THE ZACHA Y
ADVOCATE& T H E A D V O C AT E.C O M
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W e d n e s d ay, J u ly 31, 2024
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10TH YEAR, NO. 42
Work has begun on Rollins Road overlay project Project expected to be completed by first day of school BY OLIVIA MCCLURE Contributing writer
Work is underway to put a new overlay on Rollins Road, a project that will smooth the way for the many drivers who rely on the dilapidated, two-lane thoroughfare to traverse Zachary and to reach school campuses.
Warren Brady ZACHARY SPORTS
Officials are hoping most of the work will be done by Aug. 6 — two days before Zachary students return to school. Rollins Road sees heavy carpool and bus traffic during the academic year, as several schools are located nearby. “Should there be any weather or other delays, there would be only a slight overlap in timelines, but everyone is hoping for no delays,” Brandon Noel, who represents the Zachary area on the Metro Council, wrote in a July 12 Facebook post announcing the start of the work. The City of Zachary on July 23
reported via Facebook that “the resurfacing process of removing and replacing the top layers of asphalt has begun on Rollins Road.” Followers of the city’s Facebook page rejoiced at the news. “Finally,” one wrote. “Thank you. Very much needed,” said a second follower. “Yessss,” another wrote, appending three hand-clap emojis. In addition to being on the route to schools, Rollins Road stays busy with residents driving to and from the many homes in the area. And as a road running from west to east, it’s a popular way for motor-
ists to cut across Zachary. The new overlay is a temporary fix for the pothole-laden, parishowned road. But with larger-scale upgrades likely still years away, local officials — who have raised concerns about the safety of drivers traveling on Rollins Road — have welcomed the project. Noel previously told members of the Zachary City Council that the overlay project will take about four months. While the initial phase of tearing up the old road surface and repaving should be completed relatively quickly,
more work will come afterward, including cleanup and striping. Fortunately, Noel said, those tasks shouldn’t be as disruptive. The overlay is being paid for with road rehabilitation funds OK’d by the Metro Council nearly a year ago. Rollins Road eventually will be completely overhauled through the MoveBR program, which is funded by a half-cent sales tax that voters approved in 2018. Plans call for closing in roadside ditches, reconstructing and widening the road, and adding bike lanes and sidewalks.
READY, SET, SCHOOL
Rebuild, reload, readjust or just reboot? After replacing 15 starters in 2023, the Zachary High Broncos come into the 2024 season with five returning starters providing multiple opportunities for new faces to provide similar results. “Our program is at a point where there are always guys waiting in the wings to be the next guy,” coach David Brewerton said. Brewerton enters his 11th season as head coach with the Broncos and 27th overall. He received a plaque in recognition of his tenure earlier this month with the Louisiana Football Coaches Association. The staff has remained essentially intact, with the exception being the retired Johnny Nagle. ZHS athletics welcomed a new strength and conditioning coach Travis Nichols, who joined the Broncos after working with the football team at Southeastern Louisiana University. When I checked in with Brewerton, he was trying to add an opponent for the open date on Sept. 27. The program he contacted, well, let’s just say it was an undefeated team from out of state. Never one to dodge competition. “We don’t return a lot, but we return guys who have played a lot,” Brewerton said. As mentioned last week, the team will be challenged early. “Plaquemine returns 17 starters, Acadiana returns 16 starters off a state runner-up team, Carencro beat Acadiana, and Opelousas returns 20 starters off a 4A state championship team,” Brewerton said.
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STAFF PHOTO BY MICHAEL JOHNSON
Tiara Young helps her nephew Jace Robinson with his backpack at the third annual Back2School Giveaway at Fashion Stop on Sunday in Baker.
Fashion Stop in Baker hosts Back2School Giveaway
Kaiden Caesar took a big bite from a hot dog covered in cheese Sunday at the third annual Back2School Giveaway at Fashion Stop in Baker. Children from around the area picked up schools supplies, uniforms and food in addition to enjoying entertainment and games.
Edars Jose places a piece while playing a game with Jahkoreyin Tate. ä More photos. PAGE 3G
Mammography coach to make stops in area Leila Pitchford AROUND ZACHARY
Woman’s Hospital brings lifesaving breast imaging to East Baton Rouge Parish with its mobile mammography coach. The coach makes mammograms more accessible than ever offering advanced 3D mammogram technology. Physician’s orders are required and appointments are strongly encouraged. The coach is stopping Aug. 6 at North Point Family Health, 18901 Greenwell Springs Road, Greenwell Springs. Call (225) 924-8268 to schedule. On Aug, 14, breast imaging will be available
at Zachary United Methodist Church, 4205 Church St., Zachary. Call (225) 924-8268 to schedule. On Aug. 15, the coach will stop at Baton Rouge Open Health, 781 Colonial Drive, Baton Rouge. Call (225) 655-6422 to schedule. CareSouth Medical and Dental, 3140 Florida Blvd., Baton Rouge, will be the location of the breast imaging Aug. 21 Call (225) 650-2053 to schedule. The coach will stop in Baker Aug. 30 at LPG Baker, 6516 E. Myrtle Ave. Call (225) 774-9486
to schedule. For more information including the full mammography coach schedule, visit Womans.org.
Zachary baseball registration open Registration is underway for the Zachary Youth Park’s senior men’s baseball and coed softball teams. Deadline to register is Aug. 4. To visit, visit www.zacharyyouthpark.org.
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