Ascension Advocate 08-27-2025

Landry touts economic momentum

BY CHRISTOPHER CARTWRIGHT

Staff writer

In Donaldsonville, a former Louisiana capital city nestled roughly halfway between New Orleans and Baton Rouge, two stories are playing out as multinational companies look to construct large industrial facilities in the area.

One story says the area is at the forefront of an economic revival across the state that will make Louisiana into a powerhouse in the South. The other story says the proposals will not bring the community long-term economic prosperity and instead will contribute to health inequalities across the region. Those diverging narratives, the first told by elected officials and business leaders and the second by some locals and environmental advocacy groups,

Legislative Road Show coming to Gonzales

The Ascension Chamber, together with the Baton Rouge Area Chamber, Gonzales and regional partners, will host the first stop of the statewide Legislative Road Show on Sept 3 at the Price LeBlanc PACE Center in Gonzales.

The kickoff event will feature House Speaker Phillip DeVillier, state Rep. Tony Bacala and other Louisiana House leaders as they highlight updates in tax policy, state budget, insurance, transportation, crime and education A question and answer session will follow remarks.

Doors open at 7:30 a.m., and the program is from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. To attend, visit the events page at ascensionchamber.com.

‘Steel Magnolias’ hits stage

Ascension Community Theatre is staging “Steel Magnolias” on Sept. 4-7 at its Felicity Avenue theater in Gonzales.

The play centers around a group of women who frequent a beauty salon in the fictional Louisiana city of Chinquapin. For tickets, visit https:// ci.ovationtix.com/35620/production/1212134.

Hazardous material collection

Time to clear out the garage, shed or under the sink. Keep Ascension Beautiful is hosting Household Hazardous Material Collection Day from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 13 at the LamarDixon Expo Center in Gonzales.

CARA’s House needs fosters

CARA’s House Animal Shelter is in need of volunteers, fosters and adopters. And if you’re missing your pet, don’t forget to call the shelter to see if it has been turned over For information, visit www carashouse.com.

Upcoming events

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

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

Food distributions set Ascension Parish’s commodity distribution is set for the second Tuesday of each month in Donaldsonville and the second Wednesday of the month in Gonzales.

Distributions are from 8 a.m to 11 a.m. at the Frank Sotile Jr

came into sharp focus Aug. 20 at the Baton Rouge Industrial Group’s quarterly meeting in Donaldsonville with the city’s Chamber of Commerce. There, hundreds converged for networking, food and speeches from Gov Jeff Landry and Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois.

The contrasting opinions were visible from the start. As industry leaders from Hyundai and CF Industries entered the building, followed by politicians ranging from state representatives to local School Board members, a black truck in the parking lot with an electronic billboard on its sides displayed a message: “$600 million: That’s what Landry’s steel plant will cost taxpayers.”

In the rural area of Ascension Parish above Donaldsonville, Hyundai intends

to invest $5.8 billion in a steel mill, while CF Industries wants to build a $4 billion ammonia plant. A third company, Ascension Clean Energy, hopes to build a $7.5 billion ammonia plant in the area as well.

In his speech, Landry said he and the Legislature are “writing the greatest story that no one is talking about,” which he said was unparalleled economic growth and Louisiana becoming a leader across the southern United States.

“We have an opportunity the likes of which we never had. We can write a new book,” he said of the state’s story “Because I believe you elected me and them to change the state, and that is exactly what we’re doing.”

He pointed to the Ascension Parish

Snakes, rats, spiders and amphibians take over Lamar-Dixon

BY WENDY LOUP Contributing writer

Reptile enthusiasts were able to pet and hold exotic animals as well as other nature’s oddities, during the HERPS Exotic Reptile & Pet Show this weekend at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales.

The event, which travels throughout Louisiana, Texas and Oklahoma, featured 75 reptile and exotic animal breeders, as well as pet supply vendors.

Pythons, rats, amphibians and spiders were available to purchase, along with various-sized enclosures and pet food.

The popular expo also utilizes the opportunity to educate the public about the many different breeds of exotic animals and how they survive in nature.

“For most attendees, this is an introduction to certain animals, reptiles and am-

BY CHARLES LUSSIER Staff writer

phibians,” said Shawn Gray HERPS Exotic Reptile & Pet Show organizer “They may want to get one as a pet and this is

a chance to talk to breeders about giving proper care.

