Zachary Plainsman-Advocate 02-11-2026

Leila Pitchford

AROUND ZACHARY

Library closed for Mardi Gras

All locations of the East Baton Rouge Parish Library will close on Tuesday in observance of the Mardi Gras holiday. All its digital resources, ebooks, downloads, and other information are available online 24/7 in the Digital Library at www.ebrpl.com/DigitalLibrary It’s free with a library card.

First parade to roll

Zachary Mardi Gras’ first parade is Sunday Related events include an invitation-only reception and news conference Friday and a community service event and Mass on Saturday Visit zmardigras.com for information.

Easter run set

The Zachary Rotary Bunny Hop is March 21 in downtown Zachary A 1-mile walk and run starts at 8 a.m The 5K run and walk start at 8:30 a.m Register at runsignup.com/ Race/LA/Zachary/ZacharyRotaryBunnyHop.

Artist pastor featured in Feb 15 event

A Chit Chat and Chew with pastor artist and writer Darlene Anita Moore will be from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday in the large meeting room at the Baker branch of the East Baton Rouge Parish Library.

Moore has art displayed at the library during February Special guests include The Zion Travelers Spiritual Singers, Mae Bedford, Stephanie Anthony, Michael Dugas and others.

The event is free. Light refreshments will be available. Phone (225) 778-5940 for information.

Amnesty offered in Baker

The City Court of Baker, Baker City Court Judge Kirk A. Williams and Baker City Marshal Carl K. Dunn will provide an amnesty period for February to any Baker City Court defendants who has an outstanding bench warrant issued before Feb. 1.

The bench warrant will be recalled without first paying the normal bench warrant recall fee. The defendant will be given a new court date and additional time to pay any outstanding fees. This amnesty program does not reduce outstanding fees.

Amnesty will allow the defendants an opportunity to clear any outstanding bench warrant

The clerk’s office will be open from 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. to assist defendants in recalling their bench warrants.

Call Baker City Court at (225) 778-1866 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m or Baker Police Department at (225) 775-6000 from 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. to find out if you have an outstanding warrant in Baker City Court.

Defendants excluded from amnesty are defendants that have received prior amnesty bench warrant recalls.

ä See AROUND, page 2G

THANK YOU, MRS. DIANNE!

Beloved longtime athletic department employee is retiring

On Feb. 3, the Zachary Broncos girls’ team hosted the St. Joseph’s Academy Red Stickers in a district home game. A packed house came to see the Broncos, and particularly their honorary captain for the night, Dianne Leblanc.

Warren Brady

ZACHARY SPORTS

The contributions of “Mrs. Dianne” over her 15 years running the show for Zachary athletics cannot be summarized in a single article. Put simply, she has provided a true template of a servant leader throughout her time at Zachary, answering the call whenever and wherever she has been needed.

Outside her traditional duties and over and above assistance, she and her husband Gordon “P-Wee” Leblanc are fixtures at most Zachary athletic events. She will be retiring at the end of the year, but don’t expect her to disappear

The mark she has left on the Zachary athletic program is tremendous, as was apparent by a packed house of coaches and athletes present to see her honored. There was even a video montage on the scoreboard of each of the athletic programs and coaches expressing their thanks to Leblanc.

The remainder of this article are observations from the coaches who have first-hand, daily experience.

Zachary High girls basketball coach Tami McClure, who helped organize the night, called her “the rock of Zachary High School.”

Athletic Director David Brewerton explained that “we were trying to find a time to get the majority of our sports to come together on a specific night and to get all 27 sports teams together is tough, but we wanted to get everyone here and tell her thank you for all the things she does year in and year out. She is a huge part of what we do here, could not do what we do without her, and are happy to acknowledge her tonight. “

ZHS softball coach Scott Nielsen called Leblanc an “incredible lady and heartbeat of the entire program. It is amazing what she does for us, the community the school and the athletes and I don’t know how we will get by without her, but I am truly thankful for what she has done.”

