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French Settlement residents oppose energy office request

Company is contracted to build pipelines for carbon capture project

BY CLAIRE GRUNEWALD

Staff writer

A company involved with a proposed carbon capture and storage project in Livingston Parish asked one of the parish’s small towns if it could just lease available ofﬁce space inside the village hall.

But some parish residents immediately fought against the idea, claiming that any afﬁliation with carbon capture, in any shape or form, is bad.

On Wednesday, over a dozen residents gathered in the village

of French Settlement’s town hall after a meeting agenda for “Enbridge ofﬁce space request consideration and discussion” made its rounds on social media throughout the parish. Ofﬁcials with both Livingston Parish and French Settlement made public statements about the meeting beforehand.

Enbridge is a pipeline and energy company that was contracted to build a pipeline for another company’s facilities to store carbon dioxide underground north of Holden in Livingston Parish, according to a 2025 statement from the compa-

nies involved in the project.

French Settlement Mayor Jeremy Aydell said that recently, he received a call asking about the open ofﬁce space in the village hall, so he wanted to put it on the agenda for discussion.

“I’m here basically stating that I got that request,” he said at the meeting. “I knew it would be contentious; I didn’t quite know it would be this contentious.”

Aydell and the rest of the town leadership present expressed they wanted to keep the village’s best interests in mind and that the

agenda was solely for discussion and no action would be taken right now The mayor remarked that the meeting was the most attended in the past two years.

French Settlement has just over 1,000 residents.

“We’re a quiet town and we do things the right way,” Aydell said.

“It’s caused a little bit of a stir, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Summer Smith, a Holden resident, spoke at the meeting, stating that she opposes carbon capture and that the company is not wanted in the area.

“We don’t appreciate the fact

that y’all are even entertaining this,” she said. “Anyone politically involved with these people will be voted out of ofﬁce.”

The mayor at one point said that the company having an ofﬁce locally could allow residents to ask questions and raise concerns in a more accessible way but some residents in the meeting were against that. Some even suggested renting the space to the community or a congressional member Livingston Parish council member Dean Coates, who represents a southeast portion of the parish

IN APPRECIATION OF SERVICE

Darlene Denstorff

AROUND LIVINGSTON

Spring Festival set for Denham Springs

Don’t miss the Denham Springs Spring Festival, set for Saturday in the city’s downtown district.

The day includes hundreds of vendors, games, children’s rides, food booths, antique stores open for shopping, art exhibits, tours the Old City Hall exhibits and music at the Old Train Station. Browse the main street area, rest at the sitting areas, sample the fare in the restaurants and visit the comfort stations.

Class of ‘76 reunion planned

If you’re an alum of the Denham Springs Class of 1976 — my class your help is needed to organize the upcoming reunion. The event is planned for June 13 at Forrest Grove in Denham Springs.

To volunteer or share your information with the organizers, email daleh76DS@gmail.com.

Livingston kindergarten registration underway

Livingston Parish Public Schools is accepting online registrations for incoming kindergarten students for the 2026-27 school year

A child must be 5 years old on or before Sept. 30 to register for kindergarten.

Online registration is available at www.lpsb.org/ parent_resources/registration_info/register_for_kindergarten_2026-2027. Currently enrolled Pre-K students are automatically rolled over and do not need to register More information about the registration process, visit www lpsb.org/parent_resources/registration_info. Pre-K application open in Livingston Parish

Livingston Parish Public Schools is accepting applications for pre-kindergarten enrollment for the 2026-27 school year across the district.

A child must be 4 years old on or before Sept. 30 to qualify Round 1 of the online Pre-K application period runs through May 1. The online application can be accessed at applytolppsearlychild.schoolmint com. Anyone needing assistance completing the online application can visit district staff members on April 17 at the Livingston Parish Public Schools Professional Development Center, at 17457 Wes McLin Road, Suite F. Staff members will be available with laptops to assist from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. that day Parents or guardians who attend this help session should

ä See AROUND, page 3G

BY RICHARD MEEK

Contributing writer

A little more than two years ago, as disabled Vietnam veteran Mike McKey was relaxing in his Denham Springs home and his wife, Melita, asleep on the sofa in the living room, a thunderstorm blew through packing winds with enough punch to blow a large section of a tree through a portion of the mobile home’s roof. Fortunately no one was injured but little did McKey know at the time the real storm was just beginning. Insurance did not cover the roof replacement and after a series of denials by insurance companies he has spent the past two years using rudimentary stopgap measures, such as tarps, buckets and futile attempts to

replace shingles, to capture the water

He said three insurance companies dropped his coverage, two without notiﬁcation, because of the roof damage.

“I paid all of that money in and got no relief,” McKey said. “If I had known that I would have tried to build a house instead of getting a double-wide (where he has lived for the past nine years).

“Nobody in Louisiana wants to insure a double-wide, which is what they call it, but I consider it a house.”

Anxiety has been McKey’s daily companion, affecting his sleep as he fretted over what was next. His thoughts were focused on the urgency of having the house repaired or perhaps putting it on the market.

A new roof was cost prohibitive but the actual kernel of frustration for McKey was the understanding that if the insurance company had paid “like they were supposed to,” the work would have been completed in a timely

manner

“I was getting a little disgusted,” McKey, who spent 30 years working as

Michael McKey admires a roof that was recently put on his Denham Springs home at

through

combined effort of the Louisiana Military

PHOTOS BY RICHARD MEEK

A worker, silhouetted in the morning sun, discard old shingles on April 13 while replacing the roof of Vietnam veteran Mike McKey

PHOTO BY RICHARD MEEK

French Settlement’s Remy Cramer at the plate during an end of season game against Live Oak.

