BY OLIVIA MCCLURE
Contributing writer
Julie Burns has had to make afew calls to 911 recently.Each time,the Zachary resident has been frustrated tofind hercall being answered not by alocal police dispatcher, but instead by avariety of neighboring public safety agencies
Zachary invites local businesses and organizationsto decorate atrunk for the fourth annual Trunk or Treat from 3p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Oct. 27 on Lee Street. Around 1,500 children are expected.
Set-up starts at 1p.m.and must be finished by 2:40 p.m. Register by Oct. 14 at https:// forms.office.com/r/g35VpCq0Az. For information, contact ashleigh.mchugh@cityofzachary.org.
Breast screeningavailable
Woman’sHospital’s Mammography Coach is offering 3D mammograms in communities. Physician’sorders are required, and appointmentsare strongly encouraged.
Sept. 11: Zachary United Methodist Church, 4205 Church St., Zachary.Call (225) 924-8268 to schedule.
Sept. 20: LPG Baker,6516 E. Myrtle Ave., Baker. Call (225) 774-9486 to schedule.
Joyful Generations Joyful Generations/Leading the Charge, acommunity celebration, willbeat5p.m Sunday,Sept. 8, at the Baker Municipal Center Auditorium, 3325 Groom Road. The evening will have aconcert, prizes, giveaways, activities, vendors and more. The event is hosted by Council member Desiree Collins and Stone Tablet Music group. Call (225) 715-5658for vending and sponsorship opportunities.
Pink OutZachary
The Zachary Chamber of Commerce LeadershipNorth Group is holding aBust Out Cancer campaign. Among the awareness campaigns are two Pink Out days. The schools will use Oct. 18 as their day.Mayor David McDavid has designated Oct. 24 at the date for theentire city.T-shirts for the day areon saleathttps://shorturl.at/3BE2r
Deadline to order is Sept. 6. Proceeds will go to Woman’s Hospital.
Prayer luncheonset
Mayor David McDavid invites all community members to join the Mayor’sCommunity Prayer Luncheon on Oct. 25 at the Family Life Center of First Baptist Church Zachary,4200 Main St. This year,the event will be held as aluncheon making it more convenient for everyonetoattend.
Acomplimentary fried
fish lunch willbeserved from 11:30 a.m. to 1p.m.
ä See AROUND, page 2G
“I can understand it going to East Baton Rouge Parish,” Burns toldthe CityCouncil Aug. 27. “But when aLivingston Parishdispatchercalls youbackora West Feliciana or East FelicianaorNew Roads dispatcher calls you back,they know nothing of your area. And the time to get somebody to our house can take alot longer than what it should.”
In recent years, theZachary Police Departmenthas notemployed its owndispatchers, relying on an agreement with East BatonRouge Parish to field and route emergency calls. And the parish 911 system has not been working properly lately,Mayor David McDavid said at the council meeting. Burns anda coupleofher Ramey Drive neighbors said something needs to be done. “Wereally need dispatch of our own,” Burns said.
Lisa Boyd, oneofthe neighbors, saidshe appreciates everything the Zachary police force does to protect residents like herself “They’vebeen working hard to make our town better —and they have,and they’re still working,” she said. “But that 911 call is aproblem.” Anotherneighbor, ThomasSnowden, agreed.
More than 200 students and parents attended Zachary High School’sOpen House on Aug. 29. Parents could meet teachers and learn about classroom expectations.
BY PATRICK SLOAN-TURNER Staff writer
Anew District 7representative on theBaton RougeMetro Council hasbeen selected,aswell as anew mayor-president protempore.
With thedeparture of former District 7council member and Mayor-President Pro Tempore LaMont Cole,the council selected District 1councilmember BrandonNoel,aRepublican, to preside over thebody. Butthe selection did not come quickand easy
Three members were nominated to serve in the position: Carolyn Coleman, Aaron Moak and Noel.
Beforeavote could be held, District 2council memberChauna Banks madeamotion. She lobbied for thegrouptolet four members —Dwight Hudson, Denise Amoroso,Coleman andMoak—get amonthlong turnserving as pro tempore to finish out theyear
Members of the public at the meetingspoke against this idea.
“The people of this parish are not toystobeplayed with,” said Michael Williams during public com-
ment. “We’re living in somereally challenging times at this particular moment, and yet we’re here playing with the mayor pro tem.”
