The Livingston-Tangipahoa Advocate 01-21-2026

Darlene Denstorff

Student rodeo coming in February

The Southeast Louisiana Junior and High School Rodeo will be Feb. 2-March 17 at the Lamar Dixon Center in Gonzales Action starts at 7 p.m. Feb. 27, 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Feb 28, and 9 a.m. March 1. Rodeo athletes in fifth through 12th grades from all of Louisiana will compete. Admission is $10. A weekend pass is $15. Kids 5 and under are free.

Sicilian festival seeks vendors

The Independence Sicilian Heritage Festival is March 13-15.

The festival is looking for food and craft vendors. Visit indysicilianfest.com to see forms. Learn something new

Be sure to visit southeastern nbsstore.net/life-long-learninglivingston-center to find and register for classes such as chair yoga and Zumba, watercolor, stained glass and technology subjects.

Krewe of Denham Springs sets to roll

It’s Mardi Gras time and the Krewe of Denham Springs’ Mardi Gras parade will roll starting at 3 p.m. Jan. 31.

The parade will start at Denham Springs High and travel down Range Avenue through the Antique Village to Veterans Boulevard. For information, email kreweofdsparadecaptain@ gmail.com

Gumbo cook-off planned

The Watson Bird and Sausage Gumbo Cook-off is set for Jan 31 at Livingston Fairgrounds.

Gates open at 10 a.m. and opening ceremonies are at 11 a.m. A $15 donation gets you samples of the gumbo.

Entertainment starts at noon and awards will be presented at 4 p.m. All proceeds donated to Honor Flight Louisiana, Baton Rouge Soldier Outreach and Books for Boots.

For information, call (225) 337-0041.

Cornhole in Walker

Play cornhole every Friday at the Walker Community Center

The weekly tournaments are $10 for the lower division and $20 for the upper division. For information, call (225) 305-7183.

Send news and events for Livingston and Tangipahoa parishes to livingston@ theadvocate.com by 4 p.m. Friday or call (225) 388-0731.

‘Ghostly Gala’ haunts grand ballroom

Krewe of Denham Springs celebrates 46th Mardi Gras

The Krewe of Neaux Klu presented “A Ghostly Gala” for the Krewe of Denham Springs, transforming North Park Recreation Center into a haunted grand ballroom for its 46th annual Mardi Gras ball on Saturday Outgoing royalty were Maurice “Scooter” Keen and Kay Keen, the 2025 king and queen. Crowned as the 2026 king and queen were Susan Hazleton and Charles “Chuck” Hazleton.

The Hazeltons have been members of the Krewe of Mystic Summer for 15 years and have served the krewe in numerous capacities, most recently as float captains. She has also served as ball captain and currently serves as treasurer for the krewe.

Susan Hazleton has worked as controller and office manager for Blount

General Contractors in Walker for the past 20 years. Together, the couple owns Hazleton Automation & Machine, a valve automation company based in Denham Springs, which they have operated for 20 years.

Eagle 98.1 radio personality Scott Robb, master of ceremonies, introduced the ball captains, parade captains and Denham Springs Mayor Gerard Landry

Float captains included:

n Billie and Joy McCartney – Krewe of Bras Moi Chue

n Cody and Kaley Crotwell – Krewe of Fleur de Lis

n Glen and Linda Forbes – Krewe of Hullabaloux

n Steve Carpenter and Lori Schmitz –Krewe of Klassy Cajuns

n Clay and Michelle Morris – Krewe of Misfits

n Alton and Tricia Cambre – Krewe of Mystic Summer

n Will and Kellie Benton – Krewe of Neaux Klu

n Joe and Gretchen Galindo – Krewe of Roux

n Julie Mayeaux – Krewe of Who

n Brad and Brittany Marcotte – Krewe of Friends The outgoing king and queen bestowed Krewe of Denham Springs silver medal-

lion necklaces upon the newly crowned royalty The mayor read a proclamation and presented the new royal couple with a key to the City of Denham Springs.

Members of the mayoral and royal courts, along with guests, toasted the new king and queen. The royal couple closed the evening’s ceremonies by leading everyone in a traditional Mardi Gras second line.

Phat Hat brought the dance floor to life throughout the evening.

The 46th annual Krewe of Denham Springs parade will roll at 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan 31 The family-friendly parade will begin at Denham Springs High School on Yellow Jacket Boulevard and proceed down Range Avenue to Veterans Boulevard.

In remembrance of years past and the 10-year anniversary of the historic 2016 flood in Denham Springs, this year’s grand marshal will be the United Cajun Navy 2016, represented by President Jon Bridgers Sr and Vice President Robert Pearson.

BY QUINN COFFMAN Staff writer

Sarah

SALZER

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of defense. Neither team,” Kennedy said. “Both teams made a lot of 3-pointers, but I think the difference was that we were able to force more turnovers and outrebound them.”

One of the more impressive feats for Doyle was the success if found while post player R.J. Jackson was on the bench. Jackson picked up two early fouls and sat out the entire second quarter, but it made little difference

Yuratich scored 15 points in the second quarter, and Doyle bumped a seven-point lead all the way up to 52-31 by the end of the half. Holden responded by pouring in 22 points in the third quarter, but Doyle’s offense kept clicking. Holden never got closer than 21 points in the second half. Speaking of clicking, Holden’s Maggie Hughes found her groove in the second half of the girls game, when she scored 26 of her 30 points. Her play helped the Rockets turn a five-point halftime deficit into a 42-34 lead, but it faded away in the fourth quarter Led by Suri Stewart, Doyle opened the final quarter with an 11-0 run The rest of the quarter was close with one tie and three lead changes, but the final minute belonged to Doyle as it scored the last six points of the game. Regardless of their enrollment Holden and Doyle provided two spirited and entertaining varsity contests. Charles Salzer covers Livingston sports for the Livingston-Tangipahoa Advocate. To reach Salzer, email livingston@theadvocate.com.

for an inbound play.

EMAIL: nuptials@theadvocate.com

EMAIL: classifi

Kevin

Billy Nungesser

Lieutenant Governor, Louisiana Office of Tourism

Dustin Yates Mayor, City of St.George

Chris Daigle Parish President, Iberville Parish Government

At atimewhenmuchofthe national conversation around journalism focusesoncontraction,our organization grew Weexpandedour audience,increased subscriptions, and strengthened ourposition as Louisiana’sleadingsourceoflocal newsand information.Asthe proudowner of esteemed brands such as TheTimes-Picayune, NOLA.com, TheAdvocate, The AcadianaAdvocate, Gambit andthe Shreveport -Bossier City Advocate,our journeyreflects commitment to preserving local journalismwhile embracing opportunities acrossLouisiana. Thoseresults did nothappenbychance. They reflectintentional choices—about whereweinvest, howwetellstories, andhow weserve audiences andadvertisers whovalue credible,local journalism andcompellingstorytelling.

