DONALDSONVILLE • DUTCHTOWN • GEISMAR • GONZALES • PRAIRIEVILLE • ST. AMANT
THE ASCENSION
ADVOCATE T H E A D V O C AT E.C O M
Darlene Denstorff AROUND ASCENSION
Reptile Expo Aug. 22-23 Herps Exotic Reptile and Pet Show will be at Lamar-Dixon Expo Center Aug. 22-23. The show will feature thousands of reptiles, insects, feeders amphibians and supplies. Tickets, which are $10 for adults, are available at the door.
Salute the Troops concert Ronnie McDowell is performing at 6 p.m. Aug. 22 at the VFW Post 3693 Hall in Gonzales for a Salute the Troops concert. The show includes dinner and live and silent auctions. Special guests include Scott Innes, Caitlyn Renee and Mason Shows. Tickets are $100 and are available by calling (225) 456-3082 or at onescottshop.com.
Business Expo Aug. 27 The Ascension Chamber of Commerce’s annual Business Expo is Aug. 27 at Lamar-Dixon Expo Center’s Rev Center. The event will include more than 100 local businesses and organizations display products and services, keynote brunch, business expo showcase, Passport to Prizes and a Taste of Ascension happy hour. For more information, contact the chamber.
Books for Boots Aug. 29 Gonzales Memorial VFW Post 3693 is hosting a Books for Boots Red, White and Boots Festival starting at 10 a.m. Aug. 29 at the post hall on Churchpoint Road. Admissions is $10 for ages 13 and older and $5 for children 12 and under. The event will include a petting zoo, pony rides, inflatables, silent auction, music, jeep show, food and craft vendors. Proceeds support the group’s efforts to support military personnel. For more information, visit www.booksforboots.org.
Highway 621 Outdoor Market The Highway 621 Outdoor Market, 39275 La. 621, in Gonzales, opens at 8 a.m. every Saturday through July 25. Shop vendors’ booths and purchase locally grown produce.
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 a.m. 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.
Mammography coach visit Woman’s Hospital mobile mammography coach brings breast imaging across the state. The coach offers advanced 3D mammogram technology at convenient times and locations across Louisiana. A physician’s order is required, and appointments are strongly encouraged. The coach will be at Assumption Parish Community Hospital, 135 La. 402, Napoleonville, Aug. 28. Call (985) 369-4265 to schedule. 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.
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W e d n e s d ay, Au g u s t 19, 2026
1GN
School Board is taking shape More than half already decided after election sign-up
ELECTION
a measure approved by the parish more than a decade ago. The members facing term limits are Robyn Delaney, Julie Blouin, H H H H H H John Murphy, Taft Kleinpeter and Louis Lambert. Lambert, who holds the District BY ANNAKATE FREELAND 6 Seat B seat, has a son, Landon Staff writer Lambert, looking to fill the post. Landon Lambert will face two Five Ascension Parish School other candidates in the fall. Board members are running un- held for the past 12 years. “For 12 years, my father Louis For the first time, term limits are opposed and will start new terms next year, as will another candi- forcing a turnover on the board. Lambert has served on the school Of the current 11 members, five board. Due to term limits, I plan date who drew no opponent. And in one of the remaining five could not seek reelection because on carrying on the foundation and races, a candidate wants to take they reached the maximum three continued success of my father the seat his term-limited father consecutive terms allowed under and his fellow APSB board mem-
bers’ remarkable progress and accomplishments,” Lambert said in a social media post announcing his candidacy. All six members who were eligible for another term registered last week to run for reelection. Five of them were reelected unopposed, but Marty Burgeois, the board’s current vice president, will face a challenger in the Nov. 3 election. The 11 board members represent districts defined by about one-eleventh of the parish’s voting
ä See BOARD, page 2G
From
the Earth Crystals, rocks, gems shine at Gem & Minerals Show in Gonzales
BY WENDY LOUP
Contributing writer
Vibrant rock sculptures, dazzling jewelry and sparkling crystals were among the many items offered during this year’s Baton Rouge Gem & Mineral Society’s Gem & Mineral Show. PHOTOS BY WENDY LOUP The event was Aug. 8-9 at LamarOn the Rocks owner Suzi Meilleur was one of 20 vendors featured during the Baton Rouge Gem & Mineral Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales. Gemstones, minerals, fossils, Society’s Gem & Mineral Show at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center. handcrafted and exquisite jewelry were displayed by 20 vendors. and features themed programs, as Also featured were child-friendwell as outings to local riverbeds ly activities, and educational demto hunt for agates or out-of-state gem mines to dig for crystals. onstrations about fossils, rocks The society participates in outand minerals. The event gives the BRGMS reach programs such as Rockin’ at the opportunity to interact with the Swamp, Louisiana Earth Day the public by attracting those inand International Astronomy Day. The club, formed in 1922, meets terested in the Earth’s gems and at various places in Baton Rouge. minerals. Members share expertise in colThe weekend is a gathering of those who “have a love of rocks,” lecting and identifying rocks and according to show chair Wanda minerals, as well as working with Gawarecki. gemstones to create jewelry and “We get to see nature at its best,” other polished stone items. Gawarecki said. “Rocks and gems The Baton Rouge Gem & Mineral Society’s Gem & Mineral Show “Our club has a lot to offer for that have been turned into beauti- featured a wide variety of rocks and crystals, such as these from On the those interested in rocks, fossils, and gems,” Gawarecki said. “We ful jewelry. We even have metals Rocks. also collaborate with the comthat have been used to create jewmunity and schools. We offer elry and other items. We offer a lot of variety at our show.” site of the show for 11 years. Ga- weekend to recruit new members. ä See EARTH, page 4G The expo center has been the warecki and the society use the The organization meets monthly
SENIOR SPOTLIGHT Q&A WITH PRAIRIEVILLE’S KALE DAIGLE
Receiver excited for opportunity to play Prairieville High School wasted little time in establishing their program in Division I nonselect. The Hurricanes made the playoffs in year two of the program under Coach Michael Troy Schmitt. The HurLeBoeuf ricanes went 5-6 ASCENSION overall and lost in SPORTS the first round to Southside. Several key players returned, including receiver Kale Daigle. Daigle is happy to be back on the field with his teammates after battling injuries for the last two seasons. What are your measurables, GPA, position and other sports? I am 5’ 9” 170 pounds, and I play slot receiver. I have a 3.5 GPA, take honors algebra and run track
Kale Daigle, Prairieville High
PHOTO BY SHOTBYMASONN/MASON
in the spring. Talk about your offseason coming off your injury? This offseason was about recovery, my second ankle surgery in two years. Being healthy and helping my team achieve our goals is number one priority. What is the team mindset going into year 3? Our mindset is about improvement, getting better each day and trusting the process. Our team goal is to make a run in the playoffs, win an away playoff game. What that looks like, time will tell. My personal goal is to contribute to the team in any way possible. I want to make big plays in clutch moments. Talk about your role as a senior leader? It’s all about encouraging your teammates, including the guys new to the program. Helping people on and off the field is something I take seriously. I am there to help my teammates with my knowledge and experience. That being said, I am open minded to learning from my teammates as well.
