DENHAM SPRINGS • LIVINGSTON • WALKER • WATSON • AMITE • HAMMOND
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W e d n e s d ay, S e p t e m b e r 23, 2026
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Darlene Denstorff AROUND LIVINGSTON
St. Francis Day pet blessings set Bring your animals to St. Francis Episcopal Church at 9:30 a.m. Oct 3 for a Blessing of the Animals service. St. Francis Episcopal Church, 726 Maple St. Denham Springs, and Immaculate Conception Catholic Church are joining to host this event where all pet owners and their animals will receive special blessing and contribute to a local cause. All community members and their pets are welcome to attend this free event under the oaks held in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals. Pets of any and all kinds will be blessed. In addition to the blessing, the event will feature a pet food drive to support the Denham Springs Animal Shelter. Donations of Purina Cat, Dog, Puppy, and Kitten food are preferred. The shelter is also collecting newspapers, old washcloths, and towels to support their daily operations. This annual event serves as a bridge between two churches and a symbol of unity within the community. Whether furry, feathered, or scaled, all pets are invited to participate. Pet photos and stuffies are also welcome. There will also be a display and remembrance of those beloved animal companions now gone. Feel free to bring your pet’s photo to remember. Another Blessing of the Pets program is set for 5 p.m. Sept. 26 at LeChien Brewing.
Class reunion The Denham Springs High School Class of 1966 is celebrating its 60 year reunion Oct. 3. For more information, contact pfharris@cox.net.
ä See AROUND, page 2G
Charles Salzer SPORTS ROUNDUP
Denham Springs volleyball outside hitter makes college choice There are many things that can influence a high school athlete’s decision when they are recruited to play collegiately. For Denham Springs volleyball player Brooklyn Frith, getting an early start was a major factor. A 5-foot-10-inch outside hitter, Frith committed to Meridian Community College earlier this month. In making her decision, it was a choice that also affected the way her time as a Denham Springs High student will come to a close. Frith will graduate in December, and move on to Meridian for the spring semester. “I got a good offer from (Meridian),” Frith said last week after Denham Springs posted a 3-1 win over Doyle High. “They said I could come and train with them in the spring. It’s really good skill training, and a lot of the freshmen and sophomores don’t get
ä See SALZER, page 2G
PHOTOS BY DAVID NORMAND
Kaitlynn Locicero, center, poses with her kids Addison Licicero, 6, and Henry Licicero, 3, for a picture with Ghost Spider and Spider-Man during the Livingston Parish library Book-Con at the main library branch in Livingston on Saturday.
STORY TIME
Lovers of books and comics come together for day of costumes, authors, crafts, games The Livingston Parish Library celebrated literature and comic book culture Saturday with its first Book-Con. Book-Con marked the merging of two beloved library traditions — the annual Livingston Parish Book Festival and Comic Con — into one event. Building on the popularity of both, Book-Con featured local authors, comic book vendors, artists, food trucks, and hands-on activities for a day celebrating all kinds of stories, under this year’s Thirteen-year-old Gabriel Bourgeois makes a magnet as Livingston Parish library employees Aaron theme: “Celebrating All Hubbell, left, and Steve Burnard watch during the Livingston Parish library Book-Con. ä More Stories.” photos. PAGE 2G
Jane Kelly admires a painting an art show at the Hammond Regional Center on Sept. 11. PHOTO BY RICHARD MEEK
Art show highlights works of three Louisiana artists
BY RICHARD MEEK
The hope was to identify a surgery that would correct the condition, but “they Emily Seba spent much never did so I learned to live of her youth hopscotching with it,” she said. But during those hospiacross the country, from one hospital to another, be- tals visits, in an attempt to ing treated for a rare disease corral the boredom, Seba that causes, even as an adult, ä See ART, page 4G strokes.
Contributing writer
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Board appoints fourth library director in three years BY GIGI LIMAN Staff writer
Scott Kleinpeter
The Livingston Parish Library Board appointed longtime library employee Scott Kleinpeter to be its new director Tuesday. Kleinpeter, who has worked in nearly every level of the library system during his more than decade-long tenure, will now lead the library’s five-branch system on
a permanent basis. Every member of the board voted in favor of his appointment, making 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 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 Springs-Walker Branch and the Main Branch, as well as pioneering the library’s first Digital Media Lab, a fullyequipped makerspace where users can master modern media production tools, according to a release from the library 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 the Tuesday meeting. “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.
