Shellwants to move into ‘buffer zone’ofplantation
BY CHRISTOPHER CARTWRIGHT Staff writer
Darlene Denstorff
Clearbag rulescoming to parish footballgames
It does not matter if you are attending amiddle school, freshman, junior varsity or varsity football game at area stadium, only clear purses will be allowed.
James E. LeBlanc, of the St.Amant Booster Club, announced on his social media last week that all schoolsare enforcing the clear-bag-only policy this season. Outside food and drinks also will not be allowed in stadiums.
“I’m trying to prevent someone parking far away andmaking it all the way to the gate, then having to return to their vehicle,” LeBlanc said.
Insurancetobetopic of talk
Louisiana Deputy Commissioner of Insurance Ron C. Henderson will be the speaker at theSept. 12 Ascension GOP Roundtable, sponsored byAscension Republican Women
The roundtable starts at 11:30 a.m. at the Clarion Inn, 1500 W. La. 30 in Gonzales.
ä See AROUND, page 4G
Shell Chemical Co., owner of the Ashland-BelleHelene Plantation in Geismar,conducted amajor restoration of the structure about adecadeago. Now it seeks to remove the property’s historical site designationoverlay,saying it has no intentionofoperating on the historic site but wants to moveinto thebufferaround it.
In thecomingweeks, theAscension Parish Council will have the finalsay
Describedinits NationalRegister of Historic Places nomination form as a“superior example” of aperipheral plantation house, the building on La. 3251 was constructed by Duncan Kennerin1841. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
At arecentzoningcommission meeting, Shell Environmental ManagerKevinPoché stated the
companywas planning amajor expansion and had a“needfor scope for work that’sgoing to be
not much over,but alittle bit over the 500-foot bufferzone.”
“Westill have strict obligations to maintainthe historic settingof thearea …Wespent millions restoring the building, andit’sour intention to maintain the property,” he added. “The removal of the historic overlay would just allow us to get alittle bit closer than we might otherwise have if it was still there.”
When Shell bought the property, the purchase agreement required it to maintain the building’sphysical structure andfacade. Shell went further in 2015, completing amajorrestorationtothe interior and exteriors so it could use the building for meetings and company functions.
JimBlanchard,anarchitectural
Troy LeBoeuf
ASCENSION SPORTS
Ascension ChristianLions play with heavyheart
Coach Rohan Davey is starting his second season as the Ascension Christian Lions head football coach, and it’saseason filled with optimism and excitement diminished some withthe loss of their beloved principal, Dustin Bagwell, whodied Aug. 27. “The reason Icame here is because of Dustin Bagwell, we spoke for three months before Imade the decision to accept the position,” Davey said.“He was such aman of faith, hehas changed the culturehere.” Everything he touched turned into something positive, just atragic loss for our school and my prayers arefor his family,” Davey said.
The Lions openedthe season with a19-12victory over
ä See LEBOEUF, page 2G
More than 600 people came ready to dance Friday duringthe Ascension Parish Government’s Game Day Sock Hop at the LamarDixon Expo Center,dancing to Steve Broussard and the Night
After two large live oak trees were cut down last week in Gonzales, some residents voiced dismay over what they saw as the removal
of acity landmark. Nowcityofficials saytheyare looking intonew lawstohelpprotect thetrees. Oneofthe oaks had been registered with theLouisiana Live Oak Societysince 1997, when it was
Train’sperformance covering oldies hits. Many sported the colors of their favorite sports team.
measured with a100-foot canopy and girth of more than 16 feet. The society’schair estimatedthatit hadbeen “well over 100 yearsold.”
The 1.95-acresite in Gonzales, which used to house aPiccadilly restaurant, waspurchased in 2020 for $250,000 by Vince Diez Properties Inc., according to the Ascen-
sionParish Assessor’s database. The company didnot respond to arequest forcomment Thursday
The removal of thetrees,which stood at the former site of the Piccadilly restaurant, exposed the tensions of arapidly changing
STAFFPHOTO BY JAVIER GALLEGOS
The Ashland-Belle Helene Plantation as seen on Aug. 21.