2025:A Year of Audience and Subscription Growth In 2025, ourdigital audiencecontinued to grow acrossour markets, with strong gainsinoverall page viewsand engagement More importantly, we sawcontinued growthindigital subscriptions, confirmingsomethingwebelieve deeply:when

LBuilding Momentum and Looking Ahead

As we turn the page on 2025, it’s worthpausing to recognizesomething that can be easy to overlookintoday’smedia climate: GeorgesMediamademeaningful progress this pastyear

journalism is relevant,useful, andlocal,readers arewillingto supportit. That growth tellsustwo things. First,there is real demand fortrusted reportingrootedinour communities. Second,our focusonlocal accountability, enterprise reporting, andhighinterest coverage—news, sports, culture, andcommunity life—is resonating Subscriptionsare nowa central pillar of ourbusiness, and that relationship with readersbringsbothresponsibilityand opportunity.Subscribers expect value, consistency, andtrust andearning that trustevery dayremains ourmostimportant job. Expanding HowWeReach Audiences

Anotherimportant area of progress in 2025 washow audiences consumeour journalism.Readersincreasinglyengagewithus acrossplatforms—web,mobile, newsletters,social, andvideo. Video, in particular,representsagrowing opportunity.Whether it’s breaking news, sports, community storytelling,orliveevents, videoallowsustomeetaudiences wheretheyare andpresent local journalism in compellingnew ways. We seethisasan

ouisiana’s tourismindustrycontinued itsstrongupward trajectory in 2025, with visitation on pace to exceed the impressive performanceof2024. That year,wewelcomed 44.5 millionvisitorswho generated$2billioninstate andlocal taxes, saving each Louisianahousehold roughly $1,135. Tourismremainsa majoreconomic engine,supporting approximately 225 000jobsinLouisiana. In September, Ijoinedadelegation of tourismpartnersonan outreach missiontoCanada, ourlargest internationalmarket. In 2024, more than 85,000 Canadian visitors contributednearly$194 milliontoour economy, andinterestintravelingtoLouisiana remainsstrong–making theserelationships vital to expandingour global reach.

Louisiana’sculinary reputation also continues to rise on the global stagethrough ourpartnership with theMICHELINGuide

American Southwhichrecognized 34 Louisianarestaurantsinthe first year andwill help drawevenmorevisitorseager to experience theauthenticityand diversityofour cuisine.

Forthe fifthyear, Louisianaproudly participatedinthe Rose Parade.Withanestimated 10 billionnationaland international viewersand nearly $58 millioninadvertisingvalue generated, theparade remainsone of ourmosteffective toolsfor showcasing Louisiana’sculture andhospitality. Louisianamade significant investmentstoattract premier sporting events in communities throughout thestate,hosting youth, amateur collegiate,and professionalcompetitionswhichgeneratedmore than abilliondollars in impact andsupported tens of thousands of jobs. This momentumcontinues with severalnational fishing tournamentshostedacrossthe state.

Lookingahead,2026 marksLouisiana’s Year of Outdoors,an initiative spotlightingour stateparks, historic sites, theUNESCO site at PovertyPoint,morethan400 festivals, vibrantmainstreets, outdoorconcerts, andopen-air dining. This effortwillfurther accelerate thestrongyear-over-yeargrowthinvisitationtoour state parksand deepen therenewed enthusiasm forexploring Louisiana’s naturallandscapesand outdoorexperiences. We closed 2025 with record resultsand arepoisedtobuild on this successwithnew programs that continue to position Louisianaas oneofAmerica’s toptraveldestinations.

Aswemoveinto2026, we want everyone to know that St George is open forbusinessand set apartfor economic growth That’s whywe’re investinginprojectsthat keep ourcitystrong, competitive, andfocused on the future.We’re zeroed in on practicalimprovements andlongterm investmentsthatmakeiteasierfor businesses to grow here

Forexample,our Public WorksDepartmentcontinues to expand drainage improvements andmakeroadway repairsfor saferstreets,while also strengtheningthe everyday services residentsdependon. Additionally,the rolloutofour newGIS Hubwill further enhancetransparencybygivingthe public andlocal businesses real-timeaccess to mappingtools,project updates, andservice information,asignificant accomplishment foranemergingcitylikeSt. George

Oureconomicprioritiesfor 2026 center on creating stability, predictability,and confidencefor families and investors. We’realsoworking closelywithregional partners to alignSt. George with parishwide planning,workforce programs andlong-term transportation investments.

As ayoung andfast-growingcity, fiscal responsibility remainsatthe heartofevery decision we make.Webudget conservatively,build efficiently, andfocus ourresources on services that directly supporteconomicgrowth, creating more opportunityfor thecitizensofSt. George

Whetherit’sour long-termbusiness partners that are already growinginSt. George,orthe newbusinessesthatare making decisionstorelocatehereinthe future,wewantthem to know we’reinvesting in strategicprojectsthatsolidifyour position as acompetitive,well-managedmunicipalitywitha greatquality of life.

Aswewrapup2025,Ireflectonwhathasbeenanother remarkableyearforIbervilleParish.Itremainsanhonorto serveasyourParishPresidentandtoworkalongsidesomany residents,communityleaders,andpartnersdedicatedto movingIbervilleforward Theyearbeganwithamomentwewon’tsoonforget—ahistoric Januarysnowfallthatremindedusofthestrengthandunityofour community.Fromthatmemorablestart,progresscontinuedacrossour parishwithinitiativesthatwillshapeIberville’sfutureforyearstocome OneofourtopprioritiesremainsthenewMississippiRiver Bridge—aprojectvitaltoboththeBatonRougeregionandIberville Parish.Asoneoftheonlyparishesalongtheriverwithoutabridge,this infrastructureisessentialforreducingcongestionandopeningnew growthopportunities.Thisyear,theprojectadvancedasweentered the federalNEPAphase—theNationalEnvironmentalPolicyActprocess —whichrequiresathoroughreviewofenvironmental,community,and economicimpactsbeforeafinalbridgelocationcanbeselected.Wenow awaitthestudy’sresultsandremainsteadfastinadvocatingforfunding andcontinuedmomentum

Wealsomademeaningfulprogressacrossparishservicesand amenities.WeexpandedearlyvotingaccessinEastandNorthIberville celebratedIbervilleDayattheCapitolonMay6th,andbothbroke groundandheldaribboncuttingwithCPRAforthenewBayouPigeon BoatLaunch—aprojectthatwillgreatlyenhancerecreation,access andtourismalongourwaterways.Inaddition,westartedthebeginning phasesofdevelopingOneIberville:ShapingTomorrowTogether,the firstcomprehensiveMasterPlanupdateinmorethan20years,to guideresponsiblegrowthandstrengthenourcommunityforthenext generation EconomicdevelopmentcontinuestoaccelerateinIberville.Our parishisopenforbusinessandpoisedforsubstantialgrowthalong theI-10corridorinNorthIbervilleandalongtheMississippiRiver, supportedbystrongregionalpartnershipsandexpandinginfrastructure. Together,wearebuildingastronger,moreunitedIberville.Iseea brightfutureahead,builtoncollaboration,innovation,andcommunity pride.WishingyouandyourfamilyahappyandprosperousNewYear!

SusanB.Bourgeois, Secretary, Louisiana Economic Development

Clint Cointment Parish President, Ascension Parish

Lori Melancon President &CEO, GreaterBaton Rouge Economic Partnership

Lastyear Louisianasaidwewerepositioningourselvesto win, this yearweare notonlywinning, butleading.

In every corner of thestate,growthisreshaping oureconomy andcreatingnew opportunitiesfor Louisianaworkers and communities.

