Leila Pitchford
AROUND ZACHARY
28 years andstill here
Markingananniversary
This week is my 28th anniversary working at The Advocate. People who know me know my ties with The Advocate, The Watchman, The Democrat and The Plainsman are much longer.Myfather and Ihave worked in these worlds for a long time. Igrew up in and out of these areas, graduating from Clinton High, and moving back for a while after college.
During those years,Iwrote stories and took photos —often sports —prepped papers for the mail sacks and newsstands, and worked in the offices. I’ve served these papersasaparttime employee and temp, then full-time.
While working for the daily paper,the chance came in 2017 for me to move back to the weeklies that wereapart of my high school and post-college years. Thanks for the support allof you have given me and these papers through the years. While Idonot hope for another 27 years in this job —I do want to retire at some point —I do hope for many more serving the communities north of Baton Rouge
ä See AROUND, page 4G
HOTAIR
Warren Brady
ZACHARY SPORTS
Zacharycoach lays outclear expectations
The night of Aug. 7was special in many respects. For all thekids in Zachary Community Schools it was the night before the first day of school.
Many parents consider this afavorite nights because the daysofsleeping in and nights of staying up late are gone and the routine and regiment setin.
On this night athletes and their parents had the opportunity to gather at the ZHS gym to meet coaches, hear from formerZHS athlete parents, visit with from otherparents and listen to the athletic director,coach David Brewerton.
Brewerton explained the standard for excellences, emphasized the importance of academics and elaborated on what it means to wear the “Z” on your shirt in competition.
In announcing the meeting, Brewerton said he wanted “everyone under one roof, so nothing is miscommunicated or misunderstood” and he was met by apacked gym of students and parents.
“Westarted this tradition a year ago and Ilove it because it gives us an opportunity to all be on the same page as we embark on another school year,” Brewerton relayed. The evening began with Ken
ä See BRADY, page 4G
PHOTO BY SONYAGOSS
The second ZacharyReally Hot Air Balloon Festival on Aug. 10 incorporated more ways to control the heat and expanded activities. ä More photos. PAGE 2G
ZacharyElementary, Harper Bauroth
PROVIDED IMAGE
AnthonyPadgett’spaintingofaruddyduckwas selected from among 12 entries to serve as Louisiana’s2024 duck stamp. Act 114 of the 2024 Regular LegislativeSession expanded the revenues dedicated tothe Duck License, Stamp and Print Fund to include all proceeds fromthe sale of waterfowl hunting licenses.
LouisianaWildlifeand FisheriesCommission allocateswaterfowl breeding ground funds
Community news report
The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission voted Aug. 1toallocate Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries dedicated funding for development and preservation of migratory waterfowl breeding groundsto DeltaWaterfowl andDucks Unlimited for three years, a news release said.
Both organizations will receive 50% of the allocation in each of the three consecutive fiscal years, including 2024-25, 2025-26 and 2026-27, which is to be used for protecting, restoring and enhancing breeding habitat for migratory waterfowl.
Since 1965, LDWF has provided funding to support conservation of breedinggrounds habitat for migratory waterfowland by statute allocates aportion of annual
huntinglicense revenue for that purpose, the release said. In the last three years, an average of $240,000 annually has been awarded for the protection, restoration and enhancement of breeding waterfowl habitat. The current contract expired June30.
Act 114 of the 2024 regular legislative session expanded the revenues dedicated to the Duck License, Stamp and Print Fund to include all proceedsfrom the sale of waterfowl huntinglicenses andshouldresult in approximately $400,000 available for projects in the waterfowl breedinggroundsannually In response to acommission request in July,proposals were presented during arecent meeting by Delta Waterfowl and Ducks Unlimited.
1,000litterkitschecked
Communitynewsreport
Keep Louisiana Beautiful’sGet Down &Clean Up program has grown to 127 participating libraries in 41 parishes, and more than 1,000 litter kits have been checked out by library patronstocarefor their local communities.
