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FEMA home repair advice available at Morgan City, Chauvin hardware stores

Fri, 12/17/2021 - 9:39am

If you are repairing or rebuilding your home over the holidays, you can get expert advice from FEMA mitigation specialists at local hardware stores in Chauvin and Morgan City. Disaster survivors doing work on their homes after Hurricane Ida can talk with FEMA mitigation specialists about their damage and discuss how to best reduce risk in future disasters.

From Monday through Thursday, Dec. 20–23, mitigation advisors will give tips about rebuilding and protecting homes from future disaster-related damage such as high winds and water. They will also have information about selecting contractors, flood insurance, roof repair and other topics. No appointment is needed.

In Morgan City , FEMA Mitigation Specialists will be available from 8 a.m.–6:30 p.m. at:
Scott's Ace Hardware
1101 Highway 90 E
Morgan City, LA 70380

Specialists are available in Chauvin 7 a.m. – 4:30 p.m at:
Chauvin Brothers
5573 LA-56
Chauvin, LA 70344

FELICIA LANETTE SOTO

Fri, 12/17/2021 - 9:24am

Felicia Lanette Soto, 28, a native of Arizona and resident of Morgan City, died Thursday, Dec. 2, 2021.
She is survived by her father, Edward Soto of Morgan City; mother, Laurie Martinez; step-mother, Jada Soto of Morgan City; two chil-dren, Braden and Brooklyn Soto of Morgan City; one brother, Gabriel Soto of Texas; three sisters, Selena Martinez of Texas, Breea Soto of Morgan City and Leticia Soto of Arizona; one stepbrother, Tyler Guerin; two stepsisters, Jalynn Roe and Victoria Cavalier; maternal grandmother, Gloria Martinez; and a host of other relatives.
Private services will be held.

MARY ANN BULLOCK FORET

Fri, 12/17/2021 - 9:20am

Mary Ann Bullock Foret, 62, a resident of Patterson, died Saturday, Dec. 11 2021.
She is survived by her husband, Raymond Foret; and siblings, Tunie Bullock, James Bullock, Nathaniel Clark, Bruce Bullock, Joel Bullock Jr. and Nelie Bullock.
She was preceded in death by her parents and five siblings.
Memorial visitation will be Tuesday from noon until services at 3 p.m. at Hargrave Funeral Home, who is in charge of arrangements.

Around Town for Dec. 17

Fri, 12/17/2021 - 9:03am

Happy birthday Glenda Hasley and happy birthday Saturday to Aleryla Ruffin from family, friends and Ira.

Hartley-Alleman to wed Dec. 18

Fri, 12/17/2021 - 8:51am

Rick and Rogena Hartley of Morgan City wish to announce the engagement and forthcoming marriage of their daughter, Hannah Thi Irene Hartley, to Justin Alleman, son of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Alleman of Denham Springs. The wedding will take place at 4:30 p.m. Dec. 18 at Arlington Historic Home & Gardens in Franklin.

