2 die, 3 survive Ascension bayou accident

WBRZ Staff Photo -- A 2003 Mercury Sable is pulled from Black Bayou early Wednesday morning in this WBRZ photo. Two children died after the car plunged into Black Bayou off Springer Bridge Road, Louisiana State Police said. The children, Faith Encalade,7, and  Patience Encalade, 9, were with Raelyn Encalade, 28, of St. Amant and two other children around 10 p.m., Trooper Russell Graham said.

ST. AMANT - Two children died early Wednesday after being rescued late Tuesday from a submerged car in Black Bayou off Springer Bridge Road, Louisiana State Police said. The children, seven-year-old Faith Encalade and 9-year-old Patience Encalade, were with Raelyn Encalade, 28, of St. Amant and two other children in the 2003 Mercury Sable that went off the Ascension Parish road … Continue reading →

Officials unable to ID safe as that of victims

Investigators have not positively identified a safe found in Livingston Parish as the one stolen from an Ascension Parish couple during a Saturday attack in which a woman’s husband and son were killed and she was wounded, authorities said Tuesday. Shirley Marchand is “still fighting for her life” at a hospital under police … Continue reading →

Lamar-Dixon signs up Coke as first sponsor

Advocate staff photo by BILL FEIGAscension Parish government is seeking corporate sponsorships for the Lamar Dixon Expo Center. This is an aerial photo of the center near La. 30 in Gonzales.

The Lamar-Dixon Expo Center has its first corporate sponsorship, a deal Ascension Parish President Tommy Martinez had hoped would materialize when the parish decided to buy the center in 2009 and make it more financially supporting. The Ascension Parish Council backed the first sponsorship deal in early … Continue reading →

Attack victim’s status remains grave

Photo provided by the ASCENSION PARISH SHERIFF'S OFFICERobert Irwin Marchand and his wife, Shirley Marchand, were found in their Gonzales home Saturday night with their throats slit and a gold coin collection missing. While her husband was pronounced dead, Shirley Marchand was critically injured. Her son, Douglas Dooley, was also found dead at the house.

GONZALES — An Ascension Parish woman who survived an attack in which her husband and son were killed on Saturday “is still in grave condition, but she is hanging on,” Sheriff Jeff Wiley said late Monday. Also Monday, deputies were examining a safe found in Livingston Parish that could be the one taken from Shirley … Continue reading →

Safe linked to Ascension murder found in Livingston

Advocate staff photo by KAREN S. DOERR -- Robert Irwin Marchand, 74, and his stepson, Douglas Dooley, 50, were found dead Saturday in Marchand's home at 39122 Babin Road, Gonzales. Marchand's wife, Shirley, 72, was found critically injured after an apparent robbery of a gold coin collection, Ascension Parish Sheriff Jeff Wiley said.

A safe that fits the general description of the one taken from the Babin Road home of two murder victims on Saturday has been found in Livingston Parish, Ascension Parish Sheriff Jeff Wiley said Monday. The safe contained a gold coin collection worth an estimated half-million dollars was the apparent motive when … Continue reading →

Work starts on Ascension roundabout

PORT VINCENT — State traffic engineers plan to fine-tune a La. 16 traffic signal’s light cycle near a future roundabout in Ascension Parish to help prevent heavy traffic from backing up into the new interchange, an official said. The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development started work Tuesday on the $1.24 … Continue reading →

Ascension water rate hike approved

Residential and commercial customers of Ascension Water Co. will begin seeing a newly approved increase in water rates of slightly more than 19 percent on bills next month, officials said Friday. On Wednesday in Pineville, the Louisiana Public Service Commission unanimously backed the increases for Ascension Water, a key private water provider in … Continue reading →

St. James may add seat

The St. James Parish Council has agreed to consider seating a parish Firemen’s Association representative on the parish Planning Commission. Councilman Ken Brass said during Wednesday’s council meeting the request came from Ryan Louque, president of the St. James Parish Firemen’s Association. Louque said during a Feb. 1 Parish Council meeting that … Continue reading →