In collaboration with the State Library of Louisiana and theLouisiana Public Library System, the program makes litter clean-up supplies readily available at public libraries across the state since its inception in spring 2023.
“Louisianans are tired of
living in adirty state,” said Lt. Gov.Billy Nungesser “The Get Down &Clean Up program makes it possible for people to easily do their part anddemonstrate community pride.”
“The Get Down &Clean Up program is agreat hands-onway forfamilies, homeschool groups, youth groups, and scouts to care for their neighborhood,” said Susan Russell, KLB Executive Director.“If we all pitch in and keep our communities clean and beautiful, we’ll experience an improved environment and quality of life.”
Included in the Get Down
&Clean Up litter kits are safety vests, litter grabbers, trash bags and instructions. Anyone with a librarycardcan check-out alitter kit and return it after use.
Participants are encouraged to scan the QR code available on the kit instructions and fill out aquick report sharing information about their cleanup.
“Libraries thesedaysare books and so much more They’ve becometrue community hubs, and this is just another example of that,” State Librarian Meg Placke said. “We’re proud so many libraries are taking part in this importantprogram, and we’re even
Women’sFishing 101workshops set for fall
Communitynewsreport
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Foundation are teaming to presenttwo Women’s Fishing 101 workshops this fall.
The workshops are open to women over the age of 18 whoare lookingtobecome knowledgeable and confident anglers, anews release said.
The workshops cover avariety of skills to help make fishing even more enjoyable, the releasesaid.
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries biologists and aquatic volunteer instructors will train 15 women per event in fish identification, best fish handling practices, preparing fishing equipment, basic fishing skills, as well as cleaning, storing and cooking fish.
Participants will be randomly selected from the fall 2024 and spring 2025 workshops and get the chance to apply their skills on an overnight weekend fishing tripunder the direction of Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries biologists and volunteer instructors during thesummer 2025. Fall dates are Sept.7and Nov.2.Both are 9a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Waddill Wildlife Refuge, Baton Rouge. Visit www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/fishing-workshops until Aug. 23 to apply
Participantsmust be first-timeattendees and may only attendone workshop. Selected registrants will be notified via email before each workshop. While not required to apply,participants must possess avalid Louisiana fishing license to participate in the workshop. To purchase afishing license, visit www.wlf.louisiana.gov/licenses-and-permits.
THE ZACHARYADVOCATE &PLAINSMAN,P.O.Box 588, BatonRouge,LA70821.(225) 388-0215
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Rollins Place Elementary, Josiah Guzman, Trinity Kelly Brielle Jones, Levi Von Rosenburg
Rollins Place Elementary, Reid Olivier,BreckenRogillio, Khalis Scott, Bonnette Southall, LukeWilks
Anna
Copper Mill Elementary, Ethan Sylvas, WestinFontenot
Superintendent Ben Necaise greets students at ZacharyEarly Learning Center
Tate, father of two former ZHS athletes,told parents new to the area and Zachary Athletics what to expect. Tate’soldest son, Kenon, was acity championwrestler and member of the first ZHS 5A state championship team. He played football at Southern and recently graduated. Tate’syounger son, Kenson, played football and ran track at Zachary also won 5A State Championships, and is amechanical engineering major at Lamar
Earlier this summer Kenson, competed in the long jump at the NCAA National Championships and later United States Olympic trials. To say that Tate knows a little something about raising scholar athletes andhas spent some time around the
AROUND
Continued from page1G
Back to school
Zachary program would be an understatement. “My sons got structure, discipline and confidence from theirtime at Zachary” Tate said. “I didn’tcoach my kids because it was clear that thecoaches knew what they were doing and when things were tough, Itold them to trust and work the process.” He reflected on getting up at 5a.m. for Thursday football practices and how as a parent it could seem annoying but for the kids it taught them discipline that they could reflect on later in life. Tate closed with acomparison of what happens when Zachary kids go to Central, Scotlandville, Walkeror Denham Spring and what they have to show for their efforts. He raised his hand to show ahalf dozen state championship rings which lead to rousing applause. Brewerton followed by identifying andwelcoming
The fourth annualZachary Back-toSchool FamilyDay is from 10 a.m. to 2p.m., Saturday,Aug. 17,atThe Rock Church and World Ministries, 20810 Plank Road. Activities will include abasketball tournament and avolleyball tournament, as wellasa jambalaya cook-off. Free food and drinks, giveaways, adunking booth, talent show,prizes and more are planned. Call (430) 342-2022 or write zacharyfamilyday@gmail.com for information
Startmakingparadeplans
In arecent newsletter,the Zachary Chamber of Commerce announced the Zachary Christmas Parade isat10a.m. Dec. 14.The theme will be Luau Under the Mistletoe. Details andregistration will be available in September Events nearby
The SouthernGarden Symposium isOct.18at Rosedown in St.Francisville.Speakersare Marianne Willburn and ScottBeuerlein Visit www.thesoutherngardensymposium. org for details and registration.
