Old town hall, train depot for rent
Leila Pitchford
AROUND ZACHARY
Lions coming to Zachary
The Zachary Mid City Lions Club inaugural Charter Banquet is at 6 p.m. June 26 at the Zachary High Auxiliary Gym, 4100 Bronco Lane.
Hosted by the Baker Lions Club, the banquet celebrates the chartering of the Zachary club. For tickets or information, contact Sherri Collins, (225) 916-6542 or cortellia914@gmail.com, or Gloria Johnson, (225) 937-2868 or gharrj@bellsouth.net.
Christmas in July
The Zachary Farmers and Artisans Market will host Summer Santa from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 11.
Meeting for Baker parks
Residents of Baker are invited to attend the Baker Parks Community Meeting from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m Monday June 15, at the Baker Municipal Center Auditorium, 3325 Groom Road, Baker
This meeting is to inform the public about plans and initiatives for the development of Baker parks, provide project updates, and gather community feedback to help guide future improvements.
Bible school
Zachary United Methodist Church, 4205 Church St., will hold its vacation Bible school from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. June 15-18. Dinner is provided, and there is no cost to attend. Preregistration preferred at tinyurl. com/3xwx9zrv
Play mahjong to support dogs
Pungs for Paws, a fundraiser for Must Luv Dogs Rescue is at 2 p.m. June 20 at First United Methodist Church, 930 North Blvd., in Baton Rouge.
The mahjong fundraiser is presented by Magnolia Mahj. Individual entry is $30 and the event will set up. A table for four is $100, which includes a table contest the entrants set up. Onsite vendors, a raffle for a tile set and door prizes will be available. Register at form.jotform.com/ mustluvdogs/pungpaws.
Fishing in Baker
The Get Hooked on Family Fishing Tournament is from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., June 13, at 2640 N. Magnolia Drive, in Baker. Bring your fishing poles, bait, lawn chairs, tents, coolers, etc Register at tinyurl.com/4dj36zak.
Summer sports camps
n The Coach Brew Mega Camp is June 19 for students entering grades one to nine. Visit zacharyathletics.org/news/2026/5/12/ football-coach-brews-z-megacamp-set-for-june-13-at-zachary-high-school.aspx for details and a registration link.
n The ZHS Wrestling Summer Camp by Ben McHugh is June 15-18. It is for boys and girls ages 6-14 and costs $150 Call (225) 302-4509 or email benjamin.mchigh@zacharyschools org. Register at https://tinyurl. com/447dtdsw Library millage election set
Election day for the East Baton Rouge Parish Library millage continuation is June 27. The proposed action is the same dedicated millage for the library that expired in 2025 but at a reduced 9.5-mill tax rate.
ä See AROUND, page 2G
BY OLIVIA McCLURE Contributing
writer
Want to open a business in downtown Zachary? Two historic, city-owned buildings might have just the space you are looking for City officials recently announced they want to lease out Zachary’s former town hall and train depot to retail businesses for up to two years. Written proposals are due by 5:30 p.m. June 30 at City Hall, 4700 Main St. The old town hall sits at the corner of Florida Street and Virginia Street. The 1,000-squarefoot, brick building was constructed in 1931 to replace Zachary’s original wooden town hall, which burned in the 1903 fire that consumed much of what was then a small town. The structure initially housed the mayor’s office and
Popeyes, other groups help feed area as part of tour
Community news report
On May 27 at Zachary Youth Park, Feed the Children, the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank and the Popeyes Foundation partnered to provide $125,000 worth of food and personal care items to 400 low-income families facing food insecurity in the Zachary area. The distribution was part of the “Serving with Love Tour,” a 15-city campaign aimed at combating summer hunger across the United States From March through the summer, the initiative will provide 250,000 meals to 12,000 families. Zachary marked the 14th stop on the tour, with New
Orleans, the home of Popeyes, set to host the final event. The timing of this effort is especially critical, as the need for food assistance increases during the summer months when school is out, a press release said. Volunteers, including Popeyes employees, assisted with organizing, setting up and distributing supplies as families drove through the site to receive food and essentials. Zachary Mayor David McDavid expressed his gratitude to Renee Hobbs, executive director of the Popeyes Foundation; Elizabeth Pfifer, president and CEO of the Greater Baton Rouge Food
On May 27, volunteers help load food and personal items into cars of recipients in Zachary.
