While Louisiana state legislators are preparing to discuss banning or regulating kratom, Livingston Parish officials are hoping to take the decision into their own hands.
The Livingston Parish Council introduced an ordinance Thursday to prohibit the sale of the contro-
versial herbal substance, but after a lengthy debate sent it back to the drawing board to potentially introduce regulations on selling kratom instead of the original outright ban
Kratom is an unregulated substance that can produce stimulating or sedating effects depending on the volume, and can be purchased at smoke shops or gas sta-
SPRING IN ACTION
tions. The Drug Enforcement Administration has said it can cause plenty of side effects like seizures and hallucinations.
The timing to introduce a plan to tackle kratom parishwide comes right after officials in Denham Springs held off on banning the substance in hopes that the state Legislature takes action.
Livingston Parish Council mem-
ber John Mangus introduced the idea and said the issue was brought to his attention over a year ago. He said kratom is a serious issue, and the council wants to do what is best for the people.
“I don’t think you elected me to wait,” Mangus said about delaying this ordinance while state lawmakers are debating the same issue.
Louisiana lawmakers are con-
sidering two competing bills this session concerning kratom One would ban possessing and selling the substance; the other would regulate it by adding age restrictions and limiting certain types of kratom products for sale. In 2021 in Livingston Parish, a 2-year-old girl died after ingesting
See KRATOM, page 2G
Walker sets National Day of Prayer gathering Thursday
Darlene Denstorff AROUND LIVINGSTON
brance 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
Ace DuBois plays in a doorway during the Denham Springs Spring
Seniors have long history with Doyle softball Tigers
Last weekend, in the quarterfinals of the LHSAA playoffs, the Doyle softball team got another shot at Sterlington, the team it lost to in the 2024 Division III nonselect championship game. Before that, the Tigers had earned one last chance to say goodbye to a talented, productive group of seniors.
Among them, outfielders Shelby Taylor and Alyson Fletcher, infielders Baley Mclin and Kassidy Rivero, and catcher Kylee Savant have ties that date back to Doyle’s 2018 Class 2A championship.
Charles Salzer SPORTS ROUNDUP
In the last four years, Doyle’s class of 2025 helped the Tigers make two championship game appearances in 2021 and 2024.
In between were a pair of semifinal losses.
“We set a goal after we walked away from the championship game last year, and we scheduled up this year,” Doyle coach Kyle Wieck said after last Thursday’s 17-4 regional round win over Winnfield at Johnny Sartwell Memorial Park.
“Everything we did in the regular season, because of the teams we’ve played, has conditioned us for the playoffs. This classification (Division III nonselect) has some of the best teams in the state
so its a tough road.” That conditioning was on display against Winnfield. Batting lead off, Taylor was the spark plug belting out a double, a triple and a home run in their first three at-bats. She had two more plate appearances with a chance to get a single and hit for the cycle, but reached base on an error and a walk.
“Coming in, I was kind of sad because I knew this would be the last home game for all the seniors, but I really wanted to do my best for everybody in our community,” Taylor said. All totaled, Doyle’s senior group was responsible for 10 of the Tigers 17 hits in the game. It helped them add a memorable night to a long list of accomplishments. “This is probably
was also proud of his team leaders after they responded to his pregame message. His
PHOTOS BY DAVID NORMAND
John Barker grills shrimp Saturday during the annual Denham Springs Spring Festival in the Antique Village.
Nathan Landry, left, Callegan Landry and Cindy Gant share tastes of jambalaya and crawfish etouffee.
Sisters Hali Robertson, left, and Hannah Robertson shop along the Antique Village.
Face painter Jensen Henderson, left, paints on Preston Cangelosi’s face as Riley Avants holds his hair
Festival.
Are more black bears living in southeast Louisiana this year?
BY CLAIRE GRUNEWALD Staff writer
Louisiana black bears are more common in northern and coastal parishes, but could that be changing?
Black bears have been spotted roaming around the greater Baton Rouge region in the past week, leaving residents to wonder if there are more black bears than normal this year
A bear went up to Holden residents’ front doors on a recent Tuesday Zachary residents found a bear calmly wandering through their yards Monday And instead of an Easter bunny, a bear made its rounds in the residential Watson area Easter Sunday
But John Hanks, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries large carnivore program manager, assures residents this is normal for springtime in this area.