STAFFPHOTO BY JAVIER GALLEGOS Seniors slowdance Aug. 30 during the Ascension Parish Government’sGame DaySock Hop at Lamar-DixonExpo Center
Jefferson Rise in the jamboree, lots of positives for ateam that continues to build its identity.
“Really good effort by my team, we showed resilience in the game. We executed offensively and accomplished what we wanted to get done. We have some work to do defensively,some bright spots for sure, something to buildon,” Davey said.
The roster is loaded with younger players —19sophomores with amixture of key upperclassmenthat will have to lead.
“Our team is sophomore heavy, on defense Ilike what Isee from sophomore defensive lineman Lane Buffalo,” Davey said. “He is up to 6-foot-1, 190 and is bigger, faster and stronger.JJLebouef is our junior QB who sat lastseason. He has worked hard with the fundamentals and getting his feet right, very accurate on the move.”
The following people were booked into the Ascension Parish Jail on Aug. 22-29:
AUG. 22
APPLEWHITE, GEORGE EDWARD: 37048 AgnesWebb Ave., Prairieville; 19; fugitiveother Louisiana jurisdiction CARTER JR., ROOSEVELT: 1725 GlenmoreAve Jackson; 39;fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction
JONES,MICHAEL ANGELO: 5557 Charlene Drive, No. 1, Baton Rouge; 34; state probation violation TERRY, CODYMICHAEL: 17744 N. AchordRoad,Baton Rouge; 43; prohibited acts-drug paraphernalia, possessionof Schedule II controlleddangerous substance (methamphetamine), possession of heroin possession of firearm by person convicted of certain felonies, illegal carry of weapons-crimeorcontrolled dangerous substance, failure to appear-bench warrant
WASHINGTON, BERNARD
LEON: 12587 Warfield Ave., No. 2, Baton Rouge; 44; simple criminal damage to property less than $1,000, simple assault
AUG. 23
DEMPSEY JR., JACKIE DEMOIN: 13227 Tollway Ave.,Baton Rouge; 25; four counts failure to appear-bench warrant, WILLIAMS,ALICE: 1257 Hickory St., Baton Rouge; 53; fugitive-otherLouisiana jurisdiction
ALSAY,PAULJOHN: 700Houmas St., Donaldsonville; 61; criminal trespass/trespassing of real property,simple criminal damage to property
$1,000 to $50,000, theft less than $1,000
TORRES,RAFAEL JESUS: 33912 Cane Market Road, Walker; 30; fugitive-otherLouisiana jurisdiction, resisting an officer
WILLIAMS,ENRICCO D.: 43126 Cannon Road, Gonzales; 45; parole violation, resisting an officer, theft less than $1,000
AUG. 24
BENN, ANGEL REHEE: 9296 Water TowerSt., Convent; 21; failuretoappear-bench warrant, simple battery,fugitiveother Louisiana jurisdiction criminal trespass/all other simple criminal damageto property $1,000 to $50,000 security required, proper equipment required on vehicles-displayofplate
JOHNSON, BERNADETTE
RENEA: 41063 Cannon Road No. 1604, Gonzales; 47; four counts failuretoappearbench warrant, operating
PROVIDEDPHOTO
ner has the potential to be really good. “Weare very excited going into this season, we have to learn how to play togetherasa team,” Lebouef said. The defense will be keyindetermining howgoodthis team can be and senior linebacker Carter Murphy is excited for what he sees. “Soready andexcited for this season, we have so muchto prove. Our defense struggledearly in the jamboree, the coaches made adjustments and we played better in the second half,” Murphy said.
acollege prospect. DorianDavis, who is 6-foot, 285,plays guard and is agoodlineman,” Davey said.
