The Zachary Community School District’s Copper Mill Elementary School’s 5th and 6th Grade Choir, Northwestern Middle School Choir (7th and 8th grade), and ZAchary High School Choir all received the highest honor of Sweepstakes at the Louisiana Music
Choir Festival.
Community news report The Zachary Community School District choirs received Sweepstakes honors at the recent Louisiana Music Educators Association’s Choir Festival. Copper Mill Elementary School’s fifth and sixth grade choir, Northwestern Middle School’s seventh and eighth grade choir and Zachary High’s choir all received the highest honor given at the event. The choirs are taught by Emma Lawton, Copper Mill; Cassi Doherty, Northwestern Middle; and Cierra Fountain, Zachary High
BY OLIVIA MCCLURE
Contributing writer
The Zachary City Council is planning to hold a hearing April 14 as part of the city’s investigation into whether a controversial go-kart racetrack has violated the terms of the permit that allows it to operate. The 593 Motorsports Kart Club track, located in a residential area on W.J. Wicker Road, won a conditional use permit in November on a 3-2 vote of the council. The track already had been hosting practices and races before receiving the permit irking neighbors who have complained of noise and dust emanating from the facility A group of residents later filed a lawsuit against the city and the track.
Supporters, by contrast, have said the track is a boon to the Zachary economy that provides a family-like atmosphere and learning opportunities for area youth. The controversy has continued to escalate. In recent weeks,
W.J. Wicker Road residents have said the track has installed signs and built a new parking lot — things that aren’t allowed under the conditions the council set when it issued the permit. Mayor David McDavid confirmed in early March that code enforcement officer Ty Stephens was investigating the allegations. The council agreed to have a hearing on the matter once Stephens completed a report on his findings.
That report is almost done, City Attorney Jacqueline Wilson told the council at its most recent meeting on March 24. The council then voted to issue subpoenas to people who have been involved in the investigation They’re expected to appear at a hearing during the panel’s regular April 14 meeting.
“It was pretty much a blanket, across the board — everyone who provided information,” Wilson said, describing who is being subpoenaed The council meets at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month.
Copper Mill Elementary School choir earned Sweepstakes at LMEA Festival. The choir includes, first row from left, Savannah Anthony, Harper Angelloz, Meryl David, Tinleigh Lauer, Abigail Mitchem, Ella Harvey and Griffin DeVaux; second row, Juliet Lyon, Anghelie Duenas-Lopez, Lillian Cassagne, Ginnifer Steinberger, Lily Pitre, Alexander Prevost, Kennedy Brown and Carmon Dillon; third row, A’niyah Winn, Zaylen Bruce, Brailynn Jackson, Lillian Jett, Rayleigh Smith-Pittman and Grace Travasos; fourth row, student teacher Madison Berg, Raegan Cunningham, Caitlin Gauthier Asanti Sellers, Braelan Clark, Aubrey Alcorn and director Emma Lawton and top group Salem Crighton, Stephen Mauer Giselle Hofeling Shermara Brickley, Maci Keller Kennedi Heard, Kelsey Crockett, London Joseph, Destiny Harrell, Verenity Matthews, Katelyn Boudreaux and Madeline Turner
BY OLIVIA MCCLURE Contributing writer
For Glen Lane, the 1.17-acre lot on Munson Road represented an ideal spot to set up a mobile home for his stepdaughter Some people who live in the area, however, would prefer that he look elsewhere.
It’s a debate that has played out numerous times over the years at Zachary City Council meetings: Someone asks for permission to place a manufactured home on property, and nearby residents — concerned about their property values and the character of their neighborhood turn out to voice their opposition.
When the Planning and Zoning Commission heard Lane’s request for a conditional use permit, it recommended denial. But on March 24, the council broke with the commission’s recommendation, giving Lane the green light.
“I’m trying to do something nice for my stepdaughter I was a little surprised that there was any pushback,” Lane, of Ethel, told the council. “All we’re trying to do is
find a peaceful and safe neighborhood for her to live in.”
He along with his surveyor, Shane Nicholas, said the mobile home wouldn’t be out of place. Known as Zachary Estates, the neighborhood is located off La. 19 north of Port Hudson-Pride Road.
“Nineteen percent of the current homes in there are manufactured homes,” Nicholas said.
Calesia Anderson, assistant planning and zoning specialist, said her office was on board with Lane’s plans for the mobile home. It complies, she said, with a code requirement that says, “A manufactured home that is not replacing an existing manufactured home on the same lot shall be located on a lot with a minimum area of 1 acre and shall meet the minimum requirements of the underlying zoning district.”
The 1.17-acre property in question is zoned as residential estate, a designation that has a 3-acre minimum lot size. But it is considered a “legal, nonconforming lot,” Anderson said.
Several Zachary Estates resi-
dents spoke to the council about their concerns. While some applauded Lane’s intentions and said they generally had nothing against mobile homes, they nevertheless are worried about how putting one in their neighborhood will affect property values.