PROVIDED PHOTO
to two years.
CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: Zachary High girls volleyball hosted a summer camp on June 3. Sixth grader Lorynn Jackson, fourth grader Adaire Hess and fifth grader Karter Johnson take part in the camp. Camp leaders include former Zachary Broncos basketball player Alissa O’Dell and 10th grade varsity basketball player Marcia Robinson. More on 2G
Continued from page 1G
Main Street between East Central and West Central avenues, served people who traveled through Zachary at a time when town life revolved around the railroad. Some sources indicate the depot was built in 1885; others say 1894. Like the old town hall, the iconic depot previously functioned as a museum In 2021, to some controversy, the city began leasing it out. Since then, restaurant ventures — including Maverick’s Q-N-Brew, Roly Poly Sandwiches and The Depot Diner — have cycled through the building. To schedule a viewing of either building, call Ashleigh McHugh, city economic development director, at (225) 654-0287, ext. 6.
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PHOTOS BY SONYA GOSS
Zachary High School’s student-athletes recently hosted a three-day girls volleyball and basketball summer camp, Hoops and Spikes,
taught myriad skills
ABOVE: Tri-Parish Sno-Balls provides sno-balls to the summer camp participants on the last day RIGHT: Sixth grader Audria Strickland looks to make a shot while playing basketball.
Zachary Forward Initiative is on the June 27 ballot
Community news report
On June 27, voters who live within the Zachary Community School District boundaries will have the opportunity to authorize existing school tax funds to be used only for Zachary Community School District employee compensation, without raising the tax rate on residents. With voter permission, these existing funds will be reallocated toward employee compensation (salaries and benefits).
Superintendent of Zachary Community School District Ben Necaise discussed the initiative during a June 4 Zachary Rotary Club meeting. Necaise explained that the initiative is not a new tax but a reallocation of existing millages to support teacher and employee compensation.
He said Zachary students outperformed 90% of districts nationwide in reading and ranked No. 1 among neighboring districts and parishes — including Ascension, St. Tammany, West Feliciana, Livingston, West Baton Rouge, Iberville, East Feliciana, East Baton Rouge and Pointe Coupee — in both reading and math.
This will allow the school district to retain and attract the best employees as well as continue to provide excellent benefit packages for current employees and retirees, according to a news release. The initiative connects directly with the district’s 2025-30 board-approved Strategic Plan. All voters living within the district boundaries are allowed to vote. Living outside of Zachary city limits does not disqualify you as a voter if you live within the district boundaries.
Town Hall Q&A sessions will be held at the district’s Main Office, 3755 Church St., at 6 p.m. June 18 and June 25.
Visit zacharyschools.org/ zachary-forward-initiative for information on the Zachary Forward Initiative and FAQs.
FEED
Continued from page 1G
Bank; and Dan Stephens, of Feed the Children, for bringing this impactful initiative to Zachary Chloe McCleary, of the Zachary Chamber of Commerce, also thanked the participating organizations and volunteers for their continued commitment to serving the community Bianca Coates, supervisor of child nutrition for the Zachary Community School District, noted that distributions like this help bridge the gap during the summer months, easing burdens on families and helping ensure students return to school healthy and ready to learn.
Election day is June 27. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Early voting is June 12-20, excluding June 14 and June 19, from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. To register to vote, check your registration, or verify your poll-
ing location, visit the Louisiana secretary of state’s website voterportal.sos.la.gov or the GeauxVote app. To see if you live within the school district area, visit zachary edgear.net/DMSZones/. From sudden fevers to
Pfifer said the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank serves 11 parishes and recently visited the Zachary Food Pantry on Rollins Road, recognizing it as a “gold star” agency for its outstanding service to the community
PROVIDED PHOTOS
Renee Hobbs, executive director of the Popeyes Foundation, addresses people at the food distribution in Zachary on May 27.
Zachary Mayor David McDavid helps a Popeyes volunteer load cars with food and supplies.
PROVIDED PHOTO
Zachary Mayor David McDavid, from left, East Baton Rouge Parish Metro Council member Brandon Noel, Rotary Club President Tamara Dayton, Zachary schools Superintendent Ben Necaise and Zachary School Board members Marty Hughes Jr and Ryan Talbot attend the June 4 Rotary meeting All of them are Rotarians. Necaise spoke at the meeting about the Zachary Forward Community School District Initiative, which will be on the ballot June 27.
