Tax renewal for Livingston Parish schools on ballot
“This
BY CLAIRE GRUNEWALD Staff writer
FIRST PLACE
Denham Venom robotics team wins on world stage
BY DARLENE DENSTORFF Community news editor
A robotics team from Denham Springs High has achieved what no other Louisiana robotics team has — win a division title at an international robotics competition.
The Denham Venom team is returning home from the FIRST Robotics World Championship, in Houston, after competing alongside teams from Turkey, Brazil, Mexico, China and Israel, said team head coach Daniel Eiland Denham Venom became the first Louisiana team to win a division title at worlds and to compete on the Einstein Fields, the final playoff stage where the top teams from around the globe go headto-head.
This year marked the 36th anniversary of the FIRST Robotics Competition FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is the world’s largest youth robotics competition, often called “the Super Bowl of STEM,” Eiland said. Each season, high school teams around the world are given six to eight weeks to design, build and program a fully functional 140-pound
Denham Venom’s 140-pound competition robot in action during a qualification match at the World Championship.
robot from scratch. The top 600 of 3,700 teams worldwide make it to the championship. The challenge is immense, and
the competition is fierce.
To make it to the world event, the team competed in three different regional
competitions in three different states and finished as finalists in two and took home the win at the Bayou Regional in Louisiana.
Along the way, the team:
n Finished the season with a record of 51 wins out of 65 matches.
n Ranked in the top 2% of over 3,700 teams worldwide and were the top team in Louisiana.
n Lead Technical Mentor was awarded the Woodie Flowers Finalist Award for excellence in student mentorship.
n At the World Championship, placed in the Archimedes Division, where we went 9-1 in qualification matches, ranking first overall, and then went undefeated in the division playoffs.
The Venom’s Drive Team of Jacob Duke, Evan Durbin, Nicholas Carpenter and Sebastian Cupit, led by drive coach Rohit Gondi, “delivered under pressure with precision and professionalism,” Eiland said. “Their performance reflected the incredible work of all 45 students on our team.”
“I’ve been coaching robotics teams in Louisiana for 15 years and am always
ä See ROBOTICS, page 2G
PROVIDED PHOTOS BY DENHAM VENOM STUDENT MEDIA TEAM
College mentors of Denham Venom erupt in celebration after advancing to the Einstein Fields at the 2025 FIRST Robotics World Championship — a first in Louisiana history.
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floored by the commitment and passion that these students bring to their work,” Eiland said. “They spend hundreds of hours after school building these 140-pound robots from scratch, and to see our team make it this far only shows their continued ability to go farther than anyone could imagine.”
Eiland thanked the Denham Springs community, parents, school staff, volunteers, mentors and sponsors for supporting the team
“Though our official season has ended, Denham Venom will continue to compete in offseason events throughout the summer,” Eiland.
The team’s Red Stick Rumble is set for Sept. 13 at Denham Springs High School.
Email Darlene Denstorff at ddenstorff@ theadvocate.com
SLU launches environmental research center
Community news report
Southeastern Louisiana University, with approval from the Louisiana Board of Regents, has launched a new academic research unit.
The Center for Environmental Research will build on past and ongoing research efforts to monitor and investigate the health of the environments of the Lake Maurepas region and more as new projects, such as Carbon Capture and Storage (sequestration), also known as CCS, are planned throughout Louisiana, a news release said. Due to its rich and abundant natural resources and geography, Louisiana has been an energy-producing state for generations, including oil, gas, natural gas, wind and solar CCS is the latest of these industries and is focused on mitigating climate change, the Center for Environmental Research Director Kyle Piller said.
Essentially, it consists of capturing industrial carbon and sequestering it in deep subsurface storage reservoirs.
“Having a research center undertaken by a state university that conducts environmental monitoring will provide new baseline and
ongoing data on associated regions,” he said. “Many of these regions have never been thoroughly assessed or tracked. This ensures that we are able to have real data to understand these environments. Importantly, this new center designation allows us to scale up and provide similar services to additional environmental regions and industrial projects.”
