DENHAM SPRINGS • LIVINGSTON • WALKER • WATSON • AMITE • HAMMOND
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Darlene Denstorff AROUND LIVINGSTON
Lifelong Program announces classes Southeastern’s Lifelong Learning Program believes in integrating “lifelong learning skills” that go beyond specific knowledge or occupational areas. These transferable skills are essential to an individual’s intellectual, physical, and emotional success regardless of occupational of life role. Individuals will engage in lifelong learning as a means for upward career mobility, job enhancement and enriched quality of life. Leisure learning classes are noncredit courses promoting personal enrichment, enjoyment, and self-empowerment. Classes planned at the Walker Center include: September Mahjong For Beginners: Sept. 15, 10, 17, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Join this beginner-friendly class and learn how to play this fast-paced, strategy-packed game with friends and family. In just a few lessons, you’ll master the basics — understanding the tiles, crafting winning hands, and having a blast along the way. Class fee is $50. Membership drive is underway for the July 1-June 30 session. By purchasing this membership, you will receive a 10% discount on the first five classes you register for after purchasing the membership (not applicable to special events or podcasts), one free digital literacy class per year, and you will be entered into a drawing to win an iPad at the end of the year that is exclusive to members; discount will automatically apply once you create an account. Fee is $25. For more information, visit southeastern.nbsstore.net/ life-long-learning-livingstoncenter.
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.
Love the Waterways campaign looking for volunteers Volunteers are needed Sept. 12 for the Livingston Parish Love the Waterways cleanup campaign. All size boats are welcome and volunteers without boats also are welcome for the cleanup. The event, set from 8 a.m. to noon, is sponsored by Keep Livingston Parish Beautiful. Volunteers will launch from Riverside Marina, Canal Bank, Black Lake Club, Manny’s and Fred’s. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/profile. php?id=100064901911487. 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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W e d n e s d ay, S e p t e m b e r 9, 2026
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FEMA misses meeting on Comite River Diversion
Charles Salzer SPORTS ROUNDUP
BY GIGI LIMAN Staff writer
For years, supporters of the long-awaited Comite River Diversion Canal project have banked on the effort lowering flood insurance premiums once it’s complete. With the finish line in sight, Louisiana lawmakers gathered Monday hoping to learn how and when those savings would arrive. Instead, representatives from FEMA, the federal agency charged with overseeing the updated flood risk map for the region, did not show up. “It’s infuriating that they don’t think they owe the taxpayers an explanation,” said state Sen. Valerie Hodges, R-Denham Springs, chairwoman of the Comite River Diversion Canal/Amite River Basin Task Force. FEMA notified Hodges late Friday that it would miss the meeting, which was attended by several lawmakers, task force members, representatives of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and officials from the state Department of Transportation and Development. Hodges said FEMA did not provide
PHOTO BY CHARLES SALZER
Springfield coaches address the team after a 48-8 win over Collegiate Baton Rouge on Thursday.
STAFF PHOTO BY JOHN BALLANCE
The construction site of the flume for the diversion structure of the Comite River Diversion Canal. an explanation. “I guess FEMA now means ‘I forgot everyone was meeting again, ” said state Rep. Roger Wilder, RDenham Springs. FEMA did not respond to multiple requests for comment. Along with increased flood pro-
tection, the 12-mile-long, $908 million man-made channel is poised to reduce flood insurance premiums for residents throughout the region. When it’s complete, the canal will
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Face-painting will likely be a popular spot at the Livingston Parish Library Book-Con, a family-friendly festival celebrating literature and comic book culture, on Saturday, Sept. 19, at the Main Branch in Livingston.
Library events merge for Book Con BY RICHARD MEEK Contributing writer
A one-off fusing of two popular events hosted by the Livingston Parish Library System will add a new chapter to the annual Book Festival. Bowing to staffing adjustments, the annual Book Festival is merging with the library’s annual Comic-Con for Book-Con, the one-time event scheduled 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Sept. 19 at the main branch in Livingston. However, library officials said Comic Con is expected to return to its spring date and the traditional Book Festival back to its traditional October date in 2027. Although wearing a different look, interim library director Scott Kleinpeter is excited, saying the event has the theme “Celebrating All Stories.” Included in the day will be the cosplay competition, typically held during Comic-Con,
where young and old alike dress up in costumes that are typically handmade “They spend a lot of time designing their garb and dressing up like a favorite character,” Kleinpeter said. “It’s like Halloween but with a lot more time and effort into it. “The costumes really are incredible and they put a lot of love and effort into the costumes.”
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Is a data center coming to Livingston Parish? BY GIGI LIMAN Staff writer
Rumors have started swirling about a data center potentially coming to Livingston Parish. In recent days, posts circulating on social media have claimed that one of the centers used by tech companies to power AI computing is on its way, asserting that a deal has been made and that elected officials have signed nondisclosure agreements to keep it hidden from the public. In response, Parish President Randy Delatte put out a video Tuesday saying he had not signed an NDA and that there was “no data center project that I can announce today.” But that doesn’t mean there might not be one in the future. A 691-acre commercial tract off La. 447 in Walker is on the market, and its broker is pitching it as a po-
STAFF PHOTO BY MICHAEL JOHNSON
Cars fill a parking lot at the south end of the Meta date center site as construction can be seen surrounded by rural farmland along LA-80 on Aug. 4 in Holly Ridge. tential data center, Delatte said in an interview. “There has been a broker that wants to bring a data center in,” Delatte said. “He doesn’t have a client yet, so he has to go through that process, and the client has to look to see if that can work for them.”