“Mrs. Dianne means everything to the ‘Z’ two-sport athlete,” Kristion Brooks said. “I am thankful for the bonds that we have built, and Iam praying for nothing but her success in

the future.”

Boys basketball coach Jon McClinton characterized Leblanc as “the heartbeat of our athletic department and also the heartbeat of our community as it revolves so much around sports.”

“She is our MVP,” McClinton said.

ZHS baseball coach Jacob Fisher said she is “everything you would want to have to support your program, and she goes above and beyond to look after everybody.”

Powerlifting coach Jason Davis also emphasized her “selflessness, which can’t be matched.”

“No one could believe all the things that she does behind the scenes to make our programs move smoothly She will be dearly missed but not forgotten,” said golf coach Kenny Langlois.

Football assistant Dru Nettles

See LEBLANC, page 2G

New fire chief maintains Zachary flame

BY FRANCES Y. SPENCER Contributing writer

Most public servants vow to “take care of your home

was their own.” Gordon Lipscomb, the newly appointed Zachary fire chief, can say

in more than a figurative

Zachary is home for Lipscomb, who has spent his entire life in Zachary, including more than two decades in the fire department.

Lipscomb’s appointment was announced Friday. He replaces retired Fire Chief Danny Kimble who served 15 years in the role. Bright and early, the following Sunday morning, Lipscomb was in the station reflecting on his new role before joining a Zachary contingency heading to provide food and relief services to the residents of Oak Grove after an extended power outage. The new chief joins the ranks of public servants who protect and serve on the same streets in which they played as children, including Police Chief Darryl Lawrence and former police chief and current Mayor David McDavid.

“Chief Lipscomb brings more than 21 years of experience and a strong commitment

See LIPSCOMB, page 3G

BY OLIVIA MCCLURE

Some Zachary Community School Board members are questioning whether buying a piece of land adjacent to Zachary High School is a good idea at a time when the district is trying to figure out how to fund teacher pay raises and other priority items.

The board discussed the potential property purchase Feb. 3 at its committee of the whole meeting and is set to vote on whether to move forward at its next gathering, which was set for Tuesday

ä See LAND, page 2G

Zachary Early Learning tuition increase considered

BY OLIVIA MCCLURE Contributing writer

Zachary school officials are considering raising tuition and registration fees at the Zachary Early Learning Center for the first time in several years. The school board discussed the matter at its Feb. 3 committee of the whole meeting Members were set to take a vote at their regular meeting Feb. 10.

ZELC, which houses prekindergarten classes, currently charges $450 a month for tuition-paying students, amounting to $4,500 yearly There’s also a $60 registration fee. Leaders are asking the board

to increase the monthly tuition to $550 and the registration fee to $75 effective next school year

ZELC will begin registering children for the 2026-27 academic year in March.

“The current tuition rate is below the LA 4 per-student cost of $558 per month and significantly lower than comparable early childhood programs in the surrounding area, which commonly exceed $800 per month,” Jessica Brister the district’s supervisor of early childhood programs, wrote in a memo provided to board members.

“The proposed adjustments better align fees with actual program costs, support operational

sustainability and allow ZELC to continue providing high-quality early childhood education while remaining affordable for families.”

LA 4 refers to the state Cecil J. Picard LA 4 Early Childhood Program, which provides funding for preschool education in public school districts.

“Aligning tuition with this benchmark ensures equity between tuition-paying students and grant-funded students and supports the continued delivery of quality instructional programming,” the memo said.

Zachary also puts money from its general fund toward ZELC, Superintendent Ben Necaise said

during the meeting.

Not all districts have a separate school dedicated to prekindergarten like Zachary does, Necaise noted — something that comes with costs.

“They have pre-K classrooms — so literally embedded within their elementary school, they might have four or five pre-K classrooms,” he said. “So that means you’re really not paying additional for facilities, for infrastructure, all that stuff.”

The memo said the tuition increase would help ZELC cover rising operational costs such as staffing, instructional materials, classroom supplies and student services.

