member proposes art, monument to create a ‘strong sense of place’
BY OLIVIA MCCLURE
Contributing writer
Cities across the country have used placemaking to put themselves on the map, to give residents a source of pride and to reflect the community’s values.
It’s a concept that involves putting public amenities and things like monuments in central spaces such as parks and even street intersections, creating a strong sense of place in an easily recognizable art installation.
In Zachary, Council member Ambre DeVirgilio is encouraging her colleagues to think about how placemaking principles could be implemented across the city She gave a presentation on the topic during the council’s July 28 meeting.
A good starting point, she said, is the roundabout at the entrance to the Americana development which is in her district. A well planned monument in the roundabout could serve as an attractive gateway into Zachary Icons in other cities like the bull on Wall Street in New York City or the Hollywood sign in the mountains surrounding Los Angeles have become famous and are part of the fabric of those places.
“It enhances the experience for all of us who live here,” DeVirgilio said. “It supports investment. When you look and do research on identity and communities and placemaking, there is an economic development component to it, and it leaves a lasting legacy for generations to come.”
In her research, she came across Carmel, Indiana, which has the distinction of having the most roundabouts of any American municipality That city has commissioned “some absolutely phenomenal structures” to display in its numerous roundabouts, she said.
DeVirgilio said she can envision placemaking artwork at other main intersections — such as Rollins Road at La. 964, Montegudo Boulevard at La. 19 and Plank Road at Main Street — and tying those pieces in with other projects like wildlife habitat gardens and walkability initiatives. It would be a great addition to local parks, too, she said.
SUPPLIED & READY
Students, parents welcomed to new school year with supplies, motivation
Community news report
The Dr Martin Luther King Jr Committee of Zachary hosted its annual Back to School Supply Giveaway Saturday at the Zachary High School gym. The event provided free school supplies, sno-balls, refreshments and community vendor resources. It was open to elementary, high school and college students. Attendees were asked to bring at least one canned good to support the Zachary Food Pantry On-site activities and services included free child ID card stations, community vendors, educational booths and support service representatives.
Stick Rodeo is ready to ride
The Wild West Stick Horse Rodeo is riding into town from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 3 Bring the kids to compete in exciting rodeo events, including: Bronco Busting, Barrel Racing, Clown Act, Duck Chase (Ages 3 & 4 and Ages 5, 6 & 7), Dummy Roping, Buddy Pickup, Goat Tail Pull and Flag Race. All gate proceeds benefit the Zachary Rotary Club, helping support projects and programs. Pack the Trailer at balloon festival The Zachary Food Pantry is asking attendees to Pack the Trailer at the fourth annual Zachary Really Hot Air Balloon Festival. People who bring three nonperishable food items are entered into that night’s prize drawing for a hot-air balloon ride. The event is from Aug. 14-15 at BREC Zachary Community Park, 20055 Old Scenic Highway, Zachary The festival opens at 4 p.m. each day and has free admission.
to 1 p.m., Oct. 3 in Zachary.
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interest but each of you to the interests of the others” –Philippians 2:3-4. The Scripture above appropriately captures the life of James Joseph “Buddy” Baudoin Jr who died last week at 79. “Mr Buddy,” as most called him, has been a fixture in Zachary athletics for decades. His Zachary journey began as he competed in football and track for the Broncos before graduating from ZHS in 1964. His love and commitment to ZHS athletics did not stop after graduation. He served on the “chain gang” for ZHS football games for over 40 years. I can still remember seeing him on the opposing team sidelines when his son, Scott, and I were playing football in the late 1980s. Yes, he offered words of encouragement and, when appropriate, words that needed to be said. Go to a ZHS boys or girls basketball, football or baseball game and Mr Buddy was there. He was there to support ZHS athletics whether one of his six grandchildren or three children was playing or cheering, or not. The stories of Mr Buddy’s exploits along the sidelines are
legendary Hard to tell how many times the officials kicked Mr Buddy off the sidelines for heated disagreements with the opposing team coaches and players. I can confirm that he did not like Catholic High School and was summarily dismissed from his sideline duties after a heated
PHOTOS BY SONYA GOSS
Zachary High School Band of Blue at the Back to School Supply Giveaway sponsored by the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Committee on Aug. 1
Police Chief Darryl Lawrence speaks to parents and students about safety during the school year at the Back to School Supply Giveaway on Aug. 1 ä More photos. PAGE 3G
Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall coming to Zachary
BY OLIVIA MCCLURE
Contributing writer
The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall is coming to Zachary in November
The wall, which lists the names of the roughly 58,000 American service members who died or went missing during the Vietnam War, will be escorted into town via La. 19 on Nov 12. It will be set up in front of Zachary High School and open to the public from Nov 13-16.
