Leila Pitchford
AROUND ZACHARY
Master Plan
The city of Zachary is updating its Master Plan and is seeking input. The draft Master Plan and Future Land Use Map is available for review, and public comments are open until April 14 at tinyurl.com/2fjej6jk. Review the draft plan and send you feedback to Stephen Villavaso at svillavaso1@cox net, Fred Neal at frednealjr@ gmail.com and Bryant Dixon at bryant.dixon@cityofzachary org. On Monday April 7, representatives from V&A will be at the Planning & Zoning meeting to answer questions.
On April 23, a public workshop will be held to review comments and discuss potential updates.
Breast scans set in Zachary Woman’s Hospital mobile mammography coach will be in the area. A physician’s order is required, and appointments are strongly encouraged. The coach will be at Zachary United Methodist Church, 4205 Church St., Zachary, on April 9. Call (225) 924-8268 to schedule. It will be at LPG Baker, 6516 E. Myrtle Ave., Baker, on April 30. Call (225) 774-9486 to schedule.
ä See AROUND, page 3G
CHAMPIONS
Zachary celebrates state titles with parade
Despite the rainy weather Friday, Zachary High girls and boys basketball champions’ Victory Parade rolled through downtown Zachary ä More photos. PAGE 2G
Warren Brady
ZACHARY SPORTS
Athletes move out of the gym for spring sports
A review of the March Plainsman sports columns reminds me that everything was about what was happening inside (as in gyms) as the boys and girls basketball teams completed their journeys to state championships. Before taking things outside where spring has sprung, one more congratulations to Coach Tami McClure and the ZHS girls 2024-2025 state championship team that was named the top team in Louisiana in all classification by Sports Illustrated on March 24. Taking it outdoors and on to the track, at the time of writing the ZHS boys and girls track teams have already competed in three outdoor meets. The boys picked up a team victory and the girls finished second at the Saints relays on March 6. Closer to home, the Broncos hosted the Bronco Relays on March 12 where both teams finished second. First place for the ZHS girls were Talar Johnson, 200-meter; the 4x100m relay team of Johnson, Karli Hester, Sabriah Bethley and Mariah Myles; the 4x200m relay team of Hester Auna Cook, Lauren Vessel and Lauren Vessel, Abiah Simpson; and Keari Stewart, high jump.
Boys first place finishers were Veron Bolden, 30-meter hurdles,
ä See BRADY, page 1G
PHOTO BY FRANCES Y. SPENCER
Members of the Lagniapple Historic Dance and Pastime Society conduct a dance demonstration Saturday at Country Crafts and Hobbies: 15th annual Community History Festival at the Pride-Chaneyville Branch Library.
Library history event focuses on country, crafts
BY FRANCES Y. SPENCER Contributing writer
The Pride-Chaneyville Branch Library has a long tradition of tools not just books to open and broaden minds to the world here and abroad.
The theme of Country Crafts and Hobbies highlighted the 15th annual Community History Festival. The festival, held Saturday, included a wide assortment of country fun, food, games, crafts, music and entertainment. The “country crafting” was supplied by artists and craftsmen who displayed and sold homemade items.
Local live music was provided by the Louisiana Lagniappe Dulcimers and The Upbeats. Dancing with a flair for history and costumes helped participants
“We’re a group of around 12 to 17 people. We gather at Jones Creek library on Mondays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and we just carve and show what we’ve done and show different techniques. We are always looking for new members.”
BURT FLEMING
master woodcarver and member of Pelican Woodcarvers
learn and move with the help of the Lagniappe Historic Dance and Pastime Society Other activities included a pie contest, basket weaving, candle making, herb gardening tips, jewelry making and woodcarving. Master woodcarver Burt Fleming, of Pelican Woodcarvers, dis-
played finished work while also encouraging woodcarving as a skill and hobby
“We’re a group of around 12 to 17 people,” he said. “We gather at Jones Creek library on Mondays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and we just carve and show what we’ve done and show different techniques. We are always looking for new members.”
Gena Ponder volunteers each year, but also encourages her students to take advantage of all libraries have to offer
“I’m a teacher and I love reading,” she said. “I tell my students about this event, and some come. In fact, I have one in there that’s in my class. These kinds of things can spark an interest in what could be a career.” Ponder recalled a previous
Council agrees to withhold $440,648 payment on police station
BY OLIVIA MCCLURE
Contributing writer
Malfunctioning doors. A leaking roof. Bubbling paint.
