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The Advocate 09-17-2026

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LSU: QB Sam Leavitt listed as doubtful vs. Ole Miss 1C

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Security ramps up for Kiffin’s return to Miss. Game to draw ‘largest presence’ of officers BY REED DARCEY

Staff writer

Both LSU and Ole Miss plan to take extra security precautions Saturday ahead of coach Lane Kiffin’s highly anticipated return to the school he left behind in November. The Mississippi Department of

Public Safety announced Wednesday that the security force it will deploy for the game, which kicks off at 6:30 p.m. on ABC, will be the “largest presence” of officers it’s ever assigned to a college football game day. The department said that roughly 65 to 70 state troopers and commercial transportation officers

are expected to be deployed in and around Ole Miss’ campus in the lead-up to the game. Mississippi Highway Patrol is also activating its special operations group, air command and mobile command center for the matchup, and troopers will begin “enhanced traffic enforcement details” on Thursday. “This weekend will bring a significant number of visitors to Oxford,” MDPS Commissioner Sean Tindell said in a statement, “and our priority

is making sure everyone can enjoy the game and surrounding events safely. This enhanced presence is about being prepared, staying proactive and working together.” Oxford’s police department is also planning to supplement its normal Ole Miss game-day security forces with at least an additional five mounted patrol officers from Mobile, Alabama, law enforcement officials said Tuesday. New Orleans originally planned to

send another four mounted patrol units to Oxford for the game, but a New Orleans Police Department spokesperson said Tuesday that those plans “have changed.” Mississippi agencies are also “coordinating closely” with Louisiana State Police, the department in charge of providing security for Kiffin and LSU’s traveling party. State Police spokesperson

ä See SECURITY, page 7A

Clash between Edmonds, Miguez ramps up

Candidates file complaints in congressional battle BY ALYSE PFEIL Staff writer

STAFF FILE PHOTOS By BRETT DUKE

A pelican takes flight over an area of the Lake Borgne Marsh Creation Project in St. Bernard Parish on Dec. 2.

Louisiana’s decadeslong coastal restoration efforts slow land loss New data shows projects have impact in battle against erosion

A recent assessment found marsh creation areas such as this one at the Lake Borgne Marsh Creation Project site in St. Bernard Parish were found to have contributed 42 square miles of losses prevented through restoration.

BY MIKE SMITH Staff writer

Louisiana’s coastal restoration efforts over the past four decades have put an important dent in the state’s land loss crisis, a new assessment shows, but the amount of erosion over the same time period remains far larger, illustrating the severe challenge ahead. The first-of-its-kind assessment presented to state officials Wednesday shows coastal restoration projects from 1984 to 2025 have either built, restored or sustained an area the size of Denver, or about 153 square miles.

That equates to around 74,017 football fields, according to the assessment by U.S. Geological Survey researchers. It quantifies for the first time the impact that 507 projects have had across a 40-year battle against land loss. The projects man-

aged to reduce loss by around a quarter — or approximately 23% — over the time period examined, said Brady Couvillion, a research geographer with USGS.

ä See COASTAL, page 4A

The battle between two state legislators running for Congress intensified Wednesday after Sen. Rick Edmonds, R-Baton Rouge, accused Sen. Blake Miguez, R-New Iberia, of lying about where he lives — and the Miguez campaign fired back, taking aim at Edmonds’ job as a pastor in Mississippi. At a news conference Wednesday, Edmonds said a resident from Miguez’s Senate district in Acadiana filed a complaint with the Attorney General’s Office challenging his resiEdmonds dency and eligibility to continue serving in the Legislature. That Senate district is outside of the 6th Congressional District anchored in Baton Rouge that both men are seeking to Miguez represent. The Attorney General’s Office confirmed the complaint was filed but did not immediately provide a copy, citing personal information that may need to be redacted. Edmonds argued that, while Miguez is representing Acadiana at the State Capitol, he is simultaneously saying he lives in Baton Rouge as part of his congressional campaign. “Both claims cannot coexist,” Edmonds said. “If he’s legally domiciled in New Iberia, then he must explain why he presented himself to

ä See COMPLAINT, page 4A

Federal Reserve hikes key rate for 1st time in 3 years Quarter-point increase defies Trump’s demand for a cut

time since 2023 in an effort to quell stubbornly-high inflation and the central bank also signaled that anBY CHRISTOPHER RUGABER other rate hike could occur later AP economics writer Warsh this year. The quarter-point WASHINGTON — The Federal Reserve raised its benchmark inter- increase lifts the Fed’s key rate to est rate Wednesday for the first about 3.9% and, over time, could re-

WEATHER HIGH 94 LOW 67 PAGE 6B

sult in higher borrowing costs for mortgages, auto loans and credit cards. In a set of quarterly projections, the Fed also signaled that its rate-setting committee could hike rates a second time to 4.1%. The move comes as Americans are already struggling with high costs for groceries, gas and housing. Affordability has taken on a leading role in the upcoming midterm elections, just seven weeks away.

ä Fed rate hike likely means more expensive credit cards, mortgages. PAGE 6A

In a news conference following the Fed’s announcement, Chair Kevin Warsh emphasized that the economy has shown signs of gathering speed since the central bank decided to keep rates unchanged in late July. Inflation has also re-

Business ......................6A Commentary ................5B Nation-World ................2A Classified .....................6D Deaths .........................3B Opinion ........................4B Comics-Puzzles .....3D-5D Living............................1D Sports ..........................1C

mained stubbornly above the Fed’s 2% target, and he noted that there is little sign it is cooling. “The plain fact is that inflation is too high and has been for too long,” Warsh said. “We must be confident that underlying inflation is moving to our objective clearly and at sufficient speed. Today the FOMC decided that this standard has not

ä See RATE, page 7A

102ND yEAR, NO. 79


2A ■ Thursday, September 17, 2026 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

BRIEFS

FROM WIRE REPORTS

Wiles says she no longer has evidence of cancer

WASHINGTON — White House chief of staff Susie Wiles said Wednesday that she no longer shows evidence of cancer after she underwent months of treatment for early stage breast cancer. Wiles, who is President Donald Trump’s closest adviser and counsel, said in a post on X that her pathology results came back clear after an appointment this week at the Mayo Clinic. The 69-year-old had announced her diagnosis in March and said she would remain in her White House role while undergoing treatment. “Thank you to my family, friends, doctors, and everyone who prayed for me, checked in, and supported me along the way,” Wiles wrote. “A special thank you to President Trump for his unwavering support. I am deeply grateful and will continue to work to advance his America First Agenda.” Wiles is a longtime Trump ally who was co-chair of Trump’s 2024 campaign after spending decades as a lobbyist and political operative in Florida and led his 2016 effort in the state.

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Driver arrested in bus collision

The crash happened as news storage facility. At least four cars News helicopter covering incident crashed crews were reporting on the col- and two storage containers burned

BY JAIMIE DING, HALLIE GOLDEN and DAVE COLLINS Associated Press

LOS ANGELES — A motorist was arrested on murder charges after authorities say she slammed her SUV into a city bus in Los Angeles, killing at least two people and injuring six others in a prelude to a second deadly tragedy: the fiery crash of a TV news helicopter that was covering the collision. Bailee Lynn Rios, 36, of Simi Valley, was arrested Tuesday night and is being held at a Los Angeles jail with bail set at $4 million, police said Wednesday. The case is being forwarded to the district attorney’s office, which will decide whether to file the charges in court or pursue different ones. Information on a lawyer who could speak on her behalf was not immediately available. The helicopter, which was used by NBC and Telemundo, crashed about two hours after police say

Rios drove her 2004 Ford Expedition the wrong way down a busy avenue, ran a red light and struck a vehicle before hitting the bus. One passenger was fully ejected from the bus and another was partially ejected, police said. The two people who died in the bus crash were identified as Daniel Castillo, 46, and Gage Weida, 31.

2 in air, 1 on ground killed NBC4 Los Angeles reported that two people aboard the helicopter — reporter Eliana Moreno and pilot George Marciniw — were killed when the chopper went down Tuesday in the Chatsworth neighborhood in the San Fernando Valley north of downtown. A person on the ground, identified as 29-year-old Edy Gutierrez Mejia, died in a parking lot, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office said. He was from Guatemala, the country’s consulate confirmed.

lision involving the SUV that slammed into the bus. There were no immediate details on what caused the helicopter crash, but an alarm could be heard sounding inside the helicopter’s cockpit as it lost altitude in the final seconds of video the crew broadcast before the crash. Just after the beeping noise starts, a woman’s voice says “uh oh.” The helicopter moves quickly away from the bus crash site and starts losing altitude. The woman says “You can’t pull up?” before the video stops as the chopper nears the ground. National Transportation Safety Board investigator Fabian Salazar said Wednesday that the sounds were consistent with the helicopter’s engine changing speed, as well as what he said were likely advisory tones for the pilot. The NTSB said it is also investigating the bus collision. The helicopter, a Eurocopter AS350, went down near a large

Military aid reassigned to Trump-aligned nations WASHINGTON — The Trump administration is stripping tens of millions of dollars in U.S. military assistance from countries in Europe and the Middle East to support conservative-leaning governments in Central and South America. The State Department on Tuesday notified Congress that it will reprogram $52 million in foreign military financing from Slovakia, North Macedonia, Tunisia and Iraq to Panama, Peru, Ecuador and Colombia. Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Colombia, Ecuador and Peru last week and pledged to them additional support as the Trump administration has prioritized the Western Hemisphere in its foreign policy with an emphasis on combating drug trafficking and illegal immigration. It is just the latest in a series of moves that have reduced either money or troop deployments to Europe in response to President Donald Trump’s complaints about NATO allies not spending enough on their defense budgets and other matters.

Obamas’ dog Sunny dies, ex-president says WASHINGTON — The Obamas’ pet dog Sunny has died, former President Barack Obama said Wednesday. Sunny, a 13-year-old Portuguese water dog the Obamas got in 2013 while living in the White House, died Tuesday. Obama remembered Sunny as athletic, full of energy and protective of Bo. Despite Sunny’s breed, she hated getting wet. Bo died in 2021.

Expert analyzes final video Aviation safety expert Jeff Guzzetti said the alarm sounding in the helicopter’s final video sounds like the low rotor RPM warning horn that signals the main rotor is no longer spinning enough to keep the helicopter in the air. “It just has all the earmarks of a potential loss of engine power and a dangerous decrease in the main rotor speed,” said Guzzetti, who used to investigate crashes for both the NTSB and FAA. Guzzetti said the pilot appeared to be trying to perform an emergency maneuver to use the wind to force the rotor to spin again much like a breeze turns a windmill. Doing that can create a bit of lift that could help cushion the impact, but Guzzetti said there would have been little opportunity to do that because the helicopter had been hovering at a low altitude beforehand.

Fencing goes up around main Kennedy Center

Democrat places hold on plan to sell bombs WASHINGTON — The top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee said Wednesday that he’s going to block a proposed sale of $2.8 billion in heavy weaponry to Israel over concerns that the powerful bombs may not be used in line with U.S. and international law. Rep. Gregory Meeks of New York said he would withhold approval for the sale because of “grave, unresolved concerns” about how these munitions could be used in densely populated areas of Gaza and Lebanon by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government. Meeks’ objections, however, will not likely affect the sale, which was informally notified to lawmakers on Tuesday. Once it is formally notified to Congress, Secretary of State Marco Rubio can bypass the normal congressional review process by making an emergency determination that the transaction is an urgent national security interest. The $2.8 billion package includes 40,000 powerful 2,000-pound bombs, The Associated Press has reported. The transfer of 2,000-pound bombs had been paused by the Biden administration over concerns about the possibility of mass casualties.

after the helicopter caught fire.

BY MATTHEW DALY and NATHAN ELLGREN Associated Press

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By JEHAD ALSHRAFI

Palestinian civil defense crews carry a body from the rubble of a collapsed building that housed displaced Palestinians and was heavily damaged during the IsraelHamas war, in Gaza City on Wednesday.

Building damaged by strikes collapses in Gaza BY JEHAD ALSHRAFI, WAFAA SHURAFA and JULIA FRANKEL

lapse, according to Gaza’s civil defense. “The lack of options and alternatives left them with no other choice,” said The Associated Press Aboud Majdalawi, a civil defense rescuer. Gaza’s roughly 2 million people now GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — A building damaged by Israeli strikes collapsed suddenly in live in a stretch of land that makes up Gaza City on Wednesday, killing at least less than half the territory. They are de21 people in their sleep, including 11 chil- pendent on aid and are surrounded by dren, in a disaster that forced rescuers to Israeli troops who carry out strikes or dig through the rubble with bare hands. attacks on a near-daily basis. The collapse of the building, which was known to be unstable from strikes ear- Rescuers mount a bare-hands search lier in the war, underscored how perilous In the aftermath of the collapse, people living conditions have become for most searched desperately for loved ones. of the Palestinian enclave’s population The collapse comes as rescuers in the as a ceasefire deal between Israel and Gaza Strip are trying to unearth hundreds Hamas stalls. of bodies from buildings that collapsed in No reconstruction work has happened Israeli strikes earlier in the war. They since the ceasefire was agreed to almost have just a few working excavators, and a year ago. Israel has said that it will not their fuel supply is dwindling. permit any rebuilding until Hamas disOver one-fifth of buildings in Gaza arms, and only a handful of excavators City assessed by the Norwegian Refugee Council in March were not structurally have been allowed into Gaza. sound, but residents inhabiting them said 6 Palestinian families lived in building they had nowhere else to go. The council leads a coalition of shelter As of Wednesday afternoon, the death toll included 11 children and five women, providers in Gaza. In August, the coaliaccording to Zaher al-Wahidi, a spokes- tion released an assessment of shelter person for the Gaza Health Ministry. He conditions in the strip that said twosaid at least 14 people were injured, and thirds of Palestinian households were living in tent camps. rescuers had finished digging. Among those living in buildings, 72% Around six displaced Palestinian families had sheltered there, despite know- of the households were in structures ing the structure was on the brink of col- with minor or moderate damage.

Body of the last victim of Hurricane Helene in Tennessee has been found BY TRAVIS LOLLER Associated Press

The remains of the final missing Tennessee victim from Hurricane Helene were found two years after the storm devastated Appalachian mountain towns with floods that wiped away whole communities. Nancy Tucker, 76, disappeared along with her husband Jimmy Tucker when flooding from the Nolichucky River took their home in rural Washington County in the northeastern corner of Tennessee on Sept. 27, 2024. His body was recovered within a couple of days, but hers had been missing until Saturday, said Susan Saylor, spokesperson for the Washington County Sheriff’s Department. Their son lived in the home as well but was at work when the flood hit, Saylor said. Helene killed more than 250 people

and caused nearly $80 billion in damage from Florida to the Carolinas. In the mountains on the North Carolina-Tennessee border, rains of up to 30 inches turned usually gentle streams into torrents that moved trees, boulders, homes and vehicles, and shattered century-old flood records. Many of those killed were swept away in the flooding. In North Carolina, the body of Alena Ayers has never been recovered. Her case prompted the North Carolina Legislature last year to establish Alena’s Law, making it easier to declare a person dead if they disappear during a natural disaster. In Tennessee, first responders over the past two years had narrowed down the search area for Nancy Tucker to a portion of the Cherokee National Forest called Jackson Island. However, they faced both physical and bureaucratic hurdles.

WASHINGTON — Fencing went up Wednesday around the main Kennedy Center building, a day after the Trump-aligned board voted to close most of the performing arts center for repairs. The board’s vote on Tuesday came after a federal judge blocked the institution from returning President Donald Trump’s name to the building. The Republican president had said in a social media post that the closure was needed for safety repairs. But he said the repairs, which Congress has allocated $257 million to cover, would only happen if the board was permitted to move forward with plans to add his name to the building. Activists who have opposed the closure said there has been no vehicle or pedestrian access to the building Wednesday. An Associated Press reporter who approached the main building was told by a security

guard that it was closed. Rep. Joyce Beatty, an Ohio Democrat and an ex-officio member of the Kennedy Center board, requested an emergency court hearing Wednesday regarding what she called Trump’s “unlawful closure of the Kennedy Center.” Beatty has led efforts to block Trump’s name from being added to the building, and had a verbal confrontation with Trump Tuesday during a virtual board meeting. U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper ordered the Kennedy Center to respond to Beatty’s motion by Thursday morning. Trump, who was named the Kennedy Center’s chairman last year by loyalists on the board, said on social media Tuesday that he’d given $17 million to an endowment intended to support the institution. The Kennedy Center board voted in August to inscribe his name on the Kennedy Center’s façade so it would read “The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Restored and Renovated By President Donald J. Trump.”

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The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Thursday, September 17, 2026 ■ 3A

Speaker Johnson recesses House early lll

Massie, on way out, pushes for Hegseth impeachment

trying to stop a war.” Massie, the renegade Republican from Kentucky, seized control of the chamber for a blistering hourlong speech criticizing Johnson, the Republican majority and the work he said the speaker is refusBY LISA MASCARO ing to conduct to lower prices for AP congressional correspondent Americans and hold the Trump adWASHINGTON — Speaker Mike John- ministration accountable. “Why would we be canceling son, R-Benton, is closing up the House early, sending lawmakers days when the country is burnhome Wednesday to campaign for ing?” Massie said. “We should stay the midterm elections after what here for every day that’s on the he claims is the most productive calendar and we should debate.” Congress in decades. But not without a scathing rebuke Tumultuous House session from GOP Rep. Thomas Massie for The afternoon showdown proall the unfinished business. vided a colorful capstone to what Massie’s resolution to impeach has been a tumultuous two-year Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth session of House Republicans in over the war in Iran and his bipar- control by a bare majority, with tisan effort to force the release of Johnson routinely struggling to more files in the Jeffrey Epstein keep the place running. Despite the enormous tools of investigation are all being left bethe gavel — the speaker holds one hind, blocked from votes. “We’re calling off Congress? And of the most powerful positions in we’re in the majority?” Massie Washington, second in the line of succession to the president — railed from the House floor. “I’m trying to get justice for the Johnson has often been thwarted Epstein survivors,” he said. “I’m by his own conference.

The speaker has repeatedly and abruptly canceled House voting days to send lawmakers home rather than manage the disruptions from his own rebellious flank — particularly those legislative efforts that threatened to rebuke President Donald Trump. By one tally, the House has cut 28 days this year, while adding four others, for a net loss of 24 days — about one-fourth of the total scheduled. Still, Johnson has hauled major legislation to the finish line, most notably the “Big Beautiful Bill,” a package of tax breaks and social service cuts that Trump signed into law last summer. And on Wednesday the House powered Johnson through a full agenda, passing bills large and small, including one to name the American mastodon the national fossil mammal and the Tyrannosaurus Rex the national fossil dinosaur. Johnson called Massie’s effort to

impeach Hegseth “a stunt.” “Secretary Hegseth has done an extraordinary job at the Department of War,” Johnson said. “This has literally been the most productive and successful and aggressive Congress” in decades, he said earlier this month, calling it the top five of all time. “We’re confident American voters are going to remember that when they head to vote this fall.” Voters will be assessing the situation in November as they decide whether to keep Trump’s party in power, while Democrats work to dislodge Republicans from majority control of both the House and the Senate. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries assailed the “do-nothing” Republican majority and promised Democrats will perform better. “Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans promised to bring down grocery prices on Day One. They promised to stop endless wars in the Middle East,” Jeffries said. “But Republicans have done nothing to make life more affordable for the American people,” he said.

Massie’s last stand

The confrontation also provided a platform for Massie, the libertarian-leaning go-his-own-way congressman who orchestrated the initial release of the Epstein files and helped lead efforts to halt the conflict in Iran through a war powers resolution. Massie lost his own primary bid for reelection after Trump mounted a costly campaign to kick him out of Congress. But the congressman has only appeared emboldened in his final days in office. Massie spent much of his floor speech assailing Johnson’s leadership and decrying what he calls the “uniparty,” which he characterizes as moving in lockstep with bigmoney special interests at home and abroad. He also devoted substantial time to criticizing Hegseth and the “stupid war” he said the U.S. should not be involved with in Iran. Deriding Hegseth’s leadership, he mocked the secretary for trying to rename the Defense Department as the Department of War without consulting Congress.

Surgeon general pick faces Senate questions over vaccine stance BY FATIMA HUSSEIN and ALI SWENSON

Associated Press

WASHINGTON — Dr. Nicole Saphier, President Donald Trump’s third surgeon general nominee, was grilled at her Senate confirmation hearing Wednesday about her stance on childhood vaccines, voicing support for immunization as she seeks to serve in an administration that has moved to make sweeping changes to vaccine guidance. Saphier, a radiologist and former Fox News Channel contributor, faced tough questioning about her views on the safety of childhood vaccines by Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-Baton Rouge, who pressed her to declare whether she believed there was a link between vaccines and autism — which widespread scientific consensus has concluded doesn’t exist, yet which the Trump administration has repeatedly pushed to revisit. “I do not believe childhood vac-

cines cause autism,” Saphier said. She also said “the MMR vaccine is our greatest tool for combating measles,” in response to a question by Cassidy over whether parents should give children that shot. MMR stands for measles, mumps and rubella, and the president recently called for the shots to be spaced out. She suggested support for vaccines as a critical tool to prevent infection and said she appreciated Saphier the administration’s attempts to address questions and concerns among “the vaccine hesitant people,” which Cassidy countered was only creating more confusion. Cassidy pushed Saphier to speak with clarity on some of her answers on vaccines, which she repeatedly presented as a belief rather than a known scientific fact. Saphier is nominated for a po-

sition that carries limited policymaking power but serves as a loud megaphone as the nation’s top communicator to Americans on public health issues. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Trump have both suggested that childhood vaccines, such as MMR, may play a role in causing autism. Evidence from decades of studies and real-world use of vaccines have proven there is no link between vaccines and autism. The administration has taken steps to upend the nation’s vaccine guidance — many of them since halted by a judge — including downsizing the childhood immunization schedule. Medical groups and doctors have warned that the changes could stoke vaccine hesitancy. Saphier is Trump’s newest pick after entrepreneur and wellness influencer Dr. Casey Means saw her path forward stall in the Senate over her background and vac-

cine views. Trump withdrew his first nominee, Fox News medical contributor Janette Nesheiwat, after questions arose about her academic credentials. The position has been vacant throughout Trump’s second term. Like Means, who is a close Kennedy ally, Saphier has questioned whether every child needs to get the hepatitis B vaccine at birth, a longtime recommendation that the Trump administration has been trying to weaken. On Wednesday, she said the universal birth dose of hepatitis B was safe and effective. An author and podcaster who previously hosted her own show, “Wellness Unmasked with Dr. Nicole Saphier,” Saphier frequently commented on the Trump administration’s approach to health, often positively. She also used the phrase “Make America Healthy Again” years before Kennedy popularized it. It was the title of a 2020 book she wrote that criticized the government’s handling of health-

care and the Affordable Care Act. While being supportive of the Trump administration at large, Saphier has disagreed with Trump and Kennedy on some issues, telling The Associated Press last fall that Trump’s cautions to pregnant women who take Tylenol were oversimplistic and “patronizing.” Last year, she decried the administration’s long-anticipated first attempt at a MAHA report, which cited some studies that didn’t exist, calling it “pretty embarrassing.” She said Kennedy’s firing of his first Centers for Disease Control and Prevention director, Susan Monarez, after less than a month on the job was “a mess.” During lawmakers’ questioning, Saphier was also asked whether she would follow unlawful orders by the president or Kennedy — she said she would follow the law — and was tested on her knowledge of the medication mifepristone, which is used to manage miscarriages and abortions.

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4A ■ Thursday, September 17, 2026 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

COASTAL

Continued from page 1A But that also means the state lost around 540 square miles over that time — or around a football field every 84 minutes on average, with wide variation across the years, Couvillion said. The time period examined encompasses when Louisiana began prioritizing the problem and adopting largescale efforts to address it. That has included lawmakers creating the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority, which oversees the state’s 50-year coastal master plan. That plan calls for at least $1 billion a year in project spending. Brian Lezina, the CPRA’s chief of planning and research, said the findings will help the state determine what is working well and show that the money being spent on restoration is not wasted. He noted that the state can never restore all that is being lost, but must continually work to preserve as much as possible. “Anything like this helps to get that message out that the dollars spent addressed the need,” Lezina said.

‘Not insignificant at all’ The findings presented to the CPRA’s board involved the use of satellite imagery to determine the effects of projects, which can include building marsh and restoring barrier islands with dredged materials and other measures, as well as protecting shorelines with rocks. Those were compared to what would reasonably have been expected to occur

COMPLAINT

Continued from page 1A 6th District voters as someone who’s lived here for decades.” Edmonds said Miguez has not been truthful in campaign statements and a recent commercial. “Blake has been caught in a lie,” Edmonds said. “This is not merely a paperwork dispute; it’s a fundamental question of honesty.” The ad depicts Miguez’s daughter saying, “That’s my dad, Blake. He moved to Baton Rouge in 1999, went to LSU, built a business, and married my mom.” Chris Pack, a spokesperson for Miguez, said in a statement that his campaign hasn’t seen the residency complaint, but he shot back at Edmonds’ accusations. “Regarding our ad, it is 100% factual, and no amount of desperate grandstanding from a Mississippi pastor moonlighting as a State Senator changes that,” Pack said. Miguez lives in a small town outside New Iberia, where his family’s offshore oil and gas business is based. He bought a new house in Baton Rouge this year and has said he has maintained a residence in the capital city for decades. Edmonds lives

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oil spill, with around $8.5 billion set aside for Louisiana restoration. But that money will run out by 2032, and the state does not have a replacement for it for now. Meanwhile, the problem is likely to become more complex. Sea level rise is projected to accelerate in the decades ahead, posing further risk to Louisiana’s fragile coast. In total, the state has lost roughly 2,000 square miles over the past century, around the size of Delaware. Gov. Jeff Landry’s cancellation of two large sediment diversions that aimed to restore lost wetlands by mimicking the way south Louisiana was built in the first place has drawn criticism, though they were fiercely STAFF PHOTO By BRETT DUKE opposed by commercial fishermen and their parish Birds take flight over a marsh creation area of the Lake Borgne Marsh Creation Project in St. Bernard Parish Dec. 2. leaderships, among others. Land has been The Landry administrawithout the projects, based restored where an on conditions before the tion is now instead pursuwork was done. The results ing other types of projects, earlier incarnation are approximations, but of Campo’s Marina including land bridges and provide the most comprebarrier island restoration. near Shell Beach Lezina said the state is conhensive look yet at projects and Lake Borgne coastwide. stantly delving further into had been reduced The analysis generally the data to learn the best apshowed projects having a proaches, particularly when to a patchwork of significant effect. For examfunds are limited. He said drowning marsh projects should be tailored ple, marsh creation projects grass in 2023. to their location and the conwere found to have contribditions that exist there, and uted 42 square miles while STAFF FILE PHOTO By that the assessment showed shoreline protection was SOPHIA GERMER the benefits accruing. responsible for around 14 “This is a good investment square miles. in Louisiana and our coastFreshwater and sediment diversions were included line,” he said. in the analysis, though the state has not done much of Email Mike Smith at those. Those combined with msmith@theadvocate.com the management of breaks Couvillion, speaking of the stantial,” he said. “That’s by a variety of sources, or follow him on Twitter, @ in the lower Mississippi Riv- losses prevented through almost a quarter of the loss from the state to the federal MikeJSmith504. His work er — or crevasses, which de- restoration, said “that’s not that would have occurred.” government and others in is supported with a grant between. A large source of from the Walton Family liver sediment into nearby insignificant at all.” “It’s approximately the ‘A good investment’ funding in recent years has Foundation, administered wetlands — were found to have contributed around 15 entire land area of the city Louisiana’s coastal resto- come from fines and settle- by the Baton Rouge Area of Denver, Colorado — sub- ration projects are funded ments related to the 2010 BP Foundation. square miles.

in Baton Rouge but preaches at a Baptist church in Mississippi on Sundays. “Mississippi Rick can hold as many press conferences as he wants, but truths always have a way of coming out, which is something he’ll be finding out in the days and weeks ahead,” Pack said. The Miguez campaign provided a copy of deed in Edmonds’ name for a property in McComb and suggested he lives there. Edmonds spokesperson Delia Taylor said that Edmonds never lived at the house in McComb; instead, he and his wife purchased it as an investment property, fixed it up and then sold it. “He has lived in Baton Rouge the entire time of his legislative service and years predating that,” Taylor said. The Miguez campaign also provided a document showing a $192 lien by the Mississippi Department of Revenue on income tax from 2023. Taylor said Edmonds previously owed the income tax from his job as a pastor. She provided documents from the revenue department showing it was paid, and the lien was satisfied last year.

has drawn a crowd of 10 candidates, including six Republicans, three Democrats and one Libertarian. A jungle primary is scheduled for Nov. 3, and a runoff will be held if needed on Dec. 12. The battle between the two men ratcheted up recently with a fight over the Republican Party of Louisiana’s endorsement in the race. The Louisiana GOP’s eight-member executive committee initially voted to endorse only Miguez. But, after pushback from Gov. Jeff Landry and his allies, the committee changed course and voted to endorse Edmonds, too. Now, Both Edmonds and Miguez can run ads showing they are backed by the Republican Party of Louisiana and are potentially eligible for funding from the Republican National Committee. Miguez was never expected to challenge incumbent Congressman Clay Higgins, R-Lafayette, who represents the Acadiana district where he is a senator. Instead, with an endorsement from President Donald Trump early this year, he was originally running for Congress in the A contentious race 5th District, representing Edmonds and Miguez are northeast Louisiana, part of the front-runners in the con- the Baton Rouge region and test for Louisiana’s 6th Con- the Florida Parishes. But in May, the Legislagressional District, which

ture redrew Louisiana’s congressional map. The new map flipped the Democratic-leaning 6th District anchored in Baton Rouge to favor a Republican candidate. Cleo Fields, the Democratic incumbent there, said he wouldn’t seek reelection, and Miguez signed up to run

in the 6th District. Trump has not so far issued an endorsement in the race under the new map. Besides Miguez and Edmonds, Republicans Larry Davis III, Monique Appeaning, Michael Mebruer and Stephen Wagley filed to run in the 6th District. So have

Democrats Lindsay Rubia Garcia, who was endorsed by the Louisiana Democratic Party; Pat Forbes, whom former Gov. John Bel Edwards endorsed; and former East Baton Rouge Metro Council member Chauna Banks. Libertarian Rufus Craig also filed to run.

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Regulators reject bid to abandon service to camps BY SAM KARLIN Staff writer

A controversial and novel effort by a small electric utility to abandon electric service to dozens of camp owners in coastal Louisiana hit a roadblock Wednesday, with state regulators voting against the utility’s plans to stop servicing three stretches of electric lines in Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes. The utility, the South Louisiana Electric Cooperative, had sought since 2024 to abandon four sets of electric lines spanning 44 miles in the coastal marsh. But the more than 200 camp owners in the region had fought back, arguing the move had tanked their property values and hurt their quality of life, requiring them to live off generator power. The Public Service Commission, the state’s fivemember elected body that regulates utilities, had already voted to let SLECA abandon the largest of the lines, Lake De Cade, which spanned 30 miles. That was the first such known case in the country, and raised fears

STAFF FILE PHOTO By BRETT DUKE

A generator sits elevated beside a camp along Bayou De Cade in Terrebonne Parish. Camp owners have turned to generators after the electric company decided not to rebuild power infrastructure serving the area after Hurricane Ida. about other parts of southern Louisiana losing access to power as climate change creates stronger hurricanes that stress the grid. Commissioners also sent the debate over the three remaining lines — Grand Pass, Lake Fields and Four Point — back to an administrative law judge. That judge ruled in late August that SLECA failed to meet the burden needed to abandon the lines. The PSC on Wednesday voted to uphold that ruling,

denying SLECA’s effort to abandon the camps. Still, it was not immediately clear what would happen to electric service for the dozens of property owners. Commissioners have hinted that they may try to find a compromise where SLECA pays camp owners a lump sum to settle the deal, offsetting some of the cost of buying generators to power the camps in the future. SLECA initially offered camp owners $1,000 each, which sev-

eral camp owners called insultingly low. “I strongly want power back,” said Grady Covington, a camp owner at Four Point Island, told commissioners. “A compromise would have to be something way more than $1,000.” The fight over the first proposed abandonment of electric customers in Louisiana’s history has intensified existential questions about the future of coastal Louisiana, which already faces devastating land loss. With climate change intensifying hurricanes, electric utilities have had to reckon with how to build and maintain infrastructure that can withstand stronger storms. Hurricane Ida in 2021 damaged some of the electric equipment that pow-

ered the camps. For years after the storm, SLECA told the camp owners that they planned to build them back. But in 2024, the utility’s board voted to abandon the camps, setting off the sprawling battle in PSC meetings and courtrooms. Camp owners have also filed lawsuits against SLECA. Commissioner Eric Skrmetta, R-Metairie, suggested the commission might hire its own consultants to evaluate the matter. “There is going to be one way or another a method to find service,” he said. “The commission is in a position where it can come back shortly and direct the hiring of its own expert to make determinations.” None of the PSC members committed to a resolution

Wednesday, ensuring the matter will continue to garner debate. Donna Boudreaux, a retired public schoolteacher and member of SLECA, asked commissioners to approve the abandonment, citing the $12 a month she might have to pay if the lines were rebuilt. Cooperatives are nonprofits without shareholders, and SLECA’s 21,000 members generally share in the cost of improvements. Sara Boudreaux, a camp owner who has fought against the abandonment, pleaded with the PSC to end the matter. “Denial cannot mean more limbo,” she said. “Lake Fields has already been without power for five years.”

House holds billionaire Leon Black in contempt of Congress over Epstein BY LISA MASCARO

AP congressional correspondent WASHINGTON — The House approved a resolution Wednesday holding billionaire Leon Black in contempt of Congress, referring the matter to the Department of Justice after he defied the Oversight Committee’s subpoenas in its investigation into disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. The action was swift, and without a formal vote, and now leaves it to the Justice Department to decide whether to seek criminal prosecution. Black has refused to respond to the subpoenas’ requests to appear and to turn over any potential nondisclosure agreements involving the investigation into Epstein. Republicans and Democrats from the Oversight Committee joined in a bipartisan effort to advance the resolution forward. “No one is above the law,” Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., the Oversight Committee chairman, said in a statement. “We will continue to seek transparency for the American people and justice for survivors in our investigation of the federal government’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell criminal cases.” California Rep. Robert Garcia, the panel’s top Democrat, called the vote “an important step towards justice and accountability.” Black’s lawyers have denounced the Oversight Committee’s pursuit of the former head of a private equity firm as an abuse of congressional power. They said he “had no knowledge of any of Epstein’s heinous conduct.” “The Committee has continued to insist on looking for information that does not exist,” attorneys Susan Estrich and Aaron Cutler said in a statement. They called the action “politically motivated” and have sued the committee and asked the Office of Congressional Conduct to open a probe into Comer’s tactics. “This an outrageous action that ignores the facts and the truth about Mr. Black,” they said. Black is the latest among several prominent figures who have been asked to appear as part of the Oversight Committee’s long-running probe of Epstein. Survivors of Epstein’s alleged sexual abuse have told personal stories of being young women in a trafficking enterprise organized by Epstein and his colleague Maxwell. In June, Black did appear for a voluntary interview at the committee. Lawmakers said later that he refused to answer their questions about the nondisclosure agreements. The committee issued two subpoenas seeking to com-

pel Black to produce the NDAs and to appear for a deposition July 16. The committee said it had accommodated Black’s request to delay the deposition to Sept. 3, but he refused to appear. On Tuesday the Oversight Committee voted unanimously to approve the contempt recommendation, sending it to the full House. Black co-founded the private equity firm Apollo Global Management and stepped down in 2021 during the fall-

out over his ties to Epstein. Lawmakers have alleged that Black paid Epstein $180 million during their yearslong relationship. A 2021 review commissioned by Apollo found that Black paid Epstein $158 million from 2012 to 2017, after Epstein pleaded guilty in 2008 to soliciting prostitution from a minor. The review said the payments were for “bona fide tax, estate planning and other related services.”

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U.S. stocks slip after Fed hikes interest rates

NEW YORK — U.S. stocks slipped Wednesday after the Federal Reserve hiked its main interest rate for the first time in three years and suggested more may be ahead as it tries to get the nation’s high inflation under control. Bank stocks fell to some of the market’s sharper losses. A slower U.S. economy could mean less demand for loans from them. Banks also get hurt when the gap narrows between short-term interest rates and longer-term ones because the industry makes profit off the difference. Following the Fed’s announcements, the two-year Treasury yield jumped to 4.74% from 4.67% late Tuesday. It tends to closely follow expectations for what the Fed will do with the federal funds rate. The yield on the longer-term 10-year Treasury had a more modest increase, ticking up to 5.01% from 5.00% late Tuesday. Huntington Bancshares fell 5.6%, Citizens Financial Group sank 4.8% and JPMorgan Chase slipped 1%. The largest loss in the S&P 500 came from J.B. Hunt Transport Services, which lost 13.3%. Its chief financial officer told a conference of analysts late Tuesday that it’s facing higher costs and expects its earnings to drop 5% to 10% from the second quarter to the third.

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Retail sales beat expectations

last month after recording a re- The government figures aren’t ad- back in nonstore sales, which deSpending jumps vised 0.5% dip in July, according justed for inflation. The roar back clined sharply in July, according Commerce Department data in spending is happening even as to economists. 1.2% in August after toreleased That was “seasonal noise” Wednesday. Economists consumer confidence took another anticipating a 0.7% gain for hit in July, according to the latest driven by shifts in the timing of shoppers pulled back were the month, according to FactSet. reading by the Conference Board. Amazon’s Prime Day shopping The strong spending report event, which also coincides with The decline in July was notable spending in July because there had been few signs comes as the Federal Reserve heavy promotions from other ma-

BY ANNE D'INNOCENZIO

AP business writer

NEW YORK — Consumers may be griping about higher prices at the pump and elsewhere, but they keep spending, helping to power the economy, according to the latest government snapshot. Retail sales rebounded at a better-than-expected 1.2% increase

of fatigue from U.S. consumers. Americans spent heavily during the World Cup and Amazon Prime Day sales this summer. That followed solid retail sales in April and May as Americans dipped into their government tax refunds. Even excluding business at gas stations, retail sales rose 1.1% in August, underscoring the resilience of the American consumer.

lifted its short-term interest rate Wednesday for the first time in three years to fight stubbornly high inflation. The quarter-point increase lifts the Fed’s key rate to roughly 3.9% and, over time, could result in higher borrowing costs for mortgages, auto loans, and credit cards. Much of the strength in retail last month reflected a bounce

jor online retailers, according to Michael Pearce, chief U.S. economist at Oxford Economics. Rising gas prices also propped up gasoline station sales, he said. But even accounting for these factors, gains in most spending categories were “decent,” led by discretionary sectors such as food services, electronics, and sports and recreation, Pearce wrote.

Paramount, official to meet for merger talks Paramount Skydance will meet with California Attorney General Rob Bonta’s representatives next month for courtordered settlement talks that could clear a path for David Ellison’s $111 billion takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery. The two sides will convene Oct. 14-15, according to court documents filed this week. The talks come as both sides look for ways to resolve the pitched battle over Hollywood’s industry-reshaping deal, which would put HBO, CBS, CNN, TBS, Food Network, Comedy Central and the Paramount and Warner Bros. studios under one roof. Bonta and 11 other Democratic state attorneys general sued in July to block it, and Ellison’s team has been stoking political pressure on Bonta to retreat. Bonta’s Paramount case appears to have ruffled the Trump administration. He sued one month after the U.S. Justice Department blessed the merger without demanding concessions — a decision that Bonta said showed federal officials were not doing their jobs to enforce antitrust law. This week the department weighed in on Paramount’s side.

Amazon ups minimum starting hourly wage NEW YORK — Amazon said it’s increasing the minimum starting hourly wage for its U.S. full-time core operations employees to $20 ahead of the crucial holiday shopping season. With the $1-per-hour increase across the board for these types of workers who do jobs like pack and ship orders, the average pay for these employees will reach nearly $24 per hour, the company said Wednesday. The retailer said the average total compensation will be more than $32 an hour including the value of its benefits package. The pay increase is effective starting Sept. 27, the retailer said. Amazon also said Wednesday that employees will receive new benefits like a 10% discount on eligible fresh groceries and everyday essentials at Amazon. com and Whole Foods Market online as well as 20% off at Whole Foods physical stores. In comparison, Walmart last year expanded its 10% employee discount to include nearly all grocery purchases at its stores and online. The discount had previously applied to fresh groceries and general merchandise but didn’t include such groceries as milk, pasta, or meat except during the November and December holiday shopping period.

ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO

An advertising sign for building land stands in front of a new home construction site in Northbrook, Ill. The Federal Reserve increased its benchmark interest rate Wednesday by a quarter-point, which will likely make it costlier to borrow for homes, autos and other purchases.

Fed rate hike likely means more expensive credit cards, mortgages But savers may rejoice at the extra returns

and other goods and services, eventually cooling the economy and reducing upward pressure on prices. Kevin Warsh, Fed chair since May, has assured Congress that central bank policymakBY PAUL WISEMAN ers “have no tolerance for persistently elevatAP economics writer ed inflation.” Speaking to reporters Wednesday after the WASHINGTON — The Federal Reserve just raised the cost of money — bad news for bor- Fed's meeting, Warsh argued that the rate hike will benefit lower-income Americans because rowers, good news for savers. The Fed increased its benchmark interest they are hurt most by higher prices. “The least rate Wednesday by a quarter-point, the first well off are the ones that have the most to gain rate hike since the summer of 2023. The hike from stable prices,” he said. will likely make it even costlier to borrow for homes, autos and other purchases. But you’ll Which consumers are most affected? probably earn a bit more interest on your savAnyone borrowing money to make a sizable purchase, such as a home, car or large appliings. The increase boosts the Fed's target rate to a ance, will likely take a hit eventually. The new range of 3.75% to 4%. rate will also increase monthly payments and costs for any consumer who is already paying Why is the Fed raising rates? interest on credit card debt. Then again, said Matt Schulz, chief consumThe short answer: inflation. Inflation has remained above the Fed's 2% er finance analyst at the online loan markettarget for more than five years. The Labor place LendingTree, “the reality is that a single Department reported Friday that consumer quarter-point rate increase isn't really going to prices rose 3.4% in August compared to a year have a huge impact.” But it would be different earlier, while the monthly increase quadrupled if Wednesday's hike marks the first in a series from July to hit 0.4%. of rate increases. “When this all becomes imThe Fed’s goal is to slow consumer and busi- pactful to people is when you stack a few these ness spending by raising the cost of borrow- on top of each other over time, and it adds up ing, thereby reducing demand for homes, cars to something bigger,” Schulz said.

Fed policymakers signaled Wednesday that they expect to hike the benchmark rate again this year — to 4.1%.

