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Acadia ranks 24th among parishes with highest COVID-19 death rate

As has been true throughout America’s COVID-19 history, every state — and every county and parish therein — has its own COVID-19 story, driven by local policies and behaviors.
The United States, as of Dec. 8, had reached 791,705 COVID-19-related deaths and 49.4 million COVID-19 cases, according to Johns Hopkins University.
As of Feb. 2, more Americans had been vaccinated for COVID-19 than had been infected, and though breakthrough infections are continuing to be studied by the CDC and other health organizations, vaccines have reduced the rate of hospitalizations and deaths from COVID-19.
Stacker compiled a list of the parishes with the highest COVID-19 death rates in Louisiana using data from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. Parishes are ranked by the highest death rate per 100k residents as of Dec. 7, 2021.
Acadia Parish currently ranks 24th out of the top 50 parishes.
Statistics indicate:
• Cumulative deaths per 100,000 residents: 405 (251 total deaths)
• 27% more deaths per 100,000 residents than Louisiana
• No. 547 highest rate among all counties nationwide
• New deaths per 100,000 in the past week: 0.0 (0 new deaths, 0% change from previous week)
• Cumulative cases per 100,000: 17,241 (10,697 total cases)
• 3.6% more cases per 100,000 residents than Louisiana
• New cases per 100,000 in past week: 76 (47 new cases, +7% change from previous week.
East Feliciana Parish is ranked No. 1 with 758 deaths per 100,000 residents (a total of 145 deaths), 137.6% more deaths per 100,000 than the state average.
Jeferson Parish came in at No. 50 with 273 deahs per 100,000 residents — 14.4 % lower than the state average.

A.D. Foreman Jr.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at noon Saturday, Dec. 11, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church for A.D. Foreman Jr., 83, who passed away Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2021, at his residence surrounded by his family.
Father Jonathan Janise, pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, will be officiating for the services.
The family is requesting visiting hours to be held Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home in Crowley. A rosary will be recited by Deacon Denis LaCroix at 10 a.m. Interment will be in Woodlawn Mausoleum.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Abigail R. Foreman; six children, Deborah Harrington and husband L.J., David Foreman and wife Angie, Pam Quebodeaux and husband Lorne, Mike Foreman and wife Dana, Gail Foreman (Bryan Schexneider), and Stephanie Guidry and husband Neal; one sister, Shirley Foreman Menard and husband Harold; 14 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren.
A.D. is preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Mamie Leleu Foreman Sr.; and one brother, Richard D. Foreman.
Condolences may be sent to the family by www.geesey-ferguson.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home of Crowley.

Juneteenth added to holiday list for parish

2022 P.J. meeting dates announced

The Acadia Parish Police Jury has adopted its 2022 holiday and anticipated meeting schedules.
An addition to the jury’s annual holiday schedule this year is the observance of Juneteenth, which was declared a federal holiday earlier this year by President Biden.
The parish will still have 14 paid holidays, however, relinquishing All Saints Day this year.
Juneteenth becomes the 12th federal holiday. Usually, federal employees have 10 paid holidays with Inauguration Day serving as the 11th paid day off.
Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of African-American slaves. It is also often observed for celebrating African-American culture.
Originating in Galveston, Texas, it has been celebrated annually on June 19 in various parts of the United States since 1865
Parish holidays for 2022 include:
Martin Luther King Day - Monday, Jan. 17
President’s Day - Monday, Feb. 21
Mardi Gras - Tuesday, March 1
Good Friday - Friday, April 15
Memorial Day - Monday, May 30
Juneteenth - Friday, June 17
Independence Day - Monday, July 4
Labor Day - Monday, Sept. 5
Rice Festival - Friday, Oct. 21
Veterans Day - Friday, Nov. 11
Thanksgiving Day - Thursday Nov. 24
Day after Thanksgiving - Friday, Nov. 25
Christmas Day (observed) Monday, Dec. 26
New Year’s Day (observed) - Monday, Jan. 2, 2023
Meeting dates will remain as usual with the committees meeting on the first Tuesday of each month and the full jury meeting on the second Tuesday.
The only change will be in February, when Mardi Gras falls on Feb. 1, the first Tuesday. For February only, committee meetings will be moved to Wednesday, Feb. 2