Delatte said he supports the idea of bringing a data center to the property, contingent on the details. “I would surely try my best for that to happen for nothing else but the amount of money that would come in to improve the services that Livingston Parish needs,” Delatte said. The land, brokered by Reeder Capital Partners of Texas, had previously been pitched as a residential subdivision, then a garbage dump, then a Buc-ee’s. Earlier this year, it almost became a battery plant, Delatte said. The switch from residential to commercial zoning helped fuel the rumors about an AI facility coming to town, along with reports that a Livingston Parish Council member signed an NDA in 2025. Delatte pointed out the property would bring in around $140 million
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Springfield wins first game under Salim Gatorade baths don’t usually occur after the first game of the season, but the Springfield High football players wanted to make sure they properly celebrated the first win for new head coach Tony Salim. The win was a good one, a 48-8 win over Collegiate Baton Rouge in a game played Thursday on the campus of Scotlandville High. Among the highlights were seven touchdowns and a safety in a game that was effectively cut short thanks to a running clock in the second half. The offensive sparks were especially welcome after Springfield was shut out 17-0 in its jamboree contest against Independence. “We challenged our offensive line after our jamboree last week,” Salim said after the game. “Our quarterback, Brady Stewart, had a great game with three touchdown passes, and he ran one in, too. Defensively, we didn’t give up any points so that was an amazing job, as well.” The lone touchdown for Collegiate Baton Rouge came on a long kickoff return after Springfield’s third touchdown, and it was one of the few highlights for the Dolphins. For the game, CBR ran 28 plays, but only managed one first down and five yards of total offense. There were four turnovers including an interception by Jayden Robertson and two fumble recoveries from Dylan Wall. The offense got a productive showing from running back Gauge Flocke, who ran for 119 yards and two touchdowns on 13 carries, but it was Stewart who had the big night. A junior who is in his first year as a starter, Stewart completed 14 of 20 throws to six different receivers for 163 yards. There were touchdown passes of 17 yards to Logan Ballard, 38 yards to Nyciere Mitchell and 11 yards to Chase Burches. Stewart also scampered 2 yards around left end for another score. “(Stewart) was doing check downs, calling routes that he saw were open and just throwing great balls all night long,” Salim said. Was there anything Springfield could have done better? “Really, just finishing drives,” Salim said. “There were a couple of drives that we didn’t finish. We need to clean up some of the penalties, and I think we’ll be fine.” For the game, the Bulldogs were penalized seven times for 65 yards. A couple of the infractions were celebration related, which can be forgiven for a program that went 2-8 last season. This week, Springfield will host new LHSAA member Acadiana Christian. After that, there is a step up in competition with the annual rivalry game against Albany. The Bulldogs hope the celebrations will continue.
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in annual property tax as a reason to back the data center idea. With that level of income, he said, residents could receive rebates on their Livingston Parish government taxes. Data centers also offer permanent technical jobs to surrounding residents once the facilities are up and running and construction jobs before then. Delatte said he has met several Livingston residents who commute to Richland Parish to work on construction of a data center there. “To me, it’s a win-win,” Delatte said. “But I will listen to the will of the people.” He said he would hope to use additional revenue from the infrastructure project to increase pay for teachers and sheriff’s deputies, much like has been done in Richland Parish, where Meta is building a $50 billion Meta Hyperion center. Some teachers in Richland Parish will rake in an extra $50,000 in bonuses thanks to the sales tax boom brought in by Meta, according to the parish’s chamber of commerce. “It’s not fair for our teachers to make less money than surrounding parishes. It’s not fair for our law enforcement, people who risk their lives on a daily basis, to be making $37,000 a year,” Delatte said. A Livingston Parish center would have a lot of company in the state. Construction is underway on a $2.5 billion Hut 8 artificial intelligence data center in West Feliciana Parish. Amazon is building an $18 billion multicampus data center development that will span Caddo and Bossier parishes. Another $3.6 billion AI intelligence factory is planned for Rapides Parish. While data centers provide massive financial rewards to their communities, they can also impose burdens on nearby residents. Concerns about the developments have largely focused on the massive amounts of water and electricity the centers require, which has led to increased energy and utility bills for nearby residents of existing centers. The facilities also emit loud, continuous noise that can seep beyond the private property. In June, Gov. Jeff Landry signed an executive order that places some restraints on the impact data centers can have on the cost of energy. Several parishes have attempted to enact proactive policies regulating data centers before they face a proposal. The Ascension Parish Council is moving to create new rules for how and where data centers could pop up across the parish, even though none have been proposed there, and the St. Charles Parish Council passed zoning and noise ordinances in June directed at future data center developments. Livingston does not have parish-specific ordinances, and none have been proposed, but council members reached for comment expressed caution about the prospect of a data center coming to town. “I think there’s a huge discrepancy between what it could be and what it is,” council member John Mangus said. “I’m willing to entertain it, but I can’t say I’m 100% for it.” “Right now, I’m for holding back,” council member Joe Erdey said. “I personally need more information, and we don’t have that yet.” Delatte said a deal would work only if residents’ water and utilities bills would be protected. Data centers are increasingly using closed-loop systems for water consumption, which recirculate water and limit additional usage. This type of system, which will be used by the Meta center in Richland Parish, would be necessary for a proposed deal to get Delatte’s stamp of approval, he said. He added that he would want a hypothetical data center to furnish its own electricity. Whether that would ultimately be required would be part of the discussion if the proposal advances to that stage.