Banks’ idea garnered support from members Darryl Hurst, Cleve Dunn Jr.and Moak, but Coleman spoke against it, and said playing musical chairs with the seat was notfairtoCole’stermas pro tem after he was elected to the Metro CouncilasaDemocrat.
“Back when we nominated Mayor Pro TemCole, it was
ä See COUNCIL, page 4G
Advocate brings concerns over stay dogs,catsincity
BY OLIVIA MCCLURE
Contributing writer
As an animal rescue volunteer, Ashleigh McHugh has seen her share of strays in need of homes andheartbreaking instances of cruelty.
McHugh told theZacharyCity Council Aug. 27 that these issues are far too prevalent, straining the limited resources of local animal welfare groups.
“Zachary is contributing to a parishwide and statewide animal problem,”saidMcHugh, the city’s economic development director
“Right now,itisbeyond thecapacityofanimalcontrol andshelters to manage.”
The Companion Animal Alliance shelterinBaton Rouge takes in a staggering 140 animals every five days,McHughsaid. Otherorganizations are overwhelmed, too. McHugh identified four key issues she and her fellow volunteers are encountering in Zachary: n Tethering. “Many dogs in Zacharyspend their lives chained up, unfortunately,enduring weather conditions, even therecent heat we’ve had,”McHugh said. n Breeding. “Females are bred
in Zachary repeatedly,and then, unfortunately, sometimes they are discarded when theycan’t produce aprofit,” she said.
n Dumping. “Wedoexperience dogs that are dumped, often out of vehicles, just left in remote areas to kind of fend forthemselves,” she said.
n Strays. “This is what we see mostoften,” she said.
As for howresidents can help, McHugh urged them to think about adopting and fostering, donating to rescue organizations and
ä See STRAY, page 4G
On Aug. 24, former Zachary High football players gathered in Clinton at the Art Barn to recognize aZachary Legend, former head football coach Marvin Holland (1980-87). Back in the 1980s, the LHSAA had four classifications and the Broncos were in AAA, which included Catholic High, Woodlawn, Plaquemine, Port Allen, Redemptorist and Donaldsonville. In 1980, Holland matriculated to Zachary after serving as an assistant at powerhouse Kentwood. For those wholived in Zachary back in the late 1970s you probably recall the 1976 football season (2-8), 1977 (19), 1978 (4-6), and 1979 (4-6). Notexactly the powerhouse program that the Broncos field today Holland came to town and posted a2-8 record in 1980 followed by a4-6 record in 1981 and then things changed. The 1982 team (10-3) lost to eventual state champion Eunice in the AAA semifinals.
Nottobeoutdone, the 1983 team posted the first undefeated record in ZHS football history.That team lost to Destrehan in the playoffs on a controversial 2-point attempt where coach Holland went forthe win. To this day Iand everyone else from Zachary at that gameknow that Victor Jones scored.
Several of the stars from the 1983 team (Karl Jones, Jeff Tarver,Joe Cox and Jeff Daniels) were there along with coaches Bennie Archie and John Allen Phares. Zachary Mayor David McDavid was there as welltorecognize the second winningest coach in ZHS football history (59-31). As the ‘80s came alive for ZHS football, playoffs became an expectation, and it should be noted that back in those days teamswith losing records were not in the playoffs.Ifyou were not in the top twoinyour district your season wasover Kevin Jackson, whoplayed on the 1986 team that advanced to the quarterfinals, was there among manyothers. Apologies to those in attendance that were not mentioned here.
Iplayed on Holland’slast team at Zachary in 1987 (and the 1985 and 1986 teams) that manyconsidered adisappointmentafter the 1986 team with Kevin Jackson, Michael Drummond, Dedrick Gorham and Robb Odom madesuch adeep playoffrun. That 1987 team (8-4) advanced to the regional round of the AAA playoffs and then Holland wasgone. The circumstances of his departure are astory foranother day and bring back painful memories forall of those whoplayed for him during the era. Needless to say,his absence
Zachary’sbeen asafe place for the mostpart. We’ve had our incidents,” he said. “But for the most part, I’ve never had a timewhere Ineeded the police and they weren’t there fast enough —until recently.”
Some council memberssaid they too have dealt with 911 calls being pickedupbyout-of-town dispatchers, causing slower response times.
“When I’ve calledfrom Zachary,the dispatcher hasnoidea about our streets,” said Councilwoman Ambre DeVirgilio. “I have been treated rudely in an emergency several times.”
Councilwoman Brandy Westmoreland recently called911 to get help after being involved in a car wreck near the WinnDixie grocery store. She becameannoyed when thedispatcher pressed her for aprecise address.