ä See LEBOEUF, page 2G
2G ■ Wednesday, August 19, 2026 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate
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BOARD
graduate of Donaldsonville High. He has 30 years of experience in Continued from page 1G education and currently serves as a supervisor for special education in East Baton Rouge Parish population. Eligible candidates schools. District 1 represents Lowery Elmust live within the boundary of the district where they qualify to ementary, Lowery Middle, Donaldrun. However, four of the seven sonville Primary, Donaldsonville districts have A and B seats, where High, Ascension Head Start, Sorboth members represent the full rento Primary, St. Amant Middle district. Those four districts have and St. Amant High. approximately double the populaDistrict 3 tion of single-seat districts. Torey Bennett is a graduate of District 1 East Ascension High School. He is The largest race is for District 1 a belonging partner at Louisiana Blue, a nonprofit insurance health with four candidates running. Vera Jones registered as a Dem- provider. Rochelle Darville has spent the ocrat. She worked in the district’s department of information tech- past 14 years in education. Both candidates are registered Demonology. Stephen “Gob” Joseph is a 1987 crats. graduate of Donaldsonville High District 3 represents G.W. CarvSchool. He spent 28 years as a shift er Primary, Sorrento Primary, supervisor at Clean Harbors. He Spanish Lake Primary, Pecan Grois currently on the Donaldsonville ver Primary, Gonzales Middle, Planning and Zoning Commission. Dutchtown Middle, St. Amant MidHe has registered as a Democrat. dle, St. Amant High, Dutchtown Natalie “Ms. Nat” Sullivan reg- High and East Ascension High. istered as a Democrat. She is a retired teacher of 25 years in As- District 4, Seat A cension Parish, followed by three Marty Bourgeois is currently the years with the Bright Futures Af- board’s vice president. He is a 1980 ter-School Program. For the past graduate of East Ascension High. nine years, she has served with He is currently self-employed, the Lafourche Parish Head Start maintaining and managing rental property around Ascension Parish. Program. Michael Wright, the only can- He registered Republican Vickie Auguste registered as no didate in the District 1 race registered as a Republican, is a 1989 party. She unsuccessfully ran for
the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education in 2019. District 4 represents Bullion Primary, Dutchtown Primary, Dutchtown Middle, Dutchtown High, Duplessis Primary, Bluff Ridge Primary, Bluff Ridge Middle and Dutchtown High.
District 5, Seat B Greg Hilensbeck is a part-owner and operator of Kelly Pest Control Inc., a family-owned pest and termite control business operating in Ascension Parish and surrounding areas. He registered as a Republican. Breigh Rhodes has served as a teacher and educator for roughly 20 years. She has previously served as the Director of Math, Science, and STEM for the Louisiana Department of Education. She registered as no party. District 5 represents Oak Grove Primary, Prairieville Primary, Bullion Primary, Sugar Mill Primary, Prairieville Middle, Galvez Middle, Bluff Middle and Prairieville High.
District 6, Seat B Landon Lambert is a 2014 graduate of St. Amant High School and a 2018 graduate of Southeastern Louisiana University. He is currently in the sixth year of his career working as a pipeline inspector. He registered as no party. For Landon Lambert to win the seat and follow in his father’s
footsteps, he will need to beat two other candidates: Sandra DenhamLightfoot and Bart Himel. Lightfoot is a graduate of East Ascension Senior High. She has been an educator for nearly 40 years, teaching in Ascension Parish, Livingston Parish and private schools. She retired in 2022 after teaching for the last 26 years at Lake Elementary. She registered as a Republican. Himel graduated from St. Amant High in 2002. He has worked for Baton Rouge Water Co. for the past 18 years. Also, from time to time, he puts in a few hours for TeeWayne’s Cajun Cooking. He registered as a Republican District 6 represents Galvez Primary, Lakeside Primary, Sugar Mill Primary, Lake Primary, Central Primary, St. Amant Primary, Galvez Middle, Central Middle, Lake Middle, St. Amant Middle, East Ascension High and St. Amant High.
