Ascension Advocate 08-13-2025

Darlene Denstorff

AROUND ASCENSION

Learn to be prepared at the library

Disaster Preparedness with AARP Louisiana will meet at 11 a.m. Thursday at the Gonzales Branch of the Ascension Parish Library

Empower yourself with lifesaving skills and knowledge about how to prepare for disasters. Representatives from AARP Louisiana will discuss strategies and practical tips to help you prepare, stay safe, and protect yourself and your loved ones during times of potential crisis

Sign up for Ascension Parish Library at www.myapl.org.

Other events include:

n DIY Back-to-School Photos all day Friday at the Gonzales, Galvez, Dutchtown and Donaldsonville branches. From preschool to college capture the start of the new year with a school-themed photo backdrop

Take a selfie or a group pic with your family and tag the library when you post them @myaplibrary If you don’t have a cellphone, the library can take pictures with its iPad and email them to you or print a picture for free.

n Mindful Chair Yoga with Jada Kerek at 11:30 a.m. Thursday at the Gonzales Branch. Cancer patients and caregivers will learn yoga to help with cancer-related fatigue, sleep improvement and reduction in stress and anxiety and to improve strength, balance and promote mindfulness Attendees are welcome to bring yoga mats. Registration is required

n Running it Back: A History of Local Sports with Eric Brownfield, an educator and coach at East Ascension High School, at 6 p.m. Thursday at the Dutchtown Branch. Discuss legendary Ascension Parish athletes, teams and coaches. Registration required.

Vote for the best ride

Voting for the second annual virtual car show hosted by Hwy 44 Paint and Body in Gonzales ends Friday

Owner and manager of Hwy 44 Ryan Wimberley said they love hosting the event because “it gives those who may not otherwise go to car shows or are new to the scene a chance to showcase their classic car.”

Visit the Hwy 44 Paint & Body Facebook page to vote on the vehicles posted using the like and heart buttons on Facebook At the end of the week, the car with the most reactions is crowned the winner

See AROUND, page 2G

Cosmetology teacher Gretchen Scott curls hair while putting on a demonstration in the new class room at the Donaldsonville High School.

‘People are so excited’

Judge Tamiko Francis Garrison checks out the new

arrive on the first day on Thursday in Donaldsonville.

Parish Council removes Price from hospital board

BY CHRISTOPHER CARTWRIGHT Staff writer

In a contentious vote, the Ascension Parish Council removed the vice chairman of the Prevost Memorial Hospital board a little more than a week after he was arrested for allegedly obstructing justice. Glenn Price, 68, has served on the board since late 2023. He maintained his innocence and asked the council to wait until the charges were decided in court.

“It’s predicated on charges no convictions — charges,” he said of the resolution to remove him. “I always refer to these charges as bogus charges, because these charges were brought upon me when I decided to run for mayor of Donaldsonville.”

Police arrested Price last October, and he faces felony charges of illegal possession of stolen property over $25,000, money laundering over $100,000, and illegal transmission of monetary funds. His recent arrest was in connection with those allegations, an Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Department spokesperson said. A motion by council member Oliver Joseph to defer the decision until Nov 1 failed 8-3, with council members Joseph, Tyler Turner, and Tia Starr voting in favor of it. The council, which needed a two-thirds majority vote to remove Price, split along the same 8-3 lines in voting to remove him.

Donaldsonville residents, including fellow hospital board members Tanya Mitchell and Dr Charie Mitchell-Levy, spoke in Price’s defense. Mitchell pointed to his work at the hospital, including helping start its recent youth summer camp.

“His ideas are great. He’s an advocate, a leader in the community, and most of all a force for moving our hospital operations forward,” she said. “He’s very involved in health care for the community, and he supports the community.”

Trevis Fernandez, a member of the Donaldsonville board of adjustments, spoke about working with Price as part of the Sunrise Community Group, a local advocacy organization.

“I ask that you give him his day in court and table this matter,” he said “Give him a chance Give him a chance to prove himself.”

Spencer Chauvin the son of an architect who has sued the hospital over alleged unpaid work, supported the resolution. In his comments, he charged that the board had withheld records and pushed the council to investigate the rest of the board.

classes

Ascension Parish School District introduces cosmetology

BY CHRISTOPHER CARTWRIGHT Staff writer

As the sun lifted over the Mississippi River in Donaldsonville and burned off early-morning mist, school buses cruised the streets while teachers prepared for the first day of class at Don-

Dutchtown’s Dotter healthy, excited for season ahead

Senior Zach Dotter recalls the start of his junior football season at Dutchtown, a memory he hopes is in the past as he prepares for this season of Griffin football.