Sheriff’s Office app explained

THE POST-SIGNAL / Steve Bandy
Sgt. Tammy Shea, center, of the Acadia Parish Sheriff’s Office was guest speaker for the recent meeting of the Crowley Lions Club. Sgt. Shea spoke of the many features of the recently released Sheriff’s Office mobile app that makes navigating critical information easier than ever. The app is free to donwload to both iPhone and Android smartphones. Welcoming Shea to the meeting are Club President Wayne Melancon, left, and Program Chairman Keith Frederick.

FDA authorizes use of single booster Pfizer dose for 16- and 17-year-olds

On Thursday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration amended the emergency use authorization (EUA) for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, authorizing the use of a single booster dose for administration to individuals 16 and 17 years of age at least six months after completion of primary vaccination with the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine.
“Vaccination and getting a booster when eligible, along with other preventive measures like masking and avoiding large crowds and poorly ventilated spaces, remain our most effective methods for fighting COVID-19,” said Acting FDA Commissioner Janet Woodcock, M.D.
“As people gather indoors with family and friends for the holidays, we can’t let up on all the preventive public health measures that we have been taking during the pandemic. With both the delta and omicron variants continuing to spread, vaccination remains the best protection against COVID-19.”
On Nov. 19, the FDA authorized the use of a single booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine for administration to all individuals 18 years of age and older after completion of primary vaccination with any FDA-authorized or approved COVID-19 vaccine.
Thursday’s action expands the use of a single booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine for administration to individuals 16 and 17 years of age at least six months after completion of a primary series of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine. The FDA-authorized Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine and the FDA-approved Comirnaty (COVID-19 Vaccine, mRNA) are the only COVID-19 vaccines currently available for the 16- and 17- year-old age group.
Individuals who are 16 and 17 years of age should only receive the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine or Comirnaty as their booster dose.
“The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine has been available to individuals 16 years of age and older for nearly a year, and its benefits have been shown to clearly outweigh potential risks,” said Peter Marks, M.D., Ph.D., director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research.
“Since we first authorized the vaccine, new evidence indicates that vaccine effectiveness against COVID-19 is waning after the second dose of the vaccine for all adults and for those in the 16- and 17-year-old age group. A single booster dose of the vaccine for those vaccinated at least six months prior will help provide continued protection against COVID-19 in this and older age groups.”