Reelected unopposed n Incumbent Willie Robinson, who registered as a Republican, keeps his District 2 seat. He is a local broker and a co-owner of Ascension Realty of Louisiana. District 2 represents St. Amant Primary and St. Amant Middle. n The only unopposed candidate who isn’t an incumbent is Lisa Bacala, filling District 4, Seat B. Bacala is a retired director of secondary education. She has previ-
ously served as a teacher, assistant principal, supervisor and director of secondary education in Ascension Schools. She registered as a Republican. n Incumbent John De Frances will represent District 5, Seat A. He has worked in the food service industry for more than 20 years. He is the vice president of sales for S & W Wholesale Foods. He registered as a Republican. n Incumbent Jared Bercegeay will represent District 6, Seat A. He is an implement supervisor at Rubicon Chemical. He is also the board’s current president. He registered as no party. n Incumbent Karen Braud will represent District 7, Seat A. She registered as a Republican. She is a graduate of East Ascension High School and LSU. n Incumbent Jake Lambert will represent District 7, Seat B. He is a 1997 graduate of St. Amant High. He is a licensed civil engineer and land acquisition manager for LAEast Division. He registered as a Republican. District 7 represents Duplessis Primary, Central Primary, G.W. Carver Primary, Pecan Grove Primary, Sugar Mill Primary, Central Middle, Gonzales Middle, Prairieville High and East Ascension High.. This story has been updated since it was originally published to accurately reflect candidate backgrounds and schools in the districts.
Ascension Little League returns home from Regional finals BY TROY LEBOEUF Contributing writer
The Ascension Parish Little League All Stars are home from Waco, Texas, their dream of going to the Little League World Series and competing for a title is over, but the memories will last a lifetime. Ascension Parish represented Louisiana and made it to the finals of the Southwestern Regional, one game away from playing in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. AP Director of Baseball Operations Wayne Grenfell was asked about the experience the boys and coaches who got to be a part of. “In the last four years, we have been fortunate to send the Louisiana State Champs to Waco two times: they overachieved. Our coaching staff have helped make this possible with the total buy-in by our kids and supporters. “At the high school level, you would call these players a program type player, they unselfishly do what it takes to make the team successful. “We have these types of kids in our league program and those kids that earn a spot on the all-star teams represent us in the league in such a positive way. Only 12 kids can make the team, so many talented kids to choose from, your kids would benefit from being a part of our program. “They receive quality coaching, and they can start as early as 4 years old,” said Grenfell. Even with all of the positives and playing in front of large crowds, including on ESPN, there was some controversy when the tournament got down to three teams.
The Ascension Parish Little League 12-year-old baseball team advanced to the Southwest Regionals in Waco Texas. “Our team was supposed to play a semi-final game after losing to Tulsa, but there were some rule violations that came to light regarding the Tulsa team. The rule violation that was flagged and enforced was the out-of-boundary sibling rule. “Tulsa used the challenger division, which is egregious, to make a player who lives 2.5 hours away from their boundary’s ineligible. They did not have a challenger division”, said Grenfell. Head coach Kyle Suire along with assistant coaches Brett Durand and
LEBOEUF
Continued from page 1G What do you enjoy outside of football? I enjoy hunting, hanging out with friends and family. I enjoy doing anything physically and staying active. What are your plans after graduation? If the opportunity is there, I want to
continue playing football and study kinesiology. After my 4-year undergraduate degree, my plan is to go to PT school, and my dream is to own my own physical therapy clinic. Talk about the coaching staff and how they help you. In my opinion, all our coaches are different from other coaching staff. They work hard to prepare us and keep us together. This is a family inside of our pro-
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Travis Drago passed on their knowledge of the game and had front row seats to the ride, one they will never forget. “What an experience, you couldn’t put a dollar amount on what this group got to experience this summer. This group is so tough, the toughest group I have ever coached. Our staff was excellent; they were committed to practice every day and grinded with the kids. They never took a day off. Our kids bought into the system we put in place, and our expectations
were very high, they never backed down”, said Suire. Most of the kids will be entering sixth and seventh grade, not far off is high school and Suire is excited to see how they do. “Expectation for this group for high school is very high, we want to make sure every kid makes their high school team,” Suire said. Being one game away from the Little League World Series is amazing, and Suire knows the bar is set high. “We know that the expectations are to go past the level we
gram. I transferred here and immediately felt welcomed. If you come to Prairieville, you will get a fair shot to play, that’s all you can ask for. We trust what the coaches teach us and want to work hard as possible to accomplish our goals. Who would you like to thank for going into your last season as a Hurricane? From my middle school coaches to the staff now, everyone that has helped me along my journey. So many people have
PROVIDED PHOTO
went. We will have new goals and expectations; the kids will embrace them along with the coaches.” Suire knows how many people were pulling for the team and so many people had a part in the success. The team is back in the parish and getting back to normal life with school starting, homework, other sports and family time. One thing is for certain, this group will never forget the summer of 2026, memories they can tell their kids and grandchildren one day.
made an impact on my life, including my family, friends, coaches, friends’ parents and my teachers. Being healthy now and getting to this point as senior, could not have done it without the support of all these people. Troy LeBoeuf covers sports for the Ascension Advocate. He can be reached at troyleboeuf@hotmail.com or ascension@theadvocate.com
The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Wednesday, August 19, 2026 ■ 3G
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ASCENSION PARISH BOOKINGS The following people were booked into the Ascension Parish Jail on July 30-Aug. 13.