Zachary’s new police headquarters has some problems.
They were a point of discussion at the City Council’s March 25 meeting, where members of the panel voted to deny — at Police Chief Darryl Lawrence’s request — a payment of $440,648 to the firm that constructed the building. The police facility on Old Slaughter Road cost more than $8 million to build and officially opened at the beginning of the year It was built by Stuart and Company, and the architect was Grace Hebert Curtis.
The council’s agenda included two payments to Stuart and Company Members agreed to pay the firm $61,495, the final installment for construction of the headquarters. But after hearing about building deficiencies that haven’t been addressed yet, they voted against another pay request for $440,648 worth of punch list items.
“The chief does not believe there has been significant portions of the punch list achieved, and he is recommending withholding payment,” said City Attorney John Hopewell.
“I will tell you, you have no legal basis to do that,” he cautioned.
“The certificate of substantial completion and the clear lien certificate pursuant to the contract and the architect’s recommendation empower them to request and empower you to pay.”
Capt. Shawn Pratt told the council about the problems at the facility
“The leaking of the roof is starting to cause bubbling on the walls,” he said. “We’ve had to call painters and stuff out there.”
Hopewell reassured the council that the city won’t be paying for
PHOTO BY SONYA GOSS
ZHS girls basketball player sophomore Ayja Walker rides Friday in a parade celebrating state championship wins by the girls and boys basketball teams.
Love the Boot in Zachary cleanups on
Zachary High girls and boys basketball champions victory parade rolls.
PHOTOS BY SONYA GOSS
Despite the rain, Zachary High’s champions’ parade went as scheduled Friday
Zachary High US Army Junior ROTC members prepare
Friday’s parade honoring group and the school’s other state champions, the girls and boys basketball teams.
Zachary High School Junior ROTC drill team members with their state championship banner in Friday’s parade.
The Zachary High boys basketball team prepares to
The ZHS girls basketball team gathers before the parade.
BRADY
Continued from page 1G
the 4x200M relay team of Jayden Williams, Kevin St. Cyr, Anthony Jackson and Kristian Patin made up of freshmen and sophomores; Keidrick Bailey, discus; and Isiah Stokes, long jump.
A week later, the Broncos hosted the Zachary Track Invitational on March 20. The boys and girls both finished in second place.
Boys individual winners were Maximo Gennaro, 3200M; Veron Bolden, 110M hurdles; Connor Conachen, javelin; and Isiah Stokes, long jump.
Girls winners included the 4x400M relay team of Johnson, Vessel, Abiah Simpson and Kerrington Keari Stewart, Coach Chris Carrier the Broncos are to compete in road throughout Apri hosting the Distr meet on April 24 Region II meet On the diamond, softball team spor record that includes straight wins where have put up double-figure runs in five of the
AROUND
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Watch top ret and dock dog
The Super Ret ries will feature 100 dogs compe door sports in on the dock April St. Francisville. All events are public. Guests aged to bring lawn The public is encour jump their own through Sunday Jump hours. The schedule includes: April 10 Retriever Tr
8 a.m. Series
and exceeded 20 runs in two games. District starts at home against St. Josephs on April 1. Three of those wins have been against 4-5A opponents. They have a power ranking of 26 going into April.
The ZHS baseball team goes into April with a 15-power ranking and a 1410 record Coach Jacob Fish-
er’s team also has put up big runs with 10-0 shutout wins over Central Private March 20 and Jewel Sumner March 22. Similar to the girls, District 4-5A play is aping up. The Broncos will be home against Woodlawn April 2, Central April 8 and end the regular season against Catholic on April 10. The Zachary boy tennis
team has a 6-3 record with a match scheduled at YMCA in Zachary against East Ascension Spartans on April 2. The ZHS girls (4-4) will also compete against the Spartans on April 2. Tennis regionals will be April 14-15 at Forest Park with the State Championships April 28-29.