AROUND

Continued from page 1G

Help with food needs

The Zachary Food Pantry is seeking post-holiday help. Among the items needed to stock the shelves are flour, sugar, cereal, Hamburger Helper, jambalaya mix, chicken, hamburger meat, hot dogs, mustard, instant mashed potatoes, ketchup, mayonnaise, peanut butter jelly snacks, seasoning, toilet paper and paper towels. Contact (225) 654-4028 or info@ zacharyfoodpantry.org for information.

Renew pesticide certificates A Private Pesticide Applicator Recertification train-

ing session will be March 12 at the Zachary Branch of the East Baton Rouge Parish Library, 10 a.m. to noon, 1900 Church St., Zachary

Good times roll in Wonderland Mardi Gras ball

The theme for the Krewe Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler’s 41st annual celebration ball on Jan 31, is ‘Bon Temps in Wonderland.’ From left, the tableau includes court participant Dawn Avant as the Red Queen of Hearts, King Case Ahr as The White Rabbit, Queen Jena Ahr as Alice in Wonderland, Ball Captain Jessica O’Neil Brooks as The Mad Hatter, and master of ceremonies George Banta as the Cheshire Cat. President Peggy Hebert welcomed members and guests as they went down the rabbit hole to the mystical land, meeting a cast of colorful characters such as Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum, the hookahsmoking caterpillar, upside-down flamingos, mellow mushrooms, blurry mirrors and shaky tea pots, tea cups and decorated cupcakes.

LAND

Continued from page 1G

Zachary United Methodist Church owns the parcel, which is roughly 1 acre and appraised at $94,000, and is offering to sell it to the district. Superintendent Ben Necaise initially brought the matter before the board last month

“We’re kind of landlocked as a high school, so opportunities like this, if you get it, it’s just important to consider,” he said Feb. 3. Necaise doesn’t have any specific plans in mind yet for the land.

“We’re not going to build a building on this tomorrow,” he said. “It would be something that we would have as an asset for the district I would say, just short term, if we had to look at expanding classroom space, the high school would be the one place that probably would need it first just because we’re already at 1,730 kids. Programming-wise, they have a variety of programming, so again, that would be potentially a place to grow.”

If the board approves the purchase, the district would

pay for the land using capital funds that have been set aside for repairs and similar expenditures.

“Are you sure we have the money for this?” asked board member Crystal London.

She pointed to recent capital project expenditures, including flat roof work at the high school, and the fact that “we were crossing our fingers that nothing else happened but we were anticipating some things might come that would sort of use the rest of those funds.”

Business manager John Musso assured her the purchase would be within budget, adding that the district can’t predict the unexpected

“We can only set aside for them,” he said “And this is one of those opportunities that’s in front of y’all, whether you want to act on it or not. It’s up to you, and you can afford it out of that fund.”

Board member Elecia Lathon wondered whether buying land that isn’t immediately needed would send the wrong message to the public and school employees. In November, the district went to voters asking for permission to reallocate

an existing property tax so it can boost salaries for teachers by $10,000 and staff by $5,000. The proposal was rejected, and the district has been making preparations to put it on the ballot again.

“We’re not talking about huge capital outlay — half a million dollars, $1 million,” Necaise responded. “I mean, this is a very reasonable amount, ultimately speaking, and for future use. You just never anticipate when you’re going to need something like that.”

“I hear what you’re saying,” Lathon said. “But once again it’s not the amount of money It’s the message.”

When Lathon pressed Necaise about potential uses for the property, the superintendent listed parking spaces and classrooms as possibilities.

“I can’t predict the future,” Necaise said “What I can say is that all of our current demographic trends are showing the places where we see kids coming in and growing is at the upper grade levels at the high school So if we need a little more space, those are the areas where we would potentially need it more so than at elementary levels right now.”

Attendees need to bring a current pesticide card and two checks — one made to the LSU AgCenter for $15 and one made to LDAF for $25.