snake from the Comite River to the Mississippi River and be able to drain away the equivalent of 1,300 Olympic swimming pools every hour, passing that water onto the Mississippi instead of homes. The massive project comprises canals, lake closures, bridges, chutes and diversions. The canal, which broke ground in 2019 after decades of planning, will reduce the flood risk for homes around the region. And with that, their insurance premiums. But in order for insurance costs to decrease, FEMA must first assess how the project will change flood risk and update the federal floodplain maps used to determine which properties are considered at risk and, in turn, help determine flood insurance requirements and rates. Exactly when FEMA will begin that process has become a source of frustration for Louisiana lawmakers. “People are having to move out of their homes because they cannot afford flood insurance,” Hodges said. Lawmakers at Monday’s meeting said FEMA has changed the benchmark it previously gave them for when the flood mapping process could begin. For years, lawmakers said, FEMA had told the task force that the mapping process could begin once the overall project reached 50% completion. The project is now 65% complete, according to DOTD. But the mapping process has not begun.
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Continued from page 1G
STAFF PHOTOS BY JOHN BALLANCE
Rene Poche, spokesman for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in New Orleans talks about the construction of the diversion structure of the Comite River Diversion Canal. Lawmakers said that FEMA told them it would now start the mapping process when the final component of the project reaches 50% completion. It is unclear when FEMA first informed the task force of the change, but it was not discussed at its last meeting in January. That final component is the Comite River diversion structure, which is not expected to reach the 50% mark until spring. Under that timeline, the resulting flood map changes and their impact on insurance would take effect in late 2027 or early 2028, according to a FEMA let-
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Continued from page 1G Cosplay will feature four categories: adults, teens, youth and children. Author’s Row, a popular Book Festival tradition where people have an opportunity to visit with writers and purchase one their books, is also included. Community row, another festival tradition, will feature several nonprofit agencies sharing their mission. The library will also be giving away free books and food trucks will be on-site. Kleinpeter said vendors will be selling handmade fandom-based goods and objects. He said the vendors are typically a big draw during Comic-Con. Storytelling is scheduled as well as giant outdoor games, a “nonlethal” bow-and-arrow game and a giant Jenga. “We are celebrating literacy,” Kleinpeter
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said, stressing the underlying mission of the library, especially during the Book Festival. “It is a good opportunity to expose people who may not otherwise visit us to learn what we have to offer and what they can use the library for,” he said. “The joyous reason why we read books, or why we read comic books, is because it is a delightful thing to do with this wonderful ability to read and interpret stories.” Kleinpeter, who unabashedly touts the importance of reading, explained one way to enjoy what he called a person’s “gift of literacy” is by speaking with authors, reading fun books and celebrating the imagination. “I suppose the first part is it improves your ability to be employed and if you are more employable and if you feel like you have options you are less likely to end up in trouble in the long run,” he said. “A life of literacy is an enriched life. “A populace who is literate is a populace
who can make informed decisions and sustain itself.” He said information literacy is equally important in the contemporary age, because one must be literate to be able to effectively maneuver on a commuter. Kleinpeter said one of the priorities for the library is to invite people for a visit and once they are in the door they can see what is offered. “We (encourage) people to read at any early age, that is sort of like a rule we have,” he said, adding the staff at any hosted event looks for ways to tie people into what the library offers. “They have some kind contact of with what the library offers,” he said. “I think it is its own special culture, finding other people who are interested in the same books that you are.” Email Richard Meek at livingston@ theadvocate.com
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“I would like to build our ter read during the meeting. Lawmakers said they would schedule around FEMA so they hold another task force meeting can be here, so that they can before the end of the year and answer those questions for us,” will work around FEMA’s sched- said Sen. Regina Barrow, D-Baton Rouge. ule to ensure its attendance.
Author’s row will offer a chance for people to meet the writers, discuss their works and possibly buy their books at the Livingston Parish Library Book-Con, a family-friendly festival celebrating literature and comic book culture, on Saturday, Sept. 19, at the Main Branch in Livingston.
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Southeastern Lab school adding high school grades Community news report Beginning in the fall of 2027, the Southeastern Louisiana University Laboratory School will expand by adding one grade each year for the next four years through 12th grade. A partnership between the Tangipahoa Parish School System and Southeastern’s College of Education, the Lab School is fully accredited by the Louisiana Department of Education and COGNIA. “The expansion of the Southeastern Laboratory School is a strategic investment in the future of our university, our public schools, and the communities we serve,” said Southeastern President William S. Wainwright. “By making the Lab School a complete K-12 laboratory school, we are strengthening our
teacher preparation programs, creating new opportunities for innovative research and clinical practice, and providing students with an exceptional educational experience. “This partnership with the Tangipahoa Parish School System enhances the pipeline of highly qualified educators, supports workforce development, and contributes to the long-term economic vitality of our region through a stronger, more competitive education system.” Founded in 1940 as the “Training School,” the Lab School has a longstanding history of advancing educational practice and supporting the intellectual, social and physical development of students, said College of Education Dean Paula Summers Calderon. The high
school component closed in 1969. “Restoring grades 9-12 would return the Lab School to the full scope of its original mission, while helping address critical educational and workforce needs in the region,” said Calderon. “Expansion would increase enrollment, broaden access to high-quality secondary education, create new employment opportunities, and significantly enhance teacher preparation. The addition of a high school would provide Southeastern Louisiana University students with expanded opportunities for student teaching, mentorship, and applied instructional practice in a laboratory setting.” Currently, the Southeastern Lab School serves approximately 260 students in grades Pre-K through 8 within a small, one-class-per-
grade structure that fosters individualized instruction and academic rigor. “Lab School students receive a well-rounded education that includes core academic disciplines, enrichment in art, music, and physical education, participation in gifted and talented programs, and access to a broad range of extracurricular and experiential learning opportunities,” he said. “Student achievement consistently exceeds state and national benchmarks, and graduates are well-prepared for continued academic success.” For more information about the Lab School, email labschool@ southeastern.edu or visit https:// www.southeastern.edu/collegeof-education-health-and-humansciences/labschool/.
