Merry Market kicks off holiday shopping
BY WENDY LOUP
Darlene Denstorff AROUND ASCENSION
Kids and Elderly program underway
Contributing writer
The Merry Market of Louisiana welcomed thousands of shoppers to the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center with a backdrop of Christmas trees, dazzling lights and holiday activities
The three-day event, Nov 7-9, featured 400 vendors selling clothes, jewelry and art. Mimosas in the Morning and Cookies with Santa brought holiday cheer The Children’s Entrepreneur Market
The Gonzales Police Department is accepting donations for its annual Christmas for Kids and Elderly programs.
Donations are accepted at the Gonzales Police Department, 415 E. Cornerview Road Gonzales.
Christmas at Conway
Celebrate the holiday season from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Christmas at Conway, a holiday market with face painting, balloons, pop-up shops and food trucks. Music and a visit from Santa are also on tap. Fall craft and vendor market at Tanger
Shop the booths Saturday and Sunday at the Baton Rouge Fall Craft and Vendor Market at Tanger Outlets Gonzales. The outdoor market will include local business and community vendors. Monster Truck coming to Gonzales
The 2X Monster Trucks show is Saturday at Lamar-Dixon Expo Center Door open at noon and shows start at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Children can bring their Gonzales Police Christmas for
ä See AROUND, page 3G
Deputy killed in off-duty motorcycle crash
Staff report
A deputy with the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office was killed Friday night in an off-duty motorcycle crash.
Joshua Dunaway, 40, of Prairieville, was riding a 2024 Suzuki motorcycle on La. 44, just north of Lee Drive in Ascension Parish, about 9 p.m. when the bike struck the rear of a 2024 GMC Sierra pickup for unknown reasons, according to a release from Louisiana State Police.
Dunaway
Dunaway was pronounced deceased on the scene, troopers said. He was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. The driver of the GMC was uninjured.
Impairment is unknown; however routine toxicology samples were collected for analysis, and the crash remains under investigation, the release states A post on the Sheriff’s Office Facebook site Saturday mourned Dunaway’s death.
“It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Deputy Joshua Dunaway, a dedicated member of the Ascension Parish Sheriffs Office Motors Division. Joshua was more than a coworker to many of us he was a friend, a teammate, and a loving father who cared deeply for his family,” the post reads.
“His loss is felt across our entire agency We ask that you keep Joshua’s family, friends, and his APSO family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.” The post stated that funeral arrangements were pending
SALUTE TO VETS
BY WENDY LOUP
Kolby Sims, 11, of French Settlement, displays his baked goods Nov. 9 during the Merry Market at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center Sims, owner of Kolby’s Cakes, participated in the Children’s Entrepreneur Market. Sims has been a baker for two years.
PHOTO BY WENDY LOUP
ä More photos. PAGE 2G
PHOTO BY WENDY LOUP
STAFF PHOTO BY MICHAEL JOHNSON
Parade on Sunday along Worthey Road in Gonzales
Spartans and Tigers advance to second round of playoffs
East Ascension and Donaldsonville had relatively easy first round wins in the first round of their respective playoff divisions. Here is a recap and a preview of the second round of the playoff divisions.
East Ascension put up its highest point total of the season, 57, and dominated West Ouachita 5716. The Spartans (8-3) scored early and often led by quarterback JJ LeBouef, running back Jason Blackburn and tight end Brysten Martinez Linebacker Tony Miles led the defense.
Donaldsonville recorded its third shutout of the season and were led by quarterback Skylar Garrison and wide receiver Donald Brown Jr The Tigers (8-3) dominated the line of scrimmage and played physical football the entire night winning 18-0.
Other scores
n Central 52, Dutchtown 24
n Ouachita Parish 24, St Amant
21
n Southside 52, Prairieville 14
n Opelousas Catholic 35, Ascen-
sion Christian 7
Playoff primers for Friday
Division 1 nonselect:
12th-ranked East Ascension at
fifth-ranked Central
This game will be played at Central High School. The Wildcats are coming off a lopsided victory over Dutchtown They are led by a two-QB system and
a defense that continues to improve each week.
