The Livingston-Tangipahoa Advocate 07-08-2026

DENHAM SPRINGS • LIVINGSTON • WALKER • WATSON • AMITE • HAMMOND

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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

Darlene Denstorff AROUND LIVINGSTON

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.

FUEL FOR MIND & BODY

Check out activities at the library Check out what’s happening at the Livingston Parish Watson Branch. For details and more information, call the branch at (225) 686-4180 or visit www. mylpl.info.

Friday, 10:30 a.m., Painting with Dinosaurs (ages 3-7): Kids are invited to paint with dinosaur toys and create one-of-akind masterpieces. Registration is required.

Friday, 1:30 p.m., Decoupage Flowerpot (ages 18+): Join the library staff while they transform ordinary flowerpots into a dino-mite work of art. Registration is required.

Saturday, 10 a.m., Craft & Go Saturday (all ages): Kickstart your creativity for the month ahead by joining the library staff on the first Saturday of every month for a fun, handson craft that you can make and take home. Each month features a new project between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. All supplies are provided

ä See AROUND, page 3G

PHOTOS BY RICHARD MEEK

Eleven-year-old Keith Jurey was elated to find mac and cheese in a tummy bag that was distributed July 3 during the Mighty Moms Storytime at the Livingston Parish Library in Livingston.

Mighty Moms bring ‘Tummy Bags’ program to library to feed children during summer Charles Salzer SPORTS ROUNDUP

SLU golfer honing skills during summer Summer months are a time for athletes across a wide range of sports to put in the unsung work that can pay dividends later on. There are summer leagues for baseball, basketball, softball and volleyball, among others.

Marsh For golfers such as Southeastern Louisiana University sophomore-to-be David Marsh, the grind has been dotted with tournament play.

Last week, in the Baton Rouge Open held at Beaver Creek golf course, he had a twoday total of 7-under par, a score that in some years has been good enough to win the tournament.

This time, it earned him a solo finish in third, but it was a good showing against some of the area’s top golfers.

“Next man up” is a common

ä See SALZER, page 3G

BY RICHARD MEEK Contributing writer

Keith Jurey eagerly peeked into the bag, wondering what goodies awaited him.

Seconds into his bounty hunt, Jurey was giddy as he pulled out a package of mac and cheese, saying “This is my favorite.”

And looking at his mom, the 11-year-old Jurey said, “I’m glad you brought me here.”

Jurey was one of dozens of young people who visited the main branch of the Livingston Parish Library in Livingston on July 3 for the Mighty

Moms Storytime designed for children up to 13 years old.

The library hosted the day in partnership with Mighty Moms, an organization committed to fighting childhood hunger in Livingston Parish. The day included story times, crafts, music and most important, those coveted “Tummy Bags,” donated by Mighty Moms that contained non-perishable items and included snacks from Slim Jims to cheese crackers and, of course, the always popular mac and cheese.

Library outreach director April

Beth Sullivan and Tully Sullivan work on a craft project

ä See FUEL, page 4G during the Mighty Moms Storytime.

AMERICA

HOT SUMMER CELEBRATION

Away from the sun’s blistering rays, people find relief under a tent, enjoying the shade and an opportunity to rest during the city of Walker’s 4th of July Celebration at Sidney Hutchinson Park on July 4. ä More photos. PAGE 2G PHOTO BY RICHARD MEEK

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AMERICA

Walker celebrates with music, games, family fun Alissa Michel, at right launching a toss to dunk Damian Lacombe during the city of Walker’s 4th of July Celebration at Sidney Hutchinson Park on July 4, said she enjoyed dunking her friend and perhaps there was even a bit of trash talking. “I was disappointed because I was talking trash and did not expect it,” Lacombe said. Michel and Lacombe are incoming freshmen at Waker High School.

PHOTOS BY RICHARD MEEK

When the heat becomes overbearing, sometimes all it takes is a quick dousing, as one-year-old Junior Valdez learns.

Visitors were able to find a multiple of goods and services along Vendor Alley, from soap products to stuffed animals to pet adoption and even a bail bondsman, if one was in such a need, during the cty of Walker’s 4th of July Celebration at Sidney Hutchinson Park.