“By approving this, you’re not hurting me. You’re hurting everybody around — their investment, OK?” said Munson Road resident Donnell Barber “So take that into consideration when you’re about to make this vote because this is our investment. We invested money into these properties that we have.” Some took issue with the argument that a mobile home should be allowed just because there are others in the area.
“The mobile homes that have been left in that neighborhood for over 30, 40 years are now condemned and should have been moved off the property decades ago,” said Brandon Bankston, who lives on Munson Road.
Stephanie Campbell, a resident
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the Park is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday to Saturday at 3325 Groom Road.
Shop local vendors and celebrate spring at the event.
Compete in the lip sync show
Registration and tickets are on sale for Zachary High’s fourth annual Lip Sync
Battle on April 16. This event is open to anyone in the Zachary community on stage or in the audience. To enter an act, visit https://tinyurl.com/rc23fhbh. To purchase tickets visit events.ticketleap.com/tickets/zhs-choirdepartment/4th-annual-lip-sync-battle.
Bank of Zachary to host Shred Day
The Bank of Zachary is hosting its Community Shred Day event over two weekends.
Events will take place from 9 a.m. to noon: n April 11 at the Main Branch, 4743 Main St., Zachary; and the Watson Branch, 32340 La. 16 n April 25 at the Central Branch, 14395
Grand Settlement Blvd.
Residents and local small business owners can securely dispose of confidential documents free of charge.
Plastic, three-ring binders, hardback books, CDs, DVDs, and video or cassette tapes will not be accepted in the normal shred truck.
A separate collection truck will be on-site to collect digital items including laptops, keyboards, copiers, printers, cellphones, desktops, etc.
Play golf to support Zachary athletics
The Zachary Athletic Foundation Golf Tournament 2026 is April 6 at Copper Mill Golf Club in support of the Zachary Athletic Foundation and student athletes. Entry is $500 per four-person team and includes a mulligan package, food, soft drinks and beer on course Prizes include first, second and third places; closest to the pin; and longest drive.
Registration and lunch are at noon. Tee time is at 1 p.m. Visit tinyurl.com/3z9ey8ba to preregister and for information.
Email Leila Pitchford at lpitchford@ theadvocate.com.
In the finals, the Broncos fought through six lead changes over a threeminute stretch and with less than two minutes remaining, closed out the game with juniors Ethan Kimmie, Ian Edmonds and Mason Newman coming up huge when it mattered most
On an incredible season, coach Jon McClinton wanted to start first by “thanking the Zachary community and Zachary High School for the continuous support of the program.” McClinton also called out the “wonderful student body that supported us throughout the entire year.”
The ZHS boys’ journey to a second state championship was earned through a grueling offseason program and competitive nondistrict schedule with multiple tournaments and competition against top teams inside and outside of Louisiana McClinton notes that the program was “founded on toughness and tenacity.” The Broncos finished the grueling nondistrict schedule and rolled through district 4-5A play undefeated.
The team finished the season with a 33-4 record and a national ranking of 79th in the country
During that run, the Broncos defeated eventual Division I select state champion John Curtis (68-59), Mississippi state champions Jackson Academy (78-70) and Madison Ridgeland Academy (48-43).
In the playoffs after receiving an opening game bye, they defeated Covington (81-60), Northshore (61-58) and Denham Springs (74-59) in the semifinals. They finished 14-1 at home on the year
How did they do it? Like they always do it under McClinton with tenacious defense, a ton of participation from a deep bench and a commitment to the culture that has been established for the program.
One only needs to review the box score to see how the bench and depth contributed, with eight Broncos registering points. Edmonds led with 20, Kimmie scored 12 and Newman’s 11 rounded out the doublefigure scorers for the Broncos. Compare that to a Ruston team that relied heavily on Ahmand Hudson’s 32 to provide over half of their points with only four Bearcats contributing points in the finale Though he did not make double figures in points, senior Kristion Brooks contrib-
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Continued from page 1G of nearby Yardley Drive, agreed. She said residents have made strides toward improving the neighborhood and she doesn’t want to see that momentum slowed.
“These lots offer an opportunity for more development,” she said. “These projects are a positive rein-
uted six points and made critical plays on the defensive end for the Broncos.
Not surprising; the Broncos dominated the District 4-5A honors with Edmonds being named MVP and Kimmie and Price making the first team. McClinton noted that in addition to Edmonds, “Price was a true leader for the team this year.” Honorable mention honors were earned by Trey Armwood and Newman.
McClinton was also named District 4-5A coach of the year Edmonds also earned his second most outstanding player award in the championship game.
In the final game, McClinton’s grinding approach paid dividends.
“We want to wear you down so much that when that fourth quarter comes, those legs are starting to get to you a little bit,” McClinton noted.
The Broncos say goodbye to seniors Price, Brooks, Aidan Givens and Jordan Shellmire but will be reloaded with several players that contributed this and last year, with an opportunity to go for their third straight title and fifth since 2021.
Don’t be surprised if Ruston again stands in the Broncos way as they return most of their team for the 2026-27 campaign, including Hudson.
vestment and momentum for the neighborhood. The vacant lots nearby offer opportunities for additional homes.”
