Ascension Advocate 07-01-2026

DONALDSONVILLE • DUTCHTOWN • GEISMAR • GONZALES • PRAIRIEVILLE • ST. AMANT

THE ASCENSION

ADVOCATE T H E A D V O C AT E.C O M

Darlene Denstorff AROUND ASCENSION

Independence celebration in Donaldsonville Celebrate the Fourth of July and America’s 250th birthday starting at 5 p.m.

July 3 in Donaldsonville.

AMERICA The event, at the city’s Crescent Park, 314 Mississippi St., will include food, activities and fireworks.

For information, call (225) 4734814.

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W e d n e s d ay, J u ly 1, 2026

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ALL-IN & ACTIVE

Mona Andrews smiles for the camera during the Beau Porto Special Tuesday event at Pecan Grove Primary School on June 23.

Beau Porto Special Tuesday brings smiles to attendees, volunteers

Beau Porto Special Tuesday ends this week with a parade and party at Pecan Grove Primary School.

Gonzales plans America’s 250th birthday party

The program was started more than 15 years ago by Bobbie Blanchard to provide a place

Free food, music and activities are planned from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 4 at Ascension Veterans Memorial Park, 612 S. Irma Blvd.

for her grandson and others with intellectual and physical disabilities.

The program was held each Tuesday in June

Highway 621 Outdoor Market

and has a Christmas party each year.

The Highway 621 Outdoor Market, 39275 La. 621, in Gonzales opens at 8 a.m. every Saturday until the end of July.

Shop vendors’ booths and purchase locally grown produce.

Volunteers lead the participants in games, arts and crafts and other activities.

‘Shrek The Musical’ coming to Gonzales Ascension Community Theatre is staging Shrek the Musical July 9-12 at the theater, 823 N. Felicity Ave., Gonzales Get ready for a hilarious, heartwarming adventure with everyone’s favorite ogre. Based on the DreamWorks animated film, “Shrek the Musical” turns the fairy tale world upside down in a joyful celebration of friendship, love, and selfacceptance.

For tickets and more information, visit https:// ci.ovationtix.com/35620/production/1251046.

Caretaker Zemeatress Simon wipes Carson Enlow’s lips after feeding her.

Food distributions set Ascension Parish’s commodity distribution is set for the second Tuesday of each month in Donaldsonville and the second Wednesday of the month in Gonzales.

Distributions are from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Frank Sotile Jr. Pavilion in Donaldsonville and the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales.

All recipients must be prequalified by visiting the Ascension Parish Health Unit, 1024 E. Ascension Complex Blvd., in Gonzales or the Donaldsonville courthouse, 300 Houmas St. Contact Layne Melancon at (225) 450-1006 or layne.melancon@fmolhs.org.

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.

STAFF PHOTOS BY JAVIER GALLEGOS

Chelsea R. plays with a beach ball during the Beau Porto Special event at Pecan Grove Primary School.

Jay C. smiles for the camera during the Beau Porto Special Tuesday event.

Donaldsonville woman to open tea room inspired by her grandmother’s legacy

Proposed advisory committee tied to Hyundai facility draws criticism

BY ANNAKATE FREELAND

Staff writer

ä See COMMITTEE, page 4G

social worker is preparing to open a tea room in downtown Donaldsonville called Miss Laura’s on Nearly every meaningful mem- the Avenue, fulfilling what she deory Donna Gaignard has begins scribes as a longtime dream and around her grandmother’s kitchen honoring the woman who raised her. table.

“It’s not a side hustle to me. It’s It was there, sitting with her grandmother, Laura Gaignard, like a dream come true. It’s my that she learned hospitality, con- happy place. It’s what I do in memversation and the importance of ory of my grandmother, because she was everything,” Gaignard making people feel welcomed.

Now, decades later, she is turning said.

Gaignard purchased the those memories into a business.

At 63, the Donaldsonville native, ä See TEA ROOM, page 4G grandmother to five and longtime Staff writer

BY ANNAKATE FREELAND As Donaldsonville prepares for economic growth related to Hyundai’s planned $5.8 billion steel plant, city officials are considering creating an advisory committee to help connect local government with businesses, investors and residents moving into the community.

But the Donaldsonville council chairman and a former mayoral candidate said they would like to

Kailyn and Matthew N. walk together while looking for a seat. ä More photos. PAGE 2G

STAFF FILE PHOTO BY HILARY SCHEINUK

Donaldsonville third district council man Clem Brown looks over a document during a Town Hall meeting May 28 at the Lemann Memorial Center in Donaldsonville.

2G ■ Wednesday, July 1, 2026 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

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SPECIAL TUESDAY

STAFF PHOTOS BY JAVIER GALLEGOS

Attendees enjoy a game of foosball together during the Beau Porto Special Tuesday event at Pecan Grove Primary School on June 23.