Do savers get a break? Most likely. Wednesday’s move probably means interest rates on savings accounts and certificates of deposit are headed higher. The Fed doesn’t set rates on savings accounts and CDs but it “sets the tone” for them, the credit reporting agency Experian says. When the central bank started raising rates to combat an outbreak of inflation in March 2022, the average rate on a 1-year CD was stuck at a miserly 0.15%, according to FDIC data published by the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. The rate shot up to 1.88% by September 2024 and has remained above 1.5% ever since. Online banks and others that offer high-yield savings accounts typically compete aggressively for depositors.

What does this mean for mortgage rates? Mortgage rates don’t necessarily follow what the Fed does. They tend to track the yield on 10-year Treasury notes instead. Unfortunately for home shoppers, 10-year yields have been surging. On Monday they topped 5% for the first time since 2023 due to unease over surging energy prices and massive government debt that continues to grow.

EU chief proposes social media ban for kids under 13 BY SAM MCNEIL and KELVIN CHAN

back. I disagree,” von der Leyen said in her annual State of the European Union speech in StrasBRUSSELS — The European Union's bourg. “We do not have to accept addictop official proposed on Wednesday banning children under 13 tive features. We do not have to across the 27-nation bloc from us- accept children being drawn into ing social media sites and impos- ever more extreme content. We do ing limits for older teens on ac- not have to accept that girls have their photos used for AI-generated cessing the platforms. The plan outlined by European sexualized images,” she said. Von der Leyen said that under Commission President Ursula von der Leyen adds to global efforts to her proposal “mini accounts” protect young people using plat- chaperoned by guardians would forms such as Instagram and Tik- be granted to kids aged 13-15, with limits on features and the amount Tok from online harm. “I am aware that many perceive of time they can be accessed. For 15-to-18-year-olds, platforms the power of Big Tech as overwhelming and impossible to roll will need to provide a “safe de-

Associated Press

sign," she said. Further details of the plan are expected Thursday. The EU’s 27 member nations still need to debate and vote on the proposal, which could take years and spark tensions with U.S. President Donald Trump, who has long criticized Europe’s tech regulations. Brando Benifei, an Italian member of the European Parliament, said he supported the plan and that Brussels shouldn't shy away from a showdown with the dominant U.S. tech companies. “To apply this, you need to confront in a very frontal way the interests of platforms and Big Tech who are not happy with this,” he said.

Von der Leyen was advancing a plan she foreshadowed earlier this year, when she said kids should be exposed to social media in a “phased and gradual” way. Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram and TikTok already prohibit anyone under 13 from opening an account, but authorities have accused the companies of failing to keep them off. But some experts said the commission was failing to tackle a more fundamental issue with the social media industry’s core business practices based on getting users hooked on scrolling through addictive content while showing them ads.


The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Thursday, September 17, 2026 ■ 7A

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House approves sweeping Russia sanctions bill BY KEVIN FREKING Associated Press

WASHINGTON — The House on Wednesday passed a broad package of sanctions targeting Russian officials and key pillars of its economy as lawmakers look to deprive President Vladimir Putin of the financial resources needed to wage the war against Ukraine. The bill is named after the late Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, who spent more than a year negotiating it. The measure was approved in a 262-159 vote and now heads to President Donald Trump to be signed into law. The legislation represents the most ambitious effort to support Ukraine since President Donald Trump’s return to the White House and would break nearly two years

of relative gridlock on the issue following a 2024 emergency aid package. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been pushing for the bill’s passage and made a direct appeal to senators shortly before they passed it last month. The measure sanctions Russian officials, banks and a shadow fleet of tankers that keeps Russian energy moving. It also directs Trump to impose up to 100% tariffs on the top five importers of Russian oil or natural gas, with an exception for countries that import less than 15% of Russia’s natural gas exports and have taken significant steps to reduce those imports. Supporters said the provision is aimed at deterring China and India from purchasing Russian energy, but critics of the bill said

they fear Trump will use it to target allies in the European Union and elsewhere. Americans, they warned, would pay the price for such tariffs through higher prices at the cash register. “This president has always said he loves tariffs,” said Rep. Gregory Meeks, D-N.Y. “And we know the history of what he’s done with reference to tariffs to our European allies, and our allies everywhere.” Democrats were divided on the bill, despite overwhelming support in the caucus for aiding Ukraine. Rep. Steny Hoyer, D-Md., told colleagues they can’t control what the president does, but they can stand up and declare where they are on the war. “If we fail to pass this bill, there will be cheers in the Kremlin and tears in Kyiv,” Hoyer said.

SECURITY

Continued from page 1A Shelby Mayfield said Monday in a statement that the agency does not disclose “specific security plans, personnel numbers or operational methods” for game days, citing public safety concerns and department policy. But it does plan to “increase security measures” for LSU-Ole Miss to match the “larger-than-average turnout and heightened attention surrounding this game.” Tindell said on Wednesday that State Police will have 10 to 15 officers working alongside Mississippi law enforcement on Saturday. “We have full confidence in our long-standing partnerships with everyone involved,” the statement said. “For many years, we have worked together across the SEC to ensure these events are conducted safely while maintaining a positive experience for fans.” Oxford police spokesperson Breck Jones said last Friday that local officials are expecting upward of 90,000 people to descend on the Ole Miss campus for the top-10 matchup. Some of them could direct vitriol toward Kiffin for taking the unprecedented step of leaving the Rebels team behind last season ahead of its College Football Playoff run so he could start coaching

STAFF PHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON

LSU head coach Lane Kiffin walks with officers after the Sept. 6 win over Clemson at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge. The Mississippi Department of Public Safety plans to increase officer presence at the game at Ole Miss on Saturday. one of its chief rivals. The SEC has taken steps in recent years to curb unruly, potentially dangerous behavior at games. SEC schools now have to pay a $250,000 fine if their fans throw debris onto the field during play, and they have to cough up $500,000 every time their fans storm the field before the visiting players and coaches have enough time to exit safely. Fans have rushed the field after the LSU-

Ole Miss matchup in three of the last four years — twice in Baton Rouge and once in Oxford. The debris-throwing policy was implemented, in part, because Tennessee fans threw golf balls, bottles and other objects at Kiffin when he brought his Ole Miss team to Neyland Stadium in 2021 — 12 years after he infamously left the Vols late at night to take the Southern Cal coaching job. On Monday, Kiffin alluded to

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But Rep. Don Beyer, D-Va., predicted Ukraine supporters would come to regret voting for the bill. “Yes they will be able to say ‘we stood with Ukraine’ in the immediate aftermath,” Beyer said. “But when Donald Trump hits our allies with new tariffs and waives sanctions on Russia, the propaganda victory for Putin will be lasting, and the damage will be embedded in U.S. law.” Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York, speaking in opposition to the bill, said Democrats would continue to support the Ukrainian people until victory is won, “but this bill does not provide a path to secure that.” Speaker Mike Johnson, R-Benton, celebrated the vote and highlighted the additional tariff power it provides the president.

“real safety issues” he and his team could face Saturday, while Gov. Jeff Landry joked to ESPN that “we might need the National Guard” to protect Kiffin and the Tigers. Ole Miss coach Pete Golding tried to lower the temperature during a Monday news conference, encouraging fans not to “lose what they’ve created” over “a game or a person.” “This place has always been known to have really, really good people,” Golding said. “To me, what this place has always been about, and why so many people love coming here and respect this place is because of the people that are here. And how they make (visiting fans) feel when they come here.” LSU athletic director Verge Ausberry told reporters Tuesday after an appearance at a Greater New Orleans Quarterback Club meeting that he likes the security plan he discussed with his Ole Miss counterpart, Keith Carter. “We’ve discussed things,” he said. “We’re gonna be the adults in the room and make sure the game takes place on the field.” Landry also told ESPN that his office has had discussions with Mississippi officials to “make sure” that both teams have “adequate security.” “I’m hoping that we can go there,” Landry said, “and play in complete Southern hospitality and have a great, great game.”

RATE

Continued from page 1A been satisfied,” he added, referring to the policy-setting Federal Open Market Committee, an arm of the Fed. “Warsh’s tough talk around inflation in the post-meeting press conference suggested that he may be pushing for higher rates in meetings to come,” said Preston Caldwell, chief U.S. economist at Morningstar. Warsh also said renewed combat between the U.S. and Iran, which has driven up gas prices, had convinced Fed officials to support rate hikes. “There’s no hiding from hot spots around the world,” he said. Warsh noted that other central banks are hiking interest rates in response to global turmoil and higher gas prices. The European Central Bank raised its key rate last week, and the Bank of Japan is expected to do the same Sept. 18. The Fed next meets in late October and most economists expect officials will keep rates unchanged then because it is just a week before the midterm elections. But Wall Street analysts now see a rate hike by December as a near certainty, according to futures prices. Also late Wednesday, the yield, or interest rate, on the 2-year Treasury rose to 4.74% from 4.67%, another sign investors expect the Fed to potentially lift rates further. Still, if inflation does show signs of cooling in the coming months, that could change. Since taking the lead at the Fed in May, Warsh has said it is firmly committed to taming inflation, and that policymakers would take their cues from the data to determine if inflation was going in the right direction. The rate hike marks a turnaround for Warsh, who was appointed by President Donald Trump. Warsh often suggested last year when under consideration by Trump that the Fed could reduce its key rate, echoing the president’s call for lower borrowing costs. And in April, when Warsh’s nomination was under consideration by the Senate Banking Committee, Trump said in a television interview that he would be disappointed if Warsh didn’t cut rates. On the same day, however, Warsh told the committee he did not promise Trump he would cut rates and said he would be “an independent actor” as Fed chair.


8A ■ Thursday, September 17, 2026 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

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EU leader proposes making Canada associate member BY ROB GILLIES Associated Press

STRASBOURG, France — European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday proposed making Canada the European Union’s first associate member, a striking overture as U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats drive Ottawa closer to Europe. Speaking in Charlotte, North Carolina, Trump suggested that allowing Canada to become an associate EU member could be a “hostile act” and threatened to respond to the proposed move by imposing more tariffs on the bloc. Trump conditioned his threat on the “intention” of European leaders, saying that, “If it’s a good intention, that’s fine. If it’s a bad intention, we’ll put very heavy tariffs on Europe.” He also suggested the U.S. could cut off trade with Europe in certain areas. Trump called the prospect of Canada joining the EU “laughable” and called America’s neighbor a “terrible trade partner.” Trump’s tariffs and repeated talk of making Canada the 51st state have soured the relationship between the North American neighbors. Canada is seeking to reduce its dependence on the United States, the destination for roughly 70% of its exports, and Prime Minister Mark Carney has called for a “unique alliance” with the EU. In her annual State of the European Union address, von der Leyen said Canada and the EU would build on their existing free trade agreement, known as CETA, with a broader “Alliance for the Future” aimed at creating “a common prosperity and economic security space.” She cast that closer relationship as rooted not just in trade but in shared democratic values. “Above all, dear Mark, Europe and Canada believe in democracy,” von der Leyen said to Carney, who received a standing ovation at the European Parliament in Strasbourg. He is due to address the Parliament on Thursday.

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By PASCAL BASTIEN

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen delivers a speech with Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney, right, at the annual State of the European Union at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, eastern France, on Wednesday.

bership. The official said Canada would seek an arrangement allowing its citizens to live and work in Europe without visas as part of a broader strategic partnership. Jonathan Wilkinson, Canada’s ambassador-designate to the EU, said Wednesday that Ottawa had discussed associate membership with European officials before von der Leyen’s speech and “knew that that was something that was on the table.” He said Canada had talked to the EU about an “Alliance for the Future,” while European officials had raised associate membership. Wilkinson said Canada is not seeking full EU membership because it would require surrendering some sovereignty. Instead, Ottawa wants “to get as close as we possibly can” to the bloc in a way that strengthens Canadian sovereignty rather than diminishes it, Just short of full membership he said. Carney’s office welcomed von A Canadian official familiar with the discussions told The Associ- der Leyen’s proposal, saying Canated Press last week that Ottawa ada was deepening ties with the was exploring ties with the EU EU “to strengthen our sovereignthat could stop just short of mem- ty” and supported a move beyond

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CETA.

Canada in procurement program Von der Leyen said the expanded partnership would cover advanced manufacturing, technology, defense production, the Arctic, energy, critical minerals, batteries, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, cybersecurity and economic security. “This is a partnership not against anyone else, but for our common strength,” she said. “In short, we want to bring the relationship with Canada to the highest level possible.” Because Canada joining the EU as an associate member would be a first, there is no rulebook on how that would work or what it would mean in practice. It is unclear who would need to approve membership, and how long that could take. Wilkinson said Ottawa and Brussels are deliberately focusing first on the substance of the relationship rather than what to call it. “Before you actually get to the point where you decide what you’re going to call something, you should actu-

ally know the shape,” he said. He said the shape is likely to become clearer at the Canada-EU summit in October, when the two sides expect to make an announcement and may settle on how to describe it. Currently, all steps toward EU membership must be approved unanimously by the 27 member countries. The idea of associate membership has been floated in the past for Ukraine, or for post-Brexit Britain, but no concrete steps have been taken.

Exploring broader alliance The relationship between Canada and the European Union has reached a point where the two sides need to move beyond rhetoric and start building something more substantive, said Tobias Cremer, a German member of the European Parliament. “Now is the time to stop sending each other love letters and put meat on the bone,” said Cremer, from the center-left Social Democrats.

He argued that any new arrangement should be more ambitious than another trade or defense agreement, describing the goal as a more holistic strategic alliance between Canada and the EU. Existing frameworks such as CETA could provide a foundation, Cremer said, but should be used more fully and expanded. The case for closer ties, he said, is increasingly being driven by geopolitics as much as economics. The aim, he said, should ultimately be bigger than a bilateral arrangement — potentially positioning the EU as a convener of middle powers, an idea Carney has also raised. Canada this year became the first non-European country to join the EU’s $173 billion SAFE defense program, giving Canadian companies access to joint procurement as Europe seeks to increase its defense readiness. Iratxe García Pérez, president of the Socialists & Democrats group in the European Parliament, praised Carney for showing “great courage confronting Donald Trump” and said allies were needed to defend “sovereignty, solidarity and international law.” Carney said Tuesday that economic integration, once viewed largely as an asset, is increasingly “being used as a weapon by certain countries.” Discussions will ramp up at the Canada-EU summit in late October, he said.

Trump pushes Canada away Canada has retaliated against U.S. tariffs and rejected trade terms Carney says would weaken its sovereignty. The EU has taken a different course with Washington, reaching a trade agreement that set a 15% U.S. tariff ceiling on the vast majority of EU exports while Europe eliminated tariffs on U.S. industrial goods. That contrast has loomed over Carney’s push for closer European ties. In a closely watched speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos in January, he urged middle powers to work together to increase their leverage in an era of great-power rivalry. “When we only negotiate bilaterally with a hegemon, we negotiate from weakness. We accept what is offered,” Carney said.

7 STUPID ESTATE PLANNING MISTAKES TO AVOID IN 2026

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T h u r s d ay, s e p T e m b e r 17, 2026

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Employee attacked at City Hall, BRPD says

It’s the second incident in 10 months on same floor BY PATRICK SLOAN-TURNER Staff writer

A city-parish employee was assaulted inside Baton Rouge City Hall on Wednesday morning, according to law enforcement officials. A man who has not yet been identified attacked the government employee on the third floor,

Baton Rouge Police Chief T.J. Morse said. That floor houses the office of the mayor-president, Metro Council offices and the office of the council administrator. Officers were seen throughout the building after the incident, and Morse said department detectives are investigating. As of Wednesday afternoon, no suspect had been apprehended,

officials said. It is the second incident in 10 months that has occurred on the same floor of the building. Last December, city-parish officials said they were planning to increase security after a man was found on the third floor with a large knife. Since the December incident, two BRPD officers have been

assigned full-time to City Hall, among other measures, according to Mason Batts, executive director of the Mayor-President’s Office. “Bullet-resistant glass has been installed in the third-floor public areas, and all parking spaces at the front of the building have been designated for law enforcement officers,” Batts said in a statement Wednesday. At the time of the incident, Mayor-President Sid Edwards was

traveling to an event in Natchez, Mississippi, to meet with other leaders of Mississippi River cities. Batts said that stiffer security at the building’s entrance will soon be in place, including security doors. “Work on the first-floor lobby is ongoing,” Batts said. “The new doors have been delayed by the manufacturer; once they are installed, we can install the new metal detectors.”

LIVINGSTON PARISH

DINO DAY

Paige Keating helps her daughter, Iva, 4, onto a playground dinosaur during Jurassic Quest at Lamar-Dixon Expo Center on Saturday. STAFF PHOTOS By JAVIER GALLEGOS

Library gets another new director Scott Kleinpeter has served as interim leader

BY GIGI LIMAN Staff writer

ABOVE: Rachel Haney holds up her son, Slade Bourque, 5, to touch the teeth of an animatronic dinosaur during Jurassic Quest at Lamar-Dixon Expo Center on Saturday. LEFT: Andre Denis holds up Layla Johnson, 6, as Kennan Banks, 7, reaches out to touch a dinosaur during Jurassic Quest at LamarDixon Expo Center.

Longtime employee Scott Kleinpeter has been appointed as the new director of the Livingston Parish Library, removing the interim tag from his title. Kleinpeter, who has worked in nearly every level of the library system during his more than 10-year tenure, will now lead the library’s fivebranch system on a permanent basis. Every member of the Library Board voted in favor of his appointment Tuesday, making Kleinpeter him the first director in 15 years to be unanimously selected. The board has cycled through several directors in recent years. Its last director, Na’Chel Shannon, resigned in March after less than two months on the job. Kleinpeter

ä See LIBRARY, page 2B

Final proposals ready for City Park

Sasaki Associates to unveil vision plan BY CLAIRE GRUNEWALD

Staff writer

man: 19-year-old Trayvon McKenzie, prosecutors said. McKenzie joined Augustine and Waxter for the trip to meet Ross that night, and the three discussed robbing Ross, Waxter told police when he was later arrested in a different investigation. Unknown to the two men, McKenzie was in a verbal altercation with Ross two days earlier, and that was what motivated him to shoot Ross, Waxter said.

After months of planning and public input, final recommendations for the future of City-Brooks Park and how it could be managed will be unveiled Thursday night. At the final public engagement meeting, Sasaki Associates will present a 60-page PowerPoint that reveals its proposal for the CityBrooks Park and Lakes Vision Plan. The meeting is scheduled from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Thursday in the Milton J. Womack Ballroom at the East Baton Rouge Parish Recreation and Park Commission’s headquarters on Florida Boulevard. A 30-minute presentation will be followed by an 80-minute

ä See TRIAL, page 2B

ä See CITY PARK, page 2B

Trial begins for suspect in deadly drug deal ambush Prosecutors say man lured outside

BY QUINN COFFMAN Staff writer

On a rainy January night in 2024, hours before his death, Malaak Ross, 22, was standing in the parking lot of the Save More convenience store on Gardere Lane making hand-to-hand marijuana sales. He approached two men in the

lot who he hoped would be customers. Prosecutors say the pair got Ross’ Instagram contact information and scheduled a drug deal for later that evening at an apartment down the street. But, “Ross went outside the door of an apartment off Old Hermitage Parkway and never came back inside,” Assistant District Attorney Joy Reeves said during opening statements Tuesday in the murder trial of his suspected killer. Police found Ross on his front

stoop on Jan. 8, 2024, lying in the rain, dead from multiple gunshots. Sixteen shell casings were found on the path between his stoop and the neighboring building. A nearby Baton Rouge police officer’s bodycam captured audio of a burst of gunfire. The two men, Keith Augustine, 20, and Dajuan Waxter, 25, who prosecutors say set up the initial drug deal over Instagram, are not on trial for Ross’ death. Both made plea deals with the state to provide testimony against a third


2B ■ Thursday, September 17, 2026 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

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Ex-jailer receives no jail time in inmate beatings Man fired, arrested alongside two deputies in ’24

BY QUINN COFFMAN Staff writer

A former East Baton Rouge Parish sheriff’s deputy will avoid prison time after taking a plea deal related to multiple inmate beatings at the Parish Prison in 2024. Elijah Christopher, 26, was fired and arrested alongside two other deputies in October 2024 in connection with the alleged beatings, one of which reportedly involved deputies pepper-spraying a handcuffed inmate and laughing. The three were stationed at the Parish Prison during the summer of 2024. The incidents only came to light

because Christopher’s phone was seized and searched after he was accused of coercing a female inmate to have sex with him. Videos of the beatings were found on the device. Christopher and former deputies Noah Jenkins, 25, and Julius Conner Jr., 27, were arrested on three counts each of malfeasance in office for three beating incidents. In the warrants for their arrests, it is noted that the officers failed to report the beatings or the use of pepper spray in incident reports due at the end of each of their shifts. On Tuesday, Christopher pleaded guilty to the charge of malfeasance in office, receiving three years of supervised probation with a suspended sentence of five years in prison should he fail to fulfill his probation requirements.

The punishment includes a $500 fine and a court-ordered anger management program, but no prison time. The state dropped the other two malfeasance charges. The cases involving Jenkins and Conner are still ongoing.

‘Want some of this?’ Christopher was implicated in three separate beatings, according to his arrest warrant. The first incident, from June 5, 2024, involved the pepper-spraying allegation. According to arrest warrants, Jenkins ordered an inmate to exit his cell, which the handcuffed inmate complied with. Jenkins then pepper-sprayed the inmate in the face while Conner and Christopher laughed. Jenkins then pushed the inmate back inside the cell. Conner then sprayed the inmate

through the bars at Christopher’s request, at which point Christopher “jumped up and down with laughter and excitement as the inmate was being sprayed,” the warrant stated. The deputies then took turns hitting the inmate multiple times in the face and head, with Christopher even exiting the cell briefly before returning to continue beating the inmate. At no point did the inmate fight back or act aggressively toward the deputies, according to the warrant. In the second incident, documented on July 18, 2024, in a minute-long video, Christopher is show questioning an inmate over reportedly masturbating in the presence of deputies. In the video, the inmate can be seen being slapped by Christopher

Deadline nears to claim Powerball prize

CITY PARK

Someone who bought a Louisiana Lottery ticket in Baton Rouge earlier this year has 40 days left to claim the $1 million prize, the corporation said Wednesday. The Powerball ticket, enhanced

public comment period. Sasaki is the private firm hired by BREC to develop the vision plan, which calls for the creation of the master plan for City-Brooks Park, the design of Wampold Park and the governance structure for the area. Throughout the process, public comment has focused mainly on the proposals for City Park and its governance structure. Here is a look at the final recommendations for those two concepts:

Staff report

when the buyer paid an additional $1 to increase the prize, was purchased at the Circle K store at 5055 Jones Creek Road. The winning numbers were 3-19-3551-67 with 15 as the Powerball. The drawing was held on April 29, and the prize expires on Oct. 26, meaning the winner has a

little over a month left to claim their million, according to the Louisiana Lottery Corp. Prizes of this size must be claimed at the Lottery headquarters in Baton Rouge, at 555 Laurel St. Winners should bring a valid photo ID and a completed claim form, the lottery said.

Inmate allegedly attacked by 5 cellmates Police said a man was attacked by five other inmates in his cell at the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison and was stabbed by one of them with his own knife. Delvin Cox, 30, an inmate in the prison, was rearrested on a count of aggravated second-degree battery in the attack. Cox was booked in CRIME the prison in FebBLOTTER ruary on counts of indecent behavior staff with juveniles and reports sexual battery. Shortly before midnight on Aug. 11, deputies said they saw an inmate standing in his cell block, covered with blood from a severe head laceration. The inmate was taken to Our Lady of the Lake Hospital for treatment when he told officers that he was attacked by five cellmates and stabbed by one of them. Officers said the inmate said he didn’t know the names of the individuals who attacked him but would be able to identify them through a photo lineup. The inmate identified Cox as one of the cellmates who attacked him but was not sure if he was the one who stabbed him, according to Cox’s arrest warrant. Cox told officers he did not attack the inmate but instead tried to stop the attack. He also told officers that he knew the victim from New Orleans before being housed in the same cell block. Cox told police that he saw who

LIBRARY

Continued from page 1B

became the interim director following her departure. Kleinpeter’s previous roles at the library have included managing the system’s two biggest branches, the Denham SpringsWalker Branch and the Main Branch, as well as pioneering the library’s first Digital Media Lab, a fully-equipped makerspace where users can master modern media production tools, according to a release from the board. “Fourteen years ago, I stood at the reference desk when the main branch first opened, proud to be a part of the library system in my home parish, and tonight, I feel that same pride in a new way,” Kleinpeter said at Tuesday’s meeting. The entire board applauded after the vote, a rarity in the years since it has become the center of heated discussions over how to run the libraries. “It’s really is comforting,” board member Sheila Gowans said about the library system under Kleinpeter’s leadership. Gowans, who put forward the vote for Kleinpeter, said the board thought Kleinpeter was doing a great job as interim director. The library system has experienced unprecedented tension in recent years, largely triggered by a battle over what material is appropriate for children. In July 2022, then-board member Erin Sandefur introduced a meeting agenda item titled “book content” and named eight books to consider restricting out of con-

stabbed the inmate but wouldn’t disclose who it was out of fear of being labeled a “rat.” He also told police that when the inmate was originally put in the cell, he pulled out a shank and told the inmates to not mess with him. Immediately after, the inmate was attacked by the cellmates and stabbed with his own knife, according to the arrest warrant.

of the incident.

Teacher arrested after double shooting

A Kenner man was arrested after police said he was carrying an AR-15 at a Circle K station near the LSU campus. Xander Collins, 20, was arrested and booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison on Saturday on a count of carrying a firearm or dangerous weapon by a student or non-student on school property, at school-sponsored functions or in a firearm-free zone. At 7 p.m. on Saturday, Baton Rouge police officers were contacted by security guards at the convenience store at 3289 Highland Road. The guards said that Collins had pulled an AR-15 while arguing with another man. Baton Rouge Police Department officers arrested Collins at the scene while he still had possession of the gun, police said. LSU is a gun-free zone, and the Circle K is located less than 1,000 feet from campus. The LSU football team was playing Louisiana Tech in Tiger Stadium at the time

A 25-year-old Gonzales Middle School teacher was arrested Tuesday in a shooting in Donaldsonville that left two men injured, according to the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office. Kyle Delaney, of Gonzales, was arrested after deputies responded to a reported shooting at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday on St. Vincent Street in Donaldsonville. Deputies found that one man suffered a single gunshot wound, while the other suffered multiple gunshot wounds. Both were taken to an area hospital. Detectives learned that Delaney arrived at the victims’ location, exited his vehicle and allegedly fired multiple shots in their direction before fleeing the scene, according to the Sheriff’s Office. Detectives later found Delaney at a residence in Gonzales. He was booked into the Ascension Parish Jail on two counts of attempted second-degree murder, one count of illegal use of weapons and one count of criminal damage to property. The Sheriff’s Office said the shooting remains under investigation. Ascension Parish schools spokesperson Jackie Tisdell confirmed that Delaney was a Gonzales Middle School teacher and that his last date of employment was Tuesday.

cern that explicit, adult material was being made available to children. The content ranged from a preschool-level picture book about transgender identities to a dating guide for teenage boys with a sexually explicit illustration. The move and the ensuing discussion spun the board into chaos. Parents and parish officials were galvanized over concerns that the library was placing inappropriate books in the children’s sections; librarians and other parents argued those critics were trying to censor LGBTQ content. Livingston Parish School Librarian Amanda Jones, who criticized the book restriction at the July 2022 meeting, became the subject of social media attacks, some of which accused her of advocating to keep pornographic material in libraries. Jones subsequently filed several defamation lawsuits and starred in an Emmy-nominated documentary. In one suit, Jones was awarded $1 and an apology from Ryan Thames, who runs the Facebook page Bayou State of Minds. Several of her defamation suits are still being litigated. Months after the July 2022 meeting, then-Livingston Parish Council member Garry “Frog” Talbert, hired a private investigator to test whether pornography could be accessed on the library computers. The investigator managed to access pornography on a library computer via “backdoor” methods, such as through Reddit or Twitter, adding fuel to the fire. Parish Library Director Giovanni Tairov said the library’s computers blocked access to indecent online content, but social media sites and search engines could be accessed because they were not

categorized as pornographic websites. As the controversy intensified, Tairov resigned after 10 years in his position. Tairov’s assistant director also decided to step down. In Tairov’s place came Michelle Parrish, who was appointed in 2023 and fired in 2025. Parrish’s replacement was Shannon, who was appointed in January 2026. The Library Board was not immune to the revolving door that seemed to afflict the director’s position. Amid the content debates, at least 13 board members resigned or were removed by the Parish Council. In July 2025, the parish removed the entire board in one swift move. That year, library leaders and volunteers sorted through the 30,000 young adult print and audiobook materials in the children’s sections and moved those deemed sexually explicit to the adult sections at each of the five library branches. Each book was reviewed to make sure it complies with a Louisiana law passed in 2023 that defines minors’ access to sexually explicit materials. The law outlines several examples of what qualifies as sexually explicit content. Debates over the library’s property tax rate and the various programs it offers continue to ensnare its leadership. Following the Tuesday evening vote, Kleinpeter, a Walker native, addressed the room in a speech about his commitment to the library system. “The trust the board has placed in me is not something I take lightly, and I am truly humbled to be this system’s next leader,” Kleinpeter said.

Man accused of carrying AR-15 near LSU campus

Continued from page 1B

City-Brooks Park Master Plan The main goals of the final plan are to preserve the current par 32 on the City Park Golf Course, improve the Brooks portion of the park and stitch together both sides, expand flexible green space, increase pedestrian and bike circulation safety, and provide additional key program elements that are missing, according to the presentation. For the golf course, par would remain the same, but the course would shrink by about 200 yards. The goal would be to add a sand bunker and tree buffer to protect the public, and to improve the landscaping and greens. The plan seeks to connect the Brooks side and City Park side, so the park flows as one place. It also calls for expanding Brooks Pool to a full-size pool and add a 400-meter running track. The goal for expanding green space is to increase open space for activities from 0.6 acres to 9.6 acres, while also growing and restoring the native landscape. For pedestrians and bicyclists, the goal is to add an additional 3 miles of pathways around the entire park. The final recommendations also call for about 200 more parking spaces, 130 more trees, double the number of public restrooms, and the addition of four food and beverage locations. These goals would be divided up into six phases over multiple years, starting out largely with focusing on the Brooks side. All phases and assumed improvements add up to approximately $100 million in new improvements and are assumed to

TRIAL

Continued from page 1B

as orange liquid residue, believed to be from pepper spray, runs down his face. Unlike the others, this pepper-spraying was documented by Christopher in an incident report. The last beating, from Aug. 29, 2024, was recorded in a more than five-minute video on Christopher’s phone. In it, Christopher was seen striking a handcuffed inmate in the head and stomach multiple times, according to his arrest warrant. He also allegedly kicked the inmate and dragged him across the ground by his hair. At one point, Christopher could reportedly be heard asking an unidentified person whether they “want some of this?” Email Quinn Coffman at quinn. coffman@theadvocate.com.

be on a 15- to 20-year build-out, according to the presentation.

Governance structure Sasaki has proposed a potential plan for governance and management of City Park and University Lakes that suggests establishing a separate 501(c)(3) nonprofit conservancy focused only on managing the lakes and park. Current landowners, BREC, LSU and the city-parish, would be encouraged to enter a cooperative endeavor agreement to support the initiative. The conservancy would ideally, upon maturity, take over day-to-day maintenance and operations, all capital planning and construction, programming, fundraising and financial management. The conservancy model recommends having a total of $1.6 million in annual base funding at first, split roughly at 50% BREC, 25% LSU and 25% city-parish, according to the recommendation. The plan also calls for a sevenmember board of directors along with a full-time executive director. At the last City-Brooks Park Master Plan and Lakes Vision Special Committee meeting in August, multiple committee members expressed doubt or questions about implementing a conservancy.

What’s next BREC Superintendent Brooks Williams emphasized on Tuesday that ultimately the proposals from Sasaki are only recommendations and won’t be set in stone. The final recommendations will also be presented at the Sept. 24 BREC meeting, a week after the public engagement meeting. Williams said the commission can take any route when presented with the proposals. He said the commission that day could say things like “we are acknowledging the plan” or “we want to do some of this; we don’t want to do other parts.” In regard to the proposed conservancy, which has faced some questions and doubt from the City-Brooks Park Master Plan and Lakes Vision Special Committee, Williams said the commission is not at a place yet of making a decision on whether or not to implement it. “We’re in the idea phase — I just don’t think we’re there yet,” Williams said.

10-minute window that we got to figure out.” He noted that both Augustine and Waxter are convicted felons who cut deals with the state in exchange for their testimony against McKenzie. And while the 16 shell casings point to only one shooter, no DNA evidence will tie those shots to McKenzie, Dudley said. “There is no physical evidence that puts this on Trayvon McKenzie,” he said. “What there is, is there is the word of Keith Augustine and Dejaun Waxter.” Nicole Ross, the victim’s mother, was the first person to take the stand Tuesday. She said she rushed to the scene the morning after the killing, as soon as she heard her son had been shot, but all that she found was the silhouette drawn on the stoop of where his body had fallen. Testimony continued on Wednesday. The trial is expected to wrap up this week.

“The evidence is going to show that these were two men, Dajuan and Keith, two people who did not have a chance to sit down together and concoct a story before they told the police what happened,” Reeves said. McKenzie is being tried for second-degree murder, a charge prosecutors said can be proven through showing either a planned intent to kill or that a killing was carried out during a planned robbery. Reeves said they would be proving both. “Malaak Ross had a mother, a family,” she said. “He had a long life ahead of him, and whatever he was doing that night, he didn’t deserve to be shot outside that apartment and left for dead.” McKenzie is represented by defense attorney Peter Dudley, who said in his own opening arguments Email Quinn Coffman at quinn. that he and the state agree on the coffman@theadvocate.com. circumstances of Ross’ killing. They agree about how the suspects met the defendant, how they LOTTERY communicated to meet up for a supposed weed deal, the fact that TUESDAY, SEPT. 15, 2026 all three men approached Ross’ PICK 3: 1-4-9 building on Gardere Lane, and that PICK 4: 3-9-2-5 a burst of gunfire was heard around PICK 5: 0-6-6-4-8 the same time, Dudley said. “The crux of this case, what evMEGA MILLIONS: erything boils down to, what you 27-36-43-57-58 are going to decide, is what hapMEGA BALL: 16 pened between 11:03 p.m. and 11:13 p.m. when there is the burst Unofficial notification, keep your tickets. of gunfire,” Dudley said. “It’s a


The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Thursday, September 17, 2026 ■ 3B

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Funerals Today Davis, Judith

Rabenhorst Funeral Home East, 11000 Florida Blvd., Baton Rouge at 11:00am.

Dudley, Joan

Jackson United Methodist Church, 1727 Sycamore St., Jackson at 11am.

Waguespack, Robert

St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Plaquemine at 11:30am.

Obituaries Bankston, Dale Leon

Dale Leon Bankston passed away peacefully on Sunday, Sep. 13, 2026. Dale was 83, having been born in Baton Rouge on Dec. 23, 1942. Dale was a loving husband, father, son, brother, grandfather, and mentor, a yellow-dog Democrat, and a conscientious caretaker for all those around him. He is now at rest, but those he cared for continue on, sustained by the tireless support he never hesitated to give. Dale was a proud 1960 graduate of Baton Rouge High School, and later attended LSU, where he received his B.A. and his M.B.A. He spent his business career supporting nonprofit hospitals across the Southeast, spending over 27 years as the regional CEO of the Voluntary Hospitals of America (VHA), a healthcare cooperative of nonprofit, community-owned hospitals. In addition to his educational and business pursuits, Dale enjoyed spending his summers in North Carolina, all LSU sports, and lively political debates. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Elizabeth "Betty" Gayle Maggio Bankston, and his mother and father, Jesse Homer Bankston and Ruth Paine Bankston. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Rebecca Sanders Bankston; his three sons Dr. Bradley Stephen Bankston and wife Christina Anne Kleiner, Kevin Stuart Bankston and wife Madeleine Clare Elish, and Matthew Moore Bankston and wife Leah Rene Star; and his three grandchildren, Emily Star Bankston, Eve Elish Bankston, and Rosalie Elish Bankston. He is also survived by his three siblings, Shirley Newsham, Larry S. Bankston Sr. and his wife Lynn Naebers Bankston, and Jesse H. Bankston Jr. Visitation will be Friday, Sep. 18, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Greenoaks Funeral Home, 9595 Florida Blvd. The family wishes to thank the staff at the Baton Rouge General for their tender care and expertise. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hospice of Baton Rouge Butterfly Wing. A visitation will be held from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM on 2026-09-18 at Greenoaks Funeral Home, 9595 Florida Boulevard.

Guss, Carl Lopez 'Topper'

Carnegie Mellon University, postdoctoral completed work at the Royal Institute of Great Britain with Nobel Laureate Sir George Porter and was an NIH Post Doc‐ toral Fellow at Northwest‐ ern University with Paul Loach. He received his PhD from the University of Min‐ nesota. He came to Baton Rouge in 1973 to join the Chemistry faculty at LSU and became a valued member of the university community. With presti‐ gious sabbaticals at MIT and Cal Tech, he was pub‐ lished in numerous scien‐ tific journals and received honors and awards for his work. He retired as Profes‐ sor Emeritus in 2010, the same year he married Cathy. In addition to significant accomplishments in his re‐ search and teaching ca‐ reer, Brian was endlessly endeavoring to learn new skills. When his children were young, he began ex‐ perimenting in the kitchen, much in the same way he did in the chemistry lab. He became an avid cook who loved reading books about cooking, watching cooking shows, grocery shopping, and preparing all meals he and Cathy ate at home. This included many memo‐ rable dinner parties he and Cathy hosted on their back porch with its BBQ Palace. Brian was a theater buff and amateur actor, taking leading and supporting roles in several local plays. Also a movie enthusiast, he could easily recall ac‐ tors, directors, movies, and shows from television years past. Add to this scuba diving, juggling and the violin. Brian and Cathy enjoyed traveling near and far with friends as well as in their RV, dubbed the Road Pirogue. A favorite tradi‐ tion became their annual trek to Montana, taking dif‐ ferent off-highway routes to explore the country. They also loved quick es‐ capes to their beach condo in Mississippi, always with the dogs in tow. Although Brian had never had a dog before his marriage to Cathy, he quickly learned the meaning of "dog love" through Venus, a rescue pet that remained their beloved companion for fourteen years. Brian especially cherished his daughters and their families and was in con‐ stant contact with them long distance. One of his special joys was watching his grandchildren grow into young adults. Brian was preceded in death by his parents, Dou‐ glas and Wanda Hales, his brothers, Doug and Greg Hales, and the mother of his children, Jacqueline Hales. He is survived by his wife, Cathy Coates; his daughters, Mariesa Howe (Paul) of Rochester, NY and Allison Espeseth (Scott) of Madison, WI, and his grandchildren, Quentin and Stella Howe and Reuben and Gertie Espeseth. Brian will be remembered for his sense of humor and quick wit, his breadth of knowledge, and his delight in the last chapter of his life. Most of all, he will be remembered for the love he shared with Cathy, his family, his friends and his pets. They were all impor‐ tant parts of his life, as he was of theirs and he will be deeply missed. Funeral services will be held on September 24 at St. Aloysius Catholic Church, 2025 Stuart Ave. Visitation begins at 10am and the fu‐ neral at 11am, followed by a private reception at their home.

Entered into eternal rest on September 11, 2026. He was a 62 year old native and residence of Port Allen, LA. Visitation on Friday, September 18, 2026 from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm at Professional Funeral Services, Inc. Port Allen, LA. Celebration of Life Services on Saturday, September 19, 2026 at 11:00 am at Professional Funeral Services, Inc. conducted by Reverend Kenneth Johnson. Interment, Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery.

Hales, Brian Joseph

Brian Joseph Hales was born March 29, 1944, in Chicago, Illinois and died September 8, 2026, in Baton Rouge. He earned his BS from

Memorial donations may be made to Companion An‐ imal Alliance at caabr.org, the ALS Association of Louisiana at als.org – spec‐ ify Louisiana, or The Nature Conservancy of Louisiana at nature.org – specify Louisiana.

Haralson, Michael

Michael "Big Mike" Haralson was a graduate of Mckinley Senior High School class of 1969. He was a retired butcher and chef, and a U.S. Airforce Veteran. Survived by daughter, Jasmine Haralson, son, Gyasi Frank (Anthonette), three grandchildren, sisters, Mercedes Barry (New York, NY), Mary Spann (Kenner, LA), and Yvonne Stone (Ronald) (Baton Rouge, LA), brother Darryl Haralson (Jackson, LA), sister-in-law Gisele Haralson, nieces, nephews, and friends. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, September 19, 2026, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 1120 Myrtle Walk, BR, LA 70802. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to SFX Catholic Church.

Hawkins-Jackson, Eula

Powell, Rose Marie

Entered into eternal rest on Wednesday September 10, 2026. Survived by 1 sister, 2 brothers, nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her son Lecery Jackson parents, Richard Hawkins, Sr. and Bernice Harris Marshall Hawkins; 1 brother, 3 sisters, Visitation will be held Friday Sept 18, at 9 a.m. religious service at 11:00 am. Reverend Debra Branch officiating., Scott United Methodist Church, 310 Atchafalaya, Port Allen. Funeral Service Entrusted to Hall Davis and Son.

Rose Marie Powell, 86, a beloved grandmother, mother, wife, daughter, sister, and friend, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, September 12, 2026. A proud native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Rose Marie graduated from St. Anthony High School in 1957 before attending Louisiana State University. On November 9, 1963, she married Jimmie Dale Powell of Gainesville, Florida. In addition to her family and her cherished home state of Louisiana, Rose Marie had a passion for travel. This love of traveling led to a fulfilling career as a travel agent. She used to joke that her favorite trip will always be "the next one." When she wasn't traveling the globe or cruising the high seas, Rose Marie filled her time playing tennis, researching family genealogy, cheering on LSU, and most importantly, serving her deeply adored community at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Baton Rouge. Over the years, Rose Marie was involved with many groups and organizations, including SAH Class of'57, Diocesan Council of Catholic Women, Baton Rouge Women's Tennis Association, St. Jean Vianney Social Responsibility Commission, where she served as the co-chair for Meals for the Homeless at the Bishop Ott Shelter, Captain of the Baton Rouge Cenacle Home Retreats, Cache Pot Investment Club, Canary Islanders Heritage Society of Louisiana, Les Guidry d'Asteur Genealogy, Monday Night Bible Study at St. Patrick, St. Patrick Tabulators, and St. Patrick Adores. She also started the Golden Shamrocks at St. Patrick. Rose Marie is survived by her spouse, Jimmie Powell; children, Kelly Palermo, Zane Powell (Sara), and Clay Powell; six grandchildren, Steven Powell (Mary-Anne), Kendyll Palermo, Makenzie Powell, Tanner Powell, Elise Powell, and Ethan Powell; three sisters, Linda Tweedel (Ronald), Jacque Crehan (Jim), and Bobbie Starr (Bill); brother, Sammy Romeo; and sister-inlaw, Karen Powell. She was proceeded in death by her parents, Samuel and Rae Romeo; in-laws, James G and Billie C Powell; brothers-in-law, Ollie Powell and Bobby Joe Powell; and sister-in-law, Robin Romeo. Relatives and friends are invited to celebrate Rose's life on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at St. Patrick Catholic Church. All will be welcomed at 10:00 AM with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow at Resthaven Gardens of Memory. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Rose Marie's name to Mission for Movement in Baton Rouge, LA. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook or leave a personal note to the family at www.resthavenbaton rouge.com

Moore, Mary S.