Community news report
LSU
LSU graduation ceremonies were held May 15-16, 2026, in various buildings on campus.
Graduates from the region
include: Abby Allain Haddox: bachelors, magna cum laude, Zachary
Adrienne Bodine: bachelors, Zachary
Alexandra Tate Sanford: bachelors, Zachary
Amelia G. Sanford: bachelors, Zachary
Amiya LaShay Spears: bachelors, Zachary
Ashlee Tyneisha Wilkerson: bachelors, Zachary
Ayshia Rachelle Dunn: masters, Zachary
Brady N. Hernandez: bachelors, Zachary
Brooke Logue: bachelors, Zachary
Caleb B. Kilpatrick: bachelors, Zachary
Camryn Young: bachelors, Zachary Chandler James Hastings: bachelors, Zachary
Chloe Amara Johnson: bachelors, Zachary
Clay Owen Petty: bachelors, Zachary
Danielle-Diem Ngoc Thai: bachelors, summa cum laude, Zachary
Derrek Lathon: masters, Zachary
Donald Anthony Voiers: masters, Zachary Eleni Anastasia Allen: bachelors, summa cum laude, Zachary
Garilyn Odell London: online, masters, Zachary
Hannah Grace Lopez:
bachelors, summa cum laude, Zachary
James Lee Douet: bachelors, Zachary
Jessica Louise Boies: bachelors, Zachary
Joel L. Cavalier: bachelors, Zachary
Jonathan Claude Hughes: bachelors, Zachary
Jordan Sutton: bachelors, Zachary
Jules Huihui: bachelors, Zachary
Kaitlyn Dugas: masters, Zachary
Kaleb J. Green: bachelors, summa cum laude, Zachary
Kelly Eugene Wiley: bachelors, Zachary
Kristian Michele Maddie: bachelors, summa cum laude, Zachary
Krystal Kalitha Huggins: online, masters, Zachary
Kylie Breanne Golden: online, masters, Zachary
Landon Joshua Walls: bachelors, Zachary
Laryn Lee Bunch: bachelors, Zachary
Latoya Telameca Paul: online, masters Zachary
Logan Zachary Fox: bachelors, Baton Rouge
Maanav Patel: bachelors, Zachary
Mariah Alexander: bachelors, cum laude, Zachary
Matthew William Umstetter: bachelors, Zachary
Nahla Arab-Oghli: bachelors, magna cum laude, Zachary
Nya Puckett: masters, Zachary
Svetlana Sofia Stanley: bachelors, summa cum laude, Zachary Tyler Jackson: bachelors, Zachary Fallyn Quanese Wilson:
ZACHARY POLICE BOOKINGS
The following people were booked into East Baton Rouge Parish Prison or issued a summons by the Zachary Police Department from May 7-27:
BRYSON BARRETT: 23; 3310 Pope Road, Zachary; simple criminal damage to property, reckless operation of a vehicle
LAIKEN BREAUX: 26; 22849 Hazard Drive, Zachary; operating a vehicle while intoxicated, hit-and-run driving
LONNIE BURNETT: 50; 4150 McHugh Road, Apt. 312, Zachary; domestic abuse battery — strangulation
QUARANCE DUNN: 33; 5227 Fox Hunt Drive, Zachary; possession of marijuana, improper display of license plate
JOSHUA EALY: 27; 1950 Birch St., Baton Rouge; two counts of monetary instrument abuse, theft
JAMARCUS KAUFMAN: 30; 6634 Vineyard Road, Baton Rouge; possession of marijuana
ASHTON LEVY: 23; 37036 Jackson Oaks, Geismar; possession of marijuana, following too close
TRAVELL MALOID: 24; 5070 Lemonwood Drive, Baton Rouge; possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, improper display of license plate
KATHERINE MORRISON: 37; 649 S. 16th St., Baton Rouge; theft
DAVON PORCHE: 21; 6406 Woodside Drive, Zachary; distribution of Schedule I drugs
CHASE SAMPLE: 21; 17412 Lane Vista Drive, Greenwell
Michelle Gwyn, left, and Rotary President Tamara Dayton attend the May 21
Zachary Rotary meeting
PROVIDED PHOTO
bachelors, cum laude, Baker
Kenneth T. Tran: bachelors, Central
Allyson M. Ramsey: bachelors, Greenwell Springs
Cameron Christopher Besse: masters, Greenwell
Springs
Chris D. Plant Jr : bachelors, magna cum laude, Greenwell Springs
Cole Hudson Foret: bachelors, Greenwell
Springs
Connor W. Cassels: online bachelors, Greenwell
Springs
Emma Dungan: bachelors, Greenwell Springs
Emma Grace Millican: bachelors, Greenwell
Springs
Faith Rispone: bachelors, magna cum laude, Greenwell
Springs
Haley L. Leblanc: bachelors, Greenwell Springs
Hayley Madison Wall: bachelors, summa cum laude, Greenwell Springs
Ikaika Lee: masters, Greenwell Springs