Energyprojectsare advancing, ports areexpandingand homegrownand global companiesalike areinvesting in the partnerships andinfrastructure that keep ourstate competitive. Theseinvestments arestrengtheninglocal economiesand reaffirmingLouisiana’s roleasaleaderinAmerica’s industrial renaissance

This administrationisfocused on sustainingthat momentum.By cuttingred tape, improvingcoordination andpartnering directly with industryand local leaders, weare ensuring that progress continuesand that opportunityreaches everycornerofour state. Whenstate government worksefficiently, projectsadvance faster, communitiesbenefitsoonerand success spreadsfarther.And the resultsspeak forthemselves.

SinceJanuary2024,the statehas announced$70billion in newinvestment projects,representingone of thestrongest industrialpipelinesinthe nation This activity includes worldscaleinvestmentsinLNG,hydrogenand biofuels as well as new manufacturingand maritime facilities thatare redefiningthe futureofAmericanenergysecurity.

Thesecommitmentsreflectthe strength of Louisiana’seconomy, theskill of our workforceand theconfidenceinvestors have in our abilitytodeliver results. We arenot waiting forthe future. We arebuildingitnow TheLouisiana opportunityishere, poweredbyinnovation, grounded in industryand driven by determination thatcontinues to moveour stateforward

AscensionParishhas emergedasthe powerhouseof economic growth in Louisiana, delivering levels of investment andopportunity unmatched anywhere else in thestate.Nowhere else in Louisianadowesee thescaleof investment,momentum, andopportunity that is unfoldingright here at home.Our strategiclocation, strong infrastructure, and exceptional workforcehavepositioned Ascensionasapremier destination forindustryand innovation, andthe resultsspeak for themselves.

On theWestBank, ourgrowthisunmatched.WithHyundai Steel, Linde, CF Industries, AscensionClean Energy (ACE), and NEMOIndustries (Phase I) underway, we nowreflect $20.7 billioninannounced projects supporting 2,288 newpermanent jobs.Manyofthese positionscarry average annual salaries exceeding$110,000, bringing transformational,generational changefor familiesonthe West Bank andstrengtheningeconomic opportunity parish-wide.Onthe East Bank five additional projects total $540million in investment and 270 newjobs,bringingour parish-wide total to more than$21 billion in active or announced capital investment and 2,558 associatedjobs, notincludingthe potential~$7 billionAir Productsproject. Athrivingeconomy depends on astrongeducation system, and Ascensionisfortunate to have oneofthe top-performingschool districtsinLouisiana The West AscensionEarly Learning Center nowinits second year,isproviding ouryoungestlearnerswith apowerfulfoundation, strengtheningour long-termworkforce pipeline, andcompletingthe cradle to career philosophy Meanwhile, RiverParishesCommunity College continues expandingprogramsthataligndirectlywithindustryneeds, preparingstudents forhigh-quality, high-demandcareers Ourfuture pipelineremains robust,with 35 prospectiveprojects representing $11 billion in potentialcapital investment and 926 newjobs,demonstrating industry’s continuedconfidence in AscensionParish. Beyond theeconomic metrics, theseinvestments bring meaningfulbenefits to ourcommunity,includingphilanthropy, workforcedevelopment initiatives, scholarships,and hands-on internshipsthatprepare ouryoung people forsuccess. AscensionParishisnot only experiencingextraordinary growth butisalsobuildingaresilient, innovative,and prosperous future forgenerations to come

The Capital Regionclosed 2025withone of themost consequentialeconomicdevelopment yearsinits history. Companies announcednearlymorethan$10 billioninnew capital investment –anall-timehighfor ourregion. Hyundai Steel’s$5.8billionfacility in Donaldsonvilleanchoredthatmomentum, joined by advanced manufacturing projects that broaden andstrengthen oureconomicbase. Together,these commitmentswillgenerate over 2,000new direct jobs, $196 millioninnew annual payroll, andmulti-year construction activity across theregion.

Severalofthese projects will breakgroundin2026, particularly thoseonthe west sideofthe riverinAscensionParish. Thescaleofthese investmentswillaccelerate commercial andresidentialgrowthinthe surroundingcommunities. This is notmarginalchange; it is astructural shift in theeconomictrajectoryofthe Capital Region. Butopportunityofthismagnituderequirespreparation.The workforcedemandstiedtotheseprojectswillreshapecommuting patterns;weneedtransportationsolutionsthataccountnotonlyfortoday’s congestionbutforthevolumeofworkerswhowillmovebetweenjobsites, trainingcenters,andcommunitiesinthecomingdecade.Ourhighschools communityandtechnicalcolleges,anduniversitiesmustcontinuealigning programswiththehigh-wage,high-skillrolestheseemployersarecreating. This work requires theregiontooperate as oneunified economic area,withprogressdependentoncollaboration across parish lines, governingbodies, andinstitutions Earlyindicatorsshowwearemovingintherightdirection.Regional householdincomesareup7%overtheyear,outpacingthenational averageandmostpeermetros.Residentswithabachelor’sdegree increased8%,drivenlargelybygraduatesmovingintotheregion These arestrongsignsthattheCapitalRegionisentering2026withmomentum, clarity,andanunprecedentedpipelineofopportunity

In2025,tourisminBatonRougemadeheadlines–andhistory. Fromourcity’sfirst-everMichelinrecognitionofElsie’sPlate&Pie toaJamesBeardsemifinalistnodformixologistAlanWalter,our culinarysceneearnednationalacclaim.Sportstourismtookcenter stagewithmorethan58,000amateurbowlerscompetingattheRiver CenterforfivemonthsasapartoftheUnitedStatesBowlingCongress OpenChampionships VisitBatonRougeproudlylaunchedaboldnewbrandthatreflects theenergy,authenticityandeverydayrichnessofourcity.Webuilt ocalprideandempoweredourcommunitythroughthelaunchofthe CapitalCityChampionsAcademy,ourfreeonlinehospitalitytraining course.VisitBatonRougealsosupported64localfestivalsandcultura eventsineverycornerofourparishthroughout2025. Lookingaheadto2026,themomentumcontinues.Majorconcerts inTigerStadiumasapartofDeathValleyLive,agrowingcalendar ofconventions,andtheexpansionofyouthandamateursportswill bringevenmorevisitorstoourcity.We’realsoworkingcloselywith cityleadersontransformativeprojects,fromtheredevelopmentof theRaisingCane’sRiverCentertoensuringthelong-termsuccessof riverboatcruisedockingsdowntown.

VisitBatonRougeremainslaser-focusedonourmission:attracting morevisitorsandincreasingtheirspendinginwaysthatbenefitour residents.We’retargetingtherightkindoftravelers,thosewhostay onger,spendmore,andengagedeeplywithourcommunity.Backed byresearch,weknowwhotheyareandhowtoreachthem. In2026,we’llcontinuetomarketaggressively,strengthenpartnerships, andensurevisitordollarscirculatelocally

OurgoalcontinuestoberaisingthebarfortravelandensuringBaton Rougeremainscompetitive,resilient,andreadyforwhat’snext

Edgardo Tenreiro President &CEO, BatonRouge General

MatthewShirley 2026 President, GreaterBaton Rouge Association of REALTORS Commercial Investment Division

