Waste Management
BY OLIVIA MCCLURE
Contributing writer
The Zachary City Council was split on whether to approve a new garbage and recycling contract with Waste Management at its July 22 meeting — leading to two tied votes and the ultimate failure of the item. The city and Waste Management will now have to return to the drawing board and come up with another contract to present to the council.
Waste Management has provided waste pickup in Zachary for about 20 years. The contract would have increased residents’ monthly recycling fee by $4 in exchange for added services
“The big change here is you’re quadrupling the capacity of your recycling con-
tainer and giving the citizens of Zachary a 96-gallon container for recyclables,” said Donald Hains, an account manager with Waste Management. “We know that there’s a big increase in recycling. The market is turning.”
Zachary would have the distinction of being the only city in south Louisiana with such a large recycling bin, Hains said.
The company tested the upgraded recycling program in District 3.
“I only got positive feedback,” said council member Ambre DeVirgilio, who represents that district. “They felt like they were getting value on a service that they use.”
Other changes would include an option for senior citizens and disabled residents to request smaller, more easily maneuverable garbage cans something council member
Jennifer Landry applauded. The higher recycling fee and bigger bins were sticking points for other council members, however
“I reached out to about 20 of my constituents and out of 20 only one liked this,” said council member John LeBlanc. “The rest of them the biggest thing was the $4 charge a month. The other reason was they (the recycling containers) were so big, they didn’t know where they were going to put it. They didn’t want to have two large containers.”
Council member Brandy Westmoreland shared similar concerns and asked whether the council could approve only the garbage portion of the contract.
“We’d have to redo the contract,” responded Deanna Mankins, the city’s chief finan-
cial officer With that, Westmoreland made a motion to deny the contract and was seconded by LeBlanc. Landry and DeVirgilio voted against the motion, and council member James Graves was absent. The 2-2 vote meant that the item failed.
“We’ve had this information since May,” Landry said. “We should have probably talked about all of this while they were meeting with us in order to not delay.” She then made a motion to approve the contract, with DeVirgilio seconding. LeBlanc and Westmoreland opposed the motion, causing the item to fail yet again.
Later in the meeting, the council approved a renewed, five-year contract with Waste Depot, which collects bulk waste such as tree limbs.
STEM and robotics teacher at Copper Mill Elementary School is surprised Saturday as her name is called as the 2026 State Teacher of the Year
19th annual Cecil J Picard Educator Excellence Awards Gala in New Orleans.
Regena Beard named state Teacher of the Year
Community news report
Regena Beard, a science, STEM and robotics teacher at Copper Mill Elementary School, was named the 2026 State Teacher of the Year on Saturday at the 19th annual Cecil J. Picard Educator Excellence Awards Gala at The National WWII Museum in New Orleans. Beard teaches fifth grade science and sixth grade robotics and STEM at Copper Mill Elementary in the Zachary Community School District. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in elementary education from Southeastern Louisiana University and a Master of Education in curriculum and instruction with a STEM concentration from LSU Shreveport. Beard is known for her innovative ap-
proach to science instruction. She is a recipient of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching and was named Outstanding Science Teacher of the Year by the Louisiana Science Teachers Association. A certified teacher mentor, Beard founded the robotics and coding club at Copper Mill Elementary and serves on the Teacher Advisory Councils for both her school system and the state She also served on Louisiana’s Let Teachers Teach workgroup. “Student success doesn’t happen by accident. It takes talented, determined educators who are focused on results,” said state Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley. “The professionals we honored tonight are leading the charge behind Louisiana’s academic progress.”
OLIVIA MCCLURE
PROVIDED PHOTO
Regena Beard, a science,
at the
CHASING DREAMS
Rougarou players looking for second chances, ways to improve during summer league
BY RICHARD MEEK Contributing writer
They are dream seekers, spending sultry summer evenings barnstorming across south Louisiana and southern Texas, searching for that magical elixir a gamechanging fix.
College players from around the country
flock to the region during the summer to participate in the premium baseball Texas Collegiate League, a midsummer port for collegiate players, typically those who are from small colleges or those who have played at a higher level but have not necessary been successful, to work on developing their skills to play at a higher level.