Embassy of Hungary plans visit to Hungarian Settlement in Livingston Parish Embassy staff will be on hand to answer questions about passports, Hungarian identiThe Embassy of Hungary will hold Extramu- fication, registration of life events and declaral Consular Days from Sept. 25-26 at the Liv- ration of settlement. To register, email counsul.was@mfa.gov.hu. ingston Parish Library’s Albany-Springfield For more information, visit washington.mfa. branch. Consular outreach missions are designed to gov.hu/hu/articles/kihelyezett-konzuli-fogadobring essential consular services directly to napok-louisianaban-2026-szeptember-25-26. residents. Last year, the president of Hungary toured a
Community news report
museum and two churches, met state officials and residents — and also received a basket of Louisiana’s famous strawberries — during his first trip to the state’s Hungarian Settlement in rural Livingston Parish. Livingston Parish is home to the largest rural Hungarian settlement in the United States, which is nestled between the small towns of Albany and Springfield.
SOUTHEASTERN HONORS LIST Southeastern Louisiana University has named 1,192 students to its honors list for the summer 2026 semester. The honors list is divided into four academic levels. To be named to the president’s list, students must have earned a 3.50 or better gradepoint average. Students on the dean’s list have earned a 3.20 to 3.49 grade-point average, and honor roll students have earned a 3.00 to 3.19 gradepoint average. Honors list students must be full-time undergraduates carrying at least 12 credit hours and have no grade below a “C.” The provost’s list, a new category, was recently added. Students on the provost’s list are enrolled in 6-11 credit hours and achieved a semester grade-point average of 3.50 or higher, with no grade below “B.” Students from the region named to the honor’s list include:
LIVINGSTON PARISH
ALBANY: President’s list, Maria Bergeron, Aidan Casteel, Courtney Hicks, Andrew Howell, Christine Howell, Madison Johns, Kelsey Jones, Ailyn Licona-Zelaya, Alyssa Noble, Bryant Thompson; Dean’s list, Taylor Williams; Honor’s list, Cody Leblanc, Randy Rogers II DENHAM SPRINGS: President’s list, Jake Aldy, Daisy Baio, Aidan Barrette, Makenzie Bayhi, Gabrielle Bercy, Derralyn Blake, Nicholas Bowden, Marleigh Breaux, Willie Brown, Caleb Browning, Ian Bueche, Deanna Carothers, Carter Davis, Shanna Dipuma, Amelia Dorhauer, Vincia Douglas, Paige Duncan, Kayleigh Ellis, Laine Fabre, Isabella Finch, Markham Frazier, Gabby Gaines, Porter Gibson, Isabella Gilbert, Jeffrey Hammond, Halle Harrell, Jackson Hart, Miriam Higdon, Amelia Holden, Ashley Howe, Frewen Java, Francese Java, Victoria Johnson, Cayden Jones, Sydney Kilpatrick, Alena Labat, Noelia Lagos, Emilee Lambert, Samara Lammy, Lexus Leos, Skyler Lewis, Rhori Lewis, Emma Lewis, Chloe Mashburn, Blake Mathis, Nefretari Matthews, Dylan Menier, Emily Moore, Alyssa Morse, Hannah Moss, Mckenzie Myers, Ashley Norman, Meghan Persick, Peyton Pertuit, Amber Pettitte, Kaylee Price, Kyle Rankin, AJ Shaffett, Abigail Shirey, Andrew Stansbury, Jacob Williams, Dominique Wilson, Presley Zeppuhar, Josephine Zimlich
Dean’s list, Savannah Beatty, Stephanie Hernandez, Jude Levy, Faith Mayers, Jennifer Neal, Kyla Pertuis, Brody Rabalais Honor’s list, Sadie Cambre, Cameron Cockerham, Nicole Vitale Cormier, Chase Crawford, Madison Davis, Hope Distefano, Will Elsenrath, Tyler Hollowell, Katelyn Hubbard, Jessica Norman, Rosa Nouel, Walker Peyton, Justin Pickett, Jeremy Robinson, Charlie Roycroft, Chance Shelby, Noah Snow, Fredrick Tabor, Tremeka Taylor FRENCH SETTLEMENT: President’s list, Haiden Latimer; Honor’s list, Darcy Giannobile HOLDEN: President’s list, Laney Galyean, Dina Hoyt, Brittany Jasso, Stormy Williams; Dean’s list, Brynlee White; Honor’s list, Katelynn Munoz LIVINGSTON: President’s list, Ben Byrd, Jackie Crosby, Brooke Dupuy, Ray Effler, Peyton Hartley, Avoni Hooper, Eian Jackson, Hailey Krol, Madelyn Morgan, Layden Richards, Raegen Sanchez, Kara Ward, Elizabeth Watkins; Dean’s list, Jake Thompson; Honor’s list, Leena Kober, Austin Watts, Aline Wiley MAUREPAS: President’s list, Daniel Bantaa, Annie Goodman, Casey Melancon, Raelynn Simoneaux; Dean’s list, Ayden Johnston PINE GROVE: President’s list, Michael Simoneaux SPRINGFIELD: President’s list, Javier Amador, Rowen Harris, Lawson Hendry, Luke Husser, Berkley Mitchel, Katie Riddle, Clarissa Stewart WALKER: President’s list, Olivia Besson, Joseph Christman, Ayden Cormier, Isabella Cutrer, Emma Dalton, Bella Davis, Mason Elliott, Hanna Engel, Ko Gaines, Emilee Gill, Jasey Goutierrez, Emma Grimes, Laney Gunter, Trinity Hill, Michael Labat, Carson Le, Kaira May, Belle Melton, Chloe Mizell, Angelina Neal, Harlee Sibley, Drew Williams Dean’s list, Natalya Campo, Chloe Peak, Kelsie Wheat Honor’s list, Maddie Vulgamore
