DONALDSONVILLE • DUTCHTOWN • GEISMAR • GONZALES • PRAIRIEVILLE • ST. AMANT
THE ASCENSION
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W e d n e s d ay, O c t o b e r 7, 2026
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Decision delayed on proposed data center
BY ANNAKATE FREELAND Staff writer
Amid growing discussion about potential data center development in Ascension Parish, the Parish Council has delayed a decision on a proposed ordinance that would establish where and how such facilities could be built. After deferring a final vote and revising the ordinance on Thursday, the council will consider the policy again on Oct. 15 in Gonzales. Across Louisiana, data centers are already under construction in Caddo, Bossier, Richland and West Feliciana parishes. Ascension Parish officials began developing regulations in August for data centers and other high-impact development facilities, though no project has been announced in the parish. PHOTO BY WENDY LOUP
“The talented students we have, and the complexity of characters were perfect for ‘Radium Girls.’ ” “Our seniors this year are incredibly talented and the characters in Radium Girls give them a chance to have meat and depth,” Robinson added. “We have strong females in the cast, and the important themes are women’s rights, workers’ compensation, and safety in jobs. “This is a good play for high schoolers because it’s a historical drama, it’s insightful and show how far women and other factory
The parish’s Planning Commission recommended a 14-page version of the ordinance in September, but the 29-page document provided to attendees at Thursday’s Parish Council meeting included several proposed changes to requirements. Council Chair Chase Melancon said the additional language contained recommendations and revisions from council members and the parish administration. He said the changes were not included in the meeting agenda packet because the council had not yet formally offered them as amendments. Some of the most significant revisions shortened the distance that a potential data center must be from residential and rural areas and reduced the distance it would have to be from roads, other properties or drainageway buffers. The updated document proposed cutting the required separation between a high-impact development facility in a heavy industrial zoning district and nearby conservation, rural or medium residential districts from one-half a mile to one-quarter of a mile. It also proposed reducing a setback from 750 feet to 100 feet and shortening the required buffer from a drainage way from 500 feet to 100 feet. Michele Unitas, who resigned from her seat on the Planning Commission at the last meeting
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Dutchtown High School’s theater department will perform ‘Radium Girls’ Oct. 6-8. The play is the story of 1920s dial painter factory workers’ fight for justice against radium poisoning.
‘Radium Girls’ coming to Dutchtown High stage
BY WENDY LOUP Contributing writer
Known for musicals such as last year’s Elvis Presley-themed “All Shook Up” and the whodunit mystery of “Clue,” Dutchtown High School’s theater department is taking on the historical drama play “Radium Girls.” “Radium Girls,” held Oct. 6-8 at Dutchtown High School, is the story of 1920s dial painter factory workers’ fight for justice against radium poisoning. Factory workers, who were primarily female, contracted fatal radium poisoning from painting
luminous watch dials. The play, which features a mostly senior-led cast, centers on factory worker Grace Fryer and her fight against the corporation she works for and its president Arthur Roeder. For Taylor Robinson, director of Radium Girls and Dutchtown High’s drama teacher, “Radium Girls” paves way for students to learn history while showcasing their talents in a drama. “I saw Radium Girls at Theatre Baton Rouge before it closed,” Robinson said. “They did such a wonderful job. I thought this would be perfect for our students.
The ordinance
HOMECOMING TRADITIONS
St. Amant High School Homecoming King Richard Cooper and Homecoming Queen Paige Gomez. PROVIDED PHOTO
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Lauren Brignac learns she’s the Dutchtown High Homecoming Queen during Friday night festivities. ä More from Dutchtown High Homecoming. PAGE 2G
Delta Sigma Theta to celebrate International Day of the Girl Child Darlene Denstorff AROUND ASCENSION
The Ascension Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority invites girls, families and community members to join the chapter for its International Day of the Girl Child observance at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Ascension Parish Library St. Amant Branch, 12341 La. 431, St. Amant. The community event will recognize International Day of the Girl Child. The goal of this
event is to celebrate, educate and empower girls by bringing greater awareness to issues affecting girls around the world. This year’s program will highlight the theme “End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls’ Rights!” The event will encourage participants to consider the importance of education, safety, opportunity, advocacy and ensuring that every girl has the chance to reach her
full potential. “International Day of the Girl Child reminds us that investing in girls means investing in stronger families, communities, and future generations,” said Rochelle Darville, second vice president of the Ascension Alumnae Chapter. “We want our girls to understand the power of their voices, recognize their rights, and know that they can be ad-
vocates for themselves and for girls around the world.” The event is open to the public.