Petroleum League, Guys & Dolls, He's and She's bowling scores

Fri, 12/17/2021 - 8:51am

PETROLEUM LEAGUE
Week 9 (Nov. 24)
.......................................W L
Three Hole Terror ..........44 19
M & P CPA’s..................44 19
M.C. Paint & Body ........ 41 22
Spare Change ............. 40 23
Antebellum Renov..........40 23
Johnny’s Wrecker ..........38 25
Mrs. Marie’s Children .... 35 28
Lickety Split.....................34 29
G and T’s Pro Shop ........ 33 30
Frames Sports Bar ......... 32 31
1st Resp. Heat/Cool.........30 33
MISTRAS.......................29 34
YMFT ..............................28 35
Conrad Industries ...........28 35
Allen’s TV Cable ...........26 37
Chabill’s.........................26 37
Vintage Firearms .........25 38
That’s How we Roll ......21 42
Kant Get Rite................19 44
Bye............................... 15 48
High scores: Anthony Falgout Jr. 201, 265, 246 games, (712) series; Andrew Levron 207, 259, 246, (712); Seth Hebert 225, 255, 220, (700); Kenny Keton 243, 247, 208; Kirk Trahan 238, 224, 225; Jerry Pillaro 235, 206, 235; Jerry Colwart 221, 219, 235; Thad Torres 234, 212, 220; Jared Gilmore 221, 235, 206; Adam Adams 203, 227, 227; Kyle Franks 214, 214, 225; Britt Pellegrin 277, 212; David Boudreaux 235, 279; Guy Guffey 257, 217; Patrick Gray 244, 206; Tate Dupre 215, 239; Yanick Williams 206, 215; Bobby Rotolo 225, 217; Brian Clause 248; Cormet Fruge’ 245; Jimmy Caillouet 238; Brett Franks 237; Gerard Labit 226; Joey Boudreaux 224; Desiree Jones 222; Jason Pye 215; Josh Mayon 214; Gretchen Corbin 208; Tamara Aucoin 207; Larry Deslatte Jr. 203; and John Guidry 203.
Week 10 (Dec. 1)
.........................................W L
M&P CPA’s .....................51 19
Three Hole Terror.............48 22
Antbellum Renov............. 45 25
Spare Change ............... 44 26
M.C. Paint & Body............44 26
Mrs. Marie’s Children.......42 28
Johnny’s Wrecker............ 42 28
G and T’s Pro Shop..........38 32
Lickety Split......................36 34
Frames Sports Bar............34 36
YMFT................................33 37
MISTRAS ........................32 38
1st Resp. Heat/Cool ........32 38
Vintage Firearms ............ 30 40
Conrad Industries ...........30 40
Chabill’s.......................... 29 41
Allen’s TV Cable..............26 44
Kant Get Rite................... 24 46
That’s How we Roll ..........23 47
Bye ................................ 15 55
High scores: Dustin Haynes 247, 248, 279 games, (774) series; Rick Sartwell 258, 224, 258, (740); Jerry Pillaro 247, 235, 255, (737); Tate Dupre 204, 259, 267, (730); Jared Gilmore 278, 264, (726); Ken Keton Sr. 200, 236, 279, (715); Seth Hebert 215, 265, 200; Brett Franks 235, 220, 226; Gerard Labit 269, 215; Thad Torres 259, 213; Anthony Falgout Jr. 244, 223; Tamara Aucoin 223, 231; Kenny Keton 247, 211; Kirk Trahan 229, 247; Kevin Franks 209, 242; Joey Boudreaux 205, 227; Britt Pellegrin 215, 222; Larry Deslatte III 211, 221; Guy Guffey 213, 203; Mark Kleimann 287; Bubba Colwart 256; Hunter Boudreaux 245; Kyle Franks 244; Adam Adams 237; Brett Keton 231; Blake Guidry 222; Dustin Landry 220; Jerry Gray 217; and Robby Angelette 214.
HE’S & SHE’S LEAGUE
Week 10 (Nov. 12)
................................... W L
Family Ties...................26 14
Dad & His Girl’s .......... 24 16
Steelwood Lanes........ 23 17
Late Comers................23 17
The Outlaws .............21 15
Split Happens ............. 20 20
L&G Lumber................ 20 20
Phenyx Strykers...........19 21
Swole Patrol ............... 19 21
All in The Family.......... 18 22
Not Yet.........................16 24
M-L-M..........................16 24
Bon Terre Credit......... 14 26
Individual high scores: Chandler Delaune 278, 268, 219 games, (765) series; Rick Sartwell 221, 267, 236, (724); Jonathan Spinella 212, 238, 246, (696); Robert Rotolo 214, 224, 242, (680); Adam Adams 221, 211, 221, (653); Mike Stegall 203, 212; Tamara Aucoin 203, 205; Brandon Delaune 290; Clay Westerman 236; MacKenzie Amador 226; Chris Mayon 225; Kelli Stegall 218; Gage Hirschmann 216; Mark Hebert 208; Jayson Hidalgo 202; and Miles Powell 201.
Week 11 (Nov. 19)
...................................... W L
Steelwood Lanes..............27 17
Dad & His Girl’s................ 27 17
Family Ties.........................26 18
L&G Lumbe...................... 24 20
Split Happens................... 24 20
The Outlaws.......................24 20
Late Comers .................... 24 20
Swole Patrol ....................20 24
Phenyx Strykers................19 25
All in The Family .............19 25
M-L-M..............................19 25
Not Yet.............................17 27
Bon Terre Credit.............17 27
Individual high scores: Kelli Stegall 231, 245, 200, (676); Rick Sartwell 209, 218, 235, (662); Chris Mayon 279, 210; Robert Rotolo 221, 257; Adam Adams 226, 225; Mike Stegall 225, 223; Angela Fields 210, 204; Mark Corbin 235; Gage Hirschmann 227; Gretchen Corbin 224; Jonathan Spinella 222; Jayson Hidalgo 216; Murray Hebert 212; Tamara Aucoin 212; Bruce Rentrop 203; and Joseph Hollier 200.