The wall measures 6 feet tall and almost 300 feet long
It’s a smaller replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The display was last in Zachary about 30 years ago; it was placed outside the high school then, too. City Council members reflected on that appearance during their July 28 meeting.
Councilwoman Brandy Westmoreland recalled visiting the wall as an 18 year old, an experience that left a lasting impression. She
said she’s excited the wall is returning to Zachary and urged people to go see it “If you’ve got kids, they need to see it,” she said.
“They really do.”
Th e Vi et na m Wa r stemmed from earlier conflicts and began in earnest in 1955, pitting communist North Vietnamese forces against U.S.-backed South Vietnam The U.S. escalated its involvement following the 1964 Gulf of Tonkin incident, prompting military drafts, anti-war protests and political upheaval on the home front.
The last American combat troops were withdrawn in 1973, and South Vietnam’s capital, Saigon, fell to northern forces two years later In addition to the American troops who died, it’s estimated that up to 2 million civilians, 1.1 million North Vietnamese and Viet Cong fighters, and 250,000 South Vietnamese soldiers were killed in the war, according to Encyclopedia Britannica.
Barbecue restaurant wants to move into Zachary’s train depot
BY OLIVIA MCCLURE
Contributing writer
A barbecue restaurant is preparing to move into Zachary’s train depot. Under a lease given initial approval by the City Council July 28, T&T Smokehouse Meats will operate from the historic, city-owned building in downtown Zachary The deal is for three years, and the restaurant will pay $1,200 a month in rent Council members introduced an ordinance authorizing leasing the facility. They still have to formally adopt it.
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T&T, owned by Joseph and Engreck Butler, currently has a location in Baker and a food truck that has made regular appearances at events in Zachary
“What we intend to do is to move from where we are now into Zachary because we figure that Zachary’s more lucrative, has more availability,” Joseph Butler told the council. “We’ll get more coverage and exposure. So I think Zachary will be a benefit to us, being that at least half our customers are from Zachary.”
The train depot, which sits on Main Street between East Central and West Central avenues, dates
Baton Rouge Parish Library has several book clubs including Lively Discussion Book Club 10 a.m., Aug 20, reading “The Briar Club” by Kristen Hamel, and Curious Minds Book Club 5 p.m., Aug. 27, reading “Brave New World” by Aldous Huxley Crafting for a Cause crocheters meet every Thursday from 1 to 3 p.m. at the PrideChaneyville Branch. Everyone is welcome despite skill level to crochet a 12-inch square each month. By the end of the year, it will be enough squares to assemble a 3-by-4-foot lap
back to the late 1800s and was crucial to Zachary’s early days as a railroad town. It functioned as a museum before the city decided to lease it out in 2021. Past tenants have included Maverick’s Q-N-Brew Roly Poly Sandwiches and The Depot Diner
The Butlers said their restaurant will close by 8 p.m. They assured the council they will run a respectable establishment.
“We plan to take the depot to another level, but a peaceful level,” Engreck Butler said. “We don’t drink. We will not be serving alcohol. We are quiet people. We are Christian people.”
blanket to keep, gift, or donate.
Knitting enthusiasts of all skill levels are invited to Let’s Knit Together at the Zachary Branch every Tuesday in August at 6 p.m. Bring a project, learn new techniques, or get help solving tricky knitting problems alongside fellow crafters. Beginners are encouraged to join and can bring size 7 or 8 needles and smooth worsted weight yarn (No. 4) to start learning.
Community tailgate set
The Zachary Athletic Foundation invites everyone to kick off the 2026-27 athletic year with the Community Taste of Bronco Tailgate Event, an afternoon of food, fun and Bronco pride. The tailgate tasting experience is $10 and celebrates the athletes, coaches and
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past interactions.