JULY 30
MINTON, MICHAEL CHAD: 18205 Little Prairie Road, Prairieville; 52; failure to appearbench warrant GIBBS, VILTRIS B.: 8510 Pertuis Road, St. Amant; 33; parole violation, failure to appearbench warrant, criminal trespass/all other simple burglary, theft less than $1,000 WINFREY, MATTHEW DANDRA: 908 Mulberry St., Donaldsonville; 29; state probation violation, child desertion, hit-and-run driving, aggravated criminal damage to property, aggravated assault, second degree rape, sexual battery, aggravated burglaryminor injury, domestic abuse battery-child endangerment, domestic abuse batterystrangulation
JULY 31
MOODY, MATTHEW LEE: 43183 Norwood Road, Gonzales; 40; domestic abuse battery DABNEY, DAYLEN MICHAEL: 12378 Juliet St., Gonzales; 18; two counts violations of protective orders, two counts battery of a dating partner, disturbing the peace/simple assault, false imprisonment ABNER JR., JOHN HENRY: 13230 High Meadow Drive, Gonzales; 55; failure to appear-bench warrant, simple criminal damage to property less than $1,000, theft less than $1,000 HARRY, JEREMY ANDRE: 39115 Bayou View Ave., Gonzales; 27;two counts fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction, five counts failure to appearbench warrant, criminal mischief/tampering with any property of another JOHNSON, MARLIN ASHTON: 7721 Mill St., New Orleans; 53; failure to appear-bench warrant MCCAIN, DRUE TYLER: 524 S. Flanney Road, Apt. A, Baton Rouge; 24; fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction, injuring public records
AUG. 1
LONDON, NATASHA SHANICE: 784 Huey Andrew Ave., Gonzales; 36; domestic abuse battery with a weapon FISHER, DEMONTREY MONTREAL: 1516 N. Harco Drive, Baton Rouge; 35; fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction FOSTER, ARMON ALARIC: 2163 S. Veterans Blvd., Gonzales; 34; second degree murder/ attempt, resisting an officer, soliciting for prostitutes, second degree battery, third degree rape, second degree kidnapping-injure/sex abuse WILLIAMS, KENDALL LAMONT: 44090 Lake Hills Drive, Prairieville; 50; domestic abuse battery ALLEN, DARVELLE JAMAL: 104 Bayou Oaks Drive, Unit A, Donaldsonville; 35; four counts failure to appearbench warrant, fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction PACK, ROLAND PAUL: 5419 Bear Hunters Drive, Katy, Texas; 28; failure to appearbench warrant BANKS, JERNE: 12195 Roddy Road, No. 35, Gonzales; 24; theft less than $1,000 SCIENEAUX, LAWRENCE MICHAEL: 1519 America St., Donaldsonville; 43; fugitiveother Louisiana jurisdiction
AUG. 2
ANDERSON, RENE: 8150 Hodges St., Convent; 61; possession of marijuana less than 14 grams, operating while intoxicated-second THEALL, LOGAN: 2618 W. Admiral Drive, New Iberia; 19; security required, maximum speed limit, operating a vehicle while under suspension for certain prior operating while Intoxicated-second DUNN, RICHARD: 2479 N. Claiborne, New Orleans; 50; surety, fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction, failure to appear-bench warrant BOWLIN, TONEY: 1402 Bonadona Lane, Donaldsonville; 52; fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction BUI, THOA KIM: 2462 Inverrary Drive, Baton Rouge; 52; possession of Schedule II controlled dangerous substance (methamphetamine), fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction CERVANTES, CHRIS S.: 10259 Colony Court, Houston, Texas; 21; operating while intoxicated-first WINCHESTER JR., JOSEPH MICHAEL: 42317 Lakestone Drive, Prairieville; 32; establishing of speed zones, operating while intoxicated-first MULINA, DAVID MICHAEL:
45059 Walls Cemetery Road, Prairieville; 44; resisting a police officer with force or violence, unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling, simple criminal damage to property $1,000 to $50,000, aggravated battery, aggravated assault upon a peace officer BRUNO, KAMDEN: 40318 Old Hickory Ave., Gonzales; 20; theft less than $1,000 JACKSON, DEVIN LA’VON: 10550 Florida Blvd., No. 703, Baton Rouge; 32; interfering with emergency communication (all others), domestic abuse battery-serious bodily injury COMEAUX, TYRESE DONFRANK: 101 Palm Drive, Donaldsonville; 25; prohibited acts-drug paraphernalia, illegal carry of weapons-crime or controlled dangerous substance, distribution/possession with the intent to distribute marijuana or synthetic cannabinoids
AUG. 3
BROWN, KIRSTEN MARIE: 106 N. Brown Ave., Gonzales; 31; obstruction of justice/all others, accessories after the fact, theft of a motor vehicle over $25,000, prohibited actsdrug paraphernalia, fugitiveother Louisiana jurisdiction, failure to appear-bench warrant SIMON, CORTNEY ANTHONY: 2009 S. Commerce Ave., Gonzales; 43; aggravated assault, disturbing the peace/violent and tumultuous manner/disorderly conduct, simple battery, failure to appear-bench warrant MAISON, TATEYANNA A.: 122 Dville Village Circle, Donaldsonville; 19; domestic abuse battery RINEY, JACOBY DAJON: 122 Dville Village Circle, Donaldsonville; 20; domestic abuse battery DEBATE, JORDAN SCOTT: 44239 Calvin Templet Road, St. Amant; 35; careless operation, operating while intoxicated-first MOSES, KENNETH LAMONT: 418 W. Bluebird St., Gonzales; 54; possession of marijuana less than 14 grams, disturbing the peace/drunkenness
AUG. 4
