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Thomas 'Tommy' Lynn Jones

Fri, 08/12/2022 - 10:25am

February 18, 1940 — August 1, 2022
Thomas “Tommy” Lynn Jones, 82, passed away peacefully and with love surrounding him after a brief battle with cancer on August 1, 2022, at his home in Thibodaux, LA. Thomas was born to Earl Thomas and Cleo Temple Jones on February 18, 1940, in Jonesboro, Louisiana and grew up in Winn Parish, Louisiana.
Thomas is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Elna Hardee Jones, his two daughters, also known as the “Jones Girls,” Deanie Jones Soignier (Dr. Rodney Denis) and Elna Clair Jones Boudreaux (Greg “Bud”), three grandchildren who made him very proud, Mark Denis Soignier, Blake Allen Boudreaux and Virginia Claire Soignier, one sister, Lynda Jones Favret Boyce (Terry) of Mandeville, Louisiana and one brother, Gary Allen Jones of Alabama. He is also survived by three nieces, Stacey Jones, Amanda Rose Jones and Hallie Jones, and two nephews, Allex Poole and Allan Poole.
Thomas graduated from Dodson High School in 1958 and participated in the Future Farmers of America, 4-H and the Future Business Leaders of America, of which he served as president.
He was drafted into the United States Army during the Vietnam War and served his time at Fort Jackson, South Carolina as a Personnel Specialist for the base hospital headquarters from 1963 - 1965. He was relieved to have been exempted from kitchen patrol and guard duty due to spending basic training at headquarters learning his position. He was discharged 2 months early from the US Army to attend college full-time on the GI Bill and he subsequently earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration in 1967 from the University of South Carolina. He was a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity.
Thomas held several different positions in accounting, but as a Controller, his position transferred him to places he could explore, including Anchorage, Alaska, Northern California, and Guam. He enjoyed sight-seeing with his wife and showing his family the highlights of his discoveries when they visited. Thomas retired from Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, Texas in 2008 and after living in North Dallas for 20 years, he and his wife returned home to Louisiana in 2018 to be near his daughters and their families.
Active in the United Methodist Church in the many places he lived, he was particularly active at Pharr Chapel UMC in Morgan City, Louisiana and the Spring Valley UMC in Dallas, Texas. He was also a member of the Aaron Family Jewish Community Center where he served on the Senior Citizen Advisory Board and enjoyed many kosher lunches.
His wife discovered he had talent for painting when he was in his 30’s and she encouraged him to start art lessons. Subsequently, he mastered a talent in oil painting and later discovered an interest in taking and developing black and white photographs. Other hobbies over the years included knitting, sewing, stamp collecting, researching genealogy, and making scrap books of family memories.
Thomas became a member of the Masonic Doric Lodge No. 87 in Morgan City in 1971 and served as Master of the Lodge in 1983 and 1985. He was a member of the York Rite Body of Freemasons, the American Legion and Civitan International. In the 1980s, Thomas was a member of the Girl Scouts of America and served as an Assistant Troop Leader, Unit Cookie Director and Service Unit Leader. In retirement, he volunteered for Meals on Wheels Texas.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Cleo Temple Jones and Earl Thomas Jones, his sister, Patsy Earl Jones, his brother Edwin Errol Jones, his granddaughter, Allie Marie Boudreaux, and his nephews Jacques Bernard Favret and Jack Brannon Jones. He was also preceded in death by his loving cat, Ethel.
The family offers a heartfelt thank you to those individuals who were compassionately involved in his care at Thibodaux Regional Health System, Tulane Cancer Center, Thibodaux Regional Home Health, Hope Hospice and to Ms. Evelyn Benoit for the care she provided. Also, a special thank you is expressed to Denis and Greg, both of whom exceeded expectations on their son-in-law aptitude tests.
A memorial visitation will be held in his honor on Saturday, August 13, 2022 at First United Methodist Church, Thibodaux, Louisiana from 9:30 am until the presentation and service at 11:00 am.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Pharr Chapel United Methodist Church in Morgan City, LA and to the Aaron Family Jewish Community Center in Dallas, TX.
Online condolences can be given at www.thibodauxfuneralhome.com
Thibodaux Funeral Home, Inc. is in charge of arrangements.