Mary S. Moore passed away peacefully to be with Jesus and her husband, Dan, on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at Our Lady of the Lake Hospital. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Mary was born on December 26, 1948, in Laurel, Mississippi. Mary was known for her commitment to family, friends and her willingness to help anyone. Mary worked at Wilson's Jewelers and was a homemaker. Mom opened her home to any family or friend that needed a place to stay. Her proudest moments were being the best wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and all -around good friend to many. Mary enjoyed cooking, eating out with family, and spending time together. Mom will be remembered for her strength, kindness and generosity. Mary is survived by her loving children Michelle Moore, Veronica Walker (Jason), Dr. Charles "Chuck" Moore (Jodie); grandchildren Kevin Moore (Ally), Clancy Walker, Victoria Walker, Caroline Moore, Cameron Moore; great grandchild Gianna; siblings Jerri Shackelford Watson, Jean Shackelford, Charles Shackelford (Sandy), brother-in-law Richard Oliveaux and many nieces and nephews along with numerous other relatives and friends. Mary was preceded in death by her husband Captain Danny Jo Moore, her parents Charles Bennett and Edith (Anderson) Shackelford, sister Joan Shackelford Oliveaux, brother-in-law Captain Meyer Joseph "Mike" Watson. Services to honor and celebrate Mary's life will be held at Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. Visitation is scheduled for Friday, September 18, 2026, from 9:45 am to 10:45 am; Eulogy at 10:45 until the Mass of Christian burial with Father Todd Lloyd at 11:00 am. Interment will follow at Resthaven Gardens cemetery. Pall bearers will be Dr. Charles "Chuck" Moore, Jason Walker, Kevin Moore, Sidney Babin, Todd Welborn, Paul Mansur and Albert Alvarez. The legacy that Mary created with her husband Dan (or as he would say, my friend) will continue through their children, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. We as a family appreciate your thoughts, prayers and kind words. We would like to thank Dr. Spell, Dr. Scott Wharton and all the medical staff at Woman's Hospital and Our Lady of the Lake Hospital for the care they provided.

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OPINION T H E A D V O C AT E.C O M/opinions

OUR VIEWS

Panel on health of Atchafalaya Basin needs to get to work Amid the many crises southern Louisiana faces, one that is often overlooked is the declining health of the Atchafalaya Basin. A vast area of wetlands that stretches from Simmesport in central Louisiana to Morgan City about 140 miles to the south, where it empties into the Gulf, would seem hard to ignore. But that, sadly, seems to be what has been happening. It’s anchored by Baton Rouge to the east and Lafayette to the west, and the only time many city dwellers think about the basin is when crossing the infamous 18.2-mile bridge that connects the two cities. It isn’t often in the discussion of our state’s priorities. That could change when a panel created by the state Legislature starts looking at the threats facing the area. The Joint Legislative Committee on Atchafalaya Basin Water Quality will hear from public and private interests concerned about the future of hunting, fishing and economic activity in the area. It was supposed to meet earlier this month at the State Capitol, but failed to reach a quorum. That’s unfortunate. We hope that doesn’t indicate that the basin is once again on the cusp of being forgotten. We have high hopes for the panel, which was created in response to hunters and fishers in the area who are seeing increased sedimentation, stagnant water and invasive species affecting the wildlife and habitat. It is expected to issue its recommendations by April 1. At 100 million acres, the basin is larger than the Florida Everglades, its much more heavily protected little brother. In fact, it’s North America’s largest river swamp and contiguous hardwood bottomland forest. If trees are the lungs of the Earth, our wetlands are often called the kidneys, filtering out toxic pollutants from water upriver to deliver clean water to lakes, rivers and streams nearby. They also act as a brake for storm winds and a drain for storm waters. We know the basin has also been a working swamp, with oil and gas development leading to miles of pipeline cut through its brackish waters and commercial crawfish producers relying on its bounty. So we recognize there are many competing interests to balance. Some basin advocates want answers from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers about flood control structures they believe are blocking the flow of water into the basin, making sedimentation worse. We hope this panel gets those answers. We are also glad that the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority is looking to create a master plan for the basin. A lot of credit must go to groups like the Atchafalaya Basinkeeper and the Louisiana Wildlife Federation who’ve been sounding the alarm for many years — their cries often falling on deaf ears. This panel should get to work and let them know someone — finally — is listening.

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Powers that be threaten to destroy way of life in St. Bernard

Churches should study ways to cope with active shooters The front-page article on Sept. 13, “’This is where we are’ — with increased security churches seek new ways to welcome congregants” was very interesting. Unfortunately, it did not cover many aspects of past church shootings nor actions that need to be taken to minimize victims. For instance, about half of church attacks start in the parking lot. Anyone who is a pastor, church security person, teacher, principal of a school or even a law enforcement officer tasked with protecting a church, school or event should read the book “First 30 Seconds: The Active Shooter Problem, America’s Four Decades of Failure to Adapt and What America Must Change to Minimize Victims” by Ed Monk, a retired lieutenant colonel. The author points out that just

because you have an armed officer present you should not think you are completely safe, and you still bear the burden for your own safety. There is even a chapter on church shootings. The book is for serious persons who really want some very good knowledge of this problem and preventive measures. The author is a West Point graduate, retired military officer and schoolteacher. He has made a pretty extensive study of shootings in schools, churches and events and has some very good recommendations. For those who do not believe guns should be allowed in church, he simply points out the active shooter has no problem bringing one there.

The fight to keep our home continues! Twenty-one years ago, there were only six homes in all of St. Bernard Parish that survived the floods of Hurricane Katrina when the inferior levees broke, and 164 residents perished. The population in our parish plummeted from 69,000 to zero. Today, 49,000 residents have chosen to fight and return to “Da Parish” to rebuild in the place that we call home. Now comes the Port of New Orleans once again, applying its power and political might over the citizens of St. Bernard Parish with its Louisiana International Terminal. Despite the objection of every elected official in Da Parish, the Port of New Orleans forges forward on a project destined to destroy an entire community that was settled before the Louisiana Purchase. No parish in the history of Louisiana has ever been so challenged by the powers that be, including the governor and the Port of New Orleans, who refuse to even appear in front of the citizens to hear our pleas. Here is how an entire community is destroyed. All simultaneously, the Army Corps of Engineers is engaged in the Industrial Canal lock-widening project, at one of only two entrances to the parish. The Port of New Orleans is developing a grain terminal in the neighboring Lower 9th Ward of the city, requiring a railroad system connecting to St. Bernard Parish’s only railroad. The Port of New Orleans is developing its massive 416-acre container port in our parish. And the Louisiana DOTD is constructing an elevated highway over the last remaining pristine marsh to carry 1,700 trucks in and out each day. This will be nothing other than total gridlock and will paralyze an entire community — thus the destruction of what we call home.

HERBERT CANNON Baton Rouge

Drawing district lines to group voters is un-American I still can’t believe we haven’t stopped the divisive actions to create electoral districts to (supposedly) ensure the Black vote is guaranteed representation. Whether created along racial lines, political party lines, religious lines or (perish the thought!) favorite sports team lines, all are patently un-American actions. Has everyone forgotten that “diversity is our strength?” Artificially creating

voting districts to achieve otherwise contrary possibilities for a certain race, gender or other identifier is completely against the American “melting pot” model that allowed the United States to become the most democratic and prosperous country in history. What next, determining the starting LSU players by grade point average?

JAMES CARTER Ponchatoula

Is the Russian connection starting to make sense? Now, “President calls on Ukraine to halt strikes on Russian diesel fuel,” Sept. 14. Trump says attacks on refineries are causing a global shortage. The shortage is from his attack on Iran, prompted by Israel. I have never understood the supposed Russian involvement in the 2016 election, but his recent behavior has lent some credence to Russian involvement.

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YOUR VIEWS

His sending a team to discuss the war has been a waste of U.S. money, as they are trying to force Ukraine to give up. The Russians are not our friends. NATO is our friend, having supported the United States after the 9/11 attack. The president has never understood history.

DR. RALPH CHESSON, M.D. U.S. Navy (retired) New Orleans

Biggest football game of the week deserved some ink I hope that you can imagine my surprise and disappointment when I opened and read your sports section on Sunday. There was plenty of news about LSU and Tulane. Congratulations! But there was no news about what was probably the biggest college game of the week. Nothing at all, not even the final score, of the Ohio State-Texas game!

There was a column on the games in the “Top 25 roundup,” but unfortunately no mention of the game between the No. 1 and No. 4 teams in the country. Luckily, I have access to the internet, where I found that Texas upset Ohio State. You really have to do better in the future!

PHILLIP DIFATTA former board member, St. Bernard Port Harbor and Terminal Violet

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COMMENTARY La. legislators cross the aisle at elite national conference Two Louisiana legislators last month were among a select number nationwide showing that politics doesn’t necessarily need to be partisan. More of this, please. A venerable national group called the Council of State Governments awards fellowships each year for a five-day “collaborative leadership” conference to, in its words, “equip some of the nation’s most promising leaders with the relationships, Quin perspectives and skills Hillyer needed to bring people together, solve problems and strengthen public service.” Selection to the conference is highly competitive, so it is noteworthy that not one but two Louisianans were among just 47 chosen from across the nation, from all three branches of various state governments, for the program held Aug. 21-25 in Lexington, Kentucky. The Louisianans are both state representatives, Democrat Aimee Adatto Freeman of New Orleans and Republican John Wyble of Franklinton. “Our districts and our constituents are very, very different,” Wyble said. “But yet, not only did Aimee and I, but the group, found a lot of commonality. And quite honestly, what the majority of Americans and Louisianans, I believe, are looking for ... are solutions to kitchen table issues, good jobs, affordability, opportunity for their children and their children’s children.” And, he said, progress can be made “if we actually get in rooms and talk to one another more, rather than relying on the hyperbole that is social media.” Freeman’s “50,000-foot view” was similar: “I wouldn’t even call it ‘bipartisanship,’ I would call it ‘non-partisanship,’ in that there are people out there who truly believe in public service for the sake of public service.” Freeman said she was impressed, for example, by two female legislators from Ohio, one of them an older Republican, another a “very young” Democrat pregnant with her first baby, and “it was very interesting having lunch

fact of applying for these particular competitive fellowships, Wyble and Freeman show themselves particularly inclined to reach across the aisle anyway, so the five days in Lexington aren’t creating sudden accord among cutthroat partisans. Freeman was a Republican for decades before switching parties in 2008; Wyble, CEO for an outfit called the Center for Literacy and Learning for STAFF FILE PHOTO By JAVIER GALLEGOS years before his election, had worked Representatives John Wyble, on education issues with legislators of R-Franklinton, left, and Matthew Willard, both parties. Still, they said they are now better D-New Orleans, shake hands during the equipped to help colleagues forge first day of the special legislative session across-the-aisle collaborations. at the state Capitol on Oct. 13. And while nobody should suggest that legislators shouldn’t battle to enact policies in accord with their principles with them one day and hearing about or their constituents’ desires, and to the things that they were working on oppose policies that don’t, the reality is together.” The 47 participants did numerous ex- that even those with differing principles can find very practical common ground. ercises to build civility and teamwork On a national level, that has happened and then broke into regional groups to decide on a public-policy challenge for on some notable occasions. In 1964, when Democratic Senate Mawhich to consider solutions. The Southern group with Freeman and Wyble, jority Leader Mike Mansfield of Monfor example, developed ideas for the tana worked with Republican Minority almost entirely unregulated field of Leader Everett Dirksen of Illinois to prop betting, which are wagers on spe- overcome a fierce filibuster to pass the cific events or player performances not landmark Civil Rights Act. In 1983, with Social Security’s official trust dependent on a game’s final score. fund within half a decade of insolvency “If you are a state right now, you’re and negotiations to fix it at a standstill, leaving money on the table because Republican Bob Dole of Kansas and prop betting is unregulated, and there Democrat Daniel Patrick Moynihan of are no collections coming into the New York insisted on giving negotiastate,” Freeman said, saying that she and Wyble perhaps will collaborate on tions one more try — and they forged that issue next session. an agreement that extended the trust Wyble said he also hopes he can find fund’s life for an extra 45 years. ways to work across the aisle on a topic Nobody said Dole was less of a hardthat another region’s delegates chose, nosed Republican after that agreewhich is mental health policy. ment. He wasn’t a sellout, and neither “Certainly there has to be a partnerwas Moynihan: They were legislative heroes. ship at all levels of government workSo count this as a congratulations ing together to make sure those mental to Freeman and Wyble for their wellhealth services are available,” he said. motivated pursuits. Here’s hoping Of course, a few caveats must be acthat spirit — somehow, some way — knowledged. First, it is a lot easier for spreads to their colleagues in Baton politicians (in general, not these two) Rouge and in Washington. to blather on about public service and common ground than it is for them to act constructively when partisan pres- Email Quin Hillyer at quin.hillyer@ theadvocate.com sures are raging. Second, by the very

Again, it will be all about turnout Republicans held a unique midterm combination rally, get-out-the-vote convention in Dallas last week. The GOP hopes to raise enthusiasm (and money) for Republican candidates in the November election. One indication they are in trouble is that polls show Republican Senate candidate Ken Paxton, twice impeached by members of his own party and accused of being a serial adulterer and tax cheat, and Democrat Senate candidate James Talarico, serial flipper Cal and recreator of God in Thomas his image, are close to being tied. There’s another factor that may keep the Texas Senate race and other Republican races close. People are fed up with politics and politicians. One hears the same tired promises and criticisms over the years. Only the candidates change, not so much the script. Today’s candidates, like yesterday’s, are going to improve education, reduce the cost of everything (though they never say how), reduce crime (that’s been tried before. Remember “Midnight basketball created by Bill Clinton aimed at getting kids off the streets?) They promise everything except reducing the $40 trillion debt. As usual, the promises don’t come true after the election. If they did, wouldn’t the problems of which they speak be solved by now? Both parties have had majorities in Congress and their party member as president. Shouldn’t they have more than moderate success with important issues, like Social Security and Medicare reform? This is what drives voter cynicism. And cynicism leads to disappointment. And disappointment leads to disengagement. And disengagement gets people elected that the larger pool of potential voters come to dislike. Repeat cycle. America has been suffering from voter turn off instead of voter turnout for some time. According to the Pew

STAFF PHOTO By JAVIER GALLEGOS

A voter walks to the polling station at Fire Station No. 12 on June 27. Research Center, the U.S. falls far behind most other developed countries when it comes to voter turnout. Only 55.7% of Americans voted in the 2016 presidential election, and even less of the population, 36.4%, voted in 2014. One might think that seeing so many other nations without the right to vote or voting in rigged elections whose outcome is predetermined, people would take this voting privilege more seriously and see it as a patriotic act. Alas, even patriotism has been turned political and instead of uniting us, it has become a weapon used to blast an opponent who “waves the flag.” As the patriotic song says, “Do you know of a better flag to wave?” The title is “This is a Great Country.” According to Democracy Docket, 24 states have made it easier to vote this year, even as President Trump (rightly in my view) wants to restrict mail-in ballots to reduce what he sees as fraud. The Democrat line that Republicans want to restrict voting by poor and mi-

nority citizens is increasingly a weak argument. Tuesday elections keep many people from voting. Either change the day or make it a holiday. Here’s the big one from Pew: Citizens don’t vote if they think their vote doesn’t matter. In elections that are increasingly close, they may matter more than ever. They certainly don’t matter if they are not cast. Every time I cast my ballot, I think of the people who have sacrificed even their lives to make it possible. We used to teach such things in many of our schools, salute the flag and sing patriotic songs. We’re not doing that as much now or teaching kids why they should love America and not be seduced by socialism. The resulting absence of these and other values have led to low voter turnout and its consequences. Email Cal Thomas at tcaeditors@ tribpub.com.

Conservatism in the age of Trump WARREN, N.H. — It’s been four years, an eternity in American political history, since I last drove along a backwoods byway from here to Lebanon, N.H., and contemplated what that route told me about the destination of American conservatism. In an age long past, the ultimate direction of the road that led from the home of Meldrim Thomson Jr., who as governor of the Granite State from 1973 to 1979, warned conservatives about “those who wish to completely socialize America,” to the home of Sen. Norris Cotton, who, for two decades from 1954, described himself as “rock-ribbed conservative David proud of it,” was unknown. Shribman and The question preoccupying me four years ago seemed more vital than ever as once again I was driving along the over-grandly named Meldrim Thomson Scenic Highway to the political base of Cotton. That’s because conservatives, in an aspect of their creed at odds with their general predilection against change, seem to be engaged in an important debate and undergoing a fundamental transition. I lived in New Hampshire during the years of both Thomson and Cotton, and later visited with the former governor — who had moved from curmudgeonly to almost (but not quite) cuddly — on Mount Cube, where, in soiled, faded blue jeans and an old olive work shirt, he poured his own sweet maple syrup over pancakes his wife served. Thomson was fierce, and his rhetoric had a bite, but it was a 1970s version of bile, issued quietly, almost whispery, and the imprecations he issued — and his effort (Beat this, Pete Hesgeth!) to order flags at half-staff on Good Friday to mark the death of Jesus Christ — seem mild, even madcap, compared to the daily fare of Truth Social, where the phrases “radical left lunatic,” and “stupid,” and “low-IQ” hardly register now. Today President Donald Trump is the face of conservatism, with a tone and timbre that couldn’t be more different from that once personified by Calvin Coolidge (who hardly spoke, and never spoke ill of anyone); Robert Taft; Bob Dole (who repressed his early mean-spirited instinct and became known as one of the gentlemen of politics, perhaps the funniest); and George H.W. Bush (who never said a mean thing to, or about, anyone). Their conservatism, and that of Richard Nixon, was generally respectful of political norms and American institutions. The conservatism of today respects neither. Nixon, Bush and Dole might be accused of accepting too much of a status quo shaped by the liberal impulses of the New Deal; Trump has been targeted for opprobrium for figures like that. But, in a sense, their views were conservative in that they didn’t seek to repeal precedent and didn’t comprise an assault on the prevailing ethos of the time. Trump does not share the respect — actually the reverence — for the past that the early philosopher of conservatism, Edmund Burke, proclaimed at the end of the 18th century. Trump is, if anything, ahistorical, though he surely is a significant part of modern American political history. He will tell you so. Back on Cube Hill all those years ago Thomson talked about his anti-tax philosophy that Ronald Reagan later promoted and that may be, along with disdain for the United States, the principal strand of the old conservatism that Trump embraces. Thomson and Cotton would share Trump’s protectionist instincts. Cotton, no free-trader, was fiercely protective of New Hampshire’s textile industry and supported tariffs to protect the mills that, in his time and in mine, sat on the Merrimack River in Manchester and in small towns scattered among the hills of the state. That’s a break from the free-trade orthodoxy that’s been part of conservatism in modern decades and is at the heart of the ideology still promoted by many conservatives and is worshiped on The Wall Street Journal editorial board. But the swagger on the domestic front and at international meetings may be a signature Trump diversion. The old conservatism was about manners as much as it was about ideas. Politeness: prized. Boasting: condemned. Public swearing: verboten. Restraint: celebrated. Discretion: venerated. Showboating and grandstanding: forbidden. Gaudiness: decried. Verbal cruelty: not tolerated. Multiple marriages ( Trump has had three): deplored. ( Thomson was married for 63 years, Cotton for 51 years until his first wife’s death, then married again for an additional nine.) The road from the home of Meldrim Thomson to that of Norris Cotton is especially winding. And the ultimate destination of its political road? That’s perhaps the greatest unknown in American life. Email David Sribman at dshribman @post-gazette.com.

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6B ■ Thursday, September 17, 2026 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

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TODAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

Mostly sunny; warm, less humid

Warm with plenty of sun

A t-storm around in the p.m.

A t-storm around in the p.m.

A shower and thunderstorm

A t-storm around in the p.m.

HIGH

LOW

HIGH

94° 67°

LOW

HIGH

95° 69°

LOW

95° 72°

Beaumont 92/74 Port Arthur 93/75

Baton Rouge 94/67

Lake Charles 95/69

New Orleans 92/74 Houma 92/69

Shown is today’s weather. Temperatures are today’s highs and tonight’s lows.

0s

Hattiesburg 95/65

Alexandria 96/67

Lafayette 95/68

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93° 73°

YESTERDAY

Baton Rouge through 5 p.m. Wednesday

Jackson 96/66 Many 96/67

HIGH

95° 71°

TEMPERATURE

Longview 99/72

-0s

LOW

Monroe 99/68

Shreveport 99/70

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HIGH

93° 74°

Well, a Small Craft Advisory is in effect for the lakes, the sounds and the coastal areas out into the Gulf until late this afternoon. It was issued due to easterly winds of 25-30 mph with gusts to 35mph along with 5- to 7-foot seas. These conditions are hazardous for small craft. Otherwise, expect a mostly sunny, hot and breezy day. The air is dry, so humidity is very low. Temperatures this afternoon will rise to the mid-90s, the UV index is at the very high level and no rain is expected today or tomorrow.

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94°/76° 89°/69° 92°/71° 99° in 1921 55° in 1961

TODAY’S TIDES Lake Pontchartrain (Tchefuncte River) Shell Beach South Point, Marsh Island Cypremort Point Grand Isle (Barataria Pass) Mississippi River (Southwest Pass) Wine Island

Sunrise today Sunset tonight Moonrise today Moonset today

24-hour total Month to date Normal month to date year to date Normal year to date

HIGH

12:02p 6:04a 12:10a 3:34a 1:52a 1:01a 3:00a

6:50 a.m. 7:08 p.m. 1:11 p.m. 11:07 p.m.

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Atlanta Austin Boston Charlotte Chicago Dallas Denver Houston Las Vegas

Shown are areas of precipitation and high temperatures for the day.

PRECIPITATION

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94 98 78 90 73 99 83 94 98

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74 69 54 72 66 78 56 70 72

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0.00” 0.00” 2.57” 44.47” 46.03”

FT.

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0.8 --- --1.9 7:08p 0.5 2.2 1:30p 0.4 1.9 5:11p 0.4 1.5 2:07p 0.3 1.9 12:30p 0.3 1.8 3:09p 0.4

MODERATE

READING 53 MAIN POLLUTANT Particulates

MAIN POLLUTANT Particulates

SOURCE: LOUISIANA DEQ AND AIRNOW.GOV

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The solunar period schedule allows planning days so you will be fishing in good territory or hunting in good cover during those times. Major periods begin at the times shown and last for 1.5 to 2 hours. The minor periods are shorter. MAJOR MINOR MAJOR MINOR

Today Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday

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4:40a 5:32a 6:23a 7:11a 7:56a 8:39a 9:20a

Los Angeles Miami Nashville New york City Philadelphia Phoenix St. Louis San Francisco Seattle

Hi

80 88 99 81 86 94 97 73 76

10:53a 11:45a 12:11a 12:58a 1:44a 2:27a 3:09a

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64 77 71 69 71 81 74 58 52

5:05p 11:18p 5:58p ---6:48p 12:35p 7:36p 1:23p 8:20p 2:08p 9:03p 2:51p 9:43p 3:31p

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pc t s pc pc pc t pc s

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MODERATE

Hi

82 88 99 81 85 102 94 73 70

FRI. Lo

66 77 74 60 64 81 76 58 52

Weather (W): s-sunny, pc-partly cloudy, c-cloudy, sh-showers, t-thunderstorms, r-rain, sf-snow flurries, sn-snow, i-ice.

W

pc t t pc pc s t pc pc

data as of 7 a.m. Wednesday

Forecasts and graphics, except for Damon’s Outlook, provided by AccuWeather, Inc. ©2026

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WED. 24-HOUR

MISSISSIPPI STAGE STAGE CHANGE Memphis 34 -2.83 +0.84 Vidalia-Natchez 48 15.16 -0.21 Red River Landing 48 18.46 -0.25 Baton Rouge 35 6.67 +0.22 Donaldsonville 27 3.82 -0.06 Reserve 22 2.94 +0.02 New Orleans 17 2.43 -0.77 OHIO Cairo 40 15.77 -0.24 COMITE Near Olive 19 -1.60 -0.06 AMITE Near Darlington 18 -1.02 none Denham Springs 29 9.95 -0.02 Port Vincent 8 2.20 +0.10 TICKFAW Montpelier 13 2.95 +0.44 Holden 15 0.70 -0.01 ATCHAFALAYA Simmesport 47 6.40 -0.03 Melville 34 4.07 -0.10 Krotz Springs 29 3.14 +0.04 Butte La Rose 20 3.06 -0.13 Bayou Sorrel 12 2.90 -0.10 Morgan City 6 2.10 -0.22

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SPORTS

T H E A D V O C AT E.C O M

|

T h u r s d ay, s e p T e m b e r 17, 2026

1CN

Ole Miss serves court papers to LSU DE

ONE OF THE

GREATEST

BY JON BLAU Staff writer

LSU edge rusher Princewill Umanmielen has spent most of this week preparing to face his former school, Ole Miss, in a football game. Ole Miss, however, has asked the senior to prepare something else ahead of Saturday’s matchup: discovery materials in a pending lawsuit. Umanmielen, who was sued by Ole Miss in late July for allegedly breaking a revenue-sharing contract to transfer to LSU, was Umanmielen served with the discovery request Tuesday, according to court records obtained by The Advocate. The kicker: Umanmielen was served, according to ESPN and The Associated Press, in the parking lot outside of the LSU football facility. While this is a standard legal maneuver, it came just four days ahead of a rivalry game where LSU coach Lane Kiffin and a handful of former Rebels will make a

AP FILE PHOTO

ä See COURT, page 3C

LSU to honor basketball legend Fowles with statue LSU announced Wednesday that it will soon unveil a statue of women’s basketball great Sylvia Fowles. Fowles, a 6-foot-6 center who was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2025, helped the Tigers reach four consecutive Final Fours from 2005-08. She’s a former WNBA MVP, a four-time WNBA defensive player of the year, a two-time WNBA Finals MVP and a four-time Olympic gold medalist. LSU said that Fowles’ statue will stand outside the Pete Maravich Assembly Center, alongside those of Pete Maravich, Shaquille O’Neal, Seimone Augustus and Bob Pettit. “Sylvia Fowles is one of the greatest players, not only at LSU, but in the history of our game,” coach Kim Mulkey said in a statement. “This honor is something that is extremely well-earned. She is one of the most significant ambassadors that this university has and what she did for

this program and LSU deserves to be recognized permanently.” Fowles was named an AP AllAmerican in three of the four years she spent at LSU. Today, she’s still the Tigers’ all-time leader in rebounds (1,570), blocks (321), career double-doubles (86), games played

(144) and postseason games played (20). Her 2,234 career points rank fifth in program history. The Miami native is one of eight LSU players or coaches who have been enshrined into the Naismith

ä See FOWLES, page 5C

Revamped Saints offense learning to adjust on the fly BY MATTHEW PARAS

ä Saints at Ravens NOON SUNDAy, CBS

Tyler Shough blamed his first interception in Sunday’s overtime loss to the Detroit Lions on playing too fast, but the turnover also was another symptom of the plague that can happen at the beginning of every season. It takes time on task to learn new teammates, and the mistakes along the way can be painful. With 5:31 left in the second quarter, the New Orleans Saints quarterback saw an open Noah Fant and fired a pass that was headed past the first-down marker. But Shough did not see, nor did he anticipate, the tight end cutting to the outside, leading to an easy takeaway for safety Chuck Clark. To Shough, having the patience to take another second likely would have avoided the errant throw. But more reps together also may have prevented the turnover. Shough and Fant, after all, have been working together for only a handful of months after the tight end

joined the Saints in March. “We had an option route. I thought he was going to sit down and (Fant) broke out, which he was right in doing,” Shough said. After the Saints revamped their offense in the offseason, Week 1 showed the team’s new pieces still need time to gel — no matter how many reps were logged in training camp and the preseason. The bumps weren’t exclusive to Shough and his playmakers. New Orleans committed $54 million in guarantees to running back Travis Etienne and guard David Edwards to bolster its rushing attack, only to average 3.6 yards per carry as a team against the Lions. “I would say that’s a continuous evolution through a season,” Saints coach Kellen Moore said. “There’s always different ways you can use guys. For all of us, we had a great offseason. We know where we’re go-

Staff writer

STAFF PHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON

LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt stands on the field after a game against Louisiana Tech on Saturday at Tiger Stadium. Leavitt is listed as doubtful for Saturday’s game against Ole Miss.

LSU lists QB Leavitt as doubtful vs. Ole Miss

BY JON BLAU Staff writer

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By REy DEL RIO

Saints tight end Noah Fant pulls in a touchdown reception against the Detroit Lions during overtime on ä See SAINTS, page 4C Sunday in Detroit.

LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt’s availability for a much-anticipated rivalry game at Ole Miss suddenly has become a big question mark. Leavitt was listed as “doubtful” when the SEC released its initial availability report Wednesday ahead of Saturä LSU at day’s games. Ole Miss The transfer quarterback from Arizona State did not 6:30 P.M. SATURDAy, ABC appear to suffer an injury in LSU’s win over Louisiana Tech and spoke to reporters after the contest. In fact, Leavitt was asked about the Ole Miss game and whether he was looking forward to it. “I’m just focusing on tonight, getting better, getting the body healthy,” Leavitt said after a 45-14 win over the Bulldogs. “But no, it’s going to be an incredible opportunity.” Leavitt came into the season with an injury concern because his redshirt sophomore season at Arizona State in 2025 ended with foot surgery, but it was a worry he more than dispelled with 113 yards rushing in the

ä See LEAVITT, page 3C


2C ■ Thursday, September 17, 2026 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

lll

BROADCAST HIGHLIGHTS On TV

AUTO RACING 2 p.m. NASCAR Truck Series: Practice FS2 3:05 p.m. NASCAR Truck Series: Qualifying FS2 4:30 p.m. ARCA Menards FS1 7 p.m. NASCAR Truck: UNOH 250 FS1 COLLEGE FOOTBALL 6:30 p.m. Syracuse at Pittsburgh ESPN WOMEN’S COLLEGE SOCCER 5 p.m. SMU at NC State ACCN 7 p.m. Duke at North Carolina ACCN

WOMEN’S COLLEGE VOLLEYBALL Marquette at Wisconsin BTN GOLF 2 p.m. PGA: Biltmore Championship GOLF MLB 11:30 a.m. L.A. Dodgers at Cincinnati MLBN 6 p.m. Philadelphia at N.y. Mets FOX 8:30 p.m. Minnesota at L.A. Angels MLBN MEN’S SOCCER 11:45 a.m. Salzburg at Levski Sofia CBSSN 2 p.m. Bournemouth at Sociedad CBSSN 7 p.m.

IN BRIEF

FROM STAFF AND WIRE REPORTS

WOMEN’S SOCCER 7:45 a.m. England vs Nigeria 11:15 a.m. North Korea vs. Japan NFL 7:15 p.m. Detroit at Buffalo TENNIS 11 a.m. GuadalajarA & Sao Paulo WNBA 7 p.m. Los Angeles at Dallas 9 p.m. Las Vegas at Seattle

FS2 FS2 PRIME TENNIS USA CNBC

Oregon determined to do better BY ANNE M. PETERSON

AP sportswriter

After the Oregon Ducks were upset by Oklahoma State last weekend, the players held a meeting to air out their concerns. Quarterback Dante Moore said the player-led meeting was needed to get everyone “on the same page” going into the rest of the season. As a result of the 39-31 loss in Stillwater, Oregon tumbled down the rankings from No. 6 to No. 21. The team that was being looked at as a possible national champion in the preseason was now facing tough questions. Oregon (1-1) wraps up its nonconference slate Friday night when the team hosts lower-division Portland State. After that, the Ducks are on the road for their Big Ten opener against No. 12 Southern California. “I feel like every team needs it, just to communicate, debrief, talk about the thoughts everybody’s having in their heads,” Moore said about the meeting. “Wasn’t much screaming going on. It was just trying to get on the same page with everybody. I feel like it was very important because we needed it. And I feel that what we said in that meeting helped carry over into this week, and we’ve been attacking every day.” Devon Jackson, without going into details about the gathering, said, “Things will definitely be different from here on out.” Oregon opened the season with a mostly lackluster 34-27 victory over Boise State, although Moore threw for 378 yards and three touchdowns. Against Oklahoma State, he threw for 191 yards, including two second-half touchdowns after the Ducks had trailed 24-17 at the half. It was the Ducks’ first regular-season road loss since 2023, snapping a 12-game winning streak. Coach Dan Lanning called the loss “by far the worst performance” the Ducks have had since his arrival in Eugene. And he called out the team leadership, even his own.

Former New Orleans Pelicans head coach Willie Green has landed a new job. The Dallas Mavericks named Green as their lead assistant Wednesday. Green’s hiring was first reported in July but was solidified when the Mavericks announced their staff for first-year head coach Dusty May. Green was fired by the Pelicans in November, 12 games into his fifth season in New Orleans. Green finished with a 150-190 record as head coach. The team’s 49-33 record under Green in the 2023-24 season tied for the second-most wins in franchise history. But they followed that up with a 21-61 record, the secondworst record in the team’s history. The Pelicans’ first game against the Mavericks is Jan. 4 at the Smoothie King Center.

Two O-linemen for Lions out Thursday against Bills

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By MITCH ALCALA

Oklahoma State safety Mose Phillips, right, tackles Oregon running back Dierre Hill, left, during a game in Stillwater, Okla., on Saturday. “I’ll tell you, at this point, there’s been a lack of leadership — myself included. It starts with accountability, but it’s got to show up,” Lanning said. “Again, you can’t talk about it. You’ve got to see it. We haven’t seen it to this point.” Moore acknowledged the team’s leaders have fallen short in the past two games. “But I kind of feel like we’ve been looking in the mirror, find out who we truly are, and I feel as a team we’ve grown these past couple days ever since the Oklahoma State game,” Moore said. “Been more vocal, been more connected. But these things happen in life, and you appreciate them because it just molds you better as a team.” Lanning suggested special teams was the only aspect of the

Ducks’ performance that was up to par. Among the concerns were first-down execution, both on offense and defense, and penalties. Oregon ran for just 90 yards against the Cowboys and fi nished with 281 total yards offense — compared to Oklahoma State’s 554. The Ducks are 0 for 6 on fourth-down conversions through their first two games. Oklahoma State (1-1) went 1-11 last season and lost its opener to Tulsa 20-10. The Cowboys were 23½-point underdogs. In the aftermath, Oklahoma State’s players and coaches have said that the Cowboys defense knew whether the Ducks were going to run or throw on any given play because of Moore’s footwork. Linebacker Tate Romney also said the offensive line provided tells.

“In general, you have tendencies. At times, they’ll show up. We have to do a better job disguising that, for sure,” Lanning said. It was also revealed that Moore was dehydrated and needed IVs afterward, saying “I was going through a little tough time at the end of the game.” The game at home against Portland State gives Oregon the chance to recalibrate ahead of conference play. “A lot of times, when you’re focused on where you have to improve, the best thing you can do is go right back to work,” Lanning said. “I’ve been pleased with that process so far. There’s still some time left this week to be able to go do that, but having the turnaround Friday will be a big positive for us from that standpoint.”

No. 5 Miami is showing off its depth on offense BY TIM REYNOLDS

AP sportswriter

CORAL GABLES, Fla. — The first three pass plays of Miami’s season were essentially the same, with quarterback Darian Mensah connecting with wide receiver Malachi Toney and making it look very easy in the process. It’s exactly what Miami wanted — and exactly what Miami doesn’t want as well. To explain: The fifth-ranked Hurricanes (2-0, 1-0 Atlantic Coast Conference) don’t want to overly rely upon their dartthrowing quarterback and explosive wide receiver. That’s why Miami has spent the first two games of the season trying to develop depth, and a pair of blowout wins have afforded the Hurricanes that luxury. “We don’t want to be a throwthe-ball-to-Mali offense,” Hurricanes offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson said. “I mean, he’s going to get his. We understand that. But we want the ball to be spread around. And a lot of times that is dictated by the defense, the enemy that does have a choice in the matter. Are there specific things that we do to get him involved? Yeah, there is, but the ball is going to go to him. I don’t have to worry about that.” Miami goes to Wake Forest on Friday night, a game that should be considerably tougher than the Hurricanes’ first two this season — a 45-6 win at Stanford and a 77-7 victory over Florida A&M. Toney barely played in the second halves of those games, yet Miami still leads the nation in yards per game, yards per play, completion percentage and first downs per game. And this stat might be the most

Ex-Pelicans coach Green now assistant with Mavs

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By LyNNE SLADKy

Miami wide receiver Malachi Toney runs with the ball against Stanford during a game on Sept. 4 in Palo Alto, Calif. absurd: Miami has four more touchdown passes (11) than incompletions (seven). Since at least 2000, no FBS team has had anything close to such a ratio over the first two games of a season. Only three other teams had more TD throws than incompletions through two games — Temple (10 TDs, nine incompletions) in 2025, Army (three TDs, two incompletions) in 2021 and Georgia Tech (four TDs, three incompletions) in 2015. “To be honest, my coach calls

the play and I try to go out and execute it as best as possible,” said Mensah, who has completed 41 of his 45 passes for a 91% completion rate. “We’re in a progressionbased offense and I really just go to where the defense is telling me to go.” The system Dawson uses with the Hurricanes is not simple. The philosophy is. In a nutshell, Dawson’s approach goes like this: Build instant rapport with Miami’s starting quarterback, let trust create

itself naturally from there, then believe that guy — Cam Ward in 2024, Carson Beck in 2025 and Mensah this year — will make the right choice when plays get sent into the huddle. So far, so good. And this year, the numbers are better than ever. Miami has spent its first two outings rewriting the school record book, putting up numbers the likes of which are typically reserved for video games. “The mother of all learning (is) the repetition,” Miami coach Mario Cristobal said. “The repetitions have really taken their course where guys have really built a lot of confidence in each other. The relationships off the field have carried on onto the field and therefore more time is being invested around each other, with each other. And that in turn turns into more of the extra work and all that stuff adds up. And as more and more confidence is built, I think the appetite grows to be better.” Miami has had 18 different players catch a pass already this season, had six different running backs — led by Mark Fletcher Jr. — involved and has three different quarterbacks with at least five completions. There will inevitably be weeks when the rotation tightens considerably. But for now, Miami is showing off its depth. “When you see people play a lot, what that means is we trust them,” Dawson said. “Typically, coaches don’t play people they don’t trust. ... There’s a lot of people that we trust to be in the game. And I think part of that is we’ve recruited at a high level and there’s competition at those positions and we want to keep that competition going.”

The Detroit Lions will be without two starting offensive linemen against the Buffalo Bills on Thursday night. Detroit ruled out rookie offensive tackle Blake Miller (knee) and guard Christian Mahogany (hip) with injuries. Cornerback D.J. Reed (foot) was questionable on the injury report Wednesday. Miller, drafted No. 17 overall after not missing a game at Clemson, played through a knee injury during his NFL debut in an overtime win over New Orleans on Sunday. Mahogany was hurt early against the Saints. The Lions have veterans to fill in for Miller and Mahogany, who was replaced by 28-year-old Ben Bartch against the Saints. Larry Borom, will likely start at right tackle in place of Miller against the Bills.

Chiefs expect CB Delane to play on Sunday night

The Kansas City Chiefs expect to have cornerback Mansoor Delane on the field when they play the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday night, less than a week after the sixth overall pick out of LSU hurt his shoulder on the opening series of his NFL debut against the Denver Broncos. Delane made good on his immense promise right away, picking off Denver quarterback Bo Nix on the first ball thrown his way. But he was tackled on the same shoulder that gave him trouble in the offseason, and he was soon in the locker room. Delane did not return to the game. But he was back on the practice field Wednesday, and Chiefs coach Andy Reid said he anticipates Delane won’t miss a game.

Yankees OF Judge leaves game with leg tightness

New York Yankees star right fielder Aaron Judge was pulled for a pinch hitter in the sixth inning Wednesday because of tightness in his lower right leg. Judge, who was on the bench Tuesday for planned rest, struck out in both of his at-bats against Minnesota starter Zebby Matthews before being pulled for Heliot Ramos. Judge had to run to the gap to track down a double in the fifth, his last action in the field, but he didn’t show any sign of discomfort or slowness. The three-time American League MVP is 4 for 26 with 13 strikeouts and one extra-base hit in seven games since returning last week from a broken rib.

Cardinals activate Wetherholt after he missed 15 games

St. Louis activated rookie second baseman JJ Wetherholt from the 10-day injured list Wednesday morning before the Cardinals met the San Francisco Giants. Wetherholt last played on Aug. 29 and was placed on the IL on Aug. 30 with right wrist tendinitis. He missed 15 games. Entering Wednesday, Wetherholt had hit .242 with 14 doubles, 17 home runs and 48 RBIs. He had scored 88 runs and stolen 14 bases. Wetherholt, who turned 24 on Sept. 10, took part in his regular pregame routine ahead of being activated. Cardinals infielder Ramón Urías and pitcher Peter Strzelecki were designated for assignment. Urías, 32, hit .151 in 43 games this season. Strzelecki, 31, posted a 5.78 ERA in eight games with St. Louis.