Coach Kenny Langlois has a young ZHS boys golf team
this year with sophomores Teigen Broussard, Luke Smith, Tucker Cox and Tyler Vessel and freshmen Luke Welch. The ZHS girls team includes junior Madelyn Chatelain and freshman Ella Nugent. The boys will be at Beaver Creek April 2 for match play against West Feliciana, Denham Springs and Catholic High of Pointe Coupee with only a few more games before the Metro Tournament at Santa Maria on April 15. The girls will be at City Park April 3 with the Metro Tournament at Beaver Creek on April 23.. Warren Brady covers sports for The Plainsman. He can be contacted at zachary@ theadvocate.com.
Breaking barriers:Women leaders atExxonMobilinBaton Rouge transform theenergyworld
8 a.m., location to be announced SRS Super Dock West Feliciana Sports Park, 10226 W. Feliciana Parkway, St. Francisville
1 p.m.: check-in/fun jumps and warm-up
2 p.m.: fun jumps
3 p.m.-5 p.m.: fun jumps and practice April 12 Retriever Trials
8 a.m., location to be announced SRS Super Dock
8 a.m.: competitor checkin and warm-up
1 p.m.: Raider Run (all-inone finals)
3 p.m.: Super V (all-in-one finals) April 13
Trials 8 a.m., location to be announced SRS Super Dock
8 a.m.: competitor checkin and warm-up
9 a.m.: Super Fly — Splash 3
10 a.m.: fun jumps
11 a.m.: Super Fly — Splash 4 Noon: fun jumps
1 p.m.: Super Fly finals
Adams County reunion set
On the weekend of April
25-27, the descendants of the Jersey Settlers of Adams County, Mississippi, will gather for their annual reunion with activities in Natchez and Kingston, Mississippi. Reunion plans include a genealogy workshop, visit to the cemeteries maintained by the organization, dinner at Commencement Plantation, and Sunday Memorial Service, business meeting and dinner on the grounds of the Kingston United Methodist Church. For information and to register visit djsreunions. squarespace.com.
Send news and events for the Zachary area to zachary@theadvocate com by noon Friday or call (225) 388-0731
If you’ve visitedthe ExxonMobil facilities in the BatonRouge area recently,you mayhave noticed that more womenthaneverare in leadership positions. Thesewomen have hadmeaningful careersat ExxonMobil,advancing throughthe ranksthanks to theirtalent, ambition,and thementorshipthey have received from both male andfemaleleaders
We spoketothese womentolearn abouttheir motivations, theirpassion fortheir work,and theadvice that hasguidedthemalong theway
Patrice Aron,Mid-Atlantic/SoutheastArea Manager, ExxonMobil Pipeline Company
Aron graduatedfromIstroumaHighSchooland earnedadegreeinsecondaryeducationmathematics from Southern University.She taught in theEast BatonRouge Parish School System forseveral years priortojoining ExxonMobil
“In2001, Iwas in aconversationwitha colleague whowasinterestedinchangingcareersandmentioned ExxonMobilwashiringinOperations.Shementioned sheheard themathportion of thetestwas hard,and suggestedItakethe test so Icould tutorher,since Iwas amathteacher,” Aron said.“Itookthe test, passed it,was hired, and23years laterI am here with no regrets.”
Throughout herprofessionaljourney,Aronhas oftenreliedon theadviceofher grandfather,who always encouraged her to be thebestshe couldbe andhelpothersalong theway
“WhenIstartedworkingasamathteacher,Istrived forexcellence, notfor myself but formystudents.I carriedthatsamemindset with me when Istarted with thecompany in 2002,” shesaid. “Therefore, I attributemysuccess to believinginGod,takingmy grandfather’sadviceand helping others.
Aron said herworkatExxonMobilisespecially meaningful,since shegrewupabout 12 milesfrom therefinery
“WhenI am at events,I seelotsoffamiliarfaces, from councilmembers andcommunity leadersto teachers andjudges,”she said.“KnowingthatIwork foracompany that trulycares aboutthe community andthe environmentisamazing.”
Ashleigh Celedonia, Port AllenLubricants
PlantManager
Fromayoungage,mathwasapassionforCeledonia Ahighschoolteacher recognized that strength and pushedhertotakemoreadvancedmathclasses.That rigorousacademicbackgroundinfluencedCeledonia’s collegeand majorchoices,ultimatelyleading herto become adualmajor in actuarialmathematics and management engineering.