TANGIPAHOA PARISH
AMITE: President’s list, Aaron Christiansen, Aariya Coleman, Ahyana Coleman, Joel Guillot, Adaire Huber, Andy Lopinto, Chelsea Mayer, Brayden Ridgel, Cohen Saragusa; Honor’s list, Lexon Bales, Madison Jennings, Nikosha Roberts
HAMMOND: President’s list, Oluwateniola Adenuga, Artist Albin, Grace Alexander, Lucky Ameh, Eniola ArowoloAberuagba, Elijah Arriago, Roderick Banks, Jay Barzenick Ii, Ciara Bates, Mackenzie Bauers, Noelle Bordelon, Ja’Myah Brumfield, Kaylie Carimi, Emily Catalanatto, Kamryn Ciresi, Lauren Cockerham, Janae’ Cohn, Zachary Collums, Avayah Dardar, Alexis Dionne, Mia Dolese, Justin Domiano, Karr’Leigh Donaldson, Ellen Dreiss, Teairra Dudley, Brianna Dunbar, Jake Eason, Nuriyah Ettu, Riley Fitzhugh, Genesis Ford, Logan Fos-Brown, Brooke Foster, Ava Gangi, Brent Gieseler, Londen Giluso, Sean Gipson, Alex Gordon, D’niaha Gordon, Samy Grimeh, Brian Guidry, Tyler Hinshaw, Amarachi Iloh, Zachary Johnson, Ciera Jones, Aryan Kumar, Milan Kunwor, Madelyn Maghinay, Rickie Matheu, Madison Mattingly, Kevin Melancon, Cameron Miller, Ella Milton, Micah Moore, Gena Morvant, Andrew Mumford, Angelique Nguyen, Savanna Notariano, Frances Okeke, Maggie Paiva, Chloe Partridge, Addison Paulk, Ava Pepper, Lourdes Pereyra, Ava Perilloux, Grace Phelan, Samuel Phelps, Kirk Pleasant, Eve Powell, Michael Price, Madelyn Redondo, Jacob Revere, Tamira Richardson, Sarah Robinson, Ariana Ruiz, Caroline Sampey, Landen Schillage, Joseph Scott, Janlus Lopez Serraty, Ben Skiffington, Christopher Smith, Jake Spurgin, Malaya Square, Jason Thompson, Madeline Tillman, Quan’ariel Turner, Chandler Van, Benjamin Wade, Sarah Wroten Dean’s list, Olivia Chenier, Christian Miller, Camryn Oubre, Manuella Ribando, Layla Thompson, Katherine Vice Honor’s list, Wesley Beall, Charlie Bradley, Pacie Brady, Kaya Bulmer, Diamond Cavalier, Hannah Collins, Alec Dufriend, Jon Duhe, Tevin Edo, Ayiana Elvéus, Diamond Harris, Chad Herbert, Taylor Lacara, Tynisha Leonard, Mekhi Paul, Kristen Pea, Matthew Perez, Jack Peterson, Savannah Robbins, Harmoni Sims, Baylon Stassi, Akeria Varnado, Christie Womack HUSSER: President’s list, Melanie Garcia Marquez INDEPENDENCE: President’s list, Parker Amerson, Kallie Catalano, Ethan Desoto, Dane Divittorio, Drew Hutchinson, Grace Kelley, Darcy Mattei, Jennifer Ocana Espinoza, Bailey Singleton, Jordan Trapani, Latousha Young
Dean’s list, J’Ariea Anderson, April Hewett KENTWOOD: President’s list, Hannah Covington, Raven Diamond, Joshua Freeman, Christian Loup-Rosa, Landon Matherson, Erica McKenzie, Khloe Penton, Cole Schwartz, Nathan Spears, Bethany Tate LORANGER: President’s list, April Alford, Brandon Graham, Gracee Hayden, Brock Kinchen, Autumn Lacroix Dean’s list, Jennafrancis Duvic, Sawyer Lacoste, Ali Ramsay Honor’s list, Jennifer McDaniel, Trenton Perez PONCHATOULA: President’s list, Michael Allen, Karlee Ashworth, Alayna Baltz, Juliana Bertucci, Sara Bonano, Isabella Cefalu, Gabriella Cieutat, Sunny Clark, Jordyn Detillier, Marissa Dufrene, Erin Erwin, Taylor Fradella, Amaiyah Griffin, Emmagrace Hano, Zaviya Harris, Hailey Hewitt, Blake Hodges, Alexis Jackson, Andrew Lehman, Bella Lion, Cindy Lowe, Kaylee Massa, Adreyonna Matthews, Madeline Maurin, Brant Monistere, Carly Montz, Shyann Morgan, Maria Piazza, Natalia Pituch, Shawn Puissegur, Charlotte Pusey Chalk, Gabrielle Raiford, Christian Ramos, Esteban Reyes, Tiffani Rieth, Lauren Robert, Grace Tallo, Elizabeth Thompson, Uland Thorn II, Jailynne Webb, Destiny Zanders, Mia Zheng Dean’s list, Corryn Davis, Raygan Efferson, Mackenzie Rush, Katherine Sharp, Brennan Williams, Anel Zaragoza Honor’s list, Evan Allen, Connie Bovia, Madison Caillouet, Carlos Cooper, Victoria Hite, Caroline Meades, Jared Norris, Corrin Rogers, Sydney Smith, Alexandra Woods ROBERT: President’s list, Lashonda Anderson, Coleen Novera, Peyton Zinna; Honor’s list, Cyan Butler ROSELAND: President’s list, Cayli Dawson, Mikayla Douglas, Katelyn Gordon; Dean’s list, Alexis Pitts; Honor’s list, Jolene Relan TICKFAW: President’s list, Guiv Bani Hashemi Quinones, Jerrica Brumfield, Lorriana Crawford, Javontaze Dunomes, Miguel Herrera, D’akos Matthews, Taylor Merwin, Andria Nasset, Karen Rojas-Alfaro, Jenna Sibley, Miley Smith, Sydnie Tycer, Jace Wilson