“I was very excited about last year and right before our jamboree, I break my hand. That kept me out until midseason. My main goal is to be healthy this season and contribute to the team any way the coaching staff needs me,” said Dotter Dutchtown, under Guy Mistretta, won a share of the district title last year Mistretta enters his ninth

season leading the program and his 33rd season overall.

Losing a large number of seniors will not deter the Griffins from continuing their success.

“We lost a large senior class; this year’s senior group is smaller The sophomore and junior classes will be important to our success as well. Having a senior class with leaders like Zach Dotter will help along with our players that understand the Dutchtown way,” said Mistretta.

aldsonville High School. More than 400 students would soon begin taking courses ranging from the essentials to specialized offerings, including a welding class created in conjunction with River Parishes Community College. One class in the Ascension

Parish School District is entirely new this year: cosmetology Offered on both the east and west banks of the parish, the class will introduce students to cosmetic treatments — such as hairstyling and skin care — and

See COSMETOLOGY, page 2G

“My concern is that the council will stop investigating this hospital board once the resolution with Mr Price has been decided,” he said. “The removal of Mr Price would simply be scratching the surface in regards to the unsavory tactics being used by this board during the lawsuit.”

Speaking after his removal, Price said he planned to sue the Ascension Parish Council over the removal and

See COUNCIL, page 2G

Gemstone show sparkles in Ascension

BY WENDY LOUP Contributing writer

Gemstones and minerals of all sizes, shapes and colors dazzled attendees of the annual Baton Rouge Gem and Mineral Society’s Show at the Lamar Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales. Rocks, minerals, jewelry and fossils were on display at 18 vendor booths from Louisiana and Texas. The popular event, which has been around for 40 years, averages about 1,700 visitors over two days, according to show chairperson Wanda Gawarecki. “There are people that attend the show to add to their collection

for their beauty,” Gawarecki said.

“The natural forms and colors attract many people.

“This will be our 10th year in Ascension at Lamar Dixon. People come from all around Louisiana for the show Everyone is always nice and has fun.”

The event included silent auctions, raffles and a children’s section with educational activities.

The Baton Rouge Gem & Mineral Society is a nonprofit organization devoted to promoting interest for rocks, minerals, and Earth sciences.

The club, which has existed for 61 years, began with members

Ascension Public Schools appoints Johnson as a director of primary schools

Community news report

Latatia Landry Johnson is the new Ascension Public Schools director of primary schools.

“Dr Johnson exemplifies excellence in instructional leadership, bringing a wealth of experience across multiple schools and disciplines to her new role as director of primary schools, Superintendent of Schools Edith M Walker said. “Her deep understanding of teaching and learning, combined with her unwavering commitment to student success, makes her an

AROUND

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Upcoming events

Aug 14: Ascension Chamber Business Expo (Lamar Dixon)

Aug 23-24: HERPS Exotic Reptile and Pet Show (Lamar Dixon)

Aug 29-31: River Jam (Fred’s on the River)

Aug 30: Summer Sips Pop-Up Market (Sugarfield)

Cointment to speak at GOP roundtable

Ascension Parish President Clint Cointment will be the speaker Aug. 21 at the Ascension GOP Roundtable at Clarion Inn 1500 W. La. 30 Gonzales.

A meet and greet session starts at 11:30 a.m. and the doors open at 11:15 a.m.

Cointment, who was elected to his first term as Ascension parish president in 2019, has a degree in general studies from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and obtained his professional surveyor’s license from Nicholls State University

Initially working with his father for many years, Cointment owned and operated his family surveying company from 2007 until 2020. Cost for the lunch is $30. To prepay, visit paypal.me/ARW225 or Venmo. The event is open to the public and guests are welcome. Reservations are requested. A $5 room fee will be collected for those not dining. RSVP: (225) 921-5187 or email: ARWrUS@aol. com.

Contact Darlene Denstorff by phone, (225) 388-0215 or (225) 603-1998; or email, ascension@theadvocate. com or ddenstorff@ theadvocate.com. Deadline: 5 p.m. Friday

COUNCIL

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said the council’s decision violated state law That law sets out reasons for removal, such as a criminal conviction or inability to perform duties, and Price maintained he didn’t fall under any of the listed reasons.

