BY OLIVIA MCCLURE
Contributing writer
A day after the arrest of a Rollins Place Elementary School administrator, Superintendent Ben Necaise addressed the situation at the Zachary Community School Board’s March 18 meeting.
Kristy Scott Gilpin assistant principal at Rollins Place, was arrested March 17 by Zachary police on a count of cruelty to juveniles,
Leila Pitchford AROUND ZACHARY
The Zachary High State Championship Victory parade
is at 6:30 p.m. Friday, March 28, and honors the boys and girls basketball teams. It will be on Main Street from the high school to the Bank of Zachary Police division moves
The Zachary Police Department CIU Division has moved to its new location. If you need to file a complaint, go to the building at 5160 Old Slaughter Road (at the corner of Montegudo Boulevard).
Port Hudson event coming
The reenactment of the 162nd anniversary of the Siege of Port Hudson, 236 U.S. 61, Jackson, is planned for March 29-March 30.
Visitors will have access to reenactors from both the Union and Confederate armies with campsites opening to the public starting at 9 a.m. both days.
The battle re-enactments are scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. Saturday and 1:30 p.m. Sunday
Demonstrations of other Civil War activities will be held at scheduled times throughout both days, and sutlers selling Civil War era goods and wares will be present.
Concessions will be available for purchase from the Zachary High School JROTC program. For information, call the site at (225) 654-3775 or (888) 6773400 or email porthudson@crt la.gov
Community History Festival
The free 15th annual Community History Festival is at the Pride-Chaneyville Branch Library from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. March 29. The event will have country fun, food, games, crafts, music and entertainment.
This year’s theme is “Country Crafts,” and various artists and
Zachary Police said. Gilpin, 41, accompanied by her attorney, surrendered to the Zachary Police Department early morning on March 17, Chief Darryl Lawrence said.
An arrest warrant was issued for Gilpin earlier this month, Lawrence said. The department began its investigation after the parent reported an incident last month.
The audience at the board meeting was full, although no formal
public comments were made about the accusations. Necaise read aloud a prepared statement about the issue at the start of the meeting.
“First, our dedicated employees need support during this very difficult time,” Necaise began.
“Absolutely,” a woman called out from the audience.
Necaise continued reading his statement.
“That support requires vital
open lines of communication, and the ability of our employees to discuss this matter is imperative,” he said.
The district brought in Grady Bray, a crisis specialist, to meet with teachers and staff members at Rollins Place and other Zachary schools. Necaise said the discussions would remain confidential.
“The immediate goal is to allow our faculty to freely voice their confusion, anger and frustration,”
he said. “Dr Bray will report back to our team with categorical feedback from our employees, and it’s my hope that suggestions or recommendations from our faculty and staff will help provide additional supports moving forward.”
“Finally, we want everyone to understand that we will follow all the legal guidance provided to us by our legal counsel to support our teachers, staff and all concerned,” Necaise added.
Chili cook-off continues to expand as crowd-pleaser
BY FRANCES Y. SPENCER
Contributing writer
What started as the Lane Hospital chili event is continuing to evolve in size and scope. The music, food, crowds, corporate sponsors, and vendor participation easily put the annual fundraiser in league with the festivals that flavor spring in the Bayou State.
The Lane Foundation’s Code-Red Chili and Salsa Cook-Off celebrated its 10th anniversary Saturday with good weather good music and a great crowd that took advantage of the regular downtown traffic drawn by the Zachary Farmers and Artisans Market.
The chili cooking competition added salsa a short time ago and the 2025 event featured 19 teams contending for prizes and bragging rights. Participants paid for tickets that allowed them to taste and vote for their favorite
ä See COOK-OFF, page 4G
I
BY OLIVIA MCCLURE
Contributing writer
Zachary High School’s boys and girls basketball teams have pulled off a rare feat: winning Class 5A state championships in the same year And for the girls, the victory has even more significance. It’s the first time since 1927 that Zachary has claimed a state title in girls basketball.
Both teams were honored at the Zachary Community School Board’s March 18 meeting Their coaches spoke about what it took to secure their big wins.
“A lot goes into this,” said girls basketball coach Tami McClure.
“This is nine months out of their year They’re doing weight lifting, they’re in the gym, they’re outside doing stuff. It’s nonstop what these girls have to go through.”
In working with her team this season, she encouraged the players to strive for the championship and, particularly for seniors, to leave behind a legacy of excellence.
Boys basketball coach Jonathan McClinton said he often reminded his athletes to lean on each other for support, especially when they ran into obstacles.
“When we do experience those highs and lows, it builds character because it shows them the strength that they have inside of themselves and the strength that
they have once they link together,” he said.
