five members and a desire to discuss the matter first in a workshop, the Zachary City Council at its Oct. 14 meeting delayed taking action on a proposed ordinance that would substantially increase the
Trick-ortreating returns on Halloween night after game rescheduled
BY OLIVIA MCCLURE
Contributing writer
Trick-or-treating is back on for Halloween night in Zachary
The City Council unanimously voted Oct. 14 to set trick-or-treating hours for 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Oct 31 — reversing an earlier decision to hold the festivities on Thursday, Oct 30. In late August, the council agreed to move trick-or-treating up by a day at the request of Mayor David McDavid and Police Chief Darryl Lawrence. A highly anticipated matchup between the Zachary and Central high school football teams was slated for Oct 31 at the Bronco Corral and the mayor and chief were worried about having enough police officers to both keep kids safe on the streets and handle the crowd at the game.
The council approved the request on a 4-1 vote but lamented the lost opportunity for trick-ortreating on a rare Friday Halloween.
The plan didn’t stick for long. At the Oct. 7 school board meeting, Superintendent Ben Necaise announced that his team had coordinated with city officials and those in Central to reschedule the game.
“We’ve worked with them and made sure we can align all the logistics,” Necaise said. “We are moving our Oct. 31 game to the 30th just so that the city would have the option to toggle back Halloween night to Friday.” With the council’s recent vote, that’s now official Councilman John LeBlanc made the motion to schedule trick-or-treating for Oct 31.
“I am so excited to second that motion,” said Councilwoman Jennifer Landry
“So am I,” LeBlanc said “So are a lot of people.”
base pay for the mayor and police chief while also boosting compensation for council members.
The raises proposed in the ordinance, which the council agreed to introduce earlier this month, wouldn’t take effect until January 2027 — after the next election.
If the ordinance is approved, the starting salary for the mayor
would go from $85,000 to $108,200. The police chief’s starting salary which is currently $69,000, would increase to $89,100. And council members, who are now paid $10,414 annually, would receive $12,950.
The council set a workshop to discuss the ordinance for 5:30 p.m. Oct. 28 at City Hall ahead of its
regular meeting. Members also are planning to talk about permanently filling the council clerk position during the gathering. Under state law, the council must approve any changes to officials’ compensation before the final year of an election cycle. The clock is ticking — which is part of why Mayor David McDavid said
he supported the council tabling a vote on the ordinance.
“I don’t want to take a chance of somebody not being comfortable with what they have right now and not being able to see it and then all of a sudden vote it down, then we start it all back over,” he said “The
Patriots deliver 56-31 loss for Broncos’ Homecoming game
The ZHS Broncos started the 2025 season with plenty of questions but a hard working group of players and coaches that promised to provide thrills.
For the first five games of 2025 the Broncos piled up nothing but victories that placed them atop of The Advocate’s local rankings, sixth in the Louisiana Sportswriters Association 5A poll and second in the 5A nonselect power rankings.
That momentum and those rankings all took a major blow after a homecoming 56-31 loss to Liberty (4-3) on Oct. 17.
The Broncos offensive story so far this year has been a powerful running game behind a strong offensive line and two fantastic junior running backs Tyrek Lewis (thunder) and Jeremy Patton (lightning) who both had impressive rushing totals and touchdowns against the Patriots behind a strong offensive line and H-back Connor Shipp.
Though there were gains on the ground there were also fumbles, which have been uncommon for the Broncos, and
the passing game never got off the ground.
Liberty started the matchup at a disadvantage with their head coach Jimmy Zachary suspended but present at the game. Zachary, in his first year at Liberty, came from Opelousas where he won a 4A state championship.
The game started with strong defensive play by the Broncos with the usual cast of characters like linebackers Dylan Shelmire, Isaiah Stokes and Donovan Bethley flying around, making stops and forcing the Patriots to punt.
On the Broncos first offensive play Patton scored on a 48-yard
run. Liberty responded with a touchdown and 2-point conversion to take the early lead (8-6) in the first.
The Broncos immediately responded on the ensuing drive with a 22-yard pass from Michael Kirby to Kristion Brooks. This would be the Broncos only lead for the remainder of the night. The Patriots quickly responded with a 75-yard pass and two-point conversion to take a 16-14 lead to start the second and extended the lead to 24-14.