“This time of year, all the way to the summer — there is a lot of food availability,” Hanks said.
Since temperatures are rising, bears are more likely to be spotted as they look for food in the next few months in any parish.
Bears, especially younger male bears, travel further out for food and for less competition during breeding season in the summer, Hanks said. Some male bears will travel 20 miles a day looking for a mate
So, while bears are normally found in parishes closer to Shreveport, it’s not impossible to find them further south.
“It’s always been like that,” Hanks said.
The Louisiana black bear population bounced back significantly in recent years after being a threatened species for decades, so much so the state
KRATOM
Continued from page 1G
a lethal amount of kratom and the antidepressant tianeptine. Her death sparked conversations surrounding banning the supplement in the parish. The parish ordinance committee originally proposed prohibiting kratom sales in 2023, but the item didn’t come to fruition.
AROUND
Continued from page 1G
nonprofit organization that educates on the importance of organ, eye and tissue donation.
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. 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/regis-
A Louisiana black bear, sub-species of the black bear that was protected under the Endangered Species Act, looks out from a water oak tree in Marksville on May 1, 2015.
brought back black bear hunting season for the first time in 35 years last December and is now expanding it Hanks said this year the odds of seeing a black bear are on par with the past two to three years, but the odds of seeing a black bear are “higher now than 15 years ago.”
Jerry Mitchell, of Holden, said he’s been living in Louisiana for 61 years and has never seen a live bear until now Mitchell spotted a black bear walk right up to his front door a few days ago. “It’s actually pretty amazing,” he said. “I find it strange they don’t mind
The parish Coroner’s Office has backed prohibiting sales since then. Jim Brown, the office’s chief of investigations, referenced the death Thursday night. Brown said there is a “tremendous” overdose issue in the parish, even though those deaths have dropped in recent years.
“Almost every overdose we have had in the last four years, kratom was involved,” Brown said Brown added that kratom
ter.aspx?did=117645.
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) 388-0731.
COMMUNITY NEWS REPORTER Leila Pitchford
livingston@theadvocate.com (225) 388-0731
Send your news photos or letters by 4 p.m Friday
EMAIL: livingston@theadvocate.com FAX: (225) 388-0371 MAIL: use address above
coming right up to your home.”
Mississippi’s black bear population, which is partly made up of Louisiana black bears, is also growing. Bears from this state and Arkansas can also find their way into Louisiana, Hanks said.
To avoid attracting bears, residents should secure food and bird feeders and remove garbage outside. Black bears rarely get aggressive, but bearwise.org has tips for what to do in an encounter
Email Claire Grunewald at claire. grunewald@theadvocate.com.
was not the only drug involved in these deaths, that other drugs were being used as well with the supplement.
Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Cody Jarreau also highlighted this at the last ordinance meeting, saying consumers use kratom to enhance the high of other drugs, therefore investigators see people using it with harder street drugs.
Adam Peak, owner of Bella Sunrise Smoke Shop in Baton Rouge, attended the meeting and said he was un-
der the influence of kratom. He said he staunchly supports adding regulations, but opposes an outright ban on sales.
“I’ve been waiting for a bill like this for the past four to five years,” he said.
Peak suggested that a complete ban on sales would have negative repercussions, such as people buying kratom online.
Vivian Allen, of Walker, told the council that she previously has used kratom and
Community news report
Livingston and Tangipahoa parish voters go to the polls May 3.
Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The ballot includes: Livingston, St. Helena, Tangipahoa parishes
Two Republican attorneys are facing off in the runoff election for the juvenile judge seat in the 21st Judicial District.
On the ballot in Livingston, Tangipahoa and St. Helena parishes are Jenny Richardson Fore or Jessica C. Ledet. Early voting runs until April 26, and election day is May 3.
In a three-way race, Fore earned 13,328 votes (42%), while Ledet collected 9,763 (31%), according to results. The third candidate in the race, Rebecca Davis-Lee, finished with 8,727 (27%). Turnout was about 21% of registered voters.
The winner of the runoff will replace Judge Blair D. Edwards who was recently elected unopposed to the state First Circuit Court of Appeal.