He said Austin Jones has matured intoareal actor with so much charisma. One of the best athletes inthe school, the teachers are complimenting him, the coach said.
vehicle while license is suspended, security required, establishing of speed zones
MALLETT,ZIANIA ELIZABETH: 11056 Airline Highway,No. 49, Gonzales; 36; domestic abuse battery
HOOD,JAMES M.: 46454 Robert Jr Road, St.Amant;68; aggravated seconddegree battery
DARCEY,DAVID: address unknown; 30;violationsofprotectiveorders,fugitive-other Louisianajurisdiction,failure to appear-bench warrant
PHELPS,TYLERCHRISTIAN: 15084 GermanyOaksBlvd Prairieville; 26; simple criminal damage toproperty less than$1,000, possession of alcoholic beveragesinmotor vehicles, recklessoperation hit-and-run driving
JULIEN, KELVIN: 175 Frank Lane, BelleRose;28; failure to appear-bench warrant fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction
ORTIZ, GABRIELRENE: 1306 S. Shirley Ave., Gonzales; 54; failure to appear-bench warrant
OBRIEN, AMBER: 1217 Roddy Road, Gonzales; 34; two counts failureto appearbench warrant, fugitive-other state jurisdiction
BUSBY, DUWANNA JEAN: 39041 James Drive,Prairieville; 57; operating vehicle while licenseissuspended,violations of registration provisions, no motor vehicle insurance, prohibited acts-drug paraphernalia, possession of fentanyl, failureto appearbench warrant
AUG. 25
LALONDE, PATRICK DALE: 8261 BrittanyRoad,Sorrento; 42; bond revocation,criminal trespass/all othertheft less than $1,000
JOHNSON, MYEISHADEONTASHAY: 12757 CourseyBlvd. Baton Rouge; 30; disturbing the peace/drunkenness
TURNER, JOSHUAT.: 12111 Rotterdam Ave., Geismar; 39; reckless operation,operating while intoxicated-first
MCDANIEL, RODNEYJAMES: 565 Union Church Road Winnsboro; 38; examination of applicants requiredclasses of license,operating a vehicle while undersuspensionfor certain prior trafficcontrol signals,operating while intoxicated-second JONES,ASHTON RANAE: 7135 CommunieSt., St.James; 31; simple battery,disturbingthe peace/violent andtumultuousmanner/disorderly conduct
BASSETT,TALAYSIA LENELLE: 35 CloverdaleDrive, Natchez,
“Wehave several guys that have grown up,” Davey said. Lebouef will use hisweapons to throw to Kasen Tanner and Jayce Harrelson. According to Coach Davey,Tan-
Mississippi; 23; simple battery,disturbing the peace/ violent and tumultuous manner/disorderly conduct
JORIO,MASON A.: 41458 Stonebrook Ave.,Prairieville; 22; failuretoappear-bench warrant
WESLEY,DARONTI ANTONIO: 2600 North King Ave.,Lutcher; 25; twocounts violations of protective orders, domestic abuse battery,false imprisonment, home invasion (battery)
LANDRY, TERRANCE JAMONE: 36450 La. 74, Geismar; 23; misdemeanor sexual battery
AUG. 26
TEPOLE, FRANCISCO RAY-
MUNDO: 330 W. Jeansonne St., Gonzales; 43; domestic abuse battery
JARAMILLO, SINDI: 15210 La. 44 Lot4,Gonzales; 39; operating while intoxicated-first
VANDIVER, CHARLES MATTHEW: 18588 Blythe Road, Prairieville; 41; simple battery
BOURGEOIS,LAUREN PART: 2684 S. Burnside Ave.,Gonzales; 35; forgery,theft over $25,000
STOLZ, BENJAMIN MICHAEL: 10565 Lifehouse St., St. James; 35; simple battery,theft less than $1,000
LEBEOUF,SEAN MILES: 1312
St. Patrick St., Donaldsonville; 22; twocounts fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction, domestic abuse battery-second
ABDURRAHHMAN, MANSUR IBN: 12654 S. High Meadow, Baton Rouge; 27; illegal possession of stolen thingsless than $1,000, theft $1,000 but less than $5,000, forgery,bank fraud RICHARD,LEVONE: 10332 Old Hammond Highway, Baton Rouge; 41; theft DENNIS,TYLLIOUS: 543 Catherine St., Donaldsonville; 40; twocounts failuretoappearbench warrant YOUNG, GLORIA: 618 Opelousas St., Donaldsonville; 52; simple criminal damage to property less than $1,000, criminal trespass/all other criminal mischief/tampering with anyproperty of another, simple assault RICHARD,TINA B.: 41093 La. 931, Gonzales; 57; domestic abuse battery
ALSAY,MAKALIA SHANTRELL: 620 Houmas St., Donaldsonville; 24; disturbing the peace/language/disorderly conduct MONTET,TRISTIAN: 8306 BrittanyRoad, Sorrento; 28; possession of aSchedule I controlled dangerous substance HAULARD,MICHAEL JAMES: 11555 Southfork Drive,Baton
THE ASCENSION ADVOCATE,40444 Cannon Road,Gonzales, LA 70737(225) 388-0215
PUBLISHED EVERYWEDNESDAY Onlineattheadvocate.com/baton_rouge/news/communities/ascension/
COMMUNITY SECTION EDITOR
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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The passing game will be complimented by astrong running game and Jones will be the key along withthe offensive line.“Being able to take aleadership role and pushmyteammates to be at their best, that is whatexcites me the most. We gettoplay the game we love, playyour hearts out and play in unity,” Jones said.