Jada Spears: bachelors, Greenwell Springs
Joshua Glynn Murray: bachelors, Greenwell
Springs
Katherine Jordan Foster: online, bachelors, Greenwell
Springs
Lauren Alice Lindsay: bachelors, summa cum laude, Greenwell Springs
Maggie Elizabeth Callender: bachelors, cum laude, Greenwell Springs
Mikayla Buenafe: bachelors, Greenwell Springs
Myrissa Hope Eisworth: masters, Greenwell Springs
Naya Arielle Batiste: masters, Greenwell Springs
Peyton Scott Richard: bach-
elors, Greenwell Springs
Rebekah Slocum: bachelors, summa cum laude, Greenwell Springs
Scarlet J Martinez: bachelors, Greenwell Springs
Allie Michelle Slater: bachelors, Pride
Amber B. Gill: bachelors, Pride
Charleigh Alexis Parolli: bachelors, magna cum laude, Pride
Charyn Caye Weaver: bachelors, Pride
Melody Joy Pennington: bachelors, Pride
Louisiana Tech University
Louisiana Tech University has announced graduates from its spring 2026 commencement ceremonies held May 23.
Area graduates include: Zachary
Carter Wesley Cornelius: bachelor of science
Caroline Riess Cresap: bachelor of science
Austin Brady Delee: bachelor of science
Ethan Cain Dunning: master of science computer science
Taylor Garrett Hughes: bachelor of science
Sarah Elizabeth Israel: bachelor of science
Kaleigh Nicole Louque: bachelor of science
Averie Reese Manuel: bachelor of science
Keaton Jason Williams: bachelor of science
McNeese State University
McNeese State University conferred degrees on 675 graduates during two ceremonies for the university’s
166th commencement on May 22 in McNeese’s Townsley Law Arena.
Graduates from the area
include:
East and West Feliciana
parishes
Ethel: Ashley L. Pugh, Associate of General Studies and a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication
St Francisville: William Greene Calhoun, Master of Business Administration
Zachary
Zachary: Beatrice Butler, Master of Science in Nursing
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
The University of Louisiana at Lafayette held several commencement ceremonies May 15, 2026, at the Cajundome.
East Baton Rouge Parish
Baccalaureate Degree
Arts
Alissa Danielle Booker
Leah Marie Cox
Trinity Eyanti Early
Brycelyn Grace Fontenot Julianna Guilbeau
Business Administration
Seth Hayden Andrus Dillon Ray Brown
Colby Thomas Curcio Ava Marie Lemoine Kayla Louque
Education & Human Development
Ella Kate Aucoin Angel Batarseh Benjamin G. Day Ekene Onyechigoziri Ejiofor
Guidry named Lane Home Health nursing chief
Springs; hit-and-run
KERRICK SEWELL: 28; 2156 Meadow Hill Ave., Zachary; possession of marijuana
NICHOLAS SPANN: 30; 1814 Saul Ave., Zachary; fugitive warrant from Baton Rouge Police Department, failure to appear on outstanding bench warrants
JANOE DARENSBOURG: 22; 3598 Meadowland Road Zachary; theft, identity theft, simple criminal damage to property
TIMOTHY JOHNSON: 29; 13712 Goodwood Blvd., Baton Rouge; carnal knowledge of a juvenile, telephone communications; improper, molestation of a juvenile, prohibited sexual conduct between an educator and student
JAIVON OCONNOR: 20; 485 E. Mount Pleasant Road, Zachary; contempt of court
GERALD COLLINS: 31; 4184 Robert St., Zachary; domestic abuse battery – child endangerment
JOSHUA DAVIS: 34; 7486 La. 968, St. Francisville; failure to appear on outstanding bench warrants, fugitive warrants through St. Francisville Police Department, and fugitive warrants through West Feliciana Sheriff’s Office
EMILY DUKES: 46; 9063 Cherry Laurel Ave., Zachary; operating a vehicle while intoxicated no proof of insurance, failure to register a vehicle, and driving under suspension
TONYA KIRKLAND: 51; 6442 Donnie Drive, Zachary; theft
LAKESHIA PIERRE: 40; 5869 St. Katherine Ave., Baton Rouge; failure to appear on outstanding bench warrants
Zachary Rotary hears about clinical research
Community news report
On May 21, the Rotary Club of Zachary heard from Michelle Gwyn, Rotarian and owner of Southern Clinical Research.