Council decides fate of liquor license applicants recommended for denial

Reverses committee recommendations on 3 of 4 applications

Three of four liquor licenses recommended for denial by committee were ultimately approved by the Crowley City Council Wednesday night.
Last week, the council’s Public Safety Committee recommended denial of the license applications of Fat Boy’s Grocery, Korky’s Food Mart, K&L Grocery and City Bar of Crowley.
Only Fat Boy’s license was denied by the full council.
Only Fat Boy’s failed to have a representative address the council Wednesday with an action plan to curb reports of violence and loitering at the business.
Perhaps the nail in the coffin for the West Second Street business came when, prompted by Alderman Clint Cradeur, Police Chief Jimmy Broussard reported a problem with the application.
According to Broussard, the owner “answered erroneously as to the hiring of anyone with a felony.”
Alderman Vernon “Step” Martin was the only person to speak in favor of the business retaining its license, asking for “a little compassion” from the council.
“Some type of consideration needs to be put forth here,” Martin said, explaining that, if the license is denied, the business must cease all alcohol sales at midnight Dec. 31.
But Alderman Brad Core, chairman of the Public Safety Committee, pointed out that the discrepancy with the application “is not the only problem here, there have been numerous complaints and concerns at this business.”
Cradeur added that the owner is entitled to re-apply at a later date.
Ultimately, only Martin and Byron Wilridge voted against denying the license.
Core, Cradeur, Jeff Cavell, Lyle Fogleman, Steven Premeaux and Kim Stringfellow voted to deny the application.
Alderman Sammy Reggie, who owns a downtown bar, abstained.
The largest delegation of supporters Wednesday night was from City Bar of Crowley.
Owner Chad Monceaux said that he has implemented a number of safety measures at the bar, including:
- the installation of 16 security cameras – eight inside and eight outside;
- additional lighting to illuminate the parking lot and streets;
- hiring off-duty city police on weekends and for other large events;
- purchasing a metal detector wand.
“I’ve been working with the police department further to help deter any trouble,” he added.
But Cavell was not convinced, pointing out that multiple shootings, including one in which four people were injured, have been reported outside the East First Street business during the past year.
Cavell said that the fact that Monceaux only submitted his action plan to the council earlier this week indicates “lack of contrition” on the part of the owner.
However, Core reversed the recommendation of his Public Safety Committee and moved that City Bar’s application be approved.
Cavell and Stringfellow opposed. Reggie abstained.
Concerning Korky’s Food Mart, owner Dan Krueger appealed to council saying that most of the police calls to that location “are from the adjacent property. I have a lot of problems next door.”
But Core said the main complaint concerning the business at 1122 N. Western Ave. is the on-site consumption of alcohol.
“How are you going to handle that?” Core asked. “It’s up to you.”
Krueger said he has posted “No Alcohol Consumption on Premises” signs on his building “but some people just don’t listen.”
Broussard said he has spoken with the owner and “he’s willing to do whatever he needs to do and we’re willing to give him all the assistance we can.”
But Cavell again raised concerns.
“I live three blocks from (Korky’s) and I’ve been there for 18 years. What I see today is what I’ve seen for years,” he said. “This is not a one-time problem. Drinking in the parking lot is what has put this license in jeopardy.”
Rick Villejoin addressed the council saying that his issue is with the council holding businesses accountable for actions when they (business owners) had no idea about the criteria.
But Tom Regan, city attorney, countered, “It is the responsibility of the owners to familiarize themselves with all laws pertinent to their business.”
He went on to say that any violations of the law – not only those directly related to alcohol – are grounds for denial of a license.
Ultimately, Korky’s license was approved by a vote of 8-0 with Reggie abstaining.
Concerning K&L Grocery, Broussard said he had initially recommended denial of the license because of reports of loitering and illegal dice games.
However, he explained that he has since learned that the property on which the loitering and gambling occurred is not owned by the business.
“I’m recommending approval of the license since talking with the owner and learning that he is attempting to move people out from in front of the store,” Broussard said.
Only Stringfellow opposed approval of the license. Reggie abstained.
All licenses are effective Jan. 1, 2022.

Russell Lee Koch

RAYNE - Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 11, 2021 at 2:00 pm at Gossen Funeral Home Chapel ...

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Northside Christian Tournament

TODAY’S GAMES
Ascension Episcopal vs. Crowley , 4:30 p.m.
North Vermilion vs. DeRidder, 5:45 p.m.
NCS vs. Mamou, 7 p.m.
Iota vs. Rayne, 8:15 p.m.
FRIDAY’S GAMES
DeRidder vs. Iota, 5:30 p.m.
NCS vs. Ascension Episcopal, 6:45 p.m.
Crowley vs. North Vermilion, 8 p.m.
SATURDAY’S GAMES
Rayne vs. DeRidder, 10 a.m.
NCS vs. Iota, 11:15 p.m.
North Vermilion vs. Mamou, 12:30 p.m.