For two months teams play 48 games in 56 days in matchbox stadiums from Baton Rouge to Lafayette to Lake Charles and into the Lone Star State.
“Everybody here has a dream of playing professional baseball, and this league simulates what that might look like in the minor leagues,” said Ronnie Rantz, owner of the Baton Rouge Rougarous, which feature several southeast Louisiana players.
“And so you are finding out if you love it, if you are built for it and if you can be a professional and bring a workmanlike mentality to it every day,” he said “All of these players can get better and have something to play for their own individual goals, whether it’s a pitcher working on his sinker or throwing more strikes or a hitter working on increasing his average.”
Making the most of opportunity
Rougarou catcher and Denham Springs native Blaise Priester, who played at Live Oak High School, has embraced the opportunity, understanding what it could mean for his future.
Priester has experienced the summit of college baseball, having played this past season, albeit sparingly for LSU.
Priester was limited to 13 innings and was hitless in seven at-bats, and, before the regional playoffs, was informed by Tigers coach Jay Johnson that playing time next year would be sparse.
Priester entered the transfer portal before the playoffs and was not a member of the Tigers during their national championship run. Since, he has signed with Southeastern Louisiana University, looking to jump-start his career and perhaps once again reach the elite level of college baseball.
“I feel like I made the best decision where I can go and play the most,” Priester said “This opportunity (with the Rougarous) means a lot, having the coaches here to help me achieve to get to the next level.” He said the summer is also helping him reflect on this past spring.
“Mentally, this has helped me a lot,” he said. “During the season, I was trying to figure out why I was not playing. I just could not get an answer.”
But he said being a part of the Rougarous has helped him understand that playing every day is critical in his development.
Mississippi bound
As Priester is entering the doors of the Lions’ locker room, pitcher Jimmy Johnson is headed the opposite way likely taking his talent along Interstate 59 north to Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and William Carey College.
Similar to Priester, Johnson, who is from Zachary and played at Central High
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will be available as well as the bookmobile. Attendees are asked to bring a canned good to donate for the Zachary Food Pantry For information or to sign up as a vendor, contact Johnnie Evans (225) 933-6431 or Tina Clark (225) 202-1076.
n The Roll & Bowl Back 2
School Bash will be from 4-7 p.m.
Aug. 2 at Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church, 9700 Scenic Highway, Baton Rouge. Free food, bowling and skating will be available.
School in Baton Rouge, is looking for playing time.
He played his first two years at SLU, although he rarely saw the field. He was redshirted his freshman year and then the following year underwent surgery and sat out the entire season.
This past year he pitched two innings, so with three years of eligibility remaining he is hoping for a reset with his goal of one day returning to Hammond.
“I want to play a few more years, and if I do end up developing a little bit, maybe I can get back to SLU,” said Johnson, who has changed his throwing motion to more of a drop approach.
“I have been feeling very comfortable. I am starting to get more confidence with the new motion,” he said. “I feel like I am gaining confidence on the mound.”
Several other players from the areas are donning the iconic green of the Rougarous, including Casey Artigues, of Hammond (University of Lafayette); Mathew Keller, of Zachary (Northwest Florida State); Ben Robichaux, of Plaquemine (SLU); Taylor Walters, of Greenwell Springs (John Melvin University); Dalton Wilson, of Greenwell Springs (Tyler Junior College); Larson of Fabre, of Denham Springs (SLU); and Patrick Vienne of Natchitoches (SLU).
All players chasing their lifetime dreams, hoping the dusk of a summer afternoon shadowing home plate is not an omen of their diamond futures.
The team finishes its season schedule July 27 at Goldsby Field, when fans can purchase four tickets, four hot dogs and four beverages for $40. For more information on the team, visit https://brrougarou.com/.
Free school supplies will be given to Baker, Zachary, Scotlandville and Southern University Lab students. Registration is required at https://docs.google.com/ forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeo2iMwH4tS PoSkihLwx_5xUgd5OWhy8moKe qYq-Si8ihYM-g/viewform.