A late field goal put the Broncos within a touchdown 24-17 at the half and were set to receive the ball first to start the third. Patton struck early in the third quarter with a 25-yard run to tie things up with 10:26 left in the third. Everything was going according to plan, until it wasn’t. The Patriots responded with another drive and two-point conversion to take the lead 32-24 and tacked on another touchdown before Lewis’ touchdown run from 20 yards out narrowed the lead (38-31).
From then on Liberty kept
scoring. The Broncos could not stop them or put any more points on the board. A tired defense that held the opposing team to 20 points or fewer in all but one game prior to homecoming ran out of gas and the Patriots rushing attack was too much in the third and fourth quarters. There is no rest for the weary as things get tougher over the next three weeks of district play
The Broncos take to the road for a district game against Woodlawn, a 45-15 winner over Scotlandville, on Oct. 16, and on Oct. 24, come home for a Thursday night game against defending nonselect champion Central on Oct. 30. They close out the regular season at Memorial Stadium for a game the Broncos hope is for the 4-5A district championship against Catholic on Nov 6, also a Thursday night game.
Warren Brady covers sports for The Plainsman. He can be contacted at zachary@ theadvocate.com.
Mayor’s Prayer Luncheon is Friday
PHOTO BY SONYA GOSS
Zachary High School Homecoming Queen is senior Carly Johnson.
Warren Brady ZACHARY SPORTS
See COUNCIL, page 3G
Zachary High School Homecoming Parade was held on Oct. 17 in downtown Zachary.
Zachary High School’s Band of Blue performs during Homecoming Parade on Oct. 17.
Senior maid Carly Johnson is crowned Homecoming Queen for Zachary High School during halftime of the Homecoming game on Oct. 17.
Zachary High lines up Oct. 17 for its Homecoming game against Liberty Magnet.
Zachary High junior maids, from left, are Quinn Langley, Madison Selders and Megan Roussell.
Zachary High senior maids, from left, are Aubri Scott, Zahara Firven, Carly Johnson and Amelia Dupré.
Zachary High freshmen maids, from left, are Sage Young, Ramiyah Perry and Carleigha Jackson.
Zachary High sophomore maids, from left, Niya Hayes, Kierstyn Williams, Samantha Straub and Sofie Morara.
PHOTOS BY SONYA GOSS
Zachary senior Kristion Brooks celebrates a touchdown during Friday’s loss to Liberty
Doctor joins Lane Gastroenterology
Community news report
Lane Regional Medical Center
welcomed Dr Diana Curras Martin to its team of medical specialists.
Curras Martin sees patients as a gastroenterologist at Lane Gastroenterology in Zachary Curras Martin earned her medical degree from the University Complutense of Madrid in Spain and completed her internal medicine residency at Hackensack
COUNCIL
Continued from page 1G
Meridian’s Jersey Shore University Medical Center in New Jersey She earned a gastroenterology fellowship at Loma Linda University Medical Center in California.
She is board certified in both gastroenterology and internal medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine and has participated in numerous research publications and case reports featured in leading medical journals.
“We are thrilled to welcome
time is running out. If we don’t get it done now, we won’t get it done. That’s what I’m worried about.”
McDavid and Police Chief Darryl Lawrence have spoken in the past urging raises for city officials. Both men currently earn lower salaries than some of their highestranking employees
The three council members present at the meeting briefly discussed the proposed
AROUND
Continued from page 1G
forms.office.com/r/b8qkhsEujS
Donations sought for St. Vincent de Paul
A Fill-a-Truck event to help St. Vincent de Paul will be held from 8 a.m to noon
Nov 1 in the St. John the Baptist Church parking lot
Donations accepted include furniture working appliances, lamps, pots and pans, household items, gently used clothing, baby clothes and items, shoes, coats, bedspreads, and sheets All items need to be in boxes or plastic bags.
Mattresses and box springs will not be accepted.
Learn about tax proposal
A community presentation explaining Zachary Forward, the tax proposition from the Zachary Community School District, will be at 6 p.m. Oct 28 at the Zachary High School Visual and Performing Arts Center
changes.
Dr Curras Martin to Lane Gastroenterology,” said Patty Williams, physician practices director “Her exceptional training, patient-first approach, and commitment to clinical excellence make her a tremendous asset to our team and the communities we serve.”