Chain gang leader Gordon “PWee” Leblanc remarked that “Mr Buddy was a man that truly loved the Broncos.”
As recently as last year, he roamed the sidelines with the chain gang at 78 years old. Stay tuned, a special night is in the works to recognize his over 40year commitment. Mr Buddy was a fixture at First Baptist Church Zachary as a greeter, deacon, bus driver, set builder for Christmas pageants or in whatever role he was asked to play (see Scripture above). There are stories of his competitiveness in church league softball but those are stories for others to tell. Several teen boys, including myself, had the pleasure of being coached by Mr Buddy in church basketball and/ or track as part of the church
Royal Ambassadors program.
Who volunteers to coach and teach teenage boys for nothing?
Mr Buddy He also served on several church mission projects including ones that provided my children with the opportunity to experience a special person who truly loved God, family and Zachary
Returning home from one mission trip in Montana he got “lost” and ended up in Omaha to watch LSU in the College World Series. He is survived by his wife, Barbara; sons Steve and Scott; and daughter Stefani. All are ZHS graduates. Those grandkids I mentioned previously; they were raised in Zachary and are also ZHS graduates. Mr Buddy touched ZHS sports and folks in the Zachary community throughout his welllived life.
Warren Brady covers sports for the Advocate/Plainsman. To contact Brady, email zachary@ theadvocate.com.
traditions of Zachary
The event is 2 to 5 p.m. Aug. 15 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church gym, 4826 Main St., Zachary
It will include a performance by the Zachary High School Band, a performance by the Zachary Belles and a performance by the Zachary Cheerleaders, as well as introduction of the coaches, and team captains and representatives from Zachary athletic programs. Purchase tickets at square.link/u/ FUDHMmos?src=sheet.
Back to school event
The Zachary Men’s Club annual Back to School Extravaganza starts at 10 a.m. Saturday at Zachary Men’s Club, 5746 Rollins Road, Zachary
Free logo T-shirts and school supplies will be available for kindergarten through high school.
For students with proof of insurance, Southeast Community Health Systems of Zachary will provide vaccinations needed for the school year and will offer athletic physicals. Blood pressure, HIV and other screenings will be offered.
Market set for Baker Baker’s Fresh Market will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Aug. 22, Oct. 24 and Nov 21 at the city of Baker School Board Office, 14750 Plank Road. Email Leila Pitchford at lpitchford@ theadvocate.com.
FILE PHOTO BY TED JACKSON
The Moving Wall, a half-size traveling replica of the Vietnam Memorial, shown during a stop in Kenner, is coming to Zachary later this year
PROVIDED PHOTO
A barbecue restaurant wants to open in Zachary’s former train depot.
PROVIDED PHOTO
James Joseph ‘Mr Buddy’ Baudoin Jr and Gordon LeBlanc before the 2025 Livonia High jamboree.
Assistant Principal Erica Henry and Principal Tim Jordan welcome everyone to Zachary High School for the Back to School Supply Giveaway
Jonathan Coates, Northwestern Elementary School principal, addresses the audience with energy and an upbeat speech about the Zachary Community School District.
PHOTOS BY SONYA GOSS
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. Alpha Delta Pi Omega Chapter volunteer at the Back to School Supply Giveaway sponsored by the Dr Martin Luther King Jr Committee on Aug. 1. Volunteers include, from left, Debbie Glover, Raegan A. Carter, Traci Bryant Lang and Tammie White.
Mayor David McDavid addresses the crowd.
Bank of Zachary announces new Baton Rouge branch
Community news report
Bank of Zachary announced plans to open a new full-service branch at 18224 Highland Road in Baton Rouge.
With an anticipated opening in the fall, the branch will offer the same relationship-focused approach that has defined Bank of Zachary for more than a century, a news release said “Bank of Zachary continues to experience strong and steady growth across our markets, and we’re excited to bring our personalized approach to banking to even more customers,” said Mark S. Marionneaux, president and chief executive officer of Bank of Zachary “This new branch represents our commitment to investing in our communities while mak-
and
Coach Brew’s Mega Camp was July 18 at Zachary High. David Brewerton’s annaul camp was postponed earlier this summer The Zachary High Broncos football will have a scrimmage Aug. 20 at Denham SPrings and host a jamboree on Aug. 28.
