Ascension Advocate 07-08-2026

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

THE ASCENSION

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W e d n e s d ay, J u ly 8, 2026

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Air Products cancels $4.5B Lake Maurepas project

BY ALEX LUBBEN

Staff writer

Air Products is cancelling its $4.5 billion Lousiana Clean Energy Complex, a project that aimed to produce hydrogen fuel and pump carbon dioxide emissions from its new Ascension Parish plant underneath Lake Maurepas.

The Pennsylvania-based company announced its decision on the controversial project on Tuesday.

First proposed in 2021, the project envisioned a new industrial

facility in Ascension Parish that would produce what is called “blue hydrogen,” hydrogen fuel produced with natural gas, which proponents say results in fewer emissions than with coal or some other energy sources. That hydrogen would have been used to produce ammonia, which can be used as fertilizer or as fuel.

Air Products proposed piping the carbon dioxide emissions from that facility through wetlands to Lake Maurepas, where it would bury those emissions more

than a mile underground.

The Louisiana Clean Energy project drew criticism, particularly around its carbon capture component, which residents around Lake Maurepas strongly opposed. Environmental groups questioned whether the project would deliver on its promises.

And some Republican political leaders raised concerns about how the project would impact constituents.

In a prepared statement on Tuesday, Air Products said the project

wasn’t going to pay off the way it needed to. The cancellation is part of a set of project exits that will cost the company up to $2.9 billion in losses, before any tax savings are factored in.

The company said that it would continue to fulfill contractual obligations around Lake Maurepas and in Ascension Parish related to the project, and thanked “agencies, business and community partners, government officials, legislators, and regulators who worked professionally with us

across every aspect of the project.”

Email Alex Lubben at alex. lubben@theadvocate.com and follow him on Twitter @alexlubben. His work is supported with a grant from the Walton Family Foundation, administered by the Baton Rouge Area Foundation.

Sign up for the weekly Louisiana Coastal Watch newsletter to get updates about our environment coverage.

AMERICA

STAFF PHOTO BY JAVIER GALLEGOS

Donaldsonville celebrates Independence Day early with July 3 party in Crescent Park

Rhona Leblanc dances to ‘Party in the U.S.A.’ while sitting down alongside Dan Magere during Donaldsonville’s annual Independence Day Celebration on Friday. ä More photos. PAGE 3G

Ascension comes together to honor sacrifices of veterans

BY WENDY LOUP Contributing writer

Military veterans and their families were among those who attended America’s 250th Birthday Celebration at the Ascension Veterans Memorial Park on July 4.

The event, hosted by the Ascension Veterans Memorial Park Association, commemorated 250 years of

American independence, unity, and freedom.

In typical July weather in Louisiana, the temperatures soared, but attendees ate grilled hot dogs, cupcakes and donuts while listening to acoustic music provided

by Perique.

The America’s 250th Birthday Celebration was the inaugural July 4 celebration hosted at the park.

The family-friendly event

brought Ascension Parish residents of all ages.

Anne Marie Robert, 20, passed out popsicles and poppy pins, along with her younger brother, Jude, and sister, Abigail.

Robert, a student at LSU, and a member of the Gonzales VFW Post 3693’s Auxiliary, said the holiday is important to not only celebrate, but to honor those who helped the United States

Small Town Summer Nights planned in Duplessis Park

Darlene Denstorff AROUND ASCENSION

PHOTO BY WENDY LOUP

The acoustic duo of David Furlow, left, and Eric Cantrelle, known as Perique, perform Saturday during the America’s ä See HONOR, page 2G 250th Birthday Celebration at the Ascension Veterans Memorial Park in Gonzales.

ACHS’s Trevin Simon makes college decision

Bearded Events and Ascension Parish Government are joining forces to present Small Town Summer Nights from 2 to 7 p.m.

Saturday at Duplessis Park, 38103 La. 621, Gonzales.

The event will include food trucks, music, games and arts and crafts booths.

A Taste of Donaldsonville planned The Donaldsonville Lions Club is hosting

ä See AROUND, page 4G

gain freedom.

“The holiday is about coming together and recognizing our veterans while celebrating freedom,” Robert said.

“We see this day and this event as a big ‘thank you’ to those who served for us in the military.”

Robert’s mother, Nicole Robert, said she appreciates her children volunteering

Trevin Simon

Ascension Catholic senior Trevin Simon has capped off his recordbreaking season with his decision to attend Virginia Military Institute on a football scholarship.