Janet Simmons Superintendent, BREC

ATurnover remainshigh, burnoutis widespread, andthere simplyare notenoughnursesand support staff to meet thedemandcreated by an agingpopulation with more chronic needs. On theother hand,Baton RougeGeneralisbetting on growth Thesystemisplanninganew 40,000-square-foot“neighborhood hospital”inLivingstonParish, with a14-bed emergencyroom, 12bedinpatientunit, outpatientservices, andphysician practices. We’re also addingphysiciansinall areas, increasingaccessand making it easier to getcarewhenyou need it Takentogether, thecomingyearwilllikelypushBaton Rouge healthcareorganizationstomakethoughtfu financialdecisions whileembracinginnovationand growth Thosethatinvestin smarter workflows, expand access, andadopt creative staffing solutions will be in astrongerposition to stay resilientand continue delivering qualitycaretothe community N

ext year’seconomic outlookfor healthcare in Baton Rougeisshaping up to be amix of challengesand new opportunities. Oneofthe biggestquestionmarks involves changes in stateand federalregulations that couldaffec Medicaidreimbursement. Even though Louisianarecentlyincreased rates, thereisgrowing concernthatupcomingpolicyshiftsmight reduce payments or tighteneligibility. Forhospitalsand clinics in BatonRouge that care foralarge Medicaidpopulation,any drop in reimbursementcould putrealpressureonbudgetsand services. At thesametime, therapid growth of AI in healthcare offersa promisingcounterweight.Moreorganizationsare turningtoAItools to streamlinescheduling, documentation, claims work,and patient communication Thesetechnologiescan help teamsworkmore efficiently,

Sayal

ourengines

volume remainsbuoyant.Stayprincipled, usediligence andleverage personal relationshipsasthe bedrockfor deal flow Icannotstressthisenough: engagewithAItools nowifyou haven’talready.Use it to curate andoptimizeyourlife. Nothing stopsthistrain.

Thad E. Rispone President, ISC Constructors, LLC

sBREC looksahead to 2026, theagencyentersthe newyearwithstrongmomentumand aclear vision forhow parksand recreation will continue supporting qualityoflifeand theoverall vitalityofEastBaton RougeParish. After ayearmarkedbymeaningful progress and renewedcommunity confidence,BREC is preparingtoadvance initiatives that strengthen neighborhoodsand enhancethe parish’s appeal as aplace to live,work, visitand play In thecomingyear, BREC will focusonsmart reinvestments in community assets—updatingaging facilities, modernizing recreation spaces,and enhancingparkexperiences that promotewellness, connection,and asense of place.Each projectisguidedbyacommitmenttoworking smarter by maximizingresources andensuringimprovementshavelonglastingimpact.

Operationally,BREC will continue prioritizing efficiency safety,and data-informeddecision-making.Streamlined processesand thoughtful internal improvements will help ensure that taxpayer dollarsare used wisely andthatservices remain responsive to communityneeds. Environmental stewardshipalsoremainscentral,withongoing conservation efforts that protectnaturalspaces andexpandopportunities for outdooreducation acrossthe parish Strong partnerships will be keyin2026. By workingclosely with community groups, local governments, schools, and businessleaders, BREC aims to broaden access to programs strengthen regional connectivity,and create welcomingspaces that serveresidents of allages. Guidedbythe ImagineYourParks 3planand strong leadership,BREC is well-positionedtomake2026 another year of meaningfulprogressand remainsdeeplycommitted to itsmissionofenrichinglives throughparks, recreation,and nature

n2026,Downtownispoisedfor significant redevelopment, fueled by strong investmentsinthe entertainmentsector, new office space,and expanded residentialopportunities. We are leveraging partnerships to capitalizeonthe momentum from Plan BatonRouge IIItopropelDowntownforward Plan BatonRouge III, thenewestcommunity-driven master plan guidingthe next era of growth,isset to be completed in early2026.Aswenearthe endofthe planningprocess, we preparetoshift toward implementation -focusingonenhancing theriverfront, expandinghousing opportunities, andenhancing retail andcommercialactivity. Plan BatonRouge IIIwill build on thesuccessofthe previous twomasterplans andcompleted projects to propel Downtown BatonRouge’s economic growth In 2025, majorprivate investmentswereintroducedtothe economic landscape.Two downtown casinos have committed more than $200 millioninlandside development, signaling a powerfulnew chapterfor theregion’sentertainmentand tourism sectors. Theseinvestments attractvisitors, generate jobs, and strengthen Downtown’s riverfront as apremier destination Downtown hotels arealsoexperiencingaresurgence, with multiple properties completingsignificant renovations, elevating thehospitalityexperience andsupportingthe continuedgrowth of leisure andbusinesstravel.

Demand fordowntownlivingremainsstrong. Residential occupancyinthe CentralBusinessDistrictstands at 94%, underscoringthe high desirability of urban living and continuedneed foradditionalhousingoptions This momentum highlightsDowntown’sroleasavibrant,in-demand residentia neighborhood

As we look aheadtoamomentous 2026,wethank allwho live,work, invest,and explore downtown.Yourcontinued supportpropels oursharedvisionfor athrivingand dynamic Downtown BatonRouge

Aswelooktothe future,the evolving landscape of our local economyisclear.Nationalregulatory policies, highinterestrates, downturnsinnew housing, and global market fluctuations aresomeofthe factors shapingour path forward. Louisiana’straditional industries—oil,gas,and chemicals—remainessential to ourcommunities, yet, they face short-termchallengesthatrequire proactivesolutions Despitethese hurdles, ourstate is on thecuspofexciting andsignificant transformation.Alongside thefamiliar industry giants like ExxonMobil,BASF, andShell,weare now welcominginnovativecompanies like Meta,Google, and Hyundai. Investmentsinart ficial intelligence facilities, stee andlithium batterymanufacturing,and powerinfrastructure upgrades promisesubstantial opportunities as thesesectors are poised forrapid growth.Withstrongresources,infrastructure, andwelcomingculture,Louisiana offersanideal environment forbusinessestothrive. Forover35years,ISC Constructors,based in BatonRouge, hasbeennationallyrecognizedfor providinga safe,skilled workforcecombinedwithinnovationand cost-savingexpertise We believe that acompany’s strength lies in itspeople, and ourassociatesare knownfor their integrity andhighmoral standards. Lookingahead,wesee afuture filled with promiseand purpose.Here’stobuildingastrongerLouisiana together.We wish everyone asafeand blessed2026.

ATheBaton Rouge Clinic, AMC

s TheBaton RougeClinic,AMC approachesits 80th year we reflectona legacy builtbygrowth, innovation,and an enduring commitment to exceptional patientcare. What beganin1946withfourphysicianshas developed into a multi-specialtymedical groupofmorethan300 providers. Today, The Clinic offersabroad andevolving rangeofservicestopatientsacross theCapital Region andthe state, demonstrating both itslongevity andits abilitytoadapt to thecommunity’s evolving healthcare needs. Theyear2025 marked aperiodofmeaningfulexpansion.Along with welcomingnew physicians, TheClinicbroadenedits capabilities andreach.Adedicated EyeCarefacilityopenedonthe Perkins campus,and thenew ZacharyInternalMedicineClinic began servingpatients, both designed to improveaccess to comprehensive care TheClinic also welcomed LouisianaUrology into itsfamilyof physicians,strengthening specializedurologicservicesand adding newlocations in Plaquemine, Zachary, Livingston, andanadditional location in BatonRouge on Bluebonnet Blvd Theadditionofphysiciansacrossmultiplespecialtiesbrings expertisethatsupport TheClinic’sstandards of excellence and enhances thebroader healthcare infrastructure This ongoing growth of oneofthe region’s most establishedhealthcare organizationsand itscommitmenttoserving arapidly evolving population,togetherwithour continuedaffiliationwiththe Mayo Clinic Care Network, ensure patients benefitfromleading clinical knowledgeand innovative resourcesthroughoutthe state. Lookingahead to 2026 TheBaton RougeClinic remains focusedonexpanding access to care andsupportingthe health of thecommunities we serve. TheClinic continuestoplayavital role in thelocal economy, supporting jobs, attracting healthcare talent,and contributing to theoverall well-being of theregion With astrongfoundationand aforward-looking approach, The Clinic is well positioned to meet thehealthcarechallengesand opportunitiesofthe yearsahead