Attendees enjoy a tour of an armored vehicle from the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office during the Beau Porto Special Tuesday event at Pecan Grove Primary School.

Kewanda Joshua, facing the camera, hugs a friend upon seeing each other during the Beau Porto Special Tuesday event.

COLLEGES

National scholarship honors RPCC director’s dedication to adult education Community news report River Parishes Community College’s Sarina Lirette, the director of adult education and vice president of the Louisiana Association for Public, Community & Adult Education and Continuing

Education, has been selected as a recipient of the national scholarship grant by the Coalition on Adult Basic Education.

The coalition is dedicated to advancing the field of adult literacy.

The scholarship will sup-

port Lirette’s advanced doctoral study focused on improving adult education outcomes across Louisiana, a news release said. The research centers on evidencebased mentoring and instructional practices designed to strengthen student retention,

measurable skill gains, and high-quality instruction for adult learners statewide.

“Sarina’s commitment to adult education continues to transform lives across the River Region and throughout Louisiana,” stated RPCC Chancellor Quintin D. Taylor.

“Her national recognition is a reflection of her impact, as well as the importance of expanding access to adult education across Louisiana.”

RPCC’s Adult Education programs help students across the region strengthen academic skills through prep-

aration for high school equivalency credentials, English as a Second Language courses, digital literacy training and Accuplacer preparation.

For more information on adult education programs at RPCC, email adulted@rpcc. edu or visit www.rpcc.edu.

COLLEGE NOTES MISSISSIPPI STATE: Several Ascension Parish students were named the University of Mississippi’s spring honor roll lists.

Olivia Hamilton, of Prairieville, was named to the university chancellor’s list. Hamilton, studying English Education, was named to the chancellor’s honor roll, which is reserved for students who earn a semester GPA of 3.75-4.00.

Local students named to the university’s dean’s list include: n Brooklyn Hoffmann, of Prairieville in the B.A. in Southern Studies program n Avery Landry, of Geismar, in the B.S.L.S. in Law Studies program n Gavin Laird, of Prairieville, in the B.S.M.E. in Mechanical Engineering program n McKinley Heggelund, of Geismar, in the B.A. in Psychology program.

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS: The University of Arkansas is recognizing students for earning a place on the spring 2026 chancellor’s list, the university’s highest semester academic honor for undergraduates.

Local students included on the spring 2026 University of Arkansas chancellor’s list are: n Kate Rizzo, of Gonzales, Human Development and Family Sciences, Bachelor of Science in Human Environmental Sciences, Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences n Josiah Cox, of Gonzales, Industrial Engineering and Operations Analytics, Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering and Operations Analytics, College of Engineering SOUTHERN NEW HAMPSHIRE UNIVERSITY: Several Ascension Parish students were named to the spring president’s and dean’s lists at Southern New Hampshire University.

Ascension Parish students named to the dean’s list include: Hunter Carver, of St. Amant; Drunique Carter, of Prairieville; Kornell Moore, of Gonzales; Justine Kummer, of Gonzales; Delynn Ricks, of Gonzales; Gary Millet, of Gonzales; Breenna Doucet, of Gonzales; Candace Jefferson, of Gonzales; Delania

Brown, of Gonzales; Nicole Route, of Gonzales; Lazandra Bradford, of Gonzales, Devin Baker, of Geismar; Tamara Smith, of Geismar; and Christine Lilley, of Geismar.

For the president’s list, these students were named: Jacqueline Griggs, of Prairieville; Olivia Crain, of Prairieville; Rashad Bethencourt, of Gonzales; Kimberly Davis, of Gonzales.

UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA: Ascension Parish students were included in the 14,306 students enrolled during spring semester 2026 at the University of Alabama who were named to the dean’s and president’s lists.

Ascension Parish students named to the dean’s list included: GONZALES: Lanna Rodrigue GEISMAR: Anna Stricker PRAIRIEVILLE: Jackson Bardwell, Emily Diaz and Nancy Duncan.

Named to the president’s list were: GONZALES: Jacob Weber

PRAIRIEVILLE: Cameron Bourgeois and Joseph Du. UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA-LINCOLN: Ashtyn Morgan Yoches, of Prairieville, has been named to the dean’s list at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for the spring semester of the 2025-26 academic year.

Yoches, a junior majoring in child, youth and family studies, was named to the dean’s list for the College of Education and Human Sciences.

SAMFORD UNIVERSITY: Three Prairieville students were among the 2,408 Samford University students named to the dean’s list for the spring 2026 semester.

Anna Saporito, Sheldon Gremillion and Alaina McCarthy were named to the dean’s list at the university.

NICHOLLS: Nicholls State University, in Thibodaux, celebrated its students’ achievements and academic dedication during its 118th commencement ceremonies.

The university presented the President’s Medal of Honor to 19

undergraduates who maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout their collegiate careers.

