Check out the vendors from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.. Saturday at the Donaldsonville’s Farmers Market in Louisiana Square, 300 Block of Railroad Avenue.
For information, call (225) 717-0031 or (225) 473-4814.
‘Steel Magnolias’ hits the stage
Ascension Community Theatre is staging “Steel Magnolias” on Sept 4-7 and Sept 11-14 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.
Ducks Unlimited banquet set
The East Ascension Chapter of Ducks Unlimited annual banquet is set to start at 6 p.m Thursday at the Price LeBlanc PACE Center in Gonzales. For tickets, visit https:// tinyurl.com/5n8bxjna or call (225) 235-1062 or (225) 5730898.
The dance floor at the Lamar-Dixon Ascension Gym is
Troy LeBoeuf
ASCENSION SPORTS
East Ascension’s Jason Blackburn ready to go for it
The mentality of a football player is to go for it on fourth down That mentality rings true with East Ascension senior Jason Blackburn.
Blackburn returns as a main offensive threat for coach Brock Matherne, and he knows “J-roc” will answer the call.
“J-roc, as we call him, is very mature and committed to being one of the best at his position,” Matherne said. “He prepares like a 30-year-old, always full speed, maximum effort always and a selfless player in our program.”
The Spartans host Brother Martin on Friday — a difficult opponent to open the season, but Blackburn and his teammates are hungry
“Brother Martin is a great program; they will give us
BY HALEY MILLER and CHRISTOPHER CARTWRIGHT Staff writers
At a charged city council meeting Aug. 25, the city of Gonzales approved Mayor Tim Riley’s $22 million general fund budget following months of deadlock. The budget passed 4-1 after an
amendment from council member Kirk Boudreaux to exclude the salaries of four new roles and two existing positions that were part of the mayor’s proposal — positions that several council members said Riley never had the authority to create.
“If the administration deems that these positions are important and needed, come back and ask for them,” council member Terri Lambert said. “It’s just that simple.”
The city had been operating with a roughly $11 million general fund for more than 100 days, as state law requires municipalities to use half the previous year’s budget if a new one is not ratified. Riley said he would have to start making cuts in November if no budget was approved by then. The budget standoff concerned how much power the Gonzales mayor should wield. Several council members said the council must approve creating new roles within the city government, citing
STAFF PHOTOS BY MICHAEL JOHNSON
crowded with couples Friday in Gonzales
Gail and Blue Forsythe, donning LSU colors, dance at the sports-themed Senior Sock Hop.
Ascension Republican Women tour loal distillery
On Thursday, July 17, Ascension Republican Women, together with Americans for Prosperity — BR, held a social for members and friends at Sugarfield Spirits Distillery in Gonzales. School supplies for Volunteer Ascension’s School Tools drive were collected and a 50/50 drawing was held to raise additional cash for the supply drive.
Thomas Soltau, owner of Sugarfields, conducted a tour of the facility for the group
Jason Blackburn is ready to lead the Spartans offense.
LEBOEUF
Continued from page 1G
their best,” Blackburn said. “They have some playmakers. Our focus is on ourselves, with all due respect to our opponents. Our coaches push us above our limits and show us how much we can achieve.”
The Spartans had a disappointing 2024 season, but with some new coaches added to an already talented staff, optimism is abundant.
“The new coaching staff came in ready to make this program better We know what Coach Brock and the staff expects, no secrets there. Our team is ready to get better every day, our leaders will push each other and hold everyone accountable,” Blackburn said. When asked what surprised him and the staff about this team, Matherne likes what he sees.
“We have some youth to go along with our veterans, their willingness to learn
BUDGET
Continued from page 1G
and get better is so apparent. We are changing the culture and this senior group along with their teammates want to be in the forefront of that We have a long way to go, but this a team, not a group of individuals, no selfish guys here,” Matherne said. Blackburn had a very good season last year, he is not satisfied with last year’s results and wants to change that.
“I will continue to use my speed and my IQ to help us win,” Blackburn said
“Getting better at running between the tackles and blocking are things I have continued to work on, want to be a complete back.”
Matherne and his staff is done with scrimmages and jamborees; it’s Week 1 and the excitement is there.