Jenny Richardson Fore Fore, of Livingston Parish, is an assistant public defender in the 21st Judicial District and was once a law clerk for Edwards in the juvenile court.
Fore wants to prioritize rehabilitation and education for children in order to avoid repeat offenses, she
found positive effects and that her husband often uses it to manage pain and energy in the mornings.
“It’s not addictive,” she said.
Allen does support regulating the substance and putting an age limit on sales Councilwoman Erin Sandefur spoke about people possibly with PTSD or other medical issues who find relief with these types of supplements when a typical prescription from a doctor
said when she announced her candidacy
“I will continue to lead our juvenile court with the personal care and attention our children need, and with unwavering toughness against those who would neglect and harm our most vulnerable citizens,” Fore said.
Jessica C. Ledet Ledet, of St. Helena Parish, is the Town of Independence prosecutor She also is a parent attorney in the Juvenile Court for Child in Need of Care for the 21st Judicial District public defender’s office. Ledet wants to get the churches and the community more involved with the juvenile population for better schools and families, she said in her candidacy announcement.
“This is a calling for me and not just a job. I will have tough love for juveniles while holding parents accountable. I will work to keep our families, our schools and our community safe,” Ledet said in the post. Livingston Parish Parishwide School Board property tax renewal (7 mills)
To continue to levy the 7-mill property tax, currently generating $4.98 million a year for 10 years beginning in 2026 for maintenance of public schools, including providing equipment.
Killian Alderman Trevor Clardy, R Bryce Felps, R
isn’t always the best answer
“I’m for regulating it,” she said in opposition to an outright ban on sales. Ultimately, Councilman John Wascom proposed sending the issue to the ordinance committee to revise the proposal to possibly enact regulations instead of a complete ban on sales. This motion passed.
Email Claire Grunewald at claire.grunewald@ theadvocate.com.
SALZER
Continued from page 1G
thoughts on their performance are a fitting remembrance. “I told the seniors, ‘You’ve been here since seventh grade. This is your last home game. My question to you is ‘What type of legacy are you going to leave?’ Without a doubt, they left a mark today.”
Charles Salzer covers Livingston sports for the Livingston-Tangipahoa Advocate. To reach Salzer, email livingston@ theadvocate.com.
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PROVIDED PHOTO
Doyle seniors, from left, are Kassidy Rivero, Alyson Fletcher, Kylee Savant, Bailey Mclin and Shelby Taylor
SLU students take part in The Big Event
Community news report
Southeastern Louisiana University students, faculty, staff and alumni put in a day of community service in Hammond and nearby communities April 4 as part of the university’s The Big Event.
Sponsored by the Student Government Association for the 15th year, The Big Event is intended to give students and other volunteers the opportunity to help the communities and organizations that support Southeastern in many ways, a news release said. Sending the group out with a “Lion Up” sign of encouragement, Southeastern President William S. Wainwright told the students that their efforts send a tremendous message that Southeastern cares and seeks to make the neighboring communities a better place for all to live.
The students included individual volunteers and representatives of several student organizations, fraternities and sororities. They worked at sites such as Northlake Homeless Coalition, Natalbany Middle School, Chappapeela Sports Park, African American Heritage Museum, OPTIONS Fabulous Fines, and the United Way Volunteer Center
Jobs included beautification and landscaping projects, cleanup efforts in downtown Hammond, sorting materials and conducting inventory for nonprofit organizations.
Livingston Parish libraries have full slate of May events
Community news report
The Livingston Parish Library has lots of activities planned for adults and children. All branches of the library will be closed Monday, May 26, for Memorial Day Check out these upcoming events.
Storytimes
Every week, Livingston Parish Library branches offer storytimes for babies through age 5. Storytimes help develop prereading skills while children and their caregivers have lots of fun. Main Branch in Livingston, Albany-Springfield Branch, South Branch, & Watson Branch: Storytime for ages 0-5 is at 10:30 a.m. every Wednesday Denham Springs-Walker Branch: Book Babies for ages 0-2 is at 9:45 a.m. every Monday and Storytime for ages 0-5 is at 10:30 a.m. every Monday Main Branch in Livingston
For information at the Main Branch in Livingston, call (225) 686-4160 or visit www.mylpl.info
Thursday, May 8, at 5:30 p.m., Lego Club for ages 5-12: Each month the library hosts its Lego club with a different theme Legos are provided.