Jennifer Hebert 2026 President, GreaterBaton Rouge Association of REALTORS

Aswemoveinto2026, I’mencouragedbythe steady grounded strength of theBaton Rougerealestate market.Our area hasnever been onefor dramatic swings, andthatconsistency continues to be oneofour greatest advantages. Even with theshiftswe’ve allnavigated— interest rate changes, evolving buyerexpectations, andtighter inventoryinrecentyears—our market continuestohold firm in away that givesbothbuyersand sellersconfidence Thegood news is that inventoryisslowlyimproving,offering buyers more options withoutcreatinganoversupply.Sellers arestill benefiting from thesteadydemand driven by strong employment,adiverse local economy, andcontinued growth throughout East BatonRouge,WestBaton Rouge, Ascension, Livingston,and Pointe Coupee.Peoplewanttobehere, and that stabilityshows up in ournumbers monthafter month. Interest rateswill remain an importantfactorthisyear. Whilethey’re higherthanthe unusuallylowlevelswe sawearlier in thedecade,consumers areadjusting,and lendersare stepping in with creative solutionsthathelp keep homeownershipwithin reach. That sh ft hasbrought a healthier balancetoour market—morerealistic expectations, more constructive negotiations, andapace that allows buyers to make thoughtful decisions Lookingahead,Iexpectmoderate price appreciation, continuedinvestmentinnew construction,and growing consumer confidence as conditions levelout.Baton Rouge hasalwaysthrived on steady,sustainablegrowth, and2026 is shapinguptofollowthatsamepositive trajectory Ourregion’sstrengthhas always been itspeople, itsresilience,and itssense of community—andthose fundamentalscontinuetopushour market forward. Here’s to astrongand promisingyearahead forrealestateinGreater BatonRouge

Jones Walker LLP is confidentinLouisiana’s 2026 economic outlook. As oneofthe state’slargest law firms, we partner with businessestonavigate complex transactions and regulatory landscapes, ensuring strategicsuccessacrossthe energy,healthcare, andtechnologysectors,among others Louisiana’soil andgas industry remainsacornerstoneof growth,while emerging markets fornaturalgas,lithium, and biofuels presentnew investment opportunities. Thestate’s balanced approach to energy developmentcreates afavorable environmentfor innovationand long-termreturns,and it is ourdutytoeducate businessesonthe legalimplications and regulatory developments involved in theenergyevolution. Similarly, as ourhealthcaresectorcontinues to advance, we recognizethe progress Louisianahas made as aleader in the digital healthcare industry andsee 2026asayearinwhichit growsexponentially. At JonesWalker, we strongly believe in leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to supportthe success, development, and prosperity of businesses in Louisiana.

Kristin W. Wall President &CEO

LWCC

AE.J.Kuiper President &CEO FMOL Health

Todd Graves Founder,CEO, Fry Cook &Cashier

Raising Cane’s

tLWCC, ourpurpose of helpingLouisiana thrive guides everything we do.Asthe state’s largestworkers’compensationcarrier,we arededicated to protecting the18,500Louisiana businesses we serveand caring fortheir employees We work alongsidepolicyholders to create safer workplaces that reduce risksand preventinjuries, becausethe best workplaceisone whereaccidents neveroccur.Yet when they do,weare therewith compassionatecareand expert support, helping injuredworkers recoverand return to work and ameaningfullife. Throughpreventionand care we remain focusedonstrengtheningLouisiana’s workforceand supporting long-termsuccess

Ourrealstrengthliesinpartnership.Asaprivate mutual insurancecompany,LWCCoperates with our policyholders’ best interestsatheart,recognizing that when they succeed,wesucceed.Through one of themostconsistentdividendprogramsinthe nation,LWCChas returned more than $1.5 billion to Louisianabusinessesoverthe past22years.These arefunds that they reinvest in theirbusinesses, employees, andcommunities,helping to strengthen ourstate’s economy.

Together,weare shapingastrongerfuture forLouisiana.Guidedbyour purposeand driven by care,LWCCcontinues to invest in innovation, expertise,and relationshipsthatprotect people strengthen businesses,and fuel economic growth across ourhomestate.Because it is more than our jobtohelpLouisiana thrive.Itisour purpose. Andit meanseverything.

Louisiana’s healthcare landscape continuestoprogress throughinnovationand partnership, andI’m encouragedaswelooktothe year ahead. At FMOL Health,wecontinueto make strategiccapital investments in technology that sharpens diagnostics, speedstreatment andcreates more convenienthealthcare. Theseinvestments strengthen care todaywhile supporting long-termeconomic growth andhealthier communities tomorrow BatonRouge is aclear exampleofthatprogress. Long known as aproud sports town,the region is seeingrapid growth in athletic participation That momentum brings significant economic opportunity,driving activity,attracting visitors andincreasingdemand forcomprehensive sports medicine services.

Sports medicineisapowerfuldriverofBaton Rouge’sfuture, andFMOLHealth|Our Lady of theLakeleads theway Throughnationallyrecognizedcare, astrongacademic mission andstrategic partnerships with LSU, Southern University, BatonRouge Orthopaedic Clinic andTraction Sports Performance, we’remaking bold investmentstoposition Baton Rougeasasportsmedicinehub forthe Gulf South. Expandingaccessalsostrengthens ourlocal economy. As our communities grow,sodoesthe need forhigh-quality primary andspecialty care.We’re openingnew clinics, enhancing services andaligningresources so families canreceive exceptional care closetohome. Developing astronghealthcareworkforce remainsessential. ThroughFranU andour graduate medicaleducation programs weare preparingthe next generation of providersand building durabletalentpipelines that supportthe region’s long-term economic vitality. As we begin2026, I’moptimistic aboutwhatliesahead.With theright partnerships, talentand vision,wewill continue to elevatecareacrossour stateonand off the field.

2025 wasanother greatyearfor RaisingCane’saswe served Caniacs500 milliontimes andpartnered with over 45,000local organizationstodonatemorethan $30M to ourlocal Communities. We grew to nearly 1,000 Restaurantsacross43statesand became theNo. 3chicken chaininthe US whilecontinuingtoleadthe industry across allmetrics. We activatedaroundmajor culturalmoments with awide arrayof familiar faces includingSaquonBarkley CynthiaErivo,Cardi B, Luke Bryan, Post Malone,FlavorFlav, HalleBerry,Ice T, SnoopDogg, Paul Skenes, MeganMoroney PeterBillingsleyand more. Lookingahead to 2026,I’m excited to continue ourmomentumasweexpandintothe UK and Mexico,openour milestone 1,000th Restaurant,and celebrate 30 yearsofCraveable ChickenFingerMeals.I’m so proudof allwe’ve accomplished and, in many ways,feellikewe’re just gettingstarted.Iowe everythingtoour incredible 70,000+ Crewmembersaroundthe worldand can’twaittocontinue buildingthisBrand alongside them.