As new industries and technologies come to area regions, the research center serves as the independent environmental monitoring entity for industrial and CCS activities and to make that data available to the public in real time.
The center has strengths and expertise in several focal research areas, including the following:
n Biodiversity Monitoring: The center tracks species diversity in aquatic, wetlands and terrestrial ecosystems to assess the impacts of perturbations on species presence and abundance, using both traditional sampling and modern environmental DNA approaches.
n Ecological Physiology: To determine how perturbations, such as industrial and CCS activities, impact organisms, the center gathers baseline data on the physiological health of organisms Numerous physiological analyses can be em-
ployed for various target species.
n Wetland Monitoring and Remediation: Monitoring wetlands through vegetation and habitat monitoring is part of the center’s rigorous wetland restoration program that includes a large-scale
production and planting program for Bald Cypress and Water Tupelo.
n Chemical Analyses: Nontargeted analyses are conducted to detect and identify unknown chemical compounds in environ-
mental, biological, and chemical samples to provide a broad assessment of chemical compounds in an environment.
n Microbiological Analyses: Microbes are crucial for understanding ecosystems, biogeochemical cycles and environmental health.
The center’s team monitors microbial communities in soil and water to assess if or how industrial and CCS activities impact microbial communities, which are important for ecosystem and human health.
n Education and Outreach: The center develops and implements activities to increase public awareness through the creation of project-specific websites, as well as outreach programs and educational paraphernalia. The outreach and education programs engage students, communities, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to enhance the understanding of potential impacts of CCS and industrial activities.
“Our research center builds on what we are currently doing at Southeastern with our Maurepas monitoring project,” said Southeastern President William S. Wainwright. “The center is ideally positioned to monitor and study current and proposed CCS projects both near and afar.”
Community news report
Southeastern Louisiana University’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences has received a $150,000 donation from Woman’s Hospital for the naming of the Obstetrics Maternal/Newborn Simulation Lab as part of the upcoming renovations to the School of Nursing’s Baton Rouge facility
The gift will help further enhance the university’s commitment to developing skilled, compassionate nursing professionals and address the growing health care workforce shortage in Louisiana, a news release said. The April 8 check presentation event was attended Woman’s Hospital administration, Southeastern administration, CNHS faculty, nursing students and the CNHS Advisory Board.
The planned renovation of the BR facility will leverage Louisiana capital outlay funds alongside private donations The renovations
include the addition of classrooms, a redesigned auditorium with enhanced distance education capabilities, flexible workspaces and upgraded simulation labs that will prepare students for real-world health care challenges.
The renovations will also include the creation of a telehealth/teleconference patient room with advanced technology, as well as expanded simulation spaces.
“Woman’s Hospital has a vested interest in being an integral partner in preparing future healthcare professionals in the Baton Rouge region,” said President and CEO of Woman’s Hospital Rene J Ragas. “This partnership strengthens our long-standing relationship with Southeastern’s School of Nursing. With over 200 Southeastern-trained nurses currently employed at Woman’s Hospital, this collaboration is invaluable to both our institutions.”
The $15.5 million renovation project will be
completed in two phases. Phase 1 focuses on upgrading the Baton Rouge School of Nursing with additional simulation equipment, faculty and staff to accommodate a growing number of nursing students. Upon completion of Phase 1, Southeastern will be able to offer mirrored nursing programs on both its Hammond and Baton Rouge campuses, expanding capacity to accept 32% more nursing students each year
“The shortage of healthcare workers in Louisiana is a significant challenge, but this project is part of our solution,” said SLU President William S. Wainwright. By expanding our nursing program and collaborating with Woman’s Hospital, we’re creating a robust pipeline for well-trained nurses who will live, work, and contribute to the healthcare needs of our state. This public-private partnership is a great model for the future.”