“We play a well-coached team in Brother Martin; they have plenty of talent They can do some things offensively that present challenges for our defense. Their defense and special teams do a lot of things
well, just a fundamentally sound football team,” Matherne said.
The idea of playing college football is definitely a goal for Blackburn and colleges have taken notice of his ability
“My recruitment has gone well, hoping that continues through my senior year,” Matherne said. “I have offers from Grambling, Arkansas Monticello and Millsaps. Will be setting up my visits during the season, thankful for every school that has shown interest in me.”
Creating a winning culture is not easy, there are some things that Matherne and Blackburn certainly are aligned with.
“The mindset of our team is to win one day at a time and creating the identity of a physical football program,” Matherne said. “Our coaches have made it clear, everything we do is fourthand-goal mentality. Bring that mindset on every snap and on everything we do will allow us to be success-
ful in everything we do.”
The Spartans will be a much-improved team this season in my opinion. One college program will be very lucky to have Blackburn tell them yes. They will get a young man who is willing to go for it in everything he does.
WEEK 1 SCHEDULE
Thursday
n Ascension Catholic hosts HL Bourgeois
Friday
n Prairieville at LRCA
n Dutchtown hosts Madison
Prep
n St. Amant at Byrd
n Donaldsonville hosts Assumption n Ascension Christian hosts the Willow School
Troy LeBoeuf covers sports for the Ascension Advocate. He can be reached at troyleboeuf@ hotmail.com or ascension@theadvocate. com or on Twitter @ Troyleboeuf
RPCC Foundation nearly triples scholarship recipients, awarding $195,000
Community news report
River Parishes Community College Foundation has announced a record-breaking milestone in student support: 89 students have been awarded $195,000 in scholarships for the 2025-2026 academic year, nearly triple the number of recipients from the previous year
The achievement reflects the RPCC Foundation’s commitment to making higher education more accessible and affordable for students across the River Parishes. Scholarships, funded by the foundation and industry and community partners, are helping students pursue degrees and certifications that align with Louisiana’s most in-demand careers, a news release said.
“Scholarships open the door to opportunity and remove barriers that stand in the way of our students’ success,” said RPCC Foundation Executive Director Tarie Roberson. “Thanks to the incredible support of our donors and partners, we are
AROUND
Gonzales Gun Show
able to invest in our students and the future workforce of our region like never before.”
RPCC scholarships support a wide range of academic and technical programs, from process technology and instrumentation to allied health, welding and transfer degrees. The 89 recipients will be formally recognized at RPCC’s upcoming Scholarship Signing Day Banquet, an annual event celebrating student achievements and honoring the donors who make these awards possible.
“Just as athletes sign letters of intent to play at the next level, our scholarship recipients formally commit to taking the next step in their educational journey— supported by the generosity of our donors and the strength of our industry and community partnerships,” Roberson said. For more information about scholarships or ways to support RPCC students, visit www.rpcc.edu/foundation.
your pet, don’t forget to call the shelter to see if it has been turned over For information, visit www.carashouse.com.
The Second Amendment Gun Show is Sept. 6-7 at Lamar-Dixon Expo Center 9039 S. St. Landry Ave. in Gonzales.
The show features hundreds of displays of new and old guns, ammo, gun parts, books, knives, knife sharpening, coins, camouflage and related items.
Hazardous material collection day
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 Lamar-Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales.
CARA’s House needs fosters
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 Pavilion in Donaldsonville and the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales. All recipients must be prequalified by visiting the Ascension Parish Health Unit, 1024 E. Ascension Complex Blvd., in Gonzales, or Donaldsonville courthouse, 300 Houmas St., in Donaldsonville. Call Layne Melancon at (225) 450-1006 or email layne.melancon@ fmolhs.org.
a Gonzales ordinance created roughly two decades ago. Riley argues the ordinance violates the Lawrason Act, which states that no “ordinance may limit the authority granted to the mayor by this Paragraph.” He has asked the Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill for an opinion on whether the ordinance unlawfully infringes on his mayoral powers. The positions at the heart of the dispute included a chief of staff position paid around $94,000 annually and a Department of Public Works secretary role. The budget also allocated roughly $194,000 for four new jobs: a purchasing manager, a warehouse associate a business license clerk and a human resources clerk. Riley said people working at City Hall have asked for those positions and that the jobs would “be able to get the city running more efficiently.” “By our ordinance, if you create a position, it should be voted on by the city council,” council member Tyler Turner said after the vote. Minus those positions, the amended budget is the same and fully funds the departments supported by the general fund, Turner said. Residents expressed relief that the budget was passed and outrage over the months spent debating it. During public comment, several citizens referenced the increased media attention toward Gonzales and the embarrassment they felt for their city “Talk to each other,” resident Maria Tiuett said. “And remember that you are working for us.”