Around Ascension for Feb. 17, 2012

LSU Agricultural Center’s annual State 4-H and FFA Livestock Show continues through Saturday at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales. Students from around the state will be showing cattle and hogs in the final days of the weeklong event. The exhibitions start at 8 a.m. each day. Admission is free. Continue reading →

Intruder dies after shot twice with stun gun

Charmin Bennett

A man caught committing a duplex break-in early Thursday went into cardiac arrest en route to a hospital and later died after deputies shot him twice with stun guns in an effort to bring him under control, Ascension Parish Sheriff Jeff Wiley said. Charmin Bennett, 30, 208 Bourg St., dove head-first through the … Continue reading →

Collision between ATV and pickup kills Belle Rose man

A Belle Rose man was killed Wednesday in a collision between his four-wheeler and a pickup on La. 1 in Assumption Parish, State Police reported Thursday. The collision, which happened between Paincourtville and Plattenville around 4 p.m., remains under investigation, but troopers reported they suspect alcohol was a factor … Continue reading →

Ascension planning members sworn in

GONZALES — Six of seven newly appointed Ascension Parish Planning and Zoning Commissioners were sworn in Wednesday in the body’s first meeting since mid-December when the outgoing Parish Council threw out the old commission. Commission attorney Lindsey Manda administered the oath of office for the council appointees as planning commissioners. Manda did not … Continue reading →

Ascension officials attend event on ‘smart growth’

Ascension Parish President Tommy Martinez attended a “smart growth” conference earlier this month in San Diego, Calif., that also included a visit with an undisclosed industry eyeing the parish. The New Partners for Smart Growth conference was held Feb. 2- 4 at the San Diego Sheraton Hotel and Marina, … Continue reading →

Long withdraws from race for 23rd District judgeship

Charles “Chuck” Long

GONZALES — Assistant District Attorney Charles “Chuck” Long has withdrawn from the March 24 special election for a 23rd Judicial District judgeship, saying he is not ready to close his family law firm to become a judge. Long, 54, a Democrat from Donaldsonville, said Wednesday that the Louisiana Supreme Court informed … Continue reading →

Group wants input on St. James site

ST. JAMES — A newly formed group of residents from St. James Parish’s 5th District is demanding transparency in efforts by the School Board to build a new football stadium at St. James High School or relocate the high school to North Vacherie. The North Vacherie community comprises the parish’s 6th District, while … Continue reading →

Donaldsonville eyes remap options

City Council members have discussed required changes to council district boundaries with hopes of approving a plan by late March. During its second public hearing on the matter, the council on Tuesday viewed suggested changes made by Magellan Data and Mapping Strategies of Gonzales, its contracted demography firm. Continue reading →

School Lunch Menus for Feb. 16, 2012

--Chicken and sausage pastalaya, broccoli with cheese, orange wedges, whole-wheat roll, chocolate chip cookies, milk choice --Sandwich: Chicken nuggets --Beef-a-roni, sweet peas, salad cup, peaches, whole-wheat roll, milk choice --Choice: Memphis barbecue, on whole-wheat bun --Hamburger, … Continue reading →

Floodgate change may save district money

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Council on Aging for Feb. 16, 2012

--Beef Swiss-styled patty or pork ribblett with gravy, brown rice, green beans, pickled beets, whole-wheat bread, apple juice --Nutrition Updates: Lisa Weber, Southern Agricultural Center, Gonzales, 10 a.m. --Fast Exercise: Gonzales, 10:45 a.m. --Pilates: Gonzales, 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. --Cajun Needlers: Gonzales, 12:30 p.m. --Barbecue chicken, … Continue reading →

All aboard for thrills, spills

Advocate staff photo by ADAM LAUEric Gaudin, 9, of Gonzales, rides in a bowl during the juniors' jam competition at the Ascension Parish Skate Park's official grand opening on Saturday. Gaudin attended the event with his mother, Amy Gaudin, who said she was happy to see the park open.