Dean Ann K. Carruth of Southeastern’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences empha-
sized the importance of the new simulation lab.
“The Woman’s Hospital Obstetrics Maternal/Newborn Simulation Lab will provide our students with real-world scenarios in a controlled and safe environment,” she said “By expanding our nursing program and collaborating with Woman’s Hospital, we’re creating a robust pipeline for well-trained nurses who will live, work, and contribute to the healthcare needs of our state. This public private partnership represents alignment of higher education and industry missions to strengthen our healthcare economy.”
The renovation project is seeking additional partners to complete the full vision, and there are several naming opportunities available.
Southeastern’s CNHS has a long-standing history of producing skilled, workforceready graduates, with over 5,600 nursing alumni since 1964.
Community news report
Tangipahoa Parish residents can get rid of household hazardous waste May 3 during the annual Household Hazardous Waste Recycling Collection Day The event is set for 8 a.m. to noon at Zemurray Park, 406 S Oak St., Hammond. Residents can drop off lamps and bulbs, batteries, flammable paints, anti-
on April 1 honored Cheryl Foster, of Denham Springs, as its 2024-2025 Woman of the Year recipient.
Beta Sigma Phil members honor Foster Cheryl Foster
“From her unwavering love for others to her exceptional leadership skills and boundless creativity, Cheryl embodies the spirit of service and sisterhood that defines Beta Sigma Phi,” a news release said
PROVIDED PHOTO BY DENHAM VENOM STUDENT MEDIA TEAM
Denham Venom students troubleshoot and fine-tune their robot between matches at the World Championship.
PROVIDED PHOTO BY RANDY BERGERON
Southeastern Louisiana University, with approval from the Louisiana Board of Regents, has launched a new academic research unit.
SALZER
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winning height from last year’s Class 5A state outdoor meet. With three weeks to go until the state meet, it’s the kind of performance that has him thinking about bigger accolades.
“I’m just going to keep doing what I’ve been doing, doing what my coaches tell me, and believing in myself all the time,” Jones said last week. “If I keep believing, then I feel like I’ve got a chance to win the state this year.” Jones has signed with Southeastern Louisiana University to join their football team in the fall,
but the Lions track squad may also want to take a look at him. To be fair to the Lions track coaches, before this season, Jones had a high jump PR of 6-0, but he has bloomed this year On March 13, at Live Oak’s Eagle Invitational, he went 6-4. A month later, he bettered that mark by four inches.
“I was planning on just playing football, but I haven’t been in contact with any track coaches from Southeastern or any other college,” Jones said “I might just stick to football, but if a track opportunity comes, I could do both.”
The Live Oak High track has been the site of Jones’ top marks so far, and he
will make a return on Thursday when the Eagles host the District 5-5A meet. If all goes as planned for Jones, he will follow that in successive weeks at the Region 2 meet hosted by Ponchatoula followed by the 5A state meet at LSU on May 10. “I’m just glad that I put in the work,” Jones said. “It wasn’t necessarily for track, but the work I put in for football has helped me with both sports. I put my head down and worked, and now this is where I’m at.”
Charles Salzer covers Livingston sports for the Livingston-Tangipahoa Advocate. To reach Salzer, email livingston@ theadvocate.com.
Explore Louisiana, celebrate spring by checking out state park pass
Staff report
Livingston Parish Library cardholders can check out a free day pass for any state park or historic site, giving patrons a chance to experience Louisiana’s natural and historic treasures. The offer is made possible thanks to a partnership between the State Library of Louisiana and Louisiana State Parks, which teamed up to create the “Check Out Louisiana State Parks” program. Under this program, cardholders in participating library systems may check
AROUND
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Tuesday April 29.
No matter what kind of books you like there’s something for everyone at this book club. You can count on a lively discussion among friends when you join the library staff on the last Tuesday of every month. Call the Main Branch to find out more information about what we’re reading and how you can join. For details, calls (225) 686-4160 or visit www.mylpl.info.
