Wayne Daystarted working for the city of Zacharyasateen.
Celebrating 30 years of service
ZacharyMayor David McDavid and ZacharyPublic Works Director WayneDay observe Day’s30anniversaryemployed with the city Leila Pitchford AROUND ZACHARY
The city of Zachary announced on Facebook that Wayne Day, Zachary Public Works director, is marking 30 years of service to Zachary He started his journey with the Public Works Department at 19 and has worked his way up the ranks and “likely setfoot in every canal and drainage ditch in our city,”the post said.
ZacharyHighpoets featured
The Zachary Community School District shared avideo from Poetry Out Loud Louisiana at https://youtu.be/pybT8 QdMQkY?si=ROA5DammrD
USUDOo. The video features six former state champions sharing their experiences in the Poetry Out Loud Louisiana program. Three of the six are Zachary high alumni: Alexis Granville (2013 State Champion), Kyla Bates (2015 and 2016 State Champion) and Camilla Howell (2023 State Champion).
Contacting thepolice
The Zachary Police Department is moving to its new building at 5160 Old Slaughter Road, Zachary.The department recently posted some adviceon ways to contact the police during the transition. For immediate police assistance or to file areport, continue to visit4510 Main St., Zachary.For assistance, call (225-654-1922.
To pick up acopy of apolice report, the Records Division is at 5160 Old Slaughter Road, Zachary.Call (225) 654-1904 for questions.
The administration has moved to the new building To schedule an appointment with the Chief of Police or any administration personnel, call (225)654-0073. Help wrap gifts
Residents are invited to participate in the annual Santa’s Helpers Christmas gift wrapping party.Volunteers help wrap gifts donated by the community for local families in need this holiday season. Meet from 9a.m. to 11 a.m., Dec. 21 at the new Zachary Police
ä See AROUND, page 2G
CULTURE IN STORIES
Children learnabout Cherokee people at library programs
Children learned about the Cherokee people through a series of stories presented at the Baker and Zachary library branches Nov.23-24.
“Cherokee Tales,” developed inpartnership with the Cherokee Historical Association, introduces young audiences to the Cherokee people through aseries of performances.
Puttingthe
The 2024-25 version of the Zachary Highgirls basketball team picked theword “resilience” that they hope will lead them to championships with aslight change in the spelling to give it aZachary twist, “Rezilience.” Coach Tami McClure said “this year is aboutwithstanding difficulties, fightingthrough, notlettingour thoughtsget the best of us andbeingmentally tough.” Severalstarters or players with significantvarsity minutes from last year’steam return, including1,000-careerpoint scorers
senior Tiarra McPipe and junior AvaRaymond. Both players madefirst team All-District 4-5A and were honorable mention AllStatelast year Raymondalso picked up All-Metrohonors in 202324. McPipe will be playing basketball at Loyola in New Orleansnext year Those are theknown quantities but there are more. Sophomore AlyaWalker is another guard that “played solid minutes last year off thebench
Warren Brady
SPORTS
Campaigning on school property banned
BY OLIVIA MCCLURE
Contributing writer
Politicians hoping to drum up votes by campaigning at school sporting events and other functions will have to strike that strategy from their playbooks after the Zachary Community School Board Dec.3approved apolicy banning those activities on all school property
Political campaigns will notbeallowed to hand out leaflets or swag or purchase advertisements to be displayed at school events. If candidates buy food for those working in the press box or make otherdonations at games, onlytheir names— andnot the offices they areseeking —will be announced over the loudspeaker.And they can’t park RVsand trailers or setuptents decked out with campaign signs at school-owned sites. The new rules apply to all schools, school-district-ownedfacilitiesand school busesaswellas the Zachary Youth Park fields the district leases from the city People can still travel onto school grounds with abumper sticker on their vehicle. The school board also agreed it can’tstop individuals from wearing political T-shirts on school property