‘Champions of Service’ award winners named

Community news report

The 2026 Champions of Service Awards honorees have been announced.

Volunteer Louisiana and Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser said the awards honor exceptional individuals and organizations whose dedication to service is making a difference in communities across the state

This year Volunteer Louisiana received nominations from every corner of the state.

This year’s honorees are leading efforts that strengthen Louisiana’s communities in countless ways –beautifying neighborhoods, feeding families, supporting seniors, empowering youth and creating opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

“Volunteering is at the heart of who we are as Louisianans. These Champions of Service represent the very best of our state people who go above and beyond, giving their time, energy, and compassion to lift others up. Their commitment reminds us that even the smallest acts of service can have a lasting impact, and we are proud to honor their extraordinary contributions,” Nungesser said

The nine recipients of the 2026 Champions of Service Awards are:

Erika Sibley, Greater Capital Area Champion: Sibley is a dedicated volunteer with the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Ofﬁce, where she serves as a translator ensuring language access for vul-

nerable populations. Her service is especially impactful during the annual Christmas Crusade, when she volunteers the equivalent of full-time hours to assist families in navigating support services. Sibley also supports deputies in the ﬁeld and assists with outreach operations, helping hundreds of families access critical resources each year Her compassion and consistency strengthen trust and accessibility across the community

Annina Amaguas, AmeriCorps Statewide Champion: Amaguas is a second-year AmeriCorps Volunteer with Teach for America, serving as a high school English and Technical Writing teacher at Livonia High School. James “Big Brown” Joseph Outstanding Volunteer Group Champion: “Big Brown” is the founder of Big Brown Reaching Back and Big Brown Cares, statewide initiatives that support vulnerable populations. Through his signature

Nicole Ebarb, Northwest Champion: Ebarb is a community leader and educator dedicated to cultural preservation, youth development, and community engagement. Through her leadership in the Zwolle Tamale Fiesta, she has expanded programming for senior citizens, creating inclusive and other events.

Billy Bonner, Northeast Champion: Bonner is a dedicated servant leader whose work spans environmental stewardship, hunger relief, and youth development

across Ouachita Parish.

Robert Brister, Central Region Champion: Brister has dedicated more than 4,700 volunteer hours to the Food Bank of Central Louisiana, playing a critical role in supporting food distribution across an 11-parish region.

Stephen Douglass, Greater New Orleans Area Champion: Doulgass is a nursing student and community leader whose service spans health care, education, and veteran advocacy

Brenda Andrus, Southwest Champion: Andrus works to supports seniors, youth, and underserved populations across Louisiana by providing hands-on care to elderly people through meals, visits and wellness checks, while also mentoring youth and supporting families in need.

Trinity Jacobs, Southeast/ Northshore Champion: Jacobs, who has Down syndrome, co-founded My Dreams Foundation and advocates for inclusion and opportunity for individuals with disabilities.

“These honorees truly define what it means to serve. They give not for recognition, but because they see a need and step forward to meet it,” said Judd Jeansonne, Volunteer Louisiana executive director.

“Each of these Champions has a story of service that goes above and beyond expectations. Their impact extends far beyond the people they serve.”

The Champions of Service Awards ceremony will be at 11:30 a.m. April 27 at the Capitol Park Museum.

SLU, NTCC program used as model

Community news report

DirectConnect to Southeastern, a partnership between Northshore Technical Community College and Southeastern Louisiana University, is being featured in an education publication as a model for student success.

The article, “Creating Bridges, Not Barriers,” appears in the April/May 2026 edition of Community College Journal. It showcases how community colleges are scaling frameworks to streamline student transfer pathways, a news release said DirectConnect is designed to enhance both the efficiency and effectiveness of students seeking post-secondary education in southeast Louisiana, particularly in Tangipahoa St. Tammany Washington St. Helena and Livingston parishes. The partnership provides solutions to expanding college student access and preparation of students who will complete certiﬁcate and/or associate degrees through NTCC and transfer into a baccalaureate program at Southeastern “The DirectConnect to Southeastern program ensures that both institutions are proactive in addressing the ever-changing higher education landscape,” said Southeastern President William S Wainwright. “The partnership further ensures that both Southeastern and NTCC are responsive to relevant actions of the Louisiana Legisla-

ture, leverages the Board of Regents’ Master Plan for Higher Education, and encourages ease of transfer credits between postsecondary institutions and comprehensive community college services throughout the Northshore region.”

DirectConnect provides enrolled NTCC students with a systematic outline to complete a baccalaureate degree, Wainwright explained. Under the agreement, NTCC students take courses at Southeastern related to the following approved career pathways: biological sciences (microbiology/molecular, ecology/environmental biology, and integrative biology), business administration, nursing, psychology and supply chain management.

“Northshore Technical Community College and Southeastern Louisiana University are committed to providing students successful paths to graduation and employment in highdemand careers,” NTCC Chancellor Jim Carlson said. “This collaboration strengthens our commitment and provides a seamless transition for students. The partnership provides students expanded access to college and university programming and engagement in relevant workforce preparation.”

The article is available at https://www. ccjournal-digital.com/ccjournal/april_ may_2026/MobilePagedArticle.action?artic leId=2120459#articleId2120459.