Cat show coming to Gonzales The Great Baton Rouge Cat Club is bringing its 52nd annual cat show to the 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. About 200 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
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HOMECOMING TRADITIONS
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Dutchtown High’s Homecoming Court on the sidelines of Friday’s game.
Dutchtown Griffins celebrate homecoming with Arabian Nights theme
Dutchtown High Homecoming Queen Lauren Brignac and King Bryce Chatfield during Saturday’s Homecoming dance. Community news report Lauren Brignac and Bryce Chatfield reigned as king and queen of Dutchtown High’s Homecoming. “Arabian Nights” was the theme of Spirit Week, Sept 28-Oct 2. The queen was crowned during Friday’s football game and the king named at Saturday’s dance.
Dutchtown High Queen Lauren Brignac gets a hug and bouquet of flowers from her twin brother, Brody Brignac.
St. Amant High crowns Homecoming King and Queen Serving on the St. Amant High Homecoming Court, from left, are Caroline Brignac, Karmyn Rouyea, Britain Hernandez and Macee Gore.
Paige Gomez and Richard Cooper reigned as St. Amant High Homecoming Queen and King at the end of weeklong festivities. Gomez was crowned Friday during the football game. The court included Avery Crochet, Brooke Pierce, Tatum Thomas, Olivia Olps-Twilbeck, Piper Hudson, Ally Frazier, Ava Avila, Paige Gomez, Caroline Brignac, Karmyn Rouyea,
PROVIDED PHOTO
Britain Hernandez and Macee Gore.
The 2026 St. Amant High Homecoming Court includes, from left, Avery Crochet, Brooke Pierce, Tatum Thomas and Olivia Olps-Twilbeck.
The St. Amant High School Homecoming Court, from left, includes Piper Hudson, Ally Frazier, Ava Avila and Paige Gomez.
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Week 5 roundup: Ascension Catholic, Ascension Christian remain undefeated Prairieville QB Skyler Kelly led his team down to the 5-yard line but fumbled at the 1-yard line. Kelly led the offense with 165 yards of offense. Parker Faist caught a touchdown from Kelly. Dutchtown will travel to Live Oak on Thursday.
At the halfway point of the regular season, there are two teams that are undefeated and a team that continues to find a way to win. Ascension Catholic and Ascension Christian are 5-0, while East Ascension mounted a comeback over Walker and won on a blocked punt and score with 15 Troy seconds left in the LeBoeuf game. ASCENSION Dutchtown and SPORTS Prairieville were involved in an old school defensive battle that came down to a late fumble recovery by Dutchtown to secure victory. As we head to Week 6 and district play, the playoff picture will start to take shape, and teams will be pulling for teams on their schedule to win for those precious power points.
