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Victim of physical violence still wrestles with impact

Wed, 06/29/2022 - 8:31am

By Jeanne Phillips, ©United Features Syndicate

DEAR ABBY: Many years ago, I was the victim of a violent assault that my then-11-year-old daughter witnessed. It traumatized both of us, but me, the worst. I completely dove off the deep end. I started drinking and smoking pot, and quit going to church. My whole personality changed. I dumped every moment with my children I could onto my husband so I could go out with my “friends” to clubs, bars, concerts or parties. I then started having affairs with many different people, including women. My husband knew about all of it, and despite the torture and pain I put him through, he stayed with me.
Years later, I have managed to slowly heal from that devastating assault. I have found true joy in my children and being a mom again. I don’t party, drink or smoke anymore. But one thing has become clear: I’m no longer sexually attracted to my husband. I love him very much, but the thought of being intimate with him grosses me out. It makes me so uncomfortable. I don’t even like it when he tries to caress me. It has been like this for a year. But I do love holding hands with him and cuddling with him.
I feel bad because I know he has needs, but I just can’t bring myself to get physical with him. I’ve actually thought that leaving him might be necessary because he has never fully healed from what I’ve done, and I’m still struggling with finding other men attractive. Abby, what do I do?
PUTTING THE PIECES BACK TOGETHER

DEAR PUTTING: Please accept my sympathy for what happened to you. I am struck by the fact that nowhere in your letter did you mention receiving counseling after the assault. If you didn’t, please seek a referral to a licensed mental health professional now so you can understand the connection between what you experienced in your assault and your lack of feelings for your husband. You owe it to both of you.
Go online and search on “services for victims of crime” in your state. Help is available through these resources. Alternatively, your physician or health insurance provider can give you a referral. Explain to your husband that the problem isn’t him — it’s you — and you will be getting help for it. Please don’t wait to reach out because help is available.

DEAR ABBY: My 45-year-old son is getting married to a lovely girl. More good news: She is an heiress and in a financial bracket that I can never compete with. They are having a big wedding. I need help finding a gift that will have meaning to them. They already have a house, fancy trips and everything they need.
BAFFLED IN OHIO

DEAR BAFFLED: Because you’re not an heiress, consider giving them something money can’t buy — something personal. If she cooks when they’re not traveling or has someone to do it for them, a collection of your family’s recipes — especially your son’s favorites — might be appreciated. And if they plan to start a family later on, consider giving his wife his baby book if you made one for him.
***
What teens need to know about sex, drugs, AIDS and getting along with peers and parents is in “What Every Teen Should Know.” Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 to: Dear Abby, Teen Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447.

Bayou Horseshoe Pitchers scores

Tue, 06/28/2022 - 3:01pm

Bayou Horseshoe Pitchers Association
Spring League
Week 8
.................................W L
If The Shoe Fits........40 32
3 Tigers & A Dawg....39 33
X-Men......................37.5 34.5
Old Dawgs .............36.5 35.5
Inconsistent..........34.5 37.5
Underdogs.............28.5 .43.5
High scratch point average: (30’) Tim Gilmore 81.3, Jimmy Percle 52.5 and Angela Percle 47.7; and (40’) Dwain Arceneaux 48.9, Dale Pearce 48.6 and Randy Giroir 47.6.
High individual ringer percentage: (30’) Gilmore 61.3, J. Percle 32.0 and A. Percle 22.9; and (40’) Pearce 30.7, Arceneaux 29.6 and Landry 26.7.
High scratch game: (30’) Gilmore 95, A. Percle 69 and J. Percle 67; and (40’) Arceneaux 66, Pearce 63, Landry 61 and Clay Canty 61.
Most ringers: (one night) Gilmore 82, J. Percle 47, Pearce 45 and Arceneaux 43; and (one game) Gilmore 29, J. Percle 19, Pearce 18, Arceneaux 18, Landry 16, Giroir 16, A. Percle 16, Canty 15 and Glenn Miller 15.
Most points one night: Gilmore 264, J. Percle 179, Pearce 174, Landry 163, Arceneaux 163 and A. Percle 159; and best won/loss record: Landry 11-3, Arceneaux 14-7, Gilmore 15-9, Kevin Kinslow 14.5-9.5 and Craig Rink 10-7.
Most points one night – team: Old Dawgs 527 and Underdogs 440; most ringers one night – team: Old Dawgs 130 and Underdogs 96; and high game over average: Kinslow 22.9 and Mary Guzdial 22.4.