Bellina William, of Ascension Parish, graduated with degrees in business administration–pre-law and accounting and is one of the recipients.

ULM: Chloe Robbins, an Atmospheric Sciences major from Gonzales, was named to the University of Louisiana Monroe’s spring 2026 president’s list.

UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND: Malik Allen, of Gonzales, was named to the dean’s list for the spring 2026 term at University of Maryland Global Campus.

POINT PARK UNIVERSITY: Milan Beauchamp, of Prairieville, was named to Point Park University’s spring 2026 dean’s list.

Beauchamp was among more than 1,300 students named to the spring 2026 dean’s list.

Point Park University is in downtown Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

THE ASCENSION

ADVOCATE THE ASCENSION ADVOCATE 40444 Cannon Road Gonzales, LA 70737 (225) 388-0215 PUBLISHED EVERY WEDNESDAY

Online at theadvocate.com/ baton_rouge/news/communities/ ascension/

COMMUNITY SECTION EDITOR

Darlene T. Denstorff ddenstorff@theadvocate.com OFFICE: (225) 388-0215 CELL: (225) 603-1998 RIVER PARISHES WRITER Christopher Cartwright christopher.cartwright@theadvocate.com (225) 388-0125

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The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Wednesday, July 1, 2026 ■ 3G

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ASCENSION PARISH BOOKINGS The following people were booked into the Ascension Parish Jail on June 11-25:

JUNE 11

COOK, JAUVON AVERY: 43523 La. 621, Gonzales; 22; failure to appear-bench warrant, state probation violation SIMPSON, RUSSELL WAYNE: 37129 Easley Melancon Road, Prairieville; 42; prohibited acts-drug paraphernalia, distribution/possession with intent to distribute Schedule II controlled dangerous substance (methamphetamine), distribution/possession with the Intent to distribute marijuana or synthetic cannabinoids, two counts fugitiveother Louisiana jurisdiction, failure to appear-bench warrant, state probation violation VILLENURVE, ALDEN J.: 12360 George Lambert Road, St. Amant; 62; fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction, probation violation, flight from an officer BRODEN, DONZELL RASHON: 3166 Leno Drive, Vacherie; 33; failure to appear-bench warrant

JUNE 12

BAZILE, DUSTIN MICHAEL: 15240 Silver Oak Drive, Prairieville; 41; failure to appearbench warrant MCCLARD, SHAUN PATRICK: 22417 Teal St., Maurepas; 46; fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction, owner to secure registration, security required, driving on roadway laned for traffic, operating vehicle while license is suspended, six counts failure to appearbench warrant DUPLESSIS, TRAETON MARC: 13042 KC Road, Gonzales; 17; distribution/possession with the Intent to distribute marijuana or synthetic cannabinoids CARDELLO, SHAINA GILL: 14496 Airline Highway, Gonzales; 41; driving on roadway laned for traffic, operating while intoxicated CORNEJO, ISMAEL JAIMES: 18646 Muddy Creek Road, Prairieville; 36; fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction, bond revocation, operating a vehicle while under suspension for certain prior offenses, operating while intoxicatedsecond BELL JR., HENRY: 45328 Penny Duplessis Road, St. Amant; 32; disturbing the peace/drunkenness, resisting an officer by violence/resistance/or opposition, operating while intoxicated-first, unlawful disruption of the operation of a healthcare facility WASHINGTON, MICHAEL TYRESE: 117 La. 1003, Belle Rose; 23; three counts failure to appear-bench warrant, view outward or inward through windshield or windows-obscuring prohibited, operating vehicle while license is suspended, fugitiveother Louisiana jurisdiction ABREU, WILSON S.: Avenida 27 De Febrero Road, No. 1778 Apt 1A, Dominican Republic; 49; two counts residential contractor fraud more than $1,000 less than $5,000, exploitation of elderly persons or persons with infirmities, two counts residential contractor fraud $5,000 to $25,000

JUNE 13

CAIN, STANFORD EDWIN: 13103 Ash Lane, St. Amant; 58; domestic abuse batterystrangulation, domestic abuse battery WESLEY, TREVONTI ANTHONY: address unknown; 28; simple criminal damage to property less than $1,000, domestic abuse battery LONDON, KUMARI LYNN: 9342 Ashland Road, Gonzales; 43; failure to appear-bench warrant, telephone communications/improper language/ harassment

ALEXANDER, JANIEKO MATTIE SHUNTA: 314 S. Sammy St., Gonzales; 42; disturbing the peace/language/disorderly conduct, simple battery SANCHEZ, GAGE CHASE: 12297 Beco Road, St. Amant; 21; domestic abuse battery HUE, CAMERON: 12123 Roddy Road 20, Gonzales; 22; fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction, failure to appear-bench warrant BOBBITT, MEGAN R.: 39483 Al Drive, Prairieville; 31; domestic abuse battery-child endangerment

