DONALDSONVILLE • DUTCHTOWN • GEISMAR • GONZALES • PRAIRIEVILLE • ST. AMANT
THE ASCENSION
ADVOCATE T H E A D V O C AT E.C O M
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W e d n e s d ay, S e p t e m b e r 30, 2026
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$30M, 200,000-square-foot distribution facility planned Darlene Denstorff AROUND ASCENSION
Cat show coming to Gonzales The Great Baton Rouge Cat Club is bringing its 52nd annual cat show to Lamar-Dixon Expo Center. on Oct 10-11. Admission: $12 for adults, 16 and under is $9, seniors (55+) and military $10. Children 2 and younger get in for free. Two-hundred cats will be present and competing. Judging will take place in five different rings each day. A cat costume contest will be held at noon each day. The top three costume winners will have special rosettes. This will be an opportunity to see many different breeds of cats including Abyssinian, ragamuffin, Russian blue, Sphynx, Maine Coon, Siamese, Oriental shorthair, ragdoll, Chartreux, Persian, Siberian, Bengal and many more breeds. There also is a special category for household pets, which need not be purebred. They will compete in all 10 rings. The overall best household pet will be awarded a plaque at the end of judging on Sunday. In addition to the cats and kittens, there will be vendors selling cat-related items. There will also be food available. Cats and kittens will be available for adoption. For information about the show, call (225) 284-3805 and visit batonrougecatclub.wixsite.com/gbrcc.
Live Well Ascension event Stop by Jambalaya Park from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday for Live Well Ascension. This free community health event is about helping you take charge of your health with breast, colorectal, prostate and skin cancer screenings, along with health resources, food, music and door prizes. Early detection can save lives, and Live Well Ascension makes it easier to access important screenings right here in our community.
Strength in Pink walk-a-thon The Strength in Pink Breast Cancer Foundation is hosting a walk-a-thon at 8 a.m. Oct. 10 at the Lemann Memorial Center in Donaldsonville. Registration fee is $20. To register, call (225) 5022502 or visit www.strenthinpinkbc.org.
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BY ANNAKATE FREELAND Staff writer
A new $30 million, 200,000-square-foot distribution facility is coming to Ascension Parish, with construction expected to begin in the first quarter of 2027. The facility will be built
in Geismar at the Magnolia Ridge Logistics Park, a site intended for industrial tenants like bulk distribution companies, light manufacturers and plant services businesses. The 186-acre industrial park, formed by Alexandria-based Ratcliff Devel-
opment and local private equity firm JRE Capital, announced in June that it has 14 shovel-ready sites. Ratcliff Development and JRE Capital announced Tuesday they will co-develop the new facility, with Ratcliff Construction Co. serving as general con-
tractor. Powers Brown Architecture will lead the design, and Lee & Associates will represent the property for leasing and marketing. The facility is designed to serve petrochemical support, logistics, warehousing and industrial service users in Ascension Parish
and the surrounding region. The industrial building will feature a 32-foot eave height and be divisible into spaces as small as 50,000 square feet. Its rear-load structure is designed to
ä See FACILITY, page 2G
PHOTO BY WENDY LOUP
Lara’s Creations owner Tatiana Lara de la Cruz, left, and Iaeiana de la Cruz, traveled from Kenner to display Dominican Republic-inspired tumblers and other accessories during the Gonzales Hispanic Heritage Festival.
Fest shares culture, food, folklore BY WENDY LOUP Contributing writer
The Gonzales Hispanic Heritage Festival showcased culture, traditional food, and folklore Sunday, Sept. 20 at Jambalaya Park in Gonzales. The event, hosted by the Hispanic Heritage Association, celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month. Mariachi Jalisco provided live musical entertainment. The day also featured family-friendly activities, and a dozen crafts vendors and food trucks. The event, in its third year, is one the association hopes will continue to grow. “Today’s festival is about Hispanic residents, as well as those who are Gonzales residents,” said Samera Welch, secretary and treasurer of the festival. “We are bringing together our culture to show that we want to help Ascension Parish and Gonzales be the best that it can be.