The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Thursday, September 17, 2026 ■ 3C

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Petty Ole Miss leads slew of intriguing stories It’s now Thursday, and you can feel the anticipation for Saturday’s LSU-Ole Miss showdown rising to a fever pitch. The players. The Kiffins. The Nick Saban “College GameDay” swear words. The love. The hate. The lawsuits. Often I come at you with a “Three and Out” of three takes on a game or a happening. But we’re going to Scott go the four downs Rabalais mode today with lots of compelling tidbits to talk about. So, in full football mode, let’s start with: FIRST DOWN: In case you’ve been living under a goal post, this LSUOle Miss game has bubbled into one bitter battle with all sorts of sidelights, most of them revolving around Lane Kiffin’s return to Oxford. For Ole Miss, it’s the classic jilted lover syndrome. This has resulted in some sideways anger, like serving current LSU and former Ole Miss defensive end Princewill Umanmielen with legal papers Tuesday — and in the LSU football complex parking lot. Ole Miss is suing him and LSU/former Ole Miss offensive lineman Devin Harper over breaking NIL contracts when they transferred. A contract is a contract, and

both Umanmielen and Harper must make financial restitution with Ole Miss. But this is a petty stunt by Ole Miss (and/or its legal representatives) and certainly an ill-timed one with the game just days away. This probably won’t make Umanmielen play any harder against his old team, but why poke the bear? Especially that massive human, who leads the FBS with five quarterback sacks. It won’t make Trinidad Chambliss any easier to bring down — he’s been sacked once in two games — but the timing couldn’t have been worse. If Ole Miss wanted to get in Umanmielen’s head somehow, it may have just succeeded in getting under his skin. SECOND DOWN: For once this season, a controversy is engulfing someone else in college football besides LSU and Kiffin. And it just happens to be the nation’s No. 1 team, coached by Steve Sarkisian and quarterbacked by New Orleans native Arch Manning. Sark, as you recall, gave ABC sideline reporter Holly Rowe a rude brush-off after Texas rallied to beat No. 1 Ohio State 24-23. Then someone created an AI version of their encounter, which showed Sarkisian slapping Rowe. Manning piled on at a Monday news conference when he called the video “hilarious.” That immature remark brought a blitz of

COURT

position is consistent with the actions of other institutions in the Continued from page 1C current landscape of college athletics,” Ole Miss said in a statement. “The university attempted much-anticipated return to Ox- to amicably resolve this matter prior to filing.” ford, Mississippi. According to Ole Miss, UmanThe move prompted Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry to jab Ole Miss mielen signed a deal to return athletic director Keith Carter on to the program at 10:02 p.m. on Jan. 3, and Harper inked his social media. “The process server found contract at 8:19 a.m. on Jan. 6. Princewill in the LSU Football It was publicly reported HarpOps parking lot. Keith Carter er entered the portal on Jan. 12, could have saved Ole Miss some and Umanmielen was out the money and waited until Satur- door on Jan. 15, just one day beday,” Landry posted to X. “He’ll fore it closed. The pair followed Kiffin to Babe easy to find in the Ole Miss ton Rouge. Kiffin has declined backfield often!” A “notice of service” of Ole to say whether he was aware of Miss’ discovery requests, filed the athletes’ contracts with Ole by the university’s attorney on Miss and their buyout provisions Tuesday in the circuit court of when he recruited them to LSU. Umanmielen has been a standLafayette County, Mississippi, said a “first set of interrogato- out at LSU in his short tenure, recording five sacks ries,” a list of quesin his first two tions for a defendant games. He’s already to answer, had been eclipsed 2025 sacks forwarded to Umanleader Harold Permielen. It also rekins, who produced quested a “producfour in 12 contests. tion of documents” Umanmielen is from him. more than halfway These are stanto a new career high dard asks from a deafter posting nine fendant in a lawsuit. sacks for the RebThe manner and els in 2025. He comtiming of the rePRINCEWILL bined for just 1.5 quest may seem UMANMIELEN, LSU sacks in two seasons dramatic, but it fits defensive end, on at Nebraska, which the lawsuit’s generplaying former made him a great al timeline. Umanteam Ole Miss find for Kiffin when mielen and LSU he transferred to offensive lineman Ole Miss as a junior. Devin Harper, who “Glad he’s on our side,” Kiffin also transferred from Ole Miss, were sued on July 27 in Lafay- said Monday, referencing the oddity of studying the 2025 Ole ette County. The court issued a summons Miss defense and remembering for both on Aug. 14. It said they Umanmielen isn’t someone he had 30 days from receipt of the has to worry about. Umanmielen probably would document to respond. It’s been just over a month since that fil- be top-of-mind for Ole Miss fans if Kiffin wasn’t slated to receive ing. There had been no recent ac- the lion’s share of vitriol this tivity in the university’s lawsuits week because of his pre-College until court records in Umanmiel- Football Playoff departure for en’s case were updated Wednes- LSU after six seasons in Oxford. day morning to include the dis- For that reason, Kiffin said his covery request. Harper’s case team should be able to play withfile doesn’t say whether he’s been out feeling pressure. “Whatever Kiff says goes,” served a similar request for maUmanmielen said Tuesday, agreeterials. Ole Miss has sued both players ing with his coach’s premise on for breach of contract, claiming the same day he was served court Umanmielen and Harper owe papers by Ole Miss. Umanmielen, who was stead$550,000 and $400,000 in buyout costs, respectively, for transfer- fast in saying LSU’s trip to Ole ring prematurely. Ole Miss has Miss was just “another game,” said it requested LSU pay the admitted some excitement playmoney on the players’ behalf, ing against his former teammates. “But it’s another week, they’re but LSU responded by saying it on the opposing side,” Umanwasn’t a party to the contracts. LSU has declined to comment mielen said. “Ain’t no friends on the field, you know?” on the situation. “The University of Mississippi has a responsibility to enforce Email Jon Blau at jon.blau@ its contractual terms, and this theadvocate.com

“... But it’s another week, they’re on the opposing side. Ain’t no friends on the field, you know?”

LEAVITT

Continued from page 1C opener against Clemson. He then threw for 344 yards against Louisiana Tech, though he was sacked five times and threw three consecutive interceptions in the first half. He did finish with positive momentum, totaling one touchdown throw on the Bulldogs and three scores on the run. Leavitt was scheduled to speak

with media members Tuesday about the trip to Ole Miss, according to a team spokesperson, but he did not show up for that appearance. According to the SEC’s definitions, an athlete being listed as “doubtful” in an availability report means there is a 25% chance he plays in that week’s game. Being “questionable” equates to a 50% chance of participating. Probable increases to a 75% chance. Ole Miss linebacker transfer TJ

STAFF PHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON

LSU coach Lane Kiffin chats with players on the sideline in the fourth quarter of a game against Louisiana Tech on Saturday at Tiger Stadium. criticism resulting in an apology by Manning, who spoke to Rowe personally. Look, there’s no excuse for any of it: Sark’s petulance, the loser who created the AI video or Manning’s laugh over the whole thing. Some have called his apology

“performative,” but Rowe accepted it and that should be good enough. For those who say the video was no big deal, imagine if it was your mother, wife, daughter or sister. Even the pretend image of violence against women has no place. As for Manning, just imagine what foolish things we said or did at 22 and having those things make national headlines. I’m sure he’s learned a tough lesson, though his coach hasn’t been mature enough to apologize in kind. THIRD DOWN: Ole Miss has been in this Kiffin corner before. Tommy Tuberville, now a U.S. senator from Alabama, left Oxford in 1998 for Auburn, the big difference being that their first meeting as SEC West rivals was played in 1999 at Auburn. Ole Miss won 2417. It wasn’t until 2000 that Tuberville led Auburn to Ole Miss for a 35-27 win. Ed Orgeron was the Ole Miss coach from 2004-07 and beat the Rebels in 2016 when he became interim LSU coach after Les Miles’ firing. LSU won 38-21 in Tiger Stadium, then 40-24 the following year in Oxford. The Rebels didn’t kick up much of a fuss, of course, since Orgeron had been fired 10 years earlier. There’s been a lot of talk that Kiffin left Ole Miss in the midst of its best season ever. Certainly it produced the Rebels most wins

ever (13-2), but their best season? Not quite. In 1960, Ole Miss went 10-0-1, won the SEC and finished No. 2 in the final AP poll. The only blemish on its record? A 6-6 tie with LSU in Oxford on Oct. 29. You could also pick the 1962 Ole Miss team that went 10-0, won the SEC and finished No. 3 in the AP rankings. FOURTH DOWN: This one isn’t about football, but it’s important to slip in a few words about LSU’s announcement Wednesday that women’s basketball great Sylvia Fowles will be honored with a statue outside the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. I still think LSU needs to tap the brakes on athletic statuary. Fowles’ work will make five for basketball — this is a football school, isn’t it? — plus one each for Billy Cannon and Skip Bertman. But for Fowles, I’m happy to make an exception. She is probably the most talented player in LSU women’s basketball history and arguably the most successful with four Final Fours, three SEC championships, two WNBA titles, a WNBA MVP award and four Olympic gold medals with Team USA. No one in school history in any sport owns more Olympic golds than Fowles. So, congratulations, Big Syl. You’ve more than earned the honor.

LSU BASEBALL NOTEBOOK

Johnson explains plan for unexpected freshman hurler BY REED DARCEY Staff writer

JayJohnson remembers where he was when he got the text. He was jogging on a treadmill in late July, still firmly under the impression that Logan Schmidt was headed to the pros. Schmidt, an LSU signee, was a consensus top-60 MLB draft prospect. The Cleveland Guardians had selected him with the No. 59 overall pick. Those kinds of players hardly ever wind up in college baseball, so Johnson never got his hopes up. “There was not one thought,” the LSU baseball coach said Wednesday, “from the signing day until the last day that you could sign with the pro team, that Logan would be here. “And I say that out of the greatest respect for who he is and who he’s capable of being as a pitcher.” But now, Schmidt, a left-hander from California, is one of the top baseball prospects who’s ever enrolled at LSU. His arrival punctuated a productive offseason for Johnson, one in which he infused his roster with high-profile transfers and big-name freshmen. The Tigers missed the NCAA Tournament last season for the first time in 15 years, which gave them more time to plan for 2027. Those plans weren’t supposed to include Schmidt. And they didn’t until late July, right as Johnson was ready to wind down the offseason. He said Wednesday that he had to scramble to “lay out a plan” for what Schmidt’s LSU career could look like. There were phone calls, Zoom calls, a flight to California and two home visits in one week — something Johnson said he’s never done. At the same time, MLB teams were trying to persuade Schmidt to enroll at a junior college so he could re-enter the draft in 2027. But Schmidt decided he’d rather play at LSU, even though he used the months before the draft to prepare his arm for a jump straight into professional baseball. Johnson said he and his coaching staff had to craft a plan to “de-load” Schmidt’s arm and slowly “reload” it in time for the season. He won’t pitch until November.

FILE PHOTO By MICHAEL BACIGALUPI

LSU coach Jay Johnson gives a thumbs up to fans during a game against Southeastern on April 28 at Alex Box Stadium.

Johnson said Wednesday that he decided to give the freshman a new position because LSU likes its outfield depth and thinks Washington can play in both areas of the field. “If he can do it,” Johnson said, “it changes our dynamic as a program. Not as a team. As a program.” Washington, a Georgia native, was selected in the 18th round of the 2026 MLB Draft by the Pittsburgh Pirates. He was a top-100 draft prospect, according to ESPN rankings. The Tigers have two high-profile transfers expected to start in the outfield on opening day. Bino Watters, a Notre Dame transfer, can play left field, while Angel Laya, an Oregon transfer, can man right field. Washington was expected to compete for a role in center field alongside players such as Tulane transfer Jason Wachs and freshman Dominic Santarelli. The LSU infield appears to be more solidified. Senior Steven Milam will play shortstop, sophomore Mason Braun is expected to start at first base, and transfers Cade Kurland (Florida) and Dawson Park (Texas State) are projected as the starters at second and third base, respectively. Time will tell how Washington fits into that mix. “Obviously, right-handed thrower, great athlete, can really move,” Johnson said. “We’re exploring the infield thing. It’s gonna benefit him. It’s gonna benefit us. “He’s gonna be a stud, and evenOutfielder moving in tually he’ll put more money in his Malachi Washington signed with LSU pocket because he can do that.” as one of the top high school outfielders in the country, but he’ll play Moore update in the infield this coming season. Right-handed pitcher Cooper Moore

Dottery, the Tigers’ leading tackler, was listed as questionable. Redshirt freshman receiver Phillip Wright was deemed as “out” for the game. LSU right tackle Weston Davis, who came out of the Louisiana Tech game with an injury, was not listed in the report, which means he should be available to play. Tight end Trey’Dez Green, offensive lineman Aliou Bah, and linebackers Whit Weeks and Davhon Keys were all listed as probable.

If Leavitt can’t play, LSU would choose between starting USC transfer Husan Longstreet or Elon transfer Landen Clark. The latter was the first quarterback off the bench in the Tigers’ two nonconference wins during mopup duty. Clark, a 6-foot, 198-pound redshirt sophomore, was the Colonial Athletic Association Co-Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2025 after passing for 2,321 yards, 18 touchdowns and eight interceptions for Elon. He also rushed for 614 yards

will not throw in the fall because he underwent surgery in May to address an elbow injury that ended his 2026 season, Johnson said. The procedure, which Johnson made sure to say was not Tommy John surgery, addressed the stress fracture Moore suffered at the tip of his elbow in late April. The righthander is now “probably ahead of schedule” in his recovery, and LSU doesn’t expect the effects to linger into the season. “The type of pitcher he is,” Johnson said, “command, control, strikes, pitchability ... that’s not going to affect him moving into the season at all. I’m very happy. He’s done a good job physically, looks stronger.”

LSU to honor Bertman Johnson said LSU players will wear No. 15 patches on their jerseys this coming season to honor Skip Bertman, the legendary former coach and athletic director who died at age 88 on Aug. 14. The Tigers may even make the patches a permanent fixture on their jerseys, Johnson said. “I’ve tried to honor him every day that I’ve been here while he was alive,” Johnson said, “and we’ll continue to do that and work in a manner that makes him proud.” Johnson also said that LSU plans to honor Bertman in a ceremony before its 2027 season begins with a game against Long Island on Feb. 19 at Alex Box Stadium. Email Reed Darcey at reed. darcey@theadvocate.com.

and 11 scores. Kiffin has been comfortable playing quarterbacks from lower levels, turning to Trinidad Chambliss from Division II Ferris State last season when Ole Miss starter Austin Simmons was injured. Chambliss went on to lead the Rebels to the College Football Playoff semifinals and will be the quarterback opposite LSU this weekend. Email Jon Blau at jon.blau@ theadvocate.com


4C ■ Thursday, September 17, 2026 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

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Ravens’ receiving corps beat up before Saints game BY NOAH TRISTER AP sportswriter

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By PAUL SANCyA

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave, right, can’t hold onto a pass as he is defended by Detroit Lions cornerback Avonte Maddox, left, during a game on Sunday in Detroit.

Shough, Olave developing long-distance relationship BY LUKE JOHNSON and MATTHEW PARAS Staff writers

With the New Orleans Saints in desperate need of a jolt, Chris Olave noticed his quarterback was in trouble and sprinted upfield. Tyler Shough dodged the Detroit Lions pass rush, rolled to his right and saw his star receiver in front of defensive back D.J. Reed. While on the move, Shough uncorked a pass that traveled roughly 50 yards in the air before Olave speared it downfield for a gain of 47. That big play ignited a comeback that the Saints finished Notebook nearly off, and it also represented a great example of something that has been true since Shough took over as the starter midway through last year. It’s not only that Olave finished the game with a career-best 182 yards receiving but also that he continues to prove he has rediscovered his explosive ability with Shough under center. Olave averaged 18.1 air yards per target last week, ranking fifth in the league among receivers with at least five targets in Week 1. Before Shough took over midway through last season, the Saints were using Olave almost as an extension of the run game. He was averaging 10.2 air yards per target through the first eight games. During Shough’s starts to close the season out, that number jumped to 13.3. Just giving Olave a chance downfield against single coverage has yielded a lot of explosive plays. Olave had an NFL-best four catches of 20 or more yards against Detroit last week. Shough and Olave con-

nected for six such plays in their eight games together last season, including a pair of 60-plus yard connections. “There’s definitely a trust factor with him, putting it out there and he’s going to go make a play or at least knock it down — it’s him or nobody,” Shough said. “That’s the best part about it; we have that chemistry and we’re going to take some shots and stretch the field and be able to change different layers of it.”

Kamara trending up Saints running back Alvin Kamara was a full participant in Wednesday’s practice, and he appears to be on track to make his season debut Sunday against Baltimore. “I feel good about Alvin,” Saints coach Kellen Moore said when asked whether Kamara would be available for the Week 2 contest. “He’s done an awesome job, so he’s right where he needs to be.” In the season opener against Detroit, Travis Etienne and Kendre Miller split the workload evenly, with both handling nine carries. Undrafted rookie CJ Donaldson had a small but notable workload, playing 15 snaps and converting a pair of third-andshort runs after being called up from the practice squad. Kamara suffered a knee injury during a joint practice against the Dallas Cowboys in mid-August. He missed three weeks of practice before returning in a limited capacity Sept. 9. Though he was a full participant in practice last Friday, the Saints decided to wait one more week before putting him back on the field. “He probably could have gone last week,” Moore said. “I think it was just a matter of time on task,

getting a full week’s work.”

Injury report New Orleans came out of its Week 1 game relatively healthy, and that was reflected on the team’s first injury report ahead of its Week 2 game in Baltimore. Only two players — tight end Juwan Johnson (illness) and linebacker Isaiah Stalbird (shoulder) — missed practice. Stalbird appeared to suffer his injury when making a tackle in punt coverage against Detroit last week, but he ended up returning to the field after getting a brief exam on the sideline. Rookie tight end Oscar Delp (hamstring, limited) returned to practice for the first time since late August. Veteran edge rusher Cam Jordan also practiced in a limited fashion as he works his way back from a hamstring injury that kept him out of most of training camp.

Long snapper injured The Saints need a new long snapper. Incumbent Zach Wood suffered a calf injury and is expected to miss the next 4-6 weeks, a source with knowledge of the situation confirmed Wednesday. Wood was not listed on Wednesday’s injury report, and the Saints have yet to bring in any replacements for a tryout. Wood has been the Saints’ long snapper since 2017, appearing in every game in that span. The Saints’ emergency backup long snapper is defensive tackle John Ridgeway, who spent a practice in the role last month when Wood missed the session to attend Drew Brees’ induction into the Hall of Fame.

Seahawks confident QB Lock can hold fort without Darnold BY ANNE M. PETERSON

AP sportswriter

With Sam Darnold out because of a glute injury, the Seattle Seahawks don’t expect all that much to change now that Drew Lock is taking over. Lock will start at quarterback Sunday for the Super Bowl champions at Arizona, with Jalen Milroe in the backup role. “Drew’s a proven, really good player in this league, and when he’s started, he’s played really good football, and then when he’s been on our team since I’ve seen him play in person, he’s a heck of a player here,” coach Mike Macdonald said Wednesday. “So he’s a heck of a guy, heck of a teammate. He’s got a great balance about him of being like a true professional, but also he’s a loose and focused guy.” The Seahawks announced this week that Darnold has a “very unique, soft tissue” glute injury. Although the injury is believed to be short-term, there is no timetable for his return. Darnold was not placed on injured reserve. Darnold was injured when he was sacked by Dre’Mont Jones on Seattle’s first series against the New England Patriots last week. Lock replaced him and went 16of-22 passing for 187 yards and a touchdown as the Seahawks rallied for a 13-10 victory. “I mean, even outside of our mentality of bend-don’t-break and supporting the next guy up, I

AP PHOTO By STEPHEN BRASHEAR

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock throws a pass during a game against the New England Patriots on Sept. 9 in Seattle.

think we all have faith in Drew because we believe that he’s the best second-string quarterback in the league,” defensive tackle Leonard Williams said. Darnold did not miss a game last season as he led the Seahawks to a Super Bowl title. He threw for 4,048 yards with 25 touchdowns and 14 interceptions as Seattle won a franchise-record 14 games. “He’s killing on his rehab. He’s doing a great job,” Macdonald said of Darnold. “He’s doing a lot right now. He’s just, he’s not going to be able to play this week.”

Lock mostly has been a backup since 2021. The game against the Patriots marked his first meaningful playing time since 2024. “The quarterbacks here have done an unbelievable job in terms of, like, there’s not a whole lot of conversations that happen with Sam that Drew’s not right there having that same conversation,” receiver Cooper Kupp said. “I mean, those guys work so well together. So just like Drew’s always been in Sam’s back pocket, in terms of bouncing things off of each other and collaborating together, Sam’s gonna be that same exact thing for Drew.” Lock is in his second stint with the Seahawks. He was with Seattle from 2022-23, after coming over in the trade that sent Russell Wilson to Denver, and started a pair of games in 2023 when Geno Smith had a groin injury. He spent the 2024 season with the New York Giants before returning to Seattle last year. “He has a little bit of a swagger to him, he’s confident. I think he’s ready for the moment,” Williams said. “When it’s time for him to be called up, there’s no lag, there’s no hesitation. He’s ready for it. And it’s cool to see because I can’t imagine what it’s like to be in that position as a backup quarterback, where you may not see the field all season, but at any moment you have to be ready to go in there and operate and lead the offense. And I think he does a great job at that, not skipping a beat.”

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — For a moment, Ja’Kobi Lane thought he’d caught a touchdown pass in his very first NFL game. Now it’s not clear when he’ll play in his next. Lane is headed to injured reserve after the Baltimore wideout had surgery Wednesday morning. After an impressive preseason, the rookie had his touchdown last weekend at Indianapolis called back because of a penalty. He was eventually sidelined with a wrist injury. It was one of two significant injuries at wide receiver for the Ravens. Zay Flowers left with a hamstring issue after a great start. Coach Jesse Minter said Flowers is day-to-day. Lane is not. “He’ll be back as soon as it is,” Minter said. “Whatever the number is, try to slice a week or two off of that, from a player’s competitive standpoint. I know he’ll be chomping at the bit to get back.” Baltimore finished with more than 500 yards of offense in a 41-23 win over the Colts, but the Ravens really looked stellar when Flowers was in the game. He caught five passes for 150 yards and a touchdown before exiting in the second quarter. If he’s out this weekend in the home opener against New Orleans, Lamar Jackson won’t have many proven targets. Rashod Bateman remains available, but Devontez Walker (groin) and rookie Elijah Sarratt were inactive last weekend. Walker has seven career receptions in twoplus seasons, although four were for touchdowns. Walker was a full participant in practice Wednesday, but Flowers was out. So were edge rusher Trey Hendrickson (finger), tackle Ronnie Stanley (toe), guard John Simpson (groin), cornerback

SAINTS

T.J. Tampa (knee) and defensive lineman Calais Campbell (rest). Defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike (neck) was limited after missing the opener. New offensive coordinator Declan Doyle faces a real test trying to keep the offense humming despite potentially being down his best receiver (Flowers) and a promising rookie (Lane). A return by Walker could help. “I’m very excited. You see a lot of good things — what (Doyle) is doing, how he dialed things up,” Walker said. “Makes any receiver want to be excited, to play with him.” After contributing almost exclusively on special teams last season, LaJohntay Wester caught two passes for 15 yards Sunday. Chris Moore, an 11-year veteran who was elevated from the practice squad to face Indianapolis, caught a 53-yard pass. “I really try to learn everybody’s position, because you never know what’s going to happen in a game,” Moore said. “I’ve been in that situation where people go down and you’ve just got to get pulled in, and you’ve got to make the most of it. That’s how this league is, and that’s how you get trust from coaches.” The Ravens signed Moore from the practice squad to the 53-man roster Wednesday. “You tell guys, ‘Play your way onto the roster,’ and Chris certainly did that in Week 1,” Minter said. Jackson threw for 324 yards against the Colts. Flowers’ ability to create big plays after the catch was a key factor, but eight other players had at least one reception. Mark Andrews had four catches, and fellow tight ends Matt Hibner and Durham Smythe had one apiece. Baltimore lost tight ends Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar in the offseason. Now wide receiver is where the team’s depth will be tested.

matters, even if the offense isn’t fully up to speed to begin the Continued from page 1C year. Shough recalled how Lance looked like “Bambi” at first. “You’re seeing him run and he’s ing and there will be adjustments got these long strides,” the quarterback said. as we go. But then day after day, the “That’s just inevitable.” Nothing replicates the impor- rookie started to find his comfort tance of live reps. In an encourag- zone and produced as his role exing sign for the Saints, Sunday’s panded when Tyson went down. “You see it every day, his confurious comeback demonstrated how Shough can adapt to those tinual progression,” Shough said of Lance. pieces in real time. The rest of the offense will Take the quarterback’s connection with Fant, for example. Half need to continue that progresof the tight end’s targets were off sion. In the run game, the most the mark — including another that surprising aspect of last weekled to Shough’s second intercep- end’s debut was how the running tion — but the two started to build back rotation panned out. Despite chemistry when it mattered most. signing Etienne to a four-year, On the Saints’ final drive, Shough $48 million contract, he received the same amount of hit Fant for 9 yards carries as Kendre and a first down — on “ ... I have Miller (nine). an out route, no less. no doubt Etienne’s snap Then at the 8-yard count — 53, or 59% line, Fant shook off that among of the offensive a defender to create the offense, snaps — still led the enough separation running backs, but for Shough to fire it everybody, the he was far from the to the window for an overtime touchdown. receivers will be bell cow that many The Saints had where he needs expected. “My one year in waited more than a them to be and Philly was probably year for Fant. New only year where Orleans pursued he’ll put the ball the a running back just him in free agency last year, though the where it needs to kind of takes everything until he can’t,” former first-round be at, and we’ll said Moore, referpick signed with the Cincinnati Bengals take off running.” ring to his time calling plays for Eagles instead. NOAH FANT, running back Saquon But the long wait Saints tight end, on Barkley. “Everyresulted in a payoff right at the end of his quarterback Tyler Shough where else, you’re usually rotating first game with New these guys.” Orleans. Regardless of who was in, the “The really cool thing about Tyler is he’s so open to the commu- Saints struggled to run the ball. nication and just being like, ‘Hey, They found some success in the next play. We’re going to get it second half — Etienne finished right and keep moving forward,’ with 5.1 yards per carry — ” Fant said. “It speaks to the type though that was largely after the of leader that he is, and I have Lions climbed to a 21-0 lead and no doubt that among the offense, played coverages that accounted everybody, the receivers will be more for the pass. Moore credited the Lions, addwhere he needs them to be and he’ll put the ball where it needs to ing Detroit’s pressure packages be at, and we’ll take off running.” helped limit space and kept the The Saints did find success Saints offensive line from reachin how they incorporated their ing the second level. But the only choice the Saints rookie wide receivers. Though 2026 first-round pick Jordyn Ty- have now, Moore said, is to keep son (hamstring) is on injured going. “Week in and week out, it’s reserve, fourth-round wideout Bryce Lance stepped up to be the about playing different matchSaints’ third receiver — and came ups,” Moore said. “Every oppothrough with a huge 15-yard catch nent is going to be a little bit different. You have to make adjuston fourth-and-12. Lance’s production is an ex- ments and tweaks. It’s constantly ample of why training camp evolving.”


The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Thursday, September 17, 2026 ■ 5C

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THE VARSITY ZONE Mt. Carmel staves off comeback try by Prairieville for sweep BY JACKSON REYES Staff writer

STAFF FILE PHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON

East Ascension receiver Jeremyah Merriweather makes a leaping catch against Central in the fourth quarter of their Division I nonselect regional game on Nov. 21 at Central.

‘I have to make it’

East Ascension WR Merriweather pursuing greatness through hard work

BY JACKSON REYES

Staff writer

East Ascension wide receiver Jeremyah Merriweather doesn’t take a day off. School and football practice take up most of his weekdays. On the weekend, he works shifts at Sonny’s BBQ. The busy schedule isn’t easy, but the senior’s desire to play at the next level fuels his determination. “I don’t have a Plan B for this,” Merriweather said. “I have to make it.” The 6-foot, 170-pound receiver, who currently holds one college offer from Arkansas State, has been a big key to the Spartans’ 2-0 start to the year.

Earning the No. 1 Merriweather’s work ethic is represented on his back every Friday night. He’s earned the coveted No. 1 jersey, which is voted on by the coaching staff and leadership team. “He was the first junior for me to ever have it,” coach Brock Matherne said. “Also, just to have it two years in a row, with no questions asked, is a testament to the kid that he is.” The senior receiver knows what it means to don the number. “It means a lot,” Merriweather said. “Showing that all my hard work is not just being unnoticed.” From the day Matherne saw him playing football in P.E. as a sophomore, Merriweather has been a guy who’s bought into the program. “He’s been a pillar of our core values, and he’s reaping the re-

wards for it,” Matherne said. “There’s never a bad day when it comes to the work.” The example Merriweather has set has rubbed off on the younger players on the team. Matherne relies on guys like him to build a program. Matherne’s Spartans went 8-4 last year and made the Division I nonselect playoffs in his second year as head coach. Players like Merriweather are one reason the Spartans seem to be on an upward trajectory. “It just helps build our program,” Matherne said. “The way that he works on a daily basis makes it really easy to see him in a No. 1 jersey.”

‘A lot to the table’ A receiver by trade, Merriweather affects all three phases in the game. Merriweather also plays at defensive back, running back, wildcat quarterback, returns punts and during a practice on Monday, he even practiced punting. His willingness to play anywhere on the field stands out to Matherne. “He brings so much to the table,” Matherne said. “He’s a threat in all three phases of the game.” Merriweather said he’s also worked to improve as a receiver. He competed in track and field this past year, which made him faster. Matherne’s already seen him take several short catches the distance for touchdowns. He has five touchdowns this season. For Merriweather, his success is a product of his mindset. “(It’s) 100% every day, fourth and goal every day,” he said. “Be-

ing relentless, working on being uncommon.”

Moving from Tennessee Merriweather wasn’t always certain that he’d become the player he is now. He moved from Clarksville, Tennessee, to Gonzales for his freshman year. He wasn’t sure if his new teammates would accept him, or how he’d adjust to a new school. He credits his faith as a big factor in helping him adjust. “It’s been a tough journey, but I know God’s got me,” he said. “Just walking through faith, not getting down all the time. Good prayer every morning.” His teammates and coaches welcomed him with open arms. As he’s developed from a skinny sophomore with raw potential to a dynamic senior, he’s continued to trust his faith. Merriweather’s faith and determination have also empowered his confidence that he can play at the next level. He wasn’t always sure he’d get that opportunity, but when Arkansas State offered him this past summer, that changed his mindset. “I had a couple of doubts, like if I could really do it,” he said. “After getting that offer, it showed me that I could really do it. I’ve got the potential to be a college football player.” Now, he sees no limit on his potential. Matherne echoed that. “Honestly, he doesn’t have a ceiling,” Matherne said. “If he keeps working the way he’s working, he’ll carry this team a long way. I expect his name to be called out a lot on Friday nights.”

WEEK 3 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE All games are at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted.

Thursday’s games

McKinley at Belaire St. Martin’s Episcopal at Glen Oaks Denham Springs at Woodlawn Ascension Christian vs. Thrive Academy at Olympia Stadium Tara vs. Helix Mentorship Academy at Baker High Stadium University High at Plaquemine Collegiate Baton Rouge at Dunham Istrouma at JS Clark Leadership Academy

Friday’s games

South Terrebonne vs. Ascension Catholic at

Floyd Boutte Memorial Stadium Liberty at Broadmoor West St. John vs. Capitol at Istrouma High Stadium St. Thomas More vs. Catholic at Memorial Stadium John Ehret at Central St. John at Central Private Central Catholic at East Iberville Catholic-PC at Episcopal Wesminster Christian at Live Oak Livonia at Port Allen Dutchtown at St. Michael Walker at Scotlandville Madison Prep at Zachary

East St. John at West Feliciana Assumption at North Iberville Slaughter Community Charter at East Feliciana Prairieville at Brusly Slidell at Lutcher John F. Kennedy at St. Amant Terrebonne at St. James Albany at Springfield Baker at Northeast Amite at Parkview Baptist Donaldsonville at White Castle Kentwood at St. Helena College and Career Academy

After falling behind two sets, Prairieville rallied to hold a 1916 lead in the third set, looking to mount a massive comeback against Mount Carmel. The Cubs had other plans. A serve hit out of bounds by Prairieville ended a 6-0 run that made it a two-point game. An ace by Ali Offner and consecutive kills from Lila Franovich sparked a 3-1 run to tie the match at 20. The two sides traded scores, but Mount Carmel (6-3) closed the set with another 3-1 run off two Gabrielle Locascio kills and a kill from Sophia Leblanc to secure a 26-24 win to complete a 3-0 sweep in Prairieville. The Cubs of New Orleans won 25-11, 25-13, 26-24. Locascio finished with 11 kills and three blocks. Guilianna Aratti totaled six aces for the Cubs. Andy Clement tallied nine kills and Sarah Clement had 25 assists. After Mount Carmel rolled in the first two sets, Prairieville opened the third set with a 7-5 lead. Kate Perniciaro had two kills and one block to help put the Hurricanes in front. Two straight errant attacks allowed the Cubs to tie it. Prairieville (5-4) regained an 11-9 lead before the Cubs went on a 5-0 run to take a 14-11 lead thanks to several Hurricanes errors. The Hurricanes later ripped off a 6-0 run to take a 19-16 lead as two kills Brasia Smith higlighted the run.

Mount Carmel battled back but trailed 23-22 before Cubs coach Ashley Miller called a timeout. “Third set, (Prairieville) did some really good things,” Miller said. “When I called that timeout at 23-22, I was like, ‘You know what, this game’s not over, we’re going to come back and win.’ ” The 3-1 run helped Mount Carmel secure the victory. “They served really well that set, so we got out of system a little bit more than I would have liked,” she said. “This is a really good challenge for us to be under a little bit of pressure, so I was really proud of them for pulling that out.” Mount Carmel never trailed through the first two sets. The Cubs led the first set 19-4 before a brief Prairieville run cut the deficit to 22-10. Mount Carmel closed the first set with consecutive points to win 25-11. Prairieville trailed 16-10 midway through the second set before Mount Carmel closed the set on a 9-3 run to take it 25-13. “I feel like so far we come out every first set playing really well, and then the second set, we don’t play as good,” Miller said. “I just told them we need to be consistent.” Perniciaro finished with eight kills, and Smith had six. Olivia Smith had three blocks. “I’m proud of how we ended,” Hurricanes coach Chandra Ewen said. “I’ll take a loss any day if that’s how we finish it. Just got to figure out what happened in the first two.”

STAFF PHOTO By PEARL SPURLOCK

Prairieville’s Brasia Smith tries for a kill over Mount Carmel defenders Giulianna Aratti, left, and Allie Steele on Wednesday in Prairieville.

VOLLEYBALL REPORT Volleyball Tuesday’s results Glen Oaks 3, Tara 0 (25-17, 25-11, 25-18) Madison Prep 3, Baton Rouge 0 (25-17, 25-18, 25-23) Covington 3, Central Private 1 (25-4, 23-25, 25-15, 25-15) Dutchtown 3, U-High 1 (25-21, 21-25, 25-27, 25-27) Central-B.R. 3, Episcopal 1 (20-25, 26-24, 25-11, 25-16) Live Oak 3, West Feliciana 0 (25-8, 25-8, 25-15) St. John 3, Sacred Heart 0 (25-21, 25-23, 25-12) Southern Lab 3, Woodlawn-B.R. 0 (25-5, 25-10, 25-21)

Wednesday’s results

Lafayette Christian 3, Central Private 0

(25-7, 25-19, 25-14) Mount Carmel 3, Prairieville 0 (25-11, 25-13, 26-24) White Castle 3, Collegiate Baton Rouge 2 (25-23, 26-28, 15-25, 26-24, 15-12)

Thursday’s matches

TBA at Brusly, 4 p.m. Thrive Academy at False River, 5 p.m. Glen Oaks at Northeast, 5 p.m. Istrouma at Tara, 5 p.m. McDonogh 35 at Woodlawn, 5 p.m. Destrehan at Ascension Christian, 6 p.m. McKinley at Belaire, 6 p.m. Walker at Broadmoor, 6 p.m. Independence at Family Christian, 6 p.m. Prairieville at Live Oak, 6 p.m. Livonia at Port Allen, 6 p.m. Loranger at Slaughter Charter, 6 p.m. Liberty at Southern Lab, 6 p.m. St. Amant at St. Michael, 6 p.m. Catholic-PC at West Feliciana, 6 p.m.

Late-season rally puts Guardians ahead in AL Central BY JOE REEDY

After dropping Monday’s opener, the Guardians rallied to win the last two games and took sole possession of first place in the AL Central for the first time since July 3. Wednesday’s 6-3 win moved the Guardians (78-75) one-half game ahead of the White Sox (77-75). Cleveland is off Thursday before starting a three-game series against the Athletics.

“I mean, it feels good. It doesn’t mean anything yet. We’ve got a job to do for nine more games,” said Vogt, the Guardians’ third-year manager who won the division in 2024 and ‘25. Even though Cleveland is just 9-7 this month, it has the majors’ thirdbest September record since 2016 at 173-116. The Dodgers lead at 177-101, followed by the Yankees

(169-110). The Guardians also hold an ALbest 110-61 September record against divisional opponents since 2016. Cleveland is off Thursday before hosting the Athletics for three games. That’s followed by a sixgame trip to Boston and Kansas City to end the regular season. The Guardians’ road to a playoff

spot this season is a cakewalk compared to last year, when they had the greatest September comeback in baseball history. They were 69-70 and 11 games behind the Tigers on Sept. 4 before going 15-1, including a 10-game winning streak. The previous biggest margin overcome in September was 81/2 games by the 1964 St. Louis Cardinals.

teammates for two years, was the first female athlete to be honContinued from page 1C ored with a statue on campus. The school unveiled hers in January 2023, two months before the TiHall of Fame, and now she’ll be- gers won their first national chamcome the seventh athlete or coach pionship in basketball and a little to be honored with a statue on the more than a year before Mulkey added Augustus to her coaching LSU campus. Augustus, a Baton Rouge na- staff. Fowles and Augustus also played tive who was one of Fowles’ LSU

together on three gold-medal-winning U.S. Olympic teams — in 2008, 2012 and 2016 — and they’re both assistant coaches. Fowles works for the Portland Fire, a WNBA expansion franchise. “Sylvia has been the ultimate representation of LSU and this athletics department at the highest level,” LSU athletic director Verge Ausberry said, “and I am thrilled

to see one of our most iconic athletes be immortalized forever.” Fowles said in a statement that it’s a “privilege and an honor” to be given a statue and that she “doesn’t take this recognition from LSU lightly.” “It says a lot to be recognized for all my hard work,” she said, “and I wouldn’t appreciate it the way that I do if I didn’t accomplish it

on LSU’s campus. Thank you to everyone who made this happen.” LSU said that it will set a day and time for Fowles’ statue reveal at a later date.

AP sportswriter

CLEVELAND — Stephen Vogt and the Cleveland Guardians are used to the late-season pressure of trying not only to clinch a postseason spot, but also to win a division title. That experience showed during their series against the Chicago White Sox.

FOWLES

Email Reed Darcey at reed. darcey@theadvocate.com. For more LSU sports updates, sign up for our newsletter at theadvocate.com/lsunewsletter


6C ■ Thursday, September 17, 2026 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

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SOUTHERN FOOTBALL

Leap of faith helped bring Johnson to SU

BY TOYLOY BROWN III Staff writer

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO By SUE OGROCKI

Back on top

Cleveland Guardians left fielder Steven Kwan, left, center fielder Petey Halpin, center, and right fielder Jo Adell celebrate after the Guardians defeated the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday in Cleveland. The 6-3 win moved the Guardians into first place in the American League Central for the first time since July.

SCOREBOARD Odds

North

NFL

Baltimore Cincinnati Pittsburgh Cleveland West

Thursday

FAVORITE at BUFFALO

Sunday

OPEN TODAY O/U UNDERDOG 3 5½ (55½) Detroit

FAVORITE OPEN TODAY O/U UNDERDOG at NEW ENG. 4½ 4½ (41½) Pittsburgh at TAMPA BAY 6½ 8½ (41½) Cleveland Green Bay 6½ 3½ (44½) at NY JETS at BALTIMORE 7½ 8½ (46½) N.O. Carolina 1½ 2½ (43½) at ATLANTA at HOUSTON 2½ 2½ (46½) Cincinnati Philadelphia 4½ 7 (39½) at TENN. at CHICAGO 3½ 4½ (48½) Minnesota at DENVER 3 2½ (45½) J’ville at CHARGERS 8½ 6½ (43½) Las Vegas Seattle 10 4 (41½) at ARIZONA at SAN FRAN. 10½ 13½ (45½) Miami at DALLAS 4½ 3½ (50½) Washington at KAN. CITY 5½ 6½ (46½) Indianapolis

Monday

FAVORITE at LA RAMS

OPEN TODAY O/U UNDERDOG 9½ 7 (48½) NY Giants

College football Thursday

FAVORITE at PITT

OPEN TODAY O/U UNDERDOG 10½ 10½ (51½) Syracuse

FAVORITE Miami (FL) at TEX. TECH at OREGON

OPEN TODAY O/U UNDERDOG 19½ 20½ (56½) at W. FOR. 14½ 7½ (53½) Houston 57½ 57½ (68½) Portland St.

