Welcome to theadvocate.com!→
A federal judge in New Orleans says he will grant class-action status to four lawsuits filed over issues raised by the Assumption Parish sinkhole, according to a new court filing Wednesday. U.S. District Judge Jay C. Zainey also will give Texas Brine Co. 30 more days to directly negotiate stalled out-of-court settlements with evacuated residents lacking legal … Continue reading →
GONZALES — Ascension Parish is looking for a few more good teachers. The School Board is poised to hire 50 new teachers in an effort to ease staffing levels due to continued growth. Funds needed to hire the new teachers are listed in the school district’s 2013-14 budget, which is due for adoption June 18. … Continue reading →
SORRENTO — The Ascension Parish Tourism Commission wants to expand its social media footprint. Currently, the commission utilizes Facebook and Twitter to advertise and market the parish’s tourism hot spots. But Tracy Browning, the executive director of the commission, would like to see more. “We really just want to use all the … Continue reading →
ST. AMANT — Ascension Parish sheriff’s deputies are looking for a St. Amant man after a pickup he was driving was found abandoned in a ditch in eastern Mississippi, the Sheriff’s Office reported Wednesday. Kevin Ray James, 52, 13541 Diversion Canal Road, St. Amant, left his home in his mother’s truck about 4 p.m. May … Continue reading →
GONZALES — Ascension Parish sheriff’s deputies arrested a man on Wednesday accused of beating one of his dogs to death and dumping the animal’s taped-up body in an open field, the Sheriff’s Office reported. Jacob Blackwell, 25, 40341 Black Bayou Extension Road, Gonzales, was booked into Ascension Parish Prison on two counts of cruelty to … Continue reading →
A St. Amant man was arrested this week after allegedly dealing prescription pills out of a church parking lot. Narcotics detectives with the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office started looking into anonymous tips that drugs were being sold at a church near the Lake Martin area of St. Amant on May 16, Maj. Kevin Hanna said in a … Continue reading →
An apparent lightning strike set fire to a two-story house in Bayou Corne early Wednesday that had been evacuated due to the Assumption Parish sinkhole, parish officials said. John Boudreaux, director of the parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, said the strike was visible from the sinkhole command post, which is across from the … Continue reading →
LUTCHER — St. James Parish residents Tuesday voiced their concerns over U.S. Army Corps of Engineers plans that aim to reduce storm surge risk from area lakes. During a neighborhood focus meeting held by the corps’ New Orleans District at the Knights of Columbus Hall, officials outlined the West Shore Lake Pontchartrain Hurricane and Storm … Continue reading →
SORRENTO — The Town Council’s proposed 2013-14 fiscal year budget calls for $800,100 in estimated revenues and $739,400 in estimated expenditures. Faulk & Winkler accountant Jacob Waguespack presented the preliminary budget to the council Tuesday. Council members plan to introduce the budget for further consideration during their June 4 meeting. The town’s fiscal year ends … Continue reading →
GONZALES — Change is coming to the boundaries of the Ascension Parish School Board districts. The board on Tuesday made its first public presentation on potential changes to districts, as mandated every decade following U.S. census changes. Due to rapid growth in the northwestern portion of the parish, several districts likely will undergo radical changes. Continue reading →
OAK GROVE - Residents in the north Ascension community of Oak Grove will have a new-look gathering place for parties and other events by the end of the year. The Ascension Parish Council last week awarded a $342,225 contract to Capitol Construction LLC to renovate and expand the Oak Grove Community Center, located at La. 42 and La. 73 near the … Continue reading →
DONALDSONVILLE — Ascension Parish sheriff’s deputies arrested a man accused of firing two shots at another man during an argument Tuesday afternoon on Memorial Drive in Donaldsonville, the Sheriff’s Office reported. Toran Munson, 28, 905 Pine St., Donaldsonville, was booked into Ascension Parish Prison on counts of possession of drug paraphernalia, attempted second-degree murder, possession … Continue reading →
For many in Ascension Parish, cooking jambalaya is a family tradition. Recipes and cooking pots are passed down from generation to generation, and the dish is served at everything from weddings to charity fundraisers. But for four days in May each year, cooking the rice concoction is a sport, one that takes determination, … Continue reading →
Graduates from six Ascension Parish public and private schools picked up diplomas during ceremonies held last week. East Ascension High School’s graduating class kicked off the week with commencement held May 15 in Spartan Stadium. Dutchtown High School seniors graduated May 16, with Donaldsonville and St. Amant classes having ceremonies on May 17. Ascension Catholic Regional Diocesan School held … Continue reading →