Livingston Parish Library hosting Master Gardener series this September Community news report The Livingston Parish Library is hosting a four-part Master Gardener series throughout September, offering community members hands-on gardening education covering fruit tree care, organic fertilization, native landscaping and a plant swap. This series is designed for gardeners of every experience level and will be held across multiple branch locations. Sessions are free and open to ages 18-plus. The series concludes with the Plant Swap, a community event where gardeners can trade clippings, seeds, and full plants with one another. The series, in partnership with the Livingston Parish chapter of the LSU AgCenter’s Louisiana Master Gardener Program, began Sept. 1 with a session on preparing fruit trees. Other sessions include: n Worm Castings: Discover the benefits of this organic fertilizer and how to use it. At 5:30 p.m. Sept. 15 at the Watson branch. n Native Plants in Your Landscape: Explore how to create a sustainable garden that supports local wildlife and thrives with less maintenance. A 2 p.m., Sept. 22, Main branch. n Plant Swap: Community members are invited to share their plants and pick up new ones. Attendees may bring clippings, seeds, or full plants to exchange. Starting at 2 p.m. Sept. 26 at Denham Springs-Walker branch.
TVFC plans Holiday Ideas Workshop & Bingo event Community news report Tangipahoa Volunteers for Family and Community members have been busy this summer holding craft workshops to make holidaythemed craft items to sell at their annual fundraiser. The Holiday Ideas Workshop & Bingo event will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 11 at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 1702 Pecan Court, Ponchatoula. The fundraiser is open to the public, and activities will include bingo, parade of prizes, raffles and hands-on craft activities and demonstrations. All proceeds will fund the club’s many ongoing charitable projects for 2026 and 2027, which help the communities in need in Tangipahoa Parish. For more information, call or text co-chairs Jamie McDonald at (504) 453-3406 or Susan Melancon, (225) 936-9933.
Belhaven honors Netter Community news report Ijanee Netter, of Springfield, was named to the Belhaven University summer 2026 president’s list. To be eligible for the president’s list, a student must achieve a 4.0 grade point average while taking a full course load of at least 12 semester hours.
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SLU’s Columbia Theatre staging ‘Gotham Nights’ Southeastern Louisiana University’s Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts, in partnership with Lighthouse Coastal Brasserie, Candlestick Bakery and the Red, White and Brew, is presenting an interactive, Batman-themed murder mystery dinner theater event titled “Gotham Nights.” Performances are scheduled at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 17, 18 and 19 at the Hammond theater, at 220 E. Thomas St. Theatergoers will join Gotham City’s greatest heroes and villains as they enjoy a threecourse meal, courtesy of chef Ryan Haigler. Along the way, participants will search for clues throughout the theater in an effort to help the caped crusader defeat some of his most diabolical adversaries. “This has become one of the community’s favorite annual Columbia events,” said artistic director of the Columbia Theatre Jim Winter. “Each year we do a new theme, and this is absolutely our most ambitious one yet.” Tickets for Gotham Nights are $100 and include dinner, a free drink ticket, and all of the evening’s entertainment. Tickets are available now and can be purchased through Columbia Theatre’s website at www.columbiatheatre.org or by calling (985) 549-2787.
