Kratom, sold as an herbal supplement, has been banned from the city of Walker after the council voted Feb. 10 to end its sale in city limits.
Kratom is known to have potential negative side effects including addiction and other problems with regular usage, officials said. The scientific name for Kratom is Mitragyna Speciosa Korth.
In asking the council to halt sales of Kratom within the city’s lim-
its, the city’s Chief of Operations
Jamie Etheridge said Kratom is known as “gas station heroin and has been determined to be a dangerous substance. Kratom is a plant-based product, but it can still be dangerous to those who abuse it, especially young people.” City attorney Bobby King explained that in 2023 the Louisiana Legislature discussed banning sale of the substance throughout the state but instead agreed to allow the sale of Kratom to anyone over the age of 21. At the same time, King said, the legislation allowed
local governmental entities to ban the sale of Kratom. He said that in the past year the Centers for Disease Control and the Federal Drug Administration, have raised concerns abbot the use and abuse of Kratom, and there are cases where some have died from its use.
Mayor Jimmy Watson said city leaders have been talking about the ban for more than a year “We have consulted with other communities and more and more are banning the sale of this stuff. I just think it is time that we stop the sale of Kratom in Walker,” Watson said.
Walker Police Department Assistant Police Chief Kenneth Black said that while a person must be at least 21 years old to purchase Kratom, it still reaches users under that age. “This is dangerous stuff in the past two years we have learned that Kratom has been somehow related to about 800 incidents that our Police Department has worked We have had some overdoses on the stuff and have confiscated some Kratom. We have had to destroy a good amount of the stuff that was confiscated. It is not regulated so there are no suggested levels of doses by those who choose to use it. This is dangerous stuff that is getting to our young people and we should do what we
can to stop it.” Pam Dieken, who told the council that she is an emergency room nurse, said, “kids don’t know what they are getting into when they start using Kratom.” She said it can cause seizures and psychotic behavior “We have had to deal with overdoses and serious illness from Kratom and we need to keep it out of the hands of our citizens,” she said. On the other side of the issues, Adam Peak, who said that he is a small-business owner, cautioned that if Walker decides to stop the sale of Kratom, it will not halt the use of the substance.
Darlene Denstorff AROUND LIVINGSTON
Kroux of Barkus to take over Walker park
The Walker Parks and Recreation Department’s fourth annual family-friendly Mardi Gras-themed Bark in the Park and Kroux of Barkus pet parade are from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m Feb. 22 in Sidney Hutchinson Park. The half-mile parade will begin by the amphitheater and follow the walking path in the park.
Kroux of Barkus will start at 11 a.m. This year’s grand marshal will be an adoptable pet representing the Walker Animal Shelter Registration is free. Donations will be accepted benefiting the Walker Animal Shelter Bark in the Park will continue until 2 p.m. The activities will include live Cajun/zydeco music with the band Capital City Cajuns, art and food vendors, and pet-themed booths, including a professional photographer for pet portraits. For a pet or vendor entry form, call (225) 665-3755 or email parksandrecinfo@walker-la.gov
Krewe of Diversion Boat parade Feb. 22
The 30th annual Krewe of Diversion Mardi Gras boat parade floats starting at noon Feb. 22. All proceeds benefit St Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Registration will be at 6 p.m Feb. 21 at Manny’s, and the cost will be $35 a boat.
Masquerade Gala planned
The Livingston Parish Chamber of Commerce is planning a Masquerade Gala on March 28 at Carter Plantation in Springfield. The gala includes live music, casino games, prizes and silent and live auctions. For tickets, visit tinyurl.com/88f6trkf.
Volunteers provide free income tax help
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program is providing free tax preparation assistance at the Southeastern Livingston Center, in Walker through April 15. For eligibility guidelines, other information or to schedule an appointment, visit www cauw.org/VITA or call (225) 923-2114.
Here’s a look at
The Doyle girls basketball team wrapped up its regular season Thursday with a 73-24 home win over Jewel Sumner, an expected win but still a cause for celebration
The win officially clinched the District 8-3A title for coach Sam White’s Tigers as they prepare for the LHSAA’s Division III nonselect playoffs this week.