“We get a lot of repeat customers. More and more are buying animals, and our reptile community is growing.”

The HERPS expo has been held at Lamar-Dixon for several years, including as recently as March.

“The staff here is always attentive and we love this location,” Gray said.

Vendors from around the country travel to participate in the expo. Some tote along their own family pets to display

Darian Rodriguez, owner of Rodriguez Reptiles, brought Zeus, his pet porcupine. The crowd-pleaser Zeus proudly displayed his long quills and slender claws. Rodriguez, a breeder of reptiles such as blue-tongued skinks and bear dragon

lizards, said the Lamar-Dixon event was fun not only for himself, but for attendees as well.

“We’ve had big crowds full of kids interacting with Zeus and the other reptiles I brought,” Rodriguez said.

“They are making core memories here and they are the next generation of future hobbyists.”

Bringing Zeus to expos helps educate people about an animal they often have never seen in person, Rodriguez added.

Rodriguez considers Zeus to be a member of his family, along with his chihuahua.

“Porcupines have a lot of doglike qualities to them,” Rodriguez said. “He gets along great with other animals.”

Some species sold out quickly, including nocturnal gliding possums known as “sugar gliders.”

Christopher Todd, owner of T&A Exotics in Carriere Mississippi, sold the possums along with pythons, tarantulas and pet rats.

“Everybody is curious about these reptiles and animals,” Todd said. “If they do not own these types of animals, they are shocked to see us holding and walking around with snakes This gives people a chance to become educated about them and learn new things.

“These types of pets are out of the normal. They are not like dogs, cats and rabbits. These stand out more.”

Todd has taken his love of snakes and expanded it to creating a small business

“I got my first red-tailed boa at 18, became addicted, and now it’s grown to this,” he said.

Several vendors offered unique items that appeal to those looking for something out of the ordinary Tammy Landry, of Marrero, sold taxidermy reptile bones and butterflies in frames.

Landry, owner of The Undertaker’s Vault, has participated in the Gonzales expo for seven years.

“We’ve been popular because these are impulse buys,” Landry said. “We have handmade goods and taxidermy

“Some people are attracted to things that you don’t see every day.”

Landry’s oddities include skeletons of various reptiles and other animals.

“We showcase a skeleton of a Nile monitor lizard to show what it looks like without skin,” Landry said.

One of the popular items sold at The Undertaker’s Vault are “spine lamps.”

“We sold a lamp yesterday made from a spine of a wild hog,” Landry said.

For information, visit herpshow.net.

GRANTS

Continued from page 1G

strengthening physical security and enhancing campus crisis response capabilities,” the school system said in a recent announcement about its grant awards

Three other schools in Baton Rouge also won up to $50,000 each for better security These include a charter school, Louisiana Key Academy Baton Rouge, and two Catholic elementary schools, St. Alphonsus in Central and St. Jean Vianney in Baton Rouge.

The Livingston Parish school system won grants to improve security at 12 of its schools: Albany Lower, Albany Upper, Levi Milton, Lewis Vincent, South Live

Oak and Springfield elementary schools; Frost School; Albany Middle; Juban Parc and Walker junior high schools; and Live Oak and Walker high schools.

Ascension has three schools that won grants: G.W Carver Primary, Lakeside Primary and Donaldsonville High schools. Other winners in the Baton Rouge region include East Iberville Elementary/ High in St. Gabriel, Livonia High in Livonia and Valverda Elementary in Maringouin. Other winners close to Baton Rouge include St. Peter Chanel Interparochial School, a Catholic school in Paulina, and D.C. Reeves Elementary in Ponchatoula. The largest school district in the state, Jefferson Parish Public Schools, landed the most grants, 13.

LANDRY

Continued from page 1G

projects, which include more than $17 billion in planned investments by companies should they come to fruition. He also pointed to new insurance laws, infrastructure investments and the planned $10 billion Meta data center

The event discussed Landry’s time as governor in terms of momentum and growth. Before he took the stage, a video produced by the Governor’s Office said, “there’s finally real momentum coming out of the Legislature and Gov Jeff Landry’s administration.”