Crime Stoppers hosts ‘Rockin’ Out Crime: Battle of the Bands’ fundraiser

Community news report

Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa is inviting the community to attend an afternoon of music, fun and purpose at its upcoming fundraiser

“Rockin’ Out Crime: Battle of the Bands.” The event will spotlight local musical talent while raising support for public safety initiatives across the parish.

Set for May 2 inside Chappapeela Gym, the event will open its doors at 2 p.m., with

performances at 3 p.m. Admission begins at $25, with reserved seating available for $40 and VIP packages offered at $100. Guests are welcome to bring their own chairs or rent seating on-site. Taking the stage will be a lineup of local bands, including Dr Shock, Northbound 55, Silver Dose, Titanium Rain, Rock Kandy, and The Drunk Uncles. Each group will compete for top honors, with the winning band earning a featured performance

in the Hammond Live fall concert series at Cate Square. Joe Burns, Michael Brothers, Christine Patrick, Andre Davis and Stacey Barker will serve as judges. In addition to live entertainment, attendees can enjoy local vendors, food and beverages, a silent auction, and activities for the whole family For additional details, contact Crime Stoppers at (985) 662-5557 or visit tangicrimestoppers.com.

SALZER

Continued from page 1G

the Lions have struggled. French Settlement made deep playoff runs each of the last two seasons, and went to the semiﬁnals in 2024 before bowing out in the quarterﬁnals last year

The Lions won the district by defeating St. Thomas Aquinas 2-1 and Pope John Paul II 8-6 in bracket play three weeks ago. Both wins avenged earlier losses.

“At the beginning of the year, we set goals. That was goal number one,” Scivicque said of the district title.

“Since I’ve been here, that’s the ﬁrst time we’ve been able to check that one off. That was a good feeling. That was awesome, but we’ve got a good core group of seniors and they’re hungry for more. That was check mark number one, but they’re ready to go for some more.”

French Settlement (17-14) is seeded seventh in the Division III nonselect bracket, and will host No. 10 Many in a best-of-3 series this week.

Also staying home for second-round series are Doyle and Walker Doyle (25-5) hovered near the top of the Division III power ratings all season before ﬁnishing third. The Tigers tied Pine for ﬁrst in District 8-3A and will play No. 14 Church Point, which defeated Loreauville 10-9 in game three of their series last week.

Walker earned the No. 7 seed in Division I nonselect after a 25-9 regular season campaign that included a 9-3 record in District 4-5A. The Wildcats were tied with Prairieville for the best record in the district, but they may get a chance to

settle that tie on the ﬁeld this week.

Tenth-seeded Prairieville and No. 23

Live Oak squared off in last week’s ﬁrst round for the right to play at Walker this week.

Maurepas (22-9), No. 1 in Class C, and Holden (15-14), No. 5 in Class B, will host second-round games this week, as well. Like the other teams who earned ﬁrstround byes, they hope a late start in the playoffs will lead to a spot in the state championship tournament.

Email Charles Salzer at livingston@ theadvocate.com.

hosts conference on artificial intelligence in health care

Community news report

The College of Nursing and Health Sciences at Southeastern Louisiana University recently hosted a one-day conference titled “Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Healthcare: RealWorld Applications and Future Directions,” drawing more than 150 students, faculty and healthcare professionals from across the region.

ing landscape of healthcare innovation.”

“The conference reﬂects Southeastern’s continued commitment to advancing healthcare education and fostering collaboration between academia and industry leaders,” said Assistant Dean of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences Kenneth Tillman, “ensuring that students and professionals are well-prepared to navigate the rapidly evolv-

The conference highlighted innovative, real-world applications of artificial intelligence being implemented by leading regional healthcare systems, offering attendees a dynamic look at how AI is shaping the future of patient care, operations, and clinical decision-making. The event opened with remarks from Southeastern Chief Information Ofﬁcer and Associate Professor of Computer Science John Burris, who provided an overview of society’s evolving relationship with artificial intelligence and its growing role in everyday life and healthcare.

Featured speakers included the following industry leaders from across Louisiana:

n Strategic Analytics Director at North Oaks Health System Kevin Fussell n Chief Medical Informatics and Analytics Ofﬁcer at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center Tonya Jagneaux

n Director of Robust Process Improvement for Quality and Patient Safety at Ochsner Health Teresa Arrington n System Vice President and Chief Information Ofﬁcer at Ochsner Health Amy Trainor

The keynote address was delivered remotely by professor and Chair of the Department of Medicine at University of California San Francisco Robert Wachter In his keynote, Wachter explored both the transformative potential of AI in improving health care delivery and outcomes, as well as the ethical considerations and risks associated with its misuse.

PHOTOS BY RICHARD MEEK

French Settlement pitcher Trevor McMorris.

French Settlement coach Kade Scivicque walks the sidelines during a recent game against Live Oak.

SLU

Wachter

ROOF

Continued from page 1G

guy but I prayed every day

“You do different things when you get behind the 8-ball.” Recently, he received an unexpected call that would change his life. On the other end was Jason Sedotal, commander of Baton Rouge Chapter 177 of the Louisiana Military Order of the Purple Heart, telling McKey his roof would soon be replaced free of charge. On his ﬁrst visit to the damaged trailer, Sedotal informed McKey the drywall that had been severely damaged by the leaky roof would also be replaced and menacing trees adjacent to the house would be coming down.