In Springfield, the ASB Book Club meets on the last Monday of the month at 10 a.m. for adults. Titles are selected from member suggestions as well as librarian cultivation. Members are encouraged to read titles in the club that they might not normally pick up on their own, expanding their literary horizons.
Denham Springs-Walker and South branches host Adult Writers’ Club meeting at 10 a.m. Thursday April 24. Are you looking for a friendly writer’s atmosphere? People to share ideas with? Try out this creative writing group. The club focuses on support, helping each other, and having fun. All genres and
PROVIDED PHOTO
State Library of Louisiana and Louisiana State Parks, teamed up to create the ‘Check Out Louisiana State Parks’ program.
out a pass that permits one vehicle and its passengers to enter any of Louisiana’s beautiful state parks or fascinating historic sites at no cost.
all levels, from novice to pro writers, are welcome. During each club meeting, members will participate in troubleshooting discussions, enjoy some writing time, and end the session with friendly feedback for those who want it. To find out how to join, contact Lee Cline at lcline@mylpl.info.
Farmers market
The Four Seasons Farmers Market is open from 8 a.m. to noon every Saturday at the city parking lot at Hummel Street and Railroad Avenue. Fresh vegetables, fruits and handmade items are on sale from vendors.
Blue Ducky 5K Waddle back for year 2
The Blue Ducky 5K Waddle, held in remembrance of Stephany Nicolosi, is returning for a second year May 17 in Springfield.
The Blue Ducky comes from Stephany’s love of the color blue and her love of rubber duckies. After her death, eight of Nicolosi’s were donated. A portion of the proceeds from this event will benefit the Chris Klug Foundation, a nonprofit organization that educates on the importance of organ, eye and tissue donation.
All you need is a library card. Park passes are available to Livingston Parish Library patrons with the following card types: Adult, Educator, and Senior Citizen. They are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and they must be picked up in-person. So whether you want to go on a hike, enjoy a peaceful picnic or simply soak in the sunshine, there’s no better way to celebrate spring and learn why Louisiana is called Sportsman’s Paradise than by exploring the state parks. To learn more about the program, visit CheckOutLouisiana.org.
Community news report
Dr Daniel A. Linarello, of North Oaks Health System, has won the 2025 Louisiana’s Favorite Doctor contest.
Created by the Louisiana Hospital Association Trust Funds to honor physicians in conjunction with National Doctors’ Day the Louisiana’s Favorite Doctor contest has grown into a yearround celebration of exceptional doctors a news release said.
shaping a healthier community through his expertise and genuine concern.”
“Being a doctor is the ultimate way to give back to my community and help others in need,” Linarello said. “Being a surgeon allows me to have an immediate impact on the health of my patients.”
Patients and health care staff across the state submitted hundreds of nominations, recognizing physicians who have made a meaningful impact on their lives Linarello received the most nominations, earning him the title of Louisiana’s Favorite Doctor 2025 LHA Trust Funds and North Oaks Health System celebrated Linarello with a surprise presentation to commemorate the achievement.
“Dr Daniel Linarello is more than a skilled surgeon,” reads one of the nearly 200 nominations he received “He’s a compassionate advocate for his patients and a true leader in healthcare. For 23 years, he has provided exceptional care with kindness humor and dedication to innovation. He champions early detection and lifesaving treatments, making his patients feel valued and at ease. His impact extends beyond the operating room,
As a general surgeon, Linarello specializes in wound care and diagnosing and surgically treating conditions such as breast cancer, colon cancer, gallbladder disease and hernias.
“Our goal with this contest was to recognize and cele-
brate the dedication of physicians across Louisiana,” said Cindy Dolan, president and CEO of LHA Trust Funds. “We are honored to highlight the incredible work that doctors like Dr Linarello do every day to improve patient care.”
“Dr Linarello is our Physician of the Year for a reason,” said North Oaks President and CEO Michele K. Sutton. “He is the heart of our hospital and embodies our mission to improve lives, every time, every touch.”