Week 9
....................................W L
If The Shoe Fits ..........46 35
Old Dawgs.................42.5 38.5
3 Tigers & A Dawg......42 39
X-Men........................42 39
Inconsistent ...............37.5 43.5
Underdogs .33 48
High scratch point average: (30’) Tim Gilmore 81.1, Jimmy Percle 52.5 and Angela Percle 47.5; and (40’) Dwain Arceneaux 49.4, Dale Pearce 48.9 and Clyde Landry 48.6.
High individual ringer percentage: (30’) Gilmore 61.1, J. Percle 32.0 and A. Percle 23.1; and (40’) Pearce 31.2, Arceneaux 30.3 and Landry 28.2.
High scratch game: (30’) Gilmore 95, A. Percle 69 and J. Percle 67; and (40’) Arceneaux 66, Landry 65 and Pearce 63.
Most ringers: (one night) Gilmore 82, J. Percle 47, Pearce 45, Arceneaux 43 and Land-ry 43; and (one game) Gilmore 29, J. Percle 19, Pearce 18, Arceneaux 18, Landry 17, Giroir 16 and A. Percle 16.
Most points one night: Gilmore 264, J. Percle 179, Landry 176, Pearce 174 and Arceneaux 163; and best won-loss record: Landry 14-4, Gilmore 18-9, Kevin Kinslow 17-10, Arceneaux 15-9 and Craig Rink 1-7.
Most points one night – team: Old Dawgs 527 and Underdogs 440; most ringers one night – team: Old Dawgs 130, Underdogs 96 and Inconsistent 96; and high game over aver-age: Tyler Bourdier 25.7 and A. Percle 22.4.

Week 10
....................................W....... L
If The Shoe Fits .......52.5 37.5
3 Tigers & A Dawg ....48.5 42
Old Dawgs ................45 45
X-Men .......................45 45
Inconsistent ..............41.5 48.5
Underdogs..................38 52
High scratch point average: (30’) Tim Gilmore 81.2, Jimmy Percle 52.5 and Angela Percle 47.5; and (40’) Dwain Arceneaux 49.7, Clyde Landry 49.2 and Randy Giroir 46.2.
High individual ringer percentage: (30’) Gilmore 60.9, J. Percle 32.0 and A. Percle 23.1; and (40’) Pearce 31.7, Arceneaux 31.0 and Landry 29.0.
High scratch game: (30’) Gilmore 95, A. Percle 69 and J. Percle 67; and (40’) Arceneaux 66, Landry 65 and Pearce 63.
Most ringers: (one night) Gilmore 82, J. Percle 47, Pearce 45, Arceneaux 43 and Land-ry 43; and (one game) Gilmore 29, J. Percle 19, Pearce 18, Arceneaux 18, Landry 17, Giroir 16 and A. Percle 16.
Most points one night: Gilmore 264, J. Percle 179, Landry 176, Pearce 174 and Arceneaux 163; and best won-loss record: Landry 15.5-5.5, Gilmore 19.5-10.5, Craig Rink 13-7, Arceneaux 17-10 and Hilton Rhodes 11-7.
Most points one night – team: Old Dawgs 527 and Underdogs 440; and most ringers one night – team: Old Dawgs 130, Underdogs 96 amd Inconsistant 96; and high game over average: Tyler Bourdier 25.7 and A. Percle 22.4.

Jeremy Alford: Session's final act awaits lawmakers' override decision

Tue, 06/28/2022 - 2:17pm

JEREMY ALFORD

All of the high-profile issues from this year’s regular session, from guns and transgender athletes to vaccines and abortion, are settled. Lawmakers have done their part and Gov. John Bel Edwards has put pen to paper on the matters the House and Senate sent him.