“I am so appreciative and I got to say the Purple Heart association is wonderful,” McKey, a former crew chief in the Air Force, said. “The good Lord was looking after me.”

“For me as commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart my congregation is our veterans,” Sedotal said. “I see a lot more of this than you would think.” Through his organization’s social media site, Sedotal explained McKey’s plight and the response was overwhelming. Sedotal said it was the organization’s ﬁrst viral post in several years.

“It was unbelievable the amount of support we got and the number of people that wanted to do it,” Sedotal said,

Baton Rouge-based Garcia Rooﬁng was the ﬁrst to respond, and so early on an April morning, a crew was busily removing the old roof. Damage was more than expected to the point where 10 pieces of plywood were required to make those repairs. But by mid-afternoon the new roof was completed.

Garcia sales manager Brendan Soulier, an eightyear Marine veteran, said the company partners with Owens-Corning to provide a free roof to a veteran in the area at least once a year McKey’s was already the second in 2026, a trend Soulier would like to see continue.

“As a veteran myself, it is very rewarding,” Soulier said, explaining Garcia picks up the cost of labor and materials. “I love every second of it.”

“Veterans always try to give to other veterans. We know the struggle, the ﬁght physically during

and out of the service,” he added.

McKey, a 1968 graduate of Denham Springs High school, never left his front yard, his gaze directed upward to a long-awaited sight that has been twoplus years in the making. He said Garcia Rooﬁng was incredibly understanding and noted Soulier being a veteran, made the repairs that much more special.

“I tell anybody, especially veterans, don’t give up hope,” said McKey, who suffers from PTSD and has numerous physical ailments caused by Agent Orange, including open heart surgery

“I was getting close to cash in,” he said. “If not for (Garcia Rooﬁng, Owens Corning and the Purple Heart Association) I don’t know where I would be.

“I can’t put into how appreciative Once you are a are always a veteran.”

Iota

Community news report

The Iota Master Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi International Sorority recently presented a donation of toiletries, socks and household items to Geaux and Deaux Ministries, a local faith-based nonproﬁt dedicated to providing care, housing and hope to individuals in need.

Geaux and Deaux Ministries, led by Co-Founder and President Karen Sanders, distributes donated items directly to community partners and individuals requesting assistance. The organization supports a wide range of local needs, including providing clothing and meals to people experiencing homelessness. The ministry also supplies toiletries, sheets and clothing to O’Brien House, which

PIPELINES

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outside of the village, posted a statement Wednesday saying that many residents “are deeply concerned” about the town considering renting ofﬁce space to the company

AROUND

Continued from page 1G

offers residential treatment and outreach programs for individuals and families affected by alcoholism and drug abuse. In addition, they provide dishes, pots, and pans to Start Corporation, an organization serving adults, teens, and seniors facing challenges such as mental health conditions,

“Residents worry that allowing the company to establish ofﬁces within French Settlement could increase exposure to state-level pressure and government overreach,” Coates wrote.

substance dependency, and developmental disabilities.

The Iota Master Chapter’s contribution supports the ministry’s ongoing mission to meet urgent needs throughout the community

The chapter members are from Baton Rouge, Gonzales, Denham Springs and Walker

Officials from Enbridge said in a statement they were seeking a meeting space in the town “in order to foster more accessible and meaningful information sharing with the community throughout early project development.

bring copies of the required documents.

More information about the application process is available as www.lppsearlychildhood.com or on Facebook at Livingston Parish Early Childhood.

Tickfaw River Regatta starts Friday

The annual TARC Tickfaw River Regatta kicks off Friday with a party at Boopalus were the Bag of Donuts will play

The Regatta is 3 days of fun while raising money for individuals with special needs

Tickfaw 200 is a sponsor of TARC. For more information, call (985) 345-8811.

“We appreciate the French Settlement town leadership’s consideration, community input and will respect the town’s decision,” the company said.

Crawfish cook-off Sunday

Pinching Tails for TARC, a crawfish cook-off on Sunday benefiting TARC, starts at 8 a.m. Sunday at Boopalus Grill and Bar, 29669 La. 22, Springfield. Judging is at noon. It is $20 for anyone to attend the event and eat crawfish. Children 10 & under are free. There will be prizes for Best Crawfish, Best Decorations and Peoples Choice. To register or for more information contact TARC at (985) 502-9213, (985) 867-6650 or jessica@tarchammond.com.

Send news and events for Livingston and Tangipahoa parishes to livingston@ theadvocate.com by 4 p.m. Friday or call (225) 388-0731.

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PROVIDED PHOTO

Karen Sanders, co-founder and president of Geaux and Deaux Ministries, accepts donations from Carolyn Miller Iota Master Chapter

The Veterans Administration with the assistance of a local church built a ramp at the home of Mike McKey to help his wife, Merita, get in and out of the house because she is unable use steps.

A worker tosses a piece of old roofing into a dumpster on April 13 as crews from Garcia Roofing replaced the roof of Vietnam veteran Mike McKey.

PHOTOS BY RICHARD MEEK

A dumpster is quicky filled as Garcia Roofing workers scraped off the old shingles on Mike McKey’s roof.