Curras Martin is fluent in English and Spanish, and is dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based care to patients of all backgrounds.
Councilman James Graves expressed frustration at the lack of progress on the issue. He said he compiled and shared information in June 2024 about how much council members in 24 cities around Louisiana are paid in comparison to Zachary
He said raising council pay will attract better candidates.
“Say all three of us do not run for council,” Graves said. “What are we looking at in our city for the next four years? It hasn’t been raised since 2017. We’re the lowest around — out of 24 different places, we’re the lowest.”
Drug Take Back Day Oct. 25
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day will be observed from 10 a.m. to noon Oct. 25 at the Zachary Police Department, 5160 Old Slaughter Road.
Drop off old or unused medications. Receive a free goodie bag, while supplies last Local food trucks will have meals for sale on-site.
Check out Baker’s market
Baker’s Fresh Market will be from 11 a.m to 2 p.m. Oct. 25 and Nov 22 at the Baker School Board Office, 14750 Plank Road Vendors will be selling vegetables, smoothies, eggs, meat, baked goods, plants, jams and more all local.
Veterans Parade coming
A Salute to Veterans Parade will be held Nov 11 in Zachary
Veterans are invited to ride in the parade. Local antique car owners will drive them in the parade.
Antique cars will line up at the Regional Veterans Park immediately following the Veterans Day Ceremony Departure the Lane Hospital parking lot with a police es-
When she is not working, Curras Martin said she enjoys cooking and traveling. She is married and has two children.
“I believe in patient-centered care, where listening carefully is just as important as clinical expertise,” Curras Martin said. “It’s a privilege to help patients navigate digestive and liver health challenges, and I’m excited to serve the greater North Baton Rouge community as part of the Lane Regional team.”
He said the “going rate” is about $15,000 annually
Councilman John LeBlanc questioned whether a bigger paycheck would help.
“I talk to businessmen who give big raises to their guys thinking it’s going to make a difference, and it doesn’t make a difference. It’s in here,” he said, pointing to his heart.
Serving on the city council, he said, is something people do not do because of money but because they’re called to service.
“Sometimes this can be a thankless job
Sometimes it can be a very rewarding job,” LeBlanc said. “But I know myself, when I ran, I didn’t know how much we were going
cort at 9 a.m. The route begins at the Bank of Zachary at 9:15 a.m. and ends at Zachary High School.
Veterans should sign up at forms.office. com/r/TTJNW8ntu5.Car owners should sign up at forms.office.com/r/TLWs1mxdw0.
Reach out to ashleigh.mchugh@ cityofzachary.org or darren.spears@zacharyschools.org with questions. Christmas is coming
The Zachary Police Department is having a Christmas Tree Decorating Contest. The department is looking for 12 businesses to join the fun. Spots are limited and will be filled on a first-come, firstserved basis, so don’t wait to sign up. Deadline is Oct. 30.
To register your business and for information contact records@zacharypd.org or call (225) 654-1904.
Winner will be announced Dec. 23. Contest rules:
n Pencil tree 6-foot to 9-foot — artificial only n Tree can be put up Nov 15 to Dec. 1 in the foyer of the Zachary Police Department, 5160 Old Slaughter Road.
to get. I didn’t care how much I was going to get.”
Councilwoman Jennifer Landry reminded her colleagues that the ordinance would raise salaries for others besides themselves. Competitive pay matters for everyone, she said.
“I know our chief is looking for that,” she said, referring to Lawrence. “Chief has been looking out for his officers and their pay before even his own He has spent — how many years now? — three years being paid sometimes less than his officers right now So there needs to be some correction to that for our future candidates.”
n Voting is Dec. 2-22. One vote per person per day n Tree must be taken down by Jan. 10. Trunk-or-Treat at the Library Kids are invited to the Greenwell Springs Road Regional Branch Library, rain or shine, for a Trunk-or-Treat event! Community partners will set up in the parking lot on Monday, Oct. 27 at 4:30 p.m. to hand out seasonal goodies. If it rains, the event will move indoors. Costumes are encouraged but not required. If your organization would like to participate as a community partner, please call 274-4460.