Kendra Foster

Fri, 08/12/2022 - 10:24am

Kendra Foster, 44, a native and resident of Verdunville, died Saturday, Aug. 6, 2022, at Iberia Medical Center in New Iberia.
Visitation will be Saturday from 9 a.m. until services at 11 a.m. at Jones Funeral Home in Franklin. Burial will follow at Little Zion Cemetery in Verdunville.
She is survived by her mother, Patricia Foster of Verdunville; six brothers, Reginald Foster of Verdunville, Lynwood Darby Jr. and Michael Darby, both of Patterson, and Don Freeman, Dwayne Freeman and Joseph Darby, all of Franklin; six sisters, Jessica Foster of Verdunville, Linda Darby of Franklin, Sadie Darby of Gray, Pamela Streams of Houma, Lynette Grogan of Patterson and Cheryl Freeman of Sioux City, Iowa; and a host of other relatives.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents and father.
Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Demitrice Essex Edmond

Fri, 08/12/2022 - 10:22am

Demitrice Essex Edmond, 55, a native of Jeanerette and resident of Morgan City, died Thursday, Aug. 4, 2022, at Ochsner St. Mary.
Visitation will be Saturday from 9 a.m. until services at 1 p.m. at Jones Funeral Home in Franklin. Burial will follow at Rising Sun Cemetery in Jeanerette.
She is survived by her mother, Ethel Essex Nathan; five sons, Arnulfo Orellana Jr., Harland Edmond, Jesse Edmond Jr., Jimmy Edmond and Demarcus Brown; four daughters, Asinea Edmond, Faythella Essex, Rachel Edmond and April Edmond; six brothers, Corey Mitchell, Marcus Essex, Harry Johnlouis III, Brian Johnlouis, Troy Johnlouis and Dewayne Johnlouis, five sisters, Lecia Ledet, Fayetta Essex, Catherine Garrett, Diane Johnlouis and Bridgette Lee; 19 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives.
She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and two brothers.
Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Strevas celebrate 60th anniversary in Lafayette

Fri, 08/12/2022 - 10:18am

Gerald Jude “Jerry” Streva and Rosalie Lucille Guarisco Streva, of Lafayette and formerly of Morgan City, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary July 14 with a family gathering at the home of their daughter Lisa Perry of Lafayette.
The couple was married on July 14, 1962, at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Morgan City. They are also the parents of Philip Joseph Streva of Lafayette, Maria Christina Milazzo of Lafayette, and the late Gerald Jude “J.J.” Streva. They have seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Learning a foreign language benefits students brains

Fri, 08/12/2022 - 10:16am

Adults undoubtedly recall their school days when schedules included a class devoted to foreign languages. Some students embrace foreign language classes, while others may question their value. Those in the latter camp may be surprised to learn just how much they benefit from studying a foreign language.
Foreign languages and long-term cognitive health
Dementia might not be foremost on the minds of school-aged youngsters, but their foreign language class could be delaying its onset by a significant margin. A 2010 study published in the peer-reviewed journal Neurology found that bilingual patients with probable Alzheimer’s disease reported the onset of symptoms 5.1 years later than monolingual patients.
Authors of the study concluded that lifelong bilingualism confers protection against the onset of Alzheimer’s disease, which underscores the value of learning a foreign language as a young person and maintaining that knowledge throughout adulthood.
Foreign languages and attention span
A recent study from Microsoft found that the average attention span is now eight seconds, which marks a significant decline since 2000, when the average attention span was 12 seconds. Researchers behind the report suggest the prevalence of screens, particularly the use of multiple screens at once, has led to that decline. But bilingual individuals may be able to buck that trend.
Researchers at the School of Psychology at the University of Birmingham suggest that bilingualism could lead to better sustained attention and attentional monitoring, thus improving students’ ability to remain focused and block out distractions.
Foreign languages and multi-tasking
Most adults likely need no reminder that the current world is one that requires an ability to multi-task. Learning a foreign language can make it easier to navigate that world. A 2012 study funded by the National Institutes of Health found that bilingual children had a greater ability to multi-task than monolingual children.
The NIH study utilized a switching task to gauge monolingual and bilingual children’s ability to pay attention, plan, organize, and strategize. Bilingual children were faster at switching than their monolingual counterparts, which could set them up to be more successful in a world that has increasingly valued the ability to multi-task.
Foreign language courses do more than teach kids how to speak a non-native tongue. The benefits of such courses on students’ brains are well-documented and can produce some immediate and long-lasting results.