Livingston Parish 4-H held its annual Achievement Day March 20

Throughout the day, top 4-H members and clubs were honored for their outstanding achivements

OVERALL CLUB AWARDS

GREEN DIVISION: ﬁrst place, Northside Elementary; second place, Live Oak Elementary; and third place, Live Oak Middle

WHITE DIVISION: ﬁrst place, South Fork Elementary; second place, Doyle Elementary; and third, Holden Elementary

CLOVER DIVISION: ﬁrst, South Live Oak Elementary; second, South Walker Elementary; and third, Levi Milton Elementary

JUNIOR HIGH DIVISION: ﬁrst, North Corbin Junior High; second, Springﬁeld Middle; and third, Walker Junior High

JUNIOR/SENIOR DIVISION: ﬁrst, Doyle Junior/ Senior; second Holden Junior/Senior; and third, French Settlement Junior/Senior

SENIOR DIVISION: ﬁrst, Walker High; and second, Live Oak High

OVERALL RECORD BOOK WINNERS: Junior Girl, Scarlette Hebert, South Live Oak Elementary; Senior Girl, Olivia Vulgamore, Walker High; Junior Boy, Bradley Whited, South Fork Elementary; and Senior Boy, Logan Vulgamore Walker High

OVERALL CRD WINNERS: Elementary, South Walker Elementary; Junior High, Doyle; and Junior/Senior High, Walker High

LEADERS OF THE YEAR: (Sponsored by the Denham Springs Kiwanis Club): Jennifer Vulgamore, Walker High; Leslie Miller, Walker Elementary

VOLUNTEER ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: J.R. King

PRINCIPAL OF THE YEAR AWARD: Stacey Viator, Levi Milton Elementary

OUTSTANDING PET/DOG CARE AWARD: Addelyn Wilson, Doyle Junior/Senior

OUTSTANDING CLOTHING & TEXTILES AWARD: Aubrey Burrell, North Corbin Junior High

SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS

REYMOND D’ARMOND SCHOLARSHIP: Levi Lockhart, Walker High; and Louisiana 4-H Foundation Scholarship, Charleigh Messer, member at large

LIVINGSTON VOLUNTEERS FOR FAMILY & COMMUNITY SCHOLARSHIP: Haleigh Nettles, French Settlement Junior/Senior GOLDEN CLOVER AWARD WINNERS: Jacob Hutchison, Walker High; and Adelise Lehnus, North Corbin Junior High

EMERALD ACHIEVEMENT AWARD WINNERS: Levi Lockhart, Walker High and Olivia Vulgamore, Walker High

HONOR CORD WINNERS: Kallianna Andrews, Denham Springs High; Mollie Bailey, Holden Junior/Senior; Anna Bravata, Holden Junior/ Senior; Jewelie Green, Holden Junior/Senior; Levi Lockhart, Walker High; Charleigh Messer, Member at Large; Haleigh Nettles, French Settlement Junior/Senior COMMUNITY PARTNER AWARD: Texas Roadhouse, Brielle Wintrich

SONG AND YELL CONTEST

ELEMENTARY DIVISION: ﬁrst place, Levi Milton Elementary; second place, South Walker Elementary; and third place, Live Oak Elementary

HEART FUND DRIVE: Levi Milton Elementary

OVERALL CLUB REPORTER: (sponsored by the Livingston Parish News) Olivia Vulgamore Walker High

OVERALL GOOD GROOMING GIRL: Addelyn Wilson, Doyle Junior/Senior OVERALL GOOD GROOMING BOY: Ruston Graham, Walker High

TALENT SHOW WINNERS: Elementary Division Jimena Alvarez, Live Oak Elementary; Junior Division, Addelyn Wilson, Doyle Junior/Senior Junior/Senior Division, Maddie Jones, Doyle Junior/Senior ART SHOW WINNERS: 2-D Art, Carson Aucoin, Walker High; 3-D Art, Ruston Graham, Walker High

HOME & STYLE: Jezebelle Hebert, Live Oak High

PHOTOGRAPHY: Bailey Cowart, Walker Junior High

WRITING: Jayda Grinner, Walker High 2026 Livingston Parish 4-H Achievement Day Tests Results:

AQUACULTURE

6TH – 8TH GRADE: Braxton Bingham, North Corbin Junior High; second, Joseph Wheat, North Corbin Junior High; third place Christopher Galjour, Holden Elementary 9TH -12TH: ﬁrst, Karson Blount, Doyle Junior/ Senior; second, Jemma Wimbish Doyle Junior/ Senior; and thired, Kayleigh Austin Doyle Junior/Senior CAMPING ADVENTURES & BACKPACKING EXPEDITION

6TH-8TH: ﬁrst, Christopher Galjour, Holden Elementary; second, Anthony Jacobs, North Corbin, Junior High; and third, Ethan Sevario North Corbin Junior High

9TH-12TH: first, Kayleigh Austin, Doyle Junior/ Senior; second, Abigail Grantham, Doyle Junior/Senior; and third, Shaylynne Bice, Doyle Junior/Senior CAST INTO THE FUTURE, 9TH-12TH: first, Aidan Hutchinson, Holden Junior/Senior; second, Brooklyn Kersey, Doyle Junior/Senior; and third, Morgan Lawson, Live Oak High CHILD DEVELOPMENT/GROWING IN COMMUNITIES, 9TH-12TH: first, Kayleigh Austin, Doyle Junior/Senior; second, Jewelie Green Holden Junior/Senior; and third, Mollie Bailey, Holden Junior/Senior CITIZENSHIP/4-H LEADERSHIP/ JUNIOR LEADERSHIP