GUYS & DOLL’S LEAGUE
Week 11 (Dec. 2)
.....................................W L
SWAT.........................32½ 11½
House Bowlton ..............31 13
Eric’s Team...................27 17
SNAFU..........................24 20
All in the Family..............23 21
Naughty But Nice...........23 21
Bach’s ......,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,23 21
Johnny’s Wrecker,,,,,,,,,,,,,,22 22
On Strike ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,22 22
Dilligaf .............................22 22
Boss..................................22 22
CSFM................................20 24
Boudreaux’s Busters ......20 24
Clean Money Strikes ......18½ 25½
Hensgens Brothers ..........15 29
Jerry’s Kids ......................14 30
Coastwide Intl....................13 31
High scores: (male) Andrew Levron 300, 211, 212, (723); Kenny Keton 255, 247, 205, (707); Ryan Martin 213, 247, 237; Jeremy Dykes 225, 237, 212; Yanick Williams 243, 203, 221; Dustin Haynes 225, 202, 245; Kelvin Smith 224, 264; Gerald Wiese, Sr. 214, 246; Marlon Hinton 233, 220; Thad Torres 205, 253; Jarrad Hebert 216, 201; Glen Robinson 206, 200; Jerry Colwart 233; Connor Cheramie 233; Gerard Labit 231; Jerry Livas 224; Jerry Pillaro 224; Johnny Lirette 216; Larry Jones Sr. 215; Adam Adams 214; Chris Daigle 212; Willie Rack 211; Sean Torgrimson Sr. 209; Trevor Rhodes 207; and David Laubach Sr. 204; and (female) Julie LaCoste 222; Angela Fields 207; and Pam Hensgens 203.

Get It Growing: Tractor seat plant brings color to fall, winter

Fri, 12/17/2021 - 8:49am

By HEATHER KIRK-BALLARD, LSU AgCenter Horticulturist

If you are looking to add a splash of bright color to shaded areas in the fall and early winter, ligularia is an excellent choice. Many people commonly refer to it as tractor seat plant, as the shape of the leaf resembles one. It’s also sometimes called leopard plant, but no matter what you call it, ligularia’s large, glossy, deep green foliage makes a great addition to the landscape.
The plant’s most impressive feature is the lush foliage, which can add a tropical feel to temperate gardens. There are several types of ligularias. Each variety has its own unique leaf shape, floral variations and plant size.
An herbaceous perennial native to Asia, ligularia (Ligularia spp.) grows well in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 8 and does very well in Louisiana. Plants grow best in a rich organic soil and can tolerate wet conditions, making them a great addition to low areas that hold water or in rain gardens.
Ligularia is prized for its foliage just as much as it is for its beautiful yellow flowers, which appear in late fall and early winter. The large, leathery, glossy green leaves can provide a striking visual contrast to finer-textured foliage in the garden. Flowers form in a cluster of daisy-like heads that are 2- to 3-inches across in a deep yellow color. The tall stalks make an excellent selection for cut flowers.
Plants have a compact mounding form with a moderate growth rate. Growing to an average height of 2 to 3 feet with leaves that grow to an average of 3 to 4 inches, although some varieties’ leaves can reach 10-inches across.
Plants are clumping, so they should be divided every three to four years to keep plants growing vigorously and producing flowers. Plants are best divided when they are dormant, typically in early spring. They also can be divided in very late summer. Division of clumps and establishment is easy with adequate watering.
Be sure to keep newly divided plants well watered after being transplanted. Ligularias require constant moisture for the best performance. Water in summertime when temperatures rise or in extended droughts. Plants wilt in intense sun; they prefer partially shaded locations. Plants benefit from occasional fertilizing with liquid fertilizer or a slow-release, all-purpose, granular fertilizer in the spring and again in the fall.
Plants can freeze in extended lower temperatures in the winter, but plants normally return from roots in early spring. Remove damaged leaves in late winter.
Ligularias have no major pests or disease problems. Slugs appear to be fans of the plant, munching holes in leaves. Those damaged leaves can be removed, or you can try slug baits of your choice if heavy infestations occur. Japanese beetles can sometimes be a problem as well.
There are some interesting varieties available. Britt-Marie Crawford is one of the most popular varieties, reaching a height of 2 to 3 feet with leaves that display a chocolate-maroon color. Leaves are coarsely toothed and kidney-shaped.
The Rocket variety has finer-textured flowers that appear as though an explosion has gone off. Foliage is less rounded and triangular with irregular, ragged edges. Little Lantern is a smaller variety reaching an average height of 2 feet. The flower spires are profuse with golden, daisy-like flower clusters. A newer variety, Osiris Café Noir, has dramatic black-purple foliage with an arrowhead-shaped leaf with large, jagged, irregular edges.

