maintain the buildings, services and salaries, although there were some proponents of cutting funding.
“This system is not a community service apparatus,” resident and former board member Larry Davis said during the public comment period, criticizing some of the extra programs and services the library offers. Davis is running to represent Louisiana’s 6th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives
“If we all type into Google what the purpose of a library is, it is a collection of books and resources,” he said.
Board member Rebecca Howze Morgan called that view outdated Libraries have evolved into the third most important hub in a community behind the home and the workplace, she said. She got emotional describing what libraries offer children.
“It is no longer just a book-lending institution,” she said.
Central to the vote were the wages of the library employees. The millage discussion followed a labor report presentation showing how far Livingston’s pay lags behind neighboring parishes. Its library assistants have a starting wage of between $9.95 and
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Traveling north on La. 16, take La. 1034 to La. 3002 to U.S. 190 East, back to La. 16. Allow extra travel time, especially during the morning and afternoon commute. Follow all posted detour signs and use caution in work zones to help keep everyone safe. Learn to be a poll commissioner
People interested in becoming an Election Day Poll Commissioner are invited to a New Commissioner class at 6 p.m. Aug. 31 at the Livingston Parish Courthouse, 20300 Government Blvd., Livingston Sign-up is not necessary, just show up on Aug. 31. This is only for people wanting to 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 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/
$11.31 an hour, and the system’s associates make between $14.97 and $16.30 — less than the wages in Ascension, East Baton Rouge Iberville and St. Tammany parishes. Meeting the average pay across the parishes would cost about $352,470 over five years. The library board will vote on the raises in the fall, but the pay hikes would not be possible without the higher millage. “I have a really hard time doing anything that would not allow our library staff to have a livable wage,” board member Kristan Whann said. “As a teacher, I consciously understand that our library staff getting paid $11 an hour is not OK.” Whann voted for the 8.2mill rate after her own proposal for a more modest increase was rejected.
Among the three members who voted against the final rate was board president Jonathan Davis, who had floated a separate resolution to hand the decision to the Parish Council instead.
There were “too many opinions for us to declare as a volunteer board,” he said. The idea drew comments from the audience that the board was not doing its job. District Attorney Scott M. Perrilloux told members the move might not be illegal but would be neglecting their responsibilities. Davis withdrew the proposal and later said he was glad people voiced their opinions.
files//Disc%20Golf%20 app.jpg.
St Jude, Shriners community fundraiser
Support the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Baton Rouge and the Shriners 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. 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
Darlene T. Denstorff ddenstorff@theadvocate.com
(225) 388-0215 CELL: (225) 603-1998
Pitchford
Livingston Parish Library databases will help students with studies
Community news report
As summer winds down and backpacks get dusted off, there’s no better time to remember one of your library card’s most valuable assets: access to powerful educational databases, library leaders reminded students.
Whether you’re a student tackling a research paper a parent helping your child with homework or a lifelong learner brushing up on a new skill, the Livingston Parish Library’s digital collection puts trustworthy, high-quality resources right at your fingertips free with your library card, no subscription required.
From early learning games for young readers to live tutoring for students of all ages, these databases offer something for every member of the family,
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was developing Deer Run, a planned 2,000-lot subdivision at 4-H Club Road across from Hillon Hood Road, sued the council, claiming it hadn’t followed the proper procedures when enacting its Zone 5 map and that it had unfairly targeted Deer Run.
The parish settled in 2023 in an agreement that slightly reduced the number of Deer Run lots, voided District 5’s zoning map and required the parish to pay Ascension Properties more than $100,000. The council then started over, partnering with the global engineering and infrastructure consulting firm WSP to design an updated master plan, implement parishwide zoning and craft the Unified Development Code.
“I’d like to congratulate Livingston Parish government and all the individuals that worked to make this a success,” said WSP Senior Vice President Max Nassar “We believe that Livingston has one of the best master plans, unified development codes and zoning codes in the state.
The Unified Development Code will now head to Parish President Randy Delatte’s office for his signature.
a news release said. Take a look at a few of the library’s most popular educational resources — or visit www.mylpl.info/books-more/ databases/educational to explore the full collection.
ABCmouse
An early learning platform built for children ages 2-8 that covers reading, math, science and art through colorful games and activities. Kids earn tickets and rewards as they complete lessons, making learning feel like playing.