Shelby Taylor, Allie Savant and Kassidy Rivero all scored in double figures for Doyle (22-6, 6-0), which will bring a 14-game winning streak into the playoffs.
Albany lost at Doyle 52-45 on Feb. 4, and played Pine last Saturday in a game that determined second place in district. Speaking of district championships, it was another strong year overall for Livingston parish girls basketball with a total of four teams claiming at least a share of their respective district titles.
In District 9-2A, French Settlement (23-9, 6-0) clinched their title with a showdown win on the road over St. Thomas Aquinas 57-31. Both teams were undefeated in district prior to the game.
Walker and Denham Springs have jostled back and forth in District 5-5A. The Wildcats (302, 5-1) have been at the top of the Division I non select power ratings most of the season, but they split two games with the Yellow Jackets. The loss, 60-50 at Denham Springs on Jan 24, was the one that counted in the district standings.
Denham Springs (21-9, 5-1) lost 37-26 at East Ascension leaving the Yellow Jackets and Wildcats tied for the district title as the teams prepare for the playoffs. Per the LHSAA’s unofficial power ratings, eight of Livingston’s nine parish girls teams were in position to make the state playoffs as of last week including No. 2 Walker and No. 9 Denham Springs in Division
PHOTOS BY DAVID NORMAND
A float rider hands a Mardi Gras colored umbrella down to the crowd during the annual Krewe of Denham Springs Mardi Gras parade Saturday.
Lori LeBlanc, left, and Traci RoyAdams prepare to throw beads to the crowd.
BeignYAYS perform.
Kaitlyn Way, left, and Paula Gilliland use a nylon netting as a basket to catch throws.
Four-year-old Audrey Mae Evans, right, and her mother Kaleigh Evans wave at a passing float.
Float riders hand out treats to the crowd.
A float rider prepares to throw a string of beads.
PHOTOS BY DAVID NORMAND
A St. Jean Vianney Catholic School, in Baton Rouge, cheerleader hands someone a string of beads during the annual Krewe of Denham Springs Mardi Gras parade Saturday.
KREWE OF DENHAM SPRINGS PARADE
Library book clubs announce selections, invite participants
Community news report
Are you looking for a new book club to join? If so, look no further than the Livingston Parish Library
All Livingston Parish Library branches host monthly book clubs for adults. Each book club features a different “Book of the Month” that participants read and discuss during their monthly gathering. For more information on a particular book club, call the branch. Here are the March Livingston Parish Library book club selections:
Sunny Side Up Inspirational Book Club
About the club: The Sunny Side Up Inspirational Book Club reads uplifting fiction and sometimes nonfiction that generates discussion among its members. For more information, call the Watson Branch at (225) 686-4180. The club meets at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, March 11, at the Watson Branch to discuss “Threads of Suspicion” by Dee Henderson.
About the book: This compelling cold case mystery is the second book in “The Evie Blackwell Cold Case” book series Joyful Reads Book Club
About the club: Join the club at the South Branch on the first Tuesday of every month at 10:30 a.m. for coffee and a lively discussion on the month’s inspirational book. For more information, call the branch at (225) 686-4170. March meeting set for 10:30 a.m. on
PROVIDED PHOTO
‘Threads of Suspicion’ is the March selection for the Sunny Side Up Inspirational Book Club
Tuesday, March 11, at the South Branch (postponed one week due to the Mardi Gras closure).
March selection: “Good Night, Irene” by Luis Alberto Urrea
About the book: This World War II epic chronicles an extraordinary young woman’s heroic front-line service in the Red Cross. Released in May 2023, this book became a New York Times bestseller
Spine Tinglers Book Club
About the club: The Spine Tinglers Book Club reads thrilling fiction with a good mystery and some spine-tingling suspense. For more information, call the Watson Branch at (225) 686-4180. March meeting at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, March 11, at the Watson Branch to discuss “Summit Lake” by Charlie Donlea.
About the book: Set in a small,
picturesque North Carolina town, international bestselling author Charlie Donlea’s debut suspense novel tells the haunting story of a murdered law school student, the reporter assigned to her story, and the intimate connection that comes when the living walk in the footsteps of the dead.