“I was like, ‘I don’tunderstand.There is one Winn-Dixie in this town. Idon’tknow the address. It’sonHwy.19.’ Andthat’show Islowly figured out that Iclearly was not talking to aZachary police officer,” Westmorelandsaid.
Councilman John LeBlanc said he called 911 a few months ago and managed to connect withan East BatonRouge Parish dispatcher —but only after thephone rang numerous times.
Police Chief Darryl Lawrence was not at the council meeting to answer questions; he was with his officers at the scene of an incident, McDavid said.
McDavid, however,was able to offer some insight into the situation. He was police chief before being elected mayor in 2022 andcurrently serves on the parish CommunicationsDistrict Board of Commissioners, which oversees 911 services.
The Zachary Police Department had four of its own dispatchers before entering the agreement with East BatonRouge Parish. McDavid said the 911 system has been experiencing problems.
“We’ve had to call the company out of California to address this situationdown in Baton Rouge. …Not surewhere that’satrightnow or what they’re going to do with that problem,” he said.
McDavid said it’spossible to have local dispatchers again —but emphasized thatthe decision would be up to Lawrence.
“If he wants to take the dispatchers back, we could bring the funding backhere,” he said. He was sympathetic to the concerns expressed by the residents.
“I do see aproblem,” McDavid said, “and hopefully we can get it fixed.”
Community news report
Louisiana’s National Hunting and Fishing Day willbeSept. 28 at four locations, the Louisiana DepartmentofWildlife and Fisheries announced.
Waddill Wildlife Refuge, 4142 N. Flannery Road, in Baton Rougewill hostactivities from 8a.m. to 1p.m Woodworth Shooting Range in Woodworth, the TomMerrill Recreation AreaatBodcau Wildlife Management Area in Haughton and Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge in Monroealso will host events, sponsored by theLouisiana Wildlife andFisheries Foundation. Visit https://www.wlf.louisiana. gov/page/nhfd for information. Hunting and Fishing Day has become atradition since its estab-
lishment in the early 1970s. Every fourth SaturdayinSeptemberis dedicated to Louisiana’spopular outdoor pastimes. Wildlifeand Fisheries introduced its first Huntingand Fishing Day event in 1982 at the Monroe District Office. Other locations followed through the years. Each location’sevent varies but allinclude exhibitsonWildlifeand Fisheries research andconservation efforts,shootingand fishing demonstrations, and exhibits from local chapters of Ducks Unlimited, the Safari Club and the Coastal Conservation Association, as well as local businesses. Attendees can try their skills at the shooting ranges, fishing ponds and boating activities, andlearn about wildlife with live animal demonstrations
Continuedfrom page1G
as an educator and role model were missed in Zachary just as much as hisability to motivate theBroncos to victory.The Broncos recorded a7-win seasonthe following year under former Holland assistant Phares and then thebottom fell out. The Broncos would go over 15 years withoutreaching the7-win total again and only record one winningseason over that span. The 2004 Broncos recorded an 8-3record andlet just saythey broke“theHollandCurse.”
After leavingZachary Coach Holland continued to coach football at Central andthen Silliman where he won astate championship. He helped Odom (ZHS class of 87) coach football at West Feliciana. Healso continued to traintrack athletes at West Felicianaasrecently as last springwherehe worked with one of thetop discus throwers in thestate. Apassion forseeing kidsbecome everything they can bethrough astrongfaith sums coach Holland upbut understates the other incredible qualities of aman Istill call “coach.”
FormerZHS Broncos finish preseasontrainingcamp
Boston Scott, with theLos Angeles Rams, and Douglas Coleman III, Chicago Bears, both had eventful ends to their last week of the NFL preseason. Scott rushed for 157 yards over the Rams’ three preseason games and was released on Aug. 25. There is still achance he can pick up with another team or makethe Rams practice squad. Coleman who has been in the
Continuedfrom page1G
Theluncheon will feature guest speaker Col. PaulPride, aretired superintendentofthe OhioState Highway Patrol. The theme for the luncheon is “Faith andService.”
“Thecommunity prayer luncheon is ameaningfulopportunity for our
citizens to come together,reflect on our shared values of compassion and service, and pray for a prosperous and safe future for our city,” McDavid said.