The keys in this game will be for EA to start fast and potentially take the amazing Wildcat fans out of it. EA can match the physicality of Central, as well as size and speed. Common opponents include Denham Springs, Walker and Dutchtown. Both teams recorded victories over the common opponents.
Another key will be for the EA defense to adjust to the two QB system that Central employs.
Both QB’s have a special skill set and they will present challenges. I like the Spartans’ ability to run the football in this game with Jason Blackburn and get Brysten Martinez involved on offense, because he is such a mismatch. Expect a four-quarter game, the winner will get the winner of Zachary and Denham Springs.
Division III nonselect:
15th-ranked Donaldsonville at second-ranked Sterlington
The Tigers will hit the road and travel to North Louisiana. They face a team that lost two games (5A Ouachita Parish and Neville).
The challenge is twofold the long ride and facing a team that won a state championship over St James last season
The Panthers are led by TJ Burch and big offensive line. The defense has been strong down the stretch and the home field advantage is a factor Donaldsonville’s key to the upset will be controlling the clock and forcing some turnovers. The Tiger defense has speed at all three levels led by defensive end DeCaleb Green. The offense must be able to run the football with Quinnton Dabney and get the football to Donald Brown Jr in space.
QB Skylar Garrison has the ability to spread the football, he is 6-foot-5-inches and can see the field. If Donaldsonville can withstand some early blows and get it to the fourth quarter, they can make it a game with a chance to win. The winner will get the Loreauville-Church Point winner in the quarterfinals.
Division IV select: No. 5 Ascension Catholic hosts No. 21 St Mary’s
The Bulldogs got a bye in week one and were able to watch their opponent in person. St Mary beat St. John 30-10; the game was 10-7 with St. Mary leading heading into the fourth quarter
The Tigers have a big offensive line and a strong defensive line; most guys go both ways. The of-
fense is led by their quarterback who can run and pass, they have a shifty running back and several good wide outs. The defense has a solid front seven that can cause problems.
The Tigers lost five games, several close losses to good teams ACHS (8-2) has run the football this season with success. Trevin Simon has 2622 rushing yards and 42 touchdowns. QB Greg Fernandez has operated the offense getting the ball to his playmakers. Cy Landry leads the receivers. The Bulldog offensive line has been good led by senior Vaughn Blanchard and tight end Christopher Anthens. The ACHS defense continues to improve each week. The defensive line is experienced led by Blanchard, Anthens, Josh Barber and Kole Folse. Barber has been strong at nose against the run and is a four-year starter
The key for the Bulldogs is to force St Mary’s into third-andlong situations on defense, they can be creative with blitzes led by linebackers John Rob Daigle and Raif Melancon. The secondary is led by Jacob Julien (four interceptions) and Shane Aucoin. On offense, ACHS must stick to their identity, run the football and do it fast. They will snap the ball fast and give Simon the opportunity to showcase his skill set. The game will be at home and should give ACHS some momentum.
This team is used to winning, but they must start fast and continue respecting their opponent. The winner will get the winner of CHSPC and Westminster Lafayette in the quarterfinals.
Ascension Catholic volleyball ends season in semis
The ACHS volleyball team beat Louise McGehee in the quarterfinals 3-2 and advanced to the semifinals where they faced powerhouse Country Day
Country Day is an AA school that has won the last 10 state championships in DV ACHS lost 3-0 to the eventual state champion but had an outstanding season. Country Day will be moving up to D-IV next season.
The Bulldogs return key players in Ava Gauthe, Caroline Martinez, Karsyn Chaney, Ansley Bright, Emerson Lemann, Elle Templet, Sadie Kessler Caroline Diez and newcomers that will emerge. The Bulldogs are coached by Cliff Rome.
ACHS loses seniors Ava Landry, Kate Templet, Emma Nizzo, Celia Gordon and Georgia Vega. The Bulldogs are coached by Cliff Rome.
Troy LeBoeuf covers sports for the Ascension Advocate. He can be reached at troyleboeuf@ hotmail.com or ascension@ theadvocate.com or on Twitter @ Troyleboeuf.