NowatExxonMobilfor 15 years, Celedoniahas worked in numerous departments, includingsales planning, logistics, supply chainand operations
“The varietyofexperiences I’ve hadduringmy career hashelpedwithmyindividual growth and developmentandallowedmetocontinuechallenging myself,” shesaid. “Wespend an incredible amount of time at ExxonMobil in developing people,and as
an individual exhibits strengths, newopportunities presentthemselves.”
Celedoniasaidher mentorsatExxonMobilhave also helped herfind thebalance betweenhomelife andher professional goals.
“It’sperfectly finetostrivefor somethinginyour career andalsocreatespace to celebratethose importantmilestoneswithyourchildren,”she said “IalsorememberwhenIwasplanningmymaternity leave andwantedtotakeabout fivemonths, my boss askedmeifthatwas enough. It waswonderfulto have that encouragementand know that Icould step back into my career when thetimewas right.” Regina Davis, BatonRouge ComplexRefinery Manager Davis’ trajectory startedinher earlyyears with encouragementfromher mother, “a wise, God-fearingwoman,” Davissaid. Recognizingthat educationwould help herchildrenbreak thecycle of generational poverty, shemadesuretheyattended asummerprogram each year.Itwas during one of those programs in hermiddleschoolyears,that Davismet afemaleengineer. That encounter was thespark forwhatwas to come
“Itjustresonated with me,” shesaid. “I wasfortunatetohavemymom’sforesighttomakesurethatwe were exposedtothe possibilities, andthatexposure piqued my curiosity.”Davis carries this experience forwardinher ownpassion forvolunteeringand mentoringother youngladiestoget them excited aboutcareers in STEM fields.
Davisended up majoring in chemical engineering andstaying an additional semester at Louisiana Tech,choosingtotakeonaninternshiptogain more real-worldexperience. Shegraduated in the earlydaysofa recession,but stoodout to potential employers with hersmartsand skills
Sincebeing namedthe first Blackwoman to lead theBatonRougerefinery,Davissaidshehasreflected oftenonher experiences andhow shecan usethose to “pay it forward” to help developthe next generationofleaders. Shecredits herfaith,hardwork, andhavingateamofsupportersincluding family friends andamazing mentorsaskeystoher success today. WhileDavis is proudofbeing an exampleto otheryoung women, shealsofeels that shehas a responsibility to help shiftthe narrative. “I do wear with pridethe fact that Ihavebeenthe first in many arenas.Mydiverse perspectives,the skills Ihave developedovermycareerand my commitment to excellence have enabledmetodeliver resultsand continue paving theway forothers,”saidDavis Laura Eiklor,Baton RougePlasticsand Resin PlantManager GrowingupinPennsylvania,Eiklorhadhereyeon pursuingmusic professionally.But,two high school teachers recognized hertalents in math andscience andurged hertoconsider acareerasanengineer. “Myparents both have biologybackgrounds,and they encouraged me to find my way,”she said.“I
enteredPennStateasamusicmajor,butIchangedto chemicalengineeringbytheendofmyfirstsemester.” At ExxonMobil,Eiklorsaidshe is gratified to be apartofteamthatsolvesproblemsinrealtimethat impact theproductsthatmillionsofpeopleuse each day. Sheadded that shecontinues to be inspired by hercolleagues’ passion, dedication to qualityand commitment to unlockingone another’spotential “Someofthe bestadviceI’vereceivedatExxonMobilistoliftwhere youstand.Ifyou candoyour best in your currentjob,peoplewillhelpyou getto thenextlevel,” shesaid. “The other oneistodream big. When Ihad beenwiththe companythree or four years, someoneasked me aboutmycareergoals, andmyanswerwas small. They encouraged me to dreambiggerand picturemyselfgoing further. That changedmymindset andmademewilling to trymorenew things.”
KateLightfoot,ChemicalPlantManager,Baton RougeComplex
Lightfootmadehistory in 2018 as thefirstfemale sitemanagerattheChemicalPlantinBaytown,Texas Ifeltblessed to have an opportunitytobean exampletoother womenthattheycan be wives, moms andleaders whilestill taking care of their physical,mentalandemotionalhealth,”sherecalled Inadditiontoherwork,Lightfootandherhusband have threechildren, andshe is oftenactiveinlocal civicorganizations andprofessionalassociations. It’s quitethe balancingact,but onethatLightfoot says is possible thanks to “lotsand lots of planning.”
