Young anglers catch
fishing glory KICKING B.A.S.S.
BY FRANCES Y. SPENCER
Kentwood’s Stearns will represent USA in world championships
BY RICHARD MEEK
writer
Contributing
Stymied by stage freight as a freshman in high school, four years later Kentwood resident Caeden Stearns is preparing to represent his country on a world stage nearly 9,000 miles away from his comfortable Kentwood home.
Stearns, a recent graduate of Jewel Sumner High School, will represent USA in the world championships in August in South Africa. His invitation to compete in the world championship came not long after he won the Powerlifting America High Schools Nationals, which were held April 16-19, in Omaha, Nebraska, competing in the Equipped 246-plus pound weight class.
“I had sort of had an idea (I might be invited to the worlds) but I did not really know until I got the email,” Stearns said “I was out of this world and really grateful.” Stearns said his sole focus heading into the season was to win the state championship With that goal ticked off and armed with the mantle of a champion, he then set his sights on Omaha and winning the nationals, which he said he was very proud to win.
fever
for
bass-
bass fishing has become a
PROVIDED PHOTO
Jewel Sumner High school powerlifter
Caeden Stearns lifts 738 points in the squat competition during the Powerlifting America High Schools Nationals, April 16-19, 2026, in Omaha, Neb Stearns will compete in the IPF World Sub-Junior & Junior Classic & Equipped Powerlifting Championships scheduled Aug.18-Aug. 29 at the Sun City Resort in Sun Park, South Africa.
Winning on the state level, much less on the national level and earning an invite to the world championships seemed unlikely four years ago when powerlifting coach Zach Kellum first asked Stearns to join the
ä See STEARNS, page 2G
defining passion for the duo. Later this week, their dedication pays off on the grandest stage possible. Brantley and Cole are heading to Paris, Tennessee, to represent Louisiana in the prestigious Tackle Warehouse Bassmaster Junior Championship on Friday and Saturday, July 24-25.
French
They will compete against elite teams from 38 states. Both fish for the Junior Southwest Bassmasters of Denham Springs — the largest youth bass fishing club in Louisiana. The club, which meets monthly at Bass Pro
ä See ANGLERS, page 2G
Settlement fifth graders lose only to themselves in End of
Youth basketball has been in full bloom this summer, particularly at French Settlement, where the End of Summer Classic took place last weekend.
Jake Bourgeois, the multitasking head coach of French Settlement’s boys and girls high school teams, has been busy running youth tournaments and camps this summer
The annual End of Summer tournament was just another busy day from him, and any team wanting to join in.
Charles Salzer SPORTS ROUNDUP
One of those teams was the French Settlement fifth grade team, which went undefeated against outside competition Saturday There was an inevitable loss thrown in there, when coach Evan Balfantz split his team into two six-man groups for an intrasquad game. The intrasquad contest produced one of the most competitive games of the day, with the green team defeating the white 23-21.
With the tournament format allowing multiple games on Saturday the intrasquad game was just one more opportunity to get in real time work before single-game elimination play began on Sunday
The Lions’ fifth-grade squad showed promise.
“We just separated into two teams, trying to make them even, and then we let them play,” Balfantz said. “Last week, my team (white) won 33-32 and this time they lost by
Summer Classic
two, so its always a good game. I’ve got 12 or 13 kids that can all play pretty well together.”
The fifth-grade unit has been playing together for three years. The exact numbers show 10 moving into the fifth grade in August, while three will be in the sixth grade. The Lions fifth and sixth grade teams have each won district championships in recent seasons, so there is a standard that has been set.
Seth Wilson set the pace with a differencemaking performance in the intrasquad game. He made a steal and banked in a 3-pointer giving the green squad its 23-21 lead with 40 seconds left to play The closing seconds were then frantic as the white team’s Madden Romero, Cooper Schexnayder and Parker Andrews all got off shots to no avail.
There was playful banter after the green team, coached by Balfantz’ cousin Boston Balfantz. picked up the win. Wilson finished with a game-high 12 points and two 3-pointers.