To reserve a spot, call Donna Gentry at (225) 6833101 or dsgentry@agcenter lsu.edu.

Learn about Louisiana’s first Black elected officials

Join Charles Vincent at the Baker Branch Library Feb. 28 at 3 p.m. for his annual series, Heroes in African American History

This year’s theme is “A Century of Black History Commemorations.”

He will give a presenta-

LEBLANC

Continued from page 1G

pointed to her consistency and how she “represents the school and school system at the highest level.”

Even retired football coach Johnny Nagle came back to honor Leblanc and indicated that “she can’t be

tion on the first black elected officials in Louisiana, then autograph copies of his book, “Black Legislators in Louisiana During Reconstruction.”

School supplies will be provided for the first five students in attendance.

Apply for Leadership North

2026 Leadership North is an annual leadership development program for the north Baton Rouge region. The Zachary Chamber of Commerce hosts the program. Participation in the program is open to people living or working in Baton Rouge, Zachary, Central, Baker, Pointe Coupee and East and West Feliciana

replaced and the athletic department will never be the same.”

ZHS track coach Chris Carrier indicated that Mrs. Dianne was one of the first people he met when he came to Zachary and that “when my track teams started to rise, she was a big reason why we were so successful.”

ZHS volleyball coach Cheri Perry indicated that

parishes who have the full support of the organization or business they represent. The program is designed to engage emerging leaders in the region and prepare them to meet the future needs of our communities. Through the exchange of viewpoints and experiences, participants are exposed to the challenges, opportunities and vital issues affecting the northern Baton Rouge region. The application is at forms.office.com/ r/7feLGC5qtF Deadline is Feb. 27.

Email Leila Pitchford at lpitchford@theadvocate. com.

“from the moment I met her, she has been so amazing.” Leblanc has played several roles for Perry “She is my therapist, my mother away from home, a beautiful person inside and out, and we absolutely love and adore her.” Could not have said it better Yes. The Broncos (24-3) beat the Red Stickers 70-39. Great job,

Jackson DeSalvo

Zachary resident medals at event

Community news report

Jackson DeSalvo, of Zachary recently earned a gold medal in the novice division and a silver medal in the open division at the United States Junior Open Championship in Oklahoma at the national tournament.

DeSalvo has been training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu since he was young and holds the rank of orange belt under JM Modern Jiu Jitsu in Baton Rouge.

Nine months ago, he expanded his combat sports training by beginning to wrestle at Baton Rouge Training Center under the guidance of coaches Keshawn Hayes and Brandon Conrad. That additional experience has already begun to pay off on the national stage.

LIPSCOMB

Continued from page 1G

Bank of Zachary CEO named to federal bank board

Community news report

Bank of Zachary announced that Mark S. Marionneaux, president and chief executive officer, has been elected to serve as the member director representing Louisiana on the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas Board of Directors.

Marionneaux’s fouryear term began Jan. 1 and will run through Dec 31, 2029. He succeeds Albert Christman, of Guaranty Bank and Trust.

Marionneaux received 237,360 votes from Louisiana bankers, compared to 28,611 votes cast for his credit union competitor As a member of the FHLB

Dallas Board, he will provide insight and representation for community banks across Louisiana.

“We are extremely proud of Mark and this well-deserved honor,” said Preston L. Kennedy, vice chairman of the Bank of Zachary Board of Directors. “His service will benefit not only our bank, but all community banks across Louisiana.

The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas, of which Bank of Zachary is a member, is part of the nationwide Federal Home Loan Bank System, a network of 11 district banks established in 1932 to support mortgage lending and community development.

FHLB Dallas has total assets of $112.2 billion and serves 800 member banks across Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, New Mexico and Texas.

Lane, CIS to offer heart screenings

Community news report

In recognition of American Heart Month, Lane Cardiovascular Center is partnering with Cardiovascular Institute of the SouthZachary to host a free cardiovascular screening from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., Feb 23. The screening is designed to promote early detection

to public safety, leadership, and service to the citizens of Zachary,” McDavid said. “I am confident that Chief Lipscomb is the right person to lead the Zachary Fire Department. He will move the department into the future while building upon the strong foundation established through his long and distinguished career with the Zachary Fire Department.”