SLU opens HIPS Military Museum Community news report There’s a new military museum on the campus of Southeastern Louisiana University. On Aug. 26, the HIPS Military Museum opened. “HIPS” is the acronym for the Department of History and Political Science, which curates the collections. Located in the Patricia A. Ahrens Gallery on the second floor of Fayard Hall (room 223) at 1250 North Oak St., the museum will be open to students, faculty, staff, and the general public from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Thursday, except for holidays. Admission is free. The museum is home to large collections donated by Al Freyder and Ralph Shaw, with some smaller donations from alumni. In total more than 1,000 military antiques have been cataloged, including firearms, swords, uniforms, and other artifacts spanning centuries of global conflict. Museum director Sam Cavell, also an associate professor of military history at Southeastern, said the mission of the museum is to honor the armed services and bring to life the personal experiences of soldiers, sailors, airmen, and civilians who endured combat in all its forms. She said that many of the items come “out of the cabinet” for students and visitors to touch and feel and, in the process,
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Southeastern Louisiana University opened a new military history museum Aug. 26, called the HIPS Military Museum. The opening exhibit, ‘The Nuremberg Trials and the Search for Justice,’ commemorates the 80th anniversary of the verdict in the International Military Tribunal that held senior Nazi officials accountable for crimes committed during WWII. gain a deeper understanding of what it meant to go to war at a specific time and place in history. The opening exhibit, “The Nuremberg Trials and the Search for Justice,” commemorates the 80th anniversary of the verdict in the international military tribunal that held senior Nazi officials accountable for crimes committed during World War II. Most were convicted and many were sen-
SLU plans Memorial Stair Climb commemorates Sept. 11 attacks
SLU gallery hosting faculty exhibition Southeastern Louisiana University’s Contemporary Art Gallery is hosting the 2026 Visual Art + Design Faculty Exhibition through Sept. 24. The exhibition features work of the Southeastern faculty in the Visual Art + Design Department. It represents a wide array of media including painting, sculpture, performance, photography, printmaking, video, ceramics, theater design and graphic design. In addition to the exhibition, a lecture series is scheduled, including a talk at 2 p.m. Sept. 9 with assistant professor of ceramics Katie Baczeski, followed by assistant professor of graphic design Jason Frostholm on Sept. 16 at 4 p.m. The gallery is in East Strawberry Stadium on campus at 411 Ned McGehee Drive. Gallery hours are Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. For more information, contact Gallery Director Cristina Molina via email at cmolina@ southeastern.edu. Keep up with gallery events at southeastern. edu/slucontemporary and on Instagram @slu_contemporary.
Phi Kappa Phi selects Hammond student Graham Mizell, of Hammond, recently was elected to membership into the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest collegiate honor society. Mizell is a student at LSU. Mizell is among approximately 20,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni to be initiated into Phi Kappa Phi each year. Membership is by invitation only and requires nomination and approval by a chapter. Only the top 10% of seniors and 7.5% of juniors are eligible for membership. Graduate students in the top 10% of the number of candidates for graduate degrees may also qualify, as do faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction.
Phi Kappa Phi includes Denham Springs two LSU Shreveport students Sharonda Miles and Regina White, of Denham Springs recently were elected to membership into the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi. They are among approximately 20,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni to be initiated into Phi Kappa Phi each year. Membership is by invitation only and requires nomination and approval by a chapter. Only the top 10% of seniors and 7.5% of juniors are eligible for membership.
tenced to death by hanging. More than 100 artifacts are on display to tell the story of the rise of Adolf Hitler, his demand for a war of annihilation, and the power of an ideology that drove the German people to murder more than 6 million Jews and 5 million others, based solely on race and ethnicity. As Allied Forces pushed into Germany in 1945, they discovered the horrors of the concentration
camps and immediately began gathering evidence of Nazi atrocities. The unprecedented scale and brutality of Nazi genocide demanded the creation of a new criminal charge, “crimes against humanity.” The exhibit also highlights a significant local connection to the trials. Justice Paul M. Hebert, former dean of LSU Law and namesake of the building that currently houses it, served on the bench at one of the subsequent trials. Thanks to a loan from LSU Law Center and LSU Law Library, the judicial robe that Justice Hebert wore at that trial will be on display. Cavell worked with graduate assistants Haley Creith, Abbey Hynes and Andrew Worthy this summer to catalog the collection and create the opening exhibit. “We’re a small museum, but the story packs a punch,” Cavell said. “It’s so important to remember this critical moment in our notso-distant past when the U.S. led the charge for accountability and justice in an international forum. Today Holocaust denial has never been more prevalent, especially among young people. The Nuremberg Trials put the Holocaust on record using the Nazis’ own documents to prove both their actions and the numbers they killed. It’s a fact of history that cannot be forgotten.”
Community news report
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Southeastern Louisiana University opened the 2026-27 academic year Aug. 14 with its fall convocation that included presentation of Emeritus Awards. From left are award recipient Joseph Miller, who was named Dean Emeritus of the College of Business, and Southeastern President William S. Wainwright. Miller had a 38-year career at Southeastern that included roles such as department head, dean of business, and vice president of University Advancement.