Email Haley Miller at haley.miller@ theadvocate.com.
CARA’s House Animal Shelter is in need of volunteers, fosters and adopters. And if you’re missing
Continued from page 1G Community news report
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
STAFF
PHOTO BY MICHAEL JOHNSON Gonzales Mayor Timothy Riley leads an Aug. 11 meeting at the Gonzales City Hall
PROVIDED PHOTO BY CASSIE GUEDRY
Gathering July 17 at Sugarfield Distillery, from left, are Ascension Republican Women Marilyn Rice, Renee LaBauve, Cassie Guedry Debbie Hebert, Bonnita Matsuda, Joyce LaCour Beth Mays, Heather Trice, Jennifer DeFrances and Samantha Cartwright.
PROVIDED PHOTO BY PHOTOS BY NAOMI
Community news report
The Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge is accepting applications for the Everett G. Powers Fund for Creativity, offering a $5,000 award to support one project that embodies innovation, creativity and artistic excellence.
The submission window runs through Oct. 15, and is open to individuals or or-
AUG. 21
20-28:
AUG. 20
TODD, CHRISTOPHER BRECKEN-
RIDGE: 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.; 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; hold for other agency, illegal possession of stolen firearms, illegal carry of weaponscrime 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; possession of a Schedule I controlled dangerous substance, manufacture/distribution/possession with the intent to distribute Schedule I controlled dangerous substance, 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), four 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; parole Violation, theft less than $1,000, exploitation of elderly persons or persons with infirmities, theft $5,000 but less than $25,000
REYNARD, JOSEPH ANTHONY: 11045 Paddock Ave., Baton Rouge; 32; theft $5000 but less than $25,000
THE ASCENSION ADVOCATE
40444 Cannon Road Gonzales LA 70737 (225) 388-0215
PUBLISHED EVERY WEDNESDAY Online at theadvocate.com/ baton_rouge/news/communities/ ascension/
Everett G. Powers Fund for
ganizations with a 501(c)(3) designation based in the Arts Council’s 10-parish region: East Baton Rouge, West Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, West Feliciana, Iberville, Pointe Coupee, St. Helena, Ascension, Livingston or Tangipahoa parishes.
Established through the vision of Everett G Powers, the fund recognizes that creativity is essential not only in the arts, but also in fields such as engineering, edu-
cation, the food industry architecture and beyond.
“Virtually every human undertaking can thrive by consciously including creativity in the mix,” said Powers.
The award supports new projects taking place between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2026.