Crowley splits with Pine Prairie

Taylor Perkins and Martayshia Guidry combined for 36 points Tuesday to help lead the Crowley Ladies to a 64-31 victory over visiting Pine Prairie.
The victory was Crowley’s second of the season over the Lady Panthers and it sends them to 7-3 overall heading into Tuesday’s road trip to Lafayette for a game against Northside.
The Ladies got off to a quick start thanks to Guidry, who scored eight of her 15 points in the paint during the first period.
Mya Lastrapes added four points to help the Ladies build a 16-10 advantage.
Guidry added four more points in the second quarter and Perkins, Lastrapes and Macy Butler each added three and the lead ballooned to 12 (29-17) at the break.
Perkins got going in the second half and scored 16 of her game-high 21 points over the final two frames.
The Ladies outscored the Lady Panthers 17-10 in the third quarter and then closed out the contest on an 18-4 run during the final frame.
Lastrapes followed Perkins and Guidry in the scoring column with 13 points and Butler added nine. Spiritual Guidry, Aliyah Hunter and Khalee Meaux each finished with two points.
The news wasn’t as good for the Gents in the boys game.
The Gents (1-7) led for the majority of the game but the Panthers rallied in the final minute to slip away with a 51-47 victory.
The hosts took a slim 27-23 lead at the break and were up 36-33 after three quarters.
The Panthers rallied in the final frame and outscored the Gents 18-11 to steal the victory.
The Gents didn’t do themselves any favors at the free throw line, where they connected on just eight of 22 shots.
In the final frame, the Gents went 3-for-8 from the charity stripe.
Chris George and Trevon Flugence paced the Gents with 12 and 11 points, respectively.
James Collins added 10 points, Omar Butler pitched in seven, Zuri Poullard had five and Cam’Ron Scott finished with two.
The Gents return to action Thursday when they take on Ascension Episcopal at 4:30 p.m.in the opening game of the Northside Christian Tournament.

Prep Roundup: Midland Rebels upended South Beauregard

MIDLAND - The Midland Rebels had four players score in double figures Tuesday, helping them snap a three-game skid with a 67-43 victory over the South Beauregard Knights.
The victory sent the Rebels to 4-11 overall heading into this weekend when they participate in the Grand Lake Tournament.
Gabe Vincent and Maddox Hanks got the Rebels going early by combining for 17 points in the opening frame to help the hosts build a 20-8 advantage.
The pace slowed tremendously in the second quarter and the Knights were able to cut the deficit to eight (28-20) entering the intermission.
Hanks added six more points in the third quarter and guard J’Stan Keller had five to help the Rebels extend their cushion to 13 (43-30) entering the final stanza.
The Warriors put the game away over the final eight minutes thanks to 10 points from Keller and seven from Anthony Blunt during a 24-point outburst.
Keller led all scorers on the night with 22 points and Hanks had 17.
Vincent added a pair of 3-pointers and finished with 15 points and Blunt scored 11. Zach Baker rounded out the Rebels’ offense with two points.
Warriors come up short
CROWLEY - The Northside Christian Warriors went just 11-for-24 from the free throw line and it proved costly Tuesday in their matchup with Lake Arthur.
The visiting Tigers went on a 17-10 run in the fourth quarter to rally past the Warriors for a 59-58 victory.
The Warriors exploded in the opening frame and took a 20-11 lead.
The Tigers rallied in the second quarter and outscored the hosts 19-13 to trim the lead to three (33-30).
The Warriors had their chances to increase the lead, but they missed eight free throws in the frame.
Joseph Woods scored seven of his game-high 23 points for the hosts in the third quarter and the Warriors took a six-point lead (48-42) into the final frame.
Lake Arthur’s Ray Levi scored eight of his 15 points in the final frame and the Tigers went 5-for-6 from the charity stripe to help seal the victory.
Northside Christian (6-6) scored just 10 points in the final eight minutes and had two players, Jake Morgan and Garrett Kidder, foul out.
Jagger Thibodeaux paced the Warriors with 23 points and Joseph Woods also scored in double figures with 10 points.
In addition, Andrew Woods scored eight points, Caleb Hanks added seven, Morgan had six and Kidder finished with four.
Kenyon Boese was the leader for the Tigers with 22 points and Levi had 15.

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