6TH-8TH: ﬁrst, Aly Decker, North Corbin Junior High; second, Berkleigh Stewart, Live Oak Junior High; and third, Andi McAllister, North Corbin Junior High

9TH-12TH: ﬁrst, Ruston Graham, Walker High; second, Brooklyn Kersey, Doyle Junior/Senior; Aiden Hutchinson Holden Junior/Senior CONSUMER EDUCATION

6TH GRADE: ﬁrst, Piper Howes, Holden Elementary; second, Jwan Favron, Holden Elementary; and third, Eliana Masso, Doyle Junior/Senior

7TH & 8TH GRADES: ﬁrst, Aubreigh Brock, Doyle Junior/Senior; second, Gianna Prosperie, Doyle Junior/Senior; and third Aly Decker, North Corbin Junior High

9TH -12TH GRADES: ﬁrst, Macie Moreau, Doyle

Junior/Senior; second Lance LeBlanc Doyle

Junior/Senior; and third, Riley Shiﬂet, Doyle

Junior/Senior

CRANK IT UP, 6TH-8TH: ﬁrst, Anthony Jacobs, North Corbin Junior High; second, Matthew Truax, Frost Junior High; third, Christopher Galjour, Holden Elementary

DAIRY CATTLE

6TH – 8TH: ﬁrst, Gabe Williams, Doyle Junior/ Senior; second, Imogene Slade, Holden Elementary; and third, Anthony Cox, Walker Junior High

9TH-12TH: ﬁrst, Chanler Fontenot. French Settlement Junior/Senior; second, Jewelie Green, Holden Junior/Senior; and third, Rylee Milton, French Settlement Junior/Senior

DISCOVERING THE WORLD OF 4-H

ROOM A: ﬁrst, Jameson Kraft, Seventh Ward Elementary; second, Joseph Rino, Gray’s Creek Elementary; third, Joy Smith, Denham Springs Elementary

ROOM B: ﬁrst, Mia Argenal, South Walker Elementary; second, Amelia Bufﬁngton, Holden Elementary; third, Colton Myers, Livingston Parish Homeschool

ROOM C: ﬁrst, Jackson Cartwright, South Live Oak Elementary, second, Lucille Buchanan, Doyle Elementary; and TJ Kiggans, South Live Oak Elementary

ROOM D: ﬁrst, Hope Langlois, South Live Oak Elementary; second, Brooklyn Johnston, South Live Oak Elementary; and Isaiah Washington, Freshwater Elementary

ROOM E: ﬁrst, Adrian Curtin, Northside Elementary; second, Henrietta Dismukes, South Live Oak Elementary; third, Amabel Cutrer South Live Oak Elementary

DRAWING, FIBERS, ARTS & SCULPTURE, 6TH8TH: ﬁrst, Dean Dante, North, Corbin Junior High; Gavin Stafford, Springﬁeld Middle; and Adelise Lehnus North, Corbin Junior High; and second, Emma Hardy, Frost Junior High

EXPLORE THE DEEP WOODS/NAILING IT

TOGETHER, 9TH-12TH: ﬁrst, Ruston Graham, Walker High; second, Carrie McCumsey, Live Oak High and third, Jemma Wimbish, Doyle Junior/Senior

EXPLORING THE WORLD OF 4-H

ROOM A: ﬁrst, Abigail Raynes, Live Oak Middle; second, Kenley McGehee, Northside Elementary; and third, Evie Colvin, Northside Elementary

ROOM B: ﬁrst, Jax Mohammed, South Walker Elementary; second, Kynlee Campbell, Northside Elementary; and third, third, William Dyess. French Settlement Elementary

ROOM C: ﬁrst, Raelyn Lehnus, Levi Milton Elementary; second, Lilian Lyles, Levi Milton Elementary; and third, Mia Carroll, Denham Springs Elementary

ROOM D: ﬁrst, Alayna Jordan, Doyle Elementary; second, Lisandro Carballo, Southside Elementary; third, Gemma Prosperie, Doyle Elementary

FIRST AID IN ACTION, 6TH-8TH: first, Beaux Arbour, Live Oak Junior High; second, Aubreigh Brock, Doyle Junior/Senior; and third, Kenlie Davis, North Corbin Junior High FOOD & NUTRITION/YOU’RE THE CHEF, 9TH12TH: first, Tanna Prokop, Doyle Junior/Senior; second, Jaelyn Farace, Doyle Junior/Senior; and third, Karson Blount, Doyle Junior/Senior FROM HOME DESIGNS TO HOUSING ISSUES, 9TH-12TH: first, Peyton Ogle, Doyle Junior/Senior; second, Amyria Hamilton, Doyle Junior/ Senior; and third, Marissa Diddon, Holden Junior/Senior

GOOD GROOMING BOYS

4TH & 5TH: ﬁrst, Lisandro Carballa, Southside Elementary; second, Reece Watson, Seventh Ward Elementary; and third, Kaden Miller, Walker Elementary

MAINTENANCE & OPERATION/BUYING YOUR FIRST CAR, 9TH-12TH: ﬁrst, Rylee Milton, French Settlement Junior/Senior High and Levi Lockhart, Walker High; second, McKenzie Truax, French Settlement Junior/Senior

NEWS REPORTER

7TH-8TH: first, Brooke Jubin, Springfield Middle; and second, Lilly Barnum, Springfield

Middle 9TH-12: ﬁrst, Olivia Vulgamore, Walker High; and second, Bella Mobley, Doyle Junior/Senior OVERALL WINNER: Olivia Vulgamore, Walker High