MERRY MARKET
Slip Into Clay owner Holly Boynes, left, sold various homemade and painted pottery items, along with her mother Cindy, during the Merry Market in Gonzales. Pictured are ceramic tree decorations and refrigerator magnets featuring Louisiana towns, parishes and universities. Boynes has owned her Meraux, Louisiana-based business for a decade.
PHOTOS BY WENDY LOUP
Shoppers peruse signs and home décor at the Cindy’s Personalized Gifts & Monograms’ booth Nov. 9 during the Merry Market in Gonzales. A regular vendor at the Merry Market, owner Cindy Linzay, of Monroe, creates hand-painted signs and woodwork
Kay Lin Yue, 7, explains Nov. 9 how she creates
Entrepreneur Market at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center. Yue, along with her mother, Ah Kuen Wong, traveled from Metairie to the Merry Market.
at the event.
The following people were booked into the Ascension Parish Jail on Nov 6-13:
NOV. 6
OWENS, KELVIN KENTRELL: 10306 Boudreaux Road, Gonzales; 46; failure to appearbench warrant, probation violation
PROCTOR, XAVIER ADEXUS:
4861 Wilmot St. Baton Rouge; 20; surety, failure to appearbench warrant
JOHNSON, ZACHARY: 16085 Jarod Drive, Prairieville; 33; bond revocation, violations of protective orders
GROS, BRADLEY NOLAN: 44346 Braud St., Sorrento; 36; bond revocation, disturbing the peace/language/disorderly conduct
NOV. 7
WELLS, NIKKI RAE: 37257 La. 74, Geismar; 43; theft less than $1,000, bank fraud
QUAVE, KAYLEIGH NICOLE: 31523 Violet Circle, Denham Springs; 36; failure to appearbench warrant, surety
HOWARD, CODY T.: 10688 Rhus Fringe, Baton Rouge; 42; distribution/possession with the intent to distribute heroin
SCOTT, TOBY: 42385 Moody Dixon Road, Prairieville; 54; surety, two counts failure to appear-bench warrant
FRANCIS, DEON MONTRELL: 2049 Pocahontas St., Baton
AROUND
Rouge;
NOV. 8
MANN, CALEIGH JANNETTE: 15197 Pike Place, Prairieville; 27; failure to appear-bench warrant
SOUTHERLAND, KURT M.: 120 Dville Village Circle, Donaldsonville; 48; unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, aggravated kidnapping of a child
MOSBY, JASMINE DESHAY: 1720 Ravier Lane, Sunshine; 28; driving on roadway laned for traffic, reckless operation, operating while intoxicatedfirst
KNOX, CHANTEL DENISE: 11445 Glenhaven Drive, Baton Rouge; 35; fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction
CHARLES, RYAN SAMANTHE: 780 Bent Cypress Lane, Slidell; 35; failure to appear-bench warrant
MARTINEZ, CHRISTOPHER ALFRED: 7640 Fiona Lane, Fountain, Colorado; 54; violations of protective orders
ALLEN JR., WILLIAM S.: 14335 W. AJ Rouyea Road, Gonzales; 37; failure to appear-bench warrant, sale/distribution/ or possession of legend drug without prescription CUTRER, DYLAN JAMES: 36422 Crestway Ave., Geismar; 17; turning movements and required signals, reckless operation, operating a vehicle
battery-powered cars to race for a change to win prizes. For tickets, visit tinyurl.com/uam8jmn5 Christmas Stroll Along the Avenue Saturday
Donaldsonville’s Railroad Avenue will be dressed up for the holiday season at 6 p m
while intoxicated-first
WATTS, CURTIS J.: 17622 Eagles Perch Drive, Prairieville; 32; domestic abuse battery
FULCHER, AUSTIN: 16406 Newman Nickens Road, Prairieville; 17; simple assault, criminal trespass/trespassing of real property, resisting an officer, simple criminal damage to property less than $1,000
ADAMS JR., AARON WALLACE: 12354 Cleo Road, Gonzales; 38; failure to appear-bench warrant
CAFFEY, KAITLYN RICHELLE: 14508 George Rouyea Road, Gonzales; 25; theft $5,000 but less than $25,000
NOV. 10
MURPHY, VONDA: 14512 George Rouyea Road, Gonzales; 47; prohibited acts-drug paraphernalia, possession of fentanyl DEMBY, DAMION MICHAEL: 1005 Elizabeth St., Donaldsonville; 31; simple battery
NICHOLAS, LACARLA JARONICA: 35204 La. 1 N, Donaldsonville; 31; two counts failure to appear-bench warrant
EDWARDS, JANQUIE RENEE: 1302 Plaza Drive, Baker; 29; two counts fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction, theft less than $1,000, theft $1,000 but less than $5,000
BOUGERE, SYLVIA OLIVIA: 225 W. Season St., Gonzales; 37;
Saturday for the Christmas Stroll Along the Avenue. The tree is Louisiana Square will be lit at 7 p.m. The annual event includes photos with Santa, performances by local schools and churches and shopping.