Couple’s pandemic romance stumbles into rocky patch

Fri, 08/12/2022 - 10:14am

By Jeanne Phillips, ©United Features Syndicate

DEAR ABBY: My boyfriend, “Kirk,” and I have been dating exclusively for nearly two years and live together. We met during the pandemic, so for the first year or so, we mostly hung out — just the two of us. Since the world has opened back up, I’ve been encountering some problems now that we’re able to socialize with others.
Kirk often becomes silent and moody when we are around my friends. He’ll often leave early and abruptly without saying a proper goodbye. I find it incredibly rude. We’ve talked about it a number of times, but it continues. Kirk never acts this way around his own friends or family.
He also sometimes becomes terse, irritable and depressed when it’s just the two of us, typically before or during an outing. Because of this, a number of promising date nights have ended badly.
As his behavior continues, it makes me more and more angry. Kirk says this is just the way he is and he can’t be happy all the time. Is a relationship worth trying to save if you can’t consistently have fun with each other outside the house?
MYSTIFIED IN CALIFORNIA

DEAR MYSTIFIED: A relationship doesn’t have to be a laugh a minute to be successful. However, Kirk appears to be an introvert or possibly suffering from a social anxiety disorder, which would explain his behavior around your friends. If that’s the case, consider minimizing the amount of time and number of people he’s exposed to. What I find troubling is your statement that he sometimes becomes so terse and irritable, your dates are canceled at the last minute. This indicates (to me) that the romance may be cooling. The way to find out if it’s true would be simply to ask him.

DEAR ABBY: My mother’s side of the family are greedy, self-involved, narcissistic, self-important alcoholics. My mother “escaped” five years ago when she drank herself to death. My aunt was kind of a second mother to me because Mom wasn’t around much when I was growing up.
Since Mom passed, my aunt has been acting like she’s all alone and our family wants her around only for whatever she can do for them. I have never asked her for anything; I just enjoy her company. She is now facing a possible cancer diagnosis and saying that since she had no children and she’s done everything on her own, she’ll do this alone as well.
How can I get her to realize that while I’m not her child, I’m here for her for whatever she needs? I still haven’t gotten over my mom dying, and I know I couldn’t handle it if she were to pass, too. Then I really would have no family left. Any advice you could give me would be greatly appreciated.
DYSFUNCTIONAL IN KANSAS

DEAR DYSFUNCTIONAL: Pay your aunt a visit. Find out if that “possible” cancer diagnosis is definite. If it isn’t, thank your higher power. If it is, tell her you love her and are grateful for the love and support she has shown you when you needed it and that she’s not as alone as she thinks she is. Make clear that you will support her during this period in any way she needs if she will let you. That is all you can do without being intrusive.
***
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.

Stuff the Bus

Thu, 08/11/2022 - 10:09am

Back to school

The local 'Stuff the Bus' initiative.

Local authorities make arrests on drug, domestic charges

Wed, 08/10/2022 - 1:38pm

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.)

Morgan City and St. Mary Parish authorities reported four arrests on drug charges early this week.

Morgan City, Patterson and Franklin police each reported domestic violence arrests.

Morgan City

Interim Chief Mark E. Griffin Jr. reported that the Morgan City Police Department responded to 77 calls for service over the last 48-hour reporting period and made these arrests:

—Chase P. Bertrand, 36, Joey Street, Patterson, was arrested at 9:52 a.m. Monday on a charge of possession of methamphetamine.

—Shaddrick Neddie, 46, James Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 9:54 p.m. Monday on charges of possession of alprazolam, possession of an alcoholic beverage in a motor vehicle, no driver’s license and improper turning.

—Isaac Joseph Callais, 20, West 88th Place, Cut Off, was arrested at 3:25 p.m. Monday on charges of possession of marijuana, possession of cocaine, possession of amphetamine, possession of anabolic steroids, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a firearm in the presence of a controlled dangerous substance, speeding 78 mph in a 50 mph zone and improper lane usage.

—-Carl Wayne Allen Jr. 30, Wren Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 3 a.m. Tuesday on charges of domestic abuse battery, criminal damage to property and driving under suspension.