Saturday, May 10, at 10 a.m., Tea with Tiaras: A Mother’s Day Tea Party for all ages: A Mother’s Day tea party filled with elegance, enchantment and cherished moments. enchanting celebration. Join Cinderella and the New Orleans Princess for the party for sweet treats, songs, stories, and a chance to meet, take photos, and interact with the princesses This event is for mothers, grandmothers, and children who dream of a fairy-tale experience! Registration is required.
Saturday, May 10 at 1:30 p.m., Exploding Card for ages 18 and older: If you like pop-up cards, you will love the Exploding Card craft. Just in time for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, you can learn to make this 3D card using basic origami techniques. Folded up, it’s a compact little square. Untied, it “explodes” into a larger-than-life surprise to hold photos, messages and so much more. Registration is required.
Albany-Springfield Branch
Call the Albany-Springfield Branch at (225) 6864130 or visit www.mylpl. info for more details on any events.
Saturday, May 10, 1 p.m., Crafting Club for Ages 18 and older: Need a place to work on your latest arts and crafts project away from home or a place to socialize with like-minded artists? Try out the library’s Craft-
ing Club at the AlbanySpringfield Branch. Bring your own project and utilize the library’s selection of tools; create and socialize with other crafty adults. Registration is preferred
Tuesday, May 13, 5 p.m., Exploding Card craft for ages 18 and older
Thursday, May 15, 5:30 p.m., Lego Club for ages 5-12
Denham Springs-Walker Branch
For information on events at the Denham SpringsWalker Branch, call (225) 686-4140.
Monday, May 5, 5:30 p.m., Beginning Spanish for ages 18 and older: Ready to learn Spanish? Join the library’s Beginner Spanish Class for adults No experience needed. Build conversation skills, learn essential vocabulary, and explore Spanish culture in a supportive, pressure-free setting Registration is required
Tuesday, May 6, 3 p.m., Exploding Card for ages 18 and older
Thursday May 8
10:30 a.m., Bilingual Storytime for children to age 8: A fun and interactive bilingual storytime for children and caretakers that program combines stories, songs, and activities in both Spanish and English
Saturday, May 10, 1 p.m., Afternoon Board Games for ages 18 and older: Try out the library’s collection of board games including traditional, casual and strategy Space is available for tabletop role-playing
Monday, May 12, 5:30 p.m., Beginning Spanish for ages 18 and older
South Branch
Call the South Branch at (225) 686-4170 for details on any event.
Thursday, May 1 , 5:30 p.m., Exploding Card for ages 18 and older Registration is required
Tu esday, May 6, 10:30 a.m., Joyful Reads Book Club for ages 18 and
older: Each month, the book club reads and discusses different inspirational books.
Saturday, May 10, 10:30 a.m. Friends & Needles: A Fiber Arts Circle for ages 16 and older: Needle and fiber artists gather to discuss the trials and triumphs of various kinds of fiber arts. Bring one of your latest projects to work on during this social circle of Friends & Needles as we ask questions, answer concerns, and maybe even learn a new needlecraft.
Watson Branch Call the Watson Branch at (225) 686-4180 for more details.
Thursday, May, 5 p.m., Teen Advisory Board for ages 13-18: Connect with other teens to share ideas, plan programs you would like to see, volunteer at the branch, and help choose books for the library’s young adult sections. Apply at the library to take part.
Thursday, May 1, 5:30 p.m., Teen Hangout for ages 13-18: Bring your friends or come to make new ones where everyone is welcome! Video games, activities, crafts, snacks and other activities.
Thursday, May 8, 5:30 p.m., Sharpie Tie-Dye T-shirts for ages 6-18: Explore your creative side by tie-dyeing a T-shirt with sharpies and rubbing alcohol. Registration is required Participants must provide their own T-shirt.
Tuesday, May 13, 10 a.m., Sunny-Side Up Inspirational Book Club for ages 18 and older: The Watson Sunny-Side Up Inspirational Book Club reads uplifting fiction and sometimes nonfiction that generates discussion among its diverse members.