Friday

Saturday

FAVORITE OPEN TODAY O/U UNDERDOG at DELAWARE 5½ 4½ (57½) C. Carolina at PENN ST. 39½ 40½ (50½) Buffalo Georgia 17½ 24½ (54½) at ARK. at IOWA ST. 23½ 23½ (44½) B. Green at KANSAS ST. 20½ 20½ (49½) Tulane at MINN. 28½ 23½ (49½) Akron at CLEMSON 9½ 3½ (43½) N. Carolina at GA. TECH 42½ 39½ (61½) Mercer at TEXAS ST. 3½ 2½ (63½) N. Texas Arizona State 5½ 5½ (50½) at KANSAS at OHIO ST. 52½ 52½ (59½) Kent State at WIS. 24½ 24½ (45½) E. Michigan at VANDY 5½ 3½ (50½) NC State at C. MICH. 1½ 1½ (39½) Wyoming at B. COLLEGE 39½ 37½ (53½) Maine at ILLINOIS 41½ 38½ (54½) S. Illinois at TOLEDO 1½ 5½ (50½) Temple at UMASS 34½ 33½ (49½) Stonehill at WASH. ST. 35½ 38½ (53½) Duquesne at UTAH 27½ 28 (56½) Utah State USC 24½ 23½ (60½) at RUTGERS at MICHIGAN 35½ 34½ (49½) UTEP at ALABAMA 15½ 19½ (48½) Fla. St. at LOUISVILLE 1½ 1½ (59½) SMU at TEXAS A&M 14½ 16½ (50½) Kentucky at CINCINNATI 14½ 14½ (49½) Miami (OH) at LIBERTY 13½ 14½ (49½) Ball State at INDIANA 44½ 44½ (60½)W. Kentucky at IOWA 41½ 38½ (49½) N. Iowa at BAYLOR 18½ 19½ (53½) La. Tech at DUKE 11½ 9½ (51½) Stanford at S. CARO. 7½ 3½ (58½) Miss. St. at ULM 12½ 11½ (48½) S’eastern at FAU 9½ 6½ (62½) Fiu at OLD DOM. 2½ 2½ (49½) E. Carolina at APP. ST. 19½ 17½ (51½) Charlotte Marshall 4½ 4½ (52½) at MO. ST. at UCF 19½ 17½ (50½) Georgia St. at MISSOURI 27½ 26½ (50½) Troy Florida PK 2½ (53½) at AUBURN W. Michigan 10½ 9½ (43½) at RICE at OKLA.ST. 57½ 55½ (70½) Murray St. at S. ALA. 3½ 7 (49½) Ohio at S. FLORIDA 37½ 37½ (61½) Del. St. Nevada 6½ 3½ (50½) at M. TENN. at SAM HOU. 18½ 18½ (50½) Nicholls at J’VILLE ST’ 3 3½ (52½) Ga. South. at MEMPHIS 35½ 35½ (57½) UT Martin UConn 2½ 3 (54½) at SO. MISS at NEBRASKA 24½ 24½ (51½) N. Dakota at WASH. 44½ 42½ (57½) E. Wash. LSU 2½ 3 (58½) at OLE MISS at NOTRE DAME 29½ 29½ (52½) Mich. St. at N’WESTERN 5½ 3½ (48½) Colorado at VIRGINIA 8½ 10½ (53½) W. Virginia Virginia Tech 1½ 2½ (53½) at MARY. at OKLAHOMA 21½ 22½ (46½) New Mexico BYU 20½ 17½ (52½) at COLO. ST. at TENN. 35½ 35½ (60½) Kenn. St. at UL 8½ 7½ (56½) UAB at TCU 20½ 20½ (56½) Ark. St. at TULSA 42½ 42½ (56½) East Texas at TEXAS 29½ 30½ (58½) UTSA at S.D. St. 1½ 2½ (46½) J. Madison at BOISE ST. 22½ 24½ (56½) S. Dakota N. Dakota St. 23½ 27½ (50½) at SACR. ST. at ARIZONA 31½ 34½ (50½) N. Illinois at OREGON ST. 9½ 17½ (52½) Montana Fresno St. 5½ 6½ (50½)at SAN JOSE at UCLA 13½ 14 (53½) Purdue

MLB

Thursday

American League FAVORITE LINE UNDERDOG at TAMPA BAY -287 Athletics at HOUSTON -169 Kansas City at WHITE SOX -131 Detroit at TEXAS OFF Boston at LA ANGELS OFF Minnesota National League FAVORITE LINE UNDERDOG at PITTSBURGH OFF Milwaukee at CINCINNATI OFF LA Dodgers San Diego -172 at COLORADO at N.Y METS -144 Philadelphia

LINE +227 +138 +108 OFF OFF LINE OFF OFF +140 +119

Pro football NFL glance

N.Y. Jets Buffalo New England Miami South Jacksonville Houston Tennessee Indianapolis

NFC East

N.Y. Giants Philadelphia Washington Dallas South Atlanta Tampa Bay New Orleans Carolina North Minnesota Chicago Detroit Green Bay West San Francisco Arizona Seattle L.A. Rams

L 0 0 0 1

T Pct PF PA 0 1.000 41 23 0 1.000 33 27 0 1.000 20 13 0 .000 10 34

W 1 1 0 0

L 0 0 1 1

T Pct PF PA 0 1.000 31 10 0 1.000 27 13 0 .000 14 26 0 .000 10 31

W 1 1 0 0

L 0 0 1 1

T Pct PF PA 0 1.000 28 20 0 1.000 24 22 0 .000 22 24 0 .000 20 28

W 0 0 0 0

L 1 1 1 1

T 0 0 0 0

W 1 1 1 0

L 0 0 0 1

T Pct PF PA 0 1.000 39 22 0 1.000 59 37 0 1.000 31 30 0 .000 22 39

W 1 1 1 0

L 0 0 0 1

T Pct PF PA 0 1.000 27 7 0 1.000 26 14 0 1.000 13 10 0 .000 7 27

Thursday’s games

W 1 1 0 0

L 0 0 1 1

T Pct PF PA 0 1.000 23 10 0 1.000 36 31 0 .000 10 13 0 .000 13 27

W 1 0 0 0

L 0 1 1 1

T Pct PF PA 0 1.000 34 10 0 .000 31 36 0 .000 10 23 0 .000 23 41

Pct PF PA .000 13 20 .000 27 33 .000 30 31 .000 37 59

Detroit at Buffalo, 7:15 p.m.

Tampa Bay 4, Athletics 3 Baltimore at N.Y. Mets, n Boston at Texas, n Kansas City at Houston, n Seattle at L.A. Angels, n

Thursday’s games

Athletics (Springs 4-13) at Tampa Bay (Rasmussen 14-5), 12:10 p.m. Kansas City (Lugo 7-8) at Houston (TBD), 6:15 p.m. Detroit (Valdez 10-10) at Chicago White Sox (TBD), 6:40 p.m. Boston (Gray 17-5) at Texas (TBD), 7:05 p.m. Minnesota (Bradley 11-6) at L.A. Angels (Ureña 9-10), 8:38 p.m.

National League East Division

Atlanta Philadelphia Miami Washington New York

W 89 84 75 71 69

L 63 68 77 82 82

Pct .586 .553 .493 .464 .457

GB — 5 14 18½ 19½

x-Milwaukee Chicago Pittsburgh St. Louis Cincinnati

W 95 84 75 75 71

L 57 68 77 78 81

Pct .625 .553 .493 .490 .467

GB — 11 20 20½ 24

z-Los Angeles San Diego Arizona San Francisco Colorado

92 82 80 64 56

Pct .605 .543 .526 .418 .371

GB — 9½ 12 28½ 35½

Central Division

West Division

W

Tuesday’s games

Sunday’s games

60 69 72 89 95

L

L.A. Dodgers 4, Cincinnati 0 Washington 6, Philadelphia 3 Milwaukee 5, Pittsburgh 1 Atlanta 6, Chicago Cubs 3 Baltimore 7, N.Y. Mets 5, 11 innings San Francisco 10, St. Louis 3 Colorado 9, San Diego 3 Miami 4, Arizona 2, 11 innings

Carolina at Atlanta, noon Cincinnati at Houston, noon Cleveland at Tampa Bay, noon Green Bay at N.Y. Jets, noon Minnesota at Chicago, noon New Orleans at Baltimore, noon Philadelphia at Tennessee, noon Pittsburgh at New England, noon Jacksonville at Denver, 3:05 p.m. Las Vegas at L.A. Chargers, 3:05 p.m. Miami at San Francisco, 3:25 p.m. Seattle at Arizona, 3:25 p.m. Washington at Dallas, 3:25 p.m. Indianapolis at Kansas City, 7:20 p.m.

Wednesday’s games

San Francisco 6, St. Louis 5, 10 innings Philadelphia 3, Washington 0 Cincinnati 6, L.A. Dodgers 2 Milwaukee 5, Pittsburgh 4 Baltimore at N.Y. Mets, n Atlanta at Chicago Cubs, n San Diego at Colorado, n Miami at Arizona, n

Monday’s Games

N.Y. Giants at L.A. Rams, 7:15 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 24

Thursday’s games

Atlanta at Green Bay, 7:15 p.m.

Sunday, Sept. 27

Carolina at Cleveland, noon Cincinnati at Pittsburgh, noon Houston at Indianapolis, noon Kansas City at Miami, noon L.A. Chargers at Buffalo, noon N.Y. Jets at Detroit, noon New England at Jacksonville, noon Seattle at Washington, noon Tennessee at N.Y. Giants, noon Arizona at San Francisco, 3:05 p.m. Minnesota at Tampa Bay, 3:05 p.m. Baltimore vs Dallas at Rio de Janeiro, 3:25 p.m. Las Vegas at New Orleans, 3:25 p.m. L.A. Rams at Denver, 7:20 p.m.

Monday, Sept. 28

Philadelphia at Chicago, 7:15 p.m.

College football State schedule

Milwaukee (Harrison 10-4) at Pittsburgh (TBD), 11:35 a.m. L.A. Dodgers (TBD) at Cincinnati (Singer 6-14), 11:40 a.m. San Diego (King 11-9) at Colorado (Gordon 1-4), 2:10 p.m. Philadelphia (Nola 6-10) at N.Y. Mets, 6:15 p.m.

Pro basketball WNBA glance EASTERN CONFERENCE W 26 26 24 24 15 11 10

L 14 14 16 16 25 29 30

Pct .650 .650 .600 .600 .375 .275 .250

GB — — 2 2 11 15 16

W x-Minnesota 31 x-Golden State 29 x-Las Vegas 27 x-Dallas 24 Portland 16 Los Angeles 15 Phoenix 14 Seattle 8 x-clinched playoff spot

L 9 11 13 16 24 25 26 32

Pct .775 .725 .675 .600 .400 .375 .350 .200

GB — 2 4 7 15 16 17 23

x-Atlanta x-Indiana x-New York x-Washington Chicago Toronto Connecticut

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Saturday’s games

Tulane at Kansas State, 11 a.m., ESPN2 Louisiana Tech at Baylor, 3 p.m., ESPNU Southeastern Louisiana at UL-Monroe, 3:30 p.m., ESPN+ Nicholls at Sam Houston, 6 p.m., ESPN+ LSU at Ole Miss, 6:30 p.m., ABC UAB at UL, 7 p.m., ESPN+ Louisiana Christian at Southern, SWAC TV Northwestern State at Weber State, 7 p.m., ESPN+ McNeese State at UTRGV, 7 p.m., ESPN+

Wednesday’s games

National schedule

No games scheduled.

Thursday

Connecticut at Atlanta, 6:30 p.m. Los Angeles at Dallas, 7 p.m. Washington at Chicago, 7 p.m. Las Vegas at Seattle, 9 p.m. Phoenix at Portland, 9 p.m.

Thursday’s games

EAST Syracuse (1-1) at Pittsburgh (2-0), 6:30 p.m.

Friday

SOUTH Miami (2-0) at Wake Forest (2-0), 6:30 p.m. SOUTHWEST Houston (2-0) at Texas Tech (2-0), 7 p.m. FAR WEST Portland St. (0-3) at Oregon (1-1), 9:30 p.m.

Major League Baseball East Division z-Tampa Bay z-New York Boston Toronto Baltimore

W 92 88 82 76 74

L 59 64 69 77 78

Pct .609 .579 .543 .497 .487

GB — 4½ 10 17 18½

Cleveland Chicago Detroit Minnesota Kansas City

W 78 77 72 71 66

L 75 75 80 81 85

Pct .510 .507 .474 .467 .437

GB — ½ 5½ 6½ 11

Houston Texas Seattle Athletics Los Angeles

W 76 75 70 61 58

L 75 76 82 91 93

Pct .503 .497 .461 .401 .384

GB — 1 6½ 15½ 18

Central Division

West Division

Tampa Bay 2, Athletics 1 Cleveland 7, Chicago White Sox 6 Detroit 10, Toronto 1 N.Y. Yankees 8, Minnesota 1 Houston 4, Kansas City 2 Baltimore 7, N.Y. Mets 5, 11 innings Texas 4, Boston 2 L.A. Angels 2, Seattle 1

Wednesday’s games

Cleveland 6, Chicago White Sox 3 Minnesota 5, N.Y. Yankees 4, 13 innings Toronto 5, Detroit 1

Friday’s games

Indiana at Toronto, 6:30 p.m. New York at Minnesota, 6:30 p.m. Portland at Golden State, 9 p.m.

Transactions BASEBALL

American League

Tuesday’s games

AFC East

Kansas City Las Vegas L.A. Chargers Denver

W 1 1 1 0

Major League Baseball American League CHICAGO WHITE SOX — Reinstated RHP Drew Thorpe from the 60-day IL and LF Tommy Pham from the 10-day IL. Optioned RHP Drew Thorpe and C Edgar Quero to Charlotte (IL). MINNESOTA TWINS — Reinstated RF Austin Martin. Recalled SS Ben Ross from St. Paul (IL). Placed SS Kaelen Culpepper on the 10-day IL. NEW YORK YANKEES — Reinstated RHP Clarke Schmidt from the 60-day IL. Optioned RHP Bradley Hanner to Scranton/WilkesBarre (IL). Designated 3B Oswaldo Cabrera for assignment. National League MILWAUKEE BREWERS — Sent RHP Grant Anderson on a rehab assignment to Nashville (IL). NEW YORK METS — Recalled RHP Xzavion Curry and LHP Jefry Yan from Syracuse (IL). Placed RHP Daniel Duarte on the 15-day IL. Placed RHP Robert Stock on the 15-day IL, retroactive to Sept. 13. ST. LOUIS CARDINALS — Reinstated RHP Peter Strzelecki from the 15-day IL and 2B JJ Wetherholt from the 10-day IL. Designated 3B Ramón Urías and RHP Peter Strzelecki for assignment.

BASKETBALL

NBA GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS — Waived G Chance McMillian and G Deivon Smith. NEW ORLEANS PELICANS — Waived C Aziz Bandaogo.

Christian Johnson took a leap of faith. The Southern starting quarterback made his first leap into the unknown during his junior year of high school when he moved from small-town Rockville, Indiana, to Montgomery, Alabama, to fully pursue football. The basketball, baseball and football star left his rural town of around 2,600 residents for a city with more than 194,000 to play Class 6A football. Johnson moved 600 miles away to live with his stepdad to attend Carver High School. Johnson made the decision after a knee injury had sapped the explosiveness he believed he needed to fulfill his Division I basketball dream. “I got scared that my injury was going to, you know, hinder me from being able to play college basketball,” Johnson said. “That’s all I ever wanted to do. Basketball was my first love.” After tearing his posterior cruciate ligament and meniscus, colleges stopped calling the 6-foot guard who scored more than 1,000 points and helped lead Parke Heritage to a state championship appearance as a sophomore. Johnson arrived in Montgomery not only adapting to a new place after transferring during spring break but also mulling over the relationships he severed back home. “It was difficult because everything I ever known and been around was Indiana,” Johnson said. “A lot of people stopped supporting me, reaching out. I lost some friends over it. Now that I’m older, you know, it’s things to laugh at — don’t hold grudges and whatnot. But at the time it felt like my world was sinking.” Any sense of unease soon faded. Johnson settled into his new Alabama community and joined a Carver football team that went 9-2, throwing for 2,427 yards and 34 touchdowns. Kristy Thomann-Herbert, Johnson’s mother, appreciated the support in Alabama. “You would think that he was really from there. They love him that much,” said ThomannHerbert, a former Indiana State basketball player. Johnson has a new football family forming during his redshirt junior season in Baton Rouge after arriving from Hutchinson (Kansas) Community College. “I’m all about leveling up wherever I go,” the 22-year-old said. “All I want to see is us win as a team. I want to make these fans happy.”

Choosing Southern Johnson grew up knowing about Southern coach Marshall Faulk’s greatness. The Pro Football Hall of Fame running back started the first five years of his career in Johnson’s home state, starring for the Indianapolis Colts. Johnson eventually asked Faulk to autograph a Colts football and jacket he kept as mementos. Despite the mutual Indiana connection, Johnson initially turned Faulk away during his recruitment. The first-year coach said he discovered Johnson while studying a different player’s film and contacted him shortly thereafter. Johnson told the NFL legend he was already going to UL-Monroe and intended to remain loyal to that program. Faulk said he loved the trans-

ä Louisiana Christian at Southern. 6 P.M. SATURDAy, SWAC TV

parency and stopped pursuing him. After Johnson signed with ULMonroe in December, he never attended spring practice and reopened his recruitment in April due to complications with college credits. “When I signed, they looked at everything, they said I was good,” Johnson said. “And then I guess their admissions people had looked at it again, and then came back and said I wasn’t good because I had too many of a certain elective.” Johnson then chose Southern because he believed in Faulk’s leadership, and he arrived on June 1. Faulk was pleased Johnson never cared to negotiate a more lucrative NIL offer after they first talked. “He didn’t say, ‘If you match it, I’m leaving,’ ” Faulk said. “I was like, ‘That right there, man, that’s everything,’ and I was like, ‘OK.’ I respected him from that day forward.”

Juco lessons Johnson’s football IQ wasn’t high enough for his college aspirations. His advanced quarterback education started with his stepfather Clifton Herbert, the offensive coordinator at Carver at the time and a former wide receiver at Hawaii (2000-03). “I didn’t know any X’s or O’s when it came to football,” Johnson said. “All I knew was drop back, throw it to the open guy.” Hutchinson coach Drew Dallas was impressed with Johnson’s natural athleticism and decisiveness. Johnson picked the Kansas junior college after a virtual visit. “I felt like other schools were dragging their feet on me, and they waited to the last second to pull the plug, or they offered some other guys over me,” Johnson said. Dallas was someone Johnson trusted to teach him more about the position. “Very intellectual when it came to the game of football,” Dallas, who is in his seventh season at Hutchinson, said. “If he wants to, he’ll have a future in coaching. He’s that kind of mind. He sees the game really well. He can teach it to others.” Johnson also sharpened his skills as a redshirt freshman alongside the more experienced 6-3 quarterback Samari Collier, who started his career at Illinois and unexpectedly returned to Hutchinson in 2024. Dallas wanted both players, but he told Johnson he wouldn’t fault him for leaving for a school offering a guaranteed starting job. Johnson was comfortable competing for snaps. That season, he split duties with Collier, and in the NJCAA Division I championship game, he threw the go-ahead touchdown in the third quarter and closed out a 28–23 win over Iowa Western. In 2025, he led Hutchinson back to the title game and threw for 2,120 yards, 22 touchdowns and five interceptions in 12 games. Across his two seasons, Hutchinson lost only twice. Johnson believes that a team has to hate losing more than it loves winning. “It’s so much deeper than just putting in work and blood, sweat and tears,” Johnson said. “Obviously, you need good leadership, and then you have to have guys that are willing to be led.”

Southern quarterback Christian Johnson gets ready to run a passing drill during practice on Aug. 15 at A.W. Mumford Stadium. STAFF PHOTO By MICHAEL JOHNSON


Eggplant Parmesan will help ease fall returns BY GRETCHEN McKAY

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (TNS)

LIVING

T H E A D V O C AT E.C O M

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T h u r s d ay, s e p T e m b e r 17, 2026

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Fall comes with more structured routines for many of us. With the kids back at school and a renewed focus on work, meals have to be carefully planned around homework and sports practice schedules and other activities that bring life back indoors. One of my go-to recipes when I’m feeling pressed for time or generally don’t feel like cooking is this breezy, cheesy eggplant Parmesan, made with jarred (or homemade) marinara. It will help get you back into autumnal meal planning with flair and flavor. The recipe features simple ingredients you should be able to find in any decent grocery store and go from stovetop or oven to table in less time than it takes to do a load of laundry or watch your kid solve a sheet of math problems.

STAFF PHOTO By PEARL SPURLOCK

Snack appeel peel Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie

PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE/ TNS PHOTO By GRETCHEN McKAy

Easy Eggplant Parmesan Serves 6-8. Recipe is by Gretchen McKay, Post-Gazette. This meatless entree can be made in a casserole dish or oven-proof skillet. Be sure to slice the eggplant to a consistent thickness so it cooks evenly. Look for eggplant that is dark and shiny and feels firm when pressed. Small to medium-sized fruit have more tender skin. 2 medium globe eggplants Salt 3 large eggs ½ cup all-purpose flour 2 cups seasoned panko breadcrumbs ¼ cup olive oil, for frying 1 to 2 cups jarred or homemade marinara 1 cup shredded mozzarella 1 cup shredded or grated Parmesan 2 tablespoons sliced fresh basil ½ teaspoon dried oregano 1. Cut stems off eggplants, then slice into ¼- or ½-inch thick slices. 2. Arrange slices on a pan and sprinkle with a pinch of coarse salt on both sides. Leave eggplant in the pan for around 10 minutes to “sweat” its excess moisture. Pat dry with paper towels and wipe off excess salt. 3. Whisk eggs in a large shallow bowl, and place flour and breadcrumbs in two additional bowls. Coat eggplant slices in flour on both sides, dip into beaten eggs, then into bowl with breadcrumbs. Press breadcrumbs onto eggplant with your fingers (it should be thoroughly covered), then gently shake off excess crumbs. 4. Repeat with remaining eggplant slices. 5. In large nonstick skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of oil. Add a layer of breaded eggplant and fry for 2 minutes on each side, or until crispy and golden brown. Lay on paper towels to soak up any excess oil. Repeat until all eggplant has been fried. You may have to add additional oil to the pan. 6. Spread a thin layer of marinara on the bottom of a large casserole pan or ovenproof skillet. Be careful — add too much sauce and your eggplant Parm will be mushy. I used about ½ cup for an 8-inch-by-12-inch pan. 7. Layer eggplant slices, shredded mozzarella, a spoonful of marinara and shredded Parmesan. For bigger crowds or heartier portions, repeat with a second layer of eggplant, cheese and marinara. 8. Bake at 350 F, uncovered, for 30 minutes, or until cheese is browned and melted and eggplant is tender when pierced with a fork. 9. Top with chopped fresh basil and oregano, allow to cool for a few minutes (it will make slicing easier) then serve.

Don’t throw out those bananas. Try this recipe for a yummy peanut butter banana smoothie

M

BY APRIL HAMILTON

| Contributing writer

RECIPE y latest breakfast obsession leaves my family in PEANUT disbelief and is proof that “no thank you foods” BUTTER BANANA can become the star of the show. SMOOTHIE The food in question is the humble banana, 2D which my grown daughters have never seen me eat. Discovering a quick, nutritious, delicious peanut butter banana smoothie in my culinary medicine curriculum converted me into a banana fan. Last week while driving to work, I was talking with my daughter in New York, in between sips of my smoothie. “What are you eating?” she asked. When I described my delicious breakfast smoothie, she responded, “I don’t even recognize you right now!” Later sharing my new discovery with my daughter in London, she replied, “WHAT?!!!” I am equally incredulous and so grateful to add the ever-popular fruit to my nutrition repertoire. ä See SMOOTHIE, page 2D

Beef taco salad makes a great busy weeknight meal BY LINDA GASSENHEIMER Tribune News Service (TNS)

I was looking for a quick Tex-Mex style dish and decided to make a beef taco salad with lean ground beef browned and flavored with taco seasoning. I found a choice of mild, medium and hot seasoning at the market. So, you can adjust the spice level to your taste. For this quick salad, I added lettuce, tomatoes and corn kernels and topped it all with shredded Mexican-style cheese. Crisp tortilla chips are served on the side. The salad can be made in advance, making it perfect for a busy weeknight. Just serve the tortilla chips at the last minute to keep them crisp.

Beef Taco Salad Yields 2 servings. Recipe is by Linda Gassenheimer. 2 teaspoons olive oil ¾ pound 95% lean ground beef 1 tablespoon taco seasoning 1 cup romaine lettuce 1 cup arugula 2 cups whole cherry tomatoes, cut in half 1 cup green bell pepper cut into 1-inch pieces ½ cup shredded reduced-fat Mexican-style shredded cheese 2 tablespoons reduced-fat vinaigrette dressing 1 cup frozen defrosted corn kernels 2 cups baked low-fat tortilla chips

2. Add the taco seasoning and mix well. Cook another minute. 3. Divide in half and add to two large bowls. Divide the romaine and arugula lettuce in half and place in the bowl next to the meat. Place the cherry tomatoes next to the lettuce. 4. Add the green bell peppers and then the corn. Spoon vinaigrette dressing over the vegetables. Sprinkle the cheese over the vegetables. Serve tortilla chips TNS PHOTO By LINDA GASSENHEIMER on the side. Beef Taco Salad NUTRITION INFO PER SERVING: 575 calories (34 percent from fat), 1. Heat oil in a large skillet over 21.7 g fat (8.1 g saturated, 7.9 g medium-high heat. Add ground monounsaturated), 127 mg chobeef and saute 2 to 3 minutes, lesterol, 50.5 g protein, 45.5 g breaking into small pieces as it carbohydrates, 6.8 g fiber, 773 cooks. mg sodium.


2D ■ Thursday, September 17, 2026 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

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Party planner good deeds Warming up quickly in the cold still don’t go unpunished Dear Miss Manners: I am flum- a social matter, complete with humility and gratitude, moxed. On two separate occasions, I have offered to into a transactional one. But Miss Manners would host a birthday party for a hate to think that your friend. They were both enabused generosity thusiastically recepwill dissuade you tive to my offer. from continuing In each case, I with more reasonasked for their guest list with email able recipients. addresses to send Perhaps you can e-vites to their inpreface the next Judith offer by saying, “I vitees. I also asked Martin am so excited to each birthday girl MISS give you a party, but for any favorite apMANNERS I’m afraid I have petizers or beveragsomewhat limited es, so I could serve something she particularly time and resources. If that doesn’t suit you, perhaps likes. The first friend wanted to you should hire a profesdo everything last-minute, sional.” Thereby making it including getting the guest clear that not only are you list to me. Then she even re- not one, but you should not quested I bring all the party be treated as such. Dear Miss Manners: My husmakings to her house, because that would be easier band is a friendly older for her than coming to mine White man. When we have — on the day of the party! people come and do work The second friend wanted at our home, he often calls to schedule a planning sesthem “my brother,” “my friend” or “my man” when sion where the two of us speaking to them. It doesn’t could go over all of the details a month ahead of time, matter what race or age they are. and wants to text about it The workers are always every other day. polite, so my husband Where did I go wrong, or thinks they like how he am I missing something? speaks. I believe they are Gentle reader: You have no trained not to react if a cusdoubt heard of good deeds not going unpunished? tomer says something ofThe professional party fensive. I think he is being planner industry has, pertoo familiar, disrespectful and possibly patronizing. haps, made what should be

He means well, and I am not objecting to his friendliness. I just think he should call them by name or “sir.” What do you think? Gentle reader: We can hope that the recipients are merely amused, rather than offended. He is being all of the things you fear, so you would be doing him a favor if you can get him to stop. Miss Manners suggests you remind him of a parallel situation he has no doubt run into, whether that be attempts to use teenage slang with the grandchildren, texting abbreviations he did not fully understand with co-workers, or other situations in which those on the receiving end were in a position to be more forthright in pointing out that he does not speak their language. He need not call people he has hired to do work “sir,” but he does need to treat them with respect — which includes not being overly familiar. Send questions to Miss Manners at her website, www.missmanners. com; to her email, dearmissmanners@gmail. com; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.

Dear Heloise: I have two op- remove a jacket, hat or tions to suggest for warm- glove to cool off. They feel ing up a cold, small animal: damp in cold air. n Run a towel through If they were to become hypothermic, they could the dryer and wrap them get inside a sleeping bag, in this along with a space and you could get blanket to hold the in with them. Your warmth in. n If you’re combody heat could save a life. — Heloise fortable with it, wrap the animal A letter of laughter in a soft, thin cloth (like an old flanDear Heloise: About Hints from 30 years ago, you nel sheet) and put Heloise had AC problems the animal on your with your car in chest. Body heat Karnes City, Texas. I works well. worked at the Pontiac deal— Kate D., in Portland, Oregon Kate, the transfer of er, and we were very busy. body heat also works for I led you about three blocks humans. So many people away to a small auto repair forget that in very cold place run by Larry Kotzur. weather, while they’re Our place didn’t have AC in shoveling snow or skiing, the customer waiting area, they may start to perspire but neither did Larry’s. because they’ve worked up Across the street from their body heat. They may Larry’s is Karnes County

National Bank. They had AC if you recall. I forgot about something that you had sent me and accidentally found it after many years. I found it again today. A year ago, Larry said that you sent him something, too. (A cookbook?) You thanked us after meeting us. I’m just now thanking you. Here’s a good lesson: Thank someone immediately. Don’t wait over 30 years! God bless. — Randy Witte, via email Randy, I remember this day, and I greatly appreciated your help and thoughtfulness. Thanks for taking the time to write in! (Better late than never!) It gave me a good laugh. — Heloise Send a hint to heloise@ heloise.com.

TODAY IN HISTORY behind German lines in the Netherlands. In 1978, after 12 days of Today is Thursday, meetings at the U.S. presiSept. 17, the 260th day of 2026. There are 105 days dential retreat of Camp left in the year. David, Egyptian President Today in history: Anwar Sadat and Israeli On Sept. 17, 1787, the Prime Minister Menachem Constitution of the United Begin signed the Camp DaStates was completed and vid Accords, a framework signed by a majority of for a peace treaty. delegates attending the In 2001, six days after Constitutional Convention 9/11, stock prices nosein Philadelphia. dived but stopped short of Also on this date: collapse in an emotional, In 1862, more than 3,600 flag-waving reopening of men were killed in the Civ- Wall Street. In 2011, a demonstration il War Battle of Antietam calling itself Occupy Wall in Maryland. Street began in New York, In 1908, Lt. Thomas E. prompting similar protests Selfridge of the U.S. Army around the U.S. and the Signal Corps became the world. first person to die in the In 2021, a Los Angeles crash of a powered aircraft, jury convicted New York the Wright Flyer, at Fort Myer, Virginia, just outside real estate heir Robert Washington, D.C. The pilot, Durst of killing his best friend 20 years earlier. Orville Wright, was seriously injured but survived. (Durst, who was sentenced to life in prison, died in In 1944, during World 2022.) War II, Allied paratroopIn 2024, thousands of ers launched Operation pagers distributed to the Market Garden, landing

By The Associated Press

Shiite Muslim political party and the militant group Hezbollah blew up in homes, offices and front lines across Lebanon, remotely detonated by Israel. The pager attack killed 12 people and wounded more than 3,000 others. Today’s birthdays: Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, is 93. Mountaineer-explorer Reinhold Messner is 82. Basketball Hall of Fame coach Phil Jackson is 81. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is 76. Actor Cassandra Peterson (“Elvira, Mistress of the Dark”) is 75. Director-actor Paul Feig is 64. Film director Baz Luhrmann is 64. Singer BeBe Winans is 64. Actor Kyle Chandler is 61. Rapper Doug E. Fresh is 60. Author Cheryl Strayed is 58. Actor Matthew Settle is 57. Designer-TV personality Nate Berkus is 55. NASCAR driver Jimmie Johnson is 51. NHL forward Alexander Ovechkin is 41. Actor Danielle Brooks is 37.

FIND OUT WHAT YOUR HOME FINF OUT WHAT

YOURIS WORTH HOME

IS WORTH STAFF PHOTOS By PEARL SPURLOCK

April Hamilton blends a banana smoothie in her kitchen on Sept. 8.

Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie Makes 2 servings or many popsicles or pup treats. Recipe is adapted from American College of Culinary Medicine. butter powder. With the lid on, blend for 30 seconds. 2. Add the frozen banana coins, yogurt and peanut butter. Blend again until smooth. Scrape the sides of blender, if needed, and blend again. 3. Add ice if you desire a more slushy consistency. 4. Pour into two glasses and serve, or pour extra 1. Pour the soy milk into a smoothie mixture into popblender and add the peanut sicle molds and freeze. 1 cup plain soy milk (or milk of your choice) 2 tablespoons peanut butter powder 2 medium ripe bananas, peeled, sliced into coins and frozen ¾ cup plain Greek yogurt or Icelandic Skyr 2 tablespoons peanut butter 1 cup ice, if a more slushy consistency is desired*

5. For pup treats, pour about 2 tablespoons of smoothie mixture into paper-lined muffin cups or silicone molds and freeze for a frosty treat the pups can enjoy on the patio. NOTE: When ice is blended into the smoothie, the popsicles or pup treats will have a firmer icy consistency when frozen. Best to pour these up first, then blend in some ice for the smoothie of the moment.

Call Today for an Expert Valuation and Make Your Next Move

1-833-671-6632

CALL TODAY

SMOOTHIE

Continued from page 1D Here are some compelling stats: A medium-sized banana is about 100 calories with 3 grams of fiber and a host of vitamins and minerals. They are available yearround, portable in their own package and a versatile addition to many recipes. This particular smoothie blends frozen banana with milk/ yogurt of choice to make it creamy and calcium-rich and peanut butter and powder to amp up the protein. It’s ready in a flash with the blender doing the work while you brew the coffee. This one also encores as smoothie pops and frozen treats for the pups. When it comes to banana management skills, I am a novice. I learned the hard way that peeling a frozen banana is a job no one finishes. As I watched a lone banana go from ready to

THINKING

OF SELLING? A home evaluation is a great place to start

April Hamilton’s dogs, Gus and Elsie, get to lick the spoon from smoothie-making. ‘oops too late,’ in haste I tossed it whole in its blackening yellow jacket into the freezer. When it was smoothie time, I fetched the frozen fruit only to find it impossible to pry the peel off. Now I take a few minutes to peel, slice and freeze so the little banana coins blend effortlessly into

breakfast. The next time your bananas are blackened beyond palatable, slice and freeze and breathe some new life into them. Break out the blender and I promise, this combination of everyday ingredients punches above its weight. It’s how I became a banana believer.

addressbatonrouge.com DRE#01901536 This website is a marketing and information program that sends all inquiries to state-licensed real estate professionals.


The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Thursday, September 17, 2026 ■ 3D

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FrAnK And erneSt

roSebUdS

zItS

zodIAC VIRGo (Aug. 23-sept. 22) Put your plans on hold until you have everything in place. Acting prematurely will cost you as the day unfolds. Pay attention to detail, and get what you want in writing. LIBRA (sept. 23-oct. 23) Learning from past relationships will help you become a better partner and encourage you to make wiser decisions. Spend more time listening and less trying to charm others. scoRPIo (oct. 24-nov. 22) Less anger and distaste toward those you encounter and more strength and discipline toward becoming the best version of yourself will pay off. Say no to temptation. sAGIttARIus (nov. 23-Dec. 21) Broaden your horizons, connections and goals. Choose what makes you happy and who you enjoy spending time with most, and adjust your calendar to ensure you schedule what's most meaningful to you. cAPRIcoRn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) No matter who you share time with or what you do, enthusiasm will make the time spent more vibrant, interesting and entertaining. Form close ties with people who bring out the best in you. AQuARIus (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) Think about what you want to do next. Build your future using your skills, experience and intellectual talents, and you'll find your niche. Set up interviews. PIscEs (Feb. 20-March 20) Sensitive issues will make communication difficult. Be bold and direct, and fact-check information before you follow through.

Participate in events or activities that encourage you to use your skills. ARIEs (March 21-April 19) Gather information. Whether you research, attend a lecture or sign up for what interests you, it will lead to something that stimulates your mind. Share your thoughts. tAuRus (April 20-May 20) Take better care of yourself, your relationships and your reputation. Work from home, if possible, and deal with institutions. Pursue any financial help available that can help you with home improvements. GEMInI (May 21-June 20) Go where the action is and experience the excitement of being part of a movement you believe in. Your input will be welcome, and what you take on will help you gain insight into something you want to pursue. cAncER (June 21-July 22) Spend more time and effort on home and personal care. A routine will help you reach and maintain healthy goals that encourage you to look, live and feel your best. Be honest with yourself. LEo (July 23-Aug. 22) Life lessons can be the most effective way to redesign how you live and what you do next. Be open to suggestions and eager to try something new. Your attitude will set the stage for a positive alternative. The horoscope, an entertainment feature, is not based on scientific fact. © 2026 by NEA, Inc., dist. By Andrews McMeel Syndication

For better or For WorSe WonderWord

peAnUtS

SALLY Forth

beetLe bAILeY CeLebrItY CIpher Celebrity Cipher cryptograms are created from quotations by famous people, past and present. Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

toDAy's cLuE: I EQuALs y

Mother GooSe And GrIMM

SherMAn’S LAGoon FAMILY CIrCUS

dooneSbUrY


4D ■ Thursday, September 17, 2026 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

CurTiS

Hi and LoiS

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Sudoku InstructIons: Sudoku is a number-placing puzzle based on a 9x9 grid with several given numbers. The object is to place the numbers 1 to 9 in the empty squares so that each row, each column and each 3x3 box contains the same number only once. The difficulty level of the Sudoku increases from Monday to Sunday. Yesterday’s Puzzle Answer

BaBY BLueS

BLondie

THe wiZard oF id

nea CroSSwordS

La TimeS CroSSword


The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Thursday, September 17, 2026 ■ 5D

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Bridge By PHILLIP ALDER Livy, a Roman historian who died in A.D. 17, said, “The troubles that have come upon us always seem more serious than those that are only threatening.” This week we are looking at active and passive defense. The defenders either strive to take winners (active) or sit back and wait for declarer to give them tricks (passive). First, the defenders listen to the auction. But when that does not help them to know which plan to adopt, they must take the dummy into account. Is it threatening or not? Threatening is a dummy with a short suit, giving declarer ruffing tricks, or a long side suit, offering declarer a second source of winners. Unthreatening is a balanced hand. In this example, how should East defend against four spades after West leads the diamond two and East takes dummy’s queen with his king? I would have raised to three no-trump with that North hand because of the strong doubleton — and gone down in flames after a diamond lead. East, since the dummy is so flat, should return a diamond at trick two, which removes that dummy entry. If declarer is psychic, he can make the contract: heart to the queen, two rounds of trumps, diamond ruff in the dummy, second heart finesse, cash the heart ace,

garfield

Pearls Before swiNe

hagar the horriBle

and run the club nine. East wins with his 10 and returns a low club, but South plays low from his hand to lose only one diamond and two clubs. However, he is unlikely to find that line and will go down. With a relatively flat dummy, stay passive. © 2026 by NEA, Inc., dist. By Andrews McMeel Syndication

wuzzles Each Wuzzle is a word riddle which creates a disguised word, phrase, name, place, saying, etc. For example: NOON GOOD = GOOD AFTERNOON

PiCKles

Previous answers:

mallard fillmore

word game InstRuctIons: 1. Words must be of four or more letters. 2. Words that acquire four letters by the addition of “s,” such as “bats” or “dies,” are not allowed. 3. Additional words made by adding a “d” or an “s” may not be used. 4. Proper nouns, slang words, or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed.

toDAy’s WoRD — JouRnEys: JOR-nees: Trips.

Bizarro

marmaduKe

Average mark 20 words Time limit 30 minutes Can you find 26 or more words in JOURNEYS? yEstERDAy’s WoRD — KILoGRAM kilo lair lark liar limo loam okra oral girl glair glamor

glim glom goal grail gram grim grok ragi rail roam roil

amir amok argil mail mako mark marl milk molar moral

loCKhorNs hidato Yesterday’s Puzzle Answer

today’s thought “I will set no wicked thing before my eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not stick to me.” Psalms 101:3

We all need to make this resolution. This is God’s will. G.E. Dean


6D ■ Thursday, September 17, 2026 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate

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Announcements Anyone knowing the whereabouts of Calculated Builders, LLC d/b/a Benchmark Properties of LA, LLC", please contact Creighton B. Abadie, Attorney, at (225) 924-5150. 200913-Sept 16-18, 3t $81.70 ANYONE KNOWING the whereabouts of DESTINY JUANITA WOOLFOLK, PARTRICIA BRIGGS or SHANNA MARIE BURRIS please contact: Allen V. Davis, Attorney at Law, 2008-B South Burnside Ave. Gonzales, La 70737, Tele. (225) 612-7727. 200956-Sept 17-19, 3t $100.60 Anyone knowing the whereabouts of Victoria T. Platt, please contact Creighton B. Abadie, Attorney, at (225) 924-5150. 200958-Sept 17-19, 3t $69.10 KOBE 8 INC dba WINBOURNE GROCERY We are applying to The Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control Of The State of Louisiana for A Permit to sell beverages of high and low Alcohol content at retail in the parish of East Baton Rouge at the following address: 4325 WINBOURNE AVE BATON ROUGE LA 70805 OWNER ABUBAKR ALI 200793 Sept. 17 1t $86.26 LWGPCML26LA144935 CHONGQING HUANSONG INDUSTRIES is stored at 6440 Rawlins St, Baton Rouge, LA, 70805. If all current charges are not paid and vehicle claimed by the owner by 10/02/2026 a Permit to Sell may be obtained. 200872-Sept 17-18, 2t $81 Advertising Looking to promote your services or find a new hire? Deliver your classified message statewide for as little as $265 per week through the Louisiana Press Association’s Classified Network. Pre-payment required. To learn more, email advertising@lapress.com or call

Public Notices

Public Notices Bids/Proposals

PUBLIC NOTICE --ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS FOR THE SALE OF LAND SB # 1879 Lots 445-A, 446-A, 470, 471, and 472, Belfair Homes Subdivision, Ward 1-1 in Baton Rouge The Recreation and Park Commission for the Parish of East Baton Rouge (BREC) will accept sealed bids for the sale of 0.838± acres of land lo‐ cated on the southwest corner of Fairfields Av‐ enue and Rhodes Avenue in Baton Rouge, not needed for public recre‐ ation purposes, de‐ scribed as Lots 445-A, 446-A, 470, 471, and 472, Belfair Homes Subdivi‐ sion, Ward 1-1 in Baton Rouge, for the minimum price of $30,000.00 ap‐ praised value. Electronic OR Paper bids will be received until 2:00 pm CT, October 20, 2026, by the BREC Finance De‐ partment, BREC Adminis‐ tration Building, 6201 Florida Boulevard, Baton Rouge, Louisiana. All electronic bids will be downloaded and publicly read aloud, along with all paper bids received, im‐ mediately after the 2:00 pm bid closing in Room 1515 of the BREC Admin‐ istration Building. Bid‐ ders or their authorized representatives are in‐ vited to be present. No bids will be received after 2:00 pm on the same day and date. Acceptance of a bid is subject to entry into a binding written Purchase Agreement acceptable to both parties within fortyfive (45) days of the opening of bids. Complete bid documents are available by email re‐ quest to BREC Purchas‐ ing Department, Dedra. Fountain@brec.org. Con‐ tact the BREC Purchasing Department at (225) 2736421. Electronic bids must be submitted through www. bidexpress.com prior to the bidding deadline. Bidders utilizing the elec‐ tronic bid process are re‐ sponsible for confirming that all documents are properly submitted and received by Bid Express. Questions about this pro‐ cedure shall be directed to Bid Express Customer support@ Service at bidexpress.com. Toll Free: (888) 352-BIDX (2439), Phone: (352) 3814888, Fax: (888) 971-4191, Monday through Friday, 6am - 7pm CT. BREC has elected to use LaPAC, the state’s online electronic bid posting and notification system, in addition to its stan‐ dard means of advertis‐ ing. LaPAC is resident on the Office of State Pro‐ curement’s website at LaPAC Public Menu (louisiana.gov) and is available for vendor selfenrollment. Paper bid forms must be submitted in a sealed, opaque envelope and en‐ dorsed SB 1879 Lots 445A, 446-A, 470, 471, and 472, Belfair Homes Subdi‐ vision, Ward 1-1, One (1) copy of the bid form shall be submitted. RECREATION AND PARK COMMISSION FOR THE PARISH OF EAST BATON ROUGE __________________ /s/ Dr. Brooks Williams, BREC Superintendent THE ADVOCATE BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA To be Published Three Times: 09/17/2026, 10/01/2026, and 10/15/2026 200981 Sept. 17, Oct. 1, 15, 2026 3t $164.62 PUBLIC NOTICE --ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS FOR THE SALE OF LAND SB # 1880 Lots 34-A, 35, 1 and 2, Block 7, Smiley Heights, Ward 1-3 in Baton Rouge The Recreation and Park Commission for the Parish of East Baton Rouge (BREC) will accept sealed bids for the sale of 2.014± acres of land lo‐ cated on the southeast corner of Blueberry d h d

225-344-9309.

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Public Notices Bids/Proposals

Public Notices Bids/Proposals

y Street and North Arden‐ wood Drive in Baton Rouge, not needed for public recreation pur‐ poses, described as Lots 34-A, 35, 1 and 2, Block 7, Smiley Heights, Ward 1-3 in Baton Rouge, for the minimum price of $125,000.00 appraised value.

g p p deck, covered pool equipment pad, and an add alternate for two (2) restrooms and showers.