More scores n Woodlawn 14, Donaldsonville
13
n Zachary 56, St. Amant 28
n Ascension Christian 33, Houma Christian 20 Donaldsonville (2-3) travels to Episcopal on Thursday Dutchtown (4-1) travels to Live Oak on Thursday Prairieville (2-3) crosses Airline Highway to take on East Ascension on Friday Ascension Catholic (5-0) hosts West St. John on Friday Ascension Christian (5-0) hosts East Iberville on Friday St Amant (2-3) hosts Walker on Friday
EA pulls off epic comeback East Ascension 28, Walker 24 The Spartans trailed 24-7 at the half on the road at Walker, the second half was dominated by East Ascension, outscoring Walker 21-0. Defensive back Daylon Bouvay blocked a punt with 15 seconds left and his team trailing 24-21. D’Landon Nabor picked up that blocked punt and scored from 40 yards out for an improbable victory. “We played the worst half of football that could have been played, we regrouped at halftime and challenged the players. When we play together and believe in our plan, we can accomplish anything, these kids never give up,” coach Brock Matherne said. Quarterback Zaylen Smith passed for 169 yards and two touchdowns. Wideout Jeremyah Merriweather had five receptions
Parish volleyball records and power rankings
Division I No. 9 Prairieville (15-6) No. 10 St. Amant (17-5) No. 25 East Ascension (16-11) No. 30 Dutchtown (10-10) Division IV No. 16 Donaldsonville (3-1) Division V No. 5 Ascension Catholic (12-11) No. 6 Ascension Christian (14-7)
STAFF PHOTO BY MICHAEL JOHNSON
East Ascension wide receiver Jeremyah Merriweather (1) tries to shed the tackle attempt by Walker defensive back Ethan Brooks (32) in the second quarter on Friday in Walker. for 131 yards and a score. The Spartans will host Prairieville on Friday.
Bulldogs keep winning Ascension Catholic 51, Assumption 8 The Bulldogs continued their hot start with a dominating victory over Assumption. QB Greg Fernandez had 250 yards of offense and three touchdowns. Receiver Cy Landry had eight catches for 112 yards and a score. Jacob Julien had a touch-
down catch. Cayden Mayes and Raif Melancon combined for nearly 300 yards rushing and four touchdowns. The Bulldog offensive line was dominant with over 400 yards rushing and 180 yards passing. The defense continues to play well and were led by linebacker John Rob Daigle with 11 tackles. Freshmen defensive back Braeden Landry had an interception. The Bulldogs host West St. John for its homecoming game on Friday.
Low scoring rivalry game ends with Griffin win Dutchtown 9, Prairieville 6 This was a game of field goals with the Griffins Cade Foley connecting from 30, 31 and 20 yards out. The defense was dominant, causing a late fumble with Prairieville inside the 5-yard line looking to take the lead. The Griffins played without starting QB Owen Fletcher. Juniors Brock Black and Ethan Odom rotated throughout the game.
Middle school football scores and standings n Lake 16, Dutchtown 0
n Lowery 24, Prairieville 14 n Bluff 12, Gonzales 6
n Central 22, St. Amant 0 Central 5-0 Lake 3-1 Dutchtown 3-2 Prairieville 2-2 Bluff 2-2 Lowery 2-3 Gonzales 1-3 St. Amant 1-4 Galvez 0-4
EA’s first female kicker sees football as her next challenge Part of the team
BY JACKSON REYES
Staff writer
East Ascension lined up for the extra point following a late thirdquarter touchdown in Week 1 against Warren Easton. The special teams unit jogged out onto the field, including its newest kicker, Savannah Baker. The senior plays softball and soccer, but became the first girl to play for East Ascension’s football team. The ball left her foot and soared through the uprights during a 4918 win on Sept. 4 against Warren Easton. The crowd cheered as Baker also became the first girl to score for the Spartans football team. As the blueand-yellow stadium lights flickered, Baker’s mind raced. Although it was her only kicking attempt so far this season, it was one Baker cherished. “I’ve never felt anything quite like it,” she said. “Just the way that everybody was cheering, the lights, and just making it. I was thinking, ‘Oh, my goodness, I actually just scored a point.’ ”
Joining the team Baker became interested in kicking from her older brother, Preston Baker. He kicked for East Ascension and is now a sophomore on the Louisiana Christian football team. “He was kicking, and Savannah
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East Ascension senior kicker Savannah Baker watches her team on the sideline in the Spartan’s scrimmage against Destrehan on Aug. 19 at East Ascension High School.