Landry briefly addressed criticisms, including references to the debate over carbon capture and sequestration technology, yet he argued that Louisiana shouldn’t be left behind and that critics come with the political territory

“They say that politics is a selfish business. I’ve never subscribed to that,” he said. “Because Ronald

The following people were booked into the Ascension Parish Jail on Aug. 14-21:

AUG. 14

GANN, BRYCE DAVID: 41138 Wendy Drive, Prairieville; 41; two counts failure to appearbench warrant, prohibited acts-drug paraphernalia, possession of Schedule II controlled dangerous substance (methamphetamine)

PEREZ, JOSE: 4520 Williams Blvd., Kenner; 43; driving on roadway laned for traffic, careless operation, operating while intoxicated-first

GUILLOT, STACY T.: 43156 Black Bayou Road, Gonzales; 43; theft less than $1,000, two counts failure to appearbench warrant, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle

GAUTREAUX, BRAD ANTHONY: 40038 William Ficklin Road, Gonzales; 45; possession of Schedule II controlled dangerous substance (methamphetamine), failure to appearbench warrant

WILLIAMS ROBERT: 509 Chetimatchas St. Donaldsonville; 58; entry on or remaining in places or on land after being forbidden SCOTT, TACARA MARIE: 7128 Deanne St., New Orleans; 37; probation violation parish failure to appear-bench warrant WHITE II, DANNY LYNN: 44547 La. 42, Prairieville; 44; three counts failure to appearbench warrant, driving on highway with 2-way dedicated left turn lanes, driver must be licensed, two counts fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction, DICKERSON, KEITH: 39453 Park Oak Ave., Prairieville; 43; Violations of Protective Orders

GRAY, TROYESHA DANAE: 4220 Lassen Drive, Baton Rouge; 21; unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling, simple criminal damage to property less than $1000, criminal trespass/ all other JONES, JAVIER: 43083 Weber City Road 17, Gonzales; 23; simple criminal damage to property $1,000 to $50,000

AUG. 15

MCGALLIARD, SHANE: 41071 Talonwood Drive, Gonzales; 27; two counts failure to appear-bench warrant

Reagan once said, ‘There is no measure to the amount of good that you can do if you don’t care who takes credit.’”

Taxpayer price tags

The proposed investments come with a substantial taxpayer price tag. As the truck’s billboard stated, officials plan to spend $600 million on land purchases, roads, rail upgrades and a new state-owned worker training facility

The companies will also likely see significant industrial tax exemptions, which would allow them up to an 80% property tax reductions. The Ascension Parish Council also passed an ordinance creating an economic development district for the area, which allows taxes to be specifically reinvested in economic development projects there.

Before Wednesday’s event some residents from Donaldsonville and Modeste a historic community officials plan to displace for the proposed plants — gathered outside to push back against the proposals. Organized by

MANUEL III, JACKSON ARNOLD: 3307 Gibbons Crest Lane, Katy, Texas; 50; possession of alcoholic beverages in motor vehicles, no seat belt, reckless operation, operating while intoxicated-first DAVID, HUNTER BLAIZE: 30950 Summer Breeze Drive Denham Springs; 21; no seat belt, threatening a public official-penalties-definitions, stop signs and yield signs, operating a vehicle while intoxicated-child endangerment law

BURKE, FEREL: 38311 Cotton Creek Ave., Prairieville; 18; fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction

RODDY, CHAD CODY: 17295 J T Roddy Road, Prairieville; 31; six counts failure to appearbench warrant, fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction

GARRETT, BRANT: 3908 Lillian Lane, Ethel; 27; Identity theft

STOCKTON, CHRISTOPHER MARK: 43388 Circle Oaks Drive, Gonzales; 48; simple criminal damage to property

$1,000 to $50,000, unauthorized entry of a place of business, simple battery of persons with infirmities simple battery

ROME, STEVEN CORY: 308 Brett Drive, Gretna; 59; theft, simple criminal damage to property less than $1000, simple burglary (all others) , CALDWELL, DOUGLAS JOHN: 18230 Little Prairie Road, Prairieville; 46; state probation violation, criminal trespass/ trespassing of real property, mail theft

PROCELL, JOHN DAVID: 40501 Nicholls Melancon Road No. 33, Prairieville; 46; fugitiveother Louisiana jurisdiction, simple burglary (vehicle), criminal trespass/trespassing of real property

AUG. 16

SCOTT, ANTHONY: 15599 Russel Gary Lane, Glynn; 35; obstruction of court orders, driving on roadway laned for traffic, when passing on the right is permitted, all drivers must secure license, vehicles without required equipment or in unsafe condition, registration-commercial vehicles/ expired plate, possession of alcoholic beverages in motor vehicles, careless operation, security required, operating a vehicle while under suspension for certain prior operat-

had been decades of neglect from officials.