JUNE 14

JONES, WILDA: 39350 W. Worthey Road, Gonzales; 23; failure to appear-bench warrant, two counts fugitiveother Louisiana jurisdiction, simple battery MARTINEZ, BRANDON: 12322 Dutchtown Lane, No. 18, Geismar; 29; hold for other agency, violations of registration provisions, driver must be licensed, operating while intoxicated-second CLAITOR, JAMES: 11417 Center Court, Baton Rouge; 30; aggravated obstruction of a highway of commerce, general speed law, driving on roadway laned for traffic, reckless operation, criminal trespass/trespassing of real property, resisting an officer, aggravated flight from an officer, negligent carrying of a concealed handgun, illegal use of weapons or dangerous instrumentalities/weapons law violation GIVENS, BRAYDEN PAUL: 44087 Lake Hills Drive, Prairieville; 19; failure to appear-bench warrant, prohibited vehicle modification-wheel well ALFORD, ALAYSIA: 5151 Highland Road, No. 223, Baton Rouge; 23; hold for other agency, possession of marijuana less than 14 grams, resisting an officer, organized retail theft $5,000 to less than $25,000 WELLS, FARRAH: 6204 Victory Drive, Baton Rouge; 25; possession of marijuana less than 14 grams, possession of a Schedule IV controlled dangerous substance (alprazolam), possession of a Schedule I controlled dangerous substance, no seat belt, fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction, owner to secure registration, security required, driver must be licensed, reckless operation, disturbing the peace/language/disorderly conduct, resisting an officer, organized retail theft $5,000 to less than $25,000, aggravated obstruction of a highway of commerce, illegal possession of stolen things $1,000 to $5,000 CHRISTOPHER, KRYSTAL: 10707 Industriplex Blvd., Baton Rouge; 21; possession of marijuana less than 14 grams, disturbing the peace/ language/disorderly conduct, resisting an officer, organized retail theft $5,000 to less than $25,000

JUNE 15

CASCIO, MARIA D: 18477 Lake Camellia Ave., Baton Rouge; 47; operating while intoxicated-second, general speed law MAKI, KEITH PARKER: 10678 Durward St., Baton Rouge; 32; disturbing the peace/language/disorderly conduct MORALES, SCOTT J.: 11365 W. Paula St., St. Amant; 49; domestic abuse battery-child endangerment GRAHAM, RAQUEL BORDELON: 12440 Jim Babin Road, St. Amant; 54; criminal trespass/ trespassing of real property YOUNG II, CHARLES E.: 43509 N. Pine Crest St., Gonzales; 45; failure to appear-bench warrant, fugitive-other state jurisdiction, violations of protective orders TOUSSAINT, KAYLAN: 42265 Conifer Drive, Gonzales; 26;

failure to appear-bench warrant FRANCIS, DEON MONTRELL: 2049 Pocahontas St., Baton Rouge; 39; failure to appearbench warrant ALVARADO-MORALES, ANTONIO DE JESUS: 2113 Ann Maria Drive, Unit D, Baton Rouge; 41; fugitive-other state jurisdiction, sexual battery DAVIS JR., GEORGE A.: 38315 N. Robert Wilson Road, Gonzales; 56; simple assault BYRD, GREGORY ELDRIDGE: 13477 Orleans Drive, Gonzales; 50; two counts failure to appear-bench warrant

JUNE 16

ARMSTEAD, TALESIA MARIE: 39134 Tony Christy Ave., Prairieville; 42; theft less than $1,000, two counts fugitiveother Louisiana jurisdiction COATES, KHALIA ACHELL: 3225 Woodcrest Drive, Baton Rouge; 20; simple battery ANDERSON, JORDON JAMAL: 334 St. James Place, Gonzales; 31; violations of protective orders BUTLER, KATRINA: 5907 Silverleaf Ave., Baton Rouge; 45; probation violation, failure to appear-bench warrant CHURCH, AARON J.: 6058 Brewerton Road, Gonzales; 33; parole violation SIMONEAUX, JERMAINE ANTHONY: 8222 Kingview St., St. James; 42; simple battery, battery of emergency room personnel or a healthcare provider

JUNE 17

BOURGEOIS, JOBE DAVID: 43406 N. Pine Crest St., Gonzales; 22; hold for other agency, two counts failure to appearbench warrant, residential contractor fraud $5,000 to $25,000, issuing worthless check $1,000 to $5,000, theft $5,000 but less than $25,000, theft less than $1,000 HARRIS, JEREMY PAUL: 515 Charles St., Donaldsonville; 39; prohibited acts-drug paraphernalia, possession of firearm by person convicted of certain felonies, illegal carry of weapons-crime or controlled dangerous substance, distribution/possession with the intent to distribute marijuana or synthetic cannabinoids, distribution/possession with intent to distribute Schedule II controlled dangerous substance (cocaine) MILEY, JUSTIN RAYMOND: 149 Brignac St., Denham Springs; 33; probation violation LARGAESPADA, ALEXANDER ENRIQUE: 4661 N. Fuller Place, Baton Rouge; 34; fugitiveother Louisiana jurisdiction, sexual battery