“These kids love to play basketball,” Balfantz said “You can see they’ve got pretty good skills for being young They play together, they pass the ball, they all dribble the ball well. We play good man-to-man defense, and that was our goal when we started a couple of years ago.”
PHOTO BY FRANCES Y. SPENCER
Cole Watkins, left, and Brantley Broussard will represent Louisiana at the Bassmaster Junior Championship at Kentucky Lake in Paris, Tenn., on Friday and Saturday
ANGLERS
Shops and competes across the state in the Louisiana Youth B.A.S.S. Nation, relies heavily on family connections to pair its young angling partners, turning the grueling sport into a true family affair
Brantley Broussard: The strategic competitor
St. Francisville native Brantley has been testing his grit on the water for years. He began competitive fishing with the Junior Southwest Bassmasters back in July 2021 when he was eight years old. Now, with three full seasons in the Louisiana Youth B.A.S.S. Nation under his belt, he brings seasoned experience to the boat. This August, Brantley will enter the 8th grade at Catholic High School in Baton Rouge, where he is eager to join the official CHS Fishing Team and continue his upward trajectory in the sport.
Cole Watkins: Born to the river
Cole lives and breathes the water Residing on the Tangipahoa River in Ponchatoula, casting a line is practically second nature to him. Cole joined the Denham Springs club in 2022 at age 10 and has spent the last four seasons grinding it out in the statewide Louisiana Youth B.A.S.S.
The Broussards, of Ponchatoula, and the Watkins, of St. Francisville, have made Junior Bassmaster competition a family affair spending weekends and summer months supporting their sons. The Watkins, at left, are Lucas Watkins, Cole Watkins, and Jennifer Lee. The Broussards are Brogan Broussard, Brantley Broussard, Brett Broussard, and Ashley Broussard
Nation tournaments As he transitions to Ponchatoula High School this upcoming August, he is ready to take his skills to the next level as a member of the PHS fishing team. The backdrop for this year’s national championship is historic Kentucky Lake. Stretching over 180 miles and covering roughly 160,000 acres, it is a legendary, massive fishery known for its deep ledges,
STEARNS
Continued from page 1G
weightlifting team.
“I was nervous and lifting in front of all of those people freaked me out,” said Stearns, who plans to attend Southeastern Louisiana University and major in mechanical engineering. “To get over it, I just pushed through it. I got over myself and went and did it.”
Kellum, who at the time was the offensive coordinator for the Cowboys, kept up the pressure and Stearns said he was “grateful for it.” He joined the team as a sophomore and his training intensified into a year-round program This past fall his journey detoured to the gridiron, where he played nose guard and offensive tackle for the Cowboys, a decision Stearns believes helped him prepare for what was ahead.
AROUND
Continued from page 1G
expansive grass flats and unpredictable summertime patterns
For Brantley and Cole, the two-day individual format tournament will test everything they and their
“It was a different type of training than for powerlifting, a lot more cardio,” he said. “It helped me build a strong foundation and explosiveness.”
Stearn’s numbers in squat, bench press and deadlift, the three areas in which he competes, were impressive at the nationals.
In Omaha, the 6’5”, 350-pound
Stearns won with a 738-pound squat, 455-pound press and a deadlift of nearly 620 pounds, although he did compete in the deadlift with a minor injury
“If I do those numbers, it would put me in a pretty good place (in the world championships) but I definitely want to raise my numbers to get up to where I want to be,” he said.
Shifting his training from Sumner to a fitness club in Amite, Stearns has set goals of 770 to 800 pounds in the squat, 500 to 550 pounds in the bench press and up to 650 pounds in the deadlift.
“That is what I am training for,” he said, adding that his routine
become a commissioner Current commissioners do not have to attend Disc Golf Park open daily in Walker
The Walker Disc Golf Park, 13620 Aydell Lane, next to City Hall is open daily.
families have worked for Succeeding here requires absolute adaptability — shifting seamlessly from shallow-water cover to offshore techniques in the midsummer heat.
has not changed because “it has worked well so far.”
“I want to be in the top five, that is what I am shooting for and I am confident I can do that,” he said.
