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, A p r i l 16, 2025
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Denham Springs pauses action on kratom ban Police chief wants herbal supplement regulated
BY CLAIRE GRUNEWALD Staff writer
Denham Springs is holding off on joining a long list of Louisiana towns that have banned a popular herbal supplement in hopes that the state Legislature takes action in the next few months. The Denham Springs City Council originally planned to take the first steps to ban kratom at a meeting Tuesday, but ultimately decided to table the action to wait on state lawmakers potentially enacting regulations this upcoming legislative session.
Darlene Denstorff AROUND LIVINGSTON
Spring fest planned in antiques district It’s springtime in the Denham Springs Antique District and merchants and hundreds of vendors will celebrate April 26. The Denham Springs Spring Festival is set for April 26 in Denham Springs Antique Village. Hundreds of vendors, music, games, children’s rides, food booths and antique shopping are planned for the day. In addition, tour the Old City Hall exhibits and listen to music at the Old Train Station. The Old Train Station stage will host music acts, and downtown stores will be open for shopping. For more information, visit www.denhamspringsantiquedistrict.net/ds-antique-villagefestival-information.
Kratom is an herbal extract native to southeast Asia known to relieve pain and for its stimulant and sedative effects, depending on the dosage. It is consumed by taking a pill, making a tea with the plant’s leaves or smoking the leaves. Using kratom can lead to addiction and other side effects, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration. Areas in East Baton Rouge and Ascension parishes have already banned kratom. Denham Springs Police Chief Rodney Walker wants to regulate kratom before it
done so, he said. “I’d hate to see all the surrounding towns taking action and making Denham Springs the go-to place to get the drug,” he said. Kratom, in its various forms, is often sold in gas stations, convenience stores and vape shops. Livingston Parish tried and failed to ban kratom across the parish in 2023. The proposal was backed by the Livingston Parish PROVIDED PHOTO BY THE DRUG USERS’ BIBLE sheriff and coroner, who cited its presence in drug busts and overdoses. Kratom, in powder form, can be taken in The U.S. Food and Drug Administration capsules or brewed into a tea. has warned consumers not to use kratom because of the risk of serious adverse becomes an issue for the town, especially events, including liver toxicity, seizures because surrounding areas have already and substance use disorder.
Park Party
Four-year-old Rosemary Doughty, left, and Lola Tullier, 4, open plastic eggs they found in the annual Easter in the Park on Sundayn Sidney Hutchinson Park in Walker.
Children played games, enjoyed cool treats
and hunted Easter eggs Sunday during an
Easter celebration in Sidney Hutchinson Park. The Walker Parks and Recreation Department partnered with the Beta Clubs of Walker and Denham high schools to organize Easter in the Park. The event featured an egg hunt divided into three age groups, a children’s village offering games, craft market, food trucks and music. All activities were centered on the park’s new outdoor pavilion.
Farmers market The Four Seasons Farmers Market is open from 8 a.m. to noon every Saturday at the city parking lot at Hummel Street and Railroad Avenue. Fresh vegetables, fruits and handmade items are on sale from vendors.
Blue Ducky 5K Waddle back The Blue Ducky 5K Waddle, held in remembrance of Stephany Nicolosi, is returning for a second year May 17 in Springfield. The Blue Ducky comes from Stephany’s love of the color blue and her love of rubber duckies. After her death, eight of Nicolosi’s were donated. A
ä See AROUND, page 3G
PHOTOS BY DAVID NORMAND
Kids in the 3-7 age group run for eggs in the hunt. ä More photos. PAGE 2G
Livingston Parish to get first Aldi
Denham Springs is in the running for state baseball championship The meat grinder that Led by Live Oak, the is the regular season top-rated team in Division schedule in District 5-5 I nonselect, the district baseball has taken its has three teams in the top toll in recent weeks, but 10 and two more that help there is a light at the end round out the top 24. Charles of the tunnel. “Everything up to this Salzer Going into Monday’s point is to get you ready game at Buckeye, Denfor an elimination brackSPORTS ROUNDUP et,” Jackets coach Kyle ham Springs’ last before Cedotal said last week. playoff pairing were set “Its testament to how to be announced on Tuestough our district is. We were day, the Yellow Jackets were still in the running to host a best playing really well and then you get into district, and everyone 2-of-3 series in the first round. Including two losses last week in district is really good. Everyin a home-and-home series with body can beat everybody.” St. Amant, Denham Springs Denham Springs is looking to went 4-6 in district play. But if advance past the first round for any district can prepare a team the first time since 2019, which for what it will face in the playis also the last time it earned offs, 5-5A is one that fits the bill ä See SALZER, page 3G from top to bottom.
BY CLAIRE GRUNEWALD Staff writer
STAFF PHOTO BY JILL PICKETT
Shoppers wait for the grand opening of ALDI in Bossier City on June 13.
Popular supermarket chain Aldi has been growing throughout Louisiana in recent years and now has its sights set on Livingston Parish. The company is in the process of opening a store in Denham Springs in the Range Avenue shopping center. It has submitted an application to the city to replace the vacated Big Lots space on South Range Avenue, Denham Springs Planning & Development confirmed. The grocery store promotes high-quality food and everyday
ä See ALDI, page 3G