Need pecans cracked?
The Arc of East Ascension is offering pecan-cracking for 50 cents a pound.
Drop of your pecans Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 1122 S. East Ascension Complex Blvd., Gonzales. For more information, call (225) 621-2000.
PARISHES WRITER Christopher Cartwright christopher.cartwright@ theadvocate.com (225) 388-0125
four counts failure to appearbench warrant, fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction
WAGUESPACK, ADRIAN JADE: 15333 Airline Highway, Prairieville; 39; two counts failure to appear-bench warrant, possession of Schedule II controlled dangerous substance (amphetamine), distribution/possession with the intent to distribute marijuana or synthetic cannabinoids, monetary instrument abuse
SCIENEAUX, CAVELL: 3113
Mount Bethel Lane, Donaldsonville; 38; three counts failure to appear-bench warrant NOV. 11
HEBERT, DYLAN MICHAEL: 36885 La. 75, Plaquemine; 26; prohibited acts-drug paraphernalia, possession of firearm by person convicted of certain felonies, illegal carry of weapons-crime or controlled dangerous substance, possession of Schedule IV controlled dangerous substance, possession of Schedule II controlled dangerous substance (methamphetamine)
BARNES, DAMOND TREMAIN: 3255 Barnes Lane, Donaldsonville; 38; registration certificates, operating vehicle while license is suspended, two counts failure to appearbench warrant, stop signs and yield signs
JOHNSON, RODDY DEMOND:
11232 Roddy Road No. 4, Gonzales; 33; resisting an officer, failure to appear-bench warrant
DIPUMA, JEREMY JAMES: 14165 Jefferson Highway, Baton Rouge; 41; distribution/ possession with the intent to distribute Schedule IV controlled dangerous substance, prohibited acts-drug paraphernalia, distribution/ possession with the intent to distribute Schedule II controlled dangerous substance
GRICE, BRITTANY LYN: 121 Heltz St., Garyville; 35; failure to appear-bench warrant, distribution/possession with the intent to distribute Schedule IV controlled dangerous substance, vehicles without required equipment or in unsafe condition, owner to secure registration, security required, operating vehicle while license is suspended, proper equipment required on vehicles-display of plate, prohibited acts-drug paraphernalia, distribution/ possession with the intent to distribute Schedule II controlled dangerous substance, unlawful possession/production/or distribution of kratom
HEARD, TRACY LYNN: 2163 South Veterans Ave., Gonzales; 47; fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction, tail lamps, operating vehicle while license is suspended, resisting an officer, failure to appear-bench warrant
Senior Citizen Christmas Celebration
The annual Senior Citizen Christmas Celebration starts at 11 a.m. Dec. 2 at the Trademart at Lamar-Dixon Expo Center
The free luncheon includes music from Kenny Fife. Gonzales to light tree
NOV. 12
WOODSTOCK, EUCLID DORIAN: 100 SW 64th Way Pembroke, Pines, Florida; 36; identity theft, illegal transmission of monetary funds, bank fraud, access device fraud $5,000 to $25,000
BROWN, EDDIE: 1370 Joseph St., Morgan City; 52; fugitiveother Louisiana jurisdiction
COLEMAN JR., SPENCER DWAYNE: 1490 Besson Lane, St. Gabriel; 37; two counts theft $1,000 but
ALBAN, JORDAN: 9878 Chateau Drive, Baton Rouge: 39; possession of fentanyl, possession of heroin, prohibited acts-drug paraphernalia, possession of Schedule II controlled dangerous substance (methamphetamine), possession of Schedule II controlled dangerous substance (cocaine)
NOV.