PAINTING, PRINTING & GRAPHIC DESIGN, 6TH8TH: first, Kenher Melancon, French Settlement Junior/Senior; second, Addelyn Wilson, Doyle Junior/Senior; and third, Brooke Jubin, Springfield Middle PET CARE, LEADING THE PACK, 9TH-12TH: first, Jacob Hutchison, Walker High; second, Jaelynn Farace, Doyle Junior/Senior; and third, Abigail Grantham, Doyle Junior/Senior PHOTOGRAPHY

6TH-8TH: ﬁrst, Ma’laysia Lilly, North Corbin Junior High

9TH-12TH: ﬁrst, Madeline Jones, Doyle Junior/ Senior; second, Kennedy Price, Doyle Junior/ Senior; and third, Victoria Tripp, Walker High PLAY THE ROLE/BECOME A PUPPETEER, 6TH8TH: ﬁrst, Kenlie Davis, North Corbin Junior High; second, Ethan Sevario, North Corbin Junior High; and third, Ella Brady North Corbin Junior High

POULTRY

The volunteers of the year are Jennifer Vulgamore and Leslie Miller with Kiwanis Club Representative Richard Hill, at right

6TH-8TH: ﬁrst, Phoenix Sibley, Holden Elementary; second, Amelia Lee, Frost Junior High; and, third Memphis Sibley. Holden Junior/ Senior

Livingston Volunteers for Family and Community Scholarship is presented by LVFC member Jinx Berthelot to award winner Haleigh Nettles. LVFC member Terri Brumbaugh is at the right.

6TH — 8TH: ﬁrst, Cayden Clark, North Corbin Junior High; second, Carter Van Dinther, Live Oak Junior High; and third, Blaze Ducote, Albany Middle

9TH-12TH: ﬁrst, Ruston Graham, Walker High; second, Beaux Neal, Doyle Junior/Senior

OVERALL WINNER: Ruston Graham

GOOD GROOMING GIRLS

4TH & 5TH: first, Edith Guidry Live Oak Middle; second, Ainslee Shirah, South Live Oak Elementary; and third, Audrey Bell, Levi Milton Elementary 6TH — 8TH: first, Addelyn Wilson, Doyle Junior/Senior; second, Kenlie Davis, North Corbin Junior High; and third, Kendall Vaughn, Walker Junior High 9TH-12TH: first, Khloe Magee Doyle Junior/Senior; second, Addison Sibley, Walker High and third, Carly Biscotto Live Oak High

OVERALL WINNER: Addelyn Wilson

GROWING WITH OTHERS, 6TH-8TH: ﬁrst, Kenlie Davis, North Corbin, Junior High; second, Emma Broussard, North Corbin Junior High; and third, Saniya Meyers, North Corbin Junior High

HOUSING DESIGN & IMPROVEMENTS, 6TH-8TH: ﬁrst, Piper Howes, Holden Elementary, second, Lana Stewart, North Corbin Junior High; and third, Aubreigh Brock, Doyle Junior/Senior

HORTICULTURE/AGRONOMY, 9TH – 12TH: ﬁrst, Abigail Grantham, Doyle Junior/Senior, second, Karson Blount, Doyle Junior/Senior; and third, Ruston Graham, Walker High

INTRO TO PETS, 6TH-8TH: ﬁrst, Blakely Tamasi, Holden Junior/Senior; second, Peyton Bignar, Springﬁeld Middle and third, Dean Dante, North Corbin Junior High

INVESTIGATING ELECTRICITY & INSIDE THE BOX, 6TH-8TH: ﬁrst, Briar Dewitt, North Corbin Junior High; second, Mason Bailey, Holden Junior/Senior; and third, Braxton Bingham, North Corbin Junior High IT’S MY HOME, 6TH-8TH: ﬁrst, Saniya Meyers, North Corbin Junior High; second, Christopher Galjour, Holden Elementary; Aly Decker, North Corbin Junior High; Cheyenne Coates; Walker Junior High

9TH-12TH: first, Macie Moreau, Doyle Junior/ Senior; second, Blaize Foster, Holden Junior/ Senior; and third, Leslie Jasso, Holden Junior/ Senior JUMP START FOR JOB SEEKERS, 9TH – 12TH: first, Maddie Jones, Doyle Junior/Senior: second, Leslie Jasso, Holden Junior/Senior; and third, Marissa Diddon, Holden Junior/Senior KEEPING FIT 9TH-12TH: first, Memphis Sibley Holden Junior/Senior; second, Brooklyn Kersey, Doyle Junior/Senior; and third, Lance LeBlanc, Doyle Junior/Senior LET’S GET GROWING, 6TH-8TH: first, Peyton Brignac, Springfield Middle; second, Alara Guitreau, Frost Junior High; and third, Kynlea Hano, Springfield Middle LIVESTOCK

4TH & 5TH: ﬁrst, Evie Colvin, Northside Elementary; second, Bradley Whited, South Fork Elementary; and third, Gannon Rhodus, Northside Elementary

6TH-8TH: ﬁrst, Madison Meyers, Walker Junior High, second, Memphis Sibley, Holden Junior/ Senior; and third, Bentley Schiro, North Corbin Junior High

9TH-12TH: ﬁrst, Jacob Hutchison, Walker High; second, Chanler Fontenot, French Settlement Junior/Senior; and third, Addison Sibley, Walker High