The only thing left to do is wait on lawmakers. Every year the Louisiana Constitution calls for a veto override session to be held 40 days following the adjournment of a regular session. This year, that would place the veto session on July 16 — unless lawmakers return ballots sent to them by their respective chambers to cancel the veto session.

Those ballots are expected to go out this week, and lawmakers will have until July 11 to respond. Should lawmakers go into a veto session, an override of a gubernatorial veto would require a two-thirds majority vote, meaning 70 votes in the House and 26 in the Senate.

Edwards vetoed 26 measures related to this year’s regular session and applied line-item vetoes to one other budget bill. That’s a heck of a haul, but falls short of his own single-session record of 28 vetoes during the 2021 regular session.
It’s no coincidence that Edwards’ vetoes have spiked over the past two years, especially as distrust between the Executive and Legislative branches grew right alongside the trend.

During the last two regular sessions alone, Edwards issued 54 vetoes. That number is a testament to the mood of the Capitol. By comparison, the 14 preceding regular and special sessions dating back to 2016 yielded just 52 vetoes by Edwards.

This year, at least, the governor had plenty of material to work with. For example, in the meta moment of the session, Edwards vetoed legislation by Rep. Alan Seabaugh of Shreveport that would have changed the procedures for gubernatorial vetoes.

But what really caught the attention of conservative lawmakers were the vetoes of HB 54 by Rep. Larry Bagley of Stonewall and SB 141 by Sen. Jay Morris of Monroe, both of which addressed issues related to vaccination status. Republicans were likewise miffed at Edwards’ decision to ax a pair of proposed education savings accounts for students with disabilities (HB 194 and SB 203).

Pastors across the state worked the phones last week when Edwards vetoed Seabaugh’s HB 953, which outlined the “free exercise of religion.” Supporters believe the state Supreme Court has already sided with this concept and they were disappointed by the veto.

In response to the latest round of vetoes, the House’s Conservative Caucus is aggressively calling for a veto override session. “The Conservative Caucus has always supported and defended our Republican colleagues,” said Chairman Jack McFarland of Winnfield, “and if the majority of Republicans in the House and Senate thought these bills were worthy of becoming law, then we should all band together to ensure that becomes reality.”

Other lawmakers, such as Speaker Clay Schexnayder of Gonzales, believe veto sessions should become the norm. A veto session is just part of a healthy relationship between branches, he has argued — and he’s not alone in this thinking.

“Overriding the vetoes is not about politics,” said Rhonda Butler of Turkey Creek, “it’s about checks and balances and serving the people who elected us to be their voice in Baton Rouge.”

Meanwhile, Edwards finally signed the highly anticipated abortion legislation in SB 342 last week. Lawmakers were eagerly awaiting his decision, especially if it would have been a veto.

That said, could lawmakers still actually end up in another override session? With so many vetoes aimed at representatives, there’s growing support in the lower chamber to return to Baton Rouge.

“It just depends on the Senate,” said Seabaugh. “I think the House will not send the ballots in to cancel the veto session. The House usually doesn’t. In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever sent one in.”

After a tough few months of redistricting drama, State Police investigations and the usual politics of Capitoland, however, most lawmakers sound like they’re ready to stay home and enjoy the start of summer. Given the unpredictable nature veto sessions and high cost to taxpayers, that may be for the best.

To learn more about the vetoes from the current session, click here.

For more on vetoes by session and governors dating back to 1975, the first full year under our latest Constitution, check out this compilation prepared by the David R. Poynter Legislative Research Library.

For more Louisiana political news, visit www. LaPolitics.com or follow Alford on Twitter @ LaPoliticsNow.

Planned Morgan City outage now midnight Friday

Tue, 06/28/2022 - 1:46pm

Staff Report

Morgan City officials say a planned citywide power outage early Friday is needed to repair damage that led to an unplanned citywide blackout in March.

The Morgan City government Facebook page announced that the planned outage will begin at midnight Friday -- the midnight at the beginning of Friday -- and will last four to five hours at the longest.

In his own Facebook post, Mayor Lee Dragna described the four- to five-hour estimate is the worst case.

A statement from Ochsner St. Mary said the hospital is prepared for the outage.