JUNE 18

NORTH, CAIL: 8623 Rush Ave., Baton Rouge; 44; operating while intoxicated-second WEBB, KAMERRIAH LASHUN: 9517 Deer Trail Ave., Zachary; 29; fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction, two counts failure to appear-bench warrant SMITH, ADRIAN MARIE: 4343 Denham St., No. 1302, Baton Rouge; 44; fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction, failure to appear-bench warrant, telephone communications/ improper language/harassment BLANEY, ANDREA DALIN: 38164 Smith Road, Prairieville; 39; simple burglary, battery of emergency room personnel or a healthcare provider, resisting an officer, criminal mischief/tampering with any property of another, criminal trespass/ all other, failure to appear-bench warrant MAKI, KEITH PARKER: 10678 Durward St., Baton Rouge; 32; disturbing the peace/language/disorderly conduct GUIDRY, RICHARD BROCK: 618 Old School Road, Arnaudville; 44; fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction, simple burglary

JUNE 19

SULLIVAN, JACODEY JWAN: 3350 La.1 S., No. 1, Donaldsonville; 32; possession of firearm by person convicted of certain felonies OCTAVE, JEMOND: 8544 S. St. Landry Ave. No. 36, Gonzales; 44; domestic abuse battery WEATHERSPOON, TEARAH ARNEACE: 4232 Lorraine Drive, Baton Rouge; 31; illegal carry of weapons-crime or controlled dangerous substance, prohibited acts-drug paraphernalia, manufacture/ distribution/possession with the intent to distribute Schedule I controlled dangerous substance, distribution/ possession with intent to distribute MDMA, distribution/possession with the intent to distribute marijuana or synthetic cannabinoids COLABUFO, CRYSTAL ANN: 434 S. Airline Highway No. 120, Gonzales; 39; battery of a dating partner VESSEL, LATISHA A.: 14101 JD Broussard Road, Gonzales 48; domestic abuse battery VESSEL, CARNELL D.: 14101 JD Broussard Road, Gonzales; 57; domestic abuse battery RAZZA III, RALPH EDMOND: 10363 Alex Reine Road, St. Amant; 35; theft $1,000 but less than $5,000 SMITH, RAHSAAN MARSHAL: 14496 Airline Highway, Gonzales; 30; domestic abuse battery-child endangerment

JUNE 20

NORRIS, AUSTIN: 14105 Braud Road, Gonzales; 34; unlawful disruption of the operation of a healthcare facility, battery of a police officer, resisting a police officer with force or violence BUCHAN, JOHN HOLLAND: 80111 Dreamland Court, Folsom; 46; possession of Schedule II controlled dangerous substance (methamphetamine) WHITE, RICKY E.: 9039 S. St. Landry Ave., No. 45, Gonzales; 60; operating vehicle while license is suspended, careless operation, operating while intoxicated-second SEYMORE, KAYLA DNETTE: 36502 Belle Savanne Ave., Unit E102, Geismar; 24; state probation violation, domestic abuse battery TUMAX, SERGIO: 42421 La. 30, Gonzales; 30; fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction, driver must be licensed, careless operation, operating while intoxicated-first MINGO, JARIOUS M.: 5420 Tuscany Lane, Sorrento; 27; hit-and-run driving, operating while intoxicated -first LAINEZ, JEAN CARLO: 209 N. Gautreau Ave., Gonzales; 31; operating while intoxicated -first, fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction JACKSON, MALACHI MARTELL: 14496 Oak Meadow St., Gonzales; 22; three counts failure to appear-bench warrant, evidence of motor vehicle liability security contained in vehicle, proper equipment required on vehicles; display of plate, operating a vehicle while under suspension for certain prior offenses EDWARDS, RHONKEISHA JAILYN: 413 W. Augusta St., Gonzales; 29; failure to appear-bench warrant, operating vehicle while license is suspended, handicapped parking, possession of alcoholic beverages in motor vehicles, operating while intoxicated -first

JUNE 21

LINK, LEMAR DAQUAN: 33450 Boudreaux St., White Castle; 21; failure to appear-bench warrant, illegal possession of stolen firearms BRODEN, LEMAR CANTRELL: 216 Headland St., Morgan City; 37; failure to appearbench warrant, possession