“Ithinkahead,Imakeaplan,andevenwhenIdon’t feellikeit,Iexecutemyplan.Myplanincludestesting that balanceofthese rolesoverthe course of weeks andmonths. Idon’t stress toomuchifa givenday or week feelsweightedone wayoranother,” shesaid. No matter what each daymight bring, Lightfoot startseachmorningthesameway–bynamingthree blessingsfor whichshe is grateful,decidingher intentionfor theday anddeterminingwhatshe will accept each day. Shealsomakes time forself-care planningout howshe will fuel andmoveher body plus getenoughrest, to be thebestversion of herself. Lightfootsaidshe is heartenedtosee more girls andyoung womeninterestedinSTEMcareers. Her advice is simple–gofor it!
“Getinthereandlearnanddeveloptoyourgreatest potential,andthenfollowthe path that Godprovides for youtoserve your purposeinthisworld,” shesaid. Thesewomen leadersare notonlybreakingbarriersinthe energy sector butare also giving back to theircommunitiesthroughmentorshipandsupport. Theircommitmenttonurturing thenextgeneration of female engineersisevident in theirinvolvement withinitiativeslikeExxonMobil’s“IntroduceaGirlto EngineeringDay.” By sharingtheir experiencesand providingguidance,theseleadersarepavingtheway fora more innovative future in theenergyindustry
By Amanda McElfresh| amcelfresh@theadvocate.com
This articleisbrought to youbyExxonMobil.
Winners for the Zachary Rotary Bunny Hop Race announced
The Zachary Rotary club held its annual {span}Rotary Bunny Hop Race on March 22 in downtown Zachary.{/ span}
Robbie Tanner, won the 5K with a time of 20:19.5. Shane Freeman won the 1 mile in 7:45.6.
a
CRAFTS
Continued from page 1G
theme on sports. “I didn’t realize there were so many talented professional athletes from this very area,” she said. “This year it’s hobbies and crafts, and there’s all these kids, and for the majority of the stuff, it’s free, and then it just increases your interests and your knowledge.”
Branch manager Ginger Cagnolatti was encouraged by the number of participants and to have Donald Luther from the Library Board of Control giving hands-on support.
“We’ve had a wonderful turnout for our Community History Festival this year,” she said. “We’ve had more than last year despite a possible rainout, but it’s been sunny and beautiful. We just had a really great time today.”
Al ‘Cruiser’ Cavin displays a booklet filled with honey recipes and ideas. Cavin’s vendor items included locally-produced honey and eggs.
STATION
Continued from page 1G
the painting expenses
Later in the meeting, the council approved a site plan for a commercial building in the Americana development. It is planned to feature solo suites that will house shops, salons and similar businesses, city planner Bryant Dixon said.
Councilwoman Ambre DeVirgilio, whose district includes Americana, is looking forward to the new building
“I’m really excited about this project and what the suites are going to bring to Americana,” she said. “I love the other developments that this concept is in I think it’s very elevated. There’s 360 landscaping all around with the brick construction all around I think it’s going to be beautiful.”
The following people were booked into East Baton Rouge Parish Prison or issued a summons by the Zachary Police Department from March 20-26:
JOSHUA AKINS: 35; 20521 Gillie Drive, Zachary; failure to appear on outstanding bench warrants
VURNELL BEVERLY: 31; 4605 Avenue D, Zachary; transactions involving proceeds from drug offenses, illegal carrying of weapon, possession/distribution manufacturing schedule IV, prohibited acts, sale/distribution/or possession of legend drug, distribution or possession schedule I drugs
MICHAEL CARPENTER: 29; 1823 Macedonia Road, Centreville, Mississippi; theft
JOHN CHANEY: 53; 9928 Ed Hughes Court, Baton Rouge; simple battery
RASHEDA DELOACH: 34; 901 Terrace St., Baton Rouge; failure to appear on outstanding bench warrants
SHELBY DEMPSTER: 19; 2614 S. Turnberry Ave., Zachary; assault by drive by shooting, aggravated criminal damage to property possession of marijuana
CHRISTINE JACKSON: 27; 3360 Pace St., Jackson; two counts for failure to appear on outstanding bench warrants
EDWARD JENKINS: 23; 18733 Samuels Road, Zachary; two counts for failure to appear on outstanding bench warrants
TIFFANI LAFLEUR: 31, P.O.