School administratorswillbecharged with enforcing the policy.Itleaves some room for discretion —like whether alarge group of
BYOLIVIA MCCLURE Contributing writer
Theholiday spirit wasinthe airatthe ZacharyCommunity School Board’sDec.3meeting, where members were gifted poinsettias and recognized the winners of an annual Christmas card contest. Officers of ZacharyHigh School’s FFAchapter alongwithagriculture teachersMelissa Brumbaugh and Wayne Brumbaugh told the board about several activitiesthey’ve participated in
ZACHARYSCHOOLBOARD ä See CAMPAIGNING, page 3G ä See HONORS, page 3G
for us and continues to this year,” McClure said. Senior Reese Quibodeaux is agreat defender at the guard position that McClure indicated is usually used to shut downbetter offensive players. Junior guard Donalia Grimes returns as well and has logged valuable varsity minutes previously In thepaint, seniors Madison Alcerro andCimiya Rideaux have been sharing minutes and “give
us astrong showing inside,” McClure said. They are joined in the post by high energy seniors Jazmine Patterson and Latavia Duncan, whowill be relied on for their leadership and experience. Newcomers to the program include senior KP Blake, another guard that has “brought astrong presence at the point guard position and has been agreat addition,” she said. Freshmen Asia Bell is a6-footer with great athleticism, quickness and shot
See BRADY, page 2G
PHOTO BY OLIVIA MCCLURE Madison Smith, center,a ZacharyHighSchool student, is the overall winner of the school district’sannual Christmas card contest. She’swithPrincipal LindseySpence, left, and Superintendent Ben Necaise.
Kaniyah Washington, 8, Maurcal Johnson, 1, and Mauriah Johnson, 4with their mother,Keondra Washington attend the ‘Cherokee Tales’ playatthe Baker Branch Library.
Mauriah Johnson, 4, and Kaniyah Washington, 8, participate in the playasturtle cousins with Mani Yangilmau whoplays theturtle during aperformance of ‘Cherokee Tales.’
PHOTO BY SONYAGOSS
The rabbitmakes fun of the terrapin, calling the terrapin slowduring aperformance of ‘CherokeeTales.’Mani Yangilmau performs as the terrapin and Nate Marcum as the rabbit.
AROUND
Department, 5160 Old Slaughter Road, Zachary.Donations of gift wrappingpaper and supplies are appreciated
Main Street PilotCub of Baker Main Street Pilot Cub of Baker presents Heritage, directed by Clarence Jones. The groupwill sing aChristmasConcert of NegroSpirituals at 3p.m.,Sunday, Dec. 15, at Shady Grove First Missionary Baptist Church,16443 Plank Road, Baker Christmasiscoming
Christmas in the Village is Friday,Dec. 13 from 6p.m. to 9p.m. in downtownZachary.It will include lights in the park,a snow globe photo opportunity, Santa and Mrs. Claus as well as the Grinch’ssleigh, “snow,” train rides, atree lighting and agingerbreadwonderland.
Christmasparade: The Zachary Chamber of Commerce announced it will have itsfirst Christmas parade grand marshal, arole that willbefilled by Zachary Mayor David McDavid. The Christmas parade,which will march Saturday,Dec. 14 down Main Street, is themed “Luau Under the Mistletoe.” Theparade begins at 10 a.m., withthe lineup starting in the Rouses Market parking lot,2300 Church St., and continues east along Church Street to Main Street in downtown Zachary Chase Santa: The Zachary Charity League Chasing Santa 5K &Kids Half-Mile Fun Run is Saturday Dec.14at4100 School St.Chase Santa throughthe streetsofZachary and win aspecial prize if you catch him. Hot cocoa and cookies will be served after the race. Kids
half-mile finishers will receive a toy from Santa’sbag. Register at runsignup.com/ Race/LA/Zachary/ZacharyCharityLeagueChasingSanta5K. Email zacharycharityleague@gmail.com with questions.
The5Kisachip-timed event. Finishers will receive aChristmas ornament medal. Runners in the5Kmay also participatein thehalf-mile run fornoextrafee. Strollersare welcome.