Tuesday, May 13 at 6 p.m., Spine Tinglers Book Club for Ages 18 and older The club members read thrilling fiction with a good mystery and some spinetingling suspense.
Environmentalstewardship is an importantpart of themission at ExxonMobil BatonRouge,and its team memberscollaborate with localuniversities, environmentalorganizationsandgovernmentagencies to developsolutions that benefit both industry and theenvironment Oneplace wherethisenvironmental stewardship happensisthe Wildlife EducationBuilding(WEB) andArboretum around ExxonMobil’s BatonRouge facilities.This200-acrespace,hometoover1,600 treesand diversewildlife, serves as aresourcefor school groups,clubs andcampers to learnmoreabout habitatcreation,healthy ecosystems andtheir role in theenvironment.Since last summer,hundredsof students have participated in STEM projects in the space, as well as nature walksand hands-on activities likebuildingbirdhousesandlearningaboutpollinators. TheWEB andsurrounding spacehas made such a positive impact that last year,the national Wildlife HabitatCouncildesignateditasasilver-levelCertified Wildlife Habitat.
“Thisrecognition reflectsthe dedication of our team to creatingecosystemsthatnot only protect localwildlifebut also engage andeducate thenext generation,” said Tara Bazille, ExxonMobil Baton RougeEnvironmental Advisor. “Webelieve that by balancingeconomicgrowthwithenvironmental responsibility, we canbuild abrighterfuturefor our communityand theplanet.”
Anotherproject for ExxonMobil hasbeenits work alongthe MonteSanoBayou,which is located adjacent to thecompany’s facilities in NorthBaton Rouge. Thebayou is part of theBRECparksystemand is recognized as acriticalstormwaterdemonstration site by theLouisiana Stormwater Coalition(LSC) for itsvital role in absorbingstormwaterand reducing floodinginBaton Rouge.
In July 2024, alitterboomwas installedacross MonteSanoBayou thanks to an investment by ExxonMobilincollaborationwiththeLSCandOsprey Initiative LLC. This floatingbarrier is designed to prevent litter from continuing to move downstream, andthe collectedlitterisassessedtodetermine its source,withthe ultimate goal of reducing it “Aslong-standing membersofthe NorthBaton Rougecommunity,weare dedicatedtoenhancing thequality of life forour neighborsand employees,” said Regina Davis, ExxonMobil ComplexRefinery Manager. “Our collaborationonthis initiative reflects ourcommitmenttomaintainingthehigheststandards ofrespectandcarefortheneighborhoodssurrounding ourfacilities. So far, theboomhas collectedclose to 1,000poundsof
litter.The majorityof thelitter (33percent) wasplastic, while 17 percent waspaper Smaller amounts of styrofoam,glass, metaland othermaterialshave also been collected.
“Wehopethatthislitterboomwillhelpkeepthe bayouclean andfreeoftrash anddebris,”saidJeff Kuehny,Directorofthe BotanicGardens at Burden andLSC co-founder.“Over thepasttwo-plusyears, we have proudlyworkedwithExxonMobilonhands-on cleanupsofthebayou,andweweregratefultoenhance this work with theinstallationofapermanent litter removalboom. By reducing andpreventinglitterin thebayou,wewillstrengthenour efforts to improve stormwater management,beautifyour community andsupport acleaner MississippiRiver andGulf. ThreeExxonMobilprojectswerealsorecently celebrated at theLouisiana Department of Environmental Quality’sEnvironmental Leadership Program Awards foroutstanding leadership in theareas of PollutionPrevention andEnvironmental Outreach Theprojectsrecognized included wastereductionsat theBaton RougeComplex andPlasticsPlant as well as communityand environmentaloutreachprograms in NorthBaton Rouge. In addition to this work,ExxonMobilisaproud sponsorofLovethe Boot Week,anannualinitiative acrossLouisianatocleanuplitterandbeautifyspaces Keep LouisianaBeautiful,the organizationthathosts Love theBootWeek, awardedExxonMobilthe Clean BizLeadershipAward in 2023 for itsdedicationto themission andits operationalpractices to support acleaner andgreener community. ExxonMobil’s commitment to creating apositive impact in BatonRouge goes beyond asingular corporateinitiative. It encompassesacomprehensive series of efforts aimedatfostering acleaner,more resilientfuturebycollaborating with localleaders, organizations, students,and educators.