ZACHARY POLICE BOOKINGS
PROVIDED PHOTOS
Running is
family affair for the Lewises, Markel, Krystal, Mia and MJ With the family is the Easter Bunny and Rotarian Tamara Dayton at the Bunny Hop in Zachary.
Zachary Rotarians Tamara Dayton, Frances Nezianya and Charlene Smith at the Bunny Hop in Zachary
2025 Zachary Rotary Bunny Hop 1 mile first place winner Shane Freeman ran the race in 7:45.6.
Robbie Tanner placed first in the 5K Rotary Bunny Hop Race in Zachary with a time of 20:19.5.
Educator Gena Ponder volunteers at the festival.
Library Board of Control Vice President Donald Luther left, and branch manager Ginger Cagnolatti welcome a crowd of participants to the Pride-Chaneyville Branch Library.
Georgia Harris, owner of Gege’s Goodies, displays her homemade products.
PHOTOS BY FRANCES Y. SPENCER
Master woodcarver and woodcarving educator Burt Fleming displays his smaller pieces Saturday at Country Crafts and Hobbies: 15th annual Community History Festival at the Pride-Chaneyville Branch Library.
PROVIDED PHOTOS
Blue
The People’s
with head cook Michael White, at 10th annual Lane Foundation Code Red Chili Cook-off & Salsa Competition From left are head judge Scott Masterson with Michael White, Ty Stephens and Alex Bonds.
Team Bowls of Fire with head cook Leah Cole wins Judges Red Chili . From left are Jackson Cole, Leah Cole, Maddie Page, Olivia Hyde and Libbie Payment.
Rescue with
Community news report
The eighth annual Zachary High School Special Needs Prom pulls from the student body and the community to make a magical day for special needs students.
Those student groups include the high school’s agricultural department, cheerleaders and baseball players.
The students are helped with hair, make-up, food and fun and then transported to the ZHS Academic Athletic Center where they were greeted at their prom with music by DJ “Coach Q,” treats and lots of dancing.
Lane Foundation announces winners of Code Red Chili Cook-off & Salsa Competition
Community news report
The 10th annual Lane Foundation Code Red Chili Cook-off & Salsa Competition was held March 22 in downtown Zachary. Seventeen teams competed for prizes.
The winning teams are:
n Judges Red Chili: Team Bowls of Fire, Head Cook Leah Cole
n Judges Nontraditional Chili: Team Blazin’ Cajuns, Head Cook Jeff Boudreaux
n Judges Salsa: Team Ring Sting Sting, Head Cook Jana Ragsdale
n People’s Choice Chili: Team Blue Chili’s, Head Cook Michael White
n People’s Choice Salsa: Team Ring Sting Sting, Head Cook Jana Ragsdale
n Best Team Spirit: Team GP Credit Union Wranglers, Head Cook Ronnie Davis
n Toilet Award for Spiciest Chili: Team Roof Rescue, Head Cook Chase Lord
The People’s Choice Salsa and the Judges Salsa prize winner is Team Ring Sting Sting, with head cook Jana Ragsdale, at 10th annual Lane Foundation Code Red Chili Cook-off & Salsa Competition.
“We are so appreciative of all of the cooking teams who entered the competition and made it the most successful cook-off we’ve had yet,” said Lane Foundation Director Theresa Payment. “We appreciate everyone who participated to provide a great day of family-fun and help raise money for the new 4-story patient tower on Lane’s campus. This includes our teams, cooks, vendors, donors, volunteers, judges and community members who came out to support the event and gave their time to ensure it was a success.”
Judges Nontraditional Chili is won by Team Blazin’ Cajuns, with head cook Jeff Boudreaux,
Choice Chili winner is Team
Chili’s,
left, and Joey Boudreaux.
Toilet Award for Spiciest Chili goes to Team Roof
head cook Chase Lord. From left are head judge Scott Masterson with Chase Lord, Morgan Lord and Harper Lord
Team GP Credit Union Wranglers, with head cook Ronnie Davis, wins Best Team Spirit. From left are Stacy Davis, Ronnie Davis, Rebecca Moore and Maci Sterling.