Gonzales — East Ascension High School held its commencement at 7 p.m. May 15 in Spartan Stadium. Valedictorian: Rebecca Austin. Saledictorian: Kayla Bourgeois. Honor Graduates: Victoria Achord, Quinn Acosta, Carson Adams, Erik Aguillard, Kaci Anderson, … Continue reading →
Geismar — Dutchtown High School held its commencement at 7 p.m. May 16 in Griffin Stadium. Valedictorian: Yeheun Jun Salutatorian: Ashley Suzanne Alexander Distinguished honors: Ryan Lee Acheson, Jasen Matthew Aidt, Caitlyn Loreen Andersen, … Continue reading →
St. Amant — St. Amant High School held its commencement at 7 p.m. Friday, May 17, in The Pit stadium. Valedictorian: Blake Gautreaux. Salautatorian: Taylor Renée Duplessis. Distinguished Honors Graduates: Sterling Monroe Balzer, … Continue reading →
Donaldsonville — Ascension Catholic Diocesan Regional School held its graduation ceremony at 7 p.m. May 17 in Ascension of Our Lord Catholic Church. Valedictorian: Nancy Ann Guillot. Salutatorian: Deja’ Rená Cutno. Honor graduates: Miranda … Continue reading →
GONZALES — Ascension Christian High School held its commencement at 2 p.m. Saturday at Household of Faith Church. Valedictorian: Kelli Nicole Wiessenberg. Salutatorian: Marc Edward Stevens. Honor graduates: Sierra Grace McGraw, Brennan Ray Perkins,Vasti Breeyon Hansley, … Continue reading →
PRAIRIEVILLE — For the past decade, Becky Petite has opened the gates of her farm on Blaine Petite Road for an event that brings area children with special needs and their families together for a day with Petite’s animals and a host of youth volunteers. Farm Day is billed as a day of fun, … Continue reading →
Dogs will take over the Lamar-Dixon Center on Saturday and Sunday for the Louisiana Capital City Obedience Club’s annual obedience trials. Obedience dogs from Ascension Parish, Baton Rouge and around the South will compete throughout both days in four rings as American Kennel Club judges score … Continue reading →
The Ascension Parish Animal Shelter, 9894 Airline Highway, Sorrento, is open from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday for viewings and pet adoptions. For more information, call (225) 675-6557. Available this week are:
The Ascension Section this week includes photos from local civic, community and school groups and highlights recent events around Ascension Parish.
More than 100 boxes filled with everything from bug spray to coffee are headed to soldiers serving with the Louisiana National Guard’s 922nd Horizontal Engineer Company in Kuwait. The boxes were packed and shipped by volunteers with the Ascension Veterans Associations, a group formed last year by volunteers with several veterans groups to support area troops, Brent … Continue reading →
River Community Church is inviting all children who have completed kindergarten through fifth grade to attend its vacation Bible school on June 3-7. Classes will be held from 9 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. each day. Children attending will learn Bible stories about Isaac, Jacob and Esau; make crafts in a Bible times Marketplace; learn songs; and … Continue reading →
Jenny Bruno’s fifth-graders at Oak Grove Primary School were challenged to reduce their carbon footprint after studying the human impact on the environment. Students wore crazy hair and hats to help raise nearly $500 to begin an upcycling or recycling program at Oak Grove Primary. Using the Web-based Terracycle program, which turns trash into other … Continue reading →
Portia Nicole Davis, of Gonzales, was among 59 University of Mississippi students to receive a 2013 Taylor Medal, the university’s highest academic award. The medal winners were recognized recently during the 70th annual Honors Convocation at the Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts. Davis earned a degree in music education from the College … Continue reading →
Dig Into Reading is the theme for the Ascension Parish Library’s children’s summer reading program. Young readers can earn prizes for reading, and take part in summer programs at the library. Programs include the “Everybody’s in the Band” presentation by an Australian storyteller and didgeridoo player. Several arts and crafts programs are lined … Continue reading →
The Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office Crisis Response Team placed third overall in the Louisiana Tactical Police Officer’s Association annual State SWAT Competition held May 14 to May 15 in Alexandria. The competition consisted of five events including an obstacle course, and shooting skills test using rifles, handguns, shotguns and sniper weapons. The Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office … Continue reading →
Ascension Community Theatre has announced the cast for its summer musical “Damn Yankees.” The production will be directed by Michael Mason. The cast includes Brad Blanchard, Jason Ambeau, Sonya Blanchard, Emily Waggenspack, Crystal Casaroti, Tyler Grezaffi, Jessica Watson, Haley Schroeck, Bill Bozzelle, Gaye Lynn Ambeau, Ronald Braud, Byron Ambeau, Mitchell Courville, Chris Bourgeois, Michael Polite, … Continue reading →
A record number of BASF employees and area business partners teed off April 12 at the 13th annual American Heart Association golf tournament at Pelican Point Golf Course. The event raised $28,000 to benefit the AHA. “This year’s tournament was a huge success,” said Monica Tureau, AHA and BASF employee volunteer team leader. “BASF employee … Continue reading →