The coaches were excited about bringing home two state titles.
“This is amazing, especially for the boys and the girls to do that in
one year,” McClure said. “It’s unheard of. We’re putting the work in, both the boys and the girls, and we’re putting this town on the map.”
“It’s not just for our school, it’s
not just for them, it’s not just for their families,” McClinton said.
was a member of the LHSAA All-Academic
“It’s for the community of Zachary Also recognized at the meeting were five Zachary High students who were selected as members of LHSAA All-Academic Composite Teams. They include
Zachary’s Ian Edmond drives to the lane past Central Baton Rouge’s Collin Verrett.
Continued from page 1G
The Broncos finished the regular season winning three of four to get back on track. Entering the playoffs as the top seed, McClinton said the team “started to play our brand of basketball during the right time of the season. Everyone wants to play well heading to the playoffs and that is exactly what we did.”
To get to the finals, the Broncos rolled over Natchitoches Central, 65-45, in the semifinals. The Chiefs are probably tired of the Broncos as both the boys and girls eliminated them in the playoffs. Double-figure scorers for the Broncos in the semifinals were Cambien Price with 10, Kristion Brooks with 16 points on 6 of 6 shouting from the field, Xavier Ferguson who had 18 points on 6 of 8 shooting from the field and 6 of 6 from the free-throw line and Ian Edmond who put up 13 points. Adding to the pre-championship game drama, Central was the last team to beat the Broncos late in the regular season, 71-78, at Central. The 2024-25 champion Broncos left no doubt that you are only as good as your last game as they led the Wildcats leading throughout the championship game by dominating in the paint and points from the bench.
Though it was not a high scoring game, defense was at a premium and the Broncos defense was, as always, pressure-filled and consistent from start to finish
Title-game MVP Ian Edmond led the Broncos with 14 points including two three-pointers. Coach McClinton pointed to the leadership of his entire senior class that “was definitely the heart of our program and we are grateful for their efforts.”
In particular, he emphasized the impact and leadership of senior Xavier Ferguson, “he gave us the support we needed whether it was on or off the court and became the true leader of this team and the program.” Ferguson finished with 7 points in the finals after carrying the Broncos in the semifinals. Price also finished in double figures with 10 points.
McClinton thanked the Zachary community and Zachary High school for the continuous support of the program He then turned his attention to the ZHS student body who “were there with us and cheered us on throughout the year ” Both the boys and girls teams were recognized at the Zachary Community School Board meeting on March 18.
Warren Brady covers sports for The Plainsman. He can be contacted at zachary@ theadvocate.com.
Code Red Chili and Salsa Cook-off tent.
Continued from page 1G
entries. Local businesses, organizations, individuals from the community and even the city of Zachary were competitors and sponsors. There were five cooking competition categories: Judges Red Chili, Judges NonTraditional, Judges Salsa, People’s Choice Chili and People’s Choice Salsa. The Team Spirit award was given to the entry that embodied the spirit of the cook-off through presentation, team costumes, decorations and attitude. Live music offering started with Scenic Highway Band, a local group of young mu-
Continued from page 1G
craftsmen will display and sell homemade items. The Louisiana Lagniappe Dulcimers and The Upbeats will provide live music and the cake walk will be held every hour
Other activities will include a pie contest, vintage dancing with the Lagniappe Historic Dance and Pastime Society, basket weaving, candle making, wood carving with the Pelican Wood Carver Guild, herb gardening with Master Gardener Claire Fontenot, jewelry making a kiddie fishing pond and more.
Play golf to help Zachary
Zachary Charity League is holding its golf tournament April 4 at Fennwood Hills Country Club, Zachary The four-player scramble is $500 a team and has a 1 p.m. tee time. Contact Claire Simmons at (225) 202-8297 or send us an email at zacharycharityleague@gmail.com with team information.
sicians.
Louisiana Music Hall of Fame musician and band leader Chris Leblanc made a return to the Zachary Gazebo after last year’s Live at the Gazebo performance. His set included members of the Chris LeBlanc Band Jason Broussard and Zydeco Mike Frederick. The last musical group was Rockin’ Dopsie Jr & The Zydeco Twisters. Celebrated as one of New Orleans’ greatest entertainers, Rockin’ Dopsie Jr continues the Zydeco tradition started by his father accordionist Rockin’ Dopsie. Proceeds from the cook-off will be used to support the Lane Foundation’s Patient Tower Expansion Project. The $90 million expansion will include a new four-story tower and 37,000 square feet of interior renovations.