“Over my 48 years of living in Donaldsonville, I’ve watched the west bank overlooked and underdeveloped despite its historic beauty, strategic location and untapped potential,” the statement said. “Now instead of investing in our community, the parish is entertaining a dangerous pollution build out that would require moving residents off 17,000 acres, displacing an estimated 600 residents.”

Ascension Parish officials are discussing creating a buyout plan for residents, while other landowners remain embroiled in eminent domain lawsuits.

Webre, Assessor Mert Smiley, schools Superintendent Edith Walker, Gonzales Mayor Tim Riley, Wade Petite and at least one judge with the 23rd Judicial District Court, Judge Toni Falterman Menard. Donaldsonville Mayor Leroy Sullivan introduced Bourgeois, and Rep. Ken Brass, D-Vacherie, briefly spoke and thanked sponsors and attendees of the event. Ascension Parish President Clint Cointment introduced Landry, framing the investments as a turning point for the parish.

the Donaldsonville-based Rural Roots Louisiana and New Orleans-based Louisiana Bucket Brigade advocacy groups, the residents argued that officials should seek nonindustrial economic investments.

Twila Collins, a Modeste resident who has been outspoken against the proposals, spoke of the generations of history her family has there.

“We have a lot of history in Modeste. I mean, we are a community that loves one another We’re there for each other,” she said. “No amount of money can buy the love and happiness that we share as a community in Modeste.”

A statement from Rural Roots Louisiana founder Ashley Gaignard, who couldn’t attend the event, pointed to what she said

Ascension politicos attend The vast majority of both local and state politicians attended the event inside, with several publicly supporting the current plans.

Inside was a who’s who of Ascension Parish politics, including state senators and representatives, Parish Council members, Donaldsonville City Council members, Sheriff Bobby

“These projects will position Ascension Parish as a national leader in clean energy advanced manufacturing, sustainable industry, bringing jobs, innovation and opportunity to the people in this room,” he said. “Louisiana’s future is brighter than ever It is an honor to welcome a governor who is helping to make that future a reality.”

Email Christopher Cartwright at christopher cartwright@theadvocate. com.

ing while intoxicated-third

DELAUNE, AARON: 14397 Ridge Road, Prairieville; 34; careless operation, operating while intoxicated-third

LATO, DOMINIC THOMAS: 40219 Swan Circle, Gonzales; 22; entry on or remaining in places or on land after being forbidden, criminal mischief/ giving of any false report or complaint to a sheriff/or his deputies/or to any officer of the law

SAVOY, MARK: 1322 La. 409 St. Amant; 55; possession of alcoholic beverages in motor vehicles, resisting an officer, reckless operation, operating while intoxicated-first

SCOTT, DURELL: 2831 Meadwood St., Gonzales; 39; domestic abuse battery

BELL, TYREN TREVON: 407 E. Roosevelt St., Gonzales; 23; interfering with a law enforcement investigation

BLANEY, ANDREA DALIN: 38164 Smith Road, Prairieville; 38; theft of a motor vehicle

$1,000 to $5,000

MCBRIDE, ALLENISHIA

NICOLE: 109 Oakridge Ave., Donaldsonville; 19; battery of a dating partner

RONDINO, JARROD PATRICK: 1737 St. Patrick St., Donaldsonville; 44; fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction, view outward or inward through windshield or windows-obscuring prohibited

AUG. 17

HAYES JR., BRYANT: 8879

Sunnyside Drive, LaPlace; 37; three counts failure to appear-bench warrant, security required, driving on roadway laned for traffic, operating vehicle while license is suspended

GUPTON, RODNISHA: 39292 La. 74, Gonzales; 39; aggravated assault, reckless operation, simple criminal damage to property $1,000 to $50,000

NKWENTI, CHI: 9213 Smoke Rock Drive, Baton Rouge; 46; battery of a police officer, obstruction of court orders, possession of alcoholic beverages in motor vehicles, driving on right side of roadexceptions, operating while intoxicated-first