To learn more about Louisiana’s Favorite Doctor, visit louisianasfavoritedoctor com. To learn more about Linarello, visit northoaks.org/ linarello.
Race entry is $45 and covers the cost of entry to the race and swag items. For 2025 there will be a virtual 5K. Virtual date will be May 24-31. For more information, visit, ultrasignup.com/register aspx?did=117645.
Food Truck Round Up set
Denham Springs Food Truck Round Up is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 3 on Mattie Street. Lineup includes Jakes Tacos, Big J’s Side Porch, Hebert’s, JayBrees Goodies and Swamp Daddy’s Kettle Corn. Cajun Country Jam
The Cajun Country Jam Memorial Day Festival is set for May 23-25 at North Park in Denham Springs. The event, hosted by Chase Tyler, will feature performances by Frank Foster, Craig Moran, Dylan Scott, Wayne Toups, Parish County Line and others. For details, visit tinyurl. com/yap63kfj.
Send news and events for Livingston and Tangipahoa parishes to livingston@ theadvocate.com by 4 p.m. Friday or call (225) 3880731.
The event will be held at Tickfaw State park. Check-in is from 6:30 a.m. to 7:45 a.m. and the race starts at 8 a.m. on Saturday, May 17.
THE LIVINGSTON-TANGIPAHOA ADVOCATE
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PUBLISHED EVERY WEDNESDAY Online at www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/news/communities/livingston_tangipahoa/
EDITOR
Darlene T. Denstorff ddenstorff@theadvocate.com
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PROVIDED PHOTO TABETHA JONES
Walker High’s Cayden Jones leaps during a recent meet.
Linarello
BY CLAIRE GRUNEWALD Staff writer
A Walker couple claims that after they called 911 upon finding their son unresponsive in a pool, police used excessive force, including a Taser, and unlawfully arrested the husband.
Eric and Sarah Courtney filed a lawsuit earlier this month over an incident with the Walker police last April
On an early morning in April 2024, Sarah Courtney and her husband, Eric, found their young son Issac’s “lifeless body” floating in their swimming pool. They immediately called 911 and several officers arrived.
excessive force suit against Walker police
One officer left and took Issac with him to a nearby hospital — causing Eric Courtney to believe his son had died, the lawsuit says.
Officer Blake Cavalier then reportedly ordered Eric Courtney to the front of the house and asked for identification, according to the lawsuit.
Eric Courtney was distraught, believing his son died, and when he did not respond in a manner appropriate to Cavalier, the officer became hostile according to the legal filing. Cavalier told him to sit down, and when he did not immediately comply, Cavalier “grabbed Mr Courtney’s shoulder with a shoulder lock maneuver, throwing him to the
ground,” the lawsuit says. Other officers came to assist Cavalier and kneeled on top of Eric Courtney, the lawsuit alleges.
“It is alleged on information and belief that Officer Cavalier falsely communicated to the officers that he had been assaulted by Mr Courtney — and that Mr Courtney needed to be subdued,” the lawsuit said.
The lawsuit claims officers then handcuffed Eric Courtney and struck him repeatedly with their knees. An unidentified officer then extracted his Taser, the Courtneys claim.
“Do not TASE him,” the lawsuit quotes Sarah Courtney who was standing nearby, as saying.
The officer fired the device at Eric Courtney as he was lying face down on the ground in handcuffs, the lawsuit alleges.
Officers transported Eric Courtney to the Livingston Parish Detention Center, where the Courtneys claim he was stripped and placed in a cell. A guard told him he was there “because he refused medical treatment,” the lawsuit states.
Eric Courtney claims that while he was in the cell, he was told his son had a pulse and was going to live, which was the first time he learned that his son was alive. After his release, Eric Courtney needed medical treatment for a fractured rib, multiple abrasions and contusions, the lawsuit says.