Chef Darynn Phengsimma grills chicken and pork skewers featuring herbs and spices. Phensgimma said by midafternoon ‘quite a few people’ had visited his food stand.

Callie Rivere, left, fans Amberlynn Theriot, 2, during a ride at the celebration.

The petting zoo is a popular attraction, especially for youngsters.

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The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Wednesday, July 8, 2026 ■ 3G

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Veterans Robert Newsom, above, and Shavers Gordon, left, are celebrated at the pancake breakfast.

PROVIDED PHOTOS

John Williams receives gifts July 4 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints-Airline Ward, Denham Springs Stake, at the church’s celebration of the 250th birthday of the nation.

Veterans honored at church pancake breakfast PROVIDED PHOTO

Southeastern Louisiana University golfer sophomore-to-be David Marsh.

SALZER

average and was the Lions’ top finisher in five tournaContinued from page 1G ments. Two of those finishes were top-five, including a second in the Southland Conference Championship term in sports these days.

It’s one that is used when a at Comanche Trace golf course in Kerrville, Texas. player steps up to replace “I started out not knowa starter or important role player on a team. That is ing what to expect, so it certainly the case for Walk- was a little shaky at first,” Marsh said. “I got used to er High football, only this it and settled in, and I had time its defensive coordia couple of good finishes nator Chris Harrell who is in the fall. Finished second doing the stepping up. in conference in my last Marsh shot 67 in Saturtournament, so that was day’s first round before a the best finish I had. I en70 on Sunday kept him in striking distance most of joyed it.” the day. The golfers who Two weeks before the finished ahead of him, Baton Rouge Open, the Greg Berthelot and tourLouisiana Sports Writers Association released its nament winner Jeremy all-Louisiana golf selecGautreaux, are seasoned amateurs who have been tions, and Marsh was there among the state’s best on the first team. Academigolfers a long time. cally, Marsh posted a 4.0 “The course was maniGPA for his freshman year and earned a spot on the cured very good,” Marsh said after Sunday’s round. SLC all-academic team.

Marsh’s sophomore sea“I just kept everything in front of me and stayed son will take off in a couin play. Obviously, there ple of months, but for now were a lot of good golfhe will work on his game.

That may even include ers in this tournament competing in August at the so you just have to stick Baton Rouge Amateur, a with yourself and hang in match-play event that feathere. You take the pars and make birdie when you tures a 16-player field. It is can.” typically a difficult tournaMarsh’s finish was the ment to earn a spot in, but latest success for a young his third-place finish at the golfer whose confidence Baton Rouge Open means appears to be growing eva spot is there if he wants to take it. ery time he competes. At As it should be.

SLU, he had a 73.3 scoring

Community news report Nine veterans were honored by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints-Airline Ward, Denham Springs Stake, July 4 during a pancake breakfast celebration for the 250th

birthday of the nation.

The children of the church decided they wanted to recognize the members of their congregation who served in the military, a news release said. With home made cards and patriotic mementos, the children sang the armed

AROUND

Continued from page 1G

Christmas in July

force songs for each veteran.

Veterans included Robert Newsom, Air Force Airman First Class; Bob Degraff Marines USMC Corporal; Kimberleigh Patterson, Army National Guard; Jim Rabalais, Navy Petty Offi-

Monthly sessions begin Sept. 15 and end June 15 with graduation.

To apply, email office@livingstonparishchamber.org.

Heritage Camp for kids

Santa is trading in his reindeer for gators and making a summer stop at the Prop Stop on the Tickfaw River in Killian.

The day includes free photos with Santa, holiday fun, Christmas cheer, and a one-of-a-kind Louisiana Christmas experience.

It’s happening Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Register your child for Heritage Kids’ Camp on July 20-22 at the Albany Hungarian Presbyterian Church.

Children ages 4 to 12 can take part in arts and crafts, kifli making and learning Hungarian words, dances and traditions. The camp is hosted by the Arpadhon Hungarian Settlement Cultural Association.

For information, call Connie Olah at (225) 573-1400.

Leadership Livingston applications

St. Jude, Shriner’s fundraiser

July 21 is the deadline to apply for participation in the Livingston Leadership Class of 2027.