The city government said people with medical needs that require electricity, including oxygen therapy, should make preparations in advance.

The March blackout, which lasted for six hours, happened after trees fell on the main line that brings power into the city from Cleco. The damaged portion of the line is near Morgan City Cemetery.

Part of the damage was sustained by a ground wire that offers lightning protection.

The falling trees “caused the breakage of our static line (the little line way on top approximately 125’ off the ground),” Dragna said in his post. “The static line is our protection from lightning strikes.

“If our feed line gets hit by lightning, we will be down for a long time. We have to get this done before hurricanes or lightning storms come.”

Dragna said the beginning time for the outage, which was originally 10 p.m. Thursday, was chosen in order to be sure the work is done before businesses open Friday morning.

The work can’t be done when power is moving through the line because it carries 100,000 volts.

Contractors are coming in to do the work. “We will have everything set up a couple days before they get here and we will assist them to get this done quickly and efficiently,” Dragna wrote.

Ochsner St. Mary said in a statement that it will be business as usual during the upcoming power outage. The hospital will provide all services including emergency care if needed.

“The hospital strives to always be prepared for power outages and patient safety is our highest priority,” the hospital said. “We have two standby generators that are tested weekly. These generators will provide power to the emergency circuits in the hospital. These circuits include life support equipment, patient comfort equipment, lighting, and other necessities.”

Central Catholic honors graduates

Tue, 06/28/2022 - 1:42pm

Submitted Photos
These photos show the summa cum laude, magna cum laude and cum laude honors graduates at Central Catholic High School. Commencement ceremonies were conducted May 21. Photos of scholarship recipients and award-winners appeared in the June 22 and June 24 editions of the Review.

M C Bank is a festival sponsor

Tue, 06/28/2022 - 1:39pm

Submitted Photo
M C Bank recently presented the Louisiana Shrimp and Petroleum Festival with a sponsorship check. Pictured from left are Katie Case, assistant festival director; Martin Vasquez, director of loans and compliance; Harold Smith, senior commercial relationship manager; Hailee Thomas, festival executive director; and Travis Richard, chief operations officer.

Cleco tip: Unplug devices when you can

Tue, 06/28/2022 - 1:37pm

The Cleco Watt Matters energy-savings campaign continues with a third focus area: Unplug It!

To increase energy savings, Cleco customers are encouraged to Unplug It! when it comes to idle electronics, appliances and other miscellaneous devices consuming electricity around-the-clock, even when they are not being used.

Unplug It! is the third focus area of Cleco’s energy-savings campaign, Watt Matters, a five-part series on residential programs and individual actions customers can take to use less energy and lower their monthly bills. It follows the second focus area,

Turn It Off!, which encouraged customers to turn off lights and appliances when not in use, and the first focus area, Replace It!, which urged customers to replace outdated appliances and devices with energy efficient alternatives.

Each focus area is promoted in three-week increments.

Electric power consumed this way is known as “standby power,” and it accounts for 5 to 10% of residential energy use, costing the average American household up to $100 per year, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

“The most unassuming household items are the ones that drain our energy supply and increaseour bills,” said Andre Guillory, vice president and chief customer officer. “Cleco’s team of energy efficiency experts and customer experience representatives are excited to share more little-known details like this from our Watt Matters energy-saving campaign, as well as the benefits available through our Power Wise energy efficiency and Budget Billing programs.”

Energy saving tips:

--Make an inventory of all electrical appliances and devices in each room of your living space.

Then, unplug all equipment that is not used regularly. This strategy will help you reduce your standby power energy usage and save money.

--Use energy-saving devices such as advanced power strips and smart sockets to shut off energy to devices that are not in use. Visit www.cleco.com/wattmatters for more suggestions.

You can take Cleco’s quick online home energy audit to see where you can cut energy waste, www.cleco.com/homeenergyaudit.

KATHERINE 'KATHY' LACOSTE OUBRE

Tue, 06/28/2022 - 1:35pm

August 10, 1948 — June 26, 2022

Katherine “Kathy” Lacoste Oubre, 73, a resident of Morgan City, passed away peacefully, Sunday, June 26, 2022 at Audubon Health and Rehabilitation in Thibodaux.