“Ouroffensive line will be led by 6-foot-5, 310-pound tackle Kayden Tassin. He is only afreshman, but has good feet and will be
Rouge; 45; failuretoappearbench warrant, illegal possession of stolen things less than $1,000, possession of aSchedule IV controlled dangerous substance (clonazepam)
AUG. 27
GAYDEN, TROYL.: 41149 La. 42 No. 22, Prairieville; 59; failure to appear-bench warrant, aggravated assault with a firearm
MCBRIDE,CHRISTOPHER: 609 Pine St., Donaldsonville; 35; parole violation, disturbing the peace/violent and tumultuous manner/disorderly conduct, simple battery,inciting to riot, possession of firearm by person convicted of certain felonies, aggravated criminal damage to property, illegal use of weapons or dangerous instrumentalities/ weapons lawviolation, second degree murder/attempt
DUNN, AALIYAH: 301 W. Sixth St., Donaldsonville; 26; inciting to riot, simple battery disturbing the peace/violent and tumultuous manner/disorderly conduct
DUNN, AERIAL JAENE: 800 Riverview Complex C205, Donaldsonville; 30; inciting to riot, simple battery,disturbing the peace /violent and tumultuous manner/disorderly conduct
Davey and the Lions knowthat theyhave to improve in many areas, but one stands out to the coach. “The physicality part of the game is where we need to improve, ourtechnique is better for sure. Ihave asmart bunchof guys, theyare good students and teammates. They have put the work in, theywant to seethe results,” Davey said. Throughout this season, there will be adversity,knowing they have aspecialsomeone to play forwill pull these Lions through anything.
“Wehave dedicated this season to Mr.Bagwell. We will make him proud,” Murphy said.
Troy LeBoeufcovers sports for theAscension Advocate. He can be reached at troyleboeuf @hotmail.com or ascension@ theadvocate.com or on Twitter @Troyleboeuf.