Zoo to host car show
The inaugural Rumble in the Jungle will roll into town Nov 1 from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., bringing together car lovers, families and animal enthusiasts.
This event will showcase an array of vehicles — from classic cruisers to custom builds set against the backdrop of the zoo
grounds. Attendees can enjoy a full day of animal encounters, family-friendly activities and cars, included with the price of admission. Vehicle registration is open through Oct. 10. Visit brzoo.org/ rumble for registration details and event updates.
BREC meeting in Baker
BREC Interim Superintendent Janet Simmons is hosting a series of community town hall meetings across the cities in East Baton Rouge Parish throughout July and early August to share her vision, goals and key initiatives during her six-month tenure. One meet-
ing is at T.D. Bickham Park, Baker, at 6 p.m., Thursday, July 31.
Street light problems in Baker?
Baker residents are encouraged to report street light outages to city hall. Identify the location in the report, make the nonworking light with ribbon or something else, and call City Hall at (225) 778-0300. The requests will be submitted to DEMCO or Entergy Fall baseball registration is open T-ball, 8U, 10U, and 12U divisions are gearing up for a season at Zachary Youth Park. Registration closes July 31. Games run Sept. 18-Oct. 23 at Zachary Youth
Park. Register players and coaches on the SportsPlus app at zacharyyouthpark.org/registration. Festival coming soon
Downtown Live will present the third annual Zachary Really Hot Air Balloon Festival from 5-9 p.m. Aug. 8 and from 4-9 p.m. Aug 9 at BREC Zachary Community Park, 20055 Old Scenic Highway Visit facebook.com/p/ Zachary-Really-Hot-Air-BalloonFestival-100093362362338 for the concert schedule and other information
Email Leila Pitchford at lpitchford@theadvocate.com.
PHOTOS BY RICHARD MEEK
Mathew Kelly safely slides into third base while Dalton Wilson, of Greenwell Springs, advances to second base.
Baton Rouge catcher Blaise Priester of Denham Springs, directs on-field during a recent Baton Rouge Rougarous game.
With tax issue pushed to next month, Zachary Council has routine meeting
BY OLIVIA MCCLURE Contributing writer
The Zachary City Council’s meeting July 22 was a relatively quick and tame affair not what some may have predicted after the panel’s previous gathering, where a member alleged he had been pressured to vote for a tax increase. The tax item and the controversy it sparked — wasn’t on the agenda, nor did it come up in discussion. Instead, the council han-
dled some routine business and closed out the meeting in under 45 minutes
It was a stark contrast to the council’s last meeting on July 8. There, as a vote was being taken to introduce an ordinance raising the property tax millage from 5.07 to 5.48 mills, Councilman John LeBlanc claimed a city official had threatened him, warning of political consequences if he didn’t go along with the rate increase. LeBlanc later identified the official as City Attorney John
Hopewell. LeBlanc’s accusations set off calls for an investigation and Hopewell’s resignation. Because the introduction passed on a 3-2 vote, the millage situation was expected to come up again July 22. Usually after an ordinance is introduced, the council takes it up for final adoption at the following meeting.