Eligible expenses include artist fees, production costs, supplies, equipment rental, consultant fee, and other direct
ASCENSION PARISH BOOKINGS
BUTLER, IVERSON EUGENE: 10745 Stone Pine Drive, Greenwell Springs; 45; parking spaces for certain disabled persons, resisting an officer, disturbing the peace/language/disorderly conduct GREEN, CHARLOTTE MARIE: 1930 Rhodes Ave., Baton Rouge; 56; theft less than $1,000 CANALES, SANTOS: 8855 GSRI Ave Apt 8, Baton Rouge; 58; intentional littering prohibited, false certificates, driver must be licensed, vehicles without required equipment or in unsafe condition, careless operation, operating a vehicle while intoxicated-child endangerment law EMERY, QUIESHA YASANTE: 1238 Tams Drive, Baton Rouge; prostitution, criminal mischief/tampering with any property of another BASSETT, JAMAL CORTEZ: 705 E. Rome St., Gonzales; 37; theft $1,000 but less than $5,000, principals
AUG. 22
ELWOOD, JESSICA LEE: 12168 Griffith Road, Gonzales; 33; obstruction of justice/all others, failure to appear-bench warrant, contraband defined; certain activities regarding contraband in penal institutions prohibited, fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction, possession of Schedule II controlled dangerous substance (methamphetamine), prohibited acts-drug paraphernalia
BENTLEY, CURTIS ALLEN: 16000 Berthelot Lane, Maurepas; 54; failure to appear-bench warrant MITCHELL, BRANDY: 1324 S. Shirley Ave., Gonzales; 40; distribution/possession with the intent to distribute Schedule III controlled dangerous substance (suboxone), distribution/ possession with intent to distribute Schedule II controlled dangerous substance, manufacture/distribution/possession with the intent to distribute Schedule I controlled dangerous substance
MITCHELL JR., CHARLES E.: 801 W Wellington St., Gonzales; 47; maximum speed limit, operating vehicle while license is suspended, reckless operation, resisting an officer, aggravated obstruction of a highway of commerce, aggravated flight from an officer, distribution/possession with the intent to distribute Schedule III controlled dangerous substance (suboxone) distribution/ possession with intent to distribute Schedule II controlled dangerous substance, distribution/possession with intent to distribute Schedule II controlled dangerous substance (methamphetamine) manufacture/ distribution/possession with the intent to distribute Schedule I controlled dangerous substance
WRIGHT, ADRIAN: 11510 Gibbens Road, Baton Rouge; 42; failure to appear-bench warrant GAUTREAUX, BARRY WAYNE: 13070 Carrie Lane, Geismar; 51; failure to appear-bench warrant
BROWN, JAYLUN JKY: address
unknown; 18; resisting an officer, battery of a school teacher by student, disturbing the peace/violent and tumultuous manner/disorderly conduct EVANS, CHRISTOPHER: 4845 MLK Parkway, St. Gabriel; 23; failure to appear-bench warrant
BELL, COREY E.: 923 St. Patrick St., Donaldsonville; 48; failure to appear-bench warrant, registrationcommercial vehicles/expired plate, operating vehicle while license is suspended, failure to appear-bench warrant, no seat belt, flight from an officer, resisting an officer
JONES, KELSI GRACE: 41514 Pertuis Acres Road, Gonzales; 20; domestic abuse battery with a weapon
AUG. 23
WASHINGTON, JEREMY J.: 1323 Maginnis St., Donaldsonville; 33; theft
$1,000 but less than $5,000, trafficcontrol signals, two counts fugitiveother Louisiana jurisdiction
HAMPTON, CHELSEA MARIE: 1019 N. Coolidge Ave., Gonzales; 31; driving on right side of road-exceptions, possession of alcoholic beverages in motor vehicles, operating a vehicle while under suspension for certain prior security required, driving on roadway laned for traffic, operating while intoxicated-third
MONTALVO, ADRIAN: 152 Casita Loop, Rio Grande, Texas; careless operation, operating while intoxicated-first
GAREY, RICARDO WILLIAM: 40189 Dove Estates Court, Gonzales; 39; fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction, careless operation, possession of alcoholic beverages in motor vehicles, operating a vehicle while under suspension for certain prior operating while intoxicated — third offense
BAZILE, JAIRRIEL: 2382 N. Albert St., Lutcher; 37; failure to appear-bench warrant
FONTENOT, CHRISTOPHER JAYSON: Harry Savoy Road, Prairieville; 33; owner to secure registration, tail lamps, stop signs and yield signs, flight from an officer, operating vehicle while license is suspended, reckless operation, safety helmets, evidence of motor vehicle liability security contained in vehicle, offroad vehicles-authorization for use on the shoulders of certain public roads and highways