CARSTEN, NORMANDIE ROSE: 40373 SycamoreAve., Gonzales; 27; domestic abuse battery-child endangerment
QUEBEDEAUX, PAIGE NICOLE: 12521 Palmer Road, Gonzales; 28; state probation violation
HOLMES,FREDERICK D.: 44604 Braud St., Sorrento; 52; parole violation
AUG. 28
HERNANDEZ JR., RODOLFO: 14483 Oak MeadowSt., Gonzales; 28; resisting an officer, domestic abuse battery,possession of Schedule II controlled dangerous substance (cocaine)
BUTLER JR., FRANK MARTIN: 45256 Paul Road, St. Amant; 54; state probation violation, twocounts failuretoappearbench warrant
LOTT,MAURICE: address unknown, Prairieville; 37; failuretoregister and notify as asex offender-failureto payfees, failuretoregister and notify as asex offenderfirst, fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction
HANNAH, LETICIA: 43497 Sam Stewart Road, Prairieville; 49; twocounts failuretoappearbench warrant, fugitive-other state jurisdiction
KENNEDY, BRANDON SCOTT: 44300 PitreLane, St. Amant;
35; failuretoappear-bench warrant
OLIVER, HARISHA TYA: 17326 E. Cooper Road, Loranger; 25; fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction, twocounts failureto appear-bench warrant, surety VAUGHN, COREY BRANDON: 788 ConwayVillage Blvd., Gonzales; 47; twocounts failuretoappear-bench warrant
BROWN, RHIAN ALISA: 788 Conway Village Blvd., Gonzales; 37; failuretoappearbench warrant
GARNETT,WAYNE KYDRICK: 3180 Arthur Lane, Donaldsonville; 20; four counts failure to appear-bench warrant, fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction
AUG. 29
CROSS,JEFFERY: 2228 S. Vesta Ave.; 38; violations of protectiveorders ANDERSON, GLORIA DANDRIDGE: 936 Elizabeth St., Donaldsonville; 47; two counts failuretoappearbench warrant, fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction
ALBERT, KENDALL JAMAAL: 9196 Ester St., Convent; 26; possession of marijuana morethan 14 grams, two counts fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction
OPEN HOUSEPUBLICMEETING
Duplessis Road Widening (US61– LA 73): StateH.013850 GermanyRoadWidening(US 61 –LA44):State H.013793
ASCENSION PARISH
TheAscension Parish Government,incoordinationwiththe LouisianaDepartmentofTransportationand Development (LADOTD),isconductinganopenhouse public meetingfor theproposedwideningimprovement projects on Duplessis Road (US61– LA 73)and GermanyRoad(US 61 –LA44)
Thepurpose of this meetingistogiveinformation andobtain inputfrominterestedparties. RepresentativesfromAscension Parish,designconsultants,and LADOTD will be availableto answer questionsand discussissuesrelated to thetwo projects.Various stations will be setuptodisplay informationfor each respective project.
Attendeesmay submitwritten comments at themeeting Comments canalsobemailedtothe AscensionParishGovernmentatthe address shownbelow.Commentsmustbe posted marked by September26, 2024,tobeincludedinthe transcript of this meeting.
Thepublicmeeting will be held on: Thursday,September 12,2024 5:00-7:00PM SugarMillPrimary School 39319Germany Road Prairieville, LA 70769
Should yourequire specialassistancedue to adisabilityto participateinthispublicmeeting,pleasecontact theAscension Parish Government by mail at theaddress beloworby telephone at 225-450-1021atleast five working days priorto themeeting
AscensionParishGovernment Communications Division 615EastWorthey Street Gonzales,LA70737
Ascension Christian’sAustin Jones picks up yardageduring last week’s jamboree.
Hundredsofseniors dance on the floor as oldies play
The Lamar-Dixon Expo Center’sgym floor is crowded with hundreds of seniors dancing.
Dawn Bragosmiles wide while dancing during theAscension Parish Government’sGame DaySock Hop at Lamar-Dixon Expo Center on Friday
colors on the dance floor
Julia Hollingsworth, right, withSunrise Senior Living,dances with Tracey Waddelowduring the dance.
Lloyd Powler shakes hands with friends.
Seniors, manywearing shirts from their favorite football team, dance at theAscension Parish Government’sGame DaySock Hop Gameday clad seniors dance.
community.Once arural area, Ascension Parish has become oneofthe fastest growing in the state,leading to conflictsbetween development and efforts to preserve the area’scharacter GonzalesMayor Ryland Percy saidthe city is continuing to research an ordinance. But he also acknowledged the contention between private property rights and conservation.
“Wehave contacted the Louisiana Municipal Association and asked themtoprovide us whatever samples or copies of ordinances,” he said Thursday.“It’s avery difficult issue because you’re talking about issues of private property and owners’ rights and things like that.”
Whyoak treesare important
Live oak trees provide various benefits to both urban and rural communities, said Damon Abdi, an assistantprofessor of landscape horticulturewith theLSU AG Center He said the trees act as “a fantastic host for pollinators, birds and abunch of biodiversity.”