—Reva Shanna Thomas, 31, Duke Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 10:13 a.m. Monday on two counts of failure to appear for arraignment (6th Ward Morgan City Court).

—Elton Dion Jones Jr., 31, Franklin Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 1;53 p.m. Monday on charges of failure to appear for arraignment (6th Ward Morgan City Court) and failure to appear for review (16th Judicial District Court).

—William Eugene Pullanco, 56, Mebnie Street, Boutte, was arrested at 10:08 p.m. Monday on a charge of theft (under $1,000).

—Dakota Aubrey Daigle, 29, Second Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 10:27 a.m. Tuesday on a charge of failure to appear to pay fine (6th Ward Morgan City Court).

—Herbert Jermaine Brown, 39, La. 182, Morgan City, was arrested at 10:54 a.m. Tuesday on two counts of failure to appear to pay fine and one of failure to appear for arraignment (6th Ward Morgan City Court).

—Rosella Franklin, 21, Sixth Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 2:14 p.m. Tuesday on charges of failure to appear for arraignment (16th Judicial District Court) and failure to appear for trial (6th Ward Morgan City Court).

—Kerwing Benitze-Deleon, 22, Fourth Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 3:32 p.m. Tuesday on a charge of possession of drug paraphernalia and two counts of failure to appear to pay fine (6th Ward Morgan City Court).

—Brian Keith Kelly, 57, Fourth Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 10:36 p.m. Tuesday on charges of improper lighting and failure to appear for arraignment (6th Ward Morgan City Court).

St. Mary

Sheriff Blaise Smith reported that over the last 48-hour reporting period, the Sheriff’s Office responded to 70 complaints and made these arrests:

—Chad Williams, 33, Berwick, was arrested at 7:28 p.m. Monday by the Narcotics Section on charges of improper lane usage, no license plate, driving under suspension, no motorcycle endorsement, resisting an officer, illegal possession of stolen things (over $5,000) and possession of crack cocaine.

—Latasha Tenica Jones, 40, Berwick, was arrested at 6:50 a.m. Monday on a warrant alleging failure to appear on the charge of unlawful sale of tobacco to a
person under 18. Jones was released on a $500 bond.

—Delvin Devon Darby, 29, Franklin, was arrested at 2:17 p.m. Monday on an Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office warrant alleging failure to appear on the charge of second-degree rape. Darby is being held for another agency.

—Malika Paxton Hines, 36, Jeanerette, was arrested 4:58 p.m. Monday on a warrant alleging failure to appear on the charges of possession of synthetic cannabinoids. Hines was released on a $100 bond.

—Dejuan C. Bias Jr., 30, New Iberia, was arrested, at 9:37 p.m. Monday on a warrant alleging failure to appear on charges of theft, identity theft, driving under suspension and no taillights.

—Jermaine Antoine Peters, 47, Baldwin, was arrested at 8:11 a.m. Tuesday on a warrant alleging failure to register as a sex offender. Peters continues to be incarcerated at the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center.

--Vincent Latrell Watson Jr., 38, Gray, was arrested at 2:07 p.m. Tuesday on a parole violation for narcotics offenses. Watson is being held pending a hearing.

—Phillip Kenneth Lodrigue Jr., 42, Franklin, was arrested at 5:16 a.m. Wednesday on five warrants alleging failure to appear on charges of theft (less than $1,000), possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine (more than 28 grams), possession with intent to distribute marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, simple burglary of an inhabited dwelling and unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling.

Bail has not been set.

—Anthony Castle, 43, Houma, was arrested at 7:33 p.m. Tuesday by the Narcotics Section on a charge of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Patterson

Police Chief Garrett Grogan reported these arrests:

—Devan C. Washington, 44, N Street, Patterson, was arrested at 8:38 p.m. Tuesday on a warrant alleging failure to appear on the charges of leaving the scene of an accident and no proof of insurance. Washington is incarcerated at the Patterson PD Jail with bond set at $972.

—Ravendra Ramdass, 41, Red Cypress Road, Patterson, was arrested at 11: p.m. Tuesday on a charge of aggravated assault involving domestic violence. Ramdass is incarcerated at the Patterson PD Jail with no bond set.