No matter the outcome, Stearns, who was once too shy to lift weights in front of others, will wear the colors of the USA with pride, proud to represent Kentwood, his state and country on a global stage.
And equally as proud that his mother Ashley Stearns, who witnessed his son’s accomplishments in Omaha, will be by his side in South Africa.
“To end my high school career with this is amazing,” Stearns said. “Go to high school for four years and I can leave saying I won a state title and nationals and then going to worlds. Not many people can say that.
“I am really glad that I am one of them that can.”
Email Richard Meek at livingston@theadvocate.com.
Stop by for a game of disc golf, or set up a game by using the disc golf app. Get information at walker.la.us/sites/default/ files//Disc%20Golf%20app.jpg.
St. Jude, Shriner’s community fundraiser
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.
For Brantley Cole, and their families, the championship is the culmination of hundreds of hours on the water, late-night riggings, and an unwavering commitment to the sport.
When the first horn sounds in Paris, these two Louisiana teens — and a family entourage — will be ready to show the nation what Bayou State angling is all about.
There will be live music, a barbecue cookoff, car, truck and Jeep show, and other activities. For additional information, contact (225) 615-6637.
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.
Jewel Sumner
High School
powerlifter
Caeden Stearns was all smiles after he won the Powerlifting America High Schools Nationals, which were held April 16-19, 2026, in Omaha, Neb PROVIDED PHOTO
The Hungarian Harvest Festival will include authentic Hungarian foods and pastries.
For more information, call (985) 9746883, (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
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PHOTO BY FRANCES Y. SPENCER
TVFC celebrate fashion during area meeting
Community news report
On June 25, Tangipahoa Volunteers for Family and Community hosted the Louisiana Volunteers for Family and Community’s annual Area One Fun Day event
Area One includes VFC groups from Jefferson, Livingston and Tangipahoa. The event was held at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Ponchatoula.
As this year’s Area One Director, TVFC President Gloria Messenger oversaw the planning of the event and chose “Fashion Week” for the theme of the day The highlight of the event was the fashion show, which was sponsored by Cato Fashions Women’s Clothing Store in Hammond Cato manager Meoshi Griffin and sales clerk Wally Domiano assisted all of the designated models in picking out their outfits from the store’s selection of women’s wear and accessories.
Serving as the models were TVFC members Betty Bankston, Gail Calderone, Cora Desselle, JoAnn Francois, Jean Johnson, Christy Pareti, Malinda Sanchez, Pam Villagran and Carla VanVrancken.
Serving as unofficial models were Jamie McDonald, Susan Melancon and Sharon Miano. The keynote speaker for the event was Teresa Landry with Mary Kay Cosmetics. Tangipahoa Volunteers for Family and Community is an all-volunteer arm of LSU Agriculture Extension Service. It includes two chapters: Wednesday Volunteers for Family and Community and Sunshine Ladies.
Anyone wanting more information about TVFC local groups can email Messenger at ggmessenger1@gmail.com or Membership Chair Sue Nelson at suenelson41@yahoo com.
PROVIDED PHOTO 2026 Louisiana Farm Bureau Queen Jean Treas
Tangipahoa Parish agricultural advocate
crowned Farm Bureau Queen
Community news report
Jean Treas 19, of Tangipahoa Parish, was crowned the 2026 Louisiana Farm Bureau Queen at the organization’s 104th annual Louisiana Farm Bureau Convention on June 20 at the New Orleans Marriott Hotel.
Twenty-one young women representing their respective parish Farm Bureaus participated in the event
The three-day competition included an interview to test knowledge of the agricultural industry and the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation, a style show at the Women’s Brunch and an evening gown presentation.
Treas said she is honored to represent Louisiana agriculture and looks forward to sharing the stories of farmers and ranchers across the state throughout her year as queen.