Zachary High hosts annual football camp
Coach Brew’s Mega Camp was July 18 at Zachary High. David Brewerton’s annual camp was postponed earlier this summer
The Zachary High Broncos football will have a scrimmage Aug. 20 at Denham Springs and host a jamboree Aug. 28. The
game will be at Plaquemine Sept. 4. Visit https://zacharyathletics.org/sports/football/ schedule/2026 for the
BREWER: 40; 3547 Van Buren St., Baker; fugitive warrants through Baker Police Department and West Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office
JEAN BROWN: 31; 2881 Louis Marie Ave., Gonzales; battery of a dating partner
ALEXANDRA CHENEVERT: 32; 2110 Ridgefield Ave., Zachary; battery of a dating partner
ALAYNA HORTON: 20; 1032 Sunshine Drive, Baker; four counts of aggravated assault and aggravated criminal damage to property TONYA KIRKLAND: 51; 6508 Donnie Drive, Zachary; entry on or remaining after forbidden
TIARA KNOX: 26; 1400 N 29th St., Baton Rouge; failure to appear on outstanding bench warrants
VIRGIE MAGEE: 67; 1845 Saul Ave., Zachary; theft The following people were booked into East Baton Rouge Parish Prison or issued a summons by the Zachary Police Department July 23-29, 2026.
HENRY ANDERSON: 23; 552 Hickory St., Gloster, Mississippi; battery of a dating partner and simple criminal damage to property
CHASSIDY CARTER: 25; 6751 Royal Oaks Court, Zachary; failure to appear on outstanding bench warrants
DMARCUS COSEY: 35; 1344 Jackson Road, Woodville, Mississippi; for failure to appear on outstanding bench warrants
JAMES DOWNS: 44; 6914 Sutton Drive, Baton Rouge;
failure to appear on outstanding bench warrants
JEREN FRANKLIN: 34; 4736 Ave G., Zachary; possession of marijuana
WILLIAM GREER: 53; 11 Jordan Road, Pineville; theft
JAVONTAE HATCH: 20; 8020 Brennen Drive, Central; illegal carrying of weapons with controlled dangerous substance, possession of Schedule I, possession/distribution/ manufacturing of Schedule II, prohibited acts, possession/ distribution/manufacturing of Schedule IV, principals, domestic abuse aggravated assault
BYRON INESTROZA: 20; 201020 La. 19, Lot 8, Zachary; possession of marijuana
MELITA MOSBY: 52, 13839
Keever Ave., Baton Rouge; theft
JONEISHA NIXON: 23; 1115 E. Plains Port Hudson, Zachary; failure to appear on outstanding bench warrants
DEZMIN PARKER: 22; 3718 Truman St., Zachary; domestic abuse aggravated assault, possession/distribution/ manufacturing of schedule IV prohibited acts, possession/ distribution/manufacturing of schedule II, possession of schedule I, illegal carrying of weapons with controlled dangerous substance
Shelley St., Baton Rouge; two counts violation of protective orders, two counts prohibited use of tracking devices, three counts stalking, domestic
Marionneaux
Copper Mill Elementary art teacher Darryl Alello receives state and national recognition
Community news report
Recently, Darryl Alello, longtime art teacher at Copper Mill Elementary School, received the 2026 LAEA Legacy Award — In Memory of Sally Babin.
The Louisiana Art Education Association said it honored Alello for his dedication and service to their organization, the field of art education and his students.
Alello will be recognized at the LAEA Fall Conference in November and at the NAEA
2027 National Convention held in New York.
In addition, he will be recognized at the Capitol in Baton Rouge in the spring at the LAEA annual Artist at the Capitol Day
As a member of Louisiana Alliance for Arts Education, Babin worked on the Superintendent’s Task Force for Arts Education from 2000 to 2001 and was named the Retired Art Educator of the year by the Louisiana State Legislature and Retired Art Educator of the year by LAEA on numerous occasions.
Author stresses need for teamwork across generations
Community news report
David Day, author of “The Marketing Gap,” was the guest speaker at the Zachary Rotary Club meeting July 16, where he shared insights on bridging the generational divide between organizational leaders and today’s marketing professionals.
Day discussed how different generations in the workplace often face challenges connecting and communicating, particularly in the ever-evolving field of marketing.