Tony Turner, 15, spent Saturday doing what he loves most -- skateboarding. Turner and other skateboarders can skate freely these days thanks to a new park dedicated Saturday by parish officials and representatives of the nonprofit foundation that pushed for its opening. Turner, an East Ascension … Continue reading →

Pastor retells ‘War of the Pews’

Advocate staff photo by Darlene DenstorffDonaldsonville publisher Mary Gehman, left, greets guests as The Rev. Jerome G. LeDoux signs a copy of his book 'The War of the Pews' after a talk at the Ascension Parish Library in Donaldsonville on Feb. 9.

The Rev. Jermone LeDoux used humor and his knowledge of history and theology to recount the tale of a New Orleans Catholic church he wrote about in his book “The War of the Pews.” LeDoux’s talk -- a Black History Month lecture on Feb. 9 … Continue reading →

Children’s art show winners honored

Winners of the River Community Church’s first children’s community art show were honored during a Jan. 29 reception. Seventeen works from area artists ages 5 to 13 were entered in the show. The show was judged by Donna Braud, of the River Region Art Association. Fredricka Anderson won first place in the 5- to 9-year-old … Continue reading →

Community Calendar for Feb. 16, 2012

The Plant Doctor: 4 p.m., Ascension Parish Library, Galvez branch. A Black History Month presentation on George Washington Carver. This program is designed for children in kindergarten through third grade. Program will also be held at 6 p.m. at the Dutchtown branch. For more information, call the Ascension Parish Library in Donaldsonville at (225) 473-8052, … Continue reading →

Briefs for Feb. 16, 2012

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at LSU is expanding its offerings into Ascension Parish beginning in March. Courses are designed for those who are 50 and above and love to learn, according to a news release from the OLLI at LSU. March courses include “Basic Watercolor,” … Continue reading →

LEAP 21 registration deadline is March 2

March 2 is the deadline to register for the LEAP 21 test for non-public school students planning to attend Ascension Parish public schools in August, school officials said. Fourth- or eighth-grade students who are attending non-public schools and plan to enroll in a public school class in August must take the test, Linda Honey,. district test coordinator … Continue reading →

Three people, health-care firm indicted in forgery investigation

A Baton Rouge grand jury indicted three people and a Baton Rouge personal-care company on forgery charges stemming from a Medicaid fraud investigation by the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office. Prosecutors said Tuesday Dwaine Joseph Woods, 43, 35297 Beverly Hills Drive, Prairieville, and his company, Millennium Health Care Services LLC, were charged with single counts of conspiracy … Continue reading →

Ascension Water Co. asks rate hike

The Louisiana Public Service Commission on Wednesday will consider rate increases for Ascension Water Co. that would boost a variety of customers’ monthly bills by about 19 percent. Commission staff and water company officials reached a joint agreement last month on rate increases on residential and commercial customers as well as increases in a variety of … Continue reading →

Gonzales council advances Edenborne development plan

The City Council voted unanimously Monday night to divide the 342-acre site known as Edenborne into four tracts. The vote moves the mixed-use development planned near the intersection of Interstate 10 and La. 44 another step closer to becoming a reality, Mayor Barney Arceneaux said. Jackie Baumann, chief engineer for the city, told … Continue reading →

Police: No arrest in traffic fatality

Louisiana State Police said Saturday they were investigating a fatal pedestrian accident in Ascension Parish. The incident, which happened about 2:30 a.m. Saturday on La. 30 west of Gonzales near Ashland Road, killed Christian Salinas, 32, of Houston, Texas, according to a news release. The driver of the truck involved, … Continue reading →

Development gets new blood

The 340-acre mixed-use development Edenborne is emerging from financial and legal troubles during the past 18 months that escalated to the point that the site was ordered for seizure by Ascension Parish sheriff’s deputies and sold for unpaid taxes. But investors in the project along Interstate 10 in Gonzales … Continue reading →