ARCHER, REGINA: 221 Dville Village Circle, Donaldsonville; 40; cruelty to juveniles ALBARADO, DANIN ANTHONY: 7471 S. La. 308, Prairieville; 53; third degree rape LANDRY, RAY ANTHONY: 127 E. 29th St., Reserve; 69; state probation violation DARR, KEVIN: 3814 Washington Ave., Baton Rouge; 29; theft $1,000 but less than $5,000 JONES, ADAM: 708 Azalea St, Port Allen; 45; failure to appear-bench warrant SHEETS, BLAKE JOSEPH: 14280 George Rouyea Road, Gonzales; 26; simple criminal damage to property $1,000 to $50,000, battery of a dating partner GAMMONS, STEPHANIE A.: 14303 Roddy Road, Gonzales; 42; theft, fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction HARDESTY, SHANNON JONES: 45184 Penny Duplessis Road, St. Amant; 45; theft less than $1,000, simple robbery LANDRY, TREVOR ANTHONY: 18468 Lake Harbor Lane, Prairieville; 49; domestic abuse battery, violations of protective orders THOMAS, CANDACE: 12257 Chester Diez Road, Gonzales; 33; disturbing the peace/ drunkenness IRVIN, TYCE RAI’SHON: 2525 W. Orice Roth Road, Gonzales; 19; state probation violation, terrorizing; menacing, masks or hoods-wearing in public places prohibited-penalty, aggravated assault
AUG. 5
RODRIGUEZ JR., DONALD: 41432 W. Martha’s Vineyard Road, Gonzales; 51; failure to appear-bench warrant, fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction, violations of protective orders GRAY, KENDELL LESTER: 1707 Seagull St., Houston, Texas; 36; failure to appear-bench warrant, simple burglary of an inhabited dwelling DAUZAT, WILLIAM PAUL: 13494 Leon A. Babin Sr. Road, Gonzales; 43; hit-and-run driving, reckless operation, aggravated assault with a firearm, fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction, failure to appearbench warrant POOLE, MELINDA CALMES: 224 W. Roosevelt St., No. 5, Gonzales; 55; two counts failure to appear-bench warrant CLARK, JOSHUA EZEKIEL: 704 N. Brown Ave., Gonzales; 37; failure to appear-bench warrant
AUG. 6
SELLERS JR., ROY JAMES: 5162 Salinger Drive, Darrow; 36; resisting an officer, unnecessary noise EASTERLING, DAVID TAYLOR: 42508 Churchpoint Road, Gonzales; 38; fugitive-other state jurisdiction, theft less than $1,000 THILL, EUGENE J.: 1000 Quail Ridge Drive, Jasper, Texas; 63; state probation violation, operating vehicle while license is suspended, security required, possession of alcoholic beverages in motor vehicles, resisting an officer, aggravated obstruction of a highway of commerce, reckless operation, general speed law, signals by hand and arm or signal lamps, aggravated flight from an officer, driving on roadway laned for traffic, operating while intoxicatedfirst FARMER JR., JOSEPH R.: 16051 La. 931, Prairieville; 61; surety, failure to appear-bench warrant LIGHTFOOT, TAYSIA: 1014 St. Vincent St., Donaldsonville; 27; fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction WILLIAMS, RASHAD LEON: 120 Dville Village Circle, Donaldsonville; 19; illegal use of weapons or dangerous instrumentalities/weapons law violation
AUG. 7
CAPELLO, NICHOLAS JOSEPH: homeless; 36; resisting an officer, obstruction of court orders, unlawful disruption of the operation of a healthcare facility, driving on roadway laned for traffic, operating a vehicle while intoxicated-first KYSAR, APRIL: 14359 Roddy Road, Gonzales; 46; prohibited acts-drug paraphernalia, possession of Marijuana more than 14 grams, possession of Schedule II controlled dangerous substance (methamphetamine) STEWARD, VONTRELL J.: 12400 Jefferson Highway, No. 503, Baton Rouge; 36; state probation violation, failure to appear-bench warrant JONES, TANIYAH TRENAE: 606 W. Fifth St., Donaldsonville; 19; domestic abuse batterychild endangerment KYLE, KELVON: 8975 La. 114, Cottonport; 26; fugitive — other Louisiana jurisdiction HOGAN, TYRONE: 13170 Dutchtown Point Ave., No. 1112, Gonzales; 54; aggravated battery, possession of Schedule II controlled dangerous substance , prohibited acts-drug paraphernalia, state probation violation, possession of firearm by person convicted of certain felonies, armed robbery COLEMAN, ALLEN: 1350 Bob Pettit Blvd. No. 3, Baton Rouge; 38; fugitive — other Louisiana jurisdiction, failure to appear-bench warrant AYDELL, COLE ASHTON: 15265 La. 16, French Settlement; 26; simple criminal damage to property less than $1,000, theft $1,000 but less than $5,000 GAMMONS, ANGELA M.: 12120 Leonidas Drive, Baton Rouge; 39; unauthorized use of a motor vehicle LEMIEUX, MEGAN: 16151 Galvez Ave., Prairieville; 34; failure to appear-bench warrant MATERRE, LLOYD A.: 610 Veterans Blvd., Donaldsonville; 64; failure to appear-bench warrant COOKS, GEARLD LEEONTA: 15376 Roy Rogers Road, Prairieville; 31; two counts failure to appear-bench warrant, criminal trespass/trespassing of real property, simple burglary, bicycles- front lamps/rear lamps/side/and rear reflectors
AUG. 8
HENDERSON, UINEKA: 3615 McCall Road, Donaldsonville; 29; failure to appear-bench warrant ORTEGA JR., RUBEN: 1740 W. La. 30, Gonzales; 24; vehicle license required, possession of alcoholic beverages in motor vehicles, operating while intoxicated-first, possession of marijuana less than 14 grams, disturbing the peace/ simple assault WILSON, KEVIN MAURICE: 918 Cherry St., Apt. 1, Morgan City; 41; operating while intoxicated-first, stop signs and yield signs BELER, MERCEDES MIRANDA: 3122 Barnes Lane, Donaldsonville; 30; failure to appearbench warrant, establishing of speed zones, fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction LEDET, ADAM JOSEPH: 6810 Jefferson Highway, No. 9107, Baton Rouge; 45; possession of alcoholic beverages in motor vehicles, driving on
Kaitlyn Francise elected to membership into Phi Kappa Phi Community news report Kaitlyn Francise, of Prairieville, was recently elected to membership into the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi at LSU.