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of marijuana more than 14 grams BELL, LAJARIUS R.: 1506 Amber St., Gonzales; 35; failure to appear-bench warrant, entry on or remaining in places or on land after being forbidden SIMIEN, LEZETTE VICTORIA: 40079 La Rochelle Road, Prairieville; 41; possession of alcoholic beverages in motor vehicles, driving on roadway laned for traffic, resisting an officer, operating while intoxicated -second BREAUX, GRANT THOMAS: 10281 Lake Ridge Ave., Gonzales; 26; disturbing the peace/ violent and tumultuous manner/disorderly conduct CHAUVIN, CODY PAUL: 628 Pine Hollow Drive, Gonzales; 35; simple obstruction of a highway of commerce, possession of marijuana less than 14 grams, possession of Schedule II controlled dangerous substance (cocaine) LEMOINE, COURTNEY RACHELLE: 21679 Waterfront East Drive, Maurepas; 34; horns and warning devices, operating while intoxicated -first BUTLER, DERMAYNE R.: 44604 Braud St., Sorrento; 47; unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling SMITH, LOGAN: 9125 Pertuis Rd, St. Amant; 20; resisting an officer LEE, ROSE MARIE: homeless, Donaldsonville; 55; fugitiveother Louisiana jurisdiction, two counts failure to appearbench warrant

JUNE 22

HOLLOWAY, NARIYAH: 5315 Cadillac St., Baton Rouge; 19; fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction WARD, ASHANTI RENEEJOSEPH: 525 E. Hamilton St., Gonzales; 23; fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction KING, TRUSSELL LEE: 41158 Citadel Drive, Sorrento; 32; fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction, simple assault, domestic abuse battery, Interfering with emergency communication (physical force) RAY, JOHN KAREEM: 37190 Corvette Drive, Prairieville; 46; resisting an officer, domestic abuse battery-strangulation SPIKES, CHRISTOPHER MARIO: 36223 Greenmeadow Ave., Prairieville; 41; domestic abuse battery-child endangerment LOPEZ, SEBASTIAN: 11296 Stevenson Road, Geismar; 19; possession of alcoholic beverages in motor vehicles, careless operation, unlawful possession of fraudulent documents for identification purposes, operating while intoxicated -first MINGO, TREVONNE LIL BRIAN: 2030 Riverside Drive, Bogalusa; 31; probation violation parish, failure to appearbench warrant WILLIAMS, GAVEN MEKIH: 12172 Elmo Lambert Road, St. Amant; 22; violations of protective orders, failure to appear-bench warrant SIMONEAUX, TANEESHA JANELL: 129 Dville Village Circle, Donaldsonville; 32; two counts failure to appearbench warrant GARCIA-PASTRANA, JORGE: 41085 Galvez Gardens Road, Prairieville; 32; fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction, resisting an officer WACTOR, NICHOLAS NATHANOL: 41201 Dean St., Gonzales; 18; theft less than $1,000, simple burglary (all others), contributing to the delinquency of juveniles-crime or controlled dangerous substance law, simple burglary (all others), theft of a motor vehicle over $25,000

JUNE 23

JONHSON, CORSICA SHONTRELL: 1707 Joseph St.,

Donaldsonville; 39; possession of Schedule II controlled dangerous substance (amphetamine) JEFFERY, JAZAMINE: 40221 Maddie Drive, Prairieville; 19; battery of a dating partner JOHNSON, MARCUS W.: 5123 Jean St., Baton Rouge; 34; two counts failure to appearbench warrant WILLIAMS, CEDRIC DEQUAN: 4768 Bradley St., Baton Rouge; 27; fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction, failure to appearbench warrant ROBISON, KRISTIN AMANDA: 737 Maxine St., Baton Rouge; 39; failure to appear-bench warrant MANCUSO, DERICK: 1466 Sharlo Ave., Baton Rouge; 36; fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction CARR, MARK G.: 814 W. Bergeron St., Gonzales; 38; no alcoholic beverages in park/field/swimming pools or playground, obstruction of justice/destruction/damage/vandalism, resisting an officer, operating while intoxicated -first HARGROVE, CIARA CASHE: 999 Rosenwald Road, Baton Rouge; 24; theft less than $1,000, second-degree robbery BROWN, JALON TYRONE: 13170 Dutchtown Point Ave., No. 1722, Gonzales; 22; three counts principals, possession of marijuana less than 14 grams, aggravated criminal damage to property, assault by drive-by shooting, second degree murder