costs tied to the project. Projects will be evaluated based on creative innovation and artistic excellence (70%) and viability and impact (30%). Applications are due
RILEY JR., KENTRELL JERMAINE: 1611
St. Patrick St., Donaldsonville; 21; state probation violation, failure to appear-bench warrant, theft less than $1,000, domestic abuse battery-child endangerment, BOSTWICK, OWEN KENNEDY: 38214
Stanley St., Prairieville; 63; two counts failure to appear-bench warrant
JAMES, COLA DEVONTAI: 312 Barcelona Drive, Donaldsonville; 33; two counts failure to appear-bench warrant
FOSTER, BRANDON M.: 15284 Henderson Bayou Road, Prairieville; 40; expired driver’s license, following vehicles, prohibited acts-drug paraphernalia, possession of heroin
RICARD II, PHILLIP: 7878 Phebus Drive, Baton Rouge; 30; failure to appear-bench warrant, prohibited acts-drug paraphernalia, distribution/possession with the intent to distribute marijuana or synthetic cannabinoids, operating vehicle while license is suspended, turning movements and required signals
NORRIS, DONALD RAY: 12115 Peter Bourgeois Road, St. Amant; 47; violations of protective orders WILLIAMS, KEVONTRAY T.: 1789 Lombard Drive, Baton Rouge; 18; simple burglary, illegal possession of stolen things $1,000 to $5,000, unlawful sale/purchase/or possession of tobacco-signs required, purchase and public possession of alchoholic beverages-exceptions/ penalties, theft of a firearm, theft of a motor vehicle $5,000 to $25,000, simple criminal damage to property $1,000 to $50,000, illegal possession of stolen things less than $1,000, possession of marijuana less than 14 grams, simple burglary (vehicle) LEBEAU JR., CHUCK PAUL: 9978 Stratford Drive, Denham Springs; 39; domestic abuse battery SULLIVAN, PATRICK OBRIAN: 3096 La. 1 S, Donaldsonville; 31; failure to register and notify as a sex offender-first, fugitive-other state jurisdiction
TAYLOR IV, WILLIAM L: 15143 Silver Oak Drive, Prairieville; 52; resisting an officer, prohibited acts-drug paraphernalia, possession of fentanyl, possession of Schedule II controlled dangerous substance (methamphetamine), possession of alcoholic beverages in motor vehicles, security required, driver must be licensed, owner to secure registration, vehicle license required
BENNETT, DARIEN TRENEL: 39075 Germany Road, Prairieville; 30; probation violation, prohibited actsdrug paraphernalia, possession of Schedule II controlled dangerous substance (methamphetamine), possession of fentanyl, resisting an officer
WILLIAMS, CORNELL: 1910 W Worthey St.; 52; driving on roadway laned for traffic, operating while intoxicated-first offense
FICKLIN JR., WILLIAM DARRYL: 614 S Pleasant Ave., Gonzales; 36; parole violation, theft less than $1,000, theft $1,000 but less than $5,000 ALBERT, KYERRA SHANTE: 9196 Ester St., Convent; 33; surety, two counts failure to appear-bench warrant COLLINS, NICHOLAS CODY: 17478 Evergreen Hill Drive, Prairieville; 23; disturbing the peace/language/disorderly conduct, criminal trespass/ trespassing of real property, second degree battery
AUG. 28
STINSON, CHRISTOPHER LEE: address unknown; 35; hit-and-run driving, operating while intoxicated-first CARTER JR., ERIC CAPOTES: 13123 Country Park Ave., Baton Rouge; 28; criminal trespass/trespassing of real property, second degree battery, home invasion (battery)
Darlene T. Denstorff ddenstorff@theadvocate.com
OFFICE: (225) 388-0215 CELL: (225) 603-1998
RIVER PARISHES WRITER Christopher Cartwright christopher.cartwright@theadvocate.com (225) 388-0125
Sports-themed senior sock hop draws crowd
Seniors sported the colors of their favorite sports teams Friday during the Garney Gautreau Senior Sock Hop at Lamar-Dixon Expo Center’s Ascension gym. Mike Broussard & Night Train performed as senior residents danced. The dances are held one the fourth Friday of each month.
Kermit and Clair Braud wear their officials uniforms during the sports-themed event.
Members of the band Night Train perform with Mike Broussard.
Gail and Blue Forsythe dance to the music played by Mike Broussard & Night Train.
A couples dances at the Senior Sock Hop.
Mike Broussard performs with Night Train.
A couple slow dances at the Garney Gautreau Senior Sock Hop
Several friends gather for a photo.
STAFF PHOTOS BY MICHAEL JOHNSON
Couples slow dance at the Senior Sock Hop at the Lamar-Dixon Ascension Gym on Friday in Gonzales.