“I consider the vote a minor setback,” he said. “I will continue my leadership with our organization, the Sunrise Community Group.”

Email Christopher Cartwright at christopher.cartwright@ theadvocate.com.

exceptional leader for this critical position.”

Johnson, a longtime educator with more than two decades of experience, brings a commitment to student success along with a wealth of knowledge, leadership and passion for early childhood education, a news release said.

Johnson began her career in education in 1998 in Assumption Parish. She joined Ascension Public Schools in 2003 as a teacher at Lake Elementary and has served in several leadership roles, including SBLC facilitator at Lowery El-

ementary, assistant principal and principal at G.W Carver Primary SBLC supervisor and federal programs supervisor Under her leadership, G.W Carver Primary won the TAP Founder’s Award, a recognition by the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching awarded to one school in the country each year Johnson holds a Bachelor of Arts in speech and communicative disorders from Nicholls State University She also earned two Master of Education degrees one in curriculum and instruction

and one in educational leadership as well as a doctorate in education from Southeastern Louisiana University

She is married to Terrance Johnson and is the mother of Jayvin and Jyrin Johnson.

“I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve as director of primary schools,” said Johnson. “I look forward to working collaboratively with our outstanding team to uphold our core values, drive innovation, and support the continued growth of our district.”

basic business skills in case they want to eventually run their own salons.

Ronda Matthews, the district’s career and technical education supervisor, stood beside a line of barber chairs in Donaldsonville High School on Aug. 7 as she explained the high interest in the course.

“I’ve started many programs, many: welding, medical,” she said. “This one is unique. This one, there’s an excitement People are coming to see it. People are so excited.”

Emerged from student requests

Jackie Tisdell, the district’s director of communications, said the cosmetology classes started because of student requests.

“We had students who emailed the superintendent and said, ‘Hey, you’ve got all these awesome career programs we want cosmetology Like, that’s what we’re interested in. Why don’t we have a cosmetology class?’” she said.

“And the superintendent was like,

‘We’re doing it next year.’ So. we’re very excited and very proud.”

A certified cosmetology instructor will teach just under 100 students district-wide this school year, with 32 in Donaldsonville and 64 at the district’s east bank career center in Sorrento. Matthews said that although the class doesn’t provide students a certification, it will let them know whether or not it’s a field they’d like to pursue as a career

“We see that there is a need, I think that’s important,” she said.

“There’s a need for this field and we want to prepare kids for the beauty industry.”

Community support and dedicated millages fuel district

The Ascension Parish School District is an educational powerhouse in the state. It ranked as the top district in student performance for the past three years, while continuing to expand educational opportunities through the new classes.

Tisdell attributed much of the district’s strength to community support, which includes a dedicated technology tax of 8 mills and taxes for construction totaling 15.08 mills.

“That’s why we can do all the technology innovations that we do, because the community funds that,” she said, adding that involvements from parents and businesses also built that strength.

“True community support, I think, sets us apart,” Tisdell said.

“But then also because of that community support, we’re able to do

extra supports for our teachers.”

That support includes teacher coaches, mentorship and small class sizes, she said.

“Even first year teachers to veteran teachers, they have a dedicated team to help them succeed in the classroom,” Tisdell said.

“They’re not in there on their own, and we’ve heard from our teachers that is what really sets Ascension apart.”

Email Christopher Cartwright at christopher.cartwright@ theadvocate.com.

LEBOEUF

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Preparing for a grueling season of 5A football is not easy but Mistretta likes where his team is heading into this season. “We had good attendance for our off-season program and competed well in our seven-on-seven competitions all summer, like where we are right now,” said Mistretta.

The Griffins graduated some really good players last season, including some dynamic tight ends. Offensive coordinator Mike Janis talked about Dotter’s role and his new quarterback. “Zach Dotter fits the mold for our tight end position; he was a big part of our running game last year after returning from injury He can be a vertical threat in our passing game, lining up tight or in the slot as well. The QB battle has two guys competing with senior Clay Walker-Vice and junior Owen Fletcher.

“They possess unique skill sets with their arm and ability to run. When Dylan Champagne went down last season the week of the playoffs, we went with Fletcher due to his running ability Walker-Vice has arm strength and accuracy, these guys will continue to compete and support each other,” Janis said.