The program introduces Livingston residents to government, businesses, history and nonprofits that make the parish work.

The class starts on Aug. 10 with a meet and greet orientation, and an overnight retreat is Aug 16-17.

Support the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Baton Rouge and the Shriner’s Burn Unit on Aug. 29 at the Livingston Parish Fairgrounds at a community fundraiser hosted by Sheri’s Daiquiris.

There will be live music, a barbecue cookoff, car, truck and Jeep show, and other activities. For additional information, contact (225) 615-6637.

cer 3rd Class; Clint Mallory, Navy Submarine Corp.; Cliff Caillouett, Army Spec. 5; John Williams, Army Spec.

5; Shavers Gordon, Army Spec 4.; and Larry Horacek, Army Lieutenant Colonel.

The oldest veteran present was 95-year-old Newsom.

Disc Golf Park open daily The Walker Disc Golf Park, 13620 Aydell Lane, next to City Hall is open daily.

Stop by for a game of disc golf, or set up a game by using the disc gold app. Get information at walker.la.us/ sites/default/files//Disc%20Golf%20 app.jpg.

Hungarian Festival plans underway Celebrate Hungarian heritage with a weekend of family fun, food, music and entertainment at Fayard Field in Springfield with traditional Hungarian dancing and entertainment Sept.

25-27.

The Hungarian Harvest Festival will include authentic Hungarian foods and pastries.

For more information, call (985) 974-6883, (225) 278-3770 or email albanymagyars@gmail.com.

Send news and events for Livingston and Tangipahoa parishes to livingston@theadvocate.com by 4 p.m. Friday or call (225) 603-1998.l

North Oaks ENT & Allergy

Hammond recycling dates announced The residential recycling drop-off in Hammond is The city of Hammond at the City Maintenance recycling days will be July Facility, 18104 U.S. 190 East. The entrance gate is 11 and July 18.

The July 4 dated was on Falcon Drive, next to canceled due to the holi- the Piggly Wiggly and between Eastside Collision. day.

Community news report

ADVOCATE HE LIVINGSTON -TANGIPAHOA THE

THE LIVINGSTON-TANGIPAHOA ADVOCATE

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EDITOR

Darlene T. Denstorff ddenstorff@theadvocate.com OFFICE: (225) 388-0215 CELL: (225) 603-1998 COMMUNITY NEWS REPORTER Leila Pitchford livingston@theadvocate.com (225) 388-0731

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Beta Club students earn awards

Community news report

Students from Livingston Parish demonstrated academic achievement, creativity, leadership and service at the 2026 National Beta Convention held June 16-20 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee, winning top honors in some of the convention’s most competitive academic and leadership events.

Denham Springs student Kate Dentro was selected as the 2026-27 National Beta Ambassador, and French Settlement High School won the national champion in the Beta Blitz competition. Denham Springs High School was named national champion in the Senior Spanish Academic Test.

“The success of these students reflects countless hours of preparation, dedication, and support from teachers, sponsors, administrators, families, and the community,” Superintendent Jody Purvis said.

“Their accomplishments on the national stage make Livingston Parish and the State of Louisiana incredibly proud.”

The National Ambassador selection process included an application and interview process designed to identify students who exemplify National Beta’s pillars of achievement, character, leadership and service. Out of candidates from across the country, Dentro is one of three students selected to serve as National Beta Ambassadors for the coming year.

As a National Ambassador, she will represent National Beta and the state of Louisiana throughout the year, serving as a student leader and advocate for Beta members across the nation.

Students from Denham Springs High School, Holden High School and French Settlement High School competed in various events and activities. Together, they earned 17 top-10 national placements academic and leadership events.

Denham Springs High School students earned the following honors: National Ambassador, Dentro, Senior Spanish Academic Test, champion; Onsite Painting (Division 1), second place; All the World is a Stage (West Division), third place; Meeting of the Minds, fourth place;

PROVIDED PHOTOS

Members of the French Settlement High School Beta Club and their sponsors pose for a group picture at the 2026 National Beta Convention in Nashville, Tennessee. The club placed in the Top 10 in four competitions, including winning Champion of the Beta Blitz competition.