The race starts and ends at Zachary HighSchool. Stay for theZachary Christmas Parade at 10 a.m
The family-friendly event raises fundsfor ZacharyCharity League.Race proceeds go toward scholarships, teacher grants and theSnack Packs 4Kids program, which provides healthy snacks over the weekend for children living in food-insecure homes. The race route passes by five of Zachary’s seven schools, which are the heart of the league.
Holidaylightsat Lane
TheLaneFoundation is hosting its inaugural Holiday Lights at Lanedisplay.The walkingtrack at LaneRegional Medical Center is decorated with lights, and people are invited to stroll the half-mile path for some holiday merriment.
The entrance to the Holiday LightsatLane is behind the hospitalatthe end ofWestPark Drive, 6300 Main St., Zachary.Itis open nightly,5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m., through Jan. 5. Four photo stationsare set up.
For information or to donate to theLaneFoundation, visit LaneRMC.org or call (225) 6586699.
Send news and events for the Zachary area to zachary@ theadvocate.com by noon Friday or call (225) 388-0731.
blocking ability that is starting to pick up minutes in the post or at guard. Kennedi Whitfield is agreat defender that, based on McClure’semphasis on strong defense, should gain varsity playing time as afreshman.
Antonio Keller has joined the coaching staff after asuccessful career at Bolton High. “Weare so grateful to have him here at Zachary High School,” McClure said.
Collectively,they represent agroup that should make major waves this year if they can display ReZilience throughout the 2024-25 campaign. “Wehave the talent and the one thing that will keep us from obtaining our goal is ourselves,” McClure said. “That self-doubt that everyone goes through when things are not going our way on the court. Can we push through that as ateam?”
At the time of writing the Broncos sport a4-1 record. On the sole loss to Lafayette High School McClure commented that “we did not come ready to play and missed 11 free throws.” She was more impressed with their response the next day with a“a big team win” against Vanderbilt Catholic at the STM tourney over Thanksgiving. They followed that victory up with awin after the break over Madison Prep at Madison Prep. Sure, it’searly but the Broncos have a#3power ranking at the time of writing that points to the strength of the schedule thus far On thestart of the season McClure indicated that she liked what she sees and in particular “the growth of our team and how they are getting better and better every day not only as players
but as teammates.” Her hope is that this attitude and effort will continue throughout the season.
“When you start to have ateam that is on the same page great things will happen, and Iamexcited for this season” McClure said.
Like the boys team, the girls have aloaded schedule to end 2024 that includes the Bell City tourney that took place Dec. 5, West Monroe tourney Dec. 2728, and the Lafayette Christian Academy tourney Jan. 2-4 to kick-off 2025. District 4-5A will be tough as always. Statewide, McClure identified Parkway,Slidell, Airline, Walker,Denham and East Ascen-
sion as strong programs to watch but caveated the assessment with the fact that “there will be more in 5A, but it is too early to say who now.”
The Broncos will host Parkview Baptist Dec. 12 if you would like to see them close to home before they hit the road for tournaments to close out the year
“Weare excited about this season and hope that everyone will come out and support our girls’ basketball team” McClure said. Warren Brady covers sports for ThePlainsman. He can be contacted at zachary@ theadvocate.com.
THE ZACHARYADVOCATE &PLAINSMAN P.O. Box588 BatonRouge,LA70821 (225) 388-0215
As the hustle andbustle of the holidayseason approaches, don’t forget about you. Take the time to take careof yourself and achieveyour best health. Dr.Nyirenda and Dr.Richardson at Lane Family Practicecan help you manage chronic health conditions as well as unexpected illnesses and injuries so youcan enjoythe holidayseason. Thebestgiftyoucangiveyourselfisthe giftofgoodhealth!
