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, s e p t e m b e r 25, 2024
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10TH YEAR, NO. 50
Zachary finds Francine provides practice Community news report
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While Hurricane Francine first appeared to be headed toward the Baton Rouge and Zachary areas, a late jog sent it just to the east of the area. “We are truly blessed that Zachary was spared by this hurricane,” Mayor David McDavid said. “Our hearts and prayers go out to the cities and towns that suffered in its path of destruction. “While we didn’t experience any major damage, this was an opportunity to practice, and it only strengthens us in the event of a real emergency. Some of our employees were new to these roles and had the chance to staff the EOC and gain valuable experience,” he said. Zachary activated its Emergency Operations Center at the Zachary Fire Station at 7 a.m. Sept. 5. Simultaneously, the Zachary Police Department activated its EOC at the Police Sta-
tion and implemented emergency protocols. All departments remained on high alert as they monitored Hurricane Francine, preparing for its expected impact Sept. 6. At the fire station on Main Street, fire trucks were inspected, high-water equipment serviced, chain saws sharpened, and boats fueled in preparation for the storm’s aftermath. Throughout the day, McDavid, city of Zachary public information officers and emergency management personnel attended parish briefings at the East Baton Rouge Parish Mayor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness. At Zachary Youth Park on Mount Pleasant Road, sandbags were distributed, especially to the elderly and residents in flood-prone areas. Public Works crews remained on standby after clearing storm drains, inspecting drainage systems and assembling
barricades. The gas, water and sewer department refueled generators and checked backup systems, ensuring crews were ready to respond as needed before and after the storm. As a precautionary measure, the Zachary Police Department issued a curfew for Sept. 12, to ensure safer travel for police officers, other first responders and emergency operations during and after the hurricane. Officials reported that over 3,000 sandbags were distributed at the park, with Legendz 13U baseball players helping the community by filling sandbags. Public Works Director Wayne Day said one tree fell on Barnett Road, and a large branch fell on Pride Port Hudson Road. Several homes lost power, including on Lower Zachary Road, Redwood Lakes, Graves Street and Robert Street. Also, the Zachary Community School district reported no issues or damages from the storm.
Coach Kenric Hilton prays with the junior varsity Bronco players before a game against the Brusly Bears.
PROVIDED PHOTO
Karen Burdette logs information at the Mayor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness.
PHOTOS BY SONYA GOSS
Broncos JV team has big win over Brusly The Zachary High School junior varsity football team outscored Brusly 40-0 on Sept. 17. ä More photos.
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The Zachary Broncos and Brusly Bears junior varsity football teams line up Sept. 17.
Lower Zachary Road Bridge closed Leila Pitchford AROUND ZACHARY
The East Baton Rouge City-Parish Department of Transportation and Drainage Traffic Engineering Division announced Sept. 18 that the Lower Zachary Road Bridge will be closed until further notice. This bridge is over White Bayou between Plank and McHugh roads. For information, call the Department of Transportation and Drainage at (225) 389-3186.
Lane Foundation to host golf tourney The Lane Foundation’s seventh an-
nual golf tournament is set for Oct. 25 at Beaver Creek Golf Course in Zachary, with an 8 a.m. shotgun start. Registration is underway for the annual charity golf tournament. Entry fee is $600 per team or $150 per individual and includes golf cart, course fee, driving range balls, gift bag, door prize entry, refreshments and food along the course. Prizes will be awarded to the top three teams, closest to the pin and
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Broncos rebound with win over Carencro in nail biter Zachary High After a closer-thanfootball started the the-score loss (43season with a 4928), the Broncos re14 home win over turned to the Bronco Plaquemine on Sept. Corral on a short 6 and hit the road for week to face the Warren Carencro Bears. the only nondistrict Brady road game against The Bears entered perennial powerwith a record of 0-2 ZACHARY SPORTS after opening with house Acadiana. a close loss to powThe Broncos then faced the Wreckerhouse St. Thomas ing Rams on Sept. 14 after ä See BRADY, page 2G Francine blew through.