Treas is the 19-year-old daughter of Joey and Nicole Liuzza and Daniel and Kelly Treas. She is involved in her family’s fifth-generation farming operation. Through the farm’s agritourism ac-
tivities, she said she enjoys sharing the story of agriculture with the public while helping preserve her family’s farming legacy Treas is pursuing a degree in occupational health, safety and environment, where she hopes to combine her passion for agriculture and farm safety to support Louisiana producers. She will spend the next year serving as the face and voice of the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation. During her reign, she will participate in several statewide festivals and events, along with a national appearance at the annual Mystick Krewe of Louisianians Mardi Gras Ball in Washington, D.C. Averi Thibodeaux, of Jefferson Davis Parish, was named first runner-up in the contest. Izabella Johnson, of St. Martin Parish, was named second runner-up and Miss Congeniality.
The Louisiana Farm Bureau Queen’s Contest is organized by the Louisiana Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee.
Jamie McDonald, Sharon Miano and Susan Melancon model during Volunteers for Family and Community area meeting
PROVIDED PHOTOS
Volunteers for Family and Community members from Livingston, Tangipahoa and Jefferson parishes gather at the group’s annual meeting
Models at a recent Volunteers for Family and Community area meeting fashion show are, from left, Gloria Messenger, Carla VanVrancken, Cora Desselles, Gail Cardrone, Christy Pareti, Jean Johnson, JoAnn Francois, Betty Bankston, Pam Villagran, Malinda Sanchez, Meoshi Griffin and Wally Domiano.
Pilot Club of Denham Springs installs officers
Community news report
The Pilot Club of Denham Springs installed its 2026-27 officers and directors on June 9 at Don’s Seafood Restaurant in Denham Springs.
The Executive Board includes Amanda McMorris, president; Nina Huffstetler recording secretary; Charla Fletcher, corresponding Sscretary; Michelle Civello, one year director; Terri Borde, one year director; Mi-
chelle Dupuy, two Year director; Donna Spillman, treasurer; Michele Williams, two year director; Renée Whatley, ene Year director, Ashley Slaughter, president-elect.
The Pilot Club, a volunteer
service organization that is part of Pilot International, has been serving the residents of Livingston Parish since 1965.
The club recently implemented its largest project to date, with the goal of installing inclusive
playgrounds at each public elementary school in Livingston Parish. To date, seven of the schools have already benefited from this project, which allows children of all abilities to play safely together
Retired sheriff’s deputy shares research on Livingston Parish executions
BY JAMES MINTON
Contributing writer
A retired sheriff’s deputy shared his research last year on four lynchings in Livingston Parish during a talk to the Edward Livingston Historical Association
Lt. Col. Alden Thomasson was back this month with details of three known Livingston Parish executions that appeared to have followed the law that existed at the time.
According to Thomasson, each of the three was unique in its own way:
n Louis Durand was hanged on May 27, 1898, at the parish courthouse, which was then in the Centerville community southeast of Livingston. Durand, 39, was justice of the peace for the French Settlement area, apparently assisted in building the gallows for his hanging and was said to have been buried on the courthouse grounds.
n Eugene Johnson, 22, of the Albany area, was put to death by electrocution at the Centerville courthouse on Sept. 11, 1941. He was the first Louisiana man put to death in the electric chair after the state switched from hanging to electrocution to carry out the death penalty n Gerald Bordelon, 47, of Denham Springs, who died by lethal injection on Jan 7, 2010, at the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola. Bordelon went to court to argue that he should be put to death for killing his stepdaughter because, among other reasons, he said he likely would kill again if he had the opportunity For his action, Bordelon is considered the state’s only “volunteer” for the death penalty He was the last person to die in Louisiana by lethal injection, and the state switched to nitrogen hypoxia for an execution last year
Thomasson told the group there may have been other executions in the parish, but court records were destroyed when the court-
house burned in 1875 when it was in Port Vincent.
A history of Springfield mentions the hanging of a slave at the courthouse when it was in Springfield, but Thomasson said no mention of a hanging could be found in the enslaver’s family accounts or newspapers of the time.
He said newspaper articles on the Durand execution mention a legal hanging in 1867, but court records no longer exist and he could not find any contemporaneous newspaper accounts of a post-Civil War execution. Thomasson said he also has been unable to locate the criminal court records book from 1941, when Johnson was electrocuted, but numerous newspaper articles are available.