Lipscomb’s family settled in Zachary in the 1800s. Although his parents were staples of the business community and education, public service was a part of his childhood ambitions. “I didn’t grow up necessarily want-

of cardiovascular risk factors and improve access to preventative care. Services provided at no cost include a lipid panel, EKG, and blood pressure screening.

Adrian Nugent, cardiologist with CIS-Zachary, will be on-site during the event to review screening results with participants and provide guidance on heart

ing to be a firefighter,” he said. “I started volunteering here, fell in love with it, and ended up switching paths and going full time here.”

Lipscomb has big shoes to fill and an excellent reputation to maintain.

The Zachary Fire Department holds a Class 1 rating from the Property Insurance Association of Louisiana (PIAL), awarded in 2020. As the highest possible fire protection classification, this rating signifies top-tier fire services, potentially lowering insurance premiums for Zachary homeowners and businesses.

The PIAL rates fire departments using a 1-to-10 scale. Lipscomb explains the ratings, which heavily influence homeowner insurance premiums, assess fire protection capabilities such as equipment, dispatch and water sup-

ply

Baker mayor appointed to national committee

Community news report

Darnell Waites, mayor of Baker has been appointed to the National League of Cities 2026 Transportation and Infrastructure Services Committee Federal Advocacy Committee. Waites was elected to a one-year term and will provide strategic direction and guidance for NLC’s federal advocacy agenda and policy priorities including local access to transportation programs

for roads, safety, transit, rail, bridges and more, a news release said.

“Small cities, towns and villages continue to be the backbone of our nation, and ensuring they have access to safe streets, transit, bike lanes and sidewalks, as well as resources to meet their infrastructure and labor needs, is critical. As chair of Louisiana’s Capital Region Planning Commission and a longtime advocate for smart planning, I look forward to working with the TIS Committee to highlight the needs of small municipalities and push for equitable solutions that drive growth, safety and sustainability,” Waites said.

health and follow-up care.

“Preventive screenings are one of the most powerful tools we have in identifying heart disease early,” Nugent said. Participation is limited to 45 individuals, and advance registration is required. Community members may register at CISZachFEB23. eventbrite.com.

“The most important goal is to provide the quickest service to their emergency that they have at that particular time,” he said. “But the rating is more of a community rating than it is strictly a fire department distinction. Through our prevention program, we go out and we make sure that businesses are safe.”

Lipscomb was the one-time union leader, but most recently the training chief. Training, standards and community education are both crucial and second-nature.

“We make sure all the codes are up to date and followed,” he said. That’s a benefit to the people in the event that something would happen, but we’re also graded on prevention through education.”

PROVIDED PHOTO BY VERONICA ALEXANDER

Baker Rotary and DEMCO work with Dolly Parton book project

The Baker Rotary Club is working with DEMCO to enhance Dolly Parton’s Imaginary Library.

The club donated to the literacy project Among the participants helping the project are from left, Desiree Collins, president; Chanon Martain, DEMCO Community Engagement; Tierney Bennett, treasurer; Doris Alexander secretary; Shelly Joseph, past president; and back row, Larry McCaleb chaplain, and Consuela Marshall.

DEMCO marks milestone serving 120K electric meters

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 begin-

SLU

Community news report

Southeastern Louisiana University has named 4,945 students to its honors list for the fall 2025 semester

The honors list is divided into four academic levels

To be named to the president’s list, students must have earned a 3.50 or better grade point average. Students on the dean’s list have earned a 3.20-3.49 grade point average, and honor roll students have earned a 3.003.19 grade point average. Honors list students must be full-time undergraduates carrying at least 12 credit hours and have no grade below a “C.” The provost’s list, a new category was recently added Students on the provost’s list are enrolled in 6-11 credit hours and achieved a semester grade point average of 3.50 or higher with no grade below “B.” Students from the region include: BAKER

nings 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.”