“Live oaks are astapleinthe southern landscape,and they absolutely just dominate both with their sheer size and their long life in the landscape, going for hundreds of years,” he said.“…Intermsof supporting just the overall ecosystem, just theimmense treesare fantastic forserving as ahome.”
For urban areas, he said thebiggest benefit is the shade cast by the large canopies. TheU.S.Environmental ProtectionAgency statesonits websitethatvegetation can help reduce the “heat island”effect in cities, which occurs when municipalities replace naturalland with pavement and buildings.
Gonzales has taken steps to protect the environment lately,including becoming the second Louisiana city afterNew Orleans to adopta climateactionplan. It callsfor the planting of 32,000 trees andcreating green spaces to cut the heat island effect.
Adopted by thecity council in February 2023, it also called for converting at least half of the city’svehiclefleet toelectric power and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by up to 40% by 2030.
According to an onlinepost this monthby the EPA, department representatives and othersworked with the city in 2023, providing near-term goals for the city to meet. These includeddevelopinganEV charging location master plan, distributingeducational materialsabout the vehicles and pursuing funding for electric school buses. What should be done?
Recently,a citizens groupcrafted apetition to the Lake Charles City Council asking for an ordinance protecting the remaining oak trees in that city.And last November,the Madisonville Town Council unanimouslyapproved an ordinance requiring residents to obtain apermit before cutting, pruning or removing protected trees.
PHOTO BY HILARY SCHEINUK
STAFF
Formerly known as ‘The Piccadilly Oak,’ the stumpfrom alargeliveoak tree is seen Aug. 29 near the intersection of E. Ascension Street and Airline Highwayin Gonzales. Aposter featuring the Lorax, who Dr.Seuss wrote ‘speaks for the trees’ is seen nearby
Percy said city officials were goingto study these typesofordinances to“see what makes sense for Gonzales.”
AROUND
Continued from page1G
Agraduate of Southern University Law Center in Baton Rougeaswell as Southern UniversityatNew Orleans, Henderson servesasdeputy commissioner with the Office of Consumer Advocacy andDiversity for the Louisiana Department of Insurance.
He also oversees the Senior HealthInsurance Information Program,whichassists over 70,000 Medicare beneficiariesin the state. The lunch is $30. Guests can preregister at paypal.me/ARW225. Reservations are requested. A$5room fee will be collected for those not dining. RSVP:(225) 921-5187 or email: ARWrUS@aol.com. VolunteerAscensionplans masquerade Unveiling Hope AMasqueradeGala for aCause fundraiser startsat7 p.m. Sept. 26 at ThePrice LeBlanc PACE Center
The evening is afundraiser for Volunteer Ascension. Tables and sponsorshipson sale. To register,visit https://tinyurl.com/ yc3229dr Fall seed giveaway Saturday River Road African American Museum is holding afall seed giveaway andgarden clea pd fr 10 Se 14.
“It’sadifficult issue. It’snot avery simple issue,” he added. “…Some places have ordinances, alot of places don’t.”
Goingforward, Percy estimated the earliest an ordinance might be crafted would be the endofthe year
“There’s notgoing to be aknee-jerkreaction to this,” he added. “If we’re going to put together an ordinance, it’sgot to make sense, andit’sgot to be enforceable.”
The balance between development and conservation regularly crops upinAscension Parish debates, as residents who have grown up in the communities have seen itsrapid urbanization. From planning for parks to the construction of new schools, residents have voiced concerns over how thearea is changing.
In 2020, the U.S. Census Bureau put the population at 126,500 people, while the 1990 census reported just over 58,200 people. And the bureau estimated the population increased by more thanfour %between 2020 and2023.
With the increased population, the amountofopen space has significantly decreased.According to theU.S.Department of Agriculture’sCensus of Agriculture, total farm acreage in the parish decreased by about 25.2% between 1992 and 2022. During that same time, the department’s data indicates the number of farmsdecreased from 325 to 265.
Beyond environmental aspects, the changes to the landscape also strike at wider cultural shifts. Residents have mentioned the sadness they’ve felt with the loss of the trees as they have specific memories tied to them.