HONORS
Continued from page1G
recently —including attending conferences andcontests, helping build agarden at Port Hudson Academy, learning about beekeeping andputting on educational events in the community They presented each school boardmember with a poinsettia and abottle of honey FFAofficers presentatthe meeting were Joseph Bassett, Melissa Nolan, KayleaMarionneaux, Camryn Greene, Camille Harms, PaigeMarionneaux andAddyson Thornton.
Winners of the Christmas card contest were presented framed copies of their artwork. Madison Smith, aZachary High student, was the overall winner.Smith’sdesign, which features ared ornament bearing ablue “Z” with aswamp scene in the background, will be usedoncards the district mails to otherschool systems and stakeholders around Louisiana.
School-level winners included KayminHardnett, Zachary High; Kaylee Jacobs, Northwestern Middle;Hadleigh Tolliver,Copper Mill Elementary; Adalyn Ellis, Zachary Elementary; Joules Clark, Rollins Place Elementary; and Kalei Robinson, Northwestern Elementary
CAMPAIGNING
Continued from page1G
campaign volunteersshowinguptoan event donning political gear is appropriate, or whethera car parked outside displays too much politicalparaphernalia Such judgment calls will be left to Superintendent Ben Necaise or his designees.
Necaise said the policy was requested by several board members about amonth ago. The board has mulled similar rules previously “Weoriginallycrafted this abouttwo years ago,” said board attorney Ricky McDavid.
til 2026, it wasn’tlost on the school board members that the new guidelines will affect theirupcomingcampaigns.Largelocal gatheringslike school functions are ideal for reaching potential voters.
“It was because someone stuck avehicle on school property on Hwy.64, andithad afew campaign signs, and obviously,we don’twant that. That was the spark of this policy.” While they are not up for reelection un-
“I remember when Iwas campaigning, Ihad my whole team at the farmers marketwithshirtson— so it’s not outofthe realm of possibility,” said boardmember Gaynell Young.
Board members agreed they may need to revisit the policy after they have a chance to test it out and see if any clarifications are needed.
STAY HEALTHY ANDCATCH ILLNESSES EARLY!
High blood pressure,diabetesand heart diseasecan sneak up on youleading to severe health problems.AnAnnual Wellness checkwith ourPrimary CareTeam of DoctorsTilleyand Fossier canhelpmakesureyou’reinfor ahealthy2025.
“When people are campaigning, sometimesthe mottois‘Wherethere’sawill there’saway.IfIcan’tdoitthis way,then I’ll park the car on the property and load it up with signs, or I’ll bring the whole campaign team,’ ”said board member Elecia Lathon. “People probably won’tdothat, but you can’tsay they won’t do that. It may be the whole team with 25 peoplecoming in with shirts on.”
TOPFIVE REASONS FOR AWELLNESS CHECK
• Catch illnessesearly before they progress –itcould save your life
• Geta review of your medicationstoensuretheyare working, at the rightdosageand notinterfering with eachother
• Make sure you’re up to date on needed vaccinations likeflu, shinglesand pneumonia
• Developgood health habits to feel better
• Staying healthysaves youmoney in thelongrun
PHOTOSBYOLIVIA MCCLURE
Winners of the school district’s annual Christmas card contest, from left, are Kaymin Hardnett, ZacharyHigh; Madison Smith, ZacharyHigh;Kaylee Jacobs, NorthwesternMiddle; Hadleigh Tolliver,Copper MillElementary; Adalyn Ellis, ZacharyElementary; Joules Clark, Rollins Place Elementary; and Kalei Robinson, NorthwesternElementary.
School board members Kenneth Mackie, left, and Marty Hughes hold poinsettias theywere givenbyZacharyHigh School FFA members Dec. 3.
