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Husband makes a connection as 17-year marriage teeters

DEAR ABBY: I have been married for 17 years with three great kids. My wife and I have struggled on and off during those 17 years.
I often feel like maybe I don’t love her. We are complete opposites. I’m adventurous, daring and extroverted. She denies me sex a lot. This last time was for four months.
During that time, I met someone who has the same adventurous spirit as I do. We have hung out and we text often. She’s currently getting a divorce. I’m falling for her and I have expressed it to her. She likes me, but she doesn’t want a relationship right now because she isn’t sure what she really wants. She’s also afraid we both won’t really leave our spouses if we start something.
I stopped texting her, but she said she will wait for me. How do I manage this because I’m hurting in my marriage and hurting by not texting her?
TORN IN OHIO

DEAR TORN: Inform your wife that the current status of your marriage is no longer acceptable.
Denying marital relations appears to be her way of punishing you, which is unfair, so offer her the option of marriage counseling. If she refuses, I hope you will go alone to help you decide rationally which, if any, next steps you want to take.
If you decide to leave your marriage, there is no guarantee the woman you have been seeing will follow through with her divorce, but let her know what your plans are. I should add that for many people, the first relationship after a divorce does not lead to marriage, if you’re contemplating jumping from the frying pan into the fire.

DEAR ABBY: I was a birth mom 45 years ago. My mother forced me to give up my child at birth. Not one person supported my wish to keep my child.
My heart and mind screamed, “No, don’t do it!” Now, the birth father says he’s sorry because he’s having serious health problems and thinks he could be dying. I have forgiven everyone involved, over and over. But I’ve lived with depression, PTSD, etc., all these years and I cry about it still. The older I get, the more loss I feel.
I found my adult child 15 years ago. It started out OK and went downhill from there. My heart aches so much to have a connection with this child of mine. I’m shutting down inside while still waiting. I’m too tired to keep going on. My dreams are gone. My hopes are shattered. I’m ready to curl up and die.
What can I do?
DESTROYED IN WASHINGTON

DEAR DESTROYED: I am sorry for your overwhelming pain. What you need to do — and quickly, before you shut down further — is summon the strength to seek help from a licensed mental health professional.
Forty-five years ago, attitudes about out-of-wedlock births were far different than they are today.
Neither you nor the father of that child were equipped to properly care for the baby. Because you have forgiven everyone else over and over, it is time to find a way to forgive yourself and put a stop to your endless grieving.
***
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.

St. Jude’s Horseshoe Tournament fundraiser

Kemper Williams Park
Patterson
April 9
Class A
First place, Tim Gil-more (tournament champion), Bayou Vista, 4 wins-1 loss, 59.0 ringer percentage; second place, Pat Pertuit, Marrero, 3-2, 37.5; and third place, Wanda Lantz, Marrero, 3-2, 44.5.
Class B
First, Mary Begnaud, Lacassine, 5-0, 40.0; second, Randy Giroir, Berwick, 3-2, 31.0; and third, Larry Pertuit, Marrero, 2-3, 25.0.
Class C
First, Linda Dodson, Morgan City, 4-1, 30.0; second, Dale Pearce, Bayou Vista, 3-2, 36.0; and third, Bobbie Rich-ard, Church Point, 3-2, 24.5.
Class D
First, Travis Bourdier, Patterson, 5-0, 22.5; second, Clay Weaver, Lacassine, 4-1, 13.5; and third, Glen Caillouet, Raceland, 2-3, 17.0.
Class E
First, David Bourdier, Patterson, 5-1, 16.0; second, Matthew Strick-land, Morgan City, 4-2, 12.0; and third, Joe Primeaux, Broussard, 3-2, 3.1.
Bourdier defeated Strickland in a 40-shoe playoff to claim class title.
Class F
First, Warren Ray-mond, Patterson, 5-0, 11.3; second, Kevin Kinslow, Morgan City, 4-1, 10.0; and third, Charlie Benoit, Jennings, 3-2, 4.8.

Student achievers: Jasper Russell

The Review/Bill Decker
Patterson High junior Jasper Russell recently achieved an ACT score that puts him in the top 5% of ACT-takers nationwide. The son of local Coast Guard commander Ben and Jennifer Russell, he is a three-year member of the football, power-lifting and track teams. He hopes to go on to Notre Dame with the goal of becoming a lawyer.

Do you know a student achiever? You can submit a picture and some details to
bdecker@daily-review.com.

