerous substance law (drug-free zones). Stansbury was booked, processed and transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center.

—Autumn Moss, 31, Willowood Drive, Franklin, was arrested at 3:46 PM, on the charges of possession with intent to distribute marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, resisting an officer and violation of controlled dangerous substance law (drug-free zones). Moss was booked, processed and held with no bond set.

15-year-old arrested in Franklin shooting

Thu, 10/13/2022 - 10:27am

Staff Report

A 15-year-old has been arrested and faces attempted second-degree murder charges in connection with a shooting in Franklin, the Franklin Police Department said Thursday.

The juvenile male was arrested at 10:54 a.m. Wednesday and booked on 18 counts of attempted second-degree murder, two counts of aggravated criminal damage to property, illegal use of a weapon and illegal possession of a handgun by a juvenile.

Franklin police say several calls came in Oct. 1 about shots fired in the area of Iberia and Oakdale streets. Officers responded at 12:45 a.m. and learned that a home and a vehicle had been hit. No one was injured.

The investigation identified the suspect and is still going on, the Police Department said.