Lanternfestivalrescheduled
The Water Lantern Festival, at Zachary Community Park, 20055 Old Scenic Highway,has been pushed to Sept. 21. Visit tinyurl. com/556f2tu8 for details.
frozen north (Canadian Football League) was signed by the Bears as afree agent. He had quitethe scare in the Bears preseason game against the Chiefs on Aug. 23. On the first play from scrimmage of the second half Coleman was hurt tackling a Chiefs wide receiver.Hewas placed on astabilizing board before being taken from the field. Douglas is OK and he has since traveled back to Chicago. The Bears placed Coleman on injured reserve, which means his season is over Warren Brady covers sports for ThePlainsman. He can be contacted at zachary@ theadvocate.com.
Novemberfest seeksvendors
Crafters and vendors are invited to participate in St. Patrick’sNovemberfest from 10 a.m. to 4p.m. Nov.2for food, fun, games, activities, crafts/vendors and more. The church is at 1322 Church St. in Zachary.For information or applications, go to www.stpatsla.org, email churchoffice@stpatsla.org or call the church at (225) 654-4091.
Christmasparade In arecent newsletter,the Zachary Chamber of Commerce announced the Zachary Christmas Parade is at 10 a.m. Dec. 14. The theme will be “Luau Under the Mistletoe.”
Sendnewsand events for the Zachary area to zachary@ theadvocate.com by noon Friday or call (225) 388-0731.
Community news report
Registrar of Voters Steve Raborn is reminding East Baton Rouge Parishresidents to make sure they are registered to vote and to either register or updatetheir registration as needed before the fall elections
The Registrar of Voters Office will conduct voter registration drivesduring Voter Registration Week, Sept. 16-20. Residents who need to register to vote or update their registration may do so online at www.GeauxVote.com or in person at the Registrar of Voters officeor at thevoter drive conducted at branchesofthe East Baton Rouge Parish Library
The Registrar’soffice will visit library
Continued from page1G
unanimously done. That means that the Republicans supported DemocratMayor Pro TemCole,” Coleman said. “In, fairness for the right thingtobedone, a Democrat (should complete)this time.”
District 3council member Rowdy Gaudet shared asimilar point of view as Coleman, and suggested the council was perhaps “overcomplicating”things
Then, the validity of opting to go this route was questioned, as the body had not posted public notice to do so
After nearly an hour of debate, amotion was made to appoint Noel,which passed withseven council votes from Laurie Adams, Amoroso,Banks, Gaudet, Hudson, Hurst and Noel himself.
The new pro tempore said hewas not expecting Wednesday to end with him in Cole’sformerseat and hedid not lobbyfor thepositionbeforehand, as he himself nominated Hudson
“Throughastrange set of circumstances, it happened this way,and I’m pleased, I’m humbled, I’mstill alittle bit overwhelmed about it,but I’m happy to represent this council,” Noel said.
Noel is up for reelectioninNovember.Ifhewins, he saidhewill evaluate
Thefollowing people were booked into East Baton Rouge Parish Prison or issued asummonsbythe Zachary Police Department from Aug. 22-28: ALAZJABENTLEY: 20; 845 Mangum St., No.2A, Centerville, Mississippi; theft
HUNTER BOYD: 36; homeless; simple burglary and theft HUNTER BOYD: 36; homeless; violations of protective orders
HUNTER BOYD: 36; homeless; violationofprotectiveorders
JERROLD EDWARDS: 27; 880
Continued from page1G
branches during the week from 1p.m. to 6p.m.: n Sept. 16: Bluebonnet Regional Branch Library,9200 Bluebonnet Blvd.
n Sept.16: River Center Branch Library, 250 NorthBlvd. n Sept. 16: Scotlandville Branch Library, 7373 Scenic Highway
n Sept. 17: CarverBranch Library,720 Terrace St.
n Sept.17: DelmontGardens BranchLibrary,3351 Lorraine St.
n Sept.17: Main Library,7711 Goodwood Blvd.
n Sept.18: Central Branch Library,11260 Joor Road
n Sept. 18: Fairwood Branch Library,
things then to see if he will seek to hold the position in the next term, but is happy nowtolead council membersgroup who have respect for each other
“That’satestament to the leadership under Pro TemLaMont Cole,” he said. “I have big shoes to fill. Idon’t knowif Ican fill them, but I’ll certainly do my best.”
On Wednesday,Patricia Derozan was appointed to serve out Cole’stermin representing District 7.
Derozan tallied eight votes of approval from the 11 seated council members in attendance.
The new council member is agraduate of Southern University and said she is alifelong resident of District 7.
She will serve only until the new year, as allcouncilseatsare up for election in November and Derozan did not qualify to run.
