DONALDSONVILLE • DUTCHTOWN • GEISMAR • GONZALES • PRAIRIEVILLE • ST. AMANT
THE ASCENSION
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W e d n e s d ay, s e p t e m b e r 11, 2024
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‘The most innovative library in Ascension Parish’ The circus Darlene Denstorff AROUND ASCENSION
is coming to town
The Carden International Circus Spectacular is coming to town Saturday and Sunday at Lamar-Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales. For tickets, show times and information, visit visitlasweetspot.com/events/cardeninternational-circus-sept-14-15/.
Clear bag rules at games For middle school, freshman, junior varsity or varsity football games at local stadiums, only clear purses will be allowed. James E. LeBlanc, of the St. Amant Booster Club, announced on his social media last week that all schools are enforcing the clear-bag-only policy this season.
ä See AROUND, page 3G
Terry Robinson FAITH MATTERS
Ex Mr. America bodybuilder: ‘There’s only one truth’ Years removed from his bodybuilding fame as Mr. America in 1987, Pastor Don Smith now puts his full strength into building up the body of Christ. “The truth needs to be spoken,” said the 71-year-old Smith, who leads Only One Truth Ministry out of his home in Prairieville. Through the years, Smith has thrived in the spotlight as an actor, appearing in commercials and establishing the clothing line Crazee Wear. But seven years ago, he started Only One Truth to help open Smith people’s eyes, refute false doctrine and preach the truth of Christ. “There’s only one truth in the Scriptures,” he said. “There’s not 200 different truths, like we have 200 of what are called Christian denominations in the United States. And the truth is as Jesus said in John 14:6, ‘I am the way, the truth and the life. No man comes to the Father but by me.’” Smith previously served as
STAFF PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER CARTWRIGHT
Library board members and staff cut the ribbon for the renovated Donaldsonville branch Saturday at an event attended by more than 200 people.
Renovated Donaldsonville Library unveiled to high praise
BY CHRISTOPHER CARTWRIGHT
Staff writer
When Ascension Parish opened its first library 64 years ago, it was on Railroad Avenue in Donaldsonville. Now, after major renovations, the city’s Mississippi Street library has reopened in a state-of-the-art building that Mayor Leroy Sullivan calls “a place where history, knowledge and community con-
vene.” With music from the John Gray Jazz Quartet floating across the air and Louisiana folk artist Alvin Batiste painting various scenes, more than 200 residents sampled everything Saturday from a new collection focused on African American authors to a maker space with a 3D printer. “This library is more than just brick and mortar, and as you can see if you walk around, it is more
than all of the things that you see in this room,” Sullivan said. “It is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Donaldsonville and a symbol of our community leaders and the library board’s commitment to learning, progress and unity.” Upgrades to the library include 2,700 square-feet of additional space, study rooms, an audiovisual recording studio and virtual reality headsets. In his speech, Sullivan said the building would
act as a bridge between the city’s past and future. “Our city has been shaped by the courage of those who came before us from early settlers to civil rights pioneers and their legacy that brings us this moment,” he continued. “Today, as we rededicate this space … we are not only celebrating its physical renewal but our real affirmation of our
Prairieville High opens up historic season in fitting fashion
Prairieville’s Brody Creel (83) Talan Behrnes (53) and Braylon Williams (24) run onto the field as the Hurricane take the field for their first home game in the history of the school on Friday in Prairieville.
It was raining sideways at the new Prairieville High Stadium as kickoff got closer. What a fitting way to make history for the Hurricanes’ inaugural season. Troy Prairieville High beat LeBoeuf Thrive Academy 33-0 ASCENSION behind a strong rushing SPORTS performance and a stout defense. Running back Tajh Wallace will be
STAFF PHOTO BY MICHAEL JOHNSON
ä See FAITH, page 3G
ä See LEBOEUF, page 4G
HOME EQUITY RENOVATE
ä See LIBRARY, page 2G
GENERATE
LOAN -ORLINE OF CREDIT RECREATE
(225) 621-2800 | www.ascensioncu.org