LIVINGSTON PARISH LIBRARY BOOK-CON
Rose Coleman, left, Alexis Parker and Angel Coleman pose in their costumes.
PHOTOS BY DAVID NORMAND
Madison Daniels, right, Hallie Huddleson, left, Luna Romberger and Maddie Ardoin shows them a Carribean blue stone during the Livingston Parish library Book-Con at the main library branch in Livingston on Saturday.
Fantasy romance novelist A. Lonergan, left, talks to Courtney Norris about one of her many books she has written.
Cole Mulhern, 12, types on a typewriter during the Livingston Parish library Book-Con.
SALZER
Yellow Jackets football team wins in a scoring bonanza at Woodlawn
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Brookly Frith gets ready for a jump serve against Doyle.
AROUND
Antique Village, located in the Louisiana Main Street District. The exhibit will remain open through the end of December.
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Hungarian Festival plans underway
Old South Jamboree exhibit Old City Hall in Denham Springs has a new exhibit about the Old South Jamboree music venue, which opened in Walker in 1969 and provided weekly live country music entertainment until March 2020. Top stars and others who went on to become some of the greatest country music stars performed there, including Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, Jerry lee Lewis, Conway Twitty, Loretta Lynn, Hank Williams Jr., George Jones, Ronnie McDowell, Faron Young, Mel Tillis, Porter Wagoner, Marty Robbins and many others. Denham Springs Old City Hall is at 115 Mattie St. in the Denham Springs
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to do that so I think it’s a good opportunity. That’s one of the main reasons I said yes to them. It really seems like a good opportunity.” The early exit means Frith won’t compete in track this spring or as a member of the Yellow Jackets tennis team, a new challenge she had decided to take on. Instead, she will be headed to Meridian, about three-and-a-half hours away on the eastern side of Mississippi. Frith has had a notable career for Denham Springs. In track, she competed in the 100-meter dash and jumps, and was an all district 1-5 selection for volleyball last season. For now, Frith is focused on her final season with the Yellow Jackets, who face PHOTO BY CHARLES SALZER new challenges of their own with this year’s move into District 1-4.
over 160 vendor booths, food, free kids’ zone and music.
Fall market Oct. 10 The For the One Fall Market and Craft show is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 10 at Riverside Baptist Church, Denham Springs.
Celebrate Hungarian heritage with a weekend of family fun, food, music and entertainment at Fayard Field in Springfield with traditional Hungarian dancing and entertainment Sept. 25-27. The Hungarian Harvest Festival will include authentic Hungarian foods and pastries. For more information, call (985) 9746883, (225) 278-3770 or email albanymagyars@gmail.com.
The Walker Fall Festival, featuring a gospel concert, is from 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 17 at Sidney Hutchinson Park. Bring the whole family for a free night packed with pumpkin painting, hayrides, mechanical bull, kids village, scavenger hunt, vendor market, food trucks, petting zoo and gospel concert.
Denham Springs Fall Fest Fall Market
Vintage Market Days planned
The annual Fall Festival is from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Oct. 3 in Denham Springs Antique Village. Special sales in the stores,
Vintage Market Day is presenting a Christmas Cheer market Oct. 16-18 at Florida Parishes Arena, Amite.
EDITOR
Andrew Canulette editor@ sttammanyfarmer. net
Fall Fest coming to Walker
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How rare was Denham Springs’ 73-54 win over Woodlawn last Thursday? Since the topic of discussion is football, not basketball, the answer is very. A check of school archives confirmed that 73 points is the most Denham Springs has scored in a single game since it defeated McKowen High School 74-0 in 1932. Amazingly, in a game in which the teams combined to produce 987 yards of total offense, it was a defensive play that turned the tide for good. Early in the fourth quarter, Denham Springs’ linebacker Bryson Smith returned an interception 40 yards to the WLHS 7 yard line. That play set up Tanner Koerner’s touchdown run, and gave the Yellow Jackets a three-score lead at 66-48. It may be a long time before we see another football game produce a combined 127 points. Regardless, this one was fun to watch.