This fall, as the nation marks the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11, Southeastern Louisiana University’s Office of Military and Veteran Success, the University Police Department, and Roomie’s Pride Pantry are hosting the second annual Memorial Stair Climb and Community Service for 9/11 Day. One of the largest days of charitable engagement in the U.S., 9/11 Day inspires millions of people each year to honor the victims, survivors, and heroes of Sept. 11 through acts of service. Scheduled at 8 a.m. Sept. 11 at the University Center, the event is sponsored through a grant from 9/11 Day and being held in honor of the 343 New York City firefighters who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001. Check-in begins at 7 a.m. at the University Center Gate 3 entrance, and the ceremony begins at 8 a.m. on the court.
Southeastern students, faculty, staff and community members are invited to join in climbing 110 stories inside the University Center or completing various service projects on campus. Those unable to physically complete the stair climb are invited to attend and show support. They can also sign up as volunteers for one of the community service projects listed below, which will happen at the same time as the stair climb. Volunteers are needed to pack food boxes and hygiene bags for Roomie’s Pride Pantry and help in the Sustainability Garden. To register for the event or volunteer, complete the Google form at forms.gle/kF9zfrU5m7AFW4Lx7. Be sure to include the team name on the registration form, as an award will be given for the largest team. Contact Michelle Blanchard at michelle.blanchard-4@southeastern.edu for more information.
SLU faculty, staff receive Industry Connect lecture top awards at convocation series coming to Southeastern Community news report Southeastern Louisiana University opened the 2026-27 academic year Aug. 14 with its fall convocation, which included presentation of the President’s Awards for Excellence, the university’s highest honor for faculty and staff. The event also included announcement of endowed scholarships, new faculty and staff, faculty tenure and promotion, emeritus/emerita recipients, and recognition of service awards to faculty and staff who have worked at the university for 20, 25, 30 and 35 years. Receiving the President’s Awards for Excellence were instructor of political science Bridget Hester, excellence in teaching; Assistant Director of Auxiliary Services Keonta Johnson, excellence in unclassified staff service; instructor of music Philip Schuessler, excellence in creative activity, assistant professor of communication and media studies Chelsea Slack, excellence in faculty service; and retired professor of management David Wyld, excellence in research. One of three political scientists in the Department of History and Political Science, Hester teaches a variety of courses. Johnson’s commitment to service is defined by strategic leadership and a deep dedication to institutional and community well-being. Johnson has built a record of engagement that extends beyond her job responsibilities, advancing Southeastern’s mission while creating opportunities for others to succeed. A composer, songwriter, con-
ductor, performer, and artist, Schuessler has spent his career pushing the boundaries of contemporary music. A member of the Southeastern faculty since 2010, he writes for electronic instruments and live performers ranging from soloists to full symphonic orchestras, building a body of work that has earned recognition from musicians and audiences around the world. Over the past 25 years, Schuessler has composed approximately 140 works for a variety of ensembles and electronic media. Slack’s foundation for a lifetime of service was built in rural South Arkansas, where she was raised by her grandparents and learned that meaningful service is measured not by recognition, but by impact. Her grandparents taught her to serve others not for recognition or reward, but because it is the right thing to do. Those early lessons continue to guide Slack’s work at Southeastern, where she has dedicated herself to preparing students for professional success while preserving and enriching the university’s story. Wyld pursued research with a goal: to produce work that mattered. Over 34 years at Southeastern, that commitment resulted in an extraordinary body of scholarship that not only advanced academic knowledge but also influenced real-world decision-making across industries and government agencies. His accomplishments include the following: 221 refereed journal articles, 139 refereed conference presentations, 15 best paper awards, 32 research reports, monographs, and white papers, 17 book chapters, eight books, and 1,098 popular press articles.
Community news report
Southeastern Louisiana University’s Department of Computer Science is hosting the first of the fall Industry Connect Distinguished Lectures at 4 p.m. on Sept. 17. The lecture is in the Envoc Innovation Lab, Fabre room 2026 in the Computer Science and Technology Building at 801 N. Oak St. in Hammond. The free lecture is titled “The Nature of Work in the Age of AI: Prevailing When the Brain Meets the Machine.” Founder and President of Envoc Calvin Fabre will serve as guest speaker. Envoc is a Software Product Accelerator company in Baton Rouge and Ham-
mond, most known for launching LA Wallet. Fabre is a member of the International Standards Organization’s Working Group, which defines mobile driver’s license standards. He has been invited to Washington, D.C. to speak about technology and inform privacy legislation. He also speaks on privacy, digital identity, and non-disenfranchisement of underserved communities, including non-smartphone holders and technology-avoidant groups. Guests are welcome to attend in person at the Computer Science and Technology building or virtually via Google Meet. To be added to the RSVP list and receive all event details, email industryconnect@southeastern.edu. For more information, contact the Department of Computer Science at (985) 549-5740.
Constitution Day lecture to address impact of Supreme Court cases Community news report The History and Political Science Department at Southeastern Louisiana University will present its annual Constitution Day Lecture at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 17, in the Student Union Theatre. “The Impact of Recent Supreme Court Cases” is the first of this year’s Fanfare lectures and is free and open to the public. History and Political Science department head Bill Robison said associate professor Peter Petrakis will present the lecture. “The Supreme Court in recent
years has taken an extraordinarily activist approach to interpreting the United States Constitution, separation of powers, Presidential authority, Congressional legislation, judicial independence, civil rights and other issues of critical importance,” Robison said. “Dr. Petrakis, who teaches and writes about the Constitution, public law, and civil rights and liberties, will discuss the impact of recent court decisions on American law and the lives of citizens.” For more information, contact the Department of History and Political Science at (985) 549-2109.