Kathy was born August 10, 1948, the daughter of Joseph Lacoste and Florence “Teelee” Rulf Lacoste.

Kathy retired from the Bayou L’Ourse Primary School as a teacher’s aide. She took great pride in her job and was blessed to make some wonderful, long-lasting friendships along the way. Kathy enjoyed cooking, baking, and playing Pokeno with her friends. Her grandchildren meant the world to her.

Kathy will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her husband of 40 years, Woodrow P. Oubre Jr. of Morgan City; two daughters, Sheila Oubre (Theresa Brignac) of Paulina, LA and Dawn Hebert (Eric) of Prairieville, LA; two sons, Darron Oubre (Stacey) of Port Allen, LA and Shane Oubre (Melanie Tabor) of Seattle, WA; brother, Carl Lacoste (Jan); seven grandchildren, Ashton Leger (Brianna), Jacob Oubre, Samantha Stevens (Joe), Jordan Oubre (Brandi), Mason Oubre (Kaitlyn), Finley Hebert, Liam Hebert; five great-grandchildren, Freya Leger, Nathanial Stevens, Ryder Oubre, Aurora Oubre, and Andromeda Stevens.

Kathy was preceded in death by her father, Joseph Lacoste.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, June 30, 2022 at Holy Cross Catholic Church with Father Francis Kayaye. Visitation will be held Thursday, June 30, 2022 from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. After Mass, Kathy will be laid to rest in the Morgan City Cemetery Mausoleum.

RONALD LESTAGE

Tue, 06/28/2022 - 1:32pm

Ronald Lestage, a resident of Bayou Vista, passed away after a lengthy illness.
He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 50 years, Monica; son, Kris Lestage and wife Kristen; daughter, Ashley and husband Grant Sherman; honorary daughter, Cherie Lestage; grandchildren, Nicholas and Abby Lestage, Sophia Sherman; sister, Sherry Picou and husband Rousell, Sandra Hill, Linda Lestage, and Pam Chelette; brothers, Kevin Mitchell and wife Nancy, Jeff Guilliotte and wife Cheryl; Jason Lestage; step-mother, Faye.
He will be welcomed in heaven by his dad, Joseph Gilmer Lestage Jr.; mom, Elaine Mitchell; sister, Charlotte Graham; two brothers, Harrison Lestage and Chuck Mitchell.
The family wishes to thank Joe Mayon, Thayer Pisani, and Daryl Plaisance who always made time to visit Ronald.
Private graveside services were held Saturday, June 25, 2022 at Morgan City Cemetery.

Morgan City police radio logs for June 27

Tue, 06/28/2022 - 12:37pm

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, June 27
6:26 a.m. 7000 block of La. 182; 911 hang up.
6:28 a.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Arrest.
8:41 a.m. 400 block of Adams Street; Burglary.
9:30 a.m. 2100 block of Cedar Street; Theft.
9:41 a.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Arrest.
10:45 a.m. 1100 block of Levee Road; Theft.
12:31 p.m. 800 block of S Everett Street; Complaint.
12:44 p.m. 7200 block of La. 182; Complaint.
12:45 p.m. 6300 block of La. 182; 911 hang up.
1:22 p.m. 800 block of Brashear Avenue; Complaint.
2:15 p.m. Federal Avenue; Complaint.
3:37 p.m. 7700 block of La. 182; Subject removal.
4:11 p.m. 500 block of First Street; Complaint.
4:41 p.m. 900 block of Belanger Street; Medical.
4:44 p.m. 200 block of Everett Street; Carnal knowledge of a juvenile.
5:50 p.m. 1100 block of Sixth Street; Complaint.
7:40 p.m. Federal Avenue and Everett Street; Complaint.
9:15 p.m. 1000 block of Greenwood Street; Complaint.
9:35 p.m. 7700 block of La. 182; Complaint.
9:37 p.m. Idaho near Kentucky streets; Traffic stop/arrest.
9:48 p.m. 900 block of Short Street; Animal complaint.
9:56 p.m. 600 block of Fourth Street; Noise complaint.
10:44 p.m. 7300 block of La. 182; Assistance.