DENHAM SPRINGS • LIVINGSTON • WALKER • WATSON • AMITE • HAMMOND
ADVOCATE THE LIVINGSTON-TANGIPAHOA
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, d e c e m b e r 18, 2024
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Park system, public to evaluate trims Keith Knox takes a practice swing on the driving range at Greystone Golf and Country Club recently in Denham Springs. STAFF PHOTO BY MICHAEL JOHNSON
Millage renewal rejected by voters
BY CLAIRE GRUNEWALD Staff writer
Denham Springs residents have the opportunity to play pickleball, escape the heat in a waterpark or tee off at a golf course nearby their homes right now. But these parks and recreation opportunities could look a little different for residents in the near fu-
ture after the most recent election. Voters in the area within Livingston Parish shot down a ballot proposal asking if the district can renew a levy of 15 mills property tax for 10 years starting in 2026 to fund recreational facilities. It was a close call with 52% of district voters saying no. The unofficial voter turnout for the tax renewal on the December ballot was less than 11%. Parks and Recreation of Denham Springs has multiple facilities, including four parks, an aquatics center, a gymnasium and a nine-
hole golf course. It also offers before- and after-school care programs, sports programs and community spaces available for rent. An online infographic supporting the renewal made its way around Facebook during the election. It said that residents’ costs to services could increase, and some programs may have to shut down entirely without the millage. PARDS Superintendent Gary Templeton said they are weighing their options and that it’s too early
ä See PARK, page 4G
ALL DECKED OUT IN DENHAM
A big wheel dune buggy rolls down Range Avenue on Saturday during the annual Kiwanis Club of Denham Springs Christmas parade.
PHOTOS BY DAVID NORMAND
A 1929 Ford model T rolls down Range Avenue on Saturday during the annual Kiwanis Club of Denham Springs Christmas parade.
ä More photos from
the parade. PAGE 2G
A muscle car decked out in Christmas colors rolls down Range Avenue.
Despite having to replace five from 2023 squad, Christmas in the Village ongoing Denham Springs girls soccer have promising start
The Denham Springs Christmas in the Village celebration continues with a concert by the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra at 6 p.m. Thursday in the historic district and a Christmas Alive show is at 6 p.m. Dec. 22. For a complete schedule, visit www. cityofdensprings.com or www.denhamspringsantiquedistrict.com.
History of Ponchatoula
Pick up a copy of “Ponchatoula, A Community History” by Jim Perrin at CJ’s Antiques, the Ponchatoula Country Market, Bayou Darlene Booksellers, The Turquoise CoyDenstorff ote and The Tangi Times News AROUND headquarters. LIVINGSTON This final printing, made with slight revisions of the 318-page Live Nativity in Walker history of Ponchatoula, is offered for a limited time. It is an illustrated volume, Walker is hosting a live Nativity Scene complete with maps and fully indexed. from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 21 outside the city’s Community Center. Christmas crafts will be at the outdoor pavilion from Christmas Crusade collecting donations 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Local churches will presLivingston Parish Sheriff’s Office has announced the dates for Sheriff Jason ent Christmas caroling from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. For more information or to explore Ard’s Christmas Crusade. Deputies are collecting donations volunteer opportunities, contact the city of Walker’s Parks and Recreation Depart- across the parish and families in need of ment at parksandrecinfo@walker-la.gov ä See AROUND, page 3G or call (225) 665-3755.
seniors leaving because they were The Denham Springs girls soccer a big part of the team. They played team got off to a sluggish start in major roles,” Williams said after last week’s home game against Libthe win over Liberty. “But with erty Magnet, but it didn’t last and it all the work we do in the summer, was nothing like the overall start the I feel like everything is coming Yellow Jackets have had this season. Charles together. We’re getting that chemDespite dominating the first half Salzer when it fired off 16 shots to only 1 istry back and we’re getting better SPORTS for the visitors, Denham Springs and better. ROUNDUP found itself in a scoreless tie at half“The plan is to be ready for state.” time. That changed 90 seconds into Last year, Denham Springs went the second half when Addison Wyatt 15-2-3 and had high hopes before being scored, and the Jackets (7-2-0) rolled after upset 1-0 at Barbe in the second round. The that to take a 6-0 win. Juliana “Juju” Williams, who has already loss has served as motivation for a Jackscored 20 goals this season, got four in the ets program that is proving it has staying second half onslaught. Now a junior, Wilpower despite replacing five starters. “We’ve got a great core group,” fourthliams has stepped into a leading role after year coach Jeff Klug said. “It’s exciting for Denham Springs graduated five starters from last season’s team that earned a No. 2 us to have the ability to maintain success seed for the LHSAA Division I playoffs. ä See SALZER, page 3G “It’s definitely hard adjusting with five