When Louisiana switched to the electric chair, state officials transported the chair, known by some as “Gruesome Gertie,” and a power source to the execution site
In Johnson’s case, the courthouse lacked electrical power, and Thomasson said a carbide light was used to illuminate the cell in which the electric chair was placed. Wires leading to the truck-mounted dynamo were run through the a window in the cell.
Thomasson noted that pictures of the Centerville courthouse are rare, but the Baton Rouge newspaper carried a photograph of the electric chair inside the cell
If Durand is buried on the site, the location of his grave is unknown, he said.
Durand, whose name is sometimes incorrectly spelled Durant, was convicted of shooting to death his former sister-in-law Pulcherie “Cherie” Perrilloux Lobell, at the Perrilloux home in French Settlement.
Testimony indicated that Durand turned to alcohol and opiates after his wife, the former Marie Imogene Perrilloux, died in 1894. He later became infatuated with her sister, Eubertine, but became jealous of her on July 3, 1897, apparently because she was dancing
with other men at a community party
He was accused of fatally shooting Cherie Perrilloux, possibly mistaking her for her sister, Eubertine, Thomasson said.
Johnson was accused of murder in the robbery and beating death of Steve Bench, 59, near Albany on Nov. 22, 1940. Another suspect, Ashton Heard, was convicted and sentenced to life in prison, Thomasson said.
Bench was killed during a two-year period in which several people in Livingston and Tangipahoa parishes were beaten and robbed by one or more persons.
Bordelon, a convicted sex offender, was convicted of murder in the death of his 12-year-old stepdaughter, Courtney LeBlanc, who disappeared from her home near Denham Springs on Nov 15, 2002. Five days later, Bordelon led investigators to where he had dumped her body near the Amite River
Thomasson noted the short period of time that elapsed between the crimes and Durand and Johnson’s executions, less than a year for both.
Retired sheriff’s Lt. Col. Alden Thomasson, right, speaks with Dale Aydell, of French Settlement, following the retired deputy’s talk to the Edward Livingston Historical Association about his research into three legal executions known to have occurred as the result of crimes committed in Livingston Parish. Thomasson also has done research into at least four extrajudicial executions, or lynchings, that occurred in a particularly lawless period in parish history.
BY JAMES MINTON
Community news report
Southeastern Louisiana University has appointed Paul Buyer as its new music and performing arts department head. He joins the Southeastern faculty from Clemson University, where he served as director of percussion, director of music and acting associate dean.
Buyer received his doctor of musical arts and master of music degrees in percussion performance from the University of Arizona and his bachelor of science degree in music education from Ball State University “Dr Paul Buyer joins us at a time of incredible trajectory, bringing a distinguished record of leadership from Clemson University,” said Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Eric Skipper “His rare blend of elite musicianship, forward-thinking innovation, and deep commitment to student success can propel the department to new heights. We are thrilled to welcome a leader who so clearly
values community connectedness and is poised to strengthen our partnerships with local schools and regional arts organizations.”
Buyer is a former member of the Star of Indiana Drum and Bugle Corps and placed second in DCI Keyboard Individuals in 1990. In 1992, he was a percussion staff member with the Dutch Boy Drum and Bugle Corps. He serves as a clinician/ endorser for Yamaha, Innovative Percussion, Remo, Sabian and Grover Additionally, Buyer was the recipient of the Percussive Arts Society’s Outstanding Service Award, served as second vice president, and serves as co-editorial director for Percussive Notes, the official PAS journal. Southeastern’s Department of Music and Performing Arts offers diverse courses and ensembles seeking to prepare students to be leaders in their profession by studying with renowned faculty in performance, teaching, and research. For more information about Southeastern’s Music and Performing Arts Department, visit southeastern.edu/music.
PROVIDED PHOTO
The Pilot Club of Denham Springs installed the 2026-27 officers and directors on June 9 at Don’s Seafood Restaurant in Denham Springs The new Executive Board includes, from left Amanda McMorris, Nina Huffstetler, Charla Fletcher, Michelle Civello, Terri Borde, Michelle Dupuy, Donna Spillman, Michele Williams, Renée Whatley and Ashley Slaughter
PHOTO