Sullivan Theater presents musical ‘Sweeney Todd’

Sondheim’s thriller to run Feb. 20 to March 8

Community news report

Sullivan Theater, 8849 Sullivan Road, Baton Rouge, opens its 2026 season with Stephen Sondheim’s legendary musical thriller “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street,” running Feb 20 through March 8. Set in the shadowy streets of Victorian London, Sweeney Todd tells the story of a wrongfully exiled barber who returns under a new identity driven by vengeance against the corrupt judge who destroyed his family Reunited with the cunning and entrepre-

neurial Mrs. Lovett, Todd embarks on a grim path of revenge that spirals into obsession, morality and madness.

Sondheim’s score includes “The Ballad of Sweeney Todd,” “A Little Priest,” and “Johanna.”

The production stars David Louviere as Sweeney Todd, opposite Gabby Cario as the resourceful and darkly comic Mrs. Lovett. The cast also includes Matthew Walker as Anthony Hope, Arden Dubret as Johanna, Daisha Badon as the Beggar Woman, Jessica Chance as Tobias, Michelle Freneaux Chassaing as Adolfo Pirelli, Devin Rogers as Judge Turpin, and Mitchel Courville as the Beadle, along with a talented group of understudies and ensemble members who bring the ominous

world of Fleet Street to life. Sweeney Todd runs Thursday through Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m., with Sunday matinee performances at 2 p.m. Audiences are encouraged to check the ticketing website for designated understudy performances. The production is led by Director Heath McNeese and Assistant Director Scott Don Bosco Mitchell, with Co-Music Directors Ross and Kristina Cawthon guiding Sondheim’s demanding score, and choreographer Meg Jett shaping the movement of the show Tickets are $35 for adults and $25 for students and can be purchased at www sullivantheater.com/tickets. Seating is limited, and advance booking is strongly encouraged.

Lane Regional expands mental health services

Community news report

Lane Regional Medical Center is expanding access to mental health services in the community with the opening of its new Health & Wellness Clinic, 4801 McHugh Road, Suite A, Zachary

The clinic is focused on providing comprehensive mental healthcare to support emotional, psychological and social well-being for patients of all ages, a press release said.

Joining the clinic are two experienced psychiatric nurse practitioners: Katherine Perkins and Kathy Sterling. Both providers are accepting new patients.

President’s list: Makayla S. Bonanno, Kyra Greely, Kennedy Rae Hatler, Marlee Marie Lesage, Darius James McCall, Katelyn Elizabeth Roche, Emma Leigh Woolie; Dean’s list, Skyler Ann Acosta, Malaya Shanice Adams, Ava Rose Marie Altazin, Chastity Nicole Henry Lucas Hill, Annalise Leep, Ashanti Roberson, Ethan Parker Robinson, Saniya Raynell Young; Honor’s list Kade W. Furr; Provost’s list, Ian Crowe CENTRAL President’s list: Bailey Blair Guercio; Dean’s list, Samuel Aaron Miers GREENWELL SPRINGS President’s list: Ainsley Clair Aaron, Audrey Grace Sihui Aaron, Kayla Lynn Avery, Lydia Bell, Peyton Blount, Ashlyn Elizabeth Booty, Haley Ann Drago, Natalee Mae Finley, Connor Elizabeth Foret Destiney Deann Gary, Sarah Anne Gil, Leah Marie Gil, Ella Claire Guidry, Brooke Cailyn Hicks, Adrianna M. Holmes, Ryleigh M. Hoover, Hayden P. Kuhns, Jack K Leaphart, Kaci Noelle McCaskill, Kaitlyn Elizabeth Moulin, Kaiser Reed Petit, Wynter Ann Snow Dean’s list: Madilyn M. David, Jayden L. Debetaz, Micki L. Dodson, Hallea Nicole Lacroix, Jade R. Reams, Lillian Grace Reeves, Dalton V. Rufini, Valley Jane Smith, Tanquanee L. Spears, Jermaine Vessell II, Tyler J. Wilson Honor’s list: Ava Grace Buxton, Gavin W. Choate, Brooklyn J. Nicholson, Cody Micah Thibodeaux Provost’s list: Natalie G. Arceneaux, Ashton Alizabeth Howard, Anna