Francise is among approximately 20,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni to be initiated into Phi Kappa Phi each year. Only the top 10% of seniors and 7.5% of juniors are eligi-
ble for membership. Graduate students in the top 10% of the number of candidates may also qualify, as do faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction.
divided highways, driving on right side of road; exceptions, careless operation, hit-andrun driving, operating while intoxicated-first ABBOUD, WILLIAM G.: 13250 Roddy Road, No. 12, Gonzales; 67; entry on or remaining in places or on land after being forbidden STERLING SR., DARNELL J.: 405 Barcelona Drive, Donaldsonville; 39; aggravated flight from an officer, reckless operation, stop signs and yield signs, safety helmets, off-road vehicles-authorization for use on the shoulders of certain public roads and highways
AUG. 9
BELL, SPARKLE M.: 3225 La. 18 W, Donaldsonville; 31; failure to appear-bench warrant, home invasion (damage to property), battery of a dating partner VICTOR, BRANDON MONTREAL: 13107 Oak Knoll Drive, Geismar; 41; resisting an officer, domestic abuse battery SANDERS, SEAN: 4424 St. Katherine St., Baton Rouge; 58; fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction SIHTO, GINGER: 42455 Black Bayou Road, Gonzales; 47; battery of a dating partner COPPENBARGER, DAWN RENEE: 307 E. Nell St., Gonzales; 45; prohibited acts-drug paraphernalia, possession of Schedule II controlled dangerous substance (methamphetamine) LEWIS, DERRON MARCEL: 620 Church St., Donaldsonville; 33; state probation violation, three counts failure to appear-bench warrant, bicycles-front lamps/rear lamps/side and rear reflectors, possession of synthetic cannabinoid, possession of Schedule II controlled dangerous substance (oxycodone) HALEY, ROBERT L.: 39381 Bradbury Lane, Prairieville; 78; state probation violation, domestic abuse battery, interfering with emergency communication
AUG. 10
NORMAND, NANETTE: 11711 Melinda Drive, Denham Springs; 63; record and reporting requirementsapplication, negligent injuring, careless operation of a watercraft COLLIER, EDWARD: 2910 Hiawatha St., Baton Rouge; 46; failure to appear-bench warrant AUGUSTUS, CAMERON JALON: 9953 W. Darryl Parkway,
Baton Rouge; 25; aggravated criminal damage to property, theft of a motor vehicle over $25,000, simple battery JOHNSON, JEREMY QUINDELL: 38108 Smith Road, Prairieville; 45; two counts failure to appear-bench warrant FERGUSON, ROBERT THOMAS: 11096 Lakeview Drive, Geismar; 36; indecent behavior with juveniles, computer-aided solicitation of a minor
AUG. 11
LEE, ROBERT: 14221 Billy Decoteau Road, St. Amant; 38; security required, possession of alcoholic beverages in motor vehicles, operating while intoxicated-first GUILLORY, HENRY: 6057 San Juan Drive, Baton Rouge; 25; fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction ROSAYA, CHRISTOPHER: 11366 W. Main St., Gonzales; 41; parole violation, criminal trespass/all other prohibited acts-drug paraphernalia, theft- two convictions or more PHILIP JR., BRIAN: 1133 La. 1 S, Donaldsonville; 32; two counts failure to appearbench warrant CHAMBERS JR., KEVIN: 12329 Highland Drive, Geismar; 26; domestic abuse battery-child endangerment BELL, MICHAEL A.: 43333 Willie Bell Road, Gonzales; 55; three counts failure to appear-bench warrant, possession of a Schedule IV controlled dangerous substance (alprazolam), possession of Schedule II controlled dangerous substance illegal possession of stolen firearms, illegal carry of weapons-crime or controlled dangerous substance, possession of firearm by person convicted of certain felonies, prohibited acts-drug paraphernalia, distribution/possession with the intent to distribute marijuana or synthetic cannabinoids ALMOND, TAYLOR: 511 Day Drive, Baker; 29; probation violation parish GASTON, LEONARD JEROME: 1690 North Blvd., Baton Rouge; 62; fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction, theft $5000 but less than $25,000 DUET JR., RHETT PAUL: 20785 La. 16, Denham Springs; 22; failure to appear-bench warrant, hit-and-run driving, simple criminal damage to property less than $1,000 KELLER, JOHNIQUE ELSIE: 5801 Kilona Drive, Baton Rouge; 42; domestic abuse battery-child endangerment
AUG. 12
YOUNG, STEVEN ANTHONY: 12467 Roddy Road, Gonzales; 62; domestic abuse battery HENRY, ROGER: 3939 Synott Road, Houston, Texas; 37; fugitive-other state jurisdiction, possession of marijuana more than 14 grams, illegal possession of stolen things $5,000 to $25,000 CALDWELL, DELTRIC: 19307 Long Lake Drive, Houston, Texas; 36; illegal possession of stolen things $5,000 to $25,000 LEWIS, CEDRIC: 8333 Braesmain Drive, Houston, Texas; 35; resisting an officer, aggravated obstruction of a highway of commerce, aggravated flight from an officer, illegal possession of stolen things $5,000 to $25,000 GREEN, TYRELL: 9313 Water Tower Road, Convent; 33; headlamps on motor vehicles-motorcycles and motordriven cycles, operating vehicle while license is suspended, failure to appearbench warrant DARTEZ, LOUIS PERCY: 2513 Duportile St., Apt. H255, Richland, Washington; 35; vehicular homicide /driving under the influence ANTHONY, CHERQUELLE RAYNISHA: 3233 Leonidas St., New Orleans; 33; three counts organized retail theft less than $1,000 BEZARD, JUSTIN MICHAEL: 4545 Bluebonnet Road, Baton Rouge; 45; failure to appearbench warrant, violations of protective orders DAVIS, BOBBY RAY: 4316 Burgess Drive, Baker; 29; theft less than $1,000, resisting an officer, entry on or remaining in places or on land after being forbidden TURNER, KOLE: 1416 W. Worthey Road, Gonzales; 22; illegal possession of stolen things less than $1,000, prohibited acts-drug paraphernalia, distribution/possession with the intent to distribute marijuana or synthetic cannabinoids, illegal carry of weapons-crime or controlled dangerous substance, handling of machine guns unlawful YOUNG, JAYDON: 511 E. Chuck St., Gonzales; 23; flight from an officer SCARDINO JR., WAYNE JOSEPH: 5154 Mars Drive, Darrow; 33; fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction QUINONEZ JR., RICARDO: 812 Houmas St., Donaldsonville; 29; fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction
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4G ■ Wednesday, August 19, 2026 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate
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Clean Out Your Freezer day, Aug. 23, helps feed those in need Community news report Hunters For The Hungry Louisiana is back Aug. 23 asking Louisiana to make more room in their freezers for the upcoming hunting season. The group welcomes all perishable donations to one of the drop-off locations throughout the state for the annual Clean Out Your Freezer Day in August. Dates and times may vary. Hunters For the Hungry Louisiana will accept any properly packaged, labeled and dated game, fish or other proteins as well as other frozen food at the multiple drop-off locations. In the Baton Rouge area, all items collected will be donated to the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank and will be distributed to their local agencies. While most Clean Out Your Freezer Day drop-off locations are
open Aug. 23 only, visit www.cleanoutyourfreezer.com to check all drop-off times and dates in their community. In the Baton Rouge region, dropoffs can be made from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 23 at: n Baton Rouge: Bowie Outfitters, 8630 Perkins Road; CCA Louisiana, 12241 Industriplex Blvd.; Baton Rouge Fire Department, 835 Sharp Road; Baton Rouge Fire Department, 5758 Claycut Road n Central: Central Fire Department, 11646 Sullivan Road n Clinton: Red Boot Deli, 12430 St. Helena St, n Denham Springs: Bass Pro Shops, 175 Bass Pro Blvd. n Gonzales: Cabela’s, 2200 W Cabela’s Parkway n St. George: St. George Fire Department, 7027 Antioch Road; St. George Fire Department, 9214 Jefferson Highway; St. George Fire
Deshaud Foster, of the Baton Rouge Food Bank, Matt Hough, of the Coastal Conservation Association, and Hampton Gruenwald unload a cooler of donated meat at the Hunters for the Hungry’s Clean Out Your Freezer Day in 2025 at the Bowie Outfitters in Baton Rouge. STAFF FILE PHOTO BY MICHAEL JOHNSON
Department, 16415 George O’Neal Lane n Zachary Fire Department, 4525 Main St. Started in 1994 by a group of hunters, Hunters For the Hungry’s mis-
Continued from page 1G
BY JACKSON REYES
Donaldsonville star edge rusher DeCaleb Green will don a new uniform for his senior season. Green has played at Donaldsonville his whole high school career but is transferring to Amite High for his final year, as confirmed by Tigers coach Darnell Lee and Green this week. The 6-foot-5, 190-pound edge rusher is a threestar recruit, according to
Throughout her career, she has served students in Ascension Public Schools North Carolina and Louisihas announced several new ana as a teacher, instrucleadership appointments: tional coach, mentor and Ali Gautreaux as the new school administrator. principal of Head Start, She earned a bachelor’s Jennifer Franklin as prin- degree from the Univercipal of Lowery Middle sity of North Carolina at School, and Michele Court- Greensboro and a master’s ney as the principal of degree from Louisiana Christian University. Galvez Primary. Before joining Gautreaux brings Ascension Public extensive experiSchools, Franklin ence in education taught physical edand school leaducation and health ership to her new in North Carolina role, a news release and East Baton said. Throughout Rouge Parish. She her career, she has later joined West served as a class- Gautreaux Baton Rouge Parroom teacher, literacy specialist, assistant ish Schools, where she served as a physical educaprincipal and principal. She earned an undergrad- tion teacher, mentor teachuate degree in elementary er, and instructional coach, education from LSU and a supporting math, science, Master of Arts in teaching ancillary, and special eduthrough the LSU cation teachers. Holmes Program. Franklin joined Before joining Ascension Public Ascension PubSchools in 2017 as an EMR instructor lic Schools, Gauat East Ascension treaux served in High School, where the Assumption she also served as a Parish School Dismentor teacher and trict, where she Franklin Instructional Leadheld a variety of leadership and inership Team memstructional roles dedicat- ber. She later served as a ed to supporting student teacher coach for APPLe achievement and educator and Early College Option before completdevelopment. “I was born and ing an administraraised on the West tive internship at Bank, so I’m happy Lake Elementary to be here supportSchool. Most recently, she served ing that commuas assistant princinity and watching the great things pal at Donaldsonthat are happen- Courtney ville High School. In addition to her ing. I look forward instructional and to working with the staff, community members leadership experience, and family to ensure that Franklin coached soccer every student gets a solid for seven years at East Asstart,” Gautreaux said. cension High School after Gautreaux is married to previously serving as head Michael Gautreaux and soccer coach at St. Michael is the stepmother of their the Archangel High School. daughter, Ella. “I thank Dr. Walker and Franklin brings more the board for allowing me than 20 years of experi- to continue serving the ence in education to her community of Donaldsonnew role as principal of ville. I’m seeing such great Lowery Middle School. things happening in that Community news report
PHOTOS BY WENDY LOUP
Eclectic Gifts & Jewelry owner Teresa Sanchez sold handmade jewelry, including brooches and other vintage items, during the Baton Rouge Gem & Mineral Society’s Gem & Mineral Show.