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PROVIDED PHOTO
Southeastern Louisiana University students and other volunteers gather before collecting tools and supplies and heading out to job sites in the Hammond area as part of The Big Event, a day of service to the community The students worked on the Southeastern campus, as well as in area schools and other locations as their way of giving back to the communities that support them.
By Amanda McElfresh| amcelfresh@theadvocate.com This articleisbrought to youbyExxonMobil.
Ballard joins orthopedic center as physician assistant
Community news report
Arden Ballard II has joined North Oaks Orthopedic Specialty Center in Hammond as a physician assistant.
Ballard will work alongside fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon and spine specialist Dr. Matthew C. Lafleur
Ballard
Ballard brings 15 years of experience as a PA to North Oaks gained while working across the Greater New Orleans area and Northshore in the specialties of orthopedics, sports medicine, urgent care and industrial and occupational medicine.
From 2006 to 2022 he was a trackside athletic trainer and physician assistant for pro-racing supercross and motocross events put on by the American Motorcyclist Association in the U.S. and Canada
“I have assisted professional athletes on their field of play, with their surgeries and helped rehabilitate them back to competition,” Ballard said. “This has equipped me with knowledge of the entire spectrum of the healing process. There is nothing more enjoyable to me than helping my patients optimize their quality of life. It makes every day worth it.”
After graduating cum laude from Southeastern Louisiana University with a bachelor’s degree in athletic training, Ballard earned a master’s degree in physician assistant studies from Philadelphia University in Pennsylvania. He is certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants.
“Joining the North Oaks Orthopedic Specialty Center team feels like coming home. I’ve had close ties to North Oaks since my days as an athletic training student at Southeastern,” notes Ballard. While at Southeastern, he also was a varsity cheerleader Physician Assistants are nationally certified, state-licensed medical professionals who practice on medical teams under the supervision of a physician. PAs are qualified to assist in surgery, take medical histories, conduct physical exams, diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret tests, develop treatment plans, offer preventive care counseling, write prescriptions and rounds on hospitalized patients, a news release said North Oaks Orthopedic Specialty Center’s Hammond clinic is in Suite 100 of the North Oaks Clinic Building at 15813 Paul Vega, MD, Drive. For information, call (985) 2302663.
Gathering April 14 at the Tangipahoa Parish
Bankston, Gloria Messenger,
Marie Heck, Maureen Felder, Gwen Domiano and Ginny Shartle.
Volunteers honored
Community news report
for
their work with Tangipahoa Volunteers for Family and Community
On April 14, 12 members of the Tangipahoa Volunteers for Family and Community club attended the Tangipahoa Parish Council
Meeting in Amite to honor National Volunteer Week. At the meeting, Tangipahoa Parish President Bobby Miller proclaimed April 14 to April 19 as National Volunteer Week. After-
wards, he presented TVFC President Gloria Messenger with a proclamation
recognizing the club for the countless hours of volunteer work they do throughout the year for the people of Tangipahoa Parish.
Louisiana Volunteers for Family and Community celebrate
Community news report
Louisiana Volunteers for Family and Community organization held its 97th annual convention April 8 at Forrest Grove Plantation in Denham Springs.
The event was hosted by the Area One VFC parish clubs from Jefferson, Livingston and Tangipahoa parishes.
Chairing the event planning was the Area One Director Jinx Berthelot, from Livingston Parish, and her committee’s chosen theme for the occasion was “Spring into Action.”
Tangipahoa Volunteers for Family and Community members attending included TVFC President and LVFC
Secretary Gloria Messenger; TVFC Vice President Marie Heck; TVFC
Four high school students recognized for character
Community news report
Four Livingston Parish high school students recently were honored for their good character and serving as role models in their schools.
The Albany Masonic Lodge 466 presented its 2025 Honesty and Integrity Awards on April 17 to juniors Jonah Grob and Abigail McAlister from Albany High School, and Logan Milton and Oliva Arnie from Springfield High School.