MITCHELL, JAKYA RONEA: 1939 S. Ruth Ave., Gonzales; 24; disturbing the peace/violent and tumultuous manner/ disorderly conduct, simple

criminal damage to property

$1,000 to $50,000

DUPLUSH, KASHYRA: 15477

Shirley Drive, Prairieville; 30; domestic abuse battery-child endangerment

HUNTER, MASON: 18269 Autumn View Drive, Prairieville; 27; domestic abuse batterystrangulation

AUG. 18

PROCELL, NICOLE: 18169 Little Prairie Road, Prairieville; 48; violations of registration provisions, owner to secure registration, security required, operating vehicle while license is suspended, failure to appear-bench warrant

GRANT, PAULTON: 17160 Forrer St., Detroit, Michigan; 48; domestic abuse battery

HARVEY-GRANT, CANDICE

LATINA: 2163 S. Veterans Blvd No. 1206, Gonzales; 38; domestic abuse battery

LAWRENCE, WILLIAM DEWAYNE: 409 Vatican Drive, Donaldsonville; 50; two counts failure to appearbench warrant

WATSON, ROBERT C.: 114 Day Spring, Pierre Part; 34; fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction

SPOTSVILLE, GREGORY

ANDRE: 1409 Bent Drive, Flint, Michigan; 22; theft $1,000 but less than $5,000

STEWARD, KIMBERLY MI-

CHELLE: 39008 Holly Hill Drive, Gonzales; 43; domestic abuse battery

CLINE, ISAIAH: Melancon St., Sorrento; 20; four counts child sexual abuse materials

RICKIS, JJ: 1733 Shiloh Road, Brandon, Mississippi; 32; telephone communications/ improper language/ harassment, domestic abuse battery-child endangerment

BURATT, STEPHEN MICAH: 42094 Cannon Road, Gonzales; 38; disturbing the peace/ drunkenness

HEBERT, DUDLEY

JEROME: 46236 Swallow Bayou Road, St. Amant; 44; failure to appear-bench warrant

MORGAN, CHRISTY LEE: 43264 Moody Dixon Road 35, Prairieville; 48; three counts failure to appear-bench warrant

AUG. 19

MORRIS, JAMON DENARD: 8215 Pleasant Hill, Convent;

29; failure to appear-bench warrant, fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction, tail lamps

BAILEY, ZACCHEOUS T.: 426 W. Sycamore St., Gonzales; 26; unlawful disruption of the operation of a healthcare facility

RODDY, BRAD JOSEPH: 17295 J T Roddy Road, Prairieville; 46; owner to secure registration, security required, operating vehicle while license is suspended, driving on roadway laned for traffic, prohibited acts-drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana less than 14 grams, operating while intoxicated-first

EICKLEBERRY, BRANDON: 40152 Trace Ave., Prairieville; 32; failure to appear-bench warrant

MORRISSEY, SEAN C.: 320 West Drive, Baton Rouge; 50; theft $5000 but less than $25,000

HINTON, HEATHER REYNOLDS: 2729 Lago Lane, Baton Rouge; 43; bank fraud, illegal transmission of monetary funds, theft over $25,000

THOMAS, JAKOBI DEMETRIUS: 40137 Shumard Oak Ave., Gonzales; 22; failure to appear-bench warrant, battery of a dating partner- child endangerment, fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction

LACAZE, JULIE: 18438 Idle Hour Road, Prairieville; 49; failure to appear-bench warrant

SAULNY, JESSICA ARIELL: 12178 Canterbury Park Drive, Geismar; 34; fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction

JACKSON, TANISHA N.: 9124

Mable Drive, Baton Rouge; 49; theft less than $1,000, Identity theft, exploitation of elderly persons or persons with infirmities

BLAKENSHIP, MATTHEW MARTIN: 9458 W. Darryl Parkway Baton Rouge; 39; criminal trespass/trespassing of real property, unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling

AUG. 20

THOMPSON, HAVEN T.: 13063 K C Road, Gonzales; 22; violations of protective orders, battery of a dating partner, possession of marijuana less than 14 grams