Discovery of neighbor’s past shocks new friend

Fri, 12/17/2021 - 8:43am

By Jeanne Phillips, ©United Features Syndicate

DEAR ABBY: I recently learned my neighbor shot and killed her two young kids (14 and 2) more than 20 years ago and served only half of her prison sentence — six years. The newspaper said she called the police herself, confessed and was arrested and incarcerated.
I have only known her for two years. She’s very reserved and keeps to herself. She seems paranoid, but she has warmed up to me because we both dabble in art. Since I’ve learned this information from the internet, I don’t know how to feel about her.
This was a horrendous act, and I’m having a hard time processing.What are your thoughts?
PERPLEXED IN THE SOUTH

DEAR PERPLEXED: Why did you find it necessary to research your neighbor? Did someone suggest it, or do you do that with all of your neighbors? If what you discovered is indeed true, there must be a good reason why she was freed after serving only half her sentence. I think, because you have questions, the person you should ask is her.
DEAR ABBY: I have known my ex’s friend for more than 12 years. Long story short, we are now “friends with benefits.” When I stay over, he almost always portrays himself as a good catch, but when it’s time to act like one outside his home, he doesn’t.
He says, “Dating is too hard,” and “We should take it one day at a time.” He constantly tells me I will make “someone” a good wife and that I should have no problem finding someone. Must I just enjoy the best benefits I have ever had, or should I move on?
CONFLICTED IN MASSACHUSETTS

DEAR CONFLICTED: Much depends upon what you really want. If what you want is a husband, children and a future, you should take this man’s advice and find “someone” other than him. If it’s great sex and nothing more, you must decide whether you want to stick around for the (wild) ride. No one can decide that for you.

DEAR ABBY: I have a dear friend of many years who makes a habit around her birthday of getting as much free food as she can from restaurants and stores. She collects coupons for birthday freebies and makes sure to cash them in, whether it’s a free soft drink or dessert or lunch.
She brags to me about how much stuff she got free and put in the freezer for later. Her husband does the same thing around his birthday. Neither one works, and both of them live on Social Security. They are not poor; they travel often. Is this extreme resourcefulness or is it more like greed and gluttony? I’m leaning toward the latter.
BITING MY TONGUE IN TEXAS

DEAR BITING: I am leaning toward the former. This couple is taking advantage of what is offered. They are not harming anyone, many people do it. It’s common practice, and there is nothing wrong with it.
Stores and restaurants make these offers available for promotional purposes. Your relationship with these dear friends will last a lot longer if you judge them less.
***
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Harry P. Williams will receive $159,000 in airport funding

Fri, 12/17/2021 - 8:22am

Memorial Airport near Patterson is among the Louisiana facilities that will receive funding under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, according to a press release from the office of U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La.
Louisiana’s airports will receive $35,689,010 million in funding this year from act, Cassidy said.
This amount is in addition to Louisiana’s annual funding under the Airport Improvement Program because of the act.
“This is just the beginning of the billions in resources coming to Louisiana and would not have happened without passing the bipartisan infrastructure bill,” said Cassidy. “Improving our airports is essential for our state to catch up, attract investment, and create opportunity.”
This additional funding only accounts for fiscal year 2022. Louisiana can expect to receive similar sums of funding for airport infrastructure from Cassidy’s infrastructure bill each year for the next four years. Local leaders and airports will decide which projects they ultimately fund with this additional funding.
Harry P. Williams will receive $159,000, the press release said.
The largest grants will go to the largest airports, led by $14 million for Louis Armstrong in New Orleans.
The Shreveport, Lake Charles, Lafayette, Alexandria and Monroe airports will receive at least $1 million.
Harry P. Williams is one of 23 airports that will receive $159,000 grants.
Houma-Thibodaux Airport in Houma, Acadiana Regional Airport in Iberia and South Lafourche's airport will each receive $295,000.