The 32nd annual Gonzales Tree Lighting Celebration is from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Dec. 5 at Gonzales City Hall and Jambalaya Park. Santa and the Grinch are expected, and music and lights will be featured. Holiday Train stopping in Gonzales
Mark your calendar for the CPKC Holiday Train visit to Gonzales at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday Dec. 2 at the railway tracks between Felix Avenue and East Ascension Street. There will be a live performance by Dylan Marlowe.
Contact Darlene Denstorff by phone, (225) 388-0215 or (225) 603-1998; or email, ascension@theadvocate.com or ddenstorff@theadvocate.com. Deadline: 5 p.m. Friday.
Celebrating
ThePower of Partnership
Southern U transforma expand in the Co in
Universityand A&MCollegehas receiveda ative$5million investment from Shellto itiativesin theCollegeofBusiness and ollegeofSciences and Engineering. This nvestment directlysupports theSouthern UniversitySystem’sStrategic Pillars, includingStudent Success and Academic Excellence
“Withthis investmentinengineering education and studentsuccess,weare further strengthening Shell’spartnership with SouthernUniversityand empowering thenextgeneration of innovators and leaders. We can’t wait to see howtheywill shape thefutureofenergy and technologyfor our industryand theworld.”
EMMALEWIS Executive Vice President,Shell Chemicals
Prairieville High School’s small ensemble choir sang the national anthem during Monday’s Veterans Day ceremony at the Ascension Veterans Memorial Park in Gonzales. The St. Amant High School’s Naval Junior ROTC Honor Guard posted and retired the colors for the ceremony.
posted the colors. The annual event, hosted by the Ascension Veterans Memorial Park Association and VFW Post 3693, recognized veterans of all branches of the military
State Rep. Tony Bacala, Sen. Ed Price, several Gonzales City Council members, and Ascension Parish Sheriff Bobby Webre attended the ceremony
Retired Maj. Shelby Ballard, the chair of the Park Association, said the national holiday gives the country a chance to say thank you to those who have served and are serving in the United States military
“Some of you here (today) are veterans who understand the firsthand sacrifices involved in serving our nation and preserving freedoms,” Ballard said. “Today, we
honor you. Being a veteran myself, I thank you.” Retired Navy Lt Cmdr John Phillips was the guest speaker He is the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs’ undersecretary Phillips served aboard the USS Kinkaid and USS John C. Stennis and served in Afghanistan in support of U.S Army forces in 2014 He recognized military milestones, including the 250th birthday of the Army and Marine Corps, the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and the 75th anniversary of the Korean War.
Phillips discussed the importance and sacrifice military veterans have made for the United States.
“Service and sacrifice are not confined to any one generation or conflict,” Phillips said. “They are the threads that connect us across time and circumstance. Veterans know the weight of responsibility that comes with defending freedom.
“They have missed birthdays and holidays. They have endured hardship and danger and carried the memories of friends made and lost.”
Students from G.W Carver Primary watch the passing of the flag among members of VFW Post 3693 at the Ascension Veterans Memorial Park.
PHOTOS BY WENDY LOUP
Students from G.W Carver Primary sing Nov. 11 during the Veterans Day ceremony in Gonzales The students performed ‘God Bless America’ and a compilation of the armed forces songs.
Freedom Ball King Sgt. 1st Class (Ret.) Jared Nolen waves while riding with Queen Antoinette Nolen and Grand Marshal Sgt. (Ret.) Jim Heintze during the Gonzales Veterans Parade.
Spectators wave and ask for candy.
The East Ascension High School marching band makes its way along the route.
STAFF PHOTOS BY MICHAEL JOHNSON
Cub Scouts from Pack 67 toss beads from their float during the Gonzales Veterans Parade on Sunday along Worthey Road in Gonzales.
Children scramble to catch goodies during the parade.