Homework Louisiana
Connects K-12 students and adult learners with free, live online tutoring from real tutors, available every day from 1 p.m. to midnight. Students can get help with everything from algebra
to essay writing, all from the comfort of home.
Scholastic Teachables
Offers unlimited access to 25,000plus searchable and printable education materials, including lesson plans, minibooks and activity sheets for a variety of grade levels and subjects. Perfect for teachers, busy parents looking to support their child’s learning and homeschooling families.
World Book Online
A comprehensive suite of online research tools designed for all ages and abilities. Users can access articles, videos, eBooks, research guides and more. It’s a safe, reliable alternative to random internet searches when students need accurate information fast.
Historical market unveiling ceremony, documentary screening Aug. 1 in Arcola
Community news report
Mount Canaan Missionary Baptist Church will be honored Saturday with a historical marker recognizing its legacy of faith, leadership and community impact. The Arcola church, founded in 1869, was the location of the Mount Canaan Negro School which provided educational opportunities for Black children in the area. The unveiling ceremony also will celebrate the legacy of Robert “Free Bob” Louis Vernon Jr., a formerly enslaved man whose land donation made possible
the establishment of the church, school and cemetery
“His vision and commitment to education and community development continue to inspire generations in Tangipahoa Parish,” a news release said. The evening will include the premiere of a documentary produced by Untold History Foundation LLS, featuring the historical research of Antionette Harrell, a local historian genealogist, filmmaker and founder of the foundation. The documentary explores the history of the church and Vernon’s legacy The program starts at 5 p.m. at the church, 15727 La. 10, Arcola.
Ponchatoula students recognized with Mississippi State College of Education Graduate Research Symposium award
Community news report
Malerie Partain, of Ponchatoula, is among three Mississippi State University graduate students receiving awards for innovative research on display during the College of Education’s 2026 Graduate Research Symposium. Partain, a doctoral student studying school psychology, won second place for the poster presentation “WCPM Gains Following BEA-Selected LPP Intervention.”
More than 30 students presented their faculty-guided research during the annual event, with poster presentations
formally judged by a panel of faculty “Each year, our graduate students demonstrate the strength, creativity and impact of research taking place across the college,” said Daniel Gadke, College of Education associate dean of research and Department of Counseling, Higher Education Leadership, Educational Psychology, and Foundations head. “The Graduate Research Symposium gives us an important opportunity to highlight their work, celebrate their accomplishments and recognize the faculty mentorship that helps prepare them to contribute meaningfully to their fields and communities.”
Dr.Bryce Dugas
Internal medicine physician
BryceDugas caresfor patients with awiderange of health concerns like diabetes,heart disease, andjoint pain From chronicdisease management to preventive care,hehelps patients better understand theirhealthsothey canfeel theirbestevery day.
To schedule an appointment, call (985) 230-2778.
Formoreinformation,please visit us at northoaks.org/dugas.
Northshore Internal MedicineAssociates
Lions club honors achievement, installs new officers
Community news report
Livingston Parish Lions Club recently celebrated its members’ accomplishments, introduced Club Cub members and installed 2026-2027 officers during a banquet at Rudy’s Seafood & Steakhouse in Watson Award recipients included: Membership Key was presented to the family and friends of Paeton Burkett, who recruited the most members to join the club 2025-2026 Lion of the Year: Christy Sorenson, whose dedication, leadership and commitment to serving the community exemplify the very best of Lionism.
Community Imp a c t Award: Lions Jonathan R Prestridge, Marilyn Judge, Carrie Andrepont, Jeremy Muse, Catherine Brindley, Christy Sorenson, Brice N Larson and Dominick Jude Abrams.
Global Initiatives:
n Environment honor went to Catherine Brindley, ArDith ArNeal, Teosha Nelson, Lydia Roberts, Paulette Roberts, Marilyn Judge Brice Larson, Jonathan Prestridge and Christy Sorenson.