Walk Baker District 3 neighborhood District 3 Community Walks will continue at 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30. The events are hosted by Desiree Odell-Collins, District 3 supporters and resource partners. People should meet at Redemption Life Fellowship, 2400 Debra Drive, Baker Text (225) 954-3360 to receive updates on future walks.
Email Leila Pitchford at lpitchford@ theadvocate.com.
Dr Diana Curras Martin
Little School celebrates fall with expanded festival
Parents and kids in costume lined up for a Trunk-or-Treat indoors for the Fall Fest in Zachary, in spite of
The following people were booked into East Baton Rouge Parish Prison or issued a summons by the Zachary Police Department from Sept 25-Oct. 15: DEQUINCY ADAMS: 22; 7047 Richardson Loop, Jackson; possession of marijuana
KARAN BUTLER: 41; 8283 Airline Highway, Baton Rouge; stopping/parking/standing upon a highway shoulder, possession of marijuana more than 14 grams, possession of alcohol in vehicle
RUBY FREEMAN: 43, 7218 Gilead Road, Clinton, failure to appear on outstanding bench warrants
DA’MARCO GOSS: 25, 5762 Deer Creek Lane,
BY JAMES TAYLOR FOREMAN
contributing writer
Zachary’s The Little School hosted its annual Fall Fest on Saturday, expanding this year into a full market, silent auction and Trunk-orTreat in partnership with the church.
Director Beth Inzenga said the event helps the school establish itself as a year-round pre-K and daycare while giving small busi-
nesses a chance to connect with the community
“It’s really grown since last year,” she said. Among the vendors was Little Birdie Bakery, a new cottage business run by Melanie and her son Wyatt Sully, whose handmade treats honor her late grandmother, “Nanny.”
Parents and kids in costume lined up for Trunk-orTreat indoors, in spite of the rain pouring outside.
Ethel, possession of marijuana and no seat belt
MAYNARD HULBERT: 58, 5328 Rollins Road, Zachary, cruelty to juveniles and two counts of domestic abuse battery – child endangerment
ALISHA GILMORE: 38, 16511 Vermillion Drive, Baton Rouge, failure to appear on outstanding bench warrants
ANTHONY JOHNSON: 58, 16999 Old Scenic Highway, Zachary, failure to appear on outstanding bench warrants
KELVIN LEONARD: 25, 4088 Water Oak Drive, Zachary, prohibited acts, possession of marijuana, illegal carrying of weapons with controlled dangerous substance and resisting an officer
DESTINY PIPER: 30, 20051 Old Scenic Highway, Apt. 104, Zachary, attempted second degree murder, and simple criminal damage to property
KEONTRA SANDERS: 31, 2116 E. Azalea St., Baker, possession of marijuana, possession of alcohol in vehicle, and expired registration
DONOVAN SMITH: 30, 25120 Shanklin Drive, Zachary, general speed law and possession of marijuana
JORDAN SOARES: 24, 8744 Jefferson Highway Baton Rouge, six counts distribution or possession of Schedule I drugs
BILLY TOWNLEY: 31, 2518 Union Road, White House, Tennessee, fugitive warrants through East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office, resisting an officer, theft, and possession of Schedule II drugs
ROBERT BARKER: 31; 7645 La. 961, Clinton; simple battery, indecent behavior with juveniles,
contributing to the delinquency of juveniles, first degree rape
KEENAN CURTIS: 31; homeless, Baton Rouge; failure to appear on outstanding bench warrants
LANCE DUPUY: 21; 22217 Machost Road, Zachary; operating a vehicle while intoxicated
STEPHANIE EDWARDS: 47; 26927 Wagner Drive, Slaughter; failure to appear on outstanding bench warrants
DENNIS HOLLINS: 33; 6766 Autumn Ave., Baton Rouge; failure to appear on outstanding bench warrants
ZURI JENKINS: 25; 4938 Newell St., Zachary; possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia
DONTA JONES: 29; 9112 Highland Oaks Ave., Zachary; two counts of simple battery, aggravated assault
JEROME LOVE: 45; 19928 Deer Creek Ave., Zachary; criminal trespass
TRENTON MOORE: 18; 5572 Devore Drive, Baton Rouge; possession of marijuana, equipment violation-display of plate
JONATHAN MUNN: 41; 4024 Robert St., Zachary; operating a vehicle while intoxicated, following too close
NICHOLAS SPANN: 29; 4779 Avenue G, Zachary; two counts simple battery, booked in for resisting an officer, attempted theft WILLMEN VENTORA: 28; 30715 Burgess Road, Denham Springs; charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated, no insurance, failure to register vehicle, switch license plate
Brittany Prevost, left, and Emmaleigh Roth, parents of students at The Little School, hand out candy from their Carnival-themed trunk during the school’s fall fest.