Franklin

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

—Travis Sophus, 37, Ninth Street, Franklin, was arrested at 5:51 a.m. Tuesday on two counts of domestic abuse battery with child endangerment. Sophus was booked, processed and transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center.

Morgan City police radio logs for Aug. 8-10

Wed, 08/10/2022 - 1:28pm

The following are the radio dispatch logs from the Morgan City Police Department. To report unlawful or suspicious activity, call the Police Department at 985-380-4605.
Monday, Aug. 8
6:39 a.m. 300 block of Laurel Street; Theft.
9:05 a.m. 900 block of Frontage Road; Arrest.
10:08 a.m. 800 block of Brashear Avenue; Arrest.
10:13 a.m. Fifth Street; Complaint.
11:29 a.m. 100 block of Montana Street; Animal complaint.
12:34 p.m. 200 block of Florida Street; Lost item.
1:10 p.m. 100 block of First Street; 911 hang up.
1:14 p.m. Catherine Street; Animal com-plaint.
1:41 p.m. U.S. 90; Vehicle crash.
2:14 p.m. 1400 block of Federal Avenue; Complaint.
2:14 p.m. Sixth Street and Brashear Avenue; Vehicle crash.
2:36 p.m. 1000 block of Brashear Avenue; Alarm.
3:03 p.m. 1100 block of Marguerite Street; Complaint.
7:12 p.m. 1100 block of Front Street; Complaint.
8 p.m. Area of Fig Street; Complaint.
9:32 p.m. 7300 block of La. 182; Traffic stop/arrest.
10:04 p.m. 6400 block of La. 182; Shoplift-ing/summons.
Tuesday, Aug. 9
12:02 a.m. 200 block of Wren Street; Complaint.
1:08 a.m. 200 block of Wren Street; Disturb-ance.
1:47 a.m. 900 block of Cherry Street; Com-plaint.
2:38 a.m. 200 block of Wren Street; Com-plaint/arrest.
5:58 a.m. 1000 block of Brashear Avenue; Complaint.
6:47 a.m. 300 block of Franklin Street; Medical.
7:35 a.m. 100 block of Oak Street; Burglary.
8:41 a.m. 300 block of Fifth Street; Complaint.
9:06 a.m. 800 block of Brashear Avenue; Vehi-cle accident.
10:25 a.m. 6000 block of Brashear Avenue; Warrant.
12:06 p.m. La. 182 near Justa Street; Vehicle accident.
1:06 p.m. 300 block of Chennault Street; Medical.
1:50 p.m. 700 block of Sixth Street; Complaint.
1:51 p.m. Everett Street near Federal Avenue; Vehicle accident.
3:41 p.m. La. 70; War-rant.
4:57 p.m. Glenwood Street; Complaint.
5:22 p.m. 900 block of Seventh Street; Welfare check.
5:57 p.m. 1000 block of Eighth Street; Com-plaint.
7 p.m. 600 block of Fourth Street; Animal complaint.
7:51 p.m. 1000 block of Spruce Street; Com-plaint.
10:09 p.m. Area of South Railroad Avenue; Patrol request.
10:25 p.m. 7000 block of La. 182; Traffic stop/arrest.
10:53 p.m. 800 block of Willard Street; Complaint.
11:12 p.m. Area of Clements Street; Suspicious vehicle.
Wednesday, Aug. 10
1:03 a.m. 500 block of Duke Street; Patrol request.
4:05 a.m. 500 block of Brashear Avenue; Complaint.
4:51 a.m. 600 block of Martin Luther King Boulevard; Alarm.

GISELA MARIA LECHTENBOHMER TOERNER

Wed, 08/10/2022 - 10:57am

Gisela Maria Lechtenböhmer Toerner passed away peacefully in her sleep at age 94 on July 18, 2022 at her son’s home in Texas.
Gisela was predeceased by her father Hans Lechtenböhmer, her mother Hedwig Lechtenböhmer, her brother Hans-Ulrich Lechtenböhmer and her husband Robert Albert Toerner. She is survived by her four children: Yvette Keller and husband Emille Keller, Heidi Landry and husband Mike Landry, Robert Toerner and wife Linda Toerner, John Gerhardt Toerner and wife Kelly Bellard, eight grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 13th at Holy Cross Catholic church in Morgan City, La. at 11 a.m. Visitation will precede the funeral from 9-11 a.m. for family, friends and the community.