VMI is in Lexington, Virginia, Troy competes in Division I and is a LeBoeuf member of the Southern ConferASCENSION ence.

SPORTS Simon shared why he chose VMI after several schools recruited him.

“This was not an easy decision; it was more complex than I hoped it would be. VMI is a strong academic school, my

parents always preached education first. Football is a plus, my visit went great and I built a connection with the coaches,” Simon said.

Simon finished the 2025 season with 3,927 rushing yards and 58 rushing touchdowns, both are state records. Simon just missed becoming the eighth known player to finish a high school season with 4,000 rushing yards. He helped lead the Bulldogs and first year head coach

ä See LEBOEUF, page 4G

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AMERICA

PHOTOS BY WENDY LOUP

The inaugural July 4 celebration at the Ascension Veterans Memorial Park in Gonzales included live musical entertainment by Perique and free grilled hot dogs, doughnuts, cupcakes and sodas.

HONOR

Continued from page 1G and understanding the significance of July 4.

“I have two grandfathers who served during World War II,” Nicole Robert said.

“I get emotional when I think about this holiday and when I think about what it’s all about. The country has been here for 250 years, and we have freedom because of the sacrifices people have made for us.”

For those who served in the military, the holiday is extra important.

“Today is a celebration of freedom,” Army Retired Master Sergeant Tanya Whitney said. “For most of us who have served in the military, we hope we have helped ensure this country’s freedom.”

Whitney, who has participated in numerous Memorial Day and Veterans Day Ascension Parish ceremonies, is a member of the park’s committee, “I’m old enough to remember the 200th anniversary (in 1976), and the country came together then, and now, to also celebrate, but

American flags fly around the Ascension Veterans Memorial Park in Gonzales Saturday. The Ascension Veterans Memorial Park Association is hoping to expand its membership and add park improvements in the future.

Jude Robert, from left, and his sisters, Anne Marie and Abigail, volunteer Saturday during the America’s 250th Birthday Celebration at the Ascension Veterans Memorial Park in Gonzales. help support veterans.”

The celebration was also a chance for the park to be utilized for another military holiday.

Jared Nolen, the newly named chairman of Ascension Veterans Memorial Park Association, said the event was one of many goals

he has for the park and association.

“Today’s event was something we’ve wanted to have, so the 250th birthday was a

good one to move forward with,” Nolen said. “We would like to increase our membership and that includes all branches of the military.

“I would like the park to have a living history tour, in which we provide more information and history about past events, such as the Iraq War. Something more visible in the park.”

Nolen, a Marine Corp and Army veteran, said the holiday is one to be celebrated

as a remembrance of past sacrifices made by military members.

“July 4 is a day for us to unite,” Nolen said. “When we celebrated the 200th birthday, I was only two years old. Seeing how far the country has come even since then, it’s important to recognize the past.

“Days like today and the ability to have and celebrate freedom are what we went to war for.”

Attendees of Saturday’s America’s 250th Birthday Celebration at the Ascension Veterans Memorial Park listen to the acoustic duo of David Furlow and Eric Cantrelle, known as Perique,

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AMERICA

Donaldsonville celebrates Independence Day

Families and friends gather around the courtyard in Crescent Park during Donaldsonville’s annual Independence Day Celebration on Friday.

STAFF PHOTOS BY JAVIER GALLEGOS

Ascension Parish Sheriff’s officers mingle during Donaldsonville’s annual Independence Day Celebration.

Kacey Barton, 4, runs around the playground wearing his most patriotic shirt.

Lonnie Lawrence plays with his foster daughter Khri’Sean Bleu, 1.

THE UCB DIFFERENCE IS ANDREA STEIB

! e l p o e p r ...ou

Assistant Vice President, Retail Manager HERITAGE CROSSING | NMLS 2285708 225.644.2265 625 West Highway 30 Suite F, Gonzales

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Recycling electronics option added Community news report

be part of something bigger. Every device recycled with CACRC is an opportunity. EliThe Capital Area Corporate Recycling gible technology is refurbished and placed Council is partnering with the Ascension into the hands of Louisiana families who Parish Library to make electronics recy- need it most, expanding digital access while protecting our environment.” cling more convenient.

Effective July 1, Ascension Parish Library’s Gonzales location is accepting Program highlights small electronics for recycling giving AsDrop-off is available on evenings and cension Parish residents a new, flexible weekends, providing for quick recycling.