He faces criminal charges of resisting arrest by force, battery on Cavalier and damage to a police car
The Courtneys sued Cavalier, the city of Walker and Walker Police Chief David Addison claiming unlawful detention, unreasonable seizure, excessive force and false arrest.
Walker City attorney Robert King said he could not comment on pending litigation. Walker Police spokesperson John Sharpe said Friday he had no knowledge of the police employees receiving the lawsuit.
Email Claire Grunewald at claire.grunewald@theadvocate. com.
Volunteer group resurrects program to share character-building skills with students
Community news report
Tangipahoa Volunteers for Family and Community recently resurrected a longdormant club project called Character Critters. The project centers around lessons supporting good character development skills such as responsibility, respectfulness, trustworthiness, caring, fairness and be-
ing a good citizen.
The program is for children between the ages of 4 and 6 or grades pre-K to first grade. The program includes a specific story script centered around a lovable animal for each character trait, and it utilizes stuffed animals to represent the various animals in the presentations of the stories.
The club organized a subcommittee to organize and carry out the program
through their Family Life committee, which is chaired by Gwen Domiano, and TVFC member Jamie McDonald volunteered to chair the subcommittee. Other members of the committee are club vice president Marie Heck, club reporter, Pam Villagran, treasurer Sharon Miano, Julie Desselles, Donna Bouterie, and Jean Johnson. So far committee members have pre-
sented some of the character building stories to pre-K children at the Catholic Schoolhouse Albany Chapter and to preK children at the Montessori & Me Too School in Hammond. The group also has a few other presentations scheduled over the next six weeks.
Tangipahoa Volunteers for Family and Community is an all-volunteer arm of LSU Agriculture Extension Service.
Abdo joins North Oaks GME program as transitional year program director
Community news report
Dr Abir Abdo is the program director of the newly launched transitional year residency program at North Oaks Medical Center, North Oa ks Gra dua te Medical Education announced.
With more than a decade of experience as a practicing geriatrician and expertise in medical education, Abdo will be re-
sponsible for the development, implementation and growth of the North Oaks transitional year residency program, a news release said.
This one-year program is designed for medical graduates seeking a broad clinical training experience before pursuing specialty residency or further training. Participants will gain a well-rounded foundation through rota-
tions in key medical specialties such as cardiovascular disease, emergency medicine, general surgery, gerontology internal medicine and urgent care, the release added.
Abdo led the geriatric medicine fellowship program at LSU Health Sciences Center in New Orleans since 2016. She also has been a faculty member at LSU since 2012, with previous teaching roles at Staten Island University Hospital in New York and
the American University of Beirut School of Medicine in Lebanon.
As a member of the North Oaks medical staff since 2021, Abdo will continue to care for patients at Northshore Internal Medicine Associates, a clinic of North Oaks. Specializing in the care of older adults with complex and chronic conditions, she is board-certified in geriatrics by the American Board of Internal Medicine. She also will continue to serve in the role of medi-
cal director for North Oaks Hospice to which she was appointed in 2024.
Abdo earned her medical degree from Lebanese University School of Medicine and completed her internship and residency in internal medicine, as well as a fellowship in geriatrics, at Staten Island University Hospital.
“I am honored to join the North Oaks GME team,” Abdo said. “I am excited to have the opportunity to help launch and contribute
to the growth of the transitional year program and shape the next generation of health care leaders.” The North Oaks GME program is currently accepting applications for internal medicine and transitional year residents for the 2025 academic year which will begin July 2025. To learn more about residencies at North Oaks Medical Center, visit www.northoaks.org/gme, call (985) 230-6770 or emai GME@ northoaks.org.
PROVIDED PHOTO
Tangipahoa Volunteers for Family and Community are resurrecting a dormant project called Character Critters. Taking part, from left, are Charater Critters committee members Donna Bouterie, Julie Desselles, Gwen Domiano, Marie Heck Jamie McDonald and Pam Villagran.
Abdo
PROVIDED
Alisa LaGroue, Kathryn Martin,
PROVIDED