He said, “Over the last decade, we have witnessed unprecedented advancements in technology, digital media and connectivity
PROVIDED PHOTO
Tamara Dayton, Zachary Rotary Club president, and David Day, author of The Marketing Gap, at the July 16 Zachary Rotary meeting
These changes have revolutionized how businesses operate, enabling them to capture and analyze data like never before.”
While today’s graduates enter the workforce with strong digital media and marketing skills, Day said many lack a broader understanding of their organization’s mission and longterm goals, contributing to high employee turnover
He also highlighted the communication and teamwork differences that often exist between legacy leaders and Generation Z employees.
He encouraged organizations to bridge these differences by fostering collaboration, understanding and meaningful engagement with the next generation of professionals, creating a more inclusive, connected and empowered workforce.
Zachary teachers honored at annual Educator Excellence Awards Gala
Community news report
On July 25, the Louisiana Department of Education, in partnership with Dream Teachers honored the state’s most outstanding educators at the 20th annual Cecil J Picard Educator Excellence Awards Gala at The National WWII Museum in New Orleans.
Haley Odom, 2025-26 Teacher of the Year at Northwestern Middle School, was honored as an LDOE State Teacher of the Year Semifinalist. Also honored was last year’s Louisiana State Teacher of the Year Regena Beard. Beard is a teacher at Copper Mill Elementary Zachary Community School District Superintendent Ben Necaise, administrators and teachers from the district as well as the honorees’ family and friends, attended
PROVIDED PHOTO BY SECOND LINE PHOTOGRAPHY Regena Beard, Louisiana State Teacher of the Year speaks on stage with John Pastorek. Haley Odom, 2025-2026 Teacher of the Year at Northwestern Middle School
Nicholls State announces honors lists
Community news report
Nicholls State University, in Thibodaux, named 2,325 students to honors lists for the spring 2026 semester
The president’s list is for students who maintained a grade-point average of 3.5 or higher
The dean’s list is those who earned a grade-point average between 3.2 and 3.499. The honor roll is for those who earned a grade-point average between 3.0 and 3.199. Area graduates include:
East Baton Rouge Dean’s list
Kaylie Ash, Wylie Barre, Courtney Edmonds, Gabriella O’Neal, Makayla O’Neal, Karis Phillippe, Delainie Riera, Isaac Rupnow, Isabella Smith, Gabrielle Sparks Honor roll
Jordan Donaldson, Imeri Johnson, James Montgomery, William Nizzo, Carlyle Smith, Harrison Valluzzo, Kingslee Vinson
President’s list
Elliott Aucoin, Corinne Blanchard, Julian Borden, Ainsley Brignac, Tialya Brown, Bryleigh Erickson Heavenly Erwin, Emma Gary, Cadence Guidry, Jayla Hickman, Gabriel Lakvold, Madison Martin, Mary Martin, Keyli Navarro-Gonzalez, Georgia Nizzo, Sarah Ortlieb, Tamra Patrick, Hamza Rahman, Iyana Ross, Ashley Rotolo, Annabelle Templet, Avery Vavasseur, Jordan Washington, Brooklynn Wilkinson, Samuel Wilson
ZCSD School Board honors student interns and retiree
Community news report
At the Zachary Community School District School Board meeting July 14, the board honored three of its inaugural student board interns, Khaliyah Claiborne, Phoebe Fannin and Jimmy McKnight.
During this past year at Zachary High School, these students studied policy, met with local legislators, staff and students, and presented their findings to the board. They each had a cause that they championed.
The board also recognized the retirement of Zachary Early Learning Center’s Michele Hebert. The district thanked her for many years dedicated to her students and staff. Between Zachary and Calcasieu Parish, Hebert spent 34 years in education.
PROVIDED PHOTO
At the Zachary Community School District School board meeting July 14, 2026, board member Crystal London presents certificates to the three inaugural student board interns,
Khaliyah Claiborne, Phoebe Fannin and Jimmy McKnight.
Alello
“Thefuture’s
happening here in RichlandParish.”
$1.6billionfor Louisiana businesses. Cateringfor 40 peopleused to be agood week.Now they hit400.And that’sjust thetacos.Fromcoffee shops to bustours,Meta’s RichlandParish investment isalreadypayingoff forbusinesses across Louisiana.