Electronic OR Paper bids will be received until 2:00 pm CT, October 20, 2026, by the BREC Finance De‐ partment, BREC Adminis‐ tration Building, 6201 Florida Boulevard, Baton Rouge, Louisiana. All electronic bids will be downloaded and publicly read aloud, along with all paper bids received, im‐ mediately after the 2:00 pm bid closing in Room 1515 of the BREC Admin‐ istration Building. Bid‐ ders or their authorized representatives are in‐ vited to be present. No bids will be received after 2:00 pm on the same day and date. Acceptance of a bid is subject to entry into a binding written Purchase Agreement acceptable to both parties within fortyfive (45) days of the opening of bids. Complete bid documents are available by email re‐ quest to BREC Purchas‐ ing Department, Dedra. Fountain@brec.org. Con‐ tact the BREC Purchasing Department at (225) 2736421. Electronic bids must be submitted through www. bidexpress.com prior to the bidding deadline. Bidders utilizing the elec‐ tronic bid process are re‐ sponsible for confirming that all documents are properly submitted and received by Bid Express. Questions about this pro‐ cedure shall be directed to Bid Express Customer support@ Service at bidexpress.com. Toll Free: (888) 352-BIDX (2439), Phone: (352) 3814888, Fax: (888) 971-4191, Monday through Friday, 6am - 7pm CT. BREC has elected to use LaPAC, the state’s online electronic bid posting and notification system, in addition to its stan‐ dard means of advertis‐ ing. LaPAC is resident on the Office of State Pro‐ curement’s website at LaPAC Public Menu (louisiana.gov) and is available for vendor selfenrollment. Paper bid forms must be submitted in a sealed, opaque envelope and en‐ dorsed SB 1880 Lots 34-A, 35, 1 and 2, Block 7, Smi‐ ley Heights, Ward 1-3, One (1) copy of the bid form shall be submitted. RECREATION AND PARK COMMISSION FOR THE PARISH OF EAST BATON ROUGE _________________ /s/ Dr. Brooks Williams, BREC Superintendent THE ADVOCATE BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA To be Published Three Times: 09/17/2026, 10/01/2026, and 10/15/2026 200982 Sept. 17, Oct. 1, 15, 2026 3t $162.61 PUBLIC NOTICE --ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS Project: DELGADO COMMUNITY COLLEGE PROJECT: MARITIME AQUATICS FACILITY NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA 70129 Delgado Community College Project No.: 40006-R0031602 H/S Project No.: 25037 Sealed bids will be re‐ ceived by the Delgado Community College Pur‐ chasing Office, O’Keefe Administration Building, located at 501 City Park Avenue (Building 37), New Orleans, Louisiana 70119 until 2:00 p.m. CST on 10/21/26. All bids which have been duly re‐ ceived will be publicly opened in the Purchasing Department and, except as provided in LSA-R.S. 37:2163, read aloud. Late bids will not be ac‐ cepted. Description of the proposed work: New construction of a maritime aquatic facility within the existing Del‐ gado Community College Campus. New construc‐ tion consists of a side‐ walk connecting to the adjacent existing school building’s sidewalk, a first responder river res‐ cue training pool, pool d k d l

Complete Bid Documents for this project are avail‐ able in electronic form. They may be obtained without charge and with‐ out deposit from Holly and Smith Architects, APAC. Printed copies are not available from the Designer, but arrangements can be made to obtain them through most repro‐ graphic firms. Plan holders are responsible for their own reproduc‐ tion costs. Questions about this procedure shall be directed to the Designer at: Holly and Smith Architects, APAC 2302 Magazine St. New Orleans, LA 70130 Telephone: (504) 585-1315 E-mail: hsa@hollyandsmi th.com A mandatory pre-bid conference will be held at the Maritime & Indus‐ trial Training Center lo‐ cated at 13200 Old Gen‐ tilly Road, New Orleans, LA 70129, on 10/6/26 at 10:00 a.m. CST. Type of Bid: Bids shall be on a lump-sum basis. Segregated bids will not be accepted. Bids security in the amount of five percent (5%) of the total bid must accompany each Bid. A certified or cashier’s check or a bid bond is acceptable bid security. If bid bond is used, it shall be written by a surety or insurance company currently on the U.S. Department of the Treasury Financial Management service list of approved bonding companies which is pub‐ lished annually in the Federal Register, or by a Louisiana domiciled in‐ surance company with at least an A-rating in the latest printing of the A.M. Best’s Key Rating Guide to write individual bonds up to ten percent of poli‐ cyholders’ surplus as shown in the A.M. Best’s Key Rating Guide. (LSAR.S. 38:2218.C). Bids shall be accepted from Contractors who are licensed under LA. RS.37.2150-2192 for the classification of Building Construction. Bidder shall certify that he is li‐ censed under the provi‐ sions of LSA-R.S. 37:2150 et seq. and show his li‐ cense number on the bid envelope. Except as oth‐ erwise provided in LSAR.S. 37:2163, any bid that does not contain the contractor’s certification and show the contrac‐ tor’s license number on the bid envelope shall be automatically rejected, shall be returned to the stamped “Re‐ Bidder jected” and shall not be read aloud. Any Bidder who submits a bid for a type of construction for which he is not properly licensed shall be acting in violation of LSA-R.S. 37:2163 and shall be sub‐ ject to all provisions for violations and penalties thereof. Any interested person may object to the licensing classification of this public project in ac‐ cordance with LSA-R.S. 37:2163D. The successful Bidder will be required to fur‐ nish a Performance Bond guaranteeing faithful performance and a Labor and Materials Payment Bond guaranteeing the payment of all bills and obligations arising from the performance of the contract. Sureties will be required to meet qualifications set forth in LSA-R.S. 38:2218 and R.S. 38:2219 as applicable, and as set forth in the Contract Doc‐ uments. Delgado Community Col‐ lege reserves the right to reject any or all bids, to waive any and all informalities, and to re‐ ject nonconforming, nonresponsive, or condi‐ tional bids whichever is in the best interest of Delgado Com‐ munity College. Publish: Advocate (Baton Rouge and New Orleans) 9/17/26, 9/24/26 and 10/1/26. 200828 Sept. 17, 24, Oct. 1, 2026 3t $202.63 PUBLIC NOTICE --ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS Sealed bids will be re‐

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BATON ROUGE GARAGE SALE Huge Estate Sale 4544 Pine Ridge Dr. Antiques, Collectibles, See pics at estatesales.net

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Public Notices Bids/Proposals

ceived for the State of Louisiana by the Division of Administration and shall be directed to the Office of Facility Planning and Control, 1201 North Third Street, Claiborne Office Building, Suite 7160, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 70802 or P.O. Box 94095, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 70804-9095. The deadline for receipt of bids is 2:00 PM on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at which time bids will be opened and read aloud in a public meeting in the Claiborne Office Building, Conference Room 1-145. FOR: Lab Ventilation and Fume Hood Replace‐ ment Energy Coast & En‐ vironmental (ECE) Build‐ ing Louisiana State Uni‐ versity Baton Rouge, Louisiana PROJECT NUMBER: 19-671-22-01, F.19002476 Complete Bidding Docu‐ ments for this project are available in electronic form. They may be ob‐ tained without charge and without deposit from www.cityblueprintplans. com. Printed copies are not available from the Designer but arrange‐ ments can be made to obtain them through most reprographic firms. Plan holders are respon‐ sible for their own repro‐ duction costs. Questions about this pro‐ cedure shall be directed to the Designer at: Salas O'Brien 5215 Essen Lane, Suite 100 Baton Rouge, LA 70809 Telephone: 225-766-8002 E-mail: joe.starring@ salasobrien.com All bids shall be accom‐ panied by bid security in an amount of five per‐ cent (5.0%) of the sum of the base bid and all al‐ ternates. The form of this security shall be as stated in the Instructions to Bidders included in the Bid Documents for this project. The successful Bidder shall be required to fur‐ nish a Performance and Payment Bond written as described in the Instruc‐ tions to Bidders included in the Bid Documents for this project. A PRE-BID CONFERENCE WILL BE HELD at 10:00 AM on Wednes‐ day, September 30, 2026 at Louisiana State University, College of the Coast and Environment, Room 1001, 93 S. Quad Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70803. Bids shall be accepted from Contractors who are licensed under LA. R.S. 37:2150-2166 for the classification of Mechanical. Bidder is re‐ quired to comply with provisions and require‐ ments of LA R.S. 38:2212(B)(5). No bid may be withdrawn for a pe‐ riod of forty-five (45) days after receipt of bids, except under the provisions of LA. R.S. 38:2214. The Owner reserves the right to reject any and all bids for just cause. In ac‐ cordance with La. R.S. 38:2212(B)(1), the provi‐ sions and requirements of this Section and those stated in the bidding documents shall not be waived by any entity. When this project is fi‐ nanced either partially or entirely with State Bonds or financed in whole or in part by federal or other funds which are not readily available at the time bids are received, the award of this Con‐ tract is contingent upon the granting of lines of credit, or the sale of bonds by the Bond Com‐ mission or the availabil‐ ity of federal or other funds. The State shall incur no obligation to the Contractor until the Con‐ tract Between Owner and Contractor is fully exe‐ cuted. Facility Planning and Control is a participant in the Small Entrepreneur‐ ship (SE) Program (the Hudson Initiative) and the Veteran-Owned and Service-Connected Dis‐ abled Veteran-Owned (LaVet) Small Entrepre‐ neurships Program. Bid‐ ders are encouraged to consider participation. Information is available from the Office of Facility Planning and Control or on its website at https:// www.doa.la.gov/doa/ fpc/. If you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to participate in hi i l

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Pets / Pet Services Directory

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Public Notices Bids/Proposals

Public Notices Bids/Proposals

p p this meeting, please con‐ tact Cheryl Schilling at Cheryl.Schilling@la.gov or (225) 342-6060 as soon as possible but no later than 48 hours before the scheduled meeting.

p conference is highly en‐ couraged but is not mandatory.

STATE OF LOUISIANA DIVISION OF ADMINISTRATION FACILITY PLANNING AND CONTROL MATTHEW H. BAKER, DIRECTOR 199555 Sept. 10, 17, 24, 2026 3t $164.79

PUBLIC NOTICE --ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS ST. HELENA FIFTH WARD RECREATION DISTRICT STORAGE BUILDING & SITE IMPROVEMENTS For the St. Helena Fifth Ward Recreation District P.O. Box 335, 31676 Hwy 16 West Amite, LA 70422 The St. Helena Fifth Ward Recreation District (FWRD) is requesting sealed bids for the con‐ struction of the St. He‐ lena Recreation Sports Park – Storage Building & Parking Lot Improve‐ ments project. Bids will be received by St. Helena FWRD until 2:00 pm local time on October 08, 2026, at which time the Bids received will be publicly opened and read aloud at the St Helena MultiPurpose Center, 31676 La Hwy 16, Amite, LA 70422 The Project involves the construction of a metal storage building, paved sidewalks, earthwork, landscaping, associated utilities, and other Work indicated in the Contract Documents. Bids will be received for a Single Prime Contract. Bids shall be on a Lump Sum and unit price basis, with additive alternate bid items as indicated in the Bid Form. Complete Bidding Docu‐ ments for this project are being distributed in elec‐ tronic form without charge or deposit on be‐ half of St. Helena FRWD by Centerline BidCon‐ nect’s Public Plan Room at www.centerlinebidco nnect.com. Printed copies are not available from the Owner or Engi‐ neer, but may be ob‐ tained through most re‐ prographic firms at plan holder’s own costs. Questions about this pro‐ cedure shall be directed to: Centerline - Phone: 504-291-5738, Email: bid‐ connect@centerline.co. All questions regarding the Bid Documents and any substitution re‐ quests shall be submit‐ ted to SAM, attn: Jacob Haynes, via Centerline BidConnect by 2:00 pm local time on October 01, 2026. Responses will be posted via Addendum on www.centerlinebidco nnect.com by 2:00 pm local time on October 05, 2026. Bidders must meet the requirements of the State of Louisiana Con‐ tractor’s Licensing Law, R.S. 37:2151 et seq. Bid‐ ders shall be licensed under the classification of Commercial Building Construction. Bids may be submitted: 1. Electronically (pre‐ ferred) through Center‐ line BidConnect prior to the bid opening time, 2. By Registered or Certi‐ fied Mail to St. Helena Fifth Ward Recreation District, P.O. Box 335, Amite, LA 70422, or 3. Hand Delivered to the St. Helena Police Jury Ad‐ ministration Office, 17911 Hwy 43 North, Greens‐ burg, LA 70441, week‐ days, 9am–4pm, up to date of bid, then at the project site on bid date, prior to bid opening. All hard-copy bids must be submitted in a sealed envelope bearing the contractor’s Name, Ad‐ dress and License Num‐ ber plainly marked on the outside of the enve‐ lope and addressed as follows: BID FOR: ST. HE‐ LENA FIFTH WARD RECRE‐ ATION – STORAGE BUILD‐ ING AND SITE IMPROVE‐ MENTS. Bids shall be accompa‐ nied by a Bid Bond, fur‐ nished in accordance with the Instructions to Bidders. A pre-bid conference will be held at 10:00 am local time on September 29, 2026, at the St. Helena Recreation Multipurpose Center (project site). At‐ tendance at the pre-bid f i hi hl

Bids will be accepted only from respective bid‐ ders who have been pro‐ vided bidding documents and shall be submitted on the Bid Forms pro‐ vided in the Project Man‐ ual. Owner: St. Helena Fifth Ward Recreation District By: Virginia Bell, President + + END OF ADVERTISE‐ MENT FOR BIDS + + 199273 Sept. 10, 17, 24, 2026 3t $1,335.46 PUBLIC NOTICE --Audubon Commission in‐ vites bids from qualified licensed general contrac‐ tors to renovate and alter portions of Wolden‐ berg Park which will in‐ clude renovations and repairs to hardscapes, landscape, site furnish‐ ings, and some terraced earthwork specified in the Eskew+Dumez+Rip‐ ple, APC. Drawings titled Goldring Woldenberg Park Phase III – Above Deck dated May 1, 2026, located at Audubon Aquarium, 1 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70130. Bids are due on or before October 15, 2026, at 10 am. Bids shall be submit‐ ted in a sealed envelope marked “Woldenberg Park Phase III- Above Deck” Contractors should supply one (1) original by hand delivery, mail, private courier or submit electronically through Bidnet www.bid netdirect.com//audubon natureinstitute Bids will be publicly opened and read aloud at the place and time that the bids are to be received. In ac‐ cordance with LA RS 38: 2212.E(6), bids for this project may be submit‐ ted electronically via up‐ load to BidNet www.bid netdirect.com//audubon natureinstitute. All bid documents shall be up‐ loaded by October 15, 2026, at 10 am. Questions about this procedure should be di‐ rected to Bidnet Direct Vendor Support Team at 800-835-4603 Option 2 or email at support@bidnet. com. A bid bond will be required, according to the contract documents, and should be uploaded with the rest of the re‐ quired Bid Documents. If a scanned copy of the Bid Bond is uploaded, the original notarized bid bond must be produced “on-demand” per the Owner’s request. There will be a non-mandatory pre-bid site visit meeting at Audubon Aquarium, 1 Canal Street, New Or‐ leans, LA 70130 on Octo‐ ber 1, 2026, at 1 pm in the Gulf Conference Room. Submit to the following: Audubon Commission c/o Audubon Nature In‐ stitute - Administrative Building at Audubon Zoo Attn: Cecilie H. Primeaux 6500 Magazine Street New Orleans, LA 70118. Bids received after the day, and time specified above will be rejected by the Audubon Commis‐ sion as non-responsive and returned to the bid‐ der unopened. All ques‐ tions regarding this invi‐ tation shall be addressed in writing, (7) seven cal‐ endar days prior to bid opening excluding Satur‐ days, Sundays and holi‐ days and shall be sub‐ mitted to Cecilie H. Primeaux at ch‐ primeaux@auduboninst itute.org. Bid packages shall be available on the first date of advertise‐ ment. Complete Bidding Documents for this pro‐ ject are being distributed in electronic form on be‐ half of the Owner by Bidnet Direct. They may be obtained without charge and without de‐ posit. Printed copies are not available from the Owner or Designer. Bonds shall be written by a surety or insurance company currently on the U.S. Department of the Treasury Financial Management Service list of approved bonding companies, or by a Louisiana domiciled in‐ surance company with at least an A- rating in the latest printing of the A.M. Best’s Key Rating Guide to write individual bonds up to ten percent of poli‐ cyholders’ surplus as shown in the A.M. Best’s Key Rating Guide, or by an insurance company that is either domiciled in Louisiana or owned by Louisiana Residents and is licensed to write

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Public Notices Bids/Proposals

surety bonds. Sureties used for obtaining bonds for this project must ap‐ pear as acceptable on the U.S. Department of the Treasury Circular 570. The construction period begins when a notice to proceed is issued after the contract is signed; the Liquidated Damages are one thou‐ sand ($1000.00) dollars per day. The construction period is 215 calendar days. Contractor Licens‐ ing, the State of Louisiana public bid laws, LA Revised Statutes Sections 37 and 38, apply to the award of this Contract. Bids shall be accepted from Contractors who are licensed, under the laws of the State of Louisiana, for the classi‐ fication of “Building Con‐ struction”. This procurement is un‐ dertaken pursuant to LRS 38:2212 et seq. and CFR 2 Part 200 Federal Contract Provisions. This project is funded by the U.S. De‐ partment of Housing and Urban Development FY 2022 Community Project Funding Program and is subject to that program’s requirements. The atten‐ tion of bidders is called particularly to the re‐ quirements of Section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968, Section 109 (Non-Dis‐ crimination) of the Hous‐ ing and Community De‐ velopment Act of 1974, Section 503 (Non-Dis‐ crimination Against Em‐ ployees with Disabilities) and Section 504 (NonDiscrimination Against Individuals with Disabili‐ ties) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Segregated Facilities, Executive Order 11246, equal op‐ portunity requirements, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and all re‐ quirements of the HUD CPF Construction Con‐ tract Compliance Provi‐ sions included in the Pro‐ ject Manual. Audubon Nature Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The provisions of these statues shall govern and control all procurement hereunder notwithstanding any pro‐ visions herein to the con‐ trary. The Contractor shall begin procurement of materials within ten (10) working days of the receipt of the Notice to Proceed. Audubon Na‐ ture Institute strongly encourages small busi‐ nesses, minority busi‐ nesses, women's busi‐ ness enterprises, vet‐ eran-owned businesses, and labor surplus area firms ’s, and Section 3 Business Concerns to participate in this pro‐ curement process. Any person with disabilities requiring special accom‐ modations must contact Audubon Nature Institute no later than seven (7) days prior to bid opening: ADA Coordi‐ nator, 6500 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA 70118, (504) 861-2537. 200866-SEP 17-24-30-3T $278.83 PUBLIC NOTICE --NOTICE TO BIDDERS RECEIPT OF SEALED BIDS WILL BE RECEIVED BY THE OWNER, McNEESE STATE UNIVERSITY, PUR‐ CHASING DEPARTMENT, SMITH HALL, ROOM 120, 150 LAWTON DR., LAKE CHARLES, LA 70607, or MSU BOX 92415, LAKE CHARLES, LA 70609, UNTIL THE DATE AND TIME INDICATED FOR THE FOLLOWING BID: BID NO. D2700018 DATE DUE: THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2026 TIME: 10:00 A.M. NEW MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE FACILITY at Mc‐ NEESE STATE UNIVERSITY, LAKE CHARLES, LOUISIANA 70607 PROJECT NO. 19-627-2101, F.19002581, 01-10705B-13, F.01004543 NON-MANDATORY PREBID CONFERENCE Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026 at 2:00 pm A NON-MANDATORY SITE VISIT CAN BE ARRANGED BY CONTACTING FACILITIES AT 337-4755887 or email facilities@ mcneese.edu. FRONT-END BIDDING DOCUMENTS MAY BE OB‐ TAINED AT THE STATE OF LOUISIANA WEBSITE VEN‐ DOR CENTER, LaPAC, AT https://doa.louisiana. gov/doa/osp/vendorresources, LaPAC Bids Opportunities from State f i i d l l

Public Notices Bids/Proposals pp of Louisiana and local agencies. FOR ADDI‐ TIONAL ASSISTANCE AND TO OBTAIN PLANS, SPECI‐ FICATIONS, DRAWINGS, etc., EMAIL REQUEST TO facilities@mcneese.edu. FEES FOR SET OF DOCUMENTS: NONE A CASHIER’S CHECK, CER‐ TIFIED CHECK, OR AC‐ CEPTABLE BIDDER’S BOND PAYABLE TO Mc‐ NEESE STATE UNI‐ VERISITY IN AN AMOUNT NOT LESS THAN FIVE PER‐ CENT (5%) OF THE BID SUBMITTED MUST AC‐ COMPANY EACH BID AS A GUARANTEE THAT, IF AWARDED THE CON‐ TRACT, THE BIDDER WILL PROMPTLY ENTER INTO A CONTRACT AND EXECUTE SUCH BONDS AS MAY BE REQUIRED. THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDER WILL BE REQUIRED TO FURNISH A PERFOR‐ MANCE BOND IN AN AMOUNT EQUAL TO 100% OF THE CONTRACT AMOUNT AND IN ACCOR‐ DANCE WITH R.S.38:2219. BIDS SHALL BE ACCEPTED ONLY FROM CONTRAC‐ TORS WHO ARE LICENSED UNDER LA. R.S.37:21502163 FOR THE CLASSIFI‐ BUILDING CATION OF CONSTRUCTION. NO BID MAY BE WITH‐ DRAWN FOR A PERIOD OF THIRTY (30) DAYS AFTER RECEIPT OF BIDS, EXCEPT UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF LA. R.S.38:2214. THE OWNER RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REJECT ANY AND ALL BIDS AND TO WAIVE ANY INFOR‐ MALITIES INCIDENTAL THERETO. EVIDENCE OF AUTHORITY TO SUBMIT THE BID SHALL BE REQUIRED IN ACCORDANCE WITH R.S.38:2212 (A)(1)(C) AND/OR R.S. 39:1594 (C) (2)(D). McNEESE STATE UNIVERSITY DEBET HEBERT PROCUREMENT SPECIAL‐ IST debet@mcneese.edu Phone: (337)475-5083 201053 Sept. 17, 24, Oct. 1, 2026 3t $115.05 PUBLIC NOTICE --NOTICE TO BIDDERS SP# 166 Sealed bids will be re‐ ceived by the Procure‐ ment Section of the Divi‐ sion of Administration, 1201 N. 3rd. St., 2nd. Floor, Suite 2-160, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, at 10:00 A.M. for the follow‐ ing: RFx No. 3000026681, *REBID* 18-Wheeler RPCC, 10/7/26 Bid proposal forms, in‐ formation and specifica‐ tions may be obtained by accessing the bid num‐ ber in LaPac at www.doa. la.gov/doa/osp/ or from the procurement section listed above. No bids will be received after the date and hour specified. The right is reserved to reject any and all bids and to waive any infor‐ malities. Amy Vincent Director of State Procure‐ ment FAX (225) 342-8688 200749-SEP 17-1T $11.77 PUBLIC NOTICE --NOTICE TO BIDDERS SP# 167 Sealed bids will be re‐ ceived by the Procure‐ ment Section of the Divi‐ sion of Administration, 1201 N. 3rd. St., 2nd. Floor, Suite 2-160, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, at 10:00 A.M. for the follow‐ ing: RFx No. 3000026663, Winona Tower Removal LDAF, 10/6/26 Bid proposal forms, in‐ formation and specifica‐ tions may be obtained by accessing the bid num‐ ber in LaPac at www.doa. la.gov/doa/osp/ or from the procurement section listed above. No bids will be received after the date and hour specified. The right is reserved to reject any and all bids and to waive any infor‐ malities. Amy Vincent Director of State Procurement FAX (225) 342-8688 200771-sept 17-1t $11.77

Public Notices Bids/Proposals

PUBLIC NOTICE --NOTICE TO BIDDERS SP# 168 Sealed bids will be re‐ ceived by the Procure‐ ment Section of the Divi‐ sion of Administration, 1201 N. 3rd. St., 2nd. Floor, Suite 2-160, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, at 10:00 A.M. for the follow‐ ing: RFx No. 3000026671, *Mand. PreBid* Herbicide Treatment LDWF, 10/06/26 RFx No. 3000026675, Gro‐ cery Items (Canteen Re‐ sale) – DOC – PE, 10/06/26 Bid proposal forms, in‐ formation and specifica‐ tions may be obtained by accessing the bid num‐ ber in LaPac at www.doa. la.gov/doa/osp/ or from the procurement section listed above. No bids will be received after the date and hour specified. The right is reserved to reject any and all bids and to waive any infor‐ malities. Amy Vincent Director of State Procurement FAX (225) 342-8688 200905 Sept. 17, 1t $12.91 PUBLIC NOTICE --Notice to Proposers SP# 165 Sealed proposals will be received by the Office of State Procurement, 1201 North Third Street, 2nd Floor, Suite 2-160, Baton Rouge, LA until 10:00 AM CT on October 22, 2026 for Solicitation Number Doc2344177804 - Request for Proposal (RFP) for Home and CommunityBased Waiver Program Data Management Solu‐ tion for LDH - BHSF. The RFP may be accessed at: https://portal.us.bn. cloud.ariba.com/ dashboard/public/ appext/comsapsbncd iscoveryui#/RfxEvent/ preview/1110024595?anI d=ANONYMOUS No proposals will be con‐ sidered after the date and hour specified. The right is reserved to reject any and all proposals and to waive any infor‐ malities. Amy Vincent Chief Procurement Offi‐ cer Phone (225) 342-8010 200744-SEP 17-1T $12.05

Legal Notices

PUBLIC NOTICE --NOTICE OF SPECIAL ELECTION Pursuant to the provi‐ sions of a resolution adopted on May 13, 2026 by the Metropolitan Council of the Parish of East Baton Rouge and City of Baton Rouge (the “Metropolitan Council”), acting as the governing authority of the Parish of East Baton Rouge, State of Louisiana, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a special election will be held in the Parish of East Baton Rouge, State of Louisiana on TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2026, and that at the said election there will be submitted to all registered voters of the Parish of East Baton Rouge, State of Louisiana, qualified and entitled to vote at the said election under the Constitution and laws of the State of Louisiana and the Constitution of the United States of America, the following proposition, to-wit: PROPOSITION (MILLAGE RENEWAL) Shall the Parish of East Baton Rouge, State of Louisiana (the “Parish”) be authorized to renew the levy and collection of a .50 mills ad valorem tax (the “Tax”) (an estimated $3,135,435 is reasonably expected to be collected from the levy of the Tax for an entire year), for a period of ten (10) years, beginning with the tax collection for the year 2027, and annually there‐ after to and including the year 2036, and shall the proceeds of the Tax (after paying reasonable and necessary expenses of collecting and admin‐ istering the Tax) be used entirely and exclusively to provide funds to pur‐ chase, maintain and op‐ erate machinery, facili‐ i d i


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8D ■ Thursday, September 17, 2026 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate Legal Notices

Legal Notices

Legal Notices

y ties and equipment nec‐ essary and useful in the eradication, abatement or control of mosquitoes, other arthropods of pub‐ lic health importance and rodents, title to which shall be in the public, and maintaining and providing for ade‐ quate administrative and support staff in connec‐ tion therewith?

p y 1991. The sale will take place in accordance with the provisions of LA R.S. 47:2201 et seq. Your inter‐ est in the property will be terminated if you do not redeem the property by making all required payments to the tax col‐ lector listed below or file a lawsuit in accordance with law within SIXTY (60) DAYS of the date of the first publication of this notice, or the record‐ ing of an act transferring ownership, if later.

p the provisions of LA R.S. 47:2201 et seq. Your inter‐ est in the property will be terminated if you do not redeem the property by making all required payments to the tax col‐ lector listed below or file a lawsuit in accordance with law within SIXTY (60) DAYS of the date of the first publication of this notice, or the record‐ ing of an act transferring ownership, if later.

The said special election will be held at each and every polling place in the Parish of East Baton Rouge, State of Louisiana, which polls will open at six (6:00) o’clock a.m., and close at eight (8:00) o’clock p.m., in compliance with the provisions of Section 541 of Title 18 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended (La. R.S. 18:541). The polling places at the precincts in the Parish of East Baton Rouge, State of Louisiana are hereby designated as the polling places at which to hold the special election, and the Commissioners-inCharge and Commission‐ ers, respectively, shall be those persons desig‐ nated according to law pursuant to Section 1286(A) or Section 1286.1, as the case may be, of Title 18 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended. In accordance with La. R.S. 18:1285(A)(1)(a)(v), the estimated cost of holding the election will be $85,300.00. A portion of the monies collected from the Tax shall be remitted to cer‐ tain State and statewide retirement systems in accordance with the pro‐ visions of Subtitle 1 of Title 11 of Louisiana Re‐ vised Statutes of 1950, as amended (La. R.S. 11:82). The said election will be held in accordance with the applicable provisions of Chapter 5, Chapter 6 and Chapter 6-A of Title 18 of the Louisiana Re‐ vised Statutes of 1950, as amended, and other con‐ stitutional and statutory authority supplemental thereto, and the officers appointed to hold the said special election, as provided in this Notice of Special Election, or such substitutes therefor as may be selected and designated in accor‐ dance with law will make due returns thereof to the Metropolitan Council, and NOTICE IS HEREBY FURTHER GIVEN that said Metropolitan Council will meet at its regular meet‐ ing place, the Council Chambers, City Hall, Third Floor, Room 348, 222 St. Louis Street, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on WEDNESDAY, DECEM‐ BER 9, 2026, at FOUR (4:00) O’CLOCK P.M., and will then and there in open and public session proceed to examine and canvass the returns and declare the result of the special election. All reg‐ istered voters in the Parish of East Baton Rouge, State of Louisiana are entitled to vote at said election and voting machines will be used thereat. THUS DONE AND SIGNED at Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on this, the 13th day of May, 2026.

Tax collector: East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff 222 St. Louis Street, 2ND Floor Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70802 (225) 389-4810 200976 Sept. 17, 24, 2t $79.68

Improvements thereon believed to bear on Mu‐ nicipal No. () Education Street By virtue of the provi‐ sions of Louisiana Re‐ vised Statute 47:2201 et seq. and Metropolitan Council Ordinance num‐ ber 19838, the Parish of East Baton Rouge has been authorized to sell this property as adjudi‐ cated property. You have been identified as a party who might have a vested or contingent in‐ terest in said property, which was assessed in the name(s) of Beacon Homes & Investments, LLC, et al; and was adju‐ dicated to the Parish of East Baton Rouge in the year of 2019 for unpaid taxes for the year of 2018. The sale will take place in accordance with the provisions of LA R.S. 47:2201 et seq. Your inter‐ est in the property will be terminated if you do not redeem the property by making all required payments to the tax col‐ lector listed below or file a lawsuit in accordance with law within SIXTY (60) DAYS of the date of the first publication of this notice, or the record‐ ing of an act transferring ownership, if later. Tax collector: East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff 222 St. Louis Street, 2ND Floor Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70802 (225) 389-4810 200961 Sept. 17, 24, 2t $82.38

/s/ Brandon Noel President Pro Tempore

PUBLIC NOTICE ---

ATTEST: /s/ Ashley Beck Council Administrator

Recquisition 11297780

199315- SEP 3-10 17-24-4T $286.64 PUBLIC NOTICE --Recquisition 11297780

NOTICE OF SALE OF ADJUDICATED PROPERTY To Willa Evans Gaines THIS NOTICE BY PUBLICA‐ TION IS NOTIFICATION THAT YOUR RIGHTS OR INTEREST IN THE FOL‐ LOWING DESCRIBED PROPERTY LOCATED IN EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH, LOUISIANA MAY BE TERMINATED BY OP‐ ERATION OF LAW IF YOU DO NOT TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH LAW: Lot 6, Square 41, South Baton Rouge Improvements thereon believed to bear on Mu‐ nicipal No. () Maryland Street By virtue of the provi‐ sions of Louisiana Re‐ vised Statute 47:2201 et seq. and Metropolitan Council Ordinance num‐ ber 19889, the Parish of East Baton Rouge has been authorized to sell this property as adjudi‐ cated property. You have been identified as a party who might have a vested or contingent in‐ terest in said property, which was assessed in the name(s) of Willa Evans-Gaines, et al; and was adjudicated to the Parish of East Baton Rouge in the year of 2017 for unpaid taxes for the year of 2016. The sale will take place in accordance with the provisions of LA R.S. 47:2201 et seq. Your interest in the property will be terminated if you do not redeem the prop‐ erty by making all re‐ quired payments to the tax collector listed below or file a lawsuit in accor‐ dance with law within SIXTY (60) DAYS of the date of the first publica‐ tion of this notice, or the recording of an act trans‐ ferring ownership, if later. Tax collector: East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff 222 St. Louis Street, 2ND Floor Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70802 (225) 389-4810 200929 Sept. 17, 24, 2t $80.36

PUBLIC NOTICE --Recquisition 11297780 NOTICE OF SALE OF ADJUDICATED PROPERTY To Benjamin Franklin THIS NOTICE BY PUBLICA‐ TION IS NOTIFICATION THAT YOUR RIGHTS OR INTEREST IN THE FOL‐ LOWING DESCRIBED PROPERTY LOCATED IN EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH, LOUISIANA MAY BE TERMINATED BY OP‐ ERATION OF LAW IF YOU DO NOT TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH LAW: Lot 5, Square 2, George‐ town Improvements thereon believed to bear on Mu‐ nicipal No. () Roselawn Avenue By virtue of the provi‐ sions of Louisiana Re‐ vised Statute 47:2201 et seq. and Metropolitan Council Ordinance num‐ ber 19827, the Parish of East Baton Rouge has been authorized to sell this property as adjudi‐ cated property. You have been identified as a party who might have a vested or contingent in‐ terest in said property, which was assessed in the name(s) of Benjamin Franklin, et al; and was adjudicated to the Parish of East Baton Rouge in the year of 1992 for un‐ paid taxes for the year of h l ill k

PUBLIC NOTICE ---

To Mary McQueen Turner THIS NOTICE BY PUBLICA‐ TION IS NOTIFICATION THAT YOUR RIGHTS OR INTEREST IN THE FOL‐ LOWING DESCRIBED PROPERTY LOCATED IN EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH, LOUISIANA MAY BE TERMINATED BY OP‐ ERATION OF LAW IF YOU DO NOT TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH LAW: Lot 31, Square 11, South Baton Rouge Improvements thereon believed to bear on Mu‐ nicipal No. () Thomas Delpit Drive By virtue of the provi‐ sions of Louisiana Re‐ vised Statute 47:2201 et seq. and Metropolitan Council Ordinance num‐ ber 19793, the Parish of East Baton Rouge has been authorized to sell this property as adjudi‐ cated property. You have been identified as a party who might have a vested or contingent in‐ terest in said property, which was assessed in the name(s) of Mary Mc‐ Queen Turner, et al; and was adjudicated to the Parish of East Baton Rouge in the year of 2022 for unpaid taxes for the year of 2021. The sale will take place in accordance with the provisions of LA R.S. 47:2201 et seq. Your interest in the property will be terminated if you do not redeem the prop‐ erty by making all re‐ quired payments to the tax collector listed below or file a lawsuit in accor‐ dance with law within SIX (6) MONTHS of the date of the first publica‐ tion of this notice, or the recording of an act trans‐ ferring ownership, if later. Tax collector: East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff 222 St. Louis Street, 2ND Floor Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70802 (225) 389-4810 200978 Sept. 17, 24, 2t $80.36

PUBLIC NOTICE --Recquisition 11297780

NOTICE OF SALE OF ADJUDICATED PROPERTY

To Eddie White, Jr.

To Julia Moreno Ramirez, Good Deeds, LLC, Joshua White, Sr., Aditeni Moreno, and Barbara Byrd Nolan

THIS NOTICE BY PUBLICA‐ TION IS NOTIFICATION THAT YOUR RIGHTS OR INTEREST IN THE FOL‐ LOWING DESCRIBED PROPERTY LOCATED IN EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH, LOUISIANA MAY BE TERMINATED BY OP‐ ERATION OF LAW IF YOU DO NOT TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH LAW:

THIS NOTICE BY PUBLICA‐ TION IS NOTIFICATION THAT YOUR RIGHTS OR INTEREST IN THE FOL‐ LOWING DESCRIBED PROPERTY LOCATED IN EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH, LOUISIANA MAY BE TERMINATED BY OP‐ ERATION OF LAW IF YOU DO NOT TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH LAW:

NOTICE OF SALE OF ADJUDICATED PROPERTY

Lot 19PT, Swart Addition

Lot 1-B, Square 5, Dayton

Improvements thereon believed to bear on Mu‐ nicipal No. () Senette Street

Improvements thereon believed to bear on Mu‐ nicipal No. () Aliquippa Street

By virtue of the provi‐ sions of Louisiana Re‐ vised Statute 47:2201 et seq. and Metropolitan Council Ordinance num‐ ber 19909, the Parish of East Baton Rouge has been authorized to sell this property as adjudi‐ cated property. You have been identified as a party who might have a vested or contingent in‐ terest in said property, which was assessed in the name(s) of Eddie White, et al; and was ad‐ judicated to the Parish of East Baton Rouge in the year of 2017 for unpaid taxes for the year of 2016. The sale will take place in accordance with the provisions of LA R.S. 47:2201 et seq. Your inter‐ est in the property will be terminated if you do not redeem the property by making all required payments to the tax col‐ lector listed below or file a lawsuit in accordance with law within SIXTY (60) DAYS of the date of the first publication of this notice, or the record‐ ing of an act transferring ownership, if later.

By virtue of the provi‐ sions of Louisiana Re‐ vised Statute 47:2201 et seq. and Metropolitan Council Ordinance num‐ ber 19877, the Parish of East Baton Rouge has been authorized to sell this property as adjudi‐ cated property. You have been identified as a party who might have a vested or contingent in‐ terest in said property, which was assessed in the name(s) of Julia Moreno Ramirez, et al; and was adjudicated to the Parish of East Baton Rouge in the year of 2021 for unpaid taxes for the year of 2020. The sale will take place in accordance with the provisions of LA R.S. 47:2201 et seq. Your interest in the property will be terminated if you do not redeem the prop‐ erty by making all re‐ quired payments to the tax collector listed below or file a lawsuit in accor‐ dance with law within SIXTY (60) DAYS of the date of the first publica‐ tion of this notice, or the recording of an act trans‐ ferring ownership, if later.

Tax collector: East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff 222 St. Louis Street, 2ND Floor Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70802 (225) 389-4810 200971 Sept. 17, 24, 2t $79.02

PUBLIC NOTICE --Recquisition 11297780

NOTICE OF SALE OF ADJUDICATED PROPERTY To Alfred Foreman, Jr., Unopened Succession of Curmer L. Foreman, Howard George Foreman, Carrie Foreman McIntyre (aka Carrie Foreman Williams), John Melvin Foreman, Anna Foreman Dixon, Unopened Succes‐ sion of Marie Nell Fore‐ man, Wanda Jean Fore‐ man, and Jo Ann Jones THIS NOTICE BY PUBLICA‐ TION IS NOTIFICATION THAT YOUR RIGHTS OR INTEREST IN THE FOL‐ LOWING DESCRIBED PROPERTY LOCATED IN EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH, LOUISIANA MAY BE TERMINATED BY OP‐ ERATION OF LAW IF YOU DO NOT TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH LAW: Lot 32, Square 16, South Baton Rouge Improvements thereon believed to bear on Mu‐ nicipal No. () Maryland Street By virtue of the provi‐ sions of Louisiana Re‐ vised Statute 47:2201 et seq. and Metropolitan Council Ordinance num‐ ber 19890, the Parish of East Baton Rouge has been authorized to sell this property as adjudi‐ cated property. You have been identified as a party who might have a vested or contingent in‐ terest in said property, which was assessed in the name(s) of Alfred Forman, et al; and was adjudicated to the Parish of East Baton Rouge in the year of 2019 for un‐ paid taxes for the year of 2018. The sale will take place in accordance with h i i f

2ND Floor Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70802 (225) 389-4810

Tax collector: East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff 222 St. Louis Street, 2ND Floor Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70802 (225) 389-4810

NOTICE OF SALE OF ADJUDICATED PROPERTY

NOTICE OF SALE OF ADJUDICATED PROPERTY

Lot 26+, McKinley Heights

SIXTY (60) DAYS of the date of the first publica‐ tion of this notice, or the recording of an act trans‐ ferring ownership, if later.