Cub
Alexandra, and Marie
n Those helping with the hunger initiative were Andie Andrews and Ardith ArNeal. n Vision project leaders were Marilyn Judge, Paulette Roberts, Ardith ArNeal and Carrie Andrepont. n Humanitarian project was led by Paulette Roberts, Brice Larson, Christy Soren-
President Catherine Brindley pins 2025-2026 Lion of the Year Christy Sorenson.
son and Ray Riley A moment of remembrance for the deceased Lions was also held during the program. “Outgoing officers were recognized and our incoming officers were sworn in,” a news release said “As we
North Oaks Neurosurgery Clinic welcomes 2 neurosurgeons
Community news report
North Oaks Health has welcomed neurosurgeons
Dr Dani Terrell and Dr S. Garrett Whipple-Bones to the North Oaks Neurosurgery Clinic in Hammond
They are accepting new patients ages 18 and up. Terrell and Whipple-Bones both recently completed neurosurgical oncology fellowships at the Moffit Cancer Center in Tampa. Terrell specializes in robotic-assisted surgery and the treatment of complex brain and spine conditions, while Whipple-Bones specializes in advanced surgery for brain, spine and nerve tumors. In addition to their specialties, they will also both practice general and emergency neurosurgery at North Oaks Health
Danie Terrell Dr Stephen Whipple-Bones
Terrell is passionate about early intervention, patient
education and advancing highly specialized brain and spine tumor care in the community so patients can stay close to home while receiving the best care, a news release said.
Terrell earned her undergraduate degree in biologyphysiology with an emphasis on neuroscience from Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and a master’s degree in public health from Southern Illinois University She earned her medical degree from Loyola University Chicago in Chicago and completed her neurosurgery residency at LSU Health Sciences Center in Shreveport. During her residency, she co-authored the neurotrauma protocol for Och-
sner LSU Shreveport and co-founded the Ochsner LSU Neurosurgical Tumor Bank.
“Brain cancer treatment will drastically change in the next 10 years. Spine surgery is at the forefront of technological advances that make surgery safer and better tailored for each individual patient,” WhippleBones said. “I’m excited because this directly impacts my patients and, even more important, we are bringing those advancements to our patients here at North Oaks.”
Whipple-Bones earned his undergraduate degree in biology with a minor in chemistry from Centenary College of Louisiana in Shreveport and his medical degree from Louisiana
Health Sciences Center in New Orleans. He completed his neurosurgery residency at LSU Health Sciences Center in Shreveport, during which he received the Dean Echols Award for Best Laboratory or Research Presentation from the Louisiana Neurosurgical Society and served as a Congress of Neurological Surgeons Resident Fellow for two years. He is a member of the Congress of Neurological Surgeons and the American Academy of Neurological Surgeons. They see patients at the North Oaks Neurosurgery Clinic, at 15795 Paul Vega M.D. Drive, Building 3, Suite 202 in Hammond. The clinic is open weekdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Community news report
A Southeastern Louisiana University documentary has been recognized with a national Telly Award.
Produced by Southeastern’s Office of Marketing and Communications, the documentary, “Southeastern 100,” was honored at the 47th annual Telly Awards with a Bronze Telly in the Campaign-Educational Institution category for branded content campaigns created to feature or promote educational institutions.
“Receiving a national Telly Award for Southeastern 100 is a tremendous honor and a testament to the power of storytelling in preserving our history and celebrating our impact,” said Southeastern President William S. Wainwright. “As we reflected on a century of transforming lives and serving our region, this documentary captured the people, milestones, and traditions that define Southeastern. I am proud of our Marketing and Communications team for creating a lasting tribute to our university’s first 100 years and for sharing the Southeastern story with audiences far beyond our campus.”
Southeastern 100 gives a historical account of Southeastern’s first century From Sept. 14, 1925, when Southeastern first opened its doors, to today the documentary covers the historical events of the university and more. View the documentary at https://youtu.be/ QnskND2tEmY The Telly Awards honor video and television across all screens, and this year received over 13,000 entries from all 50 states and five continents.
“Video has never been more contested, more creative, or more consequential than it is right now,” said Managing Director of the Telly Awards Amanda Needham. “The Telly Awards has had a front-row seat to this industry for 47 years, and today’s entertainment is happening in multiple formats, across every screen, and at every budget level.”
Winners were chosen by The Telly Award Judging Council, which features more than 250 leading experts including advertising agencies, production companies, and major television networks, reflective of the multiscreen industry The Telly Awards celebrates
PROVIDED PHOTOS
Club members honored during banquet, from left, are Michael Raleigh and his mom,
Abrams and her dad, Dominick. Joining in the celebration is Christy Sorenson.
President Catherine Brindley was recognized for serving as the 2025-2026 Livingston Parish Lions Club President by Lion Marilyn Judge.
The Livingston Parish Lions Club members and guests celebrate at the club’s annual banquet.