Dominican Republic are just a few here today.” Attendance at the event started off slowly but increased throughout the day. “We feared attendance might be low due to everything going on with immigration issues,” Welch said. “We are excited to be here because it’s a chance to introduce people to many different cultures.” The festival featured arts and crafts vendors who displayed items based on their countries’ cultures and traditions. Tatiana Lara De la Cruz, owner of Lara’s Creations, traveled from Kenner to participate in the festival. De la Cruz sold custom made Tshirts, mugs and other accessories inspired by Dominican Republic Hispanic food and culture were celebrated during the Gonzales Hispanic themes. Heritage Festival on Sept. 20 at the Jambalaya Park in Gonzales. “Today is a chance for us to show what we can do,” De la Cruz said. “It’s a way for us to be a bridge resented here today. Each vendor “But it’s also a day to spend time among cultures,” Welch added. represents a different country and ä See FEST, page 2G “Twenty-nine countries are rep- culture. El Salvador, Honduras,
Week 4: Donaldsonville, Ascension Catholic, East Ascension, Ascension Christian win Week five marks the regularseason midpoint as district play and the playoff push begin. Donaldsonville improved to 2-2 with consecutive wins, including a 31-12 victory over Port Allen. Coach Darnell Lee said the young offense is maturing and playing with more discipline, while a return to the off front has put more athletes on the field defensively. Khy Jones scored once, Ja’Darius Rome scored three touchdowns, and senior linebacker Zaylon Phillip led the defense. After overcoming early injuries, the Tigers host Woodlawn on Friday.
East Ascension 45, St. Amant 42 East Ascension won 45-42 in double overtime, taking a 24-23 lead in the rivalry series. On fourth down from the 1-yard line, Reilly Hopkins made the winning field goal despite an earlier miss. The Spartans rebounded from
a loss to Division I select St. Augustine in the Superdome, led by quarterback Zaylen Smith’s steady play.
East Ascension tight end Isaiah Weams (14) races upfield after the catch against St. Amant in the first quarter on Friday in St. Amant.
Ascension Catholic 57, South Lafourche 14
STAFF PHOTO BY MICHAEL JOHNSON
Troy LeBoeuf ASCENSION SPORTS
Ascension Catholic rolled past 4A South Lafourche, 57-14. Sophomore defensive back Kohen Folse returned both of his interceptions for touchdowns. Quarterback Greg Fernandez accounted for four touchdowns, including passes to Cy Landry (two) and Jakhari Jenkins (one),
ä See LEBOEUF, page 3G
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FACILITY
Continued from page 1G support truck circulation, warehousing and distribution operations. “This project represents the next step in delivering high-quality industrial infrastructure at Magnolia Ridge Logistics Park,” Gregg Thompson, president of Ratcliff Development, said in a news release. “As the first phase of a larger development plan, it establishes a foundation that can support existing local operators and growing industrial users.” The lots at the industrial park range in size from 2 to 16 acres, with asking prices between $6 and $ 7.50 per square foot. Developers have said the park, located at Industriplex Avenue and La. 30, could RENDERING PROVIDED BY RATCLIFF DEVELOPMENT. eventually include 2 million square feet of mixed industrial space. A rendering of where the new 200,000 square foot distribution facility will be at the Magnolia Ridge Logistics Park. “We developed Magnolia Ridge Logistics Park to provide fully supply-constrained market,” said ner of JRE Capital. “This facility to market for users seeking well- support space in Ascension Parish entitled, shovel-ready land in a Trey Williams, managing part- will provide flexibility and speed located distribution and industrial and throughout the region.”
AROUND
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Highway 621 Market opens
The Highway 621 Outdoor Market is open from 8 a.m. to noon every Saturday through Nov. 19. The market is at 59275 La. 621, Gonzales.
Health fair planned for Capital Area Agency for Aging “Healthy Hearts, Happy Lives” is the theme for the Oct. 29 Capital Area Agency for Aging’s health fair. The event will be at LamarDixon Expo Center’s Rev Center in Gonzales. Businesses and organizations wishing to share information at the event, can call the Capital Area Agency on Aging at (225) 922-2525 or visit capitalaaa.org/ annual-health-fair-expo. Contact Darlene Denstorff by phone, (225) 388-0215 or (225) 603-1998; or email, ascension@theadvocate.com or ddenstorff@theadvocate. com. Deadline: 5 p.m. Friday.