MarkT.Emonet

President &COO Lipsey’s

Lipsey’s2026EconomicOutlook

Lipsey’senters2026withconfidenceandmomentumafterachievingthemost successfulyearinourhistory,despiteachallengingindustrymarket.While manycompaniesfacedheadwinds,Lipsey’scontinuedtogrow,gainmarket share,andinvestinthefuture.Ourcommitmenttoinnovationwasevidentinthe introductionofadvancedautomationtechnology,whichisalreadytransformingour operationsandpositioningusforlong-termsuccess. Our Strength: One Team, One Roof AkeydriverofLipsey’ssuccessistheuniqueadvantageofhavingourentireteamworking togetherunderoneroof Thisstructurefostersreal-timecommunication,collaboration andproblem-solvingacrossallareasofourbusiness. Itenablesustorespondquickly tomarketchanges,strengthenrelationshipswithpartners,andcontinuouslyimprove customerexperience.Inanerawheremanycompaniesarefragmented,ourunified approachremainsapowerfulcompetitiveedge

AYear of Resilience and Growth 2025demonstratedthestrengthofLipsey’sbusinessmodelandthededicationofour team.Byfocusingonrelationships,operationalefficiency,andstrategicinvestments, wenotonlyweatheredadownmarketbutsetnewperformancerecords These achievementsreaffirmourbeliefthatadaptabilityandinnovationarekeydriversof sustainablegrowth. Looking Ahead to 2026 Thecomingyearpromisesexcitingopportunities.Lipsey’swillcontinuetoexpandin theGreaterBatonRougearea,creatingnewjobsandstrengtheningourroleasavital contributortothelocaleconomy.Ourfocuswillremainonthreepillars: •Innovation:Furtherautomationandtechnologyintegrationtoimproveefficiencyand customerexperience

•Growth:Continuedmarketsharegainsandexpansionofourdistributioncapabilities. •Community:Deepeningourcommitmenttophilanthropyandlocalpartnershipsthat makeameaningfulimpact Our Foundation Remains Strong Lipsey’ssuccessisbuiltonfamilyvalues,hardwork,andanunwaveringcommitmentto ourcustomersandemployees.Withover70yearsofservice,wehaveevolvedinsizeand scope,butourcoreprinciplesremainunchanged.UndertheleadershipofChairwoman andCEOLaurieLipseyAronsonandaseasonedexecutiveteam,wearepreparedto navigatechallengesandseizeopportunitiesin2026andbeyond. Aswelookforward,Lipsey’sremainsdedicatedtoexcellence,innovation,andcommunity engagement.Weareconfidentthattheyearaheadwillbringcontinuedgrowthandnew milestonesforourcompany,ouremployees,andtheGreaterBatonRougeregion.

JayHardman,P.E. ExecutiveDirector Port of Greater BatonRouge

2025 hasproventobeanother good year forthe Port of GreaterBaton Rouge. Ourprivate sector tenantsand stakeholdershavecontinued to grow theirbusinesses andimprove their cargo-handlingcapabilities. 2026 will seethissamegrowthand developmentcontinuewiththe commencementofconstructionfor therehabilitationofthe Port’s northernmost deep draft,liquidbulk cargo transfer dock.Oncecompleted in 2027/2028thisberth will provide additionalgrowthpotentialfor varioustypes of liquid bulk cargoes. In early2026, fabricationofa hopper barge and supplemental conveyance will begintofacilitate barge to ship graintransfers forthe grainelevator. In addition,engineering hasbegun on newrailand conveyance infrastructurethat will facilitate theexportofone milliontonsannuallyofan additionalagriculturalcommodity.Helping to expandthe MississippiRiver’s dominanceincargo movementshas been thecompletionofthe LowerMississippi RiverCommodity Studyand thecontinued developmentofalower Mississippi RiverStrategic MarketingPlanbothofwhichare collaborative efforts funded by the five deep waterMississippi Riverports. In conjunction, theUSACE continuesinits efforts to deepen theMississippi Rivertoamaintained50-foot depth to Baton Rouge. Theseare buta fewofthe ongoingprojectsthatwill enablethe growth andsuccessofthe Port of GreaterBaton Rouge, notonlyfor 2026but foryears to come.Asalways, the staff andcommissioners of thePortwill pursuenew maritime opportunities that contribute to thegrowthand economic viabilityofthe region andthe StateofLouisiana.

Rene Ragas, FACHE President &CEO, Woman’sHospital

Woman’s Hospital hasproudly served patients from communities in oursurroundingareaand across thestate formorethan57years.Lastyear, we reachedasignificant milestone,deliveringmorethan400,000 babies, andour counterisstill goingstrong. In 2025 alone, we served patients from nearly all64parishes, from delivering babies, caring forsomeofthe smallestpatientsinour Newborn IntensiveCareUnit, thelargest in thestate,totreating thousandsofcancer patients. Throughthe six locationsofour Maternal Fetal Medicine Clinics, we provided care during more than 13,500 high-risk pregnancyvisits.

Since first opening in 1968, ourservices have expandedto meet thegrowing needsofour patients.While knownasthe singlelargest birthinghospital in Louisiana, Woman’sbegan with an emphasis on cervicalcancer research.Innearlysix decades Woman’sCancer DetectionLaboratoryhas processed more than 3.3 millionPap smears.Using thelatesttechnology andspecialized treatmentplans,wehaveprovidedmorethan 1.1 millionmammogramsthrough both ourimaging center andmammography mobile coachprogram In 2024, Woman’sopenedLouisiana’s firstin-patient

Perinatal Mental Health Unit (PMHU), offeringunique mental health care forpregnantand postpartum women. Recognizing theprevalence of perinatal mood andanxiety disorders, which affectone in sevenwomen, we respondedtothe urgent need to care forthisspecial population of patients.Todate, thePMHU hashelpedmorethan280 patients from Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, andFlorida.Improving the livesofwomen andinfants is ourmission that guides us and sets thepace forproviding excellentcarefor ourpatientsand their families todayand forgenerationstocome.

PROVIDED PHOTO BY LDEQ

Smitty’s Supply Inc. of Roseland is fully engulfed in fire sometime between Aug. 22 and Aug. 24, 2025. The fire forced a 1-mile evacuation area Friday, Aug. 22, that included a public elementary school

Plant explosion, fire leads to search by criminal investigators

BY DAVID J MITCHELL

Staff writer

Federal investigators opened a criminal probe last year into the massive explosion and fire at Smitty’s Supply Inc., authorities confirmed Monday, intensifying scrutiny of the now destroyed Tangipahoa Parish plant’s operations.

It is unclear if the criminal investigation remains active. Its existence came to light through the filing of an emergency response report, which described a search carried out over two days in mid-November at the plant.

The search involved U.S. Environmental Protection Agency criminal investigators, along with agents from the FBI and Louisiana State Police troopers. It required the halt of all site cleanup for three hours on Nov 18.

The August explosion forced the evacuation of about 800 people, including former Louisiana Gov John Bel Edwards, who lives nearby The incident also sent black soot across the region and spilled millions of gallons of oil and other lubricants into nearby private ponds and down the Tangipahoa River nearly 47 miles to its mouth at Lake Pontchartrain.

The search and accompanying warrant were quietly made public in mid-December in a regular EPA report on the Smitty’s cleanup that appears in a DEQ records database. It was first reported by The Illuminator Monday morning.