wanted to try it,” said Todd Baker, her father. “Savannah was out there kicking with my son, and doing pretty good.” He remembered East Ascension’s kicker from last year had graduated. He called coach Brock Matherne and asked if he had any kickers for the 2026 season. Matherne said the spot hadn’t been filled yet. Todd went to Baker with this news to gauge her interest. “She said, ‘Yeah, I’ll give it a shot. That sounds like a challenge. Let’s try it.’ ” Baker tried out for the team and made it.
take her and say, ‘That’s a girl.’ You have to really look at her, just like As Baker entered the season, she you look at the rest of the kids.” His main focus is on the individual wondered if she’d be accepted on the team. Those early doubts faded attributes that set her apart. “What you have in Savannah is fast. “Coming on the team, the coaches, just a kid that’s super methodical the players are all super welcom- about everything that she does,” Galindo said. “That is the only thing ing,” she said. Her father also knew the obsta- that I can tell you is different about cles ahead, but he beams with pride the kid.” when she takes the field on Friday Her growth nights. “I’m just really proud of the way Baker brings a level of determinashe’s handled that challenge,” he tion that makes everyone else on the said, “stepping into an area where team better. there’s quite frankly not many wom“We need people like that,” Galinen playing.” do said. “We need people that are Still, Baker wanted to prove her driven by excellence.” worth through her play. While currently the backup kick“In practice, she was really wor- er, she’s working to add yards on her ried about upsetting people or not kickoffs and pushing for the startliving up to the expectations,” Todd ing role. said. “She was trying really hard to “She’s been in this situation beplace the ball, so she had a slump fore,” Todd said. “She’s started at there for a couple of weeks where the bottom of the batting order she felt like she couldn’t hit any- or the bench for soccer, but she’s worked to get to the top in a startthing.” Todd said after continued strug- ing role.” What impresses Todd even more gles, she stopped trying to impress people and just started being her- is the work she puts in for all her self. The change led to more made sports and classwork. Her main sport is softball. She’s committed to field goals. East Ascension kicking coach play at Pearl River Community ColPedro Galindo emphasized that lege in Mississippi after she graduanother key factor was the team’s ates. coaching philosophy. While practicing kicking, she also “We have to take her just like any plays fall ball for a softball travel other kid,” Galindo said. “You can’t team. Most days she has softball
and football practice back to back. Weekends include football on Fridays and softball games on Saturday. “I told her there’s no way her dad could handle the workload she’s got,” he said. “I don’t know how she does it, but I just think her ability to take on these challenges and overcome these obstacles just speaks nothing but good things for her in the future.” Football has also made softball come easier to her. Her father said she’s produced some of her best pitching performances since she joined the football team. “It makes pitching seem like something very small,” Baker said. “It took some of the pressure off of me because I felt something greater on the football field.”
Building on season Baker’s always been up for a challenge. Todd said it was never Baker’s goal to make history. She just wanted to help the team. Still, he holds onto that moment. There are plenty of moments that make him a proud father, but his daughter’s determination is exemplified by that moment that football zipped through the uprights. “I was just proud to death that she had a challenge and she met it,” Todd said. “I left my seat, that’s for sure. My butt went up in the air, and I still don’t think I’ve come down.”
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CENTER
Continued from page 1G where the ordinance was recommended, asked that the document be sent back to the Planning Commission for review. “I really hope that you all do your due diligence to the people,” she said. Parish staff clarified that the ordinance did not have to return to the Planning Commission because the commission serves in an advisory capacity to the council.