Payments can be made by check or through Venmo @Zacharycharity-league. Email zacharycharityleague@gmail.com with any questions.
Adams County reunion set On the weekend of April 25-27, the descendants of the Jersey Settlers of Adams County, Mississippi, will gather for their annual reunion with activities in Natchez and Kingston, Mississippi.
This group was founded in 1940 by the King, Swayze, Farrar and Eaton Families who were direct descendants of the 1770s settlers in the vicinity of Kingston. Reunion plans include a genealogy workshop, visit to the cemeteries maintained by the organization, dinner at Commencement Plantation, and Sunday Memorial Service, business meeting and dinner on the grounds of the Kingston United Methodist Church. For information and to register visit https://djsreunions.squarespace.com/. Send news and events for the Zachary area to zachary@theadvocate.com by noon Friday or call (225) 388-0731.
BY OLIVIA MCCLURE
Contributing writer
The Zachary Community School Board spent much of its March 18 meeting addressing issues that have arisen since the recent death of longtime member Gaynell Young: filling her vacancy on the panel, electing someone to take her place as president and discussing ways to honor her legacy Young died unexpectedly March 2. She had served on the board continuously since its inception in the early 2000s. With Young’s husband and children looking on from the audience, the board on a 6-2 vote selected Tracey TaylorJarrell, coordinator of board relations for the Southern University Board of Super-
visors Office, to represent District 1 on an interim basis. The board’s other option was Monique Fields, an attorney Taylor-Jarrell and Fields were both nominated by board member Crystal London. None of her colleagues suggested anyone else for the position. London and Kenneth Mackie voted for Fields. The remaining six board members David Dayton, Andrew Gaines, Laura Freeman, Ryan Talbot, Elecia Lathon and Marty Hughes — supported Taylor-Jarrell. Taylor-Jarrell, a native and resident of the Port Hudson area and a 1988 graduate of Zachary High School, spoke to the board about her background. She holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting, an MBA and a doctorate in public policy.
Taylor-Jarrell said she knew Young as “Mama Gay” and had been close to her since childhood. The two had discussed ways TaylorJarrell could become more involved in community causes, including the possibility of one day serving on the school board.
“I would be deeply honored to carry forward this legacy, which has been built on values of integrity hard work and community,” Taylor-Jarrell told the board. “I am committed to preserving these principles while also looking for ways to expand and innovate.”
Young won her final election in 2022. Because more than one year was left in her four-year term, the board was obligated to select an interim member to serve until a special election can
be held to fill the District 1 seat, said board attorney Ricky McDavid. Had there been less than a year to go in the term, he said, the interim board member could have served until the next regular election.
The board approved a resolution calling for a primary to take place Oct. 11 with a general election to follow Nov 15. The qualifying period will be in July
Earlier in the meeting, the board chose Lathon to take Young’s place as president.
“Thank you guys for your confidence in me moving forward,” Lathon told her colleagues “Big shoes to fill. I’m moved by the opportunity to continue Dr Young’s legacy and all that she fought for and all that she meant to our district.”
The board also pondered
the possibility of naming a facility in Young’s honor
Several board members recommended adding her name to Port Hudson Academy which originally was an elementary school and now houses Zachary’s alternative school, because it is in her former district and was close to her heart.
No action was taken, as the topic was only on the agenda for discussion, not a vote.
Young’s son, Tramon Young, expressed his gratitude to the board.
“For this board to go above and beyond for our family means the world,” he said. “And to even consider putting her name on anything related the Zachary school system, but in particular that little school in Port Hudson for a kid
Caring to Love Ministries director speaks to group
Community news report
The Zachary Rotary Club heard from the executive director of the Louisiana Art & Science Museum at its March 13 meeting.
Karen M. Soniat shared insights about the museum’s exhibits, educational programs and its mission to inspire curiosity through art and science.
Housed in a historic railroad depot on the banks of the Mississippi River the Louisiana Art & Science Museum offers educational entertainment for visitors of all ages.
n The art galleries showcase changing fine art exhibitions and selections from the permanent collection.
n The interactive art and science galleries are designed for children.
n The Ancient Egypt Gallery houses ancient artifacts and a Ptolemaic-era mummy that rests in a re-created rock-cut tomb
n The Irene W. Pennington Planetarium features sky shows, large-format films, visual music shows and galleries devoted to space science.