Every team and player has goals and that is no different when it comes to Dotter “Our team goal is to travel to New Orleans and compete on the big stage. Winning a ring as a senior, what beats that feeling? Our saying is each week is 1-0, focusing on that game. Winning another district title would be great as well. My main goal is to stay healthy and make everyone else look good, go 1-0 each week and show my coaches that I am a leader

To be a leader, my mindset is to play like one every

week,” Dotter said. Dotter said he is thankful for many things as his senior season starts and shared that with me. “This staff and my teammates have helped me love football, it didn’t start out that way for me. It wasn’t until seventh grade; my basketball coach asked me to give football a try

“I was a tall kid, so they would lob the ball up for me to make a play This team has a love for one another and a competitive spirit. My position coach has taught me the nuances of the game, how to block and contribute to the offensive line and the running game.

“We lost several starters, and it will be important for us to be a cohesive unit Our coaching staff cares about the players, and they push us in the weight room, they bring that fire and passion which makes us want to win every rep,” Dotter said.

The Griffins will play a difficult schedule, and Mistretta echoes Dotter’s one game at a time approach.

“We open with Madison Prep, and that will be the focus: they have the skill level of a 5A program. This matchup excites the coaches and the kids and what challenges it will bring Our district will be tough and even, we have

shared the title with two other teams each year We look forward to competing each week and going 1-0,” Mistretta said.

Dotter was asked his final thoughts as the season opener is close. “Who doesn’t love Week 1 at Griffin Field. Hearing the band and being under the lights, I certainly don’t take it for granted. Playing in our district is tough, you have to bring that energy, and our crowd will make the stadium electric,” Dotter said. Life after Dutchtown for Dotter will come fast, and he is thankful for many things, including his future.

“Thankful for my family and their support, my coaches, support staff and teammates. It is every kid’s dream to make it to the league and take the next step with college football. I will simply follow God’s plan and do it to the best of my ability Just being healthy after dealing with my injury makes me happy,” he said.

Troy LeBoeuf covers sports for the Ascension Advocate. He can be reached at troyleboeuf@ hotmail.com or ascension@theadvocate. com or on Twitter @ Troyleboeuf

Gonzales student named to president’s list at Youngstown State University

Community news report

Brayden Kuriger, of Gonzales, majoring in general studies, has been named to Youngstown State University’s president’s list for achieving a perfect 4.0

grade-point average in the spring semester To be eligible for the president’s list, honorees must be full-time undergraduate students with a 4.0 GPA for least 12 semester hours of classes. Youngstown State Uni-

versity is an urban research university that offers over 11,500 students more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs backed by a tradition of teaching, scholarship and public service, according to a news release.

Ascension schools names three to leadership slots

Community news report

Three Ascension Public Schools have new leadership.

Kim Uzee is the new principal at Central Middle School, Mandy Gomez has taken on the role as assistant principal at Duplessis Primary School, and Randi Elisar is the assistant principal of St. Amant Primary School, school leaders announced.

“We are thrilled to welcome these talented leaders into their new roles,” Superintendent Edith M Walker, said. “Each brings a deep commitment to student success, strong instructional leadership, and a passion for serving their school communities.” Principal, Central Middle

Uzee has served as a teacher, teacher coach, assistant principal, and most recently, associate principal at East Ascension High.

She holds a bachelor of arts degree from LSU and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Southeastern Louisiana University

“I am truly overwhelmed, humbled, and honored by the trust you’ve placed in me. I wholeheartedly commit to working with dedication and integrity every single day Thank you to everyone who has guided, supported, and believed in me. Your encouragement has given me the confidence to grow and lead. I am excited for the incredible things we will accomplish together this year,” Uzee said.

Uzee is married to Travis Uzee and has one son, Connor Cook, along with two stepdaughters, Caroline and Marguerite Uzee. Assistant principal, Duplessis Primary Gomez taught seventh grade reading and science, as well as second grade and third grade ELA. She has served as an instructional coach, TAP mentor teacher, TAP

master teacher, and, most recently, as an administrative intern.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Nicholls State University and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Southeastern Louisiana University

“This is truly an incredible honor and the realization of a dream I’ve long held,” Gomez said. “I am overwhelmed with gratitude. To the amazing leaders who have played a role in shaping me into the person and educator I am today, thank you. I feel truly blessed and am excited, humbled, and ready to do great things alongside the wonderful team at Duplessis Primary.”