Denham Springs High School student Delia Nunez holds the championship trophy for the 2026 National Beta Convention’s Senior Spanish Academic Test Competition.

Members of the Denham Springs High School Beta Club pose for a group picture at the 2026 National Beta Convention in Nashville, Tenn. The club placed in the Top 10 in twelve of the competitions, including winning champion of the Senior Spanish Academic Test competition.

Denham Springs High School student Kate Dentro stands on stage, center, at the 2026 National Beta Convention to earn recognition as one of three students named a National Beta Ambassador for the coming year.

Reimagine, Recreate, Recycle, fourth place; Onsite Art — Drawing (Division II), fifth place; Project Proposal, fifth place; Beta Blitz, sixth place; Robotics, sixth Place; Black and White Photography (Division I), ninth place; Sculpture (Division I), ninth place; and Convention Invention, 10th place.

French Settlement High School students earned the following honors: Beta Blitz, Champion; Project Proposal, second place; Digital Portfolio, third place; and Being Better Betas, fourth place.

Holden High School students earned fourth place in the Variety Act competition.

FUEL

Continued from page 1G Riley organized the inaugural event, which is being held at the main branch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Fridays through the end of July. Tummy bags will be distributed each week.

Riley, a former paraprofessional in the Livingston Parish School System, said the reason for partnering with Mighty Moms is young children would have “something to fill their tummies.”

She said hunger among young children in Livingston Parish is a much greater need than people realize.

“There are so many children that go home, especially on the weekend, and they might not eat anything until they return to school on Monday,” said Riley, who has been a Mighty Moms volunteer for the past 10 years.

“And with being in the middle of summer and (schools) not being able to send these (bags) home from school on the weekend, that is why I thought we would (distribute) through the libraries,” she said. “It is another means of reaching those children.”

Mighty Moms founder Dawn Birdsong said the majority of families the agency assists are working class, where both parents hold down jobs but they do not qualify for any government assistance, including SNAP or Medicare.

“It is so important for Mighty Moms to bridge that gap for so many families that are working hard

PHOTOS BY RICHARD MEEK

April Riley, seated rear, outreach director at the Livingston Library main branch in Livingston, smiles as she watches Rachel McCain and her son, Elijah McCain, right, and Beth and her daughter, Tully Sullivan work on projects July 3 during the Mighty Moms Storytime. but can’t seem to make ends meet,” she said. “You are barely making ends meet and you need two new tires on the car. This is real life.”

Denham Springs resident Beth Sullivan, who brought her daughter, Tully Sullivan, to the storytelling, praised the library’s community outreach program, especially during the summer when the down time results in parents preparing extra meals and providing added snacks, all coming at a cost.

“With all of the extra time we have with the kids (the tummy bags) help to give out food to the kids,” Beth Sullivan said. “Knowing that you have the resources

Nutritional and patriotic books geared toward young children were available during the Mighty Moms Storytime. and it is out there for poor people, it is very important to get that message out there.”

Not long after Riley left

her career in education and began her new position, her desire was to bring Mighty Moms to the library. Armed with the knowledge, the

library and agency had partnered in the past she approached both parties.

“They were very excited to start working tother

again,” Riley said, adding that after the success of the inaugural event she hopes to present them in all of the branches of the library system.

Birdsong said she values the agency’s relationship with the library and for her it is personal.

“I grew up in the library with my mom and dad, and I love the library for so many reasons,” she said.

“But I also love the fact that Mighty Moms can partner with our friends to feed kids who are hungry during the weekends or hungry during the summer and the library is the perfect place to do it.

“We feel privileged we are friends of the library and we can bridge the gap and help those in need,” Birdsong added. “We know kids are hungry all of the time whether you are living in a food insecure home or not.”

The program launched June 27 when 41 people attended. Riley said her goal is to expand the program into all of parish’s branches.

On a recent Friday morning, she was comforted in watching the smiles on students’ faces as they participated in the crafts, danced to the music or launched an all-out attack on the snacks.

“I try to encourage them to feel comfortable,” she said. “And parents are appreciative of this. I have heard the phase ‘they are eating me out of house and home a couple of times.’ ” For more information, contact (225) 435-9195 or email: info@mightymomsgo. org.