Longtime Bakermayor dies at 96
Pete Heine considered a‘steward of progress’
BY ELLYN COUVILLION Staff writer
Former Baker leader Pete Heine, aformer longtime mayor and councilman, died Wednesday at the age of 96
Heine served as the mayor of Baker from 1964 to1976 and, again, from 1981 to 1992. Apast president of theLouisiana MunicipalAssociation, Heine alsoserved as aBaker councilmember from 2012 to 2020
“It is with aheavy heart thatwemourn the loss of Pete Heine, atowering figure whose impactonthe city of Baker is immeasurable,” BakerMayor DarnellWaites said in astatementThursday
ZacharyPolice moving to $8Mfacility
Headquarters will houseoffices, classrooms and aholding cells
BY QUINN COFFMAN Staff writer
The Zachary Police Department is transitioningto anew headquarters in reaction to agrowing population and its former facility being encroached upon by the city’scourthouse.
The new building on Old Slaughter Road will house all functions of thedepartment, including detective’s offices, holdingcells, training classrooms and agym
“So this job has been along time coming,” Chief of Police Darryl Lawrence said.“Myself and Mayor(David) McDavid, when he was chief, have been working on this project for the last five or six years. It’sagood thingtosee it come to acompletion.”
As Lawrence toured the facility,with its shining coated concrete floors,clear windows and new carpet smell, he pointed out each new feature.
The department’sformer facility,located on Main Street, housed both the city courthouseand the police department. It was the police department’shome for all of Lawrence’s35years with the force.
But as Zachary grew,the courthouse needed more space, and the police department’selements, like the training classrooms, were slowly replaced.
“Pete was more than aformer mayor; he was asteward of progress, apillar of leadership, and atrue champion for the people of this community,” Waites said.
“His return to serve asecond tenure as mayor speaks to his unparalleled dedication and love for Baker,” Waites said. “But beyond his many accomplishments, Petewill be remembered for his humanity.Hehad away of connecting with people,
listening to theirconcerns and working tirelessly to make Baker aplace we are all proud to callhome.”
“On behalf of thecityof Baker,weextend our deepest condolences to his family,friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know him,”Waites said. “Rest well, Mayor Heine. Your influence andlovefor this city will continue to guide us for generations to come.”
U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy also
noted Heine’spassing.
“PeteHeine wasa great friend, adevoted family man,and adedicated public servant. He gave his life to serving Louisiana as Mayor of Baker and as the councilmemberofDistrict2,” Cassidy said in apost on X. “God has welcomed Pete into heaven.”
The newbuilding cost an estimated $8 million and was funded without anew tax or grants.
It has two full-size classrooms for training officers. Oneofthese rooms can also be setupasthe “nerve center” for thedepartmentto issue messages during times of emergency In the past, the Zachary PoliceDepartment relied on churches andschools to provide extra space for training events.
Thedepartment’sgym, funded through agrant,is nearby,which will allow officers to work outwithout a membership at atraditional gym In the back of thefacility, acovered chain-link fence and gatesurround thedoor for prisoner entry.Thatwill allow officers to park inan enclosed space while taking detainees to their holding cells.
“Let’s hope it neverhappens, but if someone is able to get out of handcuffs,well, you’re completely enclosed in here, so there’snowhere to go,” Lawrencesaid.
The prisoner entry door leadstothe new holding cells, half adozen in all, and anattachedinterrogation room.
There also is anew evidence room, withwalllength lockers and apassthroughlocker system for officers to leave evidence with an attendant on the other side.
“Soitprovides proper
“Here, Ican have my whole department underone roof,” Lawrence said of the new facility.“Ican supervise everything from here; Ican trainhere. It’s easier to run adepartmentwhen you’reall in acentral area.”
ZacharyPolice Chief Darryl Lawrence givesa tour of the department’snew headquarters.
chain of custody,” Lt. Jordan Logan said.
The room also has refrigerators anddryers to store different kinds of evidence.
Across the hallisthe department’soffice for uni-
formed patrol, which includes nearly adozen cubicles anda breakarea. Patrol shifts currently have six officers,but thespace wasbuilt to provide formore at atime.
“Webuilt withthe idea of
growth; our police departmentiscontinuing to grow,” Lawrence said.