Abdi mentioned this, saying oak trees have long lives and adistinctive presence in Louisiana and the South.
“They’re so long-lived and alot of people have averysentimental attachmenttoit. Youknow,there’smany live oaks throughout Louisiana that are older than even our oldest residents,” he said. “So certainly, doing what we can to protect those trees is somethingimportant to us.”
Email Christopher Cartwright at christopher.cartwright@theadvocate. com.
Found astray?Here’show youcan help
Cara’s House animalshelterisoffering anew program to helpreduce its shelter populationand provide care for lost or abandoned animals.
The Found aStray program encourages peoplewho find alost pet to callthe shelter and post the animal.For information, call Cara’sHouse at (225) 675-0400. Cara’sHouse provides for allthe animal’sneeds while it’s under foster care.
Lookingfor akayak rental site?
Kayaks can be rented at the city’s kayak launch site behind Jambalaya Park along Bayou Francois. Kayaks are$5per hour.For more information, call (225) 647-2841.
Mark youcalendar
Oct. 5: Household Hazardous Materials Collection Day,Lamar-Dixon Expo Center
Oct. 12: Fall Market at Chatagnier Family Farm, food, crafts and petting zoo.
Oct. 18-20: Sorrento Lions Club’sBoucherie and Balloon Festival on Airline Highway in Sorrento. Dec. 7: Christmas Stroll in the Park: Craft vendors, food trucks, photos with Santa and theGrinch. Duplessis Park.
Contact Darlene Denstorffbyphone, (225) 388-0215 or (225) 603-1998; or email, ascension@theadvocate.com or Deadline:
SHELL
Continued from page1G
archivistand artist who acted as aconsultant for the2015 upgrades,told the commission he thought Shell should provide more details.
“I find it’salittle too vague to do this. I’m for the development and whatever they need,” he said. “…They just need to show more of what they’re actually goingtowant to do there.”
In response, Poché saidthe company didn’t intend to construct aproduction plant near the site and said Shell had internal regulations about what the company could do in the area. Natalie Gunnell, aShell spokesperson, emphasized via email that the company did not want to operate on the historic site.
“Shell aims to be agood neighbor and will continue to have respectful engagement with the local community where we work and live in,” she wrote.
The zoning commission voted 3-2 against recommending the removal of the overlay, though the Parish Council will make the final decision.
Site history
In an addendum to the National Register nomination form, State Historic PreservationOfficerRobert B. DeBlieux wrote that thestructure was especially significant because of itsfull gallery around the house and parapet that hides the hip roof.
“Theperipheral styleisaregionally distinctive mode of the Greek Revival which is peculiar to the Deep South,” he stated. “It is thought to have evolved from Creole galleriedplantationhousesofthe eighteenthand early nineteenth centuries. Of course, the phenomenon itselfisnationally important because it forms avital part of the overall picture of the American Greek Revival.”
Written by Douglas Hayward, the form stated that Kenner’sownership added to its
Structures from the ShellChemical LP Geismar Plant peek over the tree line at the edgeofAshland-Belle Helene Plantation property as seen on Aug. 21.
significance.
Enslaving 473 people in 1860, when his real estate and personal property were valuedatthe equivalent of more than $16 million in 2024, Kenner served as astate representative and adelegate to the provisional Congress of the Confederacy
Although Union forces seized the plantation during the Civil War, Hayward wrote that Kenner regained ownership of the property and “built up an estate whichwas even larger and more valuable at the time of his death than it had been before the war.”
FollowingKenner’s death, John Reuss purchased the plantation and renamed it Belle Helene in honor of his granddaughter
Although Hayward concentrated on the house, he nominated the surrounding land because it “encompasses apark in which the mansion is set.”
“This park includes the front lawn as well as treed land to the rear and sides …which at one time were intended for gentlemen’srecreation,” he wrote. “There was, for example, aracetrack among the oaks to the rear of the house. This, however,has disappeared.”
Email Christopher Cartwright at christopher.cartwright@theadvocate. com.
STAFF PHOTO BY JAVIER GALLEGOS