Jeremy Alford: Say goodbye to the last election cycle of 2021

Fri, 12/17/2021 - 8:18am

JEREMY ALFORD

Based on the number of voters who participated around the state, you may have missed the year-ending elections this past weekend that concluded surprisingly with more of a bang than a whimper.
Sure, turnout was less than impressive. But the actual results, on the other hand, were attention-grabbers.
We saw an incumbent sheriff unseated, a casino proposal burned to the ground, a rare recall election settled and much more.
It was a heck of a way to turn the page on the 2021 election cycle.
To be fair, there is still one spot of business to tend to from this current election cycle, but voters won’t head to the polls for it until Jan. 15.
That’s when Catahoula Parish officials will administer a special election to replace Police Juror Steve Poole, who passed away last month following an accident involving an all-terrain vehicle.
Of course, that’s not the only election around the corner. The state has municipal elections slated for March and April and the big congressional ballot is scheduled for the fall.
In other words, the next 12 months will offer up plenty of politics.
For now, however, politicos are still picking through the ashes of the runoff elections and propositions that met their fates this past weekend. Here are some highlights:
A NEW SHERIFF IN TOWN: The biggest election story from this weekend belongs to Susan Hutson, an independent police monitor for the city of New Orleans. She did the unthinkable and unseated incumbent Sheriff Marlin Gusman by roughly 4,000 votes.
Not only was Hutson’s win a significant storyline in Louisiana, but it also earned some national attention. Hutson’s campaign mirrored the one run by Jason Williams last year, when he became the new district attorney for Orleans. Between Hutson and Williams, the city is becoming a hub for criminal justice reform efforts.
This may be just the beginning. To be certain, Huston did not do it alone. Earlier this month, a group known as FWD.us, which receives significant support from Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, donated $200,000 to an anti-Gusman PAC.
BAD BET IN ST. TAMMANY: A proposition to move a casino license from Bossier City to St. Tammany Parish failed overwhelmingly this weekend, with just 37 percent of voters in support and 63 percent opposed.
While the proposition went down in flames, it did provide some short-term political gigs — from the lobbyists who were hired for the legislative fight to the appeals made by none other than former Saints quarterback Drew Brees.
Mississippi casino owners said all along they weren’t spending sizable money because the polling was already in their favor. Guess that wasn’t spin. But where does the Bossier City casino license go now? A few years ago, Tangipahoa Parish was the target. This year it was St. Tammany Parish.
Will Peninsula Pacific Entertainment try for another locale in 2022? The old DiamondJacks Casino, which is attached to the license, now has 60 days to reopen after being shuttered during the initial COVID-19 outbreak. The license owners can always request more time, which may be necessary, since most of the gambling machines and furniture inside the Bossier City casino were long ago sold.
THE COUNT IN CADDO: In Shreveport, a five-part bond package totaling $237 million mostly failed. Voters approved only the first proposition on the ballot there, which was worth $71 million. With Mayor Adrian Perkins nearing re-election after pushing the package, some will likely suggest the vote was a leadership referendum.
NO RECALL: In a rare recall election in Ouachita Parish, Richwood Mayor Gerald Brown will get to keep his job, with 60 percent voting against. Some local politicos wanted former Mayor Ed Harris back in office. Maybe next cycle.
An important takeaway from this runoff cycle may be the high-profile propositions that failed in Caddo and St. Tammany parishes. Are voters growing weary of these top-heavy proposals? That could be the case. If you take a look back a the primary elections from last month, voters statewide only passed one of the four constitutional amendments proposed on the ballot.
Then again, turnout figures for actual candidate elections haven’t been much to crow about this year, either. Nonetheless, that sounds like an excellent goal for 2022, especially with at least five different election dates on the calendar.
For more Louisiana political news, visit www.LaPolitics.com(link is external) or follow Alford on Twitter @LaPoliticsNow.