‘There is no project’ Parish President Clint Cointment said there are no potential developments waiting for an ordinance to be passed, but other council members and companies suggest otherwise. “There is no project that is sitting here waiting for this to be approved,” Cointment said. “Absolutely not.” Florida-based energy startup One Nuclear Energy has signed letters of intent with landowners allowing it to purchase about 4,000 acres between Ascension and Iberville parishes, where the company hopes to eventually build two natural gas plants, a pair of small nuclear reactors, a battery park and possibly a solar farm to meet demand from power-hungry data centers and industrial users. Council member Joel Robert said a developer has contacted the parish about potentially building a center on La. 22 in the Sorrento area. Council member Todd Varnado, who made the motion to postpone the ordinance vote, said the delay would not prevent a potential project from moving forward. He said the council “should think long and hard” before making a decision, as he acknowledged that the responsibility is on the council members, not anyone else. “It’s gonna be us that is going to be responsible for it. Nobody sitting in the audience. It’s these 11 members up here that are going to be responsible for it,” he said.
Residents don’t want it The proposed changes drew criticism from residents who said the council should prioritize the potential effects of data center development on nearby communities. Theresea Robert told the council she believed the proposed changes were favoring industrial development over residents. “Every single thing that has been changed in here has been changed for industry. Not for the people, the health, the community. It is for the industry,” Robert said. “And we elect you to protect us. We elect you to represent us.” Keeonkah Judson acknowledged the benefits of industry but said she believes Ascension Parish already has significant industrial development on both sides of the parish. “We’re not considering the residents who have lived here the majority of their lives or built families here and worrying about what we are wanting instead of what industry is wanting. Everything we are doing is rubberstamping for industry to come through,” she said.
PHOTOS BY WENDY LOUP
Students gather around the United States Army Reserve booth during the Ascension Public Schools’ Career & College Expo at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center on Sept. 23.
Students learn about career opportunities BY WENDY LOUP Contributing writer
Ascension Public Schools’ annual Career & College Expo attracted thousands of students and parents Wednesday, Sept. 23, at the LamarDixon Expo Center. Grades 8-12 Ascension Parish public and private school students were able to speak to local and national businesses, as well as colleges and universities, about future career paths. The expo, in its fifth year of combining colleges, universities and industries, welcomed students hoping to talk to professionals face-to-face. Divided into categories such as architecture, business management, health sciences, manufacturing and human services, the event featured more than 100 businesses. More than 30 colleges, universities, trade schools and programs were on hand offering information to students. For Ascension Public Schools the goal for the expo is to pave the way for students’ post-high school career journey. “The focus for us is to make sure career awareness starts before making decisions about their future,” said Ronda Matthews, supervisor of career and technical education with Ascension Public Schools. “The expo introduces them to people who are actually doing the work in different fields daily.” The continuously growing event, both in terms of attendance and industry professionals, is a popular one among families in Ascension Parish, as well as surrounding areas. “I think the popularity of the expo is because parents can come with the students,” Matthews said. “They want to know, just like the students, what is out there and available. They
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workers have come.” For Dutchtown theater students, “Radium Girls” gives a personal look at the plight of workers in the 20s. Dutchtown senior Vivian Hall plays Grace Fryer, the factory worker who led a historic lawsuit against the radium corporation after contracting fatal radiation poisoning at work. “I learned so much about that time period and the workers,” Hall said. “Grace does not back down to the company and speaks up. She helped start the movement for justice in the workplace, as well as the women’s movement.” Hall, who comes from a musical family, has performed in several plays and musicals, played Miss Scarlet in last year’s school production of “Clue.”
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East Ascension High School freshman Dylan Douenias, left, and the school’s Spartan mascot attend the Ascension Public Schools’ Career & College Expo at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center. want to do what they can to help keep their children in our region.” Colleges and universities at the expo included Grambling State University, the University of Alabama, the University of Arkansas, Southeastern Louisiana University and William Carey University. For those students who were looking for trade jobs, staff from multiple technical training schools were available to answer questions. Coastal Truck Driving School’s booth introduced students to a growing and lucrative career in truck
She plans to attend LSU and majoring in vocal musical education. Playing Fryer, as well as learning about the other women known as the “Radium Girls,” has inspired Hall’s acting abilities. “I love being able to turn acting into having interactions as Grace and take on the emotions she felt while showing that on stage,” Hall said. “While acting, I put myself in their situation. What is the character thinking about? How are they moving and getting through their life during this time? Grace was a real person, and I can share her story.” While Hall is a seasoned veteran in plays and musicals, Dutchtown junior Will Perret will be making his acting debut as Arthur Roeder, the “Radium Girls” antagonist. The role of Roeder, the president of the corporation who employed the Radium Girls, was a role Perret sought after, even though he was a novice performer. “This is my first show ever, and
call (225) 284-3805 and visit batonrougecatclub.wixsite.com/ gbrcc.