Marie Sanches, Anna Claire Weileman PRIDE

President’s list: Brady Charles Black, Anna Kathryn Dale, Olivia Harris Kennard, Landry C. Lee, Baylie Kayle Patt, Julianna Paxton, Reese Claire Prestridge, Ethan John Swearingen, Grace Toler; Dean’s list Rebecca Lynn Betz, Connor Claude Myers Provost’s list: Mallory Marcotte, Austin Jace McMorris ZACHARY

President’s list: Alex Boudreaux, Jules Alexis Boudreaux, Rebecca Grace Breau, Annalee Reese Broussard, Kaley Brunson, Takirah Renee Cain, Angela Leeann Cross, Autumn L. Davis, Olivia Suzanne Davis, Tyelar Lynette Evans, Ann E. Fink, Raven Haynsworth, Joleen Ann Johnson, Michelle Hay, Blakely Reyne Keith, Hannah Lynn Kracht, Logan Michael McCarthy, Allie M. McCauley, Gavyn Jaymz Meadows, Cole Neil Paxton, Hayden W. Paxton, Lexi Lee Posey, Mary Lynn Pulliam, Matthew Joseph Rome, Danielle Grace Satterwhite, Aaron J. Square, Will C Town, Shelby Grace Wendt; Dean’s list Zmyah L. Blackmore, Cassi B. Brown, Janece Amber Bueche, Aleigh D. Holmes, Emma Fay Holtman, Sa’Bria Mariah Jackson, Anyah Olivia Matthews, Sawyer Joseph Seguin; Honor’s list, Blaire Adelle Bentley Kayla Crump, Caleb Franklin Oby, Kayla Raymond, Brodie J. Wilbert; Provost’s list, Preston Cade Diaz, Amanda Marie Martel

ZACHARY POLICE BOOKINGS

The following people were booked into East Baton Rouge Parish Prison or issued a summons by the Zachary Police Department from Jan. 8-20:

JOSHUA BACON: 41;14482 Tanya St., Gonzales; failure to appear on outstanding bench warrants

JONATHAN CADOR: 40; 1314

Lake Pointe Ave., Zachary; cruelty to the infirm, battery of emergency room, emergency services, or healthcare personnel, possession of schedule II, obstruction of justice, possession of marijuana, distribution or possession schedule I drugs, prohibited acts, possession of schedule IV abuse and neglect of adults: reports: investigation: waiver of privileges

CHARLES CLARK: 46; 4771 Harding St., Baker; failure to appear on outstanding bench warrants

BRITTANY DICKS: 40; 1314 Lake Pointe Ave., Zachary; possession of schedule II, prohibited acts

SHAWN DRAKE: 54; 6130 Matthews St., Baton Rouge; illegal use of a weapon or dangerous instrumentalities, illegal carrying of a weapons, domestic abuse aggravated assault ANDREW FLETCHER: 56;

4990 Queens Carriage St., Zachary; operating a vehicle while intoxicated, possession of alcohol in vehicle

JAKIRA GOODMAN: 22; 7925 Meadow Ave., Baton Rouge; failure to appear on outstanding bench warrants

SHYNIECSHEON GRAHAM: 30; 4114 Florida St., Zachary; criminal abandonment

JORDAN HARRIS: 31; 11959 Nicholson Drive, Baton Rouge; failure to appear on outstanding bench warrants

JUSTIN HOLIDAY: 41; 571 Fennwood Drive, Zachary; failure to appear on outstanding bench warrants