But there was no sign of the millage item on the agenda for the meeting, which Hopewell did not attend. Asked about the matter after-
ZACHARY POLICE BOOKINGS
The following people were booked into East Baton Rouge Parish Prison or issued a summons by the Zachary Police Department from July 3-23: LASHUNDA BEAUCHAMP: 53; 1569 N. Plains Ave., Zachary; theft and resisting an officer
BREONNA BUTLER: 28; 3911 Sardis Court Drive, Buford, Georgia; theft
GABRIEL CREEL: 21, 2533 La. 10, Jackson; possession of marijuana
JERRY DOUGLAS: 33; 2058 Point South Drive, Zachary; simple battery
SEMAJ FRANKLIN: 36; 5858 Monarch Ave., Baton Rouge; failure to appear on outstanding bench warrants
DAISY HOLIDAY: 29; 21115 Machost Road, Zachary; possession of marijuana
JOHNAS JAMES: 71; 4684 Ave. D Zachary; theft
CHARLES JONES: 40; 4062 Cherry St Zachary; domestic abuse battery
SHATISHA JONES: 51; 4000 McHugh Road, Apt. 66, Zachary; hit-and-run
DELVEKIO NEFF: 40; 5407 La. 19, Zachary; 29 counts of cruelty to animals — aggravated, 29 counts of dogfighting, transactions involving proceeds from drug offenses possession of firearm or carrying concealed weapon by a person convicted of certain felonies, posses-
sion of drug paraphernalia, money laundering
TERRY NEFF: 60; Rt. 4 Box 11037, Zachary; 29 counts of cruelty to animals — aggravated, 29 counts of dogfighting, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of firearm or carrying concealed weapon by a person convicted of certain felonies
DARREN TAYLOR JR.: 3437 Ash St., Zachary; domestic abuse
THOMAS WELCH: 59; 1911 Cooper Road, Zachary; theft
TERRY WILSON: 42; 21115 Machost Road, Zachary; seven counts of cruelty to animals — aggravated, seven counts of dogfighting, money laundering, sale, distribution, or possession of a legend drug transactions involving proceeds from drug offenses
ASHLEY WOODS: 35; 3518 Main St., Zachary; forgery, simple criminal damage to property, and theft
THOMAS DUNCAN: 37; 10547 Pine St., Clinton; fugitive warrant from Baton Rouge Police Department
ANDY DOMANGUE: 43; 7300 Rougon Road, Port Allen; theft, simple burglary
MARYONNA HUFF: 20; 2217 Ash Road, Centreville, Mississippi; theft
CHARLES LLOYD: 36; 20754 Great Plains Ave., Zachary; possession of marijuana, prohibited acts, possession of Schedule II
JERALD MATTHEWS: 38; 6111 Dennis Mack Lane, Ethel; battery of a dating partner
LAKEBRA PAUL: 32; 13979 Glynn Road, Baton Rouge; failure to appear on outstanding bench warrants
CHRISTOPHER PERRY: 44; 10214 Grant St., Clinton; failure to appear on outstanding bench warrant
KRISTOPHER PIERSON: 36; 8216 Ned Ave., Baton Rouge; fugitive warrant from East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office, resisting an officer
KAYLEIGH QUAVE: 36; 31523 Violet Circle, Denham Springs; fugitive warrant from East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office
JERAMMANE WILLIAMS: 31; 4709 Avenue Z, Zachary; failure to appear on outstanding bench warrants
CEDRIC BRENT: 40; 445 Springfield Road, Baton Rouge; failure to appear on outstanding bench warrants
SHERANDA CUMMINGS: 38; 1233 E. Mount Pleasant Road Apt. 501, Zachary; fugitive warrant from East Baton Rouge Sheriffs Office
THOMAS DUNCAN: 37; 10547 Pine St., Clinton; illegal possession of stolen
ward, Mayor David McDavid said it will be considered the next time the council convenes, Aug 12. Council members already have a lengthy to-do list for that meeting.
Other items that have been deferred until Aug. 12 include ordinances that would give the council more control over contracts, set stricter rules regarding large vehicles like 18-wheelers parking on streets, and implement a $2 technology fee on monthly utility bills
Each of those items has been the subject of controversy
McDavid objects to the contracts ordinance, saying it would interfere with his ability to carry out day-to-day operations at City Hall Council members have debated whether additional street parking regulations would overlap with existing laws and whether they would cause problems for people loading moving trucks. And the new utility fee has its skeptics, who question the need for the charge and worry about its impact on cash-strapped customers.