JUNE 24

LONG, KEVIA TRINITY: 419 S. Calvin Ave., Gonzales; 21; possession of marijuana less than 14 grams, operating while intoxicated -first JOSEPH, ROCKY V: 507 Barcelona Drive, Donaldsonville; 44; possession of marijuana more than 14 grams, illegal carry of weapons-crime or controlled dangerous substance SPAIN, NICHOLAS ANDRE’: 304 W. Bordelon St., Gonzales; 34; parole violation, prohibited acts-drug paraphernalia, resisting an officer KNIGHT, BLAKE AUSTIN: 9416 Rod Anderson Road, St. Amant; 27; failure to appearbench warrant WILSON, JAMES CHARLES: 7514 Eva St., Sorrento; 54; two counts theft $1,000 but less than $5,000, possession of Schedule II controlled dangerous substance (methamphetamine) BELL, KIERAN JAMES: 816 E. Hamilton St., Gonzales; 34; distribution/possession with intent to distribute Schedule II controlled dangerous substance (cocaine), distribution/possession with intent to distribute Schedule II controlled dangerous substance (amphetamine), unlawful possession/production/or distribution of kratom, distribution/possession with intent to distribute Schedule II controlled dangerous substance (methamphetamine), distribution/possession with the intent to distribute marijuana or synthetic cannabinoids, creation or operation of a clandestine laboratory DOUCET, BROCK ANTHONY: 13860 Brittany Court, Denham Springs; 48; obscenity, reckless operation POINTER, DWAN MARSHAE: 12050 Cypress Ridge Drive, Geismar; 43; manufacture/ distribution/possession with the intent to distribute Schedule I controlled dangerous substance TOLBERT, STEVEN: 2900 Surfwood Drive, Gretna; 32; second-degree battery SMITH, BRENNON PAUL: 1918 La. 3043, Opelousas; 24; fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction, tail lamps

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Inside Prairieville football’s effort to make its third season a breakout campaign

BY JACKSON REYES

Staff writer

In year one of Prairieville’s existence, the Hurricanes took their lumps and finished their inaugural season with a 2-8 record.

The Hurricanes took a leap in their second season in 2025 after finishing 5-6 and making the Division I nonselect playoffs.

Now, entering year three, coach Mike Schmitt looks to add the finishing touches to his young program with one focus this offseason: developing depth.

He’s got an experienced quarterback, and talent on both sides of the ball. Next he hopes to have a squad that can compete for four quarters throughout a long football season.

“I see a continuation of last year,” he said. “I felt like last year we got better and better, but we still struggled in the latter parts of games because of depth.”

Experience under center While he’s still waiting to see which guys can step up and fill those roles, Schmitt will have the benefit of an experienced squad. The Hurricanes lose just five total starters off their playoff team from last year.

One of those returners is quarterback Skyler Kelly. He enters his senior season coming off his first full season starting at quarterback.

Last year, he completed 97 of his 183 passes for 1,082 yards. He threw 11 touchdown passes and four interceptions. Kelly did most of the damage in the ground game, running for 1,381 yards and 11 touchdowns on 157 attempts.

“His legs are what make him dynamic, so we’ve been trying to develop his arm and reads,” Schmitt said. “When you have good legs, you don’t have to read necessarily to the third and fourth read.

You’ve just got to be able to hit those open receivers.”

Schmitt is excited for what Kelly can accomplish in his final high school season.

“He has a good grasp of the offense, he knows what he’s doing,” Schmitt said.

“The ball is in his hands every play, and he can do what he wants with it when he’s on the field, and he’s the kind of kid that we trust with that.”

He knows Kelly can help Prairieville have a big season, but he knows he’ll need to continue developing his passing game if the Hurricanes want to build off last year.

Kelly is up to that challenge, and the experience of the postseason last year adds to that motivation.

“We know where we need to be and how we need to improve,” Kelly said. “Hopefully this year, we do what we need to do and hopefully make it again and make a deeper run.”

He’s already seen improvements in his passing game during the offseason.

PHOTO BY LEE BALL “We’re a lot better at the deep balls, Quarterback Skyler Kelly runs in a playoff game on Nov. 14, 2025. The Prairieville High School player will return as a senior. In the having more chemistry,” Kelly said. “I 2025 season, he completed 97 of 183 passes for 1,082 yards and 11 touchdowns. He added 1,381 yards and 11 touchdowns know where to put the ball, know when to on 157 attempts while running. throw the ball and how to read the safeties when they’re going to bite on it.”

“I think the players understand that He hopes to continue tuning his pass- of receivers Caleb Chauvin and Wayne in what it can do defending the pass.

The team returns defensive anchors we’re stronger than we were last year,” ing game to keep Prairieville’s positive Nicholas. Schmitt hopes they can commomentum going. plement their starting receivers, Nayden like linebacker Stantyn Delapasse and he said. “We feel like we have that expesafety Cade Hebert. The team has also rience, but again, it’s for me right now, Paul and Chance Jackson.

Players stepping up “It’s a lot of running,” Schmitt said. seen younger players begin to step up it’s the end of the games.”

He knows his team can compete with Schmitt has made a goal of develop- “Those other two guys have got to be able into bigger roles.