23rd Judicial District judge

GONZALES — Civil and criminal lawyer Matthew Pryor has the experience, community involvement and respect for the U.S. Constitution to be a judge in the 23rd Judicial District, he said in declaring his candidacy for the office. Pryor, 42, a Republican from Geismar, is seeking the court’s Division D seat in the March 24 special … Continue reading →

Around Ascension for Feb. 10, 2012

Advocate staff photo by LIBBY ISENHOWER  Stretching after practiceJohn Brumfield stretchesMonday after track practice at Capitol High School. The track team took advantage of the nice weather and trained outside.

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at LSU is expanding its offerings into Ascension Parish beginning in March. Courses are designed for those who are 50 and above and love to learn, according to a news release from the OLLI at LSU. March courses include “Basic Watercolor,” “Beginning Spanish” and “Great Decisions,” and will be held at … Continue reading →

Former LSU running back pleads innocent to sex charge

GONZALES — Former LSU running back Charles Edward Scott pleaded innocent Thursday to one count of sexual battery of an 18-year-old woman. Ascension Parish sheriff’s deputies arrested Scott, 23, 36604 Plantation Blvd., Prairieville, on a count of simple rape on Nov. 13, deputies have said. Assistant District Attorney Robin O’Bannon filed a bill … Continue reading →

1 held, 1 suspect sought in store thefts

Micha E. Lessard

GONZALES — Ascension Parish authorities have arrested one person in connection with the theft of flat screen television sets from stores in Gonzales and Prairieville and are seeking a second, parish sheriff’s deputies said Wednesday. Ryan Anthony Zeringue Jr., 26, is at large and wanted by sheriff’s deputies on one count … Continue reading →

Interest soars as balloon festival seeks site

Courting of the suddenly homeless Baton Rouge Balloon Festival was proceeding this week as the nonprofit foundation board overseeing the event hopes to meet next week to discuss the festival’s future. On Tuesday night in Donaldsonville, the Ascension Parish Council backed a resolution without opposition in support of bringing the festival to the parish-owned Lamar-Dixon Expo Center … Continue reading →

Ascension School Lunch Menus for Feb. 9, 2012

--Ascension gumbo, rice, green beans, orange wedges, tossed or potato salad, whole-wheat roll, milk choice --Sandwich: Hamburger --Turkey and sausage jambalaya, white beans, salad cup, bananas, whole-wheat roll, milk choice --Choice: Taco salad or hamburger --Hot … Continue reading →

Nonprofits share care of historic site

Advocate staff photo by Darlene DenstorffGathering for a donation ceremony at the River Road African American Museum's Central Agricultural School on Feb. 4 are, from left, Marlene Domingue, executive director of the Donaldsonville Area Associaton for Retarded Citizens; Joseph Holmes; Kevin Hardy, communications manager with Motiva Convent Refinery; Calvin Brown; Kathe Hambrick Jackson, founder and exeutive director of RRAAM; Karen Martin and Tim Brown, direct support workers with the Donaldsonville ARC; and Daryl Hambrick and Donald Fernandez, RRAAM board members.

The grass around the vacant Central Agricultural School building was freshly cut for Friday’s ceremony marking a new partnership between the owners of the 1930s-era schoolhouse and a local nonprofit group. Kathe Hambrick Jackson, the executive director and founder of the River Road African American Museum, said she was able … Continue reading →

Council on Aging for Feb. 9, 2012 

--Turkey salad sandwich on whole-wheat bread, vegetable soup, winter-blend vegetables and peach crisp --Zumba Gold: Donaldsonville, 9 a.m. and Gonzales, 10:30 a.m. --Karaoke: Gonzales, 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. --Chicken with paprika, cream sauce, green peas, Normandy blend vegetables, whole-wheat bread, jelly cream pie --Blood pressure checks: Cannon … Continue reading →