University of Louisiana Monroe honors students
things
RONNIE ELSEY: 70; 4839 Old Slaughter Road, Zachary; hit-and-run driving, no proof of insurance
AUSTIN FOOSHEE: 29; 9953 Battle Road, Ethel; failure to appear on outstanding bench warrants
KEYON HOLLIDAY: 18; 4778 Sunnybrook Drive, Baton Rouge; failure to appear on outstanding bench warrants
JOHN SAXON: 39; 9930 Cochise St., Denham Springs; trash fires
HOLLICE SPANN: 42; 3780 Vernon Road, Zachary; telephone communications-improper languageharassment
BYRON STINSON: 36; 1585 Columbus Highway, Box Springs, Georgia; possession of marijuana, prohibited acts
KENNAN TATE: 27; 6061 Wicker Ridge Court, Slaughter; prohibited acts, possession of marijuana, general speed law
CHARLES WHITE: 37; 2411 La. 952, Jackson; simple criminal damage to property, illegal use of weapons or dangerous instrumentalities
JORDAN WRIGHTS: 25; 3015 Truman St., Zachary; simple criminal damage to property
Community news report
The University of Louisiana Monroe announced the students on the president’s list for the spring 2025 semester
Eligibility for the list requires full-time enrollment and at least a 3.9 gpa.
Students from the region include: Hammond: Caroline Bankston, Kyle Waguespack
Ponchatoula: Olivia Thornton
Denham Springs: Ethan Blazier Logan Brashear Sundara Bronock, Hailey Panks, Jertaza Williams
Zachary: Terrolyn Woodridge
Greenwell Springs: Joshua Schopp
Tunica: Taleah Pate
Eligibility for the dean’s list requires full-time enrollment and at least a 3.5 gpa.
Students on the dean’s list include: Slaughter: Lucas Staples
Zachary: Claire Connor, Austin Wiltz
nuptials@ theadvocate.com
BY OLIVIA MCCLURE
Contributing writer
Harleigh Dixon, who recently was crowned Miss Louisiana Princess, was honored at the July 8 Zachary City Council meeting.
The 7-year-old Zachary resident earned the title at the National American
TRACT
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and gas pumps. Wellcome has other locations in the area, including in Baton Rouge, Denham Springs, Addis and Prairieville.
“We like being part of the neighborhood and serving the local residents,” said Tom Maraist, a broker and a partner in the develop-
Miss pageant. She wore a sparkling tiara and her Miss Louisiana sash to the council meeting “The National American Miss pageant is one of the largest in the country, and it emphasizes poise, community service and personal achievement,” said council member Ambre DeVirgilio.
ment. “Very rarely do we go after intersections just to grab traffic. We want to be that local store, local restaurant, the local feature so you don’t have to drive all the way into town or across town on Main Street.”
He said Wellcome is committed to customer service and clean stores. The Zachary location will have at least four full-time employees on-site at all times. Wellcome is known for
“This accomplishment reflects her hard work, her commitment to her community and her family, her talents and her dedication.”
DeVirgilio thanked Harleigh for representing Zachary “with excellence, grace and pride” and presented her a certificate recognizing her achievement.
its brisket and other barbecue items. Maraist said the Zachary store also will carry boudin and cracklins from The Best Stop Supermarket, a popular purveyor of Cajun foods in Scott. Plans shown at the council meeting indicate that developers would construct a 25-foot road to provide access to the store and make modifications to existing turn lanes on Old Scenic Highway
Community news report
The city of Zachary wants residents to look over and comment on its July review draft of the updated Comprehensive Master Plan, along with the updated Future Land Use Map.
The draft plan presents a vision for the city’s future, addressing key priorities, including: n Future growth and development n Transportation and infrastructure improvements
n Economic development and downtown revitalization
n Housing and neighborhood planning
n Parks, recreation, and resilience strategies
How to participate
Residents, business owners and community stakeholders are encouraged to view and download the draft plan and map by visiting the city’s website www.cityofzachary org/city-services/planningzoning.
Public input is essential to ensure the plan reflects the community’s needs and aspirations, a news release said. Feedback, questions and sug-
gestions can be submitted online or in person
Next steps Representatives from Villavaso & Associates will present the draft plan at the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting scheduled for Aug. 4. The presentation will include an overview of the plan, an opportunity for questions and time for public comments. Community members are welcome to visit the Zachary Planning & Zoning Department at any time prior to the meeting to discuss the draft in more detail.
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Miss Louisiana Princess visits Zachary City Council
PHOTO BY OLIVIA MCCLURE
Councilwoman Ambre DeVirgilio presents a certificate to Harleigh Dixon, who recently was crowned Miss Louisiana Princess.