Caroline Murphy, Ashley Barrett, Lindslee Russell, Elli Rish, Noah Install, Allie Brown and Ella Detre
Karson Perkins and Elise Poche, Sa’Lynn Woodside and Carson Woodard
Vianne Elkins and Darrius Sauls
Bassett and Lydia Poche
Kaiden Martin, Amelia Mitchem, Darrius Sauls and Audrey Mitchem
PROVIDED PHOTOS BY GREATER WORKS GALLERY
Karsyn Rish, Cullen Howard, Kade Russell, Ajuani Banquel get down at the 2025 Zachary High Special Needs Prom.
Baton Rouge Zoo to showcase jaguar cub Lacumba III during Southern University Day
Community news report
BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo will celebrate the official public debut of its newest jaguar cub, Lacumba III, during Southern University Day at the zoo on Friday April 4
The event, held in partnership with Southern University, will feature early access for Southern students, alumni and faculty The cub, named after Southern University’s historic mascot, marks the
zoo’s first jaguar birth since the late 1990s and is a significant addition to the Jaguar
Species Survival Plan
n Distinguished guests will speak at 9:30 a.m. at the jaguar exhibit.
n Southern University students, alumni, and faculty with a valid ID can enter the zoo at 9 a.m., ahead of the general public opening at 9:30 a.m
n Southern University facility students and alumni
will receive $3 admission with Southern identification. Discounted admission is valid for the entire day during zoo hours.
“This event is a tribute to the legacy of Southern University and the vital role conservation plays in preserving species like the jaguar,” said Brittany Tully, senior communications manager at BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo. Lacumba III’s birth is a milestone for both our zoo and the broader
Zachary police chief confirms he ended officers playing traffic-stop bingo
BY QUINN COFFMAN Staff writer
Zachary Police Chief Dar-
ryl Lawrence took to social media on last week to dispel rumors that his department has a quota system for traffic stops. He did, however, confirm that two years ago multiple shifts of traffic officers competed in a traffic-stop bingo game.
“Today, I would like to ensure the residents of Zachary and anyone who travels within the City limits of Zachary, that the Zachary Police Department does NOT have a quota system and is NOT breaking any Louisiana laws,” Lawrence
said in a Facebook post Quotas, or set amounts of traffic stops or arrests that officers are required to reach during a shift, are illegal under state law
Under Louisiana R.S. 40:2401.1, “no formal or informal policy may be implemented to require or expect a law enforcement officer to issue a predetermined or specific number of arrests or traffic citations nor may any plan be used to evaluate, promote, compensate, or discipline a law enforcement officer on such basis.”
Lawrence said that once he was made aware of the practice, he acted to stop it.
“Two years ago, some officers created a bingo game
as a competition between shifts, it must be noted that the officers did not receive any incentives or awards for this game. This game was not created or approved by the Administration of The Zachary Police Department,” he said. “Once I was made aware of this game, I immediately informed all supervisors and officers that this kind of activity could threaten our relationship with Zachary residents and the public.”
Lawrence concluded by saying that his officers work within the boundaries of Louisiana law and that residents should be cautious of information shared on social media.
efforts of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums to protect this endangered species.” Lacumba III’s name pays homage to the university’s rich history, following in the footsteps of the original Lacumba, who made history in 1971 as the first live exotic mascot at a Historically Black College or University For information on Southern University Day at the Zoo and the zoo’s conservation efforts, visit www.brzoo.org.
Community news report
Cynthia Grimes, director of Baker Heritage Museum & Cultural Center, along with Shanikah Stewart, founder of Born to Thrive organization, held Empowerment Day March 1 at the museum on Main Street in Baker The event was to teach leadership skills, open the opportunity for vision, talents, gifts, and to encourage youth ages 7 to 17 years of age in the community “I’m an alumni of Baker High and this is my way of pouring back to the youth in the community by being a positive influence,” Stewart said. Grimes said, “It’s a blessing to engage with our young people. I believe strengthening them with positive life skills will help steer them in a prosperous direction.” Baker students learn about leadership on Empowerment Day
PROVIDED PHOTO BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo will celebrate the official public debut of its newest jaguar cub Lacumba III, during Southern University Day at the zoo on Friday.