DONALDSONVILLE • DUTCHTOWN • GEISMAR • GONZALES • PRAIRIEVILLE • ST. AMANT
THE ASCENSION
ADVOCATE T H E A D V O C AT E.C O M
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W e d n e s d ay, J u ly 16, 2025
1GN
Parish interim CAO chosen
Darlene Denstorff AROUND ASCENSION
Roundabout plans set for talk on July 23
Community news report
The Ascension Parish government, in coordination with the Department of Transportation and Development, is conducting an open house meeting July 23 to discuss proposed roundabout on La. 44 at Lowe’s Avenue. The purpose of this meeting is to inform the public of the proposed project and to provide an opportunity for them to express their comments, views and concerns. The meeting is set from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Ascension Parish Government Complex, rooms 109 and 110, 615 E. Worthey St., Gonzales.
STAFF PHOTOS BY MICHAEL JOHNSON
Contestant Micha Ballow and coach Avery Tate start their routine during Dancing for a Cause on Saturday at the Lamar-Dixon Rev Center in Gonzales.
ON THEIR
TOES
Glam Girls event Saturday Glam Girls Outreach’s “We Hear You” event is set for 10 a.m. Saturday at the Life Cathedral Worship Center in Gonzales. The event is designed to inspire and empower girls ages 8 to 18 as well as the women who love, guide and uplift them, a news release says. The group’s goal is to provide young girls and women the tools, guidance and inspiration to walk confidently. For more information, call (225) 328-8111 or email glamgirlsoutreach@yahoo.com.
Community news report
Arc of East Ascension held its annual Dancing For A Cause on July 12 at The Rev Center. Contestant Nicolas Schexnayder along with coach Aimee Russo-Mounger won
ä See AROUND, page 6G
Gonzales women dies in boat crash on East Upper Grand River BY AIDAN MCCAHILL Staff writer
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries agents are investigating a boating death that occurred Friday in Iberville Parish. According to the agency’s press release, the body of Jennifer Harrison, 56, of Gonzales, was recovered from the East Upper Grand River near Plaquemine. Authorities say agents received a call at around midnight about a single boat crash in the area. Preliminary information suggests that Harrison was a passenger in an 18-foot boat with another driver during the
ä See CRASH, page 6G
AUTOs
the event.
According to the group’s website, thearcea.com, the “annual fundraising event, modeled after the hit ABC show, helps fund activities, housing, job training and educational ä See TOES, page 3G
ä See CAO, page 6G
Senior Gator QB Babin poised for last season Experience and poise are words that describe a person that has been through trials and tribulations while displaying calmness and maturity. St. Amant senior quarterback Cooper Babin fits that mold. Babin will be starting his fourth season as the leader of the Gators football team. Babin garnered all state honorable mention, first team alldistrict honors as well as being named the MVP of the all-parish team on offense as a junior. Those accolades are special to Babin, but his focus is finishing his career as a champion. “It goes without saying that our goal is to win a district championship and a state championship here,” Babin said. “For that to happen, we must continue to work
MOTORCYCLES WATERCRAFT
Contestant Nicolas Schexnayder spins coach Aimee RussoMounger at the end of their routine.
Ricky Compton has had many roles in parish government, and now he’s the interim chief administrative officer, Parish President Clint Cointment said. Compton most recently served as infrastructure division director and will take on this expanded leadership role as part of a planned internal progression, Cointment said. Former CAO Ruth Phillips will transition into the role Compton of interim infrastructure division director, continuing her work on the parish’s infrastructure needs. Phillips has been an integral member of Cointment’s leadership team, “playing a pivotal role in numerous achievements and initiatives,” a news release said. “Ruth’s commitment, knowledge and leadership have been invaluable to our success, and she will continue to guide our infrastructure efforts in this new role,” Cointment said. As infrastructure division director, Compton oversaw key departments within parish government including planning and development, building, recreation, facilities management, custodial, project management and utilities. U n d e r C o m p t o n ’s leadership, the parish
RVs ATVs
Troy LeBoeuf ASCENSION SPORTS
as a team with one shared goal. My part is to be a leader as the QB of the team, do my part. This offseason is all about getting bigger, faster and stronger. Improving as leader is a goal as well.” Babin had a solid and productive season last fall, throwing for nearly 1,700 yards, 20 touchdown passes and 483 yards rushing with seven touchdowns on the ground. He looks to surpass those num-
TRAVEL TRAILERS TRACTORS
bers this season. “Throwing for 2,000 yards and rushing for 1,000 yards with 30 plus touchdowns would help us reach our team goals, being a great leader as well,” Babin said. The Gators went 7-4 last season with some close losses including a first round playoff loss to Westgate. One of those losses was to rival Dutchtown, where the Gators had a 21-0 lead but ended up losing the game and the district title. That game is one that Babin has not forgotten. “All of the games are important in the grand scheme of things, but our game with Dutchtown stands out,” Babin said. “They have had our number for the last three years, we let them get away last season. Our goal is to change that, with hard work and preparation
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that can be a reality.” Babin does have some weapons returning this season including a big offensive line led by tackle Ethan LeBeau (6’4, 290). Junior running back Jourden Hickerson returns after making all parish. A key piece missing in 2024 was slot receiver Jermichael Millien. Millien missed last season with an injury but should return to give Babin a valuable target. The Gators will again be led by head coach David Oliver, entering his 19th year as the head coach. The offensive coordinator will be a familiar face to Babin. Seth Babin, his dad, returns to lead the offense. Coming off a stellar season has allowed Babin to gain some
ä See LEBOEUF, page 6G