Gomez has been married to her husband, Fredrick, for 19 years. They have two sons, Chance and Cohen Gomez.

Assistant principal, St. Amant Primary

A 2013 graduate of St. Amant High School, Elisar returns to serve her community in a leadership role after years of service in the classroom. She has taught second grade math, ELA, and social living, as well as fourth grade ELA and social studies at Oak Grove Primary Most recently, she served as an instructional coach at St. Amant Primary. Elisar holds both a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Southeastern Louisiana University

“Thank you all for this incredible opportunity to serve our amazing district. It has truly been a dream of mine since I was a little girl,” Elisar sid “I have been fortunate to learn from inspiring leaders who have helped shape me into the educator I am today I am deeply committed to this parish and cannot wait to begin this new chapter at St. Amant Primary.”

She has been married to her husband, Kirk Elisar, for seven years. Together, they have two daughters, Millie Rose and Ruthie Kate.

Emergency responders honored for actions at crash

Community news report

Ascension Fire District 1 recently honored the firefighters and first responders who saved the life of a man involved in an April 20 fiery crash on La. 44 in Gonzales.

Galvez-Lake Volunteer Fire Department, St. Amant Volunteer Department medical first responders and Acadian Ambulance were dispatched at 4 a.m. along with the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office to the crash, district chief James LeBlanc said. Local residents were moved to a safer location, and first responders applied three tourniquets to slow the victim’s bleeding. Paramedics soon arrived and transported him to a nearby hospital. Due to the severity of the crash,

the victim later required the amputation of his left leg and sustained a broken neck, hip and femur LeBlanc said

“According to doctors, had it not been for the APSO Deputies, Galvez-Lake, St. Amant and Acadian Ambulance swift and decisive actions, the young man — who was headed to work — may not be with us today,” LeBlanc said “He now faces a long and challenging road to recovery, and we continue to keep him and his family in our prayers.”

At a recent district board meeting, thanks were extended to first responders Natalie Meyers, Jonathan Rossi, Eric Dawkins, Kylee Bercegeay, Dudley Parker, Summer Sweet, Randi Tregre, Mike Cannon, Randy Brooks, Blake Stone, Scott Francis and Ryan Beaumont.

GEMSTONES

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swapping rocks, fossils and minerals among themselves, Gawarecki said.

Interest in gemstones and fossils have helped families

find a common bond, which has resulted in a few vendors traveling together for shows.

Alexis Harmon sold items along with her father, Eddie, a geologist, and owner of Eddie’s Rocks & Relics from Tyler Texas.

“I lean towards the fossils,” Alexis Harmon said. “I’m interested in how fossils and minerals form and their colorization.”

The father/daughter duo displayed various fossils, including large ammolites which come from Canada and are trademarked as a gem. The ammolites are made from the iridescent shells of ammonites — squid-like creatures that lived in the Mesozoic Era. The Harmons’ booth sold various sizes and colors of the ammolites.

Keeping the gemstone interest in the family, Eddie Harmon’s father, Keith, broke open geodes for a continuous line of customers at the Stone Crystals vendor booth.

These ammolites on display at the

— squid-like creatures. The

gemstones, minerals, and

Tyler Vickers, Eddie Harmon’s brother-in-law, displayed various Stone Crystals gemstones and minerals. “We have miniature specimens that come from all over the world,” Vickers

said “I enjoy gemstones and minerals because of the diversity of the stones and the colors.

“People have no idea what it takes to get this crocoite out of the ground in Tasmania, Australia,” Vickers

added while pointing to a spiked brown rock. “It’s amazing what’s inside the Earth.”

Vickers said having a hobby like gemstones and minerals helps people learn how important fossils are to our past.

“Being interested in gemstones also gets you out of the digital world,” Vickers added. “You can connect to the Earth and see God in all of these things that make up this world.”

For Gawarecki, the show is an opportunity for the club to educate and inform the public of the beauty and abundance of the Earth’s minerals.

“I love the geodes and cracking them open and seeing how beautiful they are on the inside,” Gawarecki said. “We also have a fluorescent mineral tent that blows children’s minds with how regular rocks look under different UV lights.” The Baton Rouge Gem and Mineral Society has planned next year’s show for Aug. 8-9.

The club meets on the fourth Tuesday of every month at the East Baton Rouge Parish Library on Bluebonnet Boulevard. For information about the Baton Rouge Gem and Mineral Society, visit www facebook.com/groups/batonrougegemandmineral.