In a statement Monday, State Troopers said officers from Troop L were present for the search in November to continue “to support the investigation by providing on-site security and public safety support while federal partners from the EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division continued their ongoing investigation.”

Trooper Marc Gremillion, State Police spokesman, referred questions about “details regarding the investigation and any warrants” to EPA.

An EPA spokeswoman said she could not comment “on whether or not warrants were conducted.”

The EPA report, however, also makes reference to the agency’s “CID” being part of the search. The EPA’s Criminal Investigative Division has armed law enforcement agents who pursue criminal environmental violations and can make arrests.

“Typical enforcement areas we investigate include illegal disposal of hazardous waste, illegal discharges to waters of the U.S., illegal emissions into the air, and other associated general crimes such as false statements, fraud, and conspiracy,” the EPA division’s website says. Spokespersons and a lawyer representing Smitty’s didn’t immediately return inquiries for comment.

Company lawyers have said the fire was an unforeseeable event and that the company has been working with agencies and complies with environmental laws.

This

DEQ spokesman Greg Langley didn’t have information about the search and referred questions to the EPA, as did a spokeswoman with the FBI.

Lawsuit allegations

Since the search, no criminal charges are known to have been brought against Smitty’s or its executives and employees in connection with the spill or the company’s operations. The EPA report also doesn’t disclose what investigators were looking for or why they were pursuing the search after they already had taken actions to ease back from the day-to-day cleanup and had decided to pursue the company over alleged environmental failures through civil penalties.

The search happened about a month after the EPA had issued a consent order in mid-October, handed site cleanup and responsibility back over Smitty’s, and stepped back some from its presence in the Roseland area.

The federal agency had earlier taken on day-today management of the site cleanup for about two months, once Smitty’s backed out in days after the Aug. 22 explosion and fire over financial concerns.

The mid-November search also came nearly two weeks after the EPA, the DEQ, the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office and other arms of the state sued Smitty’s over the “catastrophic” fire accusing the company of repeatedly failing” to follow pollution-control laws and maintaining “insufficient” spill-prevention plans.

Brought in federal court

in New Orleans, that civil suit asks a judge to hold the company accountable for the pollution of the Tangipahoa River and other state waters and to take steps to prevent future spills forcing potentially millions of dollars in penalties.

Search warrants require a review by a judge and a declaration from investigators laying out what they know already and why they need to search a property in pursuit of their inquiry To obtain the warrant, investigators need to show probable cause that a crime has happened or is about to happen.

In a civil case, requests for records or even a review of a property would typically come through a request for a subpoena, which would also be reviewed by a judge. The EPA report about the search doesn’t mention any subpoenas being issued or pursued.

The EPA lawsuit against Smitty’s has had little activity so far since it was filed Nov 5, except for a change of the judge on the case earlier this month.

Though no one is known to have been arrested in connection with the spill, two top Smitty’s executives were indicted over unrelated allegations that they and two other men beat a man accused in a Tangipahoa Parish rape case. Chad Tate, president of Smitty’s, and Edgar Smith, vice president of Smitty’s, were arraigned and pleaded not guilty in the parish criminal case the same day Nov 18, that the EPA search began at Smitty’s.

David J. Mitchell can be reached at dmitchell@ theadvocate.com.

FIRE

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get out,” Broussard said. She believes flames blocked the path from their bedrooms to the front or back doors.

Vidrine’s father, James Vidrine, was able to crawl to safety out the house’s back door He was in a hospital burn unit Saturday afternoon, his family said.

The home, which has been in the family for nearly 60 years, caught fire around 6 a.m. and was almost completely burned to the ground.

The Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause of the fire, but family members said they were told it was electrical in nature and started in the living room near the home’s southern corner

Neighbors said it was too hot to even step onto the yard when the fire was still burning.

One car in the driveway was reduced to a burned chassis. James Vidrine’s truck, which was parked further back, had the plastic on the front headlights and grill melted by the heat.

Wooden benches, made by James Vidrine for his son’s upcoming wedding, sat in the front yard. Their sides facing the house were charred.

Always together

Vidrine was in her second year at Southeastern Louisiana University on a path to study law She was the first of her cousins to go to college, her aunt said.

She was described as nononsense and deeply loving to those close to her

“She did not hold her tongue for nobody If she liked you, she liked you, if she didn’t, you could tell. Her face said it all for her,” Amanda Broussard said.

“She was just one of those people. She wasn’t fake She was there for anybody and everybody If she loved you, she was there for you. She loved you hard.”

Vidrine was also a fan of F1 racing, said her cousin Trent Broussard. She often would get up early to watch

races held on European courses and broadcast at 1 or 2 a.m. in Louisiana. Her favorite team was McLaren.

“A lot of her little collectible cars and little action figures made it,” Trent Broussard said.

Almost everything hanging on the walls of the house was burned, but the family was able to recover some photos and documents.

A pet bearded lizard was also recovered alive while a cat died in the fire.

Vidrine and Ricard were best friends and basically inseparable, their loved ones said. Only hours before the fire, the two had just returned from a night out together

Ricard even called Vidrine’s parents Mom and Dad.

“She was family, so she could open the door any moment. She didn’t, never had to knock, never had to say she was coming over,” said Janett Broussard, Trent Broussard’s wife and Ricard’s friend. “I know she was studying to be EMS, going to school. I think she was almost finished with

that. We actually found her bag with all her schoolwork in there.” Janett Broussard described Ricard as down to earth, but with a big personality like Kirtsen Vidrine. She said the two were twin flames.

“They were both very sweet and always together,” Janett Broussard said. “Even in their last moments, they were together, and that was very in character for them. You would always see them together.”

Amanda Broussard said her grandfather, James Garrett, was the last of his 13 siblings. The house on Wanda Avenue was his and had long been a family gathering place for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

“I don’t think we’ll rebuild,” she said. “It’s been in the family for so long, and we all wanted to keep it in the family. But, after this, I don’t know if they’ll want to.”

Email Quinn Coffman at quinn.coffman@ theadvocate.com.

LSMSA students present analysis for humanities course

Community news report

As Louisiana prepares to implement a statewide computer science graduation requirement, students at the Louisiana School for Math Science, and the Arts in Natchitoches are already applying coding skills in innovative and unexpected ways, a news release said LSMSA students recently presented final projects from Data Analysis for the Humanities, a new interdisciplinary course that blends computer science with history, literature, music and cultural studies. The course is cross-listed for both computer science and American history credit, allowing students to meet future academic requirements while exploring nontraditional applications of data analysis. Years ago, the state required only a semester of computer science before eliminating the requirement entirely. However, beginning in 2031, Louisiana students will be required to complete a full year of computer science coursework

Anticipating that shift, LSMSA faculty members Brad Burkman (computer science, Ph.D.) and Casey Green (history, Ph.D.) collaborated to design a course that aligns with upcoming standards while appealing to students with strong interests in the humanities and arts.

“Digital Humanities is becoming an increasingly important sub-field since it allows broader access to emerging research in history, English literature, and related disciplines,” Green said. “Data Analysis for the Humanities not only is an innovative approach to new curricular standards; it aligns LSMSA’s curriculum with that of major universities across the country.”

Rather than focusing solely on numerical data sets, the course treats cultural artifacts such as texts, music, and historical records as data. Students learned to use Python programming and Jupyter notebooks to collect, clean, analyze, and visualize large data sets over a six-to-seven-week research period.