Accepted items include: way to dispose of unwanted tech. This inin Smartphones and tablets tiative helps divert electronic waste from n Laptops, desktops and LCD monitors landfills while giving residents the opporn Cables, chargers and accessories tunity to support digital access in their lon Network equipment cal community, a news release said.

“We’re excited to welcome Ascension ParItems must fit inside specially providish Library as our third library partner, join- ed bins. Oversized items should still be ing East Baton Rouge Parish Libraries and dropped off at CACRC’s main site at 1400 West Baton Rouge Libraries,” said Michael Main St., Baton Rouge.

For more information, contact CACRC Rachal, executive director of CACRC. “By making electronics recycling more conve- at recycle@cacrc.com or by phone at (225) nient, we’re making it easier for people to 379-3577.

PROVIDED PHOTO BY CHUCK MONTERO

Ascension Catholic’s Trevin Simon takes off on a big run during the 2025 championship game.

LEBOEUF

Continued from page 1G

Attending a check presentation, from left, are Jeremy Theriot, community relations and business development director, REV; Monika Arnold, community relations and business development manager, REV; Jonathan Grimes, president and CEO, Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge; and Nicholas Tryforos, senior strategic account manager, REV.

PROVIDED PHOTOS

Gathering, from left, are Lillian Piazza, government and public affairs manager, REV; Danielle Mack, chief philanthropy officer, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center; Dan Delaney, strategic account manager, REV; Robert Poole, radiation oncology program manager, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Hammond; Monika Arnold, community relations and business development manager, REV; Nadia Malter, regional philanthropy specialist, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center.

REV Fiber partners with CoBank to deliver $30K to 2 Louisiana nonprofits Community news report REV Fiber has partnered with CoBank’s annual Sharing Success program to contribute a combined $30,000 to two Louisiana nonprofit organizations.

This year’s matching contributions support organizations advancing community connection through healthcare innovation and the promotion of arts, a news release said..

REV Fiber is a locally owned communications provider serving Southeast Louisiana.

Through the Sharing Success program, CoBank — a cooperative bank dedicated to supporting rural America — matches contributions made by its partners to advance community-focused initiatives nationwide.

REV used the program to enhance its philanthropic investment and increase support for organizations addressing critical community needs and promoting regional well-being.

“At REV, we believe connection is about more than technology. While our core mission is to build and de-

liver the infrastructure that helps people, businesses and communities thrive, our commitment to the communities we serve goes beyond the network itself,” said Josh Descant, CEO of REV. “Through CoBank’s Sharing Success program, we are proud to support organizations that improve lives in meaningful ways, including expanded access to cancer care and the enrichment of local arts and culture.”

2026 recipients of REV and CoBank’s joint Sharing Success program are: n Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge, Inc. — $10,000 n Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center — $20,000 (supporting the Gonzales and Hammond locations) “Partnerships like this represent a deliberate investment in the organizations that do such amazing and impactful work throughout South Louisiana,” said Tressy Leindecker, REV’s executive vice president of sales and marketing. “We’re proud to work alongside CoBank to expand support for nonprofits whose impact is both

meaningful and lasting.”

Both serve many residents across Southeast Louisiana, the Arts Council of Great Baton Rouge covers a 12-parish area and enhances arts and culture, while Mary Bird Perkins improves cancer survivability by expanding access to lifesaving technology, treatment, nutrition and resources closer to patients’ homes.

“REV’s and CoBank’s generous support and unwavering commitment to cancer patients and families across Louisiana mean more than we can say,” said Danielle Mack, vice president and chief philanthropy officer at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center. “Every dollar of their partnership stays in our community, helping us provide the full range of care our patients depend on — from expert treatment and advanced technology to survivorship support and breakthrough research. Philanthropy like this is a lifesaving gift, and together, we are working to improve survivorship and lessen the burden of cancer for families throughout our state.”

COLLEGES SOUTHEASTERN: Brittni Addison, of Prairieville, was recently elected to membership into the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest honor society, at Southeastern Louisiana University.

TROY UNIVERSITY:Ayla Jones, of Denham Springs, has been named to the chancellor’s list at Troy University for the spring semester of the 2025-26 academic year.

The chancellor’s list honors full-time undergraduate students who are registered for

at least 12 semester hours and who earn a grade-point average of 4.0.

UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA: Some 7,000 degrees recently were awarded during the University of Alabama’s spring 2026 commencement at Coleman Coliseum.

PRAIRIEVILLE GRADUATES INCLUDE: n Constance Cook, Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering n Nancy Duncan, Bachelor of Science

n Parker King, Bachelor of

Science in Education

n Reagan Kyle, Bachelor of

Science

n Evan Luu, Bachelor of Sci-

ence

HINDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE: Ryder Molea, of St. Amant, was among the students who graduated from Hinds Community College in spring 2026.

Hinds Community College has six campuses in central Mississippi.

Taylor James to the state championship game.

His love for his school is apparent. “I cannot express enough how grateful I am to have attended Ascension Catholic. This school, coaches, administrators, teachers, staff and students played a major role in my life. Ascension Catholic is dedicated to its students well being and understands how important sports are for the student body. I will always have memories with students, friends and teammates. The love shown will not be forgotten,” Simon said.

Simon garnered several awards for his senior season in football. He was first team all-state as a running back for the LSWA and the LFCA. He was selected as the offensive most valuable player, the parish most valuable offensive player and won WAFB player of the week numerous times.

He was selected as the 2025 prep classic 1A player of the year as well as the

Gridiron National Player of the Year and the Dr Pepper player of the week.

Simon also competed as a 3-year starter in basketball, track and powerlifting. Balancing his schoolwork, athletics, social life, family life and his faith was not easy, but Simon had some wise words for young athletes coming up.

“Don’t let society pressures reroute your life or your dreams. Adversity will come, face it and remember that God always has your back. There is always hope and your faith in God can help you overcome anything,” Simon said.

Simon has left his hometown of Donaldsonville and his family for VMI, his plan is simple. “I plan to compete and give myself an opportunity to get on the field.

Nothing will be handed to me as the coaches told us on our visit. I am looking forward to connecting with my coaches and teammates, they have become my family now. My academics have always been important and that will not change,” said Simon.

Simon left his mark at Ascension Catholic and

AROUND

Continued from page 1G A Taste of Donaldsonville from 5 to 7 p.m.

Aug. 8 at Lemann Community Center, 1100 Clay St., Donaldsonville.

Tickets purchased before July 31 are $30. Tickets will be $35 at the door.

The menu includes SmokeShack Park Street Tacos, crawfish fettuccine, pastalaya, toffee cheesecake and sweet potato Ooey Goody desert.

Swamp Pop at The Post Dance to Swamp Pop music beginning at 5 p.m. July 12 at the VFW Post 3693, 42430 Churchpoint Road, Gonzales.

Tickets are $10 and available at the door.

Highway 621 Outdoor Market 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.

‘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.

anyone that has crossed his path knows that he is a special person that appreciates his talents, loves his family and has a strong faith.

“I give all the glory to God for waking me up and blessing me with opportunities,” Simon said. “My family has made so many sacrifices for me and my siblings. They have kept me grounded and on a path of faith and work. I want to thank my friends for dealing with me and supporting me, we will always have a bond. I started out in pee wee football with the Donaldsonville Redskins, where I learned so much. I moved on to playing middle school and high school and have been mentored by so many outstanding coaches who have helped me become a man. Getting a chance to play college football was always a goal and now I get that opportunity, I am truly blessed.”

Troy LeBoeuf covers sports for the Ascension Advocate. He can be reached at troyleboeuf@ hotmail.com or ascension@theadvocate. com.

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 self-acceptance.

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

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 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.

EA student completes program for future healthcare professionals Community news report Natalia Boyle, of Gonzales, 17, a rising senior at East Ascension High, recently completed the AHEAD program at LSU Health Shreveport School of Health Professions and Sciences in Shreveport.

Boyle was accepted into the Achieving Healthcare Efficiency Through Accountable Design program after applying earlier this spring. She already had classes, clinical experience and certifications through East Ascension’s Allied Health program.

From the LSU Health Shreveport release, she spent five days exploring healthcare careers through hands-on activities, interactive experiences and field trips.

She studied physical therapy and physician assistant studies, respiratory therapy, speech-language pathology, medical laboratory science and more. She and other high school students gained insights into healthcare careers while learning tips for success in college and professional programs.

PROVIDED PHOTO

Natalia Boyle, of Gonzales, 17, a rising senior at East Ascension High, recently completed the AHEAD program at LSU Health Shreveport School of Health Professions and Sciences in Shreveport.