Livingston Parish Assessor Jeff Taylor was a guest speaker at the event, which was attended by the students’ parents, friends and members of the lodge.
“These students were selected by their school administrators and
Treasurer Sharon Miano; TVFC Reporter Pam Villagran; TVFC Parliamentarian, membership chair Sue Nelson; TVFC scholarship and environmental chair Jean Hebert; TVFC family life chair Gwen Domiano; TVFC international chair Susan Melancon; Karen Moran, Maureen Felder and TVFC members Betty Bankston, Donna Bouterie, Julie Desselles, Cathy Vilardo, Jamie McDonald, Lucie Hanewrinkel, Melinda Sanchez and Lisa Meche.
The Denham Springs VFW Post 7017 performed the presentation of colors and LVFC President Ann Reeves presided over the convention agenda. Denham Springs Mayor Gerald Landry was on hand to welcome the group and he thanked them for the volunteer services they
provide.
Gina Eubanks associate vice president and director of the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service, gave greetings from the LSU AgCenter LVFC advisor and assistant professor of LSU School of Nutrition and Food Sciences Elizabeth Gollub, and Bobby Bingham from the Livingston AgCenter were also on hand to greet the members and to thank them for their hard work across the state.
Author Karen McCord spoke about the life and death of her daughter, SEC sports reporter Carly McCord, who died in a plane crash while en route from Lafayette to New Orleans to cover the 2019 LSU championship game. McCord has written “Only Rainbows” document-
ing her daughter’s story LVFC, along with each individual parish group awarded a joint monetary donation to St. Joseph Catholic Church’s St. Vincent DePaul program in French Settlement. During the event, TVFC received several LVFC awards which will be officially announced later during TVFC’s annual Appreciation Awards Luncheon in May
Tangipahoa Volunteers for Family and Community is an all-volunteer arm of LSU Agriculture Extension Service. It includes Wednesday Volunteers for Family and Community and Sunshine Ladies. For information about TVFC local groups, email Messenger at ggmessenger1@ gmail.com or Nelson at suenelson41@yahoo.com.
Members of the Albany Masonic
school students. Gathering for a presentation,
Iris
accepted
Junior Jonah Grob; award winner Albany High junior Abigail McAlister; award winners Springfield High juniors Logan Milton and Olivia Arne; Lodge leaders Coty Harty and Ronald Stilley, and guest speaker Livingston Parish Assessor Jeff Taylor
faculty – people who witness their behavior every day These school leaders made the selection we have before us,” said Masonic Lodge Leader Ronald Stilley. “I think it says a lot about a student’s char-
acter when the school leaders who are with them every day can confidently pick them from the crowd.”
The Honesty and Integrity award program was instituted in 1977 by the Grand Lodge of Louisiana to
recognize the deserving youth of today who possess the qualities to become leaders of tomorrow a news release said. Annually, lodges select juniors from each high school in their region.
SLU students receive Mark of Excellence awards
Community news report
Southeastern Louisiana University communications students and Southeastern Channel staff recently received first place and finalist awards in the 2024 Region 12 Mark of Excellence competition sponsored by the Society of
Professional Journalists.
In the category of “television sports reporting,” graduate student Haley Dupre, of Donaldsonville, gained first place honors with her feature story on Southeastern athlete Slavko Stavic.