Bayhi’s Landing Veterans Day Parade planned for Nov. 8 Bayhi’s Landing is hosting a Veterans Day Parade at 3 p.m. Nov. 8 from downtown Springfield to Bayhi’s Landing. Car clubs, truck clubs, motorcycle clubs, Jeep clubs, families, businesses and proud Americans — decorate your vehicles, fly those American flags and join us for an old-school, hometown jamboree. Then, everyone will gather at Bayhi’s Landing for the Bullets and Bacon Fest. Event grand marshal is Walter Penalber and music will be provided by the Fly by Night Band. Send news and events for Livingston and Tangipahoa parishes to livingston@ theadvocate.com by 4 p.m. Friday or call (225) 603-1998.l
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Fall Garden Day, Plant Sale set for Oct. 3 in Hammond Community news report
Boxes sit outside the business front of Waffles Way Home rescue owned by Madison Colello on Sept. 17 in Walker.
Gardeners from across the Gulf South are invited to the LSU AgCenter Hammond Research Station for the sixth annual Fall Garden Day and Plant Sale from 7:30 a.m. to noon Oct. 3 at 21549 Old Covington Highway in Hammond. The event is free and open to the public and will be held rain or shine. The sale will feature thousands of plants grown and selected by LSU AgCenter horticulturists. Shoppers will find Louisiana Super Plants, seasonal color, pe-
rennials, pollinator-friendly plants, herbs, vegetables, houseplants, shrubs and many other garden favorites. In addition to the plant sale, visitors can explore educational exhibits and garden-related activities throughout the morning. The Southeastern Louisiana Nursery Association will host a nursery trade show featuring landscape and horticulture vendors, while the Tangipahoa Master Gardener Association will offer educational displays, a plant swap, children’s activities, a mini plant sale, and items
available through its garden shop. Refreshments will be available for purchase from the Verdant Niche Tea and the Hammond High School IBoosters Club. The Fall Garden Day and Plant Sale provides an opportunity for home gardeners to discover new plants, learn from horticulture professionals, and enjoy a morning dedicated to gardening and outdoor living. For complete event information, including the schedule of activities and VIP Presale details, visit https:// tinyurl.com/y6sbrxm4.
Dozens of neglected and dead cats found at Walker animal rescue; woman arrested, police say BY BLAKE LESCHBER Staff writer
A Walker woman was arrested Thursday on numerous animal cruelty counts after officers found dozens of severely neglected cats at an animal rescue and a home, 18 of which died. Madison Rebecca Colello, 29, faces 48 counts of animal cruelty and 18 counts of aggravated animal cruelty. She surrendered Thursday morning at the Livingston Parish Detention Center, and her bond was set at $474,500, jail records show. Officers responded to a complaint of animal cruelty on Saturday at an animal rescue known as Waffles Way Home at 9384 Florida Blvd. in Walker. Officers went through an open door at the building and found 37 cats and kittens inside. Many were dead, and others were in obvious distress.
Police said the felines did not have food or water, and the temperature in the building was near 100 degrees. Animal control personnel responded to the scene along with representatives from the Denham Springs Animal Shelter and a Walker rescue business to give medical attention to the animals. Ultimately, 17 of the cats died while 20 were saved. Neighbors of the business said the rescue had been open only since August and they rarely saw Colello enter the building. Jeff Dorson, director of the Humane Society of Louisiana, said Rescue Alliance — a nonprofit based in Gonzales — took in 12 sick kittens that Colello allegedly housed in her garage for care. He said they all had upper respiratory infections and possible ringworm. The Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office said
deputies searched a home Wednesday on Sabine Drive in Denham Springs that is reportedly Colello’s residence. There, they found 11 kittens and one adult cat in the garage, which police described as freshly cleaned and hot. Five of them were in poor physical condition due to a lack of care, and one had to be euthanized. “The cats and kittens allegedly the responsibility of Ms. Colello obviously suffered a terrible fate,” Walker Police Chief David Addison said in a statement. “The number of animals affected by the cruelty is heartbreaking. Our Department intends to send a clear message that this kind of abuse will not be tolerated in Walker.” The case remains under investigation, and more charges may be possible. Email Blake Leschber at blake.leschber@ theadvocate.com.