After its initial festival this year,the Feliciana WildflowerFestival is planning the 2025 event. On Facebook, the grouphas announced the festival will be June 7and the group is seeking applications for vendors
new coaches and discussing basic academic eligibility requirements, before explaining the expectations. He reiterated the importance and philosophy of the school system and referenced the “three As” of academics, arts and athletics.
“Wewant to mirrorinour athletic programswhat we are doing academically in the schools in our pursuit of excellence,” Brewerton said.
He told parents and athletes the history of those who camebefore themand established Zachary as an academic and sportspowerhouse and how others in the area and stateofLouisiana look at the program.
“You are going to be held to ahigher standard than everybody else and what you do when you compete, when you train and when you are not competing are being watched,” Brewerton said.
He asked themtocarry
and guest speakers. Visit www.facebook com/FelicianaWildflowerProject for information.Also, aplanning meetingwill be held at 6p.m. Aug. 21 at Clinton United MethodistChurch, 11321 Old South Drive.
The ChoctawTrail garage sales are planned for 8a.m. to 3p.m. Sept.6-7. The route stretches from Clinton, Jackson and St. Francisville. Vendor space is available to rent in Jackson, and spaces are available at the Clinton Community Market on Sept 7from 8a.m. to 1p.m. Contact Ginger at (225) 933-4911 or ging130@yahoo.com for information. If setting up at your house, contact the organizers for ayard sign. The sale of guns and animals is not permitted. Lanternfestivalmoved
The Water Lantern Festival, at Zachary Community Park, 20055 Old Scenic Highway,has been moved to Sept.21. Visit tinyurl.com/556f2tu8for details.
Hike thelibrary andmore Head to the Pride-Chaneyville Branch Library,13600 Pride-Port Hudson Road, to walk byyourself or with asmall group of friends. There are three measured areas: the“inside loop” is 145 steps or 1/16 of a mile, “against the wall” is 280 steps or 1/8 of amile, and the “serpentine” is 565 steps or 1/4 mile. There are also exercise stations scattered throughout the library. Send news and eventsfor the Zachary area to zachary@theadvocate.com by noon Friday or call(225) 388-0731.
themselves the right way regardless of the sport they play and represent themselves the way they should in the community.Hewent furtherbyclearly defining that “you represent your community,your school, your family and thatteammate sitting right beside you right now.”
The expectations are for thewhole student as Brewerton noted to the athletes that “I wantour coaches to hold youaccountableata high levelbecause thiswill help youbebetter mothers, fathers, husband, wives,and better people.” There yougo, folks.The
expectations have been established. School started the next day. The 2024-25 academic and athleticyear has officially begun.
Warren Brady covers sports forThe Plainsman. He can be contacted at zachary@ theadvocate.com.
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