Southeastern received second place in the category for a profile
Tangipahoa Volunteers for Family and Community provides judges for 4-H contests
Community news report
Tangipahoa Volunteers for Family and Community provided judges Feb. 25 for the annual 4-H Fashion Show, Beef and Sugar Cookery and the Egg, Poultry, and Louisiana Commodities Cookery at the Florida Parishes Arena. There were also members of the Tangipahoa Master Gardeners Club and staff from the Northshore Technical College serving as judges. TVFC club members were Jean Hebert, Donna Bouterie, Gwen Domiano, Gloria Messenger and Susan Melancon. Accompanying the members to the event to help with the judging were Rachel Johnson daughter of Donna Bouterie; Tracy
Hebron; and Janet Weeks. Messenger was one of the judges for the egg category, Bouterie judged the pecan dishes category, Johnson judged the dessert category and Weeks was on the panel judging the beef dish categories. Hebert and Melancon served as judges for the Sewing and Fashion competition. On behalf of TVFC, Hebert presented scissors to the Homemade Sewn item winner, an Oak Forest Academy student who made a prairie outfit. TVFC member Gwen Domiano was on hand to sell raffle tickets for a $250 Walmart gift card, which is the club’s 2025 raffle item. Tickets for the gift card are available through Nov. 1 The ticket
sales support the club’s scholarship fund, which is used to award a $1,000 college scholarship each year to a graduating high school senior from Tangipahoa Parish. For more info on our scholarships or to buy raffle tickets, call TVFC’s scholarship chairperson, Jean Hebert, at (504) 259-1412. Tangipahoa Volunteers for Family and Community is an all-volunteer arm of LSU Agriculture Extension Service. It consists of two clubs: Wednesday Volunteers for Family and Community and Sunshine Ladies. For information on the clubs, email TVFC president Gloria Messenger at ggmessenger1@gmail com or membership chair Sue Nelson at suenelson41@yahoo.com
of professional wrestling instructor Luke Hawx produced by former Southeastern Channel sports director Brendon Smith, of Baton Rouge.
The new Southeastern Channel production “Southeastern Perspectives” garnered second place in the television news magazine
category The hour-long investigation of local and regional issues and events was produced by Southeastern Channel staffers Emmbre Perry, of Chalmette; Stephen Dottolo, of Folsom; Alexis Shubert, of Ponchatoula; Kristian Steilberg, of Tickfaw; and Lizzie Fonseca, of Mandeville.
Community news report
Southeastern Louisiana University and the College of Business recently announced the appointment of Wayne Ricks as the new director of the Louisiana Small Business Development Center at Southeastern. Ricks brings experience in business consulting and economic advancement, aligning perfectly with the LSBDC’s mission to foster the growth and success of small businesses in Livingston, St. Helena, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, and Washington parishes, said College of Business Dean Tará Lopez Ricks will oversee the strategic direction and day-to-day operations of the LSBDC, ensuring alignment with the state LSBDC network’s goals and in support of U.S. Small Business Administration and Louisiana Economic Development programs. He will work with community leaders and other key stakeholders to deliver impactful consulting services, training programs, and resources to small business owners and entrepreneurs, a news release said.
commitment is to empower entrepreneurs in our community by providing resources, guidance, and support necessary to turn dreams into thriving businesses. By fostering collaborative partnerships we’ll create opportunities and build a future where every entrepreneur has the tools to succeed.”
Ri ck s pr ev io us ly served the LSBDC as a senior business consultant and as the interim director His prior experience and leadership since taking on the interim director role make him qualified to advance the LSBDC’s mission, the release added. Southeastern President William Wainwright expressed enthusiasm for the appointment.
“I am honored to lead the SBDC at Southeastern and to contribute to the success of our region’s businesses,” Ricks said. “As the new director of the SBDC, my
“Mr Ricks brings an impressive track record of leadership and innovation. We are confident in his ability to strengthen the LSBDC’s impact and to enhance the entrepreneurial ecosystem across Southeast Louisiana.” Under Ricks’ direction, the LSBDC will continue to provide confidential business consulting services, facilitate dynamic workshops, and support the Southeast Louisiana Business Center For more information on the LSBDC at Southeastern, visit southeastern.edu/admin/sbdc/ or contact lsbdc.slu@louisianasbdc. SLU names director of Louisiana Small Business Development Center
Ricks
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Gathering at the 4-H annual contests, from left, are Valerie McGee, Raffy Rigney, Gloria Messenger, Heather Miller, Rachel Johnson, Tracey Hebron, Donna Bouterie, Janet Weeks, Chef Stephen Curry, Tyrayunna Harris and Richard Etheridge.
certificate
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Council meeting from left, are Ann Marie Kenney, Pam Villagran, Sue Nelson, Donna Bouterie, Betty
Tangipahoa Parish President Bobby Miller, Tangipahoa Parish Councilman David Vial, Susan Melancon, Jean Hebert,
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Lodge recently presented the 2025 Honesty and Integrity Awards to four high
from left, are Lodge leaders Byron Wild and Jeremy Dickerson;