200965 Sept. 17, 24, 2t $87.10

Recquisition 11297780

THIS NOTICE BY PUBLICA‐ TION IS NOTIFICATION THAT YOUR RIGHTS OR INTEREST IN THE FOL‐ LOWING DESCRIBED PROPERTY LOCATED IN EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH, LOUISIANA MAY BE TERMINATED BY OP‐ ERATION OF LAW IF YOU DO NOT TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH LAW:

Legal Notices

200975 Sept. 17, 24, 2t $80.36

Recquisition 11297780

NOTICE OF SALE OF ADJUDICATED PROPERTY

Legal Notices

Tax collector: East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff 222 St. Louis Street, 2ND Floor Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70802 (225) 389-4810

PUBLIC NOTICE ---

To Beacon Homes and In‐ vestments, LLC, Angela Pittman, and Patrick Early

lll

Tax collector: East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff 222 St. Louis Street, 2ND Floor Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70802 (225) 389-4810 200924 Sept. 17, 24, 2t $83.06

PUBLIC NOTICE --Recquisition 11297780

NOTICE OF SALE OF ADJUDICATED PROPERTY To Ernestine Guinn Caine THIS NOTICE BY PUBLICA‐ TION IS NOTIFICATION THAT YOUR RIGHTS OR INTEREST IN THE FOL‐ LOWING DESCRIBED PROPERTY LOCATED IN EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH, LOUISIANA MAY BE TERMINATED BY OP‐ ERATION OF LAW IF YOU DO NOT TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH LAW: Lots 31 & 32, Square 4, Scotland Heights Improvements thereon believed to bear on Mu‐ nicipal No. () Pintail Street By virtue of the provi‐ sions of Louisiana Re‐ vised Statute 47:2201 et seq. and Metropolitan Council Ordinance num‐ ber 19886, the Parish of East Baton Rouge has been authorized to sell this property as adjudi‐ cated property. You have been identified as a party who might have a vested or contingent in‐ terest in said property, which was assessed in the name(s) of Ernestine Guinn Caine, et al; and was adjudicated to the Parish of East Baton Rouge in the year of 2018 for unpaid taxes for the year of 2017. The sale will take place in accordance with the provisions of LA R.S. 47:2201 et seq. Your interest in the property will be terminated if you do not redeem the prop‐ erty by making all re‐ quired payments to the tax collector listed below or file a lawsuit in accor‐ dance with law within

PUBLIC NOTICE --Recquisition 11297780

To TAMS, LLC THIS NOTICE BY PUBLICA‐ TION IS NOTIFICATION THAT YOUR RIGHTS OR INTEREST IN THE FOL‐ LOWING DESCRIBED PROPERTY LOCATED IN EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH, LOUISIANA MAY BE TERMINATED BY OP‐ ERATION OF LAW IF YOU DO NOT TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH LAW: Lot 30, Fairwoods Improvements thereon believed to bear on Mu‐ nicipal No. () Fairwoods Dr. By virtue of the provi‐ sions of Louisiana Re‐ vised Statute 47:2201 et seq. and Metropolitan Council Ordinance num‐ ber 19824, the Parish of East Baton Rouge has been authorized to sell this property as adjudi‐ cated property. You have been identified as a party who might have a vested or contingent in‐ terest in said property, which was assessed in the name(s) of TAMS, LLC et al; and was adjudi‐ cated to the Parish of East Baton Rouge in the year of 2020 for unpaid taxes for the year of 2019. The sale will take place in accordance with the provisions of LA R.S. 47:2201 et seq. Your inter‐ est in the property will be terminated if you do not redeem the property by making all required payments to the tax col‐ lector listed below or file a lawsuit in accordance with law within SIXTY (60) DAYS of the date of the first publication of this notice, or the record‐ ing of an act transferring ownership, if later. Tax collector: East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff 222 St. Louis Street, 2ND Floor Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70802 (225) 389-4810 200972 Sept. 17, 24, 2t $79.02

PUBLIC NOTICE --Recquisition 11297780 NOTICE OF SALE OF ADJUDICATED PROPERTY To Hannah Causey THIS NOTICE BY PUBLICA‐ TION IS NOTIFICATION THAT YOUR RIGHTS OR INTEREST IN THE FOL‐ LOWING DESCRIBED PROPERTY LOCATED IN EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH, LOUISIANA MAY BE TERMINATED BY OP‐ ERATION OF LAW IF YOU DO NOT TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH LAW: Lot F-1-A-2 North Baton Rouge Improvements thereon believed to bear on Mu‐ nicipal No. () Progress Road. By virtue of the provi‐ sions of Louisiana Re‐ vised Statute 47:2201 et seq. and Metropolitan Council Ordinance num‐ ber 19683, the Parish of East Baton Rouge has been authorized to sell this property as adjudi‐ cated property. You have been identified as a party who might have a vested or contingent in‐ terest in said property, which was assessed in the name(s) of Hannah Knighten Causey, et al; and was adjudicated to the Parish of East Baton Rouge in the year of 2022 for unpaid taxes for the year of 2021. The sale will take place in accordance with the provisions of LA R.S. 47:2201 et seq. Your interest in the property will be terminated if you do not redeem the prop‐ erty by making all re‐ quired payments to the tax collector listed below or file a lawsuit in accor‐ dance with law within SIX (6) MONTHS of the date of the first publica‐ tion of this notice, or the recording of an act trans‐ ferring ownership, if later. Tax collector: East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff 222 St. Louis Street, 2ND Floor Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70802 (225) 389-4810 200980 Sept. 17, 24, 2t $81.02

200979 Sept. 17, 24, 2t $81.02 PUBLIC NOTICE --Recquisition 11297780 NOTICE OF SALE OF ADJUDICATED PROPERTY To David Christopher Burke, and Lima Network U.S. Bank THIS NOTICE BY PUBLICA‐ TION IS NOTIFICATION THAT YOUR RIGHTS OR INTEREST IN THE FOL‐ LOWING DESCRIBED PROPERTY LOCATED IN EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH, LOUISIANA MAY BE TERMINATED BY OP‐ ERATION OF LAW IF YOU DO NOT TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH LAW: Lot 267-A, Highland Creek Improvements thereon believed to bear on Mu‐ nicipal No. () Stoney‐ creek Avenue By virtue of the provi‐ sions of Louisiana Re‐ vised Statute 47:2201 et seq. and Metropolitan Council Ordinance num‐ ber 19891, the Parish of East Baton Rouge has been authorized to sell this property as adjudi‐ cated property. You have been identified as a party who might have a vested or contingent in‐ terest in said property, which was assessed in the name(s) of Lima Net‐ work U.S. Bank, et al; and was adjudicated to the Parish of East Baton Rouge in the year of 2017 for unpaid taxes for the year of 2016. The sale will take place in accordance with the provisions of LA R.S. 47:2201 et seq. Your interest in the property will be terminated if you do not redeem the prop‐ erty by making all re‐ quired payments to the tax collector listed below or file a lawsuit in accor‐ dance with law within SIXTY (60) DAYS of the date of the first publica‐ tion of this notice, or the recording of an act trans‐ ferring ownership, if later. Tax collector: East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff 222 St. Louis Street, 2ND Floor Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70802 (225) 389-4810 200974 Sept. 17, 24, 2t $81.02

PUBLIC NOTICE --Recquisition 11297780

NOTICE OF SALE OF ADJUDICATED PROPERTY To Aaron Earl Asberry, Priscilla Smith Asberry, and Farmco, Inc. THIS NOTICE BY PUBLICA‐ TION IS NOTIFICATION THAT YOUR RIGHTS OR INTEREST IN THE FOL‐ LOWING DESCRIBED PROPERTY LOCATED IN EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH, LOUISIANA MAY BE TERMINATED BY OP‐ ERATION OF LAW IF YOU DO NOT TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH LAW: Lot 34, Square 16, South Baton Rouge Improvements thereon believed to bear on Mu‐ nicipal No. () East Harri‐ son Street By virtue of the provi‐ sions of Louisiana Re‐ vised Statute 47:2201 et seq. and Metropolitan Council Ordinance num‐ ber 19888, the Parish of East Baton Rouge has been authorized to sell this property as adjudi‐ cated property. You have been identified as a party who might have a vested or contingent in‐ terest in said property, which was assessed in the name(s) of Emily Thomas, et al; and was adjudicated to the Parish of East Baton Rouge in the year of 2008 for un‐ paid taxes for the year of 2007. The sale will take place in accordance with the provisions of LA R.S. 47:2201 et seq. Your inter‐ est in the property will be terminated if you do not redeem the property by making all required payments to the tax col‐ lector listed below or file a lawsuit in accordance with law within SIXTY (60) DAYS of the date of the first publication of this notice, or the record‐ ing of an act transferring ownership, if later. Tax collector: East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff 222 St. Louis Street, 2ND Floor Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70802 (225) 389-4810

PUBLIC NOTICE --Recquisition 11297780 NOTICE OF SALE OF ADJUDICATED PROPERTY To Alligator Land Management

Recquisition 11297780

THIS NOTICE BY PUBLICA‐ TION IS NOTIFICATION THAT YOUR RIGHTS OR INTEREST IN THE FOL‐ LOWING DESCRIBED PROPERTY LOCATED IN EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH, LOUISIANA MAY BE TERMINATED BY OP‐ ERATION OF LAW IF YOU DO NOT TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH LAW:

TO NICLO PROPERTIES, LLC AND ALAN W. JUDER‐ JAHN THIS NOTICE BY PUBLICA‐ TION IS NOTIFICATION THAT YOUR RIGHTS OR INTEREST IN THE FOL‐ LOWING DESCRIBED PROPERTY LOCATED IN EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH, LOUISIANA MAY BE TERMINATED BY OP‐ ERATION OF LAW IF YOU DO NOT TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH LAW: Lot 35, Square 2, North Highlands Addition Improvements thereon believed to bear on Mu‐ nicipal No. () Clayton Drive. By virtue of the provi‐ sions of Louisiana Re‐ vised Statute 47:2201 et seq. and Metropolitan Council Ordinance num‐ ber 19687, the Parish of East Baton Rouge has been authorized to sell this property as adjudi‐ cated property. You have been identified as a party who might have a vested or contingent in‐ terest in said property, which was assessed in the name(s) of Niclo Properties, LLC, and was adjudicated to the Parish of East Baton Rouge in the year of 2022 for un‐ paid taxes for the year of 2021. The sale will take place in accordance with the provisions of LA R.S. 47:2201 et seq. Your inter‐ est in the property will be terminated if you do not redeem the property by making all required payments to the tax col‐ lector listed below or file a lawsuit in accordance with law within SIX (6) MONTHS of the date of the first publication of this notice, or the record‐ ing of an act transferring ownership, if later. Tax collector: East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff 222 St. Louis Street,

PUBLIC NOTICE --Recquisition 11297780 NOTICE OF SALE OF ADJUDICATED PROPERTY To Brandon Jamar Herndon THIS NOTICE BY PUBLICA‐ TION IS NOTIFICATION THAT YOUR RIGHTS OR INTEREST IN THE FOL‐ LOWING DESCRIBED PROPERTY LOCATED IN EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH, LOUISIANA MAY BE TERMINATED BY OP‐ ERATION OF LAW IF YOU DO NOT TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH LAW:

Legal Notices

Legal Notices

p this notice, or the record‐ ing of an act transferring ownership, if later.

T7S, R2E, GLD, EBRP, LA (Council District 9- Hud‐ son)

Tax collector: East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff 222 St. Louis Street, 2ND Floor Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70802 (225) 389-4810 200977 Sept. 17, 24, 2t $82.38 PUBLIC NOTICE --Recquisition 11297780

NOTICE OF SALE OF ADJUDICATED PROPERTY To Harrison Cosey

Lots 6 & 7, Square 12, Progress Park Improvements thereon believed to bear on Mu‐ nicipal No. () Bond Street By virtue of the provi‐ sions of Louisiana Re‐ vised Statute 47:2201 et seq. and Metropolitan Council Ordinance num‐ ber 19908, the Parish of East Baton Rouge has been authorized to sell this property as adjudi‐ cated property. You have been identified as a party who might have a vested or contingent in‐ terest in said property, which was assessed in the name(s) of Brandon Jamar Herndon, et al; and was adjudicated to the Parish of East Baton Rouge in the year of 2017 for unpaid taxes for the year of 2016. The sale will take place in accordance with the provisions of LA R.S. 47:2201 et seq. Your interest in the property will be terminated if you do not redeem the prop‐ erty by making all re‐ quired payments to the tax collector listed below or file a lawsuit in accor‐ dance with law within SIXTY (60) DAYS of the date of the first publica‐ tion of this notice, or the recording of an act trans‐ ferring ownership, if later. Tax collector: East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff 222 St. Louis Street, 2ND Floor Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70802 (225) 389-4810 200969 Sept. 17, 24, 2t $80.36

PUBLIC NOTICE --Recquisition 11297780

NOTICE OF SALE OF ADJUDICATED PROPERTY To Donna Kay Trim, Chris‐ tine T. Blunt, Sheila T. Johnson, Jessie Ray Trim, and Clyde Jerome Trim THIS NOTICE BY PUBLICA‐ TION IS NOTIFICATION THAT YOUR RIGHTS OR INTEREST IN THE FOL‐ LOWING DESCRIBED PROPERTY LOCATED IN EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH, LOUISIANA MAY BE TERMINATED BY OP‐ ERATION OF LAW IF YOU DO NOT TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH LAW: Lot 25pt, McKinley Heights Improvements thereon believed to bear on Mu‐ nicipal No. () Education Street By virtue of the provi‐ sions of Louisiana Re‐ vised Statute 47:2201 et seq. and Metropolitan Council Ordinance num‐ ber 19839, the Parish of East Baton Rouge has been authorized to sell this property as adjudi‐ cated property. You have been identified as a party who might have a vested or contingent in‐ terest in said property, which was assessed in the name(s) of Thelma Ruth Green Spooner, et al; and was adjudicated to the Parish of East Baton Rouge in the year of 1988 for unpaid taxes for the year of 1987. The sale will take place in ac‐ cordance with the provi‐ sions of LA R.S. 47:2201 et seq. Your interest in the property will be termi‐ nated if you do not re‐ deem the property by making all required pay‐ ments to the tax collec‐ tor listed below or file a lawsuit in accordance with law within SIXTY (60) DAYS of the date of the first publication of hi i h d

THIS NOTICE BY PUBLICA‐ TION IS NOTIFICATION THAT YOUR RIGHTS OR INTEREST IN THE FOL‐ LOWING DESCRIBED PROPERTY LOCATED IN EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH, LOUISIANA MAY BE TERMINATED BY OP‐ ERATION OF LAW IF YOU DO NOT TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH LAW: Lot 76, Square 12, South Baton Rouge Improvements thereon believed to bear on Mu‐ nicipal No. () East Polk Street By virtue of the provi‐ sions of Louisiana Re‐ vised Statute 47:2201 et seq. and Metropolitan Council Ordinance num‐ ber 19922, the Parish of East Baton Rouge has been authorized to sell this property as adjudi‐ cated property. You have been identified as a party who might have a vested or contingent in‐ terest in said property, which was assessed in the name(s) of Harrison Cosey., et al; and was ad‐ judicated to the Parish of East Baton Rouge in the year of 1991 for unpaid taxes for the year of 1990. The sale will take place in accordance with the provisions of LA R.S. 47:2201 et seq. Your inter‐ est in the property will be terminated if you do not redeem the property by making all required payments to the tax col‐ lector listed below or file a lawsuit in accordance with law within SIXTY (60) DAYS of the date of the first publication of this notice, or the record‐ ing of an act transferring ownership, if later. Tax collector: East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff 222 St. Louis Street, 2ND Floor Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70802 (225) 389-4810 200966 Sept. 17, 24, 2t $79.68

PUBLIC NOTICE --The Planning Commis‐ sion of the City of Baton Rouge and the Parish of East Baton Rouge will hold a public meeting on Monday, September 21, 2026 at 5:00 p.m., in Room 348, City Hall located at 222 St. Louis Street, 3rd floor, Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The Planning Commission will con‐ sider the following rezon‐ ing requests and amend‐ ments to the “Compre‐ hensive Land Use Plan” as indicated: PUBLIC HEARINGS – CITY & PARISH CURRENT ZONING CASES: PA-6-26 17590 Florida Boulevard To amend the Comprehensive Land Use Plan from Agricul‐ tural/Rural to Commer‐ cial, located on the south side of Florida Boulevard, east of Old Hammond Highway, on property now or formerly known as 19.56 Acre Tract of the Herbert Born Tract. Sec‐ tion 73, T7S, R2E, GLD, EBRP, LA (Council District 9- Hudson) CASE 32-26 17510 and 17590 Florida Boulevard To rezone from Rural to Heavy Commercial One (HC1) on property lo‐ cated on the south side of Florida Boulevard, east of Old Hammond High‐ way, on property now or formerly known as 19.56 Acre Tract and a portion of Tract 12 of the Herbert Born Tract. Section 73,

Lot 3, Square 54, Greenville Extension Improvements thereon believed to bear on Mu‐ nicipal No. () Gus Young Avenue By virtue of the provi‐ sions of Louisiana Re‐ vised Statute 47:2201 et seq. and Metropolitan Council Ordinance num‐ ber 19900, the Parish of East Baton Rouge has been authorized to sell this property as adjudi‐ cated property. You have been identified as a party who might have a vested or contingent in‐ terest in said property, which was assessed in the name(s) of Alligator Land Management, et al; and was adjudicated to the Parish of East Baton Rouge in the year of 2017 for unpaid taxes for the year of 2016. The sale will take place in accordance with the provisions of LA R.S. 47:2201 et seq. Your interest in the property will be terminated if you do not redeem the prop‐ erty by making all re‐ quired payments to the tax collector listed below or file a lawsuit in accor‐ dance with law within SIXTY (60) DAYS of the date of the first publica‐ tion of this notice, or the recording of an act trans‐ ferring ownership, if later.

PA-7-26 FUTUREBR Trans‐ portation Element AmendmentMajor Street Plan To amend the Comprehensive Plan so as to amend the Major Street Plan by reducing the right of way width shown from 125 feet to no less than 100 feet for the segment of Burbank Drive between Gourrier Avenue to 125 feet south of Jennifer Jean Drive. Section 66, T7S, R1W, GLD, EBRP, LA (Council District 12-Racca) ISPUD-1-26 Heyday Baton Rouge To rezone from Light Commercial One (LC1) and General Resi‐ dential (A4) to Infill Small Planned Unit Develop‐ ment (ISPUD) for a high density multi-family resi‐ dential development on property located north of Burbank Drive and East Boyd, south of Janet Av‐ enue, on property now or formerly known as Lots 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 of Univer‐ sity View Homesites Sub‐ division, Square 6. Sec‐ tion 66, T7S, R1W, GLD, EBRP, LA (Council District 12-Racca) Case 30-26 536 West Irene Road To rezone from Rural to Heavy In‐ dustrial (M2) on property located on the north side of West Irene Road, west of Samuels Road, on property now or formerly known as a portion of the J. Glynn Tract. Section 80, T5S, R1W, GLD, EBRP, LA (Council District 1-Noel) A certain tract or parcel of ground, situated in Sections 79 and 80, Town‐ ship 5 South, Range l West, Greensburg Land District of Louisiana, Parish of East Baton Rouge, State of Louisiana, being more particularly described as "Optioned Property" on that "Map Showing 310 Acre Tract" prepared by John W. Kellen, Jr., C.E., dated May 29, 1975 at‐ tached to that Act of Sale with Mortgage recorded at Original 133, Bundle 9105, which map is refer‐ ence made a part hereof, beginning at the North‐ east corner of the 1.72 acre tract as shown on said map (the Point of Beginning), thence South 28 degrees West, a dis‐ tance of 349 feet to a point, thence South 31 degrees West, a distance of 200 feet to a point, thence North 42 degrees 5 minutes West, a dis‐ tance of 476 feet to a point, thence North 47 d i

p degrees 55 minutes West, a distance of 650 feet to a point and corner; thence North 7 degrees 30 minutes East, a dis‐ tance of 2030 feet to a point and corner; thence South 82 degrees 30 min‐ utes East, a distance of 1002.22 feet to a point and corner; thence South 7 degrees 30 minutes West, a distance of 1229.14 feet along the Section line between Section 79 and 80 to a point and corner; thence due East 51 degrees to a point and corner; thence South 16 degrees 55 min‐ utes West, a distance of 278 feet to the Point of Beginning, containing 49 acres, more or less. LESS AND EXCEPT: A tract of land situated in Section 80, Township 5 South, Range 1 West, East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana, and being more particu‐ larly described as fol‐ lows: Commencing at the Northeast corner of Sec‐ tion 69; thence South 07 degrees 30 minutes 00 seconds West, a distance of 2122.26 feet, more or less, to a point on the East boundary line of Section 80, and the Point of Beginning; thence con‐ tinue South 07 degrees 30 minutes 00 seconds West along said section line, a distance of 987.28 feet, more or less, to a point; thence North 79 degrees 01 minutes 12 seconds West a distance of 1006.92 feet, more or less, to a point; thence North 07 degrees 30 min‐ utes 12 seconds East a distance of 926.16 feet to a point; thence South 82 degrees 30 minutes 00 seconds East a distance of 1005.01 feet, more or less, to the Point of Be‐ ginning. The above de‐ scribed tract contains 22.07 acres, more or less. Leaving 26.93 Acres More or Less and Being the subject property. To‐ gether with all the build‐ ings and improvements thereon, and all the rights, ways, privileges, servitudes, appurte‐ nances and advantages thereunto belonging, or in anywise appertaining. The real property or its address is commonly known as 536 West Irene Road, Zachary, Louisiana 70791 and Tax Assessor’s Parcel ID: 1192191 Case 31-26 7117 and 7127 Florida Boulevard To re‐ zone from Commercial Alcoholic Beverage (bar and lounge) (C-AB-2) to Heavy Commercial Two (HC2) on property lo‐ cated on the north side of Florida Boulevard, west of Lobdell Boule‐ vard, on property now or formerly known Tract N1-A-1-A-2 of the Bahlinger Inc. Property. Section 72, T7S, R1E, GLD, EBRP, LA (Council District 6-Dunn Jr.) Case 33-26 7565 Jefferson Highway To rezone from Light Commercial (C1) to Commercial Alcoholic Beverage (restaurant) (CAB-1) on property lo‐ cated on the east side of Jefferson Highway, north of Corporate Boulevard, on property now or for‐ merly known as a portion of Lot Y-1-A of the Levi Dillon Tract. Section 91, T7S, R1E, GLD, EBRP, LA (Council District 11Adams) A CERTAIN PORTION OF TRACT Y-1-A, TO BE RE‐ ZONED TO C-AB-1. SAID TRACT Y-1-A IS MORE PARTICULARY SHOWN ON THAT CERTAIN MAP ENTI‐ TLED, "ALTA/NSPS LAND TITLE SURVEY OF TRACT Y-1-A, SECTION 91, TOWN‐ SHIP 7 SOUTH, RANGE 1 EAST, GREENSBURG LAND DISTRICT, CITY OF BATON ROUGE, EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH, LOUISIANA," BY DENNIS L. GOWIN, PLS OF DU‐ PLANTIS DESIGN GROUP, PC, PROJECT NO. 23-1261, DATED APRIL 27, 2023, LAST REVISED MAY 12, 2023. SAID AREA TO BE REZONED TO C-AB-1 IS MORE PARTICULARLY DE‐ SCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: COMMENCING AT A POINT ON THE EASTERLY RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF LOUISIANA HIGHWAY 73 (JEFFERSON HIGHWAY), SAID POINT BEING COM‐ MON WITH THE SOUTH‐ WEST CORNER OF A TRACT IDENTIFIED AS LOT X-1, AND MARKED WITH A CROSS CUT IN CONCRETE SET, THENCE S88°20'44"E A DISTANCE OF 221.66 FEET TO A 1/2" IRON PIPE FOUND, THENCE N76°29'18"E A DISTANCE

Pursuant to the provisions of a resolution adopted by the Board of Commissioners, acting as the governing authority (the “Governing Authority”), of the Fire Protection District No. 8 of the Parish of Livingston, State of Louisiana (the “District”) on April 7, 2026, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that an election will be held within the corporate limits of the District on Tuesday, November 3, 2026 (the “Election”) and that at the Election there will be submitted to all registered voters in the District qualified and entitled to vote at the Election under the Constitution and Laws of the State of Louisiana (the “State”) and the Constitution of the United States, the following proposition to-wit: PROPOSITION (RENEWAL) Shall Fire Protection District No. 8 of Livingston Parish, Louisiana (the “District”) renew the levy and collection of a special tax of fifteen (15) mills (an estimated $299,083 reasonably expected at this time to be collected from the levy of the tax for an entire year) on all the property subject to taxation in the District for a period of ten (10) years, beginning with the year 2028 and ending with the year 2037, for the purposes of maintaining and operating the District’s fire protection facilities, for purchasing fire truck’s and other fire-fighting equipment and paying the cost of obtaining water for fire protection purposes, including charges for the hydrant rentals and services? The Election will be held at the following polling places situated within the District, which polls will open at Six O’clock (6:00) a.m., and close at Eight O’clock (8:00) p.m., in accordance with the provisions of La. R.S. 18:541, to-wit: PRECINCT 00/15 (in-part) 00/18 (in-part) 00/18A 00/22 (in-part) 00/34 00/43

POLL PLACE NAME/LOCATION Killian Voting Precinct – 28284 La Hwy 22 – Springfield French Settlement Elem School – 15810 La Hwy 16 – French Settlement French Settlement Elem School – 15810 La Hwy 16 – French Settlement Livingston Parish S. Branch Library – 23477 La Hwy 444 – Livingston French Settlement Village Hall – 16015 La Hwy 16 – French Settlement French Settlement Elem School – 15810 La Hwy 16 – French Settlement

The polling places set forth above are hereby designated as the polling places at which to hold the Election, and the Commissioners-in-Charge and Commissioners, respectively, shall be those designated according to law. Notice is further given that a portion of the monies collected from the tax described in the Proposition shall be remitted to certain state and statewide retirement systems in the manner required by law. The Election will be held in accordance with the applicable provisions of Chapter 5, Chapter 6-A and Chapter 6-B of Title 18 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended, and other constitutional and statutory authority, and the officers appointed to hold the Election, as provided in this Notice of Election, or such substitute therefor, as may be selected and designated in accordance with La. R.S. 18:1287, will make due returns thereof to said Governing Authority, and NOTICE IS HEREBY FURTHER GIVEN that the Governing Authority will meet at its regular meeting place, 15160 LA Hwy 16 - French Settlement, Louisiana, 70733, on February 2, 2027, at Six-Thirty O’clock (6:30) p.m., and shall then and there in open and public session proceed to examine and canvass the returns and declare the results of the Election. This Governing Authority reserves the right to postpone the date and time set forth above for the canvass of the returns (without any further publication of notice of the change in the date, time and/or location). All registered voters of the District are entitled to vote at the Election and voting machines will be used thereat. The estimated cost of the election as determined by the Louisiana Secretary of State is $1,700. THUS DONE AND SIGNED, on this, the 7th day of April, 2026. FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT NO. 8 OF THE PARISH OF LIVINGSTON, STATE OF LOUISIANA

Tax collector: East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff 222 St. Louis Street, 2ND Floor Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70802 (225) 389-4810 200970 Sept. 17, 24, 2t $81.02

LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF A 24.31 ACRE TRACT A Cer‐ tain Parcel of ground, containing 24.31 Acres, Located in Section 73, T7S-R2E, G.L.D., East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana, and being more particularly de‐ scribed as follows: Start‐ ing Point is the INTER‐ SECTION OF SECTION 70 WITH THE SOUTHERN RIGHT OF WAY OF OLD HAMMOND HIGHWAY also known as the POINT OF BEGINNING; Proceed South 32°31 '36" East a distance of 105.71'; thence South 05°30'01" West a distance of 12.04'; thence South 33°30'59" East a distance of 404.28'; thence North 25°50'02" East a distance of339.03'; thence South 67°52'08" East a distance of 229.37'; thence South 79°51 '10" East a distance of 203.03'; thence South 35°23'18" East a distance of 95.00'; thence South 67°51 '26" East a distance of 695.00'; thence South 20°45'46" West a dis‐ tance of 396.39'; thence South 06°47'19" West a distance of 259.33'; thence South 83°40'00" a distance of West 757.00'; thence South 89°50'08" West a dis‐ tance of 237.35'; thence North 02°35'26" West a distance of799.53'; thence North 35°15'42" East a distance of 32.92'; thence North 33°30'59" West a distance of 541.16'; thence North 05°50' 18" East a distance of 12.22'; thence North 32°31 '36" West a dis‐ tance of 105.63'; thence along a curve to the Right, a Chord Bearing North 87°21 '56" East, A Chord Distance 22.41', an Arc Radius 1,382.40', and an Arc Length 22.41', along the Southern Right of Way of OLD HAMMOND HIGHWAY back to the POINT OF BEGINNING.

Legal Notices

NOTICE OF SPECIAL ELECTION

200973 Sept. 17, 24, 2t $81.02

PUBLIC NOTICE ---

NOTICE OF SALE OF ADJUDICATED PROPERTY

Legal Notices

By: /s/ Brian Baum, President By: /s/ Mary Day, Secretary 198822-681677-sep 3-10-17-24-4t $ 4,505.00


The Advocate ■ theadvocate.com ■ Thursday, September 17, 2026 ■ 9D

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Legal Notices

OF 36.94 FEET TO A POINT, BEING THE POINT OF BE‐ GINNING OF THE POR‐ TION OF TRACT Y-1-A BEING REZONED TO C-AB1: THENCE PROCEED, N08°22'18"W A DISTANCE OF 100.00 FEET TO A POINT; THENCE N83°40'31 "E A DISTANCE OF 110.00 FEET TO A POINT; THENCE S08°22'18"E A DISTANCE OF 100.00 FEET TO A POINT; THENCE S83°40'31 "W A DISTANCE OF 110.00 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING. THE AREA DESCRIBED ABOVE CONTAINS 0.252 ACRE OR 10,993 SQUARE FEET. Case 34-26 268 and 254 West Chimes Street To rezone from Heavy Com‐ mercial (C2) and Com‐ mercial Alcoholic Bever‐ age (bar and lounge) (CAB-2) to Commercial Al‐ coholic Beverage (bar and lounge) (C-AB-2) on property located on the north side of West Chimes Street, east of Lake Street, on property now or formerly known as Lot 2 and Lot 3 of the Campanile View Subdivi‐ sion, Square 1. Section 54, T7S, R1W, GLD, EBRP, LA (Council District 10Coleman) Case 35-26 228 West Chimes Street To rezone from Heavy Commercial (C2) to Commercial Alco‐ holic Beverage (restau‐ rant) (C-AB-1) on prop‐ erty located on the north side of West Chimes Street, west of Highland Road, on property now or formerly known as a por‐ tion of Lot 6 of the Cam‐ panile View Subdivision, Square 1. Section 54, T7S, R1W, GLD, EBRP, LA (Council District 10-Cole‐ man) LEGAL DESCRIPTION LOT 6, BLOCK 1 CAMPANILE VIEW 228 W. CHIMES ST. LOCATED IN SECTION 54, T7S-R1W, GREENSBURG LAND DISTRICT, EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH, LOUISIANA. COMMENC‐ ING FROM THE SOUTH‐ WEST CORNER OF LOT 6, BLOCK 1 CAMPANILE VIEW; THENCE PROCEED NORTH 57 DEGREES 36 MINUTES 36 SECONDS EAST FOR A DISTANCE OF 13.08 FEET TO A POINT AND CORNER, SAID POINT ALSO BEING THE POINT OF BEGINNING. THENCE PROCEED NORTH 03°39'12" EAST A DIS‐ TANCE OF 64.86 FEET TO A POINT AND CORNER; THENCE PROCEED NORTH 85°35'44" WEST A DIS‐ TANCE OF 9.62 FEET TO A POINT AND CORNER; THENCE PROCEED NORTH 04°24'16" EAST A DIS‐ TANCE OF 52.31 FEET TO A POINT AND CORNER; THENCE PROCEED SOUTH 85°44'04" EAST A DIS‐ TANCE OF 50.00 FEET TO A POINT AND CORNER; THENCE PROCEED SOUTH 04°24'16" WEST A DIS‐ TANCE OF 52.19 FEET TO A POINT AND CORNER; THENCE PROCEED NORTH 85°35'44" WEST A DIS‐ TANCE OF 14.36 FEET TO A POINT AND CORNER; THENCE PROCEED SOUTH 03°40'13" WEST A DIS‐ TANCE OF 64. 77 FEET TO A POINT AND CORNER; THENCE PROCEED NORTH 86°20'28" WEST A DIS‐ TANCE OF 26.00 FEET TO A POINT AND CORNER; BACK TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING, SAID POR‐ TION OF PROPERTY CON‐ TAINS 6250 SQ. FT. MORE OR LESS. PUD-1-11 Phase 1, Parts 1 - 10, Pointe-Marie, Final Development Plan Revi‐ sion 12 Proposed change to setbacks, adjustments to residential areas, common open space, and green space on prop‐ erty located on the north side of River Road, south‐ west of Nicholson Drive, on the Pointe-Marie Phase 1 Parts 1 through 10 Subdivision. (Council District 3-Gaudet) PUD-4-08 Materra Phase 3, Woman’s Hospital, Final Development Plan Proposed low density single family develop‐ ment on property located on the west side of Spad‐ ing Way, north of Jeter Drive, on the remainder of Tract D of the Eola Mc‐ Call Anderson Tract. (Council District 9-Hud‐ son) Run Dates: 9/11/2026 9/15/2026 9/17/2026 200008-sept 11-15-17-3t $524.67 PUBLIC NOTICE --The Zachary Community School District's 20262027 Draft Pupil Progres‐ sion Plan will be avail‐ able for public review from September 18 - Sep‐ tember 25, 2026. The Plan may be re‐ viewed at the Zachary Branch Library at 1900 Church Street or at the Zachary Community School District office at 3755 Church Street in Zachary between the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM. 200646-SEP 17-1T $32.47

Public Notices Meet/Hear/Min

PUBLIC NOTICE --A. CALL TO ORDER Commissioner Slaughter called the meeting to order at 6:08 p.m., on Monday, August 03, 2026, at the Zachary City Hall located at 4700 Main Street, Zachary, LA B. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance were carried over from previous meet‐ ing. C. OPENING PROCEDURES 1. ROLL CALL MEMBERS PRESENT Mindy Slaughter Jared Watkins James Peay Tommy Womack Kevin Williams MEMBERS ABSENT Jason Floyd – excused by Chairwoman Christi Murphy - excused by Chairwoman 2. READING OF CITY POLICY RELATIVE TO OPEN MEETINGS An opportunity for public comment shall be ob‐ served before a vote is taken on any agenda item. Once recognized by the presiding officer, the person afforded the floor, shall identify the agenda item upon which he or she wishes to pro‐ vide comment and shall limit his or her com‐ ments to matters that are strictly relevant to that agenda item. Com‐ mentary shall not exceed three (3) minutes per person. No dialogue be‐ tween Planning and Zon‐ ing board members and the public shall be per‐ mitted at these meet‐ ings, except to clarify the nature of questions and/or comments. The presiding officer re‐ serves the right to limit and/or terminate any commentary when deemed necessary or outside of public deco‐ rum. 3. CHANGES/ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA The motion was made by Commissioner Slaughter The motion was sec‐ onded by Commissioner k

Public Notices Meet/Hear/Min

Public Notices Meet/Hear/Min

y Womack To approve amending agenda, by moving con‐ sent item G1A to old business G2A. YEAS: Slaughter, Watkins, Peay, Womack, Williams NAYS: None ABSENT: Floyd, Murphy ABSTAINED: None

p Sharafkhani, Sheridan, Johnson), 0 nays, 0 ab‐ sent. Motion passed, and T-26-0003 was recom‐ mended for approval.

D. READING OF THE MINUTES 1. Approval of minutes of the July 06, 2026, regular meeting and approve them as written. The motion was made by Commissioner Womack The motion was sec‐ onded by Commissioner Slaughter To approve minutes of the July 06, 2026, regular meeting and approve them as written. YEAS: Slaughter, Watkins, Peay, Womack, Williams NAYS: None ABSENT: Floyd, Murphy ABSTAINED: None E. PRESENTATION OF DELEGATION F. ANNOUNCEMENTS G. PLANNING The consent agenda con‐ sists of items with no outstanding issues that do not require plan amendments, text amendments, variances, or waivers. Consent agenda items may be ap‐ proved with a single mo‐ tion without a public UNLESS re‐ hearing, moved from the consent agenda and placed in the regular agenda order. Items placed on the Con‐ sent Agenda by the Plan‐ ning & Zoning Staff will not have time allocated for speaking, UNLESS there is a member of the Planning & Zoning Com‐ mission of the public at the meeting who wishes to speak on the item. In such cases, the item will be removed from the consent agenda and placed in the regular agenda order for discus‐ sion. 1. Consent Agenda 2. Old Business a) RESUB-03-26 (4200-4300 Rollins Road) — Proposed resubdivi‐ sion of Lot 9 into Lots 9-A & 9-B of the Place Land & Cattle Company, LLC Tract, on property lo‐ cated at 4200-4300 Rollins Road, Zachary, La 70791. Commissioner Slaughter opened the PUBLIC HEARING at 6:11 p.m. Shane Nichols, Surveyor for Engineering & Land Surveying was there to speak in favor of the RESUB. There being no one else to speak in favor of or against the RESUB, Commissioner Slaughter closed the PUBLIC HEARING at 6:12 p.m. The motion was made by Commissioner Peay The motion was sec‐ onded by Commissioner Slaughter To approve - RESUB-03-26 (4200-4300 Rollins Road) — Proposed resubdivi‐ sion of Lot 9 into Lots 9-A & 9-B of the Place Land & Cattle Company, LLC Tract, on property lo‐ cated at 4200-4300 Rollins Road, Zachary, La 70791. YEAS: Slaughter, Watkins, Peay, Womack, Williams NAYS: None ABSENT: Floyd, Murphy ABSTAINED: None 3. New Business a) Consideration and adoption of the City of Zachary Land Use Master Plan. Commissioner Slaughter opened the PUBLIC HEARING at 6:17 p.m. There being no one to speak in favor of or against the Master Plan, Commissioner Slaughter closed the PUBLIC HEAR‐ ING at 6:17 p.m. The motion was made by Commissioner Slaughter The motion was sec‐ onded by Commissioner Womack To approve consideration for adoption of the City of Zachary Land Use Master Plan. YEAS: Slaughter, Watkins, Peay, Womack, Williams NAYS: None ABSENT: Floyd, Murphy ABSTAINE: None H. REPORT OF THE CITY PLANNER I. REPORT OF THE CHAIRWOMAN J. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 6:19 p.m. ________________ Karen Burdette Recording Secretary _________________ Mindy Slaughter Chairwoman

Karen Burdette, Recording Secretary CITY OF ZACHARY PARISH OF EAST BATON ROUGE STATE OF LOUISIANA 200997 Sept. 17, 2026 1t $85.28

PUBLIC NOTICE --CITY OF CENTRAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL Central City Hall 11530 Sullivan Road Central, LA 70818 https://www.centralgov. com/ Tuesday, August 25, 2026 MINUTES 6:00 PM I. Preliminary Business 1) Call to Order - Mayor Evans called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. 2) Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance – By Pastor Clint Newsom from Zoar Baptist Church 3) Roll Call Present: Fralick, Lavergne, Lazaroe, McK‐ inney, Myer, Roy and Wells Absent: None 4) Approval of the min‐ utes from the August 11, 2026 Council Meeting. Council Member Myer moved to approve the August 11, 2026 minutes as written. The motion was seconded by Council Member Wells. There were no objections. The August 11, 2026 minutes are approved as written. Council Member Roy made a motion to move Item VI. 1) up to be heard at this time. The motion was seconded by Council Member Myer. There were no objections. VI. Reports and Presentations: 1) Introduction of Wendy Edwards – candidate for Family Court Judge Wendy Edwards spoke to the public about her can‐ didacy for Family Court Judge.

II. Zoning Cases 1) Discussion and action regarding the following P&Z case(s): a) T-26-0003: Floodplain and Stormwater Man‐ agement. An Ordinance to amend Title 7 Unified Development Code to move floodplain and stormwater manage‐ ment regulations from Chapter 15 to Chapter 4, and provide for related matters.

Commission Action (July 23, 2026): Mr. Sharafkhani moved to approve. Mr. Pino sec‐ onded. Public comment: None. Vote: 7 yeas (Firmin, Freneaux, Harper, Pino, h fkh i h id

Council Action (August 25, 2026): Council Mem‐ ber McKinney moved to approve this item. The motion was seconded by Council Member Myer. Public comment: None. Vote: 7 yeas (Fralick, Lavergne, Lazaroe, McK‐ inney, Myer, Roy and Wells), 0 nays, 0 absent. Motion passed and T-260003 was approved. b) T-26-0004: Performance and Spe‐ cific Use Standards. An Ordinance to amend Title 7 Unified Development Code (UDC), Title 12 Nui‐ sances, and Appendix 1 Comprehensive Zoning Code (CZC) to move per‐ formance and specific use standards from the CZC to the UDC, make minor adjustments, and provide for related mat‐ ters.

Commission Action (July 23, 2026): Mr. Pino moved to approve with the con‐ dition that REV (Rural Event Venue) permits re‐ main required for applic‐ able businesses. Mr. Harper seconded. Public comment: None. Vote: 6 yeas (Freneaux, Harper, Pino, Sharafkhani, Sheri‐ dan, Johnson), 1 nay (Firmin), 0 absent. Mo‐ tion passed, T-26-0005 was recommended for approval with the condi‐ tion that REV (Rural Event Venue) permits re‐ main required for applic‐ able businesses. Council Action (August 25, 2026): Council Mem‐ ber Myer moved to ap‐ prove this item. The mo‐ tion was seconded by Council Member Roy. Council discussion. Council Member Wells moved to amend the item to remove the words “non substantive” from Section 7:1.6. of the staff report. The motion failed due to lack of a second. Public comment: None. Additional Council discussion. Council Member Myer moved to amend the motion to ac‐ cept the Planning and Zoning Commission’s recommendation to ap‐ prove with the condition that REV permits remain required. The amend‐ ment was seconded by Council Member Wells. Public comment: None. Vote on amendment: 7 yeas (Fralick, Lavergne, Lazaroe, McKinney, Myer, Roy and Wells), 0 nays, 0 absent. Vote on the mo‐ tion as amended:7 yeas (Fralick, Lavergne, Lazaroe, McKinney, Myer, Roy and Wells), 0 nays, 0 absent. Motion passed and T-26-0004 was ap‐ proved with the condi‐ tion that REV (Rural Event Venue) permits re‐ main required for applic‐ able businesses. 2) Introduction of the fol‐ lowing P&Z item(s) (with public hearing to be held at the September 8, 2026, Council meeting). None III. Old Business (Public Hearing and Action re‐ garding the following in‐ strument(s)): None IV. New Business (Public Hearing and Action re‐ garding the following in‐ strument(s)): 1) An ordinance to amend Title 13 of the Central Code of Ordi‐ nances An ordinance amending Title 13 of the code of or‐ dinances of the City of Central to incorporate, with modifications, the criminal provisions of Title 13 (Sections 13:1 through 13:1056.6) of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Baton Rouge and Parish of East Baton Rouge (By Council Mem‐ ber Myer). Council Member Myer moved to approve this item. The motion was seconded by Council Member Lazaroe. Council Member Myer offered an amendment to add the underlined words below to Sec. 13:93(b) of Title 13: “The prohibition of this section shall not apply to the shooting or discharg‐ ing of a pistol, revolver, rifle or shotgun or other firearm within five hun‐ dred (500) feet of a house, dwelling, or other structures, with the per‐ mission of the resi‐ dent/occupant of any such house, dwelling, or other occupied struc‐ ture.” The motion was sec‐ onded by Council Mem‐ ber Lazaroe. Public com‐ ment: Terry Summers, Michelle Lewis. Addi‐ tional Council discus‐ sion. Council Member Wells made a motion to defer this item to the second meeting in Octo‐ ber. The motion was sec‐ onded by Council Mem‐ ber Roy. Public comment: Steven Calone, Terry Summers. Vote on defer‐ ral: 3 yeas (Fralick, Roy and Wells), 4 nays (Lavergne, Lazaroe, McK‐ inney and Myer), 0 ab‐ sent. Motion failed. Vote on the amendment: 7 yeas (Fralick, Lavergne, Lazaroe, McKinney, Myer, Roy and Wells), 0 nays, 0 absent. Vote on the mo‐ tion as amended: 5 yeas (Fralick, Lavergne, Lazaroe, McKinney and Myer), 1 nay (Wells), 0 absent, 1 abstained (Roy). The amended mo‐ tion passed. 2) A resolution for the Culvert Improvement Project (Blackwater Bayou Culverts) A resolution in support of the Delta Regional Au‐ thority Community Infra‐ structure Fund Grant Ap‐ plication for the Culvert Improvement Project and to provide for related matters (By Council Member Wells) Council Member Wells moved to approve this item. The motion was seconded by Council Member Myer. Public comment: None. Vote: 7 yeas (Fralick, Lavergne, Lazaroe, McKinney, Myer, Roy and Wells), 0 nays, 0 absent. Motion passed. 3) A resolution for the Culvert Improvement Project (Greenwell Springs-Port Hudson Cul‐ verts) A resolution in support of the Delta Regional Au‐ thority Community Infra‐ structure Fund Grant Ap‐ plication for the Culvert Improvement Project and to provide for related matters (By Council Member Roy) Council Member Roy moved to approve this item. The motion was seconded by Council Member Myer. Public comment: None. Vote: 7 yeas (Fralick, Lavergne, Lazaroe, McKinney, Myer, Roy and Wells), 0 nays, 0 absent. Motion passed.