Some of thedepartment’s 65 employees have been working at other locations, but now all will be housed within the new facility
The growth of the police department andZachary at large were the driving reasons for this move, McDavid said.
“Zachary is stillgrowing, and we got future plans for other things here in Zachary,” McDavid said. “Our goal is to keep the department with the resources to do theirjob.I’vebeenonthat side before, Iunderstand what he needs. He’sgoing to get what he needs.”
As soon as theholding cells are completed, officers will begin to work outof the new building, Lawrence said. The entire department should be moved over by
Jan. 1. The final touch will be completing the criminal information unit, where much of the department’smonitors, such as license plate readers, will be housed. The delay is due to the installation of different information systems, someofwhich connect the department to the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office, Lawrence said.
Theold buildingwillnow fully serve as acourthouse, but McDavid sees that movingtoa newbuildinginthe future as well. Lawrencegavecredit for thenew building to his lieutenants and the city of Zachary “... and Iwas just picking out the paint,” he laughed. Email Quinn Coffman at quinn.coffman@ theadvocate.com.
Suspect arrested in fatal shootingatZacharyapartment, policesay
Staff report
Police have identified a 21-year-old man who was fatallyshot Friday morning ataZachary apartment complex. Officers responded to a shooting at The Palmsat Sunset Lakes apartments in the 4100 block of McHugh Road about 10:30 a.m., according to aZachary Police Departmentnews release. Upon arrival, officers found Dakota Naquinwith agunshot wound to the head EMSpersonnel attempted life-savingefforts, butthe victimwas pronounced dead at the scene, the release states.
Asuspect, Ryley Windham, was arrested at the scene and later transported to East BatonRouge Parish Prison, the release states. He is being held on counts of manslaughter and illegal use of weapons.
ZACHARYPOLICEBOOKINGS
The following people were booked into East Baton Rouge Parish Prison or issued asummons by the Zachary Police Department from Nov. 21-Dec. 4:
KADARRIUS GEORGE: 25;4828 OldSlaughter Road, Zachary; possession of marijuana
DALANDRICK JARVIS: 18; 6371 MallardCrossingDrive, Zachary; illegal use of weapons or dangerous instrumentalities, four counts of aggravated assault with afirearm, attempted second degree murder
DEMONTE JOSEPH: 18; 18034
Claudette Drive, Zachary; booked in for four counts of aggravated assault with a firearm, attempted seconddegree murder, illegal use of weapons or dangerous instrumentalities
DAMECIA MATTHEWS: 27; 02003 W. Azalea St Baker; failuretoappear on outstanding bench warrants
COURTIANA PATTON: 24; 9373 Corlett Drive, Baton Rouge; possession of marijuana, sale/distribution/orpossession of legend drug without prescription or order prohibited
ADDULFATTAHSALEH: 50; 10822 W. RobinHood Drive, Baton Rouge;transactions involving proceedsfromdrug offenses, distribution or possession Schedule Idrugs KERONIQUE STEWART: 40; 06207 Casper St., Baton Rouge;failuretoappearon outstanding benchwarrants
DAYLIN WOODS: 17; 9045 Redwood LakeBlvd.,Zachary; attemptedsecond degree murder, four countsofaggravated assault with afirearm, illegaluse of weaponsor dangerous instrumentalities
ANDRE ARMWOOD: 38; 2568
Middle Towne Road, Zachary; hit-and-run, criminal damage to property
PHAIONE BRACKEN: 25; 149 Howard Jackson Lane, Slaughter; theft
DANNY CARTER: 39; 1440 E. Flanacher Road, Zachary; theft
DONALD EDWARDS: 18; 10225 W. Brookside Road, Baton Rouge; theft
BRAYLEN GEORGE: 20; 13448 La. 10, Clinton; theft
SAVIONE KETCHENS: 20; 12815
Gurney Road, Baton Rouge; theft
NATASHALEJEUNE: 42; 2434
EvanstonSt.,Baton Rouge; twocounts possession of Schedule II