Councilman James Graves’ initial motion to approve Lane’s request won a second from council member Jennifer Landry — but their three other colleagues voted no, causing the motion to fail.
Graves then made another motion to approve the conditional use permit
with the stipulation that the mobile home have building materials similar to other homes in the area. That carried on a 3-2 vote, with Ambre DeVirgilio joining the yeses and John LeBlanc and Brandy Westmoreland still voting no. Lane assured neighbors that he plans to bring in an attractive mobile home.
“It’s got the pitched roof. It’s got shingles. It’s got siding,” he said. “I mean, it’s a nice mobile home.”
Community news report
A Zachary college student has been named the grand prize recipient of Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers’ 2026 “For the Future” Scholarship, earning a $4,444 award for his powerful distracted driving awareness campaign.
Tafari Beard Jr., of Zachary, was selected for the program’s highest honor based on originality, clarity of message, creativity and overall impact. The scholarship’s top prize reflects the firm’s four pillars of lasting impact: education, environment, safety and community See the video at https://tinyurl. com/ywbsb7pz.
A junior majoring in film and media studies at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Tafari used his storytelling skills to create a compelling video that addressed the real and lasting consequences of distracted driving. His passion for the issue stems from hearing stories of families permanently changed by a single moment of distraction.
Tafari, 20, said, “Winning this scholarship is both humbling and deeply motivating. It reassures me that the message behind my work and my advocacy truly resonates.”
Steve DeBosier, founding partner of Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers, said Tafari’s submission exemplified the purpose of the scholarship.
“Tafari’s ability to combine creativity with
a meaningful public safety message demonstrates how powerful young voices can be,” DeBosier said. “He represents the next generation of leaders who understand that awareness can save lives.”
The “For the Future” Scholarship invited Louisiana students to produce original one- to two-minute videos discouraging texting and driving. Entries are evaluated on message impact, creativity, technical quality, and clarity Finalists are reviewed by investigative journalist Kiran Chawla, with an additional People’s Choice winner selected through public voting.
Two other Baton Rouge-area students were recognized this year: Logan Michael McCarthy of Denham Springs, received the $1,500 Most Creative Scholarship, and Maliyah Davis, of Gonzales, earned the $1,000 People’s Choice Scholarship.
BY OLIVIA MCCLURE
Contributing writer
Zachary is seeing some encouraging signs of progress on the economic development front: It has recently welcomed new businesses, including a couple of national brands, and sales tax collections are up.
But, according to economic development director Ashleigh McHugh, key gaps in the Zachary market still need to be filled. The city could benefit from another grocery store and additional entertainment venues, for example.
McHugh spoke about her work to address these and other issues at the City Council’s March 24 meeting. Below is a rundown of the updates she provided.
Two big wins
A Planet Fitness gym and a 7 Brew coffeehouse have opened in Zachary in recent months. Bringing these national chains to the city took a lot of effort
“Planet Fitness correspondence started back in 2018, and 7 Brew initiated correspondence in 2022,” McHugh said. “So we’re super proud of those. We feel like that’s contributing to the momentum in Zachary, and the momentum will continue in 2026.”
In other encouraging news, McHugh said, Zachary brought in 6.7% more sales tax in 2025 over the previous year
Work to recruit grocers, entertainment continues
McHugh often hears from people wanting more local options for grocery shopping
She and Retail Strategies, a retail recruitment firm the city contracts with, have been contacting grocery chains to try to entice them to open a store in Zachary
“There’s proof that there is leakage and a need for that in Zachary,” McHugh said, using a retail industry term that refers to the loss of potential sales due to people shopping elsewhere.
Another common request: more entertainment, especially for children.
“There are two brands that are growing in the Baton Rouge regional area specifically that we’re looking at,” McHugh said.
But there are challenges in trying to get some businesses to come to town.
“A lot of the national brands, we just don’t fit their standards,” she said. “They want 100,000 people within 5 miles, and we’re not even close to that.”
Coming soon
A national, quick-service restaurant chain has indicated interest in a property on the east side of Zachary While the restaurant is “pretty definite,” McHugh said, she couldn’t elaborate because of a nondisclosure agreement.
She said construction is underway at the Wellcome Country Store and Smokehouse on Old Scenic Highway, and Benny’s Car Wash hopes to begin building a location on Church Street in April or as soon as it fin-
ishes its new facility in nearby Baker
Downtown projects
The city is working with Downtown Strategies, a spinoff company associated with Retail Strategies, to update its current downtown revitalization plan, which was developed with help from the firm.
“Under the previous plan, we did a lot,” McHugh said. “They even commended Zachary as a city that really did a great job at implementing a lot of the plan. It’s just time to continue that progress. A lot of businesses have opened downtown, so the timing feels right.”
The city also has received a $10,000 grant for a new downtown mural from Build Baton Rouge.
Incentives package in the works
The city is still collaborating with a firm called ZHF on an incentives package de-