PHOTOS BY JAMES TAYLOR FOREMAN
Katherine Zimery, head of the Kids Ministry at the Little School, stands with her in a superhero-themed display, which lets kids test their super-strength by punching through to win candy.
the rain pouring outside.
Melanie Sully and her son Wyatt Sully at the display for the Zachary local Little Birdie Bakery. Melanie, a professional baker of six years and chef for over two decades, was inspired by her late grandmother, ‘Nanny,’ who died in 2020. They live on Birdie Road in Zachary, the namesake of their bakery.
Zachary High volleyball on road for Thursday game
The Zachary High volleyball team beat East Iberville Oct. 9.
The team lost to Liberty Oct. 14 and recorded a win over Baton Rouge High on Oct. 16.
The Broncos travel Thursday to face Central and return home for a game against Woodlawn on Oct. 28.
Zachary Broncos varsity volleyball coach goes over
play.
Zachary Broncos Kayla Williams, a freshman, serves during a varsity volleyball game against East Iberville on Oct. 9.
The Zachary Broncos didn’t just win, they dominated. A huge win over East Iberville on Oct. 9
PHOTOS BY SONYA GOSS
Zachary Broncos sophomore Annie Troth spikes the ball and scores.
lists rules for Waste Management recycling
Community news report
The city of Zachary partners with Waste Management to provide weekly residential recycling services. Collection days are assigned based on location and fall on either Monday, Tuesday, Thursday or Friday.
Visit wm.com to sign up for recycling
Residents may keep their 18-gallon bins, but Waste Management will no longer collect recyclables from them once the new carts are in use.
A recent news release listed specifics about the program, including:
Recycling cart guidelines
n All recyclables must be placed in the 96-gallon green with gold lid recycling cart.
n These carts are serviced by automated trucks, replacing the older rear-load system.
n Place garbage and recycling carts at least three feet apart from each other and any obstructions
n Place the cart curbside the night before scheduled pickup, as collection begins at 5 a.m.
n Recyclables should be emptied loose into the cart — no bags or liners.
Accepted recyclables
n Newspapers magazines, scrap paper,
flattened cardboard
n Plastics labeled No. 1–No. 7, milk cartons, juice boxes, detergent refill contain-
n Aluminum and tin food/beverage cans (rinsed)
n Cereal and cracker boxes (without liners), juice/milk/cream cartons (rinsed)
Items not accepted
n Plastic bags, plastic foam, bubble wrap, plastic film
n Glass bottles or containers
n Household garbage, yard waste, construction debris
n Batteries, foam cups/containers, food or liquids
n Furniture, carpet, clothing
2025 garbage and recycling rates
Inside city limits
$33.30 = garbage $24.50 and recycling
$8.80
Inside city limits – senior $18.15 = garbage $13.75 and recycling.
earns Bronze and Silver awards with Angus group
Community news report
Camryn Greene, of Slaughter, has earned the National Junior Angus Association’s Bronze and Silver awards, according to Caitlyn Brandt, events and junior activities director of the American Angus Association in St. Joseph, Missouri. Greene is the 17-year-old daughter of Todd and Jennifer Greene and attends Zachary High School. She is a member of the NJAA and the Louisiana Junior Angus Association, where she has served as director and royalty
She has participated in local, state, regional and national shows and show-
manship contests. At the National Junior Angus Show, Greene participated in the 2022 mentoring program. The Bronze and Silver awards are the first two levels of the NJAA Recognition Program that began in 1972. Junior Angus breeders must apply for the award, then meet point requirements in many areas of participation before receiving the honor Applicants are evaluated in areas of junior Angus association activities and leadership, participation in showmanship, contests and shows, using performance testing to improve their herd and their progress in producing and merchandising Angus cattle.
Zachary
PROVIDED PHOTO
Camryn Greene, of Slaughter, has earned the National Junior Angus Association’s Bronze and Silver awards.