FEST
Continued from page 1G with families and friends.” St. Amant High School Spanish teacher Jannet Fuentes said the festival introduces attendees to cultures outside of stereotypes. “People think Hispanic heritage involves only chips and tacos, but it’s a lot more than that,” Fuentes said. “Hispanic and Mexican people have offered so much to the world. We have inventors like Guillermo Camarena, a Mexican engineer who invented color television.” Fuentes, who is also a translator for the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office, said, “We all bring something to the table.” A few of the vendors provided information and resources for those who may need help with governmental assistance and documentation. The Louisiana Organization for PHOTO BY WENDY LOUP Refugees and Immigrants were on hand to pass out brochures To celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, the Gonzales Hispanic Heritage Festival was held Sunday at Jambalaya about help offered. Park with 29 countries represented. The Baton Rouge-based group “We help people with immi- civic engagement, advocacy, and gether with learning and incluprovides free legal services such as family-based petitions and gration issues all around the resources at events like today’s sivity and to show that all human applications, work permits, and world,” Development Associate festival. beings can be united. We try to help regarding green cards. “We want to bring people to- promote unity.” Patience Mugah said. “We offer
Mars platform
“It’s just a great sense of pride to be part of the energy past and energy into the future. We have produced a billion barrels and we are not done yet.” Billy Lott Operation Supervisor
reaches historic 1-billion barrel milestone
Since 1996, the Shell-operated Mars platform has played a defining role in deep water energy production. Designed for waters nearly 3,000 feet deep, Mars was a bold step forward at the time and helped redefine what was possible offshore. Nearly 30 years later, continued investment, enduring engineering, and the commitment of generations of people have helped bring Mars to this landmark achievement. To be the first platform in the Gulf to reach one billion barrels is a momentous milestone, but for those who have been part of Mars, it has never been just about the number. The Mars community identifies as Martians, united by the enduring principle, “once a Martian, always a Martian.” This milestone carries the weight of long days offshore, shared challenges, and moments of problem-solving that happen when people rely on one another. It reflects years of dedication and quiet perseverance, and the deep sense of pride that comes from being part of something that continues to move forward.
Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry joined Shell GOA and Pipeline staff to commemorate one billion barrels produced from the Shell Mars asset via the Mars booster station in Port Fourchon. From L to R: Greg Mouras, Nick Stone, Ken Duplantis, Jeff Bergeron, Gov. Jeff Landry, Lynn Belanger, Shawn Danos, Wayland Neil, Colette Hirstius, Chris Nace, Kevin McMahon, Richard Krebs, Sean Guillory
shell.us/louisiana | #PoweringProgress
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THE ASCENSION
ADVOCATE THE ASCENSION ADVOCATE, 40444 Cannon Road, Gonzales, LA 70737 (225) 388-0215 PUBLISHED EVERY WEDNESDAY Online at theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/news/communities/ascension/
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Darlene T. Denstorff ddenstorff@theadvocate.com OFFICE: (225) 388-0215 CELL: (225) 603-1998 RIVER PARISHES WRITER Christopher Cartwright christopher.cartwright@theadvocate.com (225) 388-0125
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East Ascension wide receiver Jeremyah Merriweather (1) races upfield after the catch against St. Amant.
TAKING CARE OF OUR PEOPLE. That’s what good neighbors do. With local roots and a passion for her community, Karli Oubre has built a rewarding career at Koch Methanol St. James. Read about her journey of professional growth and personal commitment. Read her story.
STAFF PHOTOS BY MICHAEL JOHNSON
St. Amant running back Jourden Hickerson (5) races up the sideline before taking the hit from East Ascension defensive back Daylan Bouvay (16) in the first quarter on Frida in St. Amant.
LEBOEUF
play Dutchtown.
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Walker 35, Dutchtown 28
while Caden Mayes added two rushing scores. John Rob Daigle led the defense with 12 tackles; Graham Alleman, Landon Thomas, and Brady Allen each had eight.
Other scores
Ascension Christian 54, Berchmans Academy 12 Next up for the Lions is a road game at Houma Christian.
Denham Springs 42, Prairieville 39 Prairieville drives across Airline Highway Friday to
St. Amant hosts Zachary Friday. n Donaldsonville 31, Port Allen 12 Next: Host Woodlawn n Ascension Catholic 57, South Lafourche 14 Next: At Assumption
Parish volleyball records and power rankings Division I 7th ranked Prairieville (13-6) 10th St. Amant (15-5) 24th East Ascension (14-9) 29th Dutchtown (9-9) Division IV
28th Donaldsonville (2-1) Division V 3rd Ascension Christian (10-4) 5th Ascension Catholic (10-9)
Middle School scores and standings n Gonzales 18, Dutchtown 0 n Bluff 28, St. Amant 6 n Lowery 26, Galvez 0 n Central 6, Lake 0 (2 OT) Central 4-0 Dutchtown 3-1 Prairieville 2-1 Bluff 2-1 Lake 2-1 Gonzales 1-2 St. Amant 1-3 Lowery 1-3 Galvez 0-4
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HERITAGE CROSSING IN GONZALES
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Saturday ugh drive-thro banking Faces you trust
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Preston
Tour bus operator
“The future’s happening here in Richland Parish.” Kaycie
Coffee shop owner
Lindsay
Food truck owner
$1.6 billion for Louisiana businesses. Catering for 40 people used to be a good week. Now they hit 400. And that’s just the tacos. From coffee shops to bus tours, Meta’s Richland Parish investment is already paying off for businesses across Louisiana.
The future is for everyone. meta.com/BuildingLouisiana