Around Town for April 15

Happy birthday Jenni Miller and happy birthday Saturday to Jalina Miller, love, all your family and friends … Happy birthday Monday to Kim Romero, love, A.J., Annabelle and Abby … Happy birthday Tuesday to Diane Robichaux Fears, love, Elena, Audrey and all your family and friends … Happy birthday Monday to Stephanie Hawkins, Tuesday to Raven Minor, Agnes Maize and Ann Augustine, and belated happy birthday Cyd Broussard, Joseph Green and Angela Brown from family, friends and Ira.

Alabama State falls from NCAA Bowling Tournament

Central Catholic grad Emily Price and her Alabama State teammates fell from the NCAA Bowling Tournament in two matches last week. The Hornets were making their first NCAA tournament appearance.

Alabama State was eliminated by a pair of 2-0 losses to No. 3 Vanderbilt and Youngsville State in the Lansing, Michigan, Regional.

They qualified for the NCAA tournament by winning the Southwestern Athletic Conference Championship during tournament play March 25-27 in Arlington, Texas.

Alabama State finished its season with a 92-49 record.

Parish Council changes way traffic devices are installed or removed

FRANKLIN — The last echoes of the battle of the Bayou Vista stop signs didn’t quite fade away Wednesday. But one of the last shots was fired when the St. Mary Parish Council voted to change the way traffic control devices are changed.
Another piece of the puzzle will have to wait for another meeting.
Parish Councilman Scott Ramsey had been trying since November to remove stop signs in the Jupiter-Columbus area of Bayou Vista. He argued that too many stop signs aren’t just an inconvenience, but that they encourage people to ignore them.
Councilwoman Gwendolyn Hidalgo opposed the moves and came to a meeting armed with a petition signed by Bayou Vista residents. She and some of the residents responded to Ramsey’s proposal by saying the stop signs are needed to protect children and senior citizens.
At least two ordinances to remove stop signs went nowhere. But as Ramsey, an attorney, delved into the issue, he became convinced that St. Mary Parish wasn’t complying with state and federal guidance for the placement of traffic control devices.
“It was a moment of awakening,” Ramsey said after Wednesday’s meeting.
He spoke in favor of requiring review by a traffic engineer before traffic devices are either removed or installed.
Ramsey settled on an ordinance that says any council member who wants to have a traffic control device installed, changed or removed must file a written request with the parish chief administrative officer.
The request will be reviewed by a South Central Planning and Development Commission engineer. If the request is found to be in compliance with state law and in agreement with “experienced traffic engineering judgement,” an ordinance may be introduced.
Ramsey’s ordinance calling for the review passed 9-0. Members J Ina and Hidalgo were absent.
“This takes it out of the realm of any kind of political move to put up or take down signage ...,” Ramsey said. “Now St. Mary Parish is in compliance with the law and the rest of the country.”
Another ordinance, which Ramsey feels was directed at his attempts to change the stop signs, was tabled.
Hidalgo had introduced an ordinance that says any ordinance that is defeated by the council can’t come up again for 60 days. It was due for a passage vote Wednesday, but Ramsey suggested putting the vote off until Hidalgo, who missed the meeting because of an illness in her family, can be present.
Another skirmish was rejoined briefly Wednesday.
Parish President David Hanagriff told the council that he believes the Gravity Drainage District 2A board acted improperly when it accepted the donation of a small piece of land on behalf of Drainage District 6. That was one of two districts consolidated in 2020 in a controversial move favored by Hanagriff but opposed by some Parish Council members.
The consolidation merged District 6 in Amelia and District 2 in Morgan City.
The District 2A board reversed the decision to acccept the land for District 6, Hanagriff said. But he said a district official told him the original move was made because that’s what Parish Council members Kristi Prejeant Rink and Dean Adams wanted.
And that, Hanagriff said, raises questions about council interference in the workings of the drainage district.
“I can honestly say that I didn’t say that,” Rink said.
“Before someone brings any allegations,” Adams said, “he better come with something in writing, and it better be certified.”
Hanagriff has said opponents of the consolidation have made attacks on the board. Opponents say they believe the district isn’t complying with its commitment to keep money raised in Amelia in Amelia and money raised in Morgan City in Morgan City.
Also Wednesday:
—The council introduced ordinances setting three property tax rates for this year. They are: 5.72 mills for maintenance and support and 0.31 for debt service for the parish library system; 7.60 mills on property outside municipalities for general parish purposes; and 3.80 mills on property inside municipalities to support the criminal justice system.
—Councilman Rodney Olander praised state Rep. Vincent St. Blanc III and state Sen. Bret Allain, both R-Franklin, for their work to secure repair of La. 182 in the west part of the parish.
The work is now getting underway.
“So hallelujah, we’re finally getting a new road between Franklin and Centerville,” Olander said.

UPDATED: Sheriff's Office makes arrests on drug, burglary charges

(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.)