“Richie Bickham, who was a sopho- the best of opponents. The next step is to ing more offensive weapons for Kelly to to come in and be able to expel them and still have those abilities, and they are.” throw to. more last year, will be a junior, has finish and ensure his side is still firing on Paul and Jackson offer size and athleti- stepped up and played a little bit better,” all cylinders by the time games reach the “We throw a lot of deep balls, and so we’re trying to find more than just a cism, while Chauvin and Nicholas are Schmitt said. “The kids that were good fourth quarter.

“Every game we played pretty well in couple of good receivers,” Schmitt said. more compact but still offer explosive- for us and starters last year are still the first half and then lost it as we got “We’ve found some good young receiv- ness off the line. there.”

Schmitt sees the talent and experience further along,” Scmitt said, “so we’re Defensively, the goal has been to exers, and just guys that go out there and go fast.” pand their coverages, and look for guys beginning to take shape in his program, but just trying to be a more complete footThis offseason has seen the emergence who can give the secondary more variety he knows the process is far from finished. ball team.”

TEA ROOM

Continued from page 1G building at 210 Railroad Ave. in May 2023 for $115,900, according to property records.

She had intended to create a wellnessfocused space offering health classes and massages, but last year she had the vision of turning it into a tea room.

“Everything that happened that was meaningful to me and my life happened around that kitchen table at my grand-

COMMITTEE

Continued from page 1G see Hyundai hire qualified local people who can’t get jobs and make direct investment in the community.

The proposal was introduced during the City Council’s June 23 meeting, under the agenda item Korean Advisory Committee.

Mayor Leroy Sullivan said he did not want the committee to focus solely on Korean businesses or residents and would actually call the body the Mayor’s Advisory Committee.

“I had Korean on there, but I would like for this committee to deal with all groups that will be coming into the city of Donaldsonville,” he said.

Sullivan said the committee would serve

mother’s house,” she said. “She created a kind of experience for me, and I want to mimic that in my tea room where people come there and linger and don’t want to leave.”

The building, which previously housed a sandwich shop, has undergone extensive renovations. Gaignard said she replaced ceilings, removed drywall and remodeled much of the interior while preserving the character of the historic space.

When the business opens, likely between mid-July and August, the tea room will offer a small selection of teas along with

pastries. Gaignard said she may eventually expand the menu to include soups and salads, but does not envision the business becoming a full-service restaurant.

“No cooking steaks or any of that,” she said. “That’s not my vision.”

Gaignard spent much of her professional life in social work, teaching at Southern University and now operating Cypress Solutions LLC, a federal contracting company she founded in 2015.

But she describes the tea room as something different. In many ways, she said, the business is “a love letter” to her grand-

mother.

Gaignard’s business contributes to the growing investment in downtown Donaldsonville, but she began her journey years before Hyundai announced plans for its $5.8 billion steel mill in Ascension Parish.

“It’s very rewarding to see that interest and belief in this community now being shared by others,” she said. “I look forward to sitting down over a cup of tea with friends, neighbors and new residents alike, talking about the changes, the opportunities and all that’s happening in our corner of the world.”

as an appointed advisory body to promote economic development, investment, culture and community cooperation between the city and investors. Some positions he wants to include are chairman, legal affairs adviser, real estate and relocation advisory, and public safety and community operations advisers.

Council Chairman Charles Brown Sr. expressed concerns about local hiring, citing the difficulty of his son and others had finding work at the nearby industrial plants.

Brown said his “voice is not going to be quiet no more.”

“I think we’ve just been too silent, and we allow stuff to go on, and nobody’s saying anything. And it’s just time we all stand up and hold all of them accountable,” Brown said. “I don’t know how we have such a billion-dollar plant, and here we got our kids in

the community who are qualified and can’t get a job. I don’t think we need to allow that to happen with all other industries coming in the community.”

Before the mayor provided details of the proposed committee, former mayoral candidate Glenn Price raised concerns about the intentions of Korean businesses investing in the area and criticized the use of nondisclosure agreements related to the Hyundai project.

He referenced documents that a state district judge ruled Ascension Parish government must release. Price serves as president of the Sunrise Committee, which is part of a coalition advocating for a community benefits agreement with Hyundai.

“We do not believe they have sincere intentions. History has proven that they don’t keep their promises,” Price said. “How are

we going to hold Hyundai accountable when our local leaders, our Mayor Leroy Sullivan, our parish councilman, Oliver Joseph, signed the secret agreement withholding information, bottling information from the residents that you’re supposed to be representing?”

He also suggested that Hyundai should make direct investments in the community and contribute financially to Donaldsonville.

“Why don’t we demand that they put some money into our community? Real money.

Donate some money to the city of Donaldsonville,” he said. “These people are coming here to make billions, along with their pollution, but we’re not making any demands of these people.”

Sullivan said that there would be further discussion of the proposed committee at future council meetings.