The following people were booked into East Baton Rouge Parish Prison or issued a summons by the Zachary Police Department from Feb. 20-March 12:
BRIA ANDERSON: 31, 21385 Field Glen Drive, Zachary, illegal possession of stolen things, window tint violation, failure to register vehicle
JAMES DUKES: 37, S 17626 Spur Lane, Baker, equipment violation; display of plate, possession of marijuana
SHAWANNA EARLY: 46, 5328 Rollins Road, Zachary, fugitive warrant from Baker, failure to appear on outstanding bench warrants
TERRILYN FERGUSON: 30, 9560 Angus Drive, Zachary theft, 2 counts of simple criminal damage to property, simple battery
JOHN HENDERSON III: 35, 2890 March St., Zachary, resisting an officer
BENJAMIN K. JENKINS: 23, 5207 Myrtle Hill, Zachary, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, window tint violation
PHILLIP MACK: 40, 02165 Hunt Road, Zachary, failure to appear on outstanding bench warrants
JAIVON O’CONNER: 18, 7573 Lower Zachary Road, Zachary, three counts possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, window tint violation
DAVE PETERSON III: 19, 2861 Country Lakes Ave., Zachary, charged with possession of marijuana, window tint
violation
CADANCE WHITTINGTON: 17, 8530 E. Vernon Road, Zachary, booked in for domestic abuse battery
LATONYA BANKSTON: 51;
10601 Kennedy St., Clinton; theft
TAMEKI BROWN: 49; two counts of improper supervision of a minor by parent or legal custodian-penalty
VICTOR COVINGTON: 36; 1511
Dr. Anderson Road, Centreville, Mississippi; two counts of failure to appear on outstanding bench warrants
SHELBY DEMPSTER: 19; 2614
S. Turnberry Ave., Zachary; aggravated assault with a firearm, illegal use of weapons or dangerous instrumentalities, home invasion
LOGAN EFFERSON: 19; 38555 Walker North, Walker; misdemeanor carnal knowledge of a juvenile
BRIAN GUERIN: 39; 11725 Florida Blvd., Baton Rouge; failure to appear on outstanding bench warrants
BENJAMIN HORNE: 35; 3509 Live Oak Village Road, Denham Springs; stalking, improper telephone communications, simple criminal damage to property
WALKER JOHNSON: 46; 18733 Samuels Road, Zachary; improper supervision of a minor by parent or legal custodian-penalty
JESSICA JONES: 31; 01105 Sherron Ave., Baton Rouge; theft
KENYATTA ROBINSON: 34; 2839 April St., Zachary; domestic abuse battery – child endangerment
DEANDRE SINGLETON: 32; 4980 Lower Zachary Road
Apt. 8, Zachary; theft
CHARLES WHITE: 37; 02411 La. 952, Jackson; fugitive warrant from East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office, fugitive warrant from East Feliciana Parish Sheriff’s Office
MARKELLA WYRE: 36; 4500
Sherwood Common Blvd.,
Apt. 1313, Baton Rouge; failure to appear on outstanding bench warrants
KYLE COOK: 27; 6334 Silverleaf Ave., Baton Rouge; simple criminal damage to property
ADRIANA HODGES: 24; Baker, failure to appear on outstanding bench warrants
CORNELIUS HOUSTON: 29; 12239 Peairs Road, Zachary; possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, vehicle entering highway from private road
ALVIS JOHNSON: 42; 3536 Jersey Drive, Zachary; failure to appear on outstanding bench warrants
TYQUAN LEWIS: 26; 2821 Chamberlain Ave., Baker; failure to appear on outstanding bench warrants
ERIC MCMICHAEL: 61; 21852
Samuels Road, Zachary; theft, failure to appear on outstanding bench warrants
DEVONTA MILLER: 28; 3626 Coolidge St., Baker; obstruction of justice, resisting an officer, flight from an officer, possession of marijuana, failure to register vehicle, driving under suspension, no insurance
JOSEPH MONNIER: 28; simple burglary of an inhabited dwelling, theft
MALIK ROBINSON: 18; 2121 Ridgefield Ave., Zachary; simple battery, illegal use of weapons or dangerous instrumentalities, aggravated assault with a firearm, home invasion
RONNIE TENNART: 32; 21372
Samuels Road, Zachary; failure to appear on outstanding bench warrants
TANGA WAGNER: 52; 5312 Tolbert St., Baton Rouge; three counts of theft
Community news report
The fourth annual Rose Color Run to support autism awareness is from 8 a.m. to noon April 5 at Baker City Park, 3325 Groom Road. A 3K and 5K will be available. Participants can “run, jump, skip, hop roll and have fun,” the announcement stated. Awards will include the Traveling Show Award for the team with the most registered participants, Community Champion Award for the group with the highest participation, and the Spectrum Spirit Award for the most enthusiastic team. Register at magnoliarosefoundation.betterworld.org. Cost is $15 for teens and adults and $10 for those under 12. Shirts are $15 for kids sizes, $25 for adult sizes and $25 for size 2X-4X.