PROVIDED PHOTO
Seventh Ward Elementary Principal Laura Dunlap and her son sign in to the Northshore Technical Community College Career Expo as they visit with the several college stations to learn about educational and career opportunities offered at the Livingston Campus.
Livingston schools, NTCC partner for Career Expo for area students Community news report Livingston Parish students learned about resources and educational opportunities offered during a recent career expo at the Northshore Technical Community College at its Livingston Campus in Walker. The event included college representatives, Livingston Parish School leaders and area community service organizations who shared information with students as they prepare for their future. The LPPS Special Education Department also teamed up with the effort as
NTCC offers opportunities for special needs students who are seeking future job options. “Our campus is very inclusive, and we have several programs that fit the needs of our growing community,” said NTCC Lizette Leader, dean of campus administration for the Livingston Campus and director of faculty development at NTCC. “We spoke to several students and their parents at our event, but we also make ourselves available throughout the year for one-on-one sessions and tours. It’s very important that families dis-
cover the many resources and opportunities that our campus provides.” Donna Ramsey, the SPED transition coordinator for Livingston Schools, said her team of educators and counselors encourage all students in grades 6-12 to learn about opportunities that are available in-parish. “We encourage all students and their families to explore valuable educational, career, and community resources designed to support students — both those with and without disabilities — as they prepare for their future,” Ramsey said.
Livingston Parish youth invited to join 4-H Community news report
Fine art landscape photographer Andy Crawford discusses his techniques for capturing Louisiana swamp scenes featured in his book ‘Into The Lost World: A Journey into Louisiana’s Bayou Country’ during a meeting of the Suburban Reviewers.
Students across Livingston Parish have the opportunity to learn new skills, make friends, serve their communities and have fun through membership in the Livingston Parish 4-H Youth Development Program. 4-H is the nation’s largest youth development organization, helping young people develop leadership, citizenship, and life skills through hands-on learning experiences, a news release said.
In Livingston Parish, 4-H members participate in a wide variety of activities including livestock projects, cooking, shooting sports, outdoor adventures, sewing, public speaking, STEM projects, leadership events, community service and more. Open to youth in grades 4-12, 4-H provides opportunities for members to explore their interests while building confidence and preparing for future success. Through club meetings, contests, camps, work-
shops, and service projects, members gain valuable experiences that help them become responsible and productive citizens. One of the highlights of the year is participation in parish, regional and state events where members can showcase their talents, compete in contests and meet other youth from across Louisiana. Members also have the opportunity to attend 4-H Camp, leadership conferences, and educational programs throughout the year.
FALL IN LOVE WITH SAVINGS: PROVIDED PHOTOS
Suburban Reviewer hostesses, from left, are Jennifer Miller, Kitty Wells, Alice Pittman, Ann Green Harris, Lisa Waldrep and Janie Rainey.
Suburban Reviewers kick off season with tailgate-themed meeting Community news report On Sept. 2, The Suburban Reviewers kicked off from its summer recess to begin its 62nd year with a Tiger tailgate party welcoming 29 members. The meeting convened at St. Francis Episcopal Parish Hall in Denham Springs, where members were greeted on arrival by an enormous Mike the Tiger inflatable. Inspired by the committee’s selected book “It Never Rains In Tiger Stadium,” hostesses Ann Green Harris, Jennifer Miller, Alice Pittman, Janie Rainey, Lisa Waldrep and Kitty Wells donned “D ulǐ” hats in a nod to the LSU 1958 defensive
line known as the “Chinese Bandits”; Lisa Waldrep having used her millinery skills to elevate the traditional Chinese farm hat, transforming it into must have game day attire. President Earline Sceroler called the meeting to order and discussed plans for the upcoming year. Photographer Andy Crawford talked about fine art landscapes and discussed his techniques for capturing the Louisiana swamp scenes featured in his photo journal book “Into The Lost World: A Journey into Louisiana’s Bayou Country.” The meeting adjourned with plans to meet again in October.