“In a typical data analysis course, students learn to use spreadsheets and at least one programming language to pull in data, do analysis, and generate a report with visualization,” Burkman said. “In our Data Analysis for the Humanities course, the data could also be text, and the visualizations were often maps.”

Burkman explained that students learned to prepare data by removing capitalization, punctuation, and artifacts such as page numbers before analysis. They then worked with data sets containing hundreds of thousands of rows, applied machine learning tools, and generated both traditional graphs and geographic visualizations. Final projects were presented through slideshows and interactive websites.

One student analyzed professional basketball statistics, comparing players from the 1980s and 1990s, including Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen, with modern athletes such as LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Nikola Joki and Dwyane

performance trends, and the impact of teammates across different eras.

Planting a tree this winter? Here’s the right way to stake it for much-needed support

Staff report

The cooler months are ideal for planting many tree species in Louisiana. Staking newly planted trees can offer much-needed support as they start to put down roots — especially in the case of large trees.

“When you get that instant effect from a mature tree being put into the landscape, you’ve got a lot of top-heavy growth, but you don’t have the root ball to accommodate that,” said Damon Abdi, assistant professor of landscape horticulture at the LSU AgCenter Hammond Research Station. “Staking is a great method to be able to give a little bit of stability to the tree as it’s integrating into its new landscape.”

Staking prevents the root ball from shifting and incurring damage while the tree acclimates to its surroundings. To reap the benefits of staking, however, you must do it properly Follow these steps from Abdi for the best results

Step 1: Install stakes

Gather two to three stakes about 6 feet long. Many people use metal fenceposts or rebar.

Place the stakes in the native soil surrounding the tree, spacing them equally

“You don’t want the stakes to be within the root ball, or else it defeats the purpose,” Abdi said. Drive the stakes about 2 feet into the ground.

Step 2: Connect stakes to tree

Next, you’ll need to connect the stakes and the tree. Using the proper materials is key.

“You don’t want a thin metal material such as a wire, or else it’s going to act like a cheese cutter and cut through the trunk,” Abdi said. “Instead, you want something that’s nice and broad to displace the pressure over a wider area.”

Trees generally should not be staked for more than one growing season. When staking materials are left in place too long, they can girdle a growing tree and cause unsightly damage to its trunk.

Polyester webbing or a similar soft, woven strap material is a good choice. You also can use plastic chain lock tree ties, which are more discreet. Another option is thin rope — again, not wire threaded through a short piece of hose, which provides a protective shield around the trunk.

Loop the straps or other ties around the tree about one-third to two-thirds of the way up the trunk, leaving some wiggle room.

“Regardless of what material is used, if it is too tight on the trunk, it could cause problems,” Abdi said.

When tying off to the stakes, pull the material

Metal fenceposts are a popular choice for tree stakes.

Community news report

DEMCO announced a service milestone of 120,000 electric meters, powering over half a million people across its seven-parish service area: Ascension, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Livingston, St. Helena, Tangipahoa and West Feliciana.

According to the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, DEMCO is one of the largest electric distribution cooperatives in Louisiana and is among the largest nationwide by meters served.

“From our early beginnings in 1938 with 450 electric meters, this achievement marks nine decades of steady growth, resilience, and commitment to the members who own this cooperative,” said Randy Pierce, DEMCO’s chief executive officer and general manager “We’re proud of where we started and we are focused on continuing to serve our members with the care and commitment they expect from their cooperative.”

To support continued growth across its service area, DEMCO has expanded and upgraded its system infrastructure, adopted new technologies, and strengthened its operations. Today, the electric distribution system comprises 9,243 miles of power lines, 35 substations, three switching stations, two mobile substations and 10 metering points.

“Serving 120,000 meters represents more than scale — it reflects years of careful planning and a commitment to protect and strengthen the cooperative,” said Steve Irving, DEMCO board member “This milestone reflects and reinforces our collective responsibility to those who will rely on it in the years ahead.”

tree upright. The tree should still be able to move around a little.

Step 3: Remove stakes

One of the most common mistakes people make is leaving trees staked too long.

“If you leave those straps and those stakes on too long, they’re going to become one with the tree and cause some issues,” Abdi said.

Besides damaging the bark on the trunk, an excessively long staking period can make a tree weaker and more prone to breaking or blowing over in storms. This may sound counterintuitive, but think about it: If a developing tree isn’t allowed to sway in the wind, it will never “learn” that it needs to grow more roots and a thick, sturdy trunk to support itself.

Abdi advises removing staking materials after about one season of growth. That is typically enough time for a tree to get established and safely stand on its own.

Construction firm drops rezoning request for expansion

BY CLAIRE GRUNEWALD Staff writer

A request for rezoning is being dropped after residents of Louisiana’s Hungarian settlement expressed concerns that the move would bring industrial work to their area. More than 70 people gathered Tuesday for a Livingston Parish zoning meeting, expecting to discuss a proposed rezoning of roughly 37 acres along Strawberry Lane from light commercial to heavy industrial for PALA, an industrial construction firm eying an expansion. But the item was pulled from the docket a few hours prior and did not go to a vote.

Strawberry Lane is in the largest rural Hungarian settlement in the United States, between the rural towns of Albany and Spring-

which was why the item was pulled from the zoning agenda.

“We didn’t need the zoning it was just a misunderstanding,” he said.

tion, Barringer confirmed.

Joe Erdey, parish councilman for the area, praised PALA’s decision to not change the zoning, but said he would “believe it when I see it.”

Samford announces honor roll Denham Springs students

Community news report

Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama, recognized 2,575 students on the dean’s list for the fall 2025 semester Callie Canepa and William McDaniel, of Denham Springs, are on the list.

To qualify for the dean’s list, a student must have earned a minimum 3.5 grade point average out of a possible 4.0 while attempting at least 12 credit hours of coursework. The dean’s list is the highest academic recognition given by the school at the end of each semester

Denham Springs student named to McKendree University honors list

field in the parish Since discovering the proposal about a month ago, residents have expressed dismay over the potential project and its implications for the future of their settlement.

The day after the meeting, PALA Group President and CEO Scott Barringer said the company will continue to expand but not rezone to heavy industrial in an effort to keep residents happy,

The rezoning was tied to a proposed expansion for PALA, which specializes in metal fabrication and has its headquarters in Baton Rouge. PALA announced a $1.9 million investment in August to build a new shop and expand operations, with some Livingston Parish leaders celebrating the expansion for adding 14 new jobs and retaining 35 employees.

Next to the proposed rezoning site, PALA already operates a 70,000-squarefoot fabrication facility under a light commercial zoning classification, according to the parish zoning map. This expansion will happen under its current commercial zoning classifica-

“We will be on guard watching for it,” he said

“Only time is going to tell us the answer.”

Many residents said they welcomed businesses, including PALA’s existing site, but were afraid an industrial zoning classification would be a calling card for more industries to come to the settlement.

“Other people are going to come in nearby and get industrial zoning just because they can,” said Nathan Miller who lives on the road behind Strawberry Lane, on Tuesday

Email Claire Grunewald at claire.grunewald@ theadvocate.com.

Community news report

Chase Toombs, of Denham Springs, was named to the McKendree University fall 2025 semester dean’s list for earning a grade point average of 3.60 or higher The school is in Lebanon, Illinois.

Walker student graduates from Troy

Community news report

Cole Fauntleroy, of Walker, graduated from Troy University in Alabama, during the fall 2025.