Farmers Market and Pop Up Shop planned
A Farmers Market and Pop Up Shop will be in Baker from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m on March 29, June 14, Sept. 13 and Dec 13. Vendor fees are $25 for Baker Chamber of
Commerce members and $40 for non members. Food trucks will cost $75 for members and $125 for non members. For information, contact Latoya at (225) 412-4311 or latoya@bakercoc.com.
Stop the Violence group sets summer programs
The Diontrey Claiborne Stop the Violence Organization is set to host its annual basketball and cheer summer camp at Advantage Charter School from July 10-13. Applications will be accepted from March 17 to June 30, and volunteers are welcome. For information on how to support the cause, visit DCSTV.org.
Charity golf tournament
The Baker Community Charity Golf Tournament is April 11 with an 8 a.m. start time at BREC Beaver Creek Golf Course, 110 Plains-Port Hudson Road, in Zachary Visit tinyurl.com/vft8aw4k or contact latoya@bakercoco.com or (225) 412-4311 for details or to sign up. Make a check payable to Baker Chamber of Commerce, 3439 Groom Road, Baker, LA 70714.
MARCH29, 2025 ELECTION POLLING PLACES
NewPrecincts Locations
Precinct 1Slaughter Town Hall 3337 Church St., Slaughter (InsideTownLimits)
Precinct 2Hwy 68 Voting BoothLindsey Precinct 2527 Hwy 68, Jackson
Precinct 3Slaughter Town Hall 3337 Church St,Slaughter
Precinct 3A Ethel Fire Station9320 Hwy 955 E, Ethel
Precinct 4OliveBranchFireDept 9028 Hwy 959, Slaughter
Precinct 4A OlivebranchFireDept 9028 Hwy 959, Slaughter
Precinct 4B ClintonMaintenanceDept 12305 JacksonSt, Clinton
Precinct 4C ClintonMaintenanceDept 12305 JacksonSt, Clinton
Precinct 5Bluff Creek Fire Dept 15456 Hwy 959, BluffCreek
Precinct 6JacksonCivic Center 2084 Hwy 10, Jackson
Precinct 6A JacksonCivic Center 2084 Hwy 10, Jackson
Precinct 7McManus Fire Station5270 Hwy 10, Jackson
Precinct 8Ethel Fire Station9320 Hwy 955 E, Ethel
Precinct 9ClintonMaintenanceDept 12305 JacksonSt (InsideTownLimits)
Precinct 10 JacksonCivic Center2084 Hwy 10, Jackson
Precinct 10A JacksonCivic Center 2084 Hwy 10, Jackson
Precinct 11 McManus Fire Station5270 Hwy 10, McManus
Precinct 12 Norwood Village Fire Dept 13722 ElmStNorwood
Precinct 12A Wilson Fire Dept 6527 Sycamore St., Wilson
Precinct 13 Hwy 67 Voting Booth (North)13180 Hwy 67, Clinton
Precinct 13A ClintonMaintenanceDept 12305 JacksonSt, C
Precinct 14 Magnolia Fire Station7351 SmithRd, Clinton
Community news report
BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo is turning 55, and the community is invited to celebrate at its annual spring festival, Zippity Zoo Fest.
The event is from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 5, with the zoo grounds closing at 6 p.m. each day
Guests can enjoy a variety of activities, including a Children’s Village, educational stations, a food court and animal encounters. Free cake will be available at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. daily
Admission is adults $10, seniors (ages 65+)
$8.50, children (ages 2-12) $7, Ages 1 and under free and zoo members are free Festival highlights
Entertainment: Face painting, performances from local community groups and surprise character meet-and-greets Community partners will have booths set up around the
zoo with interactive, hands-on activities for the kids.
Children’sVillage: Features bounce houses and a coloring station.
Dinosaur Experience Shows: Educational dinosaur-themed shows with prehistoric creatures.
AmbassadorAnimal Meet & Greets: Guests can interact with some of the zoo’s animal ambassadors and learn about their species from the Education Department.
Keeper Chats andAnimal Enrichments: Zookeepers will share insights into animal care and answer questions. Select sessions will feature special birthday treats for the animals.
AAZK Booth: The Baton Rouge Chapter of the American Association of Zoo Keepers will raise funds for conservation and share information about their philanthropy projects and professional development initiatives. For information, visit brzoo.org or follow BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo on social media.
and Elizabeth
brought music to the Zachary library branch recently with a Celtic concert celebrating St. Patrick’s Day The program included with music originating from Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