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ART
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PROVIDED PHOTO
Southeastern Louisiana University leaders and North Oaks Health President and CEO Michele K. Sutton, FACHE, gather at the College of Nursing’s Convocation on Aug. 28, where Sutton received the college’s inaugural Innovator of the Year Award. From left are College of Nursing Dean Ann Carruth, Southeastern President William S. Wainwright, Sutton, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Eric Skipper, College of Nursing Assistant Dean Kenneth Tillman, and School of Nursing Department Head Lindsay Domiano.
SLU honors Sutton with inaugural award Community news report Southeastern Louisiana University’s College of Nursing has named President and CEO of North Oaks Health Michele K. Sutton the inaugural recipient of its Innovator of the Year Award. The award was presented Aug. 28 during the College of Nursing’s convocation and launches a new tradition recognizing healthcare leaders whose vision, collaboration and innovation advance healthcare education, strengthen the workforce and improve community health, a news release said. “We started this award to recognize healthcare leaders in our community who partner with us to provide exceptional nursing care,” Dean of Southeastern’s College of Nursing Ann Carruth said. “As a leader, Michele has a long list of healthcare innovations to her credit, which have elevated educational experiences and earned numerous national and statewide awards and recognitions. We are so proud that she is our champion, and we are hers.” Under Sutton’s leader-
ship, North Oaks Health and Southeastern have expanded opportunities for nursing students by creating innovative pathways into nursing careers, including opportunities for students to work as nurse technicians while completing their education, a structured Nurse Residency Program and student stipends that help strengthen the workforce pipeline. The award was presented to Sutton by assistant professor Coletta Barrett. She noted that Sutton exemplifies innovation through her abilities to see what could be, unite the right people together around that possibility, and the courage and leadership to turn an idea into meaningful and sustainable change. Recognized nationally and statewide for visionary healthcare leadership, Sutton has guided North Oaks through significant expansion while investing simultaneously in technology, workforce development, healthcare education, clinical excellence and community health, creating an organization recognized not simply for growth, but for impact, the release said.
started drawing animals on the hospital walls, surfacing an unexpected talent. “That was my first exposure to art, and I realized that was what I wanted to do for a career,” said Seba, a Baton Rouge native who spent six years attending college and living in northern California before returning home. “I would have never thought about sitting down with a sketch book without going through that,” she said. “I believe it is my purpose on this Earth and that is how I was able to learn it.” Seba’s works, as well as those of New Orleans native Rebecca Madura, were featured Sept. 11 at the Hammond Regional Arts Center during the opening reception of the exhibition, which will be on display until Oct. 1. HRAC Executive Director Melissa Griffin said the arts center’s review committee sets the lineup for art exhibitions one to two years in advance. “Some committee members have personally followed (Madura and Seba) and seen their work in other locations,” Griffin said. “They appreciated their work and thought (the artists) could bring their art to Hammond.” Two years ago, shortly before learning she had been selected for the HRAC show, Seba suffered a massive stroke and lost the use of the left side of her body, unable to start preparing the 20 works that were on display until about a year ago. “This has helped me come back and be able to do art again,” said Seba, whose exhibition was titled “Open Season” because her works featured animals all found in Louisiana. “All of these pieces are what I have been able to do since coming back, and it has been really nice seeing that.” Madura, whose exhibition was titled “Nature as the Source,” jokingly said she has been an artist “since in the cradle” but became active in her work in college. She has taught art at various schools and teaches at New Orleans Center for Creative Arts. Her educational background seeps into her art, which she said is “more representational” but “leans more toward abstraction.” “So most of my art is rooted in some kind of observation reference, usually na-
PHOTO BY RICHARD MEEK
Cameron Crochet, left, points a particular feature of a painting during an art show at the Hammond Regional Center on Sept. 11. ture,” Madura said. “From that it is either interpretation or memory, focusing on color.” Much of her focus is on color and shadows and less about structure. And since she teaches realism, paintings reflect that genre but she will also dabble into other areas. “Some people have their own style, but I never landed on a style,” she said. Allison Cooper, who was visiting the exhibit from Baton Rouge, said she was “enjoying all of the floral pieces and the colors are really well done.” Cooper’s friend Cameron Crochet added that Madura “has a unique style and I feel like I am seeing something I have not seen before.” “I like to see what people are doing locally and also what people are doing more broadly,” Crochet said of Madura’s art. “I like to see the different shapes she is coming up with.” For Seba, who once dreamed of becoming a zookeeper before realizing “you had to clean up poop,” the show was therapeutic and an opportunity to continue what she believes is her life’s mission, while also allowing her to clean out her apartment, which had become a de facto art studio. “I realized my apartment was a lot bigger than I thought,” she said with a chuckle. “I’m finally glad to have my kitchen back.” Email Richard Meek at livingston@theadvocate. com.