9TH-12TH: first, Rylee Milton, French Settlement Junior/Senior; second, Kamryn Hudspeth, Walker High; and third, Abigayle Guidry, Doyle Junior/Senior REACH FOR THE CANOPY/MAKING THE CUT 6TH-8TH: first, Kennedy Demars, Springfield Middle; second, Blake Dalton, Springfield Middle; and third, Presley Graham, North Corbin Junior High REEL IN THE FUN, 6TH-8TH: first, Joseph Wheat, North Corbin, Junior High; second, Garrett Martin, Frost Junior High; and third, Bambi Imme, Live Oak Junior High REFINE DESIGN & CLOTHING, 9TH-12TH: first, Anna Bravata, Holden Junior/Senior; second, Blaize Foster, Holden Junior/Senior; and third, Aubree Parrino, Doyle Junior/Senior SEE THEM SPROUT, 6TH-8TH: first, Kendall Vaughan, Walker Junior High; second, Juliana Vernazza, Walker Junior High; and third, Emilyn Willman, Springfield Middle SET THE STAGE, 9TH-12TH: first, Ruston Graham, Walker High; second, Riley Shiflet, Doyle Junior/Senior; and third, Macie Moreau, Doyle Junior/Senior

SHOOTING SPORTS

6TH-8TH: ﬁrst, Joseph Whear, North Corbin Junior High; Zyra Dante, North Corbin Junior High and Aly Decker, North Corbin Junior High 9TH -12TH: ﬁrst, Peyton Ogle, Doyle Junior/Senior: Ruston Graham, Walker High; and Jacob Hutchison, Walker High

SIX EASY BITES, 6TH-8TH: ﬁrst, Kenlie Davis, North Corbin Junior High; second, Aly Decker, North Corbin Junior High; and third, Lana Stewart, North Corbin Junior High

TAKE YOUR PICK, 9TH-12TH: ﬁrst, Ruston Graham, Walker High; second, Marissa Diddon, Holden Junior/Senior; and third, Blaize Foster, Holden Junior/Senior

THEATER ARTS, LEVEL 1

6TH-8TH: ﬁrst, Liliana Cooper, Springﬁeld Middle; second, Kenher Melancon, French Settlement Junior/Senior; and third, Ethan Sevario, North Corbin Junior High

THEATER ARTS, LEVEL 3

9TH-12TH: ﬁrst, Bella Mobley, Doyle Junior/ Senior; second, Aubree Parrino, Doyle Junior/ Senior; Ruston Graham, Walker High; and Riley Shiftlet, Doyle Junior/Senior TUNE IT UP, 9TH – 12TH: ﬁrst, Makenzi Truax, French Settlement Junior/Senior; second, Shaylynne Bice, Doyle Junior/Senior; and third, Rylee Milton, French Settlement Junior/ Senior

T-SHIRT CONTEST

4TH-6TH: ﬁrst, South Walker Elementary; second, Northside Elementary; and third, South Fork Elementary

7TH-8TH: first, Springfield Middle; second, Walker Junior High 9TH-12TH: first, Walker High; and second, French Settlement Junior/Senior; and third, Live Oak High

UNDER CONSTRUCTION/FASHION FORWARD, 6TH-8TH: ﬁrst, Kenlie Davis, North Corbin Junior High; second, Ella Brady, North Corbin Junior High; and third, Gianna Prosperie, Doyle Junior/Senior

VET SCIENCE

6TH-8TH: ﬁrst, Kinlee Melancon, Denham Springs Junior High; second, Tripp Lazarus, Denham Springs Junior High; and third, Raegan Guitreau, Frost Junior High

9TH-12TH: ﬁrst, Kamryn Hudspeth, Walker High; second, Kennedy Price, Doyle Junior/Senior; and third, Morgan Lawson, Live Oak High

WHAT’S BUGGING YOU?

6TH-8TH: first, Lincoln Hardy, Frost Junior High; second, Kennedy Demars, Springfield Middle; and third, Bradley Sanders, Springfield Middle 9TH-12TH: first, Brooklyn Kersey, Doyle Junior/ Senior; second, Oaklee Bigner, Doyle Junior/ Senior; and third, Morgan Lawson, Live Oak High

WIGGLES & WAGS/CANINE CONNECTION, 6TH8TH: first, Peyton Bignar, Springfield Middle; second, Addelyn Wilson, Doyle Junior/Senior; and third, Caisley Nowlin, North Corbin Junior High WILDLIFE, 6TH-8TH: first, Anthony Jacobs, North Corbin Junior High; second, Carson Perricone, Springfield Middle; and third, Jonathan Capers, Junior North Corbin Junior High; Kynlea Hano, Springfield Middle WIRED FOR POWER, 9TH-12TH: first, Macie Moreau, Doyle Junior/Senior; second, Oaklee Bigner, Doyle Junior/Senior; and third, Riley Shiftlet, Doyle Junior/Senior YOU & THE ENVIRONMENT, 6TH-8TH: first, Kendall Vaughan, Walker

Junior High; second, Madison Onellion, Albany Middle; and third, Lincoln Hardy, Frost Junior High

Golden Clover Award winners are Adelise Lehnus, North Corbin Junior High and Jacob Hutchison, Walker High.

Emerald Achievement Award Winners are Olivia Vulgamore, Walker High and Levi Lockhart, Walker High.

PROVIDED PHOTOS

Song and Yell contestants at the recent Livingston Parish 4-H Achievement Day.