The Baton Rouge Gem & Mineral Society’s Gem & Mineral Show at the LamarDixon Expo Center featured 20 vendors offering items such as these mineral slabs and formations. brooches. They find creative ways to use them, such as hair pins.” Sanchez hopes more people will shop with those who create handmade jewelry more in the future, rather than buying from companies on the internet. “Handcrafted by jewelry makers like me are a better
quality that what’s being sold today,” Sanchez said. “You know the quality is good and real. When you buy something featuring, say, tiger eye from me, you are definitely getting tiger eye.” For more information about the Baton Rouge Gem & Mineral Society, visit www.brgemandmineral.org.
Donaldsonville High’s 3-star edge rusher transfers to new school Staff writer
the state by partnering with all five major food banks in Louisiana and conducting multiple programs such as the Clean Out Your Freezer Day and Freshly Harvested Game and Fish Programs.
Ascension Public Schools announces new principal
EARTH
scholarship opportunities for students interested in earth sciences.” The vendors at the 2026 show displayed their creativity selling items that offered calming, yet vibrant color themes. On the Rocks owner Suzi Meilleur sold an array of rocks, crystals and jewelry. Meilleur, who traveled from Hammond for the show, has created handmade jewelry for 15 years. “Rocks and minerals have their own unique story,” Meilleur said. “No two are the same, just like us. Who doesn’t love a cool rock? Mother Nature is the true attraction for enthusiasts.” While half the vendors focused on minerals, others sold handmade jewelry featuring gems both old and new. Eclectic Gifts & Jewelry owner Teresa Sanchez, who is based in Baton Rouge, has been making jewelry for 30 years. “I sell a lot of jewelry that is vintage,” Sanchez said. “But much older than what is considered vintage today. Items from the 40s and 50s are quite popular. Brooches attract a lot of people” Brooches are decorative pieces of jewelry that include a pin or clasp to be worn on clothing. “People request vintage brooches,” Sanchez said. “I hear about all of the interesting things they do with them, other than wear them as
sion is to encourage hunters and fishers to make a difference in the lives of their neighbors by sharing their bounty of wild game and fish in order to combat hunger. The project provides food throughout
247Sports. He received his first Division I FBS offer during the 2025 season from South Alabama. He committed to the Jaguars before flipping his commitment to Cincinnati this offseason. Green put up big numbers last year, totaling 211/ 2 sacks, 27 tackles for loss, four forced fumbles and one safety. He earned all-metro and LSWA Class 3A all-state honors for his stellar season. While Lee confirmed the move, he said it isn’t official
yet, with Green still enrolled at Donaldsonville. “That’s not official yet, but he hasn’t been to any summer workouts or anything,” Lee said. “I see him on our rosters here at our school still, so I guess he’s kind of in between, but he hasn’t been practicing with us.” Donaldsonville finished 2025 with an 8-4 record after reaching the second round of the Division III nonselect playoffs. Charles Salzer contributed to this story.
community and to be able to be a part of it is really exciting,” Franklin said. Franklin is the mother of two sons, Michael “Brad” Franklin and Austin “Champ” Franklin, both students of Ascension Public Schools. Having spent her entire career with Ascension Public Schools, Courtney has served students and families in a variety of teaching and leadership roles across the district. Courtney earned a Bachelor of Science degree from LSU and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Louisiana State University. She began her career with Ascension Public Schools in 2004 as a seventh-grade social studies and EXCEL teacher at St. Amant Middle School before teaching sixth, seventh and eighth grade geography at Dutchtown Middle School. In 2005, she joined Galvez Primary School, where she taught first grade, third grade and self-contained special education before serving as assistant principal. Her years of service at Galvez Primary have provided her with a deep understanding of the school community and a strong commitment to supporting student success. “It is a privilege and an honor to get to serve in the community in which I live, and I do not take it lightly. I am honored to continue the work that we do at Galvez Primary and make our little pirates the strongest school that it can be,” Courtney said. Courtney has been married to her husband, Jamie, for 32 years. Together they have three children: Caitlin Gautreau, Evan Courtney, and Dillon Courtney. They are also the proud grandparents of four grandchildren: Reese, Ganon, Corinne, and Cooper.
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