Live Well Ascension health event of cats and 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,
Stop by Jambalaya Park from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 24 for Live Well Ascension, a rescheduled event. 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.
Strength in Pink walk-a-thon The Strength in Pink Breast
Tara Highfill, admissions leader for Paul Mitchell the School, right, talks with attendees. driving. “There’s a greater demand for truck drivers today because all of the new law changes have increased a need for new drivers,” Coastal Truck Driving School Admissions Representative Jessica Angelo said. “Some can make over six figures a year if they are over 21 and can cross state lines. “Tuition for truck driving programs with us is only around $6,000 to get a commercial driver’s license,” Angelo added. “This is a good alternative if you aren’t looking for a college route yet interested in finding a good career.” Another nontraditional career growing in demand and popularity is cosmetology. Paul Mitchell’s school in Baton
I manifested getting Arthur,” Perret said. “I worked on my lines and I’m excited to play Arthur.” Perret said trying something new by performing on stage has benefited him in multiple ways. “It’s helped given me a lot more confidence,” Perret said. “I’ve made good friendships here, and I’ve learned a lot about radium itself. “The play has taught me about science and how radium was poison. I’ve also learned a lot about business. The outcome of ‘Radium Girls’ is important, but so are the parts during the story. This play demonstrates a guideline of what businesses should not do when it comes to workers’ safety.” General admission tickets to performances of Dutchtown Theatre’s “Radium Girls” are $15 per ticket; reserved seating is $20. To purchase tickets to Dutchtown Theatre’s “Radium Girls,” visit secure.payk12.com/ school/_/151/3070.
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) 502-2502 or visit www.strenthinpinkbc.org.
Festa Italiana Saturday Celebrate Italian heritage from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday at Price LeBlanc PACE Center, 2824 St Anthony Ave., Gonzales. The event is presented by Lamendola’s Supermarket and hosted by Donaldsonville Area Foundation. Tickets are $20. The event will include exhibits, wine tasting,
Rouge teaches hair, nails, makeup and aesthetics during a 10-month program. “Cosmetology is a passion for a lot of people,” Tara Highfill, admissions leader for Paul Mitchell the School, said. “It is also recession-proof and gives you the chance to work for yourself.” Highfill added cosmetology and aesthetics is a career devoted to community. “There are those who want to step out of social norms and have a career in hair and aesthetics because it’s a way to help people feel and look beautiful,” Highfill said. For more information about Ascension Public Schools’ upcoming events, visit www.ascensionschools. org.
PHOTO BY WENDY LOUP
Dutchtown High School seniors Jillian Jones, left, and Kate Goodwin rehearse a scene from ‘Radium Girls.’
kids costume contest, spaghetti cook-off, Italian arts and crafts and music. For more information, call (225) 445-1383.
Swamp Pop at the Post Listen to the music of Tet Dur at 2 p.m. Sunday at the VFW Post 3693 Hall, 42430 Churchpoint Road, Gonzales. Tickets are $10 at the door.
Trunk-or-Treat Free candy and family fun are on tap for Saturday’s trunk-ortreat at 3005 W. Cabelas Parkway, Gonzales. The event, presented by Small
Business Owners of Ascension and hosted by Bearded Events, is from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Fall Fest planned DoRight Full Gospel Baptist Church, 8142 La. 44, Gonzales, is holding its first Fall Fest from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the church. A pumpkin hunt, kids’ games, food and music are set for the day. 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.