YOUTH SUMMER READING PROGRAM 2013 REGISTRATION BEGINS: All library locations. LAW ENFORCEMENT TORCH RUN: 9:15 a.m., La. 44 between I-10 and La. 30. Members of local law enforcement agencies will carry the Louisiana Special Olympics torch through Gonzales, ending at U.S. 61 and La. 44 at about 10 a.m. WRITING YOUR VOICE: 4:30 p.m., … Continue reading →
Baked spaghetti casserole, green beans with peppers, tossed salad with dressing, white dinner roll and apple cobbler. PILATES: Gonzales Senior Center, 526 S. Irma Blvd., 8:15 a.m. and 9 a.m. PIYO CLASSES: Yoga and pilates combined, Donaldsonville Senior Center, 101 Bocage Dr., 9 a.m. BINGO: Sponsored by Heritage Manor, Napoleonville … Continue reading →
BAYOU CORNE — Gov. Bobby Jindal told Texas Brine Co. on Monday “no more excuses, no more delays” on buyouts for Assumption Parish residents near a massive sinkhole and threatened the company’s continued operations in Louisiana if it did not stand by the promised settlements. Minutes before Jindal spoke, Texas Brine officials announced that … Continue reading →
GONZALES — While the Gonzales City Council has balked at providing its full infrastructure commitment to Kidz Kove Discovery Park, the Ascension Parish Council has fulfilled its pledge. The Parish Council on Thursday approved a resolution providing $25,000 to Project Kidz Kove, the nonprofit group raising funds for the park that will serve children with … Continue reading →
GONZALES — Ascension Parish government officials, already trying to pull together the early pieces of a parishwide sewer system, also have been investigating the possibility of getting into the natural gas and water business. Parish President Tommy Martinez has been meeting with an economic development consultant for several months about buying natural gas from pipelines … Continue reading →
PRAIRIEVILLE — A fire that broke out late Friday morning caused an estimated $70,000 to $80,000 in damage to an Ascension Parish business but no injuries after flammable, spray-on material used to line the beds of pickup trucks caught fire. Fire Chief Mark Stewart of the Prairieville Fire Department said it took about 15 to … Continue reading →
GONZALES — The Ascension Parish Council voted on Thursday to outlaw the practice of parents hosting parties where youths under the age of 21 are allowed to consume alcohol. Looking ahead to the upcoming graduation season, Sheriff Jeff Wiley urged the council to adopt an ordinance that targets adults who host large parties where youths … Continue reading →
Teens interested in a summer volunteering opportunity can sign up Tuesday at the Ascension Parish Library in Donaldsonville for Volunteer Ascension’s ConnecTeens program. Registration is from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. The program introduces youths 12 to 17 to volunteerism, while guaranteeing they meet new people, learn new things and gain a better … Continue reading →
A new annual audit finds the Assumption Parish school system ran afoul of the state bid law and has problems with the way it tracks some of its financial affairs, including employee pay and leave. Under direction from the state Legislative Auditor’s Office, the school system’s paid auditor also conducted a deeper-than-usual review of system financial procedures … Continue reading →
ST. AMANT — Trulena Guedry experienced something Thursday morning no mother wants to endure. She was in her home on Taylor Sheets Jr. Road in St. Amant with her four children when she discovered the living room had caught fire. She rushed the children, ages 2 to 10, out of the house, unsuccessfully attempted … Continue reading →
VACHERIE — A new garbage contract will save St. James Parish residents $1.45 each month. The St. James Parish Council unanimously agreed in a 7-0 vote Wednesday to reduce fees for the parish’s residential solid waste collection program. Councilmen Alvin St. Pierre, Terry McCreary, Jason Amato, Ralph Patin, Charles Ketchens, Ken Brass … Continue reading →
GEISMAR — Company and law enforcement officials are investigating a bomb threat found late Thursday morning written in a portable bathroom at the Westlake Vinyls Co. plant in Ascension Parish, officials said. Dave Hansen, corporate spokesman for Houston-based Westlake, said in an email that the threat warned the bomb would be detonated between 2 p.m. … Continue reading →
Joe Ben Welch will walk away from the community college he helped build from the ground up, retiring from River Parishes Community College in August. Welch, who has been RPCC’s chancellor since it opened in 1999, announced last week to colleagues that he would retire effective Aug. 31, and the college made the announcement public in a … Continue reading →
LUTCHER — The St. James Parish School Board will pay nearly $1 million under protest after losing a lawsuit it filed to avoid paying pension expenses that school officials say are state responsibilities and not that of local education systems, Schools Superintendent Alonzo Luce said. “We think it’s very clear in the state constitution that … Continue reading →