Public Notices Meet/Hear/Min

ing item.

ton

2) Mayor’s Reports and Presentations Mayor Evans provided an update on the 2026 Road Rehab Project.

F) Bill Wood Smith Real Estate Proposed RV Park

3) A report from the Cen‐ tral Police Department concerning law enforce‐ ment within the City of Central. Michelle Lewis gave a re‐ port for the Central Po‐ lice Department.

H) Westlake ITEP

4) A report from IBTS re‐ garding services pro‐ vided to the City of Cen‐ tral. IBTS Program Director, Taurus Freeman, gave a presentation on the ser‐ vices provided to the City of Central in the month of July 2026. 5) Distribution of the City of Central Accounts Payable Disbursement Report, Fuel Report and Deposit Totals for period of July 1, 2026 through July 31, 2026. Reports were distributed. VII. Other Business: 1) Public Comment None 2) Announcements - Mayor Evans stated that on October 10, 2026 Kiwanis is hosting an event at Central City Hall and that the City plans to couple that event with our annual Fall Fest event. 3) Adjournment Council Member Myer moved to adjourn. The motion was seconded by Council Member Lavergne. The meeting was adjourned at 6:58 p.m. S/ Wade Evans, Mayor S/ Mark Miley, Clerk 201046 Sept. 17, 2026 1t $143.23 PUBLIC NOTICE --Iberville Parish Council Advisory Board for Planning and Devel‐ opment P.O. Box 389 Plaquemine, LA 70765 Regular Meeting September 22, 2026 5:15 PM Iberville Parish Council Meeting Room 2nd floor, Parish Court‐ house 58050 Meriam Street, Plaquemine, LA 70764 Agenda 1. Roll Call 2. Public Comments (Must register with the Clerk) 3. Approval of Minutes 4. New Business a. Introduction of pro‐ posed RV Park & 2 Vari‐ ances b. Introduction of re-sub‐ division for Herd J. Daigle Estate c. Introduction of re-sub‐ division for Ash‐ ley/O’Dwyer d. Introduction of re-sub‐ division for Kutie, LLC e. Introduction of re-sub‐ division for Troy Canella 5. Old Business a. Approve Consideration of re-subdivision Karen Hicks b. Approve Consideration of re-subdivision for MJN Farm c. Approve Consideration of re-subdivision for Hebert 6 Farm d. Approve Consideration of re-subdivision for De‐ ondra Carter e. Approve Consideration of re-subdivision for Eric Weber f. Approve Consideration of re-subdivision for Phil Canova 6. Addendum a. None. 7. Discussions 8. Adjournment In accordance with the Americans with Disabili‐ ties Act, if you need spe‐ cial assistance for the meeting, please contact Iberville Parish Planning Commission at (225) 6875190, describing the as‐ sistance that is neces‐ sary. 9-17-2026 200928-SEP 17-1T $26.69

PUBLIC NOTICE --IBERVILLE PARISH COUN‐ CIL BOARD OF REVIEW MEET‐ ING TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2026 AT 6:20 P.M. IBERVILLE PARISH COUR‐ THOUSE, 2ND FLOOR 58050 MERIAM STREET, PLAQUEMINE, LA AGENDA 1) Call to Order 2) Roll Call 3) Acknowledgment of Public Notice - Council Clerk 4) Report of Protests Re‐ ceived - Council Clerk and Assessor 5) Assessor’s Tax Assess‐ ment Roll for 2026 6) Acceptance of Tax As‐ sessment Roll 7) Adjournment Macy W. Ourso, Council Clerk In accordance with the Americans with Disabili‐ ties Act, if you need spe‐ cial assistance for the Board of Review Meeting, please contact Iberville Parish Council at (225) 687-5190, de‐ scribing the assistance that is necessary. 9-17-2026 200927-SEP 17-1T $17.91 PUBLIC NOTICE --IBERVILLE PARISH COUN‐ CIL REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2026 AT 6:30 P.M. IBERVILLE PARISH COUN‐ CIL 58050 MERIAM STREET, PLAQUEMINE, LOUISIANA 70764 AGENDA 1) Call to order 2) Pledge of Allegiance

J) Vibrations Update – John Clark 6) Reading and Approval of Minutes • PH, RM Minutes for Au‐ gust 18, 2026 7) President’s Report 8) Financial Report 9) Old Business A) Approve Ordinance to amend the 2026 capital improvement budget and the 2026 Ochsner Med‐ ical Complex special rev‐ enue fund budget to pro‐ vide additional appropri‐ ations for Ramah Boat landing improvements and purchase of equip‐ ment for Ochsner Med‐ ical Complex B) Approve Ordinance creating the Iberville Parish Infrastructure Fund; providing for the purpose, funding, admin‐ istration, and use of the fund; authorizing the de‐ posit of revenues derived from Industrial Tax Ex‐ emption Program (ITEP) agreements, payments in lieu of taxes (PILOT), co‐ operative endeavor agreements, and other economic development tax incentive programs; providing for eligible capital improvements; providing for project ap‐ proval, accountability, re‐ porting, and severability; and otherwise providing with respect thereto C) Approve Ordinance to amend section 16-4(a) of the Iberville Parish Code of Ordinances to clarify that the replacement of existing culverts as part of certain governmental flood mitigation or drainage improvement projects is permitted when such replacement maintains or improves hydraulic capacity D) Approve Ordinance to amend IPC Ordinance No. 007-26 relative to the moratorium on the loca‐ tion of battery energy storage systems (BESS) in the unincorporated areas of Iberville Parish, Louisiana 10) New Business A) Introduction of Ordi‐ nances 1. Ordinance to amend the 2026 Operating Bud‐ get to Purchase property on Babin Road for con‐ struction boat landing. Set for Public Hearing on October 20, 2026 11) Resolution Commit‐ tee Report A) Consider/Approve Resolution adopting the Annual Certification of Compliance with the State of Louisiana Off System Bridge Replace‐ ment Program B) Consider/Approve res‐ olution authorizing the Iberville Parish President to sign and receive any documentation relative to the receipt of one-time funding of $500,000 and $25,000 awarded by the State of Louisiana out‐ lined in Louisiana Act 3 of the 2026 Legislative regu‐ lar session C) Consider/Approve res‐ olution authorizing the organization of the In‐ dustrial Development Board of the Parish of Iberville, State of Louisiana, inc., under the authority of LA. R.S. 51:1151 et seq.; and pro‐ viding for other matters in connection therewith D) Consider/Approve Res‐ olution authorizing the Parish President to enter into an agreement by and between the Iberville Parish Government and the White Castle Lumber and Shingle Company, LLC for removal of trees from a parish canal drainage project E) Consider/Approve Res‐ olution authorizing the Parish President to enter into a cooperative en‐ deavor agreement (CEA) with the Louisiana De‐ partment of Transporta‐ tion and Development to provide reinstatement of the Ramah lighting sys‐ tem at I-10 and LA 3000 interchanges F) Consider/Approve Res‐ olution authorizing the Parish President to enter into an intergovernmen‐ tal cooperative endeavor agreement between the Iberville Parish Govern‐ ment and the Town of White Castle for the parish to perform build‐ ing inspections, permit‐ ting, and condemnation inspections within the corporate limits of the town White Castle G) Consider/Approve Resolution authorizing the Parish President and Administration to ex‐ plore and evaluate the procurement of a con‐ tract for twice-per-week residential solid waste collection services; re‐ quiring compliance with Louisiana public-bid law, the Iberville Parish Home Rule Charter, applicable Parish Ordinances, and budgetary requirements; and providing for related matters 12) Planning Commission Report A) Consider/Approve Consideration of re-sub‐ division for Karen Hicks B) Consider/Approve Consideration of re-sub‐ division for MJN Farm C) Consider/Approve Consideration of re-sub‐ division Hebert 6 WC D) Consider/Approve Consideration of re-sub‐ division Deondra Carter E) Consider/Approve Consideration of re-sub‐ division Eric Weber F) Consider/Approve Con‐ sideration of re-subdivi‐ sion Phil Canova 13) Executive Session La. R.S. 42:17(A)(2) • Consideration of any action in the matter of Entergy’s Cypress Har‐ vest Solar Farm Project 14) Boards and Commis‐ sions Report A) None 15) Announcement A) None 16) Discussions A) None

4) Addendum A) None.

Macy W. Ourso, Council Clerk

5) Presentations and Ap‐ pearances

In accordance with the Americans with Disabili‐ ties Act, if you need spe‐ cial assistance for the meeting, please contact Iberville Parish Council at (225) 687-5190, de‐ scribing the assistance that is necessary.

1) Introduction of the fol‐ lowing item(s) (with pub‐ lic hearing to be held at the September 8, 2026, Council meeting):

B) Announcing Candi‐ dacy for School Board Member at Large – Becky Sue Bickham

1) Introduction of Wendy Edwards – candidate for Family Court Judge Moved to the first hear‐

I) Energy Park Presenta‐ tion

17) Correspondence A) None

A) Recognition of the 2026 12u USSA Bracket Champions

VI. Reports and Presentations:

G) Ben Bello on proposed Industrial Zoning

3) Public Comments (Must register with the Clerk, please see dis‐ claimer below.*)

V. New Business (Non-Public Hearing):

None

Public Notices Meet/Hear/Min

C) Announcing Candi‐ dacy for School Board Member at Large – Jeanne Medine D) Announcing Candi‐ dacy for U.S Representa‐ tive 6th Congressional District – Larry Davis E) Assessor Randy Sex‐

18) Adjournment

*In accordance with LASR.S. 42:14, the public will be allowed to speak on agenda items only, for a maximum of 3 minutes. Iberville Parish Council meetings are accessible for public viewing on our b i

Public Notices Meet/Hear/Min p g website IbervilleParish.com. 9-17-2026 200926-SEP 17-1T $107.86 PUBLIC NOTICE --RECREATION AND PARK COMMISSION FOR THE PARISH OF EAST BATON ROUGE Regular Meeting – 5:00 p.m. BREC Administration Building 6201 Florida Boulevard Baton Rouge, Louisiana Commission Minutes August 27, 2026 Call to Order A regular meeting of the Recreation and Park Commission for the Parish of East Baton Rouge (BREC) was held at BREC’s Administrative Offices on August 27, 2026. The meeting was called to order at 5:00 p.m. by Chairman Michael Polito. Commis‐ sioner Wade Evans of‐ fered the invocation, and Commissioner Carl Stages led the Pledge of Allegiance. Roll was taken and a quorum of Commissioners was pre‐ sent, including Michael Polito, Chair; Wade Evans, Vice-Chair; Carl Stages, Treasurer; Dr. Murelle Harrison; David McDavid; Collis Temple III; and Lon Vicknair. Commissioners Marshall Ortego and Dustin Yates were absent. Staff mem‐ bers present were Dr. Brooks M. Williams, Su‐ perintendent; Aneatra Boykin, Chief Administra‐ tive Officer and General Counsel; Steven Knight, Chief Information Offi‐ cer; Chad Brewer, Reshon Clayton, Dina Du‐ plantis, Angela Harms, Jim Fleshman, Corey Lut‐ trell, Michael Raby. Dr. Evante Topp, Executive Director of BREC Founda‐ tion, and Murphy Foster, legal counsel, were also in attendance. The rest of the audience con‐ sisted of other BREC staff, media, and the public. Public Comment Chairman Polito an‐ nounced that public comment would be al‐ lowed prior to a vote being taken on any agenda action item and explained the process to be observed. Adoption of Minutes Resolved, that the read‐ ing of the minutes of the Recreation and Park Commission Meeting of July 23, 2026 be dis‐ pensed with, and that they be approved as written. Motion to approve by Mr. Temple Second by Mr. McDavid There being no discus‐ sion, Chairman Polito called for the vote with the following results: Yeas: 7 Nays: 0 The minutes were ap‐ proved unanimously. Consent Calendar The next item was under the Consent Calendar as follows: Resolved, that the Com‐ mission review and ac‐ cept the Routine Person‐ nel Transactions from July 8, 2026 through Au‐ gust 4, 2026. Motion to approve by Dr. Harrison Second by Mr. Evans There being no discus‐ sion, Chairman Polito called for the vote with the following results: Yeas: 7 Nays: 0 The motion was ap‐ proved unanimously. Presentations The BREC video showcas‐ ing upcoming activities for the month of August was played. Reports of Officers and Standing Committees Chairman Polito intro‐ duced the audience to the new Superintendent, Dr. Brooks Williams, who began his Superinten‐ dent’s Update by giving an overview of his first three weeks in the role. He stated that he made an attempt to spend time away from the desk, tak‐ ing an opportunity to “see” BREC; he also met with employees, Com‐ missioners, mayors, the (BREC) Foundation, CPERS, coaches, commu‐ nity partners, and the media. He stated that he toured a few BREC facili‐ ties and started working through some of the au‐ dits, contracts, and other issues that were already underway before he as‐ sumed the role of Super‐ intendent; he remarked that he has been doing a lot of listening and ask‐ ing a lot of questions. He said that he discovered in talking to people that there is an enormous amount of pride in BREC, but also some frustration with a number of processes; however, those are things that can and will be fixed. Superintendent Williams presented the July Monthly Attendance Re‐ port, and stated that going forward, the num‐ bers will be looked at a bit differently – fluctua‐ tions in attendance will be questioned so that the reasons for them can be addressed. He spoke about the impact of BREC volunteers, how to keep current volunteers as well as attract new ones. The Superintendent stated that he wanted to tour the facilities to see them for himself. He wanted to understand the staffing and to be able to compare what is actually done to what the taxpayers are told is being done. He said that he has seen significant deferred maintenance and a very large capital need across the system. BREC needs to prioritize and stop allowing the newest issue to become the next priority. He stated that BREC needs to get back to the basics, and it cannot promise more than it has the bud‐ get and staffing to oper‐ ate. He also presented on the upcoming CityBrooks Park community meeting scheduled for September 17, 2026; park security and safety; and with the partnership local law enforcement and the NFL for the new flag football league. Superintendent Williams concluded his report by stating that what is im‐ portant right now is that people need to see the value of BREC quickly, which involves fixing things people can see and finishing things that were promised, as well as being consistent about how decisions are made internally as a staff. He stated that his goal is to create a sys‐ tem where the processes produce consistent and visible wins. Chairman Polito thanked Superintendent Williams and welcomed him to BREC as the audience ap‐ plauded.

Standing Committee Re‐ ports Chairman Polito read Item a under Selection of Professionals: Resolved, that the Com‐ mission approve an amendment to Contract #2026000199 with Sasaki Associates for the CityBrooks Community Park Master Plan and Lakes Vision, to add $40,045.05 for additional services of expanded engagement d di i ddi

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Public Notices Meet/Hear/Min

p g g and coordination, addi‐ tional management and stakeholder meetings, Special Committee pre‐ sentations, and public meeting support. The original contract amount was $600,000.00; the new total is $640,045.05. Au‐ thorize Superintendent to execute appropriate documents upon final legal review. Motion to approve by Mr. Evans Second by Dr. Harrison

y p y take other action con‐ cerning the July 28, 2026 letter.

Commissioner Evans stated that he begrudg‐ ingly motioned to ap‐ prove because he is on record as not supporting BREC underwriting this fully at the beginning, and he will continue to reiterate his displeasure for BREC being the one to underwrite the entire project because there were good partners in‐ volved and willing to pay for more than half. He stated that the commu‐ nity has since demanded more public engage‐ ment, which had been re‐ moved from the scope of the original contract to get the number down; this contract increase is the result of that addi‐ tional public engage‐ ment. Chairman Polito recog‐ nized an audience mem‐ ber, Pennie Mae Landry, who expressed her con‐ cern with the contract and her preference for using in-state contrac‐ tors. Chairman Polito stated that she misunderstood the monthly payment as if it is broken down. Com‐ missioner Evans chimed the in, saying that monthly payments are not broken down across the entire contract amount and annuitized over the term, but are paid as services are ren‐ dered. Commissioner Vicknair stated that he, too, was against the increase for BREC and that he thinks it can be worked out without committing ad‐ ditional funds, even given the change in scope and additional community engage‐ ments. He looks forward to seeing the outcomes resulting from this in‐ vestment. Commissioner Evans stated that he believes that local companies should receive deference and that Requests for Qualifications (RFQs) should be structured, where legally allowed, so that home-grown compa‐ nies can receive extra points; however, can‐ celling the contract is not an option at this juncture. Commissioner Stages stated that the partners that wanted to put up additional funds have al‐ ways had the opportu‐ nity to do that and help pay for this work. He asked if the extra funds were covering incurred expenses. Planning and Engineering Director An‐ gela Harms affirmed that they were, stating that most of the stakeholder meetings have already taken place, with a cou‐ ple more on the sched‐ ule. She stated that the costs have been incurred but not paid. Commis‐ sioner Stages asked for clarification if the origi‐ nal amount requested had been reduced to $40,000. Ms. Harms af‐ firmed that the original contract amendment amount was reduced. Commissioner Stages in‐ quired about the conse‐ quences of a no vote from the Commission. Ms. Harms stated that the work would stop. Commissioner Temple stated, for clarification, that all the funds in‐ vested would go “down the drain” without a fin‐ ished product. Ms. Harms confirmed. Chairman Polito stated that the night that he and Commissioners Evans and Vicknair did not vote in favor of the motion approving BREC to fully fund the agree‐ ment, the Commission approved the original contract amount of ap‐ proximately $630,000.00; post-approval, the scope involving community en‐ gagement meetings was reduced and the final cost was $600,000.00. This contract amend‐ ment puts the money back in; the work was done, and Sasaki is due the money. There being no further discussion, Chairman Polito called for a roll call vote with the following results: Yeas: 5 Mr. Stages, Mr. Temple, Mr. Polito, Mr. Evans, Dr. Harrison Nays: 2 Mr. Vicknair, Mr. McDavid Absent: 2 Mr. Ortego, Mr. Yates The motion was ap‐ proved. Reports of Special Committees None Special Orders None Unfinished Business and General Orders None New Business Chairman Polito read Item A under New Busi‐ ness: Resolved, that effective August 27, 2026, the Recreation and Park Commission for the Parish of East Baton Rouge authorizes and empowers Brooks Williams, Superintendent and Ex-Officio Secretary for the Recreation and Park Commission for the Parish of East Baton Rouge, to execute all agreements and docu‐ ments, including all agency financial docu‐ ments, for and on behalf of the said Commission. Motion to approve by Mr. Vicknair Second by Mr. McDavid Commissioner Harrison asked if this authoriza‐ tion would be for the en‐ tirety of the Superinten‐ dent’s contract or if this would have to be done annually. Chairman Polito recognized Chief Administrative Officer and General Counsel Aneatra Boykin, who stated that this would be in effect for as long as Dr. Williams served as Superintendent. There being no further discussion, Chairman Polito called for the vote with the following re‐ sults: Yeas: 7 Nays: 0 The motion was ap‐ proved unanimously. Chairman Polito read Item B under New Busi‐ ness: Resolved, that the Com‐ mission, in response to the District Attorney’s August 21, 2026 written findings concerning the Commission’s July 23, 2026 executive-session notice, hereby rescinds and supersedes the July 28, 2026 letter to Friends of City Park Baton Rouge, Inc. This action is taken to address the identified procedural notice issue and does not constitute an admission of liability, wrongdoing, retaliatory intent, or waiver of any right, claim, defense, or position held by BREC or any Commissioner. The Commission, in open ses‐ sion, will consider whether to rescind, mod‐ ify, supersede, ratify, or k h i

Commissioner Evans moved to rescind the let‐ ter and send a new letter to Friends of City Park (FOCP), seconded by Mr. Stages. Chairman Polito recog‐ nized Ms. Landry from the audience, who ex‐ pressed her concern with what she considers a lack of transparency from the BREC and the Commission. Chairman Polito re‐ sponded, saying that BREC is committed to doing a better job in all areas going forward. He also apologized to FOCP and Peter Davis, who was present in the audi‐ ence, for any ill intent perceived by the organi‐ zation, and stated that if FOCP would agree to use the disclaimer, the Com‐ mission would agree to rescind the letter if noti‐ fied as such in one week. Mr. Davis stated that they would notify the Commission in one week. Commissioner Evans modified his motion and moved to rescind the original letter and send a new letter if no affirma‐ tive word regarding adding a disclaimer to their materials is re‐ ceived from Friends of City Park by September 4, 2026, seconded by Mr. Vicknair. Chairman Polito recog‐ nized Ms. Landry, who again expressed her con‐ cern with the presumed lack of transparency and the intent of the Com‐ mission. There being no further discussion, Chairman Polito called for the vote with the following re‐ sults: Yeas: 7 Nays: 0 The motion was ap‐ proved unanimously. Adjournment Chairman Polito called for a motion to adjourn the meeting. Commis‐ sioner Evans made a mo‐ tion, Commissioner Vick‐ nair seconded, and the meeting was adjourned at 5:40 p.m. without ob‐ jection. Brooks M. Williams, Superintendent and Ex-Officio Secretary Michael Polito, Chairman DRAFT 200922-SEP 17-1T $232.52

Public Notices Nat Res Coastal

PUBLIC NOTICE --NOTICE the Louisiana De‐ partment of Conserva‐ tion and Energy, Office of Permitting and Compli‐ ance (OPC) has received a request to extend for the referenced applica‐ tion(s) for a Coastal Use Permit (CUP) in accor‐ dance with La. R.S. 49:214.21 et seq., and the rules of the Coastal Man‐ agement Program. Appli‐ cations for coastal use permits may be in‐ spected at 617 North 3rd Street, Room 1078, Baton Rouge, LA or on the OPC https:// webpage at: www.dce.louisiana.gov/ page/coastalmanagement-publicnotices. Copies are avail‐ able, costs apply. Written comments are solicited from the public and must be received within 10 days of the date of this notice. Comments must be uploaded directly to our electronic record through the OPC web‐ page or mailed to: OPC Administrator, Kyle Balkum, and P.O Box 44487, Baton Rouge, LA 70804-4487. All comments must contain the appro‐ priate CUP number and commenter's full the name and contact infor‐ mation. Below are the referenced applica‐ tion(s): ********* CUP NUMBER: P20240965 (Ex‐ tended) Name: Sabine Pass Liquification, LLC and Sabine Pass Lique‐ faction Stage V, LLC, c/o Nathan Olday 1700 West Loop South Suite 1500 Houston, TX 77027 Attn: Nathan Olday Location: Cameron Parish, LA; Bor‐ ing location #45 @ Lat. 29-44-58.54N / Long. -9351-45.47W (see plats for additional coordinates); Section 17 T15S R15W; 0.5 mile inside Sabine Pass LNG Terminal site; Louisiana. Description: Proposed geotechnical investigation to conduct Cone Penetration Tests (CPT) at twelve (12) loca‐ tions and one (1) test pit and CPT sounding at a separate location. Less than one cubic yard of native material will be excavated and placed on site via bore rig. 201059 Sept. 17, 2026 1t $22.34 PUBLIC NOTICE --NOTICE the Louisiana De‐ partment of Conserva‐ tion and Energy, Office of Permitting and Compli‐ ance (OPC) has received the following applica‐ tion(s) for a Coastal Use Permit (CUP) in accor‐ dance with La. R.S. 49:214.21 et seq., and the rules of the Coastal Man‐ agement Program. Appli‐ cations for coastal use permits may be in‐ spected at 617 North 3rd Street, Room 1078, Baton Rouge, LA or on the OPC webpage at: https:// www.dce.louisiana.gov/ page/coastalmanagement-publicnotices. Copies are avail‐ able, costs apply. Written comments are solicited from the public and must be received within 25 days of the date of this notice. Comments must be uploaded directly to our electronic record through the OPC web‐ page or mailed to: OPC Administrator, Kyle Balkum, and P.O. Box 44487, Baton Rouge, LA 70804-4487. All comments must contain the appro‐ priate CUP number and full the commenter's name and contact infor‐ mation. Below are the referenced applica‐ tion(s): *************** CUP NUMBER: P20260676 Name: Gallet, Jeffery Jr. c/o Coastal Development Projects, LLC 1500 S JACKSON ST COVINGTON, LA 70433 Attn: John Dale "Zach" Lea Location: Ter‐ rebonne Parish, LA; Lat.: 29-22-0.05N, Long.: -90-360.08W; Section 58 T20S R18E; 2559 S. Madison Canal Road, Hwy55, Mon‐ tegut, LA 70377 Houma, 70360 Description: Pro‐ posal to reclaim water bottoms of Bayou Terre‐ bonne using ~1,356cy broken concrete, in‐ stalling a wooden deck over concrete, and in‐ stalling a stationary wingnet. No excavation will be required. 201057 Sept. 17, 2026 1t $20.34

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WBR Public Notices

WBR Legal Notices

PUBLIC NOTICE --Public Notice West Baton Rouge Parish Zoning Commission Master Plan Change Request: Rezone approx. 9+- ac from AG (Agricul‐ tural) to R-MH (Mobile Home Park) Owner/Applicant: Tamara Harvey Address: 071600001400 Rosedale Road Port Allen LA 70767 Property Description: PJ #26-0024: as described by the WBR Assessor site: LOT 4-B-1A CONT 8.74 AC IN SEC 8 T7S R11E & 1.00 AC M/L TAKEN FROM LOT 4-B-1A 16-14 The West Baton Rouge Zoning Commission will hold a PUBLIC HEARING relative to the rezoning request. Date: Tuesday, October 6, 2026 Time: 5:30 pm The West Baton Rouge Parish Council will hold a PUBLIC HEARING relative to the rezoning request. Date: Thursday, October 8, 2026 Time 5:30 pm Public hearings will be held at the West Baton Rouge Parish Govern‐ mental Building, 880 N. Alexander, Port Allen, LA 70767 WEST BATON ROUGE PARISH P&Z COMMISSION ALL MEETING INFORMA‐ TION INCLUDING MIN‐ UTES AND VIDEOS CAN BE FOUND ON OUR WEBSITE WBRPARISH.ORG UNDER THE AGENDA AND MIN‐ UTES TAB. Ordinances in full can be found on our website under Notice of Public https:// Hearings…… www.wbrparish.org/720/ Notice-of-PublicHearings

Publish The Advocate Three (3) Times: 9/17/2026, 9/24/2026, and 10/1/2026 199728-sept 17-24-oct 13t $78.99

WBR Public Notices Sheriff Sales

SHERIFF’S SALE CARRINGTON MORTGAGE SERVICES, LLC VS. BROOKE MARTINEZ DOCKET NO: 51184 18TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT WEST BATON ROUGE PARISH STATE OF LOUISIANA By virtue of a Writ of Seizure and Sale, di‐ rected by the Honorable The Eighteenth Judicial District Court, for the Parish of West Baton Rouge, in the above enti‐ tled and numbered cause, I have seized and proceed to sell by public auction, on the front steps of the West Baton Rouge Courthouse, 850 8th Street, Port Allen, Louisiana on WEDNES‐ DAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2026 at 10:00 A.M., the follow‐ ing described property, to wit: One (1) certain lot or par‐ cel of ground, together with all the buildings and improvements thereon, situated in the Parish of WEST BATON ROUGE, Louisiana, in that subdi‐ vision thereof known as LYNNDALE SUBDIVISION, and being more particu‐ larly described according to the official map of said subdivision, on file and of record in the of‐ fice of the Clerk and Recorder for the said Parish and State as LOT B, said subdivision, said lot having such measure‐ ments and dimensions and being subject to such servitudes as shown on the said map. Which has the address of: 4352 Greenleaf Av‐ enue, Port Allen, LA 70767 Terms of Sale: Cash to the highest bidder WITH benefit of appraisement and according to law. Attorney for the Plaintiff: Graham, Arceneaux & Allen, Two Lakeway, 3850 N. Causeway Blvd., Suite 1695, Metairie, LA 70002, (504) 522-8256 Judicial Advertise‐ ment(s) will appear in THE ADVOCATE on the date(s) of: AUGUST 20, 2026 and SEPTEMBER 17, 2026. JEFF BERGERON, SHERIFF PARISH OF WEST BATON ROUGE DELAUNE, BY: ANGIE CIVIL DEPUTY $53.69 SHERIFF’S SALE CITIBANK, N.A., NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPAC‐ ITY, BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE OF THE NEW RESIDENTIAL MORT‐ GAGE LOAN TRUST 2020-1 VS. TODD GORDON DOCKET NO: 50600 18TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT WEST BATON ROUGE PARISH STATE OF LOUISIANA By virtue of a Writ of Seizure and Sale, di‐ rected by the Honorable The Eighteenth Judicial District Court, for the Parish of West Baton Rouge, in the above enti‐ and numbered tled cause, I have seized and proceed to sell by public auction, on the front steps of the West Baton Rouge Courthouse, 850 8th Street, Port Allen, Louisiana on WEDNES‐ DAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2026 at 10:00 A.M., the follow‐ ing described property, to wit: One certain tract or par‐ cel of land, together with all rights, ways, privi‐ leges and servitudes thereunto appertaining, and with all buildings and improvements thereon and belonging, lying, being and situated in Sections 20 and/or 21, T-8-S, R-12-E, Southeast‐ ern Land District, Parish of West Baton Rouge, State of Louisiana, and being more particularly described and desig‐ nated as Lot CB-2, on a map of survey by John K. Laws, Jr., Professional Land Surveyor of Laws and Associates, Inc., dated November 7, 1990 entitled "Final Plat of Lots CB-1 Through CB-6 & Lot FB-1 Being the Subdi‐ vision of Tract CB and a Portion of a Parcel known as the Forten‐ berry Tract and being lo‐ cated in Sections 20 and 21, T-8-S, R-12-E, South‐ eastern Land District, West Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana for John & Maudrie Bartney," a copy of which map of survey having been filed for record at Map Book 3, Entry 189 of the records of West Baton Rouge, and according to said map of survey said tract is described as follows: Start at the intersection of the southerly line of Red Hat Rd. and the westerly line of S. River d ( ) (b h i h


10D ■ Thursday, September 17, 2026 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate WBR Public Notices Sheriff Sales

WBR Public Notices Sheriff Sales

y Rd. (La 988) (both rightof-way lines having been extended as a result of the dedication on said map of survey, the width of Red Hat Rd. being in‐ creased by 18 feet and the width of S. River Rd. being increased by 10 feet), which point is the northeast corner of Lot CB-1; thence South 27 de‐ grees 39 minutes 23 sec‐ onds West a distance of 175.50 feet to a point marked by an iron pipe; thence South 28 degrees 15 minutes 32 seconds West a distance of 90.00 feet to a point and corner marked by an iron pipe; thence North 66 degrees 03 minutes 30 seconds West a distance of 299.82 feet to a point and comer marked by an iron pipe, which point is the point of beginning; thence on the same bearing and in the same direction a dis‐ tance of 75.14 feet to a point and comer marked by an iron pipe; thence South 21 degrees 07 min‐ utes 57 seconds West a distance of 95.90 feet to a point and corner marked by an iron pipe; thence North 65 degrees 58 min‐ utes 46 seconds West a distance of 152.64 feet to point and corner a marked by an iron pipe; thence in northerly direc‐ tion on a bearing of South 23 degrees 54 min‐ utes 59 seconds West a distance of 245.03 feet to point and corner a marked by an iron pipe; thence South 65 degrees 05 minutes 01 seconds East a distance of 183.36 feet to a point and corner marked by an iron pipe; thence South 25 degrees 50 minutes 10 seconds West a distance of 50.03 feet to a point and comer marked by an iron pipe; thence South 66 degrees 05 minutes 01 seconds East a distance of 41.43 feet to a point and comer marked by an iron pipe; h h d

y pp thence South 23 degrees 54 minutes 59 seconds West a distance of 99.56 feet to the point of begin‐ ning. Lot CB-2 contains 1.209 acres and is bounded easterly by Lots CB-1 and FB-1, southerly by Lot FB1 and Mack Lewis, now or formerly, northerly by Leotha Butler, now or for‐ merly, and Lot CB-I and westerly by Lot CB-4 and subject to restrictions, servitudes, and building lines as shown on said map of survey. Municipal Address: 2929 J. Bartney Lane, Brusly, LA 70719 Terms of Sale: Cash to the highest bidder WITH benefit of appraisement and according to law. Attorney for the Plaintiff: The Law Offices of Her‐ schel C. Adcock, Jr., PO Box 87379, Baton Rouge, LA 70879, (225) 756-0373 Judicial Advertise‐ ment(s) will appear in THE ADVOCATE on the date(s) of: AUGUST 20, 2026 and SEPTEMBER 17, 2026. JEFF BERGERON, SHERIFF PARISH OF WEST BATON ROUGE BY: ANGIE DELAUNE, CIVIL DEPUTY $91.08 SHERIFF’S SALE PENNYMAC LOAN SER‐ VICES, LLC VS. CORDIAS L. WALKER A/K/A COR‐ DIAS WALKER DOCKET NO: 48781 18TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT WEST BATON COURT ROUGE PARISH STATE OF LOUISIANA By virtue of a Writ of Seizure and Sale, di‐

lll

WBR Public Notices Sheriff Sales

rected by the Honorable The Eighteenth Judicial District Court, for the Parish of West Baton Rouge, in the above enti‐ and numbered tled cause, I have seized and proceed to sell by public auction, on the front steps of the West Baton Rouge Courthouse, 850 8th Street, Port Allen, Louisiana on WEDNES‐ DAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2026 at 10:00 A.M., the follow‐ ing described property, to wit: One (I) certain lot or par‐ cel of ground, together with all the buildings and improvements thereon, situated in that subdivi‐ sion of the Parish of West Baton Rouge, State of Louisiana, known as Sun‐ set Lakes, Second Filing, and being designated on the official subdivision map, on file and of record as Instrument No. 2019-00043585 in the of‐ fice of the Clerk and Recorder for said parish and state, as lot fifteen (15), said subdivision, said lot having such measurements and di‐ mensions as shown on said map. MUNICIPAL ADDRESS IS: 7069 EAST SUNSET LOOP, ADDIS, LA 70710 Terms of Sale: Cash to the highest bidder WITH‐ OUT benefit of appraise‐ ment and according to law. Attorney for the Plaintiff: The Law Offices of Her‐ schel C. Adcock, Jr., 13541 Tiger Bend Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70817, (225) 756-0373 Judicial Advertise‐ ment(s) will appear in THE ADVOCATE on the date(s) of: AUGUST 20, 2026 and SEPTEMBER 17,

WBR Public Notices Sheriff Sales

2026. JEFF BERGERON, SHERIFF PARISH OF WEST BATON ROUGE BY: ANGIE DELAUNE, CIVIL DEPUTY $54.03 SHERIFF’S SALE PLANET HOME LENDING, LLC VS. RESHAWN R. HEN‐ DERSON DOCKET NO: 50443 18TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT WEST BATON COURT ROUGE PARISH STATE OF LOUISIANA By virtue of a Writ of Seizure and Sale, di‐ rected by the Honorable The Eighteenth Judicial District Court, for the Parish of West Baton Rouge, in the above enti‐ and numbered tled cause, I have seized and proceed to sell by public auction, on the front steps of the West Baton Rouge Courthouse, 850 8th Street, Port Allen, Louisiana on WEDNES‐ DAY, OCTOBER 21, 2026 at 10:00 A.M., the following described property, to wit: A certain parcel of ground, together with all buildings and improve‐ ments located thereon, lying and being situated in the Parish of West Baton Rouge, State of Louisiana in that part of the Fourth Ward known as Riverview Subdivision and designated on a map of the said Riverview Subdivision drawn by Earl Porter, C.E. and S., dated May 18, 1949, on file and of record in the office of the Clerk and Recorder for the Parish of West Baton Rouge as LOTS NOS. THIRTY-SEVEN (37) AND THIRTY-EIGHT (38) AND THE NORTH HALF OF LOT NO. THIRTY-

WBR Public Notices Sheriff Sales

NINE (N 1/2 OF 39), said Subdivision; Riverview and the said lots measur‐ ing one hundred twenty five (125') feet on the eastside of Riverview Drive by a depth between equal and parallel lines of two hundred (200') feet, all as shown by said map herein above de‐ scribed. AND One (1) certain fractional lot or parcel of ground, together with all build‐ ings and improvements located thereon, lying and being situated in the Parish of West Baton Rouge, State of Louisiana in that part of the Fourth known as Ward Subdivision Riverview and designated on a "Map Showing the Re‐ subdivision of Lots 32, 33, 34, 35 and 36 Riverview in West Subdivision, Rouge Parish, Baton Louisiana for J.D. De‐ Bleiux and Floyd P. Landry" dated April 6, 1973, made by Toxie Craft, Civil Engineer, as the SOUTHERN ONE-HALF OF LOT NO. THIRTY-SIX-A (S 1/2 OF 36-A), said Subdivision, Riverview the said half lot measur‐ ing thirty-seven and 5/10 (37.5') feet front on Riverview Road by a depth of two hundred (200') feet on its south‐ ern sideline adjacent to Lot 37, and two hundred (200') feet on its northern sideline, all as are shown on said map above refer‐ enced to, a copy of which has been filed in the of‐ fice of the Clerk of Court and Recorder of the Parish of West Baton Rouge, Louisiana; subject to restrictions, servi‐ tudes, rights-of-way and mineral outstanding rights of record affecting the property. Municipal Address: 4356 h i i d

WBR Public Notices Sheriff Sales p North Riverview Road, Port Allen, LA 70767 Terms of Sale: Cash to the highest bidder WITH benefit of appraisement and according to law. Attorney for the Plaintiff: & Watkins Halliday, Mann, 1602 W. Pinhook Suite 300B, Road, Lafayette, 70508, (801) 355-2886 Judicial Advertise‐ ment(s) will appear in THE ADVOCATE on the date(s) of: SEPTEMBER 17, 2026 and OCTOBER 15, 2026. JEFF BERGERON, SHERIFF PARISH OF WEST BATON ROUGE BY: ANGIE DELAUNE, CIVIL DEPUTY $74.91 SHERIFF’S SALE REGIONS BANK D/B/A RE‐ GIONS MORTGAGE VS. THE OPENED SUCCES‐ OF KASANDRA SION ASKINS AND DENISE KA’THAIDRA ROBERTSON, KATHAIDRA D. A/K/A ROBERTSON, KATHAIDRA ROBERTSON, KA’THAIDRA ROBERTSON JOHNSON AND KEITH JOHNSON, JR., A/K/A KEITH D. JOHNSON DOCKET NO: 51216 18TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT WEST BATON COURT ROUGE PARISH STATE OF LOUISIANA By virtue of a Writ of Seizure and Sale, di‐ rected by the Honorable The Eighteenth Judicial District Court, for the Parish of West Baton Rouge, in the above enti‐ and numbered tled cause, I have seized and proceed to sell by public auction, on the front steps of the West Baton Rouge Courthouse, 850 8th Street, Port Allen,

WBR Public Notices Sheriff Sales

Louisiana on WEDNES‐ DAY, OCTOBER 21, 2026 at 10:00 A.M., the following described property, to wit: ONE (1) CERTAIN LOT OR PARCEL OF GROUND, TO‐ GETHER WITH ALL THE AND IM‐ BUILDINGS PROVEMENTS THEREON, SITUATED IN THE PARISH OF WEST BATON ROUGE, STATE OF LOUISIANA, IN SUBDIVISION THAT KNOWN AS SUGAR MILL PLANTATION, 17TH FILING AND BEING DESIGNATED ON THE OFFICIAL PLAT OF SAID SUBDIVISION, ON FILE AND OF RECORD IN THE OFFICE OF THE CLERK AND RECORDER OF SAID PARISH AND STATE, AS LOT NUMBER ONE THOUSAND ONE HUN‐ DRED SIXTY-SIX (1166), SAID SUBDIVISION, SAID LOT HAVING SUCH SIZE, SHAPE AND DIMENSIONS AND BEING SUBJECT TO SUCH SERVITUDES AS ARE SHOWN ON SAID MAP. Municipal Address: 6495 Ambrosia Drive, Addis, LA 70710. Terms of Sale: Cash to the highest bidder WITH benefit of appraisement and according to law. Attorney for the Plaintiff: LOGS Legal Group, LLC, 3510 N. Causeway Blvd., Suite 600, Metairie, LA 70002, (504) 831-7726 Judicial Advertise‐ ment(s) will appear in THE ADVOCATE on the date(s) of: SEPTEMBER 17, 2026 and OCTOBER 15, 2026. JEFF BERGERON, SHERIFF PARISH OF WEST BATON ROUGE BY: ANGIE DELAUNE, CIVIL DEPUTY $58.07

WBR Public Notices Sheriff Sales

WBR Public Notices Sheriff Sales p

SHERIFF’S SALE

record.

WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A. VS. BARBARA A. SHAW A/K/A BARBARA ARNOLD BARBARA SHAW, ARNOLD, BARBARA SHAW

Having a municipal ad‐ dress of: 385 North 14th Street, Port Allen, LA 70767

DOCKET NO: 51300 18TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT WEST BATON COURT ROUGE PARISH STATE OF LOUISIANA By virtue of a Writ of Seizure and Sale, di‐ rected by the Honorable The Eighteenth Judicial District Court, for the Parish of West Baton Rouge, in the above enti‐ and numbered tled cause, I have seized and proceed to sell by public auction, on the front steps of the West Baton Rouge Courthouse, 850 8th Street, Port Allen, Louisiana on WEDNES‐ DAY, OCTOBER 21, 2026 at 10:00 A.M., the following described property, to wit: THAT CERTAIN LOT OR PARCEL OF GROUND, to‐ gether with all the build‐ ings and improvements thereon, and all of the rights, ways, privileges, appurte‐ servitudes, nances and advantages thereon belonging or appertaining, anywise situated in the Parish of West Baton Rouge, State of Louisiana, in that sub‐ division known as CAPI‐ TAL VIEW ESTATES SUB‐ DIVISION, and being des‐ ignated on the official plan of said subdivision, on file and of record in the office of the Clerk and Recorder of said Parish and State, as LOT NUMBER TEN (10), said subdivision, said lot hav‐ ing such measurements dimensions and and being subject to such re‐ strictions and servitudes as shown on said subdi‐ vision map and/or of d

Terms of Sale: Cash to the highest bidder WITH benefit of appraisement and according to law. Attorney for the Plaintiff: Albertelli Law, 3500 N. Causeway Blvd., Suite 116, Metairie, LA 70002, (504) 732-3600 Judicial Advertise‐ ment(s) will appear in THE ADVOCATE on the date(s) of: SEPTEMBER 17, 2026 and OCTOBER 15, 2026. JEFF BERGERON, SHERIFF PARISH OF WEST BATON ROUGE BY: ANGIE DELAUNE, CIVIL DEPUTY $57.06

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