MADELYN POUNDERS: 37; 33525 Duff Road, Walker; unauthorized use of a motor vehicle

BRENT ROBERTS: 41; 9995 Trails End, St. Francisville; theft

JAMES TERRELL: 61; 2053 Cunard Ave., Baton Rouge; theft, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia

LIONEL TURNER: 25; 8862 Reserve Oak Drive, Zachary; failure to appear on outstanding bench warrants

QUINTEN VAUGHN: 29; 101 Pine Drive, Hammond; theft of a motor vehicle, bank fraud

KENYETTA WATSON: 44; 21063 High Plains Drive, Zachary; domestic abuse battery, criminal mischieffalse report of a crime

TRAVIS COLEMAN: 42; 4466 Mohican St., Baton Rouge; failure to appear on outstanding bench warrants

KIARA GROSS: 34; 4980 Lower Zachary Road, No. 35, Zachary, fugitive warrant from Baker Police Department, aggravated battery

DAMEISHA GRIFFIN: 26; 20837 Leviticus Drive, Zachary; failure to appear on outstanding bench warrants

RANADA HUNTER: 43; 1616 Windsor Drive, Baton Rouge; failure to appear on outstanding bench warrants

LOGAN LEE: 26; 3257 Willow St., Zachary; illegal possession of stolen things

RAYMOND PINDER: 51; 230 Engineers Road, Belle Chasse; monetary instrument abuse

COLBY RICHARD: 33; 3512 Nelson St., Zachary; resisting an officer, illegal possession of stolen things

JEFFERY SIMON: 36; 10233 N. River Road, No. 33, Port Allen, theft/theft from a machine or device, simple criminal damage to property, fugitive warrant from East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office

The Health & Wellness Clinic offers evaluation and treatment for a variety of mental health conditions, including anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder autism spectrum disorder, bipolar disorder and other behavioral health concerns.

“We are thrilled to welcome Katherine and Kathy to the Lane family,” said Patty Williams, director of Physician Practices at Lane. “Their knowledge,

compassion, and commitme nt to mental wellness will help meet a growing need in our community and offer patients vital access to care.” Per ki ns br in gs a clinical background in both pediatric and family psychiatric care. She earned her master of science in nursing in family psychiatric mental health from McNeese State University and holds additional certifications from Ohio State University and the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

She has served as CEO and provider at Zachary Psychiatry, and previously practiced at St. Christopher’s Addiction Wellness Center and RKM Primary Care.

“I’m honored to help individuals and families navigate their mental health

journey,” said Perkins. “It’s a privilege to work in a clinic that truly prioritizes patient-centered care and emotional well-being.”

Sterling has over 24 years of healthcare experience, including previous service as a nurse practitioner at Lane Family Practice and as director of nursing at Wilkinson County Senior Care. She holds a master of science in nursing with a concentration in family nurse practitioner from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and a postmaster’s certificate in psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner from the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson. Sterling is a graduate of the University of Alabama at Birmingham and Alcorn State University, and is certified as a family nurse practitioner by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.

“As a former ER nurse at Lane, I’m excited to return in a new role focused on mental health,” said Sterling. “It’s a dream come true to help people heal and thrive in every area of their lives.”

University of Louisiana Monroe releases honor rolls

Community news report

The University of Louisiana Monroe announces the students named to the honor rolls for the fall 2025 semester. Eligibility for the president’s list requires fulltime enrollment (minimum of 12 semester hours completed) and the list is calculated based on the following G.P.A. hours and term G.P.A.: an undergraduate student is required to earn at least a 3.9 grade point average. Claire Connor and Terrolyn Woodridge, of Zachary, are on the list.

Eligibility for the dean’s list requires full-time enrollment (minimum of 12 semester hours completed) and the list is calculated based on the following G.P.A. hours and term

G.P.A.: an undergraduate student is required to earn at least a 3.5 grade point average. Madison Guillory and Mahogany Thomas, of Zachary and Eden Williams, of Greenwell Springs, are on the dean’s list.