TODD, CHRISTOPHER BRECKENRIDGE: 38461 Brown Road, Prairieville; 48; criminal trespass/trespassing of real

property, telephone communications/improper language/harassment, stalking AMMURI, OMAR ADEL: 38123 E. Willow Lake Ave., Gonzales; 25; illegal possession of stolen firearms, illegal carry of weapons-crime or controlled dangerous substance, manufacture/distribution/ possession with the intent to distribute Schedule I controlled dangerous substance, Unlawful possession, production, or distribution of kratom, possession of Psilocybin (Mushrooms), distribution/ possession with the Intent to Distribute Marijuana, or synthetic cannabinoids, ALKHATIV, SALEH: 18158 Rushing Road, Prairieville; 33; illegal possession of stolen firearms, illegal carry of weapons-crime or controlled dangerous substance, manufacture/distribution/ possession with the intent to Distribute Schedule I controlled dangerous substance, unlawful possession/production/or distribution of kratom, possession of psilocybin (mushrooms), manufacture/ distribution/possession with the Intent to distribute Schedule I controlled dangerous substance AMMURI, YEZZUN ADEL: 13170 Dutchtown Point Ave., Gonzales; 27; prohibited acts-drug paraphernalia, manufacture/ distribution/possession with the intent to distribute Schedule I controlled dangerous substance, distribution/ possession with intent to distribute Schedule II controlled dangerous substance (amphetamine), distribution/ possession with intent to distribute Schedule II controlled dangerous substance (cocaine), three counts distribution/possession with the Intent to Distribute Marijuana or synthetic cannabinoids STILES, LORI: 203 E. Wyandotte St., Shreveport; 57; theft less than $1,000, exploitation of elderly persons or persons with infirmities, theft $5,000 but less than $25,000 BAMBURG, GARY: 203 E. Wyandotte St., Shreveport; 53; theft less than $1,000, exploitation of elderly persons or persons

East Ascension’s Baley Williams selfless attitude shines

Volleyball front line players tend to stand out due to their size and play at the net East Ascension High’s Baley Williams, a senior right side and middle blocker, checks both of those boxes and adds another dimension as well.

“Baley is such a role model: She is the first to cheer on a teammate. She truly wants to do what is best for our team just a selfless player,” said coach Jamie Gilmore. Gilmore is back for her 17th season leading the East Ascension volleyball team. The Spartans are coming off a successful season, winning a playoff game and wanting more.

“This team is very close; they truly love one another and just enjoy being together Our plan for this year is to be intentional in everything we do — one day at a time mentality,” Gilmore said.

Williams and her teammates have prepared for this season, which starts this week.

Our offseason training went very well, we found our rhythm, developed chemistry and connected. Our team camp at SMU provided us with an opportunity to learn and become closer,” Williams said.

The Spartans will play a very difficult schedule in division I and Gilmore and Williams share the same sentiments about the season.

“Our schedule is tough, that will prepare us for postseason,” Gilmore said “We look forward to competing and taking it one day at a time, stay focused and get better.”

Williams added: “All of our games are important, take them one day at a time. Rivalry games are so fun, especially our match with St Amant. I love a good rivalry game.”

Gilmore was a standout player for Assumption High School, winning games and championships was the norm for her When asked how the game has changed, she gave a really good answer.

“Volleyball has gotten so much faster since I played,” Gilmore said. “It has become freer with what is allowed on the court This allows the game to be played at such a high level.”

Williams is ready to share this season with her teammates and coaches, and be a strong leader

“Our coaches are amazing; they spend hours in helping us reach our potential on the court and they build relationships with us as well,” Williams said. “This team has good leadership, with me and senior Kendelle Herbert. The senior class is ready to lead this team to greatness, but anyone can lead no matter what grade level. Everyone’s input on this team matters.”

Gilmore understands the importance of having a dominant player at the net, and Williams fits that mold.

“Baley brings a huge block to our right side, which is great because most teams have their best hitters on the pin,” Gilmore said. “Baley can give hitters trouble with the type of block she puts up.” Williams and Gilmore believe in this team’s potential and what the season will bring.

“I know what these girls are capable of, the excitement and positive attitude is infectious,” Gilmore said. “They are capable of so much, if we stay focused and keep being intentional with everything we do this team will do some great things.” Williams said: “This season is going to be very exciting and emotional as well. I will miss my coaches and teammates; we have made so many memories together I have witnessed all these girls grow up to become amazing players and people in general. As much as I will miss this, I am ready to get the season started.”

Williams is focused on her future, and lans are already in place for life after East Ascension.

“My plans after graduation are to attend Tulane or Xavier (New Orleans) and major in psychology,” she said. “I want to be a successful player and leader for my team, but being able to watch my teammates have success is very important to me The sheer excitement of seeing them achieve is satisfying to me.