A painting of an iconic bridge at New Orleans City Park is one of the works of Rebecca Madura on display at an art show at the Hammond Regional Center.
Artist Rebecca Madura, left, discusses her works during the art show.
PROVIDED PHOTO
People take part in Southeastern Louisiana University’s Office of Military and Veteran Success, the University Police Department, and Roomie’s Pride Pantry’s second annual Memorial Stair Climb and Community Service for 9/11 Day.
SLU honors the victims of Sept. 11 attacks Community news report Southeastern Louisiana University’s Office of Military and Veteran Success, the University Police Department and Roomie’s Pride Pantry hosted the second annual Memorial Stair Climb and Community Service for 9/11 Day. Southeastern’s University Center saw over 200 firefighters and community members spend their morning climbing 110 stories to honor the 343 New
York City firefighters who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001. The event was sponsored through a grant from 9/11 Day. Those unable to physically complete the stair climb participated as volunteers at either Southeastern’s Sustainability Garden or Roomie’s Pride Pantry. Video footage from the event is available at drive.google.com/ drive/folders/1YurxhY_ ebuuRzYtIQLbYBVJJXwildNph.
Southeastern seeks volunteers for clean-up Community news report Southeastern Louisiana University needs volunteers to participate in a litter removal project centered around Ponchatoula Creek for “Keep Southeastern Beautiful,” an affiliate chapter of Keep Louisiana Beautiful. The cleanup effort is part of the Love our Waterways and Keep Louisiana Beautiful campaigns. The event is scheduled from 8 a.m. to noon on Sept. 25. Volunteers will meet at the North Oak parking lot, 2699 N. Oak St. in Hammond. Although some sup-
plies will be on hand, volunteers are asked to bring a bucket, litter picker and rubber boots, if they have them. “Every piece of trash removed directly preserves our local ecosystem and keeps our waterways clean,” said Southeastern Assistant Director of Landscape and Grounds Carlos Doolittle. “Let’s roll up our sleeves and make a difference together.” For more information, contact Keep Southeastern Beautiful Committee member Theresa Harriford at Theresa.harriford@southeastern.edu.
PROVIDED PHOTO
The DEMCO Foundation 2026-2027 Scholarship recipients are, from left, Miriam Kieronski, Blayne Beswetherick, Reese Blue, Haydon Johnson and Jet Kroll.
DEMCO scholarships support Livingston Parish, Central students Community news report
DEMCO announced $80,000 in scholarship awards for the 2026–2027 academic year, supporting 31 co-op member-students. In July, the DEMCO Foundation awarded $3,000 scholarships to five DEMCO member-students: Blayne Beswetherick, of Live Oak High School; Miriam Kieronski, of Denham Springs High; Reese Blue, of Walker
High; and Haydon Johnson and Jet Kroll, both of Central High. Recipients were invited to DEMCO headquarters in Central to receive their scholarship awards for the upcoming fall semester. “We wanted an opportunity to recognize each of these students and let them know we’re cheering them on as they continue their education,” said Rhowanda Vessel, DEMCO community relations coordinator. “It’s rewarding
to see these scholarships going directly to members of the communities we serve.” Earlier this year, at DEMCO’s annual membership meeting in May, 26 co-op member-students were selected through a random drawing from 164 applicants, each receiving a $2,500 DEMCO Scholarship. For information about DEMCO’s scholarship and youth programs, visit DEMCO.org/Community.