Box of Chocolates Book Club
About the club: Are you an avid reader or are you just looking for some great new titles to try? Do you like mysteries, historical fiction, or thrillers? Join the Box of Chocolates Book Club, because you never know what you’re going to get. This club meets at 2 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month at the Denham Springs-Walker Branch. For more information, call the branch at (225) 686-4140. March meeting is set for 2 p.m. on Thursday, March 20 to talk about “Water From My Heart” by Charles Martin. About the book: From The New York Times bestselling author, this breathtaking novel tells the story of a man named Charlie who embarks on a journey of redemption and self-discovery uncovering the true meaning of love and sacrifice along the way
ASB Book Club
About the club: In the ASB Book Club, titles are selected from member suggestions as well as librarian cultivation. Members are encouraged to read titles they might not normally pick up on their own, expanding their literary horizons. For more information, call the Albany-Springfield Branch at (225) 686-4130. March
meeting set for 10 a.m. on Mon-
day March 24 about “Really Good, Actually” by Monica Heisey
About the book: An irresistible debut novel about the uncertainties of modern love, friendship and happiness, this hilarious and painfully relatable debut novel details one woman’s messy search for joy and meaning in the wake of an unexpected breakup.
Main Branch Book Club
About the club: No matter what kind of books you like, there’s something for everyone in the Main Branch Book Club. Club includes lively discussions among friends on the last Tuesday of every month. For more information, call the branch at (225) 686-4160.
March meeting at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 25 to discuss “The Diamond Eye” by Kate Quinn.
About the book: Based on a true story, this is a haunting novel of heroism born of desperation, of a mother who became a soldier of a woman who found her place in the world and changed the course of history forever
South Branch Bookies
About the club: The South Branch Bookies is a long-established book club that hosts a fun and friendly gathering of readers. For more information call the branch at (225) 686-4170. March meeting starts at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 27 to discuss “The Waters” by Bonnie Jo Campbell.
About the book: A master of rural noir returns with a mesmerizing novel about exceptional women and the soul of a small town.
Tangipahoa Volunteers for Family and Community kick off service plans
Community news report
Tangipahoa Volunteers for Family and Community Council held its first meeting of the year Feb. 7 at the LSU Research Center in Hammond.
Seventeen members attended the meeting where club President Gloria Messenger installed three new officers who will each serve two-year terms. They are Marie Heck for vice president; Ann Bourliea, secretary; and Sue Nelson, parliamentarian. The other officers Messenger, Treasurer Shannon Miano, and Reporter Pam Villagran — were installed at the club’s last meeting of 2024. During the meeting, the chair of the Character Critters Committee Jamie McDonald, and the chair of the Family Life Committee Gwen Domiano assisted by their committee members Donna Bouterie and Pam Villagran gave an interactive reading performance of the short story, “Tommy the Trustworthy Turtle.”
Tommy is one of the six character critters featured in the educational reading program which is sponsored by the LSU Agriculture Extension Service. The program is designed to foster and reinforce life skills such as trustworthiness, responsibility respectfulness, good citizenship, fairness and caring to young children. McDonald and her committee members will be visiting kindergarten and first grade classrooms at schools in the Hammond area over the next few months to present the program. Anyone interested in the program should email McDonald jamiecre8s@ymail. com. TVFC members plan to work on a Raise-A-Reader project spon-
sored by the Literacy Committee chaired by Anita Murray; Plant a Tree project sponsored by the Environmental Committee chaired by Jean Hebert; sending school supplies to a school in Honduras sponsored by the International Committee chaired by Susan Mel-
ancon; Scholarship Raffle that funds the club’s Scholarship Program sponsored by the Scholarship Committee also chaired by Hebert, and the Holiday Ideas Workshop and Bingo event which is the club’s annual fundraiser to help support all the projects they do throughout the year This year’s holiday workshop co-chairs are Messenger and Domiano.