“Having teammates and coaches that encourage each other, even on your worst day means so much. The message is never give up on yourself, be a great teammate and encourage as much as possible.”

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

Ascension Public Schools looking for new partners

Community news report

Ascension Public Schools recently honored the 32 businesses taking part in its Partners in Education program, designed to strengthen collaboration between businesses and schools, school leaders said. These partners were honored at the Aug. 14 Ascension Chamber Business Expo luncheon, where one Small Business Partner of the Year and one Large Business Partner of the Year were recognized.

“In just three years, our Partners in Education program has elevated the way schools and businesses work together,” said Edith M. Walker, superintendent of Ascension Public Schools.

“It’s a modern take on the ‘adopt-aschool’ tradition, but with built-in flexibility so partnerships stay fresh, meaningful, and beneficial for everyone involved. Whether it’s volunteering, career shadowing, in-kind support, or simply sharing your expertise, every contribution matters. These partnerships strengthen our schools, inspire our students, and build the kind of community connections that make Ascension a great place to live and learn.”

The names of the 32 businesses that served as official business partners last year were:

Adam McCarty State Farm, All in the Details Balloon Decor, Ascension Credit Union, Balloon Creations By Mia D, BASF, Black Diamond Car Wash, CenterWell Senior Primary Care, CF Industries, Deep South, DEMCO, Domain Architecture, Grace Therapy, Hero’s, Hollis Orthodontics, Horace Mann,

Jones Construction, Junior Achievement, Marathon Petroleum, Methanex, MMR, Nutrien, Our Lady of the Lake St. Elizabeth, Ourso Enterprises, REV RR Cassidy, SEC Heating and Cooling, Shell, Suited for Success, Thermal Solutions, Trademark Expressions, VeraPro, and Walk On’s.

Ascension surveyed these partners to measure the efforts of the third year of the program. The survey results were used to identify and name an outstanding small business partner and an outstanding large business partner of the year That criteria included the number of schools supported, employee involvement, volunteer hours and financial support to include the value of volunteerism.

Year

Small Business Partner of the

This year Ascension Public Schools recognized Hero’s as the 2024-25 Small Business Partner of the Year

Last year, Hero’s supported eight schools: G.W Carver Primary, Central Primary Duplessis Primary Gonzales Primary, Pecan Grove Primary, St. Amant Primary and Sugar Mill Primary Employees contributed more than 3,246 volunteer hours, assisting at open houses, parent nights and other school events. They also hosted “Parent Night Out” fundraisers, donating a portion of the proceeds back to the schools.

In total, their combined financial contributions and the value of volunteer time exceeded $12,000.

“At Hero’s, we believe every young person is on a hero’s journey and Ascension Public Schools are a key part of the adventures that shape who they

become. Partnering with Ascension allows us to pour our time, resources, and hearts into children and their families. This award is an honor but the real win is the impact we create as a community,” said Jeremy Molley, founder of Hero’s Journey Academy

Large Business of the Year

VeraPro was named Large Business of the year

VeraPro’s impact includes supporting Dutchtown Middle, Gonzales Middle, Prairieville Middle, Lakeside Primary and Lake Elementary Their contributions range from providing STEM materials and leading hands-on STEM activities to sponsoring engaging STEM Night events. In addition, VeraPro supports district-level professional development and serves as a trusted technology partner

“Being named the Ascension Public Schools Large Business Partner of the Year is more than an award to us; it’s a celebration of a partnership built on trust, shared purpose, and a love for our schools. We recognize that the Ascension school district is developing the future leaders of Ascension Parish, and we are proud to support such a wonderful and successful organization through programs, resources, and volunteerism that help students thrive. This recognition affirms our belief that when schools and community work together, the future shines brighter,” Casey Weber, CEO of VeraPro, said. Ascension Public Schools is looking for school partners for the 2025-26 school year To learn more, visit AscensionSchools.org/PIE.

Head football coaches update Donaldsonville Rotary Club

The Donaldsonville Rotary Club recently hosted Ascension Catholic head coach Taylor James and Donaldsonville High head coach Darnell Lee at its weekly meeting.

The coaches talked about the upcoming football season and how special it is to watch their players develop on and off the field. The regular season for area teams begin in the first week of September