Gwyn spoke about the importance of clinical research trials and the role they play in advancing medicine and improving patient care. She discussed how clinical trials help researchers evaluate new medications, treatments and medical devices while ensuring patient safety through carefully monitored studies. Gwyn also highlighted how participation in research can provide patients access to emerging therapies and contribute to medical breakthroughs that benefit communities everywhere.
Community news report
Lane Home Health has announced the promotion of registered nurse Lori Guidry to director of nursing.
Gu id ry brings more than 20 years of healthcare experience and 16 years of service to Lane Home Health into her new leadership role, according to a news release.
Guidry most recently served as clinical manager and acting director of nursing, overseeing daily operations for an agency serving
hundreds of patients and leading a team of more than 25 clinical staff members, according to the release.
In previous roles at Lane Home Health, Guidry developed and implemented the agency’s nurse liaison program and helped grow the patient census through relationship-building, education and community outreach. Her experience includes staff development, quality improvement initiatives, survey readiness, operational oversight and interdisciplinary team leadership.
“Lane Home Health has always felt like family to me,” Guidry said. “I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to continue
serving our patients, staff and community in this role.
Home health is truly my passion, and I look forward to continuing to build on the strong foundation our team has created while ensuring our patients receive compassionate, high-quality care in the comfort of their homes.”
Allyson Bennett, MSN, RN, chief nursing officer said Guidry’s experience and leadership made her the ideal choice for the position.
“Lori has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, clinical expertise, and a genuine commitment to both our patients and staff,” Bennett said. “Her deep understanding of home health operations,
dedication to quality care, and passion for serving others make her an outstanding leader for Lane Home Health. We are excited to see her continue to lead and grow the agency in this new role.”
Guidry earned her associate degree in nursing from Our Lady of the Lake College and began her healthcare career as a licensed practical nurse after graduating from Louisiana Technical College. Outside of work, Guidry enjoys traveling with her husband, Mickey, and spending time with their four children — Kip, Skylar, Jase and Berklee — and their two granddaughters, Kylie and Karsyn.
Lane Regional welcomes back nurse practitioner
Community news report
Lane Regional Medical Center welcomed Kameryn Kline Fevella, MSN, FNP-C , to its primary care te am , where she will provide comprehensive care for patients of all ages.
A board-certified family nurse practitioner Fevella brings more than a decade of healthcare experience, including extensive work in emergency medicine, cardiology, critical care and primary care. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from Samford University and her Master of Science degree in nursing, family nurse practitioner, from the University of South Alabama.
Fevella has spent the past eight years practicing primary care in West Feliciana Parish, where she managed acute and chronic conditions, preventive care and wellness visits for patients ranging from newborns to geriatrics. Her clinical approach emphasizes evidence-based medicine, disease prevention, and building long-term relationships with patients and families.
“Kameryn’s experience, clinical expertise,
and commitment to patientcentered care make her an outstanding addition to our provider team,” said Patty Williams, physician practice management director at Lane. “Her passion for caring for the whole family and her deep ties to this community align perfectly with our mission to provide high-quality, compassionate care close to home.”
Originally from Clinton, Fevella began her nursing
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career at Lane Regional Medical Center in the Emergency Department. She later expanded her experience in cardiology and intensive care, and also served internationally as a volunteer nurse and medical director in Haiti, where she helped coordinate medical teams and deliver community health education.
“It is an honor and privilege to return to Lane and serve this community,” said Fevella. “As a primary care provider, I’m passionate about caring for the whole family and building relationships rooted in trust and respect. I look forward to helping patients achieve their best possible health.” Fevella lives in Zachary with her husband and their four children. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors with her family and creating keepsake ceramics.
Guidry
Fevella