Alfred Bell, who also applied for appointment,and Twahna Harris, Cole’s legislative assistant when he served on the council, are on theballot for District 7.
Localattorney RaushanahHunter also applied for the appointment.
Derozan has spent 25 years in the information technology industry working for thestate government.
“Welcome. Congratulations. Buckle up,” Noel saidtohis new colleague.
W. Plains-Port Hudson Road, Zachary; impropertelephone communications
ZYRAEL EVANS: 19; 23263 Huntergreen Drive, Cincinnati, Ohio; twocounts of resisting anofficer and carryingoffirearm or dangerous weapon in firearm free zone
JOSEPH FAZZIO: 38; 3368 RedbudSt., Zachary;domestic abuse —child endangerment
FELICIA FLOTTE: 45; 9563 Deer RunAve Zachary;unlawful salestopersons under 21
JOSHUA GREENE: 36; 6214 ComiteDrive,Baker; failure to
shelters, and advocating foranimals She also encouraged electedofficials to enact andenforce ordinances protecting animals.
“Other communities have put some measures in place like moratoriums onbreeding, requiring that you register your pets with the city,limiting thenumberofbreedingpermits that are actually given out and alsolimiting the time that an animalcan be
12910 OldHammond Highway
n Sept.18: Zachary Branch Library,1900 Church St.
n Sept. 19: Pride-Chaneyville Branch Library, 13600 Pride-Port Hudson Road
n Sept. 19: Eden ParkBranch Library 5131 Greenwell Springs Road
n Sept. 19: GreenwellSprings Road RegionalBranch Library,11300 Greenwell Springs Road
n Sept.20: Jones Creek Regional Branch Library, 6222 Jones Creek Road
n Sept.20: Baker Branch Library,3501 Groom Road
Applicants must submitcurrent Louisiana driver’slicense, if they have one, or a birthcertificate or other documentation
which reasonably andsufficiently establishes identity,age and residency.Ifthey have no driver’s license, specialLouisiana ID or Social Security number, apicture ID, autilitybill, payrollcheck or government documentthat showsname and address may be used. To casta ballotinthe Nov.5,election, the last day to register to vote in-person or by mail is Oct. 7. Oct. 15 is the last daytoregister to vote online throughthe GeauxVote. com website. Early voting will be held Oct. 18-29.
Voters may check the status of their registrationatwww.GeauxVote.com or by calling the Registrar of Voters Office at (225) 389-3940.
appear on outstanding bench warrants
EDWARD JENKINS: 22; 18733
Samuels Road, No. 285, Zachary; failuretoappear on outstanding bench warrants
JELANI JONES: 26; 8443 Carver Drive, New Roads, simple kidnapping and battery of a dating partner —dangerous weapon
VLADIMIR MCCLARTY: 43; 1192 CordobaDrive,Zachary; failuretoappear on outstanding bench warrants AARON MCPIPE JR.: 26; 9097 Cherry Laurel Ave.,Zachary;
tethered outdoors. …Wefeel it’stimefor Zachary to take some similar steps to protect ourdogs,punishing thehuman rather than the dogfor negligenceand mistreatment,” McHugh said.
After McHugh’spresentation, Mayor David McDavidtook theopportunity to ask that peoplenot post “lost dog” fliers.
“Wewouldask nottoput them on stop signsorspeed limitsigns,”hesaid. “Use the social media forums to get this information out to everybody.Alot of this stuff falls onto theground and becomes litter and we have to pickituportake it off the signs to keep the signsfrom being blocked.”
display of temp tag and possession of marijuana
VERNON READO: 23; 3606 Oak Hills St., Zachary; unlawful sales to personsunder 21
AUBRI ROBERTS: 28; 5212 Iris St Zachary; theft
JASON SANDERS: 45; 9961 Adam Drive, Denham Springs; twocountsoftheft and fugitive warrants through East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office
EARNESTWHITE: 45; 7777 Gov. BlanchardDrive, Baton Rouge;failuretoappear on
qualify. BCIBath& Shower.Manyoptionsavailable. Qualitymaterials &professional installation.Senior& Military DiscountsAvailable. Call Today! 1866-806-5009 Preparefor poweroutages today with aGenerac Home Standby Generator. Actnow to receivea FREE 5-Year
outstanding bench warrants ALANA WYATT: 48; 5413 Washington Ave., Baton Rouge;two counts of theft, twocounts of simple burglary,simple criminal damage to property and attempted theft