Tangipahoa Volunteers for Family and Community is an allvolunteer arm of LSU Agriculture Extension Service. It consists of two clubs: Wednesday Volunteers for Family and Community and Sunshine Ladies. For information on the club, contact Gloria Messenger, at ggmessenger1@gmail. com or Nelson at suenelson41@ yahoo.com.
WALKER
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“All you are going to do is force people who use it to get it off the black market,” Peak said. “You can ban it in Walker but those who want it are going to get it somewhere else.”
Peak said that he is careful about how he handles the sale of Kratom. “I am doing everything in my power to follow the law and to make sure that I only sell to those who are old enough,” he said.
Lee-Ann Pierson, in asking the council not to ban the sale of Kratom, said she had suffered from various illnesses and some mental issues that she began to use Kratom in a measured amount on a regular basis. She said Kratom has been beneficial for her and has improved her health in many ways. “I didn’t want to become addicted to stronger drugs and I found that this natural substance was just what I needed. Used in the proper way and with the correct amount it can be beneficial to many,” she said.
Council members Eric Cook and Tracy Girlinghouse both expressed their concerns about the dangers that are inherent in the use, and especially the abuse, of Kratom and when it was time to vote on the issue, all members of the council agreed to halt the sale of Kratom in the city Those convicted of selling Kratom within the city limits can be fined not more than $500 or imprisoned for not more than six months, or both. If the offender is a vendor seller or retailer licensed to do business in the city he or she shall forfeit and or have their business licenses revoked by the city in addition to the other stated penalties for selling Kratom.
Lawsuit settlement
At the same meeting, Watson announced that the Geaux-Wider Lawsuit had been settled and that the result is that ultimately improvements in drainage during heavy rain incidents should be realized. The lawsuit was filed by Walker, Denham Springs and some individuals against the contractors who built the concrete crash barriers on I-12 in the area of the two municipalities. The suit contended that the barriers were constructed in such a way that that they impeded the natural flow of water causing flooding on the north side of the interstate.
“We agreed to the settlement of the lawsuit even though I had some doubts,” the mayor said. “This was the best that we could do We joined in the lawsuit against the designers and contractors and the settlement now calls for the state DOTD to monitor the remedial work that will be done to make sure that the crash barriers will no long stop the natural flow of floodwaters. This action, along with some other things we are doing, should help to stop flooding in the our city in the future.”
Natural gas update
Gas Department Director Larry Williams provided an update on the city’s natural gas system. He said that through negations with the supplier, more gas will be available for use through the system.
He also said larger pipes have replaced undersized pipes in some area. The gas system also has obtained a portable gas supply trailer that can be plugged into the system if additional neural gas is needed during extreme cold events.
PROVIDED PHOTOS
Officers for the Tangipahoa Volunteers for Family and Community Council, from left, are Gloria Messenger, Sue Nelson, Marie Heck, Ann Bourliea, Pam Villagran and Sharon Miano.
Taking part in
from left, are Pam Villagran, Jamie McDonald and Donna Bouterie.
AROUND
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DSHS Athletic Hall of Fame
accepting nominations
The Denham Springs High School Athletic Hall of Fame and title sponsor Hood Dental Care are accepting nominations for its next class of inductees through March 31. Hall of Fame nomination guidelines are available on the high school’s website at www.denhamspringshs.org or by picking up a copy at the school office For information, contact Julie Jacobsen at julie.jacobsen@lpsb. org or (225) 405-6838.
Baseball, softball registration underway
Livingston Parks and Recreation’s Baseball and Softball League registration is underway
The league is in the last stages of construction on renovations to its facility. In the spring, players in the league will be able to compete on five new turf fields with new LED lights. Anyone interested in coaching can email jkinchen@townoflivingston.com. To register, visit form.jotform com/250363776892166. March 13 is the registration deadline. Send news and events for Livingston and Tangipahoa parishes to livingston@ theadvocate.com by 4 p.m. Friday or call (225) 388-0731.
SALZER
Continued from page 1G
22 in Class C and finished as the runner up at last week’s District 7-C tournament. The host Lady Wolves defeated False River 4813 but lost 62-20 to Family Christian Academy Jordyn Pickrell led Maurepas with 10 points in each game. The top four seeds in each division will have first-round byes
Charles Salzer covers Livingston sports for the Livingston-Tangipahoa Advocate. To reach Salzer, email livingston@theadvocate com.