The St. Mary Parish Sheriff's Office made one arrest on multiple drug charges Wednesday and another on a burglary warrant.

St. Mary

Sheriff Blaise Smith reported that over the last 24-hour reporting period, the Sheriff's Office responded to 33 complaints and made these arrests:

--Joseph Edward Ramagos III, 36, Patterson, was arrested at 4:54 p.m. Wednesday on an Assumption Parish Sheriff's Office warrant alleging simple burglary. Ramagos is being held for another agency.

--Bobby Roy Lockett, 59, Baldwin, was arrested at 8:16 p.m. Wednesday on charges of driving under suspension and turning movements and required signals. Lockett was released on a summons to appear July 19.

--Ryan J. Kemp, 38, Morgan City, was arrested at 3:17 p.m. Wednesday by the Narcotics Section on charges of improper lane usage, possession with intent to distribute MDMA, possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, transactions involving drug proceeds, possession of cocaine and possession of a controlled dangerous substance in the presence of a minor.

Bail was set at $125,000.

Morgan City

Police Chief James F. Blair reported that the Morgan City Police Department responded to 38 calls for service over the last 24-hour reporting period and made these arrests:

—Quintin Dewayne Douglas, 30, Tiffany Street, Patterson, was arrested at 1:20 p.m. Wednesday on a 6th Ward Morgan City Court warrant alleging failure to appear for trial.

—Chameka Renea Diggs, 23, Lake Palourde Road, Amelia, was arrested at 3:46 p.m. Wednesday on a 6th Ward Morgan City Court warrant alleging two counts of failure to appear for trial.

—Daphanie Rhone, 33, Magnolia Street, Beaumont, Texas, was arrested at 6:01 p.m. Wednesday on charges of possession of marijuana and no driver’s license.

Franklin

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

—Traci Sauce, 35, Lee Charles Street, Franklin, was arrested at 8:44 a.m. Wednesday on a warrant dated April 7 alleging two counts of violation of a protective order and two counts of intimidating a witness. Sauce was booked, processed and transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center.

—Jessica Trahan, 36, Santa Clara Street, New Iberia, was arrested at 12:16 a.m. Thursday on a warrant dated Feb. 13 alleging remaining where forbidden. Trahan was booked, processed, and held on a $500 bond.

Morgan City police radio logs for April 13

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.
Wednesday, April 13
6:50 a.m. Marguerite Street; Disturbance.
7:30 a.m. Martin Lu-ther King down ramp; Stalled vehicle.
8:53 a.m. 300 block of Patton Street; Animal complaint.
8:58 a.m. 900 block of Spruce Street; Medical.
10:42 a.m. Eighth and Clothilde streets; Suspicious person.
10:49 a.m. 800 block of Ditch Avenue; Animal complaint.
11:19 a.m. La. 182 and Brashear Avenue; Complaint.
Noon Martin Luther King Boulevard near La. 182; Traffic accident.
Noon Willow Street; Alarm.
Noon Bernice Street; Frequent patrol.
12:32 p.m. Fifth Street near Railroad Avenue; Animal complaint.
12:46 p.m. 7100 block of Railroad Avenue; Disturbance.
1:02 p.m. 1400 block of Federal Avenue; Animal complaint.
2:38 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Complaint.
3:38 p.m. Area of Federal Avenue and Onstead Street; Complaint.
3:55 p.m. 1000 block of Greenwood Street; Complaint.
3:56 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Theft.
5:16 p.m. Area of Fourth Street; Complaint.
5:28 p.m. 200 block of Onstead Street; Complaint.
5:50 p.m. Area of U.S. 90 West; Stalled vehicle.
6:52 p.m. 700 block of Marshall Street; Complaint.
7:06 p.m. 500 block of Marshall Street; Frequent patrols.
7:29 p.m. 1200 block of David Drive; Alarm.
7:45 p.m. 600 block of Fourth Street; Complaint.
8:24 p.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Complaint.
8:53 p.m. 2300 block of La. 70; Complaint.
11:14 p.m. 500 block of Roderick Street; Medical.

SHABONNIE JORI SHEPPARD

Shabonnie Jori Sheppard, 36, a native of Chicago and resident of Morgan City, died Monday, March 28, 2022, at her residence.
Visitation will be Saturday from 9 a.m. until services at 10 a.m. at Jones Funeral Home in Morgan City. Masks and social distancing required.
She is survived by a son, Jeriel White of Morgan City; mother, Carolyn Smith of Chicago; siblings, LaSandra Smith, Lucretia Briscoe, Chinetta Smith, Shanette Dorsett, Shamella Welch, Joseph Smith, Abdulla Dorsett and Yree Dorsett; and a host of other relatives.
She was preceded in death by her father and four siblings.
Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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

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