Sunshine Ladies elect officers
Community news report
On Feb. 4, the Sunshine Ladies, a branch of Tangipahoa Volunteers For Family And Community, met at Johnson’s Kitchen in Hammond. Each attendee received a bag of Hershey’s Kisses from Marie Heck, who served as meeting hostess, in honor of Valentine’s Day Members elected new officers and chairs for the upcoming term These officers and chairs will serve for a period of two years, 2025-27. In addition to the election of officers, members confirmed and voted on community service projects for the coming year
Sunshine Ladies and Tangipahoa Volunteers For Family And Community are the all-volunteer arm of the LSU Ag Center Extension Service.
The group next meets at 11 a.m. March 11 at Murphy’s Restaurant in Hammond. The March club project will be “Woman At The Well Minis-
PROVIDED PHOTO
Attending the Feb 4 Sunshine Ladies meeting, from left, are President Ann Bourliea, Lisa Meche, Ginny Shartle, Anita Murray, Marie Heck Freda Arbogast, Sheila Gagliano and Gail Riche. Not pictured are Malinda Sanchez and Sandra McConnell.
try” in Loranger For information, contact President Ann Bourliea at abourliea79@gmail.com or visit www.tangivfc.com.
Volunteer group raises money with painting night
Community news report
Several members of Wednesday Volunteers for Family and Community club along with a few guests gathered at the Painting with a Twist Gallery in Hammond Nov 18 for a night of painting and socializing. The event was a fundraiser activity for the club and was planned by the fundraising committee whose members are Gloria Messenger Gwen Domiano, Susan Melancon, Jean Hebert and Jamie McDonald. The owner of Painting with a Twist artist Marilyn Kennedy, directed the attendees in the painting of a nativity scene, while art instructor Billie Vicknair assisted.
PROVIDED PHOTO
Taking part in a Painting with a Twist fundraiser are Wednesday Volunteers for Family and Community, from left standing, are Jean Hebert, Susan Melancon, Pam Villagran, Maureen Felder, Sue Nelson, Guest Lucie Hanewinkel, Gloria Messenger, Jamie McDonald, Karen Moran, guest Jeannie Luckett and kneeling, Gwen Domiano, Julie Desselles and Lynn Garro. Not pictured is Jean Johnson.
Wednesday Volunteers for Family and Community is one of two organizations that make up the Tangipahoa Volunteers for Family and Community organization. TVFC is an all-volunteer arm of LSU Ag Center Extension Service. For information, contact Membership Chair Sue Nelson at suenelson41@yahoo.com or visit www.tangivfc. com.
Community news report
Southeastern Louisiana University’s Department of Computer Science is hosting the first of the spring Industry Connect Distinguished Lectures at 4 p.m. Feb. 20. Scheduled in the Envoc Innovation Lab, located in room 2026 in the Computer Science and Technology Building, the free lecture is titled “Improving Healthcare through Digital Health Services.”
Brian Badinger, vice president of technical operations — epic programs at Louisiana Blue, will serve as guest speaker He is a business and IT professional with over 25 years of experience in healthcare and technology services.
Badinger graduated from Southeastern with a bachelor of science degree. His continued professional development throughout the years ranges from a certified Microsoft Systems Engineer, SAFe Agile, Epic Payer Platform, and others have contributed to his in-depth knowledge and continued success. Guests are welcome to attend in person at the Computer Science and Technology building or virtually via Google Meet. To be added to the RSVP list and receive all event details, email industryconnect@southeastern.edu. For more information, contact the Department of Computer Science at (985) 549-5740.
TheLouisiana Sportsman Show features indoor and outdoor exhibitsfromsome of thebiggestvendorsinthe state. This is also a place wheresmall and creativeentrepreneurs connectwiththe cultureofLouisiana.
The2025 Show promises to be better than ever with free parking,alarge kids’activity zone and afood courtfeaturing some of the toprestaurantsfromthe RiverParishesregion. he familyand enjoythe show!
